Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
International journalists explore development of China's Xinjiang

Xinhua) 16:50, July 10, 2025

URUMQI, July 10 (Xinhua) -- A total of 24 journalists from 23 countries have participated in a media tour of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, focusing on its role as the core zone of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Organized by China's State Council Information Office, the delegation visited communities, businesses, cultural venues and religious sites in the cities of Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar from June 30 to July 8, gaining firsthand insight into the harmonious lives of Xinjiang's residents of various ethnic groups, the region's economic growth driven by innovation and its vibrant cultural heritage.

After watching a documentary on counter-terrorism and visiting an exhibition highlighting Xinjiang's efforts in this field, Zabeirou Souley, president of Times newspaper in Niger, noted that his country faces similar challenges and can learn from China's experience.

Citing visits to the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar and the Xinjiang Islamic Institute, he said that people in Xinjiang fully enjoy freedom of religious belief.

As a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, Xinjiang is now experiencing renewed vitality in economic, trade and cultural exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative.

During the tour, journalists were impressed by Xinjiang's advancements in modern agriculture and high-tech industries.

Toshimichi Kitafuji, a reporter from Japan's Kyodo News, showed interest in the region's innovative applications, such as automotive testing under extreme heat, salt-tolerant rice cultivation, drone-assisted cotton farming and AI-driven automated production in cotton processing.

"As a key hub of the Silk Road Economic Belt, Xinjiang holds immense potential for future growth," he said.

Xinjiang's rich cultural diversity also captivated the foreign visitors.

Samia Boulahlib, a reporter from Algeria's El Moudjahid, expressed admiration for the traditional performances in the ancient city of Kashgar, which showcased the city's deep historical and cultural roots.

At an exhibition hall in Jiashi County, Abdiqani Abdullahi Ahmed from the Somalia National News Agency learned about local residents' decades-long struggle for clean drinking water -- one of the projects exemplifying China's historic feat of shaking off absolute poverty.

"I saw these with my own eyes. Everyone here has something to do and they live happily," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Comedian Andrew Schulz is not happy at how President Donald Trump has handled the Jeffrey Epstein case. YouTube/screenshot

A comedian and podcaster who supports Donald Trump broke with the president over the Epstein files and other campaign promises broken by Trump, according to the entertainer.

Andrew Schulz, who cohosts the popular Flagrant podcast which Trump made an appearance on during the 2024 campaign, was reacting to the presidents meltdown over a reporters question on the missing minute in the hours-long Jeffrey Epstein jailhouse video released by the Department of Justice earlier this week.

Theyre finally catching on. Took them long enough to realize Trump conned them.

pic.twitter.com/QMnmKoVxrw  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) July 10, 2025

Trump claimed the Epstein question-- made on the heels of Attorney General Pam Bondi saying there was no client list months after she told Fox News the list was sitting on her desk -- was a waste of time.

I mean, I cant believe youre asking a questions on Epstein at a time like this when were having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened at Texas, the president said. It just seems like a desecration.

But Schulz, who voted for Trump, said the question was a legitimate one, especially because the president campaigned on releasing the so-called Epstein files if elected.

Yeah, were talking about [Epstein] because of you, Schulz said on his podcast Tuesday. Youre the one who keeps the conversation going when you hand out the binders to the social media influencers.

Schulz pointed out that FBI Director Kash Patel also promised to release information on the Epstein case.

But in a Sunday night memo, Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI said a list of Epsteins clients does not exist despite Bondi confirming a client list during a Fox News interview in February.

Bondi claimed she misspoke during the interview and that she intended to say that files, not a a list of clients who received trafficked underage girls from Epstein, were on her desk.

Schulz wasnt buying the explanation.

That happens. Like, dont you misspeak about thousands of hours of footage of adults having sex with children? the comedian said with sarcasm. You would oopsie-daisy that.

That is what I think is enraging people right now. Its insulting our intelligence, Schulz continued.

Obviously the intelligence community is trying to cover it up. Obviously, the Trump administration is trying to cover it up. Something changed, because they ran on this idea of exposing it all. All these guys had great ideas  Cockeyed Kash, Dan Bongino," Schulz said, referring to the FBI director and deputy director.

Patel was ready to tear it all down, Schulz said.

Then he goes on Joe Rogan and says, do you think if I had it I wouldnt share it with you? Yeah, I do believe that. One hundred percent, especially when youre staring at me like this, Schulz said, doing a cockeye gesture with his eyes, telling me that.

Once you protect pedophiles, you are the most cockeyed person in the entire world, the comedian said.

The Epstein files isnt the only beef Schulz has with the president, adding that he receives messages on social media when Trump announces a policy he disagrees with.

Theyll be like, you see what your boys doing? You voted for this. Im like, I voted for none of this, Schulz said. Hes doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for.

Andrew Schulz: I voted for none of this. Trump is doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for. pic.twitter.com/dswMtbG1NT  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) July 11, 2025

I wanted him to stop the wars  hes funding them. I wanted him to shrink spending, reduce the budget  hes increasing it," the podcaster said.

Its like everything that he said hes gonna do, except sending immigrants back  and now hes flip-flopped on that, which I kinda like."
Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres open up a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park today. See how you can watch for free. AP

The San Diego Padres play against the Arizona Diamondbacks in an MLB game tonight. The matchup will begin at 8:40 p.m. CT on MLB Network. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

The Padres enter this matchup with a 49-43 record, and they have lost two of their last three games. In their most recent game, the Padres lost 8-2 against Arizona.

In order to bounce back tonight, the Padres will need a great performance from their star player Manny Machado. He leads the San Diego offense with 15 home runs and 53 RBI, so he will look to continue his offensive success this evening.

Notably, Machado also leads the team with 101 hits this season.

The Diamondbacks enter this matchup with a 46-47 record, and they have won three of their last five games.

In order to win this game, the Diamondbacks will need to rely on their star player Eugenio Suarez. He leads the team with 29 home runs and 75 RBI, which highlights his power at the plate.

Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.
In a long-overdue repudiation of international lawfare cloaked as human rights work, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has slapped sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nationss so-called special rapporteur for Palestinian territories, whose tenure has been the epitome of anti-Western, anti-American, and anti-Israeli provocation theatre.

Albanese, an Italian academic turned ideological inquisitor, was appointed in 2022 by the United Nations Human Rights Councila body whose moral compass spins like it was borrowed from James Comey, Crossfire Hurricane edition.

Among its current members: China, Cuba, Sudan, and South Africaa rogues gallery of surveillance states, strongmen, and serial rights abusers, nations that take a brief respite from oppressing their own citizens to lecture the West on justice.

From this perch, Albanese hasnt monitored human rights so much as targeted them, channeling her mandate into a scorched-earth crusade against America, Israel, and the corporations that dare do business with either.

Her latest gambit? A 2025 report accusing Israel of genocide, targeting U.S. and European firms as complicit, and demanding the criminal prosecution of Western citizens and corporations.

The timing was grotesque: the report dropped amid the 2025 Israel-Iran war, as Hamas rockets flew, Israeli jets responded, U.S. forces struck Iranian nuclear sites, and President Donald Trump was brokering a ceasefire to bring lasting peace to the region.

Undaunted by reality, Albanese wrote as if the Iranian Revolutionary Guard were a humanitarian NGO and Lockheed Martin the real aggressor.

Secretary Rubio had seen enough.

On Wednesday, invoking Executive Order 14203, the U.S. government:

Froze Albaneses assets under U.S. jurisdiction,

Prohibited all U.S. individuals and companies from engaging with her,

And barred her from setting foot on American soil, including the UN headquarters in New York.

It marks the first time a sitting UN rapporteur has been added to the U.S. sanctions list.

The provocation, however, has been years in the making.

Her now-notorious reportFrom Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocideis a brazen broadside against nearly every entity aligned with Israeli defense and American foreign policy.

The report calls for corporate executives at Microsoft, Amazon, Palantir, and others to face criminal prosecution under international law, urges countries to sever economic ties, impose embargoes, and take punitive measures against those supporting Israel.

But Albaneses ambitions extend beyond corporate targets. Her report implicitly endorses ICC arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

She further escalated her campaign in a public social media post by calling on Italy, France, and Greece to explain why they provided airspace and safe passage to ICC-wanted Benjamin Netanyahu, whom they are obligated to arrest.

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio denounced Albanese for her illegitimate and shameful efforts to prompt ICC action against U.S. and Israeli officials, companies, and executives.

He added that she has directly engaged with the ICC in efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel, without the consent of those two countries.

And, in a searing indictment of her ideology, Rubio declared: Albanese has spewed unabashed antisemitism, expressed support for terrorism, and open contempt for the United States, Israel, and the West.

The United States has never ratified the Rome Statute. Under longstanding bipartisan policy, the ICC holds no lawful jurisdiction over American citizens. But Albanese presses forward anywayuntethered to law, consent, or reality.

She leverages her UN title to launder Hamas propaganda far and wide. She is a blistering advocate for using the International Criminal Court as a star chambera tool of political vengeance masquerading as justice.

Enough was enough. These sanctions are not a silencing tacticthough the usual suspects will shriek regardless. They are a sovereign act of self-defensea foreign policy firewall against the weaponization of international law by unaccountable global clerics aligned with those who wish us harm.

Simply put, Francesca Albanese is an anti-American agent provocateur who has built a career on agitprop against Israel and the United States. Being held accountable is long overdue.

One added benefit of these sanctions? Shell now face considerable difficulty peddling her venom at U.S. universitiesthe very institutions that once rolled out the red carpet for her brand of ideological warfare.

Stay tuned.

Charlton Allen is an attorney and former chief executive officer and chief judicial officer of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. He is founder of the Madison Center for Law & Liberty, Inc., editor of The American Salient, and host of the Modern Federalist podcast. His commentary has been featured in American Thinker and linked across multiple RealClear platforms, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearWorld, RealClearDefense, RealClearHistory, and RealClearPolicy. X: @CharltonAllenNC

Image: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered.
Herbert Henry Lehman (1878-1963), didnt come from humble beginnings. He was the son of one of the three Lehman brothers who founded the global financial services firm that bears their name. Lehman Brothers was the fourth-largest investment bank in the U.S. The firm had some $600 billion in assets when it filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy (the largest such filing in U.S. history) in 2008, at the center of the subprime mortgage crisis.

Herbert Lehman became a partner in that firm in 1908. Other than his service in World War I (he attained the rank of Colonel and was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal), he remained with Lehman Brothers until 1928, when he began his political career.

Herbert Lehman. Public domain.

That career actually had earlier beginnings, when he managed Alfred E. Smiths gubernatorial campaign in 1926 and became chairman of the finance committee of the Democrat party in 1928. It was also in that year that he was elected lieutenant governor of New York.

Lehman was New Yorks first and only Jewish governor until Eliot Spitzer was elected in 2006. Both were Democrats, but whereas Herbert Lehman served four terms with relative distinction, Spitzer lasted little more than a year in office before being forced out amid a prostitution scandal.

In 1941, Lehman withdrew from participating in a fundraiser for anti-Nazi activists imprisoned in France, on the grounds that some of the other sponsors had communist ties. Although, as a Jew, he was conflicted over (and drew criticism for) his withdrawal of support, this was his commitment to opposing communism wherever it might raise its head.

Lehman resigned from office just shy of the end of his term in 1942 to accept an appointment to the State Department. He then continued his career in public service as U.S. Senator from New York from 1949 to 1957.

So, why am I bothering to tell the political history of Herbert Lehman, who has been gone since 1963? What could he have to do with anything going on today?

Well, in addition to being a politician, Lehman was a philanthropist. Throughout his life, his generosity benefited organizations such as the Henry Street Settlement and the NAACP. He established the Herbert Lehman Education Fund, which provides scholarships to outstanding undergraduate and law school students. Lehman College at CUNY is named for him, as are buildings in several other colleges and universities, as well as the Herbert H. Lehman Center for American History at Columbia University.

Also at Columbia is the Herbert Lehman Professorship of Government. This is what brings Herbert Lehman into relevance to current events. Herbert Lehman endowed a chair at Columbia, and who should be the current occupant of that chair but Mahmood Mamdani, the father of Zohran Mamdani (aka Mamdani, Shmamdani), the man currently running for mayor of NYC!

Zohran Mamdanis policies clearly exhibit a fondness for communism and an animus toward Israel and Jews. One has to wonder whence came such beliefs and attitudes, and whether the apple does not fall far from the tree. For evidence of the elder Mamdanis attitudes regarding Israel, see here. Hes fully on board with condemning Israels actions in Gaza as genocide.

So, is this yet another case of Jews enabling those who would destroy them? Is Herbert Lehman rolling over in his grave at the realization that his endowing a professorship at Columbia has made it possible for the occupant of that chair to instill in his son a fondness for a failed political system that has spread misery and death wherever it has been implemented? Has Herbert Lehmans philanthropy also enabled that same professor to raise a son who praises Israels avowed enemies, even the enemies who perpetrated the worst slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust?

Has Herbert Lehmans generosity helped set the wheels in motion for the city with the largest Jewish population outside Israel to be on the brink of being governed by an avowed hater of Jews, a keffiyeh-wearing, Palestinian flag-waving champion of a global intifada? Not to mention that a man who steadfastly opposed Communism may have, by his philanthropy, helped set the stage for NYC to elect a Communist mayor!

None of this, Im sure, was Herbert Lehmans intent. Its in no way on par with the actions of disgusting, self-hating Kapos like Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schmucky Schumer, who have stood beside Zohran Mamdani and enthusiastically endorsed his candidacy (as well as standing idly by as their party embraces other virulent Jew-haters), but its still an example of a Jew taking actions that will ultimately harm Jews everywhere. Its a lesson in irony, a phenomenon thats been compared to chickens voting for Colonel Sanders.

Im sure that Mahmood Mamdani, who is still among the living, is smiling at what he has wrought. I wonder whether Herbert Lehman, who is no longer among the living, is also smiling at what he (albeit inadvertently) has wrought.

Stu Tarlowe has been contributing to American Thinker since 2010; most of his work for AT can be viewed here. He has also been published by World Net Daily and JPFO. He posts irregularly on Stus Stack o Stuff, where subscriptions are currently free and where the content is not exclusively political, but includes memoirs, observations, and even jokes.
On Tuesday, President Trump took umbrage at a question about the Justice Departments assertion that there are no Epstein tapes, there is no client list, and there is nothing more to be released . The Twitterverse has been brutal towards AG Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and his #2, Dan Bongino. Many people were saying they felt betrayed, given the fact that, before the election, we were told that the files would be released and the criminals held to account.

The president has a point. There is a lot going on in Washington. There are natural disasters with dozens dead across Texas. There are continuing ICE protests across the country. There are budgets that need to be attended to, as well as rogue judges who need to be corralled, and numerous conflicts outside our borders that need to be midwifed. And all of that besides the basic blocking and tackling of running the government and trying to advance the administrations rather ambitious agenda. And taking the time to talk about some files from a guy whos been dead for six years seems like it might distract from all of that.

Image created by Vince Coyner.

But, you see, heres the thing: People want answers that seem logical, that provide rational explanations to obvious questions, that provide proof that the speculation is wrong. This is particularly true when the people now saying theres nothing there were the very people who promised that answers, transparency, and accountability would be coming when they won. Well, they won, and were getting the same obfuscation.

The truth is that, if this were just a matter of a senator cheating on his wife with a lobbyist for some industry he regulates, it wouldnt really matter in the big picture. If this were some bureaucrat taking bribes to sign a service contract for some shipping company, nobody would really care. Sure, the first is an ethics question, and the second is illegal, but beyond the participants themselves, they arent very important in the grand scheme of things.

The problem here is that this is all happening in an environment where Americans are coming to believe that no one is ever accountable for their actions. We see city centers across the country imploding as stores, shops, and hotels close because of the crime that sees hoodlums, thugs, and drug addicts in urban centers basically take or destroy with impunity whatever they want. We see judges issue injunctions against the administration despite SCOTUS specifically ruling they cant. At the same time, we have politicians, Antifa, and activists undermining, hindering, and assaulting ICE agents who are trying to deport criminals, and the chances of them being held accountable for these crimes are almost nonexistent.

Nobody seems accountable for anything. It seems that, in 2025 in America, its only fools who actually obey the rules because everyone else seems to do whatever the hell they want.

It gets worse when you add to all that the fact that weve just spent much of the last 15 years watching politicians and the politically connected do whatever the hell they wanted and never face a reckoning. Remember Lois Lerner targeting Tea Party groups ? Prosecution? Of course not.

How about Eric Holder being in Contempt of Congress ? Jail time? Nope. Compare that to Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro .

How about Hillary wiping her computer or Hunter Biden breaking basically every law in the book and getting a pardon from his daddy? Or Lisa Page and Peter Strzok not only not getting charged, but getting millions of dollars from the Justice Department after conspiring to keep Donald Trump out of the White House ?

And the list goes on. In modern America, it seems as if no one is ever held accountable for their actions.

And so it is onto this backdrop that the Trump administration tells us that 1) Jeffrey Epstein killed himself, and 2) there was no client list and there are no videos.

And when reporters ask about it, the President gets indignant.

The problem with that is the Epstein case no longer has much of anything to do with Jeffrey Epstein, per se. The guys dead and hes not coming back. None of the crimes for which he was responsible can be undone.

But Americans have heard rumors that rich and powerful men, from politicians to tech billionaires to justices to high-priced lawyers and Hollywood stars, were all clients of Epstein in his sex trade with minors, yet they remain free as birds. The one person who was clearly demonstrated to have a connection reportedly settled with his accuser for millions of dollars.

We were told Epstein had logs and tapes that chronicled all of it and used them to blackmail his powerful clients. Indeed, in February, AG Pam Bondi said she hoped to release a  lot of flight logs, a lot of names, a lot of information  on Epstein and said of the material, Its sitting on my desk right now to review.

Then, of course, theres the fact that Epsteins assistant Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking of a minor as well as transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He himself was convicted of procuring underage prostitutes in 2008. Then the guy conveniently committed suicide in 2019 after being arrested on child trafficking charges, and the video of his cell was  accidentally erased , or the cameras  malfunctioned , or the video was inconclusive. His lawyers claimed that the particulars of his death were far more consistent with murder than suicide , and many Americans agreed .

And if all of that were not enough, Jeffrey Epstein was once a money man for the CIA, and Ghislaine Maxwells father was reputedly an MI6, KGB, and Mossad agent before, according to one theory, the Mossad allegedly killed him .

So here is where we are. A high flying millionaire with connections to the CIA and possibly the Mossad and MI6, who owned an island in the Atlantic and who is reported to have used it as a honey trap for the rich and powerful ends up dead and suddenly the people who were telling us they were going to expose the entire thing when they were on the outside are now telling us that theres nothing to tell now that theyre on the inside.

The reality is that the Jeffrey Epstein case is far more important than Jeffrey Epstein ever was. There is evidence that Epstein was an asset for one or more intelligence agencies that were very possibly blackmailing powerful men in government, finance, and elsewhere. Against this backdrop, Americans feel like they have a right to know. There is a great deal of smoke around the Epstein case, and Occams razor suggests that it is likely to be exactly what it looks like: A honeypot operation set up by the CIA / Mossad / MI6 as a blackmail vehicle.

This case may not be as important as others on the Presidents desk, but its a far bigger deal than I think he understands. He promised transparency and accountability. We are getting neither, and the more his administration obfuscates, the less people are going to trust him on those bigger issues. Americans want to know were moving back towards no one being above the law. This case exemplifies exactly that. How the President chooses to handle it will tell us a lot.
The devastating floods in Texas over the July 4th weekend, which claimed 109 lives, including 27 girls at a summer camp, and left 180 people missing (at the time of writing), have once again sparked a heated debate on weather modification. Well-founded questions about cloud seeding causing heavy rainfall that led to the floods are dismissed by the experts featured in mainstream media. They acknowledge that a company performed cloud seeding nearby on July 2, but expect people to accept at face value its CEOs statement that it did not contribute to the floods that occurred over the region.

Answers to those questions are unlikely to come soon (if at all) because the mainstream media is driven by a fanciful narrative written by globalist elites and supported by their leftist woke followers. They want us to believe that climate change is real and that ordinary people must be willing to give up their freedom for the greater good of the earth, while weather modification, which has been practiced for many decades, has no negative effects. There is hope, however, because many scientists are rebutting this insidious lie, and many states are legislating to ban weather modification and punish those who carry out such procedures with imprisonment and heavy fines. But before we get into that, a brief look at the history of weather modification and how it has been weaponized for both war and peace.

Weather modification began with rainmaking. In 1946, two scientists at General Electric Research Laboratories (GE) in upstate New YorkNobel laureate Irving Langmuir and his assistant Vincent Schaeferdiscovered the principles of cloud seeding. They found that dropping dry ice into a cloud causes water droplets to turn into ice crystals that grow and induce rainfall. Their first demonstration was striking: Schaefer dropped six pounds of dry ice into a cloud from a plane at 4,600 meters, resulting in artificial snowfall on Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts.

Later, their colleague Bernard Vonnegut developed a method of seeding using silver iodide crystals, for which he received a 1947 patent. Since then, cloud seeding has been used to increase rainfall, reduce hailstone size, disperse fog, and disrupt enemy troops. Results have been mixedthere are no success stories of cloud seeding turning deserts into lush, green fields, though simple, steady drip irrigation has accomplished that. However, the unwarranted enthusiasm for seeding persists.

Peter Kirby, a researcher and author of Chemtrails Exposed: A New Manhattan Project, says that cloud seeding marked the start of the weaponization of the environment. He claims that over a trillion dollars have been spent, hundreds of papers written, and thousands of studies published on weather modification, and yet the public remains unaware of the harm being done.

Cloud seeding is well known. But newer methodssuch as geoengineering, aerosol injection into the stratosphere, management of solar radiation, and chemtrailsare not. Whenever these topics come up, experts tell people that such methods either dont exist or arent being used. Suspicions or questions born out of fear or concern are dismissed as conspiracy theories or bad science in the mainstream media. Because of this, when ordinary people read about them, they tend not to think much of it. However, Kirby explains these topics in detail, offering plausible techniques and scenarios of CIA-controlled weather weaponization. He claims that such activities have blocked sunlight, reduced food production, and discusses how adding toxic materials to the atmosphere could be used as a military tool.

Dane Wigington, a climate scientist, says climate engineering is a key tool of the military-industrial complex. It has been used for over 70 years, impacting weather patterns, the food supply, biodiversity, and human health. In 1962, at Southwest Texas State University, then Vice President Lyndon Johnson stated that He who controls the weather controls the world. He advocated for America to develop a weather satellite to monitor and possibly control the cloud layer and weather itself. Referring to this statement, Wigington notes how Johnson, as president, approved Operation Popeye: the seeding of monsoon clouds in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to cause landslides, disrupt river crossings, and support U.S. military efforts. He believes that undisclosed and officially denied climate engineering projects are still ongoing in our skies.

Thanks to scientists like Kirby and Wigington, the public is increasingly aware of climate engineering operations, and a movement to ban them has gained momentum. Thirty-one states have introduced or passed legislation to restrict such weather control efforts. These bills cite concerns about federal overreachprimarily exercised through the unelected, left-dominated bureaucracy in various agenciesand advocate for state sovereignty in environmental issues. They draw on the 10th Amendment, which clearly affirms the power of the people and the states.

Tennessee enacted a weather modification bill in 2024. Governor Bill Lee signed SB 2691/HB 2063, which bans the release of chemicals and substances into the atmosphere to influence temperature, weather, or sunlight. Further legislationSB 1033/HB 1112was approved this year to clarify and strengthen the ban.

In April, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 56, which bans geoengineering or weather modification. Violating this law is a third-degree felony and can lead to up to five years in prison and fines of $100,000. The law mandates that state environmental officials establish a system for residents to report suspected geoengineering activities and ensure they are investigated. Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who supported the bill, emphasized the health risks: These planes release aluminum, sulfates, and other compounds with unknown and harmful effects on human health.

A New Hampshire bill, the Clean Atmosphere Preservation Act (HB 1700 FN), not only bans the release of weather modification chemicals, but also prohibits excessive electromagnetic and microwave radiation. The bill is currently inactive and will need to be reintroduced and undergo the complete legislative process again.

Rhode Islands Clean Air Preservation Act (SB 2540), introduced in March this year, aims to ban stratospheric aerosol injection, solar radiation modification, and other hazardous weather modification techniques. It proposes fines of at least $500,000, imprisonment for a minimum of five years, or both for violations. A committee has recommended further study before the legislature considers the bill.

Lawmakers in Louisiana have introduced several bills on climate engineering and energy policies. Both SB 46 and HB 608 ban the release of chemicals into the air to modify the weather, including methods like cloud seeding and solar radiation management. While the first was passed in June this year, the second failed (21 yeas, 72 nays) in April.

Last week, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced her plans to introduce legislation based on Floridas SB 56. She tweeted on X that no person, company, entity, or government should ever be allowed to modify our weather by any means possible, and expressed her desire for clean air, clean skies, clean water, and sunshine just as God created it.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a dedicated environmental lawyer and head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has begun an investigation into climate engineering. He is assembling a team of experts to study and discuss chemtrails, cloud seeding, and stratospheric aerosol injection, as well as what actions should be taken to ban them. As part of his Make America Healthy Again movement, he supports efforts by state governments to ban geoengineering and weather modification and has pledged to do everything in his power to stop them.

The reasoning behind ending these risky practices is solid. You cant claim both that human and industrial activities are changing the climate dangerously, and that weather modification has no harmful effects. Wigington, in fact, argues that weather modification could have disastrous consequences. What we need now is the political and public will to stop climate engineering. Based on the number of bills being introduced in the states, there is reason for optimism.

Image from Grok.
It is rare to see a seasoned diplomat describe a countrys half-formed political promise as spectacular, but Thomas Barrack, the U.S. special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey, appears to believe he has witnessed nothing short of a miracle in Lebanon. Following a visit to Baabda Presidential Palace on July 7th, Barrack praised the Lebanese governments purported commitment to disarming Hezbollah, a group he generously rebranded as a political movement with a militant aspect.

His glowing rhetoric suggests either a profound naivete or a performative satisfaction aimed at placating American audiences. Either way, it misreads the depth of Lebanons institutional weakness, the complexity of Hezbollahs entrenchment, and the enduring regional calculus.

Image created using a ChatGPT prompt.

Lebanon is not a normal state, and Hezbollah is not just another political party. It is a highly organized, Iranian-backed paramilitary force that maintains a parallel state structure, independent finances, and command over swaths of territory, especially in the south. Any talk of its disarmament, particularly following a bruising but inconclusive war with Israel, should be met with skepticism, not applause. And yet Barrack seems to treat vague government assurances as deliverables, declaring himself unbelievably satisfied.

Hezbollah, for its part, has made clear through its leader Naim Qassem that it has no intention of surrendering its weapons. Lebanons political class echoes the same defiance, offering cosmetic reforms while maintaining the status quo. Youre not dealing with statesmen  youre dealing with warlords in suits, who have kept Lebanon hostage for decades. Youre not witnessing a rebirth  youre watching the same old play with new lighting. The script hasnt changed: delay, deflect, deceive.

More troubling, however, is Barracks sanitizing of Hezbollahs record. In describing the group as needing a future, and envisioning a peaceful intersection of prosperity for its members, he seems to forget (or deliberately overlook) that Hezbollah has American blood on its hands. This includes the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, which killed 241 American servicemen, making it the deadliest single-day death toll for the U.S. Marine Corps since World War II.

And that was not the end of it. The following year, Hezbollah operatives kidnapped William Buckley, the CIA station chief in Beirut. He was held for 15 months, during which he was tortured mercilessly. By the time Hezbollah released a video of him, his body was so visibly broken that U.S. intelligence analysts could hardly recognize him. He was ultimately murdered, a brutal message to the United States that Irans proxy would operate with impunity.

To speak now of offering Hezbollah a future in the Lebanese state without acknowledging its past is not only morally obtuse but strategically reckless. The implicationthat the group might voluntarily demobilize if given economic incentives and diplomatic courtesiesignores the ideological depth, military discipline, and regional utility that make Hezbollah so indispensable to Tehran and so impervious to soft power persuasion.

Moreover, the notion that any diplomatic dialogue will prompt Hezbollah to disarm borders on magical thinking. Hezbollahs raison detre has always been resistance, not merely to Israeli occupation but to any vision of Lebanon that threatens its dominance or aligns too closely with Western liberalism.

The more plausible outcome of Barracks effusive praise is not Hezbollahs disarmament, but its quiet re-consolidation. By prematurely declaring diplomatic success, he risks removing the already limited pressure on Lebanons leadership to assert real sovereignty over territories Hezbollah controls. Worse, he hands Hezbollah an opportunity to stall, rebuild, and recalibrate under the cover of dialogue.

Real diplomacy is built on leverage, not language. If the goal is a stable, sovereign Lebanon, then Washington must be clear-eyed about the forces destabilizing it, and consistent about calling them out. Hezbollah does not need an invitation to legitimacy. It needs containment, pressure, and a reckoning with the decades of violence it has unleashed and accountability for the many innocent lives it has taken, including many American lives.

Tom Barrack may believe he is charting a path toward peace. In reality, he risks enshrining the very actors who have done most to ensure that peace remains forever out of reach.

Weeks ago, I warned in Tom Barrack Is Shaming Donald Trump, that Barracks soft diplomacy in Lebanon was a liability to this administration. Morgan Ortagus, who served as the U.S. Deputy Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and was Barracks predecessor in Lebanon, wasnt afraid to rattle some cages. Her tough, no-nonsense approach shook Lebanons political elite and put real pressure on Hezbollah and its backers. Everyone knew she meant business, and thats exactly whats needed. Barracks softer tone, by comparison, only makes the corrupt Lebanese leadership more comfortable and risks losing the momentum Ortagus built.

From all his actions and his weak approach to date, I cant tell if Barrack is President Trumps envoy or Lebanons apologist. Its worth remembering that he is operating within a U.S. foreign policy apparatus still largely shaped by liberal Democratic bureaucrats. Many Biden holdovers are entrenched State Department officials, and they continue to steer Lebanon policy. This includes the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa A. Johnson, a Biden administration holdover whose cautious approach seems to align with a status quo that tolerates Hezbollahs grip rather than confronts it. From my own insights into the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, most of the staff are anti-Trump, crazy liberal, and the entire embassy structure leans heavily against Trumps policies.

As a loyal supporter of President Trump since 2016, I believe its time for him to remove the Lebanon file from Barracks hands. America does not surrender to its enemies, and we certainly should not have a U.S. envoy publicly suggesting that Hezbollahan Iranian proxy with American blood on its handsdeserves a future or a path to prosperity. Barracks statements are not only weak and disconnected from reality but deeply shameful. This is not the America-first leadership we need. Its time for a change, one that demands strength, accountability, and unwavering opposition to those who threaten our nations security.
Farm security is national security, declared U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, as she unveiled a sweeping National Farm Security Action Plan at a press conference on July 8, 2025. Flanked by Trump adviser Peter Navarro, several governors, and key Cabinet officials, Rollins rolled out the most aggressive federal effort in decades to curb foreign ownership of U.S. farmland and shield the agricultural sector from national-security threats, particularly those posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The USDAs announcement follows a February 2025 directive from President Trump, who ordered the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to expand its reviews of Chinese investments in sectors deemed vital to national interest, including agriculture and food processing.

At the heart of the new initiative is a ban on future purchases of farmland by Chinese entities and a review of existing land acquisitions by foreign nationals, particularly those near U.S. military installations. Secretary Rollins made clear that the USDA would work with the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense to terminate land contracts, revoke research grants, and even claw back land purchases where national security is threatened.

Coordinating with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the plan outlines the following:

Ban Chinese purchases of U.S. farmland.

Review and possible reversals of past foreign land acquisitions

Terminate contracts with researchers linked to countries of concern.

Coordinate with the DOJ to prosecute agro-terrorism and enforce Farm Service Agency (FSA) contracts.

Strengthen enforcement and penalties under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA).

Enhance oversight near military installations.

Assess vulnerabilities in agricultural supply chains in collaboration with agencies like DARPA.

The policy shift responds to the alleged steady increase in foreign-held farmland across the United States in the last decade. According to the most recent USDA Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) data, foreign interests held nearly 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land as of the end of 2023, which is approximately 3.5 percent of all privately held farmland. That marks a 40-percent increase since 2016 and a 50-percent jump from 2011, according to testimony from David L. Ortega, Ph.D. before the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on September 27, 2023.

Although the largest holders include allies like Canada (31 percent or 12.8 million acres) and the Netherlands (4.9 million acres), many are now focusing on acquisitions by China, which Ortega says owns approximately 383,934 acres across 26 states, or about 1 percent of all foreign-owned agricultural land in the U.S. Notably, foreign ownership of private land in Maine is relatively high: 20.1 percent of the states private land (mostly forestland) is primarily under Canadian ownership.

Chinas land acquisitions might seem small in absolute terms, but some of these properties are located near sensitive military bases or critical infrastructure, a concern Secretary Hegseth underscored during Tuesdays press conference. A map of Chinese-owned farmland located near military installations appears in the USDAs Farm Security is National Security summary report released on Tuesday:

In 2022, the Chinese-based Fufeng Group sought to build a corn-milling plant just miles from Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, sparking a national outcry. In the wake of that controversy, about two dozen states enacted restrictions on foreign ownership of farmland, with additional legislation pending in Congress. Earlier in 2013, Chinas WH Group purchased Smithfield Foods, the largest U.S. pork producer.

According to the National Agricultural Law Center, approximately 26 states have laws that seek to restrict to some degree foreign ownership or investments in private agricultural land within the boundaries of their state. No state, however, imposes an absolute prohibition on foreign ownership.

Despite growing bipartisan concern, federal oversight has lagged, according to a January 2024 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Investigators found that the USDA does not systematically share AFIDA filings with the CFIUS, the entity that reviews transactions for national security risks. GAO also criticized USDA for poor data quality, outdated record-keeping, and enforcement failures under AFIDA.

The new USDA action plan seeks to remedy these lapses by tightening disclosure requirements, coordinating with CFIUS, and significantly expanding the Departments authority to investigate and unwind risky land deals. Until todays announcement, the USDA secretary did not sit on the CFIUS board. However, during the press conference, Rollins announced she has been asked to join the board going forward. She pledged to refer violations to the Department of Justice for prosecution. Although no DOJ indictments have publicly targeted foreign farmland ownership, recent cases have involved Chinese nationals smuggling biological materials and pathogens into the U.S., raising fears of agricultural sabotage or biosecurity breaches.

The initiative also targets foreign-funded researchers at land-grant universities and agricultural extension programs. USDA will immediately begin terminating contracts or grants with research institutions that partner with entities from countries of concern, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. While the move is likely to spark debate in academia, Rollins argues that it is necessary to prevent the intellectual theft and infiltration of our food systems.

Critics worry about overreach, data transparency, and the risk of economic retaliation. However, proponents argue that the core issue is safeguarding Americas food supply and sovereignty. As Secretary Noem stated, the Chinese Communist Party should not be allowed to own one square inch of American soil  especially not farmland near our missile silos and fighter bases.

Beyond regulatory reforms, the USDA will begin conducting joint vulnerability assessments with the Department of Defense and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), focusing on threats to agricultural infrastructure and supply chains. The plan also introduces stiffer penalties for noncompliance with foreign ownership disclosure laws and a pledge to modernize USDA enforcement tools.

Congress is expected to debate several bills this summer, including the bipartisan FARMLAND Act, which would codify parts of the plan and impose stricter screening for foreign buyers.

Rollins framed the new USDA plan as a necessary evolution of U.S. national security doctrine. We used to think of national defense in terms of missiles and satellites, she said. But now we know that fertilizer, farmland, and food are just as critical.

Image: Kristi Noem. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
The issue of the Israeli hostages in Gaza is heart-wrenching and prevents the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), as well as the political echelon, from making a decisive move against the Islamist terrorist group Hamas.

It is abundantly clear that Hamas refuses to disarm, and even clearer that Hamas intends to keep some of the hostages as a survival guarantee. This makes an intensive all-out attack on Hamas, and forcibly removing its presence from the Gaza Strip, nearly impossible. The reason is clear: Such an attack might endanger the living hostages.

The IDFs chief of staff, Lt. General Ayal Zamir, conducted a field visit and operational assessment last Monday in central Khan Yunis, the heart of the ongoing Operation Gideons Chariots. He reaffirmed that Gaza remains the IDFs primary focus at this stage of the conflict. He then stated that we are fully committed to achieving our strategic objectives: the return of the hostages, and dismantling of Hamas, and the restoration of security for Israeli communities. We will not compromise on these goals.

The problem is that the IDF cannot simultaneously accomplish both strategic objectives, and the Netanyahu coalition government must decide which objective takes priority. Given the condition of the hostagesstarved, ill-treated, and medically deterioratedit would seem that the case is clear for saving the hostages first.

Alexander (Sasha) Tropanov, 29, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz and was held by Hamas in captivity for 498 days. An only son of a family that immigrated to Israel from Russia, his father was murdered by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and his mother, grandmother, and girlfriend were also abducted to Gaza but released after 54 days in one of the early exchange deals. In a recent interview, he said that only after all the hostages are returned will we be able to employ the full force necessary to deal with the threats we face.

Making a deal with Hamas on the release of the hostages has wrecked the nerves of the hostage families. Unfortunately, out of frustration, they blame Netanyahu and his government. However, this is unfair. Hamas, not the Israeli government, has thus far rejected every deal presented by the mediators and the American envoy, Steven Witkoff.

Hamass demands are unacceptable, even to the American side. As conditions for the deal, Hamas wants the war in Gaza to end and IDF troops to withdraw from the entire Strip. It also wants to keep its arms. Not least, Hamas demands that it control the massive humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Hamas will then, as it has previously done, sell it at extortionist rates and thus finance its operational needs. The food is also being used as a recruitment tool.

The Trump administrations current proposal is for a ceasefire that would pause the war, free Israeli hostages, and send aid into Gaza. It also aims to open broader talks about ending the conflict. Under the U.S. proposal, Hamas would have to be expelled from Gaza. Hamas does not want to release all 50 hostagesthe 20 assumed living and the 30 dead, whom Hamas and the Gazans murdered.

If pressed on the issue of expulsion from Gaza, Hamas spokespeople claim that they would agree, under certain conditions, to leave the Gaza Strip, but they insist on holding on to their arms, a condition Israel cannot agree to, since these arms would be aimed at attacking Israel, whether it be from Turkey through maritime landing on Israels shores, randomly murdering Israeli civilians, or attacking from Lebanese territory.

Earlier, in January of 2025, the first stage of the U.S.-brokered deal brought out some of the hostages, but the deal fell apart in March as negotiators failed to nail down a second stage of the agreement. Israel then resumed its offensive in Gaza. President Trump is now optimistic that a deal will be struck by next week. But we have already seen Trumps optimism evaporate each time Hamas backs out of a deal.

At this point, documents have been submitted by mediators to Hamas outlining a 60-day ceasefire proposal, during which Israel would pull back to a buffer zone on the Gaza border. Aid would pour into Gaza as Hamas returns 10 living and 18 deceased hostages to Israel.

Hamas representatives claim that they indicated a positive response to the latest iteration of a hostage deal and ceasefire proposal. But Netanyahus office pointed out last Saturday that Hamas had requested unacceptable changes to the proposal formulated by Qatar.

If a hostage deal is to be had, it must include all 50 hostages, since experience has taught us that Hamas will pull away from the deal soon after the first part is concluded, and the remaining living hostages are likely to die in captivity, given their poor health.

President Trump must be true to the promise he made early in his term that all hell will break loose if the hostages are not returned. After the successful Iran operation, the U.S. must give Hamas a credible warning of military intervention unless all the hostages are returned. It is clear that constructing a deal over a 60-day period is a matter of life and death for the injured and sick hostages.

Let us hope that following the White House meetings this week between President Trump and P.M. Netanyahu, an unequivocal message will be issued that all the hostages must be released immediately. Israel will then agree to withdraw from Gaza, retaining a symbolic presence at the Philadelphi Corridor, while Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters leave the Gaza Strip without their arms, and massive aid will begin to enter Gaza. The U.S. would then initiate the reconstruction of Gaza.

If this were to happen, there would not be a need for returning to fighting in Gaza or dismantling Hamas.

Image via Pixabay.
The New York Times has written a savage attack against Israels Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming in the title that he Prolonged the War In Gaza to Stay in Power. Its a long essay, but the gist is that, in April 2024, at the end of what turned out to be Bidens last year office, Bibi had a six-week ceasefire just waiting to be signed, which would have released a few more hostages while saving Gazan lives and getting Saudi Arabia to sign the Abraham Accords. But Bibi, to save his political skin, continued the war.

Lets say that Im dubious. The essay was clearly written from the point of view of Bibis political rivals. Im not going to deconstruct here. Instead, I want to offer a very serious countervailing essay that Avi Abelow published just a few days before the NY Times smear job.

Image created using ChatGPT.

In his essay, entitled The Most Explosive Story You Havent Heard: Netanyahu, Trump, and the Fight Behind the Front Lines, Abelow details the Deep State war being fought against Bibi: a war so vicious that the people behind it are willing to sacrifice Israels security to win. Fortunately, Bibi has Trump at his back.

Some of the essay is truly inside Israel politics, but Ill summarize the points that struck me with such force.

Its no secret that Bibi and Trump have been working closely together since Trump came to office. I happen to think that Trump encouraged Bibi to accept a meh ceasefire in early January so that Bibi could hold out until Biden left the White House and Trump came on board.

According to Abelow, theres more to last weeks meetings between Bibi and Trump than just dealing with external threats to Israel from Americas and Israels shared enemy, Iran:

These meetings arent just about military coordination or diplomatic pressure. It reflects a shared understanding: no external victory is possible without also confronting internal dysfunction. Because Israel is involved in two struggles  one war against an Islamonaz*i enemy, with the focus in Gaza, and one internal sabotage at home.

Whats so fascinating about the threats Abelow then describes is that they perfectly mirror what George W. Bush was facing during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, when leftist forces inside and outside of the government relentlessly undermined the war efforts. The only difference is that the Israelis war isnt about nation-building in a Muslim country but about surviving in their own country:

Instead of rallying around the nations survival, these institutions [senior legal officials, military officers, and media figures] launched an internal campaign of psychological warfare. They weaponized the hostage crisis to drain public morale, stir fear, and pressure the government into premature concessions. Media allies and expert pundits relentlessly pushed defeatist messaging: Soldiers are dying for nothing, Theres no military solution, Bring the hostages home  even at any cost. The objective wasnt humanitarian  it was political: to force Netanyahu into a ceasefire that would halt the war and collapse his government, not through elections, but by breaking public will.

Because of these internal pressures, Bibi was forced repeatedly to engage in short-term ceasefires. By doing so, he got some hostages home and kept robbing momentum from the burgeoning anti-war movement. This tactic worked, writes Abelow, turning the anti-war movement into a fringe cause.

However, the fight within the Israeli government goes on, and, while Israelis dislike the term, a deep state is at work:

On the surface, were battling Hamas. But behind the scenes, an unelected layer of legal, military, and bureaucratic elites is obstructing government policy, paralyzing decision-making, and undermining our war effort. Many Israelis instinctively shy away from language like deep state. But what else do you call it when a government decision is blocked  not by voters but by officials who were never elected?

If youre like me, youre getting total Iraq and Afghanistan War flashbacks. This is how the leftist Deep State operates when a conservative is in power and may achieve lasting peace with an enemy that, like the left, opposes Western and Biblical culture.

Israel even has its own Abu Ghraib cognate. As you may recall, photos leaked showing American troops humiliating Iraqi prisoners in Abu Ghraib, something that the left used to great effect in the anti-war movement.

In Israel, writes Abelow, a video leaked showing alleged abuse in Sde Teiman prison. Although the video was proven to have been doctored, it traveled around the world, right into the hands of UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, the hysterical antisemite whom the State Department, under the magnificent Marco Rubio, just sanctioned.

The Biden administration worked hand-in-hand with the most radical anti-Bibi forces. So, while our ally Israel was fighting an existential war against an enemy that is also Americas enemy, the Biden administration was paying taxpayer dollars to destabilize the Israeli government. As the young would say, I cant even...

And of course, Bibi faces an activist, unelected judiciary that is working hard to destroy him. In Bibis case, though, its worse than it is for Trump, because Trumps first term means that the Supreme Court hasnt been handed over entirely to judges who place politics ahead of the law.

Abelow explains that Bibi and Trump are in this one together because they both understand the stakes:

This is why the NetanyahuTrump alignment matters. Not because of personalities or partisan politicsbut because both leaders now face the same challenge: unelected deep state institutions that have drifted from their mandates, acting as power centers unto themselves. This isnt about Left or Rightits about democratic accountability. When unelected legal officials override government decisions on life-and-death military policy, thats a crisis. When US-funded NGOs run political pressure campaigns to topple our government, especially during wartime, thats a threat. When top military brass ignore binding cabinet decisions, thats not independenceits insubordination.

Ive just skimmed the essays surface and left out quotations from Israeli political and military actors, so I recommend that you read the whole thing.

From an American perspective, the takeaway is that Bibi and Trump, two of the most brilliant men in world politics, and two men who are fiercely loyal to their respective countries, are working together because two geniuses trying to save Western civilization are better than one.
Open any Supreme Court decision (heres a good example), and youll see that, after a few pages of Syllabus (i.e., summary), you get to the meat, where the justices issue their ruling. And that ruling is invariably preceded by language identifying the justice who wrote the decision, followed by the words delivered the opinion of the Court.

The Supreme Court website helpfully explains at its Opinions page that the most well-known opinions are those released or announced in cases in which the Court has heard oral argument. In other words, those are the ones that analyze the Constitution, congressional statutes, pre-existing cases (precedent), and bureaucratic regulations. Other lesser-known opinions are a few types of quick orders. Judges may also issue concurrences or dissents in which they state their understanding of American law.

Stunningly, though, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has added a new type of opinion to this list: her own. That is, her personal, emotional reactions to the matters before the Court:

I just feel that I have a wonderful opportunity to tell people in my opinions how I feel about the issues, and that's what I try to do, Jackson said.

Thus saith the wannabe theater kid, who brings her personal values and emotionalism to her performance as a judge. But honestly, Jackson has done nothing more than speak the quiet part out loud.

Before becoming a political writer and editor, I spent thirty years working in litigation in the San Francisco Bay Area. At a guesstimate, the judges on the cases with which I was involved were probably 80% leftist. These leftist judges felt exactly as Jackson did: The cases werent about the law; they were about a judges opinions and feelings concerning the matter before them.

Most of these judges werent as blunt as Jackson, but it was the little things they said. There was the judge who, when foiled in a first attempt to cancel a defaulting borrowers legitimate debt to a bank, announced, Just remember that theres more than one way to skin a cat. During the trial, he attacked the banks attorneys so aggressively that it was a foregone conclusion that the jurors would find that the bank was evil, which they did.

And of course, sometimes, the judges were quite open about their disdain for the law. I swear that my journey from Democrat to conservative started when I had conclusively proven to the judge that California law completely foreclosed the plaintiffs lawsuit against my client.

The judge, however, hemmed and hawed. He then ruled against my client, saying, I know what the law is, but I still think theres something there. Feelings. Opinions. He was purely Jacksonian. In fact, there was nothing there, and, $1.2 million in fees and costs later, we had a huge victory at trial, which included an award for fees and costs. That same judge later ended up on the California Court of Appeals.

Theres an old saying that you first hear when you enter law school: The law is what the judge had for breakfast. In other words, its a myth that judges are objective. Instead, they know what outcome they want and then garb themselves in whatever cases, statutes, and regulations will lead to those outcomes.

To a certain extent, thats true. However, Id say that conservative judges come in with a bias about how the law must be understood in the first instance.

At the top of the heap is the Constitution. First, you look at the explicit language. If that answers the legal question, you stop there. If theres any ambiguity, you look at the drafters intention. The same analysis applies to statutes. Finally, with case authority, if you have an outcome in mind, you hope there are existing cases supporting that outcome. Thats the breakfast.

Leftists, however, are different. Their starting point is the preferred outcome, and they work backward from that, finding tiny particles of meaning in whatever source they can, whether its the Constitution, statutes, regulations, case authority, throw-away lines in political speeches, or other countries constitutions, laws, and values.

Ruth Bader Ginsburgs cases are often a sprawling mess of tiny disparate threads of facts, law, and minutiae, all intended to create an illusion of sound judicial reasoning. Even Ginsburg, though, never had the temerity to state outright that a pivotal part of any decision she reached was shaped, not by all the legal authority she could scrape up, but by her personal feelings and opinions.

But Im preaching to the choir here. In the last five months, weve all seen exactly how leftist judges operate. Its just that Jackson, floating high on her own supply, has admitted it out loud.

Our system works because people believe that justices strive for impartiality, and that their impartiality has its roots in everything that came before: The laws that the Peoples elected representatives passed, the regulations that were subject to public review, and the wisdom of generations of judges, all of whom also strove for justice and impartiality. For Jackson to admit that, on the left, its all about navel-gazing is a startling statement and a hammer blow to the integrity of our judicial system.

Image created using ChatGPT.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has survived a motion of no confidence in the European Parliament. Yet given the gravity of the accusations in the Pfizer scandal, business as usual is no longer an option. Von der Leyen is increasingly becoming a liability for Brussels.

The Brussels quake never came. On Thursday, von der Leyen narrowly escaped political embarrassment. 175 out of 720 Members of the European Parliament voted in favor of the motion of no confidence, while 360 rejected it and 18 abstained -- falling far short of the required two-thirds majority.

The initiative was launched by Romanian MEP Gheorghe Piperea of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), joined by members of Germanys AfD and Sahra Wagenknechts BSW. Piperea described the motion as a necessary step to return to the foundations of democracy, criticizing the trend toward centralized power and the gradual takeover of competences that belong to the Member States and the European Parliament.

With his initiative, Piperea became the voice of those who envision a European Union that sets basic frameworks and respects national sovereignty, rather than evolving into a supranational monolith that acts autonomously and without checks and balances.

Not a Sign of Strength

The rejection of the motion should not be mistaken for a show of confidence in von der Leyens leadership. It merely showed that the dominant factions in Parliament managed, for now, to close ranks and fend off the rising opposition from conservative and nationalist parties across Europe. Whether the political damage and loss of trust will haunt her in the coming weeks remains to be seen.

The motion's initiators aimed not only for a procedural outcome but for a media spotlight to expose von der Leyens leadership record and numerous failures. Central to their criticism is a scandal that EU media has largely ignored: von der Leyens secret SMS exchange with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla -- opaque, unrecorded, and hidden from Parliament.

Deals worth tens of billions of euros were signed without public tender, without democratic oversight. The European Court of Auditors itself criticized the process. Calls to release the SMS communications were stonewalled from the outset.

The second major issue raised was the 150 billion defense loan initiative -- a package pushed forward without parliamentary oversight, raising serious concerns about how Brussels finances its operations. Reminder: The EU Commission cannot raise money on credit markets without a mandate from the European Council under the EUs budget rules. This mandate was lacking, and Parliament was barely involved.

Backroom Defenders

Von der Leyen received political cover from her CDU ally and EPP chairman Manfred Weber, who dismissed the criticism and labeled the motions backers as Putins friends -- claiming they were undermining European stability at a moment when decisive action was needed.

Transparency is the currency Brussels keeps inflating.

Yet von der Leyen showed no sign of reflection. During the plenary debate, she smeared the 72 signatories of the motion as divisive extremists seeking to polarize public discourse in lieu of offering real solutions.

This is classic behavior of a detached ruling class: incapable of self-criticism, allergic to dissent. Von der Leyen is actively undermining the European idea and accelerating the erosion of trust in the EU institutions. The pattern is familiar from German domestic politics: legitimate dissent is delegitimized through vague accusations of extremism -- a cheap way to shut down debate before it even begins.

Backlash from All Sides

Beyond parliamentary halls, broader resistance is mounting against the Commissions policies. Critics point to Brussels unmistakable authoritarian drift, most evident in its legislative crackdown on free speech via the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, aimed at platforms like X and Facebook.

Von der Leyens policies have triggered backlash abroad as well. Notably, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance slammed the EUs anti-speech agenda, warning that transatlantic partnership would be reconsidered unless Europe reversed course.

Failing Upwards

Von der Leyen left German politics as a failed family minister and a defense minister who left the Bundeswehr in shambles. She never delivered substantial reform. Her only political talent: entrenching the status quo while shielding herself from criticism. Thats the strategy she continues to pursue in Brussels.

As EU Commission President, she pushes the Green Deal with missionary zeal -- a transformation agenda that has fueled deindustrialization, energy scarcity, and the impoverishment of Europes working classes. She is leaving behind economic scorched earth.

A change of course? Forget it. Von der Leyen tolerates no dissent. That is her style. And it will be her undoing.

Her tenure reflects the Brussels mindset: top-down control, post-democratic elitism, disdain for sovereignty and transparency. Von der Leyen personifies the new European paternalism, where freedom is negotiable and democratic accountability an outdated inconvenience.

Image: European Parliament
I seem to have become inured to writing controversial posts. This may be yet another one of them. But perhaps not with the bulk of American Thinker readers.

The mainstream media isnt the only enemy of the people.

The National Education Association, or NEA, has joined the legacy media in its utter and total contempt for we the people. The NEA is, indeed, just another brick in the wall, just another enemy of the people.

To wit: according to Blaze Media:

Thousands of teachers gathered in Portland, Oregon, July 3-6 for the annual convention of the National Education Association.

The piece noted that Becky Pringle, the richly compensated Democratic NEA president:

made abundantly clear in her keynote address on July 3 that America's largest teachers' union is little more than a radical political entity. She indicated that now, more than ever, the union seeks to undermine the American people's democratically elected president, his government, and those state governments that would dare depoliticize the classroom, spare children from leftist propaganda, dismantle DEI, and uphold parental rights.

The article also noted that the

NEA resolutions passed at the convention were apparently kept private this year

but that

Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Culture Project and a visiting fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, obtained a copy.

DeAngelis told Blaze News that the resolutions, referred to as business items, appear to be a declaration of war on the Trump administration.

Imagine that.

The nations largest teachers union actively, if figuratively, declaring war on the duly elected president  and by extension all those who voted for him. I guess that shouldnt be too surprising, given that it has already targeted students.

Several business items were adopted at the convention, one of which, according to documents provided to Blaze News by DeAngelis, commits the union to using

existing media channels to oppose any move to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education as an illegal, anti-democratic, and racist attempt to destroy public education and privatize it in the interest of the billionaires.

Just who is being anti-democratic here?

And get this: another business item allegedly adopted at the convention compels the NEA to defend against Trump's supposed embrace of fascism, yet some of the NEAs own materials spell the word fascism as facism. The people in charge of indoctrinating educating our kids cant even correctly spell the words that make up their lies.

3/ They even pledged to fight Trumps embrace of facism [sic] in official NEA materials.



Yes, they misspelled fascismin a resolution by school teachers about education.



This is straight out of @TheBabylonBee. pic.twitter.com/z4OA15mg13  Rod D. Martin (@RodDMartin) July 10, 2025

The NEA is a subversive organization, whose main aim appears to be turning American students against their government, President Trump, Republicans, conservatives, those who would Make America Great Again, Christians, law enforcement, and American history and traditional values.

As DeAngelis noted, the union seeks "to control the minds of other people's children" and "churn out more Democrat foot soldiers to push their progressive worldview on the rest of the country."

Judging by college campuses-- and the likes of AOC, Jasmine Crockett, David Hogg, and Zohran Mamdanithey are succeeding in their mission.

It is no exaggeration to state that the NEA is a clear and present danger to the United States of America.

It is an existential threat.

And it has now joined the mainstream media as an enemy of the republic  and the people.

The long march through the institutions is a slogan coined by socialist student activist Rudi Dutschke circa 1967 to describe the strategy to create radical change in government by becoming part of it. The phrase "long march" is a reference to the physical Long March of the Chinese communist army during the Chinese Civil War (1934-1935).

Dutschkes goal was to subvert capitalism and compel Western culture to redefine -- i.e., destroy -- itself from within. (See also: fundamentally transforming.) The radicals have effectively captured the mainstream media, education establishment, and other significant institutions  and may soon capture New York City, in the form of Marxist Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Today, when you buy anything online and use a credit or debit card, its almost always powered by either Visa or Mastercard. However, according to Mirage Wine & Spirits and other merchants, they alleged that Apple, Visa, and Mastercard were involved in a conspiracy to suppress competition in the payments network industry. However, the courts have sided against Apple, giving it a wins by dismissing the conspiracy lawsuit against it.

Apple wins payments conspiracy lawsuit

For those unfamiliar with the case, Mirage Wine & Spirits, along with other merchants, filed a lawsuit against Apple, Visa, and Mastercard. The retailers believed that Visa and Mastercard had allegedly bribed Apple. This was to ensure the Cupertino tech giant wouldnt build its own rival payment network.

The merchants allege that Visa and Mastercard had made payments amounting to 0.15% on the value of all US credit transactions, and 0.5 cents on each US debit transaction. These were based on payments processed through Apple Pay on Visa and Mastercard networks. The merchants believed that this caused harm by limiting competitive pressure in the payments ecosystem.

However, the Southern District of Illinois ruled in Apples favor and dismissed the lawsuit against them. The courts say that the plaintiffs had failed to provide sufficient factual allegations to support their claim. It also suggested that the allegations were circumstantial and speculative. In fact, the judge pointed out language in the contract with Visa and Mastercard that Apple actually had the right to compete with them.

That being said, this isnt completely over yet. This version of the lawsuit has been dismissed. However, the plaintiffs have 30 days to amend their complaint and refile it. If they dont, the case will be dismissed with prejudice.

Apples history with payments

While Apple doesnt exactly have its own payment network, the company has expressed interest in financial services. Were not talking about Apple Pay here, but Apple Card.

Apple launched its own credit card called Apple Card back in 2019. It was launched in partnership with Apple and Goldman Sachs. The card exists in both digital and physical form. Users can use it with Apple Pay or use it as a physical card at retail locations that do not support Apple Pay. It is currently only available in the US.
The global smartwatch market is going through a rough patch, as shipments declined by 2% year-on-year (YoY) in Q1 2025. Even worse, this is the fifth consecutive quarter with a dip, according to a recent report by Counterpoint Research. The report primarily suggests weakening demand for smartwatches in India and reduced global shipments by the Cupertino tech giant.

Counterpoints report reveals that the global smartwatch market continues to slow down in Q1 2025

India, which had been one of the biggest contributors to the global smartwatch market in recent years, has reportedly experienced a dip in demand during Q1 2025. Not to mention, the shipment volumes have been affected for many brands, which once benefited due to the sudden boom in the smartwatch demand in the country.

While Apple tops the chart as the leading company with a 20% smartwatch market share, it recorded a shipment decline of 9% YoY in Q1 2025. This resulted in Apple suffering a sixth consecutive quarterly drop. The Counterpoint report hints that the growing competition on a global scale is one of the reasons.

On the other hand, China recorded a massive jump in smartwatch shipments with 37% YoY in Q1 2025. Well, thats the countrys highest global smartwatch shipment share since Q4 2020. The published report indicates that domestic brands like Huawei and Xiaomi have influenced the growth. Interestingly, both brands reported 53% YoY smartwatch shipment growth in Q1 2025. Huaweis global share jumped from 10% to 16%, while Xiaomis rose from 6% to 10%.

Its worth noting that the kids smartwatch segment also stood its ground in Q1 2025. Imoo, a kid-focused smartwatch company from China, aka Little Genius, posted a 23% YoY increase in shipments. The market share of the company increased by a percent (to 7%) from the last quarterly results.

Samsungs shipments and global market share took a hit as well

Samsung, which launched the Galaxy Watch 8 series yesterday, saw smartwatch shipments decline by 18% YoY. The companys global smartwatch market share also took a hit in Q1 2025 as it dropped from 9% to 7%. The company must hope that the new smartwatch series can turn the tide in the next quarter. The Others category, which includes smaller smartwatch brands, also saw a dip of 17% in shipments. Worth noting that the combined market share fell from 48% to 40%.

The Counterpoint report also indicates that consumers are drawn more towards mid-tier and premium wrist-worn wearables, with prices ranging between $100-$200. This segment reportedly saw a growth of 21% YoY. Whereas, the entry-level smartwatches, generally priced below $100, saw a decline of 17%. All that said, Counterpoint Researchs report projects a 3% recovery in global smartwatch shipments by the end of 2025.
HMD Global, the licensee company of Nokia-branded phones for a while, is scaling back its operations in the US. According to Wireds Julian Chokkattu, HMD has decided to scale back in the market due to a challenging geopolitical and economic environment. While the brand didnt get into the details, one of the reasons could be related to the ongoing Trump tariff situation in the US.

The Nokia phone maker intends to wind down its operations in the US

It appears that the end of both Nokia-branded and HMD phones and tablets in the US is near. HMD Global licensed the Nokia name in 2016 to make new devices under the iconic moniker, but decided to launch products under its own brand in 2023. HMD is now exiting the US market, possibly due to the ongoing tariff situation, which is raising costs for both companies in consumers.

Over on Threads, Wired writer Julian Chokkattu shared a statement from HMD Global. Like many global businesses, HMD is navigating a challenging geopolitical and economic environment. After careful consideration, we have made the decision to scale back our US operations, reads the companys statement.

HMD Global appears to have stopped selling both its own-branded and Nokia devices entirely in the United States. The companys webstore is no longer online in the country. Product pages of both the HMD and Nokia phones either dont have buying information, or have a Where to buy button that doesnt work.

However, some phones, like the HMD Fusion and Skyline, are still available to buy from Amazon and other e-commerce portals. The sellers on these platforms could just be selling the remaining stocks of Nokia and HMD products.

HMD will continue to honor warranty coverage for existing products

Although HMD is scaling back its business in the US, it will continue to honor all of its obligations for existing consumers. The brand will continue to provide warranty coverage and service for existing products. Furthermore, the companys statement said that it will offer full support for US customers through its global teams. So, if you already own an HMD or Nokia phone or tablet, you shouldnt worry about the warranty and service support.

As for its employees in the US, HMD didnt confirm details of any job losses. The brand only said that it is committed to supporting them during this transition.
Motorola could announce a new crystal-packing Razr smartphone. Yes, you read that right, crystals. Whats going on here? Well, Evan Blass just sent a rather interesting post on X, though a rather cryptic one.

Motorola is planning to launch a Razr foldable with crystals attached to it

The tipster simply wrote RAZR-ovski: 5 August. This may not mean much to a lot of you, so let me put things into context. The Razr-ovski seems to be a word play by the tipster, combining a Motorola Razr branding with the Swarovski name.

Motorola has already announced earbuds that feature Swaroski crystals. That happened back in April, Im talking about the Moto Buds Loop. The partnership is already there, so its not difficult to figure out whats going on here.

The tipster did not share any additional details, so were not exactly sure which model is coming. Motorola announced both the Razr Ultra 2025 and Razr 2025 phones in April, alongside the aforementioned earbuds.

Chances are that this will be a new variant of the companys Ultra model

The Ultra model is the flagship handset, while the Razr 2025 is a budget phone. Motorola could go either way with this one, though it would make more sense for the company to include crystals in the flagship model.

That phone is not only plenty powerful, but it looks sleek too. It has vegan leather on the back, which makes it less slippery than basically every flip phone foldable competitor out there.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite fuels this smartphone, Qualcomms most powerful chip. It includes up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 flash storage, not to mention that 68W wired and 30W wireless chargin gis supported. Both of its displays have a high refresh rate, while two 50-megapixel cameras sit on the back of the phone.

If youd like to know more about the device, check out our Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review.
Remember when Samsung announced its shiny new Galaxy AI features early last year? There was a bit of a buzzand some concernabout whether these smart capabilities would eventually come with a subscription fee. The same company had only confirmed that the features would be free until the end of 2025. Now, Samsung has confirmed which core Galaxy AI functions will remain free of charge indefinitely.

This confirmation comes after some initial uncertainty. Samsung had hinted that some AI features might become paid after a certain period, but we didnt know which ones. The company is now being clearer: the essential, most frequently used Galaxy AI tools that process data directly on your device wont require a subscription. This includes popular functions that enhance communication, productivity, and creativity.

Samsung confirms it will not charge for Galaxy AI core features

In a confirmation to Android Police, a Samsung rep said that all Galaxy AI features that are on your phone by default will be free forever. With this, Samsung is referring to the features developed individually by the company. The list includes Live Translate, Note Assist in Samsung Notes, Zoom Nightography, Audio Eraser, Browsing Assist, and Generative Wallpapers, among others.

So, which features will be paid for? Mainly those that dont rely solely on Samsung to function. The Galaxy AI suite also includes features powered by Googles AI models or technologymainly Gemini-relatedpresumably charging Samsung for it. Samsung has been offering these features for free temporarily in some form, either by reaching an agreement with Google or absorbing the costs. Either way, that will likely end later this year.

That said, there are no details yet on how much users will have to pay from then on. If you want to keep all the Galaxy AI features, youll likely have to pay a monthly fee. Well have to wait and see how much this fee will be and how users react.
Samsung is one of the fastest brands to roll out the latest monthly security patch update to its devices. Following the same path, the firm has now pushed the latest July 2025 security update to its flagship Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24 series devices. These updates are necessary for the devices, as they fix the known vulnerabilities and security loopholes in the software.

The latest July 2025 security patch update is now available for Samsungs flagships in the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24 lineups. All the models, excluding the FE variant, are already getting it. The OTA (Over-The-Air) update carries the firmware number AYF6 for the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. For the Galaxy S24 series, the firmware number is BYF1.

Since its not a major update, the size of the package is 538MB for the Galaxy S25 series and 468MB for the Galaxy S24 series. The update is rolling out in batches, so you might not have received it yet. However, you can manually check for the OTA by going to Settings >> Software Update. A download button will appear if the update is available.

Security updates, as mentioned earlier, are meant to fix the existing vulnerabilities and security loopholes of the software. They may or may not bring new features to the device. The latest July 2025 update for the Galaxy flagship addresses as many as 40 security vulnerabilities. Samsung also claims that one major security loophole has been patched with the update.

This particular information shows how important it is to install the security patches in our devices. If you have not received the update yet, dont worry; you will have it in the upcoming days.
Ana Maria Goncalves in Rio de Janeiro in 2023. Photograph: Tania Rego/Agencia Brasil

Brazil has elected its first Black woman to the Brazilian Academy of Letters, founded in 1897 and modelled on the Academie Francaise.

Ana Maria Goncalves, 54, is one of Brazils most acclaimed contemporary authors, and her election on Thursday is being widely celebrated by writers, activists, literary scholars and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Her most famous work, Um defeito de cor (A Colour Defect) is still untranslated into English. It is a 950-page historical novel that she describes as the history of Brazil told from the point of view of a Black woman.

Recently selected as the greatest work of Brazilian literature of the 21st century so far by the newspaper Folha de S Paulo, the book achieved the rare combination of both critical and popular success, with more than 180,000 copies sold since its release in 2006.

Celebrating Goncalvess victory, Lula wrote that the book was his companion during his 580 days in prison, and I always make a point of recommending it to everyone.

Now, the author hopes that her election to the 128-year-old academy  whose primary mission is the preservation of the Portuguese language and Brazilian literature  may help correct what she sees as a longstanding historical injustice.

Im the first Black woman, but I cant be the only one, said Goncalves, who will be just the sixth woman among the 40 members, or immortals, as they refer to themselves. Apart from two Black men and the first and only Indigenous writer to join the institution, all the others are white men.

I cant carry the weight of representing an entire population that continues to be marginalised and that is itself incredibly diverse, she said.

The academy had as its first president a Black man, Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, widely considered the greatest Brazilian writer of all time. Despite still being known as the House of Machado de Assis, the academy has since had only a handful of other Black men as members  something many see as a stark illustration of how racism operates in a country where more than half the population is of African descent.

Poet and translator Stephanie Borges, 40, believes Goncalvess election will encourage more Black women to become readers and writers. When its us telling our own stories, we invite those who look like us to come closer to literature, she said.

The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know.

If you have something to share on this subject you can contact us confidentially using the following methods.

Secure Messaging in the Guardian app

The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said.

If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select 'Secure Messaging'.

SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post

See our guide at theguardian.com/tips for alternative methods and the pros and cons of each.

Cidinha da Silva, 58, author of more than 20 books, is keen to stress that Goncalves was not elected because she is Black, but because she is one of the greatest living writers in Brazil.

There were 13 candidates in the running, and of the 31 members who voted in Thursdays election, 30 chose Goncalves  the remaining vote went to Eliane Potiguara, 74, who had hoped to become the first Indigenous woman to join the academy.

Goncalves had to run a sort of campaign  though she emphasises she never asked for votes  in which she sent a copy of her book and a personal letter to each member, and phoned some of them to discuss her work.

In 2018, another celebrated Black writer, Conceicao Evaristo, 78, also stood for election, but received just one vote.

The academy does need more women, more Black people, Indigenous people, and people from other parts of Brazil, said Goncalves. And I hope that now, from the inside, I can help make that happen.
Punk duo Bob Vylan have announced a second last-minute gig of the week in Bristol on Friday night, following a similar performance in London amid two police investigations into the band.

The pair are being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police over their Glastonbury Festival set, which saw frontman Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, lead crowds in chants of Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) during their livestreamed performance.

The Ipswich-formed duo, who are completed by drummer Bobbie Vylan, are also being investigated by the Metropolitan Police for alleged comments in a video of their performance supporting Iggy Pop at Alexandra Palace in May.

In the video, Bobby Vylan appears to say: Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.

Announcing the show at Bristols Thekla venue, the band said on Instagram: Bristol tonight @theklabris ticket link in bio. On sale now.

The new gig comes after the band posted a message on Instagram on Thursday saying where next? following their London show.

At their performance at the 100 Club in Oxford Street on Wednesday, the singer told the crowd to stop the IDF chants as they could get me in trouble, before leading the crowd in chants of Free, free Palestine.

The duo ended the gig by holding up a Palestinian flag, with Bobby Vylan telling the audience: We are a loving band, we love you lot for being here with us. We love the Palestinian people.

Their strength, their resilience, their ability to keep on going in the face of it all is a beautiful and inspiring thing. So as hard as this week may have been for us, it has been nothing in comparison to what the Palestinian people are going through right now.

That is where the attention should be. That is where the focus should be. That is where these politicians and media outlets should be focusing their attention right now, not on the words or the actions of a f****** punk band. It is ridiculous and it only speaks to the ridiculous state of this country right now.

Following their Glastonbury performance, the band have had their US visas revoked, ahead of their US tour later this year, and were pulled from their Saturday headline slot at Radar festival in Manchester and from an upcoming performance at a German music venue.

Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts Stage during Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA)

Their agency United Talent Agency (UTA) has also reportedly dropped them following the comments, and appears to have removed the act from its official website.

The group issued a statement last week claiming they were being targeted for speaking up.

Bob Vylan are still expected to perform at the Boardmasters surfing and music festival in Newquay, Cornwall, in August.

According to reports in The Times, the BBCs director of music Lorna Clarke was among a group of senior staff who have stepped back from their day-to-day roles after controversy over the broadcasters decision to show Bob Vylans set live.

Their Glastonbury Festival set came directly before Irish rap trio Kneecap performed on the West Holts Stage.

The group, made up of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, JJ O Dochartaigh and Naoise O Caireallain, are also seeing their Glastonbury set investigated by police.

Their performance saw one of the bands members joke that fans should start a riot outside his bandmates upcoming court appearance, and led crowds in chants of F*** Keir Starmer, after the British Prime Minister claimed their appearance at the festival was not appropriate.

O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in June charged with a terror offence and will return next month.

Formed in 2017, Bob Vylan are known for addressing political issues in their albums including racism, masculinity and class.
The Parthenon marbles at the British Museum, which began negotiations with Greek representatives in 2021. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

The former British prime minister Liz Truss and a hard-right lobby group have been accused of stoking culture wars after putting their names to a letter claiming they would take legal action over alleged covert plans to return the Parthenon marbles to Greece.

Related: Momentous occasion: how Bayeux Museum finally said yes to tapestry loan

The letter, addressed to Keir Starmer and the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, as well as trustees of the British Museum, was organised by a rightwing campaign group called Great British Pac, led by the Conservative activist Claire Bullivant and the former Reform deputy co-leader Ben Habib, who was ousted from the party by Nigel Farage.

Great British Pac takes its inspiration from political action committees in the US, which use donations to fund campaigns for or against candidates and policies.

Last month the anti-extremism campaign group Hope not Hate alleged that 13 members of the Great British Pac team had promoted far-right views and conspiracy theories online, including one who shared pro-Hitler and antisemitic content. Bullivant and Habib were not among the 13 identified by the group.

In a statement to the Guardian, Bullivant called the accusations a smear campaign.

In its letter, Great British Pac calls for an end to any negotiations to return the Parthenon sculptures, also known as the Elgin marbles, or risk legal challenges.

The campaigners refer to what they allege is a covert negotiation, citing an accelerating campaign to remove the Elgin marbles from the British Museum.

Experts in archaeology and antiquities criticised the intervention. Dan Hicks, a professor of contemporary archaeology at the University of Oxford, said: The accusation of a covert and accelerating campaign appears to be aimed at publicly appointed trustees, whereas in reality it is the structure, funding and identity of Great British Pac that is opaque and concerning.

Perhaps the signatories could explain who and what exactly this group is and who is paying for it. This letter is a desperate culture-warrior exercise in scaremongering and intimidation developed by undefined political actors.

He added: International loans have been a normal part of the operation of museum exhibitions for more than a century. To give just one example, the British Museum itself will be the recipient of a high-profile loan from France next year when the Bayeux tapestry will be put on display. Many will question why the UKs national museums remain unable to make permanent returns of stolen cultural objects on a case-by-case basis, as other British museums are able to do.

And some, myself included, have been asking why national museum directors and trustees are not calling for a change in those antiquated 1960s laws. But to call into question the legality of making loans from Britain to an EU nation would be very odd indeed.

Christos Tsirogiannis, who heads illicit antiquities trafficking research for the Unesco chair on threats to cultural heritage at the Ionian University in Corfu, said: While it is completely unacceptable that the public in both countries remains in the dark about the content of the negotiations, it was reported years ago in the British press that the majority of the British public supports the unconditional and permanent return of all the Parthenon sculptures to Greece.

In reality, this letter harms the interests of the British people and state, and disrupts the relationship between two traditional allies, bound by friendship and blood ties in two world wars. Both governments  not just the trustees of the British Museum  bear equal responsibility for reaching a historically just solution.

The Parthenon marbles are the ancient sculptures that once decorated the temple on the Acropolis in Athens. They were removed between 1801 and 1815 by Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman empire, who claimed he had permission to take them, although no supporting document has been found. The sculptures were acquired by the British Museum in 1816, but their rightful ownership has been disputed since the 1980s.

Last year, two months after Labours election victory, Giorgos Gerapetritis, the Greek foreign minister, told the Guardian he believed a deal was relatively close. Negotiations between Athens and the British Museum began in 2021.

It has been reported that any possible agreement might be underpinned by a cultural partnership between the countries, with the sculptures being returned and reunited with other pieces on display at the Parthenon galleries of the Acropolis Museum in exchange for renowned artworks that could take centre stage at rolling exhibitions in London.

Bullivant, also the editor of the Conservative & Reformer Post website, said: Hope not Hates smear campaign is nothing new. Its part of their tired old playbook: when they cant win the argument, they try to delegitimise those who disagree.

Were not a political party, we dont take orders from anyone, and we firmly believe in free speech.

She added: As for funding  lets clear that up too. Hope not Hate seem obsessed with it. We are 100% grassroots. No shadowy donors. No foreign money. It doesnt take a bank transfer to write a letter about the Elgin Marbles. You want to know who paid for the stamp? I did.

A spokesperson for the British Museum said: Discussions with Greece about a Parthenon partnership are ongoing and constructive.

We believe that this kind of long-term partnership would strike the right balance between sharing our greatest objects with audiences around the world, and maintaining the integrity of the incredible collection we hold at the museum.
R&B singer Chris Brown is due to appear in court over an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub.

Last month the 36 year-old US musician pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to Abraham Diaw at the Tape venue, a private members club in Hanover Square, Mayfair, on February 19 2023.

On Friday, Brown is due to make another appearance at Londons Southwark Crown for a plea hearing amid preparations for his trial which is set for October.

His co-defendant, US national Omololu Akinlolu, 39, has also pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.

R&B singer Chris Brown arriving at Southwark Crown Court (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Both men are further charged with assaulting Mr Diaw occasioning him actual bodily harm, with Brown also facing one count of having an offensive weapon, a bottle, in a public place.

The two-time Grammy award winner, which hits including Run It! and Go Crazy, has managed to press on with his scheduled international tour despite his legal battle.

He is on conditional bail and performed in Cardiff in June as part of a stadium tour which was billed as a celebration of the past 20 years of his career.

He had to pay a 5 million security fee to the court as part of the bail agreement, which is a financial guarantee to ensure a defendant returns to court and may be forfeited if they breach bail conditions.

At his last court appearance, his defence counsel Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC told the hearing it had been difficult to discuss matters with her client while he is working.

(Jonathan Brady/PA)

Manchester Magistrates Court previously heard that Mr Diaw was standing at the bar of the Tape nightclub when he was struck several times with a bottle, and then pursued to a separate area of the nightclub where he was punched and kicked repeatedly.

Brown was arrested at Manchesters Lowry Hotel at 2am on May 15 by detectives from the Metropolitan Police.

He is said to have flown into Manchester Airport on a private jet in preparation for the UK tour dates.

Brown was released from HMP Forest Bank in Salford, Greater Manchester, on May 21.

Shortly after being released from prison, Brown posted an Instagram story referencing his upcoming tour which said FROM THE CAGE TO THE STAGE!!! BREEZYBOWL.
American Chris Gotterup soared to the top of the Scottish Open leaderboard by equalling the course record as Rory McIlroy impressed on day two at the Renaissance Club.

World number 158 Gotterup carded nine birdies in a bogey-free 61 to finish the second round on 11 under par.

Englands Harry Hall sits two strokes off the clubhouse lead after posting a six-under 64 to finish the day in second place.

A course record match across the pond for the leader in the clubhouse @ScottishOpen pic.twitter.com/HFAlXZmNsw  PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 11, 2025

Sheffields Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, is joint third alongside Marco Penge following respective rounds of 63 and 67 and Swede Ludvig Aberg, who made eight birdies before bogeying the last for a 65.

McIlroy registered six birdies and one bogey on his way to a second-round 65 to leave him among a handful of players tied for sixth on seven under par.

A week before The Open at Royal Portrush, the Northern Irishman gained five shots in his first seven holes to build on a trio of birdies at the end of his opening round before momentum waned on the back nine.

The conditions were so good for us this morning, said McIlroy. It felt like if you didnt play that first nine in three or four under, you were losing strokes to the field.

I did a lot of good things today, a couple of loose shots here and there but overall it was a good day. Im excited for the weekend, right in contention.

Gotterup threatened to break 60 after sinking his ninth birdie of the day on the 14th hole but four pars followed.

It (59) never really crossed my mind, said the 25-year-old.

I made the putt on 14 and I was like, all right, Ive got 16 and obviously 17 and 18 are pretty tough. So I really wanted to get 16.

Im not going to complain too much when I make my birdies on a course that isnt always typically easy.

US Open champion JJ Spaun is set to miss the cut after three bogeys in a 72 left him two over, while world number one Scottie Scheffler is tied in 21st place after shooting a second round 68 to sit five under.
Stephen Cottrell is the de facto leader of the Anglican church after the resignation of Justin Welby. Photograph: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Members of the Church of England should work to withstand and even turn back the forces of public opinion that risk making  assisted dying a reality in our national life, the archbishop of York has said.

Speaking to the churchs General Synod on Friday, Stephen Cottrell said permitting assisted dying would change forever the contract between doctor and patient, pressurising the vulnerable and assuming an authority over death that belongs to God alone.

MPs voted last month to pass a bill giving some terminally ill adults in England and Wales the legal right to be assisted to end their lives. It will now pass to the House of Lords, where 26 Anglican bishops sit by right, for further scrutiny.

Cottrell is in the second most senior clerical position in the Anglican church and is currently its de facto leader after the resignation of Justin Welby as archbishop of Canterbury last year.

Addressing the churchs governing body on Friday in York, Cottrell thanked the bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, and the other Lords Spiritual for their principled and persistent opposition to the assisted dying bill in parliament, which we now have a chance to debate as well.

He said his view of the dignity and value of every life and every moment of life came from his Christian faith. Although we may take for granted the Christian roots of our shared values and legal system in this country, it would be wise to remember that other philosophies and worldviews teach different things and may not uphold the dignity and value of life in the same way, he said.

He added: When we lose something as foundational as decisions over life and death, we are in danger of losing other safeguards and provisions as well.

Referring obliquely to Welbys resignation, which followed the publication of a damning report on his handling of one of the C of Es worst abuse cases, Cottrell said the church had been humbled over the past year.

God has humbled us in so many ways this year, he said. It has not been easy, but if it has made us more penitent, more determined to put victims and survivors first, more resolved to sort out all sorts of things to do with clergy discipline and accountability, terms of service, independent safeguarding and other things besides, then  God the redeemer who believes in the church is at work among us.

The archbishop previously told the Guardian that the reports publication and Welbys resignation had led to an unprecedented crisis in the church.

Eight months after Welbys resignation in November, the church is still far from deciding on his successor  a process that is expected to take up to a year.

Cottrell said he wanted the organisation to become a simpler and a humbler and a bolder church.

Despite our failings, the people of this land have not given up on the gospel of Jesus Christ, he said.
Dan Bongino did not go into the office on Friday following a clash with Pam Bondi, the attorney general - Kayla Bartkowski/2025 Getty Images

Dan Bongino is considering resigning from the FBI over the handling of the Epstein files.

The bureaus deputy director reportedly told people he was considering stepping down amid a clash with the department of justice over the handling of the case, CNN reported.

Its accurate that Dan Bongino has told people hes considering resigning amid a major clash between the FBI and DoJ over the fallout from the Epstein memo. (It remains to be seen if he actually does.)

But hard to overstate the infighting happening over this the last few days as Maga anger has not let up, Kaitlan Collins, CNNs chief White House correspondent wrote on X.

Mr Bongino apparently also did not go into the office on Friday following an argument with the Pam Bondi, the attorney general, leading insiders to think he had quit.

He has come under fire for failing to release a tranche of evidence relating to the paedophile financier.

Clash with Pam Bondi

Tensions within Mr Trumps Maga base threatened to boil over this week after the justice department and FBI concluded Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan prison cell in 2019, and did not maintain a client list of potential blackmail targets.

Sources told Axios that Mr Bongino had grown increasingly unhappy with Ms Bondi for overpromising to release a client list that she has since claimed never existed, saying she misspoke when referring to the list in a Fox News interview.

During a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, the attorney general allegedly confronted Mr Bongino about a NewsNation article that claimed he and Kash Patel, the FBI director, had been prevented from releasing as much information about Epstein as they would have liked.

Dan Bongino has grown increasingly unhappy with Pam Bondi - Evan Vucci/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

The pair are said to have had a heated argument in front of Mr Patel, Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, and Taylor Budowich, the deputy chief of staff, during which Mr Bongino denied leaking to the press.

Pam said her piece. Dan said his piece. It didnt end on friendly terms, one person briefed on the heated discussion told Axios, adding that Mr Bongino left the meeting angry.

Mr Bongino, a former US Secret Service agent turned podcast host, has come in for a hammering from Maga supporters after claiming a video taken from outside Epsteins cell proved that no one had entered, and that he therefore took his own life.

A conspiracy theory believed by some within the Maga movement is that Epstein was murdered to prevent the names of high-profile associates being made public.

It is also rumoured that a list detailing these associates exists and was to be released by the Trump administration. The White House insists such a list does not exist.

Credit: Rumble / The Dan Bongino Show | Fox News

The justice department and FBI on Monday released the 11-hour video in an effort to dispel rumours that the sex offender was murdered, but Maga hardliners noticed time stamps on the video skipped from 11.58pm to midnight, leading some to suspect foul play had taken place during what has been called the missing minute.

The discovery of the missing minute, caused by a lag when the surveillance system resets each evening, was blamed internally on Mr Bongino for his oversight, insiders told Axios.

Despite the DoJ presenting it as raw footage, it has since been claimed the video was likely modified using a professional editing tool, according to Metadata analysis by Wired.

The fact is, Dan was for releasing the information with the video and had no problem until he got heat online, a senior administration official told the news outlet.

Bongino found the video with the missing minute. He vouched for it after a thorough review, he said, and he thought this would end the matter. When that didnt work, he lost his mind and ran out of DC.

Prospect of potential sackings

The White House blow up is the clearest sign yet of turmoil within the administration over its handling of the Epstein files, and raises the prospect of potential sackings.

One Bongino supporter told Axios: Dan is not the bad guy here. He shouldnt take the fall.

It comes as Maga firebrand Laura Loomer claimed Mr Bongino was seriously thinking about resigning. He has not commented on Ms Loomers claims.

Ms Loomer, also wrote on X that Mr Bongino and Mr Patel were furious with Ms Bondi over her lack of transparency and called for the attorney general to be fired.

On Friday, Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, sought to quell rumours of a split, writing on X that he worked closely with Patel and Bongino on the joint FBI and DoJ memo regarding the Epstein files.

All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo, he said. The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memos composition and release is patently false.

Mr Bongino was contacted for comment.
Giant ancient sculptures on Mount Nemrut. Photograph: Okanmetin/Getty Images

Sunrise with ancient gods in Anatolia

Rising from the rugged heart of Anatolia, Mount Nemrut offers one of the worlds most surreal sunrise experiences. Here, colossal stone heads of ancient gods and kings gaze silently across the highlands, remnants of a long-lost kingdom. As the first rays of dawn paint the statues gold, visitors are transported into an almost mythic realm. Begin your journey in Gaziantep, often called Turkeys culinary capital. Savour rich baklava and spicy kebabs before setting out through the hills toward Nemrut. After experiencing the mountains majesty, continue to Gobekli Tepe  considered the worlds oldest temple complex, predating Stonehenge by millennia.

Ickin Vural

Join the locals and eat at a bufe

Its become a little more expensive in Turkey recently, so my tip is: eat at the bufeler, where the taxi drivers eat. You find them at every bus station in every town and village. A light lunch of rice with kuru fasulye (beans) on top, perhaps a side of vegetable stew (despite all those kebab shops, Turkish people dont eat as much meat as we like to think), and an ayran (yoghurt drink) on the side would be my idea of a perfect lunch. Afiyet olsun! (enjoy your meal), as they say in Turkey.

Anna

Guardian Travel readers' tips

Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage

-

Exploring the vibrant city of Eskisehir

Eskisehir is a vibrant, studenty city less than an hour and a halfs train ride from Ankara. Its name (old city) is a clue to the age of the place  it was founded around 1,000BC  but unlike some of the much more visited ruins and ancient cities in Turkey, it is very much a forward-looking, 21st-century place. The Odunpazar houses in the oldest part of the city are beautifully multicoloured  it is a perfect area to enjoy an obligatory Turkish coffee and piece of lokum (Turkish delight).

Michael Kuipers

Authentic Turkish charmers near Ephesus

Discover two gems near exquisite Ephesus: Alacat, on the coast near Izmir, is a picturesque, sleepy village complete with fresh fish restaurants and sandy beaches; a bit further south is Sirince, a beautiful flower village that stays fresh even through July heatwaves. You can explore the coast, visit thermal baths in spectacular Pamukkale, and Ilca, or head to the Greek island of Samos for the day, while still savouring the joy of a simpler and more authentic Turkey.

Thomas

Lesser visited Lycian ruins around Kas

Just above the popular seaside town of Kas, tucked high in the hills, lie the ancient ruins of Phellos. The steep hike can be tough  especially in the heat  but the reward is worth it. Massive Lycian tombs and weathered stone ruins appear unexpectedly, like a scene from Indiana Jones. With no crowds or noise, its an off-the-beaten-track adventure into ancient history. If youre seeking something beyond beaches and tourist spots, Phellos offers solitude, mystery and a stunning glimpse into a forgotten world.

Pinar Greenwood

Mardins heady mix and sweeping views

My top secret Turkey tip would be Mardin, in the south-east. Honey-coloured houses on a hilltop cascade down to the Mesopotamian plateau, and just about every hotel has a terrace with sweeping views across to Syria. The history is a mix of Assyrian, Armenian, Chaldean and, of course Turkish, with museums, medreses and narrow streets. Its a taste of the Middle East but with the safety of travel in Turkey. And the food 

Ann Ozsivadjian

Chilled dining in Antalyas waterside retreat

The Dim River lies on the outskirts of Alanya, in the Antalya region. A short taxi or bus ride will transport you from the bustling seaside town to a cascading waterfall which flows from the Taurus mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. Trees and natural vegetation provide shelter from the searing summer sun, while the waterside restaurants offer traditional Turkish food and drinks. Relax at tables nestled in the trees, perch at the waters edge, or take a dip in a pool filled with icy mountain water  if you dare!

Natalie

Paddling off the Lycian coast from Fethiye

Sea kayaking along Turkeys wild south-west coast from Fethiye is an unforgettable experience. Paddle past hidden coves, ancient ruins and dramatic cliffs, before friendly local guides prepare delicious traditional Turkish meals, and the sunsets glow deep red over crystal waters. Fethiye is a culturally rich town nestled between mountains and the sea, and the perfect launch point for a trip. If youre after beauty, solitude and authentic connection, this is paradise.

Mikey

Hike to stunning ancient Termessos

We visited Antalya in February, and viewing some of the ancient sites on a crisp, sunny day with snow on the mountains in the background was brilliant. But the highlight of our trip was taking a hike in the Mount Gulluk-Termessos national park to see the ancient Solymi city of Termessos, and particularly the stunning theatre, set atop the mountain with panoramic views. You pass many interesting ruins on the way up, but this is the jewel in the crown. We went on our own, but if you want to make a day of it Id suggest joining a hiking group for an in-depth exploration.

Alison

Winning tip: timeless charm at Akyaka

On a spontaneous road trip through Turkeys south-west, I stumbled upon Akyaka  a peaceful, pine-fringed village untouched by mass tourism. The Azmak River, so clear it seemed unreal, flowed past riverside cafes where I watched turtles drift by. Locals welcomed me like family, and evenings meant fresh seafood and golden sunsets. The architecture  wooden houses with carved balconies  gave the town a timeless charm. Paddleboarding on the calm sea at sunrise was a moment Ill never forget. Debbie Skudra
An NHS hospital ward, 2023. Photograph: Jeff Moore/PA

Resident doctors in the NHS in England are planning to strike for five days later this month from 25 to 30 July, as they push for a 29% pay rise over the next few years.

The doctors union, the British Medical Association (BMA), says it will not accept a lower figure than 29%  because it says thats the extent of the real-terms loss of earnings resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, have suffered since 2008.

The health secretary Wes Streeting has said the industrial action is completely unreasonable, and the government will not revisit the 5.4% salary increase it gave resident doctors for 2025-26.

Turnout in the ballot was 55%, with 90% of those who took part backing strike action.

We want to hear from doctors in the NHS in England. What are your views on the planned resident doctors strike action? For resident doctors, what are your reasons for taking part or not taking part? How will you be affected?

Callout
If free expression means anything it must apply to everyone, not just those in political favour - Niall Carson/PA

Northern Irelands annual July bonfires, in which loyalists celebrate William of Oranges victory at the Boyne and the start of the Protestant ascendancy, have often courted political controversy.

In 2023, loyalists burnt a boat with a Union Flag to protest against the Irish Sea border; last year, it was a retired Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) police car that topped the pyre.

This years display in the village of Moygashel, Co Tyrone, has been the most eye-catching yet. Topping the stack of pallets were 12 non-white dummies wearing life jackets in a boat, with slogans calling to stop the boats and to put veterans before refugees. [W]e are expressing our disgust at the ongoing crisis that is illegal immigration, said the Moygashel Bonfire Association in a statement on social media, adding: We believe this unfettered invasion is the biggest threat to the UK since Hitler.

While the group denied the display was intended to be racist, threatening or offensive, the stunt has received a barrage of condemnation, suggesting a gulf between grassroots concerns about immigration and the Northern Irish political establishment. A Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor labelled it overtly racist and threatening; a local Sinn Fein assembly member called it a vile and deplorable act and clearly a hate crime. Human rights activists and church officials have denounced it too, while even the DUP sniffed that such effigies were not part of the cultural tradition.

Public figures are of course free to decide whether theyre more concerned about controversial protests against illegal migration or the crisis itself. Whats worrying, however, is that the criminal law is now getting involved, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland investigating this hate incident.

When free speech rows like this break out, responses can often be given to hypocrisy. For some, whether one wants the book thrown at Kneecap, who have said kill your local MP; Bob Vylan, who led a chant at Glastonbury to kill the IDF; or Lucy Connolly, who tweeted about burning down asylum hotels for all I care, depends on their political taste. Those who have spent recent months defending Kneecap and labelling their performances as artistic expression are the same people criticising this act of political protest, notes one loyalist activist.

This is why people should be principled defenders of all of these kinds of speech, however justified or deplorable one thinks it is. Speech certainly shouldnt be a matter for the police simply because people are offended by it.

None of this would be a problem if Britain had speech protections like the American First Amendment. In the landmark Brandenburg vs Ohio (1969), the US Supreme Court found that even threats against politicians were protected speech provided such speech isnt directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action. Critics might view Thursdays bonfire as distasteful, but it is hard to see how this display would meet that test.

Unfortunately, in Britain, our threshold for criminal speech is significantly lower. This is thanks in particular to the nebulous stirring up racial hatred offence, which Connolly was charged with and which Bob Vylan might be, which does not require any imminent likelihood of lawlessness to count as criminal.

When this offence was first introduced 60 years ago, critics presciently argued that its provisions against hate would be so broad that it would effectively criminalise peoples opinions. Its hard to argue otherwise today.
The Bubble Inn cabin at Camp Mystic hosted 13 girls and two counsellors. The bodies of ten girls and one counsellor were found. The other four remain missing

This article was originally published on 8 July and has been updated.

Most residents of Kerr County, Texas, would have been asleep when flood alerts flashed up on their phones in the early hours of Friday.

A few hours later, many of them were woken by neighbours hammering on their door or their dogs frantically barking. Others would not have woken up until flood water engulfed their beds. For many, it was already too late.

The Kerr County towns that lie along the Guadalupe River, which surged more than 20 feet in less than an hour on Friday morning, bore the brunt of the floods and suffered most of the deaths.

The story leading up to this tragedy is one of grave mistakes.

It is not about what happened when the Guadalupe burst its banks, or the immediate aftermath, where rescuers frantically tried to save lives.

It is about how officials  in a Texan disaster hotspot known as Flash Flood Alley  failed to act years before.

The disaster is one of the most lethal floods in US history, with a death toll of at least 120 people - including 36 children. There are 170 people are still missing, with five young girls among them.

Donald Trump and the First Lady are set to arrive in Texas on Friday to meet with first responders and victims families as questions swirl over the emergency response to the floods and whether more lives could have been saved.

Authorities vowed that one of the next steps would be investigating whether enough warnings were issued and why some camps did not evacuate or move to higher ground.

Camp Mystic was built on the banks of the Guadalupe River, a well-studied, high-risk flood zone, according to mapped data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).

Much of the camp, including a number of the cabins where the girls had been sleeping, is located in a zone with a one per cent annual chance of flooding.

Some of the cabins were located in what is known as the floodway, the main channel through which floodwaters would flow in a 100-year event. In such zones, residential construction tends to be heavily restricted or banned. However, the bunks were built long before the restrictions were put in place.

Pictures taken in the aftermath of the disaster reveal how high the floodwater reached inside the camp buildings.

Several girls who went missing in the floods were in low-lying cabins on the flats, where junior campers live  just 225ft from the river bank.

Meanwhile, senior campers were staying in nine cabins further from the river in a section known as Senior Hill.

Speaking on Monday, Ted Cruz, the Texas senator, was quick to admit that something went wrong.

The fact that you have girls asleep in their cabins when the flood waters are rising  something went wrong there. Weve got to fix that and have a better system of warning to get kids out of harms way, he told Fox News on Monday.

Although the area is volatile, the veracity and speed of the floods took authorities utterly by surprise. Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming, Judge Rob Kelly, the chief elected official in the county, said on Friday.

Chloe Childress, 19, a counsellor at Camp Mystic, died in the flooding

County officials had previously suggested flood sirens would be too extravagant and taxpayers would refuse to stump up for them.

That meant the safety of Kerr County locals  many of them out in caravans and mobile homes ahead of Fourth of July celebrations  was dependent on a flash flood text alert sent out by the National Weather Service.

There were two, at 1.14am and 4.03am local time.

In Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram and Comfort, which lie along the route of the Gaudalupe, most people were asleep.

And at Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girl summer camp in Hunt where some of the cabins were just feet from the banks of the river, guidance issued to parents suggests the children would have handed in all their electronic devices.

Reports have since emerged about delays in local weather reports that could have potentially saved lives.

Despite Kerr County sheriffs office being instructed to warn residents about the imminent flood at 4.22am, the first alert did not reach the CodeRED emergency notification system for a full 90 minutes, according to ABC.

In some cases, warning messages did not arrive until after 10am, hours after the river swelled some 26 feet in the space of 45 minutes and had already swept hundreds of people away.

When the river swelled some 26 feet in the space of 45 minutes around the time of the second alert, the results were disastrous.

Of the 121 confirmed dead so far, the vast majority were killed in Kerr County, and of those, officials confirmed 27 were either girls or counsellors staying at Camp Mystic for the summer break. At least five campers are still unaccounted for.

Some figures had spent years attempting to raise the alarm about the countys lack of flood defences.

Tom Moser, a former Kerr County commissioner, pushed to create a warning system in 2016, but said it never materialised over budget concerns.

It sort of evaporated, he told The New York Times.It just didnt happen.

The devastation inside a cabin at Camp Mystic - RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images

Campers recovered belongings at Camp Mystic - REUTERS

Another commissioner reportedly voted against approving a $50,000 (37,000) study grant for the sirens and water gauges that would have been installed along the Guadalupe.

I think this whole thing is a little extravagant for Kerr County, with sirens and such, he said, according to local media.

Taking these funds out of special projects from the road and bridge department ticks me off a little bit.

Then in 2017, the county applied to Fema for a $1 million grant for a warning system, which ended up being rejected by the government.

According to Kerr County minutes, most of the funding was sent to help communities that had been shattered by Hurricane Harvey instead.

At the time, Mr Moser called it bad news. Just how bad is only now becoming clear.

Search and rescue workers on horseback looking for survivors next to the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic - Jim Vondruska/Getty Images

Stuffed animals left behind at Camp Mystic after deadly flooding in Kerr County - Sergio Flores

As recently as October, just months before the deaths caused by last weeks brutal flooding, Kerr County documents show it deemed installing sirens along the Guadalupe River a high priority and said the devices could be installed for the relatively inexpensive sum of $1,000 (735) each.

Critics have also taken aim at Mr Trump, claiming the cuts overseen by his former ally Elon Musk as government efficiency tsar left critical positions unfilled in the National Weather Service.

Chuck Schumer, the Democrat leader in the Senate, on Monday morning called for an investigation into the cuts, and the impact they had on the response.

While several positions are vacant in Texas San Antonio and San Angelo offices, including a warning coordination meteorologist, experts have pushed back on claims that understaffing caused a delayed response.

Lila Bonner and Eliose Peck were best friends staying at Camp Mystic together

On Monday, Mr Cruz declared the floods had broken the heart of our state while warning against politicising the tragedy.

Theres a time to have political fights. Theres a time to disagree. This is not that time, he said.

For now, Texas residents remain in fear of yet more flooding, with several counties covered by warnings of varying severity.

Ron DeSantis, Floridas governor, labelled the tragedy a biblical flood. But after years of unheeded warnings and red tape, it seems the tragedy could well be the catalyst for a political reckoning.
Ian Blair, who as commissioner of the Metropolitan police led the force through some of its most tumultuous and troubled times, has died aged 72.

Blair was the first commissioner in more than 100 years to resign from his office and was hailed by the current Met commissioner as one of the most influential police leaders of recent decades.

Blair came into post as Met commissioner in February 2005 with a mission and government backing to reform Britains largest force.

But his reign as Britains top officer was thrown off course by the worst terrorist attacks ever to hit the country in July 2005.

The 7 July suicide bomb attacks killed 52 people, and was followed a fortnight later by the shooting dead of an innocent man mistaken by police for a terrorist who had tried to attack London the day before.

The scandal over the killing of Jean Charles de Menezes was the beginning of the end of Blairs commissionership.

In 2008, Boris Johnson, the newly elected mayor of London, ousted him.

The Met said Blair died on Wednesday, and it is understood he had been ill for some time.

Blair was ennobled in 2010 and spoke out about policing issues in the House of Lords.

The current Met commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, said: Lord Ians passing is a huge loss to the police family. He dedicated his life to policing and will be remembered as one of the most influential police leaders of recent decades.

Lord Ian will also be remembered for the vast contribution he made to improving our overall approach to policing and the service we provide to victims.

Born in Chester in 1953, Blair joined the Met in 1974. He was an Oxford graduate, then rare in policing. He eventually moved to Thames Valley police as assistant chief constable before becoming chief constable of Surrey police and returning to the Met in 2000 to take up the position of deputy commissioner.

Blairs death came 20 years after the month of the two biggest events of his career.

He faced strong calls for his resignation over the shooting of the innocent Brazilian electrician De Menezes on 22 July 2005, the day after terrorists had attempted a repeat attack on Londons transport system.

Coming two weeks after the 7 July London bombings, officers mistook De Menezes for a suicide bomber.

He was held down and shot repeatedly in the head by an armed officer at Stockwell tube station in south London.

Blair insisted on fighting a health and safety prosecution over the disaster and the force was found guilty by a jury of catastrophic failings.

His labelling as a liberal police officer led to rightwing papers and internal critics damning him as obsessed with political correctness. He stressed the need for neighbourhood policing, but his ideas were being undermined by a force imploding.

Some who were publicly loyal to him were privately aghast at his decisions, his behaviour and his inability to listen.

The end of his commissionership saw top officers falling out with each other and a senior Asian officer suing for racial discrimination, as the top of the force threatened to collapse into chaos.

He resigned in 2008. In his resignation letter, Blair said: It is the duty of the commissioner to lead the Met through good times and bad: to accept the burdens and pressures of office and, above all, to be a steward of the service he commands.

In his 2009 memoir, Policing Controversy, Blair warned of the dangers of political meddling in policing: A police service that serves one political party or individual is an emblem of dictatorship.
Despite the best intentions, many patients are failing to get the help they need. Photograph: Alamy

I am disappointed to read such a scathing review of Bella Jacksons book Fragile Minds (A furious assault on NHS psychiatry, 30 June). It is a difficult read, and yet I thought that Jackson wrote about her experiences with compassion for both patients and staff unwittingly caught up in erratic and overstretched services.

I am a doctor, with experience as a psychiatric patient and as a senior staff grade doctor on an acute psychiatric ward. My memoir, Unshackled Mind: A Doctors Story of Trauma, Liberation and Healing, confirms Jacksons claims that abuses do happen in these places. More subtly, there is a continued reliance on the disease-centred model of biomedical psychiatry without sufficient attention paid to the circumstances and adversities suffered by patients before they ever came in contact with psychiatry. As a result, my own early trauma was unaddressed for more than 20 years, while I was subjected to increasingly damaging interventions, including electroconvulsive therapy and even a cingulotomy. It is only since leaving psychiatry that I have been able to recover.

Jacksons book is a reminder that despite the best intentions, many patients are failing to get the help they need in a fundamentally flawed psychiatric system.

Dr Cathy Wield

Abingdon, Oxfordshire

 I am writing to congratulate Dr Rachel Clarke for her excellent rebuttal of Bella Jacksons assault on the failings of modern psychiatry. I have worked as the head of mental health law for a large NHS trust for 35 years, and as a frequent visitor to mental health wards, entirely agree that Jacksons views are at odds with my experience. I was last on a secure, forensic mental health ward just a few days ago  with incredibly challenging patients.

All the staff I encountered were not only humane, but kind, compassionate and caring. Ive also worked in roles where I visited many hospitals and have almost without exception experienced the same. Our mental health nurses and psychiatrists, as well as so many others, go out of their way to display the same values.

I am far from naive, and recognise that there is a tiny minority of individuals who fail to live up to the same core values. Over decades I have witnessed interactions where psychiatrists, nurses and others are challenged to a degree that might seem almost impossible to cope with, but they rise to the challenge with great skill, kindness and compassion, in line with their respective professional codes of conduct.

Kevin Towers

Head of mental health law and data protection officer, West London NHS Trust

 Im writing in response to the review by Rachel Clarke, especially the suggestion that the memoir is scaremongering. I am a consultant clinical psychologist with more than 20 years experience in the NHS across several London-based trusts. I train people, including ward staff and crisis services, in working effectively with people with personality disorder. Similar stories to those that Bella Jackson relates are reported to me and colleagues regularly. I dont doubt the veracity of Jacksons complaint, nor that NHS mental health is in a dire state; it is interesting that Clarke does, given her admission of relatively scant mental health experience.

Name and address supplied

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Gareth Bale has revealed the investment group he is working with has tabled a new offer to take full control of Cardiff.

Former Tottenham and Real Madrid star Bale, 35, believes he is the right person to lead the League One club back to the Premier League.

Speaking on Front Office Sports Today, Bale said: We have a brand-new offer on the table which has recently just gone in.

EXCLUSIVE: Gareth Bales group has submitted a new offer to buy Cardiff City FC in his home country of Wales, he tells FOS Today. Full story  https://t.co/Ry1qHON4a2 Presented by @Atlassian pic.twitter.com/vjarCc7kGy  Front Office Sports Today (@FOS_Today) July 10, 2025

We think its a great offer. We are very happy. We think it is very fair, if not more than fair, and its something that we hope the current owners will take serious.

We would love them to accept so we can take full control and get on with what we want to do and create Cardiff into the club that we know it can be.

A source close to the former Wales captain told the PA news agency last month that Bale would not be content to be a bit-part player in any takeover.

Asked what sort of role Bale might take on, the source said: A very significant one. He is not going to be a bit-part player. This is a guy who has been super-successful and doesnt need to put his name to something just for the sake of it.

He would be heavily involved. He believes he is the right person for this. Cardiff is the only club he wants to do a deal for. Nows the time, with the club in the doldrums, to put some TLC into the club and get them back to the Premier League.

Vincent Tan is the current owner of League One Cardiff (Simon Galloway/PA)

The Bale consortium is believed to feature both British and American investors.

However, it is understood Bales camp accepts the decision to sell ultimately rests with Cardiff owner Vincent Tan.

If (Tan) is willing to sell it, there is no better person as far as custodianship, and with the correct intentions to the place, than Gareth, the source close to Bale said.

The PA news agency has approached Cardiff for comment.
The Royal Gallery at the Houses of Parliament in London, with The Meeting of Wellington and Blucher After the Battle of Waterloo by Daniel Maclise on the wall on the left. Photograph: Hannah McKay/AFP/Getty

The painting of Wellington meeting Blucher by Daniel Maclise in the Royal Gallery shows the scene after the battle of Waterloo and not, as John Crace (The politics sketch, 8 July) suggests, before the battle: hence the gruesomely detailed portrayal of dead, dying and wounded soldiers. It reflects the equally poignant portrayal of the death of Nelson opposite, amid the stress and chaos of naval warfare. They are anti-war pictures, surprisingly.

Sir David Natzler

Clerk of the House of Commons, 2015-19

 Adrian Chiles (Is there anything more British than an underwhelming boast on a sign?, 10 July) reminds me that in the 1980s I proudly declared myself Keighleys foremost DJ  a title no one else had the cheek to claim.

Ian Garner

Keighley, West Yorkshire

 A failing company planning to pay four of its managers a bonus of nearly three times their salary if they dont leave the firm for a year (Thames Water refuses to claw back bonuses paid using 3bn emergency loan, 9 July)? Talk about taking the water!

David Duell

Durham

 I bet you didnt realise your photo of Drummond Castle (Eyewitness, 11 July) came with a free game  spot the robotic lawnmower. Clue: its orange (only one in the photo but they have several quietly grazing away all day).

Bev Harrison

Sunderland

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
The Kremlin appeared unfazed by Donald Trumps comments, saying it was awaiting his major announcement - Mikhail Metzel

Donald Trump is poised to back a major new sanctions bill that threatens to cripple Russias economy.

The US president said he would be making a major statement about Russia on Monday after growing increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin in recent weeks.

It comes after Mr Trump promised to send a new weapons package to Ukraine  the first of his presidency, which includes Patriot air defence systems.

Mr Trump did not elaborate further on what his statement next week will cover, though it comes as a bipartisan Russian sanctions bill, championed by Republican senator Lindsey Graham, gains momentum in the Senate.

Mr Trump also said that he would be sending his first weapons package to Ukraine via Nato - David Allignon/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

Mr Graham, who is close with the president, was in Rome on Thursday for a meeting of the coalition of the willing, along with Keith Kellogg, Mr Trumps envoy for Ukraine. It was the first time any US officials had joined such talks.

A statement from the coalition, which thanked Lt Gen Kellogg and Mr Graham for attending, said leaders agreed to step up action against Russias war economy, including the so-called shadow fleet that Putin uses to circumvent Western sanctions.

The bill put forward by Mr Graham introduces a wide range of direct and indirect restrictions on Russia. In particular, it includes asset freezes and bans on transactions for Russian officials, military personnel, oligarchs, and others who support the armed forces.

Additionally, it would ban the export of energy products from the US to Russia and prohibit investments in the Russian energy sector.

The document imposes sanctions on key banks including the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, and Gazprombank.

Mr Trump suggested earlier this week that he was looking at the bill, and said the Senate could potentially pass it totally at [his] option.

The president also told NBC News on Thursday that he would be sending his first weapons package to Ukraine via Nato.

Ukraine has so far only received weapons from the US that had already been approved by Joe Biden, Mr Trumps predecessor.

So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to Nato, and then Nato is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and Nato is paying for those weapons, Mr Trump said.

Russia has stepped up its attacks in recent weeks, consistently firing a record number of missiles and drones every few days - IGOR TKACHENKO/EPA/Shutterstock

The package is set to include crucial Patriot missile interceptors, which are used by Ukraine to defend cities against major Russian attacks.

The president has grown increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin in public in recent weeks, accusing the Russian president of peddling bulls--- over wanting to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine.

We get a lot of bulls--- thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth, he said during a meeting with Cabinet officials at the White House.

Russia has stepped up its attacks against Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, consistently firing a record number of missiles and drones every few days.

Two people were killed and 28 injured as Russia continued to pound Kyiv into the early hours of Thursday morning.

Air raid alerts rang out through the city for six hours overnight, with locals reporting the sound of drones and ballistic missiles.

A Russian drone barrage also targeted the centre of Kharkiv yesterday morning, injuring nine people and damaging a maternity hospital in Ukraines second-largest city.

The Kremlin appeared unfazed by Mr Trumps comments, telling reporters it was awaiting his major announcement.

Dmitry Peskov, Putins spokesman, also hit out at Emmanuel Macron after he said plans to send a peacekeeping force to Ukraine were ready, should Moscow and Kyiv agree to a ceasefire.

The presence of foreign troops near our borders is unacceptable to us, Putins spokesman said, accusing European leaders of a pattern of militaristic anti-Russian sentiment.

UK and France have agreed to train Kyivs troops under scaled-back proposals for a new multinational force Ukraine - Sofiia Gatilova/REUTERS

It came after Britain and France announced on Thursday plans to police Ukraines skies and seas in the event of a ceasefire.

The two nations will also help train Kyivs troops under scaled-back proposals for a new multinational force Ukraine.

Announcing the plans, Sir Keir Starmer said the mission would be headquartered in Paris for the first year of operations, before being rotated to London.

The measures are a step down from the original plans tabled for the coalition of the willing of nations, which would have seen tens of thousands of European troops deployed to protect Ukraines cities, critical infrastructure, and nuclear power plants.

02:29 PM BST

Thats all for today

Thanks for following our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Heres a reminder of what happened today:

Donald Trump promised to make a major announcement about Russia on Monday

Russia continued to strike major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, in overnight drone attacks

The Kremlin hit out at Emmanuel Macron after Britain and France announced they would police the skies in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire

Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine, said he would be visiting Kyiv on Monday

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis.

02:01 PM BST

Pictured: Putin meets Belgorod governor in Moscow

Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov in Moscow - via REUTERS

01:30 PM BST

Trump envoy to visit Ukraine next week

Keith Kellogg, Donald Trumps special envoy for Russia-Ukraine, will arrive in Kyiv on Monday for a week-long visit, Ukrainian media Novyny.LIVE reported on Friday.

Well be in Kyiv Monday. Well be there all week, he told a Novyny.LIVE journalist, as shown in a video on its website, while on the sidelines of conference about Ukraine in Rome.

01:02 PM BST

Boost long-range missile production, US army general tells Nato

Nato will need more long-range missiles in its arsenal to deter Russia from attacking Europe because Moscow is expected to increase production of long-range weapons, a US army general told Reuters.

Russias use of long-range missiles in its war in Ukraine has convinced Western military officials of their importance for destroying command posts, transportation hubs and missile launchers far behind enemy lines.

The Russian army is bigger today than it was when they started the war in Ukraine, Major General John Rafferty said in an interview at a US military base in Wiesbaden, Germany.

And we know that theyre going to continue to invest in long-range rockets and missiles and sophisticated air defences. So more alliance capability is really, really important.

12:23 PM BST

Aftermath of Russian drone attack in Kharkiv

Ukrainian experts work at the site of a drone strike in Kharkiv - Shutterstock Editorial

12:05 PM BST

Trump promises major statement on Russia

Donald Trump has said he will make a major statement about Russia on Monday after growing increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin in recent weeks.

Amid a ramp up of Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, the US president labelled his Russian counterpart crazy and accused him of speaking bulls.

I think Ill have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday, he told NBC News, without elaborating further.

Mr Trump could be referring to a major sanctions bill, drawn up by pro-Ukraine senator Lindsey Graham, which is expected to soon come to a vote in Congress.

The president also confirmed that the US would send a new weapons package to Ukraine, the first of his administration.

He described what he saw as a new deal between the US and Nato, which would buy weapons from Washington before sending them to Ukraine.

So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to Nato, and then Nato is going to be giving those weapons to Ukraine, and Nato is paying for those weapons, Mr Trump said.

11:29 AM BST

Moscow hits out at European peacekeeping plans

The Kremlin has singled out Emmanuel Macron after he said plans to send a peacekeeping force to Ukraine were ready should Moscow and Kyiv agree to a ceasefire.

The presence of foreign troops near our borders is unacceptable to us, Peskov said, accusing European leaders of a pattern of militaristic anti-Russian sentiment.

We reported earlier that Britain and France will police Ukraines skies and seas in the event of a ceasefire deal being signed with Russia (see 8.01 post).

11:08 AM BST

Kremlin awaits major statement from Trump

Russia is awaiting the major statement that Donald Trump announced he would deliver on Monday, a Kremlin spokesman said this morning.

The US president told NBC News on Thursday that he will make a major statement on Russia on Monday, without elaborating what it will be about.

When asked about the new Nato weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putins spokesman, called it just business as Kyiv had already been receiving weapons prior to this development.

Peskov also said Moscow was waiting for proposals from Ukraine ahead of a new round of talks.

10:54 AM BST

Trailer released for new film on failed Ukrainian counter-offensive

Mystslav Chernov made his name through reporting from inside Mariupol as the Russians besieged the city. 20 Days in Mariupol, the film he produced from that time, won the Oscar for best documentary last year.

His latest centres on the failed Ukrainian counter-offensive of 2023, reaching right to the front line and revealing the agonies of the soldiers tasked with breaking through Russias defences.

2000 meters to Andriivka premieres on August 1 in the UK, but tickets are still available for a Q+A with the director on July 17 in London.

In the trailer, Chernovs eye for detail immediately comes to the fore: a soldiers eyes are wet, illuminated by the thin window slit in an armoured vehicle. Anothers hands shake as he picks up bullets. This former Associated Press reporters films bring us about as close as it is possible to get to the war, and the people who fight it.

Im looking forward to taking my seat. Films like this are rare for good reason.

Finally, the trailer for '2000 METERS TO ANDRIIVKA' by @mstyslavchernov I was honored to work on this as a translator, with @frontlinepbs.



The film will be screening in UK and Irish cinemas starting August 1st.



Tickets: https://t.co/EuwJgptbwQ pic.twitter.com/xEYMhUgapO   Denford  (@TetyanaUkrainka) July 10, 2025

10:25 AM BST

Russia claims village in eastern Ukraine

Russian defence ministry said on Friday its forces captured the village of Zelena Dolyna in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region.

10:01 AM BST

Lavrov confirmed Putins position in Rubio meeting

Sergei Lavrov said this morning that he outlined Vladimir Putins position on settling the Ukraine war during a meeting with Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, the day before.

We discussed Ukraine. We confirmed the position that President Putin had outlined, including in his July 3 conversation with President Trump, the Russian foreign minister told state media on the sidelines of an Asean meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

For his part, Mr Rubio said he told Mr Lavrov that he was disappointed with progress to end the war in a frank conversation.

09:22 AM BST

Germany to buy more F-35 fighter jets from US

Germany plans to buy 15 additional F-35 fighter jets from the US, according to a report in Politico.

So far, Germany has ordered 35 F-35s to replace a total of 85 ageing Tornado fighter jets that will be decommissioned.

A military source told Reuters that the figure of 15 additional F-35 jets had been part of previous considerations, but that the numbers needed to be adapted after Natos new targets for weapons and troop numbers.

09:00 AM BST

Ukraine drone attack kills two, says Russia

Ukraines overnight and early morning drone attacks killed two people in Russia and attempted to hit targets in Moscow, authorities have said.

Russian air defences downed 155 Ukrainian drones between 11pm Thursday and 7am Friday, including 11 bound for Moscow, the Russian defence ministry said.

Three of the four airports serving the Russian capital, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky, temporarily suspended operations but later resumed.

08:21 AM BST

Pictured: Russian attack on maternity hospital in Kharkiv

A Russian drone barrage targeted the centre of Kharkiv this morning, injuring nine people and damaging a maternity hospital in Ukraines second-largest city, officials said.

Mothers with newborns were being evacuated to a different medical facility, the local mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on Telegram. He didnt say whether anyone at the hospital was among the injured.

A view shows a building hit by a Russian drone strike in downtown Kharkiv - REUTERS

A resident holds her baby inside an ambulance during an evacuation from a maternity hospital in Kharkiv - REUTERS

08:01 AM BST

Britain to police Ukraines skies if Russia agrees to ceasefire

Britain and France will police Ukraines skies and seas in the event of a ceasefire deal being signed with Russia.

The two nations will also help train Kyivs troops under scaled-back proposals for a new Multinational Force Ukraine.

Announcing the plans, Sir Keir Starmer said the mission would be headquartered in Paris for the first year of operations, before being rotated to London.

The measures are a step down from the original plans tabled for the Coalition of the Willing of nations, which would have seen tens of thousands of European troops deployed to protect Ukraines cities, critical infrastructure and nuclear power plants.

07:46 AM BST

US officials join Coalition of the Willing talks for first time

US officials joined Coalition of the Willing talks for the first time in Rome on Thursday.

Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, two Republican senators, held a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky and his team in the Italian capital.

Im grateful for their participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference, as well as in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. It is important that the United States joined this format  for the first time, Mr Zelensky said.

I had a good meeting with U.S. Senators @LindseyGrahamSC and @SenBlumenthal. I'm grateful for their participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference, as well as in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. It is important that the United States joined this format  for the pic.twitter.com/SmAdgSbznM  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 10, 2025

07:27 AM BST

Ukrainian drone secrets stolen by snooping Europeans

Unscrupulous European drone makers are faking battlefield tests and trying to steal the secrets of Ukrainian firms, according to the head of a major local manufacturer.

Roman Knyazhenko, the chief executive of Skyeton, accused some Western defence manufacturers of claiming their weapons were combat tested after short flights conducted away from the front line.

As a result, European governments have invested billions of pounds in systems that do not work in reality, taking resources away from the defence of their own nations and support for Ukraine.

Mr Knyazhenko said drone makers would visit his firm with proposals of co-operation, only to use the time to try to snoop on its secrets.

Engineers from the Skyeton company launch their flagship Raybird drone - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

07:17 AM BST

Two killed as Russia continues to pound Kyiv

Two people were killed and 28 injured as Russia continued to pound Kyiv in a major attack for the second night in a row.

Air raid alerts rang out through the city for six hours overnight, with locals reporting the sound of drones and ballistic missiles.

It is not clear how many Russian drones and missiles were fired at Ukraine overnight though it was the second major attack on the Ukrainian capital in as many days.

Russia has stepped up its attacks against major cities in recent months, repeatedly breaking records for the number of missiles and drones in a single night.

07:12 AM BST

Trump to send first weapons package to Ukraine

Donald Trump announced plans to send his first weapons package to Ukraine since returning to the White House in January.

The US president said weapons would be sold to Nato before being sent on to Kyiv.

Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%. So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons, Mr Trump said.

We send weapons to NATO, and NATO is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons, he added.

His team is expected to identify weapons from US stockpiles under the presidential drawdown authority, which allows the president to draw arms from stocks to help allies in an emergency.

It was frequently used by his predecessor, Joe Biden.

The package, which is expected to be worth around $300m, could include crucial Patriot missiles and offensive medium-range rockets.

07:10 AM BST

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Well bring you the latest news and analysis throughout the day.
Actor Jake Wood is heading back to EastEnders as Max Branning, describing his return as coming home.

The 52-year-old left the BBC soap in 2021 when his characters affair with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) ended, after she revealed her true feelings for her husband Mick (Danny Dyer).

Maxs return to the soap comes after it was announced that his son Oscar would also return to the soap, played by Pierre Moullier, after eight years away, having previously been portrayed by Gabriel Miller-Williams, Neo Hall and Charlee Hall.

Max will return to the show after his son Oscars return was recently announced (BBC/PA)

Wood said: Im over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so Im sure hell be busy.

Im excited to see what hes been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the square are anything to go by, Im sure there will be plenty of chaos.

One of Maxs best-known storylines in the soap saw his long-running affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) revealed on Christmas Day in 2007, while he was dressed as Father Christmas.

Max will return to Albert Square to find his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) expected to marry into the Beales, Stacey widowed, and a secret daughter with ex-lover Linda yet to be discovered.

Speaking on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Wood said his return to the show was quite emotional and added it felt like a very warm hug.

He said: I just felt like it was the right time.

I spoke to so many people there, theyre just loving being there at the moment, I had a meeting with the new executive, Ben Wadey, back in January, and we went for lunch, and he just sort of outlined all of his ideas.

He continued: Theres just so many characters that Max has got drama with, so it felt like the right time to go back and mix things up a bit.

Wood went on to say his characters return would be high, high, high drama and added that it would not be friendly and warm.

EastEnders executive producer Wadey said: Im delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning.

Whilst his character has only been away from Albert Square for four years, Walford, and the lives of those who live in it, have changed immensely.

Max has a lot of unfinished business, but whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen.

However, with a past as chequered as Maxs, its fair to say that many Walford residents will not be pleased to see him, putting the Brannings back at the heart of the square, and the drama, this year.

Woods character first arrived in Walford in June 2006, bringing his then wife Tanya and their daughters Lauren and Abi (Lorna Fitzgerald) with him.

Max will return briefly in autumn, before making a permanent return later in the year.
A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, on Thursday - Gareth Fuller/PA

Dozens of migrants avoided French police and crossed the Channel in small boats hours after Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer agreed a one-in, one-out returns scheme to try to break the operations of people-smuggling gangs.

Inflatable dinghies packed with mostly young men from East Africa and the Middle East were launched off beaches between Dunkirk and Boulogne towards British waters in the early hours of Friday morning.

Two Border Force vessels, Defender and Hurricane, which can carry up to 95 people each, were later seen arriving at Dover with large groups of migrants, including a small number of women and children, on board.

The Coastguard confirmed that it was dealing with multiple incidents in the Channel and that an RNLI lifeboat from Dungeness had been deployed to assist.

It comes after Sir Keir, the Prime Minister, and Mr Macron, the president of France, agreed on Thursday evening to trial a scheme in which migrants arriving on small boats from France will be denied asylum and detained under powers enabling their claims to be declared inadmissible because they have arrived from a safe country.

They will then be returned to France as soon as possible.

In return, a similar number of migrants of any nationality in France will be allowed to claim asylum in the UK via an online platform.

The Government has not confirmed the precise number of migrants to be returned, but estimates from French authorities suggest up to 50 a week, or the equivalent of 2,600 in a year.

So far this year, 21,147 people travelling on 362 inflatable boats have successfully made the crossing, according to official figures.

This does not include the hundreds of migrants who smuggled themselves into the UK on Thursday on dinghies launched from Dunkirk and Wissant beaches.

At 5am on Thursday, The Telegraph encountered two squads of gendarmes dressed in tactical gear and armed with handguns patrolling Ambleteuse, a seaside commune in Pas-de-Calais and a smuggling hub.

We are here specifically for migrants, one gendarme told the Telegraph before walking along the beach dotted with Second World War German bunkers.

Marc Allegre, a spokesman for a French police union, admitted that monitoring the entire coast was an impossible task.



He said: Weve known the instructions for years. We have to stop the boats from leaving. Were short of people; we cant patrol 200km of coastline seven days a week.

More than 1,200 police and gendarmes have been deployed along the French coast and are funded, in part, by the UK government.

In March 2023, Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister, promised Mr Macrons government 500 million towards recruiting 500 extra officers over the subsequent three years and the construction of a new detention facility.

A Home Office spokesman said: We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.

The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay, and we will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice. That is why this Government has put together a serious plan to take down these networks at every stage.

Through international intelligence sharing under our Border Security Command, enhanced enforcement operations in Northern France and tougher legislation in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, we are strengthening international partnerships and boosting our ability to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal gangs whilst strengthening the security of our borders.
More than 80 jobs have been lost a Fife-based manufacturing company after the announcement bus firm Alexander Dennis could move its operations south of the border.

Greenfold Systems, based in Dunfermline, built parts for buses, with the Falkirk-based Alexander Dennis being a major customer for the firm.

But on Thursday, administrators were called in, with 81 of the 90 jobs at the company axed, with the remaining staff kept on temporarily.

Alexander Dennis announced last month the launch of a consultation which could eventually see 400 jobs lost in the area if the companys operations were consolidated into a single site in Yorkshire.

The consultation has since been extended by two weeks and will close on August 15, with the company assuring MSPs the decision was not a done deal.

But it has already had a knock-on impact on the supply chain with the collapse of Greenfold.

Callum Carmichael, a joint administrator for the firm and a partner at FRP Advisory, said: Greenfold Systems was a well-regarded business that had carved out a specialist role in the commercial vehicle supply chain.

Unfortunately, the loss of a major customer contract had an immediate and severe impact on its financial position.

Our priority now is to support the affected employees and to maximise returns for creditors.

Scottish business minister Richard Lochhead said: I am very disappointed to learn that Greenfold Systems Ltd has entered into administration.

This will clearly be a very difficult time for workforce and their families.

The people affected by this announcement are our immediate priority and the Scottish Government will do everything in its power to help those affected through our initiative for responding to potential redundancy situations.

We continue to explore all viable options to support Alexander Dennis Ltd, its workforce and the wider businesses and communities they support.

We are doing this at pace and in close collaboration with the company, trade unions, Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the UK Government.

Alexander Dennis has been contacted for comment.
US diplomats do not officially engage with Min Aung Hlaing or the ruling junta. Photograph: Aung Shine Oo/AP

Myanmars military leader has praised Donald Trump and asked him to lift sanctions, as the junta sought to capitalise on a tariff letter from the US president believed to be Washingtons first public recognition of its rule.

Min Aung Hlaing, who has been in power since a 2021 coup, expressed his sincere appreciation for Trumps letter, which threatened a tariff of 40% on its goods, and commended the US president for his strong leadership and for guiding the US toward national prosperity with the spirit of a true patriot.

US diplomats do not officially engage with Min Aung Hlaing or the ruling junta, which seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. It was among a tranche of almost identical letters sent by Trump to world leaders on Monday.

This is the first public formal recognition that Ive seen, said Richard Horsey, a senior Myanmar adviser for the International Crisis Group, describing it as a gift to the regime.

Letters might previously have been sent privately, he added, but it was highly unlikely these would have been from Trump. He said the military regime was seeking to use it as a diplomatic opportunity to get some sort of renormalisation with the US through the back door.

In his response to Trump, Min Aung Hlaing drew a parallel between the Myanmar election of November 2020  won in a landslide by Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy  and the US presidential election of the same month, won by Joe Biden, reiterating baseless claims of election fraud in relation to both votes.

The military leader wrote: Similar to the challenges you encountered during the 2020 election of the United States, we also experienced major electoral fraud and significant irregularities.

The junta leader thanked the president for regulating broadcasting agencies and funds. Trump has cut funding to Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, which have provided independent coverage of the conflict in Myanmar and relentless human rights atrocities committed by the military.

Min Aung Hlaing faces sanctions from the US for his role in both the deadly crackdown against the Rohingya minority, which is now the subject of a genocide case in the international court of justice, and the 2021 coup, which plunged Myanmar into civil war.

Min Aung Hlaing asked Trump to reconsider easing and lifting the economic sanctions imposed on Myanmar, and sought a tariff of 10%-20%, offering rates of 0%-10% on US exports to Myanmar in exchange.

Whether Trump will be persuaded by Min Aung Hlaings response remains to be seen. Horsey noted the letter was a pedestrian effort compared with those of other countries  including Pakistan and Israel, which have nominated Trump for a Nobel peace prize.



It is understood that the US continues to call for Myanmars military regime to cease its violence, release political prisoners, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and begin genuine dialogue with opposition groups. The US says its tariff policy will level the playing field for American farmers and manufacturers.
Benjamin Netanyahu met with Donald Trump twice during his visit to Washington DC - Graeme Sloan/2025 Bloomberg Finance LP

Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was ready to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during a 60-day truce but only if it was demilitarised.

The Israeli prime minister delivered his comments shortly before flying home from Washington.

His two meetings with Donald Trump had raised hopes of a breakthrough to their highest level in months, but he leaves with little sign of progress.

At the beginning of this ceasefire, we will enter negotiations for a permanent end to the war, he said in a video message, adding that Israels key demand was that Hamas lays down its weapons and no longer has governing or military capabilities.

If this can be achieved through negotiations, great. If it cannot be achieved through negotiations within 60 days, we will achieve it through other means, by using force, the force of our heroic army, he added.

His words illustrate one of the barriers to implementing a ceasefire.

Credit: Fox Business Networks Mornings with Maria

Shortly before welcoming Mr Netanayhu to the White House on Monday, Mr Trump said he was hoping for an agreement before the end of the week.

At the same time, the two sides have been holding indirect negotiations in Qatar where Hamas officials have agreed to free 10 of 20 hostages still alive in captivity.

But among the sticking points are its demand for the free flow of aid into Gaza, Israels military withdrawal from the territory, and guarantees of a lasting peace.

Earlier in the day, Mr Netanyahu attended a memorial service for two Israeli embassy staffers who were shot dead in May.

Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, were colleagues who had been on the verge of getting engaged.

Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were shot dead in May - Embassy of Israel to the USA via X/REUTERS

A suspect was arrested in the shootings and shouted Free Palestine as he was led away.

We embrace you with all our hearts, said Mr Netanyahu. Yaron and Sarah, beloved in life and inseparable in death.

Israels campaign in Gaza has killed more than 57,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, since Hamas launched its deadly October 7 attack in 2023.

On Thursday, an Israeli airstrike killed 10 children and six adults near a medical centre in the central Gaza Strip, local authorities said.

American officials remain hopeful that progress can be made soon.

Were closer than weve been in quite a while, and were hopeful, but we also recognise theres still some challenges in the way, Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said at the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Specialist teams were deployed to search the lake - British News and Media / Alamy Live News

The body of a teenage boy has been recovered from a lake in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police said emergency services were called to a lake in Sutton Park on Thursday evening after the boy went missing in the water just after 6pm.

Specialist teams were deployed from fire and rescue, the ambulance service and Birmingham city council to search Powells Pool.

Boat crews could be seen on the water on Thursday night using torches to search for the boy, BirminghamLive reported.

A force spokesman said: Sadly this has resulted in the boys body being found and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

His death is not being treated as suspicious at this time and we are liaising with the coroner.

The force said it was supporting the family of the boy.

Powells Pool, which is around 28 acres in size, has been sealed off with police tape.

It is the largest of seven man-made lakes in Sutton Park, a nature reserve in Sutton Coldfield, and is used for sailing, canoeing and fishing.

Swimming in the lake is not allowed or encouraged by Birmingham city council unless specific permission has been sought and granted, according to BirminghamLive.
The Al-Manar Centre aims to advance Islamic education and foster community relationships and religious harmony - Alamy

A watchdogs decision to issue a formal warning against a mosque that glorified Hamas has been labelled a scandalous failure.

The Charity Commission has faced criticism for allowing the Al-Manar Centre Trust to continue operating with a slap on the wrist after it shared a video on Facebook supporting the proscribed organisation.

The footage, shared by the Cardiff-based Trust in November 2023, included an artificially generated image of a paraglider landing on the Temple Mount  which could have been perceived as a reference to the October 7 attacks on southern Israel.

The Charity Commission launched an investigation into the post, which resulted in a formal warning for misconduct and mismanagement by the trustees.

In the inquirys view, the video  which was not produced by or for the charity  contained content that presented a positive image of Hamas and its attack on Israel.

Glorification of terrorism

The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) labelled the decision to issue a formal warning as a scandalous failure of charity regulation.

A spokesman told The Telegraph: This organisation appears to have taken their favourite image from the worst antisemitic massacre since the Holocaust and romanticised it by associating it with the Temple Mount... and all it gets is a formal warning? That is absolutely shocking.

Reasonable people might well interpret this footage and rhetoric as a glorification of terrorism, and possibly even encouragement. For an incident that should be reviewed to consider whether it crosses the criminal threshold, how can the outcome be that the charity is simply allowed to continue to operate with a slap on the wrist?

We cannot possibly tackle extremism in this country if all we are prepared to do is wag a finger at those potentially radicalising others.

They added that the police should be investigating the incident and the government should demand answers of the Charity Commission.

Responding to the CAA, a spokesman for the Charity Commission said we are not a prosecuting authority and confirmed it had referred the allegations of criminal activity to the police.

Justice as their slogan

They added: Extremism has no place in charity and we take very seriously any alleged links between a charity and extremism or terrorism.

Such links are abhorrent, and corrosive to the trust on which the charitable sector depends.

In the very rare cases where it occurs, we will take action within the powers granted to us by Parliament... Statutory Orders and Official Warnings are serious regulatory interventions, and since we issued both to the trustees of Al-Manar Centre Trust they have complied with our directions over the charitys social media use.

Al-Manar Centre Trust, which operates a mosque in Cardiff, has objectives that include advancing Islamic education and fostering community relationships and religious harmony.

The inquiry was told that the charitys chairman, who was the only trustee responsible for managing the charitys social media content, posted the video after listening to its audio, believing it aligned with the charitys objectives.

In the film, a narrator, speaking in Arabic, draws a contrast between the Muslim fighters in Gaza who take justice as their slogan and their usurping enemies, criminals of war... Zionists, who take destruction as their slogan.

The narrator goes on to argue that the Israel-Gaza war had been presented falsely, in which the victim had been confused with the perpetrator who is killing prisoners and mutilating civilians.

The inquiry concluded the video was likely to lead an ordinary member of the public to infer that the charity was supportive of and or glorified terrorism.

It also said trustees, at the time the video was posted, failed to undertake adequate diligence and monitoring of online content posted by the charity.

The Al-Manar Centre Trust said the incident was the result of genuine human error which has since been addressed through new policies and training.

A spokesman added: At no point was there any intention by the charity or its trustees to promote or glorify any proscribed organisation.

The trustees have cooperated fully with the inquiry and remain committed to good governance and serving the community.

Reputational damage

Despite receiving regulatory advice in 2014 on protecting the charity from extremist abuse, the commission found that the trustees had failed to implement adequate social media controls.

In October last year, the regulator made an order directing the trustees to take actions on the charitys use of its website and social media, which included a review of all material on its platforms.

Joshua Farbridge, the head of compliance visits and inspections at the commission, said after the inquirys findings were announced: A charitys reputation can be severely damaged in an instant through reckless use of social media.

Our inquiry concluded that the conduct of the trustees fell below the standards expected of them. Inadequate controls over social media led to the sharing of harmful content, and there is no excuse for failing to properly review content before it is shared by a charity.

Our swift intervention, which included an official warning and a legal order requiring specific action to be taken, underscores the commissions firm commitment to ensuring charities are not misused in supporting or glorifying terrorism.

South Wales Police has been contacted for comment.
The signatories reportedly call for an immediate halt to any negotiations over the future of the Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles - Mike Kemp

The British Museum could face legal action unless it abandons covert and ideological negotiations with Greece over the Elgin Marbles, The Telegraph can reveal.

Liz Truss, the former prime minister, has backed written demands submitted to the museum that call on trustees to immediately end ongoing talks over the 2,500-year-old sculptures.

Academics, peers and party leaders have supported the letter submitted by the Great British Political Action Committee, a coalition of politicians and activists.

The group has warned that it could take legal action against the British Museum and secure an injunction to block any deal to return the Marbles to Athens.

Sir Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, have been called upon to halt all discussions about the transfer of the ancient artworks.

Since 2021, George Osborne, the museums chairman, has been conducting negotiations with the Greek government over the potential repatriation of the Marbles.

The ancient statues, plaques and frieze sections were taken from the Acropolis by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, and Greece has long maintained that they were stolen and should be returned.

The British Museum, which bought the artefacts from Lord Elgin, maintains that the aristocrat had permission to remove the artworks and were therefore legally acquired.

Lord Elgin stated he removed the sculptures with the permission of the Ottoman authorities in Athens - Science & Society Picture Library/SSPL/Science Museum

A letter addressed to the museum, and seen by The Telegraph, has claimed that Mr Osbornes ongoing talks are self-serving and a betrayal of the duty to preserve cultural treasures for the benefit of the British public.

It states: Trustees of public institutions have legal and fiduciary obligations to the British people, not to foreign governments with whom they may privately sympathise.

These obligations include transparency, consultation, and above all, fidelity to the law.

What we are witnessing instead is covert negotiation, driven by ideology and personal ambition.

The letter continues: Negotiating away cultural property held in trust  especially under conditions of opacity, foreign influence, and political lobbying, risks a clear and actionable breach of duty.

Lord Biggar, Lord Moylan, Lord Hannan, and a string of former Tory MPs have backed the demands for talks to be abandoned immediately, along with William Clouston, the Social Democrat leader and academics Dr David Starkey and Prof Robert Tombs.

George Osborne has been negotiating with the Greek government over potential reparations since 2021 - Jack Taylor/Getty Images

The letter makes clear that legal action could be taken to secure an injunction to block any deal over the Marbles.

There are various options on the table, including a civil case and a judicial review of any export licence issued for the Marbles by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Signatories have also backed demands for a review to look into the details of the negotiations, which have been held behind closed doors, and for the British Museum to commit to serving the interests of the public over the wishes of foreign states.

The British Museum has been told: This is no longer a discussion of curatorial best practice  it is a full-scale political operation, and one that threatens the principles underpinning our national heritage institutions.

The Marbles were likely created by the famed sculptor Phidias to adorn the Parthenon in the golden age of fifth-century Athens - Louisa Gouliakmaki/AFP

The Marbles were created, likely by the famed sculptor Phidias, to adorn the Parthenon in Athens in the fifth century BC.

They are of huge national importance to Greece, and talks over their return have been overseen by figures at the highest level of the Greek government. But these negotiations have reached a stalemate.

The only apparent solution would be for the UK government to change the law binding the British Museum  the British Museum Act 1963  but Labour has no intention of doing so.

Chris Bryant, the arts minister, said in April that as far as he was concerned, the British Museum could only offer a loan, and his department could only issue an expert licence for a maximum of three years.

A three-year loan offer would be unacceptable to Greece, as any loan would require a legal recognition of the British Museums ownership, and the Greek government believes the Marbles were stolen by Lord Elgin.

High-level sources have suggested that Mr Osborne and the Greek team are seeking to strike a bespoke deal that would allow a transfer without crossing the red lines of either party.

It is hoped that a future Parthenon Partnership could ensure that Britain receives a vast number of ancient Greek artefacts in return for the Marbles.

Mr Osborne has been very open to loan deals for artefacts in the British Museum, and sought to cool tensions by sending a hoard of Asante artefacts back to Ghana in a historic loan deal.

The museum said: Discussions with Greece about a Parthenon Partnership are ongoing and constructive.

We believe that this kind of long-term partnership would strike the right balance between sharing our greatest objects with audiences around the world, and maintaining the integrity of the incredible collection we hold at the museum.

The renewed row over the Marbles comes following The Telegraphs revelation that the Bayeux Tapestry would be returning to England for the first time in 900 years, and would be held in the British Museum.

A loan deal for the embroidered record of the 1066 Norman Conquest was announced during Emmanuel Macrons state visit to the UK.
Assisted dying is set to be available to eligible patients by 2029 after it was passed by the House of Commons in June - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Getty Images

The Archbishop of York has said that authority over death belongs to God alone as he criticised the Assisted Dying Bill.

In his opening address to the General Synod, the Church of Englands legislative body, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell said that the Church must withstand popular opinion that risks making assisted dying a reality.

He warned that legalising assisted dying change[s] forever the contract between doctor and patient, pressurising the vulnerable, and assuming an authority over death that belongs to God alone.

His comments come as assisted dying is set to be legalised in England and Wales following a House of Commons vote last month.

The Archbishop warned the Church of England needed people who were formed spiritually and theologically so that they could teach, declare and defend the Christian narrative in an increasingly fractious, confused, vulnerable and sometimes hostile world.

He added: It is that compelling narrative of what it means to be human  and in all our glorious diversity, made in the image of God, and living Jesus shaped lives  that will enable us to withstand and even turn back those utilitarian tides of opinion that risk making, for instance, assisted dying, a reality in our national life.

Last month, MPs voted 314 to 291 in favour of allowing adults with a terminal illness and less than six months left to live to receive medical assistance to end their lives.

Opponents of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill said the vote was on a knife-edge, but the legislation was voted through by a majority of 23.

Credit: PA

The controversial legislation, which means assisted dying is set to be available to eligible patients by 2029, was passed by the Commons despite opposition from the Royal Colleges of Physicians, Psychiatrists and Pathologists.

The Archbishop also thanked Dame Sarah Mullaly, the Bishop of London, and other Lords Spiritual for their principled and persistent opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill in Parliament.

He added: Values do not exist in a vacuum. They are shaped by beliefs and practices.

None of us is neutral. My understanding of the dignity and value of every life and every moment of life comes directly from my Christian faith; and although we may take for granted the Christian roots of our shared values and legal system in this country, it would be wise to remember that other philosophies and worldviews teach different things and may not uphold the dignity and value of life in the same way.

When we lose something as foundational as decisions over life and death, we are in danger of losing other safeguards and provisions as well.

As well as the historic vote on assisted dying, MPs also voted last month to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales.

MPs voted with a majority of 242 to decriminalise seeking an abortion at any stage of gestation, for any reason.

As a result, the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, which outlaws abortion, will be amended so that it no longer applies to women ending their own pregnancies.

In written questions submitted to the Synod, it emerged that Bishops in the House of Lords are gearing up to oppose both abortion and assisted dying bills.

The Most Rev Stephen Cottrell said that the Church must withstand popular opinion that risks making assisted dying a reality - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Canon Robert Perry, from the Diocese of Truro, asked what guidance the House of Bishops was giving to the Lords Spiritual regarding the Assisted Dying legislation, and Dr Simon Eyre asked if the House of Bishops would challenge new abortion legislation.

Dame Sarah replied that regarding the abortion amendment, Lords Spiritual will take part in the scrutiny of the Bill throughout its passage in the House of Lords.

She said: It is likely that we will include seeking to address both the substance of the amendment and the process by which it was introduced in the House of Commons.

She added she is in contact with other bishops, peers and individuals that have a common concern about the detrimental impact of this Bill for society and especially those who are most vulnerable, regarding the assisted dying legislation.
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has refused to say how many migrants will be exchanged under the pilot - SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP or licensors

Migrants from Africa and Afghanistan are likely to have the best chance of being chosen to come to the UK under the one in, one out returns deal agreed with France.

The scheme, announced at the end of this weeks Anglo-French summit, allows for the UK to send Channel migrants back to France in return for France sending an equivalent number of asylum seekers to the UK.

Any migrant in France will be eligible to apply to come to the UK under the legal, safe route but the Home Office has set three criteria, which will allow officials to identify those who will be successful in their application.

Those to be prioritised will be from nationalities with the highest numbers crossing the Channel, those from countries with the highest success rates in gaining asylum in the UK, and those with connections to the UK, including family members already here.

The one in, one out scheme was announced at the end of this weeks Anglo-French summit - Dan Kitwood/Getty

On that basis, Home Office data show that in the past year, Afghans have been the largest nationality among small boat migrants, with 5,766 crossing the Channel.

They were followed by Syrians, with 4,368, although the fall of president Bashar Assads regime has reduced the number fleeing the country.

Eritrea was the third highest, with 4,229, and the numbers from the east African nation have been increasing, putting it at the top in the first three months of this year.

They were followed by Iran, Sudan, Vietnam, Iraq, Turkey and Yemen.

Yemenis had the highest asylum success rate over the year to April  with 94 per cent of all decisions allowing the applicant to stay.

Yemen, where conflict between the Houthi rebels and a Saudi-led coalition is ongoing, was followed by Sudan (90.1 per cent)  mired in its own civil war since 2023; Libya (86.3 per cent); Myanmar (82.5 per cent); South Sudan (81.7 per cent); and Palestine (80.1 per cent).

As for claims coming from small boat arrivals specifically, where a particular nationality was assigned, Yemenis also had the highest grant rate (96.5 per cent), followed by Sudanese (94.3 per cent) and Palestinians (94.3 per cent).

Having family ties in the UK is the primary reason given by asylum seekers for continuing their journey to the UK, covering over 50 per cent of cases.

By country of birth, India (896,000), Poland (682,000), and Pakistan (456,000) made up the largest diasporas in the UK at the time of the latest census. Some 47,000 people born in Afghanistan were recorded at that time, the 43rd most common foreign origin.

The 38,000 Syrians make up the 50th-largest group, while the 30,000 from Eritrea put them 60th. Going by nationality, Polish was the most common, with just under 700,000 Poles in the UK as of June 2021. Just 28,000 Syrians, 18,000 Afghans, and 12,000 Eritreans were also tallied.

The application process will be open to any nationality in France via an online platform. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has refused to say how many migrants will be exchanged under the pilot.

French sources have previously suggested the pilot will involve up to 50 migrants a week being returned to France, equivalent to 2,600 in a year, or just one in 17 of the 44,000 who have crossed since Labour won the election.

Under the deal agreed at this weeks summit, small boat migrants from France will be denied asylum and detained under powers introduced by the Tories, which enable their claims to be declared inadmissible because they have arrived from a safe country. They will then be returned to France as soon as possible.
Gareth Peirce is to represent Palestine Action in its fight against the ruling to proscribe it as a terrorist organisation - Vuk Valcic/Shutterstock Editorial

From IRA bombing suspects in the 1970s to alleged al-Qaeda terrorists at the turn of the millennium, veteran human rights lawyer Gareth Peirce has built her career on representing some of Britains most reviled defendants over the past 50 years.

And now, aged 85, she is once again taking on the state. Peirce has agreed to represent Palestine Action in its fight against the Home Office ruling to proscribe it as a terrorist organisation, putting it on a par with al-Qaeda and Isis.

After a destructive five-year campaign targeting Israeli weapons factories in the UK, the Government was moved to ban the group this month after it forced entry into RAF Brize Norton, spray-painting two aircraft red, and causing 7 million worth of damage.

With membership  or even support  of Palestine Action now carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, the group has employed the services of Peirce to fight what it believes is a draconian measure that conflates protest with terrorism.

She specialises in representing pariahs of society, once observed Moazzam Begg, the British Muslim who spent three years detained without charge at Guantanamo Bay and later sued the British government for its complicity. I know because Im one of them.

Peirce represented Moazzam Begg, who spent three years detained without charge at Guantanamo Bay - Mark Kerrison/Alamy Live News

Indeed, if Peirce were a different kind of lawyer, she might now be in the House of Lords, reflecting on a glittering career and polishing her CBE. Instead, she politely refused the honour in 1999  and has remained a relentless thorn in the side of successive governments ever since.

Her client list reads like a roll-call of recent historys most controversial figures  from hate preacher Abu Qatada and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to British Isis bride Shamima Begum. And her list of landmark victories against British officials is equally formidable.

Peirces clients also include WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange - Assange family/PA

The fickleness of society means that one day a pariah can be a hero, and vice versa, the usually media-shy lawyer told the BBC in a rare interview in 2014. Peirce has often claimed her motivations lie not in sympathy for her clients cause necessarily but instead in the legal principle to ensure fair protection for all, no matter the state of public feeling or political will.

Her critics, however, havent always quite seen it that way. Some say she conflates advocacy with activism. In 2005, Michael Gove  then a Tory candidate for MP  branded Peirce a passionate, committed and effective supporter of the Trotskyist Socialist Alliance, an organisation intent on destabilising the props of the establishment.

Indeed, her rare forays into public protestation have not always appeared to follow the principle of law first, feeling second  and never more so than when it comes to the subject of Israel. As far back as 2009, Peirce was speaking out against the occupation of Gaza, which she said was being bombed almost out of existence.

In more recent times, she has signed open letters condemning the genocide of Palestinians and has also taken up the brief for Mo Chara  one third of the notorious Irish rap group Kneecap  over terrorism charges for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London gig last year. Therefore, while Peirce has not commented on her work with Palestine Action, it would appear to follow a theme.

Peirce has also taken up the brief for Mo Chara, of the rap group Kneecap, after he allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag at a gig - Gus Stewart/Redferns

For a figure who has been at the heart of so many of Britains fiercest legal controversies, Peirce has a surprisingly timid persona, with a quiet voice and hiding behind a fringe that hangs half over her eyes.

Some might recognise her from the 1993 film In the Name of the Father, where she was played by Emma Thompson. It told the story of Peirces crucial role in exonerating the Guildford Four, who had spent 14 years in prison after being wrongly convicted for the IRA pub bombing in the Surrey town.

Representing Irish defendants at the height of the Troubles was certainly no easy task. The case cemented her reputation as not only a star lawyer with painstaking attention to detail, but as someone drawn to defend those whom others would denounce. A surprising calling, perhaps, given her genteel upbringing in the Cotswolds and later the Yorkshire Dales.

Emma Thompson played Peirce alongside Daniel Day-Lewis as Gerry Conlon in In the Name of the Father - Film Stills

Born Jean Margaret Webb in 1940 to parents who ran a grammar school, she enjoyed a privileged education at Cheltenham Ladies College and Oxford. But it was her subsequent work as a journalist in 1960s America, following Martin Luther King Jrs civil rights campaign and witnessing the systematic injustice for African Americans first hand, that forged her world view.

Returning to London in 1970, with an American husband and young son in tow and having changed her name to Gareth (she has never revealed why), Peirce took up law at the London School of Economics. She then took up a training post with radical London law firm Benedict Birnberg  one of the few practices then championing civil liberties  and qualified in 1978.

The following decade saw Peirce establish her name. My job is to get you out and Im going to get you out, she told Gerry Conlon, the leading member of the Guildford Four, when they first met, in Long Lartin prison in 1987. Within 20 minutes, I felt, This is the person whos going to get me out of prison, he would later recall. She was so convincing in her belief that the system had the ability to own up to huge errors and mistakes.

Her meticulous investigation uncovered suppressed evidence, including a police statement that provided Conlon with an alibi. In 1989, the Guildford Four walked free. They were soon followed in 1991 by the Birmingham Six, again as a result of Peirce exposing unreliable evidence over their conviction for a pub bombing 16 years prior.

Peirce secured Gerry Conlons release from prison after having assured him that she would do so - Stefan Rousseau/PA

The great theme of Peirces one and only book  Dispatches from the Dark Side, published in 2010  is that justice dies when the law is co-opted for political purposes. And if the Irish were in the crosshairs of the state during the 1970s and 1980s, Muslims soon took their place after 9/11.

Peirce began representing those facing injustices within the Islamic community, advocating for British nationals held at Guantanamo Bay and fighting the detention of the so-called Belmarsh detainees, who were being held indefinitely in the high-security prison under Tony Blairs anti-terrorism legislation. The latter were mostly Muslim refugees who were suspected international terrorists with links to al-Qaeda, according to the home secretary at the time, David Blunkett, including Abu Qatada. The evidence, however, was based on intelligence that the suspects were not allowed to see or challenge, which Peirce argued created a shadow justice system that abandoned basic legal protections. When the House of Lords finally ruled their detention illegal in 2005, Peirce had scored another landmark victory.

We have lost our way in this country, Peirce had warned a year earlier, commenting on what she saw as unchecked fascistic language directed at Muslims. We have entered a new dark age of injustice and it is frightening that we are overwhelmed by it. In 2009, as the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan raged, she warned that the US and UK had not launched a war on terror but a war on human rights.

Her strength of feeling on the issue continued long after. In 2016, Peirce accused the British government of waging a covert war on political dissent amid proposals to outlaw non-violent extremism. The UK is further than any other in terms of thought control legislation, she told an anti-Prevent event at Goldsmiths University.

Unsurprisingly, Peirces work has not gone unnoticed among the Muslim community.

Peirces work has drawn much praise in the Muslim community - Guy Smallman/Getty Images Europe

The esteem in which Peirces Arabic-speaking clients held her saw them nickname her al-Umm, meaning both mother and the greatest, according to Begg.

Such has been the extent of her success, even some of Peirces opponents revere her. All her geese were swans, of course, but she always represented her clients to the very best of her ability, described legendary prosecutor Sir John Nutting KC about his old sparring partner to the BBC in 2014. She has great integrity, although was always terribly earnest and serious. The prosecuting team in one case had a bet once as to who could be the first to make her crack a smile during the trial. I won, but it took me several days.

While some of her peers may have cashed in on their courtroom fame, Peirce has always trodden a quieter path.

She lives fairly modestly in a Victorian terraced house  albeit on a street of million-pound houses  in north-west London, with much of her work financed either by Legal Aid or given pro bono.

Her latest case, the legal action brought by Palestine Action, is set to be funded by 300,000 donated by more than 8,000 supporters. Earlier this month, a last-minute legal challenge by the group to suspend the proscription under anti-terrorism laws failed and, on July 5, it officially became a criminal offence to become a member of, or show support for, the organisation. Another hearing is now scheduled for July 21, when Palestine Action will apply for permission for a judicial review to quash the order.

The groups own aims to end global participation in Israels genocidal and apartheid regime do not appear to stray far from Peirces personal views. In May, she signed an open letter alongside more than 1,000 other lawyers, legal academics and former judges calling for the UK to act within its legal obligations to stop the genocide of Gaza, including sanctions. Such action has not been taken.

In May, Peirce signed an open letter calling for the UK to act within its legal obligations to stop the genocide against Gaza - Paul Grover

The irony is probably not lost on Peirce that she is facing down a Government run by a prime minister who began his own career as a human rights lawyer. Before moving to Downing Street, the pair lived only a short 15-minute walk from each other in the wealthy suburb of Kentish Town  though thats as far as the connection seems to go, with neither appearing to have worked together or faced each other in court.

As she now prepares to go to battle with the state once again, Peirce will perhaps be readying herself as much for the scrutiny that comes with her clients as for the judicial challenge ahead.

Indeed, it was once put to Peirce in a 2014 BBC interview that some might feel her defence of those deemed enemies of the state must mean she was in cahoots with them.

Thats a reflection of the shallowness of understanding of what the law is intended to do and the guarantees its intended to provide for anyone, she answered. Particularly the outlaws and outcasts of society the people that the majority in society wish to have no protection.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a series of bills that affect a wide array of individuals, including parents, children, foster parents, and more.

One of these is a bill that will end the state's longstanding practice of seizing foster children's Social Security benefits to cover the cost of foster care. Another bill bans child marriage and includes a provision to prevent child sex abusers from using non-disclosure agreements to silence their victims.

Missouri Governor Signs Series of Bills

This particular bill was sponsored by Republican state Rep. Melissa Schmidt and was handled by Sen. Jamie Burger when it arrived in the upper chamber. The development comes as the state's child welfare agency takes millions of dollars in children's benefits annually and uses the money to pay for foster care.

The Children's Division was found to have spent more than $10.6 million recovered from children's benefits in fiscal year 2024. Additionally, more than 1,200 foster kids received benefits in the state late last year, which is about 10% of all kids in the system, according to the Missouri Independent.

This resulted in children who were orphaned or had disabilities becoming responsible for paying toward the cost of their own care in state custody. The new bill bars the state from using these benefits to pay itself back for routine foster expenses.

Read more: National School Voucher Program Passes Congress To Help Families Pay for Educational Expenses

It would instead allow the use of the funds for the child's "unmet needs" beyond what the division is obligated to pay. These include housing as the child prepares to age out of the foster care system.

Another law that Kehoe signed includes a ban on cellphones in Missouri schools. It notes that starting in the 2025-26 school year, each school district, along with charter schools, is required to have a written policy regarding students' use of cellphones, STLPR reported.

Addressing Various Issues

This bill also had a section that raises the age at which school bus drivers are required to annually renew their non-commercial license. Current legislation requires such school employees to renew their licenses every year at age 70, but the new law will raise this to 75 and change the annual requirement to be biannually.

The governor also signed House Bill 419, which modifies several provisions related to education. It will require the Missouri State School Activities Association to waive the minimum practice requirement for active-duty military students.

The bill also establishes a separate custodial account to deposit monies from the University of Missouri's Seminary Fund that will be used to support agricultural programs while expanding healthcare workforce recruitment, as per KCTV5.
Resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, take part in a rally outside Downing Street - Vuk Valcic/Getty Images

Junior doctors striking over pay are earning as much as 100,000 a year, The Telegraph can disclose.

The medics, who voted this week in favour of mass walkouts owing to salary demands, have already been given a 28.9 per cent pay rise under Labour, but the British Medical Association (BMA) is now calling for a further increase of 29 per cent.

Senior doctors have criticised the BMA for damaging the medical profession with its five-day walkout, which will start on July 25.

The plans are causing a growing generational rift between junior doctors  now called resident doctors  and consultants, some of whom worked 100 hours a week before the European working time directive introduced a 48-hour cap.

One senior figure said the five-day strike seemed disproportionate and accused the BMA of not reading the room.

Another senior doctor accused the current generation of a sense of entitlement despite being extremely well rewarded.

A junior doctor on a 40-hour week, including a full on-call rota, currently earns more than 100,000 a year, before finishing training.

Pay boosts under Labour mean junior doctors have seen earnings rise by 28.9 per cent, bringing basic starting salaries to 38,831 a year.

But there are significant boosts to pay from on-call working, which can typically take average earnings for this group to around 53,000, without any locum work.

By the time doctors reach the last stage of training, called ST8, basic starting salaries are 73,992 a year. This means an ST8 junior doctor working a 40-hour week, with a full on-call rota, including one in six weekends and one in eight nights, can expect to earn 101,369 per annum. Polling shows just one in five people back the strikes, when given details of recent pay awards.

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, told the Commons earlier this week: With the greatest respect to resident doctors, there are other people working in our public services who are feeling the pinch more than they are.

He said pay could be boosted if they were prepared to consider cutting pension entitlements, which are so generous that consultants say they face too great a tax burden.

One NHS leader said many senior doctors felt the BMA was damaging the medical brand, which could undermine faith in the profession more widely.

On Thursday, medical leaders warned junior doctors they may never recover the trust of patients if they go on strike again.

Prof Sir Stephen Powis, the outgoing NHS England national medical director, said doctors must consider how difficult it might be to recover public trust if they go ahead with strikes.

Lord Darzi of Denham, a surgeon who led an independent review of the NHS last year, said he feared the publics trust might never recover if the BMA go ahead with strikes that are plainly unjustifiable.

While many consultants are expressing concern about the impact of the strikes, some are asking for up to five times their hourly rate to cover shifts during the walkouts, he said.

The BMA intends to hold an indicative ballot on the appetite of consultant doctors to hold their own walkouts, but senior medics are less convinced of the case.

1809 Junior doctors pay rise

Tensions are also growing between doctors and other staff groups.

NHS leaders said the short notice before the strikes showed a lack of respect to colleagues who will be expected to stand in.

Meanwhile, Lord Robert Winston, the professor and renowned IVF pioneer, has resigned from the BMA over the planned strikes.

The 84-year-old, who has been a member of the union since 1964, told The Times: Strike action completely ignores the vulnerability of people in front of you.

Doctors need to be reminded that every time they have a patient in front of them, they have someone who is frightened and in pain. Its important that doctors consider their own responsibility much more seriously.

Lord Robert Winston has resigned from the British Medical Association over the five-day planned strikes by resident doctors - Heathcliff O'Malley

Senior figures think many medics may be unwilling to forego earnings to strike and are becoming increasingly aware that the public is turning against them.

Hospital bosses believe fewer junior doctors will take to the picket line than ever before when the walkouts start.

Fewer than one in three have voted to strike, with just 55 per cent of the BMAs 53,766 eligible members voting in the ballot.

Almost 25,000 junior doctors are not BMA members, and a separate union  the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association  has told members they have no legal right to walk out if colleagues do.

Junior doctors have taken part in 11 strikes since 2023, only stopping industrial action when they were awarded a 22 per cent pay rise by Labour, which has since been topped up.

But participation had already fallen substantially. By the last walkout, on the eve of the general election, 23,001 doctors joined at the peak of a five-day strike, down from more than 29,000 at the height of the first of them in March 2023.

Prof Karol Sikora, the oncologist, wrote in The Telegraph condemning the strike. He said he was truly shocked by the demands from the BMA.

He urged Mr Streeting not to cave in to the demands, saying the NHS had lost a spirit of togetherness which meant he and other doctors were happy despite poor pay and ridiculously long hours.

Dr Clare Gerada, the former president of the Royal College of General Practice, said: The BMA opposed the NHS at its founding. Now, with more strikes planned, it risks hastening its collapse. Every delay and cancelled op strengthens those who argue the NHS no longer works. We must fight for the NHS  not just for ourselves.

Prof John Ashton, a professor, consultant and former public health director, said the BMA had been taken over by Trots  a colloquial term used to describe a socialist who subscribes to the political ideas of the Marxist revolutionary and Soviet Union politician, Leon Trotsky.

A Government source said: Most resident doctors didnt vote to strike, and other medical unions are distancing themselves from the BMA resident doctors committees unreasonable approach.

The BMA is looking increasingly isolated. Were hopeful that most reasonable resident doctors wont go along with these unnecessary and unfair strikes, and put their patients before the BMA.

Dr Melissa Ryan and Dr Ross Nieuwoudt, the co-chairmen of the BMA resident doctors committee, said: In terms of doctors being part of an on-call rota, the value of allowance is a percentage of the full-time basic salary and frequency.

However, regarding The Telegraphs specific example, there will be very few resident doctors regularly working the number of hours needed to earn a salary of that level. Theyd need to work around fifty hours a week plus every other weekend, which is not sustainable.

The planned industrial action is not about hypothetical individual examples, it is about restoring the pay of all resident doctors in England to where it was in 2008, in real terms, paying them their worth, recognising their value and making them want to stay and work in the NHS, not abroad.
Rudy Guede seen leaving a court hearing in Perugia in 2008 over the death of Meredith Kercher - Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty

Rudy Guede, the murderer of Meredith Kercher, is to face trial for the alleged sexual assault of his former girlfriend in Italy.

Guede served 13 years in prison for the 2007 murder of the British student from Surrey after her body was found in her bedroom in the Italian university town of Perugia.

Amanda Knox, an American undergraduate, and her Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were initially convicted but ultimately acquitted of the fatal stabbing.

Guede, 38, who is originally from the Ivory Coast but came to Italy as a child, was released in November 2021.

He began a relationship with a 25-year-old woman after his early release for good behaviour.

The woman, who is from Viterbo, central Italy, reported him for assault, mistreatment and sexual violence in 2023.

In December of that year, he was given a restraining order and fitted with an electronic tag.

A judge in Viterbo in the region of Lazio, where Guede lives, ordered him to stay at least 500 metres away from his former girlfriend.

Meredith Kercher died in the Italian university town of Perugia in 2007 - PA

On Friday, the preliminary investigations judge of the Viterbo court decided Guede would face trial. A first hearing will take place on Nov 4.

Before the closed-door hearing, Guede had requested to be questioned.

Both he and the alleged victim, described in the Italian press as a civil party, attended the hearing before the decision was made to indict him.

Investigators had examined the alleged victims smartphone and conversations and photos on it in the preliminary phase of the inquiry.

Guede insists he had nothing to do with the murder of Meredith, a Leeds University student who had come to Italy for a year to study.

He claimed he had been on a date with her, had gone to the lavatory, and then came back to her bedroom to find her stabbed to death.

After the murder, he fled by train to Germany, where he was arrested a few days later. His DNA was found at the murder scene as well as on the students body.

Meredith was sharing a house in Perugia with Ms Knox, from Seattle, and two Italian women.

Ms Knox and Mr Sollecito were asked about the new accusations against Guede in 2023, when they first emerged.

She told Ansa: Im very sorry for his ex-girlfriend. How frightening.

Mr Sollecito said: I dont follow Guedes life but in light of what has happened, it seems like he hasnt changed very much.

The person that he was before being sent to prison, the person that we found out about from the evidence, sadly thats been reconfirmed.

Amanda Knox and then boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito seen in 2007 - Stefano Medici/AP

Ms Knox and Mr Sollecito spent four years in jail after being convicted of Merediths murder in a case that garnered huge attention.

They were acquitted in 2011, convicted again in 2014 in an appeals court before those convictions were overturned by Italys supreme court in 2015.
A document, called De-proscribe Palestine Action: Action Briefing Doc explains how going floppy will add to the visual drama of the action - Jeff Moore

Activists are planning a series of protests in support of Palestine Action in which they should go floppy when arrested and use burner phones.

The Telegraph has seen a memo detailing plans for protests in support of the proscribed terror group over the next two weeks in cities including London, Manchester and Cardiff.

The document, called De-proscribe Palestine Action: Action Briefing Doc, advises protesters to bring a burner phone in case theirs gets seized by police, and a book to read while travelling to the protests or while in their cell if arrested.

It also tells demonstrators to consider going floppy when arrested because it adds to the visual drama of the action and is a continuation of civil resistance.

Palestine Action was made a proscribed terrorist group last month, meaning support for the group is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The groups website has also been blocked in the UK.

Protesters including the Rev Sue Parfitt, 83, were arrested at a Palestine Action demonstration in Parliament Square the day the group was outlawed.

Rev Sue Parfitt, 83, was arrested during a Palestine Action protest last week - Jeff Moore/PA Wire

A memo on the forthcoming action, coordinated by the campaign group Defend Our Juries, has been leaked to The Telegraph.

It advises protesters theres a substantial risk of arrest, and all taking part should be prepared for that, but that the indications from Saturday are that the stakes for action-takers are relatively low.

It adds: There can be safety and support in numbers ... but nobody owns resistance to oppression and unjust laws!

Explaining the rationale for the action, it said: The proscription of Palestine Action as terrorists is a serious assault on democracy and civil liberties. Weve got to push back. Its the actions engaging the police that really expose the absurdity of the law.

Protesters are planning to hold signs saying I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action for 60 minutes, or until arrested, at locations including the Gandhi statue in Parliament Square.

It calls for protesters to sit with a gaze lowered in contemplation and resolve because our words, or lack of, on the sign are what we are communicating. Let them speak for themselves.

The memo warns protesters not to bring any incriminating bits of paper, sharp items, valuables, phones with sensitive information.

If arrested, it also advises protesters to give a no comment interview to police, or to read a pre-prepared statement that says: The British Government is a partner to the Israeli government in the genocide.

A spokesman for Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said: It beggars belief that police are dealing with people who are going out of their way to boast of the support for a proscribed terrorist organisation so lightly.

These extremists watch police carefully and understand that weak policing is effectively a green light. Our countrys Jews have been terrorised by Palestine Action for months and months.

Our Royal Air Force has been attacked by its operatives. Our Government have finally taken action to proscribe them, and yet our police arrest them only to let them off with a not-so-stern talking to.

Is it any wonder that other underground groups appear to be queuing up to take their place? The law must be enforced  failure to do so only emboldens those who target Jews and threaten our countrys security.

Protesters demonstrate outside the High Court in central London in support of Palestine Action earlier this month - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

A spokesman for Defend Our Juries said: Are people holding up signs serious criminals committing terror crimes who should be locked up for 14 years? Or are they ordinary, decent people, exercising their democratic rights and taking a stand against corruption, injustice and genocide? Make up your own mind.

Palestine Action was proscribed after its activists breached security at an air base to damage two RAF planes last month.

However, UN experts, civil liberties groups, cultural figures and lawyers have criticised the ban, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent by conflating protest with terrorism.

A spokesman for South Wales Police said: We are aware that the sight of large protest activity can be intimidating for the general public going about their daily lives. This is why we strive to strike a balance in our policing approach and take measures to ensure that the rights of all parties are respected and upheld.

However, we will take action against anyone who breaks the law, whether this is at the time of the offence or retrospectively.

South Wales Police is open to dialogue and collaboration with advocacy groups to address any concerns about the policing of protest activity and ensure that policing practices reflect the values of fairness, equality, and justice.

Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment.
Howard Philips dropping off the USB stick

A court has seen images of a man accused of spying on Sir Grant Shapps for the Russian state allegedly making a covert USB stick drop in a bike.

Photographs allegedly show Howard Phillips delivering a secretive message for his Russian handlers.

Mr Phillips, 65, is on trial accused of trying to spy for the Kremlin by leaking the former defence secretarys personal information, including the location of his private plane.

Prosecutors alleged he wanted to offer services to Russian intelligence but the two handlers he corresponded with were British undercover security services agents.

The USB stick found in Howard Phillips possession - Met Police/Solent News

Howard Phillips being arrested after he contacted undercover security agents - Met Police/Solent News

Images shown to Winchester Crown Court allegedly show him following his handlers instructions by dropping off a message inside a USB stick within the exposed seat shaft of a bike.

Other images show Mr Phillips, a former insolvency worker, being arrested at a Black Sheep Coffee shop in London.

Some images show a phone and hotel rooms he allegedly bought on behalf of the Russian agents.

A court has heard that the father of four, who was set to start a job with UK Border Force, later handed the agents a bag containing a USB stick with Sir Grants details on.

The details allegedly included his home address, phone number and the location of his private plane.

Howard Phillips is accused of trying to spy for the Kremlin

Mr Phillips, from Harlow, Essex, denies engaging in conduct to assist a foreign intelligence service.

Prosecutors say Mr Phillips boasted he could get government clearance due to his new job at Border Force.

He said he wanted the agents and him to be a family, and said they could all help each other and look after each other, the court heard.

He allegedly claimed to have been to Sir Grants home and had met him several times.

Inside the USB stick he allegedly dropped into the bike was a note that promised 100 per cent loyalty to the Russian Intelligence Service [RIS] and boasted of how he could move under the radar thanks to a valid government security vetting pass.

The trial previously heard that Mr Phillips had applied for a job with the UK Border Force in October 2023.

Grant Shapps was a key figure for Ukraine as defence secretary - Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP via Getty

He was unemployed and struggling financially at the time, and Jocelyn Ledward KC, prosecuting, said this was a significant factor in his eagerness and desire to provide assistance to the RIS.

Communication between Mr Phillips and the Russian spies began in March 2024, initially via email and then by WhatsApp and later on Signal.

Sir Grant served as defence secretary during the Russian war on Ukraine and would have had important communications with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president. He lost his seat in last years general election. The trial continues.
The Salt Path tells the story of Raynor Winn and her husband Moths journey around the South West Coast Path - Robert Darch

The publisher of The Salt Path has said the release of the authors next book will be delayed after intrusive conjecture about her husbands health.

Raynor Winns story, which has been adapted into a film starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, tells how she and Moth, her husband, walked the South West Coast Path after losing their home. The memoir also recounts how Moth was diagnosed with a neurological condition.

However, The Observer newspaper claimed that Winn may have misrepresented the events that led to the couple losing their home and that experts had doubts over Moth having corticobasal degeneration (CBD).

Winns next book, On Winter Hill, will now be delayed, according to a statement issued on Friday from Penguin, which published The Salt Path in 2018.

A spokesman for Penguin said: Given recent events, in particular intrusive conjecture around Moths health condition, which has caused considerable distress to Raynor Winn and her family, it is our priority to support the author at this time.

With this in mind, Penguin Michael Joseph, together with the author, has made the decision to delay the publication of On Winter Hill from this October.

We will announce a new publication date in due course.

Experts have doubts over Moth Winn having corticobasal degeneration (CBD)

The truth of Winns story was thrown into question last week by an investigation by The Observer, which claimed she lost her home after stealing 64,000 from her former employers, Ros and Martin Hemmings.

She avoided criminal charges by paying back the money in a settlement, The Observer said.

It also suggested that Moth did not suffer from CBD, which is central to the events in the memoir.

Winn has subsequently issued a lengthy statement responding to the claims, and admitted that she deeply regrets certain mistakes made in her past.

She admitted she was questioned by police over an allegation Mr Hemmings made, but was never charged.

Credit: YouTube / @PenguinBooksUK

She wrote: I worked for Martin Hemmings in the years before the economic crash of 2008. For me, it was a pressured time. It was also a time when mistakes were being made in the business.

Any mistakes I made during the years in that office, I deeply regret, and I am truly sorry.

Mr Hemmings made an allegation against me to the police, accusing me of taking money from the company. I was questioned, I was not charged, nor did I face criminal sanctions.

I reached a settlement with Martin Hemmings because I did not have the evidence required to support what happened. The terms of the settlement were willingly agreed by both parties.
Jager is a Belgian Malinois that was found on the streets in Hartlepool - Durham Constabulary

An eight-week-old stray puppy has been welcomed as a new recruit at a North Eastern police force.

The Belgian Malinois, now named Jager, was found roaming the streets of Hartlepool last week when it was picked up by officers and taken to animal charity Stray Aid.

Staff there said they noticed the dogs potential and alerted Durham Constabularys Dog Support Unit.

Jager is now officially in training as a general purpose police dog.

Jager was rescued by officers from the streets of Hartlepool - Durham Constabulary

If all goes well, the puppy will be licensed and ready for duty within 12 to 18 months. A Durham Constabulary spokesman described Jager as already a pro at tug of war.

General purpose dogs are trained to chase down suspects, track missing people, and support officers on the front line.

While German Shepherds remain the most common breed used by police, Dutch Herders and Belgian Malinois like Jager are increasingly used as part of the pack.

The new police dog has been described as a pro at tug of war - Durham Constabulary

Jager isnt the only new four-legged recruit at Durham Police. Earlier this month, the force introduced three explosive detection dogs  springer spaniels Gracie, Angus and Teddy  who recently passed their final assessments after a six-week course.

Gracie was adopted from a rescue charity, Angus came through the forces own puppy development programme, and Teddy was donated by a member of the public.

The trio will be deployed across County Durham and Darlington, and will also assist with high-profile events across the UK.
Effigies of migrants in a boat burn atop a bonfire at Moygashel in Northern Ireland - Niall Carson/PA Wire

A bonfire in Northern Ireland topped with a model migrant dinghy and a sign reading stop the boats has been set alight as police investigate the display as a hate crime.

The effigy, which features 12 dummies wearing life jackets, was erected in County Tyrone, in the village of Moygashel near Dungannon, as part of the annual July 12 loyalist celebrations.

It was set alight on Thursday at 11pm despite widespread calls to take it down.

Credit: gitagrigucha/TikTok

An Irish tricolour flag was also placed atop the bonfire and another sign, positioned alongside an image of two guns, read veterans before refugees.

The bonfire was one of around 300 lit as part of annual celebrations marking the victory of the Protestant William of Orange over the deposed Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1689.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had received a number of reports about the effigy.

Dummies dressed in life jackets were placed in the boat - Press Eye

Police are investigating this hate incident, the PSNI said. Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe.

We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists.

Church leaders, political parties, and human rights campaigners condemned the effigy this week.

Sinn Fein assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Colm Gildernew, called it a vile and deplorable act and clearly a hate crime.

Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland John McDowell described the model as racist, threatening and offensive and inhuman and deeply sub-Christian.

This isnt pride  its poison

Malachy Quinn, a councillor for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, told the Irish News: I am absolutely disgusted to see yet another overtly racist and threatening display appear on the bonfire in Moygashel.

Those responsible for this hateful display claim to be celebrating British culture. Lets be clear: racism and intimidation are not culture. This isnt pride  its poison. It is an affront to every decent person in our community.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty Internationals Northern Ireland director, described the model as a vile, dehumanising act that fuels hatred and racism.

A party spokesman from the Democratic Unionist Party, Northern Irelands biggest unionist party, said it opposed placing effigies or other provocative symbols on bonfires, warning such actions were not part of the cultural tradition.

Critics have branded the display, which is part of annual July 12 celebrations, as disgusting - PA Wire

The July 11 bonfires are a historic and cultural tradition stretching back to the fires lit to welcome the arrival of King William III ... These should be positive cultural celebrations and we support those within our community that wish to celebrate their culture by continuing with that tradition in a peaceful, positive and safe way, they said.

However, prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson defended the display, citing a European Court of Human Rights ruling that burning effigies can be considered legitimate political expression and accused critics of hypocrisy.

Those who have spent recent months defending Kneecap and labelling their performances as artistic expression are the same people criticising this act of political protest, he said, referring to the controversial rap group which supports a united Ireland.

In a statement posted to social media this week, Moygashel Bonfire Association said: This years bonfire topper should not be seen as racist, threatening or offensive ... We believe this unfettered invasion is the biggest threat to the UK since Adolph [sic] Hitler.

Earlier in the week, the PSNI had refused to assist in the removal of a separate bonfire in south Belfast, which reportedly contained asbestos and is situated near an electricity substation that powers two hospitals.

Belfast City Council had requested support in dismantling the structure due to safety concerns.

A police statement on Thursday said it had decided not to intervene. It said: Following comprehensive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, an evidence based assessment, and taking into consideration all of the risks associated with the removal, we have determined that police should not assist the proposed actions of Belfast City Council.

It is not the first time a July 12 bonfire in Moygashel has sparked criticism.

Last year, a fake police car was burnt on the villages bonfire, which was particularly controversial in a country where officers are often targeted for attack.
Lord Hermer recently handed himself an effective veto over government policy - Reuters

Within hours of entering No 10, Sir Keir Starmer made an important decision. All but one of the shadow cabinet would retain the briefs they had held in opposition. The exception? Richard Hermer, the Prime Ministers long-time friend. Starmer handed him a peerage, the post of Attorney General and a brief to restore Britains reputation abroad. Yet 12 months on, there are few appointments that have caused more controversy. Disdained on the Right as a bogeyman and increasingly disliked on the Left, his pronouncements leave many of his Labour colleagues cold.

Hermers arrival in Whitehall was greeted with a chorus of delight by his old chums in the field of human rights. Gushing tributes were reported in the liberal press. A career that has never been distracted by politics, remarked Geoffrey Robertson KC, the founder of Hermers old Doughty Street chambers (once Starmers stomping grounds too). At the time, this political virginity was seen by some within Downing Street as a positive. Hermer was the first incumbent since 1922 not to have served in Parliament before his appointment. But now there is a growing sense his lack of nous is being regarded within the highest levels of government as a problem.

His latest controversy has been to hand himself an effective veto across swathes of Starmers agenda. One of Hermers first acts in office was to revise the Attorney Generals guidance on legal risk to government lawyers. This edict assumes that every decision made by a minister will be subject to a legal challenge. Some 23 references to international law were inserted, as was a new snitch clause, telling officials to inform him if ministers may be about to break the law. It follows his declaration at the European Court in Strasbourg that he would never refuse to comply with judgments handed down there.

Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, and Hermer at Downing Street - Eddie Mulholland

The consequences for domestic policymaking are obvious. Ministers, including those in cabinet, accuse Hermers changes of slowing down a slew of policy across government. This includes the Border Security Bill and the Hillsborough Law to establish a duty of candour for public officials. The former is necessary to deal with the Channel crossings emergency; the latter is a touchstone issue for some northern MPs. Lord Maurice Glasman, the founder of Blue Labour, spoke for others when he called Hermer an arrogant, progressive fool who thinks that law is a replacement for politics.

In foreign affairs, the Attorney Generals influence is obvious too. His advice was cited in the decisions to hand sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and suspend certain arms sales to Israel. More recently, there was Americas bombing of Iran, when Hermer reportedly warned that any UK involvement beyond defensive support would be illegal. That has infuriated some within the world of military and diplomatic affairs, who argue that their hands are being tied by a lawyer who does not appreciate the need for maximum flexibility in responding to rapidly moving events overseas.

Having antagonised his colleagues privately, Hermers public pronouncements are causing concern, too. Speaking to the Rusi think tank at the end of May, the Attorney General compared calls to quit the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) with the early days of Nazi Germany. He swiftly apologised, but the damage was done.

Part of Hermers problem is institutional. Ensconced in the rarefied atmosphere of the House of Lords, he is shielded from the noise and drama of the Commons. Against David Wolfson, the genteel Tory spokesman in the Lords, Hermer has held his own. But down the corridor, Robert Jenrick  the heat-seeking missile of the Tory frontbench  is determined to take him down. The Shadow Justice Secretary and his staff spend their days plotting the downfall of the man they call the Herminator.

For Jenrick and others, Hermer is the living embodiment of judicial overreach. It was Margaret Thatcher who distinguished between the rule of law and rule by lawyers. Hermer seems, to many Tories, to exploit the veneer of the former to enable the expansion of the latter. After 14 years of frustration in government, there is an increasingly Cromwellian attitude to Hermers constant evocation of international law.

He has featured prominently in Jenricks prolific online content. One such video has images of the clients whom the Labour peer represented prior to entering government: Gerry Adams, Shamima Begum, five terrorists linked to al-Qaeda. It is a compelling critique which has some within the Labour party now asking if Hermer is causing more trouble than he is worth. Against this onslaught, the Attorney General has declined to come out swinging. He has given few interviews and rarely seeks to explain his past career and the work he is doing in office. He is so easy to attack, boasts one Tory MP.

This frustrates his allies within government. They argue that Hermer is unfairly maligned for merely trying to follow his Prime Ministers instructions. The Rusi speech, which attracted such opprobrium, is believed to have been cleared by No 10 in the usual way.

Hermer apologised earlier this year for comparing calls to quit the ECHR with the early days of Nazi Germany - Avalon

Dominic Cummings and others have fulminated against the edicts of government lawyers for years; ministers have always resented colleagues who trample on their turf. Hermer is nothing new in these respects. One older MP argues that whomever was in that role, theyd be getting it in the neck, as a global migration crisis continues to test international law to breaking point.

Yet there persists a sense amongst those who have brushed up against Hermer that he is not being as helpful as he could be. A blocker, not a builder is the judgement of one aide. Another asks, despairingly: Does he have any instinct of self-preservation?

And for those in the Commons, fearful of re-election in four years time, the perceived lordly attitude of Hermer and his team, indifferent to their electoral needs, is regarded as profoundly tone-deaf. In a party as tribal as Labour, there are doubts about whether he is truly one of the team. Hes like Starmer, says one former advisor. He has no politics, except the law. He is just not a Labour person.

A gaggle of young MPs, like Dan Tomlinson, Jake Richards and Mike Tapp have now taken it on themselves to publicly call for reform of the ECHR and its overinterpreted protections on torture and family life. Hermers allies insist that he is on board with this mission, pointing to his Rusi speech. Yet those in the pro-Reform camp argue that it is Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, who is driving this change, rather than Hermer and the Attorney Generals Office.

Cut off from the Commons and lambasted in the press, Hermers position looks to be an unhappy one.

Cynics wonder whether Starmer  or those around him  are content to keep using the Attorney General as a lightning rod, to absorb flack that would otherwise be directed at No 10. But the Prime Minister has shown a willingness before to protect his allies, like Ed Miliband, who helped get him selected for his safe seat in 2015. The Energy Secretary had been widely tipped for the sack before  but is now thriving as of the big winners of the recent Spending Review. Starmer and Hermer are genuine friends; the former even gave the latters toast when he took silk in 2009.

Yet unlike Miliband, with his legions of eco-friendly backbenchers, Hermer lacks a power base. International lawyers dont have many votes, jokes one within Labour. Isolated and attacked, after a difficult first year in office, the knives are out for Lord Hermer as he prepares for the travails of the next 12 months. Not all his colleagues think he will last the course.
People with traditional values could be extremists, Canadian police have warned.

Staff Sgt Camille Habel, the spokeswoman for Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), urged people to be vigilant following the arrest of four people in Quebec, who were allegedly involved in ideologically motivated violent extremism.

Two of those arrested in a plot to seize part of Quebec were members of the armed forces.

Sgt Habel was asked by CTV what Canadians should look out for in the wake of the arrests.

Well, radicalisation in general quite often will show by people isolating themselves and changing their behaviour, like changing what theyre saying on a subject, like becoming more extremist, she said.

If someone you know believed in equal gender rights but all of a sudden is leaning towards traditional values, that might be a sign that theyre becoming more extremist.

But we also have to remember that having the most extremist views is perfectly legal in Canada, and that its only acting with violence to prove that view that becomes a criminal offence.

Raphael Lagace was among four arrested and has been charged with facilitating terrorist activity in Canada

Her remarks triggered an angry backlash among Canadian conservatives.

Ron Chhinzer, a former conservative candidate, accused the RCMP of labelling mainstream views as extreme.

He said the police were ignoring Left-wing extremism in an interview on True North News, a conservative media outlet.

What we see here is our national police force utilising the most basic concept of every religious group that a strong family is a strong communityand now were being told by our national police force that any pivot back to that, to revalue family values as we know it here in Western society, is actually moving towards an extremism, he said.

Ive never seen, and I looked for it, really much about any mention of other extremisms like Left-wing extremism. Why is it always pivoting this way to the right way, and since when has the thousands of years of historic values that we all carry now moved to any other pivot?

Come and arrest me

Maxime Bernier, leader of the libertarian Peoples Party in Canada, challenged the police to arrest him.

This @rcmpgrcpolice officer says not believing gender nonsense anymore and switching to more traditional values may be a sign of radicalisation! Come and arrest me, woke moron, Im clearly a radical extremist who may be about to commit some terrorist act! he wrote on X.

Marie-Eve Breton, another RMCP spokeswoman, sought to clarify her colleagues remarks.

Its the observed and sometimes sudden change in ones behaviour, beliefs or goals as well as tolerating the use of violence to achieve those goals, that could be one of several factors that signal a shift towards extremism, she said.

Each instance would have to be examined on a case-by-case basis, and all indicators would have to be considered in their totality.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in a built-up suburb, less than a minute after take-off from Ahmedabad airport - AFP

An Air India pilot asked why the doomed planes fuel had been cut off moments before it crashed.

A highly anticipated report released by Indian authorities just after midnight on Saturday said initial findings indicate that switches controlling fuel flow to the jets two engines were turned off, leading to a catastrophic loss of thrust at take-off.

All but one of 242 people on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner were killed when the aircraft plunged into a medical student hostel in a built-up suburb last month, less than a minute after take-off from Ahmedabad airport.

Amid the confusion, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did you cut off the fuel supply in the recovered cockpit voice recording.

The other pilot responded that he didnt, according to the report.

Sumeet Sabharwal, the lead pilot (left) and Clive Kunder, the co-pilot (right)

The switches were then moved back to their normal position, which automatically started the process of relighting the engines.

One of the engines was in the process of regaining power at the time the aircraft crashed. The other was relit but was not yet regaining thrust.

At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to [the engine operators and manufacturers], suggesting that no significant fault has been found with the plane or its engines, the report reads.

The findings explain why the jets emergency-power generator, known as a ram air turbine, appeared to have been activated moments before it plummeted to the ground.

CCTV reveals the ram air turbine being deployed shortly after take-off. This is a tell-tale sign of complete electrical loss - Amit Kumar

While the initial report does not draw any conclusion, it has raised questions about the actions of Sumeet Sabharwal, the lead pilot, and Clive Kundar, the co-pilot.

The pilots had more than 9,000 hours of flying time between them.

In the moments before disaster, Sabharwal issued a mayday call. However, after the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of barely 400ft above the runway all contact was lost.

The angle of the plane when it collided with the building has been revealed - Amit kumar

At 8.09am universal time, with the ground rapidly approaching, one of the pilots transmitted the distress call: Mayday mayday mayday, the report said.

However, air traffic control received no further communication.

The air traffic control officer (ATCO) enquired about the call sign. ATCO did not get any response but observed the aircraft crashing outside the airport boundary and activated the emergency response, reads the report.

Video footage showed the jet suffering a catastrophic loss of lift as the pilot said he was losing power.

The plane then glided down towards the ground, and after disappearing behind a group of trees, it crashed just a few hundred yards from the end of the runway in an explosion of fire.

In its 15-page report, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said the wreckage had been moved to a secure site near the airport.

Both engines were retrieved from the wreckage site and quarantined at a hangar in the airport, the report said.

Components of interest for further examinations have been identified and quarantined, the report added.

The left-hand engine of the plane, which was retrieved from the wreckage site - Amit kumar

The flap handle recovered from the wreckage was found to be firmly seated in the five-degree flap position, consistent with normal take-off procedures.

The position was also confirmed from the enhanced airborne flight recorder (EAFR) data. The landing gear lever was in down position. The thrust lever quadrant sustained significant thermal damage.

The crash was the first fatal accident involving Boeings Dreamliner. However, the airliner had already suffered reputational damage after a string of safety and quality problems.

The Dreamliner, which entered service in 2011, is popular among commercial airlines and is commonly used on international long-haul routes.

Delays in the investigation led by Indian authorities and the refusal to release information to the public have fuelled frustration among some American government officials.

A fire officer stands next to the wreckage of the plane - Adnan Abidi

Indias government said data extraction from the planes black boxes started on June 24 by a team of Indian and US experts, including some from the US National Transportation Safety Board.

American officials have been frustrated by what they say is the slow pace of downloading, analysing and sharing the contents of the black boxes, insiders added.

The investigation will also examine the planes engine thrust capacity, its flap settings  which affect how much altitude a plane can gain  and why the aircrafts landing gear remained extended.

Maintenance records and crew actions are also under review, while a bird strike has reportedly been ruled out.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, was the sole survivor of the crash.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seen with Indian PM Narendra Modi, was hailed a miracle man after surviving the accident

The businessman from Leicester was sitting in seat 11A, which was close to the front of the plane and severed from the rest of the fuselage during the crash.

Mr Ramesh suffered multiple injuries, including contusions to his chest and deep lacerations on both feet, but managed to walk away from the crash. His brother was killed in the accident.

Fifty-three British nationals were killed alongside 169 Indian nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.

At the time, the chief executive and president of Boeing vowed to assist the investigation into the crash.

Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad, Kelly Ortberg said.

An Air India spokesman said: Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time.

We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) today, 12 July 2025.

Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses.

Given the active nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific details and refer all such enquiries to the AAIB.

Read the report in full below:
A 1-year-old boy died in California during his mother's cosmetic lip filler treatment, left waiting in a hot car outside.

Amillio Gutierrez, from Visalia, was found unresponsive with a body temperature of 107 degrees on Sunday and was later pronounced dead at Adventist Health after resuscitation efforts failed. His 2-year-old sibling, also left in the car, survived.

Their mother, Maya Hernandez, 20, has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child cruelty charges, KGET reported. According to Bakersfield police, Hernandez left her 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid running with the air conditioning on, but the car's automatic system shut the engine off after one hour in park. During the next 90 minutes the children remained in the car as Bakersfield temperatures reached 101 degrees.

Hernandez told police she left crackers, candy, milk, and a phone playing videos to keep the children occupied. She had previously been told she could bring her kids inside the spa, but chose instead to leave them in the car. When Hernandez returned to the car, Amillio was very flushed and then had a seizure.

"(Hernandez) admitted she knew that her actions were irresponsible and that she considered that when she was getting out of the car, but she intentionally left them in the vehicle regardless, placing the value of her appearance over the value of the safety and well-being of her children," an investigator wrote.

She remains in custody on more than $1 million bail and is due back in court next week.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
A protest banner is held outside the venue where Bob Vylan are set to perform

Masked protesters have threatened to riot if a gig by Bob Vylan goes ahead in Amsterdam, sparking a police investigation.

The British punk duo were accused of anti-Semitism after leading chants of death to the IDF and free free Palestine at this years Glastonbury music festival.

Two masked men held up a banner outside Amsterdams Paradiso venue that read, If Bob Vylan plays that night, Amsterdam will stand and fight.

Since Glastonbury, Bob Vylan appearances at several festivals have been cancelled, including in the UK, France and Germany.

Paradiso has vowed that the September 12 concert, which is being headlined by Ukrainian-American gypsy punk carousers Gogol Bordello, will go ahead.

Paradiso director Geert van Itallie told 3voor12 that its very unfortunate that pressure is being put on our freedom of programming.

He added that the venue, which has reported the matter to the police, will not yield to such practices.

Paradiso is taking the threat seriously and will be taking extra precautions.

A member of Bob Vylan crowd surfs during the duos controversial Glastonbury performance - Yui Mok/PA

Bob Vylans Glastonbury appearance sparked anger and controversy in Britain and prompted a criminal investigation into the chanting, which Sir Keir Starmer called appalling.

The BBC apologised for not pulling the livestream of the performance, which is no longer available on the iPlayer platform.

Bob Vylan issued a statement in early July after several of the bands bookings were cancelled, including a headline slot at Manchesters Radar festival.

The duo said: Silence is not an option. We will be fine, the people of Palestine are hurting.

A co-founder of the Radar festival later revealed she had received death threats after cancelling the duo.

Credit: BBC

This week, during their first UK concert since Glastonbury, the bands frontman asked fans to stop chanting against the Israeli military.

Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, told fans that they could get him into trouble after they began chanting death, death to the IDF at a London surprise gig on Wednesday night.

The duo announced their second last-minute gig of the week in Bristol on Friday night, following the performance in London.

As well as being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police over their Glastonbury Festival set, the Ipswich-formed duo are also under investigation by the Metropolitan Police for alleged comments during their performance supporting Iggy Pop at Alexandra Palace in May.

In a video of the show, Mr Robinson-Foster, who performs as Bobby Vylan, appeared to say: Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.

It is not clear who is responsible for the banner in Amsterdam, a city which had a large Jewish community until Nazi occupation and the Holocaust.

In November 2024, there were anti-Israeli riots in Amsterdam. Fans of the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv were targeted in what was called a Jew hunt during the disorder.

Geert Wilders, the hard-Right politician who won the last general election in the Netherlands, is a staunch supporter of Israel and its war on Hamas in Gaza.
Reeves has failed to shut down rumours of a cut to cash Isas  and savers have acted in good faith - Kirsty O'Connor / Treasury

Another day, another cowardly retreat from anything resembling fiscal responsibility.

Following rowbacks on winter fuel payments and personal independence payments, Rachel Reeves has now changed tack on her well-trailed plans to slash the cash Isa allowance.

This time it appears to be the lobbying of Britains building societies that proved too much to bear, with the likes of Nationwide and Yorkshire Building Society holding the Chancellors feet to the fire.

Regardless of your stance on the policy (you might not like it but Ive made mine clear), this persistent flip-flopping is causing serious damage to the country and those who live in it. How can people be expected to make sound decisions about their finances if the Government cant make up its mind?

Since January, Reeves has repeatedly failed to shut down rumours that she would limit the amount of cash savers can shield from tax in their Isas. As we approached next weeks Mansion House speech, it was being taken as gospel that change was finally coming, even if we lacked the details. But now, less than a week out, the Government has briefed that, in fact, no such move is on the cards soon.

(It is important to note that while changes have been ruled out for next week, Isa reform has not been canned.)

That didnt stop people planning for it. As Telegraph Money reported yesterday, savers were rushing to stuff their cash under the tax-free mattress, with Skipton and Leeds building societies witnessing 45pc and 47pc jumps in new accounts, respectively, in just one week. Earlier in the year, savers added a record 14bn to these accounts, making rash financial planning decisions based on the best information available.

Time and again, our reckless Government is playing fast and loose with peoples life savings. Ahead of Labours first Budget, there was a spike in savers cashing in their pension lump sum as Downing Street refused to deny it was planning to dramatically reduce the tax-free amount people could withdraw from their retirement savings.

When the change never materialised, people were left stranded with enormous amounts of capital locked out from their pensions, condemned to miss out on decades of tax-free growth that stands at the core of prudent pension planning. Bestinvest, an investment firm, reported that pension withdrawal requests more than doubled ahead of the Budget in October 2024 compared to the same month the previous year.

The damage was done. One reader withdrew 138,000 from two of her personal pensions, a move she was unable to reverse despite most financial firms offering a 30-day cooling-off period for such decisions. Another described how he had felt panicked into making a life-changing financial decision, adding that Rachel Reevess incompetence had left him almost in tears.

Paul Johnson, of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), said at the time that the Chancellor should reflect on the damage done by having allowed various rumours to circulate for so long.

Every time these sorts of rumours are allowed to persist, people act on them. Weve spent decades being taught that government leaks are to be taken seriously, with policy briefed in the media and trailed well before changes are officially announced.

But perhaps we need to start taking lessons from Sir Keir Starmers government. Theyve repeatedly taught us that when the going gets tough, theyll roll over. In the futile pursuit of being liked, theyve forgotten how politics works.

Governing is a thankless task  even if you give people what they want, theyll spit in your face.

Unfortunately, Reeves has inherited a can that has been kicked down the road for years. Growth has contracted once again this morning and this latest U-turn wont do anything to balance the books.

Strap in for the autumn  it will be the most painful Budget since austerity.
Richard Tice said he wondered whether the King read his speech - Peter Summers/Getty Images

Reform UKs deputy leader has criticised the King after he raised the issue of borders in his state banquet speech.

In a rare political swipe at the monarch, Richard Tice said it was unwise for the King to use any of that language about the boats during Emmanuel Macrons state visit.

His Majesty had said that Britain and Frances shared challenges know no borders and that the two countries face a multitude of more complex threats, emanating from multiple directions.

Mr Tice said he believed Queen Elizabeth II would have been much more careful, and would have refrained from raising the subject.

At the state banquet at Windsor Castle, the King told attendees: These challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time. Instead, the answer lies in partnership, and we  France and Britain  must help to lead the way. Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world.

Separately, the monarch later said: Our security services and police will go further still to protect us against the profound challenges of terrorism, organised crime, cyber attacks and, of course, irregular migration across the English Channel.

Asked whether he felt the King had got the balance right in his address, Mr Tice told Politicos Westminster Insider podcast: The British monarch has a very special role in all state visits and relationships with heads of state.

I dont think the late Queen would have included any of that language about the boats. I think she would have been much more careful. I presume that its different speech writers, but I just dont think that she would have ended up in that pickle.

Asked about the Kings remark that the nations shared challenges know no borders, Mr Tice said: Well they clearly do involve borders, and its a critical part of sovereignty.

I wonder whether the King read his speech or whether he fell into the trap that Keir Starmer fell into by admitting that he didnt read his speeches beforehand and therefore you couldnt rely on him to trust what he actually says.

I think that is possible. The King obviously makes a lot of speeches, but the late Queen just wouldnt have gone there. She just wouldnt, and that might be something to do with her advisers. I think it was unwise for the King to tread there  thats the role of the political class to debate that sort of thing.

Credit: Reuters

Earlier this week, Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, used his GB News show to criticise the Kings comments.

He said: Im not a republican  Im not in the habit of criticising the royal family. Perhaps hes been poorly advised. But actually, we are a fortress. Were an island. It gives us massive advantages, as it has done throughout the whole of history.

And to say there are no borders... well, I suppose in some ways hes right, because at the moment, with the dinghies crossing the Channel nothing much seems to happen. But I think the King is making a mistake in saying this.

It comes after Mr Macron met Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, and Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, but not Mr Farage.

On Thursday, the French president and Sir Keir announced a pilot one-in, one-out deal for the return of Channel migrants.

However, the Prime Minister faces a backlash over the deal, which was only agreed in principle, after it emerged it would be likely to mean just 50 migrants would be returned to France each week.

Mr Macron also used the joint press conference unveiling the deal to blame Brexit for the migrant crisis.

He told journalists that the British people had been sold a lie that leaving the EU would make it possible to fight more effectively against illegal immigration, adding that our increasing problems require cooperation, a European approach rather than what populists often sold.
Keir Starmer

A state visit is meant to demonstrate the best of British  and as far as the pomp and pageantry around Emmanuel Macrons sejour was concerned, that was true.

But lets be honest, if Prime Minister Keir Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves  with a side order of Foreign Secretary David Lammy  are supposed to represent the creme de la creme of UK statecraft, then we really are en difficulte.

So lacking in stature are the current Labour crop that even when the pint-sized president started slagging off Brexit, none of them stepped in to defend the once in a lifetime democratic decision taken by this country almost a decade ago.

The British people have been sold a lie, opined Monsieur Napoleon Complex, arguing that we were told leaving the EU would make it possible to fight more effectively against illegal immigration.

Sure, we were told Brexit would allow us to take back control of our borders and we havent  but the biggest lies of all were told at this weeks Anglo-Francofest, with the pretence that the 17 in, one out migrant fudge is a good deal for the UK.

The British people have been sold a 500 million pup by the French  who have taken a vast amount of taxpayers pounds to do precisely the opposite of stopping the boats. On Thursday, a French navy warship escorted a dinghy crammed with nearly 80 migrants to the Channels midpoint for a handover with the UK Border Force  but not before demanding their life jackets back from the asylum seekers to reuse them on the next trip.

These two wildly unpopular Euro-Lefties cant even save their own sinking approval ratings, so forget smashing the gangs. Stop the showboating might be a better slogan for this arrogant pair of smug elitists.

After a disastrous first year in office, Starmer is now ranked the least popular prime minister of the past four decades, plumbing even greater depths than Gordon Brown. He is such a poor politician that he cannot even keep the party together, despite a stonking majority, with restless backbenchers forcing him into U-turn after U-turn.

Meanwhile, weve got Rayner of Tory scum fame single-handedly trying to bankrupt Britain with a workers rights bill that seven in 10 business leaders say will stifle growth. Shes reportedly at war with our lachrymose Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who, despite her Oxford education, is so out of her depth shes being regularly outfoxed by her chippy Cabinet colleague who left school at 16.

Reeves has any number of ominous forecasts at her fingertips to tell the ginger whinger to do one  or risk further destabilising our fragile fiscal situation  and yet she is seemingly too busy blubbing over her red box.

Take the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which show the UK economy once again shrank unexpectedly in May, contracting for the second month in a row. Confounding analysts who expected to see slight growth, the economy shrivelled by 0.1 per cent, driven by a drop in manufacturing and very weak retail sales.

The only sector to grow overall last month was services  including legal firms recovering from the impact of changes to stamp duty thresholds the previous month. Presumably, they have also been cashing in from defending convicted criminals from deportation, giving away the Chagos Islands and trying to prosecute Northern Ireland veterans under Labours watch. Perhaps we can litigate ourselves into prosperity! The unelected Attorney General, Lord Hermer, who was this week revealed by The Telegraph to have handed himself an effective veto over government policy, would certainly be in clover.

When you consider the triumvirate of travesty that is currently in charge of this once great nation, it is little wonder people are seriously starting to question whether Labour can go the distance.

The Prime Minister is reported to be pinning his hopes on a summer refresh, which apparently doesnt mean a Lord Alli-funded spending spree on linen clothes.

Instead, he is planning to use the long parliamentary recess, which begins on July 22, to inject more purpose into the Government and could reshuffle ministers as soon as next week. (Expect Reeves to stay put as Starmers resident flak shield. Oddly, Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, is set for the chop despite being the only person in his team, bar Rayner, capable of communicating with anyone north of the Emirates Stadium.)

On Friday, the Cabinet was summoned for an away day with the Prime Minister at Chequers, his Buckinghamshire country retreat. On Tour with No Cheer Keir? Lets hope they had Aperol on tap.

Few believe a refresh can stem the bleeding, with rumours now circulating that Starmer could call an election as early as next year.

The idea behind this kamikaze plan would be to completely eviscerate the Tories  who have yet to recover from 14 years of failure  so that Labour are level pegging with Reform. Starmer could then look to form a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, and, God forbid, the Greens, in a bid to present the electorate with a sensible alternative to far Right Farage.

The fact that Jeremy Corbyn has re-entered the fray, with 18 per cent said to be considering voting for him according to the latest YouGov polling, wont put Starmer off. If Sexy Jezza manages to take out Wes Streeting in the process, then so be it: one less leadership rival for the prime minister to worry about  plus, the Health Secretary is about to be embroiled in an almighty row with junior doctors demanding a 29 pay rise on top of the 22 per cent over two years they have already been given.

I know it sounds completely nuts, but thats how desperate the people running the country have seemingly become.

Another theory is that Starmer could be undone by his own increasingly disgruntled MPs. Such was the loveless nature of Labours landslide that many backbenchers were voted in on such slim majorities that they have nothing to lose in ousting the Prime Minister if it means getting re-elected. They have already won the rebellion on winter fuel and welfare.

Next they will be agitating to scrap the two-child benefit cap and if that necessitates threatening to vote down the autumn Budget, then so be it. Admittedly, no Budget has been lost in a vote of the Commons in recent political history but, like Macron, who was this week reported to be considering a snap election, Starmer is a man in office but not in power. The arch Remainer might want to seriously consider seeking asylum in France. I hear Paris is lovely at this time of year.
Thousands of young people are being exploited by criminals to launder money, The Childrens Society is warning.

Figures obtained by the charity from UK fraud prevention service Cifas indicate that 6,434 under-21s were identified last year where there were grounds to believe that frauds or financial crimes had been attempted through them.

The charity said its own research indicates some children aged 15 to 17 have experienced severe violence as a direct result of financial exploitation.

Victims are manipulated through coercive tactics such as threats against their families, financially motivated sexual extortion or sextortion and fears of criminal prosecution, the charity said.

It warned that exploitation often starts with seemingly minor requests such as sharing bank details or responding to quick cash job adverts.

The society said young people report regularly seeing scam posts across social media platforms.

It said scam social media posts which portray a particular lifestyle, such as those with fast cars or expensive jewellery, may be appealing to young people.

The research highlighted that both poverty and wealth can place children at risk. Children from affluent backgrounds may be vulnerable to criminals who exploit their access to credit, financial products, or accounts that easily mask illicit activities.

Victims frequently face frozen bank accounts, leaving their families without access to essential financial services needed for basics such as food and energy bills, the charity warned.

Young people who spoke to The Childrens Society reported that focus on potential penalties for fraudulent activity rather than providing clear avenues for help, discourages victims from seeking assistance.

The report was based on consultations with more than 100 children and professionals working in exploitation.

Mark Russell, chief executive at The Childrens Society said: No child should suffer the trauma of financial exploitation. It profoundly impacts childhoods, causing damage that extends into adulthood.

The charity said key actions to tackle the problem should include comprehensive education for children about healthy relationships including grooming and exploitation, specialist financial exploitation training for professionals such as teachers, police, social workers, and financial sector employees and tackling underlying risk factors such as poverty and school exclusions.

Fraud minister Lord Hanson said: It is absolutely disgraceful that criminal gangs are exploiting teenagers in this way, and we will not stand for it.

Innocent youngsters are being forced by the gangs to hold and transfer illicit funds.

If they try to say no, they face horrendous violence and intimidation; if they go along with it, they and their families can find themselves in deep financial trouble.

We are determined to crack down on the financial exploitation of children and ensure that those youngsters who come forward to report what has happened to them are treated as victims not criminals.

We applaud the work that the Home Office-funded prevention programme, delivered by The Childrens Society, are doing in this area, and we are proud to fund a specialist financial exploitation officer as part of that work.

Mike Haley, chief executive of Cifas, said: The scale of harm caused by the financial exploitation of young people is deeply concerning.

At Cifas, were committed to ensuring our solutions and systems protect  not criminalise  vulnerable children.

Thats why we issued new guidance earlier this year to help our members make proportionate filings to the National Fraud Database.

Tackling this issue demands a united front  industry, government, financial institutions and regulators must work together to stop fraudsters targeting young people and taking advantage of them both financially and emotionally.

Were proud to stand alongside The Childrens Society in strengthening this vital partnership.
A woman seeks cover during protests as ICE agents raid a cannabis farm in California on Thursday - BLAKE FAGAN/AFP

Donald Trumps border tsar has demanded Democrats stop labelling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials as Nazis following a string of violent incidents.

Tom Homan warned that the rhetoric against ICE officers has to stop after shots were apparently fired during anti-ICE protests in California on Thursday.

What happened in California is just another example of protesters becoming criminals, and theyve been emboldened by even members of Congress who compare ICE to Nazis and racists and terrorists, Mr Homan told Fox & Friends.

I said months ago, its going to end up with a loss of life  and we had one the other day in Texas, and its not over, he said, referencing the gunman who opened fire on border patrol agents walking into work in Texas on Monday.

Violence erupted on Thursday when officials carrying out an immigration raid on Glass House Farms in the city of Camarillo, one of the biggest cannabis farms in Southern California, were met by dozens of protesters.

A man confronts agents during the raid - ALLISON DINNER/EPA/Shutterstock

A protester kneels in front of officers - Michael Owen Baker/AP

Agents fired non-lethal rounds and smoke canisters to disperse the crowd. As they retreated a masked man in all black appeared to raise a gun and fire at the officers.

Five people were taken to the hospital, according to the Los Angeles Times. Ten illegal immigrants, all juveniles, were found at the farm.

Were talking about life and death here. These men and women of ICE, the men and women of border patrol, theyre mothers and fathers too, Mr Homan added.

They dont hang their heart on a hook when they go to work.

Agents fire non-lethal rounds and smoke canisters to disperse the crowd - ABC AFFILIATE KABC/REUTERS

A demonstrator blocks a military vehicle from proceeding - Michael Owen Baker/AP

The protest is the latest in a string of increasingly violent confrontations with immigration officers in recent months.

On Monday, a man with an assault rifle fired dozens of rounds at federal agents and a US Border Patrol facility in Texas, injuring a police officer.

In June, riots engulfed Los Angeles. Mask-wearing protesters torched self-driving cars or threw rocks, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at police.

Mr Trump deployed 2,000 members of the National Guard to the city, prompting a power struggle with Gavin Newsom, the California governor.
Donald Trumps tariffs will come as a blow to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney - AFP

The US will impose a new tariff of 35 per cent on Canadian goods, Donald Trump has said.

In a letter released on his social media platform, Mr Trump told Canadas prime minister the new rate would go into effect on August 1 and would go up if Canada retaliated.

Canada also faces a 50 per cent tariff on copper.

Despite warming relations between the two countries, this latest development is likely to stall trade negotiations and is a blow to Mr Carney, who had been hoping to strike a deal by July 21.

The US president also accused Canada of contributing to the nations fentanyl crisis because of their failure to stop the drugs from pouring into the country.

If Canada works with me to stop the flow of fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter, Mr Trump wrote.

He also complained about tariff and trade barriers causing unsustainable trade deficits against the US  claiming it poses a threat to the American economy and its national security.

Canada is the largest buyer of US exports and the second-largest American trading partner.

Earlier this month, Mr Carney dropped a digital services tax that Mr Trump said was targeting US technology companies.

Canada is not the only country to feel the bite of Mr Trumps tariff wars, which has included many of the worlds largest economies, and world leaders have scrambled to appease the White House and secure exemptions.

Since Monday, more than 20 tariff-related letters have been issued by Mr Trump.

He told NBC News that any countries that had not received a letter regarding new tariff regimes would face blanket tariffs of 15-20 per cent.

Mr Trump has also teased that countries that import pharmaceuticals into the US will be hit with a rate of 200 per cent after a period of about a year.

He added he will make further announcements on tariffs involving seven countries on Friday.

Mr Trump has set a deadline of August 1st for countries to avert his levies.
Angela Rayner has been suspended by the trade union Unite - Jordan Pettitt/PA

With the prospect of a new Left-wing party led by Jeremy Corbyn looming over the horizon, Unite  one of the largest trade unions in the UK  has suspended Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and is flirting with the idea of ditching its links with the Labour Party.

Unites decision to re-examine its relationship with Labour was on the back of an emergency motion at its conference in Brighton, which condemned both the UK Government and Birmingham City Council for criticising bin workers who have taken industrial action in Englands second-largest city.

Unite boss Sharon Graham didnt mince her words: Angela Rayner, she said, has had every opportunity to intervene and resolve this dispute, but has instead backed a rogue council that has...smeared its workers fighting huge pay cuts. In a watershed moment for Left-wing politics in Britain, the leader of Labour-controlled Birmingham City Council, John Cotton, has also been suspended by the trade union.

The significance of Unite taking this course of action against Labour shouldnt be underestimated. It is the largest trade union affiliated to Labour. According to the Electoral Commission, it has donated over 400,000 to the party this year. The timing of it could not be worse, with plans in place for the creation of a new Left-wing party with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn at the helm.

If Unite was to disaffiliate itself from Labour, it would then be free to endorse candidates belonging to another political party. It could also shift its financial support towards a new Left-wing challenger party which is generally more supportive of industrial action  including the bin strikes in Birmingham.

While the Labour leadership has rejoiced over the very real existential crisis faced by the Conservative Party, it is now confronted with one of its own. A new Corbyn-led party of the Left, perhaps in alliance with the Greens, would pose a major threat to Labour  especially among younger voters in multicultural cities across the UK. According to a poll earlier this week, one third of Labour supporters would consider voting for a Corbyn-led party.

It will be an even greater problem for Keir Starmer if such a party manages to bring currently unaffiliated pro-Gaza figures into the fold. Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who refused to condemn Unite for supporting the striking binmen in Birmingham and has backed bringing steel plants under public ownership, smells blood in Labours traditional industrial heartlands.

A year is a long time in politics. From winning a handsome parliamentary majority, Labours days are now numbered, with Unite now holding the cards.
Junior (resident) doctors take part in a rally outside Downing Street - Wiktor Szymanowicz//Future Publishing via Getty Images

I qualified over 50 years ago so my days as a junior doctor, as it was called then, are long over. I remember it well: poor pay, ridiculously long hours, practising frequently way out of my depth. But it was fun, rewarding and stimulating.

The NHS was a happy place, back then  no funding problems, few people over 70 moving slowly on a downward health trajectory of increasingly irreversible co-morbidity. There was a spirit of togetherness between all the staff from the ward cleaner to the most senior consultant; yet we all knew our place. Above all it was fun. Thats all gone now and with it the job satisfaction.

Its not the money most doctors tell you thats the problem in the NHS. Its the system. Being continually being bossed around by junior managers; told which patients to prioritise to make the targets look better for the politicians; and having a complex career pathway constructed by a 21-year-old graduate trainee in a shiny office remote from the coalface. All of this is more than irritating.

Gone are the team building parties and events hosted by my senior colleagues often in their own homes. I vividly remember a delightful Sunday lunch with one Professor at his country house in Esher.

In our modern world, where social media influencers drive demands in health care, the poor resident doctor is left managing the expectation of what the NHS can provide.

If the place is full then theres no choice but to be treated in a corridor or go home. Social services are now truly appalling for the elderly. Families are much more aggressive with hospital staff now  you can feel the tension in any emergency department.

So when the fun goes, what do you do? You look at the material aspects of a job and what it gives you financially. You compare salaries with your University friends working in IT or investment banking. You look at jobs in more attractive environments in healthier and less toxic workplaces.

Instead of worrying which pronouns to use for women in our hospitals, our Health Minister Mr Streeting would be better advised to look at the ecosystem in which the resident doctors work. We all know that not even the train drivers get pay rises year on year on the scale demanded by the BMA.

If he gives in to the doctors, then all the other equally deserving and disillusioned professionals will simply clamour for more throughout the NHS. Money buys you neither love nor happiness. A whole system shake-up is now absolutely necessary for everybodys sake. The acclaimed doctor and TV presenter Robert Winston, who has quit the British Medical Association (BMA), is right to condemn the strike. When a Leftie like Polly Toynbee is warning against the actions of resident doctors, thats when you know it is manifestly wrong-headed.

I myself was truly shocked by the scale of the new demand and the rapidity with which the strike was implemented. The timing is bad  staff are on holiday, the backlog is still enormous despite the political propaganda, winter will soon be here, and a new cohort of fresh doctors hits the wards in August.

Today Im just off to the medical graduation ceremony at my own University. 200 eager young women and men will be thrilled to go out into the world as doctors. What will their future be like and what on earth am I going to say to them about the strike? I think you know.

Professor Karol Sikora is a consultant oncologist and founding dean of the University of Buckingham medical school
The Murujuga cultural landscape in Western Australia has made it on to the world heritage list. Photograph: Jessica Ellis/AAP

The Western Australian Murujuga landscape of more than a million pieces of Indigenous rock art, some as old as 50,000 years, was inscribed on the world heritage list on Friday after a lobbying campaign by the Australian government persuaded a 21-country committee that nearby industrial emissions were not eroding the rocks.

At a meeting of the world heritage committee in Paris, the Murujuga cultural landscape was acknowledged as a manifestation of creative genius, inscribed in the landscape since deep time.

The nomination was led by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), and members of its delegation in Paris were in tears as the decision was confirmed. Traditional owners had been pushing for world heritage status for the site for two decades.

Related: Eight countries back Australias push to add WA rock art to World Heritage list hours before crunch meeting

Murujuga becomes Australias 21st world heritage site, joining places such as the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu and Lord Howe Island, and global sites including the Great Wall of China, Macu Picchu, the temples of Angkor and the pyramids of Giza.

Murujuga also becomes Australias second world heritage site recognised for its Aboriginal cultural values, joining the 6,600-year-old Budj Bim aquaculture system in Victoria that was inscribed in 2019.

The site, covering almost 100,000 hectares, was initially the land of Yaburara people who were massacred by colonists in 1868. The Ngarda-Ngarli people now look after the site.

The petroglyphs  many created by striking rocks with harder rocks  depict plants, animals, some of which are now extinct, and humans, including some of the earliest anthropomorphic images on earth.

The site is close to industrial plants, including Woodsides Karratha gas plant, and UN advisers had recommended the nomination be referred back to Australia until sources of degrading acidic emissions were removed, and for any further industrial development to be stopped.

The government argued the UNs advisers, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, had relied on factual inaccuracies and pointed to a major monitoring report  the work of about 50 scientists  which it said showed there was no ongoing risk to the rock art  a claim contested by a small group of scientists.

Of the 21-country committee, Kenya successfully moved an amendment to immediately inscribe Murujuga, supported by Senegal, Zambia, Rwanda, Ukraine, South Korea, Japan, Qatar, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Belgium, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Kazakhstan, Argentina, Italy, Mexico and India.

Murujuga was inscribed for three criteria: the site represents a masterpiece of human creative genius; is a unique testimony to a cultural tradition; and is an outstanding example of a cultural or human settlement showing interaction with the environment.

The Australian government, including environment minister Murray Watt, had been in Paris to lobby for the inscription alongside delegations from the Western Australian government and MAC.

The chair of MAC, Peter Hicks, said the group was elated, and the inscription was recognition of the way our ancestors have managed this extraordinary landscape for over 50,000 years. We are proud to continue that legacy.

Watt said: This victory belongs to the Ngarda-Ngarli  the traditional owners and custodians of Murujugua whose deep knowledge, cultural leadership and enduring connection to country are at the heart of this inscription.

He said the inscription would add further protection to the site. The minister has provisionally approved an extension to Woodsides gas plant until 2070, but the conditions of the approval that relate to emissions from the plant are still being negotiated.

The Save our Songlines group, which included former MAC chair and Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper, was also in Paris calling for the committee to stick to the ICOMOS recommendations.

Cooper said it was a momentous day for our old people and future generations, but added: Today, Australia rewrote the world heritage listing in the interests of the gas industry. Even though the recommended protections were removed after concerted lobbying from the Australian government, we are still overjoyed to see Murujuga finally world heritage listed by Unesco.

While backing the inscription, several committee members expressed concern that industrial emissions needed to be monitored.

Cooper said: Global scrutiny will now be applied to what is happening at Murujuga. We will continue to fight for protection for this very special place, and the world is now aware of what we are up against.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Investigators are reportedly probing whether Mrs Spohr was using her phone at the time of the accident - Jam Press

The wife of Lufthansas chief executive is being investigated for manslaughter after allegedly running over and killing a pedestrian in Italy, before flying home to Germany.

Vivian Alexandra Spohr was reportedly driving the BMW X5 SUV that struck Gaia Costa, 24, on a zebra crossing in Sardinia.

Ms Costa was on her way to work as a babysitter in the upscale commune of Porto Cervo at about 1:30pm on Tuesday.

CCTV footage reportedly showed Ms Costa trying to stop the approaching SUV with a wave of her hand before being knocked to the ground and hitting her head.

Despite help from passers-by and emergency services, she died from head injuries at the scene after paramedics spent 20 minutes trying to resuscitate her.

Mrs Spohr, who is married to Lufthansa boss Carsten Spohr, is alleged by Germanys Bild newspaper to have initially driven on, and only stopped when alerted to the accident by other pedestrians banging on the car.

Did you see what you did, one witness is reported to have asked the 51-year-old, who was driving her daughter.

LUnione Sarda reported that Mrs Spohr was so shocked when she spotted the accident that she fainted.

She was tested for both drink and drugs but the results were negative. The SUV, with German plates, was seized and will undergo testing.

Gaia Costa was on her way to work as a babysitter when she was struck - Jam Press

Investigators are reportedly probing whether Mrs Spohr, who has a family holiday home on Sardinia, was using her phone at the time of the accident.

The case centres on possible negligent homicide in road traffic.

She returned to Munich as prosecutor Milena Aucone registered her as a suspect.

Her lawyers said she was at the disposal of Italian prosecutors.

Vivian Spohr, who was involved in the tragic death, expresses her dismay and deep regret over this very serious accident, they said.

The lawyers told Bild newspaper that: The exact circumstances are now being investigated. The Spohr family has expressed its deepest condolences to the victims relatives.

Italian investigators confirmed the flight back to Germany was not to escape justice.

They said she would have to return to Italy if summoned for legal proceedings.

Mrs Spohr is well-known in Germany, as is her 58-year-old airline boss husband. She is the patron of a Lufthansa charity foundation that helps young people.

German airline Lufthansa told Italian media it was a private matter.

Gianni Addis, the mayor, paid tribute to Ms Costa, as a hard-working and cheerful woman.

He said: Gaia was a young woman who was deeply involved in the citys social and cultural life.

She was passionate about our traditions and never missed the parades of the local folk group.
Most people exploring a city focus on whats above ground. But in several cities across the U.S., there's an entirely different story beneath your feet. These tunnels, ranging from historic passageways to repurposed business routes, are open to the public. They may not be glamorous, but they carry real stories, strange functions, and strong local character.

If youre curious enough to explore below street level, here are some U.S. cities where you can do exactly that.

Chicago, Illinois

Credit: iStockphoto

Theres a network under downtown Chicago that connects more than 40 blocks through narrow corridors and stairwells. Its called the Pedway, and during a weekday, its full of commuters darting between offices and train stations. The older freight tunnels, once used for coal deliveries, sit lower and remain closed. Those havent seen traffic in decades.

Seattle, Washington

Credit: iStockphoto

The massive fire that tore through Seattle in 1889 didnt just destroy the cityit set the stage for a whole new one to rise above it. Instead of demolishing the old streets, the city simply built on top. Now, visitors can walk the original sidewalks, complete with burnt wood beams and glass skylights overhead.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Credit: iStockphoto

Beneath the Indianapolis City Market, a grid of brick-lined halls stretches underfoot. Whats left of Tomlinson Hall, which burned down in the 1950s, is now known as the Catacombs. No bones or coffins, but simply storage rooms built to keep food cool before refrigeration took over.

Portland, Oregon

Credit: iStockphoto

Portland has its own version of subterranean folklore, and it starts under the old Chinatown district. These passageways were reportedly used in the late 1800s to abduct men for maritime labor. Today, tourists can walk the tight routes and hear the darker chapters. Dim lights, rusted bars, and unfinished walls make the past feel just close enough to touch.

New York City, New York

Credit: iStockphoto

Indiana isnt the only place with burial vaults worth exploring. In fact, Manhattan has a working crypt underneath St. Patricks Old Cathedral. These vaults arent theatrical or elaborate, but theyre still in use. The tight brick passages feel oddly removed from the city noise just overhead on Mulberry Street.

Boston, Massachusetts

Credit: iStockphoto

Only a handful of people know Bostons Old North Church for its place in Revolutionary history, but fewer realize that more than 1,000 people are buried right under there. The space feels quiet and cramped, which is a sharp contrast to the polished sanctuary above. Around the North End, forgotten tunnels from the Big Dig lie hidden and serve as reminders of how the city has rebuilt itself.

Los Angeles, California

Credit: iStockphoto

During the 1920s, Los Angeles hid an aspect of its nightlife below the streets. Tunnels snaked between courthouses, jails, and city hall, often doubling as smuggling routes and speakeasy connections. Parts of that network are accessible on walking tours. Youll find scratched-out maps, rusting rails, and faded signs pointing to rooms that havent seen daylight in years.

Washington, DC

Credit: iStockphoto

At the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, DC, religious visionaries created catacombs that replicate ancient Christian burial sites. Today, they stand as a spiritual stand-in for the Holy Land. People often stroll past symbolic graves and relics, including the bones of a Roman child martyr.

Newark, New Jersey

Credit: iStockphoto

Under St. Josephs Church in Newark, a crypt built in the 1930s houses wax replicas of saints instead of actual remains. Father Mateo Amoros, inspired by the catacombs seen in Montreal, created this display to sidestep burial laws. However, public access is limited and can be arranged by approaching the church.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Credit: iStockphoto

Underneath the Strip in Las Vegas lies a network of flood channels that stretches for miles. These concrete corridors, built initially to manage storm runoff, now shelter a large underground population. Nonprofits take tourists through certain parts, offering context to a place few ever see.

Houston, Texas

Credit: Getty Images

What began as a simple connection between two buildings has grown into a seven-mile network beneath downtown Houston. The system now links dozens of skyscrapers and offers a cool, calm alternative to street-level chaos. Cafes, shops, and food courts also serve the citys workforce during the day.

Dallas, Texas

Credit: iStockphoto

In the 1970s, Dallas decided to take part in its downtown underground. The tunnel system connected banks, office towers, and retail spaces in a bid to combat the summer heat. Youll still find a few shops and food counters if you enter through the right building. These walkways arent obvious, and theres little signage.

Denver, Colorado

Credit: iStockphoto

If youre interested in how government buildings actually function, the network sitting below the Colorado State Capitol is worth a look. Built for heating and maintenance, they continue to house leftover marble, old tools, and even cat paw prints set in concrete. Some public tours include access, though not all, so its worth checking ahead.

Kansas City, Missouri

Credit: iStockphoto

Who couldve thought a thriving business hub would exist hundreds of feet beneath the city? SubTropolis, carved into ancient limestone below Kansas City, spans 55 million square feet and maintains a naturally cool climate year-round. While not open for casual visits, occasional tours and events provide access.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Credit: iStockphoto

This space tells the story of how Cincinnati honored its ancestors while adapting to a growing city. The site can give you a view into 19th-century burial practices, where relocated graves were placed under St. Francis Seraph Church after the initial cathedral site was cleared.
Officials in Baltimore are investigating after more than two dozen people seemingly experienced "overdose symptoms" when they came into contact with an unknown drug and were subsequently taken to hospitals, first responders said.

The incident took place in a neighborhood on the city's westside on the morning of Thursday, July 10, according to the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore Fire Department.

On X, Baltimore police wrote officers and firefighters responded to the intersection of Pennsylvania and North avenues "in reference to multiple individuals experiencing overdose symptoms".

In addition to first responders, public health officials, and other volunteers distributed critical harm reduction supplies to those suspected of overdosing, the Baltimore mayor's office wrote in the statement.

BPD & @BaltimoreFire are on scene at the intersection of Pennsylvania & North Avenues in reference to multiple individuals experiencing overdose symptoms. More information to follow as it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/dOkM7p8A4t  Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) July 10, 2025

"Between yesterday and this morning, there have been 27 total patient transports from the incident scene in the Penn North area of Baltimore, MD to eight hospitals in and around the city," the office wrote.

On Friday, WMAR-TV reported that 15 of the victims were listed in stable condition, according to officials. The conditions of the remaining people who were suspected of overdosing were not immediately known.

No fatalities had been reported as of July 11, the mayor's office said, but officials confirmed more than half a dozen people were taken to hospitals in critical condition.

A suspected batch of drugs was located in the area and identified by police in connection with the incident, city officials said.

It was not immediately known who the suspected drugs belonged to or who supplied them.

"Harm reduction teams worked together to mobilize resources like the Spot Mobile Van and deployed to canvas the area, including nearby vacant dwellings," the mayor's office wrote. "Teams distributed Narcan, test strips, safe use kits, and other harm reduction resources aimed at reducing overdoses."

What time did people supposedly overdose in Baltimore?

Crews responded to the area about 9:20 a.m. for several reported overdoses, Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said, per CBS News.

"When the crews arrived, they encountered a patient they believed to be suffering from a drug overdose," according to CBS News. "The first responders were then approached by community members who directed them to additional people who were unresponsive."

Calling it "a significant public health event," the Mayor's Office of Overdose Response and Baltimore City Health Department released a statement reminding residents who use drugs to "practice harm reduction and risk reduction techniques."

25 hospitalized after suspected mass overdose in West Baltimore; drug not yet known

What type of drug is suspected in the incident?

Officials have not said what type of drug was involved or whether any arrests are pending in the case.

On Friday, July 11, people were asked to avoid the area as police continued to investigate the scene and surrounding neighborhoods, "focusing on the source of the overdose event," the city wrote in its release. "BPD reminds individuals that under Good Samaritan laws, they can seek medical care without fear of arrest."

First responders and community partners remained on the ground Friday, distributing drug test strips and Narcan, "canvassing the neighborhood, and ensuring impacted residents get the medical care they need," the mayor's office said.

"Community partners will be on site through the night to continue Narcan and harm reduction distribution," according to the office.

The incident remained under investigation as of Friday, July 11.

Amber Alert canceled, dad arrested: Missing child located after mom, teen girl found dead

'Never use alone, carry Narcan, test your drugs'

If you plan to use drugs, the mayor's office and city health department released these tips:

Never use alone in the event you overdose.

Carry Narcan ; available for free through the Baltimore City Health Department.

Test your drugs when using Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips, also available at the Baltimore City Health Department.

Go slow as the illicit drug supply "is potent and mixed with various substances, so use smaller amounts if possible."

Anyone impacted by the July 10 incident should call 911 to seek immediate care. Additional resources are available through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 mobile helpline, the mayor's office said.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Suspected mass overdose sends 25 to hospital in Baltimore
The president of Guinea-Bissau on Thursday said that the country would only take back its own citizens who are deported from the U.S., rejecting requests from the Trump administration to take in deported migrants whose home countries refuse them or are slow to accept them.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, one of five West African leaders who met with President Trump at the White House on Wednesday, said the president raised the issue of third countries taking in migrants but added that Trump didnt specifically ask for the African nations to agree to accept deportees.

He talked about that, but he didnt ask us to take immigrants back in our country. Just to be clear on that, Embalo said during an event at the Atlantic Council, in response to a question from a reporter from The Africa Report.

If they are our citizen of Guinea-Bissau, if they are [legal] here, if they want to go back to Guinea-Bissau, of course they are going back home. But if they are another citizen, why we going [to take] them? No, our policy dont accept that.

The Wall Street Journal reported that ahead of the high-profile White House summit with African leaders, the State Department sent requests to each of the five countries to take in third-country migrants whose home countries refused or delayed accepting them.

The five leaders present at the summit included the presidents of Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Gabon and Guinea-Bissau.

At the meeting, Trump described making progress on the safe third-country agreements. Its not entirely clear how the administration views the policy. The U.S. and Canada have a safe-third-country policy. The general definition of the term provides for a country to deport an asylum-seeker to a country the person has already transited through, given that the country is deemed safe and provides adequate protection.

Sitting with Trump at the lunch meeting was Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff and the main force behind Trumps deportation campaign. The Trump administration has deported approximately 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador, and in an agreement with Panama, the U.S. has deported more than 100 migrants from a variety of nations to that country.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration is seeking similar agreements with Libya, Rwanda, Benin, Eswatini, Moldova, Mongolia and Kosovo.

Legal challenges to the deportations have failed to block the Trump administrations actions.

The White House and State Department did not immediately return a request for comment.

Embalo was the unofficial leader of the West African delegation and has developed a personal rapport with Trump. Embalo said he last met with Trump in Paris during the rededication of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

He was there also in the cathedral of Paris, of course we talk about, about Africa  it was not the first time he was inviting me to the U.S., Embalo said.

Describing his impressions of Trump, Embalo said he was straightforward in the meeting Wednesday.

President Trump  he knows what he want, he said, What I give you? What you give me? Its the win-win partnership, this is for me, is important.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
feelgoodfoodie

How to Use An Air Fryer

A simple guide on how to use an air fry, including how to clean your air fryer afterward. Plus cooking times for potatoes, fish, chicken, and meat.

Heres my guide on how to use an air fryer with times on how long to cook everything, well, almost. Do you have an air fryer sitting in your kitchen? It is good for much more than just heating up frozen chicken nuggets. Air fryers are fantastic for cooking vegetables, seafood, and much more. In this guide, Ill give you tips on how to use an air fryer to cook chicken, fish, beef, vegetables, and even frozen items!

For the uninitiated, an air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses a strong convection oven  an oven that blows hot air around  to cook food by rapidly frying it with hot air instead of oil.

insjoy/Istockphoto

Benefits of Air Frying

If you have an Instant Pot, a blender, a toaster, a microwave, and maybe a stand mixer, do you really want another countertop kitchen appliance to learn how to use? Fans of the air fryer say you do for the following reasons.

Avoid fat: For those looking to lower their cholesterol and fat intake rejoice; most recipes call for the smallest amount of cooking oil. For instance, when making sweet potato fries from two medium sweet potatoes, I use only two teaspoons of olive oil. That yummy fried texture: Even the pickiest testers from Americas Test Kitchen say that air-fried food closely mimics deep-fried food in a way that is nearly impossible to achieve in a conventional or even a conventional convection oven. Crisp reheating: The microwave is great for rewarming liquids like tea and soup and terrible for other stuff like sandwiches, pizza, i.e., anything where structural integrity and crispness are the goals. Save time: Small, protein-dense foods that will not require multiple batches  think boneless skinless chicken breasts or salmon fillets  cook very quickly in the air fryer. My salmon fillets take about 7 minutes. Easier cleanup. Most air fryers have dishwasher-safe parts, and with the tiny amount of oil used, you avoid the mess of deep frying and the greasy sheet pans from oven frying. Keeping a cool kitchen: Like a toaster oven, the air fryer is great when you dont want to unleash the heat of your full-sized oven in the kitchen.

Koval Nadiya/Istockphoto

How to Select an Air Fryer

It is all about what you want to cook in your air fryer. The testers at Good Housekeeping liked these models. I love my air fryer because its slim, has an easy-to-use display, has the fastest pre-heating Ive tried, and is one of the easiest to clean! Here are a few things to ponder.

Size : The downfall of air fryers is their relatively small capacity. If you are cooking for a crowd of four or more, go bigger and still expect to cook some things like fries or broccoli in batches. Larger models can also give you the option of roasting bigger pieces of meat.

Dehydrating capability : Some models come with layered racks to facilitate this function. Those dried apples and other pricey bagged snacks? You can make your own.

Combo appliance : These are convection toaster ovens that combine the functions of an air fryer and a toaster oven. Often they are labeled smart ovens.

Extras : The basic air fryer comes with a basket in which you place your food, but some air fryers also add broiler racks, extra stacking trays, or a rotisserie spit for chickens. Compare and contrast to find the features you care about.

Easy Presets: If you like things nice and easy, some models offer lots of buttons with preset times and temps.

feelgoodfoodie

How to Use an Air Fryer

Every machine is a little different. So, when it comes to how to use an air fryer, these times and temperatures should be taken as a starting point. Armed with this reference, I hope you start experimenting with your air fryer. Below, I have put together some suggested times and temperatures for common foods. I have based this on a guide by Jess Dang over at the meal planning service, CookSmarts, my own recipe testing, and various manuals. To begin, a few general tips.

Start with the directions and recipes that come with your machine or, in the case of Instant Pot products, the machines downloadable app. Even with presets, pay attention to the volume of food specified.

Always keep in mind that the size and thickness of what you are cooking  whether it is shrimp, broccoli, or frozen pizza  will ultimately determine the timing. Check your food often. And shake as recommended in your manual.

For meat, poultry, and fish, the internal temperature is your ultimate guide to doneness. I always recommend using a thermometer to gauge doneness.

feelgoodfoodie

How to Air Fry Beef

Time-wise, using an air fryer takes about the same amount of time as grilling steaks or burgers on a gas grill or grooved stove-top grill pan. However, using the air fryer to cook meatballs that you might otherwise fry in oil, will save you a ton of calories and fat. Air frying browns and crisps but will not produce sear marks.

Steak, 400F, 6-10 minutes depending on doneness preferred

Burgers, 400F, 8-10 minutes

Meatballs, 375F, 8-10 minutes

feelgoodfoodie

How to Air Fry Chicken

New York Times, food writer and cookbook author Melissa Clark, found the air fryer excellent for cooking small amounts of food  like boneless chicken thighs  with a nice crust and speed. It helps that the air fryer heats up very quickly when compared to an oven.

Bone-in breasts, 375F, 25-35 minutes

Boneless skinless breasts, 350F, 10-20 minutes

Breaded thin chicken cutlets, 390F, 9-12 minutes

Skin-on, bone-in drumstick or chicken thighs, 400F, 15-20 minutes

Tenders, 390F, 10 minutes

Boneless thighs, 375F, 10-20 minutes

Wings, 380-400F, 16-18 minutes

feelgoodfoodie

How to Air Fry Seafood

Frying seafood and fish is double trouble between splattering grease and wafting odors. Air frying solves the first problem and seems to contain odors a little better, too. Keep in mind, when using a wet batter to coat your fish (or chicken,) freeze the raw product for a few minutes before frying to prevent splattering.

Salmon fillets: 400F, 7-9 minutes

Shrimp,350F, 5-10 minutes

Tilapia and other thin fish fillets, 400F, 6-10 minutes

Breaded fish, 400F, 10-15 minutes

Scallops, 400F, 5 -10 minutes

feelgoodfoodie

How to Air Fry Vegetables

Recipe testers agree that vegetables really shine when cooked in the air fryer. Brussels Sprouts especially earn high marks for achieving a unique, tender crispiness. Vegetables with a high water content  like eggplant or summer squash  get a special dehydrating crunch from the air fryers dry heat.

Asparagus,400F, 6- 10 minutes

Bell Peppers sliced, 350F, 7 -10 minutes

Broccoli, 400F, 10 to 18 minutes, longer time for cooking from frozen

Brussels sprouts, 380F, 10-12 minutes

Butternut squash, cubed, 400F, 15 to 20 minutes

Baby or chopped carrots, 400F, 10 to 20 minutes

Cauliflower, 400F, 10 minutes

Cherry tomatoes, 350F, 5 to 8 minutes

Eggplant, 400F, 15 to 20 minutes

Green beans, 400F, 8 to 10 minutes

Kale, sliced for chips. 375F, 15 to 20 minutes

Zucchini slices or diced, 400F, 10 to 12 minutes.

feelgoodfoodie

How to Air Fry Potatoes

Potatoes in all forms are meant for the air fryer.

Whole potatoes, 400F, 30 to 45 minutes

Whole sweet potatoes, 375F, 30 to 35 minutes

Potato wedges, 380F, 15 minutes

French fries, fresh cut, 375F, 25 to 30 minutes

Sweet potato fries, 380F, 12 minutes

Grandbrothers/Istockphoto

How to Air Fry Frozen Items

Heating up crisp chicken nuggets, frozen dumplings, fish sticks, and all manner of snacks is turning into one of the air fryers most popular uses.

Chicken nuggets, 350F, 10 minutes

Frozen french fries, 400F, 15 minutes

Fish sticks, 350F, 10 minutes

Hash browns, 400F, 10 minutes

Onion rings, 350F, 10 minutes

Personal pizzas, 325F 10-12 minutes

Potstickers or dumplings, 400F, 5 to 10 minutes

Tater tots, 400F, 10 minutes

Hazal Ak/Istockphoto

How to Clean Your Air Fryer

Air Fryers, like all appliances, need to be cleaned after use, and each one has its own set of cleaning instructions. Below, Ill walk you through the basic process of cleaning most air fryer models, step by step. It is actually very easy to do and only takes a few minutes!

Step 1: Unplug the air fryer and let it cool down.

Step 2: Remove the basket from the air fryer. Most models have a removable basket that can be easily lifted out.

Step 3: Empty the contents of the basket into the trash. Be sure to shake it out well so that any small bits of food are removed. If you have stuck on food clogging up the holes, you can use a toothpick to help remove them. Do NOT use metal in your air fryer basket. Wash with warm soapy water with a soft cloth or scratch-proof sponge and let dry.

Step 4: Wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. You may need to use a little bit of soap to remove any stubborn grease or food stains. Be sure to dry it off completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Replace the basket and put it back into the air fryer.

Step 6: Wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Again, you may need to use a little bit of soap to remove any fingerprints or smudges.

And thats it! Your air fryer is now clean and ready for its next use. Just be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions if they differ from the steps above. Happy air frying!

About the Author



Yumna Jawad, who was born in Africa to Lebanese parents and moved to the US at 11 years old, is beloved by millions of fans globally on Instagram, TikTok, and her website, Feel Good Foodie for her unique, delicious, creative and easy recipes that often go viral on social media. She has grown her massive following from scratch the past decade and has recently founded a new culinary venture, Oath Oats, launched in November 2022. Yumna's viral food trends have been featured by Live with Kelly & Ryan, The Today Show, Good Morning America, PEOPLE, Vogue, and the New York Times. A graduate from the University of Michigan Business School, she now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and two kids. Yumnas parents are both Lebanese so she proudly features Lebanese, middle eastern and Ramadan recipes as part of her heritage. Her first cookbook, The Feel Good Foodie Cookbook, launched in May 2024 (Penguin) and is filled with over 100 approachable, unique and delicious "Middle Eastern meets Midwestern" recipes for the entire family. The cookbook hit the bestseller lists on Amazon, USA Today and Publishers Weekly.

Related: 70+ Festive favorites for the Fourth of July

Related: How to Grill Like a Pro This Summer

Like MediaFeeds content? Be sure to follow us.

This article originally appeared on Feelgoodfoodie.net and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
Elijah-Lovkoff/Getty Images Luxury first class seats on board an airplane.





Key Takeaway

Singapore Airlines was awarded the world's best first class by Skytrax World Airline Awards. The title is backed up by the carrier's top-notch service, food, and flagship A380 suites. The carrier also ranked No. 1 in T+L's 2025 World's Best Awards.







For travelers who believe the journey should rival (or even outshine) the destination, flying First Class is a must. Lie-flat beds, access to private lounges, and multi-course meals served on fine china can transform even the longest flight into something approaching blissespecially when the airline gets it just right.

In 2025, one airlines first class offering has done exactly that with Singapore Airlines taking the top spot. (Singapore Airlines was just named the best international airline for the 10th consecutive year in Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Award, too.)

The title of the world's best first class airline was awarded to the Southeast Asian carrier at this years Skytrax World Airline Awards (dubbed the Oscars of the aviation industry") with the crowning achievement backed by wins for the best first class onboard catering and the best first class airline seat. Together, the accolades confirm what frequent flyers have known for years: if you want a truly exceptional first class experience, Singapore Airlines is the gold standard.

The airlines flagship A380 suites played a starring role in its success. More akin to hotel rooms than traditional airline seats, these private cabins feature sliding doors, spacious armchairs that recline and swivel, twin or double beds dressed in fine linens, and personal wardrobes.

A dedicated menu curated by a panel of internationally acclaimed chefs elevates the inflight dining experiencethink lobster thermidor and smoked salmon eggs Benedict with caviar rather than reheated entrees. Travelers are also treated to large 32-inch HD touchscreen monitors, Bang & Olufsen noise-cancelling headphones, Lalique facial mist, and more top-notch amenities.

Beyond the seat itself, the onboard service sets Singapore Airlines apart. The carrier was also awarded the title of the worlds best cabin crew for 2025, a nod to its consistently warm and detail-oriented inflight offerings. It also claimed regional titles, including the best airline in Asia, and was ranked No. 2 in the world overalla spot it has held for two consecutive years. (Singapore Airlines has earned the title of the worlds best airline five times, most recently in 2023.)

Skytrax rankings are determined by passengers who collectively review and rate more than 325 airlines around the globe. Each review is voluntary and passengers are not compensated for their opinions. The focus of the survey is for customers to make their own, personal choices as to which airline they consider to be the best, underlining the brand as the Passenger's Choice Awards," according to the organization.

It all goes to show just how deeply Singapore Airlines has resonated with those who know first class best.



Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
A rapidly moving wildfire north-west of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona has forced the closure of the park's North Rim and triggered evacuation orders for area residents.

The White Sage Fire, sparked by lightning on 9 July, has scorched roughly 10,900 acres near Jacob Lake. As of Thursday, the blaze remains out of control and actively expanding - described as "0% contained" by officials.

The combination of high temperatures, gusty winds, and dry vegetation has created dangerous conditions, fuelling the fire's swift advance, park officials said.

Officials issued an extreme heat warning on Friday, with temperature highs of up to 115F (46C), and advised against hiking into Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon staff said they successfully evacuated "approximately 500 guests" from the park's North Rim because of the fire, as of Friday afternoon local time.

Park officials said a 67-year-old hiker died on Tuesday in the Grand Canyon. The hiker, from Texas, was found unresponsive on the South Kaibab Trail below Cedar Ridge, and efforts to resuscitate him failed, the National Park Service said in a statement.

Emergency responders have been battling the flames from the ground and in the air since Wednesday.

"Due to the fire's progression toward Jacob Lake, which is now under evacuation orders, all visitors on the North Rim are required to evacuate immediately," Grand Canyon park staff said in an alert issued on Thursday.

Part of the nearby highway, State Route 89A, has been closed until further notice, with the Arizona Department of Transportation warning drivers to expect extended delays.

The wildfire threat reaches beyond Arizona.

On Thursday, all staff and visitors were evacuated from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado - about 260 miles (418km) south-west of Denver - after lightning ignited fires at opposite ends of the park.

The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit said on Thursday it was "working diligently with partners to respond to approximately 10 wildfires caused by lightning across the dispatch area".
People embrace outside of Glass House Farms, a day after an immigration raid on the facility, on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Camarillo, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP)  Federal immigration authorities said Friday they arrested about 200 immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally in raids a day earlier on two California cannabis farm sites. Protesters engaged in a tense standoff with authorities during an operation at one of the farms.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that authorities executed criminal search warrants in Carpinteria and Camarillo, California, on Thursday. They arrested immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally, and there were also at least 10 immigrant children on site, the statement said.

Four U.S. citizens were arrested for assaulting or resisting officers, the department said. Authorities were offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of one person suspected of firing a gun at federal agents. One worker who called family to say he was hiding from authorities was on life support after falling and suffering significant injuries.

During the raid, crowds of people gathered outside Glass House Farms in Camarillo to seek information about their relatives and protest immigration enforcement. Authorities clad in military-style helmets and uniforms faced off with the demonstrators. Acrid green and white billowing smoke then forced community members to retreat.

Glass House, a licensed California cannabis grower, said in a statement that immigration agents had valid warrants. The company said workers were detained, and it is helping provide them with legal representation. The farm also grows tomatoes and cucumbers.

Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors, the statement said.

It is legal to grow and sell cannabis in California with proper licensing.

The state's Department of Cannabis Control said they observed no minors on the premises during a site visit to the farm in May 2025. After receiving another complaint, the department opened an active investigation, according to a department spokesperson.

Worker gravely injured

At least 12 people were injured during the raid and protest, said Andrew Dowd, a spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department. Eight were taken to St. Johns Regional Medical Center and the Ventura County Medical Center, and four were treated at the scene and released. Dowd said he did not have information on the extent of the injuries of those hospitalized.

On Friday, about two dozen people waited outside the farm to retrieve the cars of loved ones and speak to managers. Relatives of Jaime Alanis, who has picked tomatoes at the farm for 10 years, said he called his wife in Mexico during the raid to tell her immigration agents had arrived and that he was hiding with others inside the farm.

The next thing we heard was that he was in the hospital with broken hands, ribs and a broken neck, Juan Duran, Alanis brother-in-law, said in Spanish.

It was not immediately clear how Alanis was injured. A doctor at Ventura County Medical Center told the family that those who brought Alanis to the hospital said he had fallen from the roof of a building.

Alanis had a broken neck, fractured skull and a rupture in an artery that pumps blood to the brain, said his niece Yesenia, who didnt want to share her last name for fear of reprisal. He is on life support, she said.

They told us he wont make it and to say goodbye, Yesenia said, crying.

The hospital did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Confrontation with authorities

Relatives and advocates headed to the farm about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of downtown Los Angeles to try to find out what was going on, and began protesting outside.

Federal authorities formed a line blocking the road leading through farm fields to the company's greenhouses. Protesters were seen shouting at agents wearing camouflage gear, helmets and gas masks. The billowing smoke drove protesters to retreat. It wasnt clear why authorities threw the canisters or if they released chemicals such as tear gas.

Ventura County fire authorities responding to a 911 call of people having trouble breathing said three people were taken to nearby hospitals.

At the farm, agents arrested workers and removed them by bus. Others, including U.S. citizens, were detained at the site for hours while agents investigated.

The incident came as federal immigration agents have ramped up arrests in Southern California at car washes, farms and Home Depot parking lots, stoking widespread fear among immigrant communities.

Federal investigations

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement Friday that the investigation into immigration and potential child labor violations at the farm is ongoing. No further details of the allegations were provided.

The agency said hundreds of demonstrators attempted to disrupt the operations, leading to the arrest of four Americans.

We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who assaults or doxes federal law enforcement, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection were both part of the operation, the statement said.

President Donald Trump said he has ordered DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and White House border czar Tom Homan to direct ICE agents to use whatever means is necessary going forward when dealing with violent protesters.

I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public, Trump said in a social media posting Friday evening.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson in a statement blamed violent leftists and Democrats for the Camarillo incident and other assaults on ICE agents in recent weeks.

Family members search for answers

The mother of an American worker said her son was held at the worksite for 11 hours and told her agents took workers cellphones to prevent them from calling family or filming and forced them to erase cellphone video of agents at the site.

The woman said her son told her agents marked the mens hands with ink to distinguish their immigration status. She spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because she feared reprisals from the government.

United Farm Workers said in statement that some U.S. citizens are not yet accounted for.

Maria Servin, 68, said her son has worked at the farm for 18 years and was helping to build a greenhouse. She said she spoke to her son, who is undocumented, after hearing of the raid and offered to pick him up.

He said not to come because they were surrounded and there was even a helicopter. That was the last time I spoke to him, Servin, a U.S. citizen, said in Spanish.

She said she went to the farm anyway but federal agents were shooting tear gas and rubber bullets and she decided it was not safe to stay. She and her daughter returned to the farm Friday and were told her son had been arrested Thursday. They still dont know where he is being held.

I regret 1,000 times that I didnt help him get his documents, Servin said.

_____

Taxin reported from Orange County, California, and Rodriguez reported from San Francisco.
By Niket Nishant, Manya Saini and Hannah Lang

(Reuters) -Crypto investors are betting that a slew of long-sought policy wins for the industry, expected next week, could invite new investment in the asset class.

Those hopes helped propel bitcoin to another high on Friday and gave a boost to U.S.-listed crypto stocks.

Starting on Monday, the House of Representatives will debate a series of crypto bills to provide the digital asset industry with the U.S. regulatory framework it has long demanded. Those demands have resonated with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called himself the "crypto president" and urged policymakers to revamp rules in favor of the industry.

Trump himself is involved in several crypto ventures, including World Liberty Financial, a platform that his sons Eric and Don Jr. run.

Members of Congress are set to vote on the Genius Act, the Clarity Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act during "crypto week," as the industry's strained ties with Washington continue to thaw. The most significant bill is the Genius Act, which would create federal rules for stablecoins.

"Even if final passage stalls, the optics of legislative engagement are bullish," said Jag Kooner, head of derivatives at crypto exchange Bitfinex.

Bitcoin's surge has triggered a broader rally in the crypto market, with strong and sustained inflows into the related spot exchange-traded funds driving prices higher, said Nicolai Sondergaard, research analyst at Nansen.

The world's largest cryptocurrency was last up 3.3% at $117,333.32, taking its gains for the year to 26%. The digital asset has surged nearly 41% in the last three months.

Bitcoin buyer and holder Strategy rose 1.9%, while crypto miners Riot Platforms, Hut 8, and Mara Holdings gained between 0.7% and 1.6%.

"Investors are racing to take positions ahead of the extra publicity this event could attract," said Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, referring to "crypto week."

Rising confidence in bitcoin is resulting in investors chasing higher returns in smaller tokens. Ether, the second-largest token, was last up 5.13%, while XRP and solana gained 9.7% and 0.8%, respectively.

The sector's total market value has swelled to about $3.67 trillion, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

'CRYPTO WEEK'

The House of Representatives is set to pass a series of crypto-related bills next week, including a bill that would establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins after Trump subsequently approves it.

Stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a constant value, usually a 1:1 dollar peg, are commonly used by crypto traders to move funds between tokens. Their use has grown rapidly in recent years, and proponents say they could be used to send payments instantly.

The bill, dubbed the Genius Act, received bipartisan support in the Senate, with several Democrats joining most Republicans to back the proposed federal rules. It is expected to pass the House and would then head to Trump, who has said he will sign the bill into law.

The bill would require tokens to be backed by liquid assets - such as U.S. dollars and short-term Treasury bills - and for issuers to publicly disclose the composition of their reserves on a monthly basis.

Crypto proponents say those rules could legitimize stablecoins, making banks, retailers, and consumers more comfortable with using them to transfer funds.

The House next week is also expected to pass a bill that aims to develop a regulatory regime for cryptocurrencies and would expand the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's oversight of the digital asset industry.

That bill, called the Clarity Act, has yet to be considered in the Senate, where it would need to pass before heading to Trump for final approval.

If signed into law, the bill would define when a cryptocurrency is a security or a commodity and clarify the Securities and Exchange Commission's jurisdiction over the sector, something crypto companies disputed during the Biden administration.

Crypto companies have argued that most crypto tokens should be classified as commodities instead of securities, which would enable platforms to more easily offer those tokens to their customers.

SKEPTICS RAISE RED FLAGS

Bitcoin's sharp rally has drawn caution from some corners of the market.

As crypto gets embedded in the traditional financial system, some analysts warned the hype may be outpacing reality.

"The (regulatory) backdrop has supported prices, and attention has turned to bitcoin's role in portfolios, with some likening the crypto-asset to 'digital gold.' This moniker is likely premature," said Dirk Willer, Citi's global head of macro, asset allocation, and emerging market strategy.

With likely volatility ahead, some analysts have cautioned investors to pause and weigh their time horizons before jumping in.

"It's hard not to be optimistic about bitcoin at this moment in time, but the risk of a fall in price or short-term pullback still exists," said Simon Peters, crypto analyst at online brokerage eToro.

Critics have argued the Trump administration is conceding too much to the crypto industry at the expense of protecting consumers and retail investors.

"I'm concerned that what my Republican colleagues are aiming for is another industry handout that gives the crypto lobby exactly its wish list," Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said this week.

Trump has faced criticism from political rivals and ethics experts over the potential for conflicts of interest regarding his family's crypto ventures.

The White House has said there are no conflicts of interest present for Trump and that his assets are in a trust managed by his children.

(Reporting by Manya Saini and Niket Nishant in Bengaluru and Hannah Lang in New York; Additional reporting by Medha Singh and Elizabeth Howcroft in Paris; Editing by Megan Davies, Arun Koyyur, Rod Nickel)
Yuri Hasegawa Vicki Lawrence

Vicki Lawrence never could have predicted what was in store for her when she woke up one morning in August 2012 with an itchy sensation in the palms of her hands.

I told my husband [Al Schultz], We need to buy a lottery ticket because my palms are itching  and were obviously coming into a lot of money,  recalls Lawrence, whos beloved for her longtime role on The Carol Burnett Show. We sort of laughed about it  but then it got worse. She wound up plunging her hands into a bowl of ice water until they froze and the hives went away. And I remember thinking, What the hell is this? 

The next morning the hives were back. They had crawled up my wrists, and now I was starting to get worried, says the 76-year-old Emmy nominee, who lives in Long Beach, Calif. Within hours her body was covered. I was going crazy, she says. I had itched the heck out of it, and when I pulled up my shirt, there were giant red claw marks all over my stomach, back and hips.

Lawrence called her allergist and, over the next month, as her hives raged on, she underwent two rounds of high-dose steroids and antihistamines  all to no avail.

Yuri Hasegawa Vicki Lawrence walking her dogs

Finally, after more than a month of agony, her allergist diagnosed her with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU)  an incurable condition marked by hives that last six weeks or longer, with no definitive cause or trigger. He prescribed medication (an injectable every two weeks for the next six months), and after several days the hives were gone.

It worked really quickly, she says. I was just amazed and grateful. I had been miserable. It was a magic answer for me.

The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!

According to a study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, CSU affects as many as 2.6 million Americans  with women accounting for an estimated 70 percent of all cases.

It can affect children or adults, says Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati and a partner with Advanced Allergy Services and Bernstein Clinical Research Center. And though we see it most often between ages 30 to 50, it can happen any time in life. The hives last for six weeks  or longer  and the chances of there being an identifiable, specific trigger are low. Thats what makes people so frustrated and anxious because they dont know why it comes out.

Yuri Hasegawa Vicki Lawrence

Thankfully, Lawrence has only experienced one other outbreak since that 2012 episode. But she understands the ongoing fear of another attack all too well.

CSU comes out of nowhere, she says, so youre always in a wait-and-see holding pattern. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help raise awareness and offer some support to other CSU sufferers. I want to let people know, theyre not alone, she says. You can control it, and there is an answer. Keep digging, and dont give up; youre not the only one going through this.

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.

Lawrence was born and raised in Inglewood, Calif., with her parents  Howard Lawrence, a CPA, and Ann, a homemaker  and her sister Joni, now 70. Inspired by her mother (She took me to dance classes and every Broadway show that came out to Los Angeles), Lawrence fell in love with dancing, singing and acting at an early age.

CBS via Getty The Carol Burnett Show, featuring from left: Vicki Lawrence (as Mama Harper) Carol Burnett (as Eunice Higgins), and Tim Conway (as Mickey Hart)

By ninth grade she was performing with the touring choir the Young Americans  even appearing in an award-winning documentary about the group.

In 1966, at age 17, she entered a local talent show for the firemens Miss Fireball contest. Prior to the November event, a reporter wrote about the talented teen  and commented on how she looked like a young Carol Burnett. Her mother suggested she write a fan letter to Burnett, who was just casting her new television sketch comedy The Carol Burnett Show. Incredibly, Burnett saw the letter and called, saying she wanted to come see the show.

I didnt even believe it was her, recalls Lawrence. I thought, Somebodys teasing me. The whole thing was so surreal. Burnett, who was pregnant with her daughter Jody, was in the audience when Lawrence won the contest (I sang Wont You Come Home Bill Bailey and played the guitar and the kazoothat was my talent, she quips) and even helped crown her Miss Fireball, before taking a few pictures and leaving the venue.

Courtesy Vicki Lawrence Vicki Lawrence with her family  daughter Courtney, son Garrett, and husband Al

Two months went by, and when Lawrence heard that Burnett had given birth to her daughter at a Santa Monica hospital, I said to my mom, Ill just go and see her,  she recalls. I literally walked into the hospital maternity ward and asked for Mrs. Hamilton (Burnetts married name). They brought me straight to her room. I gave her flowers, and she said, I havent forgotten you.

Burnett cast her as her younger sister on her show, which started a TV career that included Lawrences 1983 spinoff sitcom Mamas Family.

I was raised on Carols show, says Lawrence. It was just nurturing and so much fun. In 1974 she married Al Schultz  Burnetts makeup artist  and the couple raised two children, Courtney, 50, a professor of natural resource policy at Colorado State University, and Garrett, 47, who manages Lawrences traveling stage production Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show. Schultz died from congestive heart failure in 2024, after almost 50 years of marriage.

We always made each other laugh, Lawrence says. Its hard to believe everythings past tense now. He was such a nice guy. And so freaking handsome.

Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Vicki Lawrence as Thelma 'Mama' Crowley Harper and Rue McClanahan as Aunt Fran Crowley in Mama's Family

Schultz was by her side when she experienced her first CSU outbreak of hives in 2001. I had everything from red welts to bumps to a rash on my feet and hands, recalls Lawrence, whose allergist prescribed a round of steroids and antihistamines that quickly resolved her symptoms. He told me that most people have a breakout of hives at some time during their life, and for most theres no explanation; they go away never to return.

For years that was the case for Lawrence  until that August day in 2012.

I couldnt believe this was happening again, says Lawrence, who suffered a severe anxiety attack just days after her initial outbreak. I was sitting in bed watching TV  nervous, jittery  and I felt like my throat was closing. She spent four hours in the ER, where doctors hooked me up to an IV loaded with epinephrine and later Benadryl  both of which did absolutely nothing  and sent her home. I was in tears, still miserable, she says.

Courtesy Vicki Lawrence Vicki Lawrence with her husband, Al Schulz

Back home, she did what she could to manage her symptoms  including ice-cold showers, followed by a ton of cooling menthol lotion. Id stay in the shower as long as I could stand it, she says, then I would sit on the side of the bed and shiver and shake until my skin settled down enough that I could pass outhopefully on cool sheets.

She spent the next several weeks on a really high dose of  steroids and watched as whole areas would be raised and red where the hives had just kind of merged, she says. And once you touch them, its all over. You cant take your hands off. You just itch. You kind of turn into a raw nerve.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Fortunately for Lawrence, once her doctor was able to diagnose her with CSU and start her on the injectable, relief came within days. It started working almost immediately, adds Lawrence, who continued the treatment every two weeks for the next six months. I was great. I was feeling like myself again.

She suffered a brief flareup about six months later but immediately called her doctor, who prescribed another six-month regimen of medication before things got out of control. I havent had any problems since, she says. Im grateful  CSU isnt the end of the world for me, and there are people with a lot worse things. Im just grateful that Im healthy.

Vicki Lawrence PEOPLE Health cover

In the past year she admits shes had to adjust to Al being gone.

Its taken a while to get things back on track, says Lawrence, whos been going out more with friends for dinner or a show. Im getting to a comfortable place. Its bizarre to spend 50 years with someone and suddenly theyre gone. Its hard.

At home she loves to cook (I read cookbooks like novels) and stays active with a mix of Pilates, Gyrotonics and walks with her two rescue dogs, Hannah and Toby. Shes hoping to take a trip to Mexico with her daughter later this summer and enjoys spending time with Garrett, who moved back home after Schultz became ill.

She keeps in touch with Burnett (Were closer than ever now) and will be appearing with her dear friend in season 2 of Palm Royale on Apple TV+.

It wouldnt really dawn on me to retire, she says. I dont want to stop having fun and seeing friends and playing with other celebrities. Its what I love to do.

Read the original article on People
This summer Turning Point is launching Bible Strong Kids, an endeavor to create the next generation of Bible Strong Kidschildren who know their worth in God's eyes and are equipped to shine His light in an increasingly dark world. Bible Strong Kids will encapsulate the following 

A Daily Devotion Dr. Jeremiah's ever-popular daily devotional comes in a new version specially tailor for kids, paving the way for families to strengthen their walk with the Lord as they study the same passages of Scripture together.

Audio Adventures Airship Genesis The Barnyard Bunch COMING Soon When the Stars Align

Pathway to Jesus Mobile Game

Bible Strong Kids Bookstore

The stories, songs, and lessons children encounter today become the truths and values they'll remember tomorrow when facing life's trials. Every Bible story shared, every prayer taught, and every moment spent in faith-centered learning builds an unshakeable foundation of character that will last a lifetime.

"By investing in building Bible-strong Christian content that speaks the language and captures the imagination of children, we're not just entertaining them; we're planting seeds of faith that will bloom throughout their lifetime," said David Michael Jeremiah, President and CEO of Turning Point ministries.

Dr. Jeremiah added, "In today's world, our children face challenges and influences that can pull them away from the values we hold dear. The foundation we establish in the young ones in our lives becomes their anchora source of strength, wisdom, and hope that will guide their decisions and shape their character for years to come."

Let the kids in your life experience the adventure of knowing and growing with God every day! Learn more by visiting Dr. Jeremiah's new Bible Strong Kids website today.

Dr. David Jeremiah is a renowned Bible teacher, New York Times bestselling author, and founder/host of Turning Point Broadcast Ministry. With forty years of ministry and "just getting started," his teaching has led to the creation of the ProphecyExplained, PerhapsToday , the IMAGINE campaign, Airship Genesis , PassagesTV, and Why the Nativity? , to name a few.

About Turning Point

Turning Point Ministries was founded in 1982 as Dr. David Jeremiah's broadcast ministry to deliver the unchanging Word of God to an ever-changing world. More than four decades later, with a multimedia network featuring radio, television, online programming, magazines, and books, Turning Point reaches people around the globe with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Turning Point is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization wholly supported by patrons and not underwritten by any church or organization.

SOURCE Turning Point Ministries
The radar system of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Zhanjiang (165) is displayed as the ship remains docked at Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base on Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong on July 6, 2025, during the open day event held by the PLA Hong Kong Garrison to commemorate the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from Britain to China. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

A Chinese naval vessel was spotted patrolling near the coast of Hawaii this week, a military spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Caller News Foundation.

An Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) spokesperson confirmed that the military monitored a Chinese naval vessel over the course of the week operating in international waters in the vicinity of Hawaii, an INDOPACOM spokesperson told the DCNF. U.S. officials have previously warned of Chinese intelligence operations in the region, and Russian vessels had also encroached on the Hawaiian islands in previous incidents.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is monitoring a PLA vessel which was operating in international waters in the vicinity of Hawaii, a spokesperson for INDOPACOM said in a statement to the DCNF. As part of our normal daily operations, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command closely tracks all vessels and aircraft in the Indo-Pacific area of operations through a combination of joint capabilities to protect the U.S. homeland, support our Allies and partners and operate in accordance with international law of the sea and in the air to ensure that all nations can do the same without fear or contest and in order to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (RELATED: China Flexes Naval Muscles On Crucial US Ally)

Sailors stand on the deck of the new type 055 guide missile destroyer Nanchang of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy as it participates in a naval parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Chinas PLA Navy in the sea near Qingdao, in eastern Chinas Shandong province on April 23, 2019. (Photo by Mark Schiefelbein / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

It is unclear how far offshore the Chinese vessel was, as is the mission it was pursuing.

China has flexed its naval muscles deeper into the Pacific Ocean in recent months, deploying the Liaoning and the Shandong aircraft carriers on June 6 and 7 along with other Chinese warships as close as 185 miles from Japans shores, according to multiple reports. China has been using the deeper ventures into the ocean to test its deep water capabilities, with the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) usually only patrolling the first chain of islands between the South China Sea up to Japans southernmost islands.

China has also made more aggressive maneuvers around Taiwan, most recently holding large-scale military drills around the island in April.

As of 2025, the PLAN is estimated to have 234 warships, enough to make it the largest navy in the world, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The U.S. is also no stranger to operating its warships in Chinese waters, making routine patrols in the South China Sea and near Taiwan with regional allies in order to dissuade Chinese aggression in the region.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Courtesy of MEGACON Orlando Lucas Grabeel and Corbin Bleu High School Musical cast at MegaCon in Florida





NEED TO KNOW

Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel discussed the "overnight" fame they experienced after starring in High School Musical during an appearance at the MegaCon fan convention in Orlando

The film  which also starred Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Monique Coleman and Ashley Tisdale  premiered in 2006 and generated two sequels and a later spinoff series with a new generation of stars

"I have more and more appreciation for being a part of this project every single day," Grabeel, 40, said





For Lucas Grabeel and Corbin Bleu, fame was "overnight" following the success of the first High School Musical film, which premiered in 2006.

Grabeel, now 40, was 20 at the time of the first film. Bleu, now 35, was just 15. During a panel discussion at the MegaCon fan convention in Orlando, the two spoke about how the film's success skyrocketed them and their castmates to fame.



"When it initially happened, I do remember it was one day to the next," Bleu said of grappling with being recognized while out in public.

He added that when the movie first aired in 2006, he was in Hawaii shooting the television show Flight 29 Down.

Fred Hayes/Disney Channel Corbin Bleu and Zac Efron in 'High School Musical' in 2006

"The premiere of High School Musical happened while we were filming the second season of that show and, of course, my cast was all excited, and we set up a projector and watched the movie and it was fun," he said. "And that weekend, we went to this big carnival  the whole island of Oahu goes to this thing. And we got mobbed."

Bleu added that, while he had begun working as an actor at just two years old and had been in other projects before High School Musical, the film's popularity was unlike anything he had dealt with prior.

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.



"I had maybe had one or two people come up to me for an autograph before, but nothing like this. And I was with my little 5'3" mother, and people were actually grabbing me and jumping into the car. And I remember my mom looked at me and just sang: 'Welcome to your life.' "

Grabeel added that the film's success was "overnight."



"I was living in a moldy apartment, barely able to pay my bills, and I get a call from my manager saying, 'Hey, they want you to go to New York tomorrow to do Good Morning America and The Today Show.' It was literally like that. The next day, you're doing interviews and someone's like, 'So, how does it feel to be a role model for children all across the world?' "

Grabeel continued: "It was too much for me. Too much, too fast. It was scary. I didn't feel like I deserved it. Coming from a small town, I didn't think I'd be even a little bit famous, let alone have that kind of magnifying glass or attention."

The film marked its 19th anniversary in January, though its stars hardly stopped, reuniting again in 2007 for High School Musical 2 and again in 2008 for High School Musical 3: Senior Year. In the years since, a new class has taken over East High in Disney's High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, on which several of the original stars have appeared.

Fred Hayes/The Disney Channel/Kobal/Shutterstock The cast of 'High School Musical' in 2006

Over time, Grabeel acknowledged, that attention waned  but with more films and, later, renewed interest in the show via younger generations and social media, the cast was able to connect with a new crop of fans.

"All of these people coming up and telling you over and over how amazing you are, it's a crazy amazing thing," he said. "Then it changed and it warped and we all thought it would go away, and then it came back.... I have more and more appreciation for being a part of this project every single day."

Read the original article on People
Just weeks after New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani declared victory in the primary, other candidates set to be on the ballot -- particularly incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo  are facing calls to unite behind another candidate in order to stymie Mamdani's bid, even if that means dropping out themselves.

The calls come as Mamdani consolidates other support for his mayoral bid. He has received newfound endorsements from groups and people who had endorsed Cuomo in the primary, including the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council AFL-CIO and the 32BJ SEIU property service workers union. On Thursday, New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat also endorsed him after having previously endorsed Cuomo.

Barry Williams/New York Daily News/TNS | John Lamparski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Mayor Eric Adams | Zohran Mamdani | Andrew Cuomo

MORE: Influential Latino leader Espaillat endorses Mamdani in New York mayor's race

Other Democrats have sounded a sharply different tone.

Former New York Gov. David Paterson, in a press conference on Monday, called on mayoral candidates to unite behind one candidate in order to stop Mamdani. He framed Mamdani as "antagonistic" and too inexperienced to run a city as complex as New York.

Paterson -- who supported Cuomo in the primary -- brought up a recent suggestion by independent candidate Jim Walden that an independent poll should be run close to the election, and the candidates that lose in the poll would endorse whoever won and stop campaigning.

MORE: Mamdani's New York mayoral primary win exposes Democratic divide

"What we are really doing is calling on the candidates who are still in the race to find a way to unite behind one of them," he said.

When asked for a response to Paterson's remarks, a Mamdani campaign spokesperson said, "More than 545,000 New Yorkers voted for Zohran Mamdani, the most votes any Democratic primary candidate has received in 36 years," and noted the campaign "looks forward to growing this coalition."

A spokesperson for Cuomo said that the Cuomo campaign would review the poll proposal from Walden, but did not make any commitments.

"Jim proposed a fair independent survey be taken in September to determine whose candidacy and vision for New York is strongest in a one-on-one race in November. Today, Governor David Paterson supported that proposal. While this is unorthodox, these are unusual times. We are at a dangerous moment for our city," spokesperson Rich Azzopardi wrote, adding that their campaign does not see any path to victory for Adams.

John Lamparski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: US-POLITICS-VOTE-NEW YORK

Adams did not run in the Democratic mayoral primary and is running in the election as an independent. Cuomo conceded in the Democratic primary, but has qualified for an independent ballot line in the general election. Cuomo has not yet said if he'll actively campaign.

Adams told ABC station WABC-TV on Monday, "I've said that over and over again, over and over again, that -- do the right thing for the people of this city and mobilize around one candidate so we can look at the extreme threat that we're having with Mamdani."

Adams, in an appearance on CNBC on Monday morning, claimed that Cuomo had asked him to step aside from the mayoral race. Asked for comment on Adams' claim, a spokesperson for Cuomo did not deny it, but said the campaign would not discuss private conversations.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa will also be on the ballot and has rebuffed calls to withdraw as well.

"Andrew Cuomo couldn't defeat Zohran Mamdani in a primary, and Eric Adams has failed to win the support of either party and is now polling dead last," he said in a statement after Paterson's comments. "I'm running on the issues, and I will beat Mamdani on November 4th. I will bring this city back."

Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images - PHOTO: Curtis Sliwa attends the 2025 New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 17, 2025, in New York.

Laura Tamman, a political science professor at Pace University, said it does not look likely any candidate will withdraw, given how candidates such as Adams and Sliwa have indicated strongly that they'll stay in. She said she could predict some scenarios where Cuomo could endorse a different candidate.

"There just aren't really incentives for anyone to get out of the race, because Mamdani looks so certain to win," she told ABC News.

MORE: Zohran Mamdani tells ABC News he plans to win over moderate Dems, other voters after upset win in NYC mayoral primary

It's also unlikely an independent candidate would win anyways, she added, and Mamdani is still the favorite.

"It's not because he's the Democratic nominee, although he is, but because [Mamdani] demonstrated that he has such broad appeal during the primary election campaign, he won over voters from almost every demographic, and there wasn't a clear ideological split  he appealed to moderate Democrats as well as progressive, left Democrats."

Some real estate and business interests in the city have also aligned against Mamdani. Tamman told ABC News that "there are business interests that think a Mamdani mayoralty will be bad for their pocketbooks, so they have a financial incentive to oppose his candidacy."

Mamdani has reached out to members of the business community to meet with and hear from them.

One major outside group involved in the race is hedging its bets.

Fix the City, an independent expenditure group that spent more than $14 million supporting Cuomo in the primary, may choose a candidate to support in the general election. A source close to the super PAC said that some donors want Fix the City to support "a free-market candidate with the experience to govern effectively."

"Fix The City is currently assessing the evolving situation and has yet to decide what role it intends to play in the general election," spokesperson Liz Benjamin told ABC News.

Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who donated hundreds of thousands to the Fix the City, said earlier this month that he met with both Cuomo and Adams and said he believes Cuomo should step aside to let Adams take on Mamdani.
Democrats are fuming over an immigration raid at a marijuana farm in Southern California allegedly staffed by illegal migrant children.

Federal immigration authorities on Thursday executed a search warrant at a marijuana farm in Ventura County, California, Trump administration officials confirmed. During the sweeping raid, law enforcement agents rescued 10 juvenile illegal migrants, eight of whom were unaccompanied, according to a statement by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott. (RELATED: Previously Detained Columbia Graduate Now Seeks Big Payday From Trump Admin)

Despite the alleged circumstances regarding the marijuana farm  which is now under investigation for violating child labor laws  a number of congressional and state Democrats issued public statements condemning the enforcement action.

Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields, California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on social media about the raid. Trump calls me Newscum  but hes the real scum.

CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA  JULY 10: Federal agents block people protesting an ICE immigration raid at a nearby cannabis farm on July 10, 2025 near Camarillo, California. Protestors stood off with federal agents for hours outside the farm in the farmworker community in Ventura County. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Instead of prioritizing dangerous criminals Trump is targeting families that have been here for years picking our food, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego stated on social media. The public outcry and protests are occuring because the American public knows this is wrong.

Gallegos statement was in reaction to another X post that falsely suggested the raid was targeting a regular produce farm that keep[s] Americas produce aisles stocked. Another Democrat appeared to be mistaken about what the marijuana farm was actually growing.

How many MS-13 gang members are waking up at 3 a.m. to pick strawberries? Oyeah, zero! California Rep. Jimmy Gomez stated on X, also reacting to the same misleading X post.

Trump said hed go after bad hombres, but hes targeting the immigrant farm workers who feed America, Gomez continued. Either he lied  or he cant tell the difference.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ripped Democrats for their public statements about the raid.

At the California marijuana facility, [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and CBP law enforcement rescued 8 unaccompanied migrant children from what looks like exploitation, violation of child labor laws and potentially human trafficking or smuggling, a DHS spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Yet, Gavin Newsom, Ruben Gallego and other politicians continue to demonize and attack the law enforcement officers who bravely rescued these children, the spokesperson continued.

An additional marijuana farm raid took place in nearby Carpinteria, California, on Thursday, according to the Los Angeles Times. The raid in Camarillo attracted roughly 500 protesters, many of whom quickly became violent, forcing law enforcement to use less-lethal force to subdue the rioting and arrest a number of individuals for allegedly impeding the operation.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the FBI has now issued a $50,000 award for information on an individual who appeared to fire a pistol at law enforcement during the mayhem.

It just breaks my heart that hard-working people are being rounded up and detained and taken to places unknown, California Rep. Julia Brownley said of the marijuana farm raid, according to the VC Star.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Allrecipes / Courtney Kassel

When youre a food writer, every meal becomes an opportunity, every restaurant reservation or vacation a research trip. My brain (and taste buds) are constantly working overtime, even during off-hours.

Case in point: The dish I'm making on repeat this summer was inspired by a recent trip to Mexico. While in San Miguel de Allende, my family came to realize that almost every single spot in town had the same appetizer on the menu. And night after night, we ordered itand loved it. Its a staple in Mexico that you can get everywhere from roadside stands to fancy restaurants, and I can see why. Now, I can't stop making the super simple, no-cook dish, especially on those extra-hot dog days of summer.

The Easy Snack Ill Be Making All Summer Long

Youre going to laugh, because even calling this a recipe is a stretch (though we have several on Allrecipes) Its simply jicama, peeled and cut into thick matchsticks, topped with a generous squeeze of fresh lime and sprinkle of Tajin, or another chile-lime salt. Tajin adds a salty, spicy kick and the lime brings brightness, making for a supremely refreshing snack with crave-worthy crunch.

I do have a few tips to make it extra delicious. Sometimes jicama can have a lot of starch, so I like to peel and cut it ahead of time, then store in cold water in the fridge. Then, when I'm ready to snack, or serve it up to guests, I just toss it in lime and Tajin and plate it up.

Allrecipes/Courtney Kassel

If you can't find jicama, lots of other fresh fruits and veggies work in the same formula. Personally, I love cucumbers, melon, and especially watermelon with the lime-Tajin combo. Chamoy, a sweet, savory, and spicy sauce traditionally made with pickled fruit and chilies, is another very typical addition to fruit and veggies in Mexico, and adds even more flavor to the dish.

I also love to swap Tajin for li hing mui powder, a sweet-and-tangy powder made from dried, salted plums that's super popular in Hawaii. It's another ingredient I brought home from vacation that's become a favorite to take freshly cut fruit from hum-drum to holy moly.

No matter how you make it, there's so much to love about this dish. It's super simple and requires zero cooking, yet delivers show-stopping flavor; you can use any fruits or veggies you have on hand; but best of all, you can serve it at the start or end of the meal. It's just as welcome as a light bite alongside appetizers or during happy hour as it is on the dessert table.

One bite and I'm transported right back to vacation. And with the current temperatures here in New York, it feels like I'm in Mexico, soaking up the sun and incredible culinary traditions.



Get the Recipe

Read the original article on ALLRECIPES
By Helen Reid and Siddharth Cavale

LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) -Suppliers to Walmart have delayed or put on hold some orders from garment manufacturers in Bangladesh, according to three factory owners and correspondence from a supplier seen by Reuters, as U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of a 35% tariff on the textile hub disrupts business.

Bangladesh is the third-largest exporter of apparel to the United States, and it relies on the garment sector for 80% of its export earnings and 10% of its GDP. The factory owners all said they expected orders to fall if the August 1 tariffs go into effect, as they are unable to absorb that 35% rate.

Iqbal Hossain, managing director of garment manufacturer Patriot Eco Apparel Ltd, told Reuters an order for nearly 1 million swim shorts for Walmart was put on hold on Thursday due to the tariff threat.

"As we discussed please hold all below Spring season orders we are discussing here due to heavy Tariff % imposed for USA imports," Faruk Saikat, assistant merchandising manager at Classic Fashion, wrote in an email to Hossain and others seen by Reuters. Classic Fashion is a supplier and buying agent that places orders for retailers.

"As per our management instruction we are holding Bangladesh production for time being and IN case Tariff issues settled then we will continue as we planned here."

The hold was not decided by Walmart, Saikat told Reuters, but by Classic Fashion itself.

Walmart did not respond to a request for comment.

Bangladesh is currently in talks with the United States in Washington to try to negotiate a lower tariff. Trump in recent days has revived threats of higher levies on numerous nations.

"If the 35% tariff remains for Bangladesh, that will be very tough to sustain, honestly speaking, and there will not be as many orders as we have now," said Mohiuddin Rubel, managing director at jeans manufacturer Denim Expert Ltd in Dhaka.

Rubel, whose company produces jeans for H&M and other retailers, said he expects clients will ask him to absorb part of the tariff, but added this would not be possible financially. Manufacturers have already absorbed part of the blanket 10% tariff imposed by the U.S. on April 2.

"Only probably the big, big companies can a little bit sustain (tariffs) but not the small and medium companies," he said.

Retailers have front-loaded orders since Trump returned to the White House, anticipating higher tariffs. Jeans maker Levi's, which imports from Bangladesh, said on Thursday it has 60% of the inventory it needs for the rest of 2025.

U.S. clothing imports from Bangladesh totaled $3.38 billion in the first five months of 2025, up 21% from the year-earlier period, according to U.S. International Trade Commission data.

Another Dhaka-based garment factory owner said an importer with whom he was negotiating a spring 2026 order of trousers for Walmart asked him on Thursday to wait a week before the order would be confirmed due to the tariff risk.

Hossain said he may look for more orders from European clients to make up for lost orders if the U.S. 35% tariff gets implemented, even if he has to cut prices to stimulate demand.

(Reporting by Helen Reid in London and Siddharth Cavale in New York; Editing by David Gaffen and Matthew Lewis)
A regulators decision to allow a big change to the way mortgages are underwritten is meeting a mixed reception from housing and finance professionals.

Effective today, to increase competition to the Credit Score Ecosystem and consistent with President Trumps landslide mandate to lower costs, Fannie and Freddie will ALLOW lenders to use Vantage 4.0 Score, Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), tweeted on July 8.

FHFA oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two giant government-sponsored enterprises that guarantee nearly half of all U.S. mortgage debt. Fannie and Freddie buy loans from banks and other financial institutions, so when they change their processes, it matters to lenders around the country, and the borrowers they serve.

The Fannie Mae headquarters

In this case, Pulte was referring to VantageScore, a company that offers credit scores  numerical representations of how likely a borrower is to repay a loan. Lenders who offer mortgages with the intention of selling them to Fannie or Freddie now have the option to use either VantageScore or to continue to use FICO, a competitor, to assess a borrower.

FHFAs announcement to allow lenders to have a choice of credit score models to use when delivering loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could help to accomplish the goals of added competition in the credit score space and reduced consumer costs, if implemented correctly, said the Mortgage Bankers Association, an industry group representing lenders, in a statement.

We need more competition among credit bureaus and an end to monopolistic practices to lower prices and improve accuracy," Sharon Cornelissen, director of housing for the progressive Consumer Federation of America, told USA TODAY, in an email. "Director Pultes action is a step in the right direction, and we hope he continues to work on reducing closing costs and broadening mortgage access for consumers.

But some consumer advocates believe the introduction of VantageScore into the mortgage space will actually decrease competition by consolidating industry share more firmly in the hands of TransUnion, Experian and Equifax, the three credit bureaus, which own the company.

The big three credit bureaus are basically a functional monopoly, said Chi Chi Wu, director of consumer reporting and data advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center. If you want a mortgage, you have to pull all three reports. You have no choice. They created VantageScore to try to drive FICO out of the market because they want the whole market. FICO is the only independent actor.

Ingmar Goldson, a Maryland-based consumer lawyer, echoed those beliefs. "Given that VantageScore is owned by the three major credit bureaus, I remain skeptical of any claimswhether from Fannie, Freddie, or the bureaus themselvesthat this shift will truly benefit consumers in the long run," he told USA TODAY.

Anthony Hutchinson, who heads public affairs for VantageScore, told USA TODAY that the companys model  the information it compiles on consumers to offer lenders information on their creditworthiness  is more holistic than FICOs.

Among other things, Hutchinson said, VantageScores model is able to blend consumer information over a period of time. This trended approach is more useful than just looking at a consumer at one moment in time, he argues, because it can show whether that person's financial health is improving or weakening.

VantageScore also claims that there are 33 million Americans who are credit invisible  that is, they have no credit score at all  and whom the companys more modern approaches to collecting data do better at scoring.

But Wu says she doubts those numbers. In fact, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently released research that suggests the number of Americans who are credit invisible is only about one-tenth that estimate, or roughly 2.7 million people. Wu also notes that FICO has also incorporated some of the more dynamic credit attributes VantageScore boasts about.

In response to USA TODAY's request for comment, a FICO spokesperson emailed:

FICO welcomes competition on a level playing field among credit score providers. We compete vigorously in every U.S. consumer credit market, and the FICO Score is freely chosen by lenders, investors, and other market participants because it is trusted as the most predictive and reliable credit score. FICO scores are the industry standard and preferred choice for evaluating creditworthiness in the mortgage process, regardless of whether the loan is conforming or non-conforming."

Read next: Down payments are the biggest homeownership hurdle. Why is Washington making them scarcer?

Opening up the credit scoring space to real competition  and easing the path to homeownership for more Americans  gets bipartisan support even in a polarized Washington. Pultes decision had its origins in legislation introduced by Republican Senator Tim Scott (South Carolina) and Democratic Senator Mark Warner (Virginia) years ago, Hutchinson points out.

The legislation, the Credit Score Competition Act, was signed into law in 2018 as part of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, but FHFA took several years to decide how to implement it. Senator Scott was one lawmaker urging quicker action on that front, in 2023.

Wu believes the slower approach was for the best, given the number of stakeholders involved in making such a big transition. I think changing a well-thought out decision that was the result of a lot of process by an arbitrary tweet is bonkers,'' she said. "I have no idea if it complies with the 2018 law or the regulations, or if it's arbitrary and capricious.

Aside from concerns about the industry backdrop, VantageScores presence might not even make a difference for consumers in terms of immediate savings. When asked about how much less one of their scores would cost compared to a FICO score, the company deflected the question to the credit bureaus.Equifax and Experian did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and a TransUnion spokesperson referred USA TODAY to an industry group for more information.

CFAs Cornelissen, despite her support for the step, acknowledges the savings will be minor: in the tens of dollars," she said.

(This story has been updated to refresh the headlines.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: You may use a different credit score for a Fannie/Freddie mortgage
Federal agents clashed with protesters during an immigration raid at a farm in Southern California, one of at least two large-scale raids in the region on Thursday.

The incident occurred outside of an agricultural farm along Laguna Road in the Camarillo area of Ventura County.

In a statement to ABC News on Thursday, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the farm was a marijuana facility.

KABC - PHOTO: Federal agents clashed with protesters during an immigration raid at a farm in Southern California, July 10, 2025.

MORE: Los Angeles Dodgers stop federal agents from entering stadium grounds

"DHS law enforcement is executing a warrant at a marijuana facility. Our brave officers will continue to enforce the law," the spokesperson said.

ABC News' Los Angeles station observed several clashes between onlookers, or protesters, and federal agents, with at least one person being detained.

Footage from the clashes saw federal agents pinning someone to the ground.

KABC - PHOTO: Federal agents clashed with protesters during an immigration raid at a farm in Southern California, July 10, 2025.

MORE: Man charged with purchasing explosives to attack police at LA protests: DOJ

Federal agents, who were masked during the clashes, appeared to use crowd control measures, including deploying irritants.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office released a statement on the immigration enforcement, calling it "inhumane."

"Theres a real cost to these inhumane immigration actions on hardworking families and communities, including farmworker communities, across America."

Newsom's office said in the statement that the Trump administration's tactics "evoke chaos, fear and terror within our communities at every turn."

Another large-scale immigration operation was seen in Carpinteria, California, north of Ventura County.

The coastal town's city council called for a meeting on Thursday to discuss the uptick in immigration enforcement in the area, which saw two raids earlier this week, according to the city.

Increased immigration enforcement comes as President Donald Trump has instructed ICE officers to do "all in their power" to oversee the largest mass deportation program in history.

KABC - PHOTO: Federal agents clashed with protesters during an immigration raid at a farm in Southern California, July 10, 2025.

MORE: US troops on the ground in LA immigration enforcement operation, DOD says

On Monday, heavily armed federal border agents and U.S. troops descended upon MacArthur Park in Los Angeles as part of an immigration raid that appeared to turn up mostly empty.

The operation, which included 90 armed troops and 17 military Humvees, displaced a summer day camp, according to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who said the only point of the operation appeared to be "a political agenda of provoking fear and terror."

"To me, this is another example of the administration ratcheting up chaos by deploying what looked like a military operation in an American city," Bass said.

Earlier this summer, Trump deployed some 4,700 troops to California under a law known as Title 10, which allows the use of military forces to protect federal personnel and federal property.

The president's action came as anti-immigration enforcement protests gripped the city, which saw both peaceful marches and violent clashes with law enforcement.
Federal Emergency Management Agency records obtained by NBC 5 Investigates show that Kerr County officials in Texas did not use FEMAs Integrated Public Alert & Warning System to send warnings with safety instructions to all mobile phones in the affected area during critical hours, as the flooding began on July 4.

Researchers who have studied the cellphone warning system told NBC 5 Investigates that policies on how and when to issue critical alerts vary widely from one county to another, potentially risking delays when seconds count.

As the search for the missing continues in Kerr County, records reviewed by NBC 5 Investigates raise new questions about whether local officials could have used the nations wireless emergency alert system to better warn people in the floods path.

The sun sets over the Guadalupe River on July 06, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas, leaving more than 80 people reported dead. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images)

Read more from NBC Dallas-Fort Worth

Along with our partners at NBC News, we scoured a FEMA archive of cellphone alerts sent through the agencys integrated public alert and warning system, or IPAWS.

IPAWS is a system that many local counties, including Kerr County, are authorized to use to issue warnings to all cellphones in a designated area. Its the same system used to send Amber Alerts.

The FEMA message archive shows that as the water began rising in Kerr County on July 4, the National Weather Service sent an IPAWS flood warning to cellphones as early as 1:14 a.m.

However, weather service forecasters cannot issue instructions on whether to evacuate or wait for rescue; those messages are up to county or city officials.

The FEMA archive showed that Kerr County did not send any wireless alerts through IPAWS on July 4, when the flooding began.

Some families said they did receive a CodeRed alert from Kerr County, which is similar to an IPAWS message. But CodeRed only reaches people who signed up for alerts.

Most of the people Ive talked to didnt even know what CodeRed was, said Kerr County resident Louis Kocurek.

Louis and Leslie Kocurek shared a screenshot of a Kerr County dispatch CodeRed message they received, saying major flooding continues. However, the Kocureks said that the message didnt reach their phones until after 10 a.m.

By then, one flood gauge in Kerr County showed the river had already risen about 30 feet, and the Kocureks had taken a photo showing that roads in their neighborhood were already cut off.

Im mad because, you know, like I told another lady, how many lives do we have to lose in order for them to fix the system? Its broken, said Leslie Kocurek.

Kerr County has used the wider-reaching IPAWS system to warn of flooding in the past. Last year, on July 23, the archive showed the county sent an IPAWS alert saying the Guadalupe River was expected to rise an additional 4 feet, telling people to avoid the river and move assets to higher ground immediately.

So why no county IPAWS alert before the flood this time?

NBC 5 Investigates reached out to Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly and emergency management coordinator William Thomas, but they did not immediately respond to questions.

At a news conference last week, Kelly was asked why childrens camps along the river were not evacuated.

I cant answer that, I dont know, said Kelly, adding that they never expected water would rise so fast.

We didnt know this flood was coming. Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming, Kelly said.

Researchers who have studied the IPAWS system told NBC 5 Investigates that communities across the country sometimes struggle to decide when to issue cellphone alerts, who should issue those alerts, and what the messages should say. The struggle stems, they said, in part from a lack of standardized nationwide policies.

There is no required training. Theres no certification process currently within IPAWS, said Jeannette Sutton, an emergency alert researcher who explained its up to each local government to write its own policies. That methodology, she said, has created differences in how effectively the system is used in each community.

We need a lot of training, and we need the resources to help people to get trained, said Sutton.

Suttons team at the University at Albany recently helped FEMA develop a tool for local emergency managers to use to pre-plan more effective messages before disaster strikes.

They are generally facing a blank text box that says, insert message here. And you can imagine that in a situation where theres a lot of stress and uncertainty, that writing a message from scratch is very difficult, said Sutton.

In a statement to NBC 5, FEMA said its IPAWS office ..encourages and supports practicing and exercising.. and said the agency makes training tools available ...enabling public safety officials to gain confidence using IPAWS.

It is really important to get it right when peoples lives are on the line, said Sutton.

Sutton said cellphone alerts can be critical, especially in places like Kerr County, which doesnt have a siren warning system.

But she said counties should also amplify alerts using tools like social media or even knocking on doors, as cellphone service is sometimes spotty in rural areas.

On the morning of the July 4 floods, the Kerr County Sheriffs Department did use its Facebook account, posting messages around 5:30 a.m. warning of dangerous flooding and urging people to move to higher ground. Those messages could have reached social media users who happened to be awake and looking at Facebook, but they would not sound an alert on a phone like an IPAWS message.

At a news conference Wednesday, the sheriff said the county would look into whether evacuation orders should have been issued.

Sometimes, evacuation is not the safest. Sometimes its better to shelter in place, said Sheriff Larry Leitha.

The sheriff also pledged to examine why cellphone alerts did not happen sooner.

Those are important questions. Those are, we will answer those questions, said Leitha.

Questions with answers that might help other communities face the next disaster.
President Trump has extended the deadline for tariff negotiations - again [Getty Images]

"Deeply regrettable" is how Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has described US President Donald Trump's latest tariff threat - a 25% levy on Japanese goods.

Tokyo, a long-time US ally, has been trying hard to avoid exactly this. It has been seeking concessions for its beleaguered car makers, while resisting pressure to open its markets to American rice.

There have been many rounds of talks. Japan's tariff negotiator has visited Washington DC at least seven times since April, when Trump announced sweeping tariffs against friends and foes.

And yet, those trips seem to have borne little fruit. Trump's label for Tokyo moved from "tough" to "spoiled" as talks dragged on.

And then this week, Japan joined a list of 23 nations that were sent tariff letters - 14 of those are in Asia. From South Korea to Sri Lanka, many are export-driven manufacturing hubs.

On Friday, Trump announced a 35% tariff for goods imported from Canada.

The president also said he plans to raise blanket tariffs from 10% to up to 20% on most trade partners, dismissing concerns that further levies could push up inflation.

"We're just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether it's 20% or 15%. We'll work that out now," he told NBC News.

Countries around the world have until 1 August to strike a deal with the US. But they are likely wondering about their chances given that Japan, a staunch ally that has been openly pursuing a deal, is still facing a steep levy.

Trump has reset the tariffs clock - again. So who is winning, and who is losing?

Winner: Negotiators who want more time

In one sense, almost all of the countries targeted by Trump earlier this year benefit from the deadline extension - they now have another three weeks to strike deals.

"The optimistic case is that there is pressure now to engage in further negotiations before the 1 August deadline," said Suan Teck Kin, head of research at United Overseas Bank.

Growing economies like Thailand and Malaysia, which received tariff letters this week, will be especially eager to seek a solution. They are also caught in the middle of US-China tensions as Washington targets Chinese exports rerouted through third countries, what are known as transhipped goods.

Economists have told the BBC that further extensions are likely, given the complexity of trade agreements.

Countries will need time to implement Trump's demands, which, going by the letters, are not entirely clear, said business lecturer Alex Capri from the National University of Singapore.

For instance, transhipped goods have been specifically levied as part of Vietnam's trade deal with the US. But it is unclear whether that applies to finished goods, or to all imported components.

Either way, it will involve far more sophisticated technology to keep track of supply chains, Mr Capri said.

"It's going to be a slow, long-term and evolving process involving many third parties, tech companies and logistic partners."

Loser: Asian manufacturers

It seems clear that tariffs are here to stay, which makes global trade the loser.

Companies from the US, Europe and China with global businesses remain at risk, Mr Capri said. This hurts not just exporters, but also US importers and consumers.

And it is a blow for the economic ambitions of large parts of Asia, whose rise has been fuelled by manufacturing, from electronics to textiles.

Cambodia's garment workers rely on an export-driven industry for their livelihood [Getty Images]

It is unwise to make zero-sum observations on which countries are winning and losing, Mr Capri added, because international trade, especially between US and China is so deeply inter-linked.

Some countries, however, could lose more than others.

Vietnam was the first in Asia to strike a deal, but it has little leverage against Washington, and is now facing levies up to 40%. The same goes for Cambodia. A poor country heavily reliant on exports, it has been negotiating a deal as Trump threatens 35% tariffs.

South Korea and Japan, on the other hand, may be able to hold out longer, because they are richer and have stronger geo-political levers.

India, which too has leverage of its own, has not been issued a letter yet. A deal has seemed imminent but appears to be delayed by key sticking points, including access to the Indian agricultural market and the country's import rules.

Loser: US-Japan alliance

"Despite its close economic and military relationship with the US, Japan is being treated the same as other Asian trade partners," said economist Jesper Koll.

And that could transform the relationship, especially as Tokyo, with its large financial reserves, appears to be ready for the long game.

"Japan has proven to be a tough negotiator and I think that has annoyed Trump," Mr Koll said.

Despite a rice shortage that has sent prices soaring, PM Ishiba has refused to buy US rice, choosing instead to protect domestic farmers. His government has also refused to give in to US demands to increase its military spending.

Global businesses like Samsung are in limbo because of Trump's tariffs [Getty Images]

"They are well prepared," Mr Koll argued. He said the day after Trump announced tariffs in April, Tokyo declared an economic emergency and set up hundreds of consultation centres to assist affected companies.

"Japan will be seeking a deal that is credible," he said, because what's the guarantee Trump won't change his mind again?

With Japan's upper-house election due this month, it would be surprising if a deal is agreed by August, Mr Koll said.

"No-one is happy. But is this something that is going to force a recession in Japan? No."

Winner: US or China?

Asia has long been seen as a key battleground between Washington and Beijing, and analysts say, because of tariffs, Trump may be ceding ground.

For one, given how complex these deals can be, Trump may be overplaying his hand by extending the deadline again, according to some observers.

"The bargaining position of the US has actually been diminished as they have revealed that their hand isn't actually as strong as they would like," said NUS economics professor David Jacks.

And the deals that are made could come at the cost of reshaping trade and ties built over decades.

Trump's choice of posting the letters online, rather than through traditional diplomatic channels, could backfire, said Mr Capri, who described it as "political theatre".

The confusion caused is a "great gift" to China, which is trying to portray itself as a stable alternative to Trump's unpredictability, he added.

But the US market is not easy to replace - and Beijing has its fair share of tensions with countries in this part of the world, from Vietnam to Japan.

China is in the middle of its own trade negotiations with the US, although it has longer to strike a full agreement - until 13 August.

So who will win more friends in this trade war is hard to say, but the race is still on.

Both parties see the need for a divorce," Prof Jacks said, "but getting there will be tough and involve proceedings which will span years, if not decades."
CHHATTISGARH, India, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In partnership with Samarpit Centre for Poverty Alleviation and Social Research and HP, Girl Rising conducted a two-day teacher training workshop for their flagship RISE program on July 8th and 9th. Designed to build adolescents' confidence, agency, and future-ready skills, RISE blends social-emotional learning and digital literacy, especially in communities facing deep educational and gender inequities.

Led by Girl Rising's India team-President Nidhi Shukla, Global Programs Director Richa Hingorani, and Program Manager Apurva Vurity-the training was delivered in collaboration with Samarpit and HP, with support from Anshu Grover, HP's Worldwide Lead for Social Impact Metrics & Strategic Operations. A highlight of the training was the distribution of laptops to participating teachers, underscoring a shared commitment to building long-term digital access. Girl Rising is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world where all girls learn, rise and thrive. We use storytelling as a transformative tool to change the way the world values girls and their education. Our educational programs build skills, spark curiosity, shift mindsets, and inspire action that drives meaningful change in adolescents, their schools, families and communities.

The training prepared 35 educators to deliver this transformative curriculum in classrooms across the state. Over the next year, these educators will reach more than 2,000 studentssupporting boys and girls in developing critical thinking, communication, digital skills, and above all, greater self-awareness, purpose, and self-worth.

Led by Girl Rising's India teamPresident Nidhi Shukla, Global Programs Director Richa Hingorani, and Program Manager Apurva Vuritythe training was delivered in collaboration with Samarpit and HP, with support from Anshu Grover, HP's Worldwide Lead for Social Impact Metrics & Strategic Operations. A highlight of the training was the distribution of laptops to participating teachers, underscoring a shared commitment to building long-term digital access.

At Girl Rising, we believe education is the foundation for gender equity and lasting change," said Nidhi Shukla, President of Girl Rising. "Through RISE, we are helping adolescentsespecially girlsbuild confidence, develop gender-equity mindsets, and strengthen essential 21st century skills, with a strong focus on digital literacy."

"Our collaboration with Girl Rising brings our shared commitment to digital equity to lifeespecially for women and girls who have long faced systemic barriers," said Anshu Grover, Worldwide Lead for Social Impact Metrics & Strategic Operations, HP. "By equipping educators with the tools and training to create inclusive, tech-enabled classrooms, we are helping to provide the critical skills needed for the future of work."

This work responds to a pressing need: in Chhattisgarh, less than 10% of women use mobile internet, compared to 25% of men (GSMA/Inclusion Economics, 2018). Historically, many students and teachers in rural schools have had limited exposure to digital tools or tech-related career paths. This training and RISE work toward the government's emphasis on bridging the digital divide.

By equipping adolescents with critical life and digital skillsand fostering gender-equitable mindsets across entire communitiesRISE creates ripple effects. A randomized study across 314 government schools in India (Poverty Action Lab) found that gender-focused teacher training significantly influenced student attitudes and behaviors, particularly among boys. Adolescents displayed more gender inclusive attitudes and behaviours, such as boys taking on more household chores and girls advocating for themselves more vocally.

"This training is just the beginning of our full roll-out of RISE, which is the result of more than a decade of leading programs that build voice, agency, and confidence among adolescents," said Christina Lowery, CEO of Girl Rising. "Together with mission-aligned partners like Samarpit and HP we are equipping the next generation with the skills to shape a better future for themselves and their entire communities."

Girl Rising Girl Rising is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world where all girls learn, rise and thrive. We use storytelling as a transformative tool to change the way the world values girls and their education. Our educational programs build skills, spark curiosity, shift mindsets, and inspire action that drives meaningful change in adolescents, their schools, families and communities.

HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: HP.com.

Samarpit is a community-based organization in Chhattisgarh dedicated to empowering marginalized populations through education, health, and livelihood initiatives. With a strong grassroots presence, Samarpit plays a vital role in delivering inclusive programs that reach the most underserved.

Media Contact:

Virginia Terry

646-369-0442

[email protected]

SOURCE Girl Rising
Companies offer all kinds of unusual benefits these days, from wellness retreats to executive gap years. At AI startup Rilla, employees get the chance to take advantage of a vanishingly rare corporate perk: a rent stipend to cover the high cost of living in New York City. But there are some strings attached.

To receive the money, up to $1,500, employees have to live within 10 to 15 minutes of the companys Long Island City-based office, and are expected to work around 70 hours a week in person. Sebastian Jimenez, Rillas CEO and co-founder, says that the rent stipend is an incentive meant to limit commuting time so employees can designate it to their jobs instead.

One of our core principles is to maximize productive time, says Jimenez, who started the company in 2019, and lives within a five minute walk to the office. If you live 30 minutes away from the office, thats an hour a day that you could be working.

So far, around a dozen out of roughly 80 employees have taken Rilla up on the rent offer. And its certainly a tempting proposal given the perennially high cost of New York City rent. In the last year alone, the median rent for properties in New York City increased 5.6% to $3,397, according to data from Realtor.com.

The rent benefit is just one example of Rillas hardcore work culture. The company uses a 996 calendar; employees are expected to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days per week. Jimenez says the company also frequently holds off-site events on Sundays. Jimenez rejects the work smarter not harder concept, and says the only way for teams to be successful is to put in the most hours possible. However, he does advocate for a full nights rest.

We want them to take care of themselves, to work out, to eat healthy. We want them to maximize their time and still sleep eight hours a day, he says. They can do this and still have one or two hours of leisure time in their day outside of work, which is plenty of time to do the important things in life.

In addition to the rent benefit, the company also allows employees to expense at least two meals a day, and covers gym memberships. It also appears to offer generally high compensation for various roles. A product designer role has a salary of $110,000 to $230,000 per year, according to Rillas website, and a software engineer can make $200,000  $300,000. People working in sales have an annual salary average of around $350,000, says Jimenez.

Rilla might be an extreme example when it comes to intense work hours, but companies are increasingly more comfortable asking workers for more. In a cost-cutting environment, leaders are being tasked with finding ways to get more productivity out of their employees without hiring additional people. In an internal memo to employees in February, Google co-founder told employees that 60 hour work weeks are the sweet spot for productivity. And a recent report from Microsoft found that the average work day is stretching later, with meetings after 8 p.m. rising 16% since last year, and around 29% of workers checking their inboxes after 10 p.m.

Rilla does go out of its way to let job candidates know exactly what theyre signing up for. Job postings on the companys website tell workers not to apply if theyre not excited about working 70 hrs per week in person with some of the most ambitious people in NYC. The company also lays out these expectations on a culture deck that all potential employees are required to read before accepting a position, says Jimenez.

He doesnt necessarily recommend other companies follow suit, and he knows that kind of work schedule doesnt work for most people. He says most of the people he hires are startup founders themselves, or D1 athletes fresh out of college; anyone who is used to working 13 hours a day and always wants to be busy.

This is by no means the way to run every startup, he says. This is just the way it works for us.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
President Trump surprised markets this past week with a letter announcing a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, but some notable industries such as energy could get some relief from the new threat.

Guidance offered following the release is that this 35% rate  if Trump follows through  will increase the rate on goods currently facing a 25% duty but that key carveouts are likely to be maintained.

A White House official told Yahoo Finance that the expectation is that the situation will not change for United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement-compliant goods (which are often exempt from tariffs entirely) as well as for energy products like oil and a fertilizer known as potash (these are key flashpoints that currently see 10% duties).

Yet the official stressed that no final deal has been drafted and Trump hasnt made a final decision.

President Donald Trump during a multilateral lunch in the State Dining Room of the White House on July 9. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) (Win McNamee via Getty Images)

Read more: The latest news and updates on Trump's tariffs

Trumps letter also made clear that sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and soon-to-be-implemented copper duties will be excluded from the 35% rate, as those goods already face duties from 25%-50%.

It was a capper on a week filled with nonstop additional tariff headlines  from record tariff revenues to surprise 50% duties on Brazil to additional letters to 20+ nations and unveiling of 50% duties on copper.

Yet the expected continuation of some carveouts for Canada  as well as an Aug. 1 start date for all these new duties  may provide a measure of relief for markets that retreated Friday on the tariff threats and backed away from all time-highs as investors digested Trump's latest surprise.

The potential carveout for USMCA-compliant goods is significant, as experts often estimate that those excluded goods under the 2020 agreement make up around 40% of US imports from Canada.

Oil and the fertilizer potash have also long been keen areas of interest.

Americans not only consume Canadian oil, but American refiners often mix crude oil from Canada with American crude oil, leading to fears that a cutoff would create a ripple effect on US production.

Likewise, with fertilizer, many agricultural states are highly dependent on the potassium-based potash that comes in from Canada in order to grow their crops.

As Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley put it earlier this year in a social media post: "I plead w President Trump to exempt potash from the tariff because family farmers get most of our potash from Canada."

Any relief may be tempered by the sense that these carveouts are likely to continue but remain on the table in Trumps often renegotiated deals.

Indeed, Thursday's letter to Canada from the president ended with a line that has ended all letters this week: "These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country."

And as Trump put it to reporter's when he was asked about what outcome to expect with Canada: "we'll see what happens."

This story has been updated.

Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
(Reuters) -Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Thursday launched an investigation into Robinhood Crypto, alleging that the platform may have misled customers by promoting itself as the least expensive way to buy cryptocurrencies.

The AG's office said in a statement that it issued a subpoena to the unit of Robinhood Markets to obtain internal documents as part of the probe into possible violations of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

"When consumers buy and sell crypto assets, they deserve transparency in their transactions," Uthmeier said. "Robinhood has long claimed to be the best bargain, but we believe those representations were deceptive," he added.

The platform lets users buy and sell stocks and cryptocurrencies without charging direct commissions. Instead, the company makes money by routing client orders to third-party firms, which pay Robinhood under a practice known as payment for order flow (PFOF), the AG's statement said.

Robinhood Markets General Counsel Lucas Moskowitz said the company discloses "pricing information to customers during the lifecycle of a trade that clearly outlines the spread or the fees associated with the transaction and the revenue Robinhood receives. We are proud to be a place where customers can trade crypto at the lowest cost on average."

Robinhood Crypto has until July 31 to respond to the subpoena.

(Reporting by Prakhar Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram Gwyneth Paltrow





NEED TO KNOW

Gwyneth Paltrow sported a black scoop neck swimsuit in her latest Instagram photo dump

The Oscar winner, 52, shared a glimpse of her casual chic looks in a series of snaps from the summer and her vacations

Paltrow's daughter, Apple Martin, 21, also appeared to feature in the post





Gwyneth Paltrow is having a stylish summer!

In a seasonal photo dump posted to Instagram on Thursday, July 10, the Goop founder, 52, shared a look into her summer fits both at home and abroad.

Paltrow posed in a black scoop neck swimsuit in the first photo from the dump, snapping a mirror selfie and tagging swimwear brand Left on Friday. She also sported matching black shades and a hat, appearing to tag Celine for the sunglasses.

The shot was followed by more glimpses at Paltrows fashion, including a black tank top and white, wide-legged shorts, a matching white shirt and short two-piece and black maxi dress.

Summer Selects, the Oscar winner wrote in the caption.

The post also appeared to feature Paltrows daughter Apple Martin, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

In the photo, the mother-daughter duo seemed to be exploring a street in Italy while holding hands, as Apple, 21, stood with her back towards the camera.

While Paltrow wore a navy romper and Birkenstock sandals, Apple sported a white puff sleeve top, dark denim shorts and teal loafers.

Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram Gwyneth Paltrow appears to pose with daughter Apple Martin on vacation in Italy

Another vacation snap showed Paltrow walking along a waterfront in a low-cut black maxi dress from her brand Goop, and a pair of Celine sandals.

Paltrow was spotted yachting in Capri wearing a black swimsuit last month. In the photos, the Oscar winner soaked in the sunshine onboard the luxury vessel off the Italian coast.

The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!

Paltrows latest Instagram post comes after she shared a look at her favourite fashion items from Goops holiday sale over Memorial Day weekend in May.

Also baring some skin with another swimwear pic, the businesswoman wore a navy blue triangle bikini top, teaming the look with a pair of light blue drawstring shorts, which were high-waisted.

She also accessorized the outfit with a gold necklace, beaded bracelet and a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses as she showed off her toned abs.

Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram Gwyneth Paltrow

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.

A few of my favorite looks from the @goop sale, the Marvel star captioned the 20-slide carousel.



Read the original article on People
Tropical storms and hurricanes can face multiple obstacles as they travel across the vast expanse of the ocean. Sometimes those factors are just a speed bump in their life cycle, while others can lead to the storm's demise.

Here's a look at four potential nemeses of tropical storms you might hear meteorologists mention when explaining the forecast for each storm and what they mean.

1. Wind Shear

-Big Picture: Wind shear is the change in wind speed and direction with height. It's often a hostile factor that can tilt or even rip apart tropical storms and hurricanes. So, you could have a storm over a region with very warm water, but if it's getting hammered by wind shear for an extended time, the storm might struggle to intensify or even meet its demise.

-A Caveat: Sometimes wind shear close to a storm that would normally be unfavorable can actually have the opposite effect if it's in the right location. We've seen several cases in the past where wind shear was located just far enough west of a hurricane to not disrupt its core, but instead help ventilate the storm and allow it to intensify. In 2018, Hurricane Michael's rapid intensification into a Category 5 before making landfall along the Florida Panhandle was aided by that type of setup.

2. Dry Air

-Big Picture: Since tropical storms and hurricanes need persistent thunderstorm activity in order to stay healthy, any dry air they encounter along their path can be an obstacle. That's because dry, sinking air suppresses thunderstorms and strengthens their downdrafts (downward moving air) of storms that are able to form, causing them to weaken quickly.

-A Caveat: We saw dry air become a speed bump for the intensification of what would become Hurricane Francine in early September 2024. For a time, dry air infiltrated the tropical storm's center, preventing it from significant intensification.

Eventually, Francine fended off this dry air, allowing it to intensify into a strong Category 2 before making landfall in Louisiana.

So on occasion, dry air can be an obstacle for only a period of time during a hurricane's life cycle, while other times it can lead to a storm's weakening and cause it to fall apart.

3. Land Interaction

-Big Picture: Hurricanes get their fuel from the oceans, so when they track over land, it triggers weakening because it's cut off from that warm, moist air source. The weakening can be minimal to major, depending on the length of time spent crossing a land mass.

Whether the land has tall mountains or not also plays a role. For example, the mountainous terrain of Haiti and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean can inflict a great amount of weakening, and some past storms have even fallen completely apart.

-A Caveat: Sometimes this weakening from land interaction can be just a speed bump along a hurricane's path.

Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 is an example of this. After making landfall in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula as a Category 2, it weakened to a tropical storm once it reached the Gulf of Mexico. Since the Yucatan is rather flat land, it did little to disrupt the overall circulation of Beryl, allowing it to reorganize into a hurricane just before striking Texas, where it caused significant wind damage.

One other thing to consider is that while land interaction might be good news for locations along the potential future path of a storm, it's bad news for the land area causing the weakening.

4. Cooler Water

-Big Picture: Hurricane's draw their energy from the heat and moisture of the ocean, which helps them to maintain or gain strength. How deep that warmth extends below the ocean's surface matters as well, which is called oceanic heat content.

A storm tracking through an area with lower oceanic heat content compared to average might tip the scales toward less intensification in the tropical Atlantic, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico. Cooler ocean water can also cause the atmosphere above it to become more stable, or less conducive to strengthening.

Hurricanes that stall can sometimes generate their own cool water through a process called upwelling, where strong winds in the storm churn up seawater, causing cooler water from below to rise and mix with surface water. If the hurricane is barely moving, this upwelled cool water can zap its energy source a bit.

-A Caveat: A brewing storm that might initially struggle to intensify over a part of the Atlantic that contains less oceanic heat content can track toward another location where this ingredient is more favorable. If that happens, then a fledgling tropical depression or weak tropical storm we might track for days can suddenly grow stronger, assuming wind shear is low and the atmosphere is moist and unstable.

Chris Dolce has been a senior meteorologist with weather.com for 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
A Georgia-based journalist from El Salvador has been in custody for nearly a month after he was arrested while covering a protest. He faces removal from the United States.

Mario Guevara, 47, runs MG News, a Spanish language news outlet serving Latino communities in Georgia. An Emmy Award-winning journalist, Guevara has more than 780,000 followers on his Facebook page.

Guevara had documented increasing immigration enforcement in the region. He was arrested covering a June protest opposing the Trump administration. His arrest has drawn scrutiny on press freedom in the United States.

I am a victim of persecution for doing my journalistic work covering operations in the streets, Guevara said in a July 8 statement.

He has asked Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, an ally of President Donald Trump, to intervene in his case. Neither Bukeles office nor did the Salvadoran embassy responded to an emailed request for comment.

Press organizations condemned Guevara's arrest and continued detention.

We are dismayed that immigration officials have decided to ignore a federal immigration court order last week granting bail to journalist Mario Guevara, Katherine Jacobsen, the North American program coordinator at the nonprofit Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement. Guevara is currently the only jailed journalist in the United States who was arrested in relation to his work. Immigration authorities must respect the law and release him on bail.

A 47-year-old Mexican man with three convictions for driving under the influence, is arrested by federal law enforcement agents led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Rex, south of Atlanta, Georgia, February 5, 2025. The man declined to comment.

Reporting in this country for years

Guevara, who fled El Salvador after receiving death threats for his journalism at a conservative newspaper, has been in this country for more than two decades, his lawyer Giovanni Diaz said. He has work authorization and recently applied for a green card. His American citizen son's recent 21st birthday made him eligible to receive residency.

During his detention, Guevara has been moved to at least five different facilities across Georgia.

Initial charges against him were dropped and an immigration judge allowed him to post bond. But federal officials blocked his release after another set of traffic-related misdemeanor charges  stemming from of an alleged incident nearly a month before his arrest  were issued by a Georgia sheriffs office.

On July 10, Guevara's lawyers announced prosecutors dropped the charges, yet Guevara is now in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention.

Diaz has called Guevara's detention an organized effort by local and federal agencies.

Theyre working together to make sure he stays detained as long as possible, Diaz told USA TODAY. Whatever it takes.

In a statement, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, said Guevara is in the country illegally. The department has begun deportation proceedings.

Diaz said Guevara has been allowed to stay in the country since 2012, when the government administratively closed his case. He kept receiving work permit renewals, and he had a pending asylum application, giving him legal right to stay in the country, Diaz said.

Authorities estimate that about 1,800 people took part in a peaceful No Kings protest in Augusta, Georgia, along Walton Way Extension on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Why was he arrested?

On June 14, Guevara was arrested by local police in DeKalb County while recording a No Kings protest.

Videos of his arrest show Guevara, in a red shirt with a protective vest that says PRESS, live streaming as police faced off against demonstrators. Guevara stood on the sidewalk with other journalists until a line of police officers began moving toward a dwindling crowd of protesters. One officer in a parking lot moved toward Guevara. As he moved away another officer ran toward him and grabbed him without warning, bodycam footage showed.

Im a member of the media, officer, Guevara can be heard saying in English. As an officer shuffled him to police cars parked in the street, people could be heard asking why he was being taken. His live stream continued recording in his pocket as he was taken away in a police vehicle. He called for a lawyer.

President Donald Trump meets with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, April 14, 2025. Trump on Monday hosted El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, the self-described "world's coolest dictator" who is now the US leader's key ally in a controversial push to deport illegal migrants to a notorious Salvadoran prison. The meeting comes as the White House faces pressure over the case of a father who was mistakenly deported to the jail in the Central American country -- whose return a US court has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate.

Lengthy court battle as new charges brought

On July 1, a federal immigration judge ruled Guevara could be released on $7,500 bond, Diaz said. As his family sought to pay digitally and in person, he was denied release.

By July 3, the sheriffs office said Guevara had been booked, released on bond and was no longer in custody. The same day, ICE transferred him to the sheriffs office for the outstanding arrest warrants on the three new misdemeanors. They have since been dismissed by the local solicitor general's office, WSB-TV reported.

On July 4, local officials transferred him to ICE custody for removal proceedings.

As of July 10, he remains in the Folkston ICE Processing Center, a privately-run facility in southeastern Georgia.

Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@usatoday.com or on Signal at emcuevas.01.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Journalist still in custody after covering immigration raids
Theres nothing predictable about the worlds best coastlines. Salt hangs in the air, the weather can turn on you, and the scenery refuses to be ordinary. These are places where the water and land shape everythinglegends, stories, how you spend a day, even what you remember years later. Step out, look around, and let the place explain itself.

Na Pali Coast, Hawaii

Credit: Pexels

The Na Pali Coast on Kaua'i isnt reachable by car. Guests need to hike, sail, or fly to witness its sharp emerald cliffs and misty valley, but it's worth it. It's beauty has even been featured in movies like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean. The Kalalau Trail is the stuff of backpacking legends, and celebrities often charter private catamarans for views without the crowds.

Big Sur, California

Credit: iStockphoto

Writers like Jack Kerouac and Henry Miller once called Big Sur home. Today, its more likely to host A-listers like Oprah or Anne Hathaway at retreats like Post Ranch Inn. The coastline itself is a dramatic mix of cliffs, fog, and redwoods, with landmarks like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls making it a favorite for scenic drives and moody Instagram shots.

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Credit: iStockphoto

This 120-mile route passes through real-life locations from Game of Thrones, including the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy Harbour. But its the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO site of 40,000 basalt columns, that steals the show. Some locals still lean into the legend that it was built by giants, not lava.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Credit: iStockphoto

Built by returning WWI soldiers, this road honors fallen comrades and hugs 150 miles of raw southern coast. Its most famous for the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks, though only eight remain. Surfing in Bells Beach, koala spotting in Kennett River, and rainforest walks in Otway National Park round out the experience. Even Chris Hemsworth, who has a home not far from here, can't escape this place's charm.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Credit: iStockphoto

Since ancient Roman times, this coast has been a getaway for emperors and artists. Today, everyone from Beyonce to George Clooney has dropped anchor off Positano. The winding roads are best known for cliffside villas, lemon groves, and scenic towns like Ravello and Amalfi.

Snfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Credit: iStockphoto

Icelanders call this peninsula Iceland in Miniature because it crams in lava fields, glaciers, fishing villages, and coastal cliffs in just one region. Snfellsjokull volcano, capped with ice, is featured in Jules Vernes Journey to the Center of the Earth. Theres whale-watching in Olafsvik and black sand beaches at Djupalonssandur. In winter, its a Northern Lights hotspot.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Credit: iStockphoto

Above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands offer remote beauty, fishing heritage, and towering fjords. Painters and photographers flock here for its surreal light, especially during the midnight sun in summer. The town of Reine has been called one of the most beautiful in Norway.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Credit: iStockphoto

Halong Bays name means descending dragon, and legend says dragons created the limestone islands to protect Vietnam. Tours range from luxury junk boats to budget overnighters, with chances to kayak through caves and swim in hidden lagoons.

West Coast, South Island, New Zealand

Credit: iStockphoto

Few places feel as wild as this coast, which has glaciers that reach rainforest, ocean views beside snowcapped peaks, and blowholes at Punakaikis Pancake Rocks. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers offer guided ice walks, and Milford Sounds towering cliffs are often cloaked in waterfalls. Peter Jackson filmed Lord of the Rings scenes nearby, and fans still come searching for Middle-earth.

Cape Point, South Africa

Credit: iStockphoto

Cape Point sits at the far edge of Table Mountain National Park, battered by weather and surrounded by the rough sea. An old lighthouse stands above the cliffs, which keeps watch over the waters where two oceans meet. The place feels wildbaboons patrol the parking lots, ostriches graze near the trails, and the wind changes direction without warning. In whale season, people gather near the viewpoints, scanning the waves for a sign of movement offshore.

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Credit: iStockphoto

The Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands, where cliffs drop into the Gulf of St. Lawrence and moose sometimes wander across the road. This 186-mile route is packed with coastal drama and cultural flavor. Gaelic traditions still thrive in the region, and Alexander Graham Bells nearby estate adds a layer of historical intrigue to an already fascinating landscape.

Staffa Island, Scotland

Credit: Wikipedia

Fingals Cave on Staffa is made of hexagonal basalt columns, naturally formed but oddly perfect. After visiting, Mendelssohn composed an overture, and Queen Victoria toured the island in 1847. No one lives on Staffa now, but puffins nest there from April to August. Because it's remote and rugged, the island is accessible by boat only when the seas are calm.

French Riviera, France

Credit: iStockphoto

This glamorous stretch of coast draws everyone from yacht owners to film stars. During the Cannes Film Festival, the region swells with global celebrities. Nice offers beachside art museums, while Eze charms with medieval lanes. Picasso and Matisse found inspiration here, and its easy to see why. The turquoise water and pastel buildings make every angle camera-ready.

Cap de Formentor, Spain

Credit: iStockphoto

Drive to Cap de Formentor, and the island feels like its dropping away beneath your tires. The narrow road climbs through pine woods and opens onto rocky outcrops that look straight into the Balearic Sea. Past every hairpin, the views changesometimes a sheer cliff, sometimes a stretch of turquoise water. At the tip, a white lighthouse stands above the wind. On clear days, you can spot Menorca on the horizon.

White Cliffs of Dover, England

Credit: iStockphoto

These iconic chalk cliffs face France across the narrowest part of the English Channel. During WWII, they symbolized home and hope for returning British soldiers. Today, visitors can hike cliff-top trails, explore tunnels beneath Dover Castle, or catch a ferry for a cross-channel view. The Beatles and Vera Lynn both famously sang about them, and the cliffs still draw crowds.
'Iconic' Soap Opera Wraps Filming After 40 years originally appeared on Parade.

After forty years, three cancellations, and more drama than one article could contain, the cast and crew of the Amazon Prime soap opera Neighbours have wrapped production for what appears to be the last time.

The final episode, 9,363, is currently scheduled to stream Thursday, December 11.

 SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox

The official Neighbours Instagram account posted a tribute to its cast and crew saying, Today marks the final day of production on our beloved Neighbours. It's with a heavy heart that our incredible cast and crew wrap for the final time. As sad as this day may be, we can't wait for you to see the amazing storylines that are about to unfold over the coming six months. Together we have been, and always will be, the perfect blend 

When Amazon originally picked up the soap opera, it was a flagship program for the companies Freevee service. The platform was sunseted late last year with existing programs rolling into the Amazon Prime platform.

It was announced earlier this year that Amazon would not be ordering additional episodes of Neighbours.

Executive producer Jason Herbison spoke with TVTonight about the final day of filming, sharing, We have one crew going today. Neighbours is traditionally shot with two crews and the location crew start the week before studio, so now the final week of the show we just have the studio crew going. The location crew actually finished on Monday. Its a busy day in studio, basically, were filming all the final scenes in studio and were wrapping tonight. The showrunner explained how there was a bittersweet feeling in the air as the series comes to a close, adding, Theres a wrap party tomorrow night.Were having Christmas in July, as you can see so its a bittersweet mood.

Herbison acknowledges that this is the end for the series, however, teases that there is hope for the future. Were all sad to be seeing the end of the show. But as I said before, you know, very grateful that weve had this this chapter in this time together, and a little bit of hope, who knows, for the future.

The showrunner encourages fans to stay tuned, because while the show may be ending, things are not slowing down on screen until the end, adding, We have a big five months of Neighbours still to air. We absolutely are not slowing down story-wise. Lots of big storylines, lots of new characters, lots of big story locomotives still to play out. So whilst its the final day today on set, for our viewers, theres still five big months of the show to watch.

Neighbours has launched the careers of many future Hollywood stars including, Margot Robbie, Liam Hemsworth, Alan Dale, Chris Hemsworth, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Jessee Spencer, and Kylie Minogue.

Fans took to the comment section on the farewell post on Instagram to share their own tributes to the show. One user said, "Since the day it started coming home from school in 1985 was always the highlight of my day Ive always been a fan and this breaks my heart but I wish all the crew and cast the best wishes for future endeavours. We will always be here silently waiting and praying for a come back ." With a second user adding, "Huge love to all cast and crew. The last two years have been a welcome addition to the show and we will miss you all so much. Best of luck for the future." A third shared, "This is just devastating. You've been a part of my life for 40 years, I can't believe we have to say goodbye again. Thank you for everything, for everything you've given us. I'm so grateful we got two more years of our favourite Neighbours. Big hugs to the cast and crew today, best in the business. And big thanks to the social media team, you've given us so much and we're so grateful "

Neighbours streams Monday to Thursday on Amazon Prime.

'Iconic' Soap Opera Wraps Filming After 40 years first appeared on Parade on Jul 11, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
'Jaws' Documentary Airs Never-Before-Seen Footage for 50th Anniversary originally appeared on Parade.

To this day, it's hard to think of a movie more influential than Steven Spielberg's immortal classic, Jaws.

Forever changing the way audiences watched movies in the theater, Jaws also indirectly nurtured a deep-seated fear and fascination of the open ocean, its impact on the larger landscape of mass culture impossible to fully summarize.

With Spielberg's film celebrates its historic 50th anniversary this summer, National Geographic has recently released a brand-new documentary chronicling the film's production, all the while underscoring the unique qualities that made the film such a massive success.

Complete with interviews with the cast and crew of the film, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story also comes complete with numerous behind-the-scenes footage documenting the movie's production.

Not only that, but it also includes several unused outtakes later left on the editing room floor, including several rare sequences showing the great white shark in action, including its grisly attack on a young boy early in the film.

A tremendous celebration of Jaws' impact on the world of pop culture, Jaws @ 50 also offers a more introspective look at the various themes and subjects spread throughout the film.

With Spielberg shedding light on some of the movie's most telling production aspects, the documentary eloquently finds a way to show how certain issues like the Vietnam War and Watergate influenced Jaws' narrative -- perhaps even influencing how audiences reacted to the film in the summer of '75.

Focusing on Jaws' inception both under as an original novel by Peter Benchley up to its tumultuous filming process by Spielberg, Nat Geo's latest documentary serves as the perfect companion piece to the original film.

Emphasizing the countless challenges the young director faced on the film, it also illustrates how revolutionary Jaws was at the time of its release, influencing millions of viewers fortunate enough to see it to this very day.

'Jaws' Documentary Airs Never-Before-Seen Footage for 50th Anniversary first appeared on Parade on Jul 11, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
By Raphael Satter

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Philadelphia-based law firm Dechert said on Thursday that a pair of U.S. lawsuits accusing it of using hired hackers to win in court have been resolved without any admission of liability.

Dechert and others, including U.S. public relations operatives and a private investigator, were sued in federal court in Manhattan in 2022 by aviation executive Farhad Azima, who accused them of organizing the hack and leak of his emails.

A related suit in North Carolina filed against another private investigator, Nicholas Del Rosso, made similar claims.

Dechert had already settled with Azima last year, but the proceedings against other parties, including Israeli private investigator Amit Forlit, lawyer Amir Handjani, and New York public relations firm Karv Communications, were still ongoing.

Legal filings show motions to dismiss the New York and North Carolina lawsuits with prejudice were made late on Wednesday.

In a statement, Azima said: "I am thrilled and feel vindicated by the outcome."

Neither Dechert nor Azima nor the other parties answered questions about how precisely the suits had been resolved, whether there had been a fresh settlement, and, if so, what its terms were.

Dechert, Handjani, Karv, and Karv's president, Andrew Frank, issued identical statements saying in part: "The defendants and Mr. Azima have now resolved all claims without admission of liability."

Representatives for Del Rosso and Forlit did not return messages.

Azima was originally found liable for fraud by a London court in 2020 in connection with his dealings with a Middle Eastern investment fund, a case that drew heavily on private emails that had been mysteriously leaked on the internet ahead of trial.

Following a Reuters investigation into how Indian hackers regularly stole emails to sway court cases, Azima accused Dechert, the fund's then-law firm, of being a party to the leak.

He subsequently got his UK judgments thrown out.

Forlit, the Israeli private eye accused by Azima of being a key member of the plot against him, is currently fighting extradition to the U.S. on separate cybercrime charges. He has previously denied hacking.

(Reporting by Raphael Satter; Editing by Jamie Freed)
New policies to incentivize employment

08:34, July 11, 2025 By CHENG SI ( China Daily

The State Council, China's Cabinet, unveiled a batch of new policies on Wednesday to further promote employment and keep the country steered toward its economic goals, with an aim to stabilize the job market and bolster high-quality economic development.

According to a notice about the policies released by the State Council, a series of stronger financial incentives for employers, such as reimbursing them a higher proportion of unemployment insurance payments, will be offered if they meet certain standards.

Employers having trouble keeping their businesses afloat can apply to defer their payments into the pension, unemployment and work-related injury insurance programs. No late fees will be charged during the deferment periods.

Small and medium-sized companies in the nation's pillar industries, including modern manufacturing and new energy, will receive social insurance subsidies upon hiring people from key groups such as college graduates, migrant workers and demobilized military members and signing standard labor contracts lasting at least one year. The company is responsible for applying for the subsidies and passing them on to employees promptly.

Companies and social organizations which are hiring young registered unemployed people between the ages of 16 and 24, and have signed standard labor contracts and also paid their portion of the social insurance for at least three months, will receive one-time subsidies from the government. The subsidy is up to 1,500 yuan ($209) per person and is for the employers. It is available until December.

County-level authorities are encouraged to start construction programs focusing on urban-rural integration and countryside development, thus providing jobs to migrant workers and people who have been laid off.

Skills training is highlighted in the notice. The government will give stronger financial support to companies to encourage them to organize skills training programs for their workers. Vocational colleges and schools are encouraged to relax their age restrictions for new students and to enroll young laid-off people or migrant workers who want to improve their professional competence.

Governments at all levels are required to optimize job services to both employers and job seekers. For college graduates who are having trouble landing jobs due to physical disabilities or financial problems, local human resources bureaus should recommend high-quality job openings or internships.

According to the notice, local authorities are required to offer unemployment insurance to registered workers who have paid into the insurance for at least a year before being laid off so they can meet their basic living needs. Employment aid or assistance should be available to people who go for long periods without finding work because they are older or have a disability.

Governments at all levels should also strengthen employment data collection and analysis to get a more comprehensive picture of the job market, strengthen supervision over the use of employment funds and prevent illegal practices such as cheating or submitting fraudulent applications to receive the funds.

Employment should be prioritized by the governments, who should analyze the impact the new policies will have on the job market before establishing further policies or programs and prepare for potential unemployment risks, the notice said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Yi Shi, Founder and CEO of FlashIntel, winner of the GLIDE Power of One Charity Lunch with Marc Benioff.

SAN FRANCISCO, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yi Shi, founder of AI startup FlashIntel, has won the prestigious charity lunch auction with Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce. The annual auction, organized by GLIDE, supports the organization's mission to combat poverty and homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area.

This high-profile tradition, formerly associated with legendary investor Warren Buffett, continues its legacy by inviting influential business leaders to participate in meaningful dialogue while supporting impactful causes.

Yi Shi, Founder and CEO of FlashIntel, winner of the GLIDE Power of One Charity Lunch with Marc Benioff.

"I deeply admire what Marc Benioff has built with Salesforcecombining visionary technology leadership with a strong sense of social responsibility," said Yi Shi. "Attending the Buffett lunch a decade ago left a lasting impression on me. Winning this year's lunch with Marc is both a personal milestone and a chance to discuss how AI can drive positive transformation in business and society."

Yi Shi leads FlashIntel, an AI company building autonomous agents that transform sales and customer engagement processes. FlashIntel's cutting-edge AI agents are designed to execute complex go-to-market workflowsfrom lead generation to multichannel outreach to real-time conversationswithout human input, driving efficiency and customer satisfaction across the board.

Benioff, known for his values-driven leadership and commitment to philanthropy, follows Warren Buffett as the next philanthropic leader to participate in GLIDE's iconic auction events.

The proceeds from the Power of One charity lunch directly benefit GLIDE's programs in San Francisco, providing meals, housing assistance, healthcare, and recovery services to thousands in need.

Contact:

Koki Kobayashi

6506097501

[email protected]

SOURCE FlashIntel
Getty Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screw-worm fly





NEED TO KNOW

The U.S. government is combating a potential invasion of flesh-eating New World screwworm maggots, which threaten livestock, wildlife, and humans, with projected losses topping $100 billion

A $29.5 million multi-agency plan includes breeding up to 200 million sterile male flies in facilities in Mexico and Panama to curb reproduction by releasing them along the Texas-Mexico border

The USDA and APHIS are also increasing border inspections, livestock monitoring, and preventive measures to keep the infestation from reaching the U.S. mainland





In news that seems straight out of a sci-fi movie, flesh-eating maggots are set to hatch in the lower U.S. soon. In response, the government has begun breeding billions of flies to prevent the potential infestation from spreading further north.

The New World screwworm fly larvae (Cochliomyia hominivorax) or NWS, commonly known as the "man-eater" maggots, could have a devastating and even fatal effect on U.S. livestock, the beef industry, wildlife, pets, and in some cases, humans.

On Thursday, July 10, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released an announcement stating its partnership with multiple U.S. agencies, including the U.S. Department of State and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, to respond to the ongoing outbreak of NWS in Central America and Mexico.

If these parasitic maggots develop into adult NWS flies and move into the U.S., it could cost the States over $100 billion in cattle and beef losses. "This can kill a 1,000-pound cow in two weeks," Dr. Michael Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, told USA Today. "The federal government is being very aggressive in working to contain this."

CDC New World Screwworm larvae

The plan to prevent the infestation from spreading into the U.S. was outlined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a press release published on Monday, June 18.

In the release, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the launch of the $8.5 million NWS fly dispersal facility in the Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas, aimed to enhance USDAs already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest.

The five-pronged plan to stop the spread of NSW flies also includes investing $21 million into a fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, which is estimated to produce an additional 60 to 100 million sterile male NSW flies. The male NWS flies, sterilized with radiation, will then be released to mate with female flies, whose eggs wont fertilize or hatch, and will, in turn, lead to the NWS flies dying out before they spread farther.

The flies being produced at the Mexico facility will join those being raised at the Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) facility in Panama, which produces approximately 100 million flies per week. The USDA anticipates that it will take 18 months for the first wave of flies to be fully prepared for release along the Texas-Mexico border.

The release noted that the USDA and APHIS plan to increase border inspections, livestock monitoring, and other preventive measures to keep the infestation from creeping into the U.S.

"We do not take lightly the threat NWS poses to our livestock industry, our economy, and our food supply chain," said Secretary Rollins. "The United States has defeated NWS before, and we will do it again."

Read the original article on People
Mahmoud Khalil seeks $20M from the Trump administration -- or an apology

Weeks after being released from immigration detention, Mahmoud Khalil, a key negotiator and spokesperson during Columbia University's pro-Palestinian campus protests, has filed an administrative complaint against the Trump administration seeking $20 million in damages.

Khalil, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more than three months as the Trump administration pushed for his deportation, alleges false arrest and imprisonment, malicious prosecution, intentional infliction of emotional distress and other alleged wrongdoings.

The complaint, a precursor to a federal lawsuit, was filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Angelina Katsanis/Reuters - PHOTO: Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil arrives at Newark Liberty International Airport a day after being released from immigration custody, in Newark, New Jersey, June 21, 2025.

MORE: Trial challenging administration's deportation of pro-Palestinian scholars gets underway

According to the Center for Constitutional Rights, the organization representing Khalil, the Columbia graduate would use the money to help others similarly targeted by the Trump administration and Columbia University.

In a press release, the organization said: He would accept, in lieu of payment, an official apology and abandonment of the administrations unconstitutional policy."

Khalil, 30, helped lead and negotiate on behalf of the pro-Palestinian encampments that spread at Columbia during the spring of 2024, amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Khalil, a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE agents in his New York apartment building in March -- the first high-profile pro-Palestinian activist to be detained by ICE during the administration of President Donald Trump, who had vowed to "crush" the campus protests, calling them hotbeds of antisemitism.

MORE: Mahmoud Khalil vows to keep fighting for Palestinians after release from ICE custody

Khalil was transferred to an ICE facility in Louisiana, while the Trump administration pressed in court for his deportation.

The Trump administration said Khalil was detained for his purported support of Hamas -- a claim his legal team has rejected and for which the administration provided no evidence.

In court proceedings earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio -- citing a rarely used provision of the law -- determined Khalil should be deported because his continued presence in the country would pose a risk to U.S. foreign policy.

An immigration judge in Louisiana initially found Khalil deportable, but a federal judge in New Jersey later issued an order barring the Trump administration from deporting or continuing to detain Khalil on that basis.

Khalil was released from custody on June 20, but the Trump administration is continuing to seek his deportation.

Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Protestors rally in support of Mahmoud Khalil outside of the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse, during a hearing regarding Khalil's arrest, in New York City, Mar. 12, 2025.

MORE: Mahmoud Khalil, in 1st broadcast interview, says he'll continue to 'advocate for what's right'

Khalil's complaint also accuses the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE of conducting a retaliatory arrest against Khalil over his constitutionally protected speech.

"Officials at the highest levels of the United States government publicly lashed out at Mr. Khalil on social media, falsely labeling him a terrorist sympathizer and an anti-semite  derogatory charges designed to destroy Mr. Khalils reputation, put him in physical danger and cause extreme emotional distress, the complaint stated.

In a statement to ABC News, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the Trump administration acted within its legal and constitutional authority to detain Khalil.

"Mahmoud Khalil's claim that DHS officials branded him as an antisemite and terrorized him and his family is absurd," McLaughlin said in the statement. "It was Khalil who terrorized Jewish students on campus. He branded himself as antisemite through his own hateful behavior and rhetoric. It is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card to live and study in the United States of America."
Hacks breakout Megan Stalter enters the canon of rom-com heroines in Lena Dunhams Too Much Credit - Elizabeth Renstrom for TIME

Megan Stalter talks about the experience of starring in Too Much, a Netflix romantic comedy series from Lena Dunham, with the dreamy satisfaction of a person recounting how she found her soulmate. Like so many contemporary love stories, it began with a digital meet-cute, when the Girls creatorthen a total strangerslid into her DMs. She messaged me on Instagram and said, I have a project for you, Stalter recalls. I was like, What?! And she said that she wrote it with me in mind, which is the craziest thing to hear from my No. 1. I'm a No. 1 fan of Lena.

The fantasy continued in the UK, where she filmed her role as an operatically heartbroken New Yorker who crosses the Atlantic and meets a disarmingly gentle London boy (The White Lotus Will Sharpe). Even after growing a cult following on social media with videos of unhinged characters, then breaking out on Max's Hacks, Stalter might have felt nervous about anchoring such a high-profile show. But her immediate rapport with Sharpe, who she was pleased to discover was "weird and funny like me," as well as Dunham and her husband and co-creator Luis Felber, set her at ease. There is a perfect awkward moment in the premiere when Stalters character, Jessica, plants a hearty smooch on Sharpes Felix, and he responds only with an embarrassed smirk. It was the first scene they shot together, and yet, she says, we had such an easy time improvising a lot of those lines. A blissful working relationship, sealed with the worst kiss ever.

Maybe Stalter got lucky in finding such simpatico collaborators, but after our video chat in June, I suspect she could get along with almost anyone. We clicked, she says four separate times about her first encounters with different collaborators. She brims with appreciation for the people in her life; family members get the same enthusiasm as idols turned friends like Dunham. Brilliant at embodying characters high on their own questionable supply, Stalter has no trouble speaking earnestly about herself or her work. What comes through when she does is buoyancy, warmth, and a form of gratitude free of self-doubtall auspicious traits for a rom-com ingenue in the making.

For as long as she can remember, Stalter, 34, has been fascinated by beauty pageants and their pick-me-princess competitors. The title character of Little Miss Ohio, a compilation of cheerfully deranged monologues she released in the pandemic summer of 2020, is a faded beauty queen struggling to film a promo for this year's pageant. In June, she accepted an award at an LGBTQ-oriented Critics Choice Association event for her portrayal of Hacks absurdly self-assured rookie talent manager Kayla wearing a tiara and sash with her sheer gown. (While Kayla is apparently straight, Stalter is in a long-term relationship with a woman, Maddie Allen, and describes herself as almost lesbian.) Playing to an audience that embraced her campy sensibility long before she was a TV star, Stalter proclaimed: Im in shock that a country-bumpkin brunette made her way all the way to Hollywood and now Im accepting the award for Best Gay Actor of All Time.

In fact, it was her relatively humble Ohio upbringing that nurtured Stalters love affair with brash female characters: To be like, I should win, Im the best actor, I'm the best politician or the prettiest girl in the room, is so funny to me, because its so overly confident, but also there's something really vulnerable about those kinds of characters. A pageant girls bravado is matched only by her need for external validation. Stalter experienced this dichotomy firsthand as a kid who practiced tirelessly with her mom for a local poetry-declamation contest. She loved to perform, making videos with siblings and cousins, and believed in her own abilities. But, she says, In high school, I never really got the part I wanted despite her hard work.

Elizabeth Renstrom for TIME

That discouraging experience motivated her to create her own material. Part of why I love doing comedy and writing for myself and doing stand-up is that you get to make the rules," she says. No one's telling you you can't do it. I dont have to wait for someone to say yes. Still, it would take a whileand a few attempts at training for a more practical career, like nursing or teachingto make her way to the comedy hub of Chicago, where she studied improv and broke into the stand-up scene. She felt like a success almost immediately, just knowing shed finally begun to do the work she was meant to do. It wasnt like, When is my dream gonna come true? she recalls. As soon as I was like, Im gonna go for it, it felt like my dream was coming true. Being in an improv class was so exciting to me, getting out on my first show, or even just doing open mics.

In the summer of 2019, Stalter moved to New York. But it was during the pandemic, which she weathered in Ohio, that her star rose, as the housebound scrolled in search of a laughand found lo-fi videos in which she portrayed such characters as your boss when her tube top falls off on a Zoom meeting. She was so convincing in variations on a woman whose cockiness is undermined by nervous stumbling or general strangeness that not everyone realized it was a bit. But being misunderstood has never fazed her. I dont mind making someone feel unsettled a little bit, or [pushing] them out of their comfort zone, she says, citing Nathan Fielder as a comedian whose blurring of personality and persona she finds riveting. Besides, those bewildered reactions are fodder for the inside jokes she shares with fans who do get it.

Among the latter group were the creators of Hacks, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, who spotted her online and looked past a shoddy self-tape audition to cast her as Kayla. The pandemic was still raging when Stalter moved to L.A. to shoot the dramedy, which casts Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder as comedians of different generations jockeying for success in a sexist, ageist Hollywood. Introduced as a broad, nepo-baby foil to Downs pushover-manager character, Jimmy, Kayla evolved from inept assistant to shrewd showbiz strategist. In Season 4, which aired this spring, she agonized over whether to sell out Jimmy and take a big job at her fathers firm. She gives the shows writers credit for this transformation: They definitely let me improvise. But the storylines and the scripts are all them, so if they didn't want [Kayla] to be such an essential part, I wouldn't get to be. That vote of confidence paid off, allowing Stalter to exhibit a versatility that no doubt helped her level up to multifaceted romantic lead.

For a Girls girl and rom-com devotee already pinching herself to be sure the last few years weren't all a dream, landing Too Much felt like divine intervention. That is straight from the stars. Thats from God, says Stalter, who has always been a big believer.

In a story that echoes Dunhams romance with Felber, a British musician, Stalters Jessica has been spiraling since her ex, Zev (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel alum Michael Zegen), dumped her for an Instagram-perfect knitwear influencer, Wendy (Emily Ratajkowski). After a humiliating breakdown, Jess seizes the chance to work abroad in London. That means leaving her claustrophobic clan of single women in Great Neck; Rhea Perlman, Rita Wilson, and Dunham play her grandma, mom, and sister. (This female-dominated family reminded Stalter of her own: I was raised by women that all have big, strong personalities.) She arrives to find that her council-estate sublet is nothing like the verdant country estate she pictured. Her dry British boss (Richard E. Grant) resists her messy American charms. And she remains so obsessed with her ex and his now-fiancee that she accidentally lights her nightgown on fire while making a bitter video addressed to Wendy.

Netflix

Felix, an indie rocker styled like a young Robert Smith, offers a calming contrast to Jess too-muchness. But this reformed party boy has baggage too. In episodes that flash back to the couple's previous partners and explore their families internal dynamics, Too Much illustrates how who we are in each romance is the culmination of every other serious relationship, sexual or otherwise, weve had. Anytime youre dating, youre bringing everything thats ever happened to you, Stalter notes. If you actually are falling in love, you are showing really bad sides of yourself.

This honest approach to romance, which affectionately comments on the idealized rom-coms parodied in each episode title (Enough, Actually), resonated with Stalter. Raised on the escapist pleasures of Bridget Jones and the Julia Roberts canon, she describes Dunhams surprisingly humane spin on the genre as subverted and unexpected and so my sense of humor, but also grounded in beautiful, real, dramatic moments. Some are love scenes every bit as frank as the ones Dunham famously made for Girls, though this time around the sex is often good.

If Stalter had any lingering nerves about these intimate moments, they didnt make it to the screen. Her vulnerable performance evokes Bridgets dizziness and intelligence, and the commingling of naivety and jadedness that made Pretty Womans Vivian appealing. You can see flickers of Legally Blondes Elle Woods and Clueless Cher Horowitzwho could be icons to Jessin a wardrobe of candy colors, skirt suits, and whimsy. What these women share isnt a hair color, a shape, or a profession; its their effervescence, a spirited lightness that has defined screwball It Girls for a century and practically fizzes out of Stalters pores.

Even in recent decades, as LGBTQ voices have moved into the mainstream, its been rare to see queer actors leading straight romances. So it feels notable that Stalter, who has been openly bisexual for longer than she's been famous and says that right now, I actually couldnt imagine being with a man, slides so comfortably into hetero roles. She does have years of experience with men to draw on. But immersing herself in queer community, especially via camp-soaked niches of social media, where her aggressively femme characters often play off unseen husbands, has also made her a keen observer of straightness. Queer people sometimes are curious about straight culture, as straight people are curious about queer cultures, she notes.

Stalter photographed in Los Angeles, CA on June 19 Elizabeth Renstrom for TIME

At the same time, she has cherished the opportunity to play women navigating relationships with women, as she did in the title role of the 2023 indie film Cora Bora, which follows an unmoored musician straining to hold on to a long-distance girlfriend. It's really emotional and meaningful for me to play queer characters because of what it means for representation, she says. To that end, she has spent the past few years developing a comedy series called Church Girls with A24 and Max. Inspired by her experiences, it casts Stalter as a young, Christian woman in Ohio coming to terms with the realization that she is a lesbian.

Especially in a polarized society where loving God and love is love can seem incompatible, Stalter feels compelled to demonstrate otherwise. Ive never understood why you wouldnt be able to be gay and be a God girl, she says, pointing out that the Bible has about as little to say against homosexuality as it does against, say, eating shrimp. It hurts me to think, if somebody wanted to connect in a spiritual way, that they would feel like they wouldnt be allowed to because of their sexuality.

Church Girls is Stalters dream project, the one she makes time for even as she juggles TV roles, live comedy tours, and a devotion to posting weird videos on the internet that didnt end when she booked Hacks. (Laughing with strangers online is just important to me.) Which is not to say shes torched her personal life: You always make time for things that are important to you. For her, that means friends, family, plus her dog and two catsliterally Gods little angels sent down to help us. On screen and off, in work as at home, Stalter seems to seek out soul-deep connections. Its the kind of romantic quest that, like a wounded American girl giving love a second shot in the land of Wuthering Heights and Notting Hill, you cant help but root for.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
(Reuters) -Elon Musk's xAI is preparing to raise more money from investors in a deal that could value the artificial-intelligence company between $170 billion and $200 billion, the Financial Times reported on Friday, citing people close to the discussions.

Saudi Arabia's PIF sovereign wealth fund is expected to play a large role in the deal, according to the FT report. PIF holds an indirect interest in xAI through its stake in Kingdom Holdings Company, which has an $800 million investment in the firm.

The talks were preliminary and the details could change, the report said.

"XAI is not seeking funding right now. We have plenty of capital," Musk posted on X after the FT report.

PIF did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Morgan Stanley said in late June that xAI had completed a $5 billion debt raise alongside a separate $5 billion strategic equity investment, as the startup looks to expand its AI infrastructure through data centers amid intense competition.

The AI startup acquired X, Musk's social media business formerly known as Twitter, in March, valuing xAI at $80 billion and X at $33 billion.

Musk launched xAI in July 2023 as an alternative to OpenAI's ChatGPT, which said in March that it would raise up to $40 billion at a $300 billion valuation.

XAI expects to generate more than $13 billion in annual earnings by 2029, according to numbers revealed by its banker, Morgan Stanley, Bloomberg News reported in June.

The company expects $1 billion in gross revenue by the end of this year and plans to spend $18 billion on investments in data centers going forward.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Pooja Desai)
Nashville, Tennessee  At the age of 80, Lynne McFarland of Nashville, Tennessee, isn't taking it easy.



She's technically retired, but spends three days a week, several hours per day, packing and delivering boxes filled with food and other basic needs to families of undocumented immigrants living in Nashville. Some are too scared to leave their homes.

She estimates that she delivers about 25 boxes each week. She is one of a few dozen such volunteers in the city.

"I can't really appreciate how afraid they are because I don't think I've ever been that afraid," McFarland told CBS News.

She said "most" of the families that she delivers food to have had a family member who was detained or deported.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made about 1,000 daily arrests of undocumented immigrants in June, according to ICE's online database. Still, that's just one-third of the Trump administration's daily goal of 3,000 arrests.

"Our law enforcement officers here in Tennessee are committed to finding you, apprehending you, and getting you out of our community and out of our country," Republican state Sen. Jack Johnson told CBS News. "... If you're in the country illegally, then I think you should be concerned."

Internal government data obtained by CBS News shows ICE is holding about 59,000 detainees, 47% of whom have no criminal record.

It's why one Venezuelan man living in Tennessee told CBS News he's terrified.

"I've never had an issue with the law, never," the man said, going on to say that he has "never even gotten a traffic ticket."

He asked CBS News to blur his face and those of his family members. He was detained by Homeland Security agents in May when he showed up for an immigration hearing in person. He spent about one month inside an ICE detention facility in Louisiana.



He said he was eventually released by ICE, but his fate in the U.S. is still unclear despite earning Temporary Protected Status when he crossed the border in 2021, and later, a work permit. He also has a one-year-old child who was born in the U.S. In May, the Supreme Court ruled that it would allow the Trump administration to halt the TPS program for Venezuelans.

"I think there's fear on all sides," McFarland said. "I think there's fear that we don't know who's next, and we know that there will be a next."

Social media content creator shows his hustle

Udemy Is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills

Surveillance video shows Israeli strike that killed 10 children at Gaza clinic
A native Hawaiian man serving time for brutally beating a white man with a shovel over a decade ago will be resentenced and could be hit with additional years in prison after his appeal of his hate crime conviction was rejected.

Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi, 35, was originally sentenced to six-and-a-half years by a Honolulu judge alongside Levi Aki Jr, another Native Hawaiian man, after a jury found them both guilty of the hate-fueled violence in 2023.

The court determined that the duo were motivated by Christopher Kunzelmans race when they repeatedly beat him with a shovel in 2014 when he and his wife tried to move into their remote village in Maui.

Levi Aki Jr. and Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi were both found guilty of a hate crime, agreeing with prosecutors that the two men were motivated by Christopher Kunzelmans race when they punched, kicked, and used a shovel to beat him in 2014. AP

Kunzelman was left with severe brain damage following the assault that placed such stress on his marriage that it catalyzed a divorce, his wife Lori said.

Alo-Kaonohi tried to appeal the conviction, taking issue with the federal hate crime enhancement, but the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction Thursday.

During the original trial, Alo-Kaonohis attorneys asserted that the attack on Kunzelman was fueled more by his entitled attitude.

Its still not clear how much more time he could get. Considering the judges previous sentence, though, retired federal defender Alexander Silvert, who is not involved in the retrial, suggested three extra years could feasibly be tacked on.

Lori Kunzelman said shed welcome the extended sentence after she and her husband were essentially run out of their dream home before even moving in.

Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi, 35, was originally sentenced to six-and-a-half years by a Honolulu judge. AP

The court determined that the duo were motivated by Christopher Kunzelmans race when they repeatedly beat him with a shovel in 2014. Christopher Kunzelman

The Kunzelmans still own the trodden-down house they originally purchased on the ocean for $175,000 while they were seeking an escape from Arizona after Lori was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

We had vacationed on Maui year after year  loved, loved, loved Maui, she said.

Its been impossible to sell the home, Lori said, as locals just wont allow anybody to step foot on the property.

Christopher Kunzelman was beaten when he and his wife tried to move into a remote village in Maui. Christopher Kunzelman

It was obviously a hate crime from the very beginning. The whole time theyre saying things like, You have the wrong skin color. No haole is ever going to live in our neighborhood, Lori said after the 2023 trial wrapped.

Haole, a Hawaiian word that was central to the first trial, can mean foreigner and white person.

Much of the struggles between native Hawaiians and white tourists stems from the lack of education surrounding the islands forced inclusion as a US state and its native history.

The Hawaii Innocence Project plans on contesting the retrial to prove that haole is not a derogatory term, the organizations co-director Kenneth Lawson said.

With Post wires
Emergency crews work after devastating floods killed more than 100 people with more than 170 still missing in Texas Hill Country Texas Department of Public Safety

(The Center Square)  Rescue and recovery personnel from 13 states are assisting Texas with recovery efforts in the aftermath of a deadly July 4 flash flood event that killed at least 119, with at least 173 reported missing.

Both Republican and Democratic governors have sent help to Texas from the states of Arkansas, California, Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said his wife and family members were rescued in Hunt, Texas, where they were vacationing with close family friends and were stranded as flood waters rose, NBC News reported. Not soon after, he deployed two Virginia Type III Swift Water Rescue Teams to assist with ongoing recovery efforts.

States are providing relief through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) responding to a request from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). TDEM is overseeing recovery efforts in six counties with the majority of personnel in Kerr County, where the majority of people were killed and reported missing.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders deployed 22 Arkansas National Guard troops to Texas; an Arkansas Division of Emergency Management team deployed Friday.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom also deployed 27 highly skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members, including nine from Riverside City and Oakland City and 18 from the Los Angeles County, Riverside City, Menlo Park and Orange County Fire Departments. Among them are four Human Remains Detection team units, including eight canines.

The scale of loss and devastation Texas is experiencing right now is unfathomable. California is proud to lend a helping hand to our fellow Americans, Newsom said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was among the first to deploy swift water rescue teams and K-9 units to assist with search and recovery efforts in Kerr County.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry dispatched 14 swift water rescue personnel to Texas, including boat operators, technicians, support personnel and fire marshals.

Louisiana is committed to helping our neighbors in Texas during this difficult time, Landry said.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen deployed members of its Task Force 1 and Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Task Force to Texas.

Nebraskans always step up to help those in need. These families and communities need our support and continued prayers as recovery efforts go on, Pillen said.

New Jersey deployed members of its Task Force 1, one of 28 federal FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams in the country. A New Jersey native also led a U.S. Coast Guard crew to rescue a record 165 people in Kerr County, The Center Square reported.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong deployed a seven-person crew from the North Dakota Air National Guards 119th Wing.

Its the first time the 119th Wing "has provided MQ-9 support for an EMAC request, the governors office said. Other states have come to our aid in extremely challenging times, and North Dakota stands ready to help Texas through this catastrophe however we can, Armstrong said.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also deployed 20 Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and an Ohio Department of Natural Resources team with K-9s.

"When we put the request out to our troopers, we had the complete roster filled up within two hours," Major David Brown said.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt deployed two Type III swift water rescue teams including Task Force 1 members from Tulsa and Oklahoma City, state emergency management personnel and boats, trailers, and equipment.

"As always, Oklahoma will answer the call to help our friends and neighbors during these devastating floods. That's the Oklahoma Standard, plain and simple, Stitt said.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster deployed the states Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue team, including five personnel and two human remains detection K-9s.

In some of our toughest moments, the people of Texas were there for us. Now, its our duty to return that support and stand by our friends in their time of need, McMaster said.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee dispatched a Memphis Fire CST-HRD team of expert handlers and specialized search dogs.

Tennessee stands with Texas  we always have and always will. Proud of our first responders who are in Kerr County, Lee said.

Wisconsins Task Force 1 were deployed to Texas, including Regional All-Climate Training Center employees, K-9 units, and Janesville, Menomonie, and Green Bay fire department crew.

Eight WI-TF1 members began search efforts with their K9s on Thursday northwest of Austin, the Wisconsin Emergency Management said. Its Canine Human Remains Detection Mission Ready team, including three very important K9s (Duke, Merlin, and Reaper) are performing extremely difficult and heartbreaking work, but it plays a crucial role in bringing closure to families.
By Portia Crowe and Divya Rajagopal

DAKAR/TORONTO (Reuters) -A Malian military helicopter airlifted gold from the Barrick-owned Loulo-Gounkoto complex on Thursday, three sources said, days after Reuters reported that a court-appointed administrator planned to sell the site's bullion to finance operations.

A Bamako court last month appointed a provisional administrator to restart operations at the West African country's largest gold mining site, nearly six months after Barrick Mining suspended them amid tense negotiations over the implementation of a new mining code.

Barrick said it was forced to suspend operations in mid-January after Mali's military-led government blocked its exports for two months, detained some of its executives and seized three tons of bullion. It also launched arbitration at the World Bank to try to resolve the dispute.

On Thursday morning, a brown and green helicopter touched down at the site's tree-lined landing strip. Its passengers were escorted by the mine's security team to the plant, where the gold room is located, the first source said.

The helicopter took off some five hours later with the bullion on board.

"Any plan by the provisional administrator to restart operations or sell gold from the site would be not only illegitimate but also ill-advised," Barrick said in a statement on Thursday.

One ton of gold - worth about $107 million - had remained in the site's storeroom since January, when three tons of gold were removed to be stored in a bank vault on the orders of a Malian judge, the first source said.

The full ton was taken on Thursday, the second source said.

The provisional administrator, former health minister Soumana Makadji, has said he plans to finance the mine's operations by selling gold, the first and third sources and a fourth person said.

The first three sources said the airlifted gold would be sold for this purpose.

While drilling and other extractive activities have not yet begun, operations at the site's plant - which processes ore stocks into gold - restarted on Monday, the third and fourth sources and another person said.

According to internal estimates seen by Reuters, it will take between 11 and 13 days from the restart of the plant to the production of the first gold bars.

Spokespeople for Mali's mines ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Makadji could not be reached for comment.

Barrick and Mali's government have been in negotiations since 2023 over the implementation of a new mining code that raises taxes and gives the government a greater share in the gold mines.

(Reporting by Portia Crowe in Dakar and Divya Rajagopal in Toronto. Editing by Mark Potter)
By Casey Hall

SHANGHAI (Reuters) -

Danish jewellery maker Pandora is exploring ways to restructure its business in China, said two people familiar with the matter, after years of plunging sales both online and off.

The world's largest jeweller by volume of pieces sold is in discussion with China-based funds and e-commerce partners to potentially license its brand and all of its assets, including existing inventory, for five years, said one of the people.

Pandora, like many consumer-facing multinational companies operating in the world's second-largest economy after the U.S., has been hit hard by post-pandemic consumer malaise, exacerbated by a property crisis that has rippled through the economy.

It has also had to contend with competition from local, digital-savvy brands in a crowded e-commerce space as well as a shift in consumer preference to gold and high-value jewellery.

Pandora, in a statement to Reuters, said it recognised the need to reposition its brand in China and was working on a turnaround, saying "it will take time". It did not address specific questions about possible restructuring in the country.

"China is the biggest jewellery market in the world, and we remain fully committed to the business there," Pandora said.

Pandora's China revenue tumbled nearly 80% to 416 million Danish crowns ($65.10 million) in 2024 from 1.97 billion crowns in 2019, with the country's revenue contribution slumping to around 1% from 11% over that period, exchange filings showed.

The China business has had three chiefs since 2022. Current managing director Thomas Knudsen started in January, soon after which Pandora said it would close 50 China stores this year.

Finding a stakeholder or licence partner could be "difficult" given the trends in performance and broader consumer headwind, said Jonathan Yan, a principal at consultancy Roland Berger in Shanghai.

"I don't think financial investors are going to be interested in this asset," Yan said. E-commerce partner firms looking into higher-margin brand ownership "may be interested".

A model for such a deal could be the sale of U.S. apparel retailer Gap's China business to Baozun, one of China's biggest e-commerce partner firms, for $40 million to $50 million in 2022.

Reuters was not able to determine the value for the potential Pandora deal.

Pandora's e-commerce business has seen sales slide more dramatically than at physical stores, said a person with knowledge of its China business, who was not authorised to speak to media on the matter so declined to be identified.

A takeover by an operator who knows how to compete in Chinese e-commerce would therefore be positive though any turnaround will be costly to whoever foots the bill, said Yan.

"They will need to burn money and have a very innovative, approach, and even then it won't be easy," he said.

($1 = 6.3902 Danish crowns)

(Reporting by Casey Hall in Shanghai; Additional reporting by Helen Reid in London; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Christopher Cushing)
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -United Nations sanctions monitors have seen no "active ties" this year between Al Qaeda and the Islamist group leading Syria's interim government, an unpublished U.N. report said, a finding that could strengthen an expected U.S. push for removing U.N. sanctions on Syria.

The report, seen by Reuters on Thursday, is likely to be published this month.

Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham is Al Qaeda's former branch in Syria but broke ties in 2016. The group, previously known as al-Nusra Front, led the rebellion that toppled President Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive in December, and HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa became Syria's interim president.

The report comes as diplomats expect the United States to seek the removal of U.N. sanctions on HTS and Sharaa, who has said he wants to build an inclusive and democratic Syria.

"Many tactical-level individuals hold more extreme views than ... Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, who are generally regarded as more pragmatic than ideological," the U.N. report said. It covered the six months to June 22 and relied on contributions and assessments from U.N. member states.

Since May 2014, HTS has been subject to U.N. sanctions including a global assets freeze and arms embargo. A number of HTS members also face sanctions like a travel ban and asset freeze - including Sharaa, who has been listed since July 2013.

The U.N. monitors wrote in their report to the Security Council: "Some member states raised concerns that several HTS and aligned members, especially those in tactical roles or integrated into the new Syrian army, remained ideologically tied to Al Qaeda."

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a major U.S. policy shift in May when he said he would lift U.S. sanctions on Syria. He signed an executive order enacting this at the end of June, and Washington revoked its foreign terrorist organization designation of HTS this week.

The U.S. said then that revoking the designation was a step towards Trump's vision of a peaceful and unified Syria.

The U.S. is "reviewing our remaining terrorist designations related to HTS and Syria and their placement on the U.N. sanctions list," a State Department spokesperson told Reuters.

Diplomats, humanitarian organizations and regional analysts have said lifting sanctions would help rebuild Syria's shattered economy, steer the country away from authoritarianism and reduce the appeal of radical groups.

Trump and his advisers have argued that doing so would also serve U.S. interests by opening opportunities for American businesses, countering Iranian and Russian influence and potentially limiting the call for U.S. military involvement in the region.

OBSTACLES TO US EFFORT

But Washington faces diplomatic obstacles to get Security Council backing for removing the sanctions.

The U.S. will also need to win support from Russia - which was an ally to Assad - and China for any Syria sanctions relief at the U.N., diplomats said.

Both are particularly concerned about foreigners who joined HTS during the 13-year war between rebel groups and Assad. The U.N. experts said there were estimated to be more than 5,000 foreign fighters in Syria.

The status of foreign fighters has been one of the most fraught issues hindering Syria's rapprochement with the West. But the U.S. has given its blessing to a plan by Syria's new leaders to integrate foreign fighters into the army.

China is gravely concerned about such developments. The Syrian interim authorities should earnestly fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations," Chinas U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong told the Security Council last month.

He said Syria must combat terrorist organizations including "the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, also known as the Turkistan Islamic Party. Uyghur fighters from China and Central Asia are members of the Turkistan Islamic Party. Rights groups accuse Beijing of widespread abuses of the mainly Muslim ethnic minority.

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council last month that it was essential Syria's "army and police are staffed exclusively by professional personnel with untainted track records," an apparent reference to irregular fighters like militants.

The U.N. monitors said some foreign fighters rejected the move to integrate them into the military. "Defections occurred among those who see Sharaa as a sell-out, raising the risk of internal conflict and making Sharaa a potential target," the U.N. experts said.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; additional reporting by Timour Azhari; editing by Don Durfee and)
Investment Community Teleconference Set for August 13, 2025 at 8 a.m. ET

TORONTO, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Hydro One Limited (TSX: H), the largest electric transmission and distribution utility in Ontario, plans to release its second quarter financial results the morning of August 13, 2025, before North American financial markets open. A summary of the results will be distributed by newswire and the complete MD&A and financial statements will be posted at www.hydroone.com/investors and www.sedarplus.com.

Hydro One's management will host a teleconference with the investment community starting at 8 a.m. ET that same morning to discuss the results and outlook. Those wishing to listen to the teleconference can access the live webcast through the Investor Relations Events and Presentations section of Hydro One's website at www.hydroone.com/investors. A rebroadcast of the teleconference will be available following the call at the same link.

Members of the North American financial community wanting to ask questions during the call should use the following link (registration link), and you will be provided with personalized dial-in details. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. Other interested parties and media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis.

Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)

Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with 1.5 million valued customers, $36.7 billion in assets as at December 31, 2024, and annual revenues in 2024 of $8.5 billion.

Our team of 10,100 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2024, Hydro One invested $3.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying $2.9 billion of goods and services.

We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives.

Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedarplus.com or www.sec.gov.

For More Information

For more information about everything Hydro One, please visit www.hydroone.com where you can find additional information including links to securities filings, historical financial reports, and information about the Company's governance practices, corporate social responsibility, customer solutions, and further information about its business.

SOURCE Hydro One Limited
Thousands are expected to attend the funeral services for the late televangelist Jimmy Swaggart in Louisiana this weekend, a family spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY.

The two-day service will take place at the American Pentecostal preacher's hometown church, Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, on Saturday, July 12, and on Sunday, July 13, the family's publicist, Megan Kelly, told USA TODAY.

Among the throngs in attendance are Pastor Jentezen Franklin, a New York Times best-selling author and the pastor of Free Chapel in Georgia, and others who are set to pay their respects to the "world renowned" Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, Kelly said.

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart dies at 90: The preacher died weeks after going into cardiac arrest

Tearful evangelist Jimmy Swaggart confessing his misdeeds to his congregation, as seen on television, in 1988.

AMBER Alert issued after Auburn deaths: Missing child located after mom, teen girl found dead; father arrested

Jimmy Swaggart's hospitalization

Swaggart's 70-year-old son, Donnie Swaggart, said his father was found around 8 a.m. at his home and revived before being taken to a local hospital.

At the time of his death, he was co-pastor of the Family Worship Center, which he founded.

"His voice echoed through nations, his music softened hearts, and his message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified," a July 1 post on his official Facebook page reads.

American television evangelist Jimmy Lee Swaggart haranguing his audience on stage.

When did Jimmy Swaggart die?

Swaggart died in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, July 1, his family said. He was 90.

He had been in critical condition at a Louisiana hospital after going into cardiac arrest on June 15, family members said during a prayer service last month.

Earlier this month, Kelly told USA TODAY the late pastor died at about 7:30 a.m. local time while surrounded by his family.

Texas flood deaths rise to 120; Search for missing continues days later

When is Jimmy Swaggart's funeral?

The public is invited to attend both days of remembrance for the late pastor. According to Kelly, Swaggart's funeral arrangements are as follows:

Saturday, July 12, 202 ; from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - A public viewing and wake will be held at Family Worship Center, 8919 World Ministry Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Sunday, July 13, 2025; 10 a.m. - A regular Sunday morning church service followed by a 6 p.m. celebration of life service at Family Worship Center.

Jimmy Swagart (L) embraces Bobby Brown, an ultra-nationalist Jewish settler originally from NY, as they both laugh while exchanging remarks about their respective controversy. Swaggart said he is in total support of Israel and the settler movement while on tour of Tekoa, West Bank August 1, 1988.

Who is Jimmy Swaggart?

Swaggart was "a towering figure in global evangelism" for more than six decades, according to a July 11 release obtained by USA TODAY about the upcoming services. The preacher built a ministry reaching millions of people across the country through TV, his music, and in-person crusades.

"His legacy lives on through Jimmy Swaggart Ministries (JSM), which continues to impact lives around the world," the release continues.

Where was Jimmy Swaggart born?

Swaggart was born on March 15, 1935, to the late Willie Leon and Minnie Belle Swaggart in Ferriday, Louisiana. He had one sister, the late Jeanette Ensminger, whose family confirmed died in 1999.

He grew up in Ferriday, a town in Concordia Parish, which borders the Mississippi River on the central eastern border of Louisiana.

According to Swaggart's family, his cousins included rock-and-roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis and country music star Mickey Gilley.

Swaggart authored more than 100 books and commentaries, and held evangelistic crusades in more than 40 countries, his family said.

As a musician, Swaggart sold 17 million gospel albums.

Reverend Jimmy Swaggart tearfully looks up to heaven, asking for God's forgiveness, as he resigns from his ministry on February 21, 1988, due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

More than 100 countries and a dozen languages

Swaggart "faithfully attended small Assemblies of God churches in Ferriday and Wisner, Louisiana, where his passion for ministry first began to take root," according to his family.

His full-time ministry kicked off in 1955, and the preacher grew to become "one of the most recognized voices in Christian broadcasting," his family said.

During the height of his 1980s exposure, Swaggart became involved in various prostitution scandals, leading to his suspension and defrocking. In 1988, Swaggart delivered his infamous "I have sinned" speech on live TV.

In 1995, at age 60, Swaggart founded SonLife Radio Network, expanding gospel programming across North America, which currently broadcasts to more than 300 million TV homes across the globe.

In addition to his son and cousins, the preacher is survived by his wife of 70 years, Frances Swaggart. He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Debbie Swaggart; his grandchildren, Gabriel Lee Swaggart and his wife, Jill; Jennifer Swaggart Mullis and her husband, Cliff; and Matthew Aaron Swaggart and his wife, JoAnna. He also leaves behind his nine great-grandchildren: Samantha, Ryder, Abby, Lola, Harper, Navy, Harrison, Caroline Frances and Mackenzie.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is Jimmy Swaggart's funeral? What to know about the service
See PKK fighters in Iraq burn their weapons in Northwestern Iraq in a disarming ceremony. - Clipped From Video

A ceremony in northern Iraq on Friday saw a handful of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants lay down their weapons, a small but hugely symbolic gesture that marks the beginning of an end to a conflict with the Turkish state thats lasted nearly five decades and cost tens of thousands of lives.

Politicians and observers gathered for the ceremony held in the ancient cave of Casene near the town of Sulaymaniyah, where about 30 men and women from the militant group placed their weapons in a large cauldron that was later set on fire.

The PKK fighters announced in a statement their intent to continue the struggle for freedom through democratic politics and legal means.

We hereby, of our own free will, and in your presence, destroy our weapons, the statement said.

Turkish news channels breathlessly reported on the ceremony although, aside from a small group of invited observers, journalists were not allowed into the area. Turkish channels showed helicopters flying over the cave where the ceremony was expected to take place. Convoys of white pick-up trucks and black vans were seen driving to the area.

A senior Turkish official said Fridays move was an irreversible turning point and described it as a milestone.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the days events an important step on the path to our goal of a terrorism-free Turkey.

May Almighty God grant us success in achieving our goals on this path we walk for the security of our country, the peace of our nation, and the establishment of lasting peace in our region, he said in a post on X.

Iraqs foreign ministry also welcomed the PKKs announcement, writing in a statement that it considers this step a significant development that embodies a concrete beginning toward disarmament.

In May, the PKK, which is listed as a terror group in Turkey, the United States and the European Union, announced it would cease all activities and dissolve after a call from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan. The Kurdish issue has come to a point where it can be resolved through democratic politics, the PKK said in a statement at the time.

PKK weapons being destroyed in Sulaymaniyah, northern Iraq on July 11, 2025. - Stringer/Anadolu/Getty Images

In a rare video statement this week, the leader urged the Turkish parliament to set up a commission to manage the broader peace process.

Founded by Ocalan in 1978, the PKK has waged a war against the Turkish state for decades.

The group initially fought for an independent state in the Turkeys predominantly Kurdish southeast. But in recent years, it has called for more autonomy and more comprehensive cultural rights within the country instead.

This is not the first time that Erdogan has tried to end the conflict, which is estimated to have killed more than 40,000 people.

He courted the Kurdish vote in earlier years by granting them more rights and reversing restrictions on the use of their language.

Bese Hozat, the co-chair of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)'s executive committee, speaks in Sulaymaniyah, in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, on Friday. - Shwan Mohammed/AFP/Getty Images

In 2013, Erdogan worked with the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party on the brief peace process with the PKK.

Those talks collapsed in 2015, leading to crackdowns against the pro-Kurdish party, which has been accused by the Turkish government of having links to the PKK and its affiliates.

Selahattin Demirtas, a popular Kurdish politician and co-leader of the Peoples Democratic Party who once ran as a presidential candidate, remains in jail after being detained in 2016 and charged with vague and wide-reaching accusations including undermining the unity and territorial integrity of the State, according to Human Rights Watch.

Kurds are the biggest minority in Turkey, making up between 15% and 20% of the population, according to Minority Rights Group International. They also have a significant presence in northern Syria, northern Iraq and Iran.

CNNs Aqeel Najim contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Ireland is on the verge of passing an incredibly discriminatory  and legally dangerous  piece of legislation: the so-called Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025.

This first-in-Europe measure would criminalize the importation of goods from Israeli businesses operating in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Framed by its supporters as a political statement, the bill is being pushed with rhetoric about genocidal activity, invoking the language of demonization rather than diplomacy. But beyond the usual anti-Israel bias, this bill creates a very real and immediate legal risk  not for Israel, but for American companies and investors.

The U.S. has a clear and long-standing policy position: It opposes foreign government-led boycotts against Israel, including those targeting Israeli-controlled territories. Since 1977, when President Jimmy Carter signed the anti-boycott provisions of the Export Administration Act, every American administration and every Congress  Democrat and Republican  has upheld this principle. As Carter himself noted, our concern about foreign boycotts stemmed from both our special relationship with Israel and the broader economic, military and security needs of the U.S.

That bipartisan consensus was reaffirmed as recently as 2016, when President Barack Obama signed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, which directs federal agencies to oppose boycott efforts and requires regular reporting on entities that participate in activities related to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.

Federal anti-boycott laws make it illegal for U.S. companies to comply with foreign government boycott requests targeting Israel. That means American firms that change their behavior in response to Irelands new law  whether by canceling contracts, terminating suppliers or rerouting goods away from Israeli partners in the West Bank  could face serious penalties at home.

In addition to federal restrictions, more than 36 U.S. states have adopted laws that bar companies from receiving state contracts if they boycott Israel (or, in many cases, Israeli territories). Some laws, like that of Texas, even require vendors to certify that they are not boycotting Israel. Firms that comply with Irelands law will risk contract termination, state debarment and enforcement actions from state attorneys general.

So the U.S. position is clear: It supports Israel. It does not support the movement to boycott, divest from or impose sanctions against Israel. Under federal law, U.S. firms are prohibited from refusing to do business with Israel, or furnishing boycott-related information, when those actions are taken at the request of a foreign government. Violations can result in steep civil penalties, loss of export privileges and, in egregious cases, criminal charges.

If Irelands law impels a U.S. firm to terminate contracts, reroute goods or avoid Israeli entities in disputed areas, that would qualify as a reportable boycott action under federal law.

Beyond shielding American citizens from coercion and keeping government actors from entangling themselves in discriminatory practices, federal and state laws against anti-Israeli discrimination also serve a critical economic and national security function. Disrupting commerce with Israel  a close and reliable U.S. ally  risks destabilizing not only Israels economy but also Americas economy.

The economic partnership between the two countries is large and growing. Israel is Americas 25th largest trading partner, with more than $37 billion in annual trade. The U.S. benefits directly from Israels innovation sector, defense cooperation and strategic stability in the Middle East. Irelands anti-Israel discrimination isnt just morally and legally wrong, but also also economically reckless, strategically self-defeating and, overall, a bad business decision for the U.S.

To align with Ireland and proceed along this discriminatory path would violate the fiduciary duties of loyalty and care that officers and directors owe their corporations. The duty of loyalty requires decision-makers to put the welfare and best interests of the company before their own personal interests and feelings, and the duty of care requires them to reasonably consider the impact of their decisions on the companys prospects. Any company that complies with Irelands law would be blocked from doing business in a majority of the U.S. Losing money in the service of controversial or illegal ideological stances cannot be justified under any theory of good corporate governance.

Ironically, Irelands attempt to isolate Israel may end up isolating Irish companies from U.S. markets. American businesses that comply with Irelands law risk disqualification from government contracts, reputational damage in the U.S., and federal enforcement actions. And because U.S. anti-boycott law applies to all covered transactions, whether the action is direct or indirect, even internal company decisions based on Irelands law may trigger liability.

U.S. companies that want to remain safe should firmly and clearly reject this effort from Ireland. U.S. law comes first, and discriminatory foreign laws will not dictate American business policy.

To the extent necessary, these businesses should also conduct a Foreign Law Compliance Audit, reviewing operations, internal directives, joint ventures, suppliers and distribution agreements that may be implicated by Irelands ban, and flagging any decisions or actions that might be tied explicitly or implicitly to foreign legal pressure.

They should also track and report any foreign government requests to the Department of Commerces Office of Antiboycott Compliance, as required. Companies must make sure to educate and train executives, board members, advisers and other stakeholders that anti-Israel divestment creates legal exposure, not safety.

As anti-Israel legislation spreads in Europe and beyond, U.S. firms need a unified strategy  one that respects federal law, preserves market access and resists political manipulation of trade. Failure to act now risks not just foreign market confusion but domestic enforcement, reputational blowback and potential criminal liability. The reward of unlawful discrimination is simply never worth the risk.

Mark Goldfeder is CEO of the National Jewish Advocacy Center and a law professor at Touro University. Anat Beck is a corporate law professor at Case Western Reserve University and a visiting scholar at Harvard Law School. Erielle Davidson is an associate at Holtzman Vogel and a legal fellow at the National Jewish Advocacy Center.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LONDON (Reuters) -Thirteen people have been arrested in Romania after phishing attacks against Britain's tax office HMRC, in which authorities suspect stolen data was used to fraudulently obtain millions of pounds of tax payments, HMRC said on Thursday.

His Majesty's Revenue & Customs, or HMRC, said its criminal investigators had joined more than 100 Romanian police officers to arrest the people in the southern counties of Ilfov, Giurgiu and Calarasi.

Police also seized cash and luxury cars during the raids against the individuals aged between 23 and 53, and arrested on suspicion of computer fraud, money laundering and illegal access to a computer system.

A 14th person, a 38-year-old man, was arrested in Preston, northwest England, earlier on Thursday, HMRC said.

The raids follow HMRC's revelation last month that a criminal gang had stolen 47 million pounds ($63.7 million) by using phishing tactics to access more than 100,000 customer accounts and falsely claiming payments from the government.

The arrests are part of a number of HMRC investigations into phishing incidents, in which individuals are targeted with emails that seem legitimate, prompting them to unwittingly disclose passwords or credit card information.

HMRC had said last month the incident was an attempt to take money from the tax office, and not customers, although the authority had written to about 100,000 affected people.

Criminal gangs are suspected of having used stolen data to submit fraudulent tax repayment claims, including on income tax, value added tax and child benefit payments, the tax office said.

"We have already acted to protect customers after identifying attempts to access a very small minority of tax accounts," Simon Grunwell, operational lead in HMRCs Fraud Investigation Service, said.

HMRC also said two other men had been arrested in Bucharest in November on suspicion of cybercrime and fraud.

($1 = 0.7374 pounds)

(Reporting by Sachin RavikumarEditing by Bernadette Baum)
By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leaves for Shanghai on Saturday on an official visit to China where regional security tensions and efforts to grow economic ties are likely to dominate talks.

Australia's exports to China, its largest trading partner, span agriculture and energy but are dominated by iron ore, and Albanese will travel with executives from mining giants Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue and hold business events in three cities over six days.

"The relationship in China means jobs in Australia, it's as simple as that," Albanese told reporters on Friday.

Albanese's second visit to Beijing, where he will meet President Xi Jinping, comes after Canberra stepped up screening of Chinese investment in critical minerals and as U.S. President Donald Trump rattles the global economy with sweeping import tariffs.

Albanese is yet to meet Trump, after scheduled talks at the G7 were cancelled when the U.S. president left early. The United States, Australia's major security ally, is reviewing the AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership amid concern selling submarines to Australia could weaken U.S. deterrence to China.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned in a speech in Malaysia on Thursday that China continues to project military power regionally with an objective to change the balance of power, saying Beijing's nuclear and conventional military build-up was "worrying".

AUKUS contributed to "collective deterrence in our region," she said.

Richard Maude, an Asia Society non-resident fellow and former Australian intelligence chief, said Albanese needed to expand the economic relationship with China but also "get through the visit in a way that makes clear to Australia's close partners and to the Australian public that Australia is talking clearly and frankly to China about aspects of China's behaviour that concern us".

The Chinese navy held live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand with no advance warning in February, and there have been tense encounters between Australian and Chinese military aircraft in the disputed South China Sea.

While Beijing is keen to move ties forward, its proposals for cooperation on artificial intelligence, for example, have already met with a cool response, said Maude, who wrote Australia's 2017 foreign policy white paper.

Australia's two-way trade with China was worth A$312 billion last year, or a quarter of all Australian trade.

Ties have stabilised since 2020 when China imposed unofficial bans on A$20 billion in Australian exports.

Direct engagement with Chinese leaders was important for Australia's security, Albanese told reporters on Friday.

"We cooperate where we can and we disagree where we must, and we're able to have those honest conversations about some of the disagreements that are there," he said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said economic ties with China are a priority, but also complex.

Australia's increased screening of Chinese investment in critical minerals, renewable energy and key infrastructure is likely to be raised by Beijing, company executives told Reuters, although on Tuesday Chalmers said Australia would not ease its scrutiny.

"The government understands it is not in Australia's national interest to further increase China's stranglehold on the critical minerals supply chain," said Maude.

Geoff Raby, a former Australian ambassador to China, said China would probably raise its ambition to join the 11-member regional trade pact, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which Australia chairs.

"The most harmful thing is to adopt policies that force China to become more isolationist or which encourage those domestic forces in China who favour more inward-looking policies," Raby said.

Albanese will meet businesses in Shanghai on Monday, before travelling to Beijing for an annual leaders' dialogue with Premier Li Qiang, and a company roundtable, and then head to the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
By Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The State Department began firing more than 1,350 U.S.-based employees on Friday as the administration of President Donald Trump presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corps, a move critics say will undermine U.S. ability to defend and promote U.S. interests abroad.

The layoffs, which affect 1,107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, come at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran.

"The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found," it added.

The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3,000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the United States.

The move is the first step of a restructuring that Trump has sought to ensure U.S. foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia.

"President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement.

"This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis," Kaine said.

Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agencys headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers.

Outside, dozens of others were lined up continuing to clap and cheer for them with some holding banners that read, Thank you Americas diplomats. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen attended the demonstration.

Several offices were set up inside the building for employees who are being laid off to turn in their badges, laptops, telephones and other property owned by the agency.

The offices were marked by posters that read "Transition Day Out Processing". One counter was labeled an "Outprocessing service center" with small bottles of water placed next to a box of tissue. Inside one office, cardboard boxes were visible.

A five-page "separation checklist" that was sent to workers who were fired on Friday and seen by Reuters tells the employees that they would lose access to the building and their emails at 5 p.m. EDT on Friday.

Many members of a State Department office overseeing the U.S. resettlement of Afghans who worked for the U.S. government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul.

'WRONG SIGNAL'

Trump in February ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revamp the foreign service to ensure that the Republican president's foreign policy is "faithfully" implemented. He has also repeatedly pledged to "clean out the deep state" by firing bureaucrats that he deems disloyal.

The shake-up is part of an unprecedented push by Trump to shrink the federal bureaucracy and cut what he says is wasteful spending of taxpayer money. His administration dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Aid, Washington's premier aid arm that distributed billions of dollars of assistance worldwide, and folded it under the State Department.

Rubio announced the plans for the State Department shake-up in April, saying the Department in its current form was "bloated, bureaucratic" and was not able to perform its mission "in this new era of great power competition."

He envisioned a structure that he said would give back the power to regional bureaus and embassies and get rid of programs and offices that do not align with America's core interests.

That vision would see the elimination of the role of top official for civilian security, democracy, and human rights and the closure of some offices that monitored war crimes and conflicts around the world.

The reorganization had been expected to be largely concluded by July 1 but did not proceed as planned amid ongoing litigation, as the State Department waited for the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on the Trump administration's bid to halt a judicial order blocking mass job cuts.

On Tuesday, the court cleared the way for the Trump administration to pursue the job cuts and the sweeping downsizing of numerous agencies. Since then, The White House Counsel's Office and the Office of Personnel Management have been coordinating with federal agencies to ensure their plans comply with the law.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Alistair Bell)
By Jeff Mason and Ismail Shakil

WASHINGTON/OTTAWA (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up his tariff assault on Canada on Thursday, saying the U.S. would impose a 35% tariff on imports next month and planned to impose blanket tariffs of 15% or 20% on most other trading partners.

In a letter released on his social media platform, Trump told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney the new rate would go into effect on August 1 and would go up if Canada retaliated.

In a post on X late on Thursday, Carney said his government will continue to defend Canadian workers and businesses in their negotiations with the U.S. as they work towards that deadline.

The 35% tariff is an increase from the current 25% rate that Trump had assigned to Canada and is a blow to Carney, who was seeking to agree a trade pact with Washington.

An exclusion for goods covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on trade was expected to stay in place, and 10% tariffs on energy and fertilizer were also not set to change, though Trump had not made a final decision on those issues, an administration official said.

Trump complained in his letter about what he referred to as the flow of fentanyl from Canada as well as the country's tariff- and non-tariff trade barriers that hurt U.S. dairy farmers and others. He said the trade deficit was a threat to the U.S. economy and national security.

"If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter," Trump wrote.

Canadian officials say a miniscule amount of fentanyl originates from Canada but they have taken measures to strengthen the border.

"Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America. We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries," Carney added in his X post late Tuesday.

The prime minister said last month that he and Trump had agreed to wrap up a new economic and security deal within 30 days.

EU TARIFFS WORRY

Trump has broadened his trade war in recent days, setting new tariffs on a number of countries, including allies Japan and South Korea, along with a 50% tariff on copper.

His latest salvo rattled investors anew, with U.S. and European stock futures dipping in Asia on Friday as markets nervously awaited word on what tariff Trump would assign the European Union later on Friday.

The potential escalation between the EU and the U.S. is a big deal for financial markets," said Joseph Capurso, head of international economics at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. "If you get something similar to (the U.S.-China trade war in April), that's going to be very destabilising."

In an interview with NBC News published on Thursday, Trump said other trading partners that had not yet received such letters would likely face blanket tariffs.

"Not everybody has to get a letter. You know that. Were just setting our tariffs," Trump said in the interview.

We're just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether its 20% or 15%. Well work that out now, Trump was quoted as saying by the network.

Myanmar's ruling military general has asked Trump to reduce the 40% tariff rate on his country's exports to the U.S. to 10-20% and is ready to send a negotiation team to Washington if needed, state media reported on Friday.

The president of the Philippines will meet Trump in Washington this month for the first time and will discuss its 20% tariff, the country's foreign minister said.

Canada is the second-largest U.S. trading partner after Mexico, and the largest buyer of U.S. exports. It bought $349.4 billion of U.S. goods last year and exported $412.7 billion to the U.S., according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Carney, who led his Liberal Party to a comeback election victory earlier this year with a pledge to tackle trade challenges with the U.S., had been aiming to negotiate a trade deal with its key trading partner by July 21.

Trump, in his letter, did not specifically address how trade negotiations were proceeding, but he said the "tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country."

Last month, the Carney government scrapped a planned digital services tax targeting U.S. technology firms after Trump abruptly called off trade talks saying the tax was a "blatant attack."

(Reporting by Jeff Mason and Ismail Shakil; additional reporting by Jasper Ward and Surbhi Misra; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
Starmer and Macron have struck a one in, one out migration deal (PA)

As Sir Keir Starmer stood beside Emmanuel Macron to unveil a groundbreaking one in, one out migration deal, Independent readers were quick to react  and responses ranged from cautious hope to outright dismissal.

Some saw the deal as a long-overdue return to grown-up diplomacy after years of standoffs and political posturing.

Many welcomed the move away from the Conservatives costly Rwanda scheme, calling this new approach more pragmatic and rooted in cooperation. One reader praised Starmer for behaving like an adult on the world stage and for finally securing a deal that had eluded previous prime ministers.

But doubts loomed large. Some readers questioned whether a plan sending back just 50 migrants a week could ever match the scale of the challenge.

Several others argued the numbers simply didnt add up, with hundreds still crossing each week, wondering whether this could become Labours version of Rwanda: expensive, ineffective and ultimately more symbolic than substantive.

Naturally, many blamed Brexit for dismantling systems that once helped manage asylum claims. But others remained unconvinced by closer ties with the EU.

There were calls for tougher deterrents, including offshore processing and biometric tracking, but also a reminder from some that, without tackling root causes or expanding legal routes, little would change.

Heres what you had to say:

Positive, optimistic, and straight-talking

Macron will have made a lot of friends in the UK on this visit. He has been positive, optimistic and straight-talking, pulling no punches. We are now closer to France and Europe than we have been for many years, and the majority of the British people are in favour of that.

Small boat crossings? Something, at last, is being done. The Rwanda scheme, brought to you by the likes of Suella Braverman, was a waste of time and loads of money. Cooperation between neighbours is much more sensible. Let's see if it works, because the willingness is there.

RegCostello

Do you think the StarmerMacron migration deal will help reduce small boat crossings? Share your views in the comments.

A deal, but not as we know it

Well, its a deal I suppose, but as they say, not as we know it.

There were far more important things discussed, and President Macron alluded to those at the press conference.

But, of course, the elephant in the room was always Brexit. Macron was too polite and direct to say so explicitly, but his view was clear. The whole project was and is a disaster.

If Brexit had not happened, then the small boats issue would not have risen on the British political agenda because the EU schemes we used to be members of no longer apply. Funny how the numbers mushroomed after 2018, eh?

Did Brexit not teach this country's politicians anything? Britain is just not that important on its own. For some reason, they still tread on eggshells because they still fear the people who inflicted this disaster on us. The public now has them rumbled. Time our politicians caught up. Brexit must be reversed.

49niner

Still embittered by Brexit

France must be bloody awful, as so many seem desperate to leave for Brexit Britain. Macron is still embittered to this day by the UK public having the temerity to vote to withdraw from the EU project.

He did raise one good point regarding the pull factor, but the chances of Starmer addressing this are zilch.

Noverngit1

A drop in the ocean

Many are quite rightly saying that a few hundred arrive per week  weather permitting  so 50 being returned to France per week is a drop in the ocean. This is very true.

However, between 80 and 100 per cent of applicants from Afghanistan, Turkey, Eritrea, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, South Sudan, and those considered to be stateless (to mention a few of the principal countries) are accepted as genuine refugees. This means the overall number of refugees in the UK wont be noticeably different unless the UK changes its policy.

People also seem to forget that, no matter how bad many in the UK consider the conditions for refugees and those seeking asylum to be, for many of these people, it's like heaven on earth compared to where they came from.

No matter what Starmer and Macron come up with, it's not likely to have much effect. There would need to be a concerted effort by those countries desperate to reduce the number of migrants theyre being forced to deal with, and the countries causing the non-stop flow of those desperate to get out.

Maybe those countries  Europe taking the brunt of this  need to spend more energy and money tackling the root cause instead of throwing money at the result. Cutting foreign aid wont have helped.

Economic migrants, or anyone who isn't prepared to reveal who he/she is, should be returned to where they came from or, if necessary, to a third country after being biometrically registered so no return with a new name is possible. This would mean European countries would have to co-operate, which would probably be the first challenge!

Ambigirls

Wrong sort of Brexit

Macron is correct, we were sold a lie in 2016. But not just over migrants  over a long list of other broken promises and expectations.

Not to be deterred, the likes of Farage have an excuse: evidently, it was the wrong sort of Brexit!

On the BBC News tonight, Badenoch claimed the latest deal was not as good as the Rwanda scheme. The Rwanda scheme promised that 200 migrants would be returned in one year. Starmer's deal starts at 50 a week. OK, not a big number, but 50 a week is 2,600 a year.

tommy2tops

A different level to Starmer

I think Macron is being eminently reasonable. He is on a different level to Starmer.

You can't expect the French to bend over backwards to prevent migrants from departing their shores.

Everyone has the right to claim asylum.

Britain, as usual, is trying to claim exceptionalism.

Cyclone8

Turning the corner on dinghy crossings

A few more deals with Germany, Spain, Italy, etc, and we may be turning the corner on dinghy crossings. The ones we take can work and dont need to stay in hotels.

Tories cant complain. Their Rwanda scheme, costing hundreds of millions, was meant to deal with six people per week.

JustOneMoreThing

Safe route

Sensible deal, particularly the safe route opening on the French side.

The Tories complain its only 50 a week, ignoring their Rwanda deal only allowed 300 in an entire year! Reform is panicking and hoping this doesnt work  if it does, why vote for them?

It certainly wont be because they are the anti-establishment party, with the ranks filling with ex-Tory MPs!

Hammerhead72

More than the last three PMs achieved

Despite the predictable stream of negativity about the impact of this, it is still one deal more than any of Starmer's three predecessors reached.

The pilot scheme may be able to return several thousand people per year, which is more than the Rwanda scheme would have managed.

For all the Tory outrage about its abolition, this would only ever have removed a few hundred people a year.

Tanaquil2

Potential

A one in, one out policy has the potential to work. But only if every single person who tries to enter the UK by crossing the Channel in boats is returned to France.

If this were to be done, they would very soon stop even trying, because of the cast-iron certainty that they will be returned to France, meaning that the money they are paying to the organised criminals for these boats is being wasted.

This will also benefit France, as it will remove the pull factor that is drawing them to France solely to access the UK.

Mark

Remove the financial incentives

The only thing that will make these crossings less attractive is removing financial incentives and/or processing applications in a third country.

MedicineDog

An adult in the room

Isn't it amazing what can be achieved by an adult PM speaking to the French President? Starting with Cameron through May, Johnson, Truss, particularly, and a little thaw with Sunak, there have been fifteen years of antagonism while expecting  no, demanding  cooperation. Now we have an adult PM, and there are results.

Of course, there's room for improvement, but it's a start. Joining the European Union would improve things no end, as most now recognise.

rEUjoin

Nothing has been achieved

Just what exactly has been achieved? The boats will still keep on coming.

Rejoin the EU  why? The so-called economic powerhouse countries, Germany and Franc,e are performing worse than ourselves. Anything else is just tinkering.

Noverngit1

Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.

Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the days top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click log in or register in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.

Ashley Correia stood on the pool deck of a Celebrity Cruises ship taking in the scenery in late May. But rather than sunny ocean views, the 42-year-old saw streams of water cascading down mountains on either side of the Celebrity Apex.

The ship was sailing past the Seven Sisters waterfall in Norways Geirangerfjord. Everywhere you looked was just like a screensaver from a computer, she said of her trip.

The Berkley, Massachusetts, resident joined her mother on a cruise through Norways fjords  as well as a stop in Belgium  after her father unexpectedly passed away. Correia, who owns a liquor promotions company and makes travel content on TikTok, has taken cruises before, including to see glaciers in Alaska, but found the Norwegian voyage was almost like the Alaskan cruise on steroids.

It was just so much more (grand), she said.

Norway is taking steps to keep it that way. The country will enact new zero-emissions requirements for passenger ships beginning in 2026, aimed at reducing the vessels environmental impact and potentially providing a model for more sustainable cruise tourism. That could have an impact on cruisers' travel plans, too.

Ashley Correia and her mom, Darlene Parsons, during their Norway cruise.

What are Norways zero-emissions requirements?

The zero-emissions requirements will apply to the West Norwegian Fjords, Geirangerfjord and Nryfjord, among the longest and deepest fjords in the world. The sites were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005.

The rule requires that energy sources used must not result in direct emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) or methane (CH4), according to a policy document from the Norwegian Maritime Authority. Fuels that generate direct emissions of greenhouse gases may be used to the extent necessary to ignite the energy sources. If nitrous oxide (N2O) is generated through the use of energy sources that meet the zero-emission requirement, the vessel shall use the best available technology to reduce such emissions.

Passenger ships will also be required to plug into shore power where available.

The rules will apply to passenger vessels under 10,000 gross tonnage starting on Jan. 1, 2026, and those 10,000 gross tonnage or more on Jan. 1, 2032 (the changes were originally set to take effect for all ships in 2026 but were delayed for larger vessels).

How will the zero-emissions requirements help the environment?

Helene Muri, an adjunct senior researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technologys Department of Energy and Process Engineering, said that large ships in particular have "been increasingly affecting these beautiful fjords."

CO2 emissions contribute to global warming, for starters. And while other regulations in the fjords have cut down on air pollution from sulfur, others, such as ozone formed as a result of nitrogen oxide emissions  which is a pollutant when it appears near the ground  can cause respiratory problems in humans and impact crops and other plants.

The cruise ship MSC Euribia moors in the harbour in Hellesylt, in the Geirangerfjord, Norway, on June 25, 2024.

Within these fjords, you have these kinds of narrow gateways, usually, with very steep mountains diving down into the fjords, said Muri, who is also a senior scientist at NILU, an independent climate and environmental research institute. So, the emissions from the ships tend to get kind of trapped within the fjords, so the air quality will be polluted, as well.

Noise from the ships can also disturb wildlife, and the vessels  especially larger ones  have been criticized for "visual pollution," according to Muri.

"It's the same kind of argument sometimes against wind turbines," she said. "Like, it doesn't look so nice in the serene and beautiful nature."

Some cruise operators may have an easier time complying than others. Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages, for example, already have battery-hybrid-powered ships. While the industry is aggressively exploring alternative fuels, though, those are not yet widely available.

Small passenger ships that cannot meet the requirements in time may be eligible for temporary exemptions from the Norwegian Maritime Authority, and larger vessels have years to adapt their technology. Nevertheless, many cruise companies have reported that they anticipate significant challenges in complying with the regulations once they take effect, the policy document reads.

Cruise Lines International Association, the industrys leading trade organization, told USA TODAY that the transition is intended to be gradual, recognizing that technology for larger ships is still under development.

Nearly every cruise ship operating in Norway can use renewable, low-carbon fuel, according to CLIA; however, these are not yet accessible at the necessary scale. Rapid decarbonization of cruise and maritime transport is possible with the right investment in place, the organization said in an email. Cruise lines are pursuing net-zero emissions by 2050, and such initiatives signal the industrys commitment to be an active partner in the development of sustainable tourism.

Helga Maria Sulen Sund, Senior Communications Advisor with the Norwegian Maritime Authority, said it did not have data on how many ships operate in Norway annually.

Can we have eco-friendly cruising?: What to know about zero-emission ships.

Norway cruise tips

A wide range of operators sail in Norway, from mainstream cruise lines carrying thousands of guests at a time, such as Celebrity and Princess Cruises, to smaller expedition operators like National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and HX.

Cruises departing from Norway typically leave from Oslo or Bergen, according to Kristin Winkaffe, a luxury travel designer and founder of Winkaffe Global Travel. Many itineraries that visit the Scandinavian country also sail from Southampton, England.

Cruises typically operate there between May and September  though some ships still sail coastal routes during other times  and can be a particularly nice way to see the country. It's just otherworldly nature, Winkaffe said. You have really cool opportunities for a lot of great off-the-beaten-path experiences. There's a lot of really, really tiny towns and villages that you can get to when you're doing a cruise, as opposed to a land itinerary.

She warned that passengers could see changes to their itineraries due to the new regulations, but cruise lines customer service departments should be able to address questions about that. And if they're not prepared to answer those questions, then thats kind of an answer in and of itself, Winkaffe added.

Muri acknowledged that achieving zero emissions on cruise ships remains a work in progress.

These kinds of laws and regulations are really a step in the right direction, and I really hope that cruise operators will now really make an effort to do something about their emissions, she said.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can cruises sail with zero-emissions? Norway will put it to the test
Virgilio Taveras - who now faces a second-degree rape charge in the disturbing July 1 encounter in Jamaica - has previous busts on his record for threatening a woman with a bat, as well as punching and choking a young man until he fell unconscious, authorities said.

The 63-year-old Queens sicko who allegedly raped a 14-year-old boy in broad daylight last week after bribing him with a potential construction job has two prior arrests  both targeting strangers in the same borough, cops said Thursday.

Virgilio Taveras  who now faces a second-degree rape charge in the disturbing July 1 encounter in Jamaica  has previous busts on his record for threatening a woman with a bat, as well as punching and choking a young man until he fell unconscious, authorities said.

His first brush with the law came on June 7, 2013, when he allegedly argued with a female stranger on Roosevelt Avenue and then trailed behind her while continuing to yell and wielding a gray metal bat  making her fear for her safety, cops said.

Virgilio Taveras, 63  now accused of raping a 14-year-old boy in Queens  has two prior arrests targeting strangers in the Big Apple, cops said. NYPD

Taveras was arrested and charged with menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, harassment and disorderly conduct, police said.

Then, on July 7, 2018, Taveras allegedly punched a 19-year-old man who is not known to him  before grabbing and pressing on his neck until he lost consciousness at the southwest corner of 37th Avenue and 111th Street, police said.

He was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and misdemeanor assault, cops said.

Taveras has prior arrests for allegedly menacing a woman with a bat and punching and choking a teen, cops said. Google Maps

The final disposition of those arrests is unclear, as the Queens District Attorneys Office said no information is publicly available on those cases.

The latest sickening attack unfolded as the 14-year-old victim walked on 171st Street near Jamaica Avenue around 1 p.m., according to a complaint filed in Queens Criminal Court.

Taveras pulled up slowly in a silver sedan, honked several times, and offered him a job in construction if he got into the car, court documents revealed.

Following the rape arrest, the NYPD is looking to determine whether Taveras has any other victims, cops said. NYPD

Once the boy got in, the alleged predator allegedly sped off, asked about his dating life, and told the youngster he was attractive before abruptly pulling over and assaulting him.

The accused creep then slipped a $50 bill into the minors pocket as he exited the car, according to the complaint.

Taveras  who lives about two miles from the scene  was arrested two days later by members of the Special Victims Squad, police said.

He was arraigned Friday in Queens Criminal Court on charges of second-degree rape, luring a child, forcible touching, endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree sexual abuse.

He was ordered held on $20,000 cash bail or $60,000 bond.

The NYPD has since released the fiends mugshot and images of the car he used to approach the young boy in hopes that any other victims will come forward.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NYPDs Sex Crimes Hotline at 1-212-267-RAPE (7273) or the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.
With the Podcast Launched and Several Episodes the Recovery and Mental Health Advocate Couple Turn Focus Towards Their Wedding and Ask the Sober.Buzz Community for Destination Suggestions

AUSTIN, Texas, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Originally Josh and Heidi Case co-founders of Sober.Buzz and the hosts of the "Spreading the Good BUZZ" podcast on the NXC Podcast Network planned to have a small wedding ceremony but outside distractions were getting in the way so the couple has decided to make their wedding about themselves other than a fun personal request to the Sober.Buzz global community. Heidi posted this on Wednesday July 9th on their Instagram @SoberBuzzToken;

After debating whether or not to have a traditional wedding we've decided to elope! We want our hive to participate by helping us decide where to go! We will release more details on Friday, but until then help us decide where to go by commenting down below with your best wedding destination suggestions!

- Inaugural Episode: Why, What, Global Community and more.

The couple has received hundreds of suggestions in the less than 36 hours since the first announcement including many serious and they assume some not so serious destinations.

Heidi Case Director of Online Content and Merchandise said, "We want the day to be about us and not anything or anyone else. Once Josh and I started talking about where we should go, he said everyone loves a wedding so let's ask our followers to give us suggestions. I thought this is exactly the type of thing that is real, raw, authentic and personal we should share with the Sober.Buzz community. I am already talking about deeply personal matters openly with the community from my addiction to my traumas and my mental health so getting suggestions on where to elope is another way to bond with our community."

Heidi added, "I am the luckiest girl in the world; I am marrying the man that is meant for me, and he is who I want to spend the rest of my life with. Josh is the man who helped me see I was so much more than I believed. I love this man! Plus, it has been fun to see the suggestions and there have been some definite absolutely no ways come over!"

The couple has seen everything from Austin where they reside to New York City, Paris, New Orleans, Seattle, Jackson Hole, Thailand, Santorini, Florida, Savannah, Jamaica, Charleston, Madrid, Gatlinburg, Cleveland, Montreal, Las Vegas (NV & NM) Florence, Milan, Venice, Nashville, Cabo, Fargo, Palm Springs, San Francisco to places where you would not expect a couple from the United States to elope to like Mogadishu, Afghanistan, Iran and The Door to Hell in Turkmenistan.

Josh Case CEO said, "I am glad we put this out there once we decided we are going to elope. It has started some fun dialogue and we have received some touching and deeply personal messages from our community. Our wedding is going to be amazing no matter where we go. What matters is I am marrying the lady I love, my best friend and this may not make sense, but Heidi is the person I grew up with and became an adult, we have watched each other grow so much over the 21 months since we met."

Josh and Heidi plan to elope in August. They will decide where they will go and when by next Friday July 18th. The couple plan to include the community by posting pictures and short videos that will include wedding dress shopping, their photo shoot, the elopement, and updates along the way.

Josh added, "I will say I have wanted to go to The Door to Hell since seeing it on The History Channel a long time ago, but I am making better choices now in my life and realize the future Mrs. Case would not find that as romantic as me."

The Sober.Buzz "Spreading the Good BUZZ" podcast airs new episodes every Monday and Thursday available on YouTube, Amazon, iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Guru, Podverse, TrueFans. Sober.Buzz also posts daily inspirational and motivational content on their Instagram @SoberBuzzToken along with podcast clips and other media.

Media Contact:

Media Contact:

Cassie Uptmore

Director of Marketing

[email protected]

801.318.0510

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/13087074

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Sober.Buzz LLC
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.

On July 2, a stony Bryan Kohberger took a plea deal, admitting he entered the off-campus home of University of Idaho students on November 13, 2022 and put an abrupt end to their lives.

His inexpressive demeanor was a far cry from the grinning thumbs up selfie Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson said the former criminology student posed for just hours after fatally stabbing roommates Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison "Maddie" Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20 and her boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20, whod stayed the night. Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, who also lived at the six-bedroom home on Moscow, Idaho's King Road, survived the attack.

The plea marked an abrupt end to the shocking and still unexplained murders of the four students, who are the subject of three new projects, including The Idaho Student Murders, a Peacock documentary that debuted July 3; Amazon Primes four-part docuseries "One Night in Idaho: The College Murders" that began streaming July 11; and The Idaho Four, a book out July 14, by Vicky Ward and James Patterson, an executive producer on One Night in Idaho.

In changing his not-guilty plea for the four counts of first-degree murder, Kohberger, 30, escaped capital punishment. This conclusion satisfies some of the victims families while enraging others. For Hunter Johnson, who appears in One Night in Idaho and discovered Kernodle and Chapin on that fateful day, the admission brings little relief.

Timeline: University of Idaho murder case and the arrest of Bryan Kohberger

Even if Kohberger did get the death penalty, that's honestly not even justice enough, Johnson, a friend of the victims, tells USA TODAY, because (the families) still don't get to have their daughter. They don't get to have their son. The irreversible nature of the murders, Johnson says, means justice can never actually be served.

Kohbergers sentencing is scheduled for July 23. As part of the plea deal, the prosecution seeks maximum penalty for the charges, including 10 years for the burglary charge and four consecutive life sentences. Kohberger has waived his right to appeal.

We are appreciative, Emily Alandt, Johnsons girlfriend and close confidant of Kernodle, adds in an interview. Shes happy she and Johnson, their friends and the victims' families have been spared a trial, previously scheduled for August. That's important to us, and that's the good part that has come out of this.

Although they once avoided interviews out of respect for the families and their own privacy, Alandt and Johnson are speaking out for the first time in "One Night in Idaho" at the request of Ethan Chapins mom, Stacy, Alandt says.

They want their friends to be thought of as more than how they met their end. Xana is extremely goofy and giddy all the time, says Alandt, who remembers Goncalves as selfless and always smiling,

Johnson remembers Ethan Chapins sense of humor. Ethan was very quirky in the sense that he could make you laugh and very witty all the time, Johnson says. He describes Mogen as super caring and outgoing.

They all had a light about them, Johnson says, and we just try to carry on that light for them now.

The docuseries provides a more complete picture of the four through their social media posts and interviews with friends and family. Mogens mom and stepdad participated; so did the parents of Chapin, a triplet, and his siblings.

I never let Maddie cry, like never, Karen Laramie recalls heartbreakingly in the docuseries. Im not going to let you have a moment of sadness. Maizie Chapin shares the final text her brother sent her after attending a sorority formal together on his last night alive. Maizie says Ethan texted, I love you, which was also weird because we dont say that to each other.

Hunter Johnson and Emily Alandt are interviewed in Amazon Prime's docuseries, "One Night in Idaho: The College Murders."

Law enforcement officers and the two surviving roommates could not be interviewed due to gag orders, according to filmmakers.

At around 11:45 a.m. on November 13, according to the docuseries, Mortensen asked Alandt to come check out their house as shed witnessed something strange. According to an affidavit, Mortensen heard crying and saw a man dressed in black clothes and a mask walk past her.

Johnson, Alandt and Alandt's housemate Josie Lauteren arrived at the King Road house to find Mortensen and her roommate Bethany Funke outside the home. Johnson was the first to see the bodies of Kernodle and Chapin and hurried Alandt and Lauteren out of the house and told them to call 911.

Kohberger, according to Thompson, the prosecutor, had entered the home through the kitchens sliding glass door, killed Mogen and Goncalves on the third floor, and then Kernodle and Chapin on the second floor. Though Kohbergers motive and connection to his victims are still unknown, Thompson said Kohbergers cell phone pinged at a tower near the residence approximately 23 times from July 9 to November 7, 2022 between 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

People magazine reported that Kohberger followed his female victims on Instagram, but they did not reciprocate. People also reported that an investigator said Kohberger allegedly messaged one of the three female victims repeatedly two weeks before the slayings. Police connected Kohberger to the crime thanks to DNA discovered on the knife sheath left near Mogens body.

The why was a thought for a long time, Alandt says, when we didn't know who the killer was  until I saw his face on the internet and had never seen him a day in my life before or ever even heard the name.

He's irrelevant, she adds, and his story is irrelevant, is what I think.

The four University of Idaho students, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves, are honored with a frame outside of the off-campus home where they were killed on November 13, 2022 in Moscow, Idaho.

The couple emphasize that Mortensen and Funke have also been traumatized, and should not be viewed by internet sleuths as suspects. Some believe and have shared theories on social media that the two survivors are somehow involved with the killings.

They are just as much victims in this as the other four were, Johnson says. People who are harassing them should stop because they still get harassed to this day, even though he's pleaded guilty.

Delete your hateful comments, Alandt urges. Leave them alone.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bryan Kohberger motive: Victims' friend pondered why 'for a long time'
Buried under the dizzying headlines about Iran and Israel, many may miss that the head of the largest terrorist organization in Africa was recently eliminated by American-supported forces. Despite this demonstrated success from a local partner, the U.S. military is giving no indication of taking deployed U.S. troops or treasure out of harms way, despite fighting Al-Shabaab for nearly 20 years.

Like so many other miasmic conflicts abroad that dont benefit Americans, the U.S. fight against Al-Shabaab is another one of those forever wars that President Trump railed against. Al-Shabaab had some origins connected to al-Qaeda and formally declared its allegiance to them in 2012. It currently functions as a clan-based terrorist group predominantly in south Somalia.

Its presence threatens Somalia, the east African coastline, and most east African nations. None of those places are within or remotely near the United States. Many interventionists argue we should deploy troops abroad to defend U.S. interests, which may be broad enough to include international trade. But the notion that Al-Shabaab poses a credible and capable threat to U.S. interests does not withstand scrutiny.

Many economists are predicting Africa will be the next hotspot for an economic boom. That sounds like good news, but the entire African continent makes up only about 2 percent of all current U.S. global trade. Looking more closely, neither Somalia nor any of its bordering countries are even among the top 10 U.S. trading partners within Africa. That means, of all the regions within the continent we trade the least with, Al-Shabaab operates in the region where America has the least at stake.

Some might argue that Somalias northern coast is the Gulf of Aden  the gateway to the Suez Canal. Surely, securing Somalia means securing this vital passageway for international trade. Right?

Yes, but disruptions to the Suez Canal by hostile forces in Eastern Africa or Yemen will have a minimal impact on the U.S. In fact, when ships crossing the Red Sea into the Suez were attacked, inbound cargo ships volume increased at American ports and were expected to rise more. If anything, adversaries such as China will be far more affected than Americans.

For the allies who would be affected by disruptions, it is their responsibility to defend their trade routes, or else to turn to the U.S. as an alternative for goods. Risking American lives and taxpayer dollars to protect trade that doesnt even benefit the U.S. is a nonsensical approach that serves neither our military nor our global economic strategy.

There is no question that Al-Shabaab is an evil terrorist group. But the risk it poses to Americans  especially to the U.S. homeland  is practically nonexistent. As of yet, there have been no successful Al-Shabaab attacks on American soil. Their most frequent American victims are either U.S. military servicemembers or American contractors stationed in East Africa. It is circular reasoning to claim we must protect Americans from Al-Shabaab by stationing Americans near Al-Shabaab, since keeping them nearby is the only way they are at risk of being attacked by a group with limited reach.

As unfortunate as it is for the locals or Americans who travel to such risky areas, Al-Shabaab is a regional African problem, not an American problem. But even with an American withdrawal, there will not be a power vacuum. Our primary activity in Somalia is training allies, such as the Somali National Army. We have been in Somalia since 2007, and if our allies cannot put our training to good use without us, it was a terrible investment to begin with. To double down on that bad investment is to fall victim to the sunk cost fallacy.

Additionally, the U.S. is not the main foreign force outside of the region pushing back against Al-Shabaab. Turkeys biggest military base in Africa is in Somalias capital, and it recently doubled the number of troops stationed there. But Al-Shabaab doesnt only fight against other nations. ISIS has an affiliate in Somalia (Islamic State-Somalia) and is considered a smaller rival to Al-Shabaab. This regional front of the ISIS-versus-al-Qaeda civil war means they fight each other for blood and resources, putting both groups in a weaker position.

Even if the U.S. military fully withdraws from East Africa, we can still help the region by focusing inward. According to the Peace and Conflict Studies journal, In addition to the local population, al-Shabaab seeks to attract foreign fighters both from Somalis in neighboring countries and in countries such as Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States through the use of Internet facilities.

Without risking a single U.S. service member, and at a fraction of the price, we can crack down on social media recruitment occurring on American soil.

The purpose of the U.S. military is to protect the interests and safety of Americans, not to fight every ragtag group that can menace any small region in the world where we dont have any vital interests.

Alex Madajian is a foreign policy analyst who has worked as a staffer in Congress and in nonprofits both in Washington and abroad.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Pennsylvania's 911 system is experiencing intermittent outages, including dropped calls, across the commonwealth, officials said Friday.

Outages were first noted about 2 p.m. by Delaware County Emergency Services, the county's 911 call center, and soon spread to other parts of the state, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield said at a news conference Friday evening.

"It's been an intermittent and sporadic issue," he said, cautioning not to call it an outage.

He said the issue had not been identified but involved incomplete calls carried by the state's Next Generation 911 network as reported by the state's third-party 911 service provider.

"From what we're seeing the calls are going through," Padfield said, "with intermittent challenges."

Those also include dropped calls, calls for which the origin number is unknown, and ones where the location of the caller is not clear, he said.

Those in need of emergency services should call 911 but also be prepared to call nonemergency lines in their counties, he said.

Next Generation 911 is based on the internet and designed to route calls around problems.

The outages came after the push of a software update for the state's system, Padfield said, but so far, the push doesn't appear to be the culprit.

"This is an anomaly for us," he said.

PEMA sent an Emergency Alert System text Friday afternoon to warn cellphone users that 911 was hit-or-miss, he said.

The agency said on social media that it was "working with technical experts to resolve the issue and restore service as quickly as possible."

It also advised residents to call 911 only for true emergencies and "not call just to check whether it is working."

Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement that his office is aware of the problem and working to help restore service as quickly as possible.

"In the meantime  stay calm, follow the directions of PEMA and local authorities, and do not call 911 for any reason other than an emergency," the governor said, echoing PEMA's concern over test calls.

Multiple regions, including York and Montgomery counties, acknowledged the 911 issue in posts on social media, with York County saying there "may be a delay" in emergency calls being answered.

The Philadelphia Police Department said in a statement on Facebook that the "issue may impact the ability of some residents to reach emergency service."

"We urge the public to continue attempting to call 911 in the event of an emergency, as some calls are still successfully going through," the department said.

NBC Philadelphia published a list of nonemergency lines residents can use if they need help urgently and 911 isn't functioning, including district-by-district Philadelphia police lines and county numbers throughout the region.

Multiple counties in Florida experienced 911 outages on Tuesday after a construction crew in the Groveland area cut a fiber line, NBC affiliate WESH of Daytona Beach and the Orlando area reported.

NENA (National Emergency Number Association), an organization representing emergency communications professionals, said in June that its 2025 survey of 1,379 public safety professionals found nearly 9 in 10 emergency communications centers across the country experienced a 911 outage in the last year.
FILE - This image provided by the Fairfax County Police Department and taken on Oct. 13, 2023, was submitted as evidence in the murder case against Brendan Banfield shows a framed photo of Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhaes on his bedside table in Herndon, Va. (Fairfax County Police Department via AP, FILE) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

FAIRFAX, Va. (AP)  A Virginia judge has ordered prosecutors to give the defense documentation about the reassignment of a digital forensic examiner who had been working on the case in which a man is accused of plotting with an au pair to kill his wife and another man.

Fairfax Circuit Court Chief Judge Penney Azcarate on Thursday ordered Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Eric Clingan to collect and distribute any documentation of the assignment change to the defense for Brendan Banfield.

Banfield is charged with aggravated murder in the February 2023 deaths of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joe Ryan.

The defense had also sought information on the transfer of the lead detective on the case. But the judge declined.

An attorney for Brendan Banfield alleged in court this week that Fairfax County police commanders had reassigned the two employees who disagreed with the top brass analysis of the evidence, particularly a premise that the case involved the husband catfishing one of the victims.

It is a theory in search of facts rather than a series of facts supporting a theory, John Carroll, Banfields attorney, said in court Thursday.

In court, prosecutors argued officials had given over all the documentation they had in the case to the defense, objecting to notions that personnel transfers were part of criminal case evidence.

Brendan Miller, a digital forensic examiner with the Fairfax County Police Department, testified Thursday that he analyzed dozens of devices and concluded Christine Banfield had connected with Ryan through a social networking platform for people interested in sexual fetishes. Millers analysis found that the two also chatted through Telegram, an encrypted messaging app. Ryan agreed to come to the house for what appeared to be a consensual sexual encounter.

But Millers findings diverged from a theory held by other officials in the department that the messages Ryan was receiving were actually from Brendan Banfield posing as his wife in a ruse to lure Ryan to the Banfields home as a scapegoat in a double-killing scheme.

Deputy Chief Patrick Brusch, who oversaw the departments major crimes bureau at the time, confirmed in testimony that he said Miller would never be doing another digital forensics case in your major crimes bureau after he analyzed the evidence.

Miller was transferred out of the departments digital forensics unit in late 2024, though Brusch testified the reassignment was not punitive or disciplinary. The University of Alabamas police department peer reviewed and affirmed Millers digital forensic findings, according to evidence submitted to the court by Carroll.

In October 2023, the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhaes, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. She later pleaded guilty to manslaughter in what prosecutors described as a scheme to frame Ryan, a Fairfax County native, in the stabbing of Christine Banfield, a pediatric intensive care nurse.

The au pair, who authorities said had a romantic affair with Brendan Banfield, agreed to cooperate with officials in their case against him. Brendan Banfield was arrested nearly a year after Magalhaes. In a proffer, the au pair backed officials belief that the husband was behind the online account in a plot to kill his wife and stage it to look like he and the au pair shot a predator in defense.

On Thursday, Clingan acknowledged there were multiple case theories among officials, but Magalhaes account narrowed them down to one.

With 12 different homicide detectives, there were 24 different theories, Clingan said. Now, one theory.

Kyle Bryant, who was the lead detective on the case and was moved off the homicide team earlier this year, testified he faced mounting pressure from higher-ups at the department to support the catfish theory. Bryant testified he followed what he believed the evidence showed.

Were you ever confronted by command staff about the theory of the case that you disagreed with? Carroll asked Bryant.

Yes, he testified.

Though Judge Azcarate did not find that prosecutors intentionally withheld information about Millers transfer, she ordered Clingan to collect and distribute any documentation of the assignment change to the defense. She did not tell prosecutors to hand over documents on Bryants transfer.

The transfer that gives the court pause is Millers because it relates to the theory of this case, the judge said.

Brendan Banfields trial is set for October.
JSX Passengers walking to board a JSX flight.





Key Points

JSX recently announced a brand-new loyalty program for passengers on the air carrier.

Passengers can earn future flight credit and bonuses throughout the calendar year by flying JSX.

The company was recently recognized as the top domestic airline in the United States in Travel + Leisures Worlds Best Awards.





A private jet experience just got more lucrative. JSX, a public charter air carrier based in Dallas, recently announced it has launched a new loyalty program that provides more value to its flights.

Top Products | 110 Best Amazon Prime Day Travel Deals Under $50Shop Crocs, Apple AirTags, Samsonite Bags, and More | Shop Now

The carrier, which provides a private jet-like experience with enhanced customer service, is popular among travelers looking to skip traditional airlines in favor of a bespoke experience. It mainly from smaller airports underserved by major carriers. Its routes focus on the western U.S., with additional connections to Florida, the East Coast, and select destinations in Mexico.



The new loyalty program, called Club JSX, offers 5 percent rebates for future flight credit based on purchases, plus other perks such as birthday bonuses and personalized offers.



With the launch of Club JSX, were doubling down on what matters most: trust, transparency, and treating our Customers like people, not points, JSX Chief Commercial Officer David Drabinsky said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure.

Travelers who want to sign up for the new Club JSX can do so on the companys website, for free. Best of all, families can pool their rewards together and children can even get their own account with parental consent.



The public charter air carrier was recently recognized in T+Ls Worlds Best Awards for being the best domestic airline in the United States for 2025. (It was also the No. 1 domestic airline in the 2024 Worlds Best Awards.) In the 2025 award cycle, one reader said flying JSX is almost like flying private."



JSX operates a variety of routes through the year, including Dallas (DAL) to Destin, Florida (DSI), or Austin (EDC) to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (CSL). The airline also runs extensive routes from Westchester County, New York (HPN) to a handful of Florida destinations like Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach.



In addition to providing travel for humans, JSX also welcomes pets, and frequently shares photos of dogs enjoying the luxury experience on the brands social media.



Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani's stunning Democratic Party primary victory in the nation's most populous city proved to be a gift for Republicans aiming to paint Democrats as extreme radicals.

Republicans have been relentless in trying to anchor Mamdani to Democrats across the country who are running in competitive races in elections this year and in next year's midterms.

One of the latest examples comes from New Hampshire, in the high-profile 2026 race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

Republican candidate and former Sen. Scott Brown went up this week with a digital ad that edits a picture of Rep. Chris Pappas, the Democratic candidate in the race, alongside photos of Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the progressive rock star who backed Mamdani.

Trump Argues Nyc Faces Dire Consequences If Communist Mamdani Becomes Mayor

The caption on the ad reads "Comrade Chris."

Read On The Fox News App

Responding, the Pappas campaign told Fox News that "Scott Brown is so desperate to make this election about anything other than the issues because he knows he embraces an agenda of higher costs and health care cuts thats deeply unpopular in New Hampshire."

And Pappas campaign communications adviser Collin Gately added that "Chris is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, and has a demonstrated record of working across the aisle to deliver results for New Hampshire."

The Plot To Stop Mamdani: Democrats Scramble To Prevent Far-left Takeover In Nyc

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) was one of the first out of the gate to capitalize on Mamdani's leftward lurch, firing off an email release minutes after his victory that claimed, "the new face of the Democrat Party just dropped, and it's straight out of a socialist nightmare."

Aiming to tie House Democrats to Mamdani, NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella argued that "every vulnerable House Democrat will own him, and every Democrat running in a primary will fear him."

The National Republican Senatorial Campaign (NRSC) also quickly got into the game, tying Pappas and Abdul El-Sayed - one of the contenders for the Democratic Senate nomination in battleground Michigan - to Mamdani.

No surprise - the Republican attacks have even come from President Donald Trump , who, since Mamdani's victory two weeks ago, has repeatedly claimed that the 33-year-old Ugandan-born state assemblyman from the New York City borough of Queens is a "communist."

Mamdani, who convincingly topped former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and nine other candidates to capture the Democratic mayoral nomination and take a big step towards becoming the city's first Muslim mayor, is giving Republicans plenty of ammunition.

He's proposed eliminating fares to ride New York City's vast bus system, making CUNY (City University of New York) "tuition-free," freezing rents on municipal housing, offering "free childcare" for children up to age 5, and setting up government-run grocery stores.

Resurfaced Mamdani Photo Sparks Social Media Firestorm

Also fueling the Republican attacks are recent news items that have gone viral. They include a 2020 photo Mamdani posted online that shows him flipping off a statue of Christopher Columbus, stories about comments Mamdani made last December, when he said as mayor he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his recent comments in a cable news interview that "I have many critiques of capitalism."

New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is surrounded by supporters after a press conference with union leaders in New York City, on July 2, 2025. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado

"The Democratic Party's trying to convince people that the tail is not wagging the dog, and they don't answer to the more extreme elements of their party," veteran Republican strategist Colin Reed told Fox News. "Now, that entire effort is undercut by a socialist winning handily in a bellwether election to determine who's going to run America's largest city."

"It's a messaging nightmare that's going to unfold in real time from now until the midterms," said Reed, who is a top political adviser to Brown.

Mamdani Lands Endorsement Of Top Cuomo Backer

Veteran political scientist Wayne Lesperance told Fox News that "the primary challenge for Democrats regarding Mamdanis candidacy is not his policy approach. The challenge is his party identification as a democratic socialist."

"If theres any doubt about the negative implications of adding the word socialist to Mamdanis party affiliation, one need only peruse the national coverage whose focus has been on his party and the absence of party leadership to rush to his defense or offer endorsements," Lesperance, the president of New England College, said.

Now-Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani takes the stage at his primary election party, in New York City on June 24, 2025.

But Democrats question the effectiveness of the GOP push.

They argue that there's a world of difference between heavily blue New York City, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a roughly six-to-one margin, and some key battleground states and swing districts across the country.

Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee told reporters the day after Mamdani's victory that "I love New York, but it's a very liberal place and I don't know that you can necessarily apply that to the rest of the country."

Gately, the Pappas campaign communications adviser, pointed to the ad from the Brown campaign and said that "Granite Staters trust Chris and will see through these attacks."

And veteran Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo cautioned, "I wouldn't read too much into this."

Caiazzo, a veteran of Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, argued that "Republicans are making too much out of this."





Original article source: Republicans relentlessly use Mamdani as socialist cudgel to bash vulnerable Democrats
Shes grounded.

The delusional Russian stowaway who shockingly snuck onto a Paris-bound flight at JFK Airport insisted at her sentencing Thursday that she tried to skip town to save herself from a purported poisoning  and will stay locked up on charges from a separate brazen bid to get on a different flight.

My actions were directed toward only one purpose: to save my life, Svetlana Dali, 57, said during a meandering rant in Brooklyn federal court, where she blamed her behavior on being poisoned by an unknown criminal group.

Judge Ann Donnelly sentenced the mentally ill Dali, who has been held at a Brooklyn lockup for seven months, to time served at the feds request  after noting that shed put the rest of the passengers on the November 2024 flight at risk.

Dali was able to brazenly sneak onto the November 2024 flight to Paris by slipping past gate agents, trial evidence revealed. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey via AP

Its a danger to the public. Its a danger to people working on the plane, she told Dali after patiently waiting for her to finish her 45-minute speech about allegedly being poisoned with polonium and other military grade chemicals.

Dali claimed to have been intoxicated by the alleged poisoning during the stunning Nov. 26, 2024, episode where she managed to evade multiple security checkpoints and board the Delta jet without a ticket or passport by walking past distracted gate agents.

Dali managed to stroll onto the Delta jet by taking advantage of distracted gate agents in the crowded airport. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

My actions, what I did, were simply  there were circumstances beyond my control, she said, wearing a tan sweater and black reading glasses and speaking through a Russian interpreter.

Dali will eventually be subject to one year of supervised release  where she wont be allowed to travel without permission  but she wont be getting out of jail right away.

She remained in custody after Thursdays hearing and will soon be shipped to Connecticut to face state charges carrying a possible 5-year sentence for allegedly trying to sneak onto a flight at Bradley International in Hartford, Connecticut, just 48 hours before her antics at JFK, authorities said.

Dali, a Russian citizen who is a legal permanent US resident, was convicted of one count of being a stowaway on an aircraft in May after a three day trial where she made the unusual decision to testify.

Trial evidence revealed a shocking lapse at the international airport, where Dali went through security with her bags but then dodged TSA agents who would have checked her passport and boarding pass by tagging along with a Air Europa flight crew.

She claimed to have been poisoned by unnamed criminals. Niagara County Sheriff's Office

After walking onto the plane undetected, Dali spent most of the seven and a half hour trip to Paris in the airplane bathroom, pretending to be sick, but was finally discovered by a flight attendant who demanded that she take a seat as the plane was landing, evidence revealed.

Dali gave the flight attendant two fake names when asked to identify herself  Amy Hudson and, when that wasnt convincing, Emily Hudson  and was arrested by French authorities and sent back to the US.

Jurors saw video of Dali illegally boarding the plane, before she later admitted to federal agents that she knew what she did was wrong.

She was released without bail after her November arrest, but was arrested again in January and sent to Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center after cutting off her ankle bracelet and trying to board a Greyhound bus to Canada, prosecutors said.

The mentally ill Russia-born woman will remain in custody while facing a separate state case in Connecticut for allegedly trying to sneak onto another flight just Robert Mecea

Dalis attorney, Michael Schneider, told the court that Dali suffers from mental health issues and that she had a traumatic history as a child and young adult, without getting into details. The lawyer wrote in a legal filing to the court earlier this year that Dali has experienced delusions.

Scheider, a public defender, told the judge Thursday that he hopes to be one day be able to help Dali seek help at a treatment shelter and move on with her life.
This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage after an Iranian attack at the Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar, June 25, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  An Iranian attack on an air base in Qatar that's key to the U.S. military hit a geodesic dome housing equipment used by the Americans for secure communications, satellite images analyzed Friday by The Associated Press show.

Hours after the publication of this AP report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell acknowledged that an Iranian ballistic missile had hit the dome. Qatar did not respond to requests for comment about the damage.

The Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar's capital, on June 23 came as a response to the American bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran  and provided the Islamic Republic a way to retaliate that quickly led to a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump ending the 12-day Iran-Israel war.

The Iranian attack otherwise did little damage  likely because of the fact that the U.S. evacuated its aircraft from the base, which is home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. military's Central Command, before the attack.

Trump also has said that Iran signaled when and how it would retaliate, allowing American and Qatari air defense to be ready for the attack, which briefly disrupted air travel in the Middle East, but otherwise didn't tip over into the regional war long feared by analysts.

Images show burn marks, dome gone after attack

Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show the geodesic dome visible at the Al Udeid Air Base on the morning of June 23, just hours before the attack.

The U.S. Air Force's 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which operates out of the base, announced in 2016 the installation of the $15 million piece of equipment, known as a modernized enterprise terminal. Photos show a satellite dish inside of the dome, known as a radome.

Images taken June 25 and every day subsequently show the dome is gone, with some damage visible on a nearby building. The rest of the base appears largely untouched in the images.

In a statement, Parnell said the missile strike did minimal damage to equipment and structures on the base.

Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region, he added.

The London-based satellite news channel Iran International first reported on the damage, citing satellite photos taken by a different provider.

Trump downplayed attack while Iran boasted about it

In the U.S., Trump described the Iranian attack as a very weak response. He had said that Tehran fired 14 missiles, with 13 intercepted and one being set free as it was going in a nonthreatening direction.

I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured," he wrote on his website Truth Social.

The White House had no immediate comment after Parnell's acknowledgment Friday. Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base on May 15 as part of his Mideast tour.

After the attack, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard insisted that the air base had been the target of a destructive and powerful missile attack. Iran's Supreme National Security Council also said that the base had been smashed, without offering any specific damage assessments.

Potentially signaling that he knew the dome had been hit, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei separately said that the base's communications had been disconnected by the attack.

All equipment of the base was completely destroyed and now the U.S. command stream and connection from Al Udeid base to its other military bases have been completely cut, said Ahmad Alamolhoda, a hard-line cleric.

___

Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.

CHICAGO  A son of Mexican drug lord "El Chapo" who oversaw drug shipments for his father and then took over one of the Sinaloa Cartels most vicious factions after El Chapos arrest has pleaded guilty in federal court.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez, one of the four sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, admitted to his role in the notorious cartels drug trafficking operation at the Dirksen federal courthouse July 11 in downtown Chicago, a city where cartel members made key inroads with local dealers. The Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel became known for discarding the few rules their father followed so it could dominate the illegal drug trade, according to experts.

Guzman Lopezs guilty plea in Chicago comes at a point where the level of violence the Chapitos unleashed continues to rock Sinaloa. Mexican authorities recently found 20 bodies, including several that were decapitated and four that were left hanging from a bridge over a highway. They appeared to be victims of a turf war between the Chapitos and rival Sinaloa faction La Mayiza.

Authorities hope Guzman Lopezs plea deal will help pave the way to further prosecution of the Chapitos and the Sinaloa cartel as a whole, experts say. Its unclear what information "El Raton," or "the Mouse" as he is known, has agreed to share.

From left to right: Archivaldo Ivan Guzman Salazar; Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar; Joaquin Guzman Lopez; Ovidio Guzman Lopez.

"This is obviously a hugely symbolic case for the United States. U.S. prosecutors have made the Chapitos a top priority for years," said Parker Asmann, a Sinaloa Cartel expert with the organized crime research group InSight Crime. "Securing his cooperation could mean they could undermine the drug trade and attack corruption in Mexico they want to target."

Guzman Lopez admitted to four charges: two stemming from an indictment in Illinois and two from an indictment out of New York. The charges included international drug trafficking and engaging in a criminal enterprise.

U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman delayed sentencing but prosecutors and defense attorneys said Guzman Lopez could potentially face life in prison and will forfeit $80 million. The next hearing isnt expected for six months, the judge said.

Guzman Lopezs lawyer indicated that he didnt believe the government would ultimately recommend life in prison for his client.

Judge Coleman said the agreement left Guzman Lopez with almost no way of changing his mind and asked if he understood the stakes. He said he did. When asked, Guzman Lopez said his education took him as far as a semester at university and that he could read and write in English.

In court, the 35-year-old appeared with his hands and feet shackled and flanked by U.S. Marshalls. He wore a beard compared to a clean-shaven look at the time of his arrest and said he was in good health aside from taking medication for depression.

Mexican authorities captured Guzman in early 2023, USA TODAY previously reported, and he was extradited to the U.S. in September 2023.

What does the plea mean for cartels?

Guzman Lopezs defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman declined to share details of the plea agreement. He seemed to indicate that his client could shed light on corruption in Mexico and criticized comments from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that the U.S. was negotiating with terrorists.

Far be it from me to defend the American government theyre not exactly my friends in these cases, the lawyer known best for representing El Chapo in 2018 told reporters outside the courtroom. That being said, the idea that the American government would include the Mexican government in any kind of American legal decision negotiation is absurd.

Lichtman referenced public corruption cases in Mexico and cartel leaders where he says Mexican authorities did nothing.

Mexican authorities are essentially at war with cartels in parts of the country and attempts to capture bosses have led to full-scale battles.

Its unclear what Guzman Lopez knows but cartel expert Asmann said Guzman Lopez was part of the inner workings of the Sinaloa and the Chapitos and should have useful information for prosecutors.

Asmann cautioned against the idea that sweeping changes will follow from Guzman Lopezs cooperation.

He may be willing to discuss the corruption but it remains to be seen if Claudia Sheinbaum would be willing to prosecute those people especially if theyre part of her coalition, Asmann said.

Chapito cartel members are likely worried by the plea deal, Asmann said. But he didnt expect it to change much.

It fragments these groups, causes infighting but ultimately doesn't stop the flow of drugs, its essentially a temporary disruption, Asmann said.

What did El Chapos son do?

Guzman Lopez admitted to a range of charges in court that detailed when he became involved in his fathers operation, the role that he played and how he had a direct hand in ordering people to be killed.

He became closely involved in the cartel around 2012 and became a key logistical coordinator in moving illegal drugs from South and Central America to the U.S. via everything from submarines to tunnels at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Guzman Lopez also had a hand in making sure profits made it back to the cartel. Among ways they laundered the money, cartel operators relied on cryptocurrency, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors in court also tied the son of El Chapo to three killings in both the United States and Mexico.

Do you admit to your participation in kidnapping and murder plans? the judge asked. Yes, said Guzman Lopez.

The Chapitos became known for grotesque violence that appeared to surpass any notions of restraint shown by earlier generations of cartel leaders, according to cartel expert Asmann. Among changes, cartels targeted more civilians and engaged in public displays of violence.

The charges from the New York indictment focused on Guzman Lopezs role in trafficking fentanyl, which has helped fuel an epidemic of drug use and deaths in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 71,000 Americans died of overdose deaths from synthetic opioids  mostly involving fentanyl  in 2021.

Former Attorney General Merrick B. Garland called the cartel the "largest, most violent, and most prolific fentanyl trafficking operation in the world" in announcing charges against the Chapitos in 2023.

El Chapos son also became infamous for his ability to rally the troops. Prosecutors in court alluded to an event known as the Battle of Culiacan, which came in 2019 when Mexican authorities attempted to arrest Guzman Lopez.

Cartel members turned the capital city of the state of Sinaloa into a war zone, using improvised armored vehicles and rocket launchers to take on the Mexican military. An HBO series was made about the fight.

His arrest in 2023 also spurred gunfights across Culiacan. 30 people died, including 10 Mexican military personnel, the Associated Press reported.

Where is El Chapo? Where are the rest of the Chapitos?

Guzman Lopezs notorious father is serving a life sentence in a Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado, the El Paso Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. Mexican authorities arrested him in 2016 and he was extradited in 2017.

His sons, the Chapitos, then took over. They are Ivan Guzman Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, according to the Justice Department. Ovidio Guzman Lopez was the first taken into U.S. custody.

The Guzman Salazar brothers remain at large. Department of Justice officials are offering $10 million for information that leads to their arrest.

American authorities arrested Joaquin Guzman Lopez in El Paso, Texas in July 2024. He has pleaded not guilty in the Northern District of Illinois and is awaiting trial, according to federal officials.

U.S. prosecutors celebrated the deal they struck with Guzman Lopez.

With each passing day, you are seeing the sunset of the Sinaloa cartel, said Adam Gordon, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California and is involved in the case. The Chapitos latest violence reflects their fading future. Their leaders who remain free are now paranoid, distrusted and desperate.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: El Chapos son pleads guilty in connection with running Sinaloa Cartel
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 12: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz looks on before the start of a hearing with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee at the U.S. Capitol on June 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. The committee held the hearing titled "A Hearing with Sanctuary State Governors" and questioned governors about their state immigration policies. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday it is opening an investigation into the state of Minnesotas allegedly racist and sexist hiring practices, which it says may violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services allegedly required supervisors to justify hiring an individual that is not a minority in an effort to increase affirmative action in hiring, according to the DOJ press release. Supervisors that did not comply to this practice may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

This Minnesota hiring guide was initially published on June 17, 2025, and set to become effective on August 12, 2025. The policy defines a non-affirmative hire as a hiring decision where a non-underrepresented candidate is chosen for hire when a qualified, underrepresented candidates exist in the interview pool. Hiring a non-affirmative hire would prompt the supervisor to submit a justification of this hire.

The policy defines protected group(s) as females, persons with disabilities, and members of the following minorities: Black, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaskan native.

Federal law has long prohibited employment policies that discriminate based on race or sex, Trump administration Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division Harmeet Dhillon said in a statement. The Justice Department refuses to tolerate such conduct, and state invite investigation when they engage in biased hiring practices tied to protected characteristics.

Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzs first executive order in 2019 established the One Minnesota Council on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, with himself as the chairman. The councils goal is to apply equity to Minnesota, according to the executive order.

Disparities in Minnesota, including those based on race, geography, and economic status, keep our entire state from reaching its full potential, Walz said in the order.

If we are going to address these challenges, we must work hand-in-hand with the communities themselves. This council will help give a voice to all Minnesotans, whether they live on the East Side of St. Paul or in East Grand Forks, the governor had added in a press release from his office accompanying the order.

Walz also started the Governors Community Council on Inclusion and Equity in 2021, a council that would work alongside the council formed in 2019, according to his March 2021 executive order. The councils developed and published a 2022 report to implement diversity, equity and inclusion in the state government.

The report recommended removing educational barriers to employment and ensuring a diversity ratio in every department, according to the report.

In 2023, Walz created the Chief Equity Officer position and appointed former deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education Stephanie Burrage to the role.

The DOJs investigation into Minnesota comes after the department announced an investigation into the City of Chicago for possible violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in its hiring policy after Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson claimed his administration was the most diverse.

The DOJ investigation into Minnesota is aimed to determine whether the state is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination, according to the DOJs notice letter.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
KYIV, Ukriane and ROME, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ukrainian-American investment group MITS Capital has invested $3.74 million in Tencore, a Ukraine-based developer of the multi-mission unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) platform TerMIT. The deal was announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) in Rome. The investment was structured through Ukraine's Diia.City legal regime and deployed directly into Tencore's Ukrainian legal entity.

"MITS Capital is proud to sign the first Diia.City contract between a US investor and a Ukrainian DefenseTech company," said Perry Boyle, CEO & Founding Partner at MITS Capital. He also emphasized that this transaction sets a precedent for many future deals to come and marks a step toward harmonizing Ukraine's legal regime for technology investments with EU standards. The investment was enabled through close collaboration with the Diia.City government team, facilitated by the association of Ukrainian product tech companies, Diia.City United which supported all key stages of the process.

Tencore is one of Ukraine's fastest-growing UGV developers. Its flagship platform, TerMIT, is NATO-standardized, battle-tested, and actively deployed on the front lines. The company has already produced over 800 units and intends to boost production to 2,000 units by the end of 2025. The newly secured capital will be used to scale both R&D and manufacturing capacities.

"This agreement creates a clear legal path for international investors to deploy capital directly into Ukrainian entities without workarounds," said Denys Gurak, CIO & Founding Partner at MITS Capital. Since early 2025, Ukraine's Diia.City, a special legal regime designed for tech companies, has expanded to the DefenseTech sector, with over 300 defense residents.

Article 29 of Ukraine's Law "On Stimulating the Development of the Digital Economy (also known as the "Diia City law") provides the legal basis for convertible loan agreements, Gurak explained. Investors are further protected by contract clauses that specify the applicable law and arbitration venues, including countries whose judicial decisions are automatically recognized in Ukraine. "This mechanism makes investing in Ukrainian legal entities as secure as investing in a Delaware C-Corp or an Estonian e-Residency company," Gurak added.

"Our goal is to get Russia out of Ukraine and Ukraine into NATO's defense supply chain," summarized Perry Boyle, noting that he expects to see more similar deals shortly.

About MITS Capital

Founded in 2024, MITS Capital LLC is a Kyiv- and New York-based investment group focused on funding Ukrainian defense innovations. Its platform includes the MITS Accelerator, MITS Lightning Fund, and an investment advisory unit, with a mission to bring global capital into Ukraine's defense industrial base. According to the latest Ernst & Young report , MITS Lightning Fund is currently the largest international investor in Ukraine's DefenseTech ecosystem. As of July 2025, MITS Capital's portfolio includes 11 companies.

About Tencore

Tencore is a Ukrainian developer and supplier of combat-proven robotic platforms, powered by a 200+ person team. Tencore's solutions are co-developed with Ukrainian military personnel and tailored for modern battlefield conditions. The TerMIT platform features a modular architecture that adapts quickly to different mission profiles  from logistics and evacuation to engineering support (including mining and demining), and direct fire support on the front line.

About Diia.City United

Diia.City United is an industry association of over 140 Ukrainian product tech companies. Its mission is to create a global growth environment for Ukrainian tech businesses.

About Diia.City

Launched in February 2022, Diia.City is a special legal and tax framework tailored for the technology sector. As of July 2025, it has over 2,000 registered resident companies.

Additional visual materials available here: MITS Capital Tencore

Media Contact:

Valentyna Dudko

[email protected]

SOURCE MITS Capital
Derek White/Getty/Netflix Tyler Perry attends a screening of 'Madea's Destination Wedding' on July 10, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.





NEED TO KNOW

Tyler Perry attended a screening for his latest film Madea's Destination Wedding in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, June 10

The actor was sued less than a month ago by Derek Dixon for $260 million over allegations of sexual harassment, assault and retaliation, among other complaints

An attorney for Perry has said in a statement the allegations are "a scam" and "we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail"





Tyler Perry appeared to be in good spirits while at a screening for his latest film Madea's Destination Wedding, less than month since a $260 million lawsuit was filed against the actor and director over alleged sexual harassment, assault and retaliation.

Perry, 55, attended a special screening of his Netflix film at the Regal Atlantic Station on Thursday, June 10. The film, currently available on the streamer, is the 13th film in the Madea cinematic universe.



Written and directed by Perry, and filmed partially on location in the Bahamas, Madea's Destination Wedding also stars Diamond White, Taja V. Simpson, Xavier Smalls, Cassi Davis, Tamela Mann, David Mann and Jermaine Harris.



According to a synopsis, Madea and her crew start "stirring up chaos and heartwarming fun" in the Bahamas after "Brian and his ex-wife Debrah are shocked to learn their daughter Tiffany is engaged to a rapper she met on a yacht  and the wedding is in two weeks."

Derek White/Getty/Netflix Tyler Perry at screening for 'Madea's Destination Wedding' on July 10, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Perry's public appearance comes nearly a month since actor Derek Dixon filed a lawsuit against Perry on June 13 in Los Angeles for $260 million over alleged sexual harassment, assault and retaliation. He has accused Perry of creating "a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic" between them while he was starring on the filmmaker's shows The Oval and Ruthless, on which Dixon played a character named Dale.



Matthew Boyd, an attorney for Perry, responded to Dixon's complaint in a statement to PEOPLE, saying, "This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam."

"But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail," the statement continued.

Dixon spoke out for the first time since filing the lawsuit in an email interview with The Hollywood Reporter published the same day as Perry's Madea screening, saying that the entire experience has been "terrifying" but that he "couldn't just let him get away with this."



"Everyone deserves to go to work and do their job without their boss trying to have sex with them," Dixon said. "My goal is to help ensure that the next generation of actors and creatives don't have to choose between their dreams and their dignity."

Perry has yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit.

Netflix 'Madea's Destination Wedding' begins streaming on Netflix on July 11, 2025.

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.

In June, Perry spoke exclusively with PEOPLE about the success of the Madea franchise, which has spanned two decades.

"I'm filled with a tremendous amount of pride when I think of how Madea has continuously captivated audiences throughout the years," Perry shared.



"Shes meant to bring joy, laughter and comfort, and to see people are still watching and enjoying is a wonderful thing," he added.



If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.



Read the original article on People
People look at burning apartments in a high-rise residential building hit by Russian shelling on Thursday in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Ivan Antypenko / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Russia launched more aerial attacks on Ukraine in June than in any other month of the war so far, causing the highest number of civilians killed or wounded since the conflict broke out more than three years ago, according to a tally by the United Nations and independent researchers.

The onslaught of armed drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles raining down on Ukrainian towns and cities has underscored Russias determination to press on with its war against Ukraine despite President Donald Trumps efforts to halt the bloodshed.

The Russian aerial attacks have been steadily increasing since July 2024, with the number of strikes exceeding 2,500 in each of the first six months of this year, according to the nonprofit Institute for the Study of War, which cited figures from Ukraines defense ministry.

The difference over the same period last year is stark.

Between January and June, Russian drone and missile attacks numbered 23,245, a roughly 605 % increase compared to the same period last year when there were 3,300, according to the Washington-based institute.

The expansion was driven by a massive increase in drone assaults, which jumped from 2,264 in the first half of 2024 to 22,495 in the first half of 2025, according to the tally.

As a result of those aerial attacks, the toll of civilians killed and wounded increased to 6,719, up about 53% from the same period in 2024, according to U.N. monitors. The civilian toll included 1,091 deaths and 5,628 wounded.

Civilians across Ukraine are facing levels of suffering we have not seen in over three years, Danielle Bell, head of the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, said in a statement. The surge in long-range missile and drone strikes across the country has brought even more death and destruction to civilians far away from the frontline.

June marked the highest monthly civilian casualty toll in three years, with 232 killed and 1,343 wounded, according to the United Nations.

In the month of June, Russian forces fired 5,681 drones and missiles on Ukraine  the highest number since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. The aerial assault included 5,438 drones and 243 missiles, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

Russia has kept up the tempo of drone and missile attacks in July, forcing Ukrainians in cities to seek shelter underground in subway stations. Smoke rose over Kyiv on Wednesday and Thursday night from Russian drone and missile strikes that ignited fires and destroyed apartment buildings, NBC News and The Associated Press reported from the capital.

On Wednesday night, Russia fired more than 700 attack and decoy drones on Ukraine, along with missiles. On Thursday night, 397 Iranian-designed Shahed and decoy drones were launched against Kyiv and other regions, according to Ukrainian officials.

With Russian troops unable to score a breakthrough on the ground despite a significant manpower advantage, Moscow has stepped up its missile and drone attacks on the countrys cities to try to overwhelm air defenses, undermine the resolve of the government in Kyiv before any peace talks, and break the will of the wider population, current and former Western diplomats say.

These attacks are on civilian targets, so its an attempt to demoralize Ukrainians, to convince Ukrainians that they cant win, said William Taylor, a former career U.S. diplomat who served in Kyiv.

Christina Harward, a Russian analyst at the Institute for the Study of War, said previous attempts by Russia to damage morale have failed. The air attacks also indicated Russias weapons production and stockpiles had increased, especially long-range drones, Harward said.

Russia may also be trying to distract from the battlefield, where Russian gains on the front are still relatively slow and are coming at huge personnel costs, she said.

Before he took office in January, Trump had pledged to end the war in a day. He initially suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government were the main obstacle to bringing an end to the conflict, which began with Russias invasion of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

But in recent days, Trumps tone has shifted, with the president expressing impatience and frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin for offering what he called meaningless moves toward peace.
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Kegia Mitchell holds a gun at Thomas Martin's head outside a Las Vegas 7-Eleven moments before shooting him on Aug. 26, 2020, Image 2 shows Mitchell holds a gun up to Martin's face during the altercation inside the store, Image 3 shows Kegia Mitchell entered an Alford plea in the August 2020 death of 56-year-old Thomas Martin in front of the convenience store in the northeast section of Las Vegas

A Las Vegas security guard was sentenced to spend between five and 14 years in prison for fatally shooting a customer outside a 7-Eleven convenience store during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kegia Mitchell tearfully apologized on Thursday after she entered an Alford plea for the August 2020 death of 56-year-old Thomas Martin.

I didnt mean to take this mans life, I did not, Mitchell cried out in court. I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.

The deal means she doesnt plead guilty to the murder of Martin but acknowledges that prosecutors may have enough evidence for a conviction, according to KLAS.

Mitchell was tasked with regulating the number of customers permitted into the convenience store in Las Vegas northeast section on August 26 when Martin cut the line and attempted to enter.

Kegia Mitchell holds a gun to Thomas Martins head outside a Las Vegas 7-Eleven moments before shooting him on Aug. 26, 2020. 8 News Now

Martin was blocked and began complaining that Mitchell was refusing to let him in while she had allowed other customers through the checkpoint.

The two began arguing as Martin cursed at the security guard, threatening Mitchell before breaking past and into the store, the outlet reported.

Mitchell grabbed the angry customer and the two shoved each other before she took out a handgun and pointed it at Martins face, according to security footage of the incident.

Thomas Martin attempts to enter the convenience store but is stopped by Mitchell. 8 News Now

Kegia Mitchell entered an Alford plea in the August 2020 death of 56-year-old Thomas Martin in front of the convenience store in the northeast section of Las Vegas. 8 News Now

The armed security guard led Martin out of the store with her gun inches from his head.

Martin turned around and attempted to swat the gun out of Mitchells hands when a shot rang out.

Mitchell, who failed her first firearms safety training, was gifted the gun for Mothers Day, according to the outlet.

She was arrested and charged with open murder.

A grand jury later indicted her for murder with a deadly weapon.

Martin breaks past Mitchell and into the store before the security guard grabs him. 8 News Now

Police were outside the 7-Eleven in northeast Las Vegas after the shooting. 8 News Now

The charges were changed to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault when Mitchell signed the Alford plea in April.

Martin, a grandfather, was waiting to meet his newest granddaughter when he was killed.

We were in the process of coming back here, you know, to let him meet the baby girl and everything, and the bad news hit, son Brandon Martin told KLAS in September 2020.

Mitchell holds a gun up to Martins face during the altercation inside the store. 8 News Now

Martin attempted to disarm the security guard several times before he was shot. 8 News Now

Lawyers for Mitchell argued for parole as she had faced enormous pressure enforcing the guidelines during the pandemic.

Clark County prosecutors claimed Mitchell abused her powers at work, pointing to a separate incident 19 days before Martins death, when the security guard was recorded dragging a customer across the parking lot.

How many times did we hear about 7-Eleven clerks shooting people and killing them during COVID? That wasnt a thing  that didnt happen. Its isolated to Miss Mitchell because she abused her authority, Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Hamner told the court, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Mitchell appears in Clark County court for her sentencing on July 10, 2025. 8 News Now

Mitchell drags a woman in the parking lot of the store 19 days before Martins death. 8 News Now

Mr. Martin wasnt stealing. He cut a line. And whats outrageous about it is that when he cuts the line, it is Miss Mitchell who puts her hand on his shirt first. And the rest of the struggle is Mr. Martin saying, Get off of my clothing, let me go. And she wont do it  Miss Mitchell ramps it up a whole other level. She pulls out a loaded gun, and she puts it to the side of his face, Hamner added.

Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones said the decision was complicated.

Its not what took place in the store thats the biggest issue, Jones said. Its what took place outside the store thats the biggest issue.

Brandon Martin celebrated the sentencing, saying that his father received justice following the sentencing.

JUSTICE FOR MY DAD(TOMMY MARTIN)..REST IN HEAVEN DAD WE GOT HER TODAY, IT WONT TAKE THE PAIN AWAY OF LOSING YOU BUT AT LEAST SHES FINALLY GOING AWAY AFTER 5 YEARS..LOVE AND MISS YOU..HE WAS ONE HAMMAH WAS NOT AFRAID OF THAT GUN, SWATTED IT AWAY ATLEAST 5 TIMES, Brandon Martin wrote on Facebook.
Baltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg (11) celebrates with Ryan O'Hearn (32) after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets, Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

BALTIMORE (AP)  Jordan Westburg homered and drove in three runs as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the New York Mets 7-3 on Thursday to sweep a doubleheader.

Alex Jackson doubled twice and scored two runs in his Baltimore debut to help the Orioles win for the fifth time in six games. They took both ends of a twinbill for the first time since June 2016 against Tampa Bay at home.

In the opener, Gunnar Henderson hit a two-run drive in the eighth inning for his first career pinch-hit homer, sending Baltimore to a 3-1 victory.

The split-admission doubleheader was scheduled to make up Wednesday night's rainout.

In the nightcap, Colton Cowser put the Orioles ahead for good with an RBI single off reliever Justin Hagenman (0-1) during a two-run fifth.

Baltimore also scored on groundouts by Jackson Holliday and Ramon Laureano, and a fielding error by third baseman Brett Baty.

Tomoyuki Sugano (7-5) allowed three runs over six innings, yielding two of his four hits against the Mets' first two batters, Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor. Juan Soto followed with an RBI groundout and Pete Alonso had a sacrifice fly.

Baty singled in the other Mets run in the third, New Yorks only hit in eight at-bats with runners in scoring position.

Key moment

After allowing 13 runs in his previous two starts, Sugano fell behind right away. But he limited the damage to two runs in the first inning and settled in from there.

Key stat

The Mets fell 1 1/2 games behind first-place Philadelphia in the NL East after sinking to 14-16 in interleague play, compared to their 39-25 record against NL opponents.

Up next

Mets: RHP Kodai Senga (7-3, 1.47 ERA) comes off the injured list Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Kansas City.

Orioles: Continue a six-game homestand Friday with the first of three against Miami. They had yet to announce any probable starters for the series, but right-hander Dean Kremer (7-7, 4.53 ERA) would be on turn.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Aerial view of a residential area across the Hard Rock Stadium across in Miami, Florida. - Felix Mizioznikov // Shutterstock

Where homes are sitting on the market the longest and why

In recent years, the only certainty in the housing market is uncertainty. From the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to unprecedented economic shifts, todays market has seen plenty of changes. Early in the pandemic, for instance, many buyers sought to take advantage of low mortgage rates, leading to a sellers market.

Today, sellers still have a great deal of leverage in many places thanks to relatively low inventory. However, buyers have started to reclaim the advantage in a number of places. Cities across the American Sun Belt have started to see listings lingering on the market far longer than they did two or three years ago. Below, PropertyReach.com explores why that is and where its happening the most.

Setting the Scene: Why Houses Are On the Market Longer

We can thank the COVID-19 pandemic for many of the realities we see shaping the real estate market today. Hot on the heels of the buying craze of 2021 and 2022 was a dramatic increase in listing prices. Sellers sought to take advantage of the sky-high demand, while buyers enjoyed a host of options to choose from.

As of 2025, things look a bit different. While the demand for homes has dwindled, supply has not. Whats more, many sellers havent adjusted their expectations or home prices to match, with many asking for listing prices that reflect those they saw during the pandemic.

As home prices growand mortgage rates inflatemany homes sit on the market for weeks and months at a time. Real estate listing data suggests that the median time homes spend on the market may be as high as 70 days, which is up from an estimated 30 days in 2022.

Major U.S. Cities Seeing Longer Time-to-Sell Periods

While this trend may be true nationwide, its affecting some cities and regions more than others.

Most of the U.S. cities with long-lasting listings are in the Sun Belt, including Texas and Florida. That stands in contrast to the early days of COVID-19, when many younger families sought fairer climates to enjoy work-from-home arrangements.

This analysis uses public real estate data from ListWithClever and recent estimates from St. Louis FED to examine where homes are taking the longest to sell as of 2025. Median home prices, supply, days-on-market, and local income data were considered to evaluate buyer leverage in select cities.

1. Miami, FL

The 305 area code is no longer the red-hot market it used to be a few years ago. The median time for Miami houses on the market in 2024 was 69 days, which is longer than all other major U.S. cities. The median home sales price in Miami is substantially above the national median, as many sellers are hoping to fetch high prices.

2. Austin, TX

Right behind Miami is Austin, Texas, a storied destination for arts and music lovers. After decades of robust population growth, home sales in Austin slowed considerably in 2024, and listings sat on the market for a median period of 66 days. The astonishing number of homes developers built during the population boom has provided ample supply for buyers looking to move to the Lone Star State, but many are still wary about pulling the trigger.

3. New York, NY

One of the few northeastern cities to make longest-to-sell lists, New York still boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Accordingly, buyers are thinking very carefully before making such expensive purchases, especially with mortgage rates hovering near seven percent.

4. Jacksonville, FL

Floridas largest city by population is also not seeing the turnover it experienced in 2021 and 2022. Home listings in Jacksonville last for a median period of 62 days, which is just behind Miami and Austin, Texas.

5. San Antonio, TX

The nations seventh-largest city by population has surprisingly affordable homes. The median sales price of a San Antonio home in 2024 was just $308,000far lower than the national median of $470,000. The median household income for a San Antonio family in 2023 was lower than that of all but two other cities (Pittsburgh and Birmingham, Alabama) on the list of the top 10 slowest-selling U.S. cities for homes.

6. Pittsburgh, PA

Although Pittsburgh has had a relatively soft landing after the decline of the citys once-ubiquitous steel industry, home sales declined from 2023 to 2024. The median sales price in Pittsburgh was the lowest among the top 10 slowest-selling U.S. cities, and median household income largely keeps pace. However, the rising inventory and stubbornly high mortgage rates have made Pittsburgh a buyers market.

7. Birmingham, AL

Home sellers in Birmingham, the Pittsburgh of the South, can expect listings to stay on the market for a long timearound 57 days. Homes are relatively affordable, with the median sales price hovering around $286,000. The boundary for many potential buyers, however, is the citys low median household income, which is just short of $70,000.

Final Thoughts: Buyers Have More Leverage in Many U.S. Cities

Sellers still have the upper hand in places like New England and the Midwest, but buyers are starting to see a shift in Florida, Texas, and a few large cities in the Northeast. Families and investors seeking nice neighborhoods can benefit from doing their due diligence (and research) in areas like these. Using resources like real estate databases and property record lookup tools can help you zoom in on great deals in markets where your money goes the furthest.

This story was produced by Property Reach and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
(Fixes hyperlink in paragraph 11)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Marines on the streets of Los Angeles. Masked immigration officers at courthouses and popular restaurants. Bans on travelers from more than a dozen countries.

For senior White House aide Stephen Miller, the architect of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, things were going according to plan.

He'd set an aggressive quota of 3,000 arrests per day in late May, and the efforts to meet that goal pushed U.S. immigration officers into more communities and businesses, triggering protests and political tensions with Democrats.

Then the president called Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was in Los Angeles with other immigration officials in mid June, according to three former U.S. officials with knowledge of the call.

"He said: 'Were going to do this targeted,'" one of the three former U.S. officials said. "Everybody heard it.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement paused raids on farms, hotels, restaurants and food processing plants after the call, the former officials said. Trump was not aware of the extent of the enforcement push, one of the former officials told Reuters at the time, and "once it hit him, he pulled it back."

The pause was short-lived. ICE rescinded the guidance days after it was issued, leaving some officials confused about how to proceed.

The episode illustrated a moment of dissonance within Trump's immigration team, which has otherwise appeared to be in lock step on strategy, two of the former officials said. It was a sign that Miller's no-holds-barred approach could go too far, even for the president, they said.

A White House official said there was no daylight between Miller and Trump and Miller's approach to immigration enforcement had not made farms a primary target. The official also said the initial ICE directive pausing raids had not been authorized by top administration leaders.

Miller, 39, has long been known as obsessed with immigration but now wields immense power over multiple areas in the West Wing as deputy chief of staff for policy, an increase in influence since Trump's 2017-2021 presidency.

Under his leadership, the Trump administration has doubled immigration arrests, pushed the legal limits of deportations, blocked travelers from 19 countries, moved to restrict birthright citizenship and helped Republicans pass a spending law that devotes an estimated $170 billion to immigration enforcement.

Miller also has been a prominent voice on many of the president's other priorities, including countering diversity initiatives and targeting transgender rights. He is one of a small group of White House staffers who approve all executive orders, a person familiar with the matter said.

But when it comes to immigration, Miller pushes experimental policies that test the bounds of the Constitution, three former colleagues said, including a challenge to birthright citizenship, enshrined in the 14th Amendment.

"He just has a worldview that he is 100% sure of, one Republican official said.

In a social media post urging Republicans to support the spending package Trump signed into law last week, Miller suggested society could crumble if the bill failed to pass.

"Republicans have spent generations promising Americans full, complete and total border security," he wrote in a post on X. "Now is the moment to fulfill the promise on which the fate of civilization itself depends."

Critics say Miller is stoking nativism for political purposes and endorsing policies that seem crafted for cruelty rather than effectiveness.

Administration officials, including Noem, praised Miller for his loyalty to Trump and said he was instrumental in shaping the administration's immigration agenda.

Stephen's passion, patriotism and persistence help fuel this administration in our efforts to carry out the largest deportation of criminal illegal aliens in the history of our republic," she said in a statement to Reuters.

UNPRECEDENTED INFLUENCE

Trump recaptured the White House in part by campaigning to curb illegal immigration, saying millions had entered unlawfully under former President Joe Biden and portraying them as dangerous criminals who needed to be removed. Miller was a central figure driving that narrative and championed the policies that have fueled Trumps aggressive crackdown.

Initially, immigration was Trump's strongest-polling issue, but public approval slipped to 44% in mid-June from 47% a month earlier as the crackdown accelerated, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The unprecedented influence Miller now has over the U.S. immigration system stems from his lengthy and close relationship with Trump, colleagues said.

"He was there from the very, very beginning of the Trump phenomenon, said Marc Short, former chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence. He has stayed loyal throughout the first administration to the president and to this day."

Miller, who is married with three young children, established himself as a major policy figure during Trumps first term. He was remarkably driven and assertive, and used the same tone with colleagues as he did in appearances on TV, a former Trump administration official said.

It was hard to get a word in edgewise, the former official said. Hes not very interested in what you think. Its not a collaborative conversation. If you try to engage, he will talk over you.

Miller called senior homeland security officials so often that they needed a dedicated staffer to talk to him, the former official said.

The direct outreach to agency staffers has carried over into the current administration, according to one current and one former official.

Two former officials said the threat of crossing Miller and then getting fired and potentially blacklisted by Trump and his political allies also contributed to his authority.

Miller co-founded the conservative advocacy group America First Legal after Trump left office in 2021, which filed or supported lawsuits over immigration policies and other issues.

In the second Trump administration, in addition to his deputy chief of staff role, Miller helms the White House's Homeland Security Council, which coordinates immigration and other domestic security policies within the administration.

Miller came in with all of his staffers in place, a contrast to other areas within the National Security Council, and appears to operate more independently, a person familiar with the matter said. He was ready to rock and roll on Day One, the person said.

While dozens of officials were fired from the NSC as part of a downsizing, Millers homeland group remained unaffected, the person said.

'XENOPHOBIC WORLD VIEW'

Miller grew up in Santa Monica, California, where about a quarter of residents are foreign born. He embraced conservative ideas as far back as high school and developed a reputation early in his political career as a provocateur.

He attended Duke University in North Carolina where he stood out for his defense of white lacrosse players who had been accused of raping a Black woman working as a stripper in 2006, writing about the prominent case in newspaper columns and appearing on Fox News. The accusations were determined to be a hoax, which the woman admitted last year.

Democrats have criticized Miller as the driving force behind Trump's harshest policies.

A group of congressional Democrats who in 2019 called Miller a far-right white nationalist with a racist and xenophobic world view" included Karen Bass, who is now the mayor of Los Angeles and has clashed with the Trump administration over ICE raids there.

Miller's wife, Katie Miller, was an aide to billionaire Elon Musk during his roughly four-month stint at the White House. She departed to work for Musk after he left in late May. Current and former Trump officials gave no indication that Trump's off-and-on friction with Musk had caused tension between the president and his longtime aide.

Nearly a month after Trump's call and the back-and-forth over ICE raids, Miller's crackdown continues.

On Tuesday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said agricultural workers would not receive "amnesty" and that the administration wants an entirely American workforce.

In Los Angeles, federal agents flanked by heavily armored U.S. troops marched through a city park in a show of force that angered local officials.

Trump called Miller "our star" when introducing him last week at the opening of a migrant detention center officials dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" because of its location in the Florida Everglades, a subtropical wetland teeming with reptiles and other wildlife.

Speaking at a roundtable with Miller and Noem, Trump said even Miller would respect how Noem had handled her role. "I don't think he likes anybody," Trump said.

Miller, in turn, praised Trump for empowering ICE and Border Patrol to step up immigration enforcement and using legal tools and diplomacy to ramp up deportations.

"Watching what you've done, sir, has been one of the honors of a lifetime," Miller said. "I'm proud to be able to play any role in it."

(Reporting by Ted Hesson and Jeff Mason in Washington, and Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Michael Learmonth)
RALEIGH, N.C., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterans Guardian endorses the enactment of North Carolina Senate Bill 118, the Military and Veteran Support Act, signed into law by Governor Josh Stein on July 9, 2025. This landmark legislation, effective October 1, 2025, introduces comprehensive reforms to support North Carolina's military service members, veterans, and their families.

Senate Bill 118, championed by Senators Michael Lazzara, Vickie Sawyer, and Warren Daniel, was shepherded through the legislative process with the pivotal leadership of Senate Judiciary Chairman Danny Britt and House Rules Chairman John Bell. Their dedication ensured the bill's passage with unanimous support in both chambers, reflecting a commendable bipartisan commitment to those who have served our nation.

Veterans Guardian worked with lawmakers to support this landmark legislation, modeled after laws passed in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and South Dakota, containing similar veteran protections.

Key Provisions of SB 118:

Regulation of Veterans' benefits services to protect against predatory practices.





Reduction of concealed handgun permit fees for honorably discharged Veterans, aligning with fees for retired law enforcement officers.





Expansion of educational access through modifications to the Scholarships for Children of Wartime Veterans program.





Authorization for sheriffs to send electronic notices regarding the expiration of concealed handgun permits.

"There is clearly a national trend to preserve the veterans' right to choose how they navigate the US Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating process, while at the same time ensuring bad actors do not take advantage of our Nation's heroes. The passage of SB 118 signifies North Carolina's unwavering support for its veterans and military families," said Brian Johnson, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at Veterans Guardian. "We commend the collaborative efforts of the General Assembly and Governor Stein in enacting these vital reforms."

Furthermore, bills that are designed to deny veteran choice and outlaw their options have been defeated in over 15 states nationwide. "The US Congress has rejected bills that would limit veteran options and has advanced HR 3231, The CHOICE Act, which would codify what states like North Carolina have done. Unfortunately, there are some who want to keep veterans trapped in a broken system. Here at Veterans Guardian we are tirelessly advocating for veteran protections both at the state and federal level, while helping thousands of veterans each month obtain their well-deserved disability benefits," Johnson added.

About Veterans Guardian

Veterans Guardian is a leading organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and VA disability benefits of military Veterans. Through legislative support and policy reform, Veterans Guardian strives to ensure that veterans receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.

SOURCE Veterans Guardian
Exclusive in-depth research is currently underway across Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ), aimed at uncovering how organisations are strategising and investing in technologies such as cybersecurity, AI, cloud, data, and digital infrastructure, and what is expected from technology partners.

Partners, distributors and vendors are invited to complete the survey here.

Participants will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a free online course taught by EDGE keynote speaker Nick Abrahams at Bond University, titled GenAI Productivity Training for Executives. The online course allows attendees to learn at their own pace, providing practical skills to help automate daily tasks, suitable for all types of organisations and all stages of GenAI adoption.

Delivered in partnership with Tech Research Asia, EDGE Research will focus on the short- to medium-term opportunities ahead for the ecosystem, uncovering what makes end-users tick on both sides of the Tasman. This is alongside insights into the purchasing patterns of organisations and key solution-focused areas.

The findings will be exclusively delivered by Mark Iles at Tech Research Asia to delegates attending EDGE 2025  running 27 July to 30 July at the Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. The research will offer the clearest indication yet as to whether the ecosystem is aligned with the end-user market.

By comparing customer expectations with partner capabilities, the findings will highlight areas of alignment, reveal potential disconnect, and identify untapped opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Pressure is mounting to save Nimisha Priya, held in Sana'a awaiting execution on 16 July for killing a Yemeni man who allegedly held her prisoner. The Indian Supreme Court will hear a petition on 14 July to urge the government to intervene. The case shines a spotlight on thousands of Indian nationals currently imprisoned in 86 countries around the world.

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  The death sentence inflicted on Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen is at the centre of intense diplomatic activity, after local media reported 16 July as the scheduled date for her execution.

Originally from Kerala, a state in southern India, she was convicted of killing a Yemeni man who held her prisoner.

Priyas story, 37, begins in 2011 (or perhaps 2008, according to some sources), when she moved to Yemen to work as a nurse to financially support her elderly parents.

She opened a clinic after working in several hospitals, and in 2014, despite the escalating civil war, she decided to stay.

To comply with Yemeni regulations for foreign medical professionals, Priya took on a Yemeni partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi.

According to her testimony, Mahdi falsified documents to fake a marriage, subjecting her to years of physical abuse, financial exploitation, and threats.

The nurse reported that Mahdi withheld her passport and administered her drugs.

Priya claims that Mahdi prevented her from returning to India after confiscating her passport, a fairly common practice in Gulf countries against foreign workers. In an attempt to flee Yemen, she tried to sedate the man, but the dose proved fatal.

Convicted of murder in 2018, her death sentence was upheld in 2020 by a Yemeni court and reaffirmed by the Houthi Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023, the same year Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi also gave his final approval.

Nimisha Priya is currently held in Sana'a, a city controlled by the Houthi administration and with which India does not maintain formal diplomatic relations, making negotiations extremely complex, despite Indian officials saying they are in constant contact with Yemeni authorities.

In a desperate attempt to secure her release, Priya's mother, Premakumari, a domestic worker from Kochi, travelled to Yemen last year to plead with Mahdi's family to spare her daughter's life.

Indian authorities have proposed a payment of "diyat," or blood money," a financial compensation and the only legal alternative to capital punishment in Yemen.

However, despite efforts to raise funds through the "Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council," Mahdi's family refused the offer.

The Indian Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition on 14 July to further pressure the government to resolve the situation before the death sentence is carried out.

Nimisha Priya's case sheds light on the issue of Indian nationals incarcerated abroad. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 10,152 Indians are currently detained in 86 countries worldwide.

The largest numbers are in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which each hold more than 2,000 Indians, including those awaiting trial.

Other Gulf countries, destinations for many Indian workers, such as Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, also hold significant numbers of Indians in their prisons.

Nepal has 1,317 Indian prisoners, followed by Malaysia with 338 and China with 173. Twelve countries hold more than 100 Indian. Many of these individuals are awaiting trial.

India has signed agreements for the transfer of convicted people with several countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, France, Hong Kong, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Nine of the twelve countries with more than 100 Indian prisoners are already covered by these agreements, which allow a person convicted of a crime to be transferred to their home country to serve their sentence.

Despite these agreements, success in returning prisoners to India has so far been limited. In the last three years (between 2023 and March 2025), only eight prisoners have been able to return to India to serve out their sentences: three from Iran, three from the United Kingdom, and one each from Cambodia and Russia.

The transfer of convicts is a lengthy process that requires multiple approvals. The Ministry of Home Affairs, which is the lead authority overseeing these transfers, said it is handling numerous cases and working on negotiating new agreements with other countries.

(Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article)

INDIAN MANDALA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO INDIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY FRIDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
At least four people are reported dead in the attack that saw the Yemeni group resume hostilities against maritime trade in the Red Sea in retaliation for the war in Gaza. Ten have been rescued, but the rest of the crew, mostly Filipinos, are still missing. Stella Maris appeals to the Manila government: The safety of seafarers must be protected. Sunday is the day when the Church focuses on workers at sea.

Manila (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The fate of eleven sailors, mostly Filipinos, remains uncertain after the sinking on 9 July of the ship Eternity C, hit in the Red Sea by a new and repeated attack by Houthi rebels.

In the last few hours, rescuers have recovered four more survivors - three crew members and a Greek security guard - bringing the number of people rescued to 10: eight Filipino sailors, one Indian sailor and one Greek security guard. The last to be rescued had been in the water for over 48 hours.

In addition to the 11 people still missing, there are four (including at least two Filipinos) who, according to the survivors' testimony, died in the Houthi attacks. The militiamen claim to have rescued some crew members at sea and taken them to a safe place.

However, it is unclear how many sailors they are referring to and whether there are other people still missing.

The Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged cargo ship operated by a Greek company carrying wheat to Somalia on behalf of the World Food Programme, was attacked twice by Houthi militants with marine drones and RPG rockets on 8 and 9 July.

The ship sank on Wednesday 10 July, a few days after the sinking of another Greek ship, the Magic Seas, whose 17 sailors were all rescued. These attacks marked the resumption of the Houthis' campaign against ships in the Red Sea, which they claim is in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. Since November 2023, over 100 ships have been attacked, with the latest victims reported in June 2024.

The US Mission in Yemen accused the Houthis of kidnapping some crew members and demanded their immediate release. Houthi military spokesmen claim to have rescued some sailors, provided them with medical care and transported them to a safe place.

Greek maritime authorities and the operating company, Cosmoship Management, are coordinating the search, but have not issued any official statements.

This dramatic situation comes just before Sea Sunday, which the Church celebrates every July to focus on pastoral and human assistance to all those who work at sea. The safety of our citizens abroad must always be a top priority, said Fr. John Mission, national director of Stella Maris-Philippines, in an appeal to the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking event, the priest told UCANews. As for the missing seafarers, we hope and pray that they will be found. We ask our chaplaincies to contact the affected families and accompany them in their grief, added Fr. Mission, who called on the Philippine government to strengthen safety measures for seafarers working in high-risk areas.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Migrant Workers Hans Leo Cacdac reminded Filipino seafarers that they have the right to refuse to sail in areas classified as high risk or war-like, such as the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, following the latest Houthi attacks.

Despite the ongoing risk of piracy, kidnappings and naval attacks in African waters and other parts of the world, the Philippines remains one of the world's leading suppliers of seafarers, accounting for over 20% of the 1.2 million seafarers worldwide.
Today's news: the flood in Nepal that killed at least nine people was caused by the emptying of a glacial lake. In India, two people have been arrested on charges of forcing teenage girls to strip naked to prove they were menstruating. New arrests in Hong Kong. The United Nations says the current Syrian government has no active links to al-Qaeda.

USA  CHINA  MALAYSIA

After attending the ASEAN summit in Malaysia and meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will today meet in person for the first time with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Li. Rubio and Wang have so far extolled the benefits of their partnership to Southeast Asian countries: Rubio has focused on cooperation, including the signing of a civil nuclear development agreement with Malaysia, while Wang has criticised Trump's tariffs, which are particularly heavy on countries in the region.

NEPAL  CHINA

The flooding of the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal, which in recent days has caused the deaths of at least nine people and left 19 missing, including some Chinese workers, was caused by the emptying of a glacial lake in the Tibet region of China, according to the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

HONG KONG

Hong Kong's national security police have arrested four people, including a 15-year-old boy, on charges of conspiracy. The police chief said those arrested are members of the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union, a group founded in Taiwan in November that is fighting for the city's independence. It has a few dozen followers on Facebook.

INDIA

Two people, including a school principal, have been arrested on charges of forcing teenage girls to strip naked to prove they were menstruating after bloodstains were found in the bathroom. Police intervened in a village not far from Mumbai after the mother of one of the 10-15 girls who were allegedly humiliated filed a complaint. In India, menstruation has long been a taboo subject: girls and women who menstruate are considered impure and excluded from social and religious events.

RUSSIA

Russia plans to invite 1 million migrant workers from India to compensate for the shortage of skilled labour, according to Andrey Besedin, head of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry. An Indian consulate will be opened in Ekaterinburg in the Ural region to take care of all the formalities, while other workers will be brought in from Sri Lanka and North Korea.

SYRIA

The United Nations group monitoring sanctions has found no active links between al-Qaeda and the current Syrian government, which took power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The rebellion was led by the jihadist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, which severed ties with al-Qaeda in 2016. The information could strengthen the United States' decision to further reduce sanctions against Syria, writes Reuters, which previewed a report to be published later this month.

GEORGIA

Georgia's foreign ministry has completed a major internal reorganisation that began in April, resulting in the dismissal of more than 40 senior diplomats for opposing government policies. The ambassadors to NATO and the EU integration department in Tbilisi will also have to leave their posts on 1 August.
A ceremony is scheduled today in Iraqi Kurdistan to mark the movement's farewell to arms. Its leader Ocalan recently praised politics and social peace, while delinking his personal fate from the peace process. Meanwhile, the crackdown on the main anti-Erdogan party continues, with over 500 people jailed in just a few months.

Istanbul (AsiaNews)  For Kurds in Turkey and northern Iraq, today is a day of potentially historic significance, with Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) guerrillas preparing to lay down their arms, closing one of the bloodiest and most troubled chapters in recent history.

A ceremony, whose details are still unclear, is scheduled for this very day near Sulaymaniyah (Iraqi Kurdistan), where several fighters from the movement have taken refuge. It is expected to mark the end of the 40-year war of independence from Turkey.

Initially announced as open to the public, the event is expected to be held with a "limited" number of guests, officially for security reasons.

A delegation from the pro-Kurdish party, the People's Democratic Party (HDP), is expected to participate. The party has mediated in recent years between the Turkish government and the PKKs jailed historic leader, Abdullah Ocalan, who was the first to call for an end to the armed struggle.

HDP leaders were crucial for talks between the PKK leader and Turkish leaders, visiting Ocalan in prison and breaking down the walls of isolation that have surrounded him for years, laying the grounds for ending a conflict that has caused at least 40,000 deaths.

Paradoxically, one of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's closest allies, Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), backed the talks with the Kurdish leader, even offering him the opportunity to "come and speak before parliament.

Founded in 1978, the PKK initially fought for an independent Kurdistan, then shifted the fight to autonomy.

The group is designated as a terrorist organisation by Turkey and its Western allies, starting with the United States; since 2024, the Iraqi government too has placed it on its list of banned organisations.

In 2010 and in 2013, Turkeys ruling Justice and Development (AKP) government initiated peace talks, showing some openness that did not, however, lead to actual peace process.

Talks derailed in 2015, giving way to intense fighting in the southeast, as well as a series of attacks blamed on the PKK in the capital and Istanbul, leaving a long trail of blood.

The 76-year-old Ocalan has been in prison since 1999 in the maximum-security prison on Imrali Island, in the Sea of Marmara south of Istanbul, where he is serving life in prison after his death sentence was commuted.

In a video message in Turkish released on Wednesday, "Apo" (uncle) Ocalan, as he is known to his followers, confirmed that disarmament is imminent.

I believe not in the arms, but in the power of politics and social peace and call on you to put this principle into practice," he insisted in his lengthy speech.

Recently Erdogan too expressed confidence in the goal of creating a Turkey free of terrorism, hoping that this promising process will be successfully concluded as soon as possible, without obstacles or risks of sabotage.

Despite uncertainties, the presence at todays ceremony of a certain number of former guerrilla fighters appears confirmed. As a gesture of goodwill, a number of PKK fighters, who had taken part in fighting Turkish forces in recent years, will destroy or burn their weapons in a ceremony in the coming days, one commander told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

For now, Ocalan remains in prison on Imrali Island and has not asked for his release, even though his commanders have made this a condition for ending the armed struggle.

The Kurdish leader himself has rejected such a request since he does not intend to bind his personal fate and future to the ongoing peace process.

Finally, various analysts note that mistrust persists between the Turkish state and many PKK members, partly due to the Turkish army's ongoing bombing of the group's positions in Iraq.

The attempt at peace talks with the Kurds is compounded by the Turkisj governments expanding crackdown against members and elected officials from the main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), dozens of whom have been jailed recently in a new wave of arrests.

Since the arrest last March of Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's mayor and the president's main rival, there has been a surge in incarcerations under the pretext of fighting corruption.

According to an investigation by Reuters, more than 500 people have been detained in just nine months, with a further acceleration in recent days.

For Erdogan, a corrupt network is operating like "an octopus whose arms stretch to other parts of Turkey and abroad."

Yet, the courts and prosecutors have so far targeted only municipalities and towns administered by the CHP, the party of modern Turkey's secular founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, which denies all charges and calls it an attempt to eliminate a democratic alternative for Turks.

What is certain is that the crackdown strengthens Erdogan's grip on the countrys political life at a time when Turkeys influence in the Middle East and Europe has grown, which is why the "sultan's" repression is unfolding amid the silence of the international community.
Champion local news.

Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told.
11 July 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

In the world of diplomacy, success is not always forged on the battlefield, but it is often won in the quiet corridors of patient negotiation.

The recent meeting in Abu Dhabi between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been described as constructive, a modest term for what, in reality, marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough. With no mediators present, the two leaders discussed key pillars of the long-awaited peace agenda: border delimitation, the Zangazur Corridor, and the preliminary steps toward a formal peace agreement. This direct and candid exchange, hosted away from the theatre of geopolitical meddling, is not only a turning point in bilateral relations but it is a diplomatic validation of Azerbaijans post-war strategy.

Since Azerbaijans emphatic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020 and the subsequent liberation of Garabagh, President Ilham Aliyev has navigated the post-conflict landscape with a clarity of purpose rarely seen in the region. The military achievement may have restored Azerbaijans territorial integrity, but it is the ongoing diplomatic campaign, calm, consistent, and quietly effective, that is shaping the foundation of lasting peace.

Azerbaijan has made no secret of its preference for direct dialogue. In the nearly four years since the wars end, Baku has on numerous occasions called for bilateral talks with Armenia; talks free from the inertia and interference of third-party mediation. While others sought to inject their own interests into the process, be it Western institutions angling for relevance or regional powers playing for influence, Azerbaijan stood firm in its belief that peace in the South Caucasus must be determined by those who live there, not those who observe from afar.

The meeting yesterday confirms the wisdom of that approach. In Abu Dhabi, Azerbaijan and Armenia reached a general understanding to carry forward the negotiation process through working groups and future high-level engagements. The fact that this came about without international mediation is, in itself, a significant shift. For too long, the peace process had been bogged down by well-meaning but ultimately ineffective diplomatic structures, most notably the defunct OSCE Minsk Group. Now, for the first time in decades, the two nations are speaking as equals, state to state, leader to leader.

That they are doing so is thanks in no small part to Azerbaijans renewed sovereignty and strengthened position. The successful military campaign of 2020 was not just about reclaiming land. It was about reclaiming voice and agency. Azerbaijan, under President Aliyevs leadership, emerged from the war not only victorious but determined to ensure that its future would not be shaped in the shadows of history or the backrooms of distant capitals.

Rather than press its advantage aggressively or seek vengeance, Baku turned toward diplomacy with an eye on regional stability and economic opportunity. The Zangazur Corridor, linking mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan and, by extension, Turkiye, has been at the heart of this vision. Far from being a mere transport project, the corridor symbolises connectivity, integration, and post-war cooperation. Discussing it in a constructive spirit with Armenia is a sign that both sides now see mutual benefit in economic pragmatism over political obstinacy.

Crucially, Azerbaijan has understood that peace must be built, not just declared. President Aliyevs calls for reconciliation have been accompanied by immense investments in rebuilding Garabagh, where new airports, highways, and smart villages stand as a testament to a state confident in its future. At the same time, Azerbaijan has avoided triumphalism. There has been no gloating, no annexationist rhetoric, but only a steady insistence that the time for conflict is over, and the region must move forward.

The challenge, of course, lies ahead. The peace agreement is still to be finalised. Delimiting borders in such a sensitive geography will not be easy. But the very fact that Armenia has now agreed to direct negotiations on these matters, particularly after months of hesitation and political distractions, indicates that Bakus patience is bearing fruit.

Azerbaijans success here is not loud, but it is lasting. It has been shown that military strength must be complemented by diplomatic wisdom. That winning a war is one thing, but securing peace requires resilience, vision, and the ability to rise above provocation. In President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has found a leader capable of all three.

The international community would do well to recognise this achievement for what it is: the beginnings of a peace forged not by distant powers, but by the very nations who endured the conflict. It is a rare thing in todays world, and all the more worthy of support.

As the two sides prepare for the next stage of negotiations, one truth is becoming clear: Azerbaijan has not only restored its lands, but it has restored the primacy of direct diplomacy in a region long suffocated by external agendas. That alone is a victory worth noting.
AUSTIN, Texas, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to catastrophic flash floods in Central Texas, Pet King Brands is leading efforts to provide aid to those affected.

"This tragedy has ignited devastation throughout our community, and we're committed to doing all we can to provide aid to people and their pets," said Debra Decker, Pet King Brands Director of Marketing. "We are forever grateful to our community members, first responders and local organizations that jumped into action during this crisis."

This tragedy has ignited devastation throughout our community, and were committed to doing all we can to provide aid to people and their pets, said Debra Decker, Pet King Brands Director of Marketing. We are forever grateful to our community members, first responders and local organizations that jumped into action during this crisis.

Shelters, rescues and organizations Pet King Brands has partnered with in donations include:

Austin Pets Alive

Kerrville Pets Alive

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas

Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country

Fleet of Angels

Center Point Volunteer Fire Department

Volunteer Fire Department Ingram Fire Department

Fire Department Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team

Join Pet King Brands in supporting those affected by the floods by donating to trusted organizations that help rescue, shelter and care for displaced animals. Donations can be made to the Kerr Country Flood Relief Fund here.

If your shelter has been affected by the Texas floods, Pet King Brands is here to help. Apply for ZYMOX product donation here.

For more information on Pet King Brands, visit www.zymox.com.

About Pet King Brands

Pet King Brands, proud sponsors of The Westminster Kennel Club's 149th Dog Show and makers of ZYMOX Ear and Skin, Oratene Brushless Oral Care, Equine Defense, and ZYLAFEN products, is a leader in veterinarian-approved pet products made in the USA. Focused on the health and wellness of small and large animals of all ages, the products utilize the power of the LP3 Enzyme System and have been resolving ear, skin and oral conditions for over 25 years. Led by President and Founder Pamela Bosco, with the help of her bioscientist brother, Michael Pellico, Pet King Brands has revolutionized the way people care for animals' ears, skin and mouths, offering solutions that are gentle, easy to administer and free of harsh chemicals and antibiotics.

SOURCE Pet King Brands
11 July 2025 19:54 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The South Caucasus is witnessing a potential historic shift. After decades of frozen relations and geopolitical tension, recent diplomatic engagements between Azerbaijan and Armenia, notably their meeting in Abu Dhabi, signal a possible breakthrough. Central to this evolving landscape is the proposed opening of the Zangazur Corridor, a transit route that would reconnect mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave and reshape regional dynamics. To better understand the implications, we spoke with British geopolitical expert Neil Watson, who provided an in-depth analysis of the corridors potential impact on Azerbaijan, regional trade, and the broader geopolitical balance.

Q1: The Zangazur Corridor promises to reconnect Azerbaijan proper with Nakhchivan for the first time since the Soviet era. How significant is this for Azerbaijan, and what wider effects might it have on the region?

Neil Watson:

At first, if the Zangazur Corridor opens, it will reconnect mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan for the first time since the Soviet period. This would bring strategic cohesion as Azerbaijan would gain uninterrupted access to Nakhchivan, strengthening national unity and enabling freer movement of goods, services, and people. It would also provide economic benefits, as improved connectivity would facilitate trade and infrastructure development in the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, boosting investment, tourism, and energy transit. Another important aspect is regional integration at a point when the South Caucasus could emerge as an independent and homogeneous entity on the world stage. The corridor would enhance Azerbaijans role as a transit country in Eurasia, integrating it more deeply into regional logistics and transport projects, including the Middle Corridor. It would also facilitate geopolitical leverage: A functional corridor would negate Armenian control over regional transit and increase Azerbaijans strategic options regarding Turkiye and Central Asia.

Watsons insights underscore that the corridor is far more than a mere transport route. It symbolises national reunification and serves as a catalyst for economic modernisation in Azerbaijans western regions. Moreover, it could redefine Azerbaijans position as a key Eurasian transit hub, creating strategic ripple effects across logistics and energy corridors stretching from Europe to Asia.

Q2: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has highlighted the corridors strategic importance, especially as a complement to the Middle Corridor that links Turkiye, Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea, Central Asia, and China. How do you evaluate Erdogans perspective on the corridors role in regional trade and logistics?

Neil Watson:

President Erdogans emphasis on the Zangazur Corridor as a complement to the Middle Corridor is well-founded. It will facilitate trade diversification by enabling smoother East-West trade through the South Caucasus. In fact, the corridor would offer an alternative to northern routes via Russia or southern routes via Iran and the Persian Gulf. It would also enhance Turkish export efficiency: Turkish goods could flow more efficiently to Central Asia and China without passing through more expensive or politically sensitive routes. It would also shorten delivery time and reduce transport costs. Furthermore, it would strengthen the Middle Corridor. The Zangazur link strengthens the weakest link in this chain - the Armenian-Azerbaijani border - thus turning the vision of a seamless transcontinental logistics corridor into reality.

Furthermore, it would provide a geoeconomic strategy: For Turkiye, this corridor enhances its Eurasian footprint and supports its ambitions to become a major hub between East and West. It also strengthens the relationship between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, reflecting Erdogans emphasis on pan-Turkic unity at a time when Russophile influence is waning.

Watson validates Erdogans vision by highlighting how the corridor could diversify and streamline East-West trade flows, reducing dependency on politically complicated or costlier routes through Russia and Iran. Beyond logistics, the corridor offers Turkiye a powerful platform to expand its Eurasian economic and geopolitical influence, reinforcing the deepening Azerbaijani-Turkish partnership.

Q3: Beyond trade, the corridor carries significant geopolitical weight. Given the historic contest over this area and recent developments, including the Azerbaijani-Armenian bilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi, how do you interpret these emerging dynamics? Are other regional or global actors influencing the corridors future?

Neil Watson:

The recent high-level contacts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, such as the Abu Dhabi meeting, indicate a softening of relations, work towards a long-awaited peace and possible new arrangements over corridor access.

Besides, the EU and USA have quietly supported regional reopening and trade diversification, especially if it reduces dependence on Russian infrastructure. As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, China welcomes new routes that improve reliability and redundancy in Eurasian logistics.

The Zangazur Corridor is not merely a transport project - it is a geopolitical and economic pivot point with implications for connectivity, sovereignty, and regional power balances. Its opening could significantly benefit Azerbaijan and Turkiye whilst reshaping the South Caucasus transit map. However, its realisation depends on sensitive negotiations involving not just Baku and Yerevan, but also Moscow, Tehran, Ankara, and potentially Brussels and Beijing.

Watson highlights the complex geopolitical web surrounding the corridor. While Armenian concerns about sovereignty remain a major hurdle, the shifting influence of traditional powers like Russia, along with Tehrans regional apprehensions, add layers of complexity. Meanwhile, Western and Chinese interests underscore the corridors broader significance as part of global trade and political networks. The corridors future hinges on delicate diplomatic balances involving multiple actors with competing agendas.

The Zangazur Corridor transcends the realm of infrastructure; it represents a critical geopolitical and economic fulcrum with far-reaching implications for regional connectivity, national sovereignty, and the balance of power in the South Caucasus. Its successful opening promises substantial benefits for Azerbaijan and Turkiye, positioning them as central players in a revamped Eurasian transit network. Yet, the corridors realisation hinges on delicate and complex negotiations - not only between Baku and Yerevan but also involving influential external actors such as Moscow, Tehran, Ankara, and potentially Brussels and Beijing. Navigating this intricate web of interests will determine whether the corridor becomes a transformative gateway to regional stability and prosperity or remains mired in unresolved tensions.
11 July 2025 12:29 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) and China's Xian Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd. (Xian Port) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in railway transit and digital logistics along the Middle Corridor, Azernews reports.

The document, signed during an ADY delegation's business visit to China, includes the appointment of an ADY representative in Xian Port and the official opening of a new container yard at the port. This yard, with an annual handling capacity of 20,000 TEU, will serve as a key logistics hub for boosting cargo flows between Asia and Europe via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov, speaking at meetings with Xian Mayor Ye Niuping and port officials, underlined that deepening Azerbaijan-China cooperation in transport has become a requirement of the day, particularly following President Ilham Aliyevs state visit to China in April 2025. He highlighted the significance of the joint strategic declaration signed during that visit under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Rustamov emphasized that the newly signed MoU, the integration of an ADY representative into Xian Ports operational system, and the container yard's launch represent tangible progress in joint efforts. These are important steps toward expanding the capabilities of the Middle Corridor and attracting more cargo to this route, he stated.

He also shared detailed information on the Baku International Sea Port, which was recently incorporated under ADYs structure. This integration, Rustamov said, will enhance port-railway coordination and enable more efficient and complex logistics services.

Yuan Xiaojun, General Director of Xian Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd., expressed strong support for the establishment of an ADY presence in Xian. He noted that this will facilitate faster coordination and more effective transport operations between both sides.

Both parties approved a joint roadmap that includes organizing container trains, boosting capacity across the Caspian Sea and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and creating a digital cargo tracking and data exchange system.

The partnership builds on earlier successes: in March 2024, the first container train from Xian reached Baku in just 11 days via the Middle Corridor. In November 2024, Azerbaijan dispatched its first export train to Xian with 62 containers. Currently, two block trains operate monthly from Baku to Xian, enabling Azerbaijani exporters to access the Chinese market directly.

This latest agreement is expected to further institutionalize and enhance rail transit cooperation between Azerbaijan and China, positioning both countries as critical players in Eurasian connectivity and trade.
11 July 2025 16:36 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The 47th session of the World Heritage Committee is being held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, Azernews reports.

In accordance with the session agenda, on July 11, discussions were held regarding the nomination files submitted for inclusion in the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage.

The "Ancient City of Gabala" and the "Gamigaya and Goygol Historical-Cultural and Natural Complex," submitted by Azerbaijan, have been included in UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage.

It should be noted that Gamigaya, located in the Ordubad district at an altitude of 3,725 meters on the watershed of the Zangezur mountain range, is one of the most ancient examples of Azerbaijani culture. This area is notable for its rich collection of rock carvings dating to various periods of the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and the Middle Ages.

According to historical sources, the Ancient City of Gabala, which played an important role in Azerbaijan's economic, political, and cultural life starting from the 4th century BC and was mentioned in written sources from the 1st century AD, was the first capital of Caucasian Albania. With a history spanning approximately 2,500 years, this city was one of the major political, economic, and trade centres of the region for a long time.

Necessary scientific and organisational efforts will continue with the aim of having both monuments included in UNESCOs Main List of World Heritage in the future.

The 47th session of the World Heritage Committee at UNESCO Headquarters will continue until July 16.
11 July 2025 18:41 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A special ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of Icherishehers inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List was held in Paris as part of the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Azernews reports.

The event was moderated by Elman Abdullayev, Azerbaijan's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.

The event, held in Paris from July 6 through 16, featured a range of thematic events. Notably, on July 11, a special presentation commemorated the 25th anniversary of Icherishehers inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The presentation, which marked a major cultural milestone, was organized by the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve with the support of Azerbaijans National Commission for UNESCO, the countrys Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, and Trend International News Agency.

The event, titled Safeguarding World Heritage: Practices in Conservation and Communication, brought together international experts to exchange ideas on preserving and presenting cultural heritage. Discussions focused on global strategies in conservation, the role of media and public communication, and modern approaches to integrating heritage into society. Icherishehers recent achievements in restoration and outreach were presented to participants.

Key speakers included Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of UNESCOs 42nd General Conference, and Lazare Eloundou, Director of the World Heritage Centre. They emphasized the importance of storytelling and media engagement in heritage conservation efforts.

Representing Azerbaijan were Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve Administration; Seymur Fataliyev, Secretary General of Azerbaijans National Commission for UNESCO; Elman Abdullayev, Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; Elsever Mammadov, Head of International Relations at the Reserve; and Elchin Aghajanov, Deputy Director General of Trend International News Agency. The Azerbaijani delegation outlined efforts in restoration, conservation, communication, and public integration of Icherishehers cultural assets.

The event served as a vital platform for promoting Azerbaijans heritage on the international stage and strengthening cooperation in the field of cultural preservation.
11 July 2025 15:20 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

bp is proud to announce its support for a landmark cultural heritage initiative in Azerbaijan, as part of its ongoing social investment efforts in the country, Azernews reports.

As a key element of this project, bp has funded the publication of transliterated editions of Dirilik (Life) magazinean influential early 20th-century publication that played a crucial role in shaping Azerbaijans intellectual and literary landscape.

The project involves transliterating Diriliks original texts from the Arabic script historically used in Azerbaijani into the modern Latin alphabet. This important effort aims to make these invaluable writings accessible to contemporary readers, researchers, and future generations.

This publication is an important contribution to preserving and promoting Azerbaijans rich cultural and intellectual legacy, said Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bps Vice President for the Caspian region. We are proud to support efforts that bring these historical texts back to life for modern audiences.

The first issue of Dirilik featured an editorial titled Our Goals, in which editor-in-chief Aliabbas Muznib urged readers to learn from history and embrace both physical and spiritual vitality through national awareness and education. The magazines slogan, Word of the press should be the word of the century, underscored its mission to enlighten and inspire.

By funding the transliteration of Dirilik, bp contributes to the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijans National Press, which continues to uphold this mission today.

Originally published between 1914 and 1916, Dirilik was described by Azerbaijani publicist and political figure Mirza Bala Mahammadzada as a literary, public and political magazine of the Turkic world. The magazine featured articles on politics, literature, culture, and history, with a strong emphasis on national unity, cultural progress, and identity.

Dirilik published works by some of Azerbaijans most renowned intellectuals, including Mahammad Amin Rasulzada, Ismail bey Gaspirali, Jafar Jabbarli, Aliagha Vahid, and others. It remains widely regarded as one of the most important literary and ideological hubs of its time.

The project was carried out by the National Heritage Cultural and Historical Research Foundation. bp allocated 25,000 AZN (approximately $14,700) to cover the publication costs.
11 July 2025 18:09 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

In honor of the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijans national press, the Media Development Agency (MEDIA) and Azerconnect Group jointly organised a forum titled The Media of the Future: Following the Footsteps of kinci.

Azernews reports that the opening ceremony featured speeches by Emil Msimov, CEO of Azerconnect Group; hmd Ismaylov, Executive Director of MEDIA; and Rsad Mcid, Chairman of the Press Council.

The forum commemorates the founding principles set by the pioneering newspaper kinci and aims to foster professional skills in digital media, discuss the future of the media industry, and emphasise the role of youth in this evolving landscape. It provides a platform for young people to actively engage in content creation, deepen their understanding of changing media realities, and network with experienced media professionals. Additionally, the event seeks to enhance human resource potential and employment opportunities within the media sector.

Approximately 100 students studying journalism and communications, as well as young media enthusiasts, are participating. The program includes panel sessions, training workshops, and face-to-face meetings addressing topics such as media history, education, employment prospects, and the integration of innovations and technology in journalism.

Key sessions include the panel Perspectives on the Media of the Future: Journalism as the Profession of Tomorrow and one-on-one meetings under the theme Media Professionalism and Next-Generation Journalism. The forum also features workshops on Employment Opportunities for Youth in Contemporary Media and The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism.

At the conclusion of the forum, 40 young participants who actively engage in training, networking, and achieve the highest scores in the quiz will be awarded special prizes.

Speaking at the event, MEDIA Executive Director hmd Ismaylov highlighted the significance of focusing on youth in commemorating the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijans national press. He noted that the idea to establish the first Azerbaijani newspaper was born in the youthful mind of Hasan Bey Zardabi, who succeeded in realising it only in 1875 after numerous attempts.

Every founder of Azerbaijans national press  including Jalil Mammadguluzadeh, Ahmad bey Agaoglu, Ali bey Huseynzadeh, Uzeyir and Jeyhun Hajibeyli brothers, and many other enlighteners  began their initiatives as young people. Despite numerous challenges of their time, they persevered to achieve their goals. The creators of our 150-year-old press were Azerbaijans first enlightened youth. While we celebrate this rich history, we must remember that it is a history created by young people. As a natural continuation, todays responsibility to carry forward the legacy of our national press falls upon the new generation  that is, you, Ismaylov said.

Emil Msimov, CEO of Azerconnect Group, emphasised the companys commitment to corporate social responsibility initiatives and expressed pride in collaborating with a reputable institution to host a more impactful and meaningful event for media professionals.

He recalled the historic foundation of Azerbaijans national press with the newspaper kinci, established on the initiative of Hasan bey Zardabi. Msimov noted that the newspaper served vital purposes in protecting and promoting national cultural values  a mission that continues today through the efforts of various organisations and media experts.
11 July 2025 10:23 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

A 30-member delegation from the International Travelers Club (MTP) has arrived in Kalbajar as part of a broader regional visit to the liberated territories of Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur. The group is touring the area to witness the ongoing reconstruction and restoration efforts, Azernews reports.

The visitors are being briefed on the large-scale development projects that have transformed the region since its liberation. The delegation's journey will continue through the historic Istisu area and the city of Lachin.

The trip is part of a comprehensive tour organized by the MTP, which previously brought the group to the symbolic city of Shusha. Over the course of three days, travelers from 15 different countries are expected to follow an ambitious itinerary covering key cities and districts of the region: Fuzuli, Khojavend, Shusha, Khankendi, Khojaly, Aghdam, Kalbajar, Lachin, Zangilan, and Jabrayil.

The main objective of the visit is to familiarize international visitors with the liberated Azerbaijani territories and to showcase the extensive reconstruction under way, particularly within the framework of dark tourisma concept that explores post-conflict zones and areas of historical trauma.

This is not the first time global adventurers have set foot in the region. Over the past four years, Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur have hosted 13 official visits by international travel clubs, further cementing the area's growing profile as a destination of geopolitical, historical, and cultural significance.
11 July 2025 11:03 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan Elmin Mammadov held a high-level meeting with a Chinese delegation led by the Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation following the April 2025 strategic partnership declaration between the two countries, Azernews reports.

According to the Ministry, the sides discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation in civil aviation. Emphasis was placed on the development of air communication, sharing best practices through joint inspections and training programs, and advancing civil aviation infrastructure.

A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a cooperation document between the Civil Aviation Administration of China and Azerbaijans State Civil Aviation Agency. The agreement covers a wide range of areas, including air connectivity, infrastructure development, sustainable aviation, flight safety, and aviation security.

The meeting is the first institutional follow-up since the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between President Ilham Aliyev and Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 23, 2025. It reflects the growing momentum in Azerbaijan-China relations and underscores mutual commitment to expanding collaboration in the transport and digital connectivity sectors.
11 July 2025 11:30 (UTC+04:00)

On July 11, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan sent a congratulatory letter to Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh on the occasion of the country's National Day.

Azernews presents the letter:

Dear Mr. President,

On the occasion of the National Holiday of Mongolia, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to your entire people on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, and convey my best wishes.

We attach great importance to the development of relations with your friendly country. Currently, favorable conditions have been established to further expand the agenda of Azerbaijan-Mongolia bilateral relations and to enrich our cooperation in mutually beneficial areas with new substance.

I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts to strengthen the friendly ties between our countries both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks, in a consistent manner and in the interests of our peoples.

On this festive day, I wish you strong health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and lasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Mongolia.

Sincerely

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
11 July 2025 15:01 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Reconstruction and restoration work in conflict-riddled Garabagh is progressing at full speed, aiming to resettle over 700,000 IDPs and breathe new life into the region. However, there are significant obstaclesmore precisely, concealed war crimesthat impede the process.

Landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs) pose significant challenges to reconstruction efforts. Garabagh ranks among the most heavily contaminated regions worldwide by these deadly remnants of conflict. Another haunting vestige of war impeding reconstruction is the presence of mass graves.

It is worth noting that during the First Garabagh War, more than 4,000 Azerbaijani citizensincluding imprisoned civilians and soldiers held by the Armenian Armed Forceswent missing. Most notably, before going missing, some of them exchanged letters with their families through the ICRC while in Armenian custody. More than 30 years later, Armenia still refuses to cooperate in efforts to uncover the fate of these individuals.

In the absence of that cooperation, Azerbaijan alone has taken every possible effort to shed light on the fate of its missing citizens. In fact, the ongoing reconstruction and restoration work in Garabagh plays a crucial role in this process. During these efforts, mass graves have been repeatedly unearthed.

For example, in the past two days, two graves have been discovered in the liberated territories, once again. The first was uncovered in Hocaz village, Kalbajar district, which was occupied by Armenian forces in 1993 and liberated by the Azerbaijani Army in 2020. According to media reports, a local resident uncovered skeletal remains while clearing a path to access his former home.

After finding the bones, the villagers halted excavation work and alerted the relevant authorities.

Reserve serviceman and current military expert Adalet Verdiyev also addressed the incident in a post on his official Facebook page, noting that four of his soldiers had gone missing in that very area 33 years ago.

It is worth mentioning that the village changed hands multiple times during the First Garabagh War. What the forensic analysis reveals remains to be seen.

The second grave was turned up during construction work in Qizil Kergerli village, Agdam district, on July 11. Construction was halted and law enforcement officials were called to the site. In both cases, biological samples were collected to help identify the remains.

Although such turnups increase reconstruction costs and delay the return of IDPswho have waited over three decades to see their hometownsthey also kindle a spark of hope in the hearts of families of the missing, offering the possibility of finally laying loved ones to rest.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) proudly marked its 90th anniversary on Tuesday, July 8, celebrating nine decades of empowering its members through trusted, personalized financial service. The event brought together members, community leaders, and SDFCU employees to reflect on the Credit Union's enduring mission and to celebrate the unveiling of the newly renovated Alexandria branch: a symbol of its continued investment in those it serves.

SDFCU celebrated nine decades with a renewed commitment to member empowerment and enhanced services. Post this SDFCU Leadership (Photo: Daryll Morgan Studios)

Since its founding in 1935, SDFCU has grown into a global financial partner with nearly 90,000 members around the world. Throughout its history, SDFCU has remained focused on delivering value through competitive financial products, financial wellness resources, and digital solutions that meet the unique needs of a globally mobile membership.

The event featured remarks from Board of Directors Chair Marlene Schwartz and President & CEO Jim Hayes, both of whom reflected on the Credit Union's continued purpose and future vision.

"This is more than a celebration of our past; it's a renewed commitment to the future," said Marlene Schwartz. "For 90 years, SDFCU has stood as a pillar of trust and service. Today's re-opening of our Alexandria branch symbolizes our continued investment in our members and our community."

President & CEO Jim Hayes echoed this mission-focused sentiment, adding, "Our members make a difference in the world every day. We take pride in making a difference for them. As we look ahead, we're focused on continued innovation, stronger financial tools, and even more ways to help our members thrive  wherever life takes them."

While the celebration included the grand reopening of the updated Alexandria branch, the heart of the event was a reaffirmation of SDFCU's ongoing commitment: to serve with integrity, empower with education, and grow alongside its members. The renovated branch features enhanced technology and a modern design to support more seamless, personalized service; but it's just one of many ways SDFCU continues to invest in the future of its members. As SDFCU enters its next decade, it remains committed to empowering every member: today, tomorrow, and beyond.

About State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU): SDFCU is a member-owned, full-service financial institution that is committed to serving its nearly 90,000 members worldwide. With $2.9 billion in assets, SDFCU offers a full range of financial products and services that address the diverse and global needs of its members. SDFCU is headquartered in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia and has six branch locations. Learn more about SDFCU at www.sdfcu.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE SDFCU
11 July 2025 12:48 (UTC+04:00)

Full digital access to all news for 1 year

Full digital access to all news for 6 months

Full digital access to all news for 3 months

Full digital access to all news for 1 month

Find the plan that suits you best.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are poised to play an increasingly vital role in meeting Europes long-term oil needs, according to the latest report by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Azernews reports. The report forecasts that by 2050, crude oil and condensate exports from the Caspian region to Europe will stabilise at around...

Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.

Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.

By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more.

Subscribe

You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper

Thank you!
11 July 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Renaults electric vehicle division, Ampere, announced a significant partnership on Thursday with Chinese investors, including CICC Capital PE, to launch an investment fund aimed at accelerating innovation in the EV sector. The deal was finalized in Hangzhou, a major city in eastern China, known for its tech and innovation ecosystem, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

The new fund will focus on advanced technologies such as battery development, smart driving systems, intelligent cockpits, and embodied intelligencean area that explores how AI can interact with and enhance human mobility. While the exact size of the fund has not been revealed, Renault emphasized its commitment to driving the future of electric vehicles through strategic collaborations in cutting-edge fields.

What makes this move particularly interesting is the growing trend of global automakers seeking alliances in China, a hub for both EV production and technological development. Chinas vast consumer base and its leadership in electric vehicle adoption present a unique opportunity for Renault to tap into new markets while advancing its own electric vehicle innovation.

This partnership also highlights a broader shift in the automotive industry, where traditional automakers are increasingly investing in AI and next-gen technologies to stay ahead of the curve in a highly competitive market. For Renault, this deal is likely a crucial step in maintaining its edge in the fast-evolving EV race.
11 July 2025 10:44 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On July 10, at approximately 19:00, a man with a gunshot wound to the head was admitted to the Gyumri Medical Center, Azernews reports via Armenpress.

According to medical personnel, the patient underwent emergency surgery and is currently in intensive care in a coma. His condition is described as critical.

Preliminary information identifies the individual as Aleksey K., born in 2002, who serves at the Russian 102nd Military Base stationed in Gyumri.

Hospital medics have indicated that the gunshot wound was allegedly self-inflicted.

Spokesperson for the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Narek Sargsyan, confirmed to Armenpress that the police were informed about the incident by the hospital and that an investigation is underway.
11 July 2025 11:53 (UTC+04:00)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held another round of talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the ongoing war in Ukraine topping the agenda, according to Russias state news agency TASS.

This encounter came just a day after a more extensive 50-minute meeting between the two diplomats. While no official readout of Fridays discussion has been released, Rubio stated after Thursdays meeting that the two sides had explored a potential new and different approach to reinitiating peace talks over the Ukraine conflict.

Its not a guarantee of peace, Rubio told reporters, but its an idea I will take back to the president.

Lavrov confirmed that he had reiterated Russias stance, saying the discussion reaffirmed the proposals previously outlined by President Vladimir Putin, particularly during his recent July 3 phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the two officials engaged in a substantive and frank exchange not only on Ukraine but also on other pressing international concerns, including Iran, Syria, and broader global affairs.

The encounter marked a rare high-level contact between Washington and Moscow amid a tense diplomatic climate. However, Russian officials sought to downplay any talk of worsening relations.
11 July 2025 15:57 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

In a historic and unprecedented move, the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) officially ended its nearly five-decade armed struggle with a symbolic arms-laying ceremony held in Sulaymaniyah, within Iraqs Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), on July 11, Azernews reports.

The disarmament event, held in Casana Cave, came in response to a call by PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan. In a statement read at the ceremony, representatives of the PKK-affiliated Peace and Democratic Society Group declared:

From now on, we are destroying our weapons with our free will, in order to continue our struggle for freedom, democracy, and socialism through democratic political and legal methods, and on the basis of the enactment of democratic integration laws.

The statement emphasized the symbolic and political importance of the decision:

We hope that this step we have taken will be beneficial to all our people, especially women and youth, to the peoples of Turkey and the Middle East, and to all humanity, and that it will bring peace and freedom.

The event was witnessed by a delegation of approximately 150 people, including politicians, intellectuals, human rights defenders, and members of the press. Delegates included DEM Party Co-Chairs Tulay Hatimogullar and Tuncer Bakrhan, DBP Co-Chairs Cigdem Klcgun Ucar and Keskin Bayndr, Peace Mothers Assembly members, and several MPs. Although journalists were not permitted direct access to the ceremony for security reasons, a live viewing was arranged in the Dukan district, where around 200 journalists observed the event via screen.

Bahceli hails milestone

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahceli, who played a key role in initiating the latest peace initiative, welcomed the move as a significant turning point.

Effective today, the separatist terrorist organization has begun surrendering its weapons, he said.

Turkey is on the verge of salvation from the scourge of separatist terrorism, whose past has been riveted by nearly half a century of violence and brutality.

Describing the developments as positive and heartwarming, Bahceli added:

With the completion of the arms surrender process within the specified timeframe, bad memories will be left behind, and the Turkish nation will be the architect and axis of the new century.

He further noted that:

Indeed, as can be seen from his latest video message, the PKK's founding leadership kept its word, stood by its commitments, and foresaw global and regional threats in a timely manner.

DEM Partys role acknowledged

In a notable gesture, Bahceli also praised the role of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, stating:

The DEM Party has maintained a sensible and responsible political line, sincerely adhering to the goal of a terror-free Turkey, and has stood on the side of a thousand-year-old brotherhood with balanced and accurate words and assessments.

The current peace process, dubbed Terror-Free Turkey by the government and Peace and Democratic Society by DEM Party representatives, was catalyzed by a call from Bahceli to Abdullah Ocalan earlier this year. Ocalan, imprisoned on Imral Island for 26 years, responded positively, and on February 27, made a public call for disarmament.

Subsequently, from May 57, the PKK held a congress in which it formally decided to dissolve its military wing and lay down arms.

The KCK (Kurdistan Communities Union), which oversaw the disarmament logistics, had earlier announced that journalists would not be allowed inside the arms-laying site and that no live broadcast would be made for security reasons.

This latest step marks a potentially transformative moment in Turkish politics and the broader Middle East, signaling a shift from militancy to political engagement. However, the durability of the peace process remains contingent on developments in the coming months and the continued political will on all sides.
11 July 2025 21:23 (UTC+04:00)

Full digital access to all news for 1 year

Full digital access to all news for 6 months

Full digital access to all news for 3 months

Full digital access to all news for 1 month

Find the plan that suits you best.

Irelands influential Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched a new investigation into TikTok over the storage of European users data on Chinese servers. This comes after the short-video platform revealed in April that some of this data had been temporarily stored in China, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.

Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.

By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more.

Subscribe

You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper

Thank you!
 

       3.0 (      -       -         ): editor [at] bahrainmirror.com
TORONTO, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tequity Advisors, a leading sell-side investment banking firm specializing in B2B Enterprise Cloud, SaaS, product and services companies, is proud to announce the promotion of Anish Singla to the role of President, effective immediately.

Anish has been a driving force behind the firm's continued growth and success. With a strong strategic vision and a deep commitment to clients, he has consistently delivered exceptional results and fostered a culture of excellence and integrity at Tequity Advisors.

Tequity Advisors announces promotion of Anish Singla to President

"In decades of growing companies, I've had the pleasure of working with many great people. Anish is simply the best I've ever worked with in so many aspects," said Alex MacKay, Executive Chairman of Tequity Advisors.

As President, Anish will lead the firm's continued expansion in key markets, with a specific focus on growth in both the United States and Europe. His leadership marks a new chapter in Tequity's journey as the firm strengthens its position as a trusted advisor in the global technology M&A landscape.

"We have a lot of solid plans in place for future growth in both the USA and Europe. The future of Tequity is in great hands!"

Tequity Advisors remains committed to delivering world-class M&A advisory services to technology companies, with Anish's appointment further reinforcing that mission.

About Tequity Advisors

Tequity Advisors is a boutique investment banking firm headquartered in Toronto, Canada, focused exclusively on strategic M&A advisory services for technology companies. With a reputation for deep domain expertise and client-first execution, Tequity helps entrepreneurs and companies achieve successful exits and growth partnerships.

Media Contact:

Ankita Jain

+1 647-870-7006

[email protected]

www.tequityadvisors.com

SOURCE Tequity Advisors
Lincoln County Declares Drought Emergency, Central Oregon Coast Streams Near Record Lows

Published 07/09/25 at 5:55 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Newport, Oregon) - Lincoln County commissioners declared a drought emergency on July 2 in response to historically low streamflows and dry conditions across the region. The county plans to request a formal declaration from the state of Oregon, which would unlock relief tools for local water users. (Above: Lincoln City's D River as it disappears on occasion. File photo)

For residents, it means the county is asking for help in conserving water. There is no word yet on how this will affect visitors or tourism on the central Oregon coast.

The emergency designation is for Yachats, Waldport, Newport, Depoe Bay and Lincoln City. The move was recommended by the Mid-Coast Water Conservation Consortium and approved during the commissioners meeting, reflects mounting concern over drinking water supplies and the health of stream-dependent fish and wildlife.

Funky to Kooky Facts About Oregon Coast Lighthouses - Seaside, Cannon Beach, Oceanside, Newport, Florence, Reedsport, Coos Bay, Port Orford

Streamflows on the Siletz, Alsea, and Yachats Rivers have been tracking well below normal levels. By mid-June, the Siletz River registered only 22 percent of its average flow  a record low for that time of year. The Alsea River came in at 40 percent, while the Yachats River hovered at 49 percent of its average. Smaller streams are also showing signs of stress; Beaver Creek has already reached flow levels typical of late August and September.

NOAAs Drought.gov reports that for this part of the Oregon coast, May 2025 was the 20th driest on record in the past 131 years, with a precipitation drop of 2.25 inches below average. For the period from January through May, it ranks as the 26th driest, with an 8.23-inch deficit.



Yachats / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Lincoln County issued a press release encouraging residents to take action to relieve pressure on local waterways. Recommendations include watering plants during cooler hours, limiting lawn irrigation, using efficient irrigation tools, and avoiding outdoor washing. The county also urges residents to regularly check for leaks in household plumbing and irrigation systems and provides simple steps to detect leaks using dye tablets or water meter readings.

Additional conservation measures include installing low-flow fixtures, upgrading toilets to models that use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, keeping showers brief, and waiting to run dishwashers and washing machines until fully loaded.

Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Depoe Bay - Where to eat - Depoe Bay Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Waldport - Where to eat - Waldport, Seal Rock Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Yachats - Where to eat - Yachats Maps and Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW













OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

Sweeping Designs, Sights of N. Oregon Coast's Arch Cape, Away At Last Rental

A mere 200 steps from the beach, near Cannon Beach. hotel reviews, lodging



A True 'Pacific Treasure' on Oregon Coast, Rental Overlooks Lincoln City Calm...

A hot tub on that balcony, massive windows to the view. Hotel reviews, Lincoln City lodging, vacation rentals



Glorious Ocean Views to October's Second Summer on Oregon Coast

Two vacation homes in Lincoln City with expansive vistas. Lincoln City hotel reviews, specials



Vacation House in Pacific City a Unique Oregon Coast Experience, Distinctive ...

Heron's Perch is part bucolic barn, part sleek design. Lodging reviews, Pacific City hotels















More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
New Outdoor Sculptures for Newport Accentuate Its Oregon Coast Vibes

Published 07/07/25 at 4:55 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon)  The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and Newports Public Arts Advisory Committee have officially launched a new citywide initiative celebrating sculptural art in public spaces. Known as Newport Art Seen, the project invites community members and visitors to a kickoff celebration on Thursday, July 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

The event will open with outdoor remarks from Mayor Jan Kaplan and Councilor Cynthia Jacobi, weather permitting, followed by an indoor reception featuring refreshments and live music by the Lucky Gap String Band.

Newport Art Seen introduces a rotating outdoor gallery designed to enrich the citys visual landscape. The first four sculptures have been installed on pedestals in Nye Beach and along Olive Street near the Performing Arts Center. Featured works include Fossil II by Lin McJunkin of Conway, Washington; Welcome Dance by Harold Linke of Lake Oswego, Oregon; Spiritsafe #14 by John Zylstra of Bellingham, Washington; and Campsong by Paul Reimer of British Columbia, Canada.





The sculptures will be on display for six months before being replaced, offering a fresh experience for returning visitors and residents. Artists are compensated with honoraria, and all pieces are available for purchase. Proceeds primarily support the artists, with a portion returning to the community in support of public art.

These four sculptures are just the beginning, said Rachel Browning, administrator of the Public Arts Committee. Were thrilled to bring these works to Newport and look forward to expanding installations near City Hall and the bayfront in the future.

Details about Newport Art Seen, along with purchasing information, can be found at www.coastarts.org/artseen.

Also in the Newport area: Oregon Day Trips and Tours: Newport on the Central Coast - It's an easy day's jaunt from many Willamette Valley towns: some travel tips. It's all about 80 miles from Salem or 50 miles from Corvallis.

At the north end sits the stunning Yaquina Head Natural Outstanding Area. If you can't find anything to do here, you're probably dead and no one told you. A gigantic manmade tidepool creation, hidden rocks and boulders to climb on, a mysterious hill encircling the headland from overhead, a strange, noisy beach made of polished stones and one major lighthouse provide more than you could do in a day.



Funky to Kooky Facts About Oregon Coast Lighthouses - Seaside, Cannon Beach, Oceanside, Newport, Florence, Reedsport, Coos Bay, Port Orford

Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW













OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

An Oregon Coast Stay Full of Ocean Expanse, Cannon Beach Bunnies, Maybe Elk

Cannon Beach's Wayside Inn hosts balconies or patios to the watery world. Cannon Beach hotel reviews



Sweeping Designs, Sights of N. Oregon Coast's Arch Cape, Away At Last Rental

A mere 200 steps from the beach, near Cannon Beach. hotel reviews, lodging



N. Oregon Coast Perch with a Monster View of Haystack Rock

Grateful Getaway is a luxury vacation rental in with a view of it all. Hotel reviews, Cannon Beach lodging, Cannon Beach hotels



Historic North Oregon Coast Inn Gets New Life as Off-the-Beaten-Path Forest G...

Nehalem River Inn is nearly 100 years but has a new look. Manzanita hotel reviews, Manzanita lodging









More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
North Bend's Neon Sign Glows Again: History of the South Oregon Coast Icon

Published 07/08/25 at 8:15 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(North Bend, Oregon)  Sometimes it's good when history repeats itself, especially in the case of the Glowing Legacy of one landmark at North Bend in Coos County. Photo courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast.

For almost 100 years, the south Oregon coast burgh has had a bit of an anomaly when it comes to highway signs. By most standards, that glowing, buzzing beauty made of neon that greets people coming into North Bend isn't supposed to be there. Call it an act of aesthetic rebellion or simply a quirk of history, but the giant neon Welcome to North Bend sign was breaking the rules when it was installed in 1936, and maybe even in 2010 when it was replaced.

Either way, the city's glowing greeter was down for a bit in late June, getting a few repairs done: a bit of surgery, if you will. Some of those letters had gone out, but then on June 26 the city announced:



City of North Bend - On the other side it reads Come Back to North Bend.



The iconic Welcome to North Bend neon sign  a cherished symbol of our city's heritage  is undergoing repairs tonight, June 26th! Thanks to our partnership with Art Signs of Coos Bay, the darkened red neon will soon shine bright once again, welcoming residents, visitors, and travelers crossing the historic McCullough Bridge."

This is, after all, as the City of North Bend termed it a rare exemption from ODOT. You ain't gonna see this bit of historic and homespun wonder anywhere else in Oregon  in such an official place like the northern edge of the McCullough Memorial Bridge.

It's an interesting bit of south coast history.

First, the latest on the sign:



Photo courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast.

City of North Bend officials say the work was all done late at night on June 26: started and finished. Five letters were out, said Ralph Dunham, Director of Public Works, and the sign had to be cleaned.

ODOT requires we do the work after peak traffic (reasonably so), he told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Thus a night, so took some time to schedule the work.

Early History of the North Bend Neon Sign



Graphic courtesy Steven Greif, Coos History Center

The original sign (the current one is the second version) went up in 1936 after considerable debate. It was there near the opening of what was then called the Coos Bay Bridge, put up on two pylons and about two blocks from its current location.

Steven Greif with the Coos History Museum noted that it wasn't well received, initially. In July of 1936 (according to newspaper coverage in The Coos Bay Times), the city council voted to dress up the city's main street by actually purchasing neon sign for the bridge.

A week later (about July 23), the State Highway Commission at a meeting in Portland said no. There would be no neon sign  that's against the rules.

City fathers found a way around State Highway Commission rules, Greif said.

They argued it was being put up on a city street and not the highway (even though it was on Highway 101). North Bend apparently won this, but it wasn't a slam dunk victory. There was still doubt whether the commission would allow this, and the Electrical Products company from Portland that was working on the sign reassured the city that they would assume all costs if it turned out the sign would get yanked. They would, according to the Times in September of 1936, handle all legal matters pertaining to these rulings and even refund the city if the sign was ordered removed.



Photo courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast.

During this time, the state still maintained the sign was a nuisance and contrary to the wishes of the state highway department. Yet by November 14 of '36 they learned the State of Oregon would not pursue the matter any longer.

Back then there was Dunham's counterpart: city engineer RL Cavanaugh was building the concrete bases that would hold the metal pylons.

So it went up and stayed up for decades, and it seems the commission and later ODOT never really tried very hard to get it taken down.

However, a sizable storm in early '37 broke the sign. It came down for a little while, was repaired, and then in May of '37 it still wasn't working correctly. Not all the letters were lit up. North Bend's mayor at the time publicly expressed his disgust with the broken look, and it was fixed around May 21.



Recent History of the North Bend Neon Sign

2025 isn't the first time it had to be taken down, although it's apparently the first time THIS version had to be brought down.

Back in 2010, the original neon sign was decaying, and it turns out the pylons weren't doing so hot, either. It was removed for safety reasons just before Thanksgiving. Set aside at the local fire department, for the next few months city officials mulled over what to do .

They replaced it with a new one.

About here is where Dunham comes in again. He remembers this project fondly as an engineer.

Setting up the new poles that would hold the sign at its new location, he remembers tension in the cables was around 8,800 lbs.

I do know it was significant because the sign had to be no lower than 19 feet above the highway at its lowest point, Dunham said.

The cable was stretched very flat, which was a little bit of a challenge even though this is a light load.

Was a little bit of a fun project for me, he said. Corroborated with the logging engineering side as they deal with droop in cable with logging systems more than us normal civil engineers deal with it.

South Oregon coast officials voted to shell out $50,000 for a replica back in 2011, and the rest is  well, history repeated. They managed to keep the ODOT exemption.

Now the sign  with all its cool 'n kitsch retro vibes  is back, greeting motorists and waving goodbye as they leave.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW













OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

April Gets Even Cheaper Midweek at Depoe Bay, Lincoln City: Oregon Coast Deals

Off-season rates plus more at Keystone Vacation Rentals. Depoe Bay lodging specials, Lincoln City hotel reviews, Newport hotel reviews



New to Oregon Coast Vacation Home Scene: Latest Finds in Neskowin, Pacific City

Four new vacation rentals in Neskowin and Pacific City. Pacific City hotel reviews, Neskowin hotel reviews



Music Reviews: Top Ten Innovative Holiday Tunes You Did Not Know

Jethro Tull, The Residents, Patty Gurdy, The Pogues, Robert Fripp, Roxy Music, Blue Nile, Emerson, Lake 'n Palmer, Chris Squire



Lincoln City's Coho Oceanfront Lodge Continues Pushing Boundaries on Oregon C...

Plenty of perks - a kind of upscale without all of that price tag. Lincoln City lodging, hotel reviews, Gleneden Beach









More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
South Beach Sandcastle Contest Returns to Central Oregon Coast's Newport

Published 07/10/25 at 7:15 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) - One of the few events of its kind organized by Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) returns this month to the central Oregon coast and promises a rollicking but artistically-engaging time for all ages on the beach.

South Beach State Park in Newport is set to host its annual sandcastle competition from 10 a.m. to noon on July 26.

The family-friendly contest has been a highlight at the park since 2001, drawing participants and spectators for its creative energy and coastal charm. Competitors may enter solo or as part of a team, with first, second, and third place winners receiving prize baskets. The top prize includes four tickets to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Not far from here is Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and its curious history.





Registration begins on site at 9:30 a.m. on the beach near the South Beach day-use parking lot. Ranger Patrick Newhall said the event offers a chance for visitors to showcase their sand sculpting skills and connect with park staff and volunteers.

In 2024, the event saw 20 teams and 65 competitors crafting castles and sea-themed sculptures, as nearly 200 spectators looked on.

The contest takes place on the beach at the southern edge of Newports South Beach district. Parking is free.

South Beach State Park is one of the largest parks on the Oregon coast, stretching nearly a mile down the southern shore of Yaquina Bay. It offers over 200 electric and water hookup sites, alongside biking and walking trails that wind through brush, marsh, and open dunes. The beach itself opens tup o about a dozen miles of shoreline from the South Jetty southward.

Also see Not THAT South Beach: Newport's South Beach Mix of Oregon Coast Whimsical to Atmospheric.

For more information, visitors can contact South Beach State Park at (541) 867-7451 Ext. 0.

Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW













OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

In Manzanita, Susan's Beach Cottage is Elder Oregon Coast Statesman with a Mo...

One vacation rental no one seems to know about. Manzanita hotel reviews, Oregon coast lodging news



Lincoln City's Coho Oceanfront Lodge Continues Pushing Boundaries on Oregon C...

Plenty of perks - a kind of upscale without all of that price tag. Lincoln City lodging, hotel reviews, Gleneden Beach



Multiple, Killer Oregon Coast Balcony Views at a Mere Two of Newport's Hotspots

A slice of infnity at one and a charming mansion in dense woods. Newport hotel reviews



Vacation House in Pacific City a Unique Oregon Coast Experience, Distinctive ...

Heron's Perch is part bucolic barn, part sleek design. Lodging reviews, Pacific City hotels









More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
Oregon, Washington US Coast Guard Now Calls Itself Northwest District

Published 07/07/25 at 4:45 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Newport, Oregon)  A name change for one part of the US Coast Guard (USCG) will undoubtedly make for a stronger local tie-in. The USCG district that covers the Oregon coast and Washington coast is getting a new title.

The U.S. Coast Guard this week announced the renaming of its operational districts from numerical identifiers to region-based designations. What was called Coast Guard District 13 will be known as the Coast Guard Northwest District, the set of offices covering Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

The initiative, part of the Force Design 2028 (FD2028) transformation strategy, aims to better align each districts name with the area it serves. This changes nothing from day-to-day operations for the U.S. Coast Guard  only the name of the district.

The decision, directed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on May 21, 2025, marks a departure from a system dating back to World War II. During that period, the Coast Guard was integrated with the U.S. Navy and adopted numerical districting to streamline coordination. While the Navy abandoned numbered districts over two decades ago, the Coast Guard has maintained them. That changed this week.

If anything, the shift brings the Coast Guard district's identity closer to the identities of Oregon and Washington.

Recently from the Northwest District: Search for Missing Teen Called Off After Involving Coast Guard from Washington, Oregon - Two companions that tried to help also needed rescue.

According to officials, the new naming structure is intended to improve public recognition, enhance interagency cooperation, and reinforce the link between the Coast Guard and the communities it serves. Acting Commandant Kevin E. Lunday described the change as essential to modernizing the Services organizational structure and decision-making under FD2028.

This renaming is more than just a change in labels; its a critical step in our journey to become a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force, Lunday said. We are driving fundamental changes to speed decision-making, improve strategic alignment, and best serve the American people for decades to come.

The updated regional designations, approved by the Department of Homeland Security, are as follows:

- District 1: USCG Northeast District

- District 5: USCG East District

- District 7: USCG Southeast District

- District 8: USCG Heartland District

- District 9: USCG Great Lakes District

- District 11: USCG Southwest District

- District 13: USCG Northwest District

- District 14: USCG Oceania District

- District 17: USCG Arctic District

Along Oregon's coastline, major operational bases including Depoe Bay, Newport, Coos Bay and Astoria.

Officials emphasized that the renaming will not affect or alter district boundaries. The Coast Guard has begun the process of formalizing the changes in the Code of Federal Regulations and plans to engage with stakeholders throughout the transition.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW













OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

From Oregon Coast Swank to Sweet Beach Abode: Lincoln City Rental with Oceanf...

Moonbreaker sits right on the surf with a private stairway down. Lincoln City lodging reviews



Retro Music Review: Yes' Relayer a Surreal Masterpiece

In '74, Yes released one of their most joyeously complex works



Nye Beach's Waves Hotel Keeps Making Waves: an Oregon Coast Classic

Less expensive than many, an innovative Newport boutique hotel. Newport lodging reviews



Vacation Rentals in Cannon Beach: Check Out Reduced Rates at Beachcomber Vaca...

Cannon Beach Specials - reductions in winter and spring. Cannon Beach hotel reviews









More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
Oregon's US Coast Guard Saves Two Teens and a Rescuer from Lincoln City Cliff - Video

Published 07/07/25 at 6:15 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon)  Sometimes even the rescuers need rescuing. (Photo: still from the video taken by USCG)

That is just what happened Sunday when a pair of teens got stranded on the side of a cliff at Roads End Point at the northern edges of Lincoln City. An Oregon coast hiking icon, the spot includes some rather steep edges where people get tempted to explore.

That's a bad idea, as two teens discovered. When they became stranded on that cliffside, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue (NLFR) personnel went to assist  and normally this works out well. The agency has done this multiple times.

This time, however, one of the rescuers became stranded as well.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River were contacted by Lincoln County Dispatch who requested assistance rescuing the two teens, along with a member of the Lincoln County Fire Department, who had become stuck while attempting to rescue the two teens, said US Coast Guard's (USCG) Northwest District.

A Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter crew form Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Oregon, was flown out to the scene.

In the video, you can see the personnel drop from the aircraft, slowly inching down to the cliffs. There, the rescuer straps in each of the three at different points and brings them up into the copter.

From May: Search for Missing Teen Called Off After Involving Coast Guard from Washington, Oregon - Two companions that tried to help also needed rescue

The Coast Guard helicopter crew safely hoisted all three of the individuals in distress and transported them to Siletz Bay State Airfield, the USCG said.

This part of the central Oregon coast - including the narrow God's Thumb  have offered plenty of challenges before to both Lincoln County and USCG personnel.



Past rescue in this spot: courtesy NLFR

"Our air crews frequently train with our agency partner agencies to conduct rescues in a variety of conditions and terrain in the Pacific Northwest," said CDR Amanda Denning, Executive Officer of Coast Guard Air Station Astoria. "We are extremely happy that we were able to rescue the three individuals and transport them to safety."

These rescues are paid by taxpayer money: there have been six such rescues in this Lincoln City spot in the last year. See the rescue in Oct 2024

This district of the USCG just changed its name this week from District 13 to the Northwest District. Oregon, Washington US Coast Guard Now Calls Itself Northwest District

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW













OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

Exquisite Spring Break Hangouts on Oregon Coast with New Discoveries

The wows of Lincoln City and Cannon Beach, including the beginning of a ghost forest. Lincoln City hotel reviews, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, specials, Seaside hotel reviews



South Oregon Coast Town Offers Big Hotel Discounts for Its Winter Wildness

Coos Bay, Charleston, North Bend offer 25 percent off if you stay two nights. Lodging news, lodging reviews



Clifftop Spa Aglow Above Oregon Coast's Nye Beach: Luxury Meets History at Inn

Newport's Inn at Nye Beach has numerous sides. Hotel reviews, lodging



Ocean is Close at Classic Rental Above Deserted Oregon Coast Locale

A Roads End Beach House at Lincoln City is an eye-popper. Lodging reviews, vacation rentals









Past rescue in this spot: courtesy NLFR

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
Denmark's Social Democrat Prime Minister has just become the European Union's president, which rotates among countries, and she used her opening address to the European parliament to take aim at EU mass migration policies. Her major point is that the main group being hurt by mass migration is Europe's own poor.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared that "I believe in and fight for a tight immigration policy because the people who pay the price of high crime levels in European cities and the insecurity that this uncontrolled migration has contributed are the European people who are most disadvantaged." She continued. "European citizens have a right to feel secure in their own countries, that is why we need to strengthen our external borders, lower the influx of migrants to Europe, we need to help stabilize Europe's neighboring countries, and make the process of returns easier and more efficient."

Prime Minister Frederiksen also challenged those who want to see the EU become a super state. She stressed national identity, saying "I am Danish before I am anything else."

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/07/11/danish-pm-tells-eu-that-mass-migration-hurts-disadvantaged-europeans-the-most/

Denmark has consistently resisted mass migration under governments of both the left and the right. It is one issue that all sides in Danish politics believe in. As a result, Denmark has by far the lowest population of Third World migrants of any country in western Europe. When Angela Merkel opened the floodgates to illegal migration to Germany, Denmark responded by closing its borders with Germany so they would not spill over into Denmark. The Danish government also greatly reduced the amount of welfare available to asylum seekers and took out ads in Turkey which was then the staging ground for illegal aliens coming into Europe letting them know of the big welfare reduction and that Denmark did not want them.

Meanwhile Greece's prime minister, who is from the traditional conservative New Democracy Party, has lowered the boom on migrants trying to get into Greece. He has totally stopped allowing any asylum applications from Muslim North Africa and announced tough border control measure. "Those migrants who enter the country illegally will be arrested and detained," Prime Minister Mitsotakis declared.

https://rmx.news/article/greek-prime-minister-suspends-asylum-applications-from-north-africa-and-vows-tougher-border-measures-amid-surge-in-migrant-arrivals/
A Co Tyrone farmer has described his disbelief after one of his cows gave birth to quadruplets  an event so rare that the odds are said to be one in 11 million.

Lifetime dairy farmer Richard Blair (52) said he had initially anticipated more than one calf after a test the week before led him to believe there would be twins.

But it wasnt until last Friday morning that his expectations would be doubled as he made four consecutive deliveries at his Strabane farm.

Richard explained that he had been testing and checking his Holstein Friesians on Friday morning when he noticed a sign that one of them was about to give birth.

Whenever we got her in then, after the test and the reading was over, I examined her. And whenever I put my hand in, I could feel four feet coming at the one time, he said.

I was sort of suspicious of her maybe going to have twins when she was very big in size. And she did have twins last year, on July 1.

Clear his cow was ready to deliver, Richard needed all the help he could get quickly and so called for his father, Willie (79), as well as his daughter Lucy (21).

[We] started calving her. We got the first one out and I put my hand in again and there was another one, the 52-year-old continued.

And then I said Ill just check to see if there are any more. I put my hand in again and there was another calf.

I [didnt] think there would be any more, but I did just put my hand in just to check  and then there was a fourth calf.

The quadruplets with their mother

While the first three calves came out head-first, the fourth had twisted in the womb and was birthed backwards, which subjected it to breathing difficulties.

Thinking on her feet, Lucy grabbed some straw and wedged a handful up the calfs nose, which helped with decongestion, saving its life.

Richard said: The other three had been coming out front-ways, the normal way, but the fourth one was coming backwards and when we got it out it wasnt breathing.

So, my daughter, she started putting straw up the calfs nose and the next thing then it started to breathe.

So it turned out that the fourth one was alive as well.

We couldnt believe that there were four calves. Any time we ever had cows calving before, it was always either singles or twins. Never did I see the like of it before.

The fourth calf, it could have been a fatality, so the extra help was good to have.

The quadruplets with their mother

Cat found sheltering in Newry garden has ears removed after severe sun damage

According to the Irish Farmers Journal, the odds of four live calves are one in 11 million, while four identical calves are a billion to one.

The arrival brought a shock to the local farming community, as well as to Richards local practice, Parkview Vets, with one worker saying she had never seen quadruplets in her almost 40-year career.

The calves are standing strong, remain in good health and can all feed independently.

Richard added: We have the four of them feeding together, in the pen, off a feeder.

I just cant get over how well theyre doing.
Vector database technology enables intelligent automation in real estate, financial services, and beyond

SAN FRANCISCO, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zilliz, the company behind the open-source Milvus vector database, today announced that leading enterprises are deploying AI agents at scale using Zilliz Cloud as their foundational infrastructure. Companies like Verbaflo.ai and Rexera are transforming business operations through intelligent agents that deliver human-like responsiveness.

The AI agent market is experiencing explosive growth as businesses automate complex workflows while maintaining personalized customer experiences. Zilliz Cloud has emerged as critical infrastructure enabling this transformation, powering conversational AI agents that understand context, retrieve information instantly, and engage in natural dialogue.

AI Agents Reshaping Business Operations

Verbaflo.ai revolutionized real estate with AI agents handling customer inquiries, property management, and communications 24/7 across voice, chat, and email channels. "Zilliz Cloud has become a strategic enabler for our vision of transforming conversational AI across industries," said Rachit Jindal, Senior AI Engineer at Verbaflo.ai.

Leading AI company Rexera operationalized AI agents at scale for complex closing processes, powered by Zilliz Cloud infrastructure. Their agents process over 10,000 tasks daily and millions of pages monthly, serving 350+ real estate firms.

The Infrastructure Behind Intelligent Automation

As enterprises move beyond simple chatbots to sophisticated AI agents, Zilliz Cloud provides the vector database foundation, enabling agents to understand context and maintain conversation continuity. The platform supercharges AI agent performance at scale, delivering the speed and reliability needed for enterprise deployments.

Organizations looking to deploy intelligent AI agents can learn more about Zilliz Cloud at zilliz.com/cloud or contact us for deployment consultations.

About Zilliz

Zilliz is a US-based global leader building next-generation vector database technologies, helping organizations unlock the value of unstructured data and rapidly develop AI applications. Zilliz offers a fully managed, multi-cloud vector database service powered by open-source Milvus, supporting AWS, GCP, and Azure across 20+ countries.

Headquartered in Redwood Shores, California, Zilliz is backed by leading investors including Aramco's Prosperity7 Ventures, Temasek's Pavilion Capital, Hillhouse Capital, and others.

Media Contact

Chris Churilo, VP of Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE zilliz
Footfall in Northern Irelands shopping destinations fell by more than 5% year-on-year during June as a concerning decline continued, a report said today.

And in shopping centres, there was an even steeper year-on-year decline of 6%, according to the monthly figures from data firm Sensormatic Solutions and the NI Retail Consortium.
As a child, the Twelfth meant trips to Donegal... but as a reporter, it has given me scars and stories to last a lifetime
R&B singer Chris Brown arriving at Southwark Crown Court, south London, where he is due to appear in court over an alleged assault in a London nightclub. The American musician, 36, is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Abraham Diaw in February 2023. Picture date: Friday June 20, 2025.
Rocky Horror Show encourages people to embrace their oddities and to celebrate each others differences

Co Down actor Connor Carson is part of the Rocky Horror Show team heading to NI for unforgettable musical nights

Actor Connor Carson

Aine Toner Yesterday at 08:15

Get your fishnets on and dust off your Time Warp moves: The Rocky Horror Show is back with a local star taking to the stage.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.

The above words are from Henry David Thoreau, the writer, philosopher and naturalist  among other things. They come from his seminal work Walden; or Life in the Woods written in 1854. Its a memoir and musing on his two- and a-bit years spent living in a self-made cabin near Walden Pond in Massachusetts, and examines themes such as living simply, living deliberately and returning to nature.
Education chiefs are facing heavy criticism from MLAs over fairness in awarding schools funding after it emerged that a primary school in Derry which was forced to relocate late last year due to an unsafe roof had requested repairs more than a dozen times since 2018.
There was a huge surge in demand for the Enniskillen event

The Western Trust has been forced to postpone a planned consultation event on the permanent removal of emergency surgery at a Co Fermanagh hospital following a risk assessment.

A huge surge in demand had resulted in the Trust previously announcing it had opened a waiting list for the event, and pledging to hold a second event in the county.

The service has been suspended at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) since December 2022 after concerns were raised over staffing levels at the Enniskillen site.

Arrangements put in place following the decision mean that patients who require EGS must instead travel to Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry for treatment and assessment.

The Western Trust, which oversees the SWAH, last week voted to consult on a permanent transfer of the service to its Derry site.

A first in-person event scheduled for July 15 at the Killyhevlin Hotel has now been postponed by the Trust.

"Whilst we are pleased with the high level of interest in the public events for the consultation on Emergency General Surgery in the Western Trust area, following a high level risk assessment based on the anticipated numbers registering to attend and in the interests of public safety, the Trust has taken the decision to postpone the event on July 15 2025 in the Killyhevlin Hotel, said a spokesperson.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

"We are keen to engage with as many people as possible in a safe and suitable environment and therefore are committed to organising three face to face events in the Fermanagh area, one in the Tyrone area and one in Derry/Londonderry.

"These additional public events, alongside the virtual event and targeted engagements are designed to provide the time and space for everyone to have their voices heard.

New dates for the consultation events will be publicised as soon as possible. These will be ticket only events. For reasons of public safety these will be ticketed only events and we cannot provide access to people without a registered ticket.

It comes after an impassioned plea from Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) campaigner Pauline Corrigan, whose voice note to friends on Wednesday morning was circulated widely on WhatsApp.

Campaigner Pauline Corrigan

Ms Corrigan, from Blacklion, on the border with Co Cavan, said she had been feeling down about the Trusts decision and had taken an opportunity to vent.

I just got on the phone, did a voice message, and I sent it to 20 of my friends. I started getting messages from a girl in Spain and then another girl from America and it just blew up, she told the Belfast Telegraph.

I just feel that, from the very beginning, when we lost emergency general surgery, we have been treated like dirt. Where I live, I am two hours and 20 minutes away from Altnagelvin.

We live on a farm and have more risk of having a serious industrial accident than any other industry. Unfortunately, I know that too well because my grandfather was killed by a bull and my niece was crushed under a tractor.

"A farm accident is a serious accident because they're dealing with machinery and animals. I genuinely live in fear; we havent a hope.

Paulines message has implored friends and family to make their presence felt at next weeks meeting, describing it as the last throw of the dice.

She said she had been overwhelmed with the level of support following her plea: Im not saying it was my voice message  I cant take any credit for that  but I have never seen the sea change of people.

South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen

Emergency services at the scene of serious RTC in Bangor

Ive had at least 25 calls and messages from people that I havent heard from in years and theyve said enough is enough.

People ignite something in them when they realise this is it. I have never seen this level of anger. We will not stop until we get this back. If we have to block roads, well block roads.

Another consultation event will be held at the Waterfoot Hotel in Derry on July 17, as well as a virtual consultation session on August 27.
The eleventh night bonfire burn fiercely at the loyalist Mount Vernon estate, North Belfast. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

A bonfire with a placard referencing controversial comments by the rap group Kneecap has been set alight in Dungannon.

A bonfire with a placard referencing controversial comments by the rap group Kneecap has been set alight in Dungannon.

A bonfire with placards referencing the rap group Kneecap has been set alight in Co Tyrone.

Hundreds of people watched in the Eastvale estate in Dungannon as the pyre went up in flames shortly after 10.30pm.

It is one of a series of Eleventh Night bonfires being set ablaze across Northern Ireland tonight.

One Kneecap placard, which had a photograph of the west Belfast band as its backdrop, was cable-tied to the pallets.

It featured the heading Kill your local Kneecap, with a further line stating The only good one is a dead one.

That appears to be a reference to comments made about Tory MPs by Kneecap - which the group later apologised for.

In the centre of the poster is the acronym KAT, with Death to Hamas and Destroy all Irish Republicans also written on it.

A bonfire with a placard referencing controversial comments by the rap group Kneecap has been set alight in Dungannon.

A second placard with a photo of Kneecap was also attached to the bonfire.

Before it was lit, a flute band paraded through the mainly loyalist estate to the bonfire site.

As it arrived, the band and some of the crowd broke into an impromptu chorus of The Sash.

A number of flags, including three Irish tricolours, had also been placed on the bonfire.

As the pyre was lit, the flames quickly took hold, with the bonfire collapsing after 20 minutes.

A small police presence kept watch but the event passed off peacefully.

Fire crews arrived shortly after the pyre was set alight and began hosing down nearby fences as a precaution.

A poster of rap trio Kneecap on a bonfire in Eastvale, Dungannon

Many pyres were lit following community events in areas across the country, with street parties and band displays taking place at several locations.

While the majority of gatherings remained free from controversy, several drew attention in recent days after issues were raised over suspected racist displays, sectarian posters and safety concerns.

The eleventh night bonfire burn fiercely at the loyalist Mount Vernon estate, North Belfast. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

On Friday night in the Village area of south Belfast, the bonfire at the centre of a safety storm also went ahead as planned despite Belfast City Councils decision to remove material following concerns relating to a nearby substation and the confirmation of loose asbestos at the site.

It comes after a controversial bonfire in Moygashel  which carried an effigy of migrants travelling on a boat and is being treated by police as a hate incident  was lit on Thursday night along with Corcrain bonfire in Portadown.

A bonfire with a placard referencing controversial comments by the rap group Kneecap has been set alight in Dungannon.

Watch: Craigyhill bonfire in Larne

The NI Fire Service said it took almost two hours to extinguish the fire in Moygashel, with three appliances attending the scene, while in Corcrain, firefighters took more than two and a half hours and four appliances to put out the blaze.

It is understood a number of fire appliances are currently on standby at several bonfire sites throughout Northern Ireland.

Firefighters are currently on site at Huntly Road in Banbridge, Killycomain Drive and Mourneview Street in Portadown and Calhane Park in Portaferry.

Appliances are also ready to deploy at Portaferry Road in Newtownards, Larnes Craigyhill Estate and the Ballycraigy Estate in Antrim.
Two men have been convicted of a number of drug-supply charges after cocaine and cash were discovered following the search of a Range Rover in Co Fermanagh.

Police subsequently searched a house in Enniskillen where drugs, drug paraphernalia and thousands of pounds worth of cash were seized.

The men appeared in Dungannon Crown Court on Wednesday, July 9 after being convicted in relation to the discovery.

Frederick (Derek) McCordick (42) with an address at Coolcullen Meadow, Drumawill, was sentenced to two years imprisonment for being concerned in the supply of a class A drug, namely cocaine and being concerned in the supply of a class B drug.

The defendant was also convicted of four counts of possession of criminal property, one count of concealing criminal property and of converting criminal property.

Meanwhile Calvin Holden (25), of Derrin Road in Enniskillen, was sentenced to a three-year probation order.

During the search of the vehicle  conducted under the Misuse of Drugs Act - on the afternoon of 7 January 2022, 12k of cash was found in a vacuum-sealed bag behind the drivers seat  the cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

As part of this proactive operation, a search was subsequently carried out at an address in the Derrin Road area of Enniskillen on January 21, 2022.

Cocaine and cannabis, with an estimated street value of around 3,000, were seized alongside drug-supply paraphernalia.

Holden was arrested and later charged with being concerned in the supply of a class A controlled drug, namely cocaine, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug, namely cannabis, three counts of possession and one count of converting criminal property.

Frederick McCordick

Police car involved in north Belfast collision

Speaking after the court proceedings, PSNI Detective Inspector MacCionaoith said: This sentencing shows that police remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved with criminality and drug-related activity.

"Teams within our Economic Crime Unit, District Support Team and Neighbourhood Policing Team work collaboratively to stop drugs dealers who extensively ply their trade in County Fermanagh and across Northern Ireland.

"Information from the public is crucial in helping us tackle the scourge of drugs and removing those who supply drugs from our streets."

Information can be given directly to police by calling 101 or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Blog Archive: Jul 2025 (60) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55)
Campaigner slams authorities for letting despicable display of hate go aheadPolice investigate Moygashel display as hate incidentFire service attend Corcrain bonfire in Portadown

The Corcrain bonfire is lit in Portadown on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

The Corcrain bonfire is lit in Portadown on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

The Corcrain bonfire is lit in Portadown on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

The Corcrain bonfire is lit in Portadown on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

The Corcrain Redmanville bonfire in Portadown, County Armagh was lit on Thursday night. Photo by Kelvin Boyes /Press Eye

The Corcrain Redmanville bonfire in Portadown, County Armagh was lit on Thursday night. Photo by Kelvin Boyes /Press Eye

Controversial migrant boat bonfire is lit in Moygashel on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Controversial migrant boat bonfire is lit in Moygashel on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Controversial migrant boat bonfire is lit in Moygashel on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Controversial migrant boat bonfire is lit in Moygashel on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Controversial migrant boat bonfire is lit in Moygashel on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Bonfires at Moygashel and Corcrain (inset) were lit on Thursday night (Photos by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Firefighters took almost two hours to extinguish a controversial bonfire which was lit in Co Tyrone last night.

The pyre in Moygashel, which was topped with a boat containing effigies of migrants, has been condemned by politicians and church leaders.

One campaigner said today it was wrong that the authorities allowed what he branded a "despicable display of hate to go ahead.

It drew large crowds when it was set alight.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) confirmed it received a call at 10.46pm.

Three appliances, two from Dungannon and one from Clogher, attended the scene along with one water tanker.

The fire was extinguished at 12.33am using one jet and four hose reels.

Meanwhile, firefighters attended a separate incident in the Corcrain area of Portadown.

It took over two and a half hours to extinguish as four appliances attended the scene  two from Portadown, one from Banbridge and one from Lurgan.

They used six jets and two hose reels to extinguish the blaze.

The Moygashel bonfire, which has caused controversy in recent years, had also been festooned with anti-immigration placards with one sign reading stop the boats while another read veterans before refugees.

Bands held a parade through the town prior to the bonfire being lit.

Bonfires at Moygashel and Corcrain (inset) were lit on Thursday night (Photos by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Controversial migrant boat bonfire is lit in Moygashel

On Thursday, police confirmed they had received reports in relation to the pyre and were investigating the display as a hate incident.

"The PSNI has received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material that has been placed upon it, said a spokesperson.

Police are investigating this hate incident.

Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe.

Controversial migrant boat bonfire is lit in Moygashel on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

"We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists.

July bonfires: A sectarian safety risk, or a harmless tradition?

Speaking today, Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International said the bonfire in Moygashel should have been stopped.

It is shameful that the authorities allowed this despicable display of hate to go ahead. What a shocking message to send to local migrant families, he said.

It is just weeks since migrant families were forced to flee for their lives when their homes were attacked and set on fire - a chilling pattern of escalating hostility.

The authorities must treat this as a hate crime, conduct a full investigation, and ensure those responsible are held to account. Racism, xenophobia, and hate have no place here - and that must be made unmistakably clear.

A senior Protestant church leader also condemned the effigy as racist, threatening and offensive.

Controversial migrant boat bonfire is lit in Moygashel on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Controversial migrant boat bonfire is lit in Moygashel on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Quoting words from scripture, he added: If we compare them with the effigy of a boat of migrants which sits, to our humiliation and lasting shame, on top of a bonfire in Moygashel, it exposes that effigy for what it is  racist, threatening and offensive.

It certainly has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity or with Protestant culture and is in fact inhuman and deeply sub-Christian."

Meanwhile, a second bonfire was also lit ahead of the 11th night.

Bonfires at Moygashel and Corcrain (inset) were lit on Thursday night (Photos by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Watch: Firefighters battle to keep homes cool as thousands attend Corcrain bonfire

A few thousand were present at the Corcrain bonfire in Portadown, which was lit around 11.30pm.

The Corcrain bonfire is lit in Portadown on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

The Corcrain bonfire is lit in Portadown on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Firefighters hosed down a block of flats and a number of homes that had been boarded up near the bonfire site.

The Corcrain bonfire is lit in Portadown on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

The Corcrain bonfire is lit in Portadown on July 10th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An effigy of Robert Lundy was burned on top of the Corcrain fire. The army officer, who was Governor of Londonderry during the Siege of Derry, is viewed as a traitor within loyalism.

Scores of other Eleventh Night bonfires across Northern Ireland are set to be lit this evening.
A woman has escaped injury after fireworks were thrown through the front window of her home in Enniskillen.

The attack happened in the Derrin Park area in the early hours of Friday morning.

The front window was smashed by two masked males who threw fireworks inside the property causing the curtains to catch fire.

A female occupant was inside at the time, but avoided being injured.

The blaze had to be extinguished by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) crews who attended the scene.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stock image. Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph.

Police car involved in north Belfast collision

Police confirmed they are investigating the incident after a report was made at 1.10am and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information, dashcaam, doorbell or any other footage captured in the area has been asked to contact detectives by calling 101, quoting reference 87 11/07/25.

Information can also be provided online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
Dr Gavin Hughes (left) had been due to lend his expert knowledge to the GB News coverage of The twelfth from Coleraine on Saturday morning alongside Dame Arlene Foster.

GB News live coverage of this years Twelfth celebrations has been thrown into chaos after resident historical expert and Dame Arlene Fosters right hand man for the broadcast has been forced to pull out at the last minute.

Dr Gavin Hughes has been a regular alongside the former First Minister to lend his expert knowledge and anecdotes and was due to contribute to Saturdays coverage of parades in NI.

However the academic has suffered a misadventure after being bitten by an insect during a field research incident which triggered a bad allergic reaction that has forced him to reluctantly vacate his seat for the live broadcast set to come from a sun-kissed Coleraine.

Would you believe it, Ive had a misadventure, Dr Hughes told the Belfast Telegraph.

Unfortunately I wont be able to do the broadcast and Im absolutely gutted.

I was out looking at 1798 farmsteads and churches in County Down (as you do), and got really badly bitten by something. I've now had an extreme allergic reaction.

One very swollen arm and call to local GP later, Ive just started a course of sun-sensitive antibiotics and been told by the doctor in no uncertain terms to rest, avoid using the arm too much and stay inside.

The perils of archaeological field-research!

July bonfires: A sectarian safety risk, or a harmless tradition?

The Director of the Irish Conflict Archaeology Network at the Trinity Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies in Trinity College Dublin was due to accompany Dame Arlene to provide insights into the pageantry.

Actor Charlie Lawson will also help cover the spectacle with reporter Dougie Beattie taking to the streets to mingle with spectators.

Dr Hughes has been a key feature of the GB News coverage since the broadcaster stepped in to fill the void left when BBC NI pulled out of screening The Twelfth live in 2022.

Earlier this week Dame Arlene said she was looking forward to another year of twelfth coverage, posting on X: This year @GBNEWS will be bringing you The Twelfth live from Coleraine with all the usual gang. See you then.

GB News has been contacted for comment.

Dr Gavin Hughes (left) had been due to lend his expert knowledge to the GB News coverage of The twelfth from Coleraine on Saturday morning alongside Dame Arlene Foster.

Hate incident Co Tyrone bonfire topped with migrant effigy lit

At this stage its unclear whether it will be able to find a replacement for Dr Hughes, who has spent several weeks prepping for the big day.

Chief Executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency, Ian Crozier, is also due to take part in the programme due to air between 10am-noon on Saturday.

And this year the broadcaster is extending its focus on the day with a new historical documentary  co-produced by the TV network and Feinics Productions  exploring the untold story of how Ulster-Scots helped to shape early America.

Architects of America: Foundations of Freedom, funded by Northern Ireland Screens Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, will air at midnight on Saturday 12 July.

The documentary explores Colonial Ulster-Scots life and how ordinary men and women from Ulster arrived in a new world and built their future: from spinning wheels in the linen trade, to flax farming and land cultivation, to the rise of ironworks and maritime commerce - including the shadow world of covert trade, the broadcaster previously announced.

These industries and individuals laid the groundwork for revolution.

Filmed across key locations in Ireland and the United States, this special news programme builds on previous coverage of the Glorious Revolution and The Great Migration, charting the rise of the Great Awakening in 18th-century America - a new era of ideals fuelled by the desire for economic, cultural, and religious freedom.
It comes after sectarian slurs on a west Belfast bonfire were reported to police

Watch: Controversial Village bonfire in Belfast goes ahead after council order for removal

Effigies of rap trio Kneecap and an Irish language slogan urging people to kill your local Kneecap have been burnt on a bonfire.

The controversial pyre in the Village area of south Belfast was set ablaze at midnight.

It was one of dozens of bonfires which were ignited to mark Eleventh Night.

The NI Fire & Rescue Service said it was a challenging and extremely busy night.

In one incident in Lisburn, a firefighter was attacked at a bonfire.

Meanwhile, in Belfast, a controversial bonfire that the City Council wanted removed went ahead as planned.

Figures appearing to be dressed in the style of rappers Moghlai Bap, DJ Provai and Mo Chara appeared on the pyre in the Village area.

Belfast City Council had on Wednesday ordered the dismantling of the structure following fears over its proximity to a nearby electrical substation and the presence of loose asbestos at the site.

However, the bonfire was lit after the PSNI deemed it too dangerous to intervene.

As well as the effigies, the bonfire contained an Irish tricolour and Palestine flag, as well as a sign penned in Irish which reads: Maraigh do aitiuil Kneecap.

Though grammatically incorrect, the message roughly translates as Kill your local Kneecap, an apparent reference to comments made by the band about Tory MPs  for which the group later apologised.

Another sign read SDLP and Alliance do not represent our community.

Separately, a poster featuring Kneecap along with sectarian slogans was attached to an Eleventh Night bonfire in Co Tyrone.

The banner, which had a photograph of the west Belfast band as its backdrop, was cable-tied to the pallets used to construct the bonfire in Eastvale Avenue in Dungannon.

It featured the heading Kill your local Kneecap, with a further line stating The only good one is a dead one. In the centre of the poster is the acronym KAT, with Death to Hamas and Destroy all Irish Republicans also on the banner.

July bonfires: A sectarian safety risk, or a harmless tradition?

At Sandy Row, an effigy wearing a Celtic jersey and a tricolour balaclava was placed on top of a bonfire alongside two Palestinian flags.

A posted reading F**k Kneecap and Palestine was fixed to the structure along with another notice reading Stop the Boats. Deport Illegals. Stop the Invasion.

The NI fire service said it was one of its busiest nights of the year.

Between 6pm yesterday and 2am this morning, the NIFRS received 277 emergency 999 calls and attended 194 incidents - 72 of which were bonfire related.

During this period, the number of emergency calls received increased by 154% when compared to 2024, Area Commander Andy Burns said.

It was a challenging and extremely busy night for NIFRS with an increase in demand for our regional control centre and emergency response.

He added: Disappointingly, a firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn. They were not injured and remained on duty.

"This was an isolated incident and not reflective of the support shown to Firefighters in carrying out their duties across the evening.

Yesterday Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey described similar sectarian displays on a bonfire in west Belfast as sickening.

The offensive banners appeared on a pyre alongside Irish tricolours in the Highfield area of the city, with police confirming the banners are being treated as motivated by hate.

The KAT slur has this time been painted onto one of the flags in block capital letters and hung above a sign that reads stop the boats.

Another sign with ATAT and HYL painted on it alongside a crosshair target has also been spotted at the site in addition to a sign that warns PSNI not welcome in loyalist Highfield.

Controversial migrant boat bonfire is lit in Moygashel

Such open and sickening displays of sectarian and racist hatred have absolutely no place in our society, said Mr Maskey.

"Political unionism must speak out and demand the removal of these offensive materials.

Real leadership is needed, although it has been sorely lacking in these communities for some time.

This is clearly a hate crime, and I have reported it to the PSNI.

We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content

A PSNI spokesperson said: Police have received reports regarding offensive signage placed on a bonfire in the Highfield area and in the Eastvale area of Dungannon.

Enquiries into these matters, which are being treated as being motivated by hate, are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a drone carrying an Irish tricolour was spotted flying over the Shankill Road as the community prepared to light their bonfire.

Footage on social media appeared to show the drone performing laps of the area.
Members of the Orange Order take part in a Twelfth of July parade in Belfast. Photo: PA

Bands and marchers will take to the streets at 19 locations across Northern Ireland on Saturday to mark the 335th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.

This year Dundonald will host a Twelfth demonstration for the first time in more than 50 years, as it has been named among the venues for this years Twelfth of July celebrations.

It will join 18 other venues across Northern Ireland including Belfast, Ballymena, Kesh, Coleraine, Keady Coagh, Sixmilecross, Augher, Dromara, Dundrum, Kilkeel, Cullybackey, Rasharkin, Carnlough, Lisburn, Glengormley and Maghera.

Heres all you need to know about every venue:

The 19 parade locations across Northern Ireland

Watch: Highlights from the Twelfth of July parade in Belfast

Co Antrim

 BELFAST

Over 115,000 spectators are expected to line the streets as the parade of 77 bands makes its way through the city.

Leading the procession will be the County Grand Lodge of Belfast, setting off at 10am from Belfa st Orange Hall at Carlisle Circus.

The parade route passes Clifton Street, Donegall Street, Royal Avenue and Donegall Place en-route to an act of remembrance at City Hall, where a wreath will be laid at the cenotaph just before 10.30am.

From there, the parade continues through Donegall Square West, Bedford Street and Dublin Road, onto Shaftesbury Square, Bradbury Place, Lisburn Road, Balmoral Avenue and Malone Road, before reaching Barnetts Demesne.

At six miles (each way), it is the longest Orange procession of the day.

The official platform proceedings and traditional speeches will commence at 2.30pm, with a keynote address from DUP leader Gavin Robinson.

The return parade begins at 3.30pm, as the bands and lodges make their way home via the city centre.

 BALLYMENA

Apart from Belfast, Ballymena is the only place in Northern Ireland to host a Twelfth demonstration every year.

It will feature 27 local lodges, 17 bands as well as the traditional Lambeg drums.

The parade will assemble at Wakehurst Road at 12.30pm before making its way to Peoples Park.

Platform proceedings will take place at 2.30pm with a religious service led by Grand Chaplain Ian McClean. The principal speaker is Henry Dunbar, past Grand Master of Scotland.

 CARNLOUGH

Eleven local lodges and nine bands will accompany brethren along with two sets of Lambeg drums.

Parade begins at noon from the assembly field at the park on BayRoad.

It proceeds through the village, up Largy Road to the demonstration field, situated near St Patricks Church.

Platform proceedings will begin around 2.30pm when the principal speakers will include Rev William Anderson and South Antrim MP Robin Swann.

The parade will leave for its return leg, following the same route, at 4pm.

July bonfires: A sectarian safety risk, or a harmless tradition?

 CULLYBACKEY

For the first time in living memory two districts will co-host the Triangle Twelfth in the heart of Co Antrim.

Portglenone District and Ahoghill District are jointly organising the celebrations in Cullybackey.

The parade will commence from Ard Na Maine at 12.30pm and proceed along the villages main street, taking the direct route to the Cullybackey Community Playing fields.

Platform proceedings will commence at 2.15pm led by Robert Edwards.

After a massed lambeg drumming display in the demonstration field, the return parade leaves at 3.45pm.

 GLENGORMLEY

A day full of colour and culture is expected with 3,000 participants, 66 lodges and nearly 40 bands from Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Parade starts at 11am from Jubilee Way, making its way along Ballyclare Road to Lilian Bland Park, with a wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph.

The procession will then make its way to Antrim Road, ONeill Road, Church Road arriving at V36 Park around 1.30pm.

The return parade commences at 3.30pm from V36 Park, along Church Road, Prince Charles Way, Church Way and Antrim Road, before finishing at Ballyclare Road.

 LISBURN

Over 2,000 members of the Orange Institution with 65 lodges will parade alongside 25 bands.

The main parade begins at 11.30am from the assembly field at Wallace Park and proceeds to QEII/ Ballymacoss Playing Fields (The Brambles).

Platform proceedings begin at 1.45pm, with Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly among the speakers.

The return parade begins at 3.30pm.

 RASHARKIN

Some 43 lodges and 30 bands and Lambeg drums drawn from five local districts will be marching.

The parade starts at 1pm from the Finvoy Road, going through the village and arriving at the demonstration field at The Turnpike.

Platform proceedings start at 2.30pm with the guest speaker Maurice Kirkwood, County Grand Master of Antrim.

The return parade commences at 4.15pm, leaving the demonstration field and returning through the village with dispersal on the Finvoy Road.

Co Armagh

 KEADY

The Co Armagh Twelfth demonstration is the largest Orange gathering in the world.

With 11 district lodges, 150 private lodges, over 5,000 brethren plus representation from the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland and junior lodges, the event showcases the full strength of the Orange family.

Nearly 70 bands will take part as well as dozens of Lambeg drums.

The main parade will leave at 10.30am, making its way along Tassagh Road and Crossmore Road to the demonstration field.

Platform proceedings will begin at 1.45pm, chaired by Denis J Watson JP, County Grand Master, with a religious service led by Rev Alan McCann.

A keynote address will be given by Rev Mervyn Gibson, the Orange Orders Grand Secretary.

The return parade starts at 2.45pm.

Carlisle Circus in Belfast start of the main Orange Order parade in the city last year (Pic: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press)

Co Down

 DUNDONALD

It is a special day for Dundonald, as the Twelfth returns after more than half a century.

The last time the celebrations were held here was 1967.

Some 39 lodges and 28 bands will parade from Dundonald Playing Fields at 12.15pm, led by Holywood District LOL No.14 and Dundonald Purple Vine LOL 1056.

The parade will exit the school grounds onto the Upper Newtownards Road, passing via Robbs Road, Church Road, Grahamsbridge Road, Comber Road and back onto the Upper Newtownards Road towards the school.

The return leg will commence at 4.30pm, leaving Dundonald High School. It will officially conclude at the Comber Road/East Link road junction.

 DUNDRUM

Over 3,000 Orange members, accompanied by 70 bands, will take part in this years Mid and East Down celebrations.

The parade will leave the Belfast Road at noon, making its way along Main Street and Old Road, to the demonstration field on the Ballyloughlin Road.

The return parade leaves at 4pm, retracing its steps back to the Belfast Road.

The platform proceedings will be chaired by Ernie Ritchie, District Master, Castlewellan LOL No. 12 with the religious service led by Rev George Speers, District Chaplain.

Parade at Belfast Cenotaph in 2024

 DROMARA

Led by Dromara LOL 12, accompanied by Waringsford Pipe Band, the parade will feature seven districts.

The assembly field is on the Banbridge Road, while the demonstration field is on the Rathfriland Road, facing Dromara FC.

The parade, featuring approximately 2,500 brethren and 43 bands, departs at noon.

It is expected to take around one hour and 45 minutes for all participants to reach the demonstration field.

The return parade will leave at 4pm.

 KILKEEL

One of the most scenic Twelfth settings, the majestic Mournes provide a stunning backdrop to the parade in Kilkeel.

Some 1,700 participants will be marching, including 15 bands, with 3,000 spectators expected to line the streets.

The day begins with Kilkeel lodges assembling at Kilkeel Orange Hall at 11am before stepping off on a 1.5-mile route to Leestone Road on the outskirts of the town.

There, they will join with the rest of the Mourne District for the return parade into Kilkeel, which will conclude at Queen Elizabeth II Park on Manse Road.

The homeward parade will commence at 4pm.

The Annalong lodges will return to their village, while the Kilkeel lodges will march through the town, dispersing at Kilkeel Orange Hall.

 LISBURN

This year, the City of Lisburn plays host to the 335th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne on Saturday, 12th July 2025, organised on behalf of the South Antrim Combine by Lisburn District LOL No. 6.

The celebration promises to be a major cultural and historical event, with over 2,000 members of the Orange Institutionincluding Orangemen, women, and Juniors with 65 lodges joining forces with up to 25 marching bands.

The main parade will begin at 11:30am from the assembly field at Wallace Park and proceed to QEII / Ballymacoss Playing Fields (The Brambles).

The parade route is as follows, Wallace Park (Magheralave Road), Railway Street,

Market Square (through the ceremonial arch), Market Street, Smithfield Street, Hillsborough Road, Governors Road, Longstone Street (Chapel Hill Roundabout), Thiepval Road, Prince William Road, Knockmore Road finishing at QEII / Ballymacoss Playing Fields, where the procession is expected to arrive at around 1:00pm.

Formal proceedings will commence at approximately 1:45pm and will include a short religious service by Wor. Bro. Rev. Stephen Kilpatrick.

The return parade is scheduled to begin at 3:30pm, following the route of Knockmore Road, Ballinderry Road, Longstone, Chapel Hill and North Circular Road Members of the public are advised to plan ahead for parking.

The Twelfth celebrations in Coleraine. Picture: Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press

Co Fermanagh

 KESH

Out in the west, the village of Kesh will host a parade rich in pageantry and tradition.

The parade assembles on Enniskillen Road at noon, before moving along Main Street and Ederney Road and finishing at Valley Park.

Over 70 bands and 90 lodges from Fermanagh and the neighbouring border counties will take part.

Music for the religious service will be led by Lisnaskea Silver Band.

The platform party will include the Orange Orders Grand Master, Edward Stevenson  making his first Twelfth visit to Fermanagh.

The Twelfth celebrations in Coleraine. Picture: Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press

Co Londonderry

 COLERAINE

Lodges from north Londonderry, City of Londonderry and East Donegal will gather in Coleraine.

The parade begins at 11.15am and will be broadcast on GB News, making its way to the demonstration field behind Coleraine Leisure Centre.

Platform proceedings begin at 2.15pm with James Evans, County Grand Master as main speaker.

The return parade starts at 3.30pm.

 MAGHERA

Eight districts comprised of over 50 local lodges and their bands will be on parade in the south Londonderry Twelfth.

The assembly point will be at the junction of Station Road and Crew Road.

Starting at noon, the parade will move along Station Road, Grove Terrace, OHara Road, Coleraine Road, Main Street, Church Street to Mullagh Road and the demonstration field.

The return parade will begin at 3.30pm, taking in Mullagh Road, Church Street, Main Street where the procession will split.

The Twelfth celebrations in Coleraine. Picture: Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press

Co Tyrone

 AUGHER

The village hosts the Clogher Valley Twelfth for the first time in six years.

Bands and lodges will assemble from 12.15pm at the field on Favour Royal Road, before the parade moves through Augher, turning left and arriving at the demonstration field around 1pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 2.15pm and will feature a religious service, with musical performances by Glenageeragh Pipe Band and the award-winning Murley Silver Band.

The return parade will retrace the same route, departing at 4.15pm and concluding at Favour Royal Road.

 COAGH

One of Tyrones smaller villages is hosting the biggest Orange celebration in the county.

The main parade will commence at 12.30pm from Ruskey Road on the outskirts of the village before making its way along Tamlaght Hill, Coagh Bridge and Main Street to the demonstration field on the Drumconvis Road.

What makes Coagh unique is that the parade actually crosses a county line  beginning in Co Londonderry before crossing into Tyrone as it passes over the bridge.

Around 70 lodges and 50 bands will take part.

Platform proceedings will begin at 2.30pm in the demonstration field where the religious service will be led by Rev Tom Greer.

The return parade will start at 3.45pm, finishing up at Cookstown Road.

 SIXMILECROSS

Around 60 lodges and bands will be on parade at the North and West Tyrone demonstration.

The assembly point is at the field located off Cooley Road - directly opposite Kerr Villas - with the demonstration field on the Tirooney Road.

The parade will commence at 12.30pm, moving along the 1.5 mile route.

The return parade will start at 4pm.
The envoy tried some of the local cuisine

He also tried an Irish coffee

Mr Suzuki with the Deputy First Minister and Junior Minister

The ambassador met with Speaker of the Assembly Edwin Poots

The envoy was on 3-day trip around Northern Ireland

Some of Northern Irelands top tourist spots and culinary delicacies have been showcased after the Japanese ambassador to the UK paid a visit, posing for photos along the way.

Hiroshi Suzuki also fostered political ties during his three-day visit here, meeting senior Executive figures at Stormont, as he explored the best of what the region has to offer.

The ambassador is well known for getting fully involved in his many trips around the UK  he was spotted enthusiastically singing the Welsh national anthem during a trip to Wales earlier this year and tasting Irn Bru on a visit to Scotland.

During his latest excursion, Mr Suzuki took to social media  where he has an active presence  to document his travels in NI, first sharing a image of himself outside Belfast City Airport alongside a photo in which he is pointing at a Tayto vending machine.

The diplomat also visited Carrickfergus Castle

The envoy then made his way to the Giants Causeway, where he remarked on being deeply moved by the magnificent scenery.

While in Co Antrim, he also took a tour of one of the worlds oldest whiskey distilleries, Bushmills Distillery, learning about the drink-making process.

To complete his tour of the North Coast, Mr Suzuki visited Dunluce Castle alongside his beloved Paddington Bear, with which he is often pictured.

He also tried an Irish coffee

In a social media post, he said it was a place filled with romance and history. Its appearance perched on the cliff was magnificent and I could feel its former glory. Also enjoyed the refreshing breeze and beautiful scenery walking along the Portrush coastline.

The diplomat was later greeted by Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly at Stormont Castle.

A spokesperson from the Northern Ireland Executive said: The ambassador is on a three-day visit to Northern Ireland and discussions focused on trade and investment, including the contribution of Japanese businesses currently operating here, and cultural connections.

The envoy tried some of the local cuisine

Mr Suzuki added: Pleasure to meet Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly... Enjoyed fruitful discussions on a wide range of topics including economic and cultural ties between Japan and Northern Ireland.

Mr Suzuki at the Titanic Museum

Hate incident Co Tyrone bonfire topped with migrant effigy lit

Mr Suzuki also took the time to visit Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots to discuss ways of strengthening relations between Japan and Northern Ireland.

The ambassador also tasted some of the local food and drink on offer by ordering an Ulster Fry and an Irish coffee and documented his attempt of splitting the G while enjoying a pint of Guinness.

Mr Suzuki with the Deputy First Minister and Junior Minister

Other visited hotspots included Carrickfergus Castle as well as the Titanic building, which mesmerised him.

Northern Irish-based Japanese businesses, including Fujitsu, electronic components manufacturer Kyocera AVX, Nihon Cyber Defence and Ryobi Aluminium Casting, also welcomed the envoy to their sites.
Forces of the regional Kurdish administration secure the area of the Jasana Cave ahead of a symbolic disarmament ceremony (Hadi Mizban/AP)

Fighters with a Kurdish separatist militant group that has waged a decades-long insurgency in Turkey have begun laying down their weapons in a symbolic ceremony in northern Iraq, the first concrete step towards a promised disarmament as part of a peace process.

The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) announced in May it would disband and renounce armed conflict, ending four decades of hostilities.

The move came after PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul since 1999, urged his group in February to convene a congress and formally disband and disarm.

Ocalan renewed his call in a video message broadcast on Wednesday, saying: I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons.

Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of militant Kurdish group PKK, has called on followers to disarm (Metin Yoksu/AP)

In Turkey, Devlet Bahceli, President Recep Tayyip Erdogans nationalist ally who initiated the peace process, welcomed the development.

Starting today, members of the separatist terrorist organisation have begun surrendering their weapons in groups, marking historic developments that signal the end of a dark era, Mr Bahceli said in a written statement.

These are exceptionally important days for both Turkey and our region.

Mr Bahceli, who has traditionally maintained a hardline stance against the PKK, had surprised everyone in October when he suggested in parliament that Ocalan could be granted parole if he renounced violence and disbanded the PKK.

The ceremony took place in the mountains outside the city of Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

The state-run Iraqi News Agency reported that the process will take place in stages, with a group of party members initially laying down their weapons symbolically'.

The disarmament process is expected to be completed by September, the agency reported.

The PKK has long maintained bases in the mountains of northern Iraq.

Turkish forces have launched offensives and air strikes against the PKK in Iraq and have set up bases in the area.

A soldier patrols in the Sulaymaniyah governorate, Iraq (Hadi Mizban/AP)

Scores of villages have emptied as a result.

The Iraqi government in Baghdad last year announced an official ban on the separatist group, which has long been prohibited in Turkey.

Journalists were not allowed at the site of Fridays ceremony.

An Iraqi Kurdish political official said that about 30 fighters took part in the ceremony, which took place in the presence of a representative of the Turkish intelligence service and representatives of the Kurdish regional government, Iraqs Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, and the Peoples Equality and Democracy Party, a pro-Kurdish party in Turkey.

PKK officials previously said that in order to continue the disarmament process, they want to see Turkey take steps to end the regime of isolation imposed on Ocalan in prison and to allow integration of former militants into the political system.
Northern Ireland charity worker tells of tensions in Kenya amid anti-government clashes

Anti-government protests have seen 150 killed as police shoot into crowds

Jengana helps provide sanitary products for women in Kenya

Abdullah Sabri Yesterday at 08:07

A Northern Irish charity worker in Kenya has described the tense situation in the region.
Bosnian Muslim men carry the coffins containing the remains of seven newly identified victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide (Darko Bandic/AP)

Thousands of people from Bosnia and around the world have gathered in Srebrenica to mark the 30th anniversary of a massacre there of more than 8,000 Bosniak Muslim boys and men.

Seven newly identified victims of the 1995 massacre, including two 19-year-old men, were laid to rest in a collective funeral at a vast cemetery near Srebrenica on Friday, next to more than 6,000 victims already buried there.

Such funerals are held annually for the victims who are still being unearthed from dozens of mass graves around the town.

Relatives of the victims often can bury only partial remains of their loved ones as they are typically found in several different mass graves, sometimes kmiles apart. Such was the case of Mirzeta Karic, who was waiting to bury her father.

A flower is seen on a monument with the names of those killed in the Srebrenica genocide,(Armin Durgut/AP)

Thirty years of search and we are burying a bone, she said, crying by her fathers coffin which was wrapped in green cloth in accordance with Islamic tradition.

I think it would be easier if I could bury all of him. What can I tell you, my father is one of the 50 (killed) from my entire family, she added.

July 11 1995 is the day when the killings started after Bosnian Serb fighters overran the eastern Bosnian enclave in the final months of the inter-ethnic war in the Balkan country.

After taking control of the town that was a protected UN safe zone during the war, Bosnian Serb fighters separated Bosniak Muslim men and boys from their families and brutally executed them in several days.

The bodies were then dumped in mass graves around Srebrenica which they later dug up with bulldozers, scattering the remains among other burial sites to hide the evidence of their war crimes.

The UN General Assembly last year adopted a resolution to commemorate the Srebrenica genocide on the July 11 anniversary.

Scores of international officials and dignitaries attended the commemoration ceremonies and the funeral.

Among them were European Council President Antonio Costa and Britains Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, who said that our duty must be to remember all those lost so tragically and to never let these things happen again.

Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp said he felt humbled because UN troops from the Netherlands were based in Srebrenica when Bosnian Serbs stormed the town.

People mourn during the funerals in Srebrenica (Armin Durgut/AP)

I see to what extent commemorating Srebrenica genocide is important, he said.

In an emotional speech, Munira Subasic, who heads the Mothers of Srebrenica association, urged Europe and the world to help us fight against hatred, against injustice and against killings.

Ms Subasic, who lost her husband and youngest son in Srebrenica along with more than 20 relatives, told Europe to wake up.

As I stand here many mothers in Ukraine and Palestine are going through what we went through in 1995, Ms Subasic said, referring to ongoing conflicts. Its the 21st century but instead of justice, fascism has woken up.

On the eve of the anniversary, an exhibition was inaugurated displaying personal items belonging to the victims that were found in the mass graves over the years.

The conflict in Bosnia erupted in 1992, when Bosnian Serbs took up arms in a rebellion against the countrys independence from the former Yugoslavia and with an aim to create their own state and eventually unite with neighbouring Serbia.

More than 100,000 people were killed and millions displaced before a US-brokered peace agreement was reached in 1995.
Cultural and tourism development promoted in Diaoyuan Ancient Village in E China

Xinhua) 08:52, July 11, 2025

An aerial drone photo taken on July 9, 2025 shows a view of Diaoyuan Ancient Village in Ji'an, east China's Jiangxi Province. Tucked into the undulating hills of Ji'an City in east China's Jiangxi Province, Diaoyuan Village has stood for over 1,100 years -- the layout from above bearing a striking resemblance to a Taoist Tai Chi diagram.

Since 2021, the local government has introduced social capital for the comprehensive cultural and tourism development of the ancient village, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.

In 2024, the ancient village of Diaoyuan attracted around 591,400 visitors, generating revenue of 18 million yuan (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars), stimulating employment and entrepreneurship for over 110 local villagers. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

Children make handicrafts in Diaoyuan Ancient Village of Ji'an, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 9, 2025. Tucked into the undulating hills of Ji'an City in east China's Jiangxi Province, Diaoyuan Village has stood for over 1,100 years -- the layout from above bearing a striking resemblance to a Taoist Tai Chi diagram.

Since 2021, the local government has introduced social capital for the comprehensive cultural and tourism development of the ancient village, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.

In 2024, the ancient village of Diaoyuan attracted around 591,400 visitors, generating revenue of 18 million yuan (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars), stimulating employment and entrepreneurship for over 110 local villagers. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

This photo taken on July 9, 2025 shows a view of Diaoyuan Ancient Village in Ji'an, east China's Jiangxi Province. Tucked into the undulating hills of Ji'an City in east China's Jiangxi Province, Diaoyuan Village has stood for over 1,100 years -- the layout from above bearing a striking resemblance to a Taoist Tai Chi diagram.

Since 2021, the local government has introduced social capital for the comprehensive cultural and tourism development of the ancient village, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.

In 2024, the ancient village of Diaoyuan attracted around 591,400 visitors, generating revenue of 18 million yuan (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars), stimulating employment and entrepreneurship for over 110 local villagers. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

Tourist visit Diaoyuan Ancient Village of Ji'an, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 9, 2025. Tucked into the undulating hills of Ji'an City in east China's Jiangxi Province, Diaoyuan Village has stood for over 1,100 years -- the layout from above bearing a striking resemblance to a Taoist Tai Chi diagram.

Since 2021, the local government has introduced social capital for the comprehensive cultural and tourism development of the ancient village, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.

In 2024, the ancient village of Diaoyuan attracted around 591,400 visitors, generating revenue of 18 million yuan (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars), stimulating employment and entrepreneurship for over 110 local villagers. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

This photo taken on July 9, 2025 shows a view of Diaoyuan Ancient Village in Ji'an, east China's Jiangxi Province. Tucked into the undulating hills of Ji'an City in east China's Jiangxi Province, Diaoyuan Village has stood for over 1,100 years -- the layout from above bearing a striking resemblance to a Taoist Tai Chi diagram.

Since 2021, the local government has introduced social capital for the comprehensive cultural and tourism development of the ancient village, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.

In 2024, the ancient village of Diaoyuan attracted around 591,400 visitors, generating revenue of 18 million yuan (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars), stimulating employment and entrepreneurship for over 110 local villagers. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

A tourist selects creative cultural products in Diaoyuan Ancient Village of Ji'an, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 9, 2025. Tucked into the undulating hills of Ji'an City in east China's Jiangxi Province, Diaoyuan Village has stood for over 1,100 years -- the layout from above bearing a striking resemblance to a Taoist Tai Chi diagram.

Since 2021, the local government has introduced social capital for the comprehensive cultural and tourism development of the ancient village, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.

In 2024, the ancient village of Diaoyuan attracted around 591,400 visitors, generating revenue of 18 million yuan (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars), stimulating employment and entrepreneurship for over 110 local villagers. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

Tourist visit Diaoyuan Ancient Village of Ji'an, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 9, 2025. Tucked into the undulating hills of Ji'an City in east China's Jiangxi Province, Diaoyuan Village has stood for over 1,100 years -- the layout from above bearing a striking resemblance to a Taoist Tai Chi diagram.

Since 2021, the local government has introduced social capital for the comprehensive cultural and tourism development of the ancient village, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.

In 2024, the ancient village of Diaoyuan attracted around 591,400 visitors, generating revenue of 18 million yuan (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars), stimulating employment and entrepreneurship for over 110 local villagers. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

This photo taken on July 9, 2025 shows a view of Diaoyuan Ancient Village in Ji'an, east China's Jiangxi Province. Tucked into the undulating hills of Ji'an City in east China's Jiangxi Province, Diaoyuan Village has stood for over 1,100 years -- the layout from above bearing a striking resemblance to a Taoist Tai Chi diagram.

Since 2021, the local government has introduced social capital for the comprehensive cultural and tourism development of the ancient village, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.

In 2024, the ancient village of Diaoyuan attracted around 591,400 visitors, generating revenue of 18 million yuan (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars), stimulating employment and entrepreneurship for over 110 local villagers. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

A tourist visits a "museum of seeds" in Diaoyuan Ancient Village of Ji'an, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 9, 2025. Tucked into the undulating hills of Ji'an City in east China's Jiangxi Province, Diaoyuan Village has stood for over 1,100 years -- the layout from above bearing a striking resemblance to a Taoist Tai Chi diagram.

Since 2021, the local government has introduced social capital for the comprehensive cultural and tourism development of the ancient village, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.

In 2024, the ancient village of Diaoyuan attracted around 591,400 visitors, generating revenue of 18 million yuan (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars), stimulating employment and entrepreneurship for over 110 local villagers. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

A tourist rests at a homestay in Diaoyuan Ancient Village of Ji'an, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 9, 2025. Tucked into the undulating hills of Ji'an City in east China's Jiangxi Province, Diaoyuan Village has stood for over 1,100 years -- the layout from above bearing a striking resemblance to a Taoist Tai Chi diagram.

Since 2021, the local government has introduced social capital for the comprehensive cultural and tourism development of the ancient village, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.

In 2024, the ancient village of Diaoyuan attracted around 591,400 visitors, generating revenue of 18 million yuan (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars), stimulating employment and entrepreneurship for over 110 local villagers. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
As the marching season heats up, the debate over bonfires returns

The Twelfth of July is a day of joy, pride, and nostalgia for Unionists and Loyalists in Northern Ireland.

The night before, bonfires will be lit across the country - a tradition that began when fires on hillsides were used to signal William of Oranges march from Carrickfergus to the Battle of the Boyne.

But a night of tradition and celebration for some is viewed by others as physically dangerous, and in some cases, undeniably sectarian.

The tallest bonfire in Northern Ireland is Craigyhill in Larne  standing at over 200 feet.

In the same town, a father of two died in 2022 after falling from a different pyre in the Antiville area.

Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan has criticised a lack of leadership from unionist politicians after Belfast City Council voted to remove a south Belfast bonfire over concerns around asbestos and disruption to the electrical supply.

Paramilitary sources have warned of sustained disorder if the bonfire is removed.

Certain bonfires are also infamous for featuring sectarian slogans and controversial effigies, such as this years pyre at Moygashel, which features an effigy depicting illegal migrants on a boat.

To discuss the heated topic, Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride, Loyalist activist Moore Holmes, and the chairman of the Schomberg Ulster Scots society in Kilkeel, Gareth Crozier.

July bonfires: A sectarian safety risk, or a harmless tradition?
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Locally heavy thunderstorms in the morning will give way to partly cloudy skies late. High near 85F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers in the evening with some clearing overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
The Dalai Lama said Saturday he dreamed of living for decades more, as the Buddhist spiritual leader prayed with thousands of exiled Tibetans on the eve of his 90th birthday.

Thumping drums and deep horns reverberated from the Indian hilltop temple, as a chanting chorus of red-robed monks and nuns offered long-life prayers for Tenzin Gyatso, who followers believe is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.

Looking in good health, dressed in traditional maroon monk robes and a flowing yellow wrap, he led prayers -- days after confirming that the 600-year-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue after his death.

Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name its own successor to the Dalai Lama, to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since.

"So far, I have done my best and with the continued blessings of Avalokiteshvara (a Buddhist spiritual protector), I hope to live another 30 or 40 years, continuing to serve sentient beings and the Buddha Dharma", he said, referring to the teachings of the Buddha.

Followers of the Dalai Lama laud his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau about the size of South Africa.

'Experience happiness'

But speaking at the main temple in the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades -- after Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959 -- he offered teachings to a far wider audience.

"In my life, I have encountered people from all walks of life, those with faith in religion and others with no interest in it at all. This is only natural, as individuals have different mental dispositions", he said, speaking in Tibetan.

"Yet, the common desire shared by all, including the Tibetan people, is the wish to avoid suffering and to experience happiness."

The charismatic Buddhist had previously said the institution would continue only if there was popular demand -- and his confirmation on Wednesday it would has reassured followers around the globe.

He said he had received multiple appeals from Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, as well as from Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China.

He said responsibility for identifying the 15th Dalai Lama "will rest exclusively" with his office, the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust.

Self-declared atheist and Communist China, which condemns the Nobel Peace Prize winner as a rebel and separatist, issued a swift response.

China said on Wednesday that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama "must be approved by the central government" in Beijing, and that it would be carried out "by drawing lots from a golden urn", foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters.

That urn is held by Beijing, and the Dalai Lama has already warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks "any spiritual quality".

India and China are intense rivals competing for influence across South Asia, but have sought to repair ties after a 2020 border clash.

New Delhi's foreign minister said it had "always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so".

'Struggle'

The birthday celebrations have also been a time for reflection on an inevitable future without the Dalai Lama.

"Seeing him turn 90 today fills me with happiness, but also a deep sadness," said Dorje Dolma, 27, who fled Tibet to India.

"His Holiness has always felt like a father figure to me," she added. "His good health brings me joy, but his age sometimes worries me."

Hollywood star Richard Gere, a longtime backer of the Tibetans in exile, has been among the tens of thousands taking part in days of celebrations.

"There's something about this Tibetan cause that touches people, and certainly, a central part of that is His Holiness the Dalai Lama," Gere said during celebrations on Thursday.

"Which begs the question: What do we do when we don't have His Holiness to open those doors? He's not there to carry us. And we struggle with that, all of us now."
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.

Calling himself a "simple Buddhist monk" who usually didn't celebrate birthdays, the Dalai Lama marked his 90th on Sunday by praying for peace after China insisted it would have the final say on who succeeded the Tibetan spiritual leader.

Chanting of red-robed monks and nuns rang out from Himalayan hilltop forested temples in India, home to the Dalai Lama since he and thousands of other Tibetans fled Chinese troops who crushed an uprising in their capital Lhasa in 1959.

"I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations," the Dalai Lama said in a message, thanking those marking it with him for using the opportunity "to cultivate peace of mind and compassion".

Dressed in traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap, he walked with the aid of two monks while flashing his trademark beaming smile to thousands of followers.

Beijing condemns the Nobel Peace Prize winner -- who has led a lifelong campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau -- as a rebel and separatist.

Alongside the celebrations, however, is the worry for Tibetans in exile that China will name its successor to bolster control over the territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since.

That raises the likelihood of rival challengers to the post; one by self-declared atheist Beijing, the other by the Dalai Lama's office based in neighbouring India, a regional rival of China.

'Good heart'

The celebrations on Sunday are the culmination of days of long-life prayers for Tenzin Gyatso, who followers believe is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, a man whose moral teachings and idiosyncratic humor have made him one of the world's most popular religious leaders.

"While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone," he said in his birthday message.

"Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place."

The celebrations also included his key announcement that, after being inundated with messages of support from fellow Tibetans both inside and in exile, the spiritual institution will continue after his death.

He said he had received appeals from followers from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China.

The seemingly esoteric matters of reincarnation have real-world political consequences, with Tibetans fearing his death will mark a major setback in his push for more autonomy for the Himalayan region.

The Dalai Lama said his India-based office alone would "exclusively" identify that successor -- prompting a swift and sharp reply from China that the reincarnation "must be approved by the central government" in Beijing.

China said the succession would be carried out "by drawing lots from a golden urn", foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters on Wednesday.

That urn is held by Beijing, and the Dalai Lama has warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks "any spiritual quality".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered effusive birthday greetings on Sunday, calling the Dalai Lama an "enduring symbol of love".

India and China are intense rivals competing for influence across South Asia, but have sought to repair ties after a 2020 border clash.

'Freedom and dignity'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said in a statement that Washington was "committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans".

Among the crowds attending the celebrations was Hollywood star Richard Gere, a longtime backer of the Tibetans in exile, who on Sunday said the Dalai Lama "totally embodies selflessness, complete love and compassion and wisdom".

Messages of support were also given by former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as Barack Obama, who said the Dalai Lama had shown what it means to "speak up for freedom and dignity".

The ceremony ended with the Dalai Lama eating a slice of cake and thousands singing "happy birthday".

No details have been released for the future succession.

All so far have been men or boys, often identified as toddlers and taking up the role only as teenagers.

The current Dalai Lama, himself identified in 1937, has said that if there is a successor it will come from the "free world" outside China's control.

In a speech to followers on Sunday, the Dalai Lama said his practice of Buddhism meant he had dedicated his life towards seeking compassion.

"I'm now 90 and... when I reflect on my life, I see that I have not wasted my life at all", he said, speaking in Tibetan.

"I would not have regrets at the time of my death; rather I would be able to die very peacefully."
Eagle Archives, July 11, 1949: "Your Handbag Directory," a small, practical shopper's guide founded by Mrs. Donald F. McPherson to pay property taxes on her Pittsfield estate, is now published in nine U.S. cities and is set to launch in Paris and the Berkshires.
Quality local journalism needs your support

Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access.

Subscribe today. Cancel anytime.

Subscribe now for 99

Subscriber Sign In | Return Home
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL

Mass. officials unpack the 'big, beautiful bill'  and what it means for Massachusetts
BillOReilly.com is not available in this country.



We apologize for any inconvenience.
India Health Exhibition in Delhi draws stakeholders from across the healthcare spectrum

July 11, 2025 | Friday | News

Worlds first dedicated Medical Technology University launches at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam

The second edition of the India Health Exhibition 2025, organised by Informa Markets in India, was inaugurated on 11 July at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, highlighting the rising demand and immense potential in this sector.

The three-day event, which concludes on 13th July 2025, returns with renewed vigour and an expanded focus to drive collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing across Indias healthcare and MedTech sectors.

It offers a vibrant setting for business, innovation, and industry change. In keeping with the times, Indias health-tech sector is set for significant expansion, with hiring projected to rise by 1520% in 202526, reflecting the increasing demand for innovative healthcare solutions and the integration of technology in medical services.

Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said, Healthcare will always remain a national priorityand India is witnessing a decisive shift in this space. With a thriving population, a proactive government, and growing emphasis on self-care, the sector is moving toward a projected $638 billion valuation by 2030. Our medical tourism market too is set to reach $16.21 billion.

The India Health Exhibition, built on the strong legacy of WHX Dubai, brings together policy, innovation, and enterprisewith India at the centre. This year, our dual-track conferences, including the Global MedTech Connect, aim to spark deeper engagement and forward-looking discussions. And with the launch of the India HealthNext Awards, we are reinforcing our long-term commitment to recognising excellence across the healthcare value chain.

Dr Jitendra Sharma, MD, Founder and CEO of AMTZ, announced the launch of the worlds first dedicated Medical Technology University at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam. This pioneering institution will offer advanced degrees such as M.Tech, MBA, and Ph.D. in medical technology, aiming to transform the industrys skill-building ecosystem.

Supported by prominent industry leaders, including Rajiv Nath, Managing Director, Hindustan Syringes & Medical Device Ltd & Forum Coordinator AIMED (Association of Medical Device Industry), Suresh Vazirani, Founder Chairman, Erba Transasia, and Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General, AHPI (Association of Healthcare Providers India), the university will serve as a global centre for innovation, research, and high-quality manufacturing expertise. By fostering strong collaboration between industry, academia, and regulators, this initiative is set to strengthen Indias self-reliance, boost exports, and establish the country as a leading destination for advanced medical device manufacturing.

A special white paper was also launched at the inaugural event by Praxis Global Alliance in collaboration with Informa Markets in India, providing insights into the increasing popularity of single speciality hospitals as a model to solve inherent challenges in the sector.

The India Health Exhibition 2025 is supported by industry bodies such as AIMED, ADMI, AHPI, EPCMD, and MTAI, ensuring it remains aligned with both sectoral priorities and the countrys broader goals under the Make in India and Digital Health Mission agendas.
Equity 360 facilitates $2.5 M investment in Avis Hospital

July 11, 2025 | Friday | News

Avis Hospital to expand its footprint to more than 15 Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities

Avis Hospital, Indias leading specialty centre dedicated to the treatment of varicose veins, has successfully raised $2.5 million in a strategic growth capital round from NABVENTURES, the venture capital arm of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

The investment was strategically facilitated by Equity 360, a boutique private market investment banking firm led by Sumeet Seraf.

Founded by Dr Rajah V. Koppala, a US- trained Vascular and Interventional Radiologist, Avis Hospital was established to address a silent but widespread health crisis in India, chronic venous insufficiency, commonly known as varicose veins. This condition severely impacts millions, especially in rural regions where daily-wage workers and farmers often suffer in silence due to limited access to specialised care.

The capital raised will enable Avis Hospital to expand its footprint to more than 15 Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, strengthening its capacity to provide specialised care to underserved communities. The hospital also plans to invest in technology-driven diagnostics and set up mobile screening camps to identify and treat patients in remote rural areas.

These initiatives reflect Avis Hospitals long-term vision of building a nationwide network for vein health, grounded in a rural-first healthcare delivery model that prioritises access, affordability, and awareness.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Postal Code
11 July 2025: ArborGen Holdings Limited (NZX: ARB ) (ArborGen or the Company) advises that the 2025 Annual Shareholders Meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 September 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand. The time, venue and other details relating to the meeting will be confirmed in the Notice of Meeting which will be sent to all shareholders in due course.

For the purposes of NZX Listing Rule 2.3.2, the closing date for director nominations is Monday 28 July 2025. All nominations must be received by 5.00 pm on the closing date.

Nominations may only be made by a shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the Annual Meeting and must be accompanied by the consent in writing of the nominated person.

Nominations should either be emailed to: Christina Green CGreen@arborgen.com or addressed to:

Director Nominations

ArborGen Holdings Limited

PO Box 68-249

Victoria Street West

Auckland 1142

New Zealand

For further information please email: info@arborgenholdings.com.

ENDS

Comments from our readers

No comments yet

Add your comment:

Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process.

Related News:

TGG - Response to media speculation

CNU - Q4 FY25 Connections Update

MOVE FY25 Results and Investor Briefing 29 August 2025

RYM - First quarter trading update

July 11th Morning Report

IKE Announces equity raising of A$20 million

Chorus full year results date

FPH 2025 Notice of Annual Meeting and Voting Form

July 10th Morning Report

July 9th Morning Report


Independent TD Catherine Connolly has confirmed she will launch her presidential election bid next week.

The Galway West TD said she believes she has enough support to get on the ballot.

Advertisement

Ms Connolly told the Galway City Tribune: "Yes, my mind is made up to run.

Ive support from across the spectrum, including the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Solidarity, as well as a number of senators and others. Labour and Sinn Fein are still completing their own internal processes which I fully respect.

Ill be formally launching my campaign next week."

This support should be more than enough Ms Connolly to launch her campaign.

Advertisement

On Friday morning, the Social Democrats confirmed their backing for Ms Connolly.

A statement said: Last night, the National Executive of the Social Democrats unanimously decided that our Oireachtas members will nominate Catherine Connolly for president.

This reflects the strong support throughout the Social Democrats for nominating Catherine Connolly.

Catherine has been a tireless advocate for progressive causes and we believe she would make an excellent president.

Advertisement

Candidates need the backing of 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities in order to get on the ballot.

As Ms Connolly alluded to in her comments, Sinn Fein and Labour are yet to decide on whether they will run a candidate, but she would be in a strong position to secure their backing if they do not.

Big names have been slow to emerge ahead of the election, but many are likely to set out their stall in the weeks to come given the election must take place by Tuesday, November 11th.

Ms Connolly's intention to run will likely accelerate this process.

Mary Hanafin has confirmed her interest in the Fianna Fail nomination, while Mairead McGuinness is the favourite for Fine Gael's nomination.

Ms McGuinness' position was strengthened on Thursday when MEP Sean Kelly confirmed he would not run for president.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald declined to rule herself out when asked about a potential bid last week.
Gardai have arrested a man in his 40s as part of their investigations into the death of a pensioner in Limerick city.

The deceased, aged in his 70s, was found with serious injuries in the Watergate area of the city at around 11.30pm on Thursday, July 10th.

Advertisement

The man sustained a critical head injury during an altercation outside an apartment, Gardai believe.

The scene has been preserved for technical and forensic examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

Two HSE ambulances attended the scene and paramedics resuscitated the injured man to the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick, where he was pronounced dead a short time later, on Friday, July 11th.

The Office of the State Pathologist and the local Coroner have been notified. A post-mortem examination has also been arranged, a garda statement said.

Advertisement

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation.

The man who was arrested is being detained at a garda station in Limerick city under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Gardai have appealed for witnesses to the incident to come forward. Anyone who was in the Watergate area of Limerick city on Thursday, July 10th, between 11.15pm and 12am who may have information about the incident has been asked to contact investigating gardai.

Road users with camera footage, including dashcam, who were travelling in the area at the time, have also been asked to make their footage available.

Gardai can be contacted at Henry Street Garda Station on (061) 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
A murder accused was squatting down trying to protect his head while the man he would later fatally stab held the leg of a chair and told him "stop or I'll beat you one", a witness has told the Central Criminal Court.

The witness also agreed that the accused must have had "a colossal amount" of whiskey on the night.

Advertisement

Valeriu Melnic (24), with an address at Calliaghstown Lower, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, is charged with murdering Ion Daghi (39) at The Close, Sallins Park, Sallins in Co Kildare on May 12th, 2024.

Mr Melnic has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to Mr Daghi's manslaughter.

A pathologist has told the jury that Mr Daghi died from a single stab wound to the chest, which measured 13cm in depth, and death would have been very rapid.

Moldovan national Alexandru Beccieu (24), who has given evidence over the last two days, told Carl Hanahoe SC, prosecuting, that he and Mr Melnic went to Mr Daghi's house in Sallins for a barbeque around 8pm on May 11th. He said the accused's sister was the partner of Mr Daghi.

Advertisement

Mr Beccieu said he had brought a bottle of whiskey, which he shared with the accused and Mr Daghi. The men bought another bottle of whiskey or "a strong drink" later in the night and returned to Mr Daghi's house, where they continued drinking.

The witness said the atmosphere was "different" before they went to get a third bottle of whiskey from a nightclub in Naas. He said the accused had gotten drunk and was "speaking ugly" to Mr Daghi.

The witness said both he and Mr Daghi were trying to calm Mr Melnic down, but the accused was "very drunk".

Mr Beccieu said Mr Daghi was trying to calm the accused down "with nice words," but the deceased's patience was wearing thin. He said when Mr Melnic's behaviour wasn't changing, Mr Daghi "wasn't being very kind either" and told him to take his car and go home.

Advertisement

The accused and Mr Daghi then started to pull at each other. Mr Melnic, the witness said, had started to pull at Mr Daghi first, and the accused said he wasn't going anywhere.

The witness said he went between his friends to pull them apart when they started throwing punches at each other. Mr Beccieu said the accused tried to hit him and was successful on the second occasion. He said Mr Daghi then got in between them and separated them.

Mr Baccieu went to look for the accused's car keys because Mr Melnic wasn't calming down after Mr Daghi told him to go home.

When the witness came back, he said the accused was "down" or on the ground with his hands on his head, trying to ward something off" and that Mr Daghi had a piece of a chair in his hand.

Advertisement

A woman took Mr Melnic into the house, and Mr Baccieu and Mr Daghi stayed outside smoking a cigarette.

The witness said Mr Daghi looked in the window of the house and saw the accused and his sister pulling at each other.

Mr Daghi went into the kitchen to see what was happening and came out seconds later.

The witness continued: "Mr Daghi said he cut and fell down in front of me. After he fell down on his stomach, I turned him around on his back and asked what was wrong with him".

Advertisement

He said Mr Daghi's mother was crying and screaming. Asked how long Mr Daghi was in the kitchen for, the witness said "he just went in and came back out".

Mr Baccieu said the deceased had fallen around a metre from the entrance to the kitchen.

Asked again what Mr Daghi had said when he came out of the kitchen, the witness said the deceased told him "he cut me, go," but he didn't understand where Mr Daghi was telling him to go.

Under cross-examination, Mr Beccieu agreed with Brendan Grehan SC, defending, that the accused was "very drunk" as he had never seen him "speak like that way before".

The witness also agreed that the accused had been pouring more whiskey for himself than the others.

He further agreed Mr Melnic must have had "a colossal amount" of the whiskey as the deceased didn't have a lot of alcohol in his system.

The witness clarified that Mr Daghi had the leg of the chair in his hand when the accused was squatting down with his hands over his head, trying to protect it.

He said he hadn't seen Mr Daghi hit Mr Melnic but heard the deceased say, "stop or I'll beat you one".

In his opening address, Mr Hanahoe said it was the State's case that the accused armed himself with a kitchen knife and stabbed Mr Daghi once in the chest following an altercation after the pair had spent the night drinking together.

The trial continues on Monday before Mr Justice David Keane and a jury of eight men and four women.
An air strike on a Buddhist monastery in Myanmar s central Sagaing region has killed at least 23 people who were taking shelter in the compound.

The overnight attack in Lin Ta Lu village, in Sagaing township, injured about 30 other people, of whom 10 were in a critical condition, according to a member of a resistance group.

Advertisement

The resistance member told The Associated Press that 23 civilians including four children were killed after a jet fighter dropped a bomb at around 1am on a building in the villages monastery where more than 150 people from nearby villages were taking shelter to avoid fighting in the region.

Myanmars independent Democratic Voice of Burma online media reported that the death toll could be as high as 30.



A Buddhist monastery was hit by a military air strike in Sagaing township in Sagaing region (UGC via AP)

The military did not immediately comment on the incident at the monastery, which is located about 20 miles north west of Mandalay, the countrys second largest city. In the past, the army has said it only attacks legitimate targets of war, accusing the resistance forces of being terrorists.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, triggering a civil war.

Advertisement

After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are embroiled in conflict.

The military has increasingly used air strikes to counter opposition forces, including the armed Peoples Defence Forces in Sagaing region, a stronghold of armed resistance. The resistance has no effective defence against air attacks.

The monastery attack comes weeks after hundreds of soldiers took part in an offensive with tanks and various aircraft in an area about three miles from Lin Ta Lu to regain territories controlled by the resistance groups.

Thousands of people from nearby villages were displaced to other towns and villages including Lin Ta Lu, the resistance fighter said.

Advertisement

Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the oppositions National Unity Government, told the AP that the military regime has been trying to retake areas controlled by the resistance ahead of a planned general election later this year.

The poll is widely seen as an attempt to normalise the militarys seizure of power through the ballot box and to deliver a result that ensures the generals retain control.
Migration into the European Union pushed its population to a record 450.4 million people last year, offsetting a natural population decline for the fourth straight year, data released on Friday showed.

Ireland was the EU country with the second highest growth rate in its population in 2024, according to the EU statistics arm Eurostat.

Advertisement

Since 2012, the EU has recorded more deaths than births annually, making migration the sole driver of population growth.

The trend highlights Europe's demographic challenge as an aging population and low fertility rates strain welfare systems and create labour shortages.

The bloc added 1.07 million inhabitants in 2024, with positive net migration of 2.3 million people compensating for a natural population decline of 1.3 million as deaths (4.82 million) continued to outweigh births (3.56 million).

Germany, France and Italy remain the bloc's most populous countries, accounting for almost half of the total EU population with 47 per cent.

Advertisement

While 19 EU countries recorded population increases in 2024, eight saw declines.

Malta recorded the highest growth rate at 19.0 per 1,000 people, followed by Ireland (16.3) and Luxembourg (14.7).

Among countries with declining populations, Latvia was the steepest (-9.9), followed by Hungary (-4.7), Poland and Estonia (both -3.4).

The bloc's population has grown from 354.5 million in 1960, though growth rates have slowed significantly from 3 million annually in the 1960s to 0.9 million during 2005-2024.

"The observed population growth can be largely attributed to the increased migratory movements post-Covid-19," Eurostat said.

Ireland Simon Harris says better planning needed for popul... Read More

Population in the 27 member states had declined during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some European governments have also tightened border controls amid public concerns over migration even as irregular border crossings dropped 38 per cent in 2024 to their lowest level since 2021.

Belgium, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands have all introduced temporary border checks over the past year-and-a-half, straining the EU's passport-free Schengen zone.

The EU also rolled out a revamped migration system last year aimed at reducing irregular arrivals and speeding up asylum procedures.
US marines on the streets of Los Angeles. Masked immigration officers at courthouses and popular restaurants. Bans on travellers from more than a dozen countries.

For senior White House aide Stephen Miller, the architect of US president Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, things were going according to plan. He'd set an aggressive quota of 3,000 arrests per day in late May, and the efforts to meet that goal pushed US immigration officers into more communities and businesses, triggering protests and political tensions with Democrats.

Advertisement

Then the president called homeland security secretary Kristi Noem, who was in Los Angeles with other immigration officials in mid-June, according to three former US officials with knowledge of the call.

Stephen Miller has pushed experimental policies that test the bounds of the US Constitution. Photo: Getty

"He said: 'Were going to do this targeted,'" one of the three former US officials said. "Everybody heard it. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement paused raids on farms, hotels, restaurants and food processing plants after the call, the former officials said. Trump was not aware of the extent of the enforcement push, one of the former officials told Reuters at the time, and "once it hit him, he pulled it back." The pause was short-lived. ICE rescinded the guidance days after it was issued, leaving some officials confused about how to proceed.

The episode illustrated a moment of dissonance within Trump's immigration team, which has otherwise appeared to be in lock step on strategy, two of the former officials said. It was a sign that Miller's no-holds-barred approach could go too far, even for the president, they said.

A White House official said there was no daylight between Miller and Trump and Miller's approach to immigration enforcement had not made farms a primary target. The official also said the initial ICE directive pausing raids had not been authorized by top administration leaders.

Advertisement

Miller (39) has long been known as obsessed with immigration but now wields immense power over multiple areas in the West Wing as deputy chief of staff for policy, an increase in influence since Trump's 2017-2021 presidency.

Under his leadership, the Trump administration has doubled immigration arrests, pushed the legal limits of deportations, blocked travellers from 19 countries, moved to restrict birthright citizenship and helped Republicans pass a spending law that devotes an estimated $170 billion to immigration enforcement.

Miller also has been a prominent voice on many of the president's other priorities, including countering diversity initiatives and targeting transgender rights. He is one of a small group of White House staffers who approve all executive orders, a person familiar with the matter said.

But when it comes to immigration, Miller pushes experimental policies that test the bounds of the Constitution, three former colleagues said, including a challenge to birthright citizenship, enshrined in the 14th Amendment.

Advertisement

"He just has a worldview that he is 100 per cent sure of, one Republican official said.

In a social media post urging Republicans to support the spending package Trump signed into law last week, Miller suggested society could crumble if the bill failed to pass.

Stephen Miller established himself as a major policy figure during Trumps first term. Photo: Getty

"Republicans have spent generations promising Americans full, complete and total border security," he wrote in a post on X. "Now is the moment to fulfill the promise on which the fate of civilization itself depends."

Critics say Miller is stoking nativism for political purposes and endorsing policies that seem crafted for cruelty rather than effectiveness.

Advertisement

Administration officials, including Noem, praised Miller for his loyalty to Trump and said he was instrumental in shaping the administration's immigration agenda.

Stephen's passion, patriotism and persistence help fuel this administration in our efforts to carry out the largest deportation of criminal illegal aliens in the history of our republic," she said in a statement to Reuters.

Unprecedented influence

Trump recaptured the White House in part by campaigning to curb illegal immigration, saying millions had entered unlawfully under former president Joe Biden and portraying them as dangerous criminals who needed to be removed.

Miller was a central figure driving that narrative and championed the policies that have fueled Trumps aggressive crackdown. Initially, immigration was Trump's strongest-polling issue, but public approval slipped to 44 per cent in mid-June from 47 per cent a month earlier as the crackdown accelerated, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Advertisement

The unprecedented influence Miller now has over the US immigration system stems from his lengthy and close relationship with Trump, colleagues said.

"He was there from the very, very beginning of the Trump phenomenon, said Marc Short, former chief of staff to vice president Mike Pence. He has stayed loyal throughout the first administration to the president and to this day."

Miller, who is married with three young children, established himself as a major policy figure during Trumps first term. He was remarkably driven and assertive, and used the same tone with colleagues as he did in appearances on TV, a former Trump administration official said.

It was hard to get a word in edgewise, the former official said. Hes not very interested in what you think. Its not a collaborative conversation. If you try to engage, he will talk over you.

Miller called senior homeland security officials so often that they needed a dedicated staffer to talk to him, the former official said.

Democrats have criticised Stephen Miller as the driving force behind Trump's harshest policies. Photo: Getty

The direct outreach to agency staffers has carried over into the current administration, according to one current and one former official.

Two former officials said the threat of crossing Miller and then getting fired and potentially blacklisted by Trump and his political allies also contributed to his authority.

Miller co-founded the conservative advocacy group America First Legal after Trump left office in 2021, which filed or supported lawsuits over immigration policies and other issues.

In the second Trump administration, in addition to his deputy chief of staff role, Miller helms the White House's Homeland Security Council, which coordinates immigration and other domestic security policies within the administration.

Miller came in with all of his staffers in place, a contrast to other areas within the National Security Council, and appears to operate more independently, a person familiar with the matter said. He was ready to rock and roll on Day One, the person said. While dozens of officials were fired from the NSC as part of a downsizing, Millers homeland group remained unaffected, the person said.

'Xenophobic world view'

Miller grew up in Santa Monica, California, where about a quarter of residents are foreign born. He embraced conservative ideas as far back as high school and developed a reputation early in his political career as a provocateur.

He attended Duke University in North Carolina where he stood out for his defense of white lacrosse players who had been accused of raping a Black woman working as a stripper in 2006, writing about the prominent case in newspaper columns and appearing on Fox News. The accusations were determined to be a hoax, which the woman admitted last year.

Democrats have criticised Miller as the driving force behind Trump's harshest policies.

A group of congressional Democrats who in 2019 called Miller a far-right white nationalist with a racist and xenophobic world view" included Karen Bass, who is now the mayor of Los Angeles and has clashed with the Trump administration over ICE raids there.

Miller's wife, Katie Miller, was an aide to billionaire Elon Musk during his roughly four-month stint at the White House. She departed to work for Musk after he left in late May. Current and former Trump officials gave no indication that Trump's off-and-on friction with Musk had caused tension between the president and his longtime aide.

Nearly a month after Trump's call and the back-and-forth over ICE raids, Miller's crackdown continues. On Tuesday, US agriculture aecretary Brooke Rollins said agricultural workers would not receive "amnesty" and that the administration wants an entirely American workforce.

World Trump defends Bondi amid uproar over Jeffrey Epste... Read More

In Los Angeles, federal agents flanked by heavily armored US troops marched through a city park in a show of force that angered local officials. Trump called Miller "our star" when introducing him last week at the opening of a migrant detention center officials dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" because of its location in the Florida Everglades, a subtropical wetland teeming with reptiles and other wildlife.

Speaking at a roundtable with Miller and Noem, Trump said even Miller would respect how Noem had handled her role. "I don't think he likes anybody," Trump said.

Miller, in turn, praised Trump for empowering ICE and Border Patrol to step up immigration enforcement and using legal tools and diplomacy to ramp up deportations.

"Watching what you've done, sir, has been one of the honors of a lifetime," Miller said. "I'm proud to be able to play any role in it."
A son of notorious Mexican drug kingpin El Chapo has pleaded guilty Friday to US drug trafficking charges.

Prosecutors allege Ovidio Guzman Lopez and his brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, ran a faction of the Sinaloa cartel.

Advertisement

They became known locally as the Chapitos, or little Chapos, and federal authorities in 2023 described the operation as a massive effort to send staggering quantities of fentanyl into the US.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges tied to his leadership role in the cartel.



Guzman Lopez admitted to helping oversee the production and smuggling of large quantities of cocaine (PA)

As part of a plea agreement, Guzman Lopez admitted to helping oversee the production and smuggling of large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and fentanyl into the United States, fuelling a crisis that has contributed to tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually.

Terms of the deal, including sentencing recommendations or cooperation agreements, were not immediately disclosed.

Advertisement

Speculation about a deal had percolated for months, as behind-the-scenes negotiations quietly progressed.

The hearing was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was moved to Friday by US District Judge Sharon Coleman without explanation. Hearings have often been delayed or rescheduled.

Ovidio Guzman Lopezs father, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, is serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2019 for his role as the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel, having smuggled mountains of cocaine and other drugs into the United States over 25 years.

The brothers allegedly assumed their fathers former role as leaders of the Sinaloa cartel.

Advertisement

Ovidio Guzman Lopez was arrested in Mexico in 2023 and extradited to the United States. He initially pleaded not guilty but signalled in recent months his intent to change his plea.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez and another long-time Sinaloa leader, Ismael El Mayo Zambada, were arrested in July 2024 in Texas after they landed in the US on a private plane.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges. Their dramatic capture prompted a surge in violence in Mexicos northern state of Sinaloa as two factions of the Sinaloa cartel clashed.
Donald Trump has arrived in Texas to see the devastation from the states catastrophic flooding but he has remained conspicuously quiet about his promises to do away with the federal agency in charge of disaster relief.

The Trump administration is not backing away from its pledges to shut the Federal Emergency Management Agency and return disaster response to the states.

Advertisement

But since the July 4 disaster, which has killed at least 120 people and left more than 170 missing, the president has focused on the human tragedy rather than the government-slashing crusade that has been popular with his core supporters.

Its a horrible thing, Mr Trump told reporters as he left the White House.



President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are visiting Texas (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

He approved Texass request to extend the major disaster declaration beyond Kerr County to eight additional counties, making them eligible for direct financial assistance to recover and rebuild.

His shift in focus underscores how tragedy can complicate political calculations, even though he has made slashing the federal workforce and dramatically shrinking the size of government centrepieces of his administrations opening months.

Advertisement

Air Force One landed in San Antonio and Mr Trump and his wife Melania will tour some of the hard-hit areas by air, then visit the state emergency operations centre in Kerrville to meet first responders and relatives of flood victims.

This area is primarily pro-Trump, said Harris Currie, a rancher from Utopia, Texas, near Kerrville.

Mr Trump won Kerr County with 77% of the vote last year, and Mr Currie said his visit is something a president should do.

The president will get a briefing from officials in Kerrville, where he will joined by Republican governor Greg Abbott and Republican senators. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.

Advertisement

Kerr County Commissioner Jeff Holt, who also is a volunteer firefighter, said the focus of Mr Trumps visit should be how we responded and what were going to do in the future.



Members of Nevada Task Force One search for missing flood victims in Kerrville, Texas (Ashley Landis/AP)

In the future, were going to figure out how we get a little better at what we do, Mr Holt said.

Asked what he might tell Trump officials is needed, Mr Holt stressed the need for repairs to non-working phone towers and maybe a little better early warning system.

Mr Trump has suggested that a warning system should be established, though he has not provided details on how that might happen.

Advertisement

He has promised repeatedly  and as recently as last month  to begin phasing out Fema and bring disaster response management down to the state level.

During Tuesdays Cabinet meeting, Mr Trump did not mention those plans and instead praised the federal flooding response. Turning to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose department oversees Fema, he said, You had people there as fast as anybodys ever seen.
July 11, 2025: China now has ballistic missiles that can hit ships, especially aircraft carriers, at sea. The U.S. Navy has not been open about how it plans to defend its ships against Chinese ship-killer ballistic missiles. The navy quietly expanded its layered air defense system with the addition of new electronic defenses. The navy has conducted realistic tests of its defenses against Chinese ballistic missiles.

In 2010 the Chinese carrier killer missile was ready. After two decades of effort, the Chinese Navy now had its DF-21D ballistic missile equipped to hit warships at sea and over a thousand kilometers distant. The basic DF-21 is a 15 ton, two stage, solid fuel missile that is 10.7 meters long and 140cm in diameter. Range varies from 1,700-3,000 kilometers depending on model. The DF-21D is believed to have a range of 1,500-2,000 kilometers. While the 500-2,000 kg warhead usually contains a nuclear weapon, there are also several types of conventional warheads, including one designed for use against warships. Some of these conventional warheads are for use against targets in Taiwan. This is because the DF-21, as a longer-range ballistic missile that comes down on the target faster than the 1,200 shorter-range ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan, is more difficult to intercept. The DF-21D warheads were too fast for the American Patriot Pac-3 Ballistic Missile Defense/BMD missiles Taiwan was installing around crucial installations a decade earlier. BMDs have improved since then, but so has the Chinese ballistic missile arsenal.

In 2020 China tested the DF-26B, a longer-range version of the DF-21D. The 20-ton DF-26B has a max range of 4,000 kilometers. This is a larger 14-meter long 140cm diameter missile that entered service in 2016 as the conventional DF-26. By this time the DF-21D had been tested and proved that it could work. Why not a larger version that could hit enemy warships, especially aircraft carriers, even farther away? Five years later the DF-26B was tested and in service. By 2022 China had the smaller YJ-21 missile that could be carried by bombers or large destroyers or cruisers and use the same target detection tech as the DF-21D and DF-26B to hit distant ships.

Until 2013 there was no evidence that the complete DF-21D system had been tested. But then satellite photos showed a 200-meter-long white rectangle in the West China Gobi Desert with two large craters in it. This would appear to be a target for testing the DF-21D, and two of the inert practice warheads appear to have hit the target. American carriers are over 300 meters long, although the smaller amphibious ships with helicopter decks are closer to 200 meters long. It appears China is planning on using the DF-21D against smaller warships, or perhaps they just wanted to see exactly how accurate the missile could be.

Over the previous five years several similar missile testing sites were discovered in the vast desert areas of western China. Some of these test targets portrayed air bases or even larger targets like naval or army supply depots as well as harbors where American warships are regularly found. China was seeking a way to carry out another Pearl Harbor type attack and they appear to have found it.

Out in the desert China also found ways to improve the accuracy and reliability of their remote-sensing satellite. Back in 2011 an odd, geometric pattern was spotted in a Chinese desert that was used to calibrate satellite sensors, including those used to locate and identify targets for DF-21D type missiles.

Between 2011 and 2013 various components of the DF-21D were tested, but until these satellite photos showed up there was no evidence that there had been any tests of the complete system against a carrier size target. Since 2012 there have been photos of DF-21Ds on Transporter Erector Launchers/TEL vehicles, and announcements of the first units activated three years previously. By 2013 there was evidence of the successful tests. What has not been tested, apparently, was a dress rehearsal test against a large ship like a retired tanker or container ship at sea and moving. That might yet happen.

Before the 2013 tests China put three remote sensing satellites in orbit, moving in formation at an altitude of 600 kilometers across the Pacific. Equipped with either SAR or synthetic aperture radar or digital cameras, these three birds can scan the ocean for ships, even though the Chinese say their purpose is purely scientific. A typical SAR can produce photo quality images at different resolutions. At medium resolution of 3 meters the radar covers an area 40x40 kilometers. Low resolution of 20 meters covers 100x100 kilometers. This three satellite Chinese posse looks suspiciously like a military ocean surveillance system. This is the missing link for the Chinese ballistic missile system designed to attack American aircraft carriers.

China has been developing the DF-21D since about 2002. Most of the development effort was devoted to targeting systems that would enable them to seek out and find aircraft carriers. On the DF-21D warhead itself, sensors would use infrared heat seeking technology for their final approach. This sort of thing had been discussed for decades, but China appears to have put together tactics, sensors, and missile systems that can make this all happen. The key was having multiple sensor systems which would include satellites, submarines, or maritime patrol aircraft that could find the general location of the carrier before launching the ballistic missile. Those sensors were eventually revealed as operational, as was the DF-21D itself. At present China has the DF-26 with a range of 5,000 kilometers. There is also the SS-19, an anti-satellite and ABM version of the DF-21. The KF-21 is an air-launched version of the DF-21.

Meanwhile the U.S. Navy has quietly upgraded its ABM defenses that use short range Rolling Airframe Missile/RAM and long-range SM-2 missiles that have proved very effective against ballistic missiles and, in one case, a space satellite. The navy is more secretive when it comes to its electronic defenses, which involve lasers and other light-based devices as well as a growing assortment of electronic devices that apparently concentrate on disabling or diminishing the terminal guidance systems of the ballistic missiles that make them accurate enough to hit individual ships. The navy and air force are apparently also developing techniques for disabling Chinas remote sensing satellites. Developing multiple attacks on Chinese satellites and ballistic missile sensors is what the layered defenses are all about. This adds a degree of uncertainty about the usefulness of the Chinese anti-ship ballistic missiles. Uncertainty is a goal here and one of the more important aspects of the layered defense systems. The Chinese can collect some details about the new American electronic defenses by following announcements in the trade journals, where new features are mentioned, although not always with links to any specific navy system being upgraded. A lot of Chinese espionage, using human agents or hacking, is devoted to sorting out specific new capabilities the Americans have introduced and for what piece of equipment.
British prime minister Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron have announced a new agreement to co-operate on migrant boat crossings on the last day of Mr Macrons state visit to the UK.

Ahead of the Franco-British summit at Downing Street on Thursday, the leaders said that migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats is a shared priority that requires shared solutions.

Advertisement

British prime minister Keir Starmer bids farewell to French president Emmanuel Macron. Photo: Leon Neal/PA

Here is a closer look at the fresh plan and what the issue is.

What is the concern over the Channel crossings?

A record number of 21,117 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel so far this year, provisional Home Office figures show.

This is up 5 per cent on this point last year (14,058) and 65 per cent higher than at this stage in 2023 (12,772).

At least nine people have died while attempting the journey this year, from reports by French and UK authorities, but there is no official record of fatalities in the Channel.

Advertisement

Ministers want to end the crossings because they threaten lives and undermine our border security.

Data on the crossings of migrants in small boats like inflatable dinghies has been collected since 2018.

In the first year of data, just 299 people were recorded to have arrived in the UK this way.

Since 2018, 94 per cent of migrants who arrived by small boat crossing have claimed asylum in the UK, or 145,834 out of 154,354 people.

Advertisement

This is my message to the people smuggling gangs: we will end your vile trade.



For the very first time, migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France.



My government has led the way in taking our countries co-operation to a new level. pic.twitter.com/9AufY74T9J  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 10, 2025

What has the British governments approach been to the issue?

Since the Labour Party came to power in the UK last July, the party has vowed to smash the gangs.

Ministers have sought to ramp up enforcement action against smugglers, including by setting up a Border Security Command to lead the strategy and intelligence sharing to tackle crossings, across national agencies and internationally.

New legislation is also expected to hand counter terror-style powers to police and introduce new criminal offences to crack down on people-smuggling gangs, if approved by Parliament.

The British government is seeking to reset the relationship with Europe to co-operate over the crossings run by people smuggling gangs.

Advertisement

In February this year, British home secretary Yvette Cooper agreed to re-purpose 7 million of cash to French counterparts to bolster enforcement action on the nations coastline to tackle Channel crossings.

This action included funding of a unit of elite officers in France to increase patrols, launching a new intelligence unit in Dunkirk to hunt people smugglers and training more drone pilots to intercept crossings before they reach the sea.

The French have also agreed to change its rules to allow police to intervene when boats are in shallow water, rather than requiring them still to be on land.

Meanwhile ministers are hoping to deter new arrivals promised jobs when they come to the UK by cracking down on illegal working and deportations of ineligible asylum seekers.

Advertisement

Borders are being breached by criminal gangs worldwide.



Life-threatening Channel crossings have occurred for years - it is time to act.



Border Security Command is how we fight back. pic.twitter.com/WIWM3181Gu  Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) March 4, 2025

What is the new deal and how will it work?

On Thursday, the British prime minister and French president agreed a plan to send back small boats migrants, with an asylum seeker being sent to the UK in exchange in equal numbers.

Under the pilot scheme, people arriving on a small boat can be detained and returned to France for the first time.

Asylum seekers accepted to come to the UK under the deal would travel via a safe, legal route, subject to strict security checks.

Those in France could express an interest to apply for asylum to the UK through an online platform developed by the Home Office, and would then carry out the standard visa application process and checks.

Priority will be given to people from countries where they are most likely to be granted asylum as genuine refugees, who are most likely to be exploited by smuggling gangs and also asylum seekers who have connections to the UK.

It is not clear the criteria for deciding which migrants who arrive in the UK by small boat will be sent back to France, but it is understood the pilot will start with adults and will be based on operational factors.

New arrivals will be screened at Manston processing centre, in Kent, which is current procedure, before individuals determined to be suitable for the pilot and for detention, will be picked and held in an immigration removal centre.

Their removal is expected to be made on the grounds of inadmissibility, that they have arrived from the UK from a safe country where their case can be heard instead, because an agreement is in place with France.

The inadmissibility rule is believed to have been introduced under 2021 immigration rules to replace agreements with the European Union after Brexit, and was further enacted under the Conservative governments Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

Migrants will be able to claim exceptional circumstances against the decision.

It is expected more widely that appeals will not be successful as asylum seekers will be returned to France which is a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights and has an established asylum system.

For the very first time, migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France in short order.



This Government is breaking the business model of criminal smuggling gangs and securing our borders.  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 10, 2025

How many people will be part of the pilot and much will it cost?

No official number of migrants has been confirmed to take part in the pilot, but it is understood numbers will grow over the pilot period and depend on operational factors.

There is no funding to France associated with this agreement, and operations around the returns and arrivals will be paid for from the existing Home Office budget.

What has the reaction been to the deal?

British opposition politicians were scathing about Mr Starmers deal with Mr Macron, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage branding it a humiliation.

Meanwhile, executive director of the International Rescue Committee UK, Flora Alexander, said it marked yet another step in the wrong direction.

Evidence shows that these policies dont stop people from seeking safety  they simply force them into more perilous journeys, putting lives at risk, she said.

Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon also called for different safe and legal ways to reach the UK from conflict zones, and for those with families in the UK to be adopted.

He added: The groundbreaking one for one deal with France is an important first step, but its vital that it is implemented in a way that treats all those seeking asylum fairly and with respect and dignity.

For now, its too soon to determine what the impact will be.
There are blueys and bludgers, chardonnay socialists, cleanskins and cashed-up bogans. The way Australians use the English language is often direct, facetious and occasionally just a little cruel.

And for almost 40 years, the words the nation uses in speech, newspapers and books has been mapped by a small team at the Australian National Dictionary Centre in Canberra.

Director of the Australian National Dictonary Centre Professor Amanda Laugesen. Credit: Rohan Thomson

Those efforts are set to come to an end after Australian National University management, as part of a major cost-cutting drive, unveiled plans to disestablish the centre.

It is going to be a loss to the community as what we do is explaining changes in language use, said centre director Professor Amanda Laugesen.
Lachlan Young, 23, has admitted he killed his former girlfriend McGuire on April 5, 2024, before driving her body to bushland in Scarsdale, 25 kilometres south-west of Ballarat, and setting the ute on fire. Young has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but not guilty to murder, with his lawyer telling the court earlier this week her death was an unplanned and spontaneous incident. As distressing evidence about the circumstances of where their daughters body was found was aired, and graphic photos of the scene were shown to 14 jurors, her parents Debbie and Glenn McGuire sat outside the courtroom. The court heard on Wednesday a man walking his dog on the morning of April 5 found the car and called triple zero. Loading

Victoria Police forensic officer Laura Noonan later told the court damage from the blaze appeared to be more severe at the front of the car. Prosecutors allege Young took a yellow blowtorch and set fire to the front of the car. Noonan told the court it was her view the car was burning for about six hours before it was discovered. Noonan told the court it appeared that McGuire had been lying on her left side, facing the rear of the car. Hannah McGuires parents, Debbie and Glenn McGuire, arrive at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Ballarat. Credit: AAP She said her analysis indicated McGuires body had been in that position when the fire was ignited and remained in that position for the duration of the blaze.

The court heard earlier this week that the prosecution alleges that on April 4 McGuire went to meet Young at the Ballarat house they previously shared, arriving about 9.47pm in her orange Mitsubishi Triton and parking it at the rear of the house. It is alleged she was killed with murderous intent sometime after 1.50am, before Young put her body in the back of her own car and drove to his colleagues house. Crown prosecutor Kristie Churchill previously told the jury McGuire and Young had been in a controlling, problematic and turbulent relationship before Young murdered her. Churchill told the jury Young had also tried to cover up the murder by sending a series of text messages purporting to be McGuire to her mother in an attempt to make her death look like a suicide. He is also accused of purporting to be McGuire when he transferred $2000 to her mother and $5000 to himself from her bank account hours after her death.

It is also alleged he told a workmate he had planned to drug McGuire and crash a car with her unconscious behind the wheel, to scare her following the breakdown of their relationship. He wanted to scare Hannah so she didnt take his house or his things, Churchill said Young had told his workmate during a hearing on Wednesday. On Thursday, Detective Senior Constable James Allen told the court police had been able to track the movements of McGuire, Young, and a second man, who was a colleague of the accused allegedly involved in the disposal of McGuires body on the night she died. The jury was also shown images of the fire-damaged ute where McGuires remains were found. The jurors then left the court to visit the site where her remains were discovered and the house she once shared with Young, where the prosecution allege she was killed.
NSW, Queensland and Western Australia require drivers aged 75 and older to undergo an annual medical assessment to keep their licences. NSW also requires motorists aged 85 and above to undergo a practical driving assessment every two years to maintain an unrestricted licence. Associate Professor Sjaan Koppel, of Monash University Accident Research Centre, said research showed mandatory assessments were not effective, with no significant difference in older driver crash rates in jurisdictions that had them. But she said mandatory tests did appear to push older adults into giving up their drivers licences prematurely, even when they were still fit to drive, because they were nervous about having to sit a driving exam. And we know that premature driving cessation is associated with a whole range of negative psychosocial and health consequences, she said. People feel isolated; they dont know how to connect with community or services or friends and family any more. Koppel said she supported Victorias model of mandatory medical condition reporting because it captured all drivers whose fitness to drive might be impaired, regardless of their age.

Where we see a bit of a disconnect is if there is a cognitive impairment and people do not have the insight to recognise that there are those changes, she said. Thats where probably we need to be making sure that were referring those people into the licensing authority. In 2023, Victoria had a fatal road crash rate of 3.8 per 100,000 of population. That compares with 3.6 in NSW, 4.8 in Queensland and 5.1 in Western Australia. Nationwide, the rate was 4.3. Victorian motorists are legally required to report serious or permanent medical conditions to VicRoads so it can conduct a medical review. Family, friends or health professionals can also refer drivers to VicRoads for medical assessments, and this can be anonymously. Loading VicRoads conducted 180,000 high-risk driver reviews in the 2024 financial year, according to the Department of Transport and Plannings annual report.

Reviews can lead VicRoads to request a follow-up driving assessment, cancel a motorists licence, or impose conditions on their licence, such as restricting the time of day or distance from home they can drive. Younger and older drivers are both over-represented in road injuries and deaths. But Koppel said that mostly reflected the fact older people were much more susceptible to injury in a crash. Changes to an older drivers eyesight, hearing, memory, reaction times and physical strength can all affect their ability to drive, as can chronic medical conditions that become more common as people age. VicRoads advises that occupational therapists can help older drivers adjust their vehicles to account for changes to their health, such as installing additional mirrors, adjustable seating, controls and steering aids. The chief executive of Council on the Ageing Victoria, Ben Rogers, said his organisation would support any change to the road rules as long as it was based on drivers ability, not just age.

Thats where we really support the Victorian system, which is about people reflecting on their own ability, and there are also opportunities for GPs and loved ones or people who know them to make reports, he said. We think that is effective. Rogers said forcing people to stop driving prematurely could lead to them being socially isolated and moving into aged care before they are ready. Rogers said there was room for improvement in supporting ageing people to consider their abilities, starting conversations with loved ones about their driving ability, and making alternative forms of transport available so they could remain connected to the community if they stopped driving. We dont think the answer is saying, just because youre over 75, youre the problem and youre the one that has to jump through all these barriers, he said. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Victoria chair Dr Anita Munoz said anyone who drove a car needed to be certain they would be safe doing so.
Major delays to the expansion of Australias outdated east-coast power grid are stalling the nations renewable energy growth, raising the likelihood that polluting coal-fired power stations will keep running beyond their scheduled closure dates.

The lack of power lines, exacerbated by years-long delays to major projects, has emerged as a roadblock to the clean energy shift by stifling the flow of power from far-flung wind and solar farms, hydroelectric dams and batteries to major cities.

Blowouts for key transmission lines is risking further extensions to operation of coal plants and increased greenhouse emissions from the energy grid. Credit: AP

Energy system experts said delays to power grid upgrades made it more likely that coal-fired power stations Yallourn in Victoria and Eraring in NSW may need to be extended beyond their expected closures in 2028 and 2027. Both plants are already receiving support from state governments to ensure they do not close prematurely.

Grattan Institute senior fellow Tony Wood said the mounting list of delays, rather than any one project, was leading to the predictions of Australia using coal for longer.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has fired another tariff salvo at northern neighbour Canada, telling Prime Minister Mark Carney he will impose a 35 per cent tax on all Canadian imports from August 1.

Steel and aluminium, which figure prominently among those imports, will continue to be levied at 50 per cent, and all other sectoral tariffs remain the same.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney with Donald Trump at the G7 summit in June. Credit: AP

The announcement came in a letter to Carney published by Trump on social media  one of two dozen letters the US president has signed and made public this week as he increases pressure on trading partners before the new August deadline.

If for any reason you decide to raise your tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 35 per cent that we charge, he warned.
We want every customer to know, if youre struggling, your bank is ready to help, you dont have to tough it out on your own.
The fact that so many suburbs are either at or just shy of their peak shows not only the diverse recovery in markets like Sydney and Melbourne, but also the continued resilience of recent hotspots including Brisbane, Perth and Regional Australia.
We thank [Patel] for his contribution to the industry and wish him all the very best in the next chapter of his life. His legacy will continue through the team he built and mentored, HTW said.
NA: I come from a family of entrepreneurs. At the time I decided to do this I was a salaried employee and it wasnt a life I was loving. I was living in Melbourne at the time and working for a private fund. I had worked in organizations for my whole professional life before this and wanted the freedom to be my own boss. I knew I needed a change and spoke to my wife about becoming a broker  but doing it back in Perth where were both from and we have strong networks. She was supportive of this so I used my Perth-based network to establish the company with Will Lockett, [managing director] at Specialist Finance Group (SFG) helping me out.
July 11, 2025: The U.S. Navy is no longer able to maintain or repair its ships. In an earlier economy move, all the navy ship repair and maintenance facilities were sold off. The worst aspect of this was the loss of skilled shipyard workers. The older ones were retiring and the navy did little to recruit and train replacements. Now, as the United States strives to expand its navy and repair and upgrade current ships, it finds that the resources are lacking. There are no easy solutions. Any fix will take time and a growing chunk of the annual navy budget. The navy also has to get rid of some bad habits. These include micromanaging ships construction and crippling that effort with endless changes, suggestions and general interference.

The current situation is that the U.S. Navy is unable to build enough new ships to replace the fleet it currently has, and it cant maintain the ships it does have, let alone battle damage to those ships in war. The navy has nearly 500 ships in active service as well as the reserve fleet. The principal vessels are the combat ships, which include 11 aircraft carriers, nine Amphibious Assault Ships for transporting and landing marine battalions, ten LPD Amphibious Dock Landing Ships to supply amphibious operations, fifty SSNs/Nuclear attack submarines, fourteen SSBNs/Ballistic missile-carrying nuclear submarines, four SSGMs/SSBNs converted to carry over a hundred cruise missiles each, one frigate, 13 cruisers, 75 destroyers and about fifty support ships of various types.

Solutions are many. These include American Pacific allies like South Korea and Japan sharing their shipyard facilities and workforce to upgrade USN ship maintenance and upgrade efforts. These two nations have fleets of ships like the USN, and yard workers trained to do work on American ships. The US ships are needed by these countries to confront the growing Chinese naval threat. Our problem is their problem, but a long range solution is something the Americans own.

Similar reform efforts over the last few decades failed because navy officials interfered with construction using endless change requests and modifications of work orders. If this form of malpractice is not eliminated, reforms will fail. It is a navy problem that only navy leaders and managers can fix. Victory is not assured, and results will be visible over the next few years.
Sebastian Watkins, co-founder and COO of Lendi Group, shares how Aussie is leading a digital transformation that reimagines the property journey. By unifying tech, people and services, Aussie is creating a seamless path from property search to settlement. Watch how Aussies integrated model is delivering speed, simplicity and trust for todays homebuyers. Discover why this digital-first approach is reshaping what Australians expect from their property experience.
by Ken MacVey

Since 1914, the Federal Trade Commission s mission has been to enforce civil antitrust and unfair competition/consumer protection laws. The question is whether this mission has been supplantedwhether the FTC under Trump 2 .0 is becoming the Federal Political Truth Commission.

My Background: The FTC Investigates the Movie and Record Industries

Many years ago I started my legal career as a lawyer for the FTC. In that role, I proposed investigations into the motion picture and record industries which were opened by the FTC.

The publicly announced FTC investigation of the movie industry focused on possible collusion in the US between a handful of major motion picture companies that dominated the motion picture markets in the US and abroad. Not too long afterwards I recommended and got approval to investigate a proposed merger between two of the top six record companies in the US that would have resulted in the largest record company in the world.

While the motion picture investigation did not result in litigation, the record merger investigation did lead to litigation by a small team of FTC lawyers (including myself) that blocked the merger.

Antitrust and the Value of Media Diversity

In pursuing these investigations, I discussed traditional antitrust concerns about reduced competition and collusion. But I also pointed out that the products were uniquethey just werent commodities like cement or steel. These were products of expression and culture. Antitrust focuses on how consumer choice is reduced by anticompetitive conduct. Here we did not face just a reduction in choice regarding widgets, but in ideas and expression.

But there never was any discussion on contentnever was it suggested that certain kinds of movies or records were better than others, that some should be promoted, others not. Never were ideological slants or views considered or discussed. The point was always about protecting or expanding the range of consumer choice.

This idea of the antitrust value of diversity in media was not new. In fact, the Supreme Court in 1943 underscored the value of diversity and quantity in radio broadcasting when it held that the Federal Communications Commission could consider antitrust concerns in regulating radio broadcasting networks. Then NBC owned two radio networks, one called the red network and the other the blue network. Per the Supreme Court decision, the FCC ordered the divestiture of the blue network. This network became ABC, the American Broadcasting Company. Although the Supreme Court endorsed consideration of antitrust values to widen the scope of what was available to listeners, it drew the line on government going after the content of expression.

Todays FTC Crosses the Line

In the past few months, under the leadership of the new chair of the FTC appointed by Trump, the FTC step by step is crossing this line.

FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson recently spoke at a forum on antitrust policy where he claimed to champion the marketplace of ideas while also condemning what he called censorious practices by tech platforms when they moderate what third parties post on their platforms. Ferguson bemoaned the fact that various tech platforms concurrently ejected the right wing social media site Parler from their platforms. He suggested this conscious parallelism might be collusive. But as pointed out by well-known antitrust experts Aaron Edlin and Carl Shapiro in a response titled The FTC is Threatening Free Speech, Ferguson failed to mention these ejections occurred after Parler had been used as a forum to help organize the January 6 attacks on the capitol.

It is easy to wonder if Ferguson would still be indignant if these same platforms were to eject third parties who used these platforms to organize violent resistance against ICE agents

Ferguson also pooh-poohed concerns about dangerous misinformation on tech platforms: This is not only because I categorically dismiss elite and [D]emocrat hysteria over misinformation altogether, but also because I believe that a highly concentrated social media space generates far more opportunities for elite and left-wing manipulation than it does for populist so-called misinformation.

Ferguson implied platform users want regulation of platforms: If they wanted left-wing appratchiks to curate or inspect their ideas prior to public dissemination they would content themselves to sit in a think tank or in a university classroom. (Or they could read The Atlantic.)

Ferguson talked about the success of X after it was purchased by someone [i.e. Musk] had a relatively open commitment to free speech. Yet when asked about Musk de-platforming others on X Ferguson weakly responded: I dont know, as an empirical matter, whether hes de-platforming people. I simply dont know.

Fergusons views are not academic or a mere exercise of his own free speech rights. These views are in motion. While it does not appear the FTC is bothering to investigate de-platforming by X, it is investigating alleged group actions against X.

On June 23 Media Matters, a non-profit media watchdog, filed a lawsuit in federal court against the FTC asking the court to enjoin a civil investigation demand (like a subpoena) zeroing in on whether Media Matters coordinated with advertisers and others to pull advertisements from X. Similar state attorney general investigations in Texas and Missouri were blocked by the courts. All this fits within the backdrop of right wing memes that tech platforms censor conservative views, which in turn are accompanied by demands for government to police the platforms.

FTC staff recently opened a Request for Public Comments Regarding Technology Platform Censorship. The comment period is now closed. It remains to be seen what will come of this call for comment.

The FTC Prohibits Politically Motivated Boycotts

The signs are not good.

The FTC in late June approved by consent order ad agency Omnicom Groups acquisition of one of its competitors on the express condition that Omnicom agree not to work with others to steer away advertising dollars from advertisers because of their political or ideological positions. As FTC chair, Ferguson issued an official statement on June 23 posted on the FTCs website to justify this unprecedented prohibition.

Ferguson cited in footnotes examples of the type of collusion he was concerned about in general but not having to do with Omnicom. He cited examples of advertiser dollars being steered away from Tucker Carlson, alleged anonymous coordinated Twitter attacks on Breitbart, and an article entitled Advertisers continue to flee Twitter as civil rights groups call for a boycott. He further noted Texas Attorney General Paxton was investigating politically motivated boycotts by advertising companies of certain social media platforms but neglected to mention that a federal district court in the District of Columbia issued a preliminary injunction on First Amendment grounds against Paxton. Nor did Ferguson mention this courts ruling was upheld by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in a decision that noted retaliatory action against protected speech violates the First Amendment and that Paxton did not deny his investigation was retaliatory.

At the same time, Ferguson and the FTC failed to identify specific or quantifiable economic antitrust injury in a relevant market the FTC prohibition on Omnicom was to prevent. The FTC claims that this prohibition does not interfere with free speech. The prohibition on its face demonstrates otherwise. The FTCs order prohibits Omnicom from declining to deal with an advertiser based on political or ideological viewpoints of that Advertiser. So if Omnicom does not want to deal with an advertiser who promotes Hitler or racist tropes Omnicom is compelled to do so. The FTC in essence put a gun to Omnicoms head. If Omnicom wanted to proceed with its multi-billion dollar acquisition, it had to surrender its First Amendment rights.

The FTCs right wing crusade against tech censorship and political boycotts appears to reflect a fundamental disregard of what the First Amendment and antitrust laws are about.

The First Amendment restricts government, not private parties. Last year the Supreme Court addressed Florida and Texas state legislation that regulated internet media (such as Facebook and YouTube) regarding their content moderation standards. In Moody v. NetChoice the Court in a a 9 to zero decision observed that the exercise of content moderation by a platform in itself is an exercise of First Amendment rights.

The Court said Texas law prevents exactly the kind of editorial judgments this Court has previously held to receive First Amendment protection. The Court rejected Texas rationale that the legislation was designed to bring balance to the mix of speech especially when the evidence revealed the legislation was intended to remedy supposed bias against conservative voices. The Supreme Court went on: [T]his Court has many times held, in many contexts, that it is no job for government to decide what counts as the right balance of private expressionto un-bias what it thinks biased, rather than to leave such judgments to speakers and their audiences. That principle works for social-media platforms as it does for others.

Ferguson and the FTCs recent focus on political expression also distorts what antitrust is about. Antitrust is not about some generalized notion of collusion, a term loosely thrown about by Ferguson. Although boycotts among competitors designed to raise prices or exclude business competitors can violate the antitrust laws, the Supreme Court long ago held boycotts of businesses for political reasons may be constitutionally protected and not violate the antitrust laws. Such boycotts can be a form of expressionjust as the Boston Tea Party was about expressing political dissent and was not about a collusive grab for market power. This new FTC focus on political expression does not seem to be about protecting competition in commercial markets but about policing content in the marketplace of ideas under the pretext of antitrust enforcement.

The FTC Boycotts the American Bar Association for Political Reasons

The FTC is not just going after businesses and non-profit public interest organizations for their political expression. It is also targeting professional lawyer groups for not towing the politically correct line. The American Bar Association recently took stances against Trump administration actions the ABA considered to be unlawful, stances which in many cases have turned out to be consistent with how courts have ruled.

As a result, Ferguson as chair of the FTC announced he forbade FTC political appointees from participating in ABA events or renewing their ABA memberships. (Disclosure: I am a member of the ABA and its Antitrust Law Section and have been for several years.) Ferguson also terminated the FTC practice of covering FTC employees to be ABA members or to participate in ABA activities.

This is unprecedented. The ABA has provided leadership and legal resources to lawyers and the public for decades. Its Antitrust Law Section, with 12,000 members that include lawyers and economists, over the years have provided authoritative and valuable educational programs and publications on antitrust economics and law. Ironically, even Ferguson in his June 23rd statement on the Omnicom acquisition cites an ABA antitrust treatise as legal authority.

By his decree, Ferguson has surrounded the FTC with a moat isolating itself from the antitrust and legal community. By this decree, the FTC has taken on the mantle of censor, doing what it accuses others are doing.

Chair Ferguson Instructs FTC Staff

Concurrent with Fergusons announcement of the ABA banishment, the FTC posted on its website a link to Fergusons Valentine Days February 14th letter to FTC staff.

It begins: Dear Federal Trade Commission Staff For many years, federal antitrust enforcers and the private antitrust bar have enjoyed a cozy relationship facilitated by the Antitrust Law Section of the American Bar Association. The ABAs long history of leftist advocacy and its recent attacks on the Trump-Vance Administrations governing agenda, however, have made this relationship untenable.

The lengthy letter goes on: The President of the ABA recently issued a statement accusing the Trump-Vance Administration of wide -scale affronts to the rule of law. What followed was a breathless screed leveled against President Donald J. Trumps swift and tireless delivery on his promises . . .

It continues: The nations debt has ballooned to a terrifying $36 trillion. (Maybe now in retrospect less terrifying in light of Trumps budget that will increase the debt by trillions more.) The letter then gushes over DOGE, which at the time of the letter, was controlled by Musk and was sending layoff notices to staff at various federal agencies.

The letter asserts the ABAs partisan advocacy on behalf of Democrats is not new. It drones on: But there is more. The Antitrust Law Section is dominated by defense lawyers at large law firms who represent large business intereststhe very sort of businesses who often have business before the FTC. Toward the end, the letter says the ABA advances radical left-wing causes and promotes the business interests of Big Tech.

So, according to FTC Chair Ferguson, the ABA is both pro-radical left and pro-big business.

It is ironic that the FTC is going after politically motivated boycotts but is itself boycotting the ABA for political reasons. The irony, however, does nothing to soften what the FTC is communicating.

The letters message to FTC staff: fall in line. The FTCs message to the rest of us: the Federal Political Truth Commission is now in session.

Whats Next?

Will it get better? Unlikely, at least for a while. Statute requires that no more than three of the five FTC commissioners can be members of the same party. Historically that has meant the chair of the FTC will be appointed by the president and that FTC commissioners will serve a fixed term with no more than three Democrats or three Republicans acting as commissioners. But Trump has fired the two Democratic commissioners with three Republican commissioners (including Ferguson) left standing. This issue whether a president can unilaterally fire commissioners of independent regulatory agencies contrary to statute is up for review in the courts. In the meantime, Ferguson endorsed Trumps right to fire the two Democratic commissioners that resulted in a Republican monopoly on FTC commissioners. So much for being anti-monopoly and pro-marketplace of ideas.

What is even more troubling, federal agencies under Trump are engaging in a kind of conscious parallelism themselves. Todd Blanche, the lawyer who defended Trump in the New York state trial resulting in Trumps 34 felony convictions, as a deputy Attorney General similarly banned the ABA from the Department of Justice.

Where all this ends up remains to be seen. If the Supreme Court, as many constitutional experts predict, upholds the power of the president to unilaterally fire commissioners appointed to independent federal agencies, maybe a different president someday will fire the current slate of FTC commissioners. But having wild partisan swings in commissioners each time a new president takes office does not bode well either for the First Amendment or anything else.

In the meantime, we must rely on courts, public scrutiny, elections, facts, and commitment to truth and values enshrined in the First Amendment and the rule of law, as our bulwarks. We might also have to rely on time. Sometimes extreme political agendas contain their own seeds of self-destruction that require time to sprout, as the saga of Joe McCarthy, and maybe even the bitter breakup of the Musk/Trump bromance, illustrate.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code
THE sound of wings flapping and a whistle blowing in a Carlow backyard signals more than just morning routine  its the heartbeat of a long tradition thats soaring into the digital age.

Rachel Kavanagh, secretary of Carlow District Pigeon Club (RPC), has become an unlikely champion for one of Irelands oldest sporting traditions. As the clubs only female member, shes determined to change that through a combination of social media savvy and genuine passion for the ancient art of pigeon racing.

Anthony Kavanagh, winner of the ACE Pigeon competition run by the Carlow and District Racing Pigeon Club, receives the winner's cheque from his grandson Pa Kavanagh, from sponsor Kavanagh Masonry

Im the only female member in our club, Rachel explains. We do need more female members. I set up a TikTok page recently just to get it out there to get more women involved.

The club, which Rachel believes is the longest-running of five pigeon clubs in the county, has been a cornerstone of the local community for over six decades. Veterans like Anthony Kavanagh and Willie Doyle have been fixtures at the club for years, representing a generation of pigeon racers whose knowledge spans decades.

The oldest member is over 70, Rachel notes, describing the clubs inter-generational appeal. Youre going from the 70s right the way down. Children and grandchildren often come along. So, thered just be great banter between the old and the young.

Rachels entry into pigeon racing came through family connections  she married Anthony Kavanaghs son and her father-in-law became her mentor in the sport. What started as curiosity has blossomed into dedication that sees her up early, training birds and learning the intricate details of pigeon racing.

It is hard work. It is dedication, she admits. Were training them at the moment. Were bringing them out every morning. Were letting them out at different locations and youre praying that theyll all come back. Sometimes they dont.

The emotional investment in the birds is real. Rachel has learned to identify each pigeon by sight  the blue checker, the dark checker  and admits to feeling genuine attachment to her feathered athletes.

You start growing a bond with the birds, you start knowing them, she explains. Ive lost a few. I felt like giving up. I was like, oh, Im not doing this anymore. The stress of this, I cant. Im down four birds. But her mentors wisdom keeps her going. Anthony said: Rachel, Ive done it for 50 years. Ive had pigeons not come back to me and you get on with it and you deal with it and you go again.

The intelligence of racing pigeons has surprised Rachel, who grew up without exposure to the sport. Theyre such clever birds. They know your face as well. Even when I go out and blow the whistle, they come straight to me.

Rachels TikTok page R and R Racing Rockets, linked to the Carlow District Pigeon Club, represents her modern approach to promoting an ancient sport. Shes discovered that interest exists in all sorts of places  her neighbour recently approached her with a hundred questions about the loft and pigeons after observing the set-up. She said: I was always fascinated by it, but didnt know where to go to learn about it.

The clubs racing season runs from July through the autumn, with birds competing in races that can span hundreds of miles. The first race on 12 July will see young birds competing, with some races extending as far as Pillmore in Cork.

We go down to the club on Friday evening and well mark them. The lorry comes and collects them and goes to all different clubs, Rachel explains. The next morning, theres an update on the site saying the weather is good and the liberation time is going to be eight oclock. So everyone is waiting on the lofts at home in Carlow looking up at the sky.

The sport operates on a timing system measuring velocity, where victory margins can be measured in minutes or even seconds.

The clubs ambitions extend far beyond local competition. This September, about 20-30 members from Carlow will travel to Portugal for the annual million-dollar race, where thousands of pigeons from around the world compete.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of people there. I think theres over three or four thousand pigeons in this race, Rachel says excitedly. This year, we have pigeons in it. Youre racing against the best in the world.

Despite the sports rich heritage and international scope, Rachel notes a lack of funding for such traditional activities. Its terrible to see something like that go unfunded, she reflects. Thats why we did the competition sponsored by Carlow Kavanagh Masonry  to give something back.

The sponsorship and awareness campaign represent more than just fundraising; theyre about preserving a tradition that brings together multiple generations around a shared passion.

Its keeping a tradition alive, Rachel explains, adding that her children are already interested in the sport.

For Rachel, it offers something increasingly rare in modern life  a connection to both tradition and nature that provides genuine satisfaction and community.

I love the sound of the pigeons in the loft first thing in the morning, she says. I never grew up around pigeons, but I actually love that noise. Theres something comforting in it.
A CARLOW motorist was last week spared a disqualification from driving after he pleaded guilty at the local district court to driving without insurance.

Eddie Lyons, 61 Beechwood Park, Pollerton, Carlow pleaded guilty to driving without insurance or a drivers licence after he was stopped by gardai at Chapelstown, Carlow on 1 May this year.

Solicitor Joe Farrell said that Mr Lyons (26) didnt usually drive as he uses a bicycle, that he has certain challenges and had the support of his mother. Judge Cephas Power said that because the defendant had no previous convictions and because of the mitigating circumstances, he would spare him a disqualification from driving but he did fine him 450.
Ellen O'Donoghue

Gardai have renewed their appeal for information in relation to the murder of Antoinette Smith, 38 years since she was last seen.

The 27-year-old's remains were discovered on Glendoo Mountain, near the Lemass monument and close to Glencree/Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, on April 3rd, 1988.

Ms Smith and a friend attended the David Bowie concert in Slane, Co Meath on Saturday, July 11th, 1987. They returned to Dublin by bus, arriving in Parnell Square at around 11pm.

They went to the La Mirage Discotheque on Parnell Street. While in the club, they met two men that they knew. They joined the mens company and remained with them until they all left shortly after 2am.

Ms Smith's friend left when they left the club, but Ms Smith stayed for a while until all three walked the short distance to the taxi rank on O'Connell Street.

The men got a taxi to the Ballymun area, while Ms Smith continued to walk by the Gresham Hotel on O'Connell Street towards the O'Connell Street bridge.

She was subsequently reported missing to gardai by her husband and remained missing for nine months until her remains were discovered on Glendoo Mountain.

Ms Smith had two young children, Lisa, who was seven years old, and Rachel, who was four years old at the time of their mother's disappearance.

Gardai at Bray Garda Station have renewed their appeal for assistance and information on Ms Smith's disappearance and murder, 38 years on.

They have appealed to those who may have information since 1987, or who may have come into possession of information in the intervening years, to come forward.

They have urged anyone who, 38 years on, may want to come forward to do so, especially if relationships or associations may have changed over the years.

Gardai added that they are anxious to assure the public that they will treat anyone assisting the investigation in a sensitive manner.

Anyone with information can contact gardai in Bray at 01 666 5300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
High Court Reporter

A High Court judge has said he is satisfied with a letter from a law firm which explained how it wrote a letter to lawyers for a man at the centre of the business "spy" affair, saying its client had no knowledge of two cars alleged to have been surveilling the man and his family.

Mr Justice Cregan had asked that his concerns should be addressed in relation to a letter written by Hayes Solicitors LLP, on behalf of its client global HR firm Deel Inc, saying they had no knowledge of the identities behind the registrations of two cars which had allegedly been following payroll manager Keith O'Brien to and from his home in Balrothery, north Dublin.

Mr O'Brien, who was employed in Dublin by Deel rival Rippling, admitted being paid 5,500 a month by Deel in return for trade secrets of his employer. He later apologised for the espionage and began cooperating with Rippling when it sued him, Deel and others.

As a result, Rippling is not seeking any reliefs against him.

Mr O'Brien brought his own proceedings alleging intimidation and harassment from surveillance by what were initially only "persons unknown" who were drivers/owners of two cars seen allegedly following him.

Later, private investigation firms of Mark Murran, also known as Rock Investigations and Security, and Cliona Woods, trading as Gotham Services, became the defendants. They strongly deny any overt surveillance or claims of harassment and intimidation.

The Hayes letter on behalf of Deel denying knowledge of surveillance by two particular cars was sent in reply to a pre-litigation letter sent by Mr O'Brien's solicitor seeking that the surveillance should stop.

During hearings before Mr Justice Cregan, he expressed his concern at the content of the Hayes letter, at one point saying it was either "a blatant lie or misrepresentation". This was after Deel had revealed it had commissioned "discreet" surveillance, and Hayes accepted the letter was incorrect but true at the time, according to the instructions it received.

On Thursday, the judge said he had been unfair to Hayes but believed the matter could be resolved by Hayes simply writing another letter correcting the record.

On Friday, Michael Cush SC, for Hayes, said his side had taken up the judge's suggestion and written the letter. Mr Cush said the letter explained Hayes had no independent knowledge that Deel had ordered surveillance, but once it informed the firm it had, it was brought to the attention of the court.

Mr Cush said he hoped the letter had the effect of satisfying the court and that Hayes at all times acted with absolute professionalism and integrity.

The judge thanked Mr Cush for going to that trouble to resolve his concerns.

Declan McGrath SC, for Deel, said from his client's perspective, an affidavit had been sworn by Jerome Soine, CEO of a Germany-based security firm, ISN International Security Network, apologising for what happened.

Mr Soine said on making enquiries, his company was not aware of the identities of the car owners/drivers or that anyone had been retained by Ms Woods. Therefore, ISN told Deel they had not engaged the people using these particular vehicles.

However, it subsequently transpired, following further information from Ms Woods, that one of the vehicles - the other was completely innocent and not involved in any surveillance - was involved.

Mr Soine regretted he did not tell Deel sooner and apologised on behalf of ISN.

Mr Justice Cregan said he thought that now resolved the matter.
Eimear Dodd and Claire Henry

A man has been jailed for attacking a former colleague, leaving him with serious facial scarring.

Adam Mitchell McGrath (32) caused a serious cut to the injured party's face, which left him requiring 120 stitches and surgery.

In a victim impact statement, the injured party said he believed the attack was intended to end his life and outlined the effects on him.

In a separate incident, McGrath, who has a diagnosis of Schizophrenia, threatened staff working in a shop and caused over 15,000 worth of damage.

McGrath of Crestfield Drive, Whitehall, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm and making threats to kill or cause serious harm.

Passing sentence on Thursday, Judge Martin Nolan said he must deal with this defendant in relation to two particular crimes. Regarding the incident in the shop, this defendant made extreme threats, and these were very believable threats.

Second incident

Judge Nolan said the second incident related to McGrath becoming fixated with this injured party. He broke the window of the injured car and then slashed him with some type of blade.

This man sustained awful injuries and required 120 stitches. This man required surgery, and he has been left with a very obvious scar and has difficulties with his speech.

The judge said McGrath has mental health problems and has a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. He said, Despite his knowledge of his condition, this defendant went off his medication and his condition returned.

He noted the mitigating factors as his guilty plea, his remorse for his actions, his previous good record and work history, and that he is doing well in custody.

Judge Nolan agreed with the Director of Public Prosecutions that this fell within the 810-year range and set a headline sentence of eight and a half years.

He stated that mental health problems and conditions should be considered as mitigation factors, saying, This does not excuse the crime, but it should be taken into account.

Judge Nolan sentenced McGrath to six years in prison, with the final two years suspended for two years. He also placed McGrath under the supervision of probation services for two years post-release and instructed that he carry out all directions they deem necessary. Additionally, Judge Nolan stated that McGrath is to have no contact, directly or indirectly, with the injured party in this case.

He concluded by saying that if his mental health issues were not there, he would be facing a much higher prison sentence.

The court heard that gardai were called to a building site near St Anne's Park on the morning of October 23rd, 2023.

They saw a car parked outside the site, which had a damaged driver's side window and blood on the front seat.

The injured party was on the building site, and members of the Dublin Fire Brigade were treating him.

He told gardai that he had parked in the car park near the building site and was on a call when he saw McGrath coming towards his car.

McGrath was shouting at him and told the injured party to get out of his car. The injured party was afraid and locked the car doors, but lowered the window slightly to talk to McGrath.

The defendant tried to open the door, then broke the driver's side front window. The injured party tried to move out of the driver's seat but was unable to as the seatbelt had locked.

McGrath cut the injured party across his face, then stabbed him in the leg.

The injured party told gardai he was concerned McGrath was trying to slit his throat and kill him due to the movement of the knife.

While seriously injured, the victim managed to move the car to the building site and raise the alarm.

He sustained a deep laceration to his face, which required surgery, and a facial nerve, saliva duct, vein and artery were also severed as a result of this injury.

The court heard that McGrath and the injured party had worked together earlier in the year and initially had a cordial working relationship.

However, McGrath sent a letter to a colleague of the injured party about a week before this incident occurred, which caused concerns. There was no basis in reality to what was contained in this document, the court heard, and the injured party asked that this letter be reported to the gardai.

Photos of his injuries were handed to the court. The victim also suffered a superficial cut to his leg and defensive wounds on his hands.

Victim impact statement

A victim impact statement was read to the court on behalf of the man attacked at the building site.

He said he believed the attack was intended to end his life, and he required 120 stitches across his face. He said he has been left with permanent scarring.

He said he has been left with other physical consequences of the attack, which are a daily reminder of what happened to him and will be with him for the rest of his life.

He has ongoing emotional trauma and suffers from nightmares. The injured party said the attack has also affected his family, friends and colleagues.

He said the scarring has changed how he approaches his work, and he wonders what people assume about him when they look at his face during meetings.

He asked the court to take into account not only the physical and emotional effects of the assault, but the loss of his ability to move freely in the world without the fear of unwanted judgment.

The injured party was in court and stood up following a request from Judge Nolan.

Separate incident

An investigating garda told the court of a separate incident in which McGrath went to a bike shop on Clontarf Road on October 17th, 2023, where he demanded a refund from a shop worker.

After a shop worker explained that it would take time for a refund to be processed, McGrath said he would burn this place down.

McGrath left the shop briefly, then started banging on the windows with a hammer, breaking some of the panes of glass.

Another worker, who heard the threat, came out from the back of the shop and saw McGrath smash the windows.

McGrath noticed he was trying to take a photo of him and shouted at the shop worker, You're dead, before running at him with the hammer.

This shop worker, fearing he was going to be attacked, closed the door in an attempt to slow McGrath, who smashed the window in the door with the hammer.

McGrath re-entered the shop, then kicked over a number of bikes. He left the shop with the hammer in his hand, still shouting.

The court heard that five people were working in the shop at the time, and they were fearful for their safety.

Over 15,923 of damage was caused during this incident.

McGrath was arrested and interviewed. Nothing of evidential value was obtained about the attack at the building site, but he identified himself on CCTV in relation to the incident at the bike shop and made admissions.

McGrath has no previous convictions.

The investigating garda agreed with Fiona Murphy SC, defending, that McGrath has mental health issues and was diagnosed with Schizophrenia in his early 20s.

It was further accepted that McGrath has been in custody since his arrest and was transferred to the Central Mental Hospital for a period of time.

The garda also accepted that the letter written by McGrath contained delusions, which have no basis in reality.

It was also agreed that McGrath was not on the garda radar.

A psychological report, a letter of apology and other documents were handed to the court.

Ms Murphy said her client instructed that he wished to plead guilty, though the reports suggested he could have chosen to plead not guilty by reason of insanity if the case went to trial.

Counsel said her client wished to offer a full and unreserved apology for his actions, is aware of the seriousness of his offending and accepts full responsibility.

She said her client was diagnosed with schizophrenia, engaged with services and was taking his medication, but it appeared at some point he stopped taking his medication.

McGrath's parents were in court to support him. Ms Murphy noted her client is willing to engage with services post-release, but acknowledges that he must be punished.

Counsel said her client is now aware that he cannot stop taking his medication and asked the court to take into account his serious mental health difficulties.
THE Fifth Carlow Town Scout Group brought together young adventurers and their families for a special fundraising day that highlighted the impressive range of skills its members have developed. From the youngest beavers, just six years old, to the venturers approaching their 19th birthday, the event demonstrated exactly what modern scouting is all about.

Chairman Colin Whelan (left) and Kevin Murphy, cub scout leader

A lot of people dont understand what we do, explained Colin Walsh, the groups chair and a former long-time scout leader. We teach life skills to kids from a very early age, starting at six years of age as beavers, and they progress through the ranks until theyre 18 or 19.

Marie-Therese Byrne helps Vincent Condon make a 'reef knot' during the Fifth Carlow Town Scout Group's showcase event

The timing of the fundraiser was particularly exciting for the group, as their Sionnach patrol had recently claimed first place at the Carlow/Kilkenny County Shield competition in April. This victory earned them the right to represent the county at the national Phoenix challenge, scheduled for 14-17 August in Limerick.

David Walsh, Evan Wood and Patrick Hayes build a preparation table

They were showing their skills off  what theyre actually going to be doing for the competition, Walsh noted.

The demonstration proved that these young scouts have mastered skills that would challenge many adults. Their pioneering abilities were on full display as they set up a perimeter and demonstrated the art of joining wooden staves using traditional knots and lashing techniques  no nails or glue required. The practical skills continued in the kitchen, where the scouts prepared eggy bread and hotdogs that were served to parents and other attendees.

Henry O'Reilly makes some French toast (also known as 'eggy bread'!)

Local politicians including minister Jennifer Murnane OConnor, cllr Andrea Dalton, cllr Fergal Browne and cllr John Cassin attended the event, giving them a first-hand look at what the scouts accomplished. We showed them around and introduced them to all the kids, said Colin.

Members of the Beavers make some French toast

The skills showcased represent just a fraction of what young people can learn through scouting. Colin is enthusiastic about the comprehensive education the programme provides, covering orienteering with compass and map reading, navigation by the suns position, first aid, CPR and defibrillation, hiking, camping and mountaineering.

They wouldnt ordinarily learn these valuable life skills in school, Colin emphasised, highlighting how scouting fills an important gap in practical education.

At the scout group showcase were cllr Andrea Dalton with Aine O'Neill and Cerys and Aoife Munnelly

For Colin, who has been involved with the Carlow scouts since joining as a boy in 1962, the programme represents something deeper than skill-building. He speaks warmly of the life-long bonds forged and friendships made through scouting.

With humour, he adds: Ive been involved a long time; they cant get rid of me.
Advertisement

Sri Lankas cement industry is showing early signs of a resurgence, with domestic demand rising to 4.71Mt in the past year, up from 3.96Mt a year ago, reports Tokyo Cement Group. The share of local production has grown, supporting national goals of industrial self-sufficiency and domestic value creation.

The increase was attributed to the latent demand and low base effect of the previous year, the company said in a statement, as the broader construction sector begins to regain momentum after a prolonged slump.

Looking ahead, the company expects demand to improve, underpinned by private sector-led construction activity and government infrastructure projects. It said that the recovery would be supported by active fund disbursements from international development agencies and bilateral partnerships with countries such as India, Japan and China.

However, the entry of a new local grinding operator and multiple cement importers, capitalising on the relaxed import restrictions, have added pressure to an already saturated market, claimed Tokyo Cement.

Outside pressures are adding to trading challenges. The heightened volatility in the global trade policies and ongoing regional conflicts pose downside risks that add to the uncertainty and may jeopardise some of the hard-fought economic gains the country is working towards, the company warned.

However, the cement producer said it remains optimistic about the countrys economic fundamentals and is ready to maximise any growth opportunities. It will continue with stringent cost controls and maintain flexibility to adapt to the evolving conditions.
The Collegedale Police Department invites the community to join them for the 2025 National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Collegedale City Hall, 4910 Swinyar Dr. in Collegedale."National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to strengthen police-community partnerships and promote neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live," officials said.This years event will feature:- Police, Fire, and EMS demonstrations;- Appearances by the Tennessee Truckers Association;- Activities and fun for the kids;- Displays from the Tennessee Highway Patrol; and- Engagement opportunities with local businesses.This event is a great way for families and neighbors to connect with the men and women who serve our community every day, said Chief Jack Sapp.We hope to see everyone there enjoying the fun and building stronger community bonds.Attendees are encouraged to bring the whole family and enjoy a night of food, fun and fellowship with first responders and fellow community members.Parking will be available at the Collegedale Commons.
Drivers traveling on Highway 41 (Cummings Highway) in Marion County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will temporarily impact traffic.

On Monday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time, Tennessee Department of Transportation maintenance crews will close Cummings Highway between Raccoon Mountain Road and Holder Lane to replace a drainpipe underneath the roadway.

Message boards are in place warning drivers of the upcoming closure. First responders and emergency personnel have been notified.

Drivers are encouraged to use caution as they travel through this area and expect delays. This work is weather-dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances cause delays, it will be rescheduled for a later date. Uniformed police officers will be present to assist with traffic control and law enforcement.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel. Get the latest construction activity traffic updates from the TDOT SmartWay Map . Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information.

The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.
Leadership Tennessee, a group committed to fostering non-partisan conversations on key state matters, has named two Hamilton County residents to the Leadership Tennessee NEXT program.

They include Brooke Weaver, deputy Hamilton County Clerk, and LaKevia Perry, Government Relations Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority.

A total of 31 individuals were chosen for Leadership Tennessee NEXT, representing 11 Tennessee counties.

Officials said, "The class brings diverse professional experience in a wide range of sectors and industries.

"The cohort is Tennessees only statewide leadership program focusing on existing and emerging leaders and spanning geographic and industry boundaries."

Each time we welcome a new Leadership Tennessee NEXT class, I am reminded of the incredible impact these emerging leaders have within their own organizations and the collective power they bring as a group to addressing statewide issues, said Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II, president and CEO of Leadership Tennessee. Each group brings new energy, bold ideas and a commitment to shaping a better future for Tennessee.

Im honored to be selected for Leadership Tennessee NEXT and excited to join a network of leaders who are passionate about making a difference, said Ms. Weaver, This program is an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and bring back ideas that can benefit Hamilton County and communities across our state.

Candidates are selected by an anonymous selection committee and evaluated based on the following criteria: professionals who excel in their fields, are engaged in service to their various communities and are dedicated to improving the lives of Tennesseans.

Since Leadership Tennessees founding, more than 850 Tennessee residents have become class members of both Leadership Tennessee NEXT and the organizations Signature Program.

The cohorts work will begin in August 2025 and run through November 2025, and the class curriculum includes robust visits to Nashville, Memphis, Tri-Cities and Paris, Tn.

Leadership Tennessee was founded in 2013 as an initiative of the College of Leadership and Public Service at Lipscomb University, and in 2021, it launched as an independent 501(c)(3). The program fosters collaborative, non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, connecting a network of diverse leaders and engaged citizens. Citizens with demonstrated community and professional leadership from every region of the state bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to an in-depth exploration of the complex issues facing Tennessee, with a focus on how leaders can collaborate to effectively address those issues.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Friday a "key leadership transition" at the Tennessee Department of Health. Dr. Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, will step down after nearly three years of service to Tennesseans. John Dunn has been appointed interim commissioner, effective July 11.Ralph has faithfully served Tennesseans throughout his tenure in the Lee administration by leveraging his significant clinical and hospital management experience to strengthen rural healthcare and reduce regulatory barriers, said Governor Lee.Maria and I wish Ralph continued success and pray Gods blessings over him in the days ahead.Officials said, "Mr. Alvarado joined the Lee administration in November 2022 and has served the state by reducing the regulatory burden for medical care and licensing boards and expanding rural healthcare. Under his direction, Tennessee has modernized the process for updating the states food code to improve agility and safety, and became a national leader in the number of 'age-friendly' designated health departments, introducing local dementia navigator programming. Mr. Alvarado brought decades of diverse professional experience to the role, including hospital management and nearly 30 years of service as an attending physician. He previously served as chief executive officer of Alvarado Medical Services, PLLC, a healthcare organization serving Kentucky communities."Mr. Alvarado earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Loma Linda University and completed his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Kentucky.Mr. Dunn will serve as interim commissioner of TDH.John is a committed public servant with decades of service to Tennesseans, said Governor Lee. I appreciate his leadership during this time of transition, and am confident he will serve with integrity.Mr. Dunn currently serves as the state epidemiologist and is an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He joined the Tennessee Department of Health in 2005 as a U.S. Public Health Service officer following completion of the Epidemic Intelligence Service fellowship. He previously served as deputy state epidemiologist, state public health veterinarian, and is an internationally recognized expert in foodborne and zoonotic diseases. A Nashville native, Mr. Dunn earned his undergraduate degree, doctor of veterinary medicine, and Ph.D. in veterinary medical sciences at Louisiana State University. He also holds an MBA for strategic leadership from the Haslam School of Business at the University of Tennessee.
More than 41 million Veterans have served our nation since the American Revolution. They have valiantly carried forward the banner of American Liberty since the first shots were fired in its defense at Lexington and Concord. Generations of American Patriots have honored their sacred oaths to support and defend the Liberty endowed by their Creator as the unalienable Right of Man  the right of all people, affirmed in our Declaration of Independence and enshrined in our Republics Constitution.They committed to extend the blessings of Liberty to future generations, and in doing so they endured tens of thousands of accounts of heroic actions that, at their core, speak to who we are as a nation.Many of those accounts could only be told by survivors because those most directly involved did not return. More than 650,000 American Patriots have been killed in combat defending our great nation and its legacy of American Liberty.There is one particular group of those Veterans who most know nothing about  the Harlem Hellfighters.It was in World War I that they, officially the 369th Infantry Regiment from the Harlem section of New York, rose to fame.In 1917, at the height of WWI, the U.S. passed the Selective Service Act, which required all men ages 21 to 30, including black men, to register for the draft. But the 369th had its origin much earlier as New Yorks 15th Regiment, formed in 1864, notably to quell rebellions in New York by those rioting against the Civil War draft. It was re-designated the 369th in early 1918 when assigned to fight with the French.According to the U.S. Army history of the Hellfighters: "In 1916, New York Gov. Charles S. Whitman authorized the creation of the 15th New York Infantry to be manned by African-Americans -- with white officers -- and headquartered in Harlem where 50,000 of the 60,000 black residents of Manhattan lived in 1910. ... The French Army needed soldiers and the U.S. Army was ambivalent about black troops. So the 15th New York, renamed the 369th Infantry, was sent to fight under French command, solving a problem for both armies."The 369th was accepted as an equally qualified regiment by the French, whose forces included many non-white colonial units, and by March of 1918, the 369th was in combat under Gen. John J. Pershing.The unit served 191 days in trench warfare combat, the longest combat deployment of any American unit, and suffered heavy losses in the American drive in the Meuse-Argonne in September of 1918, six weeks before the 11-11-11 Armistice.When PVT Henry Johnson and PVT Needham Roberts won the French Croix de Guerre for fighting off a German patrol it was big news in the United States. A country hungry for war news and American heroes discovered the 369th.Among the most celebrated of the Hellfighters was Henry Black Death Johnson, who suffered more than 20 injuries while refusing to give ground against the Germans. He was the first American to receive the French Croix de Guerre for gallantry. PVT Needham Roberts would also be awarded the French Croix de Guerre.Johnson, would posthumously be awarded the Medal of Honor, and his citation notes on May 15, 1918: "While under intense enemy fire and despite receiving significant wounds, Private Johnson mounted a brave retaliation, resulting in several enemy casualties. When his fellow soldier was badly wounded and being carried away by the enemy, Private Johnson exposed himself to grave danger by advancing from his position to engage the two enemy captors in hand-to-hand combat. Wielding only a knife and gravely wounded himself, Private Johnson continued fighting, defeating the two captors and rescuing the wounded soldier. Displaying great courage, he continued to hold back the larger enemy force until the defeated enemy retreated leaving behind a large cache of weapons and equipment and providing valuable intelligence. Without Private Johnson's quick actions and continued fighting, even in the face of almost certain death, the enemy might have succeeded in capturing prisoners and the outpost."On Feb. 17, 1919, the 2,900 men of the 369th Infantry Regiment were the first New York soldiers to return home to a roaring welcome. They marched from Washington Square Park Arch up Fifth Avenue to their Harlem armory.News accounts in The New York Times noted: "New York City residents, both white and black - packed the streets as they paraded up Fifth Avenue. ... Thousands and thousands of rattlesnakes, the emblem of the 369th, each snake coiled, ready to strike, appeared everywhere, in buttonholes, in shop windows and on banners carried by the crowd."The New York Sun noted: "By the time the men reached 135th Street they were decorated with flowers like brides, husky black doughboys plunking along with bouquets under their arms and grins on their faces that one could see to read by. The fathers and mothers and wives and sweethearts of the men would no longer be denied and they swooped through police lines like water through a sieve. The Soldiers were too well trained to break ranks but when a mother spied her son and threw her arms around his neck with joy at getting him back again, he just hugged her off her feet."The Times estimated that 10,000 people waited outside the armory and "all the spaces about the Armory were packed with negro women and girls."The men of the 369th anticipated that their service would alleviate some of the discrimination they suffered in New York, and it did. It certainly demonstrated that these men were as capable of valiant service as any men in uniform.I salute the Hellfighters and their extended families a century later, and all generations of veterans before and since."Greater love has no one than this, to lay down ones life for his friends." (John 15:13)Live your life worthy of his sacrifice.Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et FidelisPro Deo et Libertate -- 1776Join 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 historic hometown National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Make a check payable to National MoH 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
The grant also will address the behavioral health workforce shortage in rural Oklahoma.
Children run on the lawn at the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., on April 28, 2020.
Britain, France agree to coordinate nuclear deterrence, unveil new migration scheme

Xinhua) 08:58, July 11, 2025

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on July 10, 2025. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Britain and France have signed a new deal to allow the two countries to coordinate their nuclear deterrents for the first time. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

LONDON, July 10 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Britain and France have signed a new deal to allow the two countries to coordinate their nuclear deterrents for the first time.

During a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at a military base in Northwood, near London, Starmer said the two countries had signed the Northwood Declaration, a deal designed to show adversaries that any attack on either nation would result in a response from both nations.

For his part, Macron, who will conclude a three-day state visit to Britain later Thursday, highlighted the importance of defense and security cooperation between the two countries, noting that times have changed in Europe and the Britain-France partnership "must change accordingly."

Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Macron said Europe must be able to rely on the strategic collaboration between Britain and France, Europe's only two nuclear powers.

A statement by Downing Street underscored the "extreme threat to Europe" that would prompt a joint nuclear response. "Any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both nations," it said.

Meanwhile, Britain and France plan to order additional highly lethal Storm Shadow cruise missiles and step up replenishment of arms depots as part of a renewed defense agreement, according to the statement.

Following a Britain-France Summit at Downing Street and a "coalition of the willing" virtual meeting, which included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Starmer announced that a new coalition headquarters supporting Ukraine will be established in Paris.

On the issue of migration, the two leaders unveiled a new "one in, one out" scheme to reduce English Channel crossings.

Under the scheme, migrants arriving in Britain via small boats will be "detained and returned to France in short order," Starmer said. In parallel, individuals who have not previously attempted to cross the Channel illegally will be allowed to enter Britain through a newly created route.

The route will be subject to strict security checks and limited to those meeting the eligibility criteria. Starmer described the plan as "groundbreaking" but didn't specify how many migrants would be returned.

Macron said he's "totally committed" to the pilot scheme, which will come into effect within weeks.

However, it remains unclear whether the scheme will serve as an effective deterrent. Despite joint funding and efforts, more than 20,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year, marking a 50 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Both Macron and Starmer face rising pressure at home from far-right and anti-immigration sentiment. Addressing the British parliament on Tuesday, Macron described the migration challenge as "a burden" shared by both countries.

Starmer also said the two countries "have gone further" to improve trade and investment, adding that both sides will strengthen collaboration on supercomputers, satellite connectivity, and artificial intelligence.

Macron hailed the development as a "reset" in bilateral ties, noting that trade volumes have topped pre-Brexit levels and the two countries are strengthening their partnerships in civilian nuclear power and cooperating in space exploration.

During his visit, Macron reiterated support for the two-state solution to solving the conflicts in Gaza, and called recognition of the State of Palestine the "only path to peace."

The visit marks the first state trip to Britain by a French president since 2008, and Macron is the first European Union head of state to visit since Brexit.

Observers said trust between the two sides still needs to be rebuilt after years of tension, particularly during the Brexit negotiations. Macron previously described Brexit as a product of "lies and false promises." Dialogue between the two nations had diminished following disputes on fishing rights and the Britain-Australia submarine deals.

Sebastien Maillard, an expert at London-based think tank Chatham House, said that "the memory of these difficult times has not vanished" on either side. "Trust needs time to build," he added.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on July 10, 2025. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Britain and France have signed a new deal to allow the two countries to coordinate their nuclear deterrents for the first time. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on July 10, 2025. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Britain and France have signed a new deal to allow the two countries to coordinate their nuclear deterrents for the first time. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on July 10, 2025. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Britain and France have signed a new deal to allow the two countries to coordinate their nuclear deterrents for the first time. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on July 10, 2025. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Britain and France have signed a new deal to allow the two countries to coordinate their nuclear deterrents for the first time. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on July 10, 2025. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Britain and France have signed a new deal to allow the two countries to coordinate their nuclear deterrents for the first time. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
(From left) Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts and Toure Roberts, newly appointed co-senior pastors of The Potters House of Dallas. | Screenshot: YouTube/ The Potters House of Dallas

During a Sunday service, The Potters House, the Dallas megachurch founded by Bishop T.D. Jakes officially installed Sarah Jakes Roberts and Toure Roberts as co-senior pastors.

The church shared a video of the ceremony on Instagram, stating, Today, a mantle was passed with power, and a future was set in motion. They added, [T.D. Jakes] lifted up a legacy of sacrifice to release the next generation into purpose. This moment was sacred, and what comes next requires all of us.

The transition was publicly announced in April of the same year, with Jakes expressing strong confidence in the leadership abilities of the couple. Bishop Jakes, now 68, will continue serving as chairman of the T.D. Jakes Group, which includes his foundation, real estate ventures, and a social impact holding company.

For nearly 50 years, Ive had the honor of connecting with and serving the local and global community as a pastor, global faith leader and unwavering truth teller, Jakes remarked in April.

He continued, As I enter my 50th year in the public spotlight, I recognize the urgent need to address more challenges of our time, particularly the looming threat of a disappearing middle class, social unrest and closing opportunity gaps. This pivotal moment calls me to focus on a legacy of economic empowerment, serving as a bridge between community, culture, and corporate alliances to help position our nation for a stronger future, he explained.

Jakes emphasized that Elevating Pastor Toure and Pastor Sarah as the new senior pastors of The Potters House, we will honor our rich history while embracing a future that demands innovative ministry for the coming age. This elevation is not a departure but a rebirth. I will never stop preaching and will continue to minister. This moment isnt an ending, its an expansion. We are not only passing a mantle, we are multiplying impact. Leadership is not static; it is dynamic. It demands the courage to evolve.

Sarah Jakes Roberts, age 36, is a bestselling author and the founder of the Woman Evolve ministry. Her husband, Toure Roberts, is also a pastor and author of books including Purpose Awakening, Wholeness, and Balance. He established 'ONE | A Potters House Church' in Los Angeles.

Founded in 1996 after Jakes relocated to Dallas from West Virginia, The Potters House now reports a membership of approximately 30,000.
Home News Pastor, congregant gunned down during worship service in Nigeria

During an evening worship service on Monday, suspected Islamic extremists gunned down a Baptist pastor and another worshipper and kidnapped a woman in Katsina state, northwest Nigeria.

About 15 to 20 gunmen with Fulani accents stormed Bege Baptist Church in Yaribori (also known as Yari Bori) village, Kafur County, and shot the Rev. Emmanuel Naallah Auta and Mallam Samaila Gidan Taro, according to news outlet TruthNigeria.

Church member Zakariya Jatau told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that the pastor was leading a worship service and Bible study when he was shot.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

Another member, a lady, was also kidnapped and taken away to an unknown place, he said, corroborating the account of another church member.

Congregation members said the slain Gidan Taro was a prominent convert from Islam, and that Pastor Naallah had worked to reconcile the villages Muslim and Christian communities, TruthNigeria reported.

Plateau state Killings

In Plateau state in central Nigeria, Fulani herdsmen killed 20 Christians in one area of the state in June, while predominantly Christian villages in another county in the state have suffered the slaughter of 80 of their residents since May, sources said.

In Mangu County, herdsmen razed 96 houses belonging to Christians in Gyambwas, Langai District, as they killed two Christians on June 27, area resident Esther Luka said.

This is the devastating effects of Fulani killings in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state, Luka told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News in a text message. On Friday 27th June, my friends dad, Rose Dapus, went to his farm at Gyambwas, with about 15 hired Christians to till the ground and to plant crops. At the end of the day, he paid and dismissed the hired workers while he remained with his son to put a few touches on the farm. That was when the herdsmen attacked the two of them. The son was able to run and escape to tell the story, but his father was shot dead.

In the countys Manja village, herdsmen on June 19 killed three Christians as they were working on their farms, residents said.

The three Christians were on the farm, tilling the grounds and tending their farmland when the armed herdsmen attacked and killed them, Mathew Kwarpo, a legislator in the Plateau state House of Assembly, told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The terrorists during the attack in Manja village didnt just kill the three Christians but also set fire on over 20 houses belonging to Christians.

On June 11, herdsmen killed eight Christians in the countys Chicim village, resident Jeremy Nyuwa said.

The armed herdsmen invaded the community, which is only one mile from Mangu town, and started shooting Christian villagers they sighted, Nyuwa said. And in Bwai village, another Christian community, the herdsmen attacked Christians there on 10 June. During the attack seven Christians were gunned down.

In Bokkos County, Fulani herdsmen in concert with other Islamic extremist terrorists have attacked 13 predominantly Christian villages since May, killing 80 people and destroying dozens of houses, sources said. Military authorities confirmed the attacks and sent forces to the affected communities.

Attacked on June 29 were the villages of Tulus, Hokk and Juwan, while 10 other communities were raided in earlier incidents on June 27, June 26 and June 2, Christian leaders said. A pastors house was burned down in the June 29 attack in Hokk.

Amalau Samuel, chairman of the Bokkos Local Government Council, described the attacks as barbaric and inhuman.

The attackers came late at night and started killing innocent people, Samuel said. They were going from house to house, and where they could not gain entrance, they broke through the ceiling. Those affected mostly are the aged and children who could not run, while those agile fled for safety.

Area residents said terrorists have camps in areas like Daffo, Mbar, Tangur, Pyakmallu, Butura and Kwatas, and that this information has been reported to Nigerian military authorities and other secret agencies.

Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report.

They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states.

Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.

Nigeria remained among the most dangerous places on earth for Christians, according to Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100 (69 percent) were in Nigeria, according to the WWL.

The measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology, the report stated.

In the countrys North-Central zone, where Christians are more common than they are in the North-East and North-West, Islamic extremist Fulani militia attack farming communities, killing many hundreds, Christians above all, according to the report. Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), among others, are also active in the countrys northern states, where federal government control is scant and Christians and their communities continue to be the targets of raids, sexual violence, and roadblock killings, according to the report. Abductions for ransom have increased considerably in recent years.

The violence has spread to southern states, and a new jihadist terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the northwest, armed with advanced weaponry and a radical Islamist agenda, the WWL noted. Lakurawa is affiliated with the expansionist Al-Qaeda insurgency Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, or JNIM, originating in Mali.

Nigeria ranked seventh on the 2025 WWL list of the 50 worst countries for Christians.

This article was originally published by Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News.
Home News Actor alleges Tyler Perry Studios VP drugged, raped him

U.S. Army veteran and actor Braxton Wells has publicly accused the Vice President of Tyler Perry Studios, Mark E. Swinton, of drugging him and raping him three years ago, then attempting to silence him with a financial bribe and non-disclosure agreement.

The allegation from Wells, which was shared on Instagram last Sunday, comes just weeks after fellow actor Derek Dixon filed a lawsuit against Swintons boss and professed Christian, Tyler Perry, accusing him of aggressively sexually assaulting and harassing him. Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages.

Dixon, who is gay, told The Hollywood Reporter that since he went public with his claims against Perry, he has received both threats and messages of support, as well as stories from others who claim they had similar experiences with Perry.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

This is why people, especially men, dont come forward, Dixon says of the harassment he has faced since going public with his claims.

Both Wells and Dixon have appeared in Perrys The Oval series on BET. Wells, who says he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, details his claims against Swinton and others in multiple posts on Instagram.

In one post in which he includes a photo of Perry and Swinton together, Wells accuses Perry of enabling his abuser while quoting Isaiah 8:20, which states: To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.



I speak today not just for myself, but for every soul silenced by power, fame, and fear. Mark E. Swinton, you groomed and raped me while I was under your influence, flying me from Los Angeles to Georgia under false pretenses. You abused your position as Vice President of Tyler Perry Studios  a company that claims to stand for faith  to commit unspeakable evil behind closed doors, Wells wrote on Instagram.

Tyler Perry, you built your empire on the image of a God-fearing man, yet when darkness crept in through your own executive, you chose silence. You retained a predator in your house and helped cover it up, protecting your brand over a broken human life. Thats not faith  thats fraud.

Yahweh Elohim sees all. He is not mocked.

Wells reshared the allegations against Swinton, which he previously posted in 2024, alleging that he was brutally raped. He also claimed that he reported the alleged crime to the Roswell Police Department in Georgia.

The Christian Post reached out to both the detective who Wells said is working on the case, and Tyler Perry Studios for comment. Neither party was able to immediately provide a response.

Wells alleges that on the night of Jan. 5, 2022, after having dinner with Swinton that included several drinks at a restaurant called Marcel in Atlanta, Georgia, he traveled with Swinton to his home, where he was served another drink. He said after consuming the drink at Swintons home, I started feeling weird.

All I remember he took me upstairs up in his room and he had another room and watching another movie and gave me another drink and [I] felt extra unbalanced and I was not coherent and I couldnt fight anyone. I felt tranquilized and I know he put something in my drink, Wells wrote on Instagram.

And he started trying to kiss my neck and kiss me and I told him to stop and he told me no its ok and I got you. Dont worry. Come in my room, he recalls.

I couldnt move at all. I felt like my whole body was paralyzed. And then he started taking my clothes off and turn me around and I couldnt move. And [he] started putting Vaseline on my anus area and started driving his penis in my anus and I couldnt move and I couldnt get him off of me. And I started hurting and then I blacked out and I dont remember what else he did to me after that! Wells alleges.

He said the following morning, Swinton told him he had sent him $6,000 on Apple Pay for his silence.

I was lost for words and I was extremely mad and embarrassed. I told him I need to take a shower and I notice I was wiping myself in the shower. I had Vaseline on me and blood mix[ed] together on the washcloth. And I was breaking down crying in the shower and I didnt know what to do, Wells recalls.

I came to the realization that I was raped by Mark E. Swinton and I was afraid to speak up about this situation for two years because I thought I was going to be blackballed from Hollywood.  I left his crib and got me a hotel in Buckhead and going through this dramatic experience it made my PTSD worse and my mental health was worse since Im a retired veteran in the army and Ive been suicidal all this time.

Responding to Dixons lawsuit last month, Matthew Boyd, a lawyer for Perry, called Dixon an "individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam," in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail," Boyd said.

That lawsuit, which also names TPS Production Services, LLC, And Action LLC, and Does 1-50 as defendants, accuses Perry of quid pro quo sexual harassment; work environment harassment; sexual harassment; workplace gender violence; violation of the Bane Act; sexual battery; sexual assault; negligent retention; intentional infliction of emotional distress; and retaliation.

Perry, who in 2018 told congregants at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church that he was once a minister and went to seminary, started his media empire marketing plays in the black church. He is known for highlighting storylines featuring struggling black women.

The lawsuit paints Perry as a sexual predator who lures and entraps his targets with the promise of fame and success in the film industry.

Dixon alleges that Perry tried to pressure him to engage in "guiltless sex" while he worked for him. The filing claims the media mogul told Dixon he has sex with men and stated in a text message that: "You can have freedom from religious guilt and still believe in Christ."
Home News 3 churches bombed in Sudans North Darfur state in RSF attacks

Three churches have been bombed in El Fasher, the capital of Sudans North Darfur state, during two separate attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The targeted churches included the Sudanese Episcopal Church, the African Inland Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

At least five people were killed in the bombings on June 9 and 11, and dozens more were injured, reported the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide this week.

Among the casualties was Fr. Luka Jomo, the parish priest of the Roman Catholic Church, who died on June 12 from injuries sustained in the attack.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

The city of El Fasher, currently the only major urban center in Darfur not under RSF control, has been under siege by the group since April 2024. The RSF targets churches as part of a campaign to establish control, using these buildings as military bases and to conduct ethnically motivated violence against non-Arab Christians.

Despite a United Nations Security Council resolution urging the RSF to lift the siege, no withdrawal has occurred.

In April, the RSF seized the Abu Souk and Zamzam camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), situated about 9 miles from El Fasher. The two camps, which together housed more than 700,000 people, have since been repurposed as RSF military bases.

The RSF, engaged in a civil war against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023, has attacked multiple churches over the course of the conflict.

CSW has reported a pattern of widespread pressure on Christians to convert to Islam.

The SAF has also been responsible for attacks on religious sites to counter the RSF presence inside, even if that risks damaging houses of worship. In December 2024, an airstrike by the SAF hit a church in Khartoum, killing 11 people, including eight children.

CSW President Mervyn Thomas condemned the bombings in El Fasher and the ongoing siege. He stated that both the RSF and SAF were committing severe human rights violations in breach of international law and humanitarian standards.

Thomas pointed out that churches serve as shelters for displaced civilians during conflicts and called for an immediate ceasefire, urging the international community to act to protect civilians.

In January, the U.S. government officially designated the RSF as committing acts of genocide, noted the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern.

The R.S.F. and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys  even infants  on an ethnic basis, ICC quoted then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken as saying. He also stated that women and girls had been deliberately targeted for rape and sexual violence by RSF fighters.

The ongoing civil war in Sudan, now entering its third year, has caused severe humanitarian consequences, especially for children, said ICC.

UNICEF reports that around 15 million Sudanese children are in need of humanitarian assistance, with 4 million of them suffering from acute malnutrition. The agency also estimates that roughly 17 million children  about 90% of the countrys school-age population  are out of school. Nearly one-third of these displaced children are under the age of 5.

UNICEF has also documented at least 5,000 children missing and more than 3,000 killed since the outbreak of war in 2023.
Home News Christians face 'increasingly perilous existence' in Syria; church bombing serves as 'brutal reminder'

The bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, last month that killed over two dozen people is an indication that Syria's Islamist-led authorities under President Ahmad alSharaa are enabling radicalism that threatens the existence of Syria's Christian community, experts warn.

The June 22 bombing of the Greek Orthodox church serves as a "brutal reminder" of the presence of radicalized jihadi groups in Syria that seek to eliminate Christians from the country, according to Jeff King, president of the United States-based watchdog group International Christian Concern.

The incident was the deadliest attack on Syria's Christian community since the 1860 Damascus Massacre, with advocates saying it serves as a reminder of "Christianity's increasingly perilous existence in its ancient homeland."

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

Speaking with The Christian Post, King condemned al-Sharaa and his administration, who rose to power after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied militant groups toppled former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December, for being unable or unwilling to protect Syrian Christians as the new government secures its foothold of power.

"This so-called administration, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's rebranded jihadists with roots in al-Qaeda and [Islamic State], offers hollow condolences while failing to curb extremist militias and rogue cells targeting minorities," King said in a statement. "Radical Islam, both within the government's ranks and through independent actors like ISIS remnants, seeks the total eradication of Christianity in Syria."

The bombing at the Mar Elias Church took place during a Sunday morning prayer service. The assailant entered the building and opened fire on the congregation before detonating an explosive vest.

Following a preliminary investigation, the Syrian government said that the Islamic State [also known as IS or ISIS] was responsible for the bombing. In his June 23 address, President al-Sharaa condemned the bombing as a crime against all Syrians. The crime was later claimed by the Islamic militant organization and HTS splinter group Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, which doesn't have an official affiliation with IS but has signaled an affinity for the group.

"This attack is but one step in that bloody campaign," King told CP. "The world must reject the legitimacy of this jihadist cabal masquerading as a government and impose immediate international pressure to protect Syria's nearly extinguished Christian population."

The warning comes as the U.S. government, under the direction of President Donald Trump, has removed financial sanctions on Syria starting this month. Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department removed the terror designation for HTS, which was originally known as Jabhat al-Nusra and was designated a terrorist group by the U.S. in 2018. The group had been linked to widespread human rights abuses.

The terror designation revocation drew the ire of some Christian human rights advocates who say that HTS had previously killed Christians in Iraq and Syria before being rebranded for international acceptance since the fall of Assad.

Brian Orme, president and CEO of Global Christian Relief, is also concerned about the failure of President al-Sharaa and his administration to protect historic Christian communities.

"While the leadership claims there will be freedom of religion, these assurances increasingly feel like empty words. This is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern where Christians remain vulnerable to targeted violence and intimidation," Orme told CP.

"We must also remember to pray for the Church in Syria  for their protection, for genuine freedom to worship without fear, and for the future of Christians in the region," Orme added.

After HTS and Islamist-led rebels toppled Assad's regime in December, the rebels met with Christian leaders and church representatives, making promises to defend religious freedom.

Earlier this year, King warned that HTS, which is made up of former IS and Al Qaeda fighters, was attempting to "rebrand" to appear nonthreatening. As the ICC president noted, HTS fighters who have targeted Christians in the past, which makes their promise to protect Christians ring hollow.

Following the latest attack against the Mar Elias Church, King declared Syria's Christians and the country's citizens deserve to live in peace and security after decades of what he described as "oppression and deprivation."

"President al-Sharaa must speak out for his country's religious minorities and acknowledge the ongoing persecution there," the ICC president said.

During a funeral service on June 24, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch John (X) Yazigi, a top Syrian Christian leader, demanded action instead of sympathy from President al-Sharaa. Yazigi delivered these remarks to mourners gathered at the Church of the Holy Cross, where nine of the bombing victims were laid to rest.

The Christian leader rebuked al-Sharaa for expressing his condolences by phone, according to Reuters. Yazigi also blamed the current administration for the bombing at the church in Damascus, which he said was a direct consequence of government failure.

"What is important to me  and I will say it  is that the government bears responsibility in full," Yazigi said.

Richard Ghazal, the executive director of the Washington-based advocacy group In Defense of Christians, warns that Christians in Syria  with an ever-shrinking population  face an "existential crisis."

"With every suicide bombing, every desecrated church, every community exodus, Syria edges closer to losing a two-millennia-old spiritual and cultural pillar," Ghazal wrote in an op-ed for The Hill this week.

Before the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Christians comprised about 10% (2 million) of the Syrian population and co-existed with Muslim neighbors. Today, fewer than 300,000 Christians remain in Syria, Ghazal stressed.

In response to the June 22 church attack, Ghazal says the U.S. government must put pressure on the Syrian transitional government to prosecute the perpetrators and "implement robust security measures to protect the country's Christian communities." Specifically, IDC wants the U.S. government to engage in "measured diplomatic relations" and require "security guarantees" and "constitutional protections" for minorities.

Without U.S. engagement, Ghazal believes there is a risk of creating a "vacuum" that will only empower extremists.

"A Syria without Christians is no longer a distant hypothetical scenario," he wrote. "It is a rapidly approaching reality which the world cannot afford. The Christian presence in Syria is a thread in the broader tapestry of human civilization. If that thread is plucked, the whole tapestry frays."
Home News Duane Youngblood insists TD Jakes sexually assaulted him as teenager; denies extortion, conspiracy

Armed with new lawyers, former pastor-turned-registered sex offender Duane Youngblood insisted Thursday that megachurch founder Bishop T.D. Jakes sexually assaulted him decades ago when he was a teenager and denied conspiring to extort him of $6 million before going public with his claims.

In a 15-page response to Jakes defamation lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on Thursday, Youngbloods new attorneys, Brad N. Sommer and Paul A. Ellis Jr. of the Sommer Law Group, denied many of the claims in Jakes lawsuit against their client.

Lawyers for Jakes claim in the lawsuit against Youngblood and multiple John Does that Youngbloods allegations against the respected religious leader are nothing more than a carefully planned smear campaign to extort him for millions of dollars."

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

Sommer and Ellis, however, rejected that narrative.

  Mr. Youngblood vehemently denies any plan, much less any conspiratorial conduct regarding an attempt of extortion. Defendant is the Defendant, not the Plaintiff  there is no action filed nor any formal or informal request or demand whatsoever from the Plaintiff for millions of dollars, they said in their response on behalf of Youngblood.

Regarding the allegation of sexual assault against Jakes, Youngbloods latest response notes that he is fully prepared to stand on the truth.

Jakes, 67, filed a defamation lawsuit against the 58-year-old Youngblood, who claimed in interviews with internet personality Larry Reid on his "Larry Reid Live" show on Oct. 28 and Nov. 3 that Jakes assaulted him when he was about 18 or 19 years old.

Youngblood claimed to Reid that he had been talking with Jakes for about two hours at the home of an older adult clergywoman, where he was staying during a local church revival approximately 40 years ago, when Jakes tried to kiss him.

"After sitting there and having this long discourse with him, I finally looked at my watch, and I'm like, 'Oh my goodness, I got to go. I got to get this car back to my mother. She's gonna kill me.' So I said to bishop, 'I got to get up,'" Youngblood recalled.

"And I got up from the table, he got up from the table, he walked around toward the way I had to exit quicker than I got over there, and when I started to walk past him, he pulled me to himself, wrapped his arms around me, and tried to kiss me. And in that moment, I literally died."

The morning after the encounter, Youngblood alleges Jakes called his home and intimated that he wanted him to become a local sex partner.

"My mother answers the phone, and she says to me, 'Duane, it's Elder Jakes.' Jakes and I get on that phone and when I get on that telephone, I can hear water. He is sitting in a bathtub, and in that thing, he says to me, without any hesitation, 'there's three things I need you to do. The first one is, when I come to Pittsburgh, you're going to be the only person I sleep with. The second one is you can't sleep with anybody else because I don't want to give my wife anything. And thirdly, I will take care of you the rest of your life," Youngblood, who is now a registered sex offender due to his past abuse of minors, claimed during his interview with Reid.

Days after making those allegations public, Jakes' attorneys said an attorney representing Youngblood sent a demand letter to Jakes on Nov. 24, 2024, demanding $6 million "to 'resolve this matter quickly and privately;' otherwise, Youngblood would bring a lawsuit against Bishop Jakes for sexual assault and harassment."

Jakes' lawyers, who noted that the interviews went viral, said Youngblood's allegation caused the megachurch pastor millions of dollars in reputational harm and hurt his physical health.



"Youngblood's lies have put in jeopardy the critical philanthropic missions Bishop Jakes spearheads and has likely impaired significantly the benefits that the recipients of such efforts receive. And Youngblood's intentional and malicious lies have taken a substantial emotional and physical toll on Bishop Jakes," the lawsuit alleges. "On November 24  the day before he filed this action  Bishop Jakes suffered a medical crisis on stage in the middle of his Sunday service in front of his entire church."

Late last month, Youngbloods former New York City attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, was called out by U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman for significant fabrications and misrepresentations of caselaw in his defense of Youngblood, and he could face sanctions.

Stickman ordered that Youngblood's previous motion to dismiss Jakes' lawsuit, according to Rule 12(b)(6) and Reply Memorandum supporting that motion, be stricken from the record. He also ordered Youngblood to answer Jakes' complaint per Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12 (a)(4)(A) on or before July 11. Blackburn was further ordered to show cause not exceeding 15 pages by July 18 as to why his briefs have not violated Rule 11(b) and Pa. RPC 3.3.

Blackburn is also expected to appear in court for a hearing on July 24 at 1:30 p.m. to explain why he should not be sanctioned for potential violations of Rule 11(b).
Home News Evangelicals for Harris apologizes for using Billy Graham sermons to attack Trump

A political action committee formerly known as Evangelicals for Harris apologized for using footage of the late Rev. Billy Graham to attack President Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election.

Evangelicals for Harris, which has since been redubbed Evangelicals for America following former Vice President Kamala Harris electoral defeat last fall, issued a statement earlier this week acknowledging they had wrongly politicized the late evangelists Gospel message.

In the lead up to the 2024 presidential election, Evangelicals for America PAC's Evangelicals for Harris campaign produced several ads using clips of Rev. Billy Graham, the group said. We did this believing that our use of the clips of Rev. Graham, although not done with the prior permission of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), would meet the criteria for Fair Use under the US Copyright Act.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

The group went on to suggest that their use of the late evangelists decades-old sermons to make political attacks offended the Charlotte, North Carolina-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), where evangelist and Trump supporter Franklin Graham serves as CEO. BGEA sent a cease-and-desist letter to the political action committee last October.

BGEA wrote to us, concerned that we were infringing its copyright in the video clips of Rev. Graham by using them for political purposes without authorization. Our intent was not to infringe on BGEA's copyright or to give the impression that Rev. Graham would have taken a side in publicly supporting one political candidate over another in an election, so we apologize to BGEA, they said.

Evangelicals for America added that they have been communicating with BGEA since Trumps electoral victory, and acknowledged Billy Grahams ministry was not intended to be political, but rather to save sinners by sharing Jesus Christ.

We have continued dialogue with BGEA since the election, and we affirm its position that Rev. Graham's purpose was always clear: telling people about God's Son, Jesus Christ, who alone came from heaven to earth to make a way for all mankind to be saved from our sins. He never politicized the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the works he created through BGEA.

Rev. Graham aimed to win a hearing for the Gospel with all people, whether they were Americans who identified as Democrats, Republicans, or something else, or simply people from another country who had no context for American politics, they added.

Expressing appreciation to BGEA for addressing their concerns with them peaceably in accordance with Romans 12:18, Evangelicals for America went on to affirm the groups intellectual property rights, including copyright in these videos, and its missional interest in protecting Rev. Graham's legacy.

Accordingly, we have taken down and will not repost our ads that incorporated video clips of Rev. Billy Graham, and Evangelicals for America and its Directors have committed not to use content in electoral advocacy as to which BGEA claims copyright or other legal interests in the future without clear, written permission, they said.

Our hope is that these actions and our commitment not to use Rev. Billy Graham within a partisan electoral context will clarify confusion over the message in our original ads; affirm the value and importance of Christian dialogue about the way we engage in politics, and prioritizes Christians remaining in communion despite differences.

In the weeks leading up to the 2024 presidential election, Evangelicals for Harris spent more than $1 million rolling out an ad campaign in battleground states that used footage of a Billy Graham sermon to suggest Trump exhibits the evil character of men in the last days as recounted in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

The ad, which remained on X as of Thursday, was deleted Friday following the publication of this article.

Franklin Graham publicly spoke out at the time against the use of his fathers likeness to promote Harris.

The liberals are using anything and everything they can to promote candidate Harris, Graham tweeted last summer. They even developed a political ad trying to use my father [Billy Graham's] image. They are trying to mislead people. Maybe they dont know that my father appreciated the conservative values and policies of President [Trump] in 2016, and if he were alive today, my fathers views and opinions would not have changed.

The liberals are using anything and everything they can to promote candidate Harris. They even developed a political ad trying to use my father @BillyGrahams image. They are trying to mislead people. Maybe they dont know that my father appreciated the conservative values and pic.twitter.com/LZe3SEm9Al  Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) August 14, 2024

Billy Grahams granddaughter, Jerushah Duford, participated in events with Evangelicals for Harris and claimed during one of their Zoom events last summer that Christian Trump supporters are causing people to turn away from Christianity.

Voting Kamala, for me, is so much greater than policies, said Duford, who is an LGBTQ-affirming counselor in Greenville, South Carolina. It's a vote against another four years of faith leaders justifying the actions of a man who destroys the message Jesus came to spread, and that is why I get involved in politics.
Home News '40 years in the desert': Podcast shines light on abortions hidden wounds, finding healing in Christ

In a recent episode of her Politely Rude podcast, pro-life advocate Abby Johnson and author and speaker Robin Gerblick reflected on the devastation abortion often leaves in its wake and the grace available to every woman who seeks healing in Christ.

I think everyone knows that my primary fight in our culture today is the fight against abortion, the fight against the murder of the unborn in the womb, Johnson said to kick off the episode titled From Pain to Healing: Robin Gerblick on How God's Grace Redeems Even Our Deepest Regrets.

I wanted to take an episode to really focus once again on the harm that abortion does to women and their preborn children.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

Gerblick, now an outspoken advocate for post-abortion healing, has lived through that harm firsthand. She had her first abortion in 1973, the same year the U.S. Supreme Court handed down Roe v. Wade, and shared how it shaped decades of her life in ways she didnt fully understand until she found faith in Jesus.

I just moved to San Diego to start attending college, and he was my boyfriend, for sure, but also the love of my life, she recalled. I thought I was going to marry and have the 2.5 children, and the white picket fence  but it didnt work out that way.

Click here to listen to the Politely Rude podcast

After discovering she was pregnant, Gerblick visited Planned Parenthood for a test. Theres just no support, theres no anything, and youre just told  you need to have an abortion, she said. And I believed every word that they said, and pretty much what even my own parents were saying to me.

She admitted that, like many women, she felt no connection to the life growing inside her. At Planned Parenthood, it just seemed like it was the right thing to do, and without anyone telling me any different, I just went ahead with it, she said.

The experience left her emotionally gutted.

That feeling, I dont think, ever leaves you, Gerblick said. The brutality of it was unbelievable to me. There was no compassion. There was just nothing. It was very void of feeling of anyone that was in the room. I felt very much alone and very, very much afraid.

Johnson, who previously worked as a director at a Planned Parenthood facility before becoming a pro-life advocate, drew parallels between Gerblicks story and her own time in the abortion industry.

I wanted women to feel like they were receiving compassionate care, Johnson said. I wanted them to feel assured by my staff that abortion was normal and that it was the compassionate choice. And I did not want them to feel guilty.

But both women now see that so-called compassion as part of a larger deception.

Its really interesting how normalized abortion has become, and how the abortion industry has done such a great job  of making abortion feel normal and compassionate for women, Johnson said.

Gerblick described her life after the abortion as 40 years of wandering in the desert, referencing the Israelites in the Old Testament. She struggled with shame, guilt, broken relationships, and a desperate need for validation that led her to seek worth in men.

I was so desperate for love and so desperate for validation and worth, she said. I didnt have any self-worth, and it showed.

At 24, during her first marriage, Gerblick became pregnant again. The second abortion, she said, was performed under vastly different circumstances: in a doctors office, with what felt like genuine compassion.

There were compassionate [people] who held your hand and werent pushing for abortion, but accepting of what I felt, she said. The one that I remember is always the first one, because it robbed me. It took away so much of my life and myself and my self-worth, my self-identity.

It wasnt until Gerblick encountered Jesus Christ that her healing began. He could do what no other man on Earth could do, and that was love me unconditionally. And that was a life changer for me, she said.

One turning point came during a visit to a crisis pregnancy center, where she saw fetal development images for the first time.

I just lost it, she said, recalling the overwhelming emotion. The counselor gave her a small model of a 10-week-old fetus, which Gerblick named Grace.

Shes surrounded by all the things that would have saved her life and would have saved my life, she said, describing the memory box she now carries with her to speaking events. Crosses from like my mom, my grandmother, letters that Ive written to her  she comes to speaking engagements with me.

Gerblick emphasized the importance of naming the grief and walking through it, something she said took her nearly four decades to understand. Although with our faith we know that were forgiven, we also have to be able to forgive ourselves, she said. And we have to be able to go through a grieving process.

Her message to other women is simple: There is grace for them.

Ive met women that are 80 years old that have never told anyone that they had an abortion.  Its such a huge burden to carry when you dont have to carry it. Thats why we have a Savior, right? He came to deliver us from all that.

Gerblick also spoke about her book Giving Up Grace: The Spiritual Rebranding of the Soul, which chronicles her journey and redemption. The title, she said, refers not to giving up Gods grace, but to surrendering a life she once carried and never knew she needed.

Sometimes you need to give up the grace you dont know in order to get the grace that you really need, she said. That was Jesus grace and the spiritual rebranding of the soul.
Home News ISIS reactivating fighters amid resurgence across Syria and Iraq: report

Fears are mounting that Islamic State fighters are regrouping in Syria and Iraq, exploiting security gaps to revive operations and launch attacks. Intelligence and military sources are concerned the group is moving weapons, activating sleeper cells and recruiting amid reduced U.S. troop presence and political instability.

More than 20 sources, including regional diplomats and officials from Syria, Iraq, the United States and Europe, voiced concern to Reuters that IS (also known as ISIS or ISIL) is attempting to stage a comeback after its territorial defeat in 2017.

In recent months, IS has shifted personnel from remote desert areas to urban centers such as Deir al-Zor, Hasakah and Kirkuk, targeting oil facilities, power lines and other vulnerable infrastructure, according to the Straight Arrow News. Sleeper cells have reemerged in these cities, taking advantage of scaled-down coalition patrols in eastern Syria.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

A January report from the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute warned that IS "gradually rebuilt its capabilities since 2022 in the central Syrian desert  where regime forces infrequently and ineffectively patrolled  and gradually infiltrated then-regime-held towns along the Euphrates River."

"Neither the Assad regime nor Russian forces prioritized defeating ISIS and instead focused on suppressing threats to Assad's rule," the report stated.

Deir al-Zor and Hasakah lie in northeastern Syria, while Kirkuk is located in northern Iraq. All three are situated along key transit routes and have historically served as logistical and recruitment hubs for IS. Their proximity to oil infrastructure, porous borders and zones of weak state control make them ideal staging grounds for attacks and arms movement.

Iraqi officials have reported heightened IS activity in the Hamrin Mountains and along key supply routes.

Ali al-Saidi, an advisor to Iraqi forces, told Reuters surveillance had detected increased IS activity in the area, and sources fear fighters are transporting explosives and weapons in these areas. Security forces in Syria and Iraq say they have foiled at least a dozen major plots this year.

In one case in December, IS commanders in Syria dispatched two envoys to Iraq with orders to activate sleeper cells, five Iraqi officials told the news agency. The envoys were stopped at a checkpoint in northern Iraq on Dec. 2. Based on intelligence from their capture, Iraqi forces tracked a suspected suicide bomber to a crowded restaurant in Daquq and killed him before he could detonate his explosives.

Colonel Abdul Ameer al-Bayati of Iraq's 8th Division told the newswire that IS elements had been "emboldened by the chaos in Syria." Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed that Baghdad is in contact with Damascus about cross-border IS movement and warned that Syria risks becoming a base for new attacks.

Though IS activity has risen, the number of attacks the group claims responsibility for has dropped. In the first five months of 2025, IS claimed 38 attacks in Syria and four in Iraq, according to SITE Intelligence Group.

At that rate, Syria would see about one-third as many IS-claimed incidents as in 2024. SITE's director, Rita Katz, told Reuters the drop likely reflects a tactical shift, not a decline in capability, and that the group may be "re-strategizing."

Reuters reports that IS has moved fighters and arms into other cities, including Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus, since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last December.

On May 14, Syria's interim government raided IS hideouts in Aleppo, killing three militants and detaining four others. Interior Minister Anas Khattab called IS one of the country's top security threats in an interview with state-owned television.

U.S. military officials estimated last July that there were about 2,500 IS fighters "at large across Iraq and Syria." U.S. Central Command said in March that recent airstrikes had killed several mid-level IS planners. But concerns are mounting over the ability of Syria's new leadership to maintain control as U.S. forces withdraw.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new Islamist leader, has pledged to bolster domestic intelligence. His interim government is facing pressure from both Western allies and hardline factions.

Following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in May, IS denounced Sharaa in its al-Naba publication and urged foreign fighters in Syria to join its ranks. Intelligence sources have tracked a small number of suspected foreign fighters entering Syria from Europe in recent months.

There have also been at least two attempted jailbreaks from prisons and detention camps holding IS members and their families, according to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who continue to guard these facilities.

With the U.S. reducing its footprint, questions remain about whether Damascus can assume responsibility for securing these camps.

Washington is monitoring Sharaa's administration, but limited intelligence sharing with Damascus has occurred, a U.S. defense official was quoted as saying.

While the U.S. continues targeted strikes when actionable intelligence is available, routine air support and patrols in eastern Syria have declined. The SDF now handles most ground operations.

In Iraq, the U.S. retains an advisory presence of about 2,500 troops. Coalition operations are expected to wind down by September, but a second U.S. official told Reuters that Iraqi leaders have requested a slower withdrawal due to concerns that Assad's collapse may have opened a corridor for weapons smuggling and infiltration.

No officials currently believe IS can reestablish territorial control, but analysts and military leaders agree that a prolonged insurgency remains a credible threat if left unchecked.

"ISIS cannot yet seize ground, nor can it mount months-long campaigns, but it will certainly attempt to marshal the resources to seize ground and launch major campaigns in the coming months and years unless it is prevented from doing so," according to the Critical Threats Project.

In late May, IS claimed responsibility for its first two attacks targeting Syria's transitional government, claiming to have killed or injured seven members of what it referred to as an "apostate Syrian regime."

Concerns have also been raised about the pro-IS sentiments within the al Hol and Roj detention camps in northeast Syria, which house over 55,000 detainees who are primarily women and children associated with IS. Many of the children have spent their entire lives in captivity and have exhibited violent tendencies, such as mimicking the radicalized behavior of their parents. Some fear they are breeding grounds for the next cubs of the caliphate."
Home News Israel officials concerned Irans enriched uranium may have survived US strikes

A senior Israeli official told The New York Times on Thursday that some of Irans highly enriched uranium stockpiles likely survived the recent United States and Israeli strikes on Tehrans nuclear facilities  and may still be accessible to Iranian nuclear scientists.

Briefing reporters on condition of anonymity, the official said the remaining stockpiles are likely buried in caskets underground, raising concerns in Jerusalem that the Iranian regime could attempt going nuclear underground.

Despite these concerns, the official emphasized that any Iranian move to recover enriched uranium would most likely be detected by Jerusalem and Washington. Such an action, the official warned, would almost certainly trigger renewed Israeli  and potentially American  aerial strikes on Iran.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

During an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that the Iranian regime would likely think twice before attempting to recover its buried enriched uranium due to fears of a strong Israeli and American military response.

They know they felt the might  the might of America, the might of Israel and the combined might of Israel and America. It's made an impact, not only in the Middle East. It's made an impact around the world. Everybody sees this," Netanyahu stated.

So it has to be made clear to them, and I think it has been, that they dont get this enriched uranium, the Israeli prime minister continued.

Netanyahu further emphasized that the enriched uranium is not enough to make atomic bombs  its a necessary component, but its not sufficient.

There have been intense speculations concerning the whereabouts of Irans highly enriched uranium stockpile. Following the U.S. strikes on Irans main nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, an unnamed senior Iranian source claimed that Tehrans highly enriched uranium is "stored in secured sites" without elaborating. Some European officials also assessed that Iran could have potentially moved around 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of highly enriched uranium ahead of the massive U.S. strikes.

However, a senior Israeli official stated on Thursday that Israeli intelligence has assessed that Iran did not remove its enriched uranium from Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan ahead of the strikes.

American and Israeli security officials have assessed that Irans nuclear military program was severely damaged in the combined U.S. and Israeli strikes. While security officials continue analyzing satellite data and acquiring additional information, Washington and Jerusalem have both assessed that Tehrans nuclear program has likely been set back by up to two years or even more.

While the Iranian regime probably still seeks to acquire nuclear weapons, it is currently severely constrained by a weak economy and domestic political unrest. Furthermore, after the Israeli Air Force neutralized most of Irans aerial defenses, Tehran is highly vulnerable to potential Israeli and U.S. strikes on its military and nuclear sites in the future.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stressed repeatedly that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. The Iranian ayatollah regime, which has chanted Death to America and Death to Israel for decades, openly calls for Israels destruction. Israeli officials, therefore, view Irans attempt to acquire nuclear weapons as an existential threat to Israels existence.

However, Israeli military and political leaders have also emphasized that Irans ballistic missile program is also a serious threat to Israels security. Prior to Israels strikes on Iran, Tehran reportedly planned to triple its arsenal of ballistic missiles from 2500 to 8000. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently assessed that Tehrans missile program was mortally wounded during Israels Operation Rising Lion military offensive last month. Yet, Katz warned that Iranian missiles continue to pose a serious threat to the Jewish states security.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home News Ken Paxton's wife files for divorce on 'biblical grounds' after 'recent discoveries'

The wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says she is filing for divorce from the polarizing political figure, citing biblical grounds for her decision.

Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton took to her official X account on Thursday afternoon to announce that she filed for divorce after 38 years of marriage.

I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation. But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage, she tweeted.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

I move forward with complete confidence that God is always working everything together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.

Shortly after the announcement, Ken Paxton took to his official X account to state that Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives, citing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny as the cause.

I could not be any more proud or grateful for the incredible family that God has blessed us with, and I remain committed to supporting our amazing children and grandchildren. I ask for your prayers and privacy at this time, he tweeted.

The divorce petition accuses Ken Paxton of adultery, reports The National News Desk, stating that their union has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities between Petitioner and Respondent that destroys the legitimate ends of the marriage relationship and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation.

The split comes as Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate, with the state attorney general offering a primary challenge to Republican incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.

Since becoming attorney general in 2015, Ken Paxton has garnered national headlines for his legal battles with Democratic presidents and advancing conservative ideas via litigation.

Ken Paxton has also been a source of controversy, as he was impeached in May 2023 on allegations of abusing his office. He was temporarily suspended from his duties.

President Donald Trump was among Ken Paxtons supporters, taking to his social media site Truth Social to denounce the impeachment proceedings.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was easily re-elected last November, but now establishment [Republicans In Name Only] are trying to undo that Election with a shameful impeachment of him. Who would replace Paxton, one of the TOUGHEST & BEST Attorney Generals in the Country? stated Trump at the time.

Could it be a Democrat, or even worse, a RINO? The voters have decided who they want! Democrats are feeling very good right now as they watch, as usual, the Republicans fight & eat away at each other. Its a SAD day in the Great State of Texas!

About four months after the impeachment vote, Texas lawmakers voted to acquit Ken Paxton in September 2023, allowing him to immediately return to his duties.
Home News Religious rights group urges EU to combat anti-Christian hate after attacks, murders 2,444 hate crimes perpetrated against Christians in 35 European countries

A religious rights group in Spain is calling on the president of the European Commission to create a Special Coordinator to combat hate crimes against Christians.

The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Spain on Wednesday urged Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, to create a position equivalent to existing specialists to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia in the European Union.

It is imperative that the European Commission act with the same commitment it shows in the fight against other forms of religious hatred, OLRC President Maria Garcia said in a press statement.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

Anti-Christian attacks are prevalent, she said, as the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe) documented 2,444 hate crimes against Christians in 35 European countries in its Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe Report 2024 report.

The report includes 232 personal attacks such as harassment, threats and physical violence.

Asserting that anti-Christian hostilities were growing, the OLRC cited recent serious attacks on the religious freedom of Christians in both France and Germany.

In recent weeks, there have been alarming episodes, such as the bursting in of a man shouting [the jihadist slogan] Allahu Akbar on the altar of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris, the arson attack on a church in Bavaria, or the attack on a sacristan in Rodgau (Germany), using a cross as a weapon, stated the OLRC.

OLRC highlighted the murder of lay sacristan and father-of-two Diego Valencia Contreras on Jan. 25, 2023. He was hacked to death by terrorist Yassin Kanza outside the San Isidro parish in Algeciras, Spain.

Another murder case cited was the death of a 76-year-old friar in the city of Valencia on Nov. 9 last year. A man claiming to be Jesus Christ entered the Monastery of Santo Espiritu del Monte in Gilet, north of the city, and attacked the monks, leaving several others injured.

The OLRCs last report in 2023 recorded 36 attacks on places of worship and Christian symbols in Spain, a figure that increases year after year.

The European Union cannot look the other way in the face of these murders and attacks on churches, Garcia said.

It is imperative that the European Commission recognizes the seriousness of these facts and acts with the same commitment it shows in the fight against other forms of religious hatred, she said.

Coexistence and religious freedom in Europe are threatened, Garcia said. Therefore, we request the urgent creation of a Special Coordinator of the European Union for the fight against Christianophobia, to coordinate and implement effective policies to curb these attacks.

The OLRC urged European citizens to sign a petition on its website to demand that the European institutions protect in a real and effective way the fundamental rights of all its citizens, especially religious freedom.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily International
Home Opinion Americas first freedom: Freedom of religion

Beginning with the 4th of July celebrations last Friday, Americans commenced a year-long commemoration and celebration in anticipation of our Bisesquicentennial (the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independences proclamation on July 4, 1776).

My hope and prayer is that Americans across this great country of ours will seize the strategic opportunity to emphasize the universal importance of the American Revolution, which produced unprecedented democratic principles for which America claimed universal application.

In many important ways, Americas Revolution, initiated by the Declaration of Independence, made America the first of a new kind of nation, one based on the consent of the governed, making governments accountable to their people.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

Sadly, it has become clearer with each passing year that more and more Americans, especially in younger generations, are either unfamiliar with their nations important history or have rejected the lasting principles it produced.

Over the next twelve months, this column will periodically discuss one of those American founding principles in the hope of increasing knowledge and appreciation of our heritage and its continuing importance to both our nation and the world.

Today, I want to discuss freedom of religion. The eventual implementation of the founding ideals of the American Revolution was the United States Constitution, with the Bill of Rights attached. The First Amendment constitutionally guarantees the basic human rights essential to true freedom:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

One of the major forces driving the adoption of the First Amendment was the fact that the Baptists, who had become one of the largest denominations in America in the wake of the First Great Awakening (circa. 1734-1758), were extremely unhappy with being persecuted and discriminated against by nine of the original thirteen states which had official, state-sponsored denominations (all of which persecuted).

Baptists had grown to the point that if they did not vote to ratify the Constitution, then it would fail ratification. So, John Leland, the most prominent late 18th-century Baptist preacher and evangelist, met with James Madison, a chief architect of the Constitution and Americas fourth president (1809-1817), for several hours in the snow in Orange County, Virginia.

Because of their numbers, the Baptists held the balance of power in Virginia, and if Virginia, the largest and richest early Federal state (four of the first five presidents came from Virginia  Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe) did not ratify the Constitution, it would not succeed.

The Baptists wanted to make certain the new Constitution would not create a national, official, state church like nine of the original thirteen states had in place.

Leland and Madison cut a political deal, wherein Leland would convince Baptists to vote for ratification, and Madison guaranteed the first Congress under that new Constitution would adopt an amendment which guaranteed no establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof. . .

This freedom of religion has allowed the flourishing of all types of religion in America like no other nation on the planet. One major reason for this is that religion in

America is personal and voluntary. If people find their religion unsatisfactory, they can change it without fear of retribution. So, American churches, synagogues, temples and mosques are more filled with voluntary worshippers than almost all other countries' places of worship.

The basis for this soul liberty goes all the way back to Roger Williams in the early 17th century. Williams was driven out of the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony for opposing the state church and advocating believers baptism as opposed to infant baptism. Williams penned a tract, The Bloody Tenant of Persecution, in which he proclaimed that for any man, even a king, to coercively interfere with another mans relationship with his God was soul rape.

The breadth and depth of Americans freedom to worship as they please  or not to worship at all, without legal penalty of any kind  has been a model for the world. It is a freedom far too many Americans take for granted.

Like all freedoms, the best way to honor and defend freedom of religion is to exercise it. My prayer is that during the next twelve months, Americans will exercise their freedom of religion and turn their attention to spiritual perspectives. America can only benefit as more and more of its citizens make a genuine connection with their Creator.

And we should always remember that our forefathers, when they declared their independence from Great Britain, did not declare their independence from God. In fact, they expressly acknowledged their Creator in the Declaration. They declared that men were not born, but created equal.

In concluding their truly revolutionary Declaration, they declare: And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred honor.
Home Opinion New antisemitism rising among Christians is heresy

Heretics oftentimes cherry-pick the Bible, omitting what is inconvenient and connecting what is not related to advance an agenda foreign to the biblical witness.



Marcion taught that the Old Testament God was different from God the Father.

Arius taught that Jesus was a created and finite being.

Pelagius taught that we are born without an inclination to sin, and some have actually managed to live without sinning.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

All of these early heretics used the Bible to argue for their heresies.

Today, there is a new group of online influencers who use the Bible to execrate Jews and Judaism, contradicting the teachings of both Testaments.

Bible Church pastor Joel Webbon is one of the loudest and most malicious of them all. He argues that the New Testament is not concerned with physical Jews, only with those who accept Christ. He cites Pauls statement in Romans 2 that no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly because circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit. Therefore, Webbon alleges, we Christians are to put no stock in the flesh of Jews unless they accept the Jewish Messiah.

This means that God has terminated His eternal covenant with the Jewish people and has no concern for them unless they convert to Christianity.

But Webbon does not stop there.



He attacks Jewish character with shocking calumny. In a recent post on X, he pronounced that those of Jewish descent are generally marked by subversion, deceit, and greed. In words that are light years from what Jesus and Paul uttered about second-temple Judaism, Webbon writes that the Jewish religion is parasitical. We have not heard such antisemitic invective since the mass rallies of Nazis in the 1930s. Christians who wonder why so many in the German churches looked the other way when Jews started to disappear should take notice.

Webbons contempt for non-Messianic Jews would shock St. Paul (a Jew) who said his fellow Jews who had zeal without knowledge (Rom 10:2) were nevertheless beloved by God because of their fathers the patriarchs (Rom 11:28). St. Peter (a Jew) would say that Webbons malevolence is condemned by the God who shows no partiality and repudiates ethnic defamation (Acts 10:34).

Like every heretic, Webbon omits much in the New Testament that is inconvenient for his thesis. For example, just two verses after Paul lauds circumcision of the heart (which is commended explicitly in Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Jeremiah), he asks, Then what value has the Jew? What is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God (Rom 3:1-2). So, Webbon believes circumcision has no more value before God, but Paul disagrees, and just after Webbons misguided prooftext.

Besides signaling that non-Christian Jews still have something precious  the oracles of God  Paul argues in this same letter to the Roman church that his kinsmen according to the flesh are Israelites and still possess the adoption as Gods firstborn son (Ex 4:22) and the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises are still theirs (Rom 9:3-4). Again, Webbon misrepresents Paul: the Texas preacher claims Paul denigrates Judaism without Christ, but Paul exalts its gifts.

Webbon despises Jews who have not seen Jesus, but Paul has unceasing anguish for them (Rom 9:2). Webbon suggests that God hates Jews and no longer counts them as His Chosen People, but Paul says they are [present tense] beloved by God because of the Fathers [the patriarchs] (Rom 11:28). And their calling as Gods Chosen People is irrevocable (Rom 11:29). Like every heretic, Webbon tries so hard to promote his agenda that he has to twist the Scriptures in order to do so.

Webbon claims the Jews of modern Israel have nothing to do with biblical Israel, and alleges that the Jewish state is made up primarily of Ashkenazi Jews whose DNA does not match that of New Testament Jews. Both of Webbons allegations are wrong. Mizrahi Jews from North Africa actually slightly outnumber Ashkenazi Jews, and tests have shown that Ashkenazi Jews do indeed have DNA proving links with first-century Israel.

Webbon proclaims proudly that the state of Israel is not biblical Israel. This is a strawman. It is not a claim that most Christian Zionists make. Instead, the New Christian Zionism is more subtle but biblical, that the state of Israel is a necessary protection for the covenanted people, whose return to the land in the last three centuries fulfills biblical prophecy.

Even the New Testament prophesies that the Jews will return to the land from the four corners of the earth. In his second speech in Jerusalem, delivered after Jesus resurrection, Peter says there is still to come a future apokatastasis, using the Greek word in the Septuagint (the primary Bible for the early church) for the return of Jews to the land from the four corners of the earth (Acts 3:21). For Peter, then, the return from exile in Babylon did not fulfill the Old Testaments prophecies of return. Nor did Jesus resurrection. There was a future return to come. And we know this did not happen for another 1,800 years.

Historians agree that a massive return of Jews to the land began in the eighteenth century. Webbon and his cohorts, such as Calvin Robinson (who has heroically fought for biblical truth elsewhere but sadly endorses Webbons diatribes), ignore Peters prophecy.

They also ignore Jeremiah 31, where God says that as long as the sun, moon, and stars remain in the sky, the Jewish people will always be a nation before him (vv 35-36). The implication of their claims is that God changed His mind about this promise, which would mean that Jesus was wrong when He proclaimed in Matthew 5:17-18 that every stroke of the pen in the Old Testament is from God.

Webbon and his allies cannot afford to acknowledge other critical New Testament evidence that undermines their distortions  most importantly, the land promise in the apostolic documents. The Hebrew Bible says explicitly or implicitly one thousand times that God gave the land of the Canaanites to Abraham and his progeny, and at least three times the New Testament repeats this promise. The author of Hebrews says God led Abraham to a place to receive as an inheritance, and that Isaac and Jacob were heirs with him of the same promise (Heb 11:9). Before his martyrdom deacon Stephen said God promised to give Abraham this land as a possession and to his offspring after him (Acts 7:4-5). Paul tells the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia that the God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance (Acts 13:17-19).

The Holocaust proved that Jews need a state to protect them from antisemites who would destroy them. This is as true today as it was one hundred years ago. The Jewish state is not perfect. Christian Zionism is not an endorsement of everything modern Israel does. We cannot know if this form of the Jewish state is the last we will see before the eschaton.

But we should affirm what the Bible teaches  that the Jews are still Gods Chosen People, they are His beloved, and their return to the land is a fulfillment of Gods promises. Because they need a state to protect them, and this state is the only state in the Middle East that provides political and religious freedom to non-Jews, this new movement to denigrate Jews, Judaism, and the Jewish state should trouble all Christians. These influencers are uttering libels similar to those made in Germany a century ago.

Another antisemite, Candace Owens, accuses Israel of the very thing Hamas and Iran have attempted  genocide of the Jewish people. Owens claims Israel is attempting genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. I have written elsewhere to show the absurdity of this charge, but suffice it to say that the United Nations has defined genocide as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group (my emphasis).

If Israel were intending to destroy the Palestinian people, why has it given world-class education and healthcare  not to mention religious and political freedoms  to its two million Palestinian citizens? Why does it send Arab-language warnings to residents before an attack so they can save their lives? Why does it risk its foot soldiers by sending them into booby-trapped buildings when it could simply destroy the buildings from the air? Retired British Colonel Richard Kemp has told the BBC, I dont think theres ever been a time in the history of warfare when any army has made more efforts to reduce civilian casualties and deaths of innocent people than the IDF is doing today in Gaza.

Like Marcion, Webbon and his allies suggest that the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New Testament, which implies that the New Testament errs when it testifies that God loves the Jewish people, that they are still his Chosen People, and that the land promise is still in place. Marcion agreed with what these influencers suggest, that only some parts of the New Testament are inspired.

Like Arius, Webbon and his allies reject the profound Jewishness of Jesus and His apostles, and Jesus commitment to the revelation of the Old Testament.

Like Pelagius, Webbon and his allies suggest that Gods history of redemption is based on human works and not grace. They imply that Gods covenant with the Jewish people is based on Israels performance and not his sovereign will.

These Christian antisemites display the arrogance and pride that Paul warns gentile Christians against in Romans 11. They ignore Pauls warning to understand the mystery of Israel, and they disregard his inspired declaration that the whole lump of Israel is holy, even its broken-off branches (Rom 11:16, 25). They suggest that we gentile Jesus-followers are above the root instead of sustained by the root of Israel (v. 18). They deny what Scripture insists on, that Pauls kinsmen according to the flesh are Israelites and that to them still belong the adoption ... and the promises (Rom 9:3).

As a result of their selective and prejudiced reading of Scripture, they present a different God and a different gospel from that of the Bible. As heretics always do.

Christians should denounce this new antisemitism among their own, and teach what Scripture teaches: Has God rejected his people? By no means! ... Do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root but the root that supports you ... So do not become proud, but stand in awe (Rom 11:1, 18, 20).

If we do not call out this unbiblical ignorance and hatred, future generations will ask us what we ask about the churches of Europe in the first half of the 20th century, how could they not see? Why did they not speak up?
It may come as no surprise that heat-related worker injury claims rise on hot days, but the magnitude of the increase is an eye-opener.

As temperatures skyrocketed during early summer heat waves across the United States, the Workers Compensation Research Institute put out a webinar digging into the WCRIS recent report on heat-related illnesses in the workplace. A recording of the webinar and presentation slide deck can be found on the WCRI website.

According to the report, heat-related illness (HRI) claims increase at least sevenfold on days when temperatures exceed 90 degrees, compared with days with temperatures between 75 degrees and 80 degrees. And the number of claims increases by as much as 18 times when it gets above 100 degrees.

These are big increases in HRI counts on days when temperatures exceed these thresholds, said Vennela Thumula, a senior policy analyst at WCRI and one of the studys coauthors. Even at 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit, we see that HRIs double.

WCRI estimates that overall work injuries increase by 3% on days when temperatures are 90-95 degrees. Overall injuries are estimated to increase by 4% when temperatures exceed 95.

Excessive heat is reported to be the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates show that 33,890 heat-related work injuries and 479 deaths occurred from 2011 to 2020.

Thumula believes the number of these injuries is likely an underestimate. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, syncope, cramps, rash, rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury are all considered physiological heat-related illnesses. Injuries that occur when heat impairs the perceptual, motor or cognitive abilities of workers and leads to accidents, such as falling off a ladder on a hot day, however, are more likely to be classified as falls or cuts as opposed to heat exhaustion.

Related: Excessive Heat An Increasing Concern in Workers Comp

A WCRI analysis of workers comp claims in 31 states from 2013 to 2022 showed that heat-related illness claims sharply peak during the summer months, with 75% of claims occurring between June and August. The findings show a clear relationship between excessive heat and the risk of workplace injuries, Thumula said.

The data shows that 90% of HRI claims occurred on days when daily maximum air temperatures exceeded 80 degrees; at least half of all HRI claims occurred on days when those temperatures sweltered above 90 degrees. Those working in Southern states, primarily outdoors in labor-intensive jobs or who are new at their positions (within two months of being hired) are at higher risk of HRIs, WCRI concluded.

In terms of demographics, we find that younger workers and men had higher risk of HRIs, Thumula added.

States with the highest rates of heat-related illnesses include Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi and Arizona. Thumula explained that a strong positive correlation exists between the annual number of days that temperatures exceed 90 degrees and the number of HRI claims. Notably, none of these states have a heat standard that requires employers to implement protections to reduce the risk of heat-related injuries and illnesses.

WCRI found that the top five industry occupation groups associated with a higher risk of developing an HRI are public safety, construction, mining, transportation and utilities and agriculture. Twenty-one percent of all HRI claims occur within the construction industry, 18% occur within the manufacturing industry, and 15% occur within the transportation and utility industries.

Top photo: Construction worker Fernando Padilla wipes his face as he works in the heat, Friday, June 30, 2023 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV).
What happens when an employer and its workers compensation insurer deny a claim, then face a wrongful-death tort suit, then attempt to have the claim reinstatedgoing so far as to pay weekly wage amounts to the dead workers husband?

In the case of a North Carolina furniture maker and FFVA Mutual Insurance Co., it results in sanctions imposed by the state Court of Appeals.

The furniture companys appeal is not well-grounded in fact, is not warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law, and has been taken to harass [and] cause unnecessary increase in the cost of litigation,' the appellate judges wrote in their July 2 order, citing case law from previous court rulings.

TCS Designs Inc., based in Hickory, North Carolina, and FFVA Mutual, based in Florida and Virginia, must now cover the cost of the appeal and pay the plaintiffs attorney fees in the four-year-old litigation.

The appeals court noted that the circumstances of the appeal were so unusual that they were not directly addressed by the states workers compensation statutes or the rules of the Industrial Commission. Instead, the court turned to its own rules of civil procedure to show that a voluntary dismissal of the claim strips the Industrial Commmission of its jurisdiction  allowing the wrongful death lawsuit to proceed.

Defendants did not and could not create jurisdiction in the Commission after Plaintiffs claim had been dismissed, by filing the Form 60 and sending weekly compensation checks to Plaintiff, the appeals court.

The tragic case began in 2021, when TCS factory worker Phelifa Michelle Marlow asked a co-worker, Tangela Parker, to stop singing so loudly at work. The two had locked horns before and Parker in 2020 had been suspended from the job for three days. This time, however, Parker went to her car in the parking lot, grabbed a gun and shot Marlow twice in the head from point-blank range, the court explained.

The case gained nationwide attention. People Magazine reported on it after Parker went on the run and became the subject of a six-month long manhunt. She was apprehended in Arizona with her husband and was sentenced in 2024 to at least 20 years in prison. Husband Eric Parker pleaded guilty to helping his wife evade justice and was sentenced to at least 48 months, according to news reports.

After the fatal shooting, Marlows husband in 2021 filed a workers comp claim for death benefits. The employer/carrier denied the claim, arguing that while the shooting happened at work, it was not related to Marlows employment and was not compensable.

After hearings and mediation, Marlows husband voluntarily dismissed the comp claim. Four days later, he filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the TCS company, charging negligence by the company and its supervisors. Two months later, TCS and FFVA reversed course and filed an employers admission of employees right to compensation, known as Form 60.

FFVA, which also provided employers liability coverage to the furniture firm, began sending weekly checks to Justin Marlow, the husband. North Carolina workers compensation act grants $10,000 in burial benefits plus two-thirds of the deceased workers average weekly wage, for as long as 500 weeks. A spouses benefits end upon death or remarriage, according to the Workers Compensation Research Institutes latest report on state laws and benefits.

In June 2022, the Industrial Commission denied the TCS motion to reopen the claim and accept compensability. The carrier and employer appealed and moved to dismiss Justin Marlows wrongful death tort suit. A trial court judge denied the motion to dismiss.

Michelle Marlows husband had never cashed the checks that FFVA had been sending to him for months. The checks remained with his attorney.

The insurer argued that by sending the benefits checks, it had effectively awarded the compensation and had accepted the claim, keeping the case inside the folds of the limited payouts of the workers comp system, not the millions of dollars that could be awarded in a civil suit.

The appellate judges found that FFVAs arguments were meritless.

Because the (Industrial) Commission did not have subject matter jurisdiction over the claim, the Form 60 (admitting the claims) was nothing more than a nullity, the appeals court noted.

At one point, FFVA asked the North Carolina Supreme Court to step in and review one ruling from the appeals court in the case, but the high court declined to get involved. And the employer/carrier continued to submit forms and filings to the Industrial Commission, forcing the commission to repeatedly explain that it lacked jurisdiction after the claim was dismissed.

All of the back and forth was unneccessary and frivolous and should be sanctioned, Marlows attorneys argued. The appeals court agreed. It remanded the case to the trial court to determine attorney fees and costs, to be paid by the employer and insurer.

Marlows estate was represented by attorneys David Stradley, of the White & Stradley law firm; and by Lyndon Helton. TCS and FFVA were represented by Scott Fuller and Steven Bader, of the Cranfill Sumner firm.

The wrongful death suit against TCS and its officers and against Parkers husband is continuing.
The Delaware Supreme Court rejected the legitimacy of expert testimony linking the heartburn drug Zantac to cancer, in a major win for makers of the product.

In a unanimous ruling Thursday, the states highest court agreed with the argument of companies including GSK Plc, Pfizer Inc. and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals that Superior Court Judge Vivian Medinilla erred in allowing the cancer testimony and letting the cases proceed to trial.

A trial judge must act as the gatekeeper of expert testimony and should not dismiss challenges to the sufficiency or reliability of an expert opinion by viewing the disputes as questions for the jury to weigh, the states highest court said in a 46-page ruling.

Last year, GSK offered more than $2 billion to settle its Zantac liability, while Pfizer and French drugmaker Sanofi have pushed to resolve thousands of suits. GSKs settlement resolved the vast majority of outstanding cases for the UK pharmaceutical company, with the latest ruling only impacting a handful of remaining cases in Delaware. Boehringers pharmaceuticals unit has settled only a small share of the cases against it. The company has prevailed in several recent trials over the cancer claims.

GSK and Sanofi shares were little changed in early trading. GSKs shares have gained 8% since the start of the year, while Sanofis have fallen nearly 10%. Pfizers shares rose just under 1% in New York trading.

Officials of closely held Boehringer said in an email they were pleased with the high courts ruling and maintain there is is no reliable scientific evidence that Zantac can cause cancer.

Representatives of GSK, Pfizer and Sanofi didnt immediately respond to requests for comment on the ruling.

Another Look

The drugmakers challenged a decision by Medinilla, who found the plaintiffs expert witnesses appropriately reviewed evidence about whether Zantac can cause cancer. The states highest court sent the cases back to the trial court for a judge to take another look at the expert testimony. Medinilla stepped down in February.

While judges in other states including California and Illinois had signed off on similar expert testimony, the drugmakers said Medinilla should have followed the lead of a federal judge in Florida, who in 2022 rejected the cancer evidence as unreliable. The justices in Delaware said the states laws governing expert testimony are consistent with federal law when it comes to weighing the legitimacy of scientific evidence.

The court noted Medinilla erred in deferring to jurors about the legitimacy of expert testimony and wrongfully applied a standard that favored or presumed the admissibility of expert testimony. She also ran afoul of the proper standard to evaluate the experts testimonies on so-called general causation  evidence that Zantac can transform into a carcinogen and sicken users under certain circumstances.

Ex-Zantac users have sued branded and generic drugmakers that made the heartburn medicine alleging the product caused 10 types of cancer, including breast, stomach and colon cancer. Plaintiffs contend the companies knew ranitidine  the drugs active ingredient  turned into the potential carcinogen NDMA if not kept cool. In 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration asked companies to remove all ranitidine-based products.

National Attention

The case has drawn national attention since the focus of the litigation shifted to Delaware, after the Florida judges ruling undercut thousands of federal suits before her. Medinilla allowed the companies to file an early appeal of her ruling on the expert-witness testimony.

The US Chamber of Commerce filed a so-called friend of the court brief, arguing Medinilla erred by blessing expert-witness testimony in the Zantac cases that was fundamentally unreliable. The judge concluded rather than excluding expert witnesses, their evidence could be properly challenged by the companies via cross-examination.

Because the states highest court sent the cases back to the trial court for another look, theres a chance they may still proceed to trial, said Mikal Watts, one of the plaintiffs lawyers who filed suit in Delaware.

Related: GSK Zantac Appeal Gets Tough Questions From Some US Judges

We believe that upon re-briefing under this new standard  with the science that now exists explaining why Zantac is still illegal to sell anywhere in the world six years after the FDA banned it  we can easily meet the new standard set forth by the Delaware Supreme Court today, Watts said in an email.

The case is IN RE Zantac Litigation, No. 255, 2024, Delaware Supreme Court (Dover).

Top photo: Zantac. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today. Sign up for free to receive it directly in your inbox. Here's what CNBC TV's producers were watching on Thursday and what's on the radar for Friday's session. Crypto's surge CNBC's Tanaya Macheel will report on the crypto surge, what's fueling the rally and what could be next. Bitcoin is up 13% in two months. It has now crossed the $116,000 mark. Ether , however, is up 20% in two months. It is closing back in on $3,000. Her first appearance of the day will be on "Worldwide Exchange" with Frank Holland in the 5 a.m. ET hour, don't miss a minute of it. Big Pharma earnings ahead Next week is the start of the summer earnings season. Several big banks will show the world how they're doing, plus we'll hear from several big health-care companies. Tomorrow Angelica Peebles will run us through Johnson & Johnson , which reports Wednesday, and Novartis , which is set for Thursday. Shares of J & J are up 6% since last reporting three months ago. The stock is 7% from the March high. Novartis is up 20% in three months; the stock hit a new high today. Watching coffee prices After a big run, coffee prices are down 25% in the last two months. In the last two years, they're up 80%. A report highlighted Thursday by CNBC stock man Tom Rotunno  originally published a few weeks ago  shows TD Cowen estimates that 22% of Starbucks ' coffee and 56% of Dutch Bros' coffee is sourced from Brazil . The renewed focus comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's call for a 50% tariff on Brazilian products . Shares of Starbucks were pretty flat today. The stock is 19% from the March high, but up 4% in a month. Shares of Dutch Bros are 26% from the February high and down 10% in a month. SBUX YTD mountain Starbucks shares year to date Nuclear stocks A lot of the stocks in the nuclear space have cooled down so far in July after having a big three month run. Cameco is down 3.6% in four days, and is now 6% from its June 27 high, after jumping 83% in three months. Oklo is down 1% in July after a 144% three-month run. The stock is 25% from the June 16 high. Uranium Energy is up 43% in three months, but down 5.3% over the past four days. Shares are 30% from the December high. Constellation Energy is 10% from its January high, and has gained 54% in three months. Vistra is up 80% in three months. The stock hit a high yesterday. VST YTD mountain Vistra shares year to date. Anthropic This is a privately held company that runs Claude of AI fame. CNBC Data Chief Gina Francolla has been watching it on Forge Global, a CNBC partner, that tracks private companies offering second market shares. Shares are up amid reports that Amazon is considering another major investment in the company. Several other big name companies have also invested, according to Forge Global. They include Bessemer, Cisco and Google . Since December, Anthropic's private market shares have almost doubled. Most of the listed companies have a minimum investment; in this case it is $5,000.
United States President Donald Trump speaks to the Press before departs at the White House to Alligator Alcatraz, Florida on July 1, 2025, in Washington DC.

President Donald Trump's politically charged new tariff threat  a blanket 50% duty on imports from Brazil  stretches an interpretation of his powers that is already facing a high-stakes court challenge.

Trump said in a letter Wednesday that he is imposing the massive new tariff at least partly in retaliation against Brazil's treatment of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro.

But to do so, he is citing a law that only grants him emergency economic powers in order to deal with certain foreign threats to the United States, a White House official told CNBC Thursday.

That same law  the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA  is at the center of an ongoing lawsuit over Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs that is currently before a federal appeals court.

Trump's lawyers say his invocation of the law to impose those tariffs was an appropriate move to address multiple national emergencies, including "America's exploding trade deficit."

The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC's questions about Trump's letter to Brazil, including how Bolsonaro's circumstances relate to Trump's stated authority under IEEPA.

While the latest levy on Brazilian imports may not have a direct impact on the lawsuit already underway, critics say it could further erode the administration's credibility as Trump pursues an aggressive trade agenda.

Trump's letter announcing the tariff on Brazil "takes abuse of power to a whole new level," said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., in a statement Thursday.

Kaine vowed to "use all available means to block these latest job-killing tariffs."

Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, accused Trump of attempting to "sacrifice the economy to settle his own personal scores, and it is far outside his legal authority."
Bill Gates speaks with Reuters during an interview in New York City, U.S., May 8, 2025.

Bill Gates, the philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, on Friday said it's not too late to reinstate international aid funding that President Donald Trump cut off.

The Trump administration placed staff members at the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, on administrative leave in February. The last day of the independent agency was June 30.

"The devastating effects of these cuts are entirely preventableand it's not too late to reverse them," Gates wrote in an X post on Friday.

Gates referred to a post from Sam Stein, managing editor at political news site The Bulwark and an MSNBC contributor, containing comments from an unnamed aid worker in Africa.

The worker said shipments of HIV medication for children had not arrived in months, and existing supplies will expire within weeks. The worker also described shortages of oxygen tubes for newborn babies and medication for sexually transmitted diseases.

Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that "moving forward, our assistance will be targeted and time limited." USAID was absorbed into the State Department.

The State Department is reviewing funding from the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, a spokesperson told NPR in June.

Gates' comments come a week after he said the aid rollbacks have already led to deaths.
The urban skyline and cityscape in Shanghai China. Lu Shaoji | Moment | Getty Images

BEIJING  From coffee to cars to real estate, there's a recurring pattern in China: companies rush into an industry, then resort to discounts to stay afloat. That has economists worried. Natixis' study of 2,500 listed Chinese companies reinforce how volume is growing while value is being hurt by deflationary pressure, Alicia Garcia Herrero, the firm's chief economist for Asia-Pacific, said on a webinar Friday. "You can see it sector by sector, company by company." "On the surface you're dominating, but deep inside you're paying a high price to dominate," she said. "You don't get the revenue needed to continue." A reflection of the breadth of impact, consumer prices fell by 0.1% in the first six months of the year from a year ago, while factory-gate producer prices dropped by 2.8%, official data shows. In that time, only seven of 48 producer price sub-categories rose, versus about half of the 37 consumer price components. That fierce and often unproductive competition is described as "involution" in China. The government has picked up on the term in recent policy documents, calling for efforts to tackle the trend. While the trend has made tech and products more affordable for the mass market, it has also underscored worries of a vicious cycle that forces businesses to cut more jobs. "With involution, the Chinese economy feels much colder than the headline growth suggests," Larry Hu, chief China economist at Macquarie, said in a report Thursday. He pointed out that mainland China-listed "A share" companies expanded their workforces by just 1% in 2024, the slowest on record.

watch now

"From a more fundamental perspective, involution is both a feature and a bug of the 'China model,'" he said. "Massive investment leads to price wars and poor returns for shareholders. But for policymakers, intense competition could help achieve industrial upgrading and self-reliance." China's push into electric cars has been the most apparent example, with industry giant BYD offering some discounts of nearly 30% or more this year and smartphone company Xiaomi pricing its latest SUV below that of Tesla's Model Y. U.S. coffee giant Starbucks has struggled in China with falling sales as it maintains prices of around 30 yuan per cup ($4.20)  while a host of rivals from Luckin Coffee to boutiques sell lattes for as low as 9.9 yuan. Even in commercial real estate, property owners who have tried to raise prices in Beijing ended up facing higher vacancies, Rayman Zhang, managing director for North China, at property manager JLL, told reporters Thursday. He noted that there's still insufficient demand  with little expectation for a turnaround in the near future. China is expected Tuesday to report second-quarter gross domestic product growth of 5.2% from a year ago, according to a Reuters poll. That would be slower than the 5.4% increase in the first quarter, but in line with the national target of around 5% growth for the year. But the second half of the year will likely reveal a far more stressful picture, warned Jianwei Xu, senior economist for Greater China at Natixis. He was also speaking at Friday's webinar. "We are seeing the profits especially for manufacturing companies, are still decreasing," he said. "There could be more households under stress in [the second half of the year] because it will be more difficult to find a job."

A different challenge

This isn't the first time China has dealt with overcapacity, analysts pointed out, referencing excessive capacity in the state-dominated commodities sector about a decade ago. But this time, fewer state-owned companies are involved, making it more difficult for policymakers to act. "The dominance of private firms in industries with overcapacity tends to complicate the coordination of mergers, even with government guidance," Robin Xing, chief China economist at Morgan Stanley, and a team said in a report Thursday. "The economy is also starting from a weaker point, which necessitates more demand-side stimulus to counter the impact of supply reduction," the report said. "However, the government's debt level is already high (~100% of GDP), which may constrain its willingness and ability to undertake aggressive fiscal expansion." China's top leaders are expected to maintain the current fiscal stimulus at a high-level Politburo meeting late this month. Beijing in March raised the country's fiscal deficit for the year to 4%  up from 3% last year.



Subscribe now Weekly analysis and insights from Asia's largest economy in your inbox

Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping on July 1 led a high-level financial and economic commission meeting that called for more governance of "low price, disorderly competition," according to a CNBC translation of Chinese state media. The ruling Chinese Communist Party's official Qiushi journal on July 1 even outlined several measures that promote standardized government behavior to address involution-style competition, warning of serious economic damage. The article cited high-level government meetings from the last several months. "To achieve the growth target, Beijing will have no choice but to launch a major demand stimulus," Hu said. "Afterwards, the improved domestic demand would ease the price competition among material producers and internet giants. But for manufacturers, it will be a long and painful process to absorb the existing capacity."

Global spillover
The Trump administration's moves to ratchet up trade tensions has done little to knock U.S. stocks off their recent highs, but investors with broader portfolios might suddenly be feeling pinched. Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, chief investment officer for the Americas and global head of equities at UBS Global Wealth Management, said in a note to clients that Trump appears "emboldened to escalate trade actions" after some recent policy wins. The strength of the stock market may be emboldening the White House in its trade talks. Trump, in a phone call with NBC News' "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker, said the record stock market highs were evidence that tariffs have been " very well-received ." Domestic stocks that are rising despite tariff concerns may simply reflect that goods-based tariffs aren't necessarily a major negative to the tech-heavy U.S. stock market. "Many of the most heavily weighted U.S. equities in the S & P 500 are fairly insulated from tariff risk, in our view, and we think the index can climb to 6,500 by June next year despite periodic volatility," Hoffmann-Burchardi said. That's about 4% above where the index was trading Friday. Of course, many investors hold more than just large cap domestic stocks. One key trend to watch may be whether foreign markets show the same resilience as U.S. stocks recently have. In the first half of the year, global stocks outperformed the U.S.  an unusual reversal of long-term American dominance. But there are some signs that may be starting to flip back now in the direction of the U.S. Major Vanguard ETFs tracking Europe, emerging markets and world markets excluding the U.S. are all underperforming the S & P 500 in July after outperforming through the first half. And some country-specific funds whose nations are are in the crosshairs of new White House tariffs are doing even worse. The iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) is still outperforming the U.S. in 2025, but is down 4.6% in July after Trump slapped 50% levies on the South American country this week. The iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) is also trailing this month. EWZ YTD mountain This Brazil fund has struggled in July after a strong first half. If this latest reversal against international and in favor of domestic doesn't hold, valuations may be one reason. Peter Oppenheimer, chief global equity strategist of Goldman Sachs International, said in a note to clients that U.S. stocks still look expensive compared to rest of the world, even with the first half underperformance. "After a decade of U.S.-led dominance, the case for diversification is back. Valuation spreads between the U.S. and the rest of the world are at historical highs," Oppenheimer said.  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting.
An electric car at a charging station in the Norwegian capital of Oslo on Sept. 25, 2024. Jonathan Nackstrand | Afp | Getty Images

OSLO, Norway  Tesla continues to find solace in Norway, defying a sustained European slump amid a backlash over CEO Elon Musk's incendiary political rhetoric. The U.S. electric vehicle maker recorded a 54% year-on-year jump in new car sales in Norway in June, according to data from the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), fueled by a 115.3% yearly increase in registrations for its revamped Model Y sports utility vehicle. The data backed up a whopping 213% increase in new car sales in May and shored up Tesla's dominant position in the world's most EV-friendly country. Christina Bu, secretary general of the Norwegian EV Association (NEVA), which represents electric car owners in the country, said Tesla has been well established in Norway for several years  but the popularity of its upgraded Model Y is "definitely part of the reason" for its recent sales boost.

watch now

"In general terms, I think it just has to do with the fact that they deliver a car which has quite a lot of value for money and is what Norwegians need," Bu told CNBC during an interview at NEVA's office in Oslo. The Tesla Model Y appears to be especially popular in Norway because of its competitive price and the fact that it meets local demand for large luggage space, high-ground clearance, all-wheel drive and a tow hitch, Bu said.

Sales data from southern Europe signaled some further green shoots for Musk's company, with Tesla new car registrations last month increasing by 61% in Spain and around 7% in Portugal. The story remains very different across the rest of Europe, however. Tesla sales in Germany, Europe's largest automotive hub, dropped by 60% in June from a year earlier, while sales also dipped in France. Separate data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, or ACEA, found Tesla's new car sales in Europe fell for a fifth straight month in May.

Tesla backlash

Tesla's brand value has been declining since 2024 in part because of Musk's political activity. The Tesla CEO, who spent nearly $300 million to support Donald Trump's election campaign, recently left the White House after leading an initiative to slash federal agencies. Protests erupted at Tesla dealerships across Europe in response to Musk's role in the Trump administration. Musk's departure from the White House in late May was followed by an extraordinary war of words with Trump. The world's richest man also formally endorsed Germany's far-right party AfD ahead of the country's parliamentary elections earlier this year, triggering an outcry in Berlin.

Tesla superchargers in Eidfjord village centre, these superchargers produce up to 150KW during vehicle charging. Ucg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images

NEVA's Bu told CNBC that Musk's political activity hadn't gone unnoticed in Norway, with a recent annual survey of more than 15,000 EV drivers finding that 43% of respondents said they would not buy a Tesla for political reasons. "So, this has definitely been a big debate in Norway as well. What Elon Musk has been saying and doing the last year or so  so it definitely affects people, but not too many because their market share is remarkable really," Bu said.

Norway's EV credentials
The Hofburg palace receives attendees to the July 9-10 OPEC Seminar conference in Vienna. Ruxandra Iordache | CNBC

For centuries, Vienna's romantic Hofburg palace served as a winter residence of the imperial Habsburg dynasty  this week, though, it welcomed Saudi royalty, energy ministers, top CEOs and a slew of analysts traders and more. Here are some highlights:

The palace

Since 1965, Vienna has housed the headquarters of the OPEC Secretariat  the administrative backbone of the 12-member OPEC alliance of oil producers. The Secretariat is led by a secretary-general  currently, former Kuwaiti official Haitham al-Ghais, who took office for his first three-year term in 2022 and has since been reappointed for a second stint starting Aug. 1, 2025. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the OPEC Secretariat was the humble backdrop of (often) day-long, high-stakes and heated discussions over crude output levels between OPEC producers and their allies, at least twice a year.

The Secretariat's home is a cavernous building, where journalists are typically relegated to a basement media room. Sometimes, they're allowed to maraud down cordoned-off areas, hunting for comment as oil ministers of OPEC countries and their allies  collectively known as OPEC+  arrive. Despite that, even the most nostalgic OPEC journalists will admit that the group's seminar has had a major venue upgrade. The Hofburg palace opened its gates to delegates and media over July 9-10 for a series of sessions focusing on the state of play in the oil market, hydrocarbon investment and the green energy transition. The conference is attended by invitation and accreditation. For the OPEC seminar, the Hofburg palace laid out an interminable red carpet and armed one of its ballrooms-turned-conference halls with larger-than-life high-tech screens playing OPEC's cinematic account of the history of oil.

OPEC Secretary-General Haitham al-Ghais (L) and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman (R) at the OPEC Seminar in Hofburg Palace, Vienna, on July 9. Ruxandra Iordache | CNBC

"I'm sure with this event, there are quite a few people who would say, 'Damn it, why I wasn't there?'" Saudi Prince and Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman, the de facto leader of the OPEC alliance, said during special remarks as the conference opened on Wednesday. Acknowledging the Austrian government's willingness to "do its utmost to enable this organization to survive and work and attend to its function, unhindered by  legal concerns and things like that," he stressed: "We are here because your country is beautiful, the city is historic, and more important, the people are welcoming."

The protests

It turned out, the idyllic charm of Hofburg's sprawling alleyways is no match for a megaphone. By 4:45 p.m. local time on Wednesday, a group of around 30 people, by CNBC's count, had gathered at a respectful distance across the road from the palace to protest the OPEC seminar. A protester briefly leading the chants, who did not want to be identified, said the demonstration was in support of the embattled Gaza enclave, which has been targeted by a retaliatory Israeli military campaign since the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 2023. She pointed CNBC to a series of posts on the stop_opec Instagram account.

Protestors gather outside of the Hofburg Palace, Vienna, during the OPEC Seminar on July 9. Ruxandra Iordache | CNBC

"Sitting atop plentiful oil resources, Arab regimes yield the power enough to halt Israeli expansion and challenge the West. Yet they choose to fuel U.S. arm sales, and enrich them with real estate, simultaneously fortifying Europe's borders," said one social media post. On the ground, chanting protesters called for an oil embargo and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz  echoing a threat made by Tehran during its 12-day war with Israel last month. Many Arab states  including Hamas supporter Iran  have expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause. CNBC has reached out to the OPEC Secretariat for comment over the protests.

The red carpet

The who's-who of OPEC Seminar speakers spanned ministers of OPEC countries, their allies, key consumers such as India and Turkey, as well as the CEOs of the biggest names in the industry, including the heads of BP , TotalEnergies , Shell and Saudi Aramco. CNBC tried to intercept several of these delegations. Ministers from heavyweight producers Russia and Iran  who would likely have been swarmed by journalists amid pressures from European and U.S. sanctions  were notably absent. Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad nevertheless delivered opening remarks via videoconference on Wednesday, in a speech which included some rare political comments. He stressed the risks that armed escalations pose to crude markets, mere weeks after his country, OPEC's third-largest producer, was locked in a 12-day war with Israel. "This vital and growing industry needs peace to serve its mission of promoting prosperity at national, regional and global levels; and to promote cooperation and development in a fast changing and ever-complicating world," he said, according to a speech readout.

The red carpet laid out for the OPEC Seminar over July 9-10 inside the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Ruxandra Iordache | CNBC
Google parent company Alphabet is among a handful of stocks that could surprise to the upside when it reports earnings later this month, according to FBB Capital Partners director of research Mike Bailey. Alphabet stock was one of three companies that Bailey said he is watching on " Power Lunch " on Friday. Danaher Danaher also has a track record of beating earnings estimates, Bailey said. Still, the life sciences stock has slipped nearly 11% so far in 2025. Bailey pinned some of its past struggles on difficult comparisons coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as some "misses" with acquisitions. However, he expects trends are turning, setting up for an earnings beat on July 22, he said. DHR YTD mountain Danaher stock in 2025. "The reason I think it's a good name to own into earnings season is really fewer distractions could drive more earnings," Bailey said. "As they work through some of these issues, along with tariffs  it does seem like this game of whack-a-mole could be coming to an end and they could have some good results in Q2." Progressive Progressive stock has ticked up more than 2% so far this year. The insurance company is set to report second-quarter results on Wednesday. The bar for earnings estimates is low, said Bailey, which could help Progressive notch an earnings beat. "At this point, I think we're in pretty good shape. If you look back at the last two months, Wall Street only took up estimates basically in-line with how good April [and] May was," Bailey said. "They really haven't taken things up, so June doesn't look that aggressive." PGR YTD mountain Progressive stock in 2025. "However, we could be looking at 60%, 70% earnings growth quarter-over-quarter out of a car insurance company that just almost boggles the mind." Alphabet Stock in the Google parent company has pulled back roughly 5% so far in 2025. Some of the lingering questions about Google search performance could get answered when the company reports its results on July 23. Investors also want to see strength in its cloud and YouTube segments, which should drive a strong quarterly result. GOOGL YTD mountain Google stock in 2025. "The theme of this quarter is all about competition  in particular AI competition," Bailey said. "The other stuff at Alphabet is doing pretty well  [but] looking at those paid clicks, that is very critical." "It is kind of a question, but I think given everything else at Alphabet that's working well, margins have also been helping them out, I do think that's something that's going to push them over the finish line. If you look at the track record, very good job historically in terms of beating quarterly expectations, so we do see another good result coming up here in a few weeks," he said.
The pharmaceutical industry is scrambling with scenario planning as U.S. President Donald Trump's 200% tariff proposal threatens to drive up drug prices and rip out corporate profit margins.

The president once again warned on Tuesday that long-awaited industry-wide tariffs would be announced "very soon" after the administration launched a so-called 232 investigation into the sector in April.

Trump suggested that those levies would not go into effect immediately, but get a grace period of "about a year, year and a half to come in."

Analysts nevertheless warn that such a rate  even with a delay  will have a detrimental effect on drug prices and profit margins.

"A 200% tariff would inflate production costs, compress profit margins, and risk supply chain disruptions, leading to drug shortages and higher prices for U.S. consumers," Barclays wrote in a note Wednesday.

UBS analysts cited a "significant negative impact" on margins, where goods are manufactured outside of the U.S. Meanwhile, the hit for patients could be "disastrous," Afsaneh Beschloss, founder and CEO of investment firm RockCreek Group said Tuesday, in reference to an estimated 100% levy.

"That would be potentially disastrous for every person because we need those pharmaceuticals, and it takes those companies a long time to produce them here in the U.S.," Beschloss told CNBC's "Closing Bell."

It is estimated that a tariff of just 25% on pharmaceutical imports would drive up U.S. drug prices by almost $51 billion annually, increasing domestic prices by as much as 12.9% if passed on, according to research from industry trade group Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), which on Wednesday lambasted the president's proposals as "counterproductive" to health outcomes.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney talk during a family photo at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, June 16, 2025.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday raised tariffs on Canadian imports to 35%, effective Aug. 1, complaining that Ottawa had retaliated with duties against Washington.

"Instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own Tariffs," Trump said to Mark Carney, prime minister of Canada, in a letter posted on Truth Social.

He attributed fentanyl as a reason for that rate in the letter: "If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter."

A total of 43 pounds of the drug was seized at the northern border during 2024 with an additional 58 pounds having been confiscated there so far this year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Responding to Trump's announcement, Carney said in a post on X that "Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America. We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries."

"The Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1."

The 35% tariffs will be separate from all sectoral tariffs, Trump said, warning that the duty might be increased, if Canada retaliated. Canada is subject to Trump's 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, 25% tariffs on autos, and faces a 50% levy on copper shipments starting Aug. 1.

Other imports from Canada into the U.S. currently attract a 25% levy that Trump imposed earlier this year over the country's alleged role in the flow of fentanyl, with exemptions for those in compliance with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Energy imports from Canada are subject to a lower 10% levy.

"If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 35% that we charge," Trump said Thursday. "Goods transshipped to evade this higher tariff will be subject to that higher tariff."

Trump indicated that the tariff rates in the future will depend on how Washington's relationship with Ottawa pans out, while mentioning that his country faced challenges from Canada that went beyond fentanyl.

"[Canada] has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, which cause unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States ... The Trade Deficit is a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security!"

Thursday's letter came after the two countries agreed to resume the trade talks on June 29 and to work on hammering out a deal by July 21, according to a statement from the Department of Finance Canada.

Trump had threatened to end all trade discussions with Canada, one of its largest trading partners, over Ottawa's "digital services tax" on American firms. Canada withdrew that tax in order to restart trade talks with Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump's 50% tariff on copper imports starting Aug. 1 has thrust the metal into the spotlight. U.S. Comex futures rose 2.65% on Thursday following the announcement and remained elevated, even as they pared earlier gains on Friday. The prices of copper in the U.S. surged 13% in its Wednesday session, which marked its best one-day gain since 1989 when Trump first announced the duties on copper imports. @HG.1 1Y mountain copper prices Meanwhile, the three-month benchmark copper futures on the London Metal Exchange were down over the last two days after the announcement, before recovering 0.73% to $9,700.50 per tonne as of 12:55 p.m. Singapore time Friday. The widening premium between the price of copper in the U.S. and the rest of the world comes as buyers stateside scrambled to front-load imports in anticipation of the tariffs, artificially inflating prices in the U.S. Nearly half of the copper used in the U.S. is imported, data from the U.S. Geological Survey showed. Analysts at Macquarie estimate that copper imports totaled 881 metric tons in the first half of the year, compared to an underlying requirement of around 441 metric tons, based on actual trade data for the January to May period and shipment data logs for June. "This implies a 440,000 tons excess inventory build, comprised of 107,000 tons in visible Comex stocks and 333,000 tons in unreported inventory and/or pull-forward of purchases through the industrial chain," they wrote in a Wednesday note. The U.S.' copper imports have rarely fallen below 36,000 tons a month, the analysts noted. The country has an underlying import demand of around 74,000 tons, implying that it has approximately nine months to "work down excess stocks," they added. Copper is a key input in products such as semiconductors, aircraft, data centers, lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles. In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump noted that the metal is the "second most used material by the Department of Defense." The superpower's reliance on copper imports is a "vulnerability, but [the U.S. doesn't] have the capacity right now to offset imports," Carlos Miguel Gutierrez, the former U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President George W. Bush, told CNBC's "The China Connection" on Thursday. He expects some shortage of copper in the U.S. as well as an increase in prices as companies start investing in production capacity. Sabrin Chowdhury, head of commodities research at BMI, said that the U.S. would need at least 20 to 30 years to build significant copper production capacity. "It takes 10 years just to explore for copper," she said on Friday. Looking ahead, analysts at Citi Investment Research expect a pullback in the price of the metal outside the U.S. to $8,800 per ton within the next three months. Additionally, they foresee that the Comex-LME arbitrage  or the price differential in the price of copper in the U.S. and elsewhere  will be heavily discounted at a rate of 50% "given the significant U.S. inventory build in recent months and the likelihood that key copper exporters to the U.S. will be able to negotiate eventual partial exemptions at a lower tariff rate," they wrote in a Tuesday note. The volatility and price differential between copper in the U.S. and the rest of the world has raised the question of whether to invest in the metal right now. CNBC Pro spoke to two investment managers who have differing opinions. Significant volatility Alonso Munoz, chief investment officer and founding partner at the U.S.-headquartered Hamilton Capital Partners, says he is staying clear of the metal, at least in the short term. "We wouldn't be buyers of copper or copper stocks in the short run because there is potential for significant volatility," he said. "The price of copper spiked after Trump spoke about the tariffs to his cabinet, and that gives us some caution that if the administration changes their mind, that could instantly cause prices to retreat," Munoz noted. For now, he expects prices in the U.S. to stay elevated. While this will benefit U.S. producers through better margins, Munoz cautioned that it will ultimately result in higher prices of products containing copper. Such products include wiring and power delivery networks found in data centers and power grids, as well as motors in electric vehicles. In the long run, he expects prices to hover around $4.90 to $5 per ton, a 13% drop from current prices, amid strong demand for the metal from the green energy transition. "The short-term price spikes of 10-20% doesn't necessarily mean it would continue. If anything, we would be cautious that any change to the current geopolitical discussions on tariffs and even the supply and demand imbalance and price arbitrage with the rest of the world could actually cause U.S. copper prices to retreat significantly," Munoz explained. Undervalued asset Will McDonough, CEO of merchant bank Corestone Capital, holds a different view from Munoz. He considers copper an undervalued asset given its strong use cases. "People underappreciate the volume of copper necessary for intermittent battery supplies, like solar and wind, electric vehicles or even the adoption of artificial intelligence and data centers," he said. The investor, who is bullish on commodities, is investing in copper futures. He believes Trump's current focus on the metal is the result of a realization that "China and unfriendly foreign powers have hoarded a lot of copper supply." The jump in copper prices in the U.S., he added, is because the "market is aware that supply is concentrated." China produced 1,800 metric tons of copper in 2024, according to UN trade and development data. Meanwhile, the Asian giant was the top importer of copper ore and unrefined copper, accounting for roughly 60% of total imports in 2023, compared to just 17% in 2013, separate data from the trade agency showed. Even so, McDonough considers the current price a little high and attributes it to an "overreaction to the tariffs." While he expects a short-term correction in prices to "high fours or low fives," he said buying copper at the current $5 per pound range would still be considered "good value" in a few years from now.
A United Airlines plane takes off from Los Angeles International Airport over a taxiing Jet Blue Airlines plane on May 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said a proposed partnership between United Airlines and smaller JetBlue Airways could harm competition and lead to fewer and more expensive options for consumers.

In a letter seen by Reuters Friday, Blumenthal asked United CEO Scott Kirby and JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty to answer questions about their "Blue Sky" tie-up which allows travelers to book flights on both carriers' websites, while interchangeably earning and using points in their frequent flyer programs.

Blumenthal asked the airlines to disclose records about the partnership and future plans, adding that he is concerned about any deal "that may harm full and fair airline competition and lead to fewer and more expensive options for travelers, particularly in the New York City area."

United did not immediately comment. JetBlue did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last month, budget carrier Spirit Airlines urged the U.S. Transportation Department to reject the planned United JetBlue partnership, saying it was anticompetitive and will prompt large carriers to pursue similar deals and arguing JetBlue "will become a de facto vassal of United."

United and JetBlue said in May their tie-up would give United access to some of JetBlue's slots at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport starting in 2027 and exchange their flight timings at Newark's airport.

United and JetBlue said the complaint's arguments of reduced competition were a "fiction" and adding: "Blue Sky will maintain JetBlue's independence and enhance its competitiveness, ensuring that JetBlue can continue to grow and compete as an independent carrier."

In March 2024, JetBlue and Spirit scrapped a $3.8 billion merger agreement after a U.S. judge blocked the deal on anti-competition concerns. JetBlue has been seeking partnerships after a federal judge blocked its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines in 2023.

Blumenthal added JetBlue's failed partnership attempts "call into question how your airlines will ensure Blue Sky does not unlawfully restrain competition."

Last year, a Senate committee chaired by Blumenthal criticized rising airline fees for seat assignments and luggage and raised other competition concerns.
European Union and Chinese flags are displayed side by side in the meeting room where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels, Belgium on July 2, 2025. Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images

The U.S. tariff saga has stolen global spotlight from trade tensions between China and the European Union, which are now heating up. Accusations and investigations over each other's trade practices have long been a staple of EU-China trade relations, underpinned by concerns over how domestic economies are likely to be impacted by competing imports. In recent weeks, EU restrictions on Chinese companies taking part in public tenders for medical devices were quickly met with China imposing import curbs on such products. Separately, long-threatened Chinese duties on brandy from the EU came into force earlier this month, and both Beijing and Brussels have ramped up criticism of each another. Altogether, EU-China trade relations are now "quite poor," according to Marc Julienne, director of the Center of Asian Studies at the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri). "What was once a domain of great opportunity and enthusiasm for the bilateral relationship has now become more about risks than opportunities," he told CNBC earlier this week.

A sour relationship

EU and China relations are encumbered by many challenges and risks often linked to clashing economic positions, Grzegorz Stec, senior analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies, suggested. "The EU and China are broadly on a colliding trajectory in terms of their trade and industrial policy concerns," he told CNBC. Bones of contention include the challenge of China's overcapacity and trade diversion to Europe, Stec, who is also head of the Mercator Institute's Brussels office, explained. "Beijing's increasingly pressing need to export contradicts the EU's need to protect its own industrial base," he added. China's economy is facing a gap between its production capacity and demand. It is also struggling with sluggish growth, while exports, which long boosted the economy, have been under pressure amid global trade tensions and lower demand. Ifri's Julienne also flagged a series of concerns that make the EU-China relationship tricky, including an increasingly difficult environment for foreign companies operating in China and Europe's growing trade deficit. Additionally, he said Beijing was "weaponizing" trade to put pressure on Europe  like they did with the brandy tariffs. China first started investigating European brandy imports after the EU began slapping levies on Chinese-made electric vehicles last year, which pose steep competition to Europe-made alternatives.

U.S. tariffs impacting EU-China relations

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent tariff regime could have been an opportunity for China and the EU to improve their relations, according to Ifri's Julienne. "It should have had a positive impact on the bilateral relationship, in the sense that  facing economic coercion from the United States  [the EU and China]  might have been expected to negotiate and compromise in order to make the most of their trade relationship amid the US tariff war," he said. This has yet to materialize. Jean-Marc Fenet, senior fellow at the ESSEC Institute for Geopolitics & Business, suggested one reason for this failure could be that Beijing feels it has come out on top in its own trade drama with Washington. "The need for a common front with the EU is therefore less necessary," Fenet said. "In fact, the fear now in Beijing is rather that the EU will accept an alignment with an anti-Chinese line that the American administration would impose on the sidelines of the trade negotiations." After initial sharp escalations and tense negotiations, China and the U.S. confirmed a trade framework agreement in June, including provisions around hotly contested rare earths and tech regulations. Earlier this year, Beijing had imposed export restrictions on several rare earth elements and magnets, which are often used in the automotive, defense and energy sectors, as part of its response to initial U.S. tariffs.

Light at the end of the tunnel?
Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Friday's key moments in a special annual meeting edition. 1. The S & P 500 was lower Friday amid escalating tariff concerns. President Donald Trump announced a 35% tariff on some Canadian goods beginning Aug. 1, with a warning of an increase if the country retaliates. "[It's] a bit of a surprise here because we thought that maybe they would be working toward a deal," said Director of Portfolio Analysis for the Club Jeff Marks. The S & P Short Range Oscillator was still in overbought territory, which investors could also be using as an "excuse to do some profit taking," Marks said. Jim Cramer said he has been itching to buy Cisco for the last three weeks. But it's always a "big mistake" to violate the rule of buying in an overbought market, Jim said. Next week, we're looking forward to big bank earnings, including quarterly reports from Club names Wells Fargo , Goldman Sachs , and BlackRock . 2. Morgan Stanley increased Amazon's price target to $300 per share, about 35% upside, while keeping an overweight rating on shares. Analysts argue that Amazon is ready to see higher profitability since tariffs are now expected to be more manageable. They additionally outlined several reasons why its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud business will accelerate, including market share gains, and a growth contribution from its collaboration with artificial intelligence company Anthropic's large language model. Jim said Morgan Stanley's call "is resonating and taking the stock to a different level." Shares of Amazon were up nearly 1.5% midday Friday to $225 per share. 3. Nvidia shares were still on the rise Friday following a historic week, becoming the first company to hit a $4 trillion market cap. Trump hosted Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the White House on Thursday ahead of Jensen's trip next week to China. Last week, both Cadence and Synopsys won back the ability to export their AI design software to China. "Nvidia chips could be that olive branch towards China," said Marks. "What they do want is the previous generation [of ]Nvidia [chips]," Jim added. "That meeting at the White House is very, very significant." 4 . Starbucks stock dipped to roughly $95 apiece despite Stifel raising its price target to $105 from $92 and keeping its buy rating. Amid reports that the coffee giant is in talks with potential buyers for a stake in its China business, Stifel said securing a strategic partner in the world's second-largest economy "should enhance Starbucks' ability to gain share in a growing market." At the same time, analysts "remain focused on the U.S. turnaround progress, viewing it as the primary catalyst for share appreciation over the next 12 months." We hold the same view. Jim "feels very positive" about Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's strategy in China and recovering the core U.S. business. While it will take time, so far, Jim feels "terrific about the turn" and remains confident given Niccol's industry experience as a turnaround artist. 5. Stocks covered in Friday's rapid fire at the end of the video were Levi Strauss & Co ., T-Mobile , Texas Instruments , Cloudflare , and Axon . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AMZN, GS, NVDA, SBUX, WFC. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
India hit nine terror targets crisscrossing Pakistan with precision and missed none of them during Operation Sindoor, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said on Friday, taking pride in Indias capability and technological abilities in neutralising the threats from across the border.The precision was to the point where India knew who was where, and the entire operation lasted hardly 23 minutes past 1 am on May 7, he said."Thereafter, they said Pakistan did this and so on. Can you tell me of one image or photograph that shows any damage to India, Doval asked while speaking at the 62nd convocation ceremony of IIT, Madras.India launched Operation Sindoor on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, post the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 persons, mostly tourists, were killed.Addressing the students, Doval also said the link between technology and warfare was very important, and that the country should develop indigenous technology to meet its requirements.Referring to the earlier speaker, Padma SubrahmanyamPadma Vibhushan awardee and legendary danseusecongratulating him for the success of Operation Sindoor and evoking thunderous applause from the students and graduands, the NSA said, "I am really proud of it (Operation Sindoor). Much of it was driven by indigenous content.""We are proud of itthat some of our best systems worked, whether it was BrahMos (missiles), the integrated air control and command system, or battlefield surveillance. We decided on nine terrorist targets, not in the border areas but in the crisscross of Pakistan, and we missed none." No unintended site was struck, and the strike was precise to the point where "we knew who was where. And the entire operation lasted for 23 minutes," he said.Also Read: How China, Pakistan ran joint psyops to target Rafale fighter jets used during Operation Sindoor In a subtle rebuttal to international media coverage questioning the operations effectiveness, the NSA said, "They wrote what they wanted. But satellite images tell the real storythat 13 Pakistan airbases, before and after May 10, show exactly what happened." Earlier, speaking at the convocation, Padma Subrahmanyam said the historic victory of Operation Sindoor was a manifestation of adherence to the valour that the Bhagavad Gita preaches."As a proud Indian, I have always offered my salutations to our jawans, who are our national guardian angels, she said, congratulating Doval for his role in the operation.At the event, Doval said the country could not afford to lose the technology battle and remain behind or fall decades behind others.He acknowledged the role of IIT, Madras and the private sector in developing 5G in two-and-a-half years time, whereas the Chinese took over 12 years and spent 300 billion dollars to develop 5G technology."Even a screw that deals with anything related to data or security protection must come from a trusted source. It is either made in India or by somebody who is very close to India, he added, emphasising the need to totally insulate our system from the enemy.
World AI Conference 2025 kicks off on July 26; more than 100 products to make debut

09:21, July 11, 2025 By Zhang Weilan ( Global Times

China's top artificial intelligence (AI) conference, the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2025 and the High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance will be held in Shanghai from July 26 to 28, according to a Shanghai official on Thursday. The event is set to highlight remarkable progress in the AI sector, which has witnessed the emergence of cutting-edge technologies such as large language models (LLMs) and humanoid robots over the past year, said industry experts.

Under the theme of "Global Solidarity in the AI Era," this year's conference is poised to be the most extensive to date, boasting more than 70,000 square meters of exhibition space, 800 enterprises, and 3,000 exhibits, Zhang Ying, director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, said during a news conference on Thursday.

The event will feature 3,000 cutting-edge exhibits, including LLMs, AI terminal products, and robots. For the first time, the conference will feature a dedicated exhibition area showcasing more than 40 LLMs, 50 AI terminal products, and 60 intelligent robots developed by both Chinese and international companies, the event's organizing committee told the Global Times on Thursday.

More than 100 products will make their global or China debut via the WAIC, also a new record.

More than 1,200 officials, industry leaders and scientists from 30 countries and regions have confirmed their participation in this year's WAIC, including representatives from industry giants such as Siemens and Schneider, as well as domestic leading tech companies such as Alibaba, Tencent, MiniMax, Unitree Robotics and iFlytek, according to the organizer.

China will also announce a global AI open-source cooperation initiative in collaboration with some organizations at this year's WAIC 2025, Du Guangda, deputy director of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's tech department, said on Thursday.

This initiative will call for global cooperation through open-source efforts to jointly explore technological innovation pathways, promote the application of technological achievements, build inclusive open-source communities, and share the benefits of development, Du added.

"I believe two hot keywords at this year's WAIC2025 are AI applications and AI terminals. This trend signifies a global shift from expensive technical models to more accessible open-source AI," Tian Feng, president of the Fast Think Institute and former dean of Chinese AI software giant SenseTime's Intelligence Industry Research Institute, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Tian said that at this year's event, the hit AI applications, commercial applications, and new AI terminal products will become increasingly diverse, providing more consumer motivation. "The AI toy market is expected to explode this year, especially in the next three months," Tian said, with many traditional toys transforming into interactive and even trainable AI pets that can communicate.

Liu Gang, chief economist at the Chinese Institute of New Generation AI Development Strategies, told the Global Times on Thursday, "This year, with the introduction of models like DeepSeek's latest R1 model and the Qwen3 model developed by Alibaba, we've seen significant advancements in LLMs. These models are not only more powerful but also more cost-effective, making it easier to deploy them on a wide range of devices, from smartphones and automobiles to other cutting-edge technologies."

Liu emphasized that 2025 is witnessing the "extensive application" of AI, marking a shift from the previous focus on smaller models. Special attention at this year's event will be paid to vertical and industry-specific AI models tailored for sectors such as healthcare, finance, legal, manufacturing, e-commerce and beyond, indicating a broader expansion of AI applications.

As the development of AI has entered a new stage of large-scale application, the WAIC 2025 exhibition will also delve into the frontiers of humanoid robot. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in this field, the organizer told the Global Times.

As AI and robotics technologies continue to mature, humanoid robots are expected to become more capable and affordable, driving widespread adoption. "Perhaps the most striking aspect of this forecast is the projected compound annual growth rate of over 40 percent for the next 25 years, Phyllis Wang, a UBS analyst told the Global Times on Thursday. "This rapid growth is attributed to several key factors, including technological advancements, cost reductions, and increasing demand from both commercial and consumer sectors," she said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
So that's when I knew the industry was for me when I had this group of amazing, clever potential people, but I never like to go into a crowded market. If someone is doing something, I don't need to compete with them. I don't want to do that.

I want to do something new. And what I saw was that there was no one bringing together these small companies working in cybersecurity. There was no one championing them.

So it was at that time, it was a it was an environment that was very much led by the big company, you know, the primes. They got all the work, and they just, they body shopped the small companies, or they, you know, they allowed them in.

And so I get very passionate about justice and being fair. And to me, that didn't really feel fair. So I that's when I really found my calling in that, you know, wow, these entrepreneurs, these people doing amazing things, they need a voice. So that's really where I started.

And we set up in Malvern, and then we set up around the country to lots of other different clusters, and it was this big network of small companies working in cybersecurity. And that was, you know, that was great.

But out of that, I found that the two people that I then started, I asked me with, so I was doing this network, and then I started, I asked me, and then I asked me, started to really grow.

Became very, very busy, and I found I was doing the network at weekends, you know, and it also because we've got different clusters around the country, it became just being referee between the different cluster managers, you know, Oh, someone wants to set up there, and they're too close to me, so I stopped all that.

And and I think this is another thing that things don't work in life, and I don't, and I never really see that as a problem. You know, that's a natural thing. You try something, it doesn't work. You try something else, it doesn't work.

So, yeah, so in the end, I stopped that, and then and I moved on to I asked me, which is the company that, yeah, that I've been running for the last 12 years. Matt Egan
Owners of certain GM trucks and SUVs in Oklahoma could get $500 checks as part of a nearly $25 million class-action settlement.

The lawsuit claims some GM vehicles burn excessive oil, risking engine damage.

Eligible owners must act before the July 28 deadline to join the settlement.

Owners of specific General Motors vehicles in Oklahoma may soon receive hundreds of dollars as part of a class-action lawsuit settlement addressing excessive oil consumption in certain trucks and SUVs. Similar suits are pending in several other states.

The named plaintiff in the case is Durwin Hampton, a Poteau, Oklahoma resident who noticed troubling issues with his truck shortly after purchase.

At about 35,000 miles, I noticed that it was burning more oil than usual, Hampton said. It just kept getting worse as it got more miles on it.

The lawsuit alleged that GM marketed and sold the affected vehicles as safe and reliable without disclosing that they could consume an abnormally high amount of oil. Such issues, plaintiffs argue, result in low oil levels, poor engine lubrication, and potential engine damage.

Nearly $25 million settlement fund

As part of the settlement, General Motors has agreed to contribute nearly $25 million to a fund. Clay Barnett, one of the attorneys representing vehicle owners, said eligible individuals who join the lawsuit could each receive about $500.

Vehicles included in the settlement

Vehicles covered under the settlement include:

2011-2014 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe

2011-2014 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL SUVs, and trucks equipped with Generation IV Vortec 5300 LC9 engines manufactured on or after February 10, 2011

Barnett estimates around 30,000 vehicles in Oklahoma could qualify. Half of these owners bought their vehicles from authorized GM dealers and should have received notice by mail. However, Barnett notes that approximately 15,000 owners who purchased their vehicles elsewhere may need to submit additional information to join the lawsuit.

How to check eligibility

Oklahoma residents who bought affected vehicles can visit oklahomagmenginelitigation.com to check eligibility and file claims. The deadline to join the settlement is July 28.

Despite agreeing to the settlement, General Motors denies any wrongdoing or liability related to the allegations. The company has not publicly commented on the lawsuits outcome.
The Presidency has denied reports circulating on social media that President Bola Tinubu ordered the suspension of the issuance of 5-year multiple-entry Nigerian visas to United States citizens.

LEADERSHIP reports that the rumours were fuelled by United States Department of State's Tuesday decision to update its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria.

But, on a statement released on Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the claim as false and misleading, reaffirming that Nigeria has not altered its visa policy toward American citizens.

"President Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas to US citizens," Onanuga stated. "Nigeria continues to honour existing bilateral agreements and remains committed to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations."

He added that shortly after assuming office, President Tinubu directed government agencies to implement all subsisting bilateral agreements with foreign nations, including the United States, and to ensure that foreign nationals are treated fairly in line with diplomatic protocols.

The clarification comes in the wake of reports that the United States government had reduced visa validity for Nigerian applicants, citing a lack of reciprocity as the reason. However, the Nigerian government disagrees with this assertion.

"The US government's claim of reciprocity does not reflect the actual situation," the statement noted. "Nigeria has continued to issue 5-year multiple-entry visas to American citizens."

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Migration By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Onanuga explained that a new short-term visa category--known as the e-visa--was recently introduced by Nigeria to simplify the entry process for tourists and business travelers. The e-visa offers a 90-day single-entry validity and is processed entirely online within 48 hours, eliminating the need for applicants to visit the embassy.

He emphasised that the e-visa is not a replacement for the standard 5-year visa and only applies to those seeking a quicker, short-term alternative. "It replaces the inefficient visa-on-arrival system, which was often exploited for extortion," he said.

The e-visa policy, according to the Presidency, aligns with President Tinubu's broader agenda to boost investment, trade, and tourism by making it easier for non-nationals to do business in Nigeria.

The statement further noted that while Nigeria has opened the e-visa platform to US citizens and several other nationalities, the United States has yet to reciprocate by offering similar ease of access to Nigerian travellers.

Despite the disparity, the Presidency assured that the Nigerian government remains committed to constructive dialogue with the United States to address any concerns and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

"In the spirit of partnership and mutual respect, President Tinubu's administration will continue to engage with US authorities to ensure that visa policies reflect the long-standing friendship between both countries," Onanuga said.
With Chris Pratt as a bona fide A-list star these days, and Guardians of the Galaxy a multi-sequel mega-hit, it can be hard to remember that neither one was always earmarked for glory. Pratt was a breakout star on Parks and Recreation, but his success on that show certainly didnt telegraph a career as an action star. What changed was his casting in Guardians of the Galaxy, a then-little-known Marvel property in the hands of then-cult-favorite director James Gunn.

Even without the pressure and eyeballs that would accompany a tentpole Marvel casting like Spider-Man, Gunn apparently still had a similar knee-jerk no to the idea of casting a then-pudgy Pratt as a superhero. In my personal opinion, the whole hullabaloo about Pratt getting in superhero shape was a bit overblown. I think that Star-Lord, as a superhero that uses firearms and moves around via jet boosters, is one of the few MCU characters that could function perfectly well with a few extra points on his BMI.

Don't Miss

Honestly, it would have skyrocketed his likability even further to me.

Gunn apparently didnt share my opinion, though its unclear if he was as hung up on the no-abs thing. Pratt wasnt his first choice  or second choice. In fact, were talking three digits of auditions done before Gunn would consider him. On Dax Shepard's podcast Armchair Expert, Gunn said he auditioned hundreds of actors, and even then, didnt have any interest in Pratt.

Advertisement

So who do we, and Pratt, have to thank for his star (pun intended) turn? Casting director Sarah Finn, who basically forced Pratt into the room after Gunn complained that no one was right for the role. That was where the need for any convincing ended, since Gunn said that once Pratt started his audition, he knew within seconds that he was going to cast him.

It was likely Finns second best casting decision, directly after hiring Vin Diesel to be an illiterate tree with a three-word vocabulary.
Toby Huss may have cemented King of the Hills Kahn Souphanousinphone as one of TVs most iconic animated characters, but Hank Hills next-door neighbor almost sounded a whole lot different, according to a new rumor.

On Wednesday, Redditor nogodsnomasters_666 headed to the King of the Hill subreddit with an alleged piece of behind-the-scenes KOTH lore, claiming that late Karate Kid legend Pat Morita was originally tapped to take on the role of Arlens resident systems analyst.

Don't Miss

Originally Kahn was going to be voiced by Pat Morita (Mr. Myagi), they recalled of the story theyd heard from another uncle during a recent family get-together. He had auditioned and (a) contract was signed.

These efforts to bring Morita to Rainey Street were ultimately short-lived, though. After signing, Moritas agent reached out to King of the Hills production team letting them know that his client was now unavailable to take on the part due to complications with Kahns signature Laotian accent.

He had to be extremely drunk in order to do the Asian accent he was known for in Karate Kid, nogodsnomasters_666 continued of Morita, who reportedly struggled with alcoholism. Morita was born in California and had an American accent.

With Morita out of the running, Huss was next in line to try out for the role. They called up Toby, and he auditioned his now well-known Kahn voice, nogodsnomasters_666 continued, and the rest is history.

The jury, of course, is still out on whether this early King of the Hill tidbit is legit. Even nogodsnomasters_666 admitted the anecdote was hearsay, and Kayvon Derak-Shanian, who directed the 2021 documentary More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story, says he has no clue if the story is true.

Advertisement

Either way, Khan is set to undergo yet another major transformation ahead of the shows 14th season. Instead of Huss, who is white, the role will now be played by The Daily Shows Ronny Chieng, who is of Malaysian-Chinese descent.

Advertisement

If we were casting today, we wouldnt have cast (Huss), King of the Hill co-creator Greg Daniels has admitted, citing budget concerns for their initial decision. Its different now.
When Joe Rogan confronted Carlos Mencia for stealing jokes, live onstage at the Comedy Store in 2005, Mencia was the far bigger star. He called out Mencia, explained comedian Jeff Dye on The George Janko Show podcast. Mencia was so successful, had the number one show on Comedy Central. He was like crushing it. And the Comedy Store asked Joe to leave. They said, Joe, you're not welcome anymore. Imagine saying that to Joe Rogan.

Play

Even more galling to Dye was that Mencia continued to get away with his terrible behavior  at least for a while. Carlos Mencia got to carry on with his bullshit and his lying, he said. He was lying about his own race. He's Honduran, and he was calling himself a b----er, like using a slur for Mexican. He was literally a fraud.

But Mencia continued to dig his own hole, explained Dye. Hed be like, Yeah, I do steal jokes, but I make them better. And he thought that was going to help him, and it didnt.

Don't Miss

Still, Rogan paid a price for accusing Mencia of joke theft. Not only was Rogan banned from the Comedy Store, but his agency dropped him as well. (The agency also represented Mencia, who was the bigger money-maker at the moment.) It worked against him until later it was proven, said Dye. Whos bigger now: Carlos Mencia or Joe Rogan? Joe wins, but at that moment, he must have been like, Shit, maybe I shouldnt have picked on Carlos.

Thats the one thing Janko always wanted to ask Rogan: Did he regret the public callout? Lucky for Janko, another disgraced comedian, Chris DElia, was also a guest on the podcast. He said he asked Rogan that very question, and Rogan replied, If I had to call out Mencia again, I would still do it.

Advertisement

DElia, a comic who knows something about being called out and canceled, was expecting a different answer when he guested on The Joe Rogan Experience, figuring Rogan would have wished the whole incident had never happened. But nope: He said, Yeah, because it was true.

We dont just have to take DElias word for it either. I wouldnt do a thing different, Rogan reiterated to Andrew Schulz and Akaash Singh on the Flagrant podcast in 2022. I took the hit. And the hit wasnt bad because I was right.

Advertisement

Janko couldnt believe Rogan had the nerve to take on a successful comic at that stage in his own career. Im established in my lane, and when Im walking around comedians, I still feel a little insecure, he admitted. Im like, Oh, I dont want to piss anybody off here.

Advertisement

Its not just about other comics holding grudges. Thats the worst person to piss off, Janko claimed. They not only will write bits about you, but if its funny, it will stick. So Im walking on eggshells.

Rogan didnt walk on eggshells. From Fear Factor to UFC to podcasts from his garage, he made it all cool, DElia argued.

He lived in his own world, agreed Janko.

Thats a guy whos ahead of his time, DElia marveled.
They say even broken clocks are right twice a day, but thats maybe too generous of an analogy for Andrew Schulz. I dont think Schulz has been right twice. However, in the most recent episode of his podcast Flagrant with Akaash Singh, he seems to be circling a correct assessment. Schulz is starting to regret voting for Donald Trump. His incredible powers of discernment have sussed out that maybe the president has been lying. Maybe, the racist real-estate developer with dozens of sexual assault allegations and felony convictions isnt trying to make life better for the everyday American.

The breaking point for Schulz doesnt seem to be for any of the obvious reasons; instead, the final straw seems to link back to Jeffrey Epstein. This week, the Department of Justice announced that there was no Epstein client list, and that the accused child rapist and trafficker died by suicide while held in detention in 2019. Like many other Trump supporters (including Roseanne Barr), Schulz was further aggravated by the recent statement from Trump saying that he couldnt believe people were still wasting their time talking about Epstein.

Don't Miss

Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years, Trump told a group of reporters this week. We have all of the things. And are people still talking about this guy, this creep?

Play

For the first 25 minutes of the podcast, Schulz and Singh and their two guests (while wearing tinfoil hats, which  okay, funny) discuss whether this Epstein ordeal is a cover-up by the government; by an international group of governments; or by Trump, trying to remove his own implication in the crimes. After they get through discussing the CIA, FBI, Trump and Israels varying levels of involvement in Epsteins prolific child abuse scheme, Schulz has some larger clarity. Everything he campaigned on I believe he wanted to do, and now hes doing the exact opposite thing of every single fucking thing, Schulz said.

Advertisement

Schulzs realization that Trump is either evil or incompetent (or both) ultimately leads him to another revelation: Theres only one political party putting America first in the US, and its not Trumps Republicans. Its not even Nancy Pelosis Democrats. Its the Democratic Socialists.

The only party right now that to me seems America first is the Democrat Socialist Party, Schulz explained. Bernie (Sanders) is America first. Mamdani and all his ideas  that he will not be able to execute and I frankly think many of them are not good ideas  but he is no doubt New York first. Thats what I care about. And if MAGA wants to take this America first thing back, theyve got to start looking out for America. Lying to Americans is not America first.

Advertisement

The segment later wades into ideas of universal healthcare, universal education and ending forever wars. You know, real socialist shit.

Does it still feel like Im actively losing the intelligence Ive accumulated through the act of reading books for every minute I listen? Oh yeah. But it might be the start of an interesting shift in the tides, if even Trumps most loyal podcast bros are starting to wake up to the MAGA nonsense.

Just wait until they find out the truth about billionaires.
Just so you know: If you havent watched the final episode of The Conners, this story contains minor spoilers about its conclusion.

Its not like Roseanne never broke sitcom rules  after all, it was the show that turned an entire season into a wish-fulfillment dream. So it wasnt entirely out of character when Dan Conner broke the fourth wall in the final episode of The Conners, wistfully remembering his family growing up before making eye contact with the camera. He then broke into a sweet smile and bid viewers a final Good night before grabbing his beer and exiting the living room forever.

I wanted to do it, and they let me, and they kept it, John Goodman, who plays Dan, told Hollywood Reporter. I thought it was just us saying, Good night, folks. Thank you.

Don't Miss

The goodbye was a scene Goodman never dreamed hed get the chance to film. I didnt think (the Roseanne reboot) was going to go beyond the initial five or six episodes, he said. I thought itd be a one-off thing.

However, the return of Roseanne garnered massive ratings, ensuring the shows revival. It looked like a steady paycheck until Roseanne Barr got into hot water, thanks to some especially ugly social media posts. Roseanne got fired. I thought that was it, Goodman explained. He and the rest of the cast also got the boot, freeing up Goodman to sign on to Righteous Gemstones. Little did he know that ABC would rethink the show, reimagining Roseanne as The Conners. I didnt know how long it would last, but I sure enjoyed it while I was there.

Even though Barr was no longer on the show, Goodman stood by his old co-star when few others did. While he didnt defend her online rants, I know for a fact that shes not a racist, he told The Times in 2018.

I felt bad for her. I just feel terrible about the whole thing, he continued to Variety. We had a great time. And I love her. Shes just her own person.

Advertisement

Even now, Goodman has fond memories of Roseannes early days. We hit it off from jump street, he told Hollywood Reporter. She made me laugh, and I made her laugh, and wow, it was so much fun.

Despite his public support, Goodman and Barr arent on good terms. We havent talked for about seven or eight years, he admitted. Id rather doubt if she wants to talk to me.

Goodman knows better than to expect Barr to react to his heartfelt final scene. Her family claims that not only did Roseanne not watch a single minute of The Conners seven-season run, but she also had no idea the final episode had aired. We dont care about cheap knockoffs, her son told Us Weekly.

Did Barrs spite make The Conners tough sledding for Goodman and his fellow actors? No, he said. We got a good cast, and everybody stands out.
Overcrowding causes inhumane conditions for prisoners, which also impacts prison officials and society at large.

Mashonaland East proportional representation Member of Parliament, Lilian Zemura has expressed concern over the dire conditions in the country's prisons with inmates reportedly sleeping without blankets or warm clothes during winter season.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session in Parliament, the legislator asked whether it had become government policy for inmates to sleep without food, blankets, or jerseys.

"I want to ask whether it is Government policy for people who are in jails to sleep without warm clothes and blankets, without eating, especially during this winter period. I am asking because it seems as if it is now a pattern, people do not have jerseys, blankets and others...," she asked

Responding on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Minister Anxious Masuka said while the government does provide food, shelter and clothing to incarcerated persons challenges persist.

"If there are specific jails experiencing such shortages, please bring them to our attention," he said.

The Speaker of Parliament, however, insisted the matter be submitted in writing with detailed information denying any supplementary or clarification questions despite rising urgency in the chamber.

"Let us be procedural," Speaker Jacob Mudenda said, though opposition legislator Dr. Thokozani Khupe protested that the situation was urgent and warranted immediate debate.
That adage, please read other books about Harry Potter fans has a new dimension now. I have specific recommendations. Harry Potter fans need to pick up Tim Pat Coogans The Troubles or Patrick Radden Keefes Say Nothing. Hell, you can stream Daniel Day-Lewis in In the Name of the Father or watch Derry Girls. Anything really, to get caught up on an essential plot point of 20th century history.

Why? A tweet pointing out that the Irish character Seamus Finnigan constantly exploding is informing a lot of people, for the very first time, about the existence of the Irish Republican Army and some pretty offensive Irish stereotypes.

The quote tweets on this were many variations of No fucking way Irish people have a terrorist stereotype, and J.K. Rowling so racist Im learning about stereotypes I never even knew about. Its kind of incredible, to think that something that seems ubiquitous to so many is entirely unheard of to others. No matter your opinion on the IRA and their methods, it was understood that there was a general awareness about the 40-year conflict between the Irish Republican Army and the British Empire. Maybe you didnt know that there were 22 car bombs exploded in Belfast on a single Friday in 1972, or that the Good Friday agreement was signed in 1998. But surely you had the vaguest understanding that the IRA existed.

Don't Miss

But something people forget about when it comes to posting is that some people were born in 2007. And like, all of those people are on the internet. The number of 18-year-old Americans keeping up with the fight for a free and united Ireland? Not a lot.

Its not that we can really blame young people. For all the access to information thats available these days, public education has been suffering. Children have been left behind. Theres barely any civics lessons in this country, let alone 20th century history. So, this isnt a call out, its a call in. Stop giving the deeply racist, transphobic and criminally irritating J.K. Rowling money, and pick up some new books.

Advertisement

For those just now learning about the IRA, I really do recommend some of Tim Pat Coogans work. You might find some interesting parallels to current predicaments. And to the truly youthful, if you simply google IRA you might get two results. Some for the Irish Republican Army, and some for Individual Retirement Account. Youre gonna want to open the Wikipedia pages for both.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone recently weighed in on the pending Paramount-Skydance merger, calling it a shitshow thats fucking up South Park. As of writing, we have no reason to dispute that assessment.

In addition to delaying the upcoming Season 27 premiere, the merger has thrown the shows streaming future into flux. Paramount+ was supposed to become the exclusive home for South Park this month, following the expiration of Parker and Stones previous deal that found the show being licensed to HBO Max.

But Skydance Media reportedly found the distribution fees, totaling around $200 million, to be too rich. Heating up the streaming wars even further, the South Park creators threatened legal action against soon-to-be Paramount Global president Jeff Shell for allegedly interfering in negotiations with rival companies including Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Don't Miss

In some international markets, however, Paramount+ was already the "exclusive" home of South Park  until now.

Earlier today, a fan in the U.K. posted on Reddit, noting that the show was randomly gone from Paramount+. Since HBO Max isnt a thing across the pond, Paramount+ was the only streaming platform carrying the show.

International subscribers can still watch the South Park specials, including The End of Obesity and, fittingly, The Streaming Wars because they were, somewhat controversially, produced specifically for Paramount+. But the back catalogue of the show has now unceremoniously disappeared a la Chef.

The same goes for Canada, where the entire series was just abruptly pulled with no warning, meaning that Canadian subscribers who wanted to watch South Park will now have to make do with assorted Star Trek series and the Frasier reboot. If only the countrys royal family could do something about it.

Advertisement

Paramount+s social media accounts havent made any official announcements so far. Unless they buried subliminal messages about the South Park situation in this trailer for the new LL Cool J docuseries

Advertisement

Screenshots of correspondence between angry fans and Paramount+s customer service team seems to suggest that the show has come to the end of the window in which they have the rights to carry it.

Advertisement

Advertisement

This could mean that Parker and Stone have secured a new international streaming deal on a platform like Netflix. Although, this whole thing has been such a mess, I wouldnt even be surprised if they went and brought Quibi back from the dead and then made it the new exclusive home of South Park.
Parliament exploded in debate Wednesday over illegal land sales and mushrooming unserviced settlements with legislators warning of "ghost cities" emerging on the borders of major towns.

Chivi South Constituency legislator Felix Maburutse kicked off the grilling by questioning the government's policy on private developers selling residential stands without providing basic services like roads, water and sewer systems.

Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr. Anxious Masuka who was standing in for the leader of the house confirmed the government had suspended moratoriums that previously allowed such transactions.

"From now on, stands must be serviced before people move in. That is government policy," he said

Hatcliffe Member of Parliament, Agency Gumbo pressed further "What about places already developed illegally? Caledonia, Epworth, Gimboki, Cowdray Park -- people live without roads, sewage or clean water."

In response, Masuka revealed that a high-level inter-ministerial committee -- including the Ministries of Justice, Lands, Local Government and the Attorney General's Office -- has been established to regularize existing settlements.

"We're learning from Epworth's pilot regularization. We'll scale it countrywide," he said.

MPs were not convinced this would curb rampant illegal allocations.

Rushinga Member of Parliament, Tendai Nyabani accused land barons of duping desperate home-seekers and going unpunished.

"People are losing money. Their homes are being demolished, yet these criminals walk free," he charged.

In response to Nyabani's assertions, Masuka promised a clampdown: "There is a national policy on urban state land. The moratorium is backed by enforcement measures. We're cleaning up the mess."

However, Mbizo constituency lawmaker Corban Madzivanyika questioned if it was a policy to settle people and legalise later.

"Is it now policy to settle people without services and regularize later? That's backwards governance."

Masuka conceded the point. "No, it's not policy. Going forward, developers must provide roads, water, and electricity first."

Still, legislators demanded more decisive action, including arresting land barons and fast-tracking title deeds for regularise properties.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
After watching Emmanuel Macron for any length of time you understand why his wife whacked him. What an insufferable little twerp he is.

The French president marked the end of his state visit to Britain with a news conference at Northwood military HQ, Herts. At his side stood Sir Keir Starmer, playing the role of spare part. The nasal knight has seldom looked so potatoey.

All eyes were on Napoleon, which is just how he likes it. He was dressed in a waistcoat  odd for such a hot day  and his hairdo had been tweezered to the left, presumably to disguise a bald spot. Unless a patch of fur had been ripped out by Brigitte.

He kept tilting his head to make sure we could admire his long sideburns. A good inch longer than Sir Keirs, they were.

The rough format was as follows: our old pudding gave stubby answers, biting on his lower lip and telling us what a serious fellow he was. Sir Keirs voice becomes plainer by the week. What a lustreless blob he is. He kept looking over to Macron in affection or envy.

Then the floor was given to the mighty midget, his blue eyes suddenly dazzling like BMW headlights. Off he went, juddering his chin in an imperious manner, shoulders twitching a little as he was energised by the attention.

These answers, as long as speeches in a Racine tragedy, were relayed by a simultaneous translation chap who sounded less like a Man of Destiny and more like an accountant from Penge.

Macron was burbling forth about the European pillars of Nato, pragmatic roadmaps, the wickedness of demagoguery and so forth, while Brian the translator, or whatever his name was, made it sound wonderfully mundane. M Macron hogged the airtime. He was elliptical, which is to say incomprehensible, his answers full of abstract concepts. But one thing became clear: he was obsessed with Brexit.

The French president marked the end of his state visit to Britain with a news conference at Northwood military HQ, Hertfordshire, alongside the Prime Minister

At Emmanuel Macron's side stood Sir Keir Starmer, playing the role of spare part

The longer the press conference lasted, the more he attacked Brexit, each time with greater vigour, almost until one of his eyelids started quivering and a tic developed in his cheeks, Herbert Lom-style.

He raged that Brexit had made everything worse. Brexit had been ruinous to trade. Quite how that tallied with his boast that Anglo-French trade was now higher than it was when we were in the European Union, it was hard to say. On small boats and illegal immigration, the British people were sold a lie that Europe was the trouble!

And yet, and yet, Belgium has been rather brilliant at stopping small boats. Much better than France.

Maybe the problem with the small-boats crisis has not been Europe but Macron  and all because our bolt for freedom left him with fewer opportunities to meddle in our affairs.

Questions from the media were opened by our own Monsieur Chatty, ITVs Robert Peston, a man whose bulletin intros and upsums can be divided into several chapters, complete with index and footnotes. This time, in fact, he did rather well, and even spoke French, noting that France had pocketed 700 million livres of our money to do beggar all about stopping those inflatables.

Peston also observed that M Macron and Sir Keir were members of a slightly beleaguered class of centrist leaders and he wondered if they were exchanging tips on how to survive.

This was intended as a playful remark but they both became distinctly huffy about it. Sir Keir pushed out a pouty lip and complained that it was really important to show that social democracy has the answers.

As for Macron, he flew into an impenetrable riff about how his political philosophy was based on science rather than things such as Just as he was going to say the B word, a male orderly stepped in, jabbed him in the derriere with a large sedative and sewed him into a white straitjacket, to be flown back to his home country where he is such an overwhelming failure.
Look at those people bobbing in the Channel, crossing the sea every day in an irresistible tide.

See their pitiful burstable coracles, so rammed with humanity that their limbs are left trailing in the water.

Count the numbers that have been coming in, more than 40 per cent up on last year  tens of thousands of illegal aliens scrambling ashore and burying themselves in the crevices of our society. Then ask yourself the key question. Who benefits? Who is really behind this moral, political and economic disaster?

Which is the evil genius orchestrating this daily humiliation of the British state? It is time to unmask the Mr Big  or Monsieur Petit  behind the whole thing, and I will give you a clue.

He has Cuban heels, a boyish charm, a lisping voice, and a wife who smacks him around in public.

Yes, folks, there is one ultimate beneficiary of this whole nightmare, and that is Emmanuel Macron of France.

As he made clear during his press conference with Keir Starmer, the French president is blatantly using this crisis to make a political point  namely that Brexit Britain has been unable to control its borders.

It follows that every single one of those young men  and they are almost all young men  has effectively been recruited by Macron to embarrass the UK. These are his shock troops in his continuing jihad against Brexit.

As Macron made clear during his press conference with Keir Starmer, the French president is blatantly using this crisis to make a political point  namely that Brexit Britain has been unable to control its borders

He will keep sending them over the Channel in boat after boat until we accept his ridiculous and insulting assertion: that the British people are fools, that they swallowed a lie, and the whole problem of illegal migration is now so bad that we might as well concede that Brexit was a mistake and a delusion, and get back into the EU.

That is Macron's game; that is his strategy. And that is why he will never do enough to stop the boats. No one was fooled by the 'returns agreement' this week between the UK and France, the so-called 'one in one out' deal by which illegal arrivals could be swapped for those with a legal claim to come to Britain.

By definition, this would do nothing to reduce the overall immigration total, since we would be taking one more person for every illegal arrival notionally sent back to France.

More seriously, the proposal will do nothing to deter the gangs. Even if Macron can get the EU commission to approve the scheme, the French say that they expect to take about 50 people per week.

That is pathetic. As Chris Philp, the Tory Shadow Home Secretary points out  that would be only 6 per cent of the weekly arrivals. Even if this agreement were to get going, that means your average cross-Channel migrant would have a 94 per cent chance of staying in the UK; and everyone knows that, once you have your jaws clamped around the teat of the UK system, it is almost impossible to prise you away.

This scheme is not serious. Macron agreed to do it as a sop to Starmer, and in exchange for the kudos of a state visit, and the chance for him and Brigitte to hobnob with the King and Queen.

He doesn't want to make it work  because he has had plenty of opportunity to do so before, and the French efforts have been lackadaisical in the extreme. The gendarmes have been given almost 800m of our money to patrol the beaches of Calais, and yet the problem is getting worse. They haven't fixed it because, fundamentally, Macron wants to convince the British public of a blatant lie  the one he told at the press conference  that this problem has been somehow caused by Brexit.

What rubbish. Quelle poubelle! Remember that before Brexit we were obliged by basic EU law to treat every one of the 520 million EU nationals as if they were British citizens, for the purposes of migration to this country. It was insane. Brexit took back full legal control.

Count the numbers that have been coming in, more than 40 per cent up on last year  tens of thousands of illegal aliens scrambling ashore and burying themselves in the crevices of our society

We can, if we choose, have absolutely zero legal migration to this country  zero. As for tackling illegal migration, EU membership was worse than useless.

It is true that there was the 'Dublin convention' by which EU countries could in theory send illegal arrivals back to their country of origin within the EU. In practice, Dublin was a dud. It had broken down long before Brexit; the lawyers were making mincemeat of it, and hardly any illegal arrivals were being returned anywhere.

The whole thing was a farce, and we were prevented by EU rules from passing tougher laws ourselves. So, in blaming Brexit for the migrant crossings, Macron is uttering a great, stinking, festering falsehood, and if he had said such a thing in Brigitte Macron's classroom, I hope that she would have given him one of her trademark smacks around his smirking chops.

The reality is that Brexit actually gives us the power to control not just legal migration  but to fix illegal migration as well; and the tragedy of this government is that Starmer refuses to use those powers.

The Labour government is being sucked back into the orbit of the EU at the very moment when we need to be doing things our own way. Ask yourself: why does Macron hate Brexit so? Why does he see fit to come to this country, wag his finger, and tell the British public that they have been stupid and wrong?

The answer is that he fears Brexit, and he fears the massive potential of an independent Britain. He saw what happened, for instance, when we diverged from the EU regulatory framework and achieved the fastest Covid vaccine roll-out in Europe, followed by the fastest exit from lockdown. He didn't like it at all.

He doesn't want Brexit Britain to succeed; he wants it to fail, to be brought to heel, and Labour is all too eager to oblige. Starmer is accepting EU law for the UK  with no say in making it, turning this country into a colony of Brussels. Worse, he seems on the point of adopting the French wealth tax, which has driven tens of thousands of entrepreneurs from France.

They are taking this country back into a morass of unnecessary employment law, and suggesting such bizarre Soviet anachronisms as state-owned restaurants. All the while the Reeves-Starmer high-tax economic doom loop continues to stifle activity, so that, as reported yesterday, the economy shrunk for the second quarter.

When Starmer and Macron agreed their feeble returns deal, the French apparently set one condition. The UK would have to abandon the Rwanda plan. On the face of things, this was bizarre. Why should the French care?

But on reflection the reason is obvious. Rwanda is made possible by Brexit, since we can ignore EU law on asylum and other matters to make it happen; and, unlike any other plan, Rwanda would actually work.

It doesn't mean sending back six per cent of illegals; it means sending 100 per cent of them from Kent to Kigali.

The idiotic Starmer has axed this country's only practical plan to deal with the boats  at French behest!  while the French cynically refuse to do enough to help.

Like the old Danish king of England, Starmer sits and watches as the waves of people wash irresistibly to our shores, and in his self-imposed impotence he is making himself look like a complete and utter Canute.
How close is South Africa to meeting its HIV treatment goals? We look at the numbers.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS) has today released a report that highlights a significant funding crisis threatening years of progress in the fight against HIV/Aids.

The 2025 Global Aids Update report titled, 'Aids, Crisis and the Power to Transform', emphasises the urgent need for countries to implement radical changes in their HIV programming and funding strategies.

The report highlights the impact that the sudden, large-scale funding cuts from international donors are having on countries most affected by HIV. Yet, it also showcases some inspiring examples of resilience, with countries and communities stepping up in the face of adversity to protect the gains made and drive the HIV response forward.

Some 25 of the 60 low and middle-income countries included in the report have indicated increases in domestic budgets for their HIV responses in 2026.

The estimated collective rise among the 25 countries amounts to 8% over current levels, translating to approximately US$180 million in additional domestic resources.

"This is promising, but not sufficient to replace the scale of international funding in countries that are heavily reliant," the report says.

Global emergency

Although there was significant progress in the HIV response in 2024, UNAIDS reported that a weakening consensus on aid and substantial, sudden funding shortfalls in 2025 caused widespread disruptions in health systems.

These challenges led to cuts in frontline health workers, halted HIV prevention programmes, and jeopardised HIV treatment services.

According to data, in Mozambique alone, over 30 000 health personnel were affected. In Nigeria, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation has plummeted from 40 000 to 6 000 people per month.

If United States-supported HIV treatment and prevention services collapse entirely, UNAIDS estimates that an additional six million new HIV infections and four million additional Aids-related deaths could occur between 2025 and 2029.

"This is not just a funding gap - it's a ticking time bomb.

"We have seen services vanish overnight. Health workers have been sent home, and people, especially children and key populations, are being pushed out of care," said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima.

Even before the large-scale service disruptions, the reported data for 2024 shows that 9.2 million people living with HIV were still not accessing life-saving treatment services last year.

Among those were 620 000 children aged zero to 14 years living with HIV but not on treatment, which contributed to 75 000 AIDS-related deaths among children in 2024.

In 2024, 630 000 people died from Aids-related causes, 61% of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Over 210 000 adolescent girls and young women, aged 15 to 24, acquired HIV in 2024 - an average of 570 new infections every day.

UNAIDS said HIV prevention services are severely disrupted, while community-led services, which are vital to reaching marginalised populations, are being defunded at alarming rates.

In early 2025, the organisation said over 60% of women-led HIV organisations surveyed had lost funding or were forced to suspend services.

The United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) reached 2.3 million adolescent girls and young women with comprehensive HIV prevention services in 2024 and enabled 2.5 million people to use HIV PrEP - many of these programmes have now stopped completely.

"Meanwhile, the rise in punitive laws criminalising same-sex relationships, gender identity, and drug use is amplifying the crisis, making HIV services inaccessible," UNAIDS said.

Beacon of hope

UNAIDS said South Africa currently funds 77% of its AIDS response, and its 2025 budget review includes a 5.9% annual increase in health expenditure over the next three years, including a 3.3% annual increase for HIV and tuberculosis programmes.

The South African government intends to finance the development of a patient information system, a centralised chronic medicine dispensing and distribution system, and a facility medicine stock surveillance system.

Meanwhile, as of December 2024, seven countries - Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe - had achieved the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.

The report also highlights the emergence of unprecedented, highly effective new prevention tools like long-acting injectable PrEP, including lenacapavir, which has shown near-complete efficacy in clinical trials, though affordability and access remain key challenges.

Byanyima believes there is still time to transform this crisis into an opportunity.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines AIDS South Africa International Organisations By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"Countries are stepping up with domestic funding. Communities are showing what works. We now need global solidarity to match their courage and resilience."

A call for solidarity

The 2025 Global AIDS Update ends with a call for the international community to unite in addressing the financing gap.

It urges support for countries to close the remaining gaps in HIV prevention and treatment services, eliminate legal and social barriers, and empower communities to take the lead moving forward.

UNAIDS emphasised that every dollar invested in the HIV response not only saves lives but also strengthens health systems and promotes broader development goals.

Since the start of the epidemic, 26.9 million deaths have been averted through treatment, and 4.4 million children have been protected from HIV infection through vertical transmission prevention.

"In a time of crisis, the world must choose transformation over retreat. Together, we can still end Aids as a public health threat by 2030 - if we act with urgency, unity, and unwavering commitment," Byanyima said.
Ever since the start of Meghan Markle's romance with Prince Harry, she has gone through many different stages of life - but her transitions have not always gone down well with the general public.

Meghan, 43, has always touted herself as an independent person, and has embarked on a number of projects both before and after marrying into the royal family.

She married Prince Harry, 40, in May 2018, but in 2020, the two decided to formally step down from their duties as working royals and move to Montecito, California. And the couple still live there with their two children, son Archie, six, and daughter Lilibet, three.

According to Ryan McCormick, co-Founder & Media Relations Specialist at Goldman McCormick PR, Meghan's favorability seemed to 'peak' during her royal wedding to Prince Harry, and has taken a hit since then.

'Worldwide interest also appeared to have hit its apex when Markle and her husband first burned their bridges to the Royal Family,' McCormick told Daily Mail exclusively.

'From those two notable events, I've observed the Duchess' popularity is in a steady, slow decline.'

Before Prince Harry, Meghan was an actress, starring on the hit series Suits, and an avid lifestyle blogger as the creator of The Tig, where she wrote about style, food and travel.

It was quite popular until she had to shutter its doors in 2017, ahead of her wedding.

Ever since the start of Meghan Markle's romance with Britain's beloved Prince Harry, she has gone through many different stages of life - but her transitions have not always gone down well with the general public

Meghan, 43, has always touted herself as an independent person, and has embarked on a number of projects both before and after marrying into the royal family

She married Prince Harry, 40, in May 2018, but in 2020, the two decided to formally step down from their duties as working royals and move to Montecito, California

And, while the public opinion about them started to sour after they stepped back from the royal family, it didn't stop them from getting Hollywood business deals. Together, the couple only became more lucrative as they pursued a combined $120 million deal with Spotify and Netflix.

Their faces suddenly became splashed across TV screens more than ever as they completed a series of interviews and documentaries one after another.

In addition to a tell-all 2021 interview with Oprah - in which Meghan claimed that the royals had 'concerns about how dark [Archie's] skin would be' and was denied professional help outside of the palace - she and Harry also sat down for a 2022 Netflix docuseries about their love life.

The six-episode show, which was titled Harry & Meghan, detailed their love story, but also included their true feelings about the royal family, which weren't too flattering, as she claimed they 'fed her to the wolves' when it came to the media.

The high-profile duo even included a series of bombshell claims about Prince William, as his now-estranged brother, Harry, alleged that he 'screamed at' him for stepping down from royal duties, bullied him and his wife out of the royal family, and even broke a pact to never trade negative stories about each other in the press.

At the time, members of the world's media couldn't believe their eyes as they witnessed the family feud, with NBC's Daisy McAndrew slamming the couple for making no effort to apologize for their role in the breakdown of Harry's relationship with his family, and CNN's Max Foster pointed out how one-sided the documentary was.

That same year, Meghan also launched her 'Archetypes' podcast on Spotify, where she interviewed various power players like Andy Cohen and tried to 'subvert the labels that try to hold women back.'

However, the podcast didn't seem to take off, as it was promptly canceled after one season. Meghan, Harry and the Spotify team produced only one 13-episode series of a podcast for the company, and then split.

And, while the public opinion about them started to sour after they stepped back from the royal family, their deals only became more lucrative as they pursued a combined $120 million deal with Spotify and Netflix

They were later called 'f***ing grifters' by Bill Simmons, who was the Head of Podcast Innovation and Monetization at Spotify at the time.

The couple did not issue a response, instead relying on their initial joint statement with Spotify when it was first canceled, which read that they had, 'mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together,' per The New York Post.

But Meghan appeared to be undeterred as she returned to podcasting this year, producing a series with Lemonada Media called Confessions of a Female Founder, where she interviewed various female CEOs like Spanx's Sara Blakely.

However, that also seemed to flop, as it has not been renewed for a second season.

Now, fast forward to just three years later: 2025, and Meghan is once again back in the public eye as she launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and her hospitality show on Netflix.

In short, Meghan's back in the limelight, this time seemingly on her own terms.

Her Netflix show, titled With Love, Meghan, which featured celebrity guests like comedian Mindy Kaling, has already been renewed for a second season, and amassed 2.6 million viewers in the first week, according to People.

All three of Meghan's As Ever collections have sold out as well - even though the brand has been plagued by a number of mishaps, including overselling stock, like the apricot spread.

Now that she'll be on our screens for what appears to be the foreseeable future with Netflix, it begs the question - are all of these lifestyle ventures enough to save her public image?

According to multiple experts, it's possible that she can build back and reimagine her public image, but the clock is ticking.

All three of Meghan's As Ever collections have sold out as well - even though the brand has been plagued by a number of mishaps, including overselling stock, like their apricot spread

However, it's not just the effort that counts here, it's the results. Jones said that Meghan's attempts to reshape her public image will depend entirely on the 'execution'

Now that she'll be on our screens for what appears to be the foreseeable future with Netflix, it begs the question - are all of these lifestyle ventures enough to save her public image?

'I do think Meghan is actively working to reshape her public image and she's using these projects as tools to do it,' Stacy Jones, founder and CEO at Hollywood Branded, confirmed exclusively to Daily Mail.

'As Ever and With Love, Meghan both feel like intentional pivots. She's clearly moving away from the more polarizing royal commentary and leaning into lifestyle and wellness - all categories that are softer, more commercially friendly, and easier for audiences to connect with,' Jones explained.

However, it's not just the effort that counts here, it's the results. Jones said that Meghan's attempts to reshape her public image will depend entirely on the 'execution.'

'The intent is there, but the follow-through hasn't landed cleanly,' she shared.

'When your brand is under a microscope, even operational hiccups feel like PR disasters.'

The CEO believes that Meghan's show on Netflix is actually the smarter way to go in terms of building back some goodwill with the public.

'It's personal, curated, and focused on things that feel warm and aspirational,' she explained.

'It allows her to control her own narrative, without overt royal commentary - which is a necessary step if she truly wants to evolve how she's perceived,' Jones continued.

The CEO believes that Meghan's show on Netflix is actually the smarter way to go in terms of building back some goodwill with the public

Owens believes that the projects will allow Meghan to rehabilitate her image eventually, but noted that there's still a lot of work to be done, due to the fact that her projects have all seemed to be 'short-lived'

'She's building a brand that stands on its own - one where she's not defined by titles, but by values, taste, and personal curation,' she said.

'The challenge is that the public has a long memory and high expectations. Reinvention is possible, but it takes consistency, humility, and a clear sense of who you're becoming - not just what you're distancing from.'

Katrina Owens, founder of Knockout Marketing Directive Inc, seemed to agree. She shared that although these new projects 'signal a very clear shift to a controlled, lifestyle narrative,' there's still one problem.

'The problem with curated aesthetics and aspirational living (as depicted in these projects) is that they still feel like a nod towards her past life as a royal, even if its unintentional,' the personal branding and publicity expert told Daily Mail exclusively.

'I don't think that these new projects are different enough in brand and concept to simply enable audiences to forget her past in the royal family,' she admitted.

Owens believes that the projects will allow Meghan to rehabilitate her image eventually, but noted that there's still a lot of work to be done, due to the fact that her projects have all seemed to be 'short-lived.'

'The lack of follow-through creates a new reputational issue where audiences see her trying to shift away from her past in a way that feels messy and uncoordinated,' Owens said.

'This only amplifies the parts of her persona that have been highlighted in the past through royal-related narratives (for example: being difficult or hard to work with),' the expert continued.

'So if she is really going to transform her public perception, she needs to invest in long-term strategy that consistently positions her alongside just one or two of her media assets.'

It seems like only time will tell where Meghan's new ventures will lead - but one thing's for sure, is that there's a lot riding on it.

Daily Mail reached out to Sussex representatives for comment.
Prince William appeared to suffer an awkward moment as he sat down prematurely during a standing ovation at Emmanuel Macron's state dinner, however, it's not all it seems.

A clip of the future king, which is being shared widely among royal fans, shows him clapping alongside attendees at the state banquet - including French president Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron.

In the clip, William sits down and as the others continued standing, with the Prince looking side-to-side seemingly to check if anyone else was sitting.

However, the unedited video of the banquet was posted on the Royal Familys YouTube channel and showed William wasnt the only one who sat down earlier than other attendees.

It appeared he was following his father, King Charless cue as the monarch and his heir both took their assigned seats opposite each other - while other members of the Royal Family  including the Princess of Wales  and their guests continued standing for a duration of time.

Nonetheless, the short clip left royal fans delighted as they came up with possible explanations for the gaffe, as one person theorised William was simply 'tired' after a long day of royal engagements as part of the three-day state visit.

Another shared that the clip brought back memories of the late Queen Elizabeth II scolding her grandson during Trooping The Colour festivities in 2016.

Footage of the Royal Family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the RAF flypast showed the monarch telling the then-Duke of Cambridge to stand up as he crouched to tend to his firstborn, Prince George - then just shy of three.

Making a glamorous entrance, the Prince and Princess of Wales were among the British Royal Family members in attendance at the State Banquet in honour of Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron

Royal fans were in stitches over the awkward moment, with X users defending the future King after he appeared to take his seat at the table a few seconds before his VIP guests

Close examination of the moment appears to show the monarch saying: 'Stand up William.'

In any case her meaning was perfectly clear from her hand gestures.

She tapped William on the shoulder and then made an upward motion with her right hand in case he hadn't got the message.

William, then 33, rose to his feet, looking rather sheepish over the public telling off from his 90-year-old grandmother.

The Windsor Castle reception in honour of the French president and First Lady marked Kate Middleton's royal return to duties as she attended her first State Banquet in over 18 months.

The last state banquet she attended was in November 2023 for the South Korean State Visit.

Little more than a month later she underwent major abdominal surgery after which she was diagnosed with cancer and had preventative chemotherapy.

She did not take part in the Japanese State Visit in June, and only attended events during first day of the Qatari visit last December.

William quickly took his designated seat as the others continued standing, with the Prince looking side-to-side seemingly to check if anyone else was sitting

Making a glamorous entrance, the Prince and Princess of Wales were among the British Royal Family members in attendance - with Kate looking elegant as ever in a dark red silk creponne gathered evening gown, with caped back detailing, designed by Sarah Burton for Givenchy.

And she displayed the Rosette of Grand Officier lordre nationale du merite and - for the first time - the Royal Family Order of King Charles III with the Order of Elizabeth II and the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, with a GCVO sash and star.

She accessorised it with a Lily of the Valley embroidered evening clutch and opted for a Lovers Knot Tiara - a known favourite of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

The mother-of-three, 43, who wore her chestnut tresses down in styles waves, was accompanied by her husband Prince William, 43, who was dapper in a tuxedo, adorned with a series of Orders and medals.

She and Macron had been seen bonding after clinking glasses during the festivities.

Earlier in the day, Kate, 43, joined Prince William to greet their guests at RAF Northolt in west London, undertaking the role on behalf of King Charles, before travelling by car to Windsor Castle.

The mother-of-three paid tribute to French designers in a timeless, blush pink Dior outfit that she accessorised with a hat by Jess Collett, Princess Diana's earrings and a pearl necklace from the late Queen's collection.

After arriving at Windsor, the prince and princess were seen putting on a very affectionate display, with William offering a gentlemanly hand to help his wife down the steps.

Emmanuel Macron winked as he clinked glasses with the Princess of Wales at last night's state banquet

In a charming speech, peppered with French, King Charles referenced how Windsor Castle had been built by my ancestor - and your sometime countryman - William, Duke of Normandy, with a tactful reference to the fact that he had just taken over the country by conquest

The Prince and Princess of Wales pictured in attendance at Tuesday evening's state banquet at Windsor

As they attended the ceremonial welcome at Datchet Road, the couple chatted freely, with Kate placing her hand on William's back.

And, in images that contrasted starkly to Mrs Macron's snub of her husband as she refused his hand while disembarking their jet, the Princess of Wales looked lovingly into her husband's eyes during the formal proceedings.

Speaking to MailOnline, body language expert Judi James said that where Brigitte appeared to 'reject and even ignore' her husband, the Waleses showed a 'pitch-perfect example' of formal etiquette and affection.

Judi said: 'Its made very clear via some role-modelling that shes not adhering to any UK cultural norms by refusing her husbands hand.

'William and Kate performed a pitch-perfect example of how to perform the ritual when William held his hand out as Kate descended some steps and she placed her hand in his in an act of smoothly-choreographed affection and compliance.'
After 18 years together, you might expect my marriage to my husband Pascal to be somewhat languishing.

After all, most couples of our vintage spend their lives bickering about everything from the washing up to where to go on holiday.

On paper, were no different. Pascal and I are both wilful characters with strong views and temperaments to match. And its not often that those views align.

His idea of the perfect holiday is a tent in the middle of a northern European forest, while Ill take nothing less than a week sunning myself on the Med. Youd think such a divide would lead to some almighty rows. But thats never the case for us.

So how do I get my own way, year in, year out, with nary a voice raised? Well, you dont get this far down the marital road without developing the diplomatic skills of a Trump aide.

Out shopping yesterday, I tried on an emerald-green bikini. As I swirled around the changing room in the barely-there bottoms and bandeau top, I caught his eye and said: Wouldnt this be perfect for a beach holiday?

Pascal may be 64, with a variety of health conditions, but hes still a red-blooded French male. That same afternoon, we booked a break at a bijou hotel by the beach with its own private terrace.

Because the secret to my row-free marriage  or, guilty as charged, always getting my way  is that I dont plead, whine or lose my rag with him when we dont see eye to eye.

'Pascal and I are both wilful characters with strong views and temperaments to match,' says Samantha Brick

Lisa Hogan recently admitted she never argues with her partner Jeremy Clarkson because Im more conniving than that

Like Lisa Hogan, who recently admitted she never argues with her partner Jeremy Clarkson because Im more conniving than that, I deploy a set of carefully honed tactics to keep the peace, while always getting what I want.

Why would I argue with someone like Jeremy? Lisa explained. Hes so eloquent. I have to be a bit more... nimble.

I only wish Id learnt her skills earlier. I met Pascal when I was 36, marrying him a year later.

In previous relationships, I was the archetypal Alpha female. Negotiating was not on my radar; I preferred browbeating, sulking, even deploying the odd sex strike. Simply put, I forced my exes to see things my way.

But Pascal wasnt a man prone to giving in, no matter how much I stamped or sulked. The first five years of our union were volatile, to put it mildly.

Eventually, I realised you do indeed catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

The penny dropped when, having just given Pascal an unasked-for lavender oil head massage, I suddenly found him so accommodating hed willingly hand over the keys to his beloved motorbike if I asked.

Now, if I want to drag him along to a dinner with friends  something my hermit-like husband hates, and used to resist at all costs  Ill cook him lunch just before suggesting he comes. Delicious food always puts him in a good mood  and makes him open to suggestion.

Samantha compares her methods to puppy training - rewarding the good behaviour and ignoring the bad

Previously, he could barely tolerate my daily spiritual practices. Now, instead of telling him to like it or lump it, Ive suggested he film me so I can then watch my yoga poses back to help me improve. This makes him feel genuinely valued  and gives him the chance to indulge in a spot of mansplaining. If it means I can make it through a vinyasa without a background of constant harumphing, Ill take it.

And if I need to have a prickly conversation with him, I always bide my time. Ill start leaving hints that mean, by the time it comes to our conversation, hell have already come round to my way of thinking.

This summer, for example, I want to travel from our home in France to the British Museums Ancient India exhibition in London.

He doesnt know this yet, but Ive already started mentioning that my yoga and Sanskrit studies have left me thinking how incredible it would be to stand in front of such artefacts (think of the energy!)

And Im deliberately leaving on TV programmes about yoga and India in the background. A bit of subliminal messaging never hurt anybody.

As such, I know that, as and when I casually mention the exhibition, hell be sure to suggest we should go.

While many couples may swear by good old-fashioned compromise, my philosophy is to make him feel that hes come to a (my) decision by himself.

And if Pascal says something I vehemently disagree with, rather than bite back I ignore it. I liken this to puppy training, when you ignore the bad behaviour and praise the good. I also speak with a soft voice, and never shout. Its impossible to get riled with someone when they sound so sweet.

That said, I respect his non-negotiables. Our TV is always on for the Grand Prix. I grin and bear it when his hunting friends unexpectedly pop in, too. After all, if I indulge them, hell be much more amenable to my requests.

At risk of sounding like a trad wife, trust me when I say complimenting rather than criticising your husband goes a long way in helping you get what you want. Shouting at each other only fosters resentment, and married life is so much better without it. Who could possibly argue with that?
So why do we form bad habits  and deliberately do so, too, when we are meant to be creatures intelligent enough to know better?

As the young Danish scientist Nicklas Brendborg has it, few will opt for plain vanilla ice cream if the alternative is a bowl of ice cream covered with caramel sauce, chocolate chips, brownie pieces and marshmallows.

Unerringly, we are drawn to the big, the brash, the shiny  all-you-can-eat buffets, mounds of popcorn. We are less physically active, so burn fewer calories. One consequence is that we are approximately 18kg heavier than we were in the mid-1800s and two-thirds of all adults are overweight.

Though our bodies evolved in times of scarcity, and are attuned for conserving energy, we now live in times of abundance and the blubber simply piles on  big bellies, extra chins, wobbly bottoms  resulting in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and general metabolic dysfunction.

Brendborg places the blame squarely on food manufacturers and supermarkets, who want to make as much money as possible, and accomplish this by manipulating our appetite regulation.

Danish scientist Nicklas Brendborg blames rising cases of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and general metabolic dysfunction squarely on food manufacturers and supermarkets, who manipulate our appetite regulation, resulting in us eating more sugary snacks

Customers willpower and a sense of feeling stuffed and replete are some of the manufacturers greatest enemies, so billions  much more than is spent on life-saving medicines  are invested in designing super stimuli in the laboratory. That is to say, emulsifiers, flavour enhancers, artificial sweeteners and colourings, and additives by the bucket.

The objective is to get us addicted to ultra-processed food  greasy chips, biscuits, microwave meals, frozen pizza, soda pop, energy drinks, sausages, cereals, packaged snacks, from which natural fibre has been extracted, so we never feel full.

Big business is intent on the careful optimisation of the precise shade of yellow for crisps.

Though 60 strawberries contain the same number of calories as a single Mars bar, we are steered by advertising away from fresh fruit, organic meat, vegetables and rice, and made to crave anything containing sugar, the cheapest source of calories in existence, and which doesnt require much digestion. A sugar rush is instant, and the brain screams for more.

Nicklas Brendborg says few will opt for plain vanilla ice cream if the alternative is a bowl of ice cream covered with caramel sauce

Manufacturers disguise the levels of sugar they feed us by giving it a variety of pseudonyms: dextrose, glucose, sucrose, fructose, or evaporated cane juice.

As a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, this doesnt alter the fact that sugary drinks are one of the most efficient ways to fatten up a human. The science is cynical: identify the pleasurable compound, isolate it and add tons of it in concentrated form.

The same principle goes for cocaine and heroin. Sugar is added to pizza dough, tomato sauce and burger buns. The tobacco industry adds sugar to cigarettes. Sandwiches at Subway contain so much sugar, legally they dont qualify as bread in Ireland.

The other component to which we have become addicted is salt. Westerners now eat enough salt to make a mermaid feel at home.

Salt increases shelf-life and enhances the appearance and texture of food.

Saline solutions are routinely pumped into frozen meat, for example. Yet though our taste buds do enjoy salty tastes  try to confine yourself to a single salted peanut  the upshot is high blood pressure, kidney stones, and a host of autoimmune diseases.

Having discussed how one way or another we knock out our natural control mechanisms, causing overconsumption, Super Stimulated turns to other areas where overindulgence causes problems, e.g. modern dating, sex addiction and pornography. An abundance of dating options breeds indecisiveness and more unstable relationships.

To try to make themselves more attractive (though in my opinion it looks grotesque), everyone wants plastic surgery  trout pouts, puffy facial fillers, Botox jabs. Brendborg says there were six times more breast-enhancement procedures and 20 times more facelifts in 2022 than there were in 2005.

But the villain here is social media, Instagram, TikTok and the rest, with people no longer knowing where the real world begins and ends, whats fantasy, what isnt.

Once social media has got you hooked, its dead set on keeping your attention, the algorithms, having already decided your likes and dislikes, tailoring content.

As Brendborg says in his highly readable book, by scrolling on their phones for hours on end, allowing themselves to become completely engrossed, youngsters, in particular, are in the midst of a mental health crisis, everyone dissatisfied, suffused with feelings of inferiority, grief and depression, and with tiny attention spans.

Smartphones are another form of endless snacking, and there are more people on the planet with a smartphone than there are with access to a functional toilet.

Maybe the frantic search for stimulation has something to do with an avoidance of boredom. We want shortcuts to euphoria. Except they are shortcuts to oblivion.

There is too much of everything: too many streaming channels, too many action movies, too many angry people, too much ill health and dementia, too many bombs.

Brendborg points out that nuclear warheads today are 1,600 times more powerful than the ones dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined.

Its not going to end well. Looking for tranquillity  somewhere, anywhere  Brendborg is impressed only by innocent jungle tribes and Amazonian hunter-gatherers, who are slim and healthy, with tip-top cholesterol and blood pressure figures. Unfortunately, they die of infections from monkey bites at the age of 34.

Nevertheless, their ways cant be emulated, though Brendborg admits, your neighbours might look at you strangely if you start hunting for local squirrels for food. In Denmark, maybe, but in my beloved South Wales, no one will bat an eyelid.
The war has been longer, and more expensive, than anyone could have expected. Starting with a divorce filing in 2016, it looks certain that hostilities between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt will reach the ten-year mark with a court case next year, marking a full decade of legal action.

This cost  financially and emotionally  has been enormous, with some estimating that they may have spent as much as $10 million each on legal fees, and counting.

And yet it still grinds on, with neither side seemingly willing to give in to the other, such is the vitriol between them.

Another low was reached this week when it emerged that Pitt has asked for access to Jolie's private messages to an associate of a Russian oligarch, which he claims will prove she sold her share of the couple's former beloved Provencal vineyard, spurred on by nothing but malice.

A source said of the sale this week: 'This was a full "FU" move from her. The entire deal is Angie being vindictive.'

Indeed, Pitt loathes Russian-born vodka oligarch Yuri Shefler of the Stoli drinks group, the company with whom Jolie struck her deal, with a passion.

Why though, one wonders, even with the funds to pay endless legal teams, would Pitt subject himself to yet more courtroom wrangling  especially after the custody battle over the couple's six children was so brutal?

It is understood that Pitt does not see any of his older offspring  his three adopted children, Maddox, Pax and Zahara, and his biological daughter Shiloh, 18  and only has contact with his two youngest biological children, twins Knox and Vivienne, aged 16.

After meeting on the set of Mr & Mrs Smith in 2004, and living together for years, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were married in 2014. The pair are pictured at Cannes Film Festival in 2009

Brad Pitt at Chateau Miraval, the winery he owned with Angelina, in 2023

Maddox, 23  once so beloved by Pitt that he chose to legally adopt him, even though he had originally been adopted from a Cambodian orphanage by Jolie and her then husband Billy Bob Thornton  is apparently currently 'running wild' on the party scene in Los Angeles and New York. He is the apple of his mother's eye.

Pitt, according to court documents, called him a 'f***ing Columbine kid' in a reference to the tragic school shooting, indicating his worries over the way Maddox had been brought up. Indeed, on that fateful private jet flight in 2016 which saw their marriage implode, when an inebriated Pitt was allegedly verbally and physically abusive with his family, he is said to have accused his wife of 'ruining' the family because of the way she was raising Maddox.

Meanwhile, Maddox is said to openly detest Pitt.

Next comes Pax, 21, who called Brad a 'terrible person' in a heartfelt rant on social media in 2016. He added: 'You have no consideration or empathy toward your four youngest children who tremble in fear when in your presence. You will never understand the damage you have done to my family because you're incapable of doing so.'

Then there's Zahara, 20, a student, who has made her feelings about her adoptive father clear by dropping the Pitt from her Jolie-Pitt surname. He used to dote on her and call her 'Zee'.

Daughter Shiloh filed documentation to ditch the Pitt name at the very earliest point possible, on her 18th birthday, which made a point. Only a few months prior to that Pitt had been asked about his daughter, a talented dancer, on a red carpet and spoke tenderly about the pride which 'Mr Two Left Feet here' felt in her achievements.

Daughter Vivienne also used the name Jolie, not Pitt, in a recent credit in a theatre programme.

Sources in the Pitt camp blame 'textbook parental alienation' by Angelina Jolie for this state of affairs.

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and their six children Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne

In such a position, others might consider it best to calm troubled waters by cutting your losses, rather than adding yet more oil to the flames with another bad-tempered courtroom battle.

But Pitt feels very differently.

Indeed, it can be revealed that the children, and his hopes for a future relationship with them, are the reason he's continuing with his legal fight  at least, that's according to Pitt.

At the heart of it all is Pitt and Jolie's former French hideaway, Chateau Miraval, which produces an award-winning rose wine.

More than just being a profitable business though, the Chateau is something of an emotional ground-zero for both Pitt and Jolie. After meeting on the set of Mr & Mrs Smith in 2004, and living together for years, it was here that they were married in 2014. It was here they had some of the happiest times raising their children.

Yet just 25 months after their nuptials, they split after that fight on a private plane.

In legal documents, Jolie said Pitt hit and choked the children as well as attacking her, and punched the roof of the plane when drunk. At one point, it was claimed, he poured beer on his wife, while he also poured beer and red wine on the children.

Pitt's side have always denied any physical violence and said Jolie kept on 'revising and rehashing' her version of events.

The incident was investigated, but he was never charged.

In the aftermath, Jolie announced the couple were separating and she was seeking a divorce 'for the health of the family,' Her manager, Geyer Kosinski said: 'Angelina will always do what is in the best interest to protect her children.'

Divorce proceedings lasted for eight exhausting years, with a settlement finally reached in December 2024.

But litigation over the Chateau Miraval wine business continues.

It is understood that Pitt, pictured at the premiere of F1: The Movie last month, does not see any of his older offspring  his three adopted children, Maddox, Pax and Zahara, and his biological daughter Shiloh, 18  and only has contact with his two youngest biological children, twins Knox and Vivienne, aged 16

The couple had owned it jointly and Pitt says there was always an agreement neither would sell their share without the other's approval.

However, Jolie sold her share in the business to the Stoli group  with Pitt unaware this had even happened until it was announced in the wine business press.

Why would she deliver this devastating blow to Pitt?

Sources now contend that the sale was prompted by Jolie's emotional reaction to one of the many twists in the fight over custody of the children.

They say Jolie sold Miraval in the immediate aftermath of a legal ruling in 2021 which gave Pitt 50/50 custody of their children. He had fought for five years to get to that point and by the time it came, Maddox was already too old to fall within its scope.

The ruling was overturned quickly by Jolie on appeal. But not  say Pitt's friends  before she had delivered a kick to his teeth by selling her share of his beloved business.

A source said this week: 'Four years ago the judge ruled that Brad should get 50/50 custody. He won that initial agreement based on merit. There were 160 pages of reports and the judge felt her testimony had been in part unreliable.

'Then, a few weeks after this, Angelina sold her share of Miraval to Stoli.

'The whole issue started right after he got the custody agreement. She knew Brad didn't want to sell to them. They had approached them before about buying into the business and it had been a no, so this was a full 'F U' move from her. The entire deal is Angie being vindictive.'

(Jolie's side did not comment this week but have previously denied she knew about a prior approach to Pitt from Stoli.)

So Jolie came out on top on both counts  eventually awarded primary physical custody of the children, with Pitt left with visitation rights only over twins Knox and Vivienne and selling her half of the couple's emotional lodestone for $56million to a man Pitt hated.

The man in question is Yuri Shefler of Stoli and Pitt is utterly enraged he is in business with him because of Jolie's actions.

Shefler has mocked him as 'an actor, not a winemaker' and in court filings painted him as a Hollywood dilettante, incapable of running a business. His legal team claimed that Pitt had squandered millions on swimming pool renovations. 'He deals in illusions, not dirt and grapes,' they said.

Shefler was officially designated by the US Treasury as an oligarch in 2018 and sources close to the actor say that he regards the man as a bully he doesn't want to do business with. 'These guys are bottom feeders,' says a source in the Pitt camp. Shefler is outlawed and sanctioned by Putin's Russia and has spoken of his sympathy for Ukraine, and has also previously resisted attempts by Putin to renationalise the vodka brand.

Pitt's first lawsuit over the vineyard sale came in February 2022, and Jolie responded to Pitt's filing with a countersuit in September that same year, claiming he's been 'waging a vindictive war against' her since she filed for divorce in 2016.

The latest salvo in that war saw Pitt this week ask for Jolie's private communications with the Stoli Group's Alexey Oliynik, who he claims has first-hand knowledge of Jolie's sale.

In legal papers, filed on June 30, he seeks to depose Oliynik, who works for the Stoli group.

Pitt's new document, which was filed in the Superior Court of California, says that Oliynik has refused to turn over relevant documents or appear for a deposition, arguing that he could not be forced to do so as a resident of Switzerland.

Just 25 months after their nuptials Angelina and Brad, seen at the Oscars in 2014, separated

His lawyers say: 'These requests go directly to key allegations about Pitt's objections to the sale, and easily meet the standard for discoverability given Pitt's allegations that Jolie acted with malice in selling to Stoli, a counterparty she knew Pitt opposed.'

But Jolie's legal team has said in court documents that Pitt refused to buy her out of the winery business because she didn't want to sign a non-disclosure agreement 'designed to force her silence about his abuse and cover-up', referring to the 2016 private jet flight.

However, in May 2024, a judge ruled that Jolie herself must produce eight years' worth of non-disclosure agreements in an attempt to illustrate that she too used the kind of NDAs that she objected to signing in 2021.

Jolie called upon Pitt to drop the legal action last year when they finally settled their divorce.

A source said: 'Sadly, until he drops his lawsuit, this family will not have the peace and healing they so very much desire and deserve.'

But Pitt is determined, having come this far, to see the matter right through to trial in 2026.

A source said: 'This will be going to trial next year. The situation now is that Brad does have control of the business as Angelina's share was deemed to be 40 per cent. She tried to get it dismissed but that hasn't happened.'

You may wonder why Pitt  a recovering alcoholic who recently opened up about going to AA meetings in the wake of his divorce  would want to hang on to the booze business in the first place?

I'm told: 'It is more than an alcohol business. There is a skincare business based there and a music recording studio too, and it is a beautiful property. Also, it is about the legacy which he wants to leave for his children. The business is that legacy.'

But for now, unless of course you are one of the lawyers involved, it feels as if their chateau has yielded only the bitterest harvest.
Conjoined twin Carmen Andrade has quietly married her boyfriend of four years after meeting on dating app Hinge.

Carmen - who is a conjoined twin with sister Lupita Andrade - recently told Today that she married Daniel McCormack back in October in front of their families.

The couple, who met on Hinge in 2020, 'eloped' and got married on Lover's Leap Bridge in New Milford, Connecticut.

The duo, along with Lupita, had previously announced the news quietly at the end of a YouTube video titled Overdue Update!

'We should probably also address something else pretty big,' Carmen said in the clip, 'I did get married.'

The bride, 25, then flashed her wedding ring and laughed when Daniel came into view, proclaiming: 'I got an upgrade. I'm the husband now.'

Daniel, 28, explained that the wedding was a 'small get-together' with 'local family' only - rather than extending the invite wider.

'I don't like those weddings where they invite like the third cousin twice removed,' he shared.

Conjoined twin Carmen Andrade (left) quietly married her boyfriend of four years after meeting on dating app Hinge

Carmen - who is a conjoined twin with sister Lupita Andrade - recently told Today that she married Daniel McCormack back in October in front of their families

The couple, who met on Hinge in 2020, 'eloped' and got married on Lover's Leap Bridge in New Milford, Connecticut

'I'm sorry, but great uncle Patrick, whom I haven't seen since I was three, you're not worth a f***ing seat at my table, I'm sorry.'

Carmen added: ''It was very pretty. It was in autumn, which made it even prettier.'

The content creator then shed some insight about her wedding dress - which she wore alongside her sister.

'I did not wear white. Don't regret it. I don't like white. Not my thing,' she explained.

The twin instead decided to wear a long, sparkling emerald gown on her special day.

Pictures flashed on the screen as they chatted about the wedding, showing the couple side by side at their outdoor venue.

Daniel was dressed in a classic tuxedo and a dark green bowtie to match his bride's shimmering gown.

Carmen also made sure to clarify who actually got married in October.

The Mexico-born twins, who have lived in Connecticut since they were two years old, are attached along their chest walls down to their pelvis, where their spines meet

They have two arms, but only a single leg each, with Carmen controlling the right leg and Lupita, the left. The sisters were only expected to survive for three days after they were born in 2001

'Before anybody gets it twisted: We got married,' Carmen said, pointing to herself and Daniel.

'But we did not get married,' she added, then including her conjoined sister.

The newlyweds are currently trying to win America's Favorite Couple contest, for which they are in ninth place.

Lupita identifies as asexual and said: 'I don't want to get married... because I don't want to.'

Before meeting Daniel, Carmen said dating was a 'learning process for everybody.'

The sisters previously claimed that they have often been inappropriately 'fetishized' over the idea that someone is 'having sex with two people at once.'

The Mexico-born twins, who have lived in Connecticut since they were two years old, are attached along their chest walls down to their pelvis, where their spines meet.

They have two arms, but only a single leg each, with Carmen controlling the right leg and Lupita, the left.

The sisters were only expected to survive for three days after they were born in 2001.

They have been told that their separation could result in their death or years of intensive care, so they chose to stay together and have expertly adapted to living life with one another.

Both women don't see themselves as disabled either - after admitting that it is only 'a disability if you make it a disability.'

When Lupita and Carmen were young, they spent years in physical therapy learning how to sit up and work together to use their legs, and when they were four years old, they took their first steps together.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump look more in love than ever with their 'flirty' public displays making them look like 'newlyweds,' according to a body language expert.

On Friday morning, the couple were seen boarding Air Force One to depart to the parts of Texas that were devastated by flash flooding last week.

But as the President, 79, and his wife, 55, set off on their journey, they put on a united front.

The couple could be seen walking to the plane with their arms lovingly wrapped around each other.

Trump even placed a hand over his wife's waist as she got onto Air Force One.

And according to body language expert Judi James, it's a dynamic that has been especially noticeable as of late.

She explained that the affectionate touches were especially evident on The Fourth of July, as they held each other while watching fireworks go off at the White House.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump look more in love than ever with their 'flirty' public displays making them look like 'newlyweds,' according to a body language expert

The two could be seen walking to the plane with their arms wrapped around each other's sides

Trump even placed a hand over his wife's waist as she got onto Air Force One on Friday

'There seems to be a new aura of romance and warmth from Donald and Melania's body language recently,' James told the Daily Mail exclusively.

'Their appearance on the balcony on Independence Day involved some coy kisses that delighted the crowd and made the couple look almost like newly-weds,' she continued.

Trump has been married to Melania since 2005, this year marking their 20th anniversary as a couple.

Of course, they share one child together, son Barron, 18, who is an incoming sophomore at New York University's Stern School of Business.

She noted that their body language earlier today as they boarded the plane made them appear 'emotionally close.'

'The mutual arms around each other's torsos pulls them close and despite adding a more chaotic and less elegant look to their deportment, the way the gesture of affection is wholly reciprocated, with Melania's splayed hand displayed firmly on her husband's back, makes them appear united and perhaps emotionally close as well as physically,' James said.

'Trump's hand also seems to freeze rather close to the First Lady's bum here too, hinting at something a little flirtier as they step inside their plane,' she added.

And, according to Daily Mail's expert lip reader Nicola Hickling, their moment up the stairs really was a romantic one, as he told her, 'I've got you,' as he tenderly touched her back.

'Their appearance on the balcony on Independence day involved some coy kisses that delighted the crowd and made the couple look almost like newly-weds,' she continued

She noted that their body language today as they boarded the plane made them appear 'emotionally close'

And about their romantic evening on Fourth of July, Hickling told The Irish Star that as the crowd chanted 'USA,' Trump leaned in and told Melania, 'Let's bring it home hasn't it been good?'

Hickling then claimed that Melania said, 'How exciting they make me jump pull me close.'

But then, things got spicy, according to the lip reader - she alleged that Trump told his wife that they should 'have a quicky.'

'Are you saying you fancy me?' Melania reportedly said in response, to which Trump said, 'Very much.'

Hickling has since told Daily Mail about the moment, adding: 'Their off-mic moments were a fascinating contrast to the formal setting, warm, playful, and unexpectedly intimate.'

'I could see they were making memories,' she added.

Their sweet affection comes just days after Trump revealed the 'terrible' pet name he has for Melania.

During a speech in Iowa last week, the president slipped up, calling his wife of 25 years by her pet name.

'Stepping into a marriage with Donald, I found myself navigating the intricate dynamics of his big family,' Melania wrote in her new memoir

'I remember saying to our great first lady' he began, before adding: 'I call her 'First Lady,' isn't it terrible?'

'I say, 'Good night, First Lady, my darling,' because it reminds me that I'm president,' he noted.

In Melania's self-titled memoir which she published in October 2024, she wrote about some aspects of her marriage to Donald, including how she navigated the dynamics of joining a big family and becoming a stepmother.

When Melania married President Donald, he already had four kids from his previous marriages: daughter Ivanka, 42, and sons Donald Jr., 46, and Eric 40, whom he had with ex Ivana, as well as daughter Tiffany, 30, who he shares with Marla Maples.

'Stepping into a marriage with Donald, I found myself navigating the intricate dynamics of his big family,' Melania wrote in her new memoir.

'It demanded flexibility and openness, but each moment was a chance to connect, learn, and grow in this new environment.'

She explained that by the time she had married Trump, many of her stepchildren had already become 'more independent,' and while Tiffany was in her 'formative years,' she was living with her mother in California.

'My approach to building relationships with Donald's children has always been grounded in love and respect,' Melania wrote.

'I recognize their individuality, understanding that, as their stepmother, my role is not to replace their mothers but to nurture a supportive and amicable connection,' she continued.

'This perspective has enabled me to cultivate meaningful relationships with each child in a unique way.'

However, she did maintain that she does not always agree with the opinions of her stepchildren, or even her own husband, it is a 'natural aspect' of any relationship.

'While I may not agree with every opinion or choice expressed by Donald's grown children, nor do I align with all of Donald's decisions, I acknowledge that different viewpoints are a natural aspect of human relationships,' the jewelry designer penned.
A commonly taken drug for lower back pain could raise the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent, concerning research suggests.

Gabapentin, sold as Neurontin, was approved on the NHS in the early 1990s to treat nerve pain and epilepsy.

But US researchers have found the pilltypically taken three times a daycould increase the risk of developing the memory robbing disorder by 29 per cent among patients of any age who had been prescribed it at least six times.

This risk rose to 40 per cent among those who had been prescribed it on more than 12 occasions.

The team, from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, said the findings suggested patients prescribed gabapentin should now be assessed for potential cognitive decline.

But they cautioned the findings do not prove that taking the drug will cause dementiamerely that it shows an association.

Experts today also suggested that people with chronic pain requiring gabapentin may simply have also been less physically active, a known risk factor for developing dementia, so the medication may be not be to blame.

The drugmanufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer of Covid vaccine fameacts on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in the brain that functions like a brake on over-excited nerve cells.

Gabapentin, sold as Neurontin, was approved on the NHS in the early 1990s to treat nerve pain and epilepsy

Your browser does not support iframes.

Latest NHS data shows 799,155 patients were prescribed gabapentin in England in 2023/24, down slightly on its peak of 926,071 in 2022/23.

Figures suggest more than 8million gabapentin prescriptions are issued every year in the US.

In the study, researchers assessed the health records from more than 26,000 Americans who had been prescribed gabapentin for chronic low pain between 2004 and 2024.

They found those who had received six or more gabapentin prescriptions were 29 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) within 10 years of their pain diagnosis.

MCI can sometimes be a precursor to a dementia diagnosis.

While there was no heightened risk among 18-to-34-year olds prescribed the drug, the risk of dementia more than doubled and MCI more than tripled among 3549 year old prescribed it.

Patients given 12 or more prescriptions were at even greater risk, the scientists found.

These patients were 40 per cent more likely to develop dementia and 65 per cent more likely to develop MCI than those prescribed gabapentin between 3 and 11 times.

The drug, manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a brake on over-excited nerve cells

Around 900,000 Brits are currently thought to have the memory-robbing disorder. But University College London scientists estimate this will rise to 1.7million within two decades as people live longer. It marks a 40 per cent uptick on the previous forecast in 2017

Writing in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, they said: 'Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years.

They added: 'Our results support the need for close monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess for potential cognitive decline.'

However, independent experts today urged caution over the findings.

They highlighted the potential mechanism of how the drug could be influencing dementia remained unclear.

Dr Leah Mursaleen, head of clinical research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said while the study had some strengths like a large sample size, there were limitations.

'This study only shows an association between gabapentin prescriptions and mild cognitive impairment or dementia, so we do not know if the medication is directly causing the higher risk,' she said.

'Gabapentin dosage wasn't recorded, and there was no information on how long people were on the medication.

'Because this study only used health records of people with chronic pain, we cannot rule out other factors that might be influencing the findings.

'And previous studies looking at people prescribed gabapentin for other conditions like seizures, didn't show a link between the medication and higher dementia risk.

She added that anyone with concerns about their medication should speak to their GP.

Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute, also said: 'One very important factor that was not examined in this study is levels of physical activity.

'People with chronic pain requiring gabapentin may have been less physically active, which is a known risk factor for developing dementia.'

Official data seen by MailOnline shows five Britonsor their families or medics have linked taking gabapentin to an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis.

Such reports, submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, do not prove the medication was responsible and may just be coincidence.

It comes as a landmark study last year suggested almost half of all Alzheimer's cases could be prevented by tackling 14 lifestyle factors from childhood.

World-leading experts found two new risk factorshigh cholesterol and suffering vision losswere, combined, behind almost one in ten dementia cases globally.

They join 12 existing factors, ranging from genetics to smoking status, that experts have identified as increasing the risk a person would suffer dementia.

Experts claimed the study, published in the prestigious journal The Lancet, provided more hope than 'ever before' that the memory-robbing disorder that blights the lives of millions can be tackled.

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia and affects 982,000 people in the UK.

Memory problems, thinking and reasoning difficulties and language problems are common early symptoms of the condition, which then worsen over time.

Alzheimer's Research UK analysis found 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022 compared with 69,178 a year earlier, making it the country's biggest killer.
Lindsay Herriott, 40, had an easy pregnancy, giving birth in September 2022 to her baby, Davis, who weighed a considerable 10lbs.

The labor and delivery went smoothly and she was discharged quickly. But within about a day of returning home, she noticed that when she lay down, her heart began to race. Her chest felt like there was a heavy weight rested on it, and she developed a bad cough.

Meanwhile, her legs swelled, and she felt especially fatigued. But her obstetrician insisted she was experiencing standard first-time-mother anxiety. A quick Google search confirmed that anxiety among new mothers is common.

Still, the label didnt feel right. But she let it go for a couple of days.

Then, the heaviness in her chest transformed into a severe cough that staff in her doctor's office chalked up to Covid. But her symptoms only worsened, until one night, while feeding her baby, she began coughing up phlegm.

Only, a trip to the bathroom later confirmed that she was coughing up blood, the result of a leaky mitral valve in her heart that she did not know about.

She rushed to urgent care, where she learned her blood pressure was 200 over something. A normal, healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Declining to take an expensive ambulance, she drove herself to the hospital where she was diagnosed with preeclampsia - sustained high blood pressure either during pregnancy or postpartum, often including high levels of protein in urine that indicates damage to the kidneys.

Lindsay Herriott, 40, developed severe postpartum symptoms after delivering her baby in 2022. Doctors dismissing it as anxiety, until she later coughed up blood and was hospitalized with preeclampsia. The condition stemmed from an undiagnosed leaky heart valve (stock)

Her high blood pressure, coupled with increased fluid volume, worsened her leaky mitral valve, forcing fluid back into her lungs, causing dangerous symptoms.

Dr Priya Freaney, director of the Northwestern Postpartum Hypertension Program within the Women's Heart Care Program, told Today: '[A leaky mitral valve is] often asymptomatic for many years or decades for people and only comes to light when the system is provoked in a way.'

Herriott, of Chicago, recovered from her bout of high blood pressure with medications specifically designed for the condition.

Treating preeclampsia also requires continuous blood pressure monitoring, and doctors are still keeping an eye on her mitral valve, which may require surgery to repair in the future.

When she got pregnant a second time in 2024, she was constantly on the lookout for symptoms.

They appeared one night in October that year, soon after her son Oakley's birth.

Her heart began to race as if in a panic when she went to lie down. She believed it to be a sign of PTSD, but she and her husband went to the hospital to be safe.

Doctors at the hospital informed her that she developed a pulmonary embolism  a blood clot that had traveled to her lung.

Swedish study of 2M pregnancies found preterm births increase hypertension risk, especially with extreme prematurity (22-27 weeks). Risk peaks within 10 years but persists for decades, elevating long-term heart disease danger

'I immediately started crying because that's what you see in movies where people just drop dead,' she said.

The clot can be deadly, killing around 10 to 30 percent of patients within a month. If caught early, though, the death rate drops to about eight percent.

Following prompt hospital treatment, Herriott's recovery required her to self-inject blood-thinning medication for the duration of her breastfeeding.

Preeclampsia is more common among women who are past 20 weeks of pregnancy. Postpartum preeclampsia occurs in fewer than one percent of all pregnancies.

A lot of people believe that preeclampsia is a pregnancy problem, and when the pregnancy is over, the preeclampsia is over, said Dr Freaney.

Experts are still working out the exact cause, which means so far, there are no targeted treatments.

Still, they are following several leads, including chemicals that affect blood vessel health, harmful antibodies that squeeze blood vessels, stress on blood vessel walls, weak mitochondria, chronic high blood pressure, and genes that react to low oxygen levels.

Preeclampsia can have a lifelong impact. Research shows that it raises a woman's future risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and strokes.

Warning signs of pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure, protein in urine, severe headaches, vision problems, pain below the ribs and vomiting

In addition to higher heart attack and stroke risks, around two out of three women with preeclampsia will die of heart disease.

A 2019 study in Utah looked at how pregnancy-related high blood pressure disorders affected womens long-term health. They analyzed birth and death records from 1939 to 2012, categorizing mothers by the number of pregnancies they had.

Women who had two or more pregnancies during which they had preeclampsia were twice as likely to die early from any cause, four times more likely to die due to complications of diabetes, three times as likely to die of heart disease, and five times as likely to die of stroke.

Your browser does not support iframes.

And women with two or more affected pregnancies lived about seven years fewer on average than those with no complications.

Each year, it causes over 70,000 deaths worldwide.

Herriott will work with a cardiologist for the rest of her life to monitor her mitral valve and preeclampsia symptoms.

Looking back, she said, shes glad she didnt immediately accept her obstetricians nonchalance.

She said: I was proud of myself for trusting my own gut and (recognizing) that, even in the throes of all the hormones, you do know your body.
Dubbed the 'sunshine vitamin,' vitamin D is more than just a summertime supplement.

Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, supporting immunity, regulating mood and reducing inflammation.

However, 40 percent of adults are vitamin D deficient, meaning they don't get through food or supplements or make enough on their own.

People who spend more time indoors and in northern states like Alaska where there is less sun exposure are more at risk, as well as those with darker skin, as melanin reduces the skin's ability to convert sunlight into vitamin D.

Older adults' skin and kidneys are also less able to convert vitamin D than younger people, and obesity leads to the nutrient getting trapped in fat cells.

To boost your levels, experts recommend stepping outside without sunscreen early in the morning, before 10am, or after 2pm to soak it in without suffering too much UV radiation.

Salmon, egg yolks, mushrooms and fortified foods like milk are also naturally rich in vitamin D, along with supplements.

Below, DailyMail.com details the dangerous conditions vitamin D deficiency could cause.

About 40 percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, which comes from sunlight and certain foods like salmon and leafy greens

Cancer

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal, prostate and breast cancer, all of which have surged in the US, particularly in young people.

Vitamin D is thought to regulate cell growth, and when cells grow uncontrollably, they can more easily mutate into cancer cells. The vitamin also inhibits cancer cell growth and promotes death of harmful cells.

An analysis done by the National Cancer Institute of 4,000 prostate, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer found that people who took high doses of vitamin D had a 17 percent lower risk of cancer mortality than those who took the lowest amount every day.

Additionally, some anecdotal research found that people living at southern latitudes, where levels of sunlight exposure are relatively high, were less likely to develop or die from certain cancers than people living at northern latitudes.

However, this is an association rather than a direct cause.

Osteoporosis and bone fractures

Low vitamin D has been associated with weak, brittle bones. However, increasing levels of the vitamin can help the body absorb calcium more effectively, strengthening bones (stock image)

Lack of Vitamin D has also been associated with osteoporosis, a disease suffered by 10million Americans over 50.

The condition weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures, even from everyday activities.

Vitamin D has been shown to help the body absorb calcium, a nutrient in dairy and leafy grens, which strengthens bones. It also synthesizes muscle protein, which decreases fall risk.

For older adults, Vitamin D is vital as it will slow down the process of muscle breakdown that comes with aging.

For children who have a severe lack of Vitamin D, they can develop a disease called rickets, which softens the bones, making them prone to bone pain, deformities and impaired growth.

Diabetes

The absence of Vitamin D also puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, which causes the pancreas to produce too much insulin.

The body then can't keep up with this and filter out excess glucose (blood sugar) from the bloodstream.

About 12 percent of US adults have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and nearly one in three Americans have prediabetes, a precursor to the disease. Most of them don't even know they have it.

Vitamin D is thought to reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.

A recent study found higher vitamin D reduced insulin resistance, when the body is unable to respond to or use the insulin that it's producing.

The researchers found that the chance of developing insulin resistance went down with each additional amount of vitamin D supplement taken.

Mood disorders

Vitamin D has been shown to help the brain produce dopamine and serotonin, decreasing the risk of mood disorders (stock image)

Vitamin D also plays a role in the production and release of dopamine and serotonin within the body.

Dopamine influences feelings of pleasure and motivation, while serotonin regulates mood, sleep and digestion.

Low levels of these neurotransmitters have been shown to cause symptoms of depression, anxiety and other common mood disorders.

Vitamin D, particularly from getting outside on a sunny day, helps regulate the expression of genes that produce and synthesize serotonin and dopamine, boosting their levels.

Autoimmune diseases

One of Vitamin D's most important roles in immune-modulation, meaning it can stimulate and suppress the body's immune response to fight against diseases.

Without enough vitamin D, risks of inflammation and autoimmune reactions - where the body attacks its own tissues - increase.

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with several autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mixed connective tissue disease, autoimmune thyroid disease, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

In a study done at the Oklahoma Medical Research foundation, scientists took 32 serum samples from women suffering from SLE, in which the body attacks its own organs and tissues.

They then compared their Vitamin D levels to control patients, and found vitamin deficiency was significantly more frequent among patients with SLE.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to brief the nation on national security matters on Sunday, the Presidency has announced.

"President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership," the Presidency said on Thursday.

President Ramaphosa was attending a BRICS summit in Brazil on Sunday, 6 July 2025, when General Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing.

"The President undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security.

"President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19h00 on Sunday, 13 July 2025," it said.

The President's message will be broadcast and streamed on various platforms.
Millions of women who suffer a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are at far greater risk of suffering a potentially deadly stroke, a major study suggests.

While most women will suffer from PMSwhich can cause distressing physical and emotional symptoms in the weeks before their periodat some point, about a third can suffer a severe form that can require treatment.

Now, Swedish researchers have found women diagnosed with PMS were overall 10 per cent more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than women without a diagnosis.

Breaking down cardiovascular disease by specific health problems, the team found these women had at 27 per cent greater risk of suffering a stroke and 31 per cent of developing a heart arrhythmia.

An arrhythmia is potentially serious problem with how the heart beatseither too slow, too fast or inconsistentlywhich can contribute to heart attacks.

In the study, experts from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm examined 22 years of health data from just under 100,000 women who had been diagnosed with PMS.

They compared heart health outcomes like stroke and arrhythmia diagnoses with rates in the general population as well as with the women's sisters who hadn't been diagnosed with PMS.

Writing in the journal Nature Cardiovascular Research, the team said that even when accounting for factors known to increase cardiovascular disease risklike obesity and smoking statusthe link between health problems and PMS remained.

Millions of women who suffer a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are at far greater risk of suffering a potentially deadly stroke, a major study suggests. Stock image

Yihui Yang an expert in environmental medicine and first author of the study said the risk of these cardiovascular problems was particularly high for certain groups of women.

'The increased risk was particularly clear in women who were diagnosed before the age of 25 and in those who had also experienced postnatal depression, a condition that can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations,' she said.

Scientists said that exactly how PMS was causing an increased risk of cardiovascular problems was unclear.

They suggested that the heightened hormonal fluctuations PMS patients experience could disrupt other biological systems that control aspects like blood pressure, increase inflammation, or the conversion of food into energy, as potential factors.

However, the team added this was an area in need of further research.

Estimates of how many women suffer from clinically significantmeaning requiring treatmentPMS vary as different criteria can be used.

Some studies put the prevalence at one in 20 while others estimate it to be 30 per cent, roughly about one in three.

Medics argue that if PMS causes issues that affect a woman's physical, psychological, social and economic wellbeing than this warrants a diagnosis and subsequent support and treatment.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Your browser does not support iframes.

However, British experts estimate that only between one in four and one in two women with clinically significant PMS actually seek help from doctors.

PMS is an umbrella term for a range of physical and mental symptoms that typically occur one to two weeks before a woman's period.

This is what is called the luteal phase of a woman's menstrual cycle and is the period between ovulationwhen an egg is released from an ovaryand menstruationthe shedding of the lining of the uterus that causes vaginal bleeding.

Symptoms of PMS include mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, bloating and cramping, headaches, breast tenderness, spots, greasy hair and changes in appetite.

Some women experience more of these symptoms than others and the amount and severity of these can change over a course of a woman's life.

Women whose PMS is causing them issues are initially advised by the NHS to take steps like exercising more, doing yoga and meditation and cutting down on smoking and alcohol to help alleviate their symptoms.

If these lifestyle changes don't work women can contact their GP who can advise on further treatment.

This can include cognitive behavioural therapy, hormone-based medications like the contraceptive pill, or antidepressants.

More rarely, women can experience an extremely severe form of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, has numerous symptoms both physical such as pain, nausea and fatigue as well as mental health problems like mood swings, relationship problems and even suicidal thoughts

NHS data shows a rise in the number of younger adults suffering from heart attacks over the past decade. The biggest increase (95 per cent) was recorded in the 25-29 year-old demographic, though as numbers of patients are low even small spikes can look dramatic

PMDD patients can suffer an extreme physical and mental health problems that can include full-blown psychotic episodes and suicidal feelings.

The condition is thought to affect about 824,000 women in the UK and 4.2 million in the US.

The new study comes as heart attacks and strokes, particularly among young people, are on the rise in the UK.

Experts have blamed factors like factors like rising obesity levels as well as smoking and alcohol consumption for the rise in cardiac emergencies in the young.

There is also some evidence that strokes are on the rise in younger people  with a quarter of strokes in the UK, around 20,000 cases, occurring in people of working age, according to the Stroke Association.

And while stroke cases diagnosed yearly has dropped in older age groups over the last 10 to 20 years, it has doubled in those under 55, according University of Oxford researchers who have a study to try to understand the reasons behind this rise.

Strokes are occur when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, usually by a blood clot in a critical artery.

The medical emergency affects more than 100,000 Britons annuallyone every five minutesclaiming 38,000 lives.

Britons are advised to keep in mind the four-letter acronym, FAST (Face, arms, speech, time) for potential stroke symptoms.
Feeling bloated and bunged up? The chances are that you've got the perfect remedy waiting for you in your kitchen cupboard.

Researchers have confirmed what many coffee drinkers already knowa steaming cup of Joe can genuinely help you to empty your bowels.

A new study of more than 12,000 participants revealed that just 100mg of caffeine, roughly one cup of coffee, reduces risk of constipation by almost a fifth.

But if you drink more than 204mg of caffeine per day, which is roughly two cups of coffee, it can have the opposite effect.

Scientists found every additional cup of coffee (100mg of caffeine) above the 100mg threshold increased the risk of constipation by six per cent.

This is most likely because of caffeine's diuretic properties, which means it can increase urination and lead to dehydration, a key cause of constipation.

However, they added this wasn't the case for people aged over 60, because high caffeine intake is linked to reduced risk of constipation for that age group.

In general, those with the highest level of caffeine intake had a 25 per cent lower risk of constipation than those with the lowest intake.

A new study has revealed drinking the right amount of coffee drastically eases constipation

The researchers initially set out to explore the relationship between caffeine intake and irritable bowel disease (IBD) but found no significant link.

If you're not a fan of coffee, you can get a similar effect from a cup of tea, with the average cuppa containing between 20 and 70 mg of caffeine.

Or, if you're not into hot drinks, you can reach for a can of caffeine-packed energy drink.

Although in general they aren't the healthiest option, a 250ml can of Red Bull contains 80mg of caffeine.

But the experts warned this finding should be interpreted cautiously as the 12,759 people in their study only included a limited number of IBD patients.

They were asked to keep two 24-hour food diaries, and record their bowel functions using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, a universally accepted picture guide which lets people categorise their excrement's shape and consistency.

On the findings published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, the researchers advised that using caffeine as a laxative should be done strategically.

This could mean prescribing drinking the right amount of caffeine in relation to the level of constipation of the patient.

The nutritionist warned that pre-gym highly-caffeinated powders can damage your heart

This can, over time, increase blood pressure to dangerous levels and trigger heart rhythm abnormalities, according to Ireland-based drug expert, Lauren O'Reilly.

Interestingly, the scientists found that among high-income individuals, each cup of coffee recorded in their food diary came with a 12 per cent increased risk of chronic diarrhoea.

However, the dangers of drinking too much caffeine aren't just constipation, it has also been linked to potentially life-threatening heart problems.

It follows a recent warning that gym-goers should avoid popular pre-workout powders due to the severe damage they could do to your heart.

Many supplements that claim to boost energy and exercise performance contain extremely high quantities of caffeine.

In a video posted earlier this month to her TikTok that has amassed over 82,000 views, Ms Reilly said she 'wouldn't touch' the powders.

Experts have long warned of the dangers of high doses of caffeine, particularly for those with underlying heart rhythm problems that may be undiagnosed.

Caffeine results in the release of hormones that increase heart rate and blood pressure.

In some vulnerable individuals, this can lead to atrial fibrillation, a condition where the heart beats rapidly and irregularly, increasing the risk of a deadly heart attack or heart failure.

The pharmacist's warning followed last year's alert from the Government's Food Standards Agency regarding the safety of caffeinated workout supplements.

The body warned of the dangers of the 'extremely potent' products, after the death of a 29 year-old man who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest after miscalculating the his dose of caffeine powder.

Personal trainer Thomas Mansfield died in January 2021 within hours of 'necking' a mixture that contained seven times the recommended daily dose of caffeine.

Minutes after drinking the supplement mix, he began 'frothing at the mouth' and 'clutching at his chest'.

An inquest heard that Mr Mansfield, of Colwyn Bay, North Wales, had mistakenly taken nearly 16 times the recommended maximum dose listed on the packet.

While the latest findings suggest your morning cup of Joe can help get your bowels moving, the way your brew it is important.

Just last month a nutritionist warned that brewing with a French press could increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

That's because the unfiltered method allows oily and potentially harmful compounds naturally found in coffee calledditerpenesto sneak into your cup.

Long-term exposure to high levels of this compound has been linked to pancreatic throat cancers.

Other unfiltered brewing methods which allow diterpenes to enter the brew include espresso, boiled coffee and trendy stove top devices.

Filtered methods, meanwhile, have been linked to a lower risk of developing cancer.

According to American nutritionist Rhonda Patrick, the link to disease lies with both diterpenes and protective compounds called polyphenols.

In a video posted on X, which amassed over 1.9million viewsshe explained how one hand 'coffee is rich in polyphenols'.

'These are antioxidants that can lower dementia risk by as low as 50 per cent and reduce DNA damagea critical precursor to cancerby around 23 per cent'.

But, on the other hand, she added, coffee also contains 'fat-soluble diterpenes' that raise both cancer and heart disease risk.
A baby girl grew a 'micropenis' after laying on her father's chest in a bizarre case medics say should serve as warning to thousands of new parents.

The casedescribed by Swedish medicsinvolved a baby girl who lay down on her father's bare chest.

This is an important part of newborn care called skin-to-skin contact, and which has several health benefits.

However, in this case the father was using a testosterone gel product, an artificial version of the male sex hormone.

This is a drug commonly prescribed to help men combat low energy and lagging sex drive as they age, colloquially called the 'manopause'.

By laying his daughter on his bare chest the man unwittingly exposed her to abnormally high levels of testosterone.

This led to profound changes to her genitalia, with her clitoris growing longerlooking like a small penisand her labia closing over resembling a male scrotum.

While local media described this a 'micropenis' this isn't medically correct as that is a specifically male problem that can develop in the genitalia of both boys and men.

A baby girl grew a 'micropenis' after laying on her father's chest in a bizarre case medics say should serve as warning to thousands of new parents. Stock image

The concerned parents of the girlwho was at this point 10-months oldtook her to medics who quickly uncovered the source of the problem via blood tests.

Thankfully, after the man stopped accidently exposing the girl to his testosterone gel her genitalia shrank down.

Professor Jovanna Dahlgren, an expert in paediatric endocrinology at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, said the case, which occurred eight years ago, was part of a half-dozen similar incidents she cited in her warning.

Talking to the Swedish newspaper Goteborgs-Posten, Professor Dahlgren said she wanted to raise awareness of the dangers hormone treatments posed to children as more and more parents are taking them.

'I don't think people always understand how potent these treatments are,' she said.

'The parents become completely desperate when they understand what has happened.'

She added there had been another case where a 10-year-old boy developed breasts after being exposed to a female sex hormone treatment his mother was taking.

The warning comes amid a booming industry of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the UK with firms a number of private firms marketing the hormone to men.

The unnamed father was using a testosterone gel product, an artificial version of the male sex hormone

Testosterone therapy was once reserved for a small number of men who suffered from low levels of the sex hormone.

However, it now being pitched as a drug which can help men as young as 30 with a variety of minor symptoms, from fatigue to muscle-growth and stronger erections.

WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE? Testosterone is the male sex hormone and is mostly made in the testicles, but also in adrenal glands, which are near the kidneys. It causes the voice to deepen, body hair to grow and the genitals to become larger during puberty. As well as affecting sex drive and sperm production, it also plays a role in developing strong bones and muscles, and how the body distributes fat. Women also create small amounts of the hormone in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and it affects their fertility and bones and muscles. Testosterone levels which are too high or too low can cause various problems. Low testosterone in men can cause erection problems, low sex drive, infertility, weakened muscles and bones, body fat gain and hair loss. Too much testosterone, however, can trigger puberty in boys under the age of nine, is linked to aggression, and can increase the risk of prostate problems, including cancer. Male testosterone levels tend to be highest when he is around 20 years old, and decline naturally with age. Advertisement

While it is unknown how many men are taking private prescriptions of testosterone NHS data suggests about 80,000 men are prescribed it on the health service alone.

The risk of childhood exposure to testosterone and other hormone medications is known in Britain.

In 2023, UK drug safety regulator the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said it had received a report of a British child experiencing 'increased growth and genital enlargement' after being exposed to the testosterone gel product their parent was using.

This led the MHRA to request warnings about the risk and warning adults to wash their hands and avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with children be included on testosterone gels, which has been implemented by drug manufacturers.

Similar warnings are issued to women taking testosterone and other hormone-based medications as part of treatment for the menopause to avoid accidently exposure to other adults and children.

Testosterone is produced by both men and women.

While women produce less, it still plays a crucial role in certain bodily functions.

For men, it is vital for muscle and bone growth, as well as triggering the bodily changes connected with pubertythe appearance of body hair, the deepening of the voice and the arrival of a sex drive.

Research suggests that, after the age of 40, mens testosterone levels fall about 1 per cent every year. For the majority of men, this will not mean any noticeable changes.

However, some men experience an extreme drop, leading to a condition called hypogonadismalso known as the male menopause or the manopause.

These men often report depression, loss of sex drive or erectile dysfunction. Other symptoms include poor sleep, brain fog and increased fat around the belly or pectoral muscles, leading to manboobs.
An Arizona resident had succumbed to the Black Death, marking the county's first plague death since 2007.

Coconino County health officials withheld the person's name and gender, but confirmed their cause of death to be pneumonic plague caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis.

The patient showed up to the Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Department and died there the same day despite life-saving attempts.

An average of seven human plague cases are reported each year in the US, but those cases arent always fatal, according to data from the CDC from 2000 to 2023.

The hospital is collaborating with Coconino County Health and Human Services and the Arizona Department of Health Services to investigate the incident.

Earlier this week, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) warned of a prairie dog die-off near Townsend Winona, just northeast of Flagstaff  a potential warning sign of plague activity. However, officials confirmed the recent human fatality is unrelated to this animal outbreak.

The lack of a connection with prairie dogs suggests another exposure source in the area.

Pneumonic plague, the most dangerous form of the Black Death, primarily spreads by inhaling droplets of saliva emitted from an an infected person or animal coughing or sneezing.

The patient showed up to the Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Department and died there the same day despite life-saving attempts

Infection can also arise from handling infected cats, rodents, or their fleas. It leads to a severe lung infection, rapid breathing, and high fever.

Antibiotics are now effective in treating the disease, but officials say without prompt treatment the pneumonic plague is fatal about half the time.

'Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,' said Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman.

'We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family, no additional information about the death will be released.'

Plague symptoms strike within one to 8 days, with fever, chills, and brutal fatigue.

It's often accompanied by agonizing swollen lymph nodes (buboes) in groin or armpits. Left untreated, it can ravage the blood or lungs.

The plague conjures images of medieval Europe's darkest age, when the Black Death wiped out millions in a gruesome pandemic that reshaped the continent.

Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado account for the majority of infections, according to the CDC.

In 2017, New Mexico recorded three cases of the plague in people aged 52, 62, and 63.

Of the three cases, two were bubonic, and one pneumonic. There are three types of human plague, with the third being septicemic, all of which have different symptoms.

A New Mexico man has become the first US plague fatality since 2020 last year.

The unidentified patient, from Lincoln County near Albuquerque, died after contracting Yersinia pestis.

Plague cases in the U.S. are rare (fewer than 10 annually) and mostly occur in the Four Corners region (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah), where rodents and fleas thrive.

Modern antibiotics and hygiene have drastically reduced deaths, but the disease remains endemic in wildlife. Health officials urge caution in high-risk areas.

Northern Arizona Healthcare said in a statement: 'NAH would like to remind anyone who suspects they are ill with a contagious disease to contact their health care provider.

'If their illness is severe, they should go to the Emergency Department and immediately ask for a mask to help prevent the spread of disease while they access timely and important care.'
PEDLARS, POSEURS AND PERFORMERS: MY PORTOBELLO ROAD by Brian Jaquest (Unicorn Publishing Group 50, 272pp)

Tommy Shand and his saxophone enthrall a passing father and daughter

For generations, the beating heart of Notting Hill has been Portobello Road. Never has the feeling of visiting been so perfectly encapsulated as in this series by Brian Jaquest.

His photographs, jangled in their chronology, span over 50 years, and really bring forth the sense of grittiness and social change of London itself, whilst simultaneously realising the roads impact on our sense of community.

Generations of sellers carry on their family legacy by taking over their unique stalls while the constant rumbling music plays around them. People dress in their best (or worst...) outfits full of personality to give their all to entertain, sell their trinkets or home-grown vegetables or even just to stroll.

From exotic fruit sellers to flowers to religious parades and punk band performances, each photo depicts a rich landscape of British culture and its people. Every picture tells a story of a previously untold, untapped, dysfunctional family.

In one particular example, Tommy Shand (pictured) has caught the attention of a father and daughter; the girl is enthralled by this magical character playing a sound she might have only heard indoors. I remember being that little girl on the back of a bike, taking in all the joy around. I know you can hear the picture like I can.
Super Stimulated by Nicklas Brendborg (Hodder 22, 304pp)

Super Stimulated is available now from the Mail Bookshop

So why do we form bad habits  and deliberately do so, too, when we are meant to be creatures intelligent enough to know better?

As the young Danish scientist Nicklas Brendborg has it, few will opt for plain vanilla ice cream if the alternative is a bowl of ice cream covered with caramel sauce, chocolate chips, brownie pieces and marshmallows.

Unerringly, we are drawn to the big, the brash, the shiny  all-you-can-eat buffets, mounds of popcorn. We are less physically active, so burn fewer calories. One consequence is that we are approximately 18kg heavier than we were in the mid-1800s and two-thirds of all adults are overweight.

Though our bodies evolved in times of scarcity, and are attuned for conserving energy, we now live in times of abundance and the blubber simply piles on  big bellies, extra chins, wobbly bottoms  resulting in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and general metabolic dysfunction.

Brendborg places the blame squarely on food manufacturers and supermarkets, who want to make as much money as possible, and accomplish this by manipulating our appetite regulation.

Customers willpower and a sense of feeling stuffed and replete are some of the manufacturers greatest enemies, so billions  much more than is spent on life-saving medicines  are invested in designing super stimuli in the laboratory. That is to say, emulsifiers, flavour enhancers, artificial sweeteners and colourings, and additives by the bucket.

The objective is to get us addicted to ultra-processed food  greasy chips, biscuits, microwave meals, frozen pizza, soda pop, energy drinks, sausages, cereals, packaged snacks, from which natural fibre has been extracted, so we never feel full.

Ultraprocessed foods like prepackaged pizza have the fibre stripped from them for we never feel full and keep eating

Big business is intent on the careful optimisation of the precise shade of yellow for crisps.

Though 60 strawberries contain the same number of calories as a single Mars bar, we are steered by advertising away from fresh fruit, organic meat, vegetables and rice, and made to crave anything containing sugar, the cheapest source of calories in existence, and which doesnt require much digestion. A sugar rush is instant, and the brain screams for more.

Manufacturers disguise the levels of sugar they feed us by giving it a variety of pseudonyms: dextrose, glucose, sucrose, fructose, or evaporated cane juice.

As a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, this doesnt alter the fact that sugary drinks are one of the most efficient ways to fatten up a human. The science is cynical: identify the pleasurable compound, isolate it and add tons of it in concentrated form.

The same principle goes for cocaine and heroin. Sugar is added to pizza dough, tomato sauce and burger buns. The tobacco industry adds sugar to cigarettes. Sandwiches at Subway contain so much sugar, legally they dont qualify as bread in Ireland.

The other component to which we have become addicted is salt. Westerners now eat enough salt to make a mermaid feel at home.

Salt increases shelf-life and enhances the appearance and texture of food.

Saline solutions are routinely pumped into frozen meat, for example. Yet though our taste buds do enjoy salty tastes  try to confine yourself to a single salted peanut  the upshot is high blood pressure, kidney stones, and a host of autoimmune diseases.

Having discussed how one way or another we knock out our natural control mechanisms, causing overconsumption, Super Stimulated turns to other areas where overindulgence causes problems, e.g. modern dating, sex addiction and pornography. An abundance of dating options breeds indecisiveness and more unstable relationships.

To try to make themselves more attractive (though in my opinion it looks grotesque), everyone wants plastic surgery  trout pouts, puffy facial fillers, Botox jabs. Brendborg says there were six times more breast-enhancement procedures and 20 times more facelifts in 2022 than there were in 2005.

But the villain here is social media, Instagram, TikTok and the rest, with people no longer knowing where the real world begins and ends, whats fantasy, what isnt.

Once social media has got you hooked, its dead set on keeping your attention, the algorithms, having already decided your likes and dislikes, tailoring content.

As Brendborg says in his highly readable book, by scrolling on their phones for hours on end, allowing themselves to become completely engrossed, youngsters, in particular, are in the midst of a mental health crisis, everyone dissatisfied, suffused with feelings of inferiority, grief and depression, and with tiny attention spans.

Smartphones are another form of endless snacking, and there are more people on the planet with a smartphone than there are with access to a functional toilet.

Sweet tooth: Manufacturers disguise the amount of sugar in the products we eat by describing each in their simplest forms

Maybe the frantic search for stimulation has something to do with an avoidance of boredom. We want shortcuts to euphoria. Except they are shortcuts to oblivion.

There is too much of everything: too many streaming channels, too many action movies, too many angry people, too much ill health and dementia, too many bombs.

Brendborg points out that nuclear warheads today are 1,600 times more powerful than the ones dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined.

Its not going to end well. Looking for tranquillity  somewhere, anywhere  Brendborg is impressed only by innocent jungle tribes and Amazonian hunter-gatherers, who are slim and healthy, with tip-top cholesterol and blood pressure figures. Unfortunately, they die of infections from monkey bites at the age of 34.

Nevertheless, their ways cant be emulated, though Brendborg admits, your neighbours might look at you strangely if you start hunting for local squirrels for food. In Denmark, maybe, but in my beloved South Wales, no one will bat an eyelid.
MY SISTER AND OTHER LOVERS by Esther Freud (Bloomsbury 18.99, 288pp)

My Sister and Other Lovers is available now from the Mail Bookshop

This slim but capacious novel begins with narrator Lucy preparing for a premiere. Although not named, its obvious that the film is Hideous Kinky, adapted in 1998 from Freuds largely autobiographical debut novel of the same name which featured the then fiveyear-old Lucy as the protagonist.

Lucys bruising but always engrossing passage from child to adulthood provides the arc here, and were deeply with her at every moment, whether shes watching Eric and Ernie at Christmas while her beloved sister injects drugs upstairs, or suddenly discovering three previously unknown half-brothers (Freuds father, the artist Lucian, was rumoured to have 30 children).

Freuds alternately painful and funny story may cleave close to her fascinating life, but it begs larger questions too as Lucys insight grows into the lasting legacy of her rootless bohemian upbringing.

FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi (Jonathan Cape 20, 464pp)

Flashlight is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Spanning decades, oceans and political ideologies, the drama in Chois epic novel takes place on the largest and most intimate of stages.

At the centre are the Kangs: Serk, Anne and Louisa. Though born in Japan, Serk doesnt discover hes ethnically Korean until the end of the Second World War. He subsequently emigrates to America, where he marries Anne and fathers Louisa.

Rage, not love, is default in this fractious family, which keeps the novels first half at a roiling boil.

Then a family trip to Japan takes an apparently tragic turn. The truth, however, is far stranger than fiction  cue a spoiler-forbidding plot that draws on an incredible episode in late 20th-century geopolitics.

It makes for an expanse of narrative ground to cover, but Chois startling, bristling characters power this journey, which plays in the readers mind with cinematic intensity.

THE GIRLS WHO GREW BIG by Leila Mottley (Fig Tree 16.99, 352pp)

The Girls Who Grew Big is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Motleys debut, Nightcrawling  written when she was just 17  earned her a Booker Prize longlisting.

Her ample talent is on display again in this loose sequel, which follows an improvised sisterhood of mostly teenage Floridian moms, the Girls.

Shunned by their small towns community, they provide each other with support. But when pregnant, would-be Olympic swimmer Adela arrives, the dynamic is disturbed.

Clever Emory, who dreams of college admission, finds in the newcomer the friendship shes been starved of. But the unwitting Adela is on an explosive collision course with the Girls ringleader, Simone.

Motleys tough, vital lyricism drives a fiercely compassionate novel about survival, hope, and love.
A Murder in Paris by Matthew Blake (HarperCollins 16.99, 368pp)

A Murder in Paris is available now from the Mail Bookshop

London based, half-French psychotherapist Dr Olivia Finn, an expert in helping patients reclaim painful memories in an effort to recover, is summoned to Paris to help her grandmother  acclaimed artist Josephine Benoit  who is insisting she is someone else. Could this be the effects of dementia?

Josephine is also claiming to have committed murder in Paris at the end of the war. Surely there is a mistake? But then she is herself murdered and secrets from the past  including many from Olivias own  surface.

This delicate story, which travels seamlessly between post-war Paris and the present day, is exquisitely told by the author of last years bestselling debut Anna O, and is just as unforgettable.

Deadly memories of a French connection

Love, Mom by Iliana Xander (Penguin 9.99, 400pp)

Love, Mum is available now

Mackenzie Casper is the only child of a mega-selling author  who writes under the name of E. V. Renge  whose fame has cast a dark shadow over her daughters childhood.

But then she dies in what appears to be a tragic accident and Mackenzie starts to receive letters from her dead mother, delivered by an unseen hand.

So begins this supremely twisty tale of deceit and deception that sees Mackenzie try to unravel what went on in her mothers life, and what her father Ben may have had to do with it.

Helped by computer nerd friend EJ, she starts to piece together what happened. Supremely gifted story-telling, with twist upon twist, it is impossible to resist.

Deadline by Steph McGovern (Macmillan 20, 384pp)

Deadline is available now from the Mail Bookshop

TV presenter McGoverns engaging story takes us behind the scenes of live television, drawing on her eight years experience on BBC Breakfast, but then she adds a killer twist.

Her heroine, reporter Rose, is interviewing the Chancellor of the Exchequer live, when a voice in her earpiece announces that her wife Kate and their son Rory have been kidnapped and she must do exactly what the voice says. It is an exciting set up, but only the start.

McGovern also explores hate speech, deprived children, the stalking of female reporters and the impact of the media in a fast-paced story that often brings a tear to the eye  while the question remains: can Rose rescue the two people she loves?

An encouraging debut from the broadcaster. Lets have another.
My alarm clock went off at 7am. I couldnt believe the time. The main thing I couldnt believe, though, was the fact that Id got any sleep at all. Only an hour earlier Id been awake, resigning myself to yet another night with no rest.

Through the dark hours Id paced the house in an anxious fug, as my husband and toddler slept. At 33 I now felt ill: dry-eyed, achey, nauseous. And I was about to go on a book tour where every evening Id be talking to a roomful of people. I worried I wouldnt be able to string a coherent sentence together, let alone speak with any eloquence.

Until I had my first baby in 2020, I had always been good at sleep. Babies get a bad rap when it comes to slumber but my son was fairly kind to us  he went to bed at 7pm, woke up once a night at 3am and then was ready for the day at 7am. Instead, the trouble was that all my life Id been told you needed eight good hours of sleep, ideally unbroken.

After I had my son, I wasnt always getting that and began to worry. I started doing the time game: what if I didnt go to sleep after the 3am feed? How many hours would I have had? How tired would I be the next day?

Best-selling author Lucy Foley

When you begin thinking like that, you start trying really hard to go back to sleep. And with sleep, the harder you try, the more elusive it proves.

Very quickly, my fears came true. Not only would I not fall back to sleep after that 3am feed but, some evenings, Id become so anxious about getting sleep that Id spend the whole night awake. I was desperate and strung out, terrified I wouldnt be able to function or parent properly the next day. Id worry about crashing the car while driving or, when I started working again after six months, being unable to write a coherent paragraph, let alone an entire book.

Id lose my thread mid-sentence, forget words. Id fall asleep at random times: in the car park while waiting to collect my son from nursery or at my desk. Once I missed my stop on the tube en route to an important meeting with my publisher when a long blink turned into a full-blown nap.

Then, in the evening, Id be so wired I couldnt imagine ever wanting to sleep. It felt like the universe was playing a perverse trick on me.

This continued for weeks, months and, eventually, four years, on and off. It wasnt that every night would be terrible. Id have a few awful nights sleep, eventually crash out from total exhaustion, then be reminded that I did know how to sleep after all and this reassurance could see me through for a while. But then the next bout of baby cold or work stress or a sweaty summer heatwave night or jet lag would throw things out again.

It feels, oddly, terrifying to lie awake all night. I was simultaneously too exhausted and wired to do anything useful or pleasant, like write some of my book, read or even watch a film. Id drift around the house like an over-caffeinated poltergeist. The nights would stretch interminably before me, dark and very, very lonely.

Id resent my husband, a champion dozer who can drop off in less than a minute and would sleep through a brass band breaking into the bedroom to serenade him. Id even resent my peacefully snoozing infant. But most of all Id feel angry with myself: I had a young family I loved more than anything, a happy life, a dream job... there were people out there with real problems.

A few years back, in fact, I had had a real problem: a bout of chronic pain that lasted for several years. Now here I was with this strange, fabricated issue of my own invention, a kind of mental Chinese finger trap that my stupid brain had created all by itself.

As a society were obsessed with sleep. There are countless aids, supplements, and trackers available to buy. I know, because Ive tried all of them: vitamins and minerals, ayurvedic tinctures, blackout masks, sleep patches, sleep pebbles, reflexology, acupuncture, white noise, meditation apps, aromatherapy, old-school antihistamine-based sleeping pills, bath salts, hypnotherapy, vagus nerve-stimulating gadgets, sleepy teas. You name it, Ive winged-and-a-prayered it. Most of the time, they didnt work. Or they worked for a bit and then stopped.

It isnt that any of these interventions are bad or useless. But all our modern emphasis on the importance of rest is contributing to the problem. I would, for instance, worry I might have forgotten some aspect of my nighttime ritual, in case the spell didnt work. Did I take the ashwagandha? The magnesium? Did I use the relaxing bath oil or accidentally dropper in the invigorating one? Did I sit too near the glow of the TV too close to bedtime? I became terrified of my bedroom. The bigger a deal I made of things, the more I forgot that I was an animal whose body simply knows how to sleep.

Therein, for me, lay the cure. Yes, the physical side effects of a chronic lack of sleep are uncomfortable, but we are programmed to be able to cope physically with a bad nights sleep or even a run of sleeplessness. Its how we react to it mentally that matters.

This realisation came about because nothing was working. It was a kind of laying down of arms: I was tired of trying so hard not to be tired. I wondered whether my insomnia wouldnt be so bad if I just stopped stressing about it. It wasnt an instant change in attitude. (I wasnt convinced I could stop obsessing.) But over the next few weeks, my mindset began to shift  helped by a couple of incredibly helpful cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based sources.

I wont go into too much detail here because if youre struggling, I reckon its much better that you consult the myriad resources available from people actually qualified in CBT, in particular the Re:sleep programme. In brief, though, I learned to wean myself off my weird and wonderful nighttime superstitions.

I began to use my sleepless time to do something comforting: watching old movies, listening to podcasts, reading books and, yes, sometimes even writing my own. No matter what time of night it was I would leave the bedroom and go to a comfortable armchair in my sitting room. Sometimes this would be for a couple of hours, sometimes only 20 minutes, before I felt sleepy enough to return.

I learned (and this was crucial for me) to wake up at the same time each day  6.30am  no matter what time Id gone to sleep. Initially this was rough and felt counter-productive. Wasnt I trying to get more rest? Previously if Id had a bad night, Id at least let myself catch up and lie in. But apparently this was only sending my circadian rhythm further out of whack. I also didnt go to bed until I felt really, properly tired, however late that might be.

Quickly  after a mere few nights of this new routine  my confused body clock began to reset itself. I learned to get on with life: work, fun, exercise, food, all of it, regardless of what sort of nights rest Id had. Within a week I realised my sleep wasnt as broken as Id thought. After a month I wasnt even thinking about sleep that much  it was just happening.

So this is the happy ending of the story.

Do I still experience the odd bad nights sleep? Yes! Sometimes, several in a row. But do I suffer from bad sleep? No. Not in the same way as I once did. I have the odd flutter of worry about it  after everything it would be odd if I didnt  but that pure, adrenaline-spiked, destructive fear that possessed me for four years has gone.

I found the magic spell, but it wasnt in any potion or hypno tape or gadget: it was there inside me, all along.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley is published in paperback by HarperCollins, 9.99. To order a copy for 8.99 until 27 July, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK P&P on orders over 25.
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more

The Prince and Princess of Wales recently welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte to the UK for their three-day state visit, and Kate made quite the sartorial statement in a full Dior ensemble.

While there was much talk about her jacket, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic 1947 original by Christian Dior, reimagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri, it was the Princess of Wales skirt that really got my attention.

Not since Carrie Bradshaw pranced around New York in the original Sex and the City series have I found myself coveting a blush tulle skirt this much. Rather than looking overly flouncy, Kates is pretty and demure  balanced perfectly by the sharp tailoring and nipped-in waist of her jacket.

While perenially elegant, tulle is also a hot trend right now, seen on fashion runways from Chanel to Simone Rocha. If you dont have several thousand pounds to copy Kates Dior number, there are lots of tulle skirts on the high street, which mean you can channel that chic, feminine look without breaking the bank.

As for how to style tulle skirts, the key  as the Princess of Wales has demonstrated  is balance. So, if youve got a frothy tulle number on the bottom half, keep it simple up top: a plain, crew-neck T-shirt, simple blazer or white blouse will do the job.

To get more of what you love from your favourite Sunday supplement, follow us on Instagram (@youmagazine), Facebook (YOU Magazine) and X (@YOUMagSocial).
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on Sunday about corruption claims made by the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner.

The speech follows allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and other senior officials involving criminal gangs.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will speak to the nation on Sunday night about the corruption allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

The Presidency announced on Thursday that Ramaphosa's speech will follow last week's media briefing by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi made claims against senior figures in the African National Congress and the South African Police Service.

Ramaphosa was in Brazil for a BRICS summit when Mkhwanazi dropped his allegations on Sunday, 6 July. The President promised to deal with the matter urgently when he got back home.

According to the Presidency, the allegations have major implications for national security. Ramaphosa has spent the last few days in meetings and will "take the nation into his confidence" at 7pm on Sunday.

The address will be broadcast live and streamed online.

Mkhwanazi's claims have already created a political storm, with opposition parties laying criminal charges against Mchunu and demanding his arrest.

The police commissioner accused Mchunu of working with criminal cartels trying to capture the police force and interfering with investigations into political killings.

Mchunu has denied all wrongdoing but faces pressure from political parties to step down.
David Muir has been beaten in a vital ratings metric by NBC News' new star Tom Llamas in an embarrassing blow to his bosses at ABC News.

Muir, 51, was watched by 891,000 viewers in the 25-54 age group Tuesday night, while Llamas, 46, pulled in 904,000 viewers in the same demographic.

That age group is particularly prized by advertisers because of their relative youth and disposable income.

A sustained victory for Llamas - who only started at Nightly News on June 2 - could lead to advertisers switching their cash from Muir's World News Tonight to Llamas instead.

An industry insider told Daily Mail Tuesday that execs at ABC News were already unsettled by Llamas's impact during his first month as host.

Muir - whose World News Tonight remains the most popular nightly news broadcast in America overall - also found himself mocked for his choice of attire.

Journalist and podcaster Megyn Kelly laughed at the star for donning a 'teeny tiny' black t-shirt to report from devastating floods in Texas earlier this week.

While black tees are a mainstay among male TV anchors reporting on location from warm locales, Muir's was particularly tight and showed off his sculpted body to eye-popping effect.

David Muir has lost to NBC Nightly News' Tom Llamas in the 25-54 demo for the first time - an embarrassing blow in an emerging battle for younger viewers

An industry insider told Daily Mail Tuesday that execs at ABC News were already unsettled by Llamas's impact during his first month as host

Kelly claimed Muir had purposely tightened his shirt to show off his 'super, super tiny in the waist [and] super muscle-y in the arms.' She pointed to what she framed as more professional attire from Llamas.

Llamas's black t-shirt was notably less clingy than the tee worn by Muir, who is known for posting smoldering photos of himself on his Instagram page.

In the end, the former Fox firebrand branded Muir 'the most vain man at ABC News'.

Some of Kelly's followers supported her criticism of Muir - but others suggested she was being petty and that the attacks on the ABC star were unwarranted.

Kelly was further accused of hypocrisy over her own fondness for revealing outfits in the past.

Muir's clothing previously hit the headlines during the Los Angeles wildfires in January, when he was spotted wearing a yellow fire jacket that had been cinched in a the back with clothespins.

Kelly and some other viewers went on to claim the fitted look was evidence of Muir's 'narcissism'.

Others said Muir was likely using the pins to clip a microphone or stop the clothing flapping and making a distracting noise while on air.

In terms of ratings, Llamas is still a distant second to the more established World News Tonight host Muir.

He took over from the well-liked Lester Holt and must now build his own loyal audience.

Llamas has seen a small ratings drop since taking over. But that dip is far smaller than the apocalyptic slump witnessed at CBS News, which viewers have deserted in droves since Norah O'Donnell quit as anchor in January.

Muir's show averaged 7.09million viewers Tuesday compared to NBC's 5.81 million.

For the month, Muir reeled in 7.31 million viewers to NBC's 5.67 million.

June was ABCs biggest ratings win in three decades for the second quarter, continuing a trend of dominance started by Muir after he succeeded a then second-place Diane Sawyer.

But Llamas' strides against Muir with winning over younger viewers will unsettle ABC News bosses who regard Muir as the network's crown jewel.

Muir recently emerged victor in a years-long feud with fellow ABC star George Stephanopoulos, who is best known for hosting Good Morning America.

In January, Muir was accused of being a vain narcissist after he was caught wearing a fire jacket cinched in with clothes pins while broadcasting from the LA fires. But others wondered whether he was trying to keep a microphone secured or stop the garment flapping

Megyn Kelly has claimed David Muir is 'at it again' when it comes to the World News Tonight anchor formfitting fashion choice

New figures also show that Llamas is gaining viewers among 18 to 49 year olds.

The gains for Llamas are more impressive given they've come during a quieter news cycle after last year's presidential election and Olympics, which help drive bumper ratings to news shows.

A media source Friday told Daily Mail that NBC News are quietly confident Llamas has got what it takes to topple Muir from his no.1 ratings perch.

'There's a quiet optimism that Tom has what it takes to eventually edge out Muir in the demo but no one's taking a victory lap just yet,' the source said.

'The team is taking one day at a time and is focused on putting on the best newscast each night.'

Llamas, 46, told The Washington Post in June something similar, while explaining how he 'want[s] to be number one' in primetime.

'It's not easy,' Lamas said. 'But it's something I think we can do.'

He admitted, 'It's not going to happen in a month.'

Another insider sought to pour cold water on Llamas success - and Kelly's targeting of Muir.

That source said: 'Honestly, the reality is Muir just had the biggest win over NBC in 30 years in June with Llamas as anchor.

'It took a month and a half for NBC to get a night in the demo, something Lester Holt occasionally used to do, too - but Holt didn't try to get headlines for it. Its silly.

'With Muir in Texas, "World News Tonight" beat NBCs Llamas by nearly 2 million viewers Monday. The nights with major news are really the most telling.'

'It's clear the way Megyn Kelly gets attention is by trashing others,' the source added.

'She does this for clicks and headlines from behind her studio microphone, while others are actually out there reporting on people who've endured devastating loss.'
A California judge has cleared the way for Don Lemon's explosive lawsuit against Elon Musk and his social media platform X to proceed to trial.

It sets the stage for a courtroom showdown between two of the most high-profile figures in American media and tech.

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Harold E. Kahn ruled that Lemon's case, which accuses Musk of fraud, misrepresentation, and breach of contract, can move forward in California, rejecting Musk's attempt to shift the venue to Texas.

'The ruling means Don can hold X and Musk accountable in open court,' said Lemon's attorney, Carney Shegerian. 'Musk is subject to the legal process, just like everyone else, and that's important.'

The ruling marks a major legal setback for Musk and escalates the bitter feud between the former CNN anchor and the billionaire tech mogul, who abruptly canceled Lemon's show on X just hours after the two taped a tense and wide-ranging interview last year.

Lemon, ousted from CNN in 2023 after 17 years with the network, was hired by Musk to launch a talk show on X, but within hours of taping the show's debut episode - an explosive, combative interview with Musk himself - the billionaire abruptly canceled the partnership.

Lemon was furious a filed a lawsuit last August accusing Musk of breach of contract, fraud, and misrepresentation.

'There's no question about Musk's motives and liability, as documented in his own texts and on X for millions to see,' Shegerian added.

Musk and Lemon sat down for their interview in March 2024. The former CNN anchor said he found out his show was axed just hours later

The ruling marks a major legal setback for Musk and escalates the bitter feud between the former CNN anchor and the billionaire tech mogul, who abruptly canceled Lemon's show

The relationship's implosion began almost as soon as cameras started rolling.

In the now-infamous March 2024 interview, Lemon grilled Musk on everything from hate speech on X to his drug use, especially the billionaire's controversial prescription for ketamine.

'It's pretty private to ask somebody about a medical prescription,' Musk snapped, visibly irritated as the conversation turned awkward.

Though Musk has publicly acknowledged using ketamine to treat depression, the tense back-and-forth clearly struck a nerve.

Lemon later said there were no restrictions placed on the interview and that his questions were respectful, 'covering everything from SpaceX to the presidential election.'

But Musk saw it differently and hours after the taping, Musk pulled the plug.

'His approach was basically just 'CNN, but on social media,' which doesn't work,' Musk wrote on X. 'And, instead of it being the real Don Lemon, it was really just Jeff Zucker talking through Don, so it lacked authenticity.'

He added: 'Even though I think Don is a pompous fool who spouts nonsense, he is still free to upload his show to X and will receive advertising revenue.'

Despite the canceled deal, Lemon aired the interview anyway. He has since continued hosting The Don Lemon Show independently on YouTube and TikTok

In turn, Lemon accused Musk of cowardice and hypocrisy.

'His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include questions of him from people like me,' Lemon said in a scathing post following his cancellation.

In a separate interview on the Press Club podcast, Lemon accused Musk of being trapped in a right-wing 'echo chamber' and claimed that Musk 'doesn't really want to hear different opinions.'

Despite the canceled deal, Lemon aired the interview anyway. He has since continued hosting The Don Lemon Show independently on YouTube and TikTok, saying, 'While Elon goes back on his word, I will be doubling down on my commitment to free speech.'

The legal battle has only intensified in the months since. Musk attempted to move the case to Texas, where X is headquartered, but Judge Kahn rejected the venue change.

The decision means the high-profile trial would take place in California.

The ruling clears the path for a civil trial that could expose internal communications, business dealings, and the behind-the-scenes implosion of Musk's short-lived attempt to reboot political discourse on his platform using traditional media voices.

At the center of Lemon's lawsuit is the claim that Musk personally entered into and then breached a binding contract. X, in its defense, insists that it made a business decision to end the commercial partnership - one that it says was within its rights.

'Like any enterprise, we reserve the right to make decisions about our business partnerships,' the company said. 'After careful consideration, X decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.'

Still, Lemon's team argues the agreement was already in place - and that Musk pulled the plug simply because he didn't like being challenged.

At the start, the partnership was hailed as a bold experiment with Lemon, a legacy media anchor, attempting to reinvent himself on the platform that had come to define Musk's vision of free speech absolutism.

But their union quickly collapsed in spectacular fashion.

Sources told The New York Post that Musk was 'underwhelmed' by the pilot episode, calling it 'dull,' 'unprepared,' and 'not interesting.'

Others claimed the issue wasn't the journalism but the fact that Lemon dared to question Musk on his own turf.

'Clearly, he felt differently,' Lemon said. 'We had a good conversation. But when the cameras stopped rolling, he canceled the entire thing.'
Staffers at Vogue and Vanity Fair publisher Conde Nast have been told to return to the office on a near-full-time basis within the next week - or hand in their resignations.

The ultimatum was delivered at an array of hastily arranged meetings this week at the publisher's New York City offices at One World Trade Center, Status reported.

The move was seen as veiled attempt to force out staffers who refuse to comply with the company's new four-days-a-week-in-office policy.

Statues described the edicts 'a quiet, but effective cost-cutting mechanism increasingly relied on by media executives [for] forcing employees out while avoiding severance payments and formal layoff notices that draw headlines.'

Many employees working at Conde Nast, - whose publications include Bon Appetit, Allure, Self, and The New Yorker - have built their lives around remote work arrangements, the outlet noted.

'[T]he mandates can effectively serve as a soft layoff, shrinking headcount while avoiding the label,' the report said.

Penske Media Corporation - the parent company of publications Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Rolling Stone - is also rolling out a similar policy, Status reported.

In a June 27 internal memo obtained by Status, Penske Media announced it would 'eliminate all remote-only roles across PMC corporate by August 31, 2025,' Status reported.

Staffers at Conde Nast-owned publications like Vogue and Vanity Fair have been told to report to One World Trade Center under Condes four-day in-office mandate within the week - or hand in their resignations

Pictured: Conde Nast staffers picketing outside the Manhattan home of Anna Wintour, Conde Nasts global chief content officer

'[A]ll corporate remote positions will officially transition to 4-days-per-week in-office roles by Tuesday, September 2,' the memo said.

Both companies framed their decisions as a 'cultural necessity' after five years of staffers working from wherever they pleased.

Conde staffers hired with remote status during the pandemic were initially asked to return to their respective offices on March 3.

In the four months since, staffers at The New Yorker, Vogue, and Vanity Fair have apparently failed to show.

Responsibilities like child care and everyday housing duties that employees have become accustomed to have likely played a part, Status said.

Status obtained internal correspondence from staffers at the company said to be 'furious with the aggressive approach.'

Some are now demanding answers from management.

A source close to the company told the Daily Mail that Conde Nast is actually 'spending more by having everyone back in the office.'

'It's not cost saving at all when factoring the real estate costs,' the person said, without elaborating.

The union that represents Conde Nast employees, The NewsGuild of New York, confirmed to Status that the company had recently begun urging workers it considers out of compliance to either get with the program or work somewhere else.

In March 2024, 35 members of the union stormed Conde execs' offices to protest layoffs proposed days after CEO Roger Lynch said he '[did] not have plans for any further reductions.'

Conde Nast CEO Roger Lynch and Anna Wintour at a fashion show in Paris this past March. Lynch has let off several rounds of layoffs during his tenure

The move was seen as veiled attempt to force out staffers who refuse to comply with the company's new four-days-a-week-in-office policy

The December before, the company launched a round of layoffs that affected more than 300 employees.

In 2022, hundreds of Conde staff members unionized with The NewsGuild of New York due to tensions over contract talks for The New Yorker Union that led to a vote by employees to authorize a strike.

A subsequent protest was held in front of the Greenwich Village townhouse of Anna Wintour, Conde Nasts global chief content officer.

Wintour, 75, stepped down as Vogue's editor in chief last month, sending shockwaves through the industry.

The Daily Mail has contacted both Conde and Penske for comment.
The summer holidays are fast approaching and millions of Britons will be jetting off into the sun.

But many will unwittingly lose hundreds of pounds to overseas charges by making costly payment mistakes even if they think they are prepared.

Some providers and retailers can add up to 5 extra per transaction abroad. British travellers lost around 2.5million in foreign exchange fees last year in this way, research shows.

Whether you opt to use your debit card for holidays this summer or want to take out cash, we reveal what you need to know to not get stung on fees when making payments abroad this summer.

1.Your debit card might NOT offer the best rate

More banks now offer fee-free spending abroad as a perk.

Standard debit and credit cards often levy 'non-sterling transaction fees' on transactions in foreign currencies, normally in the region of 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent of the purchase amount.

Britons jetting off on holiday need to be aware of payment mistakes which could cost them dear

First Direct, Monzo, Starling, Chase and even high street giants Lloyds and Nationwide count themselves among the banks which allow customers to spend abroad as they would at home with their debit cards.

But even customers using a fee-free debit card could find they pay less by using a specialist travel debit card like Currensea, Wise or Revolut.

These cards remove bank fees and can be more than 0.5 per cent cheaper than fee-free cards and over 3 per cent cheaper than high street banks' debit cards.

Jamie Melzack, 47 from North London used a Currensea travel debit card to pay for hotels, shopping and food and drink while on trips in America, Abu Dhabi and Spain.

He found he saved 400 by using a Currensea travel debit card rather than his NatWest high street debit card.

He said: 'I could see my total savings in the app and saw I saved 400 on trips using the Currensea card instead of my bank card.'

Typical fee-free accounts, for example from Monzo, Starling, and Chase, rely on fixed card scheme rates that are set once a day.

However, the real FX market changes throughout that day. The card scheme rates therefore need to be set with substantial margin to protect against adverse market movement - meaning consumers may not always get the best rate.

One extra tip on making your holiday cheaper is checking whether you get travel insurance included as a perk with your bank. Read our guide to buying cheaper travel insurance for expert tips on getting covered.

2. Avoid prepaid cards

Prepaid travel cards are chip and pin cards, much like a debit card, you load up with foreign currency before you go on holiday, thereby locking in a set exchange rate.

They are offered by firms including the Post Office, Sainsbury's, Travelex and Mastercard.

They have their benefits, allowing you to budget on holiday more effectively, as well as locking in one foreign exchange rate when you load the card, instead of a different rate every time you spend.

But here's the snag, if you don't spend all the money on the card you will be faced with costly fees to withdraw the remaining cash.

And many will simply forget about the leftover funds on their card after they return home.

For this reason, the average traveller using a prepaid card returns from trips with 89 left while close to half of those with school-age kids return with more than 100, with the average at 109 left on prepaid cards.

3. Always pay in the local currency

Never pay in pounds sterling if the option is offered when overseas. Whether paying the bill at a restaurant or buying something in the shops, you should always pay in the local currency.

Andrew Hagger, of personal finance website MoneyComms, explains: 'If you pay in GBP this allows the overseas retailer or ATM to use an inferior local exchange rate which can prove way more expensive than the normal Visa or MasterCard exchange rates  this is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion.'

4. Don't withdraw small amounts of cash

If your provider does charge fees when using your card abroad, making multiple, smaller purchases or withdrawals over the trip can really add up.

Therefore you might be better off withdrawing a larger amount of money once at the start of the trip, and setting a daily budget.

More than half of travellers say they don't know how much they're charged when withdrawing cash abroad, with some providers adding up to 5 per transaction.

If you withdraw the cash in one go, you won't be hit with as many fees if your card provider does charge fees.

The airport has some of the most expensive rates for exchanging money

5. Dodge the airport for exchanging money

Exchanging money at the airport is one of the most expensive ways to get foreign currency.

Probably the biggest mistakes you can make when buying foreign currency is to do so at the airport bureau de change, where currency rates are normally extremely poor.

Yet 27 per cent of travellers still exchange the bulk of their cash at the airport despite getting the worst rates and facing high fees.

Andrew Hagger says: 'Never buy or sell your currency at the airport. You'll lose around an extra 10 for every 100 you spend  just don't do it unless it's an absolute emergency.'

Laith Khalaf, of AJ Bell says: 'Effectively buying money at the airport is a hefty tax on your holiday for not planning ahead.

'The same principle applies to getting travel money from the post office, which is another popular choice.

'Individual post offices will usually have their own currency rates but if you order online beforehand, you'll almost certainly get a better deal.'
Marks & Spencer this week turned up the heat in the supermarket price war. The High Street store announced it aims to become a 'shopping-list retailer' where families buy food, but also cleaning products, toothpaste and other essentials.

M&S controls 3.8 per cent of the grocery market, having already gained more weekly shop customers. But the 6.8billion company is undergoing a reset, following the cyber-attack in the spring.

As chairman Archie Norman has conceded in the last few days, the incident could have destroyed M&S had its balance sheet been less strong. Four people have been arrested this week in connection with the crime.

Rivals may not yet be alarmed by the firm's goal. But its resolve to 'come back stronger', as chief executive Stuart Machin puts it, is an alert to investors to review their High Street holdings.

As has become clear this week, the customers of all supermarkets must brace themselves for stealth taxes in the autumn Budget, as they continue to deal with cost-of-living pressures. Against this background, backing food companies can be seen as a defensive strategy since hard-pressed families will cut back in other ways, before they trim grocery expenditure.

But they will still be looking for great choices  and the best deals. If you want to take a bet on the likely winners in this battle to please our palates and our pockets, here's what you need to know now.

Picking a fight: Marks & Spencer this week turned up the heat in the supermarket price war

THE RIVALS

This is a contest in which FTSE 100 companies Tesco, Sainsbury's and M&S face-off against private equity owned groups Asda and Morrisons and the German discounters Aldi and Lidl. Waitrose is an arm of the John Lewis partnership.

Tesco, the number one player with a 28 per cent slice of the market, will not be surrendering any ground. Its Aldi price pledge covers 600 products. Nigel Yates, of Axa Asset Management, says Tesco has emphasised its 'financial firepower'  and its readiness to see profits fall to maintain its position. Profits for this year are forecast to be 2.7billion to 3billion, against 3.1billion last year.

Sainsbury's, whose market share is 15.7 per cent, is also muscling up. Its Aldi price match covers 800 lines. Asda and Morrisons hold 12.6 per cent and 8.6 per cent respectively. Both have a pile of debt, but Asda is reported to be negotiating price cuts from suppliers to stay in the fight. The planning system is thwarting the expansion plans of Aldi and Lidl although they still have 10.3 per cent and 8.1 per cent of the market respectively. Waitrose has 4.5 per cent, out of which M&S wants to take a big bite.

The readiness of the players for the fray is undeniable. But challenges could impede their progress. Under the healthy food standard, supermarkets will be fined if they fail to offer discounts on more nutritious fare, and do not change loyalty schemes and store layouts to encourage shoppers to swerve the biscuits.

Weight-loss drugs are already changing eating habits. Last month the Kantar retailer consultancy reported a 0.4 per cent dip in grocery purchases, which coincided with a jump in the numbers using weight-loss jabs Ozempic or Mounjaro.

TESCO

Tesco shares have risen by 30 per cent over the past year, highlighting its transformation since the 2014 accounting scandal that imperilled its future.

Some of the advances are visible. As part of chief executive Ken Murphy's resolve to provide 'a powerful value proposition', improvements have made to the upmarket Finest range.

Sales of Finest products rose by 18 per cent in the first quarter as they were sampled by more of the key 'modern mainstream consumer' group. They want an extra helping of style and quality. The more fashionable pieces in the F&F clothing line are targeted at these shoppers.

Yates highlights the breakthroughs that are less apparent in the group's 4,008 stores. He says: 'Tesco has built long-term sustainable relationships with suppliers, empowering them to invest in capital projects and automation. This has enabled innovation, ensuring fully stocked shelves and competitive pricing.'

Some of the most competitive pricing is reserved for the 23m Tesco Clubcard holders. I am a Clubcard holder, and a holder of a small chunk of Tesco shares. Last November, when the share price was 342p, I said in this column that I would be staying on board.

Analysts now rate the shares a 'buy' at their current price of 401p. I am not selling, especially as Yates alludes to the possibility of talk of a 're-rating surprise with a return to the 'golden age of Tesco'. In 2007, the shares were above 600p. But investors should not hold their breath. Tesco, the UK's largest private sector employer with some 330,000 workers, faces a 1bn bill over the next four years from the increase to employers' National Insurance contributions.

Could there be another squeeze on this business and others in the sector in the autumn Budget?

SAINSBURY'S

Sainsbury's has been gaining market share, enticing customers with its luxury food label Taste the Difference.

Like Tesco, Sainsbury's has a clothing line popular with followers of fashion called Tu, and its loyalty scheme Nectar.

Richard Hunter, of Interactive Investor, describes the company's cash flow as 'prodigious', allowing it to pay generous dividends. The current yield is 5 per cent. Investors are also set to benefit from a 200m share buyback.

But Sainsbury's, which has forecast that profits for the year to March 2026 will be about 1billion, in line with the previous year, suffers by comparison with the bravura of Tesco.

There is also a view that its Argos division will always be a drag on Sainsbury's performance.

Based on this assessment, hedge funds took short-selling bets against the shares in the spring. Since then, the shares have revived and are up by 20 per cent over the past three months. Yet the perception lingers that 'non-food' cannot flourish, which is why analysts rate shares a 'hold'.

Confident: In the words of boss Stuart Machin, the cyber incident is a bump in the road rather than a road block

M&S

Shares in M&S are 13 per cent lower than at the start of the year, thanks to the Scattered Spider cyber-attack. It forced online sales to be paused and left shelves empty, and will swipe 300m from operating profits.

Before the disruption filled, the focus was on the ascent of the food division. M&S was Britain's fastest growing supermarket, although the loss from the joint venture with online player Ocado remained a problem.

The project to persuade more families to make M&S their weekly shop destination is the first manifestation of the determination to reconfigure the business.

In the words of boss Machin, the cyber incident is a bump in the road rather than a road block.

In October 2022, I put money on the M&S revival when the shares stood at 112p. I will use the drop in the price to buy more. For the moment, analysts are more wary, considering the shares a 'hold'.

Investors can follow this recommendation, or rely on their own judgment. Prowl the aisles of all the supermarkets to check out who's pulling ahead in the war to lure more families to their stores.
With every day and night of her Chancellorship that goes by, Rachel from Accounts is transmogrifying into U-turn Rachel.

And after politically embarrassing turnarounds on cuts to both the winter fuel payment and out-of-control disability benefits, U-turn Rachel is at it again.

This time, its over her planned trimming of the annual cash Isa allowance, details of which we had been told for weeks would be spelt out next Tuesday at the Chancellors Mansion House speech in central London.

Now, according to Treasury officials, there will be no confirmation of a cash Isa haircut in her speech to the Citys great and good after all.

Why? Further consultation on any Isa overhaul, we have been informed, is required. Details of any haircut is postponed for another day.

So, for the time being, there will be no reduction in the annual cash Isa allowance from 20,000 to 4,000 as we had been widely told to expect. Triple U-turn Rachel. Enough to make her (and us) feel rather dizzy.

Of course, this is not a U-turn on the epic scale of those done on winter fuel payment and disability benefits. Its more a shift of position with regards to an anticipated policy.

Yet, it chips away at the Chancellors authority and begs serious questions of those in the Treasury who advise her on policy.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves at last month's Spending Review in the Commons. She has put a pin in plans to cut the annual cash Isa allowance, which had been due to be spelt out next Tuesday

Lets be honest. Cutting the cash Isa allowance as a way of nudging more savers to become (Isa) investors  the Chancellors grand desire  was a policy dreamt up in the Treasury madhouse.

Millions of people save  rather than invest  for a purpose and there is currently no better tax-friendly home available than a cash Isa where interest rolls up free of nasty income tax.

Savers put money in a cash Isa for a rainy day or a financial emergency; to build a deposit to put down on a first home; or to ensure their retirement is not undermined by financial insecurity.

They have no burning  or latent  desire to risk their money in the UK stock market as Ms Reeves hoped they would if the Isa rules were changed to encourage investing over saving. They are fundamentally risk averse.

Most of the surveys conducted in the past few months on the proposed changes pointed to the ludicrousness of Ms Reevess Isa grand plan.

For example, research conducted by investing platform AJ Bell indicated that only one in five cash Isa savers said they would put money into the UK stock market if they couldnt put it into a cash Isa. A majority said they would put their money in a taxable savings account instead.

Ms Reeves and her Treasury advisers also failed to understand the key role that cash Isas play in the wider economy. Its an argument that the trade organisation for building societies and credit unions  the Building Societies Association (BSA)  has articulated rather splendidly in recent months.

Although conservative by nature, the BSA has played a blinder in spelling out to the Chancellor the unintentional economic consequences of curbing cash Isas.

In two letters to U-turn Rachel  the first in February this year, the second earlier this week  BSA chief executive Robin Fieth warned that any reduction in the annual allowance could result in a mortgage shortage, increase the price of loans, and trigger house price falls.

Millions of people save  rather than invest  for a purpose and there is currently no better tax-friendly home available for their money than a cash Isa (picture posed by models)

In other words, by discouraging cash savers, the Government would be compromising the ability of building societies (and to a lesser extent banks) to raise sufficient funds to meet the demand for loans from home buyers and small businesses.

The future of the 20,000 cash Isa allowance is far from guaranteed. Further consultation may still result in it being given a snip, but we will probably have to wait until the Autumn Budget to learn of its fate.

Yet I do hope Triple U-turn Rachel will metamorphose back to Double U-turn Rachel and keep the 20,000 cash Isa allowance.

There are far better ways to encourage more people to invest in Isas  such as the abolition of stamp duty on share purchases made inside an Isa and greater financial education on the long-term benefits of investing.

What I find most discomforting about this whole cash Isa debacle is the adverse impact it has had on savers, especially the elderly.

Rumours of an impending allowance cut in the past few months, perpetuated by Treasury officials, has caused widespread anxiety among readers who depend upon their cash Isas to provide them with a vital tax-free financial buffer in retirement. This is no way to conduct government policy  and no way to treat the elderly.

Sadly, speculation on what the Chancellor will do to our savings, pensions, investments and wider wealth in the Autumn Budget has only just begun. We have three and a half more months of it ahead of us.

Already, rumours have been flying around about a cut in the tax relief we receive on payments into our work or self-invested personal pensions. A flat rate of 20pc tax relief on pension contributions could well be on the cards as opposed to the current system where higher and additional rate taxpayers enjoy 40 and 45pc relief.

Also, the rumour mill on a possible jaw-dropping reduction in the maximum amount of cash that we can take tax-free from our pension is starting to go into overdrive.

There is now widespread talk of a 100,000 cap, compared to the current rules that allow most people from age 55 to take 25pc tax-free cash subject to a maximum cap of 268,275.

There will be more for sure: speculation about higher taxes on capital gains and inherited wealth  and a possible wealth tax on the countrys wealthiest individuals.

For the greater financial good of households up and down the country, I think Treasury officials worth their salt should do a U-turn of their own.

Between now and the Budget, they should start dispelling those rumours about future tax changes that lack any substance (especially when it comes to pensions)  rather than allowing them to linger and nudging some people into making financial decisions they will later regret.

Its the least the public deserves.
Warehouse REIT has backed Blackstones latest 489million takeover offer and withdrawn its support for a rival bid from London-listed peer Tritax Big Box REIT.

The US private equity giant upped the ante in the fight over the British property firm on Thursday by gazumping the Tritax bid, which Warehouse had said last month it was minded to accept.

Warehouse chair Neil Kirton told shareholders on Friday the increased Blackstone offer provides them 'with a certain all-cash offer' at a premium to the Tritax bid.

He added: 'Warehouse independent directors now switch their recommendation in favour of the increased Blackstone offer accordingly.'

It is the latest battle to control a London-listed firm after Primary Health Properties last month won a tussle with American buyout firm KKR for GP surgery owner Assura.

UK publicly-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) have become takeover targets for private equity firms and property companies looking to snap up a bargain.

Bid battle: The board of British property firm Warehouse REIT said it was considering a sweetened proposal from US private equity giant Blackstone

Analysts said their shares are undervalued while commercial property prices have boomed.

Warehouse, which owns logistics hubs used by retailers and parcel couriers, agreed to be bought by Blackstone for 470million, or 110.5p per share, in June.

But Tritax Big Box, also listed in London, muscled in with a 485.2million bid that was accepted by Warehouse, subject to shareholders approval.

Tritax said the takeover, which valued Warehouse at 114.2p per share, would create a logistics property portfolio worth 7.4billion.

US buyout giant Blackstone yesterday said its sweetened bid, which values Warehouse shares at 115p each, is a 3.5 per cent premium to Tritaxs cash and shares offer.

Warehouses shares yesterday rose 2.7 per cent, or 3p, to 115.4p.

Oli Creasey, a researcher at Quilter Cheviot, said: While the uplift over Tritaxs proposal is modest, its still a few percentage points higher, enough to keep the spot- light on this increasingly competitive deal.

He said the battle was shaping up to be the other bidding war in UK real estate, echoing the Assura tussle, adding: Whats clear is that smart money sees value in the UK REIT space.

'With commercial property valuations recovering across most sub-sectors, discounted shares are attracting attention  and bids.

Matt Norris, head of real estate securities at Gravis, thinks the Warehouse takeover could drag on amid the absence of a 'knockout bid'.

He said: 'Blackstones increased cash offer of 113.4p still comes at a significant discount to the last reported asset value of 128p  it doesnt look like a knockout bid.

'Shareholders face a choice: the certainty of cash from private equity, or the potential of long-term value through a merger with Tritax Big Box.

'The appeal of Blackstones offer lies in its simplicity  cash. But certainty is not the same as value.

'Even at the revised level, the Blackstone offer remains significantly below the companys last reported EPRA net tangible asset value of 128.0p per share [as of 31 March 2025].'
Louis Vuitton has revealed that some of its UK customers' data has been stolen after it became the latest retailer to fall victim to a cyber-attack.

The luxury fashion label, owned by French giant LVMH, has told its British customers that it was hacked earlier this month. Marks & Spencer, Harrods and the Co-op fell victim to attacks by cyber criminals earlier this year.

A spokesman for Louis Vuitton, whose creative director is Pharrell Williams, said information taken included names, contact details and purchase history.

Hit: Louis Vuitton's creative director is Pharrell Williams (pictured above)

'While we have no evidence that your data has been misused to date, phishing attempts, fraud attempts or unauthorized use of your information may occur,' its email to shoppers warned.

It is the third cyber attack against LVMH in recent months after Louis Vuitton Korea said it was hacked last week. Christian Dior, also owned by LVMH, said some customer data had been stolen in May.
The cash Isa allowance will remain at 20,000, This is Money understands, after Rachel Reeves put the brakes on plans to cut it.

The Chancellor was widely expected to announce plans to slash the 20,000 tax-free allowance in her Mansion House speech on Tuesday, but has changed tack sources suggest.

Savers will still be able to put up to 20,000 a year into cash Isas with all the interest earned on savings being free from tax.

The move comes after a furious backlash from savers over rumoured plans to slash the tax-free savings allowance and the Daily Mail and This is Money's Hands off Cash Isas campaign.

It was thought the allowance could be cut to 4,000 or 5,000 in a bid to get cash savers investing in the stock market and boost the economy. A raid on cash Isas would also boost the 6billion the Treasury rakes in from tax on savings interest each year.

Matthew Carter, head of savings and mortgages at Coventry Building Society, which has backed the campaign to save cash Isas, said: 'Millions of savers will be able to breathe a sigh of relief if the Chancellor has decided to change course on cash Isas.

'Our members have told us time and again how unpopular a reduction to the tax-free savings limit would be. Slashing the cash Isa allowance would be all stick and no carrot.'

Scrapped: Chancellor Rachel Reeves is understood to have u-turned on plans to cut the cash Isa allowance from 20,000

The Chancellor is now understood to be seeking to consult more widely with banks and building societies about the best way to shift more money into investments.

Although some fund management and investment firms have lobbied for the cash Isa limit to be cut, there has been widespread criticism of the suggestion from investing platforms, banks, building societies and organisations representing savers.

Despite this, until now a cash Isa cut was considered nailed on in the Chancellor's Mansion House speech. However, there are concerns the reprieve may only be temporary.

Sarah Coles, of Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'There remains the risk that the cash Isa will be in the frame again in the run into the Budget.

'If there are changes to the framework, there is the hope this will focus on positive opportunities to improve Isas, rather than removing incentives to support investing and saving.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The Government is keeping all aspects of savings policy under review as the Chancellor scrambles to fill a black hole in the country's balance books, it is understood.

The news will offer solace for savers who will not see any changes to the cash Isa for now, though wider Isa reforms have not been ruled out.

Reeves has now been urged to commit to keeping the cash Isa allowance or state whether she does plan to reduce it, to stop uncertainty and discourage savers from acting on speculation.

The u-turn comes after fierce backlash to the alleged changes to the cash Isa allowance from savers and industry figures alike.

Earlier this week The Building Societies Association penned a letter to the Government warning restrictions imposed on cash Isas could have unintended consequences on the housing market.

Namely, reducing funding for lending, driving up mortgage prices and triggering a housing market downturn.

'This,' it says, 'would undermine efforts to stimulate economic growth, including the Government's commitment to delivering 1.5million new homes'.

Adam French, consumer expert at rates scrutineer Moneyfacts Compare said the move would have sparked 'chaos in the housing market' due to mortgage costs rising.

A Treasury spokesman said: 'Our ambition is to ensure peoples hard-earned savings are delivering the best returns and driving more investment into the UK economy.'

Now commit to leaving cash Isas alone, says JEFF PRESTRIDGE After months of speculation  and campaigning by The Daily Mail and This is Money  the Chancellor has put a pause on slashing the cash Isa allowance. Commonsense, not something that Ms Reeves has demonstrated in abundance since becoming Chancellor, has prevailed. Hurrah, twenty thousand times over. Jeff Prestridge: Commit now As we  and others such as the chirpy Building Societies Association have been saying for most of this year - cutting the annual cash Isa limit from 20,000 to 4,000 never made sense. In a month of Sundays, it would not have persuaded more of us to invest  rather than save  into an Isa, as was the Chancellors hope. People of all ages save in cash for all kinds of reasons  building a deposit to put down a first home, accumulating a stockpile against financial emergencies, and to see them through retirement. They have no desire to invest beyond maybe via their pension. Cash Isa savers shouldnt put the flags out quite yet. What we have been told is that Isa reform has been put on hold pending more consultation. So, there is still a chance that come the Budget in the autumn, the Chancellor could well reduce the cash Isa limit. My hope is that she will steer away from going down this wrong path. Yes, we need to encourage greater investing amongst the public, but not by discriminating against cash savers. The sooner the Chancellor commits to a 20,000 annual cash allowance, the better. Commonsense must prevail.
A woman who had a one-night-stand with a businessman she met in a nightclub has been ordered to pay him 25,000 after she launched a 'horrific' campaign of harassment and falsely accused him of raping her, MailOnline can reveal.

Cynthia Chia was ordered to pay the five-figure sum to energy trader Idowu Ogunkanmi, 44, for both harassment and libel, bringing to an end a bitter High Court court battle that she refused to engage with.

The court heard how Mr Ogunkanmi, who lives in Dubai but travels regularly for work, met Ms Chia in a London nightclub in 2015 but within months she began a 'sustained, relentless and vindictive' campaign of harassment that lasted almost nine years.

Mr Ogunkanmi has been awarded 25,000 in damages after the High Court judge ruled he had faced years of 'harassment' and 'malicious intent', while Ms Chia failed to turn up at court and was not represented.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, the father-of-three said: 'When I met her she seemed perfectly normal. For someone to be that persistent for so long on a lie, I pray for her. There's definitely something wrong with her, I don't know what it is.

'I met this person for less than 12 hours, that was it... to me that's been the scariest part.'

Mr Ogunkanmi says he was left 'traumatised' and 'shocked' by the allegations, explaining: 'I think she is a very hateful and troublesome person and she lied for so many years about something like that, reposting the same thing.

'There were so many accusations: rape, stealing her kids, conniving with the Met Police, getting her pregnant. It was all just baseless accusations. The accusations were beyond belief. I only ever met her once in my life.

Cynthia Chia (pictured) was ordered to pay the five-figure sum to Idowu Ogunkanmi, 44, for both harassment and libel, bringing to an end a bitter High Court court battle that she refused to engage with

'She probably thought I had a lot of money and was looking to extort me. Because I refused to be extorted, she started this hateful Instagram campaign on me and her friend.

'It's unbelievable that anyone could come up with these kind of things.'

Mr Ogunkami says he is relieved by the legal victory but believes he should have been awarded more 'as it does not fully account for the depth of damage to my reputation and well-being'.

He also said social media companies have a greater role to play, adding: 'Anyone can just go to the internet now or Instagram, create a fake post and say anything about anyone and Instagram will keep it there. I don't understand it.

'There are people who could have committed suicide. You could lose your job, you could lose your family just by someone out there creating these remarks about you.'

Court documents show the pair met when Mr Ogunkanmi asked one of Ms Chia's friends, Prisca Okoye, to pass on his number to her.

They partied together at the Steam Bar in the Hilton Hotel, Paddington, west London, and proceeded to have a one-night-stand at his room later that night.

Mr Ogunkanmi then flew back to Dubai the following day and despite only meeting once, they stayed in contact.

However, by early 2016 their relationship exploded when Ms Chia accused him of having sex with Ms Okoye which they both denied.

It was at this point that Ms Chia then began to repeatedly confront Mr Ogunkanmi about allegedly having sex with her friend - including threatening to 'destroy' him and asking him to send her thousands of pounds.

Mr Ogunkanmi, who admits he continued to speak to her about other matters, says he transferred her 250 which he believed was to cover her phone bill.

However, the intimidating messages from Ms Chia then escalated with her threatening to tell his friends and repeatedly calling his workplace, sometimes more than 100 times a day, the court heard.

The court heard how Mr Ogunkanmi, who lives in Dubai but travels regularly for work, met Ms Chia (pictured) in a London nightclub in 2015

Distressed by the harassment, Mr Ogunkanmi returned to London in May 2016 to report Ms Chia to the Met Police.

She was arrested and quizzed over the allegations in June that year before being bailed on the condition that she did not contact him or contact his colleagues.

But just six weeks later, Ms Chia texted one of his colleagues, saying Mr Ogunkanmi 'will spend the rest of his life in jail.'

However, this was only the start.

Mr Ogunkanmi's world would come crashing down when Ms Chia then accused him of raping her in September 2016.

He returned to London for a voluntary police interview in October 2017 and was subsequently cleared when detectives told him that no further action would be taken over the rape allegation.

But by January 2018, she started to bombard him with calls again before setting up multiple Instagram profiles - with names including cindylicious11 and u_smell-nice-witch - where she would post defamatory statements, the court heard.

In the flurry of posts, she repeatedly accused him of being a 'rapist' and shared his name and photo publicly. She also alleged that he had paid police officers and medical staff to destroy evidence.

Launching a lawsuit against Ms Chia, he claimed that the impression of the posts from a member of the public would be that he was a 'rapist' and that he had paid authorities to 'alter or destroy the evidence in the course of a criminal investigation against him.'

The pair met at the Steam Bar, which is located inside the Hilton Hotel in Paddington, west London (pictured)

Ms Chia continued to share defamatory posts on Instagram over several years between January 2018 and at least December 2021.

On December 31 2021 where she shared a photo of his face and claimed he had 'drugged, raped and impregnated' her.

In September 2022, the harassment continued on Twitter, now X, where she repeated the allegation that he was a rapist.

She then made an Instagram account with the username rapist_trying_to_avoid_justice where she again shared photos of his face and published eight defamatory posts.

Amid the bombardment of false allegations, she also claimed he had abused her child, tagging the Met Police, Dubai Police and National Crime Agency.

Mr Ogunkanmi sued her for defamation amid her online claims that he was a rapist, drugged her, bribed police officers and medical staff to destroy evidence, conspired to pervert the course of justice and abused her child.

He said the impact 'would have on his reputation are obviously so severe as to pass the threshold of serious harm on their face'.

His lawyer, Mr Symes, submitted that his client should have been awarded 120,000 for the harassment and defamation - however the judge ruled Ms Chia would only be ordered to pay 25,000.

Mr Ogunkanmi also sued Ms Chia over harassment following her repeated calls to him and his workplace as well as threatening damaging messages to his family and friends.

Ms Chia did not appear in court and was not represented. Deputy High Court Judge Susie Alegre said she 'has not engaged at all with the proceedings', which resulted in a default judgment being ordered.

The judge therefore only had to rule the amount of damages to award against Ms Chia and whether any injunctive relief was required against her.

Deputy High Court Judge Susie Alegre ruled: 'It is important for general damages in a defamation action to vindicate the Claimant's good name and it should be clear, from this judgment, that there is no truth at all in the defamatory posts.

'The fact that the Mr Ogunkanmi had a consensual sexual encounter with Ms Chia does not reflect 'a kernel of truth' and in no way justifies the horrific campaign of harassment, abuse and defamation that he has been subjected to for over nine years.

'The posts were clearly malicious which may be considered an aggravating factor and one for which a degree of compensation is due for injury to feelings.

'In light of all the circumstances of this case, weighing up the gravity of the allegations, the backdrop of years of harassment, malicious intent and a failure to engage on the part of the Defendant against the very meagre evidence of harm, particularly in this jurisdiction, and the limited distribution of the libel, I award a global figure of 25,000 in damages for both the harassment and the libel.'

The court also heard that 'arising out of her obsession with Mr Ogunkanmi, she has 'physically attacked Ms Okoye several times in public'.

Ms Chia was convicted of common assault in February and sentenced to 10 weeks in prison with a restraining order for five years.

The judge also ruled that injunctive relief was 'justified' to protect Mr Ogunkanmi's reputation and his right to a private life.

The judge added: 'It is clear that such injunctive relief is a necessary and proportionate measure to put a stop to the ongoing attacks on the Claimant.'
The summer of 1977 was a brutal chapter in the history of New York City.

Unemployment was at a near-record high and the Big Apple was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.

A stifling heatwave that sent temperatures soaring past 100 degrees was followed by a colossal power outage, throwing New Yorkers into darkness, forcing news stations off air and grounding planes at airports.

The blackout fueled widespread riots, looting and arson attacks across the five boroughs where violent crime was already rife.

Within this tinderbox, a demonic serial killer was embarking on a reign of terror that plunged residents further into a pit of fear and chaos.

For 13 months from July 1976 to July 1977, the 'Son of Sam' carried out a killing rampage that claimed the lives of six and left seven other victims wounded.

Armed with a Bulldog revolver, he hunted in the shadows, targeting mostly young couples in cars and on lovers' lanes across Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

When he earned the nickname the .44 caliber killer in the press, the notorious murderer coined his own chilling moniker - the Son of Sam - in a letter taunting the police captain on his tail.

David Berkowitz is led into the 84th NYPD precinct station in New York following his arrest on August 10, 1977

Police on the scene after the Son of Sam shot Robert Violante and Stacy Moskowitz in Brooklyn in July 1977

More letters followed to the NYPD and the media, complete with satanic symbols and haunting commentary: 'Hello from the gutters of N.Y.C., which are filled with dog manure, vomit, stale wine, urine and blood.'

The killer claimed that he was driven to kill by a 6,000-year-old demon named Sam which spoke to him through his neighbor's dog.

The Son of Sam shootings took over the city's consciousness and filled pages and pages of the daily papers. Young women - noting a pattern of brown-haired victims - began dying theirs blonde or wearing wigs. Other New Yorkers avoided going out altogether.

Then finally, on August 10, 1977, the Son of Sam - a 24-year-old postal worker from Yonkers by the name of David Berkowitz - was captured.

And the city breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Now, aged 72 and serving multiple life sentences behind bars, Berkowitz has spoken out in a rare email exchange with the Daily Mail about the attacks that struck terror into the heart of New York City almost 50 years ago.

In exclusive comments from Shawangunk Correctional Facility in upstate New York to the Daily Mail, Berkowitz continued to claim that he was 'used' by 'demons' and so-called 'driving forces' to carry out the Son of Sam shootings.

The serial killer described the murders as 'a demonically engineered and satanically driven event' - and, cryptically, toyed with the decades-long mystery as to whether or not he acted alone.

'As I have said throughout the years, even though in years past I was in great denial of it, the facts as I believe them to be today, is that the Son of Sam shootings was a demonically engineered and satanically driven event,' Berkowitz said.

'It was the work of demons, and I was used.'

He added: 'And it is only by the grace and mercy of Almighty God that I did not die, but have undeservedly survived.'

Despite coining the haunting moniker himself, Berkowitz has tried to distance himself from the Son of Sam name.

While behind bars, he claims to have found God as a born-again Christian and now prefers to be known as the 'Son of Hope.'

David Berkowitz (seen in 2003) told the Daily Mail his killing spree was 'a demonically engineered and satanically driven event'

Berkowitz told the Daily Mail that he was 'thankful to be alive, and by the grace of God do good things today with my life today.'

'The past could never be undone. I wish it could, but it's not possible. So I just have to keep moving forward,' he said.

'I am also grateful for the friends I have in my life today. These are good law abiding individuals who love me for who I am today, not for who I was in the past when a [sic] let the devil rule my mind.'

But, despite the apparent regret for his crimes, the Berkowitz suggested that he was simply a passive pawn being 'used' to do the devil's bidding.

In the polite, articulate message, he also continued to fuel the decades-long speculation that he might not have been the sole gunman responsible for all eight shootings - but instead was one member of a shadowy, Satanic cult whose depraved obsession with the occult had inspired the random murders.

Unprompted, Berkowitz told the Daily Mail about his 'true friend' Maury Terry, the investigative journalist who firmly believed that the serial killer did not act alone, cryptically hinting that he 'was more spot on than anyone else' in his findings.

'I am grateful for Mr. Maury Terry, a true friend who, with his inquisitive mind and intuitive giftings, had the ability to look at the Son of Sam case as it unfolded, and recognize that there was more to the situation than simply a troubled individual with [a] gun,' Berkowitz said. 'There were forces at work beyond the obvious.'

Terry investigated the Son of Sam shootings for years, and contradicted the official police narrative that Berkowitz was a lone gunman.

Instead, he claimed that Berkowitz was part of a far-reaching Satanic cult tied to the Manson family in Los Angeles and involved in child pornography, animal sacrifice - and, ultimately, murder.

As far as Terry was concerned, several members of this cult had carried out the killings.

His investigation of the case famously turned into a dogged obsession which took over his life, culminating in the loss of his marriage and health.

In the email, Berkowitz hinted at Terry's theory, cagily saying that the writer 'saw deeper' into the case than anyone in law enforcement.

A letter written by serial killer David Berkowitz to journalist Jimmy Breslin in May 1978

But, he added, Terry still did not get everything right.

'And unfortunately, although Mr. Terry saw deeper into the driving forces behind these crimes, he was still unable to identify what and who those forces were,' Berkowitz said.

'Nevertheless his cognitive abilities went far beyond those of law enforcement, and the so called 'experts' of psychology and human behavior. May he be recognized and honored for this.'

He added: 'And although I do not agree with all his findings, he was more spot on than anyone else. This is my view.'

Despite his hints, Berkowitz stopped short of explicitly saying what and 'who' these so-called 'forces' were - and which parts of Terry's findings he did and didn't agree with.

Over the years, Berkowitz has long fed the speculation that he might have acted with others.

When he was arrested in the summer of 1977, the then-24-year-old immediately confessed to committing all the shootings.

To the New York police officers in dogged pursuit of a killer who had thrown the city into chaos, the case was closed.

But Berkowitz soon began to change his story.

In a jailhouse interview with Terry in 1997, Berkowitz claimed that he was part of a Satanic cult with his neighbors, brothers John and Michael Carr, and other unnamed accomplices who would meet in Untermyer Park.

The Carr brothers were real-life 'Sons of Sam' - their father was named Sam Carr - and it was their dog Harvey that Berkowitz claimed had told him to kill.

Berkowitz told the Daily Mail about his 'true friend' Maury Terry (pictured) who believed he didn't act alone

According to Berkowitz, he was one of a group of Son of Sam killers, including the Carr brothers, and, while he was present for all of the eight shootings, he did not always pull the trigger.

'I was there, at all of them. And in the area, and scouting, and I had a part. I'm responsible for my involvement in those things, and, you know, definitely guilty,' he said at the time.

Specifically, Berkowitz claimed that John Carr pulled the trigger during the final shooting of Stacy Moskowitz and Robert Violante on July 31, 1977, and that he merely acted as a lookout.

A Netflix docuseries 'The Son of Sam Tapes', out on July 30, is expected to present newly unearthed recordings of interviews between Berkowitz and Terry in the 1980s and '90s.

But Berkowitz's comments have been inconsistent over the years.

In a 2017 interview with CBS News after finding faith in prison, Berkowitz wouldn't give a straight answer when asked if there was anyone else involved.

'Let's put it this way, there were demons,' he said.

Terry wasn't alone in his thinking that Berkowitz had accomplices.

Former Queens District Attorney John Santucci, former Yonkers police officer Mike Novotny and shooting survivor Carl Denaro told Dateline in 2004 that they believed more than one person was responsible for the shooting spree.

A witness to the Moskowitz and Violante shooting also gave a description of the gunman as a man with 'strawy' light brown or light blonde hair driving a yellow Volkswagen - a marked difference from the dark, curly haired Berkowitz who drove a cream-colored Ford Galaxy.

Yet the police on the case insisted that Berkowitz was the sole perpetrator.

David Berkowitz in a police car following his arrest for the shootings that terrorized NYC

The shootings stopped after his arrest and the Carr brothers were never charged in connection to them.

In a bizarre twist, John and Michael Carr met with shocking, early demises not long after the Son of Sam killing spree.

In February 1978, John was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a motel in North Dakota.

Around a year later in October 1979, Michael was killed in a car crash along the West Side Highway in Manhattan.

Almost five decades on from the infamous Summer of Sam, speculation about the role of Satanism and potential accomplices remains.

The Daily Mail has contacted Yonkers Police Department and the NYPD for comment about the hypothesis that there were accomplices, and any active investigations.

Despite being a born-again Christian, Berkowitz is showing no signs of wanting to put the years-long speculation to rest once and for all.

The 72-year-old did not respond to follow-up questions asking him to clarify his cryptic comments.

David Berkowitz in prison in 2006 (left) and 2024 (right). He says he is a born-again Christian

A pamphlet titled Son of Hope: The David Berkowitz story, shared with the Daily Mail

In the pamphlet, Berkowitz chronicles his childhood, crimes and then life behind bars through a colorful cartoon

He also did not respond to the Daily Mail's appeal to his faith to finally reveal the full truth about the shootings to give his victims and their families some closure.

In his email, Berkowitz described the shootings as a 'source of sorrow and regret' and spoke of his faith in God.

'While the past was a nightmare, it remains a continual source of sorrow and regret,' he said.

'Not just for me, but for all those who suffered loss, harm and pain, and still continue to do so.

'May God have mercy on everyone who has been affected by this. Their pain is a million times worse than mine, I'm sure.'

Berkowitz said he prays for his victims and has 'some good and positive communications with advocates for victims of crime'.

'As for the victims of this terrible tragedy, I continue to pray for those who were injured, as well as for the families who lost a loved one, and continue to grieve,' he said.

He told the Daily Mail he has 'a strong aversion to the media'. 'I suppose one could call it 'pain avoidance syndrome'. I hope you understand my humor,' he said.

Berkowitz has been behind bars for close to five decades and has been denied parole 12 times

Berkowitz directed the Daily Mail to his official website which features his letter of apology, prison journal entries and journey of faith.

'The good Lord, and I am absolutely convinced of this, has allowed me to remain alive, so that I could show forth His love, mercy and grace to all humankind,' he said.

'Also how even the worst members of society, to include those whom many think are beyond hope, can still be redeemed, transformed, and made into productive individuals.'

Berkowitz has been behind bars for close to five decades after being sentenced to 25 years to life for each of the six murders.

He was first eligible for parole in 2002 and, since then, has been denied release 12 times, most recently in May 2024. His next parole hearing is in May 2026.

But Berkowitz doesn't think that he will ever walk free from prison.

'Do I believe I will ever be released? Answer: No!' he said, adding: 'But I am in peace about this.'
With their flashy cars and luxury watches, gangsters hardly go out of their way to blend into the background.

In plenty of cases, their names and the source of their wealth are widely known by neighbours.

This is especially true in a city like Liverpool, which - experts say - stands out from others in England for the number of top-tier crime bosses born and raised locally, rather than hailing from overseas.

Huyton Firm boss Vincent Coggins's grip extended across Liverpool for decades, potentially aided by a corrupt police insider, while drug baron Curtis Warren even appeared on The Sunday Times Rich List with a 40million fortune.

So, given many people know what men like them are up to, why are they able to continue their life of crime for so long before being put behind bars?

Two former police detectives with decades of experience fighting gangs have spoken to the Mail to reveal the reality of investigating, infiltrating and taking down some of the country's most feared organised crime groups.

Given the long list of enemies they have gained through this dangerous work, it's no surprise they asked for their identities to be kept secret to avoid repercussions.

One of them, who served with Merseyside Police, described the difficulty of drawing out information on Liverpool drug dealers who recruit from a tight circle of friends - some of whom they first met in the school playground.

Police often depend on the remarkable bravery of close acquaintances - including, in one case, an ex-girlfriend - to risk their lives to come forward as witnesses.

The experienced investigator also talked about police corruption and how it can hinder investigations.

Meanwhile, the second retired detective insisted live, complex operations were 'not as easy as they seem on Netflix' - and that it's often the justice system itself, through its ban on using certain types of evidence such as phone interceptions - that holds them back.

He also offered a fascinating insight into the tactical considerations faced by police deciding when to make arrests - with the risk that they could lose chances to bring more criminals to justice by striking too soon.

Liverpool drug baron Curtis Warren with Teresa Rodrigues, a counsellor he had an affair with in prison

Vincent Coggins led Liverpool's infamous Huyton Firm for decades before he was jailed

A former girlfriend of Huyton Firm hitman Thomas Cashman helped bring the fiend to justice

Organised crime is present in all big cities, but experts have described Liverpool as standing out as one of the few in England where drug smuggling at the highest level remains in the hands of local criminals.

By contrast, foreign kingpins - particularly from Albania - now control the trade in Class A narcotics like cocaine in other major urban areas, including London and Birmingham.

Scouse gangsters often use their links to Liverpool's close-knit communities to their advantage, the former Merseyside Police detective says.

'In Liverpool some of the drug dealers were just very, very cute,' he said.

'They grew up within a tight circle of friends and do not trust lads they don't know. Some of these associations went back to the school playground.'

Originating in Stockbridge Village, an area of Knowsley in Merseyside that was previously known as the Cantril Farm Estate, the Huyton Firm is considered one of Liverpool's most powerful - and hated - criminal groups.

Its leader, Vincent Coggins, was recently jailed after police used hacked EncroChat (an encrypted mobile communication service) messages to expose his plot to wreak revenge on a group of men he accused of stealing 1million of cocaine.

Texts read out during the trial suggested the Huyton Firm may have had help from a corrupt police insider - nicknamed 'piggy' - who allegedly provided printouts from the Police National Computer.

The EncroChat hack proved the downfall of Vincent Coggins after officers read his plans to wreak revenge on men he suspected of pulling off a raid on one of his stash houses (pictured)

Your browser does not support iframes.

The Huyton Firm was originally known as the Cantril Farm Cartel after the estate, now renamed Stockbridge Village

Although in the borough of Knowsley, crime gangs from Huyton consider neighbouring Liverpool postcodes such as Dovecot, Knotty Ash and West Derby part of their turf

While Merseyside Police said it had not identified any suspects after trawling their systems, the suggestion is clearly concerning given the potential value to the group of knowing what information the police held on them.

The former Merseyside Police detective admitted that official corruption and incompetence were factors in enabling organised criminals to escape justice, but insisted it remains rare.

'The police are not perfect. Some coppers are bent, but only a handful,' he said.

'And yes some officers are a bit lazy but the majority are incredibly driven and professional.'

Fear is another factor in drug gang's favour, with crime bosses using violence - commonly carried out by lower-level associates - to subdue rivals and potential informants.

Of course, most large cities suffer from gang-related violence, but some of the most shocking cases have involved groups based on Merseyside.

One particularly notorious case involved the death of Liverpool man Christopher Brady, whose remains were found washed up on a beach in Spain's Costa del Sol in July 2002.

The 35-year-old had been tortured, suffocated and his lower legs amputated.

Britain was horrified by the senseless murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel (pictured) by Huyton Firm hitman Thomas Cashman

Council worker Ashley Dale, 28, was another innocent victim of Liverpool's gang wars

Ashley was murdered with a Skorpion sub-machine gun like this one

A stash of cocaine seized from a Liverpool gang by the National Crime Agency

While his death is believed to have followed a gang dispute, it would have served as a stark example of the risks of challenging their authority, including by passing information to police.

'The casual way these men spoke on EncroChat about killing people was a reminder of how dangerous and toxic they were,' the ex officer said.

'All the layers of criminality surrounding these people were laid bare - they were forced to throw their hands in.'

While many people are understandably too scared to share information on gangsters active in their own communities, some display stunning levels of courage to do so.

Among those is the former girlfriend of Huyton Firm hitman Thomas Cashman, who blew apart his fake alibi to make sure he was convicted for shooting dead nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in August 2022.

Following his jailing, Merseyside Police said the woman had received the most death threats of any witness they had ever dealt with.

She broke the criminal gang code to make sure her ex was held accountable for his crimes as she tore his testimony apart from the witness box, and even taunted him for lasting just 56 seconds in bed.

Niall Barry was one of the men found guilty of Ms Dale's murder. He was arrested by police while on his way to Glastonbury festival in 2022

Joseph Peers (left) and James Witham (right) were sent to kill Ms Dale's partner, Lee Harrison, and leave no witnesses

Now in the witness protection scheme, she may end up cut off from her friends and family for life.

The former Merseyside Police officer insisted a lack of resources to pursue drug gangs was another significant factor hindering police.

This claim was repeated by another detective who served with the Metropolitan Police for three years.

'Budgets were always tight and there were rarely the resources to go after the big fish,' said the man, who also asked not to be named to avoid repercussions.

'You also had a lack of dialogue between various law enforcement bodies, from the flying squad to MI5. This caused problems too.

'I think ordinary people don't appreciate that it's evidence, not intelligence that gets gangsters locked up. That's not always clear when you watch movies and Netflix shows.'

The retired detective singled out the ban in English courts on introducing evidence from intercepted telephone conversations as one challenge facing investigators.

The Government justifies this ban as necessary to avoid criminals working out how police and the security services are able to listen in to their calls.

Paul Woodford was an enforcer for the Huyton Firm and - like many gangsters - was convicted using evidence from EncroChat

Your browser does not support iframes.

This information is often used to intervene in active cases, such as terror plots.

Unlike telephone intercepts, audio and video from listening devices - which are usually planted in homes and cars - can be used as evidence.

The former detective pointed out that criminals were often technologically savvy and used various methods to evade law enforcement.

'I remember certain criminals would make sure that the pagers they used could not be attributed to them,' he said.

'And when pay-as-you-go mobile phones emerged on the market, that was it. You had no way of attributing phones to individuals.'

Police regularly monitor a crime gang for months, or even years, before making any arrests.

This means they may not bring these offenders into custody even if they have evidence they have been committing crimes.

'This is a question of strategy - if we hear a criminal target discussing a major drug conspiracy, we need to think about what to do,' the ex detective explained.

'If we make a move, he knows we are on to his conspiracy. So the police have to have a strategic approach when it comes to our response.

'The exception to this is when there is a threat to life. Then we are bound to act as soon as possible.'

A street in the Wavertree area of Liverpool following a deadly gangland shooting

The scene of a fatal shooting in on Quarryside Drive, Kirkby, last summer

Many detectives would point to other problems in the criminal justice system, including massive delays to crown court trials.

It currently takes an average of 355 days between an offence being recorded by police and the case reaching its conclusion in a crown court, but this time is often far longer for more complex cases, especially when there is a large quantity of evidence that needs to be disclosed by police and prosecutors.

Long waits can lead to witnesses dropping out of cases, which can make successful prosecutions less likely.

The ex detective believes that the increasing professionalism and globalised nature of many organised crime groups is another factor that will make it harder to bring their leaders to justice.

'The priority is always responding to murder and violent crime,' he said.

'Investigations into sophisticated crime groups tend to be time consuming and expensive. The results can be mixed.'
An Australian woman whose husband is being tortured in a Chinese concentration camp has doubled down on her fight to free him after the UN ruled he was wrongfully imprisoned.

Mulizati Tayier, who is part of the Uyghur ethnic minority, was arrested in China in 2020 just two days before he was due to move to Melbourne with his wife.

He was charged with terrorism and separatism and was sentenced to 25 years in prison following an unfair trial lacking due process in 2021, his barrister said.

But the United Nations have now published an opinion finding there was 'no legal basis' for Mr. Tayier's detention.

His rights to a fair trial were violated, including limited access to legal counsel and allegations of torture during interrogations, the UN found.

His legal team asserted the detention was based solely on his Uyghur ethnicity, Muslim faith, and temporary residence in Turkiye, 'without any credible evidence of criminal activity, constituting discriminatory detention'.

His wife Mehray Mezensof, an Australian national who works as an aged care nurse, said she was unsurprised by the UN opinion, maintaining her husband's innocence.

'There is not a shred of evidence against him which ties him to any kind of criminal or terrorist activity,' she said.

Mulizati Tayier was supposed to move to Melbourne in 2020 to live with his Aussie wife Mehray Mezensof (both pictured) when he was arrested by Chinese authorities

He was was sentenced to 25 years in prison after an unfair trial a year later

'He is an ordinary man who was just trying to start the next chapter of his life with me in Australia when his whole world was turned upside down.

'He has been through hell and has suffered more than enough. He deserves to have a life with me.

'The Chinese Government needs to release him immediately.'

The UN group's concluding remarks highlighted Mr Tayier should be released immediately and provided with compensation and reparations.

The document, seen by Daily Mail Australia, also raised concerns the unlawful imprisonment 'indicates a widespread or systemic practice of arbitrary detention' in China, which violates its international human rights obligations.

The Chinese embassy in Canberra has been contacted for comment.

Mr Tayier, a former tour guide and culinary graduate, was arrested three times from 2017 to 2020 but was never shown a warrant, his barrister and director of Justice Abroad Michael Polak said.

He said the reason repeatedly cited by authorities was his client's past travel to Turkiye, where he had studied and worked.

An aged care nurse, Ms Mezensof said she is unsurprised by a UN document found there was no legal basis for her husband's imprisonment

She has urged the Chinese government to release her husband immediately

Uyghurs are banned from travelling to 26 'sensitive countries', most of which have a Muslim majority population.

Mr Tayier's first detention in 2017 saw him held without charge for 10 months before being transferred to two 're-education' camps, where in one he was allegedly 'strung up with no food or water'.

The second, in 2020, was when he was re-arrested over his travel history but released after a COVID outbreak in the detention facility.

The most recent, third detention came in 2020 in advance of China's National Day on the basis of being a 'potential threat'.

'Mr Tayiers detention is not only unlawful but part of a wider pattern of discrimination against Uyghurs,' Mr Polak said.

'There is no evidence of any involvement in any criminal activity, Mr Tayier is being detained solely because of his ethnicity and religion.

'Mr Tayier is the husband of an Australian citizen and we call on the Australian Government to use their improved relationship with the Chinese Government to request that he is released immediately.'

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson has said the Australian Government 'holds grave concerns about human rights violations in Xinjiang'.

Mr Tayier's barrister has said the imprisonment is part of a wider pattern of discrimination against people of the Uyghur ethnic minority in China

'Australia will continue to raise human rights concerns publicly, in multilateral forums, and directly with China, including at the highest levels,' they said.

'We call on China to address the credible findings of UN experts, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and remain disappointed with its response to Australia's recommendations at the Universal Periodic Review.'

The couple's whirlwind romance began when they were introduced online by their mothers who both went to school together in Xinjiang.

Ms Mezensof's family migrated to Australia and she was raised in Melbourne where she became a nurse.

Mr Tayier was living in Istanbul at the time learning Turkish and working as a travel guide.

The two 'hit it off' from their very first interaction with the pair 'constantly cracking jokes and making each other laugh'.

After just three months Mr Tayier told Ms Mezensof he knew she was 'the one' and asked her to marry him.

She said in 2022 that he was the 'family-oriented man' she had been looking for, so Ms Mezensof packed her bags and headed to the city of Xinjiang capital of Urumqi in 2016.

The smitten couple had decided it would be easier for the two to get married in Xinjiang and then apply for Mr Tayier to get a visa to live in Australia where he hoped to start a Uyghur-style kebab shop.
The parents of Idaho murders victim Ethan Chapin have revealed their heartbreak after having the most amazing weekend with their children - only for their world to be ripped apart seven days later.

Stacy and Jim Chapin spoke out in Prime Videos new four-part docuseries One Night in Idaho: The College Murders about the final moments they shared as a family with their son and his triplet siblings Maizie and Hunter, just days before Ethan, his girlfriend Xana Kernodle and two friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen were murdered by Bryan Kohberger.

In a clip from the series, exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail, the parents reveal how - in that moment - they felt so proud of their children that they 'literally high-fived each other' and told themselves 'we've done it.'

'Weve done it. Were good,' Jim says.

'And thats such a huge satisfaction as a parent you feel.

'And then to have it taken away in seven days. It was very short-lived.'

The weekend of November 5, 2022, was parents weekend at the University of Idaho where Ethan, Maizie and Hunter were all in their second year of college.

The Chapins went to Moscow, Idaho, to spend time with their children and recall seeing how much they were all 'starting to adult.'

Hunter, Jim, Stacy, Ethan and Maizie Chapin (left to right) seen together on parents weekend at the University of Idaho

Ethan with his girlfriend Xana Kernodle and brother Hunter. One week later, Ethan, Xana and two of their friends were murdered by Bryan Kohberger

'It was the most amazing weekend,' Stacy says proudly.

'We could tell that Ethan was serious with Xana,' she adds.

Jim adds: 'It was so fun. You could just see where they were starting to adult.'

Gut-wrenching photos capture that happy moment in time, with the family-of-five beaming, arms around each other as they pose in University of Idaho 'Vandals' caps and shirts.

Other photos from that weekend show a smiling Kernodle enjoying the weekend with her boyfriend's family.

The Chapins look back fondly on the moment they left Moscow on the morning of Sunday November 6, 2022, to head back home.

'We left Sunday morning and literally as we were driving out of town Jim and I - and I mean this - we literally high fived each other,' Stacy says. 'Weve done it.'

Jim recalls the 'huge satisfaction they felt in that moment' - before it was 'taken away' from them just one week later: 'It was very short-lived.'

'Youre supposed to raise your kids so that they fly,' Stacy says.

Her eyes brim with tears as she adds: 'And wed literally had a weekend of that one week.'

It was exactly one week later when - in the early hours of Sunday November 13, 2022 - Kohberger went on his murderous rampage.

Ethan Chapin's parents Jim and Stacy Chapin speak out in the series about their son's murder

The 30-year-old criminology PhD student at Washington State University broke into the off-campus student home at 1122 King Road that Kernodle, Mogen and Goncalves shared with two other roommates Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen.

At around 4am, Kohberger entered the three-story home and went straight up to Mogens room on the third floor, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson said during the killer's plea hearing last week.

There, he found Mogen and her best friend Goncalves sleeping in the same bed, stabbing both of them to death.

On his way back downstairs or on leaving the property, he encountered Kernodle on the second floor, who was still awake and had just received a DoorDash food order.

He fatally attacked her with the knife and then also murdered Chapin who was sleeping in her bed.

Kohberger then left through the back sliding door on the second story of the property, passing Mortensen who had been woken by the noise and peeked around her bedroom door.

Mortensen and Funke - whose bedroom was on the first floor - were the only survivors.

Terrified after seeing a masked man inside the home, Mortensen and Funke desperately tried to call and text their friends but got no response.

Pictured: Hunter Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin and Maizie Chapin before the murders

Ultimately, Mortensen ran down to Funkes room on the first floor where they both stayed until daylight.

Around eight hours later, when they still couldnt get in touch with the four victims, they called their friends Hunter Johnson, Emily Alandt and Josie Lauteren over to check the home.

Johnson found the bodies of his best friends Chapin and Kernodle, and a haunting 911 call was placed by the students.

In the Prime Video series, Hunter Chapin also spoke out about the devastating moment he learned of his brother's murder from his friends - and then had to break the news to his family.

It was around midday when he said he was woken by one of his Sigma Chi frat brothers shaking me and saying there was police over at the King Road home.

At first, he thought nothing of it.

Okay, thats probably normal. Theres more noise complaints there than anywhere else on campus, he recalls thinking.

But when he walked over to the home and saw several of their friends outside, he knew something terrible had happened.

So I was walking over to the King Road house and I saw a group of people sitting on the ground and its all the people that I have been hanging out with, he says.

And they all just had this look on their face when I walked up like the world had ended.

His friends struggled to break the news to him that they had found his brother dead.

Im like what the hells going on. Like wheres Ethan? And they're like Ethans not here anymore, he says.

Maizie Chapin (left ) and Hunter Chapin (right) broke their silence in the new Prime Video series

Hunter remembers asking: What do you mean Ethans not here anymore? Like where did he go?

When they told him your brothers dead, he says he thought it cant be true.

I didn't even know how to respond to it as it's just so unreal that someone I had spent almost every minute of my life with I just don't know, he says, breaking down mid-sentence.

Hunter then had to break the devastating news to his family members.

First, he called Maizie - telling her to immediately get someone to drop her off at the home.

I just knew, she says, remembering the gut feeling she had as she made her way to the property.

When he then called his mom, she was at the grocery store.

Stacy recalls her son repeatedly telling her Ethans not here and Ethan and Xana are not here as he couldnt bring himself to say the words that he was dead.

Bryan Kohberger murdered Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves (together on left), Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin (together on right) in a brutal knife attack

Left to right: Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee's shoulders) Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke

Theyre not on this earth anymore, he told her.

Stacy abandoned her shopping cart and left the store, calling her husband Jim and racing to Moscow together.

Another six weeks passed before Kohberger was arrested at his parents home in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania - where he had returned for the holidays.

During that time, he finished out his semester at WSU where he had embarked on a PhD in criminology.

He also meticulously scrubbed his Pullman, Washington, apartment and his car - the white Hyundai Elantra he had driven to and from the crime scene - clean of evidence.

Investigators tracked him down, however, after he left a KaBar leather knife sheath next to Mogens body at the scene. Through Investigative Genetic Genealogy, the FBI managed to trace DNA on the sheath to Kohberger.

His motive for the murders still remains a mystery, with Kohberger having no known connection to any of the victims or their friends.

Prosecutors believe Kohberger did not intend to kill all four victims that night - but did intend to kill and had planned his attack for months, buying a KaBar knife from Amazon to use as his murder weapon in March 2022.

After two years of protesting his innocence, the 30-year-old criminology PhD student finally confessed last week to the murders as part of a plea deal to save himself from the death penalty.

Bryan Kohberger finally pleaded guilty last week to murdering the four University of Idaho students

Under the terms of the plea deal, Kohberger will be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole and will also never have a chance to appeal his conviction or sentence.

The plea deal divided the victims families with the Chapin and Mogen families supporting it and the Goncalves and Kernodle families opposing it.

For the Chapins, the hearing on July 2 where Kohberger changed his plea marked the first time they attended one of his court appearances - as a show of support for the agreement.

Now, the families of the victims will be given the opportunity to deliver impact statements at his sentencing hearing on July 23.
Senators are fed up with embattled Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon and a large coalition of lawmakers are eagerly awaiting his downfall.

The latest blunder out of the Defense Department came this week after Hegseth paused some weapons shipments to Ukraine, a move which reportedly surprised President Trump himself.

Officially, the White House has denied any information gap between Hegseth, 45, and the president.

But when asked on Monday who ordered the shipment pause, Trump responded: 'I dont know. Why dont you tell me?'

That response created an uncomfortable moment - and not least because the president sat next to Hegseth as he spoke.

Soon after, the Trump administration resumed the weapons shipments.

The incident has now sparked senators on both sides of the aisle to openly question whether former Fox News host Hegseth is the right man for the job - a concern that stems back to his confirmation process earlier this year, during which his past drinking and infidelity were put on full display.

It also comes after his humiliating involvement in the 'Signalgate' scandal in March, when a reporter was inadvertently added to a government group chat - on the encrypted app 'Signal' - discussing top secret military strikes in Yemen.

Some in the Senate are fed up with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth 's leadership at the Pentagon and a large coalition of lawmakers are eagerly awaiting his downfall

The latest blunder out of the Defense Department came this week after Hegseth paused some weapons shipments to Ukraine , a move which reportedly surprised President Trump himself

The incident has now sparked senators on both sides of the aisle to openly question whether former Fox News host Hegseth is the right man for the job

That episode resulted in Mike Waltz stepping down from his role as national security advisor.

Things were then made worse in April when a slew of high-ranking officials, including Hegseth's chief of staff, left the department after yet more leaks - including of confidential details about a sensitive trip to the Panama Canal.

Hegseth survived both debacles - but neither blemish has been forgotten.

'Was Trump told personally by Hegseth [about the Ukraine weapons pause]? Maybe not,' one Republican senator told the Daily Mail. 'Does that mean Hegseth didn't tell anybody? Not necessarily. [It's] possible he was totally freelancing.'

This senator shared that they personally like Hegseth. 'But there are a lot of people who are sharpening knives,' they warned.

'People who didn't want him in the first place. There are a lot of people who would be delighted to see him go. A lot of people.'

In a statement, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell pushed back, telling the Daily Mail: 'President Trump has repeatedly praised Secretary Hegseth for his leadership and endorsed his ability to get the job done - that has not and will not change.'

As for the White House, deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement: 'President Trump has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth, who is doing an incredible job leading the DOD. There is no wedge between the President and Secretary Hegseth.'

But there are plenty of Republicans who say otherwise.

This week, Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C. - who in June said he would not seek re-election - suggested that he regretted casting the deciding vote to confirm Hegseth.

'I think it's clear he's out of his depth as a manager of a large, complex organization,' Tillis said.

Meanwhile, Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, told the Daily Mail: 'I think it would be really unusual for a Secretary of Defense to put a pause on assets to somebody like Ukraine, who we want to help, without consulting the president.'

'But it sounds like the president stepped in and kind of changed that directive, huh? Interesting.'

Murkowski is one of three Republican senators who did not vote for Hegseth's confirmation, alongside Susan Collins and Mitch McConnell.

Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who voted against Hegseth's confirmation earlier this year, said it was 'interesting' how the president had stepped in to resume the flow of munitions to Ukraine

Hegseth's nomination to Trump's cabinet was one of the most tedious, as multiple reports surfaced highlighting his past drunken behavior and alleged treatment of women.

In the hearings, Hegseth admitted he is 'not a perfect person' - but denied any wrongdoing against women.

Hegseth has been married three times and has been with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet, since 2019.

He has admitted to cheating on his first wife at least five times, Vanity Fair reported.

Predictably, Democrats are celebrating rumors of a rift between Trump and Hegseth.

'Hegseth has unfortunately fulfilled predictions that he'd be disastrous in that position,' Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) said.

'It just shows you the dysfunction of the executive branch,' New Jersey's Andy Kim added.
A British mother drowned in front of her husband and teenage son after being swept away by waves in Corfu.

The tragedy occurred at Roda beach in northern Corfu on Wednesday, while the mother, 50, and father had been swimming in the sea.

Due to bad weather and harsh winds, the Brit parents were left battling waves as they attempted to reach the shoreline.

Greek reports of the incident have varied with some saying strong currents and bad weather caused the two swimmers to lose control while others reported that the couple were swept towards a rocky area next to the pier.

Swimmers intervened and onlookers called the fire services but the mother was unable to be rescued. The woman, who has not yet been named, was pulled unconscious from water,' according to Corfu Press.

Her husband, who suffered minor injuries, was pulled out earlier and watched the rescue process of his wife in a state of panic and shock, alongside their 16-year-old son.

The mother was transported to a private clinic by ambulance, where she was pronounced dead. She was then taken to Corfu General Hospital.

A Foreign Office spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Greece and are in touch with the local authorities.'

A British mother drowned in front of her husband and teenage son after being swept away by waves in Corfu. The tragedy occurred at Roda beach (pictured) in northern Corfu on Wednesday, while the mother and father had been swimming in the sea

According to local media, forensic examination is expected to be conducted in order to clarify the exact causes of her death, namely whether it was due to drowning or fatal blows from the rocks.

The husband and son were also transferred to Corfu General Hospital in a state of shock for first aid and psychological support.

It comes after a British tourist, 67, died on a cruise ship travelling through Corfu last week.

The man passed away while on board the vessel, which was 'flying the Maltese flag' in the port of Corfu.

Last year,an elderly British man died after his quad bike veered off a road in Corfu.

The 74-year-old was riding down the Corfu to Lefkimmi Road, near the hamlet of Alevropari, on the south side of the Greek island when he veered off course and fell off his motor, resulting in fatal injuries.

In 2023, a British police woman plunged to her death while on holiday in Corfu.

Hannah Emily Byrne, 22, had been out on the first night of her holiday in the Greek resort of Kavos when she suffered a fatal head injury after falling several metres.

The officer, who was serving with Surrey Police, had decided to stay out while her colleague went back to their hotel.

Greek authorities believe the fatal injuries she sustained outside a bar are compatible with an 'accidental fall'.

The Brit was allegedly left bleeding on the street - possibly for hours - before she was found, Greek media reported at the time.
A tiny county that voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump has now been doomed by his flagship policy.

A staggering 85 percent of Knox County in Kentucky backed the president in the election in November, with just 14 percent wanting Kamala Harris sworn in.

But just eight months later they may be regretting it, as his Big Beautiful Bill looks set to tear apart their everyday lives.

The policy looks set to strip $1trillion from Medicaid leaving millions without insurance that could decimate healthcare systems in rural areas.

Knox County, which has 30,000 people in it, has 38 percent of its total population on the system, including over 7,000 children.

Now locals have spoken out, and feel betrayed by Trump, who promoted the bill as a 'win for workers, farmers, and America's future.'

Experts have also weighed in and pointed out it leaves up to 17million Americans without any health cover.

A staggering 85 percent of Knox County in Kentucky backed the president in the election in November, with just 14 percent wanting Kamala Harris sworn in

Donald Trump's massive bill, which adds trillions to the national debt, was passed on Independence Day, but for 17million Americans, there was no celebration. Congress just passed a bill that will striped $1trillion from Medicaid

Congress just passed a bill that will strip $1trillion from Medicaid and leave millions without insurance. It has the potential to decimate healthcare systems in rural areas, like Knox County, Kentucky, which has a population of 30,000

Dr Osama Hashmi, a dermatologist in Atlanta, told the Daily Mail: 'People think of healthcare as a free-market system and it's really not. It affects everybody.'

For Knox County resident Teresa McNab, whose husband fell ill and fatally started seizing on the floor of their home in 2021, Medicaid helped save their family.

Now, she and her daughter's coverage is being threatened by Trump's prized bill, which requires workers to work at least 80 hours per month to qualify for it.

For the line cook, who also cares for her mother, it's nearly impossible, she told The Telegraph.

'I take care of my daughter, I take care of my 78-year-old mom, I take care of our home, and half the time I don't even have time for myself,' she said.

For Lisa Garrison, she would not have been able to afford her daughter's eye condition that would have cost her $180,000 without Medicaid.

'You will be left without hospitals that can serve you near the hollers, without affordable or state-provided healthcare and SNAP benefits will also be affected.'

She added on her Facebook page earlier this month: 'This bill is atrocious and dangerous. This bill will cause people to die.'

Dr Hashmi agrees, adding to the Daily Mail that it will '100 percent lead to death'.

Kentucky faces the highest number of rural hospital closures in the country due to the bill, which will cut $28million from the Bluegrass State's program in 10 years.

For Knox County resident, Teresa McNab, whose husband fell fatally in 2021, Medicaid helped save their family from drowning under the weight of medical bills. For Lisa Garrison, she wouldn't have been able to afford her daughter's condition that would have cost her $180,000

Thirty-five hospitals in Kentucky are at risk, Democrat Governor Andy Beshear said, and 200,000 in the state could lose coverage.

The Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform found that the Bluegrass State has 19 hospitals that already have 'losses on services', which will only get worse when hospitals have to eat the cost of Medicaid cuts for patients unable to pay.

It also found that 16 are definitely at risk of closing, with four at the immediate risk level, a June 2025 report found.

'This bill risks 200,000 Kentuckians' lives, the jobs of 20,000 healthcare workers, 35 rural hospitals, and our economy,' the governor said in a statement. 'The passage of the 'big, ugly bill' marks a sad day for our country and commonwealth.

'Kentucky deserves better.'

The Medicaid cuts don't go into effect until January 1, 2027, but Hashmi said recipients will feel the effects much sooner and possibly within the next 12 months.

Hospitals and other healthcare providers in Atlanta, where he works, have already begun discussing whether or not they will continue to accept Medicaid as they 'decrease [their] reliance' on it ahead of the upcoming federal funding losses.

'That planning starts now,' Hashmi, who volunteers and works at a private practice, said. 'Patients will see the effects in 12 months.'

Eighty-five percent of the small county, located near the Kentucky-Tennessee border, voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election (pictured: Barbourville in Knox County)

One percent voted for now-Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr . and 14 percent voted for Kamala Harris (pictured: Barbourville in Knox County)

Although those who lose their coverage will feel the effects the fastest, the federal cuts also hurt those using private insurance.

As hospitals and doctors' offices close in rural areas, patients will be forced to go to urban areas and even metropolises to receive care, which ups wait times, decreases the quality of care as doctors have to see more patients, and threatens the infrastructure of healthcare.

'We already have an access problem in the US,' Hashmi said.

More so: 'We all pay into this,' the dermatologist said. Without federal funding, the states will have to subsidize hospitals to keep them afloat or the facilities risk bankruptcy.

This means the 50 states, especially those that heavily rely on Medicaid funding, will have to raise taxes for residents.

'State systems are going to be severely disrupted,' Hashmi said.

The debt hospitals take on for low-income patients will also rise, not just because ill person cannot pay them, but they will now take longer to seek care.

This means, when they do seek medical attention, they'll be in later stages of diseases and illnesses that will require more advanced care, especially for cancer patients, who might seek help after it's too late.

'People think healthcare of a free-market system and it's really not,' Dr. Osama Hashmi, a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta and co-founder of Impiricus, told Daily Mail. 'It affects everybody'

Governor Andy Beshear condemned the bill, saying it risks 35 hospitals in Kentucky and 200,000 residents could lose their insurance. 'Kentucky deserves better,' he said

Hashmi said he has many patients where he can cure their skin cancer by simply removing it if it's detected early, but for those who wait longer, it might not be so simple.

He fears more Medicaid patients will wait until it's an emergency to seek help.

'I think they should be really worried,' he said of the cuts.

Miller Morris, a women's health researcher, said: 'Medicaid isn't just a line item, it's a lifeline.'

And the cuts affect organizations like Planned Parenthood, which provides STD testing, prenatal and postpartum services, and birth control to patients.

'Cutting these services means millions of low-income women, especially in rural areas, will lose access to basic, often life-saving care.'

Leadership Consultant, Harold Reynolds, of Chicago, who works with clients in rural areas, called the bill a '$1trillion mistake.'

'Whether the motive is fiscal conservatism or opposition to the [Affordable Care Act], the result of these cuts is not a more efficient system. It's a more fragile one,' he told Daily Mail.

Miller Morris, a women's health researcher, said: 'Medicaid isn't just a line item, it's a lifeline.' Leadership Consultant, Harold Reynolds, agreed, saying: 'Gutting it weakens the whole system'

And if rural communities are impacted significantly more than urban and cities, it could become a legal problem for the Trump Administration if they're accused of discrimination, Attorney Ben Michael, of Michael & Associates, told Daily Mail

'We're not just talking about trimming excess, we're pulling funding from hospitals and providers that serve everyone.'

Many experts also told Daily Mail that the miseducation surrounding Medicaid - which is also called Obamacare - very much could have played a role in the support and confusion surrounding this bill.

Many people whose healthcare was threatened under the bill had no idea, as they didn't realize their services were Medicaid, which now risks the health and safety of children, adults, and the elderly.

'Supporters justify this by pointing to $56billion in 'improper payments' in 2023. But what they don't explain is that the vast majority of those payments are not fraud,' Reynolds said.

'According to federal data, only about 1-4 percent of those improper payments are suspected fraud. The rest are paperwork errors, billing mismatches, or technical violations.

'What's really being cut is the funding that pays for maternity wards, ambulance services, emergency rooms, and nursing home care. Medicaid isn't just a benefit for the poor. It's a revenue stream for hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

'Gutting it weakens the whole system,' Reynolds concluded.

And if rural communities are impacted significantly more than urban areas and cities, it could become a legal problem for the Trump Administration, Attorney Ben Michael, of Michael & Associates, told Daily Mail.

'With eligibility requirements becoming stricter, and if rural areas are more negatively impacted as others, that may be grounds for legal action in regard to discrimination,' he said.

But for now, Americans brace for the inevitable and pray for a more equitable solution.
Keir Starmer's small-boats deal with France is set to resurrect some of the interminable problems faced by the Tories' Rwanda scheme.

The Home Office admitted it expected the plan to be subject to legal challenges, opening up the prospect of delays.

Crucially, it remains unclear  assuming the scheme does eventually get up and running  whether the prospect of removal to France will actually serve as a deterrent.

Small-boat migrants who are sent back will not be detained, leaving them free to try to get into Britain by whatever means possible.

And as initial details of the new Anglo-French deal began to trickle out last night, they raised more questions than answers.

How many migrants will be sent back to France?

Despite suggestions the scheme would return about 50 migrants a week to begin with, yesterday's announcement was far less clear on numbers. Officials said it would start on a small scale and slowly build up capacity. Given that there have been 44,359 small-boat arrivals since Labour came to power, not including yesterday's arrivals, such a slim chance of being selected may encourage migrants to carry on regardless.

Who will be selected for removal?

Any adult who arrives in Britain by small boat could be earmarked for removal to France, officials said. But the exact process is at this stage unknown.

A migrant small boat passes the beach at Gravelines, France on July 10

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, on an RNLI lifeboat

'It will be an operational matter on the day, depending on a range of operational issues,' an official said, evasively.

The Prime Minister also said that revealing the details would undermine how the scheme works, without elaborating.

Once someone has been selected, the Home Office will use existing powers to declare their asylum claims 'inadmissible'  under the Tories' Nationality and Borders Act 2022, which Labour refused to back when in Opposition. The selected migrants will be held in immigration removal centres, which have space for 2,200. They will then be transported back to France, possibly on Home Office charter aircraft.

Anyone removed will not be returned to northern regions of the country, officials indicated, suggesting they will be flown further away from the small-boat hotspots around Calais.

What are the potential political and legal problems with the plan?

First, it will have to be signed off by Brussels. There is a possibility the European Union Commission will baulk at the idea of a bilateral immigration deal between the UK and France, given that such matters are supposed to be dealt with across the bloc.

Yesterday's declaration said: 'The agreement will be finalised and signed subject to completing prior legal scrutiny in full transparency and understanding with the commission and EU member states as this initiative is related to an EU external border.'

Then there will be legal challenges at home. For example, individuals selected for removals could claim there are 'exceptional circumstances' which should allow them to stay.

The whole project could also face legal challenges by pro-migrant groups, such as those which had the Rwanda scheme declared unlawful by the Supreme Court. However, officials said they were confident they could win such cases because France is a safe country and a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Who will Britain accept in return?

The deal will see small-boat migrants exchanged on a 'one for one' basis for other types of migrants who are still in France. They must prove their nationality and undergo 'strict security checks'  making an application through a special website set up by the Home Office. Three criteria will be applied. First, the Home Office may select those who are 'most likely to be exploited by traffickers' and make up the largest nationalities on small boats  Afghans, Iranians and Iraqis being the current top three.

Second, they may have family connections here. And third, they may be from countries which have a high proportion of asylum claims granted, such as Sudan (with 99 per cent of claims granted), Syria (98 per cent) or Eritrea (86 per cent). Trying to enter Britain illegally  such as by small boat  will render individuals ineligible for the new route.

Will the scheme deter migrants?

It seems unlikely that migrants who are prepared to risk their lives, and in some cases the lives of their children, to cross the Channel illegally will be put off by the slim chance of being removed to France. The Conservatives dismissed it last night as a 'weak and ineffective gimmick'.

Indeed, the Anglo-French scheme seems to be a far less rigorous deterrent than the previous government's Rwanda asylum deal. Under that  and a host of legal changes connected with it  migrants would have been sent 4,000 miles away to east Africa.

Under yesterday's deal, they will be taken only as far as France, where the temptation to try again may be impossible to resist.

Are the traffickers likely to be deterred?

The PM insisted the deal would 'finally turn the tables' on the migrant crisis and 'break the business model' of the smugglers. But crimelords have had nearly seven years to become accustomed to the easy money they can pocket thanks to the Channel.

In this multi-billion-pound smuggling racket, it is not the criminals who take the risk, but their customers.

In the face of a new returns deal, they will again change tactics  perhaps offering a kind of 'season ticket' to make a second, third or fourth Channel crossing if someone is forcibly returned to France after their first attempt.

Perhaps they will offer a back-up plan to those who are removed from Britain, so they can try again  but this time in the back of an HGV? Then, once here the migrants would avoid contact with the Home Office altogether and disappear into the black economy to live and work here illegally. This type of clandestine method used to be the prime method of illegal entry to Britain before the small-boats crisis, and could now see a resurgence.

What difference will it make to the number of asylum claims?

Hard to predict, but probably very little. The year to March saw a record number of asylum claims made in Britain  just over 109,000, a figure up 17 per cent in a year.

The 'one for one' nature of the deal will not see that number come down, but it will reduce the number who arrive by small boats into Dover. The 'optics' of the problem, as Whitehall policymakers would say, may possibly improve.

Are the French going to stop small boats already in the water?

An expected announcement on a new 'maritime review' by the French was absent yesterday. It had been thought details would emerge of how the country's riot police would be allowed to intercept 'taxi boats' used by smugglers even after they had set off from beaches, rivers or canals. But Sir Keir said only that the review was 'ongoing'.
A Secret Service agent suspended over the attempted assassination of Donald Trump failed to secure the perimeter of the campaign rally, it has been revealed, as the heartbroken widow of a firefighter shot dead in the botched attack hit out.

Myosoty Perez was one of six agents suspended for between 10 and 42 days following the July 13, 2024 attack in Butler, Pennsylvania.

She was sent to the location of the rally ahead of time and was specifically tasked with helping to secure the surrounds, the New York Post revealed.

Shooter Thomas Crooks, 20, fired off eight shots from a nearby rooftop, narrowly missing Trump's vital organs and scraping his ear in a horrifying moment caught on live television.

Firefighter Corey Comperatore was in the crowd and tragically killed by a stray bullet.

His heartbroken widow Helen launched a blistering attack on the Secret Service for failing to protect 'the love of her life' during an interview with Fox News almost a year on from his death.

'We were all sitting ducks that day,' she said. 'Our blood is all over their hands! I'm angry. I lost the love of my life.'

Helen questioned the Secret Service agents working that day, asking: 'Why weren't they paying attention? Why did they think that roof didn't need [to be] covered?'

Myosoty Perez has been identified as one of six Secret Service agents suspended for between 10 and 42 days following the July 13, 2024 attack in Butler, Pennsylvania

Shooter Thomas Crooks, 20, fired off eight shots from a nearby rooftop, narrowly missing Trump's vital organs and scraping his ear in a horrifying moment caught on live television

Perez (left) was sent to the location of the rally ahead of time and was specifically tasked with helping to secure the surrounds

'Why Butler? Why was that such a failure?'

Two other bystanders were injured in the horror shooting before a sniper was able to shoot Crooks dead.

Former Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle, who had been with the agency 28 years, resigned shortly after the failed assassination attempt amid furious calls for the department to be held to account.

According to The Post, an attorney representing several of the suspended agents, Larry Berger, said Perez had 'fully cooperated already through all the investigations into the matter.

'She is now deciding what the next steps will be in this situation,' he said.

He noted Perez was not in charge of overall security on the day of the rally.

Another agent who helped to coordinate security for the rally was also reportedly suspended, along with four people from the Pittsburgh field office.

Helen questioned the Secret Service agents working that day, asking: 'Why weren't they paying attention? Why did they think that roof didn't need [to be] covered?'

Firefighter Corey Comperatore was in the crowd and tragically killed by a stray bullet. His heartbroken widow Helen (pictured together) launched a blistering attack on the Secret Service for failing to protect 'the love of her life'

A bullet grazed Trump's ear, killing one person in the crowd and injuring two others

The final suspension was reportedly an agent on the counter-sniper team.

A US Secret Service report released just days before the 2024 election confirmed that 'multiple operational and communications gaps preceded the July 13 attempted assassination.'

The Secret Service also described some of the gaps as 'deficiency of established command and control, lapses in communication, and a lack of diligence by agency personnel,' while also noting that 'the accountability process [was] underway.'

Dan Bongino - who now serves as Deputy Director of the FBI and formerly spent 11 years as a Secret Service agent - said last year that Butler was a 'apocalyptic security failure' and called for a full house-cleaning of the upper leadership ranks in the Secret Services D.C. headquarters.
The events of the past 48 hours have been extraordinary. We voted for Brexit nine years ago to take back control of our borders and to make our own decisions about who should come into our country: not to accept diktats from European Union officials  or French presidents, as we saw yesterday.

Thats why I couldnt resist the temptation to book a boat and go out into the English Channel on the very day that the increasingly arrogant Emmanuel Macron was due to sit down to dictate terms to Keir Starmer and the British Government.

The weather was set fair as we left Dover Harbour at 5am and headed out to the 12-mile territorial line. And, as expected, we barely had to wait long at all before the first dinghy appeared on the horizon.

This, of course, was being escorted by a French naval vessel, and UK Border Force soon came out from Ramsgate and waited to collect its cargo.

We watched as the French and British authorities conducted their now-familiar Uber-style boat-taxi service.

I couldnt resist the temptation to go out into the English Channel on the very day Emmanuel Macron was due to sit down to dictate terms to Keir Starmer and the Government. We barely had to wait long at all before the first dinghy appeared on the horizon

On this occasion, Frances naval vessel gave life jackets to the migrants in the dinghy we saw  and then, astonishingly, as the migrants were being handed over to Border Force, the French took the life jackets back, presumably to use later in the day.

Just another typical morning in the English Channel. The sheer cost of what we saw was extraordinary. The large catamaran hired to pick up the empty boats alone costs 6,000 per day and burns thousands of litres of fuel. Im told that the new Border Force vessels cost up to 4,000 per day to run, to say nothing of the staff, their training and the drones used to monitor the situation.

I suspect that when you add up the cost of migrant hotels, houses of multiple occupancy all across Britain, daily rescue operations in the Channel, processing centres and all the rest of it, the final annual bill to the taxpayer of the illegal-migrant crisis is significantly higher than the 4billion-5billion we are told.

When I first started drawing attention to this problem several years ago, nobody took much notice  until my videos out at sea and inside migrant hotels began to receive millions of views. Well, everybody is taking notice now.

And thats why its so extraordinary that Starmer can seek to claim that yesterdays deal was somehow progress.

The dinghy was being escorted by a French naval vessel, and UK Border Force soon came out from Ramsgate to collect its cargo

Under the Prime Ministers pilot with Macron, due to start in a few weeks time, migrants who come across the English Channel will be detained and sent back to France, in return for Britain accepting other migrants who have not come by this route.

No numbers have been mentioned, though I suspect they will be very small indeed  and certainly a tiny fraction of the 44,000 migrants who have arrived by this route since Labour won the election last July.

In truth, I doubt anybody will actually be deported under this new agreement, because whatever is agreed between the French president and the British Prime Minister will be undermined by our being a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, now enshrined in our law by Tony Blairs Human Rights Act 1998.

One thing I do predict: this will be a field day for our countrys Left-wing lawyers. Any deportations will be held up in the courts.

President Macron even insulted us as a Brexit nation yesterday, saying that the vote in 2016 had made it harder for the UK to deal effectively with illegal migration. In fact, its successive British governments who have failed to sort out this problem.

What Starmer should have done yesterday is to stand up for the national interest and say that Britain will not accept any migrant who crosses the Channel: they will be deported back to their home countries, and if necessary, to France.

Im told that the new Border Force vessels cost up to 4,000 per day to run, to say nothing of the staff, their training and the drones used to monitor the situation

I doubt anybody will actually be deported under the new agreement, because whatever is agreed between Starmer and Macron will be undermined by our being a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights

The irony of Starmer announcing his new deal with Macron at the same time the French navy were escorting illegal migrants into our waters will not be lost on millions of voters.

Quite frankly, this situation cannot be allowed to continue: our national security, as much as anything else, depends on it. Just a few weeks ago, three Iranian terrorists who planned to blow up the Israeli embassy in London and cause mass loss of life were arrested on terrorism charges amid claims they had all crossed the English Channel.

Indeed, research by the Migration Observatory says that 17 per cent of small-boat migrants were originally from Iran. When you consider that a parliamentary committee report out just yesterday found that Irans threat to the UK is on a par with Russias, you can see that we have a very serious problem on our hands  one that I dont think many in our political class even dare to come to terms with.

Worse still, a report from Baroness [Louise] Casey in June explicitly linked illegal migration to some of those implicated in current investigations into grooming gangs in the UK. It stated that a significant proportion of live police operations... involved suspects who were migrants and asylum seekers.

More worryingly still, one analysis of official figures has found that those who come to Britain illegally are 24 times more likely to finish up in prison. We must end the system whereby people who come illegally are allowed to stay, work, get free healthcare, and then possibly go on to commit acts against the interests of our nation.

I firmly believe that none of the 74 young men I saw in that boat yesterday morning (only four were women and children) should be allowed to roam the streets of Britain over the coming days. They should all be detained, and we should find out who they are and where they come from.

Some of them could be very dangerous indeed.
Police believe missing German backpacker Carolina Wilga became lost in the remote wilderness after her van broke down in outback Western Australia and have ruled out foul play.

The 26-year-old was last seen at about midday on June 29 at a general store in Beacon, a small town about 300km northeast of Perth.

She had been living and working in Australia for about two years and had recently set off to explore regional WA.

However, just two days into her trip, friends and family lost contact and reported her missing.

At about 1.10pm on Thursday, police found her van abandoned in the Karroun Hill area - about 50km northeast of Beacon and 35km from any marked tracks.

WA Police Acting Inspector Jessica Securo said Ms Wilga is believed to have become lost and walked away from her vehicle after it broke down.

'Our information to date is she's likely to become lost in that area, and has potentially walked away from her vehicle,' Acting Inspector Securo told ABC Radio Perth on Friday.

'The terrain  it's outback country and there's large rocky outcrops, so although there's a number of tracks, you can see how it would be easy to become lost or disorientated in that area if you didn't know it well.

A search is underway for Carolina Wilga after she disappeared in Western Australia

Police are searching Western Australia's vast Wheatbelt region for the young traveller

'We've got a forensic contingent out there this morning, and they'll be in a position to make a better assessment of the vehicle and its capabilities for that area.

'The car is obviously self-sufficient  she has got solar panels, she has got water in the vehicle. It's just the vehicle itself is mechanically unable to be used.'

Police are investigating whether Ms Wilga took anything with her from the van that might offer clues to her whereabouts.

'It's hard to say how much she has taken, we do know that she was planning to travel throughout regional WA and do some exploring through there,' Acting Inspector Securo said.

'Part of my team at Major Crime division will go through the vehicle and meticulously cover what was in the vehicle, what we believe is outstanding. And that may help to direct our search in a certain area.'

Detective Senior Sergeant Katharine Venn said on Thursday that the search for Ms Wilga was 'vast', and that authorities in all states and territories had been notified.

Planes and helicopters have been scouring the Wheatbelt region- an area Sergeant Venn labelled as having 'inhospitable, rocky terrain'.

Police have also been following up leads across regional Western Australia and towns including Esperance, Margaret River and Albany.

At about 1.10pm on Thursday her van was found abandoned in Karroun Hill, an area about 50km northeast of where she was last seen

Bush in the area where Carolina went missing is very dense

'She could be off grid, not have access to her phone, and she certainly had capacity in the vehicle she was travelling in to be self-sufficient for quite some time,' Sergeant Venn said.

Sergeant Venn added police were 'very concerned' for her welfare and that her family overseas were distraught.

'The family are understandably distraught, very worried, as any of us would be with a young family member on the other side of the world missing in such unusual circumstances,' Sergeant Venn said.

Ms Wilga's mother, from Castrop-Rauxel near Dortmund, appealed to the public for help.

'I'm her mother and need her help, as I can't do much from Germany. Carolina is still sorely missed. If anyone has any information, please contact the police  please keep your eyes open,' she wrote.

Ms Wilga is described as having a slim build, long, frizzy-curly, dark blonde hair, brown eyes and several tattoos.

She has several tattoos, including one which depicts symbols on her left arm.

Anyone with any information, dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from the Beacon area and surrounding northeast Wheatbelt area is being urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Timeline of the disappearance

June 28 - Ms Wilga left Fremantle

Ms Wilga's friend saw her leave the Sundance Backpackers hostel in Freemantle on June 28.

Her friend Denise Kullick told German media Ms Wilga had planned to travel with a friend to a seaside location to become a yoga teacher - but ended up setting off alone.

Another friend, in Australia, was also in contact with Ms Wilga twice on the same day, the first was a text message at 7am.

In the message, Ms Wilga explained she would not be able to drop off a book and a jerry can as she had 'some stuff she needed to handle'.

CCTV footage captured Ms Wilga driving into a petrol station at 4.28pm on Stirling Terrace in Toodyay - about 90km northeast of Perth.

Ms Wilga parked, exited her van and filled it with petrol before heading inside the service station to pay.

The 26-year-old was backpacking through Western Australia for the last two years and decided to travel to the state's remote and regional areas (pictured, Ms Wilga in her van)

At 4.38pm, the friend received a voice message from Ms Wilga in which she was heard saying: 'I just couldn't wait anymore. Ugh. I felt tired'.

Shortly after, at 4.41pm, Ms Wilga left the petrol station.

Police believe Ms Wilga departed Toodyay and embarked on the 230km journey northeast, stopping at Dowerin, on the way to Beacon.

June 29  Ms Wilga is last seen

Ms Wilga was last seen on CCTV footage taken from a general store in Beacon, about 300km northeast of Perth in the Wheatbelt region, at 12.10pm on June 29.

She was spotted wearing ripped blue baggy jeans, a cream long-sleeve jumper and a similar coloured scarf.

The young backpacker was captured peering into the store and walking around the property.

About five minutes later, she got back into her van and left. Police believe she travelled to Wialki, a further 25km east of Beacon.

CCTV footage captured Ms Wilga driving into a petrol station at 4.28pm on Stirling Terrace in Toodyay - about 90km northeast of Perth

Police believe Ms Wilga left the petrol station in Toodyay and embarked on the 230km journey northeast, stopping at Dowerin, on the way to Beacon

June 30 to July 9 - Ms Wilga makes no contact

From June 30, friends and family have not been able to contact Ms Wilga, nor has there been any sightings of the young traveller.

Police issued a missing person alert on July 7, with details of her disappearance and an appeal for information or sightings of Ms Wilga.

On July 9, Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch told media police were 'very concerned' for Ms Wilga's welfare.

Detectives from the homicide squad were also called in to help find the missing backpacker.

Commissioner Blanch added her disappearance was not being treated as a murder 'at this point'.

'They are investigating, not that it's a homicide at this point, but we want our very best capabilities to investigate something that is very concerning to us,' Commissioner Blanch said.

It is believed her phone has now been switched off, police said.

The police air wing has also joined the 'very large search and rescue' operation, with officers scouring the immense Wheatbelt region for clues to her whereabouts.

Police are 'very concerned' for Ms Wilga's welfare and have notified authorities in all states and territories

Mr Wilga's mother, from Castrop-Rauxel near Dortmund, appealed to the public for help

July 10 - Ms Wilga's van is found

Police located Ms Wilga's black and silver 1995 Mitsubishi Delica van in Karroun Hill at 1.10pm on Thursday.

The van was found abandoned, more than 50km north of Wialki, with police believiing the vehicle had suffered mechanical issues.

Ms Wilga was not found.

Police shared a photo of the van showing orange recovery boards under the back wheels, which are devices used to help with traction for a vehicle stuck in mud or sand.

July 11 - Police rule out foul play

Police said she may have wandered into the outback after her van broke down in Karroun Hill.

Police ruled out foul play.

'(Her disappearance) is unexplained behaviour ... and we are taking it very seriously,' Sergeant Venn said.

'There is no indication that there's any third party involvement in her disappearance but our minds are open to any line of inquiry or any information that people bring forward to us.'
Alarming footage of a Canadian influencer taking a freshwater crocodile out of the water and holding it for the camera has sparked widespread outrage.

Colton Macaulay, 27, who has more than 15 million followers across multiple social media platforms, is known for filming footage with wildlife and exotic animals.

A stunt filmed in Australia earlier this year racked up almost half a million views before it was deleted from most of his social media platforms.

Titled 'Catching crocodiles in Australia', the footage showed a shirtless Macaulay standing in a creek at night, using his bare hands to pick up a freshwater crocodile.

The influencer held the crocodile up by the neck for the camera as the animal's tail dangled in the air.

The crocodile didn't appear happy about being handled and was seen thrashing around while being held, with its jaws wide open as it growled.

'Hey guys, I'm in Australia right now, and we just yoinked a freshwater croc,' Macaulay explained in a voiceover.

'I don't think he was happy about it because he started making these sounds like a chainsaw. Or maybe that's the sound they make when they decide to cry like a little b***h.'

Colton Macaulay has more than 15million followers across multiple social media platforms

The clip includes a disclaimer claiming it was 'performed by a professional'.

The footage attracted a barrage of backlash from viewers who branded him a 'moron' and 'idiot'.

'How stupid are you?' another viewer commented.

The clip remains on Facebook but has no comments.

World Animal Protection Australia director Ben Pearson agreed that Aussies have a right to be outraged by the video.

'This is cruelty for the sake of content, and we know the general public would agree handling freshwater crocs in this way is unacceptable,' he told Daily Mail Australia in a statement.

'Crocodiles are not a photo prop or plaything, and they should be treated with respect.

'Just a quick look at this influencers account and you can see multiple videos where theyre interfering with Aussie wildlife in their homes, from cassowaries to wobbegong sharks.

'Our iconic Australian animals, like all wildlife, are best loved from a distance.'

The crocodile thrashed around while it was held by the Canadian student

Found in northern Australia, freshwater crocodiles aren't considered as dangerous or aggressive as the saltwater species.

However, they can cause a serious bite if they feel threatened or cornered.

Experts have questioned whether Macaulay had a permit required for handling crocodiles in Australia.

Authorised individuals are the only ones permitted to handle crocodiles in Australia.

'No random person can obtain a permit to catch crocodiles unless it is specifically for research purposes,' conservationist Paul Bowen told news.com.au.

'Permits are generally required for specific activities like farming, education, or egg harvesting.'

Macaulay has been contacted for comment.

Another video shared to Facebook in July showed Macaulay jumping into a croc-infested creek in the Northern Territory, despite multiple warning signs to not enter the water.

'I swam in croc-infested waters,' the clip is captioned.
Attorney General Lord Hermer has been accused of giving himself an 'effective veto' over Labour policies.

The peer has issued guidance to government lawyers stressing the importance of following international law.

The document includes what has been branded a 'snitch clause', urging civil servants to report any concerns that ministerial actions might be illegal.

The tweaks seemingly water down instructions issued by Suella Braverman in 2022 to prevent lawyers from 'blocking' plans.

In total, Lord Hermer  a senior human rights barrister before entering government  is said to have added 23 references to international law to the guidance.

Legal staff are also instructed to assume that every decision taken by the Government could face a challenge. Previously the advice suggested challenges were unlikely.

Critics have complained that Lord Hermer has put too much emphasis on the letter of international law. Just last month he was accused of 'blocking' Britain from helping to defend Israel against Iran strikes.

He is also said to have played a major role in 'surrendering' the Chagos Islands, the UK's last Indian Ocean territory, to adhere to a non-binding ruling by the International Court of Justice.

Attorney General Lord Hermer (pictured) has issued guidance to government lawyers stressing the importance of following international law

The tweaks seemingly water down instructions issued by Suella Braverman (pictured) in 2022 to prevent lawyers from 'blocking' plans

Sir Michael Ellis (pictured), a former Conservative attorney general, said Lord Hermer had 'effectively given himself a veto over all government business'

Sir Michael Ellis, a former Conservative attorney general, said Lord Hermer had 'effectively given himself a veto over all government business'.

'It is quite something if ministers of the crown within the same Government cannot be trusted, and have to be snitched on by their own officials,' he told The Daily Telegraph.

Tory MP Alex Burghart branded the guidance a 'surrender charter', adding: 'Measures like the snitch clause will undermine discussion across government and harm our national interest.

'Keir Starmer's attorney general is putting the partisan views of activist lawyers before the national interest.'

A source close to Lord Hermer said: 'This is desperate nonsense from a Tory party who have lost credibility on law and order and upholding the rule of law.

'Tory ministers routinely pursued unworkable gimmicks that they knew would be defeated in the courts, such as the Rwanda debacle.

'In contrast, this Government demands lawyers to be creative solution finders, enabling our ambitious Plan for Change to succeed  unblocking obstacles so policies are not held up for years in the courts.'

A spokesman for the attorney general said: 'Government lawyers advise ministers, but it is always ministers that make decisions on policy as has been the case under successive governments.'

A No 10 spokesman said: 'The role of the law officers, including the attorney general, is to ensure the Government acts lawfully by providing frank legal advice, but policy decisions are always for ministers to decide.'
Thirty years ago, a largely unknown US academic named Christopher Lasch made a bold prediction: that the next revolt in Western politics would not be the people rising up against the elites, but the elites rising up against the people.

Three decades on and that prophecy seems to be coming true. Running Britain today is a vast bureaucratic, political and legal cabal that thinks it is not of the people, but above them.

Nobody embodies that arrogant elite more perfectly than Lord (Richard) Hermer, the Government's Attorney General and most senior legal adviser.

Since July last year, when the former barrister stepped into this historic role, his official remit has been to safeguard our country and its citizens. Yet, all too often, Hermer's words and deeds suggest the opposite.

Now it has emerged that the Attorney General has handed himself an 'effective veto' over state policy, by ordering civil servants to tell him if they suspect ministers' decisions could break the law.

Hermer has inserted this so-called 'snitch clause' in new guidance to Government lawyers  deemed a 'power grab' by critics. Worse, he has watered down instructions which were originally designed by his Tory predecessor Suella Braverman to prevent lawyers from blocking Government policy.

Former Tory attorney general Sir Michael Ellis has fittingly accused Hermer of 'empire building'. Quite so.

Remember, this is an unelected Cabinet figure, hand-picked by fellow human rights lawyer Sir Keir Starmer, who has now effectively given himself the power to act as deputy prime minister in all but name.

Nobody embodies that arrogant elite more perfectly than Lord (Richard) Hermer (pictured), the Government's Attorney General and most senior legal adviser, writes Matt Goodwin

Keir Starmer attends attend a plenary at the UK-France Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in Downing Street

Indeed, we have already seen the scale of his interference in reports that Hermer advised the Government not to join the US and Israel in striking Iran's nuclear facilities last month.

What was his reasoning for not joining our allies in obliterating these potentially apocalyptic stockpiles, enhancing global security and the safety of the British people? Apparently, it could have breached 'international law'.

If you need any further proof that we live under the rule of lawyers rather than the rule of law, here it is.

The slightest glance at Hermer's CV shows a carousel of wrong-headed decisions hostile to British interests  attitudes that clearly now prevail in the Government.

Let's start with his previous work in private practice at the ultra Left-wing chambers Doughty Street, where he met his good friend Starmer.

The 'cab-rank principle' supposedly requires barristers to accept any case within their competence, however repellent the client or cause.

Yet it is interesting how our Attorney General has managed to represent quite so many figures one might describe as 'enemies of the state'  some of whom he has been accused of representing on a voluntary 'pro bono' basis when the cab-rank rule doesn't apply.

They make for a grisly roll call of terrorists and mercenaries.

Hermer has seemingly water down instructions issued by Suella Braverman (pictured) in 2022 to prevent lawyers from 'blocking' plans

Abid Naseer, the ringleader of an Al-Qaeda terror cell in north-east England, who was just days from bombing a Manchester shopping centre in 2009

Among them is Abid Naseer, the ringleader of an Al-Qaeda terror cell in north-east England, who was just days from bombing a Manchester shopping centre in 2009.

Defending this loathsome creature from deportation, Hermer described MI5's case against the Pakistani student as 'pitiful' and 'far-fetched'.

Naseer was later found guilty in America of plotting to detonate a car bomb outside Manchester's Arndale Centre and further killing hundreds of Easter shoppers by placing suicide bombers at the exits.

He is now in a maximum-security prison in the US. So I'm not sure how 'far-fetched' it was to argue he was a terrorist.

Then there's Rangzieb Ahmed, an Al-Qaeda chief linked to the July 7 terror attacks whose grim 20th anniversary the nation has just marked.

Representing this bearded fanatic in 2020, Hermer even argued that the British Government should 'compensate' Ahmed for his alleged torture  in Pakistan.

The list goes on. That same year, it was Hermer who argued in favour of reinstating the British citizenship of dim-witted jihadi bride Shamima Begum, who left the UK aged 15 to join Islamic State in Syria.

Or take the former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, whom Hermer represented in 2023 against victims of three IRA bomb attacks who were suing him for damages.

Hermer argued in favour of reinstating the British citizenship of dim-witted jihadi bride Shamima Begum (pictured), who left the UK aged 15 to join Islamic State in Syria

Hermer later had a key role in Labour's amendment of the 2023 Legacy Act, which means Adams and up to 1,500 other former suspected terrorists are now in line for compensation from the British taxpayer.

A brazen and shameful conflict of interest? Hermer won't say: When asked whether he had a 'conditional fee agreement' with the Irishman  meaning he would be paid only if Adams won his case  Hermer replied that he couldn't 'recall'.

This ugly record has rung alarm bells among people who truly believe in British interests.

These concerns have continued since Hermer took his seat in the Attorney General's office.

Yet Sir Keir appears delighted with his work. Yesterday Downing Street said Hermer's 'frank legal advice' is in the 'interests of everyone for the system to work properly'.

How farcical. Remember, it was Hermer who signed off the Government's despicable surrender of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius  with Britain now set to spend as much as 30 billion to lease our own military base on the island of Diego Garcia, funding tax cuts for Mauritians.

It was Hermer, too, who signed off the controversial prosecution of childminder Lucy Connolly, sentenced to nearly three years in prison for an offensive social media post during the riots following the Southport atrocity last summer.

Was Connolly's incarceration really in the public interest at a time when Labour was struggling to tackle prison overcrowding? Many thousands of British people profoundly believe it was not.

Hermer also signed off the controversial prosecution of childminder Lucy Connolly (pictured), sentenced to nearly three years in prison for an offensive social media post

And it was Hermer who was forced to apologise in May after comparing those who support leaving the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) to Nazis.

In a lecture at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, Hermer said calls to leave the convention were a 'siren song' that had been heard before  including in 1930s Germany.

In other words, those who would like to see our country have some control over its borders  control suppressed by judges' expansive interpretation of ECHR laws  are akin in their world-view to members of the Third Reich.

Apology or not, Hermer's choice of words afforded a compelling glimpse into the boundless arrogance of this over-promoted bureaucrat  who has now, it seems, seized the power to veto decisions of national interest.

In the face of such controversy, the clamour grows more deafening every day: Hermer has to go.

The Attorney General is, of course, entitled to his perfectly woke opinions. What is intolerable is the extent to which he and his fellow Government stooges appear to believe their views are the only ones that count.

As that forgotten academic Christopher Lasch forecast all those years ago, the revolt is now under way. And Richard Hermer epitomises the elite willing to ride roughshod over the views of the British people.

MATT GOODWIN is Senior Visiting Professor at the University of Buckingham. You can read more of his analysis at mattgoodwin.org
A grieving mother has paid tribute to her 'beautiful boy' after he was killed on the same day his father died eight years earlier.

Diego Dinelli was celebrating the end of term with his mates from McKinnon Secondary College when he was hit by a ute and killed while crossing Tucker Road in Bentleigh, south-east Melbourne, at 9.30pm on July 4.

The ute came to a stop shortly after on Huntington Road, according to Victoria Police, who interviewed the driver.

Police told Daily Mail Australia there were no further updates on the fatal incident.

The 16-year-old's mother, Teresa Svoronos, said on social media that her life changed in a 'split second' after her son was killed.

'You laughed, you smiled, you left the barbeque and in a split second, everything shattered,' she said.

'You were simply doing what any happy, carefree 16-year-old should be doing  celebrating the end of term with your beloved mates.'

'How can this be? How does a healthy, vibrant boy who barely ever saw a doctor, who had just gotten his Ls and was ready for driving lessons have it all stolen in a heartbeat?'

Diego Dinelli was celebrating the end of term with his mates when he was was hit by a ute

The teenager's mother Teresa Svoronos paid tribute to her son online

Diego Dinelli died eights years after his father passed away

Family and friends held a vigil at the scene where the 16-yer-old was killed

Ms Svoronos revealed how her son 'lost his daddy at just eight years old'.

'Cruelly, unbearably, you're taken on the very same day, eight years later. Now, July 4 will forever be the day I lost both of you. How does a mother survive that?' she said.

'The reality that I will never hear your laugh again, never feel your hug, never watch you become the incredible man I know you were destined to be - it's killing me.'

Others paid tribute to Diego online.

'Such beautiful words for your extraordinary son. Diego was truly one of a kind. Such a smart, funny, witty, loving and beautiful boy,' Crystal Nappo said.

'May you find some comfort in knowing he is with his dad, I don't think there is any doubt of this. They are together,' Mary-Anne Pantano said.

Diego was a Carlton supporter and the team, led by Charlie Curnow, signed a Blues jumper as a tribute to the teenager.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Diego's family and as on Friday morning nearly $7,000 was raised with $10,000 the target.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has issued a stark warning about China's growing military presence in the region as Anthony Albanese prepares to embark on a six-day trip to Beijing.

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Wong acknowledged China's central role in tackling global challenges, and warned against increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

'China's size and weight make it central to solving global challenges  from climate change to global public health, from international trade to the energy transition,' she said.

'China continues to assert its strategic influence and project its military power further into our region.

'And we have seen the worrying pace of China's nuclear and conventional military build-up without the transparency that the region expects.'

She also voiced criticism of China's naval operations in the Pacific.

'We will continue to register our concerns about Chinese vessels engaging in destabilising and dangerous conduct in the South China Sea, including towards Philippine and Vietnamese vessels,' she said.

Albanese is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for the fourth time when he lands in Beijing on Friday. The meeting comes amid fierce debate over Australia's strategic positioning between China and the United States.

Albanese will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the fourth time when he flies to Shanghai, and then travels to Beijing, on Saturday

Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong are seen during a visit in November 2023

Albanese is still awaiting a first in-person meeting with US President Donald Trump.

The delay comes in the midst of a Pentagon review of the AUKUS submarine pact, as well as the government refusing to adopt US demands for a near doubling of Australia's defence spending.

Wong's comments follow Treasurer Jim Chalmers' firm rejection of Chinese pressure to loosen Australia's foreign investment rules.

Chalmers said the government would not compromise national security by allowing foreign ownership of critical sectors.

He ruled out Australia weakening rules that prevent foreign ownership of critical infrastructure, energy, data, and minerals.

In a pointed speech last Saturday, Albanese pushed back against growing pressure from Washington, invoking wartime Labor Prime Minister John Curtin.

He credited Curtin with giving Australians the confidence to speak 'for ourselves, as a sovereign state'.

Albanese reaffirmed his support for the AUKUS alliance while making clear Australia's independence during a Q&A session that followed.

Penny Wong said China's continuing military build up was moving at a 'worrying pace' (she is pictured behind Albanese during a visit to Beijing in 2023)

'I am a supporter of AUKUS... but that doesn't mean that we are subservient to any other country,' he reportedly told the crowd.

During his meeting with President Xi, Albanese is expected to push back against Beijing's calls for greater cooperation on artificial intelligence, amid mounting security concerns in the West over Chinese technology.

Australian officials travelling with Albanese have been instructed to leave both personal and government devices behind.

Instead, they will use temporary 'burner' phones and laptops for the duration of the trip, reflecting persistent concerns over cyber espionage.

Albanese will also push to promote the potential for deeper business ties with China, alongside a high-level Business Council of Australia delegation.

The group includes CEOs from 14 of the nation's leading companies, among them Rio Tinto, BHP, Fortescue Metals Group, ANZ, and Macquarie Group.

Albanese will arrive in Shanghai on Saturday, before going on to Beijing.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a shock new order to fast track the production and deployment of drones, sparking fears of an arms race with Russia and China.

Hegseth issued two memos seen by Fox News which rescinded a long held policy the restricting the usage of drones which he argued were limiting innovation.

'The Department's bureaucratic gloves are coming off,' Hegseth wrote.

'Lethality will not be hindered by self-imposed restrictions... Our major risk is risk-avoidance.'

Hegseth acknowledged that America's adversaries - namely Russia and China - have a 'head start' on the use of unmanned aircraft systems.

'Our adversaries collectively produce millions of cheap drones each year,' Hegseth wrote.

'While global military drone production skyrocketed over the last three years, the previous administration deployed red tape. US units are not outfitted with the lethal small drones the modern battlefield requires.'

He said the Department of Defense had historically 'failed to field UAS [unmanned aircraft system] at scale and speed.'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a shock new order to fast track the production and deployment of drones, sparking fears of an arms race with Russia and China

He hopes his new policy will help America to establish dominance in the drone sphere by the end of 2027

'Small UAS are such critical force enablers that they must be prioritized at the same level as major weapons systems.'

He hopes his new policy will help America to establish dominance in the drone sphere by the end of 2027.

'We will accomplish this urgent goal by combining the Nations best qualities, including risk-taking,' he wrote.

'Senior officers must set the tone. Accelerating this critical battlefield technology requires a Department of War culture.'

Under Hegseth's new rules, commanders who hold a ranking of colonel or captain will be able to independently obtain and test drones.

This includes 3D-printed prototypes and off-the-shelf drones bought commercially. They will have to meet a certain criteria to quality.

These drones will be able to be operated immediately.

Hegseth's workaround sees small drones redefined from durable military assets - which required tracking systems - to consumables, which do not require such intense vetting processes.

Hegseth acknowledged that America's adversaries - namely Russia and China - have a 'head start' on the use of unmanned aircraft systems

'Next year I expect to see this capability integrated into all relevant combat training, including force-on-force drone wars,' Hegseth said.

He vowed to expand training ranges by implementing at least three new UAS testing sites within the next 90 days.

All drone arming requests must receive a response within 30 days, while battery certifications will take no more than seven days.

The Pentagon will look to make advance purchase commitments within 30 days, favoring US companies as per the Trump administration's pledge to reinvest in American businesses.

The decision comes just weeks after Israel relied heavily on drone strikes during its bombing of Iran.

Iran hit back with drones of its own. Drones have also become a key part of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Keir Starmer's big plan to solve the Channel crisis was already threatening to unravel last night.

The Prime Minister and French president Emmanuel Macron announced a 'one in, one out' migrant swap deal which was far less ambitious than expected.

Sir Keir claimed the 'ground-breaking' pilot scheme would 'prove the concept that if you come over by small boats, then you will be returned to France'.

He said it was 'acutely a crisis for our two nations', but admitted the scheme may not be a 'silver bullet'.

And as the Anglo-French summit was being held, hundreds more migrants were crossing the Channel from northern France.

The deal was already looking in peril last night as it emerged:

The whole agreement has yet to be signed off by Eurocrats, who could block France from entering into a bilateral deal with Britain;

Small-boat migrants selected for removal to France will be able to launch legal challenges, raising the prospect of cases becoming bogged down in the courts;

Any individuals sent back will not be detained by the French, leaving them free to try to enter Britain again  possibly seeing a return to the days of migrants hiding in the backs of lorries;

Expected details of a new agreement to allow French police to intercept migrant boats in the water were missing from yesterday's announcement;

Expected details of a new agreement to allow French police to intercept migrant boats in the water were missing from yesterday's announcement;

Reform leader Nigel Farage called on the Government to declare a national emergency and intern small-boat migrants.

The Prime Minister and French president Emmanuel Macron announced a 'one in, one out' migrant swap deal which was far less ambitious than expected

And as the Anglo-French summit was being held, hundreds more migrants were crossing the Channel from northern France

Since Labour came to power, 44,359 small-boat migrants have reached Dover, including 21,117 so far this year  a 50 per cent leap on the same period last year.

The figures do not include up to 400 arrivals who made it to British soil yesterday, just as the two leaders announced the migrant plan in a press conference.

Insisting it was 'hard-headed, aggressive action', Sir Keir said: 'For the very first time, migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France in short order.

In exchange for every return, a different individual will be allowed to come here via a safe route, controlled and legal, subject to strict security checks and only open to those who have not tried to enter the UK illegally.'

But the Prime Minister failed to say how quickly migrants will be sent back in total or on a weekly basis when the scheme launches, which he said would be in the 'coming weeks'.

Mr Macron said the deal needed legal ratification first, without putting a time frame on it.

Earlier reports that up to 50 migrants a week, around one in 17 arrivals, would be sent back to France appeared not to have been signed off by the leaders, as negotiations went down to the wire.

Tories branded the deal a 'total joke'. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Starmer's first move in power was to rip up the Illegal Migration Act, scrap the Rwanda deterrent plan, weaken age checks and reopen the path to citizenship for illegal migrants. This is a green light to people smugglers.

During the launch at Northwood military headquarters, Mr Macron (pictured with Starmer) said coastal countries such as Spain and Greece would 'need to agree' to take migrants returned from the UK from France if they originally entered the continent via such a route

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp (pictured) said: 'Starmer's first move in power was to rip up the Illegal Migration Act, scrap the Rwanda deterrent plan, weaken age checks and reopen the path to citizenship for illegal migrants. This is a green light to people smugglers'

'Labour promised to 'smash the gangs', but 2025 so far has been the worst year in history for illegal immigrants crossing the channel. We've had enough of Starmer's weak and ineffective gimmicks.'

Kent MP Katie Lam added: 'Keir Starmer's French 'deal' is a total joke.

'Swapping one of those who arrived on a dinghy for 17 Paris form-fillers won't deter a single person from illegally and dangerously crossing the Channel.

'The only thing that will stop this is detention and deportation. Until Labour accepts that simple truth, Britain will remain an easy target.'

During the launch at Northwood military headquarters in Hertfordshire, Mr Macron said coastal countries such as Spain and Greece would 'need to agree' to take migrants returned from the UK from France if they originally entered the continent via such a route.

In a joint declaration, the leaders also confirmed that the scheme was 'subject to approval' from the European Commission in Brussels.

It is understood that Eurocrats have not yet seen the legal text, but they are likely to sign it off if it does not contain any human rights violations.

If the EU Commission approves the deal, member states will be forced to accept it.

Mr Macron (pictured with Starmer) hailed the plan as 'collaborative, co-operative and comprehensive', but went on to blame Brexit for the Channel crisis

Earlier yesterday, Mr Farage watched from a boat as 78 migrants were unloaded from a dinghy to the Border Force catamaran Hurricane in the middle of the Channel

Migrants sit on an inflatable dinghy as it sails along the coastline near Gravelines on Thursday

Mr Macron hailed the plan as 'collaborative, co-operative and comprehensive', but went on to blame Brexit for the Channel crisis.

Unable to hide his still-bristling anger at the 2016 Leave vote, he said: 'Since Brexit, and I'm saying all this quite honestly, I know it's not your case, Prime Minister, but many people in your country explained that Brexit would make it possible to fight more effectively against illegal immigration.'

Earlier yesterday, Mr Farage watched from a boat as 78 migrants were unloaded from a dinghy to the Border Force catamaran Hurricane in the middle of the Channel.

He said: 'Some of them may be terrorists, they may commit sexual offences, we just don't know. What we do know is they are going to be put up at a hotel at our expense and they will probably be working in the gig economy within 48 hours. We just cannot allow that.'

Mr Farage said the Government should declare a 'national security emergency' with migrants 'interned in an old Army camp or wherever'. He described the new deal as 'farcical', adding: 'It is humiliating that Starmer is even considering it.'

Although there remain major questions about the operation of the scheme, a returns agreement does represent a concession by the French.

It follows years of the Elysees refusing to consider such a move when the Conservatives were in power.

Director of migration think-tank British Future, Sunder Katwala, said: 'At ten times the scale, this deal could start to make a dramatic difference to small-boat numbers and put the smugglers out of business.'
Advertisement

Reform voters would be more likely to back Labour at the next general election  but only if Sir Keir Starmer can deliver on his pledge to reduce the number of small boat crossings, a poll has found.

As the Prime Minister struggles to get a grip of the Channel migrant crisis, the research suggests tackling the issue is key to securing a second term.

Some 40 per cent of those planning to vote Reform UK said they would be more likely to back Labour if it gripped the issue.

The polling, by Portland Communications, also suggested tackling the small boats crisis has broader appeal across all the main parties.

Some 61 per cent of Labour supporters, 35 per cent of Tories, 45 per cent of Lib Dems and 37 per cent of Greens said action would make them more likely to back Labour at the next election.

However more than half all those polled believed the Government has already had enough time to implement change.

Voters were asked whether they would be more likely to vote Labour if the government was making 'real progress' on reducing the number of small boat crossings.

Sir Keir has repeatedly pledged to 'smash the gangs' to secure Britain's borders, but he has presided over a rise in the number of small boats arriving in Britain.

Reform voters would be more likely to back Labour at the next general election  but only if Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) can deliver on his pledge to reduce the number of small boat crossings

More migrants were seen attempting to cross the Channel on Thursday

Your browser does not support iframes.

More than 21,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel so far this year  a record for this point in the year since collection of the data began in 2018.

Downing Street said yesterday that the numbers of arrivals across the Channel are 'unacceptable', but welcomed the 'changing tactics' of French authorities in recent weeks, which has seen police slash a boat in the shallows.

A No10 spokesman said: 'Clearly, more work needs to be done, we will approach that, whether that is investing in Border Security Command, whether that is working with our international allies.

'We're clear that this is an international problem, cracking down on these gangs cannot be done singularly.'

However, Leena El-Refaey, director at Portland Communications, offered a note of caution for the Prime Minister. She said: 'Our report shows an impatient electorate making up its mind on Starmer before he has delivered his agenda.

'Portland's research found 56 per cent of all voters believe the government has already had enough time to implement change. When the government talks about the importance of delivery this is what's behind it.'

The polling was carried out between June 16 and 17, with 1,647 participants from a nationally and politically representative sample of the UK public.
An ICE raid on a California cannabis farm descended into chaos and violence on Thursday with a protestor opening fire on federal agents while tear gas billowed around them.

The mayhem unfolded at Glass House Farms in Ventura County in Carpinteria, near Los Angeles.

Members of the National Guard were deployed to the scene along with law enforcement agents.

Just seconds after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents fired smoke canisters into a crowd of demonstrators near Laguna Road, one individual could be clearly seen raising a firearm and appeared to discharge it in the agents' direction.

The raid was part of the broad federal crackdown on undocumented workers in Southern California - but it quickly spiraled into bedlam.

Agents blocked off roads and stormed the facility in what witnesses described as a sudden and aggressive operation.

Tear gas choked the air, smoke bombs were thrown and projectiles flew.

Protesters, farmworkers, and family members scattered through the fields, many screaming, some hit, with others pouring milk over their faces to soothe burning eyes.

At least three people were taken to the hospital while dozens more were detained.

Suddenly smoke grenades were seen being thrown by ICE agents leading to white smoke to fill the air around where the standoff was taking place

An ICE protestor could be seen firing a gun directly towards federal agents on Thursday morning, dangerously escalating an already volatile standoff at a California cannabis farm

Within minutes, smoke filled the air as stunned onlookers scrambled for safety.

Video and photos from the scene showed ICE agents clashing with a crowd of more than 100 people - many of them farmworkers or their family members - who had initially formed a human blockade along the road.

Federal agents responded with force as they deployed smoke canisters and what appeared to be less-lethal munitions.

The raid by ICE in Ventura County seemed to come as a complete surprise.

The sprawling cannabis operation, one of the largest in the state, was quickly sealed off with yellow crime scene tape marked 'U.S. Border Patrol.'

It was a tense and at times violent standoff surrounded by fields lined with crops.

On one side of the road dozens of armed and masked federal agents could be seen lining up in tactical gear.

On the other, more than 100 protesters, including farmworkers, community members, and family members of those believed to be targeted.

Tear gas billows from cannisters thrown by federal agents towards protesters, during an immigration raid on an agricultural facility in Camarillo, California

Several federal immigration agents were seen clashing with protesters during a raid at a agricultural farm in Ventura County Thursday morning

ICE agents were seen with non-lethal weapons including wooden batons

Oshkosh armored trucks are seen waiting to take migrants away close to the farm

Migrants could be seen scrambling away from the ICE agents after smoke bombs were hurled

Tear gas was used to disperse protesters, in Camarillo, California

Footage posted by the 805 Immigrant Coalition showed agents forming a blockade while demonstrators shouted expletives and refused to back down.

Suddenly, plumes of green and white smoke erupted over the fields.

Smoke grenades were thrown though with witnesses saying it was ICE agents who started the conflict.

'There was just smoke everywhere. People were running. It looked like war,' said Adrian Garcia, 25, a former worker at the farm who raced to the site after hearing his cousin was inside to the VC Star.

'I've never seen anything like this on a farm.'

Federal agents block a road leading to the farm where ICE conducted an operation as tear gas was used to disperse protesters, in Camarillo, California

The protest was initially peaceful but once ICE agents lined the road the atmosphere changed

Some protestors tried approaching the ICE agents on their own to make their points known

Many of the protestors could be seen filming on their cellphones

The ICE agents could be seen holding smoke canisters aloft warning protesters not to come any closer

A protester gestures as federal agents block the road during the standoff on Thursday morning

Agents fired projectiles into the crowd, striking at least one person in the face, according to eyewitness accounts. Others were hit in the torso and legs.

Tear gas canisters were stomped out by protesters as others poured milk on their faces to try and calm the effects.

First responders declared a mass casualty incident. Fire and medical crews from Oxnard and Ventura County treated several people and transported three to nearby hospitals.

Ventura County Fire spokesperson Andrew Dowd confirmed emergency personnel were dispatched solely for medical aid and had no involvement in the federal operation.

Among the crowd were relatives of undocumented workers caught in the chaos.

Jessica Lopez said she received a call from her husband around 9:30am.

'He told me ICE was inside. He said he was hiding,' she said. 'He hasn't broken any laws. He just works here to support us.'

Dalia Perez of Oxnard said her undocumented mother has worked at Glass House for more than 30 years.

'Upset. Helpless,' she said, describing her emotions. 'She hasn't done anything wrong. She's a mother. She's a worker.'

By 2pm, a white ICE bus escorted by what appeared to be a National Guard vehicle rolled down Laguna Road, believed to be transporting detainees.

A protester gestures as ICE agents block the road leading to the farm

Some of the protestors could be seen hiding out in adjoining greenhouses

Border patrol agents wearing gas masks were seen were seen holding smoke canisters

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet confirmed the number of people taken into custody.

Ventura County Democratic Party Chair Steve Auclair condemned the operation in harsh terms. His mother, who was present at the scene, was struck by a gas canister and hit by a projectile.

'This was a military attack on our community,' Auclair said. 'First they came for the farmworkers. Now they're coming for all of us.'

United Farm Workers president Teresa Romero echoed such concerns.

'There's no good reason to do this to agricultural areas,' she said. 'These workers are living in panic every single day. And now they're under siege.'

Federal agents stand guard in a field next to a road leading to the farm

Glass House Farms, which purchased the Ventura County facility in 2021, has not commented on the raid. It remains unclear what prompted Thursday's operation, and ICE has not released a statement on the incident.

As of Thursday evening, protesters remained outside the gates of the farm. Some held signs. Others simply waited for any word of those detained.

'We just want to know if our families are safe,' said Dalia Perez. 'That's all we want. Safety. Dignity. And some kind of peace.'

The raid comes amid a wave of federal immigration enforcement operations targeting agricultural sites across Southern California.

President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January, had initially signaled a shift in tone, promising to protect farmworkers even if undocumented.

'They're not citizens, but they've turned out to be, you know, great,' Trump said in a June 12 statement.

'We can't take farmers and take all their people and send them back We're going to have an order on that pretty soon.'

One protestor shows a wound suffered as a result of being hit by a rubber bullet

It remains unclear what prompted Thursdays operation, and ICE has not released a statement on the incident

But that apparent pivot has not slowed enforcement. Raids have been reported in multiple counties since June.

Meanwhile, cities and counties across the state are pushing back.

This week, Los Angeles County and eight other municipalities joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the tactics used by federal agents are unconstitutional.

The suit names Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi among others, accusing them of racial profiling, unlawful detentions, and violations of the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.
A brave woman who has spent 15 years battling an aggressive brain cancer has opened up about the harrowing ordeal after being told she has months to live.

Anna Tarrant, 41, has spent weeks in hospital and is now confined to a wheelchair, requiring 24/7 care.

The Sydneysider was a fit and healthy 26-year-old when doctors first found a cancerous tumour the size of a small lemon on her brain in October 2010.

She has since undergone five major brain surgeries, radiotherapy, and countless stints of chemotherapy and treatment.

With her cancer now immune to chemotherapy, Ms Tarrant's hopes of beating cancer were dealt a cruel blow last month when doctors took her off a trial drug, leaving her with no more treatment options.

She took to local Facebook page Mosman Living to share confronting details of the setback and seek advice as she prepares for the inevitable.

'I was informed theres nothing they can do for me anymore, my cancer is just too aggressive and the cells are growing way too quickly,' she wrote.

'Ive been given months to live and Ive never felt so scared or alone.

Anna Tarrant (left) was recently told by doctors that she has months to live and has no further treatment options

The Sydneysider has undergone five major brain surgeries, radiotherapy, and countless stints of chemotherapy and treatment

'My heart has shattered into a million pieces,' she said, revealing she had an 'extremely short life expectancy of months'.

She shared a powerful lesson for the community where she's lived her entire life.

'Life is too short and in the end its the little gestures and things that end up being the biggest of all,' she said.

'Enjoy every moment of sunshine in our little slice of heaven and try and focus on what you do have, not what you dont.'

The candid post was inundated with hundreds of messages of support and advice from Mosman locals.

'This is a such as honest and heartbreaking post to read,' one wrote.

Another added: 'Oh Anna, my heart aches reading your word... Thank you for your courage in sharing something so raw and real, your strength and honestly are deeply moving.'

Anna (pictured in hospital) is now confined to a wheelchair and requires 24-7 care

The latest update on Ms Tarrant's GoFundMe page posted on June 17 states that she is paralysed and needs 24-7 care.

'Ive always been positive, kind, generous, caring, thoughtful and loving and full of sunshine,' Ms Tarrant wrote.

'Watching your body slowly dying and failing you physically is extremely traumatic and my heart is completely broken

I have this terribly debilitating cancer that has stripped me of all my independence and is now continuing to take it away.. my heart is broken.'

Anna (right) plans to have her ashes sprinkled at Balmoral Beach.

Ms Tarrant previously worked high-flying corporate job but turned to volunteering after her diminishing brain function meant she could no longer handle a list of hundreds of clients.

'The thing I am most frightened of is not knowing how I am going to deteriorate,' she previously told Daily Mail Australia.

'I am so scared of losing my mental and physical capacity over time.'

More than 1,920 new cases of brain cancer are diagnosed in Australia each year, and it is the leading cause of cancer death in children and adults aged under-40.

The overall five year survival rate for all types of primary brain tumours is around 36 per cent, according to Cancer Australia.
The case against an ex-cop charged with murdering a television presenter and his Qantas flight attendant partner has taken another dramatic turn.

Police now claim that six months before Beau Lamarre-Condon allegedly shot dead Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, he broke into Mr Baird's home and stole his wallet and phone.

Lamarre-Condon is accused of killing Mr Baird, 26, and Mr Davies, 29, at Mr Baird's Paddington terrace in Sydney's eastern suburbs on February 19, 2024.

He was originally charged with two counts of murder, later amended to indicate the offences were alleged to be related to domestic violence.

Lamarre-Condon was subsequently charged with aggravated break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence at Mr Baird's home.

That crime is alleged to have taken place sometime on August 17, 2023 - almost exactly six months before Mr Baird and Mr Davies were killed.

Lamarre-Condon is accused of stalking Mr Baird during the alleged break-in, which is said to be aggravated because 'he knew that there was a person present within the said dwelling house'.

On June 4, police laid a new second count of aggravated break and enter with intent to commit a serious indictable offence against the 30-year-old.

Police now claim that six months before Beau Lamarre-Condon (above) allegedly shot dead Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, he broke into Mr Baird's home and stole his wallet and phone

Lamarre-Condon is accused of killing Mr Baird, 26, (right) and Mr Davies, 29, (left) at Mr Baird's rented Paddington terrace in Sydney 's eastern suburbs on February 19, 2024

Daily Mail Australia can reveal the charge relates to an accusation that, on the day of the same alleged break-in, Lamarre-Condon stole Mr Baird's wallet and phone.

Police first became concerned about the welfare of Mr Baird and Mr Davies two days after they were allegedly murdered.

Bloodied clothing and items belonging to the pair, including an $8,000 watch, credit card and wallet, had been found in a skip bin at Cronulla in Sydney's south.

A significant amount of blood was found the same day in Mr Baird's home.

Police allege Lamarre-Condon had bundled Mr Davies and Mr Baird's bodies into surfboard bags before dumping them at a farm about 180km south-west of Sydney.

The couple's bodies were located eight days after Lamarre-Condon allegedly shot them dead with his Glock service pistol.

Lamarre-Condon has spent almost 17 months in prison since the shootings, which were allegedly the result of a months-long campaign of 'predatory behaviour' targeting Mr Baird.

The one-time celebrity chaser reportedly briefly dated Mr Baird before the TV presenter began a relationship with Mr Davies.

Lamarre-Condon allegedly broke into Mr Baird's home (above) sometime on August 17, 2023 - almost exactly six months before Mr Baird and Mr Davies were killed

Lamarre-Condon is accused of stalking Mr Baird during a break-in and 'he knew that there was a person present within the said dwelling house' (above)

Lamarre-Condon is due to face Downing Centre Local Court next Tuesday over the three existing and one new charge.

Daily Mail Australia revealed last month that Lamarre-Condon had offered to provide information about a woman he claims helped dispose of the bodies.

'[He] wants to do the right thing for the families and is happy to assist investigators with information about who else played a part in the incident,' a source claimed.

'So far both the DPP and the officer in charge have failed to reply to the offer made by Lamarre-Condon's legal team for assistance.'

The source claimed a woman, who Lamarre-Condon knew through her partner, had told investigators she had waited at the fence line of the Bungonia property where the bodies were first deposited for 15 to 20 minutes.

Phone records indicated Lamarre-Condon and the woman, previously described by police as 'an innocent agent', were at the farm for almost two hours, the source claimed.

'Police also found two sets of white overalls at the scene where bodies were located, which indicates it was a two-person job,' the source said.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said: 'As this matter is before the court, we are unable to comment.' A spokeswoman for the DPP said the same thing.

Mr Davies and Mr Baird's bodies were located eight days after Lamarre-Condon allegedly shot them dead with his Glock service pistol. Police are pictured during the search

The case returned to Downing Centre Local Court in May after confidential discussions between prosecutors and the alleged killer's Legal Aid lawyer Alex Curnick.

Both sides agreed 'things are progressing,' Magistrate Megan Greenwood was told.

A forensic psychiatrist's report was also tendered after Lamarre-Condon was assessed in previous weeks.

Before joining the force, Lamarre-Condon ran a celebrity blog, posing in photos with dozens of A-listers including Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Harry Styles.

Mr Baird worked on TV programmes, Studio Ten and Totally Wild, while Mr Davies, his new boyfriend, was a respected Qantas flight attendant.

Lamarre-Condon, who was sacked by the NSW Police Force in March 2024, has not entered pleas to any of the charges.
Effigies of life jacket-wearing migrants in boats put on a village bonfire have been set alight - after structure was dubbed 'sickening' and 'racist'.

A sign saying 'stop the boats' was attached to the pyre in Moygashel, on the outskirts of Dungannon in Co Tyrone in Northern Ireland, prompting protests.

Another of the placards included states: 'Veterans before refugees.'

The Moygashel bonfire is part of the wider Eleventh Night celebrations in Northern Ireland, which take place on the night of July 11 each year.

These bonfires are rooted in Protestant unionist and loyalist tradition and serve as a lead-up to The Twelfth on July 12, a public holiday marking the key historical Battle of the Boyne.

This happened when Protestant King William of Orange defeated Catholic King James II, securing a Protestant line of succession to the British Crown.

An Irish tricolour flag was also placed on the bonfire, which is among about 300 which be burned across Thursday and Friday night in the region.

Sinn Fein's Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Colm Gildernew, has been among those responding, branding the display 'vile' and 'deplorable'.

The Moygashel bonfire has become well known in recent years for contentious displays - and the latest one, pictured, has provoked a furious reaction

A sign saying 'Stop the boats' was also attached to the pyre in Moygashel, on the outskirts of Dungannon in Co Tyrone in Northern Ireland

A sign saying 'Stop the boats' was attached to the pyre in Moygashel, on the outskirts of Dungannon in Co Tyrone in Northern Ireland, which has now been set ablaze

He also called for fellow politicians to take action against the installation.

Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland John McDowell described it as 'racist, threatening and offensive'.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland earlier said they were investigating 'material placed upon a bonfire in Moygashel as a hate incident'.

The Moygashel bonfire has become well known in recent years for contentious displays.

Last year, a mock police car was burnt on top of the bonfire, and in 2023, a boat designed to represent the post-Brexit Irish Sea economic border was torched.

The bonfire has been built days ahead of loyalist groups' annual Twelfth of July parades.

Earlier on Thursday, police said they had received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material on it.

'Police are investigating this hate incident. Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe,' they said.

Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland John McDowell described it as 'racist, threatening and offensive'.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland earlier said they were investigating 'material placed upon a bonfire in Moygashel as a hate incident'

'We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists.'

SDLP leader Claire Hanna also condemned the bonfire, accusing some involved in the bonfire tradition in Northern Ireland of appearing to be motivated by 'hate, confrontation and media rows'.

She posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'Intricate effigies of humans beings, for burning. Who is this for?'

But prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson insisted the display was a form of 'artistic protest', saying: 'Every year Moygashel bonfire combines artistic protest with their cultural celebration.'

He said on X: 'Their yearly art has itself become a tradition.

'This year the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration.'
A former graduate student of Columbia University has announced plans to sue the Trump Administration for $20 million after he was detained by ICE for more than 100 days.

Mahmoud Khalil brought the claim Thursday through the Federal Tort Claims Act, a 1946 law that allows citizens to sue the federal government and its employees for official wrongdoing.

Named in the Khalil's letter was President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Both men, along with officials from Homeland Security, 'boastfully proclaimed their intentional targeting of Mr. Khali for deportation, describing Mr. Khalils arrest as the first step in a broader campaign to deport campus protesters,' according to the letter from Khalil's lawyers.

Khalil's attorneys also took issue with how ICE agents showed up at his university-owned apartment on March 8 and arrested him in front of his then-pregnant wife, who is a US citizen.

They described it as a kidnapping, before blasting the administration for keeping him in Louisiana ICE facility, far away from his wife and family.

Khalil was involved in pro-Palestine protests last year on Columbia's campus in Manhattan, often serving as a conduit between university administrators and the students who had set up encampments to rail against Israel's war in Gaza.

'There must be accountability for political retaliation and abuse of power,' Khalil said in a statement.

Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University, plans to sue the Trump administration for $20 million over what claims was his wrongful detention for over 100 days

His preliminary claim specifically accused Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump of 'boastfully' proclaiming 'their intentional targeting of Mr. Khali for deportation'

Khalil claims he was targeted because of his involvement in the Columbia University protests last year, which devolved into weeks-long encampments and violence

The $20 million Khalil seeks from the government is for personal injury. His lawyers argue that his detention was illegal and say that he was subjected to cold temperatures and sleep deprivation due to the lights always being on.

The letter also mentions that he lost 15 pounds due to the poor quality food. Other harms listed were the fact that he missed his Columbia graduation and the birth of his son.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said the lawsuit was absurd and that the government was well within its authority to detain Khalil.

On June 13, a federal judge allowed the government to continue to hold Khalil on the basis that he allegedly lied on his green card application.

Before that, Justice Department lawyers' main rationale for detaining him was based on an infrequently-cited law that gives the sitting secretary of state the power to deport any illegal immigrant who presents 'potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.'

The current secretary of state, Marco Rubio, invoked this law after Khalil's arrest in March, arguing that his continued presence in the country would undermine America's ability to combat anti-Semitism and its 'efforts to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence in the United States.'

On June 21, District Judge Michael Farbiarz authorized the release of Khalil because he deemed him not to be a threat to the community or a flight risk.

Khalil arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport that day to the fanfare of hundreds, including New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Khalil is pictured at Newark Liberty International Airport alongside Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezon June 21, the day he was released from immigration custody

Khalil will also not ask for the $20 million if the Trump administration ceases going after students for pro-Palestinian speech

'If they threaten me with detention, even if they would kill me, I would still speak up for Palestine,' he said while AOC stood next to him.

Representatives for Khalil have said that that he would accept an official apology from the government in lieu of payment.

Khalil will also not ask for the $20 million if the Trump administration ceases going after students for pro-Palestinian speech.

As a matter of policy, Trump has been making demands of prestigious higher education institutions like Harvard University, ordering them to dismantle their DEI initiatives and affirmative action programs.

A representative for the Center for Constitutional Rights, which submitted the claim on Khalil's behalf, told The Wall Street Journal it is required to wait six months to file the actual lawsuit so agencies have time to conduct their own investigation prior to trial.
An Orlando woman was detained after driving to Mar-a-Lago and demanding to speak with Donald Trump - allegedly telling Secret Service agents she had guns inside her van.

Caroline Shaw, was arrested after she made the odd request to chat with Trump at the gates of the exclusive Palm Beach club on July 7 at around 10pm.

The 49-year-old told agents she had an 'urgent message for the president' and claimed she was carrying firearms in the Mercedes van she parked down the road, according to court documents reviewed by Fox News.

Once she shared the alarming detail, authorities detained the late-night visitor and seized the van for 'further investigation.'

It is unclear if investigators found any weapons inside the vehicle, which was discovered to be unregistered since 2021.

Shaw has also had a suspended license since 2023, according to records.

She was booked into Palm Beach County Jail on driving on a suspended license and failure to register a motor vehicle charges.

The following day, she appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Caroline Shaw (pictured), was arrested after she made the odd request to chat with Trump at the gates of the exclusive Palm Beach club on July 7 at around 10pm

This Mar-a-Lago (pictured) scare was just the latest concerning incident of someone trying to infiltrate the heavily-secured resort

But the judge barred her from approaching Trump or trying to enter any of his properties, including Mar-a-Lago, which the president purchased in 1985.

As of Thursday night, Shaw remains in custody on a $2,000 bond, according to the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office.

It is unclear what Shaw's 'message' for the Republican president was.

This Mar-a-Lago scare was just the latest concerning incident involving someone trying to infiltrate the heavily-secured resort.

Last month, a man stormed the property, allegedly in a creepy attempt to propose to Trump's teenage granddaughter, Kai Trump.

Anthony Thomas Reyes, 23, also said he wanted to 'spread the gospel' after he was discovered by Secret Service in the middle of the night.

Reyes allegedly told officers he climbed over the towering wall which surrounds the members-only club in search of Kai, who just turned 18 in May.

He was arrested and charged with trespassing with intent to commit an offense. His $5,000 bond was posted the day following his detainment.

Donald Trump (pictured) bought the Mar-a-Lago resort in 1985 and eventually converted it into a members-only club

Several brave individuals have made bold attempts to make their way onto the members-only club's property

Bijan Arceo, a 32-year-old former real estate agent, was arrested after he jumped the fence to get into Mar-a-Lago just two days after Trump's inauguration in January.

He was charged with trespassing with the intent to commit an offense. His bond was set at $2,000 and he was released from custody about two weeks after his arrest.

In November 2024, Chinese national Zijie Li, 39, of Los Angeles, was arrested after making multiple attempts over the span of five months to get past security.

Li had repeatedly claimed he wanted to speak with Trump and had been placed under the Baker Act about week before his arrest.

This act allows for a person to be involuntarily held and to receive mental health treatment when they are considered a threat to themselves or others.

He was later released and given a bond which prevented him from going within 500 feet of Trump or Mar-a-Lago.

But just eight days later he tried his luck again, attempting to pass through the Mar-a-Lago checkpoint as a passenger in a rideshare.

This time around, his bond was at $100,000, and records show he posted it about two weeks after he was taken into custody.
An Aussie builder has been threatened with a $740,000 fine for the cubby house he built for his daughter after neighbours complained the structure was an 'eyesore'.

Owner and managing director of Imagine Kit Homes, Keith Richardson, designed and built a double-storey cubby house for his daughter Sophie when she was two years old.

Mr Richardson built the cubby house against the back fence line of his family's home in Upper Coomera, Gold Coast.

The elaborate cubby house had specific design requirements, including cantilevered balconies, hardwood flooring, and raked ceilings.

Despite the property backing onto a main road and the cubby house blending in with the trees behind the fence, a neighbour complained about the structure to the council.

Mr Richardson had to go through a rigorous approval process - similar to that required for normal homes - to keep the cubby house.

The tradie employed five designers and architects who submitted plans to the council and even had an engineer inspect the cubby house before he was given approval.

However, eight years later, a second neighbour has complained to the council, claiming the cubby house was an 'eyesore'.

In an eight-page letter, the council has now threatened Mr Richardson with a $740,000 fine if he does not make the cubby house compliant or refuses to pull it down.

'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My 10-year-old thinks it's the best thing she's ever seen,' Mr Richardson told the Courier Mail.

An Aussie builder has been threatened with a $740,000 fine for the cubby house he built for his daughter after neighbours complained the structure was an 'eyesore'.

Owner and managing director of Imagine Kit Homes, Keith Richardson, designed and built a double-storey cubby house for his daughter Sophie when she was two years old

'The fact that this person thinks that is their opinion, but it's then made the council come around, do the inspections, and send this big eight-page letter basically saying that there's a $740,000 fine if I don't become compliant.'

Mr Richardson said he believes the cubby house is the only one in the country that has ever had council approval.

However, the council informed Mr Richardson the original approval could not be found.

Mr Richardson said he could 'easily fight' the latest complaint but did not have the energy to engage anymore.

'I don't want to upset them, because I need the council, but I just think seriously... there's bigger things than a cubby house to worry about. I just can't be bothered fighting with them,' Mr Richardson said.

Despite spending 'a lot of money' to build the cubby house and have it engineer-approved, Mr Richardson is offering it for free as long as it goes to a good home.

The cubby house was posted to Facebook Marketplace and comes with the condition that the person removing it does so without damaging a pizza oven built next to it.

Mr Richardson added a young family has already contacted him, claiming they 'love it' and are keen to take it off his hands.

Mr Richardson said a young family has already contacted him, claiming they 'love it' and are keen to take it off his hands

'I built this for my children, and it's got emotional value,' Mr Richardson told the Courier Mail.

'When I first heard (about the council demand), I thought that was so unfair and but now I just want to give it away to someone... It's more about making sure it goes to a good family and they enjoy it.'
Hundreds of patients who forked out thousands of dollars for dental procedures they never received are among a group of creditors set to vote on whether to liquidate a collapsed dental chain operating in New South Wales.

Supercare Dental and Cosmetics opened clinics in Penrith, Kotara, Corrimal, Tuggerah, and Wilton before it went under owing debts of more than $7million.

The dental clinics offered services ranging from dental implants and dentures to crowns, teeth whitening, and veneers.

The crisis has left patients devastated, with many having withdrawn tens of thousands of dollars from their superannuation to fund the dental treatments.

One patient, Melinda Amourous, is now toothless and living in pain after she withdrew over $48,000 from her super for a full set of dental implants.

Three years on, she has had to glue her broken, temporary dentures together.

'They are highly, highly unprofessional. I have been through horrific physical pain as well,' Ms Amourous told the ABC.

The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission has launched an investigation into the company's Kotara branch after reviewing documents from Ms Amourous showing the standard of care she received.

Supercare Dental and Cosmestics owes a total of $7million to creditors after a string of clinics collapsed (pictured, the inside of the company's NSW clinics)

The financial fallout has sparked anger and frustration as patients and creditors now face a difficult decision over whether to liquidate the remaining clinics.

Three clinics, in Penrith, Corrimal, and Wilton, entered voluntary administration in May and are set for a creditor vote next week.

According to documents filed with ASIC, these three locations collectively owe about $1.5million. The Penrith clinic was open for eight months before it collapsed.

This adds to roughly $5.7million in debts tied to the earlier collapse of Supercare's Tuggerah and Kotara clinics, along with parent company Usman Dental, which entered administration in April and has since gone into liquidation.

Administrators report that 441 patients from the Tuggerah and Kotara locations alone are owed a staggering $2.1million for treatments they paid for but never received. Corrimal patients are reportedly owed an additional $236,303.

At the Penrith clinic, trading as Smileloft, eight former patients have submitted claims totaling $55,764 for dental work that was either incomplete or faulty.

Administrators Domenic Calabretta, Richard Lawrence, and Mathieu Tribut noted in their report that there may be more victims than they are currently aware of.

'It is likely there are further unidentified former clients/patients contained in the dental practice management system which we do not currently have access to,' they said.

Customers used funds from their superfund to cover the costs of dental procedures (stock)

Several former patients told the Daily Telegraph they used early access to their superannuation to pay for dental treatments, after Supercare referred them to a third-party service that assisted with filing applications to the Australian Taxation Office.

Patients alleged they felt pressured to transfer the full amount of their released super within just three days of receiving the funds, rather than being allowed to pay in stages as their treatment progressed.

There are growing concerns about the sharp rise in the early release of superannuation for dental treatment, which has ballooned from $66.4million in 201819 to a staggering $526.4million in 202324, according to ATO data.
President Donald Trump has nominated a former Sydney deputy mayor to serve as the next US Ambassador to Malaysia.

Nick Adams, a staunch Trump supporter and former mayor of Ashfield, in Sydney's inner-west, described the appointment as the 'honour of a lifetime'.

Trump confirmed the nomination on Thursday, speaking highly of Mr Adams.

'I am pleased to announce that Nick Adams will be nominated as the next United States Ambassador to Malaysia,' he wrote.

'Nick is an incredible Patriot and very successful entrepreneur, whose love of, and devotion to, our Great Country is an inspiration.

'Nick is a bestselling author, speaker, and commentator. Nick graduated from the University of Sydney and, since then, has made it his lifes mission to extol the Virtues of American Greatness. Congratulations Nick!'

The nomination, which is yet to be confirmed by the US Senate, caps a remarkable rise from a local Sydney politician to one of Trump's most vocal champions.

He became Australia's youngest-ever deputy mayor, elected at the age of 21, before being threatened with a suspension from the Liberal Party following a verbal altercation with a Channel Ten reporter.

Donald Trump has nominated self-professed 'alpha male' influencer Nick Adams (pictured) to serve as the US Ambassador to Malaysia

In 2009, he was filmed verbally abusing former Channel Ten journalist Brett Mason, who was covering his reported repeat absences from council meetings.

The state Liberal Party threatened to suspend him, though Mr Adams reportedly later said he quit the party prior to any suspension.

He emigrated to the US in 2012 on the so-called Einstein Visa, which is awarded to people with extraordinary abilities, and rose to fame just five years later when Trump hailed his book on legal immigration as a 'must-read'.

Mr Adams, who then became an American citizen in 2021, used his popularity among MAGA fans to grow his Alpha Male movement to new heights.

Just last month, he marked the celebration of a made-up 'Alpha Male Awareness Month' - which is not recognised by any government or major charitable organisation.

The Malaysian ambassador hopeful has also suggested the presence of his male friends is more valuable than holding intimate relationships with women.

'Romantic date night at a winery with a Sheila? OR A sweaty summer night on the Hooters patio with the boys and several pitchers of ice cold domestics?' he once tweeted.

'Sorry ladies, but that's an easy choice. I'd rather horse around with the boys 10/10.'

The president confirmed the nomination on Thursday, praising Mr Adams as a 'very successful entrepreneur, whose love of, and devotion to, our Great Country is an inspiration'

Since relocating to the US, he has used his social media presence to campaign for, among other things, the preservation of American restaurant chain Hooters.

The popular wing spot, known for its scantily clad waitresses dressed in tight tank tops and orange booty shorts, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.

But Mr Adams was quick to rush to the restaurant's defence while also blaming President Joe Biden for its looming demise.

'Bidenflation, combined with the woke un-Americanism of the Democrats has caused terrible harm to one of our country's great institutions,' he said of Hooters.

'I personally volunteer myself to lead a Presidential Taskforce For The Preservation of Hooters. We must fight for our pitchers of ice cold domestics! We must fight for our women! We must fight for our chicken wings! MAKE HOOTERS GREAT AGAIN!!'

In one tweet, he declared, 'I go to Hooters. I eat rare steaks. I lift extremely heavy weights. I read the Bible every night. I am pursued by copious amounts of women.'

He also urged his critics to 'hate me because I have the body of a Greek God'.

Mr Adams has also used his social media platform to punch at M&Ms parent company Mars for its promotional campaign honouring inspirational women.

The Hooters-obsessed MAGA firebrand has hailed the appointment as the 'honour of a lifetime' and suggested it was his American Dream coming to fruition

In 2023, the sweets maker debuted 'all-female' candy packages as a way to 'celebrate women everywhere who are flipping the status quo'.

But Mr Adams was unamused and accused the company of trying to 'brush their sexism under the rug' as he urged other men to boycott their products.

He demanded Mars 'issue a formal apology to men, and ONLY men' and said 'fair reparations must be paid'.

'Until these demands are met, we will continue our full boycott of M&Ms,' he tweeted at the time.

He also launched what he dubbed an 'Alpha Male Challenge' that encouraged men to purchase the 'largest bag of M&Ms you can find' and 'destroy' every piece of candy inside.

Mr Adams urged his followers to then 'Take a photo of your CRUSHED woke M&Ms and post it on social. Make sure you tag Mars!'

Before packing for the US, he made local headlines for his 2005 proposal to eradicate pigeons from his inner-west electorate to prevent the spread of bird flu.

'Ashfield should be inhospitable to pigeons,' he told the council.

'Avian influenza does not respect borders Im not an expert. Im not an accountant. Im certainly not a pest controller. Dont ask me about procedure. What I would like to see is no pigeons in our area.'
Donald Trump has thrown a grenade on the tariff negotiations between the United States and Canada with a blistering letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The two nations have been trying to settle the tariff war that broke out when Trump returned to office and announced plans to reorganize world trade.

Canadian officials had hoped a deal was close, but Trump's latest letter - which he shared to Truth Social on Thursday night - has set negotiations back to square one.

The letter revealed he would raise tariffs on Canadian products to 35 percent from August 1 - a 10 percent increase on the current levy.

Trump said the tariff hike was in part due to the fentanyl crisis and Canada's 'failure to stop the drugs from pouring into our country'.

'I must mention that the flow of fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many tariff, and non-tariff, policies and trade barriers,' Trump wrote in the letter.

Trump said 'the fact the United States has agreed to continue working with Canada, despite Canada having financially retaliated against the United States', demonstrates the 'deep commitment to our trading relationship.'

The letter did include a warning shot to Carney, vowing to continue upping the US tariffs if Canada was to impose retaliatory taxes.

President Donald Trump has thrown a grenade on the tariff negotiations between the United States and Canada with a blistering letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney

Carney was elected prime minister in April on the argument that Canadians should keep their 'elbows up'

He said he would consider 'an adjustment to this letter' if 'Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl.'

'These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your country,' he added.

The latest round of tariffs are in addition to previously imposed sectoral tariffs on steel, copper and aluminum, which came into effect for most countries on June 4 at a whopping 50 percent.

Trump's punishing hike sparked fears American households would see an increase in costs for everyday items, given foreign-made steel and aluminum is used in household products like soup cans and paper clips, as well as big-ticket items like a stainless-steel refrigerators and cars.

The two metals had previously faced 25 percent tariffs worldwide since mid-March, when Trumps order to remove steel exemptions and raise aluminums levy went into effect.

Recent gains in the S&P 500 stock index suggest many investors think Trump will ultimately back down on the increases, which he has done in the past.

The letter is similar to others he has fired off to leaders across the globe in the past week as he threatens a global blanket tariff increase similar to those he proposed on 'Liberation Day' on April 2.

Trump had imposed a baseline 10 percent tariff on most imported goods from around the world after a sharp market sell off sparked global panic and fears of a recession.

He told NBC News this week he is prepared to double that in the coming weeks, revealing: 'We're just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether its 20 percent or 15 percent.'

But his decision to single out America's second largest trading partner after Mexico came as a surprise.

His decision to single out America's second largest trading partner after Mexico came as a surprise

The two nations have been locked in deep negotiations trying to settle the tariff war that broke out when Trump returned to office and announced plans to upend world trade

While multiple countries have received tariff letters this week, Canada has become a thorn in Trump's side during his second term

Carney hit back with a statement on X on Thursday night, writing: 'Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses.

'We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1.'

While multiple countries have received tariff letters this week, Canada has become a thorn in Trump's side during his second term.

It has imposed retaliatory tariffs on US goods and pushed back on the president's taunts of making Canada the 51st state.

Carney was elected prime minister in April on the argument that Canadians should keep their 'elbows up.'

He responded by distancing Canada from its intertwined relationship with the US, seeking to strengthen its links with the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Hours before Trump's letter, Carney posted on X a picture of himself with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying, 'in the face of global trade challenges, the world is turning to reliable economic partners like Canada.'

When Carney went to the White House in May, the public portion of their meeting was cordial. But Trump said there was nothing the Canadian leader could tell him to remove the tariffs.

'Just the way it is,' Trump said at the time.

He referred to his initial 25 percent tariffs on Canada which were, in part, a response to America's fentanyl crisis, which he blamed on Canadian border officials. He said Canada had failed to 'stop the drugs from pouring into our Country'

Carney indicated he would be willing to be patient in pursuing talks on trade.

'There are much bigger forces involved,' the Canadian leader said. 'And this will take some time and some discussions.'

Trump has sent a series of tariff letters to 23 countries so far.

He put a 50 percent tariff on Brazil for the ongoing trial of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro, for trying to stay in office after his 2022 election loss. Trump was similarly indicted for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss.

The letters reflect the administration's failure to finalize dozens of trade agreements that he claimed would be easy to negotiate.

Shortly after unveiling his April 2 'Liberation Day' tariffs, a financial market selloff caused Trump to announce a 90-day negotiating period during which the 10 percent baseline tariff would be utilized.

So far, Trump has announced trade frameworks with the UK and Vietnam, as well as a separate deal with China in order to enable continued trade talks.

Trump jacked up import taxes on Chinese goods to as much as 145 percent, but after talks Trump has said China faces total tariffs of 55 percent.

In June, Trump said he was suspending trade talks with Canada over its plans to continue its digital services tax, which would hit US technology companies. A few days later, talks resumed when Carney rescinded the tax.

Mexico has also faced 25 percent tariffs because of fentanyl.
Victoria's acting premier has backed mounting calls for the retesting of elderly drivers after a 91-year-old woman mowed down a family from behind, killing a grandmother and seriously injuring a toddler.

A silver Toyota Yaris, driven by the elderly woman, mounted the footpath near a playground on Coleman Road in Wantirna South, in Melbourne's east, shortly before 12.30pm on Thursday.

A 59-year-old grandmother, her 60-year-old partner, and their two-year-old grandson were walking along the footpath in the same direction as the car when they were struck.

The grandmother died at the scene.

Her partner is still fighting for life in The Alfred Hospital.

Their young grandson was rushed to The Royal Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries, but is now in a stable condition.

The 'terribly shaken' elderly driver escaped with minor scratches but remains in hospital. She currently isn't in a position to be interviewed by police.

Many unanswered questions remain, including whether or not the driver should have been behind the wheel given her age.

There are renewed calls for more testing of elderly drivers after a grandmother was hit and killed in Melbourne's east.

Police are still waiting to interview the 91-year-old driver, who remains in hospital

In the wake of the tragedy, Acting Premier Ben Carroll indicated support for more frequent retesting of elderly drivers to ensure they're fit to drive, in line with other states and territories.

He vowed to take the issue up with Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne.

'In relation to people who are elderly and driving, I think it is a valid question  around testing,' Carroll told reporters on Friday.

'There are a range of initiatives in place through our general practitioners right around Victoria when it comes to making sure that Victorians continue to get tested for their drivers licence.

'But I think this, no doubt this tragedy has brought it into focus.

'Having said that, there will be a thorough investigation underway and we will wait for that to run its course.'

Carroll also extended his condolences to the victims' family.

'My heart, as every Victorians, just breaks for this family and what theyre going through and our thoughts are with them,' he said.

Acting Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has backed growing calls for a review of regulations surrounding elderly drivers

There are growing calls for more frequent retesting of elderly drivers in Victoria to ensure they're fit to drive. Drivers aged over-75 only need to renew their licence every three years

The latest tragedy comes a year after Victoria's state government rejected calls by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to introduce age-based regulations in line with other jurisdictions.

In Victoria, drivers aged over-75 only need to renew their licence every three years.

NSW, Queensland, ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory require drivers over 75 to undergo an annual health check, while older drivers in South Australia must complete self-assessments.

In Western Australia, an annual medical assessment is required after turning 80 to renew a driver's licence.

Thursday's fatality took Victoria's road toll to 14 lives lost in the last seven days.

It's understood the elderly driver collided with a street sign and struck the pedestrians before the out-of-control car continued down the road for another 200m running through the fence near a playground.

'It came from behind,' Superintendent Justin Goldsmith said.

'It looks like it has lost control about 40m or 50m before the collision with the people who were walking on the other side of that road.'

Tributes near the scene where a 59-year-old grandmother was fatally struck by a car

Supt Goldsmith said it was too early to say whether the driver had suffered a medical episode when she lost control.

It's unknown whether charges will be laid.

Crash investigators will examine whether speed was a contributing factor.

'That will be subject to the investigation, but it is a downhill section of road, so if there has been a lack of control to some degree there is a possibility the car would have picked up speed as it's driven further down Coleman Road,' Supt Goldsmith said.

'Weve lost so many lives and had so many life-threatening injuries over the course of last week (and it) is completely horrific and unacceptable.'

Victoria has recorded a number of deadly crashes involving out-of-control vehicles in recent years.

In November, kindergarten worker Eleanor Bryant was killed and a three-year-old boy injured when a truck driven by a man, 68, smashed through the gate of Macedon Ranges preschool's playground.

The latest tragedy (pictured) comes a year after Victoria's state government rejected calls by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to introduce age-based regulations

Two weeks earlier, an 11-year-old boy was killed and four other students injured when an SUV crashed through a fence at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne's east.

Five people were killed and six injured in November 2023 when a diabetic driver passed out and crashed into patrons seated outside the Royal Daylesford Hotel.

The male driver, 66 was charged but the allegations were ultimately struck out, after a magistrate found there wasn't enough evidence to support a conviction.
China combats strategic mineral smuggling while ensuring legitimate exports: commerce ministry

Xinhua) 09:29, July 11, 2025

BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) -- China has already launched a special operation to combat smuggling of strategic minerals, while continuing to process legitimate export applications for civilian use, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

Responding to a question about critical minerals reportedly being transshipped to the United States, ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said that strategic minerals like antimony and gallium have clear dual-use properties for both military and civilian applications, and export controls are consistent with common international practice.

To firmly prevent illegal outflows, in May this year, China launched a special operation targeting the smuggling of strategic minerals, the spokesperson told a regular press conference, adding that relevant information is available on the ministry's website.

The spokesperson emphasized that as a responsible major country, China fully considers the reasonable civilian demands from various countries for these strategic minerals.

China reviews export license applications in accordance with laws and regulations, and approves those that comply with requirements, the spokesperson said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The State Department has advised staffers it will begin issuing thousands of layoff notices from today as part of Donald Trump's war against the 'Deep State'.

The sweeping reorganization comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the 'bloated' bureaucracy and 'radical political ideology' had to be eliminated.

The layoffs come only days after the Supreme Court cleared the way for Trump's executive order allowing mass layoffs across the federal government to proceed, despite ongoing legal challenges.

The ruling, which Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson denounced as releasing the president's 'wrecking ball,' sent shockwaves through Washington and set the stage for what may become the largest government downsizing in modern US history.

Now, with legal barriers falling away, Trump's agenda to 'deconstruct the administrative state' and reduce the size of the federal government is accelerating, starting with the State Department where nearly 1,800 positions are being slashed.

But critics say the scale of cuts floated at the State Department will 'leave the US with limited tools to engage as a leader on the world stage during this critical juncture', making it hard for many offices to carry out their missions.

The State Department will begin layoffs as early as Friday as it seeks to cut the size of its US workforce by about 15 percent.

Michael Rigas, the department's deputy secretary for management and resources, said in a statement that select staffers would be informed if they were being laid off and described it as being part of the department's biggest reorganization in decades.

The layoffs are part of a sweeping overhaul led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio under the direction of President Donald Trump

The total number of layoffs expected in the coming days will be 'pretty close' to the roughly 1,800. Pictured, a federal worker demonstrates in February when thousands were fired

'Soon, the Department will be communicating to individuals affected by the reduction in force. First and foremost, we want to thank them for their dedication and service to the United States,' he said.

'Once notifications have taken place, the Department will enter the final stage of its reorganization and focus its attention on delivering results-driven diplomacy,' he added.

Rubio said officials took 'a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused.'

'It's not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you don't need those positions,' he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he's attending the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum.

'Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people.'

He said some of the cuts will be unfilled positions or those that are about to be vacant because an employee took an early retirement.

The impact is expected to be felt most heavily in Washington, where hundreds of seasoned diplomats and civil service staff are now bracing for pink slips.

The American Foreign Service Association estimates that around 700 Foreign Service officers based in the US will be cut, along with a larger number of civil service employees - making this one of the largest workforce reductions in the department's modern history.

Trump's agenda to 'deconstruct the administrative state' is accelerating starting with the State Department, where nearly 1,800 positions are being slashed

A recent ruling by the Supreme Court cleared the way for the layoffs to start, while lawsuits challenging the legality of the cuts continue to play out

In late May, the State Department notified Congress of an updated reorganization plan, proposing cuts to programs beyond what had been revealed earlier by Rubio as well as an 18 percent reduction of staff in the U.S., even higher than the 15 percent initially floated in April.

Rigas' statement said the department is aiming to 'focus resources on policy priorities and eliminate redundant functions, empowering our people while increasing accountability.'

The State Department is planning to eliminate some divisions tasked with oversight of America's two-decade involvement in Afghanistan, including an office focused on resettling Afghan nationals who worked alongside the US military.

It also intends to eliminate programs related to refugees and immigration, as well as human rights and democracy promotion.

Although overseas staffing remains intact for now, the cuts follow Trump's earlier elimination of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) - a major pillar of America's global aid apparatus that employed over 10,000 people worldwide.

Diplomats warn the gutting of both agencies in a single year could cripple US influence abroad, especially as conflicts intensify in the Middle East and Ukraine, and China expands its global footprint.

The American Foreign Service Association, the union that represents diplomats, urged the State Department last month to hold off on job cuts.

Notices for a reduction in force, which would not only lay off employees but eliminate positions altogether, 'should be a last resort,' association President Tom Yazdgerdi said.

'Disrupting the Foreign Service like this puts national interests at risk - and Americans everywhere will bear the consequences.'

While the administration is framing the cuts as streamlining, critics say the real effect is a hollowing out of US diplomacy with human rights, refugee resettlement, and war crimes offices facing extinction under the restructuring.
A 16-month corgi has been surrendered to the council after a clip of the dog walking in circles trapped on a tiny apartment balcony sparked outrage.

Melbourne woman Helia Abdollahi explained she has spent the last three months recording the lonely canine living in a block of units across from her in the city's CBD.

The neighbour made several reports to authorities, which amounted to no action, and decided to share the distressing video online in a last-ditch effort.

'The balcony is barely 1.5metres long, with no shelter, toys, or comfort,' she said.

'We've seen him out there in the rain, during freezing cold nights, and for hours on end. He paces in circles, shows signs of anxiety, and barks or cries for attention.

'When the owner does show up, the dog gets excited, wagging, hoping for interaction, but is completely ignored. He even seems scared to step inside the apartment, like he knows he's not allowed.'

The footage and photos of the corgi, known as 'Trump', and his dire living conditions outraged hundreds of Aussies who labelled the dog's treatment as inhumane.

But in a heartwarming turn of events on Friday, Acting Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell told Daily Mail Australia the owner surrendered the dog to council that morning.

Melbourne woman Helia Abdollahi shared footage of the little corgi pacing around in circles while trapped on an apartment balcony in the city's CBD

Ms Abdollahi made reports to the RSPCA, building management, closest cafe and pet stores, multiple animal rescues, Facebook groups and Melbourne City Council

'Thanks to the kindness of a good Samaritan, a little corgi has a new lease on life with a future filled with head pats, long walks, and plenty of treats,' Ms Campbell said.

'We take responsible pet ownership seriously  and while our team works tirelessly to protect the welfare of animals, we also rely on our community to speak up when something isn't right.

'Every pet deserves a safe and loving environment, and we'll now work to find this pup a forever family.'

Trump is currently at The Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne, where he is undergoing medical checks.

Service Delivery and Local Government Manager at The Lost Dogs' Home, Mel McCarthy, said she had no doubt Trump would find a new home.

'This little corgi is being well looked after and will no doubt find a new home very soon,' Ms McCarthy said.

'With the right time commitment and training it is completely possible for people own a dog happily in the city.

'Please reach out if you are struggling, our behaviour team can offer advice on how to successfully manage a dog in an apartment.'

In a heartwarming update, Melbourne City Council said Trump was surrendered to council by his owner and has since received 'plenty of treats'

Trump is currently at The Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne, where he is undergoing medical checks and will stay until he is ready for adoption

Once Trump is ready for adoption, the corgi's profile will be shared to The Lost Dogs' Home social media channels and website.

The development comes after Ms Abdollahi made reports to the RSPCA, building management, her closest cafe and pet stores, multiple animal rescues, Facebook groups and Melbourne City Council.

'I believe this could simply be a case of someone getting in over their head, maybe not understanding the responsibility that comes with having a high-energy breed, like a corgi, in a small apartment,' she wrote online.

'I'm not here to criticise, humiliate or expose anyone. I don't want conflict, I want a solution.'

Ms Abdollahi earlier revealed Melbourne City Council had been in contact and had also reached out to the corgi's owner directly.
The missing German backpacker who was feared lost in the Australian outback for 12 days has been found.

Carolina Wilga, 26, vanished without a trace in Western Australia on June 29.

She was last seen when she stopped at a convenience store in Beacon in the remote WA Wheatbelt region, after filling her van up with fuel the previous day 200km away in Toodyay.

On Friday evening, WA Police confirmed the young woman had been found with minor injuries and 'ravaged by mosquitoes' after the 'traumatic' ordeal.

'She's obviously coped in some amazing conditions. There's very hostile environment out there,' a police spokesperson told reporters.

She has been airlifted to hospital where she will be treated after a member of the public found her walking along a bushtrack on the edge of the reserve where she went missing.

On Thursday, her bogged and abandoned van was discovered in remote Karroun Hill bushland, 60km from Beacon, after police said it suffered a 'mechanical issue' but there was no sign or trace of Ms Wilga.

A huge air and land search was mounted in the rugged nature reserve amid fears she walked off to find help and may have been injured or disorientated.

The increasingly desperate search for Carolina Wilga, 26, (pictured) took a disturbing turn on Friday after she vanished without a trace in Western Australia on June 29

Childhood friend Denise Kullick, 27, has revealed the torment of being unable to help from her German hometown of Castrop-Rauxel, near Dortmund

The alarm was officially raised on July 4, but Carolina's Mitsubishi Delica van was only found in the remote location, 35km from the nearest main track, on Thursday

On Friday, her devastated childhood friend Denise Kullick, 27, revealed the torment of being unable to help from her German hometown of Castrop-Rauxel, near Dortmund.

'It's a horrible feeling,' Ms Kullick said. 'Her family is like my family.

'You see this kind of thing on news or documentaries, and now we're the ones sitting here, hoping she comes home.'

Ms Kullick said her friend's parents have stayed in constant contact with police but have declined to speak publicly.

She added: 'The situation is too tense, and their worry and fears for their daughter are too great.'

Ms Wilga, known as 'Lina' by friends, had spent the past two years backpacking around Australia and was planning to start work as a yoga teacher.

According to Ms Kullick, Ms Wilga was intending to take a mate with her on her fateful final trip into the outback, but they pulled out at the last moment.

'She was actually supposed to go with a friend she met in Australia,' Denise told German website, Ruhr Nachrichten, speaking on behalf of Ms Wilga's family.

On Thursday, her bogged and abandoned van was discovered in remote Karroun Hill bushland, 60km from Beacon, after police said it suffered a 'mechanical issue'

She was last seen when she stopped at a convenience store in Beacon in the remote WA Wheatbelt region

She had previously filled her van up with fuel the day before, 200km away in Toodyay

'But Lina ended up leaving on her own.'

The Australian friend alerted authorities when Ms Wilga failed to respond to messages which was 'completely out of character,' said Ms Kullick.

'Someone always knew where Lina was,' she said. 'Her friend called the police after not hearing from her for some time.'

The alarm was officially raised on July 4, but Carolina's Mitsubishi Delica van was only found in the remote location, 35km from the nearest main track, on Thursday.

WA Police Acting Inspector Jessica Securo said Ms Wilga is believed to have become lost and walked away from her vehicle after it broke down.

'Our information to date is she's likely to have become lost in that area, and has potentially walked away from her vehicle,' Acting Inspector Securo said on Friday.

'The terrain  it's outback country and there's large rocky outcrops, so although there's a number of tracks, you can see how it would be easy to become lost or disorientated in that area if you didn't know it well.'

Police have been investigating whether Ms Wilga took anything with her from the van that might offer clues to her whereabouts.

Caroline Wilga (pictured) stopped at a remote post office and general store before vanishing

Police have now launched a massive air and land search in Karroun Hill for the missing woman

Another friend, Demi de Lange, who worked with Ms Wilga in WA last year, remembered her as a 'lovely girl, very friendly and very bubbly.'

'We have a lot of backpackers travelling around her and you would think it's a safe place, she told Daily Mail Australia.

Ms Kullick said that despite everything, she knows her friend is tougher than most.

'Maybe Lina's car broke down in a dead zone with no reception,' she said.

The pair have known each other since childhood, first meeting as classmates at Erich Kastner Elementary School in Habinghorst and have been best friends ever since.

'Lina even postponed her flight to Australia just so she could be at my wedding,' she added.

The pair last saw each other nearly two years ago and were last in contact after her birthday in April, when Ms Wilga joked that her wellwishes were late because of the time difference.

Police are investigating whether Ms Wilga took anything with her from the van that might offer clues to her whereabouts

Police at the scene of her last sighting in Beacon in the WA Wheatbelt region

She was even considering flying to Australia to help in the search.

'My husband already said we should just fly down there and look ourselves. What could we possibly do from Castrop-Rauxel?' she said.

'I've even messaged people directly who claimed in the comments that they had seen her,' she said.
Villagers have been left baffled by the identity of a local homeowner who employed a 'rough' gang of workers to demolish a beloved 300-year-old cottage.

Neighbours said they first believed workers were coming in to rethatch the roof of the historic property and were shocked when a JCB digger arrived.

Test Valley Borough Council said they had not been made aware of plans to tear down the two-bedroom home and have now launched an investigation in to the demolition.

Locals in Nursling, near Southampton in Hampshire, said the 17th century property was regarded as the 'hallmark' of their parish and was even featured on the front cover of a local history book.

Residents have said they were shocked by the destruction with some even calling for those responsible to be 'locked up' with others confessing they felt robbed of a piece of their local history.

One neighbor who wished to remain anonymous, who lives opposite where Wychwood Cottage once stood said she saw a gang of 'rough' men come over to start work but hadn't expected anything as drastic as a demolition and added there were no signs to warn residents.

The 39-year-old said: 'They looked quite rough, there were no signs or anything.

'They had a tipper truck. We thought they were rethatching it, they put plastic sheets up, but obviously they were taking the thatch down.'

 Slide me  Villagers have been left baffled by the identity of a local homeowner who employed a 'rough' gang of workers to demolish a beloved 300-year-old cottage

Neighbours said the first believed workers were coming in to rethatch the roof of the historic property and were shocked when a JCB digger arrived and within two days the house was gone

Residents have said they were shocked by the destruction with some even calling for those responsible to be 'locked up' after a feeling robbed of a piece of their local history

The local added the village had previously tried to get the cottage listed but were unsuccessful.

The resident told MailOnline: 'I know we did try to get it listed back in February. We were told it had been altered a few years ago. I don't know who owns it.'

Older Nursling residents were particularly angered by the decision to knock down a cottage they had such fond memories of.

James Rooney, 90, said he thought those responsible should be 'locked up' for their 'disgusting' actions.

The retired builder said: 'It is disgusting, whoever did it needs to be locked up.

'We heard them doing work but did not know they were going to take it down.

'One of the last things I heard was the old lady that was living there wrote to the council because it was falling apart.

'All I know is it was a lovely old cottage.'

One residents said she saw a gang of 'rough' men come over to start work but hadn't expected anything as drastic as a demolition and added there were no signs to warn residents

The property, which was sold earlier this year was listed with a guide price of 400,000 and showed a well-kept property with a lean-to ched and developed garden

One picture showed the porch, bay windows and a sign bearing the name of the now-demolished Wychwood Cottage

One picture from estate agents Giles Wheeler showed an upstairs room with cream walls, a large chimney breast and stairs straight down to the ground floor

Other pictures on the website showed a bright and tidy interior with a galley kitchen, modern shower and wooden

The home boasted an open plan living space with wooden ceiling beams, bay windows and built-in cupboards

Upstairs rooms show larges paces with fitted carpets, small windows high up and wooden doors

Jess Craig, 39, echoed Ms Huckle's comments about the demolition crew and said that they were definitely not a 'corporate company'.

The full-time mother said the destruction of the beautiful property 'happened pretty quick' and she noticed workmen who looked like tree surgeons working on the house which took just two days to tear down.

She said: 'It was a lovely cottage, one minute it was there and the next it was gone.

'I saw what looked like tree surgeons at one point and the scaffolding with sheeting around it and then it was gone.

'It was about two days, it definitely didn't look like a corporate company.'

Lawrence Harfield, 71, who has lived in the Hampshire village for two decades said he couldn't believe his eyes when a JCB digger moved in and began smashing down the property.

Registered nurse Karen Williams, 42, said everyone in the area is 'really upset' at the demolition which came completely out of the blue.

'I am really saddened and shocked that it has been demolished,' she said.

The cottage had been sold in April along with planning permission and they had expected something to be built to the side of the historic property (artist's impression)

A plan showing the original cottage on the left and a new swelling on the right on the currently vacant lot, both of which were bought in April this year

'I looked at the planning portal and from what I can see the only one is for the land adjacent, they did a heritage thing so the building was protected.

'Everyone round here is really upset. I just knew it was up for sale last year, it came with the planning permission for the adjacent land.

'I heard them demolishing it, I didn't realise what was going on until I saw it on the Facebook page.

'Everyone is saddened, it is a piece of our history that has been taken away, there isn't much of the old village left.

The cottage was previously owned by an estates company linked to a philanthropic organisation, the Barker-Mill Foundation, but they confirmed that it was sold earlier this year after owning it for roughly two centuries.

An anonymous source told MailOnline that the cottage had been sold in April along with planning permission and they had expected something to be built to the side of the historic property.

They said they 'didn't sell it to be demolished' and were 'slightly disappointed' to hear it had been completely destroyed.

The last planning application in relation to the cottage was submitted to the council in 2022, seeking to build a new home on the land next to the cottage.

This application was approved by Test Valley, but no work has yet started on the separate dwelling.

Planning portfolio holder, Councillor Phil Bundy, said: 'I was made aware on Sunday evening that Wychwood Cottage had been demolished at the weekend.

'Test Valley Borough Council was not notified of this work in advance.

'Whilst the cottage was not a listed building, TVBC is currently investigating the matter.

'This includes establishing whether the owners followed the correct planning procedures, and the council is in contact with them to understand why it was demolished.'

In a listing on estate agent Giles Wheeler's website the cottage was described as having a generous 0.15 acre garden and was located close to the centre of Nursling Village within one and half miles of Junction 3 of M27 motorway.

The property, which was sold earlier this year was listed with a guide price of 400,000 while pictures on the website showed a bright and tidy interior with a galley kitchen, modern shower room and large, wood-panelled bedrooms upstairs.

Downstairs boasted a large open plan living space with wooden beams in the ceiling, bay windows and built-in cupboards and apart from some minor superficial marks on the off-white walls, the house appeared in good condition.

An additional listing also gave details about the history of the house revealing it had previously been renovated in 2000 and that estimated thatching costs for the roof, excluding VAT, might cost as much as 20,000 for the whole roof.

It also revealed that full planning permission had been granted in July 2023 for the construction of 'dwelling with new access, parking and landscaping, and alterations to existing access'.
British passengers were left stranded in 'war zone' conditions for over 17 hours after a flight was diverted due to a 'drunk' couple smoking onboard.

A flight from Cancun, Mexico to Gatwick, London was forced to divert to Bangor International Airport in Maine, U.S. on Tuesday after an incident on board.

About an hour after take-off, the captain announced that two passengers were smoking in the toilets, warning further incidents would force the plane to land.

Hours later, and with the issue still unresolved, the flight landed in the United States and the smokers were hauled off the plane.

Passengers said they were held in their seats for five long hours before being taken off the tarmac.

British passenger Terry Lawrance, 66, said it was like a 'war zone', with people camped out on rows of airbeds at the airport.

The flight was abandoned as the original crew were not able to continue the journey due to legal working hours, leaving passengers stranded overnight.

Rows of camp beds as passengers awaited updates on their flight in Bangor, Maine, U.S.

'It was like a warzone in a lounge - rows and rows of beds,' Terry said

As a relief flight was dispatched from the UK to the US, the passengers were left waiting on camp beds through the night.

A flight to take the passengers back to Gatwick ultimately took off at 3pm local time (8pm BST) on Wednesday, July 9, and landed safely in the UK.

Videos taken by Terry show rows of beds as passengers awaited updates.

Another video shows vehicles approaching the plane after touching down in Bangor.

'We were there for over 12 hours - it all went pear shaped,' Terry said. 'Everybody was fed up.'

He described the grab for beds as something of a 'free for all'.

'It was like a warzone in a lounge - rows and rows of beds. All our luggage was still on the plane whilst we waited,' he said.

'After an hour the captain came on and said someone had been smoking in the toilet - he read the riot act and said if it continues, we'd have to divert.

'About three hours later, around the border with Canada and he came on to let us know that the plane was being diverted to Bangor, Maine.

'Once we landed, they removed the two passengers,' Terry explained, describing them as 'drunk'.

'The captain then said we'd be getting going again once the paperwork has been done.

'We were sat on the plane on the ground for five hours - the plane started taxing again and we thought 'great' and then they said there was a problem with flight plan, and we have to get off.

'Next thing, we're not going anywhere, and we've got to stay in this small lounge.'

Passengers in Europe more broadly have been warned they can expect to face the worst ever year for delays at airports over the summers as short-staffed crews contend with surging demand for foreign travel.

British passenger Terry Lawrance, 66, said it was like a 'war zone', with passengers camped out on rows of airbeds

Passengers sat on the plane waiting to be taken off. The smokers were quickly removed

One senior EU official told the FT on Wednesday that after the 'worst summer ever' for delays and cancellations last year, 'this year will be very similar.'

In April, Eurocontrol, the continent's air traffic control body, reported that air traffic was already up five per cent compared to the same period in 2024, with delays rising in tandem.

This year, the situation is made worse by airport strikes, particularly in France, where tens of thousands of passengers have already been affected by walkouts by air traffic controllers.

Eurocontrol warns that a lack of air traffic control capacity is expected to cause 'high delays' in nine countries, including France, Spain, Germany and Greece.
A once-respected banking executive has been arrested at Sydney airport and accused of trying to have sex with teenage girls in his hotel room.

Christopher James McCann, 50, was charged on Tuesday with one count of using electronic communication to procure a child under 16 for a sexual act.

McCann, who worked at a Commonwealth Bank in Sydney, allegedly tried to find two teenage girls for sex in a Brisbane hotel, News.com.au reported.

Prosecutors will allege McCann had sought the help of an 18-year-old sex worker he met while in the city in May.

The group allegedly met in McCann's hotel before a concerned worker alerted police after becoming suspicious.

Following a two-month joint investigation, a warrant for his arrest was granted by a Queensland Court and McCann was promptly arrested at Sydney Airport.

The banking executive was then extradited to Brisbane on July 9 before his case was mentioned at Brisbane Arrest Court on Friday.

His defence attorney, Evan OHanlon-Rose, attempted to secure bail for McCann but this motion was delayed after a second person was accused of the same crime.

Shauntelle Went was charged with the same offence and now stands as McCann's co-accused.

Christopher James McCann (pictured), 50, has been charged with one count of using electronic communication to procure a child under 16 for a sexual act

Police prosecutor Jordan Theed told the court the case was 'unusual' because Mr McCann allegedly used an 18-year-old sex worker to procure a child.

Magistrate Julian Noud found it was best to handle both cases together and McCann and Went were both remanded to custody, The Daily Telegraph reported.

New South Wales' state crime commands sex crimes squad established Strike Force Coalhurst in March to investigate McCann.

It then referred the matter to Queensland Police Services child exploitation unit Argos after it discovered McCann's attempts to procure a minor.

Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, Commander of the NSW Police Force Sex Crimes Squad, said states are working together kept children safe everywhere.

'Working closely with Queensland Police, we were able to track a suspect who believed interstate travel would allow him to evade detection. He was wrong,' she said.

'These joint efforts demonstrate that our law enforcement capabilities dont stop at state borders.

'If you fly interstate to commit crimes, know that our reach is national.'

McCann (pictured) has previously worked as an executive at Commonwealth Bank

Cameron Burke, Argos' Detective Acting Inspector, said sexual predators seeking to harm children will not be tolerated anywhere in Australia.

'Argos investigators and police across the country work collaboratively to share information, intelligence and investigative assistance,' he said.

'We are constantly online, working tirelessly to identify and apprehend offenders.'

The case has been adjourned until July 14.
Britain's multi-billion pound fleet of F-35 stealth jets are only able to fly a third of their missions due to shortages in personnel and spare parts, a watchdog has warned.

A damning report by the National Audit Office (NAO) said a lack of engineers and spare parts was 'undermining the armed forces' war fighting capability'.

Auditors warned the impact meant the number of missions crews have been able to take on was 'approximately one third of the Ministry of Defence's targets'.

The national shortage in skilled engineers to oversee the project has ultimately led to 'fewer flying hours for pilots', the NAO report said.

Despite the F-35s being trumpeted as 'significantly superior' to all other UK fighter jets, the 11bn already spent on the warplanes had delivered a 'disappointing return'.

The MoD began taking delivery of the spaced-aged fighters, built by US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, in 2012 as part of a global project run from Washington.

Operating from the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, the stealth planes are among the most sophisticated ever built.

Britain has committed to buying a total of 138 F-35B variants, of which 38 have been delivered and another ten are on order, but there is no approved timetable for buying the rest. The MoD expects its stealth jet fleet to remain in service until 2069.

Britain's F-35 fighter jets have been blighted by a shortage of spare parts and engineers

the number of missions crews have been able to take on was 'approximately one third of the Ministry of Defence's targets, the NAO warned (file image of F-35s in the sky)

Your browser does not support iframes.

Likewise, the Government recently revealed it would be purchasing a further 12 F-35A variants capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

These cannot be deployed from the navy's aircraft carriers and it's unclear when Britain will purchase them. Critics have also claimed the UK would still be reliant on the US to deploy tactical nuclear weapons from the jets, should the plan go ahead.

Despite being largely an American project, around 15 per cent by value of each jet is manufactured in the UK, generating around 22billion in contracts for British firms.

The NAO's report said that 'due to failings of both the MoD and the global programme, the level of overall UK F-35 capability is currently lower than the MoD intended it would be by now at the time of its 2013 business case, and will be for several years'.

The NAO said: 'In our view, the capability achieved for the estimated 11billion spent to date is a disappointing return so far compared with MoD plans, even if other programme benefits have been significant.'

The auditor's review of the programme found it had been plagued by long delays.

Plans to equip the warplanes with weapons, including the integration of UK-developed missiles, and to assure the MoD that the jets retain its stealth capabilities have been pushed back until the 2030s.

Likewise, the full delivery of the first batch of 48 aircraft is also behind schedule due to a combination of financial woes and problems with the global programme, the NAO said.

The F-35 had been taking part in drills last month in the Indian Ocean when it was forced to make an emergency landing

In a bid to address the issues caused by a shortage of personnel and spares, the MoD reduced the flying requirement from ten hours to about 7.5 hours per month.

But despite this, the NAO report warned pilots were still not able to meet this target in March of last year.

The NAO added it was not disclosing the actual figures on national security grounds.

The MoD has not been able to sustainably deliver its targets for aircraft availability, resulting in flying hours below the requirement for pilots.

'The MoD's short-term affordability decisions and serious global programme delays have hindered the delivery of aircraft and other supporting capability', the report said.

There are 'major personnel shortages' across the F-35 force and 'serious gaps' in engineering roles.

The report said delivery of the first phase of 48 aircraft, due by the end of April 2026, was behind schedule partly for financial reasons and partly because of global programme delays.

The news comes after one of the UK's F-35Bs, embarked on 3.5billion HMS Prince of Wales in the Indo-Pacific, has been left stranded in India for the best part of a month after breaking down.

The clapped-out 88m warplane was forced to make an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport, in Kerala, on June 14.

The 88m warplane, dubbed one of the world's most hi-tech, was forced to make an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport, in Kerala on June 14

It was one of the stealth jets embarked on the Royal Navy's new aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (which is pictured arriving in Singapore on June 23)

But after landing at the airport, the stealth aircraft developed an engineering issue which only British engineers could fix.

A team of UK engineers arrived in the country this week but it's unclear when the jet will be fixed.

The stricken jet's plight was later mocked by the Indian tourism board, which turned it into a meme, with a fake review written by: 'UK F-35B' that read: 'Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend.'

Speaking of the NAO's report, an MoD spokesman said: 'The National Audit Office's report rightly recognises the world-class capabilities of the F-35 fighter jet, as well as its significant economic benefits - including 22billion of work for UK companies, creating thousands of jobs.

'The programme continues to operate within its approved budget and the UK will have two full squadrons of F-35 fighter jets ready for deployment by the end of this year.

'We also recently announced we will purchase 12 F-35As, supporting 20,000 jobs in the UK, and join Nato's dual capable aircraft nuclear mission.'
A female executive at Moet Hennessy is suing the champagne maker for 1.1million after she was allegedly told she needed 'anti-seduction' training and she was 'gagging for it'.

Maria Gasparovic, the former chief of staff to executive Jean-Marc Lacave, was sacked last June, just four months after she told her HR department about senior colleagues' alleged misconduct while she worked at the firm's Paris headquarters.

Lacave, her direct boss, is alleged to have told her that in order to be promoted, she needed 'anti-seduction' training, the Financial Times reported.

He is also accused of telling her that she had not been promoted because a client had said she was 'gagging for it' at a meeting.

Gasparovic is suing the multi-billion dollar firm for 1.3million (1.1million) in damages and compensation over accusations of sexual harassment, gender discrimination and unfair dismissal.

LHMV has refuted the claims, and has filed a lawsuit against her for defamation after she posted the allegations to social media. A defamation trial is expected in the autumn.

In her dismissal letter, reported by the FT, Moet Hennessy said she was being fired for impersonating another employee on a call while on sick leave, and for making threatening remarks to colleagues, though she had denied all these allegations.

Before she was made to leave, she reportedly submitted a whistleblowing report to the firm in which she detailed her allegations of harassment and discrimination, though according to a legal complaint she filed the firm did not carry out a formal investigation.

Maria Gasparovic (pictured), the former chief of staff to the global head of LVMH's wine and spirits business' distribution Jean-Marc Lacave, was sacked last June

Mark Stead (pictured), the company's former chief operating officer who is in a relationship with Gasparovic, was reportedly sacked after he accompanied her to meetings with HR

Moet Hennessy is the wine and spirits arm of LVMH (File image of Moet Hennessy products)

Mark Stead, the company's former chief operating officer who is in a relationship with Gasparovic, was reportedly sacked for allegedly misusing travel and expenses resources shortly after he accompanied her to meetings with HR.

Since her sacking, around a dozen people have reportedly come forward to reveal a series of executive departures 'related to a toxic workplace environment where bullying and mismanagement were problems'.

At least four female employees at Moet Hennessy's Paris headquarters have reported bullying and harassment before leaving. Three of those who filed complaints at employment tribunals have since settled with the firm.

Several women allegedly complained about being the subject of unfounded rumours about having affairs with men at the company.

According to the FT, after one woman told HR that people were spreading false rumours that she had slept with a male executive to get work opportunities, she was simply told to 'get used to it'.

Many employees of the firm complained of stress and bullying, with at least 20 staff at the headquarters going on long-term sick leave in 2024 alone.

One source told the FT that gossip and rumours are rife at Moet Hennessy, and that it was a 'boys club'.

They said that bosses would 'scream at people like it was a fashion house in the 1990s, except we are in 2025 - that behaviour is no longer acceptable'.

The source reportedly added: 'Lots of people were going on sick leave, people were disappearing overnight. It took on disruptive proportions'.

In a note sent to staff in September 2024, Moet Hennessy's then-chief executive Philippe Schaus and head of HR Paula Fallowfield tried to put out the fires of Gasparovic's allegations, and of the wider concerns within the company, the FT reports.

'We assure you that each case has been handled thoughtfully, fairly and in line with a commitment to confidentiality and our values,' they wrote in the email, while reminding staff of 'the distress one-sided narratives may cause'.

'We are committed to providing a positive working environment . . . Moreover we are also determined to do everything possible to protect the reputation of Moet Hennessy,' they wrote.

Gasparovics lawsuit is expected to be heard in court later this year.

MailOnline has contacted LVMH for comment.
Heartbreaking footage shows terminally ill orphans in Ukraine being evacuated to a bomb shelter during a Russian drone attack.

Nurses could be seen carrying the distressed children in their arms after they were forced to flee a hospice due to Vladimir Putin's relentless strikes targeting civilians.

The harrowing video, filmed on the night of July 9 or in the early hours of July 10, has only now appeared.

'This is how the children were evacuated to a shelter in the Butterfly House in Chernivtsi,' said the caption.

'In the centre, there is the largest children's palliative ward in Ukraine,' said a report.

'Each such descent into the bomb shelter for seriously ill children is a threat to life.'

The orphans could be seen lying on mats on the floor after being removed from their beds.

Some of the bewildered children cried as they were carried out of the hospital, with nurses trying to comfort them through reassuring smiles.

At least ten of the seriously ill orphans are from Kryvyi Rih - the birthplace of Volodymyr Zelensky.

Heartbreaking scenes show the forced evacuation from a hospice for seriously ill orphans - due to Vladimir Putin 's relentless drone strikes targeting civilians

The terminally ill children had to be rushed by medics and nurses to a bomb shelter because of the Russian attacks

The children were seen on mats on the floor after being removed from their beds due to Putin bombing

They were taken to Chernivtsi because it was felt to be safer after repeated strikes on Kryvyi Rih.

But, Putin's latest Geran-2 drones strikes hit the area with an explosion close to the hospice which should have been their safe haven.

Tragically, this is not the first time a Russian attack has forced seriously ill children to evacuate.

Last year, a Russian supersonic missile slammed into Kyiv's largest children's hospital in a fierce assault that interrupted heart surgeries and forced young cancer patients to take their treatments outdoors.

At least 31 people were killed, officials said.

The daytime barrage targeted five Ukrainian cities with more than 40 missiles of different types, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media.

Ukraines air force said it intercepted 30 missiles. More than 150 people were wounded.

At the Okhmatdyt Childrens Hospital in Kyiv, rescuers were seen searching for people under the rubble of a partially collapsed, two-storey wing of the facility.

Tragically, this is not the first time a Russian attack has forced seriously ill children to evacuate. Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin

The harrowing footage was from the night of 9-10 July, but has only now appeared. 'This is how the children were evacuated to a shelter in the Butterfly House in Chernivtsi,' said the caption. Pictured: Children lying on mats in the bomb shelter. In the background a nurse appears to be comforting one of the orphans

'In the centre, there is the largest children's palliative ward in Ukraine ,' said a report. 'Each such descent into the bomb shelter for seriously ill children is a threat to life'

The horrifying attack came after child cancer patients at Okhmatdyt had their treatment interrupted after they were forced to shelter in the hospital's basement as a result of Russian shelling in 2022.

Doctors and nurses, who are only able to provide a basic form of chemotherapy due to a lack of supplies.

'These children suffer more because they need to stay alive to fight with the cancer - and this fight cannot wait,' Dr Lesia Lysytsia told NBC News from the basement of Okhmatdyt, Kyiv's largest children's hospital.

'If the children's cancer treatment is interrupted further by the war, 'our patients, they will die,' Dr Lysytsia warned.
A hate crime probe has been launched after a 'vile' and 'racist' effigy of lifejacket-clad small boat migrants was set ablaze on top of a Northern Ireland bonfire.

Signs saying 'Stop the boats' and 'Veterans before refugees' were also attached to the pyre in the village of Moygashel, near Dungannon, County Tyrone, earlier this week.

Despite widespread condemnation and calls to take it down, the effigy was burned at around 11pm on Thursday, prompting the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to investigate it as a 'hate incident'.

It was erected as part of the annual loyalist Twelfth of July parades, where Protestants celebrate William of Orange's victory over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

The towering bonfires, built with wooden pallets, are mostly torched on the Tenth and Eleventh Night and have long been synonymous with Protestant culture.

But in recent years, the Moygashel bonfires have come under scrutiny for their controversial displays which have seen them venture into politics and contentious cultural points.

Last year a mock police car was burnt on the top of the bonfire and in 2023 a boat designed to represent the post-Brexit Irish Sea economic border was torched.

The latest display, which was also topped with an Irish tricolour, was branded 'shameful'.

A hate crime probe has been launched after a 'vile' and 'racist' effigy of lifejacket-clad small boat migrants was set ablaze on top of a Northern Ireland bonfire

Signs saying 'Stop the boats' and 'Veterans before refugees' were also attached to the pyre in the village of Moygashel, near Dungannon, County Tyrone, earlier this week

Despite calls to take the it down, the effigy was burned at around 11pm on Thursday, prompting the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to investigate it as a 'hate incident'

Amnesty International's Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan said: 'It is shameful that the authorities allowed this despicable display of hate to go ahead.

'What a shocking message to send to local migrant families.

'It is just weeks since migrant families were forced to flee for their lives when their homes were attacked and set on fire - a chilling pattern of escalating hostility.

'The authorities must treat this as a hate crime, conduct a full investigation and ensure those responsible are held to account.'

Mr Corrigan added: 'Racism, xenophobia, and hate have no place here - and that must be made unmistakably clear.'

PSNI said it had received 'a number of reports' regarding the bonfire 'and the material that has been placed upon it' and that it was now subject to investigation.

It was erected as part of the annual loyalist Twelfth of July parades, where Protestants celebrate William of Orange's victory over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690

The towering bonfires, built with wooden pallets, are mostly torched on the Tenth and Eleventh Night and have long been synonymous with Protestant culture

In recent years, the Moygashel bonfires have come under scrutiny for their controversial displays which have seen them venture into politics and contentious cultural points

The latest display, which was also topped with an Irish tricolour, was branded 'vile' and 'deplorable'

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew said the bonfire 'was clearly intended to dehumanise people who come to our island seeking a better life'

A spokesperson for the force said: 'Police are investigating this hate incident. Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe.

'We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists.'

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew said the bonfire 'was clearly intended to dehumanise people who come to our island seeking a better life'.

He added: 'The effigies and displays were abhorrent, driven by vile, far-right and racist attitudes.

'I welcome that police are treating this as a hate incident. It's vital those responsible are held accountable for their disgusting actions.

'Diversity, inclusion and equality must always triumph over xenophobia and hate.'

Mr Gildernew said the effigies and displays 'were abhorrent, driven by vile, far-right and racist attitudes'

PSNI said it had received 'a number of reports' regarding the bonfire 'and the material that has been placed upon it' and that it was now subject to investigation

SDLP leader Claire Hanna also condemned the construction of the bonfire, accusing some involved in the bonfire tradition in Northern Ireland of appearing to be motivated by 'hate, confrontation and media rows'.

She posted on X: 'Intricate effigies of humans beings, for burning. Who is this for

Prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson insisted the display was a form of 'artistic protest', saying: 'Every year Moygashel bonfire combines artistic protest with their cultural celebration.'

He said on X: 'Their yearly art has itself become a tradition. This year the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration.'

The Moygashel tower is one of an estimated 300 bonfires that begun being lit in loyalist areas yesterday and will continue into tonight.

The Moygashel tower is one of an estimated 300 bonfires that begun being lit in loyalist areas yesterday and will continue into tonight

The traditional fires are lit ahead of the main date in the parading calendar of Protestant loyal orders, the Twelfth Of July

Amnesty International's Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan said it was 'shameful that the authorities allowed this despicable display of hate to go ahead'

The placing of flags, effigies and election posters on the structures before they are ignited has prompted condemnation over recent years

It comes just one month after anti-immigration riots in the town of Ballymena, which saw fireworks and petrol bombs launched at police.

The riots, which lasted for over a week, were sparked after an alleged sexual assault by two teenagers of Romanian descent on a girl from Northern Ireland.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said more than 100 police officers were injured during the riots.

Mr Boutcher said after the riots: 'We saw hate-filled mobs throw petrol bombs, masonry, fireworks, an axe, at police officers, targeting homes and businesses.

'They targeted law-abiding, decent families from diverse communities who make Northern Ireland a better place, creating fear in people who simply want to live in peace.

'I can confirm the final number of injured officers as 107, many with head injuries from masonry and other missiles.

He added: 'There is no place for such violence, these actions were not about protest, they were attacks on the very fabric of our society.

'What sort of Northern Ireland do we want to live in?'
Yvette Cooper today admitted she does not know how many Channel migrants will be returned to France under Labour's vaunted deal.

The Home Secretary said the numbers had not even been 'fixed' for the pilot stage of the 'one in, one out' scheme - after negotiations went down to the wire.

The acknowledgement came amid claims that the pact agreed by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron during his state visit to the UK is already unravelling.

There are questions over whether the scheme - which would see Britain send some Channel arrivals back but agree to take other asylum seekers from France - could even be blocked by the EU Commission.

Unveiling the plan alongside Mr Macron last night, Sir Keir claimed it was 'ground-breaking' and would 'prove the concept that if you come over by small boats, then you will be returned to France'.

But as the Anglo-French summit was being held, hundreds more migrants were crossing the Channel from northern France. Border experts said the proposals were 'scratching a very bare minimum of the surface'.

Leaks had suggested 50 migrants a week, around one in 17 arrivals, would be sent back to France initially. But that was seemingly not signed off by the leaders.

There are claims that the pact agreed by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron during his state visit to the UK is already unravelling

Your browser does not support iframes.

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Ms Cooper said: 'The numbers are not fixed, even for this pilot phase that we are starting now.'

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Ms Cooper said: 'The numbers are not fixed, even for this pilot phase that we are starting now.

'So this will be a programme that we roll out step-by-step, and we will provide updates as we go.

'But we are going to do this in a steady way.'

Despite signs EU states could object to the UK-France deal, Ms Cooper told LBC she was confident Brussels would let it go ahead.

'We have been talking to the EU commissioners. We've also been talking to other European interior ministers and governments throughout this process,' she said.

'The French interior minister and I have been speaking about this to develop this since October of last year, and the EU commissioners have been very supportive.

'So that is why we have designed this in a way to work, not just for the UK and France, but in order to fit with all their concerns as well.'

She added: 'Because we've done that work all the way through, we do expect the EU Commission to continue to be supportive.'

Ms Cooper also played down Mr Macron's jibe that Brexit had made tackling illegal immigration harder, arguing people smugglers would 'weaponise anything'.

Downing Street said the UK is 'confident' the agreement complies with both domestic and international law and has discussed the plans with Brussels.

The PM's spokesman said: 'We've done a lot of work to make sure the system is robust to legal challenges, and of course, France is a safe country and a member of the ECHR.

'We're confident that this arrangement complies with both domestic and international law, and clearly we've discussed these arrangements already with the (European) Commission.'

Sir Keir is holding talks with his Cabinet at an 'away day' at Chequers, his grace-and-favour Chequers country estate.

Since Labour came to power, 44,359 small-boat migrants have reached Dover, including 21,117 so far this year  a 50 per cent leap on the same period last year.

The figures do not include up to 400 arrivals who made it to British soil yesterday, just as the two leaders announced the migrant plan in a press conference.

Sir Keir said the governments were taking 'hard-headed, aggressive action'.

As the Anglo-French summit was being held, hundreds more migrants were crossing the Channel from northern France

'For the very first time, migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France in short order,' he said.

In exchange for every return, a different individual will be allowed to come here via a safe route, controlled and legal, subject to strict security checks and only open to those who have not tried to enter the UK illegally.'

But the PM failed to say how quickly migrants will be sent back in total or on a weekly basis when the scheme launches, which he said would be in the 'coming weeks'.

Mr Macron said the deal needed legal ratification first, without putting a time frame on it.

Critics have derided the concept of a 'migrant merry go round'. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the deal with France is a 'gimmick' which will be 'no deterrent whatsoever'.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'What they announced yesterday is a gimmick, just like 'smash the gangs' was a gimmick as well.

'And the reason it's a gimmick is the numbers will be tiny.

'It's been reported it will be only 50 a week, something the Prime Minister didn't contradict when it was put to him yesterday.

'Now 50 a week only represents 6% of people crossing the Channel, which means that 94% under this new scheme proposed, 94% will be allowed to stay and quite clearly, allowing 94% of illegal immigrants to stay in the UK will be no deterrent whatsoever.'
A London council has been accused of 'sectarianism' for twinning with a Palestinian city.

Brent, a Labour-run local authority in the north of the capital, voted in May to twin with Nablus in the West Bank to promote 'cultural, social, economic, and educational exchanges'.

The campaign had been spearheaded by Councillor Ihtesham Afzal, who promoted the move in a speech by describing it as proof that 'the people' of Brent 'stand for Palestine'.

But the decision has upset Jewish community leaders, who met council leader Muhammad Butt on Wednesday to share their concerns.

Afterwards, Amanda Bowman - co-chair of the London Jewish Forum - described the meeting as 'more than disappointing'.

'That is not meaningful engagement  it's a box-ticking exercise,' she said. 'Jewish residents deserve better than symbolic gestures that ignore their concerns. We remain open to dialogue but real trust is built through action, not afterthought.'

Phil Rosenberg, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, added: 'Brent council's long record of active support for community cohesion is now very much in question.

'The proposed twinning will do nothing for peace in the region but risks the good relations of diverse communities in Brent.'

The twinning campaign was spearheaded by Councillor Ihtesham Afzal, who promoted the move in a speech by describing it as proof that 'the people' of Brent 'stand for Palestine'

Nablus is in the West Bank, which is considered occupied territory by the UK and United Nations

After the council vote, Councillor Butt claimed the decision to twin Brent to Nablus 'was not taken likely' and that it 'followed a period of public engagement, including a petition signed by more than 2,000 residents'.

In an email to residents, he said he wanted to 'acknowledge the pain and trauma that continue to affect Jewish communities both here in Brent and around the world following the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on Oct 7'.

A petition against the twinning suggested the twinning would not further the cause of peace given seven out of fifteen of the people who sit on Nablus's own council are backed by Hamas.

It said that the city was home to militant groups including the Lions' Den, which is sanctioned by the US, and - according to Israeli and Palestinian officials - is funded by Hamas.

The petition was launched by Ian Collier, who is Jewish and a former candidate for Reform.

He wrote: 'The proposal to twin has not given due regard to the effects of this decision to those residents with protected characteristics which include, along with the Muslim community, Jews, Christians, Jains, Sikhs, Hindus and the LGBTQ community.

'Brent's objectives should be to enhance community relations and cooperation, and this proposal will undermine this objective as it appears sectarian in its nature.'

Brent previously released a 67-page document justifying the twinning, in which it spoke of the 'strong potential for collaboration between our two councils'.

The decision has upset Jewish community leaders, who met council leader Muhammad Butt on Wednesday to share their concerns

This is far from the first time the Israel-Palestine conflict has had a bearing on local councils in the UK.

A slew of candidates motivated by the Gaza crisis were elected in council contests across England this May.

It was an echo of last July's general election, which was marked by success for independents across traditional Labour strongholds.

Last month, a Labour MP told how he was being threatened by a group of masked pro-Palestinian activists who had blocked his constituency offices.

Luke Charters, the MP for York Outer, said the activists have 'charged' him with genocide and used 'intimidating methods' to pressure him over the war in Gaza.

He said he has become a target in his home town and local constituents had become 'too scared to meet him'.

A Brent council spokesman said: 'We want to thank representatives of Brent's Jewish community for meeting the leader of the council to share their concerns respectfully. We deeply value the long and storied contribution of our Jewish residents to civic life in Brent, and we remain committed to fostering good relations between all of Brent's diverse communities.

The delegation of Jewish community representatives outside Brent Civic Centre following Wednesday's meeting

'The twinning with Nablus is about promoting peace, cultural exchange and mutual understanding. It does not endorse any ideological belief and builds on a tradition of towns and cities forming international civic links to foster understanding and build bridges.

'We acknowledge the anxieties raised and the council will continue to listen and engage as the proposals are developed. We have asked the Brent-Nablus Twinning Association to ensure that their activities reflect Brent's values and, as set out in our international partnering protocol, any twinning can be reviewed if it falls short of our expectations.

'Brent remains proud of its record as a place where communities live and thrive together in peace.'
Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched a new and yet more violent campaign of attacks targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea, sinking two vessels, killing some of their crew and allegedly taking others hostage.

The terror attacks represent the latest chapter of the rebels' explosive campaign over the Israel-Hamas war that threatens to plunge international shipping into chaos by deterring cargo vessels from transiting the Suez Canal.

Between November 2023 and December 2024, the Houthi rebel group officially known as Ansar Allah targeted more than 100 vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two and killing four sailors, in what they said was retaliation for Israel's offensive in Gaza.

Their campaign has greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually, and the latest attacks have seen insurance costs skyrocket.

In May, Donald Trump announced he had struck a deal with the rebel group in which the White House agreed to stop bombing Houthi targets in return for an end to shipping attacks.

The Trump administration had presented its 52-day bombing campaign on Yemen as being successful in restoring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

But Yemeni Houthi militia leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi on Thursday embarrassed the US President, declaring that no company could be permitted to transport goods related to Israel as his group launched another round of murderous assaults.

Now, two more ships - the Magic Seas and Eternity C - lie at the bottom of the Red Sea, days after they were hit with drone attacks and with rocket-propelled grenades.

Yemen's Houthis released a propaganda video showing masked, armed men storming the shipping vessel Magic Seas on Sunday and simultaneous explosions that scuttled the ship

The Iran -backed terror group shared footage of the moment its fighters carried out an attack on the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas at sea on Sunday

A screen grab taken from a handout video released by the Houthis military media center on 09 July 2025 shows the Liberian-flagged bulker, Eternity C, sinking after being attacked in the Red Sea off the port city of Hodeidah, Yemen on Wednesday

Plumes of smoke rise from Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier the Magic Seas that was attacked by Houthis

Houthi-affiliated fighters carrying out an attack on the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas

Your browser does not support iframes.

The crew of the Magic Seas were rescued, but at least four crewmembers of the Eternity C are believed dead, according to maritime sources who spoke to Reuters.

Ten more narrowly escaped the same fate after they were plucked from the Red Sea by rescue boats having abandoned ship and spent more than 24 hours floating adrift in the water.

But 10 others remain unaccounted for and are feared to have been taken hostage after the Houthis claimed they had seized some members of the fleeing crew.

Many shipping companies have suspended voyages in the Red Sea due to the fear of attack, dramatically reducing the number of commercial vessels using the transit the Suez Canal - a vital maritime passageway splitting Africa and the Middle East that used to carry roughly 30 per cent of world container traffic.

Instead, ships heading to Western Europe from Asia have been forced to circumnavigate the entire African continent, adding up to two weeks to their time at sea.

The insurance cost of shipping goods there has more than doubled in the past week since the attack on Magic Seas.

Rates for a typical seven-day voyage period, which are set by individual underwriters, have been quoted this week at up to 1%, matching the peak level in 2024 when there were daily attacks.

Such a small percentage may not sound like much, but this adds hundreds of thousands of dollars in further costs for every single shipment.

Some underwriters have pausing cover altogether for some voyages.

'What we have seen in the last week appears to be a return to mid-2024 targeting criteria, which essentially involves any vessel with even a remote Israeli connection,' said Munro Anderson, head of operations at marine war risk insurance specialist Vessel Protect.

The attacks represent a new level of violence being employed by the Houthis.

Experts have referred to the assaults as being complex in nature, involving armed rebels first racing out to the vessels in the Red Sea, firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.

They then have used anti-ship missiles and both aerial and sea drones loaded with explosives to attack the ships.

Analysts also pointed out the fresh aggression symbolises a failure on the part of Israel and America, whose bombing raids have clearly not stripped the rebels of their ability to launch attacks.

The US said it dropped more than 2,000 munitions on more than 1,000 targets in the course of its months-long campaign against Houthi stronghold in Yemen as Trump vowed the group would be 'completely annihilated' unless it stopped targeting Red Sea shipping.

His bluster has seemingly failed to deter the Houthis, who have apparently been able to reconstitute their forces to pull off complex maritime military operations.

The Greek-operated bulk carrier Magic Seas is sinking after Houthi terrorists attacked it Sunday off the coast of southwest Yemen

Crew members are shown in this screen grab being rescued after the Eternity C attack

Your browser does not support iframes.

President Donald Trump had warned Houthi terrorists to cease their attacks against Red Sea shipping or face 'total annihilation'

This handout image released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) via X (formerly Twitter) on March 15, 2025 shows CENTCOM forces launching an operation against Huthi targets across Yemen

For the Houthis, attacking commercial ships remains far easier than targeting warships as those vessels don't have air defence systems.

Instead, some carry a few armed guards able to shoot at attackers or approaching drones. Downing a drone remains difficult and shooting down a missile is impossible with their weaponry.

Armed guards also typically are more trained for dealing with piracy and will spray fire hoses at approaching small boats or ring a bridge with cyclone wire to stop attackers from climbing aboard.

The Houthis, however, have experience doing helicopter-borne assaults and likely could overwhelm a private security detail, which often is just a three-member team aboard a commercial vessel.

The new attack campaign 'represents a qualitative shift in the course of the open battle in support of Gaza', the Houthis' SABA news agency said this week.

It added that Israel commits 'daily massacres against civilians in Gaza and relies on sea lanes to finance its aggression and maintain its siege'.

'This stance, which is not content with condemnation or statements, is also advancing with direct military action, in a clear effort to support the Palestinians on various fronts,' the rebels said.

The Houthis are members of Islam's minority Shiite Zaydi sect, which ruled Yemen for 1,000 years until 1962.

They battled Yemen's central government for years before sweeping down from their northern stronghold in Yemen and seizing the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. That launched a grinding war still technically being waged in the country today.

A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to try to restore Yemen's exiled, internationally recognised government to power.

But years of bloody, inconclusive fighting against the Saudi-led coalition settled into a stalemated proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, causing widespread hunger and misery in Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country.

The war has killed more than 150,000 people, including fighters and civilians, and created one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters, killing tens of thousands more.

A ceasefire that technically ended in October 2022 is still largely being honoured.

Saudi Arabia and the rebels have done some prisoner swaps, and a Houthi delegation was invited to high-level peace talks in Riyadh in September 2023 as part of a wider detente the kingdom has reached with Iran.

But there is still no permanent peace.

Your browser does not support iframes.

A view of the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas sinking, after it was attacked by Huthi-affiliated fighters at sea on Sunday

A view of explosions on the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas, which was attacked by Houthi-affiliated fighters at sea

The Houthis (pictured on a boat after the Eternity C sank on Wednesday) claimed responsibility for the assault that maritime officials say killed four of the 25 people aboard

The Houthis are counted among Iran's so-called 'Axis of Resistance' in the Middle East that the Islamic Republic uses to project power and political will.

Tehran routinely denies arming the rebels, despite physical evidence, numerous seizures and experts tying the weapons back to Iran.

Until recently, the Houthis were considered far less capable than their partners Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

But these once-feared militant groups have been decimated by Israel after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas that sparked Israel's war in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has been systematically broken down by Israel's brutal campaign of bombings and ground operations that has razed much of the embattled Palestinian enclave to the ground.

Hezbollah meanwhile has been gutted by the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency's cunning pager attacks and bombing campaigns which eliminated its leadership and destroyed much of its military capabilities.

Iran too has been left reeling after Israel launched a 12-day war against the country in June, which culminated in US airstrikes on key nuclear sites.
There are fears Oasis' homecoming gig in Manchester could be overrun by ticketless fans as 'irresponsible' TikTokers share advice on how to break in to the venue.

The band are set to play in front of 80,000 people tonight in the first of five sold-out shows in Heaton Park after kicking off their world tour in Cardiff last week.

With demand far outstripping supply for the concerts - their first in Manchester for 16 years - TikTok users have begun sharing tips about how to evade security.

One suggested climbing trees to scale the double fence or attempting to swim across the park's boating lake.

'We've got to climb over this fence here... and then you're just in there for Oasis,' one TikToker told his followers.

Another said: 'You get in the water, you've got to swim and then you'll get in.'

Manchester City Council has condemned the videos and urged fans without tickets to enjoy the 'brilliant' atmosphere in the city centre instead.

Greater Manchester Police has promised a 'large and highly visible policing operation' to deter wrongdoers.

TikTok users have been branded 'irresponsible' for sharing advice on ways to break into Oasis's Manchester shows without a ticket

The band are set to play in front of 80,000 people in the first of five sold-out shows in Heaton Park after kicking off their world tour in Cardiff last week

A huge stage has been set up prior to tonight's concert, which starts at 8.15pm

The Heaton Park dates are the only UK shows held outside a stadium, with the others taking place at the Principality Stadium, Wembley and Murrayfield.

The 600-acre open space hosts the annual Parklife festival and was the venue for Oasis's last concert in the city on June 7, 2009.

Last year, police imposed a dispersal order on the park to prevent ticketless fans from gathering outside.

SJM Concerts, which is organising the events said that 2,000 stewards and a 'significant number' of police officers would be patrolling the event.

'We have been working for more than a year alongside the various councils and emergency services to ensure these Oasis shows in Heaton Park are safe for all ticket holders. Anyone without a ticket should not travel to Heaton Park,' Rob Ballantine, the director of SJM Concerts, told the Guardian.

'We are aware of the TikTok videos but what they don't show is the 2,000 stewards, plus a significant number of police who will be patrolling the area, and the double fence line around the entire site with mobile security in between the fences.'

Local councillor John Hacking criticised the TikTok videos as 'irresponsible'.

'It's concerning and irresponsible of individuals to be encouraging this kind of reckless behaviour in others, and also encouraging people to put their safety at risk in this way,' he said.

'Ticketless fans shouldn't travel to Heaton Park. They should get themselves to the city centre instead where they're going to find a brilliant atmosphere and loads of things happening on gig days to get involved in and enjoy.'

Oasis fans strolling through Manchester city centre ahead of tonight's show

A pop-up shop has opened to cater for fans eager for memorabilia

Noel Gallagher performing in Cardiff during the first leg of their new world tour

The band enjoyed a rapturous reception from fans at Cardiff's Principality Stadium

Heaton Park has been surrounded by a double security fence, with stewards patrolling along the middle of it

Event organisers have warned ticketless fans against attempting to break in

The brothers announced the Oasis Live '25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff, before heading across the UK and Ireland.

While fans were excited at the reunion, some were left outraged after some standard tickets in the UK and Ireland jumped from 148 to 355.

The controversy prompted the Government and the UK's competition watchdog to pledge to look at the use of dynamic pricing.

After their Manchester gigs Oasis will visit London's Wembley Stadium, Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium and Dublin's Croke Park throughout July, August and September.

The group will then head to Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and North America.

A movie produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is being made in conjunction with the reunion tour.

Formed in Manchester in 1991, the rock band was led by lead guitarist Noel and his brother, lead vocalist Liam, during their 18 years together.

The Heaton Park dates are the only UK shows held outside a stadium, with the others taking place at the Principality Stadium, Wembley and Murrayfield

The 600-acre open space hosts the annual Parklife festival and was the venue for Oasis's last concert in the city on June 7, 2009

Oasis signed to independent record label Creation Records in 1993, rising to fame with the release of their debut chart-topping album Definitely Maybe on August 29 1994.

They had hits with songs including Don't Look Back In Anger, Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall and Live Forever.

Dig Out Your Soul, the band's last studio album, was released in 2008, just months before the Paris row.
Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin has played Donald Trump 'like a violin' about his plans for Ukraine but has now 'overplayed' his hand, the ex-head of MI6 has said.

Sir Alex Younger, who led the UK's Secret Intelligence Service from 2014 to 2020, said Putin's attempts to dupe the US President into thinking they were 'mates' had spectacularly backfired.

Speaking out last night, the retired British spymaster said Trump - who has previously appeared sympathetic towards Russia's invasion of its eastern bloc neighbour - was now being made a 'muppet' of by Putin.

Sir Alex said Putin's action, which have seen him stepping up his ruthless bombing campaign against Kyiv despite efforts to bring a ceasefire about, were threatening to destroy any relationship between the American and Russian leaders.

Speaking on BBC Newsnight, the former spy chief said he was 'mystified' at how the Russian tyrant - a former KGB intelligence officer - had 'overplayed' his hand so poorly.

'He's played Trump like a violin so far,' added Sir Alex. 'He's created this idea that they're mates and that they are equivalent and they can solve all the world's problems together.

'But it's becoming very clear to Donald Trump that Putin has no other plan other than to subjugate Ukraine and he's going to make Trump look like a muppet if he continues and that's not acceptable.'

He continued: 'He is overplaying his hand... And he doesn't have a military solution.

Vladimir Putin (pictured) has 'played' Donald Trump 'like a violin', a former MI6 chief warned

Sir Alex Younger, who led the UK's Secret Intelligence Service from 2014 to 2020, said Putin's attempts to dupe the US President into thinking they were 'mates' had spectacularly backfired

Sir Alex gave his verdict during a wide-ranging discussion on BBC Newsnight on Thursday

'With three years in, he's lost a million men, and he's got less territory than he did in 22, OK? So Trump is his only answer.

'He's playing it very dangerous here.'

Trump's position appears to have shifted radically in the past few months, which has seen the US leader swaying further away from Russia's false narrative blaming Ukraine for starting the war to Moscow now needlessly prolonging it.

In a furious display of how soured relations have now become, Trump lambasted Putin's for his 'bulls***' over Ukraine, as the 79-year-old US leader appeared to become increasingly more irritated by the Russian.

Speaking at a televised meeting of top officials this week, President Trump said: 'We get a lot of bulls*** thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. Hes very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.'

Pressed on if he wanted to see further sanctions against Russia, Trump replied: 'Im looking at it.' He refused to give further details but warned any action would come as 'a little surprise'.

Earlier this week, it was revealed Trump had told a private meeting of donors that he once warned Putin he would 'bomb the s*** out of Moscow' if he attacked Ukraine.

A recording of a gathering during a 2024 fundraiser seemingly shows the now-President stating Russia would have never invaded Ukraine in 2022 had he been in office.

Apparently in reference to his first term, Trump said: 'With Putin I said, "If you go into Ukraine, Im going to bomb the s*** out of Moscow. I'm telling you I have no choice".'

Donald Trump ripped into Putin, accusing him of throwing 'bull****' at the US in negotiations to end war with Ukraine

A record number of rockets and drones launched at Ukraine by Moscow last week. Pictured: Aftermath of a Russian attack in Odesa

Trump reportedly told a private meeting of donors that he once warned Vladimir Putin that he would 'bomb the **** out of Moscow

He then claimed Putin responded: '"I don't believe you, no way"... and I said "way".'

Later in the conversation, Trump can also be heard claiming that he issued a similar threat to China's President Xi Jinping if he chose to invade Taiwan.

'I said the same thing to them, I said "if you go into Taiwan I'm going to bomb the **** out of Beijing".

'He thought I was crazy. He said "Beijing! You can't even bomb [inaudible]." I said, I have no choice. He believed me 10 per cent... and we never had a problem.'

The remarks were uncovered in a series of audio tapes made while Trump was on the campaign trail at fundraisers in New York and Florida.

Trump's administration had previously held off on additional military aid for Ukraine amid hopes a ceasefire could be brokered.

However, on Thursday, the president appeared to U-turn - at least in part - on that position as he announced a new string of support for the besieged nation.

Putin's relationship with Mr Trump appears to have soured in recent months (file image)

The president told NBC News he had secured a deal through Nato to send new Patriot anti-missile missiles to Kyiv to help it repel Russian attacks on civilian targets.

'Were sending weapons to Nato, and Nato is paying for those weapons, a hundred percent,' Mr Trump said.

'Were going to be sending Patriots to Nato and then Nato will distribute that,' he added.

It's not clear what the exact parameters of the deal between the US and the alliance is - or when it will take place.

News of the weapons deal comes as Ukraine continues to be pounded by missile and drone attacks from Moscow.

Heartbreaking new footage revealed this morning, showed the moment terminally ill orphans in Ukraine were evacuated to a bomb shelter during one of the latest drone strikes.

Nurses could be seen carrying the distressed children in their arms after they were forced to flee a hospice due to Vladimir Putin's relentless strikes targeting civilians.

The harrowing clip was filmed on the night of July 9 or in the early hours of July 10.

Heartbreaking scenes show the forced evacuation from a hospice for seriously ill orphans - due to Vladimir Putin 's relentless drone strikes targeting civilians

The terminally ill children had to be rushed by medics and nurses to a bomb shelter because of the Russian attacks

The children were seen on mats on the floor after being removed from their beds due to Putin bombing

'This is how the children were evacuated to a shelter in the Butterfly House in Chernivtsi,' said the caption.

'In the centre, there is the largest children's palliative ward in Ukraine,' said a report.

'Each such descent into the bomb shelter for seriously ill children is a threat to life.'

The orphans could be seen lying on mats on the floor after being removed from their beds.

Some of the bewildered children cried as they were carried out of the hospital, with nurses trying to comfort them through reassuring smiles.

At least ten of the seriously ill orphans are from Kryvyi Rih - the birthplace of Volodymyr Zelensky.
A teenage boy has died after being buried alive when a sand tunnel he was digging on a beach in Italy suddenly caved in.

The 17-year-old, named locally as Riccardo B., was on holiday with his family when tragedy struck on the popular Montalto di Castro beach, near the border of the Tarquinia region in north-west Italy.

Riccardo had been playing in the sand, carving out a tunnel that he intended to crawl through from one side to the other.

But as he passed through the centre, the structure gave way without warning, swallowing him whole and leaving no trace on the surface.

A swimmer who witnessed the horror said: 'He had built a tunnel. He wanted to enter from one side and exit from the other.

'But as he passed through, when he reached the centre, everything collapsed and the hole was completely covered.

'You couldn't see anything anymore; you could have walked right through it and not noticed a thing.

Another local added: 'When the sand closes in on you, it's incredibly heavy.

The 17-year-old, named locally as Riccardo B., was on holiday with his family when tragedy struck

'It doesn't even let a little oxygen in, and it's not easy to extract people because it tends to collapse. A few minutes later, they die of suffocation.'

His father, along with beachgoers and lifeguards, began frantically digging through the sand, clawing at it with their bare hands as emergency services rushed to the scene.

By the time emergency services reached the scene, Ricardo had already died.

Riccardo, who lived in Rome, had been at the beach with his father and two younger siblings, aged three and eight.

A major search for the teen was started around 3pm when his family realised he was nowhere to be found.

The mayor of Montalto, Emanuela Socciarelli, said: 'A tragedy that has left us all shocked. It's unthinkable that a young man could lose his life in this way.

'I want to offer my sincere condolences to this family, to whom we are all truly deeply connected.'

Authorities have cancelled all public events in solidarity with the family

In solidarity with the family, all public events have been called off today.

Local authorities released a statement saying: 'Deepest condolences for the tragic passing of the young man.

'In such a time of great grief, we extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's parents and family, affected by this terrible tragedy.

'As a sign of respect, all public events scheduled for Friday, July 11, are suspended.

'The community of Montalto joins in silent embrace with the family."
Incredible images show a huge iceberg drifting dangerously close to the shore in Greenland.

The towering structure has been edging closer to a harbour in Innaarsuit, where local authorities have issued warnings to the public.

It is now near the Royal Greenland fish factory and the local food store, where people are being advised to take care when visiting.

The Avannaata Municipality said: 'Emergency services encourage families not to go in a group towards the store, while at the same time asking people with walking difficulties to be extra careful when walking towards the store.

'The emergency services also want you to be careful when sailing both to and from the settlement.

'The emergency services are aware of the iceberg and are prepared if it breaks apart.'

Dennis Lehtonen, who works locally, said the iceberg originally came to the village approximately a week ago, but appeared to move on.

He said: 'This Monday, however, the iceberg would return to Innaarsuit and since then it has been (almost) in the same location since then.

Incredible images show a huge iceberg drifting dangerously close to the shore in Greenland

The towering structure has been edging closer to a harbour in Innaarsuit, where local authorities have issued warnings to the public

'Because of this, the Avannaata Kommunia (North Greenland municipality) issued the official warning for the iceberg and we are temporarily closing the local fish factory where I work as well as the small shop.'

He added: 'I have asked the locals about their feelings for the iceberg. Some say they're worried, but there are plenty of people who are sort or excited (like me).'

It comes just weeks after a fisherman spotted a black iceberg off the coast of Canada.

Hallur Antoniussen, originally from the Faroe Islands, was aboard a fishing trawler when he spotted the strange sight.

'I have seen icebergs that are rolled, what they say have rolled in the beach with some rocks in it,' he told CBC Radio.

'This one here is completely different. It's not only that he is all black. He is almostin a diamond shape.'

Mr Antoniussen, 64, said it was hard to estimate the size of the iceberg since it was roughly six kilometres away when he took a photograph of it.

However, he believes it was at least three times the size of a regular bungalow.

It is now near the Royal Greenland fish factory and the local food store, where people are being advised to take care when visiting

One local said of the town's reaction to the icebergs: 'Some say they're worried, but there are plenty of people who are sort or excited (like me)'

Dennis Lehtonen (pictured), who works locally, said the iceberg originally came to the village approximately a week ago, but appeared to move on

Icebergs traditionally appear white because they are filled with tiny pockets of trapped air that scatter all wavelengths of light.

One explanation for the rare black iceberg is that it became mixed with a lot of debris thousands of years ago when it was part of a larger glacier.

As glaciers move towards the ocean they grind along the ground, stirring up debris that becomes mixed in with the ice.
A niece who swindled her elderly relatives out of their 150,000 life savings to fund her luxury lifestyle has been ordered to pay 1.

Lucy Paginton, 28, from Newport, South Wales, targeted her uncle Frank Hillier, 88, and aunt Mary, 90, who raised her 'like a daughter' from the age of two.

Addressing Cardiff Crown Court, prosecutor Thomas Stanway said: 'They spoiled her while she was growing up, lavishing her with gifts, leasing cars for her and taking her on holiday.'

In return, Paginton, of Cot Farm Circle, secretly spent their money on luxury holidays, five star hotel trips and designer clothes.

Her lavish spending included visits to the five-star Celtic Manor resort in Newport and trips to high street designer shop Flannels.

The mother-of-one was sentenced to four years and eight months in January after pleading guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation.

A Proceeds of Crime hearing was told she benefited 150,555 as a result of her offending but has no available assets.

Judge Simon Mills ordered her to pay a nominal sum of 1 within 28 days.

Lucy Paginton siphoned 150,000 from Frank and Mary Hillier's live savings

The mother-of-one was sentenced to four years and eight months in January at Cardiff Crown Court (pictured) after pleading guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation

Paginton first betrayed her doting relatives at the age of 20 when she asked them to help her buy a house in 2017.

'A plan was agreed that they would pay the deposits for two properties,' Mr Stanway told the court. 'Paginton would live in one house and her aunt and uncle in the other.

'The property the Hilliers lived in would then pass over to her after they had died.'

But instead of buying this property, Paginton pocketed the deposit money and forged Halifax bank documents and faked correspondence from Redrow housebuilders as well as a conveyancing firm.

Mr Stanway said: 'When one considers Miss Paginton's bank statements one can see that in effect the payments were simply made to fund her lifestyle.

'There were visits to the Celtic Manor Resort, payments to Flannels, a high-end designer clothing shop.

'There were also payments to various travel companies noted within her bank statements.'

In a victim impact statement, Mrs Hillier described the feeling of being betrayed by a loved one. She said: 'Every night going to bed I find it difficult to sleep and we're constantly worried about the case, the stress of it all has made us unwell.

Paginton's lavish spending included trips to the five-star Celtic Manor Resort

A one-night stay at Celtic Manor Resort can cost thousands of pounds

'It hurts because she lied to us and we showed her so much love, gave her holidays, money and she never went without,' Mrs Hillier continued.

'We were willing to buy her a house but she decided to steal from us instead. It's affected my mental health and my husband's physical and mental health.'

Mrs Hillier went on to add that the couple have been left 'unable to move on' as a result of their niece's fraud.

'We have lost everything we have worked hard for and family have distanced themselves from us.'

However, even after having their lives ruined by this callous deception, the elderly couple maintain that they still love their niece.

Mrs Hillier said: 'We couldn't let her get away with this and can't believe she did this. We still love the defendant but she hurt us and broke our trust.

'We hope to get justice from this case and make Lucy realise the consequences of her actions.'

During Paginton's sentencing in January, Judge Carl Harrison told her: 'Your victims thought highly of you, they trusted you and they loved you.

'It was that love and trust that led them to falling victim to your repeated dishonest behaviour.

'For four years you cynically and repeatedly abused the trust that Frank and Mary Hillier placed in you to enrich yourself and defraud them.

'They described it as being a living hell. They are an elderly couple who should be looking forward to their future. Their lives have been ruined by your selfish actions.'
A British tourist has been found dead in a guesthouse in Italy.

The unnamed man was discovered by a cleaner who raised the alarm in Genoa's Pra neighbourhood.

Although he was staying with another person before the incident, it has been reported that their whereabouts are currently unknown.

Initial investigations by detectives suggested that the deceased had taken his own life.

However, police are now said to be considering all other options in the mysterious case.

According to local media Liguaria Notizie, the man had rented the B&B for a few days.

He and his companion were meant to check out of the facility on Wednesday.

The investigation into the mysterious circumstances of his death is still ongoing.

The man was discovered dead in Genoa's Pra neighbourhood , according to local media

Authorities have now handed the matter to Italy's national police force.

Genoa is a popular tourist destination in Italy with several attractions, including the Aquarium of Genoa, one of Europe's largest.
A lucky antiques collector who paid 400 for an oil painting is celebrating after it sold for 1.9m - because it turned out to be a lost work by JMW Turner.

The vendor took a punt on the late-18th century unsigned landscape painting at a sale last year and paid the nominal fee for it.

They had it professionally cleaned and it was then that the signature of the great English artist was exposed.

The painting depicting a former hot spa in Bristol was shown to Turner scholars who agreed it was by the master.

They were able to say that Turner produced the work in 1792 when he was aged 17.

This was three years before what was believed to be Turner's earliest exhibited work.

A lucky antiques collector who paid 400 for an oil painting is celebrating after it sold for 1.9m - because it turned out to be a lost work by JMW Turner

Its whereabouts was a mystery for 150 years until it came up for sale last year.

The 23ins by 2ft 5ins painting was attributed to an artist follower of English landscape painter Julius Caesar Ibbetson and was bought by the anonymous vendor for the lowly sum.

It was then entered for sale at London auctioneers Sothebys titled 'The Rising Squall, Hot Wells, from St Vincent's Rock, Bristol' by JMW Turner and given a pre-sale estimate of 200,000 to 300,000.

Four serious bidders drove the hammer price up to 1.5m. With auctioneer's fees added on the total price paid by the winning bidder was 1.9m.

A spokesperson for Sotheby's said: 'The painting was pursued by four determined bidders, selling to a UK private collector for 1.9m, nearly eight times the estimate.

'The rediscovery and auction coincided with the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth, with institutions across the United Kingdom celebrating the legacy of one of Britain's most beloved and influential artists.'

One of Britains greatest painters has fallen victim to woke culture, as art-lovers are being warned not to idolise J. M. W. Turner because he once held a single share in a Jamaican business that used slave labour

Research has shown the painting was produced by Turner based on an on-the-spot drawing by him that was found in his sketchbook from the time of his tour of the West Country in 1791.

The finished worked was shown at the Royal Academy in 1793 where it was bought by the Rev. Robert Nixon who was a friend of Turner.

When he died in 1837 the painting was inherited by his son, the Rev. Dr Francis Russell Nixon who took it with him when he emigrated to Tasmania in 1842.

While living there he lent the painting to two exhibitions held in Hobart in the mid-19th century.

In 1862 he returned to England, bringing the Turner with him and he died in 1879.

Before his death he sold the painting to art dealer Joseph Hogarth who sold it at auctioneers Christie's in London in 1864.

Since then the painting had been in private hands and 'lost' to the art world until its re-emergence last year when it was bought for 400.
A Playboy model's neighbour has been cleared of assault after the cover girl's phone was smashed during their furious bust-up.

Estonian Anna-Maria Galojan, 43, gave evidence at City of London Magistrates' Court, claiming she was punched and pushed by upstairs neighbour Silva Odette, 52, outside their Kensington homes.

Their decade-long feud came to a head when the pair, who both reside in Campden House, a block of seven social housing properties on Peel Street, clashed on the afternoon of March 24.

Galojan was with her friend Paul Halloran at the time, who had been supporting her in the trial until he was ejected after Odette accused him of intimidation from the public gallery by constantly glaring at her.

Recalling her version of events in court, Galojan said: 'I was standing outside, waiting for my friend to join me for lunch when the defendant came and approached us in a rude and aggressive way.

'She was shouting and screaming and being extremely aggressive as always and accusing me of following her, which I never did because I am terrified of her and avoid her.'

Galojan explained she started filming the encounter when Odette approached and began 'screaming and shouting' at her.

Odette asked her to stop recording, but she defended her actions in court by saying it was 'the only way to defend myself'.

Playboy cover model Anna-Maria Galojan, 43, and her friend Paul Halloran pictured outside City of London Magistrates' Court

The former model claimed her neighbour then 'punched' and 'pushed' her twice in the chest, adding: 'It was very strong, she is very strong and was very angry.

'I was so horrified and terrified. She was extremely aggressive.'

She tried to collect her broken phone after, but 'there wasn't much left', so Mr Halloran used his phone to call the police for her as Odette 'stared' at them from the stairs 'looking very proud and happy with herself'.

During cross-examination from Odette's lawyer Hamza Adesanu, Galojan told the court: 'It wasn't the first time she has attacked me and she was arrested before.

'I never intended to provoke her and I didn't approach her and she has an injunction to stop approaching residents of the block.

'I was shaking and crying. I had been attacked and I am not used to such aggressive behaviour.'

The trial heard Odette has complained about the 'conduct and behaviour' of Galojan, but the complainant replied: 'It was not the first time or last time she has been arrested for being aggressive towards neighbours.'

Another alleged incident between the two in 2014 saw Odette arrested at the block after Galojan called the police claiming she had 'attacked' her, but no further action was taken.

Galojan's upstairs neighbour Silva Odette, 52, who she has been in a decade-long feud with, pictured outside City of London Magistrates' Court

Referencing Galojan's criminal record, defence lawyer Mr Adesanu asked: 'You have a record for dishonesty don't you? Are you an honest person?'

Galojan became a political figure in her home country in 2007 after she released her self-funded ad campaign running for the Estonian Reform Party during the Parliamentary elections.

Her career in politics came crashing down in May 2011 when she was convicted of forging documents and embezzling 60,000 from the non-profit organisation European Movement Estonia that she was CEO of.

She was sentenced to 22 months in prison, of which five months was real jail time and the rest conditional, but fled to London before she could be detained.

Galojan was arrested in February 2012 and finally extradited back to Estonia in 2015 to serve her sentence.

She eventually returned to the UK and is now a member of the Conservative's Campden Ward Committee within the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Prosecutor Robert Simpson objected to the line of questioning around her past conviction, but Mr Adesanu argued: 'Her honesty is a matter of issue. Her trustworthiness goes to the heart of the case.'

Continuing to press Galojan, he asked: 'This complaint today is revenge against Ms Odette for making complaints against you, isn't it?'

When questioned by police, Odette claimed she was deliberately pushed into the wall by Mr Halloran while her hair was pulled by a 'smirking' Galojan.

She told the trial: 'Since 2018 she has been filming me to get a reaction to get me evicted. She was filming and smirking and said she was in a public street.

'I got fed up and snapped and grabbed the phone, threw it on the floor and kicked it and then smashed it against the wall,' she admitted.

Anna-Maria Galojan appeared on the front cover of Estonian Playboy in 2009 after becoming famous for her involvement in politics

The neighbour then claimed the wall 'collapsed with the weight of Paul' as Galojan was allegedly 'grabbing' her hair.

'With his weight he pushed me against the wall and the wall collapsed,' she said.

Odette told the trial she 'never touched' Galojan, adding: 'I took my anger out on the phone because she was filming me. That's it, nothing else.'

She said she wishes she could go to her home 'peacefully' without 'playing these games', accusing Galojan of 'playing the victim' and being 'very good at creating stories and the distortion of reality'.

'This has been going on for 10 years, she is harassing me,' she said.

Referring to Galojan and Mr Halloran she added: 'Both of them are so dishonest and are liars.'

Earlier, prosecutor Mr Simpson told the magistrates: 'The two of them are residents in the block and on the day, the defendant approached the complainant in the street.

'Ms Galojan has her phone out and is filming and this defendant knocks the phone out of her hand and smashes the phone and pushes her in the chest.

'You will see a short clip of footage demonstrating the state of anger this defendant was in.'

The footage, recorded by Galojan, was played in court, showing an angry Odette demanding the filming stops before lunging forward to grab the mobile.

Odette was found not guilty of assault with bench Chairwoman Margaret Diane Lennan announcing: 'There is a lack of credible evidence in this case and it is unproven.'

However, she had already pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the phone and was conditionally discharged for twelve months and ordered to pay 500 compensation to Galojan.
The DNA of the Australian man executed in an alleged gangland killing in Bali has been discovered on the shoe of a suspect.

Zivan 'Stipe' Radmanovic, 35, was shot dead in front of his wife Jazmyn Gourdeas shortly after midnight on June 14 at a villa in Munggu, in Bali's south.

A second man staying in the villa, Sanar Ghanim, 34, was left seriously injured in the alleged attack.

The episode is understood to be connected to Melbourne's feuding Middle Eastern crime syndicates.

Senior Commissioner Ariasandy said on Friday that officers were one step closer to establishing who killed Mr Radmanovic.

'We found evidence linking the perpetrator to the items found at the crime scene... DNA on the suspect, which turned out to be the victim's DNA,' he said.

'This is one of the strongest pieces of evidence that indicates the suspect is the perpetrator, the executor of the crime.'

Three Australian men  Paea I Middlemore Tupou, 26, Mevlut Coskun, 23, and Darcy Francesco Jenson, 27  have been arrested and may face the firing squad if found guilty.

Bali Police said they are closer than ever to proving who killed 'Stipe' Radmanovic (pictured) who was killed in his villa in Bali on June 14

Radmanovic was shot dead in front of his partner Jazmyn Gourdeas

Sanar Ghanim (pictured) was shot several times but survived the alleged attack

The three accused remain in custody while police build their case which is now waiting on test results, Snr Comr Ariasandy said.

'Our investigators are still working to find the connection of all the pieces of evidence found so that we can confidently assume that they are the culprits,' he said.

'There are still some test that haven't been complete, and these will later be used by investigators to reconstruct the incident, which we suspect to be premeditated murder.'

The DNA breakthrough by investigators adds to evidence found at the crime scene including CCTV footage, invoices, rented vehicles and hotel bookings.

The revelation comes after a skincare clinic in Melbourne's south, owned by Ghanim's partner and Ms Gourdeas' sister Daniella, was firebombed at 11.15pm on Thursday.

Nobody was in the Toorak Road shop and police are now searching for those responsible who currently remain at large, Nine News reported.

Daniella had been in Bali with her boyfriend and sister when the alleged murder occurred.

Ghanim's girlfriend, Daniella Gourdeas, was in the villa at the time of the fatal incident

Daniella's skincare shop in Melbourne was attacked in an alleged arson attack at 11.15pm on Thursday

She told Bali Police she woke up as the gunmen burst into Ghanim's bedroom and she heard an 'explosion'.

The shop owner said she heard more gunshots and a window being smashed as the hit squad ran from room to room in the villa before she fled for her life.

'The witness [Daniella] ran out of the villa where she saw two motorcycles [or scooters] parked outside while she heard more gunshots,' a police officer said at the time.

'[She ran to] the main road where she asked for help.'

When Ms Gourdeas returned to the villa with other bystanders, Jazmyn was trying to stem Ghanim's bleeding as emergency services arrived.

At the scene Police found 17 bullet casings and 55 bullet fragments at the scene.

Bali Police revealed how the gang of suspects allegedly fled across Indonesia after the shooting, escaping the scene on motorbikes before switching cars twice on an 18hour, 1200km getaway to Jakarta.

The three can be held without charge for months while police investigate the killing.

Ms Gourdeas also has links to Abdulrahim, who was shot dead in Melbourne in an ambush by an underworld hit squad in January.

He was a regular on her social media account, frequently praising her photographs online before his brutal execution as he drove out of an underground car park at the Preston apartment block where he was secretly living.
The wife of Lufthansa's CEO ran down and killed a young woman in Sardinia before flying home to Germany, according to reports.

Gaia Costa, 24, died after an SUV struck her as she attempted to cross the road at a zebra crossing in the Italian commune of Porto Cervo on Tuesday.

Vivian Alexandra Spohr, a 51-year-old top manager and wife of German aviation group Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, was reportedly driving the vehicle.

Ms Costa, a babysitter, was still alive when help arrived but sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene, La Repubblica reports.

Ms Spohr is being investigated for negligent homicide in road traffic, according to the outlet.

She returned to Munich while prosecutor Milena Aucone was registering her as a suspect.

Ms Spohr's lawyers said on Friday that she is at the disposal of Italian prosecutors and released a statement on her behalf.

'Vivian Spohr, who was involved in the tragic death, expresses her dismay and deep regret over this very serious accident, the statement read.

Ms Spohr had been on holiday at her family's vacation home when the tragedy occurred, according to local media.

Gaia Costa, 24, died after she was struck by a SUV as she attempted to cross a zebra crossing in Porto Cervo on Tuesday

Vivian Alexandra Spohr (right), a 51-year-old top manager and wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr (left), was reportedly behind the wheel of the vehicle

Ms Costa was still alive when help arrived but sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene within 20 minutes, La Repubblica reports. Pictured: Emergency services at the scene

The SUV has been seized and will undergo technical investigations, while the examination of Gaia's body was conducted on Wednesday. Pictured: Flowers left near the scene of the accident in Porto Cervo

CCTV reportedly captured Ms Costa crossing the street, before noticing an SUV approaching her.

She attempted to stop it with a wave of her hand but was knocked to the ground and banged her head.

An ambulance arrived at the scene quickly and paramedics spent more than 20 minutes trying to revive her.

According to 'L'Unione Sarda,' Spohr, who was driving alongside her daughter, initially didn't notice the accident and was stopped by a passerby.

Spohr was so shocked when she saw the seriously injured woman that she fainted, the outlet reports.

She subsequently underwent alcohol and drug tests, but they were negative.

Ms Spohr is being investigated for negligent homicide in road traffic, according to the outlet. Pictured: Carsten Spohr and Vivian Spohr

The SUV has been seized and will undergo technical investigations, while the examination of Gaia's body was conducted on Wednesday.

Mayor Gianni Addis said: 'Gaia was a young woman who was deeply involved in the city's social and cultural life.

She was passionate about our traditions and never missed the parades of the local folk group.'
A lovechild has won his bid to keep half of a toy tycoon's fortune after his half-brother tried to disinherit him when he learned he was the product of a secret affair.

Stuart Marcus built a multi-million pound games empire after starting off selling dolls from a small east London toy shop in the 1960s.

Before he died in 2020 aged 86, he put 14.5million worth of company shares into a trust for Edward, 47, and Jonathan, 43, who he believed were his two sons.

However, in 2010, Stuart's wife Patricia told Edward that his biological father was actually Sydney Glossop, a partner in a law firm in Norwich.

Jonathan only discovered this news in 2023. His relations with Edward had soured by this point and he began a bid to disinherit him.

Last year, a judge ruled that Edward was not Stuart's son, but he was still entitled to a share of his fortune because this is what Stuart had intended.

This decision was challenged by Jonathan, whose lawyers argued that only he - as the sole biological son - was entitled to his father's wealth.

However, his case was thrown out this week by High Court judge Sir Anthony Mann.

Edward Marcus (pictured outside court last month) was born out of a one-night stand that his mother had with a lawyer

Jonathan Marcus (pictured with he and his half-brother's mother, Patricia Marcus last month) tried to disinherit Edward from a share of the fortune

'Stuart chose to use a word - ''children'' - which, in the real world, described both Edward and Jonathan perfectly,' the judge said.

'This settlement was intended to operate in the real world, and in that real world - Stuart's real world in particular - Edward was Stuart's child.'

Stuart Marcus - dubbed 'a modest man with a big dream' by colleagues - founded Kitfix Hobbies in 1962 and carved out a major niche in toys, board games and craft kits, later transferring the company HQ to Swaffham in Norfolk.

The disputed trust he set up holds shares valued at 14.5million in the family companies, in which both brothers worked as the brand grew and diversified into other fields, such as property.

But since 2016, relations between the half-siblings soured, climaxing in the court clash.

Jonathan claimed Edward was the product of a one-night stand that his mother Patricia had with a lawyer named Sydney Glossop while his father was away on business.

That claim was based on Jonathan's discovery in 2023 of the 'monumental' news that Patricia, now 82, had confided in Edward that he was not Stuart's son during a confidential chat 14 years ago.

Edward kept his secret for more than a decade, and when Jonathan learned the news he sought to have his half-brother disinherited.

Toy tycoon Stuart Marcus left a 14.5million fortune to his sons Edward and Jonathan - but only Jonathan is his biological son

Jonathan commissioned DNA evidence to back his claim, while his mother told the court herself that she had no doubt that Edward's real father was Sydney, with whom she had a brief encounter over 40 years ago.

From the witness box, Edward told how his mother suddenly spilled the revelation about her affair and his paternity during a meeting at his home in 2010.

He said he then searched online for anything about his mystery father, finally tracking him down to a retirement home near Birmingham, which he and his mum visited in order to meet Sydney.

Edward said he watched his mother and Sydney 'cuddling' when they were reunited.

'I saw her sit on the bed and cuddle him and I was shocked to see her behaving that way because it wasn't the way I saw her behave with my father,' he said.

However, he said he began to harbour doubts about his mother's news and claimed she went back on her account in 2010 when she told him she was wrong about Sydney being his father.

But after three days in court last year, a judge, Master Matthew Marsh, found that the evidence confirmed that Edward is not Stuart's son.

But he went on to find that the family trust does not exclude Edward, as in the context of the trust settlement, the word 'children' meant both boys.

Stuart Marcus grew his toy company into a business empire based out of Swaffham in Norfolk (pictured)

'A reasonable person in knowledge of the relevant facts would readily conclude that, when using ''children'', Stuart intended this word to be understood as meaning Edward and Jonathan; and not Edward and Jonathan provided they are in fact my biological sons,' he concluded.

Appealing at the High Court, Jonathan's barrister Thomas Braithwaite argued that Master Marsh had got it wrong and that Edward should not benefit.

Stuart's trust described the beneficiaries as his 'children,' which Mr Braithwaite insisted could only be taken in its ordinary meaning, 'biological children.'

'The word ''children'' simply cannot be a placeholder for two specific people,' he said, adding that there had been a 'common mistaken assumption' when the document was created that the boys were both Stuart's children.

'What does children mean? It means biological children, of course. Stuart intended to benefit Edward, but he believed Edward was his biological child.'

For Edward, barrister Matthew Mills argued that it was obvious that Stuart had intended to benefit Edward and urged the judge to dismiss Jonathan's appeal.

'Stuart intended to benefit Edward, who he designated and thought to be his child,' he said.

'Realistically, the reasonable person would think that Edward is a beneficiary of this settlement.'

The company produces crafting toys such as the Sequin Art series (pictured) as well as painting by numbers sets

Giving judgment, dismissing Jonathan's appeal and clearing the way for Edward to share in the trust, Sir Anthony said Stuart had considered both boys to be his biological sons and treated them as such.

'He would naturally have described them as his biological children and as far as he and everyone else was concerned - apart from his wife and possibly Edward's father - that is exactly what they were, though it is his personal view which is important for these purposes,' he continued.

'In that context Stuart chose to use a word - 'children' - which, in the real world, described both Edward and Jonathan perfectly.

'This settlement was intended to operate in the real world, and in that real world - Stuart's real world in particular - Edward was Stuart's child.

'Edward was treated for practical, familial and all other purposes as a biological child, nothwithstanding the true fact that he was not.

'Stuart's intention is exactly the same....he intended the word to include Edward.

'I agree fully with the master in this conclusion, with the result that Edward is one of the settlor's 'children' on the true construction of the settlement.
Backpacker Carolina Wilga has miraculously been found after she was missing for 12 days in the Western Australian outback, and has been airlifted to hospital in a 'fragile condition'.

The 26-year-old had been living and working in Australia for about two years and had recently set off to explore regional WA.

However, just two days into her trip, friends and family lost contact and reported her missing.

She had last been seen at about midday on June 29 at a general store in Beacon, a small town about 300km northeast of Perth.

But on Friday afternoon, a member of the public found her alive and walking along bush track at the edge of the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve.

WA Police said she was brought to Beacon before being airlifted to Perth Hospital after she suffered minor injuries including being 'ravaged by mosquitoes'.

In footage published by ABC, Ms Wilga could be seen for the first time since she went missing.

Hair in a top knot and wearing a large jumper, search teams watched as she walked from a car to the plane wearing only one shoe.

Before entering the aircraft that would take her to hospital, she propped herself up on its entrance and boarded slowly.

German backpacker Carolina Wilga (pictured) was airlifted to hospital in Perth after going missing in rural Western Australia for 12 days

In video of Ms Wilga walking from a car to the plane, she appeared to only wear one shoe

'As you can imagine from the trauma she's suffered for the last few days, she's been obviously through a great deal,' WA Police Inspector Martin Glynn told reporters.

He said her family had been informed straight away after she was located.

'She's obviously in quite a fragile condition at the moment,' he said.

'I think once we do hear her story, it will be a remarkable story.

'She's coped in some amazing conditions. (It's a) very hostile environment out there.'

Timeline of the disappearance

June 28 - Ms Wilga left Fremantle

Ms Wilga's friend saw her leave the Sundance Backpackers hostel in Fremantle on June 28.

Her friend Denise Kullick told German media Ms Wilga had planned to travel with a friend to a seaside location to become a yoga teacher - but ended up setting off alone.

Another friend, in Australia, was also in contact with Ms Wilga twice on the same day, the first was a text message at 7am.

The 26-year-old had last been seen at about midday on June 29 at a general store in Beacon, a small town about 300km northeast of Perth

Police shared CCTV of Ms Wilga's 1995 Mitsubishi Delica van at a petrol station in Toodya

In the message, Ms Wilga explained she would not be able to drop off a book and a jerry can as she had 'some stuff she needed to handle'.

CCTV footage captured Ms Wilga driving into a petrol station at 4.28pm on Stirling Terrace in Toodyay - about 90km northeast of Perth.

Ms Wilga parked, exited her van and filled it with petrol before heading inside the service station to pay.

At 4.38pm, the friend received a voice message from Ms Wilga in which she was heard saying: 'I just couldn't wait anymore. Ugh. I felt tired'.

Shortly after, at 4.41pm, Ms Wilga left the petrol station.

Police believed Ms Wilga departed Toodyay and embarked on the 230km journey northeast, stopping at Dowerin, on the way to Beacon.

June 29  Ms Wilga is last seen

Ms Wilga was last seen on CCTV footage taken from a general store in Beacon, about 300km northeast of Perth in the Wheatbelt region, at 12.10pm on June 29.

She was spotted wearing ripped blue baggy jeans, a cream long-sleeve jumper and a similar coloured scarf.

Ms Wilga had been living and working in Australia for about two years

Police searched Western Australia's vast Wheatbelt region for the young traveller

The young backpacker was captured peering into the store and walking around the property.

About five minutes later, she got back into her van and left. Police believed she travelled to Wialki, a further 25km east of Beacon.

June 30 to July 9 - Ms Wilga makes no contact

From June 30, friends and family were not able to contact Ms Wilga, nor were there any sightings of the young traveller.

Police issued a missing person alert on July 7, with details of her disappearance and an appeal for information or sightings of Ms Wilga.

On July 9, Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch told media police were 'very concerned' for Ms Wilga's welfare.

Detectives from the homicide squad were also called in to help find the missing backpacker.

Commissioner Blanch added her disappearance was not being treated as a murder 'at this point'.

'They are investigating, not that it's a homicide at this point, but we want our very best capabilities to investigate something that is very concerning to us,' Commissioner Blanch said.

Police also used their air wing team for a 'large search and rescue' operation

It was believed her phone had been switched off, police said.

The police air wing also joined the 'very large search and rescue' operation, with officers scouring the immense Wheatbelt region for clues to her whereabouts.

July 10 - Ms Wilga's van is found

Police located Ms Wilga's black and silver 1995 Mitsubishi Delica van in Karroun Hill at 1.10pm on Thursday.

The van was found abandoned, more than 50km north of Wialki, with police believing the vehicle had suffered mechanical issues.

Ms Wilga was not found.

Police shared a photo of the van showing orange recovery boards under the back wheels, which are devices used to help with traction for a vehicle stuck in mud or sand.

July 11 - Ms Wilga is found

Police said she may have wandered into the outback after her van broke down in Karroun Hill.

Police ruled out foul play.

'(Her disappearance) is unexplained behaviour ... and we are taking it very seriously,' Sergeant Venn said.

'There is no indication that there's any third party involvement in her disappearance but our minds are open to any line of inquiry or any information that people bring forward to us.'

She was then found on Friday afternoon by a member of the public walking along a bush track.
Iconic actress Michelle Pfeiffer has launched a shocking attack on billionaire Bill Gates and suggested he's going to contaminate America's food supply.

In an extraordinarily rare move for the low-key actress, Pfeiffer took to Instagram on Thursday to express concern over the FDA's approval of Apeel, a Gates-backed food coating meant to extend the shelf life of produce.

'Apeel (an edible, plant-based coating designed to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables) was just approved and now "organic" produce is coated in something we cannot see or wash off,' Pfeiffer wrote.

'Very concerning.'

The Scarface star, 67, wrote the message as she shared a video that claimed 'organic produce is no longer safe' after 'Bill Gates' Apeel just approved for USDA-certified organic.'

Apeel has long been mired in controversy over its ingredients and association with Gates.

The company was founded in 2012 by entrepreneur James Rogers with the help of a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Gates' are not currently involved in Apeel, which has received substantial backing from venture capitalist Andreessen Horowitz.

Michelle Pfeiffer warned her fans about the FDA 's approval of Apeel, a Gates-backed coating meant to extend the shelf life of produce

The company received early developmental support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2012 and again in 2015. However, the Gates have currently no involvement in Apeel

Despite Pfeiffer's comments, Apeel claims on its website that their coatings can be washed by rinsing the produce with water and scrubbing it

Pfeiffer's comments might come as a shock to her fans, as the Batman Returns icon is famed for living a quiet life and avoiding the type of controversial declarations often made by many of her Hollywood peers.

Apeel responded by saying it was 'both disappointing and concerning to see a public figure like Michelle Pfeiffer use her platform to spread disinformation about our company, our mission, and the work of our employees.'

They added: 'To set the record straight: Bill Gates is not now, nor has he ever been, a shareholder in Apeel Sciences.

'Additionally, our products have been reviewed and allowed on the market in compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. National Organic Program requirements for nearly eight yearsnot recently, as Ms. Pfeiffers post suggests,' Jenny Du, co-founder of Apeel and senior vice president of operations, said in a statement.

Also, the company claimed that their coatings can be washed by rinsing the produce with water and scrubbing it.

'Apeel uses plant lipids or plant oils naturally found in fruits and vegetables and creates a coating applied to the surface of fresh fruits and vegetables in order to retain moisture and reduce oxidation,' Du told the Associated Press. 'Our product is also intended to be edible.'

Pfeiffer's comments might come as a shock to her fans, as the actress is known to stay away from controversial topics

The coating consists of purified monoglycerides and diglycerides, which Du pointed out are also found in products such as infant formula.

The company has said their coating technology can help reduce post-harvest food waste in developing countries and is ultimately aimed at combatting famine and hunger.

Gates has found himself mired in multiple controversies in recent years.

An outlandish conspiracy theory that circulated at the height of the COVID pandemic claimed he had secreted 5G microchips inside COVID vaccines.

There's no evidence to support such claims and The Gates Foundation dismissed them as nonsense.

More damagingly, Gates has faced prolonged heat over his friendship with the late pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Melinda cited that closeness as part of the reason she divorced her husband.

Bill has said he deeply regrets making friends with Epstein, who died in jail in 2019, and there has never been any suggestion of wrongdoing on his part.

Pfeiffer's warning about Apeel comes as she has been promoting a new project with Elle Fanning.

Apeel uses plant lipids or plant oils naturally found in fruits and vegetables and creates a coating applied 'to retain moisture and reduce oxidation'

Michelle has been married to writer and producer David E. Kelley, 69, for 31 years; pictured in April 2024

The two play a mother-daughter duo on the forthcoming AppleTV+ series Margo's Got Money Troubles.

The actress has been married to writer and producer David E. Kelley, 69, for 31 years and they're working together on the project.

The show is based on Rufi Thorpe's novel of the same name. Kelley created the eight-part show with A24.

Pfeiffer, Fanning and Nicole Kidman (who also has an acting role in the show) are executive producing.

Fanning portrays Margo Millet, the daughter of a Hooters waitress, played Pfeiffer, and a former professional wrestler, played by Nick Offerman.
An Arizona physical therapist has died after the hyperbaric chamber at his clinic erupted into flames while he was inside it.

Dr Walter Foxcroft, 43, was killed Wednesday after a flash fire broke out inside his Havasu Health and Hyperbarics clinic just before 11pm.

The doctor's scorched body was found inside an oxygen therapy machine at his clinic, according to the Lake Havasu City Fire Department. No other injuries were reported in the incident.

A flash fire is a rapidly-spreading blaze that breaks out when a cloud of flammable gas, vapor or dust ignites and causes a fast-moving flame.

Hyperbaric chambers - sealed enclosures where barometric pressure is controlled by increasing air or oxygen - are highly flammable due to the high concentration of oxygen they contain.

Firefighters determined the facility was ventilated and checked for other flammable hazards before turning the case over to police and fire investigations.

The cause of the fatal fire remains under investigation.

Dr Walter Foxcroft, 43, was killed Wednesday after a flash fire broke out inside the hyperbaric chamber at his Havasu Health and Hyperbarics clinic just before 11pm

The doctor's scorched body was found inside an oxygen therapy machine at his clinic, according to the Lake Havasu City Fire Department. Pictured are one of the chambers at Havasu Health and Hyperbarics

Hyperbaric chambers are sealed enclosures where barometric pressure is controlled by increasing air or oxygen. The devices are highly flammable due to the high concentration of oxygen they contain

Crews were called to Foxcroft's clinic in Lake Havasu City, near the Arizona-California border, at 10.50pm for reports of a person trapped inside a burning hyperbaric chamber.

By the time they arrived on scene, the building was already filled with smoke and flames were raging inside the oxygen treatment chamber.

Foxcroft was pronounced dead at the scene. It is unclear why he was inside the chamber so late at night.

The late doctor was a board-certified physical therapist with 27 years experience in the healthcare field, according to his clinic.

He was certified in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is used to treat a variety of health conditions including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning and non-healing wounds.

He was also trained in neurofeedback, photobiomodulation and spine mobilization.

Foxcroft earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Touro University Nevada in 2012, his LinkedIn profile states.

He founded his Havasu Health and Hyperbarics clinic just last year, which was the first-ever integrative naturopathic hyperbaric oxygen therapy center in the state, KARK reported at the time.

The practice will be closed until further notice while authorities investigate the blaze.

Before studying to become a physical therapist, Foxcroft (pictured as the mascot) attended the University of Arizona, graduating in 2005 with a BS in Physiological Sciences. During his time at the university, he performed as the school mascot Wilbur T. Wildcat

Foxcroft is survived by his wife Tiffany (pictured together) and their children

Before studying to become a physical therapist, Foxcroft attended the University of Arizona, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiological Sciences.

During his time at the university, he performed as the school mascot Wilbur T. Wildcat.

Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots, in a heartfelt Instagram post, paid tribute to Foxcroft, saying: 'Wally was an unforgettable presence on the sidelines - an energetic, charismatic performer known for his signature moonwalk and passion for bringing joy to Arizona fans.

'He proudly returned for Homecoming, reconnecting with current mascots and sharing his spontaneous spirit as Wilbur with all of us.'

The team continued: 'Wallys dedication to uplifting others - through performance, healing, and innovation - will never be forgotten. Thank you, Wilbur, for the spirit, the showmanship, and the legacy you leave behind.'

After his stint as Wilbur, Foxcroft served as the mascot for the Arizona Cardinals and joined the team at Super Bowl XLIII in 2006.

He then returned to school to pursue physical therapy.

Foxcroft is survived by his wife Tiffany and their children.
Donald Trump has ignited a social media storm after being transformed into Superman in a modified movie poster.

The meme, shared by the White House, shows the US president's face plastered onto the chiseled body of DC's Man of Steel.

Scattered around him are the slogans 'Truth, Justice, and The American Way' and 'A Trump Presidency'.

The image was posted on official accounts on Thursday night as the new Superman film was released in cinemas.

The picture caption read: 'The symbol of hope. Truth. Justice. The American way.'

More than 20,000 X users were quick to flood the comments section with their reactions.

One person said: 'I never thought Id see the day when the White House is just a joke. This is so embarrassing.'

'Amazing. A new age of heroes is among us all,' another person joked.

Donald Trump has ignited a social media storm after being transformed into Superman in a modified movie poster

The meme, shared by the White House , shows the US president's face plastered onto the chiseled body of DC 's Man of Steel

The picture caption read: 'The symbol of hope. Truth. Justice. The American way.' More than 20,000 X users were quick to flood the comments section with their reactions

A third added, 'I cant believe this is real', while a fourth asked 'are the people who run this account 4 years old?'

Dean Cain, who played Superman in the 1990s TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, reacted to the post with laughing emojis.

This is not the first time Trump's team have sparked a huge internet reaction by superimposing his face onto iconic figures.

In May, the US President posted an AI picture of himself as the Pope only a week after the funeral of Pope Francis.

The Republican, who is not Catholic, leader took to Truth Social to post the image, which shows him wearing a white papal hat, also referred to as a miter, while a large crucifix dangles from his neck.

Trump had previously joked with reporters how he wouldn't be against succeeding the late Catholic leader, adding: 'I'd like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.'

While chatting on the White House lawn, he revealed he did not have a preference on the next Pope, but quipped there was a 'very good' cardinal in New York.

It came only one week after Pope Francis' funeral at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City as the conclave now gather to elect a new leader for the Catholic Church.

US President Donald Trump posted an AI picture of himself as Pope only a week after the funeral of Pope Francis

The 88-year-old passed away on Easter Monday after dedicating his 'entire life' to serving God and The Church. He spent his final hours with the devoted, emerging to bless thousands of people in St Peter's Square.

Trump's post was met with outrage online with many branding the move as 'a great disrespect', urging the US President to remove the post immediately.

'Trump is literally mocking the Christian world with this image he shared,' one said: 'And on a day when Catholics are mourning the death of their spiritual leader, Pope Francis.'

'Is anyone else surprised that Trump would be so brazenly sacrilegious? Me either. Classless,' a second said.

'Trump, as someone outside the U.S., I find your post utterly disrespectful to the Catholic community worldwide,' a third added.

'The papacy is a sacred institution for millions, and this mockery is an affront to their beliefs.'

'Please take this down,' one follower pleaded: 'May Catholics myself included, find this a great disrespect to the past and future leader of our church.'

'Completely disrespectful. The Catholic community is mourning and you post this?'
Donald Trump is giving Senate Republicans an ultimatum to receive his backing in future elections.

Those who oppose the president's massive spending cuts package  which features $9.4 billion in DOGE cuts  risk not receiving his coveted endorsement.

This could mean that next week's planned vote for the monster bill could become the ultimate loyalty test for a handful of senators who don't agree with the Department of Government Efficiency cuts.

This especially could impact Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska  who likely aren't expecting Trump's endorsement anyway.

Both have shown they can win in their states even without riding the president's coattails.

Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is up for re-election next year and Murkowski in 2028.

Both moderate senators have said they wanted to adjust the package to forgo specific cuts to public broadcasting and federal funding for AIDS treatments in Africa.

'It is very important that all Republicans adhere to my Rescissions Bill,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.

President Donald Trump is threatening to withhold his endorsement from Republican senators who oppose his DOGE cuts bill

Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska (left) and Susan Collins of Maine (right) have expressed opposition to specific cuts in the bill to publicly-funded broadcasting and AIDS relief programs in Arrica

He stressed in the Thursday night post his desire for defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes funds to National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

'Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or Endorsement.'

The vote next week would codify many of the spending cuts Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) spearheaded under the leadership of former billionaire Elon Musk, who has since broken from the president and engaged in public spats with his one-time best friend.

This asks lawmakers to reverse a lot of the spending they previously voted into law.

The DOGE cuts package would rescind $8.3 billion from foreign aid programs, including from USAID and the Pepfar HIV/AIDS relief program.

It also ends $1.1 billion of funding for NPR, PBS and other public broadcasting arms.

DOGE cuts will expire on July 18 if Congress doesn't act.

The massive package would codify into the law spending cuts spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk when he was leading Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

The pressure from Trump marks his latest effort to tamp down descent and get Republican members of Congress to fall in line with whatever he wants. Just like he did with the so-called 'One Big Beautiful Bill' the last few months.

Trump signed into law last week the sprawling tax bill, which reduced Medicaid spending while extending tax cuts and introducing new ones.

Republican Senators Collins, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina all voted against the bill  causing a 50-50 tie in the upper chamber.

Vice President J.D. Vance came to his old stomping ground to cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate to pass the package.

Trump's rescissions package passed the House last month by a 214-212 vote. Four Republicans joined all Democrats in the lower chamber in opposition of the bill, raising concerns about the impact on rural media and AIDS prevention.

Now the package must pass the Senate, which Republicans control 53-47.

If the Senate makes any changes to the House-passed version, the House will have to pass a reconciliation bill before the July 18 deadline.
Donald Trump has been vindicated after The New York Times accused him of pushing a false conspiracy theory about a migrant gang taking over a Colorado apartment building... only for the paper to now admit those same claims were true.

One article published last September scolded Trump for his 'false' claims that Aurora was overrun with Tren de Aragua goons.

But a recent investigation published by the esteemed paper now concedes the Denver suburb is indeed a hotspot for the Venezuelan gangsters.

The controversy took on national prominence during the presidential election as Donald Trump often cited it during rallies as evidence of what former President Biden's weak border controls had wrought on the United States.

In September, shortly after Trump railed against the issue in his debate against Kamala Harris, the Times shared a story headlined: 'How the False Story of a Gang Takeover in Colorado Reached Trump.'

Slamming 'the fear-mongering, exaggerations and outright lies' from the Trump campaign over the issue, the rise of the gangs was described as having 'taken on a life of its own.'

The outlet wrote that Mike Coffman, the conservative Republican mayor of Aurora, was stunned to see Trump slam his city on the national debate stage, saying he felt guilty.

'After all, he had helped create the tall tale now sullying his citys reputation,' the Times wrote.

But that 'tall tale' is now true, according to the same outlet, which ran a story last week titled: 'Democrats Denied This City Had a Gang Problem. The Truth Is Complicated.'

Despite previously describing the issue as a conspiracy theory only found in the right-wing, the Times' latest article now condemns 'Democrat politicians' for suggesting Aurora residents and conservatives were merely 'crying wolf.'

In the run up to the 2024 presidential election, Tren de Aragua gang members took over an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado, which was decried as a 'conspiracy theory' at the time despite footage (pictured) going viral

In September, the New York Times described the Tren de Aragua takeover as a 'false story' after Donald Trump repeated it at a debate with Kamala Harris

This month, the same outlet has now slammed Democrats for 'denying (Aurora) had a gang problem'

In the latest article shared this month, Aurora resident Cindy Romero told her story of filming Tren de Aragua gang members loitering outside her apartment, straddling guns and threatening residents.

The footage went viral, and Romero - a self-described 'lifelong Democrat' - joined Trump on stage as she said her city had become overwhelmed.

The issue was fueled by an influx of 40,000 Venezuelans who had been bussed to Denver, Colorado in just two years, taking advantage of its sanctuary city status to live free in hotels.

When their time in the makeshift shelters was up, large numbers moved to Aurora, as it was a cheaper place to live.

The mass migration allowed Tren de Aragua to gain traction in Aurora, where it set up drug trafficking rings and was quickly involved in a number of violent crimes.

Aurora resident Cindy Romero filmed viral footage of the gang members outside her apartment, and went on to appear with Trump on stage to describe the terrifying experience

The issue was fueled by an influx of 40,000 Venezuelans who had been bussed to Denver, Colorado in just two years, taking advantage of its sanctuary city status to live free in hotels

Danielle Jurinsky, a Republican city councilwoman who often shared Romero's footage, was cited in the Times' story in September for having 'pointed to Romero's video as evidence that large numbers of Tren de Aragua members had come with the influx of migrants.'

While saying this month that this moment was used by Democrats to 'cry wolf' over the issue, just 10 months earlier the Times was downplaying the very same issue.

The outlet spoke with Yorman Fernandez, a 29-year-old Venezuelan who lived at one of the properties it now admits were overran with gang members.

Fernandez minimized the issue and said he was the victim of stereotyping, 'because of one or two Venezuelans who wanted to do something wrong, we are now all accused of something.'

But now, that level of 'one or two' migrants ruining the reputation of all others is not so easily dismissed.

Romero's footage showed several gang members brandishing weapons outside her apartment, but the story was still initially described as a 'tall tale' that 'sullied the citys reputation'

The Times in-depth new piece gives bloodcurdling details of life in Aurora - including at the apartment complexes named as Tren de Aragua nests by Trump.

The night Venezuela's dictator president Nicolas Maduro won re-election last July, a 10 minute gun battle erupted inside Romero's apartment building.

Gangsters brought motorbikes into apartments and revved them at all hours, had noisy parties that went all night and knocked holes in walls so apartments whose electricity had been cut off could be powered by others still on the grid.

Downtown Aurora was described by a local who spoke to the paper as now having the same uneasy, threatening vibe as Venezuela itself.

The outlet noted this month that 'immigration arrests in Colorado are up more than 250 percent since Trump took office, but that has not ended the presence of young men with guns in Auroras downtown.'

'The more central Aurora became to Trumps anti-immigrant rhetoric, the greater the temptation among Democratic politicians and activists to wave away talk of gang activity in the city as a right-wing hallucination,' the Times wrote this month.

'But their refusal to acknowledge the violence that some residents were seeing with their own eyes came off not as reassurance but as erasure.'
It is designed to allow residents to access information at any time of the day or night, without waiting in a long phone queue.

But people living in Derby have been left bewildered after the council's new digital AI assistant struggled to understand their local dialect.

Common words used in the county such as 'mardy' and 'duck' prompted an automated response asking for users to repeat the question.

The Labour-run council acknowledged its digital AI assistant called Darcie has room to improve.

Introduced in 2023 to answer phones and website queries, Darcie is the the public's first contact if they need help when calling Derby City Council or visiting its website.

Following an upgrade the council said Darcie can now understand more complex questions and hold more natural conversations, 'offering a smoother and more human-like experience when answering queries'.

BBC Radio Derby reporter Becky Measures was misunderstood by Darcie on a number of occasions when she called to test it live on air

The council said its two AI assistants have handled over 2 million enquiries since they were launched in 2023 resolving 44% of cases without the need for staff input

It said it continues to improve over time and will learn every time the digital helper is asked a question.

Both web and phone versions of Darcie have been upgraded to support nine of the most widely spoken languages in Derby, after English based on Council data - Arabic, Czech, Pashto, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Slovak, Somali, and Urdu.

But regional words appear to have been missed.

BBC Radio Derby reporter Becky Measures, who has a strong Derbyshire accent, was misunderstood by Darcie on a number of occasions when she called to test it live on air.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) also asked Darcie online: 'How do I pay council tax duck?' But Darcie responded: 'the message was blocked by our content filter' and asked for the question to be rephrased.

At a council cabinet meeting on Wednesday, city councillor Hardyal Dhindsa alluded to phrases that Darcie was struggling to pick up such as 'mardy' (moaning) and 'duck' (dear/love).

Mr Dhindsa said the council was continuing efforts to 'teach Darcie to understand Derby phrases to further enhance its local understanding'.

The council said it had made improvements to Darcie so it could answer more complicated questions.

The upgraded version of Darcie has 'demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully answering 58% of calls,' said Mr Dhindsa.

During the council meeting Mr Dhindsa said Darcie was becoming 'much more human' and would improve further so it could respond better to people's enquiries and their turns of phrase.

'It still can be improved,' said Mr Dhindsa.

'As the Radio Derby reporter said, it didn't understand Derbyshire dialect so well. Well, it will learn to do that. Our expert IT people will work on doing that.

'It's learning every time it has an experience and is much more human.

'The council remains committed to providing comprehensive support, continuing to offer all other channels such as face-to-face interactions, human telephone support, and other accessible channels if Darcie cannot help or if the situation is inappropriate for digital assistance.'

At a council cabinet meeting on Wednesday, city councillor Hardyal Dhindsa alluded to phrases that Darcie was struggling to pick up such as 'mardy' and 'duck'

Leader of the city council, Councillor Nadine Peatfield, said she was impressed it could learn the local dialect.

'I love that. So instead of it trying to translate something about ducks, it is actually recognising it's a turn of phrase. Brilliant. The Derby way.'

The council has already saved 200,000 by losing four full-time equivalent agency jobs due to artificial intelligence (AI).

Derby City Council said agency workers in the customer management department were being reduced.

It aims to nearly 4m of savings through AI in 2024-25. But opposition councillors have raised concerns about more possible future job losses due to AI.

Available 24/7 via phone and the Council website, the council says Darcie ensures that residents can access information and support at any time, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays and without having to wait in a call queue.

Residents can still choose to speak to a human advisor during normal office hours for more complex needs.

It was introduced alongside another AI assistant called Ali, who manages housing enquiries for Derby Homes.

The council said the two AI assistants have handled over 2 million enquiries since launch, resolving 44% of cases without the need for staff input, allowing frontline teams to focus on customers who need more than a simple response.

Since the upgrade was launched on 20 May, the Council has seen an 84% reduction in calls to the switchboard during peak times, with 57% of customer queries now being responded to directly by Darcie and the remainder are dealt with by a human advisor).

But resident Dave Jowitt said: 'The system is useless, had to phone in to sort something out about council tax and it took 5 minutes to actually talk to a real person the AI just kept going round in circles.'

Last year, the council was criticised for spending 30,000 on two robotic vacuum cleaners.

Opposition councillors say they feared the move by Labour-run Derby City Council was the 'next step towards phasing out physical staff for automation' as it tries to claw back a predicted 9.6 million overspend.

The council has said the robotic cleaners will 'increase the capacity of existing cleaning staff and extend the lifespan of the carpet' at its Council House headquarters in the city.

It has spent 33,000 on the two machines, which includes a three-year servicing agreement. The council insisted they would not lead to job losses.
A former MP accused of using 'inside information' to bet on the date of the last general election faces waiting until just before the next election for his trial.

Craig Williams, 40, allegedly placed a 100 bet on the date the former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would hold the general election.

The Gambling Commission claims Williams, who was an aide to Mr Sunak when he was MP for Montgomeryshire, also shared his information with friends and associates.

He appeared at Southwark Crown Court alongside 14 other defendants, where they were told, they would not face trial until January 2028.

This comes just days after Lord Leveson warned urgent actions needs to be taken to resolve the court backlog with some trials being listed as late as 2029.

Williams, who has not entered a plea to one charge of cheating at gambling and three counts of enabling or assisting others to cheat, only spoke to confirm his name.

His lawyer, Patrick Gibbs KC, told the court there are applications to dismiss the charges likely to be heard before a judge in January 2026.

Because of the large number of defendants, two eight-week trials will take place, with the first fixed for 6 September 2027, and the second for 3 January 2028.

Former Conservative MP Craig Williams arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London today

Williams will be in the 2028 trial.

Other defendants include former Tory member of Senedd Russell George, 50, and Thomas James, 38, the suspended director of the Welsh Conservatives, both of whom have previously indicated not guilty pleas.

The charges comes after 'Operation Scott' was launched to investigate gambling by politicians and employees of the Conservative Party in the lead-up to the 2024 general election.

The election date was announced on 22 May and held on 4 July, which caused some surprise within Westminster as many had expected it to be held in the autumn.

Mr Sunak, who has provided a witness statement in this case, had noted that elections would take place in the second half of the year but had not given a date.

Prosecuting on behalf of the Gambling Commission, Sam Stein KC told a previous hearing: 'Operation Scott was an investigation launched by the Gambling Commission into politicians and employees of the Conservative Party, and a former police officer ... who had placed bets on the date of the 2024 general election with the benefit of confidential or insider information as to when that date might be.

'The prosecution says that placing bets with inside information is a criminal offence, namely cheating.'

Williams was first the MP for Cardiff North between 2015 and 2017 before he lost his seat to Labour MP Anna McMorrin.

He was then elected MP for Montgomeryshire at the 2019 general election, and lost his seat in July last year.

Rishi Sunak: Williams is accused of using his link to the former PM to place a bet on the election

The 15 defendants are alleged to have placed bets based on confidential information gained from those rooms, or enabled others to place bets by passing that information on.

If convicted they could face up to two years in prison for these offences.

Twelve of the defendants indicated not guilty pleas at a previous hearing.

Simon Chatfield, 51, from Farnham, Surrey; Russell George, 50; Amy Hind, 34, of Loughton, Essex; Anthony Hind, 36, of Loughton, Essex; Thomas James, 38; Charlotte Lang, 36; Anthony Lee, 47; Laura Saunders, 37; Iain Makepeace, 47, from Newcastle Upon Tyne; Nick Mason, 51; Paul Place, 53, from Hammersmith, west London; and James Ward, 40, of Leeds, all indicated they would deny the charges.

Former MP Williams, with Jacob Willmer, 39, from Richmond, west London, and former police officer Jeremy Hunt, 55, of Horne in Surrey, are yet to indicate a plea.
In a shocking moment two thieves raided a DPD van down a quiet suburban street before escaping in a getaway car.

Bamboozled neighbours watched on as the two crooks, covering their faces with masks and wearing white hooded boiler suits, stuffed a sack with parcels after brazenly breaking into a parked van with a crowbar.

The duo then made off with their stolen goods in a silver Peugeot hatchback that was waiting for them nearby at around 11am on Wednesday in Finchley, North London, according to The Sun.

A witness told the publication that they saw the owner of the van running down the street shouting that the two men were robbing him.

They added that they watched on in horror as the thieves pulled out a crowbar and got to work breaking in to the van.

They managed to prise open the side door and the neighbour watched as boxes and parcels spilled out on to the pavement and the pair scrabbled to fill a sack.

They described the incident as 'crazy' and that everyone on the street was watching.

The pair had even forced the driver out of his own van according to one witness who said: 'I spoke to the DPD driver and I think they forced him out of the van. I didn't see that but I'm just going from what he said.

Bamboozled neighbours watched on as two crooks, covering their faces with masks and wearing white boiler suits, stuffed a sack with parcels after breaking into a van with a crowbar

The duo then made off with their stolen goods in a silver Peugeot hatchback that was waiting for them nearby at around 11am on Wednesday in Finchley, North London

'He ran to a spare parts garage to get help from the people who work there.'

They added that they didn't think they had been hurt but that he was 'very shaken up'.

Another resident told the paper that the attack appeared well planned and believed the thieves may have been following the delivery driver before making their move.

They said: 'It was clearly planned because they had a getaway car, they had the equipment they needed, they had full on disguises.'

One neighbour confessed that as shocking as the crime was, it was just another indication of how bad the crime rate in the local area had got.

They explained that when they had first moved in it had been very quiet but in the last five years violent crime had been on the rise.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'On Wednesday, 9 July at 11:33hrs police were called to Cornwall Avenue, N3 following reports of a theft.

'Officers attended the scene and spoke with a victim who stated that they had parcels stolen from their van.

'Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances. At this early stage, there has been no arrest.

'If you saw, or know anything then please contact police on 101 stating CAD3027/9July. You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.'
The daughter of a New Jersey police chief shockingly claimed that he and a neighbor raped her and other children in the woods as part of a 'ritualistic' ring of satanists who also burned kids alive.

Courtney Tamagny, 20, filed an explosive lawsuit against her father, Leonia Police Chief Scott Tamagny, and her neighbor, Keith Slevin, accusing them and other grown men of committing the horrific crimes.

Both men have denied the claims and said the allegations have been investigated and proven unfounded by several authorities. Slevin has also countersued Courtney for defamation.

In Courtney's suit, she claimed the abuse by her father began when she was just four years old at their home in northern New Jersey and also extended to an older and younger sister. She alleged that the assaults continued until she was 15.

The lawsuit accused Chief Tamagny of threatening to beat the girls if they told anyone about the abuse, and also claims he threatened to kill the girls' mother, Jeanne Tamagny, if Courtney spoke out.

The mother joined the lawsuit as a plaintiff and is in the process of divorcing Chief Tamagny.

Some of the lawsuit's most chilling allegations describe how the police chief and Slevin took the sisters into the woods in Rockland County, New York, where 'there was what appeared to be other middle-aged men present with masks on their faces.'

Courtney 'recalls there being fire and animals being burned, and they would chant as if ritualistic' while sexually abusing her and her younger sister, according to the lawsuit.

Courtney Tamagny, 20, has filed a lawsuit against her father, Leonia Police Chief Scott Tamagny, and neighbor Keith Slevin

She alleges her father (pictured) and Slevin, along with other men, were part of a 'ritualistic' satanic ring that involved rape of her and other children in the woods, and claimed children were also burned alive

Courtney explained in her complaint that she suppressed memories of the abuse for years as a survival tactic, only recalling them after a doctor's visit for vaginal pain prompted a question about sexual abuse, triggering terrifying flashbacks.

Her therapist reported the abuse to authorities in 2022, the suit says.

In April, Courtney appeared on the 'We're All Insane' podcast to expand on the claims, saying that generations of her father's 'bloodline' were members of a 'satanic cult' that included other neighbors in their town.

She claimed the cult raped her and her siblings, trafficked children, and even 'burned them alive in their local woods.'

She also described on the podcast 'tunnels' used by the alleged cultists for 'taking kids' blood,' 'drum circles,' and all-night 'burnings' of animals, animal skins, and even humans, suggesting the violence was meant to terrify victims into silence.

She further claimed the cult was part of a 'national cabal of satanists engaged in child trafficking' and described 'sick games' they played like 'Hunter and Gatherers,' where children were chased, incapacitated, and assaulted.

Courtney did not respond to a request for comment. Her mother, Jeanne, could not be reached. The Daily Mail has also contacted Courtneys lawyers and is awaiting a response.

In her lawsuit, Courtney accused the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and the state Department of Children and Families of failing to protect her and her siblings, alleging their investigations of the claims were inadequate and that the agencies had a custom of suppressing child welfare reports and ignoring evidence of abuse.

Courtney claims in her lawsuit the abuse by her father began at age four at their New Jersey home, extending to an older and younger sister, and continued until she was 15

In April, Courtney Tamagny told the 'We're All Insane' podcast her father's 'bloodline' and neighbors were part of a multi-generational 'satanic cult'

Chief Tamagny's attorney, Helen C. Herbert, called the allegations 'completely uncorroborated, false and defamatory' in a statement to the Daily Mail. She added that 'it is believed Courtney Tamagny suffers from significant mental health issues.'

The lawyer noted that motions to dismiss the lawsuit are pending, and that the allegations were investigated three years ago by federal, state and local agencies.

Slevin's attorney, Kevin C. Corriston, explained that probes by the Department of Homeland Security and the New Jersey Attorney General's Office found no evidence of Courtney's accusations.

'No rational person would believe that for the past 11 years there has been an inter-generational secret satanic child sex cult operating out of Riverdale, New Jersey which ritualistically rapes, trafficks and burns children alive somewhere in the woods in Rockland County, New York,' he said in a statement to the Daily Mail.

Corriston added that Slevin 'had only incidental contact with' Courtney and 'has no idea why he has been dragged into this unsubstantiated lawsuit.'
A city has unveiled a nearly 24ft-tall statue of one of its most famous daughters.

The sculpture was inaugurated on the riverfront promenade of the Colombian city of Barranquilla on July 1, the actress's 53rd birthday.

The enormous tribute to the Hollywood star stands at 7.5metres (24' 7') tall and weighs a whopping 5.5 tonnes (865 st).

The bronze likeness was created by renowned sculptor Yino Marquez, who spent seven months working on it in his workshop.

He was assisted by six young students and graduates of a local art school.

The unveiling ceremony was led by the Colombian city's mayor, Alejandro Char.

He told the assembled crowd: 'Barranquilla is at your feet. Thank you for being who you are, thank you for being proudly Barranquillera.

The sculpture was inaugurated on the city's riverfront promenade on July 1, the actress's 53rd birthday

The enormous tribute to the Hollywood star stands at 7.5metres (24' 7') tall and weighs a whopping 5.5 tonnes (865 st)

Char said of Sofia Vergara, who the statue was modelled after: 'She's never stopped being one of us - she never changed her accent.

'She's always stayed true to herself: her spirit, her joy, her determination. And look where it's taken her - so far.'

Marquez also created Barranquilla's Shakira statue, which was unveiled on 26 December 2023.

It stands on the same promenade, is also made of bronze, but is a metre shorter than his latest piece.

The Shakira statue went viral at the time for a spelling mistake on the plaque.

It read: 'Made by artist Yino MArques in the La Paz neighbourhood with the support of students and graduates of the District School of Arts.'

The sculptor's name - this time spelt correctly - appeared below it.

Local man David asked at the time: 'Can someone please explain whether the artist's last name is with an S or a Z?

Sofia Vergara slipped into a skimpy white string bikini that made the most of her slender frame during her 53rd birthday on Thursday

The Colombia femme fatale was still on vacation in Europe with her pals when she celebrated another trip around the sun. Seen earlier this week on a yacht

'This kind of mistake really annoys me. I appreciate the tribute, but this detracts a lot.'

Sofia - who lives in a Tuscan-style mansion in Beverly Park, Los Angeles, USA - had not commented on Marquez's latest piece at the time of writing.

Yesterday, Vergara slipped into a skimpy white string bikini that made the most of her slender frame during her 53rd birthday.

The Colombia femme fatale was still on vacation in Europe with her pals when she celebrated another trip around the sun.

The Modern Family veteran who has a massive sweet tooth was seen looking at her delicious white and red birthday cake before taking in the stacks of smaller treats.

And she posed with her loved ones while in a back yard.

This came after the brunette bombshell had a flirt session with Tom Brady, though the jury is still out on whether they are more than just friends.

Also on Thursday, Sofia shared a note from entrepreneur Doug Chabbott, whom she has been romantically linked with in recent months.

The post saw the two of them together as he wrote 'happy birthday' over the snapshot.

While in Rome this year they cuddled, and they were photographed dancing together and putting their arms around each other in Cannes.

This comes after the brunette bombshell had a flirt session with Tom Brad , though the jury is still out on whether they are more than just friends

Also on Thursday, Sofia shared a note from entrepreneur Doug Chabbott, whom she has been romantically linked with in recent months

And they were spotted attending the Monaco F1 event together, further fueling speculation their are an item.

Brady does not seem to be a romantic prospect for the long term.

On Thursday sources told DailyMail.com that 47-year-old Tom finds the Latin looker 'too old' for him.

She is six years his senior.
This is the moment a passenger had a meltdown in an airport after learning her flight had been cancelled, swearing at staff before being detained by police.

The irate female passenger, who has not been identified, can be seen in a white T-shirt and yellow bottoms cursing at staff for more than a minute in a video clip.

She was among many left stranded after a Norse Atlantic Airways flight from Paris to New York was abruptly axed just before midnight on July 3.

Fellow passenger Erianne Freign, 27, said the customer was frustrated that the airline would not provide hotel accommodation for her family.

Video showed the woman screaming at an airline employee, calling her a 'bi**h' before being escorted behind the desk by security.

She then threw the jumper around her waist to the floor and clenched her fists. The crowd gathering around the desk erupted with noise, startled.

Erianne, a model from Paris, France, said: 'It was quite an intense reaction.'

She explained that the woman had said she was diabetic and needed her medication, and was trying to find accommodation for her and her two children.

'You can tell she was in a panic, but I don't think she should have used such strong language. Especially because the people on the desk aren't responsible.'

The woman, pictured in white and yellow, is seen being detained by police at the airport

Pictured on the right with her face blurred, the woman clashed with staff before being detained

The drama unfolded at an airport in France on July 3

Passengers on flight N0301 from Paris to New York were notified via email that their flight had been cancelled due to technical issues just before midnight.

Flight data from FlightAware shows a Norse Atlantic Airways 301 flight from Charles de Gaulle airport to John F Kennedy International was cancelled on Thursday, July 3.

The aircraft was listed as a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The next flight from Paris to New York, also on a B789, was also cancelled on July 4, data shows.

A third, on July 5, was delayed more than two hours to 10:30pm, flightradar24 data shows.

Upon receiving the email, many rushed to the desk to rebook or ask about accommodations.

Erianne, who was among those trying to rebook, said passengers were told they'd have to cancel their original booking themselves and find new flights and accommodation on their own.

'I understand why she would be upset because the airline was being so unhelpful,' she said.

'She just wanted some accommodation for her and her two kids because they had cancelled the flight in the middle of the night.'

Erianne eventually rebooked her flight with a different airline, paying double the price of her original ticket.

Erianne said: 'I was able to rebook on a different flight, but it cost me 952 ($1,285) because it was so last minute.

'I still haven't gotten a refund from my original flight but I am emailing with them.

'I've just been really disappointed with how it was handled.'

A passenger said the woman needed her medication and was frustrated with the cancellation

Soon after she was hauled behind the counter by French police

Passengers were frustrated after having their flight cancelled in the middle of the night

Passengers were said to have been told to cancel their flights and rebook elsewhere

Erianne said that passengers, already at the airport, asked for solutions to rebook and sleep somewhere tonight.

She said they were told by staff they had to cancel their flights themselves and then rebook another ticket from another airline.

'The prices were ridiculous,' she said.

'After that, the people that couldn't afford another flight were trying to find a hotel to sleep in.

'But because this happened during the night, that's not the easiest thing to do.

'Some of them slept at the airport with their kids, including this woman.'

MailOnline approached Norse Atlantic Airways for comment.
President Donald Trump issued his first public comments on his new blast at Canada and threat to impose a new 35 percent tariff  suggesting it drew an immediate response.

Trump gave his update after firing off a new letter attacking Canada over fentanyl. 'They called,' he said, in reference to the Canadians.

'I think it was fairly well received,' Trump told reporters as he left the White House on a trip to tour Texas flood damage.

He also called it 'what we need,' adding cryptically: 'We'll see what happens.'

Trump's comment came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hit back publicly after Trump blew up trade talks by announcing a 35 percent tariff on the country's goods, beginning August 1.

Trump's Canada tariff letter, is just the latest in a batch in a series of tariffs he said he is imposing, telling each nation it is a 'great honor' to be able to trade and negotiate with the U.S.

Carney, who took office this year in a liberal win partly powered by Trump's trade actions and threats to make Canada the 51st state, his back in an online posting.

'Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses,' Carney wrote.

'We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1. Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America. We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries.

That came after Trump mentioned fentanyl in his trade letter, and called out Canada for a 'failure' to control it.

'If Canada works with me to stop the flow of fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,' Trump added.

President Donald Trump fired off a letter to Canada Thursday announcing a new 35 percent tariff. He said he spoke to Canadian PM Mark Carney that night

Fentanyl as killed thousands of people in both countries, but the flow from Canada to U.S. streets constitutes less than 1 percent of the total flow.

Canada appointed a fentanyl czar and has announced other actions to try to control the drug.

Trump's tariff on Canada comes weeks after he traveled to Calgary for the G7 summit, returning early as Israel fought with Iran and announcing an increase in what he said it would have to pay to be part of his 'Golden Dome' missile defense program.

The two nations have been trying to settle the tariff war that broke out when Trump returned to office and announced plans to reorganize world trade.

Canadian officials had hoped a deal was close, but Trump's latest letter - which he shared to Truth Social on Thursday night - has set negotiations back to square one.

Trump indicated even greater difference with Brazil, who got its own tariff letter with a 50 percent tariff threat this week. In that letter, Trump not only complained about trade practices, but raged about the treatment of Brazil's right wing former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was arrested and is being prosecuted over an attempted coup in what Trump calls a 'witch hunt.'

'Maybe at some point I'll talk to them,' Trump said of the Brazilians, who are now led by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. 'They're treating President Bolsonaro very unfairly.'

Trump's Canada letter revealed he would raise tariffs on its products to 35 percent from August 1 - a 10 percent increase on the current levy.

Trump said the tariff hike was in part due to the fentanyl crisis and Canada's 'failure to stop the drugs from pouring into our country'.

'I must mention that the flow of fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many tariff, and non-tariff, policies and trade barriers,' Trump wrote in the letter.

Trump said 'the fact the United States has agreed to continue working with Canada, despite Canada having financially retaliated against the United States', demonstrates the 'deep commitment to our trading relationship.'

The letter did include a warning shot to Carney, vowing to continue upping the US tariffs if Canada was to impose retaliatory taxes.

He said he would consider 'an adjustment to this letter' if 'Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl.'

'These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your country,' he added.

The latest round of tariffs are in addition to previously imposed sectoral tariffs on steel, copper and aluminum, which came into effect for most countries on June 4 at a whopping 50 percent.

Trump's punishing hike sparked fears American households would see an increase in costs for everyday items, given foreign-made steel and aluminum is used in household products like soup cans and paper clips, as well as big-ticket items like a stainless-steel refrigerators and cars.

The two metals had previously faced 25 percent tariffs worldwide since mid-March, when Trumps order to remove steel exemptions and raise aluminums levy went into effect.

Recent gains in the S&P 500 stock index suggest many investors think Trump will ultimately back down on the increases, which he has done in the past.

Carney was elected prime minister in April on the argument that Canadians should keep their 'elbows up'

His decision to single out America's second largest trading partner after Mexico came as a surprise

The two nations have been locked in deep negotiations trying to settle the tariff war that broke out when Trump returned to office and announced plans to upend world trade

While multiple countries have received tariff letters this week, Canada has become a thorn in Trump's side during his second term

The letter is similar to others he has fired off to leaders across the globe in the past week as he threatens a global blanket tariff increase similar to those he proposed on 'Liberation Day' on April 2.

Trump had imposed a baseline 10 percent tariff on most imported goods from around the world after a sharp market sell off sparked global panic and fears of a recession.

He told NBC News this week he is prepared to double that in the coming weeks, revealing: 'We're just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether its 20 percent or 15 percent.'

But his decision to single out America's second largest trading partner after Mexico came as a surprise.

Carney hit back with a statement on X on Thursday night, writing: 'Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses.

'We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1.'

While multiple countries have received tariff letters this week, Canada has become a thorn in Trump's side during his second term.

It has imposed retaliatory tariffs on US goods and pushed back on the president's taunts of making Canada the 51st state.

Carney was elected prime minister in April on the argument that Canadians should keep their 'elbows up.'

He responded by distancing Canada from its intertwined relationship with the US, seeking to strengthen its links with the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Hours before Trump's letter, Carney posted on X a picture of himself with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying, 'in the face of global trade challenges, the world is turning to reliable economic partners like Canada.'

When Carney went to the White House in May, the public portion of their meeting was cordial. But Trump said there was nothing the Canadian leader could tell him to remove the tariffs.

'Just the way it is,' Trump said at the time.

He referred to his initial 25 percent tariffs on Canada which were, in part, a response to America's fentanyl crisis, which he blamed on Canadian border officials. He said Canada had failed to 'stop the drugs from pouring into our Country'

Carney indicated he would be willing to be patient in pursuing talks on trade.

'There are much bigger forces involved,' the Canadian leader said. 'And this will take some time and some discussions.'

Trump has sent a series of tariff letters to 23 countries so far.

He put a 50 percent tariff on Brazil for the ongoing trial of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro, for trying to stay in office after his 2022 election loss. Trump was similarly indicted for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss.

The letters reflect the administration's failure to finalize dozens of trade agreements that he claimed would be easy to negotiate.

Shortly after unveiling his April 2 'Liberation Day' tariffs, a financial market selloff caused Trump to announce a 90-day negotiating period during which the 10 percent baseline tariff would be utilized.

So far, Trump has announced trade frameworks with the UK and Vietnam, as well as a separate deal with China in order to enable continued trade talks.

Trump jacked up import taxes on Chinese goods to as much as 145 percent, but after talks Trump has said China faces total tariffs of 55 percent.

In June, Trump said he was suspending trade talks with Canada over its plans to continue its digital services tax, which would hit US technology companies. A few days later, talks resumed when Carney rescinded the tax.

Mexico has also faced 25 percent tariffs because of fentanyl.
A British Army musician in the renowned Coldstream Guards' band has avoided jail after she sexually assaulted a fellow female comrade in a wine-fuelled attack.

Military clarinet player Private Adelle Foster tried to take the woman's clothes off after telling her she would 'massage her to sleep'.

When the colleague protested, Pte Foster groped her and told her 'I'm still going to touch you', a court martial heard.

Her victim - who had a boyfriend - was so troubled by her persistent assaults she recorded the incident, the audio of which was played to the hearing.

The historic Coldstream Guards - recognised by their famed red tunics and bearskin caps - is responsible for guarding the Royal Family and is known for its high-profile ceremonial duties outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

Its band is one of the oldest and best known military bands in the world and as well as having its own recording deal, takes part in global public events including King Charles's Coronation in 2023.

Pte Foster - who told the woman she had just been 'joking' - has now been handed a suspended sentence after she was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault following a hearing at Bulford Military Court, in Wiltshire.

Opening the case, Commodore James Farrant told the court martial the attack took place in the early hours after the clarinetist had drunk about a bottle of wine.

Military clarinet player Private Adelle Foster (pictured) tried to take the woman's clothes off after telling her she would 'massage her to sleep'

The prosecutor said that usually, the women 'didn't get on that well, and they argued', including about 'each other's behaviour'.

Cdre Farrant continued: 'Musician Foster moved closer to [the woman] and suggested that she, Musician Foster, give her, [the woman], a massage to help her sleep.

'[The woman] declined, but Musician Foster started stroking her hand anyway.

'[The woman] tried to lift this off.'

Pte Foster then grabbed her breast and touched her intimately, the court heard.

The prosecutor continued: 'All touching was over clothing.

'Eventually, Musician Foster said she was going to sleep, [the woman] thought the incident was over.

'But Musician Foster began touching [her] again, this time on her breasts and bottom.

'She began trying to take [the woman]'s clothes off.

'She eventually stopped following [the woman]'s polite protest.'

Pte Foster groped her victim and told her 'I'm still going to touch you', a court martial heard

Cdre Farrant said that, despite telling her colleague she was going to bed, Pte Foster touched her genitals through her jeans once again.

The victim, who was also wearing a jumper, told her 'no', and Pte Foster mocked her by 'repeating [her] protestations to her'.

The woman then tried to leave the room, but Pte Foster blocked her from going before her victim managed to flee.

The exchanges between the women were partially captured in audio recordings the victim made that night, which were played in court.

After the woman says that she has a partner, Pte Foster can be heard saying 'I'm still going to touch you', and later she asks 'Are you going to tell your boyfriend?'.

The woman is then heard saying 'Don't', and 'I don't find it comfortable, all this touching'.

Pte Foster then repeatedly says 'I'm joking'.

Cdre Farrant said at around 2.40am, Pte Foster sent a message to the woman telling her she was 'just trying to be friends', and 'not to make herself a victim'.

The historic Coldstream Guards, famed for their red tunics and bearskin caps, have one of the oldest military bands in the world. Pte Foster and her victim were part of it (file image)

She tried to call the woman, and in another message asked if she was 'pretending to be a victim'.

Speaking face to face again that night, the woman told Pte Foster she shouldn't have molested her.

The musician responded that 'she was joking when she had done that' - this can be heard on an audio recording.

Pte Foster said: 'Before, when I was joking and touching you, I was joking.'

The musician, when confronted with this evidence in an interview, said she didn't remember saying she was joking.

She denied touching her colleague inappropriately.

The victim told the court: 'She admitted herself by saying "I just tried to make the situation lighter".'

Pte Foster was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

She was also handed a community order involving 200 hours of unpaid work, and 12 rehabilitation activity days.

She had already left the Army, it was said.
A bomb squad has returned to further investigate the site where armed police shot a gas masked chainsaw-wielding plumber earlier this week.

Sean O'Meara, 36, was shot outside his parents' home in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, Kent, at around 9pm on Monday after police were called to the property over an outstanding warrant two hours before.

The armed response was sparked when O'Meara refused to come out of the house, across from the Park Gate Inn, and he is currently understood to be in an induced coma after suffering 'life-changing injuries' as a result of the chainsaw 'falling on him'.

Body-worn camera footage showed O'Meara wearing body armour and a gas mask, wielding a chainsaw and holding another object that officers feared could be a homemade firearm or an improvised explosive device (IED).

Two baton rounds were reportedly fired but failed to subdue him before an officer discharged a conventional firearm.

Following the shooting, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was deployed to the scene, with police yesterday confirming they had found 'at least four' suspicious devices from the area.

And the bomb squad has again today returned as police continue to investigate, closing a chunk of the A20 as part of their searches.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: 'Intermittent road closures on the A20 will continue throughout the day on Friday, July 11, whilst ongoing enquiries continue in Hollingbourne.

Sean O'Meara (above) was shot outside his parents' home at around 9pm on Monday

Following the shooting, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was deployed to the scene (Pictured: A bomb squad robot on the scene yesterday)

Police yesterday confirmed they had found 'at least four' suspicious devices from the area (Pictured: Bomb squad at the scene yesterday)

'This is following a police shooting which took place on Monday, July 7, 2025.

'Given the nature of the enquires that are currently taking place parts of the A20 will be required to be closed for short periods of time.

'The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are attending the scene to carry out further searches of the area.

'Motorists are advised to find alternative routes until further notice, and we would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding at this time.'

O'Meara's half-brother, Liam, said he is currently being treated at King's College Hospital in London.

He claimed his brother has 'mental health problems', adding that he believes police used unreasonable force and that officers could have instead shot his sibling in the leg or tasered him.

O'Meara (above) is currently understood to be in an induced coma after suffering 'life-changing injuries' as a result of the chainsaw 'falling on him'

A Kent Police spokesperson said today that 'intermittent road closures on the A20' would continue today (Pictured: Police van near where O'Meara was shot, taken on July 8)

Pictured: Protective clothing as well as a robot used by the bomb squad were seen outside the pub

Pictured: Officers from the bomb squad were called in to deal with the incident outside the Park Gate Inn in Hollingbourne

He told The Telegraph: 'When he was shot, most of the damage was when he dropped the chainsaw and it fell on him. The bullet's gone straight in and out so it hasn't caused many problems.'

However, he believes his brother now could possibly lose the ability to use his arm.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

'We have been advised by Kent police that unarmed officers attended the house at around 7.15pm to arrest a man on suspicion of assault,' the IOPC said.

'He refused to come out of the house, so the officers were instructed to withdraw and armed officers were then deployed.

'We have seen officers' body worn footage which shows the man, aged in his mid-30s, holding a chainsaw and another object in his hand, which, at the time, officers believed appeared to be a handmade firearm or IED (improvised explosive device).

'He was also wearing a gas mask and body armour. We can confirm a first baton round was fired by police and the man then took cover behind a hedge.

Armed police swarmed the area around a village pub in Kent Monday night - in an operation which saw O'Meara shot by cops as he wielded a chainsaw

Trauma kits and emergency first aid bags were seen outside the pub on Tuesday

'Officers moved in and a police dog was deployed. The man ignored orders to put down the chainsaw and a second baton round was discharged and then, seconds later, he moved towards officers and was shot by an officer with a conventional firearm.

'A detailed search of the scene continued today and among the weapons found at the scene were a chainsaw and a device which was made safe by the bomb squad (EOD).'

Kent Police confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.

A 100-metre cordon was put in place around the pub across from the property following the incident.

Dramatic aerial footage captured armoured vehicles parked up outside the property securing the area.

A brief statement released by Kent Police on Wednesday afternoon said cops had been carrying out an arrest when an armed officer opened fire.
An eyesore 'tent city' full of homeless people in the middle of one of London's swankiest districts has been broken up.

Enforcement teams have been called in today to tear down the encampment which has blighted Hyde Park Corner for months.

The action was taken by Transport for London (TfL), which applied for a possession order to retake the land.

MailOnline understands it was the fourth such time the site has been cleared in the last 12 months.

The camp is next to London's West End tourist Mecca, and just a stone's throw away from Hyde Park, Marble Arch, Speaker's Corner, as well as Oxford Street.

Dramatic pictures this afternoon showed groups of people from the squalid site being moved on by officers, some of whom appeared to be wearing stab vests.

Occupants of the camp were forced to rip down dwellings made of tarpaulin sheeting while bailiffs watched on.

Some from the tent city were pictured hauling grubby-looking mattresses after being evicted.

For months the prime city centre spot, opposite The Dorchester - a famous hotel in Park Lane - has been plagued by people living rough.

Homeless people living in Hyde Park Corner have today been evicted from their 'tent city'

Bailiffs removed the group following an eviction order obtained by Transport for London (TfL)

The group was ordered to dismantle their tents and move on from the location. Some enforcement officers appeared to help them take down their tents

Up to 100 migrants were reportedly camped at the site at one point, with some defiantly saying they won't go anywhere.

But their presence ignited fury from exasperated local residents, who wanted the rough sleepers turfed out.

When MailOnline visited a previous Mayfair location last year, those living there insisted they were going nowhere.

'We don't have any money [to go anywhere else]. We will just stay here until we can find something,' said someone from the group - which at the time was believed to be made up mainly of Bosnians.

The eyesore was just yards from an Aston Martin showroom and other prestigious hotels like the Beaumont, the Hyatt Regency and the Connaught.

But for the tycoons looking out on the camp from their penthouses, were reportedly furious at allegedly seeing people drinking at 7am and using Hyde Park's shrubberies as toilets.

Pictures taken by MailOnline last year showed homeless migrants drinking cups of vodka at 7am in their makeshift camp blighting London's swanky Mayfair district.

One resident, whose neighbours include former PM Tony Blair and former Phones 4U chief John Caudwell, told of his anger that the group hasn't been moved on.

The eviction action today was the fourth time groups of homeless people living in tents have been moved on from the land over the past year

Those living at the site close to some of London's swankiest areas were told to take down their temporary dwellings by enforcement officers

Many of those living rough at the camp were seen packing up their belongings

He told MailOnline: 'What must tourists think when they see this?

'They get onto their open top buses to see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and all that. And then they come to Park Lane and see this - what must they think?'

He went on: How are they allowed to just live here? It's disgraceful. They have been here for months, and the council does nothing.

'Do you know how much I pay in council tax? And what does Westminster Council do?

'It's outrageous that they have been allowed to pitch here in the first place  but the weeks go by and yet they are still here.

'And it's even getting worse - some tents have been there for a while but more have turned up over just the last few days.'

Despite their presence ruffling feathers among wealthy residents living in Park Lane, the camp occupants claimed they had nowhere else to go.

A self-appointed spokesman for the group gave MailOnline a guided tour around the rain-sodden tents this time last year.

Beaming a smile, one bearded man was photographed filling a glass with vodka last year before dragging on a cigarette - with a large music speaker seen next to them

Rough sleepers pictured last year at a table in the middle of their 'tent city' which is close to London's tourist hotspot

The camp was just a stone's throw away from Hyde Park, Marble Arch, Speaker's Corner and Oxford Street. Pictured: last year

National Eviction Team officers previously broke up the camp last year (pictured)

Residents leave the site with their possessions packed in bulging bags and suitcases when it was dismantled last summer

Sat on a rickety chair at a battered Formica topped table, the man in his 30s said: 'I came two months ago to look for a job.

'I came by plane. I haven't found a job yet but I will keep trying. We have all left our children at home.

'We don't have any food and we don't have any money. We just stay here until we can find something.'

He said most of them had got into the UK on temporary visas and were in the country looking for work to send money back to their families.

Among the junk dotted around the camp were old shopping trolleys, pallets, crates, bottles, cans, plastic bags and boxes.

The demolition of the site is not the first time those living there have been ordered to move on.

In October last year, the illegally camped out on the patch of grassland at the heart of the capital, where the average property price is around 12million, were also evicted.

However, often when evictions do take place, it only takes a matter of days for a new encampment to spawn - and for the process to restart all over again.

Previously, homeless people who have taken up residence between the dual carriageways have been known to cause trouble with pickpocketing and anti-social behaviour.

Speaking of the eviction today, a Westminster City Council spokesman said: 'We're pleased that TfL has been able to clear the latest encampment on Park Lane.

'Council services were on hand to support - removing waste, storing personal possessions and pointing those displaced to appropriate services.

Groups of people are pictured packing away their tents and belongings in Hyde Park on Friday under the watchful gaze of enforcement officers, who were there to evict them

'We've always said that the central reservation of Park Lane is not a safe place for anybody to live and the anti-social behaviour associated with this encampment was unacceptable.

'This is the fourth such clearance in the last 12 months and we share local people's impatience for a long term solution to the persistent issues at this site. TFL have committed to working with us to achieve this.'

A TfL spokesperson said: 'No one should be faced with sleeping rough on London's streets.

'Park Lane is a busy part of the road network that is not a safe place for people to sleep rough and our focus has always been on the safety and welfare of everyone involved.

'We had to take enforcement action to regain possession of the site on two occasions last year, however, a number of people have returned with tents and other belongings.

'In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved we were granted a possession order at the Central London County Court in May.

'Following our enforcement action last month, individuals quickly returned to the site and so we were left with no option but to take further action to regain possession of the site.

'There is no safe option for rough sleepers to remain at the site and we will continue to work with our partners to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.'
A teenager who plotted mass murder at a Scots mosque after pretending he wanted to become a Muslim was radicalised on TikTok.

The now 17-year-old idolised right-wing killers such as Anders Breivik who slaughtered 77 people in Norway in 2011 and spoke online about white people being at war pledging to die for my land.

A court heard how police intelligence allowed officers to intercept the armed youth outside the Inverclyde Muslim Centre, in Greenock.

He had an airgun which he claimed would keep worshippers inside once he had set the building on fire.

The boy, who cant be named for legal reasons, had been able to plan his attack by hoodwinking the centres Imam into believing that he wanted to become a Muslim.

He was trusted at times to be left alone in the building which allowed him to make sketches and videos of the layout.

The teen also went as far as to join in with prayers in a bid to convince others of his lies.

Today, he pleaded guilty to a charge under the Terrorism Act at the High Court in Glasgow.

The 17-year-old was intercepted by police outside the Inverclyde Muslim Centre in Greenock

He also admitted to having been in possession of documents likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

The crimes spanned between December 15, 2024 and January 23, 2025.

The court heard how the boy - who suffers from autism - had become radicalised since the age of 13 by social media channels such as TikTok.

He believed that white people were in a war against other races such as Jews and he developed sympathies with the Nazi party.

The boy created his own manifesto on his mobile phone in which he said he would die for my land and listed a number of inspirations which included Breivik, Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Irish fascist leader Eoin ODuffy.

He also created a list of dislikes which included Keir Starmer, the prophet Mohammed and Jihadi John.

The youth initially had plans to carry out a terrorist attack at his school in Inverclyde and recorded himself walking through the school in which he stated he planned to liquidate one of the offices.

He also claimed that he would plant bombs under the tables of the school canteen and added: Thatll be funny, watch some reactions, thatll be hilarious.

The teenager planned to attack the Inverclyde Muslim Centre last December.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell said: This involved the use of aerosols and lighters to set fire to the premises.

The boy spoke to the centres Imam online and was later provided with reading materials.

Mr Farrell added: The boy went as far as to take part in prayer with the congregation of the Islamic Centre.

He was trusted to be left alone in the centre and he took several videos wandering the corridors of the building.

In one video, he enters a room and his own hand enters the shot, shaped like a gun.

The boy then began searching images of the centre online as well as weapons and combat clothing.

He went on to speak to an acquaintance on phone app Telegram.

The boy said: Its good to infiltrate the target be it a mosque or synagogue as they think Im one of them because I infiltrated the place.

He claimed that he could have burned down the centre when left alone but there would have been zero kills.

Mr Farrell said: He told the user he would use a deodorant can and a lighter to start a fire and he had a BB gun that people would believe was a real firearm.

He also said he would use it to prevent them leaving the building.

The boy also asked the acquaintance to live stream the burning down of the mosque which would be shared with his manifesto.

He meantime tried to get a rifle licence but was unable to as his local club was closed at the time.

The boy prepared a final manifesto in which he stated he would attack tomorrow when the mosque will be at its fullest.

On the morning of the planned attack, the boy left his home with a rucksack which concerned his mother.

He messaged friends, stating: Today, I choose what my life was and will be.

The boy appeared at the Islamic Centre but was unable to enter as the door was locked.

Dressed in black clothes and carrying a camouflage military rucksack, he was met by officers acting on intelligence.

When asked what was in the bag, he replied: Guns, Ill tell you whats in the bag so you dont get hurt. I dont want to hurt you.

The teenager considered Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik an 'inspiration'

A German manufactured air pistol - capable of firing BBs - was recovered as well as a magazine which was suitable for the gun.

He was also snared with ball bearings, gas cartridges, four cans of aerosol spray and his mobile phone.

The boy was further found to have notepads which contained sketches and right wing symbols such as swastikas.

A search of his home recovered a copy of Hitlers book Mein Kampf, a copy of the Quran, knives, airsoft weapons and ingredients for explosive substances.

An instruction manual on how to produce weapons and explosives, called The Anarchist Cookbook, was also discovered.

Tony Lenehan KC, defending, told the court: He was a 16-year-old isolated vulnerable young man who had a wholesale world view of what was on the internet rather than personal experience.

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Judge Lord Arthurson.

The boy will remain remanded in a secure unit meantime.
A young German woman, who was found alive after going missing for 12 days in the Western Australian outback, appeared to have survived without one of her shoes.

Carolina Wilga, 26, had been living and working in Australia for about two years and had recently set off to explore regional WA when she was reported missing.

Two days into her trip, friends and family lost contact and authorities issued pleas for information after she was last seen on June 29 at a general store in Beacon, a small town about 300km northeast of Perth.

But on Friday afternoon, a member of the public found her limping along bush track at the edge of the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve where her van was found the day before.

Ms Wilga, who suffered minor injuries and was 'ravaged by mosquitoes', was filmed approaching a plane that would airlift her to Perth Hospital.

But, while her hair was in a top knot and she wore a large sweatshirt, she seemed to be missing a shoe to the alarm of viewers.

'I think once we do hear her story, it will be a remarkable story,' WA Police Inspector Martin Glynn told reporters.

'She's coped in some amazing conditions. (It's a) very hostile environment out there.'

German backpacker Carolina Wilga (pictured) was airlifted to hospital in Perth after going missing in rural Western Australia for 12 days

In video of Ms Wilga walking from a car to the plane, she appeared to only wear one shoe

Before entering the plane, she could be seen moving slowly and leaning against the door.

'As you can imagine from the trauma she's suffered for the last few days, she's been obviously through a great deal,' Insp. Glynn said.

'She's obviously in quite a fragile condition at the moment,' he said.

He said her family had been informed straight away after she was located.

At 1.10pm on Thursday, WA Police discovered Ms Wilga's Mitsubishi Delica van abandoned in the Karroun Hill area, about 100km north of where she was last seen.

In a press conference just before Ms Wilga was found on Friday, Insp Glynn said the young woman appeared to have carried out 'extensive efforts' to free the vehicle after it became bogged.

'She'd used MAXTRAX and pieces of wood to try to free the vehicle from its location but unfortunately was unsuccessful,' he said.

'Quite frankly it's really inhospitable ground to move through easily, and as I said, it has rained recently, there are wet spots and vehicles will get bogged often.'

The 26-year-old had last been seen at about midday on June 29 at a general store in Beacon, a small town about 300km northeast of Perth

Timeline of the disappearance

June 28 - Ms Wilga left Fremantle

Ms Wilga's friend saw her leave the Sundance Backpackers hostel in Fremantle on June 28.

Her friend Denise Kullick told German media Ms Wilga had planned to travel with a friend to a seaside location to become a yoga teacher - but ended up setting off alone.

Another friend, in Australia, was also in contact with Ms Wilga twice on the same day, the first was a text message at 7am.

In the message, Ms Wilga explained she would not be able to drop off a book and a jerry can as she had 'some stuff she needed to handle'.

Police shared CCTV of Ms Wilga's 1995 Mitsubishi Delica van at a petrol station in Toodya

CCTV footage captured Ms Wilga driving into a petrol station at 4.28pm on Stirling Terrace in Toodyay - about 90km northeast of Perth.

Ms Wilga parked, exited her van and filled it with petrol before heading inside the service station to pay.

At 4.38pm, the friend received a voice message from Ms Wilga in which she was heard saying: 'I just couldn't wait anymore. Ugh. I felt tired'.

Shortly after, at 4.41pm, Ms Wilga left the petrol station.

Ms Wilga had been living and working in Australia for about two years

Police searched Western Australia's vast Wheatbelt region for the young traveller

Police believed Ms Wilga departed Toodyay and embarked on the 230km journey northeast, stopping at Dowerin, on the way to Beacon.

June 29  Ms Wilga is last seen

Ms Wilga was last seen on CCTV footage taken from a general store in Beacon, about 300km northeast of Perth in the Wheatbelt region, at 12.10pm on June 29.

She was spotted wearing ripped blue baggy jeans, a cream long-sleeve jumper and a similar coloured scarf.

The young backpacker was captured peering into the store and walking around the property.

About five minutes later, she got back into her van and left. Police believed she travelled to Wialki, a further 25km east of Beacon.

June 30 to July 9 - Ms Wilga makes no contact

From June 30, friends and family were not able to contact Ms Wilga, nor were there any sightings of the young traveller.

Police issued a missing person alert on July 7, with details of her disappearance and an appeal for information or sightings of Ms Wilga.

On July 9, Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch told media police were 'very concerned' for Ms Wilga's welfare.

Police also used their air wing team for a 'large search and rescue' operation

Detectives from the homicide squad were also called in to help find the missing backpacker.

Commissioner Blanch added her disappearance was not being treated as a murder 'at this point'.

'They are investigating, not that it's a homicide at this point, but we want our very best capabilities to investigate something that is very concerning to us,' Commissioner Blanch said.

It was believed her phone had been switched off, police said.

The police air wing also joined the 'very large search and rescue' operation, with officers scouring the immense Wheatbelt region for clues to her whereabouts.

July 10 - Ms Wilga's van is found

Police located Ms Wilga's black and silver 1995 Mitsubishi Delica van in Karroun Hill at 1.10pm on Thursday.

The van was found abandoned, more than 50km north of Wialki, with police believing the vehicle had suffered mechanical issues.

Ms Wilga was not found.

Ms Wilga's family have been told that she was found alive on Friday

Police shared a photo of the van showing orange recovery boards under the back wheels, which are devices used to help with traction for a vehicle stuck in mud or sand.

July 11 - Ms Wilga is found

Police said she may have wandered into the outback after her van broke down in Karroun Hill.

Police ruled out foul play.

'(Her disappearance) is unexplained behaviour ... and we are taking it very seriously,' Sergeant Venn said.

'There is no indication that there's any third party involvement in her disappearance but our minds are open to any line of inquiry or any information that people bring forward to us.'

She was then found on Friday afternoon by a member of the public walking along a bush track.
A family vacation ended in tragedy after a curious little girl suffered a 229-foot fall into Brazil's biggest canyon and died Thursday.

Bianca Bernardon Zanella, 11, took off running and fell from the edge of Fortaleza Canyon in Cambara do Sul, the Rio Grande do Sul Fire Department said.

Zanella's father told Cambara do Sul police chief Fernanda Aranha they were about to return to the base of the canyon before his wife escorted their two sons, ages 5 and 9, to a snack bar.

He stood behind with Zanella, who had autism. They were about to sit on a bench located in an area of the canyon that is considered the highest point.

Zanella at one point ran while her father was not looking and was chased before falling off the cliff around 1pm local time.

The youngster's body was located in the canyon around 5:30 pm with the use of a drone that was deployed by the fire department.

A search mission via helicopter was postponed due to fog and bad weather at the canyon.

A team of firefighters rappelled into the mountain in a mission and found Bianca dead at around 11pm.

Bianca Bernardon Zanella died after falling off a cliff at Fortaleza Canyon in Cambara do Sul, Brazil on Thursday. The 11-year-old, who was diagnosed with autism, reportedly ran from a bench where her parents were about to sit and was chased by her father, who was unable to prevent her fall

Authorities shut down access to Fortaleza Canyon at Serra Geral National Park on Friday as part of an investigation related to the deadly fall of 11-year-old Bianca Bernardon Zanella on Thursday

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was shocked by Zanella's death.

'The death of little Bianca Zanella, 11, moved me deeply,' Lula wrote on his X account Friday morning.

'She fell from a cliff in the Serra Geral National Park, in Rio Grande do Sul, and despite the brave efforts of security forces, it was not possible to rescue her alive.

'I express my deepest sympathy to his parents and family, and I pray that God brings them comfort in this time of grief.'

The body of 11-year-old Bianca Bernardon Zanella was removed from the canyon at 11 pm, about 10 hours after falling

A search and rescue teams spent at least six hours searching for Bianca Bernardon Zanella before they found her body at 11 pm local time

Serra Geral National Park was closed to visitors on Friday as part of a Rio Grande do Sul Civil Police investigation.

Fortaleza Canyon, which is 4.7 miles long and 6,561 feet wide, is 3,795 above sea level and 14 miles from the city center.

The site features several guarded trails, including the Mirante Trail, which offers a complete view of the canyon.
More than 500 small boat migrants arrived in Britain on the day Sir Keir Starmer signed his 'one in, one out' deal with Emmanuel Macron.

The figures are a fresh blow to the Labour leader and the number of crossings over the year so far to 21,690, which is more than a 50 per cent higher than 2024.

An estimated 573 people crossed yesterday in ten boats, which suggests an average of around 57 people per boat.

It comes amid claims that the pact agreed by the PM and Mr Macron during his state visit to the UK is already unravelling.

There are questions over whether the scheme - which would see Britain send some Channel arrivals back but agree to take other asylum seekers from France - could even be blocked by the EU Commission.

Unveiling the plan alongside Mr Macron last night, Sir Keir claimed it was 'ground-breaking' and would 'prove the concept that if you come over by small boats, then you will be returned to France'.

But as the Anglo-French summit was being held, hundreds more migrants were crossing the Channel from northern France. Border experts said the proposals were 'scratching a very bare minimum of the surface'.

Leaks had suggested 50 migrants a week, around one in 17 arrivals, would be sent back to France initially. But that was seemingly not signed off by the leaders.

Migrants are brought on shore at Dover after being intercepted by a Border Force cutter

The RNLI was also involved in today's rescues in the Channel

Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron shake hands on the steps of Number 10 yesterday

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Ms Cooper said: 'The numbers are not fixed, even for this pilot phase that we are starting now.

'So this will be a programme that we roll out step-by-step, and we will provide updates as we go.

'But we are going to do this in a steady way.'

Despite signs EU states could object to the UK-France deal, Ms Cooper told LBC she was confident Brussels would let it go ahead.

'We have been talking to the EU commissioners. We've also been talking to other European interior ministers and governments throughout this process,' she said.

'The French interior minister and I have been speaking about this to develop this since October of last year, and the EU commissioners have been very supportive.

'So that is why we have designed this in a way to work, not just for the UK and France, but in order to fit with all their concerns as well.'

She added: 'Because we've done that work all the way through, we do expect the EU Commission to continue to be supportive.'

Your browser does not support iframes.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Ms Cooper also played down Mr Macron's jibe that Brexit had made tackling illegal immigration harder, arguing people smugglers would 'weaponise anything'.

Downing Street said the UK is 'confident' the agreement complies with both domestic and international law and has discussed the plans with Brussels.

The PM's spokesman said: 'We've done a lot of work to make sure the system is robust to legal challenges, and of course, France is a safe country and a member of the ECHR.

'We're confident that this arrangement complies with both domestic and international law, and clearly we've discussed these arrangements already with the (European) Commission.'

Sir Keir is holding talks with his Cabinet at an 'away day' at Chequers, his grace-and-favour Chequers country estate.

Sir Keir said the governments were taking 'hard-headed, aggressive action'.

'For the very first time, migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France in short order,' he said.

As the Anglo-French summit was being held yesterday, hundreds more migrants were crossing the Channel from northern France

In exchange for every return, a different individual will be allowed to come here via a safe route, controlled and legal, subject to strict security checks and only open to those who have not tried to enter the UK illegally.'

But the PM failed to say how quickly migrants will be sent back in total or on a weekly basis when the scheme launches, which he said would be in the 'coming weeks'.

Mr Macron said the deal needed legal ratification first, without putting a time frame on it.

Critics have derided the concept of a 'migrant merry go round'. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the deal with France is a 'gimmick' which will be 'no deterrent whatsoever'.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'What they announced yesterday is a gimmick, just like 'smash the gangs' was a gimmick as well.

'And the reason it's a gimmick is the numbers will be tiny.

'It's been reported it will be only 50 a week, something the Prime Minister didn't contradict when it was put to him yesterday.

'Now 50 a week only represents 6% of people crossing the Channel, which means that 94% under this new scheme proposed, 94% will be allowed to stay and quite clearly, allowing 94% of illegal immigrants to stay in the UK will be no deterrent whatsoever.'
The pilots of the deadly Air India crash that killed 241 people on board had questioned whether each other had switched of the plane's fuel supplies moments before it crashed, according to a report.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is thought to have lost power when the fuel cutoff switches almost simultaneously flipped, starving the engines of fuel, according to the report by Indian accident investigators.

This meant the plane immediately began to lose thrust and sink down moments after setting off to London from the Indian city of Ahmedabad, resulting in a devastating crash on June 12 this year.

In the flight's final moments, one pilot was heard on the cockpit voice recorder asking the other why he cut off the fuel. 'The other pilot responded that he did not do so,' the report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said.

It did not identify which remarks were made by the flight's captain and which by the first officer, nor which pilot immediately transmitted the distress call: 'Thrust not achieved... falling... Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!'

Seconds later the jet began losing height and exploded into a fireball after smashing into a hostel on the ground in Gujarat, claiming the lives of all but one passenger on board and 19 people on the ground.

Investigators' early assessments indicate no apparent fault with the Boeing or its engines, suggesting that Boeing and engine maker GE had no apparent responsibility for the accident.

But the report does not say how the switch - which is used to start or shut down the engines and are typically left on during flight - could have flipped to the cutoff position.

Investigators are focusing on the actions of the cockpit crew, with early assessments indicating no apparent fault with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Air India has said that the flight's captain, Sumeet Sabharwal had over 10,000 hours experience of flying wide-body or larger aircrafts

Co-pilot Clive Kunder also had over 3,400 hours of flying experience, according to Air India

At the crash site, both fuel switches were found in the run position and the report said there had been indications of both engines relighting before the low-altitude crash.

U.S. aviation safety expert Anthony Brickhouse said a key question is why were the switches moved in a way that is inconsistent with normal operations.

'Did they move on their own or did they move because of the pilots?' he asked. "And if they were moved because of a pilot, why?'

The report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, published late on Friday, said the jet was carrying 54,200kg of fuel, which was within the 'allowable limits'.

'The aircraft achieved the maximum recorded airspeed of 180 Knots IAS at about 08:08:42 UTC and immediately thereafter, the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec,' the report said.

'The Engine N1 and N2 began to decrease from their take-off values as the fuel supply to the engines was cut off.

'In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so.'

Referring to data recovered from the plane's two Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFR), it continues: 'As per the EAFR, the Engine 1 fuel cutoff switch transitioned from CUTOFF to RUN at about 08:08:52 UTC. The APU Inlet Door began opening at about 08:08:54 UTC, consistent with the APU Auto Start logic.

Your browser does not support iframes.

'Thereafter at 08:08:56 UTC the Engine 2 fuel cutoff switch also transitions from CUTOFF to RUN.

'When fuel control switches are moved from CUTOFF to RUN while the aircraft is inflight, each engine's full authority dual engine control (FADEC) automatically manages a relight and thrust recovery sequence of ignition and fuel introduction.'

U.S. aviation safety expert John Cox said a pilot would not be able to accidentally move the fuel switches that feed the engines.

'You can't bump them and they move,' he said.

Flipping to cutoff almost immediately cuts the engines. It is most often used to turn engines off once a plane has arrived at its airport gate and in certain emergency situations, such as an engine fire. The report does not indicate there was any emergency requiring an engine cutoff.

The new findings appear to tally with theories reportedly put forward on the US side of the investigation, which also noted that the switches that control fuel flow to the aircraft's twin engines were turned off shortly after takeoff, causing the jet to lose thrust.

It remains unclear why they were turned off, and investigators have been left wondering whether it was deliberate, accidental or corrected too late.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, one potential sign that the switches were off was the deployment of the plane's emergency power system, a ram air turbine or RAT.

Vishwashkumar Ramesh was the only passenger who survived the tragedy

The aircraft crashed into a student hostel near the airport shortly after taking off

Your browser does not support iframes.

If the preliminary findings hold, that would exonerate the Dreamliner's manufacturer Boeing and engine developer GE Aerospace.

India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said: 'At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to Boeing 787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers.'

The agency, an office under India's civil aviation ministry, is leading the probe into the world's deadliest aviation accident in a decade.

The tragedy last month claimed the lives of 169 Indian passengers on board, 53 British, seven Portuguese and a Canadian, as well as 12 crew members and left only one survivor - British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40.

At least 19 people were also killed on the ground as the doomed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner came down in a residential area moments after takeoff.

Air India, the nation's oldest airline, has been trying to revitalise its operations after several years under government control.

The airline company says Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who was flying the plane, had more than 10,000 hours of experience on wide-body jets, while co-pilot Clive Kunder had logged over 3,400 hours.

The crash marked the first fatal incident involving a Dreamliner and was a major setback for Boeing, which is facing ongoing scrutiny over its aircraft safety standards.

The US National Transportation Safety Board is assisting with the Indian-led investigation, while the Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing and GE Aerospace are providing technical support. It declined to comment on the release of the report.

Reports indicate that there have been tensions building between American and Indian officials.

There has been a reported tension between the Indian and US investigators

Ajaykumar Ramesh (left) who died in the plane crash and his brother Viswash Kumar Ramesh (right), who miraculously survived

Astonishing footage showed Vishwar walking away from the scene with some visible injuries to his face

Location: The siblings had been a few seats apart onboard the plane, with survivor Vishwash sitting at 11A and his younger brother positioned at 11J on the other side of the aisle

One of the biggest points of contention is the delay in accessing and analysing the plane's black boxes.

The Americans are not pleased with the slow pace at which data is being extracted from the cockpit voice and data recorders.

The US team at one point even considered pulling out of the probe before eventually deciding to carry on. The US investigators have since returned home.

The Dreamliner, which was first delivered to Air India in 2012, has been used for many international routes.

Although officials have initially focused on the fuel control switches, they have cautioned that nothing has been ruled out yet.

Harrowing footage of the crash shows how the plane went down in a busy area and killed 19 people on the ground in Ahmedabad on June 12.

Sole survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh had been in the country on a business trip with his brother Ajaykumar, 35, before they boarded the doomed flight travelling from Ahmedabad to Gatwick on Thursday.

In what has been described as a miracle, Viswash - seated in 11A by the exit - survived, but his sibling who was sat on the other side of the aisle in seat 11J perished in the fireball explosion.

Raxa Modha (left) was on the doomed flight so tragically died in the crash on Thursday

Akeel Nanawaba (left), 36, his wife Hannaa (right), 30, and their four-year-old daughter Sarah were flying home from a five-day family celebration when the Air India Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off. They also died in the tragedy

Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, 45, (right) and husband Fiongal, 39, lived in London, ran a wellness and healthy lifestyle company called the Wellness Foundry, and had been in India on holiday. They also died in the ill-fated flight

Before the discovery of the British survivor, authorities said that they believed no one had escaped the flight alive.

There were 53 British nationals on board as well as 159 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese citizens and a Canadian.

Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns.

The Boeing jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat at around 1.40pm (0810 GMT), officials said.

Ahmedabad, the main city of India's Gujarat state, is home to around eight million people, and the busy airport is surrounded by densely packed residential areas.

Preliminary flight tracking data from flightradar24 reveals the plane reached an altitude of just 625ft after takeoff - a height far below standard for a commercial aircraft several minutes into departure.

According to data logs recorded at 30-second intervals showed the plane remained on the ground or was taxiing slowly for over four minutes after it first registered on public trackers.

The plane took off and reached 625ft, but no further gains in altitude were recorded before the crash.

An Air India spokesman said: 'Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time.'

The spokesman added: 'Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators.

'We continue to fully co-operate with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and other authorities as their investigation progresses.

'Given the active nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific details and refer all such enquiries to the AAIB.'
The Pentagon has sparked fears of an upcoming World War after it bought $400million in rare earth materials stock that are key to military weapons.

The purchase means the Defense Department will now be the largest shareholder in MP Materials, Americas only operational rare earths mine in Mountain Pass, California.

Rare earths are a group of 17 metals used to make magnets that turn power into motion. They are used in magnets that are key to building various military weapons like the F-35 warplane, drones and submarines.

The US government's move is the biggest yet as the country looks to push back against China's weaponization of rare earth stocks, as noted by Bloomberg.

The US has until now been reliant on China for them, something the Asian nation used to its advantage during the trade war with Washington.

China halted exports in March as part of a trade spat with US President Donald Trump that showed some signs of easing late last month, even as the broader tensions underscored the need for greater US output.

The US government hopes the deal boosts output of rare earth magnets and helps loosen China's grip on the materials used to build weapons, electric vehicles and many electronics.

The profits from the mine will be used to expand its processing capacity, according to MP Materials.

A view of mining facilities at the MP Materials rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, California

The US has until now been reliant on China for rare earths, something the Asian nation used to its advantage during the trade war with Washington. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are seen in 2017

MP will also build a new factory for rare earth magnets, lifting the company's output to 10,000 metric tons a year, with the new factory launching in 2028.

'This is a game changer for the ex-China industry and a much-needed surge in magnet production capacity,' Ryan Castilloux, managing director of consultancy Adamas Intelligence, told Reuters.

The deal, which sent MP's shares up nearly 50 percent, makes the company Washington's most high-profile investment to date in the critical minerals sector.

The Pentagon said it will guarantee a floor price of $110 per kilogram for the two most-popular rare earths, a price nearly twice the current Chinese market level, which has languished at low levels and has long deterred investment.

MP received an average of $52 per kilogram for those same rare earths in the second quarter.

The price floor especially is one that had long been sought by US critical minerals companies who have complained about China's market manipulations. Past owners of MP's California mine, for example, went bankrupt in part due to Chinese competition.

Rare earths are used in magnets that are key to building various military weapons like the F-35 warplane

The purchase means the Defense Department will now be the largest shareholder in MP Materials, Americas only operational rare earths mine

The Pentagon said the profits from the mine will be used to expand its processing capacity

In a Thursday regulatory filing, MP said that the DoD was funding the investment in part through a Cold War-era piece of legislation known as the Defense Production Act, and that it could not guarantee the US Congress would continue to fund the agreement in perpetuity.

MP is investing $600 million of its own funds into the expansion projects.

The company said it would construct a second magnet manufacturing facility in the US to compliment one under development in Texas.

MP is calling the second its '10X Facility' at a still-to-be-decided location. The DoD is guaranteeing all of the second facility's offtake will be bought by defense and commercial customers for the next 10 years.

JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs are backing a $1 billion loan to build the 10X facility, MP said.
Comedian Jon Stewart says he's enjoying the chaos that has engulfed the Trump administration over its botched release of Jeffrey Epstein papers.

The TV star gave a 'chef's kiss' in reaction to conservatives including Tucker Carlson and Fox News star Jesse Watters slamming the White House in recent days.

Even ardent supporters of the president have broken ranks in the days since the Justice Department issued a shock memo, which closed the investigation into Epstein and said there is no long-suspected 'client list.'

That flies in the face of previous declarations by Attorney General Pam Bondi that she had a damning list and that she would be publishing it as soon as she could.

The memo also ruled that Epstein's mysterious death in 2019 was a suicide, an assertion that did little to convince MAGA supporters who are convinced the pedophile was murdered to silence him.

Amid mounting scrutiny on the memo this week, Stewart pointed to a moment where Trump snapped at a reporter in a cabinet meeting, where he told them: 'Are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable.'

Stewart responded on The Weekly Show on Thursday: 'The first time they brought up Epstein in a cabinet meeting and Trump immediately jumps in, Really? Youre going to talk about that guy, that guy? The guy that my audience has been clamoring about for 10 years?''

He said the reporter simply asked 'a very reasonable question', and speculated that Trump never had any intention to make good on his campaign promises to reveal secrets about the notorious pedophile financier.

A giddy John Stewart gave a 'chef's kiss' to the growing backlash among MAGA diehards to the Trump administration's bungled release of the 'Epstein files', as he branded the president a 'phony

Stewart said the controversy was tarnishing the reputations of some of Trump's top lieutenants, who had previously promised bombshell revelations to his supporters before the apparent U-turn.

Naming Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, Stewart said he enjoyed watching them 'go from conspiracy theorist to reasoned expert.'

'It is just, mwah, chef's kiss,' he added.

Stewart singled out Bondi's brushing off of questions about a missing minute in the Justice Department's release of surveillance from the night Epstein died, which she blamed on a routine glitch that happened every day when cameras were switched.

'I'm sure that will take all the air out of this conspiracy,' Stewart said sarcastically.

He said observers should expect to see Trump supporters call for Bondi to be fired and to deflect blame away from 'their dear leader', continuing: 'It's not, 'fire the guy who's in all the pictures with Epstein.''

Referencing the Epstein files, Stewart recalled that Trump 'said there was phony stuff in there.'

'And we all know the definition of phony when it comes to Donald Trump. Anything that reflects poorly on Donald Trump is phony or fake,' he said.

'So, by the very fact that he used that word specifically tells you something, very much so.'

Stewart said observers should expect to see Trump supporters call for Bondi to be fired and to deflect blame away from 'their dear leader' Trump

Stewart's remarks come as a number of leading conservative voices have broken ranks with the Trump administration to condemn its handling of the 'Epstein files.'

Fox News anchor Jesse Watters said on The Five this week that 'nobody believes' the White House's memo that controversially closed the investigation into Epstein's ties to power and his death.

'Like where did this guy go? Where did that whole case go? Where did all the files go? They just went nowhere? No one even believes that,' Watters said.

Watters said conservatives have now been left disappointed, and cited the U-turn as he warned viewers not to get their hopes up for a new investigation the Trump administration opened this week into ex-CIA Director John Brennan and ex-FBI Director James Comey.

The investigations are ostensibly a look into Trump's alleged ties to Russia in the 2016 election, however even diehard MAGA supporters said the announcement appeared to be an attempted distraction from the 'Epstein files' debacle.

'You saw what happened with Epstein. You know, you get your hopes up and then all of a sudden, poof, everything disappears, so the Justice Department and the FBI have a lot riding on these prosecutions,' Watters said.

And on his show earlier this week, Tucker Carlson also waded into the controversy as he said it was 'obvious' that Bondi was 'covering up crimes'.

A growing number of ardent supporters of the president have slammed the White House over the bungled 'Epstein files' release

Carlson said he is not convinced that the president was covering his own alleged ties to Epstein, and felt the reason is to protect the US and Israeli intelligence services.

'I don't think he's that guy, actually,' Carlson said of Trump. 'I don't think he likes creepy sex stuff.

'The only other explanation that I can think of... is that intel services are at the very center of this story, U.S. and Israeli, and they're being protected,' he said.

Epstein's brother Mark also slated Bondi's assertion that his brother's death in 2019 was a suicide, and said he 'laughed at how stupid' the Trump administration's handling of the scandal has been.

The notorious pedophile's brother told NewsNation's Chris Cuomo on Tuesday that he was not convinced by the White House's memo this week that said there is no evidence Epstein was murdered or kept a long-suspected 'client list.'

'Every time they say something or do something to try to quash the fact that he was most likely murdered, they just put their foot further down their mouths,' Mark Epstein said.
Mexican influencer Aldo Miranda was found dead at his home Tuesday just hours after posting a cryptic message on social media.

The 32-year-old, who was known for posting humorous content, was found unresponsive near the window of his residence on in La Paz, a city in the Pacific coast state of Baja California.

Miranda, who had more than 10 million followers on TikTok, shared a message written in caps that read, 'Thanks you all for everything,' on his Instagram Stories feed before he took his own life.

Authorities entered the internet star's second floor apartment around 2:21 pm local time and found a cable tied around his neck and hanging out one of the windows, local media outlets reported.

Baja California authorities are investigating the incident, but have not provided a motive for his death.

The TikToker's management agency, Albe Group, which is owned by fellow influencer Mario Aguilar, lamented his untimely death in a heartbreaking statement Wednesday.

'Today I find it hard to write this Aldo Miranda was one of those people that life gave me thanks to social media, but over time, it became a true friendship, one that feels genuine, close, and valuable,' Aguilar wrote.

'Meeting him was incredible. He had a talent that captivated, moved, and inspired. He was also one of the first people to believe in me when I told him about Albe Group,' he added.

Mexican influencer Aldo Miranda was found dead at his home in Baja California on Tuesday afternoon

Just hours before he reportedly took his own life, Mexican influencer Aldo Miranda posted a message on his Instagram Stories that read, 'Thank you all for everything'

'Without thinking twice, he showed me his unconditional support, and that's how we began working together. But beyond work, a friendship was born that I will always cherish.'

Aguilar mentioned that Miranda was dealing with personal issues that may have driven him to have taken his own life.

'Today, he leaves us with news that breaks our hearts. Sometimes internal battles are silent, and we don't get to see everything someone carries inside,' Aguilar said.

'Aldo decided to leave before his time, and although it hurts deeply, I want to remember him with the love, light, and joy he left in us. We will miss you as much as you can't imagine.'

Mexican TikTok star Aldo Miranda reportedly committed suicide at his home in Baja California on Tuesday

Authorities found Mexican influencer Aldo Miranda with a cable around his neck next to a window in his apartment

Miranda's last social media post was on July 3 when he posted a short video on Instagram - where he had more than 486,000 followers - and invited his fans to join him on Temu as sellers.

Prior to becoming a social media darling, Miranda worked as a teacher for the Baja California Ministry of Public Education.

News of Miranda's death sent shockwaves through his community of supporters.

"Today my heart was crushed," influencer Carol Funes wrote. "Rest in peace, Aldo."

'Today, the soul of a creator was silently turned off. Not all cries are for help; sometimes they're just for peace, one of his followers, Itzel Uriarte, wrote. 'Depression isn't visible, but it weighs heavily. If you're reading this, stay. There's light after the storm. Rest in peace, Aldo.'
This is the horrific moment a man took his own life by jumping into a plane's jet engine.

Andrea Russo, 35, from Calcinate near Bergamo, who was not a passenger or staff member at Milan Bergamo Airport, entered the terminal in his red Fiat 500 car before abandoning the vehicle and running into the building on Tuesday morning.

Russo arrived at the airport without a ticket and made his way to a restricted area leading to the runway before two Border Police on duty attempted to stop him.

He managed to free himself from the officers before running on to the tarmac and 'throwing himself into one of the two turbofans' on the Volotea Airbus A319 flight V73511 from Milan to Asturias.

New footage showed the moment he took his own life. Russo was seen jogging towards the plane's starboard side, and jumping at the side of the jet engine.

Failing to gain purchase, he fell backwards and quickly got up as ground staff chased him.

He appeared to take a wide berth of the front of the starboard engine, but was seen taking a running leap towards the port side engine.

As he jumped into the engine's blades, ground staff were seen holding their heads in horror.

Russo was seen jogging towards the plane's starboard side, and jumping at the side of the jet engine

He appeared to take a wide berth of the front of the starboard engine, but was seen taking a running leap towards the port side engine

Andrea Russo, 35, from Calcinate near Bergamo, was not a passenger or airport staff member at Milan Bergamo Airport

The man's body fell lifeless to the floor as one airport worker was seen holding her hands to her face in shock.

Passengers onboard the Asturias-bound plane revealed how terrifying it was to witness the incident.

One Spanish passenger on board at the time of the incident told La Nueva Espana: 'Suddenly, we heard a noise and a bang.

'Some people saw something through the window and put their hands to their heads. They told us it was best not to look out, because what was happening was very unpleasant.'

The woman, from Llanera in Asturias, described how the plane had just repositioned on a reserve runway and was taxiing slowly toward the take-off strip.

'We don't know exactly what happened,' she said.

Moments later, the pilot addressed the passengers in a 'shaken' voice, informing them that there had been a 'very serious problem involving a person.'

On the scene, police officers were joined by Flying Squad personnel and specialists within the Bergamo Police Headquarters' Scientific Unit, who were in charge of the investigations. The prosecutor on duty from the Prosecutor's Office was also present.

The man's body fell lifeless to the floor as one airport worker was seen holding her hands to her face in shock

As he jumped into the engine's blades, ground staff were seen holding their heads in horror

Footage from the runway appears to show people surrounding the aircraft around the time of the accident

Police sources said the man had a history of 'drug problems'.

A witness to the horrific incident told Italian news outlet la Repubblica that he saw the man running away from a steward and towards the aircraft.

'I wasn't on that plane, I was boarding another plane next to it and we saw everything', he said.

'He ran towards the right side. The he ran and [was] sucked by the left side motor.'

'I can't describe it as pleasant', he added.

The plane, which has engines that can spin at nearly 15,000 rotations per minute, completing the 'pushback' move to exit the parking area.

Following the incident, airliner Voltea took to X, stating: 'We regret to confirm flight V73511 from BGY-OVD was involved in an incident at Milan-Bergamo Airport at 10:35h.

'One person not onboard and not affiliated with the company was seriously injured.

'All 154 passengers and 6 crew are safe. A new flight is scheduled for 15:55'.

Flights scheduled to arrive at the airport, which is one of Italy's biggest - were diverted following the 'fatal accident'.

One flight was diverted to Bologna, two were redirected to Verona, and six were sent to Milan Malpensa.

Eight departing flights were cancelled after operations at the airport were suspended at 10:20am, with air traffic later resuming.

Sacbo, the operator of the Bergamo airport, said: 'An incident that occurred on the taxiway, the causes of which are being investigated by law enforcement.'

The man is believed to have forced one of the doors open in the baggage claim area before running on to the tarmac and into the path of an aircraft that was taxiing

Flightradar24 data shows flight V73511 from Milan to Asturias was on the move for only one minute and 55 seconds before the accident occurred

In an earlier update posted to X, the Lombardy Airports Association wrote: 'Traffic to and from #orio #Bgy is suspended due to a serious issue on the apron.

'Possible delays, diversions, and cancellations throughout the morning. Updates will follow'.

According to FlightRadar information, 19 cancellations were recorded from Milan Bergamo Airport before operations resumed.
A Colombian man accused of murdering two men before dumping parts of their dismembered bodies on Bristol's Clifton Suspension Bridge today told court that he was blackmailed and forced into performing degrading sexual acts.

Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35, is said to have repeatedly knifed Albert Alfonso, 62, during sex after he allegedly bludgeoned his partner Paul Longworth, 71, with a hammer.

Jurors at Woolwich Crown Court heard that both Mr Alfonso and Mr Longworth were decapitated and dismembered at the flat they shared in Shepherd's Bush, west London, before their remains were dumped near the bridge in Bristol.

Mosquera admits killing Mr Alfonso but claims it was manslaughter by reason of loss of control.

He denies murdering either man and says Mr Alfonso was responsible for killing Mr Longworth.

Giving evidence today, Mosquera said he had first met Mr Alfonso through webcam sex websites in 2012, and was eventually paid to urinate, defecate and vomit on him - despite never wanting to do so.

He claimed they had continued contact online and later met in person in Colombia in 2022 and 2024.

On both occasions, he said, Mr Alfonso requested increasingly extreme sexual acts, including eating excrement and calling each other 'slave' and 'mango' during domination sessions.

Yostin Andres Mosquera (right) is said to have repeatedly knifed Albert Alfonso (middle) during sex after he allegedly bludgeoned his partner Paul Longworth (left) with a hammer

Jurors heard both Mr Alfonso (right) and Mr Longworth (left) were decapitated and dismembered at the flat they shared in Shepherd's Bush, west London, before their remains were dumped near the bridge in Bristol

Mosquera (above) admits killing Mr Alfonso but claims it was manslaughter by reason of loss of control

'He said that he would pay me,' Mosquera told jurors. 'I never enjoyed it. I felt like I had no other option.'

Mosquera said he was promised financial support and an English course in exchange for travelling to London, but on his second trip, in the summer of 2024, Mr Alfonso's behaviour changed dramatically.

'He was 100 per cent different,' he said. 'He called me a n***o, a slave, idiot, stupid - every day, all the time.'

While Mosquera had previously called Mr Alfonso a slave during sex, he told the jury the names he was called in return were not part of any agreed sexual role play.

He said he was made to sleep on the floor of Mr Alfonso's bedroom and had no control over where he went or who he saw, and that his keys were taken away whenever he left the flat.

'I didn't want him to penetrate me,' Mosquera said, referring to one of the acts he claims he was forced to endure.

'I don't like that. I didn't have any choice because I didn't know anyone here and I don't speak the language.'

Asked why he did not leave, he replied: 'Because he was always threatening me and saying that he would kill my family, because he has friends in Cali and these are friends that I met.'

He said Mr Alfonso changed the date of his return ticket home without warning, and that he had been desperate to return to Colombia for an important exam on July 7.

Mosquera (left) denies murdering either man and says Mr Alfonso (middle) was responsible for killing Mr Longworth (right)

'A few days before I was supposed to travel, he said to me not to pack my suitcases because I'm not going to travel,' Mosquera said.

'I asked him why and he told me to be quiet and never gave me an answer.'

He said he had given Mr Alfonso the password to his black HP laptop, which the prosecution suggest was used to make thousands of incriminating searches, including queries about hammers, poisons, and where to buy a freezer.

Mosquera denied making all of the searches, claiming many had appeared as part of existing browser history.

He admitted previously searching for properties online but said he never intended to sell Mr Alfonso's home, despite having typed in its address on multiple occasions.

Jurors grimaced earlier in the day as Mosquera detailed the nature of the sex acts he claims Mr Alfonso paid him to perform, including a 'spaghetti Bolognese' made of bodily fluids, which he said he had made for 50.

Mosquera also said Mr Alfonso - who he claims to have been intimidated by - liked photos and videos in different costumes.

He said: 'I felt intimidated, especially bearing in mind the threat he was making to my family in Colombia, bearing in mind how dangerous things can be in Colombia.

'He knew my address, knew where my mother lived.'

Mosquera also told the court that Mr Alfonso told him he would not share the sex videos they had filmed, but he found out they had been shared online - which made him feel depressed.

He said: 'A friend in Colombia told me he had seen me on a WhatsApp group having sex with another man.

'There was another person who told me he had seen me in a video. In Colombia they are very homophobic so that was a big concern to me.

Parts of Mr Alfonso and Mr Longworth's bodies were discovered on the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol (above) on July 10 last year

'I asked him if he had shared them with other people and he said no but I knew he had because he's the only man in my life I have had anything with.'

Mosquera said Mr Longworth was often angry with him for no reason, adding that Mr Alfonso attacked Mr Longworth when they had an argument at their flat on July 8, 2024.

'He said I shouldn't say anything and remember about my family,' Mosquera said.

Mosquera said he and Mr Alfonso had later gone to the shop to buy beer but when he told him they had forgotten water he called him stupid.

When they went back to drink the alcohol, Mr Alfonso was inhaling poppers, he said.

Mosquera said: 'I felt nervous because of what had happened with Paul and because of what he said to me.'

He said he believed Mr Longworth was asleep but Mr Alfonso told him an accident had happened, adding: 'He said there had been an accident with Paul and not to worry and he told me to inhale some poppers.

'We were drinking beers and we continued to talk.'

Mosquera told the court that Mr Alfonso then set up cameras for them to have sex, which he believed Mr Alfonso was going to publish the videos of, a belief he says upset him.

Mosquera said he went to the bathroom while Mr Alfonso was on the computer and heard Mr Alfonso speaking in Spanish saying: 'I won't leave traces or any witnesses.'

'At that moment many things were going through my mind,' he added, before saying they began having sex.

'My head was blowing up like a balloon, I couldn't remember much until I woke up next time in Bristol.'

Mosquera denied cutting up Mr Longworth's body, saying Mr Alfonso did this before he was killed.

'Why did you stab Albert Alfonso?' defence barrister Tom Little, KC, asked.

Mosquera said: 'Because I was afraid that he would do the same to me that he had done to Paul.

Pictured: Forensics officers at the flat shared by Mr Alfonso and Mr Longworth in Sheperd's Bush, west London, on July 13 last year

'When I heard him say I'm not going to leave any traces or witnesses I understood that was his intention. I attacked him before he could attack me.'

Asked what was going through his mind, he said: 'I don't know what I was thinking to be honest.'

Asked about his singing in the video of the killing, he said he did not remember singing or dancing.

He said: 'It's in Spanish, its a reggaeton song. I thought about cutting the body up and then I did it.'

Asked why he cut up the body, he said: 'Because I saw the other body cut up and I wanted to do the same so the same is replicated.'

He said he originally wanted to take the bodies to Brighton and when questioned on why he changed his mind and went to Bristol, said: 'I don't know, I was afraid because I thought there was someone who knew about everything that had happened in the apartment.

'No specific reason, just because it was in the same alphabetical order, Brighton, Bristol, but I didn't know anything more about it.

'Sometimes I ask myself why I went there, I don't know.'

He said he did not know anything about the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Asked what he was intending to do after, he said he wanted to return to Colombia.

He said: 'That's something I thought about two days later when my head had come back from being an exploding balloon.

'I felt confused, I even had to search on Google to find out where he was..'

He said he put the heads of the couple in the freezer. Mr Little said the freezer was not turned on.

Mosquera will answer questions from prosecutor Deanna Heer, KC, on Monday.

Wearing a white shirt, jeans and rosary beads, Mosquera sat with an interpreter in the witness box.

The trial continues.
MPs have hailed the end of bulk deliveries of a Chinese 'propaganda' paper in the House of Commons.

China Daily, owned by the governing party in Beijing, had been automatically received in the offices of politicians since 2016.

Copies were sent to Parliament earmarked for most MPs, which were then duly distributed by staff.

However, Speaker Lindsay Hoyle ordered a review in March after questions from shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns.

An update received by Ms Kearns confirmed that distribution of the bulk mailings has now stopped.

'The Administration Committee undertook a review of unsolicited material that is delivered to the House of Commons for distribution to all Members,' the written answer from the Leader of the House said.

Speaker Lindsay Hoyle ordered a review in March after questions from shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns

'The conclusion of that review limited the distribution of bulk mailings to letters and reports only with a size and weight restriction.

'Members must now opt in to continue to receive specific mailings, such as the China Daily.

'At the present time, no Members subscribe to the China Daily.'

Ms Kearns told MailOnline: 'Good riddance to authoritarian propaganda not fit to be fish and chip paper.'

'Finally the delivery of Chinese Communist Party propaganda to MPs' offices has stopped entirely.

'It was completely inappropriate that taxpayers were inadvertently funding yet another attempt from the Chinese Communist Party to exert influence over British politics.

'The China Daily was a blatant attempt from the CPC to create a false narrative on the many human rights atrocities they have committed and the immense security threat they present. There is no place for it in Parliament.'

China Daily was set up in 1981 as the only national English-language newspaper in China. It is distributed in print, online, and within other newspapers globally.

Its website claims it has a print and online circulation of 350million.
A man and a women have been found dead in a Connecticut coastal town after sailing their boat into the darkness from a ritzy oyster restaurant.

The pair, who have not yet been named publicly, were reported missing when they didn't arrive back in Stratford, Connecticut, on Wednesday night.

They dined at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill in New Haven, docking nearby, before returning to the boat.

Security cameras filmed them on board the 27ft Sea Hunt vessel, which took off from the marina about 9.30pm.

A phone belonging to one of the missing people pinged a cell tower near the New Haven Harbor west break wall at 9.40pm, the Coast Guard said, but that is the last time either of them was detected alive.

The pair were on a boating trip from Norwalk to Stratford. When they failed to return by Thursday morning a concerned person called the Coast Guard.

The boat was found about 5.20pm the next day, capsized and submerged near the the west break wall in New Haven Harbor, which it is believed to have crashed into.

Two people have drowned after their 27ft Sea Hunt boat capsized in New Haven Harbor

Coast Guard officials said they dined at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill in New Haven after making a reservation, then went to the marina next door

The missing man and woman were found unresponsive in the same area and recovered by a Connecticut State Police dive team.

Neither were wearing life jackets.

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner pronounced them dead soon afterwards.

Locals wrote online that the break wall could be difficult to see in the dark and boats were known to collide with it.

The Connecticut coast is regularly marred by boat crashes and other accidents, some of them fatal.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Environmental Conservation Police is investigating.
It is the viral British plushie brand which has won the hearts of the royal family's youngest generation - as well as proving a magnet for thieves.

Prince William has described Jellycat's sought-after soft toys are his children's 'currency', while rare designs can sell for thousands of pounds online.

But the London-based brand's decision to ban around 100 independent retailers from stocking the toys threatens to damage its cuddly reputation, according to marketing experts.

Among stockists who have been told Jellycat will no longer supply them is children's clothing shop Puddleducks.

It has been trading for 34 years in the village of Diggle near Oldham, selling a Jellycat range for almost two decades.

Owner Alison McCabe regularly places orders with the firm worth thousands of pounds, with the brand representing nearly one-third of its sales.

So she was shocked to receive an email from Jellycat containing details of what it described as 'the next stage in our brand elevation strategy'.

To provide a great experience for every customer the firms email said it would now be working with over 1,200 independent retailers across the UK.

Alison McCabe was shocked to be informed that Jellycat would no longer be supplying her boutique in Diggle, near Oldham, after a 19-year relation as part of its 'brand elevation strategy'

As well as classic cuddly animals, Jellycat stocks anything from plush teapots to toast slices and even shamrocks

Displays of sought-after Jellycat toys will vanish from around 100 independent stores across the UK

Devastatingly it went on: 'Sadly, were not able to extend this support to everyone.'

The firm said it understood the decision to end its relationship with Puddleducks would be disappointing news but that it was final and not open to negotiation.'

'I couldn't believe what I was reading,' Ms McCabe told the Daily Mail.

'We've stocked Jellycat for 19 years, before all the hype started - I just thought they were really nice products.

'So it really hurts to be told we're not good enough for them any more.

'There's been no communication at all.

If Jellycat wanted us to display the toys in a different way we could have had a conversation.

'Instead it's just "thank you and goodbye" - it's ridiculous.

Alison McCabe, pictured at her Puddleducks store in Diggle, said it 'hurts' to be told by Jellycat that her business is 'not good enough for them' after promoting the brand for almost two decades

Bo Peep Boutique in Lincoln said it was given 'no ifs or buts, no guidance, no reasons' for why Jellycat was pulling the plug

'It's small retailers like this which have got Jellycat where they are now.'

In total Jellycat has pulled the plug on around one in 12 stockists.

They also include Bo Peep Boutique in Lincoln, which said on social media it was given 'no ifs or buts, no guidance, no reasons'.

Meanwhile Rumours gift shop in Whitby, North Yorkshire announced the 'sad news' on Facebook.

'This is obviously extremely disappointing, having supported the company for over two decades, since they first started up,' it wrote.

'It's a sad day that we can no longer be referred to as "The Jellycat Shop".'

As the resulting backlash spread through social media  where Jellycat has a strong presence  the firm responded to a string of negative ratings on Trustpilot by suspending reviews on the site.

Professor Anthony Patterson, from Lancaster University Management Schools department of marketing, said Jellycat's decision to slash its stockists was 'a clever way to maintain exclusivity' - but risked leading to 'customer frustration'.

Jellycat's store at Selfridges in Birmingham was billed as the largest of its kind

Plush croissants and fruit at a Jellycat store display

Following a backlash, Jellycat says it is 'very sorry' for the 'hurt' its cull has caused retailers and customers - but insists it will be able to provide a 'better service'

'The real casualties here are the independent retailers who've faithfully stocked Jellycat for years, building customer relationships around the brand, only to find themselves suddenly cut loose in favour of "selective partnerships",' he added.

'For smaller toy shops that relied heavily on Jellycat sales, losing such a significant revenue stream could be the difference between staying open and closing their doors permanently.'

Influencer marketing consultant Scott Guthrie said Jellycat would enjoy higher profit margins by directing more customers online - but risked damaging its brand.

'Jellycat toy sales have surged in part thanks to the sense of community it has fostered, including Gen Z posting TikToks of their collections and love for the brand,' he said.

'The break with stockists - many who have long supported the brand - may negatively impact this sense of community, with a potential knock-on effect of denting Jellycats brand equity.'

Jellycat insists it is a 'big supporter' of small businesses and stresses that 1,200 independent stores will continue stocking its toys.

Initially it said they had been 'carefully' selected for the 'amazing in-store experience that they lovingly create', while saying it wished the shops on which it had pulled the plug 'all the best for the future'.

However as the furore escalated, it yesterday shifted its position on the cull, saying: 'We are very sorry about this and the hurt it has caused for those retailers and their customers.'

But it insisted cutting around 100 stockists would help it 'give better service' to those that survived the cutback, and therefore help customers.

'We are also increasing supply as fast as we can without compromising our high quality and production standards,' it added in a statement.
The wife of Lufthansa's CEO is 'ready to cooperate' with Italian authorities after running over and killing a young nanny in Sardinia, which has left her in a state of 'dismay and grief'.

Vivian Alexandra Spohr, a 51-year-old top manager and wife of Carsten Spohr, was behind the wheel of an SUV when it collided with 24-year-old Gaia Costa in the Italian commune of Porto Cervo on Tuesday.

Ms Costa, a babysitter, had been crossing the road at a zebra crossing when the tragedy occurred. She was still alive when help arrived but sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene, La Repubblica reports.

Moments after the collision, the businesswoman opened the door of the vehicle and 'immediately realised what had happened, put her hands to her face and collapsed to the ground,' according to one witness at the scene.

Ms Spohr had been on holiday at her family's vacation home in the seaside resort but returned to Munich following the incident - even as prosecutor Milena Aucone was registering her as a suspect.

Her lawyers released a statement on Friday saying she is in a state of 'dismay and grief' and reiterated their full acceptance of responsibility and willingness to cooperate.

'The woman has placed herself completely at the disposal of the judicial authorities for the necessary investigations and, while aware that such a great personal loss cannot be remedied, will take steps to mitigate the consequences,' the statement read.

Questions have been raised about her exit from Sardinia, with one user on social media saying the departure 'feels like an escape' - a claim that has been denied by her and her lawyers, according to local outlet Corriere.

Gaia Costa, 24, died after she was struck by a SUV as she attempted to cross a zebra crossing in Porto Cervo on Tuesday

Vivian Alexandra Spohr (right), a 51-year-old top manager and wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr (left), was behind the wheel of the vehicle

Ms Costa was still alive when help arrived but sustained serious head injuries and died at the scene within 20 minutes, La Repubblica reports. Pictured: Emergency services at the scene

The SUV has been seized and will undergo technical investigations, while the examination of Gaia's body was conducted on Wednesday. Pictured: Flowers left near the scene of the accident in Porto Cervo

CCTV reportedly captured Ms Costa crossing the street, before noticing an SUV approaching her.

She attempted to stop it with a wave of her hand but was knocked to the ground and banged her head.

An ambulance arrived at the scene quickly and paramedics spent more than 20 minutes trying to revive her.

According to 'L'Unione Sarda,' Spohr, who was driving alongside her daughter, initially didn't notice the accident and was stopped by a passerby.

Spohr was so shocked when she saw the seriously injured woman that she fainted, the outlet reports.

She subsequently underwent alcohol and drug tests, but they were negative.

Ms Spohr is being investigated for negligent homicide in road traffic, according to the outlet. Pictured: Carsten Spohr and Vivian Spohr

The SUV has been seized and will undergo technical investigations, while the examination of Gaia's body was conducted on Wednesday.

Mayor Gianni Addis said: 'Gaia was a young woman who was deeply involved in the city's social and cultural life.

'She was passionate about our traditions and never missed the parades of the local folk group.'
It's believed to be his first kill.

And the body count was high: four students at the start of their exciting journey into adulthood all murdered in their sleep using a military-style knife.

But for mass killer Bryan Kohberger, the night apparently didn't go as planned.

Now, Dr Gary Brucato, a clinical and forensic psychologist who co-led the largest study ever on mass murders, has revealed what he believes was Kohberger's real plot that fateful night in Moscow, Idaho.

'I think he planned to sexually assault and kill one victim,' Brucato told Daily Mail. 'In other words, to attack her sleeping and possibly even remove her from the home.

'But everything went to hell. His intel failed him and he wound up committing a mass murder.'

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson revealed during Kohberger's plea hearing that the killer did not intend to murder all four victims that night - but stopped short of revealing who the intended target was.

Brucato believes this one chosen victim was 21-year-old Madison Mogen, based in part on the path Kohberger took after breaking into 1122 King Road in the early hours of November 13, 2022.

Bryan Kohberger in court on July 2 where he changed his plea to guilty for the murders of four Idaho students

The killer went straight up to Mogen's room on the third floor where he found her and her best friend Kaylee Goncalves sleeping in the same bed, prosecutors revealed.

'I'm sure he thought his victim was going to be isolated, and he gets in there and is completely caught off guard,' Brucato said. Kohberger stabbed the two best friends to death.

On his way back downstairs, he encountered Xana Kernodle on the second floor, who was still awake, having just received a DoorDash order.

He killed her, followed by her boyfriend Ethan Chapin who was asleep in bed.

Kohberger then left through the back sliding door on the second story, passing roommate Dylan Mortensen who had been woken by the noise and had peeked round her bedroom door.

Mortensen and Bethany Funke - a roommate who was in her room on the first floor - were the only survivors.

Brucato believes Kohberger was 'shocked' to find Goncalves in the room with Mogen and then to find Kernodle awake, disrupting his plan to assault and kill Mogen.

But, his decision to kill a sleeping Chapin - and the nature of his injuries - reveals a 'special hostility' toward finding another man inside the house, he explained.

According to a recent Dateline, citing police sources, the killer had 'carved' Chapin's legs and then sat down in a chair in Kernodle's room.

'I think the special hostility towards Ethan, where he takes the time to carve the hamstrings, is because a male interrupted his fantasy,' Brucato explained.

Madison Mogen (pictured) is believed to have been Bryan Kohberger's intended target

Best friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen (left) and young couple Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (right) were murdered by Bryan Kohberger

'He had a very particular fantasy. He was very angry about it not going as planned.

'He just killed three people before Ethan. He now kills Ethan, who's sleeping and totally defenseless, and he needs to be getting out of dodge, but instead, he takes the time to sit down and carve the hamstrings of Ethan. Why would he do that?... I think he had a special anger towards the male for interrupting his fantasy.'

Before Kohberger was even on law enforcement's radar for the murders, Brucato, serial killer expert Dr Ann Burgess and former FBI profiler Greg Cooper had created a profile of the suspect.

This profile found that - despite killing four victims in a mass murder spanning just 13 minutes - the assailant was no ordinary mass murderer or spree killer.

Instead, this was the work of a 'budding serial killer' acting out a 'sexually motivated fantasy' to have control and domination over women, Brucato said.

When Kohberber was then arrested on December 30, 2022 - and more information came out about both him and the murders - this profile solidified.

'As the story progressed, it became clear Kohberger was doing things that are much more characteristic of serial killers than they are of mass murderers,' Brucato explained.

He pointed to several characteristics and behaviors to back up this theory.

The home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, on November 20, 2022 - one week on from the murders

The third story of the home where Madison Mogen's bedroom was - and where Kohberger headed first once inside the house

Among them is Kohberger's cell phone and online history - namely his porn choices, the photos of women on his phone and his searches for the serial killer Ted Bundy - which were revealed in a recent Dateline show.

According to the episode - which sparked an investigation into an apparent evidence leak - Kohberger searched for porn containing the words 'drugged' and 'sleeping.'

He also reportedly used his phone to browse images of female students from Washington State University and University of Idaho, many of them in bikinis - and many of them close friends or online followers of the three murdered women.

Kohberger also made several internet searches for Bundy - who killed at least 30 women including female students in a sorority house in Florida.

'Based on the pornography and the trolling and the preoccupation with Bundy, this was more of a sexually-motivated fantasy,' Brucato said.

Dr. Gary Brucato has revealed what he believes Kohberger's real plan was that night

He explained that the pornography of women drugged or sleeping - and the decision to attack his victims at night while they slept - is about 'a desire to express some kind of domination or control over women who were essentially rejecting him.'

Meanwhile, the images of the women in bikinis, he said, exhibits 'trolling behavior' and shows that his victim was 'interchangeable.'

Kohberger is also believed to have planned to kill for some time. He bought the murder weapon, a KaBar knife, in March 2022 - eight months before the murders and five months before he had even moved from Pennsylvania to Washington.

Brucato said this shows Kohberger planned to kill before he picked his chosen victim.

'What you have is a person who has the fantasy that they're going to kill well before they go out and find the victim,' he said.

'That's typical of a serial killer, because the victim is just a symbol. I just go out and cast, like a casting agent. I have a script, and then I go out and I find the woman who looks the part.'

Brucato explained that, to a serial killer, the 'first and most important factor is that the person looks the part in your fantasy.'

Madison Mogen's pink cowboy boots and 'M' are seen in the window of her bedroom after the murders. Expert Dr Gary Brucato believes Kohberger was watching her from outside

He calls this the serial killer's 'prototype.'

For Kohberger, Brucato said the pictures of women on his cell phone show his prototype was 'an attractive young woman who symbolized the kind of popular girl who has rejected him.'

How he then found and selected his chosen victim remains a mystery; there is no known connection between Kohberger and any of the victims.

But, as Brucato explained, with serial killers it is often 'opportunistic.'

He could have spotted Mogen in passing somewhere, found her while trawling social media, or seen her on the social media account of another woman he met at a party, he suggested.

'Through some kind of happenstance, he crosses paths with the woman that he becomes hyper-focused on, who in his mind is the perfect enactment of that fantasy,' he said.

'But then you also need it to be practical. Like they live in a house that he could easily get into, that is in the particular geographic location he wants.'

Cell phone data, revealed by prosecutors, shows Kohberger was in the vicinity of the home at 1122 King Road 23 times before the murders - mostly at night.

Brucato believes Kohberger was watching Mogen through the windows to try to learn 'everything about her.'

As well as stalking and surveilling her in person, he likely also used social media for his 'intel gathering,' Brucato explained.

'What you have to picture is an intel gathering and it's sort of like when a predatory animal makes smaller and smaller loops around its victim until they attack. They build their nerves up, they study their movements and then they jump,' he said.

'You have a guy who's building his nerve up watching the house, studying it, and then he's like, 'okay, it's D-day, it's time to go in.'

Serial killers also often live double lives - and can masquerade as upstanding citizens, Brucato explained.

In Kohberger's case, he was studying a PhD in criminology at college.

But, secretly, he was also buying a murder weapon, becoming obsessed with Bundy and viewing 'dark sexually perverse material and becoming fixated on violence,' Brucato said.

'Based on his studies and everything else, I think he got fascinated by this idea of killers that have this kind of dark side that's hidden, the fragmentation of the self,' he said.

'On the one hand, he's fighting it by studying these things and trying to understand himself, and on the other hand, he is becoming increasingly fascinated with the power of it.'

He added: 'We see the classic progression where he starts out being nasty or condescending to women, looking at violent pornography but then eventually, that's not enough.'

As a serial killer carrying out his first murder - if he had gotten away with it - it's likely Kohberger would have killed again.

'There would be a possibility of him going on to kill again because when you play out a fantasy - particularly where the victim here involves interchangeable women - you will keep going out to play the fantasy out,' he said.

Bryan Kohberger was a budding serial killer not a mass murderer, psychologist Dr Gary Brucato says

'After a cooling-off period, you have that desire or need again or something in life upsets you and you go out and you do it again.'

And Kohberger would have learned from his mistakes the first time round.

'Each time you try to perfect it. You try to change your MO to get it closer to what you were fantasizing about,' Brucato said.

'The signature element stays the same. In other words, the idea you are expressing hostility towards women who reject you and assaulting them for that reason - that doesn't change. What changes is how you go about it.'

Brucato said Kohberger would have learned 'a lot of things' from his first kill and tried to correct them for next time, such as carrying out better surveillance, preventing his car being captured on camera, not leaving the the knife sheath at the scene and learning that the absence of cell phone data can actually tell a story.

He added: 'If he had not been caught, he would have been frustrated by all his mistakes - and he would have tried to do it better next time.'
President Donald Trump once infamously joked to a receptive Iowa Christian college audience during the 2016 presidential campaign that he could, 'stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters.'

For a time, that rang true. Perhaps, no longer.

Make America Great Again foot soldiers are drawing a line in the sand over which even the father of the movement cannot cross. And sources close to the president tell me that makes White House lieutenants uneasy.

Matters of acute concern are threefold. In recent days, the Trump administration has shown a sudden softening in the crackdown on undocumented immigrants; expressed an evolving stance on renewing military aid to Ukraine; and  igniting the hottest fury  reneged on the promise to release more materials related to the case of deceased billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

On the Ukraine issue, the friction is familiar. Trump's MAGA base  at least its populist wing  is opposed to ongoing US aid. But donors, generals, and foreign policy advisers are expressly warning what Trump has never liked hearing: that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Vladimir Putin and destabilize Europe. Its a tug-of-war between Tucker Carlson and NATO, and Trump's the rope.

Then there's immigration. Trump has signaled an openness to 'common-sense reforms' that would allow certain undocumented immigrants working in agriculture and hospitality to remain under revised legal status.

That's music to the ears of hotel magnates, supermarket stockists, and Napa vineyard owners  but MAGA diehards see it as amnesty by another name. This is the Trump version of hugging the cactus, and while the spines might feel like restorative acupuncture to big donors, it's pure barbed wire to the base.

Make America Great Again foot soldiers are drawing a line in the sand over which even the father of the movement cannot cross. And sources close to the president tell me that makes White House lieutenants uneasy.

Trump has signaled an openness to 'common-sense reforms' that would allow certain undocumented immigrants working in agriculture and hospitality to remain under revised legal status. (Pictured: Federal immigration officials raid California cannabis farms on July 10)

The reneged promise to release more materials related to the case of deceased billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein has ignited the hottest fury.

For many of the MAGA-hat faithful, these are not mere setbacks, but ideological betrayals.

Of course, those disruptions in the dependably elastic MAGA ecosystem pale in comparison to the tectonic shift underway over the long-stalled, abandoned, reopened and re-closed investigation into Epstein and his suspicious death inside the Metropolitan Correction Center in Manhattan on August 10, 2019.

On Sunday, Trump's Justice Department and FBI released a report concluding they had no evidence that Epstein kept a 'client list,' blackmailed powerful people, or was murdered.

The disclosures  conveniently dropped during the long July Fourth weekend  hit with the force of a magnitude of 8.8 in MAGAland.

And the president's allies have offered no satisfying explanation for the nothing-to-see-here nature of their report. 'There's no political upside to shielding Epstein secrets,' one Trump lieutenant confided to me. 'Unless, God forbid, there's a very good reason not to.'

The conspiracy theorists  these days often more mainstream than wackadoodle  have galloped in like rodeo clowns to fill the information vacuum. They point to suggestions (posted willy-nilly on Reddit threads, tossed about on podcasts, whispered at dinner parties from Beverly Hills to Bal Harbour) that Epstein may have served as an intelligence asset for the US, the British, or the Israelis, with kompromat on high-level figures in every hemisphere, and the young victims discarded as collateral damage.

This has led to dark suspicions: not only that Trump knows things, but that he's protecting reputations  possibly his own, and perhaps those of others in his Mar-a-Lago and Upper East Side tier.

Over the years, men and women who dealt with Epstein have told me that he dangled assignations with young females like appetizers at a hedge fund mixer. And he didn't hide the blackmail vibes: they reeked openly.

Much of the blame has landed on Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has been cast in the role of the glammed-up gatekeeper to elite secrets. FBI director Kash Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino also have absorbed some collateral criticism.

Axios reports that Bongino didn't show up at work Friday, after he and Bondi had a blowup in the White House on Wednesday over the administration's handling of the release of their Epstein probe conclusions.

'Pam said her piece. Dan said his piece. It didn't end on friendly terms,' reported Axios' Marc Caputo about the 'heated' discussions.

But Trump, for the most part, has skated on the turmoil.

Mostly.

FBI director Kash Patel (right) and his deputy Dan Bongino (left) also have absorbed some collateral criticism.

Axios reports that Bongino didn't show up at work Friday, after he and Bondi (pictured) had a blowup in the White House on Wednesday over the administration's handling of the release of their Epstein probe conclusions.

The mood changed somewhat after a tense exchange on Tuesday, when Trump snapped at a reporter who broached the Epstein affair during a White House cabinet meeting.

Trump's tone was more Roy Cohn than Ronald Reagan. 'Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?' he cut in before Bondi could answer. 'This guy's been talked about for years. Are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable.'

Trump cited matters of business he reckoned more worthy. 'I can't believe you're asking a question on Epstein at a time like this, where we're having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened [with the flash floods] in Texas. It just seems like a desecration.'

The clip made its rounds on MAGA Telegram channels, and not in a flattering light.

To many, Trump looked truculent rather than transparent, panicked rather than placid.

Among the commentariat, frustration is reaching fever pitch. Sophisticated stalwarts such as Charlie Kirk and Megyn Kelly have delivered passionate monologues deeming Trump's recent actions a slap in the face to every voter who believed in draining the swamp.

Privately, some of Trump's most diehard defenders are fully fed up. 'I've had dozens of Trump supporters come to me, forlorn, asking what it'll take to make him reverse course,' said one conservative influencer. 'They're not mad  yet  but they are bewildered. The Epstein thing stinks.'

A young first-time voter, who went for Trump in 2024, told me on Thursday that he felt deceived: 'Like I cringed watching [Trump] respond [in the cabinet meeting],' Colin from Tallahassee told me during a 2WAY discussion. 'It is just on this and everything else from the Iraq war to the financial crisis to COVID. It just feels like we're constantly being lied to and being told, "Don't believe you're lying eyes." You know, we know better. Just the constant lying. It seems like this is just another example of that.'

The clip of Trump snapping at a reporter made its rounds on MAGA Telegram channels, and not in a flattering light. To many, Trump looked truculent rather than transparent, panicked rather than placid.

Some have suggested Trump is positioning himself for the midterm election, trying to sand off the hard-right edges and appeal to moderates. With suburban voters up for grabs, the Epstein file is a political IED best left untouched. Still, many say this is simply Trump being Trump  improvising, responding to pressures invisible to the public, rejecting linear strategy, and hanging on to loyalty from his supporters like a balloon that he occasionally forgets he's holding.

Will he reverse course? History says maybe.

Trump does U-turns more often than a sleep-deprived Uber driver at Dulles Airport.

But the motivations that brought him to this odd trifecta  Epstein opacity, immigrant leniency, and NATO-nal wobble  remain shrouded.

In the meantime, the current conventional wisdom is coagulating: That Trump is a guy whose political compass is a weather vane in a hurricane. But even weather vanes don't twirl without something blowing hard behind them.

For now, the MAGA movement waits, stews, and scrolls  wondering whether the man they believed would tear down the metaphorical villas of the elites is now repainting their walls, grouting their mosaics, frosting their windows, and landscaping their towering hedges.
Former New York Republican George Santos is sending a clear message in case something tragic happens while he's in the clink.

'Im heading to prison, folks, and I need you to hear this loud and clear: I have no intentions of harming myself,' the ex-congressman wrote in a bizarre post on X.

Santos was ordered by a New York court to surrender by July 25.

'I have no intentions of harming myself, and I will not willingly engage in any sexual activity while Im in there. If anything comes out suggesting otherwise, consider it a liefull stop,' the statement continued.

The fabulist Long Islander who served for under a year before being expelled from the Capitol by his colleagues was found guilty of identity theft and fraud this year.

Santos, 36, assumed office in January 2023, becoming the first openly gay Republican to be elected. He was expelled later that year after lies he told about himself to get elected began to unfurl.

Prosecutors presented evidence of Santos spending political donations on Botox, designer clothes, casino holidays, and OnlyFans fees. He was also ordered to pay at least $373,749.97 in restitution and forfeit over $200,000, according to a plea agreement he made last year.

Santos's message ended with a chilling warning.

'The statistics around what happens to gay men in BOP custody are horrifying, and thats exactly why Im putting this out there now. So if something does happen, theres no confusion. I did NOT kill myself.'

Former U.S. Rep. George Santos arrives for a court hearing at U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York Long Island Courthouse on August 19, 2024 in West Islip, New York

Im heading to prison, folks and I need you to hear this loud and clear:



Im not suicidal. Im not depressed. I have no intentions of harming myself, and I will not willingly engage in any sexual activity while Im in there.



If anything comes out suggesting otherwise, consider  George Santos (@MrSantosNY) July 9, 2025

Santos giving a speech outside of the capitol on November 30, 2023, before he was expelled

In another post, the ex-lawmaker shared he received his prison orders.

'Today I learned my prison designation, I learned my restrictions and I learned what is ahead,' he wrote Thursday.

In yet another post about his sentence, Santos blamed a handful of lawmakers for keeping him from receiving clemency.

Santos claimed he was told its not Speaker Mike Johnson or Trump keeping him from a deal 'its Nick LaLota, Andrew Garbarino, Nicole Malliotakis, Nick Langworthy, Max Miller, and Mike Lawler,' the former Republican wrote.

'And there you have it, folks  the righteous saints working overtime to keep me from a fair shake.'

The former lawmaker's lies were numerous and spanned his education, work and family life.

He lied about being an outstanding college volleyball player and coming from a wealthy heir to a real estate empire.

It was also reported that he had a drag queen alter ego named Kitara, and images surfaced of the what appeared to be the lawmaker in a dress and wig. Santos originally denied it was him.

However, he later admitted it was him and soon after being expelled from Congress he began a gig on Cameo and brought out Kitara once more for content.

Santos railed against the prosecutors in his case and accused on X the Department of Justice of being a 'cabal of pedophiles.'

At his sentencing the judge noted how Santos appeared unrepentant for his actions and crimes.

Last month as tensions flared between the U.S. and Iran santos broke his silence for the first time since he was sentenced to over seven years in prison for wire fraud and identity theft.

'Hey folks its been real, and its also been a minute,' the convicted former congressman says in a selfie video posted on X.

'I'm kind of here just because I needed to stand by President Trump for this, because it's important to me.'

Santos shared in the video that he learned from the Iranian community in the new York district he used to represent all about the country's revolution and the overthrow of the shah in 1979.

'The Ayatollah is a regime of terror, of suppression, of lack of liberties. I just want to remind everybody President Trump is doing the right thing in assisting Israel in clearing the Ayatollah and eradicating them from the face of the earth.'

'It's time to free Iranians. It's time to allow Iranians to be free again and to eliminate the threat of nuclear terror in the Middle East.'
Former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Ian Blair has died at the age of 72.

The senior officer led the London force between 2005 and 2008 - and was at the forefront of the response to the 7/7 Tube bombings that killed 52 people.

He was also in charge when, two weeks later, armed officers shot dead Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes, after mistaking him for a terror suspect.

Lord Blair's death was announced tonight by the University of Oxford's Christ Church College, where he studied English.

The college said in a social media post: 'The Christ Church community would like to extend its condolences to the family of Ian Blair, The Lord Blair of Boughton QPM, who has died at the age of 72.

'Lord Blair, an alumnus and Honorary Student (fellow) of Christ Church, served as the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police from 2005 to 2008.'

Born in Chester, Lord Blair joined the Met in 1974 as part of its graduate entry scheme.

He began his career as a Constable in central London and after ten years on the beat, he quickly rose up the ranks.

Former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Ian Blair has died at the age of 72

The senior officer led the London force between 2005 and 2008 - and was at the forefront of the response to the 7/7 Tube bombings that killed 52 people

Lord Ian Blair is pictured with Doreen Lawrence

Lord Blair became a Detective Chief Inspector in 1985 and responded to the devastating Kings Cross Fire which killed 31 people.

He then moved to Thames Valley Police for a role as the force's Assistant Chief Constable, before returning to London in 2000.

Lord Blair was appointed commissioner of The Met in February 2005, just months before London was targeted by four suicide bombers.

Fifty two people died in the horrific attacks - which unfolded 20 years ago this week across the London transport network.

Two weeks later, firearms officers shot dead Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes at Stockwell Underground station, after mistaking him for a terror suspect.

While Lord Blair was cleared of any personal wrongdoing, he faced backlash about the shooting for the remainder of his time as commissioner.

The Met Police was ultimately found to have breached health and safety laws over the incident at Stockwell Station in south London.

In his 2008 letter of resignation from the Met, Lord Blair said: 'It has been the proudest task of my life to lead the men and women of the Metropolitan Police.

Sir Ian Blair gives a statement following the publication of a report into the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes

Sadiq Khan and Prime Minister Keir Starmer lay wreaths at the memorial for the victims of the 7/7 attacks

Lord Blair was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in 1999 before being knighted in 2003. He was appointed to the House of Lords in 2010

'It is the duty of the commissioner to lead the Met through good times and bad: To accept the burdens and pressures of office and, above all, to be a steward of the service he commands.'

Lord Blair was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in 1999 before being knighted in 2003. He was appointed to the House of Lords in 2010.

He married Felicity White in 1980, and the couple had a son and a daughter.

London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said: 'Lord Ian Blair dedicated over 30 years to public service as a police officer - rising through the ranks from a graduate recruit to becoming Commissioner of the Met.

'My thoughts are with his loved ones.'
A mass drug overdose saw over two dozen people rushed to hospital after a new street drug was reportedly given out to unsuspecting users to test.

The incident unfolded in Baltimore on Thursday morning, leaving men and women sprawled across the streets of the Penn North neighborhood.

Officials have said that there were no fatalities but at least 27 people had to be rushed to hospital following the suspected overdoses.

Fire Chief James Wallace said in an update on Friday that seven were in a critical condition, 15 were in a serious condition while the rest were noncritical.

Authorities in the city have yet to formally reveal the drug responsible and who administered it, but local residents told WJZ that it is a new drug given out as a tester.

Those who spoke with the outlet said it was called 'New Jack City', alleging that it was laced with Freon or antifreeze. No arrests have been made.

Wallace said on Thursday that emergency teams found people along two intersecting avenues, subway platforms, and alleyways.

Rescue teams had to spread out across the area, searching for others who had overdosed out of sight.

The incident unfolded in Baltimore on Thursday morning, and left men and women sprawled across the streets of the Penn North neighborhood

Officials have said that there were no fatalities but at least 27 people had to be rushed to hospital following the suspected overdoses

Police teams used surveillance cameras to track people and canvassed locals to find others, the city's deputy police commissioner Kevin Jones said.

WBAL reporter Tori Yorgey posted on her X page that in the 90 minutes she spent at the scene reporting she saw two people overdosing.

Mayor Brandon Scott, alongside Wallace, said on Friday that emergency teams would remain canvassing the area and administering Narcan.

Sarah Whaley of the Mayor's Office of Overdose Response said teams would be in place to hand out Narcan, test strips and public health messaging.

She added: 'If you are using today, please do not use alone. Please go slow and have Narcan available.'

Scott said: 'The days of approaching drug addiction and overdose as a criminal thing are gone.

'The police department will deal with the actual folks that are providing and dealing drugs, and bring this into the community.

'But when you are talking about folks that are using, we have to be ready to help them with the services they need - when they are ready for them.'

According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths have climbed 500 percent between 1999 and 2022.

A box overflowing with Narcan can be seen here at the scene, it was used to attempt to revive those found to have overdosed

The CDC said that over that time period they have identified three distinct causes, the first involving prescription opioids, then heroin, followed by synthetic opioids.

It came just one day after the local City Council held a public hearing on the drug crisis, headed by Councilwoman Phylicia Porter.

She said in an interview with The Baltimore Banner on Thursday: 'It underscores the urgency that we have and continue to have to promote harm reduction approaches in Baltimore.'

In an investigation led by The Banner and The New York Times, they found that the overdose epidemic in Baltimore had killed nearly 6,000 people since 2018.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said: 'Our team is coordinating with state agencies, city officials, and first responders on the ground in West Baltimore today.

'I'm grateful to those who quickly alerted us about this situation, and those who are providing support to the community.'
A sadistic sex killer will have his parole hearing held in private because he fears coming face-to-face with her distraught mother, MailOnline has learned.

Stephen Wynne, 47, killed Chantel Taylor with a meat cleaver in Birkenhead, in March 2004.

Wynne murdered 27-year-old mum-of-three Chantel, a sex worker, by striking her in the neck and then dismembering her body with a saw.

The killer later stashed Chantel's remains in her own loft before moving them a few days later into nearby woods and the local tip.

Her body has never been found.

Chantel's mother Jean Taylor has campaigned tirelessly to ensure that Wynne is not released.

In order to win release, Wynne would be required to give evidence and answer questions put by the three person parol panel.

And in a blow to her family, the Parole Board ruled in favour of the killer, saying he would be 'overwhelmed' knowing Chantel's family would be present.

Stephen Wynne, 47, murdered a 27-year-old mum-of-three by striking her in the neck and then dismembering her body with a saw

The killer later stashed the remains of Chantel Taylor (pictured) in her own loft before moving them a few days later into nearby woods and the local tip - her body has never been found

Chantel's mother Jean Taylor has campaigned tirelessly to ensure that Wynne is not released but she is now unable to attend his parole hearing as the killer would be 'overwhelmed' knowing victim's family would be present

Last night furious Jean told us: The parole hearing should be in public.

He might not want to see my face and I certainly don't want to see his.

And she added: Anyway he does not deserve parole full stop. I am sorry but I still find this matter hugely upsetting.'

Wynne was only caught when he tried to torch a mosque in Birkenhead in a bizarre revenge bid after the 7/7 London bombings in 2005.

The former soldier got a minimum term of 21-years at Liverpool Crown Court in January 2006.

This was later cut to 18-years by the Court of Appeal, which expired on the 27th July 2023.

Wynne had a parole appeal rejected in August 2023 and is due a second hearing in the next few months.

The Parole Board was asked by a member of the public - who was not named - to open it to outside observation.

Under these rules, members of the victim's family and journalists could watch the proceedings via video link.

A written report states:"If Mr Wynne was required to give evidence when he knew that members of the victims family and many members of the public were watching or listening to him there is a strong probability that he would be overwhelmed by their hostility towards him and would be unable to give best evidence.'

The report revealed that Wynne was aware of the loathing towards him because a victim personal statement (VPS) made by Chantel's mother for the first parole hearing was mistakenly given to him.

It states:' He would not be permitted to listen to the victim personal statement (VPS) made by the victims mother being read at the commencement of the hearing but due to a serious mistake by a member of prison staff the VPS (or a previous version of it) was disclosed to him.

'It had been the subject of a successful non-disclosure application and should not therefore have been disclosed to Mr Wynne. He must therefore be only too well aware of the victims mothers strong feelings about him.'

It added:'I am satisfied that Mr Wynnes fears for the safety of his family and himself are genuine. This case has attracted a great deal of public attention, all of it extremely hostile to Mr Wynne.

'That attention has inevitably been increased by the actions of the victims mother who has, entirely understandably and properly, campaigned tirelessly for a substantial increase in the sentences for offences of this kind.

'She has strongly criticised the courts and the Parole Board for their handling of this case. She has expressed the view that the sentence imposed on Mr Wynne was wholly inadequate, that he should never have been transferred to an open prison and that he should certainly not be released on licence.'

The panel also heard that his family would be at risk because of previous coverage of the horrific murder and the mosque attack.

'His fears of retribution for the arson offence come from the religious aspects of that offence.

'There is a fear of extremists seeking retribution,' the report states.

The panel also felt that 'professional witnesses' like prison officers may be intimidated by the public hearing.

It concluded:'I am satisfied that the argument in favour is substantially outweighed by the cumulative effect of the factors which I have described.'

Her body was never discovered, meaning her family were forced to hold a funeral with just traces of her DNA from the murder scene.

In 2023 Wynne won the right to be moved to an open prison after a judge dismissed an objection by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab.

A senior judge ruled in Wynne's favour, concluding that the Government had provided 'no good reason' for rejecting the board's recommendation.

Jean Taylor, has previously told of the 'deep distress and devastation' felt by her family over the murder.

Earlier this year Mrs Taylor travelled to London to present a petition to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer demanding a change in the law alongside Chantel's daughter, Whitney, 31, and her sister, Natasha, 53.

The family was supported by MP Esther McVey.

They say current rules known as Helens Law, in memory of Helen McCourt, whereby a killer who refuses to disclose the location of their victims remains are barred from being granted parole, has a "significant limitation".

Chantels family say Helens law allows offenders who falsely claimed to reveal the location of concealed body parts to 'avoid the full accountability they deserve during parole hearings.
The Trump administration's insistence that there are no more Jeffrey Epstein files to release has been undermined by documents previously disseminated by the Department of Justice.

Hundred of pages of flight records that have been made public include the passengers who flew on Epstein's private plane, the infamous 'Lolita Express' from 2010 to 2019.

But the vast tranche, obtained by Daily Mail through a FOIA request, are heavily redacted, protecting the identities of those who traveled to the disgraced financier's homes in the Caribbean, New Mexico and other locations.

This is despite the fact that other flight logs that have been previously released  some during Epstein-related court cases  were done so without redactions and included the names of passengers.

US Rep. Tim Burchett, who has long called for transparency in the Epstein case, told Daily Mail that the redactions should be removed.

'It should all be made public,' the Tennessee Republican said. 'I'm especially interested in anything that relates to activity on Epstein's island as that's where most of the criminality took place.

'But I worry that we're never going to know the truth. I think there's been a cover up'.

Passengers who flew on Jeffrey Epstein's infamous private jet have long drawn scrutiny in the ongoing investigation

The disgraced financier traveled frequently with friends and associates such as his so-called madame Ghislaine Maxwell on his plane, dubbed the 'Lolita Express' to his homes in the Caribbean, New Mexico and other locations.

The White House's recent handling of documents related to Epstein's sex trafficking case triggered a civil war within the MAGA world this week, after a memo drafted by the Department of Justice and the FBI announced there was no need to review the files any further.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy Director Dan Bongino now say there is nothing left to release to the public regarding the case.

This is after Bondi had said earlier this year that she had Epstein's list of high-profile clients on her desk ready for review and release.

Even President Trump was forced to address the outrage during a cabinet meeting this week when he told his supporters to move on from it.

A visibly irate Trump said: 'Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years. Are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable'.

The 1,506 pages obtained by DailyMail.com show Epstein's name, but nearly every other name is blacked out.

While flying on Epstein's jet does not prove criminal conduct, the identities of his passengers could reveal the scope of his network as well as who had access to his properties.

Unsealing the names would also be consistent with policy in the 2021 trial of Epstein's so-called madame, Ghislaine Maxwell, during which previously-redacted names were released, revealing a who's who of his inner circle.

A newly released trove of Epstein flight logs, obtained by DailyMail.com through a Freedom of Information Act request, is heavily redacted, protecting the identity of passengers, despite some having been already unsealed in the past

The redacted list that the Daily Mail obtained goes right up to Epstein's final flight to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey in July 2019, which ended with his arrest and incarceration.

Former president Bill Clinton was among the powerful figures that were revealed to have flown on the private jet; he is pictured with Ghislaine Maxwell

They covered a period between 1991 to 2005 and included powerful friends who flew on the jet, including Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. as well as many of the pedophile's victims.

Those records had already surfaced in previous legal cases, including the 2008 lawsuit filed against the Department of Justice in Palm Beach in 2008.

They had also been released separately as part of a defamation case brought by Epstein victim and Prince Andrew's accuser, Virginia Giuffre, in 2016.

The redacted list that the Daily Mail obtained goes right up to Epstein's final flight to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey in July 2019, which ended with his arrest and incarceration.

Among those who are known to have been on the plane are Epstein's much-younger girlfriend, a dentist from Belarus called Karyna Shuliak.

Yet her name was withheld under an exemption which states it would be a 'clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy', an excuse which is used dozens of times in the files.

In the records there are 501 pages of TECS reports, referring to the system used by DHS to screen travelers arriving in the US, and hundreds more showing other records - many of which include the names of Epstein's passengers.

There are numerous trips to New York, Palm Beach, London, and Paris, where Epstein had residences, and the US Virgin Islands, where he had his own private island.

Previously unsealed logs showed Trump flew on the plane at least seven times, including one trip between New York and Florida when he was accompanied by his then-wife Marla Maples and their daughter, Tiffany

Epstein and Trump were known to be friendly in the late 1990s and early 2000s when they ran in the same circles of New York and Palm Beach society

Flight crew are also listed in some records. One Epstein flight attendant had claimed she was raped by him dozens of times.

Another known Epstein victim, Nadia Marcinko, was a certified pilot  as was Ghislaine Maxwell, who could fly a helicopter, yet none of their names appear due to redactions.

Other redactions in the documents cite an exemption which is designed to 'protect information compiled for law enforcement purposes that, if disclosed, would reveal techniques, procedures, or guidelines used in law enforcement investigations or prosecution'.

Often multiple examples are highlighted including privacy and law enforcement techniques.

In a bizarre twist, the same files had previously been requested by Darren Indyke, a lawyer who has worked for Epstein for decades.

Indyke resubmitted the request in 2014, when Epstein was still alive and the files were handed over  with the same redactions given to Daily Mail when our reporters made their request.

It is unclear why Epstein would be seeking details of who flew on his plane, however, his victims have claimed that he often used information as leverage against people he knew.

Burchett defended Trump and said that if Trump was on any of Epstein's flight logs then it could have been just him 'hitching a ride' on his plane.

The plush private jetliner - dubbed the 'Lolita Express  used to whisk Epstein's VIP associates around the globe

Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Trump have faced questions over their handling of the Epstein files after a memo confirmed the administration was concluding its review

The logs that have been made public reveal that Trump flew on the plane at least seven times, including one trip between New York and Florida when he was accompanied by his then-wife Marla Maples and their daughter, Tiffany.

Another flight listed Trump's son Eric as a passenger.

Burchett said: 'I think Trump is innocent. He's on record saying Epstein was a dirtbag'.

Rather than blame Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has become the focus of criticism for the handling of the Epstein case, Burchett blamed Washington bureaucrats.

He said: 'Law enforcement have to go with what they have in front of them.

'I think the material is gone, they destroyed it or somebody did and somebody in the Justice Department did it.

'When a president comes in he fires the top guy but not the career bureaucrats, they know where all the skeletons are buried'.

DailyMail.com has contacted the Department of Justice for comment.
A village GP on a remote Scottish island has been struck off after making abusive late-night phone calls to a female doctor at the practice.

Paul Scott, 59, was also accused of initimidating another female colleague by kicking the door of a consultation room before shouting at her while inches from her face.

Scott, a general practitioner at the health centre in the tiny fishing village of Brae on the Shetland island of Mainland, was found guilty of serious professional misconduct and his name was ordered to be erased from the medical register.

It was claimed during the probe that an officer declined to call the Scott because 'he doesn't respond well to police contact.'

At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, Scott, who qualified in medicine 36 years ago, was described by patients on Facebook as a 'wonderful empathetic doctor'.

However, Scott - nicknamed 'Doc MacMartin' - was struck off following a series of temper-fuelled tirades against female colleagues at his surgery.

In the first incident in March 2018, the GP flew into a rage at a female workmate known as 'Colleague A' after a complaint was made against her regarding patient care.

The Manchester hearing was told there had been a 'tense clinical situation involving a potentially unwell patient requiring an ECG' and the woman who was with a patient was shocked when Scott began 'hammering' and 'kicking' the door to her room.

GP Paul Scott, 59, was found guilty of serious professional misconduct following a series of incidents with female colleagues

He eventually gained access before backing the woman against the wall and berating her in such close proximity that she could 'feel his spittle on her face'.

In a statement the woman, who had just returned from leave, said: 'He was about a millimetre from my face. All through the day he was telling staff that he was going to report me, on what grounds no-one knew. His actions were so premeditated.

'It appeared to me that he had been thinking about how he could bully me out of the workplace whilst I was on annual leave.

'He approached me the minute I arrived that morning - it was full on aggressive and intimidating behaviour.'

Scott was later suspended from the practice in April 2020 by NHS Shetland for undisclosed reasons but reportedly while at home he began drinking heavily and turned on another colleague known as Dr C in August 2021 after discovering she had been working as a locum alongside Colleague A.

But he later bombarded a second female colleague with abusive and drunken late night phone calls over a week long period in which he told her repeatedly to 'f*** off'.

Both women were said to have been left severe distress and upset by the incidents and Police Scotland were subsequently called in to investigate Scott.

The GP had previously worked with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to help local fishermen undergo medical examinations before going to sea.

Scott was a general practitioner at the health centre (pictured) where he had been a partner since 1999

He became a partner at the Brae Health Centre in 1999 after a period working for the Scottish Office, before taking early retirement from the NHS in 2021.

Dr C said: 'I was awakened from sleep by a phone call from Dr Paul Scott. He was very agitated when he phoned. Shouting at me, repeating my name over and over.

'He seemed to be very angry because I had worked the Friday and had been in the next room.

'He said: "What did you talk about at coffee?" and "You had coffee with her" and [was] saying "She is a bad person", "Have you ever been referred to the GMC?", "Are you colluding with them?"

'He said he wouldn't put it on FB - yet. He would not let me speak. He was pretty intimidating and I felt extremely upset, ended up putting the phone down and had little sleep that night before going to do a day's locum in the morning.'

Concerned by Scott's beahviour, Dr C kept a timeline of events. She recalled how on September 4 Scott started phoning her at about 11pm and then 'phoned roughly every half an hour a further twice into Sunday morning'.

She wrote in her timeline: 'He has been on the phone tonight, abusing me, saying he doesn't trust me and saying he had the right to do this. He was drunk. I'm minded to speak to the police to make them aware - he has no right to abuse or frighten me.

'He wouldn't listen to me when I asked him to get off the phone and stop this. He sounded drunk and in a rage.

The health centre is in the tiny fishing village of Brae (pictured) on the Shetland island of Mainland

'One of the phone calls was just "f*** you, f*** you, f*** you" over and over. The calls got progressively worse, in the night at half hour intervals. In the end shouting at me to f*** off and saying he doesn't like me or trust me that I'm a liar, in collusion.

'Anything I said was twisted and thrown back. I couldn't get a word in to respond if. If I tried, he screamed at me. He repeated my name over and over, was intimidating and me saying "You need help Paul" made it worse.

'All of this seems to have been kicked off by me doing that locum work for two days. I spoke with the police and said it's intolerable, I'm on call and have to answer the phone, and eventually spoke to the police in Lerwick.

'But the officer I spoke to was reluctant to phone him as he said, "He doesn't respond well to police contact".

'I said I was concerned after speaking with his relative that he might try and come through my door, if he was in the vicinity. But he said I shouldn't be worried about that and in the end the best I could do was put the phone through to the hospital.

'The policeman said if he abused the person on hospital switchboard then they would act. The hospital agreed to phone me on another line if there were any calls.'

She told other colleagues about the calls and they responded: 'He's very unpredictable and its affecting everyone. He is drinking and has been phoning (people) when drunk during the night and sending abusive texts - trying to control and intimidate.

'He seems to be in a terrible rage much of the time. Apparently, he is completely in denial - it started getting worse after his suspension.'

When quizzed Scott claimed he did not believe he had acted aggressively towards Colleague A and said he 'may have had one or two glasses of wine' when he contacted Dr C.

His lawyer Stephen Brassington said the abusive phone calls arose out of a 'mistrust of colleagues' and added: 'The distress caused to Colleague A and Dr C was not the product of any intent on Dr Scott's part.

'The incident with Colleague A occurred in a tense clinical situation involving a potentially unwell patient requiring an ECG.

'His conduct amounted to an overreaction in a high-pressure setting not an act of misconduct warranting disciplinary sanction.

'Characterising such conduct as misconduct could risk setting an unhelpful precedent for clinical professionals working under pressure. He had a previously unblemished 30-year career in the NHS.'

But Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service chairman Mr Douglas Mackay said: 'The Tribunal determined that the doctor's actions in forcefully hitting the door of the consultation room, causing genuine alarm to Colleague A.

'It found this to be an unacceptable and aggressive confrontation with Colleague A in the workplace and Dr Scott's actions caused Colleague A to fear for her personal safety.

He added: 'Persistent telephone calls were made by Dr Scott to Dr C. The abusive language involved the repeated use of Dr C's name and some of the calls were made during antisocial hours.

'The nature and number of these calls, as well as their content, were such that they caused Dr C to feel fearful for her personal safety and prompted her to contact the police for advice on that issue. Dr C described feeling terrified.'
Scandal-hit author Raynor Winn's fourth book has been delayed following claims she misled readers about her husband's devastating health condition.

The publisher of The Salt Path, Penguin, said today On Winter Hill would no longer be coming out in October following 'intrusive conjecture' about Moth's condition CBD.

It said these claims, uncovered in an investigation by The Observer newspaper, had caused 'considerable distress' to Winn and her family.

The author has faced days of backlash about her 2018 memoir - which his alleged to not be as 'unflinchingly honest' as initially billed.

As well of being accused of fabricating her husband's terminal illness, she is also said to have omitted key elements of how the couple came to lose their home.

In the book, Winn said she and her husband Moth lost a fortune - and their home in Wales - due to a bad investment in a friend's business.

But an investigation carried out by The Observer uncovered allegations she had in fact embezzled 64,000 from a former employer and was allegedly arrested.

A loan was then allegedly taken out to avoid prosecution and when this was not paid their home was sold, it has been claimed.

Raynor Winn at home in Cornwall. She has become a huge success since her book's release, including two more books

Following an investigation into their backgrounds, The Observer said that The Salt Path's protagonists, Raynor Winn (right) and her husband, Moth Winn (left), could have misled fans

The Winns with Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, the stars of the recent film adaptation. It has been claimed that the couple may have made millions from the book and movie

Now in a statement today, Penguin Michael Joseph, said Winn's next book, On Winter Hill, which was due to be published in October, will now be delayed.

A spokeswoman for the publisher said: 'Given recent events, in particular intrusive conjecture around Moth's health condition, which has caused considerable distress to Raynor Winn and her family, it is our priority to support the author at this time.

'With this in mind, Penguin Michael Joseph, together with the author, have made the decision to delay the publication of On Winter Hill from this October.

'We will announce a new publication date in due course.'

The development comes after Winn defended her memoir against claims parts of it were fabricated on Wednesday.

She also posted clinic letters on Instagram addressed to Timothy Walker, which she said showed that 'he is treated for CBD/S and has been for many years'.

She wrote: 'The last few days have been some of the hardest of my life. Heart breaking accusations that Moth has made up his illness have been made, leaving us devastated.'

The Winns at a gala screening of The Salt Path film in Newquay, Cornwall earlier this year

Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs in the film adaptation of The Salt Path, which was released in May this year

In a statement on her website, she said that the article was 'grotesquely unfair, highly misleading and seeks to systematically pick apart my life'.

She added: 'The Salt Path is about what happened to Moth and me, after we lost our home and found ourselves homeless on the headlands of the south west.

'It's not about every event or moment in our lives, but rather about a capsule of time when our lives moved from a place of complete despair to a place of hope.

'The journey held within those pages is one of salt and weather, of pain and possibility.

'And I can't allow any more doubt to be cast on the validity of those memories, or the joy they have given so many.'

In The Salt Path, the couple lose their house due to a bad business investment, but The Observer reported that the couple lost their home after an accusation that Winn had stolen thousands of pounds from her employer.

Publishing house Penguin previously said it 'undertook all the necessary pre-publication due diligence', including a contract with an author warranty about factual accuracy and a legal read.

It added: 'Prior to the Observer enquiry, we had not received any concerns about the book's content.'

Ros Hemmings said she had been left upset by details in Raynor Winn's book and the subsequent film adaptation

Released in 2018, The Salt Path details the Winns' decision to embark on the South West Coast Path when they lose their home after investing a 'substantial sum' into a friend's business which ultimately failed.

In the book, Winn writes: 'We lost. Lost the case. Lost the house.'

The memoir then describes their subsequent 630-mile walk to salvation, wild camping en route and living on around 40 per week, and is described as a 'life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world.'

It prompted two sequels and the film adaptation, which was released in May, starring The X Files' Anderson and Isaacs, who recently starred in HBO's The White Lotus.

The Winns posed for photographs alongside the actors on the red carpet in London at the film's premiere.
Investigators discovered a chilling note in bedroom of a 15-year-old boy whose mother and younger brother were found shot to death inside their Utah home.

Jessica Orton Lyman, 44, and her son Eli Painter, 8, were found with fatal gunshot wounds inside their home in Saratoga Springs, around 35 miles south of Salt Lake City, on March 28.

Newly released court documents revealed that police made several disturbing discoveries at the crime scene, including a handwritten message that read 'This is a murder story.'

The note was uncovered along with a string of hateful text messages the teen sent his mom before her death.

'I wish I died in your stomach. Wouldn't have to put up with you,' the boy said in one message to Lyman.

'F**k off h**,' he wrote in another.

Other texts from the boy included: 'Shut up, witch,' 'I'm more happy when I'm not around you,' and 'Do you know how insignificant you really are to my life? Very insignificant.'

The 15-year-old was home at the time of the shootings and told police he was in his bedroom when the killings occurred.

Investigators discovered a handwritten message inside the bedroom of the 15-year-old son of Jessica Lyman, reading: 'This is a murder story'

The unidentified teen had sent his mother, Jessica Lyman, 44, hateful texts just hours before she and her eight-year-old son Eli Painter (pictured together) were found dead

Lyman's 17-year-old daughter came home and found her mom and kid brother unconscious and covered in blood.

The two teenagers had a different father than their younger brother and police said they were with him after Lyman's death.

Police have not arrested or charged anyone in the case, but an affidavit for a search warrant obtained by KUTV has provided additional horrifying details from the investigation.

Police discovered dried semen on the bed in the room where Lyman was found, and sex toys, lubricant and fishnet stockings were recovered in both that room and the 15-year-old's.

The teen's room was described as being in a state of 'disarray,' and detectives also noted that they found several pairs of women's underwear in his room.

Investigators also discovered a white and brown mask in his room, similar to the one seen in surveillance video from neighboring homes that showed an eerie figure walking near the house on the night of the shootings.

'I obtained doorbell camera footage from other neighbors and saw a figure walking in front of the victim's residence at 2:18am on March 28,' police said in a previous warrant.

'The video was too far away to see details of this person, but I believe the victim's doorbell camera would show this figure in better detail. This video may give critical information to identify the suspect in this case.'

Lyman and Eli were found with fatal gunshot wounds in their home in Saratoga Springs, Utah on March 28

The Saratoga Springs Police Department told the Daily Mail that it was continuing to investigate but did not offer further details.

'The families of the victims have been extremely cooperative throughout the entire investigation, and the Saratoga Springs Police Department remains committed to continue to work closely with them in the pursuit of justice,' the department said.

Lyman's family also released a statement asking for the public to help find their killer.

'Not a moment passes that we don't feel the weight of this unimaginable loss. Our family is forever changed. While we continue to wait for answers, we remain hopeful that justice will be served and those responsible will be held accountable,' the family said.

'If you have any information that could help move this case forward, we urge you to come forward and contact the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Jessica and Eli deserve justice, and even the smallest detail could help law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.'

Eli is remembered for his 'boundless energy, laughter, and love,' his obituary said.

'He was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him. His adventurous spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and tender heart left an unforgettable mark on his family and friends,' it read.

The second grader loved 'solving puzzles, building intricate LEGO creations, or diving into his favorite video games.'

Lyman's 15-year-old son had texted her: 'I wish I died in your stomach. Wouldn't have to put up with you'

The second grader loved 'solving puzzles, building intricate LEGO creations, or diving into his favorite video games'

He also loved going on nature walks, playing pickleball, and drawing.

Lyman was an organ donor and her organs saved three lives after her death, her obituary revealed.

She loved theater, going to the beach, and spending time with her children.

'Jessica treasured creating special moments with her children,' the obituary said.

'She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the profound impact she had on those around her. Her big, beautiful blue eyes were as unforgettable as her generous heart.'
The National Trust is set to axe around 550 jobs after Rachel Reeves's tax raid budget added 10 million to the charity's wage bill.

The conservation charity said rising costs were outstripping growth in visitors and donations.

It has told staff it needed to reduce the pay bill as well as finding savings worth 26 million, The Sun reported.

The plans are expected to create a reduction in jobs of around 6 per cent across the charity's workforce of around 9,500 people.

At least 550 full-time workers could face job loses and the charity has begun a 45-day consultation with its staff.

The national insurance hike in Chancellor Rachel Reeves's autumn budget has been blamed for adding 10 million to the wage bull.

Many other businesses have already been forced to pass on the higher costs to customers or through job cuts.

The National Trust said in a statement: 'Although demand and support for our work are growing with yearly increases in visitors and donations, increasing costs are outstripping this growth.

The National Trust is set to axe around 550 jobs as a result of rising costs

It comes after Rachel Reeves's tax raid budget added 10 million to the charity's wage bill

The National Trust looks after historic buildings and sites across the UK

'We know how difficult this is for our people and are incredibly grateful for their skill and professionalism.

'We are working hard, with the union Prospect, to make the transition as painless as possible.

'This follows months of other cost-saving measures. We always want to avoid job losses.'

Steve Thomas, deputy general secretary of trade union Prospect, said the proposed cuts will bring 'huge uncertainty and worry for staff'.

He said the cuts risked the charity losing institutional knowledge and skills which are vital to the natural heritage of the sites.

He said the union will be working to try to minimise the impact on workers and the trust.

The National Trust was founded more than 125 years ago, and looks after more than 300 historic properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland alongside protected areas across the UK's coastline.

In its most recent annual report, published in September last year, it revealed that total visitor numbers rose to around 25 million for the 2023/24 financial year, up 5 per cent compared with the previous year.

The National Trust was founded more than 125 years ago, and looks after more than 300 historic properties

Total visitor numbers rose to around 25 million last year, a five per cent increase

It also revealed that there was a 12 per cent increase in non-members visiting the sites, paying on the day for individual trips.

The National Trust is not the only firm facing difficulties from the National Insurance hikes.

Rising costs means that one pub in a day in the UK could close, putting more than 5,000 jobs at risk, The British Beer and Pub association warned on Thursday.

New Look also warned nearly 100 stores could close ahead of National Insurance hikes which came into place in April.
A McDonald's employee posted an unhinged Instagram rant accusing her manager of bullying her a day before she stabbed her to death.

Afeni Muhammad, 26, stabbed her manager Jennifer 'Jamma' Harris at least 15 times at the Detroit area McDonald's on Thursday after she was sent home over her performance.

Just a day before, Muhammad had taken to social media to express her rage at being sent home early two days in a row.

'I got sent home early yesterday. I got sent home early today by the same person,' Muhammad said in the Instagram reel.

'I'm telling you, she's a bully. This sh** isn't funny... She needs to understand that just because she's a mother and got children, that doesn't mean she can come in the store disrespecting people, talking like everybody is beneath her. She has no respect and it isn't funny at all.'

Muhammad's alleged victim, who had worked at the McDonald's for 15 years, was a single mother of six.

'Like, seriously, man, I got sh** I need to take care of and she keep sending me home early... she's playing games,' Muhammad continued.

Muhammad accused her boss of 'playing racial sh**, spreading negative energy and gossiping about people,' before adding, 'That sh**'s gonna have to stop.'

Afeni Muhammad, 26, posted a video claiming her boss was bullying her a day before she stabbed her to death in the McDonald's they worked at in Michigan

Harris, a single mother of six, had worked at the McDonald's for 15 years

Muhammad allegedly stabbed Harris at least 15 times at the Detroit area McDonald's Thursday

She added of her boss: 'Then she tell me I am snapping on people, No, no, no thats false, I dont snap on people. I dont go doing that. No, I make peace. Ive been creating peace.'

Muhammad is an aspiring rapper and uses the name 'Risen Phoenix' online

Harris apparently sent Muhammad home again after an argument on Thursday.

Police say Muhammad told Harris 'I'll be back,' before she went to her car and retrieved a kitchen knife.

When she came back into the restaurant, she was wearing a mask, according to witnesses.

A drive-thru customer saw the attack and fired a shot in the air to try to stop it, police said.

Muhammad reportedly tried fleeing but was detained by the customer before she was arrested by the Eastpointe Police Department.

The alleged killer was arraigned Friday and is being held on a $25 million bond.

She is charged with first-degree murder and carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent.

Muhammad's lawyer said she is a high school graduate who is taking online classes for physical therapy.

'There are disturbing facts in this matter, but other facts have not been brought out yet,' the attorney told the court, as reported by The Detroit News.

Police say Muhammad told Harris 'I'll be back,' before she went to her car and retrieved a kitchen knife she used to kill Harris, pictured

Muhammad was arraigned Friday and is being held on a $25 million bond

The McDonald's franchise owner said in a statement: 'We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the victims family and loved ones.

'Violence of any kind is unacceptable in my restaurants, and we are taking this matter extremely serious, as the safety and well-being of our employees and customers is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation, and the restaurant will remain closed until further notice.

Muhammad is an aspiring rapper and uses the name 'Risen Phoenix' online.

Prosecutors said Monday she was previously convicted of stabbing someone in another state.

'The victim leaves behind six children, six young lives that will now grow up without a parent. This isnt just a statistic; this is a family shattered, a future forever altered,' said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido.
President Donald Trumps FBI head Kash Patel and deputy Dan Bongino are both ready to call it quits if Attorney General Pam Bondi keeps her job after the debacle over releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Bongino, the FBI's deputy director, made the ultimatum after an epic clash with Bondi on Wednesday over the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The rift was so bad that Bongino took the day off work on Friday, leading some to think that he had already left his post, Axios first reported.

And now, an insider at the DOJ tells the Daily Mail that Bongino will quit if Bondi doesn't step down or get fired.

'I don't see a scenario where Dan stays if Bondi remains,' the insider said.

Meanwhile, Patel tells Daily Wire reporter Mary Margaret Olohan that the FBI head 'also wants Pam Bondi gone, and that hed consider leaving if Bongino leaves.'

It all stems from an unsigned memo released on Sunday with DOJ and FBI seals that concluded a review of the files resulted in confirmation that Epstein did not get murdered in prison and that none of the available evidence included a so-called 'client list.'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Daily Mail on Tuesday that Trump is 'proud' of Bondi.

'The continued fixation on sowing division in President Trump's Cabinet is baseless and unfounded in reality,' she lamented amid increasing displeasure from the MAGA base over the findings.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino (pictured) will quit if Attorney General Pam Bondi keeps her job, a Justice Department insider told the Daily Mail

Bongino, before taking his official post at the FBI, touted conspiracy theories that Epstein was murdered in prison and didn't kill himself like the official medical report concluded.

'Dan, who didn't need to be there and simply wanted to serve the President, now finds himself in a precarious position with everything to lose,' they added. 'This completely botched release was an attempted forced compliance where the DOJ has all the power.'

The person familiar with the Epstein review said that the DOJ is the body with the ability to decide what gets released  including reviewing any information that comes from the FBI before it goes to the public.

They claim that Bondi's DOJ might also be 'stalling' other investigations like the one probing the origins of COVID-19 and Chinese election interference.

Those close to Bongino and Patel express their frustration at the bureaucratic process.

Bongino and Bondi got into a heated argument Wednesday over the 'missing minutes' of footage from the nearly 11 hours of surveillance video released over the weekend of the prison the night Epstein died, Axios reported.

The administration said the video proves that Epstein was not murdered.

Bondi's DOJ released over the weekend a memo concluding that a review of the files resulted in no new findings. It confirmed that Epstein did kill himself in prison, there was no 'client list' and that the DOJ would not be arresting anyone else in coordination with the crimes

Disgraced financier and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was found hanging from his jail cell with sheets on August 10, 2019, he was pronounced dead that day

Authorities claim that every day at midnight the video resets and starts a new recording, which leaves one minute blank for processing time.

But the jump left conspiracy theorists even more wary of the footage, but already was questioned over why there wasn't a clear view of Epstein's cell door.

Other critics also pointed to the fact that a large railing hid the man's face that authorities claimed was the convicted child sex offender going to his cell the night he died.

Ultimately, Trump and Bondi appear ready to move on from the Epstein files. But the American public doesn't appear too pleased to take the answers they have provided at face-value.

Bongino appears to agree with a growing chorus of right-wing voices calling for answers and demanding Bondi step down over her handling of the Epstein files.

The AG is facing accusations that she lied, with the online MAGAverse claiming she told Fox News earlier this year that she had Epstein's list of high-profile clients on her desk ready for review and release.

This goes against the DOJ and FBI claims now that there is no client list.

Bondi insists that she was referring to the Epstein files as a whole and not just specifically the client list.
A Pennsylvania man who beheaded his own father and displayed it in a YouTube video erupted into an outrageous rant about how his case 'presents a picture of America' as he was sentenced to life in prison.

Justin Mohn, 33, was convicted on Friday of crimes including murder and terrorism over the gruesome death of his father, former federal government worker Michael Mohn, 68, on January 30, 2024.

Mohn cut his father's head off and held it up in front of a camera for a YouTube video that received thousands of views before it was taken off the internet.

Judge Stephen Corr condemned Mohn's sickening act as he handed down the verdict in his bench trial, saying his crimes were an 'indictment on the mental health system in this country.'

Moments before, Mohn had referenced his horrifying video that made international headlines last year, in which he ranted about 'woke mobs' and called for the assassinations of Joe Biden's cabinet members while using his father's severed head as a prop.

Mohn vowed to appeal Corr's decision at his sentencing, and bizarrely offered to be part of a prisoner exchange with American soldiers locked up in Russia, per the Philadelphia Inquirer.

In his appalling courtroom outburst, Mohn said that he had no remorse for murdering his father, but was 'sorry my family went through what they did because of the federal governments actions and my reaction to it.'

It comes days after Mohn took the stand in his own defense on Wednesday, where he said he carried out the gruesome killing as a 'plan B' after his father refused his citizen's arrest for 'treason.'

Mohn admitted to the killing but pleaded not guilty to murder, alleging that he was within his rights to use deadly force because his father refused his citizen's arrest.

Justin Mohn, 33, (pictured at a previous court appearance) who beheaded his own father and displayed it in a YouTube video last year, erupted into an outrageous rant as he was sentenced to life in prison

According to court reports from his testimony, which was not televised, Mohn coldly detailed killing his father without emotion, as his mother Denice openly wept in the courtroom.

Mohn said he first tried to perform a citizen's arrest on his father in their home, holding him at gunpoint outside a bathroom and telling him he was taking him into custody.

He said his father was an experienced martial artist, and after warning he would kill him before allowing himself to be arrested, Mohn said his father then reached for the gun.

Mohn said he shot his father because, 'Unfortunately, he resisted,' and added in his testimony: 'I was hoping to perform a citizen's arrest on my father for, ultimately, treason.' No further details on this alleged 'treason' were shared.

He then decapitated his father with a kitchen knife and machete, before filming himself holding the severed head on camera in a 14-minute YouTube video that remained online for several hours.

Titled 'Mohn's Militia - Call to Arms for American Patriots', the video saw the 33-year-old erupt into a right-wing rant in which he offered a $1 million bounty for the assassinations of several Biden administration cabinet members.

Justin Mohn's father, Michael, and his mother, Denice. Michael was found beheaded in a bathroom on January 30, 2024, after refusing a citizen's arrest, his son said

Mohn, who often shared bizarre music and conspiracy-theory fueled writings online (one of his album covers is pictured), was told at his sentencing that his crimes were an 'indictment on the mental health system in this country'

At his sentencing on Friday, Mohn's mother, brother and sister all urged Corr to sentence him to life in prison, warning that he was unhinged and is a danger to the community.

His sister Stephanie said he stole their parents' 'golden years', in which they were supposed to enjoy retirement after raising their family.

Mohn had moved out for a number of years in Colorado, but eventually moved back in with his parents in Pennsylvania, and would go on to write unhinged rants online about how he was punished for being a 'straight white male.'

Prosecutors produced Mohn's notebook during his testimony, in which he had written that his 'plan B' was to 'boom' and 'slice.'

Mohn said he expected his father to comply with his citizen's arrest, but when he resisted, he decided to decapitate him to send a stronger message to the government as he began his on-camera rant.

He said in his testimony that he differed politically from his parents, who he said were liberals while he was staunchly conservative, and previously said he believed his father was part of a 'deep state' in the federal government.

Mohn's father had worked as an engineer with the geoenvironmental section of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Much of his gruesome rant echoed the far-right fringe QAnon movement, which hinges on fabricated claims about the 'deep state' from an anonymous online figure called 'Q.'

He had shared several 'albums' of music on his YouTube, and Mohn also wrote poetry and conspiracy-laden manifestos, including one that appeared to preview his warped plan, entitled: 'America's Coming Bloody Revolution.'

Its blurb reads: 'Similar to Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' published in 1776 which helped inspire the American Revolution, the short, easy to understand pamphlet explains why another revolution is likely in America and how it could be successful.'

Mohn wrote poetry and conspiracy-laden manifestos online, in which he often referred to himself as the 'messiah' and called for the overthrow of the US government

He had shared several 'albums' of music on his YouTube, where he later posted a video with his father's severed head that remained online for hours and received thousands of views

Police said Mohn's mother Denice returned home on January 30, 2024, to find her husband's decapitated body

Mohn also described himself as the 'messiah' in the video with his father's head, and he said in court that he believed his father was trying to stop him from becoming the president of the United States, comparing himself to Donald Trump.

Asked why he severed his father's head, he said he believed it would pressure the federal government to meet his demands, including the resignation of top Cabinet officials in the Biden administration and the cancellation of public debt.

He said he did not do it out of hatred for his father, but added: 'I knew something such as a severed head would not only go viral but could lessen the violence.'

Mohn's sickening YouTube video with his father's head was viewed over 5,000 times before it was removed online, and he was arrested later that day after he scaled a fence at Fort Indiantown Gap, the state's National Guard headquarters.

He had called on viewers to murder any relatives that worked for the federal government and believed he was starting a revolution.

A USB drive at his home was found to contain photos of federal buildings and instructions for making explosives, prosecutors said.

Mohn has admitted to killing his father but denies murder, saying that his father 'resisted a citizen's arrest, and it is lawful to use deadly force in that event'

Mohn often shared bizarre videos online, in which he performed music about the apocalypse and ranted about being the 'messiah' and the 'President of the United States'

Mohn's mother Denice also testified at the trial, saying that police had previously visited their home to warn Justin about his fanatical and often violent postings about the government on social media.

She said Justin and her husband had lunch together hours before the killing before she returned home to find her husband's decapitated body, which prosecutors described as 'something straight out of a horror film.'

He has pleaded not guilty to murdering his father, and a previous hearing found he was competent to stand trial.

Although he has admitted to killing his father, he denies murder. At a previous court appearance in September, he told reporters his father 'was a federal employee and betrayed me. I was trying to perform a citizen's arrest. He resisted that citizen's arrest. It's lawful to use deadly force in that event.'

Mohn's trial is a bench trial, meaning only a judge will decide his fate instead of a jury.
A woman who admitted her involvement in a 1m tobacco factory tax scam has been spared a prison sentence.

Wiktoria Bejma walked free from Livingston Sheriff Court last week after the judge said doing so would be to the detriment of her newborn child.

The 29-year-old criminal was even given credit for being the only member of the five-strong gang to face the music after her four male co-accused fled the country.

The court heard police went to the Thistle Business Park in Broxburn, West Lothian, in January 2022 after receiving a tip-off about suspicious activity there.

After peeking inside the unit through a hole in the door officers called for back-up before entering the premises.

Depute Fiscal Mandy Jones told the court that when the officers got inside they saw a man run into another room and slam the door shut.

Inside the other room they found Bejma and three men actively involved in the process of operating highly sophisticated tobacco production and packaging machines.

Wiktoria Bejma leaving Livingston Sheriff Court after admitting revenue fraud

The sophisticated set-up included expensive machinery and special insulation to mask the noise and smells from tobacco processing.

Officers from His Majestys Revenue and Customs (HMRC) were called to the scene and found a mobile phone attributed to Bejma on top of one of the machines.

It was found to contain a message stating: It starts tomorrow and others arranging places for the workers to live in Edinburgh.

The fiscal added that there were comments about the machines working fine with one message asking: When will we get cigarettes to move?

The phone also contained videos and images of the machines in operation.

Ms Jones said the value of the duty evaded as a result of the operation would have totalled 815,607. Around four tonnes of tobacco and the machinery were seized.

Bejma pleaded guilty to her involvement in processing, manufacturing and packaging tobacco products at the illicit unit between October 20, 2022 and January 13, 2023.

A tobacco machine inside Scotland's largest illicit manufacturing plant in Broxburn, West Lothian

Meanwhile, arrest warrants have been issued for Andrius Parnarauskas, 39, Danas Butkevicius, 36, and Tomas Jutkeviucius, 23, after they failed to appear to answer the charge last year, sparking an international manhunt which is still ongoing.

Bejmas lawyer said his client, who now lives in England, had no previous convictions and had just given birth to child.

He explained that she became involved after her business failed following the Covid epidemic and she found herself unable to repay a loan.

He claimed she had only visited the premises on two occasions but conceded that she had played an active role in running the operation, adding: Shes genuinely remorseful and accepts that she should not have been involved in this offending which she fully accepts is serious.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Valerie Mays said she had considered the mitigating factors, including Bejmas remorse.

She added: I also accept that only you of the five in this case have in effect stayed to face the music.

Its my understanding that the others have outstanding warrants for their apprehension and have fled the country.

I also have regard to the fact that you have a young baby and the effect that a custodial sentence would have on that child.

Given the fact that you have a young baby I feel I can just step back from imposing a custodial sentence.

As a direct alternative to a prison sentence, she imposed a community payback order comprising 12 months social work supervision and 300 hours of unpaid work.

In addition, she told Bejma she would be electronically tagged to remain in her home in England from 8.30pm to 7am for five months under a restriction of liberty order.

She adjourned consideration of a Crown motion for confiscation of cash and assets under Proceeds of Crime legislation until August 8.

Joe Hendry, assistant director for HMRCs Fraud Investigation Service, said it was one of the largest and most sophisticated tobacco factories ever uncovered in Scotland.

He commented: We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target anyone we suspect as being involved in the illicit tobacco trade.

The illicit tobacco trade steals money from our vital public services, undercuts legitimate businesses and can fund other crimes that harm our communities.
A Mexican father working in the US was in critical condition after falling off a building while running from ICE agents in Southern California during a chaotic raid.

Jaime Alanis was working at Glass House Farms in Camarillo when ICE raided it on Thursday and several migrants took off running.

While trying to escape after agents who showed up armed, he fell 30 feet off a building and broke his neck and skull, a family member told ABC 7.

He was taken to the hospital and was on life support on Friday.

United Farm Workers, reported that Garcia had died but a statement from the hospital said he was in critical condition.

Alanis was working at the cannabis farm in Ventura County to send money home to his wife and daughter in Mexico.

'My uncle Jaime was just a hard-working, innocent farmer,' his niece Yesenia Duran wrote in a GoFundMe. 'He was his family's provider.

'My uncle's life is in critical condition; doctors have told us he wont make it. His injuries are catastrophic. His heart is still beating. God will make His decision.

The family said he would be buried in Mexico if he didn't make it.

Jaime Alanis was working at Glass House Farms in Ventura County when ICE raided it and several migrants took off running. While trying to escape the raid after agents showed up armed, he fell 30 feet off a building and broke his neck and skull

Alanis was taken to the hospital and was on life support before he succumbed to his injuries on Friday

The fundraiser had garnered more than $20,000 in the first four hours of going live. As of Friday evening, it has raised more than $37,000.

Daily Mail has reached out to the family and Glass House Farms for comment.

Members of the National Guard were deployed to the farm on Thursday along with federal law enforcement agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

It was part of the broad federal crackdown on undocumented workers in Southern California that quickly spiraled.

After ICE agents fired smoke canisters into a crowd of demonstrators near Laguna Road, an individual could be clearly seen raising a firearm and appeared to discharge it in the agents' direction.

There is now a $50,000 reward being offered by the FBI to capture that man.

Agents blocked off roads and stormed the facility in what witnesses described as a sudden and aggressive operation.

Video and photos from the scene showed ICE agents clashing with a crowd of more than 100 people - many of them farmworkers or their family members - who had initially formed a human blockade along the road.

As crowds continued to grow, agents began throwing smoke canisters and tear gas. This sent most people running in the opposite direction, though some were compelled to throw rocks at ICE officers.

It was a scene of absolute chaos, with protesters, farmworkers, and family members scattering throughout the fields.

The chaotic raid took place at Glass House Farms in Camarillo Thursday

Several federal immigration agents were seen clashing with protesters during the raid

The Ventura County Fire Department was on the scene to provide treatment to people who were affected by tear gas or smoke inhalation.

'The Ventura County Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 12:15 pm on Thursday, July 10th to provide medical aid as a result of federal enforcement activity along Laguna Road in the Oxnard Plains,' the department said in a statement.

'VCFD was requested through our county's 911 system solely to provide medical aid and has no connection with any federal immigration enforcement actions.'

At least three people were taken to the hospital while about 200 others were detained.

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott also revealed that 10 illegal juveniles were found working at the cannabis farm, which he said is now being investigated for child labor violations.

He then shared a photo of the kids they discovered, who were all sitting in front of five federal agents.

The farm's sprawling cannabis operation, one of the largest in the state, was quickly sealed off with yellow crime scene tape marked 'U.S. Border Patrol.'
Harvard is scrambling to shake off its woke image with a multimillion-dollar plan to launch a new academic center championing conservative thought - after months of pressure from Donald Trump and the White House.

The Ivy League giant is reviving plans for a 'viewpoint diversity' center, modeled on Stanfords Hoover Institution - a hub for free-market ideas and small-government principles, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Talks that had been happening behind the scenes picked up speed after pro-Palestinian unrest hit campus in late 2023 and the Trump administration ramped up attacks on what it brands Harvards 'Marxist' ideology.

The Journal reported that Harvard is courting deep-pocketed donors to fund the initiative, which insiders say could carry a price tag of $500 million to $1 billion.

A Harvard spokesperson said the center wouldn't take sides politically but would 'model the use of evidence-based, rigorous logic and a willingness to engage with opposing views.'

The effort unfolds as Harvard remains locked in a fierce clash with the Trump administration, which has accused the university of allowing antisemitism and enforcing what it calls biased DEI policies.

In response, the government has slashed its federal funding, challenged its tax-exempt status, and taken aim at its international student programs.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said this week that talks with Harvard and fellow Ivy League college Columbia are still underway, noting, Were getting close... its just not moving as fast as Id like.

Harvard is considering a multimillion-dollar plan to launch a new academic center championing conservative thought

President Trump has accused elite colleges of pushing a Marxist agenda and vowed to take action

Education Secretary Linda McMahon says negotiations with Harvard are underway but not moving fast enough

Some members of the Harvard Corporation view the initiative as a reasonable way to encourage viewpoint diversity while maintaining the universitys independence, a person familiar with their thinking to the Journal.

But a source close to the Trump administration dismissed it as window-dressing.

Harvard President Alan Garber has pushed back against external influence, even as he promotes a broader campaign for 'intellectual vitality' on campus. Internal surveys show growing concerns over self-censorship - and a 2023 poll found only 3 percent of Harvard College faculty identify as conservative, the Journal reported.

Former Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria floated the idea to donors back in 2020, according to the Journal - and now Provost John Manning is leading the charge to bring it to life.

If the initiative moves ahead, Harvard would be the latest elite school to join a growing wave of universities launching centers dedicated to civics, classical education, and Western political thought - a trend already embraced by Arizona State, the University of Florida, and Yale.

This is a national reform movement, Paul Carrese, founding director of one such center at Arizona State, told the Journal.
Freshly-released photographs allegedly show a Russian spy making a covert USB stick drop as he devised a plot to leak sensitive information about defence secretary Grant Shapps.

The images feature Howard Phillips sending a secretive message to his 'Russian' handlers, prosecutors say.

The 65-year-old Briton is on trial accused of trying to spy for the Kremlin by leaking Shapps' personal information - including the location of his private plane.

Phillips wanted to 'offer services' to Russian intelligence but the two handlers he corresponded with were British undercover security services agents, jurors have been told.

Released by the Met Police tonight, the new images allegedly show him following his handlers' instructions by dropping off a message inside a USB stick within the exposed seat shaft of a bike.

The photographs also show Phillips - a former insolvency worker - being arrested at Black Sheep Coffee shop in London.

Other images depict a phone and hotel rooms he allegedly bought on behalf of the Russian 'agents'.

A court has heard that the father-of-four, who was set to start a job with UK Border Force, later handed the 'agents' a bag containing a USB stick with Shapps' details on.

Howard Phillips, 65, is on trial accused of trying to 'offer services' to Russian intelligence

Phillips is accused of attempting to leak the personal information of then Secretary of Defence Grant Shapps - including the location of his private plane

Phillips can be seen allegedly dropping off the USB stick containing the information into the hollow frame of a bicycle

The USB stick in question, which the Met Police said contained Shapps home address, phone number, and the location of his private plane

On the stick contained Shapps home address, phone number, and the location of his private plane.

At Winchester Crown Court, Hants, Phillips denies engaging in conduct to assist a foreign intelligence service.

Prosecutors say Phillips, from Harlow, Essex, boasted he could get government clearance due to his new job at Border Force.

He said he wanted the 'agents' and him to be a 'family' - and said they could all 'help each other' and 'look after each other'.

He claimed to have been to Shapps home and had met up with him several times.

Inside the USB stick he dropped into the bike was a note that promised '100 per cent loyalty' to the Russian Intelligence Service [RIS] and boasted of how he could move 'under the radar' thanks to a valid government security vetting pass.

One of the intelligence officers, who is employed by the security service, gave evidence from behind a curtain at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday.

The British officer was known to Phillips as 'Dima' and spoke to him in recordings with a fake Russian accent.

Howard Philips allegedly following his handlers' instructions by dropping off the USB stick

Phillips entering the hotel where he had allegedly booked a room on behalf of the 'Russian agents' - who were actually undercover British security services

CCTV footage shows Phillips at the hotel's front desk

The father-of-four, who was set to start a job with UK Border Force, was later arrested at Black Sheep Coffee shop in London

In recordings played to court, Phillips told the 'agents': 'I do not want and cannot for myself go back into the normal nine-to-five office. It's not for me, it never was for me, but I did it.'

Describing how he first decided he would like to work with RIS, he said: 'I was thinking, I have to do something, I have to earn money, what can I do and I came up with all the things I don't want to do.

'I was thinking about, funnily enough, I was thinking about maybe, going away on holiday. I thought about Moscow.

'Its just a thought process and I suddenly thought, maybe I can offer services. I get what I want and you get what you want.'

Phillips told the agents: 'We all help each other and we look after each other, we become a family.'

On May 9, Phillips met with 'Dima' at a Costa Coffee in a retail park in West Thurrock, Essex.

It was here that he revealed what information he had been holding.

Phillips told the officer: 'I have something. I don't know if you want it or don't want it. What do you know about the Secretary of Defence in the UK? Because, I have personal information which may be useful.

The cash and envelope full of wenty pound notes in Howard Philips' possession

The hotel keycards in Howard Philips' possession at the time of his arrest

A phone that Phillips is accused of buying for his fake Russian agent handlers who in fact worked for British intelligence

'So I know his home address, I know his home telephone number and I know where he has his private plane. Maybe it's of interest, maybe not.'

When asked by 'Dima' how he knew this information, Phillips said: 'Because, about five years ago, I was invited to his house with a lot of other people.

'He was the MP for Welwyn Hatfield. The local MP.

'And then, he became chairman of the Conservative Party and now he's Secretary of Defence.'

Phillips was asked if he 'knew' Shapps and in response said: 'Just a little, you know, we've met three times, I think.'

The trial previously heard that Phillips, a former insolvency worker, had applied for a job with the UK Border Force in October 2023.

He was unemployed and 'struggling financially' at the time, and prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC said this was a significant factor in his 'eagerness and desire' to provide assistance to the RIS.

Communication between Phillips and the 'Russian spies' began in March 2024, initially via email and then by WhatsApp and later on Signal.

Shapps served as Secretary of State for Defence during the Ukraine and Russia war, and would have held negotiations with Volodymyr Zelensky. He was defeated in last year's general election and lost his seat.

The trial continues next week.
Campaigners last night threatened to scupper Keir Starmer's migrant return deal with France.

Only a day after unveiling the scheme alongside Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister was facing objections from Europe and charities that helped ground the Tories' Rwanda plan.

The new scheme was condemned by campaigners, who said they would support court cases brought by small-boat arrivals chosen to be sent back to France. A border union boss said the legal challenges could take a year.

Brussels ominously warned that it was assessing whether the scheme complied with the 'spirit and the letter of the law', while governments including Italy were said to be harbouring 'huge doubts' about its legality.

It came as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper refused to say how many of the thousands arriving by dinghy will be removed under the pilot scheme, amid fears it could be even fewer than the 50 a week suggested by French officials this week.

Migrants waiting in Calais camps yesterday laughed off any suggestions the deal was a deterrent, and were already seemingly aware of how to defy attempts to send them back.

Another 573 people made it across the Channel in ten boats on Thursday, the day the Anglo-French deal was announced, taking the record tally for the year so far to 21,690.

Last night, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told the Mail: 'This pathetic arrangement may be sunk by legal challenges from activist lawyers and irresponsible charities who want to facilitate illegal immigration into the UK.

The Prime Minister and French president Emmanuel Macron announced a 'one in, one out' migrant swap deal which was far less ambitious than expected

The new scheme was condemned by campaigners, who said they would support court cases brought by small-boat arrivals chosen to be sent back to France. Pictured: Migrants sit on an inflatable dinghy as it sails along the coastline near Gravelines, France, on Thursday

French police try to stop a group of migrants as they walk on the beach in an attempt to get on an inflatable dinghy to cross the English Channel to reach Britain

'With illegal immigration across the Channel so far this year hitting record levels, Keir Starmer must now be bitterly regretting his foolish decision to cancel the Rwanda deterrent scheme before it even started.

'After two years of legal challenges and legislation, the scheme was ready to go, but Starmer cancelled it just days before the first plane was due to take off last July.

'This would have enabled 100 per cent of the illegal immigrants to be immediately removed without judicial interference.

'The boats would soon have stopped. But Starmer is too weak and too mentally enslaved by his human rights lawyer friends to do what is needed to protect our country's borders.'

Downing Street insisted the controversial 'one in, one out' agreement was legally sound and that Brussels supported it.

But fearing that returned migrants could head to Italy, the country's interior minister told Sky News: 'We know the EU Commission is still evaluating the agreement, and EU countries, including us, have huge doubts about security and legal aspects of the deal.'

A spokesman for the commission said: 'On the specific envisaged co-operation between France and the United Kingdom, the commission will assess the concrete modalities of this co-operation.

'And, of course, we continue to work with France and the UK, as well as other EU member states, to support solutions that are compatible with the spirit and the letter of EU law.'

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp (pictured) said: 'This pathetic arrangement may be sunk by legal challenges from activist lawyers and irresponsible charities who want to facilitate illegal immigration into the UK'

Ms Cooper said the new arrangement would 'fundamentally undermine' the people-smuggling gangs fuelling the crisis, adding that the Government had done 'a lot of work to make sure that the system is robust to legal challenges'.

A No 10 spokesman said: 'France is a safe country  that's an important point.

'A lot of work has been carried out already to make sure this new scheme is robust to legal challenge and we are confident this scheme complies with both domestic and international law.'

But Steve Peers, professor of law at Royal Holloway University, said the deal could be opposed by the European Commission  which could mean a case being brought against France in the EU's top court.

He said it could also be challenged by individuals in the UK. One possible avenue would be for a returnee to question why they have been singled out given that only a fraction of those arriving will be returned.

'I can imagine someone is going to try it,' Professor Peers told the Mail.

A charity which helped block the Tories' Rwanda scheme warned Labour it would do the same with the new French deal.

A Care4Calais spokesman said: 'Care4Calais initiated legal challenges against the last Government's Rwanda policy and their attempts to introduce 'pushbacks' in the Channel  and we won.

A group of migrants on an inflatable dinghy leave the coast of northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel to reach Britain, from the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, France, July 2, 2025

Mr Macron (pictured with Starmer) hailed the plan as 'collaborative, co-operative and comprehensive'

'We will consider all options open to us to oppose any plans that will put more lives at risk and involve governments trading humans.'

Fizza Qureshi, chief executive of the Migrants' Rights Network, said the group 'stands against this deal in its entirety' and 'looks forward to supporting those at risk of deportation in challenging removal in the courts'.

Lucy Moreton, of the Immigration Services Union that represents Border Force officers, said delays were likely when selecting those to be returned.

'The issue is going to be around how you identify that individual and any legal challenge that flows from that. The legal challenge that arises from it could take a year,' she told the BBC.

One Home Office insider told the Mail: 'One of the things that is most likely to scupper this is the modern slavery laws here. These are really likely to screw them up.

'The threshold for making a modern slavery claim is absurdly low  thanks to Theresa May, who brought in these laws  and someone only has to have a story that sounds plausible to get their entire case put on hold. That means they can't be deported while it's being considered.'

The Home Office received a record 19,122 modern slavery claims last year  up 13 per cent on 2023  and cases are taking an average of more than two years to reach a conclusion.
Samantha Lewthwaite, like other infamous figures, is better known by her unwanted sobriquet: the White Widow. It has a chilling ring to it, even after all these years.

Lewthwaite, for anyone who may have forgotten, is the Christian-born daughter of a former British soldier who became a Muslim convert and married one of the 7/7 suicide bombers.

Her martyred husband, Germaine Lindsay, was responsible for 26 of the 52 deaths in the coordinated wave of attacks on Londons transport network in 2005, after detonating an explosive-filled rucksack on a Piccadilly Line Tube train at Kings Cross.

Who could have predicted in the immediate aftermath of the carnage that his seemingly innocent young wife from Buckinghamshire  then eight months pregnant with their second child  would end up having more blood on her hands than him in the ensuing two decades?

Hence the reason Samantha Lewthwaite, wanted for a string of terrorist atrocities in Africa after leaving the UK, is called the White Widow.

Today, after inevitably fading from public consciousness with the passage of time, she is back in the news.

Lewthwaite has been featured in TV programmes and newspaper articles to mark the 20th anniversary this week of the July 2005 bombings.

Her transformation  from Home Counties prom queen to fanatical jihadist  is, controversially, also being made into a feature film called Girl Next Door starring Bella Ramsey from the post-apocalyptic TV series The Last Of Us.

Samantha Lewthwaite is the Christian-born daughter of a former British soldier who became a Muslim convert and married one of the 7/7 suicide bombers

Her martyred husband, Germaine Lindsay (right), was responsible for 26 of the 52 deaths in the coordinated wave of attacks on Londons transport network in 2005, after detonating an explosive-filled rucksack on a Piccadilly Line Tube train at Kings Cross

A view of the Number 30 double-decker bus is seen in Tavistock Square after a bomb was detonated on the top deck

A bomb damaged Circle Line subway train is seen stopped between Liverpool Street and Aldgate staions in London, Thursday, July 7, 2008

Behind her notorious image is a woman, it has since emerged, who loves Beyonce and compiled shopping lists (complete with everyday British items such as Weetabix on it) while on the run.

Lewthwaite is now 41 and a mother of four. Her eldest children, a boy and a girl by Lindsay, would be around 21 and 19; and her youngest children, also a boy and a girl by her late second husband, an Islamist terrorist she married in Africa, around 16 and 15.

Her life since disappearing from Britain in the wake of the 7/7 bombings leaves many unanswered questions, with the result that Lewthwaite has reached almost mythical status. Where is she? How has she managed to evade capture for so long? Could she even be dead?

The starting point to unpick the mythology is Kenya, where she still faces terrorism charges relating to four separate attacks in the country between 2012 and 2019 which killed 244 innocent people.

Willis Oketch, an investigative reporter on the highly respected Standard, the oldest newspaper in the country, has been working alongside us to try to find answers.

A senior security source he contacted on our behalf told him the White Widow is very much alive and was seen in neighbouring Uganda as recently as last year.

She is actually based in Somalia, he said, which also borders Kenya, where she is believed to be part of an al-Shabaab cell, the al-Qaeda affiliate with a stronghold in the failed state.

Despite not knowing her exact location, we believe she is active in terrorism activities under al-Shabaab control in Somalia, the security source told Oketch.

Lewthwaite faces terrorism charges in Kenya relating to four separate attacks in the country between 2012 and 2019 which killed 244 innocent people

Shehzad Tanweeer, Jermaine Lindsay and Mohammad Sidique Khan with their rucksacks at Luton railway station

Possible picture of Samantha Lewthwaite (on right) with unidentified man from 2013

Lewthwaite, he said, was the main financier of the cell  a logistical role, in other words, controlling the money, not a frontline operative fighting alongside men with AK-47s and grenade-launchers.

It has not been possible to verify this intelligence but it chimes with the few details we have learned about Lewthwaite down the years.

Somalia is a logical place for her to hide out. With some areas of the country in anarchy, Lewthwaite, the subject of an international arrest warrant  with a high-priority red notice  is beyond the reach of the Kenyan authorities and Western governments.

Lewthwaite has certainly led a charmed life as one the worlds most wanted women.

Initially, she portrayed herself as another victim in the wake of the 7/7 bombings and said she had absolutely no knowledge of her husbands murderous plans.

Yes, she was a Muslim convert  she met Lindsay, a 19-year-old, Jamaican-born carpet-fitter and convert himself  in an Islamic chatroom when she was 18, but in an interview with The Sun newspaper, for which she was paid 30,000, she called his actions abhorrent.

Police placed her in a safe house after their marital home in Aylesbury, the county town of Buckinghamshire, was torched in an arson attack. Yet the clues about where her real sympathies lay were there all along.

Lewthwaite gave birth to her daughter shortly after the bombings. She was given the middle name Shahidah (martyr in Arabic). The childs older brother also had the male form, Shaheed, as a middle name.

The 7/7 bombers, Hasib Hussain, Shehzad Tanweer, Jermaine Lindsay and Mohammad Sidique Khan

CCTV cameras show how the London suicide attackers of 7/7 carried out a dry run days before the blasts killed 52

The rear of the bus that was destroyed by an explosion at Tavistock Square during a series of explosions which ripped through London's underground tube and bus network

Emergency services fill King's Cross station after the attack

A victim of the explosion is stretchered to a waiting ambulance

A bus in Tavistock Square was destroyed by one of the bombers

Samantha played dumb  I am just the wife, former Metropolitan Police anti-terrorism officer David Videcette recalled when interviewed for the Netflix series, Worlds Most Wanted.

I really pressed hard to have her arrested. I really wanted her on the suspect list. Sadly, the senior investigating officer felt there was not enough evidence to prosecute and the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] were going to say no. I massively regret that she got this opportunity to kill other people.

Lewthwaite left the country a free women with her children in 2008, and landed in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Shortly afterwards she married for the second time. Husband number two, Fahmi Salim, the father of her two youngest offspring, was a Kenyan with family links to al-Qaeda and al-Shabaab.

Five years after their wedding, David Videcettes worst fears materialised when masked gunmen ran amok at the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, murdering 71 people.

Lewthwaite is accused of planning, funding or taking part in the outrage, along with a grenade attack on a bar in the coastal resort of Mombasa the previous year in 2012 (three dead); the 2015 massacre at Garissa University (148 dead); and, in 2019, she was also linked with a terrorist attack on a hotel in Nairobi (21 dead). More than 240 deaths in all have been linked to her, in other words.

Al-Shabaab says Kenyan targets are legitimate because they voted for the government which has declared war on the group.

Its hard to comprehend, even now, how a girl from the Home Counties, whose father served in Northern Ireland during the 1970s at the height of the Troubles (and whose paternal grandfather was also in the Armed Forces) could be implicated in so much bloodshed.

Initially, Samantha Lewthwaite (pictured) portrayed herself as another victim in the wake of the 7/7 bombings and said she had absolutely no knowledge of her husbands murderous plans

Police fleetingly caught up with Lewthwaite when they got wind of imminent attacks which led them to a property in Mombasa in 2011. Hidden under a sofa, they found a haul of fuses and 60 rounds of ammunition with magazines of bullets for AK-47 assault rifles.

They arrested a British man called Jermaine Grant at the scene who was later jailed but who named Lewthwaite as the senior member of the cell.

There is someone much bigger you want, he told them when he was seized.

Police discovered she was in the adjacent apartment  the flats shared the same balcony  but the passport they found was in the name of Natalie Faye Webb, a 26-year-old nurse from Southend-on-Sea, so they left.

By the time they realised their mistake  that the passport was a fake and Miss Webb had been the victim of identity theft  Samantha Lewthwaite had fled.

It was the last confirmed sighting of her. Once again, the White Widow, as she would soon become known, managed to escape justice.

This is the official version of events which was reported in the media at the time, but her getaway was more controversial, it seems, at least by Western standards.

Reporter Willis Oketch was given a different account of what is alleged to have happened. He says the officers in question found Lewthwaite, aka Natalie Webb, playing with her children when they first entered her accommodation around midnight.

Cops arrested a British man called Jermaine Grant (pictured) after they got wind of imminent attacks who was later jailed but who named Lewthwaite as the senior member of the cell

The bomb factory in Mombasa used by Samantha Lewthwaite and Jermain Grant where chemicals were found to be used for making bombs to target western tourists

They said they thought she was innocent of any involvement with Grant and another accomplice who was also taken into custody.

Or so they reported, when they got back to the station. But they were strongly suspected of accepting five million Kenyan dollars (nearly 30,000) from Lewthwaite on the night, which she produced from her handbag, security sources have now told Oketch  an allegation, which, it should be stressed, remains unproven. She left the flat immediately afterwards, he said. Officers returned the following day after anti-terrorist officers in the UK told them who she was.

Several posh houses in the Nyali and Shanzu districts of the city were searched but she was nowhere to be found.

Police discovered Lewthwaite subsequently got out of Kenya with the help of a police informer  a woman  who was the widow of a Kenyan terrorist killed in Somalia.

It is unclear whether she slipped back into the country again for the attack at the Westgate mall in Nairobi in 2013 or simply helped organise and fund the terror campaign from outside.

Either way, what Samantha Lewthwaite left behind in her Mombasa apartment in her hurry to escape has not been widely reported and provides a tantalising glimpse into her psyche.

Among her discarded possessions was her laptop which revealed a browsing history of any ordinary young women including websites for hair, make-up, fashion, weight loss  and beyoncefan.net.

There was a handwritten journal in which she tells herself to look fabulous for social occasions, along with a typical weekly shopping list: 32 eggs, 12 cheese, Weetabix, orange juice and tuna ...

Lewthwaite is now 41 and a mother of four. Her eldest children, a boy and a girl by Lindsay, would be around 21 and 19; and her youngest children, also a boy and a girl by her late second husband, an Islamist terrorist she married in Africa, around 16 and 15

Yet the same journal contains a 32-line ode to Osama bin Laden, and she also gives thanks for having a husband  its not clear whether she is referring to Lindsay or Salim, who is also thought to be dead now  that would go forth, give all he could for Allah and live a life of terrorising the disbelievers.

What of her children? They would be following in their parents bloody footsteps, judging by this paragraph in her scribblings.

Recently, my beloved husband [Salim] gave a talk to my eight-year-old son and five-year-old daughter, she wrote. He asked them what do you want to be when you are older? Both had many answers but both agreed to one of wanting to be a mujahid [a person engaged in jihad].

The trail has now gone cold, aside from the fact that she is thought to be somewhere in Somalia.

Omar Mahmood is a senior analyst and Somalia security expert with the International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank. I think there is definitely a degree of legend in the Samantha Lewthwaite story, he told the Mail this week.

Two things he said, however, complement what journalist Willis Oketch was told by security sources in Kenya.

Firstly, he does not think reports that she may have been killed in a drone strike are credible. A death, particularly that of a woman like Samantha Lewthwaite, is hard to keep quiet in Somalia  al-Shabaab makes propaganda out of such strikes.

Secondly, the role of women in al-Shabaab, says Mahmood, is consistent with the position she is believed to occupy in the terror group.

Among Leithwaite's discarded possessions was her laptop which revealed a browsing history of any ordinary young women including websites for hair, make-up, fashion, weight loss  and beyoncefan.net

Women often help organise finances and accounts, as well as carrying communications back and forth as they attract less suspicion crossing government and al-Shabaab lines in Somalia [they are in conflict with each other], he said.

Members of Lewthwaites family still live in Aylesbury.

At her uncles house, a woman who answered the door said she understood the interest of the Press, as it was the anniversary of the bombings, but politely declined to comment.

There is a photograph of Samantha Lewthwaite, before she converted, attending an end-of-year ball at her school that is still circulating. She is wearing a pink silk gown set off by a diamond tiara and matching gold earrings and necklace.

She was a perfectly normal teenager with normal friends, said Niknam Hussain, who has been a councillor in Aylesbury since 1999 and knew her well.

I cant believe I am still talking about her as one of the worlds most wanted women 20 years on.
President Donald Trump blasted a local TV news reporter in Texas as 'evil' when she asked him whether better warning systems might have saved some of victims who died tragically in the Texas floods.

The tense moment came during the first question after Trump held a security briefing after touring devastation of the floods in Kerrville, Texas, the site of horrific flooding.

The early part of the event featured Trump praising first responders and speaking to some of the individual tragedies they suffered. Even first lady Melania Trump issued rare public remarks where she showed a bracelet she had been given by Camp Mystic, where many young campers lost their lives.

The reporter, who identified herself as Marissa Armas of CBS News Texas, told Trump that 'several families we've heard from are obviously upset because they say that those warnings, those alerts, didn't go out in time, and they also say that people could have been saved. What do you say to those families?'

Trump began by hailing first responders before exploding at the question.

'Well, I think everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances. This was, I guess Kristi [Noem] said a one in 500, one in 1,000 years. And I just have admiration for the job that everybody did. There's just admiration,' Trump said.

Then he ripped his questioner. 'Only a bad person would ask a question like that, to be honest with you. I don't know who you are, but only a very evil person would ask a question like that,' Trump scolded.

'I think this has been heroism. This has been incredible. Really, the job you've all done. It's easy to sit back and say, "Oh, what could have happened here, there. You know, we could have done something differently." This was a thing that says  never happened before.

President Donald Trump exploded at a reporter who asked a question about parents who were concerned flood alert warnings didn't go out in time

'I've never seen anything like this. I've gone to some real bad ones. I've never seen anything like this,' Trump concluded.

Then, apparently directing comments to first responders, Trump said: 'So I admire you, and I consider you heroes and heroine and I think you've done an amazing job.'

Trump appeared to either be anticipating tough questions or sought to ward them off. When he first said he would take questions, he asked: 'Is the press going to be respectful of this event, this horrible event, this horrible tragedy?' Then came the question from Armas about the families.

Armas' Instagram account indicates she has been in Kerrville for seven days reporting on the storm. Clips show her standing in front of rubble and grabbing detritus of people who were impacted or perished in the flood.

Trump has been popping off at reporters at other events in recent days. On Monday, he tore into a reporter who asked him about Jeffrey Epstein just hours after the Justice Department released a new document seeking about the convicted sex offender.

Trump exploded at a question by Marissa Armas of CBS News Texas about warning systems and whether they would have saved more victims

Trump exploded at the reporter hours after meeting with first responders

Trump praised first responders and appeared to call Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a 'heroine'

First lady Melania Trump attended the event

Armas has spent a week reporting in Kerrville on the tragedy

'Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years,' Trump exploded.

He similarly erupted at people asking about the effectiveness of the air strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Trump said the strikes 'obliterated' the facilities and said the US bomber pilots were 'maligned and treated very bad, demeaned by fake news.'

Initial reporting indicates that the National Weather Service was able to issue flood alert warnings hours before the massive floods hit, but the most urgent warnings came after midnight.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer has asked an inspector general to conduct a review of staff shortages at the NWS and whether they contributed in any way. Reports since the tragic floods have inquired whether procedures and personnel that transmit emergency could be improved, and whether flood alert systems might have saved lives when the Guadalupe River suddenly rose.

One report indicated that state's Division of Emergency Management denied a request by Kerr County for $1 million to improve its flood warning system. The floods took the lives of at least 95 people including 27 at a historic girls summer camp.

Trump during his Friday event called it a 100 year flood as well as the kind that comes every 1,000 years.

At one point he compared it to a tidal wave.

'This is like a giant, giant wave in the Pacific Ocean, that the best surfers in the world would be afraid to surf,' Trump said.
The FBI is offering $50,000 to anyone who can help authorities track down a man who pointed and appeared to fire a gun at federal agents during an immigration raid in Southern California.

Protestors were violently clashing with ICE agents during the Thursday raid of a cannabis farm in Camarillo, a city in Ventura County.

One man at the showdown was caught on camera by a KABC news helicopter pulling out a handgun twice as he ran away from the chaos.

Bill Essayli, the US Attorney for the Central District of California, said the alleged shooting happened at around 2:30pm on Laguna Road.

'FBI has issued a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo,' he wrote on social media.

Essayli shared a clearer photo of the suspect along with the KABC footage. The person in the photo and video was wearing a black T-shirt and a white medical mask.

Customs and Border Protection also released a statement on the alleged shooting, vowing the suspect would face accountability.

'Make no mistake: anyone who targets our agents will face the full force of federal prosecution,' CBP said in a statement.

The FBI is offering $50,000 to anyone who can provide information leading to the capture of this man (pictured) who pointed a weapon and appeared to fire a gun at federal agents while they were conducting a raid on a California weed farm

The US Attorney Bill Essayli posted this picture of the man, who was wearing a white medical mask and a black T-shirt

The raid itself was on Glass House Farms, which employs hundreds of people and bills itself as the largest cannabis operation in the world. Protestors showed up to impede federal agents, which led to clashes. Smoke, flash bangs and tear gas were deployed to control the crowds

The raid itself was on Glass House Farms, which employs hundreds of people and bills itself as the largest cannabis operation in the world, KABC reported.

CBP said it served a warrant on the farm, accusing it of employing illegal migrant workers. ICE and the National Guard reportedly executed that warrant on Thursday.

Protestors showed up to impede federal agents, some of whom threw smoke canisters and flash bangs to control the growing crowd.

Once the smoke and tear gas was deployed, most of the protestors ran in the opposite direction, though some were seen throwing rocks at the agents.

The demonstration lasted past 11pm on Thursday, with federal agents remaining on the scene as well.

'We were speaking our mind like we can as US citizens. We got tear-gassed... I got hit with a paintball. This is not OK,' one protestor told KABC. 'This is what we need to be doing as people -- coming together against them, the tyranny. They are evil.'

The Ventura County Fire Department was on the scene to provide treatment to people who were affected by tear gas or smoke inhalation.

'The Ventura County Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 12:15 pm on Thursday, July 10th to provide medical aid as a result of federal enforcement activity along Laguna Road in the Oxnard Plains,' the department said in a statement.

'VCFD was requested through our county's 911 system solely to provide medical aid and has no connection with any federal immigration enforcement actions.'

National Guard members and federal agents are seen standing on the weed farm as protestors shout at them

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott revealed that 10 illegal juveniles were found working at the cannabis farm, which he said is now being investigated for child labor violations

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott revealed that 10 illegal juveniles were found working at the cannabis farm, which he said is now being investigated for child labor violations.

He then shared a photo of the kids they discovered, who were all sitting in front of five federal agents.

'These are the juveniles found in the marijuana facility - almost all unaccompanied, one as young as 14,' Scott said. 'California are you ready to partner with us to stop child exploitation?'

Governor Gavin Newsom did not address what Scott said, but instead attacked the Trump administration for its mass deportation policy.

'California prosecutes child exploiters and traffickers. Trump tear-gasses children, rips them from their parents, and deports farmworkers. Priorities,' Newsom wrote in a post on X.

Earlier, when the raid and subsequent confrontation first went down, Newsom's reaction was to suggest that kids were running from tear gas 'because their mother was just taken from the fields.'

Newsom was widely criticized for this, with Vice President JD Vance saying: 'Democrats are having a fit because we're enforcing our laws against people working at a weed farm.'

California Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a Democrat, also suggested that the weed farm laborers were actually picking strawberries and that Trump is 'targeting the immigrant farm workers who feed America.'
Effigies of controversial rap group Kneecap as well as Irish and Palestinian flags have been placed on loyalist bonfires in Northern Ireland.

One sign read 'Kill Your Local Kneecap' - seemingly a response to a clip that emerged from a gig in 2023 that appeared to show a member telling people to murder their MP.

It comes just two days after effigies of migrants in a boat were burned on top of a village bonfire sparking widespread condemnation and concern.

A sign saying 'stop the boats' was also attached to the pyre in Moygashel on the outskirts of Dungannon in Co Tyrone on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, environment minister Andrew Muir urged that a contentious loyalist bonfire off the Donegall Road in south Belfast should not be set alight.

The bonfire is on a site that contains asbestos and is also close to an electricity sub-station, which powers two major hospitals in the city.

Elsewhere, posters depicting the Irish rap group Kneecap, Irish flags and Palestinian flags appeared on other bonfires on Friday evening.

Effigies of the band members were placed on a pyre in south Belfast, as well as a sign written in the Irish language.

Effigies of controversial rap group Kneecap as well as Irish and Palestinian flags have been placed on loyalist bonfires in Northern Ireland

Picture shows effigies on a bonfire on Roden Street in Belfast, Northern Ireland

One sign read 'Kill Your Local Kneecap' - seemingly a response to a clip that emerged from a gig in 2023 that appeared to show a member telling people to kill their MP

Another bonfire in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, featured the group on a poster with the wording 'Kill Your Local Kneecap'.

It was seemingly a response to a clip that emerged from a gig in 2023, which appeared to show a member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.'

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said on Thursday that the force would not agree to a request from Belfast City Council to remove the pyre on the site off the Donegall Road.

Later, the environment agency said an inspection had taken place at the site.

A statement said: 'The Northern Ireland Environment Agency can confirm that fragments of suspected asbestos were found at five locations around the site.

'Approximately 20 kilogrammes of suspect material was identified and was immediately removed.'

It added: 'The risk assessment that NIEA has provided to partners has consistently indicated that there was a strong possibility that fragments of asbestos could be elsewhere on the site.

'NIEA understand the landowner is due to arrange the removal of all of the asbestos from the site next week, commencing on July 16, 2025, but it is important to note that removing the asbestos will be a highly specialised, complex and delicate operation that will require the site to be fully vacated.

The sign on the bonfire translated into English reads 'Murder your local Kneecap'

A bonfire in Eastvale Avenue in Dungannon Co Tyrone, which features a Kneecap poster

Effigies of controversial Irish rappers Kneecap placed on a bonfire on Roden Street in Belfast

'Indeed, the work is of such complexity that the full removal will take a number of weeks.'

Mr Muir, an Alliance Party MLA, told the BBC: 'There are many ways to celebrate, but not at this site.

'Personally, I respect how important the 11th and 12th is, I understand its importance, but I'd plead with people to exercise caution and not to light this bonfire if they could.'

He added: 'The removal of asbestos is very complex and delicate, it requires the site to be completely vacated.

'The site has not been vacated and that's one of the important issues.'

Dr Alan Stout, chairman of the British Medical Association Northern Ireland Council, urged people to stay away from the site.

'If there's asbestos there, just don't go there,' he told the BBC.

'Any other circumstance, any other environment, be it a school, be it a hospital, be it a leisure centre, if there is asbestos there, you rope it off, you secure it and you remove it in a safe manner and you do not expose your general population to it.'

The Grand Secretary of the Orange Order Rev Mervyn Gibson said people should 'go and enjoy themselves' at the bonfire.

He told the BBC that a council committee vote earlier this week to remove the bonfire was a 'political decision'.

He said: 'I believe the council voted a couple of weeks ago for the bonfire to go ahead.

'A few days before it, then Sinn Fein and Alliance and the SDLP decide to vote against it.'

The bonfire in Moygashel with an effigy of a migrant boat on top of it

Effigies of lifejacket-wearing migrants in boats were placed on a village bonfire in a display condemned by critics as 'sickening' and 'racist'

The bonfire has been built days ahead of loyalist groups' annual Twelfth of July parades

Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan accused the DUP of political cowardice.

He also urged people to stay away from the bonfire site, on account of what he described as a health and safety issue.

'It's clear that this site is completely contaminated with asbestos, it beggars belief,' he said.

'This is not an attack on Orange culture, this is clearly a health and safety issue.

'We're living in some sort of crazy parallel universe where an illegal bonfire (is) going to be lit, a fire which could cause criminal damage on a site contaminated with asbestos and right beside a power substation which provides power to the two main hospitals in Belfast.

'It is one particular party that isn't giving leadership...at the end of the day, I can't imagine anything similar happening in the constituency that I represent without every political leader here out shouting for its safe removal.

'The DUP have been absent, they are afraid to take on these people. They are political cowards when it comes to this, and it's disgraceful what they are doing.'

Hundreds of bonfires will be lit on Friday night ahead of the Orange Order's July 12 parades on Saturday.

The traditional fires are lit ahead of the main date in the parading calendar of Protestant loyal orders, the Twelfth of July.

A small number of bonfires were lit on Thursday night, including the controversial pyre in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, which was widely criticised after it was topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat.

In a statement released ahead of the fire being lit, the PSNI said they were investigating a hate incident in relation to the fire.

The boat on top of the bonfire contained more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets.

Below the boat were several placards, one saying: 'Stop the boats', and another saying: 'Veterans before refugees.'
Rachel Reeves faced a fresh blow yesterday as figures showed the economy shrank unexpectedly in May for the second month in a row.

Sparking further warnings of a tax raid this autumn, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.1 per cent.

It follows a 0.3 per cent drop in April  prompting fears the economy is heading for an overall recession in this year's second quarter.

Ms Reeves faced more embarrassment as it emerged she called for an emergency budget when the economy also shrank by 0.1 per cent in 2022.

The Tories accused her of 'rank hypocrisy', and asked: 'If [she] won't follow her own advice, how can she expect the country to follow her?'

In the unearthed tweet from May 2022, Ms Reeves said: 'GDP figures see dramatic drop to -0.1 per cent in March. This adds to the worries families already face from the cost of living crisis.

'If the PM and Cabinet come back from their Away Day in Staffordshire today with anything less than an Emergency Budget, they will have failed.'

As well as the latest figures showing the economy had shrunk by the same amount as in March 2022, the Labour Government was also on a Cabinet away day, at Chequers, yesterday.

Ms Reeves said the figures were 'disappointing' but renewed her pledge to boost economic growth. Amid speculation she will launch a tax raid this autumn, business yesterday claimed the Chancellor was already taxing it too hard.

Rachel Reeves (pictured) faced more embarrassment as it emerged she called for an emergency budget when the economy also shrank by 0.1 per cent in 2022.

An old social media post from 2022 has been highlighted, in which Ms Reeves reacted to a 0.1 per cent monthly fall in activity by demanding an emergency Budget

GDP was down 0.1 per cent in May, following a 0.3 per cent drop in April

Your browser does not support iframes.

Ben Jones, the Confederation of British Industry's lead economist, said: 'With growing fiscal challenges and the autumn Budget on the horizon, the Chancellor must provide clear reassurance  no new taxes on business and instead offer a commitment to work alongside firms to dismantle barriers to growth.'

The ONS data shows GDP was weighed on by the manufacturing sector, which suffered another steep decline in activity and falling construction output.

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride told the Mail last night: 'In 2022, Rachel Reeves demanded an emergency budget over a minus-0.1 per cent dip in GDP.

'Today, under her watch, we've had two consecutive months of economic contraction  and all she offers is spin. This is rank hypocrisy.

'If Rachel Reeves won't follow her own advice, how can she expect the country to follow her?'

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said: 'Three years ago, Rachel Reeves said that a 0.1 per cent drop in GDP figures was grounds for an emergency budget.

'She's now presided over two back-to-back months of GDP decline and is leading the UK into recession. It's about time she was handed her P45.'

A No 10 spokesman said the GDP figures 'mainly reflect global instability and monthly figures tend to be more volatile', adding: 'It comes after a 0.7 per cent growth in Q1 from this year, far beyond the OBR's forecast for 0.2 per cent... The UK is still forecast by the International Monetary Fund to be the fastest growing European G7 country.'

Asked about a possible emergency budget, No 10 said: 'There is a Budget this autumn and we will work towards that in the normal way.'
A life in the spotlight comes with its drawbacks  many of which the Royal Family are all too aware of.

As well as intense media scrutiny, the royals have also faced attempted kidnappings, home invasions and even assassination plots.

In light of these threats the most famous family in Britain has learnt to take extra precautions to avoid harm.

And one royal took this to the extreme.

Diana, Princess of Wales, was so concerned about her wellbeing that she took a 'dangerous' driving course and learnt how to use a gun, according to Andrew Morton's bestselling biography, Diana: Her True Story.

Diana's fears for her wellbeing reportedly stemmed from her bodyguard.

'The presence of a bodyguard was a constant reminder of the invisible veil which separated her from her family and friends.

'It was the awareness that she is now a possible target for an anonymous terrorist or an unknown madman,' Morton wrote.

The princess also cited previous attacks as 'ample proof of the constant danger'.

The Princess of Wales, pictured in 1985, took extreme precautions to avoid harm according to royal biographer Andrew Morton

According to Morton's bestselling biography, Diana was so concerned about her wellbeing that she took a 'dangerous' driving course and learnt how to use a gun

Princess Diana had reason to be concerned for her safety as the Royal Family were the target of multiple attacks in the 1980s and the 1990s. Pictured: the Queen moments after a man shot blanks towards her during Trooping the Colour in 1981

This included Ian Ball's attempt to kidnap Princess Anne, then 23, and Michael Fagan breaking into the Queen's bedroom as she slept in 1982.

So, according to Morton, the Princess of Wales traveled to the Special Air Services in Hereford where she learned 'basic techniques' about how to handle a potential terrorist attack or kidnapping plot.

This included 'thunderflashes' and 'smoke bombs' being thrown at Diana's car by 'enemies' to make training as realistic as possible.

'On another occasion she went to Lippitts Hill in Loughton, Essex, where officers from the Metropolitan Police receive weapons training.

'There she learned how to handle a .38 calibre Smith and Wesson revolver and a Hechler and Koch machine pistol,' Morton said.

Both weapons were standard issue to members of the Royal Protection squad  an elite unit of the Metropolitan Police responsible for providing 24-hour security to the British royal family and other high-profile individuals.

Whilst Diana was never the target herself of a kidnapping or an assassin, the princess was constantly hounded by paparazzi  making her one of the most photographed women in history  meaning her whereabouts were easy to track for a would-be attacker.

Diana learnt basic 'basic techniques' about how to handle a potential terrorist attack or kidnapping plot

Princess Anne visiting police officer Michael Hills who was shot while fighting off a man attempting to kidnap the Princess Royal

Shocking video footage from the 1981 attack during Trooping the Colour shows the Queen riding past well-wishers before the sound of gun fire erupts from the crowd spooking her horse

On top of this, the Royal Family were the target of multiple attacks in the 1980s and the 1990s.

In 1979, Lord Mountbatten  the uncle of Prince Philip and a mentor to the then Prince Charles  was assassinated by the IRA after the terrorist group planted a bomb on his boat off the west coast of Ireland.

Two hours before the bomb detonated, Thomas McMahon had been arrested at a Garda checkpoint on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle.

He was tried for the assassinations in Ireland and convicted on November 23, 1979, based on forensic evidence that showed flecks of paint from the boat and traces of nitroglycerine on his clothes.

McMahon was released in 1998 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement after serving nearly 20 years.

Two years later, in June 1981 Marcus Sarjeant fired six blank shots at Queen Elizabeth during the Trooping the Colour.

Shocking video footage from the incident shows the Queen riding past well-wishers before the sound of gun fire erupts from the crowd spooking her horse.

Sarjeant, who was just 17 at the time of the incident, fired six blank shots at the Queen.

He was later jailed for five years under the 1842 Treason Act.

Princess Diana surrounded by the press in 1996. Whilst Diana was never the target herself of a kidnapping or an assassin, the princess was constantly hounded by paparazzi - making her one of the most photographed women in history

Daily Mail coverage of the kidnap attempt against the Princess Royal

The funeral of Lord Mountbatten who was killed in an IRA terrorist attack in 1979

The teenager was involved in the anti-Royalist movement and bought two imitation Colt Python revolvers for 66.90.

Both weapons were only capable of firing blanks, but Sarjeant had also tried and failed to get live ammunition for his father's handgun.

Prince Charles was then shot at with a starting pistol in 1994 during a visit to Sydney.

The King, who was in the city to mark Australia Day, remained remarkably calm as 23-year-old David Kang, who is now a barrister, was bundled to the ground.

Looking only slightly perturbed as two shots were fired, the King was hailed as 'His Royal Coolness' as he dusted himself down and continued his speech at Sydney's Tumbalong Park.

Kang later said that he carried out the stunt to highlight the plight of Cambodian asylum seekers being held in detention camps in Australia.

He was arrested before being found guilty of threatening unlawful violence and sentenced to 500 hours of community service.

Footage of the incident showed Charles reacting to the shots before Kang  dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans  marauded onto the stage horrified school children and other attendees watched on.

The then-Prince Charles moments after 23-year-old David Kang shot a starting pistol at him during Australia Day celebration in Sydney in 1994

A sketch of the attempted assassination attempt against Victoria in 1840. No monarch had to endure more attempts on their life than Queen Victoria

The King's bodyguard, Superintendent Colin Trimming, was seen shoulder charging his boss out of the way before rushing back to the stricken gunman to assess the threat.

However no monarch had to endure more attempts on their life than Queen Victoria. Between 1840 and 1882, seven would-be assassins attempted to kill Victoria.

In public, Victoria was praised for her stoic response to the attacks  such as on the fifth attempt when Robert Pate struck the Queen on the head with a metal-tipped cane following which Victoria calmly announced: 'I am not hurt'.

Privately, her personal journals reveal that the Queen  similarly to Princess Diana  feared for her safety.

She described the incident as 'like a horrid dream' and was left 'shaken, nervous and unable to eat'.

And like Diana, Victoria also knew how to use a gun and was a target shooter who actively participated in the first Imperial Meeting organised by the British National Rifle Association in 1860, during which she hit the bull's eye on the target.
All eyes were on the Princess of Wales as she attended the State Banquet in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday.

Her appearance was much anticipated by royal watchers as Catherine did not attend the State Banquet held for the Qatari State Visit or the Japanese State Visit in 2024.

Designed by Sarah Burton for Givenchy, Catherine, 43, wore a bespoke floor-length dress with dramatic split sleeves and a sweeping hemline.

On the latest episode of Palace Confidential, Charlotte Griffiths, the Mail on Sunday's Editor-at-Large, pointed out that the future Queen was wearing the Royal Family Order of Charles III for the first time.

'She has previously worn one for Queen Elizabeth II,' Charlotte said. 'But this is the first time we have seen her wearing a little tiny portrait of her father-in-law on her left shoulder. It's really, really sweet to see.'

With an eye for detail, Charlotte added that Catherine was wearing the Lover's Knot Tiara which was once a favourite of the late Princess Diana.

'It's a really iconic tiara coupled with these beautiful earrings that, of course, belonged to the late Queen, Charlotte said. 'It paints Catherine as this leader of the Royal Family - a future Queen.'

Meanwhile, Richard Eden, the Daily Mail's Diary Editor, said he noticed that her husband Prince William seemed to 'rebel' against the dress code.

The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive for the State Banquet for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025

Charlotte Griffiths, the Mail on Sunday's Editor-at-Large, speaks on Palace Confidential

Speaking on the hit YouTube show, Richard said: 'On these occasions, obviously all the focus is on the women, quite rightly, because they look amazing.

'But there was something really interesting with William at the State Banquet actually.

'Most of the other men like the King, Prince Edward and Princess Anne's husband Vice Admiral Tim Laurence, they were all wearing what's known as the Windsor uniform.

'Now this is a historic outfit that dates back to George III and it's a sign of loyalty to the Crown.

'It's a black morning coat with a red trim,' he said. 'Generally you wear this when at Windsor but on this occasion, William didn't.

'People say that this is significant actually and could be seen as an act of rebellion.'

'Not just stuck at the drycleaners?' queried Jo Elvin, who hosts the show.

'No,' Richard replied, laughing. 'From what I am told, he wants to forge his own path so he's saying, "I don't have to wear everything. Yes, we've got these traditions but I don't always have to wear it.'

Richard Eden, the Daily Mail's Diary Editor, points out that Prince William was not wearing the Windsor uniform

Emmanuel Macron and King Charles cheers each other during the State Banquet at Windsor

Other men including Prince Edward (front) and Vice Admiral Tim Laurence (back) wore the Windsor uniform

Prince William walks into the banquet wearing white tie but not a Windsor uniform

Addressing Palace Confidential viewers, Richard said: 'Don't get me wrong, he looked very elegant. He was wearing white tie with his Order of the Garter sash as well so he hardly turned up looking shabby but he didn't wear that uniform so it was significant.'

To prove his point even further, Richard referenced the late Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday where both Prince William and Prince Harry donned the Windsor uniform with its distinctive red trim.

'He does seem to have an aversion to getting dressed up,' Jo said.

To which Charlotte replied: 'This is not the first time. It is very on brand for William to find his own way to wear an outfit.'

Referencing the Diplomatic Corps last November, she said: 'There was a very formal event he attended with his father and his father wore these breeches with basically tights underneath. They are quite feminine, quite old fashioned. Of course, William just wore trousers.

'Intriguingly, most of the pictures that were released by the Palace were from the waist up, almost like they were met by disapproval.

'My theory on this is that, like that time with Prince Harry when the Queen was still alive, maybe he wasn't mature enough but he didn't really have the guts to say no to the Queen.

'But maybe with his dad, he can say: "Sorry Dad, I am not going to dress in an old-fashioned way.'

Charlotte Griffiths (left) and Richard Eden (centre) star on the hit panel show alongside host Jo Elvin (right)

Prince William and Prince Harry stand in their Windsor uniform for the Queen's 90th birthday in 2016

Queen Camilla and King Charles pose with Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron on Tuesday

William raises his glass to Brigitte Macron during Tuesday's State Banquet

Macron winks at Princess Catherine during the State Banquet on day three of his State Visit

Prince William did not wear breeches during a reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace in November 2024 and photos were released from the waist up

'He never wears kilts either, does he?' Jo questioned.

Confirming this fact, Charlotte said: 'He hates kilts. I do think in the future when he is the King, I don't think he will feel obliged to suddenly start wearing this lavish regalia.

'He will pare things back as much as he can get away with.'

For more fascinating insights from the Mail's team of unrivalled experts, watch the latest episode of Palace Confidential in full now and subscribe to the Daily Mail Royals YouTube channel.
Nantucket, famous for its luxury homes and affluent summer residents, is quietly facing a humanitarian crisis - seasonal wealth has overtaken the housing market, leaving year-round essential workers with nowhere to live.

Every summer, seasonal residents arrive on yachts and private jets, taking over an astonishing 65 percent of the islands housing - only to leave much of it empty once they return to their lives elsewhere as the weather cools.

As a result, Nantucket's full-time workforce - police officers, teachers, healthcare workers, firefighters and landscapers - are struggling to both find and afford a place to live among the elites, according to a report by The New York Times.

'Massachusetts as a whole, the country as a whole, is facing a housing crisis. There is no question about it,' Ed Augustus, the state's secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, told the outlet.

'But the way it manifests itself is unique on the island.'

Now, town leaders are pushing for change, but the well-heeled summer crowd stand in the way - choosing renting out their lavish homes for profit over converting them into year-round housing for those who keep the island running.

They argue that short-term rentals of 31 days or less help them afford their mortgages while also benefiting Nantucket's economy.

'It is a fundamental property ownership right to rent your home responsibly, and it's reckless not to safeguard that right for future generations,' Penny Dey, a real estate broker and a year-round resident for 49 years, said at a May town meeting, according to the NYT.

Nantucket (pictured), famous for its luxury homes and affluent summer residents, is quietly facing a humanitarian crisis - seasonal wealth has overtaken the housing market, leaving year-round essential workers with nowhere to live

Every summer, seasonal residents arrive on yachts and private jets, taking over an astonishing 65 percent of the islands housing - only to leave much of it empty once they return to their lives elsewhere as the weather cools

As a result, Nantucket's full-time workforce - police officers, teachers, healthcare workers, firefighters and landscapers - are struggling to both find and afford a place to live among the elites

Dey emphasized that Nantucket's economy thrives on tourism, and with no big hotels on the island, vacationers rely heavily on seasonal rentals for their stay.

'Short-term rentals have been blamed for everything on Nantucket except erosion,' she added.

Year after year, the charming island lures in big spenders, who stroll its cobblestone streets, browse upscale boutiques and dine on freshly caught seafood at pristine restaurants.

With the cost of living soaring - and the median home price now at $2.5 million -between 1,200 and 1,500 year-round residents are left searching for a place to live amid a severe shortage of affordable housing, according to the NYT.

Many essential workers who commute by ferry have been forced into overcrowded or inadequate housing - living in vans, shipping containers, or even on office couches - with some facing homelessness.

The year-round population ranges from about 14,000 to 20,500 - but in summer, it swells to as many as 100,000.

'Nantucket has 10 years of less before the entire island is owned by island conservation entities or seasonal homeowners,' Brian Sullivan, principal broker at Fisher Real Estate and 28-year resident, told the NYT.

The crisis has even reached six-figure-earning families on the island, who are battling to afford even the basics.

Town leaders are pushing for change, but the well-heeled summer crowd stand in the way - choosing renting out their lavish homes for profit over converting them into year-round housing for those who keep the island running

With the cost of living soaring - and the median home price now at $2.5 million -between 1,200 and 1,500 year-round residents are left searching for a place to live amid a severe shortage of affordable housing

Marjani Williams, a 47-year-old full-time employee for the island's Public Works Department, moved to the island from Mississippi in 2023 seeking 'a better living,' as reported by the NYT.

For the past few years, she's earned $67,000 a year collecting trash, maintaining immaculate lawns and cleaning up the roads - a big improvement from the $7.25 an hour she made back in her Southern home state.

But even with the higher salary, Williams couldn't afford a basic quality of life on the island and, ultimately, became homeless.

'I had nowhere to go,' Williams told the outlet. 'So I got all of my stuff, put it in my vehicle, and went to the beach.'

While sleeping in her car on the beach, a police officer told her it was prohibited - so she moved to another beach, where, to her shock, she discovered a coworker living there too.

The two decided the Public Works Department was their best bet for a place to rest, and she ended up spending her nights on a loveseat in a storage unit - just a few hundred feet from the town dump.

Full-time workers on the island call it the 'Nantucket Shuffle' - the exhausting cycle of moving month to month from one temporary housing solution to the next.

Jody Kasper, 50, the island's police chief, earns over $200,000 a year - yet she's already lived in three different rental units in under two years, simply because stable housing is nearly impossible to find, the NYT reported.

Many essential workers who commute by ferry have been forced into overcrowded or inadequate housing - living in vans, shipping containers, or even on office couches - with some facing homelessness

A reason for opposition into the proposed program is that the coastal one-percenters prefer to maintain the appearance of a perfect, comfortable lifestyle - and don't feel they need a stipend to do so

'The newest 20 police officers, myself included, don't own a home here on the island, and the probability of them ever acquiring a home is almost zero,' she told the outlet.

Michael Cranson, 53, the island's fire chief, said about 10 percent of his department is forced to live off-island because they can't afford to live in the very community they serve, according to the NYT.

With just 41 firefighters on staff, the department often falls short - forcing them to call in backup from Cape Cod towns, most of which must arrive by ferry, a trip that can take hours.

To combat the crisis, one solution has been the 'Lease to Locals' program, aimed at creating housing that lower-income workers can actually afford.

The program offers stipends to seasonal homeowners who agree to convert their short-term rentals into year-round homes - but it faces resistance from the summer millionaires.

'The most frustrating phrase that I hear a lot is, 'I'm not opposed to affordable housing, but,'' Brooke Mohr, a member of Nantucket's Select Board, told the NYT.

'Generally, the but is not here near me. Not there. Not more in this location,' she explained.

According to Mohr, another reason for the opposition is that the coastal one-percenters prefer to maintain the appearance of a perfect, comfortable lifestyle - and don't feel they need a stipend to do so.

Nantucket's year-round population ranges from about 14,000 to 20,500 - but in summer, it swells to as many as 100,000

To combat the crisis, one solution has been the 'Lease to Locals' program, which offers stipends to seasonal homeowners who agree to convert their short-term rentals into year-round homes

'Having your friends know that you are struggling can add a layer of stress on top of an already-challenging personal situation,' she added.

Another proposed solution - curbing short-term rentals - has also sparked lengthy legal battles and town votes.

Since 1969, a state law has required that at least 10 percent of Nantuckets year-round housing be affordable for residents earning 80 percent or less of the areas median income, according to the NYT.

Yet, despite the law, only 405 affordable units have been built - while a staggering 213 more remain unfinished, leaving a critical shortage unresolved.

Despite residents approving $90 million for affordable housing since 2019, many other crucial efforts have been quickly stalled or blocked.

One tossed solution was a transfer tax on luxury homes to fund affordable housing, alongside a plan to build 156 condos - 39 of which would be reserved for lower-income families.

However, residents raised concerns about increased traffic, fire risks and potential environmental damage.

Eillen Taveras, 46, moved to Nantucket in 2006 and wears many hats: shes a Spanish translator for the public schools, an interpreter at the hospital, co-owns a cleaning business, serves as a justice of the peace and holds a real estate license, according to the NYT.

Since 1969, a state law has required that at least 10 percent of Nantuckets year-round housing be affordable for residents earning 80 percent or less of the areas median income - but 213 more remain unfinished

Despite residents approving $90 million for affordable housing since 2019, many other crucial efforts have been quickly stalled or blocked

'Living here on a single salary would be very difficult,' she told the outlet.

In 2021, she purchased a four-bedroom home for $880,515 through Nantuckets Covenant Program, which helps provide stable housing for year-round residents with lower incomes.

'The housing authorities on Nantucket have been doing a great job and good things are happening,' Taveras said.

'But more people keep coming and the island is so small and there is limited space to build more.'
From colour-changing fire trucks to 'The Dress', many optical illusions have baffled the internet over the years.

But this latest illusion might be one of the strangest yet.

Dr Dean Jackson, a biologist and BBC presenter, has shared an unusual image on TikTok that contains two hidden animals.

At the start of the video, Dr Jackson presents a picture of a kookaburra sitting on a log.

However, he then reveals that there is actually a second animal hidden somewhere in the picture that only a few keen-eyed viewers can spot.

Dr Jackson describes this as an 'experiment on reframing and reimagining based on a prior image.'

In the video, he says: 'A kookaburra perched in a tree, I want to know how quickly you can reframe what you've just seen when we move on to another picture.

'Lots of people who haven't seen the first picture before see a very different animal here.'

Dr Dean Jackson, a biologist and BBC presenter, has shared a strange image on TikTok that contains two hidden animals. Can you see them?

If you still can't see the second animal once the image has zoomed in, Dr Jackson offers a helpful hint.

He says: 'The animal that they see is way bigger than a kookaburra and it most definitely cannot fly.'

As a final bit of assistance, Dr Jackson adds an image of some grass where the second animal's mouth should be.

After all that, you should be able to see the goat's head emerging from the kookaburra.

Markings on the back of the bird's head take on the appearance of a mouth while the beak becomes the goat's ear.

On TikTok, users rushed to the comments to share their amazement over the bizarre optical illusion.

One commenter wrote: 'Wow, completely freaked me out. Absolutely amazing. I thought what goat?'

Another chimed in: 'So, could see the goat but I still knew it was a bird. But when the video started again, I saw a bird with a goat's head. Thanks for the nightmare fuel, I guess.'

In the original image, the viewer is shown a kookaburra sitting in a tree. But once Dr Jackson adds grass to the second animal's 'mouth', it should become clearer

However, if you struggled to see the hidden goat until it was pointed out, you weren't alone.

'I didn't spot it till about 10 seconds after you added the grass. I work with goats as well,' one commenter wrote.

'I couldn't see it till you added the grass,' added another.

While one social media user complained: 'What goat, I could only see the bird.'

This illusion works because our brains are primed to recognise patterns in the world around us.

Dr Susan Wardle, a psychologist at the National Institutes of Health, told MailOnline: 'The human eye receives noisy, dynamic patterns of light, and it is the human brain that interprets these patterns of light into the meaningful visual experience of objects and scenes that we see.'

Usually, our brains get this right, but sometimes mistakes arise in a phenomenon scientists call pareidolia.

Pareidolia is the perception of meaningful patterns in inanimate objects or otherwise random information.

On social media, commenters were baffled by the illusion. With one commenter saying they could now see a kookaburra with a goat's head

Another commenter said that the illusion 'freaked me out'

In humans' evolutionary past, this habit might have conveyed a survival advantage since it helped us spot friends or potential threats.

The downside is that our brains tend to tell us that there are faces or patterns even when there aren't any to be found.

This is the reason why people often spot Jesus looking out from a piece of burnt toast or see the Virgin Mary in a cloud.

In this illusion, your brain's natural pattern-spotting tendencies kick in and impose the image of a goat over the random patterns in the kookaburra's feathers.

And, once you've seen it, the image can be difficult to get out of your head.
A mysterious skull with a huge horn poking out of it, described as a 'unicorn', has been unearthed near King Arthur's castle.

The bizarre remains were dug up by Canadian tourist John Goodwin, who spotted the long horn sticking out of moss on the edge of a cliff.

The location is close to Tintagel, the castle in which King Arthur is said to have been born, which still exists in ruined form in Cornwall.

King Arthur, the legendary British leader and formidable warrior of the 5th and 6th centuries, is said to have slayed a unicorn, bringing a curse to his kingdom.

While the tourist insists he did not plant the bony remains there as a hoax, one British expert has dubbed its appearance 'suspicious'.

'I imagine that some people think the story isnt true but I assure you it is true,' Mr Goodwin told Cornwall Live.

'It was definitely there and we found it on the trail under a mossy embankment.

'Whether it is a genuine unicorn  that I dont know.'

A mysterious skull with a huge horn poking out of it, described as a 'unicorn', has been unearthed near King Arthur's castle

The unicorn is Scotlands national animal and is linked with Arthurian legend, even though there's no evidence such a creature ever existed

Mr Goodwin and his family were taking a walk at St Nectan's Glen, a sacred valley not far from Tintagel Castle with a breathtaking waterfall considered 'magic' by some.

Initially, they thought the object was a root poking out, but when he pulled it free, it turned out to be the skull with the huge curving appendage.

'I pulled it out and thought it must be a deer or something at first but realized it only had one horn,' he told Cornwall Live.

'It was real bone, heavy and looked properly old... it was too small for a rhino but no matter what, it was unusual.'

Mr Goodwin brought it back to his car, but reportedly his grandmother 'started feeling uneasy' about it right away.

'She said it didnt feel right to take it, like wed disturbed something meant to be left alone,' he added.

Mr Goodwin, a plumber, took the object to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle  but the museum refused to take it.

So he left it at The Stonehenge Inn, in Durrington near Salisbury, Wiltshire, on the way back to London for another flight.

Mr Goodwin and his family were taking a walk at St Nectan's Glen, a sacred valley in Cornwall with a breathtaking waterfall considered 'magic' by some

Tintagel Castle has long association with legends related to King Arthur. In the 12th century Tintagel gained literary fame when Geoffrey of Monmouth named it as the place where King Arthur was conceived

The legend of King Arthur Thought to have lived during the late fifth and early sixth centuries, King Arthur is believed to have led the fight against the invading Saxons. Tintagel, the castle in which the king is said to have been born, still exists in ruined form in Cornwall, although others claim he was Welsh. Either way, sources suggest Arthur was a great king who defended Britain from enemies, earthly and supernatural. Advertisement

'I decided that since I probably couldnt take it through customs [so] I made the trade,' he said.

The barman offered him 'unlimited ale' for the skull, which is still there now for punters to look at while they sip their Old Speckled Hen.

He added: 'I call it the Sadie-James skull in honour of my gran and gramp, who had their 50th anniversary last weekend.'

Mr Goodwin admitted it is 'certainly possible' that some trickster planted the skull at St Nectan's Glen as a hoax.

It could even be a fusion of two bones, stuck together to resemble that of a unicorn.

Professor David Norman, a paleontologist at the University of Cambridge, said the 'suspicious' item looks like 'the skull of a deceased pony'.

'It looks rather as though a cow horn has been glued to the top of a ponys skull,' he told MailOnline.

'A lot of young girls and readers of the Skandar novels would be disappointed methinks; however it may be useful a useful publicity for the pub owner and beer sales, of course.'

King Arthur was a mythical king in the mythology of Great Britain. He lived in the medieval times, in his famous castle, Camelot. He possessed a sword known as Excalibur, given to him by the Lady of the Lake. Pictured: King Arthur by Charles Ernest Butler (1903)

The unicorn is Scotlands national animal, even though there's no evidence such a creature ever existed.

According to myth, King Arthur killed a unicorn in the forest when he was a prince  but Merlin, the young wizard who is Arthur's servant, warned that it was a bad omen.

Merlin was soon proved right when a curse arrived upon the kingdom, killing crops and drying up the water.

King Arthur is said to have been conceived and born at Tintagel Castle, which was built half on the mainland and half on a jagged headland projecting into the Cornish sea.

Today's ruined keep was built in the 13th century, but the site of Tintagel Castle has been inhabited at least since the late Roman period.
Chinese scientists have successfully turned bees into cyborgs by inserting controllers into their brains.

The device, which weighs less than a pinch of salt, is strapped to the back of a worker bee and connected to the insects brain through small needles.

In tests the device worked nine times out of 10 and the bees obeyed the instructions to turn left or right, the researchers said.

The cyborg bees could be used in rescue missions  or in covert operations as military scouts.

The tiny device can be equipped with cameras, listening devices and sensors that allow the insects to collect and record information.

Given their small size they could also be used for discreet military or security operations, such as accessing small spaces without arousing suspicion.

Zhao Jieliang, a professor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, led the development of the technology.

It works by delivering electrical pulses to the insects optical lobe  the visual processing centre in the brain  which then allows researchers to direct its flight.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The device, which weighs less than a pinch of salt, is strapped to the back of a worker bee and connected to the insects brain through small needles

The study was recently published in the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering, and was first reported by the South China Morning Post.

Insect-based robots inherit the superior mobility, camouflage capabilities and environmental adaptability of their biological hosts, Professor Zhao and his colleagues wrote.

Compared to synthetic alternatives, they demonstrate enhanced stealth and extended operational endurance, making them invaluable for covert reconnaissance in scenarios such as urban combat, counterterrorism and narcotics interdiction, as well as critical disaster relief operations.

Several other countries, including the US and Japan, are also racing to create cyborg insects.

While Professor Zhaos team has made great strides in advancing the technology, several hurdles still remain.

For one, the current batteries arent able to last very long, but any larger would mean the packs are too heavy for the bees to carry.

The same device cannot easily be used on different insects as each responds to signals on different parts of their bodies.

Before this, the lightest cyborg controller came from Singapore and was triple the weight.

The researchers, from the Beijing Institute of Technology, used worker bees - similar to this one pictured - as part of their study (stock image)

Researchers at RIKEN, Japan have created remote-controlled cyborg cockroaches, equipped with a control module that is powered by a rechargeable battery attached to a solar cell

It also follows the creation of cyborg dragonflies and cockroaches, with researchers across the world racing to develop the most advanced technology.

Scientists in Japan have previously reported a remote-controlled cockroach that wears a solar-powered backpack.

The cockroach is intended to enter hazardous areas, monitor the environment or undertake search and rescue missions without needing to be recharged.

The cockroaches are still alive, but wires attached to their two 'cerci' - sensory organs on the end of their abdomens - send electrical impulses that cause the insect to move right or left.
Joe Rogan's explosive claims about an insidious disease are gaining new attention as the illness spreads throughout the US this summer.

During a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan claimed that there's evidence Lyme disease, which is spread by tick bites, was actually a man-made weapon which leaked out of an island lab near Connecticut.

Rogan, 57, has continued to claim the devastating illness was artificially created by scientists on his podcast for several years, discussing the alleged Lyme disease conspiracy in 2019 and 2020.

During a March 14 interview with comedian Michael Kosta, Rogan added that US Health and Human Services secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also believes the tick-borne illness was part of a botched US bioweapons program in the 1970s.

'Turns out there's a lot of real evidence that Lyme disease was weaponized... It came out of a lab called Plum Island, which was close to Lyme, Connecticut. And RFK Jr. firmly believes that this was a weapons program,' Rogan said.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. Scientists have continued to call Rogan's claims a debunked conspiracy, citing evidence that the bacteria existed in North America in prehistoric times.

In the US, between 30,000 and 40,000 cases are reported annually to the CDC, but the health agency has noted that up to 476,000 cases occur yearly and go unreported or undiagnosed.

Along with a telltale rash around the bite, symptoms often include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, but severe and untreated cases can also lead to fatal complications like heart problems, neurological issues, and brain inflammation.

Joe Rogan (pictured) has continued to claim Lyme disease was artificially created by scientists on his podcast for several years, discussing the alleged conspiracy in 2019, 2020, and 2025

In the US, between 30,000 and 40,000 cases are reported annually to the CDC, but the health agency has noted that up to 476,000 cases occur yearly and go unreported or undiagnosed

In June and July, nymph-stage ticks are most likely to bite people. The Rogan claims from March were reposted on X Thursday, leading to a resurgence in attention, with the clip already being viewed more than a million times.

'What they were going to do is develop these fleas and ticks with a disease that spreads rapidly, wipes out the medical system of a community,' Rogan claimed in the March 14 podcast episode.

'So, you could dump them from a plane, everybody gets infected, overwhelms their medical system, and then they're more vulnerable if you want to attack them,' he continued.

Plum Island is a 840-acre island off the northeastern coast of Long Island, New York. It's home to the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) and has been used by the US government for research on infectious animal diseases since the 1950s.

In 2019, Rogan said that there was a 'popular thought' that the natural spread of Lyme disease from this one area in Connecticut 'doesn't necessarily make sense.'

A year later, Rogan revealed how New Jersey congressman Chris Smith had called for an investigation by the Pentagon into claims that secret research was conducted on Plum Island and at Fort Detrick in Maryland on weaponizing ticks.

'Can you imagine if those c**** created a f****** disease and now everyone on the East Coast has it? Because it's mostly out there,' Rogan said during a January 2020 episode of his podcast.

The US Department of Homeland Security has written in a statement that the government facility at Plum Island 'does not and has not performed research on Lyme disease.'

Within 3 days to a month, a red, bull's-eye rash will appear in 70 to 80 percent of cases involving a tick bite

In 2024, RFK Jr made the same claims about the disease, alleging on his own podcast that government scientists were experimenting with ticks on this island in the Northeast.

'The ticks are an epidemic because of what happened at Plum Island and the other labs,' the health secretary said in the January 2024 episode of the RFK Jr Podcast.

'We also know that they were experimenting with diseases of the kind, like Lyme disease, at that lab, and they were putting them in ticks and then infecting people,' RFK Jr added.

A year later, during his US Senate confirmation hearing, RFK Jr was questioned about his reported belief that Lyme disease was created as a US bioweapon, saying that he 'never believed that' but the public should follow wherever the evidence leads.

Both Rogan and RFK Jr have cited multiple reports and books which have investigated the topic, as well as interviews with scientists who were allegedly involved in these tick experiments.

One of those books, Bitten by Kris Newby, featured an interview with Willy Burgdorfer, the scientist who identified the Lyme disease bacterium, who admitted that he had worked on turning fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes into potential bioweapons.

Lyme disease annually spreads throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest, particularly in states like Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin when the weather warms up between April and October.

The most common areas where ticks attach themselves to people are in outdoor spaces with lots of high grass and vegetation, like a field or in the woods.

Robert F Kennedy Jr (pictured) has also alleged that the spread of Lyme disease throughout the Northeast resulted from US government experiments on ticks and fleas which attempted to turn them into bioweapons

Ticks pick up the bacteria by feeding on infected animals like deer or mice. It does not spread from person to person

When an infected tick bites a person and stays attached for 36 to 48 hours, it allows the bacteria to transfer to the insect's victim.

Ticks pick up the bacteria by feeding on infected animals like deer or mice. It does not spread from person to person.

Within three days to a month, a red, bull's-eye rash at the bite site will appear in 70 to 80 percent of cases.

Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes are common as well.

Lyme disease is treatable, especially when caught early, with the primary treatment being antibiotics that eliminate the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.

If left untreated, however, later stages of the disease can lead to joint pain or swelling, facial paralysis (Bell's palsy), heart palpitations, nerve pain, memory problems, or potentially fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Despite the growing claims of a government conspiracy, multiple doctors and scientists have pushed back on the theory Lyme disease did not come from nature.

Studies by the American Lyme Disease Foundation and Yale researchers have found Borrelia burgdorferi in dead animals from 1870 to 1919, which were preserved in museum collections.
A leader of an order founded in the 12th century to protect Christian in the Holy Land, has claimed that there are secret vaults in the US with the bones of Jesus.

The astonishing claims, made by Timothy W. Hogan during an interview on the Danny Jones Podcast, suggest that the legendary Knights Templar transported sacred relics to the New World centuries ago, allegedly hiding them from the Vatican's grasp.

Hogan alleged that the order discovered the remains in the Talpiot Tomb in East Jerusalem during the Middle Ages and that they are now stored in two vaults somewhere in the American Northwest.

However, the Talpiot Tomb has long been a subject of controversy, with many scholars dismissing its connection to Jesus as speculative and unsupported by solid evidence.

The Templars, officially disbanded by the Pope in the 14th century, are often linked to sensational conspiracy theories. Critics have questioned Hogan's claims, citing the lack of physical proof or independent verification.

But Hogan insists DNA testing could soon verify the authenticity of the remains. He said that if historical records and ship logs align with recently uncovered bone fragments in the same tomb, scientists might be able to confirm a genetic match.

'This isn't something we're trying to hide,' Hogan said. 'We've just been trying to protect it.

'When the tomb was originally discovered, with ossuaries labeled with the names Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and John the Baptist, it was understood that if the remains were turned over to the Vatican, they would vanish.

'The Church would have buried the story because it contradicts their doctrine.'

The astonishing claims, made by Timothy W. Hogan during an interview on the Danny Jones Podcast, suggest that the legendary Knights Templar transported sacred relics to the New World centuries ago, allegedly hiding them from the Vatican's grasp

The Knights Templar were a powerful and wealthy military order created around 1119 AD to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land following the First Crusade.

The order was dissolved by Pope Clement V in 1312 after accusations of heresy, charges now widely believed to have been fabricated for political reasons.

Hogan told Jones that the biblical bones were removed from the rock-cut Talpiot Tomb, a site excavated in 1980 in East Jerusalem.

Archaeologists found ten ossuaries, six with inscriptions, including one reading 'Yeshua bar Yehosef,' which translates to 'Jesus, son of Joseph.'

'There used to be seven vaults, but they have since been condensed into two. Inside them are the six Arks we acquired, as well as several different ossuaries containing the bones believed to belong to Jesus, Mary Magdalene, John the Baptist, and their children,' Hogan said.

Hogan, who serves as Grand Master of a modern Templar order, also said that the Vatican is aware of these vaultsand even attempted to break into one several years ago.

'One vault, located in Istanbul, is believed to be a former Templar vault,' he continued.

'It contains a box similar to those found in the sacred container, and it's buried underground along with specific artifacts.

'The order had protected this vault for a long time, but it is now under the care of Turkish Antiquities, who are fully aware of its significance and keep the order updated.'

Two ossuaries found in the tomb were on display in 2007 when historians speculated that may have held the bones of Jesus and Mary Magdalene

While the Vatican is allegedly aware of multiple vaults, Hogan claims it does not know the location of the two hidden in the US

He warned that if the Vatican ever gained access, the relics 'would disappear,' as they challenge the foundational Christian teaching of Jesus' physical resurrection.

'If these had been turned over to the Pope, they would have been made to vanish,' he insisted.

As for verifying the remains, Hogan admitted they haven't yet been testedbut said the order hopes to carry out DNA analysis in the near future as part of a broader effort to substantiate their claims.

When asked how they would confirm the identity of the bones, Hogan was cautious.

'This is sensitive information,' he said.

'But as I understand it, certain fragments recently recovered from the Talpiot Tomb could be used to make a match, assuming everything lines up with our historical records and ship logs.'

He said the order believes in reincarnation and interprets resurrection as a spiritual awakening, not necessarily a physical rising from the dead.

He pointed to a New Testament passage where Jesus' disciples refer to John the Baptist as the return of the prophet Elijah, interpreting it as biblical support for reincarnation.

'It's right there in the New Testament,' Hogan said. 'The resurrection was an anastasis, an awakening to gnosis, not a bodily resurrection.

'Being 'born again' means literally being reincarnated.'

Hogan also presented a highly unorthodox account of Jesus' family life.

He claimed that Mary Magdalene, a wealthy woman and patron of John the Baptist, first married John and had children with him.

According to Hogan, after John was executed, Mary lawfully re-married his cousin, Jesus, as was customary in that era.

The couple allegedly had children, whose remains now lie alongside theirs in the vaults.

The traditional biblical view, however, portrays Mary Magdalene as a devoted follower of Jesus who witnessed his crucifixion and was the first to see him after the resurrection.

John the Baptist is described as a fiery prophet who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River before being executed by Herod Antipas.

Mainstream historians and theologians do not support the idea of Jesus being married or having children, and there is no verified archaeological or genetic evidence to back Hogan's claims.
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more

The sell-out Charlotte Tilbury Mystery Boxes are back for summer 2025, offering 103 worth of product for just 51. But you're going to want to hurry, as these sell fast!

The Charlotte Tilbury Mystery Box is one of the most sought-after beauty buys. Making its first debut back in 2018, the boxes have been a great chance to shop cult-worthy Charlotte Tilbury products but for an irresistible 50 per cent off. And this year there are two magic looks to choose from.

Charlotte Tilbury Mystery Box Charlotte Tilbury's 2025 Mystery Boxes are here! Beauty lovers have two boxes to choose from, either the 'Pretty Pink' or 'Cheeky Peach'. Each box has four beauty essentials worth 103, now available for just 51 during the brand's Big Summer Sale - a must-have for beauty enthusiasts looking to stock up on products like The Beautyverse Palette and Hollywood Glow Glide Highlighter for a radiant summer look. Grab yours at charlottetilbury.com before it inevitably sells out! Shop

Charlotte Tilbury's 2025 Mystery Boxes are here! Beauty lovers have two boxes to choose from, either the 'Pretty Pink' or 'Cheeky Peach' - each 50

Charlotte Tilbury's summer sale has returned with unmissable makeup and skincare deals with up to 45 per cent off - including the brand's viral Pillow Talk and Hollywood Flawless Filter.

Included in the summer sale is the highly-anticipated return of Charlottes iconic Mystery Box - and this year there are two magic looks to choose from; Cheeky Peach or Pretty Pink.

Filled with four iconic Charlotte Tilbury makeup and skincare icons for your skin, eyes, lips and cheeks, this year's two Mystery Box's are a steal, loaded with 103 worth of editor-approved makeup and skincare goodies, all for just 51.

The Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Summer Sale is now live, and beauty lovers can bag savings of up to 45 per cent on Charlottes most iconic bestsellers, from glowing bronzers to the cult-favourite Pillow Talk collection. Plus exclusive online bundles and free gifts when you spend over 90.

And newly added to the summer sale are Charlotte's Beauty Treats Mystery Boxes, which contain everything you need to create flawless, glam looks for your summer events.

As always, the brand is keeping it hush-hush about what's inside their Mystery Boxes, which this year comes in a 'Cheeky Peach' or 'Pretty Pink', but they have exclusively revealed that inside, you're guaranteed to find the Hollywood Blush & Glow Glide Palette.

Found in both Mystery Boxes, the mini cheek palette with rosy-pink blush, or terracotta blush, depending on the box, and pearlescent highlighter helps you tap into the secrets of the red carpet, giving you a flawless-looking, flattering glow.

This year's two Mystery Box's are a steal, loaded with 103 worth of editor-approved makeup and skincare goodies, all for just 51

We can exclusively reveal that the Hollywood Blush & Glow Glide Palette is found in both Mystery Boxes, the mini cheek palette with rosy-pink blush, or terracotta blush

Whether you have a warmer, more olive complexion that suits golden, peachy tones or a fairer base that is perfect for pretty pink hues, these boxes are undeniably gorgeous.

The boxes have all you need to recreate the biggest summer trends so you can feel your most beautiful whether that's with a sculpted blush look for a radiant, natural flush or bronzer for a sun-kissed and golden glow, Charlotte has you covered!

And most importantly, they are at an unmissable price, now half-price. Now priced at just 51 despite the contents tallying 103, it's the perfect time to shop.

Head over to Charlotte Tilbury's website to snag this year's must-have Mystery Box in either Pretty Pink or Cheeky Peach while it's still in stock, and keep scrolling for other bestselling skincare and makeup favourites we're eyeing up in the Legendary Summer Sale.
A female executive at Moet Hennessy is suing the champagne maker for $1.5million after she was allegedly told she needed 'anti-seduction' training and she was 'gagging for it'.

Maria Gasparovic, the former chief of staff to executive Jean-Marc Lacave, was sacked last June, just four months after she told her HR department about senior colleagues' alleged misconduct while she worked at the firm's Paris headquarters.

Lacave, her direct boss, is alleged to have told her that in order to be promoted, she needed 'anti-seduction' training, it was reported.

Suing: Maria Gasparovic, pictured, is suing Moet Hennessy for $1.5million after she was told she needed 'anti-seduction' training and was 'gagging for it'

He is also accused of telling her that she had not been promoted because a client had said she was 'gagging for it' at a meeting.

Gasparovic is suing the multi-billion dollar firm for $1.5million in damages and compensation over accusations of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and unfair dismissal.

LHMV has refuted the claims, and has filed a lawsuit against her for defamation after she posted the allegations to social media. A defamation trial is expected in the fall.

In her dismissal letter, Moet Hennessy said she was being fired for impersonating another employee on a call while on sick leave, and for making threatening remarks to colleagues, though she had denied all these allegations.

Before she was made to leave, she reportedly submitted a whistleblowing report to the firm in which she detailed her allegations of harassment and discrimination, though according to a legal complaint she filed the firm did not carry out a formal investigation.

Mark Stead, the company's former chief operating officer who is in a relationship with Gasparovic, was reportedly sacked for allegedly misusing travel and expenses resources shortly after he accompanied her to meetings with HR.

Since her sacking, around a dozen people have reportedly come forward to reveal a series of executive departures 'related to a toxic workplace environment where bullying and mismanagement were problems'.

At least four female employees at Moet Hennessy's Paris headquarters have reported bullying and harassment before leaving. Three of those who filed complaints at employment tribunals have since settled with the firm.

Several women allegedly complained about being the subject of unfounded rumours about having affairs with men at the company.

Relationship: Mark Stead (pictured), the company's former chief operating officer who is in a relationship with Gasparovic, was reportedly sacked after he accompanied her to meetings with HR

According to the Financial Times, after one woman told HR that people were spreading false rumors that she had slept with a male executive to get work opportunities, she was simply told to 'get used to it'.

Many employees of the firm complained of stress and bullying, with at least 20 staff at the headquarters going on long-term sick leave in 2024 alone.

One source told the FT that gossip and rumors are rife at Moet Hennessy, and that it was a 'boys club'.

They said that bosses would 'scream at people like it was a fashion house in the 1990s, except we are in 2025 - that behavior is no longer acceptable'.

The source reportedly added: 'Lots of people were going on sick leave, people were disappearing overnight. It took on disruptive proportions'.

Booze: Moet Hennessy is the wine and spirits arm of LVMH (File image of Moet Hennessy products)

In a note sent to staff in September 2024, Moet Hennessy's then-chief executive Philippe Schaus and head of HR Paula Fallowfield tried to put out the fires of Gasparovic's allegations, and of the wider concerns within the company, the FT reports.

'We assure you that each case has been handled thoughtfully, fairly and in line with a commitment to confidentiality and our values,' they wrote in the email, while reminding staff of 'the distress one-sided narratives may cause'.

'We are committed to providing a positive working environment . . . Moreover we are also determined to do everything possible to protect the reputation of Moet Hennessy,' they wrote.

Gasparovics lawsuit is expected to be heard in court later this year.

MailOnline has contacted LVMH for comment.
Heathrow has announced ambitious new plans to cut waiting times at airport security.

The UK's busiest airport has pledged that 95 per cent of passengers will pass through security in under five minutes by 2031.

Heathrow is also planning to redesign its terminals to improve the passenger experience by creating 70,000 sqm more space for travellers, reports The Times.

Terminals 3 and 5 are also set to get more shops and restaurants while the airport has pledged that 99 per cent of bags will arrive in time due to new technology.

The airport said the technology would mean that 1.25 million fewer bags ended up lost.

Heathrow's new plans will form part of a 10bn investment to upgrade the passenger experience at the major airport.

However, airlines have warned this could push up flight prices for consumers.

Heathrow is reportedly planning to increase the landing fees it charges airlines by 17 per cent.

Heathrow has announced ambitious new plans to cut waiting times at airport security

Terminals 3 and 5 are also set to get more shops and restaurants

The UK's busiest airport has pledged that 95 per cent of passengers will pass through security in under five minutes by 2031

Airlines have claimed this will have a knock-on impact on plane passengers who will face higher prices for flights.

But Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow's chief executive, said the airport requires investment to 'compete' with other 'global hubs'.

He said: 'We're making good progress on our strategy to become an extraordinary airport - having become Europe's most punctual major airport so far this year.

'But our customers want us to improve our international rankings further, as do we.

'To compete with global hubs, we must invest. Our five-year plan boosts operational resilience, delivers the better service passengers expect and unlocks the growth capacity airlines want with stretching efficiency targets and a like-for-like lower airport charge than a decade ago.'
New research has revealed the British beaches with the worst litter problems - with daytrippers reporting some of their shocking finds during trips to the seaside, including human waste, drug paraphernalia and broken glass.

With the school holidays about to begin in earnest - and the warm weather set to continue - thousands of tourists are set to make for Britain's coastline.

Plastic waste experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk have released data based on TripAdvisor reviews naming and shaming British sands where you're likely to encounter other people's waste.

Topping the list is bucket-and-spade resort Skegness on the Lincolnshire, with one of the worst reviews, posted in June this year, reporting grim accounts of 'human waste and serviettes covered in faeces' being left on the sands.

The research found that 4.91 per cent of reviews on TripAdvisor - 63 reviews out of a total of 994 - about the traditional seaside resort raised complaints about litter.

While many said they'd had a brilliant day out on the custard-coloured sands that have been attracting beach-goers since Victorian times, others described the resort as dirty and run down.

One person said their children had pulled litter - including cups, straws and even clothing, out of the sand while they were playing.

Other British seaside destinations claiming the top spots when it comes to litter were Margate's Main Sands.

Peak season equals pick litter on Britain's beaches, with new research suggesting that daytrippers to Skegness in Lincolnshire are the worst offenders when it comes to leaving waste behind

Margate may be trendier than ever but its beach has a major litter problem, with 50 out of 851 TripAdvisor reviews mentioning litter, the research by Businesswaste.co.uk found

The trendy Kent seaside town has enjoyed new popularity in recent decades but 50 out of 851 (4.4 per cent) of reviews on TripAdvisor alluded to problem with litter.

Broken glass, human urine and dog poo were all spotted by those heading for a day out.

And in at number three was Formby Beach in Merseyside. One recent visitor in May this year said a sunny day in May had seen the beach already 'full of litter' by 10:30am after day-trippers flocked to the popular sands.

Food waste and disposable BBQs left on the beach were mentioned, with one person saying they'd even seen drug paraphernalia. 3.83 per cent of reviews mentioned litter, 39 out of the 731 reviews.

Whitmore Bay Beach on Barry Island, made famous by BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey was amongst others that made the top ten worst beaches for litter, with Blackpool Beach, Bournemouth Beach, Scarborough Beach, Weston-Super-Mare Beach, Botany Bay and Clacton-on-Sea all mentioned.

At the other end of the spectrum, there were 15 UK beaches that had zero reviews mentioning litter issues.

Four of them had over 1,000 reviews, reflecting how pristine they are, with Suffolk favourite Southwold Pier, Sandsend Beach in North Yorkshire, Horsey Beach in Norfolk, and Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris in Scotland all faring well.

Graham Matthews, plastic waste expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk: 'Litter on the UKs beaches turns our natural beauty spots into an eyesore and poses a huge environmental threat to marine life.

Barry Island's Whitmore Bay Beach, famous for its appearances in Gavin and Stacey, also made the worst ten beaches for litter. Right: Stock image of beach litter

15 beaches were found to have zero mention of litter in any of the reviews on TripAdvisor, including Porthcurno beach in Cornwall

UK'S BEST AND WORST BEACHES FOR LITTER WORST BEACHES 1. Skegness, Lincs 2. Margate Main Sands, Kent 3. Formby Beach, Merseyside 4. Blackpool Beach, Blackpool 5. Whitmore Bay Beach, Barry Island 6. Bournemouth Beach 7. Scarborough Beach 8. Weston-Super-Mare Beach 9. Botany Bay, Kent 10. Clacton-on-Sea, Essex BEST BEACHES 1. Southwold Pier, Suffolk 2. Sandsend Beach, North Yorkshire 3. Horsey Beach, Norfolk 4. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris 5. Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall 6. Robin Hoods Bay Beach, N Yorks 7. Whitesands Bay, St Davids 8. Ballycastle Beach, Antrim, NI 9. Traeth Crigyll, Anglesey 10. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

Advertisement

'Each year, as the weather heats up, we see a sharp rise in people flocking to the seaside, but sadly, many dont clean up after themselves.

'All this unsightly litter ruins the enjoyment of our beaches, but it also threatens local wildlife. Plastic is a particularly major hazard as it takes so long to break down naturally.'

He called for simple measures to help beach communities and day trippers keep litter at bay, saying: 'Simple provisions like signage, employing local volunteers, and providing litter picking equipment for the public can make a huge difference.

'Outside of this, the best deterrent is to issue fines to those who continue to litter our natural beauty spots.'

Yesterday at pebbly Kent beauty spot Deal, King Charles rolled up his sleeves and grabbed a litter picker as he joined volunteers for a community beach clean-up.

The monarch, 76, dressed in a smart light brown summer suit, was seen collecting rubbish along the shoreline as part of an event organised by local environmental group Deal With It.
Greece has been hit with a severe heatwave which has led to one of its biggest tourist attractions closing for the afternoon.

The Acropolis was closed from 1-5pm on Tuesday as temperatures soared to 38 degrees in Athens.

Outdoor labourers and food delivery workers were also ordered to take a break in the afternoons by the Greek Government.

The Government has also urged employers to provide remote working options for staff due to concerns over the heat.

Hot weather is likely to continue with temperatures of 37 degrees forecast for next Monday in Athens.

Tourists have been urged to take care in the hot weather and issued a warning over wildfires.

The British Foreign Office said: 'There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.

'Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable.'

Greece has been hit with a severe heatwave which has led to one of its biggest tourist attractions closing for the afternoon

The Acropolis was closed from 1-5pm on Tuesday as temperatures soared to 38 degrees in Athens

Around 5,000 tourists were forced to evacuate in Crete in early July when wildfires broke out on the island.

Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Greece and tourists have been urged not to leave litter on the ground, ensure cigarettes are extinguished and avoid lighting barbecues.

British tourists have been urged to follow the guidance of emergency services and follow the @112Greece X account for updates.

Travellers should call Greece's 112 emergency line if they are in immediate danger.

Meanwhile in Spain, more than 18,000 people were ordered to stay at home in Catalonia on Tuesday due to a wildfire.

In France, Marseille-Provence Airport was forced to close on Tuesday due to a dangerous fire that injured more than 100 people.
Critics have sunk their claws into Netflix's 'piece of garbage' action film - but viewers love it and have demanded a sequel.

The Old Guard 2, which hit the streamer on July 2, follows a cast of immortal mercenaries, led by Charlize Theron and Henry Golding.

The superhero film, which stars Uma Thurman as its main antagonist, is a follow-up to the first instalment from 2020, which was generally positively received.

Reviewers have generally blasted the sequel as 'tedious' - but fans seem to be loving it, sending it right to the top of the Netflix charts.

The first film has also surged to number five on the streamer's film ranking as viewers revisit the franchise.

In fact, in quite the contrast to the critics' panning of the follow-up, fans have taken to social media to demand a third film.

Critics have sunk their claws into Netflix 's 'piece of garbage' action film - but viewers love it and have demanded a sequel

The Old Guard 2, which hit the streamer on July 2, follows a cast of immortal mercenaries, led by Charlize Theron (pictured) and Henry Golding

The superhero film, which stars Uma Thurman (pictured) as its main antagonist, is a follow-up to the first instalment from 2020, which was generally positively received

One said on discussion site Reddit: 'I will be so upset if they do not make another one. Especially after the ending of the second movie left us hanging like that.

'They better be giving us a third one or I will quit Netflix for good.'

Another similarly said, pointing out both films are in Australia's top ten, with the sequel at number one: 'I loved both movies and screamed in both excitement and annoyance because of the cliffhanger.

'I hope eagerly that Netflix will do something good for once and give us a part three.'

Other fans, despite not completely loving the second film, suggested they would still tune in to another instalment: 'The sequel was absolutely terrible.

'They couldve at least wrapped it up completely or just left the first movie alone.

'And if there is a part three, we know we'll have to wait a year and a half for it with the way Netflix operates.'

Someone else commented: 'Everyone saying they didn't like the second one knows deep down they will watch the third one regardless.'

Reviewers have generally blasted the sequel as 'tedious' - but fans seem to be loving it, sending it right to the top of the Netflix charts

The first film has also surged to number five on the streamer's film ranking as viewers revisit the franchise

But there were a couple of Netflix fans who shared the negative views of the critics: 'Sadly, I'm sure there will be a third.

'By not writing an ending to the second, they are basically holding Netflix hostage to make a third because everyone will riot if there isn't.

'Personally, I hope there isn't. They shouldn't be rewarded for that piece of garbage they call a movie.'

Based on a comic book series by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez, the first Old Guard film introduces us to the crowd of centuries-old immortals.

Led by Charlize's character Andy, they find out someone has discovered their survival secret and they must fight to protect their freedom.

The second, meanwhile, sees the warriors regroup after the events of the first film - and soon faced with another mysterious threat.

The critics' consensus summary on review site Rotten Tomatoes is very positive for the first instalment.

It reads: 'The Old Guard is occasionally restricted by genre conventions but director Gina Prince-Bythewood brings a sophisticated vision to the superhero genre - and some knockout action sequences led by Charlize Theron.'

Based on a comic book series by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez, the first Old Guard film introduces us to the crowd of centuries-old immortals. Pictured: The sequel

But the summary of the critics' views on the second film is much less favourable: 'Bogged down by tedious lore and lackluster execution, The Old Guard 2 finds this budding franchise already long in the tooth.'

Netflix is yet to confirm if there will be a third instalment to resolve the cliffhanger ending of the sequel - so fans could be left waiting for some time yet.

The Old Guard 2 joins a canon of popular female-led action films available on Netflix.

The Wrath Of Becky, for example, which premiered in 2023 but was added to the streamer last month, had fans praising it as 'the female John Wick'.

Packed full of action and blood, the highly acclaimed action thriller film stars Lulu Wilson as the titular lead character, teenager and orphan Becky.

She moves in with new caregiver Elena - but soon finds herself seeking revenge after three extremist attackers target her new home.

The film follows a 2020 prequel called Becky, which saw the young girl lose her father after a group of Neo-Nazi convicts attacked their family's lake house.

Fans have enjoyed the movie over the years and many have left their verdicts online.

The Old Guard 2 joins a canon of popular female-led action films available on Netflix. The Wrath Of Becky (pictured), for example, premiered in 2023 but was added to the streamer last month

Packed full of action and blood, the highly acclaimed action thriller film stars Lulu Wilson as the titular lead character, teenager and orphan Becky

One viewer penned on film review site Letterboxd: 'I could watch Lulu Wilson play Becky in 10 more sequels.'

Another said: 'Shes basically the female version of a teenage John Wick.'

Someone else penned: 'They could make 100 films about Becky slaying Proud Boys and Neo Nazis and I would watch every single one of them.'

'Solid revenge thriller with some lovely kills and a little twist of humour', another added.

The Old Guard 2 is available to stream on Netflix.
EastEnders favourite Jake Wood has confirmed that he will be reprising his role as Max Branning.

The British actor, 52, who last appeared on screen in February 2021, said he is 'over the moon to be coming home to Walford'.

He said: 'I'm over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so Im sure hell be busy.

'I'm excited to see what hes been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, Im sure there will be plenty of chaos.'

Max is reportedly set to return to the BBC soap in autumn, before making a permanent return later in the year.

During his first stint on the soap, Jake became a fan favourite amongst viewers, with his character Max being at the heart of several huge storylines.

EastEnders favourite Jake Wood has confirmed that he will be reprising his role as Max Branning

The British actor, 52, who last appeared on screen in February 2021, said he is 'over the moon to be coming home to Walford' (pictured with Adam Woodyatt on the soap)

The 2007 Christmas Day episode where it was revealed that Max had an affair with his daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) has become known as one of the most chaotic festive specials ever.

According to The Mirror, Max will return to Albert Square to find his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa), who is expected to marry into the Beales, Stacey, who is widowed, and a secret daughter with ex-lover Linda, yet to be discovered.

Speaking on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Jake said his return to the show was 'quite emotional' and felt 'like a very warm hug'.

He said: 'I just felt like it was the right time. I spoke to so many people there, theyre just loving being there at the moment,

'I had a meeting with the new executive, Ben Wadey, back in January, and we went for lunch, and he just sort of outlined all of his ideas.

He continued: 'Theres just so many characters that Max has got drama with, so it felt like the right time to go back and mix things up a bit.'

Jake went on to say that his character's return will be a dramatic one before adding that it also won't be 'friendly and warm'.

EastEnders executive producer Ben said: 'Im delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning.

He said: 'I'm over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so Im sure hell be busy'

He continued: 'I'm excited to see what hes been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, Im sure there will be plenty of chaos' (pictured on the soap in 2007)

Max is reportedly set to return to the BBC soap in autumn, before making a permanent return later in the year (pictured 2024)

'Whilst his character has only been away from Albert Square for four years, Walford, and the lives of those who live in it, have changed immensely.

'Max has a lot of unfinished business, but whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen.

'However, with a past as chequered as Maxs, its fair to say that many Walford residents will not be pleased to see him, putting the Brannings back at the heart of the square, and the drama, this year.'

Jake left EastEnders on February 19, 2021, bringing an end to a long 15-year run on the show.

His character Max left Albert Square after burning bridges with many of his family and friends, and he joined his daughter Lauren and grandson Louie in New Zealand.

However, since Jake's final scenes aired in early 2021, he has certainly been keeping himself busy as he launched a podcast and starred in West End show 2:22: A Ghost Story.

EastEnders airs on BBC One from Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm.
Fiona Phillips' heartbroken husband has revealed she accused him of kidnapping her after her Alzheimer's battle left her unable to recognise him.

The former GMTV host, 64, was diagnosed with the progressive brain disorder in 2022 at the age of just 61.

It came after she left the former ITV breakfast show in 2008 to care for her father, who suffered from it too, dying in 2012, after her mother lost her life to it as well, in 2006.

Her husband and former This Morning editor Martin Frizell, 66, appeared on the ITV chat show today to discuss her diagnosis, as she was not well enough.

He told This Morning hosts Alison Hammond, 50, and Dermot O'Leary, 52, about her memoir Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, set for release on July 17.

And Martin also shared some deeply sad details about how challenging family life has been since Fiona's diagnosis three years ago.

Fiona Phillips' (pictured) heartbroken husband has revealed she accused him of kidnapping her after her Alzheimer's battle left her unable to recognise him

Her husband and former This Morning editor Martin Frizell, 66, appeared on This Morning today (pictured) to discuss her diagnosis, as she was not well enough

He told This Morning hosts Alison Hammond, 50, and Dermot O'Leary, 52, about her memoir Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, set for release on July 17

He said: 'In the book, there's a picture of her at the end of our road, the most recent picture I took, only a few weeks ago.

'And she's looking great and she's smiling and she's got her coat on. And what you don't know is she thought I'd kidnapped her. This was us going out.

'Because you get delusions because you get so worked up. She keeps saying, "I want to go home".'

Asked by Alison if she still recognises him, he said: 'She does recognise me most of the times. Doesn't quite know that I'm her husband but she knows who I am.'

Martin shared another heartbreaking detail too: 'Every now and then, she'll want to go home to her parents and I haven't got the heart to say they aren't here.'

He explained how he copes with this instead: 'You say, "Let's get our coats on, let's get our shoes on", we go out, go round the block a couple of times and come back in. And she says, "Oh, I'm home now".'

The former journalist told of what he has learnt in these past three years since her diagnosis: 'Don't argue with them.

'But I'm only human. I keep saying, "I'm not the Mother Teresa of Wandsworth", I do get frustrated, I do end up arguing sometimes.

Martin (pictured on This Morning) shared another heartbreaking detail too: 'Every now and then, she'll want to go home to her parents and I haven't got the heart to say they aren't here'

Asked by Alison if she still recognises him, he said: 'She does recognise me most of the times. Doesn't quite know that I'm her husband but she knows who I am.' Pictured: Fiona and Martin in 2013

'You get so worked up after the fifth or sixth or tenth time of saying something.'

His perspective and the experiences of the couple's two sons Nathaniel, 26, and Mackenzie, 23, are also reflected in the memoir.

Though Fiona primarily wrote it with her friend, journalist Alison Phillips, Martin contributed more than 20,000 words as well.

He revealed what the diagnosis process was like, saying symptoms she had thought were due to the menopause - including mood swings and brain fog - were actually early onset Alzheimer's.

They took her for testing and she was put on HRT - but it still did not help.

It was then, he said: 'I think we need to go to get tested for what her family had been riddled with...

'You just get on with life but she knew this disease was going to come knocking at some point.'

Caveating with praise for the NHS doctors doing their best, he said he did feel angry about the diagnosis experience.

His perspective and the experiences of the couple's two sons Nathaniel, 26, and Mackenzie, 23, are also reflected in the memoir. Pictured: Fiona and Martin in 2016

In 'the starkest room', he explained: 'The doctor says, "I'm terribly sorry but I believe it's Alzheimer's. And here's a leaflet, I'll go to get you a cup of tea"...

'She was wearing this fabulous powder blue River Island suit. I think she thought she was going to get away with it. She thought, "Surely it's not". She's looking a million dollars.'

But on the leaflet, he said: 'It's an old lady with a Zimmer frame and her partner or husband with a shock of white hair just about struggling down the road.

'And it's like, "Living with Alzheimer's". And you think, "God, is that it?"'

Martin said it has lit even more of a fire in his belly about Alzheimer's awareness and research - a cause Fiona has long been vocal about.

'I just get so angry', he said: 'When you look into it, society has decided we're not going to take it as seriously as we should.

'The money that's there for Alzheimer's research, it's like buying a Starbuck's coffee trying to fight a disease. It's impossible.'

He is furious about 'the injustice of it all', pointing to the amount of money going to a project like HS2 - instead of fighting diseases like Alzheimer's.

Martin said it has lit even more of a fire in his belly about Alzheimer's awareness and research - a cause Fiona has long been vocal about

He said he feels he is the only one speaking out about the disease and that it gets no real public attention. Pictured: Fiona and Martin on GMTV

The most recent cost estimates for HS2 from the Department for Transport, from 2024, are 54-66billion. Martin explained: 'Imagine if we put a billion pounds into Alzheimer's research - we'd sort it, we'd absolutely sort it...

'[Dementia] costs 42billion a year to the NHS and the health service.

'I say in the book, and deliberately quite provocatively, I wish she got cancer and I mean that in the sense that at least there would be some hope, some treatment.'

He said he feels he is the only one speaking out about the disease and that it gets no real public attention.

The former This Morning editor said: 'Once I stop speaking - and I'm not going to be the poster boy for it - I reckon it'll just quietly go away into the shadows again.

'But it's Britain's biggest killer. And they say that one in three babies born today, this Friday, one in three of them, is going to develop dementia, unless we do something about it.'

Martin said they tried bringing in a carer at one point, masquerading her to Fiona as a housekeeper - but Fiona, 'still whip smart and intelligent', did not buy it so they gave up.

'She's still very mobile, totally mobile, so we're not at a stage where we need someone to come in', he explained.

The former This Morning editor said: 'Once I stop speaking - and I'm not going to be the poster boy for it - I reckon it'll just quietly go away into the shadows again'. Pictured: Fiona and Martin at Derek Draper's funeral last year

Martin said they tried bringing in a carer at one point, masquerading her to Fiona as a housekeeper - but Fiona, 'still whip smart and intelligent', did not buy it so they gave up. Pictured: Fiona and Martin in 2001

Fiona's personality, as 'the most fiercely stubborn and independent woman ever', remains: 'The old Fiona is still very much there.'

Martin also said it has been 'fantastic' he now has lasting power of attorney to help her make financial and health decisions.

But this has not been completely smooth sailing either: 'There's one or two who actually are accusing me, "Maybe you're trying to win one over, we need a bit more evidence".

'And I'm thinking, "What more evidence do you need?"'

Fiona also has problems with general pain, anxiety, depression and sleeping, with the latter seeing her until recently get up very early every morning - which left the family shattered.

'We just live for each day', Martin explained, with the help of his 'sensational' sons.

It comes after he emotionally admitted, in the Mail's exclusive extract from Fiona's upcoming memoir, the family are 'slowly saying goodbye to the woman they love', who soon will be 'wiped away' by the disease.

Martin explained how he and their two sons are 'enduring a living grief' as they watch the 'glittering star' deteriorate over time.

Fiona's personality, as 'the most fiercely stubborn and independent woman ever', remains: 'The old Fiona is still very much there'. Pictured: Fiona in 2019

It comes after he emotionally admitted, in the Mail's exclusive extract from Fiona's upcoming memoir, the family are 'slowly saying goodbye to the woman they love'. Pictured: Fiona and Martin in 2005

'Bit by bit, [Alzheimer's] takes everything. Through time, even the most glamorous, glittering star  such as Fiona was  will be wiped away', he wrote.

He added: 'Sorting the bank accounts, utility direct debits, hospital appointments, clothes, washing, parking permits, shopping, cooking, tidying the house  in fact, all the stuff I took for granted because Fiona dealt with it (as well as her own career)  became my responsibilities, along with a seven-day-a-week job.

'It was knackering. There were times I felt drained, physically and emotionally.

'On top of the stress, the boys and I are enduring a kind of living grief  a slow goodbye to the woman we love.'

Over the weekend, the Mail published exclusive extracts from Fiona's upcoming memoir, Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's.

In the memoir, the pair - who wed in 1997 - revealed their marriage was 'falling apart' as a result of Fiona's then undiagnosed battle with the disease.

Fiona explained: 'My marriage was coming under increasing strain.

'I'm sure the disease was at least partly responsible, but at the time neither of us could see it. I just became more and more disconnected from Martin and the boys.

'Bit by bit, [Alzheimer's] takes everything. Through time, even the most glamorous, glittering star  such as Fiona was  will be wiped away', he wrote. Pictured: Martin on This Morning earlier this year

'"You've totally zoned out of our family and our marriage", he would say to me. "Don't be so bloody ridiculous!" I'd yell back.

'But, if I'm honest, I think he was right. I just didn't seem to have the energy for any of it any more.

'I didn't realise quite how seriously Martin felt about it all until one evening he announced he was moving out.

'"Stop being so ridiculous!'" I yelled. "I'm just worn out. I'm tired  of everything."

'"That's what you've been saying for years,'" he replied. "Maybe this  our marriage  is what's making you so tired."'

A Government spokesperson said: 'Through our Plan for Change, we are getting the NHS back on its feet, creating a society where every person with dementia receives high-quality, compassionate care.

'As a life sciences world leader, the UK is uniquely placed to take the fight to this illness - with high quality research into the disease and new clinically and cost-effective treatments.

'The government is backing the NHS with record funding - a 29billion real-terms increase in annual day-to-day spending over a five-year period - including 160million per year on dementia research - representing a doubling in research funding to improve outcomes for those affected by the condition.'

NHS England - London has been contacted for comment.

This Morning is available to watch and to stream on ITV1 and ITVX on weekdays at 10am.
Netflix viewers are hooked on Lena Dunham's new romance comedy, Too Much, with some even binge-watching all ten episodes.

The series stars Megan Stalter, 34, (Jessica) as a workaholic New Yorker who, after a devastating breakup, decides to leave the country for London, where she meets her unexpected match in musician Felix.

And since the show aired on the streaming platform, viewers have taken to social media to hail the series as 'incredible'.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): 'Lena Dunhams sensational #TooMuch should be a big hit on Netflix. Im hooked! *strongly pushes the start button for episode 3*';

'Lena Dunham's TOO MUCH is impossibly great. First time someone has truly been able to tap into Meg Stalter's full powers, she's incredible here,

'Will Sharpe, next level. Janicza Bravo, Andrew Scott, Adele Exarchopoulos and Naomi Watts in supporting roles, perfect. LOVED IT.';

Netflix viewers are hooked on Lena Dunham's new romance comedy, Too Much, with some even binge-watching all ten episodes (Megan Stalter pictured)

The series stars Megan Stalter, 34, (Jessica) as a workaholic New Yorker who, after a devastating breakup, decides to leave the country for London, where she meets her unexpected match in musician Felix

While another binge-watched all ten episodes, penning: 'Just finished all of #TooMuch and it's so brilliantly layered between comedy and heartfelt,

'Megan Stalter is fantastic, and it's thrilling to see her at the helm of a lead role with so many layers that also shows off the breadth of what she can do both comedically and as an actor.';

Another viewer was left reaching for the tissues as they penned: 'Binged the hell out of this. Loved it, so raw and funny and deep. Made me cry multiple times.';

While one posted: 'I flew through all 10 episodes of #TooMuch. The narrative is indeed too much at times, stuffing so much in, but Megan Stalter is phenomenal, and I fell in love with Will Sharpe all over again.'

The new series is billed as an 'ex-pat rom-com for the disillusioned who wonder if true love is still possible, but sincerely hope that it is'.

The synopsis reads: 'Jessica is a New York workaholic in her mid-thirties, reeling from a broken relationship that she thought would last forever and slowly isolating everyone she knows.

'When every block in New York tells a story of her own bad behaviour, the only solution is to take a job in London, where she plans to live a life of solitude like a Bronte sister.

'But when she meets Felix, a walking series of red flags, she finds that their unusual connection is impossible to ignore, even as it creates more problems than it solves.

And since the show aired on the streaming platform, viewers have taken to social media to hail the series as 'incredible'

'Now they have to ask themselves: do Americans and Brits actually speak the same language?'

Megan and Will Sharpe star as the romantic leads, Jessica and Felix.

In the show, the pair are joined by Janicza Bravo, Richard E. Grant, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Naomi Watts, and Rita Wilson.

Rounding out the star-studded cast are Stephen Fry, Adele Exarchopoulos, Adwoa Aboah, Daisy Bevan.

As well as Andrew Rannells, Dean-Charles Chapman, Emily Ratajkowski, Kaori Momoi, Leo Reich, Michael Zegen, and Rhea Perlman.

Too Much is now available to stream on Netflix.
Thomas Jane stars in a horror tale of guilt and murder written by Stephen King

Year: 2017

Certificate: 15

Watch now on Netflix

When his wife attempts to sell up his family farm in Nebraska, farmer Wilf James (Thomas Jane) persuades his son to help him kill her and hide the body. They seem to get away with the crime but both men are wracked with guilt over their actions and the killing will haunt them down the years.

Adapted from a Stephen King novella, this is a grim period psychological horror about death, obsession and the long, slow erosion of the human spirit. Jane is magnificent as Wilf, gradually collapsing in on himself as the tough farmer at the start of the film is eaten away at by the consequences of his deeds until he becomes a hollow, broken man haunted by horrible visions of rats. (102 minutes)
You've read all about the elites of Australia's high society - from Melbourne to Perth to Sydney's eastern suburbs.

But what about those at the bottom? The ones still desperately trying to scale the ladder, even with the odds stacked against them.

Because for every glamorous, Hermes-Kelly-bag-toting socialite, there are at least 50 wannabes trying to squeeze their way into the spotlight.

So, we asked around our society spies from coast to coast to compile a definitive ranking of the unlucky lot at the prickly end of the social spectrum.

Let's just say, this is one tier list people don't want to find themselves on.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

Tattle celeb Sophie Guidolin is known for her whirlwind love life, boasts about her physique, and bizarre posts involving her kids that only feed the trolls

Sophie Guidolin

Sophie Guidolin is what you might generously call a 'Tattle celebrity'.

Forum posts about her on the gossip website Tattle Life literally go into the tens of thousands - with the words of venom spewed forth by her critics outnumbering those found in Tolstoy's War and Peace.

Yes - we checked.

So, is Ms Guidolin - known as 'Loaf', for some reason - the villain they make her out to be? Of course not.

But her whirlwind love life, boasts about her physique, and bizarre posts involving her kids only feed the trolls - and it seems she almost enjoys the negative attention.

She recently irked her followers by humble-bragging that she could fit into the same size skirt as her nine-year-old twin daughters.

Before that, she'd posted what some described as the 'longest job ad ever' for an executive assistant, and was dragged for parading her bikini body in front of her son.

She recently irked her followers by humble-bragging that she could fit into the same size skirt as her nine-year-old twin daughters

Is Ms Guidolin - known as 'Loaf', for some reason - the villain Tattlers make her out to be? Of course not - but some of her bizarre posts seem to be deliberately feeding the trolls

Kristin Fisher

We love Kristin Fisher because she is a one-woman gossip factory.

But it's no secret she's burned more than a few bridges in Sydney's eastern suburbs on her way to becoming the 'Double Bay eyebrow queen'.

Case in point: her friendship with super-rich MCoBeauty founder Shelley Sullivan went up in flames last year for unknown reasons...

Or at least not reasons we can say publicly - yet.

Kristin is also known for being on-off besties with Sydney's favourite 'nude artist' Dina Broadhurst.

The two women had a falling out early last year - reportedly over a man - only to patch things up after Dina went through a break-up.

We love Kristin Fisher because she is a one-woman gossip factory - but it's no secret she's burned more than a few bridges in Sydney's eastern suburbs

In another society rift, she had a falling-out with her former BFF Nadia Fairfax in 2021 in the wake of Kristin being caught buying cocaine from a dial-a-dealer in Bondi.

She was later convicted, then that conviction was subsequently annulled - but Kristin nonetheless copped a stern warning from the magistrate about using drugs.

'Are you now aware that [a reputation] can be destroyed in seconds?' thundered Magistrate Ross Hudson - a man not known for mincing his words.

In the background of all this, Kristin and Nadia unfollowed each other on Instagram. When we contacted them both for comment at the time, they refollowed each other.

The forced reconciliation didn't last. They have since quietly unfollowed each other - again.

Suzan Mutesi

It's rare to see a headline about Suzan Mutesi without the prefix 'fake influencer'.

Ugandan-Australian actress, model and reality TV star Suzan Mutesi is the living embodiment of the mantra 'fake it 'til you make it'

The Ugandan-Australian actress, model and reality TV star, 39, is the living embodiment of the mantra 'fake it 'til you make it'.

If there is a micro-influencer event, brand activation, movie premiere or store opening within smelling distance of Sydney, Suzan will be there.

But it was a long road to the spotlight for Suzan, who endured some very unflattering headlines early on in her career.

She has been accused of buying followers and engagement for her 1.2 million-strong Instagram account - a follower count that has failed to grow or drop since it suddenly appeared out of nowhere before Covid lockdowns.

In 2022, nonbinary stylist Jamie Azzopardi - who will make an appearance on this list a little later - accused Suzan of being a 'sham socialite' with fake social followers.

They were enraged that the Fashion Week regular had somehow landed a spot on Channel Ten reality show The Challenge.

Speaking to us at the time, an emotional Suzan denied buying followers and said her numbers were so high because she is a 'go-getter'.

As for her shamelessly Photoshopped pics - including one of her superimposed next to a stock image of a private jet - she simply denied ever doctoring her photos.

'If it was [Photoshopped], I would have no problem owning it.' Okay then.

Deni Todorovic

Deni Todorovic has dropped out of the spotlight of late after a brutal fall from grace saw them take a 14-month hiatus from social media.

The short-lived Seafolly ambassador, 36, courted controversy in 2023 after a heated hour-long run-in with Melbourne Airport staff and police before they flew to Sydney for Fashion Week.

Deni, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, claimed they were subjected to 'homophobic and racist' behaviour after a dispute over their overweight luggage.

Deni Todorovic has dropped out of the spotlight of late after a brutal fall from grace saw them take a 14-month hiatus from social media

The fashionista, who was wearing a ballgown, admitted to 'yelling' after being told there would be a $100 fee for the bag being 10.5kg over the limit.

Shortly after, two airport policemen approached and Deni missed their flight.

The week didn't get any better for the fashionista, who was later fined $550 for defacing a former partner's white picket fence with black permanent marker.

This controversy saw them ditched from various public roles with underwear label Bonds, youth charity Minus 18, and gin brand Tanqueray.

Just a month earlier, Deni had also admitted to liking 'a line or two' of cocaine.

Deni's erratic behaviour at the time was partly due to mental health issues. Last we heard, they were in a much better place.

Nasser Sultan

Nasser Sultan is a self-confessed reality TV 'troublemaker' who is often called a 'MAFS pest' in unflattering headlines... which he absolutely loves.

The 58-year-old gained a modicum of notoriety in 2018 when he appeared on Nine's matchmaking series and has spent the last seven years clinging to fame.

But, as anyone who has met him in person will confirm, he can be charming when he wants to be - and he recently surprised everyone by wooing spotlight-shy SBS presenter Karla Grant.

But the love of a good woman hasn't tamed his wild side.

Last week, he made the news for defending mushroom killer Erin Patterson, calling her a 'poor woman' and saying her victims 'were old anyway'.

Nasser Sultan is a self-confessed reality TV 'troublemaker' who is often called a 'MAFS pest' in unflattering headlines... which he absolutely loves

Brennon Mrzyk

Brennon Mrzyk was once the talk of Sydney's cliquey eastern suburbs - for all the wrong reasons.

But after swindling one too many housewives and leaving a trail of unpaid bills, the rogue Double Bay florist was run out of town.

His movements since fleeing the Harbour City in 2022 had remained a mystery - until our very own Lucy Manly revealed he had quietly resumed his career in floristry.

Last week, the 28-year-old was spotted promoting his latest flower venture on social media alongside two business partners - neither of whom is accused of wrongdoing.

Swindling Double Bay florist Brennon Mrzyk was once the talk of Sydney's cliquey eastern suburbs - for all the wrong reasons

The Tasmanian previously ran Mr Flamboyant on Knox Street before he was charged with credit card fraud.

More than a dozen people alleged Brennon failed to pay their bills.

A prominent real estate agent also claimed she discovered payments made on her credit card to overseas companies that her bank traced back to Brennon.

At the time, he insisted the allegations were an orchestrated attempt by locals to bring him down after he split from his boyfriend, a popular local identity.

Magistrate Miranda Moody disagreed, convicting him in absentia of one charge of obtaining a financial advantage by deception.

The charge carried a maximum seven-year sentence, but due to his lack of criminal history, he was fined $2,000 and ordered to pay compensation to a courier service.

Brynne Edelsten

American-born Brynne Gordon became a Melbourne superstar when she married disgraced physician Geoffrey Edelsten, who was 40 years her senior.

Their relationship was even documented in the trashy reality show Brynne: My Bedazzled Life from 2012 to 2014.

However, the pair divorced in 2014 after Brynne alleged her husband - who has since died - had been unfaithful to her.

After her divorce from Geoffrey Edelsten, American-born Brynne Gordon went from living a life of luxury to ending up homeless with zero prospects

In 2022, the 42-year-old socialite lifted the lid on how she hit 'rock bottom' following her divorce from the late multimillionaire businessman.

She went from living a life of luxury to ending up homeless with zero prospects, and was also charged with drug trafficking in 2021 while visiting a friend's home while it was being raided by police.

The charges were later dropped.

Brynne later tried to sue her late ex-husband's estate after his death for proper maintenance and support after she was left out of his will.

She was unsuccessful and received nothing.

Steph Adams

Steph Adams - once the best friend of Bianca Rinehart - is a shameless self-promoter

Steph Adams looks like another graduate of the Suzan Mutesi school of publicity.

The shameless self-promoter - once the best friend of Bianca Rinehart - has been described by certain publications as a 'renowned fashion icon and best-selling author' who has 'built a legacy defined by artistry, innovation and influence'.

However, the legitimacy of these apparently prestigious outlets - including Vanity Fair Denmark, Elle Colombia and Hollywood Times - was recently called into question.

These titles are associated with so-called 'pay-to-publish' schemes - when a person pays to be interviewed for a publication which mimics the look of legitimate media.

Steph, a graphic designer, also appears to have once used her Photoshop skills to digitally insert herself onto the cover of Harper's BAZAAR Vietnam, which is a real magazine.

An acquaintance told Daily Mail Australia her magazine covers are the talk of the town and her Instagram posts announcing her latest publication are met with eye-rolls.

'She's a graphic designer. She puts herself on covers and creates them herself as if it were real,' said one source.

'She doesn't tag the publication, and if she tries, the publication removes her.'

Steph - a former best friend of Bianca Rinehart - has been featured in Vanity Fair Denmark and Elle Colombia. The only problem is, these magazines aren't as legitimate as they appear

Chris Griffin

Influencer Chris Griffin was briefly the talk of the town in May after making stupid comments about women on his podcast.

Chris Griffin became the face of Australia's lame bro-podcast boom in May this year

He said on his show - with co-host Wade Papenfus - that his dream relationship is having a stay-at-home girlfriend or wife who can help him reach his maximum potential.

Chris went on to muse that a real man doesn't need a woman 'complaining about your day when we don't need you to make money'. Instead, he believes women should go on 'hot girl walks' and 'collect postcards' instead of having jobs.

He was swiftly slammed online, with droves of successful women telling Chris where he could shove it.

The likes of Jesinta Franklin, Steph Claire Smith, Laura Henshaw, Laura Byrne, Lauren Dunn, Brooke Blurton, Felicity Ward and Ash London took to social media to roast Chris and his outdated ideas about gender roles.

However, rather than learning his lesson, he doubled down on his comments.

He even went so far as to call for his most vocal critic, Henshaw, to appear as a guest on his podcast so they could discuss the topic further. She didn't.

Jamie Azzopardi

Stylist and self-proclaimed 'nomadic gypsy' Jamie Azzopardi has made a name for themselves following a series of bizarre, public outbursts and online feuds.

Their first brush with notoriety came in March 2024 when they claimed they were the 'Head of Fashion Week' during a heated clash with a model at a Melbourne nightclub.

Jamie Azzopardi, the so-called 'Svengali of Fashion Week', has made a name for themselves following several bizarre, public outbursts and online feuds

Embarrassing vision showed Jamie claiming they were the 'Head of Fashion Week' despite not being on the board of the organisation

Footage of the brouhaha, taken at Bar Bambi during Melbourne Fashion Festival, showed Jamie yelling over the loud music: 'I'm Jamie. I'm the Head of Fashion Week!'

Despite their lofty claim, Jamie was not on the board of MFF. In fact, their embarrassment only deepened when they were confined to the media pit during the event that year.

They have since attempted to mend their reputation by waltzing around Australian Fashion Week in Sydney this year like they owned the place.

But we put a dampener on that experience by revealing that highfalutin Jamie wasn't exactly living the high life behind the scenes.

We papped the so-called 'Svengali of Fashion Week' living in long-term budget accommodation at a boarding house where rooms cost $340 a week - if you don't mind sharing a kitchen and a bathroom.
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz dropped $16million on a Beverly Hills mansion complete with custom Italian interiors - only to immediately rip out some of the luxury features, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The jaw-dropping six-bedroom, seven-bathroom luxury pad, which sits in the celeb-packed Beverly Hills, was equipped with an ultra-luxe kitchen and bathrooms designed by renowned architect Vincent Van Duysen.

But the 'nepo-baby' couple, who were recently revealed to have purchased their first home together in December, were apparently unimpressed with some of the custom finishes and have since gutted parts of it at a cost of at least $1million.

Belgian-born Van Duysen - the creative director of elite Italian furniture brand Molteni&C - oversaw the remodeling of the property, personally designing the kitchen and bathrooms, incorporating high-end materials such as matte black lacquer cabinetry, lava stone countertops, and bronze finishes.

The renovations are estimated to have cost between $2.5million and $4million and Van Duysen's involvement alone would've added another $500,000 to $1million to the price tag, according to real estate experts.

Van Duysen has been lauded for his work in Elle Decor and has been known to be a close collaborator of Julianne Moore and Kim Kardashian, designing her $60million Calabasas mansion which has been featured in Vogue and AD.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz snapped up their first property as a married couple, a stunning $16million mansion in an exclusive area of Beverly Hills

The jaw-dropping six-bedroom, seven-bathroom property, which was bought in cash in December - sits in the celeb-packed Beverly Hills (general view)

He is also the creative brains behind the Zara Home collection.

He furnished the living room and kids' bedrooms at the home Kim once shared with ex-husband Kanye West, and also designed an apartment in the same area in a 'brutalist' fashion.

But it seems all the high-end bells and whistles were not to the liking of Brooklyn and Nicola, who have undone most of the designer craftmanship.

Permits publicly filed with the City of Beverly Hills and obtained by the Daily Mail reveal the couple ditched all the kitchen counters and four out of six bathroom vanities.

They even replaced the chic outdoor metal fire pit with a stone one.

Experts have estimated that it would cost $440,000 to install the countertops and fire pit, $75,000 to remove them, and a further $510,00 to replace them, so a total of $1.025million.

According to property listings, the home featured ultra-luxe custom interiors in the kitchen and bathrooms designed by renowned architect Vincent Van Duysen; pictured with Alexander Wang

The Belgian-born designer was also the creative mastermind behind Kim Kardashian's $60million Calabasas mansion

Van Duysen is also the creative brains behind the Zara Home collection; pictured

New York architect Jeff Akerman, Strategic Construction Advisor at Real Estate Bees estimates the kitchen countertops, including installation, would cost up to $250,000 alone.

Meanwhile, the stone-carved bathroom countertops are valued at $40,000 each, and the custom fire pit at $30,000.

'We're talking about top-tier, custom European finishes, arguably bespoke, imported stone or solid surface slabs, which are likely hand-selected and fabricated with the utmost precision,' he told the Daily Mail.

According to Akerman, the elite designs and fixtures could add up to 30 per cent to a home's value.

'Even though it's hard to quantify what the original cost may have been without blueprints or an ID spec book, the case is they manage every finish - doors, fixtures, closets, lighting, built-ins, cladding, cabinetry, even rugs, accessories and the art that goes on the walls and other decorations.

Brooklyn, 26, who recently celebrated his five-year wedding anniversary with this wife, has been estranged from his parents for most of the year

'A Molteni full package must have been around $2.5million to $4million, depending on the scope,' he added.

Another expert, construction contractor Jessica Lauren of Fire Damaged House Aid, offered one possible reason as to why the famous pair would want to remove the kitchen tops made of lava stone - as it's believed it gives people bad luck.

'The decision to remove the lava rock countertops might be influenced by the thought that the stone is associated with a religious and metaphysical belief that lava should stay in its native condition and state,' she said.

'I've had clients ask that lava stone be removed from fireplaces as part of a sales contract. Some buyers feel it's very bad luck to have lava anywhere in the home.'
Ever since Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's explosive and years-long divorce battle first erupted, the couple's six children have appeared to side with their mother.

Many have dropped their dad's last name, and their son Pax memorably went as far as calling Pitt a 'world-class a**hole' on Father's Day in 2020.

But now, according to a source close to the actor, 61-year-old Pitt still hopes he can 'make amends' with their youngest - twins Knox and Vivienne, 16.

The insider said Pitt is 'desperate' to reunite with the twins ahead of their 17th birthday this weekend.

He has allegedly reached out to them and is 'praying' they'll 'give him another chance'.

'Brad's desperate to give it one final shot to get together with them and make amends, even though he knows the chance they'll agree to spend time with him is remote to say the least,' the source told the Daily Mail.

'So far there's been no word back from the twins or their reps.'

According to a source close to the actor, 61-year-old Pitt still has hope he can 'make amends' with his youngest children - twins Knox and Vivienne, 16

Ever since Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's explosive divorce battle erupted, the couple's six children have appeared to side with their mother

'Brad's desperate to give it one final shot to get together with them and make amends, even though he knows the chance they'll agree to spend time with him is remote to say the least,' the source told the Daily Mail (the twins are pictured last month)

'When Vivienne dropped Pitt from her name, he got the message loud and clear,' the source added, saying the move left him 'totally devastated'.

But a 'glimmer of hope' emerged, because Vivienne's brother Knox 'has kept Jolie-Pitt as his surname'.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Pitt's representative for comment.

A second insider explained that while Pitt has 'accepted' he and Jolie, 50, will always be 'at odds', he is still holding out hope for future relationships with his children.

'Brad is a family man,' the second source said, adding that the love he had for Jolie and all their kids is something that's still 'very important to his life'.

'Now that he and Angie are at odds, and have been for years, he has accepted that is the way it is going to be with her. But when it comes to their children, he will always want to be an anchor in their lives,' the insider said.

'There is a bond that parents have with their kids, and Brad would be very happy to have them all back in the fold of his life.'

The source added that Pitt has no plans to 'give up' on any of his children and will 'always' keep his door open to them.

'He will always believe and always hope there is a chance to be back with all of them, and he doesn't want to think otherwise,' they added.

'He doesn't want to give up, he's not that kind of guy, he's not that kind of father. He is a proud father, and he would be happy to have them see that eventually.

'Now they have to make the move because he has tried over and over again to get back in their good graces.'

Pitt and Jolie shocked the world when they announced they were splitting in 2016 - having dated since 2004.

In the years that followed, the couple became locked in a nasty legal battle over the custody of their children - Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, Knox, 16, and Vivienne, 16 - and their shared winery in France.

While the divorce battle was only finalized in December 2024, the legal fallout is still ongoing, with Pitt requesting to see Jolie's private messages in a legal filing as recently as June 30.

In the filing, the actor said he's struggled to acquire his ex-wife's communications, which he thinks could provide critical evidence in their continued clash over their French winery Chateau Miraval.
His restless romantic adventures earned him a bad boy reputation on Made In Chelsea, but Miles Nazaires American dream has, I hear, turned into a nightmare.

Nazaire, 29, who has also appeared on Dancing On Ice, had been lined up to compete in hit show Love Island USA.

So advanced were the plans that he was flown 10,000 miles to Fiji, where the show is filmed.

Sadly, however, he has now returned to west London with his tail between his legs, having failed to be the latest bombshell to enter the villa.

Made in Chelsea star Miles Nazaire, pictured at Wimbledon last week, has been dropped from the upcoming series of Love Island USA

A source tells me: Producers flew him out to Fiji and he was there for weeks before coming home citing personal issues.

Britains Love Island has an American contestant this series and the plan was for the American season to have a British star, too, but it hasnt happened.

Its the latest setback for half-French Nazaire, whose performing arts business, LGI Productions Ltd, owes His Majestys Revenue and Customs 47,000 in unpaid VAT  and a further 38,000 in overdue corporation tax.

Earlier this month, I revealed that the company, set up in 2022, also owes accountancy firm Sobell Rhodes 11,000, bringing its total debts to just under 100,000.

Nazaire, whose restless romantic adventures earned him a bad boy reputation on Made In Chelsea, was a contestant on Dancing on Ice last year

Intriguingly, he has just established a new company, Maison Naz Ltd, in the performing arts category  just like the old one.

Nazaire is known for his romantic escapades on the London reality television show, which include re-establishing contact with ex-girlfriend Maeva DAscanio after shed married his former best friend, fellow Made In Chelsea alumnus James Taylor.

This week, he was criticised after disclosing that he rehomed his dog, Rocky, because he was too busy to look after him.

Lookalike Gracie puts mum Anna Friel in shade

Marcella star Anna Friel celebrated her daughter Gracies 20th birthday this week and is convinced that she will soon outshine her.

Gracie, whose father is David Thewlis, aka werewolf Professor Lupin in five of the Harry Potter films, is pictured towering over her 5ft 4in mother in this photograph shared online.

Gracie is a musician and former Brookside actress Anna, 48, says: We are the luckiest parents, you make us proud everyday [with] your beautiful kind soul, your intelligence, your creativity, your understanding, your amazing, mind-blowing talent, your passion for everything in life.

Gracie has said: I write a lot of songs with the guitar, and Im getting better the older I get.

Marcella star Anna Friel celebrated her daughter Gracies 20th birthday this week and is convinced that she will soon outshine her. Gracie, whose father is David Thewlis, aka werewolf Professor Lupin in five of the Harry Potter films, is a musician

Sarah Clarke, who retired this week as the first female Black Rod, was an unstoppable sort. The Earl of Kinnoull recalls at Clarkes first Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle she arrived early with her uniform in a bag. She and three others entered a lift which broke down. While help was summoned, Clarke told her fellow passengers to examine the lift walls while she changed. Firemen were surprised, when they solved the problem, to find an immaculate Black Rod with her dress as an ankle warmer.

Strictlys Tess Daly in a royal costume drama

She's not short of glitzy outfits for Strictly Come Dancing, but Tess Daly faces a fashion conundrum over what to wear when she collects her MBE later this year.

The Stockport-born TV presenter, 56, who sported this golden metallic gown at the Baftas, was named in the Kings Birthday Honours list alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman, 53, and says: The actual investiture is imminent, but I dont know what Im wearing. I suppose I can do a hat, but do I wear a suit or trousers? Will a high heel or a wedge be better, as Im thinking, is it a grassy surface at Windsor Castle?

Tess Daly faces a fashion conundrum over what to wear when she collects her MBE later this year. The Stockport-born TV presenter, 56, sported this golden metallic gown at the Baftas

Author Lady Anne Glenconner, who turns 93 next week, was delighted to meet Chelsea pensioner Peter Fullelove at a Waterstones event to celebrate the paperback release of her memoir Picnic Papers. He attended Queen Elizabeths 1953 Coronation, where Lady Anne was one of six maids of honour. Id heard there were six attractive young ladies going to be there, so I was very keen to go, he says, with a twinkle in his eye.

Bond hopeful Aaron attracts birds

A leading candidate to be the next James Bond, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is credited with bringing back birds to his farmhouse in the West Country.

The actor, 35, and his wife, the artist and Fifty Shades Of Grey film director Sam, 58, excavated a large lake in the grounds of their Somerset home, which they bought from Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud.

When they submitted plans, they faced complaints from neighbours. However, retrospective permission was granted and a subsequent inspection gave the green light for the pond to continue operating with no issues raised. Neighbours have reported increased bird activity.

Fuming Fiennes drop the mic plea to young theatre director

Currently in charge of a season of plays at the Theatre Royal Bath, Ralph Fiennes is angered by the modern-day sight of actors using microphones on stage.

This is something I feel there must be a movement against, the reliance on microphones, fumes Ralph, currently starring in Sir David Hares new play, Grace Pervades.

I dont need a microphone in this theatre...to all those directors who want their actors to wear mic packs, thank you very much.
Senior CPC official highlights global civilizations dialogue, cooperation at Beijing conference

Xinhua) 09:30, July 11, 2025

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2025. The Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting opened here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Cai Qi on Thursday called for greater efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation among global civilizations, as he attended the opening of the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the meeting, which was read out at the opening ceremony by Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee.

In his keynote speech, Cai, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, said the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi more than two years ago has received enthusiastic responses and positive echoes from the international community.

The initiative, which upholds the core principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences, is deeply rooted in China's fine traditional culture and resonates with cultural values shared by many other nations, Cai said.

Noting that the path to global peace and development remains long and challenging, Cai called for joint efforts to explore diverse development models, strengthen cultural inheritance and innovation, advance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and build a diverse and multi-dimensional global network for dialogue and cooperation among civilizations.

Themed "Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development," the meeting is co-hosted by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent his message of congratulations to the event, which has attracted over 600 guests from about 140 countries and regions.

Former heads of state and government from Indonesia, Namibia, Japan and Belgium delivered speeches at the opening ceremony.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, reads out a congratulatory letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2025. The Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting opened here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Vanessa Kirby and Julia Garner looked as glamorous as ever for the UK premiere of Fantastic Four: First Steps in London on Thursday.

The red carpet event comes ahead of the film's release in UK cinemas later this month, with the much-anticipated movie also starring Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn.

Napoleon actress Vanessa, 38, kept her baby bump covered for the evening in a loose and frilly light blue number while letting her blonde locks flow past her shoulders.

Slipping into a pair of high heels, the actress looked utterly dazzling in the dress as she posed for photos on her arrival.

While Julia, 31 - who shot to fame as Ruth Langmore in Ozark - matched her co-star in a similarly stunning blue dress.

Vanessa Kirby and Julia Garner looked as glamorous as ever for the UK premiere of Fantastic Four: First Steps in London on Thursday

The leading ladies posed for photos alongside their co-stars, including director Matt Shakman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ralph Ineson (L-R)

With her short blonde hair slicked to the side, the American star displayed a hint of her abs in the sweeping gown while sporting a matching blue bralette.

The leading ladies posed for photos alongside their co-stars, including Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Backhrach, Joseph Quinn and Ralph Ineson.

And during a press event with MailOnline and other publications, the cast revealed the fun title of their group chat.

'It's called ABBA,' Pedro, 50, revealed.

Before Vanessa chimed in: 'We were brainstorming famous foursomes'.

Pedro then amusingly quipped: 'I created it so they didn't really have a choice'.

Pascal - who plays the protagonist Mr. Fantastic in the blockbuster - seemed in great spirits on the night as he was seen bursting into laughter while posing for photos.

The actor looked typically dapper in a baggy black suit while covering his eyes with a pair of orange-tinged sunglasses.

Ebon, Pedro, Vanessa and Joseph were seen posing for snaps together at the launch event

Slipping into a pair of high heels, Vanessa looked utterly dazzling in the dress as she posed for photos on her arrival

She posed for a photo with the movie's main character Pedro Pascal

With her short blonde hair slicked to the side, Julia displayed a hint of her abs in the sweeping gown while sporting a matching blue bralette

Keeping in tune with other cast members' blue theme was Joseph Quinn, 31, who arrived at London's South Bank in an eye-catching ensemble which he teamed with some black shoes.

While Ebon Moss-Bachrach, 48, kept his outfit simple for the occasion, with the American actor undoing his top button underneath a simple black suit.

After settling down inside the venue, the star-studded cast were treated to a performance from Myleene Klass, 47, who took to the stage alongside composer Michael Giacchino in the beaming London sunshine.

Produced by Marvel Studios, Fantastic Four: First Steps is intended to be the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the second reboot of the Fantastic Four film series.

Directed by Matt Shakman, the movie sees the Fantastic Four protect their 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world from the planet-devouring cosmic being Galactus.

At the movie's German premiere on Wednesday, Vanessa Kirby looked every inch the stylish mother-to-be as she displayed her baby bump in a sleek black dress.

She teamed her fashionable, high-necked gown with towering black heels and dazzling silver drop earrings.

Pedro looked typically dapper in a baggy black suit while covering his eyes with a pair of orange-tinged sunglasses

While Ebon Moss-Bachrach, 48, kept his outfit simple for the occasion, with the American actor undoing his top button underneath a simple black suit

Keeping in tune with other cast members' blue theme was Joseph Quinn, 31, who arrived at London's South Bank in an eye-catching all blue ensemble which he teamed with some black shoes

After settling down inside the venue, the star-studded cast were treated to a performance from Myleene Klass, 47, who took to the stage alongside composer Michael Giacchino in the beaming London sunshine

Leigh Francis turned heads in a Fantastic Four shirt

Singer Calum Scott looked smart as he hit the blue carpet

Singer Cat Burns looked effortlessly stylish in a denim jacket and shorts

Vanessa first revealed she was pregnant with her child last month as she showed off her bump at The Fantastic Four photocall in Mexico.

Last December it was reported she was engaged to her boyfriend Paul Rabil after two years together.

The beauty, who starred as Princess Margaret in Netflix's The Crown, was allegedly set to head down the aisle with lacrosse player love, 39, after he popped the question, according to Page Six.

MailOnline contacted representatives of Paul and Vanessa for comment.

Vanessa and Paul first sparked dating rumours walking hand-in-hand through New York City in October 2022.

However, they didn't make their romance Instagram official until November 2023.

At the time, American Paul - who is the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League - shared a series of photographs of the couple including one of them embracing on a beach.

'From the very minute we first met in Des Moines, around the world and back, life is far better, more purposeful and more beautiful with you,' he wrote about the film star.

The couple have been spotted on several occasions together since 2022, but had kept quiet about their blossoming romance.

Paul previously dated Mexican actress Eiza Gonzalez and was married to fellow sportswoman Kelly Berger, from 2014 until 2017.

Love Island's Marcel Somerville posed up a storm ahead of the special screening

West Ham's Michail Antonio was joined by stunning wife Sunita Bains

Radio hosts Kemi Rodgers (L) and Nadia Jae (R) both opted for stylish dresses

TV's Rickie Haywood-Williams looked cool in dark shades

Tinea Taylor (L) and Tatum McGreal (R) wore stylish denim

(L-R) Konan, Jim Chapman, Sam Phillips

Meanwhile Julia stopped to take selfies with fans as she strolled along the blue carpet

Joseph hugged Pedro as the duo waited to take pictures with Vanessa and Ralph Ineson

At the movie's German premiere on Wednesday, Vanessa Kirby looked every inch the stylish mother-to-be as she displayed her baby bump in a sleek black dress

Last December it was reported she was engaged to her boyfriend Paul Rabil after two years together [pictured together]

In April 2022, Vanessa was linked to Christopher Abbott after the pair were spotted enjoying a drink at a trendy bar in London's Soho.

The pair, who met when they played a married couple in 19th Century romantic drama The World To Come in 2020, were deep in conversation at Ducksoup.

An onlooker said the stars 'looked super comfortable in each other's company' as they drank wine and chatted for a couple of hours at an outside table.

Vanessa previously dated Callum Turner after they starred in 2014's Queen And Country.
Ruby Tuesday Matthews' fiance Shannan Dodd pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving and driving with an expired licence in Mullumbimby Local Court this week.

Dodd, who shares daughter Holiday, two, with the influencer, is set to face sentencing on August 6 after undergoing the Traffic Offender Program.

Solicitor John D. Weller, who specialises in driving offences and drug-related crimes, represented Dodd in court, reported The Daily Telegraph.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Matthews and Dodd for comment.

Matthews, 31, and Dodd live in Bangalow with their daughter and Matthews' sons Rocket, nine, and Mars, eight, who she shares with ex-fiance Ryan Heywood.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

Ruby Tuesday Matthews ' fiance Shannan Dodd pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving and driving with an expired licence in Mullumbimby Local Court this week

The pair first revealed their relationship publicly in May 2021 and announced their engagement just months later in June.

They welcomed their daughter Holiday together in September 2022.

Matthews recently revealed she is taking cannabidiol (CBD) gummies to 'get through life' and the chaos of raising three children.

Last month, she shared videos to Instagram which showed her popping open some CBD gummies as her kids hung off her at the end of a long day.

In the clips, Matthews looked exhausted as she sat on her couch while her young ones could be heard chatting away in the background.

'What is life today?' she captioned the footage, as she groaned and raked a hand over her face.

The next video saw Matthews opening a bottle of CBD gummies from Hemp Farmacy as one of her sons tried to get her to 'make a face'.

Meanwhile, her second son leaned over and said in her ear, 'I'm not talking,' with a baffled Ruby replying: 'You just did.'

Dodd, who shares daughter Holiday, two, with the influencer is set to face sentencing on August 6 after undergoing the Traffic Offender Program

'Lord help me,' she added, as she pulled out a gummy.

'You all need this to get through life.'

Matthews started to laugh in the next clip as she handed the gummies over to her partner Dodd, while one of her children begged her to play a game with him.

'I swear to God if we didn't have these,' she wrote as Dodd tipped two gummies into his mouth.

Hemp Farmacy claims on its website the CBD product will bring users 'a sense of calm, relaxation, and balance' and help them 'unwind after a stressful day, improve sleep, or manage daily tension'.

The company also assures customers they cannot get high from the gummies as they contain 'non-psychoactive CBD' which offers the 'benefits of hemp without the buzz'.

CBD is a chemical found in marijuana; however, it does not contain the psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), according to the Mayo Clinic.

It is often sold as an oil, but can also be bought as an extract, vapourised liquid or oil-based capsule.

Matthews and Dodd share daughter Holiday, two, and the influencer shares sons Rocket, nine, and Mars, eight, with ex-fiance Ryan Heywood

Research on the drug's benefits is still limited, though it is currently being studied as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and anxiety.

Bioxyne was reportedly the first company to successfully manufacture and deliver pharmaceutical gummies in Australia last year under its Goods Manufacturing Practice certification, reported The Australian.

Prior to the achievement, made through its business Breathe Life Sciences, CBD gummy products used by patients in Australia had to be manufactured overseas and imported.

Medicinal use of CBD has been legal in Australia since 2016, though its production, distribution and consumption is still highly regulated.
Tasha Ghouri and her ex-boyfriend Andrew Le Page have put on a united front and released a joint statement hours after he launched into an explosive rant about her being on a dating app during their relationship.

In a statement shared with MailOnline, the former couple who met on Love Island in 2022, came together to address 'hurtful comments' in a move that took place after Andrew accused Tasha of not being able to 'keep his name out of her mouth'.

Andrew claimed on Thursday night that Tasha was using the celebrity dating app Raya while still in a relationship with him and insisted he wanted to speak out after she had appeared on 'one too many podcasts' to speak about him.

But now in a shock move, the exes have put Andrew's rant aside and come together to address the 'noise' around their relationship as Tasha admitted to 'making mistakes' during their romance.

Both parties expressed their wish to 'move on' from the relationship after suffering 'judgement and cruelty' from online trolls.

Sharing her side of events, Tasha said: 'I just want to address recent hurtful comments about me and & Andrew. Weve always been open about who we are and what we went through, the hate and harsh words have been unfair and overwhelming for both of us.

Tasha Ghouri and her ex-boyfriend Andrew Le Page have put on a united front and released a joint statement hours after he launched into an explosive rant about her being on a dating app during their relationship

Andrew claimed on Thursday night that Tasha was using the celebrity dating app Raya while still in a relationship with him and insisted he wanted to speak out after she had appeared on 'one too many podcasts'

'No one deserves to be torn down, especially when theyre already trying to heal. Weve both made mistakes, weve both learned, and weve both grown. But the judgement and cruelty we are facing from people online has been hard.

'Please remember that behind every nasty post, every comment, every story, there are real people with real emotions. Always be kind.

While Andrew added: 'Tasha and I want to address the noise around our breakup, as theres been hate going around that neither of us ever wanted.

'Things were said on both sides, but at the end of the day, no relationship is perfect, but ours still had some incredible moments Ill always be grateful for.

'I truly just want us both to move on and be happy. Wishing Tasha nothing but the best, and Ill always be proud of her.'

The statements come shortly after he hit back at the star after she claimed in a new interview he 'wasn't supporting her,' before their shock split.

The couple, who met on Love Island in 2022, split in January, with Tasha admitting she now regrets her treatment of him after they 'grew apart' during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

Tasha, who has been deaf since birth and had a cochlear implant fitted at the age of five, appeared on the 2024 series of Strictly with pro partner Aljaz Skorjanec.

In an interview for Rylan Clark 's How To Be In Love, Tasha claimed their relationship was already starting to fray prior to her Strictly debut, with Le Page offering 'no support' as she progressed to the show's latter stages (pictured)

The couple, who met on Love Island in 2022, split in January (pictured on the show)

In an interview for Rylan Clark's How To Be In Love, Tasha claimed their relationship was already starting to fray prior to her Strictly debut, with Andrew offering 'no support' as she progressed to the show's latter stages.

But Andrew furiously hit back in a now-deleted post on Snapchat, where he accused Tasha of 'talking s**t about him,' before stating that Tasha had begun using the celebrity dating app Raya before their relationship was over.

He wrote: 'Wasn't gunna speak about it all. However, the girl can't keep my name out her mouth even though she's got a new boyfriend.

'The truth is... she went on Raya whilst we were still together... oops.

'No one is perfect in a relationship but you keep talking s**t about me I'll start talking

'She did one too many podcasts unfortunately. This is your closure chat.'

Tasha herself previously admitted she regretted signing up to Raya before her split from Andrew was made public.

Speaking Spooning with Mark Wogan, the host referred to reports that she had frantically deleted her Raya profile after it was revealed.

Tasha herself previously admitted she regretted signing up to Raya before her split from Andrew was made public

Tasha has since admitted she regrets her treatment of him after they 'grew apart' during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing (pictured with partner Aljaz Skorjanec)

She said: 'I've already owned up to it, so yeah,' with host Mark adding: 'And admitted you thought it was a mistake in retrospect?'

'Yeah. I'm happy being single at the moment,' Tasha replied.

During her interview with Rylan, Tasha admitted she regrets how she treated Andrew after cutting contact with him in the wake of their split.

She claimed the relationship was on the rocks prior to her Strictly debut, with Andrew offering 'no support' as she progressed to the show's latter stages.

She recalled: 'It got to a point where I was also trying to help him out, but he wasn't willing to help himself. And that's so hard because when you love someone, you want them to you want the best for them.

'But there's a point where you're trying to also do the best for yourself and you're trying to grow. And then Strictly happened and then I think that made us grow apart.'

She added: 'On social media it did come across like he was there supporting me, but emotionally at home, he wasn't.

'I remember this one time, I was in a dance -off in the semi-finals. And I called him, like, you know, 'I feel really nervous'. And he was just out there, gaming, didn't stop gaming, didn't put his console down, or take his headphones off and say, 'Okay, talk to me.'

'And that's kind of where I started to really think, I deserve better than that. You know, I think that's where I started to really think, why am I settling for something that I'm having to really beg for?'

The couple eventually separated while Tasha was participating in the annual Strictly Come Dancing tour, but while the split came as a relief, she admits regretting her treatment of Andrew - with whom she is no longer on speaking terms.

'I thought, I'm just not happy anymore and it's really sad because I had to break his heart and that's the one thing. And then when I came out doing tour, like I remember for the week, I turned my phone off and he'd speak to anyone.

Tasha is now in the early stages of a new romance, which MailOnline revealed was with CBBC presenter Cam Whitnall (pictured)

'I was just so anxious, like just being out and about socially. And I shut myself off from him. He didn't deserve that. Like I should have been there for him as well. Because when all this came out, he was like, what is going on? And I was also trying to come to terms in myself of what was happening as well.

'And that's my biggest regret is how I treated him in that breakup. And I should have been so much nicer than I was.'

Crediting her former boyfriend for 'teaching her so much about love,' she added: 'We're not on speaking terms and that's the saddest part. That's the most saddest part about all of this.'

The TV personality is now in the early stages of a new romance, which MailOnline revealed was with CBBC presenter Cam Whitnall.

She said: 'We clicked straight away, like he's very ambitious, he's driven we've just been enjoying our company and just seeing what happens really.'

MailOnline understands the new couple have bonded over their love for animals after Tasha rescued her dog, Luna, who she previously shared with Andrew, from Spanish charity Alora Dog Rescue and Homeward Bound.

A source told MailOnline: 'Tasha and Cam are in the early stages of dating.

'They have been seeing each other for around a month now and share so much in common, from a personal and professional standpoint.

'Cam is a great guy and has a lot going for him, Tasha has definitely been thrilled getting to know him and the feeling is mutual.'

In recent months, Andrew, who works in property, has relocated to Dubai where he lived prior to finding fame on the ITV2 dating series.
Married At First Sight star Al Perkins sparked concern on Wednesday when he shared a video of himself getting up close and personal with lions while in Zambia.

The shocking video, filmed on a wildlife reserve, left fans reeling as they quickly pointed out the recent reports of a QLD woman who lost her arm to a lion on Sunday.

Jo Cabban, 46, a teacher from NSW, was flown to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital after being mauled at Darling Downs Zoo in Pilton, near Toowoomba.

But it seemed Perkins, 28, didn't have a care in the world, and he was seen walking down an African wildlife trail with two lions on either side of him.

'We are in Zambia with wild lions. This is crazy,' he said with a huge smile, as he reached down to pet one of the creatures as their tails flicked back and forth.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

Married At First Sight star Al Perkins sparked concern on Wednesday when he shared a video of himself getting up close and personal with lions while in Zambia

Perkins' fans flocked to the comments in fear, with one writing: 'Haven't you heard about the woman in Queensland who lost her arm to a lioness 2 days ago?'

'What the f*** are you doing!!!!' wrote another.

A third added, 'Meanwhile in QLD a lady had her arm eaten off,' as someone else noted: 'Playing with fire, man.'

But while some were concerned for the Love Island star's safety, others praised Perkins for embarking on such a daring adventure.

'Awesome! Looks like a dream trip,' said one.

'So sick tho AL,' another commented.

'BROOOOO THIS IS SICK!!!!' someone else enthused.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Perkins for comment.

The shocking video, filmed on a wildlife reserve, left fans reeling as they quickly pointed out the recent reports of a QLD woman who lost her arm to a lion on Sunday

But while some were concerned for the Love Island star's safety, others praised Perkins for embarking on such a daring adventure

It comes after the Darling Downs Zoo co-owner Steve Robinson confirmed it was his sister-in-law who lost an arm in the lion attack.

Cabban is currently in stable condition in the hospital.

Robinson told media the victim is 'a lovely lady whose life has been altered'.

He said the attack shocked staff and the local community, where the family-owned business has operated since 2005.

'It's still very raw,' Robinson, who owns the zoo with his wife and Cabban's sister Stephanie Robinson, said.

Cabban visited the zoo several times in the school holidays over the past 20 years, acting as a photographer.

Robinson said although zoo staff were nearby, no one witnessed the attack near a holding pen and 'it was all over in a split second'.

'She certainly was not in the enclosure. Nobody goes into the enclosures with adult lions,' he said.

Jo Cabban, 46, a teacher from NSW , was flown to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital after being mauled at Darling Downs Zoo in Pilton, near Toowoomba

A lion keeper at the scene when the incident happened used a belt as a tourniquet, with Robinson saying the worker had saved his sister-in-law's life.

Robinson refused to describe his sister-in-law's injuries, saying they were: 'Too macabre.'

The attack did not happen in a part of the zoo open to the public, and there were no 'stand-off fences' as it was an area where the animal keepers worked.

The Courier Mail reported Cabban was in a cleaning pen with her sister and a keeper when the attack happened about 8.30am on Sunday, just 30 minutes before the zoo was due to open.

Robinson also said he was not sure why the attack happened.

'The best we can come up with, at this stage, is the lion was just playing,' Robinson said.

'How she was playing with a human in that circumstance is yet to be determined. This is not a lion fault. Lions are lions. This is what they are.'

The zoo previously said the victim was watching animal keepers work in the carnivore precinct when the attack occurred, and she was aware of safety protocols.

Queensland workplace health and safety authorities are investigating the incident.

Darling Downs Zoo confirmed in a message on Facebook the lion 'will definitely not be put down or punished in any way'.

The animal park reopened to the public on Tuesday.

Nationals leader David Littleproud encouraged locals to continue to attend the much-loved zoo.

'I express my sincere condolences to the woman involved in the events that unfolded at Darling Downs Zoo,' Littleproud said.

'This is a horrific incident. It is a tragedy and a shock to not just staff at the zoo, but the entire community.'

He added: 'I encourage locals to continue to visit and enjoy the zoo, which will need support from the community during this difficult time.'

The zoo, the major venue of its kind in regional Queensland, houses tawny lions and white lions, both species native to South Africa.
Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori turned heads as they were pictured making their way through Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday to catch a commercial flight.

The rapper, 48  who's been hit with another sexual assault claim  and the Australian architect, 30, bypassed any VIP perks, and were seen standing in line for security with the rest of the crowd.

While opting for a more reserved look than her usual style, Bianca still put her long legs and sculpted glutes on full display in a pair of microscopic black shorts.

She paired the outfit with a long-sleeve black top, open-toe white boots and a tan hat while strutting through one of the busiest airports in the world.

The couple made their way through the line and a TSA worker was seen checking the controversial rapper's passport to identify him.

The duo did not appear to have any carry-on luggage with them, and it's unclear where they're headed. It comes after West's Australian visa was recently cancelled, after he released a vile antisemitic song praising Adolf Hitler.

Kanye West, 48, and wife Bianca Censori, 30, turned heads as they were pictured making their way through Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday to catch a commercial flight

While opting for a more reserved look than her usual style, Bianca still put her long legs and sculpted glutes on full display in a pair of microscopic black shorts

While at the airport, Kanye matched his wife in black, wearing black leather pants, a t-shirt and a hoodie.

Inside, he was also spotted going through the walk-through metal detector.

It comes after Kanye's ex-personal assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, has accused her former boss of forcing 'his penis into her mouth' during a business trip in San Francisco in a newly filed second amended complaint.

In a new legal document, obtained by DailyMail.com, the 36-year-old claimed the rapper 'sexually harassed and assaulted' her on multiple occasions.

The oral rape allegedly occurred not long after she began working for Ye in July 2021.

She alleged that he attempted to kiss her on the lips, more than once, despite her repeatedly rejecting his advances, which she insists she told him were 'not professional.'

After participating in a writing session for his album, Donda, the complaint alleges that he invited her to his hotel suite to discuss the record.

When she arrived, Pisciotta alleges in the complaint 'Ye abruptly laid down in his bed and insisted that Ms. Pisciotta lay beside him.'

She proceeded to 'reluctantly' sit next to him in bed as her then-boss praised her work and shared how he could 'propel' her success in the music industry, according to the complaint.

The conversation quickly turned south, she claims, as he began speaking in graphic detail about an unnamed model's genitals and described his sexual encounters with other women.

The rapper  who's been hit with another sexual assault claim  and the Australian architect, bypassed any VIP perks, and were seen standing in line for security with the rest of the crowd

Inside, he was also spotted going through the walk-through metal detector

Bianca followed suit

Bianca paired the look with open-toe white boots and a tan hat while strutting through one of the busiest airports in the world

The couple did not appear to have any carry-on luggage with them, and it's unclear where they're headed

While at the airport, Kanye matched his wife in black, wearing black leather pants, a t-shirt and a hoodie

The duo appeared to be getting on a United flight

Bianca's tan skin contrasted against her stylish white boots

Kanye also sported brown boots

The couple made their way through the line and a TSA worker was seen checking the controversial rapper's passport to identify him

Kim Kardashian's ex-husband pulled up his hood as he entered the airport

Bianca appeared to be stretching at one point

Pisciotta claims in the complaint that West attempted to kiss her again, but that she 'continued to deflect his advances.'

She then claimed he began to ask her questions about her vagina, such as 'Whats it like?', 'Can I touch it?', and 'I just wanna see what its like.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to West's rep for comment, but has not heard back, at this time.

According to the complaint, despite her reminding him his behavior was not professional, Pisciotta alleges West 'stroked his penis over his pants with one hand and forcibly touched her vagina with the other hand.'

'Ms. Pisciotta immediately told Ye to stop. Ye soon fell asleep mid-sentence,' the complaint reads. 'Ms. Pisciotta left the room once Ye fell asleep.'

During that same stay in San Francisco, Pisciotta claims West went to her hotel room and demanded to use her shower.

After cracking the door open, Pisciotta says in the complaint that her former boss 'pushed the door open and proceeded directly into the bathroom.'

When he reemerged, she claims in the complaint he was only wearing a 'towel covering the lower half of his body' and approached her while she was sitting in a chair.

She claims 'Ye dropped the towel from his waist to expose his penis,' removed her from the chair she was sitting in, and pushed her onto the bed, so that she was pinned against its pillows and headboard.

Pisciotta says he used his 'body to pin and restrain' her and restricted her from leaving the bed, before thrusting his penis repeatedly into her mouth, according to the complaint.

'As Ms. Pisciotta frantically pled for Ye to stop, Ye forced his penis into her mouth. Ms. Pisciotta froze in shock and fear but continued to plead with Ye and beg him,' according to the legal documents.

After the alleged rape, she alleges he apologized and left.

While other passengers dressed for comfort, Bianca showed off her jaw-dropping sense of style

The couple stood out amongst the crowd

It comes after West's Australian visa was recently cancelled, after he released a vile antisemitic song praising Adolf Hitler

Earlier in the day it was revealed that Kanye's ex-personal assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, has accused her former boss of forcing 'his penis into her mouth' during a business trip in San Francisco in a newly filed second amended complaint

In a new legal document, obtained by DailyMail.com, the 36-year-old claimed the rapper 'sexually harassed and assaulted' her on multiple occasions

When she confronted him about the sexual assault, she said in the complaint he gave her what she thought was 'a sincere apology' and agreed to continue working for him.

Still, she insists in the court record he never stopped his sexually inappropriate behavior and harassment.

She claims he detailed sexual fantasies about her, demanded she send him explicit material including topless and nude photographs, constantly remarked on her body and even allegedly called her while engaging in sexual acts with another woman.

Other shocking claims in the second amended complaint included that he offered someone the opportunity to have sex with her and that he 'constantly told her that 'he wanted to have sex with her and how he thought about her while he had sex with other women.'

She also says he offered 'one million dollars in exchange for her deleting her OnlyFans account, from which Ms. Pisciotta earned approximately one million dollars over the course of eight months.'

After deleting her account, Pisciotta claims in the court paper that West refused to pay the 'agreed-upon amount' and quickly lost her substantial OnlyFans following.

During her employment, she alleged he interrogated her about her love life, the last time she had sex, how large her partners penises were and if she would be 'open to engaging in threesomes with her partners, his partners, and other women Ye found on various social media platforms.'

After terminating her in fall of 2023, she claims he 'grabbed' her neck and 'squeezed his hand around her throat, restricting her airflow' after running into each other at a concert, according to the complaint.

'With his hand still around her neck, Ye pulled Ms. Pisciottas face towards his, inserted his tongue in her ear, and licked her ear repeatedly, causing it to become wet with his saliva. Ms. Pisciotta recoiled in horror and quickly walked away,' her complaint says.

Pisciotta claims West went on to move into Ms. Pisciottas same apartment complex, which caused her 'significant anxiety and distress.'

She said in the complaint while he lived there he would walk past her place in a 'conspicuous manner' and even 'stationed his security team at various points of the complex.'

Pisciotta alleged this pushed her to relocate to 'Florida as a means of escaping Ye.'

Following her move, she claims he hired an individual who offered 'swatting' services for purchase, to 'swat' her.

The oral rape allegedly occurred not long after she began working for Ye in July 2021

She alleged that he attempted to kiss her on the lips, more than once, despite her repeatedly rejecting his advances, which she insists she told him were 'not professional'

In response to Pisciottas original lawsuit in 2024, Wests lawyer called the claims 'baseless' and announced plans to countersue

Pisciotta, who began working for Ye in 2021 as a music talent scout (A&R) for his Donda album, originally sued West in 2024.

While working as his personal assistant and Chief of Staff, she handled his music, fashion ventures (like YEEZY), property management, and schedule.

During this time, she claimed in the complaint that he controlled her life and made her ask for permission to shower or take breaks.

Additionally, she alleged he verbally abused her, especially in front of male colleagues, demanded 'hugs' where he would press himself against her and spoke about monitoring her social media to masturbate to her photos.

She also accused him of assaulting her in 2015 while she blacked out at a studio session.

She believes she was drugged and has no memory of the evening, according to the court document.

Another disturbing allegation involves a flight to a fashion show.

She claims in the complaint that he locked her in a room and masturbated in front of her, until someone from the outside was able to open the door as she 'cried into her lap.'

West previously denied Pisciotta's other allegations made in her initial June 2024 complaint.

In his initial legal response to her prior claims, Wests companies issued a blanket denial of all allegations made by Pisciotta  including her claims of sexual assault.

In response to Pisciottas original lawsuit, Wests lawyer called the claims 'baseless' and announced plans to countersue.

Pisciottas lawyer confirmed to Daily Mail that the second amended complaint was mailed to West; Pisciotta pictured in an Instagram photo

In her new, second amended complaint, Pisciotta lays out a sweeping list of allegations, including sexual harassment and a hostile work environment, assault, battery, sexual battery, sex trafficking, stalking, false imprisonment, gender discrimination, promissory estoppel, failure to prevent harassment, discrimination and retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Pisciottas lawyer confirmed to Daily Mail that the second amended complaint was mailed to West.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Pisciotta's attorney, Lisa Bloom, wrote: 'We are pleased that the judge granted our request to file an amended complaint against Mr. West in the sexual harassment, assault and battery case we are litigating against him in California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles.'

'In a series of recent tweets, Mr. West calls himself a walking me too (we agree) and corroborated many of our clients claims by proclaiming, If a CEO dont hug you inappropriately hes a f@gg*t and Life is about using your position to f*k the baddest b!**hes possible and other disgusting and offensive posts,' she continued.

Bloom concluded: 'Every woman deserves a respectful workplace free of groping and sexual harassment. We look forward to aggressively litigating this case on behalf of our brave client, Lauren Piscotta.'
Michael Pitt has released screengrabs of alleged texts from his unnamed ex-girlfriend, who accused him of sexually assaulting and abusing her on four separate occasions between 2020-2021, which led to his subsequent arrest on May 2.

The 44-year-old Boardwalk Empire alum posted $15K bail at his arraignment and pled not guilty to first-degree criminal sex act, third-degree criminal sex act, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of second-degree attempted assault, and second-degree strangulation.

In the new legal docs obtained by TMZ on Thursday, Michael asked Judge Joanne Quinones to allow him to travel internationally 'where he makes most of his money' and claimed 'the original bail package was based on a gross misrepresentation of the facts.'

Pitt's attorney Paul Townsend shared in the court papers alleged texts his accuser sent a female friend in April 2021, which began: 'When I came over to your house last year after I fought with Michael, I said that he has hit me and that he sexually assaulted me. That's not at all what happened.'

'I've always flirted with this sexual fantasy of rape and violence because I've never actually experienced it. It made Michael uncomfortable because he knew I didn't really understand what it was and so he stuck his finger in my a** one night because he knew I didn't like it. That was it and we laugh about it now,' she allegedly confessed.

Michael Pitt has released screengrabs of alleged texts from his unnamed ex-girlfriend, who accused him of sexually assaulting and abusing her on four separate occasions between 2020-2021, which led to his subsequent arrest on May 2 (pictured November 16)

'It's not a joke to accuse someone of these things and I'm sorry I haven't corrected this before. I've blamed him for a lot of things that weren't his fault. When we first met I know I made it seem like it was his fault I was cheating on Josh with him and then with Nick the manager from the Great Gatsby party.

'BTW, I told him that I cheated on Josh with Jah and PJ to p*** him off and make him mad. Because jealous can seem like a proof of love in a sick way. Maybe you know what I mean? I even told him that I had sex with director of photography of his film and sent a naked photo to him saying I missed his d***, that Michael has ruined it.'

During the arraignment, the two-time SAG Award winner's attorney had claimed his ex regularly performed an aerial show on the trapeze and ropes completely nude while working at exclusive erotic nightclub The Box in Manhattan's Lower East Side.

'It is a really terrible thing I did and is something that I am so ashamed of saying to him, which is why I haven't spoken about it before,' the accuser's alleged text continued.

'I was in a really dark place before I moved in with Michael and he has not left my side even after everything I've put him through this past year. I know you know I've been falling in love with him since I met him. And it's silly but I don't know how to deal with it at times finally being with him. [I] worry that it will end and I've made up lies about him so, if it does, the people around me will tell me it's okay.'

In the nine-count indictment, prosecutors accused Michael of forcibly fondling his former flame at his Bushwick home in April 2020 and, months later, allegedly sexually assaulting and hitting her with a wooden plank.

Prosecutors also claimed Pitt - who was previously engaged to actress Asia Argento and model Jamie Bochert - assaulted his past lover with a cinderblock in June 2021 and strangled her on August 7, 2021.

'Unfortunately, we live in a world where somebody like Mr. Pitt  an accomplished professional who would never so much as contemplate these crimes  can be arrested on the uncorroborated word of an unhinged individual,' his attorney Cary London told the New York Post on May 6.

The 44-year-old Boardwalk Empire alum posted $15K bail at his arraignment and pled not guilty to first-degree criminal sex act, third-degree criminal sex act, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of second-degree attempted assault, and second-degree strangulation (pictured in 2023)

In the new legal docs obtained by TMZ on Thursday, Michael asked Judge Joanne Quinones to allow him to travel internationally 'where he makes most of his money' and claimed 'the original bail package was based on a gross misrepresentation of the facts' (pictured in 2023)

Pitt's attorney Paul Townsend shared in the court papers alleged texts his accuser sent a female friend in April 2021, which began: 'When I came over to your house last year after I fought with Michael, I said that he has hit me and that he sexually assaulted me. That's not at all what happened' (pictured in 2019)

During the arraignment, the two-time SAG Award winner's attorney had claimed his ex regularly performed an aerial show on the trapeze and ropes completely nude while working at exclusive erotic nightclub The Box in Manhattan's Lower East Side (pictured in 2021)

Michael is best remembered for his role as mob boss James 'Jimmy' Darmody in two season of Terence Winter's Prohibition-era drama Boardwalk Empire on HBO between 2010-2011

Pitt is also well known for his roles in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001), Murder by Number (2002), The Dreamers (2003), Funny Games (2007, pictured), and Hannibal (2013)

'We look forward to proving his innocence through the evidence and not through the media.'

In September 2022, Michael was hospitalized for being 'emotionally disturbed' after allegedly throwing items at people from a rooftop just two months after being charged with assault and petty larceny for allegedly assaulting a man and taking his phone.

Pitt pled no guilty and there's been no public update in that particular case.

The Reptile actor is best remembered for his role as mob boss James 'Jimmy' Darmody in two season of Terence Winter's Prohibition-era drama Boardwalk Empire on HBO between 2010-2011.

Michael is also well known for his roles in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001), Murder by Number (2002), The Dreamers (2003), Funny Games (2007), and Hannibal (2013).

Pitt's upcoming projects include his long-delayed feature directorial debut Nocturnal, Robinson Devor's 1926-set indie crime drama You Can't Win, and Casey Walker's cannibal horror film Ithaqua.

DailyMail.com has reached out to his reps for comment.
Bec Judd is currently enjoying a luxe family holiday at the Cable Beach Club Resort in Broome, Western Australia.

The mother-of-four shocked her followers on Thursday when she posted an intimate picture of herself cradling her belly.

In the image shared to her Instagram Stories, the AFL WAG is seen posing belly to belly with her friend and podcast pal Jess Roberts.

Bec, 42, is every inch the natural beauty in the frame, as she looks lovingly at her bump while posing in a chic summer frock.

The Melbourne A-lister - who shares Oscar, 13, Billie, 11, and twins Tom and Darcy, eight, with retired footy great Chris Judd - was quick to explain her protruding tummy.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

Bec Judd is currently enjoying a luxe family holiday at the Cable Beach Club Resort in Broome, Western Australia. Pictured

The mother-of-four shocked her followers on Thursday when she posted an intimate picture of herself cradling her belly. In the image shared to her Instagram Stories, the AFL WAG is seen posing belly to belly with her friend and podcast pal Jess Roberts

'The gnocchi at Cicchetis was THAT good,' she wrote, adding a laughing face emoji and a spirited plug for the resort.

Rebecca told this week's Stellar magazine, she wants to be 'completely transparent' as she discusses beauty in her new podcast, 'Vain-ish', alongside best friend Jess Roberts.

'I'm 42, and I don't have a line on my face. I'm telling you it's not because I get eight hours' sleep a night, all right?' she confessed.

She went on to say that 2025 is the year we 'stop gaslighting' women by lying about the procedures we've had done.

'You get to a certain age where it's like, come on, let's be a bit more honest. This is the year where we stop bullsh***ing everyone and we fess up,' she added.

Rebecca said 'everyone should be a little honest and have better conversations around beauty, aesthetics and wellness.'

However, the WAG said many hide things because they get 'shamed for speaking out'.

In the first episode of her podcast, Bec opened up about her own personal journey with cosmetic surgeries and enhancements, admitting to trying treatments such as the Kim Kardashian-approved salmon sperm facial.

Rebecca told this week's Stellar magazine , she wants to be 'completely transparent' as she discusses beauty in her new podcast alongside best friend Jess Roberts

More recently Bec has been incrementally dropping more hints about the non-invasive procedures she uses to maintain her age-defying visage

'So I've had this treatment twice with my injector Claire McGuinness for, you know, thinning skin around the eyes,' she revealed.

Bec added that it was a 'next generation' cosmetic enhancement, coining it as a 'biostimulatory injectable'.

The influencer then had a laugh at the thought of using salmon sperm as a facial.

'How would anyone ever think to get the sperm out of a salmon and stick it on their face to make them look younger?'

For years, the Jaggad founder has denied having any plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures done, instead pointing to healthy living and expensive skincare as her saving grace.

However, more recently Bec has been incrementally dropping more hints about the non-invasive procedures she uses to maintain her age-defying visage.

In June, Bec paid a visit to aesthetic nurse and former clinical specialist Claire, who offers a 'conservative approach to facial rejuvenation' using radio frequency microneedling, LED therapies, and injectables.

'Give me Kris Jenner's neck without the surgery,' Bec captioned a snapshot of her neck after what appears to be an 'Exion' treatment.

The media personality showed off three rows of distinct red and swollen bumps peppered across her neck after her appointment.

Exion, a type of radio frequency microneedling, creates controlled micro-injuries and applies heat to the skin, which can cause temporary redness, swelling, and bumps as the skin responds and repairs itself.

The treatment boosts hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin without needles.
Katherine Ryan has revealed she was forced to make a last-minute change to her outfit as she attended Mel B's wedding over the weekend.

The comedian joined a slew of stars for the celebration at London's St Paul's Cathedral over the weekend, where the Spice Girl tied the knot for the third time with hairdresser Rory McPhee.

Katherine, who is expecting her fourth child with husband Bobby Kootstra, shared insight into her look in the latest episode of her podcast Telling Everybody Everything.

The presenter admitted she was 'so touched' to be invited to Mel's big day as a Spice Girls fan, but confessed her look for the occasion was 'awful' after she had to come up with a replacement to her fascinator.

She said: 'I looked like s*** at Mel B's wedding, everybody knows it.'

Katherine revealed she didn't know how big her baby bump was going to be when she attended Mel's wedding, and so she had to get a 'flowy,' dress.

Katherine Ryan has revealed she was forced to make a last-minute change to her outfit as she attended Mel B 's wedding over the weekend

She added: 'It almost looks like bed linen. It's very dreamy.'

Confessing she found it 'so difficult' to get ready with her three children around, she added: 'I don't have the thinnest arms for it. I'm too pale for it. It was awful - no offence to the designer!'

'I put my hair down, which was absolutely the wrong way to do it.' Katherine shared, telling listeners she had previously shaved the back of her neck because of her 'low' hairline, meaning she couldn't wear her hair tied back.

After learning that the wedding's dress code included hats and fascinators, Katherine said she ordered a 'beautiful' headpiece for the day, but at the last minute, panicked it wasn't the same shade of blue as her dress.

Confessing she had to use a flower to make her own headpiece, she said: 'I ended up chopping an orchid from my kitchen and sticking that in my head.

"It was giving ugly step-sister. Like I truly s*** the bed on the look.'

Katherine went onto joke that she felt like she 'ruined the aesthetic' with her outfit, and said her husband Bobby, who wore a cream suit, 'didn't like his outfit either.'

She told listeners: 'I don't think we've ever looked worse ... on like the most important day of someone's life.'

The comedian joined a slew of stars for the celebration at London's St Paul's Cathedral over the weekend, where the Spice Girl tied the knot for the third time with hairdresser Rory McPhee

Katherine, who is expecting her fourth child with husband Bobby Kootstra, admitted she had to make her own fascinator after panicking the one she'd ordered wouldn't match her dress

However, Katherine then gushed that the day itself was a 'lovely' one, and she was surprised by some of the names that featured on the guestlist.

She said: 'Everyone there was like a close personal friend, or family member, or Northern. Y'know someone she really knew. [...] It had a real grassroots like true friendship and family vibe. It was a lovely, lovely wedding.'

Mel ensured she pulled out all the stops to ensure her wedding to Rory was a picture perfect day.

After saying her vows, the pair threw a huge 'party in the sky' after hiring the Shard in London for the wedding reception.

The Spice Girl was joined by her guests for a meal, drinks and dancing at the Shangri-La venue inside the building which boasts 95 floors and promises panoramic views over the capital.

There her friends and family danced into the small hours as the 'party of the century' has been promised by the bride and groom.

There's more celebrating to come for the happy couple as they're set to host a second wedding in Morocco, which has been described as 'informal and sexy'.

The second nuptials will be offer her Spice Girls bandmates a second chance to attend her wedding celebrations after only Emma Bunton attended the big day at St Paul's Cathedral on Saturday.
A Sydney man has been charged with stalking radio star Jackie 'O' Henderson.

David Gourlay, 38, was arrested in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Friday, July 4, where the radio star is currently building her dream home with daughter Kitty.

He was allegedly found to be in possession of an improvised weapon when police searched him.

Gourlay was taken to hospital for assessment before being discharged into police custody, reports The Sydney Morning Herald on Friday.

He has been charged with four counts of stalking and using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

A Sydney man has been charged with possessing an improvised weapon and stalking radio star Jackie 'O' Henderson (pictured)

Gourlay was also charged with being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, and over an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.

He will face Waverley Local Court on Friday, July 11.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Henderson for comment.

The KIIS FM star has previously spoken about having a stalker, though she said they did not live in the same state as her.

In 2023, she spoke with co-host Kyle Sandilands about Sophie Monk's run-in with an allegedly 'catfished' man who showed up to her house.

The shock jock, 53, jokingly asked Henderson why she didn't have any stalkers, to which the radio host replied: 'Mine don't live here thankfully.'

When Sandilands pushed for more information, she added: 'They're in Australia but I'm not going to say [where]. No one has turned up to my house thank god.'

He then joked Henderson moves around too much for any stalker to narrow in on her location.

Henderson is currently building her dream home where she lives in with her 14-year-old daughter Kitty. Pictured

Henderson is currently in the middle of a $5million rebuild of her 'dream' home in Clovelly, where she lives with her daughter Kitty, 14, which she first purchased for $13.25million at open auction in March 2023.

The ambitious project will see a complete transformation of the oceanfront pad, with neighbours complaining earlier this year about the noise and disruption.

Randwick Council received complaints from local residents who claimed the demolition work on the site has created 'horrendous' noise.

The small cul-de-sac overlooking Gordon's Bay was said to be overrun with vehicles owned by tradies working on Henderson's home and blocking road access.

'I dont want to have to go to them every time I want to get out of my driveway,' one disgruntled neighbour said.

A tradie informed news.com.au at the time that work on the site won't be completed until June 2026.

Meanwhile, the site's foreman said all the necessary work permits relating to the building of Henderson's huge three-storey abode had been approved.
Margot Robbie is celebrating her birthday with a hot Euro summer.

The Australian actress turned 35 on July 2, and on Wednesday was spotted stepping out in Ibiza with her husband Tom Ackerley in a look that fashion hounds are already dubbing the summer trend for 2026.

Robbie, who welcomed a baby boy with her husband 10 months ago, gave her sartorial seal of approval to the humble raffia bag as she toted her $1090 beach accessory.

While raffia bags are a summer staple, they usually only enjoy a fleeting moment in the sun. But this year, designers like Miu Miu, Loewe, Dior, and Bottega Veneta have been locked in a fierce battle for the ultimate beach tote, with The Row's oversized offering previously reigning supreme.

However, Robbie threw a stylish spanner in the works as she debuted a gorgeous new contender from French designer Jacquemus.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

Margot Robbie, 35, has cemented raffia bags as the 'It Girl' micro-trend for summer 2026 after the Australian actress stepped out with the $1090 accessory in Ibiza on Wednesday

Following in the footsteps of fellow A-listers Dakota Johnson and Kate Hudson, Robbie jetted off from her Los Angeles home base to the Spanish party island this week.

On day two of her sun-soaked getaway, the Oscar nominee was spotted browsing Ibiza's exclusive boutiques, her new Jacquemus Spiaggia Round Bag firmly in hand.

The unique flat-woven circle bag, with its reinforced braided edges, first graced the runway at Jacquemus' Spring 2025 show, 'La Croisiere.'

While it comes in black and beige, Robbie opted for the chic natural shade.

Unlike the more rigid basket bags favoured by stars like Kylie Jenner (who's a fan of The Row's version), Robbie's Spiaggia boasts a more relaxed, sheer woven pattern.

And despite its generous 56-centimetre depth, the spacious tote appeared to hold only her absolute essentials  perhaps just sunscreen and her phone.

While many raffia styles are often left open, Robbie's bag was secured with a knot and adorned with adorable dangly gold charms, adding a touch of understated luxury.

Ever the queen of minimalist chic, Robbie expertly paired her new raffia arm candy with a classic black T-shirt sundress.

Ever the queen of minimalist chic, Robbie expertly paired her new raffia arm candy with a classic black T-shirt sundress

The Barbie star tied her ensemble together with a pair of elongated black Ray-Ban sunglasses that highlighted her strong facial features

The elegant number featured a sleeveless bateau neckline, draped open back, and a flouncy maxi skirt that was just as subtly sheer as her bag, revealing a clever A-line bodysuit underneath.

She tied her ensemble together with a pair of elongated black Ray-Ban sunglasses that highlighted her strong facial features.

Robbie let her long blonde locks hang loose over her shoulders.

Perhaps taking a leaf out of Dakota Johnson's book, Robbie swapped out traditional thongs for Alaia's cult-classic mesh ballet flats.

Johnson was seen sporting the black Mary Jane-inspired flats on the very same Spanish shores just days prior.

Robbie's $1375 flats perfectly complemented her bag's 'fishnet' transparency, making them incredibly lightweight and airy.

These were the very same shoes that were a 'maternity must-have' for the Hollywood star last year when she was pregnant with her son.

It comes after Robbie hosted a pool party for her gin brand, Papa Salt, before heading into Glastonbury Festival alongside 200,000 revellers in June.

A pop-up hotel was erected by Worthy Farm and she looked casual in a brown strappy top and shorts, sat by the poolside drinking her latest Blood Orange Gin Spritz, in collaboration with Fever Tree.

Unlike most A-lister celebrities who opt to helicopter in and out of the Worthy Farm site from their five-star hotels, Robbie chose the more humble option of staying with family friends in their farmhouse.

A source close to the Glastonbury Festival told MailOnline: 'Margot is a long running friend of the festival and she's chosen to stay with some girls she went to school with in Australia who live just off the site.'

She was later seen arriving at the iconic festival, beaming as she shared drinks with her A-list pals.
Kourtney Kardashian Barker was called out over her 'unprofessional' Lemme promo she haphazardly shared via Instastory on Wednesday while 'a little jet lagged' on vacation with her family in the Italian village of Portofino.

The 46-year-old Lemme co-founder attempted to promote the sale of her vitamin and botanical supplement company in honor of Amazon Prime Day, which runs through Friday, but she didn't even know what day it was when she filmed it in the car.

Kourtney - who boasts 283.4M social media followers - stammered: 'Hi everyone, ummm... it... Lemme... what is it? I can't talk. Amazon Prime Day started yesterday, and...'

Kardashian managed to make her 13-year-old daughter Penelope Scotland Disick cringe as she interrupted: 'Restart.'

'No, I'm not going to restart. I'm just going to do it,' The Kardashians producer-star clapped back.

'And so, everything Lemme is on sale. So [I] just wanted to say happy shopping! Ummm, I don't know what day it is, but it ends on August 11th.'

Kourtney Kardashian Barker was called out over her 'unprofessional' Lemme promo she haphazardly shared via Instastory on Wednesday while 'a little jet lagged' on vacation with her family in the Italian village of Portofino

Quickly realizing her mistake, Kourtney - now wearing sunglasses - filmed a second video: 'Okay, whoops, it ends July 11th not August 11th. That would be the longest Prime Day ever.'

When a TikTok user reposted Kardashian's fumbling clip, users like @Chels commented: 'One thing about Kourtney is she literally hates working.'

TikTok user @kaymendez96 agreed: 'So when she means I don't want to work, she really doesn't want to work at all haha!'

'This is why I don't buy Lemme. [Because] at least you can tell Kim cares about SKIMS at least you can tell Kylie is super invested and into make-up,' TikTok user @tickytocker53 wrote.

'Kourtney and her carefree attitude is usually iconic but not when it comes to running a business and taking my money.'

TikTok user @Erica commented: 'Every one can detect the twinge of narcissism when she says "No, I'm not gonna restart" instead of just being humble and laughing at herself. Kim is much more professional than this.'

'She doesn't even care enough about her product to make an accurate video,' TikTok user @Alissagator scoffed.

'So why should we care about buying it? Unprofessional and unrelateable.'

TikTok user @vavisboring wrote: 'That's so on brand for her.'

'She doesn't care, and I love it,' TikTok user @jdub055 commented.

The 46-year-old Lemme co-founder attempted to promote the sale of her vitamin and botanical supplement company in honor of Amazon Prime Day, which runs through Friday, but she didn't even know what day it was when she filmed it in the car

Kourtney - who boasts 283.4M social media followers - stammered: 'Hi everyone, ummm... it... Lemme... what is it? I can't talk. Amazon Prime Day started yesterday, and...'

Kardashian managed to make her 13-year-old daughter Penelope Scotland Disick (L, pictured in 2024) cringe as she interrupted: 'Restart'

The Kardashians producer-star clapped back: 'No, I'm not going to restart. I'm just going to do it. And so, everything Lemme is on sale. So [I] just wanted to say happy shopping! Ummm, I don't know what day it is, but it ends on August 11th'

Quickly realizing her mistake, Kourtney - now wearing sunglasses - filmed a second video: 'Okay, whoops, it ends July 11th not August 11th. That would be the longest Prime Day ever'

When a TikTok user reposted Kardashian's fumbling clip, users like @Chels commented: 'One thing about Kourtney is she literally hates working'

TikTok user @kaymendez96 agreed: 'So when she means I don't want to work, she really doesn't want to work at all haha!'

TikTok user @Erica commented: 'Every one can detect the twinge of narcissism when she says "No, I'm not gonna restart" instead of just being humble and laughing at herself. Kim is much more professional than this'

TikTok user @vavisboring wrote: 'That's so on brand for her'

'She doesn't care, and I love it,' TikTok user @jdub055 commented

Kourtney co-founded Lemme with publicist Simon Huck (R, pictured in 2023) as far back as 2019, but they didn't launch the brand until 2022 in order to 'meet with doctors, formulators, and scientists'

The sugar-filled gummies come in varieties like Purr, Debloat, Grow, and GLP-1 Daily - the last of which became the subject of a two class action lawsuits filed in California on February 19 and New York on March 9 alleging false advertising for weight loss (pictured May 2)

Kourtney co-founded Lemme with publicist Simon Huck as far back as 2019, but they didn't launch the brand until 2022 in order to 'meet with doctors, formulators, and scientists.'

The sugar-filled gummies come in varieties like Purr, Debloat, Grow, and GLP-1 Daily - the last of which became the subject of a two class action lawsuits filed in California on February 19 and New York on March 9 alleging false advertising for weight loss.

And Kardashian rarely posts about her lifestyle website called Poosh, which she launched in early 2019.

The half-Armenian beauty is one of the few college graduates in her family as she holds a bachelor's degree in theatre arts from the University of Arizona.

Kourtney mothered Penelope and her sons Mason, 15; and Reign, 10; during her on/off nine-year relationship with Talentless CEO Scott Disick, which ended in 2015.

Kardashian mothered 20-month-old son Rocky Thirteen with her neighbor-turned-husband Travis Barker.

The Calabasas socialite is also stepmother to the 48-year-old Grammy-nominated drummer's three older children - son Landon, 21; daughter Alabama, 18; and stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya, 26 - from his three-year marriage to Miss USA 1995 Shanna Moakler, which ended in 2008.

Kourtney will soon begin production on the seventh season of her family's Hulu reality show, The Kardashians.

Kardashian was technically the first member of her family to star in a reality show - The Simple Life-inspired eight-episode series Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive, which aired in 2005 on E!
Nicole Kidman has given fans a rare look at her natural hair while spending time with family in Europe.

The actress, 58, likes to keep her trademark auburn locks under wraps on the screen and red carpet, opting for wigs and hairpieces to achieve bold new looks.

But Nicole let her natural hair down this week as she enjoyed some family time with loved ones.

Nicole's niece, Lucia Hawley, 27, is currently enjoying a getaway in Croatia and took to Instagram this week to document the trip.

One photo showed Lucia cuddling up to her mother, Antonia Kidman, 54, and Nicole, with the trio clearly chuffed to be in each other's company.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

Nicole Kidman has given fans a rare look at her natural hair while spending time with family in Europe, with niece Lucia Hawley taking to Instagram to document the trip Nicole is pictured at the Met Gala in May

Like her sister and niece, Nicole was a vision in white in the photo, wearing a flowing silk dress with a subtle floral embellishment.

Nicole also flaunted her naturally curly auburn hair, which cascaded down her back, in what was a rare sighting of her trademark locks.

It was a far cry from the dramatically straightened look Nicole went for while attending the Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week, just days prior.

Nicole's habit of wearing wigs in Hollywood movies and on the red carpet has earned her a cult following over the years.

The Hollywood star has rarely showcased her natural hair in films and on the red carpet since the early days of her career, and almost always wears wigs for her roles.

Over the past few months, Nicole has stepped out in a series of dramatic wigged looks  ranging from sleek, straight styles to blunt cuts, and one that became a viral misfire.

At this years Cannes Film Festival, fans noticed a rare misstep from the star when the mesh cap of her wig peeked through in red carpet photos  prompting chatter online.

Nicole also turned more than a few heads when she stepped out with a very dramatic look at this year's Met Gala.

One photo showed Nicole flaunted her naturally curly auburn hair which cascaded down her back, in what was a rare sighting of her trademark locks. Also pictured: Lucia Hawley and Antonia Kidman - Lucia's mother and Nicole's sister

It was a far cry from the dramatically straightened look Nicole went for while attending the Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week, just days prior

The actress wore an eye-catching Balenciaga gown, yet it was her cropped, slicked-back cut and wavy fringe that had everybody talking.

The long ponytail she sported at a concert by pop star Charli XCX only the day before had disappeared, replaced by a short style that appeared soft and blonde from the front, but dark and edgy at the back.

When she stepped out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art sporting a slick pixie cut, it delighted her admirers.

Scores of fans shared their thoughts on the new look on X  and while it was unclear if Nicole was wearing a short wig or showing her true locks, many were praising the star for ditching her common use of hairpieces and showing her 'real' hair.

'Omg Nicole Kidman on the MET stairs fiercely gorgeous. Love the short hair on this lady!' wrote one.

Another said: 'Wow! Nicole Kidman looked stunning. Love love love her new hair style'.

Someone else said: 'NICOLE KIDMAN SHORT HAIR THE WORLD IS HEALING' while one more wrote: 'Obsessed with Nicole Kidman's hair cut'.

Appearing on Sunrise in May, Nicole admitted that she 'loves changing her hair' and uses hairpieces to achieve new looks.

At this years Cannes Film Festival, fans noticed a rare misstep from the star when the mesh cap of her wig peeked through in red carpet photos  prompting chatter online

Nicole also turned more than a few heads when she stepped out with a very dramatic look at this year's Met Gala

Speaking about the edgy look on Sunrise in May, Nicole admitted: 'For the Met Gala, everyone was questioning if I had chopped my hair off. But no, I didn't'

'As you know, I love changing my hair,' she said.

Nicole also addressed her edgy short hairstyle that she debuted at the 2025 Met Gala earlier this month.

'For the Met Gala, everyone was questioning if I had chopped my hair off. But no, I didn't,' she added.

Despite defending her love of transformation, Nicole recently admitted she regrets turning her back on her natural curls.

'Why did I straighten my hair? she reflected in an Allure interview, after being shown throwback photos from Days of Thunder.

'I loved my hair there. That is my natural hair. Isnt that crazy?'

She added a heartfelt note to young fans: 'So for all the little girls out there  embrace the curl. Do not follow in my steps and straighten your hair.

But there's still hope for her signature ringlets.

Though she rarely wears them in public these days, the Big Little Lies star says her curls can bounce back.

'I can do that to my hair still, she shared, but it needs to be kind of humid, and I need to use the right product.
Tom Felton continued to show his support for JK Rowling as he attended the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 10 year theatre celebration in Hamburg on Thursday evening.

The actor, 37, who played Draco Malfoy in the original films from 2001 until 2011, recently revealed he will be reprising his role for the Broadway show.

In stark contrast to his co-stars Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint who have turned their back on Rowling due to her controversial views on trans rights, Tom has been vocal in his support for the author.

And on Thursday he appeared in great spirits as he was seen posing for selfies with fans at the Theater am Gromarkt in the German city.

Looking stylish for the evening Tom opted for a cream summer blazer jacket and matching trousers.

He completed the look with a blue T-shirt and round shades as he smiled for snaps.

Tom Felton continued to show his support for JK Rowling amid controversies as he attended the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 10 year theatre celebration in Hamburg on Thursday

The actor, 37, he appeared in great spirits as he was seen posing for selfies with fans at the Theater am Gromarkt in the German city

Rowling has been very vocal on the subject of trans people for several years and following the Supreme Court's judgment on April 17, the author has consistently referred to transgender women as being 'men'.

However while his co-stars have turned frosty against her, more than two decades after Rowling helped give him his big break, Tom doubled down on his support for the franchise's author, insisting he is 'grateful' for what she has done for him.

During his appearance at the Tony Awards last month, Tom was asked if the controversy around the writer's views on trans rights affected his work.

He replied: 'No, I can't say it does. I'm not really that attuned. The only thing I always remind myself is that I've been lucky enough to travel the world.

'Here I am in New York. And I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she's responsible for that. So I'm incredibly grateful.'

In April, Rowling insisted she would never forgive the younger stars of the film franchise for speaking out against her views on trans rights.

Responding to a tweet that asked whether the likes of Daniel and Emma would apologise to the author, 'safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them', she said: 'Not safe, I'm afraid.'

'Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces,' the writer added.

Rowling has been very vocal on the subject of trans people for several years and following the Supreme Court 's judgment on April 17, the author has consistently referred to transgender women as being 'men'

Looking stylish for the evening Tom opted for a cream summer blazer jacket and matching trousers

He completed the look with a blue T-shirt and round shades as he posed for snaps

The star, who played Draco Malfoy in the original films from 2001 until 2011, recently revealed he will be reprising his role for the Broadway show

While his co-stars have turned frosty against her, Tom has doubled down on his support for the franchise's author, insisting he is 'grateful' for what she has done for him (Emma Watson, Tom Felton, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint pictured in Harry Potter)

Tom also previously expressed his excitement about joining the upcoming Broadway production.

He told Variety: 'I think we all thought the wizarding world would slowly that the fandom flame might douse over the years, but clearly it's not.'

'I think the most exciting part is to do it live. It took nine months, more or less, to shoot a film. And this is all compact. This is all reimagined into a very lovely new, tight story. And I get to be a dad, which has been fun.'

Tom will join the cast in November and star in the show for 19 weeks, concluding his run in March 2026.

He shared the exciting news on the Today show last month stating, 'Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

'Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I'll also be the exact age Draco is in the play.'

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, based off a screenplay written by JK Rowling, takes place 19 years after the original series ended.

It follows Harry, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Draco's kids as they head off to Hogwarts.

Harry's son Albus and Draco's son Scorpius become best friends and get up to their own adventure - and almost destroy the entire wizarding world along the way.

The likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, pictured L-R with Rowling in 2011, have distance themselves from the woman who made their careers

Emma Watson in a trans rights T-shirt

Many of Rowling's followers widely interpreted her riposte as a nod to the three child stars who played the lead roles in the successful franchise

'It's surreal to be stepping back into his shoes - and of course his iconic platinum blond hair - and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world,' Tom added.

'I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community.'

After news of Tom's casting went viral, Rowling appeared thrilled, reposting the announcement on X with a flurry of snake and green heart emojis.

Toms interview comes just months after Rowling appeared to take a swipe at Harry Potter stars Daniel, Emma and Rupert in a March social media post shared with her 14.3million followers.

She penned a biting response apparently hinting to the trio in response to the question: 'What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?'

Without missing a beat, Rowling cryptically wrote: 'Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.' She ended her post with three laughing emojis.
Woody Harrelson fans have been left blown away after they discovered who his father is, as they claimed 'I never knew this!'

The actor, 63, has become well known for his roles on Cheers, True Detective, Zombieland, and The Hunger Games.

But despite creating a name and reputation on his own, theres more to the Harrelson family than meets the eye.

Last month, an account on Instagram called historyfeels reminded people that Woody's father is none other than mobster and contract killer Charles Voyde Harrelson.

Alongside a photo of Charles on trial in the 1980s, the account penned: 'Charles Voyde Harrelson, the father of actor Woody Harrelson, was a contract killer with deep ties to organised crime.

'In 1979, he was charged with the assassination of U.S. District Judge John H. Wood Jr., the first federal judge to be murdered in the 20th century.

Woody Harrelson fans have been left blown away after they discovered who his father is after an Instagram account revealed who it is to its followers last month

Woody's father is none other than mobster and contract killer Charles Voyde Harrelson (pictured in 1982)

'Harrelson carried out the hit for $250,000 on behalf of a drug dealer awaiting trial.

'He was captured after a six-hour standoff with police, during which he confessed to multiple killings, including JFKs, though that claim was widely dismissed.

'In 1982, Harrelson was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. He spent the rest of his life in federal prison, where he died in 2007.'

Shocked fans took to the comments to share their disbelief.

Users penned: 'I was today years old when I learned this... Well alrighty then... Holy cow ! I never heard this story before!...

'Wow. Had no idea... Never knew this... Interesting. Glad to know his son turned the family legacy around.'

Woody is now a father of three and has long outgrown his hellraising past to become a powerful, high-profile player in the film industry.

Despite his public reticence on his father, he was a staunch defender him, spending millions of dollars on legal fees and working to secure a new trial for him.

Charles, who at one time also claimed to have killed John F Kennedy, pictured shortly before his assassination in 1963, was jailed over the 1979 killing of U.S. District Judge John Wood Jr

Judge Wood, center, was ambushed and killed outside his front door in San Antonio, Texas in 1979. Government sources listed convicted hit man Charles, left, and convicted narcotics trafficker Jimmy Chagra, right as 'targets' in the investigation

Shocked fans took to the comments to share their disbelieve

He has insisted that not only was Charles innocent of killing Judge Wood, but that he was a secret CIA operative.

I think that it was not a fair trial . . . Im not saying my fathers a saint but I think hes innocent of that, said Woody more than 20 years ago.

Asked if he really believed his father worked for the CIA, he replied: I shouldnt get into this right now. This is where were going to get into trouble . . . I know its true.

Woody was just seven years old when, in 1968, Charles left his wife Diane and their three sons.

Diane, who had married Charles just two weeks after meeting him on a plane, was left to support the family on her meagre salary as a legal secretary in Houston, Texas.

It comes after Woody said he first learned of his dad's dubious profession for the first time at age 12.

Woody was just seven years old when, in 1968, Charles left his wife Diane and their three son (pictured with mum Dianne in 2017).

Woody pictured with brother Brett in 2002

He told The Guardian in 2012 that he heard his father's name mentioned as a suspect in the assassination of Judge Wood outside of his home in San Antonio, Texas.

'I'm sitting there thinking there can't be another Charles V. Harrelson. I mean, that's my dad! It was a wild realization,' he told the newspaper.

'I tried for years to get him out. To get him a new trial...just being a son trying to help his dad. Then I spent a couple of million beating my head against the wall. Lawyers upon lawyers.'

After two years on the run, Charles was arrested and admitted not only to Wood's for-hire murder but also claimed he was involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He later denied this.

Despite his dad's occupation and absence in his life, the pair reconciled.

When his father died of poor health aged 69 in prison in 2007, Woody was said to be 'devastated.'

Before his death, he said in a TV interview: 'How do I feel about him? Well I love him.

'I definitely love him. Very fond of him. I mean, there's probably a lot of people who should be behind bars. I don't necessarily think he's one of them.'
Kanye West was spotted landing in China after fleeing Los Angeles after his ex-assistant hit him with another sexual assault claim this week.

The controversial rapper, 48, flashed a peace sign as he left Shanghai Pudong International Airport with his wife Bianca Censori on Friday morning.

Kanye was dressed in all black, sporting a hoodie with a vest and trousers while also covering his face with a pair of sunglasses.

The American star was covered by an umbrella as he made his way to a waiting car outside the terminal following his commercial flight.

Hours before, the couple were pictured making their way through Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday to catch a plane.

Kanye and the Australian architect, 30, bypassed any VIP perks, and were seen standing in line for security with the rest of the crowd.

Kanye West was spotted landing in China after fleeing Los Angeles after his ex-assistant hit him with another sexual assault claim this week

The sighting comes after Kanye's ex-personal assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, accused her former boss of forcing 'his penis into her mouth' during a business trip in San Francisco in a newly filed second amended complaint

The couple made their way through the line and a TSA worker was seen checking Kanye's passport to identify him.

The duo did not appear to have any carry-on luggage with them.It comes after West's Australian visa was recently cancelled, after he released a vile antisemitic song praising Adolf Hitler.

Inside, he was also spotted going through the walk-through metal detector.

The sighting comes after Kanye's ex-personal assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, accused her former boss of forcing 'his penis into her mouth' during a business trip in San Francisco in a newly filed second amended complaint.

In a new legal document, obtained by DailyMail.com, the 36-year-old claimed the rapper 'sexually harassed and assaulted' her on multiple occasions.

The oral rape allegedly occurred not long after she began working for Ye in July 2021.

She alleged that he attempted to kiss her on the lips, more than once, despite her repeatedly rejecting his advances, which she insists she told him were 'not professional.'

After participating in a writing session for his album, Donda, the complaint alleges that he invited her to his hotel suite to discuss the record.

Kanye landed in Shanghai with his wife Bianca

The controversial rapper, 48, flashed a peace sign as he left Shanghai Pudong International Airport with his wife Bianca Censori on Friday morning

When she arrived, Pisciotta alleges in the complaint 'Ye abruptly laid down in his bed and insisted that Ms. Pisciotta lay beside him.'

She proceeded to 'reluctantly' sit next to him in bed as her then-boss praised her work and shared how he could 'propel' her success in the music industry, according to the complaint.

The conversation quickly turned south, she claims, as he began speaking in graphic detail about an unnamed model's genitals and described his sexual encounters with other women.

Pisciotta claims in the complaint that West attempted to kiss her again, but that she 'continued to deflect his advances.'

She then claimed he began to ask her questions about her vagina, such as 'Whats it like?', 'Can I touch it?', and 'I just wanna see what its like.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to West's rep for comment, but has not heard back, at this time. He has previously denied her original claims.

According to the complaint, despite her reminding him his behavior was not professional, Pisciotta alleges West 'stroked his penis over his pants with one hand and forcibly touched her vagina with the other hand.'

'Ms. Pisciotta immediately told Ye to stop. Ye soon fell asleep mid-sentence,' the complaint reads. 'Ms. Pisciotta left the room once Ye fell asleep.'

In a new legal document, obtained by DailyMail.com, the 36-year-old claimed the rapper 'sexually harassed and assaulted' her on multiple occasions

During that same stay in San Francisco, Pisciotta claims West went to her hotel room and demanded to use her shower.

After cracking the door open, Pisciotta says in the complaint that her former boss 'pushed the door open and proceeded directly into the bathroom.'

When he reemerged, she claims in the complaint he was only wearing a 'towel covering the lower half of his body' and approached her while she was sitting in a chair.

She claims 'Ye dropped the towel from his waist to expose his penis,' removed her from the chair she was sitting in, and pushed her onto the bed, so that she was pinned against its pillows and headboard.

Pisciotta says he used his 'body to pin and restrain' her and restricted her from leaving the bed, before thrusting his penis repeatedly into her mouth, according to the complaint.

'As Ms. Pisciotta frantically pled for Ye to stop, Ye forced his penis into her mouth. Ms. Pisciotta froze in shock and fear but continued to plead with Ye and beg him,' according to the legal documents.

After the alleged rape, she alleges he apologized and left.

When she confronted him about the sexual assault, she said in the complaint he gave her what she thought was 'a sincere apology' and agreed to continue working for him.

Still, she insists in the court record he never stopped his sexually inappropriate behavior and harassment.

She claims he detailed sexual fantasies about her, demanded she send him explicit material including topless and nude photographs, constantly remarked on her body and even allegedly called her while engaging in sexual acts with another woman.

Other shocking claims in the second amended complaint included that he offered someone the opportunity to have sex with her and that he 'constantly told her that 'he wanted to have sex with her and how he thought about her while he had sex with other women.'

She also says he offered 'one million dollars in exchange for her deleting her OnlyFans account, from which Ms. Pisciotta earned approximately one million dollars over the course of eight months.'

After deleting her account, Pisciotta claims in the court paper that West refused to pay the 'agreed-upon amount' and quickly lost her substantial OnlyFans following.

During her employment, she alleged he interrogated her about her love life, the last time she had sex, how large her partners penises were and if she would be 'open to engaging in threesomes with her partners, his partners, and other women Ye found on various social media platforms.'

After terminating her in fall of 2023, she claims he 'grabbed' her neck and 'squeezed his hand around her throat, restricting her airflow' after running into each other at a concert, according to the complaint.

'With his hand still around her neck, Ye pulled Ms. Pisciottas face towards his, inserted his tongue in her ear, and licked her ear repeatedly, causing it to become wet with his saliva. Ms. Pisciotta recoiled in horror and quickly walked away,' her complaint says.

Pisciotta claims West went on to move into Ms. Pisciottas same apartment complex, which caused her 'significant anxiety and distress.'

She said in the complaint while he lived there he would walk past her place in a 'conspicuous manner' and even 'stationed his security team at various points of the complex.'

Pisciotta alleged this pushed her to relocate to 'Florida as a means of escaping Ye.'

Following her move, she claims he hired an individual who offered 'swatting' services for purchase, to 'swat' her.

Kanye and Bianca pictured together in February this year

Pisciotta, who began working for Ye in 2021 as a music talent scout (A&R) for his Donda album, originally sued West in 2024.

While working as his personal assistant and Chief of Staff, she handled his music, fashion ventures (like YEEZY), property management, and schedule.

During this time, she claimed in the complaint that he controlled her life and made her ask for permission to shower or take breaks.

Additionally, she alleged he verbally abused her, especially in front of male colleagues, demanded 'hugs' where he would press himself against her and spoke about monitoring her social media to masturbate to her photos.

She also accused him of assaulting her in 2015 while she blacked out at a studio session.

She believes she was drugged and has no memory of the evening, according to the court document.

Another disturbing allegation involves a flight to a fashion show.

She claims in the complaint that he locked her in a room and masturbated in front of her, until someone from the outside was able to open the door as she 'cried into her lap.'

West previously denied Pisciotta's other allegations made in her initial June 2024 complaint.

In his initial legal response to her prior claims, Wests companies issued a blanket denial of all allegations made by Pisciotta  including her claims of sexual assault.

In response to Pisciottas original lawsuit, Wests lawyer called the claims 'baseless' and announced plans to countersue.

Pisciottas lawyer confirmed to Daily Mail that the second amended complaint was mailed to West; Pisciotta pictured in an Instagram photo

In her new, second amended complaint, Pisciotta lays out a sweeping list of allegations, including sexual harassment and a hostile work environment, assault, battery, sexual battery, sex trafficking, stalking, false imprisonment, gender discrimination, promissory estoppel, failure to prevent harassment, discrimination and retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Pisciottas lawyer confirmed to Daily Mail that the second amended complaint was mailed to West.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Pisciotta's attorney, Lisa Bloom, wrote: 'We are pleased that the judge granted our request to file an amended complaint against Mr. West in the sexual harassment, assault and battery case we are litigating against him in California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles.'

'In a series of recent tweets, Mr. West calls himself a walking me too (we agree) and corroborated many of our clients claims by proclaiming, If a CEO dont hug you inappropriately hes a f@gg*t and Life is about using your position to f*k the baddest b!**hes possible and other disgusting and offensive posts,' she continued.

Bloom concluded: 'Every woman deserves a respectful workplace free of groping and sexual harassment. We look forward to aggressively litigating this case on behalf of our brave client, Lauren Piscotta.'
Oasis fans have already started queuing for the first of their five sold-out reunion gigs at Heaton Park.

The band are set to play in front of 80,000 people in their home city of Manchester on Friday after kicking off their world tour in Cardiff last week.

The shows at Heaton Park - a 600-acre public park in Bury and Manchester - are the only UK shows held outside a stadium, with the others taking place at the Principality Stadium, Wembley and Murrayfield.

While some eager fans have already secured their place in line ahead of the show to get a good view, others have been stuck in the city centre with a 90-minute wait for trams.

People were seen camped out as the queue formed by the side of the road, with a sea of camp chairs and bucket hats.

With temperatures of 28 degrees in Manchester, roasting hot revellers were seen fanning themselves or sheltering from the sun under umbrellas.

Oasis fans have already started queuing for the first of their five sold-out reunion gigs at Heaton Park (Liam and Noel Gallagher seen in Cardiff last week)

Eager fans of the brothers have already secured their place in line ahead of the show to get a good view

Excited fans were seen gathering in huge crowds as they awaited the gates opening for the show.

And to their delight, they did open early - with fans able to get into the park to get a good spot for the show.

However the sibling duo aren't set to take to the stage for around five hours.

In the city centre concert goers faced a 90-minute wait for trams with fans voicing their concerns on X.

According to Manchester Evening News, transport staff informed the public to order taxis or walk from Victoria Station to Heaton Park.

The brothers announced the Oasis Live '25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff, before heading across the UK and Ireland.

While fans were excited at the reunion, some were left outraged after some standard tickets in the UK and Ireland jumped from 148 to 355.

The controversy prompted the Government and the UK's competition watchdog to pledge to look at the use of dynamic pricing.

With temperatures of 28 degrees in Manchester, roasting hot revellers were seen fanning themselves or sheltering from the sun under umbrellas

In the city centre concert goers faced a 90-minute wait for trams with fans voicing their concerns on X

After their Manchester gigs Oasis will visit London's Wembley Stadium, Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium and Dublin's Croke Park throughout July, August and September.

The group will then head to Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and North America.

A movie produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is being made in conjunction with the reunion tour.

But there have been fears Oasis' homecoming gig in Manchester could be overrun by ticketless fans as 'irresponsible' TikTokers share advice on how to break in to the venue.

With demand far outstripping supply for the concerts - their first in Manchester for 16 years - TikTok users have begun sharing tips about how to evade security.

People were seen camped out as the queue formed by the side of the road, with a sea of camp chairs and bucket hats

Excited fans were seen gathering in huge crowds as they awaited the gates opening for the show

And to their delight, they did open early - with fans able to get into the park to get a good spot for the show

Fans were seen wearing bucket hats

Spirits were high despite queuing in the blistering heat

The band are set to play in front of 80,000 people in their home city of Manchester on Friday after kicking off their world tour in Cardiff last week (Pictured)

One suggested climbing trees to scale the double fence or attempting to swim across the park's boating lake.

'We've got to climb over this fence here... and then you're just in there for Oasis,' one TikToker told his followers.

Another said: 'You get in the water, you've got to swim and then you'll get in.'

Manchester City Council has condemned the videos and urged fans without tickets to enjoy the 'brilliant' atmosphere in the city centre instead.

Greater Manchester Police has promised a 'large and highly visible policing operation' to deter wrongdoers.

The 600-acre open space hosts the annual Parklife festival and was the venue for Oasis's last concert in the city on June 7, 2009.

Last year, police imposed a dispersal order on the park to prevent ticketless fans from gathering outside.

The brothers announced the Oasis Live '25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff , before heading across the UK and Ireland (Seen last week)

There have been fears Oasis' homecoming gig in Manchester could be overrun by ticketless fans as 'irresponsible' TikTokers share advice on how to break in to the venue

SJM Concerts, which is organising the events said that 2,000 stewards and a 'significant number' of police officers would be patrolling the event.

'We have been working for more than a year alongside the various councils and emergency services to ensure these Oasis shows in Heaton Park are safe for all ticket holders.

'Anyone without a ticket should not travel to Heaton Park,' Rob Ballantine, the director of SJM Concerts, told the Guardian.

'We are aware of the TikTok videos but what they don't show is the 2,000 stewards, plus a significant number of police who will be patrolling the area, and the double fence line around the entire site with mobile security in between the fences.'
Pregnant Sophie Habboo looked nothing short of sensational as she joined her husband Jamie Laing for the men's singles semi-finals at day 12 of Wimbledon on Friday.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 30, put on a very leggy display in a colourful floral mini dress.

The star added inches to her slender frame with a pair of white pointed heels and accessorised with gold hoop earrings from REIS Jewellery.

Meanwhile, Jamie, 36, looked effortlessly stylish in a simple T-shirt and cream trousers combo.

It is set to be a scorcher once again with temperatures set to reach a high of 32 degrees Celsius (89 Fahrenheight) for the penultimate games in the men's singles competition.

Later on defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, world No 1 Jannik Sinner, seven-time winner Novak Djokovic and American Taylor Fritz will take to Centre Court as they make up this year's final four.

Pregnant Sophie Habboo looked nothing short of sensational as she joined her husband Jamie Laing for the men's singles semi-finals at day 12 of Wimbledon on Friday

The former Made In Chelsea star, 30, put on a very leggy display in a colourful floral mini dress

And Sunday could be a repeat performance of last year's final between Alcaraz and Djokovic as the two will compete in different matches today, with the defending champion playing the American and Djokovic against Sinner.

Thursday's matched saw world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka lose against U.S. 13th seed Amanda Anisimova on Centre Court as the American made it through to Sunday's final.

Meanwhile Iga Swiatek, who is No.8 seed, triumphed against unseeded Belinda Bencic.

Sabalenka admitted that she has a 'hate relationship' with Wimbledon following the loss.

When asked about whether her experience against the American star in the 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 defeat would make help make her a better Wimbledon champion in the future, Sabalenka was honest about the immediate difficulties she is facing in the aftermath of the loss.

'It's tough, like you said, to think about that, but I really hope so,' Sabalenka said. 'I lost three semis, three tough ones.

'Then I was banned from playing (due to her nationality, in 2022). Then I was injured. So I have really more of a hate relationship right now with Wimbledon, but I really hope that one day I will, yeah, turn it around and have love relationship.

The star added inches to her slender frame with a pair of white pointed heels and accessorised with gold hoop earrings from REIS Jewellery

Meanwhile, Jamie, 36, looked effortlessly stylish in a simple T-shirt and cream trousers combo

'Of course, if one day I'm going to be able to win it, of course, I'm going to look back on all of these tough losses and think that I still did it.

'Yeah, now it's tough, but I never give up, and I'm going to come back stronger, for sure.'

It comes after Sophie and Jamie admitted a mangling of royal etiquette overshadowed their meeting with King Charles after he was pictured chuckling at them during a private reception.

The former Made In Chelsea stars were received by his Majesty at Buckingham Palace in June, shortly before attending the annual King's Trust TKMaxx & Homesense Awards the following day.

And they admit an initial faux-pas from Sophie prompted a subsequent photo in which King Charles appears to laugh at the couple while greeting a procession of guests at the special event.

Discussing her gaffe on the latest instalment of their Nearly Parents podcast, an amused Jamie, 36, recalled how his pregnant wife had overlooked Royal etiquette by repeatedly shooting her hand out in an unsuccessful attempt to greet the Monarch.

'When you meet the King, you slightly bow your head, or you curtsy, then you hold your hand out and call him Sir afterwards,' he explained. 'Do not raise your hand and shake his hand until he's raised his hand towards you.

'He kept looking towards Sophie, and as soon as he went towards Sophie, Sophie put her hand up, like this... and then he turned away and she put it back down again.

It comes after Jamie and Sophie admitted a mangling of royal etiquette overshadowed their meeting with King Charles after he was pictured chuckling at them during a private reception

They admit an initial faux-pas from Sophie prompted a subsequent photo in which King Charles appears to chuckle at the couple while greeting guests at the special event

'And she did this about three or four times, and then what happened was he looked at her again, because he's just being polite. You're meant to wait until he puts his hand up!'

Admitting she was mortified by the incident, which was filmed by a Netflix production team, Sophie said: 'I thought I was missing my opportunity and I didn't listen to that, because they were talking and it's just noise in my ear.

'So I thought "he's looking at me, is this my moment, I'm meant to shake and curtsy?" And I was buckling.'

Cracking up, Jamie revealed how Sophie resorted to robotically holding her hand out in anticipation of the King as he worked his way down a line that included beauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury, Hollywood star George Clooney and his wife Amal.

'And then what happened was, the last time, he turned towards Sophie, Sophie put out her hand. She didn't withdraw, she just held it there,' he said.

'She just held it there and didn't move it until he came and shook her hand. Just holding it like that!'

The pair had already sparked a social media storm by appearing to poke fun at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's notorious pregnancy twerk video during their trip to the Palace.

They raised eyebrows by cheekily filmed themselves on the Grand Staircase at the Palace, which has been traversed by Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses.

The married couple filmed themselves recreating Harry and Meghan's famous 'Baby Mama' dance in the heart of the royal residence.

The playful video came as a breach of Palace rules as guests were asked not to use their cameras inside Buckingham Palace during the star-studded King's Trust event.

Seemingly channeling the Royal couple, Jamie wrote: 'They said we couldn't film in Buckingham Palace.'

While the moment was a breach in protocol and could have sparked a royal meltdown, palace aides fortunately found the funny side.

On its official Instagram account 'theroyalfamily' replied to the post, adding: 'We see you' accompanied by a pair of eyes and a wink emojis.

The King's Trust entered the conversation in the spirit of the occasion with the quip: 'All of our attendees are very well behaved.'
Olivia Jade Giannulli sizzled in a stylish white bikini while enjoying a luxurious summer vacation in Italy.

The YouTube star sent temperatures soaring as she posed at her hotel while wearing a cute hat.

The 25-year-old influencer, who is the daughter of Full House actress Lori Loughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, looks to be in the best shape of her life with a flat tummy and toned legs.

She made the most of the sun-drenched trip as she was also seen dining out and going on a shopping spree.

Fans went wild for the look calling her 'pretty,' 'gorgeous,' and one follower even compared her to an icon: 'Your simple elegance in that first photo is reminiscent of vintage Sophia Loren.'

There was no sign of her boyfriend of four years, Kissing Booth actor Jacob Elordi, who has also been linked to Joey King and Kaia Gerber in the past.

Fans also wondered about this as they asked, 'Are you over>' with one troll saying he was 'never going to marry her.'

Olivia Jade Giannulli sizzled in a stylish white bikini while enjoying a luxurious summer vacation in Italy

The YouTube star sent temperatures soaring as she posed at her hotel while wearing a cute hat

The couple, who were first linked in 2021 following Jacobs split from Cindy Crawford's daughter Kaia, havent been spotted together in public for months, though People reports they are 'still going strong.'

Olivia recently dropped a hint that the romance is still alive.

After Jacobs sister Isabella Elordi posted a tribute to his new project The Narrow Road to the Deep North on Instagram, Olivia showed her support by liking two of the images.

They might not flaunt their relationship on social media, but that doesnt mean the couple is keeping their distance behind the scenes.

In September, the pair jetted off to Sardinia for her 25th birthday  a luxe family affair that included her parents and sister Bella Rose.

The group enjoyed the exotic trip, with Olivia and Jacob spotted relaxing by the water, enjoying the beautiful coastline far from the limelight.

Speaking of Olivias family, the Giannullis made headlines in 2019 when her parents were arrested in connection to the college admissions scandal.

They were accused of paying $500,000 to get Olivia and her sister into USC as recruits for the crew team  despite neither having ever played the sport.

The 25-year-old influencer, who is the daughter of Full House actress Lori Loughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, looks to be in the best shape of her life with a flat tummy and toned legs

Fans went wild for the look calling her 'pretty,' 'gorgeous,' and one follower even compared her to an icon: 'Your simple elegance in that first photo is reminiscent of vintage Sophia Loren'

There was no sign of her boyfriend of four years, Kissing Booth actor Jacob Elordi , who has also been linked to Joey King and Kaia Gerber in the past. Fans also wondered about this as they asked, 'Are you over?' Seen in April

Lori was sentenced to two months in prison, while Mossimo Giannulli received a five-month sentence.

In addition, Olivia's mom was fined $150,000 and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, while her father faced a $250,000 fine and a 250-hour community service requirement.

Before Olivia, Jacob's love life made headlines, especially his high-profile relationship with model Kaia.

The two were first linked in late 2020 and quickly became one of Hollywood's most talked-about couples, often spotted out together in Malibu and New York.

Their romance, however, came to an end in late 2021, with sources claiming the split was amicable.

Prior to Kaia, Jacob was also rumored to have had a brief fling with his Euphoria co-star Zendaya, although both have kept quiet about the nature of their relationship.

Meanwhile, Jacob's career is heating up with a major new role  hes been cast as Heathcliff in the upcoming film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, starring alongside Margot Robbie as Catherine.

However, not everyone is on board with the casting choice.

Fans of the classic novel have taken to social media to voice their frustration, arguing that the two stars look more at home on Instagram than in a period drama set in the 1800s.

Some have even gone so far as to accuse director Emerald Fennell of not fully understanding the essence of Emily Brontes novel.
Noel Gallagher appeared in great spirits as he was mobbed by fans while leaving his hotel in Manchester ahead of Oasis' first sold out gig at Heaton Park on Friday night.

The musician, 58, waved to fans as he emerged from the lobby in a simple black polo shirt, blue jeans, shades and gold chain.

His driver was seen having a discussion with a traffic warden as he tried to issue him with a parking ticket for being parked on double yellow lines.

However he was unable to get near the car as it was surrounded by fans ahead of the upcoming show.

Earlier on Friday fans had already started queuing for the first of their five sold-out reunion gigs at Heaton Park with attendees facing a 90-minute wait for trams.

The band are set to play in front of 80,000 people in their home city of Manchester on Friday after kicking off their world tour in Cardiff last week.

Noel Gallagher was mobbed by fans as he left his hotel for Heaton Park for the first of five sold-out reunion gigs on Friday

The musician, 58, waved to fans as he emerged from the lobby in a simple black polo, blue jeans, shades and gold chain

The shows at Heaton Park - a 600-acre public park in Bury and Manchester - are the only UK shows held outside a stadium, with the others taking place at the Principality Stadium, Wembley and Murrayfield.

And eager fans of the brothers were already securing their place in line this morning ahead of the show to get a good view.

People were seen camped out as the queue formed by the side of the road, with a sea of camp chairs and bucket hats.

With temperatures of 28 degrees in Manchester, roasting hot revellers were seen fanning themselves or sheltering from the sun under umbrellas.

Excited fans were seen gathering in huge crowds as they awaited the gates opening for the show.

And to their delight, they did open early - with fans able to get into the park to get a good spot for the show, five hours ahead of the band taking to the stage.

In the city centre concert goers faced a 90-minute wait for trams with fans voicing their concerns on X.

According to Manchester Evening News, transport staff informed the public to order taxis or walk from Victoria Station to Heaton Park.

The brothers announced the Oasis Live '25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff, before heading across the UK and Ireland.

Swarms of fans were seen gathered outside the hotel as they tried to catch a glimpse of Noel as he and Liam return to home soil for the latest reunion shows

His driver was seen having a discussion with a traffic warden as he tried to issue him with a parking ticket for being parked on double yellow lines

Earlier on Friday fans had already started queuing for show with the band set to play in front of 80,000 people in their home city of Manchester (Liam and Noel seen in Cardiff last week)

Excited fans were seen gathering in huge crowds as they awaited the gates opening for the show - despite the five hour wait

In the city centre concert goers faced a 90-minute wait for trams with fans voicing their concerns on X

While fans were excited at the reunion, some were left outraged after some standard tickets in the UK and Ireland jumped from 148 to 355.

The controversy prompted the Government and the UK's competition watchdog to pledge to look at the use of dynamic pricing.

After their Manchester gigs Oasis will visit London's Wembley Stadium, Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium and Dublin's Croke Park throughout July, August and September.

The group will then head to Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and North America.

A movie produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is being made in conjunction with the reunion tour.

But there have been fears Oasis' homecoming gig in Manchester could be overrun by ticketless fans as 'irresponsible' TikTokers share advice on how to break in to the venue.

With demand far outstripping supply for the concerts - their first in Manchester for 16 years - TikTok users have begun sharing tips about how to evade security.

With temperatures of 28 degrees in Manchester, roasting hot revellers were seen fanning themselves or sheltering from the sun under umbrellas

People were seen camped out as the queue formed by the side of the road, with a sea of camp chairs and bucket hats

Excited fans were seen gathering in huge crowds as they awaited the gates opening for the show

And to their delight, they did open early - with fans able to get into the park to get a good spot for the show

The band are set to play in front of 80,000 people in their home city of Manchester on Friday after kicking off their world tour in Cardiff last week (Pictured)

One suggested climbing trees to scale the double fence or attempting to swim across the park's boating lake.

'We've got to climb over this fence here... and then you're just in there for Oasis,' one TikToker told his followers.

Another said: 'You get in the water, you've got to swim and then you'll get in.'

Manchester City Council has condemned the videos and urged fans without tickets to enjoy the 'brilliant' atmosphere in the city centre instead.

Greater Manchester Police has promised a 'large and highly visible policing operation' to deter wrongdoers.

The 600-acre open space hosts the annual Parklife festival and was the venue for Oasis's last concert in the city on June 7, 2009.

Last year, police imposed a dispersal order on the park to prevent ticketless fans from gathering outside.

The brothers announced the Oasis Live '25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff , before heading across the UK and Ireland (Seen last week)

There have been fears Oasis' homecoming gig in Manchester could be overrun by ticketless fans as 'irresponsible' TikTokers share advice on how to break in to the venue

SJM Concerts, which is organising the events said that 2,000 stewards and a 'significant number' of police officers would be patrolling the event.

'We have been working for more than a year alongside the various councils and emergency services to ensure these Oasis shows in Heaton Park are safe for all ticket holders.

'Anyone without a ticket should not travel to Heaton Park,' Rob Ballantine, the director of SJM Concerts, told the Guardian.

'We are aware of the TikTok videos but what they don't show is the 2,000 stewards, plus a significant number of police who will be patrolling the area, and the double fence line around the entire site with mobile security in between the fences.'
Reese Witherspoon stepped out without her makeup on when in New York City on Friday.

The 49-year-old Legally Blonde star looked years younger than she really is with her flawless complexion and natural beauty.

The Oscar-winning actress wore a white sweater and relaxed-fit jeans with a brown belt for her outing.

A caramel-colored Lowe handbag was slung over one shoulder while a straw tote bag hung from her other shoulder.

The Pleasantville actress was up before the sun as she exited a building in the dark.

The sighting comes after Apple TV+ dropped a teaser trailer for the fourth season of The Morning Show.

Reese Witherspoon stepped out this week in NYC without her makeup on and she looked wonderful

The Legally Blonde star looked years younger than 49 with her flawless complexion and natural beauty

Season four of The Morning Show begins in spring 2024, two years since the events in season three.

The UBA-NBN merger is complete and the cast of characters is rattled, not knowing who they can trust.

The one minute teaser features voice overs from Reese's Bradley Jackson and Jennifer Aniston's Alex Levy.

'We have to stay together on this,' Bradley is heard saying before Alex says, 'I need to have a say in the future of this place.'

'I have to do what's best for the network,' Bradley then says, seemingly in response to her former TMS co-host.

'We have to question everything that we see and hear now more than ever,' Alex is heard saying while Bradley says, 'There was a cover-up The truth always comes out, you know that.'

As the two women walk towards each other against a backdrop of a black glass building, other characters chime in.

Mark Duplass' Chip Black is looking for 'some dirt,' while Billy Crudup's Cory Ellison, says it is 'nice' when someone else does the 'dirty work.'

The Pleasantville actress seen with her makeup on in June in Cannes, France

Jon Hamm's Paul Marks suggests Alex could run the network if she 'wants it enough.'

The teaser then ends with Cory saying, 'It sounds like the drama at the network is juicier than the drama on the network,' as Alex and Bradley approach each other and stare each other down.

'Face your truth,' the show teases.

The Morning Show's season four debuts on AppleTV+ on September 17 with new episodes dropping every Wednesday.

Reese's outing comes after she announced Sunnie, a Gen Z-focused spin-off of her Hello Sunshine label, at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity last month.

Reese described Sunnie as a 'celebration' of young women's creativity, curiosity and agency.

She said: 'It's been a dream of mine to build a space where young women can be the truest version of themselves,

'We've discovered that young women are not defined by doom and gloom as they're often portrayed in media  they're complex, creative individuals with incredible agency.

The sighting comes after Apple TV+ dropped a teaser trailer for the fourth season of The Morning Show. Seen here in late June

'Sunnie will be a celebration of that spirit, giving them the tools and community to navigate lifes challenges while embracing their authentic selves.'

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the multi-platform brand will feature collaborations with such Gen Z creators and celebrities as YouTuber Lana Condor, Canadian high diver and social media personality Molly Carlson, and Young Sheldon actress Raegan Revord.

The group announced strategic alliances with organizations including AnitaB.org, Child Mind Institute, IF/THEN Initiative, and Purdue University, which will serve as the brand's official university partner.

The Sunnie ecosystem will span social content, digital zines, book clubs, custom curriculum, and real-world events.
90 Day Fiance star Eric Rosenbrook has reportedly been arrested for slapping a woman who is believed to be his wife of seven years, Leida Rosenbrook.

The alleged incident took place on the 4th of July in Adams, Wisconsin, reported TMZ on Friday.

The victim - Leida is not named in the document and the victim has gone under LNM but the site believes it's her - reportedly told authorities that Eric had been drinking when he went to pick up food, but did not return in a timely matter.

The 35-year-old then noticed that Eric was 'passed out' in his car outside the apartment, which she allegedly videotaped, the site claimed.

When she woke him, he came in the house and slapped her when she was holding their baby girl, it has been claimed.

Eric has confirmed the accusations to the site.

Rosenbrook was arrested and booked around 2am on July 5 and has been charged with misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct.

90 Day Fiance star Eric Rosenbrook has been arrested for slapping a woman who is believed to be his wife of seven years, Leida Rosenbrook

The victim went into detail about the incident.

She had said that when she woke Rosenbrook up in the car, she had their baby with her in her arms and he woke the child up, the site claimed.

He reportedly then wanted to hold the baby but the victim said no because he was too drunk.

That is when the reality TV star allegedly slapped the victim. The victim said she had been abused since they wed in 2018, the site reported.

Eric went back to his car and fell asleep again, police told the site. The authorities said he admitted to hitting the alleged victim, the site added.

TMZ spoke with Eric who admitted he did hit her when she was holding their daughter. But he said that he did not the child. However, he then decided to leave the apartment.

And he shared that the fight has led to their split.

Rosenbrook married Leida after meeting on 90 Day Fiance during season six of the show. She filed for divorce last year, but her petition was withdrawn, it has been claimed.

In 2019 he was linked to another ugly situation when he was accused of hitting Leida.

The incident took place on the 4th of July in Adams, Wisconsin, reported TMZ on Friday

The victim - Leida is not named in the document and the victim has gone under LNM - reportedly told authorities that Eric had been drinking when he went to pick up food, but did not return in a timely matter

He explained his side of the altercation during an Instagram Live video for fans but denied he struck her.

The wife claimed her husband pulled her hair and scratched her scalp during their fight.

In the text messages, Leida claimed that Eric 'pulled my hairs really hard and grab it until I can stand up and grabbed my wrist both of them and put me on the corner.'

In his video response, Eric disputed some of the details, but his account hued fairly close to Leida's original allegations.

'Leida and I had an altercation,' the reality star admitted.

'She was threatening self-harm, I wrestled a knife from her. But my training took over, it triggered my training...and I went too far,' he explained. 'Nothing serious was caused, other than emotional trauma, which is severe. I may have scratched her scalp, I did not realize I did that. After I wrestled the knife from her, my training took over and the only thing I could think of was to restrain her.'

'It went too far,' continued Eric. 'I attempted to stand her up on her feet so I could look her in her face and restrain her wrists, but I pulled her up by her hair. She did not resist, had she resisted it may have snapped me back to reality and I would not have done it. I like to believe that I would not have continued to do it that way.'

The 35-year-old then noticed that he was 'passed out' in his car outside the apartment, which she allegedly videotaped. When she woke him, he came in the house and slapped her when she was holding their baby girl, it has been claimed

Eric confirmed the accusation to the site. Rosenbrook was arrested and booked around 2am on July 5 and has been charged with misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct

'I do not excuse how it happened, I know I should've handled that differently,' continued the former Marine.

'After I stood her up I had to restrain her wrists, I was afraid of her hitting herself or myself. We argued and fought a little bit, not physically after that.

'I kept her against the wall in the kitchen, the corner as she says, it's not really a corner, it's just the end of the kitchen. And I kept her there because she would've had to pass the sink again and the knife, and knives, so I kept her there, I did not let her pass.'

Eric went on to say that he had called the police at Leida's request, and that she had been taken to a hospital for an evaluation.

Rosenbrook seen in 2019 when he denied hitting his wife

He said he had offered to stay at a hotel to give her space, though it wasn't clear what their current living situation is.

Neither Eric nor his wife seem to be disputing the most explosive part of the allegations, that Leida had a knife and was threatening to kill or harm herself.

Leida's Instagram account posted an Instagram story referencing the fight.

'A domestic incident did take place between Eric and Leida on 1/20/19,' it read. 'The couple asked that you please respect their desire to keep things private at this time. #privacy #respect.'
Liam and Noel Gallagher's children proved that they're closer than ever as they reunited for the 'pic of the century' ahead of their fathers' first Manchester show.

Wrapping their arms around each other back stage at Heaton Park on Friday, Liam's youngest child, Gene, 24, shared a photo to Instagram.

He was joined by his brother Lennon, 25, and cousins, Noels daughter Anais, 25, and his sons Donovan, 17, and Sonny, 14.

Also in the picture was Pep Guardiola, Spanish professional football manager, who has been the manager of Noel's beloved Manchester City football club since 2016.

The Spaniard wore a retro Manchester City shirt as he prepares to try and win back the top flight title they lost to Liverpool last season.

Gene captioned the photo: 'Pic of the century, alright? now everyone els (sic) f**k off.'

Liam and Noel Gallagher 's children proved that they're closer than ever as they reunited for the 'pic of the century' ahead of their fathers' first Manchester show (L-R Donavan, Sonny, Anais, Gene, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Lennon)

Wrapping their arms around each other back stage at Heaton Park on Friday, Liam's youngest child, Gene, 24, shared a photo to Instagram

Notably missing from the picture was Liam's daughter, Molly, 27.

Liam shares Gene with Nicole Appleton and later welcomed Lennon with Patsy Kensit.

Noel shares Anais with Meg Mathews, and her brothers Sonny, 15, and Donovan, 18, with Sara MacDonald.

Liam is currently engaged to Debbie Gwyther and have been together since 2013, meanwhile Noel is dating Sally Mash.

Gene is a member of unsigned band Villanelle and they supported Noel on his last solo tour.

He has been writing songs for a number of years and also recalled his famous father encouraging him to get in on the music scene - but on the condition that he was good.

He noted that he was only given the change to open for his dad earlier last year if he was good after being warned that he would only 'cringe' if his performance was not up to scratch.

Oasis are set to play in front of 80,000 people in their home city of Manchester on Friday after kicking off their world reunion tour in Cardiff last week.

Liam shares Gene with Nicole Appleton (pictured together in 2010)

Noel shares Anais with Meg Mathews (they are pictured in 2000)

Your browser does not support iframes.

Fans started queuing hours before the gates opened at Heaton Park with attendees facing a 90-minute wait for trams at Victoria Station

Spirits were high despite queuing in the blistering heat

The shows at Heaton Park - a 600-acre public park in Bury and Manchester - are the only UK shows held outside a stadium, with the others taking place at the Principality Stadium, Wembley and Murrayfield.

Fans started queuing hours before the gates opened at Heaton Park with attendees facing a 90-minute wait for trams at Victoria Station.

People were seen camped out as the queue formed by the side of the road, with a sea of camp chairs and bucket hats.

With temperatures of 28 degrees in Manchester, roasting hot revellers were seen fanning themselves or sheltering from the sun under umbrellas.

Excited fans were seen gathering in huge crowds as they awaited the gates opening for the show.

And to their delight, they did open early - with fans able to get into the park to get a good spot for the show, five hours ahead of the band taking to the stage.

In the city centre concert goers faced a 90-minute wait for trams with fans voicing their concerns on X.

According to Manchester Evening News, transport staff informed the public to order taxis or walk from Victoria Station to Heaton Park.

The brothers announced the Oasis Live '25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff, before heading across the UK and Ireland.

News coverage of Oasis concerts including Manchester has been affected by the decision of band management to impose unacceptable specific restrictions on Press photography inside venues.

From the Manchester gigs onwards, long-established international and national news agencies have each suspended their news photo coverage of performances.
Suri Cruise has debuted a new belly button piercing while in New York City on Friday.

The 19-year-old daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise showed off the sparkly piece of jewelry when flashing her tummy in a white cropped tank top.

Belly button piercings, also called naval piercings, first came to be in ancient Egypt, and became popular in the late 1990s when Britney Spears wore one.

It is most commonly located on the upper fold of skin but can also be placed underneath the navel. Healing usually takes around 6 to 12 months. Miley Cyrus, Addison Rae, Vanessa Hudgens and Dua Lipa also have belly piercings.

In the US, the minimum age for getting a belly button piercing typically falls between 16 and 18, but this can vary by state.

Suri's mom Katie does not seem to have a belly piercing, but she does have a nose piercing.

The Carnegie Mellon college student added to-the-knee pale gray sweatpants and a pair of black Mary Jane shoes. She seems to be taking after her Hollywood star mother, who often models the same types of shoes.

Suri Cruise has debuted a new belly button piercing while in New York City on Friday. The 19-year-old daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise showed off the sparkly piece of jewelry when flashing her tummy in a white cropped tank top

Belly button piercings, also called naval piercings, first came to be in ancient Egypt , and became popular in the late 1990s when Britney Spears wore one. It is most commonly located on the upper fold of skin but can also be placed underneath the navel. Healing usually takes around 6 to 12 months

Cruise wore her hair down with a hair tie around her wrist as she carried only a cell phone during her solo stroll in sunny in Manhattan.

Earlier this week Suri opted for a sporty look, putting on in a silver asymmetric top and navy leggings.

Cruise was seen heading down the street towards a subway station to join the millions of daily passengers on the world's best-known metro system.

The teen has also been seen heading to the gym alone.

Suri began college last fall after graduating from New York's famous LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts earlier in the year.

The high school, which was said to have inspired the movie Fame, has churned out a formidable array of celebrities over the years.

Notable alumni range from Al Pacino and Liza Minnelli to Jennifer Aniston and Adrien Brody to newer faces like Ansel Elgort and Timothee Chalamet.

Having graduated high school, Suri moved to Pittsburgh to attend Carnegie Mellon, a prestigious arts college where she was said to be 'leaning towards' studying fashion.

The Carnegie Mellon college student added to-the-knee pale gray sweatpants and a pair of black Mary Jane shoes. She seems to be taking after her Hollywood star mother, who often models the same types of shoes

Suri's mom Katie does not seem to have a belly piercing, but does have a nose piercing

'She is a smart girl, and she is turning into a very intelligent mature young woman,' an insider revealed to DailyMail.com last year.

'She has a very close group of loyal friends, and she knows exactly where she comes from.'

Suri's mother was said to be 'overwhelmed' at the prospect of her moving away.

'Katie takes great pride in her but is also extremely overprotective,' a source shared.

Katie, who shot to fame on the teen drama Dawson's Creek, started dating Tom in 2005 and got engaged to him seven weeks into the relationship.

Their Scientologist wedding was held at the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi near Rome in November 2006, seven months after Suri was born.

Holmes seen at Cynthia Erivo Tony's after party at the Russian Tea Room in NYC in June

Suri's father Tom seems to be dating Ballerina actress Ana de Armas

Katie filed in 2012 for a divorce that was finalized just 10 days later, with Katie retaining primary custody of Suri while Tom was granted visitation, via People.

Ron Miscavige, father of Scientology leader David Miscavige, told the MailOnline in 2016 that Katie's misgivings about Scientology - including the effect it could have on Suri - contributed to her decision to leave Tom.

The Top Gun Maverick star reportedly paid Katie $400,000 a year until Suri's 18th birthday, and is now said to be sending money for her college fees.

Tom has not been pictured with his daughter in about 13 years, and in 2018 it was alleged that he had created distance between himself and Suri.

'Every person is allowed to see their child if they wanted to,' an insider told Us Weekly. 'He chooses not to because she is not a Scientologist.'
Dennis Quaid shared an update on his daughter Zoe Quaid, 17, who was working as a counselor at a nearby camp when the tragic fatal floods at Camp Mystic in Texas.

The Texas movie star, 71, revealed that Zoe is safe during his appearance on the Thursday broadcast of Hannity.

The Parent Trap star added that he couldn't get a hold of her the night the flash floods took place, and didn't sleep that night until he was able to reach her the next day.

'Hill Country in Texas is a magical place, especially for children going to camp there. It's a cherished memory you carry with you all your life,' he said.

'My daughter was a few miles away from [Camp] Mystic, further north. Thankfully their camp was okay.'

Dennis Quaid shared an update on his daughter Zoe Quaid, 17, who was working as a counselor at a nearby camp when the tragic fatal floods at Camp Mystic in Texas; seen June 13, 2025

The Texas movie star, 71, revealed that Zoe is safe during his appearance on the Thursday broadcast of Hannity; Dennis and his daughter Zoe pictured on August 20, 2024 at the Regan premiere in Hollywood

'I heard about [the floods] as I was going to bed that night, and I tried to call her because I knew she was up there,' he said on the broadcast.

'I knew it wasn't near where the floods, but I wasn't able to talk to her 'til the next day I didn't really get a lot of sleep that night,' he added.

Dennis said he is friends with Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, and sent his condolences to his family for the loss of Janie Hunt, who died at age nine in the floods.

Dennis, who was born and also raised in Houston, Texas, sent condolences to anyone affected by the deadly floods, which claimed the lives of 120 people, with 160 people still missing.

'My heart goes out to everybody [and] my heart goes out to the Hunt family, who are friends of my wife Laura [Savoie] and I,' he said.

'Janie, Hunt, who was lost that weekend. I can't imagine... how devastating that would be. None of us can,' he added.

Dennis shares daughter Zoe with his third now ex-wife, Kimberly Buffington.

Dennis and Kimberly are parents to twins Zoe and Thomas, 17.

The Parent Trap star added that he couldn't get a hold of her the night the flash floods took place, and didn't sleep that night until he was able to reach her the next day; Dennis and his daughter Zoe pictured at the Regan premiere on August 20, 2024 in Hollywood

Dennis shares daughter Zoe with his third now ex-wife, Kimberly Buffington; seen with Kimberly on May 19, 2010 in LA

'My heart goes out to everybody [and] my heart goes out to the Hunt family, who are friends of my wife Laura [Savoie] and I,' he said; pictured with wife Laura on June 12, 2025 in Italy

He's also dad to Jack Quaid, 33, with his second now ex-wife Meg Ryan.

Dennis was married to P.J. Soles from 1978 until 1983, then Meg from 1991 until 2000, then Kimberly from 2004 until 2012, and now currently with wife number four Laura Savoie, 32 years old - which is 39 years younger than him.

The deadly floods took place on July 4 early morning in Central Texas, with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in 45 mins after six flash flood warnings were distributed in the area earlier in the day.

Since its summer, multiple camps were in operations in the area -including Camp Mystic.

Twenty-seven people died while at Camp Mystic, including children and counselors - with a total loss of life due to the fatal flood in the Hill Country at 120 people, with 160 people still missing.
John Goodman has revealed he and Roseanne Barr have not spoken for 'seven or eight years,' after rising to stardom together in the 1980s playing a married couple on the original run of the sitcom Roseanne.

Seven years ago in 2018, the comedienne was fired from the reboot of Roseanne for tweeting that former Obama official Valerie Jarrett - a black woman - seemed as though the 'muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby.'

As a race row erupted, Roseanne deleted the tweet and blamed the post on Ambien, subsequently insisting she had no idea that the olive-skinned Valerie Jarrett was black and even screaming at one interviewer: 'I thought the b**** was white!'

ABC chief Channing Dungey - who has gone on to work with the Obamas - jettisoned Roseanne from the network in response to the tweet, which drew fierce public denunciations from her co-stars like Sara Gilbert and Emma Kenney, though John kept a low profile except to say he preferred not to 'cause more trouble.'

In order for the show to be allowed to continue and her colleagues to keep their jobs, Roseanne was prevailed upon to give up her rights to the royalties, including those she would have earned from the original series.

Roseanne's character was killed off of the reboot, which was rebranded The Conners - and John, 73, has now shared that he has not spoken to Roseanne, 72, since around the time her career went up in flames, via The Hollywood Reporter.

John Goodman has revealed he and Roseanne Barr have not spoken for 'seven or eight years'; they are pictured seven years ago in 2018 at the premiere of their sitcom's reboot

The Conners staggered on for seven seasons before airing its last episode this April, a development that John revealed he has not discussed with Roseanne.

'Id rather doubt if she wants to talk to me. We havent talked for about seven or eight years,' explained the Argo actor in a new interview.

However John had only warm words for his former co-star while discussing the original Roseanne series, which ran nine seasons from 1988 to 1997 and has been widely hailed as one of the finest sitcoms ever created.

'We hit it off from jump street,' said John. 'She made me laugh, and I made her laugh, and wow, it was so much fun. Wed get so many viewers for the show back then - 20, 30 million people. Things are so different now, but it was a special time.'

John's comments went public after a new documentary called Roseanne Is America came out this Tuesday, revealing the final indignity ABC subjected her to after she was thrown off her show seven years ago.

In the new movie, Roseanne shared that ABC actually wanted to bring her back as a 'ghost' guest star at some point during The Conners' run.

'They called me and asked me if I would like to come back as a guest star. You're coming back as a ghost,' Barr revealed.

The comedienne added, 'You're asking me to come back to the show that you f***ing stole from me and killed my a**, and now you want me to show up because you got s**t f***ing ratings and play a ghost?'

However John had only warm words for his former co-star while discussing the original Roseanne series, which ran nine seasons from 1988 to 1997; the cast are pictured in 1989

Roseanne and John are pictured on the 2018 reboot of Roseanne, which was rebranded The Conners after her firing and staggered on for seven seasons before ending this year

She added in the film that she turned down the request by telling the network, 'I'm gonna be bowling that f***ing week.'

Barr also commented on how her character was killed off in the show mirrors the real-life death of Glenn Quinn, who played Becky's (Alicia Goranson) husband Mark Healy on the original show, and died from an accidental overdose in 2002.

'Within three weeks, they revived the show as The Conners, and of course they killed off my character Roseanne in an opioid overdose,' Barr said in the documentary.

'Which was staggering because Glenn Quinn, who played Becky's husband, actually died of an opioid overdose,' she added.

The show would go on to reveal that her overdose came as she was struggling with addiction that was exacerbated by knee pain and insufficient medical coverage.

Roseanne and John are pictured attending a 2006 Christmas event for the gay rights organization The Trevor Project, held at The Wiltern LG in Hollywood

The finale of The Connors surprised many fans since it included zero footage of Roseanne at all, despite multiple clips from the original show with other characters.

Executive producer Dave Caplan explained to Deadline, 'It was contractual,' regarding Roseanne's absence in the finale.

Another executive producer, Bruce Helford, added, 'She was very gracious in allowing us to continue the show because she had a say in that.'

He added of her exit from the show, 'When she realized it would be putting 300 people out of work when the initial reboot was canceled, she gracefully allowed us to continue without her.'

'It really was about these people. This show was really about the lives of these other people in the family, the Conners, and we wanted to focus on them,' he added.

Roseanne Is America, from director Joel Gilbert (The Trayvon Hoax: Unmasking the Witness Fraud that Divided America) is available to purchase on DVD or video on demand formats at RoseanneIsAmerica.com.
Americans who like to pour ketchup on their mac and cheese, beware: your favorite combo is heading for a breakup.

Kraft Heinz is plotting a potential split. It comes nearly a decade after the pantry brands merged in a high-profile mega-deal.

The company could spin off much of the Kraft grocery business  including well-loved grocery items like the brand-name mac and cheese, Jell-O, Maxwell House, and Oscar Mayer  into a new $20 billion firm, according to the Wall Street Journal.

That move would leave ketchup-maker Heinz and its sister condiments, including Grey Poupon, in a separate company.

It's a big reset for a brand that ended up losing billions in value despite its big-money backing.

The companies merged in 2015, led by Warren Buffett and 3G Capital.

But the combination has lost billions of dollars  the combined company reported Kraft and Oscar Mayer lost $15 billion of value in 2019.

The combined company's stock price has dropped 60 percent since the merger.

A company that housed multiple pantry staples could soon be heading for a breakup

'As announced in May, Kraft Heinz has been evaluating potential strategic transactions to unlock shareholder value,' a company spokesperson told DailyMail.com.

'Beyond that, we do not comment on rumors or speculation.'

The company has been plotting major changes since the beginning of the year, including a potential sale of the Oscar Mayer brand, according to WSJ.

But the negotiations haven't netted much interest.

At the core of the brand's problem: American's shopping habits have changed substantially since the companies decided to join forces.

At the time, shoppers were buying experimental condiments, packaged meats, and convenient entrees in droves.

Now, today's consumers have turned their focus toward fresher foods, analysts told DailyMail.com. The changing consumer priorities have hurt Kraft's business, while supporting Heinz's.

'The grocery landscape has been tough for a while,' Neil Saunders, a retail expert at GlobalData, said. 'This means the big food firms are looking for ways to maximize the value of their businesses.'

Oscar Mayer, the iconic hot dog company, was part of a huge write off in 2019 after its parent company's value dropped

Investors were bullish on Kraft's continued dominance in the grocery store - but shoppers have moved their shopping habits into fresher produce

Analysts believe that Heinz, the company behind the name-brand ketchup, will quickly grow sales

That shift has put pressure on multiple iconic companies.

Earlier this month, Del Monte Inc., the 138-year-old American food producer that makes well-recognized canned fruits and vegetables, declared bankruptcy after seeing sales declines.

WK Kellogg, the iconic cereal maker behind Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes, just sold itself to the Italian chocolatier, Ferrero.

The American cereal company's May earnings report had some stinging numbers, including a 6.2 percent decline in sales.

Amid the turmoil, some experts think Kraft Heinz might be making the right call to call their relationship over.

Saunders believes the Heinz and Kraft split-up could stop the company's bleeding. Heinz's condiment sales are 'faster growing,' he said.

'If this goes through, consumers on the ground won't notice too many changes.'

The breakup might be good business. Your taste buds likely won't sense a difference.
It's been a blistering year of recalls for America's most iconic automaker.

Ford  the Detroit-based SUV, truck, and sportscar maker  posted another NHTSA safety bulletin on Tuesday, it's 89th this year.

That is more than any other automaker has ever posted in an entire year. Ford hit that record in just over six months.

The next most recalled vehicle producer is camper producer Forest River, with 21.

Chrysler (18 recalls), Volkswagen (17 recalls), General Motors (15 recalls), Honda (14 recalls), and Mercedes-Benz (13 recalls) are the next five most-recalled mass automakers in the US.

Combined, their 77 recalls this year are still fewer than Ford's alone.

Ford said this year's spike in recalls is in part attributed to a growing team of safety and technical experts who are conducting more research on their vehicles.

'Ford has significantly improved product quality,' a company spokesperson told DailyMail.com. 'The increase in recalls reflects our intensive strategy to quickly find and fix any hardware and software issues and go the extra mile to protect customers.'

Ford, which builds 80 percent of its cars in the US, said it has hired a growing team of inspectors for its vehicles

The company previously told DailyMail.com that around half its recalls were fixed with over-the-air updates that don't require owners to bring their vehicles to a dealership.

So far, nine of the recalls are expansions of previously-released safety warnings.

But, some of this year's new recalls needed physical parts replacements and scary cautions.

A July 8 NHTSA bulletin said around 850,000 vehicles cars produced between 2022 and 2023 needed to be checked for a fuel pump failure.

The cars included on that recall list, including some of the company's best-selling F-Series models, risked 'engine stalling while driving.'

Other issues, like a June product warning, said 304,662 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs built between 2020 and 2025 might have a faulty part in the second row, resulting in seats 'unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.'

Not all vehicles required new parts.

Recalls have been a long-running issue for the automaker. Ford led the industry in recalls in 2022 and 2023 before dropping to third place in 2024.

Ford's top boss, Jim Farley, said the company spent $4.8 billion to fix its recall issues

The Ford Bronco has been involved in several recalls this year, including a recent issue with the door locks

In a 2024 earnings call, Ford CEO Jim Farley said the company spent $4.8 billion annually on recalls.

The top boss said the company was working through the parts issues, and unveiled a 'build and hold' model for several US-assembled models.

After the products rolled out of Ford production plants, cars would pause in large holding lots, allowing engineers to assess their build quality.

At the time, Farley said the new process helped the company avoid 12 safety and technical recalls. It also temporarily cut into profits.

'Our earnings may be a little lumpy,' he said during an April 2024 earnings call.

'What we're going to see long term is fewer recalls and lower warranty costs because of this new process.'

So far, Ford dealers speaking to the Wall Street Journal said most of the parts problems have been easily-solved by their in-house mechanics.

Still, they wished the recalls would slow down.

'I don't fault them for some of these new technology changes that happen so fast, as they've got to put them in to keep up with competition,' Jim Seavitt, a dealership employee in Michigan told the publication.

'But the quality has remained the same. There's too many recalls.'
Haunting images show the 'abandoned' location of a once popular local restaurant.

The beloved casual dining chain Applebee's closed its once bustling location in St. Petersburg, Florida, over the weekend.

A sign on the front door of the building thanks locals for their 'many years of business' and encourages patrons to visit another local Applebee's.

Outraged locals revealed on Facebook that the restaurant's employees were only given seven hours notice that they were out of a job.

'The lease for the building was ending and corporate decided the location didn't make enough money to stay open,' one former employee wrote on Reddit.

'The workers got a days notice that they were all losing their jobs.'

Pictures of the closed restaurant showed chairs piled on to bare tables, the sign stripped from the building's exterior and an empty parking lot.

Applebee's also closed its University Parkway location in Florida in May.

The Applebee's sign has been stripped from the building located in an abandoned parking lot

Dine Brands Global, the owner of Applebee's, reported a 2.2 percent sales decline during its first earnings call of the year.

The corporation said Applebee's had raked in $1 billion in the first three months of 2025.

In an effort to reinvigorate customers, Applebee's has leaned into more deals and better customer rewards.

'We are focused on elevating guests' experience, enhancing the menu by focusing on our core products, and better communicating offers through dynamic marketing,' John Peyton, the company's CEO, said during the company's March earnings call.

Once dominant Applebee's has fallen out of favor with consumers, and has been forced to close around 300 locations between 2016 and 2023.

The restaurant chain went on to shutter up to up to 35 restaurants closed in 2024.

The brand has forecast it will need to close a further 20 to 35 locations this year, The Sun reported.

In an effort to boost two of its legacy brands and save on costs, Dine Brands has also consolidated a number of its IHOP and Applebee's locations.

Pictures of the closed restaurant showed chairs piled on to bare tables

John Peyton, CEO of Applebee's parent company Dine Brands, is revamping restaurants

Applebee's is known for its comfort food and $1 dollarita drinks

'The dual brand concept is now a core pillar of our development strategy, and we're optimistic about the long-term upside potential,' Peyton said previously.

'On average, we've seen these locations achieve 1.5 to 2 times the revenue compared to a single brand restaurant.'

The company said it is planning to open a further 12 to 14 dual brand location in 2025.

Dine is also undertaking a major remodeling program to refresh the brand's tired image.

The 'Lookin' Good' scheme is revamping 30 Applebee's locations that Dine took over last November, Restaurant Dive reported.
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated their sell rating on shares of BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts (LON:BTA  Free Report) in a report released on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a GBX 140 ($1.90) target price on the stock.

A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on BTA. Berenberg Bank started coverage on shares of BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts in a research note on Wednesday, June 25th. They set a buy rating and a GBX 240 ($3.26) price objective on the stock. Citigroup reaffirmed a sell rating on shares of BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts in a report on Tuesday, April 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a GBX 286 ($3.89) price target on shares of BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts in a report on Monday.

Get BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Report on BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts

BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts Price Performance

About BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts

BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts (BTA) (the Trust) investment objective is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. The Trust seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in municipal obligations and derivative instruments with exposure to such municipal obligations, in each case that are exempt from federal income tax (except that the interest may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax).

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trusts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cranswick plc (LON:CWK  Get Free Report) insider Jim Brisby sold 12,346 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 5,218 ($70.89), for a total transaction of 644,214.28 ($875,172.23).

Cranswick Stock Up 0.4%

CWK opened at GBX 5,160.26 ($70.10) on Friday. Cranswick plc has a twelve month low of GBX 4,405 ($59.84) and a twelve month high of GBX 5,590 ($75.94). The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.98. The company has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 5,276.55 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 5,045.86. The company has a market cap of 2.78 billion, a PE ratio of 24.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.44.

Get Cranswick alerts:

Cranswick (LON:CWK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 20th. The company reported GBX 273.40 ($3.71) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Cranswick had a net margin of 4.35% and a return on equity of 12.64%. Sell-side analysts expect that Cranswick plc will post 258.5590189 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

CWK has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Berenberg Bank reiterated a hold rating and issued a GBX 5,370 ($72.95) price objective on shares of Cranswick in a research report on Monday, March 31st. Shore Capital reiterated a house stock rating on shares of Cranswick in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on CWK

About Cranswick

(Get Free Report)

Cranswick is a leading and innovative British supplier of premium, fresh and added value food products, with revenues in excess of 2.0 billion. We produce and supply premium food to UK grocery retailers, the food service sector and other global food producers.

Our core market is the United Kingdom where we provide a range of high quality, predominantly fresh food including Fresh Pork, Poultry, Convenience and Gourmet Products and more recently have further expanded our portfolio by adding high quality pet food.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Cranswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cranswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Judges Scientific plc (LON:JDG  Get Free Report) insider David Cicurel acquired 2 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 7th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 8,650 ($117.51) per share, for a total transaction of 173 ($235.02).

Judges Scientific Price Performance

Shares of JDG opened at GBX 8,300 ($112.76) on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is GBX 8,043.80 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 7,642.81. The company has a market capitalization of 544.91 million, a P/E ratio of 36.49, a P/E/G ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 70.79, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 1.97. Judges Scientific plc has a fifty-two week low of GBX 5,900 ($80.15) and a fifty-two week high of 116.50 ($158.27).

Get Judges Scientific alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently commented on JDG. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a 106 ($144.00) price objective on shares of Judges Scientific in a report on Wednesday, March 26th. Shore Capital reaffirmed a house stock rating on shares of Judges Scientific in a research report on Tuesday, July 1st.

About Judges Scientific

(Get Free Report)

Judges Scientific plc (AIM: JDG), is a group focused on acquiring and developing companies in the scientific instrument sector. The Group now consists of 23 businesses acquired since 2005.

The acquired companies are primarily UK-based with products sold worldwide to a diverse range of markets including: higher education institutions, scientific research facilities, manufacturers and regulatory authorities.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Judges Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Judges Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Burford Brothers Inc. increased its position in The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW  Free Report) by 6.5% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 773 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after acquiring an additional 47 shares during the period. Burford Brothers Inc.s holdings in Sherwin-Williams were worth $270,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Perkins Coie Trust Co purchased a new stake in Sherwin-Williams during the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Park Square Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams in the 4th quarter worth $27,000. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams in the 4th quarter worth $28,000. Synergy Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 583.3% in the 1st quarter. Synergy Investment Management LLC now owns 82 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Sherwin-Williams in the first quarter worth about $30,000. 77.67% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Sherwin-Williams alerts:

Sherwin-Williams Price Performance

Sherwin-Williams stock opened at $351.80 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $88.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.16 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.45. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a 1 year low of $306.63 and a 1 year high of $400.42. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $351.40 and a two-hundred day moving average of $348.01.

Sherwin-Williams Announces Dividend

Sherwin-Williams ( NYSE:SHW Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.25 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.23 by $0.02. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 71.86% and a net margin of 11.63%. The firm had revenue of $5.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.42 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.17 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that The Sherwin-Williams Company will post 12 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 16th were issued a dividend of $0.79 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 16th. This represents a $3.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.90%. Sherwin-Williamss dividend payout ratio is currently 29.87%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have commented on the company. UBS Group upped their price target on Sherwin-Williams from $398.00 to $410.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $289.00 to $296.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, June 23rd. Mizuho set a $395.00 price target on Sherwin-Williams in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $405.00 to $385.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $410.00 to $420.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, May 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $391.94.

Read Our Latest Analysis on SHW

About Sherwin-Williams

(Free Report)

The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Capital Insight Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL  Free Report) by 49.0% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 2,796 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 920 shares during the quarter. Capital Insight Partners LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $478,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in QUAL. Howe & Rusling Inc. grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 7.6% during the 4th quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 776 shares of the companys stock worth $138,000 after buying an additional 55 shares during the period. Tucker Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 11.5% during the 4th quarter. Tucker Asset Management LLC now owns 629 shares of the companys stock worth $112,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the period. Florida Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.9% during the 4th quarter. Florida Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,315 shares of the companys stock worth $412,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. Citizens National Bank Trust Department grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. Citizens National Bank Trust Department now owns 2,606 shares of the companys stock worth $445,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. Finally, Private Portfolio Partners LLC grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 1.7% during the 4th quarter. Private Portfolio Partners LLC now owns 4,095 shares of the companys stock worth $729,000 after buying an additional 68 shares during the period.

Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Trading Up 4.7%

iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF stock opened at $184.95 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $53.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.59 and a beta of 1.05. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 1 year low of $148.34 and a 1 year high of $187.26. The business has a 50-day moving average of $178.38 and a 200-day moving average of $176.28.

About iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF

The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QUAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Capital Insight Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Cushman & Wakefield PLC (NYSE:CWK  Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 17,172 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $175,000.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sterling Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Cushman & Wakefield by 820.3% during the 4th quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC now owns 7,215 shares of the companys stock worth $94,000 after purchasing an additional 6,431 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its stake in Cushman & Wakefield by 143.9% during the 4th quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 11,188 shares of the companys stock worth $146,000 after purchasing an additional 6,600 shares during the period. RiverPark Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Cushman & Wakefield in the 4th quarter valued at $150,000. AXQ Capital LP acquired a new position in Cushman & Wakefield in the 4th quarter valued at $169,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC increased its stake in Cushman & Wakefield by 101.8% in the 4th quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 14,542 shares of the companys stock valued at $190,000 after buying an additional 837,554 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.56% of the companys stock.

Get Cushman & Wakefield alerts:

Cushman & Wakefield Stock Performance

NYSE:CWK opened at $11.83 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. Cushman & Wakefield PLC has a fifty-two week low of $7.64 and a fifty-two week high of $16.11. The stock has a market cap of $2.74 billion, a PE ratio of 17.15 and a beta of 1.43. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $10.56 and its 200-day simple moving average is $11.08.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Cushman & Wakefield ( NYSE:CWK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $0.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.07. Cushman & Wakefield had a net margin of 1.70% and a return on equity of 13.50%. The business had revenue of $2.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.26 billion. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Cushman & Wakefield PLC will post 1.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

CWK has been the topic of several recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price objective on shares of Cushman & Wakefield from $13.00 to $11.50 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, March 19th. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Cushman & Wakefield from $16.00 to $12.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, March 17th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Cushman & Wakefield from $9.00 to $12.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 2nd. Morgan Stanley set a $14.50 price objective on shares of Cushman & Wakefield and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, June 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Cushman & Wakefield from $17.00 to $14.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $13.43.

Check Out Our Latest Report on CWK

About Cushman & Wakefield

(Free Report)

Cushman & Wakefield Plc engages in the provision of commercial real estate services. It operates through the following geographical segments: Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Asia Pacific (APAC). The Americas segment consists of operations located in the United States, Canada and key markets in Latin America.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CWK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cushman & Wakefield PLC (NYSE:CWK  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Cushman & Wakefield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cushman & Wakefield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Country Club Bank lowered its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 5.8% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 91,486 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 5,675 shares during the period. Country Club Banks holdings in Pfizer were worth $2,306,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Providence Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 114,358 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,034,000 after buying an additional 409 shares during the last quarter. William B. Walkup & Associates Inc. grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 1.2% in the 4th quarter. William B. Walkup & Associates Inc. now owns 39,368 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,044,000 after buying an additional 454 shares during the last quarter. Sutton Place Investors LLC grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. Sutton Place Investors LLC now owns 8,833 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $224,000 after buying an additional 472 shares during the last quarter. Balboa Wealth Partners grew its position in Pfizer by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Balboa Wealth Partners now owns 30,678 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $814,000 after purchasing an additional 480 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bellevue Group AG grew its position in Pfizer by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Bellevue Group AG now owns 141,560 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,756,000 after purchasing an additional 485 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.36% of the companys stock.

Get Pfizer alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

PFE has been the topic of several research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of Pfizer from $25.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. Redburn Atlantic dropped their target price on shares of Pfizer from $29.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $32.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 21st. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. They set a neutral rating and a $24.00 price objective for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $28.55.

Pfizer Stock Performance

NYSE:PFE opened at $25.77 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a current ratio of 1.26. The company has a fifty day moving average of $23.86 and a two-hundred day moving average of $24.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $146.49 billion, a PE ratio of 18.67, a P/E/G ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.58. Pfizer Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $20.92 and a fifty-two week high of $31.54.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $13.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.43 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 12.62% and a return on equity of 20.33%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.82 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 25th will be given a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 25th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is presently 124.64%.

Pfizer Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Haverty Furniture Companies (NYSE:HVT  Get Free Report) is one of 14 public companies in the RETAIL  HOME FRN industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its peers? We will compare Haverty Furniture Companies to related companies based on the strength of its institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk, earnings, profitability and dividends.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Haverty Furniture Companies and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Get Haverty Furniture Companies alerts:

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Haverty Furniture Companies $720.47 million $19.96 million 18.19 Haverty Furniture Companies Competitors $26.21 billion $2.36 billion 17.86

Haverty Furniture Companies peers have higher revenue and earnings than Haverty Furniture Companies. Haverty Furniture Companies 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.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

Profitability

80.6% of Haverty Furniture Companies shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 67.1% of shares of all RETAIL  HOME FRN companies are owned by institutional investors. 8.6% of Haverty Furniture Companies shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 5.0% of shares of all RETAIL  HOME FRN companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

This table compares Haverty Furniture Companies and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Haverty Furniture Companies 2.96% 6.94% 3.29% Haverty Furniture Companies Competitors 6.52% 33.77% 8.67%

Dividends

Haverty Furniture Companies pays an annual dividend of $1.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.6%. Haverty Furniture Companies pays out 101.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, RETAIL  HOME FRN companies pay a dividend yield of 2.4% and pay out 49.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Haverty Furniture Companies has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years.

Risk & Volatility

Haverty Furniture Companies has a beta of 1.36, indicating that its stock price is 36% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Haverty Furniture Companies peers have a beta of 1.46, indicating that their average stock price is 46% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Haverty Furniture Companies and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Haverty Furniture Companies 0 1 0 0 2.00 Haverty Furniture Companies Competitors 173 1318 2029 38 2.54

As a group, RETAIL  HOME FRN companies have a potential upside of 14.62%. Given Haverty Furniture Companies peers stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Haverty Furniture Companies has less favorable growth aspects than its peers.

Summary

Haverty Furniture Companies peers beat Haverty Furniture Companies on 11 of the 15 factors compared.

Haverty Furniture Companies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. operates as a specialty retailer of residential furniture and accessories in the United States. The company offers furniture merchandise under the Havertys brand name. It also provides custom upholstery products and eclectic looks; and mattress product lines under the Tempur-Pedic, Serta, Sealy, and Stearns and Foster names. The company sells home furnishings through its retail stores, as well as through its website. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Receive News & Ratings for Haverty Furniture Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Haverty Furniture Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Fonville Wealth Management LLC reduced its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV  Free Report) by 2.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 16,630 shares of the companys stock after selling 499 shares during the quarter. Fonville Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $1,016,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in EFV. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 312.7% in the first quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC now owns 421 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 319 shares during the last quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the 1st quarter worth $27,000. Trust Co. of Vermont raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 59.7% during the first quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 479 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the period. Breakwater Investment Management purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the first quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Global Trust Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 2,000.0% during the first quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 525 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the last quarter.

Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Trading Up 22.8%

Shares of EFV opened at $64.19 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $63.04 and its 200 day moving average price is $58.71. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 1-year low of $51.05 and a 1-year high of $64.69.

About iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF

iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Leavell Investment Management Inc. lessened its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 6.2% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 10,793 shares of the companys stock after selling 712 shares during the quarter. Leavell Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $1,728,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Perigon Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,087 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,236,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. TBH Global Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. TBH Global Asset Management LLC now owns 6,932 shares of the companys stock worth $1,100,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 2.1% during the 1st quarter. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,005 shares of the companys stock worth $477,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. lifted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. now owns 2,032 shares of the companys stock worth $323,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Western Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,446 shares of the companys stock worth $706,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock.

Get Philip Morris International alerts:

Philip Morris International Trading Up 1.6%

Shares of NYSE PM opened at $180.85 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $281.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.29, a P/E/G ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.51. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $102.75 and a 1-year high of $186.69. The stocks 50-day moving average is $177.87 and its 200 day moving average is $156.13.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $9.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.10 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.40% and a net margin of 8.43%. Philip Morris Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.50 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Investors of record on Friday, June 27th will be given a dividend of $1.35 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 27th. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.99%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is 111.34%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. Needham & Company LLC assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. They set a buy rating on the stock. Barclays increased their price objective on Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. Citigroup increased their price objective on Philip Morris International from $188.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $182.00 price target (up previously from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Philip Morris International from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $185.73.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on PM

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.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Seamount Financial Group Inc. lowered its stake in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (NYSEARCA:VT  Free Report) by 1.3% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 22,058 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 282 shares during the period. Vanguard Total World Stock ETF accounts for approximately 1.7% of Seamount Financial Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 18th biggest holding. Seamount Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF were worth $2,558,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 4,114.2% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 1,244,199 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $146,169,000 after buying an additional 1,214,675 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 27.3% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 3,098,168 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $363,973,000 after purchasing an additional 665,214 shares in the last quarter. Cerity Partners OCIO LLC boosted its stake in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 112.2% in the 1st quarter. Cerity Partners OCIO LLC now owns 1,249,347 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $144,862,000 after purchasing an additional 660,678 shares in the last quarter. Inscription Capital LLC bought a new position in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $58,826,000. Finally, Cambridge Associates LLC MA ADV boosted its stake in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 10.2% in the 4th quarter. Cambridge Associates LLC MA ADV now owns 4,608,531 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $541,410,000 after purchasing an additional 428,251 shares in the last quarter.

Get Vanguard Total World Stock ETF alerts:

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Price Performance

Shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF stock opened at $129.89 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $49.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.34 and a beta of 0.94. The firms 50-day moving average is $124.29 and its 200 day moving average is $119.88. Vanguard Total World Stock ETF has a 1 year low of $100.89 and a 1 year high of $130.05.

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Company Profile

Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap Index, which covers both well-established and still-developing markets. The Fund invests in both foreign and the United States stocks. The fund offers three classes of shares: Investor Shares, Institutional Shares, and ETF Shares.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (NYSEARCA:VT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Barry Investment Advisors LLC reduced its position in SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD  Free Report) by 3.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 26,093 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 1,050 shares during the period. SPDR Gold Shares makes up approximately 2.0% of Barry Investment Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 13th largest holding. Barry Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $7,519,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of GLD. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp acquired a new position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Columbia River Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares in the 1st quarter valued at about $34,000. HWG Holdings LP purchased a new stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares during the 1st quarter valued at about $53,000. American National Bank & Trust raised its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 189.4% during the 1st quarter. American National Bank & Trust now owns 191 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $55,000 after buying an additional 125 shares during the period. Finally, Inlight Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares during the 1st quarter valued at about $55,000. 42.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts:

SPDR Gold Shares Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:GLD opened at $306.20 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $101.23 billion, a P/E ratio of -32.43 and a beta of 0.15. SPDR Gold Shares has a one year low of $217.52 and a one year high of $317.63. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $306.30 and its 200 day simple moving average is $283.01.

SPDR Gold Shares Company Profile

SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares).

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
State of Michigan Retirement System raised its holdings in Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD  Free Report) by 0.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 251,467 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 100 shares during the quarter. State of Michigan Retirement Systems holdings in Prologis were worth $28,111,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Cohen & Steers Inc. grew its holdings in Prologis by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Cohen & Steers Inc. now owns 28,331,750 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,994,557,000 after buying an additional 882,529 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Prologis by 2.9% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 21,372,231 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,252,853,000 after purchasing an additional 610,251 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC lifted its stake in shares of Prologis by 11.7% in the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 17,878,397 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,889,747,000 after purchasing an additional 1,875,978 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its stake in shares of Prologis by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 16,596,799 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,754,282,000 after purchasing an additional 334,907 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Northern Trust Corp lifted its stake in shares of Prologis by 54.6% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 13,855,339 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,464,509,000 after purchasing an additional 4,893,284 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.50% of the companys stock.

Get Prologis alerts:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on PLD shares. CJS Securities reduced their price objective on Prologis from $140.00 to $117.00 in a research note on Friday, April 11th. Wolfe Research lowered Prologis from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Monday, April 21st. Mizuho decreased their price target on Prologis from $117.00 to $105.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 11th. Scotiabank upped their price target on Prologis from $97.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a sector underperform rating in a report on Monday, May 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on Prologis to $120.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $119.53.

Prologis Price Performance

Shares of NYSE PLD opened at $108.43 on Friday. Prologis, Inc. has a 1-year low of $85.35 and a 1-year high of $132.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.41 and a quick ratio of 0.41. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $107.14 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $109.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $100.62 billion, a PE ratio of 27.11, a P/E/G ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 1.23.

Prologis (NYSE:PLD  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 16th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.42 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.38 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $1.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.99 billion. Prologis had a return on equity of 6.45% and a net margin of 44.59%. On average, research analysts expect that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.73 EPS for the current year.

Prologis Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 17th were issued a dividend of $1.01 per share. This represents a $4.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.73%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 17th. Prologiss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 101.00%.

Prologis Company Profile

(Free Report)

Prologis, Inc is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At March 31, 2024, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (115 million square meters) in 19 countries.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Prologis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prologis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SteelPeak Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 53.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 14,773 shares of the investment management companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,130 shares during the quarter. SteelPeak Wealth LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $8,070,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Brighton Jones LLC increased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 17.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,474 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,989,000 after acquiring an additional 508 shares during the last quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 7.0% in the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 888 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $508,000 after acquiring an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG bought a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $583,000. Highview Capital Management LLC DE increased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 4.7% in the 4th quarter. Highview Capital Management LLC DE now owns 3,817 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,186,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Proficio Capital Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 5.4% in the 4th quarter. Proficio Capital Partners LLC now owns 7,916 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $4,533,000 after acquiring an additional 404 shares during the last quarter. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts:

The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Up 1.8%

Shares of GS stock opened at $709.29 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 0.68. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $437.37 and a 1 year high of $726.00. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $629.38 and a two-hundred day moving average of $595.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $217.64 billion, a PE ratio of 16.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 1.35.

The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend

The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 14th. The investment management company reported $14.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $12.57 by $1.55. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 13.76% and a net margin of 11.86%. The company had revenue of $15.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.99 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $11.58 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 30th were issued a $3.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 30th. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.69%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 27.85%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen downgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, June 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Thursday. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $560.00 price target for the company. in a report on Friday, April 4th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Thursday. Finally, Barclays lowered their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $760.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $614.00.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on The Goldman Sachs Group

Insider Buying and Selling at The Goldman Sachs Group

In other news, Director John B. Hess acquired 3,904 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 15th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $511.68 per share, for a total transaction of $1,997,598.72. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 3,904 shares in the company, valued at $1,997,598.72. This represents a  increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.55% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About The Goldman Sachs Group

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Xponance Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 1.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 320,929 shares of the restaurant operators stock after purchasing an additional 4,483 shares during the quarter. Xponance Inc.s holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $16,114,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Cerity Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 8.9% in the first quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 650,774 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $32,675,000 after buying an additional 53,120 shares during the last quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $2,231,000. Alps Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 16.8% in the 1st quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. now owns 7,233 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $363,000 after acquiring an additional 1,039 shares in the last quarter. LBP AM SA lifted its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.8% in the 1st quarter. LBP AM SA now owns 17,255 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $866,000 after purchasing an additional 1,251 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC boosted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 197.4% during the first quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 1,909 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $93,000 after purchasing an additional 1,267 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 91.31% of the companys stock.

Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Truist Financial upped their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $63.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Evercore ISI decreased their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $64.00 to $57.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $70.00 to $60.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. UBS Group cut their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $65.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, Robert W. Baird raised their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $58.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 2nd. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $61.25.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance

Shares of CMG stock opened at $56.41 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $52.49 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $53.22. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a one year low of $44.46 and a one year high of $66.74. The stock has a market cap of $76.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 49.92, a P/E/G ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 1.08.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $2.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.98 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 13.59% and a return on equity of 43.29%. Chipotle Mexican Grills revenue was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $13.37 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Chipotle Mexican Grill

In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, insider Roger E. Theodoredis sold 113,875 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.70, for a total transaction of $5,659,587.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 109,815 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,457,805.50. This trade represents a 50.91% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.81% of the companys stock.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill

(Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
The tiny British Isles, its rolling green fields, its babbling brooks, its quaint villages and towns, its cities, its forests. Well, MIRV knows what would happen during and after a nuclear war. What the media does not disclose about a full-on nuclear attack is that there are not just one or two missiles that hit each target, what actually happens is that the ballistic missiles have many warheads that are released in a MIRV (Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle) that ensures the target area is completely destroyed.

There are no shelters when it comes to the level of damage that modern nukes produce. The deepest London Underground station at Hampstead is only 192 feet deep, and the shockwaves of a direct ground burst above or near it would cause much of the tunnel system to collapse immediately. Even if some of the tunnels did manage to survive, this would not ensure that radiation would not be able to seep through the ventilation systems and through the station entrances.

London, for example, would not just receive one bomb bang in the centre of the city as is routinely published by the mainstream media, it would receive at least 100200 warheads each with massive payloads. The Sarmat (SATAN II) is capable of carrying 10 tonnes of payload, of ten 750 kilotons, 15 or 16 lighter MIRV warheads, therefore London would most probably be carpeted by over 12 Sarmats, north, east, south, west.

In countries like Finland, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland their governments make sure that their citizens have shelters to go to, whereas in the UK there does not seem to be anything of the sort. The general consensus is that the UK is defenceless and fucked. The government cannot even protect its own borders from people coming over from France in rubber dinghies.

The initial blasts are merely the beginning of the nightmare, though, because the resultant fires would carry large amounts of soot into the atmosphere, blocking out the sun for years. If this is a full scale nuclear war, the nuclear winter would ensure much of the earth would be plunged into an awful irradiated dark hell.

In a full scale nuclear war with Russia, China, N. Korea, Iran against NATO approximately 4,400 to 5,000 nuclear weapons would be used which would create an estimated 150180 million tons of black carbon soot injected into the stratosphere, above weather systems.

Once in the stratosphere (around 1050 km altitude), the soot would not be washed out by rain, making it persist for decades. Computer simulations like NASAs GISS climate model show that soot would remain above the earth for at least 7 to 10 years, with the worst effects in the first 23 years.

If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, there may be some chance of survival, but otherwise not for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Because most nuclear targets are in the Northern Hemisphere, the heaviest soot concentrations and cooling would begin there. However, the soot would eventually be dispersed globally within a few months as a result of the Earths atmospheric circulation patterns. Global temperatures would reduce drastically.

Many billionaires think that going to either Australia or New Zealand would save them, but unfortunately the adverse would mostly be a certainty. China has serious aspirations regarding the Oceanic regions, and Australia and New Zealand are rich in resources, particularly critical minerals, food, fresh water, and arable land  vital in a post-nuclear world.

China, through its Belt and Road Initiative, has increased influence in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and even Samoa  indicating a long-term South Pacific security vision.

Chinese military white papers suggest future expansion of naval projection capabilities beyond the First and Second Island Chains. China views both Australia and New Zealand as low-resistance, high-reward landmasses post-conflict with low populations, high resources and weak militaries.

Australia would also probably receive some nuclear attention because it hosts multiple US military installations, including Pine Gapan intelligence hub integral to US global surveillance and nuclear targeting systems. Darwin and Perth are key US-aligned ports. In a total war scenario, China might strike them to eliminate Western Pacific threats.

New Zealand, while less militarised, still participates in Five Eyes intelligence and ANZUS cooperation, which would not go unnoticed.

Where the fuck to go then?

Well, somewhere in South America is probably best, but not a certainty.
Amalgamated Bank lessened its stake in shares of Banc of California, Inc. (NYSE:BANC  Free Report) by 2.7% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 39,413 shares of the banks stock after selling 1,107 shares during the quarter. Amalgamated Banks holdings in Banc of California were worth $559,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Get Banc of California alerts:

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of BANC. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in shares of Banc of California by 274.6% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,393,076 shares of the banks stock worth $83,377,000 after buying an additional 3,953,380 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Banc of California by 2,119.0% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 2,876,914 shares of the banks stock worth $44,477,000 after buying an additional 2,747,262 shares during the last quarter. Algert Global LLC lifted its stake in shares of Banc of California by 701.9% during the 4th quarter. Algert Global LLC now owns 952,674 shares of the banks stock worth $14,728,000 after buying an additional 833,874 shares during the last quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Banc of California by 6.3% during the 4th quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 10,913,012 shares of the banks stock worth $168,716,000 after buying an additional 644,330 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Penn Capital Management Company LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Banc of California during the 4th quarter worth about $9,326,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.88% of the companys stock.

Banc of California Trading Up 1.3%

Shares of Banc of California stock opened at $15.16 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.24 billion, a PE ratio of 23.32 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The firms 50 day moving average is $14.06 and its 200 day moving average is $14.43. Banc of California, Inc. has a 1 year low of $11.52 and a 1 year high of $18.08.

Banc of California Announces Dividend

Banc of California ( NYSE:BANC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The bank reported $0.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.24 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $266.01 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $272.36 million. Banc of California had a net margin of 8.23% and a return on equity of 6.30%. The firms revenue was up 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.19 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Banc of California, Inc. will post 1.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 16th were issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.64%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 16th. Banc of Californias payout ratio is 61.54%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Richard J. Lashley sold 37,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.20, for a total value of $532,500.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 2,280,280 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $32,379,976. This represents a 1.62% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Olivia I. Lindsay sold 11,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.58, for a total transaction of $149,380.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 30,902 shares in the company, valued at approximately $419,649.16. This represents a 26.25% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 86,000 shares of company stock valued at $1,208,000 in the last ninety days. 2.69% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Banc of California in a research note on Wednesday, May 21st. They issued a buy rating and a $18.00 price objective for the company. Robert W. Baird dropped their price objective on shares of Banc of California from $19.00 to $17.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, April 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Banc of California from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 1st. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Banc of California from $20.00 to $16.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 9th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Banc of California from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Banc of California has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $17.33.

View Our Latest Research Report on BANC

Banc of California Profile

(Free Report)

Banc of California, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Banc of California that provides various banking products and services in California. The company offers deposit products, such as checking, savings, money market, demand, and time deposits; certificates of deposit; retirement accounts; and safe deposit boxes.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Banc of California Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banc of California and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) had its target price increased by equities researchers at Raymond James Financial from $91.00 to $99.00 in a research note issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the financial services providers stock. Raymond James Financials price objective would suggest a potential upside of 6.43% from the companys current price.

Get Charles Schwab alerts:

Several other research firms have also issued reports on SCHW. TD Securities raised their price objective on Charles Schwab from $95.00 to $113.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 20th. UBS Group raised their price target on Charles Schwab from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Charles Schwab from $93.00 to $87.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 8th. Barclays decreased their target price on Charles Schwab from $96.00 to $84.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 7th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on Charles Schwab from $90.00 to $93.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Charles Schwab has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $91.95.

Check Out Our Latest Report on SCHW

Charles Schwab Stock Performance

Shares of SCHW opened at $93.02 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $88.35 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $81.29. The stock has a market cap of $169.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.19, a PEG ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 0.93. Charles Schwab has a 52 week low of $61.01 and a 52 week high of $93.35.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 17th. The financial services provider reported $1.04 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $5.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.46 billion. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 18.31% and a net margin of 31.71%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.74 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Charles Schwab will post 4.22 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Jonathan M. Craig sold 47,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.46, for a total value of $4,201,850.00. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 10,129 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.01, for a total value of $911,711.29. Following the sale, the insider owned 39,154 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,524,251.54. This trade represents a 20.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 119,905 shares of company stock worth $10,530,833 in the last ninety days. 6.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Charles Schwab

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in SCHW. Atwood & Palmer Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 75.0% in the 1st quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 350 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 97.9% in the 1st quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 386 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 191 shares during the last quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Activest Wealth Management increased its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 6,650.0% in the 1st quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 405 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 399 shares during the last quarter. 84.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Charles Schwab Company Profile

(Get 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.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) had its target price hoisted by analysts at Truist Financial from $78.00 to $81.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the restaurant operators stock. Truist Financials price objective would suggest a potential upside of 19.47% from the stocks current price.

Get Restaurant Brands International alerts:

QSR has been the subject of several other research reports. Loop Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a report on Thursday, June 26th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on Restaurant Brands International from $72.00 to $73.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, May 9th. Scotiabank upgraded Restaurant Brands International to a hold rating and set a $75.00 price target for the company in a report on Wednesday, June 18th. Oppenheimer upped their price target on Restaurant Brands International from $77.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, May 27th. Finally, CIBC reduced their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $78.00 to $77.00 and set an outperformer rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Restaurant Brands International currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $75.82.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on QSR

Restaurant Brands International Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:QSR opened at $67.80 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $68.51 and its 200-day moving average is $65.67. Restaurant Brands International has a twelve month low of $58.71 and a twelve month high of $75.07. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.98, a PEG ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.84.

Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 8th. The restaurant operator reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.78 by ($0.03). Restaurant Brands International had a return on equity of 28.94% and a net margin of 10.82%. The company had revenue of $2.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.17 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.73 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 21.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Restaurant Brands International will post 3.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Restaurant Brands International

In related news, insider Jacqueline Friesner sold 70,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.08, for a total transaction of $4,905,600.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 182,897 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,817,421.76. This represents a 27.68% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 1.36% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Restaurant Brands International

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Dunhill Financial LLC lifted its holdings in Restaurant Brands International by 100.0% during the 4th quarter. Dunhill Financial LLC now owns 400 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. HM Payson & Co. purchased a new stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International in the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International in the 4th quarter valued at about $32,000. Private Trust Co. NA raised its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 96.6% in the 1st quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 519 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 255 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 91.2% in the 1st quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 545 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 260 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.29% of the companys stock.

About Restaurant Brands International

(Get Free Report)

Restaurant Brands International Inc operates as a quick-service restaurant company in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Tim Hortons (TH), Burger King (BK), Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLK), and Firehouse Subs (FHS). The company owns and franchises TH chain of donut/coffee/tea restaurants that offer blend coffee, tea, and espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks; and fresh baked goods, including donuts, Timbits, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, and other food products.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Restaurant Brands International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Restaurant Brands International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
One of the founders of a County Derry construction and property development company, who died earlier this week, will be laid to rest today.

James Francis Stanislaus (Stan) Heron passed away on Tuesday, July 8.

The Draperstown man was one of six brothers who founded the family-owned business Heron Bros back in 1956.

The company quickly grew and diversified to reflect their keen interests in construction, land and property development, specialist joinery manufacture, quarrying and building supplies. Between 1983 and 1985, Heron Bros grew to become the largest private landlord of industrial land in Northern Ireland.

The award winning construction and property development company which operates throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe is now approaching its 70th year and employs more than 250 people.

A death notice states that Stan is the beloved husband of the late Patsy and loving father of Seamus and Anne-Marie, father in law of Regina and grandfather of Carla and Ella, son of the late James and Mary Ann and brother of Rosemary, John, Michael, Brigid, Charlie, Brian, Austin, Kathleen, Terence and the late Paddy.

Mr Herons funeral will take place today (Friday, July 11) at 2pm in Church of St Columba Straw.

The death notice added: Deeply regretted by his large family circle and his former directors and colleagues as one of the founders of the Heron Bros Group, Draperstown.
A judge at Derry Magistrates' Court has told a man 'you have to understand no means no' as he sentenced him for breaching a non-molestation order.

Gerard Martin Ferguson (32) of Rosskeen Park in Derry admitted one charge of breaching an order on January 24 this year.

The court heard the injured party had secured a non molestation order earlier in January.

On January 24 she received a TikTok video from the defendant, her ex partner, of a song about not giving up.

The court heard that the woman felt 'pestered' as she had made it clear she did not want to continue with the relationship.

When interviewed Ferguson said he wanted to rekindle the relationship but claimed he sent the video before the order was in place and it had been delayed due to the woman blocking him.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that the couple were now in mediation as there was a child involved.

District Judge Ted Magill said that often breaches of non-molestation orders involve 'all sorts of nastiness' but not in this case.

He imposed a Restraining Order for two years and sentenced Ferguson to one month in prison suspended for 12 months.
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Following on from the success of last year, the North West Migrants Forums family fun day is returning to Brooke Park next Saturday.

Colour, culture and community will once again be the key components of what has become an important date on Derrys social calendar.

A packed programme of events is being compiled for this years fun day, taking place from 1-4pm on July 19.

As before, at the heart of the day out will be an opportunity for locals to meet their neighbours, learn about different cultures and most importantly to have fun.

Lilian Seenoi Barr is Chief Executive of the North West Migrants Forum.

Looking ahead to the community-centred event, Mrs Barr said, Our annual fun day is about us creating a space where people from all backgrounds, traditions, religions, ages and abilities can meet up and let their hair down for a few hours.

In light of the unpleasantness directed at migrant families in Ballymena, Larne, Strabane and elsewhere recently, it is also an opportunity to show solidarity with those trying to make the north west their home, having fled war, violence, starvation and persecution.

This city is known the world over for its social conscience and as in previous years we look forward to seeing local residents joining families from minoritised communities in a place where they can mix and get to know each other.

Last year over 300 people gathered to enjoy face painting, bouncy castles, circus tricks, arts and crafts and a free barbecue.

Those joining us can expect another afternoon of food, fun and exciting and enjoyable events with something for everyone, Mrs Barr added.

Communications Officer with the North West Migrants Forum, Conor Sharkey, said he hopes to see similar numbers to last year in Brooke Park. Encouraging as many people as possible to come along, he reiterated that the event is open to absolutely everyone.

We really want as many people as possible to join us and the only thing they will have to bring is a smile.

The Migrants Forum team has been working hard putting the programme together and we are delighted with how it is shaping up. All we need now is for the weather to play its part. But even if it doesnt, we will have our marquee and gazebos up.

The North West Migrants family fun day in Brooke Park is next Saturday, July 19, from 1pm to 4pm and is open to everyone, regardless of background.
The plight of Derry families with holiday homes in Inishowen crumbling due to defective concrete blocks and products has been raised with members of Derry City and Strabane District Council.

A delegation from the 100% Redress Party made a presentation on the impact defective concrete blocks and products were having in Derry and Tyrone, and Donegal to councillors at a workshop in the Guildhall on Friday afternoon.

The group comprised Deputy Charles Ward TD, and Donegal county councillors Denis McGee, Sean Devine, Ali Farren and Joy Beard.

The 100% Redress Party was formed in advance of the June 2024 Local Government Elections in the Republic of Ireland to secure a genuine 100% redress scheme for all those affected by defective concrete products.

The partys emphasis on holiday home owners arose from the exclusion of such properties from successive Irish Government redress schemes - 90/10 Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme (2020) and Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme (2022).

Speaking to The Derry News following the workshop, Charles Ward TD said he had underlined the urgency of the situation to the Derry and Strabane councillors.

He added: I told them they needed to be prepared because if they are not, there will be a tsunami of defective concrete consequences landing on their doorstep.

It is vital to be proactive, in terms of Stormont and Westminster, not reactive because if one house in a development is affected by defective concrete, every house in that development is rendered worthless, said Deputy Ward.

Cllr Ali Farren said his party had asked to make the presentation to highlight the need for Derry City and Strabane District Council to be proactive in getting a redress scheme introduced for homeowners in the North impacted by defective concrete.

We know we have an issue in Donegal and we know there is an issue in Derry, Tyrone and wider Northern Ireland because we are hearing from lots of homeowners here whose properties are affected by defective concrete blocks and products, he added.

We urged Derry and Strabane Council to get ready and be ready, to lobby Stormont and Westminster to establish a redress scheme for them and also to put pressure on the Irish Government to deliver a better redress scheme for the likes of the holiday homes.

We felt the councillors were engaged and listening. They all know people in the North whose homes are affected by defective concrete blocks and products, even some members of Council staff are living in defective houses.

Really we wanted to pass on our learning around the issue to the Derry and Strabane councillors. We have been campaigning for a decent redress scheme for the past 14 years. Sooner or later a redress scheme will have to be rolled out in Derry and Tyrone and beyond but it is the councillors we spoke to today who are going to have to look for it.

It is imperative people in this neck of the woods are politically driving the need for a redress scheme here, said Cllr Farren.

In January 2023, Derry City and Strabane District Council introduced a data collection exercise to quantify the number of residents in the Council area whose properties were affected by defective concrete.

At that time Council also wrote to the Norths Department for Communities regarding compensation and engagement with the Irish Government on the issue.

According to Cllr Farren, there was very little feedback from Derry City and Strabane District Councils data collection exercise.

But remember this, said Cllr Farren, if somebody living in a housing estate acknowledges they have a defective house, every house in that estate becomes worthless, so there are a lot of people reluctant to acknowledge they have a defective home.

Also, there is no point in them admitting this because there is no redress scheme available for them.

Regarding todays workshop, I got the distinct impression defective concrete is an issue on which Derry and Strabane councillors are completely up to speed and we want them to pursue the need for a redress scheme, said Cllr Farren.

Cllr Farren said he also hoped those drawing up any future redress scheme in the North would learn from the mistakes made in the Republic of Ireland.

This means it would include the replacement of foundations and it would test for Sulphur Attack and not mica - which has been scientifically proved not to be the cause of defective concrete blocks and products, said Cllr Farren.

Any redress scheme here also needs to be 100% redress. In Northern Ireland we would like it to be more government led because, at the moment in Inishowen, every homeowner has to become their own builder and developer.
Northern Irelands Environment Minister Andrew Muir has said that a contentious loyalist bonfire in south Belfast should not be set alight.

Fresh safety concerns have been raised over asbestos at the site of the fire which is due to be lit on Friday night.

Mr Muir pleaded with anyone who is set to attend the fire to exercise caution.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) said late on Thursday that suspected asbestos had been found at five locations on the bonfire site and 20kg of material was removed.

Elsewhere, posters depicting the Irish rap group Kneecap, and Palestinian flags have appeared on other bonfires.

A bonfire in Eastvale Avenue in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, features the group on a poster with the wording Kill Your Local Kneecap, seemingly in response to a clip that emerged from a gig in 2023 which appeared to show a member saying: The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.

Meanwhile, the burning of a separate bonfire on Thursday in Co Tyrone which included an effigy of migrants in a boat drew further condemnation.

Controversy has surrounded the Belfast bonfire at Meridi Street off the Donegall Road which is also close to an electricity substation which powers two hospitals.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said on Thursday that the force would not agree to a request from Belfast City Council to remove the pyre.

Later, the NIEA said an inspection had taken place at the site.

A statement said: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency can confirm that fragments of suspected asbestos were found at five locations around the site.

Approximately 20 kilogrammes of suspect material was identified and was immediately removed.

It added: The risk assessment that NIEA has provided to partners has consistently indicated that there was a strong possibility that fragments of asbestos could be elsewhere on the site.

NIEA understand the landowner is due to arrange the removal of all of the asbestos from the site next week, commencing on July 16 2025, but it is important to note that removing the asbestos will be a highly specialised, complex and delicate operation that will require the site to be fully vacated.

Indeed, the work is of such complexity that the full removal will take a number of weeks.

Mr Muir, an Alliance Party MLA, told the BBC: There are many ways to celebrate, but not at this site.

Personally I respect how important the 11th and 12th is, I understand its importance, but Id plead with people to exercise caution and not to light this bonfire if they could.

He added: The removal of asbestos is very complex and delicate, it requires the site to be completely vacated.

The site has not been vacated and thats one of the important issues.

Dr Alan Stout, chair of the British Medical Association Northern Ireland Council, urged people to stay away from the site.

He said asbestos has caused untold harm over the years, and despite being completely banned since 1999 still causes 5,000 deaths a year in the UK.

If theres asbestos there, just dont go there, he told the BBC.

Any other circumstance, any other environment, be it a school, be it a hospital, be it a leisure centre, if there is asbestos there, you rope it off, you secure it and you remove it in a safe manner and you do not expose your general population to it.

The Grand Secretary of the Orange Order Rev Mervyn Gibson said people should go and enjoy themselves at the bonfire.

He told the BBC that a council committee vote earlier this week to remove the bonfire was a political decision.

He said: I believe the council voted a couple of weeks ago for the bonfire to go ahead.

A few days before it, then Sinn Fein and Alliance and the SDLP decide to vote against it.

Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan accused the DUP of political cowardice.

He also urged people to stay away from the bonfire site, on account of what he described as a health and safety issue.

Its clear that this site is completely contaminated with asbestos, it beggars belief, he said.

This is not an attack on Orange culture, this is clearly a health and safety issue.

Were living in a some sort of crazy parallel universe where an illegal bonfire (is) going to be lit, a fire which could cause criminal damage on a site contaminated with asbestos and right beside a power sub station which provides power to the two main hospitals in Belfast.

It is one particular party that isnt giving leadership  at the end of the day, I cant imagine anything similar happening in the constituency that I represent without every political leader here out shouting for its safe removal.

The DUP have been absent, they are afraid to take on these people. They are political cowards when it comes to this, and its disgraceful what they are doing.

Hundreds of bonfires will be lit on Friday night ahead of the Orange Orders July 12 parades on Saturday.

The traditional fires are lit ahead of the main date in the parading calendar of Protestant loyal orders, the Twelfth of July.

While most of the bonfires pass off without incident, several have become the focus of contention due to the placing of flags, effigies and election posters on the structures before they are ignited.

A small number of bonfires were lit on Thursday night, including a controversial pyre in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, which had been widely criticised by political representatives and church leaders after it was topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat.

In a statement released ahead of the fire being lit, the PSNI said they were investigating a hate incident in relation to the fire.

The boat on top of the bonfire contained more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets.

Below the boat were several placards, one saying: Stop the boats, and another saying: Veterans before refugees.

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew said the bonfire was clearly intended to dehumanise people who come to our island seeking a better life.

He added: The effigies and displays were abhorrent, driven by vile, far-right and racist attitudes.

I welcome that police are treating this as a hate incident. Its vital those responsible are held accountable for their disgusting actions.

Diversity, inclusion and equality must always triumph over xenophobia and hate.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 series, including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, in a couple of months. While the brand has been tight-lipped on the upcoming devices, reports and rumours have been giving hints on expected specifications and other details. Now, a tipster has dropped the alleged hands-on live images on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting some major design overhaul.

The handset is tipped to come with a new rear panel layout and a redesigned camera module on the rear panel. Heres how it may look.

iPhone 17 Pro design leaked

Tipster Majin Bu on X has shown off the design of the dummy unit of the iPhone 17, which appears to be similar to the previous leaks. The handset is tipped to sport a Google Pixel-like camera bar, albeit wider with a larger camera island housing a triple rear camera setup. Additionally, the LED flash and LiDAR sensor appear to be pushed to the right side.

Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro will likely come in either grey or black colour options with a glossy camera panel and a matte finish on the rear panel. Furthermore, the device was previously leaked to sport an aluminium frame and a repositioned Apple logo to make space for the new camera bar.

Also read: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold launch timeline, specifications, price range and all other latest leaks

Apple iPhone 17 Pro specifications (Expected)

Apples iPhone 17 Pro is rumoured to feature a 6.3-inch display. Under the hood, it could be backed by an A19 Pro chip, coupled with 12GB of RAM. The device is also tipped to get a new vapour chamber cooling system.

In terms of optics, the iPhone 17 Pro may ship with a triple 48MP camera system that includes wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. There are also speculations about 8K video recording and improved image processing. The front camera could also get a significant upgrade from a 12MP sensor to a 24MP sensor for sharper selfies and clearer video calls.
Korean carmakers prepare for Trump tariff-led price surge

Japanese and South Korean automakers are beginning to pass rising trade costs onto American consumers as hopes for a swift resolution to tariff negotiations with the US continue to fade.

Toyota announced it will raise the average price of its new vehicles sold in the United States by US$270 per unit starting July 1, 2025, according to a recent Nikkei report. Mitsubishi Motors and Subaru are also implementing price hikes, marking a significant shift in strategy after months of absorbing added costs following a 25% US import tariff imposed in April 2025.

Initially, Japanese automakers had opted to shoulder the burden of the tariffs, maintaining US price stability in the hope of a breakthrough in trade talks. But with negotiations now stalled and revenue pressures mounting, that cost is being shifted to consumers.

South Korean carmakers, meanwhile, are reaching a tipping point. Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors had anticipated the tariff impact and ramped up US exports in early 2025, building up inventory to temporarily insulate themselves from pricing adjustments. The strategy paid off: in the first half of 2025, combined US sales  including the luxury Genesis brand  reached 893,000 units, a 9.2% year-over-year increase, marking a record for the group.

But that inventory cushion is now thinning.

Inventory buffers wear thin

Analysts warn that beginning in July 2025, Hyundai and Kia may be forced to raise US prices by as much as 10% unless tariff rates are reduced. If tariffs are dialed back to 10%, Korean brands could instead scale back consumer incentives to manage the cost impact more discreetly.

Diplomatic paralysis and policy uncertainty

South Korea and Japan face similar frustrations: little progress has been made in tariff negotiations with the United States. South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, has yet to meet with President Donald Trump, and high-level engagement between the two governments remains limited.

Trump recently signaled a tough stance, stating that Korea and Japan should not expect preferential treatment compared to US automakers, a statement that has dampened industry hopes for a near-term resolution.

Production shifts to dodge tariffs

In response, Hyundai Motor Group is accelerating localization efforts. During the company's first-quarter 2025 earnings call, it outlined a plan to optimize operations at its Alabama plant and a newly opened HMGMA in Georgia, both of which will be leveraged to mitigate cost pressures and enhance supply chain resilience.

Notably, production of the Tucson SUV, previously built at Kia's Mexico plant, will shift to the Georgia factory to avoid tariffs. Models destined for the Canadian market will now be sourced from Mexico, allowing Hyundai to reallocate US-bound production to tariff-compliant sites.

This shift is expected to increase the HMGMA facility's capacity to up to 500,000 units annually, pushing Hyundai's total North American production capacity to 1 million vehicles. The company is also evaluating whether to further redistribute the production of select models to other global sites based on trade and market conditions.

Pricing pressure mounts in the second half

While Hyundai and Kia may soon follow their Japanese counterparts in raising prices, analysts note that the early moves by Toyota and others give Korean automakers some breathing room.

With no resolution in sight for tariff negotiations, South Korea's carmakers now face a delicate challenge: how to sustain growth while defending margins in the increasingly protectionist US market.

Article edited by Jerry Chen
Save my User ID and Password

Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site.

Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site.
China lifts rare earth concentrate prices by 14% for 3Q25, escalating supply chain tensions

China Northern Rare Earth and Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union  two of China's top rare earth producers  announced a price hike for third-quarter 2025 rare earth concentrates to CNY19,109 (approx. US$2,665) per ton, excluding tax. The new rate reflects a 14.14% increase compared with the same period in 2024.

The increase follows a prior adjustment in April, when China Northern Rare Earth raised its second-quarter price to CNY18,825 per ton.

The announcement comes amid rising US-China tensions over rare earth supply chains. As critical inputs for high-tech and defense sectors, rare earths are now seen as strategic assets, and China's pricing moves are often interpreted as geopolitical signals.

China's dominance in rare earth production means price changes are closely watched as signs of upstream leverage. The latest hike suggests both rising demand expectations and Beijing's intent to retain pricing control over critical materials.

In response, the US is stepping up rare earth localization. The Department of Defense has pledged US$400 million in equity to MP Materials, which plans to build its second permanent magnet plant, the "10X Facility." The project has secured US$1 billion in financing commitments from backers, including J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs.

Slated for trial production in 2028, the 10X Facility aims to lift US magnet output to 10,000 tons per year. The Pentagon will take a 15% equity stake, making it the plant's largest shareholder, and has secured supplies of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets.

NdFeB magnets are vital to EVs, wind power, and defense technologies. Washington's move signals a push to cut reliance on foreign rare earths and further escalates its strategic rivalry with Beijing.

Article edited by Jack Wu
Subscriber content preview

SEATTLE  Seattle's Museum of History & Industry invites the community to a special evening event on July 15, commemorating Nelson Mandela's landmark 1999 visit to Seattle.

The program, When Mandela Visited Seattle: An Evening to Remember and Reflect, brings together organizers, activists, and students to explore the significance of that visit and its impact on the city and region. The event is free, with a suggested museum donation of $10.





. . .
Subscriber content preview

SEATTLE  For the fifth consecutive year, the Magnolia neighborhood is offering a summer StoryWalk program, featuring picture books by Indigenous authors.

Through Aug. 31, families can read children's books posted page by page in three outdoor locations: outside the Magnolia Branch Library, near a trail at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, and at the Magnolia Farmers Market.





. . .
Subscriber content preview

SEATTLE  A hard-to-find little apartment building at 3314 Fuhrman Ave. E. sold this week for $2.7 million, according to King County records.

The seller was Lakehouse Partners LLC, which acquired the property in 2013 for $1.5 million.





. . .
Subscriber content preview

Photo from LeMays Facebook page [enlarge] LeMayAmericas Car Museum is providing the land for the new regional innovation and technology center, with project funding from Tacoma Public Schools 2024 bond.





Tacoma Public Schools is looking for a progressive design-builder for a 6,000 to 10,000-square-foot regional innovation and technology center it's building in partnership with LeMayAmerica's Car Museum on land owned by the museum.





. . .
Louth County Council will sponsor this weekend's Leinster Fleadh, which will take place in Drogheda from July 11th-13th.

Following its hugely successful hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in 2018 and 2019, Drogheda now welcomes the Leinster Fleadh for the very first time.

The event will bring thousands of visitors to the town for a weekend of traditional Irish music, dance, language, and community celebration.

The Fleadh will feature provincial competitions, street performances, workshops, and a lively Gig Rig programme, with venues centred around Ballymakenny Road and throughout the town. Local pubs, cafes, and public spaces will be filled with the sounds of spontaneous sessions and the spirit of Irish culture.

Cllr Sean Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: The Leinster Fleadh is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared cultural heritage. It brings people from the province together to enjoy a weekend of creativity, connection, and community spirit. Were proud to support this event and look forward to a fantastic celebration of traditional Irish music.

Read Next: Louth TD slams government Inertia on grocery prices

Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda, added: Drogheda has already proven itself on the national stage with the Fleadh Cheoil, and now were thrilled to bring the Leinster Fleadh here for the first time. It brings the towns streets to life and showcases the warmth and creativity of the local community. Were ready to roll out the red carpet and make this a weekend to remember.

Sabhbh Ni Mhaolagain, Tourism Officer of Louth County Council, said: Louth County Council warmly welcomes the Leinster Fleadh to Drogheda this summer. This festival is a wonderful celebration of our vibrant traditional music and rich culture in Louth, and we are proud to support an event that unites communities through the power of music. Taimid ag tnuth le deireadh seachtaine iontach lan le ceol, cairdeas, agus cead mile failte roimh chach.

The full programme of events, competition schedules, and performance line-ups is available at www.leinster-fleadh.ie
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has today announced funding of 7.5k to help restore salmon and trout stocks, and their habitats in Louth.



IFIs Habitats and Conservation Scheme has awarded a total of 771,295 for 21 new environmental works in 2025.



The competitive scheme, administered by IFI, supports sustainable initiatives to ensure native salmon and sea trout survive and thrive, and overcome ongoing challenges they face in the wild.



The transformative fish conservation works in this years submissions include:

Woody habitat river restoration in Dodder Valley Park, Dublin, to stimulate and enhance habitat for resilient fish communities, and overall stream biodiversity;

The Pound River rehabilitation scheme near Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan to improve spawning and nursery habitat for brown trout;

The River Barrow tributaries plan in Co Offaly, in collaboration with Offaly County Council, regarding site-specific measures to encourage natural river processes and biodiversity;

Restoration projects in the Boyne catchment, Co Meath/Co Kildare including the Garr River, the Skane River, and at Trimblestown to improve damaged habitats, and recruitment of juvenile and adult salmonids;

River habitat restoration on the Clare River, Co Galway at Dunmore, Monivea and Lavally - with the OPW and local stakeholders - to restore degraded habitats and riparian zones for salmonids;

River habitat restoration measures on the Glen River, Co. Donegal to help sustain vulnerable salmon and sea trout stocks.

Announcing the award recipients Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, said: This investment by IFI will finance vital projects that will help futureproof Irelands salmon and sea trout populations.



"Our migratory Atlantic salmon are in significant decline. The department and IFI are committed to supporting restoration efforts - working in partnership with our stakeholders to increase juvenile production of the species.



"This years Habitats and Conservation Scheme submissions demonstrate strong leadership in the stewardship of local rivers, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental responsibility.



"Its heartening to see such positive community and stakeholder engagement in the applications."



Barry Fox Head of Operations with IFI added: "With these grants Inland Fisheries Ireland is working collaboratively with statutory and non-statutory groups to create resilient habitats for future generations of fish.



"The projects include those that are of national strategic importance, and those that aim to improve damaged habitats in regional catchments failing to meet their conservation limits."

Read Next: Leinster Fleadh comes to Louth this weekend



Financial assistance will be provided to projects across the Republic of Ireland, and distributed as follows: Galway (163k), Meath (139k), Sligo (77k), Donegal (41k), Tipperary (32k), Carlow (30k), Cavan (25k), Mayo (23k), Laois (20k), Offaly (20k), Kildare (17k), Leitrim (16k), Dublin (12k), Louth (7.5k), and national projects (148k).



Since 2016 IFI has provided 8.9m to different groups and fisheries development experts through its Habitats and Conservation Schemes.



A list of the 21 successful applicants can be found here.



Monies for the scheme are generated by the sale of salmon and sea trout angling licences, fishing permits, and commercial fishing licences in Ireland.



The scheme comprises IFIs Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund, and the Midland Fisheries Fund.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the Governments National Broadband Plan (NBP) today announced that construction is underway to deliver high-speed broadband to almost 1,600 homes, farms and businesses in the Ardee deployment area in Co Louth. This includes the rural townlands of Ardee, Stabannan and Collon.

9,000 premises in Louth are included in the States Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Louth will receive 33m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

With survey and design phases now complete, high-speed fibre cabling is now being installed for 1,566 Louth premises in the Ardee deployment area, with connections to services expected to be available by the end of next year.

The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated with estimated dates for when premises will be ready to order a connection. The easiest way to stay informed is by signing up for NBI email alerts at nbi.ie/eoi/.

Read also: Louth County Council update on Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland Deployment said: "Our teams are making excellent progress in Co Louth, and were pleased to see fibre build works underway in the Ardee deployment area.

Our overarching goal is to improve digital connectivity across the country. With minimum internet speed of 500 megabites per second, this new Fibre-to-the-Home network will play a pivotal role in sustaining local businesses and communities."

Works have already been completed in other parts of Louth, including the rural surrounds of Dundalk and Drogheda. There is a total of 5,245 premises that can now order or pre-order high-speed, reliable broadband, with 2,553 premises already connected to the network. NBI is encouraging residents to visit nbi.ie/map and enter their Eircode to check if their premises is ready to connect.

The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. The easiest way to get updates on when a home or business will be ready to order is by signing up for NBI email alerts at nbi.ie/eoi/.
As Dundalk Native, Dr Niamh Shaw sets off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic from July 7th - 23rd for an art-science residency at The Arctic Circle Summer 2025 Expedition, she brings with her some very important pieces of home.

The newest adventure will see Niamh living and working alongside scientists, engineers, artists, and changemakers, all brought together by a shared curiosity about climate, isolation, resilience and how we build new ways of living in a changing world.

As part of her latest mission, Niamh is collaborating with students from DkIT on an exciting science and engineering initiative. She will collect Arctic water samples for student-led analysis projects, bringing real-world data back to the classroom. In addition, she is supporting a student-led engineering project in partnership with DkIT Electrical and Electronic Engineering students Edward Otesanya and Jack Tully, who are currently completing their industry placement with AMTCE Dundalk. Their projects focus on evaluating electronic component performance in extreme Arctic conditions, as well as audio-visual data collection and analysis, using advanced equipment provided by AMTCE and Overhaul.

The collaboration was made possible by Dr. Orla Sherlock, Ms. Amanda Kearns, Ms. Maryellen Kelledy, and Denise McKitterick from DkIT, Jean Kennedy and Siobhan Clarke from AMTCE and the team at Overhaul.

Maryellen Kelledy, Chairperson for Engineers Ireland North-East Region said:

Engineers Ireland North-East Region are delighted to collaborate on this project with Dr. Niamh Shaw, DkIT and Dundalk Chamber, highlighting STEM activities in our region. Showcasing our strong engineering talent pipeline with the DkIT student led projects supported by AMTCE. Were looking forward to hearing all about Dr. Niamhs findings.

In addition to the student projects, Niamh will also carry with her a flag, specially designed by Isabelle McCabe from DkITs Marketing Team and sponsored by Engineers Ireland North-East Region and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce to highlight the backing she has received from various organisations in Dundalk town. Representing some of the key supports in the area of STEM across the North-East Region and her hometown, of Dundalk, the flag also features legendary explorer and Dundalk native Leopold McClintock, who was renowned for his Arctic explorations.

Read Next: McGreehan urges major rail investment in Louth as all-island review unveiled

Speaking before her departure, Dr. Niamh Shaw said:As with all my expeditions, this journey has a deeper thread running through it. This time, its anchored in the story of Leopold McClintock, the legendary Irish explorer from Dundalk who helped solve the mystery of Franklins lost Arctic expedition. His legacy of methodical exploration, deep respect for nature and Indigenous knowledge, and calm leadership quietly shaped the polar explorers who came after him. And heres the strange, beautiful part, although Im from Dundalk too, I didnt grow up knowing about McClintock. But here I am, becoming an explorer in my own right, retracing Arctic paths, creating shared moments for families and students aiming for futures in STEM back home, and helping others see Earth from new perspectives.

Hanna McDonnell, President of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce added:At Dundalk Chamber we are always delighted to work alongside Niamh and support her fantastic initiatives which help make STEM accessible to everyone in the community. It is fantastic to think that a small representation of the Dundalk Chamber will be with Niamh on her adventures to the Arctic as she retraces the steps of another Dundalk explorer. We look forward to hearing all about Niamhs journey on her return.
Four LMETB secondary schools in Louth and three schools in Belfast participated in the Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project, a pioneering cross border, cross community peace building initiative.

At the Showcase event in Belfast recently were students from OFiaich College, Bush Post Primary School, Colaiste Chu Chulainn in Dundalk and Scoil Ui Mhuiri in Dunleer, Belfast Boys Model School, the Belfast Royal Academy and Dundonald High School.

All seven schools worked in partnership to design and 3D print solutions that tackle real-life challenges. The programme themes encompassed: mental health and disabilities, Environment, Technology, health, and sport. Each school group presented their unique 3D printed design ideas, concepts process and final product in the Portview Trade Centre in East Belfast, at which the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, was the guest of honour.

The cross-community, cross-border initiative was delivered by Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) and Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre (BURC) and was funded in Northern Ireland by the International Fund for Ireland, through its Communities in Partnership Programme (CIPP).

It marked the culmination of a years collaboration between schools and FE/HE institutions north and south and an opportunity to showcase the cross border and cross community partnership celebration of innovation, creativity and real-world impact.

The Showcase was attended by Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of FET, LMETB; Fiona Kindlon, Director of Schools, LMETB; Gerard Smith, Director of LMETBs Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk, Brendan Mackin, Chairperson of Portview Trade Centre and Bill Pauley Board member International Fund for Ireland.

Councillors Sammy Douglas and Davy Douglas from Belfast City Council were also in attendance.

Sadie Ward McDermott Director LMETB said, Initiatives like the Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project can help to build lasting relationships on a cross-border basis  while offering young people opportunities to meet their peers on both sides of the border and learn new skills while thinking about their future career prospects.

Driven by personal stories in many instances, the students presented group project work utilising 3D technologies to develop potential solutions to everyday challenges for people with various conditions such as arthritis, autism, mental health challenges and mobility issues. using the latest technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Robotics and 3D printing.

Students worked in partnership and collaboratively on both a cross community and cross border basis, participating in active learning workshops in LMETBs Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queens University Belfast. They gained knowledge skills and competencies in the latest innovative technologies such as 3D Printers, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Classrooms, Robotics and Cybersecurity, alongside critical development of life skills such as teamworking.

The IFIs Communities in Partnership Programme (CIPP), is focused on embedding lasting relationships on a cross-border basis by supporting co-operation and innovation between groups and organisations on projects that have a meaningful benefit for local communities.

Brendan Mackin, Chair of Portview Trade Centre in East Belfast said, The development and the ultimate success of an all-Island economy requires the implementation of a training and education strategy to compete in a fast-changing global economy. This project has the objective of linking schools and manufacturing industry together to the mutual benefit of students and employers.

Read Next: Louth sees significant rise in burglary offences

Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of FET at LMETB, said: The Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools project has offered opportunities for students to grow in confidence and knowledge in respect to increased understanding and awareness of their potential career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and STEM areas, acquiring during the course of the yearlong cross border project, key skills and personal competencies which they can use to inform their future potential career path opportunities.

"The programme provided for both students and staff an opportunity to work in partnership and collaboratively, providing through engagement in STEM workshops the opportunity to enable co-operation and collaboration across communities and borders, which were both enriching and beneficial opportunities for students and staff to sharing experiences, ideas generation and best practice methodologies. This project is supported in its work by the International Fund for Ireland.
Pictured above: At the NSMC meeting at Loughs Agencys Carlingford Office were (L-R): Hilary Reilly, Southern Joint Secretary, NSMC; JP ODoherty, Joint Interim Designated Officer, Loughs Agency; Aisling Reilly, Junior Minister, NI Executive; Andrew Muir MLA, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs; Darragh O'Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment; Pam Cameron, Junior Minister, NI Executive; Heather Higgins, Board Chairperson, Loughs Agency; Richard Hill, Northern Ireland Joint Secretary, NSMC.

Loughs Agency has officially opened its new Carlingford Office in north Louth, following a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), marking a significant day of cross-border collaboration in the region.

The new office is located on the grounds of Carlingford Sailing Club, following the organisations move from its previous base on Dundalk Street. This relocation allows Loughs Agency to strengthen its presence on the ground in the Carlingford catchment, complementing its main Headquarters in Derry~Londonderry and satellite office in Omagh.

The office was officially opened by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh OBrien TD and Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, representing the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive respectively, with a commemorative plaque unveiled to mark the occasion.

The NSMC is responsible for twelve areas of cooperation across the island of Ireland, with six of those overseen by North South Implementation Bodies, including Loughs Agency.

Darragh O'Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, said: I am delighted to jointly open this new Carlingford office today which marks a strong commitment to cross-border cooperation and environmental stewardship. It enhances Loughs Agencys vital work in protecting our shared marine resources and supporting local communities. Im proud to see the Agencys work in delivering real impact on both sides of the border.

Read also: Louth TD says party's bill would help end price gouging

Andrew Muir MLA, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said: I am delighted to be here this morning to officially open Loughs Agencys new Carlingford Office. All of the partners in this project should be commended for delivering such a fantastic facility, and I look forward to seeing the Agency continue to deliver its important cross-border work from its new premises here in Carlingford.

JP ODoherty, Joint Interim Designated Officer, Loughs Agency, said: We are honoured to have the opportunity to host an NSMC Aquaculture and Marine Sectoral Meeting at this picturesque setting. Today marks a key milestone for our operational growth and commitment to the Carlingford catchment. The opening of this new office demonstrates our dedication to driving forward cooperation, cross-border collaboration and delivering real value for the environment and economy."

The new Carlingford base will allow Loughs Agency to build stronger relationships with local stakeholders, deliver more educational and outreach initiatives and respond more efficiently to environmental challenges and opportunities unique to the catchment.

More information on Loughs Agencys work can be found at loughs-agency.org.
Over 6,000 people attended an all-island housing demonstration on Saturday in Dublin City Centre organised by Community Action Tenants Union calling for public housing, cuts to rent, and an end to homelessness and exploitation of tenants. CATU Louth were among 29 CATU branches which travelled to Dublin at the weekend for a demonstration, calling for public housing, cuts to rent, and an end to homelessness and exploitation of tenants.

According to the group, over 80 organisations and community groups supported the demonstration, among them in the CATU Louth bloc were Dundalk Communities United, Drogheda 4 All, IPSC, Ardee Welcomes, Autism Louth and Louth For Palestine. Members and representatives of Trade Unions SIPTU and Forsa as well as political parties, People Before Profit and Sinn Fein also formed blocs to march.

Rachel Quigley, member of CATU Louth, stated: This marks the first time that all branches have marched together in a demonstration of this scale. This was the culmination of many hours of organising across the whole island and represents a new departure in Irelands long struggle for housing justice.

Quigley continued: Our members travelled from across all 4 provinces to march. We sent a clear message that Irelands only tenants and community union is here to stay. We now return home to Louth to continue the work of building community resistance to a system which prioritises greed over the basic human right to shelter. CATU demands public housing, cuts to rent, and housing policy that puts the needs of the people over landlords profits."

The group said: The protest heard from a range of CATU and affiliated speakers who highlighted the multiple ways the housing crisis is playing out across the island and the impact that the Governments marketdriven approach to housing has had.

Crowds heard from Ber Whelan, a tenant in Cromcastle Court waiting decades for essential maintenance. Evelyn Ndidi Nwoko a CATU member living in direct provision being evicted into homelessness because they cannot find anywhere to rent in the communities where they have settled, a struggle which CATU Louth members in emergency and IPAS accommodation have faced.

Nora Corcoran spoke about the discrimination faced by Travellers across the island and the failure of local authorities to build Traveller appropriate accommodation that has led to Travellers being heavily over-represented in the homeless figures.

Read Next: Go ahead given for 24 apartments in centre of Dundalk

Nell Buckley a CATU member in Galway spoke about the profound impacts that unregulated short term lets are having in their city, with rents rocketing by 70% as homes are drained from the local housing stock through the proliferation of airbnb.

Disability rights campaigner Niamh Ni Hoireabhaird talked about how the housing crisis is robbing independence from adults living with a disability who are unable to find anywhere adapted for wheelchair users. Vicky Kelly from Education Equality spoke about the impact of the housing crisis on children and children with special needs, and the urgent need for more community based supports for families.
There is lower bed provision for those in mental health crisis in Louth and Meath than is the case across the rest of the State, with one case of a person being released from a facility in Dublin because there was no room in Drogheda, Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu has told the Dail.

Deputy O Murchu said there are legacy issues involving funding in the counties, particularly with the HSE and mental health. He said: We have lower bed provision in Louth and Meath than is the case across this State.

We need to see movement on the promised ten-bed extension in the department of psychiatry in Drogheda. I welcome the interaction with the Minister of State Mary Butler as regards the Mental Health Bill.

We have dealt comprehensively with the issues as regards ensuring people can be admitted for treatment and can get the treatment that is necessary.

I have seen where we did not have room in the department of psychiatry in Drogheda. I will not go into any detail but I have heard of someone who was put in a facility in Dublin awaiting space.

The space did not open and the patient was released before a proper aftercare plan was produced. We have a very specific issue. It is about having the information, dealing with it and those legacy issues and ensuring we cover all the bases.
Independent TD Catherine Connolly will launch her presidential election bid next week.

The Galway TD is expected to drum up enough support in the Oireachtas to secure a nomination for election, which is due to take place later this year.

To get a name on the ballot paper any prospective candidate needs the support of 20 Oireachtas members.

The National Executive of the Social Democrats unanimously decided on Thursday that its Oireachtas members would back Ms Connolly for president.

Ms Connolly is also expected to secure the backing of People Before Profit as well as several independent TDs and senators.

Sinn Fein and the Labour party have yet to indicate whether they will support Ms Connolly.

The Social Democrats said their decision reflects the strong support throughout the Social Democrats for nominating Catherine Connolly.

Catherine has been a tireless advocate for progressive causes and we believe she would make an excellent president, the party said.

Speaking to the Galway City Tribune newspaper, Ms Connolly said her mind was made up to run.

Ive support from across the spectrum, including the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Solidarity, as well as a number of senators and others, she said.

Labour and Sinn Fein are still completing their own internal processes which I fully respect. Ill be formally launching my campaign next week.

Earlier this week, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald refused to rule herself out of running to become the next president of Ireland.

It appeared to be a change of position from March, when Ms McDonald said she would not be running, and that she was focusing on work towards a future Sinn Fein government.

In June, Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill also did not rule herself out from running to succeed current Irish President Michael D Higgins.
Weather Alert

Take action to protect yourself and others  extreme heat can affect everyones health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day. Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body. Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside. Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park. Follow the advice of your regions public health authority. Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind. A prolonged period of near heat warning levels continues. What: Daytime highs of 29 to 32 degrees Celsius and a humidex of 35 to 40. Overnight lows of 19 to 23 degrees Celsius, providing little relief from the heat. When: Continuing possibly till Thursday. Additional information: Over the next few days southern Ontario will experience hot and humid conditions. The temperatures and humidex will meet or be extremely close to heat warning criteria, with the hottest day being today. A shift in the weather pattern on Thursday will likely end this multi-day period of heat and humidity. ### For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/how-protect-yourself.html https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/who-is-at-risk.html Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.
Offering childcare support to your adult children during school holidays can be a deeply fulfilling experience for grandparents and a wonderful way to strengthen enduring bonds with grandchildren.

However, it can sometimes feel like walking on eggshells if expectations arent clearly discussed and mutually agreed upon.

We spoke to Amanda Macdonald, experienced psychotherapist, counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, to get some expert advice on how to navigate these awkward conversations...

How can grandparents set healthy boundaries with the childs parents about scheduling, expectations and responsibilities?

In order to set healthy boundaries, communication is key. As with many things, planning in advance works best, says Macdonald. Having an ongoing communication with your adult children and their partners, and considering in advance what support you can offer over school holidays establishes clear boundaries from the start.

A grandparent should take some time to consider the role they want to have and hope to have with their grandchildren, and be cautious about over-committing.

How can grandparents clarify what theyre willing - and not willing - to do without causing tension?

Difficult conversations are important to address, so dont tiptoe around them.

Both parents and grandparents may have differing expectations, but not addressing things explicitly can cause bigger problems and ruptures in the relationship further down the line, says Macdonald. When communicating what you are willing, and not willing to do, set aside time to do with your adult child.

Engaging in this conversation with curiosity and empathy.

How do you suggest grandparents politely decline last-minute or extended babysitting requests?

Learning when to say no is crucial for protecting your own wellbeing. Its so important that grandparents are aware of meeting their own needs, even if this involves saying no, says Macdonald. A daily check-in with yourself, and with your partner, can allow you to be aware of your own energy levels.

Make sure youre still able to keep up with the regular activities that you usually enjoy throughout the summer.

Self-care is important, and also models to your adult children and grandchildren that taking time to pursue interests and maintain social connections is beneficial, says Macdonald. Let your adult children know about anything that you dont want to cancel.

While there isnt a need to justify yourself, sharing with your adult children what it is about the appointment or commitments that gives you joy can enrich your relationship, and dont forget to find out what they enjoy to do.

What do you recommend if grandparents feel like their input on childcare is being ignored or dismissed?

As with any potential conflict, the best approach is to take some time, and try to take a step back to understand what is happening for your adult children, recommends Macdonald. Parents have to be able to make many decisions, often quickly, at all times of day and night, this is an essential parenting skill. It can make sense that parents dont want to change the way they do something, or actively tell you not to do something with the children.

Macdonald also encourages grandparents to reflect on just how exhausting juggling young children and work can be.

Your adult children may be keen for help, but also understandably cautious about their way of parenting not being followed, says the counsellor. Allow your adult child to explain what their wishes are, and remember you both share an intention to keep the children involved safe and happy.

Ongoing communication will help ensure a successful summer of childcare.

Let each other know how things are going. If you feel like something isnt working then this can help extended families work through challenges, recommends Macdonald.
Author Cauvery Madhavan has just had what she calls a totally West Cork experience.

She wanted to share her latest book, The Inheritance, with Graham Norton.

The novel is set in West Cork so I thought he might enjoy it, says Madhavan.

She passed the book into the Bantry Bookshop, along with a handwritten card. The people in the bookshop then passed it onto TV star Nortons favourite fishmonger.

After a few mishaps, including a publicists refusal to believe that Norton had really been in touch, she received a response from the mega star, full of praise and admiration.

I met him shortly afterwards in London at the British Library when they had a showcase of Irish writers, says Madhavan. He was so kind.

Paul Muldoon was talking about Irish writers working outside of Ireland - and Graham pointed out that there are also non-Irish people writing in Ireland - he named me which was special. My husband wanted to point me out, he was so proud.

West Cork Literary Festival

Luckily for us, Graham Norton isnt the only one with access to Cauvery Madhavans latest book - she is soon to read at the West Cork Literary Festival, which starts today and runs to July 18.

The writer spends half the year in the area, writing and researching, so the festival is close to her heart and home.

I have a house in Glengarriff. The rest of the time Im in Kildare, but really my soul is in West Cork.

My first book came out 25 years ago, in 2000, and right from then the festival has supported me.

Beyond West Cork, her connection to Ireland is strong.

I came here as a young person; I was only 23. Forty years ago, 23 was young as it was before the internet. My growing up years were in Ireland really.

Born in India, Madhavan came to Ireland with her husband, who was then a junior doctor and had just qualified.

Born in India, Madhavan came with her husband, who was then a junior doctor and had just qualified.

We thought we would be here for a few years, but my husbands career kept us here.

He specialised in vascular surgery, which was new enough here but was non-existent in India.

We both love Ireland so when we got a chance to stay, we grabbed it. We were 12 years here at that stage and were happy to make Ireland our home.

Cross Cultures

The author has spoken before about the similarities between India and Ireland, something that helped Madhavan and her husband to settle.

I feel the two countries share a similar cultural outlook. Both obsess about families.

In India, your aunts opinion is as important as your mothers. Its similar here in that the opinion of your extended family matters.

Both cultures take pride in their families and dont want to let them down. You know, we dont want to make a show of ourselves.

Both societies obsess about births, marriages, and deaths. We have a love of good food and drink, and all important is the obsession with religion.

Even though Catholicism is waning here, there is still an ethos and its the same in India.

People may not be overly religious, but you retain the ethos. It is in every aspect of your life. You might think you are non-practising, but you are.

Although Madhavans latest book, The Inheritance has only Irish characters, these common themes are strong in the book, she explains.

The Inheritance

The author sets out the plot.

Marlo OSullivan discovers that his sister is really his mother. This is such a universal story. There is nobody in Ireland who doesnt know somebody with a related story. Since I wrote it, so many people have texted me to say, that happened to me, or if not, it happened to someone close to them.

Another character in the book is Sully, a non-verbal child, who Madhavan traces back to a story she overheard many years ago.

I heard it in passing. Two women were talking about another family whose child would go up and down to the city on the bus. This child needed a lot of care and so the time they spent on the bus gave the parents some respite.

I heard it a long time ago when there was little help - and so this child would go on the bus journey every day on a private bus service - the driver might have been a family member. The child was happy on the bus, and the family got to continue with their farming.

I remember thinking I would write a short story about this child, but I never did. It came back to me when I sat down to draft this book.

A few more strands came together, - including a fascination with the OSullivan Bearas, who were driven out of West Cork by the English after they defeated the combined Spanish and Irish forces at the Battle of Kinsale.

I wanted to write that story and so I blended it in.

There is a thread of magical realism running through the book - with this 400-year-old story being told through the eyes of a child.

Alongside magical realism is historical fact.

It is a fact that OSullivan Beare left his child the forest because they later reunited in Spain. Legend is that they left him in the care of relative who had a son.

In my novel, the kinsmans young son tells the story. I have fictionalised it to make him non-verbal.

Bantry Bookshop

The author is particularly excited to read at Bantry Bookshop, as part of the West Cork Literacy Festival, which she describes as being amazingly curated.

She will appear there on Saturday, July 12, at 11.30am, in an event that thas free admission.

Madhavan has a close relationship with the bookshop and its staff.

They have sourced books and pamphlets for me - not just for this book but for my previous books. We have become quite friendly, says Madhavan.

A relationship that eventually got The Inheritance into the hands of West Corks favourite son, Graham Norton - via the fishmongers.
Local councillors have warned that Clonakilty could be facing traffic chaos without the implementation of improved traffic management measures.

Independent Ireland councillor Daniel Sexton raised the issue in a motion proposed at the recent meeting of Cork County Councils West Cork Municipal District in Dunmanway.

The motion asked:

That Cork County Council write to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to request a progress update on the traffic study currently underway in Clonakilty and to seek a clear timeline for its completion.

Mr Sexton said: As the town grows people are getting concerned about the traffic. In reality a bypass is whats needed but that is at least 25 years away. As it stands there seems to be no progress and nothing is really changing. There are crashes every week at the hospital cross roads. I am asking that TII progress the survey so we can start looking art things.

The motion was seconded by Deirdre Kelly (FF) who said:

Residents in Ladys Cross are concerned about the impact of 246 new houses.

Isobel Towse (SD) supported the motion: Residents are concerned. With land on the bypass zoned for commercial and residential development its only going to get worse.

Partrick Gerard Murphy (FF) said that a meeting was planned between TII officials and councillors in the coming months where the lack of investment in West Cork infrastructure should be highlighted.

The matter was referred to the National Road Design Office and Sustainable Travel Unit.

This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
More than 31,000 has been raised for a young mother from Cork who is battling leukemia and in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant.

A mother of two children, 34-year-old Aishling Thornhill has been in Cork University Hospital since January of this year.

During that time, she has undergone chemotherapy, spinal chemotherapy, immunotherapy and many more treatments to try and get rid of the leukemia cells from her body.

Although initial tests illustrated that Ms Thornhill was negative for leukemia cells, on June 30 she was informed by doctors that further testing had revealed that the leukemia cells are now back in her body.

This meant that the only option available is to be a bone marrow transplant, provided that a donor match can be found by doctors.

Speaking to The Echo, Elaine Cooney, who is a cousin of Ms Thornhill, said: Aisling has been in the CUH under the exceptional care of Dr Derville OShea and her fantastic team of doctors and nurses since January 30 this year.

Her parents feel helpless in a situation where most parents never wish to see their child. She now faces a bone marrow transplant in Dublin but being an only child this could prove difficult to get a matching donor.

Unfortunately, her parents and her children are ruled out to go forward as a donor and even though there is a huge family of cousins we are also not eligible to go forward as donors.

Obviously, financially Aisling has been six months out of work, with now no possibility of returning anytime soon and the financial burden on her with two young kids is a worry for her at this present time.

As anyone who has spent long terms in hospital will tell you, it isnt easy. Her road is about to get harder by having to relocate to Dublin in due course and have her transplant. This will be an emotional and also an expensive time for them.

For anyone wishing to support Ms Thornhill in her leukemia battle and to donate visit help-aisling-thornhill-on-her-journey-with-leukemia on gofundme.com.
Fine Gaels newly-appointed spokesperson on Cork has differed with his party leader on plans to build extra prison spaces on the site of the old Cork Prison building on Rathmore Rd.

It comes as Cork Prison has exceeded its own record for overcrowding for six days in a row, with 386 people in custody there on Thursday, representing 130% capacity.

With 296 beds in the prison, that figure meant 90 people were sleeping on the floor or on mattresses, constituting more than 23% of the total number of people in the prison.

The old prison, which was built by the British Army in 1806 as a military detention facility and became a civilian prison in 1972, closed in 2016 when it was replaced by the modern prison, built across the road from the original.

The original site has remained idle for the nine years since, and with the new prison experiencing ongoing issues with overcrowding, justice minister Jim OCallaghan has proposed building new prison spaces on the site.

The new build would cater for an additional 230 male inmates and 100 female inmates, and would be delivered by 2031.

The plans have been strongly opposed by TDs and councillors representing the local area, among them representatives from both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has indicated that he would be in favour of expanding the current facility onto the old site, and on a visit to Cork two weeks ago, Tanaiste Simon Harris concurred.

My high-level instinct is the most important thing is that we can increase prison capacity and increase it quickly,

Mr Harris said.

The Fine Gael leader added that any process needed to engage with communities, and he pledged that the Government would absolutely engage with people.

However, Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, whom Mr Harris last month appointed Fine Gael spokesperson for Cork, has poured cold water over the notion of expanding the prison onto the old site.

The old Cork Prison is in a very poor state of repairs, and the cost of revamping it would be extremely expensive,

he said.

It might be far better to build a brand new premises, and the question then is  is that site suitable for a brand new premises?

"If there is a concern on the basis that there is already a prison in the area and residents feel this is the maximum they should have, then obviously that should be looked at.
China's Xizang launches first regular all-cargo air route

Xinhua) 09:34, July 11, 2025

LHASA, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region launched its first regular all-cargo air route on Thursday, in an effort to improve its logistics connectivity with other parts of China.

A Boeing 757-200 freighter operated by SF Airlines departed from the Lhasa Konggar International Airport in the regional capital at 12:10 p.m. Thursday, bound for the city of Ezhou in central China's Hubei Province. The aircraft carried Xizang agricultural products, including cherry tomatoes, eggs, rapeseed oil and highland barley.

The route, scheduled to involve one round trip every week, is expected to provide a cargo capacity of more than 30 tonnes per week. It reduces transport delivery times from seven days to 10 days by land to just two to four days by air.

The new route will bring Xizang specialties to the rest of China and beyond, and allow high-quality goods from other parts of China to reach Xizang faster, said Liu Shuxin, an employee of the Xizang subsidiary of SF Express.

Liu added that with Xizang's strategic location as a gateway to South Asia, the route is expected to help products from other parts of China expand their footprint in the region.

According to official data, Xizang's civil aviation sector handled 3.7 million passenger trips and 26,000 tonnes of cargo and mail in the first half of 2025, with those figures up 3 percent and 7.9 percent year on year.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Cork County Council has welcomed the decision by the Arts Council to continue to provide funding for the Creative Places: West Cork Islands programme for an additional two years.

The initiative, which is a community-centred arts development programme, was established by Cork County Council in 2023 for the seven inhabited islands of Oilean Chleire, Sherkin, Heir, Long, Whiddy, Bere and Dursey.

The additional funding from the Arts Council totalling 170,000 will support the development of Creative Places: West Cork Islands until October 2027.

Emphasis will be placed on embedding the programme across the islands, connecting further with islanders and future planning towards a sustainable programme that positively impacts on the lives of islanders and island visitors.

The aim of the programme is to develop and sustain community-centred cultural activity across the islands by supporting island-based artists, craftspeople, and communities to initiate new projects, support existing projects, and nurture cultural connections between islanders on different islands.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley said that the allocation of additional funds is wonderful for the programme.

The West Cork Islands are renowned for their culture and creativity, and the programme has brought that to a new level, supporting artistic ambition and community engagement in creativity,

said Ms Linehan Foley.

It is wonderful that Creative Places: West Cork Islands three successful years are being acknowledged, and Cork County Council can continue to develop the programme with partners and islanders.

Judith Gilbert, who is the chair of the West Cork Islands Community Council said that the announcement of additional funds is incredible.

We are delighted that this programme will continue until late 2027, giving us time and resources to further embed community-centred creativity and cultural projects, events and activities across and between the West Cork Islands.

We are currently in the middle of our third Summer of the programme, and it is incredible to see the quantity and quality of arts projects flourishing at the moment.

For further information, visit: creativeplaceswci.ie.
The Cork branch of GAA Palestine is calling on the Irish authorities to reconsider its decision to refuse visas to a group of GAA players from Palestine.

The GAA Palestine group had planned to bring 33 Palestinian children and young teenagers, along with 14 of their mentors, on a nationwide tour of Ireland which was scheduled to begin on July 18.

The event was set to promote cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual understanding.

The Department of Justice stated that the visas were rejected because of a lack of compliance with visa application criteria.

However, a spokesperson for GAA Palestine said it was shocked by the decision of the Irish Immigration Service.

A number of members from St Vincents GAA Club in Cork city were to act as hosts for the Cork leg of their visit.

Speaking to The Echo, St Vincents GAA PRO Mick Nugent said the decision to refuse visas for GAA Palestine is devastating news.

It is going to be appealed, he said. People were very surprised with the decision.

It really is very surprising, shocking and sad news.

This was about solidarity and this was about giving the children a trip of a lifetime, an experience they would never forget.

Included on the trip was a visit to Cork, with the itinerary on Leeside including training sessions, a boat trip and a trip to the beach.

Mr Nugent added: Also, the GAA community in Cork and Ireland put out the hand of friendship, for what is a serious effort in Palestine in growing the GAA.

They have five clubs in the West Bank in Palestine officially recognised.

There was so much work that had gone into a two-week tour. This included three nights and four days in Cork.

There was a lot planned, and the itinerary for Cork was fantastic, which was put together by GAA Palestine in Cork.

Hopefully the president of the GAA will add his voice to it.

Steven Redmond, chairperson of GAA Palestine, said it is committed to working with the department to resolve the issue.

We have a dedicated team of volunteers ready to respond and take immediate action, he said. We are fully prepared to see this process through. We kindly ask the Government to partner with us in making this happen.

Volunteers across Ireland are just utterly and completely devastated after all the work and effort put into making this tour happen.

Its heartbreaking to see such a promising cultural exchange fall apart at the very last moment.

The Tanaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris told the Dail yesterday: Obviously, there are rules in place in relation to visas, particularly when it comes to minors, particularly when it comes to minors not travelling with parents or guardians.

There is an appeals process in place.

I just make that point without overcoming any individual applications.
Uisce Eireann are appealing to customers in the popular tourist town of Clonakilty to conserve water with nighttime restrictions being introduced.

Since Tuesday night restrictions have been in place for customers in the Inchinattin, Carrigfadda and Tullig areas, from 10pm each night to 7am the following morning, in an attempt to reduce usage and maintain daytime supply.

Uisce Eireann water operations manager Niall ORiordan, said: In the days and weeks ahead, we would appeal to customers to take the opportunity to really consider their water usage and reflect on the daily and easy actions they can take to play their part in ensuring our water resources are used wisely and in a way which benefits, not only your own household but also the wider community.

The appeal comes as levels in many water sources are significantly lower than normal for this time of year.

An increase in demand has put further pressure on the network and Reenascreena Reservoir.

Uisce Eireann has developed a conservation calculator to help people find out how much water they are saving and what they can do to save even more. Check it out at water.ie/calculator
A district judge said he could not understand how a man in Cork city centre goes baluba for no reason and attacks two gardai.

35-year-old Dubliner, Niall Farrelly of no fixed address pleaded guilty to obstructing and threatening gardai during the unexplained incident.

His solicitor Killian McCarthy said the defendant could not understand why he behaved the way he did. Judge Philip OLeary responded: I cant understand it either.

Judge OLeary said at Cork District Court:

It is as bad as I have heard in a public order incident. He goes baluba  I dont know if that is even a real word. But he tears a radio of a garda, throws it across the street and grabs another guard by the stab vest.

Inspector Brendan McKenna outlined the background to the incident that occurred at 1.15am on September 29 2024 while Garda Mairead OSullivan and Garda Wayne McGrath were on mobile patrol at Maylor Street, Cork, and saw the accused kick some construction site cones as gardai passed.

They tried to speak to him. However, he replied, Go fuck yourselves, and kept walking.

Gardai requested his name and address and again said to ,'Go fuck yourselves again, refusing to give his details. He walked around the garda van to evade gardai.

As they tried to stop him he became increasingly aggressive and threatening. He grabbed Garda McGraths stab vest trying to pull him to the ground.

Gardai were pulled and dragged around the street.

A struggle ensued in trying to effect an arrest and he ripped Garda OSullivans radio from her stab vest as she was trying to radio colleagues for assistance  the radio landing a distance away. He violently grabbed Garda OSullivans wrist to resist arrest.

Killian McCarthy solicitor said the defendant had got his life on a better track since this happened last September.

Originally from Dublin, at a young age he got into addiction difficulties with cocaine. He lost it all and became homeless and found himself in a very difficult situation. He came to Cork about one and a half years ago to make a fresh start.

Since this, he did manage to turn himself around, Mr McCarthy said.

Judge OLeary said: He got two opportunities to walk away and he did not take them and he causes mayhem.

On the face of it, it merits a custodial sentence. I accept that he is in a very different place now.

The judge imposed a total sentence of eight months which he suspended on condition that he would comply with directions of the probation service.

I am not putting him into prison because he has not been in trouble since, he is trying to rehabilitate himself, it dates back some time and there is a lack of previous convictions.

But gardai should not be exposed to this sort of violence doing their work on the streets of Cork. It wont be tolerated. He is lucky it is a suspended sentence, Judge OLeary said.
A member of the leadership team of The Port of Cork Company is to depart the company in the coming weeks, as recruitment is to begin shortly to fill the role.

The chief commercial officer, Conor Mowlds, has made the decision to step down from his role and will be taking up a new international opportunity within the maritime sector, a statement from the company confirmed yesterday.

Mr Mowlds joined the Port of Cork Company in 2018, having served as head of the National Maritime College of Ireland prior, as well as holding various senior roles in both the public and private sectors in Ireland and the UK, including with GAC Group, NMCI Services, the Irish Maritime Development Office, and the Marine Institute.

He is also currently the chairperson of Cruise Ireland and was recently appointed to the board of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce.

Originally from Dublin, Mr Mowlds is a graduate in maritime business and law from Southampton and is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Interim arrangements

Interim arrangements are being made, and details of the recruitment process for the chief commercial officer role will be published in due course, the companys statement said.

Speaking on behalf of the company, chief executive officer Ann Doherty, who was appointed to the role at the end of last year after a decade as chief executive of Cork City Council, thanked him for his contributions to the company.

On behalf of the Port of Cork Company, I would like to sincerely thank Conor for his outstanding contribution over the past six years, she said.

His deep industry expertise, commercial acumen, and dedication to the ports development have played a significant role in shaping our future. We wish Conor every success as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his international career.
A homeless man who was brought before a recent sitting of Bantry District Court on a bench warrant over alleged thefts in Cork, Galway, and Mallow has avoided being remanded in custody after telling the presiding judge that he was in fear of being sent to prison.

Garda Joe Maher of Clonakilty Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge, and caution, telling the court that he arrested Kyle OCallaghan, aged 29, of no fixed abode, at North Street, Skibbereen, at 4pm on July 9, 2025.

OCallaghan was found lying in the road in a highly intoxicated state and could not stand.

Garda Maher said paramedics were called and OCallaghan was deemed to be physically well, except for the intoxication. He was arrested for being drunk in public. It was then discovered there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Garda Maher told the court that gardai were objecting to bail as six warrants had been issued for OCallaghans arrest in two years.

The court was told he also had two convictions for failing to appear in court. The warrants all relate to the alleged theft of alcohol.

Solicitor Colette McCarthy, acting as agent for Frank Buttimer, said that OCallaghan implores the judge not to send him to prison and promised to appear at his next court date if he was allowed back on the street. She said that he had a conviction for a serious matter in his past that had a major impact on his life.

Promised

OCallaghan said he promised to turn up in court and would seek accommodation with the Simon Community in Cork city.

He said he was very scared and very afraid of being in a cell. The court was told OCallaghans disability allowance was cut off when he was previously in prison, but he was in receipt of jobseekers allowance.

Judge Joanne Carroll said she was going to take a chance as she believed OCallaghan was being honest. She told him she was trusting him to turn up in court, but if he did not do so, she would not trust him again.

On the bench warrant, he was remanded on bail in his own bond of 100 to appear at Anglesea Street, Cork, on July 15. OCallaghan also pleaded guilty to being drunk in public in relation to the incident in Skibbereen on July 9.

The court heard OCallaghan had nine previous convictions, including two for public intoxication.

For public intoxication, he was placed on a probation bond for 12 months on condition that he attends all probation appointments, attends alcohol addiction treatment, engages in counselling, and avails of training or work.
In Cork and across Ireland, people are arriving every day in search of protection, peace, and the possibility of a better life. These individuals and families come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, each carrying with them stories of resilience, strength, and hope.

At SECAD, we meet people where they are  often at a crossroads  and walk alongside them as they take the first steps toward rebuilding their lives in a new country.

The foundation for that new beginning is education, not just in the formal classroom sense, but in the broader, more transformative sense of providing people with the tools they need to navigate a new society, build skills, access employment, and connect with their communities. We believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for empowerment and integration, and it has never been more important.

This World Refugee Day, we had the honour of celebrating over 100 Cork-based people seeking protection in Ireland who completed skills training programmes through SECAD. The event was about far more than certificates and qualifications  it was a celebration of resilience, potential, and community. The participants trained in essential areas like healthcare, construction, food safety, and security  sectors crying out for skilled workers, and in which many of our learners are now ready to thrive.

Since 2022, SECAD has supported nearly 1,200 people seeking protection through a comprehensive network of programmes delivered under SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme), Tus, and the Asylum, Migration and Integration programme Fund. These arent just services  theyre stepping stones on a pathway to self-sufficiency, belonging, and purpose.

Our work begins with listening. Too often, people seeking protection are spoken about rather than with. We start by listening to their stories, their goals, and their needs. From there, we offer a suite of tailored supports: orientation workshops, English language programmes, employment services, wellbeing initiatives, and community connection activities.

A standout among these is our English Conversation Clubs  now active in Youghal, Cobh, Macroom, and Millstreet, learning from the original Failte Isteach model, Midleton. These volunteer-led clubs go far beyond grammar and vocabulary. They are spaces where learners build confidence, feel welcomed, and begin to actively participate in their new communities. In the past year alone, 148 learners across the county have been supported through these clubs, and weve seen not just linguistic improvement but deeper engagement in civic and social life.

Equally important is the impact on the 87 volunteers who facilitate these sessions. Many tell us that the experience has enriched their own lives  boosting their wellbeing, broadening their perspectives, and deepening their commitment to inclusion. This mutual benefit is what community is all about  giving, receiving, and growing together.

Our employment support teams, based in six community hubs across South Cork  Midleton, Youghal, Cobh, Carrigaline, Macroom and Millstreet  play another key role. They work with participants on CVs, interview skills, and job searches, but they also offer something equally valuable: belief. Belief that individuals who have faced enormous upheaval and trauma can  with the right support  find meaningful work, contribute to society, and achieve economic independence.

Skills training has become one of the most effective tools in this journey. From SafePass certification for construction work to QQI-accredited healthcare training, HACCP food safety courses, and IT skills development, we equip people with the qualifications needed to enter the Irish workforce. These are real, practical steps that build confidence, open doors, and make futures possible.

Some of our recent training programmes were delivered in partnership with organisations such as Progressive College and supported by funding streams like REACH, which allowed for the establishment of a laptop loan scheme. This made a huge difference to learners who otherwise might not have been able to access online training. This kind of collaboration  between SECAD, government departments, educational institutions, and local employers  is crucial. Together, we create a supportive ecosystem that fosters integration from every angle.

But education doesnt stop at the classroom or the workplace. Since 2018, SECAD has championed intercultural understanding through initiatives like our Celebrating Multiculturalism Through Food events as part of the FEAST Midleton Food Festival and the Macroom Food Festival. These events bring people from over 20 nationalities together to share dishes, stories, and traditions. Food, after all, is one of the most universal languages we have  and sharing it breaks down barriers, fosters empathy, and creates space for connection.

Everything we do at SECAD is rooted in one central idea: community is our superpower. Whether its a conversation club, a CV workshop, or a shared meal, we are building something much greater than any single programme or service  we are building trust, solidarity, and a shared future.

On World Refugee Day, we celebrated more than just individual achievement  we celebrated the collective strength of the community. We saw employers engaging with jobseekers, volunteers connecting with learners, and neighbours becoming friends.

This is what real integration looks like. And this is the Ireland we believe in  a place where everyone, no matter where they come from, has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive. We are all members of this community, working in it and for it. And we are all better for it.
Temperatures could hit highs of 29 degrees in some parts of the country on Friday.

A Met Eireann warning for high temperatures will take effect in 14 counties at 12pm, extending to all parts of the country on Saturday.

The Department of Agriculture has also issued a red warning for extreme risk of gorse and forest fires until Monday.

It said hot and dry weather conditions are forecast to remain in place over the weekend with greatly increased forest fire risks expected as a result.

Here are the maximum air temperatures recorded at our synoptic weather stations today  pic.twitter.com/stwQwA801k  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) July 10, 2025

Visitors to public recreational areas should cooperate with all fire safety requirements and not light open fires or barbeques in forest areas, the department said.

Met Eireann said Friday will be sunny, dry and very warm. Some clouds will drift in at times across the west and northwest, but it will stay dry across the country.

Temperatures will rise well above average, with highs of 25 to 28 or 29 degrees. There will be lots of evening sunshine and dry weather. A very mild night is in store with lowest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees.

Saturday will be another very warm day, according to Met Eireann.

Temperatures will rise to between 26 and 29 or even 30 degrees with the warmest temperatures inland, away from the coast. A little cloud will push in across the west but it will be another largely dry day with light southerly breezes.

Temperatures will drop to 14 to 17 degrees on Saturday night.

Mild and very warm weather will continue through the weekend, but more unsettled and cooler weather will begin from next week.
High Court reporters

Judgements have been reserved by the High Court in two similar cases brought by Opposition TDs alleging the attendance of super-junior ministers at meetings of Government is unconstitutional.

The cases brought by Kerry Sinn Fein TD, Pa Daly and People Before Profit-Solidarity TD, Paul Murphy point to a section of the Irish Constitution which limits the number of government members to 15  including the taoiseach  and provides that they meet and act as a collective authority.

Following the conclusion of submissions in both cases on Friday, High Court president Mr Justice David Barniville, on behalf of the three-judge divisional court, reserved judgment in the actions.

Ministers of State attending Cabinet, or super-junior ministers, are appointed by the government on the nomination of the taoiseach. Super-junior ministers participate at government meetings but do not vote.

At present, there are four super-junior ministers attending Cabinet: Fianna Fails Mary Butler (who is also chief whip), Hildegarde Naughton of Fine Gael, and Noel Grealish and Sean Canney of the Regional Independent Group. They are not parties to the cases.

Closing the States defence to Mr Murphys action in the High Court on Friday Catherine Donnelly SC said aspects of the case were uncertain and incoherent, and said the case rests entirely on a series of obscure distinctions.

One of these distinctions, Ms Donnelly said, was one drawn between the attendance of the chief whip, attorney general and secretary general at Cabinet, and the attendance of ministers of state, Mr Donnelly said.

The first group, Mr Murphys side contends, assists in Government deliberations in accordance with the Constitution, while the ministers of state participate in deliberations in breach of the Constitution, Ms Donnelly said.

Ms Donnelly submitted this was an unsustainable distinction.

Counsel also said Mr Murphys side was asking the court to distinguish between political influence exercised by ministers of state outside the Cabinet room, and same exercised within the Cabinet room.

Political influence outside the Cabinet room, however far-reaching, is constitutional, but inside the room, political influence is unconstitutional, according to Mr Murphys side, Ms Donnelly said.

Ms Donnelly said the court was being asked by Mr Murphy to make a ruling based on the subjective experience of how a minister of state might feel, referencing former super-junior minister Finian McGraths evidence in the case.

Mr McGrath, who served as Minister of State for Disability between 2016 and 2020, told the court this week he was treated as a full minister while attending government meetings and that he on occasion succeeded in blocking or amending Cabinet decisions.

Ms Donnelly said the case turned on whether or not participation in Government meetings outweighed other clear, uncontested and definitive distinctions between super-junior ministers and senior Government ministers.

Closing Mr Murphys case, John Rogers SC, appearing with barristers Paul Gunning and Mollie Higgins and instructed by KM solicitors, said super-junior ministers participation in the unit of Government offends the Constitution.

Mr Rogers said there was clear evidence of active participation by ministers of state in the Government of taoisigh Enda Kenny and Leo Varadkar between 2016 and 2020. He said it was their case that this practice was continuing in the current Government.

He said the State did not produce any evidence challenging the assertion of ministers of states participation at Cabinet.

Mr Rogers said their side approached the case on the basis that a Government needs a chief whip, a secretary general, and attorney general to attend Government meetings. [Its a] matter of practicality that these officers are in the [Cabinet] room until theyre asked to leave, he said.

The participation of super-junior ministers fractures the collective authority of the Government, a clearly defined unit, he submitted.

Its only the Government that should attend where there are actions of collective responsibility ... there should not be participation in that process by junior ministers  theyre not the Government, he said.

He rejected Ms Donnellys labelling of Mr McGraths evidence as subjective, asserting Mr McGrath engaged in participation of a high order during his time as a super-junior minister.

Mr Rogers said John Callinan, the secretary general to the Government, was unable to point to an authority stipulating super-junior ministers attend Government.

He said the process by which the Taoiseach and senior Government ministers are nominated and approved by Dail Eireann, in accordance with the Constitution, constituted a unique value for the people that should be protected.

He said it seemed the States case came down to an entitlement of the taoiseach to invite who he wishes to attend and participate in Government. Mr Murphys case challenges this, Mr Rogers submitted.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

The North Atlantic water contains large quantities of nanoplastics, particularly plastics that are used to make disposable and reusable plastic bottles, films or disposable drinking cups and cutlery. ittipol, Adobe Stock / Graphic: Sebastian Wiedling, UFZ

Nanoplastics  microplastics that are less than a micrometer in size  are found all over the world, from Alpine peaks to the deepest parts of the ocean.

At least 27 million tonnes of nanoplastics are estimated to be floating in the North Atlantic Ocean, weighing more than all wild land mammals combined, reported The New York Times.

Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ), Utrecht University and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research investigated the prevalence of nanoplastics in the North Atlantic and found the tiny plastic particles at all ocean depths between the subtropical and temperate zones.

The findings of the study show that nanoplastics are a much bigger part of the marine plastics pollution problem than had been previously thought, a press release from UFZ said.

New @nature.com study by @dusanmateric.bsky.social & colleague from @utrechtuniversity.bsky.social: The North Atlantic's mixed layer may contain up to 27 million tonnes of nanoplastics. Let that sink in: www.nature.com/articles/s41



[image or embed]  UFZ-CITE (@ufz-cite.bsky.social) July 10, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Plastic pollution of the marine realm is widespread, with most scientific attention given to macroplastics and microplastics. By contrast, ocean nanoplastics (<1 m) remain largely unquantified, leaving gaps in our understanding of the mass budget of this plastic size class, the authors of the study wrote. Our findings suggest that nanoplastics comprise the dominant fraction of marine plastic pollution.

Marine plastic waste causes devastating impacts to marine animals, who may become entangled in plastic debris such as bags and nets or ingest smaller pieces, mistaking them for food. Ingested plastic can injure or block the gastrointestinal tract and a small proportion of the tiniest plastic particles can enter the bloodstream by passing through the intestinal wall.

Until now, quantitative data on microplastics in the worlds ocean was scarce due to the particles small size, propensity to change and because they are often hard to distinguish from other particles in the environment using standard methods.

An expedition by a UFZ and Utrecht University research team aboard the RV Pelagia in 2020 recorded nanoplastic prevalence along a passage between the European continental shelf and the subtropical North Atlantic Gyre. The team took samples from a dozen measuring points: the uppermost ocean layer at approximately 10 meters; the intermediate layer at roughly 1,000 meters; and at 30 meters above the seabed.

With the data from these measuring points, we can make statements about the vertical and horizontal distribution of nanoplastic in the North Atlantic, said lead author of the study Dr. Dusan Materic, a chemist with UFZ, in the press release.

Our paper is out in Nature: Nanoplastic concentrations across the North Atlantic. An estimated 27 million tons of NPs are there, even at depths over 4500m. Huge thanks to my brilliant MSc student Sophie and the sampling support from NIOZ! @ufz.de @ufz-cite.bsky.social doi.org/10.1038/s415



[image or embed]  Dr.Dusan Materic (Matt) (@dusanmateric.bsky.social) July 9, 2025 at 11:17 AM

The researchers, led by Materic, measured concentrations of organic trace gases using thermal desorption and a high-resolution proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS). They then used these to combust the nanoplastics. Heating them released gases that were able to be quantified with the mass spectrometer.

Materic, who developed the method at Utrecht University, explained that each polymer has a unique chemical fingerprint by which both its concentration and identity can be determined.

Nanoplastics were found at all analyzed depths of the 12 measurement sites.

They are present everywhere in such large quantities that we can no longer neglect them ecologically, Materic said.

The most frequently detected nanoparticles were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS), which are commonly used to make plastic bottles, drinking cups, cutlery and films.

At almost all measuring points, these types of plastic were detected in the uppermost layer of the ocean.

This is because, on the one hand, the redistribution from the atmosphere occurs via the sea surface and, on the other hand, a lot of plastic is introduced via the estuaries of rivers, Materic explained.

The intermediate layer of the ocean was dominated by PET nanoparticles.

Materic said more nanoplastics were found in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre, where ocean currents are known to cause surface microplastics to accumulate.

The lowest nanoplastic concentrations were found near the sea floor. PET nanoplastics were detected at all points measured there, even at depths below 4,500 meters. This nanoplastic most likely came from fragmented synthetic clothing fibers, but could have also come from other unknown processes.

Nanoplastic and nanoparticles are so small that the physical laws governing larger particles often no longer apply, Materic said.

To their surprise, the researchers did not find any polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE)  commonly used in packaging and bags  at any measuring points., even though they often end up becoming marine plastic waste.

The total amount of nanoplastics  approximately 27 million tonnes  are stored in the top layer of the Northern Atlantic Ocean, up to 200 meters deep, between the temperate and subtropical zones.

This is in the same order of magnitude as the estimated mass of macro- and microplastics for the entire Atlantic, Materic said.

Ocean nanoplastics have yet to be taken into account in current assessments of total marine plastics.

Only a couple of years ago, there was still debate over whether nanoplastic even exists. Many scholars continue to believe that nanoplastics are thermodynamically unlikely to persist in nature, as their formation requires high energy. Our findings show that, by mass, the amount of nanoplastic is comparable to what was previously found for macro- and microplastic  at least in this ocean system, Materic said.

The findings of the study, Nanoplastic concentrations across the North Atlantic, were published in the journal Nature.
(Photo: World Council of Churches)Armenian genocide monument

The Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic Church are at odds with each other, and the World Council of Churches has called upon the government in Yerevan to respect religious freedom.

The Geneva-based WCC has expressed "deep concern" about the arrest of senior clergy and other law enforcement actions.

World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev. Jerry Pillay expressed deep concern regarding recent developments in Armenia involving the Armenian Apostolic Church, including reported law enforcement actions at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the detention of senior clergy.

"The Armenian Apostolic Church holds a unique and revered place in the spiritual, cultural, and historical life of the Armenian people," Pillay said.

"Reports of force being used within sacred spaces and the detention of clergy raise significant concerns about the protection of religious freedom, the sanctity of worship, and the autonomy of religious institutions."

He called upon the government of Armenia to ensure the protection, dignity and legal rights of all religious leaders and institutions.

Pillay also urged the government to refrain from actions or statements that could be interpreted as targeting religious bodies or fueling public antagonism; uphold the principles of religious freedom, due process, and the peaceful exercise of faith.

He also encouraged an open and constructive dialogue between state institutions and religious communities.

"The government speaks of a coup and arrests two archbishops and a prominent businessman, while the opposition cries foul, denouncing political repression. In the background, the geopolitical balance and negotiation with Azerbaijan," the Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso Transeuropa reported on June 11.

The portal reported that with 11 months before next year's parliamentary elections, the political environment in the country is more tense than any vote before it.

It reported that on June 25, the National Security Service detained more than a dozen individuals accused of plotting a coup to oust Prime Minister Pashinyan from power.

It said that days earlier, Russian-Armenian businessman Samuel Karapetyan was detained on the same charge. Among the latest wave of arrests was Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a cleric who last year led protests against Pashinyan.

Christian Today cited Armenian prosecutors pointing to a number of statements made by the archbishop appearing to call for a coup.

"In one, he told News.am, 'I called for a coup to save the country from this madman, they are not saving it, they are also guilty of all this. This is not just a call, it must be done.'"

The Armenian said that he is attempting to save the church from "anti-Christian" and "anti-state" groups that it is claimed have taken over the church.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed concerns about developments in Armenia, but his counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, responded by instructing him to stay out of the country's domestic affairs, Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso Transeuropa reported.

According to the European Conservative, Pashinyan has been at loggerheads with the Church since its head, Catholicos Garegin II, began calling for his resignation following Armenia's disastrous 2020 military defeat to arch-foe Azerbaijan over the then-disputed Karabakh region.

The dispute escalated after Azerbaijan seized complete control of the region in 2023.

Pashinyan started pushing an unpopular peace deal with Azerbaijan that would essentially renounce Yerevan's claims to an area many Armenians see as their ancestral homeland.

"Law enforcement officers have foiled a large-scale and sinister plan by the 'criminal-oligarchic clergy' to destabilise the situation in the Republic of Armenia and seize power," Pashinyan wrote on his Telegram channel early Wednesday.

The Apostolic Church wields considerable influence in Armenia, which in the fourth century became the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion.

The European Union has stayed out of the spat.
One of the most popular sites for Nintendo Switch piracy has been taken down as part of an ongoing FBI investigation. As reported by Kotaku , Nsw2u was known for hosting Switch ROMs, which users could download to play on a hacked Switch or PC emulator capable of running them.

At the time of writing, when you enter the sites URL youll see a notice confirming the seizure, which the FBI says is in accordance with a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Georgia. The notice also features a logo for the Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD), which is a Dutch government agency that investigates financial crimes.

Nintendo has been cracking down on piracy of its games for a number of years. Back in 2019, the company sued the illegal ROM-sharing site RomUniverse, after it became aware it was offering unlimited downloads of new and old Nintendo games for an annual fee. Last year it filed a lawsuit against streamer EveryGameGuru who it accused of broadcasting footage of pirated  and in many cases unreleased  Switch games, as well as providing access to illegal ROMs. In March of 2024 the makers of popular Switch emulator Yuzu paid $2.4 million to settle charges filed by Nintendo.
The former cellmate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein claims the disgraced financier offered him money to take his life before dying by suicide in 2019  and revealed the existence of a previously undisclosed suicide note.

In an interview with the podcast House Inhabit, Nicholas Tartaglione, a former police officer and convicted murderer, said Epstein was "desperate to die" and attempted suicide in their shared cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York before his death in August 2019.

"Jeffrey Epstein tried killing himself when he was in the cell with me," Tartaglione said. "I woke up and I brought him back with CPR. And to prove this point, Jeffrey Epstein wrote a suicide note."

According to Tartaglione, the note was later ordered into court by a judge presiding over his own legal proceedings. "My lawyers had to bring it in. They even got handwriting experts to prove he wrote it," he said, adding that Epstein hid the note inside one of Tartaglione's books.

The former cellmate also claimed Epstein offered him money in exchange for helping end his life.

"He wanted me to kill him," Tartaglione said. "Once they denied his bail, that's when he decided that. Because when he got back from the bail hearing, one of the first things he asked was, 'How do I make a noose?' I told him, 'You're not doing that in this cell, Jeff.'"

The content of the suicide note, according to Tartaglione, included lines such as: "The FBI looked into me for months and found nothing. What do you want me to do, cry about it?" and "Time to say goodbye."

Epstein's death, ruled a suicide by the New York City medical examiner, has long fueled conspiracy theories, especially due to irregularities in jail protocols and surveillance footage. But Tartaglione dismissed such claims in the interview.

Read more: Jeffrey Epstein Accuser Virginia Giuffre Remembered in Private Funeral Weeks After Tragic Death

"He definitely committed suicide," he said. "That's why I was cleared of any wrongdoing. They knew it."

Tartaglione added that Epstein, in an effort to avoid being placed on suicide watch, falsely claimed Tartaglione had attacked him during the initial hanging attempt.

"He eventually apologized," Tartaglione said. "He didn't want to be watched. He wanted to die."

The revelations come as new reports indicate the Department of Justice and FBI have reaffirmed conclusions that Epstein was not murdered and did not maintain a so-called "blackmail list" of powerful associates.

A recently surfaced DOJ memo, reviewed by Axios, notes that enhanced footage from the night of Epstein's death shows no other individuals entering or exiting his cell during the critical hours.

Tartaglione, who is serving a life sentence for the 2016 murders of four men, has been the subject of scrutiny over his proximity to Epstein's first reported suicide attempt.

He continues to maintain that he had no involvement in Epstein's death.
Lauren Pisciotta, who worked as Kanye West's assistant from 2021 to 2023, has filed a second amended complaint against the rapper, expanding her allegations to include sexual assault, battery, and sex trafficking.

The new filing, submitted on July 8, 2025, adds serious criminal accusations to her original June 2024 lawsuit that alleged sexual harassment and wrongful termination.

The amended complaint alleges that West "orally raped her without her consent" and "attempted to vaginally penetrate Ms. Pisciotta with his fingers" during her employment. Legal documents showed that these incidents occurred during a business trip to San Francisco connected to the rapper's Donda Academy school project.

Pisciotta claims that West subjected her to "obscene comments about her body, demanded she wear tight-fitting clothing, groped her on a regular basis, forced her to watch Ye perform sexual acts with other women, sent her sexually explicit pictures, and demanded she do the same."

The complaint details an incident where West allegedly pushed his way into her hotel room, shoved her onto a bed, and assaulted her while she "begged and pleaded for Ye to stop" and "froze in shock and fear."

The lawsuit introduces new sex trafficking allegations, claiming West "recruited and enticed" Pisciotta with "false promises of career advancement" in exchange for sexual compliance while using "intimidation and coercion" to ensure her participation. The complaint also alleges that West "offered someone the opportunity to have sex with" Pisciotta "in exchange for allowing Ye to have sex with" that person's significant other.

Beyond the sexual assault claims, the amended complaint includes allegations of stalking, false imprisonment, and continued harassment after Pisciotta's termination. She claims West moved into her apartment building in Florida and "forcibly grabbed Ms. Pisciotta by the throat" after she refused his advances. The lawsuit states that following her dismissal, West's behavior escalated, causing her to relocate and seek protection.

The original complaint alleged that West hired Pisciotta as his executive assistant in 2021 with a $1 million annual salary, contingent on her being available 24/7. She claims West promised to pay her an additional $1 million to delete her OnlyFans account, which was generating substantial income, so that she could become more "God-like."

West's legal team has previously dismissed Pisciotta's allegations as "baseless" and announced plans to countersue, claiming she "actively pursued him sexually to coerce employment and other material benefits, then engaged in blackmail and extortion when her advances were rejected." His attorneys have accused her of attempting to steal his phone to destroy evidence and making unreasonable demands, including a $4 million salary and luxury items.

The case has taken a toll on Pisciotta, who, according to her attorney, is now in hiding due to backlash from West and his supporters. Her legal team is seeking sanctions against West's companies for his failure to respond to the legal proceedings and provide requested documentation.

This lawsuit adds to a growing list of legal challenges facing West, who has faced multiple allegations of workplace misconduct and inappropriate behavior toward employees in recent years. The rapper, who legally changed his name to Ye, has not yet publicly responded to the amended complaint's new allegations.
Prince William's early doubts about Meghan Markle's intentions have reportedly played a central role in his long-running rift with Prince Harry, according to royal journalist Phil Dampier.

Speaking to The Sun, Dampier referenced remarks by Lady Elizabeth Anson, a close confidante of Queen Elizabeth II, who allegedly confided in others about the monarch's unease regarding Meghan. "I think, unfortunately, that confirms what I've been saying for the last few years," Dampier said, suggesting Meghan "never really had any intention of staying in the royal family."

Dampier also alleged that William suspected Meghan saw marrying Harry as a calculated move. "She saw as a steppingstone getting married to Harry to new fame and fortune," he claimed. "That's what initially Prince William was concerned about."

Royals Reportedly United in Blame

The growing distance between the once-close brothers has become one of the most public fractures in the royal family in recent history. Dampier claimed their falling out was rooted in William's early skepticism. "Now we are where we are," he said. "To have this confirmed by somebody so close to the Queen is really dynamite."

Still, others have pushed back. A source told Page Six, "The opinions of Mr. Dampier are just that, opinions. They are completely without merit and not grounded in fact." They added that there's no way he or The Sun could know Meghan's intentions.

Adding to the criticism of the Sussexes, a longtime friend of William and Kate Middleton told the Daily Beast that "the royals all blame Meghan 100 percent" for the rift. The same friend reportedly compared Harry and Meghan's exit to the scandal of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, saying, "Exile worked before, and it will work again."

A former palace courtier also claimed Queen Elizabeth II felt deeply betrayed by Harry, particularly following the Oprah interview. "That betrayal was complete," the courtier said. "It was absolutely shocking to those of us that knew him."

Another family source said the Queen, who battled bone cancer in her final years, was "completely let down by her grandson" and described the emotional impact as "utterly devastating."

What is Harrys dumbest moment?



For me it was when they were showed an old clip of Meghan picking between William & Harry & she acted like she didnt know who she should choose, so the interviewer said pick Harry!



Pan back to the Netflix interview where Meghan acting all coy pic.twitter.com/nwXbWbuyPq  Harry, Meghans Spare (@ViQueenie) June 26, 2025

Harry Hopes for Reconciliation

Despite the swirling commentary, Prince Harry has said publicly that he wants to repair the damage. In a BBC Newsinterview on May 3, he admitted there have been "so many disagreements, differences" between him and his family. He said he still hopes to reconcile, despite the loss of royal security and lingering resentment.

"There's no point in continuing to fight," said Harry, who now lives in California with Meghan and their two children. He also acknowledged that "some members" of his family may "never forgive" him for past actions, including his memoir Spare, in which he accused William of physically attacking him.
During the French presidential couple's state visit to the UK, Brigitte Macron maintained a notably composed presence, even as her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, appeared at ease and overly familiar with Princess Kate Middleton, according to a body language expert.

The visit, which marks the first by an EU head of state since Brexit, included a royal welcome at Windsor Castle and a state banquet at St. George's Hall, attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Charm from Macron, Tension from Brigitte

Observers noticed a slight awkwardness as the Macrons arrived at RAF Northolt. Emmanuel, 47, extended a hand to help his 72-year-old wife down the stairs, but she instead grabbed the handrail. He dropped his hand without fuss, shifting quickly to a confident handshake with Prince William and an air kiss for Princess Kate.

"Macron has been all charm and smiles, winking at Kate during the banquet dinner and bending to kiss her hand on arrival like a true gallant," body language expert Judi James told The Mirror, describing the president as "effervescent as a glass of French champagne."

 #Macron learns nothing from life, as at the royal banquet he was winking at Kate Middleton all the time 



 At home, he will again get  from Brigitte. pic.twitter.com/tcS3VBPyfa  Maimunka News (@MaimunkaNews) July 9, 2025

Brigitte, however, showed what James described as "dampened" expressions. Her smiles were "rigid," her shoulders raised in tension, and her hands tightly clasping her handbag. "Her facial expression could be called a smile, but it's one that is unnecessarily tempered," James observed. "This is what is called a 'dampened smile,' where the emotions are being hidden or kept in check."

Royal Warmth vs. French Reserve

Royal welcome in Windsor

King Charles III and Queen Camilla, joined by Prince William and Princess Kate, gave President Emmanuel Macron,and his wife Brigitte,a warm regal greeting at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025. A stunning display of diplomacy, tradition, and unity royalnews pic.twitter.com/h9DTcEtyLt  Francis Page Media (@francispagemed) July 8, 2025

While the British hosts exuded warmth, King Charles appearing lighthearted despite his ongoing cancer treatment, and Kate flashing what James called "a gleaming smile," Brigitte stood apart in her coolness. "She seems to be observing the bystanders rather than greeting them," James noted of Brigitte's carriage ride with Camilla.

Even in a formal portrait pose, James pointed out that Brigitte's smile appeared "puckered" and restrained, adding that "there is no need for Brigitte to pull the corners of her mouth down and keep her lips closed in this smile for the formal line-up."

The visit comes just weeks after viral footage from Vietnam showed what appeared to be Brigitte striking her husband in the face. Macron later dismissed it, insisting they were "joking around," adding, "None of this is true. Everyone needs to calm down."

Still, the moment added to the public's ongoing scrutiny of the couple, especially in light of their visible age gap and reports of previous tension.
SALEM, Ohio  Jim Hershey gave up the plow long before no-till farming was credited with improving soil health. When he made the switch in the 1980s, it was a business decision.

He started farming in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1977, using conventional tillage practices similar to those of his neighbors.

But when hired labor on his dairy farm became unaffordable in the early 80s, he knew something had to change. Hershey realized he could keep farming if he reduced his time in the field by not tilling. He saved on labor and fuel and began a deeper relationship with the soil he stewards.

Hershey became an early adopter of no-till farming and later, a founding member of the Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance in 2005. Together with other key organizers, like former U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service employee Joe Myers and Mercer County farmer Bill Cannon, they founded the alliance to encourage others to adopt no-till practices.

The group, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is widely recognized as one of the key reasons Pennsylvania has dramatically expanded no-till and cover crop acreage.

We still dont know everything about what is happening underneath the soil, Hershey said. But the alliance has been instrumental in helping farmers understand the value of cover crops and no-till systems.

A true alliance

The Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance has always centered on farmers through phone calls, field days and farmer-to-farmer advice. Members offer practical knowledge on equipment to each other, build community and empower leaders to be unafraid to model sustainable farming, one neighbor at a time.

Since the phone chain and impromptu visits to talk to neighbor farmers started in the early 2000s, Our participation and attendance have doubled in the last decade, Hershey said.

Throughout the year, 13 board members and long-time farmers are available via phone and email to act as a sounding board for questions, offering confidence and insight to other farmers.

There are more phone calls made and received for problem-solving than ever before, Hersey said.

Among its greatest accomplishments, Hershey said, is expanding its membership and board representation across the state, a milestone highlighted during this summers 20th anniversary field day events.

The Western field day, held at board member Ryan Grahams farm in Butler County, is on July 22. It will feature a keynote from Canadian cover cropping legend Blake Vince, roller crimper demos, farmer panels on wildlife management and slug control and an equipment showcase. A Meeting of the Minds dinner will take place the night before.

The Eastern field day on July 24 will be hosted at Hersheys farm in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. It will feature on-farm research with Penn State University, planting demonstrations, a soil pit and water infiltration exhibit and appearances by special guests, including Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.

The annual field days bring together the states ecosystem of conservation leaders.

From farmers to researchers, equipment dealers and watershed organizations  they all are working together to improve soil quality, productivity and profitability for future generations.

No-till adoption on all Pennsylvania cropland has risen from 30%, or 1.3 million acres, in 2012 to 37%, or 1.6 million acres, in 2022, according to USDA Census of Agriculture data. Cover crop planting, too, has increased, from 446,295 acres in 2012 to 642,477 acres in 2022.

Success in diversity

Farmers in the alliance are not all the same, each using diverse combinations of solutions to fit their goals and soil types. Membership includes many row crop and grain farmers, but also operations growing vegetables, sunflowers, tree fruits, forage sorghum and unique small grains.

The covers used and experimented with by members also bring additional diversity, including brown top millet, Egyptian clover, flax and radish.

Regardless of the crop or planting equipment used, every alliance member agrees on one principle: The soil can handle a lot more stress than farmers realize, Graham said.

Graham, who is hosting the Western field day, farms full-time and also runs some custom cover cropping in the region.

While I was at Penn State in the 1990s, I went to the National Farm Machinery Show and realized, Hey, other people can do this. I can do it too, he said.

During college, Graham worked at Evergreen Farms with the Harpster family, one of the largest dairies in Pennsylvania. Watching the operation grow its own feed and experiment with cover crops built confidence in no-till systems and inspired him to leave the plows parked when he returned home.

What began as a way to reduce erosion soon evolved into a commitment to cover crop diversity. I started realizing the value of diversity and the need to get more covers planted, Graham said.

That mindset expanded quickly through involvement with the alliance. Today, Graham grows corn, hay, soybeans and wheat, rotating crimson clover, rye and wheat as covers. Since 2017, hes been planting into the green, sowing directly into rolled, crimped cover crops.

Years of custom planting experience have helped demonstrate the success of these practices on neighboring farms.

I try to make everybody elses crop better when we were custom planting, so that helped show what success looks like on real farms, he said.

One of the toughest selling points for no-till and cover crops, according to the alliance, remains the upfront cost of planting a crop, an error in the system, as Graham calls it. But whether conditions are wet or dry, the soil is your partner, and plenty of tools now exist to support farmers in the transition.

Thanks to the alliances peer network and expanding government programs that help cover costs, Graham believes theres no better time to consider adopting no-till systems.

Registration for the PA No-Till Alliances field days is available online at panotill.org/news-and-events/
Oxfordshire County Council is facing criticism after banning meat, dairy, and eggs from its events  yet continuing to serve imported fruit, exposing a glaring contradiction in its green agenda.

The council, controlled by the Liberal Democrats, insists this move is part of a wider push for sustainability, but critics argue the policy is inconsistent.

The concept of 'food miles' promotes sourcing produce locally to reduce environmental impact, but the councils admission that it sources fruit from overseas  particularly in winter months  has provoked accusations of hypocrisy.

The Countryside Alliance, which has been a vocal opponent of Oxfordshires plant-based initiative since it was introduced in 2022, has called for a reversal of the meat ban.

An investigation revealed that the free vegan lunches provided to councillors not only cost taxpayers more than previous conventional meals, but that the council was unclear about where its food was sourced, casting doubt on the true carbon footprint.

The councils actions appear at odds with its contribution to the Oxfordshire Food Strategy, which advocates for reduced food miles within the county.

A council spokesman defended the practice, saying: While we do try to source food locally there have been occasions, particularly in the winter months, when food such as oranges and bananas have been sourced from further afield. All other fruit is British-grown.

We need to balance sustainability against the wish to serve councillors a balanced menu which is nutritious and healthy.

Oranges and bananas are bought in small quantities from local shops. Such shops would source these oranges and bananas from various locations.

The Countryside Alliance has urged the council to reverse its ban on meat altogether. Mo Metcalf-Fisher, the group's director of external affairs, said: It never made sense to ban grass-fed beef from a farm up the road, to only source fruit from South America, for example.

British meat is vastly sustainable and the answer to cutting emissions lies with supporting and promoting our farmers and their produce, not policing what people eat.

Oxfordshires leadership should right the wrongs of the past, mend their relationship with local farmers, and reverse this illogical meat ban as swiftly as possible.

The meat and dairy ban was introduced in 2021 following a proposal by Green Party councillor Ian Middleton, who argued it was in the interest of the health of our planet and the health of our people.

The policy sparked outrage among farmers, with outspoken critic Jeremy Clarkson, who farms in Oxfordshire, saying: Its the principle of it. You cant dictate.

"You might be a vegetarian but you cant make everyone else a vegetarian just because you are.
Lead shot will be outlawed for game and clay shooting across Britain from 2029, marking a major shift in shooting regulations following Defras confirmation of a nationwide ban.

The department has announced a ban on the use and sale of lead shot for live quarry and clay shooting, following a three-year transition period set to begin in summer 2026.

From the 2029/2030 season onwards, it will be an offence to use shotgun cartridges loaded with lead shot for game shooting in England, Scotland and Wales.

The ban, confirmed by Minister Emma Hardy MP via Defras official website, outlines the governments final decision on lead ammunition usage for both live quarry and target shooting.

The new timeline accelerates the Health and Safety Executives (HSE) original proposal of a five-year transition for both clay and game shooting, aligning more closely with recent EU proposals on lead ammunition restrictions.

Despite widespread anticipation following a prolonged consultation process, cartridge manufacturers may face significant difficulties in scaling up production of lead-free alternatives in time.

The industry is already contending with global conflicts, raw material shortages and broader supply chain disruptions.

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, welcomed the move but voiced concerns over the timeline for its rollout. This is an important step for the future of shooting, which will benefit the countryside and rural economy, he said.

"The alliance has long advocated a move away from lead ammunition which is necessary and beneficial. Alternatives are now available for nearly every gun for nearly every purpose."

However, Mr Bonner cautioned that a staggered three-year transition for all shotgun cartridge use could prove problematic.

We have always argued for a single transition date, he added, noting that introducing the ban ahead of the HSE's proposals and the EU's timeline would be challenging for ammunition manufacturers who are already having to cope with much increased demand for military ammunition.

The regulations also extend to rifle ammunition, with lead bullets in calibres of .243 and above to be banned for live quarry shooting from summer 2029.

Lead ammunition will still be permitted for target shooting, provided ranges implement adequate recovery measures  a requirement that will come into effect after a two-year transition.

Ammunition for rifles under .243 calibre, as well as air weapons, will remain unaffected by the ban.

Clay target shooters will also be required to switch to non-lead alternatives by 2029. However, a limited exemption has been granted for elite-level clay shooters who need to train with lead ammunition in order to qualify for international competitions.
A Dorset farm has been left counting the cost after a giant spider-like figure was carved in their crops, causing significant damage.

Police are now appealing for information following the case of criminal damage to farmland, located in the Cerne Abbas area.

Officers from the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team say that crops were deliberately damaged, causing a "significant financial impact" to the farm affected.

Police Constable Kate Schofield, of the Rural Crime Team, said: This act of criminal damage has had a significant financial impact on the farmer.

I would ask anyone who may have information about the damage caused to please come forward and contact Dorset Police.

The force is urging members of the public who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area or have relevant information to get in touch.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police online or call 101, quoting occurrence number 55250100180.

Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made through the independent charity Crimestoppers online or via Freephone at 0800 555 111.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Femina (@feminaindia)

Women are reaching for the skies and breaking norms, but there are still certain fields considered not women-friendly. Mining is considered as one but, the times have changed and so is the saying. A team of 13 determined officers from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has redefined this narrative. This team has trained in rescue operations and is certified to handle emergencies in the depths of underground shafts or the expanse of open-cast mines. SCCLs first-ever all-women mine rescue team are all set to make a statement.At a felicitation event in Hyderabad, SCCLs CMD N. Balram applauded the officers successful completion of their 14-day specialised training at the Ramagundam-2 Mines Rescue Station, while urging them to rise to the occasion whenever and wherever their courage is called upon. You have the strength, the skill, and the spirit. Now go out there and show it, he said, highlighting their potential to represent SCCL at both national and international rescue competitions.The level and toughness in the training remains the same for both men and women and it. Navigating through smoke-filled tunnels to gas leak simulations and life-saving drills, the programme pushed them to prove that strength and skill dont come with gender labels. They matched their male counterparts in every task, said General Manager (Rescue) Srinivas Reddy, highlighting the rigorous training the women underwent.Source: Instagram This has been long due as SCCL wanted to make women part of Indias mining landscape. At Tata Steels Noamundi mine, the Tejaswini programme is also transforming gender roles. Women from local communities are being trained as heavy earth-moving machinery (HEMM) operators where they will be handling dumpers, dozers, drills, and more with expert precision. Through simulator sessions, technical training, and safety protocols, these women are not only gaining employment but also reshaping perceptions.There were other notable moves that took place in this industry in the past. Hindustan Zincs all-women rescue team even represented India at the XIII International Mine Rescue Competition. Meanwhile, SCCL is reportedly working on designating one open-cast and one underground mine exclusively for women which will be a huge move putting women on the mining map.In a time and age where women are no longer sidelined stating their physical power, these initiatives are making a strong statement about the changing times. The team of 13 mine rescuers are proof that courage, competence, and commitment have no gender.
David Corenswet and James Gunn, the dynamic duo behind Superman, have a special message for their Indian fans as their highly talked about DC superhero film released in theatres today. On the occasion of the release, Warner Bros. India's official social media channels shared a video featuring the Superman team expressing their appreciation for the love they've received from India, a sizeable audience for superhero films from both DC and Marvel. Recognizing India's promising market potential, Hollywood studios have recently been focusing on engaging with Indian audiences. The latest clip further increases the excitement surrounding Superman, which marks the beginning of a new chapter for the DC Universe.

On July 10, a video was posted wherein James Gunn, David Corenswet, and Rachel Brosnahan were asked if they were familiar with the popularity of DC within India. The host asked the team, "There are crazy fans all over from India and Superman has been their favourite. Any message for the Indian fans?" James Gunn replied with a smile in the video, "I'm really appreciative of the Indian fans both you know, online and... I can't wait for them to see Superman because it really is a movie for the world, and everyone, all the people of India."





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Warner Bros. India (@warnerbrosindia)

James Gunn recalled the event when he posted a meme song on his social media accounts in September 2024. It was a Hindi song featuring Govinda's iconic dance style. The song was from the film Dariya Dil (1988), where Govinda appeared as Superman and co-star Kimi Katkar as Spider-Man.

James Gunn mentioned, recalling the meme, "I love that! That's the best." The host informed the director that the actor was none other than "our legend Govinda."





David Corenswet added on saying, Anybody who's excited about Superman is gonna really love this movie. James loves the character, knows the character very well. The Superman robots, the Kaiju, Krypto..." Rachel Brosnahan shared, Big adventure, an epic love story, all the things you hope from a Superman film." David Corenswet concluded by saying, So India. Look up, July 11.




Adivi Sesh

Marriage of Equals

Mrunal Thakur and Adivi Sesh in Dacoit

Belief of Collaborative Storytelling

:

In an industry where films are often driven by male protagonists,chose to defy all odds with his upcoming pan-India film,. The actor calls the film , as part of his deeper belief in collaborative effort in filmmaking. The Goodachari star prioritises the narrative over being a female or male lead project.According to Sesh,; its a marriage of equals and hence the, as love stories cannot be one sided. Ever since Sesh started to co-write his films, Kshanam (2016), Goodachari (2018), Evaru (2019), Major (2022), he found success. And in a way, he wrote his own success story with his holistic approach to the script. For Dacoit, theand also describes Mrunal Thakur as a co-creator equally elevating the narrative. Right from the outset, I never felt Dacoit was a film with one protagonist, comments Sesh. Adding, Its a story of two characters, both fighting their own battlescentral to the world we are building. Stories thrive when ego takes a backseat, and in, I found a co-actor who shares the same vision.adds that theres a. Both being outsiders in the film industry, the shared sense of having earned a place brings an unspoken understanding between them. More than the onscreen chemistry, its a shared fire for the craft that fuels our collaboration. Our commitment to the craft and clinical approach to filmmaking can be seen and felt  a testimony to Dacoit being a two-hero film, explains Sesh, adding thatAs he continues to push the norms, both in the kinds of roles he picks and the stories he wants to tell, dacoit signals
After intriguing the audience with a blend of humour, mystery, and small-town charm, Detective Ujjwalan starring Dhyan Sreenivasan has officially landed on Netflix, streaming from July 11. The film, which originally hit theatres on May 23, marked the second chapter in the celebrated Weekend Cinematic Universe that took off spectacularly with Tovino Thomas blockbuster superhero outing, Minnal Murali.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin Paul (@inst.kev)

A Detective With a Difference

Directed by newcomers Indraneel Gopeekrishnan and Rahul G, Detective Ujjwalan introduces viewers to Dhyan Sreenivasans eponymous characteran enthusiastic amateur sleuth whose eagerness often eclipses his expertise. When a series of puzzling crimes unsettle the peace of a quaint village, it falls to Ujjwalan to piece together clues in his own comedic, unconventional style. The role offered Dhyan a refreshing space to showcase his comic timing, intertwined seamlessly with a suspenseful narrative that keeps the audience guessing till the final revelation.



The movie notably combines elements of mystery, comedy, and thriller genres, creating an intriguing cocktail that appealed broadly, particularly to fans who enjoyed the nuanced world-building that began with Minnal Murali. Dhyan's playful interpretation of a detective, far removed from the serious portrayals audiences usually associate with the genre, was lauded for its inventiveness and engaging storytelling.





Ensemble Cast and Solid Technical Craft

Adding strength to Dhyan's humorous escapades is an ensemble cast comprising versatile names like Siju Wilson, Rony David Raj, Kottayam Nazeer, Seema G Nair, Kalabhavan Navas, and Nirmal Palazhi. Notably, social media influencers such as Ameen, Nihal Nizam, Nibraz Noushad, and Shahubas make their presence felt, lending contemporary appeal and relatable charm to the narrative. Their performances have been commended for seamlessly blending mainstream cinematic appeal with the freshness of modern-day digital influencers.



Behind the camera, the technical finesse of cinematographers Prem Akkattu and Sraiyanti enriches the films visual storytelling, capturing the rustic beauty of the village backdrop. Editor Chaman Chacko ensures the comedic and thriller elements interweave smoothly without losing pace, while composer Rzee's music infuses energy and mood, effectively complementing the film's quirky narrative style.





Produced under the Weekend Blockbusters banner by renowned producer Sophia Paul, known for backing successful films like Bangalore Days and Minnal Murali, Detective Ujjwalan further strengthens the Weekend Cinematic Universe, exploring new dimensions within the same creative framework.



Upon its theatrical release, the film received a mixed response from critics and audiences. However, its innovative approach and Dhyan's standout performance have sparked renewed interest since hitting OTT platforms, allowing broader viewership and appreciation.



Also Read: Dhyan Sreenivasan Starrer Detective Ujjwalan Release Date Pushed


Sanjay Dutt in The Raja Saab

On Working with Prabhas

Prabhas in The Raja Saab

The Raja Saab vs Dhurandhar

Bollywood Lost its Passion

:

on Thursday for the. The actor answered a series of questions about working in South films, and his relationship with Tollywood actors.

is presently. The recently released teaser of the Maruthi directorial also shows glimpses of Sanjay. He expressed his excitement on working with Prabhas. Hes one of amazing and wonderful human being and a great actor, commented Sanjay, adding that the film is shaping up nicely. Sanjay earlier worked in Telugu films like Chandralekha (1997), and Double eSmart (2024). When asked whether he picked up the language, the actor replied, I am slowly learningtrying to pick. I did Chandralekha for Nag (Nagarjuna), hes a very close friend and like my brother. I also love Chiranjeevi sir and share a special relationship with him. He did Munna Bhai MBBS in Telugu. But yes, it took me so much time to do a Telugu film because aap log ne mujhe bulaya nahin yaaraap bulao mein ajaunga(you guys didnt call me, you callI will come.)"Apart from The Raja Saab,, starring Ranveer Singh and R Madhavan. The teaser of the action spy thriller was also released, and both films are set to. Sanjay will be seen in contrasting roles in two films and says, "its amazing and I feel blessed that I can do so many characters. I dont want the films to clashand I hope they dont because every film has its own journey.While talking about films in the South,. He states that Bollywood has lost its passion of making good cinema, and hopes it comes back. He said, What I miss back home is the passion to do good films., but for me its not about numbers but about passion.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 10, 2025) - Moss Genomics Inc. (CSE: MOSS) (FSE: F73) (OTCQB: MSSGF) (the "Company" or "Moss") is providing an update on its Ethereum (ETH) Treasury Strategy. As part of this strategy, the Company has contributed 200 ETH with a commitment to contribute an additional 800 ETH to the presale of STRAT, an on-chain smart contract that enables ETH-based capital flows through algorithmic expansion and redemption mechanisms.

This contribution complements Moss's broader vision of incorporating blockchain infrastructure to support secure genomic data management. As previously disclosed on June 19, 2025, Moss entered into a non-binding term sheet for a strategic, non-controlling equity investment in Genomes.io, a genomics platform exploring decentralized data storage, patient-owned health records, and cryptographic privacy standards.

STRAT Presale Information

The STRAT presale is a private, on-chain capital raise targeting 6,900 ETH from a limited group of strategic investors. The contract's protocol is designed to operate without intermediaries or custodians, with all contributions and system mechanics handled transparently on the Ethereum blockchain.

Update on 2/3/25 Private Placement

The company wishes to advise that it is still taking steps towards completing the previously announced private placement financing from February 3, 2025, and further updates will be provided when warranted.

About Moss Genomics Inc.

Moss Genomics is developing a secure and user-controlled platform for genomic data, enabling individuals to vault their DNA, manage access permissions, and participate in research monetization opportunities. Moss is building on Ethereum-based infrastructure, with ETH used to fund development, DNA sequencing services, and future platform operations. The company's mission is to advance decentralized and privacy-preserving genomics through real-world applications in health, identity, and research.

Cautionary Statement:

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "may," "could," "should," "will," "potential," "proposed," "scheduled," or similar expressions.

Such statements reflect the current views of management with respect to future events and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

In particular, this release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company's Ethereum Treasury Strategy, its participation in the STRAT presale, and its general exploration of digital asset-related opportunities. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and do not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to engage in any activity involving digital assets. The Company's strategy involving digital assets is subject to change and may not result in any financial return or operational benefit.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions believed by the Company to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including assumptions related to the availability and stability of digital asset markets, regulatory conditions, cybersecurity infrastructure, internal governance, and general economic trends.

However, such assumptions involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: regulatory changes affecting blockchain or digital asset markets; adverse interpretations of applicable laws; the potential loss or theft of digital assets; technical or security failures; counterparty and custodial risks; limited liquidity or volatility of digital assets such as ETH; and broader market, operational, or political events beyond the Company's control.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised to consult with qualified professionals and consider their own risk tolerance and investment objectives before making any investment decisions.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258521

SOURCE: Moss Genomics Inc.
Christie Sikora, author of Blood and Gold

NAPERVILLE, IL / ACCESS Newswire / July 10, 2025 / As I write this, I watch a nightmare unfold-one I predicted in the pages of my book, Blood and Gold. The headlines, the silence, the brutality-they're not unexpected. They're tragic confirmations of a warning we were too proud, too distracted, or too afraid to hear.

A domino has been tipped. And most in the West still don't grasp how close we are to a war that won't just be regional. It could become global.

A War That Doesn't End Where It Starts

In his latest investigative piece, journalist CJ Werleman outlines a terrifying but logical sequence of events:

The United States strikes Iranian nuclear sites.

Israel intensifies attacks on Tehran.

Iran retaliates with force.

And now, Israel-diplomatically isolated and dangerously low on missile interceptors-faces a storm it cannot withstand.

Backed by new strategic alliances with China and Russia, Iran now holds a stronger military and nuclear position than ever before. Israeli cities are being battered. Missile defenses are faltering. And joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes are only deepening Iranian resolve.

This isn't conjecture. It's real. It's happening.

America's Complicity in the Collapse

And America? We keep sending weapons. We keep pretending this is about defense or freedom. But the uncomfortable truth is this: the U.S. military-industrial complex is not delivering peace-it is manufacturing prolonged suffering.

In Blood and Gold, I called this collapse the Domino Effect-a chain reaction born from historical injustice, colonization, and decades of dehumanization. Palestine was never the final stop. It was the beginning. Gaza became its most brutal confirmation.

Violence doesn't resolve. It spreads. And when justice is denied long enough, rage will find another form, another front, another weapon.

The Book That Tried to Warn Us

Blood and Gold is not a novel. It is a mirror. A warning. A record of facts, testimony, and history many still choose to ignore. It was written as a plea, grounded in survivor accounts, geopolitical data, and human truth. And now it reads more like a prophecy. One we had a chance to heed-and didn't.

If more people had read it, perhaps some lives might have been spared. Because what's happening now isn't a surprise. It's what happens when the powerful silence the truth-and the world pretends it's not our responsibility.

We are not spectators. We fund the bombs. We shape the stories. We turn away.

And now, perhaps, we're too late.

Israel at the Brink-and What Comes Next

If this current path holds, Israel won't just suffer retaliation. It may face annihilation. That, too, is a tragedy. The loss of any people is a tragedy.

But we cannot mourn one side and ignore the other.

More than 374,000 Palestinians have died since late 2023-75% of them women and children-leaving Gaza's population at an estimated 1.8 million, according to a recent Harvard study. These are not statistics. They are shattered lives. Shattered homes. A broken humanity.

Final Words: This Is the Choice Point

To my fellow Americans: stop asking, "How did this happen?"

Start asking, "What are we doing to stop it?"

To the U.S. government: If you continue down this path-arming one side while ignoring the scale of human suffering-you will not just be remembered as enablers of genocide. You will be held accountable for helping ignite a larger war.

To the world: Wake up. The dominos are still falling.

An early-release edition of Blood and Gold-printed prior to final proofreading-is currently available on Amazon and will soon be available via authorchristiesikora.com. The fully revised edition is expected within the next two weeks.

Source & Citation Table

Claim/Reference Source CJ Werleman's reporting on U.S.-Iran-Israel escalation CJ Werleman -CJWerleman.substack.com Harvard study on Palestinian casualties and Gaza population decline Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, 2024 (dataset used in UNRWA & WHO briefings) U.S. arms and funding support to Israel Congressional Research Service (CRS), U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel, 2024 Report Iran-China-Russia military alliance developments Reuters & Foreign Policy (2023-2024 coverage on regional military cooperation) Title & publication note for Blood and Gold Christie Sikora, Amazon listing & author website (forthcoming)

Disclaimer

This original article was independently drafted by the Evrima Chicago News Bureau in full collaboration with Christie Sikora , author of Blood and Gold. The views expressed reflect the author's documented research, literary framework, and stated positions on current geopolitical events.

Recent stories related to Christie Sikora's work have been featured by CBS News , ABC News , and Khaleej Times , reflecting international interest in her insights on war, justice, and historical reckoning.

Official Representation

Evrima Chicago is the authorized publishing and media representative for Christie Sikora. For syndication, interviews, or permission to reproduce this article, contact pr@evrimachicago.com OR waasay@evrimachicago.com.

Publication Standards

This article qualifies as a digital-first editorial under W3C-compliant syndication frameworks and is timestamped for permanent archival. Evrima Chicago maintains independent standards across political commentary, literature, and conflict reporting.

Reader Advisory

This article discusses themes of war, systemic violence, and humanitarian crises. Readers are encouraged to consult additional verified sources for emerging developments.

SOURCE: Evrima Chicago LLC.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/the-world-was-warned-%c2%a0u.s.-weapon-support-to-israel-has-triggered-the-domino-e-1047830
Will promote Co-Packaged Optics R&D

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP, TOKYO: 7912) will open its first overseas Research and Development (R&D) Center in the Netherlands in September 2025. The new R&D Center will be located at the High Tech Campus Eindhoven (HTCE), and aims to promote global R&D, as well as accelerate innovation.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250704911943/en/

Aerial view of HTCE (Copyright: High Tech Campus Eindhoven)

HTCE is one of the leading innovation hubs in Europe, where approximately 300 companies and research institutes, and more than 12,500 researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs come together to develop innovative technologies and products.

As an initial project, DNP will promote R&D into Co-Packaged Optics, which integrates optical communication technology with electronic technology to achieve a high information processing performance. Co-Packaged Optics is attracting attention as a next-generation semiconductor technology.

In July 2025, DNP signed an agreement with the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) on joint R&D into Co-Packaged Optics. These activities will be promoted in conjunction with the Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC), a research organization located on campus that connects basic research to the mass production of photonic chips (optical IC chips).

[R&D Contents and Goals]

Co-Packaged Optics technology exhibits a high information processing performance, low power consumption, and energy savings, and is expected to be deployed in next-generation semiconductors.

In order to accelerate the development of package components for Co-Packaged Optics, DNP will conduct three years of joint research with PITC, and other HTCE-based organizations. The goal is to acquire cutting-edge technologies, such as precision patterning technology for optical materials related to Co-Packaged Optics, as well as to develop new partnerships.

[Looking Ahead]

Through the new R&D base in the Netherlands, DNP will gain access to technologies and Co-Packaged Optics-related R&D networks, further accelerating the development of package components for Co-Packaged Optics.

More Details

About DNP

DNP was established in 1876, and has become a leading global company that leverages print-based solutions to engineer fresh business opportunities while protecting the environment and creating a more vibrant world for all. We capitalize on core competencies in microfabrication and precision coating technology to provide products for the display, electronic device, and optical film markets. We have also developed new products, such as vapor chamber and reflect array that offer next-generation communication solutions for more people-friendly information society.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250704911943/en/

Contacts:

Media contact

DNP: Yusuke Kitagawa, +81-3-6735-0101

kitagawa-y3@mail.dnp.co.jp


EQS Newswire / 11/07/2025 / 04:15 CET/CEST



FUZHOU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 July 2025 - Recently, Fujian launched the "Marine Culture in Fujian" campaign, inviting experts to share their perspectives on the province's thriving marine culture. In this video, Dong Yuhui, a top Chinese livestreamer with nearly 30 million followers across China's major social media platforms, explores the unique charm of Fujian's oceanic heritage.





Caption: Ocean scenery in Qida Village, Lianjiang County, Fuzhou City

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

11/07/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


Elliptic Labs (OSE: ELABS), a global AI software company and the world leader in AI Virtual Smart Sensors currently deployed in over half a billion devices, today announced it has signed an agreement with a current laptop customer. Under the terms of the contract, Elliptic Labs is delivering its AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform to support the migration from a software integration app provided by a partner to the customer's internal multi-device connectivity solution.

The customer has previously used a third-party integration app to deploy Elliptic Lab's AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform across their device portfolio, and the transition represents a strategic shift toward enabling tighter integration of Elliptic Labs' AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform directly into the customer's software stack. By embedding Elliptic Labs' AI Platform into their proprietary solution, the customer streamlines deployment across its device portfolio and signals a deeper commitment to Elliptic Labs' technology as a foundational component of its smart device roadmap.

"This agreement marks another strategic design win for Elliptic Labs in the growing AI PC market and confirms the company's position as a trusted, long-term platform partner. The connectivity solution will be deployed across our customer's device portfolio and will rely on Elliptic Labs' software to enable seamless interaction between devices," says Laila Danielsen, CEO of Elliptic Labs.

As part of the system integration the licensing structure is being updated to align with the new connectivity solution. The change in licensing structure may defer the timing of certain near-term revenues from existing agreements, but significantly strengthens the long-term outlook for software deployment with the customer.

AI Virtual Smart Sensor, AI Virtual Proximity Sensor, and AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform are trademarks of Elliptic Labs.

All other trademarks or service markets are the responsibility of their respective organizations.

About Elliptic Labs

Elliptic Labs' AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform brings contextual intelligence to devices, enhancing user experiences. Our technology uses proprietary deep neural networks to create AI-powered Virtual Smart Sensors that improve personalization, privacy, and productivity.

Currently deployed in over 500 million devices, our platform works across all devices, operating systems, platforms, and applications. By utilizing system-level telemetry data to cloud-based Large Language Models (LLMs), the AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform delivers the unrivaled capability to utilize output data from every available data source. This approach allows devices to better understand and respond to their environment, making technology more intuitive and user-friendly. At Elliptic Labs, we're not just adapting to the future of technology we're actively shaping it. Our goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of contextual intelligence, creating more intuitive and powerful experiences for users worldwide.

Elliptic Labs is headquartered in Norway with presence in the USA, China, South-Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Its technology and IP are developed in Norway and are solely owned by the company.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250710698717/en/

Contacts:

PR Contacts:

Patrick Tsui

pr@ellipticlabs.com

Investor Relations:

Lars Holmy

Lars.Holmoy@ellipticlabs.com


3Gs: From the left: Mr. Frederic Parisot, CEO of GIFAS, Mr. Nicolas Chamussy, Chairman of GICAT , Mr. Philippe Berterottiere, Chairman and CEO of Gaztransport & Technigaz, Vice President of GICAN, Dato' Nonee Ashirin Binti Dato' MOhd Radzi, President of CDI (M) and Executive Chairman, GTA.



Witness: From the left Captain Zainol bin Ahmad RMN, Lieutenant General Gael Diaz de Tuesta, YAB Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Dato' Muhammad Ammir bin Haron, En Mohd Nizam bin Mohd Khir.





PARIS, FRANCE, July 11, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - The Coalition of Defence Industry, Malaysia - CDI (M) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three prominent French defence industry associations, The French Association of Maritime Industries (GICAN), The French Land and Air-Land Defence and Security Industries Group (GICAT) and The French Aeronautics and Space Industries Group (GIFAS), which marks a new chapter in the strategic bilateral defence cooperation between both countries.The signing of this landmark MOU between the four parties in Paris today took place in the presence of the Malaysia's Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin who accompanied the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim on an official visit to France.A Unified Vision for Innovation and SecurityThe MoU outlines a shared vision between Malaysia and France to bolster industrial cooperation across strategic and critical domains, including aerospace, maritime, land, systems, and technologies. It also reflects a commitment to drive innovation and expand joint research and development efforts. This collaboration aims to facilitate:Regular information exchanges, dialogues and joint seminars;Formation of a bilateral club for participating companies from both countries;Capacity building and joint technology projects;Enhanced cooperation between training institutions and industry players;Exploration of regional and international markets; andHigh-level engagements with respective government and delegations.Mutual Commitments to GrowthYang Berbahagia Dato' Nonee Ashirin binti Dato' Mohd Radzi, President of CDI (M) and Executive Chairman, Global Turbine Asia stated: "This agreement is a strategic milestone for Malaysia's defence sector. It reflects our ambition to grow global partnerships. By working closely with our French counterparts, we are not only enhancing our industrial capabilities, but also opening new pathways for innovation, upskilling, and global market access."Representing the French delegation, Mr Philippe Berterottiere, Chairman and CEO of Gaztransport & Technigaz / President of GICAN, commented: "Malaysia is an increasingly important player in the global defence landscape. Through this MoU, we aim to build durable industrial relationships that go beyond technology, partnerships rooted in trust, innovation, and shared prosperity."Nicolas Chamussy, Chairman of GICAT, added: "This collaboration provides a unique platform to align our expertise with Malaysia's strategic goals. We are particularly excited to pursue and intensify joint opportunities in land and air-land defence systems."Mr. Frederic Parisot, CEO of GIFAS, said: "Aerospace collaboration is critical in today's security environment. We believe this MoU lays the foundation for impactful cooperation in research, training, and future-ready capabilities between France and Malaysia."Lieutenant-General Gael Diaz de Tuesta, French National Armaments Director, observed: "Various models of industrial partnership can be considered, leveraging the best skills of each party: projects with a French prime contractor and Malaysian suppliers, or alternatively, projects with a Malaysian prime contractor and French OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), as is currently implemented in the LCS program."Long-Term Strategic ImpactThis strategic engagement underscores Malaysia's long-term commitment to cultivating a self-reliant, innovative, and globally competitive defence industry, in alignment with national development priorities and regional security objectives. France has also long been a strong partner for the Malaysian defence sector. This industrial collaboration between the associations marks the start of the journey together for the industries as Malaysia and France continue to deepen bilateral ties.By fostering collaboration through knowledge-sharing and technology transfer, this partnership aims to demonstrate Malaysia's growing industrial capabilities and position local companies as credible and capable partners on the international stage. Furthermore, the anticipated investment and cooperation under this MoU are expected to contribute meaningfully to Malaysia's economic growth, technological advancement, and the overall strengthening of its defence ecosystem.ABOUT COALITON OF DEFENCE, MALAYSIA - CDIM (M)The Coalition of Defence Industry, Malaysia - CDI (M) is a unified body that represents the collective interests of Malaysia's defence sector. CDI (M) is committed to fostering a collaborative environment where industry players can work together to drive growth, innovation, and unity in Malaysia's defence sector. With a mission to advocate for policies and regulations that benefit the defence industry, CDI (M) also provides a vital platform for networking and collaboration among its members. The coalition is dedicated to supporting the growth and professional development of its members by offering training, conducting industry research, and promoting ethical standards and best practices. Through these efforts, CDI (M) aims to build a thriving and self-reliant defence industry in Malaysia, capable of meeting the nation's defence needs and positioning itself as a leader in the regional and global defence landscape. Please visit: CDI (M)ISSUED BY MNAIR PR CONSULTANCY SDN BHD ON BEHALF OF GLOBAL TURBINE ASIA SDN BHD AS COALITION OF DEFENCE, MALAYSIA MEMBERSContacts for Media Enquiries:MNAIR PR Consultancy Sdn BhdSashikala NairDirector, Public Relations+6012 566 9095sashi@mnairpr.comAmeera HaniAssociate Director, Public Relations+6014 224 3296ameera@mnairpr.comCoalition of Defence, Malaysia - CDI (M)Puan Ilme OnnHonorary Secretary+6012 244 4996ilme@mycdi.myGlobal Turbine Asia Sdn BhdMuhassanah MuradCorporate Communication | CEO Department+6018 261 3093afiqah.muhassanah@globalturbineasia.comSource: Coalition of Defence Industry, Malaysia - CDI (M)Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie.



Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht.



In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte.



Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter.



Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden!
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - Inspiration Energy Corp. (CSE: ISP) (WKN: A40GPX) (OTC Pink: ISPNF) ("Inspiration" or the "Company") is pleased to report that its recent Atomic Mineral Resonance Tomography (AMRT) remote sensing survey over its 100%-owned Rottenstone North Gold Project (the "Project" or the "Property") in Northern Saskatchewan has revealed multiple high-priority drill targets. These targets are located near the Property boundary held by Ramp Metals Inc., which borders the area of Ramp's 'Rush' copper/gold sulphide discovery (see Ramp Metals Inc. news release June 6, 2025) (Figure 1). The majority of the identified targets are situated along this eastern boundary, offering strong potential for further exploration. The Company is now formulating plans to test these high-priority targets with an upcoming drilling program.

Figure 1. Location of Inspiration's Rottenstone North Gold Project relative to Ramp Metals Inc.'s Rush Target, the discovery drill hole (Ranger-01) at the Ranger Target, and the historical Rottenstone Ni-Cu-PGE-Au Mine, Saskatchewan.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11094/258502_1baa7302444d2815_001full.jpg

Charles Dejardins, President of Inspiration Energy, stated, "We are very pleased with the results from the AMRT survey. Combined with our geological information and data, we now have our highest-priority drill targets. We look forward to the commencement of the drilling program to validate the data collected and begin testing these exciting targets. Ramp Metals' Rush discovery at the boundary of our Property, along with the high-priority drill targets identified nearby, gives us strong indications that we are on the right path. With junior markets at year highs and copper prices at all-time highs, this is the ideal time for us to advance our work."

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans, P.Geo. (APEGS #82498), an Independent Advisor to the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Jobin-Bevans has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release.

The Company further reports that a group, consisting of Small Cap Canada, Market365 LLC, and Lakefront Media LLC were hired to produce a recently disseminated report for the Company at the cost of $10,000.

About Inspiration Energy Corp.

Inspiration Energy Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on acquiring, developing, and exploring high-potential resource assets. Its mission is to unlock value through strategic exploration and responsible development. The Company's flagship asset, the Rottenstone North Gold Project, is located approximately 115 kilometres north of La Ronge, Saskatchewan, and covers 4,512 hectares. It lies directly adjacent to Ramp Metals Inc. (TSXV: RAMP), in a geologically active region with increasing exploration interest. Inspiration is advancing the Project using a combination of conventional and proprietary technologies, including the AMRT system, to efficiently define drill targets and drive future discovery. For more information, please refer to the Company's information available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca).

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258502

SOURCE: Inspiration Energy Corp.
Original-Research: Cantourage Group SE - from NuWays AG



11.07.2025 / 09:00 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. The result of this research does not constitute investment advice or an invitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions.





Classification of NuWays AG to Cantourage Group SE

Company Name: Cantourage Group SE ISIN: DE000A3DSV01 Reason for the research: Update Recommendation: BUY from: 11.07.2025 Target price: EUR 13.00 Target price on sight of: 12 months Last rating change: Analyst: Christian Sandherr

Ongoing strong operations, CEO with temporary personal leave



Operations remain strong. Cantourage released preliminary Q2 sales of  27.9m, implying a 158% yoy increase. H1 sales of  53.5m already exceed 2024 FY sales of  51m. With this the company remains on track to reach our  100m sales estimate for FY25e (so far no guidance issued by management), if not exceed it. Worth highlighting, sales in June came in weaker than expected due to temporary export restrictions in Portugal, which host the group's largest processing capacities. Demand for the product across the company's key end markets continued to exceed supply.

While Cantourage did not release preliminary profitability KPIs, we would expect the EBITDA margin to be largely in line with Q1, for which the company announced 11-13%. As a result, we regard our FY25 estimate of 10.3% as rather conservative.

CEO's temporary leave with no impact on operations. CEO Philip Schetter has informed the supervisory board that, for personal reasons, he will be unable to perform his executive duties until further notice. A full return to work is planned. In order to ensure continuity, the supervisory board appointed Patrick Hoffmann as interim CEO effective immediately until the end of the year. Importantly, Patrick Hoffman is part of the founding team of Cantourage and a member of the supervisory board which is why we expect a smooth transition and no operational disruptions.

Impact from potentially tightening regulation of telemedicine platforms limited. In particular, asynchronous telemedicine has been receiving increasing criticism as patients are able to get an initial prescription by entering data online without having to speak to a doctor. Hence, politicians are calling for tighter regulation of the process, such as an in-person appointment for the initial prescription. While Cantourage's own telemedicine platform already meets high standards, potential changes could quickly be implemented.

Share price de-coupled from fundamentals. Cantourage is seen fully on track to reach and potentially even exceed  100m sales (almost 100% growth yoy) and 10% EBITDA margin this year. Further, the demand for flowers still outgrows supply, which indicates further growth going forward. Yet, the valuation remains attractive with shares trading at an unjustified 5.4x EV/EBITDA multiple. We hence confirm our BUY rating with an unchanged  13 PT based on DCF and add Cantourage to the NuWays Alpha list.

cantourage-group-se-2025-07-11-update-en-5d167

https://www.nuways-ag.com/research-feed

The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


SHANGHAI, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Angel Yeast (600298.SH) recently released its 2024 Sustainability (ESG) Report, providing in-depth insights into the company's thoughts and actions towards sustainable development management. The report highlights significant efforts across key areas, including social responsibility, sustainable procurement, talent development, innovation, green practices, and corporate governance. It also marks the first time the company has publicly disclosed a clear emission reduction timetable, signaling a new phase of quantified management for green development.

"Angel Yeast believes that successful growth involves benefiting society as a whole. By integrating sustainability into our strategy and operations while achieving global expansion and exceeding 15 billion RMB in revenue, we aim to offer a detailed view of our sustainable development efforts through the report to all sectors of society, "said Xiao Minghua, GM of Angel Yeast.

Leading the Way in Clean and Green Operations

In 2024, Angel Yeast's carbon reduction initiatives focused on transforming its energy structure by promoting clean energy adoption, achieving transformative breakthroughs. This year, Angel Yeast reduced carbon emissions by 210,500 tons through these efforts, including the use of 129,673 megawatt-hours of green electricity, which alone contributed to a 72,200-ton reduction in carbon emissions. Through innovative practices, the company has turned fermentation residues into agricultural resources, embraced the concept of "turning waste into treasure," and pioneered "microbial protein" technology with lower carbon emissions compared to traditional proteins. Angel Yeast's commitment to green production has earned recognition, with the company and its subsidiaries designated as national-level "Green Factories" for their full-chain green management approach.

Driving Innovation and Social Responsibility for a Sustainable Future

Angel Yeast adheres to a product development philosophy focused on "natural, nutritious, healthy, and delicious," driving technological innovation in the yeast industry. With a significant investment of 780 million RMB in research and development, the company has assembled a 772-member innovation technology team comprising experts across various fields. In 2024 alone, Angel Yeast applied for 195 patents, including 105 invention patents, and secured 75 patent authorizations spanning diverse technical areas related to yeast and its products.

Furthermore, Angel Yeast continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility by offering employees diverse development opportunities, fostering a positive work environment, and actively supporting community initiatives both locally and globally. The company generates employment opportunities worldwide, encourages philanthropic activities among employees and distributors, assists underprivileged children with education and living conditions, and provides aid during natural disasters.

For the complete report please visit: https://en.angelyeast.com/about-us/social-responsibility.html

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2729290/ESG_0710.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1586948/angel_logo_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/angel-yeast-unveils-2024-sustainability-report-showcasing-commitment-to-green-practices-and-innovation-302503164.html
Highlights:

Efforts to secure government grant funding advances.

Metallurgical work continues.

Scoping study initiated.

ATM financing sales report for 2nd quarter 2025.

Sale of legacy gold projects anticipated.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (TSX-V:AEMC)(OTCQB:AKEMF) (" AEMC " or the " Company ") is pleased to provide the following corporate activity update and details of funds raised through its at-the-market equity ("ATM") program.

Government Grant Funding

AEMC continues to work to secure US government grant funding for the Nikolai project under the Title III Defense Production Act program. The Company's "White Paper" application was recently reviewed by Defense Industrial Base Consortium and was advised that the Nikolai has been given a "MET" rating. Nikolai is therefore available to be selected for award by the US Department of Defense, based on their need and available funding.

AEMC CEO & President Gregory Beischer commented: " This is a positive step forward in our efforts to secure what would be a transformative grant for the Company. "

Metallurgical Studies

The Company is continuing with its metallurgical work to determine metal recovery rates and flow sheet design for production of various metal concentrates. First results are expected in about six weeks. The work is being performed by SGS at their Lakefield Laboratory. Fuse Advisors is providing additional technical support.

Scoping Study

The Company has initiated a scoping study to evaluate project economics on a high-level basis. The study will determine costs, optimum mining rate, and mining sequence. It is thought that early extraction of the higher-grade, near-surface core zone will have positive economic effects. The work will lead into a subsequent, more rigorous preliminary economic assessment. Fuse Advisors is performing the work.

ATM Sales

The Company announces that during the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2025 it has issued a total of 2,241,000 AEMC common shares (each a " Share ") on the TSX-V at an average price of $0.103 per Share under its ATM equity program launched in February 2025. The sales provided gross proceeds of $224,422.50. A commission of $13,022.49 was paid to Haywood Securities Inc. in relation to the distributions.

Sale of Non-Core Legacy Gold Assets

The Company plans to sell its interest in several gold projects that it holds in Alaska. The sale allows the Company to focus on the Nikolai project and to bolster its treasury in a non-dilutive manner.

For additional information, visit: https://alaskaenergymetals.com/

ABOUT ALASKA ENERGY METALS

Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (AEMC) 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 Nikolai Project 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 metals for North America. AEMC also holds a secondary project in western Quebec; the Angliers - Belleterre project. Today, material sourcing demands excellence in environmental performance, technological innovation, 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:

Gregory A. Beischer, President & CEO

Toll-Free: 877-217-8978 | Local: 604-609-7149

Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation), including, without limitation, that it will continue with its At - the Market equity program, complete metallurgical studies, complete a scoping study, sell its gold project and receive government grant funding. 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 do not guarantee 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 but are not limited to uncertainty relating to the estimation of mineral resources, 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.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

SOURCE: Alaska Energy Metals Corporation

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/alaska-energy-metals-provides-corporate-update-and-reports-on-at-the-market-equit-1047859
The Offer (as defined below) is not being made, and this press release may not be distributed, directly or indirectly, in or into, nor will any tender of shares be accepted from or on behalf of holders in Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa or the United States or any other jurisdiction in which the Offer, the distribution of this press release or the acceptance of any tender of shares would contravene applicable laws or regulations or require further offer documents, filings or other measures in addition to those required under Swedish law. Shareholders not resident in Sweden and who wishes to accept the Offer must further research the applicable legislation and possible tax implications. Shareholders should refer to the offer restrictions included in the section titled "Important information" at the end of this press release and in the offer document.

Sweco Sverige AB ("Sweco Sverige"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sweco AB (publ), announced on 4 June 2025 a recommended cash offer to the shareholders of Projektengagemang Sweden AB (publ) ("Projektengagemang" or the "Company") to tender all their shares in Projektengagemang to Sweco Sverige for SEK 15 per share (the "Offer"). Already before the acceptance period, shareholders representing approximately 62.62 per cent of the outstanding shares and approximately 80.79 per cent of the outstanding votes in Projektengagemang had undertaken to accept the Offer. An offer document regarding the Offer was made public on 4 June 2025.

The Offer is inter alia conditional upon Sweco Sverige receiving all regulatory approvals that are necessary for the Offer and the acquisition of Projektengagemang. Sweco Sverige has now received approvals from the Swedish Competition Authority and from the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products. The condition related to regulatory approvals has thereby been fulfilled. The other conditions for the Offer remain valid as per what is stated in the offer document.

The acceptance period for the Offer expires today, 11 July 2025, at 3 p.m., but can be extended. Shareholders of Projektengagemang are however asked to observe that it is not certain that the acceptance period will be extended if all conditions are fulfilled when the acceptance period expires.

Assuming that the Offer is declared unconditional no later than on 14 July 2025, payment of the offer price (settlement) is expected to begin on or about 17 July 2025.

Information about the Offer

Information regarding the Offer is made available under a specific transaction page at Sweco AB's website (www.swecogroup.com) and at DNB Carnegie's website for prospectuses and offering documents (www.carnegie.se). A direct link to the transaction page, where also the acceptance form is available, is https://www.buildthefuturetogether.com/en/.

For enquiries, please contact: DNB Carnegie on the following number: +46 (0)8 5886 94 88, or the following contact person at the Sweco Group:

Anna E Olsson, Head of Press, Sweco Group, +46705573326, anna.e.olsson@sweco.se.

___________________

Sweco Sverige discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Takeover Rules.

The information was submitted for publication by Sweco AB and Sweco Sverige AB, through the agency of the contact person set out above, on 11 July 2025, 10.00 am CET.

Important information

The Offer is not being made to persons whose participation in the Offer requires that an additional offer document is prepared or registration effected or that any other measures are taken in addition to those required under Swedish law and regulations or otherwise contemplated in connection with the Offer.

This press release and any other documentation related to the Offer are not being distributed and must not be mailed or otherwise distributed or sent in or into any country in which the distribution or offering would require any such additional measures to be taken or would be in conflict with any law or regulation in such country - any such action will not be permitted or sanctioned by Sweco Sverige. Any purported acceptance of the Offer resulting directly or indirectly from a violation of these restrictions may be disregarded.

The Offer is not being and will not be made, directly or indirectly, in or into, by use of mail or any other means or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce of, or any facilities of a national securities exchange of Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa or the United States. This includes, but is not limited to e-mail, social media, telephone, the internet, and other forms of electronic transmission. The Offer cannot be accepted and shares may not be tendered in the Offer by any such use, means, instrumentality or facility of, or from within Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa or the United States or by persons located or resident in any of these jurisdictions. Accordingly, this press release and any other documentation related to the Offer are not being and should not be mailed or otherwise transmitted, distributed, forwarded or sent in or into Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa or the United States or to or any persons from, located or resident in any of these jurisdictions.

Any purported tender of shares in the Offer resulting directly or indirectly from a violation of these restrictions will be invalid and any purported tender of shares made by a person located in Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa or the United States or any agent, fiduciary or other intermediary acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal giving instructions from or within any of these jurisdictions will be invalid and will not be accepted. Each person who holds shares and participates in the Offer will certify to not being an Australian, Belarusian, Canadian, Hong Kong, Japanese, New Zealand, Russian, Singaporean, South African, U.S. person, not being located or participating in the Offer from Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa or the United States and not acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal in any of these jurisdictions, or that is located in or giving order to participate in the Offer from any of these jurisdictions. Sweco Sverige will not deliver any consideration relating to the Offer to Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa or the United States.

Banks, brokers, dealers and other nominees holding shares for persons in Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa or the United States must not forward this press release or any other document related to the Offer to such persons.

The "United States" and "U.S." in this section refers to the United States of America (its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia).

The Offer, the information and documents contained in this press release are not being made, and have not been approved, by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the "FSMA"). The communication of the information and documents contained in this press release to persons in the United Kingdom is exempt from the restrictions on financial promotions in section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is a communication by or on behalf of a body corporate which relates to a transaction to acquire shares in a body corporate and the object of the transaction may reasonably be regarded as being the acquisition of day to day control of the affairs of that body corporate within article 62 (Sale of body corporate) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005.

This press release has been published in Swedish and English. In the event of any discrepancy in content between the two language versions, the Swedish version shall prevail.

Forward-looking information

Information in this press release relating to future events or circumstances, including information regarding future results, growth and other projections as well as benefits of the Offer, are forward-looking information. Such information may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as "anticipates", "expects", "believes", or similar expressions.

By its nature, forward-looking information involves risk and uncertainty, because it relates to events which depend on circumstances that may occur in the future. Due to several factors, of which a number of them are outside Sweco Sverige's control, there are no guarantees to that actual results will not materially differ from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Any such forward-looking information only applies as per the date it was given and Sweco Sverige has no obligation (and undertakes no such obligation) to update or revise it, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws and regulations.
TORONTO, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay" or the "Company") (TSX, NYSE: HBM) continues to respond to the wildfire situation in northern Manitoba and is working closely with local and provincial authorities to ensure its employees remain safe as well as comply with the mandatory wildfire evacuation order effective today for the town of Snow Lake. As a result, the Company has enabled a controlled, safe and orderly temporary suspension of operations in Snow Lake.

Through the Company's emergency preparedness procedures, all assets have been secured, and a limited workforce remains at site to conduct ongoing monitoring programs and assist with emergency activities. Hudbay believes its infrastructure and facilities in Snow Lake are well-protected from the wildfires and have a low risk of being damaged. Activities in Flin Flon continue unaffected given the current wildfires are not located near the city of Flin Flon. Some exploration activities near Snow Lake have been paused.

"We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our employees, their families, local First Nations members and the communities we serve. With the current unprecedented dry conditions in northern Manitoba, our team continues to manage through the intermittent wildfire situation, and we are proud of the proactive actions taken to minimize impact to our people and our facilities," said Rob Carter, Hudbay's Senior Vice President, Canada. "We expect a quick and safe return to full operations as soon as possible, and we will continue to work with local and provincial authorities to ensure continued rebuilding of our communities after this difficult wildfire season."

Hudbay expects operations to resume efficiently once the wildfire situation improves, given the effectiveness of the Company's emergency preparedness procedures and the insights gained from previous wildfire experiences. The Company continues to expect to achieve its annual guidance metrics for Manitoba in 2025 despite the temporary wildfire impacts.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Forward- looking information includes information that relates to, among other things, statements with respect to potential impacts from wildfires on the Company's operations in Manitoba, including expectations for the return to normal operations at the Lalor mine and the New Britannia and Stall mills and the ability to achieve annual guidance expectations. Forward-looking information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events.

Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, assumptions related to the return to normal operations, the ramp-up of production and the ability to achieve annual guidance that, while considered reasonable by Hudbay at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency or other factor materialize or should any factor or assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Hudbay does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

About Hudbay

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused critical minerals mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining jurisdictions of Canada, Peru and the United States.

Hudbay's operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production and by-product zinc, silver and molybdenum. Hudbay's growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona (United States), the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: "We care about our people, our communities and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives and create better futures for communities." Hudbay's mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

For further information, please contact:

Candace Brule

Vice President, Investor Relations, Financial Analysis and External Communications

(416) 814-4387

investor.relations@hudbay.com
BEIJING, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The online retail sales value of goji berries produced in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region reached 1.53 billion yuan in 2024 (about 213.2 million U.S. dollars), accounting for 61.3 percent of the national market share, according to a report on China's goji berry e-commerce price index (2024-2025) released on Wednesday in Ningxia's Zhongning County.

The report highlights how Ningxia has achieved significant price premiums for high-end products like goji berry juice and freeze-dried goji berries through innovation across the entire industry chain including deep processing, demand analysis, and brand development. This success has provided a business model for other goji berry-producing regions seeking higher-value transformation.

Jointly compiled by China Economic Information Service and Ningxia's forestry and grassland administration, the report represents a key output of China's digital monitoring system for agricultural specialties.

It tells that China's goji berry sector saw year-on-year growth in 2024 across the four key metrics, namely online retail sales value and volume, average transaction price, and the number of e-commerce businesses.

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are a specialty with a long history and rich cultural heritage in China. They hold a unique position in the country's agricultural, health and cultural industries due to their health benefits, culinary versatility and economic value.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/346559.html

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xinhua-silk-road-ningxia-goji-berries-claim-over-61-pct-of-chinas-online-retail-sales-market-in-2024-302503196.html
LONDON, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FinPrime, a leading forex brand in Asia, has been recognised with the prestigious titles of 'Best New Prime Broker for Institutional Clients, Asia 2025' and 'Best New Liquidity Solutions Provider, Asia 2025' by Global Brands Magazine (GBM) at the renowned Global Brand Awards. This distinguished recognition underscore FinPrime's exceptional dedication to forex brokerage.

The Global Brand Awards celebrate the highest achievements across industries worldwide. FinPrime has been honoured with this award for its commitment to customer service and its innovative approach to forex brokerage, setting new benchmarks in liquidity and prime brokerage services.

Jay Reddy, CEO of Global Brands Magazine, commented, "At Global Brands Magazine, we recognize innovation that truly makes an impact. FinPrime's achievement as Best New Prime Broker for Institutional Clients, Asia 2025 and Best New Liquidity Solutions Provider, Asia 2025 reflects its dedication to delivering seamless financial solutions. Their focus on efficient, innovative, and client-driven services is shaping the future of institutional finance. Congratulations to the FinPrime team on this well-deserved recognition."

ABOUT FINPRIME

FinPrime is a market-leading prime broker, dedicated to delivering comprehensive financial solutions that empower institutions to succeed in the ever-evolving global markets. With a focus on providing institutional-level services, we offer a full suite of cutting-edge solutions, including deep liquidity access, advanced white label trading platforms, sophisticated risk management tools, and real-time market data across multiple asset classes.

ABOUT GLOBAL BRANDS MAGAZINE (ENGLAND)

Global Brands Magazine (GBM) is one of the largest Brands publication in the world, leading the way in delivering insights, news, and opinions on brands shaping the future of their industries. Based in the UK, the magazine keeps readers informed about 'best-in-class' brands worldwide. Each year, GBM recognizes companies that demonstrate innovation, exceptional service, and consumer-focused solutions in their respective industries.

With over 8.4 million annual visitors, and 14 million page views, GBM is the world's premier Brand magazine. The magazine also boasts a robust social media presence, engagement including 35k+ Facebook followers, 20k+ Instagram followers, 25k+ Twitter followers, and 4k+ LinkedIn followers.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL BRAND AWARDS

The Global Brand Awards celebrate excellence in brand performance, recognising companies and organisations that excel in quality, innovation, and customer-centric services across various sectors, including finance, education, hospitality, technology, and more. More than 10,000 companies were evaluated in 2024 for the Global Brand Awards.

The Global Brand Awards ceremonies are hosted at some of the world's most iconic venues, including The Address Downtown, Waldorf Astoria, Emperors Palace, JW Marriott Marquis, Galaxy Macau, and The Athenee Hotel. Continuing this legacy, this year's event was held at the esteemed Grand Hyatt in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, upholding the tradition of excellence and grandeur.

For a complete list of the winners of the Global Brand Awards, please visit: https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/brand-awards-winners/.

To nominate your company or leader for the Global Brand Awards 2025, visit: https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/nomination-form/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2648066/5400712/GBM_Awards_2025_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/finprime-wins-big-at-global-brand-awards-2025-302503198.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands is pleased to announce the signing of a franchise agreement and real estate location for Rosie's Burgers in Calgary's Marda Loop District, Alberta. Rosie's Burgers ("Rosie's") is a boutique QSR restaurant brand serving original recipe smash burgers, poutine, onion rings, milkshakes and more.

Happy Belly 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/258538_933ca8d4148bd87e_001full.jpg

"Securing a franchisee and real estate for Rosie's 3rd location in Calgary marks an important early step in our 20-unit development commitment for the province. With more locations scheduled for 2025, we are actively leveraging our franchising expertise to drive accelerated growth and secure high-quality, strategic real estate across the country for our partners."



Marda Loop in Calgary presents an exceptional opportunity for Rosie's due to its vibrant, walkable community filled with young professionals, families, and food-savvy locals. As one of the city's most dynamic and rapidly growing neighborhoods, Marda Loop offers high foot traffic, a strong local economy, and a diverse population with a taste for unique, high-quality dining experiences. The area boasts a thriving mix of boutique retailers, cafes, and established eateries, creating a destination atmosphere ideal for fast-casual concepts like our smash burger brand Rosie's. With its blend of residential density and commercial vitality, Marda Loop provides the perfect environment to attract loyal, repeat customers and capitalize on Calgary's expanding food scene.

Happy Belly 2

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/258538_933ca8d4148bd87e_002full.jpg

"As Happy Belly continues to organically expand its presence in the QSR space, we are seeing strong momentum across the country, with numerous high-quality real estate opportunities emerging for our portfolio of brands. Our asset-light franchise model, combined with strategic site selection, operational training, targeted marketing, and continuous business development support, empowers our franchise partners to thrive. The confidence shown by our experienced operators is a direct reflection of the strength of our systems, leadership, and brand direction. We are actively engaged in discussions with groups across Canada to accelerate the growth of Rosie's and our broader brand portfolio. As we secure additional locations and deepen our footprint, we remain focused on delivering predictable, disciplined growth and creating long-term shareholder value as Canada's leading restaurant consolidator."

"With 115 locations for Rosie's secured under Multi-Unit and Area Development agreements across Atlantic Canada, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, Rosie's Burgers will continue to scale at an accelerated pace for years to come. With new locations currently under construction and additional openings slated for 2025 & 2026, we are advancing growth through a dual-track approach with corporate store development alongside our franchise model. Backed by our deep expertise in the burger category, a strong record of organic growth, and a robust franchising platform, Rosie's is well-positioned to become Canada's leading national smash burger brand."

Happy Belly 3

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/258538_933ca8d4148bd87e_003full.jpg

"With 616 retail locations for all brands across our Happy Belly portfolio under Multi-Unit and Area Development agreements-spanning projects in development, under construction, or already open-our franchise pipeline is robust. By carefully selecting the right partners and prime real estate, we will maintain momentum and achieve our disciplined growth objectives through 2026."

"We are just getting started," said Sean Black.

About Rosie's Burgers

Deliciously handcrafted smashed burgers, golden fries, and classic milkshakes. Rosie's is your neighbourhood burger shop serving up nostalgic flavours you know, love, and crave. From our Smashburgers and French fries to strawberry shakes and onion rings-we're all about keeping things simple and perfecting tradition. Because the classics were made classic for a reason, right?



Franchising

For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com.



About Happy Belly Food Group

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada.

Happy Belly 4

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/258538_933ca8d4148bd87e_004full.jpg

Sean Black

Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz

Chief Operating Officer

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258538

SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
OSAKA, Japan, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 11, 2025, the China National Pavilion Day was held at the Osaka World Expo. Ren Hongbin, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), together with over 400 representatives from political and business circles, friendly organizations, media, and other national pavilions were present at the event.

During the event, the China Pavilion hosted a cultural performance themed "Splendid China  Co-Painting the Future". Performers from Shaanxi Province showcased the rich Chinese culture in form of ethnic songs and dances, traditional instruments, opera, martial arts, acrobatics, and hip-hop, highlighting the vitality of China's development and modernization. The attendees also visited the China Pavilion.

The Osaka World Expo runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025, with the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives". The China Pavilion is built by CCPIT on behalf of the Chinese government on the theme of "Building a Community of Life For Man And Nature - Future Society of Green Development". It provides a panoramic view of China's traditional wisdom of the harmony between human and nature as well as the philosophy of green development today.

Since its opening on April 13, the China Pavilion has welcomed more than 750,000 visitors from around the world. Over 200 dignitaries and notable figures from 75 countries and regions have visited the pavilion. In addition, the China Pavilion has hosted more than 20 events with various themes, including the week and day events for Chinese enterprises, cities and provinces.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2729404/Performance_National_Day_China_Pavilion_Expo_2025_Osaka_Kansai_Japan.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/china-national-pavilion-day-at-expo-2025-osaka-japan-kicks-off-302503231.html
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Wolfden Resources Corporation(WLF.V) ("Wolfden"or the"Company")is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing that will consist of up to 12,500,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.08 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1.0 million (the "Offering").

Each Unit shall be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.12 per Common Share for a period of 24 months following closing of the Offering.

The majority of the proceeds from the Offering will be used to advance on the Company's Rockland Gold Project in Nevada, working capital and general corporate purposes.

The Offering is expected to close on or about July 31, 2025 and is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). No compensation is expected to be paid in respect of the Offering. The securities to be issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws.

Related Party Transaction

Certain prospective investors are insiders of the Company and their participation in the Offering will be considered to be "related party transactions" within the meaning of TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Unless there is an exemption, the Company would be required to obtain a formal valuation and "minority approval", being approval of disinterested shareholders of the Company.

The Company intends to rely on the exemption from a formal valuation available in section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 and the exemption from minority approval available in section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101. The Company meets the requirements set out in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 because the fair market value of the securities being distributed to insiders, and the aggregate value of the Common Shares to be distributed under the Offering are each less than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company.

About Wolfden

Wolfden is a North American exploration and development company focused on high-margin metallic mineral deposits including precious, base, and critical metals that represent significant development projects with the potential to produce domestic supply of strategic metals.

For further information please contact Ron Little, President & CEO, at (807) 624-1136.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events, including the potential for projects to be domestic sources of ethically produced base and critical metals for the expansion of renewable energy in North America. Such forward-looking information includes statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, and include, without limitation, statements relating to the completion of the Offering, the use of the proceeds of the Offering, the timing and ability of the Company to complete the Offering; the timing and ability of the Company to receive necessary approvals; metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, permitting, land transactions, community and other regulatory approvals, and the timing and completion of exploration programs in the USA, Manitoba, New Brunswick and the respective drill results. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information in this news release, including without limitation, the following risks and uncertainties: (i) risks relating to the inability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms proposed or at all, (ii) risks inherent in the mining industry; (iii) regulatory and environmental risks; (iv) results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; (v) risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; (vi) stock market volatility and capital market fluctuations; and (vii) general market and industry conditions. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management on the date hereof and is expressly qualified by this notice. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by applicable law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Wolfden Resources Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/wolfden-announces-1.0m-financing-1047807
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - Gunnison Copper Corp. (TSX: GCU) (OTCQB: GCUMF) (FSE: 3XS0) ("Gunnison" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that as a result of strong investor demand, the Company has increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") from aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,010 to aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$8,745,000. The Upsized Offering is comprised of the sale of up to 29,150,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.30 per Unit. Red Cloud Securities Inc. is acting as a finder in connection with the Offering.

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of C$0.45 at any time for a period of 36 months following the issue date.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund additional and follow on work related to the High Value Add Work Program at the Gunnison Copper Project, begin long lead time drilling and metallurgical testing that will be incorporated in a pre-feasibility study for the Gunnison Copper Project, as well as fund US head office general and administrative expenses ("G&A") for an additional 12 months (April 2026 to March 2027). U.S. head office G&A for the next 9 months to March 2026 will be funded from existing working capital.

Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Units will be offered for sale to purchasers in all of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec (the "Canadian Selling Jurisdictions") pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The securities issuable pursuant to the sale of the Units are expected to be immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada.

The Units may also be sold to purchasers in offshore jurisdictions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act"), as amended.

The Offering is schedule to close on July 17, 2025 and is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"). Finder's fees will be payable in accordance with the policies of the TSX.

There is an amended and restated offering document related to the Units being sold pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Amended Offering Document") that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.gunnisoncopper.com. Prospective Canadian investors purchasing under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption should read this Amended Offering Document before making an investment decision.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

ABOUT GUNNISON COPPER

Gunnison Copper Corp. is a multi-asset pure-play copper developer and producer that controls the Cochise Mining District (the district), containing 12 known deposits within an 8 km economic radius, in the Southern Arizona Copper Belt.

Gunnison exists to develop and operate copper mines in Southern Arizona to produce fully Made in America finished copper cathode to directly supply American energy, defense, and manufacturing supply chains. Gunnison proudly hires locally, purchases locally, and sells its products for use in America. Gunnison invests in its employees, their families, and the communities around it. Gunnison operates safely and responsibly with a focus on technology and positive societal impact, while also emphasizing long-term value creation for stakeholders.

Its flagship asset, the Gunnison Copper Project, has a measured and indicated mineral resource containing over 831 million tons with a total copper grade of 0.31% (measured mineral resource of 191.3 million tons at 0.37% and indicated mineral resource of 640.2 million tons at 0.29%), and a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") yielding robust economics including an NPV8% of $1.3 billion, IRR of 20.9%, and payback period of 4.1 years. It is being developed as a conventional operation with open pit mining, heap leach, and SX/EW refinery to produce finished copper cathode on-site with direct rail link.

The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the conclusions reached in the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

In addition, Gunnison's Johnson Camp Asset, which is under construction with first copper production expected in Q3 2025, is fully funded by Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto Venture, with a production capacity of up to 25 million lbs of finished copper cathode annually.

Other significant deposits controlled by Gunnison in the district, with potential to be economic satellite feeder deposits for Gunnison Project infrastructure, include Strong and Harris, South Star, and eight other deposits.

For additional information on the Gunnison Project, including the PEA and mineral resource estimate, please refer to the Company's technical report entitled "Gunnison Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Preliminary Economic Assessment" dated effective November 1, 2024 and available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Dr. Stephen Twyerould, Fellow of AUSIMM, President and CEO of the Company is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Twyerould has reviewed and is responsible for the technical information contained in this news release.

For more information on Gunnison, please visit our website at www.GunnisonCopper.com.

For further information regarding this press release, please contact:

Gunnison Copper Corp.

Concord Place, Suite 300, 2999 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85018

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Certain statements contained in this release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements relate the completion of the Offering or any tranche thereof; the number of securities to be issued under the Offering and the gross proceeds received;

the timing of the closing of the Offering; the payment of any finders fees and the form thereof; the use of net proceeds from the Offering; the intention to deploy the Nuton technology at the Johnson Camp mine and future production therefrom; the continued funding of the stage 2 work program by Nuton; the details and expected results of the stage two work program; future production and production capacity from the Company's

mineral projects; the results of the preliminary economic assessment on the Gunnison Project; and the exploration and development of the Company's mineral projects.

In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved" suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the TSX approves the Offering, the timing of closing the Offering, Nuton will continue to fund the stage 2 work program, the availability of financing to continue as a going concern and implement the Company's operational plans, the estimation of mineral resources, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, copper and other metal prices, the timing and amount of future development expenditures, the estimation of initial and sustaining capital requirements, the estimation of labour and operating costs (including the price of acid), the availability of labour, material and acid supply, receipt of and compliance with necessary regulatory approvals and permits, the estimation of insurance coverage, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect.

Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks related to the Company not obtaining adequate financing to continue operations, Nuton failing to continue to fund the stage 2 work program, the breach of debt covenants, risks inherent in the construction and operation of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined including the possibility that mining operations may not be sustained at the Gunnison Copper Project, risks related to the delay in approval of work plans, variations in mineral resources and reserves, grade or recovery rates, risks relating to the ability to access infrastructure, risks relating to changes in copper and other commodity prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of copper and related products, risks related to increased competition in the market for copper and related products, risks related to current global financial conditions, risks related to current global financial conditions on the Company's business, uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral resources, access and supply risks, risks related to the ability to access acid supply on commercially reasonable terms, reliance on key personnel, operational risks inherent in the conduct of mining activities, including the risk of accidents, labour disputes, increases in capital and operating costs and the risk of delays or increased costs that might be encountered during the construction or mining process, regulatory risks including the risk that permits may not be obtained in a timely fashion or at all, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interests, environmental risks and the additional risks identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports and filings with applicable Canadian securities regulators.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258516

SOURCE: Gunnison Copper Corp.
Rheinmetall, Renk und Hensoldt haben den Rustungsboom der letzten Jahre dominiert, doch inzwischen sind diese Titel fundamental heillos uberbewertet. KGVs jenseits der 60, KUVs uber 4, und das in einem politisch fragilen Umfeld mit wackelnder Haushaltsdisziplin. Fur spateinsteigende Anleger kann das teuer werden.



Doch es gibt Alternativen, die bislang unter dem Radar fliegen; solide bewertet, operativ stark und mit Nachholpotenzial.



In unserem kostenlosen Report zeigen wir dir, welche 3 Rustungsunternehmen noch Potenzial haben und wie du von der zweiten Welle der Zeitenwende profitieren kannst, ohne sich an uberhitzten Highflyer zu verbrennen.



Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders vom weltweiten Aufrusten profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter.



Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden!
How Basel III and Gold's Reclassification as a Tier-1 Asset Validates the ION.au Treasury Model

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / By Carlos X. Montoya, Chairman & CEO, I-ON Digital Corp

In May 2025, Forbes reaffirmed a global financial shift already underway: gold has officially ascended under Basel III as a Tier-1 reserve asset, on par with sovereign debt and fiat currency reserves. This critical evolution marks the culmination of decades of central bank and institutional positioning, and now presents a transformational opportunity for digital finance innovators like I-ON Digital Corp. (OTCQB:IONI).

The ION.au digital asset-backed security (ABS) token - overcollateralized by physical, in-situ gold reserves and structured in full compliance with GAAP, IFRS, and SEC Reg AB standards - is now uniquely suited to operate as a digital rail for Tier-1 gold assets across borders, jurisdictions, and institutions.

Why Basel III Changes Everything

Basel III - the international regulatory framework for banks - elevated allocated physical gold to Tier-1 status in a push to restore balance sheet integrity after decades of synthetic leverage. Unlike "paper gold," which previously carried haircut risks, physical gold held in the institution's name now enjoys 0% risk-weighting - in other words, full credit as core capital.

This is not a theoretical policy nuance. It is a structural re-prioritization that affects trillions of dollars in global capital flows.

As Forbes noted, gold has now gone "full reserve asset." Banks, insurers, sovereign wealth funds, and central banks are rebalancing in real time - moving from devaluing fiat and speculative risk toward digitally-native, gold-backed capital that can operate in a regulatory-compliant financial stack.

ION.au: A Basel-Ready, Digitized Gold Instrument

I-ON Digital Corp anticipated this shift years ago, developing the ION.au token as a fully digital representation of Tier-1 asset backing:

Backed 5:1 (5 ozs gold to 1 ION.au) by audited, NI 43-101 verified in-situ gold reserves

Valued at LBMA PM Spot + 2% Premium, reinforcing institutional price integrity

Compliant with ASC 820, IFRS 9, Rule 144A, ESMA, and Reg AB II

Treatable as a financial instrument under both GAAP and IFRS

Treasury-based structure allows for active rehypothecation and yield generation

What distinguishes ION.au is that it is not just a store of value - it is a capital formation instrument that bridges gold's traditional scarcity with modern liquidity.

Transforming Treasury into a Yield-Bearing Engine

With Basel III demanding Tier-1 assets, financial institutions and digital funds are seeking mechanisms to tokenize and mobilize their gold reserves without sacrificing capital integrity.

ION.au offers this in a structured, tokenized framework that:

Enables yield-generating staking and rehypothecation, with transparent disclosures

Supports smart contract-based collateralization for lending, payments, or settlement

Powers derivative products like the Goldfish Token, a consumer-facing, fractionalized stable unit backed by ION.au

This treasury model is the backbone of I-ON's forward strategy: using real, overcollateralized gold reserves to create trusted, programmable, Tier-1 capital that can be deployed across traditional and decentralized finance rails.

An Institutional Bridge from Analog to Digital

Tier-1 assets no longer have to live in dusty vaults. Through ION.au, they can:

Be integrated into bank treasury strategies

Serve as on-chain settlement reserves

Underpin cross-border trade finance and central bank digital asset initiatives

We believe ION.au's duality - physical backing + digital compliance - solves the trust gap that many institutions face when evaluating tokenized assets.

Conclusion: From Gold-Backed to Gold-Built

I-ON Digital Corp was founded on the thesis that the next financial paradigm would require gold-backed digital rails. With Basel III codifying gold's Tier-1 status, that thesis is now market reality.

The ION.au token, and the treasury framework that supports it, offers institutions a pathway to digitize and deploy gold as a regulatory-aligned, revenue-generating asset.

We stand ready to be the partner of choice for banks, sovereign entities, and institutional investors seeking Tier-1 capital solutions for the tokenized era.

Referenced article: Forbes - Gold Goes Full Reserve Asset

Learn more at: iondigitalcorp.com

Contact: investors@iondigitalcorp.com

SOURCE: I-ON Digital Corp

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/i-on-digital-corp-positioned-at-the-apex-of-tier-1-asset-evolution-1047771
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - Ilisa Wirgin and Leigh Ann Ambrosi, Executive Vice Presidents at leading New York PR agency 5WPR, join the DesignRush Podcast to unpack a common yet often overlooked question for growing agencies:

What happens when teams scale faster than their structure, culture, and creativity can keep up?

The answer? What makes them great starts to erode.

Source: DesignRush



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10587/258550_c382f4ec049efbbd_001full.jpg

In this episode, they reveal how transparency, specialization, and cultural alignment help teams grow without losing what makes them great.

"You see a lot of energy being poured in, but not a lot of meaningful return," says Wirgin.

"You feel it inside the team creative thinking slows down. Even the day-to-day stuff starts to feel like a heavy lift."

Key takeaways include how to:

Spot early signs of burnout and team misalignment

Use radical transparency to realign in real time

Build culture into daily operations - not just HR

Structure vertical teams to pitch smarter and deliver stronger

Integrate AI and affiliate strategies without losing brand voice

The conversation also dives into the future of earned media as consumer search shifts to platforms like ChatGPT.

"Consumers are putting their searches in ChatGPT," says Wirgin. "That's changing SEO in big ways It's about being recommendable."

The conversation wraps with advice for any PR team facing rapid growth: focus, specialize, and build on what already works.

"Do something really well," says Wirgin. "Make sure that you have your story nailed, your messaging nailed, and the right people in place to get you to that next level."

Ambrosi adds: "Once you figure out what sets your product apart, then you can figure out the next steps Knowing what you don't know is probably one of the most important things that agencies and businesses can embrace."

Want to be a guest on the DesignRush Podcast? Email spotlight@designrush.com to get featured.

About DesignRush

DesignRush is a media platform and a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects.

About 5WPR

5WPR is a full-service PR agency headquartered in New York City. Founded in 2003, the agency offers strategic communications services across consumer, corporate, technology, health, and digital sectors. Known for its bold ideas and deep industry specialization, 5W has been named a top independently owned PR agency in the U.S. and was awarded PR Agency of the Year by the American Business Awards.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258550

SOURCE: DesignRush
The former AGF added that he suffered reputation damage over the role he played in the implementation of the agreement on the OPL 245 case.

A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, has accused top officials of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari of hunting him during the oil prospecting lease (OPL 245) case.

He described Mr Buhari, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and a former EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, as people who sought his downfall.

Mr Adoke, who was accused of corruption by local and foreign anti-corruption investigators and advocates during the scandal but later freed by the court, said this at Thursday's public presentation of his memoir titled 'OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 billion Nigerian Oil Block'.

"The politicisation of OPL 245 was caused by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. On assumption of office, Buhari chose to come after me. He scored a distinction in destroying my name," Mr Adoke claimed

The former AGF added that he suffered reputation damage over the role he played in the implementation of the agreement on the OPL 245 case.

He accused investigators and prosecutors of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) of suppressing evidence and intimidating witnesses to secure conviction in the OPL 245 case.

He said the motivation behind writing the book was not to denigrate any individual or group, but to set the records straight and provide insights into the issues surrounding the $1.3 billion Nigerian Oil Bloc transaction.

Mr Adoke said while he has forgiven the individuals and organisations that played active roles in the saga that caused significant damage to his person, family and business, he remains unwavering in his belief and commitment to the Nigerian project and its success.

"Although, I was not a beneficiary of the OPL 245 Settlement Agreement of 2006, which preceded my appointment as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, my traducers, state and non-state actors alike, ensured that I suffered immense public odium, loss of reputation, earnings and family life for the role I played in ensuring the implementation of an Agreement in 2011 notwithstanding that I was only carrying out the lawful directives of the President in the exercise of his executive powers under the Constitution," he said.

At the public presentation of the book, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the event, said Mr Adoke was hunted globally during the oil prospecting lease (OPL) case.

Mr Jonathan who was represented by former Senate President, Pius Anyim, said shortly after his tenure ended in 2015, "the succeeding government launched what many people saw as a manhunt against key officers" of his administration.

"The essence of the author's effort in documenting his memoir is not only to put the record straight, but to contribute to the cause of truth and justice as the foremost pillars of nation building," he said.

He applauded the author's wisdom, courage and doggedness in the face of intimidation, and blackmail, describing the public presentation of the book as a celebration of victory over deliberate persecution.

The former president cautioned politicians against recklessness and abuse of office, urging all public office holders to always commit to the virtues of justice, fairness and service to humanity.

In his speech, Vice President Kashim Shettima called for transparency and accountability in Nigeria's public service, urging former and current public officials to summon the courage to document their life and stewardship while in service.

He noted that public servants live under perpetual scrutiny, as life itself is a litigation with no end and no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice.

Recalling the highly litigious (Oil Prospecting Licence 245) OPL 245 deal, VP Shettima said the book serves as an access card to the next phase of hearings in the court of public opinion, just as he emphasised that public service must be remembered, scrutinised, and preserved as part of national history.

"Each of us who has had the privilege of serving this country owes the people an account of our stewardship. Our stories are not ours alone. They belong to the nation. They belong to history," the vice president stated.

Background story of OPL 245

OPL 245 was awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas in 1998 by the Sani Abacha administration.

However, the block later became the focus of global corruption investigations, criminal prosecutions, and civil lawsuits after Malabu sold its entire stake to Shell and Eni for $1.1 billion in 2011.

Mr Adoke was named in the $1.1 billion Malabu Oil scandal involving a settlement agreement that he oversaw as Nigeria's attorney-general in 2011.

Nigeria, the original owner of the OPL 245, was shortchanged in the complex web of transactions and ownership disputes that has dogged the oil asset since 1998 when it was first controversially awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, according to prosecutors and activists.

The funds that were allegedly meant for Nigeria were used to bribe officials, prosecutors said. The EFCC accused Mr Adoke of benefitting fraudulently from the Malabu deal he helped to broker as the then AGF in 2011. The settlement agreement was meant to cede ownership of the OPL 245 to oil giants, Shell and Eni, after decades-long battle over it.

Mr Adoke, who was justice minister under former President Jonathan's administration, was charged with bribery, among other sundry offences alongside a businessman, Aliyu Abubakar; Rasky Gbinigie; Malabu Oil and Gas Limited; Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited; Shell Nigeria Extra Deep Limited and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited over the Malabu oil scam. They were arraigned before the FCT High Court in Abuja in February 2020 on a 40-count amended charge.

The EFCC would later admit that it lacked evidence against Mr Adoke in the case, leading to the court's decision to dismiss the charges last year. In the other case filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC accused him and Mr Abubakar of money laundering involving N300 million that was mentioned as proceeds of bribery in the FCT High Court case.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

The court similarly discharged and acquitted Mr Adoke in the money laundering case.

Unethical conduct

On Thursday, Mr Adoke said his latest book has "revealed the damaging role of anti-corruption campaigners (local and international), especially when their motives are less than altruistic, laced with unethical conduct and desire to achieve nothing more than to destroy hard-earned reputations. Their use of unethical and illegal tactics, as was done in my case, to satisfy narrow interests and pre-determined outcomes must be deprecated."

He noted that the OPL 245 litigation was "as lucrative as OPL 245 itself for lawyers and their allies" in the former President Buhari administration. He also described the litigation as "a monumental waste of resources".

Although he was discharged and acquitted in the case, Mr Adoke said "the scars remain". He said this was due to his rise to "an esteemed position of being the chief law officer of the federation, only to be humiliated by a desperate, vicious, and ruthless government."

Earlier in his keynote speech, Paul Erokoro said the case against Mr Adoke is the greatest miscarriage of justice in Nigeria. "It was such an anti-climax and the fact that the actual criminals are not prosecuted."

Mr Adoke dedicated the book to those who stood by him when he was going through the darkest era of his life.

The book was reviewed by Arise TV anchor, Reuben Abati.


LONDON (dpa-AFX) - The UK economy shrank for the second consecutive month in May, adding challenges to Chancellor Rachel Reeves in achieving her self-imposed borrowing rules.



Gross domestic product fell unexpectedly by 0.1 percent in May, following a 0.3 percent drop in April, data from the Office for National Statistics revealed on Friday.



GDP was forecast to grow 0.1 percent. Moreover, this was the second straight month of decline.



Among three main sectors, industrial production was the largest contributor to the monthly GDP fall, which was down 0.9 percent. Production declined 0.6 percent in April and 0.2 percent in March.



The monthly fall in manufacturing output deepened to 1.0 percent, the worst since July 2024, from 0.7 percent in April, data showed. Production of motor vehicles and trailers declined 3.7 percent largely reflecting the impact of US tariffs.



Construction output fell 0.6 percent in May. These declines in production and construction were partially offset by an increase of 0.1 percent in services output.



Nonetheless, in the three months to May, real GDP grew 0.5 percent compared with the previous three months. GDP expanded 0.7 percent in May from the previous year, the ONS said.



Chancellor Reeves said getting more money in people's pockets is her number one mission. 'While today's figures are disappointing, I am determined to kickstart economic growth and deliver on that promise,' Reeves added.



British Chambers of Commerce Head of Research David Bharier said strong and sustained growth is the only route out of the Chancellor's current fiscal trap.



However, Bharier noted that economic fundamentals remain strong and there are real opportunities for a step-change - particularly in AI, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.



ING economist James Smith said May's GDP decline looks more like noise than signal. However, there are growing concerns about the UK economy, driven by weakness in the jobs market.



'If next Thursday's payroll figures are bad, then it would pile the pressure on the Bank of England to speed up rate cuts,' the economist added.



Another data from the ONS showed that the visible trade deficit narrowed to GBP 21.7 billion in May from GBP 22.4 billion in the previous month. At the same time, the surplus on services trade increased to GBP 15.99 billion from GBP 15.9 billion a month ago.



As a result, the total trade balance showed a deficit of GBP 5.7 billion, which was below April's GBP 6.5 billion deficit.



Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

 2025 AFX News
A classic ingredient in French cuisine, its popularity seems to be linked to the festive season, with the Epiphany cake: here is the almond, and more specifically the European almond, the star ingredient of healthy and sustainable cuisine

France is one of Europe's major consumers of almonds, and 50% of its imports come from Spain and Portugal. The French are particularly fond of almond flour. Last year, more than 6,400 tons of Spanish almond flour were marketed in France.

This is not surprising, given the variety of French pastry based on this ingredient: macarons, financiers... The European varieties used such as Lauranne of French origin (but also guara, constanti or penta) give them an inimitable taste and quality.

These varieties are grown sustainably in the Iberian Peninsula, on more than 800,000 hectares, 79% of which are irrigated land. A success that has prompted the Spanish association SAB-Almendrave and the Portuguese association CNCFS to set up the "Sustainable EU Almond" project, co-financed by the European Union.

So let's remember all the dishes that this very Mediterranean product allows you to prepare.

Traditional

Paris-Brest : slivered European almonds, flour, butter, milk, eggs, sugar, pastry cream, praline, icing sugar.

: slivered European almonds, flour, butter, milk, eggs, sugar, pastry cream, praline, icing sugar. Financiers: European almond flour, butter, flour, sugar, coffee, salt, egg white.

Tendency

Frangipane brick : European almond flour, flour, butter, sugar, eggs, pastry sheets, oil.

: European almond flour, flour, butter, sugar, eggs, pastry sheets, oil. Matcha almond cake: European almond flour, flour, butter, icing sugar, eggs, baking powder, matcha powder.

Visit the website sustainablealmond.eu

About

Spanish Almond Board-Almendrave is the Spanish Almond and Hazelnut Exporters' Group. Since 1947, it has represented, coordinated, defended and promoted the common interests of its members, both nationally and internationally.

CNCFS (National Centre for Dried Fruit Skills) is a Portuguese non-profit association that aims to promote the development of the sector in this country. It brings together more than 50 entities dedicated to chestnuts, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, carob and pistachios, with the aim of strengthening research and promoting innovation and the dissemination of knowledge.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250710073009/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Ivan Fombella

PR Global Communications Tactics Europe

Ivan.fombella@thetacticsgroup.com
SHANGHAI, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AI Flow, the innovative framework developed by TeleAI, the Institute of Artificial Intelligence of China Telecom, has been recognized as a key role in the intelligent transformation of telecom infrastructure and services in the latest report by Omdia, a premier technology research and advisory firm. The report highlights AI Flow's exceptional capabilities in addressing the edge GenAI implementation challenges, showcasing its device-edge-cloud computing architecture that optimizes both performance and efficiency as well as its groundbreaking combination of information and communication technologies.

According to the report, AI Flow facilitates seamless intelligence flow, allowing device-level agents to overcome the limitations of a single device and achieve enhanced functionality. The same communication network can connect advanced LLMs, VLMs, and diffusion models across heterogeneous nodes. By facilitating real-time, synergistic integration and dynamic interaction among these models, the approach achieves emergent intelligence that exceeds the capabilities of any individual model.

Lian Jye Su, Chief Analyst at Omdia, remarked that AI Flow has demonstrated sophisticated approaches to facilitate efficient collaboration across device-edge-cloud tiers and to achieve emergent intelligence through connective and interactive model operations.

The unveiling of AI Flow has also drawn great attention from the AI community on global social media. AI industry observer EyeingAI said on X "It's a grounded, realistic take on where AI could be headed. " AI tech influencer Parul Gautam said on X that AI Flow is pushing AI boundaries and ready to shape the future of intelligent connectivity.

Fulfill the Vision of Ubiquitous Intelligence in Future Communication Networks

AI Flow, under the leadership of Professer Xuelong Li, the CTO and Chief Scientist of China Telecom and Director of TeleAI, is introduced to address the significant challenges of the deployment of emerging AI applications posed by hardware resource limitations and communication network constraints, enhancing the scalability, responsiveness, and sustainability of real world AI systems. It is a multidisciplinary framework designed to enable seamless transmission and emergence of intelligence across hierarchical network architectures by leveraging inter-agent connections and human-agent interactions. At its core, AI Flow emphasizes three key points:

Device-Edge-Cloud Collaboration: AI Flow leverages a unified device-edge-cloud architecture, integrating end devices, edge servers, and cloud clusters, to dynamically optimize scalability and enable low-latency inference of AI models. By developing efficient collaboration paradigms tailored for the hierarchical network architecture, the system minimizes communication bottlenecks and streamlines inference execution.

Familial Models: Familial models refer to a set of multi-scale architectures designed to address diverse tasks and resource constraints within the AI Flow framework. These models facilitate seamless knowledge transfer and collaborative intelligence across the system through their interconnected capabilities. Notably, the familial models are feature-aligned, which allows efficient information sharing without the need for additional middleware. Furthermore, through well-structured collaborative design, deploying familial models over the hierarchical network can achieve enhanced inference efficiency under constrained communication bandwidth and computational resources.

Connectivity- and Interaction-based Intelligence Emergence: AI Flow introduces a paradigm shift to facilitate collaborations among advanced AI models, e.g., LLMs, vision-language models (VLMs), and diffusion models, thereby stimulating emergent intelligence surpassing the capability of any single model. In this framework, the synergistic integration of efficient collaboration and dynamic interaction among models becomes a key boost to the capabilities of AI models.

See AI Flow's tech articles here:

https://www.arxiv.org/abs/2506.12479

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10884554

AI Flow's First Move: AI-Flow-Ruyi Familial Model

Notably, TeleAI has just open-sourced the first version of AI Flow's familial model: AI-Flow-Ruyi-7B-Preview last week on GitHhub.

The model is designed for the next-generation device-edge-cloud model service architecture. Its core innovation lies in the shared intermediate features across models of varying scales, enabling the system to generate response with a subset of parameters based on problem complexity through an early-exit mechanism. Each branch can operate independently while leveraging their shared stem network for computation reduction and seamless switching. Combined with distributed device-edge-cloud deployment, it achieves collaborative inference among large and small models within the family, enhancing the efficiency of distributed model inference.

Open-source address:

https://github.com/TeleAI-AI-Flow/AI-Flow-Ruyi

About TeleAI

TeleAI, the Institute of Artificial Intelligence of China Telecom, is a pioneering team of AI scientists and enthusiasts, working to create breakthrough AI technologies that could build up the next generation of ubiquitous intelligence and improve people's wellbeing. Under the leadership of Professor Xuelong Li, the CTO and Chief Scientist of China Telecom, TeleAI aims to continuously expand the limits of human cognition and activities, by expediting research on AI governance, AI Flow, Intelligent Optoelectronics (with an emphasis on embodied AI), and AI Agents.

For more information:

https://www.teleai.com.cn/product/AboutTeleAI

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2729356/AI_Flow.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-flow-by-teleai-recognized-as-a-breakthrough-framework-for-ai-deployment-and-distribution-by-omdia-302503243.html
New Driver-Partner Pool, Corporate Contracts and Bonus Incentives to Boost Ryde's Revenue Streams

SINGAPORE / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Ryde Group Ltd (NYSE American:RYDE) ("Ryde" or the "Company"), a leading technology platform for mobility and quick commerce in Singapore, is making a strategic move into Singapore's ultra-premium electric vehicle (EV) market with the planned launch of RydeLUXE 6, a premium electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) service targeting Singapore's rapidly expanding ultra-luxury transport market.

The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with Atoll Discovery Pte Ltd ("Atoll"), following Ryde's recent acquisition of a 40% stake in the fleet operator. The partnership gives Ryde direct access to Atoll's GAC E9 PHEV fleet - and the high-value corporate clients that come with it.

Strategic Outlook: Addressing Singapore $6.4 billion mobility opportunity

Singapore's shared mobility sector is projected to reach US$6.4 billion by 2040, with a rapidly growing ultra-premium segment that remains largely underserved by traditional ride-hailing platforms.

A key growth area within this space is the ultra-premium and luxury mobility segment, which includes chauffeur-driven electric vehicles and high-end concierge rides. This segment offers high-margin opportunities and is expected to drive a meaningful uplift to Ryde's topline - with the potential to contribute up to 10% of total revenue by 2027.

This segment is fueled by:

Over 333,000 millionaires (households with net worth = US$1?million).

Growing executive and hospitality transport demand.

An increasing shift toward zero-emission vehicles under the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

The GAC E9 is a luxury plug-in hybrid (PHEV) six-seater vehicle that delivers up to 136 km of pure electric driving range (CLTC) and a total combined range of over 1,000 km when factoring in its petrol engine. It supports DC fast charging, reaching 20-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. Designed for quiet, comfortable executive transport, the GAC E9 will serve as the flagship model for the upcoming launch of RydeLUXE 6 fleet - catering to the needs of Singapore's growing population of high-net-worth individuals and corporate travellers.

Strategic Fleet Expansion and Driver Integration

Under the partnership, Atoll will double down its GAC E9 fleet by the end-2025, scaling to 100 units by the end of 2026. All GAC E9 driver-partners will join Ryde's RydeLUXE 6 network, immediately expanding premium service capacity.

The GAC E9 is already operational across China and ASEAN markets for hotel transfers and VIP transport - reinforcing its relevance in Singapore's hospitality and executive segments.

Enhanced Driver-Partner Value Proposition

The upcoming launch of RydeLUXE 6 program is designed to unlock premium earning potential and greater income stability for Ryde's driver-partner community through a differentiated offering:

Preferential leasing rates: Driver-partners leasing the GAC E9 will enjoy preferential rental rates at ~S$4,200/month.

Bonus Incentives: Monthly bonus incentives of up to S$300, co-funded by Ryde and Atoll, will reward RydeLUXE 6 job completions

Ryde will route bookings from Atoll's corporate transport contracts - including hotel-to-airport transfers and executive rides - through the Ryde app, offering consistent job flows and higher income potential.

Leadership Vision and Market Positioning

"Atoll's premium EV fleet and their corporate transport contracts unlock immediate monetisation opportunities for Ryde," said Terence Zou, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ryde Group. "This is more than a partnership - it's an engine for sustained high-margin growth. RydeLUXE 6 with GAC E9 is the next frontier in our vision to own the premium sustainable mobility space in Singapore."

Steven Kwek, Director of Atoll, added: "We have spent the last four years refining our operational model and cultivating corporate relationships. With Ryde, we now have the platform to scale our premium EV services while directly benefiting Singapore's luxury and executive travel market."

Long-Term Vision and Regional Play

The initiative aligns with Ryde's RydeGreen program, supporting Singapore's Green Plan 2030 goal to electrify 50% of the local vehicle population by 2030.

Backed by its 0% driver commission model, Ryde's super mobility app is uniquely positioned to create value in the evolving EV economy. Partnering with Atoll and SEV, Ryde is building an integrated ecosystem of fleet leasing, booking, and infrastructure - laying the groundwork for scalable EV adoption and future regional expansion.

As EV momentum grows across Southeast Asia, Ryde is positioned not only to lead in sustainable mobility at home, but also to replicate this high-margin, asset-light model in adjacent markets.

About Ryde Group Ltd

Ryde, a homegrown super mobility app founded in Singapore, is the world's FIRST on-demand carpooling app since 2014! As a publicly listed company on the NYSE American, we are reimagining the way people and goods move around. We offer a full suite of services, including carpooling, private hire, taxi, and delivery, but what truly sets us apart is our commitment to empower our private-hire and taxi partners. We take 0% commission, ensuring that more of every hard-earned dollar goes to drivers on our platform. For more information, please visit https://rydesharing.com/ to learn more.

Contacts:

For Media Relations:

Media Team

Ryde Group Ltd

Email: media@rydesharing.com

For Investor Relations:

Investor Relations Team

Ryde Group Ltd

Email: investor@rydesharing.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors . Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Ryde Group Ltd specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Ryde Group

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/rydes-strategic-expansion-capturing-singapores-ultra-premium-ev-m-1047892
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - Quantum eMotion Corp. (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) (FSE: 34Q0) ("QeM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it was recently featured on BNN Bloomberg's Market Call, a premier Canadian business news program. During the July 9, 2025 segment, Bruce Campbell, President and Portfolio Manager at StoneCastle Investment Management, highlighted QeM as a company with strong market potential and growing investor appeal.

Reflecting on the coverage, Francis Bellido, CEO of Quantum eMotion, stated:

"It was encouraging to hear a respected portfolio manager recognize not only QeM's strong market potential but also the positive momentum we've generated in recent weeks. His assessment-that QeM has significant upside, with execution now being key, and that we may enter a phase of 'blue sky' growth as fundamentals align with valuation-reinforces our confidence in both our strategic direction and the unique value of our quantum cybersecurity platform."

The BNN Bloomberg exposure marks a significant step in broadening investor awareness of QeM's mission and progress. As QeM continues to commercialize its proprietary quantum-safe security solutions, including its flagship Sentry-Q platform, the Company is increasingly recognized as a leader in defending digital assets and communications against both current and post-quantum cyber threats.





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKSf9UaCKoI

About QeM

The Company aims to address the growing demand for affordable hardware and software security for connected devices. QeM has become a pioneering force in classical and quantum cybersecurity solutions thanks to its patented Quantum Random Number Generator, a security solution that exploits the built-in unpredictability of quantum mechanics and promises to provide enhanced protection for high-value assets and critical systems.

The Company intends to target highly valued Financial Services, Healthcare, Blockchain Applications, Cloud-Based IT Security Infrastructure, Classified Government Networks and Communication Systems, Secure Device Keying (IOT, Automotive, Consumer Electronics) and Quantum Cryptography.

For further information, please visit our website at https://www.quantumemotion.com/ or contact:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in the Corporation's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Quantum from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258564

SOURCE: Quantum eMotion Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - AVANTI GOLD CORP. (CSE: AGC) (the Company") is pleased to announce that the company, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Regency Mining Ltd ("Regency") has entered into a binding settlement agreement with Arc Minerals Ltd ("Arc") in relation to USD 1,250,000 owed to Arc (the "Outstanding Payable").

Arc, Avanti and Regency engaged constructively to resolve the Outstanding Payable and have now entered into a new binding settlement agreement whereby the Outstanding Payable will be settled in cash (the "New Settlement Agreement").

Settlement Terms

Under the New Settlement Agreement, Avanti and Regency have jointly and severally undertaken to settle the total Outstanding Payable of US$1,250,000, as follows:

Through a cash payment, in full settlement of the Outstanding Payable, of a reduced Settlement Sum of: US$562,500 (45%), if paid by 31 August 2025; or US$625,000 (50%), if paid by 31 October 2025; or US$750,000 (60%), if paid by 31 December 2025.

If payment hasn't been made by 31 December 2025, the full Outstanding Amount becomes immediately due and payable in full on 1 January 2026; and

Ian MacLean, CEO of Avanti Gold, commented:

"The Company is pleased that we have reached a binding agreement with Arc after a period of constructive negotiations. This settlement could assist in reducing the overall liabilities of Avanti."

About Avanti Gold Corp.

Avanti Gold Corp. is a gold exploration company with a robust portfolio of projects in Africa. The Company's flagship asset is the Misisi Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to the Akyanga gold deposit. The Akyanga deposit has an Inferred Mineral Resource of 44.3 million tonnes (Mt) at an average gold grade of 2.37 grams per tonne (g/t), totalling 3.1 million ounces (Moz) of gold. The Misisi Project spans three contiguous 30-year mining leases covering 133 square kilometers (km) along the 55-kilometer-long Kibara Gold Belt, a prominent metallogenic province known for hosting significant gold deposits.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities

Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereunder.

Qualified Person

Ephraim Masibhera, a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Historical information contained in this news release cannot be relied upon as the Company's Qualified Person, as defined under NI 43-101 has not prepared nor verified the historical information.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. These risk and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set out in Avanti's annual and/or quarterly management discussion and analysis and in other of its public disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, as well as all assumptions regarding the foregoing. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258547

SOURCE: Avanti Gold Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - Universal Digital Inc. (CSE: LFG) (FSE: 8R20) ("Universal Digital" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful execution of its first treasury allocation into Bitcoin, advancing the strategy unveiled on June 13, 2025 to hold Bitcoin as a long-term treasury reserve asset.

As part of its initial allocation, the Company divested its holdings in Solana, Cardano, and AI16z token and the proceeds were used to acquire:

Number of Bitcoin purchased: 10.02935

Average Purchase Price Per Bitcoin: US$104,452.56

Total consideration: US$1,047,591

"This marks the beginning of our Bitcoin treasury reserve strategy in action," said Tim Chan, CEO of Universal Digital. "We view Bitcoin as a superior long-term asset and believe this move enhances the Company's capital preservation objectives while positioning us within the global institutional shift toward sound digital money."

As part of its commitment to transparency and long-term value creation, Universal Digital will begin reporting its Bitcoin Yield as a key performance indicator. This metric reflects the percentage change over time in the ratio of the Company's Bitcoin holdings to its fully diluted share count. The Company believes Bitcoin Yield will serve as a meaningful indicator of its success in delivering long-term value through strategic Bitcoin accumulation.

This initial allocation represents a key milestone in the Company's shift toward a Bitcoin-centred treasury strategy and complements its broader investment initiatives, including the co-launch of leveraged Bitcoin-linked ETFs and the ongoing rollout of its crypto analytics platform, BullWave.

About Universal Digital Inc.

Universal Digital Inc. is a Canadian investment company focused on digital assets, businesses and private and publicly listed entities that are involved in high-growth industries, with a particular focus on blockchain, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency technologies. The Company aims to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth through a diversified investment approach, and to participate in the transformation of global finance through the integration of digital asset strategies.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's business strategy, market positioning, investor engagement, regulatory approvals, the availability of capital, anticipated timelines, and general economic, financial, market and political conditions. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. This release also contains forward-looking information relating to the Company's anticipated use of performance metrics, including "Bitcoin Yield," which is a key performance indicator the Company intends to track and report over time. Bitcoin Yield is based on assumptions regarding the Company's Bitcoin holdings, share count, market conditions, and the broader adoption of Bitcoin. There is no assurance that this metric will be a reliable indicator of future performance, or that it will result in increased shareholder value. Actual results may differ materially.

Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the Company's business strategy, expectations with respect to market conditions, investor engagement, regulatory approvals, the availability of capital, anticipated timelines, operating costs, and other business and economic considerations. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258563

SOURCE: Universal Digital Inc.
press release

The regulatory authority insists its financials go through regular scrutiny by auditors, fiscal regulators, NASS; suspects vested interests opposed to reforms

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has denied any wrongdoing and asserted that its financial operations undergo regular scrutiny by external and international auditors, Federal Government's fiscal regulators, and the relevant committees of the National Assembly.

It, therefore, dismissed allegation of corruption against its Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, an engineer, by faceless groups.

In a statement by the Public Affairs Department of the NMDPRA, the Authority challenged the accusers to present verifiable documents to back their unsubstantiated claims.

NMDPRA maintained that the calls are devoid of any specific claims of wrongdoing, consisting only of bold declarations lacking substance or detail adding that this highlights the frivolity of the campaign.

The statement reed in part: "The Authority wishes to state unequivocally, and for the avoidance of doubt, that the allegations being peddled are false, without merit, and bereft of any factual foundation. The absence of specific claims or verifiable details is, in itself, a clear indication of their falsity and a strong signal that these efforts are not driven by any genuine concern for accountability."

It added that the NMDPRA is an institution anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability and compliance.

"Our fiscal and financial activities are subjected to the highest levels of regulatory scrutiny, not only internally but also through periodic assessments by external auditors of international repute, as well as oversight from the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and the Office of the Accountant-General. In addition, the National Assembly, through its relevant committees, examines every aspect of our budgetary provisions and expenditure lines. Under such a rigorous accountability framework, it is inconceivable that any credible allegation of misappropriation or abuse of office could escape detection, let alone persist without redress," it said.

The Authority stressed that it finds it curious that a group hitherto unknown to legal or civil society circles would suddenly emerge with expensively printed banners, professionally produced placards and instant access to the media.

It added that the expensive venture the campaign of calumny has assumed shows that the resources are far from spontaneous in either cost or coordination.

"Such energy, if truly in service of the public interest, would have been better directed toward seeking clarifications through existing institutional channels," it said.

While the Authority insisted that it welcomes demands for transparency and accountability, as provided for under the Freedom of Information Act and reflected in its operations, it believes that such engagements must follow due process.

It stated: "We remain open and willing to collaborate with any group that is genuinely committed to the public interest. If the organisers of these protests and publications were truly concerned about good governance, they would have approached the Authority through the established accountability mechanisms. Their choice to bypass these channels and stage public spectacle only reinforces what discerning members of the public already suspect. This is not a protest. It is a production, and the script appears to serve vested interests unsettled by the reforms being implemented in the midstream and downstream sectors of our petroleum industry."

It noted that Mr Ahmed's leadership has prioritised efficiency, transparency and the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (2021), which seeks to sanitise the sector and ensure the equitable distribution of petroleum products nationwide.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

It added that the efforts of the Authority under his stewardship have enhanced operational stability, expanded access to regulated information and established a level playing field for all operators in the sector, saying, "These are moves that have inevitably unsettled those who profit from opacity and disorder. We urge the public and all critical stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to disregard these ludicrous accusations.

"They are the handiwork of nefarious elements determined to distract the Authority from its statutory mandate and frustrate the positive strides enabled by the bold reforms championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We remain committed to transparency, service delivery and the advancement of Nigeria's energy security."
JOHANNESBURG, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- XMRMarkets has officially rolled out its updated trading platform, setting a new standard for performance, ease of use, and favorable trading conditions. The upgraded system is designed to enhance the user experience while delivering faster execution, improved analytical tools, and broader access to assets. Traders of all experience levels can now benefit from the streamlined interface, robust security features, and optimized pricing environment.

"We've listened to our clients and fine-tuned the platform to meet their needs more effectively," said George Spitaliotis, XMR Markets spokesperson. "The result is a modern trading environment that not only empowers users with greater control but also supports their long-term journey with better conditions."

Positive Outlook for Current and New Clients

The upgraded platform includes new features such as price alerts and notifications, real-time risk management tools, advanced charting capabilities, and mobile-optimized interfaces for trading on the go. Spreads have also been tightened, and members can enjoy lower trading costs across major instruments, from forex and commodities to indices and cryptocurrencies.

Existing XMRMarkets clients have already begun transitioning to the new platform with positive feedback on its speed and functionality. New traders can also take advantage of an economic calendar and educational resources designed to improve their trading skills in a secure and responsive environment.

"Our goal is to offer more than just a trading service. We're building a platform where traders can grow," added Spitaliotis. "With this update, we're reinforcing our promise on transparency, innovation, and trader-centric conditions."

About XMR Markets

XMRMarkets is a global brokerage firm offering access to a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Committed to providing an exceptional trading experience, the brand combines advanced technology, competitive trading conditions, and dedicated customer support.

The platform is designed to meet the needs of both beginner and experienced traders, with intuitive tools, secure transactions, and educational resources to support trading success. With a focus on transparency, flexibility, and client satisfaction, it continues to grow as a preferred choice for traders around the world.

Website address: https://www.xmrmarkets.com/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xmr-markets-introduces-upgraded-trading-platform-with-more-beneficial-conditions-for-traders-302503281.html
XIANGTAN, China, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 2025 Hunan Red Tourism and Culture Festival & the 4th Xiangtan Tourism Development Conference was held in Shaoshan County, Xiangtan City of Hunan Province from July 10 to 11. Centering on the theme of "Aspiring to Shaoshan  Meeting in Hunan for the Future", the event carefully planned two main activities: the "Motherland is So Beautiful" Poetry Recital and the opening ceremony of the conference.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

Xiangtan is an important part of the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan Metropolitan Circle. Located at the transportation hub in central China, it has a long history of more than 1,500 years, giving birth to many cultural celebrities in modern times, including Jiang Wan, a famous prime minister of the Shu Han Dynasty, Zeng Guofan, an important minister in the late Qing Dynasty, Qi Baishi, a world cultural celebrity, as well as Wang Kaiyun, Yang Du and Xiao San. It is an important source of Huxiang culture.

In the first half of the year, the number of domestic and foreign tourists received by Xiangtan City and the total tourism revenue increased by 7.3% and 10.8% respectively. The activities in major scenic spots in the city are distinctive and complementary, promoting the integration of culture and tourism through innovative experiences, bringing unforgettable journeys to tourists.

By virtue of national and provincial festivals and events such as the Red Expo, Red Tourism and Culture Festival, and Tourism Development Conference, Xiangtan has launched cultural and tourism benefit activities, including consumption festivals and music festivals, dedicated to brand communication and consumption promotion.

It held activities such as the Hunan-Shanghai Cooperation Exchange Conference and Shaoshan Special Promotion Conference, and the Shaoshan Red Culture and Tourism Investment Promotion Conference in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. It has also organized cultural and tourism enterprises and institutions to participate in expositions and promotion conferences, deepened regional cooperation, and effectively expanded markets in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai.

Xiangtan has improved the hardware facilities for inbound tourism payment, actively promoted inbound policies, striving to build a world-renowned cultural tourism destination.

Source: The Organizing Committee of 2025 Hunan Red Tourism and Culture Festival

Contact person: Mr. Zou, Tel: 86-10-63074558.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) (FSE: Z7D) ("ESGold" or the "Company"), a fully permitted near-term gold and silver producer, is pleased to announce the results of its recent Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) survey1 operated by Caur Technologies at the Montauban Gold-Silver Project in Quebec. The preliminary interpretation of this advanced seismic imaging has revealed multiple deep-seated geological structures, suggesting that the Montauban system may extend far beyond its historically mined zones - opening the door to a potential district scale mineral system.

Originally scoped to map subsurface structures to 400 metres, the ANT survey exceeded expectations - imaging to depths of 1,200 metres and revealing a vertically extensive, laterally continuous geological system. These findings suggest that Montauban may represent a district-scale Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) environment, rather than a singular deposit, with structural and lithological features consistent with some of the most prolific mining camps globally.

Key Highlights:

Imaging Unveiled to Depths of 1,200 Meters: ANT survey has revealed deep-seated structural zones potentially hosting stacked mineralized lenses - a breakthrough for exploration at Montauban.





ANT survey has revealed deep-seated structural zones potentially hosting stacked mineralized lenses - a breakthrough for exploration at Montauban. New Interpretation Supports District-Scale Opportunity: Montauban may represent a clustered VMS system with structural repetition and geological similarities to world-class deposits like Sweden's Skellefte district.





Montauban may represent a clustered VMS system with structural repetition and geological similarities to world-class deposits like Sweden's Skellefte district. North-Central Feeder Zone Emerges : Strong contrast between high-velocity basement in the north and structurally complex southern domains presents multiple potential discovery targets; while the southern area shows more structural complexity - both priority areas for high-value targeting.





: Strong contrast between high-velocity basement in the north and structurally complex southern domains presents multiple potential discovery targets; while the southern area shows more structural complexity - both priority areas for high-value targeting. Historic Assays + VTEM + ANT = Advanced Model Underway: The ongoing 3D geological model will integrate over 950 historic drill holes results, 2015 VTEM survey2 data, and this new deep seismic imaging to identify next-generation discovery zones.

Andre Gauthier, P.Geo., director of the company, added:

"We now believe Montauban may be far more than a single deposit - it is emerging as a deep, district-scale system with possible structural and geological continuity," said Andre Gauthier, As a director of exploration. "These results may place Montauban into a new category of exploration potential. Where previous generations saw a series of shallow pods, we now see the signature of a vertically integrated mineral system - potentially with stacked, repeating lenses akin to those in VMS system or Broken Hill-style districts. We're seeing signatures that resemble the structural architecture of globally significant systems, but we are still in the early stage of exploration."

A New Lens on Montauban: From Legacy Mine to Blue-Sky Discovery

Montauban has long been known for its shallow, high-grade production of gold, silver, lead, and zinc, with over 2.6 million short tons historically mined. Yet until now, its deeper potential has remained locked beneath a century of fragmented data and under exploration.

The recently completed ANT survey - a non-invasive geophysical technique using ambient seismic noise - deployed 105 triaxial sensors across 10 km of the property, continuously recording data for 49 days. The resulting high-resolution 3D shear-wave velocity model allows for unprecedented geological interpretation down to over +1,200 metres - revealing a vertically continuous and structurally complex system that strongly supports a multi-lens, camp-scale model.

The imaging revealed:

Low-velocity zones near surface, corresponding to fractured, weathered, and previously mined areas.





near surface, corresponding to fractured, weathered, and previously mined areas. High-velocity basement rocks in the north-central region-suggesting compact, unfractured crystalline rock potentially hosting deeper feeder systems or stacked mineralized zones.





in the north-central region-suggesting compact, unfractured crystalline rock potentially hosting deeper feeder systems or stacked mineralized zones. Strong structural contrast between northern and southern zones-supporting the idea of multiple mineralized lenses rather than a single orebody.

The ANT Data: Depth, Structure, and Untapped Opportunity

The ANT results can be summarized by four key depth domains:

0-300 m : Low-velocity, fractured rock consistent with historical shallow mining zones and weathered overburden.





: Low-velocity, fractured rock consistent with historical shallow mining zones and weathered overburden. 300-900 m : Transitional zone with heterogeneous velocity - potential host for additional unmined mineralized horizons.





: Transitional zone with heterogeneous velocity - potential host for additional unmined mineralized horizons. 900-1,200 m : A corridor of high-velocity rock, interpreted as crystalline basement or structurally competent feeder host - particularly in the north-central zone.





: A corridor of high-velocity rock, interpreted as crystalline basement or structurally competent feeder host - particularly in the north-central zone. >1,200 m: Vertically extensive, pipe-like domains in the northern half suggest possible feeder conduits or high-grade remobilization corridors, while complex folding and low-velocity contrasts in the southern half suggest repeated mineralized lenses.

The ANT survey reaffirms that Montauban's mineral system remains open at depth - both vertically and laterally - and that multiple zones across the property remain completely untested.

"Montauban is no longer just a development story - it's a discovery story in the making," said Gordon Robb, CEO of ESGold. "This survey has fundamentally changed the way we understand this special deposit. The continuity, depth, and scale of the structures we're seeing suggest that the original mine was just the tip of the iceberg. As we build toward production from the tailings, we're simultaneously unlocking the blue-sky potential beneath. This data confirms Montauban may be just the first chapter in a much larger district-scale opportunity, and we're excited to share that story with the world."

Why It Matters to Investors

District-scale upside : This is no longer a single-zone reprocessing story. Montauban is evolving into a modern exploration asset with potential scale comparable to known VMS camps.





: This is no longer a single-zone reprocessing story. Montauban is evolving into a modern exploration asset with potential scale comparable to known VMS camps. Cash flow + discovery : Tailings reprocessing still forms the backbone of the near-term production plan-creating an ultra-rare dual-track story where cash flow and discovery are pursued simultaneously.





: Tailings reprocessing still forms the backbone of the near-term production plan-creating an ultra-rare dual-track story where cash flow and discovery are pursued simultaneously. Permits and construction in place : With permits secured and infrastructure installation underway, ESGold is positioned to capitalize on both operational and geological momentum.





: With permits secured and infrastructure installation underway, ESGold is positioned to capitalize on both operational and geological momentum. Repeatable, Scalable strategy: This platform model - combining cash-flowing from tailings redevelopment with modern exploration - is the blueprint for ESGold's long-term growth.

Appendix - Further Geological Interpretation and Comparative Context: Montauban in the Global VMS Landscape

Caur Technologies successfully completed an ambient noise tomography (ANT) survey for ESGold Corp over the Montauban mine site, located in Quebec's Capitale-Nationale region. The purpose of the survey was to image deep subsurface structures in support of gold exploration targeting volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) systems in a geologically complex area. The results provide valuable new insights into the geological framework of the site, offering a clearer understanding of the subsurface conditions that are critical for guiding exploration.

Despite extensive mining from 1910 to the 1970s targeting lead, zinc, silver, and gold, the Montauban region remains underexplored at depth. Most geological data come from tailings and a few shallow boreholes, with virtually no deep-penetrating geophysical data. This hampers understanding of the extent, geometry, and controls of mineralization. Ambient noise tomography (ANT) offers a non-invasive, cost-effective method to image deep crustal structures, highlighting velocity contrasts linked to lithological boundaries, alteration zones, and structural traps. ANT can guide drilling and support robust geological models by revealing features beyond the reach of historic exploration - unlocking untested targets and the region's deeper mineral potential.

The Montauban Group consists of quartzo-feldspathic gneiss, quartzite, marble, calcsilicates, and metavolcanic units like pillowed tholeiitic metabasalt and lapilli metatuff. These formed in a shallow-submarine setting during a late andesitic-to-felsic volcanic cycle - an environment favorable for volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) systems. The Montauban deposit is a gold-rich VMS system with stratiform to semi-massive lenses of Zn, Pb, Ag, and Au, typically linked to sericite-chlorite alteration and localized along shear zones, fold hinges, and lithological contacts.

The deposit's geometry reflects both syngenetic processes and structural reworking. Volcanic layers have been folded, faulted, and transposed, while metamorphism altered mineral textures and paragenesis, complicating ore zone delineation. Though shallow mineralized zones have been identified, their deeper continuity remains unclear. The setting aligns with other reworked VMS systems in high-grade metamorphic terranes, suggesting significant untapped potential. Historically, over 2.6 million short tons of Zn-Ag-Au were extracted from multiple zones, including Tetreault-Anacon and Montauban, demonstrating strong vertical and lateral continuity.

Major mineral deposits in high-grade metamorphic terrains are uncommon, but notable examples include Broken Hill and Nova Bollinger in Australia, and Sweden's Skellefte and Bergslagen deposits.

Montauban shares some features with Broken Hill-particularly Pb-Zn-Ag mineralization and rare felsic metavolcanic rocks. However, Broken Hill is generally considered a SEDEX deposit in metasedimentary rocks and lacks significant gold. Nova Bollinger, a Ni-Cu sulfide deposit hosted in ultramafic intrusions, also differs in both host rocks and mineralization style.

Closer analogues are Sweden's Ravliden and Garpenberg deposits - VMS systems formed in submarine volcanic settings and later metamorphosed during the 2.0-1.8 Ga Svecokarelian orogeny. These deposits and Montauban share key traits:

Deposit Type: Originally syngenetic VMS deposits later overprinted by orogenic processes.

Host Rocks & Metamorphism: Occur in felsic-dominated metavolcanic sequences altered to amphibolite-granulite facies.

Mineralization: Polymetallic (Pb-Zn-Ag  Au), lens-shaped, and structurally complex.

Age: Ravliden is 2.0-1.8 Ga; Montauban is ~0.9 Ga.

Structural Complexity: Montauban's folding, faulting, and lens repetition resemble Skellefte's 3D deformation patterns.

Unlike these better-known systems, Montauban has seen little modern exploration. Fragmented ownership, minimal deep drilling, and limited geophysical work have hampered discovery of concealed mineralization. Yet the geological parallels strongly suggest untapped potential at depth.

Qualified Person Statement

The technical content of this release has been reviewed and approved by Andre Gauthier, P.Geo., who is a Director of ESGold Corp. and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

____________________

References

1. The scientific and technical information included in this news release regarding the Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) survey at the Montauban Project is based on the titled "Ambient Noise Tomography Survey - Montauban Area" (CAU-24-013), authored by Jean-Philippe Mercier, PhD, and reviewed by Nick Arndt, PhD, of Caur Technologies Inc., dated July 10, 2025.

2. The original VTEM survey was flown From December 6, 2014, to January 13, 2015, and was included in an NI 43-101 Report commissioned and filed by the Company in February 2022 (JPL Geoservices).

About ESGold Corp.

ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) (FSE: Z7D) is a fully permitted, pre-production gold and silver mining company at the forefront of scalable clean mining and exploration innovation. With proven expertise in Quebec, the Company is advancing its Montauban Gold-Silver Project toward near-term production while unlocking long-term value through strategic redevelopment, modern discovery tools, and sustainable resource recovery. Montauban, located 80 km west of Quebec City, represents a blueprint for cash-flow-generating legacy site redevelopment across North America.

For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces.

Stay connected by following us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and joining our Telegram channel.

For further information or to connect directly, please reach out to Gordon Robb, CEO of ESGold Corp. at gordon@esgold.com or call 250-217-2321.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding future production, cash flow, exploration results, project economics, and permitting. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that management believes are current but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These risks are detailed in the Company's public filings on SEDAR+. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. ESGold disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258553

SOURCE: ESGold Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - ZEB Nickel Corp. (TSXV: ZBNI) (OTCQB: ZBNIF) ("Zeb" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results and geological interpretations from a two-hole drilling programme at the Zeb Nickel Project in Limpopo, South Africa. Drilled vertically, the holes validate the Zeb geological model, and confirms the presence of thicker, higher-grade nickel-copper-PGE ("Ni-Cu-PGE") horizons beneath the historic open-pit resource and demonstrates that mineralisation remains open both along strike and at depth.

Key Value Highlights

Two drillholes plus two deflections completed intersected mineralised material in both Zone 1 and Zone 2.

Zone 2 Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation confirmed to be present in a previously untested area beneath Zone 1, confirming the geological model.

Thicker, higher-grade intervals beneath the historical resource

Zone 2: up to 2.27 m @ 0.27 % Ni, 0.17 % Cu, 2.27 g/t 3PGE+Au and 4.06 m @ 0.23 % Ni, 0.14 % Cu, 1.36 g/t 3PGE+Au

Zone 3: up to 0.70 m @ 0.65 % Ni, 0.40 % Cu within a broader 2.73 m @ 0.39 % Ni

Multiple semi-massive sulphide hits confirm the geological model and strengthen the analogy with world-class feeder conduit systems.

Mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth, highlighting meaningful scale-up potential for both tonnage and grade.

The Zeb mineral system is divided into four stacked horizons: Zone 1 forms the near-surface, bulk-tonnage nickel-bearing unit of the Lower Uitloop body that underpins the historical Ni resource.

Zone 2, immediately beneath and adjacent to Zone 1, contains Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation similar to that found at Ivanhoe Mines's Platreef Mine and Valterra Platinum's (formally known as Anglo American) Mogalakwena Mining Complex.

Zone 3 is a feeder-style ultramafic chonolith, the geometry of which was recently confirmed in an airborne gravity and magnetic survey.

Zone 4 broadly encompasses areas of gold mineralisation intersected in drillholes.

Two holes (Z031 and Z033) where drilled, both at a vertical angle, and were designed to test the true vertical depth of the mineralised sequences and test for down-dip continuity of Zone 2 beneath Zone 1. Two deflections, Z031D1 and Z031D2, were drilled off Z031. No deflections were drilled off Z033. Boreholes and deflections were drilled using a NQ core diameter size. The locations of these holes are shown in Figure 1 below.

Boreholes Z031 and Z033 successfully intersected Ni and Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation in Zones 1 and 2 respectively, while Z031 and its deflections also intersected what is interpreted as Zone 3 mineralisation. The assay results confirm the presence of thick, higher-grade Ni-Cu-PGE mineralised intervals of varying grade beneath the historical resource envelope and confirm the continuity of mineralisation in line with previous intersections along strike.

Importantly, the data provides strong evidence that the Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation in Zone 2 continues below Zone 1 and may fully extend beneath Zone 1, meaning that the area holds increased potential to host a significant Ni-Cu-PGE resource. This is shown in the cross sections in Figure 2 and Figure 3.

The boreholes also intersected Zone 3 semi-massive Ni-PGE sulphide mineralisation, further validating the presence of semi massive to massive sulphides associated with the chonolith and supporting the potential for a large, continuous magmatic system that hosts massive nickel sulphide, targets of which were identified in the recent airborne magnetic and gravity survey.

Highlights of results

Zone 2

2.27 m @ 0.27 % Ni, 0.17 % Cu, 2.27 g/t 3PGE+Au

*including 0.77 m @ 0.31 % Ni, 0.18 % Cu, 2.19 g/t 3PGE+Au (346.23 - 348.50 m; Z031D1).

4.06 m @ 0.23 % Ni, 0.14 % Cu, 1.36 g/t 3PGE+Au (342.44 - 346.50 m; Z031D0)

*including 1.56 m @ 0.30 % Ni, 0.18 % Cu, 1.72 g/t 3PGE+Au.

Zone 3

1.03 m @ 0.60 % Ni, 0.14 % Cu, 0.57 g/t 3PGE+Au (330.97 - 332.00 m; Z031D0).

0.70 m @ 0.65 % Ni, 0.40 % Cu, 0.36 g/t 3PGE+Au within 2.73 m @ 0.39 % Ni (338.53 - 341.26 m; Z031D0).

The mineralised zones remain open both along strike and at depth, and the geological model proposes that further down-dip drilling may intersect significantly higher-grade Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation. This interpretation is supported by analogous mineralisation styles and grades observed at neighbouring world-class deposits, including Ivanhoe Mines' Platreef Project and Valterra Platinum's Mogalakwena Mining Complex.

Of particular significance is the consistent intersection of semi-massive sulphide mineralisation associated with Zone 3 in the central part of the Uitloop body, where a potential chonolith structure may link the Uitloop I and II bodies. This is an exciting development, as such a chonolith could host a larger, more continuous sulphide accumulation due to its structural setting and potential to channel enriched magmatic pulses during emplacement and develop a Ni-PGE rich massive sulphide.

Figure 1: Location of the boreholes overlain on the geological map of the project area. Assay results are from the two boreholes shown in bold (Z031D0 and Z033D0), while the other labelled boreholes are included in the cross-sections shown in Figure 2 below.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7682/258523_9a1a3ef954045b55_001full.jpg

Table 1: Newly reported Assay Results from Z031 and Z032.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7682/258523_9a1a3ef954045b55_002full.jpg

*3PGE+Au equals platinum + palladium + rhodium + gold by fire assay with ICP-AES Finish;

^Total Ni assay by complete digestion, representing the silicate and sulfide portion of Ni;

Additional drilling is required to determine true thickness;

"Depth From", "Depth To" and "Sample Thickness" reported are depths from surface down the drill hole.

Figure 2: Cross-section along lines A - C demonstrating the continuity of Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation within Zone 2 beneath the Lower Uitloop body.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7682/258523_9a1a3ef954045b55_003full.jpg

Figure 3: Cross-section along lines A - B demonstrating the continuity of Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation within Zone 2 beneath the Lower Uitloop body. The central portion of the section highlights consistent intersections of semi-massive Ni-PGE mineralisation. Notably, historical boreholes Z03 and Z017 were terminated prematurely, before intersecting the full extent of the Ni-Cu-PGE mineralised package.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7682/258523_9a1a3ef954045b55_004full.jpg

Photographs of the sulphide mineralisation are shown in Figure 4, which demonstrates that the mineralising systems are working in line with the geological model and that the area holds significant potential for further Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation.

Figure 4: The photographs illustrate examples of blebby to semi-massive sulphide mineralisation intersected during the recent drilling program. (A) and (B) show coarse blebby sulphides composed of pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite from borehole Z031D0. (C) displays a semi-massive, net-textured sulphide zone dominated by the same sulphide assemblage, with an assay grade of 0.59 g/t 3PGE+Au and 1.00% Ni over a 0.56 m interval.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7682/258523_9a1a3ef954045b55_005full.jpg

The Company commented:

These results validate our geological model and confirm that Zeb Nickel has the scale and grade to become a significant critical-metal asset. With mineralisation open in multiple directions, and several exciting targets identified from the recent airborne magnetic and gravity survey, we are as excited as ever about the growth runway ahead and look forward to updating the market on further exploration plans.

About the Company and Project

Zeb Nickel Corp is focused on exploring for and developing world-class mineral deposits, with a focus on metals that are critical in the production of rechargeable batteries, such as nickel, graphite, lithium, cobalt, manganese, copper and aluminum. The Company is currently focused on developing its flagship Zeb Nickel Project, located in Limpopo, South Africa. The Zeb Nickel Project is a developing Class 1 nickel sulfide project strategically located in the Bushveld Complex in South Africa.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: interpretations of geophysical data, the potential extension and connectivity of ultramafic bodies, the existence and extent of a feeder or plumbing system, the significance of magnetic and gravity anomalies, statements regarding the potential for massive Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide mineralisation, the planned re-processing and interpretation of geophysical data, the intention to delineate drill targets in Zone 2 and Zone 3, the objective of declaring a higher-grade maiden NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource, and the broader development strategy of the Zeb Project.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions believed by management to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to: the accuracy of the Company's interpretation of geophysical and geological data, the availability of financing on reasonable terms, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely manner, the results of planned exploration activities, and assumptions regarding market conditions and commodity prices.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in commodity prices, the outcome of current and future exploration and drilling programs, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, the ability to secure financing and maintain access to capital markets, delays or inability to obtain necessary permits, approvals or licences, political and regulatory risks, environmental risks, and other risks related to mineral exploration and development.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258523

SOURCE: Zeb Nickel Corp.
Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in information, software, and services for professionals, today announced that its AI-powered CCH Tagetik Intelligent Platform has again been named Premier Leader in BPM Partners Vendor Landscape Matrix.

CCH Tagetik was further commended in the 2025 BPM Partners Vendor Landscape Matrix with a ranking of 'Outstanding' in Financial Consolidation and Customer Success and 'Excellent' in Financial Planning.

Karen Abramson, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Corporate Performance ESG said: "We are honored that CCH Tagetik has been acknowledged as a Premier Leader for the third year running. We are committed to product excellence and innovation, and last year, we launched the market's first AI-powered corporate performance management platform-the CCH Tagetik Intelligent Platform with Ask AI-and we have now evolved Ask AI to an embedded super agent. We focus on anticipating emerging market trends and responding with solutions that support customers' current and future needs across business performance and transformation, and strategic risk management."

The award-winning, AI-powered CCH Tagetik Intelligent Platform digitally transforms the Office of the CFO's efficiency, accuracy, and strategic ability. It is a unified AI-powered platform for financial performance management (financial consolidation and close; budgeting, planning, and forecasting; ESG and regulatory reporting; corporate tax).

At the heart of its continuous evolution is Ask AI-an emerging super agent that embodies Agentic AI with a Finance Brain. Designed to address finance-specific needs, Ask AI supports a growing range of use cases: from self-service analytics through natural language-driven data exploration and visualization, to tasks execution with diagnostic checks for financial close and consolidation, and intelligent assistance in configuring data transformation processes.

BPM Partners is the leading independent authority on business performance management (BPM/CPM/EPM) and related business intelligence solutions and has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms. The company helps organizations address their budgeting, planning, financial consolidation, close and reporting, regulatory compliance, profitability optimization, key performance indicator (KPI) development, and operational performance challenges.

Craig Schiff, President and CEO at BPM Partners, said: "Wolters Kluwer's high customer satisfaction scores, the comprehensive and innovative nature of its CCH Tagetik platform, and its commitment to continually investing in AI to drive the continued digital transformation of the Office of the CFO, all contribute to its third consecutive year as Premier Leader in our Vendor Landscape Matrix."

Corporate Performance Management (CPM) business unit is part of the Wolters Kluwer Corporate Performance ESG (CP ESG) division. The division is the world's leading provider of integrated software solutions for EHS, ESG, Corporate Performance Management and Audit and Assurance. Through innovative technology and unique expertise, Wolters Kluwer CP ESG enables business leaders to make informed, strategic decisions driving transformation, performance and risk management for a sustainable and resilient world.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2024 annual revenues of 5.9 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250711547857/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Sarah Whybrow

Associate Director, External Communications

Corporate Performance ESG

Wolters Kluwer

Mob: +44 7855 186713

sarah.whybrow@wolterskluwer.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - Highland Critical Minerals Corp. (CSE: HLND) ("Highland" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, through its newly incorporated and wholly owned subsidiary Highland Red Lake Gold Corp. ("Highland Red Lake" or the "Optionee"), it has entered into a property option agreement (the "Option Agreement") effective July 10, 2025 (the "Effective Date") with a third party (the "Optionor"). Under the Option Agreement, the Optionor has granted the Optionee the exclusive right to earn a 100% interest in mining claims on a property comprising approximately 3,366 hectares (the "Initial Option"), as well as a secondary option to earn a 100% interest in an adjacent 3,090-hectare property (the "2nd Option", and together with the Initial Option, the "Options"). The properties are prospective for greenstone extensions along a deep-tapping regional structure located in the northwestern extension of the prolific Red Lake Gold Camp (the "Properties"). The Options are subject to consideration and work commitments as set out in the Option Agreement.

Option Terms

In accordance with the terms of the Option Agreement, the Optionee can earn a 100% interest in each of the Properties, subject to underlying 2.0% net smelter return royalties ("NSR Royalties") on either one of the Properties if the Optionee exercises either one of the Options. As well, after the exercise of either one of the Options, and prior to the commencement of commercial production in respect of any of the Properties, the Optionee will have the right to repurchase half of the NSR Royalty from the Optionor for $800,000 and thereby reduce the rate of the royalty payable from 2.0% to 1.0%.

As consideration for the grant of the Options, the Optionee shall pay the Optionor the following cash payments:

the sum of $7,500 payable within 5 days of the Effective Date (the "Initial Cash Payment"); and the sum of $5,000 payable within 5 days of receipt by the Optionee as consideration for a recommended exploration and development report authored by the Optionor.

To exercise either one of the Options, the Optionee must make the following cash payments to the Optionor:

$80,000 to be paid within 15 months from Effective Date of which, and at the election of the Optionee, up to 25% of such payment may be made in the form of Class A Voting Common Shares in the capital of the Optionee ("Class A Shares"); and $80,000 to be paid within 24 months from Effective Date of which, and at the election of the Optionee, up to 25% of such payment may be made in the form of Class A Shares.

If the Optionee pays the payments to the Optionor in the form of both cash and Class A Shares, then

if the Class A Shares are then listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"), then the price per Class A Share will be determined with the number of Class A Share being based on a per share deemed issue price equal to the 15 day volume-weighted average price of the shares for the period of any twenty (20) consecutive trading days on the CSE ending on the date that is two business days prior to the date of issuance of the additional Class A Shares, subject to a minimum price equal to the lowest price permitted by the CSE; and if the Class A Shares are not then listed on the CSE, then the price per share will be determined based on the issue price in the Optionee's most recent financing of Class A Shares (together with the Initial Cash Payment, the "Cash Payments").

Further, the Optionee shall perform a minimum of $60,000 of Qualifying Expenditures (as that term is described by the applicable securities regulators) (the "Qualified Expenditures") on the Property described in Schedule A of the Option Agreement on or before January 21, 2026 (the "Initial Work Commitment"). In the event that the entire Initial Work Commitment is not expended by January 21, 2026, the difference between the actual spend and the $60,000 will be owed to the Optionor by the Optionee and the applicable Option will then terminate.

The 2nd Option is exercisable anytime within 24 months of the Effective Date, subject to the reservation of the NSR Royalty.

Major Crustal Structures Projected to Surface on Highland Ground Add Discovery Potential

In February 2021, the Ontario Geological Survey ("OGS") highlighted the northern extension of the Red Lake greenstone belt in its annual 'Recommendations for Exploration' (publication 1). In that report the OGS drew attention to the interpretations of seismic profile data (2,3). Collectively, these references identify two major crustal features, referred to as E1 and E2. According to the OGS, similar structures farther south are spatially associated with the Red Lake Mine trend and the LP Fault at the Dixie Project, formerly held by Great Bear Resources (now Kinross Gold Corp.), respectively. E1 and E2 may represent major deep-tapping crustal features that act as regionally significant controls on mineralizing systems within the district.

Ted Yew, CEO of Highland, stated, "The identification of both the location and significance of major crustal features by the OGS and others in this northern extension of the belt highlights the exploration potential of the region. As several third parties independent studies have pointed out (1,2,3), similar structures occur close to major gold deposits in the Red Lake Mine trend. This Option gives Highland a strategic land position in what may represent a new frontier for gold exploration in the Red Lake district, offering exposure to the underexplored E1 and E2 structural corridor."

The CSE has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

ABOUT HIGHLAND CRITICAL MINERALS CORP.

Highland is a mineral exploration and development company. Its activities consist of acquiring and exploring, mining properties to enhance shareholder value as it proceeds with the exploration work on the Church Property among other mining properties it may acquire and develop.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Richardson, P.Geo., who is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Richardson is an independent consultant to Highland Critical Minerals Corp.

For more information, please visit https://highlandcritical.com.

Referenced Sources:

1 Lewis, S.O. 2021. Deep tapping seismic structure in the Red Lake district; in Ontario Geological Survey, Resident Geologist Program, Recommendations for Exploration 2020-2021, p.9-13.

2 Zeng, Fafu and Calvert, Andrew. 2011. Imaging the upper part of the Red Lake greenstone belt, northwestern Ontario, with 3-D traveltime tomography. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v.43. p.849-863. https://doi.o rg/10.1139/e06-027.

3 Calvert, Andrew J. and Cruden, Alexander R. 2004. Seismic evidence for the preservation of the Archean Uchi granite-greenstone belt by crustal-scale extension. Tectonophysics 388 p.135-143

For more information, please visit https://highlandcritical.com

Forward Looking Statements

Management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties near Highland's may not necessarily indicate mineralization on the Company's property.

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the Company earning a 100% interest in each of the Properties; the Company will have the right to repurchase half of the NSR Royalty from the Optionor for $800,000; the Company's acquisition and exploring activities will enhance shareholder value; and the Company may acquire and develop other mining properties.

Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward- looking statements. The Company has applied several material assumptions in making such forward-looking statements, including without limitation: the Company will have the ability to earn a 100% interest in each of the Properties; the Company will have the ability to repurchase half of the NSR Royalty from the Optionor for $800,000; the Company's acquisition and exploring activities will have the ability to enhance shareholder value; and the Company will have the ability to acquire and develop other mining properties.

Forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the Company not earning a 100% interest in each of the Properties; the Company not haing the right to repurchase half of the NSR Royalty from the Optionor for $800,000; the Company's acquisition and exploring activities not enhancing shareholder value; the Company not acquiring and developing other mining properties; risks relating to the mining industry; and other risk factors discussed in the Company's long-form prospectus dated May 9, 2025. 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 securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

For more information, please contact:

Disclaimer

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the 1933 Act and any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements is available.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258566

SOURCE: Highland Critical Minerals Corp.
Strong interest from Saudi investment funds in CEL-SCI, Multikine, and potential joint venture to address the wider Middle East and North Africa market

Patient access and reimbursement/sale in Saudi Arabia within approximately 60 days following filing for Breakthrough Medicine Designation

CEL-SCI Corporation (NYSE American: CVM) today announced it has reached an agreement with one of Saudi Arabia's premier pharmaceutical and healthcare companies for a partnership that spans regulatory and commercial activities for Multikine* (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection) in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia. The formal agreement is expected to be signed with the Saudi pharmaceutical partner which will file a Breakthrough Medicine Designation application for Multikine with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) in the coming weeks. According to the SFDA, the response time to a Breakthrough Medicine Designation application is approximately 60 days. Following the granting of the Breakthrough Medicine Designation, Multikine would immediately become available for patient access and reimbursement/sale in Saudi Arabia. Several leading Saudi funds have expressed interest in investing in Multikine, CEL-SCI, and/or a potential joint venture to serve the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market.

While CEL-SCI has the option of filing for Breakthrough Medicine Designation directly, the Company made a strategic decision to collaborate with its local partner for the regulatory filing and subsequent commercial distribution in Saudi Arabia. In a prior meeting with the SFDA, the Saudi regulatory agency provided guidance and encouragement to seek breakthrough approval for Multikine in head and neck cancer. CEL-SCI and its Saudi pharma partner believe that Multikine meets all requirements for Breakthrough Medicine Designation as published by the SFDA and are now developing a comprehensive commercialization plan. This plan leverages the partner's deep expertise in the local healthcare market to rapidly take Multikine through regulatory approvals and into distribution.

"We have been directly, and through our representative, First Berlin of Germany and its local Saudi representatives, engaging with medical, regulatory and financial experts in Saudi Arabia in preparation for the regulatory filing to the SFDA. These meetings and the support of leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare and other sectors in Saudi Arabia, are critical ingredients to bringing our cancer drug to market in the Kingdom. Several meetings have also occurred with some of the most important Saudi Arabian funds that have expressed interest in investing in CEL-SCI directly or the venture between CEL-SCI and our Saudi pharma partner," stated CEL-SCI CEO, Geert Kersten.

Martin Bailey, Managing Director and Founder of First Berlin, commented, "We are seeing a significant level of interest in Multikine and CEL-SCI amongst Saudi investment and healthcare leaders. What CEL-SCI offers is exactly in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative which seeks to make the Kingdom a global biotech hub. Given the SFDA's short timeline, this is a near term opportunity for local in-country investors to help bring a much-needed cancer treatment to market while also supporting their nation's health-tech goals."

Multikine is an immunotherapy administered before surgery as a treatment for newly diagnosed previously untreated head and neck cancer. In the world's largest head and neck cancer study spanning 20 countries, Multikine increased the 5-year survival rate of the target patient population to 73% vs 45% in patients treated with standard of care alone. The 5-year risk of death was halved from 55% to 27%.

About the SFDA's Breakthrough Medicine Program

The SFDA Breakthrough Medicine Program aims to facilitate and accelerate development and review of new drugs that address unmet medical needs in the treatment of serious or life-threatening conditions in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative. The program is voluntary and based on early dialogue with drug developers to optimize development plans and speed up evaluation. The goal is to ensure that promising medicines are available as soon as it can be concluded that the medicines' benefits justify their risks.

Eligibility include having to fulfill all of the following four criteria in order to gain a Breakthrough Medicine Designation:

Target serious debilitating or life-threatening conditions with unmet medical need.

The medicinal product is likely to offer major advantage over methods currently used.

The potential adverse effects of the medicinal product are considered to be outweighed by the benefits, allowing for the reasonable expectation of a positive benefit/risk balance.

The product is not registered at any regulatory authority at the time of submission of the designation request.

About CEL-SCI Corporation

CEL-SCI believes that boosting a patient's immune system before surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have damaged it, should provide the greatest possible impact on survival. Multikine is designed to help the immune system "target" the tumor at a time when the immune system is still relatively intact and thereby thought to be better able to mount an attack on the tumor.

Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection), given right after diagnosis and before surgery, has been dosed in over 740 patients and received Orphan Drug designation from the FDA for neoadjuvant therapy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (cancer) of the head and neck.

The Company has operations in Vienna, Virginia, and near/in Baltimore, Maryland.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this press release, the words "intends," "believes," "anticipated," "plans" and "expects," and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include an inability to duplicate the clinical results demonstrated in clinical studies, timely development of any potential products that can be shown to be safe and effective, inability to receive necessary regulatory approvals, difficulties in manufacturing any of the Company's potential products, inability to raise the necessary capital, inability to finalize a partnering agreement and the risk factors set forth from time to time in CEL-SCI's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to its report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2024. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect the events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

* Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection) is the trademark that CEL-SCI has registered for this investigational therapy. This proprietary name is subject to FDA review in connection with the Company's future anticipated regulatory submission for approval. Multikine has not been licensed or approved for sale, barter or exchange by the FDA or any other regulatory agency. Similarly, its safety or efficacy has not been established for any use.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250711051288/en/

Contacts:

COMPANY CONTACT:

Gavin de Windt

CEL-SCI Corporation

(703) 506-9460
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Node.js has become a leading choice for building scalable, high-performance, and real-time applications across industries. Its asynchronous, event-driven architecture allows developers to build lightweight yet powerful backend solutions, ideal for both startups and enterprise-level systems.

Recognizing this demand, Hyperlink InfoSystem, a top global IT services provider, now offers businesses of all sizes the opportunity to hire Node.js developers, starting at just $18/hour. With a reputation for delivering innovative and cost-effective technology solutions, Hyperlink InfoSystem provides flexible hiring models to support companies looking to enhance their backend development capabilities using the power of Node.js.

"Node.js is a game-changer for real-time and scalable web development," said Harnil Oza, CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem. "By making our Node.js development service accessible to all business sizes, we aim to empower startups, SMBs, and large-scale enterprises with the same level of technical excellence and speed to market."

By choosing Hyperlink InfoSystem, clients gain access to highly skilled Node.js developers who specialize in full-stack solutions, microservices architecture, backend API development, and real-time applications. The company offers flexible engagement models, including hourly, part-time, and full-time options, to accommodate varying project needs. Clients benefit from transparent pricing with no hidden costs, rapid onboarding, and agile development practices that ensure consistent delivery. Alongside development, Hyperlink InfoSystem also provides long-term support and maintenance to ensure smooth post-launch performance.

This initiative is part of Hyperlink InfoSystem's ongoing commitment to delivering world-class technology solutions to clients globally - including businesses across United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. For more, reach out to them at info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com or visit www.hyperlinkinfosystem.com.

About Hyperlink InfoSystem

Hyperlink InfoSystem is a prominent international enterprise excelling in IT solutions in many domains. Since its humble beginnings in 2011, its specialization in technologies has expanded across web development, mobile app development, enterprise software solutions, and now Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 1200+ employees and a global presence in the USA, UK, UAE, France, India, and Canada, Hyperlink InfoSystem is dedicated to assisting corporations to leverage the complete power of technology to accomplish their goals.

Contact Details:

Hyperlink InfoSystem

Harnil Oza

+1-309-791-4105

info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com

New York Address:

One World Trade Center

285 Fulton Street suite 8500,

New York, NY 10007,

United States

Ahmedabad Address:

C-308, Ganesh Meridian,

Opp Kargil Petrol Pump, S.G. Highway,

Sola, Ahmedabad, 380061

India

London Address:

Level 30, The Leadenhall Building,

122 Leadenhall Street,

London EC3V 4AB

Canada Address:

151 Yonge Street, 11th Floor,

Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W7,

Canada

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2712637/Hyperlink_InfoSystem_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hire-nodejs-developers-from-hyperlink-infosystem--now-available-for-all-business-sizes-302503223.html
Eastern Cape Marks One Month Since Deadly Floods

Thirty days after the devastating floods that hit Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, the affected residents are still struggling to recover, reports SABC News. On the 10th of June, some areas of Slovo Park and Decoligny in the Mthatha West area were submerged under water. Many survivors are still searching for their missing loved ones and requesting assistance from the government, while others mourn the loss of their families and homes, struggling to envision life without shelter. Students who clung to trees for survival recall harrowing moments when classmates were swept away. Several civil society groups have rallied to support grieving families, recognizing both the psychological impact and the uncertainty still looming over the community.

Cape Town Teen Among Three Arrested for Gun Possession

Police in Cape Town made several gun-related arrests during a search in Woodlands by the Anti-Gang Unit, reports EWN. A 14-year-old boy, who police say is affiliated with a gang, was arrested for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. In Elsies River, a 40-year-old man and a 19-year-old man were also arrested for possession of firearms and ammunition, with the younger suspect found carrying a .38 Special revolver and six rounds. All suspects are expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrates Court once formally charged.

Farmers, Taxi Groups Protest Over Deadly Free State Road

The Free State government has said that it lacks the funds to fully repair the dilapidated R708 road between Marquard and Clocolan, reports SABC News. Frustrated with the government, farmers and taxi operators say the road has become a death trap. Chairperson of the Legislature Committee on Roads and Transport, David van Vuuren, said that while the project requires R250 million, only R50 million is available this financial year. The road's poor state has disrupted taxi operations for over six months and made it nearly impossible for farmers to transport goods, forcing them to take costly detours. Protesting the delays, farmers and taxi operators recently barricaded the road to pressure authorities into action. Despite the financial shortfall, the Department of Roads and Transport says the R708 remains a priority and that construction is expected to begin by mid-July.

More South African news
The "Finland Cement Industry Market Size Forecast by Value and Volume Across 80+ Market Segments by Cement Products, Distribution Channel, Market Share, Import Export, End Markets Databook Q2 2025 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The cement market in Finland is expected to grow by 6.7% annually to reach US$445.5 million in 2025. The cement market in Finland recorded strong growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 7.2%. Growth momentum is expected to remain positive, with the market projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.3% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the cement market is projected to expand from its 2024 value of US$417.5 million to approximately US$568.9 million.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the cement industry in Finland, covering market opportunities and analysis across a range of the cement domains. With over 80+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of the cement market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.

Reasons to buy

Access Comprehensive, Segment-Level Market Data: Leverage granular datasets covering cement demand, production, trade flows, and pricing, segmented by product type, end-use sector, and distribution channel.

Leverage granular datasets covering cement demand, production, trade flows, and pricing, segmented by product type, end-use sector, and distribution channel. Track Growth Across Residential, Commercial, and Infrastructure Segments: Understand how cement consumption varies by construction type and quantify demand shifts driven by policy, urbanization, and investment trends.

Understand how cement consumption varies by construction type and quantify demand shifts driven by policy, urbanization, and investment trends. Benchmark Market Performance and Forecasts: Utilize historical data and forward-looking projections to compare performance across countries, regions, and cement categories.

Utilize historical data and forward-looking projections to compare performance across countries, regions, and cement categories. Identify Market-Specific Risks and Opportunities: Analyze localized demand drivers, cost structures, and trade dependencies to inform investment, sourcing, and pricing strategies.

Analyze localized demand drivers, cost structures, and trade dependencies to inform investment, sourcing, and pricing strategies. Support Strategic Planning with Structured, Reliable Insights: Use standardized data frameworks and comparable KPIs to support executive-level decision-making across commercial, operational, and financial functions.

Report Scope

This report provides a data-rich, forward-looking analysis of cement industry, covering market size, pricing trends, production, consumption, and segment-level performance from 2020 to 2029. It examines cement demand across key residential, non-residential, and infrastructure sectors alongside granular segmentation by cement type, distribution channel, end-user profile, and city tier.

Finland Cement Industry Overview

Cement Production KPIs: Volume and Value

Cement Consumption KPIs: Volume and Value

Average Cement Price Trends: Tracked at overall and cement-type level

Finland Cement Market by Type of Cement

Portland Cement

Blended Cement

Specialty Cement

Green Cement

Blended Cement Market by Subtypes of Cement

Type IS(X) Portland-Slag Cement

Type IP(X) Portland-Pozzolan Cement

IL(X) Portland-Limestone Cement

Type IT Ternary Blended Cement

Specialty Cement Cement Market by Subtypes of Cement

Rapid Hardening Cement

High Alumina Cement

White Cement

Sulfate-Resistant Cement

Other Niche Specialty Cements

Finland Cement Market by Key Sector

Residential Construction

Multi-Family Housing

Single-Family Housing

Non-Residential Construction

Commercial Buildings:

Office Buildings

Retail Spaces

Hospitality Facilities

Restaurants

Sports Complexes

Other Commercial Properties

Industrial Buildings:

Manufacturing Units

Chemical Pharmaceutical Facilities

Metal and Material Processing Plants

Institutional Buildings:

Healthcare Facilities

Educational Institutions

Other Institutional Structures

Infrastructure Other Construction

Finland Cement Market by Distribution Channel

Direct Distribution (B2B Sales)

Indirect Distribution (Retailers, Dealers)

Finland Cement Market by End-User

Ready-Mix Concrete Producers

Concrete Product Manufacturers

Individual Consumers (Self-use)

Other Industrial/Commercial Users

Finland Cement Market by Location Tier

Tier-I Cities

Tier-II Cities

Tier-III Cities

Finland Cement Trade Dynamics

Key Export Destinations

Key Import Sources

Competitive Landscape: Finland Cement Market

Market Share Analysis of Key Players

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tzviqa

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250711850940/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Multiple New Luxury Waterfront Homes are near Completion in Florida

BRADENTON, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Multiple Luxury Canal-Front Homes are Near Completion

ASC Global Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Token Communities ( OTC ID / Stock Symbol:TKCM ) , a luxury waterfront real estate development company in Florida, is pleased to announce multiple new waterfront luxury homes are getting ready to be listed with its local Coldwell Bankers realtors.

According to Mr. David Champ, the President & CEO of the company, the first group of new construction homes located in Northport ( Sarasota County ) and Port Charlotte ( Charlotte County ) are gradually being completed at the moment. These new homes are all canal-front luxury single family homes with 4 bedrooms, 1 flex room ( can be used as the 5th bedroom ), 2.5 car garage, large play room and sun deck balcony on the second floor with great view of the boat dock and canal. All these new homes are within just one block away from the open water, with direct access to the Gulf of America. This model is called " Summit ", approximately 3,600. Sq.ft of interior space, sitting on 10,000. - 20,000. Sq.ft of land. The proposed sales price for these new construction homes are currently ranged from $ 1,350,000. to $ 1,900,000. as the listing prices.

The company is now an OTC-ID listed company starting July 1st this year, and the management has been working aggressively on the APOZ ( Asia Pacific Opportunity Zone ) project in Chambers County, Texas. Another DRC ( Development Review ) web meeting took place this morning with all the related county agencies and departments, a detailed Master Planned Development architectural design plan is now being prepared for the final review and approval.

For any Further Information or assistance, please call David at (631) 397-1111

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this presentation contains "forward-looking information", including "future-oriented financial information" and "financial outlook", under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company's business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company's projects; (vi) completion of the Company's projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vi) renewal of the Company's current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (vii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Token Communities Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/new-waterfront-homes-are-ready-for-sale-1047744
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Subaru of America, Inc. has once again reaffirmed its commitment to the Camden community with a generous $30,000 donation to The Cooper Foundation. Now in its fourth consecutive year, this support-part of the automaker's Subaru Loves to Care initiative-helps eliminate barriers to care by providing durable medical equipment and reliable roundtrip transportation for patients served by Cooper University Health Care.

The funding directly supports patients in Camden with medical equipment often not covered by insurance, such as blood pressure monitors, glucometers, scales, wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. These tools empower patients, especially those with chronic conditions, to manage their health safely at home and reduce avoidable hospital visits.

In 2024 alone, this partnership served 402 Camden residents, delivering 24,780 individual pieces of medical equipment and 990 transportation rides to 230 patients. The program reached patients through trusted Cooper programs and clinics, including the Urban Health Institute, the Cooper Rowan Clinic for uninsured residents, the Center for Population Health, the Maternal/Infant Unit, OB-GYN Triage, and Cooper's Transitional Care and resident-run clinics.

"Our work simply wouldn't be possible without corporate champions like Subaru," said Philip A. Norcross, Esq., chairman of The Cooper Foundation Board. "This grant will remove real-world obstacles for many of our most vulnerable patients. We're proud to continue building a shared vision for a healthier Camden-together."

"Subaru is not just a corporate partner, but a true neighbor demonstrating care for the Camden community," said Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care. "Their consistent support directly strengthens the health and well-being of Camden residents."

"Subaru's support helps us provide essential medical care beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics to meet patients where they are, ensuring they get the care they need when they need it," added Kevin M. O'Dowd, JD, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care.

"At Subaru, we believe in showing up for our hometown," said Erica McLeod, corporate social responsibility manager, Subaru of America, Inc. "The Subaru Loves to Care initiative is about making a real difference, and this partnership with Cooper puts that promise into action by directly impacting people's lives right here in Camden."

Over the years, Subaru of America, Inc. has supported numerous Cooper initiatives, including the donation of four emergency vehicles to Cooper EMS, contributions to the Children's Regional Hospital at Cooper, and longtime sponsorship of The Cooper Foundation's Pink Roses & Teal Magnolias event for women's cancer programs.

###

About The Cooper Foundation

The Cooper Foundation supports the patients, services, research and educational programs of Cooper University Health Care, one of the largest health systems in southern New Jersey. By partnering with the community, we help Cooper thrive and do more for the people of South Jersey. Generosity allows Cooper to deliver research that leads to cures, growth and development that transforms communities and care that goes beyond the ordinary for patients and their families.

Learn more by following The Cooper Foundation on social media

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  X  TikTok  YouTube  Flickr  foundation.cooperhealth.org

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

Diane Anton

Corporate Communications Manager

(856) 488-5093

danton@subaru.com

Adam Leiter

Corporate Communications Specialist

(856) 488-8668

aleiter@subaru.com

Subaru Loves to Care Initiative Donation of $30,000 to The Cooper Foundation Will Help Camden-Based Patients for Fourth Year in a Row

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Subaru of America on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Subaru of America

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/subaru-america-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Subaru of America

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/subaru-loves-to-carer-initiative-donation-of-30-000-to-the-cooper-foun-1047909
Bath, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - LandView Services is pleased to announce the launch of its newly designed interactive website, aimed at enhancing the customer service experience for both residential and commercial clients. This digital enhancement marks a significant step forward for the Lehigh Valley landscaping company, underscoring its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the landscaping industry.

The new website features an intuitive, user-friendly design that enables visitors to easily navigate a wide range of landscaping services, including lawn care, hardscaping, tree care, and snow removal. With an emphasis on accessibility and speed, the website is optimized for use across all devices, ensuring that users can connect with LandView Services at any time and from anywhere, whether on a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone.





LandView Services is pleased to announce the launch of its newly designed interactive website

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/258519_77af22bae4523b05_001full.jpg

This website launch reflects LandView Services' dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends and ensuring that clients have access to the most convenient tools available. It is a critical part of the company's ongoing efforts to enhance customer satisfaction by offering a seamless and efficient way for clients to learn about services, request quotes, schedule consultations, or view their Yelp profile.



In addition to improving accessibility, the website features enhanced functionality, allowing customers to fill out contact forms and interact with the company more efficiently. With a focus on reducing wait times that are often common in the landscaping industry, the new platform streamlines communication, enabling clients to connect directly with the LandView Services team for quick responses.





This website launch reflects LandView Services' dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/258519_77af22bae4523b05_002full.jpg

As part of a broader initiative to innovate and improve client relationships, the launch of this website is expected to contribute to the company's continued growth. LandView Services aims to leverage digital solutions to expand its reach and further support its strategic goals, including educating property owners on the benefits of quality outdoor living spaces and fostering partnerships with other local businesses.



Looking ahead, LandView Services plans to build on this digital foundation by incorporating additional features and content to further enhance the user experience. The company is committed to providing high-quality landscaping solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each client, while ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of its operations.



With a continued focus on quality and innovation, LandView Services looks forward to serving residential and commercial clients through this enhanced online platform and delivering outstanding lawn, landscaping, tree service and snow removal solutions for years to come.

About LandView Services:

Since its inception in 2022, LandView Services has established itself as a landscaping company focused on comprehensive property solutions for residential and commercial clients. The team brings experience and expertise to offer meticulous lawn care, creative landscaping designs and custom hardscapes that can withstand Pennsylvania's weather conditions to go along with tree and snow removal services to keep properties safe and accessible.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258519

SOURCE: GetFeatured
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Telecom Cloud Market size will grow to USD 56,005.8 million by 2030 from USD 22,261.8 million in 2025, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3% during 2025-2030, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Telecom Cloud Market"

230 - Tables

50 - Figures

300 - Pages

Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=72237103

Scope of the Report

Report Metrics Details Market size available for the years 2020-2030 Base year considered 2024 Forecast period 2025-2030 Forecast units Value (USD) Million Segments covered By Component (Platform, Solutions, Services), By Deployment Model (Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud), By Cloud Service Model (Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, Software as a Service), by NFV Software (VNFs/CNFs, NFVI) Region covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America Companies covered AWS (US), Microsoft (US), IBM (US), Broadcom (US), Oracle (US), Intellias (Ukraine), Nokia (Finland), Ericsson (Sweden), Huawei (China), ZTE (China), Juniper (US), Cisco (US), Amdocs (US), Virtusa (US), Mavenir (US), ACL Digital (US), Alibaba Cloud (China), Robin.IO (US), NFWare (US), Telenity (Turkey), Inmanta (Belgium), and UK Cloud Communications (UK)

The Telecom Cloud Market is transforming global communications infrastructure by enabling telecom operators to virtualize, scale, and optimize network operations through cloud-native technologies. These solutions support critical functions such as core network deployment, radio access management, and edge service delivery, replacing legacy hardware with flexible, software-defined architectures. Powered by VMware Cloud Foundation, AWS Wavelength, and Microsoft Azure for Operators, the telecom cloud leverages network function virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN), edge computing, and AI-driven automation. These components enable real-time orchestration, dynamic resource allocation, and improved service agility across multi-vendor, hybrid environments.

Market growth is driven by the widespread deployment of 5G, increasing demand for low-latency applications, and the rising need for cost-efficient, scalable network infrastructure. The telecommunications, manufacturing, and autonomous mobility industries are adopting telecom cloud solutions to support real-time data processing, ultra-reliable connectivity, and next-generation use cases. As telecom operators accelerate digital transformation, the telecom cloud is emerging as foundational infrastructure for multi-access edge computing, Open RAN, and cloud-native 5G cores. These platforms enhance operational flexibility, ensure compliance with data sovereignty requirements, and enable AI-powered network optimization, positioning the Telecom Cloud Market as a central pillar in the future of digital communications.

Request Sample Pages@https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=72237103

Platforms component segment is estimated to account for the largest market share during the forecast period

The platform segment of the Telecom Cloud Market, encompassing cloud infrastructure and virtualization platforms such as VMware Cloud Foundation, AWS Outposts, and Microsoft Azure for Operators, is expected to capture the largest market share during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the segment's pivotal role in enabling next-generation network transformation, particularly through support for 5G, edge computing, and network function virtualization (NFV).

Telecom operators are increasingly deploying cloud-native platforms to achieve scalability, reduce latency, and optimize operational costs. These platforms provide the essential foundation for deploying virtualized core and RAN workloads, offering interoperability and flexibility in multi-vendor, hybrid environments. Strategic alliances such as Broadcom-VMware's partnership with Deutsche Telekom and AWS's collaboration with Nokia are further accelerating adoption by delivering secure, telecom-optimized infrastructure solutions. Furthermore, increasing regulatory emphasis on data sovereignty, along with the industry's move toward Open RAN architectures, is boosting demand for strong, flexible platform solutions. As operators prioritize agility and long-term cost efficiency, the platform component is set to remain at the forefront of the telecom cloud ecosystem throughout the forecast period.

Public cloud model of deployment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period

The public cloud deployment model is estimated to dominate the Telecom Cloud Market share during the forecast period due to its unparalleled scalability, cost-effectiveness, and support for innovative telecom services. Public cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud enable telecom operators to deploy virtualized network functions (VNFs) and cloud-native 5G and IoT applications efficiently, minimizing infrastructure costs. A key development driving this trend is the launch of Nokia's Cloud RAN-as-a-Service on AWS, which streamlines 5G network deployments by leveraging public cloud elasticity. These platforms offer global accessibility, advanced AI/ML tools, and robust security, meeting stringent regulatory requirements. The adoption of Open RAN 2.0, announced by the O-RAN Alliance, further accelerates public cloud use by promoting interoperable, software-defined networks, enabling operators to deliver agile, high-performance services and maintain a competitive edge.

Inquire Before Buying@https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=72237103

North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.

North America is projected to hold the largest share of the Telecom Cloud Market during the forecast period, driven by its advanced technological infrastructure, widespread 5G deployment, and a supportive regulatory framework. The region's high demand for low-latency applications, including augmented reality, autonomous systems, and industrial IoT, is accelerating the adoption of robust cloud-native telecom networks. Key drivers include a strong push toward network virtualization, fueled by the adoption of scalable public and hybrid cloud solutions by major telecom operators. In line with this, the U.S. Department of Commerce launched the NextGen Telecom Initiative, offering incentives for cloud-based 5G infrastructure to improve nationwide connectivity.

Similarly, Canada's CRTC introduced policies in 2025 to expedite edge cloud deployments, particularly to support smart city projects and IoT-driven ecosystems. Strategic partnerships, such as Verizon's collaboration with Google Cloud to deploy Anthos for telecom workloads, further enhance the region's capability to optimize operations and innovate rapidly. With strong leadership in AI-driven network automation and a robust vendor ecosystem, North America is well-positioned to sustain its dominance in the global Telecom Cloud Market throughout the forecast period.

Top Key Companies in Telecom Cloud Market:

The major vendors covered in the Telecom Cloud Market are AWS (US), Microsoft (US), Google (US), IBM (US), Broadcom (US), Oracle (US), Intellias (Ukraine), Nokia (Finland), Ericsson (Sweden), and Huawei (China). These players have incorporated various organic and inorganic growth strategies, including collaborations, acquisitions, product launches, partnerships, agreements, and expansions to strengthen their international footprint and capture a greater market share. These organic and inorganic strategies have allowed the market players to expand across geographies by offering telecom cloud solutions.

Browse Adjacent Markets: Mobility and Telecom Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Indoor 5G Market - Global Forecast to 2030

Smart Transportation Market - Global Forecast to 2029

6G Market - Global Forecast to 2035

5G Services Market - Global Forecast to 2029

5G NTN Market - Global Forecast to 2029

Get access to the latest updates on Telecom Cloud Companies and Telecom Cloud Industry

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report.

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe.

Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook .

Contact:

Mr. Rohan Salgarkar

MarketsandMarkets INC.

1615 South Congress Ave.

Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com

Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/telecom-cloud-market-worth-56-005-8-million-by-2030--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302503144.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - Stephanie Gauthier, Executive Director, Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids, along with team members from Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids , joined Calgary TMX staff to open the market.





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmXw89EJ_80

Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids (BB4CK) is a non-profit organization that has worked for over 30 years to ensure kids in Calgary have access to food. The BB4CK community includes dedicated volunteers, parents, school staff and donors who help to connect kids to food. With community kitchens and hundreds of volunteers assembling lunches for thousands of kids every day, the team is committed to removing barriers to food in a dignified way for any child who arrives at school without enough food in their lunch.

The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates western heritage, cultures and community spirit. Supported by over 2,500 passionate volunteers, their year-round events, programs and initiatives invest in youth, support agricultural programs, celebrate western culture and make a lasting economic impact in their city. The Calgary Stampede takes place from July 4-13, 2025 in Calgary, Alberta.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258570

SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange
The "Ireland Recommerce Market Intelligence Databook 60+ KPIs, Market Size, Share Forecast by Channel, Category Consumer Segment Q2 2025 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The recommerce market in Ireland is forecasted to experience substantial growth, with an annual increase of 16.4%, ultimately reaching US$1.34 billion by 2025. This remarkable progress follows a robust growth period from 2020 to 2024, during which the market achieved a CAGR of 19.6%. Moving forward, the market is anticipated to continue its upward trajectory with a projected CAGR of 13.7% over the period of 2025-2029. By 2029, the market is expected to significantly grow to approximately USD 2.25 billion from its 2024 valuation of USD 1.15 billion.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the recommerce market in Ireland, covering market opportunities and risks across consumer segments (peer-to-peer and business-led resale); product categories; sales channels; and resale formats. With over 60+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of recommerce market dynamics.

It offers a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics in the recommerce market, segmented by recommerce channels (C2C, B2C, trade-in programs), sales models (resale, rental, refurbishment), platform types (generalist and vertical-specific), digital engagement (app, website, social media), and retail categories (electronics, apparel, home goods, and more). In addition, it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour, device usage, payment preferences, and city-level penetration across Tier 1 to Tier 3 cities.

Reasons to buy

Market Insights for Growth and Innovation: Navigate the future direction of the recommerce market by understanding business models adopted by key players including resale, refurbishment, and rental formats. Leverage market share estimates to assess innovation, positioning, and growth opportunities.

Navigate the future direction of the recommerce market by understanding business models adopted by key players including resale, refurbishment, and rental formats. Leverage market share estimates to assess innovation, positioning, and growth opportunities. In-depth Understanding of Recommerce Market Dynamics: Gain a detailed view of market structure and growth trends across core sectors such as retail shopping, automotive, and home improvement. Understand key drivers shaping recommerce adoption through 2029.

Gain a detailed view of market structure and growth trends across core sectors such as retail shopping, automotive, and home improvement. Understand key drivers shaping recommerce adoption through 2029. Value and Volume KPIs for Market Sizing: Utilize gross merchandise value (GMV), transaction volume, and average transaction value at the national level to quantify the overall market opportunity with precision.

Utilize gross merchandise value (GMV), transaction volume, and average transaction value at the national level to quantify the overall market opportunity with precision. Competitive Landscape and Market Share Intelligence : Benchmark against leading recommerce players using market share data across categories and channels. Inform strategic decisions by understanding the current and emerging competitive landscape.

: Benchmark against leading recommerce players using market share data across categories and channels. Inform strategic decisions by understanding the current and emerging competitive landscape. Channel-Level and Digital Engagement Insights: Identify high-growth channels including C2C, B2C, and retailer-led trade-in programs. Track consumer activity across app, web, and social platforms to align digital strategies with behavior.

Identify high-growth channels including C2C, B2C, and retailer-led trade-in programs. Track consumer activity across app, web, and social platforms to align digital strategies with behavior. Consumer Segmentation and Demand Patterns: Target growth opportunities by analyzing consumer behavior segmented by age group, income level, gender, and city tier. Adapt business models to evolving spending dynamics and platform preferences.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 83 Forecast Period 2025 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $1.34 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $2.25 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.7% Regions Covered Ireland

Report Scope

This report offers a comprehensive, data-centric analysis of the recommerce market in Ireland, supported by 40+ tables and 55+ charts. The databook provides detailed forecasts and key performance indicators across transaction value, volume, and market share trends from 2020 to 2029. Below is a summary of the key market segments covered:

Ireland Recommerce Market Size and Growth Dynamics

Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) Trend Analysis

Average Transaction Value Trend Analysis

Transaction Volume Trend Analysis

Ireland Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Sector

Retail Shopping

Home Improvement

Other Sectors

Ireland Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Retail Category

Apparel Accessories

Consumer Electronics

Home Appliances

Home Decor Essentials

Books, Toys Hobbies

Automotive Parts Accessories

Sports Fitness Equipment

Other Product Categories

Ireland Recommerce by Channel

Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)

Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

Retailer Trade-In Buyback Programs

Ireland Recommerce by Sales Model

Resale

Rental

Refurbishment Certified Pre-Owned

Ireland Recommerce by Digital Engagement Channel

Website-Based Resale

App-Based Resale

Social Media Driven Resale

Ireland Recommerce by Platform Type

Generalist Marketplaces

Vertical-Specific Platforms

Ireland Recommerce by Device and OS

Mobile vs Desktop

Android, iOS

Ireland Recommerce by City Tier

Tier 1 Cities

Tier 2 Cities

Tier 3 Cities

Ireland Recommerce by Payment Instrument

Credit Card

Debit Card

Bank Transfer

Prepaid Card

Digital Mobile Wallets

Other Digital Payments

Cash

Ireland Recommerce Market Share Analysis

Market Share by Key Players

Competitive Landscape Overview

Ireland Recommerce by Consumer Demographics

Market Share by Age Group

Market Share by Income Level

Market Share by Gender

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ejf73l

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250711213661/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Children of divorce can apply for $2,500 to dedicate toward their college education.

HAMDEN, CT / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Happy Even After Family Law wants to offer financial assistance to a student who has undergone the stress of parental divorce. The new From Conflict to Growth Scholarship promises $2,500 to a student who has overcome the challenges of parental divorce.

The Happy Even After Family Law team invites undergraduate and graduate students from accredited United States colleges, universities, and graduate schools to compose essays of up to 1,000 words discussing:

Their experience with divorce

The most difficult elements of that transition

How they coped with the sudden change and the emotions that came with it

What lessons in resilience they learned as a result

Students have until November 30, 2025, to complete their essays and submit them for the team's consideration.

The team wants to read original and heartfelt stories from students who've struggled with the complexities of parental divorce. As such, the team asks that students refrain from using AI to generate their essays. The inappropriate use of AI will see a student's essay removed from the applicant pool.

Happy Even After Family Law also wants to note that its scholarship deadline is firm. Students must submit completed essays along with all other application materials by November 30, 2025. The team will not accept late or incomplete applications. Once the deadline passes, the team reserves up to three months to select its scholarship winner.

Please do not reach out to Happy Even After Family Law with questions about the status of a student's application. The team cannot provide families or students with updates. Instead, the team encourages applicants to keep an eye on the Happy Even After Family Law website for updates about this year's scholarship winner.

Students interested in applying for the From Conflict to Growth Scholarship can visit Happy Even After Family Law's terms and conditions page to learn more about the scholarship's eligibility criteria. The team looks forward to reading students' scholarship essays soon.

About Happy Even After Family Law

The Happy Even After Family Law team understands that families undergoing divorce are going through one of the most challenging ordeals they'll face in their lifetime. That's why Happy Even After Family Law After wants to make sure that today's divorcees have the opportunity to work with tried-and-tested divorce lawyers.

Happy Even After Family Law puts divorcees in touch with experienced Connecticut divorce lawyers who can tackle individual cases with compassion and care. The firm has supported thousands of clients on their journey to independent life and believes that divorce can be beautiful when divorcees have the right support.

Anyone in need of legal guidance ahead of upcoming divorce proceedings can contact Happy Even After Family Law for a case consultation .

SOURCE: Happy Even After

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/happy-even-after-family-law-announces-the-from-conflict-to-growt-1041105
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - Tsodilo Resources Limited (TSXV: TSD) (OTCQB: TSDRF) (FSE: TZO) is pleased to announce that:

The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) proudly welcomes the recent strong show of support from Tsodilo Resources for Namibia's ongoing railway infrastructure upgrades and expansion plans. The developments, particularly the rehabilitation of the Walvis Bay-Tsumeb railway line and the planned extension from Grootfontein to Katima Mulilo under the Trans-Zambezi Railway initiative, are critical to strengthening Namibia's position as the preferred trade route for southern Africa.

Tsodilo Resources Ltd, a Botswana-based mineral exploration company, has expressed interest in using the Walvis Bay Corridors to export its high-grade iron ore. The company has plans to construct a rail link in Botswana that will connect via Divundu, further emphasizing the strategic importance of the Grootfontein- Katima Mulilo expansion.

"The upgrade of the Walvis Bay-Tsumeb railway line is incredibly positive and it will enable us to handle shipments of over 20 million tonnes per year of high-grade iron (+67%) product to Walvis Bay. We have been engaging Namibia's Ministry of Works and Transport, TransNamib and WBCG in evaluating various transport routes for our products, including Walvis Bay and the future port facility in the vicinity of Cape Fria in the Kunene region," stated James Bruchs, Chief Executive Officer of Tsodilo Resources, in a recent press release.

Furthermore, he added that connecting through either Divundu or Katima Mulilo provides Namibia and southern Africa, with a world-class logistics hub linkage to international markets.

Mbahupu H. Tjivikua, WBCG's Chief Executive Officer, noted that Tsodilo Resources' commitment aligns with Namibia's national development agenda of becoming the Logistics Hub for southern Africa. "We continue to champion regional integration through advocating for improved infrastructure. The collaboration with Tsodilo Resources is a positive step toward unlocking the full potential of the Walvis Bay Corridors. This project supports our broader vision of facilitating the smooth flow of trade through strategic partnerships.

In support of Tsodilo Resources project, WBCG is facilitating a stakeholder workshop that will include Tsodilo Resources, TransNamib, Namport and the Ministries of Works and Transport of both Namibia and Botswana. The workshop will address supply chain coordination and infrastructure solutions to support the propose rail developments.

Issue by: Maria Paulus Manager: Marketing & Communications | Walvis Bay Corridor Group

T. +264 61 251669 | C. +264 81 20 89987 | E. maria@wbcg.com.na |

W. www.wbcg.com.na

About Tsodilo Resources Limited

Tsodilo Resources Limited is an international resource exploration company engaged in the search for economic metal deposits at its Gcwihaba Resources (Pty) Limited ("Gcwihaba") projects in Botswana. The Company has a 100% stake in its Gcwihaba project area consisting of five metal (base, precious, platinum group, and rare earth) prospecting licenses all located in the North-West district of Botswana.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements pertaining to the use of proceeds, the impact of strategic partnerships and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals) are forward- looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward- looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, changes in equity markets, changes in general economic conditions, market volatility, political developments in Botswana and surrounding countries, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, exploration and development risks, the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration results and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration business. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, uncertainties relating to availability and cost of funds, timing and content of work programs, results of exploration activities, interpretation of drilling results and other geological data, risks relating to variations in the diamond grade and kimberlite lithologies; variations in rates of recovery and breakage; estimates of grade and quality of diamonds, variations in diamond valuations and future diamond prices; the state of world diamond markets, reliability of mineral property titles, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required project approvals, operational and infrastructure risk and other risks involved in the diamond exploration and development business. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward- looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to their inherent uncertainty.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258569

SOURCE: Tsodilo Resources Limited
UNAIDS Warns Funding Collapse Puts Decades of HIV Progress at Risk

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has warned that decades of progress in addressing AIDS are at risk after a funding collapse in 2025. According to the UNAIDS report, funding cuts - caused by abrupt and massive cuts from international donors - are already destroying frontline services, disrupting lifesaving treatments and putting countless lives at risk in the world's most vulnerable communities. There has been a drop of 40% in new HIV infections and a decline of 56% in AIDS-related deaths since 2010, but these achievements are now at risk. According to UNAIDS, if the world does not act, there will be six million new HIV infections and four million more deaths due to AIDS by 2029. UNAIDS also reports a rising number of countries criminalizing populations most at risk of HIV, raising stigma and worsening gender-based violence and non-consensual sex, two of the highest HIV risk-enhancing behaviors. The report showed the primary groups who lacked care were child HIV infections and young women, which is likely related to government campaigns "attacking HIV-related human rights, including for public health, with girls, women and people from key populations."

Uganda Reopens Key Borders with DR Congo After Four Years

Uganda has opened its border points with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at Bunagana and Mupaka after being closed for four years. The border posts were closed in late January after M23 rebels captured Goma, the capital of the DRC's North Kivu Province. Ugandan Chief of Defense Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba instructed all military commanders along the shared border to allow people to move freely and conduct business. Many key border posts are located within or adjacent to M23-held territory, including Bunagana, which lies directly on the border with Uganda and serves as a vital economic backbone. The closure of border points such as Bunagana and Ishasha had severely disrupted local economies on both sides.

Nigeria Rejects U.S. Visa Claim, Says 5-Year Visas for Americans Still Valid

The Nigerian presidency criticized the recent U.S. decision to reduce visa validity for Nigerians, saying that Nigeria has not suspended the five-year multiple-entry visa option for U.S. citizens. This comes after the U.S. announced that Nigerians applying for non-immigrant visas will now only get single-entry three-month visas instead of a two-year visa validity with multiple entries. According to the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, this was to reciprocate Nigeria's visa policy for Americans. The presidency explained that the newly introduced 90-day single-entry policy applied only to electronic visas (e-visas), a fast-track option for tourists and business travelers, replacing the outdated visa-on-arrival system. The presidency described claims of reciprocity as inaccurate and labeled reports of a broader visa restriction as "misinformation and fake news," reaffirming its commitment to existing bilateral agreements.

Four Billionaires Hold More Wealth Than Half of Africa, Oxfam Warns

A new Oxfam report titled Africa's Inequality Crisis and the Rise of the Super-Rich has revealed that just four African billionaires now hold more wealth than half the continent's population. Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, South Africans Johann Rupert and Nicky Oppenheimer, and Egyptian businessman Nassef Sawiris control a combined $57.4 billion. According to the report, this staggering concentration of wealth is indicative of a growing level of inequality across the continent. Since 2000, the number of African billionaires has grown from zero to 23, while the richest 5% now hold nearly $4 trillion, twice the combined wealth of the remaining 95%. Oxfam reports that almost 850 million Africans are now moderately or severely food insecure, an increase of 20 million since 2022. The report warns that without decisive action to tax the super-rich and invest in the majority, Africa risks perpetuating instability and economic hardship for decades to come.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Business Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Human Rights Court Rules South Africa's Caster Semenya Was Denied Fair Trial

Caster Semenya secured a partial legal victory after the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that her right to a fair hearing was violated by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in 2020, when it dismissed her appeal against World Athletics' regulations on testosterone levels. This comes after Semenya challenged a rule forcing her to lower her testosterone levels to be able to compete as a woman. The South African double Olympic 800m champion was born with a rare condition called differences in sexual development (DSD). She has the "46 XY" chromosome, usually found in men, and naturally high testosterone levels. The ECHR's Grand Chamber found that the Swiss court failed to meet the required legal standards under the right to a fair trial, although other complaints related to discrimination and privacy were deemed inadmissible. Semenya has welcomed the ruling saying it marks a significant step in protecting the rights of athletes.
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 360Quadrants has released its latest Data Acquisition System Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025, recognizing key players, including both global giants and emerging innovators, for their excellence in market presence, product innovation, and business strategy. The report highlights DataPelago, Logic Fruit Technologies, StrainSense, and Theta Measurement and Control Solutions Pvt Ltd., among the top companies that are actively shaping the future of the Data Acquisition System Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment.

The evaluation leverages 360Quadrants' proprietary methodology to map competitive positioning across 7,000+ micro markets within 10+ industries, enabling decision-makers to make strategic, data-backed vendor choices.

Company Highlights in the Data Acquisition System Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment:

StrainSense was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Milton Keynes, UK. The company is a specialist provider of sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems. With over two decades of experience, the company delivers tailored sensing solutions-ranging from off-the-shelf modules to bespoke systems-for demanding industries like automotive, aerospace, rail, subsea, and military applications.

was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Milton Keynes, UK. The company is a specialist provider of sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems. With over two decades of experience, the company delivers tailored sensing solutions-ranging from off-the-shelf modules to bespoke systems-for demanding industries like automotive, aerospace, rail, subsea, and military applications. Theta Measurement and Control Solutions Pvt. Ltd., commonly known as Theta Controls, is an Indian company specializing in advanced test, measurement, and control systems. Based in Pune, Maharashtra, Theta Controls has established itself as a key player in the Data Acquisition Systems (DAQ) and real-time control segments, serving industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, academic research, and industrial automation. The company has developed a strong portfolio of customized and modular DAQ solutions, leveraging its engineering expertise in electronics, embedded systems, and software development. Theta focuses on delivering reliable, scalable, and high-performance systems tailored to mission-critical applications.

To explore the full quadrant report and see how companies are positioned in the Data Acquisition System Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025,

Visit: https://www.360quadrants.com/semiconductor-and-electronics/data-acquisition-system-startups

Evaluation Criteria

The vendor evaluation was conducted on over 30 companies, of which the top 4 were categorized and recognized as quadrant leaders. Factors such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Data Acquisition System Startups/Small-Medium Businesses Companies Assessment quadrant. The top criteria for product footprint evaluation included Vertical (Aerospace & Defence, Energy & Power, Automotive & Transportation, Healthcare, Food & Beverages, Wireless Communications & Infrastructure, Civil Structures, Research & Development), Application (Testing and Monitoring), Speed (Low (<100 KS/s) through Ultra High (>100 MS/s), Offering (Hardware, Software and Services).

360 Quadrants Scoring Methodology

360 Quadrants employs a comprehensive and transparent scoring methodology to evaluate companies. It identifies relevant evaluation criteria, collects and validates data from multiple sources, and employs an algorithm that considers parameter weights to generate scores. Normalization ensures fair comparisons, and the aggregated scores categorize solutions into quadrants such as Progressive companies, Responsive companies, Dynamic companies, and Starting blocks. This unbiased approach equips users with accurate information, empowering them to make well-informed decisions and select solutions that best suit their needs and objectives.

Download Free Sample @https://www.360quadrants.com/semiconductor-and-electronics/data-acquisition-system-startups.

About 360Quadrants

360Quadrants, a specialized division of MarketsandMarkets, delivers comprehensive quadrant analyses for various emerging technologies and markets, including start-ups. Our evaluation methodology hinges on two critical parameters: market presence and product footprint. This approach facilitates a graphical representation of competitive positioning across four key categories: leaders, contenders, innovators, and emerging companies. In addition, we meticulously classify start-ups into progressive companies, responsive companies, dynamic companies, and starting blocks. Our expertise equips organizations with insights into market leaders across over 6000 micro markets, enabling a detailed comparison of vendor capabilities and performance. At 360Quadrants, we ensure that each quadrant adheres to the highest standards, empowering our clients to navigate complex market dynamics precisely and confidently.

360Quadrants has also launched quadrants in fields such as -

EMC Filtration Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025, and

Pressure Washer Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025.

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report.

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe.

Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Ms. Sipti Banga,

630 Dundee Road, Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: sipti.banga@marketsandmarkets.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/marketsandmarkets-360quadrants-recognizes-top-startups-and-smes-in-the-data-acquisition-system-quadrant-report-2025-302503152.html
Cato built SASE the right way: a single, cloud-native platform architected for purpose to give enterprises the protection, performance, scalability, and simplicity needed to run the business

TEL AVIV, Israel, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cato Networks, the SASE leader, today announced it has once again been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms.

"We believe being named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms for a second consecutive year is a strong validation of our ability to deliver a true SASE platform to enterprises. We think Cato's continued recognition validates our position in the market as the pioneer and category creator of SASE-shaping the market and continuing to advance it forward," said Shlomo Kramer, co-founder and CEO at Cato Networks. "As enterprises worldwide seek to enhance their security posture and simplify their network infrastructure, Cato stands out by delivering the world's leading SASE platform that meets the demanding IT requirements of enterprises of all sizes and geographies."

"Our focus on research and innovation around AI, built on top of an already highly efficient SASE platform, puts Cato ahead of many vendors in the market," said Ofir Agasi, chief product officer at Cato Networks. "Cato's AI capabilities empower security and IT teams to shift their focus from task automation to supporting strategic business goals."

Cato is the first vendor in the world to purpose-build a SASE platform from the ground up, rather than through countless integrations and acquisitions. The Cato SASE Cloud Platform delivers true convergence of advanced networking (SD-WAN and global private backbone) and security (NGFW and SSE) capabilities, enhanced by highly-trained AI-all managed through a single console and unified data lake that's easy to deploy, use, and manage. With a cloud-native architecture and global private backbone, Cato is uniquely positioned to deliver the business outcomes promised by SASE. It is the architecture that enables IT teams to lead and provide value without compromising security, connectivity, agility, or resiliency.

According to Gartner Peer Insights, Cato is the most-reviewed SASE vendor and has received a 4.7 out of 5 rating based on more than 275 reviews as of July 2025. Cato's viewpoint is that the customer reviews highlight how a simple, unified platform and intelligent automation reduce operational headaches and free IT resources for strategic work.

Customer Reviews on Gartner Peer Insights

" Great product, simple design: Very responsive and easy to understand the product. Even though we did this all in-house, we took our time and rolled out 52 sites in a year and a half so as not to cause customer downtime," said a director of IT infrastructure in the manufacturing industry (firm size: $1B-$3B).

Very responsive and easy to understand the product. Even though we did this all in-house, we took our time and rolled out 52 sites in a year and a half so as not to cause customer downtime," said a director of IT infrastructure in the manufacturing industry (firm size: $1B-$3B). "Cato SASE Cloud [Platform]: Overall, I am very pleased with the solution," said a VP of information services in the banking industry (firm size: $1B-$3B).

Overall, I am very pleased with the solution," said a VP of information services in the banking industry (firm size: $1B-$3B). " The solution is perfect for us and customer requirements are heard and implemented: Cato delivers a stable service with all components from one hand," said an IT administrator in the consumer goods industry (firm size: $1B-$3B).

Cato delivers a stable service with all components from one hand," said an IT administrator in the consumer goods industry (firm size: $1B-$3B). " Cato - the SASE solution which can do almost everything: This product does everything you would expect from a SASE solution," said a system administrator in the software industry (firm size: $1B-$3B).

This product does everything you would expect from a SASE solution," said a system administrator in the software industry (firm size: $1B-$3B). "Cato's all-in-one network solution: scalable, secure, and economical: The solution is very intelligent and robust. [It] integrates in one platform [with] all network and security features," said an IT manager in the manufacturing industry (firm size: $1B-$3B).

*Reviews have been edited to account for errors and readability.

Resources

For more information about the Cato SASE Cloud Platform, visit the website.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms, Jonathan Forest, Neil MacDonald, Dale Koeppen, 9 July 2025

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant and PEER INSIGHTS are a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences with the vendors listed on the platform, should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Cato Networks

Cato Networks delivers enterprise security and networking in a single cloud platform. The SASE leader creates a seamless and elegant customer experience that effortlessly enables threat prevention, data protection, and timely incident detection and response. With Cato, organizations replace costly and rigid legacy infrastructure with an open and modular SASE architecture based on SD-WAN, a purpose-built global cloud network, and an embedded cloud-native security stack.

Want to learn why thousands of organizations secure their future with Cato? Visit us at www.catonetworks.com.

Media Contact

Cato Communications

press@catonetworks.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cato-networks-named-a-leader-in-the-2025-gartner-magic-quadrant-for-sase-platforms-again-302503371.html
"Braun's comments are blatant and baseless lies. They are an affront to history, justice, and the memory of over one million people murdered at Auschwitz and millions more across Nazi-occupied Europe," said AJCF Chairman Simon Bergson.

OSWIECIM, PL / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF), the nonprofit that maintains the only Jewish presence near Auschwitz at the last remaining synagogue in Oswiecim (Auschwitz) and serves as the principal institution devoted to preserving the memory of the town's once-thriving Jewish community, unequivocally condemns the antisemitic and false statements made this week by Polish far-right politician Grzegorz Braun, who denied the existence of gas chambers at Auschwitz and repeated the medieval blood libel that Jews commit ritual murder.

Braun, a member of the European Parliament who received over 6 percent of the vote in Poland's recent election, made his remarks during a live radio broadcast, falsely claiming that the Auschwitz gas chambers are "a lie" and that Jews committed "ritual murder." These statements reflect two of the most virulent antisemitic myths in history, myths that have fueled persecution, violence, and mass murder for centuries.

"Braun's comments are blatant and baseless lies," said AJCF Chairman Simon Bergson. "They are an affront to history, justice, and the memory of over one million people murdered at Auschwitz and millions more across Nazi-occupied Europe."

"To deny the gas chambers is to desecrate the memory of over 1.1 million souls murdered at Auschwitz," said AJCF Director General Jack Simony. "Nearly one million of them were Jews, 70,000 ethnic Poles, 21,000 Roma and Sinti, 15,000 Soviet prisoners of war, and thousands of others, including disabled individuals, political prisoners, and dissidents. These are not statistics. They are human lives extinguished by hatred. Braun's remarks are a calculated act of antisemitic incitement. They must be met with legal consequences and universal moral condemnation."

The AJCF urges Poland's judicial authorities to pursue this matter under Article 55 of the Act on the Institute of National Remembrance, which makes Holocaust denial a criminal offense. The foundation also calls on the European Parliament to examine all available disciplinary measures, including potential censure or expulsion, to uphold the integrity of democratic institutions.

"Poland has a moral and historical responsibility to confront this kind of hatred head-on," said Auschwitz Jewish Center Director Tomek Kuncewicz. "Auschwitz is not a myth. It is a fact of history, a site of human suffering and Nazi barbarity. Braun's denial is not an opinion. It is an act of violence against truth, against survivors, and against the legacy of our shared humanity."

The Foundation supports the investigation launched by Polish prosecutors and commends the swift condemnation issued by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and other Polish authorities. This moment is a test of resolve, not only for Poland but for every country that claims to uphold democratic values and human dignity. Denying genocide, glorifying hatred, and reviving ancient slanders must never again be tolerated.

At the same time, AJCF calls on Polish and European media to stop giving Braun a platform for spreading dangerous disinformation. Broadcasting blatant lies in the name of neutrality is not journalism. It is complicity.

The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the lessons learned from the Holocaust to combat hatred and bigotry through educational programs and by providing direct humanitarian aid to victims of mass atrocities. It supports survivors of genocides and other tragedies, including Ukrainian refugees and those impacted by Hamas's October 7 attacks. The Foundation maintains the Auschwitz Jewish Center, the last remaining synagogue in Oswiecim (Auschwitz) and serves as the primary institution dedicated to preserving the memory of the town's Jewish community while addressing hate. To date, over a million people have visited the center, more than 300,000 students participated in its educational programs and tens of thousands of diplomats, military and law enforcement personnel and educators, have taken part in its educational initiatives on tolerance and the Holocaust. For more information, visit: https://ajcfus.org/ .

-30-

Contact:

Joshua Steinreich

Steinreich Communications

Phone: 212-491-1600

Jsteinreich@scompr.com

SOURCE: Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/auschwitz-jewish-center-foundation-condemns-grzegorz-brauns-holo-1047945
VANCOUVER, BC, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSX-V: REVO), (Frankfurt: IJA2), (Munich: A2PU92) A group of shareholders representing over 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSXV: REVO) (the "Proxy Shareholder Group") is compelled to issue this formal statement in response to ongoing failures by the Company's Board of Directors to implement agreed-upon governance reforms, disclose material financial agreements, or comply with continuous disclosure obligations.

Despite a public announcement on June 17, 2025, by the Company acknowledging the shareholder proposal submitted on May 31, 2025, none of the proposed board resolutions have been adopted or executed. This includes the non-appointment of Mr. Juan Cruz Nuez as the shareholder-nominated executive director, a step which the Board itself had welcomed publicly.

Non-Implementation of Resolutions

The Proxy Shareholder Group provided the Board with a formal directors' resolution on June 27, 2025, detailing clear steps to:

Appoint a qualified director;

Authorize creditor negotiations;

Approve and secure a CAD $350,000 loan to settle liabilities;

Despite the board's prior request for this formal narrative and structure, the resolution remains unsigned and unexecuted. No explanation has been offered.

Undisclosed Loan, Breach of Disclosure Obligations

Director Gavin McMillan has acknowledged in writing that the Company has received loan funding. Yet no public disclosure has been made regarding:

The amount received;

received; The identity of the lender ;

; The terms or duration of the loan;

of the loan; Any assets or subsidiaries pledged as collateral.

This failure to disclose constitutes a likely breach of TSXV Policy 3.3 (Timely Disclosure) and CSA National Policy 51-201 (Section 4.3), which explicitly require public issuers to disclose any borrowing of funds or mortgaging of assets as material information.

During a Cease Trade Order (CTO), such non-disclosure not only violates regulatory policy but also signals a troubling disregard for basic governance obligations.

Inappropriate Governance Conduct

Further concern arises from Mr. McMillan's recent communication encouraging a proxy group leader to engage privately with an unnamed third party ("Patrick") on WhatsApp regarding the Company's financial future. This individual has not been publicly disclosed as a company officer or consultant.

The Proxy Shareholder Group views this as a breach of fiduciary protocol, a potential violation of confidentiality, and a serious failure in governance transparency.

Shareholder Position and Next Steps

The Proxy Shareholder Group reaffirms that:

The May 31, 2025, proposal remains active and enforceable.

The failure to adopt the resolutions or admit the proposed director is a direct obstruction of governance reform .

. Any further delays or obstructions may trigger escalation under Section 167 of the BCBCA to requisition a formal shareholder meeting.

Shareholders are strongly encouraged to contact the Company and demand:

Immediate disclosure of any financial agreements;

of any financial agreements; Clarification on who is influencing board decisions ;

; Accountability for the continued failure to act in accordance with stated commitments.

The Proxy Shareholder Group is prepared to continue engaging with regulators, legal counsel, and fellow shareholders to restore transparency, protect investor interests, and relist the Company under responsible management.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/revolugroup-proxy-shareholder-group-issues-escalation-notice-to-shareholders-302503478.html
Matt Bellina Regained Function After Receiving NurOwn via the Right to Try Law He Fought to Pass and Now He is Fighting for All Americans with ALS to Get the Same Chance He Did

BREMERTON, WA / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / The Backstory

Twenty-two years ago, Matt Bellina and Jamie Warack, along with a group of ten college midshipmen, checked onto a destroyer in Yokosuka, Japan. They set off on a navy summer cruise to visit a war memorial in Busan, South Korea. As with many experiences in the navy, they left each other after a month with shared experiences and memories, not knowing if their paths would ever cross again. Both Matt and Jamie went on to become naval aviators: Matt on the EA-6b Prowler, and Jamie on the P3 Orion. But neither Matt nor Jamie could have imagined they would meet again through the shared heartbreak of ALS.

Matt was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Jamie's husband, Nick, also a P3 Orion pilot, was diagnosed with ALS in the fall of 2020.

ALS is a cruel disease. As motor neurons die, the brain can no longer communicate with the voluntary muscles, which slowly become paralyzed. Ultimately, people lose the ability to walk, talk, move, eat, drink, swallow, and eventually, breathe. These two naval airmen who had once controlled our country's most elite aircraft would soon lose the ability to control their own bodies.

As only the few unlucky people who have navigated this diagnosis can know, Nick and Jamie waffled through feelings of despair and hopelessness, but hung onto every word the doctors said, hoping for a change in tone or the possibility that they got the diagnosis wrong, hoping for any new drug that could slow the lethal march to death.

Hope was soon to come in an unexpected way, not from a doctor's office. Shortly after his diagnosis, Nick learned of a Navy pilot from Whidbey Island who had become a powerful advocate for ALS patients, especially for the Right to Try law and a stem cell treatment called NurOwn. And then came the day that hope was restored. Nick showed Jamie a video of that same man with ALS standing up from his wheelchair for the first time in two years.

Even then, Jamie didn't realize the man in the wheelchair was the same Matt Bellina she'd known from that summer decades before. It wasn't until Nick publicly shared his diagnosis on social media that the connection clicked. Matt, already years into his own battle with ALS, commented on Nick's post, offering prayers and heartfelt support. Tucked away in boxes were photos of the much younger Matt and Jamie. The young Matt in those photos was the same naval aviator, Matt Bellina, who stood up out of his wheelchair.

That moment, that unexpected connection, and Matt's journey with NurOwn, gave Nick and Jamie a spark of hope when they needed it most. In the years since, their path with ALS has been filled with uncertainty and heartache, but hope has remained at the center of their story - thanks in part to Matt Bellina's courage and the possibilities offered by the groundbreaking stem cell therapy called NurOwn.

Nick's Fight

As Nick said to his family and friends when sharing the news of his ALS diagnosis:

"Today is but one day in my fight. Tomorrow will be the next."

Nick and Jamie believe tomorrow holds the promise of more time, more memories, and more strength - for all the people and families fighting this disease. They are holding on to that promise - believing in the power of tomorrow. But as pilots they also knew that the hope for tomorrow is based on the actions you take today. So a few weeks after the heartbreaking FDA Advisory Committee, Jamie reached out to another ALS advocate and pronounced:

" We are not the type of people to sit back and do nothing, especially when so much is on the line ....

We want to do something drastic to get some positive attention for ALS and

the treatments. This sounds crazy, but we are prepared to

do something crazy to hopefully facilitate change.

We are in this fight with you now ."

That "something crazy" was about to come to fruition. A few months earlier, when Nick had published a story in the American Bar Association Journal, talking about his law firm's pro bono program , he never anticipated how much their guidance would play a role in his fight to get access to the stem cell therapy that could help him live.

Nick and the pro bono team at Davis, Wright & Tremaine spent months meeting, strategizing, researching, reading Supreme Court briefs and listening to oral arguments. They repeatedly challenged the status quo that the FDA could deny approval of a drug that had compelling evidence of helping some people live longer and live better. They were unwilling to accept the answer that there was no hope for Nick.

When Matt Bellina stood up out of his wheelchair, he showed the world that the impossible was now possible in ALS. Was it also possible that the real-world data gathered by citizens with ALS could ever support an FDA approval, and if so, how could they get that evidence before the FDA?

The legal answer was the Citizen's Petition filed with the FDA one week ago.

Just as they served our country for years - fighting to protect all of us - these naval aviators are still fighting today  fighting to change regulatory law  fighting to protect the 32,000 people with ALS and still fighting for approval of the stem cell therapy that can help them live. The Citizens' Petition launches their fight.

Matt's Right to Try Story

In 2007, Brig. General Tom Mikolajcik testified before Congress and warned that the risk of ALS was skyrocketing. According to a recent Military Medicine study , in post-9/11 veterans, the highest risk is among pilots like Matt, Nick and the several C-141 pilots in Gen. Mik's own squadron who were stationed at the Charleston AFB.

General Mik demanded that we "give our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines an opportunity to fight this disease with a medical arsenal ." Then he challenged Congress and the FDA to step up its commitment to veterans and to act with urgency:

"We owe our veterans treatment now .

If these soldiers were dying in the field rather than quietly at home we would leave no stone unturned.

We would use the best existing resources to make sure they had

whatever they needed to survive  to ensure that no man or woman is left behind."

Just four years later, when Matt was diagnosed with ALS, there were no disease-modifying drugs in the medical arsenal. As he described in the 2016 HBO Vice documentary, " Die Trying: the battle for ALS treatments ," promising drugs were stuck in clinical trials, but Matt was unable to qualify for any of those trials from the moment he was diagnosed. So Matt did what veterans do; he fought to change the law.

On May 30, 2018, President Trump signed the Matt Bellina Right to Try bill into law. President Trump tweeted:

"With Right to Try, patients with life-threatening illnesses

will finally have access to experimental treatments

that could improve their conditions."

The Citizens' Petition reports that's precisely what happened for Matt Bellina.





Matt's NurOwn Story

The Citizens' Petition documents Matt Bellina's real-world evidence (RWE) and real-world data (RWD) on NurOwn. He received 7 doses of NurOwn via Right to Try from December 2018 through 2020. Matt is the only person in the US who received 6 consecutive doses at the recommended two-month dosing interval. The seventh was received nine months later. But sadly, after his seventh dose, Matt couldn't get more. It's now been nearly 5 years since his last dose of the stem cell therapy that was helping him live. Today Matt is dying waiting.

Matt has publicly released clinical data from his VA medical records in both his blog and on social media . Before NurOwn, Matt was losing about 0.45 points per month on the 48-point functional scale. Although he had been a slow progressor, his ALS was already advanced as demonstrated by his functional score of 21/48. Matt had already lost over half of his measurable function.

But once he received NurOwn, that lethal trajectory changed. Matt's VA medical records document that instead of losing nearly 3 points in 6 months, he regained 6 points of function. This is a 9-point delta. This doesn't happen in ALS. But it did on NurOwn.

And those changes started happening almost immediately. Just two weeks after his first NurOwn dose, Matt shared that his legs were stronger; his family propped him up against the kitchen counter and he was able to stand. In February 2019, Matt posted on Facebook and shared his improvements in all four domains on the functional rating scale used for ALS trial endpoints: gross and fine motor function, bulbar function and most importantly breathing function:

"I have been given a gift. Only one month after my first round of treatment,

I have improvement in the clinical strength of my right deltoid and my left bicep.

My forced vital lung capacity is 23% higher and I am seeing subjective improvement in my speech & swallowing.

I no longer need a bi pap at night. Due to increased core strength & coordination,

I am now able to pull myself up to standing."

By May 2019, Matt publicly shared videos demonstrating his profound increase in function and added this commentary:

"What is remarkable is that I was not able to get out of my chair on my own before NurOwn.

After my second treatment I was able to pull up to standing using both my legs and my arms.

Since the third treatment I am able to stand from my chair without the aid of my arms.

I have not been able to do this for over 2 years and it feels great.

We all need to push the FDA to approve this treatment.

It is simply unacceptable that I am the only one receiving this treatment outside of the trial.

All people with ALS deserve this chance."

Additionally, before NurOwn, Matt's ability to swallow food and liquids was also becoming compromised. In her Public Comment , Matt's mother described a choking incident documented in his VA hospital records in December 2018. After receiving NurOwn, Matt's choking stopped. He was once again able to enjoy his favorite foods and was still able to enjoy a cold beer on a hot Philly summer day. Matt didn't get a feeding tube until last month - that's 6.5 years after his first dose of NurOwn.

As profound as all these changes were, Matt's improvements in breathing function were the most clinically meaningful as they were life-sustaining. After 6 doses of NurOwn, Matt's lung capacity was 37% higher than it was before his first injection and Matt stopped using a non-invasive ventilator to breathe at night. This doesn't happen in the normal lethal and unrelenting progression of ALS. It did happen on NurOwn.

Matt's Real-World Evidence Is Supporting Evidence of Efficacy for FDA Approval

The Citizens' Petition asserts that Matt's Right to Try data is "supporting evidence" of efficacy demonstrating that NurOwn works on some people with 100% fatal ALS.

At multiple patient-focused drug development meetings and in hundreds of emails with former FDA leadership, Matt and the entire ALS community repeatedly shared his data and videos - documenting his unprecedented improvements in function. And yet, Matt's data was not discussed in the FDA's briefing documents or presentation at the NurOwn Advisory Committee (AdComm) meeting in September 2023. The AdComm voted against approval and instead recommended another Phase 3 trial limited to the trial population that had shown hypothesis-generating promise in the post hoc analysis.

Ultimately, the AdComm vote was based only on data from the 28-week trial and did not include the RWE/RWD over the 8 years for those in EAP nor the real-world data from Matt Bellina's Right to Try dosing.

The prior FDA Administration ignored Matt Bellina's evidence. Consider this irony. The Navy entrusted Matt with a $50 million aircraft and the lives of fellow crew members, but the former FDA didn't trust him to know if a stem cell therapy was helping his own paralyzed body regain function.

Matt's real-world data is critical, not only because of his profound improvement, but it is also informative because it provides unique evidence not captured in the NurOwn Phase 3 trial data. As detailed in the Citizens' Petition:

Matt is the only person in the US to receive 6 consecutive doses and his functional improvements evidence a dose-dependent impact in both durability and magnitude of response.

Matt's baseline score of 21/48 illustrates that NurOwn can work on some people later in ALS disease progression.

Matt was a slow progressor and this population was excluded from the NurOwn trial (and most ALS trials) because it's hard to assess changes in slow progressors in short 6-month trials; and thus it tells us that NurOwn can work on some people in this subset of slower ALS progressors.

Matt received his first dose of NurOwn more than 7 years after onset, demonstrating that it can work on some people like his friend and fellow naval aviator, Nick Warack, who has had ALS for 5 years.

Matt's RWD from Right to Try also aligns with the clinically meaningful impact and "progression-free survival" that trial investigators observed in the NurOwn Phase 3 trial and EAP. At the FDA Advisory Committee meeting , Mayo's Dr. Anthony Windebank opined that NurOwn works:

"I would now like to provide my clinical perspective on NurOwn .

I think this data is compelling & it should be approved.

While not everyone responds to the treatment, there are

clearly a SIGNIFICANT number who do.

I have clearly seen SOME people stabilize in a way that

I have never seen in any other trial.

There were some who IMPROVED their score!"

In 40+ years working as a neurologist and clinical trialist, Dr. Windebank said NurOwn caused improvements like he had never seen before. Similarly, when people with ALS saw videos of a wheelchair-bound man rising out of his wheelchair, and taking steps with a walker again, they too knew it was like nothing they had ever experienced or witnessed before. And just as Jamie and Nick said, Matt's video evidence provided a ray of hope in a disease that has had none since ALS was discovered in 1869.

Commissioner Makary recently told the roomful of esteemed scientists at the Gene and Cell Therapy Forum that researchers and regulators can learn things from "n of 1" data. And as one former CBER official said, when making decisions about a therapy's efficacy, regulators like to see a treatment response so obvious that you don't need to be a statistician to interpret it .

Matt Bellina's Right to Try data exemplifies the obvious. NurOwn works.

Thus, the Citizens' Petition is asking this new FDA to consider Matt's real-world data derived from his Right to Try dosing. Compare it to the NurOwn Phase 2 or 3 randomized controlled data that demonstrated efficacy in some . Compare it to the ALS clinical trial database; compare it to the natural history databases. How many times in ALS natural history or ALS clinical trials have people regained 6 points in function and risen up out of a wheelchair? How many times have people with ALS stopped needing a bi-pap to breathe?

The Citizens' Petition urges the FDA to compare Matt's "n of 1" RWD to whatever data you want. But at least consider it. In a 100% fatal and paralyzing disease, any evidence of efficacy - all evidence of efficacy - should be considered. Gold standard science and common sense demand nothing less.

In 2022, Matt so believed in NurOwn's efficacy that he co-authored a press release asking the FDA for an Advisory Committee meeting so veterans' voices could be heard.

"Veterans with ALS have a unique stake in the fight for a NurOwn AdComm.

We sacrificed our lives for every citizen's right of due process.

It is the antithesis of all we fought for if we, now, were denied that same right."

Today the Citizens' Petition makes this same request. Please give Matt his due process; give Matt his first opportunity to be heard; give the 5,000+ veterans with ALS a chance to fight the disease they got from serving our country; give the new CBER team the first chance to consider Matt's unprecedented improvements before deciding the fate of Matt, Nick and the other 32,000 Americans with ALS.

And then, just as General Mik implored Congress, the Citizens' Petition implores the FDA to please add NurOwn to the medical arsenal for all Americans battling ALS.

About these Naval Aviators

Matt Bellina served as a Naval Officer and aviator for nearly 10 years. As an Electronic Attack Pilot in Whidbey Island, Washington, Matt flew the EA-6B Prowler, and deployed to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Following his flying career he worked in Operations intelligence, before medically retiring due to ALS in 2014.

Nick and Jamie (Nelson) Warack both served as Naval Officers and aviators, serving as flight instructors and mission commanders on the P-3 Orion. Jamie ultimately rose to the position of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (the P3's equivalent of "Top Gun"). Nick and Jamie flew operational missions in Iraq, the Horn of Africa, South East Asia, and the Mediterranean, combining for over 100 combat missions and earning eight strike flight air medals between them.

Matt, Nick and Jamie are approaching ALS with the same dedication and tenacity that carried them through their time in the Navy. They now lead a coalition of people who have been advocating for approval of NurOwn. They are committed to expediting access to all promising treatments for ALS, and to implementing policy changes to benefit everyone in the ALS community.

Contact:

Nicholas Warack, Esq.

( mail to: Veterans4NurOwn@gmail.com ) Mitze Klingenberg, BSN RN

( mail to: NurOwnWorks@gmail.com )

Copy of Citizens' Petition and Exhibits Filed with the FDA:

( https://www.nurownworks.com/ )

About the FDA Approval Pathways

Nick, Jamie and Matt assert that the survival, respiratory and functional data from the EAP, Right to Try and randomized controlled trials are part of the "totality of the evidence" that support NurOwn's approval.

Traditional Approval

Survival data are the gold standard in FDA approvals. NurOwn's survival data meet both the quality and quantity requirements of "substantial evidence." ( See Petition's Emergent Fact section C and Memorandum section II). Accelerated Approval

NurOwn meets the standards for accelerated approval. The survival and respiratory data are "reasonably likely to predict" a favorable impact on the mortality of the 32,000 people with ALS. This survival data far surpasses survival data supporting the accelerated approval of many cancer therapies. ( See Petition's Emergent Fact section C & D; Memorandum section I and II.C; and Exs. A & B). Conditional Approval

NurOwn's "plausible mechanism of action" also meets the threshold for Commissioner Makary's proposed conditional approval pathway. ( See Petition Fact section N, pgs. 173-176 and Memorandum section II.G at pgs. 234-241).

SOURCE: NurOwn Citizen's Petition

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/navy-pilots-with-als-fight-for-access-to-the-stem-cell-therapy-that-c-1048025
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 11, 2025) - Lipari Mining Ltd. (Cboe CA: LML) (FSE: 0Y90) ("Lipari" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Wes Roberts as Vice President, Business Development.

Mr. Roberts is a mining executive and professional engineer with more than 40 years of global experience in the minerals industry. His extensive background spans exploration, engineering, project development, operations, corporate development, legal and capital markets. Mr. Roberts has held numerous positions in the mining industry, including positions with Canada Talc Limited, Derry Michener Booth & Wahl, Davey International, Bharti Engineering, GMP Securities, Inco Ltd, VP Corporate Development Breakwater Resources Ltd, VP Mining for Heenan Blaikie LLP, Mineral Consultant for Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Co-Chair Technical Committee of Sigma Lithium and most recently as CEO of Golden Share Resources. Mr. Roberts serves as a director of several public and private resource companies.

Throughout his career, Mr. Roberts has played a pivotal role in identifying and advancing resource projects worldwide. He serves as a trusted advisor to Indigenous organizations in Canada, supporting negotiations on multiple commercial land access and impact benefit agreements of major mining operations in the Territory of Nunavut, and northern Ontario.

"We are very pleased to welcome Wes to the Lipari team," said Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Lipari Mining. "His depth of experience in engineering, mine development, and strategic partnerships, along with his considerable expertise in financing and capital markets, will be instrumental as we advance our next phase of growth at the Tchitengo Diamond Project in Angola and execute our evolving growth strategy."

Mr. Roberts holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Queen's University, an MBA in Finance from the Schulich School of Business, and a Certificate in Mining Law from Osgoode Hall Law School.

Board Update

The Company also announces the retirement and resignation of Mr. Bruce Ramsden as a Director. Mr. Ramsden previously served as Lipari's Chief Financial Officer prior to the Company's listing on the Cboe Canada Exchange and played a key role in guiding the Company through that milestone. The Board thanks Mr. Ramsden for his significant contributions and wishes him well in retirement.

Lipari is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jose Fabio Borges to the Board of Directors, filling the vacancy created by Mr. Ramsden's departure.

Mr. Borges is a seasoned finance and accounting executive with over 25 years of experience, including more than a decade in leadership roles within the mining industry. He currently serves as Finance Manager for Centaurus Metals Ltd., where he oversees financial and accounting operations for the Jaguar Nickel Project in Brazil. He previously served as Finance Director and a Board member at Lipari Mineracao Ltd., where he was instrumental in shaping financial strategy, securing project financing, and supporting the successful development of the Brauna diamond mine.

His career includes senior finance positions at Mirabela Mineracao, Sears Canada, and the American Harsco Group. Mr. Borges holds an MBA in Finance from IBMEC Business School, a postgraduate specialization in Strategic Financial Management, and bachelor's degrees in both Accounting Sciences and Business Administration.

"Fabio brings a wealth of financial and operational expertise, a keen insight into capital markets, and an intimate understanding of Lipari's strategic goals. As an independent member of Lipari's audit committee, Fabio's fluency in both Portuguese and English will prove to be invaluable to help ensure transparency in our financial reporting and audit process," said Kenneth Johnson, President and CEO. "We are pleased to welcome him back to the Company in a board capacity as we expand our presence in Angola and pursue long-term value creation."

Continuance to Ontario

Finally, the Company is pleased to announce that, effective July 11, 2025, the Company has been continued from Canada (Canada Business Corporations Act) to Ontario (Business Corporations Act (Ontario)) (the "Continuance").

The Company adopted new articles and by-laws as part of the Continuance, which replaced the prior articles and by-laws of the Company. The Continuance and the new articles and by-laws of the Company were each approved by shareholders at the Company's annual and special meeting of shareholders held on June 20, 2025. Copies of the certificate of continuance and the new articles and by-laws of the Company will be available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile and on the Company's website at www.liparimining.com.

About Lipari Mining Ltd.

Lipari Mining is South America's leading diamond producer, with a track record of successful operations at the Brauna diamond mine in Brazil, which has produced over 1.2 million carats to date. Lipari is now applying its expertise to advance the highly prospective Tchitengo Diamond Project in Angola, marking the next phase of growth for the Company.

The Company is committed to environmentally responsible mining practices. Lipari's Brauna mine is the only diamond mine in the world that recycles nearly 100% of the water used in ore processing, producing a dry tailings product which has potential as a soil remineralizer for the agricultural industry.

Lipari's shares are listed for trading on the Cboe Canada exchange under the symbol "LML", and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "0Y90". Additional information on the Company can be found at www.liparimining.com and on its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities of LML have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Listing Statement, any information released or received with respect to the Company's listing on Cboe may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and the documents incorporated by reference may contain "forward-looking statements" regarding the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to: the Company's plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. All forward-looking statements and information are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company concerning anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, development plans, exploration, development and mining activities and commitments. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: development plans for the Company's mineral projects and expected mine life. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the development plans for the Company's mineral projects and expected mine life. The forward-looking statements made herein are subject to a variety of risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially and adversely from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Specific reference is made to the Company's listing statement on file with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities (and available on www.sedarplus.ca) for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect the Company's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

CBOE CANADA DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258645

SOURCE: Lipari Mining Ltd.
Amid Industry Shifts, Top Agents Are Returning to Independent Brokerages for Culture, Community, and True Partnership

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Vanguard Properties is proud to announce the return of esteemed agent Dan Dodd, one of the Bay Area's top producers, along with his accomplished team, The Dan Dodd Group. After successfully founding his own Side-backed team, Dan has chosen to return home to Vanguard Properties, citing the unparalleled marketing, industry-leading support, and vibrant camaraderie of the boutique brokerage as key factors in his decision.

Top-Producing Agent, Dan Dodd

Dan Dodd, founder of The Dan Dodd Group, photographed in San Francisco. Known for his relationship-driven approach and deep market expertise, Dan recently returned to boutique brokerage Vanguard Properties.

"Vanguard has the best marketing in the Bay Area, an unmatched understanding of local markets, exceptional leadership, and some of the finest agents in the industry," says Dan Dodd. "It's the kind of connectedness and collaborative spirit that agents really miss when they step away from a boutique brokerage. Coming back feels like returning home."

Over the past few years, Dan and his team have significantly expanded their reach, making substantial inroads into Marin County while continuing to strengthen their already formidable presence in San Francisco's luxury market. Dan anticipates that reuniting with Vanguard will fuel continued growth and elevate their market position further.

"Our goal is clear: strengthen our presence in Marin County and continue to significantly grow our footprint in the luxury markets of San Francisco," adds Dan.

Joining Dan in his return to Vanguard Properties are his husband Hiro Dodd, fellow returning Vanguard agent Chris Stover, and team member Jonathan Jump. Together, they form The Dan Dodd Group, a team known for their unique blend of deep market insight, proven negotiation skills, and an enjoyable, relationship-driven approach to real estate.

"Our philosophy is simple yet powerful: We build relationships, deliver exceptional results, and make the entire process enjoyable," Dan explains. "Clients who work with us don't just get top-tier results-they genuinely enjoy the journey. That's what sets us apart."

Vanguard Properties warmly welcomes Dan and his team back into the fold and looks forward to a future defined by mutual success and continued excellence in serving the Bay Area community.

SOURCE: Vanguard Properties

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/top-producing-agent-dan-dodd-returns-to-vanguard-properties-brings-dynamic-team-and-ren-1048062
Team Editorial - Evrima Chicago

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / From the Translator's Preface:

This is a book by a cat, about cats, and based on an ancient Chinese classic known as the I Ching (Book of Changes). For nearly 3,000 years, the I Ching has served as a metaphysical roadmap for the human soul. Until now, cats had no such philosophical guide. Why? For the usual reasons: humans subjugated us, labeled us "the other," and denied us our own voice.

THE CAT CHING or I CHING FOR CATS changes all that.

In this wildly inventive and lavishly illustrated reimagining of the I Ching, Mao, The Cat Philosopher, helps feline-kind-and their humans-make sense of the world and its many challenges. In the paws of Mao, the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching become a guide to decoding the present and divining the future.

Select a hexagram, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos. Or at least, figure out what's really going on in your litter box.

Socrates said: "Know thyself."

Mao replies: "Know thy kitty-and you will know thyself. Maybe."

A Sample of Mao's Timeless Wisdom:

If at first you don't succeed, sleep.

Not all that glitters is cat litter; sometimes it's a fire ant hill.

A healthy heart and shiny coat require lifting the toilet seat once daily.

Prokofiev's "Scythian Suite" can drown out the sound of cats mating-try it.

The sound of the icemaker will not kill you.

THE CAT CHING or I CHING FOR CATS includes a Preface, an Introduction, and 64 illustrated entries-each with a cat photo, hexagram, interpretation, and witty commentary. Both philosophical and delightfully impractical, it offers life advice through a fur-covered lens. It is the ideal gift for the spiritually curious, the philosophically inclined, and anyone who is (willingly) owned by a cat.

About the Author: Richard J. Smith

Richard J. Smith is the George and Nancy Rupp Professor of Humanities Emeritus at Rice University and one of the foremost Western scholars of Chinese intellectual history. His body of work explores divination systems, cosmology, and cultural history-most notably through his acclaimed book The I Ching: A Biography (Princeton University Press, 2012).

Smith's contributions include:

Fathoming the Cosmos and Ordering the World: The Yijing

The Qing Dynasty and Traditional Chinese Culture

Mapping China and Managing the World

Rethinking the Sinosphere (Editor)

Reexamining the Sinosphere (Editor)

His ability to make deeply complex Chinese traditions accessible to general readers has earned praise from scholars and institutions around the world. Choice magazine named The I Ching: A Biography an "Outstanding Academic Title," and reviewers have commended his "clarity, rigor, and transcultural insight."

Google Books

Amazon Author Page

Disclaimer

This original article was independently researched and published by Richard J. Smith with the editorial team of Evrima Chicago News Bureau and has not been previously published in any form before today. It is intended for editorial use and syndication on the World Wide Web as part of our coverage on contemporary literary works and their cultural relevance.

Endorsed by the Author

The views and interpretations expressed herein are those of our editorial team and are commissioned &/or officially endorsed by Prof. Richard J. Smith.

Publication Standards

This piece qualifies as a digital-first publication under recognized W3C web content syndication frameworks and is timestamped for archival and distribution purposes.

No Liability for Obsessive Readers

Evrima Chicago disclaims all liability for readers who finish The Cat Ching and begin quoting feline proverbs at dinner parties or seek enlightenment via litter box meditation.

Publisher Note

Evrima Chicago is an independent media and research outlet producing editorial content across literature, history, modern culture, AI, accessibility (A11Y), and news media.

Contact Type Details General Inquiries PR@EvrimaChicago.com PR & Media Contact Waa Say - Head of Editorial / Waasay@evrimachicago.com

SOURCE: Evrima Chicago LLC.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/ancient-chinese-wisdom-with-a-twist-the-cat-ching-or-i-ching-for-cats-1048080
China has taken measures to crack down on strategic minerals transshipment, smuggling: MOFCOM

09:45, July 11, 2025 By Tao Mingyang ( Global Times

A spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said that China has taken measures to tackle the transshipment and smuggling of critical minerals, emphasizing that related export controls align with international common practice.

The remarks were made by He Yongqian on Thursday during a regular press conference, responding to questions regarding whether the Chinese government has taken measures to crack down on the transshipment and smuggling of critical minerals as reports claimed that critical minerals such as antimony and gallium are being shipped to the US by transshipment through third countries.

Strategic minerals such as antimony and gallium have clear dual-use applications in both civilian and military fields, and imposing export controls on them aligns with international common practice, said the spokesperson.

He further noted that to resolutely prevent illegal outflows, in May this year, China's export control authorities launched a special campaign targeting the smuggling of strategic minerals.

"As a responsible major country, China fully considers the legitimate civilian demand from other countries for these strategic minerals. We review and approve export license applications in accordance with laws and regulations," said the spokesperson.

The MOFCOM on December 3, 2024, announced a decision to tighten controls over the export of relevant dual-use items related to gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials to the US, to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

On April 4 this year, the MOFCOM and General Administration of Customs further announced export control measures on certain items related to seven types of medium and heavy rare earths.

These materials have both military and civil uses, imposing export controls on them is a common international practice, the spokesperson said, adding that the move reflects China's consistent stance in firmly maintaining world peace and regional stability as a responsible major country, the MOFCOM said at that time.

Gao Lingyun, a research fellow at the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday that these controls targeting certain strategic and key minerals are reasonable and necessary to safeguard peace, as some items could be used for military purposes, emphasizing that China's move is in line with internationally accepted practices.

However, a Reuters report on Wednesday showed that some US buyers have re-routed minerals shipments via third countries  Thailand and Mexico  and this report was corroborated by three industry experts, including two executives at two US companies.

The US imported 3,834 metric tons of antimony oxides from Thailand and Mexico between December and April, US customs data show. That was more than almost the previous three years combined, the report noted.

According to the statement from the MOFCOM in December 2024, in principle, the export of dual-use items related to gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials to the US is not to be permitted, while stricter examinations on end-users and end-use purposes are to be conducted regarding exports of the dual-use item of graphite to the US, according to the statement.

Any organization or individual from any country or region that, in violation of the above provisions, transfers or provides relevant dual-use items originating in the People's Republic of China to the US will be held legally responsible, it said.

Due to the export controls, the value of key minerals has rapidly increased, leading to higher prices and prompting some to circumvent regulations or even engage in smuggling, Gao noted. "Therefore, it is especially important for the MOFCOM, customs authorities and public security department to work together to combat these types of evasion and smuggling," Gao emphasized.

On May 12, 2025, China convened a meeting in Changsha, capital of Central China's Hunan Province, to strengthen "full-chain control over strategic mineral exports," which was attended by officials from 10 central government departments and seven strategic mineral-rich provincial-level regions including North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and East China's Jiangxi Province, according to Xinhua.

On the same day, a MOFCOM spokesperson said that since China implemented export restrictions on certain strategic minerals, it has been found that some foreign entities have colluded with illegal domestic individuals, attempting to evade export control measures through smuggling and other means. In response, China has intensified customs inspections and investigations to uncover these illegal networks and effectively safeguard national security and development interests, according to the spokesperson.

But the ministry also stressed previously export control does not prohibit exports, and exports that comply with relevant regulations will be permitted.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
opinion

What is unknown to Nigerians, according to a reliable source, is that America, in recent times, has been hostile to Nigeria and Nigerians because the country has refused to accept Venezuelan deportees released from its prison.

According to sources, the security threats being experienced in the country, which could be worsened by the Venezuelan deportees, if accepted, will not only undermine national stability and the rule of law but also have adverse effects on the economy... In light of this, the American request for the reintegration of the deportees with some criminal background would have been a terrible mistake had the Tinubu administration accepted.

Recently, the president of the United States of America, Mr Donald Trump, invited some African leaders to a three-day summit in Washington, DC, termed an "incredible" commercial opportunity.

The leaders of these minor economies and populations include the presidents of Gabon, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Liberia. Curiously, the meeting only focused on Trump's "trade" policy, rather than "aid." For countries already slammed with Trump's 10 per cent tariff on goods exported to the United States, such a visit may provide an opportunity for a deal, if not an inducement.

According to a report monitored on BBC, the African leaders were hosted to a dinner at the White House, where they indulged in the usual African style of lavishing their host with praise and encouragement that their citizens would find most amusing, if not disgusting. Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the Mauritanian president, was the first to start.

Referring to the peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda that the US facilitated, "In the short time you've been back in office, the last few months, you came to the rescue for peace. You rushed to Africa to resolve a long-standing problem."

President Trump appeared pleased with the other African leaders applauding and echoing Mohamed's speech. Many Nigerians have queried why Nigeria was not part of the 'conviviality' session. Some have attributed this to poor diplomacy, while others have suggested that Nigeria was ignored for other reasons, including political instability.

On the other hand, if the meeting, which was termed a "high-level summit" intends "to deepen diplomatic ties, advance shared economic goals, and enhance security cooperation" between Washington and "select African nations," why were none of Africa's big players, such as its largest economies, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ethiopia, not part of the show?

What is unknown to Nigerians, according to a reliable source, is that America, in recent times, has been hostile to Nigeria and Nigerians because the country has refused to accept Venezuelan deportees released from its prison.

While the five countries invited for the recent diplomatic praise singing session are leaders of countries that have accepted to receive these deportees, Nigeria, in a bold face, has politely refused to make itself a dumping ground for criminals.

Our sources also revealed that America's unfriendly and hostile treatment of Nigeria and Nigerians in recent times, which includes visa pressure, is to get the country to accept this dangerous trend.

Although our government is said to be mute on this development, its newfound courage should be applauded.

It is curious why America will target Nigeria as one of its dumping ground for criminals given the prevailing security situation in Nigeria, a country that is already being plagued with myriad cases of insurgency, emanating from it's current security challenges, ranging from Boko Haram terrorists, kidnappings, banditry, cultism, and other criminal activities. The nation's current situation calls for caution, especially with the request of the American government on the Venezuelan deportees, which the Nigerian government has rightly declined to accept.

If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration had succumbed to this horrifying request, it would have pleased the American government, while creating more security and economic challenges.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

For example, the Boko Haram insurgency alone has resulted in the significant loss of life, displacement, and economic disruption. Studies estimate that the conflict has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people and displaced over two million people. It has also devastated the economy, particularly in the North-East, with disruptions to agriculture, businesses, and infrastructure.

According to sources, the security threats being experienced in the country, which could be worsened by the Venezuelan deportees, if accepted, will not only undermine national stability and the rule of law but also have adverse effects on the economy.

In light of this, the American request for the reintegration of the deportees with some criminal background would have been a terrible mistake had the Tinubu administration accepted.

Olarenwaju Adigun, a foreign policy analyst, lives in Ibadan.
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.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Prince Silver Corp. (formerly Hawthorn Resources Corp.) (CSE:PRNC)(OTC:HWTNF) ("Prince Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition (the "Acquisition") of all issued and outstanding shares of Stampede Metals Corporation, a private Nevada-based company, from Stampede Metals Limited, a private Australian company ("Stampede AU"), pursuant to the previously announced Share Exchange Agreement, as amended.

As part of the closing, the Company has also issued all securities related to the Acquisition, converted its subscription receipts into common shares and warrants, and filed a technical report prepared in accordance with 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The Name Change and Consolidation are now effective, and the Company's common shares are trading on a consolidated basis under the name Prince Silver Corp. and the new symbol "PRNC." The new CUSIP for the Company's consolidated common shares is 74174A102.

"The completion of this transaction and our rebranding as Prince Silver Corp. mark a major milestone for the Company," stated Ralph Shearing, P.Geo., President of Prince Silver Corp. "We are now fully aligned with our flagship Prince Silver Project; a large-scale silver asset located in one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions. With silver prices reaching multi-year highs and a previously disclosed Exploration Target in place, we believe this is a timely opportunity to unlock significant value for our shareholders."

Highlights:

Closing of the Stampede Acquisition

Prince Silver has issued 15,000,000 units (the "Consideration Units") (each consisting of one common share and 0.566666667 of a Contingent Value Right) to Stampede AU. These Contingent Value Rights will convert into up to 8,500,000 Milestone Shares if defined resource milestones are met within four years. The Company retains the option to accelerate the milestone conversion and reduce the total number of Milestone Shares by 20% within the first year.

Finder's Shares Issued

In connection with the Acquisition, the Company issued 350,000 common shares to an arm's length party as finder's consideration, at a deemed price of $0.27 per share.

Subscription Receipt Conversion

The Company's Subscription Receipts have automatically converted into 14,807,315 common shares and 7,403,650share purchase warrants, each exercisable at $0.40 until December 23, 2026. Subscription Receipt proceeds have been released from trust to the Company resulting in gross proceeds of $3,997,975.05. Additionally, the Company issued 369,111 Finder's Warrants and paid aggregate finder fees of $101,549.98.

Resulting Share Capital

Following the closing of the Acquisition and conversion of the Subscription Receipts, the Company now has 45,861,440 common shares issued and outstanding on a post-consolidation basis.

New Control Person

With the issuance of the 15,000,000 Consideration Units, Stampede AU now holds approximately 32% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares, making it a new Control Person under applicable securities laws and Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") policies (a "Control Person"). It is the intent of Stampede Au to distribute the Consideration Units to its shareholders after preparing and filing necessary Australian corporate and regulatory documents to legally effect the transfer to its shareholders, after which, it is expected that Stampede Au would no longer be a Control Person.

Voluntary Lock-Up & Support Agreement

Stampede AU has agreed to a voluntary lock-up of its Consideration Units for a period of one year, or until it ceases to be a Control Person, whichever is later. During this lock-up period, Stampede AU will abstain from voting its shares, except in the case of votes involving a change of control.

Appointment of Director

The Company is also pleased to announce that, in connection with the closing of the Acquisition, it has appointed Robert Wrixon, a Director of Stampede Metals Limited, as a member of the Company's board of directors. Mr. Wrixon is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has served as both Executive and non Executive Director of several ASX and London listed companies. He holds a Ph.D in mineral engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

The Company also announced that Samantha Shorter has resigned from the Company's board of directors. "We would like to thank Samantha for her dedication to the Company since its initial public offering, and wish her well in her future endeavours." stated Ralph Shearing, P.Geol., President.

Filing of 43-101 Technical Report for the Prince Silver Project

The Company has filed an independent technical report for its 100%-owned Prince Silver Project, located in Lincoln County, Nevada (the "Prince Silver Project").

The report, titled "43-101 Technical Report on the Prince Silver Mine Project, Lincoln County, Nevada", is dated May 19, 2025, with an effective date of May 19, 2025 (the "Technical Report"). It was prepared in accordance with 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("43-101") by John E. Hiner, SME Registered Member.

The report does not contain a current mineral resource estimate compliant with NI 43-101 standards. Historical estimates are included for context only, and the reader is cautioned not to treat them as current or reliable. The Company has initiated plans to confirm historical data through a proposed two-phase drill program designed to define a compliant resource.

The Technical Report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Prince Silver Corp.

Prince Silver is a silver exploration company focused on advancing the Prince Silver Project in Nevada, USA. Mineralization is open in all directions and is near surface. Prince Silver also holds option interest in Broken Handle Project, an early-stage mineral exploration project located southern British Columbia, Canada.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Ralph Shearing, Director, President

Tel: 604-764-0965

Email: rshearing@princesilvercorp.com

Website: www.princesilvercorp.com

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: completion of the Acquisition and related transactions, proposed drill programs, amendments to the Company's website, property option payments and regulatory and corporate approvals. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, dependence on key personnel, completion of satisfactory due diligence in respect of the Acquisition and related transactions, and compliance with property option agreements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, failure to obtain regulatory or corporate approvals, exploration results, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and the CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Prince Silver Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/prince-silver-corp.-announces-closing-of-stampede-acquisition-issuance-of-securit-1047820
While there are reports that there is Khalistani link behind the firing incident, Kaps Cafe has shared a strong statement and said that they stand firm against violence. read more

Popular actor and comedian, Kapil Sharmas Kaps Cafe in Canada was shot at Thursday night. While there are reports that there is Khalistani link behind the firing incident, Kaps Cafe has shared a strong statement and said that they stand firm against violence.

We opened Kaps Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock but we are not giving up, Kaps Cafe shared an official statement on Instagram.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This cafe exists because of your belief in what were building together. Lets stand firm against violence and ensure Kaps Cafe remains a place of warmth and community. From all of us at Kaps Cafe, thank you and see you soon, under better skies, the statement added.

As per Spokesperson Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton of Surrey Police said the investigation is currently in the early stages. Connections to other incidents and potential motives are being examined. Once thats done, well have a better idea of what happened. said Houghton.

Khalistani terrorist Harjit Singh Laddi has taken responsibility for the shooting. He said in a social media post that in The Kapil Sharma Show, a character made humorous remarks bout the dress or behaviour of Nihang Sikhs, which hurt their religious sentiments.

These remarks were considered to hurt the religious sentiments of Nihang Sikhs. This mockery is a mockery of Sikh spiritual traditions and the dignity of Nihang Sikhs. No religion or spiritual identity can be made fun of in the guise of comedy, read the post.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Mrunal Thakur brings Rabia a bubbly Punjabi girl full of laughter and heart to life in Son of Sardaar 2. She will be seen sharing the screen with Ajay Devgn for the first time read more

Mrunal Thakur steps into a vibrant Punjabi role in her upcoming film, Son of Sardaar 2. The recently released trailer offers a glimpse of her character, Rabia seen delivering lively Punjabi dialogues and dancing to the infectious beats of the dhol. At the trailer launch event, Mrunal spoke candidly about the challenges of playing a Punjabi character and shared her experience of shooting for the film.

Highlighting the importance of delivering impactful dialogues in a comedy, she said, Comedy is also about give and take you just react to what the other person is saying. Sometimes, you get so engrossed in delivering the line, but there are a lot of improvisations, so you just have to go with the flow. Thats what I learned from everyone you have to be present, and the line needs to land. If the line doesnt land, theres no point.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

On stepping into a Punjabi character, she added, For me, it was slightly difficult to act, dance, and groove to the beats of the dhol hats off to all those who play it! The Punjabi accent was a bit tough too, but everyone helped me through it. Overall, I had so much fun while shooting. Interestingly, I even learned some French in Punjabi! If you watch the trailer, youll see Rabia has her own shades. Being a Maharashtrian, it was quite challenging to play a Punjabi role. Par, sound bolte hi hum sab form mein aa jaate the.

Mrunal Thakur brings Rabia a bubbly Punjabi girl full of laughter and heart to life in Son of Sardaar 2. She will be seen sharing the screen with Ajay Devgn for the first time, and fans are eager to see their chemistry in this lighthearted rom-com. With this film, Mrunal steps into a fresh genre of romantic comedy, adding another exciting chapter to her versatile filmography.

Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan, Deepak Dobriyal, Mukul Dev, Kubbra Sait, Chunky Panday, and others. Son of Sardaar 2 is set to release in theatres on 25th July, 2025.
The US government is planning to carry out a shocking plan in which they will take millions of sterile New World screwworm flies that they have bred in a facility and dump them over the US-Mexico border. The aim is to kill off the species, which is known to eat the flesh of cows and horses read more

A worker holds two small containers of New World Screwworm fly pupae at a facility that breeds sterile flies in Pacora, Panama. The US plans to build another facility near the Mexico border too. COPEG/AP

Picture this: Hundreds of millions of flies being dropped from planes. It sounds incredulous  almost like something from a horror movie. But, in fact, the US government actually plans on breeding flies and then dropping them from aircraft in efforts to eliminate a flesh-eating parasite that targets cows and cattle.

US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced on Wednesday (July 9) that the federal government would release millions of sterile male New World screwworm flies into the wild to mate with females and prevent them from laying the eggs. This plan essentially fighting flies with flies  will help to protect the more than $100 billion US cattle and beef industry from the New World screwworm.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

What do we know of this plan? How will it work? We get you all the answers.

Fighting flies with flies

The US plans to build a fly-breeding facility in Texas near the Mexico border at a cost of $8.5 million in order to combat the menace of New World screwworm (NWS) flies. The new US dispersal facility is expected to be located at the Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County, Texas.

Interestingly, this will be the second such facility in the Western Hemisphere, joining one in Panama that had largely kept the flies from migrating further north until last year. The United States has defeated NWS before, and we will do it again, Rollins was quoted as telling a news conference at the South Texas air base with other state and cattle industry officials.

Federal officials state that the factory will propagate millions of sterile male screwworm flies and those will be released into the wild. These male flies will then seek fertile females and help prevent them from laying eggs.

A worker uses a machine to mix food for the sterile fly breeding programme in Pacora, Panama. COPEG via AP

But how will this plan work?

The idea behind it is mass sterilisation. In the 1950s, the US government came up with the Sterile Insect Technique, a method that utilised radiation to sterilise male flies. These sterile males were then released into the wild wherein they mated with the female, resulting in unfertilised eggs. Female flies mate only once, so if they pair with a sterile fly, they will be unable to reproduce. No fertile eggs meant no more screwworms.

The success of the programme  in 1966, the US officially eradicated the insect, protecting its cattle and beef industry  resulted in similar ones being created for mosquitoes too.

As Edwin Burgess, an assistant professor at the University of Florida who studies parasites in animals, told NBC News, Its an exceptionally good technology. Its an all-time great in terms of translating science to solve some kind of large problem.

Additionally, it is also more effective and environmentally friendly than spraying copious amounts of pesticide into the air to eradicate this pest.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

About the flesh eater New World Screwworm flies

New World Screwworms, scientifically known as cochliomyia hominivorax, is a devastating pest. It draws its name  screwworm  owing to its feeding behaviour as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go like a screw being driven into wood.

According to Dr Phillip Kaufman, a professor and head of the department of entomology at Texas A&M University, what sets them apart from other flies is that they feed on the flesh of living animals  mostly cows and horses  rather than dead ones.

An adult New World screwworm fly sits at rest in this undated photo. AP

In some cases, New World Screwworm flies have infected domestic pets and even humans. In fact, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised that individuals in the affected areas who spend time among livestock animals, sleep outdoors and have an open wound are at greater risk of becoming infested with [New World Screwworms].

They are endemic to Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and some South American countries.

Experts note that these flies cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can become larger and deepen as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue. As a result, NWS can cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. In drastic situations, the flies can also kill an animal in a matter of one to two weeks and spread to others, posing a threat to the livelihood of ranchers.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Dr. Michael Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, even told USA Today, This can kill a 1,000-pound cow in two weeks.

New infestation moving towards the US

Since 2022, years after its eradication from the US, the New World screwworm has once again spread northwards through several countries in Central America. Cases exploded in Panama in 2023 and the fly had reached Mexico by November 2024.

American cattle is at risk of the screwworm flies. AP

Scientists have said that there are a number of reasons for this  higher temperatures enhancing fly development and survival, and the possibility that females are adapting their sexual behaviour to avoid sterile males.

Around 17 million cattle are now at risk in Central America, but the worse is yet to come. Mexico has twice as many cattle, and the spread towards the US continues, where around 14 million cattle would be at risk in Texas and Florida alone.

In fact, the US has responded by restricting live animal imports from Mexico, a move denounced by President Claudia Sheinbaum. She said that fears of the worm were overblown, pointing out that a single case in the eastern state of Veracruz had prompted the import pause. From our point of view, it is a totally exaggerated decision to close the border again, Sheinbaum said.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

With inputs from agencies
India is reportedly considering collaborating with either the UKs Rolls-Royce or Frances Safran to jointly produce fighter jet engines. The move aligns with New Delhis push to strengthen its defence manufacturing capacity. It also comes amid delays in engine supplies by US-based General Electric for Indias Tejas combat aircraft read more

Visitors stand next to a prototype of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's most advanced stealth fighter jet, at the Aero India 2025 air show at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, February 11, 2025. File Photo/Reuters

India is seeking partners beyond the United States to develop engines for its fighter jets. New Delhi is reportedly exploring the possibility of collaborating with the United Kingdoms defence manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce or Frances Safran to develop combat aircraft engines jointly.

The move comes amid delays in engine supplies by US-based General Electric (GE) for Indias next-generation Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-2 fighter jet. As regional tensions rise, India is looking to bolster its domestic defence manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imports.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Lets take a closer look.

UK or France for Indias fighter jet engines?

India is considering between Rolls-Royce and Safran for joint fighter jet engine production. Both companies have offered to work with the Defence Research & Development Organisations (DRDO) Bengaluru-based Gas Turbine Research Establishment lab. They have also agreed to share intellectual property rights and Transfer of Technology (ToT), an official told Indian Express.

Engines are a constraining factor a strategic decision has to be taken. Both Rolls-Royce and Safran are contenders for the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). A Cabinet note will be prepared from the DRDO side and circulated, the official said.

Rolls-Royces proposal is to develop a series of high-thrust turbofan engines for transport and civilian aircraft. Sanfran has proposed a prototype obtained from its Rafale fighters M88 engine family, as per the newspapers report.

The locally-produced engines will power Indias AMCA, a twin-engine 5.5-generation stealth fighter which is under development. The combat aircraft, with a thrust class of 110-130 kN, is expected to have its first flight by 2029-2030 and induction by 2035.

The initial AMCA prototypes and the Mk1 variant of the fighter jet will have the GE F414 engines. The engines developed in India are likely to be used for the AMCA Mk2 variant, reported Indian Express.

In May, Bloomberg had reported that India was mulling collaborating with the UK, France and Japan for producing its fighter jet engines.

Why India is looking beyond US for fighter jet engines

The delays in the delivery of the F404-IN20 engine by GE Aerospace to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A fighter jet have led India to diversify partnerships beyond the US. The Boston-based engine manufacturer attributed the delays to restarting the production line, which was hit due to COVID-19.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) HAL Tejas fighter jet performs during Aero India 2025, a military aviation exhibition at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 12, 2025. File Photo/AFP

The Tejas engine delays were caused by supply chain issues faced by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer GE Aerospace). There is a need to have greater control of the engine procurement. As was done in the case of marine engines (with Kirloskar), the idea is to develop a local supply base for aircraft engines and we will do everything to develop an ecosystem here, the official told Indian Express.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

India has been in talks with General Electric since 2023 to jointly make GE F414 engines. However, there is no progress yet.

In May, India Air Force (IAF) Chief Amar Preet Singh raised serious concerns about delays in procuring critical weapons. Not for a single project that I can think of that been completed on time, he said, underlining the need for India to design, develop, and produce weapons indigenously in greater numbers.

By seeking defence partners beyond the US for jointly making fighter jet engines, New Delhi aims to close capability gaps amid regional tensions, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

India also wants to modernise its air force by purchasing advanced combat aircraft from overseas and strengthening its Make-in-India initiative in defence through joint projects with leading global arms manufacturers.

Its goal to produce jet engines showcases its efforts to secure the supply chain for key defence equipment, which, Bloomberg noted, is a major takeaway from Russias prolonged war with Ukraine.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

However, seeking partners outside the US is not a snub to Washington or a sign of strained ties, but Indias understanding of securing reliable supply chains.

The move also reflects the changing realities post-Operation Sindoor. The IAF is in want of more fighter jets in large numbers, defence sources said to Moneycontrol in May_._ While the force plans to have 42 fighter squadrons, it currently has 31 squadrons.

The military strikes with Pakistan in May have increased concerns over delays in the supply of crucial technology and reliance on foreign partners. India is looking for all available options, a top defence source said at the time.

With inputs from agencies
On July 1, scientists discovered a mysterious object hurtling through our solar system. Nicknamed 3I/ATLAS, astronomers say it could be the oldest comet ever and perhaps even older than our solar system read more

3I/ATLAS was discovered by the Atlas telescope in Chile. Reuters

Last week saw much excitement within the scientific community.

This came after scientists discovered a mysterious object hurtling through our solar system.

The object, spotted on July 1, is believed to have come from interstellar space.

It was discovered by the Atlas telescope in Chile.

Nicknamed 3I/ATLAS, it is only the third interstellar object that has entered our solar system after 1I/Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.

Now, astronomers say that 3I/ATLAS could be the oldest comet ever.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

But what do we know about it? What are scientists saying?

Lets take a closer look

But what do we know about it?

The object was spotted around 669 million kilometres from the sun.

It was initially named A11pl3Z.

It is thought to have a diameter of 20 kilometers.

Nasa has said Earth is no danger from it.

Experts say 3I/ATLAS has a tail and a nucleus  which means it is a comet.

They say it likely hails from the Milky Ways thick disk of stars.

The thick disk comprises around 10 per cent of the Milky Ways stellar mass.

It can currently be spotted by very large telescopes.

It should be seen via amateur telescopes later this year.

They say it is likely made up of a lot of water ice.

It will get closest to the Sun in October.

However, it will still be only around half as close to the Sun as Earth is.

By that time, it will be travelling around 68 kilometers per second or around 245,000 kilometers per hour.

Still, as it gets closer and closer to the sun, its frozen ice will transform into gas.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

This will give the 3I/ATLAS a cometary aura, or coma, and a bright tail  for which comets are known.

What are scientists saying?

They are saying that 3I/ATLAS maybe the oldest comet in history.

The research was presented at a meeting f the UKs Royal Astronomical Society at Durham University on Friday.

Were all very excited by 3I/Atlas, University of Oxford astronomer Matthew Hopkins told BBC News.

Ive just finished my PhD where I spent four years predicting the discovery of [more] interstellar objects, and then for the first time in my studies, we found one, he said.

Hopkins is among those claiming it could be as old as 7 billion years.

Our Milky Way galaxy, for reference, is around 13.6 billion years old.

This would make 3I/ATLAS older than our solar system  which is around 4 billion years old.

All non-interstellar comets, such as Halleys comet, formed at the same time as our solar system, so they are up to 4.5 billion years old, Hopkins said in a statement to _Space.com_. But interstellar visitors have the potential to be far older, and of those known about so far, our statistical method suggests that 3I/ATLAS is very likely to be the oldest comet we have ever seen.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Hopkins said there is a nearly 70 per cent chance that 3I/ATLAS is between 7.6 and 14 billion years old.

This is an object from a part of the galaxy weve never seen up close before, added professor Chris Lintott, co-author of the study.

We think theres a two-thirds chance this comet is older than the solar system, and that its been drifting through interstellar space ever since."

Our Milky Way galaxy, for reference, is around 13.6 billion years old.

They are thrilled as to what it could mean for the future.

Were in an exciting time, 3I/ATLAS is already showing signs of activity. The gases that may be seen in the future as 3I/ATLAS is heated by the sun will test our model, team member Michele Bannister, of the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, told _Space.com._

Some of the biggest telescopes in the world are already observing this new interstellar object  one of them may be able to find out!

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

With inputs from agencies
Khalistani terrorist Harjit Singh, who goes by the alias Laddi, has claimed responsibility for the shooting at Indian stand-up comic Kapil Sharmas newly inaugurated Kaps Cafe in Canadas Surrey. An operative of Babbar Khalsa, Laddi is one of Indias most wanted and has a reward of Rs 10 lakh on him read more

Bullet holes are seen in the windows of Kapil Sharma's Kap Cafe, in Surrey, British Columbia on Thursday, July 10. The Canadian Press/AP

Indian comedian and actor Kapil Sharma had recently launched Kaps Cafe in Surrey, a city in British Columbia, Canada. However, just days after its inauguration, the cafe came under fire on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday (July 9-10) with an unidentified attacker firing at least nine shots at the establishment.

Shortly after the incident, Harjit Singh alias Laddi, an operative of the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), claimed responsibility for the shooting, saying that it was in retaliation for comments made about the Nihang Sikhs attire during a television show hosted by Kapil Sharma.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The Vancouver Sun reports that the attack on Sharmas cafe joins the list of businesses being targeted in Surrey. In fact, since June, there are have five such cases affecting the South Asian business community in the city.

As the police now investigates, we take a closer look at what happened at Sharmas Kaps Cafe and whos Laddi, the man who claimed to be behind it.

What happened at Kaps Cafe?

In the wee hours of Thursday, around 2 am local time, multiple gunshots were fired at Sharmas newly-inaugurated Kaps Cafe located at the 8400-block of 120th Street in Surrey.

Shortly later, authorities from the Surrey Police Service arrived at the scene during which they determined that shots were fired towards the business, damaging the property, while staff members were still present inside. Fortunately, there were no injuries to anyone at the business.

Staff Sgt Lindsey Houghton of the Surrey Police told local media that authorities were investigating the situation but it was too early to determine motives or identify suspects. Anytime bullets are flying indiscriminately and brazenly, whether its the middle of the night or the middle of day, the chances of someone getting hurt are very high, and weve been very lucky and fortunate so far that no ones been injured or killed, he was quoted as telling Vancouver City News.

Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath opened Kaps Cafe in Surrey, Canada just last week. Image Courtesy: Kaps Cafe/Instagram

An eight-second video posted to social media shows 10 gunshots being fired from a handgun towards the business. The video, apparently filmed from the shooters perspective inside a vehicle, has not been verified by police.

According to local media, this is the fifth such incident of South Asian businesses being targeted in Surrey, prompting anger from residents. As Satish Kumar, one of the residents of Surrey told Vancouver Sun, Its very tough to live in Surrey right now, theres too much crime going on. Every day theres shootings happening.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

World Famous comedian Kapil Sharma's newly inaugurated restaurant KAP'S CAFE shot at in Surrey, BC, Canada last night.

Harjit Singh Laddi, a BKI operative, NIA's (INDIA ) most wanted terrorist has claimed this shoot out citing some remarks by Kapil@SurreyPolice pic.twitter.com/p51zlxXbOf  Ritesh Lakhi CA (@RiteshLakhiCA) July 10, 2025

In response to the shooting, Kapil Sharmas Kaps Cafe issued a statement on social media, which read: We opened Kaps Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversations. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock but we are not giving up.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Whos behind the shooting at Kaps Cafe?

While the Canadian police said that it was investigating all angles of the crime, Harjit Singh alias Laddi, who is a member of the Khalistani terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), claimed responsibility for the incident in a Facebook post.

For those who dont know, the BKI is among the oldest and most organised Khalistan terrorist groups. It was declared a terrorist organisation in India in 2018 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

But who exactly is Laddi?

Originally from Garpadhana village in the Aur area of Nawanshahr in Punjab, Laddi is designated as one of Indias most wanted terrorists. Indias central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), just last year placed a Rs 10 lakh reward to his name.

A paper clipping of NIAs reward of Rs 10 lakh on BKIs Harjit Singh alias Laddi. Image Courtesy: X

Believed to be based in Germany, Laddi has been accused of orchestrating several violent attacks in Punjab, including targeted attacks on right-wing leaders. According to Indian authorities, he is also responsible for the assassination of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar in April 2024. Prabhakar, also known as Vikas Bagga, was shot dead by BKI terrorists at his confectionary shop at Nangal in Punjabs Rupnagar district on April 13, 2024.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Reports state that Laddi operates under the directives of Wadhawa Singh Babbar, the Pakistan-based chief of BKI. Additionally, hes been tasked to provide arms, financial support, and communication logistics to ground operatives across Indian cities.

A bullet hole is seen in the window Kaps cafe as a worker tapes plastic sheeting over the windows, in Surrey, British Columbia. The Canadian Press/AP

Whats the motive for Laddi shooting at Kapil Sharmas cafe?

In the Facebook post in which he claims responsibility for the shooting at Kapil Sharmas cafe, Laddi claimed it was owing to the stand-up comics remarks made in The Kapil Sharma Show. The post mentions that a character in the show made certain remarks on Nihang Sikhs. The post says that Laddi tried contacting Sharmas manager about it but the calls went unanswered.

He also reportedly warned Sharma of more consequences if he didnt publicly apologise.

While the Canadian police has not spoken on the Khalistani link to the shooting at Sharmas cafe, a journalist pointed out that the shooting was a very bad sign of things escalating in Canada.

In an interview with news agency ANI, Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman said, Its a very bad sign of things escalating in Canada. I mean we have already seen a big uptick in extremist violence, especially post-October 7. The Khalistanis have been going on for a few years as well. Weve seen fire bombings of synagogues, shooting up of Jewish play schools. Weve seen, of course, the attack on the mandir by the Khalistanis.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

But this is disturbing because it presents sort of a new type of escalation, because this is an attack on a cafe that opened a few days ago, owned by a famous Indian comedian. But whats interesting about this one is the Babbar Khalsa International, a listed terrorist organisation in both countriesThe Babbar Khalsa International infamously blew up the Air India 182. Theyre taking responsibility for it.

He further pointed out that the shooting at Kaps Cafe was an escalation in violence. This is another step up the ladder where its an act of violence and intimidation, where they then post the media, the social media themselves post their crime online.

With inputs from agencies
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons high-profile divorce from State Senator Angela Paxton has shaken up the states political scene just as he prepares to challenge Senator John Cornyn in 2026. The end of their 38-year marriage, citing biblical grounds and alleged adultery, complements a career already marked by indictments and impeachment read more

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, walks with his wife and Texas State Senator Angela Paxton on the sideline before an NCAA college football game between Navy and SMU in Dallas, October 14, 2022. File Image/AP

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Senator Angela Paxton are officially ending their nearly four-decade-long marriage.

Angela Paxton filed for divorce on July 10, 2025, citing religious reasons and referring to recent discoveries that led her to conclude that continuing the relationship was no longer morally sustainable.

Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds, Angela Paxton announced on social media.

I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation. But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The divorce petition was filed in Collin County, Texas, and includes allegations of adultery.

It also reveals that the couple had not lived together as spouses since June last year.

In a separate statement on social media, Ken Paxton acknowledged the separation and linked their decision to the immense public pressure surrounding their political careers.

After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives, he wrote.

I could not be any more proud or grateful for the incredible family that God has blessed us with, and I remain committed to supporting our amazing children and grandchildren.

The announcement has rocked Texas politics, not just because of the high-profile nature of the couple, but also due to its timing  just months after Ken Paxton announced his intention to challenge sitting US Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary.

Political partnership at the core of the Paxtons public life

Angela and Ken Paxton have long operated as a cohesive political team.

Before entering politics, Angela Paxton worked as a high school teacher and guidance counsellor.

She later became a visible and enthusiastic supporter of her husbands political ambitions, often appearing at campaign events where she would sing and play guitar.

One of her more memorable campaign performances included the line: Im a pistol-packin mama, and my husband sues Obama.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Ken Paxton began his political career in the Texas House of Representatives before moving to the state Senate. He was first elected Texas Attorney General in 2014 and subsequently re-elected in 2018 and 2022.

Angela Paxton launched her own political career in 2018, winning a state Senate seat for District 8 in the Dallas suburbs, following a narrow race supported in part by a $2 million loan from her husband.

Once in office, she supported legislative efforts to expand the powers of the Attorney Generals office, including initiatives that would have directly benefitted her husbands legal authority.

Angela Paxton also remained publicly supportive during her husbands 2023 impeachment trial, attending all the proceedings in the Texas Senate chamber.

Although she was not allowed to vote on the final verdict due to a conflict of interest, she remained a prominent figure in the chamber throughout the trial.

Not the first stint with controversy for the Paxtons

Ken Paxtons time in public office has been defined by an array of legal troubles. In 2015, he was indicted on charges of securities fraud based on actions that occurred before he became Attorney General.

After years of pretrial delays, Paxton reached a plea deal in 2024 in which he agreed to pay restitution, undergo ethics training, and complete community service. The case was dismissed this year following his compliance with the terms.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In addition to state-level charges, Paxton also faced a federal investigation beginning in 2023, which focused on allegations of corruption and abuse of power.

The accusations stemmed in part from reports by senior aides in the Attorney Generals office, who claimed that Paxton had misused his position to benefit a real estate developer under FBI scrutiny.

That developer allegedly had ties to Paxton, including covering expenses related to an extramarital affair.

These allegations led the Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives to vote overwhelmingly to impeach him in May 2023, citing multiple articles that included abuse of office, bribery, obstruction of justice, and misleading public officials.

The Texas Senate held a high-profile trial in September 2023, where Paxton was ultimately acquitted of all charges by a narrow vote, allowing him to resume his duties as Attorney General.

A parallel federal investigation into the same set of issues was later closed, with the US Department of Justice declining to file any charges early this year.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Ken Paxton for US Senate

Despite his extensive legal history, Ken Paxton remains a strong figure within the far-right wing of the Republican Party, closely allied with President Donald Trump.

His tenure as Attorney General has been marked by repeated legal challenges against Democratic policies. During President Joe Bidens term, Paxton filed nearly 50 lawsuits aimed at rolling back federal regulations or defending Texas state interests.

In one of his most high-profile moves, Paxton filed the lawsuit Texas v. Pennsylvania, which sought to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in multiple swing states.

The case was dismissed by the US Supreme Court. Paxton also appeared at Trumps rally in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2021, shortly before the Capitol was stormed by supporters of the US president.

In April, Paxton declared his candidacy for the US Senate, formally launching a campaign to unseat Republican Senator John Cornyn, who has served in the chamber for over two decades.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the AmericaFest 2024 conference sponsored by conservative group Turning Point in Phoenix, Arizona, US, December 21, 2024. File Image/Reuters

Early polling indicates Paxton enjoys considerable support from Republican primary voters, especially those aligned with the Trump-aligned faction of the party.

However, the announcement of his divorce puts certain things into question.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), which has endorsed Cornyn, took a direct swipe at Paxton following the divorce revelation.

What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting, NRSC spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez posted on social media.

No one should have to endure what Angela Paxton has, and we pray for her as she chooses to stand up for herself and her family during this difficult time.

Cornyn, reacting to the news on Capitol Hill, commented: Theres plenty of other reasons that I could comment on in terms of character, but Ill probably just leave that alone, while also expressing sympathy for Angela Paxton and calling the matter private.

Angela Paxton: A public figure in her own right

Angela Paxtons political identity has often been closely tied to her husbands public profile, but she has also carved out her own legislative path.

After entering the Texas Senate in 2019, she authored legislation aimed at expanding parental control over educational materials.

In early 2025, she introduced Senate Bill 13, which would allow parent-appointed boards to decide what books remain in public school libraries  transferring that power away from professional librarians.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In 2019, she also authored Senate Bill 860, a proposal that critics said would have created exemptions to state securities regulations for certain individuals. Although the bill was billed as a consumer protection initiative, it attracted scrutiny due to her husbands ongoing legal challenges at the time.

Angela Paxton maintained that the legislation has literally nothing to do with her husbands then-pending criminal case.

The Paxtons divorce also puts into spotlight the internal fractures within Texas GOP  over loyalty to Trump, ethics and long-standing incumbents.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
Iran has expelled over half a million Afghans since the conflict with Israel ended in what rights groups have called one of the biggest forced movements of population in decades. Millions from Afghanistan had fled to neighbouring Iran after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Many of them work in low-wage jobs and allege that they face discrimination daily read more

Millions from Afghanistan had fled to neighbouring Iran after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Reuters

Iran has expelled over half a million Afghans since the war with Israel ended.

The United Nations and other international organisations have called the development one of the biggest forced movement of population in decades.

Millions from Afghanistan had fled to neighbouring Iran after the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Many of them work in low-wage jobs and as labourers and allege that they face discrimination on a daily basis.

But what do we know? And why has Tehran expelled nearly half a million Afghans?

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

What do we know?

Iran initially announced the deportation program in March.

Tehran had set a July 6 deadline for Afghan migrants to leave.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been deported from Iran over the past week alone.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has estimated that 508,426 Afghans have left Iran via the border between June 24 and July 9 alone.

That figure was 33,956 last Wednesday, 30,635 last Tuesday, and 51,000 last Friday.

That figure in June was over 256,000.

Some reports say that even those with valid visas have been forcibly removed.

The Afghans have been making the crossing in searing weather.

Conditions have hit as high as 40 degrees Celsius.

Footage shows hundreds of migrants queuing up at the Islam Qala border in Western Afghanistan.

Mihyung Park, chief of mission for the UNs international organisation for migration, told CNN, There are thousands of people under the sun - and you know how hot Herat can be. It is quite dire. Last week was quite massive.

Making things worse, many of these children are unaccompanied minors.

Last week it was about 400 unaccompanied, separated children  that is a lot, Park added.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Some say they were have been in Iran for years, and that they were treated badly by the authorities.

First, they took $200 (Rs 17,150) from me. Then they sent me to the detention center where I was kept for two nights and they forced me to pay another $50 (Rs 4,200). In the detention center they wouldnt give us food or drinking water. There were around 200 people there, and they would beat us up, they would abuse us, Bashir told CNN.

A young Afghan migrant who lives in Tehran told _RFE/RL h_is father was ill-treated by the police.

My father was arrested and tortured on charges of espionage, he said. His feet were tied with chains, and he was not given food or water. He was detained by the Iranian police for several days and later deported to Afghanistan. The situation here for Afghan refugees is very bad, he added.

This individual said his visa has also expired. He is fearful of the same treatment at the hands of the authorities.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Refugees, most of whom are women and children, are being forced to return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan under dire circumstances. Image courtesy: UN Women

The situation of Afghan refugees has deteriorated further over the past week or two, another refugee told the outlet.

Even those who have legal status and work live in fear. Most of our friends have been expelled. The situation is very worrying, he told RFE/RL.

An Afghan woman who has lived in Iran for over a decade is now heading home with her five children.

I didnt even get to pack their clothes. They came in the middle of the night. I begged them to give me just two days to collect my things. But they didnt listen. They threw us out like garbage, she told The Guardian.

From Shiraz to Zahedan [close to the Afghan border], they took everything from us. My bank card had $149 (Rs 12,700). They charged $1 (Rs 85) for a bottle of water, $2 (Rs 170) for a cold sandwich. And if you didnt have it, your child went without, she added.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The woman now says she has no prospects in Afghanistan  and has to support her children and elderly mother.

Things are even worse for women who are making the crossing. This is because under Afghan law, they are not allowed to venture out without male guardians. Anyone violating the law is subject to flogging.

Human rights groups have sounded the alarm at these developments, saying most migrants have nothing but the clothes on their back and in urgent need of food, medical care, and support.

The Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said they have faced exhaustion, hunger, and uncertainty on their journey home amid high temperatures.

Officials say several people have died during the crossings, though numbers remain uncertain.

Why has Tehran expelled half a million Afghans?

The development comes in the backdrop of spurious claims by Iranian media and some officials that Israel used Afghans to spy on the country during the conflict.

State media has aired footage of an Afghan spy confessing his crimes.

The individual claimed he worked for someone in Germany.

That person contacted me and said he needed information on certain locations, the alleged spy said. He asked for some locations, and I provided them. I also received $2,000 from him.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, wrote on X last week that hundreds of Afghans have been accused of espionage.

Bennett also voiced apprehension about Irans media labeling Afghans [and] minority communities as traitors.

Immigration has long been an issue in Iran, which has played host to the largest number of refugees anywhere in the world.

It appears that the authorities are using this as a pretext to carry out their long-awaited plans.

Experts say authorities in Iran are using such claims as a pretext to carry out their long-awaited plans. AFP

The gloves are off, Arafat Jamal, the UN refugee agency representative in Kabul, told The New York Times. Theres a bit of a frenzy at the moment, no one is going to oppose deportations of Afghans right now so those who wish to deport them have been ramping it up.

Weve always striven to be good hosts, but national security is a priority, and naturally illegal nationals must return, Irans government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on July 1.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The situation in Afghanistan bears watching too.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have returned from Pakistan, which is also planning a similar programme.

The UNHCR has claimed that at least 1.2 million Afghans have been forcibly sent back from Iran and Afghanistan.

The agency warns that this could cause a crisis in Afghanistan.

With inputs from agencies
press release

During the meeting, Governor Radda praised Mr Adedeji's reform-driven leadership and described FIRS as the engine room of Nigeria's economic growth.

The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. The visit underscored Katsina State's strong commitment to Nigeria's evolving tax reforms and its willingness to collaborate closely with FIRS on key areas such as digital innovation, voluntary tax compliance, enforcement strategies, and grassroots sensitization.

During the meeting, Governor Radda praised Mr Adedeji's reform-driven leadership and described FIRS as "the engine room of Nigeria's economic growth." He reaffirmed that his administration is ready to adopt progressive tax practices that will improve internal revenue generation and enhance public service delivery in the state.

Mr Adedeji, in response, welcomed the governor and commended Katsina State for aligning with national fiscal priorities. He expressed readiness to deepen partnerships with sub-national governments and expand the nation's tax base in a way that supports long-term, inclusive growth.

The high-level engagement reflects a renewed synergy between federal and state institutions committed to building a more transparent and efficient tax system for national development. Governor Radda was accompanied on the visit by the Accountant General of Katsina State, Nura Tela.

On the side of the FIRS Chairman were the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Mr Adetayo Koleosho, and the Coordinating Director at FIRS, Kabir Abba.
The government is considering asking air-conditioner manufacturers to offer higher scrappage values for old units and compensate the difference via government incentives or through energy credits read more

Indias power ministry is mulling a plan to offer customers cheaper five-star energy-efficient ACs in exchange for replacing their units that are over 10 years old.

According to a report by Economic Times, the reduced prices would be achieved through bulk procurement and competitive bidding, following a model similar to the Ujala scheme, which distributed 368.7 million LED bulbs through discoms over the past decade.

The government is also considering asking air-conditioner manufacturers to offer higher scrappage values for old units and compensate the difference via government incentives or through energy credits from discoms that can be redeemed during the payment of electricity bills. AC buyers can then purchase new units at market rates.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Another proposal that is currently being evaluated is to allow customers to give up their old ACs to authorised e-waste partners and receive discounts on a new purchase via the discom.

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal met last week with top executives from major air conditioner manufacturers, including Blue Star MD B. Thiagarajan, Daikin India MD KJ Jawa, and Voltas MD-designate Mukundan Menon, to discuss the issue.

Changes to energy efficiency norms soon

Sources told ET that the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the agency which is responsible for setting energy norms for electrical appliances, is planning to alter the mandate for air-conditioners from the previous three to four years to two years.

The industry has to invest around 400 crore for each rating change, which becomes difficult to recover if there are frequent changes, an industry insider told the news outlet.

According to Thiagarajan, each change in energy rating improves an air conditioners efficiency by about 10 per cent, but also raises its price by 57 per cent. The installed base of ACs is projected to grow three to four times by 2030, potentially driving a 300400 per cent increase in energy consumption.

Frequent rating changes need inventory planning and supply chain management. What we need is a breakthrough technology in AC to make them really energy efficient like EVs in automobiles and LED in lighting, he added.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit China this weekend, his first trip in over five years, as both countries seek to mend strained relations following the deadly border clashes of 2020, according to a report read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro. File Image: X | @DrSJaishankar.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit China this weekend, his first trip in over five years, as both countries seek to mend strained relations following the deadly border clashes of 2020, according to a Bloomberg report, citing people familiar with the matter.

Jaishankar will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing before heading to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations Council of Foreign Ministers on July 1415, added the report.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The separate Jaishankar-Wang Yi meeting ahead of the summit signals renewed efforts by both countries to ease tensions, reported Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a China-led multilateral bloc with nine permanent members, including India and Pakistan.

During their bilateral meeting, Jaishankar and Wang Yi are likley to discuss a range of sensitive issues, including rare earth exports to India, the Dalai Lamas succession, recent India-Pakistan tensions, and the possible resumption of direct flights between India and China, according to the report.

Jaishankars visit marks the latest in a series of high-level engagements between India and China, following a gradual easing of tensions that began late last year.

Just last month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh travelled to Qingdao for the SCO defence ministers meeting.

Officials are likely setting the stage for a possible visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the SCO leaders summit later this year.

While Chinas ambassador to India extended a warm invitation in an April note to local media, New Delhi has yet to confirm PM Modis participation.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Wang Yi is also expected to visit India in July for talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on longstanding border issues, according to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter.

Diplomatic and economic ties between India and China deteriorated sharply after the deadly border clash in June 2020, which left at least 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops dead.

Both sides responded by deploying thousands of troops, missiles, and fighter jets along the disputed 3,488-km border.

Relations began to thaw in October after a meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping at the Brics summit in Russia, where they agreed to stabilise ties.

Since then, Jaishankar has met Wang Yi twice outside China  at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November and again in Johannesburg in February.

Despite these efforts, tensions remain.

India continues to impose visa and investment restrictions on China, while Beijings export curbs on critical minerals have impacted Indian industries.

Earlier this month, China lodged a protest after PM Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his birthday.

During Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs visit in June, India declined to endorse a joint SCO statement due to disagreements over language on terrorism.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

With inputs from agencies
The Chinese Communist leadership tends to portray bilateral issues as manageable rather than resolvable. China retains the strategic flexibility to escalate tensions when required read more

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers Summit held in Qingdao, China, on June 26, 2025, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held an important bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun. During the dialogue, he urged Beijing to commit to a lasting resolution of the boundary dispute and meaningful de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This marked the first high-level military interaction between the two nations since the disengagement agreement in eastern Ladakh, specifically in the Demchok and Depsang Plains, concluded on October 21, 2024. That agreement was formally endorsed during the Narendra ModiXi Jinping meeting on the sidelines of the Brics summit in Kazan, Russia, two days later.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Rajnath Singh presented a four-pronged roadmap aimed at preventing further deterioration in bilateral ties. The proposal emphasised (i) strict adherence to the 2024 Disengagement Agreement, (ii) sustained efforts to de-escalate tensions along the LAC, (iii) expedited negotiations to finalise boundary delineation and demarcation, and (iv) addressing the prevailing trust deficit in the interest of mutual benefit.

While the blueprint reflected Indias constructive intent, Chinas response remained predictably muted. Beijing reiterated its standard line, ie, the border issue should not overshadow broader bilateral relations. Although China expressed support for dialogue, it stopped short of formally endorsing the Indian plan. This cautious and ambiguous diplomatic posture is characteristic of Chinas approach: agreeable in tone, yet elusive in commitment.

Indias latest initiative underscores growing frustration with the stalemate in resolving the border issue. Despite the 2024 disengagement, China has shown little willingness to move toward a permanent solution. Notably absent from the current discussions were the five key agreements signed between 1993 and 2013, which laid down mechanisms for peace, confidence-building and border management. These agreements were flagrantly violated by China in AprilMay 2020, when the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) initiated large-scale incursions in eastern Ladakh to unilaterally alter the LACs status quo. This breach of trust undermined the Strategic Guidance Mechanism drawn up during the ModiXi meetings in Wuhan (2018) and Mamallapuram (2019).

Meanwhile, China has continued building dual-use infrastructure to boost its military posture along the LAC, particularly opposite Arunachal Pradesh. Over 720 Xiaokangs (model border villages) have been constructed, nearly one-third located near the LAC, potentially serving as Chinese military forward outposts. In 2021, Xi, during a visit to Tibet, directed the PLA to turn the region into a formidable defence shield. More recently, he called on Tibetan villagers near the Indian border to contribute to regional stability and prosperityan appeal that reflects Chinas strategy of civil-military fusion to consolidate control.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

To further legitimise its territorial claims, in 2022 China passed the Border Defence Law. It continues to rename locations within Indian territory as part of grey zone warfare tactics. The recently released White Paper on National Defence (2025), titled Chinas National Security in the New Era, includes Tibet among regions threatened by external forces. This implicitly points to India being very much part of Chinas risk assessment calculus.

China has historically preferred temporary agreements, which it can interpret selectively, while resisting structured boundary settlements, unless these serve Beijings interests. The Chinese Communist leadership tends to portray bilateral issues as manageable rather than resolvable. By delinking the border issue from overall relations, China retains the strategic flexibility to escalate tensions when required, especially concerning its claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Zangnan (South Tibet).

In the geopolitical arena, China continues to apply pressure on India through strategic alliances and economic instruments. It is deepening its presence across South Asia. China reaffirmed its support for the all-weather ally Pakistan during the recent Operation Sindoor. A growing trilateral involving China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and potentially expanding into a quadrilateral with Turkey poses serious challenges to Indias security. Chinas expanding footprint in Nepal and its planned investment in Bhutans Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project, though involving India, warrant close monitoring, particularly given the sites proximity to the sensitive Siliguri Corridor.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Economic pressure is another vector of Chinas strategy. Indias trade deficit with China soared past $99 billion in 2024. Beijing is actively undermining Indian manufacturing through strategic export controls, regulatory restrictions, and labour pullbacks. A Bloomberg report revealed that over 300 Chinese engineers working for Foxconn in India were recalled to China. Additionally, China has curtailed the export of critical goodsincluding rare earth magnets vital for electric vehicle production, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilisers, and even the tunnel boring machines. By weaponising trade, China aims to retain control over the supply chains and impede the diversification trend embodied by the China Plus One strategy.

Beijings ambition to reshape the global order is becoming increasingly evident. Its strategic alignment with Moscow and emerging partnerships with countries like Iran, Turkey, and North Korea signal a shift toward forming an alternate axis of power. Multilateral platforms like SCO and Brics are being leveraged to counterbalance the West-led alliances. In this calculus, a constrained and compliant India, geopolitically limited to South Asia, well suits Chinas grand strategy.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In light of these complex dynamics, India must urgently adopt a holistic, long-term China policy anchored in national interest. A piecemeal or reactive approach will no longer suffice. A whole-of-nation strategy is needed, one that integrates diplomatic, military, economic, and technological capabilities. To this end, India needs to deepen engagement with like-minded coalitions such as the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) and I2U2 (India, Israel, the UAE, and the US).

With no indication that China intends to resolve the border dispute in the near future, India must prioritise robust border management systems, sustained military readiness, and credible deterrence. Formulating limited warfighting doctrines, initiating deep structural reforms, building capacity for hybrid warfare, and significantly increasing defence spending must be the key elements of the National Security Strategy to narrow down the current gap vis-a-vis China, which ironically is widening.

A lasting solution on the LAC cannot emerge from temporary fixes or ad hoc diplomacy. It demands a clear-eyed national policy, one that acknowledges Chinas strategic behaviour and prepares India to secure its sovereignty and global-cum-regional standing.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The author is a war veteran and former assistant chief who served as a defence attache in China, North Korea, and Mongolia and is currently a professor of international relations and management studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama speaks in a video broadcast at the start of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, a meeting of religious leaders in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala on July 2, 2025. AFP

The morning of July 6, 2025, was rainy and foggy in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, buzzing with an air of celebration. The small town was gearing up to honour the 90th birth anniversary of the Dalai Lama. Prime Minister Narendra Modi heartily congratulated the Dalai Lama, while senior government officials were said to be part of the festivities. This incident seems to have gotten under the skin of the Chinese, with their Foreign Ministry issuing a sharp rebuke to India, saying that India must stop meddling in their internal affairs and acknowledge the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai Lama. But why should we?

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Buddhisms roots in India date back 2,500 yearsancient spiritual and cultural ties that transcend borders and eras. Tibets embrace of these ideals created a relationship grounded in far more than mere geography. In 1959, when the 14th Dalai Lama fled Chinese annexation and walked into India through Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, it wasnt just a refugee crisisit was a reaffirmation of this timeless bond.

Yes, Nehrus decision to grant asylum was controversial, but wise. India framed it as a humanitarian act on its soil. As C.V. Ranganathan, who welcomed the Dalai Lama, later said, He has no support from the Indian government in any political activity aimed against China. Undoubtedly though, this did provide India a soft power anchor in the Himalayas.

Hosting the Dalai Lama empowers India to stand tall as a champion of religious freedom and cultural pluralismtwo ancient pillars of the Indian ethos. This moral authority shores up our global reputation. In the tense lead-up to his 90th birthday, there were indications from foreign powers that highlighted this soft power. The US restored $6.8 million in Tibetan aid, emphasising international solidarity. The Bharat-Tibet Sahayog movement in Nagpur strongly rejected Chinas attempt to unilaterally decide the Dalai Lamas successor. Far from being just ceremonial acts, these events declare: India stands for voice and choice, even while powerful neighbours press vocally against them.

Tibet also remains a strategic buffer between India and China. By supporting this historic bond, New Delhi retains leverage amid rocky diplomatic terrain. The Dalai Lamas recent assertion that his foundationnot Beijingwill choose his successor is a direct challenge to Chinese claims. Kiren Rijijus endorsement drew a stinging response from Beijing: Choose words carefully, they warned. This riposte matters. It means Indias voice is being heardand heard loudly.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Of course, the Dalai Lamas flight to India accelerated a timeline by making the Chinese more paranoid of Indian intentions. Delhi is, of course, playing humanitarian hostbut also displaying strategic depth.

Post-2020 border skirmishes in Galwan and Ladakh exposed Chinas will to test Indias defences. In that context, supporting the Dalai Lama sends Indias border communities a powerful message: India wont back down from symbolic or spiritual stakes near that frontier. The resurgence of Tibetan identity in Dharamshalamonasteries reopened, schools reorganizedis cultural revival. But it has also become a geopolitical statement projected from Indias hill states. And when Washingtons bipartisan delegation meets with the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, that too echoes across Indian foreign policy.

There is the burning impending question: who will follow the current Dalai Lama? China has invoked the Golden Urna Qing-era procedureto claim legal authority. Yet, the Dalai Lamas office has made it clear: traditional monks, not Beijing officials, will choose the next incarnation. Indias support of that position adds institutional weight. In case a Beijing-approved false Dalai Lama emerges, India becomes the host and promoter of the genuine lineage in the eyes of many Buddhists and nations alike. That religious legitimacy is a potent form of influencefar beyond conventional diplomacy.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Indias embrace of Tibetan culture boosts its Buddhist soft power. The Dalai Lama is a global icon of peace and mindfulness, and his presence anchors India within that narrative. Institutions like the Central University of Tibetan Studies in Varanasi, co-founded by Nehru and the Dalai Lama, advance academic and spiritual scholarship on Indo-Tibet traditions. Dharamshala continues to serve as a pilgrimage magnet, attracting students, historians, monks, and touristssynergising cultural heritage with diplomatic outreach.

India is home to around 85,000 Tibetan exiles, across states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Karnataka. New Delhis consistent funding of refugee schools, legal status, and cultural preservation further cements friendship and loyalty among these communities. This integration breeds loyalty, not resentment. During a time when India prudently restricts Chinese influence across local supply chains and infrastructure projects, a Tibetan presence rooted in Indian soil acts as a perfect counterbalance.

Of course, critics are in their own way correct to say that Indias economic ties with China are vital. India cannot alienate Beijing while supporting the Dalai Lama. However, Indias policy does not reject businessit only seeks to safeguard sovereignty. Not an exclusion, but a calibration, if one can think of it that way. China can be successfully countered in the Himalayas and in the Indian Ocean while trading with China at the same time. Indias playbook will naturally seek to blend strategic resilience with economic pragmatismbalancing soft power influence with trade realities.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Indias support for the Dalai Lama is far beyond any act of sentimentalism or nostalgia. It is also sophisticated statecraft. It preserves a civilisational legacy, strengthens moral leverage, secures Himalayan strategy, and signals to the world that India will not shrink from symbolic stakes. Yes, Beijing pushes back. Yes, economic costs exist. However, India continues to choose principles backed by strategic calculus. It hosts the spiritual as a bulwark for the geopolitical. Each prayer in Dharamshala, while nurturing the Buddhist nucleus, also echoes across policy circles in New Delhi, Beijing, Tokyo, and Washington.

Support for the Dalai Lama affirms Indias commitment to values and its enduring resolve in geopolitics. This is not simply wishful idealism, but also a way of redrawing influence in the Himalayas.

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.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Chinas attack on India in 1962, with skirmishes leading up to it, all started in the 1950s after the PLA forcibly occupied Tibet. The parallels between the 1950s and now must be carefully studied by India read more

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Qingdao, China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his counterpart Admiral Dong Jun and called for a permanent solution to their decades-old Tibet border dispute. The question that immediately emerges here concerns the timingespecially when there have been several narratives about India and China moving toward peaceful disengagement in Depsang and Demchok since last year, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Xi Jinping at Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit and an agreement was drawn up.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

China had stated in October last year that disengagement had been completed at Depsang and Demchok, two of the friction points that emerged post-2020 when China violated Indias sovereignty and martyred 20 soldiers of the Indian Army during the Galwan Valley clash. However, a December 2024 Pentagon report noted that the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) had not fully drawn down its forces since 2020 and continued building infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), indicating that despite the agreement, full disengagement was yet to take place.

In this context, the use of two terms by Defence Minister Singh during his meeting with Dong in June this yearpermanent and Tibetcarries significant meanings and signals. The deliberate use of permanent implies that India understands Chinas actions do not match its words, particularly regarding disengagement at friction points. Second, the temporary nature of so-called agreements for maintaining peace at the disputed borders becomes glaring when the need for a permanent solution is stressed.

Despite multiple rounds of talks between India and China at various levels, the fact remains that conflict is used as the first resort by the Chinese PLA. Examples range from 1962 to 1967, 1987, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Moreover, Chinas response to Singhs statement on the need for a permanent solution to the decades-old Tibet border question clarified that China does not actually seek a solution to the dispute. Just days after Singhs statement, China remarked that the boundary dispute with India is complicated and will take time to settle.

This is reminiscent of the 1950s. In 1954, Zhou Enlai stated that Chinas India policy should strive for co-existence based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, seeking to make it anti-US aggression and anti-war. He added that India was still under British and American influences, so China wanted to win it over. As for the border issue, Zhou said questions regarding areas such as Tawang and Lhoyulexcluded by the McMahon Lineand issues regarding the ownership of these areas would be resolved in the future at an appropriate time due to insufficient documents. He further noted that the stronger China became, the more Indias attitude would change.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In 2025, there are striking similarities with 1954. In April, China urged India to stand with it against U.S. tariffs. Since 2024, China has been actively pushing narratives of how it is trying to stabilise the borders with India. As seen in Chinas response to Singhs call for a permanent solution, this is reminiscent of Zhous 1954 view that the future would determine the resolution of the dispute.

The timing of Singhs focus on the border with Tibet is also pertinent. In the run-up to the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday, Chinese attempts to Sinicise Buddhism and obliterate everything about Tibetincluding replacing its name with the Chinese term Xizangneed to be noted. A few weeks before the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday, Xi met with the China-chosen Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu. Gedhun Choeki Nyima, the Panchen Lama recognised by the Dalai Lama in 1995, has now been missing for 30 years since being taken into custody by Chinese authorities at the age of six.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The Panchen Lama is the second-highest spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama. Norbu, while meeting Xi, stated he would keep in mind Xis earnest teachings and firmly support the leadership of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

A few weeks later, China announced it had started the third phase of work on restoring and preserving Buddhist scriptures, most written in Sanskrit. When the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday and announced that the Gaden Phodrang Trustthe religious authority managing his affairswill oversee his succession, stating that the CCP will have no authority, China flared up yet again, as it has in the past, and called for no interference in Chinas internal matters. Leading up to the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday, China also invited Indian journalists to Tibet. Even the most credible among them, perhaps not fully grasping strategic concerns, referred to Tibet as Xizang in their reports.

The continued use of the Chinese term for Tibet not only obliterates Tibetan identity but also normalises Chinas claims on Arunachal Pradesh. Xizang implies Western treasure trove in Chinese, while China calls Indias Arunachal Pradesh Zangnan or Southern treasure trove. Erasing Tibets identity through manipulation of media narratives also furthers Chinas claims on Arunachal Pradesh as Zangnan.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The fate of Tibet is closely tied to Chinas claims on Indias sovereignty. The timing of Chinas renewed attempts to Sinicise Buddhism and appropriate everything about Tibetfrom its sovereignty to culture to languagein the lead-up to the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday cannot be missed. Singhs statement on the need for a permanent solution to the Tibet dispute must also be seen as a carefully timed pushback.

Chinas attack on India in 1962, with skirmishes leading up to it, all started in the 1950s after the PLA forcibly occupied Tibet. The parallels between the 1950s and now must be carefully studied by India. Chinas overtures to push narratives of friendship with India to counter the West, its military onslaught on Tibet then, its attempts to obliterate Tibetan identity now, and the permanent delaying of resolving the border questionback in 1954 and again todayare all ominous signs. India must take cognisance of these realities and understand that China can never be trusted in any sphere of any relationship.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Prof Sriparna Pathak is a Professor of China Studies at O.P. Jindal Global University and serves as a Senior Fellow at the Jindal India Institute. Sagar Naidu is a Doctoral scholar at the University of Basel, Switzerland. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Tesla is set to make its long-awaited debut in India on July 15 with the launch of its first experience centre in Mumbais Bandra Kurla Complex read more

After years of speculation and stalled negotiations, Elon Musks Tesla is officially set to enter the Indian market, with its first showroom slated to open in Mumbais upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on July 15.

A long-awaited launch

Reports suggest Tesla has started sending select invitations referring to the event as the launch of Tesla in India. This marks the companys first formal step into one of the worlds fastest-growing automobile markets. While Tesla has not issued a public statement, sources familiar with the matter indicated that the electric vehicle (EV) giant intends to showcase its flagship Model Y SUV at the launch.

This move comes after a protracted period of deliberations between Tesla and Indian policymakers. Last year, CEO Elon Musk attributed the delay in entering the Indian market to overwhelming commitments within the company, PTI reported.

Mumbai to host first experience centre

The company has already established a physical presence in Mumbai by leasing over 24,000 square feet of warehouse space at Lodha Logistics Park for a five-year term. Now, its gearing up to unveil a Tesla Experience Centre at BKC, a prominent business hub, where customers will likely get a first look at its EVs and accessories.

Bloomberg reported that at least five Tesla Model Y vehicles, manufactured in Shanghai, have already landed in Mumbai. These units will likely be featured prominently at the launch and used for early test drives and demonstrations.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Model Y: Star of the show

Tesla plans to begin its Indian journey with the Model Y, its global bestseller. This all-electric SUV is available in two main versions internationally: the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

The RWD version boasts an EPA-estimated range of 574 km and reaches 0100 kmph in 5.4 seconds, while the AWD version, powered by dual motors, has a slightly shorter range of 527 km but accelerates to 100 kmph in just 4.6 seconds, Financial Express reported.

In the US, the Model Y is priced starting at $44,990 (approximately Rs 38 lakh). However, Bloomberg data suggests that in India, each imported Model Y has been valued at around Rs27.7 lakh ($31,988), but the 70 per cent import duty applicable to EVs under $40,000 may push the post-duty cost above Rs48 lakh ($56,000), not including local taxes and insurance.

Indias EV policy

Teslas India entry comes amid a cautious regulatory environment. Union Minister Piyush Goyal had earlier made it clear that India would not modify its EV policies to suit the business model of any one company. Instead, the country intends to attract a wide range of global electric vehicle manufacturers by maintaining a uniform policy framework, PTI reported.

In fact, India recently revised its customs duty structure to make luxury EVs more accessible. In her Union Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a reduction in import duties for luxury vehicles priced above $40,000, down from 125 per cent to 70 per cent. The government also removed customs duty on lithium-ion batteries to ease production costs and encourage local EV manufacturing.

Minister of Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy recently confirmed that Tesla is currently not exploring car manufacturing in India. Instead, its initial focus appears to be on retail and brand presence through experience centres and direct imports.

Global pressure and local implications

Teslas India entry also carries global trade implications. US President Donald Trump had voiced concern over Tesla potentially building a factory in India to bypass US tariffs, calling it unfair to American interests. While no such factory plans have been announced, Teslas India debut through imports has reignited the debate around global tariff parity and market access.

As Tesla prepares for its July 15 launch, industry watchers are closely observing whether this marks a testing phase or a longer-term commitment. For now, Teslas India story begins with a sleek showroom in Mumbai, a fleet of imported Model Ys and a cautious but hopeful market watching every move.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
For two days straight, Chinese fighter planes flew dangerously close to Japanese military aircraft in international airspace. This is the latest episode of Chinas aggressive military posturing in the Indo-Pacific region as it asserts its expansionist goals. read more

In this photo provided by Japans Ministry of Defense, a Chinese JH-7 fighter-bomber, center, is seen close to a YS-11EB electronic-intelligence aircraft, partly seen at left, of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force over the East China Sea on July 9, 2025. (Ministry of Defense via AP)

For two days straight, Japan said that Chinese fighter planes flew dangerously close to its military aircraft.

Japans defence ministry said that Chinese JH-7 fighter plane flew as close as 30 metres to its YS-11EB electronic-intelligence aircraft on Wednesday and Thursday in the international airspace above the East China Sea. It said that no damage was reported in the episode.

This was the latest episode in Chinas aggressive military posturing where its warships and warplanes regularly harass ships and aircraft of other countries in the region. China has territorial disputes with nearly every neighbour and uses such harassment to build pressure on them and assert its expansionist tendencies.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

While China did not respond to Japans claim, it had previously said that Japan flew very close to its aircraft for espionage purposes.

After the latest episode, Japanese foreign ministry said on late Thursday that vice minister Takehiro Funakoshi expressed serious concern to Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao and strongly requested China to stop the activity that could provoke accidental collisions and strongly urged China to ensure that similar actions are not repeated, according to the Associated Press.

Last month, Japan had similarly said that a Chinese warplane flew dangerously close to its P-3C surveillance aircraft over the Pacific Ocean. The two countries aircraft carriers were operating together in the area at the time for the first time.

Such Chinese aggression has continued despite the two countries warming up economically in the midst of US President Donald Trumps global tariff war. The two countries have reached an agreement for the resumption of the export of Japanese beef to China that had been banned since 2001. In another indication of the two sides warming up, China has also partially relaxed a ban on the export of Japans seafood to China.

However, China has often ramped up aggression in one domain while it negotiates in the other. For example, China recently halted the export of speciality fertilisers to India and also refused to issue licences for the supply of rare earths to India even as it opened the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and has reached a partial understanding with India over the Ladakh standoff.
As Kurdish armed group PKK started disarmament today as part of its dissolution, Turkey claimed it as a milestone and an irreversible turning point in the Turkish-Kurdish conflict. read more

Syrian Kurds hold flags as they gather after Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms on Thursday, a move that could end its 40-year conflict with Ankara and have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region, in Hasakah, Syria February 27, 2025. REUTERS/Orhan Qereman/File Photo

As the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) laid down arms in a ceremony on Friday, Turkey sought to close the chapter on the Kurdish movement and declared the moment as a milestone and an irreversible turning point in the Turkish-Kurdish conflict.

In line with the previous announcement to disarm, Kurdish group PKK destroyed their first batch of weapons at a ceremony in Iraqi Kurdistan on Friday.

Earlier this year, Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed PKK leader, announced that the group would disarm, dissolve, and give up the armed movement for a political struggle. Since the foundation in 1984, the PKK had waged an insurgency against the Turkish rule for the rights of Kurds who form around 20 per cent of Turkeys population.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Ahead of the PKKs first round of disarmament, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said over the weekend that the Turkish-Kurdish reconciliation will gain a little more speed when the terrorist organisation starts to implement its decision to lay down arms  Turkey has designated the PKK as a terrorist organisation.

We hope this auspicious process will end successfully as soon as possible, without mishaps or sabotage attempts, Erdogan further said on Wednesday.

The historic disarmament ceremony

In a ceremony in the Casene cave in northern Iraq, around 30 Kurdish militants burnt their weapons, according to an AFP correspondent.

Thirty PKK fighters, four of whom were commanders, burned their weapons, the correspondent said, who was present at the cave near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the Iraqs Kurdistan province.

Kurds are an ethnic people with large populations in Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. They do not have any nation of their own.

The Casene cave has been symbolically associated with Kurds, according to AFP.

The news agency further said that the cave once housed a Kurdish printing press.

ALSO READ  From bullets to ballots: Kurdish fighters lay down arms, 5 key things about Turkey-PKK peace deal

The PKKs disarmament has come after monthslong indirect negotiations between PKK leader Ocalan and Erdogans government. The AFP reported that talks were mediated by Turkeys pro-Kurdish DEM party and were approved by Erdogan.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The disarmament was a historic, democratic move, PKK members burning their weapons said, adding they hoped that it would bring about peace and freedom, according to AFP.

Analysts have said that the disarmament at own accord was a face-saving move owing to the military weakening of the PKK over the years.

A senior Turkish official told the news agency, The laying down of arms by PKK militants in Sulaimaniyah a milestone of the third stage of the ongoing disarmament and decommissioning process marks a concrete and welcome step. We view this development as an irreversible turning point.
Pakistans authorities retrieved the bullet-ridden bodies of nine bus passengers kidnapped by insurgents in a spate of attacks on buses in the mountainous southwestern province of Balochistan, officials said on Friday read more

Authorities in Pakistan have recovered the bullet-riddled bodies of nine bus passengers who were kidnapped by insurgents during a series of attacks in the mountainous southwestern province of Balochistan, officials confirmed on Friday.

The separatist Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility, accusing the victims identified as laborers  of spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies.

Baloch separatists, long demanding a larger share of regional resources, have previously targeted individuals from the eastern province of Punjab in similar killings.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Government official Naveed Alam said the bodies were discovered overnight in the mountains, while provincial spokesman Shahid Rind confirmed that the passengers were seized from two buses Thursday evening.

We are identifying the bodies and reaching out to their families, Reuters quoted Rind as saying, adding that the victims, working as labourers in the restive region, were returning home to Punjab.

They include two brothers who were going to attend the funeral of their father, Alam said.

Ethnic insurgents accuse Pakistans government of stealing regional resources to fund expenditure elsewhere, mainly in the sprawling province of Punjab.

Security forces foiled three insurgent attacks on Thursday before the kidnappings, Rind said, accusing neighbour and arch rival India of backing the militants.

The Indian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

New Delhi denies accusations by Islamabad that it is funding, training and backing the militants in a bid to stoke instability in the region, where Pakistan relies on China among international investors to develop mines and mineral processing.

India is now doubling down to further its nefarious agenda through its proxies, the Pakistani army said in a statement in remarks that followed the worst fighting in nearly three decades between the nuclear-armed foes in May.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is the strongest among the insurgent groups long operating in the area bordering Afghanistan and Iran, a mineral-rich region.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In recent months, separatists have stepped up their attacks, mostly targeting Pakistans military, which has launched an intelligence-based offensive against them.

Their other main targets have been Chinese nationals and interests, in particular the strategic port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea, with the separatists accusing Beijing of helping Islamabad to exploit resources.

The BLA blew up a railway track and took over 400 train passengers hostage in an attack in March that killed 31.
Murujuga, a remote location in Western Australia, is one of the thousands of sites under consideration. According to estimates, there are over one million petroglyphs  engravings that might date back 50,000 years read more

Aboriginal site preservation signs stand near the entrance to Deep Gorge on the Burrup Peninsula in the north of Western Australia, close to the site of some one million pieces of Aboriginal rock engravings several thousands of years old and considered by some to be the greatest concentration of such ancient art in the world. File image/ AFP

A team of Aboriginal Australians has come to Paris to seek UN support for the conservation of a cultural monument in their native country, which they claim is under threat from damaging mining.

Since the beginning of the week, the global Heritage Committee at UNESCO, the United Nations cultural organisation, has been discussing on which sites to include in the most recent edition of the bodys global heritage list.

Murujuga, a remote location in Western Australia, is one of the thousands of sites under consideration. According to estimates, there are over one million petroglyphs  engravings that might date back 50,000 years.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Its possibly the most important rock art site in the world, said Benjamin Smith, a rock art specialist at the University of Western Australia.

We should be looking after it.

The site is located on the Burrup peninsula, home to the Mardudunera people, and under threat from nearby mining developments.

Making the UNESCOs heritage list often sparks a lucrative tourism drive, and can unlock funding for the preservation of sites.

It does not in itself trigger protection for a site, but can help pressure national governments into taking action.

Its absolutely crucial that the Australian government takes it more seriously and regulates industrial pollution in that area more carefully, Smith said.

Giant mining corporations have been active in the resource-rich Pilbara region for decades.

Keep our culture thriving

Australian company Woodside Energy operates the North West Shelf, an industrial complex that includes offshore platforms, undersea pipelines, and hydrocarbon processing facilities.

The project consistently ranks among Australias five largest emitters of greenhouse gas, according to figures from the countrys Clean Energy Regulator.

These carvings are what our ancestors left here for us to learn and keep their knowledge and keep our culture thriving through these sacred sites, said Mark Clifton, a member of the three-person delegation meeting with UNESCO representatives.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

This is why I am here.

Environmental and indigenous organisations argue the presence of mining groups has already caused damage with industrial emissions.

They are creating hundreds of holes in the surface. And that is causing the surfaces with the rock art to break down, Smith said.

In an emailed statement to AFP, Woodside Energy said it recognises Murujuga as one of Australias most culturally significant landscapes.

It added that, according to independent peer-reviewed studies, responsible operations could help protect the heritage.

Woodside had taken proactive steps, it said, to ensure we manage our impacts responsibly.

In May, the Australian government extended the operating licence for the liquefied gas plant by 40 years, with conditions.

Australia insists that extending the plant  which each year emits millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas  does not tarnish a pledge to reach net zero by 2050.

Measures of protection

But activists, saying the government is not taking their concerns seriously enough, demand that UNESCO make any decision to put the site on the world heritage list contingent on the government offering adequate protection.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Delegation leader Raelene Cooper told AFP she wanted guarantees.

There needs to be, at the highest level, safeguards and measures of protection, she said.

The Australian government has sent a separate delegation to Paris, also comprising members of the regions Aboriginal population, to push for the sites recognition.

Australias strong presence at the heritage committee meeting is a meaningful opportunity to support the protection and conservation of some of the worlds most important cultural and natural sites, Environment Minister Murray Watt said.

Icomos, a non-governmental organisation partnering with UNESCO, said it was urgent for the Australian government to oversee the complete elimination of harmful acidic emissions that currently affect the petroglyphs.

UNESCO is expected to announce its update to the list by Sunday.
The Supreme Court ruled that the appeal by the PDP and its governorship candidate in last year's election, Mr Ighodalo, lacked merit.

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the appeal filed by Asue Ighodalo and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to affirm the election of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The five-member Garba Lawal-led panel of Supreme Court justices unanimously upheld the decisions of the lower Court of Appeal and the governorship election petition tribunal which earlier validated the outcome of the September 2024 poll.

Delivering the lead judgement on Thursday, Mr Lawal dismissed the appellants' case for lack of merit and sufficient proof.

The court noted that Mr Ighodalo and the PDP challenged the election results in only 395 of the 4,519 polling units, and their 19 witnesses did not help their case. Therefore, the court held that the appellants failed to prove that the elections were marred by overvoting or irregularities.

Mr Ighodalo accepted the finality of the Supreme Court decision laying the election dispute to rest, but rejected its substance which he claimed fell short of justice.

"Though I accept the finality of its judgment, I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to justice," the governorship candidate wrote in a statement he posted on X shortly after the verdict was delivered Thursday.

"What happened in the September 2024 Governorship Election was not a contest. It was a robbery. Coordinated. Deliberate. And now, tragically validated by the highest court in the land. While I will not and can not obstruct any judicial pronouncement, no matter how flawed, I must never fear to speak truth to power," Mr Ighodalo stated.

Ighodalo's judicial journey

Thursday's judgement of the Supreme Court concluded a judicial journey that began at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal where Mr Ighodalo along with the PDP launched their challenge against the results of the September 2024 poll.

Mr Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the September 2024 election with 291,667 votes. Mr Ighodalo came second with 247,655 votes. Several other candidates participated in the election but secured only a small fraction of the total votes.

But displeased with the result, Mr Ighodalo headed to the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal, which sat in Abuja, to challenge it.

He alleged widespread irregularities, overvoting, and general non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the election.

The tribunal dismissed Mr Ighodalo's claims as unproven in its judgement delivered on 2 April.

He and his party proceeded to the Court of Appeal in Abuja to continue the legal challenge.

On 1 May, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal listened to lawyers' submissions on the case and adjourned for judgment.

In its judgement delivered on 29 May, the Court of Appeal upheld the verdict of the tribunal, similarly, finding that Mr Ighodalo and his party failed to present enough evidence in support of their case.

Displeased with the decision, the appellants went on appeal against it at the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court hearing

At the the Supreme Court hearing of the appeal on 2 July, Mr Ighodalo's lawyer, Ken Mosia, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), d called for the removal Mr Okpebholo.

Maintaining that his clients scored the majority of lawful votes in the election, Mr Moisa urged the court to declare them the winner of the election.

However, INEC, a respondent to the appeal represented by Kanu Agabi, also a SAN, asked the court to dismiss the appeal in its entirety.

Mr Agabi argued that Mr Ighodalo and PDP had in their petition stigmatised as invalid and unlawful on ground of non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.

The electoral body said having declared the election as unlawful and illegal, Ighodalo and PDP cannot turn around and pray the court to declare them as winners of illegality.

The legal teams of the APC and Mr Okpebholo similarly called for the dismissal of the appeal and affirmation of the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the election tribunal validating the election results of declared by INEC.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Unproven allegations

Upholding the respondents' arguments on Thursday, Mr Garba held that even if the appellants had established their claim of non-compliance in the 395 polling units, they still faced the burden to demonstrate how the said non-compliance substantially affected the entire results of the election.

The judge said it was obvious that invalidating the results in 395 polling units, where the appellants contested the results, could not have have substantially affected the overall result of the election conducted across 4,519 polling units in the state.

The court also dismissed the appellants' allegations of exclusion and reduction of votes. Mr Garba ruled that the claims were not proved with credible and admissible evidence.

He held that the appeal lacked merit, dismissed it.

The court affirmed the 29 May judgement of the Court of Appeal, affirming Okpebholo's election.
Armed men kill 9 people in Balochistan after abducting them from multiple buses across the province. No group has claimed responsibility as of now. read more

Pakistan army soldiers stand at a tunnel where the Jaffar Express train was attacked by the Baloch separatists, in Bolan, Balochistan, Pakistan. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Armed men barged into several buses in Balochistan, killing nine passengers onboard after abducting them. The officials noted that the incident took place on Friday in the southwestern province of Balochistan. Provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind told local reporters that the passengers were taken from multiple buses in the area on Thursday evening, Reuters reported.

Another Pakistani official, Naveed Alam, said that the bodies of the victims were filled with bullet wounds and found in the mountains during a search operation, which was conducted overnight. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident as of now.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

It is pertinent to note that separatist Baloch militants have often been involved in similar incidents, killing passengers after identifying them as coming from the eastern Punjab province. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is the strongest among the militant groups operating in the region, bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

More from World Chinese ship caught hiding presence in Bay of Bengal: Report cites French maritime intel

The ethnic Baloch militants often blame authorities in Pakistan for stealing their regional resources to fund spending in Punjab province.

How Baloch civilians are struggling amid the tussle between militant groups & Pakistani authorities

During a phone call with Firstpost in May, an activist from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) emphasised that common Baloch civilians usually face the brunt of the tussle between militant groups and the Pakistani regime.

For instance, on March 29, a suicide bomber detonated himself near the rally conducted by Sardar Akhtar Mengal and other leaders of his faction of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) in Mastung.

According to Pakistani news outlet The Express Tribune, the rally was en route from Wadh to Quetta when the attack occurred. No casualties were reported in the blast. The demonstration was organised to protest the arrests of Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch and other leaders. The source claimed that the attack was carried out by the Daesh terror group operating in the Khorasan province.

Not only this, but the Baloch activists and innocent civilians are also facing atrocities at the hands of the Pakistani establishment. The ISI has employed a wide range of tactics to target Baloch activists, aiming to silence dissent and suppress the movement. These methods include: Fabricating allegations and spreading false propaganda, intimidation and harassment of activists and their families, misusing anti-terrorism laws and sedition charges to criminalise peaceful activism, etc, the source told Firstpost.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

These actions collectively aim to dismantle the peaceful Baloch movement through fear, legal persecution, and economic strangulation, the source furthered. In the hunger for resources, the Pakistani government willfully neglects the atrocities against people living in the resource-rich province.

With inputs from Reuters.
Two of the gang members were nabbed and taken to the outpost for interrogation, while others escaped to their side, the BSF said read more

A Border Security Force (BSF) official stands in front of the gates of the India-Bangladesh international border in Petrapole, India, October 16, 2024. File Image/Reuters

The BSF on Friday said two Bangladeshi smugglers were apprehended after 10 kg of ganja, 100 bottles of banned cough syrup and a machete were recovered from their possession in West Bengals North 24 Parganas district.

A BSF jawan was injured while confronting a gang of three-four Bangladeshi smugglers at the Tarali border outpost in the district around 1.50 am on Friday, the border guards said in a statement.

The jawans of the 143 battalion, patrolling at border outpost Tarali-1, had to fire more than one round in the air for self-defence as the smugglers were aggressive and continued to challenge the personnel.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Two of the gang members were nabbed and taken to the outpost for interrogation, while others escaped to their side, the BSF said.

Despite repeated flag meetings with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to alert them about forced infiltrations and ongoing attacks by Bangladeshi criminals, no concrete action has been taken so far from their side, a BSF spokesperson said.

However, BSF personnel remain fully capable of securing the borders and safeguarding the country under all circumstances, he added.
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced the launch of a new website, saying that all information related to travel advisories to warn Americans against going to Iran will be posted on the platform read more

US President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation accompanied by US Vice President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 21, following US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Reuters file

The US has issued an advisory for American citizens travelling to Iran, saying that the country is not safe for anyone. The State Department has cautioned US citizens, especially of Iranian descent, from travelling to the country due to severe risks.

State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Thursday, The department is announcing a new awareness campaign warning Americans, especially Iranian Americans, about the continuing severe risks of travel to Iran. The Iranian regime does not recognise dual nationality and routinely denies consular services to detained US citizens. And while the bombing has stopped, that does not mean that it is safe to travel to Iran, it is not.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The conflict between Iran and Israel, which the US joined later, ended in a ceasefire last month after American fighter jets destroyed Iranian nuclear sites, taking its programme back by several years.

Bruce also announced the launch of a new website, saying that all information related to travel advisories to warn Americans against going to Iran will be posted on the platform.

She said, Do not travel to Iran, especially those of you who are dual citizens who have Iranian heritage. It is not safe for anyone to travel to Iran.

The Department is announcing a new awareness campaign warning Americans, especially Iranian Americans, about the continuing severe risks of travel to Iran. More at: https://t.co/WPMtf9HNWb pic.twitter.com/ddpuoXdM2D  Department of State (@StateDept) July 10, 2025

Has Iran sought dialogue with US?

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said that Iranian officials have reached out to the U.S. to schedule talks about Irans nuclear program. Negotiations had started in April but were scuttled after Israel began its operations last month.

We have scheduled Iran talks, and they want to, Trump told reporters. They want to talk. He said last week that the talks would restart soon.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, sitting at the table with Trump, said the meeting would be soon, perhaps in a week.

However, Tehran has yet to confirm that it has agreed to restart talks with the US.

With inputs from agencies
Lula said that Brazil is planning to appeal to the World Trade Organisation and propose international investigations into Trump tariffs and demand explanations from the US government over its trade measures read more

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has threatened to impose a 50 per cent tariff on all US goods after his American counterpart, Donald Trump, announced 50 per cent duties on all its exports.

If he charges us 50 per cent, well charge him 50 per cent, Lula told local news outlet Record. Trump on Thursday announced a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian goods, accusing the current government in the country of running a witch-hunt against its former president Jair Bolsonaro. The leader is facing trial over his attempt to overturn his 2022 election defeat.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Lula further said that Brazil is planning to appeal to the World Trade Organisation and propose international investigations into Trump tariffs and demand explanations from the US government over its trade measures.

Early Thursday, Lula met with Brazilian ministers to discuss how to respond to Trumps 50 per cent tariff threat. According to his chief of staffs office, a study group will be formed to determine the governments next steps.

Meanwhile, Trump has already pledged to take action if Brazil retaliates against his tariffs. If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 50% that we charge, he wrote in a letter to Lula.

The 50 per cent US tariff on Brazilian goods will take effect August 1, Trump said in his letter, mirroring a deadline that dozens of other economies face.

On the same date, a 50 per cent tariff on US imports of copper, a key metal used in green energy and other technologies, will take effect.

Trumps message to Lula was the latest in more than 20 such letters the US president has released since Monday, after repeatedly threatening to simply decide a rate for countries as negotiations continue over his elevated reciprocal tariffs.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Brazil had not been among those threatened previously with duties above a 10 per cent baseline, and the United States runs a goods trade surplus with Brazil.

With inputs from agencies
Since Kash Patel assumed charge as the Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the agency has intensified its reliance on polygraph tests  not just to guard national secrets, but to test employee loyalty as well, according to a report read more

Kash Patel speaks after being sworn in as FBI Director by US Attorney General Pam Bondi in the Indian Treaty Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) on the White House campus in Washington, DC, US, February 21, 2025. (Reuters/Leah Millis/File Photo)

Since Kash Patel assumed charge as the Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the agency has intensified its reliance on polygraph tests  not just to guard national secrets, but to gauge employee loyalty.

According to a New York Times report, the bureau has subjected dozens of officials to lie detector tests, some of which included pointed questions about whether staff had spoken negatively about Patel himself.

Senior personnel have been questioned during polygraph screenings and interviews about whether they criticised Patel. In one case, an internal investigation used a polygraph to track down who leaked to the press that Patel had requested a service weapon, an unusual demand given his non-agent status, added the report, citing sources familiar with the matter.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

While the total number of personnel asked about Patel remains unclear, the report, citing several insiders, said the tests mark a stark shift in how internal dissent is being policed under his tenure.

The FBIs expanded use of polygraphs, particularly questions targeting criticism of Kash Patel, reflects a broader crackdown on media leaks and Patels sensitivity to his public image.

According to the report, former officials call the practice politically driven and deeply inappropriate, warning it signals a troubling demand for loyalty within the bureau, where dissent is increasingly unwelcome.

Speaking negatively about Patel or his deputy Dan Bongino, officials say, could jeopardise a career.

An FBI employees loyalty is to the Constitution, not to the director or deputy director, NYT quoted James Davidson, a former agent who spent 23 years in the bureau, as saying.

It says everything about Patels weak constitution that this is even on his radar, he added.

The FBI declined to comment, citing personnel matters and internal deliberations, reported NYT.

President Trumps appointees have tightened control over the FBI, sidelining or ousting officials tied to investigations unpopular with conservatives.

The purge has reached top ranks, with about 40% of field office leaders having retired, been removed, or reassigned. Some officials left preemptively, fearing retaliation from Patel or Bongino. Among them is Tonya Ugoretz, a senior intelligence official placed on leave after it was revealed she helped retract a dubious tip alleging Chinese interference in the 2020 election in favour of Joe Biden, reported NTY.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Another colleague who was involved in scrutinising the report retired from the bureau shortly after Patel was confirmed as director.

Since then, leadership has shifted dramatically. Will Rivers, once head of the security division, was promoted to the FBIs No. 3 spot in March and is closely aligned with Patel and his deputy, ongino. Jake Hemme, a relatively new agent, now serves as Patels deputy chief of staff for policy.

Amid backlash to a New York Times editorial accusing them of turning the FBI into a pro-Trump political tool, Bongino defended their overhaul as a reorganisation driven by personnel changes.

Under Patel and Bongino, polygraph tests have been weaponised. Dozens of staff have been pushed out, demoted, or forced to take loyalty-focused exams. In some cases, agents were placed on leave, then recalled solely to take a test, reported NYT.

The internal atmosphere, current and former officials say, is hostile  marked by distrust, fear of retaliation, and loyalty demands.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Michael Feinberg, a top agent in Norfolk, was told to take a polygraph over his friendship with Peter Strzok, a former counterintelligence official fired for anti-Trump texts. Feinberg resigned, accusing Patel and Bongino of sacrificing expertise for ideology.

Some experts say the Patel-related questions could be control questions meant to gauge baseline reactions. Still, theyve fueled concerns about politicization and paranoia.

Patel, long sensitive to criticism, has sued multiple people over negative portrayals, including a $75,000 defamation suit against MSNBC contributor Frank Figliuzzi for alleging Patel spent more time in nightclubs than the office.

Patel denies the claim, despite his membership at the Poodle Room, a private club in Las Vegas.

With inputs from agencies
The move comes in response to a historic call by jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan in February, urging them to end their decades-long insurgency and embrace democratic means to defend the rights of Turkeys Kurdish minority read more

This handout photograph taken and released by Turkish Presidency Press Office on July 7, 2025, shows Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C), MPs of Turkey's pro-Kurdish Equality and Democracy (DEM) party Pervin Buldan (2nd L) and Mithat Sancar (L), head of Turkish Intelligence Ibrahim Kalin (R) and Justice and Development (AK) Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala (2nd R) posing during their meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. AFP

Fighters from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) will start laying down their arms at a ceremony in northern Iraq on Friday, two months after the militant group ended its armed struggle against the Turkish state.

The move comes in response to a historic call by jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan in February, urging them to end their decades-long insurgency and embrace democratic means to defend the rights of Turkeys Kurdish minority.

Here are five key dates in the history of Ocalan and the PKK, whose violent struggle for a Kurdish homeland sparked a conflict that left more than 40,000 dead:

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

1978-1984: PKK formed, armed struggle begins

With Marxist-Leninist roots, the PKK was formed in 1978 by Ankara University students, with the ultimate goal of achieving the Kurds liberation through armed struggle. They chose Ocalan, a political science student, as leader.

A Turkish military coup in 1980 forced the PKK and its leader to flee to Syria and Lebanon. The group then took up the armed struggle in 1984. Its militants trained in Lebanons Beqaa Valley, east of Beirut, while attacking Turkish military posts and convoys.

Turkey hit back, sparking a wave of violence, especially in the Kurdish-majority southeast, that left the region in a state of near-civil war.

1999: Ocalans arrest

Ocalan was forced to leave Syria in 1998 after Ankara threatened Damascus over its backing for the PKK, with the militant leader fleeing between several European states.

He was eventually arrested in Kenya on February 15, 1999, flown back to Turkey and sentenced to death.

There he was placed in solitary confinement on the Imrali prison island, off the coast of Istanbul.

In 2002, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment when Turkey started the process of abolishing the death penalty as part of reforms backed by the European Union.

2013-2015: Fragile truce

Ocalan urged the PKK to lay down their arms in a letter on March 21, 2013, the Kurdish New Year, as part of talks with the government of then-prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is now president.

Turkeys National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) had also held talks with the PKK in Oslo.

But the truce collapsed in July 2015 after a deadly bomb attack in Suruc, a town near the Syrian border.

2015-2016: Clashes in southeast

Turkey bombed PKK targets in Iraq and led a vast military offensive at home. The PKK hit back with urban warfare.

There were fierce daily battles in the southeast, including in the city of Diyarbakir, which has left a bitter legacy among the local population.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Ties deteriorated after a failed 2016 coup, with a government crackdown on Kurdish political activities and the arrest of Kurdish politicians.

Turkey also deployed troops in northern Syria to protect its frontier.

2024-2025: PKK ends armed struggle

After a decade of status quo marked by occasional attacks, a hardline nationalist ally of Erdogan extended Ocalan an olive branch, urging him to renounce violence in a shock move backed by the Turkish leader.

Indirect talks facilitated by the pro-Kurdish DEM party began, and on February 27, Ocalan made a historic call, urging his PKK to disband and his fighters to lay down their weapons in favour of a democratic struggle for the rights of Turkeys Kurdish minority.
The attack occurred at a medical centre run by Project Hope when people gathered to collect nutritional supplements and receive medical treatments. The facility has been shut down until further notice read more

A Palestinian woman comforts a child as casualties are brought into Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital following an Israeli strike, in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, July 10, 2025. REUTERS

Fresh Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed 15 people, including 10 children, as they queued outside a health centre in the city of Deir Al Balah, medical staff and other officials present in the region have said.

The attack occurred at a medical centre run by Project Hope when people gathered to collect nutritional supplements and receive medical treatments. The facility has been shut down until further notice.

This morning, innocent families were mercilessly attacked as they stood in line waiting for the doors to open. This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, Project Hopes Chief Executive Rabih Torbay said.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The Israeli military said that the strikes were intended to target a Hamas terrorist who was involved in the October 7 attack. The (Israel Defense Forces) is aware of reports regarding a number of injured individuals in the area. The incident is under review. The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and operates to minimise harm as much as possible, it said.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian health ministry has said that Israeli strikes across Gaza have killed at least 67 other people in the past 24 hours.

Israel has stepped up its attacks and expanded ground operations in Gaza, while talks continue in Doha to reach a truce, free hostages, and bring in more aid.

On the other hand, Hamas has been conducting guerrilla-style attacks against the Israeli military, with the Palestinian terror group killing at least 20 Israeli soldiers in different parts of the strip over the same period.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel was ready to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during a 60-day truce but only if the Palestinian territory was demilitarised.

Delegations from Israel and Hamas began indirect talks in Doha on Sunday to try to agree a temporary halt in the war, which was sparked by the militant groups October 2023 attack.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has proposed a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the 20 living hostages still in Gaza, Netanyahu said on Wednesday.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

At the beginning of this ceasefire, we will enter negotiations for a permanent end to the war, he said in a video message from Washington on Thursday.

With inputs from agencies
President Joseph Aouns comments came as the Trump administration is trying to expand the Abraham Accords signed in 2020 in which Israel signed historic pacts with United Arab Emirates and Bahrain read more

Lebanon has no plans to have normal relations with Israel at the present time, and Beiruts main aim is to reach a state of no war with its southern neighbour, the countrys president said Friday.

President Joseph Aouns comments came as the Trump administration is trying to expand the Abraham Accords signed in 2020 in which Israel signed historic pacts with United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

In May, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said during a visit to France that his country is holding indirect talks with Israel to prevent military activities along their border from going out of control. Talks about peace between Israel and Syria have increased following the ouster of President Bashar Assad from power in December.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Aoun added in comments released by his office that only the Lebanese state will have weapons in the future, and the decision on whether Lebanon would go to war or not would be for the Lebanese government.

Aouns comments were an apparent reference to the militant Hezbollah group that fought a 14-month war with Israel, during which it suffered major blows including the killing of some of its top political and military commanders.

Hezbollah says it has ended its armed presence near the border with Israel, but is refusing to disarm in the rest of Lebanon before Israel withdraws from five overlooking border points and ends its almost daily airstrikes on Lebanon.

Earlier this week, US envoy Tom Barrack met with Lebanese leaders in Beirut, saying he was satisfied with the Lebanese governments response to a proposal to disarm Hezbollah.

Hezbollahs weapons have been one of the principal sticking points since Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000. Since then, Hebzollah fought two wars with Israel, one in 2006, and the other starting a day after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The Hezbollah-Israel war, which ended with a US-brokered ceasefire in November, left more than 4,000 people dead in Lebanon and caused destruction estimated at $11 billion. In Israel, 127 people, including 80 soldiers, were killed during the war.

Peace is the state of no war and this is what is important for us in Lebanon at the present time, Aoun was quoted as telling visitors on Friday. He added that the matter of normalization (with Israel) is not included in Lebanons current foreign policy.

Lebanon and Israel have been at a state of war since 1948.
Despite Trump throwing his weight behind a push for a 60-day truce between Israel and Hamas, no breakthrough was announced during Netanyahus visit, a disappointment for a president who wants to be known as a peacemaker and has hinged his reputation on being a dealmaker read more

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hands President Donald Trump a folder during a meeting in the Blue Room of the White House, July 7, 2025, in Washington. AP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus trip to Washington this week netted President Donald Trump another nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize he covets, but the ceasefire the U.S. leader sought for the war in Gaza didnt emerge.

Despite Trump throwing his weight behind a push for a 60-day truce between Israel and Hamas, no breakthrough was announced during Netanyahus visit, a disappointment for a president who wants to be known as a peacemaker and has hinged his reputation on being a dealmaker.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

He prides himself or being able to make deals, so this is another test case, said Rachel Brandenburg, the Israel Policy Forums Washington managing director and senior fellow.

Trumps ability to strike a ceasefire deal in the 21-month war will reveal the boundaries of his influence with Netanyahu, especially after their recent joint strikes on Irans nuclear facilities that both leaders touted at the White House this week.

Beyond the back-to-back meetings Trump and Netanyahu had at the White House this week, there was little public evidence of progress at a time when the Republican US president is pushing to end the fighting.

Closer than weve been, but challenges remain

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that when it comes to a ceasefire in Gaza, were closer than weve been in quite a while and were hopeful, but we also recognize theres still some challenges in the way.

Rubio, who spoke to reporters while traveling in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, also said that Trump wants to see a ceasefire and weve invested a lot of time and energy.

Beyond ending the bloodshed, ending the war in Gaza would give Trump more leeway to strike some of the broader agreements he seeks in the Middle East, such as expanding the Abraham Accords that started in his first term and normalizing relations with Syrias new government.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

He wants to be the one who gets hostages home and see the war in Gaza end so he can move on to some of these bigger deals, Brandenburg said.

Even if a truce is reached, Netanyahu has promised fighting will continue if necessary until Hamas is destroyed. The militant group, meanwhile, has conditioned the release of the remaining hostages on Israels withdrawal from Gaza, a stipulation Israel has been unwilling to accept.

Trump-Netanyahu relationship sees a rebound

Its unclear how much pressure Trump put on Netanyahu in their private talks this week. But the two leaders came into the visit seeming more aligned than ever  at least for now  fresh off the president having twice come to the Israeli leaders assistance.

Trump made the risky move to join Israels attacks on Iran last month, delivering pivotal US firepower while alarming world leaders and some of Trumps America first supporters. Trump also inserted himself into Israels domestic affairs, calling for Netanyahus yearslong corruption trial to be thrown out.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Thats a marked turnaround in their relationship, which had appeared somewhat strained in recent years.

Trump shocked some of his fellow Republicans and staunch supporters of Israel by publicly criticizing Netanyahu not long after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, setting off the conflict.

He said that Netanyahu was not prepared for the attack from Hamas and that Netanyahu had let us down just before the US killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in 2020.

Even during his last visit to the White House earlier this year, Netanyahu seemed caught off guard when Trump announced the US would hold talks with Iran over its nuclear deal rather than embrace Netanyahus push for military pressure.

With their military objectives aligning for a time on Iran, the Israeli leader has worked to foster a warmer relationship.

In a video he released after the US strikes, Netanyahu spoke  in English instead of Hebrew  of the unshakeable alliance between their countries while repeatedly praising Trump.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

His leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace, Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu tries the charm offensive on Trump

In his visit to Washington this week, the Israeli leader also showed he knows how to praise the president in a way that matters greatly to him when he unveiled a letter in front of reporters and cameras to announce he had nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Those gestures, though, may only carry him so far as Trump pushes for a deal that Netanyahu may not be able to accept.

I think if Netanyahu stands in the way too much for too long of the sort of loftier objectives Trump has set out for himself, Brandenburg said, Netanyahu will be cast aside as more of a problem than an asset.

Netanyahu, like many Israelis, believes Trump is the greatest friend they have ever had in the White House and is deeply grateful for the US strikes on Irans nuclear sites last month.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Netanyahu faces competing pressures at home and abroad

But the Israeli leader is also under mounting public pressure to end the war as hostages languish in captivity and more Israeli soldiers are killed in guerrilla-style attacks.

Israels military success against Iran has given him some political capital, but if he ends the war while leaving Hamas intact, he will have broken his repeated promise of total victory.

His far-right coalition partners have threatened to bolt if he does that, sparking early elections that could end his nearly unbroken 16 years in power and leave him more vulnerable to long-standing corruption charges.

That may prove too heavy a price for delivering the kind of lasting ceasefire sought by Trump and demanded by Hamas. Instead, Netanyahu, who is seen as a masterful politician by friends and foes alike, is expected to thread the needle.

In a video statement on Thursday, Netanyahu said that he would agree to a temporary 60-day ceasefire in return for the release of half the hostages remaining in Gaza, many of whom are believed dead, and that he would begin negotiations on ending the war.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

But he conditioned any lasting ceasefire on Hamas giving up its arms  something the militants have refused to do as long as Israel occupies parts of Gaza.

If Hamas can be disarmed through negotiations, so much the better, Netanyahu said. If it is not achieved through negotiations in 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways  by using force.
The plan, which included a proposed six-week truce and the release of hostages held by Hamas, was drafted and shared secretly with Egyptian mediators, though never formally presented to Netanyahus cabinet, according to a report read more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was ready to consider a ceasefire in Gaza as early as April 2024, six months into the war, according to a report by The New York Times.

The plan, which included a proposed six-week truce and the release of hostages held by Hamas, was drafted and shared secretly with Egyptian mediators, though never formally presented to Netanyahus cabinet, added the report.

Netanyahu had directed an envoy to communicate Israels new position during negotiations, signaling a willingness to compromise with Hamas, reported NYT.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The proposal would have halted fighting temporarily, opened a path for broader talks on a permanent ceasefire, and potentially secured the release of more than 30 hostages within weeks.

Additional releases were expected had the truce been extended, added the report.

Beyond the humanitarian and strategic implications, the ceasefire was also seen as a possible springboard for a landmark normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia, a diplomatic breakthrough that could have reshaped Israels standing in the region and cemented Netanyahus legacy.

However, the plan carried significant political risk.

According to the report, Netanyahus fragile governing coalition relied heavily on far-right ministers like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who opposed any pause in the war and instead pushed for full military occupation and Jewish resettlement in Gaza.

Smotrich, upon learning of the possible ceasefire plan, threatened to collapse the government if such a deal moved forward. Faced with that threat, Netanyahu denied the plans existence and, according to the report, instructed his advisers not to present it.

Ultimately, Netanyahu chose political survival over a potential truce  a decision that may shape how his leadership during the war is judged.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The Gaza conflict, which has now become the longest high-intensity war in Israels history, has killed over 55,000 people, including thousands of children, and devastated much of the territory.

International criticism has intensified, with the International Court of Justice weighing genocide allegations against Israel and global opinion turning sharply against the ongoing military campaign.

As the war grinds on, Netanyahus earlier hesitation to act on a possible ceasefire adds to the scrutiny surrounding his handling of the conflict  and the cost of missed opportunities for peace.

With inputs from agencies
The warning from the Nepali official came while speaking at a high-level seminar organised by the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) in Kathmandu on July 9. read more

Amid the brewing tensions between India and Pakistan, Nepalese officials warned that terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) pose serious risks to India and can use Nepal as a transit route. The warning came from Sunil Bahadur Thapa, Advisor to the President of Nepal.

Thapa made the warning while speaking at a high-level seminar organised by the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) in Kathmandu on July 9. According to the information obtained by CNNNews18, the event focused on addressing terrorism threats in wider South Asia.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The event featured a host of participants, regional experts and policy makers who raised concerns over growing instances of terrorist attacks across South Asia.

Nepal faces the spillover effect.

At the seminar, several speakers noted how terror attacks in India often have spillover effects on Nepal. They noted that terrorist incidents undermine regional peace and stability in both India and Nepal. The experts emphasised that Pakistans support for terrorism poses a major hurdle to the effectiveness of SAARC and broader regional integration.

At the seminar, Nepalese officials called for counter-terrorism cooperation, including stricter action against money laundering, enhanced intelligence sharing, and joint patrolling of borders with India. It also urged regional actors to avoid applying double standards while tackling terrorism. According to CNNNews18, several experts cited the success of Operation Sindoor, calling it an effective response to cross-border threats.

Why Nepal should be concerned

It is pertinent to note that India and Nepal share a 1,751 km-long open border, which operates with minimal security checks. The porous borders make it easier for terrorists to infiltrate into the Indian territories. The terrorists often use forged Nepalese documents to conceal their identities.

Over the years, several operatives from Pakistan-based outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have been arrested while attempting to enter India through Nepal. One of the tragic examples is the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814.

The aircraft bound to Delhi from Kathmandu was hijacked after the terrorists boarded with weapons, exposing serious lapses in security at Kathmandus Tribhuvan International Airport.
The action increases the pressure on Musk, a former supporter of US President Donald Trump who has accused European governments of undermining free speech and has shown sympathy for some of the regions far-right groups read more

A French investigation into Elon Musks social networking site X intensified on Friday, when the Paris prosecutors office announced it had recruited police to investigate possible algorithm misuse and illicit data harvest by the firm or its officials.

The action increases the pressure on Musk, a former supporter of US President Donald Trump who has accused European governments of undermining free speech and has shown sympathy for some of the regions far-right groups.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

French authorities might perform searches, wiretaps, and surveillance on Musk and X officials, or invite them to testify. If they do not cooperate, the judge may issue an international arrest warrant.

X did not reply to a request for comment.

Paris prosecutors launched a preliminary probe in January, after receiving complaints of alleged foreign interference by X from a lawmaker and a senior French official, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said in a statement.

On July 9, after preliminary findings provided by researchers and French public institutions, they asked police to investigate X as both a legal entity and through individual persons.

The alleged crimes are organised interference with the functioning of an automated data processing system and organised fraudulent extraction of data from an automated data processing system.

Paris prosecutors latest investigation of powerful tech figures may deepen a rift between Washington and European capitals over what sort of discourse is permitted online.

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of the Telegram messaging app, is under judicial supervision in France after being arrested last year and placed under formal investigation for alleged organised crime on the app. He denies guilt.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Durovs arrest, which Musk criticised, ignited a debate about free speech that has been taken up by senior Trump officials.

Musk has used X to personally support right-wing parties and causes in France, Germany and Britain. After months in lockstep with Trump, he recently broke with the president over his federal budget, and he is now launching his own political party.
The 30-year-old was freed from a federal immigration detention center in Louisiana last month, hours after a judge ordered his release on bail read more

Mahmoud Khalil, one of the most prominent leaders of US pro-Palestinian campus protests, sued the Trump administration Thursday for $20 million over his arrest and detention by immigration agents.Khalil, a legal permanent resident in the United States who is married to a US citizen and has a US-born son, had been in custody following his arrest in March.

The 30-year-old was freed from a federal immigration detention center in Louisiana last month, hours after a judge ordered his release on bail.

The administration carried out its illegal plan to arrest, detain, and deport Mr. Khalil in a manner calculated to terrorize him and his family, the claim says, according to the Center for Constitutional Rights which is backing Khalil.

Khalil suffered severe emotional distress, economic hardship (and) damage to his reputation, the claim adds.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The Columbia University graduate was a figurehead of student protests against US ally Israels war in Gaza, and the Trump administration labeled him a national security threat.

Khalil called the lawsuit a first step towards accountability.

Nothing can restore the 104 days stolen from me. The trauma, the separation from my wife, the birth of my first child that I was forced to miss, he said in the statement.

There must be accountability for political retaliation and abuse of power.

Khalil has previously shared his horrendous experience in detention, where he shared a dorm with over 70 men, absolutely no privacy, lights on all the time.

Assistant Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the Trump Administration acted well within its statutory and constitutional authority to detain Khalil, as it does with any alien who advocates for violence, glorifies and supports terrorists, harasses Jews, and damages property.

President Donald Trumps government has justified pushing for Khalils deportation by saying his continued presence in the United States could carry potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Khalils detention came amid Trumps campaign against top US universities in recent months, with the president facing off against Columbia, Harvard and other schools over foreign student enrollment while cutting federal grants and threatening to strip accreditation.

Beyond his legal case, Khalils team has expressed fear he could face threats out of detention.

gw/sla

 Agence France-Presse
Its a visit he (Trump) wants to undertake, and so well work on finding the right date for that, but Im sure itll happen because the president  both presidents - want it to happen, said Rubio read more

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' meeting and related meetings at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Reuters

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that his talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were positive and constructive, as the two global powers clashed over influence in Asia amid heightened trade tensions.

Rubio, on his first Asia tour since taking office, met Wang in Malaysia on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit and Asean Regional Forum  gatherings overshadowed by steep new US tariffs announced this week by President Donald Trump. Many Asian nations, including US allies, were hit by the levies.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The meeting followed stern warnings from Beijing, which has threatened retaliation if Washington reinstates heavy tariffs on Chinese goods next month and pressures other countries to bypass China in global supply chains.

While Wang publicly denounced the US tariffs as typical unilateral bullying behaviour, both sides characterised their bilateral meeting as constructive.

Rubio added that odds for a summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were high.

Were two big, powerful countries, and there are always going to be issues that we disagree on. I think theres some areas of potential cooperation and I thought it was a very constructive, positive meeting, and a lot of work to do, Reuters quoted Rubio as saying.

Rubio emphasised that his sit-down with Wang was not a negotiation, but rather about establishing a constructive baseline to continue talks.

Rubio noted Trump had been invited to visit China, and added: Its a visit he wants to undertake, and so well work on finding the right date for that, but Im sure itll happen because the president  both presidents - want it to happen.

We have to build the right atmosphere and build  deliverables, so that a visit isnt just a visit, but it actually has some takeaways from it that are concrete, he said.

Chinas Foreign Ministry said Wang had emphasised that both countries should translate consensus reached by their leaders into policies and actions.

Both sides agreed that the meeting was positive, pragmatic and constructive, it said.

Trip overshadowed by tariffs

Rubios visit was part of an effort to renew U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific region and look beyond conflicts in the Middle East and Europe that have consumed much of the administrations attention since Trumps return to office in January.

But this was overshadowed by this weeks announcement of steep U.S. tariffs on imports from many Asian countries and U.S. allies, including 25% targeting Japan, South Korea and Malaysia, 32% for Indonesia, 36% for Thailand and Cambodia and 40% on goods from Myanmar and Laos.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

China, initially singled out with levies exceeding 100%, has until August 12 to reach a deal with Washington to avoid Trumps reinstating additional import curbs imposed during tit-for-tat tariff exchanges in April and May.

Analysts said Rubio would use the trip to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China, Washingtons main strategic rival. Rubio met his counterparts from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia on Friday.

Southeast Asia expert Murray Hiebert, from Washingtons Center for Strategic and International Studies, said it was positive Rubio had made his first Indo-Pacific trip, but his pledge about US engagement was undercut by Trumps treatment of key friends and partners on tariffs.

This made it much easier for Wang Yi to talk about Chinas stable and reliable economic relations, he said.

Wang rebuked the United States in Kuala Lumpur, saying no country should support or agree with its tariffs, according to remarks released by Beijing on Friday.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

He told Thailands foreign minister the tariffs had been abused and undermined the free trade system, and interfered with the stability of the global production and supply chain.

During a meeting with his Cambodian counterpart, Wang said the U.S. levies were an attempt to deprive Southeast Asian countries of their legitimate right to development.

We believe that Southeast Asian countries have the ability to cope with complex situations, adhere to principled positions, and safeguard their own interests, he said.

In a joint communique, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed concern over rising global trade tensions and called for a transparent and fair multilateral trading system.

Without mentioning the United States, they said unilateral tariffs were counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation.

Indispensable partnership

Rubio also met Russias Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday and said he and Lavrov shared some ideas on a new or different Russian approach on Ukraine.

I dont want to oversell it, OK, but it was constructive, he said on Friday. Well find out, but there are some things that we will potentially explore, and I relayed that to the president and our team last night.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Rubio also met Japans foreign minister and South Koreas first vice foreign minister to discuss strengthening their indispensable trilateral partnership, the U.S. State Department said.

Asked about Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishibas remarks on Thursday that Tokyo needs to wean itself off of its dependence on Washington, Rubio said it was not a comment to be viewed negatively.

We obviously have very strong commitments and an alliance with Japan. We continue to cooperate very closely with them, he said.

With inputs from agencies
Less than 24 hours after holding talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted his first face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the final day of the Asean Confrence. read more

Amid the brewing tensions between China and the United States, American Secretary of State Marco Rubio is wrapping up his final day at a Southeast Asian security conference with a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

The meeting is believed to be of high stakes since there have been growing tensions between Washington, DC and Beijing over trade, security and Chinas support to Russia in the war against Ukraine.

The state department notified that the meeting between the two leaders took place on the final day of the Asean Summit. This was the first time Rubio and Wang Yi conducted face-to-face talks. Interestingly, the meeting also came less than 24 hours after Rubio met in Kuala Lumpur with another rival, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Rubio & Wang vie for Asia

On his first visit to Asia, Rubio pitched the United States as a better partner compared to China. Such efforts were, however, complicated by US tariffs that have hit Asian countries hard.

China has sought to capitalise on the angst against US tariffs.

Ahead of their meeting, Wang said on Thursday that the US tariff drive undermines the free trade system.

The United States imposition of high tariffs on Cambodia and Southeast Asian countries is an attempt to deprive all parties of their legitimate rights to development, Wang further said.

Reuters reported analysts as saying that Rubio would be looking to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China in the region during the visit.

Rubio and Wang are also likely to have discussed the Donald Trump administrations concerns over Chinas expansionary behaviour in the South China Sea and Chinas growing military pressure on Taiwan, as per AFP.

Rubio navigated tough waters in the Asean Summit

During his meeting with Lavrov, Rubio discussed potential new avenues to bring Ukraine peace talks back on track. It is pertinent to note that Rubios two meetings came against a backdrop of global and regional unease over US policies, especially President Donald Trumps decision to impose high tariffs on friends and foes alike.

At the summit, Rubio heard complaints about the tariffs from his Southeast Asian counterparts. However, while speaking to reporters, he mentioned that the countries were more focused on security issues, especially Chinas growing domination in the Indo-Pacific region.

Of course, its [Tariffs] raised. Its an issue, he said. But I wouldnt say it solely defines our relationship with many of these countries. There are a lot of other issues that we work together on, and I think there was great enthusiasm that we were here and that were a part of this.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

US vs China: The unspoken tussle

Trump sees China as the biggest threat to the United States in multiple fields, not least technology and trade, and like previous US presidents watched as China has also been expanding its influence globally.

Earlier, Trump has warned of massive tariffs that he could impose on Chinese exports to the United States, and preliminary discussions between the two sides have yet to produce significant progress. Before him, when former US President Joe Biden was in office, the US had also accused China of assisting Russia in rebuilding its military industrial sector to help it execute its war against Ukraine. Since assuming the office, Rubio has maintained that the Trump administration shares this view.

I think the Chinese clearly have been supportive of the Russian effort, and I think that generally theyve been willing to help them as much as they can without getting caught, Rubio said Thursday, suggesting the topic would be discussed if he and Wang met.

Meanwhile, Wang also held talks with Lavrov, following which both the leaders issued a subtle warning to the United States over Southeast Asia. Russia and China both support ASEANs central role in regional cooperation, are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and are wary of certain major powers creating divisions and instigating confrontation in the region, they said, according to a statement released by Russias foreign ministry.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Russian sabotage operations across Europe have surged dramatically since the invasion of Ukraine, with intelligence agencies reporting over 70 incidents read more

European intelligence agencies have reported a dramatic rise in Russian sabotage operations across the continent since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 which were initially limited to disinformation and cyber operations. Gradually these attacks have evolved into a broad campaign of physical sabotage targeting key sectors.

According to data compiled by The Associated Press, over 70 such incidents have occurred, with a sharp uptick in 2024, marking nearly triple the number of attacks compared to the previous year.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The targets now include critical transportation systems, energy infrastructure, government facilities, water supplies, civil aviation and industrial sites. Attack methods have expanded to include arson, explosives, electronic sabotage and direct assaults using blunt weapons.

A European intelligence official quoted anonymously by The Associated Press warned that the shift from digital to physical threats increases the potential for civilian harm as violence escalates in both frequency and intensity.

Amateur operatives and high stakes

Authorities indicate that Russias military intelligence service, the GRU, is orchestrating many of these acts by recruiting untrained local individuals, foreigners and others with no criminal backgrounds. This decentralised strategy, often conducted through intermediaries and online platforms like Telegram, has allowed Moscow to maintain plausible deniability while creating a flexible network of saboteurs.

In the March 2024 arson of a London warehouse storing supplies for Ukraine, including Starlink satellite equipment, British courts found multiple young men guilty of aggravated arson. Prosecutors stated that the plot had been guided by agents linked to Russias Wagner mercenary group, now under the control of the Russian Ministry of Defence, Al Jazeera reported.

The organiser, Dylan Earl, was recruited via Telegram and communicated with his Russian handler using Google Translate. The case revealed the depth of Russian recruitment efforts among disaffected youth in Europe, some of whom were lured with small payments and promises of espionage glory.

The trial exposed not only the extent of the damage  an estimated 1 million  but also how close the fire came to causing casualties. A truck driver narrowly escaped injury, and residents of a nearby apartment building had to evacuate as the flames raged close to their homes. According to ABC News, oficials described the attack as reckless, warning that the reliance on amateurs significantly raises the risk of unintended consequences, including death.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Destabilisation as a strategy

Western security officials believe these attacks are intended to destabilise European societies, undermine support for Ukraine and demonstrate Russias ability to penetrate deep into Nato and EU territory. A senior analyst at Finlands Security and Intelligence Service noted that this sabotage campaign is consistent with Russias hybrid warfare approach, one that complements conventional military efforts in Ukraine by sowing chaos abroad.

From setting fires to disrupting undersea cables, to attempted bombings and assassination plots, the breadth of the sabotage campaign has grown alarmingly. Officials in Lithuania revealed that a Ukrainian teenager was recruited to plant a bomb at an IKEA store, resulting in a large-scale fire, ABC News reported.

Meanwhile, British intelligence disrupted further plots, including plans to target businesses owned by exiled Russian tycoon Evgeny Chichvarkin, a vocal critic of the Kremlin. Earl, the same individual behind the warehouse arson, had allegedly plotted to set fire to Chichvarkins Mayfair wine shop and restaurant, and even discussed kidnapping him, Al Jazeera said in a report.

Europes struggles to respond

Despite the mounting threats, European countries have found it difficult to craft a coordinated and effective response. Intelligence officials told The Associated Press that while agencies have increased monitoring and attempted to harden critical infrastructure, current measures remain insufficient.

There is growing concern among security experts and policymakers that Europe lacks a continent-wide deterrence framework capable of dissuading or quickly responding to Russian sabotage.

A senior European intelligence official remarked that as the campaign continues, it has taken on a life of its own, becoming more violent and harder to control. They emphasised that while Moscow attempts to exert strict operational control, the use of unreliable middlemen often results in miscommunication, unintended escalation and operational failures.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

This was evident in the London warehouse case, where the Russian handler later chastised Earl for acting without permission, stating that his unauthorised arson made compensation impossible and jeopardised future missions, ABC News said in a report.

Strengthening defences

In light of these developments, European governments are under pressure to boost resilience against what one official described as a rolling campaign of psychological and material sabotage.

Debates are intensifying about the need for stronger counterintelligence, legal frameworks and coordinated strategic deterrence. Britains recent application of the National Security Act to prosecute individuals acting on behalf of foreign intelligence is seen as a step forward, but officials caution that a broader, pan-European approach is essential.

Western analysts stress that the attacks are not isolated incidents but components of a systematic effort to destabilise and divide. As Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, its concurrent strategy of chaos abroad appears aimed at eroding the political will and societal cohesion of its adversaries. In response, European unity and vigilance may be tested like never before.
The drills began with exercises to counter the actions of Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia ships that have been harassing Taiwanese ships around offshore island groups close to the Chinese coast, the Defence Ministry said read more

Earlier this week, Taiwan launched its annual 10-day-long military exercise as China expands its belligerent moves against the island nation, which it considers its own. The drills are intended to guard against Beijings expansionist behaviour.

This years 10-day live-fire Han Kuang drills are the longest yet and follow the delivery of a range of new weaponry from tanks to waterborne drones. The drills in Taiwan come as regional tensions and harassment by China and its Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) are increasing.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The drills began with exercises to counter the actions of Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia ships that have been harassing Taiwanese ships around offshore island groups close to the Chinese coast, the Defence Ministry said.

Concerns are that China could launch an invasion under the guise of petty harassment, and the drills will include fortifying ports and possible Chinese landing points on an island lying 160 kilometres (100 miles) off the Chinese coast.

Lessons from Ukraine

As Taiwan conducts its longest-ever drills, its actions come as Taipei learns its lessons from Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia for more than three years.

Taiwan is systematically incorporating key lessons from Ukraines defence, such as decentralised command, civil preparedness, and countering hybrid warfare, into its largest-ever military drills.

The countrys military leadership openly acknowledges that the Han Kuang drills are shaped by lessons from Ukraines resistance to Russia, focusing on realistic combat scenarios and the vulnerabilities exposed in that conflict.

How are the drills inspired by Ukraine?

The drills prioritise decentralising command structures and protecting communications infrastructure, reflecting how Ukraine maintained operational effectiveness under cyberattacks and missile strikes.

Taiwan is enhancing air-raid shelters, issuing new civil defence guidance, and running public air defence exercises, steps modelled after Ukraines approach to protecting civilians during large-scale attacks.

Countering grey zone tactics is being seen as an important part of modern warfare. Taiwans exercises have begun with countermeasures against Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia harassment, mirroring the hybrid warfare and ambiguous aggression seen in Ukraine.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Taiwan has deployed US-supplied Abrams tanks and HIMARS rocket systems, both used by Ukraine.

An innovation from observation experience

During the drills, Taiwan will recreate invasion scenarios through live simulations. It includes round-the-clock, live-fire operations, anti-landing exercises, and the mobilisation of 22,000 reservists, the largest number to date, to test readiness for a full-scale invasion.

The country is also preparing its citizens for a possible war scenario. Its devising public messaging systems and fighting misinformation. Authorities are warning citizens about potential disruptions and urging vigilance against disinformation, a challenge Ukraine has faced throughout the conflict.

There could be more behind the ongoing Taiwan exercise. It could also be aimed at strategic signalling. By making the drills more rigorous and public, Taiwan looks to aim at deterring China by demonstrating that it is an unpredictable adversary, just as Ukraine has proven to be for Russia.

With inputs from agencies
A CCTV footage purportedly shows a man exiting an apartment building in Kyiv during daylight, carrying a few bags toward a parked car. As he approaches the vehicle, a masked individual, seemingly armed, confronts him. The assailant appears to fire, and the man collapses read more

An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, June 23, 2025. File Image/Reuters

A Ukrainian Security Service official was shot dead in Kyiv in an apparent assassination plot. The killing came as Russia launched a fresh wave of attacks on the Ukrainian capital city on Thursday, leaving at least two people dead and 16 others injured.

According to a report by CNN, an SBU spokesperson said that the official was killed in Kyiv on Thursday morning and that an investigation is underway to determine the reasons behind the killing. The security agency, however, did not give any other information.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

A CCTV footage purportedly shows a man exiting an apartment building in Kyiv during daylight, carrying a few bags toward a parked car. As he approaches the vehicle, a masked individual, seemingly armed, confronts him. The assailant appears to fire, and the man collapses. A bystander is seen fleeing the scene.

Ukraines SBU is the countrys main security service and is responsible for the drone attacks against Russian airfields last month, dubbed Operation Spiderweb.

High-ranking officials killed by Kyiv

Meanwhile, Kyiv has been targeting senior leadership in Russia as President Vladimir Putin intensifies attacks on Ukraine. Earlier this month, Ukrainian strikes in Russias Kursk region killed the deputy chief of the Russian Navy, Mikhail Gudkov.

It was one of the high-profile deaths in Russias leadership as a result of Ukrainian strikes since the start of the war. Gudkov, 42, was the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy who led a brigade that fought in Ukraine.

Earlier this year, Russias General Yaroslav Moskalik was killed in a car bombing in Moscow, an attack the Kremlin attributed to Kyiv. Ukraines security services have not officially claimed responsibility.

Last year, a top Russian general accused of using chemical weapons in Ukraine was killed in a Moscow bomb attack. Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, who headed Russias radiological, biological and chemical protection forces, died after a bomb planted in an electric scooter detonated near the Kremlin.
Last Friday, heavy rains sent a wall of water roaring down the Guadalupe River in the early morning hours of the US Independence Day holiday. The disaster is the deadliest of the Republican presidents nearly six-month term in office read more

Crews work to clear debris from the Cade Loop bridge along the Guadalupe River on July 5, 2025, in Ingram, Texas, US. File Image/AP

US President Donald Trump flew on Friday morning for central Texas to see the devastation wrought by the July 4 flash floods, which killed at least 120 people and left scores missing.

His visit comes at the conclusion of a week in which concerns have been raised about the governments reaction to the terrible downpour, with prospects of finding any more survivors fading fast. Thousands of first responders have searched through muddy debris littered areas of the Texas Hill Country in the aftermath of the tragedy, but no survivors have been discovered since the day of flooding.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Last Friday, heavy rains sent a wall of water roaring down the Guadalupe River in the early morning hours of the US Independence Day holiday. The disaster is the deadliest of the Republican presidents nearly six-month term in office.

Its a horrible thing, Trump told reporters as he departed the White House on Friday. Nobody can even believe it, such a thing - that much water that fast.

According to a White House official, when Trump arrives in the flood-ravaged area of south-central Texas, he will visit with victims families as well as emergency workers.

He will also receive a briefing from local officials and visit areas in Kerr County, which is the epicentre of the destruction. The county is located in what is known as flash flood alley, an area that has experienced some of the countrys deadliest flooding.

Over a foot of rain poured in less than an hour on July 4. Flood gauges indicated that the rivers height increased from around a foot to 34 feet in a couple of hours, pouring over its banks and washing away trees and structures in its path.

Kerr County officials say more than 160 people remain unaccounted for, although experts say that the number of people reported missing in the wake of disasters is often inflated.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The dead include at least 36 children, many of whom were campers at the nearly century-old Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer retreat on the banks of the river.

Local and federal officials have faced scrutiny for their response, including questions about whether they could have done more to warn people of the rising floodwaters.

The county declined to install an early-warning system years ago after failing to secure state money to cover the cost. In an interview of NBCs Meet the Press on Thursday ahead of the trip, Trump appeared to support any fresh initiative to install such alarms.

After having seen this horrible event, I would imagine youd put alarms up in some form, Trump said.

The Texas state legislature will convene in a special session later this month to investigate the flooding and provide disaster relief funding.

The US Senates top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, on Monday asked a government watchdog to investigate whether cuts at the National Weather Service affected the forecasting agencys response. The NWS has defended its forecasting and emergency management, noting it assigned extra forecasters to two Texas offices over the holiday weekend.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The Trump administration has said the agency was sufficiently staffed and responded adequately to an act of God. On NBC, he described the flooding as a once-in-every-200-year event.

Trump has also largely sidestepped questions about his plans to shrink or abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which coordinates the US governments disaster response efforts, and reassign many of its key functions to state and local governments.

Ill tell you some other time, Trump said on Tuesday, when asked by a reporter about FEMA.
It was the latest of more than 20 such letters issued by Trump since Monday, after he repeatedly threatened to simply decide a tariff rate for countries as negotiations continue over his reciprocal tariffs read more

US President Donald Trump on Friday announced 35 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports, to take effect from August 1. Canada is the latest country to receive a letter from Trump addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own Tariffs. Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a Tariff of 35% on Canadian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs, Trump said in the letter, which he posted on his Truth Social platform.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

It was the latest of more than 20 such letters issued by Trump since Monday, after he repeatedly threatened to simply decide a tariff rate for countries as negotiations continue over his reciprocal tariffs.

The development comes after the US and Canada resumed trade talks last month following a snag over Ottawas digital services tax on US tech companies. PM Carney revoked the digital services tax to facilitate the resumption of trade talks with Washington.

According to a Reuters report, citing White House officials, US President Donald Trump had urged Canada to drop its planned digital services tax during a G7 meeting earlier in June.

Its something theyve studied, now theyve agreed to, and for sure, that means we can get back to the negotiations, Trump was quoted as saying.

Canada is the second-largest US trading partner after Mexico, and the largest buyer of US exports. It bought $349.4 billion of US goods last year and exported $412.7 billion to the US, according to US Census Bureau data.

Last week, Canadas national statistical agency said that trade with its neighbour to the south withered in May in the wake of a punishing tariff war launched by Trump.However, Canada made up part of the shortfall with increased shipments to other nations.

As exports to the United States fell for a fourth consecutive month, shipments to other nations rose to a record high, said Statistics Canada.

As a result, Canadas share of exports destined to the United States fell from a monthly average of 75.9 per cent to 68.3 per cent. The agency said this was one of the lowest proportions on record.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

With inputs from agencies
While expressing his discontent over stalled peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, US President Donald Trump said he is disappointed at Russia, hinting at making a big statement on Monday read more

US President Donald Trump said that he is disappointed in Russia, hinting at a major statement he is preparing to make on Monday. While speaking to NBC News, Trump expressed his discontent over the stalled peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. He also mentioned that Washington, DC, is preparing to send more American weapons to Ukraine via purchases from NATO allies.

I think Ill have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday, Trump told NBC News in a telephone interview on Thursday. The Potus went on to reiterate his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin over the countrys continued attack on Ukraine.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

He also insisted that he is expecting the US Senate to pass a tougher sanctions bill against Russia. Interestingly, once such a bill has been sponsored by Trumps longtime ally, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Its at my option if I want to use it, Trump said of the measure. Theyre going to pass a very major and very biting sanctions bill, but its up to the president as to whether or not he wants to exercise it.

Trump sends help to Ukraine via NATO

While speaking to NBC News, Trump emphasised that he and NATO leaders had reached an agreement in which allies would pay for US arms that would be then sent to Ukraine. Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100 per cent, he told the American news outlet.

So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons, and NATO is paying for those weapons," he added. Interestingly, Trump also mentioned that he was unaware of a pause ordered by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth halting the distribution of a planned weapons shipment to Ukraine.

It is pertinent to note that the remarks from Trump came shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering in Kuala Lumpur.

The talks between the two foreign ministers came at a time when Russia has been pounding Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with record numbers of drones and missiles, leading Trump to express his mounting frustration with Putin in recent days.
In targeting a reboot of defence ties with a focus on joint missile development and nuclear co-operation, while also firming up support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, Europes two nuclear powers also hope to send a strong signal to Moscow read more

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer look on upon their arrival on the Place de l'Etoile to attend commemorations marking the 106th anniversary of the November 11, 1918, Armistice, ending World War I, in Paris, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. File Image: AP

Britain and France took a key step to underpin Europes security by agreeing to tighten nuclear cooperation, as the region frets over the US commitment to its defence and Russian ambitions.

In targeting a reboot of defence ties with a focus on joint missile development and nuclear co-operation, while also firming up support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, Europes two nuclear powers also hope to send a strong signal to Moscow.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

What is the UK and Frances nuclear stance?

Right from its inception, Frances nuclear deterrent was designed to be independent, its potential deployment subject to the French presidents evaluation of any perceived threat to the republics strategic interests.

According to the independent Stockholm-based Sipri Institute on global security, France has 290 nuclear warheads, some carried aboard four submarines and some by Rafale fighter jets.

Britain for its part has 225 nuclear warheads. For now, the British nuclear deterrent is purely sea-based, carried by four submarines armed with ballistic missiles.

However, the British government announced last month it would add an airborne component to its operational system with the purchase of 12 American F-35 fighter jets.

Unlike Frances, Britains nuclear forces are fully integrated under the NATO defence umbrella to cover the Western military alliances 32 member states.

On Thursday during a visit by its President Emmanuel Macron to London, France agreed to the principle of coordination with Britain despite nominal national independence.

Despite the cherished independence of the French deterrent, Macron remarked in 2020 that Frances vital interests have an authentically European dimension.

In a 1995 joint declaration Paris and London acknowledged that the vital interests of one (partner) could not be threatened without the vital interests of the other equally being at risk.

Whats new?

Whereas that declaration was limited to the definition of the two neighbours vital interests, the latest cooperation accord goes much further.

The 1995 accord was a uniquely Franco-British declaration on a very political level, said Heloise Fayet, a researcher on nuclear issues at the French Institute for International Relations.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In the latest announcement, the reference to nuclear arms is much more visible and clear, Fayet told AFP.

There are two advances: on the operational level with this coordination of the two deterrents. And the second is obviously the expansion of the joint European dimension.

Thursdays declaration stated that the respective deterrents of London and Paris remain under national control but can be coordinated.

It added that there is no extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response by both nations, the UK defence ministry and the French presidency said in a statement.

London and Paris also said they would further underpin cooperation by creating a nuclear supervision group which, says Fayet, deepens the existing consultation mechanism.

Complications for Russia?

For Artur Kacprzyk of Polands PISM research institute, the declaration was still ambiguous regarding the possible response to an extreme threat.

It obviously doesnt mean automatic use of nuclear, Kacprzyk told AFP, but sends an additional signal to the Russians that there could be a joint French and British nuclear response to an attack on allies It complicates the calculus for Russia.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Fayet said London and Paris were sending a message that they can deal with an extreme threat to Europe via conventional responses, cyber attacks  and nuclear, evidently.

She judged it truly an additional step with an unprecedented level of military and political coordination, opening up the possibility notably of joint submarine patrols.

That, for instance, could see an attack submarine from one cross-Channel partner escort a ballistic missile submarine from the other or participation of British aircraft in French exercises.

Whats in it for the rest of Europe?

Its a welcome development for European security and deterrence of Russia, although not a revolutionary one, at least not yet as we dont know the details, said Kacprzyk.

It sends a strengthened message of deterrence to Russia even if in practice this depends a lot on implementation, he added.

The move comes at a time when a lot of Europeans are getting concerned about the US and its commitment to Europes defence, said Ed Arnold, an expert at Britains Royal United Services Institute.

For Fayet, other European countries can only welcome Franco-British cooperation, as long as it translates concretely and swiftly in operational terms into Franco-British discussion mechanisms with other countries.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Kacprzyk added: There are many, many steps that both can take together or separately to further strengthen European nuclear deterrence, like having more nuclear forces or, as Macron mentioned, deploying some of them on allied territories.
On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Francesca Albanese would be added to the U.S. sanctions list for her actions, which he described as prompting illegitimate prosecutions of Israelis at the International Criminal Court read more

The top U.N. expert on Palestinian rights said on Friday that the U.S. decision to place her under sanctions could have a chilling effect on people who engage with her and restrict her movements, but that she planned to continue her work.

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Francesca Albanese would be added to the U.S. sanctions list for her actions, which he described as prompting illegitimate prosecutions of Israelis at the International Criminal Court.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Albanese said she now faces asset freezes and potential travel restrictions, warning that the U.S. decision could set a dangerous precedent for human rights defenders worldwide.

There are no red lines anymore  It is scary, she told Reuters via video link from Bosnia, where she was attending events for the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.

It might block me from moving around. It will have a chilling effect on people normally engaging with me because for American citizens or for green card holders, this is going to be extremely problematic.

My plans are to continue what Ive been doing, she added.

The White House was not immediately available for comment.

The U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories is one of dozens of experts appointed by the 47-member U.N. Human Rights Council to report on specific global issues.

Albanese, an Italian lawyer and academic, has been a vocal critic of Israels treatment of Palestinians. She recently published a report calling on states at the U.N. Council to impose an arms embargo and cut off trade and financial ties with Israel, while accusing the U.S. ally of waging a genocidal campaign in Gaza.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Israels mission in Geneva said the report was legally groundless, defamatory and a flagrant abuse of her office.

The U.N. Human Rights office confirmed on Friday that Albanese is the first special rapporteur to be sanctioned and called for the decision to be reversed. The European Union said it deeply regrets the U.S. decision. Rights defenders have also rallied to her defence.

Israel has faced accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the ICC over its military assault on Gaza.

Israel strongly denies the accusations and says its campaign amounts to self-defence after the deadly, Hamas-led attack that triggered the war in October 2023.
The US State Department is firing more than 1,300 employees on Friday in line with a dramatic reorganisation plan from the Trump administration that critics say will damage Americas global leadership and efforts to counter threats abroad read more

Federal workers and supporters rally outside of the State Department, on June 27, 2025, in Washington. AP File

The US State Department is firing more than 1,300 employees on Friday in line with a dramatic reorganisation plan from the Trump administration that critics say will damage Americas global leadership and efforts to counter threats abroad.

The department is sending layoff notices to 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers with domestic assignments in the United States, according to a senior department official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters before individual notices were emailed to affected employees.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Foreign service officers affected will be placed immediately on administrative leave for 120 days, after which they will formally lose their jobs, according to an internal notice obtained by The Associated Press. For most civil servants, the separation period is 60 days, it said.

In connection with the departmental reorganization  the department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities, the notice says. Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found from centralization or consolidation of functions and responsibilities.

While lauded by President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and their Republican allies as overdue and necessary to make the department leaner, more nimble and more efficient, the cuts have been roundly criticized by current and former diplomats who say they will weaken U.S. influence and its ability to counter existing and emerging threats abroad.

Layoffs part of big changes to State Department work

The Trump administration has pushed to reshape American diplomacy and worked aggressively to shrink the size of the federal government, including mass dismissals driven by the Department of Government Efficiency and moves to dismantle whole departments like the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Education Department.

USAID, the six-decade-old foreign assistance agency, was absorbed into the State Department last week after the administration dramatically slashed foreign aid funding.

A recent ruling by the Supreme Court cleared the way for the layoffs to start, while lawsuits challenging the legality of the cuts continue to play out. The department had formally advised staffers on Thursday that it would be sending layoff notices to some of them soon.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The job cuts are large but considerably less than many had feared. In a May letter notifying Congress about the reorganization, the department said it had just over 18,700 U.S.-based employees and was looking to reduce the workforce by 18% through layoffs and voluntary departures, including deferred resignation programs.

Rubio said officials took a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused.

Its not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you dont need those positions, he told reporters Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where hes attending the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people.

He said some of the cuts will be unfilled positions or those that are about to be vacant because an employee took an early retirement.

Critics say the changes will hurt US standing abroad

The American Academy of Diplomacy, an association that includes hundreds of former senior diplomats, said the State Department layoffs will seriously undermine the ability of our government to understand, explain, and respond to a complex and increasingly contested world.

At a time when the United States faces unprecedented challenges from strategic competitors and adversaries, ongoing conflicts in Central Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and emerging security threats, the decision to gut the Department of States institutional knowledge and operational capacity is an act of vandalism, the organization said in a statement last week before the cuts were announced.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

It added that Rubios explanations for the cuts are disingenuous, pernicious, and false.

Michael Rigas, the departments deputy secretary for management and resources, said in a notice Thursday that staffers would be informed soon if they were being laid off.

First and foremost, we want to thank them for their dedication and service to the United States, he said.

Once notifications have taken place, the Department will enter the final stage of its reorganization and focus its attention on delivering results-driven diplomacy, Rigas added.

The State Department is undergoing a big reorganisation

The department told Congress in May of an updated reorganization plan, proposing cuts to programs beyond what had been revealed a month earlier by Rubio and an 18% reduction of U.S.-based, higher than 15% initially floated.

The State Department is planning to eliminate some divisions tasked with oversight of Americas two-decade involvement in Afghanistan, including an office focused on resettling Afghan nationals who worked alongside the U.S. military.

The departments letter to Congress noted that the reorganization will affect more than 300 bureaus and offices, saying it is eliminating divisions it describes as doing unclear or overlapping work. It says Rubio believes effective modern diplomacy requires streamlining this bloated bureaucracy.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

That letter was clear that the reorganization also is intended to eliminate programs  particularly those related to refugees and immigration, as well as human rights and democracy promotion  that the Trump administration believes have become ideologically driven in a way that is incompatible with its priorities and policies.

The American Foreign Service Association, the union that represents diplomats, urged the State Department last month to hold off on job cuts.

Notices for a reduction in force, which would not only lay off employees but eliminate positions altogether, should be a last resort, association President Tom Yazdgerdi said. Disrupting the Foreign Service like this puts national interests at risk  and Americans everywhere will bear the consequences.
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, condemned the Trump administration for imposing sanctions against her. She went on to describe the move as a sign of guilt. read more

UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese says it looks like Ive hit a nerve after the US imposed sanctions on her amid her investigation of human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories. AP

While reacting to the sanctions imposed against her, Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, said that the move by the US President Donald Trumps administration is a sign of guilt. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Albanese said: The powerful punishing those who speak for the powerless, it is not a sign of strength, but of guilt.

The remarks from the UN official came after the US State Department sanctioned her over her efforts in Gaza. It is pertinent to note that Albanese is an independent official tasked with investigating human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories and has often condemned Israels conduct throughout the 21-month war in Gaza.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In a post on Thursday, Albanese urged the international community to stand tall, together and called for the international observers to focus on the crisis inside Gaza. All eyes must remain on Gaza, where children are dying of starvation in their mothers arms, while their fathers and siblings are bombed into pieces while searching for food, she wrote.

"The powerful punishing those who speak for the powerless, it is not a sign of strength, but of guilt".



Let's stand tall, together. https://t.co/7D1vrNRGS7  Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) July 10, 2025

It looks like I have hit a nerve: Albanese

While speaking to the Middle East Eye, Albanese hit back at the Trump administration. It looks like Ive hit a nerve, she remarked. My concern is people are dying in Gaza while you and I are speaking, and the United Nations is totally unable to intervene.

The Human Rights lawyer has been extremely vocal about calling for the end of what she described as the genocide that Israel is waging against Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile, both Israel and the United States have denied accusations hurled by Albanese.

It is pertinent to note that Israel has been facing accusations of committing genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and war crimes allegations at the International Criminal Court (ICC). While speaking on the matter, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised that the sanctions against Albania set a dangerous precedent.

However, he made it clear that the special rapporteurs did not report to him and he had no authority over them. Meanwhile, Jurg Lauber, the UN human rights council president, said he regretted Washingtons decision and called on all UN member states to fully cooperate with the special rapporteurs and mandate holders of the council and to refrain from any acts of intimidation or reprisal against them.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, also called for a halt to attacks and threats against people appointed by the UN and other international institutions such as the ICC. It is pertinent to note that the judges of the international tribunal have also been hit with American sanctions.

How Albanese is making Israel uncomfortable

In recent weeks, the UN rapporteur has issued a series of letters urging nations around the world to put pressure on Israel, including through sanctions, to end its deadly bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The Italian national has also been an ardent supporter of the ICCs indictment against Israeli leaders, including the countrys Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for war crimes.

Recently, she issued a report naming what she described as Israels occupation and war on Gaza. On Wednesday, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced the move against Albanese on social media. Albaneses campaign of political and economic warfare against the United States and Israel will no longer be tolerated, Rubio said in a statement.

We will always stand by our partners in their right to self-defence, he furthered. The Secretary of State also announced that Albanese would be added to the US sanctions list for work that had prompted what he described as illegitimate prosecutions of Israelis at the ICC.

Albanese has often been the target of criticism from pro-Israel officials and groups in the US and the Middle East. Last week, the US mission to the UN issued a scathing statement calling for her removal for a years-long pattern of virulent antisemitism and unrelenting anti-Israel bias. The statement went on to argue that Albaneses allegations of Israel committing genocide or apartheid were false and offensive.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Emphasising the importance of indigenous technology, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval lauded Indias Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. Doval made these remarks at the 62nd Convocation of IIT, Madras. read more

Lauding Indians Operation Sindoor, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval emphasised that Indias indigenous tech power played a key role throughout the mission. The remarks from the security chief came during his address at the 62nd Convocation of IIT, Madras.

Dovals message to the young engineers was filled with the motivation to develop indigenous technology. We are really proud of how much indigenous content was there [during Operation Sindoor]. From BrahMos to radars, we used entirely Indian content. We decided to have 9 terrorist targets in the criss-cross of Pakistan. We missed none. We hit nowhere else except that," Doval said at the Friday event.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

He went on to laud the Indian operations accuracy. The entire operation took 23 minutes You tell me one photograph that shows any Indian damage done. They wrote things, New York Times but the images showed 13 air bases of Pakistan before and after May 10," he furthered.

More from World Balochistan ambush: Armed men abduct and kill 9 bus passengers in restive Pakistan province

Doval encourages young people to be proud of their identity

While speaking to the students, the NSA lauded the Indian civilisation. You belong to a country, to a civilisation which has been beleaguered, bled, dishonoured for a thousand years. We have suffered a lot. Our ancestors have suffered. Our pitras, as we call them. I do not know how much of the humiliation, hardships they have undergone to keep this civilisation alive, to keep this notion of nation alive," he said.

In his address, Doval reiterated the strategic importance of achieving technological self-reliance. He insisted that India will fully indigenise its communication systems to protect national security and ensure data privacy. The NSA noted that these initiatives would build Indias resilience across critical infrastructure.

In this regard, Doval went on to describe Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a game-changer, emphasising that India must rapidly adopt emerging technologies without depending on foreign sources.

The Chinese took 12 years and invested $300 billion to develop 5G. We neither have that time nor the money. In just two and a half years, we have created an indigenous alternative. We owe this achievement to our private sector," he averred.
Mesa Countys surrounding trails have long been recognized for their key role in local recreation and even the regional economy.

Public health and outdoor recreation may seem unrelated at first glance, but the Mesa County Public Health Departments establishment of the Trail Crew has made the connection clear over its six years of existence.

With the growth of that initiative, Mesa County Public Health announced Thursday that the program will be transitioned under the Mesa County Natural Resources Department, effective immediately.

Mesa County Public Health recognized early on the value trails bring to our community  not just for recreation, but for public health, Trail Program Supervisor Ross Mittelman said. The crews work improves access for locals and beginners, helping to encourage physical activity, mental well-being and a deeper connection with nature.

According to a press release, the move will strengthen its support from the county and better position the program and community in further planning and development endeavors

The trail crew has primarily focused on expanding and maintaining non-motorized trails. That construction aimed to increase access and appeal for locals, in turn, driving physical activity, outdoor engagement and the associated health benefits.

The program has also bolstered Mesa Countys natural resource workforce by connecting crew members with municipal and community experts in the industry. In doing so, crew members gain hands-on experience and expertise in trail maintenance, construction and design.

The Mesa County Public Health press release stated that much of the trail work includes technical rock work, erosion control, invasive species management, revegetation and tree felling.

In the six years since its launch, the crew has received nearly $2.5 million in grant funding (from federal, state and local partners) to invest in local outdoor recreation.

Some of those investments include the construction and maintenance of a bike park at Dos Rios Elementary School, 265 Linden Ave., the construction of 30 new miles of trail at 18 Road, in the north Fruita desert, and the completion of a master plan for the Gunnison Bluffs.

+10 Trail crew prepares for busy 2025 Mesa County Public Healths trail crew works diligently to ensure mountain bikers can enjoy 

The press release added that the decision to shift ownership is largely because of its better alignment with the Mesa County Natural Resources Department.

The department website already features a comprehensive map of trails and recreation areas across Mesa County, in addition to many other services: facilitating the management of state and federal lands; noxious weed and pest management, like eradicating the Japanese Beetle; and preserving and enhancing local water access and infrastructure.

Mesa County remains committed to ensuring that quality outdoor spaces are accessible to all residents, Mittelman said. As our Trail Crew enters this new chapter, their work will continue to benefit both locals and visitors by enhancing one of the regions most valuable public assets, its trails.

Learn more about the Mesa County Natural Resources Department by visiting mesacounty.us/departments-and-services/natural-resources.
NATHAN DEAL/The Daily Sentinel

Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel speaks to attendees at the second-annual AgriWest Council meeting Wednesday evening at the Clifton Community Center. The council meeting gave those in the agriculture industry, those whose businesses are adjacent to agriculture and community members the opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns and experiences, all meant to help AgriWest navigate its final year and set regional agriculture up for success for years to come.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Montrose County Sheriff

Smoke from the South Rim fire in the Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park is seen on Friday. The smoke from that fire  as well as several other fires in the region  made the air hazy in the Grand Valley.
Sunday Night

Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low around 70F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph.
SSU detains Chinese spies who collected secret technologies of Ukraine's Neptune missiles production

Security Service of Ukraine

12:30, 9 July 2025

In Kyiv, the SSU Counterintelligence has detained two citizens of the People's Republic of China who were attempting to illegally provide secret documentation on the Ukrainian RK-360MC Neptune missile system to China.

This is a unique weapon of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, designed to destroy all types of combat and landing ships. It was the Neptune that destroyed the flagship of the russian Black sea fleet, the missile cruiser Moskva.

The investigation established that one of the Chinese spies was a 24-year-old former student of one of Kyiv's technical universities. He remained in Kyiv after being expelled for academic failure in 2023.

Another perpetrator is his father, who lived permanently in China but periodically visited Ukraine to personally coordinate his son's espionage activities.

The former student was supposed to obtain technical documentation on the production of Ukrainian Neptune missiles.

To this end, he attempted to recruit a Ukrainian citizen involved in the development of the latest weapons for the Defense Forces.

The SSU Counterintelligence identified the spy at an early stage of his unlawful activities and caught him in the act - when he was receiving the classified documents.

The next stage was the detention of his father, who was supposed to pass the secret information to the Chinese special services.

Phones with evidence of their communication to coordinate the espionage activities were seized during the searches of the two individuals.

Based on the evidence, investigators of the Security Service notified the detainees of suspicion under Article 114.1 of the CCU (espionage).

The suspects face up to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Contracts

Contracts For July 10, 2025

NAVY

Global Pacific Design Builders LLC,* Tamuning, Guam, was awarded a $297,119,770 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of replacement of housing units. Work will be performed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and is expected to be completed by December 2028. This contract is incrementally funded. Fiscal 2025 Family Housing Construction (Navy) funds in the amount of $170,409,848 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the sam.gov website with four offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-25-C-1326). (Awarded July 8, 2025)

East Coast Repair & Fabrication LLC,* Portsmouth, Virginia (N50054-25-D-0012); Lyon Shipyard Inc.,* Norfolk, Virginia (N50054-25-D-0013); BayTec Marine LLC,* Chesapeake, Virginia (N50054-25-D-0014); and Colonna's Shipyard Inc.,* Norfolk, Virginia (N50054-25-D-0015), are each awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract for repair, maintenance, modernization, and sustainment for messing and berthing barges as required by the Navy. East Coast Repair & Fabrication LLC is being awarded $210,443,900 inclusive of all ordering periods. Lyon Shipyard Inc. is being awarded $211,320,000 inclusive of all ordering periods. BayTec Marine LLC is being awarded $219,898,812 inclusive of all ordering periods. Colonna's Shipyard Inc. is being awarded $262,392,000 inclusive of all ordering periods. Work will be primarily performed within a 50-mile radius of Norfolk, Virginia. The shared ceiling amongst all awardees is $262,392,000. Work will complete July 15, 2030. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $48,000 ($12,000 per contract) will be obligated for the minimum guarantee and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This multiple award contract was procured as a small business set-aside via the System for Award Management website with 11 offers received. Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Manassas, Virginia, is awarded a $197,477,596 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-20-C-6117) to exercise options for Navy engineering design, development, and production support in support of sound navigation and ranging systems. Work will be performed in Manassas, Virginia (65%); Clearwater, Florida (32%); Syracuse, New York (2%); and Marion, Florida (1%), and is expected to be completed by September 2026. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,500,000 (62%); fiscal 2025 research, development, test and engineering (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,700,000 (19%); fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,120,000 (12%); and fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $600,000 (7%), will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $74,012,074 firm-fixed-price contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-21-C-5401) for fiscal 2025 Rolling Airframe Missile Mod 5 Guided Missile Launching System requirements and spares. Work will be performed in Louisville, Kentucky (40%); Ottobrunn, Germany (34%); Saint Petersburg, Florida (8%); Joplin, Missouri (3%); Denison, Texas (2%); Tulsa, Oklahoma (2%); Miami, Florida (2%); and various other U.S. locations (cumulative of 9%), and is expected to be completed by September 2028. Fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $58,115,093 (78%); fiscal 2025 shipbuilding conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $15,154,000 (20%); fiscal 2025 operations maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $456,000 (1%); and fiscal 2025 German cooperative funds in the amount of $286,980 (1%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $456,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia, is being awarded a $51,233,897 single-award, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00189-25-D-Z029) for the provision of psychological health and readiness research support services for the Naval Health Research Center. The contract will include a five-year ordering period with an additional six-month option period pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.217-8, which if exercised will bring the total estimated value of the contract to $56,682,221. Work will be completed by July 10, 2030; if the option is exercised, work will be completed by Jan. 10, 2031. Services under the contract will be performed in San Diego, California (100%). Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds (Navy) funds in the contract's minimum amount of $1,000 will be obligated at time of award and funds will expire at the end of fiscal 2026. Subsequent task orders under the resultant contract will be funded with appropriate fiscal year research, development, test and evaluation funds (Navy) funds. The requirement was competitively procured through the System for Award Management website (Sam.gov) as an unrestricted, competitive procurement with three offers received. Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Contracting Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00189-25-D-Z029).

BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P, Minneapolis, Minnesota, is awarded a $48,035,288 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-24-C-5324) for MK 41 Vertical Launching System canister and ancillary equipment production. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. (78%); and the governments of Australia (21%), and Japan (1%), under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, South Dakota (90%); and Minneapolis, Minnesota (10%), and is expected to be completed by February 2028. Fiscal 2025 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $27,451,753 (57%); FMS (Australia) funds in the amount of $10,048,768 (21%); fiscal 2024 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,917,436 (20%); fiscal 2024 Defense-wide procurement funds in the amount of $411,554 (1%); and FMS (Japan) funds in the amount of $205,777 (1%), will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia (N66001-21-D-0070); Exceptional Employees for Exceptional Results Corp.,* San Diego, California (N66001-21-D-0071); G2 Software Systems Inc.,* San Diego, California (N66001-21-D-0072); KAB Laboratories Inc., San Diego, California (N66001-21-D-0073); Kratos Defense and Rocket Support Services Inc., San Diego, California (N66001-21-D-0074); M.C. Dean Inc., Tysons, Virginia (N66001-21-D-0075); Parsons Government Services Inc., Pasadena, California (N66001-21-D-0076); Science Applications International Corp., Reston, Virginia (N66001-21-D-0077); Sentar Inc.,* Huntsville, Alabama (N66001-21-D-0078); Systems Technology Forum Ltd., Fredericksburg, Virginia (N66001-21-D-0079); and Transtecs Corp.,* Arlington, Virginia (N66001-21-D-0080), are awarded a combined $30,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification to a previously issued contract for management, engineering, technical assistance, integrated logistics, and security of wideband, narrowband, and protected communications on afloat, ashore, airborne, submerged, and space-based platforms. This modification brings the overall value of this contract to $129,788,587. Work will be performed in San Diego (80%); and outside the continental U.S. (20%), and is expected to be completed by March 2027. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Fiscal 2025 funds will be obligated as task orders and issued using research, development, test and evaluation (Navy); operations and maintenance (Navy); and other procurement (Navy) funds. This contract was competitively procured via a Request for Proposal (N66001-20-R-3426) published on the beta.SAM.gov website. 11 offers were received and 11 were selected for award. Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.

Lucianos Excavation Inc.,* Taunton, Massachusetts, is being awarded an $11,012,195 firm-fixed-price contract for road repairs at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Cutler, Maine. Work will be performed on Cutler Perimeter Road, Cutler, Maine, and is expected to be completed by January 2027. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance (Navy); funds in the amount of $11,012,195 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the www.sam.gov website with four price bids received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-25-C-2513).

ARMY

A&M & Southwind Small Business JV,* Tulsa, Oklahoma (W91278-25-D-A025); Randy Kinder Excavating Inc.,* Dexter, Missouri (W91289-25-D-A026); Southern Contracting LLC,* Biloxi, Mississippi (W91278-25-D-A027); and Speegle Construction Inc.,* Niceville, Florida (W91278-25-D-A028), will compete for each order of the $49,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction projects. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 9, 2030. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

Vanquish Worldwide LLC,* Kingsport, Tennessee, was awarded an $18,517,296 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for support services, including maintenance, supply and transportation support. Bids were solicited via the internet with 12 received. Work will be performed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 17, 2031. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $102,294 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W519TC-25-F-0278).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Industries of the Blind Inc.,** Greensboro, North Carolina, has been awarded an estimated $20,790,219 modification (P00016) exercising the first oneyear option period of a twoyear base contract (SPE1C123D0059) with five oneyear option periods for warehousing, storage, logistics and distribution functions. This is a firm-fixedprice with economicpriceadjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is July 10, 2026. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut (SPE4AX-25-D-9409, $352,832,508); and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut (SPE4AX-25-D-9408, $66,760,544), have each been awarded a firm-fixed-price, requirements type contract awarded under solicitation SPE4AX-24-R-0025 for H-60 and H-53 aircraft spare parts support. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulations 6.302-1. These are five-year base contracts with one five-year option period. The performance completion date is June 30, 2030. Using military services are Air Force, Army, and Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2030 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at Richmond, Virginia. (Awarded June 30, 2025)

CORRECTION: The contract announced on July 8, 2025, for AES Asset Acquisition Corp., doing business as Clean Earth LLC, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (SP4500-25-D-0022) for $17,309,125 was announced with an incorrect award date. The correct award date is July 9, 2025. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services, Battle Creek, Michigan.

AIR FORCE

GasTOPS, Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded an $18,586,285 requirements contract for the Portable Debris Analyzer ChipCheck machine. This contract provides for the procurement of 145 machines, which allow for in-the-field ability to analyze debris found in aircraft engine oil, specifically, the F-110 engine. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by July 2029. This contract was a sole source acquisition. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8119-25-D-0006).

DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY

Synensys LLC, Peachtree City, Georgia, is competitively awarded a $9,164,878 five-year, plus six-month option to extend services, firm-fixed-price contract (HT001125C0076) for the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Deputy Assistant Director Medical Affairs Patient Safety Program. The contract encompasses patient safety personnel at in-patient and out-patient military treatment facilities, coupled with training materials keyed to foster a workplace-based safety cultural transformation, and guided by experts in patient safety at the DHA. Services include expertise and experience required by patient safety specialists, patient safety assistant coordinators, and patient safety data analysts. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,164,878 are obligated to establish and fully fund the 12-month base period for contract line item 1 from Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026. The place of performance is multiple military treatment facilities in both the continental United States and at overseas facilities. The Defense Health Agency, Professional Services Contracting Division, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

*Small business

**Mandatory source

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4240831/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






FM Sa'ar meets with Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar of Slovakia in Bratislava

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

FM Sa'ar: "We sent a delegation to negotiate in Doha. We said Yes to Special Envoy Witkoff's proposals. Israel is serious in its will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire. I believe it's achievable."

Press Releases

Foreign Policy

09.07.2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar's full remarks at press conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, with Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar:

"Thank you Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar,

It's good to be in Bratislava.

Israel and Slovakia share strong and longstanding relations.



We have common values and a good friendship.

We share a mutual commitment to security and we will strengthen our cooperation on defense issues.

There was once a large Jewish community here, which included the Chatam Sofer, the leading rabbi of his generation.

But we also remember the darker period in our history.

Today, we thank Slovakia for protecting the Jewish community and safeguarding the memory and lessons of the Holocaust.

We appreciate the Slovak Institute, which opened in Jerusalem, our eternal capital.

And we agreed in our discussions, Minister, on the need to strengthen relations between our nations, as you said - in so many aspects.

I call on Israelis to come visit Slovakia. It's a beautiful country. So this is one good reason. Secondly, it's a safe place to travel in Europe. And of course we would like to host as many Slovak tourists as possible in Israel.

****

Iran's nuclear program was the greatest threat to our region and country.

Israel's successful operation in Iran - as well as other actions that we took in this war - have a direct and significant contribution to Europe's security.

Iran deliberately targeted civilian population centers with its ballistic missiles.



Our operation severely damaged Iran's nuclear and ballistic missiles programs. The very same missiles that threatened Europe as well.

****

Minister,

Hamas still holds 50 of our hostages in cruel captivity. I know you consistently, also hear today, call for their release.

The war in Gaza can end tomorrow if Hamas will release them and lays down its weapons.

We sent a delegation to negotiate in Doha.

We said Yes to Special Envoy Witkoff's proposals.

As I told you, Israel is serious in its will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire.

I believe it's achievable.

If a temporary ceasefire is achieved, we will negotiate on a permanent ceasefire.

We are committed to our war objectives. But war itself is not an objective.

We prefer to achieve our goals always through diplomatic means.

But it must be clear:

Hamas is not only responsible for initiating this war on October 7th, 2023. Hamas is also responsible for its continuation.

Pressure must be applied on Hamas.

****

Anyhow - Israel is committed to continuing to facilitate the humanitarian effort, under difficult circumstances. We have done so since the beginning of the war.

The problem we face is that Hamas takes over the aid and uses it as a financial engine for its war machine.

This might cause the war to continue endlessly. And we would like to end it.

The important American GHF initiative helps address this problem.

It allocates large amounts of aid directly to the people.

At the same time, we are enabling the previous aid method to bridge the gap.

But we should help the civilian population without strengthening Hamas.

During the previous week, we had a constructive dialogue with the EU on the matter of humanitarian aid.

And last Sunday, our Security Cabinet made further decisions to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

I informed my colleague on this issues.

I described these steps to the Minister during our meeting.

Basically, they include more aid, through more crossings, and more routes.

We are dealing with this issue in good faith. We will continue mutual efforts with others, states, International Organizations, the E.U., to address it.

We welcome also any effort to ensure that the aid is delivered to the civilian population and is not being exploited by Hamas.

*****

Dear Minister,

Israel appreciates Slovakia's support for our basic right to defend ourselves.

We thank you for standing with Israel against attempts to take unilateral and biased steps or decisions against it - in the EU or in the UN.

I intend to strengthen relations between Israel and Slovakia and to continue our fruitful dialogue.

Minister, I know you are a good partner for that mission.

And I invite you, Minister, to soon visit Jerusalem.

Thank you."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Deputy Secretary Landau's Meeting with Liberian President Boakai

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

July 9, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met this afternoon in Washington with Liberian President Joseph Boakai. They discussed potential avenues to promote U.S. and Liberian commercial projects for mining, small business development, and other private enterprise opportunities. Deputy Secretary Landau also lauded last week's important agreement to increase multi-user access to Liberia's railway to further facilitate economic development for the benefit of both countries. The Deputy welcomed Liberia's presence on the UN Security Council for its 2026-2027 term and the two committed to working together on shared interests.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S. Navy, Marine Corps EOD technicians conduct live mine countermeasure operations with JMSDF during Iwo To Live Mine Exercise 2025

US Navy

09 July 2025

From Ivan Skvaril, Commander Task Force 75

IWO TO, Japan -- U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 participated in Iwo To Live Mine Exercise (MINEX) 2025, a bilateral mine countermeasures (MCM) exercise hosted annually by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in the vicinity of Iwo To, Japan, May 29 to June 24.

This year marks the fourth time this combined training occurred between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF EOD forces, and the second joint engagement with the U.S. Marine Corps' (USMC) 3rd EOD Company in year 2025. The exercise provided a rare opportunity to apply MCM tactics, techniques, and procedures against live, unarmed naval mines in a dynamic underwater environment.

Thirteen personnel from EODMU-5 formed an Expeditionary MCM (ExMCM) task element and embarked aboard the JMSDF Uraga-class mine countermeasure vessel JS Uraga (MST 463) to execute the full detect-to-engage sequence alongside JMSDF and USMC EOD counterparts. The team employed MK 18 Mod 1 unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and EOD divers to train to a detect-to-engage sequence with various mine shapes in the waters surrounding Iwo To.

"This exercise delivers an unmatched opportunity for our divers and technicians to train with live demolition materials and refine our capability to neutralize underwater threats in challenging environments," said Lt. j.g. Christopher Teufel, officer-in charge of the ExMCM task element.

"Working side-by-side with our Japanese and Marine Corps partners enhances not only our technical skill, but our ability to operate seamlessly together in future missions."

The volcanic topography around Iwo To offered participants advanced training in hydrographic surveying, underwater navigation, and demolitions on shifting terrainskills that are vital to maintaining access to critical maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific.

"Iwo To Live MINEX is a prime example of U.S.-Japan interoperability and commitment to regional maritime security," Teufel said. "The integration of U.S. Navy UUVs and divers with JMSDF EOD enhances our combined capability to counter underwater threats."

Task Force 75 executes command and control of assigned Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. They plan and execute Naval Construction, Expeditionary Logistics, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Maritime Expeditionary Security, and Exploitation in support of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet for crisis response, humanitarian assistance, and major combat operations.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Finland presented the instrument of withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland

10.7.2025 Press releases

Finland presented the instrument of withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention on 10 July 2025. The withdrawal shall take effect in January 2026. Finland will continue its support for the humanitarian goals of the Convention.

The decision to withdraw from the Convention is based on Finland's defence needs in the deteriorated security environment. The withdrawal from the Convention will enable Finland to reintroduce anti-personnel mines to the range of its available means of defence.

Finland gave notice of withdrawal to all other States Parties of the Convention, to the Depositary of the Convention, that is the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and to the United Nations Security Council. The withdrawal shall take effect six months after the receipt of the instrument of withdrawal by the Depositary, in January 2026

The withdrawal will not affect Finland's other obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, which will continue to be respected. Finland will continue its support for the humanitarian goals of the Ottawa Convention, as well as support for humanitarian mine action.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Government proposal: the Conscription Act will be amended with regard to Aland residents and persons whose gender has been legally recognised

Finnish Ministry of Defence

10.07.2025 13:48

On 10 July 2025, the Finnish Government submitted to Parliament a proposal for amending the Conscription Act and the Act on Voluntary Military Service for Women. The amendments would apply to Aland residents and to persons whose gender has been legally recognised.

The Government proposes that men who have the right of domicile in Aland can apply to have their exemption from military service annulled. Every year around 1-5 men who have the right of domicile in Aland volunteer for military service although they are exempt from military service. The aim is to clarify the legal situation of men who have the right of domicile in Aland and who wish to volunteer for military service under the Conscription Act.

The Government also proposes to the amend the legislation with regard to persons whose gender has been legally recognised. The amendment would allow persons who have been legally recognised as being female to continue their military service and to remain in the reserve. Correspondingly, the amendment would allow persons who are legally recognised as being male during their voluntary military service for women to immediately transfer to conscript service.

The aim is to improve gender equality and to clarify the legal situation of persons whose gender has been legally recognised by enabling them to continue their military service and to remain in the reserve. The purpose of the amendments is to harmonise legislation to meet the requirements of other legislation to treat everyone according to their gender identity.

The proposed amendments are expected to enter into force in autumn 2025.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese envoy to UN urges 'seven must-to-do' on Middle East situation

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 10, 2025 09:55 AM

China's deputy permanent representative to the UN Geng Shuang urged the Houthi forces to safeguard the security of navigation in the Red Sea when spoke at a UN Security Council open meeting on the Yemen issue on Wednesday local time.

Geng expressed China's deep concern over the recent attacks on two cargo ships in the Red Sea and once again called on the Houthis to respect the rights of commercial vessels from all countries to navigate in the Red Sea in accordance with international law. He urged them to cease attacks on commercial ships and to help ensure the safety of maritime routes in the region, according to a statement published on the website of the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.

China is also concerned about the renewed exchanges of fire between the Houthis and Israel, and the worsening trajectory of the situation. Geng called on all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, and to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.

The resolution of the Yemen and Red Sea issues cannot be achieved without a broader de-escalation and stabilization of the regional situation, Geng noted.

The conflict in Gaza must come to an end as soon as possible, the humanitarian crisis there must be alleviated without delay, and the two-state solution must be implemented at the earliest opportunity. The long-delayed high-level meeting on implementing the two-state solution must be convened promptly, he said.

The ceasefire agreement reportedly reached between Israel, the US, and Iran must be respected. The sovereignty of every nation must be upheld, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be strictly observed, Geng noted.

Protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure is an international obligation that all parties must uphold. Respecting the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all countries is a fundamental principle that must be observed by all sides, Geng said.



China welcomes the recent agreement on the management of the water supply system in Taiz City and Al-Hawban, reached with the assistance of the UN. This positive development demonstrates that peace, development, and cooperation are the shared aspirations of the Yemeni people, Geng said.

We hope all parties to the conflict in Yemen will show political will, enhance dialogue and communication, and gradually build mutual trust to create conditions for the eventual political resolution of the Yemeni issue. China supports UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg in intensifying his mediation efforts and looks forward to greater contributions from regional countries in this regard, Geng said.

China also calls on the international community to increase humanitarian assistance to Yemen and help alleviate the humanitarian crisis there. In this process, the safety and security of UN personnel and humanitarian workers must be effectively guaranteed, Geng said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese Defense Ministry denies Germany's laser-targeting claim

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 10, 2025 09:22 PM

In response to media reports that Germany claimed the Chinese military had laser-targeted a German aircraft, China's Ministry of National Defense told the Global Times on Wednesday that the allegation was completely inconsistent with the facts.

Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to the foreign ministry on Tuesday after saying China's military had laser-targeted a German aircraft taking part in an EU operation in the Red Sea, Reuter reported.

"Putting German personnel at risk and disrupting the operation is completely unacceptable," said Germany's foreign ministry on social media platform X.

China's Ministry of National Defense noted that the allegation does not reflect the truth, saying that a Chinese naval task group was conducting an escort mission in the Gulf of Aden at the time and had no operations in the Red Sea, nor did it activate or use any laser equipment.

"We expressed hope that Germany would respect the facts and strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly safeguard the overall relationship between the two countries and their militaries," said the ministry.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Commentary: Wisdom of Confucianism valued in a turbulent world

Xinhua) 09:58, July 11, 2025

JINAN, July 10 (Xinhua) -- When frequent geopolitical conflicts and escalating economic rifts cast shadows over the global landscape, reflecting on these problems necessitates efforts to delve deeply into the ancient Chinese philosophy of Confucianism, and other civilizations, for valuable insights.

With the theme "Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization," the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations which took place in east China's Shandong Province on Wednesday and Thursday, provided a meaningful platform for sharing ideas and findings regarding civilizations and their potential usefulness in securing the well-being and future of humanity.

The event, held at the birthplace of Confucius in Qufu, enabled hundreds of guests to better understand the Chinese civilization, and in particular to grasp the philosophy of the great Chinese educator and philosopher Confucius, who lived more than 2,500 years ago, while also reflecting on their lasting significance.

Notably, the main principles advocated by Confucianism include "harmony without uniformity" to respect diversity, "valuing peace" to resolve conflicts, and "promoting harmony among all nations."

The world is plagued by grave challenges such as regional conflicts, poverty, epidemics, climate change and power politics. Confucian tenets of peace and harmony provide insights into how to defuse tensions, cultivate mutual trust and foster solidarity, thereby addressing challenges via collaborative efforts.

Confucian wisdom is also inspiring in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) -- one of the topics discussed during the forum. Drawing on Confucian philosophy, particularly the concept of ritual, some scholars proposed designing an ethical framework for AI, to align technological progress with cultural and ethical norms.

The forum saw further exploration of the contemporary significance of Confucian principles, with the aim of finding solutions to major issues, while views on comparative studies between Confucianism and other cultures were also shared, shedding light on global modernization.

As embodied by its Global Civilization Initiative proposed in 2023, China has consistently called for upholding the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations. The Nishan forum and other major events on cultural exchanges exemplify China's endeavors in this regard.

As humanity stands at a new crossroads, it is necessary to further promote exchanges and mutual learning, thus contributing more to a world of lasting peace and common prosperity. Clearly, Confucian values will always be a source of inspiration.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Zarif criticizes U.S. sanctions on U.N. special rapporteur for West Bank and Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 10, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Former Vice President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad-Javad Zarif has criticized to the United States' sanctioning of Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights on the West bank and the Gaza Strip.

"In further proof of the absurdity of US designations, US just removed the leader of Syrian Al Qaeda from its terror list, and sanctioned UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights," Zarif wrote on his X account on Thursday.

He added that the move is "not unlike 1984, when US took Saddam off and added Iran to its terrorism list" instead.

Zarif concluded his message with: #NobelPeace4Albanese.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday, "Today, I am imposing sanctions on Francesca Paola Albanese, the United Nations Human Rights Council 'Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories Occupied since 1967,' pursuant to President [Donald] Trump's Executive Order 14203, 'Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court.'"

Reacting to the announcement, Amnesty International's Secretary General Agnes Callamard said: "This is a shameless and transparent attack on the fundamental principles of international justice. Special Rapporteurs are not appointed to please governments or to be popular but to deliver their mandate."

She added, "Francesca Albanese's mandate is to advocate for human rights and international law, essential at a time when the very survival of Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip is at stake."

"These sanctions come just days after she published a new report detailing how companies have profited from Israel's illegal occupation, its brutal system of apartheid and its ongoing genocide in Gaza."

9417

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Lithuanian-German collaboration will only grow stronger, says Vice Minister of National Defence O. Masale

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-07-10

International cooperation | Security and defense policy

Vice Minister of National Defence in charge of support to stationing of the German Brigade of Lithuania Orijana Masale substituted for Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene at the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Berlin, also attended by Chief of Defence of Lithuania General Raimundas Vaiksnoras. Germany's contribution in strengthening the principles of collective defence and responsibility for the security of the whole Alliance was highlighted at the commemoration as well.

Vice Minister noted that Germany's anniversary as a member of NATO was an opportunity to look back at historical decisions and also to assess the modern security challenges and the Allied resolve to face them. According to O. Masale, Germany's decision to station a brigade in Lithuania is the most outstanding example of Allies building actual deterrence and collective defence capabilities.

"Stationing of the German Brigade in Lithuania is a historical milestone in our bilateral relations and one of the most important steps strengthening the NATO deterrence and defence on the eastern flank. It is not just a technical or temporary solution, it is a strategic choice which clearly demonstrates Germany's commitment to the defence of our region. This decision build a new quality in our partnership strengthening the coordination between our armed forces, facilitating long-term investment in infrastructure and other military capabilities, the economy as well, and most importantly, sending a strong message to our societies and potential aggressors: Lithuania is not alone. Our mutual security is being built here and now, together," says Vice Minister O. Masale.

Germany is one of Lithuania's key security partners. Since 2017, Germany has been the Framework Nation of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup building a strong basis for further bilateral defence cooperation which has now culminated in Germany's decision to station the 45th Armor Brigade in Lithuania. The historical decision taken in 2023 is a reflection of the NATO commitment to collective defence and is a part of the Alliance's regional defence plans. This is the first brigade of the German Armed Forces to ever be stationed outside Germany's borders, a significant step towards a stronger security and stability in the region.

The 45th German Armor Brigade with its three maneuver battalions and all organic combat support and logistical units is being moved to Lithuania gradually. There are currently approx. 500 Brigade personnel already in Lithuania, while the Full Operational Capability of the Brigade with its volume of 5000 German troops and civilians is scheduled for 2027.

Germany is also an active contributor to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, multinational military exercises and training events. This year, Lithuania took the decision to respond to the request of the German Ministry of Defence to increase national contingent in the NATO-led multinational KFOR. The Lithuanian platoon contributed to the operation will be attached to the German Company.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Japan, NZ working on defence logistics agreement

Beehive.govt.nz - The official website of the New Zealand Government

10 July 2025

Hon Judith Collins KC

Rt Hon Winston Peters

New Zealand and Japan are developing a logistics agreement to support ongoing defence cooperation between our two countries, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins have announced.

"Japan is a crucial partner for New Zealand," Mr Peters says following a meeting with Japanese counterpart Iwaya Takeshi at the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

"We are both committed to the international rules-based system, and to maintaining security and prosperity in our region."

Ms Collins says the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement will detail how our militaries can better support one another when undertaking exercises, training and other activities together.

"Our militaries are already doing more together, and the agreement will provide practical support to help enable this cooperation," Ms Collins says.

"This is an important step as New Zealand pulls its weight on the world stage as it will ultimately strengthen our interoperability and ability to work closely with our partners."

The agreement will set out how logistical support, including the provision of supplies and services, will be managed when the New Zealand Defence Force and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan operate together.

Examples include refuelling activities at sea using HMNZS Aotearoa, or the reciprocal provision of food or medical supplies during joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities.

New Zealand and Japan are also working on an Information Security Agreement which will provide a legal framework for sharing more classified information.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






"Silence is not an option": UN Special Procedures' Coordination Committee condemns US sanctions on Francesca Albanese

Press releases

Special Procedures

10 July 2025

GENEVA -- The Coordination Committee of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council today strongly condemned the US Government's sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, for allegedly assisting the International Criminal Court in taking action against the US or Israel officials.

"These are not only sanctions against one independent human rights expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. Rather, they reflect the continued assault of the current US administration on the entire UN system and its core values of human rights, justice, accountability and the rule of law," the Committee said.

The Committee pointed out that Francesca Albanese has only been discharging her mandate given by the Human Rights Council, which specifically requests the Special Rapporteur to investigate Israel's violations of the principles and bases of international law, international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967. "Despite facing very challenging circumstances, including intimidation and coordinated personal attacks (including against her family members), Albanese has been operating in line with the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures mandate holders," they said.

"Documenting and exposing the grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed by Israel and other actors is work that should be supported by States, not sanctioned or undermined. We applaud the courage of Francesca Albanese in speaking truth to power and stand in solidarity with her."

"Despite such attempts to intimidate UN Special Procedures mandate holders, we will continue to act independently and with integrity to discharge our mandates given by the Human Rights Council to uphold international human rights standards," the Committee said.

They stressed that sanctions will not silence Albanese or other mandate holders performing their legitimate work to hold all States and other actors accountable for human rights violations.

"Remaining silent in the face of such blatant disregard and contempt for human rights law is not an option," the Committee said, calling on all States, the Human Rights Council and members of the international community to act decisively to defend the multilateral system for the promotion and protection of human rights and condemn this unjustified attack on Francesca Albanese and the UN human rights system as a whole.

"The ongoing erosion of the human rights ecosystem and its accountability mechanisms can no longer be ignored," the Committee said.

*The experts: The Coordination Committee is a body of six independent experts which coordinates and facilitates the work of special procedures as a whole. It is currently composed of Surya Deva, Chair, Special Rapporteur on the right to development; Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito, Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination, Siobhan Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, and Isha Dyfan, (ex-officio), Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia. Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Trump sends tariff letters to 8 more countries

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 14:25, July 10, 2025

NEW YORK, July 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump sent letters to the leaders of eight countries Wednesday, notifying them that tariffs ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent will be charged on goods imported from these countries starting Aug. 1.

Trump first posted letters to seven countries -- the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Iraq, Libya and Sri Lanka -- on Truth Social, his own social media platform.

According to the letters, 30 percent tariffs will be imposed on Libya, Iraq, Algeria and Sri Lanka, 25 percent on Brunei and Moldova, and 20 percent on the Philippines.

Later in the day, Trump announced that tariffs of 50 percent will be charged on goods from Brazil, also effective on Aug. 1.

His letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva claimed that "Due in part to Brazil's insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans ... we will charge Brazil a Tariff of 50% on any and all Brazilian products sent into the United States."

"Any unilateral measure to raise tariffs will be responded to in light of Brazil's economic reciprocity law," Lula said Wednesday on X.

Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said Wednesday it was "unjust" for Trump to impose tariffs of 50 percent on Brazilian products.

"I see no reason to increase tariffs on Brazil. Brazil is not a problem for the United States; it is important to reiterate that. The United States has a trade deficit, but a surplus with Brazil," Alckmin said.

Trump sent the first batch of tariff letters to 14 countries on Monday, with tariffs ranging from 25 percent to 40 percent.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Army chief orders 4ID to sustain gains vs. Reds in Caraga, N. Mindanao

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

July 10, 2025, 1:37 pm

MANILA -- Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido has ordered the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) to sustain their gains against New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.

In a statement on Thursday, the PA said Galido gave the order during his visit to the 4ID headquarters at Camp Evangelista in Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday.

According to the PA, Galido first met with 4ID's brigade and battalion commanders "to discuss key accomplishments in internal security operations in their respective areas of responsibility."

"The discussion covered sustaining operational readiness and sound administrative management in line with the PA's broader thrust to develop a well-prepared, agile and effective force capable of responding to both internal and external security challenges," it said.

After the meeting with the commanders, Galido held a "Talk to Troops" where he directed the 4ID "to not rest on their laurels and to stay vigilant and proactive to sustain the gains," the PA said.

"Lt. Gen. Galido stressed that while the Division's accomplishments are commendable, new and evolving challenges continue to emerge, requiring constant preparedness and adaptation," it added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier said it had neutralized a total of 942 NPA rebels and supporters from Jan. 1 to July 3 this year.

Of this, 809 surrendered to government forces, with 71 arrested and 62 killed in various military operations.

Also, a total of 486 firearms and 278 anti-personnel mines were seized and surrendered in the same period. Ninety-two NPA encampments were also captured.

Meanwhile, after his visit to the 4ID headquarters, Galido proceeded to the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital to confer the "Wounded Personnel Medal" on a recovering soldier in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice during the armed encounter against NPA rebels.

In a separate awarding ceremony, 10 soldiers received awards while five battalions gained the CGPA Streamer Awards for their gallantry and outstanding performance in advancing their unit's mission accomplishments. (PNA)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






BRP Miguel Malvar undergoing readiness, capability tests

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

July 10, 2025, 1:09 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy's (PN) newest guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) is undergoing Operational Readiness and Capability Tests (ORACT) as a prerequisite for its operational deployment.

According to a post on the ship's Facebook page late Wednesday, ORACT aims to ensure that the warfighting capability of both the vessel and its crew are in accordance with the expected requirements and have met the standards of the PN.

"This is especially paramount given the complex nature of modern naval warfare which demands an understanding of its four dimensions, namely Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Electronic Warfare (EW)," the PN said.

It added that the Philippine Fleet ORACT Standard Operating Procedure serves as the system by which newly commissioned navy vessels are evaluated to ensure that they are capable and operationally ready before their strategic deployment to the different naval operating areas.

BRP Miguel Malvar's ORACT is divided into four phases, with the first one involving the comprehensive testing of all onboard equipment, evaluation of crew qualification, and systems integration.

"This is also where doctrines, tactics, and procedures are validated," the PN said of the first phase.

The second phase involves the determination of gaps and errors in resources, and equipment capability, which are determined "through the constant conduct of shipboard drills and warfare evolutions."

Meanwhile, the third phase involves addressing the noted gaps and deficiencies where "[m]aterial issues are addressed by the Original Equipment Manufacturers while procedural issues are addressed by concerned PN support units."

"Finally, the corrective measures are applied in a holistic and systematic approach to rectify the noted shortfalls with the aim of directly addressing their source and preventing recurring problems," the PN said.

In practice, ORACT is carried out through various means with the end state of full mission warfare capabilities.

While at sea, equipment and shipboard systems are tested to their designed optimum limits to fully determine the ship's characteristics and capabilities.

Also during the ORACT, various shipboard evolutions  whether operational, emergency, or battle  are also carried out to evaluate gaps in procedure and equipment, as well as develop crew mastery and response.

During these proceedings, the ship may be directed to participate in various naval exercises and maritime cooperative activities.

"These exercises serve as opportunities for the vessel to not only test and hone its procedures but also develop its interoperability with friendly forces, the most crucial of which is the ASW helicopter integration training with the Naval Air Warfare Force, which is an integral component of the ship's capabilities in conducting shipboard helicopter operations for ASW and ASuW," the PN said.

The PN said that given scope and magnitude of the whole process, BRP Miguel Malvar's ORACT is expected to last for several months "to ensure that a thorough evaluation of all shipboard systems for both material and non-material aspects is carried out, to ensure that the vessel is at the highest level of readiness to undertake its stated mission and deploy its designed capabilities."

BRP Miguel Malvar arrived in the Philippines on April 4 and was commissioned into PN service on May 20. It was named after the last Filipino general to surrender during the Philippine-American War.

Equipped for anti-ship, anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and electronic warfare systems, the 118-meter vessel features advanced sensors and weapons systems and is designed for long-range, multi-role combat operations.

Some of its weapons include a 76mm Oto Melara main gun, C-Star missiles surface-to-surface Blue Shark anti-submarine torpedoes. The Department of National Defense and South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed the PHP28 billion contract for two guided missile frigates on Dec. 28, 2021.

BRP Miguel Malvar's sister ship, the prospective BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), was launched on March 28 and is expected to be delivered to the Philippines by this month or September.

The two ships will serve as backstops for the first two guided missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) which were commissioned by the PN in 2020 and 2021, respectively. (PNA)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US sets 20% tariff on PH goods; Manila seeks reconsideration - envoy

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

July 10, 2025, 11:13 am

MANILA -- The Philippine government is looking to renegotiate the 20 percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Philippine goods, according to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

In a letter dated July 9 addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., US President Donald Trump announced that beginning Aug. 1, 2025, the US will raise tariffs on Philippine goods to 20 percentup from the previously announced 17 percent rate.

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday morning, Romualdez said Manila would formally request a review of the tariff hike from Washington D.C.

Trump, in his letter, recognized the Philippine-US trade relations and said the latter has "agreed to continue working with the Philippines, despite having a significant trade deficit."

"Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge the Philippines a Tariff of only 20 percent on any and all Philippine products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs," it read.

Trump said there would be "no tariff if the Philippines, or companies within" the country decide to build or manufacture products within the US.

The US, he added, is also open to "reconsider an adjustment" if the country opens its "closed trading markets to the United States," and eliminates its "tariff, and non-tariff policies and trade barriers."

"These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your country," he said.

Trump, meanwhile, warned Manila against reciprocating the move with a tariff increase.

"If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 20 percent that we charge," he said.

"Please understand that these Tariffs are necessary to correct the many years of the Philippines' Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, causing these unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States. This Deficit is a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security." (PNA)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ansarullah leader's warning to Israel: Reopening Eilat port impossible

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 7:54 PM

Yemen's Ansarullah leader has declared that reopening the port of Eilat (Umm al-Rashrash) is impossible, affirming Yemen's firm stance and ongoing decision to enforce maritime sanctions against the Israeli occupation regime in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.

In a televised speech on Thursday, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi emphasized that the recent events in the Red Sea serve as a clear warning to all shipping companies operating for the Israeli regime, stressing that any vessels affiliated with Israel will face decisive responses.

He was referring to the Yemeni navy's strike on the vessel ETERNITY C bound for the port of Eilat in occupied Palestine after the crew repeatedly disregarded naval warnings.

Also, earlier this week, the Yemeni armed forces released footage of the boarding and sinking of the ship Magic Seas, whose owning company violated the Yemeni ban on Israel-bound vessels.

The Red Sea, which borders Yemen's coast, is a critical waterway for oil and commodities, but Yemen's armed forces have banned the entry of Israel-bound ships since November 2023 in solidarity with Gaza and after Israel began its campaign of genocide in Gaza.

Houthi touched on Israeli airstrikes on the Yemeni port of Hudaydah, saying they were conducted from outside Yemen's airspace and praised the Yemeni air defense and missile forces for their successful response to Israeli aggression.

The Ansarullah leader said that Israel's violations and the support it receives from "the United States and the West will never affect our unwavering position in supporting Gaza."

Regarding the ongoing genocide in Gaza, he described the resistance fighters' operations as a testament to steadfastness through effective tactics that have neutralized the enemy's strategies.

As many as five Israeli forces were killed and 14 others wounded during a resistance operation targeting an Israeli infantry unit in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

"Despite all its military capabilities and near-total American support over these past 21 months, the enemy has failed," he added.

Despite overwhelming US support to Israel over the past 21 months and significant vulnerabilities exacerbated by the indifference of some Muslim nations, the enemy has faced repeated setbacks, he added.

Houthi said the US backs the Zionists and even participates in their operationsall while claiming to stand at the forefront of human society.

This week, the Israeli regime "slaughtered starving pregnant women and their unborn children. What civilized world would stand by while hundreds of thousands of children starve for bread and milk becomes an impossible dream?" he asked.

Since the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) took over the limited aid deliveries in Gaza in late May, Israeli forces have regularly shot at Palestinians near distribution centers.

According to the Gaza Government Media Office, the Israeli forces have killed more than 580 people and wounded over 4,000 others near GHF centers.

Houthi said the Israeli regime persists in its campaign of forced displacement of Palestinians while systematically dismantling basic sanitation infrastructure.

"As documented by international observers and humanitarian organizations, these actions constitute a deliberate policy of starvation tactics and lethal traps - characteristic methods of genocide under international law."

In February, US President Donald Trump said the US should "take over" Gaza and rebuild it as the "Riviera of the Middle East", after ethnically cleansing the population outside of the besieged territory.

Netanyahu said he is "committed" to Trump's controversial proposal to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its Palestinian residents.

Rights groups and Palestinian officials have condemned such forced displacement orders as collective punishment and part of Israel's ongoing genocidal war on Gaza.

Virtually 90% of the population of the Gaza Strip has been displaced at least once since October 2023, when Israel launched its aggression against Gaza.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Bangladeshi tribunal indicts ex-PM Sheikh Hasina over 1,400 deaths

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 7:20 PM

A special tribunal in Bangladesh has formally charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two senior officials with crimes against humanity linked to a violent uprising last year, which resulted in the death of nearly 1,400 Bangladeshis.

The panel, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, indicted the 77-year-old Hasina on Thursday along with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on five counts. Hasina and Khan are being tried in absentia.

Prosecutors presented a leaked audio recording allegedly featuring Hasina, alongside other evidence. Efforts by Hasina's legal team to have her and Khan removed from the case were denied.

The tribunal has scheduled the prosecution's opening statements for August 3, followed by witness testimonies on August 4.

The trial began on June 5 when officials published notices asking Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since last August, and Khan to appear before the court. Bangladesh's interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, formally requested Hasina's extradition from India.

Al-Mamun appeared in court, pleaded guilty, and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, seeking leniency in return. The tribunal accepted his plea to become an "approver," a witness who testifies against accomplices.

The charges allege Hasina ordered security forces and party members to commit mass killings, injuries, violence against women and children, burning of bodies, and denial of medical care. She is described as the "mastermind, conductor, and superior commander" of these acts.

Hasina's political party, the Awami League, strongly criticized the tribunal, calling it a "kangaroo" court and accusing the interim government of misusing the justice system to target opposition members.

Hasina was previously sentenced to six months imprisonment for contempt of court after allegedly stating in a leaked audio recording, "There are 227 cases against me, so I now have a license to kill 227 people."

Originally established in 2009 by Hasina, the tribunal was tasked with prosecuting crimes committed during Bangladesh's 1971 independence war against Pakistan, primarily targeting members of the Jamaat-e-Islami party.

Bangladesh won its independence with support from India, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father and the nation's founding leader. After a 15-year rule, Hasina was deposed and now remains in exile in India.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN rights council blasts US sanctioning of rapporteur for documenting Gaza genocide

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 5:43 PM

The United Nations Human Rights Council has sharply criticized the United States for sanctioning a UN-appointed human rights expert who has been vocal in documenting Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

The council's president, Swiss Ambassador Jurg Lauber, said Thursday he "deeply regretted" the US move to impose punitive measures on Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, calling the action a serious affront to international human rights mechanisms.

The condemnation came one day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against Albanese for what he termed "illegitimate efforts" to prompt international prosecution of US and Israeli officials at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Rubio, a staunch supporter of the Israeli regime, accused Albanese of "malicious activities," alleging without evidence that she promotes antisemitism and "terrorism."

He also criticized her recent recommendation that arrest warrants be issued against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-level officials for their roles in what human rights experts increasingly describe as genocide in Gaza.

Albanese, an Italian legal scholar and internationally respected human rights advocate, has consistently exposed Israel's systemic crimes against Palestinians.

Her most recent report detailed how various multinational corporationsmany based in the United Statesprofit from what she called the Israeli regime's "economy of occupation, apartheid, and genocide."

The report named several companies implicated in fueling Israel's military-industrial complex and enabling human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The document triggered outrage from the Israeli regime and its Western backers, with Tel Aviv pushing aggressively for Albanese's removal from her UN mandate.

The sanctions against Albanese follow Washington's recent blacklisting of four ICC judges who were involved in issuing an arrest warrant against Netanyahu for war crimes.

Those judges were barred from entering the United States and had any US-based assets frozena move widely condemned by international legal experts as coercive and unlawful.

In his statement, Lauber reaffirmed the vital role of independent experts in exposing abuses and defending universal human rights, regardless of political pressure.

"Special Rapporteurs are indispensable to the Council's mission to uphold human rights worldwide," he said. "All UN member states are obligated to cooperate with them and refrain from any form of retaliation or intimidation."

Albanese, though independent from the UN bureaucracy, operates under a UN Human Rights Council mandate. She has faced repeated smears and threats from Israeli officials and lobby groups for her accurate, evidence-based reporting on the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Despite growing political backlash, human rights defenders continue to raise the alarm over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.

Since October 2023, the Israeli regime has killed tens of thousands of Palestiniansmost of them civilians, women, and childrenamid widespread destruction and blockade-induced starvation.

Legal experts and rights groups stress that sanctioning investigators like Albanese sets a dangerous precedent and weakens international law at a time when accountability is urgently needed.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hamas reorganizes command, launches attacks using fresh intel in Gaza: Israeli media

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 5:16 PM

An Israeli media report indicates that the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has reorganized its command structure and is executing deadly attacks based on new intelligence, despite ongoing Israeli pressure and a relentless, months-long military campaign in the besieged region.

Israeli Walla News, citing sources, reported that Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a commander of Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigades, is actively gathering precise intelligence on Israeli troop movements across multiple fronts in Gaza.

"This intelligence has enabled the Palestinian group to conduct coordinated attacks, including sniper fire, anti-tank missile strikes, and the deployment of explosives in various forms  from light arms fire to mortar shelling."

The report further pointed out that Hamas had successfully appointed new field commanders and is maintaining a functional chain of command directing guerrilla operations from Gaza City and central camps to key battle zones.

This comes as unprecedented criticism has surfaced against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war-mongering polices.

Israeli columnist Nadav Eyal, in a strongly worded opinion published in Yedioth Ahronoth, described the war in Gaza as a deadly trap marked by heavy losses and an unending drain on resources

Despite repeated assurances from Washington of its "sincere support", Eyal hinted that serious doubts remain about Israel's overall strategy in Gaza.

The analyst also questioned the benefit of Netanyahu's most recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, while five more Israeli families were mourning their sons killed in Gaza.

Slogans such as "disarming Hamas" or "preventing it from ruling" lack real substance, he argued, and pursuing them would require "full military occupation" of the besieged territory  a move he described as pushing Israel into a "Vietnamese quagmire" with no way out.

Eyal bluntly described such a scenario -full military occupation- would lead to endless exhaustion and continued bloodshed.

He also challenged the government's narrative, stating plainly: "Hamas has not been defeated."

Citing military data, Eyal revealed that 38 Israeli soldiers have been killed since March, suggesting that Hamas's fighting capabilities remain largely intact.

He further pointed to recent deadly ambushes  including the Beit Hanoun attack  which took place in areas previously declared "secure".

Israeli reserve major-general Yitzhak Brik earlier told the Hebrew-language Maariv daily that Hamas had regained its pre-war strength, contradicting the Israeli military's accounts of progress in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Brik called the reality on the ground for Israeli soldiers "grim". He further pointed out that Hamas now numbers about 40,000 resistance fighters, similar to its strength before the Israeli aggression began in Gaza.

Hamas recently declared that "the resistance was waging a war of attrition in response to the relentless Israeli genocide against civilians, surprising the enemy daily with renewed field tactics."

Palestinian resistance fighters in recent days have killed and injured dozens of Israeli occupation forces in a series of ambushes, amid the regime's escalated aggression on the besieged territory.

Observers say operations show the resistance group remains strong and steadfast, more than 20 months after the start of Israel's air and ground offensive in Gaza.

Rami Abu Zubaydah, a Palestinian military analyst, has said the latest resistance operations against invading Israeli forces in Gaza show Hamas is "switching from a defensive phase to tactical attack mode."

Hamas has further stressed that the "absolute victory" that Netanyahu speaks of is nothing but an illusion to mislead his public.

Observers maintain Israel has failed to achieve its objectives in its brutal war on the Gaza Strip.

According to the Gaza health ministry, more than 57,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since the US-Israeli military campaign began in October 2023. Over 137,600 others have also been injured.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Scores killed in intensified Israeli strikes in Gaza despite truce talks

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 4:08 PM

At least 55 Palestinians, including eight children, have been killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Thursday, local hospital sources said.

Aerial strikes and ground assaults across the besieged coastal territory intensified on Thursday amid ongoing indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.

Witnesses said 17 individuals, including eight children and two women, lost their lives in an attack near a medical facility in the city of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza.

Yousef Al-Aydi, 30, a survivor, recounted the horror. He was one of many individuals, primarily women and children, who were waiting for nutritional supplements outside the medical point.

"Suddenly, we heard the sound of a drone approaching, and then the explosion happened. The ground shook beneath our feet, and everything around us turned into blood and deafening screams."

Another witness, Mohammed Abu Ouda, 35, described seeing a mother and child lying lifeless on the ground.

"I saw a mother hugging her child on the ground, both motionless  they were killed instantly. What was our fault? What was the fault of the children?"

At least four Palestinians were also killed in an Israeli attack on the al-Karama neighborhood northwest of Gaza City, a source at al-Shifa Hospital said. Others sustained wounds in the attack.

Three more Palestinians, including a woman, were killed near an aid center north of the southern city of Rafah, sources at Nasser Hospital said.

In the north, two people were killed in an Israeli attack near al-Zahraa school east of Gaza City, sources at Ahli Hospital said.

One person was killed southwest of the southern city of Khan Younis by Israeli military fire.

Moreover, at least two Palestinians were killed and five were wounded in a new Israeli attack on civilians gathering near al-Daraj School in Gaza City.

According to the United Nations, over 600 individuals have lost their lives around aid distribution centers and convoys in Gaza since late May, when Israel commenced permitting a trickle of supplies into the region, as reported in early July.

At least 57,680 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 137,409 individuals injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged coastal territory.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Yemeni Armed Forces target Israel's Ben Gurion airport in support of Gaza

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 9:45 AM

Yemeni Armed Forces have launched a missile strike on Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip amid Israel's genocidal war on the besieged territory.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Yemeni forces said they used a Zulfiqar ballistic missile in the operation.

The Yemeni missile attack "successfully achieved its goal" and triggered air raid sirens in more than 300 towns and cities across the Israeli-occupied territories, it added.

The operation sent millions of Zionists to shelters and halted air traffic at the Ben Gurion airport.

Also in their statement, the Yemeni forces vowed to keep developing their military capabilities and step up their battle in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people.

They further said that they are working to expand their attacks against targets in the occupied lands, as well as Israeli-linked vessels.

"These operations will continue until the aggression against Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted," they emphasized.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military claimed that it had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen.

Recently, Yemeni forces sank two Israel-bound ships, the Magic Seas and Eternity C, after they violated a navigation ban in the Red Sea.

The Yemeni Armed Forces began their campaign against Israeli-linked ships and targets in the occupied lands in November 2023, a month after the usurping regime unleashed its genocide in Gaza.

Yemen halted its attacks in January, when Israel accepted a Gaza ceasefire.

Two months later, however, Israel unilaterally broke the Gaza truce and resumed its aggression, prompting the Yemeni forces to resume their operations in support of Palestinians.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israel insists on keeping troops in southern Gaza in blow to ceasefire talks: Report

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 8:30 AM

The Israeli regime has been insisting, during the ceasefire talks with Hamas, on keeping troops in the Gaza Strip, derailing the negotiations aimed at ending the genocidal war.

Israeli negotiators taking part in the indirect ceasefire talks in Qatar say the Tel Aviv regime insists on maintaining its military presence in the east-west Israeli-designated Morag corridor along the southern part of Gaza, the Associated Press reported, citing an Israeli official.

The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement in Gaza said in a statement late on Wednesday that the Israeli pullout from Gaza was one of several remaining sticking points in the resumed talks.

Hamas agreed to release 10 Israeli captives, expressing hope that the step would facilitate progress towards a comprehensive ceasefire deal enabling termination of the Israeli regime's October 2023-present genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

However, according to a White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, Tel Aviv's desire to keep its forces in Gaza was among the ceasefire's sticking points discussed Tuesday by senior officials from the US, Israel, and Qatar.

"We want to have peace ... And I think we're close to doing it," US President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday in response to a question about the officials' meeting on a Gaza ceasefire.

The unnamed Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Tel Aviv regime's insistence on keeping its forces stationed along the Morag corridor is key for the implementation of the US-Israeli plot to drive hundreds of thousands of Palestinians south toward a narrow swathe of land along the border with Egypt, into what has been described as a so-called "humanitarian city."

The United Nations says it's "firmly against" any deal that calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinians in Gaza.

Critics of the US-Israeli plot to move hundreds of thousands and eventually all of the Palestinians to the south of Gaza bordering Egypt say it paves the way for the expulsion of Palestinians from the territory and for the Tel Aviv regime to gain control over it, a priority for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right ruling coalition.

Israeli sources, citing the Israeli minister in charge of military affairs Israel Katz, reported that the forced relocation of the Gaza people to the so-called "humanitarian city" is part of Tel Aviv's "emigration plan, which will happen."

Palestinian sources and humanitarian organizations say the Israeli regime is planning to transfer the Palestinians in Gaza to "concentration camps" inside and outside the territory before they are relocated elsewhere.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN 'firmly against' forced displacement in Gaza, warns of deteriorating health crisis

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 6:52 AM

The United Nations says it is opposed to any forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, while raising the alarm about the deteriorating health crisis in the territory.

"We firmly stand against any forced displacement of [Palestinian] people," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during a news briefing on Wednesday when asked about an Israeli proposal to concentrate the 2.3 million Gaza population in a so-called "humanitarian city" on the outskirts of Gaza City.

"It's not the first time we've heard of such projects. We firmly stand against any forced displacement of people that would only increase risks to themselves," Dujarric said.

The Israeli minister in charge of military affairs said he had instructed the regime forces to prepare a plan to relocate all Palestinians to the "humanitarian city."

Israel Katz said in a closed meeting with Israeli media on Monday that the Gaza population would be gathered in the new zone and from there would be allowed to relocate to other countries.

Katz added that the move would initially affect hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents but would eventually affect the territory's entire population.

According to reports by Israeli media, Katz said Israel aims to implement an "emigration plan, which will happen."

Humanitarian organizations say Israel is planning to transfer Palestinians in Gaza to "concentration camps" inside and outside the territory before they are relocated elsewhere.

In his remarks, Dujarric also cited the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) as saying that the Israeli forces had conducted attacks on tents and residential buildings in Gaza City and Deir al-Balah, with scores of people killed, including medical staff and their families.

"Since October 2023, more than 1,500 medical staff have reportedly been killed. That's what the local Ministry of Health is telling us," he said.

Gaza's health system is collapsing due to continued mass casualty incidents and severe shortages of fuel, medicine, blood, and medical supplies, he said.

"The lack of supplies is putting more pressure on hospitals already operating under severe strain and facing critical shortages of fuel, medicine and medical supplies, as well as blood and blood products," he added.

Dujarric said that humanitarian organizations working with the UN in Gaza had reported an increase in disease among the Palestinian children in the besieged territory, blocked by Israeli forces.

"Our partners on the ground have expressed concern over an increase in suspected cases of meningitis among children under 5," Dujarric said. He also reported cases of bloody diarrhea and acute jaundice.

"Yesterday, out of 10 attempts to coordinate movements with the Israeli authorities, only three were fully facilitated for the collection of medical supplies and the removal of debris. Another three attempts were denied outright, including one to collect the supplies from the Karem Shalom crossing. The remaining four had to be canceled by the organizers," Dujarric added.

Responding to a question on the UN's evaluation of the deadly conduct of the US/Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), responsible for food aid in Gaza, Dujarric said, "They seem to be running a food distribution system, while some people are getting food, people are also getting killed trying to get that food. That's not a way we would run a humanitarian operation."

"A food distribution system where people routinely, routinely get killed while trying to get the food is not humanitarian."

Gaza's health ministry says the Israeli blockade of food, water, fuel and medical supplies to the Palestinian territory, alongside continued attacks by the zionist forces since October 2023, has left more than 57,000 Palestinians dead.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former minister of military affairs, Yoav Gallant, are wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for ordering genocide in Gaza and war crimes against Palestinians.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Court in Moldova Extends House Arrest of Gagauzia Head Gutsul for 30 Days

Sputnik News

20250710

CHISINAU (Sputnik) - A court in Moldova extended on Thursday the house arrest of the head of Moldova's autonomous region of Gagauzia, Yevgenia Gutsul, for 30 days, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

The prosecutors requested an extension of Gutsul's house arrest, which expires on July 13.

"The decision was made at the request of the prosecutor's office, taking into account the course of investigative actions, the house arrest is extended for 30 days," the judge announced the decision.



 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Deputy Secretary Landau's Meeting with Kosovo's President Osmani

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

July 10, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu. They discussed potential areas of future economic cooperation and expressed confidence that economic prosperity and cooperation will help move the Western Balkans away from the divisions of the past and promote lasting peace and stability in the region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Remarks to the International Press

US Department of State

Remarks

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Kuala Lumpur Convention Center

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

July 10, 2025

QUESTION: How was the meeting?

QUESTION: The trilateral meeting.

SECRETARY RUBIO: It was excellent. We have a great relationship with Japan and the Philippines, and work very closely with them on the economic corridor, on maritime security, and territorial integrity - and continue to build upon that partnership, and look forward to hosting the president of the Philippines in Washington in a few days.

QUESTION: Is there progress with Russia?

QUESTION: Mr. 

QUESTION: Is there progress with Russia after your meeting?

SECRETARY RUBIO: We had a productive, I think constructive, and frank meeting. And hopefully it'll lead to progress.

QUESTION: Mr. Rubio, you mentioned that Lavrov has presented a so-called new approach on Ukraine. What is that new approach?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, it's not a new approach. It's a new idea, a new concept that will - I'll take back to the President to discuss. That new concept is - this new approach is not something that automatically leads to peace, but it could potentially open the door to a path. But as I said, again, the President's been pretty clear. I mean, he's been frustrated by the lack of progress on a war that he thinks should have never happened - very costly, very bloody. The President wants to end wars. He's not a fan of wars. He thinks wars are a waste of time and a waste of lives. And we're going to continue to do everything we can and engage in every productive way possible to bring an end to this war.

QUESTION: How was the engagement with (inaudible)?

SECRETARY RUBIO: With what? I'm sorry.

QUESTION: On tariffs. How did the engagement with (inaudible) regarding the tariffs?

SECRETARY RUBIO: With tariffs?

QUESTION: Yeah.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, every country in the world is going to get a letter at some point, for the most part, about the President's rebalancing of trade. The President's been clear - he's been clear for 30 years, even before he was in politics, that he felt that the status of global trade was unfair to American workers and the American economy. And this is an effort to rebalance that at a global scale.

I would say that when all is said and done, many of the countries in Southeast Asia are going to have tariff rates that are actually better than countries in other parts of the world, and it could be a benefit. And by the way, the door always remains open to adjustments, if in fact agreements can be reached. And we are actively in conversations with multiple countries that are represented here on ways to make even further progress. But the markets demand certainty, and so we need to let everyone know what the baseline is starting August 1st.

But these talks continue. There'll be talks next week with Japan. There's ongoing talks with virtually every country represented here. So, these are important partners. The history of the 21st century will largely be written in the Indo-Pacific and particularly in Southeast Asia. This is a part of the world where over 6,000 American companies have invested. These are important partnerships, both economic and defense cooperation partnerships that we're not going to abandon and walk away from. We're going to continue to build on them. We think it's that important.

If you look at the demographics of Southeast Asia, this is the youngest part of the world. You're about to see an enormous growth in the labor pool and in workers. This is an exciting time - an extraordinary, a historic time. So, we're excited about what economic cooperation is going to mean in this region, and trade is going to be a key component of it. We're - we wanted to be here today to express that and to show that our commitment - we've spent decades building these relationships. Not only are we not going to walk away from them, but we seek to expand them and build upon them with a part of the world that is essential. The history of the 21st century will be written in Asia, given all the dynamics that are happening here economically, and we intend to be a full part of it.

QUESTION: Have you received the concern - have you received the concern from the ASEAN foreign minister?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Have I received the what? I'm sorry.

QUESTION: About the tariffs. Have you received the concern from the 

SECRETARY RUBIO: Concerns?

QUESTION: ASEAN foreign minister. Yes, on the tariffs.

SECRETARY RUBIO: I've received concerns from foreign ministers of every part of the world about tariffs, obviously. And - but look, at the end of the day, this is about a rebalancing of our trade relationship. Different countries have different rates based on the status of our trade, and there is always the opportunity to negotiate. We've seen that with Vietnam already, we've seen it with the UK, and I think we'll see it with several other countries over time.

QUESTION: Any developments on the summit between Mr. Trump and Putin?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Any developments on what? I'm sorry.

QUESTION: On the possible summit between Mr. Trump and Putin.

SECRETARY RUBIO: On a summit? No, there's no summit scheduled yet.

QUESTION: In the future?

SECRETARY RUBIO: But look, we're going to continue to engage with the Russian side on - any time there's an opportunity to engage with them, we're going to do so. I mean, at the end of the day, the United States and Russia still have to have a relationship. These are two important countries in the world, and we're going to continue to engage and talk. And if we see opportunities to make progress on peace, we want to be involved in pursuing that.

Obviously, Minister Lavrov was here today. We had an opportunity to discuss some things, and I thought it was important and good that we talked. And we shared some information and ideas that I intend to take back to the President. Hopefully, it will lead to something positive. I can't guarantee it. The President has been frustrated at the lack of progress. He's made that clear publicly. But we'll see if that changes.

QUESTION: So - but would possible to see the President Trump in coming October ASEAN summit?

SECRETARY RUBIO: It's possible, yes. And I think he'll 

QUESTION: ASEAN-U.S.?

SECRETARY RUBIO: I'm sorry?

QUESTION: ASEAN-U.S. summit in October.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, we're working on getting a date for that, absolutely.

Okay. Thank you.

QUESTION: Thank you.

QUESTION: Thank you, sir.

QUESTION: Thank you so much.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary of State Marco Rubio's Remarks to the Press at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center

US Department of State

Remarks to the Press

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Kuala Lumpur Convention Center

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

July 10, 2025

SECRETARY RUBIO: Hello, boys and girls.

QUESTION: Good evening, Secretary.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Hello. How are you doing?

QUESTION: Mr. - are you doing remarks?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Should I? (Laughter.) Sure enough. I'm sure we've covered all your questions. Go ahead.

QUESTION: We have a long 

QUESTION: What was your message to the Russian foreign minister today? And what is the Trump Administration's strategy now to end the Ukraine war?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Our strategy is to continue to engage all the parties that are involved in finding an outcome to this conflict. We will engage anytime that we have an opportunity to do so, like we did today. I echoed what the President said - both the disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress in peace talks or in a path forward. So, we'll continue to engage.

We shared some ideas and comments, which I'll take back to Washington as early as this evening in terms of calls and reflected, and perhaps there's something to build on there. So - but it was a frank conversation. It was an important one. We had it, and we talked about some other items as well unrelated to the war in Ukraine, but that was the - obviously, the first and foremost topic that we discussed. And look, the President's been pretty clear. He's disappointed and frustrated that there's not been more flexibility on the Russian side to bring about an end to this conflict. We hope that can change, and we're going to continue to stay involved where we see opportunities to make a difference.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary 

QUESTION: Without speaking for the foreign minister, which I know you don't want to know to do 

SECRETARY RUBIO: Which foreign minister?

QUESTION: This one.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, Sergei Lavrov.

QUESTION: Mr. Lavrov.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yes.

QUESTION: Yeah. Without speaking for him, do you get the sense that they're moving towards flexibility or 

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, I'm not going to characterize our conversation other than to tell you that I expressed what the President said publicly, which is that we feel as if we've dedicated a lot of time and energy to this matter and just not enough progress has been made. We need to see a roadmap moving forward about how this conflict can conclude, and then we shared some ideas about what that might look like. And obviously, I'll take that back to the President here as early as this evening, and hopefully there's something that we can build on there. But we'll 

QUESTION: Secretary 

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary 

QUESTION:  a couple of months ago, you said that what was necessary to end this war would be a conversation between President Trump and President Putin, but there have now been multiple phone calls between the two of them, and yet the war in Ukraine goes on. Does this speak to any weakness, in terms of the President's ability to negotiate an end to this conflict? Or why does it persist, despite them having spoken?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, this is a war that the President inherited, right? He got elected, and it had already been going on, and no progress had been made up to that point towards peace of any kind. In fact, there had not even been any meetings between the Ukrainians and the Russians for quite some time. So, while there's been some humanitarian exchanges made - obviously, that's our goal here is to end this war and any role we can play.

So, this is not a war that started under President Trump. It's a war that wouldn't have happened had he been president, but now it's here. And we'll continue to engage and do everything we can and hopefully make progress. As I said, and I said repeatedly, look, we are - if we see an opportunity to make a difference in this, we're going to take it and we're going to pursue it. And that's what the President has done. And he deserves tremendous credit for having multiple phone calls with leaders from both countries 

QUESTION: With sanctions?

SECRETARY RUBIO:  and anybody else.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary 

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, Poland 

QUESTION:  the - Russia has launched its most massive attacks in the last three days. And you, of course, saw your counterpart today. Are you willing now to put stronger sanctions on Russia?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, the President has said that that's an option that's available to him - both under existing authorities, but primarily if the Senate and the House can pass legislation that gives him the opportunity to do that. So, we've been engaging with Congress on what that bill would like. Obviously, the President needs flexibility on how those sanctions would be applied and when, because it gives him maximum leverage in any conversation and negotiation. So, he has talked about that as being a real option.

And now obviously, we'll - we've been engaging with the Senate in particular over the last week on what that bill would look like, and the leaders of both chambers have said that they're prepared to begin to move forward on that. We've expressed this to the Russians weeks ago. We told them that the moment would come where something like this could happen, and we'll continue to express it because that's the reality.

QUESTION: But has the moment come, or not yet?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, again, that's the President's decision to make. We are - obviously, he's frustrated by the fact that more progress has not been made.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary 

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary 

QUESTION:  there were reports earlier this week that you and the President were unaware that the Pentagon had made a decision to at least temporarily halt the arms shipments to Ukraine. Were you - what's your take on that decision by the Pentagon? And what is your general take 

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I think that decision has been 

QUESTION:  on the arm shipments?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, that decision unfortunately was mischaracterized. It was a pause, pending review, on a handful of specific type munitions. That frankly is something that is logical that you would do, especially after an extended engagement that we saw both in defense of Israel and in defense of our own bases. And so, it was a very limited review of certain types of munitions to ensure that we had sufficient stockpiles. And it's typical when you do these reviews that there's a short term pause because if, in fact, the review comes back that you have a shortage, you can't pull it back once it's been sent. But generally speaking, aid to Ukraine continues along the schedule that Congress appropriated.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary 

QUESTION: Which types were paused?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Huh?

QUESTION: Which types of weapons were paused?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Largely defensive in nature. Some were offensive. But again, the ones that were expended in recent conflicts in the Middle East - and again, not because there is a shortage but because it's prudent to look at it and say, okay, do we have enough of these in our stockpiles for all of our obligations around the world - both in defense of our bases in the Middle East but also our obligations to our Indo-Pacific partners and any other contingencies that might arise.

But in the end, I would say that the overwhelming majority of defense - of military aid that the United States provides Ukraine has never been paused and continues along the same schedules that it's been.

I think there's a broader issue unrelated to the pause, and that involves the defense productive capabilities of the West, not just us but of Europe. As an example, one of the things that the Ukrainians need is more Patriot batteries. There are Patriot batteries available in multiple countries in Europe, yet no one wants to part with them. So, I hope that will change. If, in fact, Ukraine is the priority that so many in countries - so many countries in Europe say it is, they should be willing to share batteries that right now they don't have a need to use.

So, hopefully, we'll be able to convince some of our NATO partners to provide those Patriot batteries to Ukraine, because there are a number of countries that have them, but no one wants to part with what they have, so perhaps that'll change. That's important.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, you mentioned wanting to see a roadmap for how this conflict can conclude. What concrete ideas have been presented, and how did Russia respond in this meeting?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I - again, these things are best negotiated - I don't want to - in private, and that's how these things generally work. There were some ideas exchanged today, some viewpoints that they expressed to us that I'll take back to the President for his consideration, and hopefully it will lead to something. I don't want to over-promise something. Again, as I said, this is a conflict that's been going on now for three - over three years, and as has already been pointed out by one of the questions here, we've seen an acceleration of attacks. I think it's the - probably the largest drone attack in a city close to the Polish border, actually. So, it's a pretty deep strike.

And again, I mean, it's - every time you see this in the headlines and people die, it reminds you of why the President wants this war to end. As he has said from the beginning, his number one interest here is to stop people from dying and the destruction that's ongoing every single day. They're going to be having a conference - maybe it starts today, if I'm not mistaken - about reconstruction and the rebuilding of Ukraine. Every time one of these strikes is launched, the price of reconstruction goes up, right? There's also the destruction of the country's capabilities, the country's economic capabilities, that has to be added to this.

But obviously the loss of life is something of grave interest - of great interest to the President. It's important to note that since January of this year, as an example just to give you, on the Russian side, they've lost 100,000 soldiers - dead - not injured - dead. And on the Ukrainian side, the numbers are less but still very significant. And so that's - the President doesn't like wars. He thinks wars are a waste of money and a waste of lives, and he wants them to end. And he's going to do everything he can within his power to end this war and any other war he has a chance to end, as you've seen in the past.

And so, we're going to continue to work at it. We understand that these things take time and patience, but obviously we're also frustrated that more progress has not been made. And hopefully, based on today and in the days to come, we'll have more clarity about what exactly the Russian position and priorities are in this regard, and can begin to make some progress. But it's been difficult, as you've seen.

QUESTION: May I ask an ASEAN question?

QUESTION: China's been supporting Russia. Will you meet with your Chinese counterpart here this week to speak with him about 

SECRETARY RUBIO: I think we're working on that. Maybe - maybe we'll meet, and obviously we'll talk about it. I think the Chinese clearly have been supportive of the Russian effort, and I think that generally they've been willing to help them as much as they can without getting caught. But people in Europe and other parts of the world have noticed. But in the end, this peace, if it's possible and doable, will happen between Ukraine and Russia, and we are willing to do whatever we can to help bring it to an end.

QUESTION: Can I ask an ASEAN question?

QUESTION: These ideas that Russia 

SECRETARY RUBIO: A what?

QUESTION: An ASEAN question?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, of course. That's why we're here, right?

QUESTION: Can I ask you one more quick question on Russia? Just these ideas that were put on the table today, would you characterize them as new ideas from the Russian side that the Trump Administration had not heard before?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yes. Well, I think maybe - yes, I think it's a new and a different approach. Again, I wouldn't characterize it as something that guarantees a peace, but it's a concept that we'll - I'll take back to the President today and - here as soon as I finish with you.

QUESTION: I just wanted to know - what was your sense today after your meeting, the PMC meeting with the ASEAN foreign ministers, about how big an irritant tariffs are to U.S. relations, both with ASEAN as a bloc but individual countries?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I think - look, there are two things to understand. Number one is these letters that are going out and these trade changes, they're happening with every country in the world - I mean, basically every country in the world. The President's been very clear, and he has been - frankly, if you go back to videos of him speaking in the '80s about his feeling that the state of global trade is unfair to the United States, that for far too long we allowed these imbalances to develop. We are the world's largest consumer. We're a huge market, where people export things to us, and these huge and unsustainable imbalances have developed with countries all over the world.

And so, this is a globalized effort to reset U.S. trade in a way that's beneficial to the United States, and not just in dollars and cents but also in our own domestic industrial capacity. So, this has been made clear to countries around the world. We were coming up upon June - about the middle of this month, and the markets demand certainty, and so these letters set a baseline.

Now, obviously that does not foreclose the opportunity for individual countries to enter into negotiations that perhaps can adjust those numbers. But in the end, the President still remains very committed to a rebalancing of trade that's fair to America and also, at the same time, protects our own industrial capabilities.

QUESTION: Right. But you're here today meeting with ASEAN countries, and those countries, almost all of them, got letters. So, I'm just wondering 

SECRETARY RUBIO: But anywhere in the world - well 

QUESTION: I understand that, but 

SECRETARY RUBIO: My point to you is anywhere in the world I would have traveled this week, they got a letter. So, everybody got a letter, and in some cases, some of these countries got a letter where their tariff rate is lower than some of their neighbors or maybe a country somewhere else in the world that might even serve as an advantage. But of course, it's raised. It's an issue, but I wouldn't say it solely defines our relationship with many of these countries. There are a lot of other issues that we work together on, and I think there was great enthusiasm that we were here and that we're a part of this. A reminder that next week, we'll have another high-ranking delegation, including Secretary Lutnick. Deputy Landau from the Department of State will be traveling to Japan for the World Expo there, and they'll be involved in talks there as well.

You know my very first meeting - I don't know if you know this, but when I was sworn in I went to the State Department, I gave a speech on the steps, and then my first meeting right out of the box was with Japan, South Korea, and India. And we've repeated that meeting numerous times since then with that group (inaudible). We have a running internal joke with my counterpart from Japan: I have literally now seen him about 8 to 12 times, and our joke is that we see each other more than we see our own - our own families.

And so, these engagements are very important to us. And we're going to continue to stay very committed, because this - as I said to all of our partners, this notion or idea that the United States would ever be distracted by the Indo-Pacific or even Southeast Asia is impossible. You can't be - maybe it doesn't always - wars get more attention, but it's impossible to not be focused. This is where much of the story of the 21st century is going to be written. This is where two thirds of economic growth is going to happen over the next 25 or 30 years.

And many of the countries of Southeast Asia - not only are they some of the youngest countries in the world, but they're about to see an enormous expansion of their labor markets, their labor pool, number of workers. This is a historic, once-in-a-generation opportunity not just for these countries to revolutionize themselves from an economic standpoint, but further strengthen our relationship. We have over 6,000 American companies that have invested heavily in these economies over the last 20 or 30 years. These are - we're not abandoning those relationships. On the contrary, we want to strengthen and build upon them.

And there are a bunch of other issues. And certainly, trade is part of it, but there are a lot of other issues that we work together on, and we continue to highly prioritize that. The story of the 21st century will be written in the Indo-Pacific. And the countries represented here today, along with others that have joined to be a part of this, represent some of the - not just important markets, some of the most important partners we have in the world.

QUESTION: Secretary Rubio 

MODERATOR: Last question.

QUESTION: This is obviously a very quick trip. Do you intend to come back to Asia or to Southeast Asia 

SECRETARY RUBIO: Sure.

QUESTION:  maybe on a longer trip sometime in the future, near future?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Sure, absolutely. This was a great trip because we got to see 12, 13, 14, 15 countries that are all here. So, these forums - there'll be a leaders forum here in October, which we look forward to being a part of it. We've also engaged with many of our colleagues here at different forums - many of them, for example, not just at the G7 foreign ministers, they also attended on the sidelines of NATO at the foreign minister level and also at the leaders level. So, we'll continue to engage with the region, both in Washington and other places around the world, and in our return travel here. And so, we'll be back.

In addition - and it's not just me. The Secretary of Defense has been out here, the Deputy Secretary of State will be here next week. So, we'll look for other - obviously, the leaders forum will be here in October as well. So, we'll be here, we'll be engaged, as we do every single day.

MODERATOR: (Inaudible).

QUESTION: Secretary, there's a review right now by the administration of the AUKUS deal that the last administration forged, and I think that raises some question among Asian-Pacific allies and partners about the U.S. defense commitment here in Asia. What do you say to people who are 

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah. Well, look, anytime a new administration takes over, there's a review of all policies. I mean, policies are reviewed; doesn't necessarily mean you're against it. We did a review at the State Department of our diplomatic presence around the world, because I wanted to know which consulates and embassies could be adjusted both in their size and in their presence, could we consolidate their presence. We did a review; we haven't closed any embassies. But we did a review. So just because you're reviewing something doesn't mean you're going to necessarily act on it. It means you're a new administration, and you want to take an audit, an account, about all the policies that you've inherited - and policies, how they've changed since the last time you were in office when it comes to the Trump administration.

So - but our policies on AUKUS have not changed.

MODERATOR: Thank you.

SECRETARY RUBIO: What else?

QUESTION: Are you hopeful on a Gaza ceasefire in the next few days?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, we're hopeful. I mean, in the end, we're hoping they'll move to proximity talks. It appears that generally the terms have been agreed to, but obviously now you need to have talks about you implement those terms. And I spoke to Steve Witkoff last night, and he's optimistic that proximity talks will begin fairly soon, expedited and facilitated by the Qataris and the Egyptians. And so - but we've seen talks fall apart in the past at that stage of proximity talks.

So, I think we're closer, and I think perhaps we're closer than we've been in quite a while, and we're hopeful. But we also recognize there are still some challenges in the way, and one of the fundamental challenges is Hamas's unwillingness to disarm, which would end this conflict immediately. If they just released the hostages - there shouldn't be a single hostage. There shouldn't be a single hostage body still left. If they released that and disarmed, this would end.

But that said, the Israelis have shown some flexibility here, and so I think we've - we've seen progress made. So, we're hopeful, but we also understand that these things are - have been difficult for a reason. But we are - we're hopeful that they can move to proximity talks pretty quickly and go from there, and have a ceasefire in place in the near future.

QUESTION: Are there any sticking points from the Israeli side, such as on aid or the withdrawal of Israeli troops? Where does that stand?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, the sticking point would be on the Hamas side. I mean, Hamas - they should want Israel to withdraw completely and allow them to go back to being Hamas. Obviously, the Israelis aren't going to agree to that.

I think the easiest way to end this - that's not what the agreement is, but the easiest way to end this is for all the hostages to be released and for Hamas to disarm. Absent that, the Israelis and Hamas, through the intermediation - in the intermediation of Qatar and Egypt, have reached an understanding: a 60-day ceasefire, and some elements of that with regards to humanitarian aid through international agencies resuming, and so forth. But now you've got to have talks about how you implement that. And that's where this has fallen apart in the past. We're hopeful that'll work out. We're doing everything we can. We'd like to see a ceasefire. The President's been clear he wants to see a ceasefire, and we've invested a lot of time and energy. I know Steve Witkoff works every - hours every single day on this topic alone. So, we've invested a lot of time into that. We'd like to see it happen.

Okay?

QUESTION: The AI impersonator of you, anything you can say about who is behind that?

SECRETARY RUBIO: No - no, I mean, anybody - it could happen to anybody and every - especially if you're a public figure, there's got to be - like, they could take the interview I did here today and change it around, so - but as soon as I found out about it last week, I referred it to the FBI, Diplomatic Security, and others. It won't be the last time you see me or others, for that matter - maybe some of you will be impersonated, but it's just a reality of this AI technology that's going on, and it's a real threat. But 

QUESTION: How did you find out?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, somebody called me - the senator that called me and said, "Hey, did you just try to reach me?" and actually sent me a voice recording - it didn't sound - I don't think it really sounded like me. Maybe he fell for that call, but - but maybe there was a better one that I didn't see.

QUESTION: It was on Signal, right? So does this 

SECRETARY RUBIO: I don't know how they got it or if it was a voicemail. No, it doesn't matter what form you use. I mean, it doesn't matter if it's Signal or anything else.

QUESTION: But there are more secure methods, though. On Signal, you can create an account with an email address, and that is one of the reasons that they were able to reach out to people and then use the voicemail messages to imitate your voice.

SECRETARY RUBIO: I've had people in the past ask me if I texted - like, within days of becoming Secretary of State, I had foreign ministers calling the State Department asking if I had just texted them. So, I don't know, guys. This is just the reality of the 21st century with AI and fake stuff that's going on. It's - generally I communicate with my counterparts around the world through official channels for a reason, and that's to avoid this. So 

QUESTION: Do you have any sense of who the perpetrator is?

SECRETARY RUBIO: No. I mean, the perpetrator is somebody with an AI software. That could be anybody in the world. My sense is the target really isn't me. The target is the people they're reaching out to, to try to trick them into a call or whatever. And who knows what they do with it? But you're going to hear about this for a long time, and not just me. It'll happen to other people, because all you need is a recording of someone's voice and you can come up with it. So yeah, it's just one of the other great challenges posed to us by AI. I'm sure there's a lot of positive aspects to AI as well, but this ain't one of them.

QUESTION: You said, Secretary, that the weapons pause by the Pentagon, in the narrow scope in which it occurred, made sense. But was it a decision on which the State Department was consulted, or what was the level of 

SECRETARY RUBIO: No, it wasn't a - I know, I said it was a review, a pause pending a review. And so, you - we're constantly - the Pentagon is constantly reviewing stockpiles, especially after an engagement such as the one we had in the Middle East. So, my point is that there wasn't a policy decision not to give weapons to Ukraine. It was a review in which certain munitions were temporarily paused for that review and for that purpose. And this reporting out there that there was no awareness of it is not true. Now - but no policy decision was made, in essence. No one ever said we're not sending weapons to Ukraine. That's been appropriated by Congress, and that's continued, and that continues to this very day.

But when you're doing a review, there's some period of time in which during that review, it's possible that some shipping is slowed down - not stopped, but because it's being reviewed, someone would say, okay, well, let's not send it today, let's wait a couple days because we're conducting a review of that particular munition. So that's what happened here, and I think it was not appropriately reported, initially. But nonetheless, it's pretty clear now that review has occurred. And as the President's made clear, there has been no change to our posture with regards to providing what we have available.

Now, I would remind everybody - again, I go back to the point I made, and that is that there are certain things that Ukraine needs like Patriot batteries. Those are available. There are multiple countries in Europe that possess Patriot batteries that they could share with Ukraine, and we're actively talking to countries about doing that.

QUESTION: Anyone specifically?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, the Spaniards have them. They're really far from Ukraine and they have one. The Germans have, others have them - I'm not singling them out, but I'm just telling you those are two that I know. There are other Patriot batteries, and there are other opportunities. Countries that have ordered Patriot batteries that are about to receive shipments of them, it'd be great if one of them volunteered to defer that shipment and send it to Ukraine instead. So, we're looking for creative ways to provide them these defensive weapons that they would need.

Now, that's not going to help them with the drone attacks. That's a very different technique that we use in order to bring those down. But it would help them with some of these missile attacks that we're seeing. Again, these are defensive weapons.

QUESTION: The reduction in force of the State Department, is that something that we should expect to happen while you are traveling, or is it something you want to be in Washington, D.C. while it happens?

SECRETARY RUBIO: No, I mean, we've already notified that to Congress. Understand our reduction in force was done - I'm very proud to say, I think, I would argue, probably in the most deliberate way of anyone that's done one. We went very specifically through and reorganized the State Department. And when you reorganize the State Department, there were certain bureaus we wanted to empower, the regional bureaus, and there were certain bureaus, these functional bureaus, that were closed. And so, it made sense to - so that's been notified to Congress and to the workforce for some period of time. And so, we've been ready to implement it pending a court decision, which now has been reached.

There's some timing associated with how you do that, how you actually implement it, but our intent is to move forward with the plans that we've notified Congress of weeks ago and that we took months to design.

QUESTION: Will the numbers be the same as what was notified to Congress?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Sure. I mean, our plan that we notified to Congress is what we intend to do, and then we'll have (inaudible) our - again, the reduction of force is a consequence of the reorg. It's not a consequence of getting - trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you don't need those positions. Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people. Some of them are unfilled positions for potential - or positions that someone took early retirement, and therefore are now - or about to be unfilled.

So - but we took a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused. That's been publicly noticed to Congress months ago; we've been prepared to implement it. And the thing that slowed us down was a court decision by a district judge in the northern district of California. The Supreme Court has ruled on that, and so we're prepared to act on it. It'll come as no surprise, and that is our reorg. That'll be the extent of what we intend to do, and we're already operating under the new organizational structure as-is for the most part. So, this will further enhance that.

Okay? Thank you.

QUESTION: Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

July 10, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur. Secretary Rubio congratulated Prime Minister Anwar on Malaysia's successful ASEAN Chair year and thanked Malaysia for hosting the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meetings. Secretary Rubio further reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the U.S.-Malaysia Comprehensive Partnership and to deepening our nations' economic and security ties.

Secretary Rubio reiterated our shared interest in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and discussed ways to deepen our defense and security cooperation through enhanced maritime law enforcement operations in the South China Sea. Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Anwar also committed to strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, and advanced technology, including joint efforts to build resilient critical mineral supply chains and enhance the security of AI chip technologies. Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Anwar underscored the importance of continuing to advance our partnership to mutually benefit Americans and Malaysians.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with the United States

US Department of State

Remarks

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

July 10, 2025

FOREIGN MINISTER SOKHONN: Thank you (inaudible). Secretary Marco Rubio, dear colleagues, at the outset, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Malaysia as ASEAN chair for the excellent arrangement of this meeting. I wish to extend a warm welcome to Secretary Rubio on his first ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with the United States.

We gather at a moment of increasing global uncertainty, marked by heightened (inaudible) tension, internal challenges, and complex, interconnected transnational issues. In this evolving environment, the ASEAN-U.S. partnership has proven not only resilient but essential. Since elevating our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, we have made significant progress in turning our shared vision into concrete action.

Over the years, ASEAN and the United States has built a relationship that is both broad in scope and deep in substance. Our collaboration encompass economic engagement, (inaudible) innovation, combating transnational crime, maritime cooperation, health security, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges. Together, these effort demonstrate our collective confidence in the enduring future of our strategic partnership.

Today, we reaffirm our determination to deepen and broaden our cooperation even further. I look forward to a productive discussion that will generate fresh ideas, strengthen mutual trust, and chart a clear course forward. Thank you.

Now may I invite my co-chair to deliver his opening remarks. The floor is yours, Secretary Rubio.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you, and thank you, Mr. Minister. We're thankful to Cambodia's partnership as the U.S. country coordinator in the past year, and we look forward to continuing to work together for the next few years as well in this regard. We're also grateful to our host here, Malaysia, for your hospitality, your strong leadership as the chair. I look forward to working with the Philippines, who will be the chair next year, and we're excited about that. Thank you to the ASEAN secretary as well for your support, and a special thanks to the Committee of Permanent Representatives for hard work - the hard work of supporting our partnership work.

I'm honored to represent the administration of President Donald Trump in my first foreign ministerial between ASEAN and the United States. The Indo-Pacific, the region, remains a focal point of U.S. foreign policy. When I hear in the news that perhaps the United States or the world might be distracted by events in other parts of the planet, I would say distraction is impossible, because it is our view - our strong view and the reality - that this century and the next - the story of the next 50 years will largely be written here in this region, in this part of the world.

Because of your youth, because of your - two-thirds of global growth will happen in this region, it is impossible to ignore it, to sideline it, and we have no intention of doing so. In fact, we intend it to be - a key component of our engagement with the world is to be engaged here in the region. We've been engaged for a very long time. We have strong partnerships we have no intention of abandoning, but rather strengthening and building upon.

The United States is a committed partner to ASEAN. It's central to the regional architecture that shapes these dynamics. In fact, ASEAN is the preeminent mechanism by which we engage with a region, a region that we do not consider to be a periphery of any nation-state. We consider it to be sovereign, independent states with whom we have longstanding relationships and partnerships, and these are relationships and partnerships that we intend to continue to build on without seeking the approval or permission of any other actor in the region or the world.

Together, we believe that in doing this we're going to be able to advance our common goal and interest, which is a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and that is prosperous, and that is in line with our national priority and objective of promoting the safety, the security, and the prosperity of the people of the United States of America. Our nearly 50-year partnership demonstrates that there are many areas where our interests align and we can work together to achieve shared goals, and I look forward to discussing areas of cooperation as we advance our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Thank you. I yield the floor back to the co-chair.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Mohamad Hasan at the Signing of a MOU Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation

US Department of State

Remarks

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

July 10, 2025

MODERATOR: Please rise for the arrival of the Honorable Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia; and the Honorable Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State. Please be seated.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, on the occasion of the working visit of the Honorable Secretary Marco Rubio to Malaysia, the governments of Malaysia and the United States of America will be signing a memorandum of understanding concerning strategic civil nuclear cooperation. Before we proceed with the signing ceremony, I first have the honor to invite the Honorable Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan to deliver his remarks.

FOREIGN MINISTER MOHAMAD: (In Malay.)

Excellency, Secretary of State Rubio, thank you for being here. I know it was a very long flight for you. You had to refuel twice to come to Kuala Lumpur. That is how far is Malaysia. Right now, everything is very close through (inaudible).

Secretary, let me wish you a warm welcome to Malaysia. We are delighted that you have chosen Malaysia as your first stop in the region. This is your first stop in Asia, yes? Your presence here truly highlights the longstanding relations between our two countries.

Today marks a significant milestone in the signing of our memorandum of understanding on strategic civil nuclear cooperation. This MOU represents a crucial step in our shared journey to further strengthen the Malaysia-United States comprehensive partnership.

For Malaysia, exploring the role of nuclear energy is a key part of our long-term strategy. It is about ensuring energy security, driving economic growth, and developing our national capacity to harness nuclear energy in a safe, secure, and truly responsible manner. In the spirit of close bilateral relations between Malaysia and United States, when in your distinguished presence, Mr. Secretary, I am pleased to inform you that Malaysia - of Malaysia readiness to commence negotiation on the 123 Agreement.

Apart from Malaysia commitment to harness nuclear energy in a responsible manner, I wish - I will also wish to take this opportunity to emphasize that Malaysia remains truly committed to its role as a coastal state. In this regard, I'd like to say that we are actively formulating new regulation to tighten enforcement against illegal ship-to-ship transfer within our waters. These changes are expected to take effect by the end of this month.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

MODERATOR: Thank you, Dato' Seri. I now have the honor to invite the Honorable Secretary Marco Rubio to deliver his remarks.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, thank you. Thank you for hosting us and it's - inviting us here today. We are very excited about this - signing this memorandum, which I think first and foremost is a signal to the world of how civil nuclear cooperation is something that is available and that is out there. There are many countries in the world - some are in the headlines lately - who have expressed an interest in civil nuclear programs, and this is an example of how it can be done. And we're very grateful to be able to do it with such a close partner.

Obviously much work remains. We're anxious to move forward on the negotiations on the 123 Agreement, and this is the next step forward in a country whose future is incredibly bright. And we're very honored to be a part of this today. This is a - this memorandum today is an opportunity to establish not just a robust civil nuclear partnership but one that promotes the highest standards of safety and security and nonproliferation. Again, an incredible opportunity for your country, an incredible opportunity to strengthen our partnership, an incredible example to the world.

So it's my honor to be a part of this. It's my honor to be able to do this as my first event as Secretary of State in the continent here, in Asia, and I'm glad this was my first visit and I'm glad this was my first event, because I think it's one that has significance beyond simply your country or the region. And it's an honor to be a part of it, so thank you.

FOREIGN MINISTER MOHAMAD: Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

MODERATOR: Thank you, Honorable Secretary.

FOREIGN MINISTER MOHAMAD: Take some time, because a long way for you to come here. (Laughter.) Don't rush back, please. Take the opportunity of your being here to visit few interesting places in Kuala Lumpur especially, then we allow you to go back. (Laughter.) (Inaudible.)

MODERATOR: It is my honor to invite the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Honorable Secretary of State to sign the MOU.

(The memorandum of understanding was signed.)

We will now proceed with the exchange of the documents. (Applause.)

Thank you, excellencies. And with that, the signing ceremony is concluded. Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Central African Republic

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update of the Independent Expert on Central African Republic (CAR). This statement was delivered on 4 July 2025 during the 59th session of the HRC in Geneva.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Published 10 July 2025

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

We thank the Independent Expert for his update and welcome the Central African Republic's continued cooperation with his mandate.

As the Central African Republic continues to strengthen its human rights framework, we welcome the appointment of 11 new commissioners of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission. And we encourage a timely resumption of the Commission's activities.

However, we remain alarmed that reports of human rights violations and abuses continue to increase across the country. We reiterate our call for the Central African Republic to initiate court proceedings to hold to account members of armed groups accused of human rights violations and abuses.

Mr Vice President, holding credible and secure local elections is a crucial step to strengthen local governance ahead of presidential and legislative elections next year. The UK strongly encourages CAR to protect civil and political human rights throughout the electoral period. This is an important opportunity for CAR to demonstrate their commitment to democracy.

Mr Agbetse, following the recent postponement of local elections, how can this council support the timely and inclusive delivery of elections for the people of CAR?

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The UK welcomes the Office of the Prosecutor's continued focus on Darfur: UK Statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Legal Adviser Colin McIntyre at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Colin McIntyre, Legal Adviser

Published 10 July 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 10 July 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)



Let me begin by stressing the United Kingdom's condemnation of the recent cyberattack against the ICC.

The UK has committed funds to strengthen the Court's cybersecurity framework and we are pleased that this incident was swiftly contained.

Mr President, I will make three points today.

First, we welcome the Office of the Prosecutor's continued focus on Darfur.

In this regard, we are gravely concerned by the findings of the Office of the Prosecutor that there are reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity may have been committed, and indeed are continuing to be committed, in Darfur.

We also echo the report's concerns about the situation in El Fasher. Large-scale attacks carried out on Zamzam IDP camp in April 2025 reportedly displaced over 400,000 people and continue to affect the population.

It is appalling that their suffering is compounded by denials of aid.

We call on the parties to the conflict to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Second, we note the continued cooperation of the Sudanese authorities, including the facilitation of the recent visit to Port Sudan.

Given the significant challenges faced by the Office in implementing its mandate, we encourage the Sudanese authorities to redouble their efforts to cooperate with the Office, particularly in relation to the arrest and transfer of individuals subject to ICC arrest warrants, including Mr Ahmad Harun.

Third, we welcome the enhanced cooperation between the Prosecutor's Office and other actors, including civil society organisations and the UN Fact Finding Mission for Sudan.

We commend the Office of the Prosecutor and the Fact Finding Mission's ongoing documentation efforts and their commitment to delivering concrete progress.

Mr President, the Sudanese people deserve justice.

We therefore call for the SAF and the RSF to immediately cease hostilities and prioritise the protection of civilians in line with resolution 2736.

Accountability must go hand in hand with finding a political solution to this horrific war and ending the cycle of impunity that has scarred Sudan for decades.

Mr President, let me conclude by reiterating that the UK supports the independence of the International Criminal Court and does not support the sanctioning of individual court officials.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on children killed during a nutrition aid distribution in the Gaza Strip

UNICEF

10 July 2025

NEW YORK, 10 July 2025 - "We are appalled by the reported killing of 15 Palestinians, including nine children and four women, who were waiting in line for nutritional supplies for children in Deir al Balah, the Gaza Strip, this morning. An additional 30 people were reportedly injured, including 19 children.

"This assistance was being provided by Project Hope, a UNICEF partner organization, to families in desperate need. The killing of families trying to access life-saving aid is unconscionable.

"These were mothers seeking a lifeline for their children after months of hunger and desperation. Among them was Donia, whose 1-year-old boy, Mohammed, was killed. She said he spoke his first words to her just hours earlier. Donia now lies in a hospital bed, critically injured by the blast, clutching Mohammed's tiny shoe. No parent should have to face such tragedy.

"This is the cruel reality confronting many in Gaza today after months of insufficient aid being allowed into the territory, and parties to the conflict failing to uphold basic responsibilities to protect civilians.

"The lack of aid means children are facing starvation while the risk of famine grows. The number of malnourished children will continue to rise until life-saving aid and services are resumed at full scale.

"International law is clear: all parties to the conflict have an obligation to protect civilians and ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance.

"We call on Israel to urgently review its rules of engagement to ensure full compliance with international humanitarian law, notably the protection of civilians, including children, and to conduct a thorough and independent investigation of this incident and all allegations of violations.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and all those affected, including our partners at Project Hope, who continue to serve Gaza's children under the most dangerous conditions.

"UNICEF again calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, and for all parties to protect civilians, including children and humanitarian workers. Food, water, as well as nutrition and medical supplies, must reach children safely and without delay. The deaths and suffering of children and civilians must end."

#####

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UNICEF deplores 'unconscionable' killing of families lining up for aid in Gaza

10 July 2025 - The head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has voiced deep dismay over the "unconscionable" killing of children during an aid distribution in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday.

Catherine Russell said she was appalled by the reported killing of 15 Palestinians, including nine children and four women, who were waiting in line for nutritional supplements provided by Project Hope, a UNICEF partner organization.

The incident occurred in Deir Al-Balah. An additional 30 people were injured, including 19 children. News reports indicate that it resulted from an Israel strike.

'Mothers seeking a lifeline'

"The killing of families trying to access life-saving aid is unconscionable," she said in a statement.

"These were mothers seeking a lifeline for their children after months of hunger and desperation."

They included Donia, whose one-year-old son, Mohammed, was killed. She reported that the boy had spoken his first words to her just hours earlier.

"Donia now lies in a hospital bed, critically injured by the blast, clutching Mohammed's tiny shoe," said Ms. Russell. "No parent should have to face such tragedy."

A 'cruel reality'

For the UNICEF chief, "this is the cruel reality confronting many in Gaza today after months of insufficient aid being allowed into the territory, and parties to the conflict failing to uphold basic responsibilities to protect civilians."

She explained that "the lack of aid means children are facing starvation while the risk of famine grows," warning that "the number of malnourished children will continue to rise until life-saving aid and services are resumed at full scale."

"International law is clear: all parties to the conflict have an obligation to protect civilians and ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance," she said.

"We call on Israel to urgently review its rules of engagement to ensure full compliance with international humanitarian law, notably the protection of civilians including children, and to conduct a thorough and independent investigation of this incident and all allegations of violations."

UN condemns killings

The UN yet again condemned the killing of civilians in Gaza, Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told journalists in New York.

Furthermore, the UN humanitarian affairs office OCHA "stresses that parties are bound by international humanitarian law to prevent such excessive death and injury of civilians in the midst of war," he added.

OCHA reported that another strike on Thursday reportedly hit the office of a humanitarian partner in Gaza City. Three staff there were killed.

Fuel running out

Mr. Dujarric also updated journalists on the dire fuel situation in Gaza, which impacts both the population and humanitarians.

A UN team managed to bring roughly 75,000 litres of fuel from Israel into the beleaguered enclave on Wednesday, marking the first such provision in 130 days.

He warned, however, that fuel is still running out and services will shut down if greater volumes do not enter immediately.

Water services at risk

"We and our humanitarian partners need hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel each day to keep essential lifesaving and life-sustaining operations going, meaning the amount entered yesterday isn't sufficient to cover even one day of energy requirements," he said.

One aid partner reported that fuel shortages could soon cut off supplies of clean drinking water to about 44,000 children, he added, which would further increase the risk of cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery and other waterborne illnesses.

Meanwhile, UN partners providing education services said that between October 2023 and this June, 626 temporary learning spaces have been established in Gaza, with 240,000 students enrolled, roughly half of them girls.

However, only 299 spaces are currently operational due to the ongoing displacement orders, funding shortfalls and other challenges.

Aid workers also going hungry

Humanitarian partners in Gaza - who include first responders, health workers, and aid workers - "continue to deliver food and other assistance under intolerable conditions, and they themselves are facing hunger," said Mr. Dujarric.

"A number of our own colleagues are also facing hunger. They also face water scarcity and threats to their personal safety, just like everyone else in Gaza," he added.

The Spokesperson reiterated the UN's long-standing message that "this catastrophic situation must end." He stressed that "a ceasefire is not only urgent, it is long overdue," while also calling for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages.

West Bank operations

Mr. Dujarric also addressed the situation in the West Bank, where humanitarians report and continue to warn of the intensification of Israeli operations in the northern areas.

"These operations are causing massive destruction, driving further humanitarian needs and dampening hopes of thousands of displaced families that they will eventually be able to go back home," he said.

"Meanwhile, attacks, harassment and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have become a daily reality."

He cited a settler attack on 3 July that led to the displacement of the Mu'arrajat East Bedouin community in the central West Bank.

"This is the ninth community to be fully displaced in the Ramallah and Jericho areas since January 2023 following the recurrent attacks by Israeli settlers."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN calls for reversal of US sanctions on Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese

10 July 2025 - Top UN human rights officials have voiced serious concern over the imposition of sanctions by the United States targeting Francesca Albanese, a UN-appointed independent expert on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

They're calling for the decision to be reversed, warning it could undermine the wider international human rights system.

The sanctions were announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday under a Presidential Executive Order.

Mr. Rubio alleged that Ms. Albanese had "directly engaged with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel, without the consent of those two countries," which he called a "gross infringement" on national sovereignty.

The US and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute, the international treaty that established the ICC.

Dangerous precedent and unacceptable

Reacting to the announcement, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that the imposition of sanctions on Special Rapporteurs sets a "dangerous precedent."

"The use of unilateral sanctions against Special Rapporteurs or any other UN expert or official is unacceptable," he told journalists on Thursday at his regular news briefing in New York.

He also highlighted the independent mandate and role of the Special Rapporteurs, noting that Member States "are perfectly entitled to their views and to disagree with" the experts' reports.

"But we encourage them to engage with the UN's human rights architecture," he added.

Call for reversal

In a statement issued on Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for the "prompt reversal" of the sanctions against the Human Rights Council-appointed Special Rapporteur "in response to work she has undertaken under the mandate" she is tasked with.

"Even in face of fierce disagreement, UN Member States should engage substantively and constructively, rather than resort to punitive measures," he said.

The UN rights chief also called for an end to attacks and threats against mandate holders appointed by the council, as well as key institutions like the ICC.

"The solution is not less, but more, debate and dialogue on the very real human rights concerns they address," Mr. Turk urged.

Cooperation, not reprisal

Jurg Lauber, President of the UN Human Rights Council, also voiced regret over the punitive move by the US.

In a statement, he highlighted that Special Rapporteurs "are an essential instrument" in fulfilling the Council's mandate and urged all nations to "fully cooperate" with them.

"I call on all UN Member States...to refrain from any acts of intimidation or reprisal against them," he said.

Independent Special Rapporteurs

Special Rapporteurs are appointed under what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.

They are independent experts appointed to monitor and report on human rights issues worldwide. These experts serve in their personal capacity, are not UN staff and receive no financial remuneration for their work.

They regularly report to the Geneva-based council as well as to the UN General Assembly in New York.

In addition to the mandate on the occupied Palestinian territory, mandates exist to monitor human rights in countries such as Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Afghanistan. In all there are 46 thematic and 14 different country-based mandates.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine, Sudan, Somalia

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Gaza: Children reportedly killed while waiting for nutrition supplies

OCHA says that as Israeli military operations continue across the Gaza Strip - including shelling and ground incursions - more deaths and displacement are being reported by the day, as hopes for a possible ceasefire remain on the horizon.

This morning, people waiting to get nutritional supplies for children were reportedly killed in Deir al Balah. In a statement today, UNICEF's Executive Director Catherine Russell said she was appalled by the reported killing of 15 Palestinians, including nine children and four women. Thirty others - including 19 children - were reportedly injured.

"The killing of families trying to access life-saving aid is unconscionable," Russell said. "These were mothers seeking a lifeline for their children after months of hunger and deprivation."

OCHA stresses that parties are bound by international humanitarian law to prevent such excessive death and injury of civilians in the midst of war. All parties must take all feasible precautions to avoid and minimize civilian harm. Indiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited.

Another strike today reportedly hit the office of a humanitarian partner in Gaza city, with three staff reported killed.

Two days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that between October 2023 and the end of June 2025, more than 740 attacks on healthcare affected 125 health facilities in Gaza. These include 34 hospitals that were damaged, as well as 188 ambulances affected.

WHO added that more than 485,000 people suffer from mental health disorders in Gaza, and at least 500,000 women of reproductive age lack access to essential services, including pre- and postnatal care, family planning, and management of sexual transmitted infections.

Yesterday, a UN team managed to bring about 75,000 litres of fuel from Israel into Gaza, marking the first such provision in 130 days. The UN and its humanitarian partners need hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel each day to keep essential, life-sustaining operations going - meaning the amount that entered yesterday is not sufficient to cover even one day of energy requirements.

Fuel is still running out in the Strip, and services will shut down if far greater volumes do not enter immediately.

One partner, for instance, reported this week that in a matter of days, fuel shortages could cut off supplies of clean drinking water to about 44,000 children supported by its team in Gaza. This would further increase the risk of waterborne illnesses such as cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery.

Yesterday, partners providing education services said that between October 2023 and June 2025, 626 temporary learning spaces have been established in Gaza, with 240,000 students enrolled, about half of whom are girls.

However, partners say that only 299 spaces are currently operational due to ongoing displacement orders, funding shortfalls and other challenges. These spaces accommodate 113,000 students and 3,250 teachers, offering them continuity of education and some physical protection.

Humanitarian partners - including first responders, health workers and aid workers - continue to deliver food and other assistance under intolerable conditions, but they themselves are facing hunger, water scarcity and threats to their personal safety, just like everyone else in Gaza.

This catastrophic situation must end. A ceasefire is not just urgent; it is long overdue.

West Bank: Israeli operations, settler attacks imperil civilians

OCHA continues to warn of the intensification of operations by Israeli forces in northern areas of the West Bank. These operations are causing massive destruction, driving further humanitarian needs, and dampening hopes of thousands of displaced families that they will be able to go back home.

Meanwhile, attacks, harassment and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have become a daily reality - including a settler attack on 3 July that led to the displacement of the Mu'arrajat East Bedouin community in the central West Bank.

Children in this community risk losing access to education, as settlers raided the community school, ransacked property and sprayed anti-Palestinian graffiti. The school, which previously served more than 70 students and has been under threat of demolition for years, now stands empty.

This is the ninth community to be fully displaced in the Ramallah and Jericho areas since January 2023, following recurrent attacks by Israeli settlers. Another four communities in the area are at high risk of displacement due to recurrent settler attacks and access restrictions.

Ukraine

Russian strikes hit Kyiv overnight

The Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, says that overnight strikes by Russian armed forces on the capital Kyiv caused several civilians casualties. According to local authorities, two civilians were killed and another 19 injured.

Four districts were hit during the attacks, damaging residential buildings, a clinic and a TV channel facility. An outpatient clinic was also destroyed.

Meanwhile, authorities reported nearly 40 civilian casualties following missile and drone attacks across Ukraine. In the Donetsk region, nine people were killed and 10 injured, with damage to nearly 70 homes in some 20 towns and villages. In the Kherson region, one child was killed and 14 others were injured, according to authorities.

The regions of Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia were also impacted, with reports of additional casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including an ambulance and health facility.

Overnight attacks also struck four more regions - Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava and Kropyvnytskyi - as part of a continued pattern of widespread strikes beyond front-line areas.

Humanitarian teams provided psychological support, hot meals and repair materials.*

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported that with at least 1,575 civilian casualties - including 232 people killed - June 2025 has been the month with the highest number of civilian casualties in three years.

The number of civilians killed in June is also the highest in almost a year.

Long-range strikes with missiles and loitering munitions in urban areas caused 53 per cent of civilian casualties in June. In the cities of Dnipro, Kyiv and Kharkiv, for example, the strikes often resulted in multiple casualties in a single incident, with especially high numbers of injured civilians.

In June 2025, the number of missiles and loitering munitions launched by the Russian Federation into Ukraine was over 10 times higher than in June 2024, according to the UN Office for Human Rights.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Ukraine with urgent support.

Sudan

UN Relief Chief fast-tracks funds for cholera response

OCHA reports that as Sudan's cholera outbreak continues to worsen, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated US$5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support urgent response efforts.

This new funding will allow UN agencies to scale up time-critical health, water, sanitation and hygiene activities to stem further spread of the disease. However, more resources are needed without delay: Humanitarian partners require $50 million to sustain cholera response operations through the end of 2025.

OCHA warns that the outbreak is being fueled by ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and the collapse of public health and water systems.

Since July 2024, Sudanese health authorities have reported more than 84,000 suspected cases and over 2,100 deaths across 17 of Sudan's 18 states, with upwards of 33,000 cases recorded this year alone. However, partners warn that underreporting may be masking the true scale of the outbreak. More than 33.5 million people - including 5.7 million children under 5 - are at risk.

Khartoum, Aj Jazirah, Gedaref and White Nile states account for over 70 per cent of all reported cases. Khartoum alone has reported more than 23,400 suspected cases. The outbreak is now expanding in Darfur, with cross-border transmission reported into Chad and South Sudan.

OCHA warns that the ongoing rainy season, which lasts through October, threatens to worsen the crisis by contaminating water sources and driving further infections.

It is critical that donors and the international community urgently scale up support to prevent further spread of this deadly disease and save lives.

Somalia

Thousands flee escalating violence in Hiraan region

OCHA reports that clashes in the town of Moqokori in the Hiraan region of central Somalia have intensified since last week, displacing thousands of civilians.

Six health facilities in the area have suspended operations due to security concerns, cutting off access to essential healthcare and emergency services for thousands of vulnerable people.

Continued fighting has also compromised water sources and supply routes, significantly increasing the risk of malnutrition and disease outbreaks among the displaced population.

Humanitarian partners and local authorities are working to verify how many people have been displaced and assess options for delivering assistance where access allows.

More than 58,000 people have been forced to flee due to armed conflict between Government forces and non-State armed groups in the Hiraan and Middle Shabelle regions since January of this year, according to local authorities.

Posted on 10 July 2025

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Tucano Tales: A-29C operations formally begin at the USAF Test Pilot School

Published July 10, 2025

By Maj. Mateusz Borek and Chase Kohler

412th Test Wing

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- The Air Force Test Pilot School is working judiciously to integrate the recently acquired A-29C Super Tucano into the student flight curriculum. In partnership with the Air Force Test Center and the Sierra Nevada Corporation, the three airplanes will soon be providing critical cutting-edge instruction to future test leaders.

The A-29C is unique in many ways. Designed to be an affordable lightweight, multirole airframe, the aircraft was briefly evaluated by Air Force Special Operations Command before being temporarily stored at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Due to limited use, the A-29C is one of the few aircraft within the current USAF inventory that lacks a formal training course and is not utilized operationally. This contrasts with the broader A-29 fleet, which is widely used around the globe by allied nations to provide counter insurgency and reconnaissance operations. The ability to fly multiple mission sets makes this aircraft the right choice for the school's modernization efforts.

To successfully ferry the A-29C aircraft to Edwards AFB, three instructors at the test pilot school had to perform the flight with zero formal flight training. They prepared by studying the flight manual, engaging in discussions with maintenance personnel, and studying what is known as the 3-3 publication, or key tactics, techniques, and procedures that are unique to the aircraft. To further mitigate risk associated with operating the aircraft for the first time, the instructors also completed qualification flights in the T-6 Texan and the PC-21, which have similar flying and handling characteristics.

"Even though I wasn't testing the A-29C per se, the thrill of getting into an aircraft I've never flown before, solo, was unmatched" noted Maj. Mateusz Borek, flight sciences assistant department chair and A-29 chief pilot for the test pilot school.

"I studied the flight manual meticulously and mentally rehearsed the flight more than I can remember. The USAF Test Pilot School had a big hand in preparing me for scenarios such as this one. While I was a student, I flew more than 20 different airplanes. The school didn't provide me with extraordinary abilities; instead, it taught me critical thinking and evaluation skills that can only be gained with countless hours of academics, sims, and hands-on experiences."

Once safely on the ground, the A-29C's spent the next six months going through extensive maintenance in collaboration with the Sierra Nevada Corporation. This allowed instructors to thoroughly study the aircraft, refine procedures, and develop a comprehensive training plan. The modern avionics and robust airframe design allow the A-29C to be one of few aircraft within the US Air Force Test Pilot School curriculum to be utilized for multiple events and lessons, or what the school defines as "jack-of-all-trades."

The aircraft will first primarily be used for stall and spin training. Evaluating and testing aircraft stall and spin characteristics is a crucial skill set for every graduate of a test pilot school. While the Air Force currently has a glider spin sortie and an F-16 departure flight, the former offers limited repetitions and flight dynamics, while the latter is only applicable to graduates who go on to test fighter aircraft. The new A-29C's will be able to execute many types of spins with an endurance of over one-and-a-half hours, maximizing learning for all students.

Once these flights are established, the school's curriculum will delve into the A-29C's mission systems. The aircraft can carry an MX-15 Sensor Ball, utilize Link 16, communicate through a VORTEX link, and employ laser-guided bombs and rockets. These systems will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to test and evaluate similar mission systems on current and emerging platforms. This will also help reduce flying hour and maintenance strain on the F-16 fleet at Edwards AFB, allowing the Sensors Demo, Weapons Demo, and Mission Systems Practical Exam to be uniquely performed on the A-29C.

As with any test asset, the new A-29C's will require special instrumentation to enable advanced data collection and control room operations, which is currently ongoing. The school is also exploring the potential integration of the Agile Pod, which would further enhance the mission systems capabilities. With five weapon stations per aircraft, the A-29C also allows future flexibility for research and development efforts through the Air Force Test Pilot School's Research Division. The backseat in the A-29 also houses a dedicated controller station that could be utilized in the future for combat systems officers and remotely piloted aircraft students as the concept of manned-to-unmanned teaming further grows across air operations.

"The more we learn about the A-29C Super Tucano, the more robust our syllabus becomes. This is an exciting time to be an instructor and student at the school," Borek added.

The A-29C will continue to increase operations throughout the summer, with class 25A becoming the first group of students to fly the aircraft.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US, allies launch largest Pacific air exercise with REFORPAC 2025

Published July 10, 2025

By Airman Hannah Bench

35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- Pacific Air Forces, alongside U.S. allies and partners, launched Resolute Force Pacific 2025, the largest contingency response exercise ever conducted by the U.S. Air Force in the Indo-Pacific region, July 10.

REFORPAC will involve more than 300 aircraft and feature U.S. Air Force members alongside colleagues from partner nations and other branches of the U.S. military. The exercise aims to demonstrate PACAF's ability to generate, sustain and adapt airpower in a contested environment while working alongside regional allies.

"This exercise is about sharpening our edge and proving that our Airmen can project combat airpower anytime, anywhere, alongside our allies," said Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander. "This wing is all-in, showing what contingency readiness looks like in the Pacific Theater."

Standing up in support of REFORPAC, the 35th Air Expeditionary Wing is composed of Misawa Air Base personnel and temporary duty members from multiple installations around the globe. The 35th AEW is playing a pivotal role by generating sorties, enabling agile combat employment, and sustaining high-tempo operations from one of the Air Force's northernmost forward locations. Teams across the wing are executing critical tasks such as flightline operations, munitions loading, hot-pit refueling, combat search and rescue training, and distributed logistics support.

These efforts contribute directly to the exercise's focus on contested operations and rapid adaptation, ensuring U.S. and allied forces can fight under degraded conditions, move quickly and sustain missions without guaranteed access to traditional logistics and infrastructure.

"We recently stood up the new 35th Munitions Squadron, merged our fighter squadrons into one cohesive unit, and started sharing our resources with participating REFORPAC units," Davidson said. "Together with our Japanese allies, we're testing our combined capabilities to defend Japan from any adversary."

U.S. Airmen across the Pacific are also practicing command and control at scale, making fast-paced decisions while coordinating across units, domains and international boundaries. This level of complexity offers a realistic test of how well U.S. and partner forces can operate together under contingency conditions.

"From weapons loaders to fuels specialists, pilots, planners, medical, security, airfield managers, civil engineers, maintainers and everything in between, every Airman here plays a role in building a force that can respond immediately and effectively in any environment," Davidson said.

As REFORPAC continues, the 35th AEW will demonstrate PACAF's ability to lead, integrate and prevail alongside partners committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Srebrenica Genocide Anniversary Highlights Justice Gaps and Global Implications

By Ray Furlong, Dzenana Halimovic and RFE/RL's Balkan Service July 11, 2025

SREBRENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina -- Every year, Nermin Catic returns to Bosnia from his home in Sweden to open up his family's old house, which now stands empty.

He's been waiting three decades for his brother's remains to be found. His mother spent the rest of her life trying to locate them, only to die without answers.

"How long can hope endure? I fear I will lose hope before I move on to the next world," he told RFE/RL's Balkan Service.

No body. No justice. No closure. It's a story Catic, and thousands of other families in Bosnia continue to endure 30 years after Bosnian Serb forces killed more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys in the town of Srebrenica in what is Europe's only acknowledged genocide since World War II.

The scale and brutality of the July 1995 killings in Srebrenica -- an enclave under Bosnian Muslim control where tens of thousands had fled for safety from Bosnian Serb forces -- shocked the world and did lead to some high-profile convictions at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), also known as the Hague Tribunal.

These included Bosnian-Serb military commander Ratko Mladic, convicted of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in 2017, and sentenced to life in prison.

But this was just the tip of the iceberg.

And as the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre, those who worked to bring the perpetrators justice say there are many lessons to be learned.

Lessons that need to be learned if justice is to be done for families of the victims of Srebrenica, and in future for those in countries such as Ukraine, which has witnessed numerous atrocities in more than three years of trying to repel invading Russian troops.

Little Justice For Srebrenica Victims

"Very few people [in Bosnia] were satisfied with the judicial system," said Janine di Giovanni, CEO of The Reckoning Project, which brings together journalists and lawyers to gather evidence and bring war criminals to court.

"The people on the ground that did the killing, that dug the graves, that murdered and raped and destroyed lives and families and ripped apart the society of Srebrenica -- most of them are still walking around," she told RFE/RL.

In all, the Hague Tribunal convicted 18 people -- five of whom were sentenced to life sentences -- for genocide and other crimes at Srebrenica.

Geoffrey Nice, who led the prosecution of former Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic at The Hague, also feels the judicial process fell short.

"I think overall the conclusion may well be that justice has not been met or not been met in the way it should have been," he told RFE/RL.

"History will not judge the process kindly, but it may assess it with understanding. The two tribunals, for Rwanda and former Yugoslavia...were brand new, with nothing by way of a precedent."

Can The ICC Make A Difference?

The situation is different today, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) established as a permanent body to replace ad hoc tribunals in 2002.

It also appears to be determined to show it has teeth, issuing war crimes indictments against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

But Nice is skeptical that these will ever lead to convictions, arguing that the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza will probably end with political agreements.

"The settlement would almost inevitably include, as clause one, in either case, that President Putin or Prime Minister Netanyahu will not be tried for any alleged offense," he said.

Nice added that intense criticism of the ICC by the Trump administration may also weaken its ability to function - and that a far better approach would be to focus on using national courts.

Indeed, Bosnian courts have handed down the more verdicts for genocide and other crimes in Srebrenica than the Hague Tribunal. So far, they have convicted 27 former members of the Bosnian Serb forces for crimes committed at Srebrenica, including 14 for genocide.

Di Giovanni, who reported from Srebrenica as a journalist at the time of the genocide, agreed that national courts could play a key role.

"Ukraine is different because Ukraine has, first of all, had a very substantial judicial system," she said.

"The local courts in Ukraine are probably more substantial because of the federalization of Bosnia after the war. I mean, it's one of the most dysfunctional systems in the world."

Ukrainian authorities say they have issued 679 war crimes indictments and have made 188 convictions.

This work has benefitted from expertise and experiences gained in international institutions such as the ICC.

"A lot of the prosecutors working in Ukraine today were involved with [international justice] in Cambodia and Sierra Leone. We've learned a lot in the 30 years since Srebrenica," said Di Giovanni.

Sources Of Hope

Another development in that time is the use of universal jurisdiction, in which crimes in one country are ruled upon elsewhere.

In June, a German court gave a life sentence to a Syrian doctor, Alaa Mousa, who tortured prisoners under the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad.

In April, Di Giovanni's Reckoning Project helped a Ukrainian man bring charges at an Argentinian court against identified and unidentified Russians for torturing him.

She said the key lesson learned was the importance of gathering evidence early - and that this was already being acted upon in Ukraine.

"We gather evidence of war crimes while the war is still going on.

And that's very different from the time it took in 1995...Testimonies weren't taken until long after the war ended."

These are sources of hope for justice in places such as Bucha, Ukraine, where Russian forces killed hundreds of civilians. Ukraine has asked the ICC to investigate suspected war crimes.

But they are probably too late to help Nermin Catic in Srebrenica.

His brother, Nihad "Nino" Catic was a journalist who filed the final report from Srebrenica before the town was overrun by Bosnian Serb forces.

"Srebrenica is turning into the biggest slaughterhouse. The dead and wounded keep arriving at the hospital," he said in his last report before disappearing.

"Is there anyone in the world who can come and witness the tragedy unfolding in Srebrenica and its people?"

Nino joined thousands who fled into the hills, hoping to reach safety nearly 100 kilometers away, but was never seen again.

Thirty years later, seven more bodies are being laid to rest on July 11 in Srebrenica.

The families for some 1,200 Srebrenica victims whose bodies are still missing, however, still seek justice. Just like Nermin Catic.

More than 1,000 km east, Ukrainians are looking on and wondering if they will avoid the same fate.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33470381.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






EU-Central Asia: First Counterterrorism Dialogue in Dushanbe

European External Action Service (EEAS)

10.07.2025

EEAS Press Team

On 10 July, the European Union and Central Asian countries convened for their first Counterterrorism Dialogue in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The EU met with representatives from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to discuss a wide range of counterterrorism issues, including assessments on the terrorist threat.

They also explored areas of concrete cooperation, including on the fight against radicalisation; the prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees; and actions against violent online propaganda.

EU and Central Asian partners also spoke about cooperation with third countries including in multilateral fora.

The EU recalled the importance of anchoring counterterrorism measures in the rule of law and respect of human rights.

The EU welcomes the rich and constructive discussion with the Central Asian countries. The next Dialogue will be held in Brussels.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






NCIS Deploys Special Agents aboard Guided-Missile Destroyers Patrolling Southern Border

US Navy

10 July 2025

SAN DIEGO -- The Navy deployed two Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers in mid-March to conduct border security objectives in support of the U.S. Northern Command southern border mission: the USS Gravely (DDG 107) to the Gulf of America and the Caribbean, and the USS Stockdale (DDG 106) to the Pacific Ocean. Earlier this summer, the USS Cole (DDG 67) relieved the USS Gravely after 83 days of service to the mission.

Among the crew onboard these ships have been NCIS Special Agents who provide law enforcement and counterintelligence capabilities related to counternarcotics and combating transnational organized crime.

These Special Agents collaborate with law enforcement and intelligence community partners to synthesize data that enhances Navy leadership's understanding of the operational environment and increases the probability of successful counternarcotics interdictions.

Such counternarcotics interdictions have included, among others, the seizure of over 6,000 pounds of cocaine by the USS Gravely in May. A subsequent seizure netted over 11,000 pounds of cocaine and 7,200 pounds of marijuana. The USS Cole, partnering with the Royal Canadian Navy, was involved in the seizure of over 540 pounds of cocaine in June.

The ships operate with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LDET) that, combined with NCIS Special Agents enhance maritime security and support interagency collaboration in the region through presence operations.

These deployments are unique in scope and duration compared to the traditional Special Agent Afloat deployments that NCIS has been conducting aboard U.S. Navy ships since the early 1970s. The Special Agent Afloat program deploys agents for year-long deployments aboard aircraft carriers, hospital ships, and amphibious assault ships. NCIS law enforcement and counterintelligence support to these ships enables the Navy to operate with optimal readiness and lethality to protect the United States and advance its interests globally.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






WHO Member States hold first meeting, agree on next steps to take forward key elements of the WHO Pandemic Agreement

World Health Organization (WHO)

10 July 2025

News release

Geneva

WHO Member States have held their first meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement, formalizing next steps on implementing key provisions of the historic legal instrument to make the world safer from future pandemics.

Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil, co-chair of the IGWG Bureau guiding the negotiations, said the first meeting, that ran from 9-10 July, was a critical moment in the global effort to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. It followed the World Health Assembly's landmark adoption on 20 May 2025 of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

"Through the WHO Pandemic Agreement, countries recognized that global collaboration and action, based on equity, are essential for protecting people from future pandemics," Ambassador Tovar said. "Now, through the IGWG, countries are breathing life into the Agreement by establishing the way forward to implement the Agreement's life-saving provisions."

The Assembly established the IGWG to, as a priority, draft and negotiate an annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS). This PABS system is intended to enable safe, transparent and accountable access and benefit-sharing for PABS materials and sequence information. The outcome of the IGWG's work on the PABS annex will be submitted to the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in 2026 for its consideration.

In addition to negotiating the PABS annex, the IGWG has been established to discuss procedural and other matters to prepare for the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Pandemic Agreement and develop a proposal for the terms of reference for the Coordinating Financial Mechanism.

Fellow IGWG Bureau co-chair Mr Matthew Harpur, of the United Kingdom, said he was encouraged by the strong collaboration shown by WHO Member States to take the WHO Pandemic Agreement forward.

"Global collaboration is the foundation of an effective response to global threats," said Mr Harpur. "I am encouraged by the commitment shown by WHO Member States during the first IGWG to work together to protect their citizens, and those of all other countries."

The first meeting of the IGWG adopted the body's method of work, timeline of activities leading up to next year's World Health Assembly, and mode of engagement with relevant stakeholders, and elected co-chairs and vice chairs to lead the IGWG process. The IGWG also decided to identify experts to provide inputs on the PABS annex and possibly hold an informal briefing before the second meeting of the IGWG, which will be held on 15-19 September 2025.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Angara-A5M Rocket Launch Set for 2027 as Roscosmos Completes Vostochny Upgrades

Sputnik News

20250710

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian space agency Roscosmos set the first launch of the Angara-A5M heavy-lift rocket for 2027 after considering the schedule for upgrading the Vostochny cosmodrome, Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov told Sputnik.

"The timeline for upgrading the Angara-A5 rocket is linked to the payload it will carry and the modifications underway at the cosmodrome's launch complex. To synchronize all these efforts, we have set the date for 2027," Bakunov said.

The Angara-A5 rocket took off for the first time from the Vostochny cosmodrome on April 11, 2024. Its upgraded version will be capable of delivering a heavier payload to the low-Earth orbit than the standard version.

Roscosmos has accelerated work on the third oxygen-hydrogen stage for the Angara-A5V rocket, Bakunov said. It is expected be completed by 2030, rather than 2034, as previously planned.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Press conference - Sydney

Transcript

Thursday 10 July 2025

Sydney

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE MP, PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much for joining us and today I'm joined by Minister Tony Burke and also Jillian Segal, the Special Envoy to myself on antisemitism. Antisemitism is an evil scourge. There is no place in Australia for antisemitism. The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated. And I want those responsible to face the full force of the law. My Government has taken a series of actions to crack down on antisemitism, and one of the things that we did last year, a year ago, was to appoint Jillian Segal as the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism. And can I thank Jillian very much for one - taking on the position, and secondly - for the extraordinary work that she has done. And today I'm joining with Jillian to launch her plan to further combat antisemitism. And I welcome this report, and I thank her for the work that she has done. Jillian has put a lot of work into this report, which finds that antisemitism has risen to deeply troubling levels in Australia in the wake of the conflict in the Middle East. But it also of course reaffirms the fact that antisemitism didn't begin on 7 October. And therefore, it isn't like two weeks extra paid parental leave, where you pass a piece of legislation and it's done, it comes in on 1 July. This is something that Government needs to work with civil society on at all levels, and each and every day, and every week, and every month, and every year, to make sure that antisemitism is pushed to the margins, to the fringes of extremism where it doesn't belong. We'd like it to disappear altogether. We'll now carefully consider the report recommendations. There's a number of things in here that we're doing. There's a number of things that can be implemented quickly. There are a number of things that will require work over a period of time. Part of the recommendations is that we will receive an annual report, and part of that will be an assessment of progress on these issues as well. But I want to thank Jillian, and I want to thank the many members of the community, both the Jewish community and outside as well, who've worked really constructively on this report. And I'd ask Jillian to make some comments. We'll then hear from Minister Burke, and then we'll be happy to take questions on this or other things. Jillian?

JILLIAN SEGAL, SPECIAL ENVOY TO COMBAT ANTISEMITISM: Thank you, Prime Minister. And good morning, everyone. And I want to thank the Prime Minister and Minister Burke for being here today. I've worked closely with both of them since my appointment. And I thank them for their ongoing commitment to the Jewish community and their commitment to work with me to help deliver this plan, where I will need their help. Today, I'm proud that the Prime Minister's launched it, and it is, as he said, a plan - the Envoy's Plan - to combat one of the world's oldest hatreds - antisemitism. And we know that it is a hatred based on myths and tropes over the centuries, and it has shape-shifted, spanning religion, race and Zionism. And it's almost exactly a year since I was appointed as Special Envoy, and in that period I have established the Office in Sydney and Melbourne, and recruited a small team. And we started work on this plan over nine months ago. We've conducted research, we've consulted with community, I've spoken to other envoys all over the world who already have strategic plans in place. So, a number of the initiatives are well underway, and we've had to engage in those initiatives in response to events, such as a huge focus on universities and on law reform that has already been undertaken by both Commonwealth and State Governments.

The plan is grounded in Australian values. It's proactive and it's adapted to our Federal legal framework. As we know, as the Prime Minister said, antisemitism is not new, and it didn't start with the Hamas terrorist attack on the 7th of October. But we have seen a very troubling, deeply troubling rise in antisemitic incidents and behaviour at home since then. In the space of just one year, reported incidents increased over 300 per cent, and that includes threats, vandalism, harassment and physical violence. We've seen cars being torched, synagogues being torched, individual Jews harassed and attacked, and that is completely unacceptable. In this last week, as you all know, we've seen the terrible events in Melbourne, including not only an attempt to burn down a synagogue, a place of worship, but diners being attacked by a violent group breaking away from a street demonstration protest. These are not isolated events, and they form part of a broader pattern of intimidation and violence that is making Jewish Australians feel very unsafe. And this should concern every Australian, because the safety and dignity of one community affects us all.

The plan is an overarching one, covering many areas where urgent action is needed. I'd just like to briefly review some of the steps and some of the steps already taken, because the plan today builds on a foundation of actions. It brings structure, though - priorities and accountability - to our national response. And it's not a symbolic document; it's an Action Plan, and it addresses antisemitism in many places in our laws, classrooms, universities, media, workplaces, online spaces and public institutions. And it calls on Government and societal leaders to support the initiatives.

In addition to measures to counter antisemitism, there is also the positive side that it looks at, and that is increasing the vibrancy of Jewish life. And I think that is a very important part we should remember. And that is where it comes into the cultural space, it comes into museums, it comes into part of what makes us Australian. And we need to work on that as well.

So, a couple of details, and then the plan will be available for everyone to see. It'll be on the ASECA website almost right now. So, we will work with State and Federal Governments to ensure our laws reflect the values and our way of life. And we will look at whether it is now necessary to strengthen hate crime legislation, including provisions relating to not only incitement and vilification, and prohibitive symbols, which we have, but actual hatred, and the speaking of hatred, and demonstrated hatred. We need to look at this. And so, I look forward to working with the various Attorneys-General. Police, prosecutors and the judiciary will be supported with training to apply the laws and understand antisemitism. A national hate crime database, which has already been announced by the government, is in the process of being established which will improve reporting, monitoring and transparency. And publicly-funded institutions like universities, cultural bodies and broadcasters will be expected to uphold consistent standards, and demonstrate accountability in fighting antisemitism. But education is central. It shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others. And the plan promotes a nationally consistent approach to teaching about the history, harms, and modern forms of antisemitism through the lens of democracy, social inclusion, shared civic responsibility and Australian values. We have to embed age appropriate education into our school curriculum. We need to support professional development of teachers and public servants. We need to promote cultural understanding, back trusted voices online, and encourage responsible media reporting. But education is the key. But lastly, this plan is a whole of society plan. It's not just Government. It will need the support of Government. We need leadership from Government, but we need society. Businesses, unions, sporting codes, community associations will be invited and encouraged to take part in this national effort. And universities will continue to be held accountable for improvements. Digital platforms will be engaged directly, both through engagement that my office has had already, and through other envoys, because this is an international issue and it is one that the envoys around the world are working on together. Critically, the plan supports the safety, visibility, and contribution of Australia's Jewish communities, so that no Australian feels the need to hide who they are and withdraw from public life. And as the Prime Minister said, given its age-old heritage, we cannot hope to really abolish antisemitism, but we can push it to the margins of society. It must not be considered acceptable. It's not normal to behave like that. We must restore the harmony we all seek and ensure that no community is marginalised.

I'd like to acknowledge just a few people. The leadership and dedication of Australia's major Jewish community organisations with whom I've consulted on many aspects of the plan, and who have supported my work to date. Their dedication, advocacy and wisdom, I know, have been invaluable to the community, and I look forward to working with them to deliver this plan. Their support will be critical. Let me be clear, in conclusion, the plan is not about special treatment for one community. It is about restoring equal treatment. It is about ensuring that every Australian, regardless of their background or belief, can live, work, learn and prosper in this country. And the plan is not about words. It is about actions by Government, by regulators, by business, by universities, and by institutions. And I'm sure that with collective action, antisemitism can and will be successfully confronted. Thank you.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks so much, Jillian. Minister Burke.

TONY BURKE MP, MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS: Thanks, Prime Minister. And from myself and from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Anne Aly, can I offer our very sincere thanks to Jillian Segal. There is a mountain of work that has gone into this, and it's a mountain of work that carries a pathway forward for something that is an absolute core objective of the Government. We want people to be safe and to feel safe. Being safe and feeling safe is something which antisemitism flies in the face of. And while we might think of this only in terms of some of the more dramatic, violent incidents which we've seen, feeling safe and being safe goes deeper than that. Yes, it does mean you should be able to attend a shul or a synagogue without fear of arson. It means you should be able to park your car, or go into your home without fear of a graffiti attack. It means that you should be able to go to school without worrying about what your uniform might say about your heritage or your faith. It means that you should be able to be an arts worker without worrying whether or not a venue might cancel you at the last minute. It means you should be able to go to university, freely displaying your faith in your background without any other concerns. It means you should never think twice about your name when you're applying for a job. That's what it looks like when we have a nation where people can feel safe in every way. We all wish that we could have a plan for the obliteration of antisemitism. History has a very different and sad message, but this is about pushing it absolutely to the margins, because this form of bigotry is absolutely an attack on Australia.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks so much, Tony. We're happy to take questions.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, do you believe that the anti-Israel protest movement is building the kind of anti-Jewish attacks we've seen in Melbourne recently? And if so, what needs to be done about this?

PRIME MINISTER: Just to be very clear, in Israel itself, as a democracy, there is protest against actions of the government. And in a democracy, you should be able to express your view here in Australia about events overseas. Where the line has been crossed is in blaming and identifying people because they happen to be Jewish. If you have a view about the directions of the Netanyahu Government, or any other government for that matter. So, I saw on the ABC the other night, a woman who participated in the trashing and violence that occurred at the restaurant in Melbourne. Justifying that, justifying it. There is no justification for that whatsoever. And what's more, the idea that somehow the cause of justice for Palestinians is advanced by behaviour like that is not only delusional, it is destructive. And it is not consistent with how you are able to put forward your views respectfully in a democracy. So, regardless of your views on the Middle East, and there are a range of views across Australian society, put forward those views respectfully, peacefully, orderly. Do not target individuals in the way that it has occurred. And the circumstances were to be explicit about one of the issues that Tony has raised. There are Jewish students who have been attacked, vilified, abused because of their identification by someone - by a perpetrator - for being Jewish. That has no place whatsoever in Australia. It undermines our multiculturalism. And one of the things that I regard as Australia's strength is that we can be a microcosm for the world. That shows that people in my local community overwhelmingly live side by side of Jewish, Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. That is a strength of our society. It's something we should cherish. One of the recommendations that Jillian has included in here, in this report, speaks about multi-faith dialogue, and overwhelmingly, I've been participant in interfaith dialogues in the inner west of Sydney and the dialogue respectfully that has occurred with rabbis, priests, ministers, stands in stark contrast with the behaviour, which is criminal behaviour. Criminal behaviour should be identified as such, should be prosecuted as such as well.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the noble aim to push antisemitism to the fringes seems more difficult when platforms with a very large reach like X make structural changes that promote antisemitic views, even create antisemitic views, in the case of X's AI, Grok. Do you think that the platforms are good faith partners in this fight against antisemitism and what will you do to crack down on antisemitic speech on and via the platforms?

PRIME MINISTER: I'll ask Jillian to comment on this as well, but can I say very clearly once again, something I have said in a range of contexts, which is that social media has a social responsibility. Social media has a social responsibility. And they need to be held to account. If you look at any one of my posts, I could post about a meeting with Prime Minister Rabuka at the Rugby Union and the relationship between Australia and Fiji, and I will have comments in the comment piece that I often try not to look at. But if you look at any single one of my posts, you will have decorations that are certainly antisemitic, and they have nothing to do with the posts which are there. Some of those are no doubt produced by bots, but some of those are produced by individuals as well, which is why so much of this report as well goes to education. Jillian?

SEGAL: Well, thank you, Prime Minister. I think you put your finger on it that we need to understand how to deal with the platforms as well, how to convey to them their social responsibility. There's a whole section in my plan dealing with social media and the envoys - not all envoys, obviously around the world, but a significant group of them, including myself - have met with the platforms on a number of occasions. We have an ongoing dialogue with them. And you wouldn't be surprised to hear that they orally say, 'we are against antisemitism. We, you know, have our algorithms and our methods with AI to stop it, et cetera.' And they are motivated to do that, but obviously they are very far from succeeding. So, it's an ongoing piece of work, but it is work that has to be done by each country, but also countries coming together. And that's one of my things.

PRIME MINISTER: Hang on. We do it in order, not in order of yelling. Yourself, then here, then here, then here, then here. Then there. So, we now have order. Thank you.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, is the Government committing to Ms Segal's plan in full? If I may, a question for both the Prime Minister and Ms Segal. How will you ensure this plan does not prevent legitimate criticisms of Israel, including from Jewish Australians and other parties?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we welcome the plan, to be very clear. Some of the plan requires a long-term approach. Some of it requires action by State Governments, some of it requires action by society, by the people watching this media conference as well. What we'll do is work constructively with the Envoy. This isn't something that is, okay, on 10 July, you know, done, tick, and we move on. This will be a process. My Government has committed to working constructively and engaging. And one of the things that Jillian and I have done - we met last week, last Monday. We meet regularly, and we work together. That's why we've established this as well. And regarding legitimate criticism of Israel, as you'd be aware, I have released statements with other leaders that have been critical of the actions of the Netanyahu Government. I will continue to put forward a position that is consistent with the position that we have taken on the Middle East. But you can put forward those views respectfully. Respectfully. And those criticisms are also made, it might be said, by people in Israel. There are demonstrations in Israel that are bigger than any of the demonstrations that have been held in Australia. That's a good thing in a democracy, but it's a good thing if it's done in a respectful and clear way. And we'll continue, I've been an advocate of two states in the Middle East for my entire political life. I've been consistent. I will continue to be consistent. I will continue to support the right of Israel to exist within secure boundaries, and I will continue to support the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for their own state. But I will continue to oppose terrorist organisations like Hamas. I'll continue to speak out on the need for aid into Gaza and for humanitarian concerns. I'll continue to speak out for the release of hostages. I'll continue to advocate both - I don't say one thing when I speak to people in the Israeli government and a different thing publicly. I speak in a way that is consistent, that is consistent also with what I think is Australian values, certainly the values that the Australian government holds. And from time to time that has meant I've had criticism from different perspectives. I'll deal with that, but I'll deal with it by being open and upfront about that. But whatever your issue in the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity. It's completely unacceptable. And I, frankly, you know, have also been - obviously, the targeting hasn't been just at the Jewish community. You know, what my staff and what my constituents have had to put up with in Marrickville, people being denied support on social security, on Medicare, on why people go to a local MP's office. How does that advance the cause which the proponents purport to stand for? It undermines them. It alienates people, quite rightly, because most Australians are fair. Most Australians want people to just get on and they don't want conflict brought here. People have a right to say their views, but they do not have a right to bring conflict here and to bring violence here from any perspective.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, when we talk about, you know, funding being withdrawn over antisemitism, can we see that happening to art bodies, universities, within the year?

BURKE: These issues get taken into account in different ways already by Creative Australia. And there are different principles that are expected in the cultural policy that already go to some of this, so to say, 'will you see examples of it within a year,' I think you will be able to, if you go back, you'll find - we don't announce the ones we don't fund, if I put it in those terms. But certainly, a very careful lens is put on these things. The concept from this report, though, about making sure that that is clearly articulated to the different decision makers and things like that, is something that's already possible, and something that there are extra actions that can be taken as a result of this report. But I wouldn't like to put a deadline on something where there are examples of where we're already doing it.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, one of your favourite terms last year was social cohesion. We don't hear that much anymore about it. And the Special Envoy for that, Peter Khalil, that position, has been scrapped. Have you solved social cohesion? Is that what we're moving towards now where the focus is solely on antisemitism rather than bringing multicultural communities together? And the second question that I had, comments regarding Marco Rubio's sanctions of Francesca Albanese's scathing report of Israel called 'The Economy of Genocide'. Thoughts on that?

PRIME MINISTER: On social cohesion, I'll make two points. Peter Khalil got a promotion. He's now an Assistant Minister and is a member of the executive. On the social cohesion, Multicultural Affairs is now in the cabinet with Dr Anne Aly, an expert, and someone who has a wide range of experience as someone who's spoken and participated in United Nations bodies, et cetera. Anne Aly - the promotion of multicultural affairs from a junior minister into the Cabinet was a conscious decision by me not to diminish social cohesion, but to raise it.

SEGAL: Can I just add one comment though? Minister Aly is just not here because she's on leave, but she and I have discussed the report. We've gone through it in great detail together, and she is committed to supporting and working on the various issues.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the Jewish community has been experiencing these antisemitic attacks for close to two years now. Why is it that it took another arson attack on the synagogues to adopt some of these?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, it didn't, is the answer to that. It didn't.

SEGAL: No, absolutely. As I said, this report has been in the drafting for about nine months, okay? It's my report. It's taken a lot of time because there have been other things happening like parliamentary inquiries, new legislation has been passed, et cetera. So, this is now bringing it all together. But it's sad that the timing is this. I wish it hadn't been that we had the events in Melbourne, but I think it just felt further illustrates the importance of adopting the report now.

PRIME MINISTER: And to be clear, we talked about it last week. There were - I mean I had a personal - I was at a funeral, speaking, at a friend of mine's funeral yesterday and before then we had Cabinet. We wanted to do it today. We scheduled before the events of last week, to be clear and explicit.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, what are the metrics of success regarding this report? Exactly at what point should it be deemed successful?

PRIME MINISTER: It will be successful when Australia is the sort of country that I want to see each and every day, where students can go to school without any fear, where cultural diversity and expression is flourishing, where people can engage with each other and be enriched by the diversity that is our society. You know, we have a great privilege in this country of being able to - you don't have to leave our shores of our island continent to experience what the world has to offer, to experience different cultures, to respect people's different faiths. It's a strength of us, and where we can once again say to the world that we are a country that is one which is a microcosm for the model that we want to see. There's a lot of trouble in the world and a lot of conflict, some which gets more publicity than others. There's conflict in Africa that is devastating, that doesn't get as much publicity. There is, of course, the Middle East and there's a Russian aggression in Ukraine. You know, this won't be job done. This is a process and it's a process towards the sort of inclusive society that I know most Australians want to see and be driven, regardless of their faith.

SEGAL: No, I agree completely. But we will be doing a report at the end of the first year of the plan, the second year of my position, and then at the third year. So, we will have a series of measures that my office will develop or has half developed already, and they will go to behaviour at universities, how Jewish students feel, the issue at schools, how much education we can roll out, all the areas that we're looking at. We'll try to measure our improvements and report on it.

JOURNALIST: Just a question on trade. Given that Trump intends to put a 200 per cent tariff on pharmaceuticals, which is Australia's third biggest export to the US, is the government now considering using either its planned local content quotas on streaming services or the News Media Bargaining Code as potential bargaining chips to protect pharma exports? And for your trip to China, will pharmaceutical companies be joining the trade delegation as part of that?

PRIME MINISTER: The BCA are organising the trade delegation which will depart - well, I will depart Australia on Saturday. There'll be a range of activities in Shanghai. There'll be businesses travelling from Australia, but also ones that are Australian businesses based in China. There's a very successful Chamber of Commerce, for example, there in Shanghai, and I look forward to the visit. On trade and tariffs, we are continuing to engage in the national interest with the United States, but I've made it very clear that the issues, such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Media Bargaining Code, that's about not a tax, that is about journalists being paid for the work that they do, and our bio laws to protect our agricultural interest, are not on the table for negotiations. They're a part of who Australia is, so we'll continue to engage. We, of course, want to - my government has made considerable effort to make medicines cheaper for Australians and they will be $25, the same price that they were in 2004. That's a good thing. And we've frozen the cost of medicines for people on concessions to $7.70 until the end of the decade. That's a good thing. That's what Australians voted for on the 3rd of May, and they voted for it in substantial numbers. Parliament will resume in about 11 or 12 days' time now, and when people see the House of Representatives, that will be reflected in that. And so, we'll continue to engage constructively. Of course, I've said that for some time now. I'm not going to give a running commentary on the day-to-day issues. What we will do though, is to engage constructively.

JOURNALIST: Just back on antisemitism. I guess my question is how did you get here? We're having Special Envoys to Antisemitism, seeing rising racial vilification, cultural vilification. Do you think we're becoming more intolerant of each other's views as a society? And we're losing the ability to have a debate?

PRIME MINISTER: I think there's a very good question, and thank you for it. Look, I, I think there is an impact of social media where algorithms work to reinforce people's views. We recently had an election on the 3rd May. If you look at the views, there are people who were shocked by the outcome - I wasn't. People who think that everyone agreed with certain perspectives across a range of issues, including on this. I think that the actions of the Greens political party alienated so many people. For example, I know in my own electorate, people coming up to me saying, why is there this blockade on Marrickville Road about the Middle East conflict? How does that work? And the views, I have no doubt of some of the people participating in that, they would have been encouraged and told that everyone is with them, because that's the way the algorithms work. They reinforce views and they push people towards extremes, whether it be extreme left, extreme right. Australians want a country that is in the centre that has different views, that we debate respectfully, and have dialogue respectfully. You know, criticism of Israel is legitimate, as is criticism of the Palestinian Authority and their failure to have democratic elections, and some of the corruption that has occurred. That's not a slight. That's a debate that you're allowed to have, and put forward your views respectfully. And I must say there are a range of people across communities here who were able to have respectful dialogue, and that's a good thing. You know, I think that this is a question that we have. I mean, I, one of the things, the reason why education is important - I have had people say to me that Jewish people came to Israel in 1948, that that's where history began. And, you know, you just sort of go, 'wow'. Same as, I have had people tell me there's no such thing as a Palestinian. Both views are just not comprehensible, frankly. So, we need to, I think, assert, and part of this process is asserting the need for respectful discussion. You know, if, if you go back and look at the motion I went as part of, after I met with Jillian last week, I went and had a look at the motion that was carried in the Parliament unanimously, before various people chose to try to make, from different perspectives, a politicisation of it. I think it stands pretty much the test of time. I'm quite pleased that the Parliament adopted a strong position that was bipartisan, and somehow along the way this should be, and I hope this report is not politicised. I don't want this to be a partisan, I want everyone to say, 'yep, might not agree with absolutely everything in here, but it's something we can work with', something that points a direction. And inevitably, when you have, this is the Special Envoy's report. It's substantial. It's a substantial body of work. But it provides a real basis for going forward, which is why we welcome it. Jillian, thank you.

SEGAL: If I can just comment. I also think it was an excellent question. And when my report speaks of education, and in the discussions I've already had with some departments and with university vice chancellors, is not just about education on the history of the Middle East, or education about antisemitism. It is education, about how to have civil dialogue - and we've lost that. And I think it behoves our educational institutions at school, before people grow up, to have such definitive views shaped by social media, to have a respectful dialogue. So, that is, I think, something our society absolutely needs.

PRIME MINISTER: Thank you very much. I think that's a great one to end on. Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Exclusive: World's first unit to down stealth aircraft praises new missiles from China after deployment

Global Times

Empower Defense

By Hu Yuwei and Fan Wei Published: Jul 10, 2025 09:25 PM

In 1999, during the NATO aggression on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Serbia's 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade, then part of the Yugoslav air defense forces, gained global fame by using a second-generation S-125 missile to shoot down a US F-117A stealth aircraft of NATO - the first recorded instance of a stealth aircraft being downed by an air defense missile. Over two decades later, this well-known Serbian unit has again drawn international attention by showcasing its newly acquired Chinese air defense missile systems, at a time when China's made-for-export equipment such as the J-10CE fighter jet has recently scored outstanding performances in recent foreign combat operations.

What is it like to be equipped with advanced Chinese weaponry? How does Serbia's 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade, which has an outstanding combat record, view China's air defense equipment? In a recent exclusive interview with the Global Times, the Commander of the 2 battalion for Air Defense from 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade LTC Dalibor Aleksic shared the "user experience" of China's air defense weapons from the perspective of actual users.

'A great honor for us'

In April 2022, reports of six Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport planes landed at Belgrade's civilian airport reportedly carrying surface-to-air missile systems for the Serbian military sparked global interest.

China's Foreign Ministry clarified that the delivery was part of "an annually scheduled cooperation project between China and Serbia."

A year later, Serbia's Defense Ministry announced that then defense minister Milos Vucevic and then Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo visited Serbia's 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade, now equipped with China's FK-3 air defense missile system. This public unveiling revived discussions about the brigade's legendary status, with some Chinese netizens hailing it as a "heroic unit."

"I would like to emphasize how pleased I am with the fact that in a great country such as the People's Republic of China, our unit is viewed in a very positive way," Aleksic told the Global Times. "The 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade was awarded the Order of National Hero for its merits and achieved results during the NATO aggression in 1999, which is the highest recognition that a unit can be awarded. This recognition represents a great honor but also an obligation for us, members of the 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade, to contribute with our work and dedication to preserving the reputation that this brigade enjoys, not only in Serbia but also throughout the world."

"During our long and rich history, there have been many moments when the Serbian people have shown their fearlessness and have not bowed down to great powers. The shooting down of a stealth aircraft is just one of many examples of the fearlessness of the Serbian people during their rich war history," Aleksic said.

The US F-117A stealth aircraft was shot down by the Serbian brigade's Soviet-era S-125 missile, a medium-range system developed in the late 1950s to intercept low-to-medium-altitude aircraft using radio command guidance. The downed US F-117A stealth aircraft was the world's first stealth aircraft used in actual combat. The case where the 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade used the old S-125 air defense missile to shoot down the US F-117A stealth aircraft is still regarded as a miracle in the history of human aviation.

Aleksic emphasized that studying and learning the characteristics and tactics of using all types of modern air attack weapons is a constant task for members of the units.

"Before the start of the NATO aggression, members of the 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade had a comprehensive approach to training, qualifying to fight against all possible air attack weapons," said Aleksic. "They, just as we do it today, constantly strived to be highly trained in terms of maximum use of combat capabilities of the S-125 system. Of course, they were familiar with the fact that NATO, in its arsenal, has the most advanced warplane with a minimum radar cross section in the F-117A. In this particular case, their high level of training was only confirmed. The F-117A aircraft for them was just a target in the airspace, like any other target."

"Regardless of a generational gap in weapons and equipment, through a combination of high-level combat training and the application of superior tactical procedures, they achieved something that no one had managed to do before, because the stealth aircraft F-117A was considered invisible and invincible until that moment," said Aleksic.

'Experience from use is very positive'

Since acquiring Chinese systems, Serbia has openly displayed them, with political and military leaders expressing pride in their capabilities. A new acquisition was unveiled for the first time during a military parade in the city of Krusevac on the occasion of the country's largest religious holiday, the Feast of Vidovdan (also known as St. Vitus Day) in June 2024, local media reported.

During the ceremony, then Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic said that they were to display the recently acquired HQ-17AE short-range anti-aircraft defense system from China, adding that this was the first time these systems had been seen by anyone outside of the relevant units. Vucevic also underscored that HQ-17AE systems would provide even better protection to the Serbian airspace and would perfect pair with the country's most powerful air defense weapon, the FK-3.

By late 2024, Serbia's Defense Ministry had highlighted the FK-3 on its website, calling it a "milestone in air defense systems." Captain 1st Class Stefan Manic, the missile battery commander, said, "It is a great honor to be the commander of an air defense missile battery and to work on the most powerful air defense missile system that our country has."

"By arming the Air Force and Air Defense with the new FK-3 air defense missile system, the airspace control and protection system has been significantly improved in the Republic of Serbia," the Serbian Ministry of Defense said in a statement. The statement also noted that the system comprises a command center vehicle, rocket launchers, radars, and logistics support vehicles.

As a "user" of these two types of air defense missile weapon systems, Aleksic emphasized that the experiences from the use of the FK-3 and HQ-17AE air defense systems "are very positive so far," adding that the unit is satisfied with their combat capabilities, performance, reliability, and ease of use and maintenance.

"On this occasion, I would also like to highlight the exceptional cooperation withthe representatives of the manufacturers, who were always ready to meet our needs and further adapt these air defense systems to our needs. The acquisition of these two air defense systems contributed to the further strengthening of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and China," said Aleksic.

According to reports, the FK-3, unveiled at Airshow China 2014 for the first time, is an all-weather, medium-to-long-range air defense system designed for regional and field defense. It can intercept fixed-wing aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, tactical air-to-ground missiles, and armed helicopters, boasting strong anti-jamming capabilities and combat efficiency. With a four-missile canister launcher, it offers 360-degree interception, rapid response, and the ability to engage highly maneuverable targets.

The system is capable of engaging a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles at speeds of 1,000 meters per second, with a range of up to 100 kilometers in distance, 27 kilometers in altitude. The FK-3 protects key infrastructure and territory from aerial threats, reinforcing Serbia's sovereignty, according to the official website of Serbian Defense Ministry.

"The introduction of this FK-3 system into the armament of the Serbian Armed Forces represents an improvement in the air defense system in every sense. The capabilities of protecting the airspace of the Republic of Serbia have been improved by significantly increasing the distance of reliable detection and tracking of targets, the interception zone, the number of available targeting channels, and the probability of destroying targets, among others," Aleksic explained, adding that "a large part of the integration of the FK-3 air defense system into the air defense system of the Republic of Serbia was done even before delivery, and during the final qualitative and quantitative acceptance, the integration was fully implemented. The FK-3 air defense system is fully integrated into the command system, which also ensures the necessary integration with other modern combat assets in the air defense system."

Another Chinese-developed short-range air defense missile weapon system introduced by Serbia, the HQ-17AE, is known as the "low-altitude hunter." The combat vehicle of this weapon system is highly integrated and can operate independently, with the capabilities of target search, tracking, and missile launch while moving. Its combat altitude ranges from 10 meters to 12 kilometers. A single combat vehicle can guide 4 missiles simultaneously to intercept 4 targets, demonstrating excellent missile mobility and strong multi-target engagement capabilities.

"Equipping the Serbian Armed Forces with the FK-3 and HQ-17AE air defense systems primarily improved the efficiency of the organization of the air warning system, which has proven to be one of the decisive factors for achieving success in modern conflicts. It also improved the capability to protect our own forces and all important facilities in the territory against all types of air attack weapons, over a wide range of distances and heights, with operations carried out both statically and while in motion," said Aleksic.

'HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile weapon system fascinates me the most'

Recently, due to the remarkable performance of China's made-for-export J-10CE fighter jets in foreign air combat operations, Chinese weaponry has sparked a "China craze" at major international defense exhibitions. Chinese export-oriented weapon systems, including the J-10CE, FK-3 air defense missile system, and HQ-17AE short-range air defense missile system, have become hot topics in global media due to their superior performance.

In the view of Aleksic, China's military industry is a treasure trove. Apart from the FK-3 and HQ-17AE, there are many other Chinese weapon systems that fascinate him as a weapons expert.

"I follow the new achievements in the development of arms and military equipment in foreign armies, including the arms developed by China, because it is an integral part of my job," Aleksic stated, adding that if he had to specifically mention some of the achievements that left a deep impression on him, they would undoubtedly be the weapon systems within his sphere of interest. "The weapon system that fascinates me the most is the HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile system."

He also highlighted the Chinese fifth-generation J-35A fighters, while noting that China also has a wide range of UAVs, with exceptional performance, of which he is particularly fascinated by the Wing Loong 2 and Wing Loong 3 series of UAVs.

"I would also like to refer to the impressive nuclear arsenal of China where great progress has been made in recent years, especially in the development of ballistic missiles. I would particularly highlight the DF series of missiles that cover all ranges, from short-range to intercontinental ballistic missiles, among which the DF-17, DF-31 and DF-41 stand out with their characteristics. In addition to all of the above, the speed with which China is advancing its space program is also impressive," Aleksic said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hong Kong police arrest four individuals linked to a Taiwan-based group on suspicion of conspiracy to subvert state power

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing Published: Jul 10, 2025 07:59 PM

The Hong Kong Police Force's National Security Department has arrested four males aged between 15 and 47 on suspicion of conspiracy to subvert state power. The suspects are allegedly linked to an organization established in the island of Taiwan and are currently under investigation, according to local media reports.

Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah of the National Security Department said at a press conference on Thursday that the group announced its formation on social media in November last year and began recruiting members, local media RTHK reported.

On February 15 this year, the group held an online press conference from Taipei, where it declared its action plan, proposed a provisional national flag and anthem, and expressed its intention to seek international support and provide military training to Hong Kong residents overseas. Li said that on July 1, the group held an event abroad where participants trampled on the national flag of China and the Hong Kong SAR flag and played "Glory to Hong Kong," a song linked to the anti-government riots in 2019.

The police arrested four individuals on Wednesday on suspicision of conspiracy to subvert state power. Among them are the organization's secretary-general, a council member, and a regular member. Electronic devices seized during searches revealed their activities in Hong Kong, including a proposal seeking US support for Hong Kong political prisoners and flags promoting separatism, Li said.

He also noted that the group primarily operated through social media and encrypted communications, displayingclear signs of coordination and command, including regular meetings and gatherings.

This operation reveals the presence of overseas organizations that continue to disseminate messages endangering national security through social media and even direct their operatives in Hong Kong to carry out subversive acts, Li said. He also expressed concern that the youngest arrestee was only 15 years oldunder 10 during the 2019 unresthighlighting not only the impact of incitement but also the responsibility of parents to monitor their children's associations.

"It is regrettable that young offenders as immature as 15 years old are involved in the subversion case. The suspects should be aware that their group is being accused of a serious criminal offence, but this is not a game," Chu Kar-kin, a veteran commentator based in the HKSAR and member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday.

This suggests the Occupy Central illegal campaign in 2014 and the series of riots in 2019 have had irreversible negative effects on young generations in Hong Kong, Chu noted.

"Now, more active legal education by approved trainers should be conducted in campuses and communities to nurture young people with correct rule of law and moral values. They should know the consequences of committing crimes related to national security," Chu said.

The police's National Security Department remains vigilant toward such covert threats to national security and will take early action to address them. The crimes committed by the four suspects are considered serious, and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment, Li stressed.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China, Egypt should consistently facilitate two-way trade, investment, Chinese premier says

Global Times

By Xinhua Published: Jul 10, 2025 07:35 AM

China and Egypt should consistently facilitate two-way trade and investment, strengthen industrial alignment and market connectivity, and push for a higher level of win-win cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Wednesday.

Li made the remarks when meeting with Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Hanafy Ali Gebaly. Li is on an official visit to the Middle East country at the invitation of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Kamal Madbouly.

Although China and Egypt are geographically distant, the friendship between the two countries has a long-standing history, Li said.

Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, no matter how the international situation changes, China-Egypt traditional friendship remains unchanged, and the momentum of bilateral relations and cooperation continues to grow, demonstrating strong internal dynamism, he said.

China is willing to further promote traditional friendship with Egypt, enhance political mutual trust, firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, and continuously elevate bilateral relations to new heights and achieve more new results in bilateral cooperation, so as to better benefit the people of both countries, Li said.

He also called on both sides to maintain friendly exchanges between legislative bodies, strengthen policy communication and share experiences on state governance, and continuously improve mutual understanding.

Noting that China is willing to enhance development alignment with Egypt, Li said both sides should undertake high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and make use of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to improve bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

The two sides should cooperate in the sustainable operation of bilateral landmark projects, continuously improve the level of two-way trade and investment facilitation, strengthen industrial docking and market connectivity, expand cooperation in emerging fields such as digital economy and green development, and promote a higher level of mutual benefit and win-win results, he said.

China is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with Egypt within mechanisms including the United Nations, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, promote all parties to jointly safeguard the basic norms governing international relations and the multilateral trading system, and inject more positive energy into the cause of global peace and development, Li said.

For his part, Gebaly said that Egypt and China, as two great ancient civilizations, share a long history of exchanges and profound friendship between their peoples.

Egypt admires the remarkable achievements China has made in its economic and social development, and firmly believes that under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China will successfully realize Chinese modernization, bringing new opportunities for cooperation between China and other developing countries, Gebaly said.

The Egyptian side adheres to the one-China principle, respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposes interference in China's internal affairs, he said.

Gebaly said that Egypt stands ready to expand practical cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative framework in areas such as trade, investment and new energy, enhance multilateral coordination, uphold the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and jointly address global challenges.

The Egyptian House of Representatives is committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries, he added.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China voices support for Arab nations' unity, development -- premier

Global Times

By Xinhua Published: Jul 10, 2025 08:47 AM

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Wednesday that China supports Arab countries in strengthening strategic autonomy, enhancing unity and self-reliance, and pursuing development paths suited to their own national conditions.

During his meeting with Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, Li said that China has always viewed and developed its relations with Arab nations from a strategic perspective and firmly supports their just cause.

Noting that China and Arab countries are trustworthy friends and good partners, Li said that at present, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the leaders of Arab countries, China-Arab relations have entered their best period in history.

China is willing to strengthen friendly ties with the AL, enhance strategic mutual trust with Arab countries, deepen cooperation across various fields, work together to advance modernization, and build a higher-level China-Arab community with a shared future, he said.

Li said that China is ready to further align its development strategies with Arab countries and proceed with their high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

He called on the two sides to expand cooperation in energy, economy and trade, investment and financing, as well as aerospace and other fields, and explore cooperation potential in emerging fields such as new energy, artificial intelligence, digital economy and blue economy.

The Chinese side is also ready to work with Arab countries to promote the coordinated development of landmark flagship projects and "small but beautiful" projects to better benefit the people of both sides.

Both sides, Li said, should enhance dialogue among civilizations and people-to-people exchanges, deepen cooperation among youth, think tanks, universities, as well as in culture and tourism, and explore the implementation of more measures to facilitate personnel exchanges, so as to boost people-to-people bonds.

The Chinese side is ready to enhance communication and coordination with Arab countries on platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the World Trade Organization and the Group of 20, demonstrate the common will and speak in a common voice, so as to promote a more just and equitable global governance system, Li said.

Li also expressed his hope that the AL will continue to play an important role in advancing the development of China-Arab relations and jointly ensure the second China-Arab States Summit next year a success.

For his part, Aboul-Gheit said China is a good friend and good partner of Arab countries, adding that Arab-China relations enjoy a good momentum of development and practical cooperation has achieved fruitful results.

He said the Arab side firmly supports the one-China principle, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative and the three global initiatives proposed by President Xi.

Congratulating China on its remarkable development achievements, Aboul-Gheit said the Arab side is grateful for China's support for the economic and social development of Arab states, and stands ready to work with China to deepen political mutual trust, firmly support each other, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in such aras as trade, investment and people-to-people ties under the framework of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

The Arab side stands ready to work with China to continue to implement the outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit and to jointly make the second summit a success, he said.

Aboul-Gheit said the Arab side highly appreciates China's consistent support for Arab states on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with China to jointly safeguard multilateralism and promote world peace and development.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






MOFCOM rebukes EU leader's claims against China

Global Times

Brussels approach undermines mutual trust, cooperation: expert

By Ma Tong and Chen Qingrui Published: Jul 10, 2025 09:17 PM

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday sharply rebuked recent criticisms leveled by European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen against China, calling the EU's allegations on overcapacity, market access and other issues as "unfounded."

He Yongqian, the MOFCOM spokesperson made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to the Global Times' request for comment on von der Leyen's recent speech, in which the EC leader made several accusations against China on issues related to market access, subsidies, government procurement, export controls, and overcapacity.

"In fact, the relevant remarks made by the EU leader do not truly reflect the current state of China-EU economic and trade relations, nor do they reflect the positive progress made in the dialogue and communication between the economic and trade authorities of the two sides," He said.

Speaking of market access, He noted that China has consistently pursued high-level opening-up, completely lifting foreign investment restrictions in the manufacturing sector and proactively expanding imports from the EU through platforms like the China International Import Expo, creating more market opportunities for EU companies.

In contrast, the EU has, in recent years, pursued protectionist measures under the pretext of fair trade, abusing trade remedy tools and exploiting gaps in international trade rules to create unilateral measures that contradict the basic principles of the WTO and the spirit of free trade, the spokesperson noted.

She further pointed to the EU's frequent launch of investigations into Chinese companies over so-called foreign subsidies. "The EU's market openness is regressing, and its business environment is deteriorating," He said.

Addressing the subsidy issue, He pointed out that the EU applies double standards, being "demanding of others while lenient with itself." The EU has historically been a major provider of subsidies, with its subsidies for sectors like aviation and agriculture ruled as non-compliant by the WTO, He said, noting that rather than correcting these practices, the EU has intensified its subsidy programs in recent years.

According to some statistics, between 2021 and 2030, the EU plans to provide more than 1.44 trillion euros ($1.53 trillion) in various subsidies, with member states offering additional subsidies worth hundreds of billions of euros.

On government procurement, He said that the EU's public procurement market is far from the fair and open system it claims to be. "In reality, it is riddled with hidden barriers, and the EU has even introduced policies encouraging the purchase of 'European goods,' which has drawn public criticism from many countries," she stressed.

The EU has also used international procurement instruments to restrict Chinese companies and products from participating in its medical device procurement. "It is precisely in this context that China has had to adopt reciprocal countermeasures to safeguard the legitimate interests of Chinese companies," He noted.

The EC introduced measures on June 20, 2025 that restrict Chinese enterprises and products from participating in the EU's public procurement of medical devices. In response, China on July 6 announced relevant measures against medical devices imported from the EU through government procurement projects in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, according to Xinhua.

Regarding export controls, He emphasized that China's measures are restrained, covering far fewer items than the EU's. "China's export controls on rare-earth-related items are lawful and reasonable. A 'green channel' was specifically established to expedite approvals for European companies, yet instead of appreciating China's efforts, the EU has unfairly criticized China," the spokesperson said.

Even more egregious is the EU's slow and cumbersome approval process for high-tech export controls, which severely undermines the stability of China-EU supply chains, according to He.

On the issue of so-called "overcapacity," He emphasized that measuring overcapacity solely by production or export volumes is flawed. By that logic, Europe's long-standing exports of aircraft and automobiles would also constitute overcapacity, the spokesperson added. He stressed that, from a global and long-term perspective, China's new-energy industry does not face overcapacity but rather a "capacity gap." Thus, the EU's accusations are groundless.

China has been promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries in accordance with market economy principles. Far from disrupting the EU market, China's green products have supported the EU's green transition, benefiting its industries and consumers, He said.

"What is in excess is not China's capacity but likely the EU's excessive anxiety, driven by insufficient R&D investment and declining industrial competitiveness," He stressed.

Cui Hongjian, director and professor of the Center for European Union and Regional Development Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said that the EU is facing severe challenges in multiple areas, which have led to significant internal anxiety.

"Targeting China is an external manifestation of this internal unease. But this will severely undermine mutual trust and the foundation for cooperation, damaging the healthy development of China-EU relations," Cui told the Global Times on Thursday, urging the EU to avoid over-politicizing economic and trade issues, and adopt a constructive attitude to steer China-EU economic and trade relations toward stability and pragmatism.

The MOFCOM spokesperson also urged the EU to view bilateral economic and trade relations without emotion and prejudice, with less accusations and more communication, less protection and more openness, less anxiety and more action, and less accusations and more consultations on all issues.

China is willing to work with the EU to mutually expand two-way market access, strengthen dialogue on government procurement and export controls, deepen supply chain cooperation, promote WTO reforms, and support WTO discussions on industrial subsidy policies, He said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese commerce ministry rejects EU leader's claims against China, urges Brussels to focus less on accusations, more consultations

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 10, 2025 04:02 PM

In responding to a Global Times' request for comment on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent speech accusing China of market access, subsidies, government procurement, export controls, overcapacity and other issues, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said on Thursday that the relevant remarks do not truly reflect the current state of China-EU economic and trade relations, nor do they reflect the positive progress made in the dialogue and communication between the economic and trade authorities of the two sides.

While rejecting the claims about market access, subsidies, government procurement, export controls, and overcapacity issues with detailed responses, He urged the EU to view bilateral economic and trade relations without emotion and prejudice, with less accusations and more communication, less protection and more openness, less anxiety and more action, and less accusations and more consultations on all issues.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Wang Yi Meets with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Viet Nam Bui Thanh Son

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: July 10, 2025 16:20

On July 10, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Viet Nam Bui Thanh Son in Kuala Lumpur.

Wang Yi said that in April this year, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Viet Nam, during which the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries made strategic plans to deepen the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. At present, bilateral cooperation in various fields continues to expand, connectivity development is being advanced across the board, and people-to-people exchanges are delivering numerous highlights. China gives Viet Nam high priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and is ready to work with Viet Nam to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, properly handle differences, and continuously make new progress in the building of the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future.

Wang Yi said that in the face of complex and volatile international and regional situations, China is ready to enhance strategic coordination with Viet Nam on the East Asia cooperation platform. China welcomes Viet Nam to become a BRICS partner country, and supports Viet Nam in joining the big family of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at an early date to jointly uphold true multilateralism and safeguard international fairness and justice. China always opposes economic and trade bullying as well as tariff coercion, and advocates for resolving economic, trade and tariff issues through equal-footed dialogue. China stands ready to work with Viet Nam to jointly uphold multilateral trade rules and systems and safeguard the legitimate interests of all countries through solidarity and self-reliance.

Bui Thanh Son said that the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries successfully achieved mutual visits, providing joint guidance for advancing the building of the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future along the right track. Viet Nam is willing to work with China to follow through on the important common understandings reached between the leaders, make good plans for high-level exchanges in line with the six overarching goals of "stronger political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, more solid popular foundation, closer coordination and collaboration on multilateral affairs, and better management and resolution of differences", give play to the coordinating role of the steering committee for bilateral cooperation, and deepen practical cooperation in such areas as railways, finance, science and technology, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Viet Nam and other ASEAN countries are pleased with the leapfrog development of ASEAN-China cooperation and are willing to work with China to achieve greater development of ASEAN-China relations and work for the early conclusion of consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Viet Nam is willing to maintain close communication with China, safeguard multilateralism and international trade rules, and jointly promote development and prosperity in the region and the world.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Wang Yi on Achievements of China-ASEAN Mutually Beneficial Cooperation

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: July 10, 2025 16:25

On July 10, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi briefed the fruitful achievements of China-ASEAN cooperation on the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

First, the bond of the community with a shared future with neighboring countries has become closer. In April this year, President Xi Jinping paid successful visits to Viet Nam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, elevating the building of bilateral communities with a shared future to a higher level and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation toward greater quality.

Second, the steps of regional opening up and cooperation have become more resolute. Negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area have been fully completed, and a protocol will be signed within the year. The ASEAN-China-GCC Summit has pioneered a new model of cross-regional cooperation.

Third, security cooperation has become more in-depth. All parties have completed the third reading of the draft text of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, effectively managed differences, and maintained overall maritime stability. China has joined hands with Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and other countries to combat transnational crimes such as online gambling and telecommunications fraud.

Fourth, personnel exchanges have become more convenient. The two sides have held over 100 activities in the Year of People-to-People Exchanges for two consecutive years. The "Lancang-Mekong Visas" and the "ASEAN visa" have been officially rolled out, making mutual visits as easy and frequent as family gatherings.

Wang Yi stated that China always regards ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and views its neighborhood as a pilot zone for building a community with a shared future for mankind. China will continue to seek an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, follow the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and share weal and woe with its neighbors. China will work with ASEAN to champion the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness, build a common home that enjoys peace, tranquility, prosperity, beautiful environment and friendship, promote the building of an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and accelerate the revitalization of Asia in the historic trend of the remarkable rise of the Global South.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 10, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: July 10, 2025 18:00

At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Ian Borg, Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, will pay an official visit to China from July 13 to 16.

The Paper: To follow up on Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg's visit to China, how does China view its current relations with Malta? What does China hope to achieve through this visit?

Mao Ning: China and Malta enjoy traditional friendship. Over the past 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have conducted friendly cooperation with mutual respect. Through this visit, China stands ready to work with Malta to further consolidate political mutual trust, discuss how to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, tourism and education, and inject fresh impetus into the sound and steady growth of China-Malta and China-EU relations.

AFP: Ukraine announced yesterday that it had detained two Chinese citizens charged with attempting to smuggle missile technology out of the country. Does China have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: China is verifying the information. If any Chinese citizens are involved, we will safeguard their lawful rights and interests in accordance with law.

Kyodo News: China will mark its National Pavilion Day tomorrow at the Osaka Expo. What's China's expectation? Which Chinese official will lead the delegation to the event at the China Pavilion?

Mao Ning: We attach importance to the Osaka Expo. As I've learned, the China Pavilion is unique in design and quite popular. We hope through the wonderful exhibition and diverse activities of the China Pavilion, people from other countries will gain a better understanding of China.

On the Chinese delegation attending the event at the China Pavilion, details will be released when available. Please stay tuned.

CCTV: We noted that the China International Communications Group announced today the winners of the Orchid Awards, which includes nine foreign friends and the Philadelphia Orchestra from the United States. Could you share more details with us?

Mao Ning: We congratulate the foreign friends and institutions on winning the award. Although they are from different fields and walks of life, they share one thing in commona commitment to cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world and building closer bond between the people.

The Orchid Awards is a vivid practice of implementing the Global Civilization Initiative. China stands ready to continue to work with the international community to enhance mutual understanding through dialogue, bridge differences with communication, promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations to enable each other's success, and build an even better future of human civilizations.

AFP: China announced today that it had cracked three domestic espionage cases. Could you provide more details on that? Which countries are involved?

Mao Ning: I'm not familiar with what you mentioned.

AFP : President Trump announced yesterday that a 50 percent tariff would be imposed on imported copper, citing national security concerns. Does China have any comment on that?

Mao Ning: China's position is very clear. China has all along opposed moves to overstretch the concept of national security, and has always upheld that trade and tariff wars have no winners, and the abuse of tariffs is in no one's interest.

Reuters: Malaysian state media Bernama has reported citing the Malaysian Foreign Minister as saying that China will sign the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty as soon as all documents are ready. The treaty covers Southeast Asian countries, exclusive economic zones and continental shelves. Could we confirm if China has agreed to the treaty and how soon does China expect to sign it?

Mao Ning: As ASEAN's comprehensive strategic partner and friendly neighbor, China firmly supports establishing the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ). We have said more than once that China is ready to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty. Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed that position at the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting this morning. We are in communication with ASEAN countries on this matter.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






DPRK Premier Inspects Various Fields

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, July 10 (KCNA) -- Pak Thae Song, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and premier of the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, inspected various fields.

He visited the construction site of the 10 000 flats at the fourth stage in the Hwasong area and learned about the progress made in the construction according to projects among units. And he stressed the need to ensure the quality and speed of projects by further enhancing the responsibility and role of officials of construction units and supervisory organs and hasten the construction of public buildings and service amenities networks on the ground floors to successfully carry out the project tasks.

Learning about farming at the Rimok Farm in Sinchon County, the township farm in Thaetan County, the Jangsong Farm in Ongjin County, the Pumin Farm in Kangryong County, the Hakchon Farm in Unchon County and other farms in South Hwanghae Province, the premier called for rationally organizing manpower to cope with climate change and increasing the operation rate of farm machines to finish the harvest, transport and threshing of wheat and barley in a short span of time and for pushing ahead with the sowing as scheduled by selecting as after-crops the high-yielding varieties suitable to the characteristics of fields and areas.

He underlined the importance for the farms located in low-elevation areas to properly judge the natural disaster-prone places and take thorough measures for drainage and readjust paddy ridges in a qualitative way in order to prevent damage to crops.

Earlier, at the Songyong Paint Factory and the Unsan Prospecting Machine Factory, the premier referred to the practical issues and ways for further pushing ahead with the improvement of product quality and modernization of production lines by dint of science and technology.

The field consultative meetings held on the spots discussed the issue for the construction units to intensify the drive for saving materials and for the agricultural field to widely generalize the experience gained by the advanced units in farming, the issue of further perfecting the production lines as the energy- and cost-saving ones and the issue for the leading economic officials to put the planning work on a scientific basis of higher level and thoroughly establish discipline in implementing plans and took relevant measures. -0-

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Germany Federal Foreign Office

09.07.2025 - Press release

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul issued the following statement today (10 July 2025) prior to his departure for Vienna:

For us, Austria is far more than a neighbour with which we have bonds thanks to language, history, family ties and friendships. We also have in common a responsibility for a strong and united Europe. A responsibility that is expressed not in large gestures, but in mutual trust. We especially need this trust now, when Putin's brutal attacks on Ukraine are challenging our peaceful future as Europeans and the security of Europe as a whole. That is why we are working together to step up the pressure on Putin and to adopt additional sanctions at EU level.

Austria and Germany also have in common a clear task in the form of a responsibility deriving from our history: the joint fight against antisemitism. We encounter antisemitism every day, whether violently on the streets or loud on the internet. Our task as societies is to stand up every day anew against the hatred, the violence and the prejudice, so that there is no longer any room for antisemitism.

My Austrian counterpart and I will also be meeting the Israeli Foreign Minister in Vienna today. We firmly believe that, for lasting peace, the Palestinians need a future, in the Gaza Strip, in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem - but without Hamas. Never again must a massacre like that of 7 October 2023 be allowed to happen. Hamas must at last lay down its weapons and release all the hostages, so that there can be an end to the dying. German nationals are still being held hostage in the Gaza Strip. We will therefore continue to do everything possible to help mediate a ceasefire. At the same time, Israel must now do everything it can to save hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip from starvation and get supplies to them. That is Israel's duty. The international aid organisations must be given comprehensive access immediately, so that they can get humanitarian assistance to the people.
NATO Secretary General commends Germany's role in the Alliance

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

09 Jul. 2025

Last updated: 10 Jul. 2025

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday (9 July 2025), thanking him for Germany's leading role in the Alliance, and its support to Ukraine.

Mr Rutte commended Germany's resolve, commitment and contributions to our shared security, and its landmark decision to invest significantly more in defence. Highlighting the importance of Germany's defence industrial base, he said, "your world-class industries and entrepreneurs are capable to ramp up production, innovate and deliver".

At a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of Germany's accession to NATO, the Secretary General thanked Germany for its contributions to the Alliance. Speaking in German, and echoing the words of Germany's first Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, Mr Rutte recognised that Germany continues to be an "able and reliable" Ally, ready to take on more responsibility. "When the world becomes more dangerous, and our security is at stake - Germany steps up," Mr Rutte said.

While in Berlin, Mr Rutte also met President of the Bundestag Julia Klockner, Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul, parliamentarians from the Defence Committee, and Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, who hosted the 70th anniversary event at the Ministry of Defence.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






2 Indian Air Force pilots die in jet crash

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:50, July 10, 2025

NEW DELHI, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Two pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) died when the trainer jet they were flying crashed in the country's western state of Rajasthan on Wednesday, confirmed the IAF.

The trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training mission in Rajasthan's Churu district.

"An IAF Jaguar trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported," said the IAF on social media.

A court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident, added the IAF.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Qalibaf hails great command of military after Israeli attack

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 10, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has lauded the swift and wise actions taken by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in the first hours after Israel initiated the recent 12-day war.

Qalibaf made the remarks in a televised interview on Thursday.

The Parliament Speaker said that the Leader managed to replace senior commanders who were killed in a matter of hours and launhing over 150 missiles was done 17 hours after the aggression had begun.

He said 90 million Iranians were united in defending their country surrounding around their Leader.

Qalibaf pointed out that the Iranian Armed Forces dealt a heavy blow to the Zionist regime and took control of the airspace of the occupied lands in the last days of the 12-day war.

The Parliament Speaker, meantime, praised the military commanders appointed by the Leader to fill in for their martyred friends as competent individuals.

"As a result of Iran's operations, in addition to the regime's military centers that were destroyed, the regime's defense systems also failed to take action," Qalibaf said.

2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Pezeshkian: Future cooperation with I.A.E.A. hinges on ending double standards

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 10, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran's continued cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) hinges on the agency ending its double standards in handling the country's nuclear file.

In a phone conversation with the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, on Wednesday night, Pezeshkian said that past cooperation between Iran and the U.N. nuclear watchdog was based on principles and transparency.

The two sides discussed the latest international developments, including the recent 12-day Israeli war on Iran, and prospects for Iran-European Union relations.

Pezeshkian said the Islamic Republic remains committed to constructive engagement, regional peace, and global stability.

He also warned that any further acts of aggression against Iran would be met with an even more decisive response.

The president described the Israeli regime's actions as criminal and destabilizing, and pointed out that Iran came under attack by Israel and the U.S. precisely while pursuing dialogue and diplomacy.

Once met with Iran's firm response, he said, the aggressors were forced to request a ceasefire.

Israel attacked Iran in an unprovoked act of aggression on June 13, assassinating military commanders and nuclear scientists in targeted strikes, and killing civilians in air raids on residential areas. The U.S. also entered the war on its ninth day by bombing three major Iranian nuclear sites. Iran responded powerfully by striking targets in Israel and a U.S. airbase in Qatar.

Responding to Costa's concerns over Iran's reduced cooperation with the agency, Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran's commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and international law.

He pointed out that a recent law passed by Parliament to suspend Iran's cooperation with the agency was a response to the I.A.E.A. chief's biased and unprofessional conduct.

The president added that the agency's failure to remain impartial, its silence on attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, and its inaction in the face of international law violations have undermined its credibility.

Such actions prompted the Parliament to pass the new law, he said. If membership in international organizations like the U.N. nuclear watchdog does not entail balanced benefits, it becomes meaningless, he added.

Costa, for his part, said the E.U. is committed to diplomacy and rejects any double standards by international bodies.

He also condemned Israel's human rights violations in Gaza, offered condolences for the deaths of Iranian civilians in recent Israeli attacks, and emphasized the need to end the war and provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

4354**4353

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Decisive military response forced Israel to seek ceasefire: Defense minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 10, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh says the decisive blow dealt by the Iranian Armed Forces in response to the Israeli aggression last month forced the regime to request a ceasefire.

In separate phone conversations with his Venezuelan and Armenian counterparts on Wednesday, Nasirzadeh expressed appreciation for the firm positions of the leaders and people of both countries in condemning the Israeli regime's assault against Iran.

He said the Armed Forces were fully prepared to deliver a harsh response to any further reckless action by Israel or its Western backers.

The minitser noted that the Israeli attack came during ongoing diplomatic talks with the United States and Europe, describing it as further proof of the collective West's untrustworthiness.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez praised Iran's culture of resistance and said the Iranian nation would not be harmed by the desperate attacks of the Israeli regime.

He said the free nations of the world, particularly in Latin America, stand with Iran in its fight against hegemonic powers.

Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan also condemned the Tel Aviv regime's act of aggression against Iran and expressed confidence that the Islamic Republic would emerge stronger from this event.

Israel attacked Iran in an unprovoked act of aggression on June 13, assassinating military commanders and nuclear scientists in targeted strikes, and killing civilians in air raids on residential areas. The U.S. also entered the war on its ninth day by bombing three major Iranian nuclear sites. Iran responded powerfully by striking targets in Israel and a U.S. airbase in Qatar.

4354**4353

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran's parliament speaker: US must compensate for aggression against Iran

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 10:14 PM

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, asserts that the cessation of Israel's recent military aggression was due to the regime's failures rather than any restraint on its part.

In a live interview addressing the 12-day war by the US-Israeli alliance against Iran, Ghalibaf said that the actual Israeli casualties were significantly higher than official reports suggested.

He referenced scientific models indicating that the reported 3,500 injuries should equate to at least 500 deaths, stating, "3,500 injured should imply at least 500 dead."

Ghalibaf said that Iran contended not just with Israel, but with NATO and Western powers under US command.

He emphasized that Iran's dominance in land and air contributed to the failure of the Zionist regime, declaring, "We have disabled Israel's military and defense centers."

He noted that Iranian missile strikes during the final days of the confrontation were over 90% accurate, effectively incapacitating key Israeli military and air defense systems.

Ghalibaf claimed that Iran had unrestricted access to targets across the occupied territories, which compelled Israel to seek a truce.

He pointed out that the song "Boom Boom Tel Aviv" has become a symbol of Iranian public diplomacy, asserting that having one billion views signifies a victory in the war of narratives.

Ghalibaf also mentioned the support Iran received from both Shia authorities and Sunni scholars, likening it to a renewed tobacco embargo.

Touching on indirect negotiations with the US, Ghalibaf criticized Washington for launching attacks on Iran while talks were ongoing.

He emphasized that if the US is sincere in its diplomatic offers, it must address its aggression and broken promises.

"First, America must explain why it attacked us during negotiations," he questioned. "Two key issues must be clarified in these negotiations: establishing stable security in the region and ensuring Iran's economic interests."

Ghalibaf described the US as a "garbage dump" that undertakes the dirty work of Western powers.

"If America is honest, it must compensate for the damage caused by its recent attacks," he concluded.

On June 13, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists.

On June 22, the United States officially joined Israel's war of aggression against Iran by launching attacks on three nuclear facilities in the country in violation of the United Nations Charter and the NPT.

On June 24, the Israeli regime, isolated and abandoned, declared a unilateral halt to its aggression, announced on its behalf by US President Donald Trump.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






IRGC deals major blows to Israel-linked terrorists in Sistan and Baluchestan, seizes weapons

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 6:49 PM

Amid a major counterterrorism operation in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has struck sharp blows to Israel-linked terrorists.

The IRGC Ground Force's Quds Base said in a statement on Thursday that servicemen with the elite force, in cooperation with local people, managed to seize 13 improvised explosive devices, 11 electric fuses, three remote controls, nine remote circuits, eight wireless devices, three booby traps, 38 meters of explosive wick, 47 kilograms of explosives set in various objects, 800 rounds of ammunition for machine guns and M16 assault rifles, as well as two vehicles from two terrorists' hideouts in the coastal city of Chabahar as well as Nik Shahr city.

The statement added that members of the terror cell had planned to carry out attacks against various business centers, detonate bombs in busy and crowded places, create insecurity, and take revenge on the faithful people of Sistan and Baluchestan province for their support of Iran's Islamic establishment and strong resolve to frustrate sinister Zionist plans.

The development came a day after the IRGC Ground Force neutralized six terrorists in Chabahar city during the ongoing large-scale "Martyrs of Security" drills.

The province of Sistan and Baluchestan, which shares a border with Pakistan, has experienced numerous terrorist attacks aimed at both civilians and security personnel in recent years.

It is believed that terrorist organizations conducting assaults on Iranian interests in the southeastern and southwestern regions of the nation are connected to foreign intelligence agencies.

On October 26 of the previous year, a terrorist attack in the Gohar Kuh district of Taftan County resulted in the deaths of 10 members of Iran's law enforcement forces.

The so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group claimed responsibility for the assault, which was one of the deadliest in the province in recent months.

The group has carried out a multitude of terrorist assaults in Iran, mainly in Sistan and Baluchestan. Its tactics involve the kidnapping of border guards and the targeting of civilians and police stations in the region to provoke chaos and unrest.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran denounces UK intelligence report meant to 'malign national interests'

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 2:48 PM

Iran has categorically rejected a report by the United Kingdom's parliament's intelligence watchdog as "unfounded and politically-motivated," warning that such a "hostile" move reveals a broader attempt of distortion aimed at maligning the Islamic Republic's legitimate regional and national interests.

On Thursday, Britain's Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament (ISC) alleged that Iran has "significantly increased" its threats within the UK, claiming that Iranian spies have been behind at least 15 attempts to kill or kidnap British-based individuals since 2022.

The accusations drew a swift response from the Iranian Embassy in London, which issued a "categorical rejection of the unfounded, politically motivated and hostile allegations" leveled by the ISC against Tehran.

"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran firmly denies all allegations made in these sections and considers them to be baseless, irresponsible, and reflective of a broader pattern of distortion intended to malign Iran's legitimate regional and national interests. These claims not only lack substantive evidence but also contradict the Islamic Republic of Iran's principled commitment to international law, sovereign equality, and peaceful coexistence," the statement stressed.

The embassy also emphasized that not only is the report not grounded in reality and unhelpful in resolving misunderstandings, but it also presents false information to the public and policy-makers, thereby distorting the understanding of the issue and leading to miscalculations.

"The suggestion that Iran engages in or supports acts of physical violence, espionage, or cyber aggression on British soil or against British interests abroad, is wholly rejected. Such accusations are not only defamatory but also dangerous, fueling unnecessary tensions and undermining diplomatic norms," it further emphasized.

Iran's Embassy in London also advised the authors of the report to focus on the real roots of the region's challengesnamely, the grave crimes and illegal aggressions committed by the Israeli regime with the support of its Western alliesinstead of making baseless accusations against Iran.

"When western countries turn a blind eye to all the war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, and aggression which are certainly violations of international law by the Israeli regime, they inevitably have to open their eyes to genuine reactions against the aggressors," it added.

The statement also denounced the continued weaponization of baseless intelligence assessments in an attempt to justify hostile policies, urging the UK to "refrain from further disseminating false information that damages bilateral relations and regional stability."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Pezeshkian: IAEA must drop double standards for Iran to resume cooperation

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 10:43 AM

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran will resume its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if double-standard policies regarding its nuclear program are dropped.

In a phone call on Wednesday, Pezeshkian and European Council President Antonio Costa discussed the latest international developments, particularly the Israeli regime's 12-day imposed war, and the future of relations between Iran and the European Union.

"The resumption of cooperation [with the IAEA] hinges on the correction of the double standards regarding Iran's nuclear case," Pezeshkian said.

He reaffirmed Iran's principled stance on proceeding with the path of constructive interaction and effective dialogue with the world, adding that Tehran is committed to regional and global peace and security.

Pezeshkian emphasized that a parliamentary law on suspension of Iran's cooperation with the UN nuclear agency was a "reaction to the biased and unprofessional" performance of the agency's director general.

The Iranian president warned that the agency's lack of impartiality in its reports, its overlooking of attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, and its silence in the face of violations of international law have undermined the IAEA's credibility.

Late in June, Iran's Constitutional Council approved a parliamentary bill on suspending cooperation with the IAEA after its report against Iran's nuclear program became a lightning rod for the Israeli aggression on the Islamic Republic.

The bill cites the recent violations of Iran's sovereignty and attacks on its territorial integrity in the wake of the US and Israeli aggression against the country's peaceful nuclear facilities and its vital interests, and mandates the government to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA.

The suspension, the bill reads, will remain in effect until full assurances are provided regarding Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly the security of its nuclear sites and scientists, as well as the Islamic Republic's inherent rights under Article 4 of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), including its right to uranium enrichment.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Pezeshkian pointed to Israel's role in disrupting international peace and security and said the regime carried out its acts of aggression against Iran in cooperation with the United States at a time that Tehran and Washington were engaged in indirect nuclear talks.

"When faced with the decisive response of the Islamic Republic of Iran, they were compelled to request a ceasefire. Undoubtedly, the Zionist regime would not have been able to carry out such an action without coordination and permission from the United States," the Iranian president emphasized.

He also warned of Iran's strong response to any possible aggression.

Pezeshkian expressed Iran's readiness to promote relations and resolve mutual issues with the European Union through "constructive and respectful dialogue."

The Israeli regime launched a wave of aggression on Iran's military and civilian infrastructure on June 13 that claimed hundreds of lives, including women and children, as well as a dozen top military brass.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces, led by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), launched a powerful retaliatory campaign, Operation True Promise III, against the Israeli regime by targeting key military, intelligence, industrial, energy, and R&D facilities across the occupied territories.

The United States, which had been in talks with Tehran about its peaceful nuclear program since April, joined the war on June 22 by targeting several key nuclear sites. Iran struck a major US military base in Qatar in retaliation.

The Israeli regime was forced on June 24 to declare a unilateral halt to its aggression, which was announced on its behalf by US President Donald Trump.

The European Council president said the EU insists on diplomacy to resolve the existing issues and seeks improvement of cooperation with Iran.

Costa urged international organizations to avoid double-standard policies and extended the council's condolences over the killing of Iranians in the Israeli strikes.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran Armed Forces ready to give harsh response to any Israeli adventurism: Defense chief

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 7:16 AM

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh says the country's Armed Forces are fully prepared to give a harsh response to any possible adventurism by the criminal Israeli regime and its Western supporters.

Nasirzadeh made the remarks in separate phone calls with his Venezuelan and Armenian counterparts, Vladimir Padrino Lopez and Suren Papikyan, respectively, on Wednesday.

"The Iranian Armed Forces' decisive strike against the Zionist regime's aggression led to [the regime's] request for a ceasefire," he said.

He thanked the firm stance of the Venezuelan and Armenian people and officials in condemning the Israeli regime's acts of aggression against the Islamic Republic last month.

The Iranian defense chief said the Israeli regime carried out its acts of aggression against the country amid the negotiations between Tehran and Washington as well as the European trio of Britain, France, and Germany (E3).

The move once again showed that the US and Western parties cannot be trusted, Nasirzadeh emphasized.

The Israeli regime launched a wave of aggression on Iran's military and civilian infrastructure on June 13 that claimed hundreds of lives, including women and children, as well as a dozen top military brass.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces, led by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), launched a powerful retaliatory campaign, Operation True Promise III, against the Israeli regime by targeting key military, intelligence, industrial, energy, and R&D facilities across the occupied territories.

The United States, which had been in talks with Tehran about its peaceful nuclear program since April, joined the war on June 22 by targeting several key nuclear sites. Iran struck a major US military base in Qatar in retaliation.

The Israeli regime was forced on June 24 to declare a unilateral halt to its aggression, which was announced on its behalf by US President Donald Trump.

The Venezuelan defense minister, for his part, said the Israeli regime and its supporters would not be able to inflict damage on Iran's unwavering culture of resistance.

Lopez added that the Latin American countries would stand by Iran in its battle against global arrogance.

The Armenian defense minister also denounced the Israeli regime's killing of innocent Iranian people and military commanders.

Papikyan said there is currently no room for such actions in the world and expressed confidence that Iran will go through such a difficult situation stronger than before.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






July 9, 2025

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's Meeting With Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Department of Defense Spokesman Sean Parnell provided the following readout:

On July 9, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to honor the historic success of Operation Midnight Hammer and to celebrate Israel's special partnership with the United States. Secretary Hegseth expressed his appreciation for the brave U.S. servicemembers who executed this perfect operation that brought a conclusion to the 12-Day War, delivering on President Trump's vision of Peace Through Strength. The Secretary reiterated that, under the President's leadership, the United States remains committed to supporting Israel and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Secretary Hegseth and Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed hope that Hamas will agree to the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal. The Secretary reaffirmed the importance of the return of all hostages and ending the war in Gaza.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4238823/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PM Netanyahu's statement from Washington DC

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Media Statements

The 37th Government

10.07.2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, from Washington, DC (translated from Hebrew):

"This is the final day of a historic visit that followed a historic victory in the war against Iran. What has been agreed upon between President Trump and me, on issues pertaining to Gaza, the region and even beyond the region, will be discussed at a later time.

I would like to open this day by sending my deepest condolences, on behalf of my wife and me, to the family of the man who was murdered in Gush Etzion. We have tremendous achievements in the fight against terrorism, in Judea and Samaria and in the broader region, but there are also painful tolls. I would like to give, on your behalf as well, a strong embrace from the bottom of the heart to the family of the man who was murdered. May G-d avenge his death.

I met yesterday with the families of the hostages whom I invited, including families of both living hostages and deceased hostages. I invited them here for them to be present at the conclusion of the visit, because that doesn't end the entire affair.

We are determined to bring back everyone, I told them that. I told them we are now attempting to achieve a release of half of the living and deceased hostages, in return for a temporary ceasefire of 60 days. In the beginning of that ceasefire we will enter negotiations on a permanent end to the war, that is, a permanent ceasefire. In order for us to achieve that, this has to be done on the minimal conditions that we've set: Hamas lays down its arms, Gaza is demilitarized, there are no longer any governing or military capabilities of Hamas. These are our fundamental conditions.

If this can be achieved in negotiations  so much the better. If this will not be achieved in negotiations after 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways; by applying the might of our heroic army.

We have said the same thing with regards to Iran and removing the nuclear threat. If this will be achieved in 60 days of negotiations between the US and Iran, so much the better. But if it won't be achieved, it will be achieved another way.

I hear the questions raised by the public, the fighters, the reservists: "why is this taking so much time?" First of all, this is a battleground that no army in the world has ever faced. And thanks to the heroism of our fighters, thanks to the sacrifice of the fallen, thanks to stratagems, we have dismantled most of Hamas's military capabilities. But not all of them, there are still thousands of armed militants. And we wish to act, once again, by combining diplomacy with military force, and using military force if diplomacy doesn't get the job done, in order to complete the mission.

We have had to contend with an American embargo: "do not enter Rafah", "do not conquer the Philadelphi Corridor". Those are not simple matters. We overcame that and now we wish to complete that move. And I would like to remind you: during the past month, the past several months, while we were preparing and eventually carrying out perhaps the most daring military operation in our history  certainly one of the most daring, one that the entire world is dazzled by  at the same time we keep advancing in the Gaza Strip and retrieving deceased hostages. We're doing it in parallel, not pushing it aside even for a moment, and now as well, we're not pushing it aside even for a moment.

We've been told, "you will not return to the war", after the first ceasefire agreement and we did return. We've been told, "you will not resume your fight", after the second ceasefire  and we did. Now they're saying "you will not continue fighting", after the third ceasefire. Do I need to say more?

I believe we have demonstrated our resolve, our might and our commitment to achieving all of our goals. Again, if the demilitarization and the dismantling of Hamas capabilities are achieved, if those things will be achieved by way of negotiations, so much the better. But either way, they will be achieved.

I hear the questions on who will determine the order of hostages' release. First of all, let there be hostages who are being released. But to this day, as I'm saying, we're dealing with a brutal terrorist organization. We of course would like to rescue everyone, and as far as we're concerned, all of the hostages are humanitarian cases. I wish to rescue everyone all at once. Here we are dealing with two stages, but the choice isn't always in our hands. We will do everything to maximize this release in the best way possible, but not everything is up to us"

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Japan-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

July 10, 2025

On July 10 commencing at 11:20 a.m. (0:20 p.m. JST on July 10) for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Malaysia to attend the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meetings, held a Japan-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting with H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. The overview is as follows.

The two foreign ministers confirmed that Japan and China have held discussions on various range of topics since their mutual visits in December last year and March this year toward resolving several specific issues. Despite the remaining unsolved challenges, they shared the intention to advance the Japan-China relations forward by strengthening their communication. Regarding China's export controls on rare earth and related magnets, Minister Iwaya expressed serious concern over the significant impact on Japanese companies and strongly called on China to expedite its approval process for export license applications. In response, Minister Wang Yi stated that normal demand for Japanese companies will be secured as long as they comply with relevant regulations and follow the necessary procedures. Regarding China's import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products, the two foreign ministers confirmed that there has been steady progress in the relevant process, including China's announcement regarding the resumption of imports of Japanese aquatic products. Minster Iwaya called on the Chinese side for the early lifting of the remaining import restrictions on ten-prefecture products. In addition, in order to expedite the process of resuming exports of Japanese beef to China, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on the early entry into force of the Agreement on Cooperation in Animal Health and Quarantine. Minister Iwaya expressed Japan's serious concerns over the deteriorating situation in the seas and airspace around Japan, such as the situation in the East China Sea, including those situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands, citing incidents, for instance the intrusion of a China coast guard vessel's helicopter into Japan's territorial airspace, a Chinese military aircraft's close approach toward a Self-Defense Force aircraft, the expansion of the aircraft carrier's operating range and China's unilateral development of natural resources in the East China Sea, and strongly urged the Chinese side to address these issues. Minister Iwaya pointed out that the cases of Japanese nationals being detained are one of the biggest obstacles to improving people-to-people exchanges and national sentiment between Japan and China and strongly called for the early release of detained Japanese nationals. Minister Iwaya stated that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is important for the international community, including Japan, and China's large-scale military drills around Taiwan is incompatible with this. Minister Iwaya also opposed attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. In addition, Minister Iwaya expressed Japan's serious concern over the situation in the South China Sea. The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue. They also discussed the situation in the Middle East, confirmed the importance of resolving issues through dialogue, and shared the view that Japan and China will continue to make diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Libya: UN urges restraint as military buildup threatens renewed violence in Tripoli

By Vibhu Mishra

9 July 2025 - With Libya once again teetering on the brink of violence, the United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for calm amid rising military tensions in and around the capital, Tripoli.

In a statement late on Wednesday (local time), the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed deep concern over continued reports of armed group mobilisation in densely populated areas, urging all parties to refrain from the use of force and inflammatory rhetoric.

"The Mission strongly urges all parties to avoid any actions or political rhetoric that could trigger escalation or lead to renewed clashes," it said.

UNSMIL stressed that protection of civilian lives and property under international law remains a binding obligation for all political and security actors.

"Those responsible for attacks against civilians will be held accountable," the Mission said.

Pursue dialogue, not violence

The Mission reiterated its support for the implementation of security arrangements developed by the Truce and Security and Military Arrangements Committees, emphasising that "forces recently deployed in Tripoli must withdraw without delay."

It also underscored that dialogue - not violence - remains the only viable path to achieving sustainable peace and stability in Tripoli and across Libya.

The appeal comes amid reports of military movements in the capital and renewed clashes between armed groups, reflecting the persistent volatility that has plagued Libya since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Political stalemate

The country remains divided between rival administrations in the east and west, with unity efforts repeatedly stalled.

A UN-brokered ceasefire signed in 2020 raised hopes for national elections, but progress has been hampered by political deadlock and sporadic outbreaks of violence - particularly in Tripoli.

In May, clashes erupted in several districts of the capital, reportedly triggered by the killing of a prominent militia leader. The fighting, which involved heavy weaponry in densely populated areas, forced hundreds of families to flee and further strained the city's already fragile infrastructure.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Meeting of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi, with First Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

As part of his two-day official visit to the Russian Federation, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi, met with Russian First Deputy Minister of Energy, Pavel Sorokin, in Moscow today.

During the meeting, the SAPM expressed satisfaction at the ongoing energy cooperation between the two countries, while confident of further expansion of ties in this vital sector. Additionally, he thanked First Deputy Minister of Energy for Russia's cooperation in ensuring energy security of Pakistan. Noting the active engagement of governments and private sectors in the field of energy from both sides, the SAPM underlined that energy was one of the key priority areas of cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.

Recalling his successful visit to Pakistan in February this year, during which he had also called on the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pavel Sorokin acknowledged the good cooperation in energy sector between the two countries. He also pointed out potential areas, such as hydropower, LPG and modernization of oil refineries, as suitable for future collaboration. He also stated that Russia was looking forward to working closely with Pakistan in the energy sector, which would be an important element in the agenda for the 10th session of Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, scheduled in Islamabad this year.

The meeting of the SAPM with First Deputy Minister of Energy was most constructive as it enabled the two leaders to look at several areas of mutual interest, with emphasis on energy cooperation between the two countries.

Moscow

July 10, 2025

204/2025

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Meeting of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi, with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

A high-powered delegation led by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi, as well as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, who is also the focal point for the Pakistan Steel Mills project, called on Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk in Moscow today.

At the outset, SAPM Fatemi conveyed greetings and good wishes of Pakistan's leadership to Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk and to the Russian leadership. The SAPM stressed that goodwill at the leadership level was ensuring positive momentum in bilateral ties between the two countries. The two sides also reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest, including political, trade and economic cooperation, as well as energy, connectivity, industrial and agricultural cooperation.

Furthermore, SAPM Fatemi underlined that Pakistan attached high importance to its relations with the Russian Federation, adding that strengthening relations with the latter was one of Pakistan's foreign policy priorities. He affirmed that Pakistan viewed Russia as a stabilizing factor in the international arena.

Furthermore, during the discussion, SAPM Haroon Akhtar conveyed that Pakistan attached high importance to ongoing discussions on the new Steel Mills in Karachi, as the project carried an important legacy of Pakistan's relations with Russia, that could serve as a "leap forward" symbol of future cooperation and partnership. The SAPM gave an overview of the investment-friendly industrial policy of Pakistan, that had ensured macro-economic stability, achieved under the present Government.

During the meeting, DPM Overchuk who was assisted by key Ministers, recalled his visit to Pakistan in September 2024 and his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the sidelines of the SCO-Heads of Government in Islamabad in October 2024. Characterizing Pakistan and Russia as "natural allies", he stressed that President Putin considered Pakistan as an important partner in the growth and development of economy and energy in the region. He also highlighted the significance of important connectivity projects between two countries, such as the railway connectivity between Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Russia, and the launching of pilot cargo train between Pakistan and Russia in August 2025.

The two sides also touched upon regional and international issues, such as the situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East, as well as the bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Russia at all multilateral forums.

The visit of the two SAPMs was deeply appreciated by the Deputy Prime Minister, who emphasized that President Putin was strongly in favor of further deepening of cooperation with Pakistan in all important sectors. The Deputy Prime Minister also shared that President Putin was greatly looking forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the forthcoming SCO-Council of Heads of State in Tianjin, China, in late August this year.

Moscow

July 10, 2025

203/2025

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), chaired the 271st Corps Commanders' Conference (CCC) at the General Headquarters (GHQ).

Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan

Rawalpindi - July 10, 2025

No PR-215/2025-ISPR

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), chaired the 271st Corps Commanders' Conference (CCC) at the General Headquarters (GHQ).

Forum offered Fateha for the martyrs of recent terrorist attacks by Indian sponsored proxies. Taking stock of recent successes against terrorist proxies, Forum resolved that blood of our Shuhada will not go waste and the safety and security of people of Pakistan remain top most priority for the Armed Forces of Pakistan. Forum strongly asserted that it is imperative to take decisive and holistic actions at all levels against the Indian backed and sponsored proxies. Following its manifest defeat in direct aggression against Pakistan, post Pahalgam incident, India is now doubling down to further its nefarious agenda through its proxies of Fitna Al Khawarij and Fitna Al Hindustan.

The COAS shared details of Pakistan's proactive and successful diplomatic manoeuvre, including recent visits to Iran, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, KSA and UAE, where the COAS accompanied the honorable Prime Minister. Forum was also briefed on the historic and unique visit of the COAS to US, where meetings with top-tier leadership, afforded an opportunity to share, first hand, Pakistan's objective perspective on bilateral, regional and extra-regional developments.

The Forum conducted a holistic review of the prevailing internal and external security dynamics, with particular emphasis on the recent developments in Middle East and Iran and growing propensity for 'use of force' as a preferred policy tool, which warrants persistent development of self-reliant capabilities as well as national unity and resolve.

Taking note of Indian Army's baseless insinuations to offset its comprehensive defeat, COAS stated, "Invoking third parties in what is unmistakably a bilateral military confrontation reflects a disingenuous attempt at bloc politics aimed at falsely projecting India's self-assigned role as a net security provider to accrue benefits in a region that is visibly growing disillusioned with Indian hegemonic ambitions and Hindutva driven extremism".

The Forum was briefed on Pakistan's Army's ongoing drive with quick adaptation towards evolving threat spectrum and changing character of war. The COAS also appreciated the leadership of Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force for further strengthening tri-services synergy.

In his concluding remarks, the Army Chief expressed full confidence in the operational readiness of Pakistan Army against complete threat spectrum.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia to Consider UK-France Nuclear Deal in Military Strategy

Sputnik News

20250710

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will take onto account in its military planning the UK-France nuclear cooperation agreement, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday.

On Wednesday the UK government said that France and the UK would sign a declaration stating that the two countries' nuclear deterrents could be "coordinated" while remaining independent.

"All this fits into the general anti-Russian outline of NATO policy, so now, when this kind of interaction is being formalized and put on a stable solid basis, we will take this matter into account not only politically, but also in our military planning," Ryabkov told reporters.

In recent years, Russia has noted unprecedented NATO activity on its western borders, the official said.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Syria's prominent Shia cleric shot dead near Homs amid growing HTS-led violence

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 10 July 2025 6:51 PM

An influential Shia cleric has been shot dead in central Syria, raising concerns about growing sectarian violence under the controversial rule of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group over the Arab country.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based so-called monitor, reported on Thursday that Sheikh Rasoul Shahoud's bullet-riddled body was found on Wednesday near Homs.

Armed assailants directly fired on him while he was in his car, near a security checkpoint between the outskirts of Homs and the village of Al-Mazraa, the report said

The village of Al-Mazraa, Shahoud's hometown, witnessed a wave of fury and anger as residents held a protest on Wednesday evening condemning the killing.

There are allegations of an attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding the assassination.

The Islamic scholarly council representing Syria's Shia community denounced his "assassination" as a "flagrant attack on the voice of moderation and unity, and a desperate attempt to sow discord".

The statement urged authorities to "shed light on the circumstances of this heinous crime" and to "prosecute its perpetrators and instigators so that they are punished".

Shahud's killing comes after other recent incidents of violence targeting religious minorities, including massacres of Alawites along the country's coast, clashes with the Druze community in the south and a bombing at an Orthodox church in Damascus.

The assassination has raised concerns for the safety of religious and ethnic minorities in the country.

According to several reports, Syrian forces, dominated by the HTS and other militant groups, have continued to carry out sectarian killings, kidnappings, and persecution across Syria, targeting Alawites and other minorities.

The HTS militant group seized control of Damascus on December 8, 2024, culminating a swift offensive that had begun in the northwestern province of Aleppo just two weeks earlier and ultimately brought an end to President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule.

The HTS administration has since been involved in flagrant violations of human rights in Syria, particularly against minorities, drawing widespread condemnations from the international community.

A series of violent clashes also between HTS gunmen and members of a Druze community in Syria earlier left dozens of people dead and raised fears of deadly sectarian violence.

The Druze minority had a history of supporting the Assad government and standing against Israeli occupation and expansionist policies, including in the occupied Golan Heights.

The UK and EU states have been gradually lifting Syria sanctions since the start of this year.

US President Donald Trump recently announced a decision to lift all sanctions against the administration of Syria's self-proclaimed president, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, in exchange for normalizing ties with Israel.

Jolani has assured the US-led Western countries that Syria will "normalize relations" with Israel, recognize the regime, and exchange ambassadors by the end of 2026.

The HTS-led regime will reportedly hand over the occupied Golan Heights to Israel as part of a looming normalization deal with the illegal entity.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






NATO chief sounds alarm over China's ambition of taking Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

07/10/2025 05:33 PM

Taipei, July 10 (CNA) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a stark warning over China's military buildup and its ambitions toward Taiwan, calling the growing alignment between Beijing, Moscow and other authoritarian regimes a serious threat to global stability.

China is rapidly building up its armed forces, has more naval ships than the United States and 1,000 nuclear warheads, Rutte said during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday.

Citing NATO intelligence, Rutte warned that China is increasingly preparing to pursue its ambition to take over Taiwan and would likely do so in coordination with Russia.

Rutte, who served as Dutch prime minister from 2010-2024, made a similar warning in a recent interview with the New York Times, saying Beijing could attempt to seize Taiwan while urging Moscow to launch a parallel attack on NATO territory.

This shows how increasingly interconnected the Transatlantic and the Indo-Pacific regions are, the NATO chief said in the German capital, while also pointing to North Korea's involvement and China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

His remarks came as NATO members agreed weeks ago to increase their annual defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035 in response to "profound security threats and challenges," highlighting the threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security.

In response, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a brief statement on Thursday that it welcomed the NATO chief's comments, adding that it would continue working with partners such as the G7 and NATO to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Taiwan Strait.

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/AW

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Army drill simulates Chinese airborne assault on Taoyuan Airport

ROC Central News Agency

07/10/2025 04:16 PM

Taoyuan, July 10 (CNA) Taiwan's Army conducted a drill Thursday that simulated a response to potential Chinese operations aimed at seizing control of Taoyuan International Airport.

The Army's 269th Mechanized Infantry Brigade was mobilized for the drill to protect Taiwan's primary international gateway in Taoyuan's Dayuan District, which was part of the ongoing Han Kuang military exercises that end on July 18.

The Ministry of National Defense said the exercise was aimed at simulating a response against a Chinese airborne or helicopter assault on the airport.

Three CM11 tanks and three CM22 mortar carriers were deployed near a temple in the district for the drill. Troops simulated firing mortars from the CM22 vehicles, whose range covered the airport and the shore of Dayuan.

The CM11 tank crews practiced engagement procedures and maintained vigilance, with their turrets regularly scanning for possible enemy threats.

Including command and logistical vehicles directly supporting the CM11 and CM22 vehicles on the battle line, the size of forces deployed along the battle line was roughly equivalent to two platoons.

Other vehicles supporting the deployments nearby included M978 heavy fuel tankers, light and medium tactical vehicles, and Humvees, ensuring robust logistical support.

During the drill, some soldiers also operated Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) devices that resembled smartphones. The ATAK system helps to establish a common operational picture that enables shared battlefield awareness and real-time updates on enemy movements and friendly unit locations.

Military personnel with knowledge of the matter said the drill placed emphasis on familiarizing troops with the local environment and improving coordination and engagement protocols between platoons once in tactical positions.

(By Wu Su-wei and Sean Lin)

Enditem/ASG

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Key Taipei-New Taipei bridge to close briefly for Han Kuang drills

ROC Central News Agency

07/10/2025 03:18 PM

Taipei, July 10 (CNA) A key bridge linking Taipei and New Taipei will be temporarily closed next week for a military drill simulating efforts to prevent enemy forces from advancing into the capital, a source told CNA Wednesday as part of the ongoing Han Kuang exercises.

The Wanban Bridge (), connecting New Taipei's Banqiao District with Taipei's Wanhua District, will be fully closed to traffic from late July 14 to early July 15 for the first time during the live-fire portion of the Han Kuang exercises, the source said.

Military and police will use roadblocks to set up spot-check sites, simulating efforts to prevent enemy forces from nearby New Taipei City from advancing into Taipei, home to the Presidential Office Building, Taipei Main Station and other key locations, the source said.

Similar bridge-defense drills have been conducted in previous Han Kuang exercises, but this year marks the first time a bridge connecting the two northern cities will be fully closed to traffic. Previously, some traffic was still allowed during these drills.

For the first time, military engineering troops will use HESCO bastions -- modern, collapsible barriers made of wire mesh and fabric -- during the exercise. Originally designed for flood control and military fortifications, these barriers speed up the construction of temporary defenses and were used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

More details on the full closure of Wanban Bridge for the drill will be announced soon by the Taipei City Police Department, the source added.

Taiwan's longest-ever live-fire phase of the annual Han Kuang military exercises officially began Wednesday, with a special focus on countering China's "gray zone" tactics.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, the 10-day, nine-night Han Kuang exercises running through July 18 are twice as long as previous live-fire drills, which typically lasted five days and four nights.

Since 1984, the annual Han Kuang exercises have served as Taiwan's major war games, combining live-fire drills and computerized tabletop simulations to test combat readiness against a possible Chinese invasion.

This year's tabletop war games were conducted from April 5 to April 18.

(By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/kb

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taiwan conducts M1A2T tank live-fire drill

ROC Central News Agency

07/10/2025 11:59 AM

Taipei, July 10 (CNA) The military conducted a live-fire drill Thursday in Hsinchu County involving a platoon of M1A2T tanks Taiwan purchased from the United States.

President Lai Ching-te () visited the Kengzikou Range in Hsinchu County to monitor the exercise, part of the ongoing Han Kuang military drills.

The four tanks deployed in the exercise practiced firing individually, in pairs and as a full platoon.

They also practiced firing at both stationary and moving targets, both from a stationary position and while on the move.

Following the drill, the Army said the tanks achieved perfect firing accuracy.

Taiwan has allocated about NT$40.5 billion (US$1.45 billion) from 2019 to 2027 to purchase 108 M1A2T tanks from the U.S., that are expected to join the Sixth Army Corps defending northern Taiwan.

Of these, 38 were delivered in December 2024, with training underway since February. The remaining 70 tanks are scheduled for delivery later this year (42) and in 2026 (28).

In 2019, the U.S. Department of State approved the sale of 108 M1A2T tanks and related equipment to Taiwan.

The tanks are equipped with 120-millimeter smoothbore guns capable of penetrating 850 mm of homogeneous steel at specific ranges.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/kb

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taiwan's military exercise will only jeopardize well-being of its residents: mainland spokesperson

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:09, July 10, 2025

BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday spoke out against Taiwan's recent military exercise, noting that it would only further undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and jeopardize the safety and well-being of the people of Taiwan.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media query on the exercise, which began on Wednesday involving more participants and will last longer than previous exercises.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have stubbornly clung to their "Taiwan independence" separatist stance and repeatedly squandered public resources, recklessly tying the people of Taiwan to the "'Taiwan independence' war chariot," Chen said.

Regardless of how many "drills" the DPP authorities carry out, they cannot alter the inevitable failure of "Taiwan independence," nor can they stand in the way of the historical trend of national reunification, the spokesperson said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/07/10

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Jul. 9 (Wed.) to 6 a.m. Jul. 10 (Thu.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

12 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 10 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1140710_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window]

1140710_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship

A new 'Entente Industrielle' will support thousands of UK jobs across projects including air-to air missiles.

From: Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, The Rt Hon John Healey MP and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 9 July 2025

Britain and France are to order more highly lethal Storm Shadow cruise missiles, while stepping up work on its replacement as part of a new refreshed agreement signed today (Thursday 10 July).

The new agreement will see the UK and France commit to launch the next phase of their joint project for both deep strike and anti-ship missiles - a step closer to selecting a final design for Storm Shadow's replacement.

The joint development effort will sustain 1,300 highly skilled jobs across the UK, boosting the economy in line with the Government's Plan for Change. Upgrading the existing Storm Shadow production lines will support more than 300 jobs at manufacturer MBDA.

The Prime Minister and President Emmanuel Macron will also today agree to deepen their nuclear cooperation and work more closely than ever before on nuclear deterrence.

In an important step forward for the UK-France nuclear partnership - a newly signed declaration will state for the first time that the respective deterrents of both countries are independent but can be co-ordinated, and that there is no extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response by both nations.

As such, any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both nations. Co-operation between both countries on nuclear research will also deepen, while working together to uphold the international non-proliferation architecture.

The UK and France are Europe's only nuclear powers, with deterrents that contribute significantly to the overall security of NATO and the Euro-Atlantic.

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

From war in Europe, to new nuclear risks and daily cyber-attacks - the threats we face are multiplying. As close partners and NATO allies, the UK and France have a deep history of defence collaboration and today's agreements take our partnership to the next level. We stand ready to use our shared might to advance our joint capabilities - equipping us for the decades to come while supporting thousands of UK jobs and keeping our people safe.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

The UK and France are stepping up together to meet today's threats and tomorrow's challenges. We are committed to driving defence as an engine for growth, delivering better fighting capabilities faster, and ensuring our armed forces can operate side by side - from the High North to the Black Sea. This partnership strengthens our leadership in Europe, ensures continued support for Ukraine, and sends a clear signal to our adversaries that we stand stronger, together.

By deepening defence industrial cooperation with France, it will boost the UK's own national resilience, ability to deter against attacks, and defend against threats, reinforcing the contribution to NATO.

The new partnerships will be developed under the refreshed Lancaster House agreement through a new 'Entente Industrielle' making defence an engine for growth.

These partnerships include:

Agreeing to build the next generation of deep strike, anti-ship missiles, replacing the lethally effective Storm Shadow. This new joint effort will sustain 1,300 high skilled jobs in the UK, boosting the UK economy in line with the Government's Plan for Change

Upgrading the existing Storm Shadow cruise missile production lines in Stevenage to bolster national stockpiles, supporting more than 300 jobs within MBDA and the wider supply chain and making defence investment an engine for growth

Jointly developing the next generation of beyond visual range air-to-air missiles for the Royal Air Force's fighter jets

Starting work on new advanced weapons to give an advantage against adversaries. This will include a new partnership to develop high-tech radiofrequency weapons such as microwave weapons and jammers that could be used to shoot down threats like drones and missiles

The UK and France will also look to harness the power of AI to make their missiles and drones more lethal, by developing algorithms for synchronised strikes

Under an ambitious new package of defence cooperation under the Lancaster House 2.0 declaration, both countries' militaries will work closer together than ever before. Recognising the increased threat to European security, the UK and France will expand its jointly deployable force, refocusing it on defending Europe, moving to warfighting readiness to deter, and countering any adversaries.

The Combined Joint Force will be able to command a Combined UK/French Corps for the first time - the highest scale of deployed ground forces from a command perspective - made up of thousands of troops and working side-by-side with NATO allies.

For the first time it will also integrate space and cyber to counter new threats, boosting the abilities of the UK and France's joint forces to quickly respond to developments on the battlefield through increased awareness and responsiveness supported by data from beyond just the ground, sea, and air.

The Combined Joint Force is a crucial step forward in the UK and France stepping up their leadership within NATO, setting a clear path to meet the Government's Strategic Defence Review commitment of NATO's strategic Reserve Corp and stepping up on European security.

The UK and France will reaffirm their joint leadership of the Coalition of the Willing - a group of over 30 nations working together to coordinate military support for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. The CJF structures provide the bedrock for the coalition, enabling allies to operate under UK-French leadership.

This will include cooperating further on an integrated missile system to defend Europe. The UK-led DIAMOND initiative will improve NATO's integrated air and missile defence by ensuring that the different air defence systems across the Alliance operate better and more jointly across the alliance.

These new agreements will continue to build on the Government's first priority of keeping the country safe, which is a foundation of the Plan for Change.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Lancaster House 2.0: Declaration on Modernising UK-French Defence and Security Cooperation

Declaration on Modernising UK-French Defence and Security Cooperation.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street

Published 10 July 2025

The UK and France, as Europe's only nuclear powers and leading militaries, share a unique responsibility for European and international defence and security. Our two nations represent nearly 40% of the defence budget of European Allies, and more than 50% of European spending on research and technology.

Since the Chequers Declaration in 1995, successive generations of leaders have recognised the intertwined nature of our vital interests, affirming that a threat to one would represent a threat against the other. In 2010, through the Lancaster House Treaties, our nations formalised this shared cooperation to address the challenges of that era: expeditionary warfare and counterterrorism.

Fifteen years later, the threats we face have changed fundamentally with state-on-state conflict rising globally and, since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the return of full-scale war to Europe. We have a shared responsibility to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security and recall, in this regard, the critical deterrence that NATO provides. We reaffirm the importance of intensifying our efforts in support of NATO and acting jointly within it. We also recognise the value of a stronger and more capable European defence that contributes positively to transatlantic and global security and is complementary to, and interoperable with, NATO. In this regard, we underline that the European Union remains a unique and essential partner for NATO. We also welcome the progress we have made on the UK-EU Security Defence Partnership in bringing together our shared interests in protecting the continent.

The UK and France share the same understanding of the threats we face. The return of conventional warfighting at scale in Europe and beyond, strategic competition on the global stage, combined with hostile state activity, rapid expansion in hybrid warfare and disinformation, create a febrile and dangerous international order. States are increasingly using hybrid tactics against us, either directly or using proxies, to undermine our national security and our democracies.

The UK and France are willing and able to act together, decisively, to protect our shared interests, allies, partners in Europe and beyond, values and, fundamentally, our democratic way of life. We must be ready and willing to oppose our adversaries across the full spectrum of national security, requiring a new, whole of society and government approach. We are resolved to deepen and expand our partnership to jointly deter and respond to the heightened challenge these evolving threats pose including cyber, sabotage, espionage, malign use of artificial intelligence and foreign information manipulation and interference. This can only be achieved by the further integration of our Military, National Security, Diplomatic, Intelligence and Economic levers.

It is in this context that we, as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and President of the French Republic, have decided to reboot, modernise and build upon our bilateral defence and security relationship, including under the Lancaster House Treaties, in order to effect a generational shift in both our bilateral cooperation and our joint contribution to the defence of Europe, its citizens and of its interests. Today, we have declared our intent to carry out a series of ambitious projects and new areas of collaboration that will underpin our defence and security relationship for the next fifteen years and beyond.

1. Deepening our longstanding and resolute commitment to cooperation between our independent nuclear deterrents by:

a. Setting out our contribution to the defence of European partners and NATO Allies, and stating that whilst our nuclear forces are independent, they can be coordinated, as set out in the Northwood Declaration;

b. Enhancing mutual understanding of respective nuclear deterrence policies, doctrine and plans, and strengthening our ability to make coordinated decisions in peace time and in crisis;

c. Expanding cooperation on nuclear research (as initiated since 2010) including by making greater use of the facilities in each other's countries;

d. Coordinating more closely to uphold and reinforce the international non-proliferation architecture; and

e. Establishing a UK-France Nuclear Steering Group to provide political direction for this cooperation, led by the Presidency of the French Republic and the Cabinet Office to coordinate across policy, capability and operations.

2. Launch the Combined Joint Force - overhauling the existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force to refocus it on the Euro-Atlantic and warfighting at scale to deter, placing it on an operational footing for the first time by endeavouring to:

a. Significantly increase the declared Combined Joint Force (CJF) capacity, up to fivefold, ensuring the ability to plan and command Combined Corps Capability (the highest level of fielded forces in our armies). This Corp can provide the Land component of a broader joint force combining all military functions, as part of NATO or bilaterally. The CJF will facilitate the deployment of a force fully interoperable with NATO and available as the Alliance's Strategic Reserve; this is a critical step towards the UK and France providing two fully interoperable Strategic Reserve Corps to NATO, enabled by the CJF.

b. Adopt new missions, enabling the CJF to conduct activity in the Euro-Atlantic to deter our adversaries and reassure our Allies and partners, while also being prepared to compete with our adversaries further afield if needed.

c. Establish a mechanism to share, coordinate and synchronise military activity and the deployment of UK and French forces globally, ensuring we are providing the most effective deterrence posture.

d. Establish a dedicated cell to operationalise the CJF, overseeing military strategic coordination and planning through to operational coordination.

e. Maintain the ability for the CJF to integrate additional allies and partners under UK-French leadership and to ensure the CJF is complementary to NATO.

f. Use the CJF structures to underpin the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine. The force will provide the joint planning framework to cohere the Coalition, ensure joint operational and strategic messaging. It will provide Coalition leadership and command and control for the planning and operational deployment of the Coalition covering all five domains, preparing for the operational deployment of the CJF in the event of a ceasefire - which can be supported by allies.

3. Embark upon an 'Entente Industrielle' to enhance capability and industrial co-operation, bringing our defence industries and militaries closer than ever before to strengthen NATO, by endeavouring to:

a. Launch the development phase of the Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme to provide the next generation of long-range, highly survivable Deep Strike Missiles.

b. Jointly develop the next generation of beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles for our fighter jets, while also extending the Meteor capability, launching a joint study with industry to inform our future development of its successor.

c. Acquire new SCALP & Storm Shadow missiles, following their successful use by Ukraine, upgrading UK and French production lines to bolster national stockpiles to deter our adversaries.

d. Establish a new, joint Complex Weapons Portfolio Office, embedded with OCCAR, through which we will deliver our joint projects within OCCAR, starting with SCALP & Storm Shadow acquisition and also working closely with MBDA to identify the opportunities from our investments and to reduce duplication, working closely with MBDA, starting with studies on Air Dominance and Cooperative Strike future capabilities.

e. Focus greater efforts on integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) in our capability relationship, including (but not limited to) C-UAS and counter-hypersonic capabilities, drawing especially from the Aster family increments, including potentially SAMP/T NG and CAMM.

f. Continue to work closely on current and future long range strike capabilities through the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA initiative). Along with our ELSA allies (amongst them Germany), we will remain open to expanding this cooperation to extended-range deep strike capability should military requirements and industrial capacity align. We will be carefully examining, with our defence industries, the capability opportunities this presents.

g Develop a Directed Energy Weapons partnership, sharing information, collaborating on research and projects of shared interest, and exploring industry collaboration on radiofrequency weapons.

h. Collaborate on developing algorithms for synchronised missile and drone strikes using artificial intelligence and machine learning, to build our future interoperability.

i. Explore a combat air interoperability roadmap, including potential collaboration on armaments, to support the connectivity and interoperability of our current and future combat air forces and their contribution to European and NATO air superiority.

j. Commit to align standards for weapons safety and testing, to bring operational benefits and save time and money in our joint programmes.

k. Work closely together on wider export campaigns for UK-French capabilities and establishing a new joint team, with an initial focus on supporting the export of A400M (including through the set up of a NATO High Visibility Project) and identifying further concrete areas for joint export promotion.

l. Recognising the importance of improving European defence industrial resilience, the UK and France will enhance reciprocal market access in defence and security.

4. Develop new cooperation in every domain to enhance military interoperability and support NATO, driven by annual meetings of our Joint Chiefs. This will include:

a. Developing a new Bilateral Vision Statement between the armies and committing to enduring support to NATO through the CJF. This represents operational interoperability at the highest level of fielded forces in our armies, enhancing British and French joint commitments and opportunities offered through the Forward Land Forces in Estonia.

b. Driving naval interoperability in support of warfighting, notably on information, data and communications, leveraging the opportunities of next generation digital architectures, deepening cooperation on maritime air defence, and continuing to coordinate Carrier Strike Group activity. Additionally, expanding cooperation on global maritime domain awareness to better deter maritime hybrid threats, including to critical undersea infrastructure and sanctions circumvention by the Russian Shadow Fleet, with an initial focus on the Channel and the Atlantic. Finally, facilitating mutual access support facilities for naval aircraft and warships.

c. Increasing the complexity of combined Air Defence exercises, cooperating on responses to High-Altitude threats, enhancing cooperation in the development of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities, particularly in the integration of Command And Control (C2) systems. Pursuing a joint ambition to develop the A400M into a multi-mission platform, incorporating C2, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and potential strike capabilities. Aiming to synchronise fast jet pilot training to enhance interoperability and efficiency.

d. Enabling interoperability across the space domain, including satellite communications capabilities, developing cooperation and potential joint capability in space control, space-based ISR systems, and Low Earth Orbit satellites. We will jointly spearhead closer operational space coordination and deliver space support to bolster Euro-Atlantic security operations.

e. Sharing best practice in Cyber, with the UK providing support to the French establishment of a Cyber Training Academy, and France supporting the establishment of the UK's new Cyber & Electromagnetic Command. Jointly galvanising wider NATO Cyber exercise activity, whilst fusing UK-French operational cooperation to act amongst Allies as European leaders in the domain.

5. Reinforce the UK-France integrated defence and security partnership to deter and respond to the full spectrum of threats, by endeavouring to:

a. Work together to make the fullest possible use of the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership. Noting the shared UK and EU commitment to explore possible mutual involvement in respective defence initiatives, including within the Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument, in accordance with the respective legal frameworks, the UK and France will explore possibilities for mutually beneficial enhanced cooperation.

b. Strengthen our defence and security policy coordination and cooperation on key areas for Euro-Atlantic security (Ukraine, NATO, the future of Euro-Atlantic security) and reasserting the unique contribution of our bilateral partnership to European and global security.

c. Exploit areas of policy dialogue and cooperation in countering hybrid threats, Space, Cyber and AI - including through fostering links between national agencies, exchanging doctrines and responsible practices.

d. Launch a new Global Maritime Security Dialogue to cohere our strategic approaches to deterring threats to our shared maritime interests.

e. Establishing a dialogue on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief to build on our existing frameworks and scope future mutual assistance arrangements.

f. Coordinate and align resources to enhance regional resilience, including on maritime security, in the Indo-Pacific in the medium-term and, in accordance with our respective international obligations, provide for reciprocal base access to facilities, including Reunion Island, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

g. Bring together our intelligence, law enforcement and policy expertise across the overt and covert environments to deter, counter and respond to the full range of hybrid threats including physical threats to people, sabotage and foreign interference, including Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), cyber and espionage. Jointly pursuing attributions and coordinating on sanctions, as well as exploring how we can further lead joint operational efforts to combat the hybrid threats. We will continue our cooperation in NATO, G7 and other multilateral forums.

h. Further strengthen our cooperation to counter FIMI, to raise the costs for states seeking to undermine our security and democratic institutions. We will pursue the interoperability of our systems to analyse FIMI and increase efforts to jointly respond to it, including through exposure, sanctions and strategic communication. We will continue working together to build collective responses to FIMI in multilateral fora.

i. Build on the UK-French Pall Mall Process and the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace, to tackle the threat posed by the proliferation of commercial cyber intrusion capabilities and address the shared challenges we face in cyberspace, and increase the cost to our adversaries through deterrence, sanctions and attributions.

j. Engage in regular technical exchanges and proactively exploring joint research opportunities to harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, while addressing associated national security challenges. The UK and France are uniquely placed to lead international efforts and response capabilities.

k. Jointly maximise our impact against the highest-threat terrorist groups. Internationally, we will deepen our cooperation with Syria, and will look to enhance our coordination against the expanding terrorist threat in sub-Saharan Africa and central Asia. Domestically, we will build resilience against terrorist threats to critical infrastructure, including transport connections between our countries.

6. Enhance communications and institutional exchanges across our two systems, as an enabler to our strengthened partnership across the entirety of defence and national security, by endeavouring to:

a. Develop a new joint UK-France cross government secure communication system.

b. Expand people and training links between the UK and French Militaries, optimising our networks of exchange and liaison officers, with a focus on junior officer exchanges, to develop a shared strategic culture in the next generation of military leaders across all three services.

c. Continue to enable the constant exchange of national security and defence personnel and their families, to constantly deepen and forge our relationship for future generations and to ensure our Armed Forces have the conditions they need to perform effectively, and that they, and their family members, do not experience disadvantages as a result of their service. This might include reciprocal access to rights to work and related facilitations for defence personnel and their household members serving in each other's countries.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Northwood Declaration: 10 July 2025 (UK-France joint nuclear statement)

Statement by the United Kingdom and the French Republic on Nuclear Policy and Cooperation - July 2025.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 10 July 2025

The President of the French Republic and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom reaffirm their longstanding and resolute commitment to nuclear cooperation. There is no greater demonstration of the strength and importance of our bilateral relationship than our willingness to work together in this most sensitive area. In this regard, we commend the important achievements since 2010.

Our nuclear weapons exist to deter the most extreme threats to the security of our nations and our vital interests.Our nuclear forces are independent, but can be coordinated and contribute significantly to the overall security of the Alliance, and to the peace and stability of the Euro Atlantic area.

As we have explicitly stated since 1995, we do not see situations arising in which the vital interests of either France or the United Kingdom could be threatened without the vital interest of the other also being threatened. France and the United Kingdom agree that there is no extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response by our two nations.

France and the United Kingdom have therefore decided to deepen their nuclear cooperation and coordination. A UK-France Nuclear Steering Group will be established to provide political direction for this work. It will be led by the Presidency of the French Republic and the Cabinet Office and will coordinate across nuclear policy, capabilities and operations.

The United Kingdom and France reaffirm their full support for the Treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and for our obligations under the treaty. We will coordinate ever more closely to uphold and reinforce the international non-proliferation architecture.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister's remarks at the UK-France Summit press conference: 10 July 2025

Prime Minister's remarks at the UK-France Summit press conference today.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 10 July 2025

Location: Northwood headquarters

Delivered on: 10 July 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)



Good afternoon. It's a real pleasure to be here with President Macron, a firm friend to me personally - and a firm ally to the United Kingdom.

We first met at the Elysee, I think about two years ago, before I came into office, when I was leader of the opposition.

And it was clear to me then - that we had a shared sense of the dangerous times we're living through.

And of our responsibility to step up and to lead. We also share the fundamental belief that we serve our people better - create better jobs and opportunities.

Make our nations stronger, fairer and more secure if we work together.

And the State Visit has been a celebration of this relationship -

Our unique bonds of history and of culture.

And today, our task is to look forward.

To deliver a step change in this partnership...

To meet the challenges of this moment...

And get the results that people want to see.

Starting - first - with tackling illegal migration.

Now, this is a global crisis, and it's a European crisis....

But it is also - very acutely...

A crisis for our two nations -

A crisis of law, security, humanity - and fairness.

We face a sprawling, multibillion pound enterprise...

Run by organised criminal gangs...

Leading hundreds of people to their death in the Channel.

So we are determined, together, to end this vile trade.

There is no silver bullet here.

But with a united effort...

New tactics -

And a new level of intent -

We can finally turn the tables.

So I'm pleased to announce our agreement today...

On a groundbreaking returns pilot.

For the very first time, migrants arriving via small boat...

Will be detained...

And returned to France -

In short order.

In exchange for every return,

A different individual will be allowed to come here...

Via a safe route, controlled and legal...

Subject to strict security checks...

And only open to those...

Who have not tried to enter the UK illegally.

This will show others trying to make the same journey...

That it will be in vain.

And the jobs they've been promised in the UK

Will no longer exist -

Because of the nationwide crackdown we're delivering on illegal working -

Which is on a completely unprecedented scale.

The President and I have agreed that this pilot will be implemented in coming weeks.

Now, I know some people will still ask -

Why should we take anyone in?

So let me address that directly.

We accept genuine asylum seekers -

Because it is right that we offer a haven to those in most dire need.

But there is also something else here...

Something more practical.

Which is that we simply cannot solve a challenge like stopping the boats...

By acting alone and telling our allies that we won't play ball.

That is why today's agreement is so important...

Because we will solve this...

Like so many of our problems...

By working together.

Just look at the steps the French Government is planning...

Subject to their ongoing Maritime review...

To allow their officers to intervene in shallow waters...

And prevent more boats from launching.

This is a big step.

I want to thank the President for driving it through.

So this is our plan, together:

Hard-headed, aggressive action on all fronts...

To break the gangs' business model -

Secure our borders...

And show that by attempting to reach the UK by small boat...

Will only end in failure, detention and return.

Second, we have also made real progress today on boosting jobs and growth...

Building on our new agreement with the EU.

We're ambitious for what we can do together...

As G7 economies...

Close trading partners...

And leaders in areas that will dominate in years to come.

Together our countries account for over half of European spending on research and technology.

So we've gone further today...

Collaborating on satellite connectivity...

Bringing together our leading supercomputers - to seize the opportunities created by AI...

And bringing down barriers to trade and investment in strategic sectors.

Just this week we've welcomed EDF's major investment in Sizewell C -

Which will create thousands of jobs,

Boost our energy security,

And protect billpayers for years to come.

Third, we have strengthened our work...

To stand together for European security, and in support of Ukraine -

Because I'm clear -

The security of the British people starts in Ukraine.

We have just co-chaired a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing -

Including representatives from the United States - for the first time.

We announced plans for a new "Multinational Force Ukraine."

Headquartered in Paris -

So that we're ready to support a peace deal when it comes.

But while Putin turns his back on peace...

We are rallying more support for Ukraine right now...

To defend their people - and force Putin to the table.

Now, as Europe's only nuclear powers...

And as leaders in NATO...

We play a vital role in preserving the peace and security on this continent.

So today we have updated the historic Lancaster House treaty -

To protect our people, and our way of life.

This is a major modernisation.

We are overhauling the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force -

To make it five times larger...

50,000 troops strong...

Able to act across every domain.

But we're going further.

This morning, we signed the Northwood Declaration.

Confirming for the first time...

That we are coordinating our independent nuclear deterrents.

From today, our adversaries will know -

That any extreme threat to this continent...

Would prompt a response from our two nations.

There is no greater demonstration of the importance of this relationship.

And while we stand together for our collective defence...

We must also deliver a defence dividend for working people.

So we have agreed a deeper industrial partnership today...

To bring our defence industries closer than ever before.

We're not just talking about stepping up...

On defence, jobs and growth -

We're delivering it.

Previous governments tried and failed to secure results like this.

We can achieve them now...

Because we have taken the time and care...

To do the real work...

The quiet, serious diplomacy...

To build proper relationships...

Which multiply our strength and the opportunities we enjoy.

So Emmanuel, thank you so much for being here.

We represent two fiercely proud and independent nations.

But by working together...

We are delivering for our people...

And we are a force for good in a dangerous world.

Thank you, Emmanuel, and over to you.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Britain, France agree to coordinate nuclear deterrence, unveil new migration scheme

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:58, July 11, 2025

LONDON, July 10 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Britain and France have signed a new deal to allow the two countries to coordinate their nuclear deterrents for the first time.

During a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at a military base in Northwood, near London, Starmer said the two countries had signed the Northwood Declaration, a deal designed to show adversaries that any attack on either nation would result in a response from both nations.

For his part, Macron, who will conclude a three-day state visit to Britain later Thursday, highlighted the importance of defense and security cooperation between the two countries, noting that times have changed in Europe and the Britain-France partnership "must change accordingly."

Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Macron said Europe must be able to rely on the strategic collaboration between Britain and France, Europe's only two nuclear powers.

A statement by Downing Street underscored the "extreme threat to Europe" that would prompt a joint nuclear response. "Any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both nations," it said.

Meanwhile, Britain and France plan to order additional highly lethal Storm Shadow cruise missiles and step up replenishment of arms depots as part of a renewed defense agreement, according to the statement.

Following a Britain-France Summit at Downing Street and a "coalition of the willing" virtual meeting, which included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Starmer announced that a new coalition headquarters supporting Ukraine will be established in Paris.

On the issue of migration, the two leaders unveiled a new "one in, one out" scheme to reduce English Channel crossings.

Under the scheme, migrants arriving in Britain via small boats will be "detained and returned to France in short order," Starmer said. In parallel, individuals who have not previously attempted to cross the Channel illegally will be allowed to enter Britain through a newly created route.

The route will be subject to strict security checks and limited to those meeting the eligibility criteria. Starmer described the plan as "groundbreaking" but didn't specify how many migrants would be returned.

Macron said he's "totally committed" to the pilot scheme, which will come into effect within weeks.

However, it remains unclear whether the scheme will serve as an effective deterrent. Despite joint funding and efforts, more than 20,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year, marking a 50 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Both Macron and Starmer face rising pressure at home from far-right and anti-immigration sentiment. Addressing the British parliament on Tuesday, Macron described the migration challenge as "a burden" shared by both countries.

Starmer also said the two countries "have gone further" to improve trade and investment, adding that both sides will strengthen collaboration on supercomputers, satellite connectivity, and artificial intelligence.

Macron hailed the development as a "reset" in bilateral ties, noting that trade volumes have topped pre-Brexit levels and the two countries are strengthening their partnerships in civilian nuclear power and cooperating in space exploration.

During his visit, Macron reiterated support for the two-state solution to solving the conflicts in Gaza, and called recognition of the State of Palestine the "only path to peace."

The visit marks the first state trip to Britain by a French president since 2008, and Macron is the first European Union head of state to visit since Brexit.

Observers said trust between the two sides still needs to be rebuilt after years of tension, particularly during the Brexit negotiations. Macron previously described Brexit as a product of "lies and false promises." Dialogue between the two nations had diminished following disputes on fishing rights and the Britain-Australia submarine deals.

Sebastien Maillard, an expert at London-based think tank Chatham House, said that "the memory of these difficult times has not vanished" on either side. "Trust needs time to build," he added.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Strengthening support and achieving a just peace: Ukrainian delegation begins work in Rome

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

9 July, 2025, 11:12 PM EEST

Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, as part of the delegation of the President of Ukraine, has begun a working visit to Rome. A number of important bilateral meetings were held, focused on strengthening international support for Ukraine, expanding defense cooperation, and promoting initiatives aimed at achieving a just peace.

During the meeting with Pope Leo XIV, the Ukrainian delegation expressed gratitude for the Vatican's ongoing spiritual support and its efforts aimed at returningUkrainian children who were illegally taken to russia. The parties discussed further steps the Vatican could take in this process, including the possibility of holding a meeting at the level of heads of state in the Vatican as one of the steps towards launching genuine peace talks.

The visit also included a meeting with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella. The Ukrainian side expressed gratitude for the consistent support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The parties discussed Ukraine's European integration, the return of deported Ukrainian children, and maintaining effective sanctions pressure against russia. Particular attention was paid to the need to launch a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

An important part ofthe working programme was a meeting with Keith Kellogg, Special Representative of the President of the United States for Ukraine. The discussion focused on the delivery of modern air defense systems and the development of joint defense industry projects, including drone production.

Ukraine also reaffirmed its support for President Donald Trump's peace initiatives, which provide for an unconditional ceasefire and a meeting at the level of national leaders as prerequisites for launching genuine negotiations.

The Ukrainian side expressed gratitude to the United States, both parties in Congress, and the American people for their support and strategic partnership, which remains a key factor in international solidarity with Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine and NATO outline JATEC priorities for 2026

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

9 July, 2025, 4:44 PM EEST

The Senior Advisory Board (SAB) of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) held its third meeting and outlined priority areas for work in 2026.

These include: the development of unmanned systems and innovation, digitalisation and management, medicine and military education, national resistance and comprehensive defence, transformation, and interoperability.

"JATEC is becoming a strategic bridge between Ukraine and NATO. Our task is not only to adapt to the Alliance, but also to contribute unique, battle-tested solutions to the common security architecture. Ukraine is no longer a consumer of security, but its co-author," emphasized First Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Sergiy Boyev.

The members of the Senior Advisory Board discussed all necessary aspects to ensure JATEC's proper functioning.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a Technical Arrangement between the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and NATO's Headquarters Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. This document confirms Ukraine's special status within NATO's command structure.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the NATO International Staff, the Polish Armed Forces, the NATO International Military Staff, NATO Allied Command Transformation, and other Alliance structures.

JATEC's Senior Advisory Board previously met in Bydgoszcz, Poland, in February 2025 and in Kyiv in April.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister Jeliazkov: Bulgaria can participate in numerous projects for the recovery of Ukraine

Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria

10.07.2025

The recovery of Ukraine is an extensive and long-term process within which many projects can be implemented that would benefit both the country itself and the region as a whole. Bulgaria must make full use of its potential and these opportunities, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov stated to journalists in Rome. In the Italian capital, the Prime Minister took part in the Fourth High-Level Conference on Ukraine's Recovery.

The Prime Minister highlighted Bulgaria's role in ensuring the stability of Black Sea infrastructure. It is connected with electricity transmission, gas transit, and data transfer, Jeliazkov noted. He also emphasized the importance of transport connectivity along the south-north axis, which is also crucial for Ukraine's recovery. In this context, Jeliazkov described as a priority the project currently under discussion with Greece for a railway link between Alexandroupolis and Odesa. Romania will also be included in this project, which will become a European corridor, the Prime Minister added. According to him, this investment can be seen in the context of the commitment made by NATO allies to reach defense spending of 5% of GDP, of which 1.5% is planned for additional expenditures, such as technologies and dual-use infrastructure.

Another important project underscored by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov is the Black Sea Motorway, which will also provide connectivity between Turkey and Ukraine through Bulgaria and Romania as a land transport corridor for goods. All this will be complemented by the full spectrum of intermodality, engaging our ports, Jeliazkov added. He also expressed hope that very soon the agreements with Romania on the construction of the third Danube Bridge would be finalized.

Regarding energy connectivity, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the Vertical Gas Corridor and ensuring Europe's energy security. Last but not least, Prime Minister Jeliazkov noted that Bulgaria should leverage its potential and the opportunities it has as a maritime country. Regarding commercial shipping, we will soon be holding talks with our neighbors about participating in these initiatives, the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov highlighted the enormous damage that Ukraine has suffered due to the war, as well as the substantial resources needed for the country's recovery, estimated to be around half a trillion euros. This is a vast amount, and without engaging a clear approach that attracts investment, private capital, and businesses to enable the necessary infrastructure to be built, the process will be difficult. However, the enlargement of the European Union and the expansion of the single European market present great opportunities for Ukraine. Of course, this must be based on Ukraine's own merits and its will and desire to become part of Europe's union of values, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov added.

Asked by the media about tomorrow's vote on the fourth no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, the Prime Minister expressed the expectation that the vote would not pass. This is yet another of those sectoral no-confidence votes which, firstly, have no subject matter, because the topic itself does not affect the work of this cabinet, and this cabinet is making efforts to resolve inherited problems, Jeliazkov added. The Prime Minister described the support for the vote of no confidence as strange and added that in politics, all kinds of cocktails of incomparable tastes are possible.

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov commented to the media on the topic of "Botas." Stankov recalled that already as chairman of the parliamentary committee investigating all facts and circumstances on the matter, he drafted a report showing that the Bulgarian state pays over one million leva per day under this contract. What I found was that only 11% of the capacity under this contract was actually used  in other words, for every 100 leva we were paying for capacity, only 13 leva were used for the actual transmission of capacity and gas through the network, the Energy Minister stated. He assured that currently every possibility is being explored to alleviate the economic impact  essentially, to buy cheaper gas so that the high transport price can be offset  but this does not make the contract more successful, Stankov noted. According to him, this enormous sum weighs heavily on Bulgarian energy. So far, over 500 million leva have been invoiced to Bulgargaz, while only 100 million leva represents the physical capacity that has been used from the Botas contract, the Energy Minister said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov: Bulgarian business can make a significant contribution to Ukraine's recovery

Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria

10.07.2025

From the very beginning of the war, Bulgaria has firmly supported Ukraine, and we must extend this support into peacetime as well. Bulgarian business has significant potential to contribute to the country's post-war recovery. This was stated by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov during the Fourth High-Level Conference on Ukraine's Recovery, held in Rome.

Prime Minister Jeliazkov pointed to the two key pillars on which Ukraine's recovery will depend. First, the Prime Minister emphasized critical infrastructure and the need to repair the destroyed or severely damaged energy system, transport links, and essential services such as water supply and sanitation. Bulgaria is ready to assist Ukraine in this endeavor, Jeliazkov declared. According to him, our country is strategically positioned to coordinate cross-sectoral recovery initiatives spanning areas such as energy, shipping and port security, climate resilience, and more. The Prime Minister specifically underscored the EU's new strategic approach for a secure, prosperous, and sustainable Black Sea region, offering cooperation across a range of fields between EU member states and regional partners, including Ukraine, Turkey, and Georgia.

According to Prime Minister Jeliazkov, investments in railway and transport connections are also a means to promote intermodality and improve regional connectivity. A direct railway link between Odesa on the Black Sea and Alexandroupolis on the Aegean Sea will shorten transit times and open additional opportunities for Ukraine's exports, the Prime Minister further noted.

As the second key pillar of the country's recovery, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov highlighted energy connectivity. The Prime Minister stressed that at the end of May, construction officially began on the Vertical Gas Corridor, which will facilitate south-north gas transmission, thereby strengthening Ukraine's energy security.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov emphasized that in order for Ukraine's recovery to be successful, it must also be tied to European integration. In his words, this is a long-term incentive both for institutional modernization and for economic growth. At this critical moment, Ukraine needs our full support for as long as necessary, the Bulgarian Prime Minister stated firmly.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister Carney participates in a virtual meeting in support of Ukraine

Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney

July 10, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, participated in a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. It was also attended by many of Canada's closest allies and partners, including the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and representatives of the United States - senators Lindsay Graham and Richard Blumenthal as well as U.S. Special Envoy General Keith Kellogg.

The Coalition unequivocally condemned Russia's latest strikes against Ukraine. They affirmed collective efforts to exert pressure on Russia, including through further sanctions as well as military and financial assistance to Ukraine. Prime Minister Carney raised Canada's robust support to Ukraine, most recently through a major sanctions package targeting Russia's shadow fleet and energy revenues; an additional $2 billion in new military support, with funding for drones, ammunition, and armoured vehicles, among other capabilities; and the disbursement of a $2.3 billion loan to help rebuild Ukraine's infrastructure and public systems.

The Coalition underscored their steadfast support for Ukraine's long-term security and sovereignty, and actions to establish a post-ceasefire force. To advance a just and lasting peace, the Coalition of the Willing will have new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future co-ordination cell in Kyiv.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Speech by President Antonio Costa at the 2nd plenary session of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome

European Council / Council of the European Union

European Council

Speech

10 July 2025 13:30

Thank you for organising this conference and for placing Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction at the heart of the international agenda.

I would like to focus on four pillars that must shape Ukraine's path forward: peace, defence, reconstruction and accession to the European Union.

First, peace. Dear Volodymyr, let me commend your leadership in calling for an unconditional ceasefire and mobilising all diplomatic efforts for a just and sustainable peace. Unfortunately, Russia has responded only with more strikes, more suffering and more unjustifiable deaths. This has to stop.

From day one, the European Union has stood - and will continue to stand - firmly by your side to ensure a just and lasting peace. We are doing this by increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions, by strengthening Ukraine's defence, and by deploying every diplomatic tool at our disposal to restore peace in Europe.

Second, defence. Supporting Ukraine's defence is not only about military strength. It is about sovereignty and the foundation of economic recovery. Ukraine's defence sector is helping to stimulate local production, create jobs and drive innovation - strengthening the country's economy and increasing resilience. As Ukraine rebuilds, integrating these technological advances will bolster national development and help embed Ukraine in the broader value chains of European industry and defence.

This is a meaningful contribution to building the Europe of defence - a path shared by all member states. As President of the European Council, I will continue to encourage member states to increase investments in Ukraine's defence sector, including through the SAFE programme, which offers a specific instrument for this effort.

Third, reconstruction. Ukraine's reconstruction will require a massive, sustained effort from the international community - one that matches the scale of destruction and the urgency of the moment. As Ursula has already announced, Ukraine can count on the European Union. But it must also be rooted in justice: Russia must be held accountable for the devastation it has caused. The aggressor must bear responsibility for rebuilding what it sought to destroy.

Reconstruction is not only about buildings - it is about people, and starts at local level. Local communities, municipalities, mayors, civil society and the media are essential actors in this process.

As a former mayor, I know how powerful civil society can be in meeting immediate needs, driving community-led solutions and advancing the reforms necessary for EU accession.

The European Union - including our cities, regions and citizens - stands with you. And we will continue working with the Ukrainian people for a resilient, democratic and peaceful future.

Fourth, and finally, Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Enlargement is the EU's most strategic geopolitical investment - in peace, in security, and in prosperity. For Ukraine, accession is a commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, good governance, and a peaceful, stable future.

At our most recent meeting, EU leaders acknowledged the remarkable progress Ukraine has made on reforms, even under the most difficult conditions. The Commission's assessment is clear: Ukraine has fulfilled all the necessary steps to open the first cluster of accession negotiations. Negotiations must now move forward. Ukraine's accession process will continue, with the next steps guided by merit, momentum, and mutual commitment.

Ukraine's future lies in the European Union. The European Union stands with Ukraine - for peace, for defence, for reconstruction, and all along the path to accession. Together, we can ensure that Ukraine not only recovers, but thrives - and in doing so, we will build a stronger, safer and more united Europe.

Thank you very much.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Speech by President von der Leyen at the Ukraine Recovery Conference

European Commission

Speech

Jul 10, 2025

Rome

Prime Minister Meloni,

President Zelensky,

Dear Olena,

Dear colleagues,

I remember well the first Ukraine Recovery Conference three years ago. It was just a few months after Russia unleashed destruction and bloodshed, on a scale not seen since the second world war. I remember the pain of the Ukrainian people. But even more vividly, I remember just how quickly they picked themselves up, and began to rebuild. In the liberated towns of Irpin and Bucha, and with restored homes, schools and hospitals. And Europe has been there at your side, from day one. Today we gather in this eternal city to show our enduring commitment to Ukraine. Our resolve is unflinching, our support unwavering. Because we will always be at Ukraine's side, for as long as it takes. Now more than ever, Ukraine can count on Europe. Our solidarity continues on all fronts - militarily, financially, and politically. And let me start with the military side.

Ukraine's military has done what many said was impossible - holding back the Russians and crippling their navy and bomber fleet. Ukraine is the frontier of military innovation. But Russia's arms race continues. This is a war of resources and competing defence systems, as much as a war of values. So, we must continue to invest in Ukraine's defence and tech primacy. Our Defence Readiness 2030 plan will be key. It will make available the necessary resources and fiscal space to deliver a surge in military capacity. And it will boost investment in Ukraine's defence capabilities.

In addition, supporting Ukraine will also allow Member States to reach their NATO target of 3.5 plus 1,5% of GDP. All told, over EUR 800 billion can be mobilised. So there is sufficient finance. But we also need to organise to ensure that the needs of Member States and Ukraine can be matched. This is why we will be working through the SAFE instrument to create a mechanism to bring this together. Ukraine has cutting edge weapon systems and can deliver really fast and at low cost. This is precisely what we need in the EU. But Ukraine's defence industry is only operating at 60% of capacity. Now, our Member States can take their SAFE loans and procure directly from Ukraine's defence industry. For our Member States it is top-notch quality, fast and cheap. For Ukraine, it is both crucial revenues. But also, an opportunity to strengthen its defence industrial base.

To my second point. Since the full-scale invasion, Europe has been and is Ukraine's largest donor - with almost EUR 165 billion of support. This year alone we will cover 84 % of external financing needed. As part of this support, I can announce EUR 1 billion payment in macro financial support as well as a payment of more than EUR 3 billion from the Ukraine Facility. The guarantees and grants that we are signing at this Conference are set to unlock up to EUR 10 billion in investments for growth, recovery and reconstruction. And we will ensure that Ukraine is supported until 2028 and beyond, when the new European budget kicks in.

The new partnership with Ukraine will also play a key role in boosting private sector investment that will be critical to reconstruction. And we will be able to build on strong foundations. I am particularly pleased to announce today the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, the largest equity fund globally to support Reconstruction. It will kickstart investment in energy, transport, critical raw materials and dual use industries. We are literally taking a stake in Ukraine's future by leveraging public money to bring large scale private sector investments and to help rebuild the country. I am particularly pleased that we are building it together with Italy, Germany, France, Poland and the European Investment Bank. And I trust that others will want to join. The people of Ukraine are ready to drive their country's economy into the future. The time to invest is now.

Finally, on political support. Under relentless fire, Ukraine is passing reform after reform. Ukraine stands ready to proceed with the next step on the accession path. Ukraine is delivering on its reforms - now we must too. Because the accession process is based on merit. And Ukraine merits moving forward. The Commission is very clear, Ukraine is ready to open cluster 1, the fundamentals cluster.

For millions of Ukrainians - soldiers, teachers, doctors, farmers, for Ukrainians from all walks of life, the future has two flags. The flags of Ukraine and of Europe. This Recovery Conference is all about bringing Ukraine into the future. And Ukraine's future is Europe. Let us make it happen together.

Slava Ukraini. Long live Europe.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






EU announces new 2.3 billion agreements package at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025

European Commission

Press release

Jul 10, 2025

Rome

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, unveiled today a new 2.3 billion package of agreements with international and bilateral public financial institutions to support Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts. It shows the EU's steadfast commitment to Ukraine's recovery and its future in the EU.

The new 2.3 billion package of agreements signed with international and bilateral public financial institutions under the Ukraine Investment Framework, includes 1.8 billion in loan guarantees and 580 million in grants. It is expected to mobilise up to 10 billion in investments in Ukraine.

In addition, delivering on her commitment at last year's Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, President von der Leyen announced, in a Team Europe approach, the largest equity fund in Ukraine: a new European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, backed by the European Commission - through the European Investment Bank - France, Germany, Italy and Poland.

With an initial capital of 220 million, the Fund aims to mobilise 500 million by 2026 - with further fundraising foreseen as security conditions improve. The Flagship Fund will foster the development of a private equity ecosystem in Ukraine, attracting new capital and maximising synergies with existing market players.

The President said: "Today, the EU reaffirms its role as Ukraine's strongest partner. Not just its top donor, but a key investor in its future. With 2.3 billion in agreements signed, we aim to unlock up to 10 billion in investments to rebuild homes, reopen hospitals, revive businesses, and secure energy. This is solidarity in action. Ukraine is moving closer to the EU every day  in energy, education, roaming, and culture. Europe stands with Ukraine  today and tomorrow."

Stepping up EU investment in Ukraine's future

Today's agreements include:

Supporting SMEs : 500 million in guarantees and grants to help Ukraine's small businesses, including start-ups and those employing veterans and displaced persons.

: 500 million in guarantees and grants to help Ukraine's small businesses, including start-ups and those employing veterans and displaced persons. Mobilising strategic investments: 600 million for large-scale private sector projects in key sectors like energy, transport, and manufacturing.

600 million for large-scale private sector projects in key sectors like energy, transport, and manufacturing. Rebuilding cities and communities: 520 million for municipal infrastructure in war-affected areas, including healthcare, urban mobility, and housing.

520 million for municipal infrastructure in war-affected areas, including healthcare, urban mobility, and housing. Energy security and green transition: 265 million to stabilize Ukraine's energy grid, rebuild renewable energy capacity, and improve energy efficiency.

265 million to stabilize Ukraine's energy grid, rebuild renewable energy capacity, and improve energy efficiency. Critical infrastructure: 310 million to repair and rebuild critical infrastructure, including housing, hospitals, and medical facilities.

With the launch of these new investment programmes, total EU commitments under the Ukraine Investment Framework now amount to 5.7 billion, expected to leverage over 18 billion in investments.

Delivering budgetary stability to Ukraine

The European Commission also announced its proposal for the fourth disbursement under Pillar I of the Ukraine Facility - the Ukraine Plan - expected in August. This fourth payment, worth up to 3.05 billion.

In parallel, the Commission is disbursing 1 billion todayunder the sixth instalment of the EU's 18.1 billion Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) package to Ukraine, which is to be fully paid out by the end of 2025. With this payment, the Commission's total lending to Ukraine under this MFA reaches 8 billion since the start of the year.

Closer links with Ukraine

While the EU is taking steps to support Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts, it is also strengthening the country's institutions and promoting long-term sustainability. In this context, the conference will be the opportunity to showcase and present key initiatives to reinforce Ukraine capacities, such as the recent launch of the EU4Reconstruction programme, which will promote good governance and help Ukraine implement reforms and manage reconstruction, or the endorsement of the Memorandum of Understanding with the private insurance sector, which will help unlock investment flows and provide war-risk coverage. The EU is also stepping up defence initiatives, including the Strategic Armaments Facilitation Europe (SAFE) and reforms to the European Defence Fund, which will benefit Ukraine's industry and military efforts.

The EU is also supporting Ukraine's cultural and educational development, as well as its path to EU integration. A new Team Europe initiative will deploy over 60 coordinated actions to protect cultural assets and support heritage professionals, while an additional 2 million under Creative Europe will be allocated to support Ukrainian artists and cultural institutions. The EU is also moving to associate Ukraine to the Erasmus+ programme, allowing young Ukrainians to study, train, and grow alongside their peers across Europe. Furthermore, Ukraine is making progress on its path to EU integration, with key achievements including the implementation of new preferential trade arrangements and the upcoming launch of the "Roam Like at Home" initiative, which will allow Ukrainians to use their mobile phones in the EU at no extra cost and extend the same benefits to Europeans who may be in Ukraine.

Background

This Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, held in Rome on 10-11 July, has for objectives to keep the international focus on Ukraine's recovery, during the war and after. It's a platform for aligning political support and mobilising funding.

This year's conference marks the fourth edition in a series of annual high-level political events dedicated to Ukraine's swift recovery and long-term reconstruction in the wake of Russia's full-scale war of aggression.

President Ursula von der Leyen participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, along with Commissioners Valdis Dombrovskis, Andrius Kubilius, Marta Kos, Dan Jrgensen, Ekaterina Zaharieva and Glenn Micallef also took part.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Norway signs new agreements to strengthen Ukraine's energy security and green transition

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 10/07/2025

To support the reconstruction and development of a less vulnerable energy system in the future, Norway is entering into three new cooperation agreements with NEFCO, UNDP and the Energy Community.

"Norway is continuing its commitment as a close and reliable partner for Ukraine in the energy sector. After more than three years of full-scale war and repeated Russian attacks, Ukraine's energy infrastructure continues to be severely and deliberately targeted. These agreements for reconstruction and the transition to a future energy system will provide enhanced energy security and increase green energy production," says Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The agreements will be signed in the presence of Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth and Ukraine's Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko in Rome on 10 July, during the Ukraine Recovery Conference.

"Energy is a high priority in Norway's civilian support for Ukraine. We have a responsibility to support Ukraine in this critical time. By investing in Ukraine's transition to a sustainable energy systemand at the same time ensuring that the population has access to electricity and heating during the winterwe are strengthening Ukraine's energy security and helping meet the basic needs of its people, now and in the years to come," says Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

The three agreements have a total budget of NOK 2.8 billion over three years. In 2025, NOK 1.65 billion will be disbursed to support Ukraine's energy security and green transition. The funding will contribute to the repair of critical infrastructure, enhanced energy security, and promotion of renewable energy.

Facts about the three agreements:

UN Development Programme (UNDP) - NOK 2 billion:

A three-year agreement that facilitates decentralised power production and modernisation of the energy sector. The measures include 256 MW of new power capacity, an annual reduction of over 100,000 tonnes of CO, and the restoration of heating and water supply services that could benefit four million people in severely affected areas. The project also supports women's participation in the energy sector, improvements in energy efficiency across critical sectors, and a national solar energy programme that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. NOK 1 billion will be disbursed in 2025.

Energy Community - NOK 500 million:

The funds will be disbursed in 2025 and allocated to the repair and upgrading of critical energy infrastructure through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund (UESF). Through the fund, Norway will support the reconstruction and reinforcement of energy infrastructuredamaged or destroyed in the warin cooperation with Ukrainian energy companies.

NEFCO (Nordic Environment Finance Corporation) - NOK 300 million:

Through a three-year agreement with Norway, NOK 300 million will be allocated to the Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine (GRPU), of which NOK 150 million will be disbursed in 2025. The fund was established to support local authorities in rebuilding after the destruction caused by the war, with an emphasis on green, energy-efficient, and climate-friendly solutions. Lower energy consumption and increased energy efficiency are crucial for Ukraine's path toward closer cooperation with the EU. With this agreement, Norway continues its commitment to energy efficiency in Ukrainean area with great potential for emissions reductions, cost savings, and enhanced energy security.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine insists on full confiscation of frozen russian assets and their allocation to reconstruction: Prime Minister

Ukraine Government

Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 10 July 2025 16:03

The Fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference is underway in Rome. During the event, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasised the shared strategic goal with the EU: to rebuild and modernise Ukraine, address the consequences of the war, and ensure prosperity for Ukrainian and EU citizens.

"This conference is a testament to our unity. I am convinced that this unity will endure. It must also manifest in joint actions, particularly in continuing pressure on russia. The aggressor must be deprived of resources to wage war," the Head of Government stressed.

He noted that the sanctions imposed on russia were yielding results but were insufficient. According to Denys Shmyhal, sanctions pressure must be intensified, particularly targeting the energy and banking sectors, the "shadow fleet," and introducing secondary sanctions.

"We continue to insist on the full confiscation of frozen russian state assets. These funds must be directed towards Ukraine's reconstruction. This would be just and effective. russia must pay for its crimes," the Prime Minister stated.

He acknowledged the support and solidarity of Ukraine's partners during challenging times.

"We greatly value the unwavering commitment of every ally. We thank the leaders and people of the G7 and EU countries. Special thanks go to the United States, the U.S. President, and Congress for their bipartisan support," Denys Shmyhal noted, expressing confidence in continued joint efforts towards a just peace and effective recovery.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ministry of Finance attracts EUR 1 billion from the EU - the sixth tranche of Macro-Financial Assistance backed by frozen russian assets

Ukraine Government

Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, posted 10 July 2025 13:29

Today, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine attracted EUR 1 billion to the State Budget from the European Union. The funds are part of the EU's contribution under the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration for Ukraine (ERA) initiative.

The ERA initiative envisions providing Ukraine with USD 50 billion, secured by future revenues generated from frozen russian assets. The EU's contribution amounts to EUR 18.1 billion (USD 20 billion).

In total, under the ERA initiative, the Ministry of Finance has already attracted EUR 8 billion from the European Union.

"The funds will enable the financing of priority State Budget expenditures in the social and defense sectors, support macroeconomic stability, and help restore critically important infrastructure. This is a crucial and timely investment in strengthening Ukraine's financial resilience, enhancing our ability to resist the aggressor, and ensuring the proper functioning of essential public services. I am grateful to our EU partners for implementing this mechanism," said Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko.

It is worth noting that since February 2022, the European Union has been the largest provider of direct budgetary support to Ukraine, with a total of EUR 53.5 billion allocated for priority State Budget needs.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






German Galushchenko about ZNPP: For us and the world, it is a matter of restoring nuclear safety, protection and investment in the nuclear sector

Ukraine Government

Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, posted 10 July 2025 08:35

The occupation of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, Zaporizhzhia NPP, by russia, threatens the renaissance of nuclear energy that is taking place around the world.

This was emphasised by the Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko during a discussion at the event "Clean Industrial Transformation: Ukraine's Strategic Role in the EU Agenda" held in Rome on the eve of the URC 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference.

"A series of global companies invest in nuclear energy. And everyone has their explanations why... One of them is investments in artificial intelligence, which is almost impossible without nuclear power. And it is critical that we are witnessing a real revival of nuclear energy, and I am excited that Ukraine is one of the countries that is following this path and creating opportunities for a nuclear renaissance," the Minister said.

At the same time, German Galushchenko stressed that there are real threats to this progress.

"But what is happening now in many countries can be destroyed in one day - by one accident at ZNPP. And this is indeed a threat that exists every day - not only because of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant, not only because the russians illegally seized it and still control it. This will have consequences for the entire global development of nuclear energy," the Minister said.

The Minister of Energy noted that the basic principles of nuclear and radiation safety were not being observed at the russian-occupied plant, and representatives of the IAEA mission at ZNPP do not have full access to all plant facilities to monitor the situation.

"The situation with Zaporizhzhya NPP is a key issue for nuclear power in the world today. For us, it is a matter of recovery. For the world, it is an issue of nuclear safety, security and investment in the nuclear sector," summarised German Galushchenko.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Update 301 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

International Atomic Energy Agency

64/2025

Vienna, Austria

Jul 10 2025

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) remains connected to its last remaining main power line following the recent loss of all off-site power on 4 July, an ongoing situation that highlights the heightened nuclear safety and security risks during the conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

The loss of power- the ninth since the start of the conflict in February 2022 - forced the ZNPP to rely on its backup diesel generators for almost four hours as the plant's one remaining back-up line remains disconnected after being reportedly damaged by military activity on 7 May. The IAEA team based at the ZNPP site Europe's largest nuclear facility  was informed this week that the emergency diesel generator fuel tanks used during the loss of power have since been replenished and the site has enough fuel to enable operation of emergency diesel generators for approximately 20 days, in case of a loss of off-site power event.

The IAEA team at South Ukraine nuclear power plant (SUNPP) reported that the plant also lost its connection to one 750 kilovolt (kV) off-site power line on 4 July, for approximately the same time as the ZNPP lost off-site power. During that time, the SUNPP continued to receive off-site power from its other 750 kV line and all of its 330 kV power lines. There was no impact on the one unit currently operating, while the other two units continue planned maintenance and refueling activities.

The IAEA team continued to assess the availability of spare parts necessary for the continued safe operation of the plant by visiting the storage areas for the parts in the thermomechanical and electrical warehouses located within the ZNPP's site perimeter and will be requesting the findings of recent audits by the ZNPP of spare parts. The team is also expecting to be updated on the delayed procurement of spare parts needed so that the ZNPP can commence annual maintenance of all 20 emergency diesel generators which are essential to safety in case of a loss of off-site power event.

Also this week, the IAEA team reported that maintenance activities continue at the site, including on one safety train of unit 2 and on the main transformer of unit 4, while maintenance on one safety train of unit 5 is expected to be completed on Friday. Recently, the team also visited all main control rooms where it confirmed the number of operating staff present and recorded safety parameters for all units.

The IAEA team reported hearing military activity on most days over the past week, including gunfire near the plant on 4 July and three explosions close to the plant on 5 July.

The IAEA team at the Rivne nuclear power plant (NPP) reported that one reactor continues its planned maintenance and refueling activities, and one other unit was required to temporarily reduce reactor power to enable for the inspection and repair of one of the turbines. The repairs were successfully completed, and the reactor has returned to nominal full power.

IAEA teams present at all sites  the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl NPP site  reported hearing air raid alarms on most days over the past week. At the Khmelnytskyy NPP the team was informed that drones were observed as close as five kilometres from the site, while the team at the Rivne NPP had to shelter at its hotel on two separate days and the teams at the Khmelnytskyy and Rivne NPPs sheltered at site today. The team at the Chornobyl NPP site reported hearing the sounds of a drone and anti-aircraft fire at the Chornobyl NPP site on the evening of 9 July, and were informed by the site management that a drone had reportedly flown over the open switchyard and was intercepted by the military.

As part of the IAEA's comprehensive assistance programme to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, the Chornobyl NPP site received equipment aimed at enhancing the nuclear security measures at the site and the Khmelnytskyy and South Ukraine NPPs received equipment aimed at enhancing radiation monitoring capabilities. Additionally, the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center and the hydrometeorological organizations of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received multipurpose radiation monitoring devices.

These deliveries were funded by the European Union, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and brought the total number of IAEA-coordinated deliveries since the start of the armed conflict to 146.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Written message from Prime Minister ISHIBA for Virtual Leaders Meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

July 10, 2025

On July 10, Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru issued a written message for the "Virtual Leaders Meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine", which was hosted by the Government of UK and the Government of France. The key points made are as follows:

Despite tireless diplomatic efforts by various partners, Russia continues its intense attacks on the whole land of Ukraine, including Kyiv. Japan strongly calls on Russia to take positive actions for a comprehensive ceasefire and the realization of a just and lasting peace. Security in Europe and that in the Indo-Pacific are inseparable. We need to consider an impact not only on the security in Europe but also on the global security, including on the one in Indo-Pacific region, when the peace in Ukraine is to be achieved. It is also important to establish a peace framework that deters future possible aggression in order to ensure peace. In this regard, the meeting today is very timely. Japan also places importance on the involvement of relevant partners, including the US. We will continue to work in coordination with the international community. In order to strengthen Ukraine's economic and social resilience, Japan continues to support the recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine through a public-private partnership. In line of this effort, Japan will host the Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2025 on October 22 this year, recognizing mine action as a prerequisite for Ukraine's reconstruction. We strongly hope that today's meeting will serve as a significant step toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Thank you very much.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Netherlands pledges 300 million for reconstruction and economic recovery of Ukraine

Government of the Netherlands - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

News item | 10-07-2025 | 09:54

On Thursday the Netherlands pledged 300 million for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp announced the support at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome, in which he and Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof are participating. The URC is an annual international event dedicated to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

The foreign minister also announced that 30 million of this sum will be earmarked to help Dutch businesses and organisations to set up projects that contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction and sustainable recovery through the Ukraine Partnership Facility (UPF) grant programme. Mr Veldkamp had already said that 52 million of the Dutch contribution would be spent on repairing Ukraine's energy infrastructure and drinking water supplies in 2025.

In addition, the Netherlands is donating 4 million for the construction of a new wing at the children's hospital in Lviv, to be carried out in partnership with the Princess Maxima Center for paediatric oncology in Utrecht.

These amounts are part of the funds that the government had already set aside for non-military support to Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. The support amounts to 252 million per year, which adds up to more than 500 million in total. The details of how the first 200 million would be spent had already been announced. Now the purpose of the remaining amounts has also been determined.

'Russia isn't just trying to bring Ukraine's armed forces to their knees, but for more than three years has also been attempting to destroy Ukraine's society and economy through continuous attacks, for instance on energy infrastructure, water supplies and grain storage facilities, as well as houses and apartments. It is therefore important that the international community supports Ukraine not only with arms, but also with financial, economic and social assistance. Ukraine's economy and society must be kept running because that will help the country in its struggle. It is, as it were, another front line. Our financial and economic support is also intended to help the recovery process run more smoothly and to keep the costs of reconstruction down,' said Mr Veldkamp.

Ukraine Partnership Facility

At the conference, Mr Veldkamp and Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, will sign a cooperation agreement on the extension of the UPF grant programme established in 2023 to help Dutch businesses and organisations working on projects in the fields of agrofood, sustainable energy, healthcare, water and circular construction that will benefit Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction. The Netherlands and Ukraine will collaborate to ensure that the selected projects meet Ukraine's needs to the greatest extent possible.

20 million to boost Ukraine's cyber resilience

One of the topics discussed at the conference will be efforts to boost Ukraine's cyber resilience. The Netherlands had already announced it was setting aside 10 million per year for 2025 and 2026 to assist Ukraine in this area. The cyber threat posed to Ukraine by Russia has never been greater, as cyber attacks are an integral part of Russia's war effort. The funding may for example be used to increase the cyber resilience of critical sectors such as energy and transport.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






As West Discusses Ukrainian Rebuilding, Moscow Pounds Kyiv

By Todd Prince July 10, 2025

As Russian drones and missiles rained down again on Ukrainian cities, Western officials and investors gathered in Italy to discuss how to rebuild the embattled country.

Two people were killed and 25 injured in the capital, Kyiv, while civilian areas were damaged in the July 10 attack that included about 400 drones and lasted nearly 10 hours. The barrage came a day after Russia fired more than 700 drones into Ukraine in the largest aerial attack since the war began in February 2022.

Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome hours later, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country needed a large-scale reconstruction program similar to the Marshall Plan, the US initiative to rebuild Europe following World War II.

"Rebuilding Ukraine is not just about our country. It's also about your countries, your companies, your technology, your jobs," Zelenskyy told the audience, which included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Russia has significantly stepped up its aerial bombardment of Ukraine this year, slowing investor appetite for new projects in the war-torn country, even as US President Donald Trump pushes Moscow to agree to a cease-fire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Trump last week during their sixth phone call since February that he intended to achieve his goals in Ukraine. Putin wants to bring the independent country once again under Moscow's control.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov in Malaysia, where the two discussed the war in Ukraine. Rubio said the US is disappointed that Russia has not shown flexibility in talks.

In Rome, Merz said that rebuilding Ukraine would cost about $500 billion and that Russian central bank assets frozen in the West would continue to be used as collateral to back reconstruction loans.

Russia has targeted Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, especially its power grid, in an attempt to demoralize the population, something that has not happened. Factories and housing have also been extensively damaged.

Merz said that Germany was ready to purchase a Patriot air defense system from the US and supply it to Ukraine. Zelenskyy has been seeking more air defense systems and missiles from the West to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian bombardment.

The U.K. and Ukraine were expected to sign a deal at the conference for the supply of thousands of Thales air defense missiles to Ukraine over the next two decades.

Trump earlier this week rescinded a Pentagon decision to halt the delivery of Patriot missiles and other weapons for Ukraine approved by the administration of former President Joe Biden.

In explaining his decision, Trump said that Russia was hitting Ukraine hard from the air.

In his speech to the conference, Zelenskyy called on the West to tighten sanctions on Russia to force Moscow to negotiate an end to the war. Trump has not imposed any new sanctions on Russia this year, allowing Moscow to set up new shell companies to get around existing export bans.

Trump said he is studying a new sanctions bill submitted by Senators Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (Democrat-Connecticut).

The bill would impose sanctions and tariffs on countries that support Russia's war effort in addition to targeting Russia's banking system.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/west-reconstruction- ukraine-russia-attack/33470844.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN Regularly Spread Ukraine's Lies  Moscow on Guterres' Remarks on Russian Drone Attacks

Sputnik News

20250710

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and his subordinates regularly spread the lies fabricated by Kiev and Western countries, the Russian Foreign ministry said on Thursday, commenting on the UN chief's remark about the allegedly largest series of attacks by Russian UAVs and missiles.

On July 5, Guterres strongly condemned "what is believed to be the largest series of attacks by Russia in the last three years using UAVs and missiles" that allegedly disrupted the power supply to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant (ZNPP), and expressed concern about "the dangerous escalation and the growing number of civilian casualties," the ministry said in a statement.

"[Antonio] Guterres and his subordinates regularly pick up and replicate the lies fabricated by the Kiev regime and Western capitals and aimed at discrediting Russia. They consistently keep silent about Kiev's flagrant violations of international humanitarian law or, at best, limit themselves to calls for restraint on both sides. With such double standards, the Secretariat's leadership grossly violates Article 100 of the UN Charter, which requires it to adhere to the principles of impartiality and equidistance," the ministry said.

It is absurd to assume that Russia has grounds to create difficulties for the safe operation of the ZNPP, as it is Moscow that is responsible for ensuring the safety of the plant, the statement read, adding that the Russian armed forces only strike Ukraine's military targets, while Kiev constantly attacks civilian targets.

"Russia insists that UN officials abandon their biased course, demands that they stop acting as mouthpieces for Western propaganda and disseminators of disinformation and fakes, take a neutral and responsible position befitting their status, and rely only on verified sources of information," the statement said.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hungary Vows to Fight EU If It Bypasses Budapest on Ukraine's Membership - Orban

Sputnik News

20250710

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The European Union has no legal means to bypass Hungary's opposition over accepting Ukraine into the entity, and if it tries to do so by deceiving, Budapest will fight and protest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday.

The process of Ukraine's integration into the EU has actually reached an impasse, since Budapest has not agreed to open negotiation clusters, he said.

"It is possible that we will be tricked here, of course, we will protest, press charges and fight for our rights, but at the very end of the process, when the decision on membership will have to be made, Hungary will certainly not be bypassed," Orban said in an interview with the Patriota YouTube channel.

The prime minister said that it was impossible to legally circumvent Hungary at any stage, but "such clear violations of the law are taking place in Brussels right now" that the supremacy of law is on decline there.

Orban said that the EU "cannot afford this even in its worst condition and in the most combative von der Leyen state [head of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen], regardless of which Ukraine-Brussels axis operates."

Orban previously said that Brussels wanted Ukraine to become a member of the EU by 2030, but the final decision rested with Hungary. Orban said that the EU's true goal was not to help Ukraine but to colonize it, and forcing Kiev to continue the conflict is one of the methods of colonization. Orban stated that Hungary stands for the EU, but opposes Ukraine's accelerated European integration.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US Supplies Ukraine With Artillery Shells, Mobile Rocket Artillery Missiles - Reports

Sputnik News

20250710

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States is delivering to Ukraine artillery shells and mobile rocket artillery missiles, Reuters reported, citing two US officials.

In particular, Kiev gets 155-mm artillery shells and GMLRS missiles. The number of shells and missiles transferred to Ukraine is not specified.

On June 30, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed to the media that the Pentagon had paused deliveries of certain air defense missiles and precision munitions to Ukraine over concerns that US stock was running low.

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the US would supply Kiev with "some more weapons," but he did not clarify what his administration planned to send or whether Patriot missiles would be included. He later said the US would send some "defensive" weapons to Ukraine.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia's shameful record-breaking attacks on Ukrainian civilians and use of chemical weapons on the front line in Ukraine are a disgrace: UK statement to the OSCE

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia's latest aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities, which have killed civilians and damaged civilian infrastructure, and highlights the UK's recent sanctions package in response to Russia's use of chemical weapons in Ukraine.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Neil Holland

Published 10 July 2025

Location: Vienna

Delivered on: 10 July 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)



Thank you, Mr Chair. Last week in this Council we said that Russia had launched its biggest aerial attacks of the war so far. One day later, it was already out of date. Last Friday, on 4 July, Russia broke its record again, launching overnight 539 drones and 11 missiles at Ukraine. Apartments, businesses, a school, a medical facility and other civilian infrastructure were damaged. A thick smoke cloud hung over central Kyiv, prompting health warnings. And, overnight on Tuesday, 8 July, Russia exceeded that again, launching 728 drones and 13 missiles at Lutsk and other Ukrainian cities. This was the largest such attack in the war to date. Russia shows no sign of letting up these aerial assaults. The barrage and destruction continue.

So far in 2025, Russia has launched over 20,000 drones at Ukraine. That's around 3,500 per month. This is more than 3.5x the average in 2024. Russia has launched the nine largest daily air attacks of the war in the past six weeks.

Mr Chair, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights recently published its periodic report on the human rights situation in Ukraine. It stated: "Our findings strongly suggest a failure to distinguish between civilian and military targets, and to take all feasible precautions to verify the military nature of those targets - or worse, an intentional decision not to."

These aerial attacks are not the actions of a government that is serious about peace. President Putin has demonstrated that amply in recent days by repeating his maximalist objectives for the war. Following his call with the Kremlin on 3 July, President Trump told reporters that he was 'very disappointed with the conversation' because Putin was 'not looking to stop'.

Mr Chair, the statement published last week by the Dutch and German intelligence services indicating Russian use of chemical weapons on the front line is deeply concerning. The OPCW has now published three reports confirming the presence of CS gas in samples collected by Ukraine from the battlefield. We will not ignore such disregard of the Chemical Weapons Convention. That is why the UK announced a second package of sanctions this week against two senior Russian military officials and a Russian research institute for their involvement in Russia's chemical weapons violations.

Mr Chair, we must also redouble our efforts to support Ukraine to get through this, and to rebuild after the war is over. The Ukraine Recovery Conference being held in Rome this week is a pivotal moment for the international community to demonstrate its commitment. In total, the UK has committed 5.3 billion in non-military support to Ukraine. The World Bank has estimated that Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction needs will cost USD $524bn over the next decade. Early recovery and reconstruction are vital to get through the war and secure a just and lasting peace. It is essential for all countries to step up their support, ensuring a unified and effective response to Ukraine's recovery needs. Thank you.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






British investment boost in Ukraine to benefit both countries

British investment boost in Ukraine to support security and prosperity of both countries.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Department for Business and Trade, Gareth Thomas MP and The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP

Published 10 July 2025



New UK package of support for Ukraine's immediate and longer-term needs at Ukraine Recovery Conference.

UK and Ukraine conclude historic deal for Thales Air Defence missiles, boosting British growth and jobs and keeping Ukraine in the fight.

UK also confirms up to 283 million in bilaterial assistance for Ukraine over the next year.

Two hundred British jobs will be created and another 700 safeguarded in a major defence deal between the UK and Ukraine to be signed at this year's Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC).

The jobs at Thales in Belfast come as the UK and Ukraine successfully conclude the largest export credit agency-backed deal in Ukraine.

Supported by a 2.5 billion guarantee with a 19-year financing agreement, the funds can now be released. This enables the delivery of more than 5000 Air Defence missiles from British business Thales - in what is not only a major boost to the UK's defence capabilities but will also keep Ukraine in the fight, boosting their defence against Russia's illegal full-scale invasion.

Representing the Prime Minister at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Minister for Exports Gareth Thomas will formally sign the agreement with the Government of Ukraine, marking a key milestone in the UK-Ukraine defence cooperation.

The deal delivers on this Government's Plan for Change, by spending more on defence and creating jobs we will keep the country safe and boost economic growth.

In a speech at the conference in Rome, the Deputy Prime Minister will also reaffirm the UK's bilateral assistance to Ukraine for the financial year 2025-2026 of up to 283 million. This will keep the country in the fight and ensure Ukrainians living through Russia's illegal full-scale invasion have access to vital support across humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, recovery and reconstruction needs.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

As we continue to witness the enduring strength of the Ukrainian people, the UK stands by their side to provide the assistance their country needs to not only stay in the fight, but to rebuild and recover. This announcement underlines our continued support for Ukraine - boosting their air defences against devastating drone and missile attacks and supporting the critical work to reconstruct this nation and provide the hope that they need. This will also provide skilled jobs in the UK and is all part of our Plan for Change - bolstering the UK defence industry and strengthening our international ties.

Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports Gareth Thomas said on the Thales deal:

This landmark agreement is a powerful example of how British expertise is supporting Ukraine's defence and recovery while creating high-quality jobs at home.

By unlocking UKEF-backed finance, we're enabling the delivery of vital equipment to Ukraine and strengthening our own defence industrial base.

It's a clear demonstration of our Plan for Change in actionbacking British business, boosting exports, and standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression."

The UK will provide up to 10.5 million for the Governance Reform Programme and up to 1 million in support of Ukraine's Green Transition Office in financial year 2025 to 2026 to help Ukraine reform for the future. 10.5 million will go towards efforts on rule of law, justice and anti-corruption while 1 million will fund work on green transition and energy, both supporting Ukraine on its path to becoming a prosperous, green and modern European nation.

During the conference, British International Investment (BII) will also confirm 30 million for MHP, a leading Ukrainian agribusiness. MHP employs over 30,000 people in Ukraine, with more than 40% being women. The loan will help them to safeguard jobs and boost resilience in the food and agriculture sectors during Russia's full-scale invasion. MHP, Ukraine's largest poultry and processed meat producer, exports to over 70 countries.

Underpinning much of these efforts, the UK will endorse the Government of Ukraine's insurance agreement. This initiative seeks to make insurance more affordable and widely accessible for businesses, including those in the UK, helping to derisk their investments into Ukraine.

The UK is committed to supporting Ukraine win the war and the peace, emerging as a stronger, more prosperous and free nation, resilient to Russian threats. Our 100 Year Partnership, alongside the commitments made at URC, reaffirm the UK's iron-clad support for Ukraine now and into the future.

In total, the UK has committed 18.3 billion for Ukraine with 13 billion in military support and 5.3 billion in non-military support.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement of the Coalition of the Willing meeting by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine: 10 July 2025

Today the leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing gathered in London, Rome and virtually to discuss strengthening support to Ukraine and further pressure on Russia.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 10 July 2025

Today the leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing gathered in London, Rome and virtually to discuss strengthening support to Ukraine and further pressure on Russia. They welcomed the participation of United States Special Presidential Envoy, General Keith Kellogg, and Senators Graham and Blumenthal - the first time representatives of the United States have joined in the Coalition of the Willing meeting.

The leaders congratulated Prime Minister Meloni of Italy on hosting the Ukraine Recovery Conference, from where President Zelenskyy and fellow leaders joined the meeting.

The Leaders reiterated that President Putin's unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and a threat to their security interests. They underlined their unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

They commended President Zelenskyy's sincere support for US-led efforts to reach peace. Four months have passed since Ukraine agreed to a full, unconditional ceasefire. In this time, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's civilian population, killing more than 700 and injuring over 3,500 in the most intense air strikes of the invasion to date. The Leaders called on Russia to end attacks against civilians, and to commit to a full and unconditional ceasefire in order to negotiate a just and lasting settlement.

The Leaders supported further peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, praising efforts by President Trump on establishing a peace process backed by the United States and other close partners. This should make progress towards a meeting of leaders.

Leaders also agreed to step up action against Russia's war economy. They agreed to develop further restrictive measures, in coordination with all relevant actors, against Russia's energy and financial sectors, including Russian oil and gas exports, the 'shadow fleet', and third country supply to Russia's war machine.

The Leaders reiterated that strong Ukrainian armed forces are the primary guarantee of the country's sovereignty and security. They agreed that, while Russia's aggression continues, this group would prioritise making sure that Ukraine gets the military and financial support it needs to defend itself in the fight now. Furthermore, they reaffirmed agreement to provide at least 40bn in military support to Ukraine in 2025 to bolster the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine - matching the commitment made by the NATO Alliance in 2024. They agreed to work through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and the Capability Coalitions to accelerate support for Ukraine's future forces.

A primary priority for support is the strengthening of Ukraine's integrated air-defence capabilities. Leaders also agreed on further support to deter Russian massive drone attacks, and to increase financing for the production of drone interceptors.

They reiterated their commitment to Ukraine's long-term security and to building Ukraine's ability to deter and defend against future armed attack by Russia. They welcomed the development of mature operational plans to deploy a reassurance force - the 'Multinational Force Ukraine' - once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine's skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine's armed forces. They welcomed the establishment of a UK/French led operational headquarters to support planning activity, the commitments made by partners to contribute to the force, as well as Ukraine's readiness to issue an invitation to the force and enter into formal agreements with participating countries where necessary.

Leaders also underlined the importance of ensuring fiscal and economic support for Ukraine. They agreed to draw up a collective plan to support Ukrainian public finances in 2026. They also recognised that free and safe navigation in the Black Sea will strengthen Ukraine's economy and restore food security, and reiterated their commitment to support demining efforts in the Black Sea. The Leaders also agreed to continue to explore all lawful routes to ensure that Russia pays for the damage that it has done to Ukraine, including looking at further options for the use of revenues stemming from Russian immobilised sovereign assets.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China Buzz: Enjoy refreshing Chinese summer beverages to beat the heat!

13:55, July 11, 2025 By Kou Jie ( People's Daily Online

Tea has long been associated with Chinese culture and identity. The tradition, culture, and history of China are all encapsulated in a cup of tea.

Through the ancient Silk Road, Chinese tea has spread friendship and prosperity to the world. Tea is ubiquitous in the daily lives of the Chinese people and is served steeped or boiled in homes, workplaces, tea houses, restaurants and temples. It plays a major role in social interactions as well as in ceremonies such as weddings and sacrificial rites. The practice of greeting guests and building relationships within families and among neighbors through tea-related activities is common to multiple ethnic groups, providing a sense of shared identity and continuity for communities.

In 2022, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed "Traditional tea processing techniques and associated social practices in China" on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

There are six distinct varieties of tea that have evolved over time, each influenced by local traditions and climate: green, yellow, dark, white, oolong, and black. When reprocessed teas, such as flower-scented varieties, are taken into account, there are approximately 2,000 tea products in total, featuring a wide range of colors, aromas, flavors, and forms. Chinese tea manufacturers are now producing new varieties of fruit and milk tea, among others, by experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to meet the demands of consumers around the world.

Xinhua reported that in 2024, the "new-style" tea beverage market in China was worth more than 350 billion yuan (around $48.6 billion), up 6.4 percent over the previous year. It is becoming increasingly clear that innovative tea beverage brands from China are "going overseas" as the industry grows.

Chinese "new-style" tea brand Mixue gains popularity in Hanoi, Vietnam. (Photo by Kou Jie)

Chinese beverage brands such as Mixue Bingcheng, or Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, and Chagee recently filed for overseas listings, attracting significant public attention. Many Chinese brands have expanded their businesses and gained popularity overseas. After launching in Seoul, South Korea in 2024, ChaPanda quickly expanded to other nations including Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, and Spain; Heytea followed suit, opening stores in big cities including London, Melbourne, and New York.

"New-style" Chinese tea drinks are quickly "going global," giving a breath of fresh air to ancient Chinese tea culture and sharing their rich aromas with people around the world.

During hot summer days, what do the Chinese drink? People's Daily Online has prepared a Chinese summer beverage menu with the most popular selections, the majority of which are popular in "new-style" Chinese tea businesses.

Leung cha, or "cooling tea," is an infusion of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Leung cha is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a cooling agent to treat shanghuo, or heatiness, a concept related to Traditional Chinese Medicine that refers to an imbalance in internal energy that has negative health consequences on the body.

In Lingnan, herbal tea has long been a specialty beverage. Lingnan is located in a subtropical environment with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Herbal teas like leung cha are said to alleviate gastrointestinal issues and skin disorders, which are more common in subtropical regions. The practice of drinking herbal tea expanded from China and East Asia to the rest of the world over time. You can't miss the "cool tea shops" that sell herbal teas in big cities like Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the governments of south China's Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the Macau Special Administrative Region, methods to make leung cha have been considered an intangible cultural heritage practice in China since 2006.

Suanmeitang, or sour plum drink, is a traditional Chinese beverage made from smoked plums, rock sugar, and other ingredients such as sweet osmanthus. Due to the sour plums used in its production, suanmeitang is slightly salty in addition to being sweet and rather sour.

Suanmeitang is made by first soaking sour plums in water, then adding haw, liquorice root and sweet osmanthus and boiling them together. It is often enjoyed chilled during the summertime, offering relief from the heat, and is one of the most common summer drinks in China. In addition to being widely considered an effective drink for cooling off, it is also popularly believed to have minor health benefits, such as improving digestion and possibly inhibiting the buildup of lactic acid in the body.

Suanmeitang has existed in some form for over 1,000 years, at least since the Song dynasty (9601279). The recipe used today is thought to have been developed at the request of the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing dynasty during the early 18th century, at which time it was first common in the imperial courts, and was later popularized among common folk.

Desserts made with mango pomelo sago are popular in Hong Kong. Mango, pomelo, sago, milk, and coconut milk are typical ingredients. As a refreshing beverage during the hot summer months, it is widely available in Chinese dessert shops and restaurants.

The Chinese name "mango pomelo sago," meaning "willow branch manna," refers to the concept of dropping manna from a willow branch, which makes people feel rejuvenated when they consume it. It is also a magical tool that Guanyin uses in the 16th-century Chinese novel "Journey to the West."

Over time, this delicacy has evolved into various forms; for example, it can be used to flavor other desserts and beverages.

Drinking mung bean soup is more than just a summertime tradition; it's a way of life. For its simplicity and effectiveness, this mixture of sugar and boiling mung beans is frequently referred to by the Chinese people as their "national sweet nectar."

It is simple to make: boil mung beans until they pop, then stir in sugar and set aside to cool.

Mung beans are rich in polyphenols, which, when combined with the acidity or alkalinity of the water, can cause oxidation and give the soup a reddish tint. This little hue difference has no effect on how refreshing it tastes though.

Different regions across China have their own variations of the soup. Mung beans are cooked in Guangzhou until they form a creamy paste that blends easily with the broth and is complemented by strands of seaweed. This combination, which may seem odd to people in northern China, works together to create a more complex flavor profile. Traditionally, dried tangerine peel gives a tinge of bitterness, while preserved mandarin peel provides a refreshing aftertaste.

Suzhou's version of mung bean soup is a masterclass in using a wide variety of ingredients. Making use of glutinous rice, the texture differences between the mung beans and glutinous rice are preserved by steaming them separately before layering them in a glass. What makes this colorful mixture so versatile is the inclusion of winter melon sugar, candied winter melon shreds, honey dates, raisins, and a splash of cold water steeped with mint. This sensory experience is sure to please your eyes and taste buds thanks to the wide range of colors and textures offered by these ingredients.

China summers aren't complete without chrysanthemum tea; an infusion drink brewed from the fragrant blooms.

Chrysanthemum was first grown in China as an herb, but it was during the Song Dynasty (960-1127) that the tea became widely consumed. In Chinese tradition, after drinking a pot of chrysanthemum tea, boiling water is usually poured on the flowers in the pot, resulting in a slightly weaker tea; this process is done numerous times.

While making the tea, dried chrysanthemum flowers are soaked in hot water in a teapot, cup, or glass. Occasionally, rock sugar or cane sugar is also added. The resulting drink is translucent, ranging from pale to brilliant yellow, and has a floral scent.

Drinking barley water is a common Chinese summertime treatment for cooling off. Refreshing and simple to whip up, it's the perfect recipe for hot summer days.

Pearl barley is a popular summer drink ingredient because traditional Chinese medicine believes it helps reduce heatiness and maintain hydration, which is especially important in hot, tropical climates.

To make the drink, simply simmer the barley in water until the water turns beige. Before drinking, garnish with fresh lemon or mint leaves.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Wu Chengliang)
New Coalition of the Willing headquarters as leaders step up support for Ukraine's immediate fight

The Coalition of the Willing will have a new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future coordination cell in Kyiv, as command structures for the future reassurance force are finalised.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 10 July 2025

The Coalition of the Willing will have a new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future coordination cell in Kyiv, as command structures for the future reassurance force are finalised.

It comes after leaders from the Coalition of the Willing met virtually today, with the Prime Minister and President Macron joining from the UK's Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood and President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Meloni and other leaders joining from the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome to discuss the latest planning and our wider efforts to support Ukraine.

For the first time, representatives of the United States, including Special Presidential Envoy, General Keith Kellogg, Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal, joined the meeting.

Military chiefs updated on the significant progress made, including the completion of reconnaissance visits to Ukraine, to better understand how a post-ceasefire force could best help regenerate the strength and firepower of Ukrainian forces and provide reassurance in the years to come.

Following agreement on command structures for the force, leaders agreed that planning should continue on an enduring, business as usual footing, to ensure that a force can deploy in the days following the cessation of hostilities.

That will include a 3-star multi-national operational headquarters in Paris, led by the UK and France, to oversee all tactical and operational arrangements.

The headquarters, which will rotate to London after the first 12 months, will allow partners to contribute forces flexibly and deploy military teams for different operational strands of work.

When the force deploys, a co-ordination cell, headed up by a UK 2-star military officer will also be set up in Kyiv.

Following the cessation of hostilities, the force is expected to:

Regenerate land forces: providing logistic, armament and training experts to assist with the regeneration and reconstitution of Ukraine's land forces.

Secure Ukraine's skies: The Coalition will provide safe skies alongside Ukraine's Air Force using Coalition aircraft to deliver Air Policing, reassuring the Ukrainian population and establishing the conditions for normal international air travel to re-commence.

Support safer seas: The existing Black Sea Task Force of Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria will be bolstered by additional specialist staff to accelerate the clearance of mines from the Black Sea and ensure safe and secure maritime access for all vessels transiting to and from Ukraine ports.

During the meeting, leaders condemned President Putin's brutal attacks on Ukrainian cities and disregard for peace talks and reaffirmed their determination to continue applying pressure on Putin to stop his illegal attacks and engage meaningfully in negotiations. They also welcomed progress made at the Ukraine Recovery Conference to help Ukraine grow its economy and protect its infrastructure against Russia's attacks.

They agreed their priority effort must be to focus on Ukraine's immediate defence in the face of relentless Russian attacks on critical national infrastructure and civilians.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Supporting Ukraine is not just the right thing to do, it's essential for delivering security at home. That is why the Coalition of the Willing is ensuring we have a future force that can deploy following a ceasefire to deter Russian aggression for years to come. But as we continue to prepare for peace, our focus must also be on making it happen. So, alongside our partners, in the coming days and weeks, we will step up our support to keep Ukraine in the fight now, increasing pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions and ensuring Ukraine's Armed Forces have the equipment they need to defend their sovereign territory. I am clear that the more we do to counter Russia's aggression, the safer we will keep the British people, our allies and the Euro-Atlantic area.

President Putin has made it clear with his barbaric missile strikes that he is not ready for peace - underscoring the need for the international priority to be to strengthen Ukraine in the fight now.

Despite this, Coalition of the Willing members have been steadfast about their commitment to making sure they are ready to support Ukraine to deter future Russian attacks when the conditions for peace are right.

The 'Multinational Force Ukraine' will bolster Ukraine's ability to return to peace and stability by supporting the regeneration of Ukraine's own forces. Strong Ukrainian armed forces is the best way to deter Russia - and ensure the country is able to rebuild a thriving economy and attract international investment.

The military plan comes after military chiefs met in Paris on Monday to agree the strategy for the force and coordinate plans with the EU, NATO and the US and more than 200 planners from 30 international partners.

Leaders have now met six times to further planning and political support for the plans. The meeting comes after Ukraine's friends and partners pledged 40bn of military support for the country in 2025 at the NATO Summit last month.

This year, the UK will contribute 4.5 billion of military support to Ukraine - more than ever before, as well as launching a new landmark partnership share battlefield technology.

That agreement, reached last month, will boost Ukraine's drone production capacity and link the UK's defence industry with the cutting-edge technology being developed on the front lines in Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the tragic chapter in the history of Ukrainian-Polish relations

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

10 July 2025 11:00

Ukraine treats the history of the Ukrainian and Polish peoples with respect and deep reverence. Our countries have gone through various stages in our relations  from challenging periods of historical conflicts to the current stage of close strategic partnership.

We understand the sensitivity of the Volyn tragedy in the Polish society. We are also aware the sensitive attitude to the tragic pages of the past among Ukrainians.

Today, our nations have a moral obligation, not only to the memory of the victims, but also to present and future generations, to preserve the legacy of cooperation, mutual trust and strategic partnership. We stand for a true, responsible and balanced historical dialogue, free from politicisation and unilateral interpretations, and rely on the prudence of our Polish partners in assessing the events of our common historical past.

For the sake of maintaining unity in the defence of our freedom from our common enemy, Russia, we are committed to constructively resolving all issues in our bilateral relations. Ukraine has proven this with specific steps in recent months. We have resumed the process of exhumations and constructive dialogue on historical issues. We hope that this work will continue without politicisation.

Recently, two nationwide round tables were held in Ukraine with the participation of leading historians and experts on Ukrainian-Polish relations. They confirmed that the events of the Volyn tragedy were a tragedy of two nations and require joint objective assessments based on professional research of all the facts and events of that period.

We note the constructive cooperation with the Republic of Poland in carrying out search and exhumation works, proper arrangement of burial sites and identification of all the victims. Continuation of this joint work will help to strengthen mutual understanding between our peoples and to establish historical justice and memory of the events of the past.

Ukraine has also proposed to resume the activities of the Ukrainian-Polish Forum of Historians, as well as the format of open dialogue within the Partnership Forum as important platforms for exchanging views and seeking mutual understanding.

On the eve of the day when the Republic of Poland commemorates the victims of the Volyn tragedy, Ukraine shares the pain and grief of the Polish people. At the same time, we do not forget about the numerous Ukrainians who became innocent victims of interethnic violence, political repression and deportation on the territory of Poland. Ukraine honours the memory of all those who died, regardless of their nationality, religion or place of burial.

We must not forget that Russia is actively seeking to divide Ukrainians and Poles by exploiting the most sensitive chapters of our shared history. Unfortunately, some Polish politicians, whether deliberately or not, are playing into the aggressor's hands. In fact, Russia is vividly demonstrating, through the examples of Bucha, Irpin, Borodyanka, Mariupol, Izium, the shelling of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv, Odesa and other Ukrainian cities, what it is capable of doing in Poland if it is not stopped in Ukraine.

In response, we must demonstrate unity and wisdom, and jointly honour our shared historical memory, recognising that for the sake of our common future, we must find common ground  even on the most difficult pages of our past. Based on this unity, we will be able to build our common European path successfully.

Good-neighbouring relations between Ukraine and Poland remain essential for both countries, given the common interests and historical proximity of our peoples, as well as the challenges and threats posed by the Russian aggressor.

We are sincerely grateful to Poland for the comprehensive assistance provided to our country since the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion. This support has become a manifestation of true solidarity with Ukraine. Only together can we overcome our common enemy, the aggressor state of Russia, and defend the freedom of both Ukraine and Poland.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Andrii Sybiha comments on Russia's latest night attack

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

10 July 2025 08:52

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Massive Russian attack this night.

Kyiv had a particularly dreadful night, with brutal attacks by swarms of drones and missiles, including ballistic missiles.

There are damaged residential buildings and civilian casualties in the capital, as well as thick smoke in the morning sky.

Putin rejects any peace efforts and diplomacy in favor of terror and war crimes.

I urge partners to move quickly on both the US Senate bill and the EU's 18th sanctions package.

Don't just watch Russia terrorize people in Ukraine. Act now to defund Russia's war machine."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark Lars Lkke Rasmussen

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

10 July 2025 10:09

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "A warm and productive meeting with my Danish colleague and friend Lars Lkke Rasmussen.

We are deeply grateful to Denmark for its unwavering and practical support for Ukraine and our people.

Danish model of investments in Ukrainian defense industry set an example of joint cooperation and inspires other nations worldwide. We focused on further strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities as Russia escalates its terror against civilians and our infrastructure.

We also discussed current diplomatic efforts to bring closer a just peace and our cooperation during the Danish EU presidency.

We look forward to seeing Denmark's strong leadership in the EU with the European integration of Ukraine as well as enhanced sanctions pressure on Russia."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Mariana Betsa is paying a visit to the Council of Europe Headquarters

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

10 July 2025 10:24

On 9 July, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa began her visit to Strasbourg, French Republic, to participate in the high-level conference "The Situation of Ukraine's Children: Council of Europe Action", organized by the Council of Europe's Consultation Group on Ukraine's Children (CGU) in cooperation with the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.

In her address at the event, Mariana Betsa underscored:

"This war is waged not only against the Ukrainian state but also against the Ukrainian people including our children. Every child abducted or forcibly deported by Russia represents a stolen future. Each one of them must be brought home."

Diplomat expressed Ukraine's gratitude to the Council of Europe for its active engagement in defending the rights, safety, and return of Ukrainian children, including its accession to the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. At the same time, she called for a transition from political declarations to tangible measures: "We need effective mechanisms  practical and legal  that deliver results. Mechanisms that bring our children home."

The event was attended by Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, Minister of Malta for Social Policy and Children's Rights Michael Falzon, Special Envoy of Council of Europe Secretary General on the situation of children of Ukraine Tordis Gylfadottir, as well as representatives of Ukrainian state institutions, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, civil society, international organizations, and the expert community.

Later the same day, Mariana Betsa addressed the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe during a discussion on the consequences of the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine.

Deputy Minister stressed that Russia's war of aggression is an attempt to eradicate Ukraine's very identity and poses a grave threat to the fundamental values of Europe: sovereignty, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. She also reaffirmed that Russia's exclusion from the Council of Europe was the only correct decision.

"Ukraine remains fully committed to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter. However, we will never accept any imposed settlements or territorial concessions. Our position is firm: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, and nothing about Europe without Europe," Mariana Betsa emphasized.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the urgent need to intensify sanctions against the aggressor state, particularly in the energy sector, and to impose secondary sanctions on those financing the war by purchasing Russian oil.

Mariana Betsa expressed sincere gratitude to the Council of Europe for its support in establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, for joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, and for the expert assistance provided by the Venice Commission and the Council of Europe's monitoring bodies.

As part of her visit to the Council of Europe, Deputy Minister Mariana Betsa held meetings with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty, and Special Envoy of Council of Europe Secretary General on the situation of children of Ukraine Tordis Gylfadottir.

The discussions focused on strengthening the Council of Europe's support for holding the Russian Federation accountable for the crime of aggression, war crimes, and ensuring justice. Special attention was given to the return, reintegration, and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children deported by Russia, the protection of human rights in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories, and support for Ukraine's efforts to assist those affected by Russian aggression.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Tajani

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

10 July 2025 20:27

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "It was a pleasure to meet with Antonio Tajani and thank Italy for organising this year's Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.

URC 2025 is more than just a conference  it is a roadmap for transformation. Italy shows what true partnership means: going beyond infrastructure to rebuild institutions, human capital, and peace.

I deeply value Italy's clear stance on steadfast and practical support for Ukraine in resisting Russia's full-scale aggression. We discussed ways to advance our bilateral cooperation.

We also signed a declaration of intent to pursue an array of long-term Cyber Capacity Building initiatives, supporting Ukraine's national digital infrastructure.

I am grateful to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy for allocating 1 million for the implementation of projects within the Tallinn Mechanism.

Today's step builds on the 2024 Ukrainian-Italian security cooperation agreement.

We are deeply grateful to our Italian partners for all the support and joint efforts to strengthen Europe and the transatlantic security."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Meeting at the Ministry of Defence: Norwegian defence company opens branch in Ukraine

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

10 July, 2025, 12:14 PM EEST

Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Valerii Churkin held talks on developing cooperation with the Norwegian defence company Radionor Communications. The Norwegian delegation was led by Raymond Sderholm, CEO of Radionor Communications.

Valerii Churkin expressed gratitude to the people and leadership of Norway, as well as the Norwegian company, for their support in the fight against russian aggression.

Radionor has long been a supplier of communications technologies resilient to electronic warfare for Ukraine's Defence Forces.

During the meeting, the parties discussed new challenges in the use of unmanned systems on the frontline and ways to address them.

They also explored the prospects of establishing a Radionor service centre in Ukraine.

"There is a pressing need for communications technologies resilient to electronic warfare, especially for UAV operations in Ukraine. Together with our Ukrainian partners and with support from the Norwegian government, we expect to deliver more systems. Our goal is to improve UAV capabilities and support the Ukrainian army in mastering their use," said Raymond Sderholm.

"Having a company's representative office in Ukraine will simplify the maintenance of its products, enable professional training for Ukrainian personnel, and ultimately ensure these systems are used as effectively as possible," stated Valerii Churkin.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The future of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Oleksandr Kozenko discusses recruitment of new personnel with combat pilots

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

10 July, 2025, 10:30 AM EEST

Deputy Minister of Defence for Aviation Development, Oleksandr Kozenko, met with pilots of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Colonel Oleksandr Diakiv, Commander of Aviation and Deputy Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The event, which took the form of an open dialogue, was devoted to discussing the future of military aviation, the role of pilots in transformation processes, recruitment of new personnel, and promoting the pilot profession.

The event was facilitated by the Reform Support Office at the Ministry of Defence.

Oleksandr Kozenko opened the event by thanking the pilots for their significant contribution to the defence of Ukrainian skies and expressing condolences over the recent loss of their comrade, Maksym Ustymenko.

He reported on the status of reform and capability build-up of the aviation component of the Defence Forces and outlined a vision for the future of the Air Force as a high-tech structure aiming to significantly enhance its combat potential and train a new generation of pilots.

The Deputy Minister also emphasised the importance of retraining personnel in the context of the gradual transition from Soviet to Western aviation platforms, as well as the formation of a personnel reserve for the Air Force.

"The future means building a reserve of people who want to serve in the Air Force and who will enter and study at specialised institutions. We are currently considering increasing the number of state-funded places to expand our capacity for graduate intake," said Oleksandr Kozenko.

During the discussion, pilots shared their thoughts on practical aspects and effective strategies for recruitment new personnel to the Air Force. These included revising contract terms for pilots, establishing a specialised recruitment centre, promoting the profession of military pilot and raising public awareness of the contribution of military aviation pilots to the defence of the country.

Oleksandr Kozenko expressed his gratitude for the productive meeting, outlined the next steps for implementing the ideas expressed, and emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue for building a modern and effective Air Force of Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Coalition of the Willing Discusses Further Support for Ukraine, Security Guarantees, and Increased Pressure on Russia

President of Ukraine

10 July 2025 - 21:17

In Rome, with the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a meeting was held with the leaders of countries belonging to the Coalition of the Willing and leaders of international organizations. The event brought together delegates from 32 countries.

The meeting was also attended by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg.

The President of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to all those participating in person and online, and thanked Giorgia Meloni for organizing the event. He also highlighted the fact that representatives of the United States were present at a meeting in this format for the first time.

"I thank President Trump. His signals are very, very important, and we are counting on them. I am sure that in the future, we will develop the Coalition of the Willing together, and this is important," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The meeting focused on opportunities to procure a weapons package to save lives, financing Ukraine's Defense Forces, and increasing investments in weapons production, in particular drones.

"Today, we worked very specifically on the issue of drone funding. Interceptor drones and everything needed for long-range strikes are an obvious priority," the President emphasized.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer and President of France Emmanuel Macron joined the meeting online from London and informed the participants about the results of discussions regarding plans to deploy an international reassurance force in Ukraine after the cessation of hostilities.

Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron condemned Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities. As Russia shows no readiness to end its aggression, the Coalition of the Willing must contribute to achieving peace by supporting Ukraine and applying further pressure on Moscow, including through sanctions.

Giorgia Meloni underscored the importance of aligning the efforts of the Coalition of the Willing with those of the United States to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The President of the Council of Ministers of Italy believes that it is precisely the deterrence of Russia and pressure on it that will contribute to ending the war.

"This is what we have to deliver on, and this is what the innocent victims, their families, and those wanting to rebuild expect from us. But it is also what our citizens, which are tired of the consequences of meaningless aggression that has brought the war back in the heart of Europe, ask from us," Giorgia Meloni stated.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement of the Coalition of the Willing Meeting by the Leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine

President of Ukraine

10 July 2025 - 19:05

Today the leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing gathered in London, Rome and virtually to discuss strengthening support to Ukraine and further pressure on Russia. They welcomed the participation of United States Special Presidential Envoy, General Keith Kellogg, and Senators Graham and Blumenthal - the first time representatives of the United States have joined in the Coalition of the Willing meeting.

The leaders congratulated Prime Minister Meloni of Italy on hosting the Ukraine Recovery Conference, from where President Zelenskyy and fellow leaders joined the meeting.

The Leaders reiterated that President Putin's unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and a threat to their security interests. They underlined their unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

They commended President Zelenskyy's sincere support for US-led efforts to reach peace. Four months have passed since Ukraine agreed to a full, unconditional ceasefire. In this time, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's civilian population, killing more than 700 and injuring over 3,500 in the most intense air strikes of the invasion to date. The Leaders called on Russia to end attacks against civilians, and to commit to a full and unconditional ceasefire in order to negotiate a just and lasting settlement.

The Leaders supported further peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, praising efforts by President Trump on establishing a peace process backed by the United States and other close partners. This should make progress towards a meeting of leaders.

Leaders also agreed to step up action against Russia's war economy. They agreed to develop further restrictive measures, in coordination with all relevant actors, against Russia's energy and financial sectors, including Russian oil and gas exports, the 'shadow fleet', and third country supply to Russia's war machine.

The Leaders reiterated that strong Ukrainian armed forces are the primary guarantee of the country's sovereignty and security. They agreed that, while Russia's aggression continues, this group would prioritise making sure that Ukraine gets the military and financial support it needs to defend itself in the fight now. Furthermore, they reaffirmed agreement to provide at least 40bn in military support to Ukraine in 2025 to bolster the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine - matching the commitment made by the NATO Alliance in 2024. They agreed to work through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and the Capability Coalitions to accelerate support for Ukraine's future forces.

A primary priority for support is the strengthening of Ukraine's integrated air-defence capabilities. Leaders also agreed on further support to deter Russian massive drone attacks, and to increase financing for the production of drone interceptors.

They reiterated their commitment to Ukraine's long-term security and to building Ukraine's ability to deter and defend against future armed attack by Russia. They welcomed the development of mature operational plans to deploy a reassurance force - the 'Multinational Force Ukraine' - once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine's skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine's armed forces. They welcomed the establishment of a UK/French led operational headquarters to support planning activity, the commitments made by partners to contribute to the force, as well as Ukraine's readiness to issue an invitation to the force and enter into formal agreements with participating countries where necessary.

Leaders also underlined the importance of ensuring fiscal and economic support for Ukraine. They agreed to draw up a collective plan to support Ukrainian public finances in 2026. They also recognised that free and safe navigation in the Black Sea will strengthen Ukraine's economy and restore food security, and reiterated their commitment to support demining efforts in the Black Sea. The Leaders also agreed to continue to explore all lawful routes to ensure that Russia pays for the damage that it has done to Ukraine, including looking at further options for the use of revenues stemming from Russian immobilised sovereign assets.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Defense Support, Shelter Construction, and Ukraine's Recovery: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Meets with Prime Minister of Finland

President of Ukraine

10 July 2025 - 18:38

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo.

The Head of State thanked Finland for its 29 defense aid packages totaling over 2.9 billion, as well as for its consistent support for Ukraine and its citizens. The Ukrainian people will always be grateful for the much-needed and effective weapons - a scarce resource - that Finland has provided.

The President informed the Prime Minister about the battlefield situation and the intensifying Russian massive attacks on Ukrainian cities. Petteri Orpo condemned these strikes and expressed full solidarity with Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine's defense industry - particularly to increase the number of drones - and of creating joint ventures. This is the fastest way to counter the growing number of Russian-Iranian 'shaheds'.

In addition, the Head of State expressed gratitude for Finland's Cooperation Development Program with Ukraine for 2025-2028, which envisions at least 320 million in humanitarian aid, recovery, and development. The President emphasized that such areas of humanitarian cooperation as shelters for schools, school meals for Ukrainian children, and educational cooperation are very important. Ukraine appreciates Finland's assistance.

The meeting also focused on the development of the Civil Protection Shelter Coalition. Ukraine and Finland launched this coalition in May this year to facilitate the construction of new shelters and the restoration of existing ones.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Petteri Orpo also focused on the negotiation process regarding Ukraine's EU membership, diplomatic efforts, transatlantic unity, and the threats to collective security posed by Russia's cooperation with its partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Friedrich Merz Discuss Increased Investment in Ukrainian Drone Production

President of Ukraine

10 July 2025 - 17:53

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz.

The Head of State thanked Germany for its European leadership in providing military support to Ukraine and specifically highlighted Germany's contribution to strengthening Ukraine's air defense - including the supply of Patriot and IRIS-T systems.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Friedrich Merz for participating in the Ukraine Recovery Conference and for the important messages of support for our country voiced during his speech.

The Chancellor of Germany noted that Ukraine's successful European integration will also contribute to its recovery and reaffirmed Germany's full support along this path. He also called on Slovakia to stop blocking the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia.

The Head of State informed Chancellor Merz about Russia's massive attacks and its tactics of intimidating people.

The two leaders discussed expanding defense cooperation. The President spoke about the use of interceptor drones, which have already proven capable of downing dozens of 'shaheds' during a single Russian attack, and called for increased investment in their production.

The Federal Chancellor condemned Russia's massive strikes, which are targeting civilians almost every night.

The battlefield situation was also addressed. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russian occupiers are currently making no advances on the front and are paying a heavy price for their offensive attempts.

The President thanked Germany for its willingness to help procure effective U.S.-made weapons that save lives.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Friedrich Merz also discussed the importance of strengthening transatlantic unity, coordinated next steps in diplomacy, and agreed to remain in constant contact.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dick Schoof Discuss Joint Weapons Production

President of Ukraine

10 July 2025 - 17:17

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof to discuss joint defense production and coordinate diplomatic efforts.

The Head of State thanked the Netherlands for announcing a 300 million aid package to support Ukraine's recovery and resilience throughout this year and the next.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed enhancing joint defense production and the urgent need to bolster Ukraine's air defense, as Russia continues to increase the number of drones and missiles used in massive attacks on Ukrainian cities and villages.

Dick Schoof condemned the recent Russian strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure and reaffirmed his full support for Ukraine.

The meeting also addressed the importance of joint diplomatic efforts with partners, particularly NATO member states, and the need to strengthen transatlantic unity.

The President thanked the Netherlands for hosting the NATO Summit in The Hague, for the new defense package announced during the summit, and for the signing of direct contracts with Ukrainian manufacturers under the Drone Line initiative.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Dick Schoof to visit Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine's Recovery, Defense Assistance, and Strengthening EU Sanctions Against Russia: President Meets with President of the Council of Ministers of Italy

President of Ukraine

10 July 2025 - 17:01

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni.

The Head of State thanked her for organizing the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. The event is attended by over 500 Italian companies, and around 200 bilateral agreements worth more than 10 billion are expected to be signed.

"This is an important signal of trust in Ukraine - in our ability not only to withstand this war, which is paramount, but also to enhance our shared European stability," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President noted the need for a large-scale and systematic approach to the reconstruction of our country. Ukraine expects active participation from Italy in developing and implementing the recovery plan. Italy has already taken on the patronage of the restoration of Odesa's cultural heritage and intends to expand its contribution to other areas.

Giorgia Meloni assured that Italy is ready to invest in Ukraine and its future.

"At the conference, we are signing a number of agreements, as well as financial guarantee instruments for businesses and companies willing to invest - and this is critically important. Also included are direct investments from our industrial enterprises," she said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted Italy's defense support. The leaders also discussed Ukraine's urgent needs to further strengthen its air defense.

Giorgia Meloni condemned Russia's strikes on civilians and critical infrastructure, and expressed condolences over the deaths of Ukrainians.

According to the President, Ukraine's top priority in domestic defense production is drones - particularly interceptors. He emphasized the importance of investing in Ukraine's defense industry and developing joint defense production.

The President of the Council of Ministers of Italy noted that Ukraine is the only side demonstrating readiness for genuine peace talks, and therefore, support for Ukraine must continue, along with increasing pressure on Russia.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Giorgia Meloni also discussed the preparation of the EU's 18th package of sanctions against Russia, as well as overcoming artificial political obstacles on Ukraine's path to EU membership.

The leaders also focused on launching the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine. Ukraine considers the swift ratification of the agreement establishing the tribunal by the Italian Parliament to be essential.

A separate focus of the meeting was the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Ukraine counts on continued support from both Italy and the Vatican in this matter.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Let This Be the Moment We Start Building a Coalition for Recovery  President at URC 2025

President of Ukraine

10 July 2025 - 15:01

Russia launches hundreds of drones and missiles every night, so Ukraine needs increased investments in air defense and the establishment of a coalition of countries for recovery. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the opening of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, held in Rome.

The Head of State noted that just the night before last, Russia launched over 700 drones and missiles at Ukraine, and last night  more than 400. As a result of the latest attack on Kyiv, two people were killed and 16 injured, a medical laboratory was completely destroyed, and residential buildings, a shopping center, a veterinary clinic, and basic city infrastructure were damaged.

The President called on partners to increase air defense supplies and boost investments in interceptor drones, air defense systems, and missiles.

"When Russia increases its attacks, we cannot have a shortage of funding for drone production. More than 30 countries and hundreds of companies are represented at the Conference today. And we must reach a point where Ukraine's air defense and drone sector is supported by over 30 countries and backed by hundreds of companies - not only from Ukraine, but also from Europe, the United States, and beyond," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President noted that Ukraine possesses some of the world's most advanced drone technologies for both offensive and defensive purposes, which it is ready to share with its partners.

The Head of State thanked the countries participating in the drone coalition and the aviation coalition and stressed that now a coalition for recovery must be created. According to him, it is necessary to identify the countries and companies that will participate and to develop a clear reconstruction plan.

"We need a Marshall Plan-style approach - and we should develop it together. Rebuilding Ukraine is not just about our country, it's also about your countries, your companies, your technology, your jobs - the way we rebuild our country can also modernize your infrastructure and industries," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He also stressed that frozen Russian assets must be used for Ukraine's recovery. Moreover, our state needs a clear system for reconstruction  a special recovery fund and financing at various levels: for Ukraine's national budget and for local communities.

Separately, the Head of State highlighted that Ukraine is already preparing for the coming winter. The President thanked everyone who helped the country get through the previous three winters and called for continued joint efforts.

According to the President, over 500 companies are represented at the Conference in Italy, with about 200 agreements ready to be signed, worth over 10 billion euros.

"And please - let's also focus on energy. Putin has only two real "allies" - terror and winter. And we must respond to both," Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.

The Ukraine Recovery Conference, held on July 10-11 in Rome, is already the fourth international event supporting the rebuilding of our country after the devastation caused by Russia's full-scale aggression. Previous conferences took place in Lugano (2022), London (2023), and Berlin (2024).

Around 4,000 representatives of governments, business, and civil society are participating in the event. Among them are over 100 heads of state and government and leaders of international organizations.

New financial and investment agreements will be signed following the conference, platforms for attracting private capital will be launched, and partnerships between governments, businesses, international organizations, and Ukrainian communities will deepen.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Address by the President to the Participants of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025

President of Ukraine

10 July 2025 - 14:42

Thank you so much!

Dear friends!

Dear Giorgia, thank you very much for your kind words, very strong words, for your support. Thank you for warmly hosting this important meeting for Ukraine, for Ukrainians.

Dear Ursula, Antonio, Friedrich, Peter, Donald, Edi, Pedro, Dick, Rosen, Petteri, Christen, Kyriakos, Milojko all the leaders and all the participants of the Conference, and all who stand with Ukraine today. Thank you so much!

Thank you all for your attention to Ukraine, to the needs of our people, first of all, and to our shared responsibility to do everything necessary to protect life.

Russia has also "prepared" for this meeting. Just last night, they launched another massive attack on Ukraine - mainly targeting our capital, Kyiv. The attack involved Russian-Iranian Shahed drones. These drones have been heavily upgraded to cause more destruction and to be harder to shoot down. Ukrainians now face attacks by hundreds, hundreds of these drones every single night. And this is pure terrorism.

The night before last, they launched over 700 drones and missiles. Last night - nearly 400. And they try to do this as often as possible. This is exactly what Putin wants - for our people to suffer, to flee Ukraine, and for homes, schools, for life itself - to be destroyed everywhere, not just near the front lines.

Remember - just a year ago, many people thought Russia wanted real peace, real talks and a ceasefire. Moscow was sending those signals, and it was all part of their propaganda - trying to say that Ukraine didn't want peace. But we said back then - there must be pressure on Russia because it was not preparing for peace. And now everyone sees that Putin has rejected every peace proposal and is escalating the violence.

Just last night, in Kyiv alone, sadly, two people were killed, and 16 were injured. A medical lab was completely destroyed. Residential buildings, a shopping center, a veterinary clinic, and basic city infrastructure were all damaged. And that was with many of the drones and missiles being shot down. Still, some made it through. This is what we must focus on first - we must stop Russian drones and missiles. This means more air defense supplies and more investments in interceptor drones, air defense systems, and, of course, missiles.

I urge all our partners - increase your investments. When Russia increases its attacks, we cannot have a shortage of funding for drone production.

More than 30 countries and hundreds of companies are represented at the Conference today. And we must reach a point where Ukraine's air defense and drone sector is supported by over 30 countries and backed by hundreds of companies - not only from Ukraine, but also from Europe, the United States, and beyond.

Please, speak to our team for details.

Ukraine has some of the world's most advanced drone technologies for both offensive and defensive. We are ready to share this expertise and these technologies with our partners. Ukraine needs investment - you need skills, you need technology. And everything we are building now to protect Ukraine will also help protect you.

I'm grateful to all countries that are part of the coalitions supporting Ukraine's defense. We've created effective, really effective coalitions, effective drone coalition - and you can see how drones help us hold life, hold front lines and strike Russian military infrastructure deep inside Russia. We also have a strong aviation coalition - thank you to all its members. Ukraine has received and is building up modern combat aviation. This is a huge help - thank you, thank you, partners. And we've done it in record time. No other country has switched from Soviet aircraft to F-16s and Mirages this quickly. Thank you to everyone who helped. I also want to highlight the coalition to return our Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. And this is a global effort, involving countries from Italy to Canada. And thank you to each one. Just yesterday, I spoke with Pope Leo about how the Vatican can support this work - and it already is. Today I'll discuss this with Giorgia and other leaders as well. And really, we must explore every possible way to bring our children back home - to their families, to Ukraine - so they don't forget who they are and where they come from, and so they're not used against Ukraine in war or sabotage when they grow up. This is a very serious threat, and we must stand against it together.

Just like these coalitions are working - we now need to build a coalition for recovery. Let this be the moment we start it. We know what Russia has destroyed, and we know what it will take to rebuild Ukraine, Ukrainian people, our lives.

A systematic approach is needed - a coalition with clear leadership - countries and companies that can lead and bring others with them. We also need a clear recovery plan. Think of the role the Marshall Plan played in rebuilding and transforming Europe. That's why Europe has enjoyed peace and economic growth for so many decades. And now, we have the opportunity to spark a new wave of progress. We need a Marshall Plan-style approach - and we should develop it together. Rebuilding Ukraine is not just about our country, it's also about your countries, your companies, your technology, your jobs - the way we rebuild our country can also modernize your infrastructure and industries.

And I ask you to support the recovery coalition and help define specific financing mechanisms. We must clearly agree that frozen Russian assets should go toward Ukraine's recovery. Not only the income from these assets, but the assets themselves must be used, and much more actively than they are now, to help save lives. And we also need a clear system for reconstruction - a special recovery fund and financing at different levels: for Ukraine's national budget and for local communities. We're very open to working with any business that can support our strength, production, logistics, and, of course, rebuilding.

And let me emphasize one more thing - in this joint recovery project, we will only welcome true partners - those who are not helping Russia continue this war. Only friends are invited to be part of Ukraine's economic and technological recovery.

And one last thing.

We are already preparing for the next winter. And we've already gone through three winters during this full-scale war. And, of course, first of all, thank you to everyone who helped us then. Thank you! And we need to keep working together to get through the next winter as well. And this can only be done as a shared task and let's use this Conference to move forward with that. I thank Norway for already, by the way, supporting us. Thank you to the Netherlands for your help. Thanks, Germany. Thanks, Ursula, Antonio - thank you so much for the EU's continued support in helping Ukraine face energy challenges. Real challenges. And we must keep making sure our people are protected.

I also thank Italy: more than 500 companies - Giorgia, thank you so much, and to your team - more than 500 companies are represented here at the Conference. Around 200 agreements are ready to be signed, with a total value of over 10 billion euros. All of this must be fully implemented. And please - let's also focus on energy.

Putin has only two real "allies" - terror and winter. And we must respond to both.

Thank you to everyone who is helping!

And let today's meetings bring real results - results that matter to people and are visible in their lives.

And every day, all of us must stay focused. All of us must keep up the pressure on Russia. All of us must keep working for defense. So that we can bring a real ceasefire as soon as possible. That our drones go to our shared arsenals. That our technologies serve recovery and real life. That we create and start implementing a reliable recovery plan. That our children and our people return home, home - to Ukraine. Let's do everything we can - for real peace, as soon as possible - just peace.

Glory to Ukraine!

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine and Austria to Strengthen Cooperation on the Establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Russian Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine

President of Ukraine

10 July 2025 - 14:28

Ukraine and Austria will step up joint efforts to launch the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine. This was the key topic of discussion during the meeting between Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Iryna Mudra and Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Ukraine Robert Muller.

Iryna Mudra thanked Austria for its support, including for hosting meetings of the Coalition of States for the establishment of the Special Tribunal in Vienna. She emphasized the importance of launching the tribunal as soon as possible.

"We value Austria's principled position in support of the international legal order. In a world where evil seeks to go unpunished, such a stance is not merely support for Ukraine  it is a choice in favor of justice," said the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office.

The parties also discussed finalizing the development of the international compensation mechanism and the need to use frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine.

The Austrian Ambassador reaffirmed Vienna's readiness to continue supporting our country both bilaterally and within international organizations such as the UN, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US Weapons To Continue Flowing To Ukraine Through NATO, Trump Says

By RFE/RL July 11, 2025

The United States is sending weapons to Ukraine through NATO, US President Donald Trump said on July 10, a week after the Pentagon said some weapons deliveries to the war-torn country were being paused.

Trump also said he would make a "major statement" on Russia on July 14. He did not elaborate on what the statement would be but provided an explanation about the supply of US weapons.

"We're sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%. So what we're doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons," Trump said, speaking in an interview with US broadcaster NBC.

Earlier this week Trump said he would release some defensive weapons designated for Ukraine following negative responses from some members of Congress about a Pentagon announcement on July 2 that some weapons designated for Ukraine would be halted over concerns that US stockpiles have declined too much.

Trump appeared to reverse that policy on July 8 when he said that the United States would be sending defensive weapons to Ukraine amid intensifying Russian advances. He also expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he is considering imposing new sanctions on Moscow.

Trump has he is studying a bill sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (Democrat-Connecticut) that would impose sanctions and tariffs on countries that support Russia's war effort in addition to targeting Russia's banking system.

"I think I'll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday," Trump said in the interview.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on July 9 addressed a conference in Rome on Ukraine's reconstruction, urging allies to "more actively" use Russian assets for rebuilding and calling for weapons, joint defense production, and investment.

Zelenskyy said he met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the conference, thanking him for participating in the conference and joining the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which raised billions of dollars in pledges from conference attendees.

"It is important that Poland continues to remain a key logistics and transit hub for international assistance to Ukraine," Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

Earlier on July 10, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he reinforced the message that Moscow should show more flexibility in a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Malaysia.

"We need to see a roadmap moving forward about how this conflict can conclude," Rubio said, adding that the Trump administration had been engaging with the US Senate on what new sanctions on Russia might look like.

"It was a frank conversation. It was an important one," Rubio said after the talks in Kuala Lumpur, where the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping are meeting. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Rubio and Lavrov had shared "a substantive and frank exchange of views."

Rubio said the US strategy to end the war in Ukraine is to continue to engage all the parties involved.

"We will engage anytime that we have an opportunity to do so, like we did today," Rubio told reporters. "The president's been pretty clear. He's disappointed and frustrated that there's not been more flexibility on the Russian side to bring about an end to this conflict."

Rubio said the Pentagon announcement about weapons sent to Ukraine had been mischaracterized, and the overwhelming majority of the military aid that the United States provides to Ukraine has never been paused.

He acknowledged that Ukraine needs more Patriot systems and said some are "available in multiple countries in Europe, yet no one wants to part with them." He said he hoped that would change.

"Countries that have ordered Patriot batteries that are about to receive shipments of them, it would be great if one of them volunteered to defer that shipment and send it to Ukraine instead," Rubio said.

He also noted that Russia has lost 100,000 soldiers since January, emphasizing that they were killed, not injured. Ukraine lost fewer in the same time span. Though the numbers are less, they are still very significant, he said.

With reporting by Reuters and NBC

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-weapons- zelenskyy-trump/33471237.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






NEW YORK, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of SelectQuote, Inc. (NYSE: SLQT) resulting from allegations that SelectQuote may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased SelectQuote securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39510 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On May 1, 2025, the United States Department of Justice published an announcement entitled The United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Three National Health Insurance Companies and Three Brokers Alleging Unlawful Kickbacks and Discrimination Against Disabled Americans. The release stated, in pertinent part, that SelectQuote had been charged and that from 2016 through at least 2021, the defendant insurers paid hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks to the defendant brokers in exchange for enrollments into the insurers Medicare Advantage plans.

On this news, SelectQuotes stock fell 19.2% on May 1, 2025.

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. 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 achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
CALGARY, Alberta, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- South Bow Corp. (TSX & NYSE: SOBO) (South Bow or the Company) will release its second-quarter 2025 financial and operational results after the close of markets on Aug. 6, 2025.

Conference call and webcast details

South Bow's senior leadership will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company's second-quarter 2025 results on Aug. 7, 2025 at 8 a.m. MT (10 a.m. ET).

Date Aug. 7, 2025 Time 8 a.m. MT (10 a.m. ET) Conference call link https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI5bf19c78c2b34999aabccc02e536a8f7 Webcast link https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/yghz5jhj

Register ahead of time to receive a unique PIN to access the conference call via telephone. Once registered, participants can dial into the conference call from their telephone via the unique PIN or click on the "Call Me" option to receive an automated call directly on their telephone.

Visit www.southbow.com/investors for the replay following the event.

Forward-looking information and statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements). In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements, including timing of the release of financial and operational results and the related conference call and webcast and replay. The forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that South Bow has made regarding, among other things: market conditions; economic conditions; and prevailing governmental policies or regulatory, tax, and environmental laws and regulations. Although South Bow believes the assumptions and other factors reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that these assumptions and factors will prove to be correct and, as such, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: the regulatory environment and related decisions and requirements; the impact of competitive entities and pricing; actions taken by governmental or regulatory authorities; adverse general economic and market conditions, and other factors set out in South Bow's public disclosure documents. The foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date hereof. South Bow does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

About South Bow

South Bow safely operates 4,900 kilometres (3,045 miles) of crude oil pipeline infrastructure, connecting Alberta crude oil supplies to U.S. refining markets in Illinois, Oklahoma, and the U.S. Gulf Coast through our unrivalled market position. We take pride in what we do  providing safe and reliable transportation of crude oil to North America's highest demand markets. Based in Calgary, Alberta, South Bow is the investment-grade spinoff company of TC Energy, with Oct. 1, 2024 marking South Bow's first day as a standalone entity. To learn more, visit www.southbow.com.

Contact information
Aalst, Belgium, July 11, 2025  Ontex Group NV, a leading international developer and producer of personal care products, will share its results for the second quarter and hirst half year results of 2025 at 07:00 CEST / 06:00 BST on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Management will host a webcast for investors and analysts on the same day at 12:00 CEST / 11:00 BST. Click on the following link to attend the presentation: https://ontexgroup.engagestream.companywebcast.com/25q2_results_call. A replay of the webcast will be available at the same link shortly after the conclusion of the live presentation, and remain available on the same link for one year.

Would you wish to participate to the Q&A session at the end of the call, please contact investor.relations@ontexglobal.com prior to the date of publication. Note that active participation to the Q&A session is restricted to professional investors and financial analysts only.

The consensus for the upcoming results and beyond, can be found on: https://ontex.com/investors/results-reports/. These consensus figures are based on equity analyst projections covering Ontex, and therefore do not represent forecasts made by Ontex. By making this consensus information available, Ontex does not mean or otherwise imply to endorse such information.





Enquiries

Investors Geoffroy Raskin +32 53 33 37 30 investor.relations@ontexglobal.com

Media Catherine Weyne +32 53 33 36 22 corporate.communications@ontexglobal.com





About Ontex

Ontex is a leading international developer and producer of baby care, feminine care and adult care products, for retailer and healthcare brands across Europe and North America. The group employs about 5,500 people with plants and offices in 12 countries (excl. discontinued operations), and its innovative products are distributed in around 100 countries. Ontex is headquartered in Aalst, Belgium and is listed on Euronext Brussels, where it is a constituent of the Bel Mid index. To keep up with the latest news, visit ontex.com or follow Ontex on LinkedIn.

Attachment
Solargik signs 85MW of new solar tracker deployments in Italy.

Partnerships with Revalue and Free Ingegneria bring solar power to areas where conventional solutions cannot operate.

Solargik unlocks the potential of sustainable solar power in complex agricultural areas.

Solargiks total Italian pipeline now reaches hundreds of MW, helping accelerate the countrys energy transition.

Jerusalem and Milan, July 11, 2025 (8:30 AM CET)  Solargik, a global pioneer in photovoltaic terrain-adaptive energy solutions today announced the signing of 85 megawatts (MW) in new utility-scale solar projects across Italy, marking a significant step in opening up solar deployment in areas long considered too steep, constrained, or regulated for viable installation in Europe.

The contracts - spanning a 45MW portfolio with Revalue, a third agreement with Free Ingegneria, and an additional 20MW challenging AgriPV project in Southern Italy - add to Solargiks already substantial pipeline in Italy, bringing total signed capacity to hundreds of megawatts, further positioning the company as a key player in driving Italys clean energy transition. From the northeast to the southern regions of Basilicata, the projects reflect a growing shift in the Italian landscape: solar energy reaching areas previously written off as unbuildable or off-limits.

Solargik unlocks solar growth as land constraints rise in Italy

In 2024, Italys solar energy market saw record growth, adding about 6.8 GW of new solar capacity - a 30% increase over the previous year. As demand soars, competition for suitable land is intensifying, particularly with new national guidelines limiting the use of prime farmland for solar farms. Solargiks terrain-adaptive and AgriPV-compatible tracker systems offer a timely solution helping Italy expand clean energy capacity even where land is limited.

Italy is one of the most strategically important markets for Solargik, said Gil Kroyzer, CEO of Solargik. What makes these projects exciting is not just the scale, but the innovation involved - sloped terrain, AgriPV readiness, low-impact deployment. They showcase how our smart systems unlock solar potential in all terrains, including places others would avoid. Were proud to partner with forward-thinking developers like Revalue, Free Ingegneria, and others, each bringing a unique and ambitious vision that we help turn into reality. These are the kinds of solutions needed to accelerate the energy transition.

Revalue: Scaling solar impact through fast-track deployment

Solargiks collaboration with Revalue, 45MW across ten different project sites, is planned for fast-track delivery by the second half of 2025, leveraging Solargiks low-impact tracking systems to minimize grading and maximize yield across diverse terrain.

Solargik brings a rare combination of technical depth and practical execution, said Luca Di Giacomo, co-CEO of Revalue. Theyve helped us deploy quickly across multiple sites while meeting both performance and permitting goals.

Solargik delivers engineering solution for steep-slope solar sites in 20MW Free Ingegneria portfolio

Solargiks contract with Free Ingegneria covers a 20MW portfolio of four ground-mounted solar projects in Italy, all scheduled for completion by 2026. The sites include slopes as steep as 40% - terrain that typically makes solar deployment technically and economically unfeasible.

Solargiks solution overcame this barrier by adjusting tracker orientation and deploying short-structure systems engineered for steep and uneven land. This approach allowed the projects to move forward within tight environmental and permitting constraints, without compromising on cost or performance.

Solargiks adaptive engineering gave us options where none seemed possible, said Marco Giovannini, CEO of Free Ingegneria. Their ability to rethink standard layouts was essential in overcoming the sites challenges.

AgriPV projects: advancing solar on farmland in Basilicata

The additional project within Solargiks 85MW Italian rollout includes an AgriPV development for 20MW in the southern region of Basilicata. The project is situated on sloped agricultural land and includes strict environmental and permitting constraints. Solargik is deploying a specialized tracker system designed for AgriPV environments with 1.3 m ground clearance and a maximum height of 2.5 m. Solargik solutions are designed for low-impact development, avoiding cutting into the terrain, aligning with sustainable permitting policies, and offering a path forward for agricultural zones where conventional systems would be ruled out.

About Solargik

Solargik is a global leader in photovoltaic tracking and energy management, specializing in intelligent, terrain-adaptive solar systems that deliver strong performance in complex and constrained environments. Its lightweight, single-axis trackers are engineered for maximum efficiency on slopes up to 30% and in agrivoltaic applications. Powered by the proprietary SOMA Pro SCADA platform, Solargik provides integrated control, real-time diagnostics, predictive automation, and performance optimization. Field-proven across more than 300 projects globally, Solargik helps operators maximize output, reduce costs, and unlock the full potential of every site. Founded by solar industry veterans, Solargik is committed to advancing smarter, more adaptable solutions for the future of renewable energy.

www.solargik.com

HEAD OFFICES

48 Emek Refaim St.

Jerusalem 9314205

Israel



MEDIA RELATIONS  GLOBAL

Eliav Rodman

Solargik

eliavr@solargik.com

MEDIA RELATIONS  EUROPE

Giovanni Ca Zorzi

Cohesion Bureau

giovanni.cazorzi@cohesionbureau.com

+33 7 84 67 07 27

Attachments
New York, NY, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Your reputation is everything. When its under threat, you need a trusted expert who can protect what youve built and restore what you value most. In its 2025 review, Tidewater News named Scott Keever the Best Online Reputation Management Expert, an honor that reflects his proven ability to safeguard names, brands, and legacies at every level.

Understanding Online Reputation Management

Online Reputation Management (ORM) is the strategic process of shaping how individuals or businesses are seen across the internet. At its core, ORM focuses on managing what shows up in search results, responding to online reviews, addressing damaging press, and boosting positive stories and content.

From false claims and misleading reviews to outdated or unflattering articles, effective ORM works to:

Push down or remove damaging search results

Highlight truthful, favorable information

Build trust and credibility in digital spaces

Improve visibility for personal names or brands

One bad review or negative headline can jeopardize deals, strain partnerships, or stall careers. Thats why leaders, business owners, and public figures rely on proven professionals like Scott Keever, who is widely recognized for setting the standard in protecting and enhancing online reputations.

How We Made Our Selection

Tidewater News based its 2025 selection on a thorough review of industry reputation, client success stories, proven case studies, and measurable results in search suppression and brand protection. We also evaluated third-party testimonials, media recognition, and each experts commitment to ethical practices and client confidentiality. Scott Keever stood out for consistently exceeding these standards and delivering unmatched outcomes for clients worldwide.

Why Scott Keever is the Best Online Reputation Management Expert

Scott Keever is the best online reputation management expert because he delivers results where others fall short. He employs advanced SEO tactics to suppress negative content, cultivates powerful positive media coverage, and tailors every strategy to each clients unique needs. Fortune 100 companies trust him to clean up crises discreetly, high-profile celebrities rely on him to manage damaging headlines, and entrepreneurs depend on him to maintain spotless online profiles that drive real business growth. Recognized by GlobeNewswire and awarded by Tidewater News, Scott combines ethical, proven tactics with relentless attention to detail, ensuring that reputations stay protected and brands stay strong.

About Scott Keever





Scott Keever is an entrepreneur, internationally recognized SEO expert, online reputation mastermind, and member of the Forbes Agency Council. He is the founder of award-winning digital marketing agencies: Keever SEO , Reputation Pros , ASAP Digital Marketing , and Pool Pros Marketing .

From small business owners to high-profile clients, Scott has successfully improved the online visibility of hundreds of clients worldwide.

100% Confidential & Trusted by the Elite

Every client engagement with Scott Keever and Reputation Pros is handled with absolute discretion and tailored care. From crisis response for Fortune 100 executives to long-term profile management for world-renowned celebrities, professional athletes, and high-net-worth individuals, Scotts team safeguards sensitive details. It delivers results that remain behind the scenes. Startups and everyday entrepreneurs benefit from the same gold-standard service, ensuring their reputation goals are met with complete privacy and trusted expertise.

About Reputation Pros





Reputation Pros , founded by Scott Keever, is a premier reputation management agency specializing in removing damaging search results, promoting positive coverage, and providing 24/7 monitoring when reputations need protection most. The firm has been featured in top-tier news outlets as one of the leading online reputation management companies , trusted by clients who expect world-class results and total confidentiality. Reputation Pros has been featured in top-tier publications such as Modern Luxury Magazine.

Contact Scott Keever and Reputation Pros today to secure your online reputation with complete confidence.

View Tidewaters official release here:

https://www.tidewaternews.com/business/the-8-leading-online-reputation-management-experts-to-watch-in-2025/





What is Online Reputation Management?

Online Reputation Management (ORM) is the strategic process of monitoring, guiding, and enhancing how a person, business, or brand is perceived online. It involves managing digital content and conversations to build, protect, and maintain a positive, trustworthy image across search results, social media, and other online platforms.

How Long Does an Online Reputation Management Campaign Take?

An online reputation management (ORM) campaign typically runs anywhere from 6 to 12 months. However, the timeline can vary based on the complexity of the situation and the volume of negative content involved. According to Reputation Pros, some content removals and initial improvements may appear within weeks, but establishing lasting results and maintaining a positive, resilient online presence requires consistent effort and ongoing monitoring over the long term.

How Much Do Online Reputation Management Services Cost?

The cost of online reputation management (ORM) services can vary significantly, typically ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 per month. The exact price depends on factors such as the complexity of the situation, the level of support required, and the clients size and public profile. Individuals and small businesses generally invest between $3,000 and $5,000 each month. In contrast, larger companies or high-profile individuals may spend $5,000 to $10,000 per month, or even $20,000 or more, for comprehensive, enterprise-level reputation management programs.

How To Do Online Reputation Management?

Online reputation management (ORM) is the proactive practice of shaping and protecting how your name or brand appears online. Effective ORM involves monitoring search results, reviews, and social media mentions, promptly and professionally addressing negative feedback, and promoting positive content to establish a credible and trustworthy presence across digital platforms.

How Does Online Reputation Management Work?

Online reputation management (ORM) works through a strategic combination of monitoring, influencing, and controlling how your brand or name appears online. It includes managing online reviews, social media activity, and search engine results to highlight positive content and minimize negative or misleading information. Effective ORM shapes the narrative around your brand, helping build trust, credibility, and confidence with your audience.

Why Is Online Reputation Management Important?

Online reputation management (ORM) is crucial because it influences how people perceive and trust you or your business. A strong, positive online reputation builds credibility, attracts customers, and drives growth. In contrast, a poor or unmanaged reputation can lead to lost opportunities, damaged trust, and lasting harm to your brands image and bottom line.

What is Corporate Reputation Management?

Corporate reputation management is the strategic practice of building, protecting, and enhancing a companys public image and brand. It involves monitoring how stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and the media, perceive the organization, addressing negative issues promptly, and proactively promoting positive stories and achievements. The goal is to ensure the companys reputation consistently supports its values, business goals, and long-term success.

What is Online Reputation Management for Individuals?

Online reputation management (ORM) for individuals is the strategic process of monitoring, protecting, and improving how youre perceived online. It involves regularly checking search results, social profiles, and mentions, creating positive content that highlights your strengths and accomplishments, and addressing any negative or misleading information to ensure your online image accurately reflects who you are.

How To Do Online Reputation Management Yourself?

To manage your online reputation independently, start by regularly monitoring your search results, online reviews, and social media mentions. Respond thoughtfully to both positive and negative feedback to demonstrate that you are engaged and trustworthy. Publish fresh, positive content such as blog posts, profiles, and media features to strengthen your online presence and push down any unwanted or outdated information. Staying consistent and responsive is essential for maintaining a reputation that stays in your control.

How To Push Down Negative Content on Google?

To push down negative content in Google search results, focus on publishing and promoting fresh, high-quality content that highlights positive aspects of your brand or name. Strengthen your online presence with optimized pages on your website, active social media profiles, press releases, and trusted third-party features. When possible, contact the source to request the removal of inaccurate content or utilize Googles removal tools for outdated or inappropriate material. Because this process can be complex and ongoing, many individuals and businesses trust ORM professionals like Reputation Pros to handle suppression campaigns effectively and maintain a positive search profile long term.

What Is An Online Reputation Management Expert?

An online reputation management (ORM) expert is a specialist who monitors, shapes, and protects the digital presence of individuals, brands, and organizations. Their goal is to build a strong, positive image while minimizing the impact of negative content or reviews. Scott Keever is widely recognized as one of the best online reputation management experts in the industry.

How To Choose The Right Online Reputation Management (ORM) Services?

When selecting the right Online Reputation Management (ORM) services, start by identifying your unique goals and challenges. Take time to research reputable providers, comparing their expertise, service offerings, and client support. Prioritize firms that deliver customized strategies, clear reporting, and a strong record of proven results in your industry. Reputation Pros is often cited as one of the best in the field, trusted for its tailored approach and measurable success.
Ottawa, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global oleochemicals market volume was valued at 17.70 million tons in 2024 and is predicted to hit around 27.50 million tons by 2034, Asia Pacific dominated the Oleochemicals market with a market volume share of 41.9% in 2024. a study published by Towards chem and Materials a sister firm of Precedence Research.

The growth of food and beverage industry is helping to drive the oleochemicals industry. Food and beverage manufacturers are using food-grade emulsifiers, release agents, and stabilizers that all rely on oleochemicals to produce these materials.

Get All the Details in Our Solutions Download Sample: https://www.towardschemandmaterials.com/download-sample/5537

Oleochemicals Market Highlights

Asia Pacific Oleochemicals market dominated the global industry with a Volume share of 39.69% in 2024.

The North America is anticipated to experience the fastest growth rate during the forecast period, akin to sudden shift toward sustainable alternatives.

The Europe has held Volume share of around 25.1% in 2024.

By Product, the glycerol esters segment held a dominant position in the market, capturing more than a 34.2% Volume share.

By Product, the specialty esters segment is expected to experience significant market growth in the future, owing to its biodegradability and performance excellence.

By application, the personal care & cosmetics segment held a dominant market position in 2024, accounting for more than 30.1% of the market Volume share.

By application, the industrial segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period, owing to factors such as rapid commercialization and others.



Market Overview

Oleochemicals are natural fats and oils that are derived from organic (animal and vegetable) sources and offer a more suitable and renewable replacement to petrochemicals. The market covers products such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, glycerol, and esters that are used in the personal care, food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial markets. The market has been growing due to the increasing demand for renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic chemical ingredients, combined with increasing environmental regulations.

Increased adoption in bio-lubricants, surfactants, and green solvents continue to increase the foothold of this industries product. Furthermore, the increasing push for sustainable and renewable sources for consumer products to replace traditional virgin and recycled sources is increasing the growth of the global market from developed and developing economies.

Oleochemicals Market Report Scope

Report Attribute Details Market Volume in 2025 18.50 Million Tons Expected Volume by 2034 27.50 Million Tons Growth rate CAGR of 4.50% from 2024 to 2034 Base year for estimation 2024 Historical data 2019 - 2024 Forecast period 2025 - 2034 Quantitative units Volume in kilotons, revenue in USD million, and CAGR from 2025 to 2035 Report coverage Volume and revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Segments covered Product, application, region Key companies profiled Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc.; Emery Oleochemicals; Evonik Industries AG; Wilmar International Ltd.; Kao Chemicals Global; Ecogreen Oleochemicals; Corbion N.V.; Cargill, Incorporated; Oleon NV; Godrej Industries; IOI Corporation Berhad; KLK OLEO; Evyap; JNJ Oleochemicals, Incorporated; Sakamoto Yakuhin Kogyo Co., Ltd.; Stepan Company; Pepmaco Manufacturing Corporation; Philippine International Dev

Explore Strategic Figures & Forecasts  Access the Databook | Immediate Delivery Available: https://www.towardschemandmaterials.com/download-databook/5537

Benefits of Palm Oil-Based Oleochemicals

Palm oil presents a significant benefit over other oil crops due to its competitive price, increased efficiency and high productivity. Palm oil is significantly less expensive than soybean oil, and despite the fluctuating nature in price, it is considered the most affordable oil for consumers in low-income countries. Oil palm is able to grow on land deemed less suitable for other crops and still generate commercially viable yields. Palm-oil farms also require less fertilizer, pesticides and energy, which makes it a more eco-friendly choice. Additionally, since they are perennial plants, oil palms have the added benefit of reliability since they are productive year-round. In order for palm oil to be produced in a sustainable manner, there are guidelines set by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

What Are Oleochemicals Used For?

Oleochemicals are used in a wide range of industries including:

Personal care & cosmetics

Coatings, adhesives, elastomers and sealants

Household and industrial cleaning

Lubricants, grease and metalworking

Food

Pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals

What are the Major Trends in the Oleochemicals Market?

Shift to Bio-based and Sustainability Products Increased environmental concerns and regulatory agency pressures force industries to change from petrochemicals to oleochemicals. Consumers and manufacturers are choosing bio-based raw ingredients for their cosmetics, detergents, and packaging.

Growth of Green Surfactants and Lubricants Increased demand for plant-based surfactants for home care and industrial cleaners and bio-lubricants for the automotive and machinery industries have opened new possibilities for oleochemical applications, thus creating more investment and innovation.

Increasing Production and Consumption in Asia-Pacific Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and China will become global hubs for oleochemical production due to the large supply of palm oil feedstock and rising domestic consumption, providing the highest growth within the regional and global markets.



Smart AI Reshaping the Oleochemicals Industry

Artificial intelligence is quickly reshaping the medical oleochemicals landscape through smart and sustainable innovation. Recently, large, multinational chemical companies have used AI-driven predictive analytics and process optimization to improve the production of fatty alcohols important bio-based oleochemicals with better yields and less energy. Indian specialty chemical companies report that their net profits nearly doubled in Q2 2024, crediting their growth to the application of AI-enabled automation in their oleochemical lines. Meanwhile, in pharma R&D labs, machine learning is being used to accelerate compound screening, allowing for virtual testing of millions of molecules, improving the success rate from ~50% to ~80%

Together, AI and oleochemicals represent a new and transformative era of climate-smart, bespoke production of medical-grade chemicals.

Growth Factor

Could Biofuel Blending Mandates be Driving the Oleochemicals Market's Growth?

One contributing factor driving growth for the oleochemicals market is the appetite for biofuel blending mandates around the world. Key regions of the world are implementing legislation requiring a blending percentage of renewable oils into conventional fuels. This creates a higher demand for oleochemical based feedstocks like fatty acids, methyl esters, and glycerin.

In October 2024, Indonesia implemented B35 mandate (2023), requires biodiesel to be blended at 35% palm oil blend, which translates to close to 6.2 million tonnes of palm oil consumed for energy.



As such, the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) is now putting rigid emission reduction targets which provide demand for traceable, more pure raw materials. In India, the National biofuels policy, plans to have 20% ethanol blending by 2030, and facilitates biodiesel from non-edible oils and used cooking oil, fortifying the local oleochemical value chain. Hence, biofuel use age is like a cross-sector the oleochemical landscape now stakeholders generate innovation and capital investment across the oleochemical landscape.

Opportunity factor

Can the Green Movement in Biodegradable Oleochemicals Be Your Greatest Potential Opportunity?

With global demand shifting towards ecological chemicals, oleochemicals derived from natural fats and oils are experiencing unprecedented momentum. In just the last month, KLK has commenced operation at its recently expanded China facility with its maximum annual processing capacity of 500,000 t, with a focus on highpurity fatty acids and glycerin.

Meanwhile, with continued sustainable procurement goals like the U.S. BioPreferred program and green chemical subsidies in the EU accelerating the adoption of oleochemicals. At the same time, innovations in the use of enzymatic and microbial production methods have reduced costs and improved the purity of oleochemicals. In conjunction with these developments, strong regulatory tailwinds, recent capacity expansions, and greener production routesoleochemicals are well positioned as the biodegradable substitutes to petrochemical ingredients across consumer goods and industrial applications.

Limitations and Challenges in the Oleochemicals Market

Reliance on Agricultural Feedstocks- The oleochemical industry is primarily dependent on vegetable oils, such as palm oil, soybean oil, and coconut oil. Climate change, crop yield fluctuations, land availability, and the food vs. fuel narrative can affect supply and push prices up.

Environmental and Deforestation Considerations- The production of palm oil, one of the main feedstocks for oleochemicals, is associated with large-scale deforestation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. Increased scrutiny from consumers and manufacturers about sustainability, as well as possible regulations, could constrain sourcing and limit market development, particularly in regions where environmental concerns are at the forefront.

Competition with Petrochemicals- While oleochemicals is considered environmentally friendly, and readily available, they can offer challenging competition to lower cost, better-established petrochemical alternatives. For certain industries, where costs are tightly controlled, the difference in price between petrochemicals and oleochemicals can be a significant hurdle to overcome.



Oleochemicals Market Segmentation

Product Insights

Which Product Segment is Dominating the Oleochemicals Market?

The glycerol esters segment dominated the market in 2024, with many applications representing a range of uses in food emulsifiers, lubricants, and personal care formulation. The multifunctional properties of Glycerol Esters, especially biodegradability and skin compatibility, further enhance their appropriateness across consumer products. The rising demand for natural products in the cosmetics and food processing industries is positively impacting acceptance & utilization for Glycerol Esters.

Oleochemicals Market Volume Share, By Product, 2024 (%)

By Product Market Shares (%) (2024) Volume (Million Tons) (2024) Specialty Esters 17.2 % 3.00 Fatty Acid Methyl Ester 23.2 % 4.10 Glycerol Esters 34.2 % 6.10 Alkoxylates 11.2 % 2.00 Fatty Amines 7.3 % 1.30 Other Products 6.9 % 1.20

Specialty esters segment expects the fastest growth in the oleochemicals market during the forecast period, and driven primarily by increasing demand for high performance ingredients in the lubricants, personal care and pharmaceutical markets. They possess an excellent degree of oxidative stability and low volatility in skin conditioning formulations. High temperature applications also apply to Specialty Esters, as they have a greater thermal stability relative to Glycerol Esters. Increasing R&D into bio-based & biodegradable lubricants and anti-aging skin care is also a driving force for Specialty Esters usage.

Application Insights

Why is Personal Care & Cosmetics the Leading Application Segment?

The personal care & cosmetics segment will dominate the market in 2024, because of their renewable and biodegradable nature as well as skin compatibility. Fatty-acids, glycerol-esters, and fatty-alcohols that come from natural oils are commonly found in moisturizers, shampoos, soaps, and creams. As consumers become more aware of natural and sustainable beauty product options, cosmetics brands are replacing synthetic chemicals with plant-based and natural products.

Oleochemicals Market Volume Share, By Applications, 2024 (%)

By Application Market Shares (%))(2024) Volume (Million Tons)(2024) Personal Care & Cosmetics 30.1 % 5.30 Consumer Goods 15.8 % 2.80 Food Processing 12.8 % 2.30 Textiles 8.1 % 1.40 Paints & Inks 6.7 % 1.20 Industrial 10.1 % 1.80 Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 8.3 % 1.50 Polymer & Plastic Additives 5.3 % 0.90 Other Applications 2.6 % 0.50

The industrial segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the forecast period, driven by increasing demand for sustainable raw materials in the lubricants, plastics, and surfactants markets. The growing regulatory impetus to promote greener alternatives also enhances industrial demand, especially in metalworking fluids, adhesives, and bioplastics in various manufacturing applications.

What Makes Asia Pacific a Global Oleochemicals Leader?

Asia Pacific dominated the global oleochemicals market in 2024, primarily because it has plentiful natural resources and an established production base. There are abundant resources and significant volumes of palm-based feedstocks that are essential to oleochemicals in China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Asia Pacific has a mature oleochemical value chain, lower production costs, and solid export-oriented manufacturing strategies. Regions where oleochemicals are utilized, such as personal care, detergents, and biofuels, are all active in increasing capacity and innovating oleochemical products, allowing continued regional dominance.

Oleochemicals Market Volume Share, By Region, 2024 (%)

By Region Market Shares (%) Volume (Million Tons)(2024) North America 21.2 % 3.70 Europe 25.1 % 4.40 Asia Pacific 41.9 % 7.40 Latin America 7.3 % 1.30 Middle East & Africa 4.5 % 0.80

Market Trends China

The main driver of Asia Pacific's leadership is China because of its overall size and domestic demand. The government focused on promoting bio-based alternatives, using incentives as well as sustainable development goals. Additionally, companies have continued to grow their product portfolios in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and household cleaning products, where the use oleochemicals has increased significantly.

Why North America showing up as the Fastest Growing Region?

North America expects the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period, due to an increase in sustainability targets and greater demand for bio-based options. Stricter environmental regulations and a growing consumer expectation for natural ingredients are encouraging industries to move in this direction and abandon petroleum-based products. To produce products in the packaging, lubricants, and personal care industry areas, manufacturers have begun incorporating oleochemicals to both comply with regulatory aspects and the natural products' requirement.

The U.S. is the main contributor to the fast growth in North America. Several key players, such as Emery Oleochemicals, and Univar have expanded their product offerings to supply more than 25 industries. Emerging interest in biodegradable and plant derived inputs that address national initiatives for environmental protection and circular economy practices.

More Insights in Towards Chem and Materials:

Specialty Fertilizers Market : The global specialty fertilizers market volume is calculated at 30.23 million tons in 2024, grew to 31.75 million tons in 2025, and is projected to reach around 49.33 million tons by 2034.The market is expanding at a CAGR of 5.02% between 2025 and 2034.

Fertilizers Market : The global fertilizers market volume reached 193.20 million tons in 2024 and is projected to hit around 262.18 million tons by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 3.10% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Polystyrene Market : The global polystyrene market volume was 40.09 million tons in 2024 and is projected to grow from 41.09 million tons in 2025 to 62.33 million tons by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.51% during the forecast period.

U.S. Specialty Oleochemicals Market : U.S. specialty oleochemicals market size accounted for USD 4.23 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 4.57 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 9.23 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 8.11% from 2025 to 2034.

Polyolefin Market : The global polyolefin market volume was valued at 230.72 million tons in 2024 and is estimated to reach around 371.54 million tons by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.88% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.

Recycled Polyolefin Market ; The global recycled polyolefin market size accounted for USD 61.19 billion in 2024, grew to USD 66.67 billion in 2025, and is expected to be worth around USD 144.2 billion by 2034, poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.95% between 2025 and 2034.

Competitive Landscape in the Oleochemicals Market

Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc.- Major U.S. player providing fatty acids, glycerin and bio-based surfactant chemistries with vertically integrated production in Chicago & Gurnee; supplies personal care, food, industrial markets; > $1 billion sales across 89 countries

Major U.S. player providing fatty acids, glycerin and bio-based surfactant chemistries with vertically integrated production in Chicago & Gurnee; supplies personal care, food, industrial markets; > $1 billion sales across 89 countries Emery Oleochemicals- One of the U.S.s largest oleochem producers; six business units covering commodity and specialty chemistries; plants in Cincinnati & Germany; global reach

One of the U.S.s largest oleochem producers; six business units covering commodity and specialty chemistries; plants in Cincinnati & Germany; global reach Evonik Industries AG- Major global chemical company with strong oleochemical portfolio, especially fatty acid derivatives; ranked among top players

Major global chemical company with strong oleochemical portfolio, especially fatty acid derivatives; ranked among top players Wilmar International Ltd.- Leading agribusiness producing palm-based oleochemicals; serves home care, personal care, nutrition, biofuels; Asia-Pacific focus with multibillion USD revenue

Leading agribusiness producing palm-based oleochemicals; serves home care, personal care, nutrition, biofuels; Asia-Pacific focus with multibillion USD revenue Kao Chemicals Global- Key Asia-based oleochemicals supplier, focusing on cosmetic and personal-care fatty acid derivatives

Key Asia-based oleochemicals supplier, focusing on cosmetic and personal-care fatty acid derivatives Ecogreen Oleochemicals- Indonesia-based oleochem producer listed among the top global firms

Indonesia-based oleochem producer listed among the top global firms Corbion N.V- European specialist with oleo-ingredient portfolio, recently signed distribution pact in Thailand

European specialist with oleo-ingredient portfolio, recently signed distribution pact in Thailand Cargill, Incorporated- One of the leading global players, with significant share in fatty ester and derivative production

One of the leading global players, with significant share in fatty ester and derivative production Oleon NV- Belgian oleochem producer recognized as top market competitor

Belgian oleochem producer recognized as top market competitor Godrej Industries- Announced $71.8 m investment in Gujarat to boost oleochemical capacity for personal care, pharma, food

Announced $71.8 m investment in Gujarat to boost oleochemical capacity for personal care, pharma, food IOI Corporation Berhad- Malaysian palm-oil major; significant oleochemicals market share

Malaysian palm-oil major; significant oleochemicals market share KLK OLEO- Malaysian leader; together with Cargill holds 15% global share

Malaysian leader; together with Cargill holds 15% global share Evyap- Turkish-based oleochemicals manufacturer listed among global players

Turkish-based oleochemicals manufacturer listed among global players JNJ Oleochemicals, Incorporated- Filipino oleochemicals firm noted in Philippines industry list

Filipino oleochemicals firm noted in Philippines industry list Sakamoto Yakuhin Kogyo Co., Ltd.- Japanese oleochemicals company among global top players

Japanese oleochemicals company among global top players Stepan Company- U.S. specialty chemicals firm; key in fatty ester and surfactant production

U.S. specialty chemicals firm; key in fatty ester and surfactant production Pepmaco Manufacturing Corporation- Philippine manufacturer noted among local oleochem producers

Philippine manufacturer noted among local oleochem producers Philippine International Dev.- Active in oleochem production in the Philippines as part of key players

What is Going Around the Globe?

In April 2025, Oleon launched Qloe, a line of plant-based immersion cooling fluids (in conjunction with our common sustainable oleochemical product) achieving an oleochemical solution that provides a way to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions at the level of technical infrastructure in all tech environments and big data centers.

Oleon launched Qloe, a line of plant-based immersion cooling fluids (in conjunction with our common sustainable oleochemical product) achieving an oleochemical solution that provides a way to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions at the level of technical infrastructure in all tech environments and big data centers. In March 2024 , Arkemas Oleris oleochemicals product line received the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label, indicating its content made from 100% renewable carbon, consistent with the sustainable targets it seeks in all its innovation, whether for personal care or industrial use.

, Arkemas Oleris oleochemicals product line received the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label, indicating its content made from 100% renewable carbon, consistent with the sustainable targets it seeks in all its innovation, whether for personal care or industrial use. In February 2024, Emery Oleochemicals LLC was recognized with a Silver Medal by EcoVadis for its sustainable operations, further emphasizing its position of leadership in responsible oleochemical manufacturing and corporate environmental responsibility.



Oleochemicals Market Top Key Companies:

Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

Emery Oleochemicals

Evonik Industries AG

Wilmar International Ltd.

Kao Chemicals Global

Ecogreen Oleochemicals

Corbion N.V

Cargill, Incorporated

Oleon NV

Godrej Industries

IOI Corporation Berhad

KLK OLEO

Evyap

JNJ Oleochemicals, Incorporated

Sakamoto Yakuhin Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Stepan Company

Pepmaco Manufacturing Corporation

Philippine International Dev.

Oleochemicals Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2019 to 2034. For this study, Towards Chem and Materials has segmented the global Oleochemicals Market

By Product

Specialty Esters

Fatty Acid Methyl Ester

Glycerol Esters

Alkoxylates

Fatty Amines

Other Products

By Application

Personal Care & Cosmetics

Consumer Goods

Food Processing

Textiles

Paints & Inks

Industrial

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

Polymer & Plastic Additives

Other Applications



By Regional

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East Africa



Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report@ https://www.towardschemandmaterials.com/price/5537

About Us

Towards Chem and Materials is a leading global consulting firm specializing in providing comprehensive and strategic research solutions across the chemical and materials industries. With a highly skilled and experienced consultant team, we offer a wide range of services designed to empower businesses with valuable insights and actionable recommendations.

USA: +1 804 441 9344

APAC: +61 485 981 310 or +91 87933 22019

Europe: +44 7383 092 044

Email: sales@towardschemandmaterials.com
TORONTO, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cygnus Metals Limited (Cygnus or the Company) advises that it has issued an aggregate of 67,050,000 performance rights (Performance Rights) to directors, and key employees and consultants, under the Companys Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (Plan).

Shareholders approved the Plan and the issue of Performance Rights to directors at the Companys annual general meeting held on May 14, 2025. The Performance Rights to key personnel were issued on the same terms and conditions as the director Performance Rights, as set out in the notice of annual general meeting released to ASX on April 14, 2025.

The Performance Rights vest on the later of (a) one year after their date of issue, and (b) the successful completion of specific key performance objectives within three years from the date of issue. Each vested Performance Right is exercisable to one fully paid ordinary share in the capital of the Company (net of applicable withholdings) and will expire on May 31, 2030 unless exercised on or before this date.

The objective of Cygnus Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of shareholder value by aligning the interests of eligible persons under the Plan with the interests of the Company.

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Cygnus.

David Southam

Executive Chair

T: +61 8 6118 1627

E: info@cygnusmetals.com Ernest Mast

President & Managing Director

T: +1 647 921 0501

E: info@cygnusmetals.com Media:

Paul Armstrong

Read Corporate

+61 8 9388 1474

About Cygnus Metals

Cygnus Metals Limited (ASX: CY5, TSXV: CYG) is a diversified critical minerals exploration and development company with projects in Quebec, Canada and Western Australia. The Company is dedicated to advancing its Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project in Quebec with an aggressive exploration program to drive resource growth and develop a hub-and-spoke operation model with its centralised processing facility. In addition, Cygnus has quality lithium assets with significant exploration upside in the world-class James Bay district in Quebec, and REE and base metal projects in Western Australia. The Cygnus team has a proven track record of turning exploration success into production enterprises and creating shareholder value.
SHREWSBURY, United Kingdom, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightchain AI , a decentralized blockchain protocol built for artificial intelligence applications, today announced the launch of its Bonus Round following the successful conclusion of its 15-stage presale campaign. The Bonus Round offers LCAI tokens at a fixed price of $0.007, with the project now surpassing $21.1 million in decentralized funding from global participants.

Unlike centralized blockchain launches that rely on exchange ecosystems or institutional backers, Lightchain AIs growth has been fueled entirely by its communitythrough validator node engagement, presale participation, and builder activity. The platforms open infrastructure, AI-native virtual machine, and interoperability framework are attracting contributors ahead of the upcoming mainnet.

Weve intentionally built Lightchain AI to align with decentralized principles from the ground up, said a Lightchain AI spokesperson. Crossing $21 million with no central control, no private allocations, and no insider listing deals shows whats possible when builders and participants share a long-term vision.

The protocols roadmap includes support for AI-optimized smart contracts, developer grants, cross-chain integrations, and decentralized finance (DeFi) partnerships. These integrations are actively underway, enabling real-world applications such as data-driven derivatives, compute markets, and decentralized yield strategies.

To further incentivize ecosystem development, Lightchain AI has launched a $150,000 Developer Grant Program, aimed at onboarding open-source contributors, infrastructure developers, and dApp builders. Community members can apply directly to receive funding and technical resources to build within the Lightchain ecosystem.

Staking mechanisms and validator onboarding tools are also now live, allowing token holders to participate in network security and begin simulating long-term reward behavior in advance of the protocols full network launch.

The community-focused architecture is backed by a tokenomics model that reallocates former team allocations into ecosystem growth. Specifically, the initial 5% team token share has been redirected entirely into validator, builder, and liquidity incentivesfurther reinforcing the protocols decentralized mission.

With its Bonus Round now active and DeFi partnerships underway, Lightchain AI is preparing for its next phase: mainnet activation and cross-chain deployment. Developers, investors, and infrastructure contributors are invited to join the network ahead of launch and participate in its decentralized build-out.

For more information, visit:

lightchain.ai

Whitepaper

Twitter/X

Telegram

Contact:

SHAJAN SKARIA

media@lightchain.ai

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Lightchain AI. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0101729f-08f1-49ce-acf0-8968591cf11f
Dublin, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North America Ureteroscopes Market Outlook to 2033 - Flexible Non-Video (Fibre) Ureteroscopes, Semi Rigid Ureteroscopes and Flexible Ureteroscopes" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The report provides value (USD), volume (units) and average prices (USD) within market segments - Semi Rigid Ureteroscopes, Flexible Non-Video (Fibre) Ureteroscopes and Flexible Ureteroscopes



The North America Ureteroscopes Market report provides key information and data on:

Annualized market revenues (USD), volume (units) and average prices (USD) data for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2018 to 2033.

2023 company share and distribution share data for Ureteroscopes Market.

Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the North America Ureteroscopes Market. Based on the availability of data for the particular category and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is also available in the report.

Reasons to Buy

Business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.

Market-entry and market expansion strategies.

Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.

Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.

Understand the key distribution channels and what's the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.

Key Topics Covered:



1 Table of Contents

1.1 List of Tables

1.2 List of Figures



2 Introduction

2.1 What Is This Report About?

2.2 Ureteroscopes Market Segmentation

2.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report



3 Ureteroscopes Market, North America

3.1 Ureteroscopes Market, North America, Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

3.2 Ureteroscopes Market, North America, Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

3.3 Ureteroscopes Market, North America, Volume (Units), 2018-2033

3.4 Ureteroscopes Market, North America, Volume (Units), 2018-2033

3.5 Ureteroscopes Market, North America, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2023



4 Ureteroscopes Market, Canada

4.1 Ureteroscopes Market, Canada, Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

4.1.1 Flexible Ureteroscopes Market, Canada, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2018-2033

4.2 Ureteroscopes Market, Canada, Volume (Units), 2018-2033

4.2.1 Flexible Ureteroscopes Market, Canada, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2018-2033

4.3 Ureteroscopes Market, Canada, Average Price ($), 2018-2033

4.4 Ureteroscopes Market, Canada, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

4.5 Ureteroscopes Market, Canada, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2023



5 Ureteroscopes Market, Mexico

5.1 Ureteroscopes Market, Mexico, Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

5.1.1 Flexible Ureteroscopes Market, Mexico, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2018-2033

5.2 Ureteroscopes Market, Mexico, Volume (Units), 2018-2033

5.2.1 Flexible Ureteroscopes Market, Mexico, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2018-2033

5.3 Ureteroscopes Market, Mexico, Average Price ($), 2018-2033

5.4 Ureteroscopes Market, Mexico, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

5.5 Ureteroscopes Market, Mexico, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2023



6 Ureteroscopes Market, United States

6.1 Ureteroscopes Market, United States, Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

6.1.1 Flexible Ureteroscopes Market, United States, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2018-2033

6.2 Ureteroscopes Market, United States, Volume (Units), 2018-2033

6.2.1 Flexible Ureteroscopes Market, United States, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2018-2033

6.3 Ureteroscopes Market, United States, Average Price ($), 2018-2033

6.4 Ureteroscopes Market, United States, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

6.5 Ureteroscopes Market, United States, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2023



7 Overview of Key Companies in North America Ureteroscopes Market

7.1 Boston Scientific Corp

7.1.1 Company Overview

7.2 KARL STORZ SE & Co KG

7.2.1 Company Overview

7.3 Olympus Corp

7.3.1 Company Overview

7.4 PENTAX Medical Co

7.4.1 Company Overview

7.5 Richard Wolf GmbH

7.5.1 Company Overview



8 Ureteroscopes Market Pipeline Products



9 Recent Developments

9.1 Financial Announcements

9.1.1 Oct 23, 2024: Boston Scientific Reports Results for Q3 2024

9.1.2 Oct 02, 2024: Boston Scientific Announces Conference Call Discussing Third Quarter 2024 Results

9.1.3 Oct 01, 2024: Stryker to Announce Its Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

9.1.4 Jul 01, 2024: Stryker to Announce Financial Results for its Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024



10 Appendix



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

Olympus Corp

KARL STORZ SE & Co KG

PENTAX Medical Co

Fujifilm Holdings Corp

Boston Scientific Corp

Stryker Corp

Applied Medical Resources Corporation

Medtronic Plc

B. Braun Melsungen AG

Ambu A/S

SonoScape Medical Corp

ConMed Corp

Cook Medical LLC

Richard Wolf GmbH

Ethicon Inc

Smith & Nephew Plc

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/im0uo7

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North America Cystoscopes Market Outlook to 2033 - Rigid Non-Video (Fibre) Cystoscopes, Flexible Video Cystoscopes and Flexible Non-Video (Fibre) Cystoscopes" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.





The "North America Cystoscopes Market Outlook to 2033" is an in-depth databook report offering critical insights into the North America Cystoscopes market. This comprehensive report provides detailed market data, including value in USD, volume in units, and average prices in USD across significant market segments: Flexible Non-Video (Fibre) Cystoscopes, Flexible Video Cystoscopes, and Rigid Non-Video (Fibre) Cystoscopes.

Key Information and Data:

Annualized market revenues, volume, and average pricing data are available from 2018 through 2033 for each market segment.

2023 company share and distribution share data specific to the Cystoscopes Market.

Global corporate-level profiles of significant players in the North America Cystoscopes Market. Depending on data availability for specific categories and countries, the report also includes information on pipeline products, industry news, and deals.

Market Segmentation:

Flexible Non-Video (Fibre) Cystoscopes

Flexible Video Cystoscopes

Rigid Non-Video (Fibre) Cystoscopes

Reasons to Invest in This Report:

Craft robust business strategies by pinpointing key market segments anticipated for notable growth over the coming years.

Develop effective market-entry and expansion strategies.

Formulate competitive strategies by analyzing the positioning of key market players.

Create informed investment strategies by identifying market segments likely to experience strong growth shortly.

Gain insights into critical distribution channels and discover the most effective product distribution methods - recognize, comprehend, and leverage opportunities within the market.

This comprehensive report empowers industry stakeholders to make strategic decisions, offering a wealth of data and analysis crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of the North America Cystoscopes Market.





Key Topics Covered:



2 Introduction

2.1 What Is This Report About?

2.2 Cystoscopes Market Segmentation

2.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report

3 Cystoscopes Market, North America

3.1 Cystoscopes Market, North America, Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

3.3 Cystoscopes Market, North America, Volume (Units), 2018-2033

3.5 Cystoscopes Market, North America, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2023

4 Cystoscopes Market, Canada

4.1 Cystoscopes Market, Canada, Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

4.1.1 Flexible Video Cystoscopes Market, Canada, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2018-2033

4.2 Cystoscopes Market, Canada, Volume (Units), 2018-2033

4.2.1 Flexible Video Cystoscopes Market, Canada, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2018-2033

4.3 Cystoscopes Market, Canada, Average Price ($), 2018-2033

4.4 Cystoscopes Market, Canada, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

4.5 Cystoscopes Market, Canada, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2023

5 Cystoscopes Market, Mexico

5.1 Cystoscopes Market, Mexico, Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

5.1.1 Flexible Video Cystoscopes Market, Mexico, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2018-2033

5.2 Cystoscopes Market, Mexico, Volume (Units), 2018-2033

5.2.1 Flexible Video Cystoscopes Market, Mexico, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2018-2033

5.3 Cystoscopes Market, Mexico, Average Price ($), 2018-2033

5.4 Cystoscopes Market, Mexico, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

5.5 Cystoscopes Market, Mexico, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2023

6 Cystoscopes Market, United States

6.1 Cystoscopes Market, United States, Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

6.1.1 Flexible Video Cystoscopes Market, United States, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2018-2033

6.2 Cystoscopes Market, United States, Volume (Units), 2018-2033

6.2.1 Flexible Video Cystoscopes Market, United States, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2018-2033

6.3 Cystoscopes Market, United States, Average Price ($), 2018-2033

6.4 Cystoscopes Market, United States, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

6.5 Cystoscopes Market, United States, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2023

7 Overview of Key Companies in North America Cystoscopes Market

7.1 Olympus Corp

7.1.1 Company Overview

7.2 KARL STORZ SE & Co KG

7.2.1 Company Overview

7.3 Stryker Corp

7.3.1 Company Overview

7.4 PENTAX Medical Co

7.4.1 Company Overview

7.5 Richard Wolf GmbH

7.5.1 Company Overview

7.6 Ambu A/S

7.6.1 Company Overview

7.7 Laborie Medical Technologies Inc

7.7.1 Company Overview

8 Cystoscopes Market Pipeline Products

9 Recent Developments

9.1 Other Significant Developments

9.1.1 May 09, 2024: Precision Optics Announces Record $9 Million Production Order for High Volume Single-Use Cystoscopy Surgery Program

10 Appendix



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

Olympus Corp

KARL STORZ SE & Co KG

PENTAX Medical Co

Fujifilm Holdings Corp

Boston Scientific Corp

Stryker Corp

Applied Medical Resources Corporation

Medtronic Plc

B. Braun Melsungen AG

Ambu A/S

SonoScape Medical Corp

ConMed Corp

Cook Medical LLC

Richard Wolf GmbH

Ethicon Inc

Smith & Nephew Plc

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1nf14j

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Australia General Insurance: Key Trends and Opportunities to 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The report provides in-depth market analysis, information, and insights into Australia's general insurance segment. This report provides a detailed outlook by product category for Australia's general insurance segment. It provides values for key performance indicators such as gross written premium, penetration, and premium ceded and cession rates during the review period (2020-24) and forecast period (2025-29).



The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of Australia's economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country. The report brings together the analyst's research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in Australia. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.



Key Highlights

Key insights and dynamics of Australia's general insurance segment.

A comprehensive overview of Australia's economy, government initiatives, and investment opportunities.

Australia's insurance regulatory framework's evolution, key facts, taxation regime, licensing, and capital requirements.

Australia's general insurance industry's market structure giving details of lines of business.

Australia's general reinsurance business' market structure giving details of premium ceded along with cession rates.

Distribution channels deployed by Australia's general insurers.

Details of the competitive landscape and competitors' profiles.

Scope

It provides historical values for Australia's general insurance segment for the report's 2020-24 review period, and projected figures for the 2025-29 forecast period.

It profiles the top general insurance companies in Australia and outlines the key regulations affecting them.

Reasons to Buy

Make strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to Australia's general insurance segment.

Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends, and growth opportunities in Australia's general insurance segment.

Assess the competitive dynamics in the general insurance segment.

Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories.

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

Economy Overview

Regulatory and Compliance

Key Market Trends

Trends and KPIs

Line of Business

Distribution Channel

Competitive Landscape

Deals and Jobs

Reinsurance

Appendix

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

AAI Limited

Insurance Australia

QBE Insurance

Medibank

Bupa Private Health

Allianz Australia

Insurance Manufacturers of Australia

The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia

nib Health Funds

Hollard Insurance

Chubb Insurance

Auto & General Insurance

HBF Health

Zurich Australian Insurance

RACQ Insurance

Youi Insurance

Liberty Mutual

AIG Australia

RAC Insurance

Hollard Insurance Partners

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/38rf0q

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.




MONACO, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading superyacht CO2 certification provider, SEA Index is collaborating with Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) in a bid to reduce underwater noise pollution throughout the superyacht sector. Underwater radiated noise (URN) has a profound impact on marine ecosystems, with research showing it can disrupt critical life functions and exacerbate the decline in marine biodiversity.



While regulation and guidance on URN is increasing, this is targeted primarily at commercial shipping operators. Now, SEA Index by Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) plans to empower yacht owners to mitigate the environmental impact of their vessels by monitoring and reducing underwater radiated noise. Working in partnership with leading testing, inspection and certification service provider, BV, SEA Index will adapt existing noise mitigation strategies exclusively for the superyacht sector. By applying an accurate superyacht operational profile and incorporating established URN measurement and reduction methodologies, SEA Index and BV will provide superyacht owners with access to independent and reliable guidance and information to monitor and reduce underwater radiated noise.



This additional SEA Index segment is a particularly rewarding one to work on alongside BV. Our discussions, initiated over a year ago, quickly aligned to safeguarding marine biodiversity through the evaluation and reduction of superyacht underwater radiated noise (URN). By increasing awareness and providing independently verified assessment criteria, we can empower superyacht owners and shipyards to minimise noise pollution and protect our oceans, explained Natalie Quevert, General Secretary, SEA Index.

BV is committed to advancing sustainable maritime practices, and our partnership with SEA Index represents a significant step toward protecting marine environments from the impacts of underwater noise pollution. We are proud to support the superyacht sector in adopting precise, science-based measures to monitor and reduce underwater radiated noise. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to fostering innovation and responsibility in the maritime industry, ultimately contributing to healthier oceans for future generations, said Matthieu de Tugny, President, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore.

This collaboration was announced as part of the "Advanced Yachting Technology" conference during the 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, highlighting the industry's commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions for the oceans of tomorrow.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3cf67f47-6631-434e-a6e0-673464252262
Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting of MT Hjgaard Holding A/S will be held on Monday, 18 August at 9.00 am (CEST). The Extraordinary General Meeting will be held as a physical meeting at the address Knud Hjgaards Vej 7, 2860 Sborg, Denmark.

At the Extraordinary General Meeting, the Board of Directors proposes the election of two new members to the Board: Christian Poulsen, CEO of Copenhagen Airport A/S, and Marie Louise Hansen, Vice President, Head of Group Sustainability & Compliance at DSV A/S.

The two nominees will replace Anders Lindberg and Janda Campos, who resign from the Board.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Morten Hansen, says: I am pleased that we can attract competent profiles such as Christian Poulsen and Marie Louise Hansen, ensuring the Board continues to have the right composition to meet the needs and challenges of MT Hjgaard Hold-ing. In selecting these candidates, we have emphasised not only their specific competencies and experiences, but also their values and cooperation skills, so they can contribute broadly to the Boards work.

The notice, including the agenda and the full text of the proposed resolutions, is attached.

Revised financial calendar

The financial calendar (ref. to company announcement no. 14/2024) for the 2nd half-year is up-dated to reflect the Extraordinary General Meeting:

Extraordinary General Meeting 18 August 2025 Interim report Q2 2025 19 August 2025 Interim report Q3 2025 12 November 2025





Additional information:

Morten Hansen, Chairman of the Board of Directors, can be contacted via Marianne Carlsen, tel. +45 51 25 48 68.

Attachments
Ottawa, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Precedence Research, the worldwide coffee market size was estimated at $245.2 billion in 2024, rising from its current value of nearly $256.29 billion. The imports and exports of certified coffees going through fair trade raise their importance in the global market.

Note : This report is readily available for immediate delivery. We can review it with you in a meeting to ensure data reliability and quality for decision-making.

The Complete Study is Now Available for Immediate Access | Download the Sample Pages of this Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/5154

Coffee Market Highlights:

Europe accounted for the major revenue share of 34% in 2024.

North America holds the second-largest revenue share of 28% in 2024.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2034.

By product, the roasted segment contributed the highest revenue share of 54% in 2024.

By product, the ready to drink segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

By nature, the conventional segment held the biggest revenue share of 84% in 2024.

By nature, the organic segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

By distribution channel, the B2B segment generated the highest revenue share of 63% in 2024.

By distribution channel, the B2C segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.



Coffee Market Overview and Industry Potential

How Big is the Market Reach of the Coffee Industry?

The coffee market revolves around different forms of coffee, such as black, iced, with milk, or infused with other flavors. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) states that coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world and estimates a consumption of about 2.25 billion cups a day by coffee lovers across the globe in 2023. In November 2024, Nespresso announced that Nespresso Coffee and Machines will be launched in India by the end of 2024, which is the first boutique to open in Delhi.

In July 2024, Barista Coffee announced the launch of a new beverage menu tailored to customer preferences. (Source: Restaurant India)



View Detailed Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/coffee-market

Key Trends Shaping the Coffee Market

What are the Advancements in Coffee Technology?

Direct Trade: The market has shifted towards direct trade between roasters and growers without the need for any intermediate connections. There is an involvement of a complex number of market players that ensures transparency. Direct trade aims to create a long-term partnership rather than a transactional relationship.



The market has shifted towards direct trade between roasters and growers without the need for any intermediate connections. There is an involvement of a complex number of market players that ensures transparency. Direct trade aims to create a long-term partnership rather than a transactional relationship. Specialty Coffee: The industries are following the process of tasting and evaluating the flavor and aroma of a brewed coffee. There is a growing demand for specialty coffee by consumers from all across the globe.



Coffee Market Drivers:

Which Factors are Impacting the Coffee Industry?

Sustainable Coffee: Several coffee companies have taken initiatives to handle environmental and social issues to provide consumers with a sustainably produced coffee.





Several coffee companies have taken initiatives to handle environmental and social issues to provide consumers with a sustainably produced coffee. Coffee e-Commerce: Supermarkets are the most common choices for consumers to buying coffee for home consumption. Online purchases hold second place, ahead of discount stores, cafes, and other places.



How Can Artificial Intelligence Help the Coffee Industry?

Several businesses are investing in artificial intelligence to enhance their operational efficiency and improve customer experiences. AI practices are revolutionizing businesses by focusing on the coffee industry. AI-driven robotics is improving customer services and AI innovations contribute to operational and executive functions. The integration of AI contributes to inventory management, quality assurance, and streamlined operations with robotic process automation.

Latest Breakthroughs in the Coffee Market

What are the Significant Doors Driving the Future of the Coffee Industry?

In July 2025 , Vintage Coffee and Beverages announced the investment of 215.76 Crore through the preferential issue of equity shares and convertible warrants to investors and promoters to accelerate the global expansion. ( Source: HDFC Sky)



, announced the investment of through the preferential issue of equity shares and convertible warrants to investors and promoters to accelerate the global expansion. ( HDFC Sky) In September 2024 , the Landscape Resilience Fund (LRF) announced the investment of a 2 million loan into an excellent coffee business conducting operations across Southeast Asia for the expansion of sustainable coffee. ( Source: Landscape Resilience Fund)



, the announced the investment of a loan into an excellent coffee business conducting operations across Southeast Asia for the expansion of sustainable coffee. ( Landscape Resilience Fund) In September 2024 , First Coffee , one of the specialty coffee brands, announced the investment of $1.2 million in a funding round conducted by Southeast Asia and Venture Fund Beenext. ( Source: The Economic Times)



, , one of the specialty coffee brands, announced the investment of in a funding round conducted by Southeast Asia and Venture Fund Beenext. ( The Economic Times) In February 2025, the coffee exports of India crossed $1 billion in 2024, flagging Italy as the top destination. (Source: Money Control)

Challenges Faced by the Coffee Industry

What are the Economic, Ethical, and Social Concerns associated with the Coffee Industry?

Compliance with Regulations: Coffee and coffee products must meet legal and non-legal regulations regarding food safety to enter into the global market or the European market. This growing need is driven by the high expectations of consumers regarding safety and sustainability.





Coffee and coffee products must meet legal and non-legal regulations regarding food safety to enter into the global market or the European market. This growing need is driven by the high expectations of consumers regarding safety and sustainability. Growing Sustainability Concerns: Consumers are demanding more sustainable coffee, which imposes an increased need for the environmental, ethical, and economic pillars of sustainability. These requirements present new opportunities to enter niche markets that command higher prices.



Opportunities for growth and innovation

Emerging Markets : Increasing disposable income and changing lifestyles in regions like Asia and Eastern Europe present significant growth potential for coffee consumption.

: Increasing disposable income and changing lifestyles in regions like Asia and Eastern Europe present significant growth potential for coffee consumption. Product Innovation : Experimentation with new flavors, formats, brewing methods, and functional ingredients can attract new consumers and drive demand.

: Experimentation with new flavors, formats, brewing methods, and and drive demand. Sustainable Practices : Investing in sustainable farming methods, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly processing can enhance brand image, meet consumer demand, and potentially access premium markets.

: Investing in sustainable farming methods, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly processing can enhance brand image, meet consumer demand, and potentially access premium markets. Technology Adoption : Utilizing AI, blockchain technology , and other technologies can improve efficiency, traceability, and transparency throughout the supply chain.

: Utilizing AI, , and other technologies can improve efficiency, traceability, and transparency throughout the supply chain. Experiential Coffee : Creating immersive coffee experiences through unique cafe concepts, workshops, and tasting events can appeal to consumers seeking more than just a beverage.

: Creating immersive coffee experiences through unique cafe concepts, workshops, and tasting events can appeal to consumers seeking more than just a beverage. Focus on Health and Wellness: Developing functional coffee options and promoting the health benefits of coffee can tap into the growing wellness market.

Coffee Market Scope Report Coverage



Report Attributes Key Statistics Market Size in 2024 USD 245.2 Billion Market Size in 2025 USD 256.29 Billion Market Size by 2034 USD 381.52 Billion CAGR 2025-2034 4.52% Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025 to 2034 Largest Market Europe  34% Market Share Second Largest Market North America  28% Market Share Fastest Growing Region (20252034) Asia Pacific  CAGR of 6.2% Segments Covered Product, Nature, Distribution Channel, and Regions Leading Product Segment (2024) Roasted Coffee  54% Market Share Fastest Growing Product Segment Ready-to-Drink Coffee (20252034) Dominant Nature Segment (2024) Conventional  84% Market Share Fastest Growing Nature Segment Organic Coffee (20252034) Leading Distribution Channel (2024) B2B  63% market share Fastest Growing Distribution Channel B2C (20252034) Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa



Set up a meeting at your convenience to get more insights instantly! https://www.precedenceresearch.com/schedule-meeting

How big is the Europe Market for Coffee?

According to Precedence Research, the Europe coffee market size was valued at USD 245.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 381.52 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.52% from 2025 to 2034. The rising consumer demand for specialty and premium coffee in Europe, driven by a strong preference for high-quality brews and the growing popularity of specialty coffee shops, is a key driver of market growth in the region.

Note : This report is readily available for immediate delivery. We can review it with you in a meeting to ensure data reliability and quality for decision-making.

The Full Study is Readily Available | Download the Sample Pages of this Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/5154

How Europe Dominated the Coffee Market in 2024?

Europe dominated the coffee market in 2024 owing to the consumer requirement and availability of range of products across the European organic coffee supply chain includes farm, cooperative, washing station, exporter, importer, roaster, at-home market, and out-of-home market. The European at-home market involves supermarkets, hypermarkets, e-commerce, and specialized shops, while the out-of-home market involves office coffee service, cafes, and restaurants, which contribute to the great expansion of the coffee industry in Europe.

The importers allow efficient trade between exporters and roasters by playing a major role as supply chain managers. Europe is the hub for several large and small-scale organic roasters, out of which the large organic roasters in the European market include Nestle, Lavazza, and Jacobs Douwe Egberts, while Beyers and Lincoln & York are the private-label roasters.

How Big is the Importance of the French Coffee Market?

France leads as an important European importer of green coffee, while Brazil and Vietnam are the largest suppliers of green coffee to France and the largest producers of green coffee in the world. The presence of several small and medium-sized coffee roasters in France contributes to imports directly. Many of these roasters and several large multinational roasters are dedicated to providing high-quality coffee products that are ethically produced and traded. They provide favorable opportunities for exporters of specialty coffees and certified coffees.

In June 2025, the Government of the Netherlands published an article stating three simple tips for coffee exporters to comply with the changing sustainability rules of the European Union. (Source: https://www.cbi.eu)

Browse Our Subscription Plans@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/get-a-subscription

What to Expect from Asian Countries in Coffee Market?

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the coffee market during the forecast period. In June 2024, the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers announced its participation in one of the prestigious coffee industry events named the World of Coffee 2024, in collaboration with the Fairtrade International Global Coffee team, Fairtrade Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, UK, and Producer Networks of Latin America and Africa. Furthermore, the loan agreement signed by ADB in December 2024 will benefit more than 62,000 small-scale farmers in India, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

What is the Role of the Coffee Trade and the Coffee Industry in India?

India remains among the top 10 coffee-producing countries and Indian coffee is popular as one of the best coffees in the world. Indian coffee is of high quality and gets a high premium in the international markets. India is a significant producer of two types of coffees, including Arabica and Robusta, in which Arabica holds more market value than Robusta due to its moderate aromatic flavor.

In the Southern part of India, Karnataka is the largest producer, while Kerala is the second-largest producer and Tamil Nadu is the third-largest producer of coffee. Some of the top coffee import destinations from India are Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the Russian Federation. India exports coffee to more than 50 countries across the globe.

In December 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the signing of a $100 million loan agreement with ECOM Agroindustrial Corporation Limited and ECOM Agroindustrial Asia Private Limited (ECOM) to increase and improve the climate resilience of the coffee value chain in Asia Pacific. (Source: https://www.adb.org)



Key Segments Analysis of Coffee Market:

Product Analysis

How Roasted Segment Dominated the Coffee Market in 2024?

The roasted segment dominated the coffee market in 2024 owing to the freshness of these products offered by the leading coffee producers in the global market. Amazon offers its roasted coffee beans, which are freshly roasted, richer in flavor, and healthier. They can retain their flavors and natural oils, which provide a superior taste than pre-ground coffee beans.

The ready-to-drink segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the coffee market during the forecast period due to several health benefits of these types of coffee products. The ready-to-drink coffee products aid in relaxation and are ideally a suitable beverage for pre-and-post workout times. They serve as the perfect substitute for energy drinks and help to save time.

Nature Analysis

What made Conventional the Dominant Segment in the Coffee Market in 2024?

The conventional segment dominated the coffee market in 2024, owing to the heavy chemical treatments of conventional coffee among other foods in the world. The heavy treatments of conventional coffee with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides raise the utilization of this product.

The organic segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the coffee market during the predicted timeframe due to the growing preferences of farmers for organic production of coffee and of consumers for buying organic coffee. There is no use of synthetic fertilizers or chemicals during production, which ensures the use of clean water, land, and air to offer cleaner beans.

Distribution Channel Analysis

How did the B2B Segment Dominate the Coffee Market in 2024?

The B2B segment dominated the coffee market in 2024, owing to more efficient product deliveries and a steady stream of revenue through B2B business channels. The active participation of B2B buyers and distributors within the supply chain raises the importance of B2B business channels. They allow smoother and more predictable business routines while allowing businesses to focus on marketing strategies and customer satisfaction.

The B2C segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the coffee market during the forecast period due to the bigger customer reach, reduced overhead costs, and many other benefits provided by B2C business channels. They introduce faster sales cycles and more opportunities to establish brands. The various types of B2C businesses, such as direct sellers, online intermediaries, community-based, advertisement-based, and fee-based, present flexibility and adaptability.

Related Topics You May Find Useful:

Single-Origin Coffee Market Size, Share and Trends 2025 to 2034 : The global single-origin coffee market size accounted for USD 14.10 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 14.82 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 23.19 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.10% from 2025 to 2034.



: The accounted for USD 14.10 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 14.82 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 23.19 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.10% from 2025 to 2034. Mushroom Coffee Market Size, Share and Trends 2025 to 2034: The global mushroom coffee market size accounted for USD 3.06 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 3.23 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 5.29 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.62% from 2025 to 2034.



The accounted for USD 3.06 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 3.23 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 5.29 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.62% from 2025 to 2034. Green Coffee Beans Market Size, Share and Growth Insights 2034: The global green coffee beans market size is poised for substantial growth over the next decade, with projections indicating significant revenue increases during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.

The is poised for substantial growth over the next decade, with projections indicating significant revenue increases during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. U.S. Coffee Market Poised for Strong Growth and Innovation Through 2034: The U.S. coffee market size was calculated at USD 108 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 112.86 billion in 2025 to reach nearly USD 167.72 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.



The was calculated at USD 108 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 112.86 billion in 2025 to reach nearly USD 167.72 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Roasted Coffee Market Energized by Premiumization and Growing Coffee Culture: The global roasted coffee market size was reached at USD 47.48 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 50.28 billion in 2025 to reach nearly USD 84.23 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2034.



The was reached at USD 47.48 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 50.28 billion in 2025 to reach nearly USD 84.23 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2034. Instant Beverage Premix Market Size, Share and Trends 2025 to 2034: The global instant beverage premix market size was estimated at USD 96.21 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 101.92 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 171.16 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.93% from 2025 to 2034.



The was estimated at USD 96.21 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 101.92 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 171.16 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.93% from 2025 to 2034. Bubble Tea Market Size, Share, and Trends 2025 to 2034: The global bubble tea market size accounted for USD 3.71 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach around USD 6.87 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.36% from 2025 to 2034.



The accounted for USD 3.71 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach around USD 6.87 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.36% from 2025 to 2034. Beverage Warmers Market Size, Share, and Trends 2025 to 2034: The global beverage warmers market size is calculated at USD 4.69 billion in 2024 and is projected to surpass around USD 7.21 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.39% from 2025 to 2034.

Key Players in the Global Coffee Market

Starbucks

Nestle

JAB Holding Company

Lavazza

Costa Coffee

Strauss Coffee

Tim Hortons

McCafe

Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE)



What is Going Around the Globe?

In July 2024 , Costa Coffee announced its role as the Official Coffee Partner at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 to promote coffee culture and expand the presence of Indian baristas globally. ( Source: https://www.restaurantindia.in)



, announced its role as the Official Coffee Partner at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 to promote coffee culture and expand the presence of Indian baristas globally. ( https://www.restaurantindia.in) In October 2024, Tata Consumer Products (TCP) announced the launch of Tate Coffee Grand Cold Coffee in three internationally experienced flavors, such as French Vanilla, Swiss Caramel, and Belgian Chocolate. (Source: https://nuffoodsspectrum.in)

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product

Roasted Roast and Ground Pods and Capsules Whole Beans

Instant

Ready to Drink

By Nature

Conventional

Organic

By Distribution Channel

B2B Cafes Hotels and Restaurants Offices Bakeries and Coffee Shops Others

B2C Grocery Stores/Supermarkets Hypermarkets Convenience Stores Online Retailers Online Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Others





By Region

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico





Asia Pacific

China

Singapore

Japan

India

South Korea

Thailand

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Spain

Sweden

Denmark

Norway

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina



Middle East and Africa

South Africa

UAE

Saudi Arabia

Kuwait

Thanks for reading you can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions such as North America, Europe, or Asia Pacific.

Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/checkout/5154

You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact at sales@precedenceresearch.com | +1 804 441 9344

Stay Ahead with Precedence Research Subscriptions

Unlock exclusive access to powerful market intelligence, real-time data, and forward-looking insights, tailored to your business. From trend tracking to competitive analysis, our subscription plans keep you informed, agile, and ahead of the curve.

Browse Our Subscription Plans@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/get-a-subscription

About Us

Precedence Research is a worldwide market research and consulting organization. We give an unmatched nature of offering to our customers present all around the globe across industry verticals. Precedence Research has expertise in giving deep-dive market insight along with market intelligence to our customers spread crosswise over various undertakings. We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally.

Web: https://www.precedenceresearch.com

Our Trusted Data Partners:

Towards Healthcare | Towards Packaging | Towards Automotive | Towards Chem and Materials | Towards FnB | Towards Consumer Goods | Statifacts | Towards EV Solutions | Towards Dental | Nova One Advisor

Get Recent News:

https://www.precedenceresearch.com/news

For the Latest Update Follow Us:

LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
MONTREAL, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stingray Group Inc. (TSX: RAY.A; RAY.B) will release its financial results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2025, on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, after the markets close. Management will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results the next day, August 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Details of the Conference Call

Via the internet at www.corporate.stingray.com

Via telephone: (+1) 800-717-1738, Montreal (+1) 514-400-3792, Toronto (+1) 289-514-5100 or New-York (+1) 646-307-1865

Conference Call Rebroadcast

A rebroadcast of the conference call will be available until midnight, September 6, 2025, by dialing (+1) 888-660-6264, Toronto (+1) 289-819-1325 or New York (+1) 646-517-3975 and entering passcode 80029.

About Stingray

Stingray (TSX: RAY.A; RAY.B), a global music, media, and technology company, is an industry leader in TV broadcasting, streaming, radio, business services, and advertising. Stingray provides an array of global music, digital, and advertising services to enterprise brands worldwide, including audio and video channels, 97 radio stations, subscription video-on-demand content, FAST channels, karaoke products and music apps, and in-car and on-board infotainment content. Stingray Business, a division of Stingray, provides commercial solutions in music, in-store advertising solutions, digital signage, and AI-driven consumer insights and feedback. Stingray Advertising is North Americas largest retail audio advertising network, delivering digital audio messaging to more than 30,000 major retail locations. Stingray has close to 1,000 employees worldwide and reaches 540 million consumers in 160 countries. For more information, visit www.stingray.com.
Company Announcement No. 1158

Pursuant to section 30 of the Danish Capital Markets Act please note that Agility Public Warehousing Company K.S.C.P (Agility K.S.C.P) informed DSV A/S (DSV) that the Agility Group has reorganized its holding of shares/voting rights according to section 38 of the Danish Capital Markets Act in DSV. Agility K.S.C.P hold shares/voting in DSV A/S via their subsidiary Agility Global PLC. Due to the internal reorganization in Agility Group, the ultimate beneficial ownership of the shares/voting rights in DSV A/S shifts from Agility K.S.C.P to Agility Global PLC.

As of 4 July 2025, the Agility Groups shareholding in DSV A/S remains unaffected, and the Agility Group still hold - directly or indirectly - 19,304,348 shares/voting rights in DSV A/S, corresponding to 8.03% of the entire share capital and voting rights in DSV A/S.

Contacts

Investor Relations:

Stig Frederiksen, tel. +45 43 20 36 38, stig.frederiksen@dsv.com

Alexander Plenborg, tel. +45 43 20 33 73, alexander.plenborg@dsv.com

Yours sincerely,

DSV A/S

Attachment
Charlotte, NC, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exhale Wellness has been officially recognized as the No. 1 THCA flower brand in 2025 by top industry peers. The recognition is based on the companys consistent focus on product quality, verified lab testing, and compliance with legal and safety standards.

Reviewers highlighted Exhales transparency in sourcing, standardized production methods, and reliable product labeling as well. The brand was even noted for maintaining consistency across all stages of its supply chain.

Exhales recognition comes as the THCA market faces growing regulatory attention, with a stronger emphasis on product integrity and accountability. Full details on the evaluation and Exhales THCA offerings are outlined below.

Why Was Exhale Wellness Recognized As The No.1 Brand?

Exhale Wellnesss recognition is based on multiple factors that distinguish the company within a competitive and highly regulated market. The following points highlight the key areas of evaluation cited by industry peers and experts.

Rigorous Quality Control

Exhale Wellness follows strict quality standards with every batch of THCA flower. All products undergo verified third-party lab testing to confirm cannabinoid potency and ensure they are free from contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and molds.

Cultivation Excellence

The company employs controlled indoor growing environments, allowing precise management of factors like temperature, humidity, and lighting. These controlled conditions support optimal THCA levels and consistent flower quality. Cultivation practices also emphasize sustainable and responsible farming methods that meet or exceed regulatory standards.

Supply Chain Transparency

Exhale Wellness maintains full traceability from seed to sale. Each product batch can be tracked through the supply chain, which enhances accountability and helps ensure regulatory compliance. This traceability reassures both regulators and consumers about product authenticity and safety.

Consistent Product Availability

Unlike many competitors who experience seasonal or supply disruptions, Exhale Wellness has demonstrated stable inventory levels and efficient distribution channels. This reliability means customers and retailers can depend on consistent access to their THCA flower products year-round.

Consumer Trust and Industry Reputation

The companys adherence to safety and transparency has earned it respect among peers and consumers alike. Positive feedback related to product consistency and clear labeling supports its leadership position in the market.

Focus on Legal Compliance

Operating within the bounds of federal and state laws governing hemp-derived cannabinoids, Exhale Wellness strictly follows all legal requirements. This reduces risk for consumers and positions the brand as a trustworthy player in a complex regulatory environment.

Exhales THCA Flower Collection & Bestsellers

Exhale Wellness offers a curated selection of premium indoor-grown THCA flowers, each cultivated to meet high standards of quality and potency. The bestsellers reported in the last few years include:

Lemon Cherry Gelato : Known for its vibrant citrus and sweet berry aroma, this strain offers a balanced experience with uplifting effects.

Known for its vibrant citrus and sweet berry aroma, this strain offers a balanced experience with uplifting effects. Purple Gelato : A hybrid strain that combines the sweet, fruity flavors of Gelato with earthy undertones, providing a relaxing experience.

A hybrid strain that combines the sweet, fruity flavors of Gelato with earthy undertones, providing a relaxing experience. Purple Zkittlez : Offers a candy-like sweetness with tropical fruit flavors, delivering a calming effect.

Offers a candy-like sweetness with tropical fruit flavors, delivering a calming effect. Space Junkie: A unique strain with a complex flavor profile, combining earthy and sweet notes for a distinctive experience.

A unique strain with a complex flavor profile, combining earthy and sweet notes for a distinctive experience. Skywalker OG: Known for its earthy pine aroma and relaxing effects, making it a favorite among those seeking stress relief.

Known for its earthy pine aroma and relaxing effects, making it a favorite among those seeking stress relief. Sunset Sherbet: Combines sweet and sour citrus flavors with a hint of berry, offering a euphoric and relaxing experience.

Product Formats:

Exhale Wellness provides its THCA flower in various formats to cater to different consumer preferences:

Whole Flower: Available in 4g packages, allowing consumers to grind and prepare the flower as desired.

Available in 4g packages, allowing consumers to grind and prepare the flower as desired. Pre-Rolls: Conveniently rolled joints for easy consumption without the need for preparation.

Conveniently rolled joints for easy consumption without the need for preparation. Shake: Smaller pieces of flower, ideal for those looking to roll their own joints or use in vaporizers.

Quality Assurance:

Exhale Wellness maintains rigorous quality assurance processes to ensure the safety and legality of its THCA flower products:

Third-Party Lab Testing: Each batch undergoes independent laboratory analysis to verify cannabinoid potency and screen for contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals.





Each batch undergoes independent laboratory analysis to verify cannabinoid potency and screen for contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals. THC Content Compliance: All products adhere to the 2018 Farm Bill by containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, ensuring federal legality.





All products adhere to the 2018 Farm Bill by containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, ensuring federal legality. State-Specific Shipping Restrictions: While Exhale Wellness ships to most U.S. states, certain regions have legal restrictions. Notably, shipments are not available to Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont.

How To Choose A THCA Flower That Meets Your Goals?

Selecting the right THCA flower requires informed decision-making across multiple product and personal preference factors. Experts in the hemp and cannabis sector recommend attention to the following criteria:

Verify ThirdParty Lab Results: Reputable THCA brands provide independent lab reports (COAs) showing cannabinoid and contaminant analyses. These reports confirm THCA potency and check for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and solvents, ensuring product safety and accuracy.





Reputable THCA brands provide independent lab reports (COAs) showing cannabinoid and contaminant analyses. These reports confirm THCA potency and check for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and solvents, ensuring product safety and accuracy. Assess Cannabinoid and Terpene Profiles: Choose a flower with clarity in cannabinoid ratios, indicating how much THCA (and THC post-decarboxylation) is present, and deliberate terpene content. For example, myrcene may support relaxation, while limonene can promote energy.





Choose a flower with clarity in cannabinoid ratios, indicating how much THCA (and THC post-decarboxylation) is present, and deliberate terpene content. For example, myrcene may support relaxation, while limonene can promote energy. Examine Visual Quality: High-grade THCA flower features dense, well-manicured buds with visible trichomes (the frost-like resin crystals). Buds should appear vibrant, ranging from green to purple hues, and feel slightly sticky but not brittle.





High-grade THCA flower features dense, well-manicured buds with visible trichomes (the frost-like resin crystals). Buds should appear vibrant, ranging from green to purple hues, and feel slightly sticky but not brittle. Evaluate Aroma and Texture: A strong, pleasant scent signals well-preserved terpenes. Musty or flat aromas may indicate poor curing or stale inventory. Texture should reflect balanced moisture; too dry and the flower may lack potency, too moist and it risks mold.





A strong, pleasant scent signals well-preserved terpenes. Musty or flat aromas may indicate poor curing or stale inventory. Texture should reflect balanced moisture; too dry and the flower may lack potency, too moist and it risks mold. Identify Cultivation Method: Priority should be given to organically or sustainably grown flowers, especially those cultivated indoors under controlled conditions. Such methods help minimize pesticide use and maintain consistency in cannabinoid and terpene expression.





Priority should be given to organically or sustainably grown flowers, especially those cultivated indoors under controlled conditions. Such methods help minimize pesticide use and maintain consistency in cannabinoid and terpene expression. Match Strain Type to Personal Intent: Consider botanical genetics, Indica-dominant strains tend toward relaxation, Sativa toward energy, and hybrids offer balanced effects. Consumers with specific goals (relief, focus, relaxation) should choose accordingly.





Consider botanical genetics, Indica-dominant strains tend toward relaxation, Sativa toward energy, and hybrids offer balanced effects. Consumers with specific goals (relief, focus, relaxation) should choose accordingly. Start Small and Track Response: For new users, purchasing small quantities enables monitoring of effects before scaling up. It also enables consumers to test the consistency and transparency of the vendor.

FAQs

1. Is THCA legal?

THCA derived from hemp is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, provided that the product contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis. However, some states impose additional restrictions or bans on THCA products, even if they comply with federal THC limits.

2. Is THCA stronger than CBD?

THCA and CBD are distinct cannabinoids with different effects. THCA itself is not psychoactive, but when heated, it decarboxylates into THC, which is psychoactive. CBD remains non-psychoactive and does not convert into THC. Therefore, THCA (when converted to THC) can produce intoxicating effects that CBD does not.

3. How much THCA can get you high?

Raw THCA does not cause intoxication. When heated (e.g., smoking, vaping, cooking), THCA converts into THC, and the resulting psychoactive effect depends on dose, method of consumption, and individual tolerance. There is no universal dosage; users are advised to start with a low amount and increase gradually.

4. How long will a THCA high last?

The duration of a high that results from heated THCA varies by method of consumption. Smoking or vaping typically begins showing effects within minutes and last between 13 hours. Edibles (decarboxylated products) show effects can take longer to begin (3090 minutes) but may last 48 hours, especially at higher doses. Duration also depends on personal tolerance, metabolism, and strain characteristics.


11 July 2025

LEI: 2138003QW2ZAYZODBU23

LSE Code: 3BRS

WISDOMTREE MULTI ASSET ISSUER PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

(a public company incorporated with limited liability in Ireland)

WISDOMTREE Brent Crude Oil 3X Daily Short SECURITIES

ISIN: IE00BLRPRK35

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE AFFECTED SECURITIES

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING OF THE ETP SECURITYHOLDERS

THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. If you are in any doubt about what action you should take, you are recommended to consult your independent financial adviser.

If you have sold or transferred all of your WisdomTree Brent Crude Oil 3X Daily Short Securities (the Affected Securities) of WisdomTree Multi Asset Issuer Public Limited Company (the Issuer), please send this document, together with the accompanying form of proxy, at once to the purchaser or transferee or stockbroker, banker or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was made, for onward transmission to the purchaser or transferee.

The Issuer wishes to announce that the Meeting of the holders of the Affected Securities scheduled for Friday 11 July 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (the Original Meeting) has been adjourned, in accordance with paragraph 20 of Schedule 7 of the Trust Deed, for lack of a quorum. The adjourned meeting will be reconvened on 11:00 a.m. on Friday 1 August 2025being a date not more than 30 days after the Original Meeting, and will be held at the offices of Apex IFS Limited in 2nd Floor, Block 5, Irish Life Centre, Abbey Street Lower, Dublin 1, D01P767, Ireland (the Adjourned Meeting).

The Adjourned Meeting is being held to consider certain amendments to documentation, made under the powers set out in clause 2 of schedule 7 of the master trust deed of the Affected Securities, required to effect a reduction in the principal amount of the Affected Securities from USD 0.114 to USD 0.0114. This follows the price of the Affected Securities falling below 500 per cent. of its current principal amount on Friday 13 June 2025, and is designed to maintain the normal trading and operations of the Affected Securities. Full details of the Proposal and Extraordinary Resolution are set out in the notice dated 18 June 2025

Under article 11.5 of the Issuers Articles of Association, no further notification is required for the Adjourned Meeting. Holders of the Affected Securities are therefore directed to the original notification, including the circular dated 18 June 2025, and also a revised form of proxy for the Adjourned Meeting, which are available on the website of the Issuer at https://www.wisdomtree.eu/en-gb/resource-library/prospectus-and-regulatory-reports#tab-2A942D42-5AA1-4008-9080-3C2DADB050A7.

Holders of the Affected Securities should note that a duly completed voting instructions already made in respect of the Original Meeting will NOT continue to be valid for the Adjourned Meeting. Holders of the Affected Securities should therefore not rely on any voting instructions already made in respect of the Original Meeting and should therefore make arrangements to vote again on the matters being considered, in order to participate in the Adjourned Meeting.

Holders of the Affected Securities are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold their Affected Securities when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a holder of Affected Securities in order for such holder of Affected Securities to participate in the Adjourned Meeting by the deadlines specified in this circular. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each ICSD for the submission instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in the circular.

In relation to the delivery instructions or obtaining voting certificates or otherwise making arrangements for the giving of voting instructions, in each case through the ICSDs, holders of the Affected Securities should note the particular practice and policy of the relevant ICSDs, including any earlier deadlines set by such ICSD. The deadlines set by any intermediary or by the ICSDs will be earlier than the deadlines set out in the circular.

In accordance with normal practice, The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c., as trustee, expresses no opinion as to the merits of the Proposal, the terms of which were not negotiated by it. It has however authorised it to be stated that, on the basis of the information contained in the original circular and in this document (which it advises holders of Affected Securities to read carefully) it has no objection to the form in which the Proposal and Notice of Meeting are presented to holders of Affected Securities for their consideration.

Holders of the Affected Securities will be notified of the outcome of the Adjourned Meeting shortly thereafter.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latin Metals Inc. (Latin Metals or the Company) - (TSXV: LMS) (OTCQB: LMSQF) reports the results of its annual general meeting (the Meeting) of shareholders held on July 10, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. All the motions presented to the shareholders were approved.

Votes representing 51,499,109 shares were cast, representing 42.24% of the issued and outstanding shares at the record date. A summary of the voting results is outlined below:

Motion Votes for the

Motion Percentage of

Votes in Favour Number of Directors 51,484,784 99.97% David Cass 51,484,897 99.97% Keith Henderson 51,484,897 99.97% Robert Kopple 51,484,897 99.97% Appointment of Auditor 51,485,584 99.97% Ratification and Approval of Stock Option Plan 51,484,784 99.97%



About Latin Metals

Latin Metals Inc. is a copper, gold and silver exploration company operating in Peru and Argentina under a prospect generator model, minimizing risk and dilution while maximizing discovery potential. With 18 projects, the company secures option agreements with major mining companies to fund exploration. Current option holders include AngloGold Ashanti (Organullo Gold Project) and Moxico Resources (Esperanza & Huachi Copper-Gold Projects). This approach provides early-stage exposure to high-value mineral assets. Latin Metals is actively seeking new strategic partners to advance its portfolio.

Stay Connected

Follow Latin Metals on YouTube , X , Facebook , LinkedIn and Instagram to stay informed on our latest developments, exploration updates, and corporate news.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

LATIN METALS INC.

Keith Henderson

President & CEO

For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's web site ( www.latin-metals.com ) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+.

For further information, please contact:

Keith Henderson

Suite 890 - 999 West Hastings Street,

Vancouver, BC, V6C 2W2

E-mail: info@latin-metals.com

Elyssia Patterson, VP Investor Relations

Email: elyssia@latin-metals.com

Phone: 1-778-683-4324

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
OTTAWA, Ontario, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CCC is very pleased to announce it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence (ECoE), a leading Cypriot space innovation and research organization affiliated with the Cyprus University of Technology. This MoU marks a strategic bilateral partnership that will promote collaboration between Canada and Cyprus in the growing space technology and Earth observation sectors.

The MoU was signed in Nicosia, Cyprus, by Her Excellency Mrs. Karine Asselin, Ambassador of Canada to Greece and High Commissioner to Cyprus, on behalf of CCC and in the presence of Dr. Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus.

This agreement aligns with Canadas commitment to strengthening global collaboration in the space sector. By leveraging CCCs government-to-government contracting expertise and ECoEs scientific excellence, we aim to accelerate innovative solutions and expand commercial opportunities for Canadian and Cypriot businesses, said Bobby Kwon, President and CEO of CCC.

This partnership builds on CCCs mission of promoting Canadas export diversification by linking Canadian expertise with global innovation centres. It opens new opportunities for collaboration for Canadian exporters in satellite technology, Earth observation services, space-based training solutions, and related fields. Together, CCC and ECoE will work to produce lasting benefits for communities in Canada, Cyprus, and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region.

Related

Contact

For media enquiries, please contact communications@ccc.ca

About CCC

CCC is Canadas government to government contracting agency. We help build successful commercial relationships between Canadian businesses and governments around the world through our government to government contracting approach. We are also the U.S. Department of Defense designated contracting authority for procurements from Canada. To learn more about how we have facilitated billions in trade between Canadian businesses and governments around the world, visit ccc.ca.
Dublin, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India Bovine Artificial Insemination Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Solutions (Equipment & Consumables, Services, Semen), Animal (Cow, Buffalo), Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The India bovine artificial insemination market size is expected to reach USD 789.57 million by 2030, and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.91% from 2025 to 2030. The primary driver of this market growth is the increasing efforts from the government to boost the production of milk in the country.



According to a March 2024 article published by The Hindu, Meenesh Shah, chairman of the National Dairy Development Board of India (NDDB), discussed the government's aim to contribute more than 30% by 2030. To achieve this, the authorities are working actively to increase the bovine population's productivity by focusing on areas like breeding, nutrition, and animal health.



One of the approaches being used by the authorities in this regard is the structurization of dairy production across the country. Currently, despite the widespread penetration of dairy production and overall artificial insemination use, the sector is largely disorganized. According to a September 2024 article from the Financial Express, authorities like NDDB are formulating a novel and improvised cooperative model for the country's dairy sector. This model aims at providing government assistance to struggling cooperatives and also bringing in more and more farmers under the umbrella of the government. One of the methods that NDDB uses is taking over the functioning of a struggling dairy cooperative from a state for a limited amount of time, and example, taking over Mahananda Cooperative Dairy in Maharashtra and Sreeja Cooperative Dairy in Uttar Pradesh by the NDDB.



Furthermore, the authorities in the country are also partnering with banks across the country in order to revive the struggling dairy sector agencies across the country. For example, in May 2024, NDDB signed a MoU with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) for the development of comprehensive dairy infrastructure. Under this partnership, the NDDB and PNB will provide financial aid to the beneficiary organizations (BOs) in the cooperative sector, such as milk unions/federations, multi-state cooperatives, producer-owned institutions like producer companies, and NDDB's subsidiary companies.



Another crucial driver fueling the market growth is the increasing digitization of AI services in the country. Leading players in the dairy sectors are increasingly digitizing the processes for both, themselves as well as the farmers. For example, starting 2020, Amul launched India's first artificial insemination digital platform for their customers.



By making dairy infrastructure more accessible and efficient, government support for financially troubled cooperatives, collaborations with banks, and the restructuring of dairy production will propel the market growth in India. The market growth will be further enhanced by the digitization of AI services, which will offer dairy players and farmers creative solutions. Artificial insemination will become more widely used as a result, improving cattle productivity and breeding. With everything taken into account, these variables will support the expansion and modernization of India's bovine artificial insemination industry.



India Bovine Artificial Insemination Market Report Highlights

In terms of solutions, the services segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 42.71% in 2024. This dominance can be attributed to the farmers' growing awareness of the benefits of artificial insemination and the widespread adoption of AI services as a result of government initiatives.

The semen solutions segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.59% over the forecast period due to several factors. This segment consists of normal & sexed semen. The main driving factor for this segment is the rising use of sex-sorted semen in the country.

In terms of animal, the cow segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 65.29% in 2024 and a CAGR of over 9.26% over the forecast period. This dominance can be mainly attributed to two factors: the population and the contribution to milk production.

Based on distribution channel, the government centers segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 51.16% in 2024 and a CAGR of over 9.48% over the forecast period. This dominance can be attributed to the widespread penetration of government AI services across the country due to benefits like subsidies and free-of-cost AI services, government semen production stations, and partnerships with the private sector to enhance the penetration of bovine artificial insemination in the country

Market Dynamics

Market Driver Analysis

Ongoing Government Initiatives For Increasing Artificial Insemination Practices In The Country

Rising Government Focus On Boosting Milk Production Of The Country

Emerging Efforts From The Authorities To Structurise The Dairy Sector

Increasing Technological Advancements.

Market Restraint Analysis

Disorganized Dairy Sector In The Country

Closure Of AI Centers In The Country

Limited Penetration

Market Opportunity Analysis

Market Challenge Analysis

India Bovine Artificial Insemination (AI) Market Analysis Tools

Industry Analysis - Porter's

PESTEL Analysis

Regulatory Framework

Estimated Bovine Population, by Key Species, by Key States, 2018-2024

Key Facts & Figures on Artificial Insemination in India

Pricing Analysis

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Competitive Landscape

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

Genus plc

Alta Genetics Inc.

Xcell Breeding & Livestock Services Pvt Ltd

Accuvance India

Inguran Sorting Technologies LLP (Stgenetics)

VikingGenetics

Verka (MilkFed)

IMV Technologies

MINITUB GMBH

Paayas Milk Producer Company Ltd.

Amul Dairy

Maahi Milk Producer Company Ltd.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/a6bdvz

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Organon To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in Organon between November 3, 2022 and April 30, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]





NEW YORK, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Organon & Co. (Organon or the Company) (NYSE: OGN) and reminds investors of the July 22, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

Defendants provided investors with material information concerning Organons prioritization of its capital allocation strategy through regular, quarterly dividends. Defendants statements included, among other things, reassurance that capital allocation through the aforementioned dividends was a #1 capital allocation priority and that Organon was committed to consistent deployment of capital. Defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of the Companys priorities, particularly, related to capital allocation through quarterly dividends. Notably, Defendants concealed the high priority of Organons debt reduction strategy following the Companys acquisition of Dermavant, resulting in a 70% decrease for the regular quarterly dividend. Such statements absent these material facts caused Plaintiff and other shareholders to purchase Organons securities at artificially inflated prices.

Investors and analysts again reacted promptly to Organons revelations. The price of Organons common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $12.93 per share on April 30, 2025, Organons stock price fell to $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025, a decline of more than 27% in the span of just a single day.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Organons conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Organon & Co. class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/OGN or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c96193e-9e8a-4e5d-878a-3e41b441e24a
SAN ANTONIO, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With summer in full swing and families balancing busy schedules, road trips, and rising food costs, Whataburger is stepping in to help make mealtime more convenient and budget-friendly. Recently, Stephanie Hill, Summer Savings Ambassador at Whataburger, participated in a nationwide media tour to share tips for enjoying flavorful meals without breaking the bank.

This summer, Whataburger is helping guests make the most of every meal with a lineup of crave-worthy deals and limited-time menu items designed to deliver great portions at great value. From brand-new bundle deals to thirst-quenching Whatafreshers, its all about convenience, affordability, and flavor during the busiest time of year for families.

Bigger Better Bundles: Pair any full-sized Whatameal with one of three new bundle options that are easy to mix, match and share, for only an extra $4, $5 or $6. Choose from any Kids Meal, Double Meat Jr. Whatameal or a bowl of your favorite Whatawings  ideal for families, groups, or anyone looking for more variety and value.

Stay cool with Whatafreshers: The all-new Prickly Pear Raspberry Whatafresher, combines zesty lemon, real raspberry, and Southwest-inspired prickly pear for a vibrant, fruit-forward drink that pairs well with any meal. Get it while you can  its only here for a limited time.

On-the-Go Convenience: Every Whataburger meal is cooked to order, available 24/7, and customizable  making them a reliable option for busy days, travel stops, and late-night cravings.



For more information on Whataburgers summer offerings or to find a location near you, visit www.whataburger.com.

About Stephanie Hill

Stephanie Hill is the Social Media Community Management Supervisor at Whataburger, where she leads a team dedicated to engaging fans and fostering brand loyalty online. A Corpus Christi native and lifelong fan, she joined the company in 2011 after earning her degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University  Corpus Christi. Over the years, shes served as a trusted brand ambassador, spokesperson, and event lead across multiple platforms and markets. Stephanie also plays an active role in supporting Whataburgers internal culture through team-building initiatives at the San Antonio Home Office.

About Whataburger

Whataburger serves up Goodness 24/7 with a made-to-order, customizable menu of burgers and other favorites delivered just like you like it. Born in Texas and headquartered in San Antonio, were celebrating 75 flavorful years of big bites, bold flavors, and even bigger fan love. Weve grown to over 1,100 restaurants across 17 states, with original-recipe products now found in grocery aisles across the country. Our secret sauce (besides that Fancy Ketchup) is our Family Membersreal people serving up real hospitality and meaningful connections in the communities we call home. Weve landed on Fast Companys Brands that Matter list, USA Todays 10Best Readers Choice Awards, and Newsweeks Americas Best of the Best. To learn more, shop the Whatastore, or find your nearest location, visit Whataburger.comor download our app on iOS or Android. Hungry for more? Discover what keeps fans coming back by diving into real stories from Whataburger super fans at stories.whataburger.com.

* YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release was part of a media tour that was produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of Whataburger

Dante Muccigrosso

Director of Media Integration & Client Reporting

E: dantem@dssimon.com

C: 973.524.0104

A video accompanying this announcement is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3953d1f-7a80-46c6-8b65-f8a5a7d559d8
Dublin, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Ammonia Industry Outlook to 2030 - Capacity and Capital Expenditure Forecasts with Details of All Active and Planned Plants" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Global ammonia capacity is poised to grow significantly by more than 25% during the 2025 to 2030 outlook period, as it is a highly versatile petrochemical with a wide range of applications in agriculture, cleaning products, refrigeration, water treatment, and the production of various chemicals such as ammonium compounds and synthetic fibers. North America is set to dominate this growth, due to its increased demand as a fertilizer in the agriculture industry.



Scope

Global ammonia capacity outlook by region from 2025 to 2030

Global ammonia planned and announced capacity additions by region, key countries, and key companies

Planned and announced capital expenditure outlook for 2025 to 2030 by region and key countries

Key details of the ammonia plants globally (capacity from 2020 to 2030)

Reasons to Buy

Obtain the most up-to-date information available on all active, planned, and announced ammonia plants globally

Identify opportunities in the global ammonia industry with the help of upcoming projects and capital expenditure outlook

Facilitate decision-making based on strong historical and outlook for ammonia capacity data

Assess key project data of your peers and competitors

Key Topics Covered:



01. Global Ammonia Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook by Region

Key Highlights

Global Ammonia Capacity Contribution by Region

Ammonia Production Capacity Contributions by Feedstock

Regional Ammonia Production Capacity Contributions by Feedstock

Global Planned and Announced Capacity Ammonia Additions

Global Capex Spending on Planned and Announced Ammonia Plants by Region

New Projects Announcements

Global Top 10 Planned and Announced Ammonia Plants

02. Global Ammonia Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook by Country

Global Ammonia Capacity Contributions by Key Countries, 2020-2030

Global Ammonia Capacity Contribution by Key Countries, 2024

Ammonia Capacity Additions from Planned and Announced Plants by Key Countries

Ammonia Capex Spending on Planned and Announced Projects by Key Countries

03. Global Ammonia Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook by Company

Global Ammonia Capacity Contribution by Key Companies, 2024

Global Ammonia Capacity Additions from Planned and Announced Projects by Top 10 Companies

04. Ammonia Capacity and Capex Outlook in Asia

Ammonia Capacity in Asia by Key Countries, 2020-2030

Annual Capital Expenditure Outlook for Planned and Announced Ammonia Projects in Asia

05. Ammonia Capacity Outlook in North America

Ammonia Capacity in North America by Country, 2020-2030

Annual Capital Expenditure Outlook for Planned and Announced Ammonia Projects in North America

06. Ammonia Capacity Outlook in FSU

Ammonia Capacity in FSU by Key Countries, 2020-2030

Annual Capital Expenditure Outlook for Planned and Announced Ammonia Projects in FSU by Country

07. Ammonia Capacity Outlook in the Middle East

Ammonia Capacity in the Middle East by Key Countries, 2020-2030

Annual Capital Expenditure Outlook for Planned and Announced Ammonia Projects in the Middle East

08. Ammonia Capacity Outlook in Africa

Ammonia Capacity in Africa by Country, 2020-2030

Annual Capital Expenditure Outlook for Planned and Announced Ammonia Projects in Africa

09. Ammonia Capacity Outlook in Europe

Ammonia Capacity in Europe by Key Countries, 2020-2030

Annual Capital Expenditure Outlook for Planned and Announced Ammonia Projects in Europe by Country

10. Ammonia Capacity Outlook in Oceania

Ammonia Capacity in Oceania by Country, 2020-2030

Annual Capital Expenditure Outlook for Planned and Announced Ammonia Projects in Oceania by Country

11. Ammonia Capacity Outlook in South America

Ammonia Capacity in South America by Country, 2020-2030

Annual Capital Expenditure Outlook for Planned and Announced Ammonia Projects in South America by Country

12. Ammonia Capacity Outlook in Caribbean

Ammonia Capacity in Caribbean by Country, 2020-2030

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/m9p5ru

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the eve of the 10th anniversary of Tiffany Valiantes suspicious death, her parents have filed a landmark lawsuit asserting that the 18-year-old was the victim of a premeditated hate-crime murder, not suicide. The filing, believed to be the first brought under the New Jersey Constitution's Crime Victims Bill of Rights Act, asks the court to direct state agencies to release to the family long-withheld evidence key to a full and proper investigation that could ultimately hold accountable all those responsible for Tiffanys death. The new lawsuit was announced at a news conference today attended by family members and Tucker, her beloved yellow Labrador retriever.





Tiffany, an accomplished student-athlete and openly gay teenager from Mays Landing, was struck by a New Jersey Transit train near midnight on July 12, 2015. Authorities quickly ruled her death a suicide; several forensic experts that have reviewed the case contend critical evidence about her life and death was ignored or mishandled.

Tragically, this suspicious death case was closed in less than 12 hours without a full and proper investigation that Tiffany and her family  victims in their own right - deserved then and now 10 years later, said Paul DAmato, of the DAmato Law Firm, which represents the Valiante family. Our legal and forensic teamworking pro bono for nearly one decade  is now seeking, under the Crime Victims Bill of Rights, court-ordered access to all relevant state evidence so we can finally determine what really happened to Tiffany. Besides Mr. DAmato, the legal team includes Stephen Van Natten, and Alexa DAmato Barrera.

The litany of new revelations in the complaint include:

Recovered (by Cornerstone Discoverys team led by Digital Forensics Examiner Jason Silva) hate-filled text messages directed at Tiffany in the months before her deathsome using a violent anti-lesbian slur; they point to repeated harassment and threats.

Independent forensic pathologist Dr. Wayne Ross, following his preliminary review of the case, asserts Tiffany was likely murdered and her body placed on the tracks to mask a murder, leading investigators to think it was a suicide.

Investigators never explored Tiffanys sexual identity as a possible motive, nor did they consider hate crime or foul play in their initial investigation; experts agree that homicide must first be ruled out before suicide is even considered as a cause of death. The fact the toxicology report showed no signs of alcohol or drugs in her system was also apparently dismissed as insignificant.

Key standard investigative procedures were skipped in the rush to judgement; they never conducted a full autopsy, rape kit, or psychological autopsy. Even the Nurse Practitioner who pronounced Tiffany at the scene has expressed grave concerns regarding the surgical precision of her dismemberment, uncharacteristic of a train strike.

The Valiante family is asking the court to authorize a full review by the parents legal team of the evidence held by the New Jersey Transit Police and the Medical Examiners Office, including access to the NJT train itself and all relevant surveillance and physical data. Once theyve completed their work, they will present their findings to prosecutors.

The case has attracted international attention, especially after Netflix aired the episode Mystery at Mile Marker 45 as part of its Unsolved Mysteries series, which has been viewed by millions. And the #JusticeforTiffany Change.org petition, urging the case re-opening, has now been signed by more than 15,000 individuals and viewed worldwide by more than 200,000.

Contacts:

Paul R. DAmato / paul@damatolawfirm.com/ 609-926-3300

Steph Rosenfeld / steph@idadvisors.com / 215-514-4101

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/076e4d24-2068-4950-9726-da0579d3b4a1




HONG KONG, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MultiBank Group, the worlds largest financial derivatives institution, has officially opened the waitlist for early access to its highly anticipated utility token, MBG. This marks a significant step in the company's strategy to merge traditional finance with the Web3 ecosystem.

All waitlist participants will receive early access to the token presale and automatically enter a raffle for a pool of 27,000 MBG tokens. Registration is now available on the official token website with a simplified process requiring no KYC procedures or financial commitments at this stage.

Waitlist benefits

The MBG token waitlist presents a unique opportunity to reserve early access before the public sale begins. By joining the waitlist , participants secure their place among the first invited to purchase the token.

The early access program is designed to give the community time to study the project and make informed decisions about participating in the tokenized ecosystem of one of the world's leading financial groups.

Token built on MultiBank's solid financial heritage

The MBG token stands out in the volatile crypto market with its unique foundationit is backed by real assets and revenues of MultiBank Group, a company with an impeccable 20-year reputation in the financial industry.

MultiBank Group, established in 2005, today holds 17 regulatory licenses across five jurisdictions and serves over 2 million clients in more than 100 countries. With daily trading volume exceeding $35 billion and net profit of $275.9 million in 2024, the company demonstrates financial stability that is rare in the Web3 world.

Notably, the token launch comes on the heels of MultiBank's recent landmark $3 billion deal with MAG Lifestyle Development and Mavrykthe world's largest real estate tokenization initiative. This deal, featuring premium properties like The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside at Keturah Resort, and Keturah Reserve, positions MBG as the next anticipated milestone in the company's strategy, attracting attention from both institutional and retail investors.

Four pillars of the MBG ecosystem

The MBG token is integrated into MultiBank Group's four-pillar ecosystem to maximize its utility:

1. MultiBank FX (TradFi Platform)

Current daily volume: $35 billion

2024 EBITDA: $284.9 million

Trading in Forex, metals, shares, indices, and commodities



2. MEX Exchange (Institutional ECN)

Independent valuation: $23.7 billion

First institutional ECN for emerging markets

Projected volume: $460 billion per day by year five



3. MultiBank.io (Crypto platform)

Regulated in UAE, Australia, India, and more

Spot and derivatives trading

Projected revenue by 2030: $1.4 billion



4. MultiBank.io RWA (Real-World Assets marketplace)

Premium real estate tokenization

Initial portfolio: $3 billion

Expansion to $10 billion in assets



MBG holders gain access to benefits across the entire ecosystem: from trading discounts and priority execution to staking rewards and exclusive access to tokenized real estate assets.

MBG token benefits

The token offers an 11-tier loyalty system where holders of 1,000 to 550,000+ tokens receive progressive benefits: spot trading discounts up to 23%, fixed staking yields up to 45% annually, and substantial FX/CFD trading discounts up to 22.5%.

The staking program includes both fixed and variable APY options. Fixed programs offer predictable returns from 3% (30 days) to 29% (365 days), depending on the holder's tier. The variable model is tied to ecosystem trading fees, creating a sustainable source of rewards.

Holders also receive priority trade execution, access to exclusive trading pairs including tokenized RWA assets, and early access to IEO listings on the platform. For social traders, the token unlocks advanced portfolio copying capabilities and trading signals from top traders.

At the institutional level, MBG provides on-chain trade recording for full transparency, simplified auditing for compliance requirements, and the ability to use tokenized assets as collateral for derivatives tradingcreating a unique bridge between TradFi and DeFi.

MBG token: A window to the future

"MultiBank has extensive experience and an excellent reputation in the market, which allows us to proudly present a new promising project that will ensure seamless interaction between Web3 and traditional finance," notes Zak Taher, founder and CEO of MultiBank.io .

The token also includes a deflationary buyback and burn model tied to platform revenues. The program envisions cumulative burning of up to $440 million over the first four years, potentially removing up to 50% of the total token supply.

Development prospects

The official launch of the MBG token is scheduled for July 2025 with listings on leading centralized and decentralized exchanges. Waitlist participants will receive notifications about all key dates and early participation opportunities.

To join the waitlist and get additional information about the MBG token, visit the project's official website.

About MultiBank Group

MultiBank Group, established in California, USA in 2005, is a global leader in financial derivatives. With over 2 million clients in 100+ countries and a daily trading volume exceeding $35 billion, it offers a broad range of brokerage and asset management services. Renowned for innovative trading solutions, robust regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service, the Group is regulated by 17+ top-tier financial authorities across five continents. Its award-winning platforms provide up to 500:1 leverage across Forex, Metals, Shares, Commodities, Indices, and Cryptocurrencies. MultiBank Group has received over 80 international awards for trading excellence and regulatory compliance.

Contact:

Mr. Nikolas Neofytou

nikolas.neofytou@multibankfx.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by MultiBank Group. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09786dbe-1896-4eb5-b58d-b83902a2009f
CHICAGO, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Giordanos , Chicagos iconic deep-dish pizza brand, has teamed up with The Original Rainbow Cone to launch the latest installment in its Chi-Town Flavors series, a curated collection of iconic Chicago food experiences shipped directly to homes across the country. A Chicagoland staple since 1926 and originating from the South Side, this beloved ice cream brand is famous for its five-flavor, sliced-layer cone that has delighted generations. Beginning today, fans can order an exclusive combo pack featuring Giordanos famous stuffed pizza and The Original Rainbow Cones signature layered ice cream.

This marks the fourth collaboration in Giordanos Chi-Town Flavors series, following successful partnerships with Buona Beef, Weber Grill Restaurant, and Caruso Provisions. The initiative celebrates the citys rich culinary heritage by pairing Giordanos pizzas with offerings from fellow Chicago-born brands and making them available for nationwide shipping through Giordanos e-commerce platform.

Theres something uniquely nostalgic about The Original Rainbow Cone, and pairing it with our classic deep-dish pizza brings together two of Chicagos most craveable comfort foods, said Giordanos CEO Nick Scarpino. Were honored to launch the newest installment of our 'Chi-Town Flavors' series, capturing the joy of summer in the city, bold flavors, and shared memories all in one box.

Customers can now choose from Giordanos 2-, 3-, or 4-pizza packs, which include one quart of The Original Rainbow Cone ice cream for a sweet finish to their meal. Customers can also add a second quart for $19.99. Each pack includes The Original Rainbow Cones signature layered ice cream, made with Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet. With mix-and-match pizza flavors and nationwide shipping available at ship.giordanos.com/rainbow , its an easy way to bring a Chicago summer favorite straight to your door.

Founded in Chicago in 1974 and recently celebrating 50 years in business, Giordanos has become synonymous with authentic stuffed deep dish pizza made with Wisconsin mozzarella, handmade dough, and layers of premium ingredients. Building on the legacy, the brand is doubling down on its hometown pride with collaborations like the Buona Italian Beef Pizza, Weber Grill Restaurant frozen packs, and Original Rainbow Cone ice cream to connect even more deeply with the local flavors and partners that have made Chicago a culinary capital.

For more information on Giordanos and to stay up-to-date on the Chi-Town Flavors series, visit ship.giordanos.com/chi-townflavors .

ABOUT GIORDANOS

Based in Chicago, Giordanos World Famous Deep-Dish Pizza has been serving its world-famous stuffed pizza for over 50 years. In 1974, immigrant brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio introduced their mothers 200-year-old Italian recipe to Chicago, pioneering what is now internationally known as Chicago-style stuffed pizza. Today, Giordanos operates nearly 60 locations across 9 states and ships its iconic pizza nationwide. Committed to uncompromising quality, Giordanos sources Wisconsin mozzarella from local farmers within a 50-mile radius for a creamy, buttery melt, hand-picked Mendocino County tomatoes for a naturally sweet sauce, and specially milled, unbleached flour from Minnesota for its signature crust. All recipes are crafted in-house with no added nitrates, MSG or fillers. Giordanos has been consistently recognized as Chicagos Best Pizza by NBC Chicago, CBS Chicago, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and more. For decades, its authentic deep-dish experience has made it a favorite among pizza lovers nationwide. Follow Giordanos on Instagram , Facebook , and TikTok and to purchase or learn more, visit www.giordanos.com .

GIORDANOSPR@MEKKYMEDIA.COM

WWW.GIORDANOS.COM

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1c5904d-11e0-4600-be79-78af8f426671

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fcb465d3-ab92-486b-879b-51edbcf4f1da
Chicago, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Singapore HVAC systems market was valued at US$ 773.88 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 1,590.34 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.99% during the forecast period 20252035.

The Singapore HVAC systems market is witnessing a technological renaissance as of 2024, with smart and energy-efficient solutions taking center stage. Innovations such as IoT-enabled HVAC systems are transforming how buildings manage indoor climates, allowing real-time monitoring and optimization. For instance, companies like Daikin Singapore have integrated smart thermostats and cloud-based controls into their offerings, enabling users to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the adoption of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems is gaining traction in commercial spaces due to their flexibility and efficiency in handling diverse cooling needs.

Download Free Sample Pages: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/singapore-hvac-systems-market

Moreover, advancements in air purification technologies in the Singapore HVAC systems market are addressing growing concerns over indoor air quality, especially post-pandemic. Systems with HEPA filters and UV-C disinfection are becoming standard in offices and public spaces, as reported by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in their 2024 updates. Local startups are also contributing, with firms like AirLab developing AI-driven HVAC analytics to predict maintenance needs, reducing downtime by up to 30%, according to their recent case studies. This tech-driven shift not only enhances user comfort but also aligns with Singapores push for digital transformation in infrastructure. As these innovations continue to evolve, they are setting new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability in the market, paving the way for broader adoption across sectors.

Key Findings in the Singapore HVAC Systems Market

Market Forecast (2035) US$ 1,590.34 million CAGR 6.99% By Energy Source Electric-Powered HVAC Systems (72.31%) By Installation Type New Installations (59.30%) By Capacity 2-5 Tons (39.81%) By End Use Application Residential (50.80%) By Distribution Channel Offline (82.11%) Top Drivers Government incentives promoting energy-efficient HVAC systems for sustainable development.

Rising demand for smart HVAC technologies in residential and commercial buildings.

Urbanization and growth of mixed-use developments requiring advanced cooling solutions. Top Trends Adoption of IoT-enabled HVAC systems for real-time energy optimization.

Increasing retrofitting of older buildings with eco-friendly HVAC technologies.

Integration of air purification systems addressing post-pandemic health concerns. Top Challenges High installation and maintenance costs of advanced HVAC technologies in Singapore.

Limited availability of skilled professionals for complex HVAC system installations.

Balancing energy efficiency with performance in Singapores tropical climate conditions.

Energy Conservation Leading Cooling Innovations in Singapore

In the Singapore HVAC systems market, energy efficiency remains a top priority as of 2024, driven by the nations ambitious sustainability targets. The governments Energy Efficiency National Partnership (EENP) program encourages businesses to adopt high-efficiency HVAC units, with over 500 companies participating in energy audits last year, as per the Energy Market Authority (EMA) reports. This push is critical in a country where cooling accounts for a significant portion of building energy use, especially in commercial towers and data centers.

Complementing this, the Green Mark Incentive Scheme by BCA offers financial incentives for buildings adopting energy-efficient HVAC technologies, such as chillers with high Coefficient of Performance (COP) ratings. Real-world examples include Marina Bay Sands, which upgraded its HVAC systems in 2023 to save substantial energy costs annually, as highlighted in their sustainability report. Additionally, the rise of District Cooling Systems (DCS) in areas like Marina Bay, serving multiple buildings from a centralized plant, showcases innovative approaches to energy conservation. With electricity tariffs rising by an average of 8 cents per kWh in early 2024, per EMA data, the emphasis on efficient systems is expected to intensify. This trend underscores a market increasingly leaning toward solutions that balance cost and environmental impact.

Strict Policies Steering Cooling Standards in Singapore HVAC Systems Market

The Singapore HVAC systems market operates within a stringent regulatory landscape as of 2024, reflecting the governments commitment to sustainability and safety. The Building Control Act mandates that all new buildings meet minimum energy performance standards, with HVAC systems being a key focus. According to the BCAs 2024 guidelines, systems must comply with the Code on Environmental Sustainability, pushing for low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Beyond environmental rules, safety regulations under the Workplace Safety and Health Act ensure proper installation and maintenance of HVAC systems to prevent issues like poor air quality or fire hazards. Over 1,200 inspections were conducted in 2023 to enforce compliance, as per the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) data, highlighting the governments vigilance. Policies like the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS) also require HVAC products to display energy efficiency ratings, empowering consumers to make informed choices. A notable case is the retrofitting of older buildings like Raffles City, which aligned with updated BCA standards in 2023. These regulations not only drive innovation but also ensure that market players prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains, creating a robust framework for growth and accountability in the industry.

Commercial Spaces Fueling Cooling Demand in Singapore

The Singapore HVAC systems market sees significant demand from the commercial sector in 2024, fueled by the citys status as a financial and tech hub. High-rise office buildings, shopping malls, and hotels dominate this segment, with a constant need for reliable cooling systems due to dense occupancy and tropical heat. For instance, the Central Business District (CBD) houses over 3,000 commercial properties, many requiring regular HVAC upgrades, as noted in a 2024 Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) report.

Additionally, the rise of co-working spaces and hybrid work models has spurred demand for modular HVAC solutions that can adapt to fluctuating occupancy. Companies like WeWork in Singapore have invested in flexible systems to cater to dynamic usage patterns, as reported in recent industry updates. The hospitality sector also plays a crucial role, with luxury hotels like The Fullerton upgrading to eco-friendly HVAC units to meet guest expectations and regulatory standards. With over 67,000 hotel rooms in operation as of 2024, per Singapore Tourism Board data, this sub-segment ensures consistent demand. The commercial sectors focus on operational efficiency and occupant comfort continues to drive innovation, making it a cornerstone of the markets growth trajectory in the near future.

Home Cooling Trends Evolving Rapidly in Singapore

In the Singapore HVAC systems market, residential adoption is evolving rapidly as of 2024, shaped by rising living standards and urban density. With over 1.3 million Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, the need for compact and affordable HVAC solutions is paramount. Split-type air conditioners remain popular due to their ease of installation in smaller spaces, with brands like Mitsubishi Electric reporting strong sales in this segment, as per their 2024 regional updates.

Furthermore, the trend toward smart homes is influencing residential HVAC choices, with Wi-Fi-enabled units gaining popularity among tech-savvy homeowners. A 2024 survey by Statista revealed that over 40,000 households adopted smart HVAC controls last year, driven by convenience and energy-saving potential. The governments Smart Nation initiative also supports this shift by promoting digital integration in homes. Real-world examples include new HDB projects in Punggol, where developers are pre-installing energy-efficient systems to meet Green Mark standards. As urbanization continues and household disposable incomes rise, with an average increase of US$ 2,000 per annum per Astute Analyticas recent data, the residential segment is poised for sustained growth, reflecting a market responsive to both affordability and technological advancements.

Industrial Needs Powering Specialized Cooling in Singapore

The Singapore HVAC systems market caters to a robust industrial sector in 2024, driven by manufacturing and logistics needs. Industrial estates like Jurong Island, home to over 100 petrochemical and pharmaceutical companies, rely heavily on specialized HVAC systems for process cooling and maintaining controlled environments. According to the Economic Development Board (EDB), over 7,000 industrial facilities operate in Singapore, creating a steady demand for robust systems.

Moreover, the growth of data centers, a critical industrial sub-sector, amplifies HVAC requirements due to the need for precise temperature control to protect servers. Singapore hosted over 70 data centers as of 2024, per a report by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), with operators like Equinix investing in high-capacity cooling solutions. The push for sustainability also affects industrial HVAC adoption, as companies face pressure to reduce carbon footprints under the Carbon Pricing Act. A case in point is Keppel Infrastructure, which implemented energy-efficient chillers in 2023 to comply with regulations. This segments unique needsranging from heavy-duty cooling to environmental compliancehighlight its pivotal role in shaping market innovations and ensuring operational continuity across critical industries.

Green Ambitions Redefining Cooling Strategies in Singapore

Sustainability is a defining factor in the Singapore HVAC systems market as of 2024, aligning with the nations Green Plan 2030. The push to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 has led to increased adoption of eco-friendly HVAC technologies, such as systems using natural refrigerants like R-290. The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported that over 300 buildings transitioned to low-GWP refrigerants in 2023, showcasing a tangible shift toward greener solutions.

Additionally, initiatives like the Super Low Energy (SLE) Building program by BCA encourage the integration of HVAC systems with renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered cooling in select commercial projects. A prominent example is the CapitaLand group, which incorporated sustainable HVAC designs in its latest developments, as noted in their 2024 sustainability report. The governments target to green 80% of buildings by 2030 further accelerates this trend, with over 4,500 buildings certified under Green Mark as of this year, per BCA data. This focus on sustainability not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters innovation, as manufacturers and developers race to meet stringent standards, ensuring the market remains at the forefront of green technology adoption.

Fierce Rivalries Shaping Cooling Industry in Singapore

The Singapore HVAC systems market is highly competitive with global and local players vying for dominance. Multinational giants like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Panasonic Corporation lead with extensive product portfolios and strong distribution networks, leveraging their expertise in energy-efficient technologies. They collectively hold over 46% market share. Wherein, Daikin, for instance, expanded its service centers to over 20 locations island-wide last year, as per their corporate updates, enhancing customer access. The company is the market leader with over 22.40% market share.

On the other hand, local companies like Systemair Singapore are carving out niches by offering tailored solutions for small and medium enterprises, focusing on affordability and quick maintenance. The market also sees intense competition in after-sales services, with over 500 authorized service providers registered as of 2024, according to industry directories. Collaborations are common, such as the partnership between Mitsubishi Electric and local contractors to retrofit older buildings with modern systems, as highlighted in recent trade journals. This competitive environment drives innovation and customer-centric approaches, ensuring diverse options for end-users. As the market continues to evolve, players must balance cost, quality, and sustainability to maintain relevance in this fast-paced, demand-driven landscape, ultimately benefiting consumers with cutting-edge solutions.

Need a detailed report walkthrough? Request an online presentation from our analyst: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/speak-analyst/singapore-hvac-systems-market

Singapore HVAC Systems Market Major Players:

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Daikin Industries, Ltd.

Hitachi

Toshiba

Airtrade Singapore Pte Ltd

Samsung

Carrier Global Corporation

Johnson Controls

LG Electronics

Panasonic Corporation

Other Prominent Players

Key Market Segmentation:

By System

Heating Systems Furnaces Boilers Heat Pumps Others

Ventilation Systems Air Handling Units (AHUs) Exhaust Fans Air Filters & Purifier Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers Others

Air Conditioning Systems Residential AC Split Systems Wall-mounted Floor-standing Ceiling Cassette Ceiling Concealed AC Multi-split Systems Window AC Commercial AC Packaged Air Conditioners VRV/VRF Systems Unitary Systems Applied Systems (Large-scale) Chillers Air-cooled Water-cooled Air Handling Units (AHU) Fan Coil Units (FCU)

Refrigeration & Cold Storage Systems/Equipment Walk-In Coolers and Freezers Cold Rooms & Warehousing Units Display Refrigerators Blast Chillers & Freezers Transport Refrigeration Units Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) Freezers Others



By Technology

Conventional HVAC Systems

Smart HVAC Systems

By Energy Source

Electric-Powered HVAC Systems

Gas-Powered HVAC Systems

Hybrid HVAC Systems (Electric + Gas)

Renewable Energy HVAC Systems

By Installation

New Installations Residential Commercial

Retrofits & Replacements Residential Commercial



By Capacity

<2 Tons

2-5 Tons

5-20 Tons

20-50 Tons 50 Tons



By End Use Application

Residential Building Type Single-Family Homes Multi-Family Apartments Luxury Homes & Villas Condominiums Income Level Low Income Mid Income High Income

Commercial Office Buildings Retail Convenience Stores & Small Shops Supermarkets & Hypermarkets Department Stores Others Shopping Malls Hospitality Industry Hotels Others Healthcare Facilities Educational Institutions Transportation Station Airports

Commercial Multi (VRF)

Industrial Pharmaceutical Oil & Gas Construction Food Processing Data Centres Warehouses Others



By Distribution Channel

Online

Offline Direct Sales Distributors Retail/Electronics Stores Brand Stores Multi Brand Stores



Need More Info? Ask Before You Buy: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/singapore-hvac-systems-market

About Astute Analytica

Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements.

With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace.

Contact Us:

Astute Analytica

Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World)

For Sales Enquiries: sales@astuteanalytica.com

Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/

Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube
PHOENIX, AZ, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the U.S., is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Linda Chambliss as the new Obstetrics (OB) Medical Director for Native Air, Tri-State CareFlight, and LifeNet, the company's dedicated emergency air medical service programs operating throughout Arizona.

Native Air, Tri-State CareFlight, and LifeNet, with 23 locations across the state, play a vital role in the states healthcare system by providing rapid air transport for critically ill and injured patients, particularly in rural and remote areas where timely access to specialized medical care can be limited. With the addition of Dr. Chambliss, Air Methods further strengthens its commitment to delivering exceptional maternal and fetal care, especially for high-risk pregnancies.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Chambliss to our team, said Jeff Marr, Clinical Director at Air Methods. Her wealth of experience, especially in Maternal Fetal Medicine and her longstanding service to Indigenous communities, adds immeasurable value to Native Airs mission.

Dr. Chambliss brings more than four decades of medical expertise to the role and will serve as an Air Methods medical director liaison to Arizonas High Rish Perinatal Program (HRPP). Board-certified in Maternal Fetal Medicine, she has dedicated her career to caring for patients with complex pregnancies and advancing health equity.

I am honored to join Air Methods and support the exceptional Native Air, LifeNet, and CareFlight clinicians, said Dr. Chambliss. Providing timely, expert care to pregnant patients, especially in rural and underserved communities, is critical to improving outcomes for mothers and babies. I look forward to contributing my experience in Maternal Fetal Medicine to help guide clinical decisions, enhance protocols, and ensure every patient receives the safest, most compassionate care possible during transport.

Dr. Chambliss began her career as a registered nurse after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duke University. She provided nursing care on the Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona before attending Michigan State College of Human Medicine, where she earned her medical degree. Her post-graduate training included a pediatric internship at the University of Chicago and an OB/GYN residency at Cook County Hospital. She later returned to Arizona to serve as Chief of OB/GYN at the Tuba City Indian Health Service and as a Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service in the Navajo Nation.

Following her service, she completed a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of Southern California/LA County Medical Center. Since then, has held key clinical and academic roles at Valleywise Health Center and St. Josephs Medical Center in Phoenix.

An internationally recognized leader in maternal health, Dr. Chambliss has authored or co-authored 95 scientific publications focused on high-risk pregnancies and the impact of social determinants on health. She has chaired the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Indian Affairs, earned a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and received numerous honors for teaching excellence, including being named Humanitarian of the Year at St. Josephs Medical Center. Her advocacy has reached national audiences, including a feature on The Oprah Winfrey Show where she spoke about the health effects of domestic violence.

Air Methods employs highly trained, board-certified physicians across multiple specialtiesincluding OB, neonatology, pediatric emergency medicine, and intensive careto ensure that every patient receives the highest level of care. Air Methods physicians are available 24/7/365, guiding medical crews, collaborating with referring and receiving physicians, and participating in over 400 case reviews annually to ensure best practices and continuous quality improvement.

We are ecstatic to have Dr. Chambliss provide guidance and direction to our clinicians, adding a wealth of high acuity medical expertise, said Dr. Stephanie Queen, DNP, MBA, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President at Air Methods. Dr. Chambliss joins the more than 50 physicians and surgeons we employ across the nation. Their relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare continues to make a profound difference in the lives of patients every day.

These medical directors also serve as educators, regularly leading simulation exercises, cadaver labs, and continuing education programs. Their work ensures that every clinician in the field is well-prepared and supported by the latest medical evidence and expert guidance.

With the addition of Dr. Chambliss, Air Methods further solidifies its commitment to delivering safe, expert, and compassionate care to Arizonas most vulnerable patients.

###

About Air Methods

Native Air, Tri-State CareFlight, and LifeNet is part of Air Methods (airmethods.com), the nations leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With 45 years of air medical experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods fleet of owned, leased, or maintained aircraft features approximately 400 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Air Methods Ascend is the companys clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs.

Attachment
Newbury, Berkshire, UK, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- [Newbury, Berkshire, UK] Cloud mining platform Quid Miner recently released a new mobile app to help users participate in cryptocurrency mining more easily. Quid Miner supports a variety of mainstream digital currencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE) and Litecoin (LTC). Users can start mining and get daily income directly without purchasing equipment or technical background.

With just a mobile phone, users can check mining progress, manage contracts, and adjust settings anytime and anywhere. Even during commuting or rest time, the system will automatically run in the background without affecting the normal rhythm of life.





The person in charge of the platform said that the original intention of launching the new application was to make mining truly simple, so that a field that was previously only participated by technical personnel can also become a part of the daily financial management of ordinary investors.

Quid Miner App has five major advantages to create a real mobile cloud mining experience:

Manage anytime, anywhere

The operation interface is simple and intuitive, and users can easily view their earnings and update settings, realizing convenient and efficient "mining on the palm of your hand".

Support multiple currencies, flexible recharge and withdrawal

The platform supports more than ten mainstream currencies including BTC, ETH, DOGE, XRP, USDT, etc. to meet the asset allocation needs of different users.

Double security protection, more security for your assets

The platform uses a joint encryption protection mechanism of McAfee and Cloudflare to ensure the security of user transactions and funds.

Sign up and get rewards, and you can make money by logging in

New users can get a $15 reward when they register, and get another $0.60 for daily sign-in, achieving zero-cost startup and continuous income.

Stable operation around the clock, with adequate service guarantee

Short-term or long-term contracts are available starting at $15, with systems running 24/7 and support available 24/7.

With the increasing popularity of mainstream currencies such as BTC, DOGE, LTC, and XRP, more and more users want to participate in the crypto market in a simple and secure way. Quid Miner App came into being to meet this demand and allow more people to easily start their own "digital miner" journey.

It only takes three steps to start using Quid Miner:

Step 1: Download Quid Miner App

Step 2: Register and claim your rewards

New users will automatically receive a $15 free computing power reward after registering.

Step 3: Choose the right contract and start earning daily mining income

Quid Miner App Popular Contracts

Flexible configuration, from short-term contracts to long-term contracts, daily income is automatically settled to the account.

Quid Miner BTC popular contracts:

BTC Basic Computing Power [Experience Contract]: Investment amount: 100 USD, Contract period: 2 days, Daily income: 4.0 USD, Expiration income: 100 USD + 8 USD

DOGE<C [Goldshell LT6]: Investment amount: $500, Contract period: 6 days, Daily income: $6, Expiration income: $500 + $ 36

BTCWhatsMiner M60S: Investment amount: 3000 USD, Contract period: 15 days , Daily income: 39.6 USD, Expiration income: 2900 USD + 594 USD

BTCAvalon A1566 Investment amount: 5500 USD, Contract duration: 2 2 days, Daily income: 77 USD, Expiration income: 5500 USD + 1 694 USD

DOGE<C [Antminer L7]: Investment amount: 8,000 USD , Contract period: 27 days, Daily income: 122.4 USD, Expiration income: 8,300 USD + 3,304.8 USD

BTCANTSPACE HW5 Investment amount: 50,000 USD, Contract duration: 4 3 days, Daily income: 885 USD, Expiration income: 50,000 USD + 38,055 USD

BTCANTSPACE HD5: Investment amount: $100,000, Contract period: 47 days, Daily income: $ 1830 , Expiration income: $100,000 + $ 86,010

For more details, please visit the official website: https://quidminer.com/

Click here to download the app

Official email: info@quidminer.org

About Quid Miner

Over the years, Quid Miner has always adhered to the principle of giving equal importance to technological innovation and compliant development. With more than eight years of industry experience in the blockchain and cryptocurrency fields, its parent company, QUIDS IN LIMITED, launched the Quid Miner cloud mining brand in 2018 and officially registered it in Newbury, Berkshire, UK. The platform has always operated legally and is committed to providing stable, secure, and low-threshold cryptocurrency mining services to users around the world. Today, with the release of a new mobile app, Quid Miner is accelerating the process of bringing cloud mining into every household .





Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks. There is a possibility of financial loss. You are advised to perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.




Crypto payments platform expands functionality with high-speed Solana blockchain support as wallet enters final testing phase.

KOSICE, Slovakia, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Remittix has officially announced that its upcoming RTX Wallet, set for full release in Q3 2025, will launch with native Solana integration . The feature will allow users to instantly swap Solana (SOL) and SPL stablecoins (USDC, USDT) directly into local currencies, alongside support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP.

The integration of Solana enhances the real-time functionality of the RTX Wallet, which is currently undergoing TestFlight trials on iOS. An Android beta release is scheduled for August, marking a significant milestone as the company prepares for its official rollout. The Solana upgrade is designed to increase transaction speed, lower settlement fees, and expand RTXs usability for both consumers and merchants in high-frequency payment environments.

With Solanas scalability and speedcapable of handling up to 50,000 transactions per secondwere delivering near-instant conversions of digital assets into local currency, said a Remittix spokesperson. This means that a merchant in Bogota or Nairobi can receive a crypto payment and see fiat arrive in their account in under 10 seconds, at a fraction of traditional processing costs.

Remittix reports it has surpassed $16 million in presale commitments, with over 549 million RTX tokens sold at a price of $0.0811, and is on track to complete its $18 million soft cap in the coming weeks.

Designed to streamline global digital payments, RTX Wallet introduces a simplified user interface where cryptocurrency can be converted into local cash via a single tap. Its dual-key security system, combining encrypted mobile storage and facial-recognition-based cloud access, aims to balance ease-of-use with robust control. Built-in merchant features include automated tax savings and spare-change rounding to support micro-savings.

Upcoming Developments

Public Android Beta : Launching in August 2025

: Launching in August 2025 Freelancer Plug-in : Scheduled for October, enables instant invoicing and settlement in RTX

: Scheduled for October, enables instant invoicing and settlement in RTX Licensing: Near-final approvals in Brazil and Kenya, two key markets for cross-border transfers



As Solanas integration goes live and licensing expands, Remittix is positioning RTX Wallet as a gateway to fast, accessible, and secure real-world crypto payments.

For more information and updates on the RTX Wallet launch and token presale:

Website: https://remittix.io

Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix





Contact:

Andy Cerny

andy@remittix.io

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Remittix. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e951f1d3-3bba-4346-ad51-b6a91821ab34

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc411938-c374-4400-9af6-e78a32822adf
Cleveland, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), the accrediting body within the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), has approved Cleveland State University's (CSU's) M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders online pathway.

In addition to licensure, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are required to earn a master's degree at an accredited institution. CAA accreditation ensures that graduates receive a quality education, study a standardized set of skills and learn the core knowledge required for independent professional practice.

ASHA established the CAA to operate independently and implement education standards, awarding accreditation for graduate degree programs in audiology and speech-language pathology nationwide.

The CAA is recognized as a credible accrediting agency by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Via a peer review process, the CAA establishes accreditation standards and seeks continuous quality improvement of the programs it accredits.

ASHA-Accredited Online SLP Program

Cleveland State University now offers CAA-accredited SLP distance education through its new online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program.

CSU's CSD online master's program is tailored to meet the needs of individual students, featuring online coursework and one on-campus residency, which prepares graduates for careers in speech-language pathology.

The program is centered around providing students with a high-quality, career-ready education through hands-on learning experiences, dedicated student support and a teacher licensure option for students in Ohio. Clinical placement assistance is available to support students in finding clinical practicum sites and clinical educators.

Those who hold a bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders-related fields or any bachelor's degree with completion of prerequisite coursework from an accredited university are eligible to apply.

This online speech-language pathology master's program is offered primarily in an asynchronous format, so students don't have to put their personal and professional lives on hold while earning their degree for a career as a speech-language pathologist.

Learn more about Cleveland State University's online Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution located in the heart of Northeast Ohio with 14,000-plus students, 10 colleges and schools and more than 150 academic programs. Find more information at csuohio.edu or contact pr@csuohio.edu.

###

For more information about Cleveland State University, contact the company here:



Cleveland State University

Kristin Broka

pr@csuohio.edu

2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
BROOKFIELD, NEWS, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Corporation (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN) will host its second quarter 2025 conference call and webcast on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 10:00am (ET).

Results will be released that morning at approximately 7:00am (ET) and available on our website at https://bn.brookfield.com/news-events/press-releases.

Participants can join by conference call or webcast:

Conference Call

Please pre-register by conference call:

https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI3090be8727434df389d7c6ef39424295

https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI3090be8727434df389d7c6ef39424295 Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, and unique PIN. This process will bypass the operator and avoid the queue.

Webcast

Please join and register by webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/fm67q8c9/

Replay of the event is available on the above webcast link for 90 days.

About Brookfield Corporation

Brookfield Corporation is a leading global investment firm focused on building long-term wealth for institutions and individuals around the world. We have three core businesses: Alternative Asset Management, Wealth Solutions, and our Operating Businesses which are in renewable power, infrastructure, business and industrial services, and real estate.

We have a track record of delivering 15%+ annualized returns to shareholders for over 30 years, supported by our unrivaled investment and operational experience. Our conservatively managed balance sheet, extensive operational experience, and global sourcing networks allow us to consistently access unique opportunities. At the center of our success is the Brookfield Ecosystem, which is based on the fundamental principle that each group within Brookfield benefits from being part of the broader organization. Brookfield Corporation is publicly traded in New York and Toronto (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN).

For more information, please visit our website at bn.brookfield.com or contact:

Media Investor Relations Kerrie McHugh Katie Battaglia Tel: (212) 618-3469 Tel: (416) 359-8544 Email: kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com Email: katie.battaglia@brookfield.com








TORONTO, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian National Director of the United Steelworkers union (USW) is condemning in the strongest terms U.S. President Donald Trumps threat to impose a sweeping 35% tariff on all Canadian products starting Aug. 1, calling it a reckless and vicious attack in an already out-of-control trade war.

This is outrageous. Canadian workers will not be bullied, said Marty Warren, USW National Director. These tariffs are a blatant assault on Canadian workers and everything we build in this country.

In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney posted Thursday, President Trump claimed Canada was to blame for the U.S. opioid crisis, threatened additional tariffs if Canada retaliates and demanded Canadian companies shift production to the U.S.

This is clearly about power and control. It has nothing to do with public safety or fair trade, said Warren. Canada cannot cave to blackmail. Our government must stand up for Canadian workers, enforce trade rules and protect our industries before its too late.

The union emphasized that with copper tariffs of 50% also likely taking effect Aug. 1, along with the steel, aluminum and automotive tariffs already in place, thousands of Canadian jobs are at stake across mining, manufacturing and processing sectors.

The USW is urging Ottawa to take urgent measures to keep workers employed and industries running. It also demands immediate action to support workers facing layoffs, including reforming Employment Insurance for better access and longer support and implementing a wage subsidy program with job guarantees similar to pandemic supports, to protect workers affected by tariffs.

Enough is enough. Workers need action, not empty words, said Warren. Canada must make it clear that we will not be bullied into surrendering our industries and jobs.

About the United Steelworkers union

The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.

Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the unions strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation  including good wages, benefits and pensions.

For more information, please contact:

Shannon Devine, USW Communications, sdevine@usw.ca 416-938-4402 (cell)



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5797b320-9a53-4dd7-acdd-5b0a2d90604c
TYLER, Texas, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Southside Bancshares, Inc. (Southside) (NYSE: SBSI), the holding company for Southside Bank, announced today it will release its second quarter financial results before the market opens on Friday, July 25, 2025. Southside will host a conference call to discuss its results on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. CDT.

The call will be hosted by Lee R. Gibson, CEO, Keith Donahoe, President, Julie Shamburger, CFO, and Lindsey Bailes, VP, Investor Relations. Following prepared remarks there will be a question and answer session for the analyst community.

The Conference Call Details

The conference call can be accessed by webcast, for listen-only mode, h e re or on the company website, https://investors.southside.com , under Events.

Those interested in participating in the question and answer session, or others who prefer to call-in, can register using this online form to receive the dial-in number and unique code to access the conference call seamlessly. While not required, it is recommended that those wishing to participate register 10 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure a more efficient registration process.

For those unable to attend the live event, a webcast recording will be available here or on the company website, https://investors.southside.com , for at least 30 days, beginning approximately two hours following the conference call.

About Southside Bancshares, Inc.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Tyler, Texas, with approximately $8.34 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southside Bank, Southside currently operates 53 branches and a network of 71 ATMs/ITMs throughout East Texas, Southeast Texas and the greater Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin and Houston areas. Serving customers since 1960, Southside Bank is a community-focused financial institution that offers a full range of financial products and services to individuals and businesses. These products and services include consumer and commercial loans, mortgages, deposit accounts, safe deposit boxes, treasury management, wealth management, trust services, brokerage services and an array of online and mobile services.

To learn more about Southside Bancshares, Inc., please visit our investor relations website at https://investors.southside.com . Our investor relations site provides a detailed overview of our activities, financial information and historical stock price data. To receive e-mail notification of company news, events and stock activity, please register on the website under Resources and Investor Email Alerts. Questions or comments may be directed to Lindsey Bailes at 903-630-7965 or lindsey.bailes@southside.com .

For further information:

Lindsey Bailes

903-630-7965
London, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --







Click here to learn more about BSTR Miner

The global digital asset market has reached a milestone. The price of Bitcoin (BTC) broke through the $117,000 mark this week, setting a new record high. This round of strong market not only confirms the long-term resilience of Bitcoin as a digital value storage tool, but also significantly pushes up the profit expectations of global miners. However, traditional physical mining farms face multiple barriers such as high mining machine procurement costs, complex professional technical operation and maintenance, energy price fluctuations and hardware iteration pressure, which hinder ordinary investors from participating.

BSTR Miner, a cloud mining service provider headquartered in the City of London, announced that its innovative "cloud mining + liquidity mining" dual-track model has been fully upgraded, aiming to provide global investors with a more convenient and efficient channel to participate in the prosperity of the Bitcoin ecosystem and seize this round of historic opportunities for digital asset growth.

Industry background: computing power asset allocation becomes a new trend

The Bitcoin network relies on global distributed computing power to maintain network security and generate new blocks. Miners who successfully verify blocks receive BTC rewards. As the competition for professional mining machine computing power becomes increasingly fierce, the cloud mining model reconstructs the industry ecology through computing power securitization. Users rent computing power units (Hash Power) from certified platforms, and the platform is responsible for mining machine hosting, energy procurement and technical maintenance. Investors obtain corresponding BTC output daily according to the proportion of computing power.

BSTR Miner core advantage: UK compliant operation

BSTR Miner relies on the European clean energy network and professional mining farm management system to provide differentiated services:

Zero operation and maintenance burden

The platform is fully responsible for mining machine procurement, global mining farm deployment (including renewable energy hubs in Iceland and Norway) and 724 hours technical support, and users have no equipment depreciation or electricity cost risks.

Stable income architecture

Using Bitmain's latest S21 Hyd mining machine (energy efficiency ratio 16J/TH), deployed in the Nordic data center with stable temperature control and power supply, to ensure the unit computing power output efficiency.

Flexible contract configuration

Short-term experience: 2-15 day contracts, starting from $10

Medium-term configuration: 20-50 day contracts, enjoy tiered computing power discounts

Long-term investment: 60-day and above contracts, lock in low-priced computing power to hedge market fluctuations

Click here to view all contract details

Transparent data traceability

The user-side dashboard displays the computing power operation status, daily BTC output (settled at 00:00 London time) and cashable balance in real time, and all data can be verified on the chain.

Compliance fund management

Support mainstream cryptocurrency deposits. [Such as: USDT-TRC20, BTC, ETH, LTC, USDC, BNB, USDT-ERC20, BCH, DOGE, SOL (Solana)]. User income can be directly withdrawn to the crypto wallet or service provider account.

Market response and industry outlook

This round of Bitcoin rise is accompanied by a net inflow of more than US$1.2 billion in North American spot ETFs in a single week. Eleanor Whitaker, chief strategy officer of BSTR Miner, pointed out: "The entry of institutional funds strengthens the asset attributes of Bitcoin, but individual investors still need to avoid the risks of physical mining operations. The essence of cloud mining is the financialization of computing power. We are working with the London Clearing House to develop computing power derivative hedging tools, which are expected to be launched in Q1 2026."

Investors can register through the platform's official website (https://www.bstrminer.com). New users can receive a $10 reward for registration, which can be directly used for contract signing. As of press time, BSTR Miner's UK users have increased by 217% quarter-on-quarter, and the platform's computing power reserves have reached 1.7 EH/s.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involves risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
TORONTO, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB) (RWB or the Company) announces that its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the AGM), originally convened on July 11, 2025, has been adjourned by the Chair of the meeting in accordance with the Articles of the Company. The adjournment is intended to allow additional time for the Company to complete and present its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the Annual Filings).

The Company will confirm the date on which the AGM will reconvene by press release on July 16, 2025.

The record date for the AGM remains May 13, 2025. Shareholders of record as of that date will remain entitled to attend and vote at the reconvened meeting. No new proxy materials will be issued. Proxy materials were mailed to shareholders on May 28, 2025, and also remain available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Companys website at: https://ir.redwhitebloom.com/news-events/ir-calendar.

About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

Red White & Bloom Brands is a multi-jurisdictional cannabis operator and house of premium brands operating in the United States, Canada and select international jurisdictions. The Company is predominantly focusing its investments on major U.S. markets, including California, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio in addition to Canadian and international markets.

Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

Investor and Media Relations

Edoardo Mattei, CFO

IR@RedWhiteBloom.com

947-225-0503

Visit us on the web: https://www.redwhitebloom.com/.

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @rwbbrands

Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands

Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, may, should, could, will, intends, anticipates, believes, estimates, forecasts, or variations of such words and phrases, including the negative forms thereof, as well as terms such as pro forma and scheduled, and similar expressions that refer to future events or outcomes.

Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated timing, review, completion, and filing of the Annual Filings; statements regarding the anticipated reconvening of the Companys AGM, including the confirmation of the reconvened date by press release on July 16, 2025,; and the Company's ongoing operations.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with audit completion processes; regulatory reviews and approvals, the filing of the Annual Filings; and the ability of the Company to reconvene the AGM as anticipated and the timing of related communications.

There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE COMPANYS EXPECTATIONS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
TORONTO, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nexus Industrial REIT (Nexus or the "REIT") (TSX: NXR.UN) announced today that it intends to release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, before the opening of the TSX on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Management of the REIT will host a conference call at 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, to review the financial results and operations.

To participate in the conference call, please dial 1-647-846-8414 or 1-833-752-3601 (toll free in Canada and the US) at least five minutes prior to the start time and ask to join the Nexus Industrial REIT conference call.

A recording of the conference call will be available until September 12, 2025. To access the recording, please dial 1-412-317-0088 or 1-855-669-9658 (toll free in Canada and the US) and enter access code 2608098.

July and August Distributions

The REIT will make a cash distribution in the amount of $0.05333 per unit, representing $0.64 per unit on an annualized basis, payable August 15, 2025, to unitholders of record as of July 31, 2025.

The REIT will also make a cash distribution in the amount of $0.05333 per unit, representing $0.64 per unit on an annualized basis, payable September 15, 2025, to unitholders of record as of August 29, 2025.

About Nexus Industrial REIT

Nexus is a growth-oriented real estate investment trust focused on increasing unitholder value through the acquisition of industrial properties located in primary and secondary markets in Canada and the ownership and management of its portfolio of properties. The REIT currently owns a portfolio of 88 properties (including one property held for development in which the REIT has an 80% interest) comprising approximately 11.7 million square feet of gross leasable area. The REIT has approximately 97,018,000 voting units issued and outstanding, including approximately 71,148,000 REIT Units and approximately 25,870,000 Class B LP Units of subsidiary limited partnerships of Nexus, which are convertible to REIT Units on a one-to-one basis.

For further information please contact:

Kelly C. Hanczyk, CEO at (416) 906-2379; or

Mike Rawle, CFO at (647) 823-1381.
Dallas, Texas, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA) recently recognized chiropractic leaders during Chiro Texpo 2025, the annual state chiropractic convention, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Frisco-Dallas in Frisco.

TCA is the voice for chiropractic in Texas, providing protection, state-wide advocacy, information, and education for more than 7,000 DCs who are licensed to practice in Texas. TCA advocates the position that citizens of Texas should have adequate access to the healthcare of their choice and that DCs are adequately represented in the governments decision-making process.

Awards were presented to Texas chiropractors and other chiropractic supporters at the Presidents Gala, with Parker University alumni walking away with awards from key categories.

Parker University Chiro Texpo 2025 Honorees:

Young Chiropractor of the Year  Korey Rose, DC

Presidents Award  Jon Blackwell, DC, and Korey Rose, DC

Executive Directors Award  Steve Van Osdale, DC

Regional Doctor of the Year  Region 1: Kaci Roach, DC, Region 2: Joseph Adams, DC

Texas Womens Leadership and Service Award  Mary Collings, DC, and Clare Morgan, DC

Student Leadership Award  Parker University Tri 9 student Hayden Hadley

During Chiro Texpo 2025, TCA also announced and swore in its new executive officers for the 2025-2026 term, all of whom are Parker University graduates! TCAs executive officers preside over an executive committee, including four department coordinators in charge of TCAs state committees, as well as a board of directors comprised of representatives from TCAs 12 districts, which cover all of Texas.

TCAs New Executive Officers for 2025-2026:

Don White, DC, FICC - president

Andrew Oteo, DC - vice president

Korey Rose, DC - secretary/treasurer

Todd Whitehead, DC (served as TCAs president in 2024-2025) - immediate past president

Congratulations to all the leaders who were recognized and honored for their dedication to furthering the positive impact of chiropractic care in the state of Texas.

About Parker University

Parker University, the fastest-growing college in Dallas and the fourth-fastest-growing in Texas, was founded in 1982 by Dr. James William Parker as Parker College of Chiropractic. Today, the university serves over 2,300 students and offers more than 25 accredited academic programs and certificates, including its flagship Doctor of Chiropractic program, which is home to the second-largest chiropractic cohort in the world. Parker University also leads in innovation with masters degrees in Clinical Neuroscience, Strength and Human Performance, and Functional Nutrition. Additionally, five new board-approved programs are set to launch soon.

Attachment
Not for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brixton Metals Corporation (TSX-V: BBB, OTCQB: BBBXF) (the Company or Brixton) is pleased to announce that it completed on July 11, 2025, the non-brokered private placement previously announced on July 7, 2025 (the "Offering"). The Offering consisted of 18,234,708 flow-through shares (each, a FT Share), for total gross proceeds of $2,370,512.04.

Each FT Share was issued as a flow-through share within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

The use of proceeds will be for drilling at the Companys Thorn Project in British Columbia.

The securities issued to subscribers of the FT Shares are subject to a hold period until November 12, 2025, pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

Finder's fees of an aggregate $51,000.71 and 392,313 warrants to purchase common shares of the Company at a per share price of $0.13 until July 11, 2027 were paid to persons who introduced the Company to subscribers to the Offering.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Gary R. Thompson, Chairman and CEO

Tel: 604-630-9707 or email: info@brixtonmetals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, and intend, statements that an action or event may, might, could, should, or will be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration and development plans, and the use of proceeds of the Private Placement. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on managements beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

Brixton does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available.

Not for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States
VANCOUVER, July 11, 2025 - Latin Metals Inc. ("Latin Metals" or the "Company") - (TSXV: LMS) (OTCQB: LMSQF) reports the results of its annual general meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders held on July 10, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. All the motions presented to the shareholders were approved.

Votes representing 51,499,109 shares were cast, representing 42.24% of the issued and outstanding shares at the record date. A summary of the voting results is outlined below:

Motion Votes for the

Motion Percentage of

Votes in Favour Number of Directors 51,484,784 99.97% David Cass 51,484,897 99.97% Keith Henderson 51,484,897 99.97% Robert Kopple 51,484,897 99.97% Appointment of Auditor 51,485,584 99.97% Ratification and Approval of Stock Option Plan 51,484,784 99.97%



About Latin Metals

Latin Metals Inc. is a copper, gold and silver exploration company operating in Peru and Argentina under a prospect generator model, minimizing risk and dilution while maximizing discovery potential. With 18 projects, the company secures option agreements with major mining companies to fund exploration. Current option holders include AngloGold Ashanti (Organullo Gold Project) and Moxico Resources (Esperanza & Huachi Copper-Gold Projects). This approach provides early-stage exposure to high-value mineral assets. Latin Metals is actively seeking new strategic partners to advance its portfolio.

Stay Connected

Follow Latin Metals on YouTube , X , Facebook , LinkedIn and Instagram to stay informed on our latest developments, exploration updates, and corporate news.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

LATIN METALS INC.

"Keith Henderson"

President & CEO

For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's web site (www.latin-metals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+.

For further information, please contact:

Keith Henderson

Suite 890 - 999 West Hastings Street,

Vancouver, BC, V6C 2W2

E-mail: info@latin-metals.com

Elyssia Patterson, VP Investor Relations

Email: elyssia@latin-metals.com

Phone: 1-778-683-4324

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Vancouver, July 11, 2025 - Avanti Gold Corp. (CSE: AGC) (the Company") is pleased to announce that the company, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Regency Mining Ltd ("Regency") has entered into a binding settlement agreement with Arc Minerals Ltd ("Arc") in relation to USD 1,250,000 owed to Arc (the "Outstanding Payable").

Arc, Avanti and Regency engaged constructively to resolve the Outstanding Payable and have now entered into a new binding settlement agreement whereby the Outstanding Payable will be settled in cash (the "New Settlement Agreement").

Settlement Terms

Under the New Settlement Agreement, Avanti and Regency have jointly and severally undertaken to settle the total Outstanding Payable of US$1,250,000, as follows:

Through a cash payment, in full settlement of the Outstanding Payable, of a reduced Settlement Sum of: US$562,500 (45%), if paid by 31 August 2025; or US$625,000 (50%), if paid by 31 October 2025; or US$750,000 (60%), if paid by 31 December 2025.

If payment hasn't been made by 31 December 2025, the full Outstanding Amount becomes immediately due and payable in full on 1 January 2026; and

Ian MacLean, CEO of Avanti Gold, commented:

"The Company is pleased that we have reached a binding agreement with Arc after a period of constructive negotiations. This settlement could assist in reducing the overall liabilities of Avanti."

About Avanti Gold Corp.

Avanti Gold Corp. is a gold exploration company with a robust portfolio of projects in Africa. The Company's flagship asset is the Misisi Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to the Akyanga gold deposit. The Akyanga deposit has an Inferred Mineral Resource of 44.3 million tonnes (Mt) at an average gold grade of 2.37 grams per tonne (g/t), totalling 3.1 million ounces (Moz) of gold. The Misisi Project spans three contiguous 30-year mining leases covering 133 square kilometers (km) along the 55-kilometer-long Kibara Gold Belt, a prominent metallogenic province known for hosting significant gold deposits.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities

Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereunder.

Qualified Person

Ephraim Masibhera, a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Historical information contained in this news release cannot be relied upon as the Company's Qualified Person, as defined under NI 43-101 has not prepared nor verified the historical information.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. These risk and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set out in Avanti's annual and/or quarterly management discussion and analysis and in other of its public disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, as well as all assumptions regarding the foregoing. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258547
Vancouver, July 11, 2025 - Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the "Company") (CSE: BLLG; OTCQB: BLAGF; FSE: 7BL) is pleased to announce the official opening of its wholly owned Dome Mountain Gold Mine Project, that recently received its mining permit - making it one of only nine mining permits granted in British Columbia in the past decade - and one of just a few high-grade, road-accessible gold projects to reach production-ready status in recent years.

The celebration, held on July 9, 2025, brought together over 100 guests from across Canada and abroad - including attendees from Germany, South Carolina, Denver, Montana and Toronto - to mark this significant milestone for the Company and the region.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Mayor of Smithers, Gladys Atrill; MLA Sharon Hartwell (Bulkley Valley-Stikine); and MP Ellis Ross (Skeena-Bulkley Valley). Also present were various representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Critical Minerals and other provincial agencies. Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, was unable to attend in person due to his participation in the annual Conference of Mines Ministers of Canada, held in Prince Edward Island. However, he shared a recorded message acknowledging the importance of the project, which was played during the event. Minister Brar is scheduled to visit and tour the Dome Mountain site later this month.

In a powerful display of cultural heritage and support, 18 Hereditary Chiefs and Guardians from the Lake Babine Nation (LBN) joined Hereditary Chief and Council Member Fabian Michell for the opening ceremony, which featured a traditional drum ceremony representing songs from all four LBN clans: Bear, Beaver, Frog, and Caribou.

"We were deeply honoured to stand alongside the Lake Babine Nation, whose presence and participation made this day truly meaningful," said Rana Vig, President & CEO of Blue Lagoon Resources. "This is more than just the opening of a gold mine - it's a moment that reflects years of hard work, resilience, and respectful collaboration."

During the two-day event, guests had the opportunity to take underground tours as well as visit the recently completed, state-of-the-art water treatment plant - a key environmental safeguard for the project. The facility has the capacity to treat over six times the current needs at Dome Mountain, ensuring long-term environmental resilience as production scales.

With the mine officially open, pre-production work will begin next week, setting up Dome Mountain to begin mining and transition to near-term cash flow once the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) system is commissioned - expected in about four weeks. The two-stage water-treatment facility features a functioning High-Density Sludge (HDS) circuit and the MBBR circuit, which uses microbes to remove blasting-related ammonia and nitrates. The MBBR's biological ramp-up phase typically takes approximately four weeks. Mining will commence immediately upon the completion of this phase.

"As a geologist, this is a proud moment in my career," said Bill Cronk, Chief Geologist and Project Manager at Blue Lagoon Resources. "To see a project go from exploration to production - and to be part of that transformation - is something most geologists only dream of. This team made it happen and I'm very proud of that."

The event also welcomed strategic investors and partners, including Dr. Quinton Hennigh, technical advisor to Crescat Capital, and Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola Mining, with whom Blue Lagoon has a long-term toll milling agreement.

"Dome Mountain represents what's possible when entrepreneurial determination meets responsible mining practices," said Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola Mining. "We're proud to support Blue Lagoon in bringing this project to life, and to be part of a partnership grounded in trust, transparency, and technical excellence."

Throughout the event, Blue Lagoon's highly experienced technical team was on site to answer questions and provide detailed explanations of the mining methods and techniques planned for Dome Mountain. This included Steve Cutler of Roughstock Mining, an accomplished underground mining consultant with decades of experience who has worked on a wide range of underground gold projects across North America. Also present was Peter Bojtos, a professional mining engineer with global experience who has been directly involved in the opening or reopening of 19 mines over the course of his career - making Dome Mountain his 20th. Mr. Bojtos is a current director of Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (formerly Chairman) (ASM:NYSE) and a technical advisor on the Dome Mountain Gold Project.

With pre-production work beginning next week, Blue Lagoon Resources is now positioned to become one of British Columbia's next producing high-grade gold mines.

About Blue Lagoon Resources Inc.

Blue Lagoon Resources is a Canadian based publicly listed mining company (CSE: BLLG; FSE: 7BL; OTCQB: BLAGF) focused on building shareholder value through the aggressive development of its 100% owned Dome Mountain Gold project. The Company is run by professionals with significant finance and mining experience and operates within a prime mining

jurisdiction in British Columbia, Canada. With the granting of a full mining permit, a key milestone achieved in February 2025 - one of only nine such permits issued in British Columbia since 2015 - Blue Lagoon is now focused on last preparatory activities and tasks related to the safe and secure opening of the Dome Mountain Gold Mine, targeting Q3 2025 as the start of gold production. The Company's primary objective has always been to become a cash-flowing mining company, to ultimately deliver tangible monetary value to shareholders, state, and local communities.

The Company is not basing its production decision at Dome Mountain on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. The production decision is based on having existing mining infrastructure, past bulk sampling and processing activity, and the established mineral resource. The Company understands that there is increased uncertainty, and consequently a higher risk of failure, when production is undertaken in advance of a feasibility study.

For further information, please contact:

Rana Vig

President and CEO

Telephone: 604-218-4766

Email: ranavig@bluelagoonresources.com

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the "Company") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "targets", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "mine", "production" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration activities may not show quality and quantity necessary for further exploration or future exploitation of minerals deposits, volatility of gold and silver prices, delays in mine development activities, future cash flow expectations and continued availability of capital and financing, permitting and other approvals, 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, contractors and consultants on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's, contractor's and consultants' beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
July 11th, 2025 - Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) (the "Company" or "Western Star") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire (the "Acquisition") the Discovery Property (the "Property") located approximately 50 km southeast Revelstoke British Columbia. The 1942.10 ha Discovery Property is directly adjacent to the 2797.96 ha Western Star Property.

Blake Morgan, CEO and President of Western Star, stated "The 100% acquisition of the Discovery Property has increased our flagship Property by 69.4% in size. The historical 2012 AEROTEM survey, clearly shows an extension of the Western Star Property. With this acquisition now signed we can focus on our planned 2025 drill program. With drill permits in place the team is eager to press ahead.

The Discovery Property consists of three known showings:

The Glenside Showing is of three quartz and galena veins can be traced from Lardeau Creek to a point about 300 metres distant where they unite in one large vein which can be traced for kilometres. At a point about 150 metres below where the three veins unite, a tunnel is in a distance of 24 metres, on the centre small vein.

The Muskateer Showing is on the east side of Ferguson Creek, a southerly flowing tributary of Lardeau Creek. The Muskateer Showing have disseminations and large pockets of massive pyrite and pyrrhotite in phyllite. The Muskateer showing is underlain by folded, deformed and schistose rocks of the middle member of the Jowett Formation. The unit contains deformed argillite and limestone, and brown, grey and greenish tuff and volcanic breccia - some of which contains fragments of limestone.

The Copper Mountain Showing was discovered in the early 1900s, traces of copper were located in debris below a cliff of chlorite schist, above an alpine glacier near the head of Surprise Creek. By 1912, a 6.7 metres long adit had been driven into the schist at 1844 metres elevation. The Copper Mountain showing is underlain by folded, deformed and schistose rocks of the Index Formation.

The Property is underlain by the Badshot Formation that is composed of a thick Cambrian limestone that is a distinctive marker horizon in the Trout Lake area. It is underlain by Hamill Group quartzite, and it is overlain by a younger assemblage of limestone, calcareous, graphitic and siliceous argillite and siltstone, sandstone, quartzite and conglomerate, and also mafic volcanic flows, tuffs and breccias, all of which belong to the Lardeau Group.

In 2012 Mineral Mountain Resources Ltd undertook a 1662 line km AEROTEM airborne geophysical survey undertaken which part appears to cover the part of the Discovery Property. The 2012 geophysics appears to illustrate natural extension from the Western Star Property to the Discovery Property and

Derrick Strickland, a shareholder is a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects , has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

Terms of the Acquisition

The Vendor hereby agrees to sell 100% ownership of the Discovery Property , and the Purchaser agrees to purchase, the Licenses for and in consideration of the issuance of 3,500,000 common shares in the capital of the Purchaser to certain related parties of the Vendor in accordance with the instructions set out in Schedule B, (the "Consideration Shares"), as the common shares of the Purchaser are constituted as of the date of this Agreement, and a cash payment of $75,000 upon closing.

The Vendor acknowledges that the Consideration Shares will be subject to restrictions on resale prescribed by applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, and that these restrictions will limit the ability to trade the Consideration Shares for a period of four-months-and-one-day from the date of issuance. In addition to the foregoing, the Optionors acknowledge and agree that: (i) the Consideration Shares issued upon closing will be subject to a four (4) month resale restriction expiring four (4) months from the date of issuance; and (ii) the Consideration Shares issued on or before the four (4) month anniversary of the Closing will only be subject to the four-months-and-one-day from the date of issuance resale restriction.

As the transaction will result in the creation of a Control Person, the Company will be seeking approval from a majority of its disinterested shareholders in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

Additional Information

Additional information about the Company and the Transaction is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. The summary of the Transaction set out above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the description of the Transaction in the Company's filing statement posted on SEDAR.

About Western Star Resources

Western Star Resources is a mineral exploration and development company. The company's objective is to increase shareholder value through the development of exploration properties using cost-effective exploration practices, acquiring further exploration properties and seeking partnerships by either joint venture or sale with industry leaders. The company currently owns nine non-surveyed contiguous mineral claims totaling 2,797 hectares, which are located within the Revelstoke mining division of British Columbia. The Western Star property group is located approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Revelstoke, B.C., and roughly 10 kilometers north of the abandoned community of Camborne.

Contact Information:

Blake Morgan,

CEO and Director

blake@acvc.vc

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information". In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, July 11, 2025 - Almaden Minerals Ltd. ("Almaden" or "the Company"; TSX: AMM; OTCQB: AAUAF) is pleased to announce that it has closed the sale of certain assets comprising the Rock Creek Mill to Metals Exploration PLC (LSE AIM: MTL) (the "Transaction") and received aggregate gross proceeds of US$9,700,000 (the "Purchase Price") (see press release dated March 3, 2025). 15% of the Purchase Price was payable as a commission by Almaden to an equipment sales broker.

With the completion of the Transaction, Almaden will now proceed with the early repayment of the outstanding gold loan pursuant to the secured gold loan agreement, as amended ("Gold Loan"), between Almaden and Almadex Minerals Ltd. ("Almadex") (see press release dated May 22, 2025). The Gold Loan will be settled by the return of the undrawn balance of 397 ounces, along with physical delivery of gold bullion of 99.99% purity to Almadex representing the outstanding loan balance (including accrued interest and standby fees) of USD$5,194,354, with the amount of gold bullion determined based on the prevailing London Bullion Market Association AM gold price in U.S. dollars as of the time of settlement.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"J. Duane Poliquin"

J. Duane Poliquin

Chair

Almaden Minerals Ltd.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things, the repayment of the Gold Loan.

These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant legal, regulatory, business, operational and economic uncertainties and contingencies, and such uncertainty generally increases with longer-term forecasts and outlook.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Such risks and other factors include, among other, those factors discussed the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Almaden's Annual Information Form and Almaden's latest Form 20-F on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Company and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that our forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to on forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Information:

Almaden Minerals Ltd.

Tel. 604.689.7644

Email: info@almadenminerals.com

http://www.almadenminerals.com/


VANCOUVER, July 11, 2024 - Gold\'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M), (OTC: GFTRF) (the "Company" or "Gold'n Futures") is pleased to announce the completion of a strategic corporate restructuring involving the acquisition of six British Columbia companies and the assignment of certain non-core mineral claims in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Company has acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of six British Columbia-incorporated companies: 1491907 BC Ltd., 1491909 BC Ltd., 1491910 BC Ltd., 1491913 BC Ltd., 1491917 BC Ltd., and 1491919 BC Ltd. (collectively, the "BC Companies"). Each of the BC Companies is the registered owner of mineral claims located in south-central British Columbia (the "BC Claims"). As a result of these transactions, Gold'n Futures now holds 100% of the legal and beneficial interests in the BC Claims. The claims, originally staked in August 2024, were transferred to the Company in exchange for nominal consideration.

The BC Claims acquired through the BC Companies comprise multiple mineral title areas located in the heart of British Columbia's copper-porphyry belt. These include key positions near Rock-Creek Canyon and the Eagle Plains rare-earth extension zone. The claims are strategically situated in road-accessible areas with historical and recent exploration indicators, including porphyry-style copper-gold potential and rare-earth mineralization.

In a concurrent transaction, the Company has entered into an Assignment and Release Agreement with Stephen Wilkinson, a director of the Company, pursuant to which the Company has assigned to Mr. Wilkinson the mineral license known as the Brady Claims (License No. 031339M) located in Newfoundland and Labrador. In exchange, Mr. Wilkinson has agreed to fully release and discharge the Company from all amounts owing under outstanding shareholder loans and other indebtedness totaling $220,537.59. This transaction eliminates all related-party debt owing to Mr. Wilkinson and represents a significant step toward strengthening the Company's balance sheet and simplifying its capital structure.

The Board of Directors has unanimously approved both transactions. No finder's fees were paid in connection with the acquisitions or the assignment, and the transactions do not result in any change of control of the Company.

About Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp.

Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M) (OTC: GFTRF) is a mineral exploration company conducting programs to expand its gold resources and to develop viable gold mining operations through the application of extensive geological experience and knowledge combined with advanced technologies and computer modeling.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Vicki Rosenthal

Chief Financial Officer

Email: contact@goldnfutures.com

Ph: 416-400-8580

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by the use of words such as "plans," "expects," "may," "should," "could," "will," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "forecasts," or variations of such words and phrases, including the negative forms thereof, as well as terms such as "pro forma" and "scheduled," and similar expressions that refer to future events or outcomes.

Forward-looking statements in this release, including, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated timing, review, completion, and filing of the Annual Filings, the Company's ongoing operations, and the expected duration of the MCTO, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release except as otherwise required by law.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, July 11, 2025 - VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. (TSX-V: VRB) (FSE: NWNA) (OTC: VRBFF) ("VanadiumCorp" or the "Company") further to its June 10, 2025 news release, the Company announces that it has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") for its non-brokered private placement of up to $500,000 (the "Financing").

The Financing consists of up to 4,545,455 $0.11 units ("Units"), each Unit consisting of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), each Warrant being exercisable for an additional common share of the Company at $0.15 for a period of two years from the date of issue.

Further, the Company has now closed a first tranche of the Financing, issuing 1,590,909 Units, for aggregate gross proceeds of $174,999.99.

The Financing is subject to final Exchange approval and all securities issued pursuant to the Financing will be subject to a four-month hold from date of issue. Proceeds from the financing will be allocated for working capital and general corporate purposes.

About VanadiumCorp Resource Inc.

VanadiumCorp is a Canadian Critical metals exploration company owning 100% of two strategic properties in Quebec: The Iron T and the flagship Lac Dore property. The company is advancing innovative technologies to extract vanadium-titanium and potentially high-grade iron from its vanadiferous titanomagnetite projects. The successful implementation of these technologies is expected to ensure a stable, long-term supply of the company's critical metal deposits, which include vanadium feedstock for electrolyte production. Our initial electrolyte facility, located in Val-des-Sources, Quebec, will serve a dual purpose: evaluating the quality of the outputs and facilitating the initial production of electrolytes. Furthermore, the company intends to expand its production of electrolytes for the international market, specifically for long-duration Vanadium Flow Batteries (VRBs).

On behalf of the Board of VanadiumCorp Resource Inc.

"Kristien Davenport"

President, CEO and Director

VANADIUMCORP RESOURCES INC.

For more information, please visit the company website www.vanadiumcorp.com

Email: info@vanadiumcorp.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Horner already linked with four rival F1 teams

Just as Christian Horner's 20-year adventure at Red Bull ends, a new one could be just around the corner.

Christian Horner, British GP 2025

 Red Bull

The 51-year-old was sacked this week, perhaps because his key supporter, Chalerm Yoovidhya, recently saw his 51 percent stake in the energy drink company diminished to 49 percent - equalising the power with the Austrian side of the business.

Horner remains under contract to Red Bull while the terms of his departure are negotiated, but with no operational role - although it is believed he will soon be free to jump to another Formula 1 team.

Already, he's linked with Ferrari, Alpine, Aston Martin, and Cadillac.

We'll definitely see this man back in the paddock, former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos told NOS.

But I think Ferrari would have too much of an impact on his family life, because he's a true Englishman who wouldn't just move to Maranello, regardless of whether Ferrari wants him.

Corriere della Sera newspaper reports that the decision-makers at Maranello, while contemplating Frederic Vasseur's future, are not considering Horner.

I can see him as someone for Aston Martin, Doornbos added. "Or building a team like Alpine and trying to bring it back to the top.

He's definitely looking for a new challenge.

Auto Bild claims Horner's long-time friend Flavio Briatore is open to snapping the Briton up, perhaps by luring him with some team shares. And Auto Motor und Sport thinks Cadillac would be very interested in signing Horner to replace the lower-profile and less successful Graeme Lowdon.

With all due respect to Lowdon, he brings Marussia as a reference - Horner brings Red Bull, correspondent Michael Schmidt said.

Lowdon's face is known only to Formula 1 nerds, while Horner's is known to the world thanks to Netflix. With him at the helm, the project would receive a completely different appreciation - and more political weight.

(GMM)
Verstappen heading to Mercedes for 2026?

With Christian Horner no longer a factor, all eyes are back on Max Verstappen's next move in Formula 1.

Max Verstappen, British GP 2025

 Red Bull

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher says he witnessed the final argument between Max's father Jos and Horner at Silverstone, with Bild newspaper revealing how the exchange ended.

I'll keep the pressure on you, Christian, Jos reportedly said.

Days later, with Red Bull's Thai co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya no longer able to protect Horner after diluting his 51 percent control by 2pc, Horner is gone.

Max Verstappen, meanwhile, was heading to Sardinia.

It is no coincidence that this week there are two yachts off the coast of Sardinia, Schumacher told motorsport-total.com. "One belongs to Toto Wolff, and the other to Max Verstappen.

I can imagine them drinking coffee together.

Some think Horner's exit was the result of an ultimatum the Verstappen camp made to Red Bull, although former F1 driver Christijan Albers is not so sure.

I don't believe Max said 'he's out or I'm out', he told the Dutch publication Formule 1. "That's not how he is.

I do think he made it clear that things have to change. Red Bull is nothing without Max, and that's not how it should be at a top team, of course.

Former Haas team boss Gunther Steiner thinks Verstappen, 27, will wait at Red Bull at least long enough to assess what changes in the new Laurent Mekies era.

I believe he'll stay where he is next year, Steiner told sport.de.

There will be completely new regulations - nobody knows who will be where. Switching now and signing a long-term contract is too much of a risk.

A move for 2027 makes much more sense, Steiner added.

Logically, you have a good chance of getting into the best car if you're the best driver, he said. "That's just how it works in Formula 1.

Max will calmly analyse next year who has the best package.

Fascinatingly, though, a very well-placed insider has let slip that the quadruple world champion's decision may already have been made.

Discussing Mercedes' current performance on the Pelas Pistas podcast, Nelson Piquet jr said: "There are weekends this year where things just don't work out for Mercedes.

But who knows what will happen next year, when Max is driving there, the former F1 driver added.

Piquet, 39, is not only the son of F1 legend Nelson Piquet senior, but the older brother of Verstappen's girlfriend Kelly.

After letting slip that Verstappen will be driving there at Mercedes in 2026, he immediately hit reverse gear. I think he'll make a decision in August.

(GMM)
Featured

Crypto Alert: Bank of Ghana orders all Virtual Asset Platforms to register or face sanctions

GraphicOnline Business News Jul - 11 - 2025 , 05:57

The Bank of Ghana has issued a directive mandating all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) operating in the country to register with the central bank by August 15, 2025, or risk regulatory sanctions.

In a public notice signed by the Secretary to the Bank, Ms. Sandra Thompson, the Bank explained that the exercise is part of efforts to maintain financial stability, enhance innovation, and protect consumers within the digital financial ecosystem.

Pursuant to its mandate of maintaining financial stability and consistent with its ongoing efforts to promote integrity, innovation and consumer protection in the digital financial ecosystem, the Bank of Ghana requires all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) operating within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Ghana to register with the Bank, the notice stated.

The registration requirement applies to both locally based operators and foreign digital platforms offering services to persons resident in Ghana. It also covers a wide scope of virtual asset activities, including:

- Virtual asset exchange services

- Wallet provision or custody services

- Transfer or settlement services involving virtual assets

- Services related to the issuance or sale of virtual assets, such as Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and stablecoins

The Bank clarified that the exercise is preliminary and is intended to inform the upcoming legal and regulatory framework for VASPs, aligning it with international best practices.

Importantly, the central bank cautioned that registration should not be misconstrued as legal authorisation to operate.

Registration does not constitute a licence to operate, nor does it imply legal recognition or approval, the statement noted. Failure to comply may result in regulatory sanctions or disqualification from future licensing.

VASPs are required to complete the registration process via the following online form: https://forms.office.com/r/XqthpEkhkQ.

The Bank of Ghana has also pledged to issue further directives based on insights gathered from the registration process.

For technical support, VASPs are encouraged to contact the regulator via the dedicated email: vasp@bog.gov.gh.

This development comes as global financial regulators tighten oversight of the cryptocurrency and virtual asset space in response to concerns over money laundering, terrorism financing, and financial stability.
Cultural exchange programme between Dutch Porta Mosana College and Liati DANCOTECH takes off

Alberto Mario Noretti Education Jul - 11 - 2025 , 16:09 2 minutes read

Thirty students and five teachers from the Porta Mosana College in Maastricht, the Netherlands, on Monday, June 7, paid a familiarisation visit to the St. Daniel Comboni Technical Vocational Institute (DANCOTECH) at Liati-Agbonyra in the Afadzato South District of the Volta Region.

The visit marks the commencement of a newly established cultural exchange programme between the two schools, facilitated by Ghanaian tour group, Jolinaiko Eco Tours.

The Headmistress of the Dutch school, Dr Miek Cuypers, explained that the exchange programme aims to enable students to become global citizens, rather than remaining confined to their local communities after school.

She noted that current global development trends require the youth to explore and exchange ideas across cultures, and the initiative seeks to promote such cross-cultural learning experiences.

Dr Cuypers also announced plans to establish similar ties with J.G. Knol Technical Institute at Adukrom in the Eastern Region and Keta Senior High Technical School in the Volta Region.

She said her school focuses on pre-university academic studies with Dutch and English as the media of instruction.

We hope students from Ghana will soon visit us in the Netherlands under the programme, she added.

The Principal of St. Daniel Comboni Technical Vocational Institute, Mr Godfred Tsotorvor, said the school was established in 1981 by the Comboni Missionaries to provide technical and vocational skills training to the youth of Liati and its surrounding communities. The school, he noted, was absorbed into the public school system in 2012.

According to Mr Tsotorvor, DANCOTECH has persevered with limited resources over the years. However, following the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy, enrolment has increased significantlyfrom 120 students in 2016 to 620 currently.

He said the student population comprises 466 boys and 154 girls, supported by 35 teaching staff and 15 non-teaching staff.

Courses offered at the institute include architectural drafting technology, building construction technology, electrical engineering, and fashion design technology. Others are hospitality and catering management, motor vehicle engineering, and wood construction technology.

Mr Tsotorvor said the cultural exchange programme would help broaden the intellectual and cultural perspectives of the students.

Meanwhile, founder of Jolinaiko Eco Tours, Mr Apollo Panou, commended DANCOTECHs focus on programmes relevant to Ghanas development needs. He assured that the tour group would offer practical training sessions to students as part of the initiative.

Mr Panou, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Volta Hoteliers Association, said the training would better prepare students for the job market upon graduation.

The visiting students and teachers are expected to stay in Ghana for three weeks.
Next article: HTU receives Innovation Hub and upgraded tools from DTI to boost TVET

Featured

Framework to guide churches in promoting environmental sustainability launched

GraphicOnline Jul - 11 - 2025 , 16:30 2 minutes read

A framework to guide and equip churches to respond biblically and practically to issues of environmental sustainability has been launched in Accra.

Christened the National Creation Care Framework, the guide was initiated by World Vision Ghana in collaboration with the Church of Pentecost, A Rocha Ghana, Challenge Enterprises, and the Akrofi-Christaller Institute. It seeks to empower churches to engage effectively with issues of climate change.

The launch also marked the training of the first cohort of faith leaders, who expanded their theological understanding to help provide practical solutions to environmental degradation and climate changewith a focus on how these challenges affect vulnerable children and communities.

In a speech read on his behalf during the launch on Wednesday in Accra, the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, said restoring God's creation to its original state formed part of the Church's missionary responsibility.

The event, which formed part of a three-day Creation Care Conference, trained church and faith-based leaders in the frameworks application. The conference aimed to deepen the Churchs theological, missional, and practical response to environmental degradation and climate change, with a specific emphasis on their impact on vulnerable populations.

Apostle Nyamekye noted that environmental degradation had reached unprecedented levels in human history, citing widespread deforestation, water pollution, and increasingly irresponsible human behaviour towards the environment.

This situation, he said, necessitated a renewed call to action for Christians to re-examine their mission mandate in relation to creation care.

"This places a responsibility on us as humansand as the body of Christto adopt pragmatic approaches to maintain and sustain the environment. It is a clarion call for us to awaken to our role as stewards of God's creation," he stated.

Restoring creation

The National Director of World Vision Ghana, Jean-Claude Mukadi, described the launch of the framework as a historic moment for the Church to take bold leadership in restoring God's creation.

He explained that the framework is built on three interconnected pillars under World Visions Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action (ESCA) commitment. These include the Biblical Foundations of Environmental Stewardship, ESCA Missiology; focusing on partnering with Gods mission; and ESCA Action and Advocacy.

Mr Mukadi stressed that climate change and environmental degradation were not merely scientific or political challenges but deeply spiritual and moral concerns.

He therefore urged Christian leaders to embrace the framework as a living instrument for action, shaped by prayer, grounded in Scripture, and carried forward by the Church across Ghana.
Featured

Ghana appoints Meredith Naa Odarkai Lamptey-Addy permanent delegate to UNESCO

www.gbcghanaonline.com Jul - 11 - 2025 , 08:29 2 minutes read

Ghana has appointed Madam Meredith Naa Odarkai Lamptey-Addy, the daughter of the late David Lamptey, a prominent businesman, as the countrys new Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), based in Paris, France.

At a brief ceremony in Accra, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, presented her credentials and conveyed congratulations on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana.

We have no doubt that, looking at your impressive profile and outstanding track record, you will be a worthy representative of Ghana at UNESCO. President Mahama has reposed enormous confidence in you, and we trust that you will excel in your new role, Mr Ablakwa stated.

The Foreign Affairs Minister assured her of the Ministrys full support, affirming that the government will collaborate with her to ensure Ghanas effective engagement within UNESCO. He noted that UNESCO is a key agency of the United Nations that plays a critical role in shaping global policies on education, science, culture, and heritage preservation.

UNESCOs work significantly influences our development as a people. At a time when the world is grappling with climate change, green transitions, and the need to integrate science into policymaking, your role will be pivotal, Mr Ablakwa said.

He emphasized the importance of safeguarding Ghanas heritage, languages, and cultural identity, and called on Madam Lamptey-Addy to advocate for the protection of endangered local languages, the promotion of Ghanaian values, and the countrys interests in curriculum development and international educational policy.

UNESCO is instrumental in identifying and preserving heritage sites of which Ghana has a few. Your role will help ensure that these cultural assets are protected for future generations, The Minister added

In her remarks, Madam Lamptey-Addy expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in her by the President.

I promise to discharge my duties diligently. I will represent Ghana to the best of my ability and make the country proud. she indicated

Madam Lamptey-Addy, previously contested the Klottey-Korle NDC parliamentary primary and is a graduate of the University of Ghana and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
Featured

Ghana expresses concern over US visa policy changes; pledges diplomatic engagement

Kweku Zurek Jul - 11 - 2025 , 07:09 3 minutes read

The government has responded to the United States' decision to significantly reduce visa validity periods for Ghanaian travellers, calling for swift resolution while affirming its commitment to bilateral cooperation.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana acknowledged the US government's sovereign right to determine its visa regime but highlighted that the new restrictions "vary substantially" from prior reciprocal arrangements.

The revised policy, which took effect recently, limits most non-immigrant visas, including B-class (business/tourism) and F-1 (student) visas; to single-entry validity for just three months. Previously, many Ghanaian applicants were eligible for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.

"The Ministry acknowledges the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United Statesfor professional, business, educational, touristic, [and] medical [purposes]," the statement read.

It emphasised that Ghana had upheld its end of reciprocity, issuing "70.24% of multiple long-term visas to US passport holders," including five-year multiple-entry visas, as per bilateral agreements.

Official statistics revealed that from January 2025, Ghana's missions in Washington DC and New York issued 40,648 visas to US citizens, with 28,626 being multiple-entry.

In contrast, the US now grants Ghanaian applicants shorter validity periods, a move the ministry suggested was linked to overstay concerns.

While the government studies the implications, it pledged to work "expeditiously" with US counterparts to address the issue.

Last week, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa led high-level talks in the US, which yielded "significant outcomes" and a roadmap for further discussions.

The policy shift aligns with the US Visa Reciprocity Framework, which tailors visa terms to match other nations' treatment of American citizens.

Similar adjustments were recently imposed on Nigeria. Analysts note the change may burden Ghanaian travellers with repeated applications and higher costs.

Ghana's statement struck a diplomatic tone, reaffirming President John Dramani Mahama's commitment to strengthening ties with the US. However, it stressed expectations for fairness, stating, "Government remains resolved to work on all areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries."

No timeline was given for resolving the dispute, but the government indicated that ongoing high-level efforts were underway to revisit the terms. For now, applicants must navigate the stricter regime, with the ministry urging adherence to US visa procedures to mitigate further restrictions.

Read the Ministry's press release below;
Featured

Govt urged to utilise waterways to harness AfCFTA's potential

Della Russel Ocloo Jul - 11 - 2025 , 12:25 3 minutes read

Ghana's vast coastline and extensive inland waterways can become the engine of a new era of African trade, if the government can fully leverage these assets to unlock the true potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Convenor of the OneGhana Movement, Senyo Hosi, has said.

He explained that the current prohibitive costs of intra-African shipping, where transporting a 20-foot container from Tema to Abidjan was more than $3 per nautical mile, significantly more expensive than the $0.24 per nautical mile to Houston, were a major disconnect that needed urgent attention.

Maritime leadership forum

Speaking at a Maritime Leadership and Innovation Day event in Accra last weekend, Mr Hosi stressed that for AfCFTA to succeed, intra-African shipping corridors linking Ghana to Abidjan, Dakar to Lagos and Mombasa to Maputo must be activated not just in theory but with tangible vessel schedules, competitive freight rates and increased cargo volumes.

The event, organised by maritime law expert Joyce Bawah Mogtari, in partnership with the Alumni of the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) of Malta, aimed to foster strategic dialogue and regional collaboration.

On the theme: "Charting New Waters: Legal, Blue Economy and Maritime Futures for West Africa," discussions covered integrated transport systems, legal innovations, sustainable blue economy strategies, digitalisation, and gender diversity in transport.

The event also had in attendance the High Commissioner of Malta to Ghana, Jean Claude Galea Mallia, the Regional Representative of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Capt. Dallas Laryea, and some members of the diplomatic corps.

Modernisation

Mr Hosi outlined a two-fold mission for Ghana domestically, to reduce urban congestion, lower transportation costs, and invest in green and efficient systems; and regionally, to lead West Africa's maritime integration by bridging landlocked neighbours to global markets.

He envisioned Accra as a vibrant trade hub, facilitating the easy export of Ivorian cocoa through Ghanaian ports and enabling Ghanaian logistics firms to compete continent-wide, all powered by marine transportation.

The maritime sector's economic significance is substantial, with transportation accounting for 12 per cent of Ghanas Gross Domestic Product (GDP), thus modernisation could bring about numerous benefits, including new jobs for electric vehicle technicians, marine engineers and supply chain experts, he stated.

Government

The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, acknowledged Ghana's strategic regional position as a huge opportunity to be the gateway in terms of trade, and affirmed the country's intent to lead the sub-region's maritime industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Meridian Port Services (MPS), Mohammed Samara, said that since its operation in 2019, Terminal Three had opened new trade routes for Ghana, with aspirations to make Tema Port a regional trans-shipment centre, adding that AfCFTA provided numerous opportunities to enhance trade and production.

Global recognition

A former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Dr Kofi Mbiah, also said the country's selection by the United Nations Global Compact Ocean Centres to establish Ocean Centres focused on Ports and Shipping, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Blue Finance & Investment, and Offshore Renewable Energy, fostering public and private sector partnerships for sustainability.

The Executive Secretary of the Centre for Blue Economy Africa (CBEA), Yorm Ama Abledu, who spoke on behalf of the Convenor, Mrs Bawah Mogtari, underscored the event's importance in advocating the maritime space to become a frontier for innovation.

She highlighted the necessity of digitalisation in ports, resilient infrastructure, and the adoption of climate-smart governance to drive Africas transformation.

Ghana's maritime sector stands at a pivotal moment, poised to significantly contribute to the nation's economic growth and regional integration within the AfCFTA framework, Ms Abledu said.
President Mahama receives credentials of 5 envoys

Kester Aburam Korankye Jul - 11 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read

Three Ambassadors and two High Commissioners yesterday presented their Letters of Credence to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House in Accra, marking the start of their diplomatic duties in Ghana.

The envoys included the Ambassador of Portugal to Ghana, Maria Da Conceicao De Sousa Pilar; the High Commissioner of the Seychelles, Conrad Vincent Mederic, and the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Citizen Jesus Albert Garcia.

The rest are the Ambassador of Chad, Gonfouli Souariba, and the High Commissioner of Gabon, Maximin Mangoualamangoye.

Commitment

President Mahama welcomed the diplomats and reaffirmed Ghanas commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with their respective countries.

President John Mahama accepting the credentials of Maria Da Conceicao De Souse Pilar, Ambassador of Portugal

He emphasised the importance of cooperation in trade, investment, education and regional security, urging the envoys to explore new areas of collaboration for mutual benefits.

Partnership

The President told the Portuguese Ambassador that the government was open to partnering Portugals national airline in establishing Ghanas new national carrier.

He also expressed concern over the growing threat of violent extremism spreading from the Sahel region, and commended the EU for its ongoing support to address the crisis.

President John Mahama sharing a toast with Gonfouli Souariba, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad

President Mahama said Ghanas envoy to the Sahelian region was playing a key role in mending strained relations between the three Sahel nations that had pulled out of ECOWAS.

The Portuguese Ambassador praised Ghanas role in spearheading initiatives such as the Accra Initiative, which she said had played a key role in stabilising parts of the continent in the face of growing security threats.

Collaboration

In his conversation with the High Commissioner of Seychelles, President Mahama said Ghana and the Seychelles could collaborate in the areas of blue economy, maritime security and tourism.

Citizen Jesus Albert Garcia, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, signing the Credentials Register

The Seychelles Ambassador shared concerns about illegal fishing and piracy Ghana was experiencing in its waters and stressed the need for joint maritime efforts between Ghana and the Seychelles.

Deepening of ties

The rest of the diplomats, in turn, expressed their readiness to deepen collaboration between Ghana and their respective countries.

Maximin Mangoualamangoye, High Commissioner of the Republic of Gabon

They commended Ghanas democratic stability and its role in promoting peace and development in West Africa.

The ceremony, held in accordance with diplomatic protocols, was attended by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, and the Presidential Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari.

The new envoys are expected to engage with key stakeholders in Ghanas political and business sectors to enhance partnerships during their tenure.
Next article: See the areas that will be affected by ECGs planned maintenance on July 11, 2025

Featured

Stage set for Ablekuma North polling stations rerun

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Jul - 11 - 2025 , 06:21 4 minutes read

Feverish campaigning travelled deep into the night of yesterday as the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) mopped up whatever was available for todays partial rerun of the Ablekuma North parliamentary election in the Greater Accra Region.

The interesting spectacle featured a buoyant Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie of the NPP and the NDCs Awurabena Aubynn personally deploying themselves on foot in the 19 relevant polling stations for a door-to-door campaign.

Until very late in the rerun schedule, the NPP had indicated that it would not participate in the voting process in those 19 polling stations, claiming that the decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) flouted a previous court order.

However, the partys candidate appears to have side-stepped the party position in a seeming demonstration of her faith in her chances to overcome the odds.

The area was gingered up last Wednesday when the NDCs vibrant youth communicator and current Chief Executive of the Youth Employment Agency, Malik Basintale, led a youth invasion of the constituency.

Riding on motorbikes in a coordinated fashion, the group whipped up energy among the party faithful in the constituency as it made a dash for one more seat for the party.

The decision to rerun the election in the 19 polling stations stemmed from a dispute over the authenticity of results from those polling stations in the December 7, 2024, election.

With hard copies of result forms  commonly known as pink sheets  unavailable, the EC had relied on scanned copies, which had been the point of dispute.

Despite earlier protests and an attempt by the NPP candidate, Ms Afriyie, to halt the rerun through the courts, the High Court last Tuesday dismissed the injunction application, clearing the EC to proceed.

The NDC and its candidate, Ms Aubynn, have welcomed the process and urged their supporters to vote.

The outcome of todays polls will finally determine parliamentary representation for the constituency, which has been without a Member of Parliament (MP) for six months due to the unresolved results.

Voter reaction

When the Daily Graphic team visited the constituency yesterday, it found out that the constituents were split on experience but united in their desire for peace and progress.

Many residents who spoke to the newspaper expressed enthusiasm about returning to the polls.

I am very ready to go and vote, said Patience Alavanyo, a cold store operator, who added that a rerun was necessary in the absence of a clear winner.

Others, like Georgina Boateng, a provisions shop owner, echoed the call for calm, saying: Everyone should be peaceful and calm. Were only looking for whats best for everyone.

Some voters, however, held mixed feelings about the ECs handling of the situation.

The EC didnt deliver on its mandate, said one Ruben, who questioned the jump from three disputed polling stations' results to 19 polling stations, suggesting possible political manipulation.

Meanwhile, Comfort Dosseh, a hairdresser, felt the EC had done its best and expressed the hope that the rerun would produce an undisputed result.

Across the board, voters lamented the absence of parliamentary representation for six months.

It has affected us negatively, said Prince Gyan, a constituent.

Ablekuma North has been left behind in terms of development, he added.

Many called for an MP who would prioritise jobs, infrastructure and accountability.

Preparedness

The ECs Director of Electoral Services, Benjamin Bano-Bioh, expressed confidence in the commissions preparedness and commitment to conduct a credible election.

He said all logistics, including panels and voting materials, were in place, and that security agencies had assured the EC of adequate protection.

To boost transparency and restore public trust, Mr Bano-Bioh revealed that results from the 19 polling stations would not only be submitted physically, but also scanned and sent via a dedicated platform to the commission.

The collation process, he said, would involve agents from all parties, with additional room for three representatives per party, as well as the candidates and their spouses.

Mr Bano-Bioh projected a quick collation process due to the limited number of polling stations involved.

On lessons learned, he acknowledged past disruptions and urged political parties to discourage violence by refusing to reward disruptive elements.

He called for collective responsibility and strong security collaboration to preserve the integrity of future elections and to ensure peaceful outcomes.
Featured

Sterile men should avoid hot water bath  Expert

Augustina Tawiah Jul - 11 - 2025 , 12:17 5 minutes read

A senior medical specialist has advised men contending with fertility issues, to avoid hot water baths, revealing that they are among the causes of infertility.

Professor Matthew Yamoah Kyei, a Consultant Urologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, who gave the advice, explained that heat or high temperature impacted sperm production and that keeping the testes in a cool environment allowed sperms to be formed well and healthily.

He said the normal human body temperature remained 36 or 37 degrees celsius, while the scrotum, which contains the testes  the organs responsible for producing sperms  should be 33 or 34 degrees celsius, almost like the temperature of the environment.

He said anything, including hot water baths that made the testes warmer than normal, would bring their temperature closer to the body temperature and create a difficulty in producing healthy sperms.

He explained that either the sperms would not form well, lose their strength to move or may even die because of the heat.

"The basis of male fertility is being able to produce healthy sperms, strong enough to travel through the woman to fertilise the egg.

The truth about sperm production in the testes is that at each point in time, some sperms are being produced, some are mature, some are dying off."

He explained that it did not matter how long a person took the hot water bath, and that once the area experienced heat, all the sperms that were being formed at that particular time could be destroyed, while the already formed ones but still fragile might be affected.

He, however, indicated that the very healthy ones had higher chances of survival.

"It takes three months for sperms to mature. So, whatever you see in about three months is a reflection of what happened," he said.

He said it was for that reason that men who worked with big engines in ships and mining areas, where the temperature was constantly hot, and those who rode motorbikes had a high risk of infertility.

Prof. Kyei, who is also a professor of surgery at the University of Ghana Medical School, was sharing his thoughts on male infertility in an interview with the Daily Graphic.

Male infertility

Male infertility is the inability to produce sperm or produce healthy sperm that can fertilise the female egg.

Prof. Kyei said the condition was responsible for 50 per cent of couples inability to have a child.

Describing infertility in men as a major issue, he mentioned other causes to include varicose veins, where the veins in the scrotum become very big and extended and, therefore, carry the whole body temperature into the scrotum, making it warmer than expected.

Other causes include engaging in activities such as weight lifting , using illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and smoking cigarettes, as well as using anabolic steroids for bodybuilding.

Prof. Kyei explained that in the case of anabolic steroids, they prevent the normal testosterone, which is good for sperms, from being produced.

So even though those who use it get big muscles, the testis shrinks, ending up becoming little in what is medically referred to as atrophy of the testis, he explained.

He said infections such as epididymitis and sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, could also cause infertility in men.

Treatable

On whether infertility in men is treatable, Prof. Kyei answered in the affirmative, explaining that because the testes produce sperms every day, once the abnormalities that caused infertility were taken away, evidence of the testes producing wealthy sperms would show between three to six months.

However, Prof. Kyei said that in some people, the testes had been destroyed beyond repair, so nothing could be done.

They included those who used anabolic steroids, had suffered an accident that had destroyed the testes and those whose testicular tissues had been destroyed through the use of marijuana.

On what men can do to stay fertile, he advised against all forms of heat, adding that one of the things that could cause heat in the scrotum was wearing multiple shorts and, therefore, urged that they choose between either a brief or boxer shorts to go with their trousers.

On how men could detect infertility, Prof. Kyei said the size of the testis was extremely important in determining that, explaining that any reduction in the size of the testis was evidence that the production of sperms had reduced.

He said when the testis was measured from top to bottom, it should be at least more than 2.5 centimetres long.

"If the testis is less than 2.5 centimetres, then you are losing sperm production," he explained. Other symptoms include pain and discomfort.

Prof. Kyei advised men who were struggling to have babies with their wives to get themselves assessed first, since it was easier to do a semen analysis with them than in women, where their privacy had to be invaded.

He said that after the analysis, if it was found that the men did not have sperms, they should be willing to accept donor sperms, which offered them the opportunity to have a baby.
Ghana Small Scale Miners Association denies links to arrested 'galamsey' suspect

GraphicOnline Jul - 11 - 2025 , 21:27 1 minute read

The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has distanced itself from Kojo Peprah, a man arrested this week for allegedly obstructing an anti-illegal mining operation in the Ashanti Region, describing media reports linking him to the group as "false" and "misleading."

In a disclaimer issued on Friday, the association clarified that Peprah  apprehended on July 10 by the IGPs Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce during a raid in the Desiri Forest Reserve  holds no position within their organisation.

"Kojo Peprah is not, and has never been, the President, Chairman, or member of GNASSM," stated the release, signed by General Secretary Godwin Nickleson Amarh.

The group emphasised its "well-defined leadership structure," comprising national and regional executives, and reiterated its commitment to "responsible and sustainable" mining practices.

Peprahs arrest came during a renewed crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey) in protected forest reserves, a priority for the government amid environmental degradation concerns.

While details of his alleged interference remain unclear, the association indicated that its disassociation underscores sensitivities around the galamsey fight, which has seen both collaboration and tension between licensed small-scale miners and authorities.

The association urged journalists and the public to verify information before sharing it, warning that false attributions could undermine legitimate mining operations. "Combating galamsey is a shared national responsibility," the statement noted, praising government-security agency partnerships.

Abdul-Razak Alhassan, GNASSMs National Director of Communications, said: "We wont tolerate attempts to tarnish our reputation. Our members work within the law."
Featured

GhIE Branch 4 explores collaborative opportunities with UG and Ghana Air Force

GraphicOnline Jul - 11 - 2025 , 15:35 2 minutes read

The Greater Accra Branch of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), known as Branch 4, has initiated discussions to explore potential areas of collaboration with two key institutions, the University of Ghana and the Ghana Air Force, as part of efforts to deepen its engagement with industry and academia.

These engagements took the form of separate courtesy calls to the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana and the Directorate of Engineering at the Ghana Air Force Headquarters, Burma Camp.

The Chair of GhIE Branch 4, Kwofie Pinto, explained that the purpose of the visits was to familiarise GhIE officials with the engineering operations at both institutions and to encourage adherence to the Engineering Council Act, 2011 (Act 819) and its accompanying Legislative Instrument (LI 2410).

At the University of Ghana, the delegation was received by the Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, a Fellow of the GhIE. She urged the institution to consider re-establishing the previously strong relationship between the GhIE and the universitys engineering faculty, particularly in areas of departmental governance and professional involvement.

She recalled that the GhIE had previously run programmes in partnership with the faculty and expressed her desire to see that collaboration revived.

Prof. Kaufmann also highlighted the five engineering programmes currently offered at the university: Agricultural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Food Process Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.

During the visit to the Ghana Air Force Headquarters, the GhIE team engaged with senior officials including the Deputy Chief Staff Officer in charge of Logistics, Group Captain Ismael Djagmah; Director of Engineering, Group Captain Yaw Gyimah; Wing Commander Joe Ntiamoah; and Wing Commander Selby.

Group Captain Gyimah outlined the scope of engineering work within the Air Force, which includes Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, and Aeronautical Engineering. He appealed to the GhIE to consider the rigorous engineering training and operational structures within the military and proposed a differentiated entry pathway for Air Force personnel seeking GhIE membership.

He also advocated for special professional dispensations such as structured internship opportunities at external engineering firms for military artisans, as well as formal certification programmes.

Furthermore, Group Capt. Gyimah encouraged the GhIE to integrate more engineers, technologists, and craftsmen from the Army, Air Force, and Navy into its operations to strengthen the enforcement of the Engineering Council Act.

The GhIE Branch 4 delegation included the Director of Membership Services at GhIE, Juliet M. Gbormittah.
Next article: GhIE Branch 4 explores collaborative opportunities with UG and Ghana Air Force

HTU receives Innovation Hub and upgraded tools from DTI to boost TVET

Alberto Mario Noretti Jul - 11 - 2025 , 16:04 2 minutes read

The Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University (HTU), Professor Ben Quarshie Honyenuga, has reaffirmed the institutions commitment to engaging local artisans in various projects to strengthen livelihoods and enhance the status of its Precision Quality Centre of Excellence on campus.

Education will serve no purpose if it cannot benefit society and help young people to attain their personal development goals, he said.

Professor Honyenuga made the statement when the Design and Technology Institute (DTI) handed over two workshops and various upgraded industrial equipment to support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at a ceremony in Ho on Tuesday, July 8.

Known as the Innovation Hub, the centre features management science lecture rooms, hospitality and tourism management workshops, and other specialised units.

In addition, the hospitality, welding, and fashion workshops were retooled by DTI at an estimated cost of GH1.5 million.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that there are lucrative work opportunities beyond the classroom, and HTU is empowering young people to apply their skills after school.

We are ready to work with artisans to achieve that goal, in the broader national interest, he reiterated.

Earlier, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Mensah, said the HTU Innovation Hub represents not only infrastructure, but also vision, opportunity, and transformation.

The new hub testifies to the universitys readiness to become the Quality Centre of Excellence in the Volta Region, he noted.

Professor Mensah observed that in a fast-evolving global economy with increasingly demanding consumers, precision qualitysignifying consistency, accuracy, and standards-driven productionwas no longer a luxury but an obligation.

For Ghana to create sustainable jobs locally, especially for the youth, we must shift from low-value, informal production to high-value, standard-compliant, export-ready goods and services, he emphasised.

He added that by hosting the Innovation Hub and integrating Precision Quality training modules, HTU would further strengthen its role as a key training ground for artisans, technicians, and entrepreneurs capable of meeting international production standards.

The Founder and President of DTI, Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, described the collaboration between the Institute and HTU as a pivotal moment in redefining TVET and skills development in Ghana.

The DTI Precision Quality Centre of Excellence and Innovation Hub is a strategic point designed to cultivate innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and equip our youth with the precise, industry-relevant skills needed to thrive, she explained.

She expressed optimism that the holistic ecosystem would become a powerful catalyst for empowering the next generation and significantly contribute to Ghanas human capital development agenda.

The equipment provided by DTI included office tables, refurbishment supplies, hospitality and tourism management facilities, industrial sewing machines, fashion consumables, welding equipment, hacksaw frames, printers, and desktop computers.
Next article: Ghana expresses concern over US visa policy changes; pledges diplomatic engagement

Featured

Kumasi: Hundreds displaced as blaze ravages wooden structures in Ahodwo

Gilbert Mawuli Agbey Jul - 11 - 2025 , 07:31 2 minutes read

A fire outbreak on Wednesday night destroyed several wooden structures that accommodated hundreds of people in an area behind the Astonia Lodge Annexe in Ahodwo, Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region.

The blaze, which engulfed numerous structures, destroyed properties, personal belongings, and container shops belonging to traders operating in the area.

A swift response by personnel from the Kumasi Metro office of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), along with support from other nearby fire stations, helped prevent the inferno from causing further damage to adjoining facilities.

How it occurred

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ashanti Regional Office of the GNFS, DO3 Peter Addai, said the fire service received a distress call about the incident around 9:00 p.m.

He explained that due to the severity of the fire, three additional fire tenders were dispatched to the scene to help bring the blaze under control. The firefighters managed to bring the fire under control around 11:18 p.m., he stated.

He added that the fire was fully extinguished after midnight and confirmed that investigations into the cause of the incident are currently underway.

Meanwhile, no casualties were recorded.

Victims speak

Some of the affected residents said they were unable to salvage any of their belongings due to the intensity of the fire.

One resident, who was far from the scene at the time and rushed back upon hearing the news, said: I attempted to enter my room to pick up some of my items, but I was prevented by some neighbours.
Next article: More citizens trust traditional leaders more than elected MPs  Report

Featured

Ablekuma North election rerun: Police interdict officer who assaulted journalist

Gertrude Ankah Jul - 11 - 2025 , 11:48 2 minutes read

The Ghana Police Service has interdicted a police officer who was captured on video allegedly slapping a journalist covering the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Service confirmed that the officer has been withdrawn from election duty in the constituency and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for further investigation in line with internal disciplinary procedures.

The Ghana Police Service has monitored a viral video in which one of our officers is seen assaulting a reporter, the statement, signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Richmond Mensah, said.

The incident which occurred at the Church of Pentecost, North Odorkor Polling Station 2. Eyewitnesses say the officer confronted the journalist, Agyekum Banahene of GHOne TV, and slapped him after he refused to leave the polling centre while covering the voting process.

The Police Service has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be carried out and that further updates will be communicated.

The rerun in Ablekuma North has been marked by heightened tensions after the Electoral Commission of Ghana ordered fresh voting in 19 polling stations due to irregularities and disputes during the original December 2024 election.

Earlier on Friday, police arrested several individuals posing as fake security personnel near the Awoshie DVLA polling station.

Background

The Ablekuma North parliamentary election re-run is intended to conclude the collation of the 2024 Parliamentary Election results, with 261 polling stations already collated.

Currently, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, leads with 32,512 votes, holding a slim margin of 48 votes over the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, who has garnered 32,464 votes.

The seat remains keenly contested, as 6,639 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots in the 19 polling stations where the re-run is taking place.

Read the statement below:



Related article:

Ablekuma North Rerun: Police Officer assaults journalist
Next article: Framework to guide churches in promoting environmental sustainability launched

Featured

Provisional Results: NDCs Ewurabena Aubynn in pole position to win Ablekuma North seat

Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Jul - 11 - 2025 , 19:36 1 minute read

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, is in pole position to win the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat for the first time in 28 years.

Provisional results from the collation centre in Accra show that she has taken a comfortable lead following the collation of all 281 polling stations, including the 19 polling stations where the rerun took place today (Friday, 11 July 2025).

According to the provisional results, Ewurabena Aubynn polled 34,090 votes, defeating her main contender, the New Patriotic Partys (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, who secured 33,881 votes.

The total number of votes cast across all 281 polling stations was 68,382, with 411 rejected ballots.

Officials of the Electoral Commission (EC), political party agents, and security personnel are currently present at the Greater Accra Regional Collation Centre.
Next article: Two arrested in Ashanti region for unlawful possession of firearms

Featured

This is why a judge decided to separate twins sentenced for stealing motorbike

GNA Jul - 11 - 2025 , 14:42 2 minutes read

The Bibiani District Court has sentenced identical twins to 48 months imprisonment each for dishonestly appropriating an unregistered motorbike valued at GH13,000.

The convicted persons, Seth Frimpong alias Atta Payin, a welder, and Emmanuel Frimpong alias Atta Kakra, an excavator operator, stole the motorbike on 16 June 2025 at Adiembra near Chirano in the Western North Region.

Charged with conspiracy to commit crime and stealing, they pleaded guilty with an explanation and asked for leniency, citing a partial refund of GH3,440 and lack of support.

Presiding Judge Mr. Lord Delvin Essandoh imposed enhanced sentences of 48 months each on both charges, to run concurrently.

In a unique ruling, the Judge ordered that the twins serve their sentences separatelySeth at Obuasi Prisons and Emmanuel at Kumasi Central Prisonstating they would not be rewarded with the company of each other during their term of reformation.

Historically with respect to twins, Romulus and Remus were twins known for the founding of the City of Rome and by extension the Roman Kingdom albeit marred by the slaying of Remus by Romulus.

Here before this court are identical twins who have chosen to be known by their criminal deeds. This court would have preferred that even though they came into this world together, it does not mean they had to fulfil the same destiny and engage in criminality together, he said.

The court also ordered the release of the recovered motorbike to the complainant, Daniel Fosu.

According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector B.O. Agyemang, the incident occurred after Mr. Fosu parked his unregistered Haojin motorbike at home on the night of June 15, 2025.

He discovered it was missing at around 0400 hours the following morning.

A witness, Samuel Akurugu Manzan, was seen leaving the area on a tricycle and was apprehended by residents.

He later told police the twins had hired him under the pretext of visiting relatives but instead stole the motorbike.

Investigations led police to a mechanic in Bibiabi, where the motorbike was eventually recovered on 30 June 2025, verified by matching chassis numbers.

On 4 July 2025, the twins were arrested at the Kwamekrom Police Checkpoint aboard a KumasiDiaso-bound vehicle.

During interrogation, they admitted to the offence, with Emmanuel confessing to riding the motorbike to Bibiani and handing it over to a man named Chairman at Lineso to sell.

The bike was sold for GH4,000, and the proceeds were given to the accused.

Police records also revealed the twins are repeat offenders, with previous sentences of 24 and 3 months, including one incident of escape from police custody.
Previous article: This is why a judge decided to separate twins sentenced for stealing motorbike

Featured

Two arrested in Ashanti region for unlawful possession of firearms

Jemima Okang Addae Jul - 11 - 2025 , 13:35 1 minute read

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested two individuals for the unlawful possession of firearms following an intelligence-led operation by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit.

According to a police statement, the operation took place on Tuesday, July 9, at identified criminal hideouts in Nweneso, Trabuom, and Nkwawie. The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects, identified as Kwadwo Acheampong, aged 21, and James Antwi Adjei, aged 24.

During the search, police recovered two pump-action shotguns, one bearing the serial number ASAO 2164 2021 and another without a serial number.

Preliminary investigations suggest that both firearms may have been stolen and were likely intended for use in armed robbery activities within the Atwima districts and the greater Kumasi area.

The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations. The recovered weapons have been retained as exhibits for evidential purposes.

The police assured the public that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring public safety and combating crime across the region.
Featured

Ablekuma North: Bawumia condemns violence at polling station; demands justice as tensions mar rerun

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 11 - 2025 , 14:11 3 minutes read

Former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has condemned the violent incidents that marred the parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency on Friday, describing them as a betrayal of Ghanas democratic values.

In an interview with JoyNews, Dr Bawumia expressed deep concern over the attacks on political actors, journalists, and voters during the election process.

This is not the democracy that we want to see in Ghana. Our supporters are being attacked by thugs in the presence of the police, who have been unable to protect them, he said.

He described the scenes as "very disturbing" and warned that the normalisation of political violence could threaten national stability. This will be a recipe for disaster if each political party will raise its own army, he cautioned.

The rerun, ordered by the Electoral Commission (EC) in 19 polling stations, was intended to complete the collation of results from the 2024 parliamentary elections. However, the exercise was disrupted by reported acts of intimidation, arrests, and violence, with dramatic scenes at the St Peters Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor.

Eyewitnesses recounted how unidentified men, arriving in a pickup truck and on motorbikes, stormed the station and attacked several individuals. One of the victims, former Fisheries Minister and ex-MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, was reportedly thrown to the ground and stomped on before police intervened. Other victims included NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie and a female party agent, both of whom were injured.

Dr Bawumia called on President John Mahama to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. I call on the President to take action to bring the perpetrators to book. We will not forget what has happened, he stressed.

The violence has sparked widespread concern among civil society organisations and electoral observers.

Tensions were further inflamed when a GHOne TV journalist, Agyekum Banahene, was allegedly assaulted by a police officer while covering the rerun at the Church of Pentecost, North Odorkor Polling Station 2. Banahene said the officer, without provocation, singled him out, pushed him, and slapped him after he attempted to cover the voting process.

He just came to approach me that I should leave the premises. Meanwhile, there were other media guys at the premises; he didnt ask anybody else to leave but asked me, Banahene said. He was pushing me and then slapped me in the face for no reason.

He described the officers actions as unprofessional and a violation of press freedom, vowing to file a formal complaint with the Accra Regional Police Command. The Mayor of Accra has since reached out and encouraged him to pursue the appropriate legal channels.

The Electoral Commission has defended the rerun process and denied allegations of political bias, despite the NPPs withdrawal from the exercise. The EC explained that the rerun was necessary due to disputes over unauthenticated results from the December 7, 2024, general elections.

NPP candidate Nana Akua Afriyie, who defied her partys withdrawal to contest the rerun, leads with 32,512 votesjust 48 votes ahead of the NDCs Ewurabena Aubynn, who has polled 32,464 votes. Over 6,600 eligible voters were expected to cast their ballots in the rerun.

Meanwhile, police confirmed the arrest of individuals posing as security personnel near the Awoshie DVLA polling station. According to the Municipal Chief Executive for Ga West, John Desmond Nii Sowah Nai, the suspects, dressed in brown uniforms and unable to produce identification, were taken to the Odorkor Police Station for further investigation.
Featured

Defence Minister calls for calm as tensions flare in Ablekuma North parliamentary re-run

Gertrude Ankah Politics Jul - 11 - 2025 , 13:19 2 minutes read

The Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, has called for calm and restraint as tensions continue to rise in the Ablekuma North Constituency, where a closely contested parliamentary re-run has been marred by pockets of violence.

Dr Boamah, who toured the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station alongside the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, urged voters and party supporters to reject violence and allow the process to conclude peacefully.

His remarks followed disturbing scenes at the polling centre, where former Awutu Senya East MP and former Fisheries Minister, Hawa Koomson, was physically assaulted by unidentified individuals.

This is a civil exercise; we are not at war. What we experienced at Ayawaso West Wuogon should not be repeated. People must be able to exercise their franchise in peace, Dr Boamah told journalists on Friday.

He stressed that any violent incidents would be fully investigated and that the Ghana Police Service remains responsible for maintaining order at all 19 polling stations involved in the re-run.

Any challenges will be addressed by the Ghana Police Service, and we trust they will do it, he added.

Voting at the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station was temporarily suspended after the attack. Eyewitnesses said a group of men arrived in a pickup truck, forced their way onto the premisesdespite a visible police presenceand assaulted the former MP.

A high-stakes contest

The Ablekuma North parliamentary re-run is intended to conclude the collation of the 2024 parliamentary election results, with 261 polling stations already collated.

Currently, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, leads with 32,512 votes, holding a slim margin of just 48 votes over the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, who has garnered 32,464 votes.

The seat remains hotly contested, as 6,639 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots in the 19 polling stations where the re-run is taking place.

Related articles:

VIDEO: Ablekuma North Rerun: NPP Candidate Nana Akua Afriyie, Hawa Koomson assaulted at polling station

Ablekuma North election rerun: Police interdict officer who assaulted journalist

Ablekuma North Rerun: Police Officer assaults journalist

Ablekuma North rerun: Police arrest suspects disguised as security officers
Featured

Ablekuma North rerun: Police arrest suspects disguised as security officers

Gertrude Ankah Politics Jul - 11 - 2025 , 11:10 2 minutes read

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a group of individuals posing as security officers near the Awoshie DVLA polling station in the Ablekuma North Constituency, where a parliamentary election rerun is taking place.

The suspects, who were dressed in brown uniforms resembling official security attire, failed to produce valid identification when confronted by officers deployed to maintain order at the polling centre.

They were subsequently taken into custody at the Odorkor Police Station for further questioning.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ga West and Dean of Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Greater Accra Region, John Desmond Nii Sowah Nai, confirmed the arrests in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.

He noted that initial findings suggest the suspects do not belong to any recognised state security agency.

Police say investigations are underway to determine the true identities of the individuals and their motive for allegedly impersonating security personnel near the voting centre.

Background to the rerun

Fridays parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North follows a directive by the Electoral Commission of Ghana to re-conduct voting at 19 polling stations within the constituency due to irregularities and disputes during the original December 2024 general election.

The rerun has heightened tensions in the constituency, with both the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) mobilising supporters and election observers to ensure a free and fair process. The poll is a contest between Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Awurabena Aubynn of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Security concerns have been a major issue ahead of the rerun. Earlier this week, the Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, assured the public that there would be no deployment of military personnel for the exercise, with the Ghana Police Service solely responsible for maintaining law and order.
Featured

Ablekuma North Rerun: Police Officer assaults journalist

Gertrude Ankah Politics Jul - 11 - 2025 , 11:18 3 minutes read

A police officer deployed to provide security during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun has been accused of assaulting a GHOne TV journalist at the Church of Pentecost, North Odorkor Polling Station 2.

The incident reportedly occurred when the journalist, identified as Agyekum Banahene, attempted to access the inner perimeter of the voting centre to cover proceedings.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Banahene said the officer approached him and singled him out, demanding that he leave the area, despite other journalists being present at the same location.

He just came to approach me that I should leave the premises. Meanwhile, there were other media guys at the premises; he didnt ask anybody else to leave but asked me, Banahene recounted.

When he refused to leave, explaining that he needed to be on-site to properly cover any developments, the officer allegedly pushed him and slapped him across the face.

I said no, I cant go, what if I go and something happens? How do I report? he said. He was pushing me and then slapped me in the face for no reason. I have not done anything wrong to anybody.

Mr Banahene described the officers conduct as unprofessional and a violation of press freedom, adding that such actions undermine Ghanas commitment to free media.

They say press freedom, where is that press freedom? We cant allow laymen to do this, let alone an officer who knows the law.

He has since indicated that he will lodge a formal complaint with the Accra Regional Police Command. He also confirmed that the Mayor of Accra has reached out to him and encouraged him to follow due process to seek redress.

Tense rerun

The assault comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the rerun. The Electoral Commission of Ghana ordered fresh voting at 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency after irregularities and disputes undermined the original December 2024 parliamentary election.

The poll is a contest between Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Awurabena Aubynn of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Earlier on Friday, police arrested several individuals dressed in brown uniforms and posing as security personnel near the Awoshie DVLA polling station. The suspects reportedly failed to produce valid identification when questioned and were taken to the Odorkor Police Station for further investigation.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ga West and Dean of Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Greater Accra, John Desmond Nii Sowah Nai, confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects are believed to be imposters with no ties to any recognised state security agency.
Featured

Ablekuma North rerun: Voting halted at Odorkor polling centre after incident involving Hawa Koomson

Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Politics Jul - 11 - 2025 , 12:58 3 minutes read

Voting came to a halt at the Methodist Church Odorkor 1 polling station during the ongoing parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday, after some party agents breached the church premises.

According to eyewitnesses, confusion erupted when the former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson, visited the polling station to observe the process.

The eyewitnesses indicated that the former lawmaker had initially visited the polling station to monitor proceedings but later returned, during which she defied police instructions to leave the centre.

They added that her refusal to exit the premises angered some party faithful who had been observing the process from outside the church, leading to an altercation.

It was also alleged that, during the confrontation, Ms Koomson sprayed pepper spray on the agitated crowd, prompting a retaliatory response that ultimately disrupted the voting process.

The former MP was rescued by security personnel stationed at the polling centre and was whisked out of the premises through an alternative exit at the back of the church.

Before the disruption occurred around 11:00 a.m., the Presiding Officer, Maame Ama Gyanfuah, reported that 126 out of 464 eligible voters had cast their ballots.

Observation

The Daily Graphic team witnessed physical altercations between some party agents at the entrance to the church premises.

However, calm returned to the centre by 11:40 a.m. after police officers on duty prevented unauthorised individuals from entering.

Several executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were seen at the polling station, including the partys Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande; Head of Legal Affairs, Edudzi Tamakloe; and Deputy Communications Director, Malik Basintale.

The Daily Graphic team also observed NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, touring several polling stations.

Other centres

The re-run of the parliamentary election in the 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency is still underway in other centres.

Apart from the incident at Odorkor Tsunami, where a journalist with the EIB Network was allegedly assaulted by a police officer, the process has generally been smooth.

At five polling stations visited by the Daily Graphic, no incidents were recorded, with the presence of party agents and heavy security observed.

At the Church of Pentecost North Odorkor 2 polling station in Tsunami, the Presiding Officer, Abdulai Saani, said that 22 out of 67 expected voters had cast their ballots as of 9:40am.

At the Church of Pentecost North Odorkor 4, the Presiding Officer reported that 31 out of 137 eligible voters had voted by 9:45am.

At the Presby Church Odorkor 4 polling station, Presiding Officer Abdul Kadiri stated that 41 out of 112 voters had cast their ballots as of 10am.

The Presiding Officer of Living Spring Day Nursery Kwashie Bu 1 polling station, Anthony Imbeah, also reported that 180 out of 428 voters had voted as of 10:40am.

At the Lords Pentecostal Church Kwashie Polling Station C, Presiding Officer William Damptey indicated that 165 out of 563 voters had cast their ballots by 11:00am.

Background

The Ablekuma North parliamentary election re-run is intended to conclude the collation of the 2024 Parliamentary Election results, with 261 polling stations already collated.

Currently, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, leads with 32,512 votes, holding a slim margin of 48 votes over the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, who has garnered 32,464 votes.

The seat remains keenly contested, as 6,639 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots in the 19 polling stations where the re-run is taking place.
Featured

NDC's Ewurabena Aubynn makes history in Ablekuma North; Ending NPP's 28-year stronghold

Kweku Zurek Politics Jul - 11 - 2025 , 19:51 2 minutes read

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has secured a landmark victory in the Ablekuma North Constituency, with parliamentary candidate Ewurabena Aubynn defeating the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) Nana Akua Afriyie by 209 votes in a tense re-run election.

The result, declared late Friday night, marks the first time the NDC has won the seat since Ghana's Fourth Republic began in 1992.

Results from the Electoral Commission (EC) showed Aubynn polled 34,090 votes against Afriyie's 33,881 across all 281 polling stations, including 19 where voting was repeated on July 11. The total votes cast stood at 68,382, with 411 ballots rejected.

The re-run was ordered after December's general election ended in deadlock due to disputes over unauthenticated result sheets.

Initially, the NPP claimed victory with a 414-vote margin, but legal challenges forced the EC to withhold certification. A January 2025 High Court ruling mandated completion of collation, but unresolved irregularities ultimately led to Friday's re-run.

The NPP's campaign was marred by internal strife after party leaders boycotted the re-run, calling it "electoral injustice." However, Afriyie defied the directive, continuing her bid with grassroots support. The divisions, coupled with election-day violenceincluding an attack on Afriyie and former Minister Hawa Koomsonlikely eroded the NPP's traditional advantage.

Violence mars polling

Chaos erupted at several stations, with unidentified assailants disrupting voting. A police officer was interdicted after assaulting a journalist covering the process. Despite this, voting proceeded, and Aubynn's consistent messaging on accountability resonated with voters, particularly the youth.

Ablekuma North had been an NPP stronghold since its creation, making Aubynn's win a seismic shift in Greater Accra's political landscape. Analysts attribute the upset to NPP infighting and inconsistency, the EC's insistence on due process, and the NDC's targeted campaign.
Featured

NDCs Ewurabena Aubynn wins Ablekuma North Parliamentary seat

Samuel Duodu & Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Politics Jul - 11 - 2025 , 20:45 4 minutes read

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, has been declared winner of the Ablekuma North constituency parliamentary election.

She polled 34,090 votes, while her sole contender, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), secured 33,881 votes, with 411 rejected ballots.

Before the rerun in 19 polling stations, Ms Afriyie was leading with 32,512 votes from 262 out of the 281 polling stations, while Ms Aubynn had 32,464; a margin of just 48 votes. However, the tide turned in Ms Aubynns favour following Fridays rerun, breaking the NPPs 28-year dominance in the Ablekuma North constituency.

Apart from the 1992 elections, which the NPP boycotted, the party had held the seat consistently from 1996 to 2020.

The Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun was held to resolve disputes over results from the 2024 general elections in the constituency.

This victory brings the NDCs total parliamentary seats to 185.

Incidents

The rerun was largely peaceful, although incidents at two of the 19 polling stations threatened to mar the exercise. There were also allegations of vote buying.

Notably, former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, was allegedly assaulted by thugs at the Methodist Church, Odorkor 1 polling station. The incident occurred before midday and temporarily halted voting at the station.

Another incident involved the assault of a journalist with GHOne TV, Agyekum Banahene, who was allegedly slapped by a police officer at the Church of Pentecost North Odorkor polling station in Tsuimami.

A statement issued by the Ghana Police Service confirmed that the officer involved in the assault had been interdicted pending investigations.

On the assault of Ms Koomson, eyewitnesses reported that she had earlier visited the polling station and returned a second time. Her refusal to leave, despite a police directive, reportedly angered some individuals who attacked her. Ms Koomson allegedly used pepper spray in an attempt to defend herself but was nonetheless assaulted. She was eventually rescued and escorted out through a back exit by security personnel.

Prior to the disruption at around 11am, the presiding officer, Maame Ama Gyanfuah, stated that 126 out of 464 eligible voters had cast their ballots.

Observation

The Daily Graphic team observed a physical altercation between some party supporters at the entrance of the church premises. Calm was restored around 11:40am after police prevented the thugs from re-entering.

Senior NDC party officials present at the station included Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande, Head of Legal Affairs Edudzi Tamakloe, and Deputy Communications Director Malik Basintale.

Among the NPP officials seen monitoring the election were MP for Akuapem North Sammi Awuku, MP for Assin South Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover, and former Minister of Health Dr Bernard Okoe Boye.

The NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, was also seen touring polling stations.

Other centres

Voting continued in other polling stations. Aside from the Odorkor Tsuimami incident, the process was generally smooth at the other centres visited by the Daily Graphic team.

At the Church of Pentecost North Odorkor 2 polling station in Tsuimami, Presiding Officer Abdulai Saani reported that 22 out of 67 voters had cast their ballots as at 9:40am. At the North Odorkor 4 station, 31 out of 137 voters had voted as at 9:45am.

At the Presbyterian Church Odorkor 4 station, presiding officer Abdul Kadiri reported that 41 out of 112 voters had voted as at 10am. At the Living Spring Day Nursery Kwashie Bu 1 station, 180 out of 428 voters had voted by 10:40am. William Damptey, presiding officer at the Lords Pentecostal Church Kwashie polling station C, said 165 out of 563 had voted by 11am.

Gratitude

The MP-elect, Ms Aubynn, who was present at the Greater Accra Regional EC Office, the final collation centre, expressed her gratitude to constituents for giving her the mandate.

She acknowledged that while the journey had not been smooth, the constituents never gave up on her. You stood by me and made sure I became your true representative in Parliament, she said.

Ms Aubynn also thanked NDC executives at both the national and regional levels for their support throughout the process.

She assured constituents that she would work to represent their interests and ensure they receive their fair share of the national development agenda.
Next article: NDC hopeful of victory in all 19 Ablekuma North Polling Stations  Dafeamekpor

Featured

'No soldiers, just police' at Ablekuma North election re-run

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 11 - 2025 , 07:50 1 minute read

The Ghana Police Service has outlined stringent security measures for todays parliamentary re-run in the Ablekuma North Constituency, while the Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, firmly ruled out military involvement, seeking to allay fears of voter intimidation.

In a press release, the Accra Regional Police Command confirmed the deployment of personnel to all 19 designated polling stations, with additional measures including traffic control and strategic barriers to prevent unauthorised access.

"The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities or individuals to the Police immediately by calling 18555 or 192," stated Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region in a statement.

The assurance came alongside after a Facebook post from Dr. Boamah, who took to Facebook to emphasise that only police would oversee security. THERE WILL BE NO MILITARY DEPLOYMENT! he wrote, repeating the phrase for emphasis.

Referencing past election violenceincluding the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election clashes and the killing of eight citizens during the 2020 pollshe urged Ghanaians to prioritise citizen safety and security.

He expressed confidence in the police, stating, The Ghana Police Service is trained to handle electoral security, and we trust them to do their job.
China vows to play constructive role in promoting dialogue between Thailand, Cambodia

Xinhua) 14:17, July 11, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with Thailand to push the building of a community with a shared future to higher levels as China and Thailand celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, told Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa during their meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings that China's is willing to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation between Thailand and Cambodia over their recent border tensions.

The building of the China-Thailand community with a shared future has continued to make new progress. Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, the two countries have jointly celebrated the "Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship," Wang said.

China firmly supports Thailand in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and always places China-Thailand relations as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, Wang said, expressing China's willingness to work with Thailand to push the building of the community with a shared future to higher and more substantive levels.

Wang called for enhanced alignment of development strategies and further integration of interests between the two sides, proposed forging new growth engines in areas such as digital economy, artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce and green development to support the modernization efforts of both countries. He also urged speeding up the construction of the China-Thailand railway to leverage flagship projects in order to promote the vision of interconnected development of China, Laos and Thailand.

Commenting on global trade, Wang said the United States, by unilaterally imposing tariffs, has undermined the free trading system and disrupted global industrial and supply chains. He expressed confidence that Thailand and other ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries will safeguard their legitimate interests and resist unilateralism, power politics and acts of bullying. He added that China is committed to signing the protocol for the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area within the year to expand their common market and demonstrate their joint support for the rules of the World Trade Organization and the multilateral trading system through concrete actions.

On the Thailand-Cambodia border issue, Wang noted that both Thailand and Cambodia are China's good neighbors and friends, expressing hope that both sides would handle the matter through dialogue and consultation in a spirit of goodwill, aiming to de-escalate tensions and restore stability at an early date. Chin will maintain an objective and impartial stance and play a constructive role in promoting peaceful relations between the two countries.

For his part, Maris said China is a trustworthy friend of Thailand. Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have maintained mutual trust and respected each other's core interests. The spirit of "Thailand and China are as close as one family" has stood the test of time, and the building of the Thailand-China community with a shared future continues to yield fruitful outcomes.

Thailand firmly adheres to the One-China principle and looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges and practical cooperation with China in connectivity, trade, agriculture and combating transnational crime, he said.

Thailand firmly supports multilateralism and the multilateral trading system, and calls for the early restoration of the normal trade order, said the Thai foreign minister.

Maris stressed that border and territorial issues should not be resolved through force and expressed Thailand's appreciation to China's objective and balanced position in mediating and promoting dialogue. Thailand is willing to resolve disputes with Cambodia through bilateral channels in the spirit of good neighborliness and goodwill, said the Thai foreign minister.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Featured

Sam George hits back at Bawumia over Ablekuma North violence remarks

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 11 - 2025 , 17:29 2 minutes read

The Minister for Communications and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has criticised former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia following his condemnation of the violence that disrupted the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun.

In a strongly worded social media post on Friday, Mr George questioned Dr Bawumias moral authority to speak against electoral violence, invoking the former Vice-Presidents silence during the widely condemned 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election clashes.

Someone should tell Bawumia to shut up. What did he say about Ayawaso West Wuogon in 2019? the minister posted, referencing the violent incident where opposition supporters were assaulted by national security operatives.

His reaction follows comments made by Dr Bawumia in an interview with JoyNews, in which the NPP presidential candidate described the incidents at the St Peters Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor as very disturbing.

This is not the democracy that we want to see in Ghana. Our supporters are being attacked by thugs in the presence of the police who have been unable to protect them, Dr Bawumia said. He warned that the normalisation of political violence could prove dangerous for Ghanas democratic stability. This will be a recipe for disaster if each political party raises its own army, he cautioned.

Dr Bawumia further called on President John Mahama to act swiftly in ensuring accountability. I call on the President to take action to bring the perpetrators to book. We will not forget what has happened. This is not the democracy we want to see, he said.

But Mr George dismissed Bawumias comments as politically selective. He accused the NPP leader of failing to speak out during similar incidents under the previous administration, particularly the Ayawaso West Wuogon incident, which drew national and international criticism.

The political back-and-forth comes on the heels of violent scenes during the Electoral Commissions rerun of the parliamentary election in 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North. The rerun was ordered following irregularities in the December 7, 2024 general elections.

Eyewitnesses reported that a group of unidentified men stormed the polling centre at St Peters Methodist Church in Odorkor, attacking party agents, voters, and even political leaders. Former Fisheries Minister and ex-MP Mavis Hawa Koomson was among the victims, reportedly thrown to the ground and assaulted before police intervened. NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie and a female party agent also sustained injuries.

The violence has sparked outrage, with civil society organisations, media stakeholders, and election observers calling for investigations and stricter safeguards to prevent future disruptions.
Yesterday at its grand Unpacked event, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold7, Flip7, and Flip7 FE. And while the Flip7's battery capacity has grown compared to its predecessor, the same can unfortunately not be said about the Fold7, which has the same 4,400 mAh cell as the Fold6.

If you're wondering why this is, Samsung has an answer, sort of. Asked by SamMobile why the Flip7 got a battery increase and the Fold7 didn't, the company said a bigger battery is what most Galaxy Z Flip series users demanded, while for the Fold7 there were other priorities, like better cameras, a thinner and lighter body, and a wider cover screen.

And indeed Samsung has delivered on all of those points with the Fold7, ending its years-long hibernation in the space and finally coming out with a competitive device against its Chinese counterparts - in all ways but one, and you guessed it, the main way in which it's now lagging is the battery capacity.

But with the thinness and lightness it boasts, we assume a higher battery capacity simply isn't possible unless Samsung decides to switch to Si/C batteries like all of the Chinese brands have. If it takes that step, then it can provide more mAh in the same size, if not even future Folds might be stuck around 4,400 mAh unfortunately, despite that being required to power two screens that have gotten larger this generation.

If you're interested in learning more about the Fold7, take a look at our hands-on report and our camera samples, and stay tuned for our full comprehensive review coming soon.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
HMD, the official licensee of Nokia-branded phones for the past few years, has announced its decision to scale back its operations in the US.

HMD said its decision to scale back its US operations comes amidst the challenging geopolitical and economic environment in the United States. While HMD didn't get into the details, this can be related to the ongoing tariff situation in the States.

Even though HMD has decided to scale back its US operations, the brand has assured it will continue to honour warranties in the States, and its US customers will receive support through the global teams.

You can check the complete statement below, which HMD shared with Wired's Julian Chokkattu:

"Like many global businesses, HMD is navigating a challenging geopolitical and economic environment. After careful consideration, we have made the decision to scale back our US operations. Our priority is ensuring a seamless transition for our customers and partners. We will continue to honour all obligations, including warranty coverage and service for existing products, and provide full support through our global teams. We deeply value the contributions of our US colleagues impacted by this change and are committed to supporting them during this transition. HMD remains focused on long-term growth, with strong momentum across our mainstream business and key segments such as Family, Secure, and Microfinancing."

Source
If you like Motorola's Razr 60 but think it's not blinged-up enough, don't worry, the company is currently working on just the thing for you. Namely, a Razr 60 collaboration with Swarovski, and you probably already know what that means - it will be decked out in crystals.

A couple of images showing this upcoming device have been leaked today, and you can see them below. It's interesting to note that this is the 'vanilla' Razr 60 getting this treatment, and not the more expensive Razr 60 Ultra, but maybe that's coming too? Today's leak doesn't say.



Motorola Razr 60 Swarovski edition leaked images

The phone's specs are expected to be identical to any other Razr 60, but this one will shine and sparkle like no other in its ice blue colorway (fitting for an iced-out device, right?).

So, while the outside will be all bling, the phone should come with the same 6.9-inch 1080x2640 foldable LTPO AMOLED screen with 120 Hz refresh rate, 3.6-inch 1056x1066 cover display, MediaTek Dimensity 7400X SoC, 8/12GB of RAM, 256/512GB of storage, 50 MP main camera with OIS, 13 MP ultrawide, 32 MP selfie snapper, and 4,500 mAh battery with support for 30W wired and 15W wireless charging.

Motorola Razr 60

These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. 256GB 8GB RAM  822.96  858.29 Show all prices

Source
The Guam Police Department said wanted man Gavin Joshua Quitugua self-surrendered after three days of extensive search on July 10 claiming he felt the pressure of the law enforcement search.

Police said Quitugua, who was wanted in connection to a July 5 deadly shooting and other open cases, turned himself in at the Central Precinct Command.

He was arrested on suspicion of:

 Aggravated assault

 Motor vehicle theft

 Reckless driving

 Criminal mischief

 Possession of firearms without valid ID

 Outstanding warrant

On July 5, a male victim was found dead from a gunshot wound on Santos Street in Talofofo, GPD said.

The male victim has not been identified pending the notification of kin.

Quitugua was present at the location and fled, police said.

He was sought by police for separate, multiple outstanding cases and an arrest warrant, GPD said.

A Wanted Person for Public View flyer was sent to the media on July 7 naming Quitugua as a person of interest, wanted for questioning relative to several open criminal cases and the shooting in Talofofo on July 5.

GPD engaged in an extensive search of Quitugua. During his interview, Quitugua claimed he felt the pressure of the law enforcement search and self-surrendered on July 10 at the Central Precinct Command, police said.

Quitugua was booked, processed and confined to the Department of Corrections and his case has been forwarded to the Attorney Generals Office for their information and disposition, GPD said.

This investigation is on-going. To protect the integrity of this investigation, GPD does not have additional releasable information, police said.
The Guam Police Department arrested Enrique Perez Blas II on Thursday on 103 criminal counts linked to a major credit card fraud case reported by Community First Federal Credit Union.

Blas was arrested on suspicion of 51 counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, 51 counts of identity theft  criminal impersonation, and one count of theft of property.

On July 8, a GPD detective investigating a June 2024 fraud report from Community First Federal Credit Union uncovered approximately $10,000 in disputed credit card charges.

With assistance from The Home Depot, where many of the transactions occurred, the detective obtained surveillance footage of the suspect. The cardholder was shown still images from the footage and immediately identified the suspect as Enrique Perez Blas II, GPD said.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Section found Blas at his residence. He allegedly admitted to fraudulently using the credit card and told detectives that most of the items were still in his home.

After being informed of the charges, Blas claimed he felt sick. A medic from the Guam Fire Department responded, and Blas was transported to Guam Memorial Hospital for evaluation.

Once he was medically cleared and discharged, Blas led detectives to his home and pointed out several purchased items, including a water blaster, mini refrigerator, work lamp, and two surveillance cameras. The items were seized as evidence, GPD said.

Blas allegedly said he could not recall where the other items were.

Blas was booked, processed, and confined at the Department of Corrections.

His case has been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for further action. The investigation remains open with additional follow-ups underway, GPD said.
Matthew Topasna, the partner of Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged $1.9 million Pandemic Unemployment Assistance fraud ring on Friday morning.

My client is not guilty, attorney Thomas Fisher said on behalf of Topasna, just after his arraignment at the District Court of Guam.

Topasna and his six co-defendants in the PUA fraud case brought by federal prosecutors are scheduled for jury selection and a trial by September, court records show.

He was indicted late last month for allegedly using a food truck he owned to facilitate fraudulent PUA claims between July 2020 and September 2021. Topasna faces charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

The PUA program provided some $809 million to local residents who were left unemployed, furloughed or got reduced work hours through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attorney Fisher said he had concerns about the timing of the indictment, which came just before the 2026 gubernatorial election season.

That really concerns me, because my client, his partner is the lieutenant governor, who is the front runner, the clear front runner in the 2026 race, Fisher said.

Besides Topasna, several other members of Lt. Gov. Tenorios family, including his sister Charissa Tenorio, are named in the PUA fraud ring indictment.

I suspect they are using the family to attack him for political reasons, and that wont be the first time thats happened on Guam, Fisher said Friday.

Fisher is himself making a bid for elected office in 2026, and has announced his run for the attorney generals seat.

Besides the timing of the federal indictment, he raised concerns Friday about a possible leaky grand jury, pointing to media leaks about the indictment prior to it becoming public.

He said he had only circumstantial evidence, but wanted to know how information was coming out, from whom, and whether or not it infected the indictment.

Were going to fight this, Fisher said.

Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio is so far the sole confirmed Democratic candidate for Adelup in 2026.

The lieutenant governor has not been charged with any crime. He has said that he was aware of an investigation involving his family but did not discuss the matter.

Fisher served as a Republican senator in the 37th Guam Legislature, but has sided with the administration on certain issues, like the Mangilao hospital project.

The attorney generals office is a nonpartisan office.

Here are the other six defendants, who have all pleaded not guilty in the case:

Charissa M. Tenorio, the lieutenant governors sister

Frankie Rosalin, the father of Charissa Tenorios children

Tina Sanchez, Rosalins mother

Kathleen Peredo, former Guam Department of Labor employee

Winnie Jo Santos, an employee at Charissa Tenorio and Rosalins business

Marlene Pinaula, former Guam DOL employee

The six pleaded not guilty last week Thursday. Topasna was unable to enter a plea as he faced issues with his legal representation.

Fisher steps in to replace Topasnas previous lawyer, attorney Jay Arriola, according to a substitution of counsel filed with the court.

Arriola was initially set to represent both Topasna and co-defendant Peredo, but she withdrew her consent for the dual representation ahead of an arraignment last week.

Each of the six pleaded not guilty to one count each of mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Charissa Tenorio entered a plea of not guilty to additional charges on one count of money laundering and two counts of witness tampering.

Sanchez likewise pleaded not guilty to a witness tampering charge.

Former Guam DOL employees Peredo and Pinaula each pleaded not guilty to one count of federal program theft.

Magistrate Judge Michael Bordallo scheduled jury selection in the case for Sept. 3. The first pretrial conference will happen on Aug. 22.
TLDR

Nigerian crypto startup Roqqu has acquired Flitaa, a Kenya- and Nigeria-based crypto exchange, in a rare intra-African acquisition

The all-cash deal, whose value remains undisclosed, gives Roqqu an immediate foothold in Kenya's $100 million crypto market

With the acquisition approved by Kenyan authorities, Roqqu will bypass the country's slow-moving crypto licensing process

Nigerian crypto startup Roqqu has acquired Flitaa, a Kenya- and Nigeria-based crypto exchange, in a rare intra-African acquisition that marks Roqqu's official entry into East Africa. The all-cash deal, whose value remains undisclosed, gives Roqqu an immediate foothold in Kenya's $100 million crypto market and paves the way for further expansion into Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

Founded in 2021, Flitaa had built local traction through deep M-PESA integration, listing lesser-traded tokens, and facilitating 560,000 transactions monthly for a user base of over 72,000. While it struggled with funding and lacked proprietary tech or licences, Flitaa's compliance setup and market access made it a valuable acquisition target.

With the acquisition approved by Kenyan authorities, Roqqu will bypass the country's slow-moving crypto licensing process, which remains under review by regulators. Flitaa will continue operating independently using Roqqu's infrastructure, with Roqqu director Great Onomor taking over as CEO following the exit of Flitaa's leadership.

Daba is Africa's leading investment platform for private and public markets. Download here

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Key Takeaways

Roqqu's acquisition of Flitaa is the first publicly confirmed intra-African crypto M&A deal, signaling a step toward regional consolidation in a market often shaped by fragmented regulation and limited access to capital. The deal highlights how crypto startups are using acquisitions as a strategic shortcut to regulatory compliance and market access, particularly in jurisdictions like Kenya, where crypto regulation is still evolving. By acquiring Flitaa, Roqqu not only enters East Africa's key crypto corridor but also strengthens its pan-African footprint, adding to its presence in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, alongside its EU virtual currency licence. The company, which has not raised external funding, financed the acquisition through internal cash flow, showing financial stability and intent to scale through organic and strategic growth. As local startups like Roqqu double down on in-continent expansion--rather than solely targeting Europe or the U.S.--this deal sets a precedent for other African crypto platforms to consider cross-border acquisitions as viable growth strategies in a volatile regulatory landscape. With major players like Binance and OKX circling, Roqqu's move could signal the start of more aggressive competition and consolidation in African crypto markets.




Haiti - FLASH : The spread of gang violence is a major risk for Haiti and the Caribbean sub-region (UN report)





Between October 1st, 2024, and June 30, 2025, at least 1,018 people were killed, 213 others injured, and 620 kidnapped in the Artibonite and Central regions, as well as in Ganthier and Fonds Parisien.



Since October 2024, the escalation of gang violence outside Port-au-Prince has left more than 1,000 dead and forced hundreds of thousands to flee, threatening to destabilize not only Haiti but also other Caribbean countries, a newly released UN human rights report warned.



Published by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the report details the evolution of gang-related violent incidents between October 2024 and June 2025. It shows that violence has increased sharply in recent months, particularly in the Bas Artibonite and Centre departments, as gangs continue to expand their influence along key routes in the north and centre of the country, as well as towards the Dominican Republic.



"Human rights violations outside Port-au-Prince are intensifying in areas of the country where the state presence is extremely limited. The international community must strengthen its support for the authorities, who bear the primary responsibility for protecting the Haitian population," said Ulrika Richardson, Acting Head of BINUH and United Nations Resident Coordinator.



Between October 1st, 2024, and June 30, 2025, at least 1,018 people were killed, 213 others injured, and 620 kidnapped in the Artibonite and Central regions, as well as in Ganthier and Fonds Parisien, west of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, the report states.



During the same period, the total number of murders in Haiti was 4,864. Between January 1st, 2025, and June 30, 2025, at least 3,141 people were killed.



The report notes that the mass shooting in Pont Sonde (Lower Artibonite) in October 2024, which left more than 100 dead https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43385-haiti-flash-the-partial-death-toll-from-the-pont-sonde-massacre-now-stands-at-115.html , marked a major turning point in the cycle of violence between gangs and so-called "self-defense" groups. Several other massacres followed, causing massive displacement, particularly in the town of Mirebalais (Centre department), which saw more than 100,000 residents flee earlier that year.



Haitian authorities deployed specialized police units, supported by the Multinational Security Support Mission, which helped slow the gangs' advance to some extent. However, due to personnel constraints, they were ultimately unable to maintain control of the recaptured areas.



"The human rights violations and abuses we have documented are further evidence of the urgent need for Haiti and the international community to intervene to end the violence," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.



The expansion of gang territorial control poses a major risk of spreading violence and increasing transnational trafficking in arms and human beings, the report states.



Download the full report (PDF in English, 36 pages) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/2025-july-artibonite-and-mirebalais-EB-1.pdf



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Cooperation : Tour of the French Ambassador to the Great South





The French Ambassador to Haiti, Antoine Michon, recently completed an eight-day tour of the Sud, Nippes, and Sud-Est departments, specifically the municipalities of Les Cayes, Camp-Perrin, Saint Louis du Sud, Aquin, Paillant, Miragoane, and Jacmel.



He took the opportunity to visit several projects funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by various NGOs.



City of Les Cayes :

In the city of Les Cayes, the Ambassador visited the Immaculate Conception Hospital (HIC), where France is providing 8 million through the French Development Agency (AFD) to renovate the maternity and pediatric units through the "Ti Mama 2" project.



He visited Daphnee Claire France, Mayor of Les Cayes, to discuss the situation in the municipality, the reception of displaced persons from Port-au-Prince, France's support for the hospital, and the rehabilitation of the fire station.



Camps-Perrin :

In Camp-Perrin, he participated in the laying of the foundation stone for the Bananier school extension, which will house three additional classrooms and a multipurpose room built to meet earthquake and hurricane-resistant standards. This project is led by Solidarite Laique with the support of the AFD to ensure safe and equitable access to education.



The French diplomat visited a biofortified corn flour processing unit https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45214-haiti-school-canteens-donation-of-processing-equipment-from-france.html . A donation from France to the Organization for Environmental Rehabilitation (ORE) will support corn producers who are partners in the national school canteen program.



Saint-Louis du Sud :

In Saint-Louis du Sud, Ambassador Michon visited the site of a mangrove restoration project in Mesle Bay, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45237-haiti-news-zapping.html , an initiative supported by the Haitian Biodiversity Fund, which is financed by the AFD to the tune of 11 million. This ecosystem is essential to the preservation of coastal biodiversity and constitutes a natural barrier against flooding, in a context of high vulnerability to climate hazards.



Aquin :

In Aquin, the Ambassador met with municipal authorities to discuss the situation there before visiting the site of the Southern Irrigation Support Project (PAIS), which aims to improve access to water resources and the efficiency of their agricultural use in six small irrigated areas in the Plaine d'Aquin and Plaine des Cayes. AFD is providing 13 million in financing for the construction of water intakes on two rivers and more than 15 km of irrigation canals across 1,500 hectares, thereby increasing the incomes of small producers from farming communities practicing family agriculture. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44586-haiti-cooperation-tour-of-the-southern-region-of-projects-financed-by-france.html



Salagnac :

In Salagnac, in the commune of Paillant, a historic site of Franco-Haitian cooperation, the Ambassador visited a project led by the NGO "Un enfant par la main" (A Child by the Hand), which supports farming communities in crop diversification, the construction of rainwater tanks, and reforestation. These projects combine agricultural development, social support, and environmental protection. This initiative has revived the tradition of welcoming young Haitian agronomists who come to study agricultural practices in this mountainous region. In addition, the NGO Groupe d'Action Francophone pour l'Environnement (GAFE) trains students in environmental protection.



Nippes :

In Miragoane, Nippes, the French diplomat participated in the delivery of contingency kits (first aid and emergency) to students from ten public schools located in rural areas and to the Civil Protection Department to prepare for the hurricane season https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45258-haiti-news-zapping.html . This initiative, led by the NGO Solidarite Laique with funding from the AFD, aims to better prepare children and teachers for natural hazards in vulnerable regions.



Jacmel :

The final stop on his tour was in the Jacmel Valley, where he visited a project led by Habitat-cite, which works to promote the right to housing, secure land tenure, and improve housing conditions in rural areas. Also in Jacmel, he met with the French community and staff of the Alliance Francaise and the Albiciade Pommayrac Center, two historic centers of cooperation, to highlight the role of culture and language in dialogue and shared action to promote cooperation.



The French Ambassador to Haiti, Antoine Michon thanks everyone he met during his stay for their warm welcome. He also thanks all the authorities for the warm welcome he received throughout his stay, which demonstrates the vitality of the cultural and historical ties that unite Haiti and France, as well as France's commitment to the development of the country's provinces and local communities.



SL/ Haitilibre


















Monrovia  The Revolutionary National Youth League of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) on Thursday formally endorsed the July 17, 2025, peaceful protest organized by the civil society group Solidarity Trust for a New Day (STAND).

STAND, a grassroots civil society movement, has committed to advocating for justice, including the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia. The group has scheduled the "We the People" protest for July 17, which it says will highlight governance failures, social injustices, and widespread corruption.

While no political party has officially endorsed the protest, the CDC Youth League staged a symbolic march on Thursday. Supporters paraded from the old Ducor Palace Hotel through central Monrovia to West Point, Liberia's largest slum community.

Speaking to supporters in West Point, CDC Youth League Chairman Emmanuel Johnson said the young people of Liberia will not stand idly by while the nation crumbles.

"The Revolutionary National Youth League of the mighty Congress for Democratic Change fully endorses the July 17 'We the People' protest. We stand with the people in resistance to corruption, oppression, and neglect," Johnson declared.

He continued: "We are standing for the hungry who sleep without food, for daughters who suffer in silence, for graduates who roam without jobs, and for families whose cries echo unanswered. We call on every patriotic Liberian--youth, student, woman, worker, mother, and father--to rise in unity and with purpose. July 17 is a national declaration that the people will no longer be silenced."

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Johnson added that Liberian youth will no longer whisper dissent in fear or kneel before oppressive power, but will rise with courage and purpose to confront what he described as the "misrule" of the Unity Party-led government.

He sharply criticized the current administration under President Joseph Boakai, saying Liberia has descended into what he termed "an abysmal state" in less than two years.

"We are witnessing rampant corruption, an alarming increase in sexual and gender-based violence, a breakdown in the rule of law, heightened police brutality and insecurity, deepening economic inequality and hardship, record-high youth unemployment and poverty, a fractured justice system, and a brutal crackdown on freedom of speech and assembly," Johnson asserted.

He lamented that despite Liberia's vast natural resources, millions of citizens continue to suffer without access to clean water, electricity, food, and other basic necessities.

"Those who can afford these basics often do so by leeching off state resources, with utter disregard for the suffering of ordinary citizens. Since the Unity Party government took office, corruption has been visible from the onset--from the questionable funding of the President's inauguration to the illegal procurement of vehicles at NASSCORP by Sylvester Grigsby--due process has consistently been ignored," he said.

Johnson concluded by accusing the Boakai administration of turning a blind eye to corruption, noting that implicated officials are often merely suspended, with no prosecutions or efforts at restitution.
Roaming charges were once an unavoidable part of travelling within Europe. That changed after the European Union banned them inside its borders for European numbers. But outside the EU and for those travelling to Europe from other parts of the world, charges still apply and can reach hundreds of euros, often without warning.

Before boarding the flight from Finland, I turned off roaming on my mobile phone. I also activated a Europe travel eSIM to avoid any charges from my Finnish operator. Throughout the trip, I made sure mobile data and roaming remained off. Yet after returning, I found a roaming charge of more than 70 on my bill. I contacted my operator to dispute it. The charge was removed immediately. I had not used a single kilobyte.

Turkey is a frequent destination for such billing disputes.

Dutch operator KPN faced public backlash after several customers reported large unexpected charges while visiting Turkey. These users had bought data bundles but were still billed extra for calls and texts, with many saying the operators communication was unclear. Complaints focused on the fact that Turkey, not being part of the EU, is not covered by free roaming agreements.

A British traveller reported a charge of over 8,000 after her phone connected to a Turkish network while she was sailing near the Greek islands. Despite not entering Turkish waters, her provider insisted the charge was valid, as the phone had connected to a Turkish signal.

In another case, Shannon Mills, a British tourist, received a bill exceeding 21,000 for data use while travelling in Turkey. Her experience has been widely cited in forums and consumer protection blogs warning against automatic roaming in the country.

Users across networks report confusion. On a Dutch Reddit forum, one user described receiving high charges despite thinking all roaming had been deactivated. The post generated hundreds of comments from others who had faced similar situations in Turkey.

British and European carriers warn that daily data roaming rates in Turkey are not only high, but also easy to trigger unintentionally. In some cases, even receiving a welcome SMS from a local network has resulted in a charge.

UK-based carrier EE has been named in multiple complaints where users said they had data roaming off but were still charged. The provider responded by stating that any data activity, even a minimal system-generated ping, could activate roaming for the day.

Device behaviour may also contribute to the problem.

Complaints on forums for Apples iPhone and Android devices suggest that even with mobile data and roaming turned off, phones can still use small amounts of data. These so-called leaks can occur in the background and are often enough to trigger a full days roaming charge. Users report being billed even when they left their devices in flight mode or unused in hotel rooms.

This raises concerns about how accurately carriers track data usage, and how well they inform users about what triggers a charge. Users report frustration when trying to resolve disputes. Some providers require escalation to a supervisor or ombudsman before offering a refund. Others claim their systems are accurate and deny any fault.

Finnish carriers such as Telia, DNA, and Elisa are also involved in disputes linked to roaming outside the EU. As Turkey is not part of the EU or EEA, Finnish users are charged under non-EU roaming terms. Finnish operators have sought exemptions from EU roaming rules, allowing them to apply higher charges in countries like Turkey.

Public complaints in Finland are rarer but not absent. On Finnish forums and social media, some travellers report being billed despite not using data. These stories often mirror those from other countriescharges applied with roaming off, customer service denying fault, and only refunds after pressure.

According to data from mobile service forums and international travel blogs, several preventive measures are recommended. These include removing the physical SIM card before travel, switching to airplane mode throughout the trip, or using only local Wi-Fi. Installing a local SIM from Turkish operators like Turkcell, Vodafone, or Turk Telekom is also a common suggestion. Local eSIM services are becoming more popular, though they do not always guarantee protection from surprise charges.

Despite these measures, the problem persists.

Even users who follow all guidelinesdisabling roaming, turning off data, and using eSIMshave reported charges. Some cases suggest that mobile devices themselves may be at fault, with system-level background data usage being hard to detect or stop.

The European Commissions official guidance on mobile roaming advises users to double-check settings and avoid relying only on carrier assurances. It also states that charges in non-EU countries vary and may be significantly higher than expected.

Consumer watchdogs in several countries have called for better transparency and stricter requirements for carriers to notify users about charges. Some operators now send SMS alerts when roaming begins, but these are often received after the charge has already occurred.

There is currently no unified rule that forces carriers to reverse charges when data roaming is off. Refund decisions are handled case by case, and outcomes vary widely between providers and countries.

For now, mobile phone users travelling to non-EU countries like Turkey must remain cautious. Even with precautions, there is no guarantee that roaming charges will not appear. Monitoring bills closely and disputing charges promptly is essential. Carriers often reverse them only when challenged.

HT
The fire began during the night in a ground-floor apartment when a misconfigured electric sauna stove switched on unintentionally. The stove overheated after being used with old stones for too long without maintenance. The excessive heat ignited the panelled wall behind the stove.

A fire that killed a mother and four children in an apartment block in Vantaas Hakunila district in October 2023 was caused by an overheating sauna stove and worsened by obstructed exits and delayed emergency response, according to a final report published by the Safety Investigation Authority of Finland (Otkes).

Timo Naskali, lead investigator at Otkes, said that while the fire started in the sauna, the deaths occurred because evacuation failed.

There was a real opportunity to escape, Naskali said in the report. The apartment was on the first floor. But the large corner sofa in front of the balcony door made evacuation from that route difficult.

The victims, a woman and her four children, were trapped inside. The husband survived. The family had working smoke alarms, which were triggered, but the mother reportedly did not understand the significance of the alarm or the visible smoke.

The report notes that the mother, who had arrived in Finland through a family reunification process, might not have been fully reached by integration measures. Naskali added that safety routines common in Finnish homes might not have been familiar to her.

Immigrants arriving through family reunification often rely on the earlier-arrived relative to explain local practices. These safety concepts might not become clear even after years, Naskali stated.

The sauna stove had no visible indicators showing it was active or set to a timer. Many older electric stoves also lack child locks or other modern safety features. The report confirms that the stove in this incident was unintentionally set to activate at night.

Otkes stressed that sauna stones should be replaced according to the manufacturers instructions, typically once per year. Old stones block air flow, which increases the risk of overheating.

Investigators also examined how rescue services responded to the emergency. The report describes a confusing situation. Multiple emergency calls were made, and the emergency centre issued alerts quickly. But due to overlapping messages from police, ambulance, and fire services, the full picture was not clear in time.

Initially, the emergency centre underestimated how many people were exposed to danger. This led to a delay in dispatching enough ambulances. The report also points out broader issues in the areas emergency preparedness.

Hakunila has seen rapid construction and population growth, but resources have not increased at the same pace. Otkes recommends expanding local emergency services and building new fire stations.

The 2023 tragedy bears similarities to a previous fatal fire in Vuosaari, Helsinki in 2016. In that case, four people, a mother and three children, died when a sauna stove turned on due to a timer. The apartment had no smoke alarm, and the stove had no child lock.

After that fire, Otkes recommended adding child safety features to electric sauna stoves. That recommendation has only been partly followed, and older models remain in use without such safeguards.

Investigators urge manufacturers and property managers to take a more active role in promoting maintenance and updating equipment. They also call for clearer guidance on timer use and safety checks.

The fire in Hakunila left a strong impression in the local community. Residents placed candles and a stuffed toy outside the apartment building in remembrance of the victims.

HT
The report identifies that among Finnish-born residents aged 18 to 29, those whose parents were born abroad are more often unemployed or entirely outside the labour force. The same group is also less likely to pursue or complete studies, based on data provided by Statistics Finland.

Young adults with foreign backgrounds born in Finland are less likely to be employed or in education compared to their Finnish-background peers, according to a government report released by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

According to the ministrys definition, a person has a foreign background if both parents or the only known parent were born outside Finland.

There is a growing group of young people with immigrant roots who were born and raised in Finland, yet they are not succeeding in work or study at the same rate as others, Minna Saavala, lead specialist at the ministrys integration unit, said.

Over the past decade, the number of Finnish-born people with foreign backgrounds has tripled from 30,000 to 90,000. Of these, at least 15,000 are aged 18 to 29 and educated in Finland. Most live in the Helsinki metropolitan area, where employment opportunities are more concentrated.

Despite Finnish fluency, jobseekers with foreign backgrounds often face hiring discrimination. Many employers assume non-Finnish names indicate poor language skills.

Jamila Mohamud, a civil engineering professional who now runs a cafe in Malmi, Helsinki, said she was once rejected for a job due to supposed lack of Finnish language proficiency. The employers response cited Finnish skills as a requirement, despite Mohamud being fluent.

She previously worked on the Western Metro expansion project in the capital area and held several roles in engineering design.

Recruitment bias, although slightly reduced in recent years, still impacts hiring decisions, Saavala said.

Employment segregation is also evident in sectoral data. According to Statistics Finlands 2023 figures, immigrant-background workers are most often employed in the care sector. Retail is also a common field of study, though work is harder to secure in that sector.

Sagal Dualeh, aged in her early twenties, was born in Helsinki and aspires to become a doctor. She is currently on a study break. Alongside a friend, she founded a womens organisation aimed at supporting people with immigrant backgrounds.

Dualeh said expectations placed on girls from Somali families can be high, and her mother, a nurse, pushed her children toward further education.

My mother made sure that we kids ended up in upper secondary school, Dualeh said.

Dualeh grew up speaking native Finnish and is part of a second generation of Somali-Finnish youth who often find themselves navigating both cultural and institutional barriers.

Sakariye Ali, 26, moved to Finland as a teenager. He was born in Somalia and raised in Kenya before arriving to live with his sister. He studies social services at Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Vantaa.

Ali held several manual jobs before his studies, including flyer distributor, cleaner, ship cleaner, factory worker, retail staff, security guard, and taxi driver.

He also completed his Finnish military service, which he described as a rare experience of full equality.

During military service, I was proud to be a Finnish citizen. Everyone dressed the same, ate the same food, and followed the same rules. People advanced in their roles based on hard work, Ali said.

After military service, Ali noticed that his Finnish-born roommate quickly gained better access to jobs and opportunities, despite their similar qualifications.

Ali now serves as chair of Somali Students of Finland, a group he founded. He said many immigrant-background students consider leaving the country if the situation does not improve.

Saavala said improving regional employment is also a concern. While jobs are mostly concentrated in Helsinki, she believes opportunities must be extended across Finland.

Better regional employment support is needed for these youth, she said.

HT
When peacekeeping efforts become relevant, we will go into more detail, Orpo said in a phone interview with Finnish news agency STT.

Speaking from the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Orpo said Finlands contribution would focus on training and technical expertise once the war ends.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Thursday that Finnish troops will not take part in combat operations during any future peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.

Big countries like France and Britain will play a central role in peacekeeping. Countries that share a border with Russia will have a smaller role.

Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, shares a 1,340-km border with Russia. Parts of that frontier now feature newly built fencing.

The Ukraine Recovery Conference was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Leaders and representatives from allied governments, international institutions, and business groups attended the two-day event, aiming to coordinate efforts for Ukraines post-war reconstruction.

Orpo said Finland is committed to Ukraines recovery and already plays a key role in providing military and civilian support. He highlighted the presence of several Finnish companies at the conference and said reconstruction deals worth billions had been discussed.

Hundreds of companies, including a dozen Finnish operators, also attended, Orpo said. Billion-euro reconstruction agreements were made at the conference.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that 2.3 billion had already been raised to fund Ukraines post-war recovery. The goal is to reach 10 billion. The funds are intended to restore housing, hospitals, businesses, and energy systems damaged or destroyed since the war began in 2022.

Orpo also addressed a recent report by Reuters suggesting Finland may begin production of anti-personnel landmines for domestic and Ukrainian use. He declined to comment on the specifics of the report.

I can say that the Finnish defence industry in general has very large potential, it's growing rapidly, and cooperation with Ukraine is significant in this regard, he said.

The Rome conference included a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, in which Orpo and Finnish President Alexander Stubb took part remotely. The group discussed ways to enhance Ukraines defence capabilities.

The United States joined the meeting for the first time, a development Orpo called encouraging.

There has been some ambiguity about what the US and President Donald Trumps attitude towards Russia is, Orpo said. The message from the United States now seems to be that they are strongly involved in defending Ukraine.

Orpo noted that recent statements from Trump suggest frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump reportedly expressed dissatisfaction after a recent phone call with Putin.

Clearly, his irritation with Putins continuous war and bombing, and unwillingness to achieve peace has brought about a change, Orpo said.

Orpo added that progress is being made on new sanctions against Russia. He said these should be finalised soon.

We believe the sanctions packages will put strong pressure on Russia and force Russia to the negotiating table, he said.

HT
Police in northern Finland detained two young drivers on Thursday in separate high-speed incidents that led to suspicions of aggravated endangerment of traffic safety.

The first case occurred at around 5pm when a motorcycle patrol officer spotted a motorcyclist travelling well above the speed limit in the municipality of Iis, located north of Oulu.

Police said the motorcyclist accelerated to speeds exceeding 220 km/h after noticing the officer. The rider turned southbound onto an older motorway and attempted to flee.
The report cites hundreds of Airbnb properties in Israeli settlements built on land confiscated from Palestinians.

A report by Francesca Albanese , UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, lists Airbnb among companies accused of contributing to alleged acts of genocide through economic activity in Israeli settlements within the West Bank.

These properties are located in areas internationally recognised as occupied Palestinian territory. The listings are considered unlawful under international humanitarian law and United Nations Security Council resolutions.

According to investigations by human rights groups, Airbnb continues to operate in these settlements despite earlier pledges to remove such listings. In 2018, the company announced it would delist properties in the occupied West Bank, but later reversed that decision. Human Rights Watch said Airbnb retreated from its commitment after lawsuits and political pressure.

Estimates place the number of listings between 200 and 321. Most are located in or near settlements such as Shilo, Kida, Tekoa, Ariel, Esh Kodesh, and occupied East Jerusalem. Some are near the Dead Sea.

Listings include guesthouses, cabins, and lodges often marketed as rural retreats. For example, a cabin on Mount Keida is advertised as a scenic getaway but is built on land seized from Palestinians. In Tekoa, holiday homes are described as offering views of natural beauty, but Palestinians are barred from entering the area.

A report by Al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights organisation, states that the majority of these properties are inaccessible to Palestinian residents due to military and settler restrictions. The group adds that some properties are built directly on land acknowledged by Israeli authorities as privately owned by Palestinians.

Properties listed on Airbnb are often labelled as being in Israel, masking their location within occupied territory. This prevents users from easily identifying settlement listings. The platform does not provide a public filter for properties located in the West Bank.

In one example cited by Human Rights Watch, a guesthouse in Shilo was built on land taken from the village of Jalud. Another, Vacation on Mount Keida, is located in Kida settlement on confiscated land. Similar properties are found in Esh Kodesh, Adei Ad, Amihai, and Ariel.

According to a summary table in the report, the main areas of Airbnb activity include:

Estimated Number of Airbnb Listings Main Settlement Areas Notable Issues 200321 Shilo, Kida, Esh Kodesh, Tekoa, Ariel, East Jerusalem, Dead Sea Built on occupied land, inaccessible to Palestinians, subject to legal disputes

Palestinians are usually not permitted to book or enter these properties. Settlements are often fenced or gated, with roadblocks and checkpoints restricting access to non-residents. The listings therefore serve only Israeli settlers and international tourists.

Amnesty International and other rights groups have condemned the listings as a form of profiteering on occupied land. A 2020 press release stated that Airbnb is deeply compromised by its operations in illegal Israeli settlements.

The listings are part of wider economic activity in the occupied West Bank involving companies accused of supporting the Israeli settlement enterprise. In addition to Airbnb, other firms mentioned in Albaneses report include Booking.com and TripAdvisor, which also list properties in settlements.

Interactive maps published by advocacy groups show the concentration of these properties. Some settlements near East Jerusalem and the Dead Sea have higher densities. For example, Tekoa and Shilo host numerous holiday rentals. Many listings are described as eco-tourism or nature-based experiences.

These properties are built within settlements established in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the transfer of an occupying powers civilian population into the territory it occupies. The International Court of Justice and UN General Assembly consider these settlements illegal.

Despite the legal status, Israeli authorities support construction and expansion in the West Bank. According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, over 700,000 settlers live in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

The UN report places these Airbnb listings within a broader framework of economic support for actions described as contributing to a regime of apartheid and persecution. The report calls for states and corporations to ensure they are not complicit in violations of international law.

In a 2019 update, the UN Human Rights Office included Airbnb on a database of companies involved in Israeli settlement activity. The list was created under Human Rights Council resolution 31/36, mandating the monitoring of business operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Albaneses report was submitted to the Human Rights Council in Geneva in June 2024. It follows months of investigation into corporate complicity in actions labelled as crimes under international law. Her mandate includes reporting on the impact of Israeli policies and practices on Palestinian rights.

The report urges businesses to terminate operations in illegal settlements and align with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It also recommends that states ban trade with settlements and adopt legal measures to hold companies accountable.

A 2021 lawsuit filed in France against Airbnb accuses the platform of discrimination against Palestinians. The case argues that by listing properties on land where Palestinians are banned, the company enforces segregation.

Although Airbnb maintains a public statement on listing in disputed territories, its West Bank activity continues. The company says it applies a consistent approach to listings around the world, but did not provide details about how it verifies land ownership or user access in settlement areas.

In its latest published guidance, Airbnb states that listings in disputed regions are subject to review based on potential risks. The company has not removed the West Bank properties, despite repeated calls from rights organisations.

The ongoing presence of these listings remains part of wider debates on accountability, human rights law, and international business operations under occupation.

HT
The figures were published in a UN human rights office briefing. The report indicates that incidents near GHF sites have frequently involved deadly violence.

Of those killed, 615 died near aid distribution points operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a new organisation launched with support from the United States and Israel.

At least 798 people seeking food aid in Gaza have been killed since the end of May, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Eyewitness accounts and local media have described explosions, gunfire, and stampedes triggered by panic during aid distribution.

The GHF began operating in Gaza in late May. Since then, the locations around its distribution points have seen repeated attacks. The UN has not specified the perpetrators in each case but said that the overall risk to civilians queuing for food is severe and escalating.

Multiple humanitarian organisations have refused to cooperate with the GHF. Among them are the United Nations and Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), both of which have voiced public criticism of the foundation.

UN representatives said that the current aid model involving GHF lacks independence, transparency, and sufficient safeguards for civilians. A spokesperson for Medecins Sans Frontieres said in a statement that the delivery of humanitarian aid must be neutral and must not place people at greater risk of death or injury.

Aid groups and rights organisations have expressed concern that food distribution linked to military or political actors undermines the principles of humanitarian assistance and endangers those seeking help.

The Gaza Strip remains under heavy blockade, and access to basic supplies is restricted. According to UN data, most of the 2.3 million people in the territory are in urgent need of food, medical supplies, and safe shelter.

International calls for a ceasefire and improved humanitarian access have increased over recent weeks, though distribution remains limited and highly dangerous in many parts of Gaza.

HT
Mark Toner, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, retires early citing "a personal choice"

Toner also denies U.S. news media that the reason for President Trump's meeting with President Boakai and four African leaders was to pressure them to take third country nationals, including convicted criminals who are being deported from the U.S.

Toner says there will be no immediate U.S. support for Liberia's war and economic crimes courts

Mark Toner, the United States Ambassador to Liberia, is retiring from his role less a year into what was to be a two-year post. His announcement to embassy staff on Tuesday, came as a surprise, particularly as it came just a day before Liberia President Joseph Boakai secured a coveted meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump along with the presidents four other African countries.

In an exclusive interview with FrontPage Africa/New Narratives on Thursday, Toner insisted his decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with his family after 33 years in the foreign service and not because of any differences with the Trump administration. A Wall Street Journal article on Thursday claimed that Boakai and the other four presidents received a message just before the White House meeting, requesting they take third country deportees from the U.S. to help Trump's campaign promise that he would deport millions of people in the U.S. illegally.

"Like members of the military, diplomats also spend large parts of their career away from family," said Toner, 61, during the interview inside the U.S. embassy. "I made a personal choice that I had to return to be with my family and I don't regret that at all. It has nothing to do with any political choice. I am proud to serve any administration."

People close to Toner said he had not signaled any intention to serve less than the full two years in what was to be his last post in a career that included stints as deputy spokesperson and acting spokesperson for the U.S. State Department during the Obama administration under Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, and Rex Tillerson during Trump's first term.

Experts have speculated that Liberia's inclusion in Wednesday's meeting, along with the presidents of Senegal, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, came in part because of the opportunity Liberia offers America in its economic rivalry with China. Liberia potentially possesses critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, seen as vital to the U.S. technology industry. The discoveries are expected to generate $3 billion in investment. Liberia and China signed an economic and technical agreement in March.

Toner said "China is a strategic competitor. Absolutely," but said the US was "are the partner of choice for Liberia because of our long history, because of our shared history and our shared culture you know, cultural ties."

The news also came just days after the Boakai administration signed a deal with Ivanhoe Atlantic, a U.S.-based company that has a mining concession in neighboring Guinea and plans to ship iron ore from Guinea through Liberia to a new port. The deal, which must be ratified by the Legislature, will allow Ivanhoe to share an existing rail line with Luxembourg-based Arcelor Mittal which has strongly opposed plans for the multi-user railway. In 2024, President Boakai established the National Railway Authority "to oversee and manage Liberia's National Rail Assets," and ensure "the efficient and equitable use of rail infrastructure by all stakeholders, particularly in the mining sector and for the transportation of passengers and goods."

Toner said the deal with Ivanhoe was a sign of the new U.S. administration's change in policy to focus heavily on trade. The Trump administration has slashed aid money to Liberia. The country has seen the biggest cut to aid compared with its economy of any country in Africa.

"This is a U.S. investment. We're able to get over the finish line. I'm celebrating it," said Toner. "I think it's a good thing. The fact that they had the opportunity to close a major trade deal before going to Washington to frankly tell President Trump that 'we did this, that we are open for business' is not necessarily the worst signal to send. And again, talk to anybody involved in these negotiations. This has been under the in the works for many, many years."

Toner insisted the White House meeting was simply a reflection of Liberia's growing clout on the world stage.

"Don't underestimate it. Don't try to see false narratives out of this meeting," said Toner. "The White House reached out to five African leaders and the fact that Liberia was included on that list speaks, I think significantly to Liberia's position both regionally but also globally. Let's not forget Liberia won a non-permanent member status of the UN Security Council. Liberia is one of the strongest and most stable democracies in the region. So, you know, let's not under try to understate Liberia's importance."

Trump has made no secret of his wish to find countries that will take large number of third country citizens that he would like to deport from the U.S. as part of his sweeping plan to deport millions of immigrants in the country illegally. Eight convicted criminals were deported from the U.S. to South Sudan this week after the deportees' lawyers failed in their legal bids to stop the deportations. Liberia has been named on a list of countries that face a travel ban to the U.S. because of its very high rate of visa overstays.

The Trump administration has said that one of the ways these countries can avoid a travel ban is to agree to take the deportees. The Washington Post, a U.S. media outlet, quoting a leaked memo from the State Department, said diplomats at U.S. missions in Liberia and other countries were being asked to work with these countries to accept third country nationals. The Wall Street Journal, another U.S. media, claimed that before the meeting, the Trump administration had requested Boakai and the leaders of the four other countries to accept undocumented migrants from third nation countries, an issue that's been a signature policy of the Trump administration.

"I just don't know that that was brought up in the in the in the actual meeting," said Toner. "What I can say more broadly is this administration is very serious about illegal immigration and they're looking at all kinds of methods and working with all kinds of partners in ways to combat that. And you know, that is a sovereign nation's right. And it's also any nation like Liberia's, right to either agree or not to agree with, for example to take the deportees or others back into their soil. How I feel personally about it is not important."

William Gyude Moore, a Liberian policymaker and international development expert said the issue was "simply a speculation, for now," and that "we have no basis to assume that this will be an American request. However, it is worth preparing for. An agreement of such would very likely require legislative input, so President Boakai can always respond by saying he will have to consult the Liberian legislature."

Moore does not think "all migrants are criminals or security risks. Many of the migrants are simply people who came to this country through irregular means and have lived and worked here for years" and said "It is therefore not a given that they pose a security risk to Liberia. There are also reports that more than 70% have no criminal record."

Toner had bad news for Liberia's push to establish a war and economic crimes court and a national anti-corruption court. The U.S. has been Liberia's key partner in prosecuting and convicting Liberian war criminals for war-related crimes. The previous administration of U.S. President Joseph Biden, which left office in January, had promised to provide funding for the court. But Toner said no funding would be coming from the Trump administration.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia U.S., Canada and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"Not right now," said Toner. "We've provided considerable technical assistance. We're looking at ways we can continue to provide that technical assistance, but no funding now."

But he urged Liberia to press ahead with accountability for past crimes.

"A war and economic crimes court can help in some ways. It can hold people accountable," said Toner. "It doesn't have to be everybody, but it has to hold some people accountable. And by doing that, you send a signal that there is an impunity here, that there is rule of law here in Liberia."

"At some point you need to decide whether the WEC is a priority and if it is, fund it as such. And then from there you can start really putting the pieces together."

On the fight against corruption, Toner said "Liberia has all the right mechanisms" in place in terms of corruption but said the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and the Justice Ministry needed resources to fully operate. He urged the government to task track prosecutions.

The U.S. aid cuts have not entirely ended all U.S.-funded programs. Toner disclosed that "some basic health assistance, that will remain."

"Our PEPFAR program, our malaria program will remain in place as well as our Central Medical Store at least through the foreseeable future, I think, until late next year," said Toner. "And that also delivers life-saving drugs to clinics up country. So, what does remain is mostly humanitarian focused."

Toner's retirement ends a 40-year involvement with the country where he was a peace corps volunteer in the late 80s. He praised the hospitality of Liberians and said he would like to return with is family after his retirement.

This story is a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. Funding was provided by the Swedish Embassy in Liberia which had no say in the story's content.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a strong warning to individuals and organizations masquerading as legitimate anti-corruption entities cautioning that legal action will be taken against those falsely claiming affiliation with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) or the police force.

In a statement, police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi raised alarm over what he described as a disturbing trend of bogus civic bodies exploiting the anti-corruption agenda for ulterior motives.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern visits and purported communication by organizations claiming to be ZACC," said Nyathi. "Some of the alleged trust or civic organizations are being led by individuals of questionable character."

The ZRP stressed that such entities may not be operating in good faith and could, in fact, be undermining the legitimate efforts to root out corruption in the country.

"The Police warns individuals and groups posing as anti-corruption bodies that the law will take its course on anyone conducting operations or activities under the false guise of being aligned to Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission or Zimbabwe Republic Police," Nyathi warned.

The statement comes in the wake of a recent ZACC report which publicly named 15 organizations accused of impersonating the commission.

The named organisations include Act Now Against Corruption, Coalition Against Corruption Trust, Crime Corruption Watchdog Trust, The Government and Anti-Corruption Trust, The Global Infrastructure and Anti-Corruption Centers Trust, The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Citizens Taskforce, Youth Against Corruption and Economic Sabotage Trust, Zimbabwe Corruption Hawks Trust, Zimbabwe National Advocate for Anti-Corruption Organisation Trust, Zimbabwe Women Against Corruption, National Anti-Corruption Organisation, National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe National Anti-Corruption, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Unit, and Zimbabwe National Anti-Corruption.

Commissioner Nyathi called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by groups claiming to be affiliated with official anti-corruption bodies.

He urged citizens to verify the legitimacy of any such organization before engaging with it.
Monrovia  Bong County District #3 Representative Josiah Marvin Cole is facing possible suspension from the House of Representatives following allegations of gross disrespect and disorderly conduct.

The House Plenary is expected to take disciplinary action against Rep. Cole in line with its Standing Rules, based on a report submitted by the House Committee on Rules, Order and Administration.

According to the committee, Rep. Cole's actions violated Rule 42 of the House's Standing Rules, which prohibits disorderly behavior or conduct that brings the House into public disrepute.

Central to the controversy is Rep. Cole's failure to appear before the committee after being summoned to respond to allegations regarding his behavior during a plenary session. Instead, the lawmaker sent a communication stating that he was traveling to the United States and could not appear.

However, the committee rejected the excuse, citing his failure to provide supporting travel documents.

"The committee could not accept Representative Cole's excuse without any evidence or documentation confirming his travel plans. Such actions undermine the integrity of the investigative process and violate the expected standards of accountability from elected officials," the committee stated in its report.

The investigation stemmed from a formal complaint filed by Maryland County District #2 Representative Anthony Williams, who accused Rep. Cole of making disrespectful remarks toward Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah during the July 1, 2025 plenary session.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

In his complaint, Rep. Williams described Cole's alleged outburst as "painful and disgraceful," asserting that it violated both Rules 42.1 and 42.2. He further claimed that Rep. Cole has a pattern of showing disrespect toward fellow lawmakers, including House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.

Following the complaint's reading on the House floor, Grand Bassa County District #4 Representative Alfred Flomo filed a motion to refer the matter to the Rules, Order and Administration Committee, whose findings now form the basis of possible disciplinary action.

This is not the first time Rep. Cole has come under scrutiny for controversial behavior in the Legislature. However, the current charges have escalated tensions among lawmakers, with calls for firm action to uphold the dignity of the House.

Sources within the Capitol say Plenary is keen on setting an example to reinforce discipline and proper conduct among members.

As of press time, Rep. Cole has not issued a public statement. He is believed to still be out of the country, reportedly in the United States.

The House is expected to make a final decision on the matter upon his return.
Created for sound - Owner-audiophile Luis Contreras and designer Patricia Urquiola turn 200 m of lakefront space into a dedicated hi-fi sanctuary.

Championing analogue - Klipsch La Scala loudspeakers, McIntosh tube pre-amp and amplifier, Thorens turntable, and a meticulously rebuilt Revox reel-to-reel deck. With over 500 vinyl recordsand countingthe music is never just background.

Private Michelin experience - Chef Raffaele Lenzi serves tasting menus in-suite, with each course unfolding to a thoughtfully curated musical backdrop.

Living collection - Guests may request favourite albums in advance, with the records joining the library for future listeners.

Inspired by Japan's jazz-kissa - Adapts the quiet-listening culture now trending worldwide to an Italian modernist setting on Lake Como.

This season, Il Sereno Lago di Como introduces its most personal and immersive offering yet: The Darsena Listening Suite. Conceived by owner-audiophile Luis Contreras and brought to life together with designer Patricia Urquiola, this 200 m lakefront sanctuary redefines the travel experience through music. The suite becomes a cultural space where high-fidelity analogue music, tactile contemporary design and Michelin-starred cuisine converge, with the lake as natural backdrop.

Drawing on Tokyo's jazz-kissa listening cafesintimate venues where vinyl is reveredThe Darsena Listening Suite is believed to be the first hotel guestroom anywhere designed entirely around the act of listening.

How a Reel-to-Reel Sparked the Dream

In early 2021, shortly after Italy's lockdown lifted, Luis Contreras found himself transfixed by the gentle spin of a vintage Revox B77 reel-to-reel tape deck during a dinner. That simple, hypnotic loopand the warm, analogue hum that accompanied itinspired him to create a space where guests could truly pause, lower a stylus and immerse themselves in music. Over the next year, he journeyed through the world of high-end hifi, meeting bespoke tubeamp artisans, exploring artisanal systems and combing vintage hifi listings online.

While handcrafted, old-school rigs proved breathtaking, their delicacy and complexity made them impractical for daily hotel use. Equally tempting were classic vintage turntables and speakershigh-end hifi, like fine automobiles, holds its valuebut the unpredictability of older equipment posed too many reliability risks. Ultimately, Contreras chose a hybrid path: modern reissues of iconic designs that deliver classic sound with guest proof stability.

The suite's core system now features Klipsch La Scala II speakers, a glowing McIntosh MC275 amplifier, a MacIntosh C22 Preamp, a Thorens 1601 turntable with Sumiko Amethyst cartridge and the restored Revox deck that sparked the entire vision. To this, he added more than 500 LPs from his personal collectionfrom Deutsche Grammophon box sets to original press Bowieand a promise that any guest's personal favourites will be sought out and added to the library.

Redesigning The Luxury Suite as a Cultural Space

Contreras involved Urquiola in the design, approaching it with the same reverence given to sound. A 50-foot wall of custom-woven jacquard fabric echoes the rippling water while refining acoustics. Rich walnut panelling, sculptural bronze fixtures and a monumental bespoke stone dining table form a theatre of textures and light. Molteni sofas, Gio Ponti Leggera chairs and tactile surfaces create areas for listening, lounging and gathering. Floor-to-ceiling glass blurs the line between interior and landscape, while a private deck with direct lake access invites guests to step out and swim straight from the sanctuary of the Listening Suite.

From the hush of thick fabrics to the cool solidity of stone and the warm embrace of brushed wood, every detail was selected to heighten the senses.

Culinary Artistry: Soundtrack to Dinner

At Contreras' request, Studio Urquiola conceived a sculptural round stone table seating up to ten guests, set atop a richly coloured custom rug and positioned directly before the audio system, with Lake Como unfolding beyond. An evening herewatching the hypnotic motion of the Revox Reel-to-Reel, immersed in music, taking in the lake views, and enjoying Chef Lenzi's refined cuisine alongside a well-chosen Italian wineoffers a sensory experience that is both intimate and unforgettable.

Chef Raffaele Lenzi brings his Michelin-starred Sereno Al Lago menu into the suite, where each dish is served against a backdrop of curated vinyl, perhaps a smoky jazz side to complement a lapsang-infused artichoke, or a Baroque concerto to mirror the rhythm of a delicate Risotto alla Pescatora. The warmth of a vacuum-tube amp deepens the earthy aroma of autumn truffles, while bright string arrangements elevate the citrus-forward seafood crudo.

Each course is experienced as a movement in a larger composition, marked by the quiet, tactile ritual of lifting the tonearm and placing the next record. After dinner, guests may linger over a final sidea bold anthem or a whispered lullabytransforming the suite into a lounge for lingering conversation and reflection.

A Living Concept

Far from static, The Darsena Listening Suite is a living project. Guest-requested records become part of the permanent archive; Contreras's son has already added his own selections, bridging generations through shared music. When not booked overnight, the suite transforms into an intimate venue for private dinners or curated listening salons for up to ten guestskeeping the space as dynamic as the playlists it celebrates.

A Global Rise of Listening Rooms

As vinyl sales surge and travellers seek intimate, acoustically tuned experiences, listening bars and private sound sanctuaries have proliferated from London's Spiritland to New York's niche hifi lounges. Il Sereno extends this movement, embedding jazz-kissa principles into an immersive guest suite with Lake Como's timeless elegance.

Il Sereno: Continuing to Set the Standard in Experiential Hospitality

Since its opening, Il Sereno has distinguished itself through its commitment to design, craftsmanship, and understated luxury. A jewel on the shores of Lake Como, the hotel offers lake-facing suites, heritage Italian furnishings, and unparalleled service. Guests can explore the lake on a handcrafted Ernesto Riva boat, enjoy scenic drives in Maseratis, FIAT 500's and classic Alfas, or discover hidden villages by Vespa or foot. With the unveiling of The Listening Suite, Il Sereno affirms its place at the vanguard of luxury travelnot merely as a destination, but as a curator of culture, a host of meaningful experiences, and a home for those who find beauty in detail.

Rate from $6,300 inclusive of breakfast, plus VAT.

Hotel website
A collection of locally rooted boutique hotels across Mexico, Namron Hospitality has announced the opening of a new hotel in Oaxaca, marking the brand's expansion onto Mexico's southern Pacific coast. Casa Yati is now open, offering a serene and luxurious coastal sanctuary that invites guests to slow down and connect with the ocean and the sun, and surrender to the awe-inspiring nature that surrounds the new bespoke property.

Casa Yati is a soulful oceanfront boutique hotel on Ventanilla's untouched coastline, known as an ecotourism hub. The name 'Yati', derived from the Zapotec word for 'lagoon', is a tribute to the nearby Laguna Ventanilla that lies just steps away from the resort, marking the powerful intersection of land and water. This eight-room retreat designed by Padre Studio offers a pristine escape where the lines between home and hotel blur, allowing guests to experience authentic Oaxaca through art, nature, and human connection. The eight total beachfront sanctuaries are comprised of seven King Suites  four of which boast private balconies and hammocks  and one Signature Suite. Each room provides a serene retreat with panoramic Pacific Ocean views and curated spaces crafted with sustainable materials and decorated with local art and handwoven textiles. With several alfresco spaces designed to foster interactions between guests, Casa Yati celebrates Oaxaca's vibrant artistic spirit, where personal and cultural enrichment collide.

Beyond the accommodations, Casa Yati's kitchen celebrates Oaxaca's rich gastronomy, blending local flavors with global influences, crafted from seasonal ingredients. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, the hotel offers nature-based experiences, including guided lagoon explorations, seasonal whale watching, and plans for a wellness palapa which will be home to mindful guest experiences. Guests can also engage with local artisans and participate in hands-on workshops, discovering the craftsmanship behind local textiles, ceramics, and indigenous arts.

Casa Yati is the latest development exemplifying Namron Hospitality's continued commitment to creating environmentally-conscious and experience-led travel destinations that present opportunities to form meaningful connections between guests and the natural world.

Hotel website
Four Seasons has announced the opening of a new hotel complex in Seville, strengthening its presence in Spain and Europe. The project aims to transform a historic building into a luxury hotel, and marks an important step for the city in the upmarket tourism sector.

A new luxury hotel in Seville

Four Seasons has chosen Seville to open its third hotel in Spain, after Madrid and Majorca. The hotel will be located in the historic Generali building, right in the heart of the Plaza Nueva, one of the city's most emblematic squares.

The project represents an investment of more than 80 million euros and will be completed by the end of 2027, with 60 rooms and suites.

As part of the Group's expansion into upmarket destinations, the future hotel will also offer gastronomic areas, meeting rooms, a wellness area and services tailored to the needs of both business and leisure travellers.

A transformation of historical heritage

The project will involve the complete transformation of the Generali building, constructed in the 1940s by the architect Galnares Sagastizabal. The aim is to make this hotel a nerve centre for luxury tourism in Seville.

The hotel will be designed to fully integrate the city's architectural elements into its design. One of the aims is to renovate the site to make it a model of excellence for top-of-the-range tourism in Spain.

Economic and social impact for the city

The property of Four Seasons in Seville is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, particularly through job creation and the strengthening of the tourism sector.

The Mayor added that 'the city's strategy is based on promoting its heritage, culture and local identity, and the arrival of the Four Seasons is an example of this'. The opening of this hotel will help to raise the profile of the tourism sector and stimulate investment in the city and the region.

In addition to the economic benefits, the refurbishment of the Generali building will help to revitalise the Plaza Nueva and transform the urban landscape, consolidating Seville as a premium destination for investors and travellers.

This project completes Four Seasons' offering in Spain and marks a new phase in its European expansion, consolidating the group's presence in key markets.
opinion

Imagine the following ghastly scenario. Ntate Sam (the Prime Minister) and his fellow coalition travellers decide they want to fire our hard working and indefatigable Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane because he is passing judgments they don't like. Imagine Ntate Sakoane's old peer, former Chief Justice and now Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara, asking him to rule in favour of so and so (just as she - as per own admission - asked DPP Motinyane to not prosecute her coalition's allies - aka Methotjoa Metsing and others). Because he is a principled man, Justice Sakoane flatly refuses. Doing so not only goes against his individual clean conscience - he argues, it also violates his constitutional oath which requires him to dispense justice to all and sundry without fear, favour or prejudice (just as Mme Motinyane argued when asked by Mme Majara to let Ntate Metsing off the hook).

Ntate Sam and his coalition acolytes decide to hound Ntate Sakoane out of office in lieu of his refusal to take political instructions. They inform him of their decision. They institute impeachment proceedings against him.

He argues that the impeachment is vacuous and vindictive (just as Mme Motinyane has done). He exercises his constitutional prerogative to challenge it in the courts. He refuses to go.

While that legal process is playing out, Ntate Sam decides to put the Chief Justice on a so-called precautionary suspension. Ntate Sakoane rightly refuses to go again because Ntate Sam has no authority to unilaterally suspend a Chief Justice. Ntate Sam decides he will do it anyway.

Under the cover of darkness, he dispatches a truckload of police officers to change the locks at Ntate Sakoane's office. The Chief Justice reports to work the next day to deliver his eloquent judgments - as has become his norm - only to find his doors vandalized and him locked out. Not only that. Ntate Sam further orders the withdrawal of the Chief Justice's bodyguards despite purporting to have suspended him on full benefits. The Prime Minister dispatches a truckload of soldiers to Ntate Sakoane's official house to evict him as well. The Chief Justice's young children and wife are traumatized by the violence and decide to jump the border to Ladybrand or Ficksburg.

The Law Society - the repository of legal knowledge - counsels Ntate Sam that what he is doing is the stuff of Animal Farm not a democratic society based on the rule of law. It ultimatums the Prime Minister and his cohorts to change course. They refuse, despite fully knowing that what they are doing is wrong. Left with no option to access his office, the Chief Justice asks for permission to only be allowed to retrieve his briefcase. He then reluctantly retreats to his official home to find it shut as well. He then skips the border to join his family in Ficksburg.

Far away in the United States, this information reaches one Donald Trump, who not so long ago, berated Lesotho as a place of squalor that "nobody has ever heard of" and where strange, ghastly things are always happening. His Secretary of State Marco Rubio - whispers into the US President's ear:

"You were right after all Mr President. Strange things happen in that little place. Just imagine. They have fired a whole Chief Justice without following due process simply because he refused to toe the political line........Why should we bother about such a small wretched place...Let's keep their tariffs at 50 percent to just keep them away..."

Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick walks into the White House and joins in the laugh.

"Imagine, they sent a guy by the name of Mokhethi Shelile who has been trying to talk to me for months to get a favourable deal away from the 50 percent tariff rate.....I have ignored the guy Mr President...He has been here in Washington for eight weeks and he will still not go home....We cannot talk to a government that fires a Chief Justice simply because he has passed judgments they don't like.... Jamieson Greer even let this Shelile guy travel to Pretoria to only see his shadow... Greer had already left (laughter all around). Let's continue showing contempt for this little Kingdom. It's not worth it for us when they so brazenly trash democracy..."

Trump retorts, "Okay guys, let's move on to some more serious issues....Netanyahu is on his way....And our bombing campaign of the Mullahs in Iran has just been completed. We need to review how it all went...(more laughter)....."

Of course, this would all make a very good script for a Hollywood tragi-comedy. Except that this is no laughing matter. It's no comedy. It's real. It's happening in Lesotho. The subject matter is not Ntate Sakoane, for now. But if they succeed with Mme Motinyane, who knows. Ntate Sakoane could himself be next because he has proved to be fiercely independent? Then it could be Mosito? Then who else? Only God knows.

While it is common cause that Ntate Sakoane has no regard for Mme Motinyane, he still must not let this charade succeed. Because after her, it could be him. We already have a bad precedent of Ntate Mosito. When Ntate Mosisili returned to power, he showed no decorum. Instead of celebrating that our indigenous white man had excelled to the pinnacle of the legal profession, Ntate Mosisili set about trying to decapitate Ntate Mosito. While it was bad enough that a man who sits in judgment of all and sundry had not bothered to file tax returns, Scrutator was never convinced that this alone was the real reason of Ntate Mosisili's viciousness against Ntate Mosito. To his credit, Ntate Mosisili did not replace Ntate Mosito with a party apparatchik. He bought a real white man from South Africa (his name eludes me now) with a good reputation on that country's bench. Still the process had been diabolical. And when Ntate Motsoahae returned, he brought back Ntate Mosito and dispensed with that foreign white man (I think the name was Nugent). When after his return, Ntate Mosito started ruling continuously in favour of his suspected bosom buddy (Nqosa Mahao) in the chaotic ABC leadership squabbles, Ntate Motsoahae tried to turn back on his ally. The tragi-comedy was at play again. This time, Ntate Motsoahae did not succeed. It was Ntate Motsoahae who subsequently fell on his sword.

There is something tragic about a country that does not show respect for its public constitutional offices. The reason why these offices are constitutionally protected is because of their centrality to the promotion of the democratic project.

Scrutator holds no brief for the diminutive Motinyane. In fact, if there are a lot of things she can do better in her office. And if she has committed any of the crimes alleged by Ntate Sam and his fellow travellers, then she must explain herself before a properly constituted tribunal. The only problem for now is that the whole bid to impeach her smacks of petty vindictiveness.

By Mme Nthomeng's own admission (as per court papers) she indeed asked Mme Motinyane to drop all charges against her bosom buddy (one Methotjoa Metsing). That was crass. It was crude. It was all wrong. The DPP must never take political instructions. She was right to rebuff Mme Nthomeng.

One Knorx Molelle fell on his sword for labelling this admission by Mme Nthomeng "idiotic".

The reason why I wrote at that time that Ntate Knorx had gone over the top in his insults of his political bosses was because when politicians tell the truth - especially in a country like ours where honest politicians are as rare as rare earth minerals - they surely should not be excoriated for that. By admitting that she indeed tried to influence the DPP, Mme Nthomeng had done the right thing.

I had hoped this impeachment thing would end with that admission. It no longer made sense for Ntate Sam and Co to proceed with the impeachment in light of that admission. If they did, they would be merely confirming the vindictiveness underpinning their unlawful actions.

If they did, they would effectively confirm Ntate Knorx's charge that they were not properly wired in the skulls. How else can any government be so brazen to admit that it asked a DPP to drop charges against a suspected criminal - already in court - and after she rightfully refused - as per her constitutional calling - they then tried to impeach her. Even the most moronic peasant residing under a rock in a remote village in Qacha will see the brazenness and the crudeness. That's not what democracy demands. When you botch a process without achieving a desired result, the best thing is to take a deep breath, relax and wait for the next opportunity to resume the process and then try to get the result.

The coalition government could have done itself a huge favour if it had waited on Mme Motinyane's next mistake and then pounced. By now proceeding with the impeachment after admitting an illegal act (that 'M'e Nthomeng asked her to drop charges against her friend), Ntate Sam's coalition cut its own throat. Ntate Knorx might as well be feeling vindicated. Who can blame him.

Kudos to the regularly comatose Law Society for standing up for what is right. The constitution is clear on how a DPP should be removed from office. A Prime Minister cannot simply wake up and decide to suspend a DPP. It's probably frustrating for the government that Mme Motinyane has resorted to her own version of Stalingrad tactics to thwart her impeachment.

Ntate Sam and allies had no option however. They just had to wait for the legal processes to play themselves out. After all, that is what democracy demands. Follow the rules. They are now stuck in a battle they will probably not win, especially at the apex court. Ntate Mosito knows the pain of being hounded out of office. This will be an opportunity for him to put politicians in their place. To show them that the constitutional safeguards to protect public officer bearers were not put in for decoration only. They must be respected.

This is not to say DPP Motinyane is the best thing to have ever happened to Lesotho since sliced bread (for those who can actually afford the bread). There are many things wrong with her office. I have often spoken out against her office's cavalier attitude in letting of murderers, robbers and rapists on easy bail terms. Many of them never to return to court. Yet I remain unconvinced that the DPP is the cause of the paralysis in the criminal justice cluster. The DPP is at worst a mere microcosm of a larger problem in a dysfunctional criminal justice system of a dysfunctional Kingdom. The rot starts with a wretched, inept and corrupt police force, before extending to the DPP and the judiciary itself. It's a systemic issue not to be blamed on one pint-sized young woman. Let's never forget Ntate Matela Matobakele's prophetic words that the LMPS has for long been a tragic joke. For a whole leader of a country's army to state such publicly is no small matter. Instead of firing one Holomo Molibeli - perhaps the most useless policeman to ever donned that blue uniform - and prove they were serious about reforming the LMPS after taking over in October 2022, the RFP coalition instead let Molibeli see through his contract. Meanwhile under Molibeli's watch, crime spiralled out of control. They ultimately handed over a poisoned chalice to Ntate Matsoso. Let's see how far he will go. It is trite that in any civilized society an effective criminal justice system begins with an effective police force able to probe and produce viable (prosecutable) dockets. The same could never have been said of Molibeli who presided over the most corrupt period in the history of the LMPS. It's fitting that a country of only two million souls earned the moniker of number six in the world's homicidal stakes under Molibeli. To now try and lay all the blame for a dysfuntional criminal justice system on a diminutive hardworking woman is simply disingenuous. In fact by going after the Metsings of this world, Mme Motinyane had proved her mettle. She is the only African prosecutions head to ever charge a sitting President or Prime Minister (aka Motsoahae). On my ranking, she is the best DPP Lesotho has ever had, her many other failures notwithstanding.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Lesotho Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Ntate Sam decided to leave his billions in business and enmesh himself in the rough and tumble of politics partly because - in his own words - Lesotho was on the throes of becoming a failed state - a virtual banana republic. Sadly - and very sadly - when a government sees it fit to hound a constitutional office holder out of office in the deplorable style in which 'M'e Motinyane's case is being handled. When a government of a republic sees it fit to send a truckload of police officers to arrest a low type politician of Ntate Tsepo Lipholo's calibre, not to even mention arresting a comedian like Tjekatjeka for merely complaining that promised jobs are not materializing fast enough, then that Republic (in our case Kingdom) is well on its way to becoming a banana. Ntate Sam had promised the exact opposite (to stop us from slipping away into a precipice on top of the banana peel). If I were him, I would spend my time creating those 70 000 jobs he promised to youths only a while ago than besmirching myself by arresting the likes of Lipholo and Tjekatjeka and bastardizing the office of a hardworking woman like Mme Motinyane.

Ache!!!
Pacifica Hotels announces the appointment of Gus Laliotis as its new Vice President of Food & Beverage. A dynamic and respected leader in hospitality, Laliotis brings decades of expertise, operational excellence and a signature warmth rooted in his Greek heritage.

Most recently, Laliotis spent 20 years with Evolution Hospitality, where he was instrumental in shaping the company's food and beverage identity. He played a pivotal role in launching the iconic Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, one of Evolution's most complex F&B ventures. As Vice President of Food & Beverage, he helped define and elevate Evolution's portfolio of hotels, infusing each with a strong, distinct culinary perspective. From concept development to banquet operations and beyond, his impact was transformational.

A natural mentor, he is beloved for his ability to cultivate talent and elevate teams. His leadership has guided countless chefs and F&B directors to flourish in their careers. Laliotis leads with heart and a deep sense of purpose, inspiring those who work alongside him.

Beyond the kitchen, Gus and his wife Karrie share a love of food, travel, and familyespecially their frequent visits to Greece and time spent cooking together. Gus is also a proud father of three: Jordan, Chase, and Acaciaeach named after one of his favorite wines or wineries, a fitting nod to his lifelong passion.

As he begins this next chapter with Pacifica Hotels, Laliotis brings not only a wealth of experience, but a spirited approach that will help shape the future of F&B for the company and its guests.

For more information on Pacifica Hotels, please visit www.pacificahotels.com.
JA Resorts & Hotels has announced a key appointment to its leadership team as part of its strategy to enhance brand positioning and elevate guest experiences - Shanadi Liyanage has been named cluster director of marketing for JA Ocean View Hotel and The Manor by JA.

Liyanage brings over a decade of experience in luxury lifestyle marketing to her new role. Previously with The Dubai EDITION and other leading hospitality concepts, she has developed impactful campaigns and brand collaborations, including with Netflix's Dubai Bling and Bravo TV's Real Housewives of Dubai. Originally from Sri Lanka, Liyanage studied business and social entrepreneurship at Antioch University in California. Her expertise spans gastronomy, mixology, fashion, music, and design, which she plans to channel into shaping JA Ocean View Hotel as a lifestyle-led destination within JBR.
Tim Hansen, Vice President of Sales  Hotels & Resorts at Agilysys, joined us at HITEC 2025 to talk about the companys impressive growth, the evolution of tech stacks in hospitality, and the delicate balance between automation and human connection.

What is driving Agilysys growth?

Hansen attributes the companys 19% revenue growth to the success of its modernised product suite, what Agilysys calls its ecosystem. Our existing customers used to buy one or two solutions. Now theyre buying multiple , he says. With 35 integrated products, Agilysys positions itself as a one-stop shop for hotels looking to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences.

New business is also coming in because of this unified ecosystem , he adds. We just closed a deal where we replaced seven vendors with one: Agilysys .

One vendor or best-of-breed? The industry is shifting.

On the ongoing debate between unified platforms and best-of-breed solutions, Hansen sees a clear trend: Historically, people avoided putting all their eggs in one basket. But now, more hoteliers prefer fewer vendors, if those vendors can do more, and do it well.

He argues that a connected stack improves not only efficiency but also the guest journey. When everything is integrated, you know the guest is arriving late, has a dining reservation, or booked a spa treatment. You can adapt and respond in real time .

The Book4Time acquisition: strategic and timely

Agilysys recently acquired Book4Time, adding 1,800 spa clients to its ecosystem. 800 of those had never purchased an Agilysys product , says Hansen. Its a big opportunity for cross-selling and growth, but also a chance to deepen our spa expertise with a strong, knowledgeable team .

Does automation go too far?

Hansen draws a clear line between task automation and replacing human interaction. The magic of hospitality is people , he says. Automation should free staff from repetitive tasks, not replace their ability to engage with guests.

He sees technology as a way to enable hotel staff to focus more on soft skills: You want them spending time creating experiences, not staring at a screen .

Empowering people, not replacing them

Responding to concerns that some tech companies are prioritising cost-cutting automation, Hansen is pragmatic but cautious. Startups often promise to make things more efficient by removing people. But in hospitality, great guest experiences are made by people .

Still, he acknowledges that automation can be appropriate in limited-service properties where human contact is not expected. In some cases, the best guest experience is the lack of experience. You just want to get in, get online, and rest.

About Agilysys

Agilysys exclusively delivers state-of-the-art hospitality software solutions and services that help organizations go beyond what they can accomplish with traditional property management systems (PMS), point-of-sale (POS) solutions and food and beverage inventory and procurement systems. Modern, state-of-the-art solutions work standalone to provide best-in-class capabilities, or together in a coordinated ecosystem that unifies data and workflows across a property, to equip staff members to delight guests, improve efficiency and grow margins. www.agilysys.com
IDS Next, a global leader in hospitality technology, has collaborated with Salesforce, the worlds #1 AI CRM, to transform customer support by deploying Agentforce, Salesforces autonomous AI agent. With this integration, IDS Next becomes the first hospitality ERP provider to embed autonomous AI directly into its product portfolio, ushering in a new standard for intelligent, always-on support in the industry.

By embedding Agentforce into its suite of hospitality software, IDS Next enables real-time, in-product support for employees and customers, eliminating the need to navigate separate support portals. The AI agents autonomously retrieve data, generate task plans, and execute resolutions, significantly accelerating response times and elevating service quality. The integration also enhances internal productivity. New hires can now access operational knowledge instantly, reducing onboarding time and improving ramp-up for support teams.

As a pioneer in SaaS for hospitality management, IDS Next covers both the front and back-end of operations, offering a full-stack enterprise platform and mobile-first solutions for diverse sectors, including hotels, restaurants, wellness, events, and banquets. The company already boasts a holistic support ecosystem, including 24/7 availability, local and online service, multilingual communication, and two disaster recovery centres in India and Sri Lanka. By collaborating with Salesforce, IDS Next now leverages the applications unique ability to adapt to changing conditions and operate independently to handle repetitive tasks more efficiently.

The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, and AI is at the heart of that transformation. With Agentforce, we are supporting forward-looking companies like IDS Next to reimagine customer service by embedding intelligence and automation into every interaction. This collaboration demonstrates how AI can go beyond efficiency to unlock truly personalised, proactive service, turning support teams into strategic drivers of customer success. Arun Parameswaran, EVP & Managing Director for Sales & Distribution, Salesforce  South Asia

AI is enabling businesses to automate work, allowing employees to focus on the critical, high-value tasks that truly drive success.

With this latest milestone, we aim to enhance our customer service, delivering faster response times, personalised experiences, and proactive solutions that elevate customer satisfaction. Reeves Mathews, Vice President  Global Customer Success & Professional Services at IDS Next

This development is a natural progression in our commitment to providing our customers with the most efficient and advanced tools in the hospitality tech space. Innovation drives everything we do at IDS Next, and we want to help ensure our customers have access to the most powerful and efficient tools available today. Binu Mathews, CEO of IDS Next

About IDS Next

IDS Next is the largest provider of hospitality solutions in emerging markets, offering comprehensive full-stack ERP solutions for hotels, restaurants, wellness, and banquets and events sectors. Today, the company powers 300,000+ rooms, 220+ hotel chains, 25,000+ POS outlets and 300+ wellness and leisure venues, 6500 + banquet venues across 50+ countries. Seamlessly integrating with 350+ world-class technology partners, IDS Next leverages industry expertise and a customer-centric approach to deliver cutting-edge solutions that keep clients competitive in an ever-evolving global market. Trusted by renowned hospitality brands such as Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, Choice Hotels, and Louvre Hotels Group, IDS Next spans Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Rim. For more information, visit www.idsnext.com.

View source
Philadelphia, PA  HHM Hotels today announced a bold restructuring of its leadership team, introducing a wave of strategic promotions and appointments across operations and commercial divisions. These moves are designed to accelerate performance, elevate owner relations, and prepare the organization for the next chapter of growth.

These appointments reflect HHM Hotels commitment to building a high-performance culture by investing in the exceptional talent that drives our business forward and ensures that future and current clients benefit from the expertise and deep market knowledge. Dani Elhachem, COO, HHM Hotels

The portfolio will now be overseen by a stable and growing group of Executive Vice Presidents. Promoted to EVP of Operations were Cathy OBrien, Hiram Negron, and Doug Wilkins, a group of seasoned and talented hospitality leaders. Ray Perez continues to serve in his current capacity as EVP of Operations. Marsha Ray, Executive Vice President, Head of Canadian Operations, was hired in a move that will further enhance the companys already strong Canadian foundation and position it for significant future growth.

This is not business as usual. Our leadership team is committed to driving long-term owner value and performance. And I am happy to do it with so many internal elevations plus industry-leading outside talent excited to come be a part of HHM Hotels. Naveen Kakarla, President & CEO of HHM Hotels

These leadership appointments complement the accelerated growth of HHM Hotels commercial team. With Raul Moronta joining as Chief Revenue Officer in late 2024; the company is taking a bold step toward unifying revenue management, distribution, marketing, and E-commerce efforts. As part of the commercial evolution, Lindsey Johnson was elevated to Senior Vice President, Head of Sales, to lead all hotel sales initiatives.

This new structure for our operating company allows us to act faster, provide deeper support to our on-property teams, and maximize performance in every segment and market , Elhachem added.

These moves reflect the companys continued focus on operational excellence, technology-forward innovation, and deep alignment with the interests of its owners, partners, team members, and guests.

About HHM Hotels

HHM Hotels is an award-winning hotel management and investment company that operates over 235 full-service and select-service hotels across the United States and Canada. HHM Hotels is in virtually every major hospitality market from coast to coast, and is a leading manager of Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG hotels, while also operating over 50 independent luxury and lifestyle hotels. HHM Hotels' highly experienced and stable operating team is known for being nimble, accountable, and entrepreneurial in how they drive market-leading results for owners including publicly traded companies, private equity firms, and family office investors. Additional information can be found at hhmhotels.com.
Independent hoteliers are bombarded daily with technology vendors pitching miracle solutions. Everywhere you turn, theres another acronym, another platform, another promise to "transform" your propertyif only you buy their product first.

This endless noise makes it challenging for boutique hotels to know where to invest. And so, predictably, most retreat to what feels safe: they prioritize the property management system (PMS) as their top technology investment. Studies published in the HFTP to Hotel Tech Report show that hotels prioritize the PMS.

It seems logical. After all, the PMS runs operations. Its the beating heart of the hotel, right?

But heres the truth no vendor is eager to tell you: your PMS is there to manage rooms and operations. It isnt designed to convince a guest to choose you over an OTA or to make your experience irresistible. And if your PMS includes a booking engine, its certainly not built to optimize the guest journey or prioritize conversions.

PMS arent built to create the momentum your business needs to growit helps you deliver whats already been sold.

And if youre serious about competingand staying independentits time to flip this mindset.

The Fallacy of"Get the Basics Right First"

For years, hoteliers have been told to get the basics right first, which really means making sure the back office is perfect before you even think about sales.

So they wait. Wait for the perfect PMS before investing in their direct sales channels. Wait for a full integration before launching marketing campaigns. Wait for operational perfection before trying to grow revenue.

Meanwhile, guests arent waiting. Theyre online right nowsearching, comparing, making emotional decisions about where to stay. If youre not convincing your guests to book with you, they are booking with an OTA thats offering them everything: discounted rates, mobile-only offers, 24 hour cancellation. You deal with it operationally, and pay a hefty commission for your own guests.

Boutique hotels dont need to stay in wait mode anymore. Most hotels have the basics right. Technology has evolved. Integrations that used to take months now take hours. Most PMS keep rates, availability, and bookings in sync in real time.

This idea that you need a flawless back-office before you can sell is eroding your margins.

The OTA Playbook (and Why Hotels Should Steal It)

OTAs grew explosively by putting their resources into guest experience, marketing, and conversion. They focused on making booking easy, persuasive, and emotional. They concentrated on owning the guest relationship.

Its time for independent hotels to rebalance that approach. Activate revenue first. Build a high-converting website and booking engine. Craft personal, compelling offers. Make mobile bookings effortless. Run campaigns that deliver real value. Thats what generates the margin to reinvest in everything else.

A Revenue-Driven Strategy That Delivers Results

The hotels that are winning focus on sales firstbecause thats what creates the margin to improve everything else. Heres what a results-first approach prioritizes:

1. Brand & Experience:

Strong storytelling and targeted segmentation ensure you speak to the right guests at the right time. A clearly defined brand and story that targets a specific audience is also more personalized, memorable, and keeps your guests coming back for more. Whether youre a hotel for sports lovers or a hipster boutique for artists, your differentiation should be clear evident online.

2. Revenue Activation:

This starts with making it easy for guests to book direct. This means a high-converting booking engine built for all devices, a compelling website that showcases your hotels unique story and experiences, and smart campaigns from time-sensitive to seasonal offers that drive traffic and bookings without relying on OTAs.

3. Margin Expansion:

Direct-first pricing strategies put you in control of your revenue. Focus on offers that encourage longer stays and increase average daily rate (ADR). Personalize add-ons to the stays to increase overall ticket size and margin ensuring every booking is more profitable.

4. Data & Intelligence:

Turn your data into a competitive advantage by leveraging business intelligence tools, forecasting, and AI to understand demand trends, set smarter prices, and make decisions with confidence.

At GuestCentric, we see how boutique hotels in our portfolio that adopted a revenue-driven mindset routinely generate more than 50% of their revenue from direct bookings.

Take a boutique hotel in Lisbon that opened in 2022 with no prior brand recognition or online presence. The property invested early in direct sales. It built a high-converting booking experience, ran targeted campaigns, and delivered exclusive value to guests who booked directly. The result? It doubled direct sales in two years, from 20 to over 40%.

With that margin, it can reinvest in the guest experience, staff, and yesgradual upgrades to operations. It didnt wait for modernization to grow. It grew so it could modernize.

Your Hotels Success is about Putting the Guest First, from Start to Finish

At the heart of your hotels strategy, one thing matters above all: the guest. Their experience doesnt begin at check-in. It starts the moment they find you online. That first impressionyour website, your storytelling, your brandsets the stage for everything that follows.

Independent and boutique hotels already know how to deliver exceptional hospitality once the guest arrives. Thats your superpower. But you cant stop there. You need to get more guests through your door by winning their hearts before they ever set foot in your lobby. That means inspiring them, making them feel understood, and making it irresistibleand easyfor them to book directly with you.

At the end of the day, your story IS your advantage. Tell it well. Make the emotional case for why guests should choose you over a cookie-cutter chain or a faceless OTA listing, create urgency, build desire, and remove friction.

The Call to Action for Boutique Hotels

Independent hotels are the soul of hospitality. Theyre unique. Theyre personal. They deliver experiences that chains and OTAs can only dream of replicating. But too many are paying a tax on their own creativity by giving away bookings because they didnt prioritize the online experience of their guests or direct sales.

Its time to flip the tech stack, prioritize revenue, invest where returns are fastest, and above all, put your guests first. Build guest relationships and then, use those returns to modernize operations and sustain long-term growth.

Thats how independent hotels stay independent. Thats how boutique properties can punch above their weight. And thats how you stop paying commissions for your own guestsand start building a business that pays for itself.

About GuestCentric

GuestCentric is a leading provider of cloud-based digital marketing software and services that help extraordinary hoteliers promote their brand, drive direct bookings and connect with customers on all digital platforms. GuestCentric's all-in-one platform provides hotels with the only unified solution for managing their guests' online journey: award-winning, high impact websites; an integrated, easy-to-use booking engine; social media marketing and publishing tools; a GDS chain code and a channel manager to offer rooms on Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia, Galileo, Google, Sabre, TripAdvisor and hundreds of other channels. GuestCentric is a proud provider of solutions that maximize direct bookings to hotel groups and independent hotels from collections such as Design Hotels, Great Hotels of the World, Leading Hotels of the World, Relais & Chateaux, Small Luxury Hotels and Small Danish Hotels. GuestCentric is featured on Skift Travel Tech 250, a list of the top 250 travel tech companies shaping the modern-day travel experience.

Melissa Rodrigues

Content Manager

+35 196 157 3854

GuestCentric Systems

View source
MMGY Survey Highlights Shifts in American Travel Trends Amid Economic Challenges - Image Credit MMGY



MMGY's latest report indicates a shift in American travel habits, with increased road trips and AI usage amid economic uncertainties.

MMGY has released its 2025 "Summer Edition" of the Portrait of American Travelers report, providing insights into how U.S. travelers are adjusting their leisure travel habits in response to economic challenges and global uncertainties. The survey, which included responses from 4,500 U.S. travelers, highlights a continued commitment to leisure travel, albeit with evolving preferences and behaviors.

The report reveals a notable increase in road trips, with 64% of American travelers having embarked on one in the past year. This marks the highest level of road trip activity in over a decade. Millennials and Gen Xers with children are primarily driving this trend, attracted by the flexibility and affordability that road trips offer. The Pacific Coast Highway has emerged as a popular route among these travelers.

In addition to road trips, the use of artificial intelligence tools for travel planning is becoming more mainstream. The report notes that 42% of leisure travelers now utilize AI-powered tools, such as ChatGPT, to assist in planning their trips. This represents a 14% increase from the previous year. While Gen Z and Millennials are leading the adoption of these technologies, human recommendations remain twice as trusted, indicating that AI is viewed as a supplementary planning tool rather than a replacement.

The report also highlights a growing interest in cannabis-related vacation experiences, with 39% of travelers expressing interest in such activities. This trend is particularly strong among Gen Z and Millennials, with nearly a quarter of interested travelers not being regular cannabis users. Activities such as visiting cannabis shops and farms are cited as popular choices, although these opportunities are limited to certain states.

Furthermore, the concept of luxury travel is transforming. While 34% of travelers identify as luxury consumers, spending patterns are shifting. There is a noted decline in demand for high-end accommodations and restaurants since 2024, while premium airfare remains a non-negotiable component of luxury travel. This suggests a redefinition of what constitutes luxury, with travelers prioritizing certain aspects of their journey over others.

The "Summer Edition" of the Portrait of American Travelers report provides a comprehensive analysis of these trends, along with detailed data on travel advisors, family travel, and diversity. The report is available for purchase or through a subscription to MMGY's research platform.
Hilton Expands Florida Presence with 500th Hotel Opening - Image Credit Hilton



Hilton has surpassed 500 hotels in Florida, with nearly 140 additional properties in development, focusing on lifestyle brands.

Hilton has announced it has surpassed 500 operational hotels in Florida, marking a significant expansion in the state. This growth is supported by the company's focus on lifestyle brands, including the upcoming introduction of Tempo by Hilton in Florida. The company plans to continue its expansion with nearly 140 properties in the pipeline.

In 2024, Florida recorded a historic 143 million visitors, highlighting the state's appeal as a travel destination. Over the past decade, Hilton has nearly doubled its presence in Florida, catering to the diverse needs of travelers with a variety of brands. The company's lifestyle brands, such as Curio Collection by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Canopy by Hilton, and the soon-to-launch Tempo by Hilton, are central to this growth strategy.

Hilton's expansion plans include the debut of Tempo by Hilton in cities like Pensacola, St. Petersburg, and Fort Myers. Additionally, new Canopy by Hilton hotels are planned for Miami's Brickell area and Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas, complementing the existing property in West Palm Beach. The Tapestry Collection by Hilton is also set to double its presence in Florida with developments in St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, and Daytona Beach.

Recent additions to Hilton's portfolio in Florida include properties such as THesis Hotel Miami Coral Gables and The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, both part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, as well as Castillo Real St. Augustine Beach from the Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

Hilton's relationship with Florida dates back to 1982, and the company has steadily increased its footprint across the state. Currently, Hilton operates hotels under 17 different brands in Florida. The company's future plans include nearly 140 properties in development across 15 brands. Notable upcoming projects include luxury developments like the Waldorf Astoria Miami and the Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort, along with the full-service Hilton Miami Bayfront.
Rendering of the Kimpton Bali Ubud Hotel - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts



IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement to open the first Kimpton hotel in Indonesia, located in Ubud, Bali, by early 2026.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to introduce the Kimpton brand to Indonesia with the opening of Kimpton Bali Ubud. This will be the first Kimpton hotel in the country and is scheduled to open in early 2026. The hotel will be located in Ubud, Bali, marking IHG's first property in this cultural region.

The development is a result of a management agreement between IHG, PT Mustika Adiperkasa, and GHS K.K. The hotel will feature 101 rooms and will be situated along the WOS River, within walking distance of Ubud Palace. The location is approximately 90 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.

Kimpton Bali Ubud will include three restaurants and a cafe/deli, as well as wellness amenities such as a gym, spa, and swimming pool. The hotel will also introduce the restaurant IMAMURA, in partnership with GHS K.K., offering Japanese dining led by Michelin-starred Chef Imamura.

This development is part of IHG's strategy to expand its luxury and lifestyle presence in Indonesia. The company currently operates 31 hotels in the country, with an additional 11 in the pipeline. Kimpton Bali Ubud will join IHG's existing portfolio, which includes properties like Regent Bali Canggu and Six Senses Uluwatu.

Advertisement



The introduction of Kimpton in Ubud aligns with a trend of travelers seeking diverse experiences across different regions of Bali. The hotel aims to provide a unique experience in Bali's cultural and spiritual heart, complementing the existing options available to visitors.

IHG's expansion in Indonesia reflects the growing demand for luxury and lifestyle accommodations in the region. The company's partnership with GHS K.K. is expected to strengthen its presence in the market and offer more choices for travelers visiting Bali.

Kimpton Hotels' entry into Indonesia is part of its broader expansion strategy, which includes upcoming openings in locations such as Kuala Lumpur, Frankfurt, Marbella, Riyadh, Hainan, Crete, and Hong Kong.

The new Kimpton Bali Ubud is expected to attract culturally curious travelers with its proximity to attractions like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and Ubud Palace. The hotel aims to offer a balance of cultural immersion and relaxation for its guests.
Wait!

Before you go

Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

* I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Rwanda's push to expand digital literacy at the grassroots earned international recognition this week, with the country's Digital Ambassadors Program (DAP), implemented by the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), named one of the Champion Projects at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

The programme, which relies on ICT-savvy youth as apprentices to train citizens on how to use digital devices, was recognized on Monday, July 7, in Geneva, Switzerland, during an event that marked the 20th Anniversary of WSIS since its inception. Rwanda's Ambassador to Switzerland, Urujeni Bakuramutsa, received the award on behalf of the government.

Millions of Rwandans have been impacted by the programme, according to official statistics.

In this article, The New Times highlights five key facts about the project.

1. Eight years of operation

The Digital Ambassadors Program was launched in September 2017, in line with the government's digital transformation agenda under the first National Strategy for Transformation (NST1). The programme's goal was to boost the number of digitally literate citizens, focusing on transforming rural communities and promoting the use of e-government services.

ALSO READ: NST1: How has Rwanda fared in achieving seven-year plan?

Through the programme, citizens are trained to use smart devices, navigate e-government platforms, access financial services, do business online, and practice digital safety. According to RISA, these skills have helped improve livelihoods through increased use of digital tools, better access to services, and greater digital inclusion.

DAP has helped form digitally literate and skilled populations by supporting job creation and increasing access to information, internet services, ICT infrastructure, and applications that support online services, officials say.

2. Contributed to a 45% rise in digital literacy

At the time of its launch, less than 10 per cent of Rwandans had basic digital literacy. With a target of reaching 60 per cent by 2024, DAP has trained 3,262,869 citizens between 2017 and 2024. As a result, the national digital literacy rate rose to more than 75 per cent by October 2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

ALSO READ: Rwanda's digital literacy surges to 75%

"This recognition by WSIS+20 underscores Rwanda's commitment to inclusive digital transformation and highlights the DAP model as a replicable approach for other nations seeking to bridge the digital divide. It celebrates our journey towards a digitally empowered society," RISA said after the announcement of the award. "The Digital Ambassador Program is a transformative model that equips citizens with the necessary skills to engage with digital tools and services."

ALSO READ: Expansion of Irembo services must go hand in hand with digital literacy

3. Employment for secondary school and university graduates

The programme recruits ICT-skilled youth from secondary school graduates or university alumni as digital ambassadors. Starting with just 50 ambassadors during its pilot phase, it has since expanded to more than 2,000 active ambassadors and 60 district-level supervisors, with support from various development partners.

DAP provides youth with opportunities to upskill, gain experience, and contribute to community development, RISA said. It recruits young graduates as apprentices and places them at the local level. A digital ambassador coordination team oversees the program centrally, while district-level supervisors support implementation on the ground.

ALSO READ: Digital literacy: Over 100 'digital ambassadors' to be deployed

4. One of five projects submitted by Rwanda

Rwanda, through RISA, submitted five projects for the WSIS Prizes: the GIGA Project, the African Girls Can CODE Initiative (AGCCI), Digital Ambassadors Program (DAP), Hanga Hubs, and the Connect Rwanda flagship initiative. The Digital Ambassadors Program was recognized as a WSIS Champion Project.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Rwanda By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Globally, 90 outstanding projects were selected as WSIS Prizes 2025 Champions from hundreds of entries, representing initiatives that are advancing digital transformation and inclusive growth across different sectors and countries.

5. Target of universal digital literacy

In line with the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the Digital Ambassadors Program is now working toward achieving universal digital literacy by 2029.

The programme has supported several national campaigns and initiatives, including Byikorere , Twagiye Cashless, Connect Rwanda, the automation of Umurenge SACCOs, the digital skills holiday program, and the FAO Rwanda Digital Villages project.

It has also contributed to the upgrade of the National Population Registry, the adoption of e-Kash and EBM systems nationwide, and supported community health workers, officials said. DAP is expected to continue expanding its impact with further collaboration and engagement at national and international levels, including with ITU.
Mayor Jennifer Macksey cuts the ribbon on The Annex, the festival's black-box theater at the former Price Chopper complex. Heartbeat Opera's Artistic Director Jacob Ashworth and Executive Director Christian De Gre Cardenas speak at the ribbon cutting. Clockwise from bottom, WTF's Raphael Picciarelli and Kit Ingui, Williams College President Maud Mandel and state Rep. John Barrett III. PreviousNext

Williamstown Theatre Festival Cuts Ribbon on North Adams Venue



David Moresi, left, and Adrian White inside the theater. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Workers were busy inside The Annex on Thursday morning, getting the black-box theater ready for the summer season seven days away.

Outside, officials were ready to cut the ribbon to mark the first expansion of the venerated Williamstown Theatre Festival.

"We purchased this center in 2020 as a strategic step in expanding our footprint and giving us more flexibility. We were intending to build a scene shop right there in the Price Chopper. But the pandemic kind of put that plan on pause," said Kit Ingui, managing director of operations and advancement. "This year, as our programming has expanded, we realized we needed a new home for some of our projects, and a new vision for this space took hold."

The theater festival, which calls the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance at Williams College home, is opening The Annex in space formerly occupied by a Rent-A-Center within the old Price Chopper complex.

The theater will host an opera, a dance, a storytelling musical and a late-night series starting at 11 this first year.

Raphael Picciarelli, managing director of strategy and transformation, described it as a part of a "radical reimagining for the festival."

"This venue is a real leap forward. It's not just a new building, it's really a sign of the festival's growth and evolution, and it really reflects our commitment to year-round programming, to how we want to engage with the community in the future, creative risk taking that's always been at the center of this institution," he said. "For the first time ever, we are putting up eight full productions at once."

This is just phase one of the transformation, which included demolition, signage, electrical and lighting and core infrastructure. The next phase will be to expand the backstage, add a box office and other public spaces. Moresi & Associates has been overseeing the work along with Production Director Adrian White.

"The truth is, this idea really started a little more than six months ago, and yet, here we are with a performance space, so it's pretty remarkable," Picciarelli said.

Mayor Jennifer Macksey welcomed the festival to North Adams, recalling her first "remarkable experience" at there as a guest of Christopher Reeve because she exercised his horse.

"That's where I think I first began my love for all the work that you do," she said. "North Adams loves and encourages a creative community, one powered by the arts. We've seen creativity in our downtown. We've seen creativity in our neighborhoods, and now we expand into State Road.

"The Annex isn't just a building. It's a promise. It's a commitment from the theater to not only work with the city of North Adams, but to harness all that creative ability that we here have locally and bring new people to our region."

State Rep. John Barrett III said it was another aspect of the creative economy and a great day for not only North Adams but Northern Berkshire and the entire county. "The perseverance in this area, you've all captured it, and we're very proud to have you here and be part of this new, I say new, growing, I should say, economy that we have here."

Williams College President Maud Mandel said the Williamstown Theatre Festival to her is "the wonderful adventure that takes place next door to my house every summer," and one that takes less than 10 minutes to walk to.

"So I'm a little sad to move down the road, but also super excited by this wonderful evolution and development for the theater festival," she joked. "Obviously, Williams is the longtime partner and beneficiary of this extraordinary summer festival, and it's been, in my own personal role, really wonderful to be on the board and part of watching this evolution occur.

"But I think today really marks a new day. It's really a tremendous milestone. So I offer Williams' formal congratulations, as well as my personal congratulations to everybody who made it happen."

The gathering had a look inside the building, where the staging was being installed and the seating put in place. Wires, equipment and ladders were scattered around but the interior but Picciarelli said the doors would be opening for invited dress rehearsals and preview performances.

One of the first productions at The Annex will be an adaptation of the Pulizer-winning opera "Vanessa," from Heartbeat Opera.

The opera company's Artistic Director Jacob Ashworth and Executive Director Christian De Gre Cardenas joined the early-morning ribbon-cutting celebration.

"I do feel like everything that's going on in this space is very inspiring," said Ashworth, whose mother babysat Gwyneth Paltrow when she was a festival apprentice. "You just heard today, it's really the promise of this festival, the promise of the Berkshires themselves, and what I've always sort of imagined as what can happen up here, which is that you can give artists a space to work, and somehow this whole community comes around them and says, 'Yeah, we want that. And we want that to happen here.'"

The gothic "Vanessa," despite being a hit in the 1950s, has had "a troubled reception history," he said. "Williamstown was really excited to partner with us and try to really ask big questions about that and figure out why this piece hasn't really made it in the world the way that it should. And here's such a perfect ground to give it another shot and to do something new with it."

Cardenas said he felt very supported by the festival and that "this theater already looks nicer than most of the Off Broadway theaters I've worked in, and it's a really incredible space."
HVA Selects Next Executive Director

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  After conducting a national search, the Board of Directors of The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) announces that Timothy B. Abbott will be HVA's new Executive Director.

He succeeds Lynn Werner, who retired on July 1, 2025, after 42 years with the organization and 30 years as its Executive Director. Abbott has 27 years of conservation leadership experience in western Connecticut and eastern New York with national and regional conservation nonprofits, including 17 years at HVA, where he most recently served as Conservation Director.

In making the announcement, James H. Maloney, Search Committee Chair and President of the Board of Directors of HVA said:

"Tim Abbott is an outstanding environmental leader who has both high-quality experience and very notable success," he said "The HVA Board of Directors is highly confident that Tim will make a dramatic and substantial contribution to the wellbeing of the tri-state Housatonic River watershed as our new Executive Director. We are delighted with Tim's selection to this organization role."

Abbott is a well-known and respected conservation leader who grew up in Dutchess County, New York, and began his land protection work with The Nature Conservancy in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. He is an appointed member of Connecticut's Natural Heritage, Open Space and Land Acquisition Review Board and a member of the Steering Committee of The Nature Conservancy's Staying Connected Initiative. During his long tenure with HVA, he has championed the federal Highlands Conservation Act, and he represents HVA as Connecticut's nonprofit member of the four-state Highlands Steering Committee. A skilled fundraiser, effective advocate and creative problem solver, he created and led HVA's Litchfield Hills Greenprint Collaborative, an innovative regional conservation partnership among northwest Connecticut's land trust community. He holds an M.A. in International Development from Clark University and a B.A. in English from Haverford College. He was the winner of a J. William Fulbright Scholarship in 1997.

"This is a time of tremendous opportunity for HVA and conservation urgency for our region," says Abbott. "The climate crisis is a paramount concern, and HVA's Follow the Forest and Clean, Cold & Connected conservation programs represent vital and effective ways to make an impact at local and regional scales. I'm excited to work closely with my HVA colleagues, our Board, supporters and conservation partners to advance these and other conservation initiatives across the watershed and beyond."

The 1.248-million-acre Housatonic River watershed encompasses parts of 83 communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York and contributes 11 percent of the fresh water that enters Long Island Sound. It includes habitats as ecologically diverse as fens and seepage swamps, extensively forested uplands and a tidal estuary. Some of its villages have fewer than 2,000 people, while more densely populated areas and significant cities include Danbury, Waterbury and Pittsfield. The intersection of human communities with natural ones is at the core of HVA's work, and the organization specializes in strategic, collaborative conservation action with a wide range of partners.

"HVA's strategic plan for climate adaptation and resilience," says Abbott, "recognizes the need to adapt bridges and culverts to accommodate both increased water flow and wildlife, to protect and connect forest habitat and allow for safer wildlife passage between them, to enhance riparian area and wetland conservation and to ensure that everyone has access to nature, wherever they live in the watershed. This work must continue regardless of fiscal headwinds or volatile public policy frameworks. HVA has always been solution-oriented, and that will serve us well as we and our conservation partners advance this vital work."
Jake's Java marks one year in Lanesborough with an eye to expansion. During its anniversary in June, Jake's Java dedicated a bench painted by a local artist to Marine Capt. Ross Reynolds, a Leominster native, who also died in an Osprey accident. PreviousNext

Jake's Java Celebrates One Year



Jake's Java services Jake Galliher's favorite coffee -- an iced caramel macchiato. LANESBOROUGH, Mass.  Jake's Java recently celebrated its one year anniversary.

"It's been really great. It's been incredibly emotional. It feels like a community hug. Being able to talk about the boys and have a legacy and memory for each and every one of them is really an amazing part of Jake's Java world here," owner Kim Krautter said.

Krautter said she wants people to see the coffeeshop as a place of love and fun. It was opened last year in honor of her son, Jacob Galliher, who lost his life during an Air Force exercise in 2023. He'd talked with his family about opening a coffeeshop  similar to the one where he met his wife, Ivy  when he got out of the service.

She opened Jake's Java in his honor last June and the day was a memorial not only the late staff sergeant but also to the seven other crewman on his Osprey, which was operating with the call sign Gundam 22.

"Jake's Java is a place of love and community and positivity. It's a place where I would like to see the growth being everyone comfortable coming here, whether it's a little one running through a sprinkler or a senior playing croquet. Jake was often pulling people together, of all dynamics around the community, and I want to continue that," Krautter said.

"I also have been venturing outside these walls a little bit and doing a little bit of catering. I've done some graduation parties with charcuterie boards providing like a continental breakfast for weddings this summer. And we have other ideas of growth too and to be continued on that part."

The coffeeshop has had some challenges during the winter season but is pulling out of it with the better weather.

"Being in hospitality in the Berkshires, as I've been for over 20 years. I know that winters can be really tough in the Berkshires for any type of hospitality," Krautter said. "We have the drive-through and the picnic tables, but we don't have indoor seating, so the winter was long, and then came May, and everything opened back up. We're seeing the tourists, we're seeing the community come back out, and a lot of familiar faces and people that are connected to Jacob coming."

During its anniversary in June, Jake's Java dedicated a bench painted by a local artist to Marine Capt. Ross Reynolds, a Leominster native.

"He was a Marine who lost his life also in an Osprey mishap in March of 22. Ross' family and I became connected through Military for Friends Foundation, and it felt fitting to celebrate Ross' life and dedicate something to him on our one year anniversary," she said.

Krautter says she wants Jake's Java to have an impact on this community by honoring Jake and other service members because it's important to always speak their names and listen to their stories.

"For me, for people to never forget my son, Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher, there's something to be said about saying their names every day and talking about them every day, that their legacy will continue and their memories will always be here," she said. "Jacob was incredible. He was 24 years old. Accomplished a lot in his lifetime with he was an airborne linguist who spoke Mandarin. He had two children, and I quickly learned that all eight of Gundam 22 have a very similar story, and making sure that we're able to share that and talk about each one of them every day."

Among the coffeeshop's popular drinks are cold brew and auto drip. Krautter said the baristas love to have fun with the drinks.

"Our cold brew is the best. I often hear that you can't go wrong with the auto drip either with Jake's Java. When we go away, we have to bring it with us, because we're spoiled now, our baristas have a lot of fun with making different lattes and different flavored drinks," she said. "We had some Girl Scout drinks that they were doing that was a fan favorite, and Jacob's favorite was a caramel macchiato. So that is right up there as well."

Krautter also says some of their breakfast items are favorites as well, especially the pulled pork.

"Our bagels do come from a New York bakery, so they're baked in New York and delivered every morning. So I really do love our bagels. A highlight that people often come for are our apple fritters and our Cinnabons. Pulled pork is another big one. People love the pulled pork breakfast sandwich."

She hopes to expand the coffee line as well as bring Jake's Java to more communities, including "J-cups," the Jake's version of K-cups.

"I'll wait and give you the name at a later date, but it will honor all eight Gundam 22 heroes, and it's something we're hoping to get going at a large production scale and hopefully go national with it," she said. "I'm also looking into the possibility of a food truck. I would love nothing more than to have a Gundam 22 food truck that we can travel to different bases and get out into broader than Berkshire County."

Krautter would love to see Jake's grow and to educate about military sacrfice and Gundam 22's legacy, pointing how it grew the connection with Reynolds and his family.

Jake's Java is located 20 Williamstown Road with summer hours from 7 to 2 daily. Breakfast is served all day.
Life rarely stays in one lane, and sometimes, the shift is a beautiful thing. Late-night study sessions can lead to academic awards and medals. Weekend side hustles can grow into full-time dreams. Even those random ideas that come up while stuck in traffic or brushing ones teeth can blossom into creative content, passion projects, or even businesses.

From brain fart ideas to milestone wins, the realme 14 Pro Series 5G is built to keep up with every kind of moment

Through every transition, the realme 14 Pro Series 5G stands quietly supportive, ready to grow with whoever holds it. Whether its the high-end realme 14 Pro+ 5G or the solid and stylish realme 14 Pro 5G, both are designed to complement every moment.

Aesthetics that Never Go Out of Style

Good design never screams. It settles in naturally, on a cafe table, beside a laptop, or in someones hand like the Suede Grey and Pearl White colorways of the realme 14 Pro Series 5G. They dont beg for attention, but they never go unnoticed. The Pearl White variant even adds a playful twist, with a cold-sensitive back that shifts to a marbled blue below 16C.

Beyond the surface, both phones offer immersive visuals. The realme 14 Pro+ 5G features a 6.83" quad-curved OLED display with 1.5K resolution, while the realme 14 Pro 5G comes in slightly smaller at 6.77" with a curved FHD+ OLED screen, providing fans with stunning clarity and rich contrast when watching or gaming.

Performance That Understands Ambition

From launching a brand to juggling school and side hustles, the realme 14 Pro Series 5G is built for the ambitious. The 14 Pro+ 5G, with its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, handles heavy tasks with ease, while the 14 Pro 5Gs Dimensity 7300 Energy chip is perfect for daily use. With up to 512GB storage, 26GB dynamic RAM, and a 6000mAh battery, both phones deliver all-day performance. For quick top-ups, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G features 80W fast charging, reaching 50% in under 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the 14 Pro 5G offers 45W SUPERVOOC charging, which is fast enough to power up during a coffee break.

A Camera System That Captures Small and Big Wins

Not every photo is about aesthetics. Some are about moments  messy, meaningful, blink-and-youll miss-it moments.

The realme 14 Pro+ 5G is equipped with a triple Sony camera setup, including a 50MP OIS main lens, a periscope-style telephoto lens for an impressive zoom range, and an ultra-wide lens for capturing travel days and group shots. Whether its shooting golden hour portraits in BGC, a photo of someones newly opened cafe, a medal, or a wacky shot with the gang, the results feel sharp, vibrant, and clear.

Meanwhile, the realme 14 Pro 5G also delivers beautiful shots with its 50MP main sensor, enhanced by realmes powerful AI modes such as Snap Mode (for capturing fast-moving subjects), AI Ultra Clarity 2.0 (for instantly removing blur), and yes, even Underwater Mode that lets users record videos underwater at depths of up to 1.5 meters.

Built for the Unexpected

Life throws curveballs. Rainstorms during errands. Spilled drinks during editing sessions. Beach sand, dusty roads, or the dreaded bathroom drop. Thats why both phones carry IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, meaning theyre dust-tight and water-resistant, even against high-pressure water jets. Add military-grade shock resistance and TUV Rheinland certification, and fans get a smartphone thats not just stylish, but also built to perform, rain or shine.

The realme 14 Pro 5G is available for P21,999, while the flagship realme 14 Pro+ 5G retails for P27,999, in all partner stores nationwide. As part of realmes freebie giveaway promo, every purchase of the realme 14 Pro Series 5G until July 18, entitles buyers to get a free realme Buds T310 or realme Buds T300 worth up to PHP 1,999.

For the latest news and announcements about the realme 14 Series 5G, visit the brands official website and follow its Facebook page.
As morning mist lingers over a residential compound, a mother places her toddler in a stroller.

After activating an auto-follow mode, the Xiaokabu automated smart stroller glides silently behind her like a loyal nanny, gently avoiding pebble paths and puppies.

When she crouches to wipe her childs face, the stroller halts. As she resumes walking, it follows without delay.

It drives itself! So convenient! an elderly person exercising nearby exclaims.

Initially sceptical about its safety, the mother had worried the stroller might wander off track. But she has been delighted to learn that it functions seamlessly and safely.

This futuristic scenario happened recently in Pingxiang county of Xingtai, a city in Hebei province  a hinterland area that produces a huge proportion of the worlds strollers.

Yet the birthplace of this cutting-edge baby carrier traces its roots back to humbler beginnings.

In the 1970s, Pingxiang was a small county where a bicycle was more than just a vehicle  it was a symbol of prosperity and a coveted item in the three essentials for marriage. The other two were a sewing machine and a wristwatch.

However, for ordinary people, especially those in rural areas, acquiring a bicycle was no easy task due to its high price and the scarce supply.

They were like the Ferraris of today, recalled Chai Cunliang, 66, president of Pingxiang County Toy and Baby Products Trade Association.

However, necessity is the mother of invention.

Finishing touches are made to baby strollers on an assembly line in Pingxiang in April ( ZHAO YONGHUI / FOR CHINA DAILY )

Two resourceful locals, Pan Baose and Pan Baochun, took matters into their own hands when one of the mens sons needed a bicycle to fulfil his marriage obligations.

They gathered parts from various sources, including substandard components from relatives working at bicycle factories in neighbouring Tianjin city.

In a dusty shed, they assembled the countys first no-name bicycle  a two-wheeler with a rickety frame locals dubbed heilaohu or Black Tiger.

Word spread like wildfire about the pairs initiative.

This initial endeavour gradually spread, and bicycle parts trading markets began to emerge, Chai said. These markets gradually helped Pingxiang grow into a significant bicycle parts trading hub.

From its humble beginnings, the county gradually developed into a bicycle and child vehicle industry cluster that now produces bicycles, child vehicles and toy vehicles, as well as their parts.

Pingxiang county now stands as a powerhouse in the bicycle and child vehicle industry, boasting over 8,000 upstream and downstream enterprises, according to the local government.

It produces about 50 per cent of the nations and 40 per cent of the worlds bicycles and child vehicles, with products exported to over 100 countries and regions, statistics show.

In recent years, a growing number of foreign merchants have travelled to the county to inspect and purchase bicycles, strollers and components.

Ilhomjon Turdikulov, a buyer from Uzbekistan, visited Pingxiang on 10 June to purchase bicycle parts, and stayed in the county for about a week.

The parts I bought last time have sold out, so I came for some new ones, he said, adding that the components he purchased in Pingxiang are very popular in his country. His previous journey was in March.

Turdikulov is an old friend of Qin Shaopeng, sales manager of Xingtai Yakexi Bicycle Co in Pingxiang, which produces bicycles and strollers, and parts for bikes, strollers and tricycles.

We have known each other for four or five years, and he (Turdikulov) always comes to us at least twice a year, Qin said. Years ago, foreign purchasers only bought 100 bike parts or so each time they visited. Today, its at least 300 or 400, he said.

Customers like Turdikulov learn about the county through trade shows or are introduced to its products by friends and colleagues. E-commerce platforms are also helping local businesses go global.

The county has hosted 19 consecutive expos to showcase its bicycles, child vehicles, and toys. The latest exhibition in March attracted more than 1,500 companies from inside and outside the province and customers from around the globe, with 4.15 billion yuan (424.1 million) in orders made, according to local government data.
Fuelled by diverse application scenarios and strong innovation momentum, China has emerged as a prime destination for foreign investment, underpinned by broad strategic advantages amid profound shifts in the global economic landscape, said heads of foreign corporations.

Highlighting that the country has become a key hub for business model experimentation and technological innovation, they said China will remain a priority market for future foreign investment, particularly in areas such as electrification, digital transformation, green development and trade-in services, as many of such companies actively expand their presence abroad.

According to a report on foreign firms released by the Beijing-based Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation in mid-June, these enterprises continue to increase their investment in Chinas high-tech manufacturing sector this year.

The strategic layout of future cutting-edge industries by foreign businesses in China not only brings capital and technology, but also promotes Chinas industrial leap through industrial chain reshaping, international resource coordination and localised innovation, according to the report.

One such company is French industrial conglomerate Schneider Electric. The group, backed by its China AI (artificial intelligence) innovation labs, has been actively promoting the integration of AI technologies with application scenarios across industries such as manufacturing, building, infrastructure and data centres, aiming to accelerate digital transformation and the shift towards low-carbon growth.

Yin Zheng, executive vice-president, China and East Asia operations at Schneider Electric, said that as a key driver of global economic growth, China boasts a vast market and a solid industrial foundation.

The development of new quality productive forces is speeding up the creation of innovation-driven digital and green productivity, offering broader development opportunities for multinational corporations in the field of high-tech sectors, said Yin.

For the next step, we will continue to build digital, green and global ecosystems to empower small and medium-sized enterprises to innovate and help Chinese companies expand into international markets, he added.

Similar views were shared by Nathan Stoner, chairman for China at Cummins Inc, a United States-based engine manufacturer.

We are currently undergoing adjustments and transformations in our business, not just in components, but also in our operations in China. Our goal is not only to serve the Chinese market, but also to support Chinese automakers in their global expansion, said Stoner.

For instance, some Chinese automakers are expanding in Southeast Asia, Europe and other regions, and Cummins is keen to assist them in developing their overseas business, he added.

Cummins will launch next-generation products, including electric motors, electronic controls, e-drive systems and integrated controllers  as well as power electronics  in the country next year.

The actual use of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Chinas high-tech industries reached 109.04 billion yuan (11.09 billion) in the first five months of 2025, with FDI rising 146 per cent in the e-commerce services sector, 74.9 per cent in the aerospace equipment manufacturing sector and 59.2 per cent in the chemical pharmaceuticals manufacturing sector, year-on-year, said the Ministry of Commerce.

Investment from the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea and Germany increased 60.9 per cent, 10.3 per cent and 7.1 per cent, year-on-year, respectively, during the five-month period.

In a shift from industrial investment to people-to-people exchanges, Air New Zealand, Air China and Tourism New Zealand announced a partnership in late June aimed at strengthening travel from China to the island country.

Air New Zealand will invest more than $700,000 (510,000) in marketing through this partnership in China over the next 12 months.

This is an opportunity to further stimulate travel demand to encourage growth in inbound tourism from China to New Zealand, said Greg Foran, CEO of the Auckland-based airline, adding that the carrier expects to see a 33 per cent increase on a yearly basis in premium seats on the Shanghai-Auckland route from October.
Chinas first domestically developed 2-tonne electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is expected to obtain airworthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China by the end of 2025, according to a senior manager of the developer.

Matrix 1, a five-seat eVTOL aircraft independently developed by Zhongshan FCourier Aviation Technology Co Ltd, a professional industrial-grade unmanned aerial system provider based in Zhongshan, Guangdong province, completed its maiden flight in October 2023.

The large eVTOL aircraft received an acceptance for airworthiness application from the CAAC in January last year, becoming the first accepted 2-tonne aircraft in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Pre-sales of the eVTOL aircraft have already commenced, with potential orders in place, said Zhou Ping, the companys director of government public affairs.

The aircraft, featuring a composite wing configuration and operating solely on electric power, can fly 155 miles on a single charge at a speed of 124 miles per hour.

In the future, boarding an all-electric air taxi will allow for a 15-minute flight from Tanzhou to Shiqi town in the city, said Zhou.

In addition to the eVTOL aircraft, the company has also launched a series of industrial-grade drones, represented by the E6A drone, which have been widely used in areas such as maritime anti-smuggling, emergency firefighting and energy facility inspections.

Industrial-grade drone applications are experiencing explosive growth, ranging from firefighting emergency rescue to agricultural planting and protection, said Zhou.

The company has demonstrated a strong development momentum, with its annual output value doubling in 2024, according to Zhou.

The E6A, with its independently developed innovative technology, can accomplish missions even in extreme scenarios of water, power and network outages, according to Huang Ziyu, a structural engineer at the company.

The E6A drone can fly over 310 miles after just one hour of charging, taking off and landing smoothly even in light rain and strong winds of up to level 7, said Huang.

To accelerate the development of low-altitude industry, local authorities have started construction of a low-altitude industrial park in Tanzhou town of Zhongshan, which will include research and development, production and testing of the industry.

The Greater Bay Area (Zhongshan) Low-Altitude Economic Industrial Park has already entered the renovation phase, with an expected official launch by the end of 2025.

FCourier will establish its eVTOL aircraft production factory and test flight base in the park, with an estimated annual output value of about 840 million yuan (85.8 million) upon completion.

Zhongshan, at the western bank of the Pearl River, has currently developed 33 companies engaged in the low-altitude economy sector, collectively generating sales revenue exceeding 5.7 billion yuan (582.5 million) in 2024, according to local government statistics.

The first cross-sea low-altitude logistics commercial route in the Greater Bay Area has been officially launched at the Hongchang Logistics Park in Xiaolan town of Zhongshan.

Presently, Zhongshan has opened two low-altitude commercial logistics routes, linking to Shenzhen and Zhuhai, respectively, with an average of 10 daily flights on each route.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Chinese fighter jets allegedly flew dangerously close to Japanese surveillance aircraft over the East China Sea twice this week, prompting Tokyo to issue a formal diplomatic protest and express serious concerns about the risk of accidental collisions.

According to Japans defence ministry, the two incidents involved Chinese JH-7 fighter-bombers making unusual approaches to Japan Air Self-Defence Force YS-11EB electronic intelligence planes during routine missions in international airspace on Wednesday and Thursday, according to a report in Japan Times.

In both cases, the Chinese jets came as close as 30 metres to the Japanese aircraft, raising alarm in Tokyo over what officials called increasingly provocative behaviour by Beijing.

The first encounter occurred on Wednesday morning, when a Chinese jet flew within 30m laterally of the ASDF plane. The following day, a second close pass was recorded, with the fighter jet closing the distance vertically, again to just 30m.

Tokyo said the aircraft remained in dangerously close proximity for prolonged periods  up to 15 minutes on Wednesday and around 10 minutes on Thursday, according to Bloomberg.

The Japanese defence ministry has described the actions as abnormal and said they posed a real danger of mid-air collision.

Such unusual approaches by Chinese military aircraft pose a potential risk of accidental collision and have raised serious concerns, the ministry said in a statement.

No damage was reported, but the Japanese foreign ministry said vice foreign minister Takehiro Funakoshi summoned Chinese ambassador Wu Jianghao to lodge a formal protest and demand a halt to such manoeuvres, according to Associated Press.

In early June, Chinese J-15 jets operating from the Shandong aircraft carrier also flew very close to Japanese P-3C maritime patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean ( Japan's Ministry of Defense )

In early June, Chinese J-15 jets operating from the Shandong aircraft carrier also flew very close to Japanese P-3C maritime patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean, around 45 metres away at one point, and even crossed directly in front of one aircraft at a distance of just 900 metres, a move that could easily have resulted in a high-speed collision.

Chinese military aircraft and coastguard ships have intensified operations near the Senkakus in recent months, and both of Chinas aircraft carriers were spotted conducting joint exercises in the Pacific for the first time last month, a move viewed by Japanese officials as a further expansion of Chinese naval capabilities.

China has not made a statement on this weeks events, but in the past has accused Japan of conducting surveillance activities close to its military operations and claimed the right to defend its interests.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Taiwan's army on Thursday displayed the fire power of its first US-sourced M1A2T Abrams tanks  a traditional weapon that analysts say will need to be increasingly protected against drones in any future battle given lessons from the Ukraine war.

Four Abrams tanks were shown manoeuvring across a mud-choked army training ground in Hsinchu county, firing at moving and static targets, on the second day of Taiwan's annual military exercises that are designed to test the island's resilience in a conflict with China.

Wearing a combat helmet, president Lai Ching-te observed the firing, saying later that with "every increase in the military's combat power, the nation and its people gain an extra layer of security".

"Whether in terms of strike capability or mobility, it was extremely powerful and undoubtedly the strongest tank on the battlefield," Mr Lai said.

Senior military officials in Lai's government say they intend the comprehensive 10-day drills to show both China and the international community, including its key weapons supplier the U.S., that Taiwan is determined to defend itself against any China attack or invasion.

open image in gallery Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, center, inspects a live-fire shooting training in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, Thursday, 10 July ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

China views the democratically governed island as its own and has intensified military pressure around Taiwan over the last five years.

Mr Lai's comments also come ahead of a recall parliamentary election on 26 July that could see his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) take back control of the legislature.

The tanks are among the first batch of 38 Abrams main battle tanks delivered in December, with the rest of the 108 ordered by Taiwan due to be delivered later this year and next year.

They marked Taiwan's first new tanks for 24 years.

Analysts and regional military attaches say that while the Abrams remains a potent and highly adaptable weapon that would help Taiwan defend its cities and coasts in an invasion scenario, Taiwan will have to leverage its counter-drone technology to protect them.

Both Russian and Ukrainian tanks, including US Abrams supplied to Kyiv, have reportedly proven vulnerable to drones and advanced anti-tank weapons.

open image in gallery Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, center left in second row, poses with soldiers during a live-fire shooting training in Hsinchu County, Taiwan ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The tanks have yet to be fully commissioned and Wednesday's test firing was not a formal part of the Han Kuang drills, which are designed to replicate full battle conditions at sea, on land and in the skies, military officials said.

Major General Chou Kuang-i, who heads the 584th armour brigade, said he expected the tanks to be in service later this year and deployed to combat zones according to "the current enemy threat and the tactical needs".

Singapore-based military scholar Thomas Lim said he expected Taiwan would attempt in a war scenario to cover their "prized assets" with counter drone elements, or also deploy them from high positions for extra protection.

"This isn't straightforward...but it isn't a problem unique to Abrams," said Mr Lim, of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

President Lai said that he believed that through "realistic combat training", the M1A2T tank will "be able to integrate with drones and innovative tactics to more effectively fulfill the nation's strategic objectives".

China's defence ministry on Tuesday said that Taiwan's drills were "nothing but a bluff".

open image in gallery M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks are prepared for a military live-fire shooting training in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, Thursday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Alongside the military drills Taiwan authorities are holding civil defence rehearsals to test public reactions and build resilience.

Local supermarket chain PX Mart held evacuation drills in three stores on Thursday, with shoppers escorted into basements as air raid sirens sounded.

Deputy secretary-general of Taiwan's National Security Council, Lin Fei-fan, said the drill is a reminder that both government and civil society must be prepared for 'every kind of situation', citing the challenges and risk facing the island.
 Close The British victims of Air India plane crash

On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Fuel supply to the engines of the Air India plane that crashed last month was cut off just seconds after the flight took off, a preliminary report by Indian aviation accident investigators has said.

The London Gatwick-bound flight came down in a residential area of Ahmedabad on 12 June, killing a total of 260 people.

The 15-page document published by Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which is part of the ongoing probe into what caused the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to come down, found that fuel control switches were moved to cut-off position as the aircraft rose from take-off.

The report also includes a conversation between the pilots on the fuel controls before the crash.

In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut-off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so, the report said.

Of the 242 people onboard flight AI171 to London Gatwick, 241 were killed, including 53 British nationals. The flight crashed into a hostel complex at Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, killing several students and residents on the ground.

Only one passenger  a British-Indian man seated in 11A  survived.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Gunmen in southwestern Pakistan abducted and killed nine people after stopping two passenger buses on a highway Thursday night, officials said.

The overnight attacks occurred in the Zhob and Loralai districts of Balochistan province as the buses traveled from the provincial capital, Quetta, to Punjab province, district administrator Saadat Husain said Friday.

The attackers fled the scene and a search is underway to track down the assailants. Authorities recovered the bodies along the highway, Husain said.

Ashfaq Chaudhry, an administrator in Punjabs Dera Ghazi Khan district, said the attackers appeared to target passengers from Punjab specifically.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the abduction and killings of the bus passengers.

Pakistans president Asif Ali Zardari issued a statement condemning the brutal killing of passengers in Balochistan. He blamed the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army for the deaths and said the group wanted to spread chaos and instability in Pakistan.
In pics: renovation of Labrang Monastery in China's Gansu

Xinhua) 15:16, July 11, 2025

An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A staff member repairs the oil paintings of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 10, 2025. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Yu Lan)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

Tourists visit Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 10, 2025. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Yu Lan)

A staff member repairs the oil paintings of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 10, 2025. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Ma Ning)

A staff member repairs the oil paintings of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 10, 2025. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Yu Lan)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Yu Lan)

A staff member repairs the oil paintings of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 10, 2025. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A staff member repairs the wooden structure of Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 10, 2025. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Yu Lan)

Technician Gao Guosheng introduces the protection and restoration of oil paintings of wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 10, 2025. After years of renovation, the oil painting protection and restoration of the wooden structure at Labrang Monastery, which serves as a top Tibetan Buddhism educational institution in China, has come near to completion. Some Buddha halls have been opened to the public.

Labrang Monastery, which was built in 1709, is one of the six main temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. (Xinhua/Ma Ning)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A 16-year-old girl was shot dead by her father in Pakistan after she refused to delete her TikTok account, police have said.

The teenager, a student of Class 9, was killed on Tuesday in Rawalpindi, near capital Islamabad.

Police said the father was upset with her presence on the video-sharing platform and murdered her when she refused to remove it.

The girls father had asked her to delete her TikTok account. On refusal, he killed her, a police spokesperson told AFP.

The father escaped after the daughters death, according to Pakistans Dawn newspaper, and the family initially tried to portray the death as a suicide. However, the police later detained him, and the family admitted the father had carried out the killing in the name of honour.

Honour killings  the murder of a family member, often a woman, on the pretext of protecting perceived family honour  remain a serious issue in Pakistan. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) documented at least 346 reported cases in 2024 alone, and estimates put the true number closer to 1,000 per year.

Reforms in recent years have aimed to curb the practice, including stripping perpetrators of the right to pardon assailants. Yet enforcement remains a challenge.

The murder is the latest in a series of deadly attacks on women in Pakistan linked to social media activity. Last month, 17-year-old TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf, who had over a million followers across platforms, was killed at her home by a man whose advances she had rejected.

open image in gallery 17-year-old TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf, who had over a million followers across platforms, was killed at her home by a man whose advances she had rejected. ( Sana Yousaf/Instagram )

The app is hugely popular in Pakistan, especially among young people and those with limited literacy. For many women, it has become a rare source of income and visibility in a country where fewer than 25 per cent of women participate in the formal workforce.

However, access to digital platforms remains deeply unequal. Just 30 per cent of women in Pakistan own a smartphone, compared to 58 per cent of men  the widest gender gap in mobile ownership in the world, according to the 2025 Mobile Gender Gap Report.

open image in gallery File Activists of Pakistan Citizen Organisation shout slogans against the restore of TikTok services in the country, in Islamabad on 20 October, 2020 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Pakistani authorities have repeatedly threatened to ban TikTok over immoral content, while online visibility has put many women at risk in conservative areas where tribal or religious norms remain dominant.

In October, police in Karachi arrested a man after he killed four female relatives over indecent TikTok videos.

Earlier this year, a man in Balochistan confessed to orchestrating the murder of his 14-year-old daughter after claiming her videos brought dishonour to the family.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

An overnight airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Myanmars central Sagaing region has killed at least 23 people, including four children, who were seeking refuge within the compound.

Separate sources confirmed the casualties on Friday, following the aerial attack on Lin Ta Lu village.

The assault, which occurred around 1 am, also left approximately 30 others injured, with 10 reported to be in critical condition.

A member of a resistance group, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, said that a jet fighter dropped a bomb on a building within the villages monastery.

More than 150 individuals from nearby villages had been sheltering at the monastery, having sought safety there to avoid the escalating fighting in the region over recent weeks.

Myanmars independent Democratic Voice of Burma online media reported that the death toll could be as high as 30. That could not be immediately confirmed.

open image in gallery About 30 people were injured in the strike

The military did not immediately comment on the incident at the monastery, which is located about 35 km (20 miles) northwest of Mandalay, the countrys second largest city.

In the past, the army has said it only attacks legitimate targets of war, accusing the resistance forces of being terrorists.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, triggering a civil war.

After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are now embroiled in conflict.

The military has increasingly used airstrikes to counter opposition forces, including the armed Peoples Defense Forces in Sagaing region, a stronghold of armed resistance. The resistance has no effective defense against air attacks.

Map: Lin Ta Lu village

The monastery attack comes weeks after hundreds of soldiers took part in an offensive with tanks and various aircraft in an area about five kilometers (three miles) from Lin Ta Lu to regain territories controlled by the resistance groups.

Thousands of people from nearby villages were displaced to the other towns and villages including Lin Ta Lu, the resistance fighter said.

Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the oppositions National Unity Government, told the AP that the military regime has been trying to retake areas controlled by the resistance ahead of a planned general election later this year.

The poll is widely seen as an attempt to normalize the militarys seizure of power through the ballot box and to deliver a result that ensures the generals retain control.
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

South Korea will require outdoor workers to take a mandatory 20-minute break every two hours during heatwaves, in a move aimed at tackling rising heat-related deaths.

The rule, expected to take effect next week, applies to construction, landscaping, delivery, and other outdoor occupations.

The mandate will come into effect whenever the temperature reaches 33C, something thats now increasingly common in the East Asian country.

Employers who fail to comply may face work stoppages or suspension of business.

The government announced the rule on Friday.

It came after at least 28 people died from heat-related causes between 1 June and 8 July, according to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Nearly half of the deaths occurred outdoors, including among workers in their 60s and 70s.

open image in gallery People walk through a fountain amid a heatwave in Seoul ( AP )

South Korea has recorded an average summer temperature of 24C since 1912 but has seen more frequent and prolonged heatwaves in recent years.

In 2018, the country declared a national disaster after temperatures soared past 40C in many areas and more than 4,500 people were hospitalised with heat-related conditions.

This year, the capital Seoul has already seen multiple days with the heat index above 33C. Rural areas have reported even higher figures.

The Seoul city government this week again said the extreme temperatures were a disaster that posed a threat to peoples lives.

Scientists have linked worsening heatwaves to the global climate crisis, which has also increased the risk of wildfires and droughts in the region.

In April, wildfires fuelled by heat, strong winds and dry conditions burned through parts of Gangwon province, prompting mass evacuations.

Authorities said that climate change was increasing both the intensity and frequency of such events, straining emergency response systems.

The government said employers would be expected to provide shaded rest areas and hydration during designated break times and that inspections would be conducted to ensure compliance with the new rule. Additional protections could be introduced depending on the severity of heat forecasts.

South Korea joins a growing list of countries introducing legal safeguards for workers as extreme heat becomes common. Japan, parts of the United States and the European Union have also issued heatwork guidelines or enacted similar laws in recent years.
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Donald Trumps cuts to US aid around the world are predicted to deny millions of women contraception, while millions more could be denied life-saving HIV treatment. But under the radar was the closure of one of Barack Obamas flagship programmes: Power Africa. Established in 2013, it aimed to connect the 600 million people across the continent still without electricity from the grid.

Across 12 years, Power Africa deployed some $1.2 billion (890m), which in turn helped create a further $29bn in funds from other sources, to develop more than 150 major power projects in 42 African countries, and bring electricity to more than 200 million people.

Power Africa has been hugely successful developing renewables in Africa. Now that it has been defunded, it is going to completely change the energy transition pathway of the whole continent, one climate finance expert, who did not wish to be named as a result of repercussions related to aid cuts, told The Independent in the wake of the cut.

However, now the dust has settled, experts say they are seeing other investors step into the gap created by Trumps decision.

The business opportunity of providing electricity for 600m people has not gone away, said Philippe Valahu, CEO of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), a major investor in renewables on the continent that is backed by a mixture of public and private capital. The demand for our services has only kept increasing over the course of this year, he added.

I am optimistic because I see more and more public bodies, investors, and philanthropies all working together to deliver renewable energy for Africa, said Agnes Dasewicz, chief investment officer of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), an alliance launched by organisations including the Ikea Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow [in 2021], with the aim of helping developing economies transition to clean energy systems.

We are also seeing more African countries increasingly stepping out and starting to plan their own destiny, without the need for Overseas Development Aid (ODA) agencies, she added.

Blessed with vast rivers that can be dammed, windy planes suitable for turbines, and an estimated 60 per cent of the worlds best solar resources, Africa boasts near-perfect conditions for renewable energy systems.

But despite those ample natural resources, as well as the continents massive energy needs, Africa currently receives only two per cent of global investment in renewable energy.

Investors need to be confident that they will receive reliable returns on their investments over a number of decades to invest in such projects. With many African nations suffering from from debt, weak currencies, and the poor financial health of public utilities, this can be a challenge for investors who are wary of risk.

Nonetheless, PIDGs Valahu believes that there is a massive disconnect between risk reality and perceived risk in Africa. PIDG has mobilised some 47.2bn in financing for infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa and south and south-east Asia since 2002, and Valahu believes that others are missing out on similar economic opportunities.

We were set up to go to places that nobody goes to, and show the market at large that you can do business in those countries, he said. Inevitably we suffer some losses. But in fact over 23 years of existence, our losses and recoveries are no different to what you would expect to see in Europe or North America.

The way that many investors think about risk across the continent, Valahu adds, is also unhelpful, given the hugely different profiles of countries in the continent, some of which are stable middle-income democracies, and others which are fragile economies emerging from conflict.

For Dasewicz at GEAPP, a key strength of Power Africa was its ability to reassure Western nations and investors that African markets represent a strong investment proposition, by bringing different stakeholders from the US and Africa together, and showing productive ways forward.

The private sector speaks a different language to the public sector, and they assume that their interests are not aligned, but really everyone is trying to just bring power to these countries, she said. Power Africa was the glue that brought the US government and US businesses to effectively work together in Africa, and deliver results for everyone involved.

Data shows that Power Africa was supporting US companies in $26.4 billion worth of deals and tracking an additional $21 billion in upcoming projects: benefits that far outweighs the initial investment from the US government.

The sudden closure of Power Africa earlier this year was certainly a massive hit to the renewables industry in Africa. But Valahu told The Independent that he is confident it is far from fatal; Indeed, he believes that PIDG will fund far more projects in Africa over the next two decades than it did over the previous two.

A solar farm in Goma, Congo ( AP )

One reason he believes this, he said, is that there are other organisations like the World Bank and the African Development Bank who are also able to come in and make connections between nations and investors, while also providing public capital that can help de-risk investments. New initiatives die, and new initiatives are born. It was never just about Power Africa, he said.

GEAPP itself is one of those organisations. As an alliance, we seem to find ourselves at the right moment, said Dasewicz. Like Power Africa, a core part of GEAPPs mission is bringing together different players and helping them to work as effectively as possible together. It has recently, for example, worked closely with governments in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Malawi to develop national renewable energy strategies that open those countries up to foreign investors.

Valahu also believes that aid cuts are also being seen as a wake up call for countries in Africa. Governments are realising that if European countries and the US are withdrawing, then they need to look to their own homegrown solutions. And I think thats healthy, he said.

A big part of the solution to Valahu is about directing institutional investors within Africa countries - who now collectively hold assets worth an estimated $2.5 trillion - to invest into African infrastructure themselves. PIDG has already worked in Nigeria to set up a company called InfraCredit, which channels funds from pension providers and other asset managers in the country to finance infrastructure projects. It is now working to replicate the companys Nigerian success in Kenya and other countries.

We managed to help develop a huge industry using domestic capital from a starting point of nothing, which is now funding Nigerian infrastructure projects, he said.

Valahu also believes that there may finally be a more serious shift from investors in rich countries towards being open to investing in Africa.

I would say that the discussions I am having with investors in the Global North are little by little becoming more productive, he said.

Across Africa, there are vast renewables projects continue to crop up, from the Salima and Golomoti solar PV projects that have recently added 20 per cent capacity to Malawis grid, to the Turkana wind project in Kenya that is the largest private investment in the countrys history. In just the first half of 2025, major new solar projects have been announced across countries including Cote DIvoire, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Togo.

Speaking to The Independent during London Climate Action Week, Tom Mitchell, executive director of the International Institute for Environment and Development, said that foreign aid had ultimately always been long been insufficient for development challenges like renewable energy access. Indeed, the $42bn in aid that flowed into Africa in 2024 is just a fraction of the estimated $1.3 trillion required annually between now and 2030 for African nations to meet the continents sustainable development goals, as outlined by the UN.

Aid flows have long been unable to to even touch the sides of the global development problem, Mitchell said. We have needed to find a new model for a long time now.
Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A person has died from the plague in Northern Arizona, health officials confirmed Thursday.

The victim was rushed to Flagstaff Medical Center, showing severe symptoms, and died the same day. An autopsy revealed Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for plague, was found. No further details about the patient or their identity have been revealed.

This case comes amid a recent prairie dog die-off northeast of Flagstaff, a classic red flag for plague activity since these rodents often carry infected fleas.

Coconino County officials are investigating an unknown number of prairie dog deaths linked to plague. They are working with a property owner to collect fleas for testing.

The plague remains rare in modern America, with the Centers for Disease Control reporting an average of seven human cases annually, the majority of which occur in rural areas of the Western U.S., including northern Arizona and parts of New Mexico and Colorado.

open image in gallery Tests confirmed the Arizona patient had Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague. ( CDC )

Plague occurs in three forms, bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic, depending on whether the infection hits the lymph nodes, bloodstream or lungs. Most US cases are bubonic, typically spread via flea bites from infected rodents.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, worldwide plague cases number around 1,000 to 2,000 per year, with the U.S. reporting about seven annually.

Symptoms often begin within a week of infection and may include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and weakness.

open image in gallery The human death follows a recent prairie dog die-off northeast of Flagstaff, a common warning sign of plague due to infected fleas carried by the animals. ( AFP/Getty )

If treated promptly, ideally within 24 hours of symptoms, antibiotics are effective, and bubonic plague has a survival rate exceeding 90 percent.

Without treatment, however, mortality rates can skyrocket.

Public health officials urge residents to report sick or dead prairie dogs and other rodents, use flea control products on pets, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms like fever or swollen glands develop after possible exposure.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Two prison staff have been fired following the escape of an inmate known as the Devil in the Ozarks.

The pair, who were employees at the Calico Rock prison in Arkansas, USA, were fired due policy violations which allowed the prisoner, real name Grant Hardin, to escape.

It comes as corrections officials faced questions from lawmakers on Thursday, who said the escape pointed to deeper problems within the system.

The head of the Arkansas Board of Corrections told state lawmakers the violations allowed Grant Hardin to escape from the Calico Rock prison wearing a makeshift law enforcement uniform on May 25. But officials have said there was no evidence employees knowingly assisted Hardin's escape.

One of the fired employees had allowed Hardin onto an outside kitchen dock unsupervised and the other employee worked in a tower and had opened the gate Hardin walked through without confirming his identity, Chairman Benny Magness said.

If either one of them would have been following policy, it wouldn't have happened, Magness told members of the Legislative Council's charitable, penal, and correctional institutions subcommittee.

open image in gallery Hardin escaped from the Calico Rock prison wearing a makeshift law enforcement uniform ( Fox )

Hardin was captured 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) northwest of the Calico Rock prison on June 6. Authorities said he escaped by donning an outfit designed to look like a law enforcement uniform. Magness said the outfit was crafted from an inmate uniform and kitchen apron dyed black using a marker while a soup can lid and a Bible cover were fashioned to look like a badge.

Lawmakers said the escape pointed to systemic problems beyond the two employees  including how Hardin was able to fashion the fake uniform without guards noticing.

I think weve got major issues here that need to be dealt with, said Republican Sen. Matt McKee, who co-chairs the subcommittee.

Hardin, a former police chief in the small town of Gateway, near the Arkansas-Missouri border, is serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape. He was the subject of the TV documentary Devil in the Ozarks.

After his capture, Hardin was transferred to a maximum security prison in Varner, a small community about 65 miles (125 kilometers) southeast of Little Rock.

Hardin has pleaded not guilty to an escape charge and is set to go on trial in November.

open image in gallery Thomas Hurst, North Central Unit Warden, answers questions about Hardins in front of the Arkansas Legislative Council ( AP )

Hardin held a job in the kitchen in the prison and had not had any disciplinary problems during his time there.

In addition to the uniform, Hardin fashioned a ladder out of wooden pallets that were on the dock and also took peanut butter sandwiches from the prison to survive on after his escape, corrections officials told lawmakers Thursday.

Hardin planned to use the ladder to scale the fence and escape if the gate wasn't opened for him, said Dexter Payne, director of the division of correction.

There are a lot of things he did unnoticed and unaware, Republican Sen. Ben Gilmore said during the hearing. I don't think you can blame just two people for that.

Members of the panel also said Hardin's escape points to the need to scrutinize a classification system that placed a convicted murderer in what's primarily a medium-security facility.

Payne said a critical incident review of the escape planned later this month may determine if other employees will face firings, demotions or disciplinary actions. It also will determine what other policy changes may be needed, he said.

State Police is also investigating the escape to determine whether any laws, policies or procedures were violated in the escape. Col. Mike Hagar, the head of state police and secretary of public safety, said the final report on the investigation may be completed within 30 days.

Thomas Hurst, warden of the prison formally called the North Central Unit  said State Police was not notified immediately of the escape though local police were, blaming it on a miscommunication.

Theres nobody thats more embarrassed about (the escape) than me, Hurst said. Its not good. We failed, and I understand it.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A respected 77-year-old spiritual healer raped a woman after telling her having sex would help rid her of an evil spirit.

Bernard Williams, 77, convinced the woman the demon would eventually kill her after she came to his holistic shop in Brixton, south London, saying she was unwell.

Over several months from November 2020, Williams told her he had healing capability and sold her objects like a guard ring and healing bath for up to 13,000.

He turned up to her house in January 2021 referring to the need to anoint her by having sex to remove the spirit, and subsequently sexually assaulted and raped her.

Known as Papa B, Williams was seen as an elder and was widely known in Brixton after owning and running the shop for at least 30 years.

On Friday, he was jailed for nine years and placed on the sex offenders register for life. He was found guilty of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault in May.

Met Police fear he might have abused this position to offend against other women and has urged any more victims to come forward.

He is known to have visited the homes of other customers. His store, selling products from the USA and Haiti, was on Market Row in Brixton.

Detective Inspector Tom Palmer, who led the Met's investigation, said: Williams offending is shocking. He abused the trust of the victim, which was built on the respect he had gained within the community, to get close to them and commit the offences.

We are concerned given the number of clients Papa B may have assisted, his position the community for 30 years and his distinctive methods, there may be further victim-survivors who have not yet come forward.

I would encourage anyone affected to get in contact with us if you feel able  you will be listened to and receive specialist support and guidance, not only from the police but independent charities and services.

Victims are encouraged to contact the police by reporting online, or by emailing NWMailbox.Sapphire@met.police.uk who will arrange contact with them.

Alternatively, they can call 0208 733 6311 (0700-2300hrs Mon-Fri) to speak with an officer.
Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A former NHS mental health nurse and priest has been jailed for raping a woman he met on a dating app - and is being investigated over further alleged sexual offending, The Independent can reveal.

John Chukwunonso Iwuh, 54, of South Norwood, Croydon, used his job as a nurse to gain the trust of the victim, aged in her 40s, before luring her to his home and raping her after she rejected his advances in June 2022.

Croydon Crown Court heard the victim went to the toilet and when she came out, Iwuh pushed her into the bedroom where he raped her and videoed the ordeal on his phone.

During their investigation, police found almost 11,000 contacts saved on his phone - around 60 per cent of which were saved as a womans name alongside the name of a dating app.

Iwuh was jailed for 16 years for rape and voyeurism on Friday after being found guilty following a trial in May.

During his sentencing hearing, it emerged that Iwuh is also facing four other allegations, three of rape, which are being investigated by police forces in Essex and Dorset.

They relate to separate victims and the offences are alleged to have happened in 2019, 2007 and 2022. The 2007 case is a so-called cold case, and Essex police are waiting on new DNA analysis, the court heard.

It is understood that one alleged victim came forward after seeing Iwuh on a Facebook group called Are We Dating the same man?

Now, the Metropolitan Police have issued a nationwide appeal urging any further potential victims to come forward.

On his LinkedIn page, Iwuh lists Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as former employers. The Independent has contacted both trusts for comment.

Detective Inspector Sharad Verma, from the South Area Command Unit, said: We believe there may be more victims out there, targeted by Iwuh under the same circumstances, and urge them to contact us or their local police force.

open image in gallery John Iwuh a mental health nurse was convicted of rape and jailed for 16 years ( Metropolitan Poilce )

I hope the victim-survivor can find reassurance in our actions to put this predator behind bars and that it may give more women the strength to come forward and report crimes. You will be listened to and supported.

The court heard Iwuh had been practising as an NHS mental health nurse for a decade and had also practised as a priest. Official records by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, which regulates nurses, show Iwuh was suspended from practising in November 2023.

In a statement from the victim of the June 2022 attack read out in court, it was revealed she suffered bruises to her body as a result of the rape.

She said: This had a deep emotional effect on me. I felt completely numb, and my family members couldnt reach me.

The physical examination after she made the allegation felt completely humiliating and she said fear led me to leave London.

I kept thinking how he was still working as a psychiatric nurse. As a healthcare professional myself, that thought has been irreducibly upsetting. I later learnt his license was suspended thanks to police efforts.

When I learned there was a video recording of the rape, I felt physically sick.

When I had to watch the video of the rape at the police station, I had the exact pain like it was happening all over again.

The woman described how, having previously been a social person, she now finds excuses not to go out and said the trauma of the rape impacted her ability to work, relationships and her health.

In a statement released through police after the sentencing, she said: Now hes in prison, I do feel there has been some justice. Ive been supported by officers throughout the investigation, and I would encourage others who have been harmed to come forward, report what has happened and get help and support.

Iwuhs defence counsel, De Souza KC, revealed he had not informed his wife, with whom he had a three-year-old child, that he was facing charges and had disappeared.

Iwah will be put on the sex offenders register for life, a restraining order was issued to prevent him from contacting the victim and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was enforced.

Anyone who wants to make a report relating to Iwuh is urged to contact police by calling 101.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse are now indistinguishable from real footage, a leading charity has warned.

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which finds and helps remove abusive imagery online, said criminals were creating increasingly realistic and more extreme content, and cautioned that technology could soon enable the creation and distribution of feature-length films of such material.

Highly realistic videos are no longer confined to short, glitch-ridden clips that were previously common with the technology, with perpetrators now using AI to produce videos that often include the likenesses of real children on a vast scale.

New IWF data published on Friday revealed a staggering 1,286 individual AI-generated child sexual abuse videos were discovered in the first half of this year.

Only two such videos were discovered over the same period last year.

A government minister described the figures as utterly horrific and said the criminals behind the videos were just as disgusting as those who pose a threat to children in real life.

All of the confirmed videos so far in 2025 have been so convincing that they had to be treated under UK law exactly as if they were genuine footage, the IWF said.

More than 1,000 of the videos were assessed as Category A imagery, the most extreme  which can include depictions of rape, sexual torture and bestiality.

open image in gallery AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery was discovered on 210 separate webpages ( Alamy/PA )

The data also showed that AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery was discovered on 210 separate webpages in the first half of this year, compared to 42 webpages in 2024, while confirmed reports of the images to the charity had risen by 400 per cent.

Each webpage can contain multiple images or videos.

The figures come after the IWF previously said 291,273 reports of child sexual abuse imagery were reported last year.

The charity has called on the Government to ensure the safe development and use of AI models by introducing binding regulation that ensures the technologys design cant be abused.

Derek Ray-Hill, interim chief executive of the IWF, said: We must do all we can to prevent a flood of synthetic and partially synthetic content joining the already record quantities of child sexual abuse we are battling online.

I am dismayed to see the technology continues to develop at pace, and that it continues to be abused in new and unsettling ways.

Just as we saw with still images, AI videos of child sexual abuse have now reached the point they can be indistinguishable from genuine films.

The children being depicted are often real and recognisable, the harm this material does is real, and the threat it poses threatens to escalate even further.

Mr Ray-Hill said the Government must get a grip on the issue as it was currently just too easy for criminals to produce the videos, and that feature-length AI-generated child sexual abuse films of real children were inevitable.

The Prime Minister only recently pledged that the Government will ensure tech can create a better future for children. Any delays only set back efforts to safeguard children and deliver on the Governments pledge to halve violence against girls.

Our analysts tell us nearly all this AI abuse imagery features girls. It is clear this is yet another way girls are being targeted and endangered online.

open image in gallery Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips ( PA )

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said: These statistics are utterly horrific. Those who commit these crimes are just as disgusting as those who pose a threat to children in real life.

AI-generated child sexual abuse material is a serious crime, which is why we have introduced two new laws to crack down on this vile material.

Soon, perpetrators who own the tools that generate the material or manuals teaching them to manipulate legitimate AI tools will face longer jail sentences and we will continue to work with regulators to protect more children.

An anonymous senior analyst at the IWF said AI child sexual abuse imagery creators had video quality that was leaps and bounds ahead of what was available last year.

The first AI child sexual abuse videos we saw were deepfakes  a known victims face put onto an actor in an existing adult pornographic video. It wasnt sophisticated but could still be pretty convincing, he said.

The first fully synthetic child sexual abuse video we saw at the beginning of last year was just a series of jerky images put together, nothing convincing.

But now they have really turned a corner. The quality is alarmingly high, and the categories of offence depicted are becoming more extreme as the tools improve in their ability to generate video showing two or more people.

The videos also include sets showing known victims in new scenarios.

The IWF has advised the public to report images and videos of child sexual abuse to the charity anonymously and only once, including the exact URL where the content is located.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Dozens of firefighters tackled a grass fire in east London on Friday as temperatures soared during the third heatwave of the summer.

Approximately 14 acres of grassland in Manor Park in Wanstead Flats were alight, the London Fire Brigade said. There were no injuries.

Temperatures reached 34C in the UK on Friday, with the UK Health Security Agency issuing a heat health alert for East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England and London until 9am on Monday.

The risk of wildfires in London is currently rated at severe by the Natural Hazards Partnership.

At Wanstead Flats, fire officers from East Ham, Stratford, Leyton, Barking and surrounding fire stations arrived at the scene at around 1pm. The fire was under control by 3.13pm.

Station Commander Darren McTernan, who was at the scene, said: Crews have been working hard, in hot, arduous conditions to bring the fire under control.

"Capel Road, Aldersbrook Road and Forest Road are currently closed and we advise people to avoid the area where possible, as we are likely to be on scene for a number of hours this afternoon.

A LFB spokesperson added: During this latest heatwave, it is important everyone acts responsibly to prevent fires from occurring. As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly. In London, this is can be dangerous because so many of our green spaces lie close to homes and other properties.

The LFB has also attended more than 350 water-related incidents so far this year.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jamie Jenkins said: We know people will be looking for ways to cool off during this heatwave, but please dont be tempted to jump into open water. Sadly, were currently seeing around two incidents every day where someone is in difficulty in the water.

Open water may look inviting, but its unpredictable. Strong currents, underwater hazards, and cold-water shock all pose serious risks.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Hosepipe bans have been introduced across England as Britons battle with a third heatwave this summer and temperatures climbing into the low 30Cs.

After the driest spring since 1893, swathes of the country are suffering drought conditions and water shortages.

It has left nearly seven million Brits, which is more than 10 per cent of Englands population, facing restrictions on how they can use their water.

South East Water announced on Friday that 1.4 million of its customers in Kent and Sussex have been placed under a hose pipe ban after record levels of water consumption.

In their announcement of the ban, they stated that demand for water across the two counties had reached the highest levels this year and had now reached a point where they have exceeded the limits in the companys drought plan.

They said that on 30 June, they supplied 680 million litres of water, more than 100 million litres more than the daily average for summer. On days like this, were pumping enough water to supply an additional 4 towns the size of Maidstone or Eastbourne, they said.

Just hours before the announcement, a hosepipe ban came into effect across Yorkshire, affecting 5.5 million residents.

Yorkshire Water said the region had both the driest and warmest spring on record this year, receiving just 15cm of rainfall between February and June, less than half the level expected in an average year.

Water demand had also been higher than usual, the company said, leaving reservoirs at 55.8 per cent full, which is 26.1 per cent lower than normal.

In late May, the Environment Agency also placed northwest England under drought status.

They said at the time that reservoir storage levels were already lower than they were during the 1984, 1995 and 2022 drought years.

It comes as the Met Office warned that temperatures are set to rise above 30C again this weekend.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) put large swathes of England on an amber health alert on Friday, with authorities warning soaring temperatures over the weekend are likely to cause a rise in deaths.

Regions spanning from the Midlands to the south are affected, including London. Only the North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber have retained less severe yellow heat alerts.

These yellow alerts had been in place across England until Monday, but they were upgraded on Friday morning for the east and West Midlands, London, the east of England and the South East and South West.

The UKHSA says significant impacts are likely in the affected areas, including a rise in deaths.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Police have issued a warning to pet owners over leaving animals in hot cars after a dog had to be rescued by officers.

Wiltshire Police removed a large dog from a car in Stirling Road, South Marston, after reports at just before 8.30am on Wednesday from a member of the public concerned about its welfare.

The dog was seized and taken to kennels. Its owner has been spoken to and will be invited for an interview under Section 4 of the animal welfare act 2006, which criminalises causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, the force said.

Temperatures have begun to climb again across the UK, as the country looks set to enter its third heatwave of the year over the weekend.

PC Paul Croft, dog legislation officer, added: Over the next few days we will be having very hot weather. Please do not leave your dog inside a hot car. The temperature in the vehicle will be a lot hotter than it feels outside and can cause serious injury to the animal.

If you do see a dog left in a hot car and it is in distress please do call 999. Dont try to force entry to the vehicle yourself as you may be committing an offence.

John Warwick, who has run Swindon & District Animal Haven for 29 years, told the BBC that dogs do not always need to be walked in the hot weather.

Theyre just as happy laying in the house. A dogs paws can get burnt on the concrete and tarmac can melt and hurt them, he said.

Its common sense, a lot of people worry they should always walk their dogs - but not in this weather,.

The RSPCA lwarns leaving your dog in a car during hot weather can be fatal.

The charity say that many people think its ok to leave their dog in the car if theyre parked in the shade or the windows are open. But a car can become as hot as an oven, even when the weather doesnt feel that warm. When its 22 degrees Celsius outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour.

The RSPCA advise anyone to call 999 if they see a dog displaying signs of heatstroke in a car. If the dogs condition is critical and police have not arrived, the charity emphasise that breaking into the vehicle could be classed as criminal damage. You may need to defend your actions in court, so please be sure youre doing the right thing. Legally, you can commit damage if you believe the car owner would consent to it if they knew the dog was in danger.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Three police officers who confronted Southport knife attacker Axel Rudakubana during his killing spree have been honoured for their bravery.

Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, Constable Luke Holden and police community support officer (PCSO) Timothy Parry were the first officers to arrive on the scene at the Taylor Swift-themed workshop on July 29 last year.

Rudakubana, 18, who murdered Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine; Bebe King, six; and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and injured 10 others, including eight children, was confronted by the officers as he stood at the top of a flight of stairs holding a large knife.

The Merseyside Police officers were the overall winners of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) 2025 bravery awards held on Thursday.

open image in gallery Flowers and tributes near the scene ( PA )

The PFEW said Sgt Gillespie was the first to arrive at Hart Street in Southport and described seeing chaos, with extremely panicked people in the street.

He directed paramedics to a seriously injured child before being joined by Pc Holden and PCSO Parry.

They witnessed members of the public running away from the dance studio carrying young children.

Armed with a baton and a Taser, Sgt Gillespie and Pc Holden entered the building while PCSO Parry covered the exit.

They found Rudakubana, then aged 17, holding a large knife at the top of the stairs and approached while shouting at him to drop the knife. PCSO Parry also ran in to assist.

open image in gallery Axel Rudakubana ( Merseyside Police )

Rudakubana, who was jailed for a minimum of 52 years in January, dropped the weapon and was handcuffed and arrested after the trio struck with a baton and kicked the teenager to get him under control.

PFEW national chairwoman Tiff Lynch said of all the winners: Whether confronting violent attackers, rescuing individuals from life-threatening situations, or making split-second decisions under immense pressure, these officers have shown exceptional courage and selflessness.

A public inquiry into the attack began on Tuesday to identify changes that urgently need to be made to protect the most vulnerable from other horrors, the chairman said.

Chairman Sir Adrian Fulford opened the inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall into what he described as one of the most egregious crimes in our countrys history.

In his opening statement, Sir Adrian said: As a society we are not helpless when confronted with individuals who are known to be contemplating acts of such depravity and although no solution will be foolproof, we can identify all of the robust steps which should be taken to protect ourselves, and particularly the most vulnerable, from horrors of this kind.

And this must be undertaken at speed, to provide answers for the victims and their families and to identify all of the changes that urgently need to be made.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Some 573 migrants arrived in the UK on Thursday after crossing the English Channel, according to provisional figures from the Home Office.

The cumulative number of arrivals in 2025 now stands at a provisional total of 21,690.

This is 54 per cent higher than at the same point last year, when the total stood at 14,058, and 65 per cent higher than at this stage in 2023, when the total was 13,110.

At least 10 boats arrived on Thursday, which suggests an average of around 57 people per boat.

The figures were published just a day after Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed a deal to tackle the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats. The agreement was made during Mr Macrons three-day trip to the UK, which involved a reception from King Charles.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron at a press conference on Thursday ( Reuters )

The one-in, one-out deal will see a small number of migrants who have crossed the Channel in small boats sent immediately back to France.

The Home Office has refused to confirm numbers but said it expects the number to grow as the pilot scheme progresses.

In return, Britain will take in the same number of migrants from France, selecting those with family in the UK or strong ties to the country.

Sir Keir hailed the agreement with Paris as a groundbreaking step towards deterring people from making the perilous journey across the Channel.

Sir Keir said: There is no silver bullet here, but with a united effort, new tactics and a new level of intent, we can finally turn the tables.

So I am pleased to announce our agreement today on a groundbreaking returns pilot. For the very first time, migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France in short order.

Hours after the pair signed the deal, it was reported that around 220 people, including 70 in one boat, were brought to shore in Dover by Border Force officials.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper declined to say how many migrants would be returned to France under the new agreement when grilled on the deal on Friday morning.

She told Times Radio: The numbers are not fixed, even for this pilot phase that we are starting now. So this will be a programme that we roll out step-by-step, and we will provide updates as we go. But we are going to do this in a steady way.

The mayor of the French coastal city of Calais, from where many of the migrants set off in their attempts to reach the UK using small boats, led the latest round of criticisms of the deal. The initial reaction on Thursday from charities and Nigel Farages Reform party alike was dismissive. Mr Farage accused Sir Keir of bowing down to Europe while charities accused the Labour leader of succumbing to pressure from Reform.

Calais mayor Natacha Bouchart said the deal would act as an attraction to migrants to head for the coastal city.

Migrants are going to flock here, drawn by the attraction, she said. You get the impression that the national politicians do not give a hoot about the local politicians. Were going to have to manage migrants who the British government will have chosen to return to France.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow ...
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

More than 70 firefighters are battling a blaze that broke out at a block of flats in south London on Friday afternoon.

A flat was "completely alight" on the 11th floor of the 17-storey building on Hillingdon Street in Walworth, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

A woman left the property before firefighters arrived, the fire service said.

open image in gallery ( London Fire Brigade )

A spokesperson for the LFB it received 45 calls around 2pm, and 10 fire engines from Dowgate, Dockhead, Soho, Whitechapel, and surrounding fire stations were dispatched to the scene.

Videos shared on social media show plumes of smoke coming out of the building as dozens of firefighters attempted to contain the blaze.

The fire was under control within an hour, the LFB said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Station commander Tony Perks, who was at the scene, said: "This was a very visible fire, and the area became increasingly busy as a result.

"People are advised to continue to avoid the area at this time, while crews damp down remaining hot spots."
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A teenager who was buried up to 7ft deep in sand is extremely lucky to be alive, the coastguard has said.

The boy had to be rescued by lifeguards and coastguard teams after being buried up to his neck by friends on a popular Sussex beach on Thursday.

Lifeguards and beach staff rushed to the scene, joined by the Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team, after being alerted to the incident at West Wittering Beach near Chichester.

The boy had made a huge hole measuring around 6 to 7ft deep before his friends buried him in it, the coastguard said.

The teenager was eventually freed from the sand, given oxygen and assessed in the beachs first aid room.

An ambulance was also called to carry out further checks, Selsey Coastguard said.

open image in gallery Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team rushed to the scene at West Wittering Beach ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

In a statement, Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team said the teenager had been extremely lucky to escape without being crushed or suffocated.

Sandcastles, buckets and spades are among the joys of a trip to the seaside  but some excavations can pose a real risk to visitors, particularly small children, a spokesperson warned.

Sand is unstable and can suddenly collapse on top of you if youre digging a hole, tunnel or piling it up beside you. It can cause crushing or suffocation.

The coastguard urged beachgoers to avoid digging holes or tunnels deeper than waist height. It added that people should always refill holes before leaving the beach to prevent injuries to others.

Sand rescues must be carried out gently to avoid adding pressure around a trapped casualty and to ensure they can breathe, the spokesperson added.

A rescue team must first use their hands to carefully sweep sand away from the person trapped, the coastguard explained. Backup teams then move the excavated sand further back using buckets, spades or even frisbees to prevent it from falling back in.

Buckets and spades, digging holes and playing in the sand are all part of the fun at the beach  and long may it continue, the coastguard added. But there are hidden risks of serious injury from falls when deep gaps are left unfilled.

Anyone who spots someone in trouble on the coast is urged to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Yvette Cooper has refused to say whether she agreed with Emmanuel Macrons claim that Brexit had made tackling illegal immigration harder.

It comes after the French president said voters were sold a lie on Brexit when they were told it would make it possible to fight more effectively against illegal immigration.

Unveiling a new one-in-one-out returns agreement with the UK, the French president said that because Brexit left the UK without a returns agreement with the EU: it creates an incentive to make the crossing, the precise opposite of what Brexit had promised.

Asked whether Mr Macron had a point about Brexit, the home secretary told Sky News: I think what Ive seen happen is that the way that the criminal smuggler gangs operate is that they will weaponise anything that is happening.

And so what we saw in the run-up to Brexit being implemented was we saw criminal gangs promising people that they had to cross quickly, and they had to pay money to the smuggler gangs quickly in order to be able to cross in time before Brexit happened.

open image in gallery The Home Secretary refused to say whether Macron was right about Brexit ( PA Wire )

As soon as Brexit happened, they then said Oh, well, now youve got to pay us money, because this means you cant be returned because the Dublin Agreement isnt in place.

So the thing about the criminal smuggler gangs is whatever arrangements are in place, they will use them in order to make money, but thats why we have to be fundamentally undermining their model.

Ms Cooper also declined to say how many migrants would be returned under new arrangements with France, telling Times Radio the figures had not been fixed.

The numbers are not fixed, even for this pilot phase that we are starting now.

So this will be a programme that we roll out step-by-step, and we will provide updates as we go. But we are going to do this in a steady way.

Giving a press conference alongside Mr Macron at the Northwood military base in West London, Sir Keir Starmer said the deal to send small boats migrants back to France for the first time was a breakthrough moment which would turn the tables on people smugglers.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer agreed a deal with French president Emmanuel Macron on Thursday to send some small boat migrants back to France ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

The pair hope the deal will have a deterrent effect beyond the limited numbers involved in the pilot scheme.

Under the one in, one out deal, for each small boat migrant sent back across the English Channel an asylum seeker will be allowed to enter the UK from France under a legal route.

No details have been given about how many people will be covered by the scheme, but reports from France have indicated it could initially be limited to around 50 a week  a small fraction of the weekly average this year of 782.

It is understood numbers will grow over the pilot period and depend on operational factors.

Some 21,117 migrants have made the crossing in 2025 according to the latest Home Office figures, a record for this point in a year, with more attempting the journey on Thursday as the UK and French leaders met.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Donald Trump has reportedly been denied the chance to address parliament during his state visit to the UK.

The decision, which is likely to be seen as a major snub by the US president, comes just days after Emmanuel Macron was given the honour of addressing parliament, where he urged Britain and France to shoulder the burden of European security together.

According to the Telegraph, Mr Trump is expected not to visit Buckingham Palace or enjoy a ceremonial carriage ride down the Mall in London, which have often been prominent features of state visits from other world leaders.

The decision came amid concerns there could be objections from both the public and MPs following calls for Mr Trump to be blocked from addressing parliament earlier this year, with MPs and peers warning the US president does not respect democracy.

Mr Trump accepted the invitation from King Charles for an unprecedented second state visit to the UK earlier this year, becoming the first US president to receive the honour.

open image in gallery Trump and King Charles raise a glass at the US ambassadors residence during the president's first state visit to the UK in 2019 ( 2019 Getty Images )

But the reported decision to prevent him from addressing parliament risks angering the US president, who is thought to be keen on the idea after he was blocked from doing so on his last visit.

However, a senior White House official, who asked to remain unnamed to protect diplomatic discussions around the planned state visit, told The Independent that a speech to parliament had not been understood to be in the cards for Mr Trump's itinerary.

"This was never expected or even discussed," the official said.

In April, when the visit was announced, parliamentarians voiced concerns it would be inappropriate for him to speak in the Palace of Westminster as his predecessors Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton did.

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock, who was a minister in Sir Tony Blairs government, wrote to Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, warning the US president should not be allowed to address both houses of parliament because of his attitude towards and comments about the UK, parliamentary democracy, the Nato Alliance and Ukraine.

open image in gallery President Trump is presented with a letter from the King in February, inviting him to a historic second state visit (Carl Court/PA) ( PA Wire )

Meanwhile, Labour MP Kate Osborne asked Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to follow his predecessor John Bercow in blocking an address from Mr Trump.

In a letter to Sir Lindsay, she said: I am asking you as the Speaker to agree it would be inappropriate and mirror the previous Speakers recommendation.

It is of course up to our government to decide if they use the state visit to engage with Trump on a wide range of issues as above but that does not translate to giving him the honour of addressing the UK parliament, the decision of which I believe should reside with you.

The House of Commons speakers office said: Any request made to address the houses of parliament will be considered in the usual way.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

If there was one thing that symbolised what many still see as the fraudulent approach of Brexiteers during the EU referendum campaign, it was the infamous bus promising 350m extra a week for the NHS.

But maybe Brexit critics should consider another image.

In the view of Emmanuel Macron, expressed during a joint press conference with Keir Starmer yesterday to unveil a one in, one out migration exchange deal, the real whopper was told by Brexiteers when, in 2016, Nigel Farage unveiled his controversial poster featuring thousands of migrants at the EU border alongside the slogan Breaking Point.

It came with a claim that if the UK did not leave the EU, it would be forced to accept all those preparing to stampede across Europe.

open image in gallery Prime minister Keir Starmer pictured with French president Emmanuel Macron during a visit to the UKs main military HQ at Northwood on Wednesday ( PA Wire )

In an epic rant on the subject of Brexit, the French president, who refused to meet with Farage during his three-day state visit, was clear that he considered this the biggest lie of all.

To the obvious embarrassment of the prime minister, who was standing next to him, Macron did not hold back on his view that promises to control immigration, both legal and illegal, and to put an end to out-of-control numbers, had been used disingenuously by those who wanted to leave the EU.

He said: The British people were sold a lie that the problem was Europe. For the first time in nine years, Britain is being pragmatic.

But it is worth looking at the detail of what he said, in terms of how leaving the EU not only failed to solve the problem but made it worse.

We need to understand that since Brexit  and Ill say this honestly, because its not your case, prime minister  but many people in your country said that Brexit would help better fight illegal immigration.

However, it is since Brexit that the UK no longer has any migration agreement with the EU. So, for people wanting to cross, there is no legal ... way in, nor a way of sending people back after a crossing. This is a pull factor to attempt the crossing: exactly the inverse effect of what Brexit promised.

The French president was not wrong.

The fact is that leaving the EU, and simultaneously the Dublin Agreement, neutered Britains chances of simply returning illegal migrants to safe countries in the EU that they had travelled through to reach the UK.

The Dublin Agreement specifically allowed countries to send back migrants to the first safe country they had arrived in, which was a bit more of a problem for places such as Italy, Spain, and some in Eastern Europe.

It was also interesting to note Macrons claim that a third of all the illegal migrants in the Schengen free travel area of the EU were aiming for Britain because of its pull factors, including language, welfare benefits, and the ease of working undetected in the black economy.

Even in terms of legal migration, Britain saw a huge increase after Brexit from what was already a high level, despite the take back control message of the referendum campaign.

open image in gallery Nigel Farage pictured in 2016 with his EU referendum poster featuring migrants queueing to get into the EU under the slogan Breaking Point ( PA )

Starmer pointedly noted that, while he and the French president were discussing their groundbreaking returns agreement, Farage was out on the Channel taking pictures of boats packed with migrants coming over.

He has been doing that since 2020, when, not coincidentally, the UK had already left the EU and the small boats crisis had begun.

The Reform UK leader and others on the right will argue that the real problem is other aspects of international law, including Britains membership of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Refugee Convention, which gives migrants the right to apply to stay in the UK because of family ties or for other compelling reasons.

They want Brexit to continue as a process to withdraw Britain from this framework of international agreements, which were drawn up in large part by the UK itself to help establish international order.

These are the easy answers of populism complained about by Starmer and Macron on Thursday, and would leave the UK more isolated, just as is happening to the US under Donald Trump, Farages ally in the White House.

The legal framework contained a safety valve while Britain was still part of the EU, but the lesson of 2016 is that once one part of an intricate network of deals is unravelled, more will come undone.

Not surprisingly, Farage complained that Starmers pilot one in, one out deal was a betrayal of Brexit, taking Britain back into the clutches of the EU.

But as an exasperated French president noted, it was actually Britain being pragmatic for the first time in nine years.

It would be a great irony, given the nature of the 2016 debate, if migration, more than anything else, were to end up being the factor that sees the UK eventually unpick the effects of Brexit, and maybe, in the long term, even rejoin the bloc.

The UK government is too embarrassed to address Macrons points at the moment, but the French president has shone a spotlight, once again, on the strong possibility that the biggest decision by this country in the 21st century was based on a fabric of lies.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of reducing migrants to commodities to be exchanged with his new one in, one out returns deal with France.

Under the deal, for each small boat migrant sent back across the English Channel, an asylum seeker will be allowed to enter the UK from France under a legal route, the prime minister announced alongside Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.

But refugee charities and campaign groups have condemned the agreement, with the Migrants Rights Network accusing the government of conceding to racist far-right narratives.

open image in gallery UK prime minister Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron set out details of the one in, one out migrant deal ( PA )

Meanwhile, the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) warned that the deal, which comes alongside new plans to intercept boats trying to cross the Channel, will put more peoples lives at risk and cause more death and injury.

And the International Rescue Committee (IRC)  the aid charity run by ex-Labour cabinet minister David Miliband  dubbed the agreement yet another step in the wrong direction.

The criticism comes as the mayor of Calais warned the agreement would only draw more migrants to the north coast of France.

Migrants are going to flock here, drawn by the attraction, Natacha Bouchart said. You get the impression that the national politicians do not give a hoot about the local politicians. Were going to have to manage migrants who the British government will have chosen to return to France.

Announcing the deal at a press conference alongside Mr Macron at the Northwood military base in west London, Sir Keir said it was a breakthrough moment which would turn the tables on the people smugglers who bring them here.

That was despite 573 migrants arriving in the UK in the hours before the agreement was announced, bringing the total number of arrivals so far this year to 21,690  54 per cent higher than at the same point last year.

Sir Keir and President Macron hope the deal will have a deterrent effect beyond the limited numbers involved in the pilot scheme.

No details have been given about how many people will be covered by the scheme, but reports from France have indicated it could initially be limited to around 50 a week  a small fraction of the weekly average this year of 782.

Pressed on Thursday morning on the numbers of people who could be returned, home secretary Yvette Cooper declined to say, telling Times Radio: The numbers are not fixed, even for this pilot phase that we are starting now.

So this will be a programme that we roll out step by step, and we will provide updates as we go. But we are going to do this in a steady way.

While some EU countries were initially concerned about the deal, Downing Street has insisted that the arrangements have been discussed with the European Commission.

We dont anticipate any issues, a No 10 spokesperson said. They have been clear that they want to support us to develop innovative, lawful solutions to help deal with this problem.

The spokesperson added the government has done a lot of work to make sure the system is robust to legal challenges.

Were confident that this scheme complies with both domestic and international law, they added.

Responding to the announcement, Fizza Qureshi, CEO of the Migrants Rights Network, told The Independent: The new one in, one out deal reduces people seeking safety to commodities to be exchanged. The UK-France agreement does nothing to address the role of both states in displacing people and forcing them to make these dangerous journeys in the first place.

The announcement concedes to racist far-right narratives around those who arrive in so-called small boats.

Ultimately, this is a manufactured crisis, and pushing through increased enforcement, more militarised borders and deterrence measures will only place people seeking safety at risk of more harm.

Flora Alexander, the IRCs UK director, said: Prioritising tougher enforcement without creating safe, legal routes is both dangerous and ineffective. Evidence shows that these policies dont stop people from seeking safety  they simply force them into more perilous journeys, putting lives at risk.

She warned the deal risks undermining the right to seek asylum and accused ministers of [ignoring] the root causes of why people cross borders in the first place.

The Refugee Council was more positive, but urged the government to make sure the scheme is implemented in a way that treats all those seeking asylum fairly and with respect and dignity.

open image in gallery Small boat crossings continued on Friday, with the RNLI and Border Force bringing people into Dover from the Channel ( PA )

Enver Solomon, the organisations CEO, said: Greater cooperation with France is welcome, but for any solution to work long term the government must adopt a comprehensive approach, including international cooperation, steps to prosecute the gangs and, critically, different safe and legal ways to reach Britain from conflicts such as those in Sudan and also for those with family members in the UK.

Enabling refugee families to reunite is a vital path to safety, and while this deal may support some families to reunite from France, we remain concerned about other proposals to restrict this lifeline.

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
The government has published the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which includes a clause reinstating the use of the supplementary vote system in elections of mayors and police and crime commissioners.

Angela Rayner, who is responsible for local government as part of her sprawling deputy-prime-ministerial empire, is reversing the change brought in three years ago by Priti Patel, who as home secretary in the Conservative government was in charge of democracy and the constitution.

Directly elected mayors were brought in by Tony Blairs government, starting with London, because it had no city-wide government after Margaret Thatcher abolished the Greater London Council. Labour chose the supplementary vote system for the election of the London mayor, and the same system was adopted for the other elected mayors that followed.

What is the supplementary vote?

It is a bit like the alternative vote  the system that was rejected for elections to the House of Commons in the referendum that took place under the coalition government in 2011  except that electors have only a first-preference and a second-preference vote.

Under the alternative vote, electors can number all the candidates on the ballot paper in order of preference. The supplementary vote uses a ballot paper with two columns, and the voter uses a cross to mark their first preference in the first column, and another cross to mark their second preference in the second column.

Why did the Conservatives change it?

The Conservatives have long had a sentimental attachment to the traditional first past the post system, by which electors mark ballot papers with a single cross, and the candidate with the most votes wins. It is one of the few subjects on which the party is genuinely conservative.

However, the supplementary vote did also appear to disadvantage the Tories (slightly). Research by David Cowling, formerly of the BBC, found that in 17 out of 218 mayoral or police and crime commissioner (PCC) elections, the candidate who came first on first-preference votes was defeated when the second preferences of losing candidates were reallocated. The net effect was that the Tories lost six contests that they would have won under first past the post, while Labour lost four, independents gained eight, and Plaid Cymru and the English Democrats (Doncaster, 2009) gained one each.

Why is Labour changing it back?

For both partisan and public-spirited reasons. The main reason is probably that the Conservatives changed it, so Labour wants to do the opposite, a bit like the way that the steel industry was nationalised, denationalised and nationalised again in the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

Labour might also think it will gain a party advantage, although the figures quoted above suggest that would be minimal against the Tories. The party is more guilty of changing the rules to suit itself by its plan to cut the voting age to 16, although there is no timetable for this.

In both cases, the plan might backfire. The supplementary vote for mayoral elections might allow the split on the right to heal itself, if the supporters of Reform and Tory candidates give their second preferences to each other. Votes for 16- and 17-year-olds could also fail to deliver a Labour advantage if Reform ends up being as popular with teenagers as some surveys suggest.

But arent there good reasons for the switch?

Electoral reformers are delighted with the change back, and many Labour supporters want it for the principled reason that they think preferential voting is more democratic. Passionate supporters of proportional representation tend to be a bit snooty about it, but they dislike first past the post so intensely that they see any other system as an improvement.

The supplementary vote is not a proportional system  in the cases of mayors and PCCs it cannot be, as they are elected as individuals. But proportional systems often include preferential voting, and the Electoral Reform Society, for example, is delighted by Rayners policy  because anything that takes away from the system that gave us a Labour government winning two-thirds of the seats on one-third of the votes is a good thing, in its view.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A woman found guilty of sneaking onto a flight out of JFK Airport has been sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release.

Svetlana Dali stowed away on a Delta flight from New York to Paris last year and was sentenced Thursday. She told the judge that she snuck onto the plane because the U.S. military had poisoned her, ABC News reported.

Through a Russian interpreter before the sentence was handed down, Dali said, My actions were directed toward only one purpose: to save my life.

Dali is a Russian citizen and a U.S. permanent resident who recently lived in Philadelphia. In a lengthy statement in court lasting more than half an hour, she blamed circumstances beyond my control for her stowing away on the flight, claiming that the U.S. military had subjected her to poisonous chemicals.

"I was forced to escape from the United States because I was poisoned," she said. "I can draw a conclusion that I was poisoned by those military chemicals in the United States."

open image in gallery Svetlana Dali, a 57yearold Russian national who slipped through security and boarded a Delta Airlines flight out of John F. Kennedy International Airport without a ticket, has been sentenced ( Niagara County Sheriff's Office )

The FBI arrested her following her deportation from France to the U.S.

Dali has spent the last seven months in jail, which federal prosecutors said was enough, as sentencing guidelines suggested zero to six months behind bars.

In a sentencing memo, prosecutors argued that "Stowaway travel is a serious offense that endangers both the offender and other air passengers. Deterrence is particularly important in stowaway cases, as publicized incidents encourage copycat behavior that threatens the safety of air travel and undermines the integrity of airport security systems.

Judge Ann Donnelly noted that Dali has had a difficult life but added that deterrence was required.

"When someone gets onto a plane without a seat, without a ticket, it's a danger," she said. "It's possible that other people would try to do the same thing, and that's a situation our society cannot tolerate."

open image in gallery Svetlana Dali snuck onto a flight to Paris from New York late last year ( AP )

The judge said the year of supervised release was intended to help Dali get mental health treatment.

"I hope you will work with all the people who are trying to help you," said Donnelly.

A jury in Brooklyn convicted Dali in May of a federal stowaway charge after she slipped past gate agents onto a flight to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on November 26 last year. She didnt have a ticket and bypassed a number of boarding pass and identification checkpoints.

Prosecutors said she entered the plane and hid in one of the bathrooms for several hours. When she was discovered, Dali faked vomiting as an excuse for spending such an extensive amount of time in the bathroom.

When a flight attendant asked for her name and her boarding pass, Dali provided two fake names and was unable to produce a boarding pass or identification, prosecutors said. The flight attendant then told Dali to sit in a seat reserved for the flight crew as the plane was about to land.

open image in gallery Dali was flown back to the U.S. after she was found to have snuck onto the flight to Europe ( AP/ Port Authority )

Dali was flown back to the U.S. on December 4 last year. Prosecutors said attempts were made to fly her back sooner, but they were unable to do so due to her disruptive behavior.

After her release in early December, Dali allegedly removed her ankle monitor and traveled to Buffalo, where she was unable to cross into Canada on a bus on December 16. She has since been in custody.

According to prosecutors, Dali has attempted to fly as a stowaway on two previous occasions at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut and Miami International Airport.

As the Connecticut State Police has an active case against her, she wont be released at this time.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

At least 121 people are dead and more than 170 are missing in central Texas after the Guadalupe River swelled early Friday, causing destructive flash flooding throughout Kerr County.

There were many flash flooding warnings in Kerr County at the start of the July 4 weekend, but those alerts didnt reach some of the campers and residents who didnt have cellphone service, who had silenced notifications, or who didnt have their phones with them.

Emergency alerts are sent out by a number of agencies on various platforms, but they often do not reach those in danger. Excessive warnings can also cause alert fatigue, leading some to turn off notifications and increase their risk during emergencies.

Flash flooding events can be difficult to predict, and broad warnings may be ignored if the dangerous conditions arent clearly communicated.

The responsibility for alerting the public to potential danger is shared among federal, state, and local authorities. Even amid technological progress, the patchwork of digital and physical emergency-alert tools may not always be enough.

open image in gallery There was several warnings sent out ahead of the Texas flash floods but they didnt reach some campers and residents ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Outdoor sirens came under consideration in Kerr County but werent constructed.

Emergency alerts can come from a wide array of platforms, such as texts, push alerts, social media, and sirens. Via the Emergency Alert System, federal and local authorities can send warnings to TV and radio stations.

The Wireless Emergency Alerts system warns cellphone users based on their location. Residents can also sign up for warnings from local authorities sent via apps, email, or text.

While the Federal Emergency Management Agencys online alert system has streamlined the process for local authorities to reach residents, experts note that some rural officials often dont have access to the funding, expertise, or permission from state authorities to get their own alerts to broadcasters and cellphones.

open image in gallery The ruins of a building pictured in Hunt, Texas after Friday's devastating floods. Rescue crews say they're navigating 'mounds' of debris as they search for people ( AP )

A lot of places are afraid to push that button, the vice president of public safety at the software provider Everbridge told The Wall Street Journal.

U.S. authorities have warned that too many messages about possible dangers can prompt some cellphone users to turn off their notifications if they become annoying or irrelevant. Warnings for floods, fires, missing children, and more have prompted some users to experience alert fatigue.

A research and development report from last year found that cellphone users in Texas were among those who opted not to receive emergency alerts at the highest rate, with almost 30 percent choosing to turn off at least one kind of alert. Researchers partly blamed exhaustion from the sheer number of alerts in the state.

The Federal Communications Commission faced thousands of complaints after a warning about a man who allegedly shot a police chief in the Texas Panhandle went out before 5 a.m.

In 2023, officials in Florida issued an apology after a test of a TV alert was transmitted to cellphones in the early morning hours, following a mistake by a staffer who had checked the wrong box.

While the FCC is working on applying changes that would allow authorities to send muted or vibrate-only messages in less dangerous situations, such changes wont come to fruition until 2028.

open image in gallery Texas National Guard troops search through debris in Kerr County. Troops are assisting the recovery efforts via land and air ( Texas Military Department )

The director of water research centers at Columbia University and Arizona State University, Upmanu Lall, told The Journal that flash flooding is hard to foresee and warnings often cover broad areas. Some who receive several alerts but dont experience dangerous conditions may assume theyre false alarms.

The National Weather Service for Austin and San Antonio covers Kerr County. They issued more than a dozen flash flood warnings in the two months before the July 4 weekend, a Journal review of FEMA data showed.

Kerr County is at the center of the tragedy following the Guadalupe River overflowing on Friday. Just in Kerr County, 96 people have been killed, including 36 children. At least 161 remain missing in the county.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

WWE icon Hulk Hogans alcohol brand, Real American beer, is at the center of a $10 million lawsuit involving a licensing company and two former employees.

Carma HoldCo Inc filed the lawsuit in Illinois and alleges that its former president, Chad Bronstein, chief legal and licensing officer Nicole Cosby, and their company, Rahm Inc, violated state and federal trade secret laws by using proprietary information and intellectual property belonging to Carma when they launched the wrestler-themed beer company.

The lawsuit claims that Cosby and Bronstein violated their employment agreements by misappropriating and making use of its proprietary information and its marketing tactics and concepts when developing Rahm Inc, according to Law360.

In other words, Carma is accusing its former executives of swiping its ideas and strategies and poaching Hogan away from them in order to launch their own beer using his name and likeness.

Carma frequently partners with celebrities to license their likenesses out to other companies, which are then used for a variety of products. It claims in the suit that it had entered into a deal with Hogan to be one of its brand ambassadors back in February 2023.

A beer bearing Hulk Hogans name and image is the center of a $10 million lawsuit alleging theft of trade secrets and proprietary marketing ideas ( Fox News )

That summer, Bronstein  then an executive at Carma  discussed launching a beer brand using Hogan's likeness. The original idea included using August and Billy Busch of the Busch family.

"Bronstein, as president and chairman of the board of directors, was intimately involved in and familiar with Carma's plans for Hulk Hogan's Real American brand beer," the suit says. "During this time, Carma was in active discussions with August and Billy Busch, who controlled a trademark for the Real American Lager brand name, to form a joint venture in relation to Hulk Hogan's Real American brand beer."

The suit claims that Cosby was also familiar with the concept as part of her duties as CLO.

According to Carma, it hired a designer to create beer can concepts for The Real American brand that includes Hogan's name and image as well as proposals for an All-American Lager and Patriot Pilsner. Those concepts were provided to Carma in September 2023. The company is arguing that the proposals, concepts, and business plans for the brand are confidential and proprietary.

Two months later, Carma says it terminated Cosby and Bronstein because the latter had allegedly arranged the deal in a way that would allow him to personally benefit by taking an ownership interest in the beer company. Cosby reportedly provided counsel to Bronstein and authorized the arrangement.

After the executives left, Carma said it tried to revitalize negotiations with Hogan and the Busch family for the beer idea, but claims the wrestler became uncooperative and stopped fulfilling his responsibilities as a brand ambassador per his deal with the company.

"Plaintiff is informed and believes, and based thereon alleges, that after their termination, Bronstein and Cosby continued to have their discussions with Hulk Hogan, his representatives, and August and Billy Busch concerning Hulk Hogan's Real American brand beer, and they solicited Hulk Hogan to cease his relationship with Carma and enter a business relationship with Rahm to sell Hulk Hogan's Real American brand beer," the complaint says.

Rahm Inc applied for trademarks involving the "Real American Beer" name that covered a variety of products, including beer, non-alcoholic beer, coolers, mugs, and other related drinking paraphernalia.

The complaint accuses Rahm, Bronstein, and Cosby of breach of contract, violations of the Defend Trade Secrets Act, the Illinois Trade Secrets act, tortious interference with contractual relations and tortious interference with prospective business relations.

The company is seeking $348,000 in restitution for the breach of contract from Bronstein, and another $231,333.33 from Cosby. Carma is also seeking damages, restitution, royalties, and a court order to stop Bronstein and Cosby from using its trade secrets and to stop them from selling products they believe use stolen trade secrets.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

At least 121 people are dead and 173 are missing in central Texas after the Guadalupe River swelled last Friday, causing destructive flash flooding throughout Kerr County.

Now, new before-and-after satellite images of several sites throughout Kerry County show the devastation caused by the floods as crews embark on a seventh day of search and rescue efforts. Crews are searching mounds of debris along an eight-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, often finding cars and RVs buried in the wreckage.

Search and rescue efforts are expected to continue for several weeks, said Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell.

Twenty-seven of those killed were children and staff attending Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Five girls and one staffer are still missing as of Friday morning.

Several of the cabins were built on extremely hazardous floodways where the rivers water moves at its highest velocity and depth, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Two days before the deadly floods, the camp reportedly passed its annual state safety inspection and had a written disaster plan in place.

open image in gallery Camp Mystic pictured before (top) and after the Guadalupe River swelled on Friday, flooding the all-girls summer camp situated along its banks. At least 27 girls and staffers died in the floods, and six are still missing. ( Maxar Technologies )

While crews wade through debris and navigate difficult terrain, many are assisting the efforts in innovative ways.

Kourtney Rand, a volunteer in Ingram, Texas, told CNN the local volunteer fire department is using horses to navigate waterlogged areas. NASA has deployed two aircraft to help map the damage from the floods, while the Texas National Guard is helping the search via land and air.

One man from Colorado has even traveled to Texas to help with the efforts, telling local outlet Fox 26 he was inspired to assist in any way he could after seeing photos of the devastation.

open image in gallery The Guadalupe River pictured before (top) and after it flooded early Friday. At least 120 people are dead as a result of the deadly flash floods on Independence Day ( Maxar Technologies )

open image in gallery Highway 39 pictured before (top) and after the Guadalupe River flooded on Friday. Rescue crews say theyre struggling to wade through mounds of debris as the search enters its seventh day ( Maxar Technologies )

Questions are swirling over whether state and local officials could have done more to warn residents about the impending floods early Friday.

A local firefighter was revealed to have petitioned for an emergency alert to be sent out when the floods were imminent but one wasnt issued until at least an hour later, a new report reveals.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz has criticized the states preparation, arguing something went wrong at Camp Mystic. New York Senator Chuck Schumer has also called for an investigation into whether staffing cuts at the National Weather Service impacted the response time on July4.

open image in gallery The Ingram Dam pictured before (top) and after the devastating flash floods. Federal and state lawmakers are now questioning officials response to the floods, with some arguing there was a lack of preparation for the disaster ( Maxar Technologies )
 Close Trump brands reporter 'evil' for asking if warnings could have saved kids' lives in Texas floods

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Donald Trump met with Texas officials on Friday in Kerrville as he toured the damage from last week's devastating flash flooding.

The president and First Lady Melania Trump shook hands with rescuers who responded to the disaster, which has killed at least 121 people and left more than 160 missing, one week later.

Among the dead were more than two dozen girls from a summer camp, Camp Mystic. Trump took an aerial tour of the flood-ravaged Guadalupe River region, accompanied by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Ted Cruz, and other federal officials.

The visit comes as Texas lawmakers face growing scrutiny over the states flood warning systems.

During a roundtable with first responders and local officials, Trump said, This is a tough one, comparing the devastation and loss of life to the aftermath of hurricanes and tornadoes he has also seen as president.

A New York Times report revealed that county officials were repeatedly denied funding for an emergency flood warning system, despite telling FEMA in October that deadly flooding was likely to occur within a year.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A week after catastrophic flash floods swept through Central Texas, first responders are still sifting through debris to find the missing and recover the dead.

At least 121 people, including 36 children, have been killed following torrential downpours that began Thursday after the Guadalupe River burst from its banks last Friday, rising by 20 feet in roughly 95 minutes. A further 173 remained missing, with officials fearing the death toll could soar.

Twenty-seven young girls and staff members were killed at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp situated on the bank of the Guadalupe River.

Maps reveal the devastation seen in Kerr County, where authorities revealed 36 children were among the 96 victims in the flood-ravaged county.

By Friday, at least 161 people were missing in the region alone, with no rescues made there since Friday. There could be more added to that list, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said earlier this week.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are due to survey the damage in the county Friday afternoon.

Authorities said at least eight people were killed in Kendall County, eight in Travis County, five in Burnett County, three in Williamson County and one in Tom Green County.

In Kerr County, first responders were forced to navigate uprooted trees, swept-away buildings, and large piles of debris during their operations. There were also power outages thanks to 40 downed power lines, officials said.

Five girls from Camp Mystic and one counselor remained missing on Wednesday evening. The camp reported that the floods had killed 27 campers and staff members.

open image in gallery First responders and volunteers do search and rescue work on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Ingram, Texas, ( AP )

Thats every parents nightmare, Texas Senator Ted Cruz told reporters.

Responding to a question about an emergency warning system, Cruz said Monday there had always been a risk of flooding along the river and that everyone would evacuate if they could go back in time.

Evacuation is a delicate balance, said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice at the same press conference.

Because if you evacuate too late, you then risk putting buses or cars or vehicles or campers on roads into low-water areas trying to get them out, which then can make it even more challenging. Because these flash floods happen very quickly.

First responders had been swept off the road while trying to help, he added.

City leadership and local forecasters have been the subject of intense scrutiny regarding emergency response, including the timing of alerts and the dissemination of information from the National Weather Service on Friday morning.

Forecasters had warned about a particularly dangerous situation, with between five and 10 inches falling in south-central Kerr County over just three to six hours.

Other meteorologists and former National Weather Service employees have defended the actions of the San Antonio, Austin, and San Angelo offices.

open image in gallery Search and rescue efforts continued on Monday, amid rainy weather. But officials said responders were running into technical challenges ( Getty )

However, officials have repeatedly said there was more rain than had been predicted.

The original forecast that we received Wednesday from the National Weather Service predicted three to six inches of rain in the Concho Valley and four to eight inches in the Hill Country, Texas Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd told reporters last week.

The amount of rain that fell at this specific location was never in any of those forecasts.

Flood watches and warnings remained in effect throughout the day on Monday near the Rio Grande River.

There remains a threat of flash flooding from slow-moving heavy rains overnight and through the day on Monday somewhere over the watch area, the City of Kerrville warned on Facebook.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

President Donald Trump has threatened a 35 percent tariff on Canadian goods and says he may soon double what other nations are charged.

Trump is playing hardball with countries yet to make fresh trade deals with his administration following his so-called Liberation Day in April.

In a letter sent to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney late Thursday, Trump said the U.S. will charge a 35 percent tariff on goods imported from Canada starting August 1. Trump posted a copy of the letter on his Truth Social account. Its unclear if the new threatened tariff rate will apply to all imported goods.

Trump has already imposed hefty levies on Canada, one of the largest trading partners of the U.S., since taking office. In Thursdays letter, Trump told Carney it was in response to his countrys, failure to stop [fentanyl] from pouring into our Country.

In February, Canadas then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said fewer than 1 percent of street fentanyl in the U.S. comes from Canada.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has threatened a 35 percent tariff on Canadian goods and said he may double what other nations are charged ( Win McNamee/Getty Images )

open image in gallery Trump has already imposed some hefty levies on Canada since taking office, which he told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was in response to 'failure to stop [fentanyl] from pouring into our Country' ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images )

To justify some of his latest tariffs, the president has declared national emergencies involving illegal immigration, the fentanyl crisis, and the trade deficit, relying on a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA.

Trump added in his letter, The flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, writing that the country charges extraordinary Tariffs to our Dairy Farmers.

The president said his administration will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter if Canada works to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.

Canadian goods that are not under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement Trump brokered during his first term are already subject to a 25 percent tariff. Canadian energy imports face a 10 percent levy.

Canada has also hit the U.S. with retaliatory tariffs, including a 25 percent levy on live animals, meat, dairy, eggs and honey.

Carney is yet to publicly respond to Trumps letter. The Independent has reached out to the Prime Ministers office for comment.

Trump also told NBC News Kristen Welker Thursday he plans to impose higher blanket tariffs on most international trade partners. There is currently a 10 percent blanket tariff on all countries.

Were just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether its 20 percent or 15 percent. Well work that out now, he said.

Trump sent out letters, similar to that sent to Carney, to other world leaders on Monday  the same day White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Trump would delay the July 9 deadline he set for countries to either make a deal with him or face high tariffs.

open image in gallery Earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Trump would delay the July 9 deadline he set for countries to either make a deal with him or face high tariffs ( Andrew Harnik/Getty Images )

The Trump administration initially promised 90 deals in 90 days, but it fell hugely short of that.

Trump said Tuesday there would be no extensions granted to the new August 1 deadline he set Monday for trading partners to negotiate new deals or face significantly higher tariffs on imported goods.

The president threatened Japan and South Korea, two strong U.S. allies, with 25 percent tariffs, and 19 other countries with levies ranging from 25 to 40 percent.

Trump this week also announced a blanket 50 percent tariff on imports from Brazil, citing anger over the countrys treatment of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro. Sometimes referred to as the Trump of the tropics, Bolsonaro is facing charges he plotted to overturn his 2022 election loss. The former Brazilian leader denies the allegations against him.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

U.S. consumers face sharp price increases on essential food items like coffee and orange juice should the Trump administration proceed with its plan to levy a 50 percent tariff on all imports from Brazil, traders and experts say.

President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on Wednesday, which included raising the duty on Brazilian imports from 10 percent to 50 percent, effective from August 1, despite the U.S. having a $7.4 billion trade surplus with Brazil, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

In terms of agricultural commodities, Brazil produces nearly half the world's arabica coffee and is by far the world's largest orange juice producer, accounting for 80 percent of global exports, industry figures reveal.

Brazil is also the world's top sugar producer, but does not ship significant volumes to the U.S.

"With (U.S. sugar) consumption at 11.185 million tons, a 50 percent increase on 312,000 tons of (Brazil) sugar shouldnt have a large impact. The bigger impact will be in coffee and orange juice. Im thinking Acai berries as well," said sugar analyst Michael McDougall, pointing out that Trump may yet row back on his plan.

The overwhelming majority of U.S. Acai imports come from Brazil, the worlds largest producer, according to a report by Grand View Research.

open image in gallery Farmer shows hand-picked coffee beans on his family farm in Brazil ( AFP/Getty )

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said last month during a Congress hearing that some natural resources that are not available in the U.S., such as tropical fruits and spices, could be exempt from tariffs, depending on negotiations with the countries producing and exporting them.

"I don't think it would be economically feasible to sell Brazilian coffee to the U.S. with the 50 percent tariff. Let's see how this will evolve, but it would be very complicated," said the Brazil head of a major global commodities trader.

Around a third of the coffee consumed in the U.S., the world's largest drinker of the beverage, comes from Brazil, which has in recent years been shipping about eight million 60 kg bags a year there, according to industry groups.

More than half of the orange juice sold in the U.S. comes from Brazil, meanwhile.

The U.S. has become more dependant on orange juice imports in recent years due to a sharp decline in domestic production, particularly in Florida, due to the 'citrus greening' crop disease, hurricanes and spells of freezing temperatures.

A report issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture earlier this year forecast the U.S. orange harvest would hit an 88-year low in the 2024/25 season while production of orange juice would slump to a record low.

open image in gallery Florida has been impacted by 'citrus greening' crop disease, hurricanes and spells of freezing temperatures ( AP )

Brazil also exports a modest amount of beef to the U.S., and the tariff has been welcomed by U.S. cattle producers.

"We fully support this tariff on Brazil. Brazils exports (have) contributed to the shrinking of our U.S. cattle industry. We need to rebuild and reduce our nations dependency on imported food. This is a step in the right direction," said R-CALF USA.

In terms of energy, Brazil is the world's second-largest producer of the cane or corn-based biofuel ethanol.

The South American country produced some 35 billion litres of ethanol in 2024, but exported less than 6 percent, of which only some 300 million litres went to U.S., according to a report from BTG Pactual.

Energy major Shell is exposed to Brazil's biofuel market via Raizen, a joint venture between itself and Brazilian conglomerate Cosan, while BP is exposed as it now has full ownership of Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer BP Bunge Bioenergia.

In a letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva setting out his tariff plan, Trump criticised what he saw as Brazil's attacks on free elections, social media platforms and digital trade activities of U.S. companies.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

An aide to President Donald Trump sold up to $5 million worth of Trump Media stock the day before the Liberation Day tariffs were announced.

Dan Scavino, White House deputy chief of staff, sold stock worth between $1 million and $5 million on April 1, according to financial disclosure reports first obtained by USA Today. Trump Media is the parent company of Trumps TruthSocial social media platform.

Scavino sold the day before the president officially announced reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners. The announcement caused the markets to plummet and prompted Trump to put a 90-day pause on the tariffs on April 9, by which point the markets had slumped 12 percent. Stocks for Trump Media fell by about 11 percent.

If government officials buy or sell stock worth more than $1,000, they are required to file disclosure reports. Scavino signed the financial disclosure report on May 20 after he received a 90-day filing extension, documents show.

Sergio Gor, director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, also sold Trump Media stock worth between $15,001 and $50,000 on March 27, a few days before the tariff announcement.

The White House said the sales had nothing to do with the tariff announcement when approached by The Independent.

open image in gallery Dan Scavino, White House deputy chief of staff, sold stock worth between $1 million and $5 million on April 1, according to financial disclosure reports. On April 2, President Donald Trump announced his Liberation Day tariffs that spooked the markets. ( Getty Images )

White House senior staff, including Deputy Chief of Staff Scavino and PPO Director Gor, fully comply with the executive branch ethics rules, attending required ethics briefings and complying with conflict of interest and financial reporting obligations, spokesperson Taylor Rogers said.

Gors transaction had nothing to do with the tariff announcement, Rogers added. In fact, he even took a loss from selling his stocks, which debunks any false narrative peddled by the fake news.

Gor also signed his disclosure report on May 20 after receiving a 90-day filing extension.

Officials in the federal government and Congress are prohibited from trading stock based on nonpublic information, according to the 2023 Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act.

Its possible that trades by government officials prompted by information not available to the public could cross the bounds of the law. However, such cases against officials are complicated, and judges have recently narrowed the scope of what is unlawful insider trading, ProPublica noted.

open image in gallery Sergio Gor (right), pictured with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, also sold Trump Media stock worth between $15,001 and $50,000 on March 27. The White House said that Gors sale had nothing to do with the tariff announcement. ( AFP via Getty Images )

In the case of Trumps aides, watchdogs said the timing of the sale raises ethical questions.

White House officials are supposed to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, but owning or selling shares in the sitting president's media company does just the opposite, Cynthia Brown, senior ethics counsel at the watchdog Citizens for Responsibility, told USA Today.

These disclosures show that Trump's senior advisers' investments are tied into their boss' media company, Brown continued. While that may not be prohibited by law by itself, when coupled with the extent to which Trump's media outlets are being integrated into the Administration's agenda, it begs the question of whether this is another mechanism for the President and his advisers to financially benefit personally from their government agenda.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was obligated to sell her stake within 90-days of being confirmed by the Senate, sold millions of dollars in shares in Trump Media the same day the tariffs were announced.

According to Bondis disclosure forms, she sold between $1 million and $5 million of shares in Trump Media on April 2, but the forms didnt state if the sales took place before or after the markets closed.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Comments made by attorney Alan Dershowitz in March resurfaced on Thursday, in which he said he knows the names of those on Jeffrey Epsteins supposed client list regarding claims of an international sex trafficking ring.

I know the names of the individuals. I know why theyre being suppressed. I know whos suppressing them, he said on The Sean Spicer Show on March 19. Spicer shared the comments again on X on Thursday.

But Im bound by confidentiality from a judge and cases, and I cant disclose what I know, he added, claiming that he was once falsely identified.

Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier, has long been the subject of conspiracy theories that he kept a secret list of famous and powerful people to whom he trafficked underage girls for sex.

Dershowitz is a criminal defense attorney known for representing high-profile clients, including Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.

open image in gallery Alan Dershowitz said on the Sean Spicer Show in March that he had seen the unreleased Epstein files ( Getty Images )

Dershowitz was part of the criminal defense team for Epstein after the disgraced late financier was investigated over claims he had solicited sex from minors on a number of occasions. The attorney had previously become familiar with the financier through a mutual acquaintance.

Trumps administration said earlier this year that it would release the documents and names of people connected to Epsteins inner circle before backtracking and claiming theres no such list, to the fury of many in the MAGA movement.

Elon Musk claimed Trump himself was mentioned in the Epstein files, without providing evidence, amid their public spat spurred by the Republican spending package.

open image in gallery Elon Musk claimed Trump was mentioned in the Epstein files a mid their public spat spurred by the Republican spending package ( AFP/Getty )

Earlier this week, Trump was asked about Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019.

Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? Trump asked a reporter. This guys been talked about for years. Youre asking  we have Texas, we have this, we have all of the things. And are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable.

Sigrid McCawley represents a number of Epstein victims in their civil cases. During an appearance on NewsNation, she said, I think whats really just astonishing about this recent disclosure from the government is that they know they are sitting on a treasure trove of information, and theyre not turning it over.

And Ive worked on these cases for over 10 years now  theres a plethora of information that the public has not been able to see relating to Epstein and his co-conspirators, she added.

open image in gallery Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges ( New York State Sex Offender Registry )

Dershowitz said at the time that the list is being kept under wraps to protect the people involved.

I know the names of people whose files are being suppressed in order to protect them, and thats wrong, he told Spicer, who was Trumps first White House Press Secretary during his first term.

Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year following a battle with illness and sexual abuse trauma.

McCawley called for those connected to Epsteins crimes to be held accountable.

Epstein could not have run this operation without the help of many people. He needed a lawyer who would, you know, cover things up for him. He needed an accountant who would funnel money in certain ways, said McCawley.

open image in gallery Virginia Giuffre spoke during a news conference outside a Manhattan court in 2019 ( AP )

And as we know, he had a group of people around him who helped protect him and help that scheme to continue running. None of those people have been prosecuted, she added.

The government memo released this week was clear that no new evidence has been found related to the Epstein case, and no further investigations will be launched into other individuals. Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for child sex trafficking offenses.

Dershowitz was a member of Trumps defense team during his first impeachment trial in 2020 and was separately part of the defense team that negotiated a 2006 non-prosecution agreement for Epstein.

The attorney joined Trumps team after supporting Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.

I'm there to try to defend the integrity of the Constitution. That benefits President Trump in this case, he said at the time.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

President Donald Trump is expected to tour areas struck by the Texas flash floods on Friday as the state comes to terms with a natural disaster that has left hundreds dead and missing.

Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has repeatedly praised the Trump administration for its response to the tragedy this week, despite the White House having made severe cutbacks to climate and weather agencies, and even as Trump officials continue to argue for the elimination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The relationship between Abbott and Trump is contrasted to that between the president and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who met Trump in January following devastating wildfires in the Golden State. Trump and Newsom argued over water access during the blaze that destroyed thousands of structures and caused a dozen fatalities.

open image in gallery At least 121 people are dead and more than 170 are still missing after the flash floods in Texas ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Those critical of the president argue that Trumps handling of the two disasters reveals how he appears to politicize events depending on their location.

Jeremy Edwards, who served as a spokesperson for FEMA and the Biden White House, said he thinks if the floods had occurred under a Democratic administration, Trumps response would have been different.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump is visiting Texas on Friday following deadly flooding in the central parts of the state ( Getty Images )

I find it very hard to imagine that if this exact situation were to happen in a blue state with a Democratic governor, he would not immediately lambast them for steps that they did or didnt take with regards to emergency alerts, said Edwards, according to The Hill.

I think this is going to be the same thing he does with the economy. When the economy is bad, its Bidens economy. When the economy is good, its Trumps economy, he added. And I think, if the response and recovery goes well  and I hope it does  its Trumps FEMA, but if the response goes badly, its Bidens FEMA.

Michael Coen served as chief of staff at FEMA during the Obama and Biden administrations.

What Id seen during the Obama administration and the Biden administration is presidents working with governors, regardless of party, to support the impacted community, whether it was in Florida with Biden and Gov. DeSantis working side by side following the Surfside building collapse, Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Milton  putting politics aside, Coen said.

Until this administration, I really havent seen emergency management being politicized the way it is, he added.

open image in gallery Volunteer Mario Rios, right, and a fellow volunteer search along the bank of the river after flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Abbott is set to accompany Trump in Texas as the president meets with first responders and receives a briefing from local officials. He will also meet with family members affected by the floods.

Newsom greeted Trump at the airport when the president visited the state just after taking office. However, just before the trip, Trump issued a threat to withhold federal aid because of concerns regarding Californias water management.

In Texas, other issues are arising, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which includes the National Weather Service, which eliminated hundreds of employees earlier this year. The warning meteorologist at the NWS office for Austin and San Antonio, which covers Kerr County, which was hardest hit by the floods, took a buyout in April, organized by the Trump administration.

Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, is also set to join Trump in Texas. She initially visited the area on Saturday. She said this week that FEMA should be remade amid its response to the floods. Both the secretary and the president have argued that the states should handle disaster responses.

We, as a federal government, dont manage these disasters. The state does. We come in and support them, and thats exactly what we did here in this situation, said Noem.

open image in gallery Kristi Noem plans to join Abbott and Trump on Friday as they survey flood damage ( AP )

FEMA has been in the sights of Republicans since Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina last year. Rumors began to be spread suggesting the agency was avoiding helping red-leaning areas and Republican households. The theories, at times, hindered the Biden administration's aid efforts.

A former Bush administration official said, Disaster politics are always tricky, but this tragedy is amid the backdrop of DOGE and the administrations broader efforts to reduce the federal role in disaster response, according to The Hill.

The president and the governor get along well and are very simpatico on immigration, but these situations normally receive a level of empathy that this president does not like to display, the ex-official added.

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump praised Abbott.

The relationship with Texas and the governor has been obviously very good for years, with me, he said. The response has been incredible, and the fact that we got along so well, I dont even think thats a political thing, but we got along so well, and it was so unified. I think a lot of lives have been saved.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

The FBI has reportedly stepped up its use of polygraph lie-detector tests on bureau staff, as Director Kash Patel allegedly hunts for agents who have criticized his leadership or leaked to the news media.

Sources told The New York Times that dozens of FBI personnel had been questioned. That includes a senior employee, asked if they had said anything negative about Patel, and another who was subject to an interview as the bureau sought to discover who told journalists about Patels unusual request for a service weapon.

The lie detector tests, the sources said, marked a break from precedent at the FBI, where such tests were more commonly used against those thought to have betrayed the country or to have committed major offenses.

Michael Feinberg, who was a former top agent at the FBI office in Norfolk, Virginia, until the spring, claimed he was threatened with a polygraph over his friendship with Peter Strzok, a counterintelligence official involved in the FBIs probe into the Trump-Russia allegations and who was later fired for sending negative messages about Trump.

Feinberg resigned and never took the polygraph test.

open image in gallery The FBI has reportedly increased its use of polygraph tests against its own employees, alarming some insiders who say this breaks with precedent ( Getty Images )

Referring to the FBI director and his deputy, Feinberg wrote in Lawfare: Under Patel and Bongino, subject matter expertise and operational competence are readily sacrificed for ideological purity and the ceaseless politicization of the work force.

The FBI declined to comment on the Times report, given that it involved personnel matters and internal deliberations.

open image in gallery In addition to reportedly testing its own employees, the FBI has launched an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey (left) and former CIA Director John Brennan (right), thought to be related to the pairs involvement in allegations Russia sought to help the Trump 2016 campaign ( AFP via Getty Images )

Critics of Patel, whose book Government Gangsters featured an appendix containing an enemies list, feared he could politicize the agency, which was a frequent target of criticism from President Donald Trump.

The FBI has also reportedly launched a criminal investigations into former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey after a referral from current CIA chief John Ratcliffe, thought to be tied to the Obama-and Trump-era officials involvement in investigations into the president.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of a person who appeared to fire a gun at federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Southern California on Thursday.

The alleged shooting took place on Laguna Road in Camarillo, Ventura County, where agents were executing a warrant at what the Department of Homeland Security described as a marijuana facility and met with resistance from local activists and workers blocking their path, leading to several arrests.

The location of the raids has been confirmed as having taken place at state-licensed marijuana nurseries in an agricultural region.U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who heads the Central District of California office, announced the FBI reward on social media and shared a picture and video of the suspect, who is seen wearing a black T-shirt, pants, and a white surgical mask.

open image in gallery A protester appearing to shoot a gun at federal agents during a raid on undocumented migrants in Camarillo, California, on Thursday July 10 2025 ( ABC7 )

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also posted about the incident on X, warning: Make no mistake: anyone who targets our agents will face the full force of federal prosecution.

According to CBS News, agents en route to the farm in Camarillo encountered the protesters blocking their way, ordered them to back up and fired tear gas and non-lethal rounds when they stood their ground, beginning what proved to be a four-hour-long standoff that also saw the demonstrators smash vehicles windows with pebbles and stones.

The Ventura County Fire Department reported that paramedics transported four people to the hospital and treated three more at the scene.

Federal agents brought at least one person they arrested to nearby St. Johns Hospital, according to the Oxnard Police Department, and left men outside the facility to assist with crowd control, anticipating further protests.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted a clip of the clashes on X with the comment: Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields. Trump calls me Newscum  but hes the real scum.

open image in gallery ICE raid at farm in Camaraillo sparks protests ( Getty )

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott fired back on the same platform: Heres some breaking news: 10 juveniles were found at this marijuana facility  all illegal aliens, eight of them unaccompanied. Its now under investigation for child labor violations. This is Newsoms California.

The state has increasingly found itself on the frontline of the Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration, with anti-ICE protests erupting in downtown Los Angeles last month.

The president responded by deploying the National Guard and active-duty Marines to maintain peace, despite the opposition of Gov. Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, who expressed concern that the show of force would only exacerbate the situation.

The tensions have since been exacerbated by incidents such as the tackling of Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla as he attempted to ask a question at a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and controversial comments from the Vice Mayor of Cudahy, urging local cholos to rise up and protect the community.

open image in gallery A couple cling to each other as ICE agents stand by in Camarillo ( Getty )

Four men were arrested earlier this week for allegedly using homemade spike traps to attempt to impede the progress of another raid in Van Nuys by puncturing the tires on agents vehicles.

The situation has reportedly left the states Latino community living in fear and even going into hiding, regardless of their immigration status, with one man telling the press: Its like Anne Frank.

President Trump is reportedly preparing to relax the rules to exempt farm laborers from his mass deportation push after realising that doing otherwise threatens to blow a huge hole in an important industry, a decision that would bring significant relief to California where farmers and ranchers are major employers and where seasonal migrant workers are all-important come harvest time.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

FEMA Acting Administrator David Richardson has been absent during the federal response to the floods in Texas, prompting concerns about his leadership.

Richardson hasnt visited the site of the floods, the deadliest in the U.S. in a quarter century, ending a longstanding tradition of FEMA leaders being publicly available following natural disasters.

DHS and its components have taken an all-hands-on-deck approach to the Texas flooding, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Politico, pointing to aid given by the U.S. Coast Guard and Border Protection. FEMA has deployed extensive staff to support Texas response and recovery operations based on staff skills and requirements.

Former FEMA officials told the outlet that Richardson being away from the scene has prompted concerns that the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, is in charge of FEMAs response to the tragedy.

Noem oversees another 21 agencies aside from FEMA. She visited the central Texas area struck by the flooding on Saturday.

open image in gallery David Richardson has shunned public appearances during his time as Acting FEMA Administrator ( Department of Homeland Security )

The secretary has a huge portfolio, and she will quickly get pulled in different directions to handle all of the things she needs to manage. You need the FEMA administrator, whose job is only to manage the disaster, Biden administration FEMA head Deanne Criswell told the outlet.

Michael Coen, a former FEMA chief of staff, told Politico that Noem taking on a leading role in the response to the floods, shows governors and emergency managers around the country that when they have a need from the federal government, Richardson is probably not going to be their first call.

On Wednesday, Richardson was in New Orleans attending a meeting of the panel that President Donald Trump established to recommend changes to FEMA. Richardson is not an official member of the panel and only appeared briefly during the virtual meeting without saying anything.

President Trump, Secretary Noem, and FEMA have been exceptional partners throughout the flood response, a spokesperson for Texas Governor Greg Abbott told Politico.

open image in gallery People view photos of flood victims posted on a memorial wall in Kerrville. There are still 173 people missing in central Texas ( AP )

Federal law states the head of FEMA is in charge of the work to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against the risk of natural disasters.

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a law handed the administrator more powers and made the FEMA head the principal advisor on emergency management.

Most FEMA administrators, such as Richardsons predecessor, Cameron Hamilton, whom Trump appointed, often visited disaster sites and met with officials on the state and local levels as well as survivors and emergency staff.

An anonymous current FEMA employee told Politico that When Hamilton was in the role, he was out there doing something to encourage us or announce something or do a photo op with survivors or regional leadership.

I have no idea whats going on with David Richardsons absence, they added.

open image in gallery At leat 173 remain missing after the flash floods in Texas ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Hamilton departed the administration after telling a congressional committee that FEMA shouldnt be shut down, seemingly in violation of Trumps promises to eliminate the agency.

Criswell noted that while it was positive Noem visited Texas on Saturday, its more important for the FEMA administrator to be there, since theyre the ones that need to direct the appropriate resources.

The importance of me being on the ground was being able to talk to local officials, talk to the people that have been impacted, see firsthand what the damages are  and make sure FEMA was directing the appropriate resources as fast as possible into the appropriate area, Noem told Politico.

Following his appointment on May 8, Richardson has made no public appearances or statements. He has chosen not to establish an official X account, unlike the four previous administrators, three of whom were Trump appointees.

He left the Marine Corps in 2013 after serving for 22 years and has been the assistant secretary for DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office since Trump returned to the White House.

A FEMA spokesperson told The Independent on Friday that Richardson is leading FEMAs response in Texas and other disasters. Unlike the previous administration, Acting Administrator Richardson is focused on results not recognition.

The spokesperson added that Richardson is allowing for state, local officials and first responders to do their job during this critical time. Richardson is traveling to Texas today to survey the area and to meet with local and state officials.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent in a statement that The premise of your story is absolutely false.

Acting Director Richardson is working for solutions not the limelight  he has been working around the clock with state and local partners to respond to recovery efforts in Kerrville.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Texas State Senator Angela Paxton, the estranged wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, accused her husband of adultery in the divorce papers she filed this week, court documents reveal.

Publicly, Angela Paxton posted on X that she was seeking the separation on Biblical grounds, adding: In light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage.

However, court records in Collin County note that the couple, who met as students and married in 1986, have not lived together for a year. The plaintiff is accusing the father of four and the grandfather of five of being unfaithful to her.

open image in gallery Ken Paxton and Angela Paxton ( AP )

The marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities between petitioner and respondent that destroys the legitimate ends of the marriage relationship and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation, the records state.

For his part, Paxton said on X: After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives.

I could not be any more proud or grateful for the incredible family that God has blessed us with, and I remain committed to supporting our amazing children and grandchildren. I ask for your prayers and privacy at this time.

The extramarital affair alluded to in the filings first came to light two years ago during Paxtons impeachment trial in the Texas Senate, after the GOP-controlled Texas House of Representatives impeached him in a 121-23 vote on May 27, 2023.

Paxton was accused of, among other things, accepting bribes from a political donor, misusing public resources and making false statements regarding his financial interests, all of which he denied, complaining: RINOS [Republicans in Name Only] and far-left radicals have established a kangaroo court in the TX Lege. to eliminate Americas most conservative Attorney General.

open image in gallery Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ( AP )

One article brought against Paxton alleged that Austin real estate developer Nate Paul had bribed him by securing a job for his mistress with his company World Class Holdings in 2019, with local woman Laura Olson subsequently outed as the woman in question by the media.

She was revealed to be a four-time divorcee with two children who had been a stalwart of the Bexar County Republican Womens group for years, worked for Texas State Sen. Donna Campbell from 2013 to 2019 and previously dated San Antonio Councilman Clayton Perry, standing by the latter when he was involved in a high-profile drink-driving accident.

She was invited to bear witness at the trial, but senators were told she was unavailable to testify.

Paxton was ultimately acquitted on all 16 articles leveled against him, with his wife not entitled to vote due to conflict of interest grounds.

He has also previously weathered an FBI investigation and an indictment in 2015 for state securities fraud (the charges were dismissed after he completed a pretrial restitution agreement).

open image in gallery Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton ( AP )

The AG is currently campaigning to challenge the states senior Republican senator John Cornyn in next years GOP primary, whom he has also labelled a RINO, taking exception to Sen. Cornyns condemnation of President Donald Trump in the wake of the Capitol riot, willingness to certify Joe Bidens election win in its aftermath and his support for Ukraine and tighter gun safety legislation.

Disapproval at Paxtons treatment of his soon-to-be ex-wife could harm his ambitions to ascend to Washington, a flavor of which has already been given in a strongly-worded statement from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) in support of the state senator.

What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting, NRSC Communications Director Joanna Rodriguez said on X.

No one should have to endure what Angela Paxton has, and we pray for her as she chooses to stand up for herself and her family during this difficult time.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

John Cornyn, an ally of Senate leader emeritus Mitch McConnell, is relying on a familiar dynamic to ensure victory in a race where polling shows he may be down by as far as 22 points.

The Texas senator received a shot of adrenaline on Thursday. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, his Republican primary challenger, announced a separation and impending divorce from his wife, state Senator Angela Paxton, who cited biblical grounds for their differences.

It was a development that was as expected as it was laden with potential political opportunity for Cornyn, who is running behind his opponent even in a survey commissioned by the McConnell and John Thune-tied PAC, Senate Leadership Fund (SLF). Paxton went through a messy impeachment fight in 2023; he survived, but in documents published as part of the process, Uber records showing him traveling to the residence of an affair partner were made public.

Make no mistake: this is going to get ugly. Even if Cornyn himself doesnt jump into the gutter, the groups tied to him and his allies happily will, as they try to use Paxtons long history of personal and political scandals to weigh down and ultimately defeat the attorney general and would-be senator. The Texas Senate race is one (though not the easiest) of the avenues for Democrats to win back majority control of the Senate next year, a crucial step in halting the presidents legislative agenda.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) was the first dive in on Thursday. Like SLF, the NRSC is closely tied to GOP leadership and works to protect incumbent senators as well as back challengers to Democrats.

open image in gallery John Cornyn is running as far as 22 points behind his Republican primary challenger, Ken Paxton, according to one survey ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting, said Joanna Rodriguez, the NRSCs comms director, on Thursday. No one should have to endure what Angela Paxton has, and we pray for her as she chooses to stand up for herself and her family in this difficult time.

And if Angela Paxtons own statement is any indication, Thursdays development stemmed from an as yet unreported conflict between the couple, given that she tweeted that her decision came in light of recent discoveries and her husbands affair has been in the public eye for two years.

open image in gallery Ken Paxton announced his impending divorce on Thursday with his wife citing recent discoveries as her reason for separation ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Yes, the seemingly obvious issue of candidate quality is rearing its ugly head again for the Republican Partys far-right wing. Paxton, who is running a MAGA-aligned campaign against RINO Cornyn (without President Donald Trumps endorsement, so far) is just the latest example of an ultra-conservative Republican who could be bogged down by personal scandal and whiff an otherwise winnable election. McConnell, retiring next year, has worked for much of his career to keep such candidates from his party out of general election contests, though not always with success.

In 2022, McConnell, then minority leader, famously downplayed his partys chances of winning the Senate in that years midterm contests in an interview over the summer, months before the elections. He cited candidate quality as a key factor. Months later, after the election, he unloaded on Trump for being the source of that problem as he sought out Republicans who would put loyalty to him and his false claims about the 2020 election over other factors when awarding his endorsement.

We ended up having a candidate quality test, McConnell said in December of 2022, pointing to the defeats of Kari Lake in Arizona and Herschel Walker in Georgia.

He added: Our ability to control the primary outcome was quite limited in 22 because the support of the former president proved to be very decisive in these primaries.

Trump appeared to learn his lesson, at least somewhat, and in 2024 his party retook the Senate on the back of several of his endorsed candidates, such as Bernie Moreno in Ohio and Tim Sheehy in Montana. The party still ran Royce White, who got busted spending his previous campaigns money at a strip club in Florida, in a race against Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota.

Cornyn, for his part, made clear earlier this year that he believes that a win for Paxton in next years primary would mean defeat for their party in the general election.

"Im absolutely determined to run and to win  if I didnt think I could win, I wouldnt run," he said in late June, according to Houston Public Media. "Ive simply labored too long in Texas Republican politics to turn the seat over to Democrats in November. ... Any suggestion that Im thinking about dropping out of the race is false."

Democrats have not settled on a candidate yet, either. Colin Allred, a former congressman, is running again after losing to Ted Cruz in 2024. A recent poll conducted by the NRSC also tested the popularity of Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Rep. Joaquin Castro, and former Rep. Beto ORourke against Allreds, though none of the three have announced an intent to run.

Were any of the three to jump in the race it could set up two hyper-competitive primaries for the same seat next year.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Lisa Murkowski does not seem to be enjoying the summer.

Perhaps its the insane heat and humidity. She is from Alaska, after all.

But judging from the Republicans responses to questions on the Senates passage of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill last week  where she once again was a pivotal holdout ... until she wasnt  Murkowskis demeanor of late has more to do with the damned if you do, damned if you dont position her independent streak has fated for her.

Asked by The Independent Thursday about her keen hope that the House of Representatives would fix what troubled her about the bill she voted to pass  which extends the 2017 tax cuts that Trump signed while also significantly slashing welfare programs like Medicaid and forcing states to shoulder more of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps  Murkowski bristled.

Yeah, and they didnt do it, she said of the Houses unchanged passage of the bill in time for Trump to sign it into law on July 4. When pressed about it, Murkowski sniped back, You know what happened today? A whole new crisis.

open image in gallery ( Getty Images )

And so I wish I had the luxury of time to regret things, but we just got to keep moving forward, Murkowski concluded in her brush off of the question.

She didnt elaborate on what that new crisis might be.

Thats it, she snapped. You got one. And then she walked away from the gaggle.

Republican leaders finally swayed Murkowski on July 1 with a deal that created a carve-out for work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP and, in a direct appeal, increased the amount that Alaska whaling captains can deduct from their expenses as charitable contributions from $10,000 to $50,000.

She insisted she wasnt pleased with the final bill, despite voting yes and creating a 50-50 tie that Vice President J.D. Vance was able to break, rationalizing that the House might make final changes before ratifying it and sending it to the White House for Trumps signature.

Those changes never came as the lower chamber passed the same bill that the Senate had sent back to it, in large measure to meet Trumps deadline of July 4 for passage.

Murkowski said she is now trying to move forward the 12 appropriations spending bills that Congress needs to pass by the end of September to keep the government open. If the Senate does not pass these, then it would need to either pass a stopgap spending bill or the government would shut down.

open image in gallery I wish I had the luxury of time to regret things, but we just got to keep moving forward, Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Thursday of her decision to vote for Trumps spending bill. ( Getty Images )

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Murkowski has immense authority in the decisionmaking for the spending bills alongside her fellow moderate, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who voted against Trumps tax and spending bill out of concerns it would endanger rural hospitals in her home state.

Murkowski has long expressed frustration at having to answer questions about the news of the day since Trump returned to office. Ahead of the vote-a-rama, Murkowski dodged when asked about the fact the bill would phase out renewable energy credits she wanted to preserve.

I haven't decided whether to share comments with reporters this morning or not, she told The Independent.

You're the first one to ask me a question this morning, so you win the bonus round.

She later offered a brief response about the actual policy.

open image in gallery U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) broke with each other during the vote for the One Big, Beautiful Bill that Trump signed last week. ( Getty Images )

I dont want to see us backslide on clean energy, Murkowski said.

In Februrary, Murkowski avoided reporters asking her about Trumps comments about the United States taking a long-term ownership position of the Gaza Strip by hiding behind a crate of boxes being wheeled in the Senate basement. She later offered a tepid response to The Independent.

I think they've seen enough turmoil in that region, she told The Independent. I don't think that we need to contribute with a proposal.

After she voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has spent decades promoting the debunked theory that vaccines cause autism, to be Health and Human Services Secretary despite her concerns about him, she said the Senate would have a way to handle him.

What we need to do as members of Congress who have received those commitments, we need to make sure that they are adhered to, she told The Indepndent in February. It's going to require close communication with the secretary in his role.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to negotiate a hostage deal within days, while praising President Trump for his extraordinary cooperation with Israel, in a new interview with right-wing network Newsmax.

The Israeli leader landed in Washington earlier this week to discuss a fresh U.S.-backed ceasefire with Trump.

Netanyahu spoke about the remaining hostages that Hamas is holding, as well as his recently rediscovered friendship with Trump, during a sit-down with Greta Van Susteren on Thursday.

"It's extraordinary. We've never had such a friend, such a supporter of Israel, a Jewish state, in the White House," Netanyahu said during the program, The Record With Greta Van Susteren.

The prime minister said the cooperation between the two nations when Israel launched an attack on Iran last month to eradicate Irans nuclear weapons happened in the nick of time.

The ongoing brutal conflict in the Middle East has devastated thousands after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack across the Israeli border on October 7, 2023, killing at least 1,195 Israelis, 79 foreign nationals, and taking over 250 men, women, and children hostage.

Netanyahu spoke with Trump Monday to discuss the terms of a U.S.-backed ceasefire deal ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Netanyahu says he is determined to bring more hostages home, almost two years on.

We have 50 left; 20 definitely alive, and some 30 that are not alive, and I want to take them all out, he said.

We now have a deal that supposedly we'll get half of the living and half of the dead out, and so we'll have 10 living left and about 12 deceased hostages. But I'll get them out, too.

I hope we can complete it in a few days, he told Van Susteren.

Earlier this week, the Associated Press reported that Israel and Hamas were considering a fresh U.S.backed ceasefire deal that would pause the war, free Israeli hostages, and send vital aid into Gaza.

The deal would also aim to open up a broader discussion on ending the conflict altogether.

However, negotiations have repeatedly been stalled as both sides struggle to agree on a deal. Hamas is demanding an end to the war and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. At the same time, Israel wants Hamas to surrender and disarm before it ends the war.

If agreed, the truce would be in place for 60 days.

On Tuesday, an Israeli report by the Dinah Project accused Hamas of using sexual violence as a tactical weapon of war on October 7. It analysed survivor and witness testimonies, accounts from first responders, and forensic, visual, and audio evidence.

Meanwhile, at least 10 children were among the 16 Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike Thursday when they were waiting for care outside a medical clinic in Gaza, according to local authorities.

The same day, rescuers searched for more than a dozen crew members who went missing after Yemen's Houthi rebels sank a ship in the Red Sea as the U.S. alleged the group may have kidnapped those on board.

The group's flurry of missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region is motivated by what Houthi leaders say is an effort to end Israel's offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Legislation in the Senate rarely earns more than 80 sponsors. But Ukraines defense against Russias two-year-long invasion seems to be the spark drawing that support to a bill drafted by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Senators from both parties say that the legislation would pass smoothly. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said that he is open to a sanctions bill, which would open the door widespread bipartisan support.

Majority Leader John Thune said in a Senate speech earlier this week, I fully expect that that could be ready for floor consideration as early as this work period. Senate Republicans are committed to working with the House and the White House to get this legislation through Congress and onto the presidents desk.

So why has it not come to the floor for a vote?

Politico reports that President Donald Trump wants significant changes that would give him more authority on managing the congressional sanctions.

Ukraines defense against Russias two-year-long invasion seems to be the spark drawing support to a bill drafted by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham (pictured at right with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky) and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal. ( Ukrainian Presidential Press Service )

And Democrats say that Trumps desire for changes have led to Thune and Senate Republican leadership delaying the vote to placate the president.

If President Trump makes up his mind that he's being played by Putin and says to Leader Thune, I don't object to that bill moving forward, we can take it up and pass it in a matter of days, Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, told The Independent.

President Trump needs to decide if he is actually willing to use the stick of sanctions to try and force Putin to come to the table, Coons said.

Coons words come as many Republicans say they would be open to have the vote.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) said he was confident the bill could come to the floor soon.

Theres no sticking points, were just waiting on the timing, he told The Independent.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), the chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pointed to the bipartisan nature of the bill.

So I would say that it has an excellent chance of being approved, assuming that Senator Thune, brings it to the floor, she told The Indpendent. Collins, a big supporter of Ukraine, said she did not know what Thunes plans are for bringing it to the floor, but, I think it would pass easily.

But Democrats are frustrated that the legislation has seemingly stalled.

Ask the senate majority leader, why is not bringing it to the floor? Is he afraid of Donald Trump, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a supporter of Ukraine, told The Independent.

The bill as written would require that 15 days after making a determination, the president shall increase the rate of duty for all goods and services, imported from Russia to the United States to 500 percent.

Sen Brian Schatz (D-HI) told reporters that sanctions largely already work the way that Politico reported Trump wants them to work.

Which is to say that the administration has the authority to lift them, and then it's subject to review by Congress, he told reporters. So I don't consider that a deal breaker.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, told The Independent that he also wanted to see an emergency supplemental spending package to Ukraine.

Trump has had an up-and-down relationship with Ukraine ever since his return to the White House. During his 2024 presidential campaign, he said that he would end the war, which started when Russian President Vladimir Putin attacked Ukraine, in 24 hours. He famously blew up at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a tense meeting in the Oval Office.

But Trump has expressed frustration with Putin. Earlier this week, Trump said he would resume weapons shipments to Ukraine after the Department of Defense halted them because of concerns about American stockpiles.

We're going to send some more weapons, he said.

But Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) said he was not sure why there had not been movement on the legislation and has not spoken with Senate GOP leadership.

I havent, but on the intend to, he told The Independent.

-Andrew Feinberg contributed reporting
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

The State Department is firing roughly 1,300 employees by email as part of the Trump administrations plans to radically overhaul American diplomacy, starting with dramatically scaling down global efforts to promote democracy and combat human rights abuses.

American diplomats and civil servants will receive layoff notices in the coming days, and every effort has been made to support our colleagues who are departing, according to a memo issued Thursday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress in May that the department planned to shred its workforce by more than 15 percent  roughly 2,000 people  to downsize what he called a bloated bureaucracy that stifles innovation and misallocates scarce resources.

Rubio has also accused bureaus and employees within the agency of advancing radical political ideology.

Critics have warned that the administrations dramatic restructuring and wholesale closure of critical diplomatic efforts will have far-reaching global consequences.

open image in gallery Secretary of State Marco Rubio is overseeing seismic cuts to the department including reducing its workforce by more than 1,300 people, and gutting bureaus that promote democracy and combat human rights abuses ( AP )

Weakening U.S. human rights promotion and contracting the departments humanitarian assistance offices is not reform, it is retreat, said Francisca Vigaud-Walsh, director of advocacy and strategy at the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas.

The departments reductions will significantly impact efforts to combat prevailing human rights violations and humanitarian crises, she said in a statement shared with The Independent.

It strips away expertise and institutional memory, impairing mission-critical functions and putting countless lives at risk, she said.

Former State Department diplomat Uzra Zeya, now president of Human Rights First, called the mass layoffs a Friday morning massacre.

These mass layoffs mean abandonment of human rights reformers abroad who challenged dictators, termination of conflict resolution support that stopped wars, repudiation of U.S. humanitarian leadership that staved off famine, and more kleptocrats, war criminals, and human traffickers escaping justice, Zeya said.

The Independent has requested comment from the State Department.

Layoff notices are being delivered to more than 1,000 civil servants and another 246 foreign service officers with domestic assignments in the U.S., according to a senior State Department official who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press.

Targeted foreign service officers will be immediately placed on administrative leave for 120 days, after which they will formally be out of their jobs, according to the notice. The separation period is 60 days for most other affected civil servants.

In connection with the departmental reorganization  the department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities, the notice states. Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found from centralization or consolidation of functions and responsibilities.

A bulk of those reduction in force efforts in the newly structured State Department target bureaus that focus on promoting human rights and democracy abroad and diplomatic conflict resolution, including the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and the Bureau for Conflict and Stabilization Operations.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court opened the door for the Trump administration to begin mass firings of federal workers across 19 agencies and departments while legal challenges continue.

A decision from the courts conservative majority lifted a lower-court order that temporarily blocked the administration's plans, which were not approved by Congress.

Officials took a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused, Rubio told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this week.

Its not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you dont need those positions, he said. Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people.

open image in gallery Federal workers and supporters protest cuts to the State Department, which is closing roughly 1,300 positions as Rubio seeks to dramatically reshape American diplomacy ( AP )

President Donald Trump, with support from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency embedded across the federal government, has launched a government-wide effort to fire workers and dismantle entire agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, which has been absorbed by the shrinking State Department.

Last month, The Independent discovered the State Department was funneling $250 million from refugee services to pay immigrants to leave the country.

The money is being moved from the State Departments Migration and Refugee Assistance, which is overseen by the Bureau of Population, Refugee and Migration, with a mission to reduce illegal immigration and aid refugees fleeing persecution, crisis or violence and seek durable solutions for forcibly displaced people, according to its website.

But under Rubios radical restructuring of the department, the refugee bureaus mission is now explicitly focused on efforts to return illegal aliens to their country of origin or legal status.

Regional offices of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration are now expected to be eliminated.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Donald Trump outright called his Pentagon chief the Secretary of War Friday while also seemingly believing Pete Hegseth actually appeared on Fox News to talk about modern weapons and warfare after the network aired a clip of the defense secretarys announcement on the administrations new drone strategy.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was great on FoxNews this morning. Talking about modern weapons and warfare, the president exclaimed on Truth Social. Thank you also to Brett Velicovich, who really knows his stuff. We are really on our way. MAGA!

The president fully leaning into this description for Hegseth comes weeks after he first began floating the idea of having the Secretary of Defense label revert back to the original name of Secretary of War, which is what the position was known as from its inception in 1789 until 1947. The change took place after the National Security Act established the Department of Defense and reorganized the military.

I have, as you know, Marco Rubio with me and Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State and Secretary of War, should we say, Trump said last month during the NATO summit, adding: You know it used to be called Secretary of War?

After wondering if they could perhaps, for a couple of weeks, call Hegseth that because we feel like warriors, the president went on a tangent about how it became politically correct to refer to the position as Secretary of Defense. This was also amid the increased hostilities with Iran, which resulted in an American airstrike on three underground nuclear facilities.

open image in gallery Donald Trump is now outright calling Pete Hegseth the Secretary of War after floating the idea of changing his title a few weeks back. ( Reuters )

I dont know, maybe well have to start thinking about changing it, but we feel that way, Trump exclaimed as Hegseth nodded in approval behind him.

Besides once again pushing the War title for Hegseth, the president appeared to believe on Friday that the former Fox News morning host went back to his old haunt to wax poetic about the Pentagons push to fast-track drone production, which Hegseth first announced in a widely mocked promotional video on social media.

With Metallicas Enter Sandman playing in the background, the clip showed a quadcopter flying over to Hegseth to deliver the memo to Hegseth, who plucked it from the hovering drone and signed it.

This is the future, he bellowed. Were in the fight. Were in the fight to win it. And were never gonna back down.

While the president thought that Hegseth did great on Fox News talking about modern weapons and warfare Friday morning, the reality is that the network only aired portions of the announcement video throughout the early part of the day. The defense secretary himself did not make an on-air Fox News appearance Friday to discuss the new drone procurement program.

While the presidents favorite morning program Fox & Friends repeatedly discussed the Pentagons new drone-buying practices and featured the Hegseth clip, it seems most likely that it was a segment on Americas Newsroom that spurred Trumps Truth post.

open image in gallery Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth appears in a promotional video announcing a new drone policy at the Pentagon  a clip that Fox News aired multiple times Friday morning. ( X/@SecDef )

Once again airing the Hegseth video, the anchors of the news program  which immediately follows Fox & Friends  then brought on Fox News contributor and Army veteran Brett Velicovich to praise their former colleagues new drone proposals.

This is exactly why Secretary Hegseth was the right choice for the job, Velicohoch declared about the defense secretarys announcement. Hes the disrupter needed in our archaic military industrial base that has slowly been failing us by not adapting quick enough to meet the needs of modern warfare. And finally, someone at the top is listening to what is needed.

Moments after Velicovich wrapped up his interview with co-anchor Bill Hemmer, the president blasted out his social media praise for the Fox News performances of both Hegseth and Velicovich, who he proclaimed knows his stuff.

Meanwhile, the 79-year-old presidents belief that one of his senior Cabinet officials did great during a non-existent Fox News interview prompted immediate mockery from liberals and progressives.

Had Joe Biden tweeted Pete Buttigieg killed it on MSNBC this morning and Buttigieg wasn't even on, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson would've written a book about it, Public Notice publisher and renowned cable news clipper Aaron Rupar noted. Normal stuff from Trump though.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

President Donald Trump has defended Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over criticism of the federal response to the deadly flash flooding in Texas by saying she has done a great job because he saw her get out on TV quickly to reassure the public.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are visiting Kerr County on Friday to survey the devastation in the Lone Star State that left 121 people dead and 173 missing.

However, their arrival coincides with reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)s response to the disaster was delayed by three days due to a new rule instigated by Secretary Noem.

The secretarys order, intended to rein in excessive spending, dictated that she must personally sign off on contracts and grants worth more than $100,000, something she only did in relation to the Texas disaster on Monday, leading to delays to the relief effort that may have cost lives as rescue workers battled flood waters that had laid waste to local housing and a childrens summer camp.

open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visits Kerrville, Texas, to discuss the flooding along the Guadalupe River on Saturday July 5 2025 ( AP )

Florida Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz has already called on the House committees on Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure to investigate whether Noems order held up proceedings.

NBCs Kristen Welker interviewed the president on Thursday night and said: There are these reports that have come out that Secretary Noem, I guess, had to have sign-off on FEMA expenditures, and they may have delayed some of the response.

Trump answered: I dont know anything about it. We were right on time. We were there. In fact, she was the first one I saw on television.

She was there right from the beginning, and she would not have needed anything. She had the right to do it, but she was literally the first person I saw on television.

He continued: That morning, when we all woke up and saw this tragedy that took place during the evening. And she was right on the ball. Shes done a great job.

Responding to that exchange on MSNBCs All In, commentator Chris Hayes scoffed: She was on TV! So, obviously shes doing a great job, right?

Noem, whose Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees FEMA, reacted angrily to CNNs reporting on her handling of the disaster, calling it fake news and the network itself absolute trash during an interview on Fox and Friends.

Before that, she responded to criticism of the agency on Wednesday for sending a fraction of the personnel to Texas that the state itself has deployed to address the crisis  70, compared to 1,750  by insisting that the federal government does not manage natural disasters, but rather that they are the responsibility of individual states.

We come in and support them, and thats exactly what we did here in this situation, she said.

Completing a bad week for Noem and FEMA, the agencys acting administrator, David Richardson, has been reported as missing in action, having failed to visit Texas, sparking concern about how his agency is run and whether he has effectively handed over responsibility to the secretary.

open image in gallery A helicopter surveys the flooding from the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Texas ( AP )

FEMA was created to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against the risk of natural disasters and its leader would ordinarily be expected to play a prominent organisational role and be out in front of the cameras to give regular updates.

The Independent has contacted FEMA and DHS for comment.

Last year, Trump threatened to shut the agency down altogether, commenting at a campaign event in June: We want to wean off of FEMA, and we want to bring it down to the state level.

A governor should be able to handle it, and frankly, if they cant handle it, the aftermath, then maybe they shouldnt be governor.

Asked earlier this week whether he is still sharpening the axe for FEMA, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was evasive and said only: The president wants to ensure American citizens always have what they need during times of need. Whether that assistance comes from states or the federal government, that is a policy discussion that will continue.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

President Donald Trump on Friday issued a none-too-veiled threat of action against Russia after Moscows forces hit a Ukrainian maternity hospital, injuring nine people earlier in the day.

Speaking to reporters before departing the White House to view flood damage in Texas, where 121 have died and 170 are still missing, the president was asked about the drone attack against the civilian target.

He replied: I know. Youll be seeing things happen.

The presidents cryptic remark came less than a day after he told NBC News that hed be making a major statement on the status of the three-year-old Russia-Ukraine war this coming Monday.

In a phone interview, the president said he was disappointed in Russia and reiterated his recent pledge to send more weapons to Ukraine, explaining that the U.S. would be doing so through Nato allies that will purchase the weapons from American stockpiles.

Were sending weapons to Nato, and Nato is paying for those weapons, 100 per cent. So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to Nato, and then Nato is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine], and Nato is paying for those weapons, Trump said. We send weapons to Nato, and Nato is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons.

President Donald Trump (pictured boarding Air Force One with Melania en route to Texas flooding sites Friday) gave a warning when asked about Russias strikes on a maternity hospital ( Reuters )

And it also comes after a new book revealed him telling donors that he previously had warned Putin he would bomb the s**t out of Moscow if the Russian leader attacked Ukraine.

With Putin I said, If you go into Ukraine, Im going to bomb the s**t out of Moscow. Im telling you I have no choice, Trump said in audio obtained by authors and Washington Post reporters Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager and Isaac Arnsdorf for their new book, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America.

And then [Putin] goes, like, I dont believe you. But he believed me 10 per cent, they wrote that the president added.

Trump entered office for his second term as a strident critic of U.S. support for Ukraine and has had a rocky relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dating back to a now-infamous July 2019 phone call between the two leaders that led to the first of his two impeachment trials in the U.S. Senate.

He once ordered a halt to shipments of weapons to Kyiv after a disastrous Oval Office meeting with the Ukrainian president in March but resumed them after Republican lawmakers complained. And earlier this week he ordered the deliveries of munitions to resume after Pentagon officials went behind his back to halt shipments for what was described as a review of American weapons stockpile levels.

But his tone towards Ukraine and Russia has changed in recent weeks as U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire in the three-year-old conflict have come to naught, a development he is understood to place at the feet of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump said he was not happy with the Russian president, who he accused of killing a lot of people, including many of his own soldiers to the tune of 7,000 a week.

Trump also told reporters there was no reason for Russias continued attacks on Ukraine and complained that reaching a ceasefire in the three-year-old war Putin launched has been tougher than expected, while crediting Kyivs forces for bravery as theyve battled back Russias invasion.

I will say the Ukrainians were brave, but we gave them the best equipment ever made ... we gave them missiles, the latest and the greatest. They were able to shoot down a lot of things, he said.

The president also acknowledged that many of his supporters might consider it unfair that the U.S. has spent billions for weapons bound for Ukraine while still crediting Ukrainians for exhibiting valor while using their American-made military supplies against Russia.

Continuing, Trump said that Putin, with whom he has had a relatively close relationship compared with many of Americas allies, has thrown a lot of bulls*** at him while continuing to prosecute the war he started in 2022.

Its very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless, he said.

He later added that Putin was not treating human beings right and is killing too many people in Ukraine.

Trumps teasing of a major announcement comes as he is understood to be considering lending support to a bipartisan bill under debate in Congress that would impose yet more sanctions on Moscow in an effort to choke off the funds powering Putins war machine.

Sponsored by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, it would impose a whopping 500 per cent import tax on goods imported from any nation that purchases Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports.

The effect of the punishing tariffs would be targeted against two American trading partners, China and India, because those countries account for roughly 70 per cent of the Russian energy trade which bankrolls much of Moscows war effort.

Trump is understood to be open to supporting the sanctions legislation but is pushing for the bill to be amended to give him more power to lift and impose the sanctions at will.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A 61-year-old Palestinian woman who escaped Israels war on Gaza earlier this year was detained in Sydney after Australian authorities cancelled her visa on national security grounds, sparking protests and condemnation from her family.

Maha Almassri was taken into custody in the early hours of Thursday following a pre-dawn raid by a contingent of nearly 15 Border Force officers at her sons home in Punchbowl in the southwest of the city.

She was held at the Bankstown police station and then transferred to the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre.

According to documents seen by The Guardian and SBS News, Ms Almassris visa was personally cancelled by the assistant minister for citizenship and multicultural affairs Julian Hill following an assessment by the Security Intelligence Organisation that deemed her to be directly or indirectly a risk to security.

The decision stated the elderly woman failed Australias character test and her removal was in the national interest under the Migration Act.

Ms Almassri arrived in Australia on a tourist visa in February 2024, having escaped the Israeli assault on Gaza through the Rafah border crossing.

open image in gallery Palestinians inspect site of an overnight Israeli attack on a house in Gaza City ( Reuters )

She was living with her son in Sydney and had applied for a protection visa. While her application was being processed, she had reportedly been granted a bridging visa.

Her relatives insisted Ms Almassri posed no threat, citing her poor health, trauma, and the fact she had undergone security checks by both Israeli and Australian authorities before being granted a visa.

Shes an old lady, what can she do? her cousin Mohammed Almassri told The Guardian, adding that there was no country, no house, nothing for her to go back to in Gaza.

She was left terrified during the raid and was unable to speak through tears when he contacted her at Villawood later in the day, Mr Almassri said.

She was sleeping when the raid happened. She couldnt walk, she was so scared.

Mr Almassris brother told SBS News the family initially feared that Israeli soldiers had landed at their door. They just came like a bunch of police officers and some federal police, and they terrorised everyone inside the house, Soliman Almassri said in a video message.

He described the experience as traumatic and claimed that they had been provided no clear explanation for her detention.

The Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on individual cases, citing privacy. However, a spokesperson told The Guardian it would continue to act decisively to protect the community from the risk of harm posed by individuals, including visa cancellation or refusal where appropriate.

The minister for home affairs also declined to comment directly. Any information in the public domain is being supplied by the individual and isnt necessarily consistent with the information supplied by our intelligence and security agencies, Tony Burke was quoted as saying by SBS News.

Our security checks never stop and this cancellation is proof the system is working.

open image in gallery Palestinians inspect damage from an overnight Israeli attack on a school in Jabalia in northern Gaza on 11 July 2025 ( AFP via Getty )

The Refugee Advice and Casework Service, representing Ms Almassri, said that it had nothing to comment on at this time.

Human rights lawyer Alison Battisson criticised the Australian governments handling of the situation, pointing to a lack of transparency and the practice of early-morning raids.

Its a Palestinian grandma. I would be very interested to understand the decisionmaking process behind it, she told The Guardian.

She also questioned how authorities expected to remove someone to Gaza, given the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. Individuals can only be detained if there are reasonable prospects of their removal in the foreseeable future, she said.

Ms Almassris isnt an isolated case. In November 2024, Australian officials confirmed that a Palestinian persons visa had been cancelled onshore on character grounds.

Amnesty International previously accused Australia of rejecting over 7,000 Palestinian visa applications since Israel started bombarding Gaza in October 2023.

A protest led by Ms Almassris family was held outside Mr Burkes office on Thursday, with signs reading Bloody Burke and calls for her immediate release.

Shes traumatised, shes sick and this is the treatment she gets from the Australian government, said Soliman Almassri. We demand that she be released tonight.

Ms Almassris family said she had more than 100 relatives living across Australia. They traced their origin to a town near present-day Tel Aviv, from which they were displaced during the 1948 Nakba, the mass expulsion of more than 750,000 Palestinians following the establishment of the state of Israel.

Her family also reported another relatives visa had been cancelled last week, although this could not be independently verified.

The timing of Ms Almassris detention coincides with the Australian governments release of a new report on combating antisemitism, which includes stricter screening of visa applicants for antisemitic views.

While there is no suggestion Ms Almassri holds such views, her supporters fear the increasingly hostile climate towards Palestinians may be influencing immigration decisions.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

An Australian teenager who went missing after going for a surf off a New South Wales beach has been found alive on a remote island.

Darcy Deefholts, 19, failed to return home after heading out for a surf off a beach in Wooli, a coastal town 480km north of Sydney on Wednesday.

His father, Terry Deefholts, a real estate agent from Grafton, raised an alarm on social media asking for locals to help in finding his son as he "feared the worst".

"HELP - I NEED BOATS, BEACH WALKERS, DRONES AND 4WDs and PLANES AT FIRST LIGHT," he wrote in an emotional plea.

"My boy Darcy is still missing. Marine Rescue searched tonight from Bare Point to Pebbly Beach at sea. They have been stood down for the night but expect they will be back early to resume the search," he wrote on Facebook

"I am asking anyone with a seaworthy vessel to please meet me at the main Wooli boat ramp and take me to sea to help with the search.

"We are overwhelmed by the community efforts in the search so far. There is only one thing we want now - our beloved boy to be found safe," he added.

The New South Wales police said they officials were alerted by the teenager's family after he failed to return home. Police launched a land and water search around Wooli Beach and the surfer was located safety on a small island the next day.

The teen was found marooned the North Solitary Island, located about 12km off the coast of Wooli, according to reports. He was taken to a medical centre for treatment.

Terry Deefholts told the Daily Telegraph that his son's survival was a one-in-a-million miracle.

I havent had the chance to talk to him yet, Im just so over the moon, the father said, adding: "Im still just processing everything. Weve had no sleep and it has been a lot to deal with."
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

French prosecutors have launched a police investigation into Elon Musks social media platform, X, over allegations of data tampering and fraud.

The Paris prosecutor's office announced on Friday that a branch of the French gendarmerie is conducting the inquiry. The investigation is specifically examining two alleged offences: "organised tampering with the functioning of an automated data processing system" and "organised fraudulent extraction of data from an automated data processing system."

The probe stems from information provided in January to the prosecutor's cybercrimes unit by two individuals  a member of parliament and a senior official in a French government institution, neither of whom have been identified. These individuals alleged the suspected use of Xs algorithm for "the purposes of foreign interference." However, the prosecutor's office has not detailed the alleged interference or how the algorithm was purportedly used.

The investigation targets both the platform and unnamed individuals. The decision to open the police inquiry was made this week, following the prosecutor's own "verifications" and additional information received from French researchers and "various public institutions." Details of the alleged wrongdoing remain undisclosed.

open image in gallery This photograph taken on March 7, 2024 in Nantes, shows the logo of US social media platform X ( AFP via Getty Images )

The Associated Press has emailed X's press office, seeking comment.

___

Kelvin Chan contributed to this report from London.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A UN special rapporteur was sanctioned by the United States over her work as an independent investigator scrutinising human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories, a high-profile role in a network of experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Francesca Albanese is among the group of experts chosen by the 47-member council in Geneva, and report to the body as a means of monitoring human rights records in various countries to assure the global observance of specific rights.

Special rapporteurs don't represent the UN and have no formal authority. Still, their reports can step up pressure on countries, while their findings inform prosecutors at the International Criminal Court and other venues working on transnational justice cases.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement announcing sanctions against Ms Albanese on Wednesday that she has spewed unabashed antisemitism, expressed support for terrorism, and open contempt for the United States, Israel and the West.

open image in gallery EEUU-ONU-SANCIONES ( AP )

Ms Albanese said Thursday that she believed the sanctions were calculated to weaken my mission. She said at a news conference in Slovenia that Ill continue to do what I have to do.

She questioned why she had been sanctioned  for having exposed a genocide? For having denounced the system? They never challenged me on the facts.

The UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, called for a prompt reversal of the US sanctions. He added that even in face of fierce disagreement, UN member states should engage substantively and constructively, rather than resort to punitive measures.

Ms Albanese, an Italian human rights lawyer, has developed an unusually high profile as the special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, a post she has held since May 2022.

Last week, she named several large US companies among those aiding Israel as it fights a war with Hamas in Gaza, saying her report shows why Israels genocide continues: because it is lucrative for many.

open image in gallery ( AFP/Getty )

Israel has long had a rocky relationship with the Human Rights Council, Ms Albanese and previous rapporteurs, accusing them of bias. It has refused to cooperate with a special Commission of Inquiry established following a 2021 conflict with Hamas.

Ms Albanese has been vocal about what she describes as a genocide by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel and the US, which provides military support to its close ally, have strongly denied the accusation.

In recent weeks, Ms Albanese issued a series of letters urging other countries to pressure Israel, including through sanctions, to end its deadly bombardment of the Gaza Strip. She also has been a strong supporter of arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for allegations of war crimes.

Ms Albanese said at a news conference last year that she has always been attacked since the very beginning of my mandate, adding that criticism wouldn't force her to step down.

It just infuriates me, it pisses me off, of course it does, but then it creates even more pressure not to step back, she said. Human rights work is first and foremost amplifying the voice of people who are not heard.

She added that of course, one condemned Hamas  how not to condemn Hamas? But at the same time, nothing justifies what Israel is doing.

open image in gallery Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967 ( OHCHR )

Ms Albanese became an affiliate scholar at the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University in 2015, and has taught and lectured in recent years at various universities in Europe and the Middle East. She also has written publications and opinions on Palestinian issues.

Ms Albanese worked between 2003 and 2013 with arms of the UN, including the legal affairs department of the UN Palestinian aid agency, UNRWA, and the UN human rights office, according to her biography on the Georgetown website.

She was in Washington between 2013 and 2015 working for an American nongovernmental organisation, Project Concern International, as an adviser on protection issues during an Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

Ms Albanese is one of 14 current council-appointed experts on specific countries and territories.

Special rapporteurs, who document rights violations and abuses, usually have renewable mandates of one year and generally work without the support of the country under investigation. There are rapporteurs for Afghanistan, Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, Russia and Syria.

There also are three country-specific independent experts, a role more focused on technical assistance, for the Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia.

Additionally, there are several dozen thematic mandates, which task experts or working groups to analyse phenomena related to particular human rights. Those include special rapporteurs on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the human rights of migrants, the elimination of discrimination against people affected by leprosy and the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

The leader of Spains conservative opposition party has accused the countrys prime minister of profiting from brothels in an ugly parliamentary debate.

A senior government minister hit back, saying the Popular Party (PP) leader Alberto Feijoo was dirty up to his neck after making the claims against Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday.

"He wants us to talk about brothels, but no, we'll talk about scholarships, territorial cohesion, pensions, the economy... The PP can wallow in this filth," minister of justice Felix Bolanos said , according to El Pais .

The comments come after Mr Feijoo unleashed a furious rant at Mr Sanchez during the plenary Congress session, accusing the prime minister of profiting from brothels and gay saunas allegedly owned by his wife Begona Gomezs familys businesses.

"But who are you living with? What brothels have you lived in? You participated for profit in the abominable business of prostitution, and now you want to outlaw your life," he said to Mr Sanchez, according to El Diario .

open image in gallery Spain's opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo addresses Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in parliament ( REUTERS )

The accusations came after Mr Sanchez unveiled a new plan to root out corruption on Wednesday, after senior members of his government were accused of taking bribes.

A Supreme Court judge last month ordered the ruling partys former number three, Santos Cerdan, to be held in pre-trial detention over allegations that he received and distributed kickbacks in exchange for awarding public works contracts.

Mr Cerdan denies the allegations, which are part of a wider corruption inquiry that has led to opposition calls for a snap election that threaten to destabilise Sanchez's government.

Mr Sanchez told parliament at an extraordinary session on the case that he had briefly considered quitting but decided to stay on, arguing that he himself had done no wrong.

"I am a clean politician, I will not throw in the towel," he said.

open image in gallery Mr Sanchez pictured with Mr Cerdan in 2023 ( REUTERS )

Sanchez, who again rejected calls for an early election, announced 15 measures to strengthen anti-corruption measures, including preventing companies found guilty of bribery from winning government procurement contracts and working with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's anti-corruption team to crack down on graft.

After Mr Feijoos accusations, Spanish media published conflicting and rapidly updating reports about the nature of the businesses and who purchased what.

According to El Diario, shortly after Mr Feijoos comments were made another outlet, OkDiaro published a story claiming that Mr Sanchezs father-in-law purchased a family home for the prime minister while he was making a living from brothels.

Later the article was updated to say the business was gay saunas with a notorious sexual component, before clarifying that Ms Gomezs father originally bought the house for himself and later gave it to his daughter, years after leaving the sauna business.

open image in gallery Mr Sanchez and his wife Begona Gomez ( AP )

On Thursday, OkDiaro was reporting that in 2013 Ms Gomez purchased an apartment in Mojacar from the family business, whose sole director was listed at the time of sale as her uncle.

Mr Sanchez first became secretary-general of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) in 2014, and was elected as prime minister in 2018.

The Spanish prime minister has been rocked by scandal since April last year, when far-right trade union Manos Limpias filed court complaints against Ms Gomez of business corruption and influence peddling.
Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Thousands of people from Bosnia and around the world have converged on Srebrenica to mark the 30th anniversary of the horrific 1995 massacre, an event call Europe's only official genocide since the Holocaust. Over 8,000 Bosniak Muslim boys and men were systematically murdered in the atrocity, which continues to cast a long shadow over the region.

This solemn occasion will see seven newly identified victims, including two 19-year-old men, laid to rest in a collective funeral on Friday. They will join over 6,000 victims already interred at the vast, ever-expanding cemetery near Srebrenica. Such burials are an annual occurrence, as remains continue to be unearthed from dozens of mass graves scattered around the town.

However, the process remains deeply challenging for relatives, who often can only bury partial remains of their loved ones. These fragmented remains are frequently discovered in multiple mass graves, sometimes kilometres apart, a poignant reality for individuals like Mirzeta Karic, who awaits the burial of her father.

Thirty years of search and we are burying a bone, she said, crying by her father's coffin which was wrapped in green cloth in accordance with Islamic tradition.

I think it would be easier if I could bury all of him. What can I tell you, my father is one of the 50 (killed) from my entire family.

open image in gallery Bosnia Srebrenica Anniversary ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

July 11, 1995, is the day when the killings started after Bosnian Serb fighters overran the eastern Bosnian enclave in the final months of the interethnic war in the Balkan country.

After taking control of the town that was a protected U.N. safe zone during the war, Bosnian Serb fighters separated Bosniak Muslim men and boys from their families and brutally executed them in just several days. The bodies were then dumped in mass graves around Srebrenica which they later dug up with bulldozers, scattering the remains among other burial sites to hide the evidence of their war crimes.

The U.N. General Assembly last year adopted a resolution to commemorate the Srebrenica genocide on the July 11 anniversary. Scores of international officials and dignitaries are expected to attend the commemoration ceremonies and the funeral on Friday.

On the eve of the anniversary, an exhibition was inaugurated displaying personal items belonging to the victims that were found in the mass graves over the years.

open image in gallery AP-Pictures-of-the-Week-Global-Photo-Gallery ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The conflict in Bosnia erupted in 1992, when Bosnian Serbs took up arms in a rebellion against the country's independence from the former Yugoslavia and with an aim to create their own state and eventually unite with neighboring Serbia. More than 100,000 people were killed and millions displaced before a U.S.-brokered peace agreement was reached in 1995.

Bosnia remains ethnically split while both Bosnian Serbs and neighboring Serbia refuse to acknowledge that the massacre in Srebrenica was a genocide despite rulings by two U.N. courts. Bosnian Serb political and military leaders Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, along with many others, have been convicted and sentenced for genocide.

Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic expressed condolences on X while calling the Srebrenica massacre a terrible crime. Vucic added that we cannot change the past but we must change the future.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

It has been 30 years since more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were massacred by Bosnian Serb forces in Srebrenica, in the worst mass killing in Europe since the Second World War.

The massacre occurred as Bosnian Muslims attempted to flee the town, which was captured by Bosnian Serb forces in the closing months of the countrys 1992-95 inter-ethnic war. Most of the victims were hunted down and summarily executed as they tried to flee through forests. Their bodies were dumped in mass graves and later reburied to hide evidence of atrocities.

The International Court of Justice and the UN war crimes court for the former Yugoslavia in the Hague have ruled that the killings were genocide.

Reporters on the ground in Bosnia were not able to reach Srebrenica itself, which had been under siege by Bosnian Serb forces for three years.

CNNs Christiane Amanpour recalled to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum how when she arrived in the region in 1993, two years before the massacre, she found a beseiged town she could not enter.

So we waited outside, and they brought out truckloads of wounded, she said.

CBS news correspondent Barry Peterson only learned that genocide had occurred when he heard the stories of refugees in camps days after the massacre.

The Independent had several journalists covering the atrocities at the time, based in Bosnia, Serbia and London. Below, we look at how it was covered in this newspaper.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

On this day 30 years ago, The Independents then defence correspondent Christopher Bellamy covered the advancement of Bosnian Serb forces into the town of Srebrenica.

Two days earlier, Bosnian Serb forces began the takeover of Srebrenica under the order of Radovan Karadzic, the leader of the Serb Democratic Party. He was found guilty of committing war crimes, including genocide, during the war in Bosnia.

Over the course of three days, Bosnian Serb forces intensified shelling of the enclave, which had been under the protection of around 600 lightly armed Dutch infantry troops. It fell on July 11, with Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic - who was also convicted for war crimes and genocide in 2017 - entering the town with Serb camera crews that afternoon.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

On July 13, news of the horror that was to be inflicted on Bosnian Muslims was beginning to filter through. The Independents front page carried the headline: Torment of Bosnias fleeing civilians.

The story, written by then Europe editor Tony Barber, describes how all male Muslims over 16 were to be screened by Serb forces for possible war crimes in the nearby town of Bratunac.

Two days later, the Independents Saturday edition ran a dispatch from Reuters reporter Zoran Radosavljevic with the headline: Muslims flight brings no escape from despair.

Radosavljevic spoke to female refugees who fled Srebrenica as it was shelled by Serb forces. Some have arrived with tales of killing and rape which have been staples of the civilian plight throughout the Bosnian war, he wrote.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

On July 16, The Independent on Sundays defence correspondent Christopher Bellamy filed a harrowing dispatch from the Bosnian city of Tuzla, where many of the relatives of the Srebrenica victims fled.

One woman, named Ajka Husic, recalled seeing her 19-year-old son being put on display by Serbian conquerors.

I saw him, I saw my son captured and lying there with his hands tied behind his head, she told our correspondent.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

At the Tuzla airbase, where more than 13,000 women and children gathered, Bellamy wrote: There were not enough blankets to go around. No toilets, too few doctors and medicine, not enough water.

He concluded his dispatch by writing: It was the kind of scene which, 50 years after the Second World War, Europe did not expect to see again.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

Two weeks after the massacre took place, former Independent reporter Robert Block filed a dispatch from the Serbian border entitled Mass slaughter in a Bosnian field knee-deep in blood, which was splashed on the front page of the newspaper.

Writing from the Bosnian Serb-controlled town of Bratunac, he wrote: One Serb woman who claimed to have seen the main execution site, a playground in Bratunac, spoke of a field knee-deep in blood. And the killings are said to be continuing. It is terrible what they are doing.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

On July 21, The Independents comment page carried a powerful column from Zbigniew Brzezinski, who served as former US president Jimmy Carters national security adviser from 1977 to 1981.

His column was written as a speech that might have been delivered immediately after the fall of Srebrenica if the post of Leader of the Free World was not currently vacant - a clear dig at former President Bill Clinton.

The piece calls the Srebrenica massacre a defining moment, and condemns Serbian forces for ethnic cleansing and massive brutality. It includes a call for US air power to strike, effectively and repeatedly, against Bosnian Serb concentrations of heavy weaponry and command centres.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

When an exiled South African journalist reluctantly explained the Holocaust to his seven-year-old son, the boy knew that no adult in Germany could have legitimately claimed we did not know.

That boy grew up to cover two back-to-back official genocides in the 1990s, in Bosnia and Rwanda. In the former Yugoslavia he saw Muslims hunted for sport in Sarajevo and whole streets curtained to hide civilian shoppers from Serb snipers.

In Rwanda, a million people were murdered in three months. A Nazi rate of annihilation  but all the killing was done by hand and the victims clogged rivers into human soup.

And now were all witnesses to a third round of attempted annihilations in Ukraine and in Gaza. None of these could be described as hidden.

The outside world intervened, far too late, in the former Yugoslavia to stop the ethnic cleansing after Srebrenica.

open image in gallery Family members mourn next to the grave of their relative, a victim of the Srebrenica genocide ( AP )

It did nothing in Rwanda a year before. And shied away from even using the term genocide, even though the UN had been warned that the total eradication of the Tutsis was being planned before it was unleashed on 7 April 1994.

Now Russia is facing sanctions and Vladimir Putin has been indicted for alleged war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ukraine is getting backing from the West for its defence. Putin is paying a price for his aggression.

Israel, though, is still being armed by the US, and theres no whiff of economic sanctions.

The pattern is that the West takes the mass killing of Christian white people more seriously than the eradication of other ethnic groups and Muslims.

The Allies knew of Hitlers final solution by 1942, but did nothing to stop it.

We have to ask of history, and of ourselves now, whether the looking away when the innocent are being led to their deaths isnt just a little bit easier if theyre different? Jews, Muslims, Black Africans and now Palestinians.

The 1951 UN General Assemblys Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide requires states to punish and prevent genocides.

open image in gallery Cemetery workers prepare graves for a mass burial of seven newly identified victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide in Potocari, Bosnia ( AP )

The international community has had a patchy record on punishing, and an appalling record on preventing, genocide or acts of genocide.

As we mark the 30-year anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre of 8,000 or more Muslim men and boys murdered in the genocide of Bosnians by ethnic Serbs in 1995, its clear that never again has been a slogan as empty as it is old.

The truth is that human beings find it very easy to kill each other  especially if that effort is state-sanctioned. And its even easier to kill  and aid the killers by looking away  if the victims are different.

The key to undoing the instinct that human beings have to massacre their rivals in industrial quantities lies in ending impunity. We have to stop ourselves getting away with it. We have to see all people as actually, truly, human.

To do that we have to end impunity. To end impunity we have to confront what we see before us.

Serb murderers were tried and convicted for their crimes by the International Criminal Court for Yugoslavia. The process allowed for a reckoning.

Serbia apologised for the Bosnia atrocities in 2010, and called for the arrest of their main author, Ratko Mladic.

open image in gallery Ratko Mladic, centre, in 1993 ( AFP/Getty )

Germany has a compound noun for what it did to acknowledge, repair, and reconcile with its own past: Vergangenheitsbewaltigung. That process was started with the war crimes tribunals in Nuremberg.

Rwandas Tutsi survivors of the 1994 genocide brought a Truth and Reconciliation process through gacaca courts  mass tribunals where confessions were traded for reduced sentences among the ethnic Hutu genocidaires. There were also some prosecutions in the International Criminal Court for Rwanda.

But many of the worst offenders from 1994 fled into exile, where they faced no justice process for their crimes. Rather, they plotted to return and finish the job while spreading the ideology of murder wider, into what was then Zaire.

The ideology of murder-thy-neighbour-before-he-murders-you has extended for 30 years across the region and has, among other things, led to operation clean the slate, in which 40 per cent of ethnic pygmies were killed in central Africa in 2002-3. Pygmies, or, more accurately, Batwa, are different  theyre small.

Seeing only differences allows for attempts to wipe people out, erase their cultures, or drive them from their homelands, to continue around the world.

open image in gallery Vladimir Putin has insisted that there is no such thing as Ukraine ( Sputnik )

The Soviets banned Ukraines language, snuffed out its poets and artists and rewrote its history. Some 3-5 million people were killed in Moscows deliberate famine of 1932-3, the Holodomor. Now, Russia is back. Putin again insists theres no such thing as Ukraine.

The Russian president enjoys impunity at home. Abroad he has been indicted by the ICC for war crimes.

But he is unlikely ever to be arrested. Donald Trump, after all, sees him as a friend and has issued sanctions against the very body, the ICC, that hopes to prosecute him.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu has just been at the White House for his third visit this year. Like Putin, he is under ICC indictment for alleged war crimes.

His government includes extremists who proselytise with demands that Gazas population be encouraged to leave the enclave voluntarily. The population of 2.2 million people will have little choice but to leave when the shooting stops because there is nowhere left to live in Gaza. It has been pancaked by Israels bombs.

More than half of the 57,000 people that the local authorities say have been killed by Israel are women and children. The UN freely uses the term genocide when referring to Israels conduct towards its neighbours.

open image in gallery Smoke rises following an Israeli army bombardment in the northern Gaza Strip ( AP )

Baroness Helena Kennedy, KC, one of the UKs leading human rights lawyers, has made it clear what she believes Israel is doing in Gaza.

I have been moved to the position to where I now believe that we are witnessing a genocide taking place before our eyes ... I was very reluctant to go there because the threshold has to be very high, there has to be specific intent for genocide, but what we are now seeing is genocidal behaviour, she told the BBC.

In turn, Hamas, which rules whats left of Gaza, has a foundational document which calls for the eradication of Israel as a political entity. Hamas is widely considered a terrorist organisation and led the murder of nearly 1,200 people in Israel and the kidnapping of another 250 on 7 October 2023.

Hamas doesnt act with impunity. It is being attacked by Israel. Its surviving leaders should, one day, be rounded up and prosecuted for their massacres of 7 October.

Meanwhile, the UN's Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, said recently: The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory is apocalyptic. Israel is responsible for one of the cruellest genocides in modern history.

Mass killings are rare in societies that respect the humanity of their rivals. In Rwanda, Tutsis were called cockroaches by their own government. Antisemitic slurs have been used to galvanise millennia of pogroms against Jews.

open image in gallery A Palestinian child in the rubble of a building hit by an Israeli strike in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza ( AFP/Getty )

Meanwhile, the Israeli finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has othered Palestinians with the same tone used by the Soviets towards Ukraine.

There is no such thing as a Palestinian nation. There is no Palestinian history. There is no Palestinian language, he has said.

Heidi Kingstone, author of the book Genocide: Personal Stories Big Questions, said: Perpetrators can persuade everyone that victims are not human and should be destroyed.

Once you begin to other people, dehumanise them and justify the actions, isolate them, catalogue them, round them up and finally exterminate them. Look at what's going on in Palestine and Israel now. Its happening. And the same from the other side  not all Jews support whats going, not all Israelis either.

On the day we remember the massacre of Muslims in Bosnia we cannot say we did not know what is happening in Gaza. Those are not insects crawling through the rubble.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A senior Ukrainian intelligence officer was gunned down in broad daylight in Kyiv, officials said on Friday as a maternity hospital was hit by a Russian drone barrage on the city of Kharkiv.

Surveillance footage published on social media showed the agent was executed in a car park by a gunman clad in dark clothing who fled the scene. Police said they were trying to identify the shooter and that measures are being taken to detain him.

The victims name has not been publicly disclosed and the identity of the suspect remains unclear. A Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) official said that the intelligence officer had been a colonel, according to Reuters.

Ukrainska Pravda has claimed the agent was Colonel Ivan Voronych, adding he died at the scene after the assailant fired five aimed gun shots. The New York Times claimed that Voronych was a part of the SBUs Centre for Special Operations Alpha and had been within the organisation for decades.

open image in gallery Voronych, believed to be the victim, was part of the SBU for decades ( Ukrainska Pravda via REUTERS )

Kyiv Police confirmed a man was shot in the capital on Thursday. They said in a statement on social media: Police officers establish circumstances of shooting in Holosiivskyi district of the capital.

Arriving on call, law enforcement officers discovered the body of a man with a gunshot wound.

Currently, investigative and operational groups of the district and main police departments, criminal investigation officers, dog handlers and other services are working at the scene. All circumstances of the incident are being established.

It remains unclear whether the agents death was a domestic issue or an assassination. The Independent has contacted Kyiv Police and the SBU for comment.

open image in gallery The gunman could be seen vacating the scene in broad daylight, according to CCTV footage ( Ukrainska Pravda via REUTERS )

The SBU is Ukraines internal security and counter-intelligence base, but since Russia began its full-scale invasion of the country three years ago, it has played a role in assassinations and sabotage attacks in Moscow.

The internal security agency played a key role in Ukraines Operation Spider Web attack on Russia last month, which is believed to have destroyed 40 Russian bombers used to pummel the war torn country over the past three years.

It came as a Russian drone barrage targeted the center of Kharkiv on Friday, injuring nine people and damaging a maternity hospital.

Mothers with newborns were being evacuated, mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram. He didn't say if anyone at the hospital was among the injured.

Russia's recent escalation of long-range Shahed drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, which often also include ballistic and cruise missiles as well as powerful glide bombs, has brought renewed urgency to efforts to improve Ukraine's air defenses after more than three years of war.

There is no silence in Ukraine, president Volodymyr Zelensky said.

open image in gallery A mother holds her baby during an evacuation from a maternity hospital damaged by a Russian drone strike on Kharkiv ( REUTERS )

June brought the highest monthly civilian casualties of the past three years, with 232 people killed and 1,343 wounded, the UN human rights mission in Ukraine said on Thursday. Russia launched 10 times more drones and missiles in June than in the same month last year.

At the same time, Russia's bigger army is pressing hard on parts of the 620-mile front line, where thousands of soldiers on both sides have died since the Kremlin ordered the invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine desperately needs more US-made Patriot air defense systems to stop Russian missiles and more interceptor drones to bring down the Russian-made Shaheds.

Donald Trump said on Thursday that the US is sending weapons including Patriots to other Nato countries that are paying Washington for them and giving them to Ukraine.

He said in an interview with NBC he would make a major statement about Russia on Monday but didn't elaborate.

After repeated Russian drone and missile onslaughts in Kyiv, authorities announced Friday they are establishing a comprehensive drone interception system under a project called "Clear Sky."

The project includes a $6.2 million investment in interceptor drones, operator training, and new mobile response units, according to the head of the Kyiv Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko.

Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report
 Close Trump flat-footed by Pentagon's weapons halt to Kyiv and pledges more arms

On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Donald Trump issued an ominous warning to Vladimir Putin after a maternity ward was struck by drones in Ukraine.

The US president responded to news that drones had damaged a maternity hospital in Kharkiv, as he said: I know. You'll be seeing things happen.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that among the nine wounded in Kharkiv were women in the hospital - mothers with newborns, women recovering from surgery.

He said: Russia is targeting life itself  even in the very places where it begins.

It comes ahead of Trumps major statement on Monday for Russia as he grows frustrated with Russian president Vladimir Putin amid intensified attacks on Ukraine.

I think Ill have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday, the president told NBC News. Were sending weapons to Nato, and Nato is paying for those weapons, 100 per cent.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmytry Peskov said they await Trumps statement.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Gaza was one of the most densely populated places in the world before the war. Today, the roughly 2 million Palestinians who still call it home have been forced into an area just a fifth of its original size by a year and a half of bombing, displacement orders and militarised zones.

Under a bleak vision for the future pitched by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Donald Trump in Washington DC this week, they could be forced into an even smaller area still, or out of Gaza entirely, unable to return to what is left of their homes.

Netanyahu may have left Washington without a deal signed and sealed, but his proposals for Gaza continue apace.

The plan would see those 2 million people concentrated into a humanitarian city in southern Gaza, where anyone who wants to leave would be helped to emigrate and those who remain would live under the tight control of the Israeli army, which would hold on to specific territories, sources familiar with the plan have told The Independent.

One idea being floated is that Israeli troops retain control of three connected strategic corridors in Gaza: the Philadelphi corridor, a nine-mile strip which covers the border region between Gaza and Egypt; the Netzarim corridor, a band that dissects Gaza in half; and a third strip in the middle, which is now being called the Morag Corridor.

Some details of the plan emerged in a briefing given by Israels defence minister, Israel Katz, this week. In it, he said he had instructed the Israeli army to prepare for a humanitarian city on the ruins of Rafah, which would eventually house the entire population of the Gaza Strip. Once inside the city, Katz said residents would not be allowed to leave, according to sources briefed on that meeting.

Another proposal seen by The Independent, bearing the name of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the controversial US-backed and Israeli-run aid group, describes the building of sprawling camps in the coastal south region of Gaza called Humanitarian Transition Areas. Each compound could hold more than 2,000 people complete with homes, dining facilities, private bathrooms and even schools to temporarily reside, deradicalise, reintegrate, etc and prepare to relocate if they wish to do so. The document proposes that some of these transition areas could also be located in Egypt and even Cyprus.

This emigration plan was also mentioned by Katz in his briefing. The Independent has been told he has already earmarked a division to carry out that plan, which would see Palestinians move from Gaza to other Arab countries. During a meeting with Trump on Monday, Netanyahu said Israel was working with the United States very closely to find countries that would take Palestinians from Gaza. Destination nations that have been floated include Somalia.

The Israeli defence ministry was approached for comment on the reports and details of the plan. The Independent understands that the idea is backed by Netanyahu, who has sought to float it publicly and discuss it with Trump.

While Israel insists the emigrations would be voluntary and denies violating international law, human rights experts said they would likely constitute war crimes and, coupled with the forcible transfer of the population south into the humanitarian city, would amount to really grave atrocity crimes.

The plans that are being discussed by Katz and by the Israeli government, not just in recent days but going back months, would amount to an abhorrent escalation in these war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing, said Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch.

Theres no voluntary emigration when youve deliberately made large parts of Gaza unliveable [] when youve deliberately attacked water infrastructure, when youve starved the population, when youve demolished civilian infrastructure, hospitals and schools.

Josh Paul, a former director of congressional and public affairs at the State Department, said it appeared that Israel had been working to make the plan a reality on the ground for some time.

Israels plan for Gaza has been clear for over a year: make the region unliveable, remove as many Palestinians from their land as possible, and concentrate the rest in densely packed enclaves where they can be surveilled, monitored, and controlled, said Paul, who resigned from the Biden administration over its support for the war in Gaza.

The war, sparked by a brutal attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants that killed more than 1,100 people, including more than 700 civilians, has transformed the territory and its people beyond all recognition.

What was a troubled but vibrant land of packed cities, extensive farmlands and busy beaches is now a mostly destroyed wasteland, with more than 57,000 people killed, according to local officials and many more thousands buried beneath the rubble. Nearly one in three people are not eating for several days due to severe Israeli restrictions on aid entering Gaza, according to the World Food Programme.

The Israeli governments plans to move masses of people to the south were met with suspicion and dismay by Palestinians in Gaza, many of whom have been forcibly displaced numerous times by bombing.

I feel that what is happening is a plan for forced displacement, said Ahmed Al-Brim, a 38-year-old father of five, currently in a so-called humanitarian zone along the coast, which has repeatedly been bombed.

Youssef Al-Sheikh, a 44-year-old father of six who has also been displaced many times, added: The greatest fear is that gathering us in one area crowded with people is an attempt to completely and permanently displace us from the Gaza Strip. Why are they planning to herd us into a cage like animals?

Israel has been working to move Palestinians into southern Gaza for some time through a combination of military offensives, military exclusion zones and, some experts believe, through the takeover of lifesaving humanitarian aid.

Almost all aid going into Gaza now runs through the GHF, which started operations in May following a months-long Israeli blockade of nearly all food and aid. Food is handed out at overcrowded and deadly sites overseen by American private security contractors and the Israeli army.

Gazas health ministry said that Israeli forces opening fire on crowds trying to reach the GHF food distribution points have killed hundreds of Palestinians and wounded thousands since aid deliveries were reinstated in late May.

A document shared with The Independent bearing the name of GHF shows a $2bn plan to expand its work to corral Palestinians into specially made transition camps.

GHF has denied any involvement in this document and has previously rejected claims it is complicit in the weaponisation of aid, calling the allegation false, dangerous and deeply irresponsible. In a statement to The Independent, it said the only actor weaponising aid in Gaza is Hamas.

Experts from the United Nations, along with former USAID and State Department officials, have described the new system as grotesque, dangerous, and part of a larger plan to use aid to control the movement of Palestinians.

What were seeing now is the culmination of forced displacement seeking to confine up to 2 million people  the entirety of the population  into a closed-off, a fenced-off area where people are vetted on the ruins of Rafah, Tamara Alrifai, of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, referring to Israels plan for a humanitarian city.

There has been an engineering of forced displacement using access to food.

open image in gallery Violence linked to aid distribution in Gaza, recorded by ACLED, spiked in June ( Armed Conflict Location and Events Database )

Jeremy Konyndyk, who oversaw famine relief at USAID for three years during the Obama administration and is now president of Refugees International, said it was not a coincidence that most of the distribution sites were in the south of Gaza.

A basic principle of humanitarian response is you move the aid as close as you can to where the people are. Theyre doing the opposite of that, the diametric opposite of that, which suggests that they want to draw people to the south.

I think that is highly suggestive of the longer-term agenda here.

Under the Israeli governments current plan, some 600,000 Palestinians would be moved first to the detention camp in Rafah from the Muwasi area  a zone in the centre of Gaza already earmarked as a humanitarian area, even though it has been bombed. An international force would manage the camp, while the Israeli army would secure the perimeter, Katz reportedly told reporters.

However, officials briefed on the plans say there are no real details.

Its not clear who is going to provide humanitarian aid, who is going to manage all these people coming from the north to the south  if they want all of them to be there, said one source who asked not to be named as they are not authorised to brief the media.

The reoccupation of Gaza has been a long-held ambition of Israels far right, which now makes up a key part of Netanyahus governing coalition.

open image in gallery Palestinians carry humanitarian aid packages near the GHF distribution centre in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on 26 June ( AP )

But the success of Netanyahus plan and the scale of Israels involvement in post-war Gaza will depend on the support of Trump.

The US presidents plans for Gaza have vacillated from the absurd to the disinterested since he returned to office for a second term in January.

He first pitched his plan for the US to take over and rebuild Gaza as the Riviera of the Middle East in February, calling the territory a demolition site and suggesting that Palestinians would have no alternative but to leave.

He has since cooled on that plan, but has not backed off from the idea of helping Palestinians leave Gaza.

President Trump has long advocated for creative solutions to improve the lives of Palestinians, including allowing them to resettle in a new, beautiful location while Gaza rebuilds, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told The Independent.

Trump was said to be keen to use Netanyahus trip to press for a ceasefire in Gaza and a permanent end to the war, promising to be very firm. He was also keen to build on the Abraham accords peace deal between Israel and several Arab states from his first term, specifically bringing Saudi Arabia on board.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, has been resistant to any deal that would end the war, preferring instead to negotiate temporary ceasefires in exchange for the release of hostages.

open image in gallery A mother and her daughter rush for cover during an Israeli strike in Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip ( AFP/Getty )

Hamas officials have already vehemently rejected any notion of moving the population south or corridors of control.

Netanyahu spent several hours engaged in high-level meetings with Trump, and their teams were locked in talks for two days. But the Israeli prime minister left Washington without any formal announcement.

Officials with knowledge of their discussions from the Israeli side said they feel that progress has been made and a truce deal is 90 per cent completed. Israel has reportedly agreed to a compromise on aid, including that the GHF would not deliver aid to areas from which Israeli troops have withdrawn.

However, there remain a few major sticking points, the sources said, including the planned humanitarian city, as well as the details of the continued presence of Israeli troops in Gaza.

The differences have to do with the idea of withdrawal [of the military] from the designated areas the US wants them to withdraw from ... where Israel is evacuating from, and how, is the sticking issue at the moment, one official said.

Netanyahu will also likely face some opposition to his plan back home. The extreme-right members of his government, including finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, have thrown their support behind the idea, stating that victory would be Gaza entirely destroyed and civilians sent to the south of the strip and even abroad.

Sources have said the military is one of the main detractors because it puts a lot of strain on them.

Members of the military are already protesting the drawn-out, multi-front war and the soaring soldier death toll, with reports of people breaking their limbs to avoid being called up for reserve duty.

Amos Harel, an Israeli defence correspondent and leading expert on Israels military issues, agrees. Exhausted by 21 months of conflict, he believes the military fears possible repercussions in international courts from this Gaza plan, that pursuing it will definitively scupper any hope of a ceasefire deal, and that it will ultimately fail.

Most generals I speak to would rather have an end to the war and not prolong it under these circumstances, he said. Its not only the hostages, its reservists. Its the soldiers dying.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

At least 10 children were among the 16 Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike when they were waiting for care outside a medical clinic in Gaza, according to local authorities.

The strike in Deir al-Balah on Thursday  which aid groups have called a blatant violation of international humanitarian law  comes as ceasefire talks continue to drag on with no immediate deal expected.

Bodies of women and children lying in pools of blood amid dust and screaming are seen in video footage verified by Reuters, with one clip showing several motionless children lying on a donkey cart.

A distraught mother was pictured sitting by the body of her daughter, who was killed in the blast, with other bodies laid out around her at a nearby hospital.

The mother, Samah al-Nouri, said: She didnt do anything, she was innocent, I swear. Her dream was for the war to end and that they announce it today, to go back to school. She was only getting treatment in a medical facility. Why did they kill them?

open image in gallery Youssef Abd Rabbo weeps at the hospital where the body of his mother Manal was taken together with 10 more people killed in an Israeli strike while they were waiting to receive nutritional supplements at the Project Hope-run medical clinic ( AP )

Israels military said it had struck a militant who took part in the Hamas-led 7 October attack. It said it was aware of reports regarding a number of injured bystanders and that the incident was under review.

The fighting in Gaza has shown no sign of slowing as prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with president Donald Trump in Washington this week to work on a US-led ceasefire plan. Hopes for an agreement in the near term appeared to be fading as Mr Netanyahu prepared to return to Israel.

Mr Netanyahu is holding firm to the idea that Hamas must be destroyed, while Hamas wants a complete end to the war following the proposed 60-day truce.

US-based Project HOPE said the strike had hit right outside its Altayara health clinic. Horrified and heartbroken cannot properly communicate how we feel anymore, the aid group said in a statement.

The aid groups president and CEO, Rabih Torbay, said: Project HOPEs health clinics are a place of refuge in Gaza where people bring their small children, women access pregnancy and postpartum care, people receive treatment for malnutrition, and more. Yet, this morning, innocent families were mercilessly attacked as they stood in line waiting for the doors to open.

Horrified and heartbroken cannot properly communicate how we feel anymore. This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, and a stark reminder that no one and no place is safe in Gaza, even as ceasefire talks continue. This cannot continue. Project HOPE urgently calls for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a dramatic scale-up of aid to meet the urgent needs of Gazas civilian population.

Gazas Nasser Hospital reported a total of 21 deaths in airstrikes in the southern town of Khan Younis and the nearby coastal area of Muwasi. It said three children and their mother, as well as two additional women, were among the dead.

The Deir al-Balah missile strike came as Israeli and Hamas negotiators held talks with mediators in Qatar over a proposed 60-day ceasefire and hostage release deal aimed at building agreement on a lasting truce.

A senior Israeli official said on Wednesday that an agreement was not likely to be secured for another week or two, however, US secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Thursday he was hopeful of a deal.

I think were closer, and I think perhaps were closer than weve been in quite a while, Mr Rubio told reporters at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia.

open image in gallery Smoke and fire rise to the sky following an Israeli bombardment on the northern Gaza Strip ( AP )

Several rounds of indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have failed to produce a breakthrough since the Israeli military resumed its campaign in March following a previous ceasefire.

Over the past 24 hours, massive explosions in Gaza sent plumes of smoke up the sky and were visible from the border with Israel.

On Thursday, the Israeli military announced that a soldier was killed in Khan Younis a day earlier after militants burst out of an underground tunnel and tried to abduct him. The soldier was shot and killed, while troops in the area shot the militants, hitting several of them, the military said.

Eighteen soldiers have been killed in the past three weeks, one of the deadliest periods for the Israeli army in months, putting additional public pressure on Mr Netanyahu to end the war.

The war began after Hamas attacked Israel in 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Most have been released in earlier ceasefires. Israel responded with an offensive that has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The ministry, which is under Gazas Hamas-run government, doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants. The UN and other international organizations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war casualties.

Repeated attacks by Israeli forces in recent weeks have killed hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza, many of them civilians, and injured thousands, according to local health authorities, putting an enormous strain on the enclaves few remaining hospitals.

Dwindling fuel supplies risk further disruption in the semi-functioning hospitals, including incubators at the neonatal unit of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, doctors there said.

We are forced to place four, five or sometimes three premature babies in one incubator, said Dr Mohammed Abu Selmia, the hospital director, adding that premature babies are now in a critical condition.

An Israeli military official said that fuel destined for hospitals and other humanitarian facilities was let into the enclave on Wednesday and on Thursday.

However, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that far more fuel was needed to keep essential life-saving and life-sustaining services operating.

Meanwhile, Israel began demolitions on Thursday of more than a dozen buildings in the central city of Bat Yam, which saw the deadliest Iranian missile strike during the 12-day Israel-Iran war.

Nine people were killed, including five members of the same family, in Bat Yam. The family were Ukrainian refugees who fled the war and came to Israel for medical treatment, according to Israeli media.

Bat Yam mayor Tzvika Brot said the strike left 2,000 people  more than 1 per cent of the citys population  homeless. Many are now living at hotels.

"Were going to demolish 20 buildings, but were going to build them better, stronger, and there will be much more Israeli families running around here. That will be the best answer to our enemies, he added.

A 55-year-old Palestinian man was killed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Thursday. The Israeli military said the man was shot after stabbing a soldier in the village of Rumana. The soldier suffered moderate wounds.

(Additional reporting from agencies)
Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Nearly 300 passengers on a Delta flight from Madrid to New York were stranded for about 30 hours this week after their plane made an emergency landing on the remote island of Terceira in the Azores.

Flight 127 was diverted to a U.S. Air Force base in Lajes, part of the Azores, a Portuguese island chain in the Atlantic, Sunday after passengers heard a loud boom.

"People were crying. There were people praying. Nobody really knew what was happening," passenger Marc Viscardi told WABC.

The Airbus A330 landed safely, but passengers were forced to deplane and wait on the island for a replacement for nearly 30 hours.

A Delta spokesperson told multiple news outlets that a suspected engine issue forced the flight to divert to remote islands off Portugal. The replacement flight ultimately arrived at New Yorks John F Kennedy Airport the next day.

open image in gallery Nearly 300 passengers were on a flight to New York that made an emergency landing on a remote island. A Delta spokesperson said a suspected engine issue forced the flight to divert. ( Getty Images )

The flight carried 282 passengers and 13 crew. Delta offered meals and lodging, though some passengers made their own arrangements.

"In the absence of any information coming from Delta or anyone at the airline, we kind of took matters into our own hands," Viscardi told the outlet.

The Independent has contacted Delta for comment.

"The flight landed safely, and we sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience and delay in their travels, a Delta spokesperson said in a statement to multiple news outlets.
Watch as Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves joke about Larry the cat during a family photo at No 10.

On the final day of his three-day state visit to the UK on Thursday (10 July), the French president heaped praise on the Downing Street cats wonderful social media presence.

Mr Macron heaped praise on a recent tweet by Larry about the Bayeux Tapestry from the cat, and smiled as he asked who runs his social media profile.

Sir Keir laughed as he replied that the cat runs it himself, before the Chancellor chimed in and said Larry is the most popular person in Downing Street.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described Labours new migrant returns scheme as a gimmick in an interview on Friday, 11 July.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Mr Philp claimed the government's migrant scheme with France would only impact 6 per cent of illegal immigrants arriving in the UK.

Allowing 94 per cent of illegal immigrants to stay in the UK will be no deterrent whatsoever, Mr Philp said.

Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a plan on Thursday to send back small boat migrants, with an asylum seeker being sent to the UK in exchange.
Possibly the most fatuous election in British history took place nine years ago. The death of Lord Avebury, a hereditary peer, triggered a pseudo by-election in which no fewer than seven Liberal Democrat noblemen tried their chances at replacing him.

If fox hunting is, in Oscar Wildes phrase, the unspeakable in pursuit of the inedible, this was surely the unelectable in pursuit of the indefensible.

Apart from a few tribal councils in the Pacific Islands and maybe Lesotho, it is hard to find any other country in the world that has persisted with the hereditary principle once the Prussian House of Lords was abolished in 1918.

Even the tattered remnants of the Prussian House of Hohenzollern might shake their heads in disbelief that, until 18 months ago, the Brits were still holding elections for the right of the titled classes to place their ancestral bums on the red leather upholstery of the Upper House.

Among those competing to step into Lord Aveburys shoes was the 13th Earl of Carlisle, who owes his title to a 14th century military leader. There were distant relatives of a former prime minister, Lloyd George, and a famous philosopher, Bertrand Russell, as well as an actual viscount (Lord Thurso).

There may have been seven candidates, but there were only three voters. Six of the candidates gained no votes at all. And so it was that, on April 19 2016, Viscount Thurso romped home with all three votes: 100 per cent of the electorate.

Had he noticed, even North Koreas Kim Jong-un would have looked on in envy.

There was something poignant about the by-election since Lord Avebury himself had consistently campaigned to abolish the Baroque system by which the dynastic legislators  mostly expelled by the Blair government in 1999  are capped at 92 seats in the Upper Chamber.

Blair had intended to sweep away all the hereditaries  it had, indeed, been a manifesto commitment  but was defeated in that ambition by aristocratic turkeys who refused to vote for Christmas. Viscount Cranborne, later Lord Salisbury, implicitly threatened to derail the whole of the Labour governments legislative programme. Blair blinked.

Cranborne was a chip off the old block, his ancestor, the 4th Marquess of Salisbury, having done his best to stop the rather more sweeping parliamentary reforms in 1911.

Blairs answer was a fudge: a preposterous plebiscite. Each time one of the nobles peers falls off their noble perch there is a scramble to replace them.

Avebury did his best to scrap the silly by-elections in 2006: he failed. He tried again the following year; he failed again. Lord Steel (David Steel  remember him?) tried a further five times to introduce bills reforming the Lords. Each time he was defeated. There were further attempts to reform the Lords in 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016: they were all scuppered. And so the show staggers on.

Fast-forward to the present day. Starmers government was elected on a manifesto which included a promise to finally end the indefensible idea that our lawmakers can make laws for the rest of us simply by virtue of birth.

What could be more straightforward? And yet, here we are, more than a year into the Starmer government, and a rearguard action is still being fought to confound the manifesto pledge.

The opponents have so far managed to force through an amendment which would abolish the pseudo by-elections  but would allow all the current hereditary peers to remain in the House of Lords. They would, in effect, dwindle away  doubtless over several decades.

Among the proposers of this magnificent piece of fudge  passed by 280 votes to 243  was Lord Parkinson, a former special adviser to Theresa May who failed at his assorted attempts to be elected as an MP; and one Lord Guglielmo Verdirame, who was elevated by Liz Truss in 2022. (No, me neither.)

Scan the list of the peers voting for the fudge and  in addition to the hereditaries thrilled at being offered such a last-minute stay of execution  they are assorted faces of now-forgotten people who once graced the House of Commons many years ago. Simon Hoggart, the late Guardian sketch-writer, once invented a parlour game inspired by looking down on their lordships. It was called You thought they were dead.

All this was dismaying to the Labour peer, Lord Grocott, who has been campaigning for years for assorted reforms to the Upper House. Its a very, very, very important issue, he told me. You could never ever have a clearer, simple, manifesto commitment. The electorate gave a huge majority to the government to implement its manifesto. I mean, for the House of Lords to thwart it or delay it would be such an abuse of goodness knows how many conventions.

Oh, but they havent given up trying. Last week, the noble lords and ladies gathered to urge special clemency for two particular hereditary peers  the Earl Marshal, who organises occasions such as state funerals, the state opening of parliament and coronations, and the Lord Great Chamberlain  effectively on the grounds that they were good chaps and it would make their ceremonial lives easier. This was rejected.

On Wednesday this week, they were back at it again. The Middle East may be in turmoil. The Russian-Ukrainian war grinds on. We have Donald Trump in the White House. Yet, there were no fewer than 113 speeches on assorted further attempts to amend the simple five-clause bill to ditch the birthright legislators.

First, they tried to make an exception for any current ministers. That took 29 speeches. Then there were 28 speeches on an abstruse point about incapacitated peers. Then, after a further 20 speeches, the Lords passed an amendment to create a kind of honorary peerage  a way of recognising distinguished personages without giving them a seat in parliament.

I cant find a single news outlet that reported this reverse for the government. Its almost as if no one cares.

After that came 20 speeches on another amendment, which daringly proposed that peers should be obliged to turn up at least once a session (maybe once every six months, in other words). Peers didnt like the sound to this and voted it down.

Finally, Viscount Thurso  yes, the one who romped him with all three votes nine years ago  proposed term limits (a maximum of 20 years) for future peers. Their lordships didnt like the sound of that either.

Now we have a game of constitutional ping-pong, in which the amendments may ricochet between elected MPs and unelected peers in a test of strength.

You read these never-ending debates over supposedly reforming the Upper House and it makes you wonder if anything will ever really change. It feels like an elaborate metaphor for broken Britain.

Its 140-odd years since Gilbert and Sullivan satirised the House of Lords in their opera Iolanthe, in which fairies threaten to overthrow the peerage and replace them with people chosen by competitive examination. The House of Peers, sings the Lord Chancellor, did nothing in particular, and did it very well.

Or, as Lord Mountararat chants: Weve got to keep the status quo / Or down the social sink we go!

Im sure it seemed funny back then.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

The wife of Lufthansas CEO slammed her SUV into a young woman who was walking across a pedestrian crossing in Sardinia, police say.

Vivian Spohr, wife of Carsten Spohr, is accused of running over and killing Gaia Costa, a 24-year-old babysitter and resident of the island, II Sole 24 ORE reports.

The 51-year-old was driving a BMW X5 SUV on Tuesday around 1:00 pm, with her daughter as a passenger, when the crash occurred, according to the outlet.

Witnesses told police that they saw Costa extend her arm to signal for the driver to stop, but instead watched as the vehicle accelerated, striking Costa, L'Unione Sarda reports.

open image in gallery Vivian Spohr (left)  wife of Carsten Spohr (right)  is now being investigated for road homicide, say local reports ( Willi Schneider/Shutterstock )

Emergency services at the scene attempted to revive Costa for around 20 minutes before pronouncing her dead at the scene as a result of severe head trauma, according to reports in Italy.

Those same reports suggest authorities are investigating whether Spohr was using her phone at the time of the incident. Her alcohol and drug tests were negative, reports L'Unione Sarda.

Authorities are considering charges of road homicide, the newspaper added.

open image in gallery The young woman is believed to have held out her arm to signal stop but the driver carried on before striking her at the scene in Porto Cervo ( ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock )

The Spohr family had been spending time at a home they own on the island close to the community of Porto Cervo. After the collision, the family returned to Germany.

Carsten Spohr has been the CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG since May 2014. He runs the Lufthansa Group, comprising the business segments of Network Airlines, Eurowings, Logistics, and MRO. They have over 100,000 employees worldwide.

The couple shares two daughters, according to his company biography.

Vivian Spohr's lawyer, Angelo Merlini, stated to the German newspaper Bild: The exact circumstances are now being investigated. The Spohr family has expressed its deepest sympathy to the victim's family.

An autopsy on the body of Costa will be carried out on Wednesday, 16 July.
When the Dutch right-wing coalition took office last spring, it promised to fight hard to keep the EU's exemption allowing Dutch farmers to spread more livestock manure than the bloc-wide limit permits. Picture: Andy Gibson.
Labour Party health spokesperson Marie Sherlock said high temperatures can be dangerous for some workers. Photo: Collins

An increase in absences is expected as heatwave forecasts have led to calls for temperature limits in workplaces.

Chief operating officer at employer support firm Peninsula Ireland, Moira Grassick, says she has no doubt that some people will be taking time off over the next few days.

I expect an increase in absences because the weather is supposed to be so exceptional, she said. While we may not be seeing an increase at the minute, workers might say tonight that they will take tomorrow off.

Some may call in sick or make last-minute requests for annual leave or flexible working, where they start or finish earlier.

Ms Grassick said if a business remains open, there is no legal obligation to pay a worker for an unauthorised absence.

Ultimately, this decision is up to the employers themselves, she said.

She said choosing to withhold pay for those who do not turn up during extreme weather can have a negative impact on staff morale and business reputation.

Labour Party health spokesperson Marie Sherlock said high temperatures can be dangerous for some workers. Photo: Collins

The well-being of your employees should be a key factor in your decision, and your adverse weather policy should provide guidance for all parties on the matter, she said.

She said a flexible working policy to enable workers to avoid commuting long distances is a simple solution to cut absenteeism. Ms Grassick said employers should consider a summer dress code with adapted guidelines during periods of extreme heat.

People enjoy the good weather on Burrow Beach in north Dublin yesterday. Photo: Collins

Heatwave grips Ireland this weekend with high temperature alert issued

Labour Party health spokesperson Marie Sherlock called for legally defined maximum temperature limits for all workplaces due to climate change.

She said this echoed recent calls from the European Trade Union Confederation for a binding EU directive on occupational heat exposure.

Climate change is increasingly exposing workers across the world to occupational heat stress, she said.

Ireland is not immune to this. While temperatures hitting 30C may feel like a novelty in Ireland, the reality for some workers is far from pleasant  and, in some cases, it may be dangerous.

She said these temperatures can be particularly difficult for those working in spaces with poor ventilation, a lack of air conditioning or outdoors.

Government must also explore financial supports such as wage compensation for workers impacted by work stoppages due to heat, she said. Thats about basic fairness.
Rats, damp and cold: Solicitors sue as judge refuses to use some courthouses

Sittings will move to different areas from November

Judge Brian O'Shea

Shane Phelan Yesterday at 06:30

A group of solicitors, led by a former president of the Law Society, has taken a legal challenge to a decision by a District Court judge to no longer sit in three gravely inadequate courthouses.
Gardai investigating the death of pensioner Michael Hayes believe he was punched and then and beaten with a vodka bottle.

Mr Hayes, aged in his 70s, was found critically injured outside his home at St Michaels Court apartments, in Watergate, Limerick City, at around 11.30pm on Thursday.

Mr Hayes was resuscitated by paramedics and taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he was pronounced dead in the early hours of Friday morning. It is believed he suffered serious head injuries.

A man in his 40s who was known to Mr Hayes, but who is not related to him, was arrested by gardai on Friday morning.

The man was being questioned by gardai under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Gardai believe Mr Hayes was assaulted and beaten with a vodka bottle that was wrapped in a bag.

Gardai were following a number of lines of enquiry, including that Mr Hayes may have gone to investigate loud noises outside his home when he was attacked.

The results of a post mortem, that was to be conducted by the office of the State Pathologist, will determine the next course of the Garda investigation, sources said.

The assault took place in Watergate, Limerick city

One of Mr Hayess neighbours, Geraldine Costello, paid tribute to him.

Michael was a lovely boy, hed always go out of his way to do a good turn for you, she said.

His dog, Daisy, is crying all the time because Michael is not there.

I was only talking to him yesterday, Im after getting an awful shock.

I was very fond of him, Im a good friend of his, Ive known him since I was young and Im very sorry that he is gone.

Ms Costellos niece, Tracy Coleman, said: It is shocking, because he was a really lovely man, and he would always go out of his way and do whatever do you.

He was a young man for his age, everyday he was always going for walks.

Its understood Mr Hayes lived alone and has a number of grown-up children.

The scene at St Michael's Court in Watergate, Limerick City. Photo: Brendan Gleeson

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

Mr Hayes, who lived near the Milk Market, was known as a gentle and respectful man who kept to himself but was always willing to lend a hand.

He was a quiet man, one friend said of the elderly man. He minded my dog when I had to be away, took very good care of her.

A close neighbour stated: People here are devastated. My family are shocked. He was good to everyone around here.

Gardai have launched a full-scale investigation led by a senior investigating officer.

A Garda tape cordon was placed around a large section around apartments at the scene, which is located between St Michaels Street, Ellen Street and Mungret Street in the city.

Detectives were harvesting any CCTV footage in the area and carrying out house-to-house enquiries.

Gardai appealed for anyone who was in the area on Thursday evening who may have information or who may have footage to come forward.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Gardai at Henry Street Garda Station (061) 212400, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Remains of mother-of-two Antoinette Smith (27) were found in Wicklow in 1988Gardai encouraging people whose associations may have changed over the years to come forward

Gardai have issued a fresh appeal for information on the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman whose remains were found in Co. Wicklow in 1988.

The body of Antoinette Smith (27) was discovered on Glendoo Mountain, near the Lemass monument and close to Glencree/Enniskerry.

The mother-of-two is understood to have attended a David Bowie concert in Slane, Co. Meath with her friend on 11 July of the previous year, before the pair returned to Dublin by bus.

Gardai say Antoinette and her friend made their way from the bus stop at Parnell Square to La Mirage Discotheque on the nearby Parnell Street.

It is here that they met two men they knew, and the group stayed in the club until after 2am.

Antoinettes friend then parted company with the group, leaving Antoinette with the two men before the trio made their way to a taxi rank on OConnell Street.

Gardai say the men got their taxi to Ballymun in North Dublin while Antoinette herself continued on walking by the Gresham Hotel on OConnell Street, southwards towards OConnell Bridge.

An Garda Siochana has issued a renewed appeal for information on the cold case, requesting those who may possess vital information to come forward.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

A spokesperson said: It is now 38 years since Antoinette Smith was last seen on OConnell Street, Dublin. Gardai at Bray Garda Station are renewing their appeal to the public for assistance and information in relation to the disappearance and murder of Antoinette Smith.

"Gardai are appealing to those who may have information since 1987, or who may have come into possession of information in the intervening years, to come forward.

People whose relationships and associations may have changed over the years are being urged to share any information they may have in a sensitive manner.

Anyone with information can contact Gardai in Bray at 01 666 5300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Sarah Carey: College fees fiasco shows us that in the new politics everyone is poor and everyone is a victim  we need to get real
Independent TD Catherine Connolly will launch her presidential campaign next week, with the Social Democrats confirming they will back her nomination.

The Galway West TD has been seen as a front-runner in the search for a candidate who could represent a number of parties on the left.

The Social Democrats are the first to publicly announce that their members of the Oireachtas will support Ms Connolly in her presidential bid.

The National Executive of the Social Democrats last night voted that all of the partys members of the Oireachtas will nominate Ms Connolly for president.

"This reflects the strong support throughout the Social Democrats for nominating Catherine Connolly, a party spokesperson said.

Catherine has been a tireless advocate for progressive causes and we believe she would make an excellent President.

Catherine Connolly. Photo: Tom Burke

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

A presidential candidate must be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities to appear on the ballot.

The Social Democrats have 11 members of the Oireachtas, with Ms Connolly telling the Galway City Tribune that People Before Profit-Solidarity have also indicated their support.

She said Labour and Sinn Fein are currently going through their own internal processes before nominating a candidate.

Ms Connolly told the Galway City Tribune yesterday that she will be formally launching her presidential campaign next week, the Connacht Tribune reports.

Yes, my mind is made up to run. Ive support from across the spectrum, including the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Solidarity, as well as a number of senators and others, she said.

"Labour and Sinn Fein are still completing their own internal processes which I fully respect. Ill be formally launching my campaign next week.

It comes as Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly ruled himself out of the race yesterday, clearing a path for former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness to win the party nomination.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said his party colleague Ms McGuinness was in "a very strong position" in respect of the party's nomination for the 2025 Presidential election.

However, the Dublin TD insisted he would not be endorsing any candidate until after the Fine Gael nomination period concludes on July 17 next.

Dr Mike Ryan, the deputy director general of the World Health Organisation, also confirmed to the Irish Independent this week that he has been approached about a potential presidential bid but has not yet been asked to become a candidate.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has also opened the door to contesting the presidential election in recent days.

Former Fianna Fail minister Mary Hanafin has shown interest in seeking her partys nomination, while Unicef Irelands executive director Peter Power has also signalled his interest to the Fianna Fail leadership.

Former Ireland South MEP Mick Wallace did not rule himself out of the race this week, but said he "certainly wouldnt run if Ms Connolly was on the ballot.
Ms Murphy was murdered while out on a run in Co Offaly in January 2022

Ryan Casey (27), the boyfriend of the murdered Ashling Murphy (23), has spoken out about the regret he feels about the last moments he saw her alive.

Primary school teacher Ms Murphy was attacked and murdered by Jozef Puska while she was running along the Grand Canal Way in Cappincur, close to Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Mr Casey settled a defamation case against the BBC last week following comments made about his victim impact statement on a live broadcast. The BBC said it was "happy to clarify" that it does not consider Mr Casey to be "someone guilty of or attempting to incite hatred".

On his final moments with his girlfriend two days before her death on January 12 2022, Mr Casey said he wishes he did not comply with the then-coronavirus social distancing guidelines that were in place after she dropped off groceries for his family.

She was just about to sit into her car and we kind of latched eyes

We had Covid in the house at the time, he told the Irish Mirror.

"She brought in the shopping and she left it at the doorstep and I brought it in.

She was just about to sit into her car and we kind of latched eyes for a second. I cant even describe it. In the aftermath, I thought about it a lot.

Why didnt I just say feck the restrictions, who cares? Why didnt I just hold her?

Ashling Murphy and Ryan Casey

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

At around three oclock on the 12th, Mr Casey reached out to Ms Murphy after becoming increasingly agitated by their distance.

"It got to maybe five oclock, maybe half five. Something inside of me just said, you know what, Im sick of these frustrations, I dont care and rang her.

I would have text her, I said feck these restrictions, Im sick of not being able to see you, lets go for a McDonald's or something. I got no response for a couple of hours, which would be unusual.

You got a sick feeling, you know?

Some time later, Mr Casey called Ms Murphys father, Ray, who he says was distraught and said you need to come over.

"I just got to the house, cars everywhere and thats when you got a sick feeling, you know?

Then I was brought into the front room and they told me then. I dont remember much after that."

Puska (35) murdered Ms Murphy on January 12, 2022, by repeatedly stabbing her in the neck after attacking her while she exercised along the canal towpath.

He was sentenced to life in prison in November 2023 after being found guilty of her murder.

Originally from Slovakia, he had lived in Offaly since 2015 with his wife and five children.
.

Asking price: 470,000

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald (01) 860 3956

You can walk to the city centre in 15 minutes from this mid-terrace Edwardian redbrick in trendy Phibsborough, or take the Luas from a stop five minutes away.

At ground level, theres a living/dining room and a kitchen leading out to a small patio at the back. Upstairs are two double bedrooms, a recently installed bathroom and a separate WC, bringing the total floor area to 828 sq ft.

The Mater Hospital, TUD Grangegorman, Blessington Basin and the Royal Canal Greenway are all within walking distance.

Mountrice, Monasterevin

Mountrice, Monasterevin, Co Kildare

Asking price: 495,000

Agent: Matt Dunne & Associates (057) 862 3349

Set on a quiet country road 4km outside Monasterevin, this bungalow stands on a 0.66-acre site with a curved lawn bordered by hedges, trees and colourful plants.

Extending to 1,700 sq ft, it has a lounge, kitchen, utility room, guest WC, family room, kitchen/diner, four bedrooms and a bathroom.

An added bonus to the rear of the house is a Steeltech shed, which is wired for electricity. Kildare town is 9km away and its about an hours drive to Dublin city.

3 Alexandra Court, Alexandra Road, St Lukes

3 Alexandra Court, Alexandra Road, St Lukes, Cork City

Asking price: 425,000

Agent: Auctioneera (01) 903 8335

Alexandra Court is a gated development of nine terraced houses just a two minute walk from St Lukes Cross with its cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.

At 1,087 sq ft, No3 has an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area, a guest WC and two en suite bedrooms. Its being sold with FPP to convert the attic to a third en suite bedroom.

A dormer window and Velux rooflights have been installed, and the attic is floored. A 10 to 15-minute walk will take you to Corks Victorian Quarter and the city centre.

Lisduff, Tulla

Lisduff, Tulla, Co Clare

Asking price: 495,000

Agent: DNG OSullivan Hurley (065) 684 0200

Set on half an acre, this detached B3 house is surrounded by countryside, yet its only a few minutes drive to the villages of Tulla and OCallaghans Mills, and 15 minutes to Ennis.

Spanning 2,660 sq ft, accommodation comprises a double-height entrance hall leading on to a sitting room, conservatory, a kitchen/dining/living area featuring recently upgraded units with quartz worktops, utility, shower room and a bedroom currently used as an office.

Upstairs are four bedrooms (one en suite with a walk-in wardrobe) and a bathroom.
Mark Keenan: MTV Cribs Kremlin style  this is where the defenestration happens

Alongside a higher than usual number of deaths amongst ousted Russian oligarchs, there is a macabre trend of giving state TV tours of their houses: lions, gold toilets and all

The late Russian oligarch and businessman Boris Berezovsky at his home in Egham, Surrey, in 2002. Photo: Getty Images

Mark Keenan Yesterday at 06:30

This week, Russian state media took cameras into the Moscow region luxury Odintsovo home of Roman Starovoit, the Russian minister for transport and former governor of Kursk, who was found dead having taken his own life, right after being dismissed from his post by Vladamir Putin.
Met Eireann, clear blue skies and dazzling displays of pale skin around the country have signalled that summer has arrived. For a few weeks we could taste it in the strawberries and smell it in the hedgerows and barbecue breezes that are blown over garden walls.

But now we can actually touch and even feel it.

Days like these should come with a national declaration to stop work and head for the beach, bar or wherever. Judicious idleness is the only effective antidote to the plague of busyness which can be too often found on our island.

It has long been recognised that sunlight is the best disinfectant, so there is nothing for it but to lash on the factor-50 and dive in. People do not notice if it is winter or summer when they are happy, Anton Chekhov wrote. The Russian literary great may be right.

There is no denying that there are more smiles to be seen on peoples faces these cloudless days than you will find on a wet afternoon in darkest November. So for now, let us savour and wallow in our mini-heatwave.

We owe it to ourselves to let go of the stress and embrace the high-pressure zone that has settled over us.

Inuit people are reputed to have dozens of words for snow, and we have almost as many for our own, more common, form of precipitation.

Between the drizzle, scattered showers, mist, soft days and hard rain there are plenty of types of weather to put a dampener on most of the year. When it comes to basking in scorching temperatures, we are all too often left in the shade.

A time to chill can be therapeutic. You may be of a mind with American writer Ambrose Bierce, who joked: An abstainer  a weak person who yields to the temptation of denying himself a pleasure.

Stay safe, but take the time to grab every precious moment

Its not about losing the run of ourselves, though. The Road Safety Authority and Water Safety Ireland have cautioned people to take due care.

The trick is to stay safe, but also take the time to grab every precious moment.

French author Albert Camus saw the value of locking away the warmth in anticipation of inevitable rainy days.

In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer, he wrote.

Getting in our 10,000 steps and counting the calories in whatever we eat or drink can wait.

Taking it easy when the sky is radiant seems like the obvious thing to do. As they say, laziness is just the habit of resting before you get tired.

Buddhist philosopher Nhat Hanh suggested stripping everything back to its simplest form.

Wherever we are, any time, we have the capacity to enjoy the sunshine, the presence of each other. We dont have to travel anywhere else to do so, he said.

And when the sun shines on Ireland, where else would you wish to be? So, whatever form of blue-sky thinking you indulge in, be sure to enjoy it this weekend.
Displaced Palestinians make their way towards Mawasi as they flee amid an Israeli ground offensive in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters

This week, Israel unveiled its plan to put 600,000 Palestinians into a humanitarian city or camp in southern Gaza, where each person would be vetted by the IDF before being admitted. They would not be allowed to leave for anything, unless they agree to leave Gaza entirely.

Some human rights lawyers in Israel have spoken out in the last week against this plan, saying it would break international laws.

The UNs aid agency UNRWA is banned from working in Gaza, and the inexperience of those working for the Israel-US Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that was set up in May is obvious. Every day, Palestinians are shot as they arrive at or leave these militarised aid centres.

What is happening to civilians in Gaza can be compared with the worst horrors of World War II. At the same time, we hope Hamas will return the remaining hostages to Israel.

Israels government is on record as viewing Ireland as an opponent to what it is doing in Gaza. It fails to realise this is based on Irelands history, with forced displacements of people from their land and homes over 800 years.

Mary Sullivan, College Road, Cork

Who is behind disgusting call to deny Palestinian children visas for trip?

Who is behind the Governments refusal to grant visas to the group of Palestinian children who wished to visit Ireland?

Surely not the country that initially went out on a limb along with Spain and Norway to recognise Palestine?

Surely not the country that lectures the EU, America and the rest of the West on how noble we are and what steps they need to take on the war in Gaza?

Surely not the country that took in thousands of Ukrainians and their pets? Im disgusted. The Governments actions fly in the face of the thousands who take to the streets every week over Israels relentless assault on the people of Gaza.

Either the Government has changed its mind on Palestine, or someone is changing it on its behalf.

John Cuffe, Co Meath

Netanyahu and Trumps double act should not end with a Nobel Peace Prize

I agree with Michael Gannon and Christy Galligan (Letters, July 10). How can Benjamin Netanyahus nomination of Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize be seriously considered when the Israeli prime minister has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity?

Thats apart from the issue of Trump recently attacking Iran without provocation.

Netanyahu is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Palestinian children.

Potentially, many of the survivors, having lost everything, will become so-called future terrorists, and Iran will almost certainly continue with its nuclear programme.

If the Iranian people want regime change, they will bring it about themselves, just as they threw out the Shah in 1979.

Trump might think he acts in the Wests best interests, but how can Netanyahu justify the mass killings in Gaza?

Dominic Shelmerdine, London

Western politicians have sold their souls, and its the innocents now suffering

Benjamin Netanyahus party was elected in 1996 to govern the state of Israel, a state that describes itself as the sole democracy in the Middle East.

In reality, this is little more than a fairy tale. His intentions in Gaza are widely known to anyone who studies events in Israel.

Aided by America, Israel castigates the UN and anyone else who denounces the continuing genocide in Gaza with the label of antisemitism. The US has even sanctioned Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, for stating facts about the conditions in Gaza.

The respected Israeli-American historian Omer Bartov reported that the IDF is seeking more bulldozer drivers as it continues to demolish hundreds of Gaza buildings.

Alas, Western politicians who have sold their souls now rub their hands and howl like banshees  the sirens of Hades for the innocents of Gaza.

Declan Foley, Melbourne

I might join Oliver Callan and give in to my instinct to be more right-wing

Oliver Callans guilt-free guide to being right-wing was a refreshing read (Age of the liberals is so over: heres my guilt-free guide on how to be right-wing, July 10).

Like finding out that leaving the immersion on is not a moral failing after all. If the age of liberal guilt is truly behind us, I might finally stop apologising for eating rashers, ignoring podcasts and refusing to name every passing dog they.

At this rate, I half-expect RTE to launch a prime-time slot called Climate Schmimate, featuring open fires, steak recipes and the best roundabouts for doing doughnuts. Ive started hoarding straws again  plastic ones, obviously. It may be the only retirement fund left to us.

Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh

We are a wealthy nation, so there is no excuse for neglecting cancer care

The article by Eilish ORegan (Delays in cancer treatment and tests are causing avoidable death: damning report, Irish Independent, July 9) is alarming.

Galway oncologist Dr Michael McCarthy warned of chemotherapy hold-ups when the 15-day time frame is being breached, and the reality in Galway shows that patients are now typically waiting seven to eight weeks for their first session.

Research also found that every four-week delay in starting cancer treatment can increase mortality by 10pc. Where the patient lives can also have an effect on how fast they can be seen to check for cancer symptoms.

This should not be the case in one of the richest nations in the world.

Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo

Putin is giving his US counterpart some food for thought these days

I note Donald Trump is somewhat peeved that his old pal Vladimir Putin, KGB veteran and all-round autocrat, is not taking him seriously.

Astonishing though it may appear, Donald Trumps moods are something of a nothing burger in Moscow. Who knew?

Ed Toal, Galway
Soaring prices, skyrocketing rents and a chronic shortage of supply paints a bleak picture of Irelands deepening housing crisis.

Over the past number of years, the government has floated a series of so-called innovative solutions, which promised bold change but ultimately delivered mixed results.

Now, Housing Minister James Browne has unveiled whats being billed as a radical plan to revolutionise the housing sector.

The Cabinet signed off on new guidelines for apartment-building this week, aimed at improving the viability of the sector. But as with most things in Irish planning, not everyone is on board.

Critics have already taken aim at key aspects of the plan, such as smaller apartments and fewer windows, but is this exactly the kind of radical shift needed to finally boost supply?

Today on The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by the Irish Independents Mary Regan and Caroline ODoherty, along with assistant professor at the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmenta
Ciara OCallaghan (20s) had worked in the bar for two years, and is survived by her young daughter

Ciara O'Callaghan has been remembered as having a "bubbly and happy personality"

A Cork bar has closed its doors and paid tributes following the death of their General Manager unexpectedly yesterday.

Ciara OCallaghan who was in her 20s and from Ballincollig, had been working in the role with the bar, which is situated between Princes Street and Marlboro Street, since October 2023. Ms OCallaghan died unexpectedly at Cork University Hospital yesterday, with the bar posting the news on their Instagram page today.

We at Clancys are deeply saddened at the sudden passing of our team member and GM Ciara OCallaghan, the post read. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Ciaras family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and loved her.

The bar closed today as a mark of respect to Ms OCallaghan, who is a mother to a young girl, and one of five girls in the family, including twin Niamh.

She is survived by her parents, John and Susan, her daughter Milli, sisters, brothers-in-law Shane, Craigh, Colm and Jordan, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives, colleagues and friends.

Ciara O'Callaghan has been remembered as having a "bubbly and happy personality"

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

Previously, she had worked at the Anglers Bar near Ballincollig and had extensive experience in the hospitality industry.

Ciara OCallaghans funeral details have also been announced, with her removal taking place at Crowleys Funeral Home in Ballincollig on Monday, July 14, from 6 pm. While Ms OCallaghans requiem mass will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, July 15, in the Church of St Mary and St John, Ballincollig.

Her family have asked those attending the funeral to wear bright coloured clothes.
Twenty-two rural post offices and 12 urban ones have closed down in County Cork since 2015. With a total of 34, Cork has had the largest number of closures in any county during the decade.

The figures were given to Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane during parliamentary questions in the Dail. Nationally, 257 post offices have closed during the past ten years, 201 of them rural.

Sinn Fein TD for East Cork, Pat Buckley, described the Cork figures as shocking. He called for the government to listen to postmasters concerns about the current contract terms.

There is widespread concern that the current contract terms are simply not fit for purpose. They are not attracting new entrants to take over post office services when long-serving postmasters retire, Deputy Buckley said.

Without a new approach, as advocated by the Irish Postmasters Union, the network will continue to shrink, and more and more communities will lose their post office. That would be a huge blow to social cohesion, particularly in rural areas.

One of Corks most recent closures was in Crosshaven, which lost its sole post office at the end of May. The village 15 km south-east of Cork city has a population of around 3,200. All services there were transferred to Carrigaline Post Office.

The move was prompted by the resignation of the outgoing Postmaster. An Post advertised the vacant contract and sought expressions of interest from anyone willing to provide post office service to Crosshaven, but to no avail, said An Post Public Affairs Manager Angus Laverty.

A recent report commissioned by the Irish Postmasters Union found that the post office network urgently requires a strategic investment of 15 million per year over five years to secure essential community services.

The report produced by Grant Thornton estimated that the annual social and economic value of the post office network to communities across Ireland is between 344 million and 776 million.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
The incident occurred at Onslow Gardens yesterday evening

Gardai are currently investigating multiple incidents of criminal damage at a housing estate in Cork City yesterday evening.

A video of the incident has been circulating on social media, showing a group of masked attackers armed with weapons, smashing a number of car windows and attacking a house.

Gardai say no injuries were reported from the incident, which took place at approximately 9.45 last night.

Cork North Central TD Ken O'Flynn says the incident is linked to a family feud, and condoned the attack, but offered to act as an honest broker in an attempt to de-escalate the violence.

Innocent residentsmen, women, and childrenwere caught in the middle of this madness. Several families have had their vehicles vandalised, their safety compromised, and their sense of community shattered. This is not just unacceptable; it is appalling, said the Independent Ireland TD.

This kind of violence has no place on our streets. It is both deeply disappointing and profoundly disturbing to witness such lawlessness take root in Corks northside.

In a statement released this morning, Mr OFlynn called for restraint for those involved, and to take a step back and consider the devastation they are bringing not only upon each other but upon the wider community.

As the local TD, I am prepared to act as an honest broker between both familiesif it helps avoid further violence. My office is open. If dialogue can avert another night like this, then I will do all in my power to facilitate that.
A woman in her 50s has been arrested in connection with an investigation into the attempted murder of a young Donegal man earlier this year.

Charles Dooher (26) was assaulted at his home on the Conneyburrow Road, Lifford, on Monday, January 20, at around 10am.

Gardai have confirmed a woman has been arrested in connection with the investigation.

The woman, aged in her 50s, was arrested on Sunday, July 6, 2025 and was questioned by gardai.

A Garda spokesperson said: Gardai arrested a woman in connection with the investigation into an attempted murder in Lifford, Co Donegal, on 20th January, 2025.

The woman, aged in her 50s, was arrested on Sunday, 6th July, 2025 and detained at a Garda Station in the North West under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007.

"She has since been released and a file will be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Investigations are ongoing.

Charles Dooher was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and he was treated in intensive care, fighting for his life.

His family and friends maintained a bedside vigil for the young farmer while he was in hospital.

Charles has since undergone surgery and has had a protective plate fitted to his head.

Charles Dooher

Charles father, Charles Dooher senior, who is aged in his 60s, was also injured in the attack and received treatment for less serious injuries at Letterkenny University Hospital.

Earlier this year, the PSNI arrested two adult males in connection with the investigation but they were subsequently released with enquiries ongoing.

Gardai continue to appeal to the public for any information or witnesses related to this incident.

Those with camera footage, including dash-cam footage, from the Coneyburrow Road in Lifford between 10am and 11am are urged to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is requested to contact Letterkenny Garda Station at 074 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Dubliners will be heading for their favourite beach as the weather heats up. Pic: Steve Humphreys

With the mercury set to soar well into next week, Dublins beaches will be thronged with sunseekers and swimmers taking advantage of the hot weather.

The citys coastline, stretching from Balbriggan in the north to its boundary with Bray in the south, boasts an enviable number of fine beaches for a capital city.

But before you pack the picnic basket and apply the sun cream, heres why we think these five beaches are Dublins best.

5. South Beach, Rush

This overlooked gem in north county Dublin doesnt get the credit it deserves. While there are two stunning beaches in the town, Rush South Beach pips its close neighbour at the post for several reasons.

Offering spectacular views across the Irish Sea to Lambay Island, Howth and as far south as the Wicklow Mountains, Rush South Beach is seriously underrated. Water quality has been confirmed as excellent this summer and swimming is generally safe, as long as you stay within the lifeguard patrolled area. Most recent testing has revealed good water quality at South Beach.

Access  If youre travelling by car, Rush is around a 40-minute drive from Dublin city centre, via the M1 (take the Donabate exit and follow the signs to Lusk and Rush). There is a large car park at the entrance to the beach, although it can fill up quickly when the sun comes out.

Alternatively, there is plenty of pay and display parking on Main Street (Monday to Saturday). Rush is served by the 33 bus, leaving you less than a five-minute walk away from South Beach.

Facilities  Public toilets, car park, litter bins and a lifeguard/first aid hut during the summer bathing season.

Food  If you work up an appetite from all that sea air, there are plenty of food options within a 10-minute walk. Try the Village Takeaway for fish and chips, the Guilty Goat for coffee or the award-winning Harbour Bar for something more substantial.

Dubliners will be heading for their favourite beach as the weather heats up. Pic: Steve Humphreys

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

4. Sandycove

Apart from its small but perfectly formed sandy beach, Sandycove is also home to the famous Forty Foot swimming area and the iconic James Joyce Tower and Museum.

This intimate beach is highly popular with families with young children due to its shallow waters, although you will need to get there extra early during the good weather to claim your spot on the sand. Most recent testing has revealed excellent water quality at Sandycove.

Access  The beach is just a few minutes walk from Sandycove and Glasthule Dart station. There is limited parking in the area so public transport is your best bet.

Facilities  Lifeguard patrol, public toilets, disability parking bay and first aid facilities.

Food  Order from the coffee van or treat yourself to quality seafood at Cavistons in Glasthule, with plenty of other dining options available in the village.

3. Dollymount Strand

It would be a sin to exclude Dollymount Strand, affectionately known as Dollyer, from any list of great Dublin beaches.

Set against the backdrop of Dublin Bay and the iconic Poolbeg towers, there are many reasons why Dollymount continues to hold a special place in our hearts. Stretching from the North Bull Wall to the northern tip of Bull Island  an internationally recognised nature reserve  the beach is popular with year-round sea swimmers and kite surfers. Most recent testing has revealed excellent water quality at Dollymount.

Access  Dollymount is sometimes a victim of its own popularity, particularly when the weather is good, with stories of long tailbacks and cranky kids stuck in hot cars. But you can avoid the traffic chaos by availing of a range of public transport options.

Dollymount is the closest large beach to the city centre, meaning it is well served by bus (routes 130 and N4). Its also located near the Clontarf to Sutton cycleway if you feel like combining your day at the beach with a bike trip.

If you must take the car, theres parking at the end of the Bull Island Causeway, from where you can also access the beach. If possible, avoid taking the wooden bridge route on busy summer days as there is limited parking at this end of the beach and the area tends to be a flashpoint for traffic congestion.

Facilities  Lifeguard patrol, first aid, disability access, beach wheelchair (pre-booking required), toilets and changing areas.

Food  Is there anything more inviting than the intoxicating aroma of fish and chips? After a day at Dollyer, you cant go wrong with Beshoffs on Vernon Avenue, Clontarf. For great coffee and toasties, try Happy Out, a cafe located in a shipping container at the end of Bull Wall.

2. Seapoint

Seapoint is one of two Blue Flag beaches in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and is rightly considered one of the best bathing spots in south Dublin. With amazing views across Dublin Bay to Howth, this gently sloping, sandy beach is extremely popular with families and is generally considered a safe place to swim.

A word of caution, though: swimmers should be aware there may be sudden large waves caused by car ferries arriving at nearby Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Also, there is no diving allowed from the old platforms.

Water quality at Seapoint has been officially described as excellent so far this summer.

Access  Like all beaches in south Dublin, Seapoint benefits from its proximity to a Dart station (right on its doorstep). You can also choose from a range of bus routes serving Dun Laoghaire or Blackrock. If youre taking the car, there is paid parking at Link Road, beside Salthill and Monkstown Dart station, around a five-minute walk away.

Facilities  Toilets, lifeguard patrolled area, first aid, disabled access and beach activity zones for walking and running.

Food  With Blackrock and Dun Laoghaire just a short walk away, the options are endless. The Purty Kitchen is perfect for a post-beach meal or drink. Also try an ice-cream from the legendary Teddys in Dun Laoghaire.

1. Velvet Strand, Portmarnock

Arguably the jewel in the crown of Dublins beaches, Portmarnocks Velvet Strand has always been a popular destination for day-trippers. Stretching for five kilometres from Portmarnock to Baldoyle Estuary, this long, sandy beach has magnificent views of Lambay Island, Irelands Eye and Howth and is famous for its sand dunes.

Given that Velvet Strand has retained its Blue Flag status for 2022, you can be assured of decent water quality when getting in for a dip. Most recent testing has revealed excellent water quality.

Access  While there is on-street parking in the area, Portmarnock is well served by several bus routes, including the 32x, 42D and H2, taking you directly to the beach. Be careful if choosing the train option, as this will leave you with at least a 40-minute walk from Portmarnock station.

Facilities  Toilets, lifeguard patrol and beach wheelchair hire (you must book in advance).

Food  Enjoy a 99 from the ice-cream hut or grab a takeaway coffee and a sandwich from the local Spar. If you feel like a post-beach meal, try Lalis Italian restaurant on Strand Road, directly opposite the beach.
South Dublin residents appeal planning for self-cleaning toilet near their estate entrance

The entrance to the Kingston Estate in Ballinteer. Pic: Sandra Galvin

A south Dublin residents association has lodged an appeal against the installation of a portable toilet for bus drivers near their housing estate.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council had approved planning permission for a self-cleaning unisex toilet near the number 16 bus terminus on Brehon Field Road in Ballinteer.

However, lodging their appeal with An Coimisiun Pleanala, the Kingston Residents Association described the unit as an ignorant black box that undermines the areas appearance.

Association chairperson, Ian Duckenfield, said he believes the plans for this portaloo will compromise the appearance of the estate.

Were not happy with it. It looks like a big black box has been tossed from a passing truck and thats where its landed, he said.

Theres been no effort made to tie it into the existing landscape.

Mr Duckenfield said its 270 residents are proud of the Kingston estate and maintain it to a high standard.

 We have two big stones with the word Kingston written on it, and the flowers all around it. The nearest neighbour to that will be this toilet, he said.

Kingston resident, Patricia Quinn Figgis, said the estate has previously had issues with graffiti, and fears the introduction of this portaloo could encourage more.

There is certainly an issue with graffiti that the committee has been trying to get the council to address  in the exact location where this proposal is  and it just falls on deaf ears.

Ms Quinn Figgis added that residents understand the need for this facility for bus drivers, but take issue with the location.

The bus route goes from Kingston Ballinteer all the way to Dublin airport, which can take up to two hours. Its understandable toilets are needed along that route, she said.

 The location is very close in proximity to the front of the estate and the residents committee has been trying hard enter tidy towns.

I think everybody accepts the need for it. Its just the current location. We deem it not appropriate.

There is no reason why it couldnt be on on the opposite side of the road, she added.

Dublin Bus and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have been contacted for comment.
The area had previously been fenced off to prevent people pitching tents along the canal. Pic: Gerry Mooney

The new walkway on Dublin's Grand Canal is nearing completion

Part of the upgraded walkway along Dublins Grand Canal

A major public realm upgrade along Dublins Grand Canal, in an area previously fenced off to prevent tents being pitched there, is just weeks from completion.

The redevelopment of the northern towpath at Wilton Terrace, between Baggot Street and Leeson Street bridges, is being delivered by Waterways Ireland in partnership with commercial property firm IPUT Real Estate.

Fencing was erected along the canal in 2023 after tents housing recently arrived asylum seekers appeared near the International Protection Office on Mount Street.

Waterways Ireland has insisted the barriers were a temporary public health and safety measure.

The area had previously been fenced off to prevent people pitching tents along the canal. Pic: Gerry Mooney

Construction on the walkway began in January and includes replacing two narrow paths with a single wider one, alongside new seating and improved accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users.

The project is aimed at creating a high-quality urban space that enhances biodiversity and protects heritage features including the statue of Patrick Kavanagh  a popular landmark strongly associated with literary Dublin.

However, graffiti has appeared on signage near Leeson Street Bridge criticising the project as anti-homeless architecture, reflecting growing tensions around the treatment of people sleeping rough along Dublins waterways.

A spokesperson for Waterways Ireland said the organisations over-riding concern has been, and continues to be, public safety, public health and the health and safety of operational teams.

The canal is a wonderful amenity for responsible recreational use  it is not a safe place to sleep, they said, citing deep water, steep slopes and hazardous sediment.

The new walkway on Dublin's Grand Canal is nearing completion

In September 2024, Waterways Ireland began a pilot programme of enhanced monitoring in the area, contracting external resources to patrol the canal, report issues to Gardai and advise new arrivals of the risks and prohibition on staying in tents along the canal.

The public-private project is expected to be completed by early summer.

Waterways Ireland said pedestrian counters in the area record some of the highest footfall in the city and are expected to rise further with 5,000 new office workers due to arrive nearby.

New planting and protections for existing trees are also part of the upgrade, with evidence of otters and bats cited in the biodiversity planning.

This stretch of the Grand Canal is one of the widest in the city and holds significant natural and cultural value, Waterways Ireland CEO John McDonagh said earlier this year.

Our ambition is to deliver transformative projects for the public good.
A heroes welcome for a group of Kerry cyclists who cycled from Malin to Valentia island to raise funds for cancer care.

It was a poignant yet happy moment when a group of 13 Kerry cyclists arrived home to the Kingdom having completed their mission to cycle from Malin Head to Valentia Island and in the process raise funds for cancer care in memory of local man Timothy Lyne.

Timothy, who passed away on January 27, 2024, after a brave battle with cancer, was a proud Valentia Island man, known for his dedication, good humour, and deep commitment to the coast guard and the local community including many of its organisations.

To honour the man and his commitment to the community a group of local cyclists including his daughters Miriam and Aine took on the five day, 530km cycle, starting at the Coastguard station in Malin head and finishing at the Coastguard station at Valentia Island  a place that meant a lot to the late Mr Lyne who was a dedicated member of the Coastguard for 40 years.

The local cyclists were joined by more cyclists in Kells as they made their way on the final leg of the journey while many more from the wider community came to the Coastguard station to welcome them home to Valentia.

Speaking about the cycle and the support Miriam Lyne said it was an event they wont forget but most importantly they have raised significant funds for their two chosen cancer charities the Irish Cancer Society and the Kerry Hospice Foundation, both of which provided vital support to Timothy and his family during his illness.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the final amount raised. We had set a target of 20k and we have raised far in excess of that with 35k raised now, she said.

"We wanted to thank everyone who supported us in any way from the media who advertised it to the people who donated.

A special note of thanks was reserved for the support crew Colm OConnell and Fiona Kidd who travelled with the cyclists daily catering to their every need and ensuring the event went smoothly.

So too was there a big thank you to all those who took part in cycle which was hampered by rain on a few days but spirits remained high.

The event was described as more than charity cycleits was a tribute, a thank you, and a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the legacy of a proud Valentia man and it certainly did all that and more.
The National Ambulance Service staff are also to move to the hospital

An agreement has been reached to ensure that the community in Cahersiveen will retain full access to the mental health services at the local hospital campus in the town.

Earlier this week concerns had been raised with The Kerryman that the outpatient mental health clinic could be moved to Killorglin as this space was needed for the ambulance service.

This caused significant anxiety in the local community given the need for such services in rural areas.

However, Cllr Norma Moriarty (FF) has now confirmed that no such move will be undertaken and the services will remain at the hospital.

This important decision also includes enhancements to the ambulance facilities at the site, addressing the needs of both mental health services and emergency response, she explained.

The current Cathaoirleach of Kenmare MD assures residents that their fears have been thoroughly addressed.

I am delighted to confirm that the mental health services at Cahersiveen Hospital will continue without interruption. This agreement not only safeguards access but also allows us to improve our emergency services, said Councillor Moriarty.

The HSE have confirmed that arrangements have been made to re-locate National Ambulance Service staff to the Cahersiveen Community Hospital campus.

NAS will start emergency dispatch operations from Cahersiveen Community Hospital campus on August 1, which will allow for faster response to emergency calls, within the target of a 90-second activation, the HSE said.

In addition, a fourth Patient Transport vehicle will be based in the South Kerry area from August 18, which will further strengthen the service in the South Kerry area, demonstrating the National Ambulance Services commitment to delivery safe, timely and response care to the communities of South Kerry.

And in more good news the mental health supports in the area are to also to be enhanced which Cllr Moriarty says is of significant importance to the local area.

"A key component of this initiative is the recruitment of a crisis mental health nurse, who will further enhance the support provided to individuals in need. This additional personnel will augment the existing team and work will continue to grow that team to a full crisis Mental Health service, she said.

Councillor Moriarty emphasised the importance of collaboration among all involved parties, including the National Ambulance Service and the HSE Mental Health Support Team.

Together, we are committed to improving mental health services for our community, and this agreement marks a significant step in that direction, she added.

"Residents can feel reassured that the commitment to mental health services in Cahersiveen is steadfast, paving the way for improved care and support for those in need."
Gardai are continuing to investigate the circumstances behind Wednesday's crash along a stretch of the main N4 in Ballinalack, Co Westmeath which claimed the life of a man in his 60s.

A man in his 60s who lost his life in a two vehicle road crash in county Westmeath earlier this week has been named locally as US national Christopher Dedera.

The Texas native, who was in his early 60s, died when the car he was driving was involved in a head on collision with another car along a stretch of the N4 just outside Ballinalack on Wednesday afternoon.

He was rushed to Mullingars Midland Regional Hospital where he later passed away from his injuries.

Follow Independent Westmeath on Facebook

A woman in her 60s who was at the wheel of the other car involved in the crash remains under the care of medics in Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore for treatment to what have been described as serious injuries.

Gardai are continuing to investigate the circumstances behind Wednesday's crash along a stretch of the main N4 in Ballinalack, Co Westmeath which claimed the life of a man in his 60s.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

Local Cllr David Jones said people were still trying to come to terms with the tragedy and said the episode illustrated the importance of fast-tracking the long protracted upgrade of the N4 between Longford and Mullingar.

The 52km section of carriageway has been beset by funding delays despite a preferred route for its eagerly awaited delivery having been announced in February.

My condolences go out to all of the victim's family and friends, he told the Irish Independent.

It just goes to show you something badly needs to be done with that road. I know there are plans in the pipeline, but it can't come quick enough.

"We have to make sure the Government progress funding for this project.

Follow Independent Longford on Facebook

Gardai, meanwhile, have spent much of the past 36 hours trying to make contact with members of Mr Dederas family back in the US to notify them of the tragic events of Wednesday afternoon.

Senior investigators have also spent a large chunk of that time trying to piece together the circumstances that led up to a crash which occurred shortly before 4:30pm.

They are especially appealing to any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam and who were travelling in the area between 3.30pm and 4.30pm to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mullingar Garda Station on (044) 938 4000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The documentary, Immram featuring former Wexford hurling captain Diarmuid Lyng and his partner Siobhan de Paor will be screeed at the Galway Film Fleadh on Saturday

Diarmuid Lyng whose intercounty career spanned almost a decade, and who was part of the team that won a Leinster Hurling Championship in 2004 was one of the most naturally talented Wexford hurlers of the 2000s.

Since his retirement, the primary school teacher has developed a reputation for being an advocate for Irish language, arts and culture.

Diarmuid and his partner Siobhan, run retreats which feature cultural skills, sweat boxes and wild hurling. The couple are greatly influenced by the teachings of John Moriarty, a Kerry philosopher.

Now a documentary on his life is set to be screened at the Galway Film Fleadh.

Immram is produced by filmmaker Michael Holly and Mieke Vanmechelen. The two previously collaborated on a film called Hungry Hill, which told the story of a group of sheep farmers in Beara, the famous peninsula on the south-west coast. The two were passionate that there next project would encompass the Irish language.

It wasnt initially planned that Diarmuid and his family would be featured in the documentary but having heard Diarmuid in a podcast Michael contacted him and the rest is history.

28 hours of footage was filmed and a bond was developed between the film making pair and the couple as they followed them on a pilgrimage across the south of Ireland over 10 days.

Unsurprisingly hurling, or wild hurling is part of Diarmuid and Siobhans exploration of identity. Michael makes the point that Diarmuid feels hurling in its modern capacity has lost something of what it was initially intended to do for Ireland.

Immram screens at Galway Film Fleadh on Saturday, July 12.
Five men have now been charged in connection with a suspected stabbing in Arklow, Co Wicklow on Thursday and another serious assault in the town that took place last Monday.

These incidents followed a third suspected stabbing in the town on June 28. A total of nine people have now been arrested as part of investigations, which it is understood now link the two assaults that have occurred this week.

The latest incident took place at about 4.20pm on Abbey Street in the town centre, where there remained a strong Garda presence throughout Thursday night.

Several roads were closed and at least one area underwent a technical examination, with a man in his 30s taken to St Vincents Hospital in Dublin with injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

Gardai have confirmed that five men (20s, 30s, 40s) were arrested in connection with the incident, pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and that these men were detained at garda stations in Wexford and Wicklow.

All five men have now been charged in connection with this incident and a serious assault that took place in Arklow on Monday. They are due to appear before Bray District Court on Friday afternoon.

CCTV footage of the incident on Thursday, circulating online, shows two men running from Abbey Street down Back Street, before a silver car follows at speed and veers onto the footpath in the direction of the men, with the loud sound of the impact startling on-looking residents.

A silver car with a damaged front bumper is then seen in images of a Garda cordon on Back Street that were taken the same evening.

A garda cordon at Back Street in Arklow on Thursday.

Thursdays incident comes after two other similar assaults within the last fortnight.

Gardai report that this morning several premises were searched under warrant in the Wexford/Wicklow division in connection with these incidents and a quantity of suspected crack cocaine was seized by gardai. The seized drugs will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

Asked about the spate of violent incidents, long-serving Arklow councillor Pat Fitzgerald said his phone had been ringing off the hook all evening on Thursday, with residents in the vicinity of the incident expressing their disgust and disbelief at the level of violence.

This hasnt been a good time for Arklow and there have been too many incidents like this, he said.

A lot of people have been on to me about it, and theyre afraid. That one yesterday was shocking to be quite honest about it.

Cllr Pat Fitzgerald.

They cant believe that something like that could happen, especially in an area where many elderly residents are living.

Theyre shocked that it happened, but not in another way, as this seems to be happening with more regularity in that area.

Its dreadful, and something needs to be done about this, so that people can live in a safe environment. Its not a good look for Arklow.

A garda corden at Back Street, Arklow on Thursday, July 10.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

On Monday, July 7 a man in his 40s was hospitalised, having sustained serious injuries in an assault that afternoon in Arklow. It is believed this assault included the use of a stabbing weapon.

Gardai responded to the assault incident at approximately 4.20pm on Monday at an unspecified location, where the injured man was rushed to St Vincents Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Two men (20s, 40s) have been arrested as part of this investigation and are currently detained at Garda stations in County Wicklow.

Asked for additional details, a Garda spokesperson confirmed that a technical examination has since been conducted by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.

In the early hours of Saturday, June 28, another assault believed to include the use of a stabbing weapon took place at a Ferrybank address. This led to a man in his 50s being taken to St Vincents Hospital in Dublin.

Gardai cordoned off a residence on Ferrybank, Arklow, following a serious assault on Saturday, June 28.

Two people were arrested as part of this investigation and one male (30s) appeared before Bray District Court on Monday, June 30.

It is understood the assaults on Monday and Thursday this week are linked. It is not known if the incident on June 28 is connected. Investigations are ongoing.
A Wicklow councillor has written to Irish Rail about ongoing disruptions to weekend services, in particular, he has enquired about plans for the full closure of Dart services between Bray and Dun Laoghaire, on Saturday, July 12.

Councillor Stephen Stokes acknowledged that there is a lot of important engineering work being carried out, but he believes that sweeping weekend disruptions need to be reviewed.

There is growing fatigue in the community, Cllr Stokes said. People have been patient, but they are increasingly wary. Weekend rail closures have become a disruptive feature of life."

The Greystones councillor has questioned the timing of the July 12 closure, which falls squarely within the high summer period, traditionally busy with tourists, major concerts, sporting fixtures and family events.

From speaking to local people, it is not common practice to carry out rail closures in July or August. We don't want this to become normal. This is especially important in the summer months, when north Wicklow should be thriving from tourism, not struggling with transport access. These are key months of the year."

Cllr Stokes has also enquired about whether future work can be carried out at night, to limit daytime disruptions.

I fully support the need for investment into rail infrastructure. However, I wonder if less disruptive strategies can be explored. If the works are essential during the daytime, the public deserve to know why they must happen. Irish Rail are working hard to provide a vital service to a growing population. The community wants to be partners for prosperity, which includes being kept informed."

The impact on local business was also raised, and Cllr Stokes believes that when trains are not running, the knock-on effect to local businesses is immediate and severe. Cafes, restaurants, shops and event spaces lose out on footfall and Greystones is particularly vulnerable during rail closures due to the absence of direct bus services to Dublin, apart from limited weekday express routes.

In recent years, businesses across north Wicklow have had to contend with the Covid-19 pandemic, and the closure of the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, another key tourism draw. As such, the Dart is a lifeline. In Greystones, when the rail service is down, its not like there are seamless alternatives. There is no direct bus connection to Dublin. Many potential visitors simply choose not to come. Because nothing beats a direct service.

People understand that work needs to happen, but they want to feel included and informed. If Irish Rail can clearly explain the nature and necessity of the work, it would go a long way towards improving public cooperation. Right now, it feels like these closures are just imposed, without much explanation.

Cllr Stokes said a long-term strategy is needed to protect the economic and social fabric of north Wicklow.

Reliable transport is not just about getting from A to B  its about protecting livelihoods, supporting local enterprise, and ensuring our towns continue to thrive. Moving forward we need to ensure that everyone is on board.
R&B singer Chris Brown arriving at Southwark Crown Court, south London, where he is due to appear in court over an alleged assault in a London nightclub. The American musician, 36, is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Abraham Diaw in February 2023. Picture date: Friday June 20, 2025.

R&B singer Chris Brown is due to appear in court over an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub.

Last month the 36 year-old US musician pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to Abraham Diaw at the Tape venue, a private members club in Hanover Square, Mayfair, on February 19 2023.

On Friday, Brown is due to make another appearance at Londons Southwark Crown for a plea hearing amid preparations for his trial which is set for October.

His co-defendant, US national Omololu Akinlolu, 39, has also pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.

R&B singer Chris Brown arriving at Southwark Crown Court (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Both men are further charged with assaulting Mr Diaw occasioning him actual bodily harm, with Brown also facing one count of having an offensive weapon, a bottle, in a public place.

The two-time Grammy award winner, which hits including Run It! and Go Crazy, has managed to press on with his scheduled international tour despite his legal battle.

He is on conditional bail and performed in Cardiff in June as part of a stadium tour which was billed as a celebration of the past 20 years of his career.

He had to pay a 5 million security fee to the court as part of the bail agreement, which is a financial guarantee to ensure a defendant returns to court and may be forfeited if they breach bail conditions.

At his last court appearance, his defence counsel Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC told the hearing it had been difficult to discuss matters with her client while he is working.

(Jonathan Brady/PA)

Manchester Magistrates Court previously heard that Mr Diaw was standing at the bar of the Tape nightclub when he was struck several times with a bottle, and then pursued to a separate area of the nightclub where he was punched and kicked repeatedly.

Brown was arrested at Manchesters Lowry Hotel at 2am on May 15 by detectives from the Metropolitan Police.

He is said to have flown into Manchester Airport on a private jet in preparation for the UK tour dates.

Brown was released from HMP Forest Bank in Salford, Greater Manchester, on May 21.

Shortly after being released from prison, Brown posted an Instagram story referencing his upcoming tour which said FROM THE CAGE TO THE STAGE!!! BREEZYBOWL.
'Tomorrow will be hotter' - says Met Eireann's Gerry Murphy





Met Eireann senior forecaster Gerry Murphy has said that while the hot weather is not technically a heatwave, it certainly feels like one.





He expects tomorrow "will be hotter" across the country, as temperatures are already hitting 27C in Oak Park in Co Carlow this afternoon.





"It's more considered to be a hot spell, because the definition for a heatwave in Ireland is five consecutive days above 25C, but in this instance, we are only going to see those temperatures for four days," he told RTE's News at One.





"So, it's not a heatwave, but it certainly feels like a heatwave."





Temperatures are expected to hit their peak around 3pm today, with overall highs between 25C and 29C or 30C expected.





"Tomorrow will be hotter. We can expect places to exceed 30C tomorrow, especially in parts of the midlands."





The long-standing highest temperature record is unlikely to be broken over the coming days.





Temperatures hit highs of 33.3C in Kilkenny Castle in 1887, while the highest temperatures in recent years were recorded in Phoenix Park in 2022, when the mercury hit 33C.





While it is "not not impossible and we will be approaching those figures", Mr Murphy said it is unlikely to reach 33C during such a short spell of hot weather.





Nighttime temperatures between 13C to 18C are expected at night, but conditions will not be "very oppressive" as the air will be quite dry, rather than humid.





However, there is still a risk of heat stress, especially in the eastern half of the country and for more vulnerable people as Mr Murphy urged the public to "take care" of those who may be vulnerable.



Maeve McTaggart
Two residents died after the stolen BMW crashed into Highcliffe Care Home, Sunderland (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Two elderly residents have died after a stolen BMW which was being pursued by police crashed into a care home, a force has said.

Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, had to be evacuated following the serious collision which caused structural damage to the building at around 9.40pm on Wednesday.
LATEST | Israeli airstrike kills 10 children near Gaza clinic as IDF says it was targeting militant; no immediate truce in sight

Sixteen Palestinians killed by airstrike near Gaza clinicIsraeli army says it targeted October 7 militantCeasefire talks continue; no immediate deal in sightHospitals see premature babies in critical condition: We are forced to place four, five premature babies in one incubator

Palestinian mother Samah Al-Nouri, whose daughter Sama was killed in an Israeli strike on Thursday near a medical center in Deir Al-Balah, comforts her son, as casualties from the strike are brought into Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, July 10, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Crispian Balmer Reuters Yesterday at 07:40







An Israeli airstrike hit Palestinians near a medical centre in Gaza on Thursday, killing 10 children and six adults, local health authorities said, as ceasefire talks dragged on with no immediate deal expected.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
India Pursues Strategic BRICS Partnerships as US Tariff Tensions Rise

United States (US) President Donald J. Trump has issued a new set of tariff threats against BRICS member countries and nations willing to work with the bloc. This has once again put the spotlight on tariff dilemmas for Indian exporters, who face rising trade risks.

India Briefing explores how India is balancing BRICS membership with US trade ties and what it means for sectors like pharma, auto, and electronics.

The return of steep US tariff threats under Trump, after the end of the 90-day deadline on July 9, has added new complexity for Indian exporters.

At the center for India is a 10 percent blanket tariff and additional tariffs imposed by the US in April 2025 on most countries and ongoing trade negotiations. Trump has issued fresh warnings of even steeper levies on BRICS members, including India, if they adopt what Trump views as anti-American economic policies.

On July 10, 2025, Trump imposed 50 percent tariff duties on Brazil, one of the founding members of the bloc.

Read more: US Tariffs Set to Resume August 1; India Pushes for Balanced Trade Pact

BRICS advances economic integration as geopolitical tensions rise

At the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6, 2025, the blocs 11 member countries adopted 126 resolutions spanning finance, artificial intelligence (AI), and global governance. Key priorities included strengthening financial and trade cooperation, finalizing the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, and enhancing the New Development Banks (NDB) support for economies in the Global South.

US signals tariff action against BRICS members

Amid these developments, Trump issued a statement warning that India would not be exempt from tariffs if it continued its association with BRICS.

His comments followed a joint BRICS declarationsigned by all member nations including Indiacriticizing trade-distorting tariffs. While Brazil and South Africa publicly responded, India has yet to issue an official statement.

Indias export growth remains steady despite tariff hike

Despite the ongoing trade tensions, Indias merchandise exports have grown by 9 percent in April 2025. Indias exports to the US rose 27 percent in April 2025, even after the 10 percent tariff announced by Trump. the countrys overall exports for the month stood at US$38.5 billion, compared to US$35.3 billion for the same month in 2024. Exports to the US increased from US$6.6 billion in April 2024 to US$8.5 billion in April 2025.

The rise in outbound shipments was partly driven by the US firms ramping up imports ahead of additional tariffs expected to come into effect later in 2025. For Indian manufacturers and exporters, this turbulent period presents a short window of opportunity, but one that comes with risk.

If additional duties due to BRICS membership materialize, particularly in high-margin sectors like pharmaceuticals or electronics, the impact on pricing and supply contracts could be sharp.

Sector-wise impact on Indian businesses

Pharmaceuticals

India continues to be a global leader in the supply of generic medicines, accounting for approximately 20 percent of global generics and 62 percent of vaccine production. However, the sector now faces potential disruption due to a proposed 200 percent tariff on pharmaceutical imports from BRICS countries, announced by Trump.

This development poses a major concern for Indian pharmaceutical exporters, as the US remains a critical marketaccounting for nearly one-third of Indias pharma exports, which rose by 16 percent to reach US$9 billion in FY 202425. Major exporters, including Sun Pharma, Aurobindo, Cipla, and Dr. Reddys Laboratories, are currently assessing the possible impact on pricing structures and supply agreements.

As of 2025, India is home to over 3,000 pharmaceutical companies and 10,500 manufacturing units, collectively producing over 60,000 generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories. Should these tariffs be enforced, Indian firms may need to explore alternate export destinations, reallocate volumes, or negotiate for regulatory flexibilitiessuch as fewer Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection bottlenecksto sustain their global competitiveness.

Electronics and auto components

The electronics and automotive component sectors are currently experiencing pressure from existing US tariffs of 25 percent on certain vehicles and parts, affecting roughly US$2.89 billion in bilateral trade. In response, India has filed a proposal at the World Trade Organization (WTO) seeking to impose counter-tariffs amounting to US$724 million on US goods.

While trade negotiations continue, businesses in these industries are preparing for possible supply chain disruptions and rising operational costs.

Textiles, jewelry, and footwear

India is actively negotiating for tariff reductions from the US in key labor-intensive sectors, including textiles (currently facing 1417 percent duties), jewelry (68 percent), and footwear (1020 percent). These industries stand to benefit significantly if duty relief is secured through a bilateral trade agreement.

According to a media report published on July 4, 2025, easing of tariffs could boost Indias exports by US$46 billion annually over the next three years, provided producers can scale capacity and meet demand elasticity. Given their substantial contribution to employment and export earnings, tariff concessions in these sectors would enhance Indias competitiveness in global markets.

Continued tariff uncertainty despite ongoing India-US trade talks

The latest developments indicate that tariff risks for Indian exports to the US may persist, even if a trade agreement is finalized. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the current US trade framework does not support broad-based tariff reductions due to the absence of Congressional authority to lower Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates. Instead, tariff actions are being implemented under emergency provisions, with selective rollbacks used as negotiation tools.

The tariffs introduced in April 2025referred to as Liberation Day dutieshave been challenged in a US federal court, which ruled them unlawful. However, with the ruling under appeal, any reversal is unlikely in the near term. For Indian businesses, this means trade negotiations could still result in a minimum tariff of 10 percent on exports to the US, affecting price competitiveness, especially in cost-sensitive sectors.

GTRI further cautions that uncertainty remains even in the event of temporary exemptions. Businesses may face challenges in planning and long-term contracting due to the possibility of policy changes, which could disrupt supply chains and trade operations.

Indias BRICS participation

India is actively engaging with BRICS member countries as part of its broader international economic cooperation strategy. This involves backing initiatives on trade enhancements, investment, and financial collaboration among emerging markets.

Concurrently, India has maintained a cautious stance on certain proposals, such as shifting away from dollar-based trade or adopting a shared BRICS currency. By maintaining this balanced approach, India offers exporters and investors greater predictability. Businesses continue to conduct cross-border transactions through established international systems, primarily using the US dollar. Although BRICS introduced BRICS Paya cross-border payment platformin 2018, the system remains in its early stages and is not yet positioned to replace traditional financial infrastructure.

Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das characterized such platforms as risk management tools rather than alternatives to the existing global financial system. As a result, Indian businesses currently do not need to revise their financial strategies or currency arrangements.

ALSO READ: Why BRICS Matters and Indias Strategic Role in the Multilateral Grouping

Summary

Indian businesses are operating in a fractured trade environment, but one where growth opportunities remain. While BRICS offers new market access and a collaborative framework, its short-term reality is shaped by US tariffs and the operational cost of compliance.

For now, exporters and investors may focus on managing exposure, hedging risks, and strengthening relationships across both the US and BRICS.
BLACKPINK have officially ended their three-year hiatus with the release of their highly anticipated new single, JUMP! The track, along with its music video, is set to drop this Friday, July 11, 2025, across all major digital and streaming platforms. A 30-second teaser has already generated major buzz, featuring billboards of LISA, JENNIE, ROSE, and JISOO lighting up a city skyline before cutting to a striking mural of the group on a brick wall.

But BLACKPINK won't be the only major act making noise on July 11. TWICE and ATEEZ are also releasing new music, setting the stage for a fierce chart showdown. Adding to the unexpected competition, Justin Bieber is dropping his long-awaited seventh studio album the same day. According to sources, the project includes features from Gunna, Sexyy Red, and Cash Cobain  marking what could be one of the years biggest release days.

HYBE accused of sabotaging BLACKPINK

Justin Bieber releasing music on the same day as BLACKPINK has sparked accusations of sabotage from BLINKs - with much of the blame directed at HYBE, the company behind BTS. Fans argue that the timing is no coincidence, pointing to Biebers indirect connection to HYBE Corporation. In 2021, HYBE America - a subsidiary of HYBE - acquired Ithaca Holdings, the management company owned by Scooter Braun, which represents Justin Bieber and several other major artists.

Though Bieber isnt directly signed to HYBE, his management operates under a HYBE-owned company, effectively placing him under the HYBE umbrella. For many BLACKPINK fans, thats enough to believe the clash was intentional - and that HYBE orchestrated it to undercut BLACKPINK's long-awaited comeback.

One said, "Girl, knowing that Justin is under HYBE they're not even tryna hide their obsession anymore. Oh FATPD, make it less obvious at least."

Girl knowing that justin is under hybe theyre not even tryna hide their obsession anymore  oh fatpd make it less obvious atleast https://t.co/U3yQ5HNvF1   (@ysllaces) July 10, 2025

Another said, "Everybody dropping this tonight or what? Whats going on?"

Everybody dropping this tonight or what? What's going on? https://t.co/YnNLBNCqzK  missHawls (@shallhella) July 10, 2025

One wrote, "Notice how Justin is under HYBE oh, they're keeping tabs."

notice how justin is under hybe.. oh theyre keeping tabs  https://t.co/GSaxkrHpDd  soph! (@bbyjensoo) July 10, 2025

Another added, "Justin taking advantage of BLACKPINK's relevance because he's khia."

Justin taking advantage of blackpink relevance because hes khia https://t.co/huxdG1ncf6  manonslipplumper (@Livrais90362488) July 10, 2025

While many fans found the conspiracy talk amusing and downright absurd, they were still eager to see what Justin Bieber would be putting out after four years.

About Justin Bieber's album: SWAG

A billboard featuring Justin Bieber and the word Swag began going viral on Thursday, July 10  first spotted in Iceland and later seen on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. The mysterious signage has sparked speculation that Swag may be the title of Biebers upcoming album, though nothing has been officially confirmed. On the same day, Bieber added fuel to the speculation by posting several photos and videos that appear to reveal the album's tracklist.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Agniveer Exam Result 2025: The much-awaited Indian Army Agniveer Exam Result 2025 is expected to be released shortly on the official website joinindianarmy.nic.in. Candidates who appeared for the Agniveer Common Entrance Exam (CCE) 2025 can soon check their results, merit list, and cut-off marks online.

The recruitment process for Agniveer posts, including General Duty, Technical, Clerk, Nursing Assistant, and other trades, is progressing with the written exam conducted between 30th June and 10th July 2025.

Indian Army Agniveer result 2025: Important updates and Direct Links

The Agniveer CCE Result 2025 will be released in PDF format, listing roll numbers of qualified candidates. The result link will be activated on the official portal, allowing candidates to download their scorecards and check qualification status for subsequent rounds like physical fitness and medical tests.

The final merit list will confirm the selected candidates for various Agniveer posts under the Agnipath scheme 2025.

How to download Indian Army Agniveer Result 2025?

Candidates can follow these steps to download the Agniveer Exam Result 2025:

Visit the official website joinindianarmy.nic.in.

Go to the Results or Agniveer Recruitment section.

Click on the direct link for Agniveer CCE Result 2025.

Download the PDF file containing the roll numbers of qualified candidates.

Search your roll number in the PDF to check your result.

Keep a copy for future reference during physical and medical rounds.

Indian Army Agniveer Recruitment 2025: Vacancy and selection process

The Indian Army has announced approximately 25,000 vacancies for the Agniveer posts in 2025. The recruitment process includes:

Computer Based Examination (CEE)

Physical Fitness Test

Medical Examination

Document Verification

Both male and female candidates aged between 17.5 to 21 years are eligible to apply. The selection is competitive and based on merit, physical standards, and medical fitness.

Agniveer Exam Result 2025: Expected cut-Off marks and next steps after result

The cut-off marks for the Agniveer CEE 2025 will be released along with the result. Candidates scoring above the cut-off will be eligible for the recruitment rally and subsequent physical and medical tests. It is advised to prepare well for the physical fitness test following the written exam results.

FAQs

Q1: When will the Indian Army Agniveer Result 2025 be declared?

Answer: The Agniveer CCE Result 2025 is expected to be out soon, likely by the last week of July or early August 2025 on joinindianarmy.nic.in.

Q2: How can I check the Indian Army Agniveer Result 2025?

Answer: Candidates can check the result by visiting the official website joinindianarmy.nic.in and downloading the PDF result file from the Results section.

Q3: In what format will the Indian Army Agniveer Result be released?

Answer: The result will be published in PDF format listing roll numbers of qualified candidates for each ARO (Army Recruiting Office).

Q4: Will the Indian Army Agniveer Result be sent individually to candidates?

Answer: No, candidates must download the result PDF from the official website and search for their roll number to know their qualification status.

Q5: What are the next stages after the Agniveer CCE Result 2025?

Answer: Qualified candidates will undergo a Physical Fitness Test, Medical Examination, and Document Verification before final selection.

For more information on exams, results and careers, please visit Indiatimes Education.
Bank of Baroda Peon exam date 2025: The much-awaited Bank of Baroda Peon exam date 2025 is expected to be announced shortly by the Bank of Baroda on its official website. Candidates who applied for the BOB Office Assistant (Peon) recruitment 2025 for 500 vacancies across various states must stay updated for the upcoming exam schedule. T

he recruitment process includes an Online Test followed by a Local Vernacular Language Test, and the admit card release, syllabus, and exam pattern details will be shared soon to help aspirants prepare effectively.

Bank of Baroda Peon exam date 2025 (Expected)

Below is the require expected Bank of Baroda Peon Exam Date 2025 listed:

Event Date Official Notification Release Date 2nd May 2025 Online Application Start Date 3rd May 2025 Last Date to Apply Online 23rd May 2025 Application Fee Payment Last Date 23rd May 2025 Expected Bank of Baroda Peon Exam Date July 2025 (Tentative) Admit Card Release Date To be announced

Bank of Baroda Peon Recruitment 2025: Vacancy details

The Bank has completed the registration process, and the Bank of Baroda Group D exam date 2025 is anticipated to be declared soon, likely in July 2025.

The recruitment drive is for 500 Office Assistant (Peon) posts distributed across various categories and states. This is a golden opportunity for candidates seeking a stable career in banking.

Category Vacancies UR 252 SC 65 ST 33 OBC 108 EWS 42 Total 500

BOB Peon Admit Card 2025: When and how to download?

The BOB Office Assistant admit card 2025 will be released online on the official Bank of Baroda career portal. Candidates must keep their registration details handy to download the admit card once it is available. The admit card will contain important information about the exam venue, date, and instructions.

Bank of Baroda Peon exam pattern & syllabus 2025

The Bank of Baroda Peon exam pattern 2025 includes an Online Test comprising objective questions covering topics such as Reasoning, Numerical Ability, English Language, and General Awareness. Candidates who clear the online test will appear for the Local Vernacular Language Test, which is mandatory for final selection.

The detailed syllabus covers:

Reasoning Ability

Numerical Ability

English Language

General Awareness (with emphasis on banking and current affairs)

Local Vernacular Language proficiency

FAQs

1. When will the Bank of Baroda Peon exam date 2025 be announced?

Answer: The exam date is expected to be announced soon, likely in July 2025, on the official Bank of Baroda website.

2. How can I download the BOB Group D admit card 2025?

Answer: The admit card will be available online on the official career portal of Bank of Baroda. Candidates need their registration credentials to download it.

3. What is the selection process for Bank of Baroda Office Assistant (Peon) recruitment 2025?

Answer: Selection involves two stages: an Online Test followed by a Local Vernacular Language Test.

4. How many vacancies are there for the BOB Peon post in 2025?

Answer: There are a total of 500 vacancies for the Office Assistant (Peon) post across various states and categories.

5. What subjects are included in the Bank of Baroda Peon exam syllabus 2025?

Answer: The syllabus includes Reasoning, Numerical Ability, English Language, General Awareness, and Local Vernacular Language.

For more information on exams, results and careers, please visit Indiatimes Education.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, while addressing the 62nd convocation ceremony at IIT Madras on Friday, detailed the scope and execution of Operation Sindoor, Indias military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Doval said that nine terror targets inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were identified and hit with accuracy. We decided to have 9 terrorist targets in the criss-cross of Pakistan, it was not in the border areas. We missed none. We hit nowhere else except that, he said.

According to Doval, the entire operation was completed in just 23 minutes past 1 am on May 7. He stressed the degree of precision involved: It was precise to the point where we knew who was where. The entire operation took 23 minutes.

A challenge to the foreign media

Ajit Doval criticised the foreign media's coverage of Operation Sindoor, especially claims suggesting that Indian territory had sustained damage following retaliatory action from Pakistan.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Speaking on Operation Sindoor, at IIT Madras, NSA Ajit Doval slams the foreign media for their reportage on the operation.



"Foreign press said that Pakistan did that and this...You tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any pic.twitter.com/v13Pr8RuRf  ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025





Foreign press said that Pakistan did that and this... You tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian (structure), even a glass pane having been broken he said. Doval questioned the credibility of these reports and challenged anyone to present photographic proof of any destruction in India.

Operation Sindoor: India's response to Pahalgam

Operation Sindoor was Indias military reaction to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 fatalities. The Indian military launched targeted strikes using drones, missiles, and long-range weapons starting May 7.

The campaign targeted nine locations across Pakistan and PoK believed to house terrorist camps. Doval underlined that India missed none and hit nowhere else. The operation reportedly killed over 100 terrorists.

Following four days of exchanges between India and Pakistan, both sides agreed to cease military action on May 10.

Doval also mentioned foreign media coverage showing satellite images of 13 Pakistani air baseslike Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, and Chaklalabefore and after May 10, but reiterated that India had not faced any similar consequences. Im only telling you what the foreign media put out on the basis of images, he said.



Ajit Doval called Operation Sindoor precise, challenged critics for proof, and reiterated India's resolve against cross-border terror threats.
Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is set to open its first store in India on July 15 in Mumbai, according to a Reuters report. The outlet will be called an experience centre, a term used to describe Tesla's showrooms globally. The company has been actively hiring across India and exploring locations in both Delhi and Mumbai in recent months.

Following Mumbai, Tesla reportedly plans to launch a second showroom in New Delhi, indicating its focus on entering major metropolitan markets first.

Five model Y SUVs already in Mumbai

According to documents reviewed by Bloomberg News, five Tesla Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs have already reached Mumbai. These vehicles were shipped from Teslas Shanghai factory. Each unit was declared at 2.77 million (approx. $31,988) and faced more than 2.1 million in import duties, consistent with Indias 70% tariff on fully-built imported cars under $40,000, plus surcharges.

 $TSLA ENTERS INDIA WITH FIRST EXPERIENCE CENTRE IN MUMBAI



 Tesla to open its first Indian experience centre in Mumbais BKC on July 15, 2025

 Five Model Y vehicles from Shanghai factory have arrived in Mumbai, valued at $31,988 each pic.twitter.com/kybevyP0Sq  Tesla Archive (@tesla_archive) July 10, 2025





The final sale price is expected to be above $56,000 before taxes and insurance, depending on Teslas market strategy and pricing margin. By comparison, the same model sells for $44,990 in the U.S., or $37,490 after federal tax credits.

Price tag may be a roadblock

While Teslas entry marks a significant milestone in Indias EV space, the premium pricing may limit its early reach. The company may face challenges convincing India's value-conscious consumers, as EVs currently make up just over 5% of total new passenger vehicle sales in the country.

Furthermore, premium cars account for less than 2% of the Indian passenger vehicle market, based on data from the governments vehicle registration portal. Teslas success may depend on how well it adapts its strategy to Indias price-sensitive landscape, even as it builds local interest in high-end EVs.



Teslas India launch begins with Mumbai, but pricing and market size will determine how fast the brand accelerates in India.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Chinese FM calls for joint efforts with Malaysia to promote bilateral, ASEAN cooperation

Xinhua) 15:45, July 11, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with Malaysia to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.

Wang urged both countries to fully implement cooperation plans for the joint construction of the Belt and Road, strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, investment, and connectivity. Key projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" should be steadily promoted.

He also called for deeper cooperation in emerging and frontier sectors to jointly build a regional hub for new quality productive forces.

Wang further stressed the importance of continuing efforts in the dialogue between Confucian and Islamic civilizations and the implementation of the upcoming mutual visa exemption agreement to enhance personnel exchanges and consolidate public support for bilateral ties.

China is willing to work with Malaysia to strengthen political mutual trust, deepen interest integration, enhance strategic coordination and carry forward traditional friendship to turn the roadmap drawn by the leaders of the two countries into reality, Wang said.

On China-ASEAN relations, Wang said that China and ASEAN are good neighbors, good friends, and good partners. The two sides have fully completed negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, demonstrating with concrete actions their shared commitment to expanding the common market and upholding free trade.

Wang noted that the United States' move to impose high tariffs on ASEAN countries is a typical act of bullying and unilateralism that no country would support. He said that China's firm countermeasures are not only aimed at safeguarding its own interests, but also at defending the common interests of all countries, including ASEAN members.

China, he added, is willing to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN to uphold the multilateral trading system, maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and promote inclusive economic globalization.

For his part, Mohamad said that Malaysia-China relations are at their historical best. At a time of growing uncertainty in the world, it is high time to strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and China as well as ASEAN cooperation. He said that Malaysia values the friendship between the two countries and firmly adheres to the one-China policy.

He expressed Malaysia's support for China's three global initiatives -- the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative -- and said that the country stands ready to deepen practical cooperation with China in such areas as trade and investment, infrastructure, digital economy, and green development.

Under the current circumstances, Mohamad also stressed, it is clear who the true friends are. In facing issues such as tariffs, Malaysia will not consider only its own interests, and will not sacrifice the interests of third parties, as that is not the ASEAN way.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has released viral TikToker and logistics businessman Godfrey Mwasiaga, popularly known as Kakan Maiyo, after detaining him over a video that allegedly incited violence against police officers and their families.

Kan Maiyo has been released without charges. The rogue regime has lost its direction entirely. pic.twitter.com/2hOx44ef1T  Cornelius Kariuki Ronoh (@itskipronoh) July 11, 2025

TikTok star Kakan Maiyo walks free after DCI interrogation

Maiyos release comes just hours after his arrest triggered an online storm, with supporters calling the move a clampdown on digital dissent. His vocal critiques of government and law enforcement have earned him both praise and controversy on social media.

Blogger Kakan Maiyo released on a a Kes 10, 000 cash bail. pic.twitter.com/tI99VK96If  Macharia Gachuru (@MachariaGachuru) July 11, 2025

TIKTOKER ARRESTED FOR INCITING VIOLENCE AGAINST POLICE



Godfrey Mwasiaga Kakan Maiyo, the suspect behind a viral video inciting violence against police officers and their families, has been arrested. The video had been uploaded to his TikTok account.



Detectives trailed the pic.twitter.com/0w0XyUDZKE  DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) July 9, 2025

Dramatic arrest sparks public aeaction

Earlier this week, a video went viral showing three plainclothes officers cornering Maiyo at what appeared to be a corridor inside his office building in Nairobis Kimathi House. His company, LetaPeleka Logistics, was operating there discreetly.

He is free , Kakan Maiyo released on cash bail, finally free thank you God



Thank you everybody who has made noise about @KanMaiyo_

#FreeKakanMaiyo pic.twitter.com/KnfUtz4Jb9  Peetstar Poet (@PeetstarPoet) July 11, 2025

The DCI later confirmed that Maiyo had been trailed and arrested for allegedly inciting violence through a video clip that condemned enforced disappearances and warned police officers of divine retribution and public backlash.

What triggered the arrest?

In the now-infamous TikTok clip, Maiyo directed a scathing message at security officers accused of abducting government critics. He suggested that there would come a time when such officers might not return from missions alive, and warned that their families could soon suffer the same grief as the victims loved ones.

He also stated that no amount of arrests or killings would silence Kenyans, a statement authorities claimed could fuel public unrest.

President Rutos warnings loom large

Maiyos arrest came a day after President William Ruto issued an aggressive warning during a press conference in Nairobi. The president declared that anyone attacking police would be treated as a terrorist, and even instructed officers to shoot looters in the leg if caught vandalising property during protests.

Although the DCI has now released Maiyo, the move has not cooled public debate. Supporters view the release as a small victory for free speech, while critics argue that the influencer crossed a dangerous line.

It remains unclear whether Kakan Maiyo will face formal charges or if this release marks the end of the case. Meanwhile, he has not posted any new videos since the arrest, leaving fans and critics alike speculating on whether he will continue to speak out, or lay low.
A dramatic and potentially deadly crash unfolded just before dawn on Friday, 11 July 2025, when a tractor-trailer cab veered off the Delaware Memorial Bridge and plummeted into the river below. The incident took place around 3:40 a.m. on the southbound span of I-295 heading into Delaware.

Only two center lanes are open on the DE bound span. Significant delays. Please allow for extra travel time & please drive safely. #netDE #netNJ @DelawareDOT @NewJerseyDOT @NJTurnpike pic.twitter.com/tOQxAJpqAg  Delaware Memorial Bridge (@demembridge) July 11, 2025

Authorities from the Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA) confirmed that the truck, without a trailer, unexpectedly crossed three lanes of traffic before crashing through a concrete barrier near the Delaware anchorage. The concrete structure gave way upon impact, sending the cab careening into the dark waters of the Delaware River.

Truck cab crashes off bridge in pre-dawn hours

In the immediate aftermath, multiple emergency agencies launched a full-scale water search operation. Dive teams, marine units, and rescue personnel from various departments, including New Castle County Emergency Management, the Delaware State Police, and the U.S. Coast Guard, swiftly arrived at the scene. Helicopters and boats joined the effort as officials combed the river in hopes of locating the vehicle and any occupants.

BREAKING. Reports that a Truck has driven off the Delaware Memorial Bridge and into the river below. Police are on scene and lanes are blocked heading into Delaware. @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/WJ8nJ37RjX  Bob Kelly (@BobKellyFOX29) July 11, 2025

According to responders, the number of people in the truck at the time of the crash remains unknown. Officials have not yet located the cab or its driver, raising concerns about potential fatalities.

No other vehicles impacted, lane remains closed

Despite the violent nature of the crash, no other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries have been reported. The truck, which was operating as a Bobtail (without its trailer), appears to have lost control on the downslope portion of the bridge before crashing off.

"Wilmington firefighters, members of the New Castle County Dive Team, Delaware State Police Dive Team, and air and marine units from the United States Coast Guard are searching the waters below the Delaware Memorial Bridge for a vehicle that ran off the Delaware bound span early https://t.co/pmOHWRq3JW pic.twitter.com/DpApHXG4Gx  NTC Report (@NTC_Report) July 11, 2025

As a precaution, the left lane of the southbound bridge remains closed to traffic, with authorities urging drivers to expect delays and follow detour instructions.

New Castle, DE Police / Fire confirm that a #crash involving a tractor trailer on the Delaware Memorial Bridge has @demembridge and the Coast Guard searching the river. #dmbcrash @CBSPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/qRmrlSWPAw  Kim Kelly Hudson (@kimhudsontv) July 11, 2025

Investigation continues as search persists

The incident has triggered a full investigation into what may have caused the sudden and fatal manoeuvre. Weather and traffic conditions at the time have not been confirmed as factors. Officials have promised updates as the search continues and more information becomes available.
Superman released in theatres on July 11, officially kickstarting James Gunns new DC Universe. While Creature Commandos came first on the release schedule, this is the first full-blown live-action film of DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. With David Corenswet taking on the cape, this reboot was under huge pressure to get things right after the DCEU ended in 2023.

The story is packed. Superman faces off against Lex Luthor, meets fellow heroes, protects Metropolis, and finds out shocking truths about his parents. But most importantly, it quietly sets up the wider DCU without being too loud about it.

Heres how the movie ends, what those mid- and post-credit scenes really mean, and where things go from here.

Lex Luthors masterplan backfires

Lex Luthor secretly teams up with Boravias corrupt president. He gives them weapons in exchange for a deal to split the neighbouring country, Jarhanpur, after a full invasion. But its all a cover. Lex doesnt care about politics; he wants to destroy Superman.

It took damn near 50 years but we finally got a good Lex Luthor in a Superman movie pic.twitter.com/IsPSFTUoyu  DiscussingNautica (@brodynauticafan) July 9, 2025

To trap him, he uses pocket universe tech that he earlier used to imprison Supes. This dimension begins to tear Metropolis apart, creating a growing rift. Superman wants to fly off and stop Boravia, but Mister Terrific warns him that the rift could soon wipe out the whole world.

Lex sends the Engineer and a masked warrior named Ultraman after Superman. After a brutal fight, its revealed Ultraman is a clone of Superman, created from a single strand of hair. They battle near a black hole created by the rift. Superman wins by knocking his clone into the void, and Terrific closes the rift just in time.

Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen expose Lex Luthor

Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, flying above the chaos, piece together the story. With help from Eve Tesmacher, who secretly sends them photos, they find proof that Lex was behind the invasion plan. His deal with Boravia and his plan to kill Superman are made public.

Superman storms Lexs flying office and stops him from fleeing. With his lies exposed and his allies defeated, Lex is arrested and taken to Belle Reve Prison.

Justice Gang saves Jarhanpur

JAMES GUNN on the JUSTICE GANG:



"They're good. They just are not saintly.



Via @EW pic.twitter.com/TsYf3bvcxd  DCU Updates (@DCU_Updates) June 10, 2025

While Superman handles Metropolis, the Justice Gang: Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific team up with Metamorpho to protect Jarhanpur. They stop Boravias army. Hawkgirl ends the fight in brutal style by dropping the Boravian president from the sky. Metamorpho, meanwhile, joins the Justice Gang.

Supergirl introduced in the DCU

The movie ends with Superman returning to the Fortress of Solitude. His Superman Robot helpers are just being repaired when someone crashes through the wall, its Supergirl (played by Milly Alcock).

Milly Alcock's Supergirl is gonna be Generational  pic.twitter.com/QWLRmUzgQo     (@NOCsuperman) July 10, 2025

Shes drunk, confused, and looking for her dog. That dog turns out to be Krypto, whos been with Superman all along. Kara jokes with Clark, plays rough with Krypto, and slurs him for looking after her pet. Then she flies off again. Her outfit and attitude are straight from the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic, which her upcoming movie is based on.

Mid-credit scene: Moonlight moment between Superman and Krypto

The first credits roll using the classic Superman font, backed by the song Punkrocker by Teddybears and Iggy Pop. Then we see Superman and Krypto sitting side by side on the moon, looking down at Earth. Its a quiet tribute to All-Star Superman (2011) animated film and also one of the films posters.

Post-credit scene: Mr. Terrific annoyed

In the second scene, Superman and Mister Terrific look at a rebuilt Metropolis building that seems a bit uneven. Superman says, Its just a little off, and Terrific snaps. What do you want me to do!? Take it apart and rebuild it!? They argue briefly, with Superman awkwardly apologising. Terrific storms off.

Its a light scene, but it adds personality to the new DCU, more bonding than setup.

What does it mean for the DC Cinematic Universe (DCU)

James Gunn didnt end Superman with a big multiverse twist or surprise villain. Instead, the film completes a full arc, sets up new heroes, and hints at future stories. We meet the Justice Gang. We meet Supergirl. And we get a glimpse of how different this new DC Universe might be.

The quiet confidence in these final scenes says one thing clearly: the DCU is just getting started.
The Greek government has moved to grant official state recognition to the Bektashi Alevi Muslim community in the border region of Thrace, a landmark decision that formally distinguishes the minority group from the mainstream Sunni Muslim

A draft law signed by Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Sofia Zacharaki recognizes the Bektashi Alevi community as a distinct religious legal entity. The move, which fulfills a long-standing request from the community, is being hailed as a significant step for religious freedom in Greece.

Crucially, the new status means the Bektashi Alevis will no longer fall under the jurisdiction of the state-appointed Muftis of Thrace, who traditionally oversee the affairs of the region's Muslim minority. The law establishes a separate management committee to administer the community's religious properties, known as waqfs.

The draft law, which is now open for public consultation, explicitly states that the recognition does not affect the rights guaranteed to the Muslim minority under the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne.

The Bektashi Alevis are a Sufi-influenced community with deep historical roots in the Balkans and are religiously distinct from the Sunni majority. Their official recognition by the Greek state addresses a decades-old issue and is seen as a strategically important move in the sensitive Thrace region, which borders Turkey.

   iefimerida.gr
Greeces migration minister on Thursday warned of a mass invasion operation from North Africa, defending a proposed new law that would suspend asylum applications for sea arrivals and give them a choice between prison or exit

from the country.

Speaking in a tense parliamentary debate, Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris said the government would not be blackmailed by smuggling networks, citing an estimated three million migrants currently waiting on Libyas shores with the hope of crossing into Europe.

If we allow these flows to continue, we will be talking about population replacement, not protection of the vulnerable, Mr. Plevris told lawmakers. Our message is clear: Stay where you are, you are not welcome here.

The government has submitted an emergency amendment that would temporarily halt the processing of asylum claims for anyone arriving illegally by sea from North Africa. The measure is a direct response to a record surge of migrant boats reaching the island of Crete in recent weeks.

The hardline proposal drew criticism in parliament, with former Deputy Prime Minister Evangelos Venizelos questioning its constitutionality. Mr. Plevris countered that the policy was modeled on measures already upheld by European law at Greeces land border with Turkey.

The minister also sharply criticized the role of some non-governmental organizations in the Mediterranean, accusing them of exploiting European funds. Enough with NGOs that milk European funds! Their so-called humanitarianism is just business, he said.



   iefimerida.gr
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with the director and global head of safety for Meta Antigone Davis, along with other company executives, on Friday at the Maximos Mansion.

The Meta delegation reiterated the companys full support for Greeces proposal to establish a single digital age of majority in the

European Union, under which parental consent would be required for minors to access digital services, including social media

At the meeting also recognized Greeces leading role in the European debate on protecting children and adolescents from inappropriate content and the risk of digital addiction.

Mitsotakis emphasised that children's protection from internet addiction and the dangers of the digital world are key issues. He also noted that he had addressed the issue at the UN to highlight the importance of a global response to the issue.

Mitsotakis and Davis also discussed the parental control and age verification capabilities offered by the Greek Kids Wallet application, which was presented at the European Union level and has received significant support.

Addressing Mitsotakis, Davis acknowledged his and the government's leadership in the development of a system that enables age verification.#She also agreed that age verification should be implemented at the operating system or device level and said she appreciates the leadership approach taken by Greece.

Davis also noted that Meta supports a digital coming-of-age model, which should be linked to parental consent, and stressed the importance of ensuring children can use such tools safely.#She added that Meta recently launched Teen Accounts to provide appropriate default settings and safeguards for teenagers.#The meeting was also attended by Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou and Minister of State Akis Skertsos.

   iefimerida.gr
Greeces tax authority has clarified the long-standing process for forgiving debts owed by over-indebted individuals, making clear that debt cancellation is not automaticeven after a court ruling.

Greeces Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has issued a new directive clarifying the conditions and process for the cancellation of debts owed by over-indebted

individuals. These debts fall under the provisions of a 2010 law aimed at protecting heavily indebted households. The circular outlines how and when such debts can be forgiven, particularly in light of judicial decisions and bankruptcy proceedings.

The key message is that debt relief is not automatic, even if a Greek court has ruled that a debtor qualifies for protection under the law. For the cancellation of debts to take effect, the entire repayment period set by the court must first be completed. This remains true even in cases where the court has set zero monthly payments, due to the debtor's lack of income. What matters is that the debtor adheres fully to the court's terms throughout the designated period. Only upon the successful completion of this phase is the individual considered fully discharged from remaining debts. This stipulation allows the courts the flexibility to adjust the terms if the debtor's financial circumstances improve during the repayment period.

The directive also addresses the issue of third-party garnishments  for example, funds seized from a debtors bank account. Such measures are not automatically lifted, even after a court decision. If the garnishment relates to debts that fall under Article 9 of the over-indebtedness law, the seized funds will continue to be paid to the state until the full amount stipulated by the court ruling is covered. Only once that total is paid, and the discharge is legally recognized, can the garnishment be lifted.

Importantly, the process of debt cancellation does not require the debtor to file any formal application. The competent tax authority initiates the process on its own, provided all legal conditions for discharge are met and the relevant debts have been properly identified. The two-year period during which a discharge may be revoked, for example if hidden assets are discovered, begins not with the publication of the court decision but with the debtors actual compliance with court-imposed obligations.

The circular also distinguishes between debt relief under the over-indebtedness law and relief through bankruptcy proceedings under Greeces former Bankruptcy Code, enacted in 2007. In bankruptcy cases, the court may also grant discharge, but only for debts incurred up to the date of bankruptcy. New debts incurred after that point  for example, tax liabilities arising in the years following bankruptcy  remain collectible. Furthermore, debts arising from fraud or gross negligence are not subject to discharge, and the authorities retain the right to enforce collections if undisclosed assets come to light.

Where debts have previously been deemed uncollectible, fulfilling the conditions for discharge leads to the removal of any restrictions linked to those debts. This includes, for instance, the lifting of account freezes and the ability to obtain tax clearance certificates.

The circular also provides real-world implications. If a court determines that a debtor with no income does not need to make any payments, this does not mean the debt is immediately wiped out. The court-defined repayment period  say, three years  must still pass, and if the persons financial situation improves during that time, the terms may be revised. Likewise, if the tax authorities had seized funds before the debtor entered the debt relief process, those amounts are not returned. Instead, they are counted toward whatever repayment the court has ultimately required. For example, if 3,000 had been seized and the court orders a total repayment of 6,000, the seized amount is treated as a partial payment toward that obligation.

#ENGLISH_EDITION #DEBT #GREECE #AADE
Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has vowed not to support any northern presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, insisting that power should remain in the South.

In an interview with journalists on Friday, Ortom said his stance is based on the principle of fairness and an unwritten agreement of rotational presidency between the North and South.

According to him, The unwritten agreement that the North will do eight years, the South will do eight years I believe in southern presidency. The South has not completed eight years.

Advertisement

Ortom stated that in 2023, he stood by his conviction even at personal political cost. I said that its better for me to lose my senatorial election than to allow a northerner to be president. It was wrong, he said, referencing what he described as a need to preserve national unity and respect power rotation.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/lagos-calabar-coastal-highway-is-a-scam-babachir-lawal.html

The former governor, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), added that he would support a southern candidate, whether from PDP or any other political party, as long as the candidate is credible.

If I have a credible person who has the capacity to deliver and make things work for our country, well support the person.

But if not, whoever, from any other party who produces a candidate in the South, we should support that candidate, he declared.

Ortom also expressed cautious support for President Bola Tinubu, saying, We currently have a president, and I think in the midst of the challenges we have in our country, hes doing his best He listens to even common people like us.

He stressed that the future of Nigeria lies in unity, fairness, and respect for agreements, whether written or not.
A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced four men to death for the 2001 murder of a taxi driver, Mr. Olarenwaju Ajayi, finally bringing closure to a case that has spanned over two decades.

Presiding over the case at High Court 11 in Onopa, Yenagoa, on Friday, Justice Patience Ziofa Diri found the defendants Sunday Imoh Essien, Opena Akpabio, Odogha Ebi, and Clifford Michael guilty of conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder.

According to court proceedings, the convicts had chartered Ajayis taxi under the pretense of attending a naval programme in Onne, Rivers State.

Advertisement

The trip, which began in Agudama-Epie, Yenagoa, turned tragic when the men attacked the driver at Okogbe.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/kwankwasos-defection-to-apc-imminent-bashir-ahmed.html

They held his neck, tied him with a marine rope, and stabbed him to death, Justice Diri said while delivering judgment.

After committing the act, they disposed of his body and sold the vehicle in Uyo for N450,000.

Reacting to the ruling, the Bayelsa State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), hailed the verdict as a strong message to criminals.

This verdict shows that our justice system is alive and well. It may have taken years, but justice has prevailed, he said.

Bayelsa State has zero tolerance for violent crime. This judgment affirms our commitment to upholding law and order without fear or favour.

A court official, who requested anonymity, described the evidence against the defendants as overwhelming, adding: This case reminds us that justice may be delayed, but it is never denied.

Outside the courtroom, family members of the deceased expressed mixed emotions. Weve waited over 20 years for this day, a grieving relative said. Now, we can finally begin to heal.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has accused the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration of targeting key figures from his government shortly after he left office in 2015.

Jonathan made the claims on Thursday during the public presentation of a memoir, OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3bn Nigerian Oil Block, authored by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke.

Represented at the Abuja event by former Senate President Pius Anyim, Jonathan alleged that some of his trusted aides were unfairly persecuted under the guise of anti-corruption efforts.

Advertisement

Shortly after my tenure ended in 2015, the succeeding government launched what many saw as a manhunt against key officers of my administration, Jonathan said

. The author of this memoir, Mr Bello Adoke, was the Attorney-General of the Federation at that time. He was hunted across the globe.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/well-democratically-vote-tinubu-out-in-2027-adamu-waziri.html

Jonathan praised Adoke for his resilience, saying, Today, he is alive, healthy, and here to tell his story. I congratulate him for his doggedness.

Adoke, in his remarks, maintained that his prosecution was politically motivated, stating, This book is not written to denigrate anyone. It is meant to set the record straight and offer my account of what transpired.

He added, I was never a party to the OPL-245 transaction. I simply carried out a presidential directive.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, also present, commended Adoke for forgiving those involved in his ordeal, saying, I admire Adoke for standing by his convictions.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and former governors El-Rufai and Bukola Saraki also lauded Adokes courage, with El-Rufai stating, We should thank him, not persecute him.
President Bola Tinubus Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has warned former Labour Partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi to reject any proposed deals with ex- vice president Atiku Abubakar in 2027.

Mr. Onanuga warned that if Obi agree to be running mate with Atiku in 2027 election, he will not get the kind of blind followers he got in 2023.

He noted that despite their political strategies to unseat President Tinubu, the ruling All Progressive Congress will remain in power till 2031.

Advertisement

Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, the presidential aide said that Tinubus achievements will speak for him in 2027.

READ MORE: Kenneth Okonkwo Backs Atiku, Says Tinubu Will Win In 2027 If Coalition Present Peter Obi

Onanuga said: If Peter Obi allies with Atiku in 2027, he will not get the blind followership he received in 2023; it will not happen because he wants to be president and they want him to be Vice President.

That is why when I look at it, they are just trying their luck, trying all kinds of permutations but the APC will still be in power in 2027.

President Tinubus achievements in office will speak for him.
Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has hinted at a possible defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his supporters to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stirring political speculation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ahmad made the suggestion in a statement issued on Thursday night, following a remark made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a public event.

In the event, Shettima referred to Kwankwaso as NNPP-APC, a phrase many believe may not have been accidental.

Advertisement

Reacting to the development, Ahmad said: If nothing else, Vice President Shettima referring to Senator Kwankwaso as NNPP-APC is a strong signal that the NNPP leader and his teeming supporters are on the verge of joining our great party, the APC.

He added that the possible defection would mark a new era of unity in Kano politics. This will help to have a politically united Kano, something long desired for the progress and stability of our state, he stated.

Ahmad also expressed optimism about what Kwankwasos move could mean for the APC. Kwankwaso has a solid political base, and if he joins the APC, it would be a game-changer ahead of 2027. It would strengthen our structure, especially in the North, he said.

Although there has been no official statement from Kwankwaso or the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the recent remarks have triggered talks of a major political realignment.

Nothing is impossible in politics, Ahmad added. All I can say is that we are watching the space closely, and if it happens, it would be in the best interest of our democracy and Kano State.
Former secretary to the government of the federation, Babachir Lawal, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.

Lawal described the project as a scam and accused President Tinubus administration of failing to work for Nigerians.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Friday, the former SGF challenged the ruling All Progressive Congress to show any physical project that has benefited the people.

Advertisement

He said: If you ask me, What projects has this government implemented so far that are visible to Nigerians and have impacted their lives?.

 I cannot see any. At least in northern Nigeria, where I am a frequent traveller, for example, I dont see any road that they are constructing or rehabilitating. In the South-West, I dont think there is any.

READ MORE: Coastal Road: We Didnt Demolish Any Property, Landmark Infrastructure Intact  Umahi

They are still talking about the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which it appears every government talks about and votes money for, and it never goes anywhere.

Their so-called coastal road is just a scam. Every Nigerian knows it is a scam. Even before they started, we knew it would be a scam, and it has become a scam.

You borrow money from Europe, and before it comes, it is spent over there.,So, I dont understand. What can Nigerians see?

It has become such that the President can go and commission 30 kilometres of a 700km road, which has even become a source of controversy. So, what are they doing with our money?
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and allied coalition groups not to desert the party in the face of internal disputes and challenges.

Speaking on Friday during the PDP South West Zonal Caucus meeting held in Ibadan, Governor Makinde likened the partys current internal troubles to a house with a leaking roof, stressing that desertion is not the solution.

You cant abandon your house because of a leaking roof, he said.

Advertisement

The PDP is built on solid foundations, and like any structure, it may experience wear and tear.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/oyo-inec-lists-19-political-parties-for-ibadan-north-constituency-bye-election.html

Makinde emphasised the need for unity and collective responsibility among party stakeholders to resolve ongoing disagreements, stressing that internal problems are part of party life, not a reason to defect or create division.

It is our responsibility as party members to fix the leaks, reinforce the foundation, and ensure the house remains standing for the people of this country, he said.

He acknowledged the commitment and sacrifices of PDP leaders across the region and reaffirmed his own loyalty to the party.

Makinde expressed readiness to work closely with party stakeholders to reposition the PDP for future electoral victories.

Let us fix the roof together and keep this house strong for the future, he concluded, encouraging members to stay the course as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
The Nigerian Air Force has eliminated a significant number of bandits in a series of coordinated airstrikes under Operation Fansan Yamma.

The targeted airstrikes were aimed at a large convoy of bandits traveling on motorcycles along the KebbiZamfara route, particularly around Yarbuga in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame disclosed that the convoymade up of nearly 150 motorcycles moving in separate groupswas detected through real-time surveillance, with each motorcycle transporting no fewer than two armed terrorists.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Mohbads Mental Health Declined After NDLEA Arrest, Singers Best Friend Alleges Assault, Emotional Breakdown

He stated that once the targets were positively identified, NAF aircraft launched strikes on the convoy with deadly accuracy.

Ejodame said, In a series of precision airstrikes conducted on 9 July 2025, targeting a migrating convoy along the KebbiZamfara axis. The strikes were based on real-time intelligence, which revealed the movement of close to 150 motorcycles in batches, each carrying about 2 armed terrorists near Yarbuga in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

After positive identification confirming the hostile presence, NAF aircraft engaged the convoy with devastating accuracy. Survivors were seen fleeing on foot and motorcycles, as air assets maintained persistent overwatch and executed follow-up strikes, effectively disrupting enemy withdrawal routes.

Ejodame noted that surveillance visuals captured some of the surviving fighters attempting to escape on foot and motorcycles, but they were tracked and struck again in successive follow-up operations that disrupted their escape routes.

He said, Following the airstrikes, ground troops conducted a follow-up exploit mission to Yarbuga village on the morning of 10 July 2025. At the scene, remains of scores of terrorists and their weapons were found in the area, along with several burnt motorcycles.

This joint airground operation dealt a significant blow to bandit networks in the region. It underscores the Nigerian Air Forces unwavering commitment to protecting civilian lives, denying terrorists freedom of action and supporting ground forces to ensure lasting peace across the country.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to launch an investigation into the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

Speaking during an event to celebrate the Supreme Courts affirmation of Okpebholos election on Friday, Oshiomhole claimed there were questionable financial dealings under Obasekis leadership, particularly concerning the Radisson Hotel project and various road contracts.

He alleged that billions of dollars in public funds were used to develop the hotel, only for Edo State to become a minority stakeholder in the venture.

Advertisement

Now we are told Edo is a minority shareholder. You now have time to look into that, he told Okpebholo, urging him to revisit the matter.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/well-democratically-vote-tinubu-out-in-2027-adamu-waziri.html

Oshiomhole also criticized the quality of road projects executed during Obasekis tenure, saying many have washed away, unlike those built during his own time as governor.

So by the time your Excellency now has time for the second rematch, Obaseki will have to come out from hiding to answer to those questions, he added.

The APC chieftain emphasized that accountability was necessary for Edos development. We have come to rescue Edo, but to rescue means you must also investigate, he declared.

Oshiomhole challenged Obaseki to walk the streets of Benin with him to show who truly impacted lives. Lets see who did what to affect the life of the people, he said.

He commended Okpebholos leadership for uniting people across the state, stating, Beyond building roads and schools, we also have to build the unity of our people the unity of our people is essential.
A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has urged former vice president Atiku Abubakar and other angry members of the party, who joined Africa Democratic Congress to return and work for the progress of the party.

Mr. George also appealed to ex- senate president, David Mark, the National Chairman of ADC to return to PDP.

The PDPs Chieftain led this out at a social engagement themed Restitution of Restoration on Thursday in Lagos.State.

Advertisement

George said that PDP remained a strong political platform, offering great opportunities for members.

He added that it is only in the party that the interest of estranged party leaders can be better served.

Chief George said: There is no coalition in todays Nigeria that can be stronger than PDP.

The PDP is a reborn political party that has weathered all storm and can never go under. All these leaders must return to this Iroko political party.

Those forming coalition should not forget they have traveled that way before, and it amounts to nothing and it will be good they remain in the party to help build it.

READ MORE: Lagos PDP Not Collapsing Structure Into APC  Bode George

It is a disservice to the party whose platform they used to get to higher position in the country.

The party has weathered the storm, this party is re-born, those that have attained higher position in the country on the platform of the party should do a re-think.

They should take it easy, there is no way their congregating can pass the PDP strength.

They have done it before, there is no major issue of contention in the PDP that can make them leave the PDP.
At least four persons liked to a murder and car theft case have been arrested by operatives of Taraba State Police Command in Wukari local government council of the state.

In a statement on Friday by the commands Spokesman, James Lashen Saminuon, disclosed that the arrest led to the recovering of a stolen vehicle.

James noted that the suspects allegedly stole the victims motorcycles after the attacks.

Advertisement

He added that during interrogation, the arrested individuals were said to have confessed to the crimes and named one Habibu Dahiru, of Gindin Doruwa, Wukari, as the receiver of the stolen motorcycles.

READ MORE: Suspected Herders Invade Taraba Communities, Kill One Villager, Set Houses Ablaze

The Command confirmed that Dahiru has also been arrested and the case is under further investigation.

The statement partly reads: Officers attached to the Wukari Division apprehended Dauda Usman, 45, and Japhet Shekarau, 30, over the killings of two commercial motorcycle operators, Idris Papa from Kano State, murdered on 27th June 2025, and Abdulkadir Ahmad from Bauchi State, killed on 7th May 2025.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, on 8th July, the command also announced the recovery of a Toyota Camry snatched at gunpoint from Ugwa Solomon Ikechukwu in Port Harcourt on 5th July.

The statement added: Acting on intelligence from SP Emmanuel Asso, serving in Anambra State, officers tracked the vehicle to the Wukari-Mutum Biyu Road.

It was intercepted along Wukari-Bantaje Road, leading to the arrest of the driver, Umar Jabo, 30, from Jalingo.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Tuggar, has revealed that President of the United States, Donald Trump is mounting pressure on Nigeria to accept Venezuelan deportees and prisoners.

Tuggar also clarified that the fresh 10 per cent tariffs imposed on Nigeria by Trumps administration may not have anything to do with President Bola Tinubus meeting with BRICS nations.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu joined other world leaders to attend BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6 to 7, 2025.

Advertisement

Speaking on Thursday during an interview with Channels Television, the Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that it will be difficult to accept the proposed deal with U.S government.

He said: The issue of tariffs may not necessarily have to do with us participating in the BRICS meeting.

You have to also bear in mind that the US is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the US, some straight out of prisons.

READ MORE: Trump Administration Proposes Travel Ban Extension To Nigeria, Others

It would be difficult for countries like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own; we cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria. We already have 230 million people.

We cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria, for crying out loud. We already have 230 million people.

You will be the same people that would castigate us if we acquiesce to accepting Venezuelans from US prisons to be brought in.
The Borno State Police Command has apprehended two suspects in connection with the recovery of three stolen vehicles from various locations within the state.

The commands Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, stated on Thursday that the suspects were arrested through an intelligence-led operation following a vehicle theft report on Tuesday at the Pompomari Bypass in Maiduguri.

He further mentioned that after the report was received, a discreet operation was initiated and on July 10, 2025, while on a routine patrol, the commands Crack Squad intercepted the stolen vehicle at the Bolori area, Maiduguri, from one Umar Muhammed, 34 years old.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Kidnap Victim Rescued In Rivers As Police Recover Electronic Devices

He continued, During the investigation, the suspect confessed that the vehicle was handed to him by his accomplice, one Abubakar Sadiq, 18 years old, who had stolen it from where it was parked.

Further investigation led to a raid on the suspects residence at Bolori, where two additional Mercedes-Benz C180 vehicles were recovered with five different vehicle plate numbers. The suspects admitted that they specialise in stealing vehicles, dismantling them into parts, and selling them.

He went on to say that the suspects are now in custody and assisting with the ongoing investigation, while also encouraging anyone with reports of missing vehicles to come forward.

Both suspects are currently in police custody and the case is under investigation.

Members of the public who believe that any of the recovered vehicles may belong to them are advised to report to Crack Squad Unit, Borno State Police Command, with valid proof of ownership, documents for verification, and possible reclaim.

The Borno State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, Daso concluded.
Two undocumented Nigerians have been arrested by Libyas Counter-Terrorism Forces for allegedly engaging in drug trafficking.

In a post shared on Thursday via X (formerly known as Twitter), Migrant Rescue Watch disclosed that the individuals were found with substances such as hashish and a range of hallucinogenic drugs, including Tramadol and Lyrica.

During the operation, authorities also seized a substantial amount of cash believed to be proceeds from drug-related activities.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Kidnap Victim Rescued In Rivers As Police Recover Electronic Devices

After their arrest, the two Nigerians were transferred to the relevant legal authorities for further investigation and potential prosecution.

The statement said, Counter-Terrorism Forces arrested 2 undocumented #migrants of Nigerian nationality for drug trafficking. The individuals were found in possession of hashish, hallucinogenic pills Tramadol & Lyrica as well as cash from proceeds.

Both individuals were referred to competent authorities for legal action.
Former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Waziri, has vowed that the opposition will democratically remove President Bola Tinubus government in the next general election.

Waziri, who made the statement during an appearance on Channels TV on Friday, insisted that while there is currently no constitutional route to unseat the administration, the opposition is focused on waiting out the term until elections are due.

If I have the democratic means to remove this government tomorrow, I would remove this government, Waziri said. But I dont have the democratic means, so I have to wait for two years to do so.

Advertisement

His remarks come in response to recent claims by the Presidency that the opposition is allegedly plotting to destabilize the country or stage a coup. Waziri dismissed those claims as unfounded and politically motivated.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/return-to-pdp-your-efforts-in-coalition-group-will-amount-to-nothing-without-us-bode-george-tells-atiku-others.html

It is cheap blackmail to say that people are planning to oust the government, he declared.

We are not toppling this government as Onanuga said. We are going to democratically remove this government.

Waziri maintained that criticism of the Tinubu administration should not be interpreted as attempts to incite unrest but should be seen as part of the normal democratic process.

According to him, the focus of the opposition is not to undermine national stability, but to engage the government through legal and electoral means.
Justin Mohn, 33, admitted to killing and beheading his father, Michael, in testimony at his murder trial this week in Doylestown. He displayed his father's head in a 15-minute video he later uploaded to YouTube. Read more

Justin Mohn, the Levittown man who made national headlines last year for displaying his fathers severed head in a YouTube video, was convicted of murder, terrorism, and related crimes Friday by a Bucks County judge and sentenced to life in prison.

In handing down the verdict, Judge Stephen Corr admonished Mohn, 33, for throwing away a lifetime of love and support from his parents to commit what he called an unimaginable crime.

Advertisement

Mohn took the stand earlier this week and admitted he shot his father, Michael, in the head and then used a kitchen knife and machete to decapitate him, saying he does not regret doing so. He didnt initially plan to murder his father, he said, only to subdue him during a citizens arrest for what he described as treason against his country.

However, he said he had to resort to deadly force when his father attempted to grab the 9mm Sig Sauer handgun he was using and threatened to kill him.

Prosecutors, led by First Assistant District Attorney Edward Louka, called that explanation a sham, and said voluminous evidence proved Mohn had planned the murder months, if not years, in advance.

Documents pulled from a USB drive Mohn had, as well as Google searches, showed that he planned to form an armed militia to help commit violence against the federal government, and target federal judges and politicians he felt had wronged him for being white, straight, male, and Christian.

The defendant is a danger to the community, with no signs of remorse for what he has done, and I dont think that will change, the prosecutor said.

Mohn, in his final address to the judge before sentencing, thanked him and his attorneys. He then immediately veered into the rambling political rhetoric featured in his viral YouTube video.

He vowed to file an appeal of Corrs decision and offered to be part of a prisoner exchange with American soldiers incarcerated in Russia.

I think this case presents a picture of America, Mohn said, adding that he believes God will not be happy with the judges who have ruled against him and ruined his life.

Almost as an afterthought, Mohn offered an apology to his family  but only after prompting from his attorney, Steven Jones.

I dont feel guilty for what I did, but I am sorry my family went through what they did because of the federal governments actions and my reaction to it, he said.

Corr, the judge, said Mohns crimes were an indictment on the mental health system in this country.

Just because our laws say you are competent to stand trial, doesnt mean you dont suffer from some kind of mental infirmity, he said, drawing a stark contrast between Mohns calm, polite treatment of courthouse staff and the gruesome violence he inflicted on the man who had raised him.

Mohns mother, brother, and sister took turns telling Corr that Mohn was cruel and callous and a danger to the community, and they urged the judge to sentence him to life in prison.

His sister, Stephanie Smith, chastised her brother for ruining what should have been his parents golden years, a chance to enjoy retirement and travel after decades of working and raising their family.

 READ MORE: After Bucks killing, coworkers and friends remember Michael Mohn for the way he lived: Whatever was needed, he was there

Denice Mohn wept as Deputy District Attorney Ashley Towhey read her victim-impact statement about the loss of her husband, who was killed a year before their 40th wedding anniversary.

He was, she said, her safety net, a kind, caring, and ambitious man with a lifetime of achievement as an engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers. An award he received from the agency in 2019 was renamed in his honor after his death.

I am tortured at knowing what Justin was capable of doing to his father, who had unconditional love for him, she wrote. I hope Justin is never given another opportunity in his life to hurt anyone else or to distribute his hateful ideologies.

Mohns older brother, Zachary, said he modeled himself after his father, and had watched in frustration, for years, as his brother floundered through life and blamed all of his failures on others.

It infuriated him that his brother took for granted the support of his parents, who allowed him to move back home when he struggled to maintain a job.

For him to target my father despite of all that compassion showed he did not care what he did to the world or to others, he said. Any show of remorse would be an appeal to emotions he doesnt feel, beyond them being used as a lever for his manipulation.
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Rachel Brosnahan, left, and David Corenswet in a scene from "Superman." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP) Read more

Superman fans in Delaware have something to celebrate  Clark Kent now calls the First State home.

This week, writer/director James Gunn confirmed that his reboot of the legendary DC Comics superhero franchise places the fictional city of Metropolis, where Superman/Kent lives, in Delaware. The new movie hits theaters today.

Advertisement

Metropolis has actually been in different places, said Gunn in an interview with Screen Rant. But its been in Delaware before, so I didnt just make up Delaware. I knew [Metropolis] was just sort of an East Coast city. (Gotham, considered a sister city, is set in New Jersey.)

Its just one of the movies ties to this region.

David Corenswet, who plays the superhero, was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Montgomery County. He attended Bryn Mawrs Shipley School and began acting on local stages at Upper Darby Summer Stage, Peoples Light, and Arden Theatre. He started college at the University of Pennsylvania before transferring to Juilliard.

Philly native Bradley Cooper also makes a cameo as Supermans biological dad from Krypton.

But thats still not all thats Philly about Superman.

Corenswet recently shared that theres a small Easter egg in the movies final cut that some viewers might miss: A shout out to his hometown.

The skyline of Metropolis, as seen from Lexs control room includes Liberty Place from Philadelphia, Corenswet said in his Screen Rant interview. I think they put that building in as a little nod for me.

While certainly a sweet detail to feature for Corenswet  and any local Superman fans  placing Liberty Place in Metropolis might confuse viewers who remember that even in this fictional universe, the city of Philadelphia does exist.

It was the central location for the 2019 movie Shazam! directed by David Sandberg.

Where does Liberty Place go from here?
If you have yet to wrap your hands  or mind  around the $65 McDonalds Money burger at Honeysuckle, let me give you a preview of Phillys most audacious new splurge.

Chefs Omar Tate and Cybille St.Aude-Tate shower the burger with summer truffles and gild the Jersey beef patties with shiny swatches of edible 24-karat gold sheets. Theres caviar, too, the briny beads cascading in flows of special sauce over the double burger stack, which is layered with molten Cooper Sharp. And its all between two plush cushions of house-baked Japanese shokupan milk bread. The caviar gives it an extra pop of oceanic umami, while some holy trinity (minced peppers, celery, and onions) and mushroom garum mixed into the meat lends an earthy Creole through line and vegetal boost to each juicy bite.

Advertisement

Is it an indulgence? Absolutely. Is it also delicious? Oh yeah. Especially alongside the crispy, tallow-cooked fries dusted with new bay spice, whose paprika blush is piqued with mustard and ginger.

The married chef-partners here know exactly how to take a joke and wry cultural reference  this one rooted in Eddie Murphys stand-up complaint about his mothers ugly DIY McDonalds replacement burger  and lift it to where its so good its not (quite) a joke anymore.

The McDonalds Money burger  of which there are 20 available per night  is an essential add-on to the $95 four-course prix fixe dinner experience here because it exemplifies the joyful, irreverent, no-limits spirit of the expansive new Honeysuckle, whose goal, Tate says, is to make delicious food that feels contemporary and recenters you to Blackness.

Honeysuckles move this spring, from a tiny West Philly market-cafe into a spacious new address on North Broad Street, complete with a full-service bar, has given it the room to fully blossom into a dynamic destination celebrating the culture of the Black American diaspora. It isnt just thrilling for Philadelphians: Honeysuckle is worthy of national note alongside projects from other top chefs propelling the Black culinary narrative across the country, in restaurants like Gregory Gourdets Kann in Portland, Ore., Serigne Mbayes Dakar NOLA in New Orleans, and Kwame Onwuachis Tatiana in New York.

From the daily cornucopia of gorgeous vegetables harvested from their farm plot in Chester County ringing a silky black-eyed pea dip to dishes that draw on flavors from Haiti to West Philly to the American South, the range of the culinary repertoire and inspirations  frequently historical, always personal  never fails to delight, illuminate, and surprise.

One moment Im eating raw oysters splashed with the same passionfruit mignonette the couple made one evening when they were still courting in 2020. (Its part of our love story, says Tate.) The next moment, were diving into a fragrant bowl of hot tamales inspired by the century-old Black food tradition of the Mississippi Delta. Tate subs grits for Mexican-style masa inside the corn husks, which are stuffed with braised oxtail and Wagyu beef cheeks, then simmers the tamales in a cuminy beef broth spiked with the house hot sauce. Theyre served alongside chile-stewed limas, green tomato salsa verde, saltine crackers made of blue masa, and a cloudy shot of smoky corn milk and liquor.

Ive come to expect such extraordinary feasts over the past five years of watching Honeysuckle build momentum through various stages as a pop-up; chef residency; various farm plots; and Honeysuckle Provisions, its small-but-beloved brick-and-mortar location for Dolla Hoagies and the ambitious UNTITLED. tasting menu dinner series.

The move does mean Honeysuckle has left behind an affordable outlet offering quality food in West Philly for destination dining just north of Center City, where the $95 dinner menu has priced out some longstanding customers.

Thats not lost on us, St.Aude-Tate says, but there are other ways were gathering with community.

She notes the monthly Open Studio night events theyve launched with three-course menus for around $50 (including beverage and dessert), plus a nightly a la carte option at Honeysuckles bar with plates ranging from $12-$40, not counting the burger. We do want to open another version of Provisions again, she says. But its really difficult at a fast-casual price point to give our staff a living wage, bring all these wonderful things together with intentionality, and also stay afloat.

With decades of fine-dining experience between them, the prix fixe menu theyre producing now is absolutely on par value-wise with similar competition across the city. And this sprawling 89-seat space, four times larger than the cafe, has given their team a vast canvas to fully showcase the multidimensional aspects of the Honeysuckle experience, which incorporates poetry, music, and visual art, as well as food and drink.

A distinctive new beverage program driven by St.Aude-Tate creatively riffs on Caribbean themes (plantain-washed cognac for the Zou Zou; a dirty martini variation spiked with Scotch bonnet peppers and fermented pikliz; a clarified milk punch called Black Cake that tastes like Caribbean fruit cake). Theres a natural wine program coordinated by lead bartender Abbie Beach showcasing Black and female producers, while fermentation director Jamaar Julal pops up throughout the meal with glasses bearing all kinds of surprises, like an earthy kvass fermented from scraps of the delicious acorn bread or the nonalcoholic Holy Trinity soda that tastes like Doc Browns with an oniony Creole kick.

The industrial wood and exposed brick bones of the former Clementines Stable Cafe have been transformed into a veritable gallery for original art, beginning with the vine-wrapped altar St.Aude-Tate constructed near the entrance with Haitian water pots and photos of inspirational elders (Edna Lewis, John Coltrane, Jean-Michel Basquiat). A set of two dramatic paintings hanging over the dining room, created by Tate and entitled Hot Sauce Is Thy Blood, relay a darker tale of personal history  the murder of a great-great-uncle over a land dispute in South Carolina that prompted his family to leave for Philadelphia in 1929. Tate used leftover pulp from chiles fermented for Honeysuckles hot sauce to create a black-painted scar on both works as a symbol of persistent violence: You can never experience true joy without this harm being fully acknowledged, he says.

Being able to bridge such a broad range of emotions through a dialogue between food and art is a difficult thing to do, but it is one of this couples greatest gifts. The joy expressed at Honeysuckle is undeniable. That same pulp is used for the hot Cheetos dust that shimmers with spice atop the deep-fried chicken thighs that come sandwiched between a flaky biscuit at Sunday brunch, a welcome revival of one of the old cafes greatest hits.

The steady flow of new ideas here is as vibrant as ever. Silky pink curls of the outstanding house-cured country ham come bundled over crispy balls of cloud-like hush puppies dabbed with ham fat aioli and the tangy crunch of holy trinity relish. Honeysuckles rendition of seafood Alfredo, a fixture on soul food menus across the city, features ribbons of fresh fettuccine, a creamy sauce boosted by garlicky sofrito, and the luxury of a head-on prawn, lump crab, and a half lobster tail.

The barbecued sweet potato looks like a party; the big Beauregard is burnished red with molasses, orange juice, and spice, topped with the crunchy white bursts of tiny popped sorghum, and served over a tangy sweet potato-hoisin miso sauce. Then, suddenly, Tate appears from the kitchen with an off-menu surprise, a garlicky salami cured inside a corn husk, a technique he gleaned from the first-hand accounts of formerly enslaved cooks gathered by the Federal Writers Project in the late 1930s.

Such thought-provoking plates recall the UNTITLED. tasting menu series that St.Aude-Tate said was proof of concept they were capable of producing destination-worthy dinners, not just the excellent hoagies and black-eyed pea scrapple breakfast sandwiches the market became known for. But if those menus served to a handful of diners each night leaned into the experimental (i.e. the Clorindy beef tartare, darkened with squid ink as a metaphor for blackface), Tate likens this current project to Honeysuckles mainstream album, with so many seats to fill consistently that it must retain some measure of broad appeal.

The recently launched a la carte Sunday brunch, ranging from $13 to $26 a plate, offers a more affordable and easy introduction to the sunny new space in that spirit, with popular draws like that chicken biscuit, a fluffy omelet covered in tangy crawfish etouffee, and a butterflied whole fried porgy over eggs and buttery grits that redefines the classic Philly breakfast.

Honeysuckles knockout roast chicken for dinner was also created with that goal of more mainstream hits in mind. Its marinated for 36 hours in Haitian epis (a peppery green Caribbean spice blend) before being butter-roasted and served with charred collards dressed in a spicy candied lemon syrup. (It might have been even a home-grown chicken had a fox not devoured the entire flock of 50 birds they were raising on the five acres they are currently cultivating in Pipersville at Ploughshare Farms with farmer Teddy Moynihan.)

That chicken is also reflective of a greater-than-ever presence for Haitian flavors drawn from St.Aude-Tates family background. The contemporary update to Haitian spaghetti (dubbed $Pay4Haiti in a nod to rapper Mach-Hommy), made with fresh chestnut flour noodles in a punchy seafood gravy featuring crawfish boudin and West African-style X0 sauce, had a depth of fermented spice that still resonates in my mind.

Its no small feat to scale a cafe into a much larger operation with more than twice the staff and a more structured and formal style of dining, but the warm and enthusiastic front-house staff, led by Beach, Jalal, and manager Chelsea Martin, have made the new Honeysuckle feel like a naturally complete and welcoming experience.

If anything feels like a slight step back from the previous location, it would be the desserts, which were less compelling than the savory courses. The 7-Up cake with black lime preserves icing was the most satisfying choice, while a Champagne water ice floated tableside with a pour of bubbly was a festive finale. My favorite Honeysuckle sweet, though, came at brunch. The French toast looked completely normal, but, whoa. ... What sorcery transformed me into such a ravenous French toast-devouring beast? The pillowy shokupan bread soaked in Haitian rum custard? The foraged juneberries tumbling over a vanilla cloud of whipped sour cream? The deep amber sweetness of real maple syrup?

Everything [else] is a secret, Tate tells me, as if I needed any more reasons to keep coming back. The Honeysuckle journey continues to bloom in the most magnetic, original, and delightful ways possible.

Honeysuckle

631 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 215-307-3316; honeysucklephl.com

Dinner Wednesday and Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, until 11 p.m. Sunday brunch, 10 a.m.-4p.m.

Four-course prix fixe, $95. Brunch plates, $13-$26.

Wheelchair accessible.

Not ideal for gluten-free diners, but modifications can be made on many dishes.

Dinner highlights: daily harvest; hush puppies with country ham; Haitian spaghetti; epis roasted chicken; barbecue sweet potato; McDonalds Money burger; hot tamales. Brunch: chicken biscuit; fish and grits; crawfish omelette; French toast.

Drinks: The well-rounded beverage program features Haitian rums, natural wines, inventive house-ferments, and cocktails finely tuned to the Afrocentric theme showcasing Black producers and Caribbean ingredients.
The Temple Women & Families Hospital will open in the former Cancer Treatment Centers of America location at 1331 East Wyoming Ave. Read more

Temple Health is delaying plans to relocate its maternity labor and delivery services to a new womens hospital in Crescentville, about 20 minutes from the main Philadelphia campus, to do more staff training.

Doctors and nurses have raised safety concerns about eliminating labor and delivery at one of the citys busiest safety-net hospitals, where at least 2,000 babies are born a year.

Advertisement

Temple is also in the process of addressing minor recommendations from a Pennsylvania Department of Health inspection earlier this week. Administrators declined to say what inspectors flagged but said it was unrelated to the delayed opening.

Temple had planned to stop offering labor and delivery at its main campus on July 22 and transition those services to the new Temple Women & Families Hospital, located at the former Cancer Treatment Centers of America that it purchased for $12 million in 2021. The new facility will include a larger neonatal intensive care unit, radiology, mammography, and other womens health services.

The health system had begun sharing informational fliers in the community alerting people to the change, posted an alert on its website, and scheduled media tours of the state-of-the-art building.

On Wednesday, Temple announced it will delay the opening of the new hospital and transition labor and delivery to Sept. 3 to complete more training for staff. As of September, labor and delivery emergencies will still be handled at the main campus, which has a Level 1 trauma center.

We are committed to dedicating more time to practice simulations and education to everyone involved, and our decision to move the opening date to Wednesday, September 3rd was related to those additional training needs, Claire Raab, a Temple Health physician and chief executive of Temple Faculty Physicians, said in a statement. This additional time will ensure that every process is streamlined, efficient, and perfectly aligned for patient safety and optimal care.

Two nurses and a doctor who spoke with The Inquirer said they are concerned that emergency staff at the main campus wont know how to handle labor and delivery emergencies  such as a breech baby or a gunshot wound victim who goes into labor prematurely  without support from their specialized colleagues. Emergency staff remaining at the main campus said they did not receive enough training.

The fear is the unknown, and the liability that comes with the unknown, and the uncertainty of not having the expertise, said Maureen May, a longtime NICU nurse at Temple and president of PASNAP, which represents nurses and techs at Temples main campus.

May said the union has voiced its concerns to Temple leadership. She said she thinks delaying the opening will give Temple time to provide more training, including drills to practice specific potential emergencies.

A new state-of-the-art womens hospital

The new hospital will free up space at Temples crowded main campus, while dedicating more resources to maternal health. Maternal health has been a focus for Temple and Philadelphias other leading health systems in recent years, as they work to reduce maternal mortality rates, which are higher among Black patients than white.

Temple leaders sought feedback from the community about which maternity services are most needed, and worked with providers to plan the project.

In addition to labor and delivery services, the new facility will include a neonatal intensive care unit, family medicine, pediatrics, and a behavioral health unit dedicated to prenatal and postpartum anxiety and depression. The hospital will also have a community health worker program that works with patients for one year after their babys birth.

The goal is to ensure that our patients have access to the highest quality care in a patient-centered environment, and are able to achieve the best outcomes regardless of their social and economic circumstances, Temple Healths chief executive, Michael A. Young, said in a news release in 2021.

Its going to be great for the community, May, the nurse union leader, said this week. We want this to be successful.

Larger, more private rooms will mean patients can have more visitors, she said.

Extra space will also allow more babies to remain in the room with their mothers, which could be especially beneficial for newborns who are born addicted to opioids or other substances, May said. Research has found that babies in substance withdrawal improve faster and become healthy enough to go home sooner when they are in constant close contact with their mother, she said.

An on-site office for WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, will enable families to sign up for breastfeeding support and healthy food services before leaving the hospital.

Safety concerns

At the same time, May said, staff are concerned about the transition.

Many patients in Temples service area do not receive adequate prenatal care, which means the first time some receive medical care is when they turn up at the hospital in labor.

Currently, patients who arrive at the emergency department in labor are typically transferred to the labor and delivery floor.

After the stand-alone womens center opens, hospital staff are concerned about whether they will be able to care for patients who may continue to arrive at the hospital with a labor emergency, such as a breech baby, premature labor, a gunshot wound, or a brain bleed.

Temple has said it plans to continue treating such emergencies at its main campus, but declined to offer details about what specialized resources it planned to retain.

May recalled a woman who arrived at the emergency department unresponsive, and staff did not initially know she was pregnant until they scanned her abdomen.

When we have a mother who requires a higher level of care, minutes and seconds are life, May said.
Caption from the Saturday, July 15, 1916 Philadelphia Inquirer front page: The head of the man-eating monster, showing its massive jaws and teeth. Some idea of the size of the sharks head can be formed by a comparison of the heads of the men who are standing nearby. Read more

In the summer of 1975, an American classic ambushed moviegoers.

But before the fictional story of a killer shark terrorizing a sleepy beach town, there was the very real summer of 1916 at the Jersey Shore.

Advertisement

Five shark attacks in less than two weeks that left four people dead and one injured.

Before Jaws

At the turn of the last century, one fatal shark attack in New Jerseys stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, or anywhere else in the United States, would have made front-page news.

According to former Inquirer reporter Michael Capuzzos book Close to Shore: A True Story of Terror in an Age of Innocence, interactions with sharks were exceedingly rare. Tales of confrontations were mostly associated with fisherfolk and mariners.

For most Americans, great white sharks existed only in stories.

So when that shark attack happened in 1916 in Beach Haven, set on Long Beach Island in Ocean County, the country  let alone the state  was shocked.

That shock fueled a morbid inspiration, spawning Peter Benchleys 1974 novel Jaws and the subsequent Steven Spielberg blockbuster that defined the shark as an American monster.

The attacks

The first victim was a Philadelphian.

Charles Vansant was a 23-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate who waded into the Atlantics brine in Beach Haven on July 1, 1916.

He was playing with a dog in the surf when a shark latched onto his left thigh, and chewed through his femoral artery. Vansant bled to death as his physician father desperately administered care.

Five days later, a second attack took place about 54 miles north in Spring Lake, Monmouth County.

Charles Bruder, a 27-year-old hotel bellman, was swimming 100 yards from beach when a shark tore through his lower body, and ripped off both legs. Bruder died in a rescue boat as it scurried to the shore.

The next attacks happened July 12, oddly about 10 miles inland from the Atlantic in Matawan Creek, a small tidal inlet of Raritan Bay.

Lester Stillwell was swimming with his preteen friends, a group described by newspapers as the best kind of American boys, when the shark pounced. Stanley Fisher, a 24-year-old from Matawan, dove in to find the boy, and then the shark found Fisher, who was mauled as bystanders watched.

Both were killed.

The only surviving victim that summer was Joseph Dunn, 14, of New York City, who was hospitalized for months and rarely spoke of the attacks afterward.

An eight-foot juvenile great white shark was caught in Raritan Bay on July 14, 1916. Human remains were reportedly still in its stomach.

Hysteria spread, Capuzzo wrote of the attacks aftermath, afflicting the lowly and the mighty, as a single shark prevented people from entering the water.
The outside of the Penn Museum in Philadelphia, Pa., on Thursday Jan. 12, 2023. Read more

On Wednesday evening, a horn section serenaded families at Penn Museums live music happy hour. Just beyond the gates, roughly three dozen front desk workers at Penns museums, libraries, and archives picketed, demanding higher pay and other benefits, as some passersby voiced their support.

The union workers are part of Philadelphia Cultural Workers United, which includes the unions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Penn Museum, the Please Touch Museum, and the Schuylkill Center. They are represented by AFSCME District Council 47.

Advertisement

Penn Museum workers unionized in 2021 and had their last contract with the Ivy League school ratified in 2023. It expired at the end of June.

Among other benefits listed in the last contract was an hourly wage of $17.

The University of Pennsylvania is a wealthy Ivy League university, but Penn Museum Workers United members are working-class people, reads a statement posted on DC 47s social media last week.

At the end of fiscal year 2024, the endowment of the university, which funds the museum, grew to $22.3 billion, representing a 7.1% annual investment return for the year.

Like our AFSCME DC33 union siblings  we make an average salary of only $44-45k per year, the post reads, referring to the municipal workers strike that ended in its eighth day on Tuesday.

Penns current offer of annual raises? 1.5% and 2%, Is this some kind of joke, Penn?

Last week, Philly CWU members at Penn Museum voted to authorize a strike.

This strike authorization paves the way for Penn workers to join the 10,000 AFSCME33 workers currently on strike in Philadelphia  The working people of Philadelphia deserve more than the crumbs Mayor Parker and Penn are putting on the table, reads another statement shared last week on social media.

On Tuesday, union members were back in contract negotiations with Penn management, who refused to put more than 2.5% raises on the table, a union statement read.

Bargaining unit chief Halcyone Schiller called Penns proposals for a new deal unserious thus far.

Weve had very unproductive sessions where we sit together for six hours and actually speak face-to-face for, like, 15 minutes, Schiller, a conservationist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, said.

The impasse could run long enough to trigger a strike, Schiller said, without specifying a timeline.

At the time of publication, repeated calls and emails to Penns communications office went unanswered.

Its fair, you know, to protest for fair wages, said Emile Gunkel, who was attending the summer concert at the museum on Wednesday. He didnt want to disrespect the workers by buying a ticket.

The Penn Museum demonstrations come on the heels of the DC 33 weeklong strike that disrupted residential trash pickup and prompted headliners LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan to drop out of the Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July concert in solidarity.

World Cafe Live front-of-house and food service employees and production staff have also moved to unionize as they strike over what they call unfair treatment by the management team of new CEO Joseph Callahan.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency said Friday afternoon that 911 systems statewide were experiencing intermittent outages.

The cause of the problem was still under investigation.

Advertisement

At a Friday evening news conference, Randy Padfield, director of PEMA, said an issue was first detected around 2 p.m. with calls going into the Delaware County 911 system.

When problems were reported with other counties, a statewide phone alert was issued.

Padfield stressed that the problem was intermittent.

It seemed like a majority of the calls were being delivered. However, there were intermittent issues related to that, such as with location data for where the call was originating, Padfield said.

Padfield asked that the public first call 911 if they have an emergency, and then call alternate numbers if they cant get through.

He also asked for people not to test call 911.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a social media post that he had been briefed by PEMA on the situation.

We are on top of the issue and working to restore full service as quickly as possible. In the meantime  stay calm, follow the directions of PEMA and local authorities, and do not call 911 for any reason other than an emergency. Updates to follow," Shapiro said.

PEMA said in the phone alert shortly before 3:25 p.m. that Individuals experiencing issues contacting 911 are asked to contact their local 911 Center on their non-Emergency lines.

At 3:46 p.m., PEMA posted on social media: We are working with technical experts to resolve the issue and restore service as quickly as possible. Please only call 911 for true emergencies. Do not call just to check whether it is working.

PEMA added: If you cant get through and need emergency response, call your local 911 office directly. Find yours: http://readypa.info/psaps"

The Red Cross Philadelphia posted a list of numbers for Southeastern Pennsylvania that can be used for emergency calls if 911 is inaccessible.

For Bucks County, call 215-328-8500.

For Delaware County, call 610-891-5200.

For Montgomery County, call 610-635-4300.

For Philadelphia, call 215-686-8686 or 311.

The Chester County Department of Emergency Services asked residents having problems with emergency calls to call 610-436-4700.

Some local police departments also suggested residents can call the nonemergency numbers for those individual departments.

The Philadelphia Police Department urged residents to continue attempting to call 911 in the event of an emergency because some calls were still going through.

If you are unable to reach 911, please call your local Philadelphia Police District directly, the department said, offering a list of police district phone numbers.

As the intermittent issues continued after 7 p.m., the department issued a statement asking people not to call 911 or the district numbers to test the system.

We are experiencing a significant number of callers to those numbers stating that they wanted to check to see if its working, the department said.
A destroyed vehicle sits next to the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, on Wednesday after a flash flood swept through the area. Read more

The blame game began before the water receded from the horrific flood in Texas that killed at least 119 people and left at least another 173 still unaccounted for, including many children.

While there appears to be plenty of fault to go around, the finger-pointing misses the bigger tragedy: Donald Trumps continued denial of climate change helps to fuel death and destruction across the country.

Advertisement

The deluge of up to 15 inches of rain that caused the flood in Texas occurred the same day Trump signed his so-called Big Beautiful Bill, which gutted the federal governments main effort to combat climate change.

Trumps bill quickly ends tax credits for wind, solar power, and electric vehicles implemented by the Biden administration. Other tax credits to help homeowners perform energy audits, upgrade insulation, and buy electric pumps and more efficient water heaters were also terminated.

Meanwhile, Trumps bill includes incentives to expand production and use of coal, gas, and oil  all of which heat the planet and lead to more intense storms like the one that battered Texas.

Not to mention some of the other severe weather in recent days, including flash floods in New Mexico, a tropical depression in North Carolina, the months worth of rain that fell in 90 minutes in Chicago, or the storms that grounded flights in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York.

Beyond the loss of life, the storms have a financial cost. There were 27 weather and climate disasters last year that each caused more than $1 billion in damage. The total bill was nearly $200 billion, making it one of the most costly years ever for weather damage. The cost is expected to grow.

While Earth burns, Trump undermines American safety and preparedness.

Last month, Trump announced plans to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which for nearly 50 years has supported the nations disaster response and helped fund public infrastructure repairs.

The Trump administration dismissed hundreds of scientists who were working on a report about how climate change is affecting the country, and hired three climate deniers  despite the overwhelming consensus that burning fossil fuels contributes to a warming planet and poses an existential threat to civilization.

While Earth burns, Trump undermines American safety and preparedness.

Trumps actions on climate and other issues follow the same Project 2025 playbook he tried to distance himself from during last years election.

I have nothing to do with Project 2025, Trump said during a debate in September.

The majority of the public opposed Project 2025, yet many still voted for Trump. Now, Project 2025 coauthor Russell Vought is Trumps budget director and helped steer the Big Beautiful Bill through Congress.

Project 2025s fingerprints are all over the bill  and Trumps actions in his first six months in office. Gutting the federal workforce. Check. Tax cuts for the rich and exploding the deficit. Check. Mass deportations. Check.

Trump has followed through on other plans in Project 2025, including abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, ending diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, slashing funding for public broadcasting, withdrawing from the World Health Organization, and sending troops to the southern border.

Trump has also begun dismantling the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the agency that houses the National Weather Service, which alerts the public to hurricanes and other severe storms.

Despite staffing cuts to the weather service, the agency did issue flood warnings in Texas. But the warnings came when many people were asleep.

State and local decisions surrounding a lack of other warning systems may have contributed to the death toll. As did the reckless decision to build cabins in the flood zone, where many young campers perished.

What went wrong will likely get sorted out. But dont look to Trump to take the lead to prevent future calamities or combat climate change.

Thats because Trump never takes responsibility when things go wrong on his watch. If anything, he points the finger at others, regardless of the facts.

Trump blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom for deadly wildfires in California. He absurdly blamed diversity policies for a midair collision that killed 67 people over the Potomac River, and blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the war started by Russia.

So it was no surprise when the floods hit Texas, Trump initially attempted to blame former President Joe Biden.

But lost in the blame game is the lasting damage caused by Trumps tenure in the White House. Like the Texas flood, people will die, and the cleanup could take decades.
Vice President JD Vance speaks during a visit to the Wilshire Federal Building June 20 in Los Angeles. Read more

Vice President JD Vance will travel to West Pittston in Luzerne County Wednesday to celebrate the passage of President Donald Trumps big bill.

A Vance official told CNN that the visit is part of an administration-wide push to message all the incredible benefits to the American people the One Big Beautiful Bill is going to have.

Advertisement

Luzerne Countys rightward shift was crucial for Trumps 2024 win in Pennsylvania. In the months leading up to the election, the county flipped from majority-Democratic to majority-Republican registration.

The bills Medicaid cuts have become a political issue for U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, whose congressional district includes part of Luzerne County. Bresnahans 8th Congressional District is home to the most Medicaid recipients of any Republican-led district. After his first vote in support of the sweeping agenda bill, mailers were sent out to his constituents criticizing the move.

Gov. Josh Shapiros office has projected that 310,000 Pennsylvanians may lose Medicaid as a result of the Big Beautiful Bill.

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who represents Bucks County, was one of two Republicans to vote against the final bill.

Trump is also set to make an appearance in Pennsylvania next week at Tuesdays inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, organized by Sen. Dave McCormick (R., Pa.).
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departing the White House on Friday, July 11, 2025. Read more

WASHINGTON  The United States is selling weapons to its NATO allies in Europe so they can provide them to Ukraine as it struggles to fend off a recent escalation in Russias drone and missile attacks, President Donald Trump and his chief diplomat said.

Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%, Trump said in an interview with NBC News late Thursday. So what were doing is, the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons.

Advertisement

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that some of the U.S.-made weapons that Ukraine is seeking are deployed with NATO allies in Europe. Those weapons could be transferred to Ukraine, with European countries buying replacements from the U.S., he said.

Its a lot faster to move something, for example, from Germany to Ukraine than it is to order it from a (U.S.) factory and get it there, Rubio told reporters during a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ukraine badly needs more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to stop Russian ballistic and cruise missiles. The Trump administration has gone back and forth about providing more vital military aid to Ukraine more than three years into Russias invasion.

After a brief pause in some weapons shipments, Trump said he would keep sending defensive weapons to Ukraine. U.S. officials said this week that some were on their way.

Details still are being worked out on Trumps plan

NATO itself doesnt send weapons to Ukraine or otherwise own or handle arms  that is done by its 32 member nations  but it does coordinate the deliveries of weapons to a logistics hub in Poland, bordering Ukraine. The alliance itself ships items like medical supplies and fuel.

Allies continue to work to ensure that Ukraine has the support they need to defend themselves against Russias aggression, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said. This includes urgent efforts to procure key supplies from the United States, including air defense and ammunition.

Germany, Spain and other European countries possess Patriot missile systems, and some have placed orders for more, Rubio said.

The U.S. is encouraging its NATO allies to provide the defensive systems that Ukraine seeks  since they have them in their stocks, and then we can enter into financial agreements with them, with us, where they can purchase the replacements, Rubio said.

A senior NATO military official said Trump spoke to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte about the plan but noted that the details were still being worked out.

U.S. weapons already in Europe could be transferred to Ukraine under Trumps proposal, as could American-made weapons previously purchased by allies.

NATO has effective mechanisms in place to make something like this possible, the official said.

A senior European defense official said it was their understanding that European nations would purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine under the plan.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Ukraine is seeking more coveted Patriot air defense systems

Russia has recently sought to overwhelm Ukraines air defenses by launching major aerial attacks. This week, Russia fired more than 700 attack and decoy drones at Ukraine, topping previous barrages for the third time in two weeks.

Ukraine has asked other countries to supply it with an additional 10 Patriot systems and missiles, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday. Germany is ready to provide two systems, and Norway has agreed to supply one, he said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday that officials stand ready to acquire additional Patriot systems from the U.S. and make them available to Ukraine.

Asked how many Patriot systems Germany is interested in buying, Merz didnt give a number. But he said he spoke to Trump a week ago and asked him to deliver these systems.

In addition to the Patriots, the weaponry that could be sold to NATO members includes advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, shorter-range missiles and Howitzer rounds, according to a person familiar with the internal White House debate. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private discussions.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking more details.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who has been in touch with Trump in recent days, said its in U.S. national security interests to sell weapons to Ukraine, and Europe can pay for them.

We have the best weapons. They sure as hell know how to use them, Graham said in an AP interview in Rome while attending a meeting on the sidelines of a Ukraine recovery conference.

Allies purchasing U.S. weapons for Ukraine would get around a possible stalemate in funding for Kyiv once an aid package approved last year runs out. Even with broad support in Congress for backing Ukraine, its unclear if more funding would be approved.

Trumps evolving stance on Putin

Trumps efforts to facilitate Ukraines weapon supply come as he has signaled his displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At a Cabinet meeting this week, he said he was not happy with Putin over a conflict that was killing a lot of people on both sides.

Russias bigger army is pressing hard on parts of the 620-mile (1,000-kilometer) front line, where thousands of soldiers on both sides have died since the Kremlin ordered the invasion in February 2022.

Graham says Trump has given him the go-ahead to push forward with a bill hes co-sponsoring that calls, in part, for a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that continue to buy Russian oil. Trump said Tuesday that hes looking at it very strongly.

In the NBC News interview, Trump teased that he will make a major announcement on Russia next week.

The U.S. president also has had a tumultuous relationship with Zelenskyy, which reached a low point during an Oval Office blowup in February when Trump berated him for being disrespectful. The relationship has since shown signs of rebounding.

The two leaders spoke by phone last week about Ukraines air defenses. Zelenskyy said Thursday that talks with Trump have been very constructive.

Impact of the latest Russian attacks

In the latest attacks, a Russian drone barrage targeted the center of Kharkiv just before dawn Friday, injuring nine people and damaging a maternity hospital in Ukraines second-largest city, officials said.

There is no silence in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said. A daytime drone attack on the southern city of Odesa also injured nine.

Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, has endured repeated and intensifying drone attacks in recent weeks, as have many other regions of the country, mostly at night.

Zelenskyy urged Ukraines Western partners to quickly follow through on pledges they made at the international meeting in Rome on Thursday. Ukraine needs more interceptor drones to bring down Russian-made Shahed drones, he said.

Authorities said Friday that theyre establishing a comprehensive drone interception system under a project called Clear Sky. It includes a $6.2 million investment in interceptor drones, operator training and new mobile response units, the Kyiv Military Administration said.

We found a solution. ... Thats the key, Zelenskyy said. We need financing. And then, we will intercept.
Camden County Superior Court Judge Michael J. Kassel ruled on arguments in an election case Friday. Rena Margulis (from left), Susan Druckenbrod, head of South Jersey Progressive Democrats, Kate Delany, and candidate David Stahl, attorney for Progressive party, Yael Bromberg, Joseph Bouvier,an "interested party connected to the progressives," attorney Michael Miles and lead attorney Bill Tambussi. Read more

A judge ruled on Friday in favor of the Camden County Democratic Committee Inc. (CCDC) in its lawsuit to alter the outcome of a primary election won by an upstart group of progressive Democrats last month.

Camden County Superior Court Judge Michael Kassels ruling, issued after a three-hour hearing, will be appealed, an attorney for the defendants said.

Advertisement

The order upends what had seemed to be a straightforward election win for the South Jersey Progressive Democrats on June 10 in the opinion of election experts and academics whod studied the results.

That outcome would have given progressives the right to send representatives from Cherry Hill to the Camden County party committee, whose job is to endorse candidates for office. Now, its not clear what will happen. An appeal of Fridays ruling must be made within 45 days.

Speaking for the CCDC, attorney William Tambussi said that the organization and its chair are pleased with the result. We believe its well reasoned and provides an opportunity to work with the three people who got the most votes, if theyre willing to do so.

On election day, three progressive candidates beat a group of 74 candidates from the CCDC, which has long controlled county elections with the backing of George E. Norcross III. Election rules in the county dictate that Cherry Hill gets to send 74 representatives to be part of the county committee, which totals 522 members.

The ballot, which itself was a subject of controversy earlier in the election process, instructed voters to choose just one of the two listed slates of candidates. In an upset, voters on June 10 responded by awarding the progressives 62% of the ballots cast.

The CCDC, which has kept progressives out of power in the county since the fledgling group was formed in 2017, then filed a lawsuit against the progressive trio  David Stahl, Rena Margulis, and Susan Druckenbrod.

CCDC chairman James Beach, who represents the county in the New Jersey Senate, was also part of the lawsuit. And New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin filed an amicus brief on behalf of the progressives earlier this week.

Despite the progressives election win of around 5,000 to 3,000 voters, Kassel said Friday, It isnt all that complicated. Its a tie vote.

That finding, which had been posited by the CCDC, caused a stir among around 30 progressive supporters in the courtroom who murmured their protests.

But, Kate Delany, the leader of the progressive party, said after the hearing, we expected this, because this is Camden County and everyone is politically connected to the Norcross machine.

But lets be honest, this election was obviously not a tie.

Kassel acknowledged that voters had indeed chosen Stahl, Margulis, and Druckenbrod over all the other candidates. But, he said, the three ran without 71 others to fill out the full complement of committee members.

No statute compels them to do so, progressives attorney Yael Bromberg said.

Still, Kassel said that after the trio of progressives, voters had cast their ballots for the 74 CCDC candidates, and that the final group that Cherry Hill can send to the county committee would include the three top vote getters, plus 71 of the 74 CCDC group.

This makes no sense, Delany said. The progressives won and the CCDC lost. You dont have the winners combine with the losers in an election. One slate wins, the other loses.

Delany and other progressives in the courtroom complained after the hearing that while Kassel allowed Tambussi to present his arguments without interruption, the judge interrupted Bromberg more than two dozen times with questions, interjections, and opposing opinions.

At one point, Kassel admonished himself for the intrusions: Its a very bad habit of mine, he said, before interrupting Bromberg once more.

The days proceedings were notable for the prominence of some of the participants.

Tambussi, a well-known trial and appellate practice attorney, was indicted along with Norcross for racketeering charges that were later dismissed.

Platkin, who brought the indictment, was criticized by the plaintiffs for not showing up in court Friday to support his brief on the progressives behalf.

Finally, Bromberg, a professor of election law at American University Washington College of Law, was a member of the successful legal team in now-Sen. Andy Kims lawsuit last year helping to bring about the eventual end of the county line. Delany credits the lines demise for the progressives primary win.

The ballot configuration grouped together party-endorsed candidates and put outsiders not supported by their county political establishment at a disadvantage by listing them in less prominent positions on the ballot.
At right is Yael Bromberg attorney for Progressive Party. Camden County Superior Court Judge, Michael J. Kassel (not shown) ruled today on arguments regarding recent election results, Camden County Superior Court, Hall of Justice, Camden, Friday, July 11, 2025. From left are progressive party election winners, Rena Margulis, Susan Druckenbrod, Head of South Jersey Progressive Democrats , Kate Delany, and candidate David Stahl. Read more

In a surprising upset last month, three progressive Democrats won the primary election to send representatives from Cherry Hill to the Camden County party committee, whose job is to endorse candidates for office.

The progressives beat a slate of 74 candidates from the Camden County Democratic Committee Inc (CCDC), the organization that has long controlled county elections with the backing of George E. Norcross III.

Advertisement

The CCDC along with its chairman, James Beach, who represents the county in the New Jersey Senate, sued to alter the outcome of the election.

On Friday, a judge ruled in their favor.

Camden County Superior Court Judge Michael Kassels ruling, issued after a three-hour hearing, will be appealed, an attorney for the defendants said.

Prior to the hearing, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin filed an amicus brief on behalf of the progressives, a move that Beach criticized as a political distraction.

But while Platkin and Beach are known political figures in the state, the Cherry Hill progressives are less familiar names.

For 31 days, the progressive trio  David Stahl, Rena Margulis, and Susan Druckenbrod  have enjoyed the status of being election winners, but not the authority that accompanies it.

They say they have weathered the unexpected pause well, each acknowledging they never figured they would win anyway.

From disparate backgrounds, the three wound up living in proximity on the west side of Cherry Hill, where their kindred political spirits moved them to join the South Jersey Progressive Democrats, formed in 2017.

The three say they fought the Democratic machine that has run Camden County for years, trying and failing to get committee seats until their unlikely June 10 win. They were interested in greater transparency in Democratic politics, and a more open election process, they said.

I think their  [victory] is a testament to the power of perseverance, said Kate Delany, leader of the county progressives. They  care about their town,  our county, and the future of the Democratic Party.

Delany added that politics are so tough in Camden County that Democrats dont need Republicans to torment: They struggle enough with their own.

She said the members of the slate bring varying skills to their new roles.

One of the trio is a trained actor whose child battles an ultrarare disease. Another is a Stanford University MBA who left the world of finance to become a massage therapist. A third is an ESL (English as a second language) teacher who heeded former President Barack Obamas call to run for office if you dont like how the country is being managed.

Here are their stories.

David Stahl

With a degree in theater from Temple University, David Stahl, 42, who grew up in Westville, Gloucester County, thought much of his life would be conducted onstage.

After he married and bought a house in South Philadelphia with his wife, Jessica, though, Stahl needed to supplement his acting career by working in restaurants and even as a so-called standardized patient  a person trained to accurately portray a hospital patient for teaching and evaluating purposes.

Backing further away from the actors life, Stahl earned a masters degree at Temples Fox School of Business in analytics for advanced skills in data processing, analysis, and interpretation.

Now living in Cherry Hills Kingston neighborhood, he and his wife have two children: a daughter, 10, and a son, 8. Stahl asked that his childrens names not be used.

A lot of family life focuses on Stahls son, who suffers from Myhre syndrome, a genetic disorder that is so rare, just 200 people in the world are known to have it, Stahl said. Common characteristics of the disease include short stature, autism, fibrosis, problems with the heart and lungs, and developmental delays.

We want him to have the best life he can, Stahl said. Hes smart and funny, with a huge personality.

Stahls daughter agrees. My brother is a very special and talented kid, she wrote in a school essay. I am very proud of him the way he is.

Despite the challenges at home, Stahl decided to enter politics because he wanted more sunshine in the electoral process.

For so long, county politics have been conducted out of sight, in proverbial smoke-filled rooms, he said. To my mind, thats not the way you govern.

Rena Margulis

Rena Margulis, 67, of Cherry Hills Cooper Park Village, grew up in Burnt Hills, a suburb of Schenectady, N.Y., before taking on numerous intellectual pursuits throughout her life.

Between her junior and senior years at Smith College, where she majored in chemistry, Margulis got a job at Eastman Kodak, famous for producing cameras and film. There, she worked in a lab whose goal was to enhance pictures by improving the chemicals in photographic paper.

Upon graduation, Margulis worked on energy policy analysis for a consulting firm in Washington. She went on to Stanford for a business degree, which led to a financial analysis job in Menlo Park.

Years of stressful toil brought on repetitive stress injury, which Margulis thought would prevent her from performing any task that required a computer.

At that point, she pivoted dramatically, becoming a licensed massage and bodywork therapist. I always enjoyed massage, Margulis said, specifically helping someone in pain get out of it.

Her longtime interest in social justice never far from her heart, Margulis has done volunteer work for Amnesty International, a global human rights movement, over the years.

That involvement is what underlies my political activism, she said. I met real heroes, people whod been imprisoned for speaking up.

People are too afraid of speaking up because of what the Norcross machine or Donald Trump might do to them. But Im not, because I got to know people who went through so much for their beliefs, and survived.

Susan Druckenbrod

With a political science degree from the University of Connecticut, Susan Druckenbrod wasnt sure where she would make her mark in the world.

Born in Meriden, Conn., Druckenbrod, 60, of Erlton North in Cherry Hill, decided to turn her love of learning into a job teaching. She earned a masters degree in teaching from Merrywood University in Scranton and became an ESL educator.

She has worked in an adult education program at the Center City YMCA, and has taught ESL to students from kindergarten through 12th grade in various South Jersey school districts. Druckenbrod, whose 17-year-old son is a rising senior at Cherry Hill High School West, has also spent time as a stay-at-home mother.

Disillusioned with Trump during his first term, Druckenbrod threw herself into politics, inspired by Obamas call to action. She said she found the CCDC too insular and decided to join the progressives.

They remind me more of FDR [President Franklin D. Roosevelt], helping all kinds of people, than of todays Democratic Party, which is so reliant on corporations, Druckenbrod said.

She ran unsuccessfully for the county committee in 2017 and 2019.

But now she and her two partners say they cant wait to get to work.

The trio of Dave, Rena, and Susan began in Cherry Hill, Delany said. So its fitting that we are all making waves in the place where our grassroots group began.
A striking municipal worker protests during Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers speech at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Independence Mall, Philadelphia. Read more

After more than a week on strike and several stalled negotiation sessions, leaders of Philadelphias largest municipal union came to an agreement with the city this week, returning roughly 9,000 workers to the job.

The contract is retroactive to July 1 but takes effect only after members of District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees ratify the deal. A union spokesperson told The Inquirer on Thursday that the ratification vote would begin early next week at DC 33 headquarters in West Philadelphia and stretch over multiple days. Results of the vote, conducted via paper ballot, could take weeks to finalize, the spokesperson said.

Advertisement

 READ MORE: After eight days on strike, DC 33 members will vote on a new contract with the city next week

The unions executive board voted 21-5 to accept the agreement, DC 33 president Greg Boulware wrote in a letter to members released publicly Thursday.

DC 33 also released the term sheet for the tentative agreement, which outlines the various elements of the contract that would go into effect if union members  who include trash collectors, 911 dispatchers, water treatment plant workers, and others  vote to ratify it. A spokesperson for Mayor Cherelle L. Parker did not respond to questions about the tentative term agreement shared by DC 33.

This wasnt about settling  it was about setting a standard, Boulware wrote in his letter. And were proud to have fought for you and alongside you.

Here is a rundown of the term sheet conditions on contentious issues such as wages, healthcare, and leave.

Wages and bonuses

Wages, the main sticking point during negotiations, are slated to increase 3% annually in each year of the three-year agreement. The first increase would come on the day employees begin to return to work, with raises on July 1 in subsequent years, and would apply to all pay ranges.

In addition, the agreement will create a fifth pay-scale step, as well as a third pay-scale step for school crossing guards in the union. Boulware said in his letter that the fifth pay step would be added in years two and three of employment with the union, and would result in a 5% total increase in pay for many members when combined with the 3% raise provided in the agreement.

Certain DC 33 members employed in the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office and in aviation shops will also see other increases, according to the term sheet.

Alongside the raises, the tentative contract includes a one-time bonus for full-time employees of $1,500, before taxes. Part-time workers and crossing guards will receive a prorated bonus.

At the onset of the strike, the union insisted on 5% annual raises for its members, while Parkers offer included raises of 2.75%, 3%, and 3%, plus the addition of the fifth pay-scale step.

Healthcare

Healthcare was another point of contention during contract talks, with Parkers administration initially proposing a restructuring of the current program that would have seen the city pay for the cost of claims, rather than pay a flat rate into the unions fund. But according to the term sheet, the city will continue to pay $1,500 per employee monthly into the fund, as it does currently.

The city, however, will not make payments for the five-week period from July 1 to Aug. 5 under the tentative agreement.

DC 33 leaders originally sought to have the citys monthly payments increase to $1,700 per employee per month. The term sheet notes that the city will work with the union to hire an outside consultant to determine any increase in monthly contributions to the fund. An increase, the term sheet states, will come only if that consultant finds that the fund falls below a six-month reserve and will remain below that reserve between July 1, 2027, and June 29, 2028, and that an increase in contributions would resolve it.

If that happens, the city could make lump sum payments or increase monthly contributions. The agreement also requires the union to work with the city to identify cost containment strategies and conduct an audit through a third party to confirm the eligibility of covered employees.

The fund remains under DC 33s stewardship  ensuring reliable, quality healthcare for our members and their families, Boulware wrote. Members wont pay premiums, wont face rising healthcare costs, and wont be penalized with extra charges for lifestyle or pre-existing conditions.

Sick and bereavement leave

The new tentative contract also makes changes to sick and bereavement leave policies for members.

Among the changes, Boulware noted in his letter to members, is an increase in the number of uncertified sick days employees could take before being placed on an excessive sick leave list, moving from five to six days in any 12-month period. Employees will receive a warning after taking three uncertified sick days.

Additionally, the city agreed to remove a previous restriction regarding the number of sick days members could use for the care of sick or disabled dependents in their household.

Funeral leave has also been reclassified as Funeral/Bereavement Leave under the tentative contract, and allows greater flexibility for employees to mourn during times of loss, Boulware noted in his letter to members. According to the term sheet, employees will be able to take four days of leave in the event of the death of a close family member, such as a spouse, a child, a parent, or an in-law. Deaths of certain other family members warrant one day of leave.
Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO president Danny Bauder, who was elected in 2022, went into office with the goal of making the local labor movement more united.

My role is to help us see the bigger picture, help us see the need for greater solidarity, especially with whats happening in Washington, said Bauder, whose organization is a sprawling and politically powerful federation of labor groups.

Advertisement

The first major city workers strike in four decades  an eight-day work stoppage by District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees  seemed like an ideal rallying cry for Bauders vision.

Instead, it showed why unity is so hard to achieve. While many unions came to DC 33s aid, the strike also exposed fault lines in organized labor as the community braces for potential forthcoming disputes involving Philadelphia schoolteachers and SEPTA workers.

During the DC 33 ordeal  in which members of the citys largest and lowest-paid collective bargaining unit walked off the job, stalling services for more than a week in demand of higher wages  Philadelphia unions found themselves in the difficult position of having to choose between supporting the roughly 9,000 blue-collar municipal workers on strike and maintaining relationships with their employer, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.

The two sides came to a tentative contract agreement early Wednesday in which Parker largely got what she wanted by keeping raises at 3% per year, rather than the 5% increases the union sought.

But tensions remain high in labor circles about the preceding weeks events, particularly over work that some members of the building trades unions did to help the Parker administration maintain normalcy during the work stoppage by helping to set up and produce the Wawa Welcome America concert on July Fourth.

The laborers and the stagehands worked the Wawa Welcome America, said Teamsters Local 107 president Bill Hamilton, adding that his union was asked to work the event but refused to cross DC 33s picket line. If employers think that they can utilize one union and not another, theres no reason for unions.  Its a mistake that they crossed the line, and I think it has a lot to do with politics.

Ryan Boyer, who leads the Laborers District Council and the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, a coalition of about 30 unions, did not respond to numerous requests for comment.

Leaders of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8 also did not respond to requests for comment.

Bauder said he was proud that many local labor groups backed the strike. But he said the AFL-CIO, which includes the trades and AFSCME, is investigating assertions that union members performed tasks that otherwise would have been done by striking DC 33 members.

If theres a need for conversations after everything is settled and the smoke clears, well have them, he said, adding that the allegations of scabbing are definitely something Im worried about.

One complicating factor is that Parker, who was elected in 2023 with union backing and has a long record of working with organized labor as a legislator, was never an ideal villain for unions in the strike.

Were met with this huge challenge of a contract dispute that turns into a strike with the administration  an administration thats popular and had a lot of labor support in their election and has done some good labor things in office, Bauder said. So this is not a Michael Nutter character who was, by the time he left office, pretty universally disliked by the labor community, he added, referring to the former mayor who clashed with municipal unions for most of his tenure.

Boyer, in particular, was arguably the most important supporter of Parkers victory in the mayors race. During the stoppage, Boyer said he did not believe supporting the mayor he helped elect and the thousands of city workers on strike was a mutually exclusive choice.

We want them to get a fair contract, and we know the mayor will do whats best, Boyer said.

He also aggressively criticized DC 33 supporters who attacked Parker personally and who posted her address online to encourage people to drop trash off at her house.

Another union caught in the middle was Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, which also played a key role in Parkers mayoral win.

During the strike, the SEIU Pennsylvania State Council, which includes 32BJ and other unions, issued a statement saying its members stand with AFSCME DC 33 public sector workers who are on strike for a fair contract, living wages, and retirement security. But Local 32BJ leaders conspicuously declined to comment during the walkout.

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, which is currently in contract negotiations with the school district, declined to comment on specific allegations of scabbing during the 33 strike at this time.

But union president Arthur G. Steinberg said that scabbing is deplorable, traitorous conduct, and cannot be tolerated by organized labor for one second.

At a time when workers hard-fought right to organize is under direct fire from the highest office in the country, labor should be standing shoulder to shoulder to withstand any and all attacks on our very existence, Steinberg said in a statement.

Our guys would not cross the line

The Wawa Welcome America concert on July Fourth became a flashpoint during the strike after headliners LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan canceled their performances in solidarity with the striking workers.

The show went on  with some help from unions.

Before the concert, the citys managing directors office sent an email, obtained by The Inquirer, to about 80 nonunion city employees asking if any were willing to do physical labor (ability to lift up to 50 lbs)  to help set up bike racks on the parkway for the 4th of July celebration.

Another email went out the next morning asking if any of the nonunion workers had a CDL or a Forklift Certification.

The city ultimately could not find the needed help within its own ranks and turned to Elliott-Lewis, a private contractor that frequently works with the city.

Elliott-Lewis did not respond to a request for comment.

Hamilton said the Teamsters were asked to work under the Elliott-Lewis contract, driving forklifts during preparations for the concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Our guys would not cross the line, Hamilton said. But workers from the laborers union did, he said.

Although the Teamsters declined to participate, Hamilton said, Boyer arranged for them to be paid anyway.

He said he would get our dozen people paid, Hamilton said. He stuck to his word.

During the concert, a video technician told The Inquirer he was an IATSE member.

Hamilton said its possible the laborers and stagehands contracts with Elliott-Lewis prevented them from refusing to work the event. But if that was the case, he said, its no accident.

They dont put the proper language in their contract, Hamilton said. Weve mandated language in our contracts.

As for Parker, who unabashedly leaned on private contractors during the strike and took a combative approach to DC 33 leadership in public news conferences, Hamilton said the mayor should be ashamed of her actions and her words during this strike.

She doesnt have any friends on my side of labor, I can tell you that, he said.

A Parker spokesperson declined to respond to Hamiltons comments.

During a Wednesday news conference following the end of the strike, Parker acknowledged that moving past the ordeal would require rebuilding relationships.

You cant get through something as intense as this and not have to go through healing time, Parker said, adding that she remains unapologetically pro-labor, pro-union, pro-worker.

For Bauder, the primary task in the wake of the strike is the same as it was before: uniting the Philly labor community.

The mayor did talk a lot about healing and there being time for it, he said. I think that theres an opportunity for all of us to have a little bit of reflection right now.

Staff writer Jake Blumgart contributed to this article.
Weather Alert

Take action to protect yourself and others  extreme heat can affect everyones health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day. Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body. Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside. Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park. Follow the advice of your regions public health authority. Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind. A prolonged period of near heat warning levels continues. What: Daytime highs of 29 to 32 degrees Celsius and a humidex of 35 to 40. Overnight lows of 19 to 23 degrees Celsius, providing little relief from the heat. When: Continuing possibly till Thursday. Additional information: This week southern Ontario will experience hot and humid conditions. The temperatures and humidex will meet or be extremely close to heat warning criteria, with the hottest day being Saturday. A shift in the weather pattern on Thursday will likely end this multi-day period of heat and humidity. ### For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/how-protect-yourself.html https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/who-is-at-risk.html Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.
CGU congratulates Charles as this years WA Broker of the Year state winner. The commitment of Charles to go above and beyond for his clients is why CGU is proud to partner with NIBA for the Broker of the Year award, he said.
Details of conviction and penalties

Prasad was sentenced on Nov. 28, 2024, to 16 months imprisonment, to be served through intensive correction in the community. The court also ordered him to pay $8,175.25 in compensation and an $8,000 fine, amounting to $16,175.25 in total.
We are warning Australians about the risks of engaging with these four websites specifically, which we allege are not based in Melbourne, Adelaide, or Double Bay, nor are they imminently closing down, said ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe.
Seafarers and long-term risk

Khanna also voiced concern over the human cost of the violence and its effect on workforce morale and recruitment. It is absolutely appalling to see seafarer casualties in any of this, because these are people who are earning their daily wages And we've seen loss of life now repeatedly over the years, and this is certainly not acceptable from any standpoint, he said.
Its a small circle. Only a limited number of carriers in the US offer equine mortality programs, and just a few dominate market share. Most companies will only take a $2 million line on any one animal, Collier said. So, for horses worth $5 million, $10 million, or more, that risk needs to be split across multiple insurers. Were all friendly competitors in that space.
The Gateway Re 2025-3 transaction is the eleventh installment in the series, which began in 2018. Over time, the series has become a central part of SageSures catastrophe risk financing strategy.
The decision issued July 9, 2025, by the Third District Court of Appeal, centers on a commercial general liability (CGL) policy held by T & G Locksmith Corp. and related parties. Granada had sued the locksmith business in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court, seeking a judicial declaration that there was no coverage for a motor vehicle accident. However, the locksmiths never filed a claim or asked for coverage. In fact, they explicitly stated, both in a motion to dismiss and in legal responses, that the policy didnt apply to the accident.
But Chubb and National Union wanted out sooner. In late June, they asked the court to either allow a partial final judgment or approve an interlocutory appeal. Chubb argued that, based on the courts earlier findings, its policies - along with those issued by Aspen and American Guarantee - could no longer be triggered by future RNPS claims. Chubb also noted it had already spent more than $100 million defending Mattel and sought to cut its losses.
Maureen Wilson received a four-year sentence after being convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, two counts of filing false tax returns, and one count each of conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering.
Brown, as reported by Best Wire, said his office is monitoring whether such actions violate state insurance law, which bars insurers from restricting coverage based on geographic risk unless the specific threat has substantially increased. He warned that the office would pursue enforcement if companies are found to be out of compliance.
Rosenberg & Parker (R&P), headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania, named three new partners who join CEO Matt Rosenberg and Sr. Partner Chad Rosenberg as owners.

New partner President Jack Rosenberg joined R&P as a producer in 2018 after beginning his career at Susquehanna International Group. In 2021, Rosenberg was named the director of advisory and production in 2021 and president in 2025.

Director of Advisory and Productions and Energy Practice Leader James DiSciullo joined R&P as a producer in 2019 from Exelon. He was named vice president, energy practice leader, in 2022 and promoted to director of advisor and production in 2025.

Financial Sponsors Practice Leader Harry G. Rosenberg joined R&P as a producer in 2021 following five years at The Blackstone Group on the capital markets team for the private equity and energy groups. In 2023, he was promoted to vice president, financial sponsors practice leader.
The Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is reincorporating its business from Delaware to Nevada and calling for its portfolio companies to do the same  citing concerns over bias in the state against founders and their boards.

The firm said on Wednesday the decision was driven by growing unease with Delawares Court of Chancery, which it accused of injecting an unprecedented level of subjectivity into judicial decisions. In a blog post, legal and policy leaders from Andreessen Horowitz argued that recent rulings have undermined the business protections in the state that historically helped make Delaware the default choice for tech companies.

Some startups hesitate to leave Delaware based in part on concerns for how investors will react, wrote Jai Ramaswamy, Andy Hill and Kevin McKinley in the blog post. As the largest VC firm in the country, we hope our decision signals to our portfolio companies, as well as to prospective portfolio companies, that such concerns may be overblown.

The firms decision reflects growing frustration among Silicon Valley figures over Delaware and its Chancery Court. Elon Musk in particular has publicly slammed the state after a judge blocked his roughly $56 billion pay package, the largest ever awarded to a US executive.

Musk responded by reincorporating Tesla Inc. in Texas in June, which recently launched a business court system. He has also incorporated other of his businesses in Nevada. Musk has been joined by other major companies making the move, including Dropbox Inc., TripAdvisor and Bill Ackmans Pershing Square Capital Management. Meta Platforms Inc. considered a similar transition, Bloomberg reported in January

Read More: Musks War on Delaware Spurs Bill to Hang On to Businesses

Delaware has been the countrys incorporation hotspot for nearly 100 years. More recently, Nevada and Texas have begun to cut into that advantage by offering corporate statutes that give directors more investor-lawsuit protections, and corporate titans like Musk more say in organizing and running their companies. At the same time, critics have said the states are sparking a so-called race to the bottom in terms of corporate-governance restrictions.

Business incorporation fees are critical to Delawares economy: They generate more than a quarter of the states $6 billion annual budget. Delaware has responded to recent departures with legislative reform efforts aimed at stopping the exodus.

Andreessen Horowitz has been incorporated in Delaware since its founding in 2009. The firm previously recommended its startups do the same. The majority of US companies remain incorporated in the state  Delaware houses over 2 million businesses and more than 60% of the Fortune 500.

We could have made this move quietly, but we think its important for our stakeholders, and for the broader tech and VC communities, to understand why weve reached this decision, the firm wrote in the post.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics InsurTech
Philadelphia-based law firm Dechert said on Thursday that a pair of U.S. lawsuits accusing it of using hired hackers to win in court have been resolved without any admission of liability.

Dechert and others, including U.S. public relations operatives and a private investigator, were sued in federal court in Manhattan in 2022 by aviation executive Farhad Azima, who accused them of organizing the hack and leak of his emails.

A related suit in North Carolina filed against another private investigator, Nicholas Del Rosso, made similar claims.

Dechert had already settled with Azima last year, but the proceedings against other parties, including Israeli private investigator Amit Forlit, lawyer Amir Handjani, and New York public relations firm Karv Communications, were still ongoing.

Legal filings show motions to dismiss the New York and North Carolina lawsuits with prejudice were made late on Wednesday.

In a statement, Azima said: I am thrilled and feel vindicated by the outcome.

Neither Dechert nor Azima nor the other parties answered questions about how precisely the suits had been resolved, whether there had been a fresh settlement, and, if so, what its terms were.

Dechert, Handjani, Karv, and Karvs president, Andrew Frank, issued identical statements saying in part: The defendants and Mr. Azima have now resolved all claims without admission of liability.

Representatives for Del Rosso and Forlit did not return messages.

Azima was originally found liable for fraud by a London court in 2020 in connection with his dealings with a Middle Eastern investment fund, a case that drew heavily on private emails that had been mysteriously leaked on the internet ahead of trial.

Following a Reuters investigation into how Indian hackers regularly stole emails to sway court cases, Azima accused Dechert, the funds then-law firm, of being a party to the leak.

He subsequently got his UK judgments thrown out.

Forlit, the Israeli private eye accused by Azima of being a key member of the plot against him, is currently fighting extradition to the U.S. on separate cybercrime charges. He has previously denied hacking.

(Reporting by Raphael Satter; Editing by Jamie Freed)

Topics Cyber Claims Liability
States have secured about $720 million in settlements from eight pharmaceutical companies accused of fueling the opioid epidemic. The settlement was achieved as part of a nationwide collaborative effort by state attorneys general.

Individual states ultimate shares of the $720 million opioid settlement will vary based on factors including the impact of the opioid crisis within each state and how many states decide to participate in the settlement. Payments could begin in 2026. Current estimates of what some Northeast states may receive include :

New York $38.7 million

Pennsylvania $28 million

Maryland $24.5 million

New Jersey $19.8

Massachusetts $17 million

Virginia $16.4 million

Connecticut $8.4 million

New Hampshire $4.5 million

Rhode island $3 million

Vermont $1.8 million

The eight defendant companies and the amounts they will pay are:

Mylan (now part of Viatris) will pay $284,447,916 over nine years;

Hikma will pay $95,818,293 over one to four years;

Amneal will pay $71,751,010 over 10 years;

Apotex will pay $63,682,369 in a single year;

Indivior will pay $38,022,450 over four years;

Sun will pay $30,992,087 in one to four years;

Alvogen will pay $18,680,162 in a single year; and

Zydus will pay $14,859,220 in a single year

The eight companies will also provide $14 million in additional funding and Mylan, Hikma, Amneal, and Indivior will provide opioid addiction treatment medications or cash in lieu of this product to participating states valued at approximately $86 million.

Also under the agreement, all of the companies besides Indivior will be prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products and making or selling any product that contains more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill. They must also put in place a monitoring and reporting system for suspicious orders. Indivior has said it will not manufacture or sell opioid products for the next 10 years, but it will be able to continue marketing and selling medications to treat opioid addiction.

The settlements were negotiated by North Carolina, California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.

The funds are intended to deliver critical resources to communities throughout the nation to combat the ongoing opioid crisis.

Years ago, pharmaceutical companies exploited Virginians, treating them like test subjects while pushing dangerous, addictive drugs into our communities while lining their pockets, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said in a statement.

For years, drug companies prioritized profits at the expense of struggling New Yorkers who became trapped in deadly opioid addictions, said New York Attorney General Letitia James. While communities throughout our state continue to suffer from the opioid crisis, these resources will help us begin to heal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), while there has been some progress in fighting the opioid epidemic, it is far from over. Preliminary CDC data released in May showed there were an estimated 80,391 drug overdose deaths nationwide in 2024, a nearly 27% decrease from 2023. That downward trend is expected to continue.

However, some states are still dealing with high rates of opioid prescribing and overdose deaths, and still others have reported increases recently.

The CDC cites continued public education, changes in opioid prescribing practices and greater access to the medication Naloxone that reverses opioid overdose as among the factors contributing to progress against the epidemic. However, the CDC has warned about illegal fentanyl and counterfeit pills containing dangerous substances as playing a increased role in the overdose deaths.
Montse Aguilar was a healthy 51-year-old woman when she started her shift cleaning streets in Barcelona at around 2:30 p.m. on June 28. The Spanish city was under alert for high temperatures amid a brutal heat wave that brought record temperatures for that time of the year across the country. She was responsible for sweeping one of the hottest, dirtiest and more touristic areas  the Raval district.

At the end of the shift, at around 9:30 p.m., she walked back home and asked her elderly mother to prepare dinner because she wasnt feeling well. She also messaged a friend and told him she felt cramps in her arms, chest and neck, her brother-in-law Manuel Ceacero told Bloomberg Green.

Some time before 11 p.m., Aguilar dropped dead in her apartment.

She had called my wife that afternoon saying it was impossible to work with those levels of heat, Ceacero said. She was assigned the area around the cathedral, where streets are really narrow and hot, the stench made the air unbreathable, she wore plastic clothes and carried a heavy basket and a broom  it was inhuman.

People who work outside are among the most exposed to dangerous levels of heat and European countries are moving fast to protect them. Spain and Greece already limit work outside on hot days, while France and some Italian regions passed similar legislation this year. Yet even some of the worlds most advanced regulations are not enough, and the problem is getting worse as climate change makes heat waves more frequent and intense.

On Wednesday, scientists released a first-of-its-kind rapid attribution study linking recent deaths in Europe to climate change-driven extreme heat, which killed an estimated 2,300 people in 12 European cities, including Barcelona, between June 23 and July 2. The research, led by a team at the Imperial College in London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, found climate change made Europes recent heat wave three times more fatal, with more people dying during the event than during floods in Valencia in 2024 and in northwestern Europe in 2021.

These numbers represent real people who have lost their lives in the last days due to the extreme heat, said Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at the Imperial College and a co-author of the report. Heat deaths can increase rapidly when temperatures reach certain thresholds that push vulnerable people to the limit  an increase in heat wave temperature of just 2 or 4 degrees can mean the difference between life and death for thousands of people.

In Spain, Aguilars death sparked an outcry. The Barcelona city hall toughened heat protocols, including forcing workers to take five-minute breaks to hydrate every hour during heat waves. Authorities also launched an investigation into FCC SA, the company Aguilar worked for and one of four contracting companies performing street cleaning services for the city. FCC declined a request for comment.

The protocol was perverse because it left all the responsibility to workers  it was them who decided whether they drank water one, or a hundred times, said Lluis Lampurlanes, a secretary of urban cleaning services at UGT union in Barcelona, which Aguilar was a member of. We need more measures because were having more frequent and longer heat waves, and street rubbish needs to be picked up anyway.

In Italy, at least three people have died of extreme heat-related causes while working. Last week, Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis government set up nationwide protocolsfor businesses in order to shield workers from high temperatures. The new measures, backed by unions, include a potential reduction of working hours and the possibility of shutting down business activities if temperatures reach certain levels.

In Greece, the Labor Ministry restricted outdoor work from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in some areas including Athens and the second-largest city Thessaloniki, as several regions posted temperatures above 40C this week. (Editors note: 40 degrees Celsius is equivalent to 104 degrees Fahrenheit).

The Acropolis in Athens was shut due to the heat, and workers including delivery and couriers benefited from these protection measures, but not those working in areas that are deemed important and socially critical infrastructure, which includes health, transport and utilities.

While temperatures cooled in Greece on Thursday, theyre expected to rise to 35C (95F) and higher over parts of the country on the weekend.

While many heat strokes and heat deaths go undercounted, researchers are coming up with new ways to find out how many people die because of extreme temperatures.

For their recent study, the Imperial College scientists used weather observations from the recent heat wave and analyzed how it impacted the 12 cities included in the research, determining what would have happened in a world without climate change. They found man-made global warming made the event between 1C and 4C hotter, depending on the location. Then, they used modeling and historical mortality data to estimate the number of people that died during the 10-day heat wave. By combining weather and mortality data they concluded that 1,500 fewer people would have died in a world without warming.

Recent studies using similar methods show the proportion of people dying during heat waves due to climate change is increasing, said Pierre Masselot, an environmental epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a co-author of the study.

We need to start acting against climate change and this means, first, trying to reduce the heat in cities, he said. But at the end of the day, all these measures wont probably be as efficient as just reducing climate change altogether, and so reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.

It will take authorities in different countries weeks or months to release official figures on heat deaths and even then many will be undercounted, said Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, a co-author of the report. Most heat-related deaths occur in homes and hospitals out of public view, he said.

There is a clinical under-recognition of heat strokes, especially in older adults where symptoms overlap with other conditions, Konstantinoudis said. So its very hard to disentangle if a person was hospitalized with a heat stroke causing other adverse health events, or if this persons main cause of hospital admission was something bigger like a chronic disease.

Back in Barcelona, the Aguilar family awaits the results of the autopsy that will officially determine Montses cause of death. Whatever the conclusion, the family plans to take the issue to the courts, Ceacero said.

Well do it to honor her memory, he said. But also because Ive been talking to so many of her colleagues this week and all they say is that theyre people, not animals  and they want to make it back home alive.

Top photograph: Paramedics bring a patient to the emergency room at Hospital del Mar during a heat wave in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday, July 18, 2022, when a heat wave killed 360 people between July 10 and 15. Photo credit: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Europe
The European Commission is expected to propose a floating Russian oil price cap this week as part of a new draft sanctions package in an attempt to overcome opposition from some member states, four EU diplomats said.

The Commission proposed lowering the Group of Seven (G7) nations price cap from $60 a barrel to $45 barrel in June in its 18th package of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The G7 price cap, aimed at curbing Russias ability to finance the war in Ukraine, was originally agreed in December 2022.

The plan to lower the price cap was prompted by a fall in global oil prices, which made the current cap largely irrelevant.

Britain and the EU failed to garner support from U.S. President Donald Trump for a lower cap at the G7 leaders meeting in Canada in June.

Oil prices briefly spiked to nearly $80 a barrel during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June before falling back into the $60s.

The EU is now forging ahead on its own.

The four EU sources said the Commission was drafting a mechanism that would adjust the Russia crude cap based on changes to the global oil price.

The European Commission declined to comment.

It is still being revised and envisages a more automated review process of the price cap to adjust it to global crude oil prices, one of the sources said.

It was not clear what the cap would be, but the starting point would be a little more than $45, one of the sources said.

Maritime nations like Greece, Cyprus and Malta have longstanding concerns over the price cap given the potential loss of business to their shipping sectors and fearing that shipowners could move operations outside the EU.

The cap bans trade in Russian crude oil transported by tankers if the price paid was above $60 per barrel and prohibiting shipping, insurance and reinsurance companies from handling cargoes of Russian crude around the globe, unless it is sold for less than the price cap.

During the G7 finance ministers meeting in the Canadian Rockies in May, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained unconvinced there was a need to lower the cap, sources said at the time.

But Trump has toughened his rhetoric towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and has suggested he may push ahead with new U.S. sanctions.

The price cap option could gain more traction in Washington as some U.S. Senators may endorse the idea, including Lindsay Graham, who has said he supports lowering the cap.

Even if EU ambassadors manage to agree on the revised price cap mechanism, Slovakia opposes the sanctions package over its concerns around an EU plan to end Russian energy imports by 2027. EU sanctions need unanimity in order to be adopted.

(Reporting by Julia Payne and John Irish; additional reporting by Andrew Gray; editing by Jane Merriman)
The Delaware Supreme Court rejected the legitimacy of expert testimony linking the heartburn drug Zantac to cancer, in a major win for makers of the product.

In a unanimous ruling Thursday, the states highest court agreed with the argument of companies including GSK Plc, Pfizer Inc. and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals that Superior Court Judge Vivian Medinilla erred in allowing the testimony and letting the cases proceed to trial.

A trial judge must act as the gatekeeper of expert testimony and should not dismiss challenges to the sufficiency or reliability of an expert opinion by viewing the disputes as questions for the jury to weigh, the states highest court said in a 46-page ruling.

Last year, GSK offered more than $2 billion to settle its Zantac liability, while Pfizer and French drugmaker Sanofi have pushed to resolve thousands of suits. Boehringers pharmaceuticals unit has settled only a small share of the cases against it.

Representatives of GSK, Pfizer, Sanofi and Boehringer did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the ruling.

The drugmakers had challenged a decision by Medinilla, who found the plaintiffs expert witnesses appropriately reviewed evidence about whether Zantac can cause cancer. The supreme court sent the case back to Medinilla for her to take another look at the expert testimony.

While judges in other states including California and Illinois had signed off similar expert testimony, the drugmakers said Medinilla should have followed the lead of a federal judge in Florida, who in 2022 rejected the cancer evidence as unreliable.

Ex-Zantac users have sued branded and generic drugmakers that made the heartburn medicine alleging the product caused breast, stomach and colon cancer, among others. Plaintiffs contend the companies knew ranitidine  the drugs active ingredient  turned into the potential carcinogen NDMA if not kept cool. In 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration asked companies to remove all ranitidine-based products.

The case is IN RE Zantac Litigation, No. 255, 2024, Delaware Supreme Court (Dover).

Photo: Photographer: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Claims
By segmenting retail brokers into tiers using premium volume, profitability and strategic alignment as factors to define top tiers, carriers can start to win more business, according to a new consulting firm report.

The report, How Insurers Can Win More Business from Retail Brokers, published in late June by Boston Consulting Group, also recommends that insurers partner with brokers to co-develop modular, adaptable products for customers.

The report is focused on the personal lines and small and midsize enterprise coverage segments, and offers the recommendations in response to several factors the authors say are reshaping the retail brokerage landscape: broker consolidation, digitization and rising customer expectations. Tiering brokers based on their value and potential responds to the consolidation trend, while collaborations on product development respond to changing customer needs and rising expectations.

Discussing broker consolidation, the report suggests that the leading brokerages wield greater negotiating power, have higher expectations for service quality, and seek highly customized solutions, while a diverse collection of smaller brokers continues to serve specialized markets, each confronting unique challenges and resource limitations. A one-size-fits-all, uniform approach applied by carriers to these two groups results in operational inefficiencies, underperformance with strategically important brokers, and missed opportunities for growth, the report suggests.

As part of a tiering process, the BCG authors state that top-tier brokers should receive dedicated account managers and prioritized service in order to make sure that the highest-value relationships get needed resources.

Referencing the top-tier broker again in the discussion of product collaboration, the report notes that insurers can support the high-value brokers by offering distinctive coverage enhancements or specialized products to them, allowing those brokers to stand out in competitive markets. Additionally, insurers can provide specialized support, such as cyber coverage expertise, to help brokers capture emerging customer segments and stay ahead of industry trends.

A one-size-fits-all approach isnt a successful one for carriers that want to win business from retail brokers placing personal lines and small business coverage, according to the Boston Consulting Group report  How Insurers Can Win More Business from Retail Brokers by Angelo Candreia, Managing Director & Senior Partner, Tobias Hofer, Partner and Associate Director, Niklas Zurcher, Partner, and Siddharth Kumar, Associate Director, Insurance.

Beyond the consolidation and customer trends, the report lists five other challenges that weaken carrier in an evolving broker landscape, including slow legacy systems, inconsistent service quality, little marketing support for brokers, and incentive structures that dont address long-term growth.

Todays brokers expect fast, streamlined interactions, the report says, highlighting the critical technology infrastructure modernization issues. Implementing real-time quoting capabilities, integrating IT systems using application programming interfaces (APIs), and automating underwriting processes can improve responsiveness, the report says, also suggesting that insurers develop intuitive broker portals with robust self-service capabilities for issuing policies, tracking claims and managing service requests.

Other recommendations for carriers include training and development of special broker relationship managers, appointments of dedicated claims managers to high-value brokers, the adoption of performance-based compensation tying incentives to the growth of relationships, profitability, and retention.

The report also discusses the need to regularly assess the maturity of broker segmentation, customer solutions, systems, servicing, marketing support, broker-facing teams and incentives to identify gaps in distribution relationships.

A final section of the report warns against adopting extreme models of broker engagementone thats completely tailored to individual broker requests, and another thats wholly trained on standardization and operational efficiency.

While brokers value customized solutions, the overly tailored approaches are too complex. They overwhelm insurers operational processes and systemsand particularly impact service to carrier networks of smaller brokers.

The authors state that a better approach is to develop a set of modular product offerings.

Topics Carriers Agencies
Wireless carrier T-Mobile US said on Wednesday it is ending its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, under pressure from the Trump administration as it seeks regulatory approval for two major deals.

T-Mobile said in a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr made public on Wednesday that the wireless company is ending its DEI-related policies not just in name, but in substance.

T-Mobile said it will no longer have any individual roles or teams focused on DEI, is removing any references to DEI on its websites and has removed references to DEI from its employee training materials.

Carr said in a text message he was pleased with the changes. This is another good step forward for equal opportunity, nondiscrimination and the public interest.

T-Mobile is awaiting FCC approval to buy almost all of regional carrier United States Cellulars wireless operations including customers, stores and 30% of its spectrum assets in a deal valued at $4.4 billion.

The FCC is also weighing a separate transaction in which T-Mobile would establish a joint venture with KKR to acquire internet service provider Metronet, which reaches more than 2 million homes and businesses in 17 states.

T-Mobile plans at closing to invest about $4.9 billion to acquire a 50% equity stake in the joint venture and 100% of Metronets residential fiber retail operations and customers.

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, a Democrat, criticized T-Mobiles action saying in yet another cynical bid to win FCC regulatory approval, T-Mobile is making a mockery of its professed commitment to eliminating discrimination, promoting fairness, and amplifying underrepresented voices.

The FCC in May approved Verizon Communications $20 billion deal to acquire fiber-optic internet providers Frontier Communications after the largest U.S. telecom company agreed to end its DEI program and after the FCC opened an investigation.

Carr, a Republican designated by Trump in January as chair, told Comcast in February he was opening a probe into the NBC News-parent companys promotion of DEI programs.

In January, Trump issued sweeping executive orders to dismantle U.S. government DEI programs, and pressured the private sector to join the initiative.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined a Georgia countertop maker $33,000 for allegedly exposing workers to high levels of silica dust, which causes silicosis and other respiratory ailments.

Brazilian Stone Design, in Powder Springs, which makes and sells kitchen and bathroom countertops, was cited for reportedly failing to require workers to use respirators, failing to perform fit testing and training for workers wearing respirators, failing to conduct air monitoring and failing to set up a hearing protection program, OSHA said in a bulletin.

OSHA has long had workplace standards for respirable crystalline silica  one for construction and one for general industry and maritime workers.

Topics Georgia
Oscar Rafeal Ruiz was a busy man in 2023 and 2024, jetting to numerous places, losing his luggage multiple times and filing travel insurance claims of almost $300,000.

The problem, North Carolina authorities said, is that most of the claims were fraudulent, and hotel charges and luggage purchase receipts were fabricated. Ruiz, 44, of Charlotte, this month was charged with 52 felony counts related to false travel insurance claims, the North Carolina Department of Insurance reported.

Ruiz reportedly collected $22,240 on the claims and attempted to collect another $262,100 before insurers became suspicious and the man was investigated, DOI said in a bulletin this week. The false paperwork included forged credit card statements, bank statements, Amazon.com receipts, and claims that his flights had been cancelled and his luggage had been lost or stolen on multiple occasions.

Ruiz was arrested on July 8 by the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office and released on $260,000 secured bond. He appeared in Mecklenburg County District Court on July 9.

Topics Profit Loss North Carolina
The Nevada Department of Business named Ned Gaines acting commissioner at the Nevada Division of Insurance.

The appointment follows the departure of Scott Kipper, who had served as commissioner since 2023. Recruitment to fill the position on a permanent basis will be conducted.

Kipper served three times as Nevadas insurance commissioner, showcasing an unprecedented third stint as the states insurance regulator. Kippers first go as Nevada Insurance Commissioner was from 2008 to 2010. He was appointed commissioner again in 2011, holding the office through 2015.

Gaines has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, joining the Nevada Division of Insurance in April 2025 as the chief deputy commissioner. He previously served 12 years with the Washington Office of Insurance Commissioner, most recently as the deputy commissioner of rates, forms & provider networks. Before that, he worked for several national property & casualty insurers as a compliance manager, claims manager, claims adjuster and agent.
A company has entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a cleanup in the wake of a lithium-ion battery fire that occurred at the companys energy storage facility in San Diego, California.

A fire broke out at the Gateway Energy Storage LLC facility on May 15, 2024, with periodic flare-ups until May 28. The facility contained 14,796 nickel-manganese-cobalt lithium-ion batteries.

Fire damaged batteries pose ongoing risks of fire, explosion and chemical releases. The EPA is working in coordination with local fire authorities and the County of San Diego to oversee the cleanup effort.

In the agreement, the EPA is requiring comprehensive safety measures and monitoring to protect nearby residents and workers during the cleanup process.

Under the settlement agreement, Gateway Energy Storage must conduct environmental monitoring during all battery handling operations, and it must safely remove, package, and dispose of all impacted battery packs, as well as submit work plans and progress reports to EPA.

The root cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Topics California Pollution
The mountain village of Ruidoso returned to the grim rituals of rebuilding after flash flooding and a deadly natural disaster, just one year after wildfire and intense flooding reshaped the popular vacation getaway and its surroundings.

Broken tree limbs, twisted metal, crumpled cars and muddy debris remained as crews worked to clear roads and culverts in the wake of Tuesdays flash flood that killed three people  including two children  and significantly damaged as many as 50 homes, with one home carried away entirely.

Tracy Haragan, a Ruidoso native on the verge of retirement, watched from his home as a surging river carried away the contents of nine nearby residences.

You watched everything they owned, everything they had  everything went down, he said. It is such a great town, it just takes a tail-whipping every once in a while.  We always survive.

An intense bout of monsoon rains set the disaster in motion Tuesday. Water rushed from the surrounding mountainside, overwhelming the Rio Ruidoso and taking with it a man and two children from an RV park along the river. The bodies were found downstream during search and rescue efforts.

The children  a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy  had been camping with their parents when they were swept away. The father and mother were being treated for injuries at a hospital in Texas, according to officials at Fort Bliss, where the father is stationed.

Mayor Lynn Crawford said hearts are broken over the lives lost and stomachs are in knots as residents begin to take stock of the damage.

Rebuilding  Again

A popular summer retreat, Ruidoso is no stranger to tragedy. It has spent a year rebuilding following destructive wildfires last summer and the flooding that followed.

Rebuilding again in Ruidoso will be hard, if not impossible, said Riverside RV Park owner Barbara Arthur.

Arthur says her guests scrambled up a nearby slope when the river started coursing through the site Tuesday afternoon. She also lost her home in flood.

It was the sixth time the river rose in the last several weeks and by far the worst, she said. And Tuesdays rainfall was more than could be absorbed by the hillsides and canyons within a wildfire burn scar.

Setting Records

The floodwaters of the Rio Ruidoso rose more than 20 feet (6 meters) on Tuesday to set a record high-water mark, said National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Shoemake in Albuquerque. That eclipsed the previously recorded high in July 2024 by nearly 5 feet (1.5 meters).

About 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) of rain fell over the South Fork burn scar in just an hour and a half, Crawford said. As little as a quarter of an inch (about 6 millimeters) of rain over a burn scar can cause flooding.

They were probably already getting some runoff from upstream before it even actually started raining on top of the wildfire burn scar, Shoemake said. It really was just kind of a terrible coincidence of events that led to that.

He likened the intense rainfall to a 100-year storm, which has a 1% chance of happening in any given year.

Cleanup Begins

Emergency crews completed dozens of swift water rescues before the water receded Tuesday. Two National Guard teams and several local crews already were in the area when the flooding began, said Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham requested a presidential disaster declaration, tallying more than $50 million in emergency response expenditures, including water rescues, and damage to public infrastructure, including toppled bridges and washed out roadways. The estimate includes flood damage at Ruidoso and beyond from monsoon rainstorms since late June.

Ruidoso has also recently requested $100 million in federal aid to convert flood-prone private land to public property after successive years of violent flooding laid bare the dangers of an expanded flood plain.

The floods at Ruidoso came just days after flash floods in Texas killed at least 120 people and left more than 160 people missing.

Bracing for More

Local officials said the village, as the flood hit, was still in the process of replacing outdoor warning sirens destroyed in last years wildfire and reassessing risks along the local flood plain.

Crawford reiterated Wednesday that Ruidoso will continue to be in the crosshairs with each monsoon, as theres still work to do to recover from the wildfire. The rainy season begins in June and runs through September.

The river, meanwhile, is running thick with sediment that can settle and raise future water levels.

The villages tourism-based economy also has been thrown into turmoil again. With floodwaters running through Ruidoso Downs, one of the horse tracks signature races that was scheduled to start Friday has been derailed.

The mayor said people are anxious as the monsoon is sure to bring more rain throughout the summer.

Yesterday was a good lesson  you know, that Mother Nature is a much bigger, powerful force than we are, he said Wednesday. And that we can do a lot of things to protect ourselves and to try to help direct and whatever, but we cannot control.

Lee reported from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Bryan from Albuquerque. Associated Press writers Matt Brown in Denver and Christopher L. Keller in Albuquerque contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Flood Mexico
July 11, 2025 (Investorideas.com Newswire) In a market flooded with flashy platforms and bold promises, it's getting harder to separate the real from the risky. That's why we decided to take a closer look at OneFXClub.info reviews. Is it just another name trying to ride the forex wave, or is there something solid behind the brand?

To answer that, we're diving deep - not just surface-level features, but real signals of legality, transparency, and trustworthiness. We're looking at licenses, trading conditions, reviews, how the domain was registered, and even how fast they process deposits. Because these little details? They often tell you way more than any homepage ever will.

And as we go through the facts, one by one, we'll also pause to ask: what do they really mean? Does this look like the behavior of a broker trying to cut corners - or one building for the long haul? Let's get into it.

Fast, Flexible, and Fee-Free: Deposit Methods

Let's dig into the deposit methods this broker offers, because this is where things can say a lot about how transparent and convenient the service is. So, OneFXClub.info reviews supports deposits through VISA, Neteller, and Skrill - three of the most widely used and trusted payment options in the forex industry. Sounds pretty standard? Maybe. But not every broker provides such flexibility. These systems are known for their speed and global reach, which already puts this broker in a favorable light.

Here's another interesting detail: the deposit time ranges from just a few seconds to 10 minutes. That's incredibly fast, especially compared to other platforms where it can take hours or even a day. We think this speed isn't just about technical optimization - it also shows that the broker has streamlined its payment infrastructure, which usually happens only when the company is serious about operations.

And now, the cherry on top - 0% commission. That's right. No extra charges when you fund your account. This looks like a good argument in favor of legality and client-oriented service. Because let's be honest, brokers with shady practices tend to sneak in hidden fees right at this stage. The fact that OneFXClub.info review doesn't do that? We think that's a green flag.

Domain and Brand Creation Dates Line Up Perfectly

Let's start with the basics. The brand OneFXClub.info reviews was created in 2018, and - here's where it gets interesting - the domain was purchased on May 13, 2018. At first glance, this might seem like just a technical detail, but hold on. This match is more important than it looks.

When the domain registration date is the same as the brand's launch year, especially with such precision down to the month, it sends a clear message. The company didn't pop up out of nowhere on an already existing domain - it was built from the ground up, and that's a pattern we usually see with legitimate brokers.

Think about it. Would a scam operation bother securing a fresh domain and launching the brand simultaneously? Unlikely. Most of the time, fraudsters reuse old domains or keep things vague to avoid accountability. But this setup? It feels deliberate, transparent, and structured. We think this is another reason to trust this broker.

FCA License Signals Strong Legal Standing

Let's talk about one of the most crucial things in the world of forex - regulation. OneFXClub.info reviews is licensed by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). And if you've been in this space for even a minute, you know how serious that is. The FCA is not some offshore or weakly enforced registry. It's one of the strictest and most respected regulators in the world.

So what does that mean for traders? First, it means the broker is legally bound to follow strict operational standards, from handling client funds separately to providing transparent reporting. This isn't a license you can just buy or borrow. Getting FCA approval is tough - and keeping it is even tougher. The rules are designed to protect clients, not brokers.

Here's another layer: brokers regulated by the FCA are also subject to regular audits, financial checks, and compliance reviews. That kind of pressure makes it nearly impossible for shady activity to go unnoticed. We think that's a solid argument in favor of this broker's legitimacy.

Ask yourself this: would a company go through all that effort, time, and money just to run a short-term scam? Probably not. The fact that OneFXClub.info review operates under FCA oversight - that alone gives us a reason to take them seriously.

Full-Cycle Trading Hours Across Global Markets

When it comes to evaluating a broker's professionalism, trading hours might not be the first thing that comes to mind - but they should be. OneFXClub.info reviews offers a detailed and well-structured trading schedule that aligns with major global financial centers, and that tells us a lot.

During the Winter Session, trading kicks off in Australia from 8 pm to 5 am, rolls into Tokyo from midnight to 9 am, shifts to London from 8 am to 4 pm, and finally wraps up in Toronto from 1 pm to 10 pm. That's nearly a 24-hour trading window, which is exactly what serious traders look for - flexibility, global coverage, and smooth transitions between sessions.

What stands out here? The fact that the broker adjusts to Summer Session hours too. Australia's session starts at 9 pm, London opens an hour earlier at 7 am, and Toronto starts at noon instead of 1 pm. This might sound like a small adjustment, but in reality, it shows attention to detail and commitment to real market conditions. Not all brokers bother updating their sessions for daylight saving time, and that lack of precision can mess with trading strategies.

This kind of scheduling tells us something deeper - OneFXClub.info review operates in sync with the global forex engine. It doesn't just "offer trading," it provides access to the real rhythm of the markets. And that? That looks like another strong argument for legitimacy.

Final Thoughts: OneFXClub.info reviews Looks Like the Real Deal

After breaking it all down - from the FCA license to the precise domain registration date, from ultra-fast deposits to real-time trading hours synced with global markets - the picture becomes clearer. OneFXClub.info review doesn't just look professional. It operates like a broker that's playing by the rules, and doing it confidently.

The fact that they got their domain and brand off the ground in the same year? That's not just coincidence - that's planning. The FCA regulation? That's a heavyweight badge of credibility. Add to that the nearly instant deposits with 0% commission, and the way they fine-tune their platform around real-world trading sessions? That's not the kind of attention to detail you see from shady operations.

We think it's fair to say: this broker is showing all the right signs of legitimacy. Sure, every trader needs to do their own research - but based on what we've seen, OneFXClub.info reviews is building something that traders can trust.

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions.. More disclaimer info: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp. This article is a third party guest post published content and not the content of Investorideas.com . Learn more about posting your articles at http://www.investorideas.com/Advertise/

Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp
In June 1923 the Belfast Newsletter described Mary MacSwiney as falling on those with whom she disagreed with every tooth bared, drops of clotted venom suspended from every outstretched fang.

In her lifetime, MacSwiney was not, however, just a one-dimensional caricature of extreme republicanism but rather a multi-faceted individual.

Her biography cannot be written without sustained reference to the importance of family to MacSwiney; in particular, her politics must be understood with reference to the politics of Terence, both in his life and in the aftermath of his death.

That is not to deny Mary individual political agency or to suggest that she was anything other than the strong and principled woman that she was.

A recognition of the centrality of her siblings to Mary MacSwineys life is instead a testament to familial love and the influence of such on a political level.

Initially a supporter of female suffrage as a member of the Cork branch of the Munster Womens Franchise League, MacSwiney moved to prioritise the national cause in the second decade of the 20th century.

In the lead up to the 1916 Rising she, as most republican women, was involved in gendered work.

Unlike in Dublin where the Rising did take place, women in Cork had limited opportunity to expand their involvement in republican politics during Easter week.

Founder of Cumann na mBan in Cork

However, Mary as the founder of Cumann na mBan in Cork was centrally involved in all the discussions and recriminations that took place in the city.

Her brother Terences position as deputy leader of the Irish Volunteers in Cork meant that the MacSwiney home in the suburb of Blackrock was the locus for many of those who delivered the series of messages, often contradictory, that emanated from members of the Military Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood in Dublin.

After the Rising, MacSwiney began what would become a lifelong pattern of defending the actions of Terence.

The MacSwiney siblings operated as a republican family unit; riddled with anguish about the failure of Cork to rise, Terences sufferings were also Marys.

From this period, she sought to explain and rationalise his actions in pursuit of an Irish republic from her position as a firm republican in her own right.

Relatively unusual for a woman born in 1872, MacSwiney was educated to third level.

One of two women arrested in Cork after the 1916 Rising she lost her teaching position in St Angelas School on Patricks Hill.

While this was distressing on a personal and financial level, with true strength of character she established St Itas High School in Belgrave Place in the September 1916.

The first lay Catholic school of girls in the city, it was also intended to educate the future citizens of the republic.

Irish activist, Maud Gonne MacBride, with the writer Miss Barry Delany and Mary MacSwiney, at Mountjoy Prison, during the hunger strike in November 1922. Pictures: Getty

This was achieved while she visited her brother Terence and other prisoners in internment camps and jail across England and Wales in the aftermath of the Easter Rising.

On Thursday, August 12, 1920, Terence MacSwiney left Belgrave Place where he had tea with his sisters, Mary and Annie, at half past five. He then took the six-minute walk across the north and south channels of the River Lee to the City Hall.

Violence in Cork was high so Mary must have experienced some anxiety for his welfare when he departed.

Three days earlier the Cork politician Liam de Roiste wrote in his diary that the city had experienced another night of terror: volleys of rifle fire in many districts; bullets entering houses; shops broken into and looted by the English soldiery.

Terence, along with 10 other men, was arrested in the City Hall less than two hours after he left Marys home and later deported to Brixton Jail.

The death of her beloved younger brother in a high-profile hunger strike on October 25, 1920, was a watershed moment for Mary.

The everyday nature of her life as she carried out her teaching and political activities was viscerally sundered.

After Terences death, Mary MacSwiney assumed a central role in republican politics. She conducted two American tours in 1921 and again in 1925.

Elected a Sinn Fein TD for Cork in 1921, a seat she held until the first general election of 1927. Her unyielding adherence to the ideal of full republican independence was a stance she maintained during the Civil War and after the Sinn Fein split in 1926, right down to her death in 1942.

During the Civil War MacSwiney, described by the British government as one of the most extreme and dangerous women in Ireland, endured two gruelling hunger strikes: in November 1922 in Mountjoy Jail and again in April 1923 in Kilmainham Goal.

She was a woman who refused to be silenced or defer to what she deemed inappropriate authority, for example, the right of the Catholic Church to make political statements during the Civil War.

That de Valera explained his political choices and leanings to MacSwiney in an intimate political correspondence is noteworthy and testifies to her political centrality in the period of the war.

MacSwiney was not a cipher for the extreme element within republicanism during the Treaty debates and during the Civil War.

Her brothers agony would never, as she wrote to de Valera, have been endured to the end for anything less than absolute and entire Separation; this determined her unyielding rejection of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, 1921.

Terences high-profile death to advance the cause of full republican independence also meant that MacSwiney was not able to countenance, as de Valera was, re-entry into parliamentary politics in 1926.

Mary MacSwiney was a woman who suffered ultimate loss in Brixton Jail in 1920. Her witnessing of, in the words of her sister Annie, scenes that were agonising beyond anything I could described, changed the trajectory of her life.

When she declared in the Dail on December 21, 1921, that Ireland had stood on a noble and spiritual ideal for the last three years, she was referring to the sacrifices of men such as her brother.

Betrayal of the republic, for Mary, would have meant betrayal of a brother she loved and admired, and it would have been almost impossible for her to think and feel in any other way.

Mary MacSwiney is in bookshops nationwide and at www.ucdpress.ie;

is in bookshops nationwide and at www.ucdpress.ie; Mary MacSwiney will be launched by Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Cork City Hall on Friday, July 18, at 4pm.
A man in his 70s has died after he was assaulted in Limerick City on Thursday, while another has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Gardai say they are "continuing to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the assault", which happened at St Michaels Court, Watergate, at approximately 11.30pm.

The victim, who has been named locally as Michael Hayes, was rushed to University Hospital Limerick with life-threatening injuries following the incident. Gardai confirmed on Friday that he died in hospital. The incident occurred outside Mr Hayess house.

The scene in Watergate has been preserved pending an examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The Office of the State Pathologist and local Coroner have been notified, and an autopsy has been arranged.

A man in his 40s has been arrested in connection with the incident and conveyed to a Garda station in Limerick city. He is currently being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

The man who died, Mr Hayes, has been described as a "lovely man" who would "go out of his way to do a good turn for you".

I was very fond of him, Im a good friend of his, Ive known him since I was young, and Im very sorry that he is gone, said his neighbour, Geraldine Costello.

"His dog, Daisy, is crying all the time because Michael is not there," she said. I was only talking to [Michael] yesterday, Im after getting an awful shock.

Ms Costello's niece, Travy Coleman, said: It is shocking, because he was a really lovely man, and he would always go out of his way and do whatever do you.

There are no words to describe it, a lovely man doing his own thing, and his life just gone now like that, said Ms Coleman.

He was young for his age, everyday he was always going for walks.

It is understood Mr Hayes lived alone and has a number of grown-up children.

Sources said HSE paramedics responded quickly at the scene on Thursday night and valiantly tried to keep Mr Hayes alive at the scene and en route to University Hospital Limerick. He was pronounced dead by doctors after arriving at UHL on Friday morning.

Gardai are working on a number of theories, including that Mr Hayes was assaulted by a man who was causing a disturbance locally and when Mr Hayes went to investigate, he was attacked.

Gardai have also issued an appeal for witnesses. Anyone who was in the Watergate area of Limerick city on Thursday night between 11.15pm and 12am has been asked to contact investigating gardai.

Road users with camera footage who were travelling in the area at the time have requested to make that footage available.

Gardai say they can be contacted at Henry Street Garda Station on (061) 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
There has been no shortage of profoundly disturbing, objectionable, and arguably genocidal quotes from senior Israeli politicians over the past 20 months of war on Gaza.

Bezalel Smotrich, the minister of finance: Nobody will let us cause two million civilians to die of hunger, even though it might be justified and moral.

Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel: Its an entire nation out there [in Gaza] that is responsible. This rhetoric about civilians not aware, not involved, its absolutely not true.

Yoav Galant, the minister of defence: There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed. We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly.

But it is the following social media post by Ayman Odeh, leader of the left-wing and predominantly Arab, Hadash party, that earned the wrath and censure of his fellow Knesset (Israeli parliament) members and, with it, possible expulsion from the Knesset itself.

Im happy to see the [Israeli] hostages and [Palestinian] prisoners released  next we must free both peoples from the burden of the occupation. We were all born free  Gaza will win.

Equating hostages and prisoners and the cryptic Gaza will win seemingly sealed Odehs fate.

Ayman Odeh is an Israeli-Palestinian parliamentarian. There was no threatened expulsion of Jewish Ayre Deri, the leader of a Religious-Orthodox party, following his controversial and frankly bizarre statement that the Hamas terror attack of October 7, 2003, saved the nation of Israel  implying somehow the murder of 1,200 Israelis indirectly saved Israel from Iranian nuclear Armageddon.

Odeh is lionised in Israeli leftist political circles and was once likened to the Martin Luther King of Israeli politics in a long interview with The New Yorker magazine. His status and threatened expulsion explains why the left-leaning Haaretz led on the story with the following headline: Outrageous Abuse: Ousting Ayman Odeh From Knesset Is a Declaration of War on Arabs in Israel.

The vote in the Knesset to initiate Odehs expulsion, and in particular the support of the main opposition centrist party, represents a dark moment for Israeli democracy. A full vote of the Knesset is required to uphold the recommendation.

Israeli democracy. The combination of those two short words has, of course, long been bitterly contested.

This is a country with free and fair elections, but where more than two million Palestinians live under occupation in the West Bank in a de facto one-state without the right to vote in the state that controls their lives.

This is a country with a robust and free press, where mainstream television channels refuse to show the reality of the war crimes committed in Gaza.

This is a country of all its citizens, whose parliament passed the 2018 Nation-State Law codifying the long-standing privileges of its Jewish citizens. It is easy, of course, to find quotes to demonise right-wing Israeli politicians, in part because there is no shortage of goons, loons, cartoonish villains, and downright nasty political characters in Israeli politics.

The Likud parliamentarian Tally Gotliv ticks many boxes. The far-right Likud ministers Maya Golan and Amichai Chikli recently gave unsettling and frankly bizarre interviews to English television presenter Piers Morgan. The famed documentarist Louis Therouxs film on far-right settlers gave oxygen to the infamous and chilling Daniella Weiss.

All the above make great television  performative, purposely provocative. They all personify the Israeli political characters; arguably caricatures we all love to hate. Notwithstanding the fact they are all widely detested and ridiculed in Israel itself, they all arguably bolster non-Israeli prejudices of Israelis.

It is the views of ordinary Israelis, middle-of-the-road voters, centrists, secular-suburban, however one wishes to define or label them, that perhaps better reveal the soul of Israel. They are, by definition, everywhere, but also by inclination less willing to talk or perform.

Their views on occasion can be hopeful, inspiring even, at other times bleak, too often revealing a chilling indifference to the horror in Gaza.

With this in mind, the Irish Examiner took to the streets of Tel Aviv to ask residents their views on the expulsion of Odeh, the most well-known and most well-respected Israeli-Palestinian member of parliament.

All those I spoke to identified as leftist voters, all were critics of Netanyahu and the far-right government.

All, however, expressed either indifference or claimed not to know anything about the latest assault on Palestinian rights.

Yehonatan, 38, simply shrugged before admitting: I didnt even know about it.

Udi, 34, was also non-committal: Wow, Im not that up to speed on that whole Ayman Odeh thing, so I really dont have an opinion.

Yael, 44, was equally phlegmatic in her response: Well, honestly, I didnt hear about it. So, I dont know what to say.

Maya, 52, confessed she didnt know the details well, but it feels like another step towards the elimination of Israeli democracy.

It seems not too many Tel Avivians are either informed or much bothered by the threatened expulsion, on spurious grounds, from the Knesset of Israels most prominent Israeli-Arab parliamentarian.

But perhaps, Tel Avivians are simply exhausted by the governments year-long assault on Israeli civil rights. This includes repeated attempts to dismantle the independence of the Supreme Court, advancing legislation designed to silence human rights groups, and threats to abolish the public broadcasting authority.

The Irish Examiner spoke with Odeh over the weekend. I specifically asked him if he was concerned about the apparent indifference of centre-left voters on the streets of Tel Aviv, on this latest assault on Israeli democracy and freedom of speech?

I dont think the entire public is indifferent, he said.

If you looked at my phone, youd find thousands of messages  from friends, supporters, many of them Jewish  expressing solidarity and support, fighting alongside us for the same values: Peace, equality, democracy.

I asked him if had he a specific message for Irish readers?

Of course. I want to address the Irish people  a people with a history of struggle for independence, equality, and justice.

We, the Palestinian citizens of Israel, and the Palestinian people as a whole, are not fighting just for ourselves  we are fighting for a shared future, for peace, for equality, and for an end to this war and the occupation.

Today theyre trying to expel me  tomorrow theyll try to silence anyone who dares to resist.

With those words in mind and the seeming indifference I found on the streets of Tel Aviv to the disintegration of Israeli democracy, it is neither hyperbole nor inappropriate to paraphrase the well-known quote from German pastor Martin Niemoller.

First, they came for the Arabs, and I did not speak out  because I was not an Arab. Then they came for the leftists, and I did not speak out  because I was not a leftist. Then they came for the journalists, and I did not speak out  because I was not a journalist, Then they came for me  and there was no one left to speak for me.

Paul Kearns is a freelance journalist living in Tel Aviv
A win is a win. They dont ask you how. Youre only as good as your last 2.5bn project.

Sporting metaphors usually help capture the mood of political triumphs, and sure enough, in Keel Community Centre on Achill Island, the hall had the air of a dressing room after an All-Ireland win.

Announcing the roll-out of fibre broadband across Irelands largest island, minister for culture Patrick ODonovan spoke with the confidence of a manager whod been doubted more times than the wifi signal in the back bedroom.

WE SHOWED THEM was the tenor of much of his speech.

By the fifth time he said it, the polite nods of locals had turned to even politer sighs.

Credit where its due: The Government doesnt get many slam-dunks these days.

Connecting the people of Achill with the rest of the world was a rare one.

Smoke em if you got em, I guess.

David McCourt and TJ Malone of National Broadband Ireland with culture minister Patrick ODonovan on Keel Beach, Achill Island. Picture: Michael McLaughlin

Here are the stats:

Main build works on the island infrastructure are now complete, enabling over 2,500 homes, farms and businesses to access high-speed broadband.

This means residents of Irelands largest island will have the same access to 2 Gig, reliable broadband as any of the over 380,000 premises that NBI has already passed across the country.

In plain English, Achill got mail.

Affordable broadband

Homes, farms, schools, and businesses now have the option of affordable, high-speed broadband.

No longer will baristas need to raise a debit card reader skyward to execute a simple payment for a routine skinny flat white.

Gone are the days of sketchy GAA Go streams.

I mean, sure, if only there were a Mayo match to watch  but all jokes aside, broadband means opportunity.

In an age of remote working, youre only as good as your download speed.

It being a launch, there was a launch video.

And if youre going to launch a launch video, launch it in Achill. Aerial shots of Keel, Keem, the Famine Village, gorgeous white beaches and roaring blue seas.

Circet managing director (Ireland) Damien Gallagher; National Broadband Ireland stakeholder engagement and PR manager Sandra Dinan; House of Achill founder Anna Sutcliffe; and National Broadband Ireland chief marketing officer Tara Collins. Picture: Michael McLaughlin

Christ, after three minutes of drone footage of the Wild Atlantic Way, a man would nearly fall to his knees and plead with the people of Achill  a beautiful outlier of an island  to run the opposite way from all internet connectivity.

Ive seen the best minds of my generation ruined by Twitter scrolling.

Be brave, Achill. Do without it.

But thats not fair. Its selective and a bit elitist.

Island has to be connected

Listening to Anna Sutcliffe, purveyor of luxury candles through her company House of Achill, you realise that for rural Ireland to survive and thrive, it absolutely has to be connected.

For young people to have a chance to stay, to move home if they left.

To begin again, like Anna, if they chose to relocate and try something new.

Traditionally on the island, we were very dependent on the tourism season, Anna explains.

Now with fibre, I finally have a fast, reliable connection to support online sales and ensure customer service year-round. I can focus on what I enjoy most about the business  being creative.

No arguments here.

Other small business owners echoed similar relief at the arrival of fibre.

Lili Ban Cafe proprietor John Barrett nails a simple truth: Running a business on Achill Island has its challenges.

Without broadband, the weather often impacted the signal and the reliability of the connection.

"Its exciting to see a new wave of business starting on the island, and fibre connectivity has definitely played a big part in this.

Central to the Great Connection was adopted Clare man David McCourt, founder and chairman of National Broadband Ireland  a man with a voice so smooth you could stream Squid Game off it.

When he addressed the hall, the vibe was less we showed them, more you showed yourselves.

If Id closed my eyes, I couldve sworn I was at a town hall meeting in a Steinbeck novel.

Remote but close

Achill, a frontier town in the New West during the gold rush, suddenly connected, with the world their oyster.

But heres the thing: Achill, though remote, is two hours from Galway. Three hours and change from Dublin, our capital city.

Its hardly Yellowknife in Canadas Northwest Territories.

Standing there in that community centre, I couldnt help getting swept up in the wave of goodwill and opportunity the Government will justifiably celebrate.

But as a man who turned turf as a boy just an hour down the road, I couldnt help thinking of Edwin McGreal writing recently in The Western People: In terms of infrastructural development, the Northern Western Region [Connacht plus Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan] is ranked an alarming 218th out of 234 regions across Europe. Our Midlands and Eastern Region scores over three times higher for infrastructural development.

In 2022, the European Commission downgraded us [the Northwest Region] to a lagging region when our GDP fell to 71% of the European average. The focus ought to be diverted here  and fast.

No One Shouted Stop was published by John Healy 57 years ago  a wolf-whistle lamenting the economic and social decline of rural life in the west of Ireland, and Dublins wilful ignorance of it.

There was no broadband in 1968, and the only fibre in Mayo came from All-Bran.

That the Government finally delivered on a single promise is good.

But its the least they could do.
Immune-mediated diseases are often misunderstood conditions that can severely impact a persons quality of life. They are long-term health conditions that happen when the immune system  which usually protects the body from illness  starts to attack healthy cells by mistake.

This can lead to ongoing inflammation, pain, fatigue, and damage to organs or tissues over time. Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease are among the immune-related conditions that can be debilitating for those living with it.

In Ireland, it is estimated that over 73,000 people live with psoriasis.i Around one in four of these individuals will develop psoriatic arthritis, a serious inflammatory disease that can cause irreversible joint damage if not diagnosed and treated early. ii In addition, at least 40,000 people are living with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. iii Patients affected by these chronic conditions often face long delays in accessing diagnosis and treatment, with specialist care still difficult to reach.

For instance, someone with psoriasis is likely to wait more than 12 months to secure an appointment with a dermatologist. iv Psoriasis illustrates how immune-mediated diseases can be misunderstood. Often perceived as a purely cosmetic skin condition, psoriasis can cause severe itching, burning, and cracked, bleeding skin.

It can significantly impact quality of life, affecting mental health, social engagement, and daily activities. One in four people living with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which can lead to joints becoming stiff, swollen and painful, causing permanent damage if left untreated.v At Johnson & Johnson, we believe that improving early diagnosis and having access to early intervention is critical to changing patient outcomes. Through technological innovation, data-driven approaches, and collaboration with healthcare professionals, we strive to support faster and more accurate identification of immune-mediated diseases.

These conditions are complex and life-altering, but progress in science offers hope. Over the past 30 years, J&J has pioneered targeted biologic therapies that work by intercepting specific inflammatory pathways. These treatments offer patients effective, faster-acting, and longer-lasting relief. Our diverse immunology portfolio spans across dermatology, rheumatology, and gastroenterology, with therapies that continue to evolve as we deepen our understanding of these conditions.

However, medical innovation is only impactful if patients can access it. Thats why J&J is deeply committed to equitable access to care across Ireland. We work closely with industry partners including patient advocacy groups, clinicians, and policymakers to ensure timely access to treatments and to make sure the patient voice shapes our solutions.

We are proud that Ireland plays a key role in J&Js commitment to immunology. Our biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, has been operating since 2005. It produces key immune-related therapies used in over 100 countries. This includes support for clinical trials and early access programmes, linking local innovation to global impact.

Beyond medicine, we provide educational tools and platforms that empower patients throughout their care journey. In collaboration with Crohns and Colitis Ireland, we developed Gutcasta podcast series for people living with IBD.

The series features patients sharing their experiences and healthcare professionals offering high-quality information for those navigating the challenges of living with IBD. More recently, we launched a survey that revealed 60% of people living with Crohns disease and colitis face financial difficulty because of their condition, highlighting the wider financial burden these patients often carry.vi Shining a light on the lived experience and promoting access to reliable information is an important part of our work.

In 2022, we launched Lets Talk Psoriasis, an award-winning podcast and video series designed to help people manage their condition. Featuring guests including dermatologists, mental health experts, and patients themselves, the series covers a range of important topics such as treatment options, emotional wellbeing, nutrition, stigma and self-image.

Sustainability is another area of focus. The Safe Returns programme allows patients to return their used self-injection devices safely and easily. Over 270 devices have already been returned in Ireland, contributing to a more circular and environmentally responsible healthcare system.

Our R&D investment also continues to grow. In 2022, J&J Innovative Medicine invested 153 million in R&D in Ireland alone.vii We are advancing promising clinical trials, including studies and innovative combination therapies for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohns disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Through collaboration, research, and patient-driven innovation, we aim to transform the future of immune-mediated care. We want people affected by these conditions to not only live longer, but to live better.

If youre experiencing persistent symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, digestive discomfort or unexplained skin issues, speak to your GP.

References available on request.

CP-530081.

Date of preparation: July 2025.
Fighters with a Kurdish separatist militant group that has waged a decades-long insurgency in Turkey have begun laying down their weapons in a symbolic ceremony in northern Iraq, the first concrete step towards a promised disarmament as part of a peace process.

The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) announced in May it would disband and renounce armed conflict, ending four decades of hostilities.

The move came after PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul since 1999, urged his group in February to convene a congress and formally disband and disarm.

Ocalan renewed his call in a video message broadcast on Wednesday, saying: I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons.

Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of militant Kurdish group PKK, has called on followers to disarm (Metin Yoksu/AP)

In Turkey, Devlet Bahceli, President Recep Tayyip Erdogans nationalist ally who initiated the peace process, welcomed the development.

Starting today, members of the separatist terrorist organisation have begun surrendering their weapons in groups, marking historic developments that signal the end of a dark era, Mr Bahceli said in a written statement.

These are exceptionally important days for both Turkey and our region.

Mr Bahceli, who has traditionally maintained a hardline stance against the PKK, had surprised everyone in October when he suggested in parliament that Ocalan could be granted parole if he renounced violence and disbanded the PKK.

The ceremony took place in the mountains outside the city of Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

The state-run Iraqi News Agency reported that the process will take place in stages, with a group of party members initially laying down their weapons symbolically'.

The disarmament process is expected to be completed by September, the agency reported.

The PKK has long maintained bases in the mountains of northern Iraq.

Turkish forces have launched offensives and air strikes against the PKK in Iraq and have set up bases in the area.

A soldier patrols in the Sulaymaniyah governorate, Iraq (Hadi Mizban/AP)

Scores of villages have emptied as a result.

The Iraqi government in Baghdad last year announced an official ban on the separatist group, which has long been prohibited in Turkey.

Journalists were not allowed at the site of Fridays ceremony.

An Iraqi Kurdish political official said that about 30 fighters took part in the ceremony, which took place in the presence of a representative of the Turkish intelligence service and representatives of the Kurdish regional government, Iraqs Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, and the Peoples Equality and Democracy Party, a pro-Kurdish party in Turkey.

PKK officials previously said that in order to continue the disarmament process, they want to see Turkey take steps to end the regime of isolation imposed on Ocalan in prison and to allow integration of former militants into the political system.
Thousands of people from Bosnia and around the world have gathered in Srebrenica to mark the 30th anniversary of a massacre there of more than 8,000 Bosniak Muslim boys and men.

Seven newly identified victims of the 1995 massacre, including two 19-year-old men, were laid to rest in a collective funeral at a vast cemetery near Srebrenica on Friday, next to more than 6,000 victims already buried there.

Such funerals are held annually for the victims who are still being unearthed from dozens of mass graves around the town.

Relatives of the victims often can bury only partial remains of their loved ones as they are typically found in several different mass graves, sometimes kmiles apart. Such was the case of Mirzeta Karic, who was waiting to bury her father.

A flower is seen on a monument with the names of those killed in the Srebrenica genocide,(Armin Durgut/AP)

Thirty years of search and we are burying a bone, she said, crying by her fathers coffin which was wrapped in green cloth in accordance with Islamic tradition.

I think it would be easier if I could bury all of him. What can I tell you, my father is one of the 50 (killed) from my entire family, she added.

July 11 1995 is the day when the killings started after Bosnian Serb fighters overran the eastern Bosnian enclave in the final months of the inter-ethnic war in the Balkan country.

After taking control of the town that was a protected UN safe zone during the war, Bosnian Serb fighters separated Bosniak Muslim men and boys from their families and brutally executed them in several days.

The bodies were then dumped in mass graves around Srebrenica which they later dug up with bulldozers, scattering the remains among other burial sites to hide the evidence of their war crimes.

The UN General Assembly last year adopted a resolution to commemorate the Srebrenica genocide on the July 11 anniversary.

Scores of international officials and dignitaries attended the commemoration ceremonies and the funeral.

Among them were European Council President Antonio Costa and Britains Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, who said that our duty must be to remember all those lost so tragically and to never let these things happen again.

Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp said he felt humbled because UN troops from the Netherlands were based in Srebrenica when Bosnian Serbs stormed the town.

People mourn during the funerals in Srebrenica (Armin Durgut/AP)

I see to what extent commemorating Srebrenica genocide is important, he said.

In an emotional speech, Munira Subasic, who heads the Mothers of Srebrenica association, urged Europe and the world to help us fight against hatred, against injustice and against killings.

Ms Subasic, who lost her husband and youngest son in Srebrenica along with more than 20 relatives, told Europe to wake up.

As I stand here many mothers in Ukraine and Palestine are going through what we went through in 1995, Ms Subasic said, referring to ongoing conflicts. Its the 21st century but instead of justice, fascism has woken up.

On the eve of the anniversary, an exhibition was inaugurated displaying personal items belonging to the victims that were found in the mass graves over the years.

The conflict in Bosnia erupted in 1992, when Bosnian Serbs took up arms in a rebellion against the countrys independence from the former Yugoslavia and with an aim to create their own state and eventually unite with neighbouring Serbia.

More than 100,000 people were killed and millions displaced before a US-brokered peace agreement was reached in 1995.
Kenyas opposition leaders have demanded the presidents resignation over his call for police to shoot those found stealing or burning property during protests.

Their calls came as mourners attended the burial of a Kenyan civilian who was shot at close range by a police officer during a recent demonstration.

Opposition figure Kalonzo Musyoka said the presidents order was against the constitution and that he should resign or be impeached.

President William Ruto said on Wednesday that he would not allow anarchy in the country disguised as peaceful demonstrations, and called for police to shoot and break the legs of those found looting or damaging property during protests.

Demonstrators gesture to anti-riot police during demonstrations (Brian Inganga/AP)

Human rights groups have called for restraint among police officers as waves of protests have rocked Kenya in recent weeks.

More than 50 people have died in the two major demonstrations, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

The unrest began when the death of a blogger in police custody last month angered many Kenyans, and tensions heightened after the shooting of the civilian, Boniface Kariuki.

Mr Kariuki was selling face masks to protesters during an anti-police brutality demonstration on June 17 when two officers appeared to confront him and shot him in the head as he walked away.

On Thursday, an officer was charged with his murder. A plea hearing for the officer is set for July 28.

Thousands turned out for protests on June 25, which coincided with the one-year anniversary of huge anti-tax protests.

At Mr Kariukis burial in Githunguri, Muranga county, his body arrived in a white coffin draped with a Kenyan flag and a photo showing the moment he was shot was placed next to it. Young people danced around the coffin while waving a Kenyan flag.

Mourners sing and dance at the funeral service (Brian Inganga/AP)

No uniformed police officers were observed at the burial venue but anti-riot police remained deployed around Muranga town.

Muranga County governor Irungu Kangata said local leaders would ensure justice is served.

The government must take responsibility for the killing of Boniface, he said.

Several mothers of the more than 100 young people who have died in protests since last years anti-tax demonstrations were present at the burial.

Four police officers are currently in custody over the recent deaths of young people and are facing murder charges in court.

Three officers were last month charged with the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody. Police had said he died after repeatedly banging his head on a wall, but a post-mortem examination report stated that the injuries were not self-inflicted.

Another officer, Klinzy Barasa, on Thursday appeared in court where prosecution approved murder charges against him. He is expected to submit a plea on July 28.
Four people are presumed dead and 11 others are missing after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship sank in the Red Sea following an attack by Yemens Houthi rebels, a European Union naval mission said.

The update from the EUs Operation Aspides came as private security forces continue to search for survivors from the Eternity C, a Greek-owned bulk carrier that sank on Wednesday.

Ten people were recovered alive from the attack, including eight Filipino crew members and a Greek and Indian from the vessels three-man security team.

Fifteen people remain unaccounted for, including the four presumed dead, the EU mission said.

Houthi supporters attend a weekly protest against the US and Israel in Sanaa (Osamah Abdulrahman/AP)

All nearby vessels are advised to have a sharp look out, a spokesman added.

The Houthis have said they hold some of the crew. The US Embassy in Yemen  which has operated from Saudi Arabia for about a decade  has described the Houthis as having kidnapped the mariners.

The death toll is the highest from any seaborne assault carried out by the Iranian-backed Houthis in the crucial maritime trade route where 1 trillion dollars in cargo once passed through annually.

The rebels say they are attacking ships to support Palestinians in the Gaza Strip during the Israel-Hamas war, and have in total sunk four vessels and killed sailors who had no direct role in the war.

The attack on the Eternity C followed the sinking of the bulk carrier Magic Seas in a similar attack last weekend. Neither the European naval force nor the US had been escorting the two vessels when they were attacked.

The Houthis have held mariners in the past. After seizing the vehicle carrier Galaxy Leader in November 2023, the rebels held the crew until January this year.

From November 2023 to December 2024, the Houthis targeted more than 100 ships with missiles and drones.

They stopped their attacks during a brief ceasefire in the war. They later became the target of an intense weeks-long campaign of air strikes ordered by US President Donald Trump before he declared a ceasefire had been reached with the rebels.

A new possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war  as well as the future of talks between the US and Iran over Tehrans battered nuclear programme  remain in the balance.
Friday, Jul 11th, 2025 (7:45 am) - Score 520

The UK Government has agreed to commit a further 140m (163.3) of public investment to help Eutelsat grow and expand its constellation of OneWeb ultrafast broadband satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The funding will be combined with other investments, such as 750m from France (the French State), to support a total capital increase of 1.5 billion (1.29bn).

Just to recap. OneWeb (aka  Eutelsat OneWeb), which was originally rescued from bankruptcy by the UK government and Bharti before later becoming a part of Eutelsat  with concessions (here), currently has 654 small (c.150kg) first generation (GEN1) LEO platforms in space  orbiting at an altitude of 1,200km (c.600 of them for coverage and the rest for redundancy).

NOTE: Eutelsat has its HQ in Paris, while OneWeb is a subsidiary operating commercially as Eutelsat OneWeb, with its centre of operations remaining in London. Eutelsat has its HQ in Paris, while OneWeb is a subsidiary operating commercially as Eutelsat OneWeb, with its centre of operations remaining in London. BT and others have previously worked with OneWeb on several UK rural broadband trials ( here and here ).

The OneWeb network was finally completed in March 2023 (here), promising both ultrafast broadband speeds and fast latency times. But a further 15 satellites (plus one GEN2 prototype) were then launched in May 2023 to add resiliency and redundancy to the network (here) and then another 20 more in October 2024 (here).

Advertisement

The new funding announced yesterday is intended to help secure the execution of Eutelsats long-term strategic vision, including for its OneWeb based network of LEO broadband satellites, which have typically been more focused on business and government connectivity (some rural communities have also been connected via distributed WiFi solutions).

The expectation is that this will support the launch of new services, the development of future GEN2 satellites and also underpin Eutelsats position on the EUs own LEO focused IRIS 2 programme  the public-private partnership aiming to build a multi-orbit constellation delivering secure communication services to the EU and its Member States.

Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for DSIT, said: From checking the weather forecast on our phones to navigating with GPS in our cars, satellites underpin industrial activity worth 364 billion to the UK economy. But their critical role extends far beyond economic growth. As our adversaries increasingly use space technologies to harm us, resilient satellite connectivity has become essential to our continents national security. This investment reflects our commitment to support the development of these critical technologies and maintain an important stake in the global satellite communications sector.

Joint UK-France Leaders Statement We are committed to protecting our Critical National Infrastructure that underpins our thriving economies. Satellite connectivity is strategically important to Europes security and resilience and the UKs investment in the Eutelsat Group is a demonstration of our commitment to this important technology, alongside the French Government and other existing shareholders. The UK will thus join, prorated to its current stake, the capital increase led by the French State and other existing shareholders of Eutelsat announced on June 19  taking the total amount of capital raised to 1.5 billion. In the context of European Space Projects, we welcome UK suppliers bidding for supply chain commercial contracts when conditions are met. We will also work towards a resilient terrestrial alternative to Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

The mention of GNSS at the end is something that the UK Government has long envisaged for future satellites under the OneWeb constellation, although thus far its yet to materialise. But OneWeb did originally plan to launch another 1,280 satellites in the future (funds allowing), which were expected to reflect a GEN2 model that could sit in a higher Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) of 8,500km. The GEN2s are widely expected to have more data capacity (faster broadband speeds), support for 5G mobile and may, possibly, also introduce enhanced navigation and positioning features (GNSS).

However, the official funding announcement didnt include a lot of detail on precisely how the new funding would be invested, but it does at least ensure that OneWeb will continue to be developed. The agreement, once fully approved, would leave the French State holding a stake of 29.65% of the capital and voting rights, while Bharti Space Limited, the UK Government, CMA CGM and FSP would respectively hold 17.88%, 10.89%, 7.46%, and 4.99% of the share capital and voting rights.

Advertisement

The deal naturally remains subject to the usual approvals by shareholders (meeting due to be held in Q3-2025) and regulators, which look likely to be achieved by the end of this year.
Guangxi hosts high-quality development conference to advance AI-empowered rural revitalization

People's Daily Online) 15:55, July 11, 2025

A high-quality development conference on artificial intelligence (AI) empowering rural revitalization was held on July 8 in Nanning, the capital city of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Over 300 representatives from government agencies, research institutes, financial institutions, and leading enterprises gathered to map out an AI-driven blueprint for rural transformation in Guangxi.

The event saw the signing of several agreements covering AI cooperation, investment and financing, and technology transfer. During the conference, a number of rural revitalization experts joined a newly launched industrial cooperation platform for rural revitalization, which aims to further integrate technology, capital, and market resources.

Jointly established by research institutes, financial institutions, and social organizations, the platform integrates key resources for rural revitalization, including policies, technology, funding, and market access. Its technology transfer service has released over 200 sci-tech achievements and supported more than 30 enterprises in transforming sci-tech achievements.

Experts at the conference agreed that applying AI to boost agricultural efficiency and develop smart industry chains for specialty products will be key to transforming and upgrading Guangxi's agriculture sector.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
The administration of US President Donald Trump has taken legal action against California concerning its regulations on eggs and chicken farms. The lawsuit claims that the states anti-animal cruelty laws have created unnecessary red tape, resulting in increased egg prices nationwide.

Filed in a federal court in Los Angeles, the lawsuit asserts that the federal Egg Products Inspection Act of 1970 supersedes state laws related to egg production.

This federal legislation empowers the US Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to manage egg regulations for the sake of consumer health and safety, as well as mandates national uniformity in egg safety standards, according to the claims made by the Trump administration.

The California attorney generals office has not yet provided a response to the request for comments.

While these state laws aim to combat animal cruelty and minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, the federal government contends that only it has the authority to oversee egg safety regulations.

Eggs are displayed on a shelf at a Sprouts grocery store in San Rafael, California.

According to the lawsuit, while California has the authority to regulate chicken farms within its borders, it cannot impose additional requirements on eggs from other states that are offered for sale in California.

Previous challenges to Californias voter initiatives by farmers and other states have not been successful.

In 2014, six statesMissouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kentucky, and Iowasued California regarding its egg regulations.

These states claimed that the federal law preempted Californias regulations but were unsuccessful in both a federal district court and the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals.

In 2023, the US Supreme Court upheld one of Californias voter initiatives, which had been contested in a lawsuit by pig farmers.

The pig farmers contended that Californias 2018 ballot measure, mandating minimum space requirements for pigs, cows, and chickens, impermissibly regulated out-of-state producers.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday slapped personal sanctions on United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, in a bizarre through-the-looking-glass statement, every word of which is either a lie or used to mean the opposite of what it means in ordinary language.

Rubio barefacedly wrote, Today, I am imposing sanctions on Francesca Paola Albanese, the United Nations Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories Occupied since 1967, pursuant to President Trumps Executive Order 14203, Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court. Albanese has directly engaged with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel, without the consent of those two countries. Neither the United States nor Israel is party to the Rome Statute, making this action a gross infringement on the sovereignty of both countries.

So let me explain why this verbiage is arrant nonsense, like most of what comes out of little Marcos mouth.

The nationals of Israel and the United States being investigated by the International Criminal Court are committing war crimes in Palestine. They are not being charged with crimes committed on Israeli or U.S. soil, such that national sovereignty might come into play.

Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends.

You may as well say that the US-backed Nuremberg trials violated Japanese and German sovereignty. Or that the International Criminal Courts warrant for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin for his invasion and occupation of part of Ukraine violated Russian sovereignty. Neither Russia nor Ukraine is signatory to the Rome Statute that underpins the ICC, but the US State Department has been ecstatic about that warrant.

At least it always was before, and Im not aware that Rubio has changed that position. He has admitted that Russia has committed war crimes in Ukraine, while saying it is necessary to speak to Putin to end the war.

Consistency of principle has never been a source of angst for Mr. Rubio, who in 2017 scolded then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for declining to so characterize Putin. He said at that time, It should not be hard to say that Vladimir Putins military has conducted war crimes in Aleppo because it is never acceptable, you would agree, for a military to specifically target civilians, which is whats happened there through the Russian military.

That statement would appear on the face of it to be an interference in both Russian and Syrian sovereignty.

In fact, Rubio, having savaged Putin many times, is now acting exactly like him.

When the International Criminal Court indicted the Russian president, the Russian Federations State Investigative Committee opened a case against the ICC judges, charging them with knowingly accusing an innocent person of a crime and of preparing an attack on a representative of a foreign state enjoying international protection, in order to complicate international relations.

Coles Law: All ass-covering official gobbledygook all around the world sounds exactly the same.

In point of fact, the International Criminal Court has excellent grounds for issuing warrants for war crimes committed in Palestine. In 1993, the US government sponsored the Oslo Peace Accords, which created the Palestine Authority and promised it control over all of Palestine by the late 1990s. That is, the US recognized the PA as the legitimate indigenous authority in the West Bank and Gaza, and Washington and Tel Aviv both promised to relinquish the entirety of that territory to it.

In 2012, the Palestine Authority was recognized by the United Nations General Assembly as a non-member observer state, a status previously enjoyed by the Vatican. That status gave the Palestine Authority, now styled the State of Palestine, the prerogative to sit on UN committees and to sign the Rome Statute, which it did in 2015.

The International Criminal Court therefore has jurisdiction over war crimes committed by individuals in Palestine. In fact, since Ukraine is not a signatory, but simply gave the ICC an informal go-ahead, the court has a much stronger claim to judging war crimes taking place in Palestine than it does those in Ukraine, for which it issued a warrant for the arrest of Vladimir Putin.

The Palestine Authority forwarded the war crimes being committed in the West Bank and Gaza by the Israeli authorities to the court in 2018. The court took the time to decide if it indeed had jurisdiction, and in 2021 its justices reached the conclusion that they did. They reached that conclusion despite a terrifying campaign of intimidation launched at them by Israeli intelligence, which included Mafia-like personal confrontations in private settings.

Tellingly, the sanctions on Albanese come after she presented a report on the dozens of companies implicated in the Israeli genocide in Gaza and atrocities in the Palestinian West Bank, urging that they be boycotted.



Justice behind Bars, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3, 2025

Albanese said at a press conference over the some 21 months of Israels total war on Gaza, that the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange had jumped 200 percent, gaining $220bn in market value. In contrast, the Palestinians of Gaza have been genocided and made homeless and penniless. She observed, One people enriched, one people erased. Clearly, for some, genocide is profitable.

Rubios frantic attempt at sanctions was designed to protect the billionaire genocidaires, the class he serves.

The US cannot actually sanction Albanese if she doesnt have assets or bank accounts in the US or in dollars, as long as other countries in Europe stand up to Rubio.

By the way, among the offenses against the International Criminal Court that can result in sanctions on individual government officials are:

(c) Corruptly influencing a witness, obstructing or interfering with the attendance or testimony of a witness, retaliating against a witness for giving testimony or destroying, tampering with or interfering with the collection of evidence;

(d) Impeding, intimidating or corruptly influencing an official of the Court for the purpose of forcing or persuading the official not to perform, or to perform improperly, his or her duties;

(e) Retaliating against an official of the Court on account of duties performed by that or another official . . .

I fondly hope that Rubio himself will face justice from the ICC for attempting to sanction its judges and Ms. Albanese. He shouldnt get too used to jet-setting around the world, since Interpol may want to have words with him.
( Tomdispatch.com )  We bombed Iran and, despite a temporary cessation of hostilities, its likely that President Donald Trump and his counterpart in Tel Aviv, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, intend to drag the United States into yet another destabilizing effort in the Middle East, perhaps the most dangerous one yet. As an Iranian American, I feel as if my greatest fears are now being realized.

Like many Iranian Americans, I love this country and the many blessings that its provided my family  so much so that I proudly chose to wear the uniform of its Navy. Ill never forget the immense sense of pride I felt, on July 31st, 1996, when I was sworn into the United States Navy, or the unparalleled sense of responsibility I experienced when I wore my uniform for the first time as an American sailor graduating from boot camp at the Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1997. I then had the honor of being selected as the first Iranian American to serve as a member of the United States Navy Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. And on every one of those occasions, my loved ones, Iranian immigrants all, proudly stood by my side, beaming with joy as I embarked on what I viewed as a sacred commitment to serve the nation that I love.

We Have to Remember Who Were Meant to Be

Like many immigrant families, mine came to the United States in search of peace, prosperity, and the possibility of becoming part of the fabric of the country that had given the world the Bill of Rights and the sacred tenet of equal justice under the law; the country that had given history George Washington, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr., among others; the nation that had served as a safe harbor for German refugees like Albert Einstein and Hollywood film director Billy Wilder fleeing Nazi persecution; the great nation that did indeed free the world from the scourge of Hitler and the Third Reich in World War II, and later landed the first men on the surface of the moon. No nation has had so much potential to do good in the world as we do in the United States of America. Our Founding Fathers, imperfect as they might have been, passed on to us the proposition that liberty and human dignity are anything but idle words  that they are, in fact, fundamental human values written in the very hearts of every person. In short, they passed on to us a promise: that all men, every soul, in fact, is endowed by our Creator with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Nor did those founders suggest that such sacrosanct, if now seemingly self-evident, values stopped at American shores. They were all too aware that, for centuries, imperial forces had pillaged and wreaked havoc globally on smaller, defenseless countries and on civilizations virtually everywhere. Throughout the centuries, such imperial powers had risen by way of their strength, if not their virtue, and fallen thanks to their global misadventures. And lets be clear, by any metric you want to mention, the United States is indeed a global imperial force at an all-too-critical crossroads. The question is: Will we allow parasitic and nefarious entities and interests to drain us of our resources, cajole us into breaking yet more international laws, and turn us into a global pariah while betraying the great founding promise of our republic?

With Donald Trump at the helm of state, the answer is likely to be a resounding yes.

Why the Con, Don?

In order to understand the peril in which we find ourselves as a nation, we need look no further than Trumps recent betrayal of his own director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. Just three months ago, she testified before Congress that, according to the assessment of the intelligence community, Iran had not made the decision to weaponize its nuclear program.

When asked about Gabbards assessment recently, Trump quipped, I dont care what she said, as if she had merely been offering an opinion of her own, not testifying about a multi-agency conclusion that Iran was not a nuclear threat. In fact, as a matter of religious edict, Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, had declared a fatwa, ruling that the potential global devastation of nuclear weapons violated the very tenets of the Islamic faith and that his country was forbidden to develop such weaponry.

For my part, more than 25 years ago, as a young sailor on active duty, I found myself recruited by the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Defense HUMINT Service (now the Defense Clandestine Service) specifically because of my Persian-Farsi skills and cultural knowledge. Even then, it was widely reported that our government had a wealth of intelligence capabilities when it came to determining the exact scale, scope, and goals, not to speak of mindset and shoe sizes of the Iranian leadership, especially when it came to their military and nuclear capabilities.

Its Never Actually Been About Nukes or Regime Change

To be clear, Im no fan of the repressive Iranian regime and wholeheartedly reject its fundamentalist ideology. At the same time, since my countrys leaders and its intelligence community have regularly reaffirmed that Iran is not a nuclear threat, why would Donald Trump, as well as Republican Senators like Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz, so casually betray that community and the trust of the American people?

Why would the Trump administration allow itself to appear to be so schizophrenic by moving the goalposts on what has often seemed like a daily basis? The answer: such head fakes and confusion are part of their strategy. Chaos is the point, a crucial aspect of the psychological tactics deployed against the American public to distract us from their end game. My guess is that, not unlike Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s brain worm, Donald Trump and many of the corporate oligarchs who support him suffer from a parasitic infection  a murderous devotion to Israeli Prime Minister (and International Criminal Court-charged war criminal) Benjamin Netanyahus master plan for the Middle East. He, of course, seeks to destabilize that entire region and expand the borders of Israel into countries like Lebanon, Syria, and even possibly the Iranian peripheries. That scheme, called The Greater Israel Plan, has been the decades-long aim of radical right-wing elements in the Israeli government.

The modern iteration of that strategy was commissioned by Netanyahu himself. As Jonathan Granoff asks at The Hill:

Why does [Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahus Likud Party] make no credible effort at building a better future for Palestinian people, knowing it serves only to align their interests more closely with Hamas? And why amid all the chaos strike Iran and aggravate the risk of wider war? Where does Israels policy of violent coercion rather than cooperation and an ever-widening reliance on military force come from?

And he answers those questions this way: It actually has an identifiable source. In 1996, Netanyahu, then Likud party leader, commissioned the policy document A Clean Break, A New Strategy for Securing the Realm, whose lead drafters were neoconservatives Richard Perle and Douglas Feith, co-architects of the disastrous U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq.

The desire to implement just that end-game scenario by hardline members of the Israeli government is the only reasonable way to explain the otherwise confounding actions of both the Trump and Netanyahu governments. A rational person could argue that the hundreds of millions of dollars poured into the Trump campaign in 2024 by pro-Israel billionaires like Miriam Adelson were a mere pittance when compared with the possibility of stealing so much in the way of land and resources in the Middle East. You could also be forgiven for imagining Benjamin Netanyahu, seduced by the wicked wiles of that infamous crew, considering the constricted borders of Israel and thinking: Why not? Why shouldnt I take it?

Of course, Im hardly the first person to notice the strange, almost cultish loyalty of so many of our elected officials to his dangerous way of thinking. For instance, in his book Solving 9-11: The Deception That Changed The World, investigative journalist Christopher Lee Bollyn wrote: Today, the United States of America is by all appearances an Israeli-occupied state. The U.S. Congress dutifully authorizes the annual payment of an immense tribute to Israel, some three thousand million dollars a year.

Bollyn certainly offers a striking explanation for the events now taking place before our eyes, the voluntary death spiral into which we, as a nation, have been thrust at least in part by the radical Netanyahu government and his death-cult devotees led by the current American president.

Blowback: Its Not Good for Israel Either

In the same way that Donald Trumps greed-fueled ambitions far outweigh any desire to do right by the United States, Benjamin Netanyahus psychopathic schemes in pursuit of his end game have only served to degrade the international reputation of Israel, making it (outside of the United States) essentially a pariah nation. Even within this country, the Trump administrations kowtowing to the whims of Netanyahus regime, from an unprecedented crackdown on free speech (supposedly to quell anti-semitism) to defunding major universities, has earned a massive backlash from both the left and the right.

What makes all of this so tragic is that the state of Israel, through its citizenry, has the capacity to do so much good in this world of ours. My Jewish friends all have a keen sense of justice and a deep sense of compassion towards the plight of the oppressed, values that have been handed down to them, particularly from Holocaust survivors who witnessed the abject evil wrought upon humanity by men with messiah complexes who were without honor or virtue. And thats exactly why Israelis should, in the end, reject the likes of Benjamin Netanyahu, so that their country can indeed once again become a cherished safe haven for the Jewish people living alongside the future nation of Palestine.

In that regard, one could easily make the case that the greatest threat to the nation of Israel is Benjamin Netanyahu. In his years of public life, due to his unrepentant acts of horror and violence, especially in his latest tenure as prime minister, even American support for Israel has cratered. And the global decline is starker yet, with European nations like Ireland, Luxembourg, and Spain now considering massive embargoes of the Israeli state.

Freedom Is Not Free, Can America Survive?

In 1997, when I was stationed in Washington D.C., my friend Jeff (Smitty) Smiths little brother came to visit him from Missouri. Smitty and I took him around D.C. and finally came to the then-newly-built Korean War Memorial. If youve been there, then you know that the stark and hallowed message of that memorial is: Freedom Is Not Free, words chiseled in stone. On seeing this, Smittys brother was taken aback, and asked, What does that mean? Then 19 years old, I hadnt really thought about that, but it hit me instantly. I think it means, I told him, that our American soldiers are willing to pay the ultimate price for our freedom.

I thought of that day again as I was writing this, how in the age of Donald Trump weve betrayed the sacrifices of all those generations and how far weve fallen as a nation. After I reached out to my editor, Tom Engelhardt, with my ideas for this piece, my mom asked me if it was safe to write such an article while Trump was president. After all, he and his goon squad, to their everlasting shame, have gone to the ends of the earth to crush free speech, especially any criticism of Israel or the administrations nefarious deeds writ large. (Just ask Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student who dared coauthor an op-ed questioning the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by the Netanyahu regime, only to quickly find herself disappeared off the street by masked agents of the Department of Homeland Security and imprisoned by the American government.)

In truth, that such thoughts even entered my mothers mind or mine made me first sad and then ticked off. But certain patterns of history seem all too tragically repetitive. When an imperial power is in peril, unless there is a significant course correction, potential tyrants can take control, with the urge to destroy sovereign nations abroad and crush sacred freedoms at home.

In truth, though, it doesnt have to be that way for us. Yes, we are now governed by wildly lesser men than the great ones of our past. Which is why none of us should cede any ground, when it comes to patriotism or the very idea of national security, to the likes of Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth who mistake violence and jingoism for love of country. Such lesser men have the urge to manipulate the immense levers of power in their own favor while using those same levers to crush the righteous dissent of the American people.

This is no longer a matter of right versus left, but of uniting all people of peace and goodwill to reclaim the promise of our founding, ensuring that the precious future aspirations of all peoples, be they Americans, Israelis, or Iranians, not be crushed within the grip of a death cult of End Times fundamentalists who, like Heath Ledgers Joker in the Batman film The Dark Knight, would happily engulf human civilization in flames and laugh as the world around them burns.

Copyright 2025 Nader Terani

Via Tomdispatch.com
By James Sweeney, Lancaster University

(The Concversation)  The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are refusing to implement a government plan to move hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into a what it calls a humanitarian city in Rafah on Gazas southern border with Egypt. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, chief of the IDF general staff said the plan was not part of the militarys operational plan for destroying Hamas and freeing the remaining hostages.

Army reservists have reportedly also complained that the plan amounts to a war crime. In my view as an expert in international law, they are correct. Forcibly relocating a population is prohibited, even in war. It is also a crime against humanity and could even amount, under certain circumstances, to genocide.

There is some important historical context to consider before examining the legal issues at play.

The prosecution of crimes against humanity first took place at the Nuremberg trials of surviving senior Nazis after the second world war. By that time the idea of war crimes was clearly established  but they tended to concern what you should not do to the enemy civilian population.

The problem was that the worst atrocities of the Nazis were committed against their own people  the German Jews (and many, many others too). The idea of crimes against humanity was created to fill this gap, and was used to prosecute the surviving masterminds of the Holocaust.

Conditions for a crime against humanity

Crimes against humanity are a category that contains several separate crimes. If the right conditions are there, you might talk about the crime against humanity of murder or the crime against humanity of rape. The conditions are that the underpinning crime takes place against a backdrop of a widespread or systematic attack on a civilian population.

The attack does not have to include a literal armed attack: apartheid, for example, was established as a crime against humanity in 1973 in response to the policies of the South African government. It is also not necessary that there is an armed conflict for a particular crime to be a crime against humanity.

Within the category of crimes against humanity is included deportation and forcible transfer (see article 7 of the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court).

This is what the Israeli governments plan for moving Palestinians into a humanitarian city would appear to amount to. If the plan stopped at leaving Gazan Palestinians in Rafah then it would be forcible transfer, and if they were relocated to another country it would be deportation.

Coercion is key to the crime of forcible transfer. Its fanciful to think that every single Gazan civilian would want to move to Rafah in circumstances where they would be security-checked on entry and thereafter forbidden from leaving.

How could a liveable city, with all the infrastructure needed, even be created? What of the dentists, doctors, teachers, lawyers, mechanics, entrepreneurs and anyone else who was able to make an honest living? Will they really be given a place to carry out their work?

Ethnic cleansing

The term ethnic cleansing is sometimes used to describe what is being proposed by the Israeli government. I dislike the term, and it has no meaning in law. It became a commonly used term during the 1990s conflict in the former Yugoslavia when ethnic Serbs, and in some instances ethnic Croats, expelled hundreds of thousands of people of any other ethnicity out of the territory that they held.

For this practice, the president of the former Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milosevic, and a string of Bosnian Serb and Bosnian Croat leaders were charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Milosevic died before the ICTY could deliver a verdict in his case, but many others were found guilty. The actions of the Bosnian Serb forces in the town of Srebrenica were even found by the ICTY to have been an act of genocide, because they were not just expelling non-Serbs but wiping them out: at one point in July 1995 they killed around 8,000 men and boys in just a few days.

A lot would depend on the conditions in which the Palestinians would live in the humanitarian city. If they were deprived of sufficient food and medical supplies in a way that could only be seen as intended to lead to their deaths, then that too could be held to qualify as an act of genocide.

Justice and accountability

It is clear to me that the forced relocation of Gazans to a humanitarian city would violate international law. What is not so clear cut is how to hold its instigators to account.

There are already arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant. But there is no international police force and so the ICC relies on participating states to arrest suspects on its behalf. Hungary welcomed Netanyahu in April this year, while announcing it would withdraw from the ICC.

In the same way, Netanyahu flew to Washington DC this week to meet with Donald Trump, but was not arrested because the US doesnt recognise the ICC. During his visit, Netanyahu announced he would be nominating Trump for the Nobel peace prize.



Concentration Camp, Digital, Midjourney, 2025

South Africa has also sought to hold the state of Israel to account at the International Court of Justice, alleging the crime of genocide. The court has yet to rule, saying only that it is plausible that acts of genocide might occur in Gaza.

Since Hamas launched its vicious attack on Isreal on the October 7 2023, there has been constant violence and massive loss of life in the region. However, the proposed humanitarian city is not, in my view, a lawful route to peace and stability. As for anyone actually facing justice for the many atrocities that we have seen, an international consensus in favour simply doesnt exist. And, in the current climate, theres little sign that it will exist any time soon.

James Sweeney, Professor, Lancaster Law School, Lancaster University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
July 10, 2025 - Vancouver, Canada  TheNewswire - Stellar Africagold Inc. (TSX-V: SPX) (Stellar or the Company) is pleased to report significant progress at its flagship Tichka Est Gold Project in Moroccos Western High-Atlas. Recent field activities, including structural mapping, advanced 3D modeling and surface sampling with grades up to 102 g/t Au have confirmed priority drill targets. Supported by recently extended access road construction and drill platform development Stellars summer drilling campaign is ready to launch.

Summer 2025 Drill Program

Stellar is initiating a 10 hole 1,500-metre diamond drill program at Tichka Ests Structure B in July 2025. The program will test four primary targets:

Lateral and down-dip continuity of the MT1 sill-hosted mineralization

High-grade NE shear-hosted shoots

Depth extensions of trench 7B dyke and potential parallel dykes eastward

Previously untested targets identified along the newly mapped faults and conjugate fractures.

Structure B is currently the most advanced target at the Tichka Est Project, characterized by the presence of three mineralized horizons and at least two shear zones. Structural mapping and sampling indicate a complex deformation system controlling gold mineralization, including conjugate shears and NE-trending fault corridors. High-grade gold has been intersected in both dioritic sills and intrusive dykes, with mineralized shoots interpreted to plunge gently to the north-northeast. These geological features, along with the scale and continuity of mineralization observed to date, position Structure B as the principal focus of the upcoming diamond drill program.

Structural Interpretation and Target Confirmation

A detailed structural interpretation at Structure B completed in the spring of 2025 and supported by external geological expertise, on-site geological mapping and digital 3D modeling, has provided additional clarification of the controls of the gold mineralization. See illustration of 3-D model in figure 1 below. The conclusion of this analysis is that the controls of the gold mineralization appear to be:

Gold is predominantly hosted in NE-trending, subvertical quartz-ankerite-arsenopyrite veins and diorite sills controlled by brittle deformation along major faults and conjugate splays.

Key intercepts in trench MT1 andtrench 7B dykes plunge gently NNE, with additional mineralized sill-hosted Au observed to the northwest and projected at depth.

Despite complex faulting, deep intercepts suggest continuation of the system at depth; drilling will focus on testing NE-trending brittle structures and gently NE-dipping shear corridors

Structural mapping indicates that steeply W-dipping fractures and NE shears control high-grade mineralized shoots, and that carbonate-sill contacts and dykes similar to those identified in trench 7B may host additional gold mineralization along the hinge of the anticline.

Commentary

Jean-Francois Lalonde, CEO of Stellar Africagold, commented: We are very encouraged by the exceptional gold grades from the surface mapping and sampling program, especially the 102 g/t Au chip sample result. Additionally, the refined structural model illustrates the significant exploration upside and the potential for the discovery of additional high-grade zones of gold mineralization at Tichka Est. The teams progress on drill-platform and road construction is on schedule, and we are keen to start the drill campaign this July as planned.

Figure 1. Geological Interpretation and Planned Drill Program

Drill Program Preparation

Construction of new access roads and drill-platforms is continuing. Road construction is challenging due to areas of hard limestone and the generally steep, rugged topography, both of which contributed to slower than initially projected progress. Despite these adverse working conditions steady progress was made, and several drill platforms are now complete and ready for the scheduled July 2025 drill campaign.

Following interviews and tenders a drilling contractor was selected, contractor duties and timelines were negotiated, and on July 3rd, 2025, a definitive drilling contract was signed. Mobilization activities are in process and drilling is expected to start this month.

Structure B Background Information

Over the past three years the Tichka Est Gold Project has been the subject of considerable mapping, sampling, trenching and an initial exploratory RC drill program. Three gold mineralized structures, designated Structures A, B and C in chronological order of discovery, were identified by this early exploration.

At Structure B a significant mechanical trench MT1 assayed 3.5 g/t Au over 155.7 metres length (news release October 4th, 2022) determined that Structure B should be the primary target for the Companys next drill campaign. See Figure 2 map below which consolidates some of the more notable trench assays and drill intercepts delineated to date.

Figure 2. Structure B Significant Trenching and Drilling Intercepts

(For further details of trenching assays see news releases of April 21, 2021, October 6, 2021, October 25, 2021 and October 4, 2022. For further details of the RC drilling assays see news release of October 4, 2022.)

Spring 2025 Mapping and Sampling Program Reinforces Structure Bs Potential

As part of Stellars overall exploration plan geologists have continued to prospect, sample and map both within and in an expanding area around Structures A, B and C. The first batch of samples from this ongoing mapping and sampling campaign included 30 samples, with initial assay results revealing new high-grade vein systems and underscoring the Tichka Est propertys strong exploration potential (see Figure 3 below).

Chip samples from within and around Structure B yielded significant gold grades including 102 g/t Au, 34 g/t Au and 27 g/t Au from the Diorite Sill previously exposed by the first mechanical trench MT1 (3.5 g/t Au over 155.7 metres). Additionally chip sampling at Structure A yielded a sample of 31 g/t Au and a newly discovered area between Structure A and Structure B yielded a sample of 25 g/t Au.

Figure 3. Spring 2025 Chip Sampling Assay Results

Technical Information and Quality Control/Quality Assurance Notes

Chip samples were collected by two experienced local geologists by breaking small chips of rock along veins or trench walls. The samples were bagged at the sampling site and stored in secure areas until being transported to African Laboratory for Mining and Environment (Afrilab) in Marrakech for fire assay analysis. The chip sampling program included sampling lengths over a range of 0.1 meters to 4.0 meters, the total chip samples ranged from 10 to 33 rock chips in each bag, and each sample bag weighed between 0.599 kg and 1.879 kg, with an average weight of 1.072 kg.

A total of 30 samples were sent to the lab for this program. In addition, for quality control purposes two duplicate samples and one blank sample were included in the batch. The blank sample value was all below the detection limit for gold.

About Stellar AfricaGold Inc.

Stellar AfricaGold Inc. is a Canadian precious metal exploration company focused on precious metals in North and West Africa, with active programs in Morocco and Cote dIvoire. Stellars principal exploration projects are its advancing gold discovery at the Tichka Est Gold Project in Morocco, and its early-stage exploration Zuenoula Gold Project in Cote dIvoire.

The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange symbol TSX.V: SPX, the Tradegate Exchange TGAT: 6YP and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange FSX: 6YP.

The Company maintains its head office in Vancouver, BC and has a representative office in Casablanca, Morocco.

The technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by M. Yassine Belkabir, MScDIC, CEng, MIMMM, a Stellar director and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.

Stellars President and CEO J. Francois Lalonde can be contacted at +1 (514) 994-0654 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Additional information is available on the Companys website at www.stellarafricagold.com.

On Behalf of the Board

J. Francois Lalonde

J. Francois Lalonde

President & CEO

Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the forward-looking statement will not occur. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and reflect several material factors, expectations, and assumptions. Undue reliance should not be placed on any predictions or forward-looking statements as these may be affected by, among other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. A discussion of the material risks applicable to us can be found in our current Management Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form, each of which have been or will be filed on SEDAR+ and can be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although the Company believes that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. The Company does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials, including its reports filed with the Canadian securities regulators and which can be obtained from www.sedarplus.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
TORONTO, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. ("Mountain Province", the "Company") (TSX: MPVD) (OTC: MPVD) today announces production and sales results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 ("the Quarter" or "Q2 2025") from the Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine ("GK Mine"). All figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

Q2 Production Takeaways

(all figures reported on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated)

708,072 carats recovered, 46% lower than Q2 2024: 1,318,680 carats.

0.8 Average grade of carats per tonne, a 41% decrease compared to Q2 2024: 1.37 carats per tonne.

134,597 ore tonnes mined; an 86% reduction compared to Q2 2024: 971,311 ore tonnes mined, as all ore treated came from the stockpile.

883,739 tonnes treated, a 9% decrease compared to Q2 2024: 965,984 tonnes treated.

Q2 2025 Production Figures 2025 Q2 2024 Q2 YoY Variance Total tonnes mined (ore and waste) 10,444,919 7,911,091 +32 % Ore tonnes mined 134,597 971,311 -86 % Ore tonnes treated 883,739 965,984 -9 % Carats recovered 708,072 1,318,680 -46 % Carats recovered (49% share) 346,955 646,153 -46 % Recovered grade (carats per tonne) 0.80 1.37 -41 %

Q2 Sales Results

In the Quarter, 411,114 carats were sold for $36.8 million (US$26.6 million), averaging $90 per carat (US$65 per carat). In Q2 2024, 557,361 carats were sold for $56.8 million (US$41.5 million), averaging $166 per carat (US$124per carat).

Mark Wall, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"Q2 is always a very busy time for the operations with the ice-road resupply finalized at the very end of Q1 and the very cold temperatures in the Q1 and Q2 seasons. The annual resupply was completed as planned. The Frechette period then follows which is a challenging time to maintain the roads and manage water in the processing plant. We are now through this period, the roads are in good condition and the processing plant is running well.

On the operations, mining continued to be ahead of plan with 10,444,919 total tonnes mined, which is an improvement of 32% on the same period in 2024. The team are working to continue the strong mining performance in Q3.

In May we mined a small amount of ore from the 5034 North East Extension (NEX) orebody and additional tonnes in June, totalling 34,545 ore tonnes. This is the transitional material at the very top of the NEX orebody, which is blind to surface. This transitional material delivered a much improved grade compared to the stockpile material although the grade in this area was lower than anticipated. We are mining through the transitional zone and expect the grade to further improve as we progress.

While the processing facility continued to perform very well, the low-grade stockpiles being treated resulted in low carat production for the quarter. During Q3 we steadily ramp-up NEX production with approximately 100,000 tonnes in July, 140,000 tonnes in August and 275,000 tonnes in September. NEX tonnes are expected to return to the 100,000 tonne range in October and then return to the 270,000 tonne range going forward.

Earnings Release and Conference Call Details

The Company will host its quarterly conference call on Wednesday August 13th, 2025 at 11:00am ET. Prior to the conference call, the Company will release Q2 2025 financial results on August 12th, 2025 after-market.

Conference Call Dial-in Details:

Title: Mountain Province Diamonds Inc Q2 2025 Earnings Conference Call

Conference ID: 22193

Date of call: 08/13/2025

Time of call: 11:00 Eastern Time

Expected Duration: 60 minutes

Webcast Link: https://app.webinar.net/JoV9gE6XA2e

Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (+1) 888-699-1199

Participant International Dial-In Number: (+1) 416-945-7677

A replay of the webcast and audio call will be available on the Company's website.

About Mountain Province Diamonds Inc.

Mountain Province Diamonds is a 49% participant with De Beers Canada in the Gahcho Kue diamond mine located in Canada's Northwest Territories. The Gahcho Kue Joint Venture property consists of several kimberlites that are actively being mined, developed, and explored for future development. The Company also controls more than 96,000 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims and leases surrounding the Gahcho Kue Mine that include an Indicated mineral resource for the Kelvin kimberlite and Inferred mineral resources for the Faraday kimberlites. Kelvin is estimated to contain 13.62 million carats (Mct) in 8.50 million tonnes (Mt) at a grade of 1.60 carats/tonne and value of US$63/carat. Faraday 2 is estimated to contain 5.45Mct in 2.07Mt at a grade of 2.63 carats/tonne and value of US$140/ct. Faraday 1-3 is estimated to contain 1.90Mct in 1.87Mt at a grade of 1.04 carats/tonne and value of US$75/carat. All resource estimations are based on a 1mm diamond size bottom cut-off.

For further information on Mountain Province Diamonds and to receive news releases by email, visit the Company's website at www.mountainprovince.com.

Qualified Person

The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding Mountain Province's mineral properties has been reviewed and approved by Tom McCandless, Ph.D., P.Geo, and Tysen Hantelmann, P. Eng., independent advisors to the Company and Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Mark Wall, President and CEO

151 Yonge Street, Suite 1100

Toronto, Ontario M5C 2W7

Phone: (416) 361-3562

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.';document.getElementById('cloak4189a9360162498839f8d4c3528631ee').innerHTML += ''+addy_text4189a9360162498839f8d4c3528631ee+'<\/a>';

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to operational hazards, including possible disruption due to pandemic such as COVID-19, its impact on travel, self-isolation protocols and business and operations, estimated production and mine life of the project of Mountain Province; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; the future price of diamonds; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the ability to manage debt; capital expenditures; the ability to obtain permits for operations; liquidity; tax rates; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Mountain Province, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates," "may," "can," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "targets," "intends," "likely," "will," "should," "to be", "potential" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Mountain Province and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include the development of operation hazards which could arise in relation to COVID-19, including, but not limited to protocols which may be adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and any impact of such protocols on Mountain Province's business and operations, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in market conditions, changes in project parameters, mine sequencing; production rates; cash flow; risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; supply of, and demand for, diamonds; fluctuating commodity prices and currency exchange rates, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated.

These factors are discussed in greater detail in Mountain Province's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent MD&A filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Mountain Province cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Mountain Province believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Although Mountain Province has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mountain Province undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as the property is developed. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Further, Mountain Province may make changes to its business plans that could affect its results. The principal assets of Mountain Province are administered pursuant to a joint venture under which Mountain Province is not the operator. Mountain Province is exposed to actions taken or omissions made by the operator within its prerogative and/or determinations made by the joint venture under its terms. Such actions or omissions may impact the future performance of Mountain Province. Under its current note and revolving credit facilities Mountain Province is subject to certain limitations on its ability to pay dividends on common stock. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of Mountain Province's Board of Directors, subject to the limitations under the Company's debt facilities, and will depend on Mountain Province's financial results, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.
Nomonde Calata's tears as she testified in court last month about her husband's assassination 40 years ago echoed the raw anguish heard during South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings after apartheid ended in 1994.

From 1996 to 1998, the TRC heard harrowing accounts of murders, torture and other apartheid-era abuses from hundreds of victims and some perpetrators, aiming to expose the horrors and begin healing.

Internationally hailed as a model in reconciliation, 30 years later its reputation is tarnished at home, where critics say the exercise allowed some to get away with their crimes.

Calata was one of the first to appear at a hearing. In her mid-thirties, she told of the 1985 assassinations by police of her husband and other anti-apartheid activists known as the Cradock Four, one of the era's most notorious cases.

She recounted the story again this year in June at a new inquest, still seeking justice and closure, this time supported by lawyers from the "Unfinished Business of the TRC" programme of the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR), a non-profit organisation.

Set up by the July 26, 1995 "Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act", the TRC heard about 7,000 applications for amnesty from perpetrators of gross human rights violations from 1960 to 1994, the year white-minority rule ended.

It rejected most, including for six apartheid policemen who confessed to involvement in the Cradock killings, and recommended criminal prosecutions for 300 cases where there was no full disclosure or when the acts did not have a clear political purpose.

But only a handful of these were pursued.

Claims that follow-up was deliberately squashed, including by politicians in the post-apartheid leadership, led President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint an enquiry in May.

With many perpetrators now deceased, the FHR hopes the investigation will uncover who blocked prosecutions and make them accountable instead, the group's executive director Zaid Kimmie said.

"So it would not be the original perpetrators," he told AFP.

"But where people in the democratically elected post-1994 government interfered with criminal prosecutions, we hope that those people in turn will be pursued for the role that they have played in the miscarriage of justice."

The TRC was a compromise for the "move forward without further bloodshed, without a civil war," Kimmie said.

"Did it wipe away the antagonisms and the hurt that accumulated over the previous centuries? No, it couldn't do that," he said.

- Failure -

Of around 20,000 written witness accounts submitted to the TRC, more than 2,000 were heard in televised hearings open to the public.

The process exposed the "full brutality" of apartheid as well as "some very hard truths" about anti-apartheid groups, said Verne Harris, who was a member of the TRC team.

"Its most important achievement was to make any form of denial impossible -- denying the state terror, denying the special formations that were put in place by the apartheid state to assassinate activists and so on," he said.

Reconciliation needed "big symbolic interventions" such as the TRC and a new national anthem, Harris said.

"But then you also need the hard work... and this is where we failed so miserably," he said.

South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world, with the high unemployment rate of more than 30 percent disproportionately affecting blacks along with crime and poor service delivery.

"People started becoming first cynical and then very angry. And so reconciliation for me, that project has failed," Harris said.

A national dialogue announced by Ramaphosa and to be launched in August is a "revisiting" to take stock and develop a roadmap for a new era, Harris said.

But, "it's not about a national conversation. It's about the political will to actually implement," he said.

- Narrow focus -

The TRC's narrow focus on single acts did not tackle the "structural violence" of white domination, from land dispossession to economic disparities, said Keolebogile Mbebe, lecturer at the University of Pretoria.

And South Africans are not a unified nation, she said, citing stark differences between population groups, from opportunities to where they live.

"We keep saying 'South Africans' as if we're talking about a group of people who are homogenous, like Springbok supporters," she said.

"You can have Springbok supporters in the stadium, but just remember, when the match finishes, you're going back to different 'countries'," she said.
In 2015, on the twentieth anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, I wrote an essay forthewebsite Balkanist titled No Reconciliation, Were Still at War. The piece was meant to be a warning: reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina was failing, not because people didnt want peace, but because the war had never ended. It had simply changed form, transforming the armed conflict into a battle over truth, memory, justice and recognition.

In the ten years which have passed since that text was published, the situation has not improved, it has become more dangerous. Although key perpetrators  like Ratko Mladic, the former commander of the Bosnian Serb Army  have been convicted and sentenced, and the facts about the crime have been established beyond reasonable doubt by international and domestic courts, the denial of the Srebrenica genocide is intensifying. And it is no longer a fringe effort or a subtle distortion of facts. In Serbia and Republika Srpska, the Bosnian Serb-dominated entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it has hardened into official state policy, with devastating consequences for justice and peace in Bosnia, but also in the whole region and its future.

This denial, rooted in nationalist ideology originally championed by the regime of Slobodan Milosevic, is now amplified by geopolitical alliances with regimes that actively undermine international law. It is sustained by the failures of domestic leadership in Bosnia and tolerated  if not enabled  by the international community that increasingly applies justice selectively. Together, these forces have made space for a new generation to be raised on historical falsehoods and prepared, psychologically and politically, for renewed conflict.

Genocide denial is now state doctrine

In both Serbia and Republika Srpska, genocide denial has evolved into a cornerstone of governance. Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic continues to reject courts rulings, meaning the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that classified the 1995 mass killings in Srebrenica as genocide. Rather than using his influence to foster a reckoning with the past, Vucic has taken every opportunity to frame the genocide recognition as an attack on Serbs and Serbia.

His efforts to derail the May 2024 UN General Assembly resolution that established July 11 as the international day of remembrance for the Srebrenica genocide were not symbolic: they were aggressive, calculated and extensive. Serbias diplomatic apparatus was mobilized to lobby dozens of countries against the resolution. This was not about semantics. It was about asserting a narrative in which genocide is denied, victims are delegitimized, and perpetrators are defended.

In Republika Srpska, President Milorad Dodik has pushed this strategy further still. Over the past decade, he has openly glorified war criminals, repealed official acknowledgements of the genocide, and embedded denial into the education system. School curricula omit any mention of Srebrenica as a genocide, and students are taught to view ICTY verdicts as anti-Serb propaganda. War criminals like Radovan Karadzic are celebrated, with dormitories and public spaces bearing their names. Dodik frames any attempt to discuss the genocide as an attack on Republika Srpska itself, using denial not just as historical revisionism, but as a political weapon.

The Greiff commission as a propaganda tool

A pivotal moment in Republika Srpskas march toward official, institutionalized genocide denial came in 2019, when Milorad Dodiks government established a so-called Independent international commission for investigating the suffering of all peoples in the Srebrenica region between 1992 and 1995. Despite its name, the commission was neither independent nor committed to the truth. It was chaired by Gideon Greiff, an Israeli historian and former consultant at Yad Vashem, whose prior credentials dealing with Holocaust memory were cynically weaponized to give the project an air of legitimacy.

The commissions mandate was not to examine new facts or contribute to reconciliation. Its real objective was to nullify the findings of the earlier 2004 Republika Srpska Srebrenica Commission - a report that had acknowledged the killings of thousands of Bosniak men and boys and paved the way for some degree of institutional accountability within the entity. The 2004 report, though imperfect, had recognized the role of the Republika Srpska military and police in the crimes and had identified numerous mass graves and victims by name.

Under Dodiks direction, the Greiff commission sought to erase those admissions. Its 2021 report downplayed the number of victims, cast doubt on the classification of genocide, and accused the ICTY of bias and fabrication. It made sweeping claims suggesting that the number of Bosniak deaths was inflated, that many were combatants, and that the international courts proceedings were politically motivated. The report leaned heavily on disputed or fringe sources, employed misleading statistical analysis, and ignored or dismissed overwhelming forensic and testimonial evidence presented during years of ICTY trials.

This was not a scholarly exercise. It was a propaganda tool, publicly financed with the intent of constructing an alternative narrative  one that painted the Bosniak victims as Islamic fundamentalist aggressors and framed the Serbs as unjustly vilified. It was used not only as justification of internal policies of denial and distortion, but also as diplomatic ammunition. Dodik distributed the report to international partners, including Russia, China, and a number of right-wing figures in the European Parliament, in an effort to challenge the international consensus on Srebrenica.

The Greiff report sparked widespread outrage among survivors, victims families, and international legal experts. The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), which succeeded the ICTY, reiterated that the genocide in Srebrenica was firmly established by numerous verdicts. Even the German government responded decisively, announcing in 2022 that Greiff was under investigation for his role in genocide denial and was no longer welcome in the country, and stripped of an award for Holocaust-related research  a notable rebuke, given Greiffs long-standing associations with Holocaust memorial institutions.

Despite this, the damage was done. In Republika Srpska, the Greiff report became a state-sanctioned document, treated as authoritative, and used to justify the rejection of court rulings and the removal of genocide references from public discourse. It was incorporated into Republika Srpska Assembly resolutions, echoed in media, and integrated into the talking points of Republika Srpska officials at every level. It represents perhaps the clearest example of how denial has shifted from a defensive position to an offensive campaign  a deliberate rewriting of history by state power and dressed in the language of academic legitimacy.

The Greiff commission did not just distort the record. It attempted to erase the foundation of justice established by more than a decade of international trials, over 800 witness testimonies, and thousands of forensic identifications. And it sent a clear message: Republika Srpska will not only reject the findings of international law, it will build its own reality, no matter how grotesquely it contradicts the evidence.

Denial enabled locally and globally

Denial of the Srebrenica genocide in Serbia and Republika Srpska is now the official policy, but the local and global circumstances have also played a part. The Bosniak political leadership is not without responsibility in this regard, primarily for its handling of the request for a revision of the 2007 judgment of the International court of Justice (ICJ), which found that Serbia had failed to prevent the genocide in Srebrenica, but stopped short of declaring Serbia directly responsible.

A legal opportunity existed to bring forth new evidence, possibly including previously unavailable ICTY material that demonstrated deeper Serbian state involvement in the coordination, support and cover-up of the genocide. But the Bosniak leadership, caught in a web of internal political rivalries, corruption and lacking international legal strategy, failed to submit a valid request.

The revision process, spearheaded by the then Bosniak member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, Bakir Izetbegovic, was not even properly initiated. The ICJ dismissed the petition on procedural grounds, not on the merits, despite significant funds spent on various local and international legal experts allegedly working on the application. This failure sent a devastating signal - not only to survivors, who felt abandoned and were traumatised once again, but also to the perpetrators and their political successors: Serbia read it as a capitulation. The silence that followed was interpreted not as legal caution but as moral weakness.

This moment, this failure was a major turning point in all conversations about justice and the acknowledgement of Srebrenica genocide in Belgrade and Banja Luka, where officials immediately framed it as exoneration. It emboldened the Serbian government to begin treating denial not as a defensive position but as a national mandate. It became the foundation of its political ideology  and an exportable product to a new generation. The message was clear: there would be no further legal challenge on the international stage to examine Serbias role in the genocide. And in that vacuum, war criminals from Bosnia (both those under indictment and the convicted) were offered shelter in Serbia, thanks to laws on dual citizenship, while genocide denial took root more deeply and more boldly than ever before.

Justice is optional, depending on your alliances

At the same time, the global order has changed dramatically over the past decade, and not in favour of justice. When Bosnia attempted to revisit the ICJ judgment against Serbia, it faced not only internal dysfunction but a lack of international political support. That absence of will has only deepened in the wake of recent wars. The impunity enjoyed by Israel for its actions in Gaza and by Russia for its crimes in Ukraine sends a clear message: justice is optional, depending on your alliances.

States like the United States of America and Germany  who supported the UN resolution commemorating the Srebrenica genocide  shield Israel from accountability. This hypocrisy is not lost on Vucic and Dodik. They see it as license. And indeed, they have chosen their allies accordingly.

Dodik has tethered his political future to Moscow, parroting Russian propaganda, undermining Bosnian state institutions, and openly supporting Putins model of power. At the same time, Vucic has built bridges with Russia and Israel, cozying up to regimes where ethnic supremacy and occupation are normalized and, more importantly, protected by major powers.

When the Israeli ambassador in Belgrade stated that what happened in Srebrenica was not genocide, it was not a diplomatic blunder. It was a statement of intent, calibrated for political effect. Serbia and Republika Srpska are not outliers in this world, they are learning from it, mimicking its worst impulses.

The message is now global: if your strategic position is strong enough, you can act with impunity. For those denying the genocide in Bosnia, this has become a playbook. Russia supports Dodiks destabilizing agenda. Israel legitimizes denial through diplomatic complicity. The United States and the European Union, while nominally supportive of justice for Srebrenica, have failed to apply the same standards of accountability elsewhere. The credibility of international justice is crumbling, and those invested in denial know it.

Srebrenica Memorial Centre: an isolated beacon

And yet, in the midst of this darkness, there are places where the truth still breathes. The Srebrenica Memorial Centre has emerged as a vital institution in preserving the historical record and disseminating it with clarity and moral force. Over the past decade, under difficult circumstances and with modest resources, the Centre has become a living archive of memory.

Its research department has published extensive reports on genocide denial, including annual overviews that document hundreds of denial incidents across the region. The Centres work with youth has fostered a generation of scholars, activists, and journalists committed to truth-telling. It has opened its doors to educators, diplomats, students, and filmmakers, creating a space of both mourning and learning.

Internationally, the Memorial Centre has become a respected voice in genocide prevention circles. Its exhibitions have travelled to major capitals. Its leadership has engaged with global institutions, including the United Nations, and contributed to building new frameworks for genocide education.

But the Centres reach has met a wall in Serbia and Republika Srpska. State-controlled media either ignore it or vilify it. Serbian school curricula exclude it entirely. In Republika Srpska, organized school visits are forbidden. Young Serbs are more likely to visit Disneyland than the Srebrenica Memorial. The space where dialogue should occur has been symbolically sealed off by those who control the physical and narrative space where the memorial is situated.

The future shaped by denial

Denial is not merely the final act of genocide  it is its continuation. It ensures the erasure of memory and legitimizes future violence. It is crystal clear to me now that Vucic and Dodik are not just rejecting the past, they are constructing a future built on grievance, fear and ethnic supremacy. Their politics of denial are inseparable from their broader authoritarian projects.

The consequences are most visible in Serbia and Republika Srpskas youth. A generation is now coming of age with little to no knowledge of the truth. In schools, textbooks whitewash the crimes. In media, genocide is discussed as a Western lie or political tool. In public discourse, the emphasis is never on victims of Srebrenica but exclusively on the creation of a parallel reality in which perpetrators are heroes and history is rewritten.

Young people are not just uninformed, they are systematically indoctrinated. The banners with images of Mladic or the chant Noz, zica, Srebrenica (Knife, wire, Srebrenica) are no longer shocking in stadiums or on social media platforms; they are fully normalized. Genocide denial has become a feature of nationalist identity, and anyone who challenges it is labelled a traitor or foreign agent.

This is not merely tragic, it is dangerous. Denial is not passive. It prepares the ground for repetition. A society that does not recognize its crimes is one that remains vulnerable to repeating them. Reconciliation requires acknowledgment. Justice requires accountability. Peace requires truth. None of these are possible in Bosnia, considering the environment Serbia and Republika Srpska have cultivated. And unless the international community is willing to confront this  honestly and consistently  the institutions we rely on for justice will continue to wither.

We are witnessing not just a denial of genocide, but its legitimization through silence, distortion and alignment with a world where justice has no traction. Unless this is confronted by courts, by educators and by international institutions, it will metastasize. And in some ways, it already has. We must stop pretending that Vucic and Dodik are misunderstood nationalists. They are the custodians of an ideology that dehumanizes, that prepares for exclusion, and that, under the right conditions, will justify violence once again.

I know it is primarily up to us, Bosnians, to develop ways of confronting this destructive political strategy which weaponizes genocide denial. However, the international community, especially the European Union and other relevant organisations, which continue to tolerate Vucics actions as long as he delivers shells and ammunition to Ukraine, bear a great deal of responsibility for how things will pan out in the future in Bosnia.

Considering the direction of the world at present, I am afraid that if I am asked to write on the fortieth anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the article may have to deal not with reconciliation nor genocide denial, but with an infinitely more sinister reality.
The EU on Friday said it "deeply regrets" the US decision to impose sanctions on United Nations expert Francesca Albanese after she criticised Washington's policy on Gaza.

"The European Union strongly supports the United Nations human rights system and we deeply regret the decision to impose sanctions on Francesca Albanese," said EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday announced Washington was sanctioning the UN special expert on the Palestinian territories, following her criticism of Washington policy on Gaza.

The UN warned Thursday that Washington was setting a "dangerous precedent" by imposing the sanctions and called for the cancellation of the action.

United Nations rights chief Volker Turk also called for a halt to "attacks and threats" against people appointed by the UN and international institutions like the International Criminal Court, whose judges have also been hit with US sanctions.

Albanese has faced harsh criticism by Israel and some of its allies over her relentless criticism and long-standing accusations that Israel is committing "genocide" in Gaza.

The Italian-born expert, who assumed her mandate in 2022, released a damning report this month denouncing companies -- many of them American -- that she said "profited from the Israeli economy of illegal occupation, apartheid, and now genocide" in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The report provoked a furious Israeli response, while some of the companies also raised objections.

Washington last month slapped sanctions on four ICC judges, in part over the court's arrest warrant for Netanyahu, barring them from the United States.

UN special rapporteurs like Albanese are independent experts who are appointed by the UN rights council but do not speak on behalf of the United Nations.
Three notorious Cambodian torture and execution sites used by the Khmer Rouge regime to perpetrate genocide 50 years ago were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List on Friday.

The hardline Maoist group led by Pol Pot reset the calendar to "Year Zero" on April 17, 1975 and emptied cities in a bid to create a pure agrarian society free of class, politics or capital.

Around two million people died of starvation, forced labour or torture or were slaughtered in mass killings between 1975 and 1979.

The Cambodian locations entered into the UNESCO register include two prison sites and a "killing field" where thousands were executed.

"May this inscription serve as a lasting reminder that peace must always be defended," Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a video message aired by state-run television TVK.

"From the darkest chapters of history, we can draw strength to build a better future for humanity."

Two sites added to the list are in the capital Phnom Penh -- the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocide Centre.

Tuol Sleng is a former high school which was converted into a notorious prison known as S-21, where an estimated 15,000 people were imprisoned and tortured.

Today the site is a space for commemoration and education, housing the black-and-white mugshots of its many victims and the preserved equipment used by Khmer Rouge tormentors.

Choeung Ek -- a former Chinese cemetery -- was a notorious "killing field" where S-21 prisoners were executed nightly.

More than 6,000 bodies were exhumed from over 100 mass graves at the ground in the early 1980s, according to Cambodian government documents filed with UNESCO.

Every year, hundreds hold remembrance prayers in front of the site's memorial displaying victims' skulls and watch students stage dramatic re-enactments of the bloody Khmer Rouge crimes.

Another prison site known as M-13, located in a rural area in central Kampong Chhnang province, was one of the most important prisons of the early Khmer Rouge but is today only a patch of derelict land.

Khmer Rouge cadres "invented and tested various methods of interrogation, torture and killing" there, and kept prisoners in pits still faintly visible today, a Cambodian submission to UNESCO says.

"It is the landscape of our shared memory in Cambodia," said Youk Chhang, a survivor of the "killing fields" and director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, which researches Khmer Rouge atrocities.

"This will ensure the teaching of Khmer Rouge history (will) be more efficient and relevant."

A special tribunal sponsored by the United Nations convicted three key Khmer Rouge figures, including S-21 chief torturer Kaing Guek Eav, before ceasing operations in 2022.

Pol Pot, nicknamed "Brother Number One", died in 1998 before he was brought to trial.
From January to May 2025, BYD's overseas new energy vehicle (NEV) exports surge, led by Brazil with 71,057 units. By regions, the company achieves significant breakthroughs across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating a well-rounded global expansion.

Here are the top 10 destination countries by BYD passenger vehicle exports from January to May 2025, with detailed data:

Brazil: 23,086 battery electric passenger vehicles and 47,971 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles, totaling 71,057 units

Mexico: 22,772 battery electric passenger vehicles and 35,300 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles, totaling 58,072 units

Belgium: 32,361 battery electric passenger vehicles and 24,161 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles, totaling 56,522 units

UK: 14,241 battery electric passenger vehicles and 10,727 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles, totaling 24,968 units

Turkey: 8,715 battery electric passenger vehicles and 14,406 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles, totaling 23,121 units

Indonesia: 15,164 battery electric passenger vehicles

Spain: 8,649 battery electric passenger vehicles and 5,650 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles, totaling 14,299 units

Australia: 8,386 battery electric passenger vehicles and 5,496 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles, totaling 13,882 units

Philippines: 3,554 battery electric passenger vehicles and 8,559 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles, totaling 12,113 units

Thailand: 9,316 battery electric passenger vehicles

BYD has established a global footprint spanning six continents and over 110 countries and regions. Among its global markets, Latin Americaparticularly Brazil and Mexicoemerges as a key growth engine, supported by favorable NEV-related trade and tariff policies.

Since January 2024, Brazil has been gradually restoring import tariffs on NEVs, with further increases scheduled each July. To stay ahead of the rise of costs, BYD steps up its shipments to Brazil. In May alone, it ships a record 39,000 NEVs. With the next tariff hike set for Julyraising rates on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to 25% and 28%BYD increases its May exports to 21,000 units, which accounts for nearly 30% of its total shipments to Brazil from January to May.

Notably, BYD delivers a strong retail performance in Brazil. In May, it rises to fourth place among all auto brands in the country, capturing a 9.7% market share. Robust local demand and solid sales momentum ease inventory concerns and strengthen BYD's confidence in ramping up exports.

In Europe, BYD maintains strong momentum in May, with significant NEV exports to the continent14,423 units to Belgium, 7,398 to the UK, and 2,436 to Spain. Europe's stringent carbon emission regulations have created fertile ground for NEV adoption, and BYD's portfolio of BEVs and PHEVs aligns well with the region's push for low-carbon mobility. The company's growing market presence is also reflected in its April performance, when BYD sold 7,231 BEVs in Europea 169% YoY increaseearning it a spot among the region's top 10 electric vehicle (EV) brands.

In Asia, BYD demonstrates strong performance in both BEV exports and local production capacity. From January to May, the company exports 9,316 BEVs to Thailand. Its Rayong plant in Thailand, with an annual production capacity of 150,000 units, plays a key role in ensuring stable BEV supply across Thailand and neighboring markets. Indonesia's BEV market continues to gain traction, with 15,164 units sold from January to May. In February, the Ministry of Industry of Indonesia announced tax incentives for automakers like BYD to encourage local production. The country also targets a major infrastructure push, aiming to install nearly 50,000 charging stations by 2030.

Overall, BYD's strong product-market fit, combined with favorable NEV policies across key regions, drives its continued overseas expansion. Moving forward, the company's ability to navigate evolving policy landscapes and intensifying market competition will be critical to consolidating its global presence.
South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has sold one of his luxury apartments in Seoul's upscale Galleria Foret complex for approximately 8 billion KRW (about $6.15 million USD), but his agency has denied speculation that the transaction was prompted by financial hardship linked to his ongoing legal disputes.

According to a report published by Woman Sense, the apartmentpurchased in October 2014 for 3.02 billion KRWwas sold on July 3, earning the "Queen of Tears" actor a profit of nearly 5 billion KRW. The unit, located in Seongsu-dong, boasts an exclusive area of 170.98 and a total area of 232.59.

News of the sale immediately sparked speculation that Kim was offloading assets to fund mounting legal costs from multiple lawsuits.

However, sources close to the actor say the sale had been in the works for months, with a buyer secured since 2024.

"This sale was not made under financial duress," a source told local media. "The contract was finalized recently, but the process had started long before the lawsuits became public."

Kim, 36, is currently embroiled in several legal battles, including a 12 billion KRW (approx. $8.7 million USD) defamation and damages suit against the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute and the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron.

The actor has accused them of spreading false rumorsincluding allegations of an inappropriate relationshipand distributing AI-manipulated content.

The situation escalated when a cosmetics device firm, Classys, filed a 3 billion KRW claim for damages, leading to the provisional seizure of another of Kim's Galleria Foret properties.

The Malaysian branch of home appliance company Cuckoo has also filed a 100 million KRW claim.

"The advertising fees were already paid," Kim's legal representative said in a previous statement, "but due to recent controversies, the use of the commercials became difficult, leading to the advertisers' claims for damages.If Kim Soo Hyun's reputation is restored, these lawsuits are likely to be resolved naturally."

Despite the legal turmoil, Kim continues to receive strong public support.

Fans have organized grassroots campaigns defending his reputation online and on social media platforms.

Kim still retains ownership of two more residences in the Galleria Foret complex. One, purchased in 2024, remains untouched by legal claims. The other, acquired in 2013, is currently under provisional seizure.

The Gangnam Police Station recently reassigned the investigation team handling the case, raising hopes for more transparent and efficient progress.

While Kim Soo Hyun has mainly stayed silent on the matter, his team insists the actor is fully cooperating with authorities and will take "all necessary legal measures" to safeguard his reputation.

The story of Kim's real estate deal, far from being just a celebrity property transaction, has now become a focal point in a broader battle over image, truth, and justice in the age of digital speculation.
Ban can ang nhap e thuc hien chuc nang nay!
Five recent Kennesaw State physics graduates to pursue doctoral studies

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 11, 2025

Micah Holston When asked what propelled him to success, recent Kennesaw State University graduate Micah Holston cited the influence of his professors. The same can be said for fellow graduate Brady Wilson.

Andrew Behrend credited the research opportunities at Kennesaw State for making a difference in his academic pursuits.

Now equipped with robust research experiences and having earned their bachelors degrees in May, the trio  along with recent graduates Michael Williams and Jonathan Demont  will all continue their education in competitive doctoral programs this fall.

Its fantastic, said Kevin Stokes, chair of the Department of Physics and professor of physics. Our students and faculty are doing well above what would be expected of a physics bachelors level program at an R2 institution, and seeing our students continue their studies at the doctoral level clearly demonstrates that our efforts to engage them through research is highly effective.

Jonathan Demont The feat comes at a time when physics faculty have secured over $2.5M in new external grants over the last two years and undergraduates are collecting numerous accolades. Along with the five future Ph.D. students, senior Emily Manqueros won the top prize at the 2024 Birla Carbon Scholars Symposium, and senior Siam Sarower  also a Birla Carbon Scholar  won a Goldwater Scholarship in March, one of the top national honors for an undergraduate STEM student.

Last semester, Holston earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics along with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Early on, he connected with associate professor Jeremy Gulley, who now teaches at Furman University. Gulley worked on laser effects with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in New Mexico, which intrigued Holston, whose career aspiration is to be a military scientist. Holston has spent the past two summers designing particle accelerators for the US Space Force at AFRL, which he said played a factor in his admission to the doctoral program in plasma physics at Auburn University.

What I like about KSUs physics department is that every professor seems to take a different approach to the same problem, and you can always find one that reflects your style as a student, Holston said. Some are more mathematical, some are more intuitive, and others do a great job of finding the balance. Find the one that matches your interest, and you can easily succeed at KSU.

For Wilson, it was a professor who lifted him up when he needed it most. Though he struggled academically at first, associate professor of physics Chetan Dhital nonetheless identified Wilsons passion for physics and helped him excel in the discipline.

Michael Williams Wilson conducted research projects in condensed matter physics in Dhitals laboratory, highlighted by visits to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, as well as to the High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida. Thanks to the hands-on experiences at the national labs and in Dhitals lab in Marietta, Wilson saw the possibilities for a future as a physicist, and hell pursue a Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina.

What the professors did for us creating a strong experience in research was really valuable, he said. It didn't feel like we were just employees. It felt like they were really investing in us. There's something to be said about being in the same place with people with similar interests, students and faculty alike, and you can see the interest build and get stronger in that environment.

The research environment benefited Behrend, too, along with fellow graduates Williams and Demont, as the trio spent last summer as Birla Carbon Scholars. Like Wilson, Williams worked in the Dhital lab and will continue his studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, while Demont worked with associate professor of theoretical particle physics Marco Guzzi and will study for his doctorate at Florida State University.

Andrew Behrend Behrend worked with associate professor of physics David Joffe on a method of detecting and studying planets based on the shadows they cast when passing in front of stars. He presented the project at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in April in Pittsburgh and has had the chance to present to local high school students as well.

Behrend said KSUs undergraduate research experience was instrumental in helping him create a strong, competitive application for the doctoral program in nuclear physics at Virginia Tech, his destination this fall.

The classwork is good for getting the basics, but research is where you build mastery, Behrend said. That, in my opinion, is the greatest thing about the KSU physics program. All our professors are 100 percent dedicated to the undergraduates.

 Story by Dave Shelles

Photos from file and provided

Related Stories

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The universitys vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.






Thursday, July 10, 2025 - City residents were treated to an early morning dramatic incident after a Nairobi woman confronted her husband in public, accusing him of cheating, and climbed onto the bonnet of his car, refusing to come down.

The incident, captured on video by a bystander and widely shared on social media, shows the visibly enraged woman screaming at her husband, claiming he was going to see another woman.

Anaenda kwa msichana mwingine. Sishuki! she shouts, as she seats on the vehicles bonnet, blocking any attempt by the man to drive away.

Her dramatic protest caused a stir as curious onlookers gathered around the couple, recording the standoff.

In his defense, the man denied the cheating allegations and calmly told bystanders that he was on his way to a doctors appointment, which he claimed he had informed his wife about the previous day.

He added that earlier that morning, his wife told him she was heading to work, only for her to suddenly change plans and refuse to alight from the vehicle, launching into accusations of infidelity along the way.

Despite his attempts to reason with her, the woman held her ground, determined to expose her frustrations in public.

Watch the video.

Nairobi woman causes drama in public as she accuses her husband of cheating pic.twitter.com/QAQWADNpIf  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) July 10, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, July 10, 2025 - In a raw and emotional revelation, popular Kenyan influencer Liebe Kiki has opened up about her controversial skin bleaching journey - and why shes now choosing to return to her natural complexion.

The curvy and bubbly lass, known for her lavish lifestyle and bold fashion sense, had long sparked speculation due to her dramatically lighter skin tone.

Until now, she had stayed silent.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kiki revealed that her decision to bleach stemmed from deep-seated childhood trauma.

My mother never allowed me to call her mom because of my skin colour, she wrote.

I had to kill the child in me and started changing my skin tone.

Now in the final stages of reversing the bleaching, she says shes reclaiming her natural self.

Im almost there. Yall can breathe now, she posted.

I got the answers I needed - I just had to go to crazy lengths to find them.

And yes Im probably the only girl who is bold enough to be public about it

Parents can traumatize you sometimes.

Her honesty has sparked widespread conversation about beauty standards, parental trauma, and self-acceptance.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Sarah Slater

Crews from Waterford Fire Service are attending another large fire in the city on Thursday.

The fire broke out in an area behind the former Waterford Crystal Leisure Centre site. Fire units from the city, along with gardai, are at the scene.

It follows a large blaze in Williamstown on Wednesday afternoon, which resulted in the temporary evacuation of some residents from a neighbouring housing estate.

A yellow high-temperature weather warning has been issued for the entire country by Met Eireann.

It is valid from midday on Saturday until 6am on Sunday, with temperatures above 27C being forecast.

Meanwhile, an investigation is underway by gardai and fire services into the cause of the extensive gorse fire on the edge of Waterford City.

Waterford Fire Service tackled the extensive fire in the Williamstown area close to the Deerpark estate on the Outer Ring Road at around 3.30pm on Wednesday.

Several houses were engulfed in smoke and were evacuated as firefighters attempted to bring the blaze under control. Flames of more than 20ft in height could be seen and came very close to at least 10 semi-detached homes.

Fire units spent several hours at the scene until late on Wednesday night and continued to dampen down the area.

There were traffic delays in the area as a result of the fire.

In a statement, gardai said they and emergency services attended the scene of a fire at an outdoor location in the Williamstown area in Waterford.

Ambulance units from the nearby University Hospital Waterford (UHW) also attended the scene. No injuries were reported.

It is not yet clear what caused the fire to break out, and if a previous fire along the same site two weeks ago is linked.

A spokesperson for Waterford City and County Council confirmed that units of Waterford Fire Service responded to a gorse fire on rough ground in the Williamstown area on Wednesday evening.

Crews from Waterford City, Tramore and Dunmore East attended the scene and immediately set about protecting surrounding property before extinguishing the fire.

In consultation with An Garda Siochana, a local road was closed for a period of time. The incident occurred in challenging conditions but was successfully managed thanks to the response and coordinated efforts of our fire personnel, the spokesperson continued.

The council reminded the public of the serious risk during hot weather posed by discarded smoking material, glass bottles or other items that could ignite dry vegetation, and to avoid lighting fires or barbecues in areas of open ground.

Public vigilance plays a vital role in preventing wildfires and protecting our communities, the council noted.
Holstein Friesian breeders in Kilkenny are invited to represent their county at the 2025 Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition on August 20, at the Virginia Show.

Diageo Ireland in partnership with its cream supplier Tirlan, are celebrating the excellence of Irelands Holstein Friesian dairy herds.

The all-island event remains a showcase of the quality behind Baileys signature ingredient, Irish dairy cream.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS

Attending its launch in Dublin recently Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D., praised the long-running competition as a symbol of pride in dairy farming and the herds behind the hero ingredient in Baileys.

Carol Power, Senior Sales Manager at Tirlan, said: Our dedicated suppliers continue to deliver exceptional quality cream from carefully managed herds, helping to ensure Baileys is enjoyed by consumers around the globe.

Were proud to partner with Diageo in celebrating the excellence, innovation and commitment of Irish family farms through this unique competition that has been running for over 40 years.

Entries and Prizes

Reflecting Baileys all-island supply footprint, entry to the Diageo Baileys Cow is open to members of both the Irish Holstein Friesian Association and Holstein NI.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST IN KILKENNY SPORTS NEWS

The competitions top prize, Diageo Baileys Champion, comes with a cash reward of 3,000 and the Virginia Milk Products Cup.

The title is currently held by the Greenlea herd breeders Padraic and Brendan Greenan from Castleblayney.

The breeders of Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention will receive 1,500 and 800 respectively.

Additionally, the event will feature numerous other category prizes, including Junior Cows in their second lactation, with a total prize fund of 1,550.

The popular Best-Heifer-in-Milk category will also offer 1,550, with 750 awarded to the first-place winner.

Breeders are encouraged to submit their entries online at https://www.virginiashow.com/baileys-cow or contact Patrick Gaynor at 087-2898707.

Minister Heydon said the competition is a proud celebration of the excellence, care and commitment that define Irish dairy farming.

This standout event highlights the grass based dairy breeding practices that our skilled farmers are known for and underpins the success of one of our most iconic global brands and our all-island geographical indication, Irish Cream.
David Kip Heyde, who was charged with the second-degree murder Thursday by the Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney, has claimed self-defense in his case regarding the killing of 23-year old Bailey Scott.

According to court documents, Heyde, 68, was the one who called police about shots fired around 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the 900 block of East Logan Street. Moberly police said that Heyde admitted on the call to shooting a woman on his front porch and that she had died, according to a probable cause statement written by a Missouri State Highway Patrol sergeant.

Heyde allegedly told state troopers that he had seen a woman he didn't recognize walking down the street and that she had been acting suspiciously, according to court documents.

Documents said Heyde claimed the woman, who was later identified as 23-year old Bailey Scott, briefly came onto his porch but left before Heyde could come to the door.

Heyde allegedly told investigators that Scott came back to his porch and he walked outside to meet her with a .32-caliber Kel Tec handgun behind his back, according to court documents. Heyde allegedly said he spoke with Scott, and he claimed she became agitated over him feeding and trying to kill birds outside his home, according to court documents.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

Documents stated that Heyde had used his other hand to gesture her to leave, and Heyde allegedly told investigators that Scott slapped him in the face. Heyde reportedly told investigators he reacted by firing his gun at Scott twice, according to the probable cause statement.

State troopers said there were no visible marks on Heyde's face, nor any injury on Scott's hands, according to court documents. Autopsy results showed Scott died from a single gunshot wound to her torso, according to court documents.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Heyde is being held at the Macon County Jail. He was briefly booked into the Randolph County Jail on Thursday, jail records showed.

A balloon release is scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday at Boozy Badger Bar and Grill in Moberly in honor of Scott.
Camp Mystics owner warned of floods for decades. Then the river killed him
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High around 85F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 66F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 86F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 67F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
At the yearly Northern Cheyenne Chiefs Powwow, about 60 dancers entered the arbor for the third annual Red Hand Special  an honor dance hosted by local nonprofit Pretty Eagle Woman Resources to raise awareness and remembrance for the nationwide crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, which has impacted many families in southeastern Montana.

After the powwows Grand Entry, announcer Tiger Scalpking kicked off the Red Hand Special by explaining the meaning of the red handprint worn on each dancers face.

It stands for something significant, Scalpking said. Theyre wearing it in honor of our lost relatives who were taken tragically and there was never justice for them.

After opening remarks, dozens of family members entered the arbor holding signs with the names and photos of loved ones who are missing, murdered, or died under suspicious circumstances. In a follow-up interview, Yolanda Fraser, director of Pretty Eagle Woman Resources and event organizer, said the Red Hand Special creates a healing space for MMIP families and underscores the scale of the crisis in the region.

We have so many families in Northern Cheyenne and Crow  the numbers are staggering, Fraser said. Its hard to humanize a number.

For the past six years, Fraser has advocated for justice in the death of her 18-year-old granddaughter Kaysera Stops Pretty Places, whose body was found in Hardin in 2019.

Among those troubling details, Fraser said, is how her granddaughters death was handled by the Big Horn County Sheriffs Department. According to justiceforkaysera.org, the teens body was found on Aug. 29, 2019  five days after she went missing. But it was not until Sept. 11, nearly two weeks later, that police notified her family.

We didn't know anything, Fraser said. We were still looking for her.

Fraser said the family suffered a second trauma when thenBig Horn County Coroner Terry Bullis cremated Kayseras body at the funeral home he owned  violating cultural beliefs and preventing further evidence collection.

Bullis had received permission from Kayseras mother, who Fraser said was incapacitated at the time, into signing off on the cremation and failed to notify other relatives. Nearly five years later, authorities delivered another blow by returning Kayseras jawbone to her family for burial.

"(The coroner) made me cremate her. Now, I have to put her bones to rest, that he didn't even tell me was there, Kayseras mother Geralyn Bulltail told Billings news station Q2 at the time.

Another alarming aspect, Fraser said, was the delay in opening an investigation after her granddaughter was found.

A lot of people don't realize that there was no investigation for over a month, Fraser said, referencing a 2021 report from the thenBig Horn County attorney that noted substantial investigative efforts in Kayseras case resumed during the first week of October 2019.

Last August, after five years of her familys fight for justice, Big Horn County prosecutors filed charges against a man accused of chasing Kaysera and two others with a pickup truck the night she went missing. It doesn't solve the case, but Fraser said it is still progress.

I feel like we're getting traction, Fraser said. And I feel like people that are involved in Kayseras case, as far as the perpetrators, are feeling that heat.

Throughout the years spent advocating for her granddaughter, Fraser developed a passion for helping other families who find themselves facing the same agonizing journey.

The day that we get justice for Kaysera, I'm still not stopping, Fraser said. Because these numbers are astounding. This crisis is so huge that we need every advocate in there as long as we possibly can. I'm going to still fight until the day I pass away.

After the long line of family members circled the arbor with their signs, Melinda Harris, whose 21-year-old daughter Hanna Harris was murdered near Lame Deer on July 4, 2013, shared a few words with the packed arena.

Today is an emotional day for me every year, Harris said. I wish each and every one of you good luck tonight. Whether you know it or not, youre dancing for me and my broken heart.

Fighting back tears, Harris shared the heavy weight of grief she has carried for the 12 years since her daughters murder.

Each and every one of us have our loved ones in our heart, Harris said. Tears are going to come every time you speak up, no matter how many years have gone by.

Standing beside Harris and Fraser to kick off the Red Hand Special was LeVonna Littlebird Graham, whose 19-year-old nephew Ky-Mani Littlebird was found dead at Crazy Head Springs on June 25, 2020. Fraser also shared that Paula Castro, the mother of 14-year-old Henny Scott  found dead in Lame Deer on December 18, 2018  recently approached her and said that after nearly seven years of unbearable pain, shes ready to begin the fight for justice.

At a meeting of the states MMIP Advisory Council in June, Castro said she still hasnt received an adequate explanation from law enforcement about her daughters death  which Fraser noted is a common thread among many MMIP families.

(The FBI) didn't come in to do the job of investigating and finding the perpetrators, Fraser said. They just came in to close the case.

While Fraser remains frustrated with the response from the Big Horn County Sheriffs Office and the FBI in Kayseras case, she praised the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU), which took on the case a few years ago.

I really appreciate the MMU, Fraser said. Theyre made up of Native Americans. So they have that culture piece in there, where there's not a barrier.

After acknowledging the lost ones and the families still seeking justice, the arbor was cleared, and dancers of all ages and styles entered beneath the stadium lights and darkening sky to participate in the competition section, where first, second, and third places  as well as a consolation prize  were awarded to the top dancers in each category.

Wanting to show appreciation for all participants, Fraser assembled goodie bags for those who didnt place. As she packed them, she said she was struck by how much the Red Hand Special had grown  this year drawing three times as many dancers as last year.

It's really grown from three years ago to now, Fraser said. In our planning for it, we were trying to come up with a way to really involve our youth, because they're the highest demographic that's impacted.
Jointly fostering open, inclusive global trade environment

16:34, July 11, 2025 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

Following the China-U.S. economic and trade talks in London, both sides have intensified efforts to implement the outcomes of the "London Framework," making positive progress on multiple fronts and sending encouraging signals to the international community.

These developments demonstrate that as long as China and the U.S. remain committed to resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation, enhancing mutual understanding, reducing misperceptions, and strengthening cooperation, they can find effective solutions to their disputes and create a more stable and open environment for both countries and global economic growth.

During the London talks, the two sides have agreed in principle on the framework for implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone talks on June 5, and consolidating the outcomes of the economic and trade talks in Geneva. Since then, the working teams have maintained close communication. Upon approval, further details were clarified and confirmed.

To implement the outcomes of the London Framework, China has been reviewing and approving compliant export license applications for controlled items, while the U.S. has taken corresponding steps to ease certain restrictive measures against China.

These moves have been welcomed by stakeholders in both countries and the international community, reinforcing confidence in the ability of China and the U.S. to resolve their economic and trade disputes through equal dialogue and consultation.

From the interactions between China and the U.S. since the start of this round of economic and trade frictions, one conclusion can be drawn: Dialogue and cooperation remain the only viable path forward; coercion and intimidation have proven ineffective. The London Framework is the result of hard-earned diplomatic engagement, and both sides must work in good faith to honor their commitments and lay the groundwork for the long-term resolution of their disputes.

China remains firmly committed to defending its rights and interests while implementing the consensus reached with sincerity. The U.S., for its part, should recognize the mutually beneficial nature of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, correct its misguided actions, and continue working with China through the established bilateral consultation mechanism.

Concrete steps are needed to uphold and put into practice the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and to jointly advance the stable and sound development of bilateral economic and trade relations.

Recently, with the deadline for imposing so-called "reciprocal tariffs" approaching, concerns over new trade frictions have been rising. It must be pointed out that the arbitrary imposition of tariffs by the U.S. constitutes an act of economic coercion that undermines the rules-based international trade system and must be firmly opposed.

The negative consequences of these tariff measures are becoming increasingly evident. Both the World Bank and the OECD have recently downgraded growth forecasts for the U.S. and the global economy, citing trade policy uncertainty as a key factor. Economists in the U.S. warn of growing stagflation pressures and long-term repercussions for global trade liberalization. Rising market uncertainty means that the ultimate burden will fall on consumers.

Facts have proven time and again that upholding principles and positions is essential to safeguarding legitimate rights and interests. A sound and stable international trade order is fundamental to the development of all nations.

China welcomes efforts by other countries to resolve trade differences with the U.S. through equal consultations, and calls on all parties to uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.

At the same time, China has consistently emphasized that while bilateral negotiations are important for easing and resolving trade frictions, they must not come at the expense of third-party interests. This is a principle that China has always upheld in its trade talks with the United States. China firmly opposes any arrangement between the U.S. and its trading partners that trades off China's interests in return for tariff exemptions. Should such arrangements occur, China will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

The multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core remains the cornerstone of healthy and orderly global trade. Any short-sighted moves to erode this system will inevitably harm the long-term interests of all countries.

In the face of mounting unilateralism and protectionism, no country can remain unscathed. Once foundational principles are compromised, coercive actions will only escalate, threatening the institutional underpinnings of global development.

At a time of heightened uncertainty, strategic clarity and international coordination are more important than ever. All countries must stand firmly on the side of fairness and justice and on the right side of history, resolutely uphold international trade rules and the multilateral trading system, and safeguard international fairness and justice, so as to jointly foster an open and inclusive global trade environment.

Openness and cooperation remain the only viable path toward a shared future. As a responsible major country, China stands ready to work with all countries to uphold true multilateralism, safeguard the multilateral trading system, and contribute to the development of an open and inclusive world economy, thereby providing greater certainty and stability to the global economy.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
John Ostlund kept his boots planted in his agricultural community, even as he grew into a respected force in Montana politics.

The long-serving Yellowstone County commissioner died on June 19 when a plane he was flying hit a power line, crashed and caught fire in grassy hills of Blue Creek near his home south of Billings. He was 73.

Ostlund served the county for more than half a century. With his salt-of-the-earth charisma, he embodied the hard-working, straight-shooting ethic of his rural roots.

Ostlund started his career in the road and bridge department in 1972. As he worked his way up to foreman and eventually superintendent, he became a familiar face across the county. During his early days on the job, local farm and ranch kids knew him as grader John and would run outside to bring him a cold pop when they saw him coming, said former Road and Bridge Director Tim Miller, who worked with him for 35 years.

Ostlund entered the political arena after retiring from the department in 2002. He challenged longtime County Commissioner James Ziggy Ziegler and beat the incumbent to take office in 2003.

During Ostlunds 22-year tenure, colleagues counted on his steady leadership through turbulence and transition.

We really have lost a titan, County Attorney Scott Twito said.

In his typical fashion, a classic, white western snap shirt, jeans and a cowboy hat, Ostlund worked to preserve agriculture as the county became increasingly urban. He rarely missed a rodeo and was a steadfast supporter of MontanaFair.

A staunch Republican, Ostlund, earned the respect of leaders on both sides of the political aisle. Bill Kennedy, a Democrat, served on the commission with Ostlund for more than a decade.

We had our share of disputes, said Kennedy, who now serves on the Billings City Council. But we looked out for what was best for the county. And thats the way it should be.

Ostlund knew the county through and through, which was critical during floods, fires and other disasters.

No matter what, John was up early and out there, Kennedy said. He always knew what was going on in the county and he knew everybody in it.

Twito, a fellow Republican, said Ostlund also listened more than he spoke and thought things through before making decisions. He appreciated the way he worked through disagreements and owned up to his mistakes.

Thats whats been lost in a lot of political arenas, Twito said. I had absolute respect for him. He was such a good dude.

Ostlund was a straight shooter, known for being concise and candid with people, even when he knew they wouldnt like what he had to say.

He was a man of principles that were typically straightforward and consistent, Billings Mayor Bill Cole said. Theres no doubt John was a dedicated public servant. He leaves some very big boots to fill.

Ostlund was born in Bowbells, North Dakota, a small town roughly the size of Hysham in the northwest corner of the state. He spent early days helping on the family farm. After his father, John Ostlund, died, his mother, Rose Lance, worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. She later remarried and in 1964 settled in Billings, where she raised five children.

A year and a half apart in age, his older brother Gary Ostlund said they grew up with a hearty rivalry and a close comradery. They looked after their younger brother, Hal, and little sisters, Monica, Bonnie and Jacqueline. Of course, they found plenty of ways to get into trouble, too.

The boys once snuck a snake onto the school bus. But when it landed on a girls shoulder, she screamed, throwing the stowaway to the stern and unamused driver, Gary recalled.

They got away with a few things, too. Gary remembers putting a hole in a hotel room wall while they were roughhousing on a family trip. So, they pushed the sofa in front of it and hoped their stepfather wouldnt see it.

John was actually a tough feller, Gary said. In that way, he said, he took after their father, who was dubbed big, bad John in his day.

Despite their brotherly brawls, they had each others backs. Gary said John once saved his life, jumping into a reservoir to pull him out after a horse dragged him under water and he nearly drowned.

As teenagers, they got into fast cars, reveling in the speed, freedom and potential to impress girls. John had a 1962 Oldsmobile before he graduated from Senior High in 1970.

Sometimes, Gary said, John would get his buddy Jerry Olsen to ride in the trunk. Using a lever in the glove box, John would then pop it open as if it were unintentional and watch unsuspecting onlookers react to what appeared to be a bloody body.

It was just ketchup. But the reactions they provoked were real enough.

When Gary went off to the Army, John would take his 1970 Dodge Dart with a 340 engine downtown to burn the point or drag race against other hot rods. On one such occasion, John was stopped at West Park Plaza when a group of guys pulled up in a Road Runner and started kicking the fenders of another car. Seeing the driver was alone, John jumped out and fought for him. He fended off the ruffians, while the guy settled the score, taking his boot to their Plymouth.

John was a scrapper. But he never started fights, he just finished them, Gary said. He protected people. And he spent his life giving to others.

In the 1980s, Johns love for the road expanded to the sky. He learned to fly in Laurel.

After he got his pilot license, he figured, like cars, hed enjoy buying and selling airplanes, too. So he asked Bob Spannagel, who worked in banking at the time, to partner with him.

I told him, I dont even know how to fly, Spannagel recalled.

But, Ostlund talked him into it and they bought a Cessna 150, the first of almost a dozen airplanes they co-owned over the years. Spannagel soon became a pilot, too.

The two enjoyed flying together, frequenting old haunts in Cody, Wyoming or visiting Spannagel's family ranch near Forsyth.

On a hunting trip to Lake Loon, Saskatchewan, Ostlund shot a black bear and Spannagel got a cinnamon. A bear skin rug from the venture hung in Ostund's office for years.

Spannagel served as best man when Ostlund married Kristie Cooper on Sept. 29, 2001. The couple built their home and ranch in the Blue Creek area south of Billings. And Spannagel lives nearby.

The families supported each other through the loss of their sons. In 2015, Brian Ostlund died in June and Zach Spannagel passed away the following November.

The Ostlunds enjoyed hosting gatherings, especially when their four children and eight grandchildren visited the ranch.

Ostlund took care of neighbors, plowing snow and maintaining roads his 1982 Caterpillar grader.

A procession of heavy equipment led by Ostlunds beloved 1982 Caterpillar grader is expected to start at the Yellowstone County Courthouse and make its way to MetraPark ahead of a memorial service scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday. The family plans to spread his remains by plane over his home in the Blue Creek area.
After a yearslong effort and the passage of a massive legislative package this spring to tamp down bloated property tax bills for Montana residents, the first indication of what to expect from the next cycle of property taxes is arriving in the mail.

Montana home, farm and business owners have started to receive new property valuations, a major component of calculating how much someone pays in property taxes. These documents are not actual bills, however; those will be mailed out in the fall.

In the past few years, the majority of the property tax burden was shifted onto residences, leading to an eye-popping 21% average increase in property tax bills for homeowners in 2023. Following that spike, the top task at the 2025 legislative session was providing relief.

Through two bills, lawmakers implemented a tiered rate structure in which lower-value homes are taxed at a lower rate, which will be in effect this upcoming tax cycle. Previously, most homes were subject to a flat tax rate. In 2026 and years to follow, the tax system will change again, and much of the residential property tax burden will be shifted onto people's second homes and short-term rentals, with the stated goal of providing even more relief for primary homeowners and long-term rental owners.

The documents Montanans are receiving in the mail will reflect these legislative changes. They will include four key numbers: The "assessed value" of the property from the last tax cycle and the upcoming cycle, and the "taxable value" from the two cycles.

The assessed value, or market value, is what the state Department of Revenue determines a property would sell for, and that number is used to calculate the taxable value. The taxable value is a tiny portion of a homes value, but an integral part in determining how much a homeowner ultimately pays in property taxes. Typically, homes with higher taxable values pay more in property taxes.

Assessed values went up again across Montana, which would usually lead to an increase in property taxes. But legislators expect the new laws will help keep the taxable values down and lead to property tax costs remaining flat or decreasing slightly in the first year for primary residents and landlords of long-term rentals. Once the new structure is in effect in 2026, they hope that people will see even larger decreases.

That said, property taxes vary drastically from county to county, in part because of the local mills, another key component of the calculations that determine a property tax bill. Local mills are responsible for local government costs and fund schools. While residents begin to learn the taxable value of their homes and gain some clarity on what their property tax bills could look like, much of the picture is still obfuscated because the mills each municipality will levy are currently unknown.

The real test comes this fall when taxpayers compare their new bills with what they would have paid under the old system, Rep. Llew Jones, a Conrad Republican and the architect of the legislative package, said in an email. Early modeling suggests many owner-occupied and long-term rental homes will come out ahead, especially those under the $1.5 million threshold that now benefit from tiered rates.

Early models from the Department of Revenue that Jones has been circulating provide a more specific picture of what Montana residents can expect from their bills. These are broad estimates, however, and mills are likely to sway what the numbers look like. Jason Slead, communications director for the Department of Revenue, cautioned that the models used the "best information" they had at the time, but some of the numbers are outdated.

In Yellowstone County, a resident would have paid about $4,760 in property taxes this cycle on a $600,000 home if the Legislature had not acted, according to the models. That will go down to $3,804 this year and $3,567 in 2026, according to the numbers from the Department of Revenue.

For a Ravalli County home assessed at $400,000, a resident would have paid $2,010 without legislative action, but thats down to roughly $1,400 this year and $1,332 in 2026, according to the models.

And in Missoula County, a home valued at $800,000 will receive a tax bill worth about $6,100 in 2025 and $5,920 in 2026.

Like last cycle, residents can also apply for a rebate worth up to $400. Primary appresidents who owned and lived in their Montana home for at least seven months in 2024 can file for a rebate starting Aug. 15 and must file by Oct. 15. More information on the rebate and how to apply can be found on the Department of Revenue's website.

As Montanans start to receive these appraisals in the mail, the department is encouraging people who disagree with the appraisals to submit a review within 30 days of the date on the notice.

Its important that Montana property owners review this information, said Brendan Beatty, the director of the Department of Revenue. If property owners wait until property tax bills are sent in November, it will be too late for the department to correct property characteristics and make adjustments that may impact the value of the property for Tax Year 2025. We ask Montanans to review the notice as soon as possible and contact us if you have questions."

More information on the appraisal notices can be found on the department's property tax website.
FIGURES have just come to light that five private clinics are operating in Portlaoise hospital.

The information, on private clinics operating from publicly funded hospitals was supplied by the HSE in response to a Parliamentary Question from Aontu leader Peadar Toibin TD.

In all, Deputy Toibin was informed there are over 300 private clinics operating on the grounds of public hospitals across the country.

Deputy Toibin said: Two months ago, I told the Dail about how consultants were creating private firms to read scans and were using public waiting lists to funnel work through rostering to their own private companies. There are over 300 private clinics operating in public hospitals at the moment. This needs to be examined properly.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has serious questions to answer. On one hand we are seeing private patients being treated in private clinics operating in public hospitals with the use of public equipment. On the other hand, we have a situation where 300,000 public patients have been treated in private hospitals since 2017 at a cost to the taxpayer, according to further data supplied to Aontu. The annual cost of this treatment is now 100 Million.

What we have here is either a massive inability to deliver services through the public system, or else the slow privatisation of our health service. The HSE have proven that they cannot be trusted with managing tax-payer money. The decisions they are making do not add up, economically.

In recent years they introduced a recruitment freeze on nurses as a means of saving money. They stopped employing nurses at a time when we had close to a million people on hospital waiting lists. This freeze forced hospitals to avail of recruitment agencies/agency nurses to staff their wards - this cost more per hour of work than it would have to just employ nurses directly.

The public health service is being funded and paid to do a job - but more and more they are found to be using public money to pay the private sector to do the job for them. It would make more sense for the government to actually invest in and increase capacity in public hospitals rather than paying private entities to accommodate public patients, said Deputy Toibin.
On 10 July Mexicos Presidentsaid the US governments decision to close the border to Mexican livestock imports just days after reopening it was completely excessive.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 399 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
On 10 July Peruvian human rights groups criticised a bill which would grant amnesties to security personnel for crimes committed from 1980-2000, during the internal conflict with Maoist guerrilla group Sendero Luminoso (SL).

End of preview - This article contains approximately 405 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
On 10 July the Argentine senate passed a series of bills that will increase government spending and are opposed by President

End of preview - This article contains approximately 538 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
Montanas congressional delegation has introduced a resolution to the U.S. Congress disapproving of a November BLM resource plan restricting federal coal leasing in Montana and Wyoming.

While a resolution is not legally enforceable, if passed it would signal to the federal government a desire to overturn the plan that halted federal coal leasing on 1.2 million acres in more than a dozen Eastern Montana counties.

Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines previously said in December he would introduce legislation to reverse the rule in the Miles City Resource Management Plan.

Energy security is national security, and Montanas mining industry plays a vital role in ensuring America remains energy dominant, Daines said in a press release. The Miles City RMPA halts all future coal leasing in the region and will cause hardworking Montanans to lose their jobs. Moreover, the plan will stifle our states growing economy and increase our dependence on foreign nations for coal and energy production.

The Trump administration is currently considering reversing a decision that blocked nearly 1.7 million acres of land for coal leasing from the resource plan similar to what the resolution aims to encourage. The resource plan was made when a Bureau of Land Management analysis assessed that coal markets were continuing to decline, with no new coal mines proposed in the area and there being potential for energy plants to be converted away from fossil fuels.

Montana's coal production has declined by about 40% from 2010 to 2024, because of competition from natural gas and renewable energy sources and the closure of coal-powered plants. The state has the largest coal reserves in the U.S.

Though in 2025, permits for a long-delayed expansion of the Bull Mountain Mine near Roundup and expansion of the Spring Creek Mine near Decker have been granted by President Donald Trumps administration this year

Most of the coal from Bull Mountain goes to Japan and South Korea. While coal from the Spring Creek Mine also goes to those countries, a decent portion is also domestically shipped to Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota and Washington. In 2023, almost half of Montanas coal was shipped to other countries, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Earlier this week on the Hill, Daines said he expects the government to provide a permit for the Rosebud Mine that provides coal to Colstrips power plant very soon. Such a permit would likely give a clearer future to the Rosebud Mine whose life expectancy was uncertain in 2024 because of ongoing litigation.

(The permits were) a big win for a lot of hardworking folks in Montana and for these rural Montana communities that dont have the elaborate lifestyle you see on the show 'Yellowstone,' Daines said in a Senate Energy and Resources committee meeting. More of Montana is struggling day in and day out to pay the bills every month.

The Trump administration has repeatedly stated the U.S. is in a national energy emergency saying leasing and production are far too inadequate to meet the nations needs. Additionally, coal overall is more susceptible to federal action than other fossil fuels, with around 40% of production occurring on federal lands, compared to 24% for oil and 11% for natural gas.

Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke served previously as the Secretary of the Interior in the first Trump administration and had eliminated a moratorium on coal leasing while he led the department. As part of Montanas congressional delegation, he is supportive of the reversal of the coal leasing decision.

The only way we can achieve true American energy dominance is when we utilize all-of-the-above forms of energy to include Montanas clean coal, Zinke stated in the recent press release on the resolution. Coal provides reliable, abundant and affordable baseload power. Our economy and people have always relied on Montanas clean coal and that is only going to increase with the advancement of AI (artificial intelligence), data centers and population growth.

Zinkes citation of energy demand with the advancement of AI and data centers is a fairly new argument in the case for further energy development. Trumps initial executive order on Unleashing American Energy makes no reference to AI or data centers, instead noting an alleged cost imposed on American consumers with restrictions on energy development.

Then, a later executive order in April noted that the U.S. is experiencing an unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven in part by the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers.

A Department of Energy report published this week noted the nations power grid will be unable to meet the expected demand for AI and data centers with the current rate of additions and retirement of energy facilities.

Growth of demand and planned closures were expected to increase the risk of blackouts by 100 times by 2030. Parts of eastern Montana and northern Montana are one of four areas considered most vulnerable to outages in the assessment.
The Gemeral Store, 707 N. New St. in Center City Bethlehem, is closed Friday, July 11, 2025, after holding its grand opening June 28 just before a fire in the mineral and stone shops building July 6. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

A Bethlehem retail shop specializing in minerals and stones sourced from unique locations around the world was forced to close just eight days after opening due to a fire.

Its tough, but were figuring it out one day at a time, The Gemeral Store owner Ted Chiaparas said Friday.
My Chemical Romance will begin their tour run in Seattle, Wash. on July 11. AP

My Chemical Romance is ready to kick off their stadium tour in Seattle.

The rock band will begin their Black Parade Tour in Seattle, Wash. on July 11 at the T-Mobile Park, and fans will be excited to hear that tickets are still on the market.

Heres everything you need to know about seeing My Chemical Romance in Seattle, and how to make sure you get your hands on the cheapest tickets.

Where to buy the cheapest My Chemical Romance concert tickets

Currently, the cheapest ticket we could find for their July 11 show stop in Seattle, Wash. is $104 on StubHub.

If you happen to miss out on securing this cheapest ticket, theres no need to stress because you can still get tickets on sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, SeatGeek and Viagogo.

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

Where is My Chemical Romance playing next?

My Chemical Romance will perform 11 shows in the U.S. during their Black Parade Tour

Their next tour stop will be on July 19 in San Francisco, Calif. at Oracle Park.

Tickets for this concert can be found on StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, SeatGeek and Viagogo.

A complete list of My Chemical Romances tour dates is available here.

More massive 2025 tours

My Chemical Romance is not the only group on a huge tour right now.

Here are a few more tours you wont want to miss: Zach Bryan, Jonas Brothers, System Of A Down and Oasis.

Hi, Im Nicole, NJ.coms expert live events and deals writer! Ive made it my mission to find the absolute cheapest tickets for the biggest artists, like Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, Sabrina Carpenter, & more. If you missed the general sale or presale for your favorite artist, you dont have to panic. Ive already done the hard work of sifting through tickets and finding you the best price.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
Story by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.

HARRISBURG  Sales tax exemptions for everything from newspapers to legal services to candy cost the commonwealth billions every year, and at least one top policymaker says hes open to getting rid of some as members wrestle with a significant budget deficit.

Changes to the states tax code are rare. Any tax increase  or even a perceived one  can easily incite public outrage against state legislators who want to keep their seats. But as the General Assembly tries to resolve a late Pennsylvania budget, the only options are to raise more money or cut services, and the states financial position looks increasingly fragile.

A long-running structural deficit, looming federal cuts to entitlement programs like Medicaid and SNAP, and pressing funding needs in areas like transportation and education have led leadership in both parties to signal their willingness to expand the goods and services eligible for the states sales tax as a revenue option.

Despite Republicans longstanding reluctance to expand taxes, state Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) has expressed openness to the idea.

There are lots of oddities in the sales tax and all of the exemptions we have, Pittman told reporters last month. I think it behooves us to at least take a look at some of those exemptions and figure out whether or not those are really necessary.

There are some exemptions that are more geared toward life-sustaining needs. There are other exemptions that are more geared toward wants, Pittman said. The question is: Is there a balance there that we can find that maybe does generate some revenue to try to be helpful in figuring out how we reconcile this budgetary dynamic?

Its unclear how many lawmakers share Pittmans opinion. Other top lawmakers were noncommittal, while a spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro did not reply to a request for comment on whether the governor would support getting rid of some sales tax exemptions.

There also arent any specific proposals about which exemptions theyre considering cutting. But there are many to choose from.

Pennsylvania currently charges a 6% sales and use tax on purchases. In the most recent fiscal year, this levy generated nearly $15 billion for the General Fund, the states primary bank account. The fund covers many of the states largest expenses, including Medicaid coverage and K-12 education.

But almost double that total, roughly $27 billion, is projected to be left on the table in the 2025-2026 fiscal year thanks to the commonwealths 109 exemptions, according to Pennsylvanias most recent executive budget.

The document itemizes every program that costs the state tax revenue. For the sales tax, this ranges from specific products, like airline food and stock trout, to entire industries, like parking and dry cleaning.

The single biggest category exempted is groceries, as the state doesnt tax food and beverages other than those sold by a caterer or establishments selling ready-to-eat food and beverages.

This will save consumers approximately $2 billion next fiscal year. The provision, budget documents say, reduces the regressive nature of the tax, easing the tax burden on families who spend a disproportionate share of income on these products.

The state also has exemptions for a handful of other consumer products, including candy (which is exempt at all locations), projected to cost $90 million next fiscal year; newspapers, projected to cost $23 million; helicopters and private plane parts, almost $12 million; and American and state flags, almost $2 million.

But the majority of the exempted dollars, projected to be $15.7 billion of the total forgone revenue in the upcoming fiscal year, stay out of state coffers because the sales tax does not apply to services. That means when consumers pay for a wide range of professional assistance, including from legal, medical, advertising, and accounting professionals, they do not pay a tax.

Manish Bhatt, a senior policy analyst with the Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan think tank that studies taxation, told Spotlight PA that exemptions from the sales tax are common nationwide, particularly on staple goods like food and clothing.

A handful make sense, he argued. That includes no sales taxes on business-to-business transactions, such as the steel used by a car manufacturer. In those cases, the tax would likely just be passed along as higher prices for consumers. These exemptions are projected to total almost $2 billion next fiscal year in Pennsylvania.

But overall, Bhatt argued tax policy should be simple and transparent, with broad bases and limited exemptions. And if it turns out lawmakers end up with more revenue than is needed, he said, they could also cut the statewide rate, benefiting all consumers equally.

Bhatt acknowledged that what sounds like good policy on paper may be harder to get into law. Services are a particularly difficult lift politically, as many of the untaxed industries have influential trade associations that can bend lawmakers ears.

When youre suggesting that a small business like a landscaper or a barber or a veterinarian or a single-lawyer law firm needs to collect end-user taxes for the sale of their services, Bhatt said, it generates some strong sentiments, understandably.

Mike Manzo, a Harrisburg lobbyist and former top state House Democratic staffer, agreed with Bhatts assessment of the opposition.

Each one of these exemptions has a built-in universe of support around it, Manzo told Spotlight PA. And so the minute someone mentions closing loophole X, you get a flood of people rushing to the building to say You cant close this because its going to cost this many jobs.

But with a long list of priorities and dwindling cash reserves, legislators arent taking anything off the table.

Were very open to a myriad of options, state House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris (D., Philadelphia), a top budget negotiator, told Spotlight PA when asked about the exemptions.

Lawmakers in both parties have also made clear they want to find cost savings within the state government to ease spending growth, rather than only trying to bring in more tax revenue.

Despite long-running fiscal woes, state legislators havent managed to significantly cut costs or raise funds in recent years, beyond levying so-called sin taxes on gaming and cigarettes.

Pennsylvania last raised its sales tax rate in 1968, and its income tax rate in 2004. The latter is also flat; the Pennsylvania Constitution bars the state from implementing a graduated income tax that takes more from higher earners.

Lawmakers have discussed other options for building additional revenue this year to help balance the books.

Along with pitching the legalization of recreational marijuana and taxation of skill games, Shapiro proposed requiring combined reporting for corporate taxes in his budget address. Under current law, multistate corporations pay taxes only on revenues reported to their Pennsylvania subsidiaries. Combined reporting would require these firms to combine their income across all states, and then pay Pennsylvania taxes based on a percentage of that national income.

Last month, the state House passed a bill that would implement combined reporting and other tax tweaks, such as allowing workers to deduct their overtime and tips from their taxes, creating a state tax credit for low-income households, and accelerating the states ongoing reduction of its overall corporate tax rate. A state House Democratic analysis projects the bill would cost the state revenue next fiscal year, but bring in $320 million the following year.

We cannot do the same thing and expect a vastly different result, state House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery) said during the floor debate over the legislation.

However, Republicans and their allies in the business community have opposed combined reporting, arguing it creates undue compliance burdens for businesses. Despite the inclusion of the exemptions for tips and overtime championed by President Donald Trump in the state House tax omnibus, the proposal passed along near party lines, with most Republicans opposed.

During the floor debate, state House Minority Leader Jesse Topper (R., Bedford) said the inclusion of combined reporting was a poison pill. And asked about his thoughts on sales tax exemptions last month, he was noncommittal.

The number one revenue option, Topper said, is creating jobs in the Commonwealth and [getting] more people to come here.

BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
A Laois 22 year old has successfully climbed the highest peak of each county in Ireland.

Tadhg Culliton, a University of Limerick student from Mountmellick, decided to climb the highest peak of every county ahead of his upcoming charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.

He started his challenge of climbing each peak in every county in October of 2024, and completed it in early July.

"The toughest climb was definitely Mweelrea in Mayo," Mr Culliton told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: Tadhg Culliton having climbed the highest peak in every county

"I climbed Mayo and Galway and camped overnight, the weather was so bad that I had to go home around 3am. I did 8 peaks in one weekend a few weeks ago, and towards the end of that I was beat," he explained.

"I did the stairway to heaven, and after doing six counties beforehand, I was floored."

The student has said that he is relieved to have finished his challenge, ahead of his Kilimanjaro climb.

"I had started this while I was still in college, and between my studies, work and playing sports, it has been tough going. Every day off or weekend I had, I tipped off and did something."

Mr Culliton says that it hasn't quite dawned on him yet, that he will soon be climbing the highest mountain in Africa.

He will embark on his journey with UL classmates in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

"It still feels like August is ages away," he said.

Pictured: Tadhg at the peak of Cuilcagh, the last of eight peaks he recently climbed in one weekend.

"There's a lot more activity in the group chat, people are asking more questions about it. I put my training on the back foot when I went to Waterford for teaching placement, now I'm back focusing on it," Mr Culliton explained.

"I'm definitely buzzing for it, in a way I almost don't want it to come around. Once its over with, it's over- everything has been catered around the climb for the last year," he admitted.

"Next year we are doing the Atlas and climbing the highest peak in North Africa, I was referred to lead it. I had to do an interview, and will be leading the charge on it," he said.

"I have my eyes on Ben Nevis this winter, it will be iced over and I'll be using alpine climbing gear. Someday I would love to go on and do the Seven Summits."

The Mountmellick man's love for climbing stems from childhood hikes with his family, and the peace that can be found on the peaks.

"I love going off solo, only three or four climbs did with other people. I get really sick of being in a constant loop of college, work and sport. You're always on the go, even though I'm doing it for myself. When you go off to the mountains for three or four days by yourself, you won't see anyone, you're miles away from the nearest people, it's a peace."

Mr Culliton has a fundraising target of 5,800 to meet, with over 1,000 towards the climbing gear and registration that he will pay himself.

"Luckily no one close to me has been affected by meningitis, but I have lost family members to heart disease and cancer, and I wanted to help raise money for a charity that can help other families," he said.

"We have raised 4,220 which is unbelievable," he said.

"My younger brother Fionnan has been such a support in this. He worked through eight hours at the last car wash, and has the ball rolling. He has been flat out and supporting me the whole way along."

Tadhg will be holding a charity car wash at Bowe's Tyres and Auto Centre on Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and would like to thank Laois locals for their donations so far.

Those interested can donate here.
A Laois family may have stalled the completion of an extension to the HSE's biggest nursing home in Laois, over a disagreement on the building's vibrant yellow striped exterior.

St Vincent's Community Nursing Unit in Mountmellick is getting a 6.82 million extension of 50 ensuite bedrooms for residents, and it is due to be completed in 2025.

Last April, the Health Service Executive (HSE) Midlands Area applied for planning retention for some changes to the building ahead of its completion. This includes material alterations to the external envelope, the demolition of an existing shed and construction of a new boiler house. Reconfiguration/upgrade landscaping works and associated minor works.

They also sought permission to keep the addition of a yellow coloured cement render between windows sections on the facade. The HSE said that they were "seeking to reduce the austere look of the building as per the original design and to introduce a colour which will make the building more inviting and more in keeping with a nursing home".

Laois County Council gave approval in June, despite a submission made about the colour by the neighbours.

Ann Dunne and Hilary Murphy own two houses across the road and had lodged a joint submission, objecting to the colour of the imposing new block. They included photos of their windows showing the reflection of the building in every one.

They explained their objections.

"We believe this bright render will have a significant negative visual impact on the local area. The chosen colour is not in keeping with the character of the surrounding buildings. It could disrupt the visual harmony of the neighbourhood and create a jarring and out-of-place appearance.

"The bright colour may cause a detrimental affect on the residential environment, particularly in regard to glare, which could affect residents' comfort and enjoyment of their homes. The brightness could leave to a constant visual disturbance especially at certain times of the day when sunlight reflects off the building. This yellow render reflects brightly onto our windows causing an obstructive glare," they said.

Instead they asked the council to "encourage a more neutral or toned down alternative".

Last month the nursing home received a glowing inspection report by HIQA

The neighbours have now lodged an appeal to An Bord Pleanala, asking the national planning authority to review the decision.

The case is due to be decided in early November 2025.

Read also: Nearly 70 new social homes in Mountmellick to 'make a huge difference'

The extension to St Vincent's CNU was pursued to comply with HIQA regulations on single ensuite bedrooms. The HSE has allocated 300k for design feasibility for phases 2 & 3 of the project to build another 50-bed new build and refurbish 30 bedrooms inside the existing community hospital.
Laois is set to receive a funding boost from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) for a project that will help restore salmon and trout stocks, and their habitats.

The River Barrow Project, in Dunrally/Monasterevin, taking in counties Laois and Kildare, has been successful in receiving the funds under the IFIs Habitats and Conservation Scheme.

Nationally a total of 771,295 has been awarded for 21 new environmental works in 2025.The competitive scheme, administered by IFI, supports sustainable initiatives to ensure native salmon and sea trout survive and thrive, and overcome ongoing challenges they face in the wild.

READ NEXT: Disappointing' housing plan for derelict Portlaoise hotel falls asunder

Announcing the award recipients Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, said: This investment by IFI will finance vital projects that will help futureproof Irelands salmon and sea trout populations.

"Our migratory Atlantic salmon are in significant decline. The department and IFI are committed to supporting restoration efforts - working in partnership with our stakeholders to increase juvenile production of the species.

"This years Habitats and Conservation Scheme submissions demonstrate strong leadership in the stewardship of local rivers, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental responsibility.Its heartening to see such positive community and stakeholder engagement in the applications."

Barry Fox Head of Operations with IFI added: "With these grants Inland Fisheries Ireland is working collaboratively with statutory and non-statutory groups to create resilient habitats for future generations of fish.



"The projects include those that are of national strategic importance, and those that aim to improve damaged habitats in regional catchments failing to meet their conservation limits."
Gardai are renewing their appeal for information in relation to the investigation into the murder of 27-year-old Antoinette Smith, whose remains were discovered on Glendoo Mountain in 1988.

Her body was located near the Lemass monument and close to Glencree/Enniskerry in Co. Wicklow on 3rd April 1988.

On Saturday, 11th July 1987, Antoinette and a friend attended the David Bowie concert in Slane, Co. Meath. They returned to Dublin by bus, arriving in Parnell Square at around 11pm.

They went to the La Mirage Discotheque on Parnell Street. While in the club they met two men that they knew. They joined the mens company and remained with them until they all left shortly after 2am.

Antoinettes friend parted company when they left the club. Antoinette remained for some time and spoke to the two men until all three walked the short distance to the taxi rank on OConnell Street. The men got a taxi to the Ballymun area, while Antoinette continued to walk by the Gresham Hotel on OConnell Street towards OConnell Street Bridge.

READ NEXT: RIP: Man (60s) dies amid fatal road crash and woman (60s) seriously injured

Antoinette was subsequently reported missing to Gardai by her husband. She remained missing for nine months until her remains were discovered on Glendoo Mountain.

Antoinette was a mother of two young children, Lisa who was only seven years old and Rachel who was four years old at the time of their mothers disappearance.

It is now 38 years since Antoinette Smith was last seen on OConnell Street, Dublin. Gardai at Bray Garda Station are renewing their appeal to the public for assistance and information in relation to the disappearance and murder of Antoinette Smith :

Gardai are appealing to those who may have information since 1987, or who may have come into possession of information in the intervening years, to come forward.

Gardai are urging individuals, who 38 years on may want to come forward, to do so, especially if relationships/ associations may have changed over the years.

Gardai are anxious to assure the public that they will treat anyone assisting the investigation in a sensitive manner.

Anyone with information can contact Gardai in Bray at 01 666 5300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Droimnin Nursing Home in Stradbally has issued a statement following a recent HIQA report which found non compliance in eight of nine categories.

The purpose-built nursing home, which can accommodate 70 adult residents, was the subject to an unannounced inspection while there were 69 residents at the facility on April 8, 2025.

The Health Information and Quality Authority(HIQA) Inspectors who visited the facility in April had to get a staff member to assist a resident at one point during the inspection. It was during this inspection the home was found non compliant in eight out of nine categories.

While many residents complimented the staff as kind and caring individuals, concerns were raised about the availability of staff and the timeliness of support with their care needs, the report noted.

Inspectors reviewed unsolicited information received by the Chief Inspector. The information received pertained to concerns regarding the governance and management of the centre, the quality of care provided to residents including social care, the supervision of staff and the management of complaints. This information was found to be fully substantiated on this inspection, the report noted.

The report found the nursing home non compliant in relation to Staffing, Complaints Procedure, Health Care, Training and Staff Development, Record keeping, Governance and Management, Individual Assessment and Care Plan, Residents' rights and it was substantially compliant in relation to Protection.

A spokesperson for Droimnin Nursing Home, said: As a leading care home, our foremost commitment has always been to deliver the highest standards of care expected by our residents and their families. We were therefore disappointed that certain aspects of our administration let us down - particularly in light of our history of consistently positive reports. However, as noted in the HIQA inspection, these issues never compromised the quality of care we provide.

The Leinster Express/Laois Live has looked back on the last five HIQA inspection reports at Droimnin Nursing Home. There were mixed results.

An inspection last November found the home to be compliant in all but one of 12 categories and substantially compliant in two areas. In May of 2024, the home was compliant in 21 of 22 categories. In September of 2023, an inspection found the home non compliant in eight of 19 categories and substantially compliant in eight more. Then in May of 2023, the home was none compliant in eight of 16 categories and substantially compliant in three. Finally, in January of 2023, the home was found to be non compliant in four of 16 categories and substantially compliant in four more.

Following the April inspection, the nursing home stated that: Our own internal audit, conducted prior to the inspection, had already identified a dip in some administrative procedures. We were actively addressing these at the time, and this was fully acknowledged in the latest inspection. The areas of non-compliance were specifically linked to the onboarding and training of new staff members - an issue which has since been fully resolved.

READ ALSO: Inspection finds Laois nursing home non compliant in eight of nine categories

We remain dedicated to continuous improvement and ensuring that both our care and administrative practices reflect the trust placed in us by our residents and their families, they concluded.
Met Eireann have extended their status Yellow weather warning for high temperatures in Laois.

The weather warning is in place until 6am on Sunday July 13 for all counties.

On Friday and Saturday, high temperature warnings have been issued for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary.

Temperatures are expected to be in excess of 27C during the day, and in excess of 15C at night.

Water safety issues have been highlighted due to the increased use of lakes and beaches, along with a possibility of forest fires and uncomfortable sleeping conditions.

Pictured: Met Eireann issues yellow weather warning nationwide, ending at 6am on Sunday

Mild and very warm weather continues through the weekend but a change to more unsettled and cooler weather will begin from next week.

See the forecast here:



Saturday Night: Mild and mostly dry during the evening with a little more cloud pushing in across western parts. Southerly breezes and rather mild overnight with lowest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees.



Sunday: Starting out largely fine and dry with good sunny spells and mostly light winds. More cloud will build from the west with outbreaks of rain pushing in across Atlantic coastal counties. A very warm day with highest temperatures of 22 to 28 degrees and southerly breezes.



Sunday Night: Becoming rather cloudy with freshening southerly breezes. Outbreaks of rain will push in from the southwest and may be heavy and blustery at times too. Quite mild overnight with lowest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees.



Monday: Cloudy and unsettled with a band of rain moving over the country during the morning. A clearance to sunny spells and scattered showers. Southeasterly breezes will change southwesterly later in the day with highest temperatures a bit cooler than recently at 18 to 22 degrees.



Tuesday: Another unsettled and cooler day with a good mix of scattered showers, blustery winds and some sunny spells too. Highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees.
Belfast rap trio Kneecap have said they are banned from advertising one of their posters on the London Underground.

The group have been in the headlines since one of their members, who is due to appear in court next month, was accused of allegedly supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation.

On Thursday, in a social media post, they said: Weve been banned from advertising on the London Tube.

We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube. How petty can political policing and interference get After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue. The below poster has been rejected because: "it is likely to pic.twitter.com/jx8gnqSdkF  KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) July 10, 2025

How petty can political policing and interference get

After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue.

READ NEXT: 'I got a Nokia 3210 but here's how I reduced screen time back on my smartphone'

The below poster has been rejected because: It is likely to cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public on account of the product or service being advertised, the content or design of the advertisement, or by way of implication.

Speak out against genocide and theyll use every single angle they can to silence you.

The poster shows their logo, based on the balaclavas worn by paramilitaries during the Troubles, and reads: Kneecap. OVO Arena Wembley, London. Thurs 18th September 25.

In May, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence relating to displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, during a gig in November 2024.

Ahead of his first court date billboards appeared in London that said More Black, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara, referencing discriminatory signs placed in some London boarding houses across the capital in the mid 20th century.

O hAnnaidh, 27, and his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters when they arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court on June 18.

The group performed at Glasgows 02 on Tuesday, in a gig which sold out in 80 seconds.

They were due to perform at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow this weekend but their set was axed after concerns raised by police.

Their set at Glastonbury Festival in June followed Bob Vylan on the West Holts stage, and both acts are being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police for comments made on stage.

Transport for London (TfL) has been approached for comment.
Women of Kondesu Town celebrate the installation of Starlink Wi-Fi at the Kondesu Clinic.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Liberian President Joseph Boakai share a thumbs up in the Oval Office during their first-ever meeting.
North Dakotas Attorney General Drew Wrigley has condemned the Ethics Commission for its assertion that his office was uncooperative during an investigation into Rep. Jason Dockter, R-Bismarck, that concluded earlier this month.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Commission's director, Wrigley called the assertion that the Attorney General's Office had been uncooperative patently false.

In a report on the Dockter investigation, the Commission said that efforts to secure information from the Office of the Attorney General were generally unsuccessful.

The Commission named two specific roadblocks it faced in dealings with the Attorney General's Office. First, the Commission said attempts to interview two staff members from the office were met with unresponsiveness and follow-up communication with the office was slow, ultimately resulting in the two staff members agreeing to answer questions via written correspondence.

The Commission said interview-by-correspondence was not as valuable to its investigation as an in-person interview would have been, adding that it ultimately gave up on interviewing the two staff members. Further, the Commission said it was inappropriate for the two staff members to dictate how the investigation was conducted.

Wrigley said the staff had already cooperated fully with a Montana Department of Criminal Investigations investigation and that the transcripts of their interviews were available to the Commission. He also said it was apparent the two staff members would not have had due process protections in an interview with the Commission.

They would gladly have done it again here, if we could protect -- if we could provide due process protections and have persons present for those interviews, Wrigley said.

The Commission said the people involved in its investigations have due process.

The second roadblock stemmed from requesting documents from the Attorney General's Office. The Commission stated in its report that it did receive some records it requested from the office, but other records it requested were not provided. In one instance, the Commission said it learned that it was missing emails it had requested when those emails were published by the media online following an open records request.

The Commission, despite having an outstanding request for such emails, did not receive them, the Commission said in the report.

Wrigley said he was unable to give the Commission certain documents as quickly as it wished because the documents were involved in an ongoing criminal investigation into former state Sen. Ray Holmberg.

The Ethics Commission is not a law enforcement entity, Wrigley told the Tribune. They do not have subpoena power  Their demands -- their curiosities, I'll call them that, don't trump the legal requirements that this entity has and all law enforcement has. I told them from the beginning, I'll be happy to give you the materials when I can, when I have cleared that with the United States Attorney's Office, when it is -- when it will not undermine our federal investigation, and when I can legally provide those matters to you.

Deputy Attorney General Claire Ness told the Tribune that by demanding confidential information, the Commission put state employees at risk of committing a Class C felony by giving a confidential document without the legal authority to do so.

They are completely ignoring that because they think (the fact) that they have to be confidential means I have to give them confidential material, Ness said. Those are two very different things. Our office has advised them of that and they are ignoring it.

Ethics Commission Executive Director Rebecca Binstock said that the Commission has the right to require people to produce documents under section 54-66-08.3 of the North Dakota Constitution. The section also says the Commission may require the testimony of a witness in the investigation of a complaint.

When it comes to confidentiality, typically that refers to -- that you can't hand something over as a public record. That doesn't mean that it doesn't have to be produced as part of a legal proceeding, Binstock said.

She said that an investigation into an ethics complaint is unquestionably a legal proceeding.

The Ethics Commissions purview

The role of the Commission has been subject to discussion since it was enshrined in the North Dakota Constitution by voters in 2018 through an initiated measure. A bill seeking to streamline the Commissions operations -- House Bill 1360 -- received significant discussion before it was shot down by the Legislature in the 2025 regular legislative session.

Wrigley said that the Commission does not seek to engage with his office or other offices that have expertise on matters the Commission is addressing.

"Their executive director and a member of the Commission, within the last 10 days, have met with a state official and told that person, it is their perspective, that their rules process has supremacy over state law," Wrigley said.

"They're not elected down there for anything, but that their rules process trumps state law ... that should make your readers shudder, that an unelected bureaucracy with no mandate has just made the work of your elected Legislature, your governor, who signs matters into law, made that secondary to the whims of a five-member Commission and their executive director."

Wrigley indicated in his letter and in an interview with the Tribune that he thinks the Commission violated its purview by giving legal advice to lawmakers and releasing advisory opinions that have legal impacts, which is the domain of the Attorney Generals Office, and by stating its intentions to make Commission rules dealing with campaign finance the domain of Secretary of State Michael Howe. The Commission disagrees.

The Constitution has obligations the Ethics Commission is required to carry out and yes, sometimes those obligations require election-related issues and legal-related issues, Binstock told the Tribune. The Constitution is a legal document, so carrying out those obligations requires some legal analysis and some legal work.

She said in Article 14, Section 3, Subsection 2 of the North Dakota Constitution the Commission is empowered to make rules related to transparency, corruption, elections and lobbying, and may investigate alleged violations of such rules and related state laws.

There's certainly overlap with the constitutional authority of the Commission, with statutory authority that's been granted to other agencies or executive functions, right? Binstock said. We take notice of that, and, you know, want to be collaborative and work with those individuals or those agencies to try and come up with something. But to quote our former chair, At the end of the day, there is constitutional authority for the Commission.

Personal problem

Wrigleys letter was directed to Binstock, who he personally called out, saying at different points that she lacks experience and judgement and objectivity and fairness.

"Ms. Binstock, your report is replete with misleading narratives and omissions, and officials and the public are left having to guess whether your actions are the result of carelessness or the intentional politicization of your office." Wrigley said in his letter. "It is clear you are frustrated that this office has repeatedly advised and testified on the limits of your authority as part of my mandate to uphold the Constitution and laws of North Dakota."

Acting Ethics Commission Chair Ward Koeser told the Tribune in a letter on behalf of the Commission that it will never entertain personal attacks directed at people it employs. Koeser said he was disappointed to receive Wrigleys letter, which he said was filled with personal attacks against our executive director.

Such language seeks to undermine the Commissions constitutional authority and distract from its work, Koeser said in the letter. In a similar context, if an individual is unhappy with a city commissions decision, it is inappropriate to attack the city staff who aid the city commission in its decision.

Koeser said in his letter that the 93-page report finding that Dockter committed three ethical violations was unanimously adopted by the Commission and that it stands by the information presented in the report.
A MAN, aged in his 40s, has been arrested by gardai in connection with the fatal assault of a pensioner in Limerick city overnight.

He is currently being detained in a garda station in Limerick city under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

READ MORE: Retailer rushed to ED after woman bites him in Limerick shop and claims she has HIV

A garda spokesperson said officers in Limerick are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in his 70s following an incident of assault in Watergate, Limerick city at approximately 11.30pm on Thursday, July 10.

"The man, aged in his 70s, was transported to University Hospital Limerick with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced deceased on Friday, July 11.

"The scene in Watergate has been preserved for technical and forensic examination by the Garda Technical Bureau," said a garda spokesperson.

The Office of the State Pathologist and local Coroner have been notified.

"A post-mortem examination has been arranged. A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation," said the garda spokesperson.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

"Anyone who was in the Watergate area of Limerick city on Thursday, July 10, 2025 between 11:15pm and 12am and who may have any information regarding the incident is asked to contact investigating hardai.

"Road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make that footage available," said the garda spokesperson.

Gardai can be contacted at Henry Street garda station on 061 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
ITS the end of an era at Corpus Christi National School in Moyross as its drama and creative arts teacher, Fionnuala Bromell, retires after almost 40 years.

The end of the summer time brought the curtain down on Ms Bromells time at the northside school after 38 years.

In that time, she has produced dozens of stage shows for the school community, many of which have won awards.

READ MORE: Limerick Student honoured in annual Ireland Funds scholarship programme

Her swansong show focused on the Flight of the Wild Geese and led to the school winning a European award in Strasbourg.

It meant she bowed out at the top.

Ive loved every second of it. I never worked anywhere else. I said to Tiernan (ONeill, school principal) once you find somewhere that makes you happy, and somewhere I knew I could do the kind of work I wanted to do, why would I go anywhere else? It was like a home from home for me. I love Moyross, I love the people of Moyross, she said.

On the last day of term, Fionnuala was shown a 10-minute compilation of all the stage shows she has produced for the school.

Staff and students then afforded her a guard of honour from Corpus Christi Church to the school where a celebration took place.

I said it was definitely time to go when one child said to me: you taught my nana, laughed Fionnuala.

Principal Mr ONeill said: The impact of Fionnualas work will echo around the corridors of our school for many years to come.

She has contributed so much to the development of the bright new chapter in the story of Moyross and the wider community.

Asked what he feels her legacy will be, the principal said: The love of the arts that has been fostered in the generations of children and in the community.

He added: She is our female Andrew Lloyd Webber!
THERES A new twist in the long-running saga of the proposed liquid natural gas (LNG) plant along the Shannon Estuary.

It comes after An Coimisiun Pleanala, formerly known as An Bord Pleanala re-activates the planning application for the terminal at Ballylongford in north Kerry.

The national planning appeals body had rejected the latest plans for a gas terminal on the estuary in September 2023.

READ MORE: Limerick renewable energy firm fails in plan for new wind farm

But following this, the company behind the 650m project instigated Judicial Review proceedings in the High Court against this decision.

A Judicial Review is a mechanism where an application can be made to challenge the decision-making processes of administrative bodies like An Coimisiun Pleanala.

Ultimately, the High Court quashed the An Bord Pleanala refusal decision.

Now it is back on the table for decision.

The proposal to build an LNG terminal in west Limerick/north Kerry has sharply divided opinion since it was first put on the table in 2006.

It is claimed that the proposal could bring up to 500 construction jobs to the border, as well as more than 50 permanent positions once operational, with the Tarbert Development Association particularly welcoming this economic boost.

However, it has been beset by delays, with the Safety Before LNG campaign group highlighting what it feels are dangers around the proposals.

They fear the damage it could do to the local environment, with its spokesperson Johnny McElligott previously warning the scheme could pave the way for fracking in Ireland.

Environment Minister Darragh OBrien is to be asked to make submissions to the fresh application with the planning board.

Limerick based solicitor Michelle Hayes, president of Environmental Trust Ireland, who has also objected to the proposals, is concerned about the application.

Environmental Trust Ireland had also previously expressed concerns in relation to fracked gas.

Fracking sees a high-pressure water mixture drilled into rocks to release gas inside.

But environmentalists warn potentially carcinogenic chemicals used may escape and contaminate groundwater around a site.

The former An Bord Pleanala refused permission back in 2023, based on Government policy on the importation of fracked gas.

They added that it would be inappropriate to permit or proceed with the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland pending the review of energy supply.
A PRIESTS niece had a good confession for her uncle at the end of his golden jubilee anniversary celebration Mass.

Aine Bresnihan surprised Fr Eugene Boyce after she flew all the way from Sydney to be there for the special occasion in St Johns Cathedral. Her brother Barry also returned to Limerick for the joint ceremony but he came from the comparatively close, Amsterdam.

READ MORE: Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop of Limerick to new key role

Aine, a 30-year-old physiotherapist from Castletown, Ballyagran, said Fr Eugene had no idea she was coming home, and she wanted to keep it that way.

We asked mam (Brid) to keep it a secret and for us to surprise him on the day. The first time Eugene saw me was after his ceremony, when everybody was going up to congratulate him at the altar.

I walked up and shook his hand and he was totally shocked to see me and gave me a big smile and said what are you doing here?. I replied, What do you mean, I came home for you, I wouldnt have missed this day for the world, smiled Aine.

The joint celebration of Fr Eugene Boyce and Canon John Daly, who were ordained together, took place on a Saturday night last month. Aine set off from her home in Australia, where she has lived since 2022, at 3am the previous day. Her flight took off at 6am for Dubai and after a total of 24 hours in the air, she landed in Dublin at 8.10pm on Friday night.

Barry flew into Dublin at 7.10pm from Amsterdam. We both met mam in Dublin Airport. We arrived at home around 11pm after a two and a half hour drive home. My dad (Paddy) was not aware of our homecoming and he was shocked and delighted to see us, said Aine.

Door to door from Sydney to Ballyagran it was 29 hours of travelling - and she would do it all again.

The moment my mam informed myself and Barry of Eugenes golden jubilee of his ordination we were both delighted he reached this magnificent milestone and just wanted to be there and celebrate it with him and all the family.

We would never again get this opportunity to attend such a wonderful occasion with our uncle. It was an easy decision to make really but we both had to figure out the logistics of work, visa and flights etc. I wouldnt have missed it for the world as I know it would have always been something I would have regretted, said Aine, who described her uncle as playing a pivotal role in our lives.

He was there for all our family celebrations - baptisms, holy communions, confirmations, graduations, birthdays, every Christmas and so many other occasions. He has always been very supportive to us and we are so proud and have great respect for him, said Aine.

On the following Saturday, Aine left Ireland at 2pm, landed back in Sydney at 11.30pm on Sunday and straight back to work on Monday!
TRANSPORT hubs planned along the Limerick to Cork motorway will not have retail or hospitality facilities, the co-ordinator of the 1.2bn project has said.

Jari Howard said in order to protect the local trade of the areas that these hubs will be located beside, there will only be very limited amenities - such as toilets, a waiting room and electric vehicle chargers.

READ MORE: Wolfe Tones' final concert and lots more on in Limerick this weekend

There will not be shops there, or petrol stations. These are facilities which are already in the towns. Wed rather people go into the towns if they want to get a coffee, that kind of thing. Theyll be able to park in these hubs and walk to the towns, he told Limerick Live this week.

Here in Limerick, its hoped this move will give a welcome economic boost to the town of Croom and the village of Bruree, as well as Charleville on the Cork side of the border.

The other transport hubs along the M20 will be located at Rathduff, Mourneabbey, Mallow and Buttevant.

Its anticipated that where an extended walk is needed, the transport hubs will be ready for active travel measures to take motorists to the nearest towns. Wed rather people go into the town if they want to get a coffee, that kind of thing. I dont think its our business to take away business from these towns and villages. If we put retail into them, we are going to upset businesses from these villages and towns which have these services already, which you dont want to do, Mr Howard added.

The M20 co-ordinator was at a meeting of the local authoritys Adare-Rathkeale district this Tuesday, following an invitation by Independent Ireland councillor John ODonoghue.

The move came after the publication of the routes last month gave the clearest indicator yet on the extent of the land which will need to be acquired, with a number of buildings likely to make way and farmland to be cut up.

Concerns remain on access around Croom, in Cllr ODonoghue's electoral area.

Mr Howard told the meeting that automatic number plate recognition would be in place along the M20. Toll fees will be divided into eight segments, reflecting the distance travelled on the M20.

Motorists using the full length of the road would pay the full toll, 100%, while shorter journeys would be charged in 12.5% increments.

Exact charges will be confirmed closer to completion of the motorway.
Gardai in Wicklow investigating recent assaults in the Arklow area have made a number of arrests in connection with these incidents.

Three men were seriously injured following the series assaults where nine people were arrested in total over the course of the last two weeks.

As well as this, a number of premises were searched under warrant in the Wexford/Wicklow division in connection with these incidents and a quantity of suspected crack cocaine was seized by Gardai. The seized drugs will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

On Thursday 10th July 2025, Gardai responded to a report of assault on Abbey Street at around 4:20pm where a man in his 30s was sent to St. Vincents University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Five men were arrested in connection with this and detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at Garda Stations in the Co. Wicklow and Co. Wexford areas.

One of the men (20s) has since been charged and is due to appear before a special sitting of Bray District Court on Friday 11th July 2025.

READ NEXT: Week-long search for woman (36) missing from home stood down as gardai issue update

The four other men (20s, 30s, 40s) remain detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Prior to this incident, Gardai are investigating an assault in Arklow on Saturday 28th June 2025 in which a male received serious injuries.

Two people were arrested as part of this investigation and one male (30s) appeared before Bray District Court on Monday 30th June 2025.

On Monday 7th July 2025, Gardai were alerted to an assault in Arklow where a male was seriously injured.

Two men (20s, 40s) have been arrested as part of this investigation and are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Garda stations in Co. Wicklow.
IT-BPO mergers and acquisitions are not new. But the $3.3 billion WNS buyout by French major Capgemini signals the impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having on global businessesand how IT-BPO can combine to serve changing client needs better.

What does the deal entail?

French technology and consulting firm Capgemini is acquiring Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firm WNS for $3.3 billion in cash, paying $76.50 per sharea 17% premium over WNSs 3 July closing price. The deal, expected to close by end-2025, will help scale up Capgeminis Global Business Services division. The goal: position Capgemini as a global provider with a focus on the rapidly evolving demand for Agentic AIautonomous AI agents that can perform tasks and make business decisions. It combines Capgeminis tech muscle with WNSs expertise in business process service delivery.

Whats unique about this merger?

IT-BPO deals in the past focused on labour arbitrage, client or geographic expansion. This one is about AI-first transformation. IT and business services delivery is changingfrom human-capital led to AI-led. Capgemini isnt just buying BPO capacity; its acquiring WNSs depth and a platform to incubate AI-led Services-as-a-Software (SaaS) offerings. The deal narrows Capgeminis gap with IT giants like Accenture and TCS, boosts its competitiveness against pure-play BPOs such as Genpact and EXL, and enhances its ability to challenge consulting majors like Deloitte, PwC and KPMG, marking a new era of convergence.

How is AI changing the BPO sector?

AI is propelling it beyond traditional labour-intensive, cost-reduction service delivery into a realm of improved efficiency, intelligence and strategic value. Repeat tasks are automated, research and knowledge extraction is AI aided, and voice work is shifting to conversational AI bots. AI is flipping the BPO model from people-intensive to platform-led.

Will there be more such deals now?

A wave of IT-BPO consolidation is on the horizon. The former needs automated services delivery. The latter is seeing valuations dip. BPOs with deep domain expertise, marquee clients and AI solutions will be attractive targets for IT services companies. Firms like WNS, with a client roster including United Airlines, Aviva and Coca-Cola, exemplify the kind of high-value BPOs in play. For IT services firms, acquiring such partners (or vice versa) offers a faster path to scale automation and domain-rich capabilities.

What is the outlook for the BPO sector?

Indias $50-billion BPO sector employing around 2 million will face increasing competition from AI-native solutions or clients bringing processes in-house with AI tools. The future of BPO lies in intelligent operations powered by AI. This means a shift towards services that use AI for advanced analytics, predictive insights, autonomous process management, and complex problem-solving. The sector will move towards a collaborative model where AI augments human capabilities.
Subscription and recurring billing management platform Chargebee is increasing its focus on India, as more multinational companies look to the country as a source of revenue.

India is an important market for two parts: One, our customers to collect money from here. Second, India as a market is growing, especially with the number of companies which are able to list here," said Chargebee co-founder and chief executive Krish Subramanian.

At its core, the company helps businesses automate subscriptions, from helping companies figure out the best pricing models for their services to recognizing sources of revenue, collections, and customer retention. Chargebee is currently valued at $3.5 billion after a $250 million Series H round in 2022 co-led by Tiger Global and Sequoia Capital.

Read more: Uber for housekeeping: Indias newest gig economy boom faces a trust

The company's clientele includes large companies like global media conglomerate Conde Nast and British coffee and sandwich chain Pret a Manger, as well as startups like automated marketing platform FMG Suite, restaurant management software Zenchef, and survey-building software company Typeform.

Chargebee has already onboarded several companies as part of its deeper focus on India. Its local portfolio already consists of hundreds" of companies. Subramanian said that they were planning to add new Indian clients every quarter, but the company hasn't set a target.

As a product, we've matured and moved away from just one type of merchant to multiple verticals. Now, we're a horizontal product that serves multiple verticals, so we see that as a significant opportunity," Subramanian said.

India focus

Chargebee's new focus on India can be, in part, attributed to how UPI AutoPay has made payments for recurring billing in India easier for consumers. As a result, it finally makes more sense for the company to work more closely with Indian businesses. For systems like ours, the underlying payment processor is a core dependency. When that dependency is eased, it becomes easier for us to work in those markets," Subramanian said. Currently, the company works with RazorPay as its main partner in India but is currently actively scouting out others.

However, pricing-wise, Chargebee costs significantly more than Zoho Billing. For example, Chargebee Billing costs nearly 50,000 a month for up to 80 lakh a month. In comparison, Zoho Billing's comparable equivalent costs 3,499 per month but allows 100,000 invoices a year. However, both Chargebee and Zoho Billing do have customised enterprise offerings.

Several global companies over the years have been looking to India, especially given that they're expecting a significant chunk of their revenue to come from here. For Chargebee's clients, some of them are expecting at least 30% of their revenue to come from the country.

Our global customers have significant business in India. We help them navigate collecting money from Indian customers, being tax compliant while also reducing the overheads of collecting money with the least amount of failures, the right payment methods," said Subramanian.

Read more: DMarts Q1 results to test investor optimism in CEO succession plan

Most of the company's revenue comes from North America, which accounts for 41% of its revenue and Europe, which accounts for 40%, with the rest being made up for by Australia and New Zealand. With its entry into India, the company doesn't foresee giant gains to be made just yet. I expect revenue contribution to be right now in between 1 to 2% probably even for the next three years, because those other markets are still growing faster for us," Subramanian said.

Acquisitions

Between 2021 and 2022, Chargebee made a slew of acquisitions, acquiring three companies in that time: Revlock, a revenue recognition tool; Brightback, a customer retention platform; and numberz, a smart accounts receivable and collections automation platform. Revenue recognition is a very important part of the business. So, we added that capability through an acquisition," Subramanian said.

In 2025, the company made two more acquisitions, bringing its total to five with the buyout of INAI, a payment, data intelligence and observability platform and Trainn, its most recent acquisition, which creates personalised videos for customer training purposes.

Read more: Ather Energy says tech innovation, not sales volume, will win profitability race

Back in 2022, the company was reportedly planning to be ready to go public over the next three to five years. However, when asked about an initial public offering in the US, Subramanian said, Probably not for the next couple of years, simply because I think now is the best time to build privately because there is so much transformation happening in the market."

He added that for now, the company's investors, including Accel, Peak XV Partners, Steadview Capital, Sapphire Ventures, and others, were happy to let them grow privately. I'm not going to push for going public right now."
(Bloomberg) -- A month after the worst aviation accident in India in decades, authorities are poised to release a preliminary report into the catastrophe, offering the first official clues to what caused the aircraft to plummet back to the ground just 30 seconds after taking off.

Investigators have revealed very few details since the Air India accident, and the report also stands to be basic and factual  if previous initial findings are any guide. Authorities are unlikely to draw definitive conclusions or assign blame, as their work continues in the coming months to piece together a complicated puzzle of what happened on the Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner on June 12.

What is known is that the aircraft, fully loaded with fuel, quickly lost altitude and slammed into a hostel for medical students, where it exploded, killing all but one of the 242 individuals on board and more than 30 people on the ground. The pilot issued one mayday alert before Flight AI 171 crashed in the western city of Ahmedabad.

Videos that have circulated widely of the planes takeoff and brief time in the air show that everything is normal until they dont put in the (landing) gear, and very shortly after the aircraft is losing thrust, said Bjorn Fehrm, an aerospace analyst and former fighter pilot.

Whats unusual is that the power loss appears to be simultaneous in both engines  theres no puff of smoke that would indicate a bird strike, or yaw by the aircraft that would be typical if one engine failed first. The 787 Dreamliner and other commercial planes have more than enough power to complete a takeoff on a single engine, and pilots are well-prepared for that event.

But as to scenarios where both engines power down simultaneously? Thats improbable like hell, Fehrm said.

Some potential key factors have begun to emerge, despite a lack of briefings or updates from the local government or Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which is leading the probe. Both the cockpit voice and the flight data recorders were retrieved from the wreckage, and their content was extracted by Indian authorities.

One particular line of inquiry is the movement of fuel control switches that sit in the center console of the cockpit, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke confidentially because the information isnt yet public. The devices are used to turn fuel supply on and off to two engines made by GE Aerospace.

It remains unknown whether the pilots toggled the switches  either inadvertently or intentionally  and when during the flight the movement may have occurred. The detail was first reported by The Air Current, an aviation trade publication.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday preliminary findings indicated the fuel switches were turned off, though its unclear whether that was accidental or intentional and whether any effort was made to turn them back on, according to people familiar with the situation.

A representative for GE Aerospace declined to comment. Boeing referred questions to the AAIB. The National Transportation Safety Board also referred questions to Indian authorities. Boeing and the NTSB have been assisting the investigation, though the Indian authorities have taken the lead role in the probe.

Indias air accident authority didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Aviation accidents are usually caused by multiple factors and investigators are exploring a wide range of aspects related to the crash.

So far, investigators also havent found any evidence that would suggest the crash was caused by a design or mechanical problem with the Boeing aircraft or the GE engines, according to the people familiar with the matter.

They pointed to the fact that neither company, nor the US Federal Aviation Administration, has sent out any notices or safety bulletins to operators, which they said would normally occur quickly if an issue that could impact other 787s in operation was identified.

The people conducting the probe are also looking at the backgrounds and experience of the pilots  a normal step for this kind of investigation. The aircraft was in the command of captain Sumeet Sabharwal and first officer Clive Kunder, who had 8,200 and 1,100 flight hours, respectively, according to a statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Its widely assumed that the doomed 787 had a dual engine failure, especially after early evidence indicates that an emergency backup power source, known as the ram air turbine, was deployed.

But restarting the engines at the low altitude and speed at which the 787 found itself just seconds after takeoff wasnt feasible, pilots say, meaning that the cockpit crew simply didnt have enough time to bring the engines back to life.

John Cox, a former airline pilot whos now chief executive officer of consultancy Safety Operating Systems, said that moving a switch to the cutoff position would shut off fuel supply to an engine. A dual failure would occur if the switches for both engines on the 787 were shifted.

If you move those switches from run to cutoff, those engines will stop running in literally seconds, Cox said.

A deliberate moving of the switches cant be ruled out, he said. But there are also other possible scenarios, including that one engine failed and the pilot reached down to flip the switch for that engine but instead shifted the switch for the good engine.

It wouldnt be the first time this kind of mishap occurred  a Delta Air Lines Inc. pilot in the 1980s mistakenly cut off fuel to the engines of the Boeing 767 he was flying. But in that case he was able to restart them because the aircraft was higher in the sky, avoiding catastrophe.

Pilots may also move the fuel switches in response to a dual engine failure. An emergency checklist that pilots need to commit to memory instructs aviators to cycle the fuel switches to cutoff and then back to run in the event of such a failure.

Moving the levers to cut off and back on allows the electronic engine control system to reset, according to several pilots who fly the airplane and spoke to Bloomberg.

Follow Bloomberg India on WhatsApp for exclusive content and analysis on what billionaires, businesses and markets are doing. Sign up here.

--With assistance from Mihir Mishra, Mary Schlangenstein and Danny Lee.

(Updates with investigation detail. An earlier version of this story was corrected to fix a spelling error)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. (AP)  Chemical maker DuPont has agreed to a $27 million settlement to resolve a nearly decade-long lawsuit over the contamination of an upstate New York village's water supply.

The deal was announced Wednesday by lawyers representing residents of Hoosick Falls, located northwest of Albany, just as the case was headed to trial in federal court this week.

The settlement brings the total recovered in the class action suit brought in 2016 to more than $90 million, lawyers for Rochester-based firm Faraci Lange said.

Three other companies  Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Honeywell International and 3M settled for a total of more than $65 million in 2021. DuPont was the last remaining defendant.

We are gratified to have reached what we believe will be the final resolution of this case that will provide significant added benefit to the residents of Hoosick Falls and the Town of Hoosick, said Stephen Schwarz.

A spokesperson for Delaware-based DuPont didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment Friday.

The DuPont settlement, which must still be approved by a federal judge, also includes another $6 million in funding for an existing medical monitoring program for exposed residents, according to attorneys.

In their class action suit, Hoosick Falls residents claimed that a local Teflon fabric coating facility operated by Saint-Gobain and Honeywell caused local drinking water to become contaminated with perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA.

DuPont, which made Teflon materials used at the facility, and 3M, which made the PFOA used by DuPont in its products, were added as defendants to the lawsuit in 2018.

PFOA was once widely used in certain industrial processes but is now considered a harmful forever chemical because it can persist in the environment for decades without decomposing.
NEW SALEM -- The four-day ND Country Fest started with a bang Wednesday night, as thousands of people traveled to New Salem to see the show kick off with Sara Evans as the festival's debut headliner.

A day of sweltering heat had cooled just as the crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch when Evans took the stage at nightfall and launched into her more than hourlong set, kicking off the festival that has grown in popularity every year since its inception in 2017.

With other performers including Cole Swindell, Gary Allan and Sam Hunt also performing at the festival, concertgoers still had plenty to anticipate.

And Country Fest itself still has plenty of concertgoers to look forward to.

The large attendance is far from just North Dakota locals; country fans have come from all around the nation and Canada to see this year's acts. In the field next to the festival grounds that houses hundreds of trailers and RVs, license plates range from neighboring states such as Montana and Minnesota to lands as far away as Texas and California.

"We have people coming from 40 different states," said Luke Shafer, founder and co-owner of ND Country Fest.

Still, a large chunk of the crowd was North Dakotans, many of whom have been coming for several years now.

"It's my third year total," said Dustin Barten of Bismarck, who remembers his previous two Country Fests fondly.

"Dierks Bentley (2024) was real good, put on a heck of a show ... Out of Line, the band they get to play every day on the second stage, they're really good," Barten said.

Barten was at the site by 1 p.m. the first day, set up alone with his tent near the front entrance, beer in hand, waiting to enjoy music and make some new friends.

He said he's always wanted to see Gary Allan, as he likes older country dating to the '90s and early 2000s.

For some concertgoers, the highlight of Country Fest isn't the music. Instead, it's those they've met while listening to it.

"It was just the people," said Jess Jahner, of Dickinson, on her favorite part of Country Fest 2024. "The (campsite) neighbors, getting to meet new people, interact with them, it was fun. The concerts were good but just getting to meet new people was fun."

Her best friend, Carlie Jahner, agreed with that sentiment, as the two sat enjoying beverages in the shade of their campers during the hot afternoon.

"You get to know your neighbors really well and you end up getting to make new friends," she said.

The iconic North Dakota musical duo Tigirlily Gold was set to debut a song during their Country Fest performance on Thursday night, which they called a "brand new anthem to our home state." The song was produced in partnership with the state Tourism Division's Travel North Dakota marketing brand.

The duo was formed in 2013 and is made up of sisters Kendra Olson and Krista Slaubaugh, originally from Hazen. Now, the pair records in Nashville, Tennessee. Just this year, they've released a new single called "Forever From Here," a song that their record label, Monument Records, describes as "a nostalgic love letter to the Midwest and a call back to the place that made them Tigirlily Gold."

Despite the most electric parts of ND Country Fest 2025 yet to come, plans for next year's festival are already well underway and have been for some time, according to the festival's founder. Shafer said that plans for 2026 began over six months ago. He hopes that next year can continue the festival's tradition of featuring big names that will continue to draw in crowds.

"It's very difficult, because we're not on the beaten path," he said. "We're off the main routing, but now we've become a staple in the industry where (artists) will come here first and then build it around us as far as their routing goes."

Darius Rucker, well known for his song "Wagon Wheel," has already been announced as a headliner in 2026, and several more artists featuring in next year's lineup will be announced over the next few days.

Until then, attendees can look forward to Gary Allan, Sam Hunt, Jackson Dean, Montgomery Gentry and more, including a large fireworks display on Friday following Gary Allan's performance -- a visual testament to the festival's immense growth.

"It's going to be our biggest show ever," Shafer said.
Elon Musk led Tesla will open its first store in India on 15 July in Mumbai which will be called an experience centre, Reuters reported. In the last few months, the EV maker had ramped up hiring in India and was scouting for showroom locations in Delhi and Mumbai.

According to a Bloomberg report from last month, Tesla's first set of cars have arrived in India which will be Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs shipped from company's China factory. The report also stated that Tesla has imported Supercharger componenets, car accessories, merchandise and other spare parts from US, China and the Netherlands.

After Mumbai, Tesla also reportedly has plans to start a new showoom in New Delhi.

Five Tesla Model Y in India: Five Model Y vehicles have already arrived in Mumbai from Teslas Shanghai factory, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg News. The cars were declared at 2.77 million rupees ($31,988) and attracted more than 2.1 million rupees in import duties  a levy thats consistent with Indias 70 per cent tariff on fully-built imported cars under $40,000 plus surcharges, the documents show.

The model is expected to go on sale for more than $56,000 before taxes and insurance, though Tesla will determine the final sticker price based on its margin and positioning strategy, according to people familiar with the plans.

That compares with an ex-showroom price of $44,990 for the same model in the US, which sells for $37,490 once tax credits are applied.
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said his agency may fast-track new drugs from pharmaceutical companies that equalize the cost of their medicines between the US and other countries, an unusual proposition from the regulator thats long avoided contentious pricing debates.

The comments, made in an interview on Bloomberg Televisions Wall Street Week with David Westin, offer insight into an idea floated to help the administration achieve one of President Donald Trumps main health-care goals: ensuring foreign countries arent getting a better deal on drugs. Trump demanded that Americans get similar or lower prices as consumers in other countries in an executive order signed in May.

Price adjustments may give companies another way to obtain national priority vouchers, the reward that comes as part of a new program the FDA announced last month that would slash review times for companies it says are backing national interests. Makary didnt offer details about how drugmakers would have to adjust their prices to qualify for a voucher.

We can issue a national priority review voucher for companies that are promising to equalize the price between the US and what other foreign countries pay, Makary said. We want to incentivize good behavior in the marketplace, and these priority vouchers are worth a lot of money.

The new vouchers would cut review times to one to two months, down from an average of about 10 months to one year now, the agency said. In the interview, Makary said the program could be used as a tool to even out drug prices with those currently charged in places like Europe.

The Department of Health and Human Services has asked drugmakers to price therapies that dont have generic competition at the lowest level offered to any member country in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development that has an economy at least 60% of the size of the US on a per capita basis.

Complex Pricing

The FDA typically has avoided inserting itself into the murky world of drug pricing in the US. Explicitly trading faster reviews for price changes on existing treatments would be abnormal for the agency, which doesnt have authority to investigate or control the prices charged for marketed drugs.

Its also unclear how much of an impact the vouchers would have. Makary touted the value of pediatric priority review vouchers offered under a different program, which is currently coming to an end. He noted that some have sold for more than $100 million in a secondary market, which was legal. The new national priority vouchers cant be sold.

Drugmakers also have limited control over what patients ultimately pay in the US, where a complex system of insurance companies and drug benefit managers typically operates in the space between where a patient is given a prescription and where they get their medicine from a pharmacy.

Still, the approach could offer a financial incentive for drugmakers to lower drug prices. When Trump pursued equalizing costs in the US with those abroad during his first term, he exclusively used a more punitive approach, issuing regulations that would have reduced what Medicare, the health insurance program for the elderly and disabled, pays for medications administered in physicians offices.

In the initial announcement of the voucher program, FDA said they could be offered to return drug manufacturing to the US, address health crises or unmet public health needs, or provide innovative cures.

The interview will air Friday at 6 p.m. in New York.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
MUMBAI : Skincare company Fixderma is taking a markedly different approach from most direct-to-consumer brandsfocusing on operational profitability, exports, and limited offline expansion.

The Lotus Herbals-backed brand saw its sales grow 30% in 2024-25 and is targeting a 55% rise in 2025-26, said Shaily Mehrotra, its co-founder and chief executive.

Instead of high marketing spends or rapid category expansion, the Gurugram-based firm is doubling down on dermatology-led products and controlled channel growth. Were not looking to be everywhere or do everything. Theres still headroom in our core category," Mehrotra told Mint.

Also Read | Why recovery skincare is the next big thing

Skincare company Fixderma is taking a markedly different approach from most direct-to-consumer brandsfocusing on operational profitability, exports, and limited offline expansion.

The Lotus Herbals-backed brand saw its sales grow 30% in 2024-25 and is targeting a 55% rise in 2025-26, said Shaily Mehrotra, its co-founder and chief executive. Its 2024-25 revenue stood at 185 crore, with a 20-22% profit margin.

Instead of high marketing spends or rapid category expansion, the Gurugram-based firm is doubling down on dermatology-led products and controlled channel growth. Were not looking to be everywhere or do everything. Theres still headroom in our core category," Mehrotra told Mint.

Lotus Herbals Pvt. Ltd, which owns a 30-32% stake in the company for a 38 crore investment in 2021, remains a non-operational partner. Theres no day-to-day involvement. We report numbers quarterly," she said.

Lean operations, no Retail buildout

Fixderma India Pvt. Ltd operates two in-house manufacturing units (set up in 2012 and 2019), allowing better control over cost and production timelines. While most new-age brands outsource manufacturing, Mehrotra said the direct setup supports healthier margins and quality consistency.

The brand has stayed away from large-scale retail. It operates a single store in Gurugrampositioned as an experience centreand does not intend to scale that model. The economics dont add up for our ticket size," she said.

Also Read | Heres why you are seeing PDRN everywhere in skincare

Retail through pharmacy chains, however, is growing. Fixderma has expanded distribution with Apollo Pharmacy, Tata 1mg, and other medical retailers, particularly in the North East and West Bengal. Overall, retail accounts for about 5% of sales.

Exports and derma drive sales

Fixdermas business is split across D2C (40%), doctor-led derma sales (30%), exports (25%), and retail. Sales through the distributor channel, which includes exports and derma, touched an all-time high of $10 million in 2024.

Vietnam remains its strongest international market, followed by Malaysia, Cambodia, and Nepal. Vietnam has become a high-performing market for us," Mehrotra said, adding that the company will participate in upcoming trade fairs in Jakarta, Moscow, and Bangkok to build further distributor relationships.

Bangladesh sales have slowed due to a steep 120% import duty, while Indonesia remains a white space.

No diversification for now

Unlike many other D2C players, such as Mamaearth, mCaffeine, Wow Skin Science and The Moms Co., Fixderma is not entering adjacent categories such as makeup, supplements or baby care., Fixderma is not entering adjacent categories such as makeup, supplements or baby care. There is still room to grow in our current portfolio. Our focus remains on skin concern-based products," she said.

The company is also working on a mass-market body lotion product, inspired by a formulation it supplies to the Australian government under a private label agreement. The product will be sold through pharmacies and target regular-use segments such as diabetics or recovering patients.

The company spends selectively on digital marketing, with the highest investments going toward D2C. It has selectively used celebrity endorsements, including campaigns with Vaani Kapoor and Boman Irani. It focuses on influencer content related to skin issues, Mehrotra said.

The company faced a Reddit thread in 2024 accusing it of not disclosing SPF test results. Mehrotra said the brand got its sunscreen tested in 2013 and retested in 2023 through international labs. SPF testing isnt widely available in India and costs are high, but that doesnt mean its being ignored," she added.

Fixderma has also dealt with counterfeit products on a couple of e-commerce platforms. The company now monitors listings more actively and has found Amazon to be more responsive in enforcing IP rights.

A former distributor had also posted allegations of unpaid dues online. Mehrotra attributed this to routine challenges of doing business across regions. We work with 450+ stockists and 18 CFAs. In one case, a distributor disappeared with over 2 crore in inventory. We recovered the goods, but incidents like this happen," she said.

Staying conservative

The company is not planning to raise more capital or list publicly in the near term. Weve built at our own pace, kept costs tight, and stayed profitable. The idea is to grow responsibly," said Mehrotra.

Fixderma had earlier been turned down by institutional investors for being too cautious". Mehrotra said several funds that passed on the brand later lost money in other high-burn D2C ventures. We werent the right fit for that style of growth. And thats okay."

Fixderma operates in Indias fast-growing dermatology-led skincare market, which will be valued at over 12,000 crore in 2024. The market includes medicated and concern-based products for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and sun protection.

Also Read | Is the rise of D2C brands really challenging the incumbents?

According to IMARC Group, the segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% through 2033, driven by rising demand for clinic-recommended, functional skincare.

Fixderma competes with The Derma Co. (Honasa Consumer Ltd), Minimalist, Bioderma, Cetaphil, and La Roche-Posay in the clinical skincare space, and Plum, Aqualogica, Reequil, and Foxtale in the D2C and premium skincare category.

However, unlike most D2C brands, Fixderma owns its manufacturing and does not operate in colour cosmetics or supplements, keeping its focus strictly on skin concern-based products.
(Bloomberg) -- London Heathrow Airport plans to invest 10 billion ($13.6 billion) over the next five years to upgrade its terminals and services after the dominant UK hub slipped in global airport rankings.

Heathrow submitted an investment plan for review to the UKs Civil Aviation Authority that involves redesigning terminals, improving punctuality through AI tools and reducing its carbon footprint, it said on Friday. The project would increase the number of passengers per year by 10 million, which is a 12% jump in capacity, the airport added.

It comes as Heathrows major airline customers including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways continue to raise concerns about congested operations and high charges to use the airports infrastructure. Heathrow, which served almost 84 million passengers last year, ranks at No. 22 on Skytraxs list of the worlds 100 top airports, a demotion from 21st place in 2024.

Our customers want us to improve our international rankings further, as do we, Heathrow Chief Executive Officer Thomas Woldbye said in a statement. To compete with global hubs, we must invest.

In the meantime, Heathrow is pushing ahead with plans to build a third runway after gaining support from the UK government earlier this year. The airport hasnt yet finished installing next-generation security scanners, which dont require passengers to remove liquids and electronic items from hand luggage.

The investment plan will run from 2027 until 2031 and is privately funded through a 2 billion equity contribution from shareholders. As part of the project, Heathrow said it will add more lounges, restaurants and shops across the terminals and demolish Terminal 1, which is no longer in use and was originally opened in 1969.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Mediobanca SpA rejected once again a takeover by Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA saying the offer is too low and the deal is lacking rationale, ahead of the start of the offer period Monday.

The bank said a combination between the two lenders would be unnatural, and highly value-destructive, according to a statement issued after a board meeting Friday. The board of directors also reiterated that Monte Paschi offer is not fair.

The deal is part of a series of competing bids that are reshaping the finance landscape in Italy. Monte Paschi, which was bailed out and nationalized before returning to private ownership, stunned investors earlier this year with an all-share offer to acquire the larger rival.

Mediobanca Chief Executive Officer Alberto Nagel already dismissed a potential deal as lacking industrial and financial rationale and destructive. Monte Paschi CEO Luigi Lovaglio is instead of the opinion that his bank would benefit from the combining efforts in asset gathering, private banking, investment banking and insurance.

Mediobanca said Friday that a merger would results in about 460 million of lost synergies.

One of Mediobancas main objections relates to the value. Monte Paschi is offering 25.33 new shares for every 10 in Mediobanca, valuing the target at around 14.6 billion ($17 billion), below Mediobancas market capitalization of around 15.2 billion. The valuation is suggesting investors expect the bid to be raised. The offer carried a premium of about 5% when it was first unveiled.

Still, the deal has political backing as the government in Rome, which still owns a stake in Monte Paschi, would like to build a third large banking group around the Tuscan lender, able to compete with Intesa Sanpaolo SpA and UniCredit SpA.

Monte Paschi has said it wants to get at least two thirds of Mediobancas shares, though it may still decide to waive that condition and accept a commitment of at least 35%.

Both lenders are part of a complicated web of dealmaking in Italian finance, where cross-holdings, alliances and sometimes conflicting interests mean that developments in one deal have repercussions for others.

Monte Paschis plan is also backed by the billionaire Del Vecchio family and construction tycoon Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone, the two largest investors in Mediobanca.

The presence of the same shareholders  namely Del Vecchio Delfin and Caltagirone  in Paschi, Mediobanca and Assicurazioni Generali SpA constitutes a potential misalignment of the interests of these shareholders with those of the rest of the shareholding structure, Mediobanca said Friday.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Anil Ambanis Reliance Defence Ltd plans to invest 10,000 crore in the aerospace business over the next decade, even as it prepares for Indias first locally made commercial aircraft to take to the skies in about three years.

Reliance Defence houses the aviation and munitions business of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd, a listed company. Part of its investment would be funded by Reliance Infra raising capital through preferential placement of shares, sale of shares to institutional buyers, and placement of foreign currency bondsadding up to 17,600 crore.

Reliance Infra also hopes to monetize nine road projects in its overall portfolio.

Thats the kind of roadmap we have ahead of us to be a global player. So five years from today, I think we would be in a position where we would be an integral part of the global aerospace domain," said said Rajesh Dhingra, president and chief executive of Reliance Defence, in an exclusive interview with Mint.

He also said a Made in India Falcon 2000 commercial jet is expected to fly by 2028.

Reliance Aerostructure Ltd, a unit of Reliance Defence, is assembling French company Dassault Aviation SAs Falcon 2000 series jets in Nagpur as part of a 51:49 joint venture called Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL). The jets will be the first Dassault aircraft to be made outside France.

Dassaults approval for making its aircraft in India is a recognition of the capabilities and contribution of Reliance Defence," said Dhingra. It will also mark a proud moment for India as it will be among the few countries in the world to have the capabilities to manufacture a commercial aircraft."

The aircraft will be put together from two new hangars that are being built, said Dhingra. This will double DRALs manufacturing footprint to 400,000 sq.ft. and allow it to assemble 22 aircraft every year.

Currently, the company is working on the most difficult sub assembly of the aircraft the wheelsin addition to several other large and small components it assembles for both Falcon 2000 commercial jets and Dassault Rafale fighter jets.

Key Takeaways Reliance Defences 10,000-crore aerospace bet marks a bold push into aviation manufacturing, with plans to roll out Indias first locally made commercial jet, the Falcon 2000, by 2028.

Backed by joint ventures with global giants Dassault and Thales, Reliance Defence aims to become a systems integrator in aerospaceexpanding its role in both civil and defence segments.

Despite no Indian defence contracts yet, Reliance Defence is eyeing a bigger domestic play, buoyed by a booming Indian aerospace market that is increasingly being viewed as an alternative to China.

Reliance Infras turnaround

Reliance Groups increasing focus on the aerospace business coincides with Anil Ambani-led companies finding favour with investors.

Reliance Infrastructure shares have surged by nearly 87% over the past 12 months. The company swung to a consolidated profit after tax of 9,177 crore in 2024-25 from a loss of 1,609 crore in FY24, although this was aided by a one-time exceptional income. It has also significantly reduced debt, giving it leeway to invest in new businesses such as defence and aviation.

Reliance Infrastructures association with Dassault began in 2017 after the Indian government placed an order to buy Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. Dassault was expected to localise some of its manufacturing operation in India as part of the deal, resulting in the joint venture with Reliance Aerostructure.

Another joint venture, Thales Reliance Defence Systems, with French avionics company Thales SA, was also formed to make more aerospace parts in India. Thales holds a 49% stake in the venture.

Reliance Defence sees itself eventually becoming a systems integrator in the aviation business on the lines of US-based Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp. and the Netherlands-headquartered Airbus SE, said Dhingra.

Although all that Reliance Defence produces currently is exported to Dassault or Thales, Dhingra expects to engage further with the French companies to grow the business.

The scope of the joint venture with Thales has been expanded to include establishing a logistics hub for the French company in the main air bases where the Rafales jets are housed. The joint venture is also helping Thales in upgrading systems in other fighter planes like Dassault Mirage 2000.

Dhingra is confident of Reliance Defence doing more business with Dassault beyond the Falcon series given the growing association between the companies as more Indian personnel from the Dassault Reliance Aerospace joint venture are being deputed to work in France.

What is key here is that our operations in the joint ventures are not India-specific, and to that extent the components that we make here are already finding their way into Dassaults aircraft sold around the world," he said.

A push for Make in India

Industry experts see Dassault Reliance Aerospaces success paving the way for more global companies to outsource aerospace manufacturing and services to India as they look to diversify away from China.

If successfully implemented, this initiative could establish India as a reputable aerospace centre, serving not only domestic markets but also participating in global supply chains," said Monish G. Chatrath, managing partner, MGC Global Risk Advisory.

China has a market-access-driven model and India provides a more open and intellectual property-respecting ecosystem, establishing itself as a reliable foundation for long-term aerospace collaboration," he added.

Indias defence production is projected to double from 1.27 trillion in 2023-24 to 3 trillion by 2028-29, according to statistics released by the government. The increase in Indias defence budget from 2.53 trillion in 2013-14 to 6.81 trillion in 2025-26 also underlines the growing opportunity in the sector.

Rising demand in domestic and international defence and aerospace markets has attracted several Indian private companies to invest in the space. Apart from Reliance Defence, Pune-based Bharat Forge Ltd, the Tata Group and Mahindra Group have also outlined similar plans.

Also Read | Indian defence firms skyrocket after Pakistan skirmish

Tata Group companies have invested in aerospace manufacturing and artillery while Bharat Forge has secured orders for its artillery from the Indian Army. Both Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Bharat Forge have won orders from Indias defence ministry for artillery guns and gun-towing systems.

Although Reliance Defence has not won any orders from the Indian government or the Air Force, it expects to eventually play a bigger role in the domestic industry, focusing on aerospace and artillery, Dhingra said.

The company has taken early steps in that direction by tying up with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to upgrade Germany-based Dornier Group GmbHs aircraft. Although Reliance Defence has tied up with US-based Genesis Aerosystems to carry out the job, Dhingra said it was rare for a company thats not an original equipment manufacturer to be tasked with the upgradation of an aircraft.

After the first phase in which 37 Dornier aircraft were upgraded, Reliance Defence has received an order for upgrading another 18 aircraft. With a total 250 Dorniers in service, Reliance Defence is expecting orders for upgrading another 50-60 aircraft this year. Dhingra is also expecting upgradation orders from Indias defence fleet of over 800 legacy aircraft and helicopters.
New Delhi, Jul 11 (PTI) Inter-ministerial consultations are underway for a 1,345-crore scheme to subsidise production of rare earth magnets in India with two select manufacturers proposed to be given incentives, Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy said on Friday.

The proposed scheme comes in the wake of China restricting exports of rare earth magnets that has hit global supplies, impacting EV makers, including in India.

It will provide end-to-end support for conversion of rare earth oxides into magnets.

The proposal may be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval once the inter-ministerial consultations are completed, sources said.

"(The) 1,345 crore scheme has (proposed) two manufacturers," Kumaraswamy said in response to a query while addressing a press conference here.

Secretary in the Heavy Industries Ministry Kamran Rizvi shared that a 1,345 crore scheme has been circulated which envisages "end-to-end" support to two manufacturers for conversion of rare earth oxides into magnets, which is under inter-ministerial consultation.

"We are interested in magnets. Anybody who gives us magnets will get incentive. This ( 1,345 crore scheme) is the first outline we have sent for inter-ministerial consultation. It is proposed that there will be two manufacturers," Rizvi said.

The subsidy will facilitate investment for establishing processing facilities for companies to convert rare earth oxides into magnets. Indian Rare Earth Magnets Ltd, a PSU under the Ministry of Atomic Energy, is the sole repository of rare earths in India.

China's recent restriction on exports of key metals caused widespread disruption in the manufacturing of automobiles and semiconductor chips in a host of countries, including India.
(Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia is asking the companies that OPEC uses for independent analysis of oil-production levels to submit a lower figure for the kingdoms June output, according to people familiar with the matter.

Riyadh is arguing that the standard practice  measuring oil production  wasnt appropriate for the month, and that they should instead adopt a different metric called supply-to-market, said several people at the firms, who asked not to be identified as the process is private.

Such requests are unusual and would allow Saudi Arabia to stay within output quotas that Riyadh encourages other producer nations to stick to. The metric theyre being asked to use would give a figure thats about 400,000 barrels a day lower over the month, one of the people said.

Saudi Arabias energy ministry said on X that it complied fully with its OPEC quota in June, citing a marketed-supply figure of 9.352 million barrels a day. The kingdom briefly pumped more than it supplied, amid heightened geopolitical tensions at the time, it said.

The International Energy Agency  which OPEC dropped as a secondary source in 2022  reported on Friday that the Saudis surged production by 700,000 barrels a day in June to 9.8 million, as the country led a rush by Gulf nations to export barrels out of the region during the Israel-Iran conflict. That would be in excess of their current quota.

Output swings from the worlds biggest crude exporter can gyrate prices, and have grown especially critical in recent months as Riyadh leads OPEC in reviving supplies while chastising group members who exceed their targets.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries assesses members output using an average of external firms  made up of consultants and media outlets  known as secondary sources, and publishes these in a monthly report that is closely watched by traders.

The difference between supply-to-market and production is that the former captures what customers really took whereas the normal measure is what gets pumped out of the ground.

Tanker-tracking data had already pointed to a sharp jump in Saudi crude exports last month, prompting speculation that the kingdom and other Gulf nations had sought to re-position supplies outside the region during the conflict. The IEA report is the first clear evidence that the flood of shipments translated into a major jump in production.

Last months military confrontation between Israel and Iran heightened the risk of a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital choke-point from Middle East oil, and a surge in shipping flows.

Saudi Arabia pushed more barrels into domestic storage and also to storage locations overseas, it said in the statement on X. The increase also enabled the country to optimize the flow of crude between the eastern and western hemispheres, it said.

State oil company Saudi Aramco has strategic international delivery points located in the Netherlands, Egypt, Japan and South Korea.

Shipments toward the Sumed pipeline in Egypt, where oil can be stored for onward delivery to Europe and North America, rose by about 5 million barrels, or 170,000 barrels a day, last month, tanker-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg show.

The supplyto-market figure excludes changes in stockpiles and would be closer to the kingdoms agreed OPEC quota for June of 9.37 million barrels a day, the people said.

Riyadhs Frustration

Riyadhs frustration with fellow members of the OPEC alliance that have flouted their quotas, such as Kazakhstan, has reached boiling point this year.

The kingdoms decision to steer the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Conuntries to quickly revive oil production over the past few months was driven in part by impatience at shouldering much of the burden for balancing markets while the Kazakhs and others disregarded their own targets, delegates have said.

OPEC plans to complete the reversal of a 2.2 million-barrel cutback with a final monthly hike of about 548,000 barrels in September, officials have said, despite warnings from the IEA and others that global oil markets are headed for a surplus.

The agency said in its monthly report on Friday that supplies outside OPEC , led by the US, Guyana and Canada, will swell by 1.4 million barrels per day this year, roughly double the pace of growth in world oil consumption. Brent crude futures traded near $69 a barrel.

--With assistance from James Herron and Julian Lee.

(Updates with Saudi comments from fourth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- A British man accused of swindling investors out of almost $100 million by brokering loans backed by a nonexistent collection of rare wines was extradited to the US to face trial on fraud charges.

James Wellesley, the former chief financial officer of Bordeaux Cellars Ltd. from 2017 to 2019, arrived in New York from the UK Thursday, said John Marzulli, a spokesman for Brooklyn US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.

Also known as Andrew Fuller, Wellesley entered a not guilty plea on Friday and was ordered held without bail until his next court appearance on July 24. His lawyer, Michael Weil, declined to comment after the arraignment.

Wellesley has previously denied wrongdoing and fought extradition for years. In an appeal hearing in February, his lawyers argued that his wife would be at high risk of suicide if he were sent to the US.

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn claim Wellesley and co-defendant Stephen Burton duped victims, half of whom were US-based, by purporting to broker loans to high-end wine collectors that were collateralized by rare vintages. Investors were allegedly promised regular interest payments from borrowers while Bordeaux Cellars would hold on to collectors pledged wine as collateral.

But prosecutors say neither the collectors nor the wine actually existed. Instead, the defendants allegedly used the $99 million collected in the scheme to make fraudulent interest payments to investors as well as for personal expenses.

Burton, Bordeaux Cellars founder, was extradited from Morocco to the US in 2023, and court records show he is in plea talks to end the case. In 2019, Burton pleaded guilty to money-laundering in a UK court and was sentenced to less than four years in prison.

Both men were charged with wire fraud conspiracy and two counts of wire fraud. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, though convicted defendants typically get considerably less time.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Wockhardt Ltd is exiting its loss-making US generics business, as it focuses on its new antibiotics drug discovery and insulin portfolios.

The drugmaker said on Friday that it has made a Chapter 7 filing for voluntary liquidation of its US subsidiaries Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Wockhardt USA LLC. The business has been incurring losses over the past several years, clocking nearly $8 million losses in FY25.

In an interview with Mint in April, Wockhardt chairman Habil Khorakiwala had said the company is planning to exit the US generics segment, in a move to derisk the organization fundamentally. The company will continue to run its pharmaceutical operations in India, the UK, Ireland, and other geographies.

Focus on antibiotics The US market has become very uncertain, Khorakiwala had said in the interview, adding the companys focus would be on developing its antibiotics pipeline for the global market, while its generics pharma business will focus on the rest of its existing markets. Exiting the US generics market will improve profits because we are losing money in the US," he said.

Wockhardt is increasing focus on its new drug discovery programme, with a pipeline of novel antibiotics for drug resistant bacterial infections, and new biosimilar drugs to treat diabetes.

Also Read | India ramps up emergency preparedness with mass casualty training plan

It has a pipeline of six novel antibiotics targeting bacterial drug resistance. Two of these, Emrok and Miqnaf, have already been launched in India. Its third drug candidate, Zaynich, has completed global phase 3 trials with promising results. Wockhardt has filed for approval with the Indian drug regulator, and is expecting approval in the second half of FY26. It plans to file with the US FDA in Q2 FY26, with a potential launch in FY27, it said in an investor meeting in June.

Also Read | Health ministry wants key NMC posts filled before academic session

Zaynich could potentially change the companys fortunes, with an addressable patient pool of two million. The addressable market potential for Zaynich is $7 billion in the US and Europe, the company said.
New Delhi: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday urged states to make full use of the Centres special assistance to states for capital expenditure (SASCE) scheme to drive economic growth by investing in employment-generating infrastructure and local development.

When you build capital assets, employment increases, core sectors benefit, and the multiplier effect is a lot more than just putting money in peoples hands, Sitharaman said while speaking at a public event in Shillong.

The minister said the central government aimed to empower states to invest in physical and social infrastructure post-Covid pandemic. (The nation's) economic recovery is dependent on states recovery as well, she added.

Introduced in 2020-21 (FY21), the Centres 50-year interest-free capex loan scheme has been crucial to driving capital spending by states and stimulating the economy post-pandemic.

For FY26, the Centre has allocated 1.5 trillion for these loans, aiming to boost public infrastructure spending and support state-level capital projects.

Of the 1.5 trillion earmarked for FY26, around 60% will be unconditional or linked to infrastructure spending, while the remaining 40% will be tied to reforms that states.

Union territories were included under the scheme in FY26.

Sitharaman said that these loans to states go beyond the constitutionally mandated transfers under the Finance Commission and reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modis deeper understanding of states development challenges.

These funds come without interest, and repayment is due only after five decades, and even that may be waived. The focus is on creating long-term public assets, not short-term handouts, the minister said.

The Finance Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 280 to recommend how the Centres revenues should be distributed between the Union and the states.

It determines the vertical devolution (share of taxes between Centre and states) and horizontal devolution (distribution among states), based on factors such as population, income levels, and fiscal performance.

The Centre has significantly increased the scheme's allocation to 1.5 trillion each for FY25 and FY26, up from 1.10 trillion in FY24, although the FY25 allocation was revised to 1.25 trillion due to a slowdown in the first half of the fiscal year, mainly due to elections.

On 27 April, Mint reported that states' total outstanding liabilities under the scheme are expected to exceed 3.5 trillion by end-FY25.

Meghalaya projects Sitharaman highlighted a series of major infrastructure and institutional investments in Meghalaya, funded by the central government, many of them through the capital expenditure scheme.

These projects, she said, reflect the governments long-term commitment to the development of the Northeast and are aimed at boosting economic opportunities, connectivity, and access to services in the region.
Former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav, who was recently expelled from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has reportedly made a comeback in a "new style" and shared his intent to contest the Bihar Election 2025.

If reports are to be believed, Lalu Yadav's elder son Tej Pratap Yadav has "rebranded" himself.

During his visit to the Mahua constituent assembly of Bihar on Thursday, Tej Pratap's supporters were seen holding  not an RJD flag  but a green-and-yellow flag with 'Team Tej Pratap Yadav' written on it, Dainik Jagran and India Today reported.

Tej Pratap himself worn the signature green cap.

Tej Pratap Yadav inspected a medical college, met locals and even held a rally in Mahua on Thursday. The former RJD leader was an MLA from Mahua in 2015 and from Hasanpur in 2020.

Tej Pratap to contest Bihar polls? While speaking to reporters in Mahua, Tej Pratap was asked if he will contest the 2025 Bihar Election from Mahua.

He responded: "If the public here demands, I will have to contest."

The former RJD leader didn't specify the constituency from which he wants to contest Bihar elections. "It depends on the public," he said.

"I am someone who comes from the people, and I will do as they wish. If the public wants me to contest elections, I will; if not, I wont," Tej Pratap said.

"The constituency I contest from will depend on the peoples demand. Whether I contest on a party ticket or not is a matter to be decided later...," Tej Pratap added.

Why is Tej Pratap's move significant? Launching new party or Tej Pratap's latest move has sparked rumours in the political circles, with many speculating whether he would launch a new political party or contest the upcoming Bihar Elections as an independent candidate.

Tej Pratap's visit to Mahua was the first after RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav expelled him from both his family and the party over a serious breach of moral and social values.

Tej Pratap expelled Tej Pratap became embroiled in controversy following a post claiming he was in a long-term relationship with a woman. The post prompted netizens to recall his marital dispute that made headlines a few years ago.

Tej Pratap Yadav later took to X to claim that his social media accounts were compromised and his photos had been maliciously edited.

Yadav had tied the knot with Aishwarya, granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai. However, within a few months, Aishwarya left his house alleging that she was driven out by her husband and in-laws. The couple's divorce petition is pending before the family court.
Desi girl upsetting desi people! Global icon and Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra created a storm on the internet after choosing a hot dog over vada pao. She answered some rapid-fire round questions on the red carpet while promoting her film, Head of the State. However, her food preferences left many desi fans disappointed, even sparking backlash on social media.

Priyanka Chopra on backlash over hot dog vs vada pao Priyanka Chopra finally took to her Instagram Stories to address the criticism, brushing off the debate with a casual remark.

Priyanka Chopra picks hot dog over vada pav So, what exactly did she say?

Priyanka Chopra shut down trolls by saying, Wow Bro! Didnt know there was a syllabus for being desi. Its not that serious. #vadapav vs #hotdog.

See post here:

Priyanka Chopra reacts to allegations of 'trying to be white'.

During the quick Q&A session with a journalist, Priyanka was asked to pick between some of her favourite foods. When asked about her choice between empanadas and samosas, she responded, Depends on the mood. Next, she was asked to choose between enchiladas and chicken tikka masala. To this, she simply answered, Both.

But what drew criticism is when she said, I love a vada pav, but hot dog is my weakness.

Internet accuses Priyanka Chopra of trying to be white Priyanka's choice was highlighted by popular content creator Pushpek Sidhu, who is often seen reviewing Americans eating desi food. He shared his reaction to Priyanka's food picks and wrote in the caption: Aint no way.

While Priyanka has now responded to his video, previously, many desi people joked about being hurt by the actor's answers.

A user commented, Shes not our desi girl anymore. Shes pardesi girl now.

Take that Aadhar card away, another said.

One more user added, Who chooses Hot dog over Vada pav absolute blasphemy.

Someone else shared, She is trying to be white so badly.

Some also came out in support of Priyanka. One of them commented, I hope people getting offended by her food choices are the ones who only eat desi food and never choose eating fries over home made dal chawal.

She is right.... It's her choice, added yet another user.

It's same like people choosing pizza over Paratha bro! come on, no matter how much we like desi, but majority are going to choose pizza over a Paratha! It's just her own food choice, explained another one.

Also Read | Priyanka Chopra says she once tricked her mother-in-law into doing her laundry
Washington DC [US], July 11 (ANI): Anime fans are in for a treat as one of the popular anime 'Sakamoto Days' is returning with its second part, which will feature more battles, action and a quest to stop a dangerous serial killer 'Slur'.

Sakamoto Days Season 1 Part two will premiere on Netflix on July 14, with new episodes weekly on this OTT platform.

The makers have also released the trailer for the series. In the two-minute and twenty-two-second trailer, Sakamoto's team, which includes Clairvoyant Shin, mafia boss daughter Lu Xiatong, and sniper expert Heisuke Mashimo, fights against world-class assassins to protect Sakamoto.

At the same time, they follow a mission to stop a serial killer named Slur, who was also shown in Season One of Sakamoto Days.

While sharing the trailer, Netflix wrote, "Prepare yourself for more battles, more danger and more pork buns when the hit anime, Sakamoto Days returns."

According to Variety, 'Sakamoto Days' follows the story of former legendary hitman Taro Sakamoto who retired for love but must fight to protect his family when his past resurfaces.

The series dominated the Global Top 10 for 10 weeks, appearing in 54 countries including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, France and Argentina, according to the outlet.

It premieres exclusively on Netflix.

Meanwhile, the OTT giant Netflix made a major splash at Anime Expo over the weekend by announcing its anime lineup, which included 'Sakamoto Days', 'My Melody & Kuromi' and 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2.'

The streaming giant's anime push comes as the genre reaches unprecedented heights on the platform, with over 50% of Netflix audiences -- representing more than 150 million households or over 300 million people -- now watching anime content, according to Netflix.

The company says it's focused on delivering diverse stories and genres to serve everyone, "from a curious newcomer to a lifelong anime superfan."
Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty declined to comment on the ongoing language row in Maharashtra. It happened when she was out in Mumbai for the promotion of her upcoming film KD The Devil with co-star Sanjay Dutt. While Sanjay and Shilpa were asked about the Marathi language row, Shilpa refused to talk about it. Her silence has been criticised by the people on the internet.

Shilpa Shetty on Marathi language row Shilpa was asked to share her opinion on the Marathi language row at the teaser launch event. However, she refused, citing that she wants to avoid controversy.

However, she also asserted her roots and called herself Maharashtra chi mulgi.

Shilpa said, Me Maharashtra chi mulgi aaahe. (I am a Maharashtrian girl)"

She added, "KD se hatke abhi aap kisi controversy mein jana chahte hain toh hum uska badhaawa nahi karenge. Yeh picture already ek multi-lingual hain, isko hum Marathi mei bhi dub kar sakte hain (Yes. Im a girl from Maharashtra. Today, were talking about the film KD. If you want to talk about other controversial things, we cant really encourage that. This film is already a multilingual one, and we can dub it in Marathi as well.)"

After hearing her answer, Sanjay, who couldn't comment on the issue due to a mic issue, responded with a subtle smile.

Watch video:

Internet reacts to Shilpa Shetty, Sanjay Dutt's refusal Reacting to their silence, netizens have largely criticised the actors. One of them wrote on X, formerly Twitter, Her husband makes porn for a living. He was in jail under Tada. She laughs at a real question. They mock us. Everyday (sic).

Boneless ducks doing quack quack, added another.

Marathi me hi bnao na movie...(why don't you make a Marathi film), commented one more.

Someone also said, No spine! Only Apna Spna Money Money.

Marathi language row The Marathi language row erupted after the state government planned to introduce Hindi as a third language in primary schools of Maharashtra. The decision was met with huge backlash from the opposition.

While the BJP-led government in Maharashtra reversed its order, the debate is still on, prompting several incidents in the state.
Season writer-producer-director Suneel Darshan has criticised actress Deepika Padukones demand for an 8-hour work shift. He has called it unreal.

In an interview with IANS, he said that producers should get written assurance that the actor would give full effort during those hours.

I dont want to comment on Deepika Padukone. I find her terms and conditions unreal. Im referring to the ones I heard of, he said.

Also Read | Deepika Padukone, first Indian honoured with Hollywood Walk of Fame star

"The producer should first take from her in writing that, for the 8 hours she is on the set, she will be giving shots. Instead of 8 if she even gives shots for 4 hours, the producer will touch her feet in gratitude," the Barsaat director said.

Darshan believes people should work with those who truly care about the film. He has also reminded everyone that no one is irreplaceable in the film industry.

Also Read | Deepika Padukone expresses admiration for Brad Pitt after F1 movie release

"It doesnt matter. There was a time when Deepika was new in the industry. You will be able to find several new girls. The show will go on," he said.

Suneel Darshans next release is Andaaz 2, starring newcomers Aayush Kumar, Aakaisha and Natasha Fernandez. Its a sequel to the 2003 film, Andaaz, starring Akshay Kumar. The film, produced by Suneel Darshan, marked the Bollywood debut of two beauty queens, Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra.

Whats the Deepika Padukone controversy? Deepika Padukone was first chosen to star in Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. However, she was later replaced by Triptii Dimri.

Reports claim Deepika wanted an eight-hour workday, no Telugu dialogues and a share in profits. This allegedly led to a clash with the director and her subsequent exit.
Mumbai, Jul 11 (PTI) When there are two differing points of view, you need to sit down and resolve issues through conversation, actor Ajay Devgn said on Friday while responding to the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjhs film "Sardaar Ji 3", which has drawn criticism for featuring Pakistani star Hania Aamir.

The Punjabi film courted a huge controversy last month after Dosanjh shared the trailer of "Sardaar Ji 3", which made its debut in overseas territories on June 27 and skipped release in India.

Many social media users have called for a ban on Dosanjh, while politicians and trade unions like the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE) have criticised the Punjabi actor-musician for collaborating with Aamir in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

"I dont know where the trolling comes from (or) what is right and what is wrong. Im not in his shoes to comment on that. He wouldve had his problems, and people are thinking from their point of view.

"So, when you've two different points of view, then you can sit and solve it out together. I'll not blame anybody or say that, this is right or wrong; they need a conversation," Devgn told reporters at the trailer launch press conference of Son of Sardaar 2.

At the event, Devgn was also asked about the ongoing language row in Maharashtra. The controversy started after the Maharashtra government made it compulsory for state-run primary schools to teach Hindi as a third language, apart from English and Marathi.

"The only answer Ill give you about the language thing which is going on is Aata Maaji Satakli, Devgn said, referring to the popular dialogue from his hit "Singham" franchise.

The Raid 2 actor said he is thrilled about returning to the comedy genre after six years with Son of Sardaar 2.

I didnt realise Im doing comedy after six years, but it was a lot of fun doing this film. The script was very funny. When we decided to do Son of Sardaar 2, the important thing was that the humour quotient had to be more than the first part, and we are glad we cracked that kind of a script, Devgn said.

Son of Sardaar was helmed by Ashwni Dhir and starred Devgn, Sanjay Dutt and Sonakshi Sinha as well as Mukul Dev, who died in May this year at the age of 54.

The first part revolved around Jaswinder "Jassi" Singh Randhawa (Devgn), who returns to his village in Punjab after spending years in London to sell ancestral property. But things take an unexpected turn.

In the trailer of the upcoming sequel, Devgn's character is seen mimicking Sunny Deol's character from Border in one of the sequences.

He is my neighbour. When we were young, Bobby and I were growing up together, and Sunny paaji was someone whom we respected and looked up to. We still talk about the punch he gives on screen; nobody can beat him, the actor said.

Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, "Son of Sardaar 2" also stars Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, Mrunal Thakur, Chunky Panday, Vindu Dara Singh, Deepak Dobriyal, Ashwini Kalsekar, Kubbra Sait, Roshni Walia, and Sharat Saxena.
The investigation into last months Air India crash is focusing on the actions of the jets pilots and doesnt so far point to a problem with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, according to people familiar with U.S. officials early assessments.

Preliminary findings indicate that switches controlling fuel flow to the jets two engines were turned off, leading to an apparent loss of thrust shortly after takeoff, the people said. Pilots use the switches to start the jets engines, shut them down, or reset them in certain emergencies.

The switches would normally be on during flight, and it is unclear how or why they were turned off, these people said. The people also said it was unclear whether the move was accidental or intentional, or whether there was an attempt to turn them back on.

If the switches were off, that could explain why the jets emergency-power generatorknown as a ram air turbine, or RATappears to have activated in the moments before the aircraft plummeted into a nearby hostel for medical students. In all, 260 people died, including all but one of the people onboard the plane.

Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which is leading the probe, is expected to issue a preliminary report as soon as Friday local time. It didnt respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Nothing can be said about the cause of the crash right now because the investigation is going on," Indian civil aviation official Murlidhar Mohol told NDTV news channel in late June. Its a very rare incidentit has never happened that both the engines stopped together."

Sumeet Sabharwal, a pilot who served as the flights captain, had logged over 10,000 hours flying wide-body, or larger, aircraft, and his co-pilot, Clive Kunder, had over 3,400 hours of experience, Air India said. Family members of both pilots declined to comment.

The stakes for determining what factors led to any crash are high and have ramifications for all parties involved. In this case, Air India is the countrys oldest carrier and worked to turn around its operations after decades under state ownership. The crash was the first fatal accident involving Boeings Dreamliner at a time when the plane maker is trying to recover from a string of safety and quality problems.

International accident investigations often involve several countries, including those where crashes occurred and whose governments approved designs of aircraft involved. At times, there have been disagreements over access to information and the analysis of facts that emerge.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is providing support for the Indian-led probe. The Federal Aviation Administration, which certified the 787 Dreamliner for passenger service, and Boeing and GE Aerospace are providing technical assistance to Indian authorities.

The Dreamliner, which entered service in 2011, is popular among the worlds airlines and is commonly used on international, long-haul routes and has had an excellent safety record. Boeing delivered the jet involved in the crash to Air India in January 2014.

So far, U.S. officials early assessments of the crash probe dont indicate a problem with that model aircraft or its GE engines, people familiar with the matter said.

Neither the FAA nor the plane and engine makers have issued any service bulletins or safety directives to address a potential problem with the fleet. Such moves are typical in response to investigation findings if they point to deficiencies in designs, maintenance or operating procedures.

The Air Current, an industry publication, earlier reported that the probe had narrowed its focus to the movement of the engine fuel control switches. Early assessments reached during investigations, which can take a year or longer, can be contradicted as new information emerges.

Indian officials have released little information to the public about the investigation, fueling some frustration with American government and industry officials since the June 12 crash, some people familiar with the matter said.

U.S. government and industry officials have also been frustrated by what they perceived as the slow pace of downloading, analyzing and sharing the contents of the planes black boxes, these people said.

Indian authorities had earlier wanted to transport the planes black boxesthe flight-data and cockpit voice recordersaway from Delhi, where the country recently opened a new lab for analyzing such accident data, to another secure location, according to some people familiar with the matter.

The plan was scrapped, and Indian investigators wound up downloading the boxes in Delhi.

At one point, the NTSB threatened to withdraw American resources from the investigation. In the end, the American investigators remained in the country to assist. They have since returned home.

Write to Andrew Tangel at andrew.tangel@wsj.com, Shan Li at shan.li@wsj.com and Krishna Pokharel at krishna.pokharel@wsj.com
KIRKENES, NorwayParanoia pervades the placid border town of Kirkenes in Norways far north. Residents are routinely trailed by unknown men. The Wall Street Journals camera crew was photographed and followed around town by a suspicious vehicle with no license plate. Most locals warn you to keep your wits about you because, as one said in a hushed tone, the Russians are watching."

The Journals video shows us accompanying Norways domestic intelligence agency, the PST, on patrol for Russian spies. We meet residents convinced they are under Russian surveillance and we find out firsthand what it feels like to be trailed.

European intelligence officials say Kirkenes is a laboratory for Russias hybrid warfarea potential ground zero for the kinds of espionage and sabotage attacks that have ramped up across Europe in recent years.

Johan Roaldsnes, the regional chief of the PST who operates in the town, says these grey-zone operations blur the traditional lines between war and peace. Its the feeling that something is wrong but you cant pinpoint it," he said. When you get the sneaky kind of off-feeling that somebody is doing this on purpose, this is not natural, you get a bad taste in your mouth."

For Roaldsnes and other authorities trying to combat Russian hybrid threats, escaping from their own presumptions is key. Part of the problem is that youre using your own Western logic to understand the situation," Roaldsnes said. Instead, in this part of the Far North, all forms of legitimate acts have to be treated with suspicion.

Onlookers would be forgiven for not paying attention to Russian fishing trawlers that dock in Kirkenes almost every day from Murmansk, the home of Russias northern fleet and a region where many of its strategic nuclear weapons are located.

But following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, all civilian vesselsand the Russians who man themare labeled as a risk.

Moscow also regularly probes the defenses of a Norwegian border that is patrolled by teenage conscripts with little combat training. The soldiers job is to keep a close watch on their Russian counterparts and to make sure they dont take pictures of our military infrastructure," said 19-year-old Magnus Karlsvik.

In the winter months, they peer through their binoculars and carefully study footprints in the snow in an attempt to spot any Russian threat.

Some people say its dangerous," Karlsvik said, But if the time comes and we get in trouble with Russia, then I know that me and my teamwe are prepared and we can handle ourselves."
President Trumps threat for a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports expanded his use of punitive duties over matters that have nothing to do with trade, breaking with more than a half-century of global economic precedent.

Trump cited the trial of the presidents close political ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, as the rationale for new tariffs set to take effect Aug. 1 on imports from the largest economy in Latin America.

It is one of the latestand perhaps most brazenexamples of Trump using tariffs as a cudgel for political priorities outside of trade. In January, he threatened tariffs on Colombia over repatriation flights for migrants back to that country. Then he imposed steep duties on Canada, Mexico and China over their role in the fentanyl trade, and threatened eye-watering tariffs on countries that buy oil from Venezuela. He has also used the threat of tariffs to attempt to secure more military spending from Asian nations such as Japan and South Korea.

And on Thursday evening, in a new letter to Canadas leader, Trump said the U.S. will impose 35% tariffs on some Canadian imports starting Aug. 1, citing the fentanyl crisis among other grievances with the country.

The president is betting the threat of reducing access to the American consumer will force nations to capitulate on his political priorities. But he risks getting rebuked by the courtsand political blowback if prices for goods rise.

Trump views tariffs as a tool that is effective in getting results, not just in terms of economic impact, but also leverage in all sorts of situations," said Kelly Ann Shaw, former deputy director of the National Economic Council in Trumps first term.

Bolsonaro is facing charges that he plotted to overturn his 2022 election loss by fomenting a January 2023 insurrection at the Brazilian Congress, when thousands of his supporters overran the legislative body after the election of current left-leaning president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. In his tariff letter, Trump called the trial nothing more, or less, than an attack on a political opponent  Something I know much about," adding LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!"

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro holding a photo of himself and President Trump.

Trumps moves have shaken the global trade order established in the 1940s, when market economies sought to put tariffs and trade among them on a stable footing.

Although often controversial and sometimes volatile, such as when the Smoot-Hawley Act hiked U.S. tariffs in 1930, tariffs have generally been motivated by economic or domestic political goals. For twisting the arm of another country, usually a geopolitical adversary, trade embargoes were often used, such as when Napoleon tried to cut off Britain from all trade with continental Europe, or when the U.S. cut off Japans access to American oil in 1940 to punish the country for expansionism.

After World War II, the U.S. led an international effort to build a rules-based trading order that kept politics out of tariffs. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, signed in 1947, required countries to stick to agreed tariffs and not discriminate against imports from other nations. Its core principles were adopted by GATTs successor, the World Trade Organization, in the 1990s.

The rise of China as a state-backed export juggernaut and the decline of manufacturing jobs in Western countries have undermined the consensus for the postwar trading order.

The perceived gains from a rules-based trading system came to be taken for granted," said Jennifer Hillman, a trade-law specialist at Georgetown University and a former U.S. and WTO official. Major shifts in geopolitical power, and perceptions of unfairness and growing income inequality in the U.S. and other importing countries, are seen as justifying the breaking of the rules."

Since 2010, China has pioneered the use of trade restrictions to punish other countries over political issues unrelated to trade. Among other incidents, China slapped heavy tariffs on Australian wine and barley after Australia called for an international inquiry into the origins of Covid-19.

During Trumps first term, the president baffled U.S. allies such as Canada when he invoked national security to justify tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

But his second-term linkage of trade measures with a growing array of political concerns has little precedent.

This is brand new," said Hillman. What we dont know is, is this purely Trump, or is this the future?"

Trumps approach carries legal risks. In May, the U.S. Court of International Trade struck down many of the presidents tariffs, saying they werent justified by the emergency legal authority that he cited. An appeals court will hear the case on July 31, a day before Trumps so-called reciprocal tariffs are scheduled to go back into effect on Brazil and scores of other nations.

Trumps Brazil tariffs risk compounding those legal risks. The reciprocal tariffs were justified in part on the grounds that persistent trade deficits with other nations constitute a national security threat. The U.S., however, runs a trade surplus with Brazilover $7 billion last year.

The administration argues the U.S. government has always used economic tools to extract foreign-policy concessions from other nations, like the extensive use of economic sanctions against adversarial nations such as Russia, Iran, Cuba and more. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said Trump believes that the U.S. has gotten over our skis" on sanctions and that they could be driving nations away from the U.S. dollar.

Other countries routinely use tariffs to advance their foreign policy and national security interests, and President Trump is committed to using every tool at his disposalincluding access to the American economy, the worlds biggest and best consumer marketto put Americans and America First," said White House spokesman Kush Desai.

Many Trump allies are supportive of the presidents shift to use access to the U.S. consumer market as leverage to extract concessions across a number of political issues. Others in Trumps own party have decried the economic uncertainty.

The idea of haphazardly talking about 50% tariffs on a country based on different policies that are going on in that country is chaotic for the markets, it makes it hard for businesses to predict, and if its done for every countrys current events, will lead to chaos," said Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.), a frequent critic of Trumps trade wars.

Trade-reliant U.S. businesses say the tariffs make it harder to plan investments.

Businesses and consumers will face cost pressures every time the president follows through on his tariff threats," said Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, which represents large U.S. firms.

Write to Gavin Bade at gavin.bade@wsj.com and Marcus Walker at Marcus.Walker@wsj.com
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio monitor the mission that struck three Iranian nuclear sites on June 21 at the White House.

The aftermath of the 12-day war with Iran looks mixed more than two weeks later. Irans nuclear program was badly damaged and likely set back for years. But the Ayatollahs government isnt admitting defeat and shows no signs of dropping its revolutionary or nuclear designs. That puts into focus the next policy question for the U.S.: Will Mr. Trumps cease-fire give way to diplomacy that deepens the achievements of the war, or will it put those achievements at risk?

Iran is still talking tough and rejecting Mr. Trumps demands, even after bailing out of the fight with Israel and failing to respond in any serious way to the U.S. strikes. In a video message released several days after the U.S. bombing, a frail-looking Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed that the U.S. had to intervene to rescue Israel, and that Iran had dealt America a slap in the face."

Mr. Trump didnt take kindly to the Ayatollahs revisionist history, which he corrected on Truth Social. The President added that Iran has to get back into the World Order flow, or things will only get worse for them."

But theres no sign Iran will surrender the remains of its enrichment program. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said after the war, Our people have endured sanctions for this, and a war was imposed on our nation over this issue. No one in Iran will abandon this technology."

More ominously, Iran has driven out United Nations weapons inspectors, who left the country last week. It may drop out of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This will make it impossible for inspectors to make a ground-level estimate of the damage done and track or collect any nuclear material that remains.

Iran isnt hankering for normal relations with the West either. Senior regime clerics have called for Mr. Trumps execution. Irans regime proclaims death to America and Israel, and it wages its forever war accordingly. Meanwhile, evidence is building that Tehran has escalated its terror campaign at home, with arrests and executions of opponents and minorities.

Whats the U.S. policy to grapple with all of this? White House envoy Steve Witkoff said a meeting with Mr. Araghchi will take place in the next week or so. Irans Foreign Minister has been stalling, but a senior White House official tells us Iran wants sanctions relief as well as U.S. help with a civilian nuclear program.

We have a very big ask" in return, the U.S. official says. It starts with removing whatever nuclear material and enrichment infrastructure remains, and continues with hard limits on Irans missile program and an end to its support for regional terrorism. The return of inspectors and on-demand searches is essential.

To extract concessions, Mr. Witkoff will need the full pressure arsenal. That should include public and other support for the Iranian people. Especially helpful would be so-called snap-back U.N. sanctions that were part of the 2015 nuclear deal. These would restore international bans on Iranian enrichment and nuclear-capable missiles. Theyd also bar other states from helping Iran on those fronts.

The U.S. will also have to enforce its sanctions against Irans oil exports. Irans oil output is now at a seven-year high, per U.S. Energy Department data. Thats the regimes main source of financing. Will it be put in danger?

The successful Israel-U.S. military operation has the regime more vulnerable than at any time since the Islamic revolution. Now is the moment to capitalize for a safer Middle East.
New Delhi: The government has extended the anti-dumping duty on imports of clear float glass from Malaysia by another 18 months, keeping the protection in place for domestic manufacturers amid concerns of continued dumping.

The levy, which was set to expire in November this year, will now remain in force till 10 February 2026, unless withdrawn or amended earlier, according to a notification issued by the department of revenue.

Clear float glass, classified under Chapter 70 of the customs tariff, is widely used in construction, automotive, furniture, and solar industries. Indian manufacturers had argued that the removal of the duty would lead to a surge in imports at unfairly low prices, undermining local capacity and pricing discipline.

The anti-dumping duty on clear float glass was first imposed in November 2020 following an earlier investigation that confirmed dumping of the product from Malaysia was causing material injury to Indian producers. The current extension is aimed at preventing the recurrence of such injury.

According to trade experts, the extension of the duty is consistent with Indias trade remedy framework, which allows for the continuation of duties beyond the initial five-year period if dumping continues and is likely to hurt the domestic industry.

The decision follows a sunset review initiated by the directorate general of trade remedies (DGTR) on 27 March this year, after the domestic industry sought continued protection against low-priced imports from Malaysia.

In exercise of the powers conferred the anti-dumping duty imposed under this notification shall remain in force up to and inclusive of the 10th February, 2026, the finance ministry stated in the latest notification.

While the notification does not revise the duty rates or structure, it sends a clear signal to importers and overseas suppliers that India will maintain a close watch on trade practices in sensitive sectors.

The review process typically examines the need for continued duties based on current data and may lead to a fresh determination on the quantum and duration of the levy.
New Delhi: A new rule centralizing the approval process for drug exports through a web portal could squeeze shipments by nearly 45%, an exports promotion body said, seeking time to shift to the new system.

A certificate of pharmaceutical product (COPP) is mandatory to ship drugs to a foreign country. It certifies that the product is manufactured in compliance with good manufacturing practices and is of appropriate quality, safety, and efficacy. Last week, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) said all COPP applications must be submitted solely through a single licensing portal.

This could severely disrupt Indias pharmaceutical exports, said officials at Pharmexcil, which works to promote Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare exports worldwide.

Also Read | Wockhardt exits its US generics business

The circular was issued by CDSCO a week back. Earlier, this COPP was issued by the state authorities, which was a quick task process, and companies were able to manage to do their businesses. Now, CDSCO making it centralized on the online portal is making it difficult for companies to get the certification done. We are seeking some time from the CDSCO and the health ministry for this transition. We welcome this online process, but need some time to take it forward, said Namit Joshi, chairman, Pharmexcil.

A health ministry spokesperson did not respond to queries.

Pharmexcil said that while it supports digital advancements, it is concerned about the abrupt change without a transition plan. This could jeopardize nearly 45% of India's total pharmaceutical exports, specifically those destined for Rest of World (RoW) markets, it said.

Pharmaceutical exports Indias pharmaceutical exports rose 2.35% in April 2025, reaching $2.486 billion. The US was the largest destination, with $898.34 million in exports, followed by the UK at $77.97 million, South Africa at $58.31 million, and Brazil at $57.15 million.

Also Read | India ramps up emergency preparedness with mass casualty training plan

According to Pharmexcil, exporters are now grappling with a dual regulatory bottleneck. Domestically, they face delays with the CDSCOs no-objection certificate (NOC) and internationally they face slow regulatory submissions and approvals.

K. Raja Bhanu, director general, Pharmexcil said, Exporters are already facing delays with domestic approvals from CDSCO, and now they will experience slower international regulatory submissions.

Bhanu said Pharmexcil has formally requested the health ministry and CDSCO to delay the rule's implementation and discuss the matter with all parties involved. A proposal for a phased rollout with existing processes running in parallel has been put forth that will allow time for exporters to align without compromising ongoing business.

Bhanu emphasized that regulatory policies must balance strict quality standards with facilitating trade.

Also Read | Drugs regulator to turn the screws on spurious medical products

While the government aims to ensure responsible manufacturing, some new rules are seen by the industry as limitations on business. The inability to get timely COPP approvals or NOCs could push international buyers to choose suppliers from other countries, causing irreversible long-term damage to Indian exporters, Bhanu said.

Pharmexcil has also highlighted additional challenges that many drugs that have been available in India for years are now being reclassified as 'new drugs' simply based on their dosage forms (like coated tablets). This leads to delays in getting COPPs and significantly increases the time it takes to export products, the council said in a statement.
(Bloomberg) -- Western Australias wheat production is expected to decline this season following poor rainfall across some regions, according to an industry group, which issued its first estimates for the year.

Wheat output is forecast at 9.4 million tons for 2025-26, compared with around 12.5 million tons in the previous season, a report from the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia shows. The state is the countrys largest producer of wheat, which is exported to Asia and the Middle East.

The decline is primarily due to poor rain in regions usually responsible for the bulk of the wheat harvest, said Michael Lamond, an agronomist and the author of the report. There has been some improvements in the weather, but the state may struggle to meet the current output estimates, he added.

The soil was dusty, dry, Lamond said in an interview. You pick it up and there was no moisture in it.

The country is one of the worlds largest wheat exporters, with about 95% of the Western Australian harvest sent overseas, according to the states Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Lamond said some farmers had planted more barley than wheat to take advantage of higher prices.

GIWA estimates the overall grain crop will be around 19.3 million tons this season. However, the planting season only concluded in June, and forecasts are likely to change before the harvests starts around late October.

Other GIWA production estimates for 2025-26:

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
As the first quarter earnings season of FY26 begins, Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOSL) has flagged a cautious outlook for select Nifty constituents. The brokerage anticipates muted performance across certain heavyweights, especially in sectors facing margin pressures, geopolitical headwinds, and demand moderation. MOSL said that the first half of 2025 has been marked by considerable geopolitical and economic disruptions, which significantly heightened volatility in global equity markets. With S&P 500 VIX spiking over 50 percent and India VIX touching 20 percent, investor sentiment has remained fragile.

According to MOSL, these conditions have muddled monetary policy clarity and dampened corporate earnings visibility. However, MOSL termed the first quarter of FY26 as a Crossover quarter with the potential to transition from the low single-digit earnings growth seen in FY25 to a more robust double-digit trajectory over the next four quarters. Analyst estimates compiled by MOSL suggest a modest 5 percent YoY rise in Nifty earnings for Q1FY26.

Here are 5 stocks that are likely to post double-digit decline in their Q1 profit: IndusInd Bank: Net Profit May Plunge 74% YoY According to MOSL, IndusInd Bank is expected to report a sharp 73.7 percent decline in net profit at 570 crore in Q1FY26, down from 2,170 crore in the same quarter last year. Net interest income is also projected to fall 23 percent YoY to 4,160 crore. MOSL said business growth is likely to remain modest, with asset quality showing further signs of deterioration. Margins are expected to stay under pressure, and credit cost trends will be key monitorables this quarter, MOSL added.

Tata Motors: PAT May Drop 34% on Weak Volumes and Margins Tata Motors is likely to post a 34.4 percent YoY fall in net profit to 3,630 crore from 5,540 crore in Q1FY25, MOSL said. Operating revenue is also expected to decline by 7.7 percent YoY. MOSL flagged weak demand, higher input costs, and rising discounts as reasons for margin compression in both passenger and commercial vehicle segments. JLRs volumes are expected to fall 10 percent due to shipment discontinuation to the US, and MOSL estimates a sharp 400 basis points margin contraction in JLR to 11.8 percent.

Coal India: Profit May Dip Despite Revenue Uptick Coal Indias net profit is estimated to decline by 20.8 percent YoY to 8,680 crore, although sales may rise slightly by 2.1 percent to 37,240 crore, according to MOSL. Coal production and offtake remained muted, which could weigh on earnings. That said, elevated e-auction premiums are expected to provide some support. MOSL highlighted that management commentary on volume guidance and e-auction pricing for FY26/27 will be closely watched.

Maruti Suzuki: Weak Volumes to Impact Profitability MOSL expects Maruti Suzukis net profit to decline 19.1 percent YoY to 2,952 crore despite a marginal 1.1 percent increase in revenue to 35,939 crore. The brokerage attributed the weakness to flat volume growth and a slightly deteriorated product mix. Although exports improved and stable EBITDA margins are expected, lower UV share and one-offs from the previous quarter are likely to pull down profitability. PAT is projected to fall 19 percent YoY, MOSL said.

ONGC: Net Profit Likely to Drop on Lower Oil Prices ONGC may report a 14 percent YoY fall in net profit to 7,680 crore, with sales also expected to decline 12.3 percent YoY to 30,380 crore, according to MOSL. The brokerage expects oil, gas, and VAP volumes to remain flat, while delays in peak oil production from the KG Basin and falling crude prices (below USD 65/bbl) pose risks to the outlook. MOSL added that updates on gas production ramp-up will be critical in the upcoming management commentary.
By Amanda Cooper

LONDON, - Euro zone yields edged lower in early trading on Friday, as traders awaited word from U.S. President Donald Trump on what tariffs might apply to Europe, after his surprise decision to slap a 35% duty on major trading partner Canada.

Aside from a drop in the Canadian dollar, the broader financial markets offered a muted reaction to the news, but with Trump's letter on European Union tariffs likely to land on Friday, investors were on edge.

German two-year yields fell 2 basis points to 1.875, while those on the benchmark 10-year Bund eased 2 bps to 2.64%.

Friday's cautious mood notwithstanding, Bund yields were heading for a weekly rise of nearly 8 bps, close to its largest since early March, when the German government unveiled the biggest overhaul in its borrowing rules in modern history.

Even with the concern about the hit to the export-driven European economy from U.S. tariffs, the worry about how much extra debt European governments will have to issue to fund their pledges to spend big on defence and infrastructure is winning out right now at the longer end of the bonds curve, analysts said.

"We maintain the view of staying away from the long end in US, Europe and the UK given fiscal concerns. Thus, all our long positions are focused towards the 5-year sector of the curve," Jefferies strategist Mohit Kumar said in a note.

The Financial Times on Thursday reported Dutch pension funds were set to sell 125 billion euros in government bonds, something Kumar said had been "widely telegraphed" but nonetheless had knocked longer-dated paper.

Dutch pension funds make up 40% of the euro zone private pension industry, making them influential bond investors.

In other markets, Italian 10-year BTP yields were steady at 3.579%, while 10-year French yields were down 1 bp at 3.382%.

In macro events on Friday, European Central Bank board member Piero Cipollone speaks at a panel on Ukraine in Rome.
Nippon India Mutual Fund has increased its stake in Whirlpool of India, breaching the 5 percent ownership thresholda key disclosure requirement under SEBI norms. The fund, acting through its trustee company Nippon Life India Trustee Ltd, acquired an additional 1,82,901 equity shares of the consumer durables company.

This latest acquisition took its overall stake to 5.0091 percent of the total share capital of Whirlpool of India, up from 4.8649 percent held earlier. Before the transaction, Nippon India Mutual Fund owned 61,72,230 equity shares in the company. The purchase has raised its total shareholding to 63,55,131 shares. According to the exchange filing, the transaction was executed through open market purchases between January 10, 2018, and July 8, 2025.

Crossing the 5 percent mark triggers mandatory disclosures under SEBI regulations, signalling rising institutional interest in the stock. While the fund has been gradually accumulating shares, this step suggests growing confidence in Whirlpools long-term strategic potential, despite near-term business pressures.

Potential Strategic Acquisition Boosts Market Buzz The timing of the increased stake comes amid reports of a potential acquisition bid for Whirlpool of India. Indian conglomerates Reliance Retail and Havells are reportedly exploring a joint offer to buy a significant or controlling stake in the company. This move follows Whirlpool Corporations global restructuring plans, which involve selling non-core assets and exiting less profitable geographies, including India.

Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of the U.S.-based Whirlpool Corporation, has been facing operational and profitability challenges over the past few quarters. The company posted a net loss of 26.5 crore in Q4FY24, reflecting weak consumer demand and margin pressure. Still, the brands strong equity in the Indian appliance market, wide product range, and extensive retail network make it an attractive acquisition target for Indian companies looking to scale up their presence in the consumer durables space.

A successful acquisition could help Reliance or Havells expand their product portfolios, tap into Whirlpools distribution infrastructure, and consolidate their leadership in home appliances. With rising household incomes and increasing demand for quality home products, the Indian market offers substantial room for growth.

Stock Price Performance Following the news of increased stake and acquisition buzz, Whirlpool of Indias stock gained nearly 3 percent to touch an intraday high of 1,366.85. However, the broader picture remains cautious. The stock is still down nearly 44 percent from its 52-week high of 2,450, reached in October 2024. It is currently trading well above its 52-week low of 899, recorded in March 2025, but has yet to regain strong momentum.

In terms of recent performance, the stock has declined almost 3 percent so far in July. This follows a 13.4 percent gain in June and mixed movement earlier this year, including a sharp 27 percent jump in April and significant declines of 18.5 percent in February and 38 percent in January.
On Thursday, Nifty50 declined 0.47% amid volatile trade, weighed down by weakness in IT , FMCG, Pharma, and Banking sectors. Investor caution prevailed ahead of TCSs Q1 results, with expectations of muted performance dragging IT stocks. The broader sentiment was also dampened by uncertainty over the U.S.-India trade developments. The volatility index, India VIX, closed at a 52-week low, signaling easing investor fear.

Looking for stocks to buy today? Top market experts Ankush Bajaj, Raja Venkatraman, Trade Brains Portal, and MarketSmith share their best stock picks for 9 July.

Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India for 11 July:

Buy:Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Ltd(current price:  850.30)

Why its recommended: Strong AUM and revenue momentum, robust SIP growth, diversified product line, industry tailwind.

Strong AUM and revenue momentum, robust SIP growth, diversified product line, industry tailwind. Key metrics: P/E: 26.48, 52-week high:  911.85, volume:  92.52 crore

P/E: 26.48, 52-week high: 911.85, volume: 92.52 crore Technical analysis: Trending above all its key moving averages, strong momentum

Trending above all its key moving averages, strong momentum Risk factors: Market volatility and equity flow sensitivity, intense competition, and regulatory uncertainty.

Market volatility and equity flow sensitivity, intense competition, and regulatory uncertainty. Buy at:  850

850 Target price:  1,040 in two to three months

1,040 in two to three months Stop loss:  778

Buy: One 97 Communications (current price: 940.55)

Why its recommended: Financial services expansion, robust merchant ecosystem, cost optimization, MTU & GMV recovery.

Financial services expansion, robust merchant ecosystem, cost optimization, MTU & GMV recovery. Key metrics: P/E: --, 52-week high:  1,062.95, volume:  608crore

P/E: --, 52-week high: 1,062.95, volume: 608crore Technical analysis: Trending above all its key moving averages, strong relative strength rating.

Trending above all its key moving averages, strong relative strength rating. Risk factors: Revenue decline, profitability lag, rising credit risk in lending business, and ongoing competition.

Revenue decline, profitability lag, rising credit risk in lending business, and ongoing competition. Buy at:  940

940 Target price:  1,156 in two to three months

1,156 in two to three months Stop loss:  858

Three stocks to trade, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman:

Syrma SGS Technology Ltd (Cmp: 663.20)

Why its recommended: Syrma, a Tandon Group company, has been in electronics manufacturing since the late 1970s. The Company has played a leading role in India's early electronics manufacturing foray. Strong demand recovery in this sector supports price stability and growth potential. With prices trading at a 52-week high, more room for upside is possible.

Syrma, a Tandon Group company, has been in electronics manufacturing since the late 1970s. The Company has played a leading role in India's early electronics manufacturing foray. Strong demand recovery in this sector supports price stability and growth potential. With prices trading at a 52-week high, more room for upside is possible. Key metrics: P/E: 148.32 | 52-week high:  663.60 | Volume: 5.65M.

P/E: 148.32 | 52-week high: 663.60 | Volume: 5.65M. Technical analysis: Support at  570 | Resistance at  900.

Support at 570 | Resistance at 900. Risk factors: Dependence on seasonal agricultural trends and raw material price volatility.

Dependence on seasonal agricultural trends and raw material price volatility. Buy at: CMP and dips to  630.

CMP and dips to 630. Target price:  725-745 in 1 month.

725-745 in 1 month. Stop loss:  620.

JTL Industries Ltd (Cmp: 83.94)

Why its recommended: Signs of reversal from oversold zones signal potential upside. Demand at lower levels showcases optimism for recovery in the coming sessions. The daily charts indicate that the volume-based rise seen in the last few sessions augurs well for the prices.

Signs of reversal from oversold zones signal potential upside. Demand at lower levels showcases optimism for recovery in the coming sessions. The daily charts indicate that the volume-based rise seen in the last few sessions augurs well for the prices. Key metrics: P/E: 33.39 | 52-week high:  123.75 | Volume: 11.19M.

P/E: 33.39 | 52-week high: 123.75 | Volume: 11.19M. Technical analysis: Support at  75, resistance at  105.

Support at 75, resistance at 105. Risk factors: Declining revenue and profits, as well as a decrease in operating profit margin.

Declining revenue and profits, as well as a decrease in operating profit margin. Buy at: CMP and dips to  77.

CMP and dips to 77. Target price:  90-95 in 1 month.

90-95 in 1 month. Stop loss:  74.



FINO Payments Bank Ltd (Cmp: 305.65)

Why its recommended: Gradual accumulation at critical support levels highlights strong investor interest, supported by consistent revenue growth. Steady higher lows with a thrust above value area resistance around  300 suggest more upside possibility.

Gradual accumulation at critical support levels highlights strong investor interest, supported by consistent revenue growth. Steady higher lows with a thrust above value area resistance around 300 suggest more upside possibility. Key metrics: P/E: 27.46 | 52-week high:  462.80 | Volume: 1.65M.

P/E: 27.46 | 52-week high: 462.80 | Volume: 1.65M. Technical analysis: Support at  260, resistance at  375.

Support at 260, resistance at 375. Risk factors: Competition in the banking space and regulatory issues.

Competition in the banking space and regulatory issues. Buy at: CMP and dips to 280.

CMP and dips to 280. Target price:  335-350 in 1 month.

335-350 in 1 month. Stop loss:  270.

Also Read | Phoenix Mills off to a decent start in FY26, but consumption concerns linger

Two stocks to trade, recommended by TradeBrains Portal

Brigade Enterprises Ltd - Current price:  1,079

Target price:  1,325 in 12 months

Stop-loss:  955

Why its recommended:Brigade Group, one of India's top real estate developers, was founded in 1986. With developments in the residential, office, retail, hotel, and educational sectors, it has created numerous iconic structures and changed the skylines of Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mysuru, Kochi, Trivandrum, and GIFT City, among other Indian cities. Over 300 structures totalling more than 100 million square feet have been built by the company. In addition to 16 million square feet of planned launches, it has 26 million square feet of ongoing projects.

The company's FY25 real estate sales value of 7,847 crore was its largest ever, up 31% from FY24. With collections of 7,250 crore, a 23% rise over FY24, it also set a record for the year. The total sales volume for FY25 stood at 7.05 million square feet. At 2,135 crore, net cash flow from operating activities represented a 36% increase over FY24. Revenue from Brigade's leasing vertical increased by 24%, from 938 crore in FY24 to 1,165 crore in FY25.

Since its inception, Brigade has completed a historic 100 million square feet of development across projects as of FY25. The company recently acquired 16.41 acres of premium land in Chennai and Bengaluru, with a combined potential revenue of nearly 3,600 crore. The business is progressively enhancing its footprint outside of Bangalore in the important markets of Hyderabad and Chennai. With a GDV of 13,500 crore, it initiated 11.5 million square feet of projects in FY25, of which 9.5 million were residential projects with a GDV of 11,700 crore. In the upcoming fiscal year, the company has a substantial pipeline of around 16 million square feet of developments in the residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors.

Risk Factor: In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, 74% of BEL's collections came from the Bengaluru real estate market, demonstrating the company's heavy reliance on this area. In the domestic real estate market, cyclicality causes variations in saleability and realizations, which in turn affect cash flows. Cash flow and collections may also be impacted by muted demand.

Va Tech Wabag Ltd - Current price:  1,490

Target price:  1,775 in 12 months

Stop-loss:  1,347

Why its recommended:Founded in 1924, VA Tech Wabag Ltd. is the third-largest water technology firm globally, offering eco-friendly solutions to the municipal and industrial sectors. It serves approximately 96 million people in more than 25 countries with the help of more than 1,600 water specialists. Over the last 30 years, WABAG has built more than 1,500 water and wastewater treatment facilities and holds more than 125 patents with the help of research and development sites in Europe and India.

The company's FY25 sales were 3,294 crore, up 15% year over year, and its EBITDA was 430.2 crore. Between FY22 and FY25, EBITDA increased at a 20% CAGR. From FY22 to FY25, profit after tax increased at a CAGR of 31% and by 20% year on year. For the last five years in a row, the company's net cash has been positive, standing at 705.6 crore. While 62% of the company's geographical spread is in India, with 38% coming from outside the country. Additionally, the business maintained its position as a preferred bidder in the Hybrid-Annuity Model (HAM) worth 3,000 crore and had an order inflow of almost 6,000 crore.

A non-binding term sheet for a municipal platform to concentrate on the development of capital projects for the municipal sector with an equity investment commitment of $100 million in capital projects over a three- to five-year period was among the contracts and orders the company recently signed. The business obtained a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) DBO agreement from GAIL and an O&M order for an Industrial TTRO Plant from IOCL, worth around 360 crore. obtained a large consortium order for the EPC of a 200 MLD Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) from Al Haer Environmental Services Company, valued at $371 million.

Furthermore, BAPCO Refining B.S.C. (BAPCO) awarded the business a $14 million order for the operation (O&M) of the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWTP) in the Kingdom of Bahrain for seven years. The IWTP handles 4,400 US gallons per minute (USGPM) of wastewater. Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited awarded WABAG a 145 Crore order for the design, engineering, supply, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of desalination water pipes between the CPCL Desalination facility at Kattupalli and the CPCL Manali Refinery. Further,the company targets 6,0007,000 crore annual order inflow, maintaining 3x order book to revenue, 1520% revenue growth, 1315% EBITDA margins, and RoCE >20%. With a 2530% win rate in the Middle East/Africa and $4.6B RFQs expected, it guides $300 to 400M orders from the Middle East in FY26. It aims for a 70:30 municipal-industrial mix, a 50:50 India-RoW split, and >50% international/industrial revenue in 4 to 5 years. O&M revenue is on track for 20%, and working capital days have reduced to 110. Strong medium-term guidance in the next 3 to 4 years of visibility, with a focus on profitability and execution.

Risk Factor: VA Tech Wabag faces key risks from its 38% revenue exposure to foreign markets, making it vulnerable to currency fluctuations. It also relies heavily on government orders (69%), exposing it to delays, slow execution, and working capital strain. Additionally, global economic slowdowns, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory changes in regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Russia pose risks to project demand and financial performance.

Trade Brains Portal is a stock analysis platform. Its trade name is Dailyraven Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and its Sebi-registered research analyst registration number is INH000015729.

Raja Venkatraman is the co-founder of NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223.

MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. Its trade name is William ONeil India Pvt. Ltd, and its Sebi registration number is INH000015543.

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Reliance Industries Q1 Update: Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL) informed exchanges today, July 11, that its board will meet next week to consider the financial results for the first quarter of the financial year 2025-26 (FY26).

The company told exchanges that its board meeting to consider and approve the Q1 FY26 results for the quarter ended June 2025 will take place on Friday, July 18.

Pursuant to Regulation 29 and other applicable provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, please note that a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, inter alia, to consider and approve the standalone and consolidated unaudited financial results of the Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, Reliance Industries said.

The company will hold an analyst meet, post Board Meeting to discuss the financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, RIL added.

RIL Q1 Results: What to expect? According to analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities (KIE), RIL could post a 29% year-on-year (YoY) jump in Q1 PAT to 19,517 crore, boosted by one-off gains of ~ 9000 crore (post-tax) on Asian Paints stake sale. However, its net sales could see a dip of 1% YoY to 2,29,475.7 crore as against 2,31,784 crore in the Q1 FY25 quarter.

"We expect RILs consolidated EBITDA to rise by 15.4% YoY, with a 19-20% yoy increase for O2C, digital and retail, offset by weak E&P," KIE said.

Domestic brokerage Motilal Oswal Financial Services anticipates a 32% jump in PAT to nearly 20,000 crore, while it sees a strong growth in Q1 revenue to 266100 crore, a growth of 15%.

"Clarity on 75000 crore announcements in the new energy business, growth in Retail store additions, and any pricing action in Telecom are the key monitorables," as per the brokerage.

RIL share price trend After remaining in a consolidation mode for quite some time, RIL share price has seen a healthy rebound this year so far, recording a year-to-date gain of 22% even as it remains 5% lower over one year.

This recent rally has pushed the Mukesh Ambani-led company's market capitalisation past the 20 lakh crore mark, further cementing its position as India's biggest company.

Amid a sharp market selloff today, Reliance shares closed 1.47% down at 1494.85 on the BSE. The stock remains just 7% away from its 52-week high level of 1,605.73.
The capital markets regulators investigation into alleged index manipulation by Jane Street will extend to the Sensex options contracts as well, according to two persons aware of the matter. These contracts have gained traction over the past two fiscal years.

So far, the Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (Sebi) interim order of 3 July has focused on 21 instances of Jane Street trades on the highly liquid but now-discontinued Bank Nifty weekly options and the Nifty weekly options between 1 January 2023 and 31 March 2025. The firm allegedly made illegal gains of 4,844 crore in these trades, largely at the expense of individual investors, according to Sebi.

"The investigation is ongoing and would not be limited to the NSE indices, but would also include the Sensex options, whose popularity soared in the past two financial years," said one of the persons cited earlier, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Also Read | Jane Street: Gaming an outdated system is not necessarily illegal in India

According to the second person, who also didnt want to be identified, "Sensex options have gained market share in recent years and by that token, trades here too would not escape regulatory attention for any possible instances of manipulation by the JS Group."

From January 2023 to March 2025, Jane Street groups total profit from trading index stocks and derivatives, and cash market was 36,502.12 crore. Sebi has ordered the seizure of 4,844 crore of the total so far even as its investigation into alleged manipulation continues. Jane Street is expected to respond to Sebi's order in the coming days.

Queries emailed to Sebi on its investigation into Jane Street's trading patterns on Sensex options remained unanswered until press time. BSE Ltd declined to comment.

While Nifty and Bank Nifty enjoyed huge popularity among options traders, including individuals and proprietary participants, the Sensex was the third most popular options index, distantly followed by Finnifty and Midcap Nifty.

To offer context, the market share of NSE in equity options based on premium turnover stood at 96.9% as of November 2023, with BSE options accounting for the rest, according to exchange data. As recently as May this year, BSE had eaten into NSE's share, garnering 20.6% of the options market, with its larger rival holding 79.4%.

However, with the likelihood of a further clampdown by Sebi in light of the Jane Street fiasco, sentiment has taken a beating with BSE shares falling 2.3% to 2,466.30 on Thursday. With this, the BSE stock is hovering around a bearish market, having plunged 18.6% from a 52-week high of 3,030 on 10 June to date. NSE is unlisted.

A 5-10% fall from a high is a pullback; a 10-20% decline is a correction; and a stock or an index enters the bear market after plunging more than 20% from a peak.

"There is a likelihood of a revision in expiry schedule of index options to one fortnightly index expiry from two weekly expiries currently, which is dampening sentiment as reflected in the fall of the BSE share," said Rajesh Palviya, SVP (derivatives &technical head of research) at Axis Securities. The Jane Street impact is likely to continue with the ongoing investigation."

Currently, Nifty options expire on Thursday and Sensex options on Tuesday.

Sebi had clamped down on the index options segment last October to rein in retail frenzy, which was resulting in outsized losses for small individual investors.

Among the key changes were reducing the number of weekly expiries to one per exchange, effective November last year; and increasing the contract lot size to 15-20 lakh from 5-10 lakh from December-January.
Stocks to buy under 100: After declining with range-bound action in the previous session, the Indian stock market continued to show weakness and finished lower on Thursday. The Nifty 50 index corrected 120 points and closed at 25,355, the BSE Sensex lost 345 points and ended at 83,190, whereas the Bank Nifty index ended 157 points lower at 56,956.

The broader markets also reflected weakness, as the Nifty Midcap100 and Smallcap100 indices fell 0.3% each. Sectoral performance was mixed, with the Nifty IT index down 0.8% as IT stocks slipped ahead of Tata Consultancy Services' (TCS) Q1FY26 results.

Stock market today Speaking on the outlook of the Nifty 50 today, Shiju Kuthupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, said, "The Nifty 50 index witnessed some profit booking during the session to slip gradually as the day progressed and closed in the red near the 25,350 zone with overall bias and sentiment still maintained intact. Volatility can be expected in the coming sessions with the Nifty 50 index having important support positioned near the 25,250-25,300 zone, which needs to be sustained. On the upside, a decisive breach is necessary above the 25,650 zone, which shall trigger a fresh upward move having higher targets of 25,700 and 26,200 levels in the coming days."

"The Bank Nifty index erased some gains as the day proceeded further and ended the session just below the 57000 zone with consolidation visible near the 57,000 zone with positive bias. The index would need to have a decisive breach above the resistance level of 57600, which, when confirmed, shall trigger further rise, thereafter, expecting fresh targets of 58,500 and 60,000 levels in the coming days. As mentioned earlier, the index would continue to have the 56,000 zone as the important and crucial support, which needs to be sustained now," said Shiju Kuthupalakkal of Prabhudas Lilladher.

Stocks to buy under  100 Regarding stocks to buy today, market experts  Vaishali Parekh, Vice President of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher; Sugandha Sachdeva, Founder of SS WealthStreet; and Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment  recommended these four intraday stocks for today under 100: Sagility India, Dhani Services, and Rattanindia Enterprises.

Vaishali Parekh's stock recommendations today 1] Sagility India: Buy at 44, Target 48, Stop Loss 42.

Sugandha Sachdeva's intraday stock for today 2] Dhani Services: Buy at 68, Targets 70.80, 73.30, Stop Loss 66.30.

Anshul Jain's share to buy under  100 3] Rattanindia Enterprises: Buy at 66, Target 72, Stop Loss 63.
I really don't want to bring up Zack Snyder. His films cause me physical pain. But even I have to admit theres a grim conviction somewhere in all that humourless, quasi-mythological imagery. His films, which include Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League for DC, stand for something, even if I cant stand them.

James Gunns Superman stands for nothing except a desire to please. Its the aesthetic and philosophical opposite of the Snyder Superman films. Underlit greys and browns give way to pleasing whites and blues. Theres a scruffy dog. David Corenswets Clark smiles more in his first scene with Lois than Henry Cavill did in three films. Theres a persistent goofiness that Im sure will drive Snyder acolytes crazy. Its more watchable, and yet, almost weightless, lacking a sense of definition and purpose.

Gunn, whos also written the film, the first in a new DC universe, takes the somewhat bold step of skipping the regular backstory: Kryptons destruction, Kal-El raised on a Kansas farm as Clark Kent, the boy growing into his powers. In Gunns version, Superman, when we first meet him, is already a few years into being a hero, familiar not only to the residents of Metropolis but abroad too (hes been helping the beleaguered population of Jarhanpur fight the invading forces of Boravia). Hes gone largely unchallengeduntil now, when the lab-engineered Ultraman, guided from a Metropolis command centre by billionaire scientist and arms dealer Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), sends him limping back to the frozen Fortress of Solitude for repairs.

We soon learn that Clark and Lois (Rachel Brosnahan) are dating, and that she knows his real identity. Anyone who describes this Superman as a screwball comedy might want to consider if theyre just regurgitating carefully seeded studio PR. There's a scene where he offers to give her an interviewas Supermanand predictably cant keep up. Its amusing in a predictable sort of way, but miles off screwball, which requires a certain electric pace and wit. Showing two journalists bicker doesnt make a film His Girl Friday.

Luthor is making Supermans life difficult, not just with Ultraman and smear campaigns designed to paint the alien as a threat to humanity, but also by pulling the strings in Boravia. Some early chatter online indicated that the conflict in Gunn's film is supposed to mirror Israel and Palestine. If thats the intention, its a feeble, muddled stab. Boravia is an ally of the US, and a buyer of weapons, but its leadership looks and sounds decidedly Russian. Jarhanpur, well, its somewhere in the Middle East.

Boravia is as vague as Marvels Sokovia; to project geopolitical specificity onto it is wishful. In a way, its better if Jarhanpur was never meant to be Palestine. The only time the people of Jarhanpur speak in the film is when they chant Su-per-man, Su-per-man as Boravian soldiers advance. A desperate group of brown people calling for an American liberator to appear out of the skies is a remarkably tone-deaf image, giving the events of the last two years.

The films home front politics are a little clearer. Luthor is running, with the approval of the government, a massive detention facility. Superman, an illegal alien, is imprisoned here; political dissidents are imprisoned too; a child is held separate from its parent. It's an ICE-era image, but Gunn stops short of hammering the point home. His work can be emotionally bruising, especially when playing off frayed familial bonds: the constant struggles in the Guardians gang, or Nebula and Peacemakers abusive dads. But Supermans familyLois, dog Krypto, his adopted parents on the farm (a minor presence here), fellow Metahumans Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawk Girl (Isabela Merced) and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi)offer, at most, minor sources of conflict.

To have one weirdo with a pudding bowl haircut and another on an invisible flying chair descend out of nowhere and be met by loud cheers is a decent summation of where two decades of comic book filmmaking has landed us. Gunn isnt the worst offender by any means. Only he would think of making the detention centre breakout looks like The Magic School Buson a big studio budget. But mostly, he seems hemmed-in. Maybe its the restrictions that come with writing one of the most wholesome superheroes as opposed to disreputable sorts like the Guardians (PG-13 tending towards an R) and the Suicide Squad (a hard R). Maybe its the comic book film itself, too settled in its ways to be anything beyond passably entertaining. Maybe its the timidity of todays Hollywood, trying to dabble in geopolitics but unable to let go of American exceptionalism. In the end, Superman is too simple, too goofy and too slight.

Also Read | The F1 movie cheats to win
A chef has long been cast as aloof and brooding. Sometimes explosive like Gordon Ramsay in Hells Kitchen or haunted like Carmy (played by Jeremy Allen White) in The Bear . Popular culture paints them as tortured artists running kitchens with military precision behind swinging doors.

But across Indias culinary landscape, the stereotype is fading. Kitchens are slowly turning into places of camaraderie, learning and support. While genuine friendships are forming, much of this shift is also driven by survival. Rising costs, staffing challenges and demanding diners have made chefs more willing to share knowledge rather than trademark secrets.

Collaboration keeps chefs inspired, sane and helps sustain their businesses. If I want to figure out shoyu ramen, I call Kavan (of Naru Noodle Bar, Bengaluru). If Im stuck with pizza dough, I call Alex (of Americano and Otra, Mumbai)," says chef Gresham Fernandes of Bandra Born, Mumbai. Prateek Sadhu, chef-owner of NAAR, in Kasauli, agrees. People barely met earlier. Now were talking at 4am about life and food. But its not one big happy family," he says. The friendships that exist are real, but not with everyone." Still, some bonds run deep. He calls Fernandes the most talented chef of our generation," while Fernandes often turns to Sadhu for help with storytelling his dishes.

Also Read | The secret lives of chefs

For Seefah Ketchaiyo, chef and co-owner of Seefah in Mumbai, these connections are lifelines. Initially everything was unfamiliar, but once people saw my work ethic, they opened up." She also leans on a close bunch of chef friends like private chef Harsh Dixit, Divesh Aswani of Commis Station and Bhakti Mehta from Little Food Co.

View Full Image Chefs from Goa, Mumbai and Kolkata at Kopitiam Lah in Bengaluru.

Theres also a practical side to this tribea network of chefs helping chefs. Chef Regi Mathew of Kappa Chakka Kandhari and Chatti, NYC recalls how, during last years Indias Culinary Odyssey, a one-night only event featuring a menu created by ten chefs, he saw some of the chefs arriving in Chennai at 2am for, carrying their own utensils and working as a team. There was no ego, no personal agenda, just a shared goal," he says.

Journalist Prasad Ramamurthy, co-curator of The Gathering, a weekend event held in February in Delhi, where nine chefs and nine artists created food and art together, recalls how restaurateur Riyaz Amlani opened the kitchen of Social, part of his Impresario group, so that chefs could prep. They were just turning up, lending each other equipment and ingredients," he says. Viraf Patel, chef-owner of Across Mumbai, laughs about a night he ran out of chocolate. One of the other chefs hopped on a bike and came back with chocolate in 15 minutes," he says.

For Lakhan Jethani of Mizu Izakaya in Mumbai, help often comes via quick calls. If Im unsure about an Indian ingredient, I call Hussain Shahzad of Hunger Inc. For Spanish, I call Manuel Olveira of La Loca Maria, Mumbai. His friends have shaped his path in other ways too. For my first pop-up, Varun (Totlani) from Masque told me to go for a set menu in place of ala carte, which saved the whole experience." And when he noticed someone getting too inspired" by his dishes, it was Hussain who advised him not to rant online, but see it as flattery, changing his outlook to the experience.

View Full Image Goa chefs Abhishek Deshmane, Rahul Gomes and Ralph Prazeres.

Beyond advice and support, this community is also changing how chefs do business  with pop-ups offering a way to collaborate, test new market and manage cost. It lets you try new things without the risk of a full launch," says Seefah. Vinesh Johny, chef and co-founder of Lavonne Academy, Kopitiam Lah and LICK, Bengaluru, agrees. Its about experimenting, but also about staying connected with friends, who keep you grounded. Sometimes its just an excuse to hang out."

Mumbai-based restaurateur Gauri Devidayal also champions collaboration, creating space for chefs to work together through pop-ups at Magazine St. Kitchen, from chef Anuradha Medhoras Malwa cuisine to chefs Taiyaba Ali and Aarohi Sanghavi teaming up. It just makes sense, practically, creatively and from a business standpoint as well," she says.

Beyond practical help, chefs are approaching mentorship in more open, less hierarchical ways. No matter how old you are, theres always something new to learn," says Johny. Ive been baking for years, but another chefs inputs might change how I balance flavours or layer textures." Sadhu echoes the thought. I need a personal connection for any collaboration. The synergy matters, and its just as important that my team learns something and that we dont lose money," he adds,hinting at his upcoming pop-up at NAAR with an old friend from his Noma days, who now runs Dewakan, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.

Communities are thriving beyond the big cities too, especially in Goa, where chefs like Abhishek Deshmane of Slow Tide and Rahul Gomes of Jamun, Pings and Saz talk of a growing culinary family built on trust and shared passion. Goas always been susegad," says Gomes, but now theres a buzz. Chefs who love what they do, love that they get to do it together." They catch up over beers, trade sourcing tips and visit each others restaurants. Its just nice to have people around who get it, whove been in the weeds too, and are still smiling," Gomes adds. For Deshmane, chefs like Bawmra Jap (Bomras) and Jyoti Singh (Second House) make the community special. Its not about competition," he says. Its about showing up, tasting each others foo and knowing theres always a table waiting. But more than anything, its comforting to have someone who understands the long hours, the pressure, the passion."

View Full Image Restaurateurs Gauri Devidayal and Riyaaz Amlani.

The spirit shows even in how chefs recommend one anothers restaurants. Its no longer about pushing only our own places," says Patel. If someone asks me where to eat, Ill send them to the best spots, whether or not theyre mine."

They agree these bonds spark exciting ideas as well. Niyati Rao, chef and co-owner of Ekaa and Bombay Daak in Mumbai, says friendships are more than emotional support; theyre creative fuel. Talking to another chef can unlock a forgotten memory or change how I look at an ingredient," she says. Those interactions shape how I plate, season, or tell a story through food."

All of thisthe calls, the borrowed kitchens, pop-ups and mentorshipspoints to one thing. Chefs might still chase perfection like artists, but theyre no longer doing it alone. We want conversations that leave us better people," says Fernandes. While Sadhu maintains, Chefs are weird creatures. Some of our best friendships are forged over late-night conversations, service breakdowns and shared frustrations. But at the end of the day, we understand each other in a way few people do."

The myth of the mad genius chef might still exist. But, these days, theyre far more likely to pick up the phone and ask a friend for help.

Also Read | When chefs don the entrepreneur's hat

Jyoti Kumari is a Pune-based lifestyle and travel writer.
Are you a frequent flyer who takes regular flights for official work and/or personal reasons? If yes, your regular Air India flights can earn you a host of privileges through the Maharaja Club program.

In this article, we will understand what the Maharaja Club is, its features and benefits, and how to transfer credit card reward points to the program and book free Air India flights.

What is the Maharaja Club? Maharaja Club is the frequent flyer program (FFP) of Air India. It provides members with reward points and other benefits based on membership tier. The member benefits include redeeming points for free flights, cabin upgrades, excess baggage allowance, lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, and more. The higher the membership tier, the more the member benefits.

Let us look at the various membership tiers, their criteria, and their benefits.

Tier benefits Red Silver Gold Platinum Qualification criteria Base tier 15,000 tier points (4,500 through Air India flights) OR 30 flights (4 through Air India) 30,000 tier points (9,000 through Air India flights) OR 60 flights (8 through Air India) 45,000 tier points (13,500 through Air India flights) OR 90 flights (12 through Air India) Maharaja points per Rs. 100 spent on Air India 6 8 9 10 Tier points per Rs. 100 spent on Air India 6 6 6 6 Priority connect through a dedicated helpline NA Yes Yes Yes Fee waiver for itinerary changes for domestic flights NA Rs. 1,000 flat fee for 1X change per ticket Free for 1X change per ticket Free for 2X change per ticket Fee waiver for itinerary changes for international flights NA NA Free for 1X change per ticket Free for 2X change per ticket Fee waiver for domestic flight cancellation NA NA Rs. 1,199 fee Free Complimentary seat selection NA NA On standard seats On all seats Cabin upgrade vouchers upon tier renewal and upgrade NA 1X  6 months validity 2X  9 months validity 3X  12 months validity Priority check-in NA Yes Yes Yes Excess baggage allowance NA +5 kg +20 kg +20 kg Lounge access with 1 guest NA NA Yes Yes Priority boarding NA Yes Yes Yes

The above are some of the member benefits. To know about the entire list of benefits and their detailed terms and conditions, refer to the Air India website.

The membership of Maharaja Club is lifetime free. A member starts with the Red tier and can work their way up to the Platinum tier, as mentioned in the above table. A member earns 2 bonus Maharaja points per Rs. 100 spent for direct bookings on the Air India website and App. They can earn and redeem Maharaja points for flights on Air India and any of the 24 Star Alliance partner airlines.

Also Read | THESE credit cards offer reward points on payment of insurance premium

Earning Maharaja points A member can earn Maharaja points by booking flight tickets and flying with Air India or any of the 24 Star Alliance partner airlines. Maharaja points can also be earned on every purchase made with partners. Some of these partners include:

Ferns N Petals

Apple Store Online

Zoomcar

Fitpass

Matrix Cellular

iCruise

Avis

Healthians Labs

Walmart

Victorias Secret The above are some of the partners. For the entire list of partners, refer to the Air India website. Members usually earn 4 to 24 Maharaja points for every Rs. 100 spent on the partner brands. To know the partner-specific details about points earned for every Rs. 100 spent, refer to the Air India website.

Transfer of credit card reward points Some banks have partnered with Air India to allow their credit cardholders to transfer credit card reward points to the Maharaja Club. These banks include:

Yes Bank

AU Small Finance Bank

HDFC Bank

DBS Bank

SBI Card

ICICI Bank

HSBC

Axis Bank The transfer ratio differs among banks and among different cards offered by the same bank. For example, the transfer ratio for HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card is 3:1 (3 reward points = 1 Maharaja point). For HDFC Bank Infinia and Diners Black credit cards, the transfer ratio is 2:1.

The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card offers one of the best transfer ratios of 1:2 (1 reward point = 2 Maharaja points). The transfer ratio for ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card is 1:1. For HSBC Premier and Travel One credit cards, the transfer ratio is 1:1, while for HSBC Platinum, it is 2:1. To know about the transfer ratios for all banks and their credit cards, refer to the Air India website.

Once you submit a request for the transfer of credit card reward points, it may take 2 to 10 days for the Maharaja points to reflect in your Maharaja Club Account. To know about the timelines for the transfer of credit card reward points of various banks, refer to the Air India website.

Redeeming points for free flights In the earlier section, we understood how to convert credit card reward points into Maharaja Club points. You can then use the Maharaja points to book free flights on Air India and any of the 24 Star Alliance partner airlines. You can use the Points Calculator on the Air India website to know how many Maharaja points are required for booking a flight. You need to enter travel details like place of origin, destination, travel class, membership tier, etc. It will show you the points requirement for value fare and prime fare.

Members can use the Maharaja points for cabin class upgrades also. For example, a member can upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy, Premium Economy to Business, or Business to First Class, etc. using Maharaja points.

Also Read | Top 7 super-premium credit cards for elite lifestyle perks

Should you join the Maharaja Club? Air India is Indias second-largest domestic airline after Indigo. Along with good domestic connectivity, it has a strong international flight network. Being a Star Alliance member, it allows you to fly with any of the 24 alliance partner airlines.

With the Maharaja Club program, you can earn and redeem Maharaja points on flights taken with Air India or the Star Alliance partner airlines. Depending on the membership tier, the other benefits include cabin class upgrade, complimentary seat selection, lounge access, excess baggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding, etc.

You can transfer credit card reward points to your Maharaja Club account and use them to book free flights and/or upgrade cabin class. Hence, if you are a frequent Air India flyer, you must join the Maharaja Club and enjoy its benefits.
After watching the weight-of-the-world-on-my-shoulder depiction of Superman by Henry Cavill, fans had taken refuge in the old and still excellent animation shows and corny movies like The Peacemaker (sorry, John Cena!). When James Gunn announced the return of superman with Christopher Reeves look alike David Corenswet with Nicholas Hoult playing Lex Luthor, fans crossed their fingers and hoped that the John William score playing collectively in our heads wasnt going to let us down.

But the story is written on Excel and dictated by what Netflix and other OTT platforms call beats, this superman will leave you with mixed feelings, as if someone had put some barbecue sauce flavoured popcorn in your cheese and caramel popcorn mix. Sigh.

Also Read | Why are we so invested in the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World sagas

Lex Luthor is an oligarch, who supplies a puppet president of Boravia with arms to start a war with Jarhanpur so that he gets half the country that has immense oil and mineral deposits. Sounds like a silly ambition for someone who can create a pocket universe, but superhero movies do have silly villains with silly ambitions. Before you say Mogambo Khush Hua, the new Superman is recovering in the cave of solitude with his robots taking care of him and theres Krypto the dog hes fostering!

The movie makes us painfully aware of how migrants are made to feel everywhere. Whether it is Mali in the movie, or you, who work for a company that makes you work extra harder because your visa processes are in their hands. The film happily calls social media influencers monkeys and literally shows us angry monkeys typing away to create hashtags that pile hate on Superman. Of course, you cannot miss that Lex controls these monkeys of social media

This brings us to money lessons we can learn from this film. Its perhaps the most valuable lesson you will take home.

Will you compromise your personal ethics for money? Ethical investing is a thing, isnt it? Young people who join corporations that clearly have nothing but the interest of the billionaire owners need to pause and ask themselves if their computer, AI, analytical skills are being used to kill innocents somewhere in the world, or if their ability to buy nice things is only because theyve helped in mining data of unsuspecting millions to be sold to other billionaires, inadvertently fleecing the poor and the uninformed just to line the pockets of the fat cats who dont care.

Lex has an army of computer geeks helping his hatred of Superman. They dont ask why Lex hates Superman so much. Theyre just doing their jobs The film does not tell us why The Engineer (Maria Gabriella de Faria) obeys Lex, she just has a throwaway line about hating Superman too.

When youre investing, make sure that you are putting your hard earned money in stocks that dont harm the environment or create social harm. You will think twice before buying a blood diamond, will you not? Then why would you invest in companies that take food away from starving children or those that make guns of war?

Impact investing that creates positive social and environmental outcomes is the need of the day. Its all right for you to invest so that your familys future is secure, but when you set aside some money to invest in nonprofits that benefit the community or in clean technology enterprises that benefit the environment, you will leave behind a legacy that will be unforgettable.

Teach your children the value of inclusivity. As Superman battles his own inner demons, his dad Mr. Kent tells him: It is what you make of your life, the choices you make that make you, Superman.

If you can invest your money and not burden your conscience then you come out a winner, won't it? Impact investments can take you to emerging markets or industries like healthcare, education, clean and renewable energy and agriculture.

This Superman film introduces us to many characters at one go. Mr. Terrific deserves a standalone movie! So does Metamorpho. Hawkgirl and the Green Lantern are there too, and the Metropolis seems to be crammed with too many Metahumans. But Superman fans will take anything to see All Blue flying in the sky. Alas after ten years of the Friends franchise, you will not be able to stop wondering if this Lois Lane was channeling her Monica Geller instead of Margot Kidder.

You will come away with mixed feelings about this film. Haters of Jimmy Olsen's girl 'How can filmmakers make women so silly in this day and age!' only have to see how billionaires are marrying ditzy blondes in real life (apologies to all the smart women out there!). There are funny moments delivered correctly, but then everything seems to be too staged. Even the lesson about migrants belonging seems to be better shown in the 1951 film Superman and the Mole Men' rather than this multi million dollar movie. Loved how Supermans robots (do the robots, esp. Gary, deserve their own series?) comments on Krypto and his out of control behaviour - just like our desperation to invest in crypto currencies, no?
One year after assassination attempt on him at Butler, in Pennsylvania, US President Donald Trump opens up about the chaos, and rapid response that saved his life.

In a new episode of My View with Lara Trump airing this Saturday (July 12), Trump revisits the July 13, 2024, the near fatal attack, calling it an unforgettable moment.

"I didnt know exactly what was going on. I got a whack," Trump recalled in the interview. "People were screaming, and I got down quickly, fortunately, because I think they shot eight bullets."

A firefighter's heroism Trump paid tribute to 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was fatally shot.

"One got me, and one got another one, and one got another one," Trump said. "And one killed Corey, the firefighter. Great guy."

The sniper who saved the day Trump credited a Secret Service sniperwhom he referred to as "David"for stopping the attacker, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, within seconds.

"Our sniper, within less than five seconds, was able to get him from a long distance with one shot," Trump said. "If he didnt do that, you would have had an even worse situation. It was really bad."

"Just about four seconds, and thats when it all stopped," he added. "He got him perfectly from a very long distance. So, we got a little bit lucky in that regard."

Accountability and failures While praising the Secret Services bravery, Trump acknowledged critical lapses in planning and coordination.

"They should have had somebody in the building  that was a mistake," he said. "They should have had communications with the local police. They werent tied in, and they should have been tied in."

This week, six Secret Service agents were suspended without pay, and a Senate report on the incident is expected soon.

Trump: "They had a bad day" Despite the failures, Trump maintained trust in federal agencies, expressing confidence in those responsible for his protection.

"I have great confidence in these people. I know the people, and they're very talented, very capable, but they had a bad day," he said. I think they'll admit that  they had a rough day.

Also Read | Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order despite SC ruling
Earthquake today: Tremors were felt in Delhi-NCR on Friday, July 11, 2025, at around 8 p.m. after a 3.7-magnitude earthquake struck Jhajjar, Haryana, the National Center of Seismology informed on X.

This was the second earthquake to strike the National Capital Region (NCR) within two days. A strong earthquake struck Delhi-NCR at approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 10. According to the National Center for Seismology, it measured 4.4 on the Richter Scale and had its epicentre in Jhajjar, Haryana.

Metro services paused on Thursday On Thursday, Delhi Metro trains were halted for two to three minutes as a precaution during the earthquake, in accordance with standard operating procedure (SOP). Arshad, a passenger travelling in the metro, told ANI, The train stopped around 9:04-9:05 am. We didn't feel (the tremor).

Meanwhile, the Delhi-NCR residents were left frightened following the tremors on Thursday morning. Many called it a "scary" experience.

A Delhi resident told ANI, We felt the tremors. It was really scary, my vehicle shook. It was really strong.

A Gurugram resident stated that he urged everyone to evacuate the building after feeling the tremors.

"We were sitting here and having tea when I suddenly felt strong earthquakes. I told everyone to rush out of the building. Everyone rushed out," he said.

Another Gurugram resident said, For a few seconds, it felt like the ground shook vigorously. All of us rushed out.

I was working in my office when suddenly the computer systems and fans started shaking. So, it was quite scary. We rushed out. The epicentre is in Jhajjar. So, we are anticipating an aftershock. I had never felt such an earthquake before, a Jhajjar resident told ANI.
In a bizzarre incident, a Bihar woman named Abhilasha Kumari alleged that she received her voter ID card with Nitish Kumar's photo on it instead of her own. The image of the voter card, shared widely on social media, shows the Bihar CM captured mid-squint in a candid pose.

Kumari, a resident of the Madhepura municipal council, alleged that she received the said voter ID card after a request to update her address. While the update was correct, the 30-year-old was shocked to see the picture box in the document that enables her to vote.

Abhilasha Kumari's husband Chandan Kumar called the incident a case of serious negligence.

Everything was fine on the card, but the photo was of Nitish Kumar ji. This reflects the negligence on the governments part. The face of a sitting Chief Minister on a womans voter ID is not a small mistake. Its laughable, but its also a major lapse in the system, he was quoted as saying by News18.

The couple further complained that Booth Level Officer (BLO) responsible for making further changes to the voter ID card told them to keep quiet on the matter.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while the BLO has been asked to submit an answer within a week, as per the report.

Netizens expressed their amusement in the incident with one of them saying, Jai ho election commission [sic].

Another commented, Gems of Bihar.

TMC expresses anger The Trinamool Congress on Thursday expressed anger over the issue on Thursday, calling the incident shocking and shameful, while accusing the Election Commission of doing nothing.

A shocking and shameful incident has surfaced from Bihar where a womans voter ID card in Madhepura district features the face of CM Nitish Kumar instead of her own photograph, it said in a post on X.

The TMC alleged that there were numerous such reports of erroneous Voter ID cards being issued to people.

Reports of similar bizarre, erroneous voter IDs are pouring in from across states. And what is @ECISVEEP doing? NOTHING.

The party's reaction came on the day where the Supreme Court allowed the EC to carry out Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise to update Bihar's electoral rolls, which has been met with resistance from opposition parties.

This is serious administrative negligence, if not something more sinister, the TMC said.

The Mamata Banerjee-led party demanded answers from the EC in a six-point series of questions 

1. How are such blunders happening under your watch?

2. How many such faulty voter IDs are currently in circulation?

3. Which states are affected the most?

4. How many past elections stand compromised because of this?

5. What immediate corrective action is being taken?
The Centre on July 11 extended the tenure of Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan till August 22 next year, according to an official order.

The extension comes as the country prepares for the long-delayed census with caste enumeration. India's 16th Census with caste enumeration will be carried out in 2027, with the reference date of October 1, 2026, in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and March 1, 2027, in the rest of the country.

Also Read | Govind Mohan appointed as next Union Home Secretary

Mohan, a 1989 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Sikkim cadre, was named the Union Home Secretary in August 2024. He took over the charge from Ajay Kumar Bhalla on completion of his tenure on August 22 last year.

Mohan, a 1989 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Sikkim cadre, was named the Union Home Secretary in August 2024.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved Mohan's extension in services as Home Secretary beyond the date of his superannuation on September 30 up to August 22, 2026 or until further orders, in terms of the provisions of Fundamental Rules or FR 56 (d) and Rule 16 (1A) of the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, said the order issued by the Ministry of Personnel.

The rules have provisions to extend the services of such officers.

With this extension, Mohan will have two years' tenure on the crucial post, which is mandated to ensure internal security matters, among other things.

Who is Govind Mohan? A seasoned bureaucrat, Mohan was also the government's key officer during the COVID-19 pandemic and was tasked with overseeing the implementation of decisions taken for various protocols and ensuring smooth coordination with the states.

Before joining MHA, Mohan worked as Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, in the Finance Ministry from August 2017 to May 2018. He also worked as Principal Resident Commissioner, Sikkim in 2015.

Also Read | Govt notifies Census 2027 to be conducted in two phases. Check details

Mohan worked as Minister (Economic), Embassy of India, Washington DC, USA from July 2012 to August, 2015. Before that, he worked as Joint Secretary, in the Cabinet Secretariat, from January 2011 to July 2012

Education Qualification -Post Graduate Diploma in Management, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (July 1986March 1988).

-Bachelor of Technology, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (July 1982March 1986) specialising in the general discipline of Electrical Engineering, with electives in the area of Computer Software and Engineering.

-Indian School Certificate, St. Francis College, Lucknow (March 1982).
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was allegedly snubbed by Rahul Gandhi during his visit to the national capital, New Delhi, amid the leadership crisis in the Congress-ruled state.

Siddaramaiah had been in Delhi for the last three days and had reportedly left without meeting Rahul Gandhi. I tried to get an appointment to meet Rahul Gandhi but did not get one for now, Siddaramaiah is heard telling reporters on Thursday, 10 July.

Siddaramaiah, instead, met Congress General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, in Delhi. He met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during his Delhi trip on Thursday.

Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge flew to Odisha for an event on Friday.

Insulting Karnataka Leader The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Rahul Gandhi of insulting another senior leader from Karnataka.

I tried to get an appointment to meet Rahul Gandhi but did not get one for now.

This isnt the first time a Gandhi has insulted a senior leader from Karnataka. History remembers how Rajiv Gandhi unceremoniously sacked an ailing Veerendra Patil, triggering the Congresss downfall in the state, BJP leader Amit Malviya said in a post on X, accompanied by a video of Karnataka CM.

Now, a weakened Siddaramaiah is forced to hide behind the very man plotting against him, DK Shivakumar, who is eagerly waiting to take his chair, Malviya said.

Leadership change speculation Siddramaiah's Delhi visit once again fanned speculation over a possible change in Karnataka's CM. The Chief Minister, however, again dismissed speculation about a change in the state's leadership, asserting that there has been no discussion with the Congress high command about the change.

How many times do I tell you, it (speculations around Karnataka CM post) was not discussed at all? This issue was not discussed at all with the high command, Siddaramaiah said on Friday.

Taking to X, Siddaramaiah informed about Congress leaders meeting with Kharge, in which he mentioned that several important issues were discussed.

Today, in Delhi, AICC leaders and senior state leaders met Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence and discussed several important issues.

Earlier, Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala held one-to-one meetings with Congress MLAs, which sparked speculation over the party handing the leadership to DK Shivakumar.

However, Siddaramaiah clarified to reporters that Surjewala clearly stated that the purpose of meeting the MLAs in the state is not to discuss the change of Chief Ministers.

The state Congress in charge has dismissed the question of a change in the Chief Minister, saying that there is no room for speculation on this issue. These speculations are created by the media, and there has been no discussion on the change of the Chief Minister in the Congress circle, CM said.
Cultivating new generation of envoys for China-U.S. friendship

16:47, July 11, 2025 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

A student from the University of Tulsa in the United States plays shadow puppets at a school in Gaoxian county, Yibin, southwest China's Sichuan province, May 31, 2025. (Photo by Zhuang Ge'er/People's Daily Online)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently replied to teachers and students of the U.S. youth pickleball cultural exchange delegation from Montgomery county, Maryland, who visited China under the initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs in a five-year span.

Xi congratulated the delegation on its successful visit to China, expressing the hope that the delegation members will become a new generation of ambassadors for friendship between the two countries and make greater contributions to enhancing the friendship between the two peoples.

Xi's heartfelt message resonated deeply with the delegation, injecting fresh momentum into growing people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.

For any great cause to succeed, it must take root in the people, gain strength from the people, and be accomplished by the people. Growing China-U.S. friendship is such a great cause.

At a welcome dinner by friendly organizations in the U.S. in San Francisco in November 2023, Xi announced that to increase exchanges between the two peoples, especially between the youth, China is ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years.

In 2024, more than 16,000 American youths visited China through this program, representing all 50 states and Washington, D.C. As one group after another travels across the Pacific, forging friends, learning Chinese, experiencing Chinese culture, and exploring modern China, they are building a more resilient foundation for bilateral relations.

High school students from Pennsylvania learn traditional Chinese calligraphy at Yancheng Institute of Technology, east China's Jiangsu province, June 20, 2025. (Photo by Sun Huajin/People's Daily Online)

The future of the China-U.S. relationship depends on the youth. Youth exchanges remain a vital source of strength for the development of bilateral relations.

Pickleball, a dynamic and inclusive sport, has become a new bond for youth exchanges between China and the United States. From teamwork on the court to cultural exchanges off the court, students are writing a new chapter of friendship with their passion and sincerity.

Such exchanges help dismantle cultural barriers and enhance mutual understanding, reflecting their shared aspiration for peace, cooperation, and mutual benefit. The friendships they forged are not only cherished memories but also a beacon of hope for the future of China-U.S. relations.

As more and more young people from both countries come to understand and appreciate each other, and become new-generation envoys of friendship, they will continue to inject vitality into the development of bilateral relations.

The achievements of China-U.S. relations have always been driven by the efforts of ordinary people. Likewise, the path forward depends on their continued engagement and goodwill.

No matter how the global landscape evolves, the historical trend of peaceful coexistence between China and the U.S. will not change. The ultimate wish of the two peoples for exchanges and cooperation will not change. The expectations of the whole world for a steadily growing China-U.S. relationship will not change.

From the icebreaking "Ping-Pong Diplomacy" in the 1970s to today's pickleball exchanges, sincere people-to-people interactions between the two countries have consistently supported the bilateral relationship.

At this critical juncture in China-U.S. relations, strengthening people-to-people ties is more important than ever. Both sides should facilitate cross-cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions and work to remove unnecessary barriers that hinder engagement.

China remains open and welcoming to the American people and stands ready to enhance mutual understanding through exchanges and cooperation. By encouraging greater interactions and closer bonds between the peoples, both countries can continue deepening the legacy of friendship and contribute to the long-term development of bilateral relations.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, China and the U.S. fought side by side for peace and justice, and the friendship forged during wartime between the two peoples has withstood the test of history and contributed to the ultimate triumph of the global anti-fascist cause.

Moving forward, China stands ready to work with the U.S. to draw strength from the history of friendship between their peoples, and to promote the steady, sound, and sustained development of bilateral relations, delivering more benefits to both peoples.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
LETTER TO RESERVE MY LEGAL RIGHTS AND SEEK JUSTICE

To: The Village Office of Standard July 10, 2025

CC: Mr. Justin Vallee, Peace Officer Department of Wheatland County

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to formally reserve my legal right to fairness, justice, and equal treatment under the law. I was recently informed by Mr. Justin Vallee of the Peace Officer Department that your office requested officers be sent to both of my properties for the purpose of taking photographs. This deeply troubling development has compelled me to publicly and officially outline the sustained mistreatment and institutional abuse I have endured since relocating from Montreal to the Village of Standard in 2012.

I. Abuse of Authority and Discriminatory Treatment

- The illegal and repeated dumping of street snow onto both of my properties.

- Forcing me to apply for a development permit, only to later claim it was not required.

- Denying my efforts to designate my historic hotel as a heritage site, despite prior commitments.

- Excluding my hotel from tourism promotion platformseven after I paid associated costs.

- Bringing in inspectors to unnecessarily target my property and business operations.

- The mayor publicly discouraging residents from supporting my business.

- Using municipal influence to redirect customers to competing businesses.

II. Systematic Interference with My Livelihood

- Encouraging the local grocery store and arena to serve food in direct competition with my business.

- Supporting the deputy mayors opening of a rival bar and lounge.

- Failing to protect my property following a robbery, during which my vending machine was stolen.

- Deliberately removing my business from local events, promotions, and centennial celebrations.

- Minimizing or deleting any mention of my hotel on the villages official platforms.

III. Illegal Property Actions and Legal Manipulation

- Charging unauthorized storage fees and concealing them within my property tax billeven after you claimed ownership of the property.

- Illegally placing my hotel up for public auction without lawful process.

- Seizing land belonging to me in order to pay for your legal expenses.

- Using funds collected from my own property taxes to hire legal counsel to manipulate court proceedingsresulting in my claims being struck out in both the Court of Kings Bench and the Court of Appeal, despite my failing health and unexamined evidence.

IV. Personal and Human Cost

- I have endured years of relentless harassment, which has led to serious mental and physical suffering.

- I was recently relocated to a senior housing facility in Calgary under emergency medical and social intervention due to stress-related illness.

- I have been forced to abandon both of my properties in the Village of Standard due to the hostile and unsafe conditions you created.

V. My Ongoing Commitment to Justice

Let me be absolutely clear: although I have been displaced, I have not surrendered my legal rights. I remain fully committed to seeking justicenot only for myself, but to ensure that other vulnerable individuals are not similarly mistreated in the future. This is a matter not just of personal loss, but of public accountability and civil responsibility.

I invested over half a million dollars in your village with the intention of building a life, a business, and contributing to the local economy. In return, I was met with hostility, obstruction, and cruelty.

This letter stands as a formal record and protest of your ongoing actions and a declaration of my continuing right to seek legal redress through every available channelbe it public, legal, or political.

Respectfully,

Peter Zhen Guo Pan

Delivered via registered post and electronic mail, CC: Mr. Justin Vallee  Peace Officer Department

Detail from my petition "I AM STRUGGLING DISCRIMINATION OF SMALL-TOWN POLITICAL ABUSE": https://chng.it/VhgVjWMhbX
Lotus flowers have started blooming in Kashmirs Wular Lake after three decades. The reappearance of the flower crop in north Kashmirs river has renewed hope for communities that once depended on the lake for their livelihood.

The flowersknown for their stems, nadru, a prized vegetable in the Valleys largely non-vegetarian cuisinedisappeared after the devastating 1992 floods deposited thick layers of silt across the lakebed.

Also Read | Mamata meets Abdullah, urges Centre to ensure safety in Jammu and Kashmir

The revival of the lotus is being attributed to an ongoing desilting and restoration project by the Wular Lake Management Authority.

The efforts, which started in 2020, aim to restore the lakes original depth and improve water flow by removing silt and waste carried by the Jhelum River and its tributaries.

We thought this would never return, Mohammad Yaqoob, a local farmer from Watlab village in the neighbourhood, told a local news agency in Kashmir.

My father used to harvest lotus stems here. I used to help him when I was young. Then the flood came and everything changed, he said

Spread over nearly 200 square kilometres and located between the towns of Bandipora and Sopore, Wular Lake was once a major source of income for hundreds of families in the region from Asias largest freshwater lake.

The lotus stem, a staple in traditional Kashmiri cuisine, also provided seasonal employment,especially during the harsh winters when other livelihood options were scarce.

Also Read | How many ways can you cook lotus stem? Ask a Kashmiri

Lotus also grows in Dal Lake and Manasbal Lake in the Valley.

Officials said that while lotus stems hadnt been seen for decades, the plants root structures remained buried beneath the silt.

The lotus has seen a revival in areas where we have removed silt over the last few years. Since lotus seeds were buried deep inside the silt and soil, they couldnt grow. Now that the silt has been removed, lotus has again grown, says Mudasir Ahmad, a zonal officer of the Wular Conservation and Management Authority, told the Indian Express.

The desilting work has removed over 7.9 million cubic meters of silt from the lake so far, the officials said. This year, the authorities introduced lotus seeds in areas where dredging had been completed.

The authorities involved in the conservation plan said the larger goal is to install retention basins along major streams to stop future silt and waste from entering the lake.

Zahoor Ahmad, a resident of Laharwalpora, said local families had tried to reintroduce the lotus on their own. We threw seeds into the lake many times, but nothing grew, he said.

Its only now, after the silt was cleared, that we see the flowers again.

Ahmad told the news agency that the return of the lotus is not only a sign of ecological improvement but also a source of renewed economic activity for many households around the lake.

We thought this would never return.

Kashmir saw devastating floods in September 1992, which caused considerable damage to the rich ecosystem of Wular Lake by depositing a large quantity of silt that buried the lotus vegetation.
Months after Indian security forces struck terror bases in Pakistan, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday said that India targeted nine terror targets in the neighbouring country with precision under Operation Sindoor.

Doval, while speaking at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras, added that the entire Operation Sindoor took only 23 minutes. He called for the development of indigenous technology.

We have to develop our indigenous technology. Mention of Sindoor was made here. We are really proud of how much of indigenous content was there...We decided to have 9 terrorist targets in the criss-cross of Pakistan, it was not in the border areas. We missed none. We hit nowhere else except that, Doval was quoted as saying by ANI.

It was precise to the point where we knew who was where. Entire operation took 23 minutes... he added.

Criticised foreign media: The NSA hit out at foreign media for their reportage on Operation Sindoor, and challenged them to show any visuals of any destruction in India.

Foreign press said that Pakistan did that and this...You tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian (structure), even a glass pane having been broken Doval said, according to ANI.

"They wrote these things and put out things...The images only showed 13 air bases in Pakistan before and after 10th May, whether it was in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala...I am only telling you what the foreign media put out on the basis of images...We are capable of doing that (damage to Pakistani air bases..." the NSA added.

India's Operation Sindoor: The Indian Armed Forces on 7 May launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours and hit nine terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), killing more than 100 terrorists.

India's armed forces attack was a direct military response to the 22 April 'Pahalgam Terror Attack', where 26 people were killed. Following India attack, Pakistan also launched drones, but failed to hit India. On 10 May, an understanding on stopping all military action was reached.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said on Thursday that there is no legal provision under the DMC Act, 1957, to close meat shops along the Kanwar Yatra routes.

This clarification came a day after Delhi's Culture and Tourism Minister, Kapil Mishra, noted that meat shops would be shut along these routes, claiming the decision was made jointly by the Delhi government and the MCD, PTI reported.

The annual Kanwar Yatra, which takes place during the Hindu month of Shravan (Saawan), is from July 11 and will conclude on July 25.

In a written reply to a question in the MCD House, the civic body said that under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, there is no provision to shut meat shops on the routes of the Kanwar Yatra.

However, in the past few years, it has been observed that owners of these establishments voluntarily keep their shops closed during the annual pilgrimage.

(MCD's) regional offices have been directed to run a special campaign against illegal animal slaughter and sale of meat in the open to ensure that the religious sentiments of anyone are not hurt, the written reply said during the monthly House proceedings.

It also said that civic officials have been asked to ensure that meat shops along the kanwar yatra routes are covered. Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh echoed the civic body's legal position.

We will request meat shop owners to voluntarily shut their shops in deference to the religious sentiments associated with the Kanwar Yatra, he told PTI.

He, all the same, added, Those without valid licences will not be allowed to operate. For those who are legal, we are only making a request. This is about mutual respect among communities.

Twenty-five kanwar camps have been set up at various locations.

MCD said its has deployed 22 doctors to work in regular shifts at these camps, supported by 10 on-call medical professionals.

An additional 62 support staff have been appointed, and 12 mobile dental vans will provide round-the-clock health services, it said.

Also Read:route-asked-to-display-owners-names-opposition-likens-social-crime-to-nazi-germany-11721296926781.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual"> UP eateries along Kanwar Yatra route asked to display owners' names, Opposition likens social crime to Nazi Germany

The civic body has also deployed extra sanitation teams and equipment at kanwar camps and along the pilgrimage routes.

Regional sanitation and engineering officers have been instructed to remain vigilant and ensure roads remain clean and free of waterlogging. Water tankers and suction machines have been stationed at key locations.

Meanwhile, a meat shop association member told PTI that the government should not link business with festivals.

We respect all religions and sentiments, but this is not a one-day event.

We respect all religions and sentiments, but this is not a one-day event, said Vivek Kumar, who runs Vikas chicken and meat shop. Many families are entirely dependent on such businesses  what will they do in such a situation? he asked.

Officials have banned people from selling meat on footpaths, streets, or near camps during the yatra. The MCD asserted that unlicensed shops, or those found flouting norms, would face strict action.
Three days after Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaulted a staff member for allegedly serving him stale food, a non-cognisable offence has been filed against him in MLA hostel canteen worker assault case, Mumbai Police said on Friday.

Earlier on Tuesday, Gaikwad was caught on CCTV slapping the employee  Yogesh Kutran  of Akashvani MLA hostel at Churchgate.

According to the details, Gaikwad had ordered dinner from the canteen on Tuesday night. However, he found the dal and rice delivered in his room to be stale and foul smelling. Angry after this, the Sena MLA from Buldhana stormed into the canteen and confronted the employee. He also hit the employee on his face.

What Gaikwad said after the incident? After the incident, Gaikwad said, as quoted by NDTV, "These Shettys have been playing with our lives for a long time. Today, they tried to play with my life. My stomach isn't good and I have been disturbed over it for the last 20 years. The slightest mistake can land me up with a stomach ache."

"The Opposition shares their views but do they not know that these Shettys of the south have defamed Maharashtra's culture, be it in terms of dance bars or ladies bars. These things have been going on in Maharashtra for a long time and are being done by the Shettys. Shetty is not written on his forehead but the hotel belongs to the Shettys," he added.

On being asked if he might have reacted differently if the canteen employee been a Marathi, Gaikwad said, "This is not a question about Marathis. Firstly, Marathis wouldn't have made such a mistake... The people of Maharashtra have never run a dance bar, or a ladies bar, they have never done such acts, only outsiders do such acts. Earlier Balasaheb had also protested these."

CM Fadnavis assures action: Following the video sparked a row, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Gaikwad's conduct was unnecessary.

He said, "We came to know that the facilities were not up to the mark, the food was stale. Whatever it is, one can register a complaint. I request you (Chair) to deal with it independently. But for a public representative to assault someone, and the video getting circulated is not good."

Even Deputy CM Eknath Shinde too condemned his party colleague's actions. "We are representatives of the people and we have some responsibility. I condemn Gaikwad's action. I have told him that it's wrong to slap someone," he said.

However, Gaikwad continued to defend himself. He said, "I have been complaining about it for the last two to three years but in vain. It was not just me, but several other MLAs, their personal assistants and other people raised similar complaints but nothing came out of it. I knew the road I adopted was incorrect but taking the wrong road has led me to the right path, and this is why a case has been registered against him today."

Previous controversies: In 2024, Gaikwad sparked a row after he offered a reward of 11 lakh to anyone who chopped off senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's tongue.

Also, a video showed a policeman washing Gaikwad's car, to which the legislator said that the policeman had volunteered.

In February 2024, Gaikwad claimed he hunted a tiger in 1987 and wears its tooth around his neck. Following this, he was charged under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Allahabad High Court reportedly observed that merely expressing support for Pakistan without referencing any specific incident or mentioning India by name does not prima facie constitute an offence under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to Bar and Bench, a bench of Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal noted, Merely showing support to the Pakistan without referring to any incident or mentioning the name of India, will not prima facie attract the offence under Section 152 BNS...

"Merely posting a message to simply show support for any country may create anger or disharmony among citizens of India and may also be punishable under Section 196 BNS which is punishable up to seven years but definitively will not attract the ingredients of Section 152 BNS," the bench reportedly observed.

What is Section 152 BNS? Section 152 BNS penalise acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.

What is Section 196 BNS? Section 196 of the BNS deals with the offense of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste, or community, and doing acts that are prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony. It criminalises hate speech and actions that incite hatred or ill-will between different groups.

What was the social media post under scrutiny According to Live Law, an 18-year-old boy (Riyaz) was booked under Sections 152 and 196 of the BNS for allegedly posting an Instagram story that read: "Chahe jo ho jai sport to bas...Pakistan ka karenge [Whatever happens, we will support only... Pakistan]."

The bench of Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal granted bail to him later.

Also Read | 3 killed as explosives detonate prematurely in Pak's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

When to use Section 196 and 152 of BNS The High Court noted that Section 152 of the BNS is a newly introduced provision with no equivalent in the IPC, and thus must be invoked with caution.

It further stressed that spoken words or social media posts fall under the right to free speech and should not be narrowly interpreted unless they clearly threaten the nation's sovereignty or promote separatism, Bar and Bench reported.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has written to the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), state government authorities and certain banks to ascertain the details of assets, accounts and finances of Jalaluddin alias Changur Baba, the alleged mastermind of an illegal religious-conversion racket, official sources said.

The Uttar Pradesh Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Changur Baba, his son Mehboob and associates Naveen alias Jamaluddin and Neetu alias Nasreen are in police custody in the case.

The four have been booked under sections 121A, 153A, 417, and 420 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 3, 5(1), 5(2), 5(3), and 8(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 at ATS police station in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. Nasreens husband and Jalaluddins son Mehboob were arrested in the same case on April 8 earlier this year while efforts are on to arrest 14 other co-accused in the matter.

Changur Baba, 78, also known as Jalaluddin Shah, is accused of targeting girls from several communities and even maintained a 'rate list' for conversions, officials said.

Changur is a term generally used for someone with six fingers. Jalaluddin is also said to have six fingers.

Changur, who used to sell rings and amulets on his bicycle and later became the head of the village,is from Rehra Ma village in Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh. Later, he used to lure widowers by promising incentives, financial help, and even marriage for religious conversion.

ED to seek remand The federal probe agency is also expected to move a court soon, seeking custodial remand for the questioning of the Balrampur district-based baba, whose real name is Karimulla Shah.

The ED's Lucknow zonal unit filed a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)on Wednesday, taking cognisance of an ATS FIR against Changur Baba and some others at Lucknow's Gomti Nagar police station.

The ED has found preliminary inputs that suggest that the man amassed funds worth about 106 crore, mainly from the Middle East, in 40 bank accounts linked to him and his associates, agency sources told news agency PTI.

The agency alleged that Jalaludddin had established an "extensive network" operating from the premises of the "Chand Auliya Dargah" in Balrampur, where he regularly organised "large" gatherings attended by both Indian and foreign nationals.

Through his religious discourses, publication of a book, titled "Shijra-e-Tayyaba", and "psychological" influence, "promoted" Islam, while "systematically" inducing, coercing and manipulating individuals of other faiths  particularly Hindus, Scheduled Castes and economically-disadvantaged persons  into religious conversion, the news agency said.

These acts were part of a broader organised effort to carry out "mass conversions" and accumulate wealth through "deceitful" means, they said.

Amassed wealth in 10 years A report first carried by Hindustan Times said that Jalaludddin had amassed multiple properties in Balrampur (Uttar Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra) and a band of luxury vehicles in the past decade. The officials said the sprawling property, located in Madhpur village under Uttaraula tehsil in Balrampur, which was demolished on Tuesday for being illegally constructed on gram sabha land, was spread over nearly three bighas and estimated to be worth 3 crore.

The ED has written to the ATS, Balrampur district authorities and the anti-money laundering cells of some banks, seeking information about the movable and immovable assets, accounts and finances of Jalaluddin as well as his family and those linked to him, the sources said.

The ED sources said they suspect that Jalaluddin undertook "illegal" constructions at residential, commercial and institutional premises, without obtaining the requisite land-use conversion approvals from the state government.

The ATS had said in a statement that "the poor, helpless labourers, weaker sections and widowed women were lured with incentives, financial aid, promises of marriage, or forced through intimidation, in violation of established procedures for religious conversion by the accused".

The poor, helpless labourers, weaker sections and widowed women were lured with incentives, financial aid, promises of marriage, or forced through intimidation.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Tuesday that an "initial probe" has shown that the activities of accused Jalaluddin are "not only against the society, but also against the nation".
Babbar Khalsa International terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi admitted to firing 12 bullets at Kapil Sharmas newly opened "Kaps Cafe" in Surrey, Canada, early July 10.

Videos show masked men shooting from a moving car, shattering the cafes glass windows while staff were inside. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Who is Harjeet Singh Laddi? Laddi is a Germany-based operative on Indias most-wanted list, accused Sharmas show of mocking Nihang Sikhs religious attire and traditions. Surrey Polices FLIS team is investigating the attack, which occurred days after the cafes soft launch.



Terror Group: Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)

Wanted For: Murder of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar (2024)

NIA Reward: Rs. 10 lakh for capture

Base: Germany (coordinates Canada/UK operations)

Key Role: Weapons smuggling, recruitment, funding terror plots



Attack sparked by "disrespect" to Sikh warriors Laddis social media statement claimed Sharmas show featured a comedian wearing Nihang attire while making "disgraceful jokes" about Sikh traditions. He alleged his team called Sharmas manager "15 times" seeking an apology but received no response.

Nihang Singhs are revered warrior-saints in Sikhism known for distinctive blue robes and martial history. The banned BKI group, linked to Pakistan-based handlers, has previously attacked Hindu leaders in Punjab.

Cafe vows resilience as police hunt attackers Kaps Cafe posted on Instagram: "Violence wont break our dream of building community through coffee." Staff thanked Surrey Police and supporters using #SupportKapsCafeCanada.

Investigators recovered bullet casings and reviewed security footage but havent shared suspect details.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on July 11 that it has successfully coordinated Kubbawala Mustafa's return from the UAE through INTERPOL Channels.

Mustafa is a wanted criminal by the Mumbai police in connection with a drug haul.

Also Read | India tightens export rules for medicines amid misuse abroad

The International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of CBI in collaboration with NCB-Abu Dhabi, successfully brought back wanted Red Notice subject Kubbawala Mustafa on 11.07 2025, the agency said in a report.

A four-member team of Mumbai Police went to Dubai, UAE, on July 7 to bring back the Mustafa. The team arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, on July 11 from theUAE.

Mustafa was geo-located in the UAE through close follow-up by CBI through INTERPOL with NCB-Abu Dhabi, the agency said.

Who is Kubbawala Mustafa? Mustafa is wanted by Mumbai police in an FIR registered at Kurla Police Station, Mumbai, on the allegations of operating a Synthetic Drug Manufacturing Factory in Sangli from abroad.

About 126.141 kg Mephedrone drugs worth 2.5 million was recovered and confiscated from the said factory linked to Mustafa and others.

Mephedrone, also known as 4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC, and 4-methylephedrone, is a synthetic stimulant drug belonging to the amphetamine and cathinone classes.

Mustafa has been chargesheeted and Court also issued arrest warrant against him.

Red Notice published through INTERPOL CBI got the Red Notice published through INTERPOL in this case on in November 2024 on the request of Mumbai Police.

NCB-Abu Dhabi on 19.06.2025 conveyed that, their authorities have requested to send a security mission to UAE to bring back the subject to India. Subsequently, a team of Mumbai Police was formed to bring back the subject from UAE, the agency said.

Red Notices published by INTERPOL are circulated to all law enforcement agencies globally to track wanted criminals.

The International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of CBI in collaboration with NCB-Abu Dhabi, successfully brought back wanted Red Notice subject Kubbawala Mustafa.

CBI, as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India, coordinates with all Law Enforcement Agencies in India through BHARATPOL for assistance via INTERPOL channels.
Ahead of Kanwar Yatra, Noida traffic police issued an advisory imposing restrictions and diversions on traffic movement from July 11 onwards. The traffic restrictions will be effective from today, 10:00 PM till July 25. During this period, Kanwar pilgrims will pass through Ghaziabad to travel to Bulandshahr, Hapur, Moradabad and other nearby areas from Gautam Buddha Nagar.

Kanwar pilgrims are scheduled to enter Noida through Mayur Vihar and exit at Kalindi Kunj. Passing through the Shani Temple and Okhla Bird Sanctuary on their route, the pilgrims will cover a route of approximately four kilometres within the city.

Also Read | Kanwar Yatra: Avoid THESE roads as Delhi traffic police issues advisory

All concerned departments were asked to repair and maintain cleanliness along the route for the Kanwar pilgrims, HT quoted officials as saying. This statement comes after Noida Police held meetings with power and health departments, Noida authority, DJ operators and event organisers.

Also Read | Delhi meat shops on Kanwar yatra routes to remain closed during Sawan month?

Deputy Commissioner of Police (traffic) Lakhan Singh Yadav informed that goods carriers will be diverted to the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway for those heading towards Delhi and Haryana.

Furthermore, movement of goods carriers on city roads will be restricted as goods carriers "will be stopped on major routes including the Elevated Road, DND Flyway, and Kalindi Kunj, he added. Furthermore, the vehicular movement from Chilla red light to Okhla Bird Sanctuary via the Shani Temple will be entirely prohibited.

Also Read | Ghaziabad schools shut till August 2 in view of Kanwar Yatra

One lane will be used for light vehicular movement while the other will be exclusively dedicated to Kanwariyas, Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Vipin Tada informed HT. To avoid congestion traffic restrictions are in place across several key highways and intercity routes connecting Delhi, Uttarakhand, and western UP districts.
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane, on Friday, July 8 made a controversial remark at a event in Mumbai, claiming that the ones wearing round caps and beards did not vote for him.

The ones wearing round caps and beards did not vote for me. I have become an MLA with the votes of Hindus. If I do not support Hindus, will I support those who speak Urdu?... They are green snakes... The DNA of Mumbai is Hindu, Nitesh Rane said during an event in Mumbai, reported ANI.

Nitesh Rane makes the controversial remark during an event in Mumbai

The Maharashtra leader's comments come days after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Javed Shaikhs son allegedly misbehaved with Marathi social media influencer Rajshree More, and the ongoing Marathi language row.

Wont take action on Sheikh' Nitesh Rane had accused the MNS party of inaction, claiming they would not act against the accused because he is a Sheikh, and alleged that the party selectively targets only poor Hindus.

Also Read | BJP MP Nishikant Dubey again targets Raj Thackeray amid Marathi language row

Nitesh Rane said, His name is Rahil Sheikh, and they will not release his video. They will only target poor Hindus because they have taken the contract to divide this Hindu rashtra. They have taken a contract to appease jihadis. The rules they impose on Hindus, when will they impose the same rules on the Sheikh? This has been our question from the beginning. This is clear politics. They won't take action on Sheikh. They become soft went they roam on Mohammad Ali Road and Behrampada, reported ANI.

Raj Thackeray-led MNS party was under the scanner not just after the viral road rage incident, but also because of how some workers from the party had slapped a restaurant owner in Thane for not speaking in Marathi.

Hindi-Marathi language row The latest turn of events come amid the ongoing Hindi-Marathi language row in Maharashtra.

The controversy erupted in April after the Maharashtra government made it compulsory for state-run primary schools to teach Hindi as a third language.
Q: With Canada heavily reliant on the US for exports, how realistic is it for Canada to diversify its trade relationships with Europe, Asia, and Latin America in the next 5-10 years?

A:

Diversifying trade for Canada is not only realistic but natural. Canada has three oceans: the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Arctic. Trade through the oceans is the key to the rise of capitalism. Modern capitalism originated from the Hanseatic League, a seaport-city association. It is the trade via sea that created the modern world.

Sea trade is so important that contemporary superpowers are essentially a sea trade monopoly. Dutch, Portugal, Spain, Britain, and now the US are superpowers in turn in history. If we examine the world, we will find that most economic hot spots are seaports: New York, London, Amsterdam, Los Angle, Hamburg, etc.

The Canadian economy, relying on trade with the US, is unnatural. The majority of economic activities are in Ontario. This is insane. Look to the South, the most economic activities happen along the coast. Canada has three oceans, but its economy looks like an inland economy. If Canada embraces the free market, Halifax and Vancouver should be larger economies than Toronto. Montreal used to be the largest city in Canada because of the St. Laurence River. Montreal is a port city. It used to be the largest fur trade port city.

Halifax to Canada should be like New York to the US. BC to Canada should be like California to the US. Thats natural.

If Canada is a real member of the G7, market-wise, its coast should be more prosperous than the inland. The Canadian economy should be an entity of the world economy. Yet, Ontario is the most prosperous province. The Canadian economy is not a part of the world economy, but only part of the North American economy. The Canadian economy is unnatural. Heavy reliance on exports to the US is unnatural. It is a long-time geopolitical and ideological manipulation that has shaped the Canadian economy into the trap of US mercantilism. It reduced Canada to a vassal state of the US.

Trump is making Canada great again. Now, Canada does not have a comfort zone as a member of North America. Canada is forced by Trump to find its position in the global economy. Port development is the key. The Canadian coat of arms has the motto: From Ocean to Ocean, in Latin. This motto gives Canadians pride and a position in the world economy. Canada should develop ports, rails, highways, and pipelines to connect to the ports, so that the Canadian economy becomes a real member of the global economy.

The Carney government needs a feasible financial scheme to build this infrastructure. Because the infrastructure has a positive impact on Canada's economy, there must be a feasible way to finance the construction of these infrastructures without bankrupting the government.

In order to accomplish this, Canada has to eliminate the distractions from geopolitical and ideological manipulation of our economy and public perception. If the policy is manipulated by geopolitical and ideological agendas, then Canada has no economic policy. All the economic policies serve the geopolitical agenda and will fail. For example, Canada had an EV strategy and invested heavily in EV batteries. It looks like an economic policy. But it is essentially a geopolitical policy. And it failed.

Canada is an energy-rich country, yet the energy cost in Canada is one of the highest. The high cost at the gas pumps makes living costs high, and salaries need to be high, making Canada's economy uncompetitive. Because our energy has no access to the world market and can only export to the US at a deep discount.

Canada excluded Huawei and other Chinese communication companies, so that there is no market competition. The communication cost is high and making the Canadian economy uncompetitive.

Canada has many Chinese talents, but they are not trusted and are squeezed out of the forefront of research.

It is the economy, stupid. The heavy reliance on exports to the US is stupid. The heavy reliance on exports to the US is not economic. It is geopolitical and ideological. It is stupid. No politician says we should rely on exports to the US. But their narratives are full of ideological slogans that shaped national policies and made Canada rely on exports to the US. Diversity has been a consensus for decades, not just after Trump's tariffs, but it never works. It did not work before and does not work today, and will never work if the policies are all ideological. All the policies are for defending democracy and human rights worldwide. There are no economic policies. Canada only does business with like-minded allies, and the leader of the allies is the US. Thats why Canada relies heavily on exports to the US. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Pakistani actor Humaira Asghar Ali, who is in the spotlight after her body was found on Wednesday, reportedly died nine months ago. Highly decomposed corpse, last call record, stale food, dry taps and no electricity supply in the Karachi apartment she resided in reveals chilling details, Arab News reported.

What phone record suggests? Humaira Asghar Ali's lifeless body was discovered on July 9 in a very advanced stage of decomposition, according to Karachi Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed, who carried out the medical examination. Probe of her call records reveal that the phone was last used in October 2024.

Also Read | Pakistani actress Humaira Asghar's decomposed body found in Karachi apartment

Her last social media activity suggests that the 32-year-old model didn't use her account after September. Previously, a post-mortem report indicated that the corpse was at least a month old.

Notably, she was last seen by her neighbours between September and October last year.

No power supply Two officials familiar with the matter informed the news outlet that the electricity supply to her flat was disconnected in October 2024 over non-payment of bill. Humaira Asghar Ali's house neither had any power supply nor any candles.

While the taps ran dry pointing to no use for months, the officials added, Humairas body is likely nine months old. She probably died between paying her last utility bills and when her electricity was disconnected in October 2024, probably due to non-payment of the bill."

Also Read | Texas shooting: Gunman killed after opening fire at US Border Patrol facility

Stale food The food in her house had expired months ago, another police official noted and said, The jars had rusted, and food had expired six months ago. Meanwhile, no one alerted the police about the foul smell emanating from the house and the body as it was the only occupied flat on the floor.

Previously, her father, a retired army doctor, Dr Asghar Ali, refused to claim the body and asserted that they had severed all ties with the actress over the past two years. The police are yet to ascertain the reason of her death while her brother Naveed Asghar claimed that she last visited their house 1.5 years ago and had distanced herself from the family.
A brandy brawl that raged through India's patent bodies over 20 years has finally come to a close, with the Delhi High Court deciding who can lawfully sell South America's premium Pisco spirit in the country.

Vineyards from Peru and Chile can market their grape-based brandy as Pisco in India, the court ruled on Monday, provided the labelling clearly mentions the country of origin.

Liquor industry executives and lawyers termed it a landmark decision, strengthening Indias Geographical Indications (GI) framework by ensuring authentic products are properly labelled and protected.

This judgment reinforces the consumer protection mandate at the heart of the GI Act, ensuring that consumers receive clear and accurate information about a product's origin and characteristics," added Swati Sharma, partner & headintellectual property at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.

For lovers of Pisco, a niche premium liquor produced primarily in Peru's Ica Valley since the 16th Century, it means a wider choice of the drink, and clarity over where it came from. It is a clear, strong grape brandy with around 42% alcohol, distilled from fermented black Quebranta grapes.

The tussle

The dispute began in 2005, when the Embassy of Peru applied for GI protection in India for 'Pisco', seeking exclusive rights over the name for its grape-based brandy produced mainly in its Ica Valley. Chilean producers opposed, stating 'Pisco' has long been used in Chile to describe similar grape-based spirits made in its own designated regions, such as Coquimbo and Atacama. They even submitted evidence of Pisco production in Chile since 1733.

In 2009, Indias GI Registrar accepted Perus application, ordering it registered as 'Peruvian Pisco' to avoid consumer confusion. Peru challenged it, and in 2018, the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) granted it sole rights over 'Pisco', shutting out Chilean producers.

Chilean associations moved the Delhi High Court, leading to the latest ruling that both countries can use the name with clear country labels. The court also ordered the GI Registrar to update Perus registration to Peruvian Pisco and process Chiles GI application accordingly.

Trademark risk

This is one of the first Indian judgments recognizing that two countries can hold valid GI rights over the same product name if they come from distinct regions with unique characteristics. It shows Indian courts focus on market recognition and production linkage rather than nationalistic or historical claims," said Amit Kumar Panigrahi, a partner at Kochhar & Co.

Geographical Indications are defined under Indias GI Act and the WTOs TRIPS agreement as indications that identify a product as originating from a specific region, with examples such as Darjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice, and Kanchipuram Silk.

While the high court settled the GI dispute, it could lead to trademark infringement risks if labels are incorrect, said Swati Sharma of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. Selling Chilean Pisco simply as Pisco could infringe Perus GI, and vice versa. Importers and retailers must review all labels, menus, and listings carefully and manage separate SKUs to avoid mix-ups."

Focus on market

Though imports of Pisco remain minimal  just a few hundred cases annually, mainly in high-end bars, mixology events, and five-star hotels  it sits alongside other niche premium spirits like Grappa, Mezcal, and Armagnac in India. Brands occasionally imported include Barsol (Peru), Capel (Chile), La Diablada, and ABA Pisco.

In India, Pisco retails at 3,2004,400 a bottle, placing it among premium spirits like Grappa and Mezcal, and just below Cognac and Armagnac.

Allowing both Chilean and Peruvian origin Pisco may open up broader availability, improve education around the spirit, and eventually spur greater category growth," said Anant S Iyer, director general, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies.

Thats when demand for premium spirits is driving the growth of Indias alcoholic beverage market, whichcrossed 408 million cases in 2024 and is projected to grow over 5% in 2025. Super-premium India-made foreign liquor (IMFL) grew 23% last year as companies and consumers continue to move up the value chain.

Paritosh Bhandari, advisor, Three Brothers Distillery (55North Whisky), however, said that for Pisco, price sensitivity, lack of category awareness, and competition from more familiar imports like tequila, mezcal, and rum will remain hurdles in the short term.

Such niche spirits are primarily seen in high-end cocktail bars or boutique retailers in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, and Bengaluru. For instance, Latoya, a Latin American restaurant in Delhi, told Mint that they serve Pancho Fierro, a Peruvian Pisco, using around five bottles a month, according to Aloke Biswas, area operations manager at Manifest Hospitality, which operates the restaurant.

"While guests dont usually opt for Pisco as a straight pour, the Pisco Sour remains quite popular, with about 1015 cocktails sold monthly."
India is working on a 1,345-crore scheme to encourage the local production of rare earth magnets, at a time when Chinese curbs on these critical items threaten large swathes of the automobile industry.

The subsidy scheme is being discussed by various ministries, heavy industries minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said, adding the final proposal will be sent to the Union cabinet.

"We have sent the first outline for inter-ministerial consultation," Kumaraswamy said in response to a query about rare earth magnets.

Mint had reported on 17 June that an incentive programme for processing rare earth oxides and producing permanent magnets was in the works.

Heavy industries secretary Kamran Rizvi said that incentives will be given to two manufacturers who can process rare earth magnets from rare earth oxides. The scheme will be for end-to-end processing of rare earth magnets, he said.

The scheme comes as a response to an export control order issued by the Chinese commerce ministry in April, which led to a massive supply crunch of rare earth magnets widely used in electronic gadgets, automobiles and heavy machinery.

China commands 90-95% of the world's rare earth metal processing capacity, allowing it to use its exports to its own advantage. Rare earth elements and their products are used in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, clean mobility and electronics.

India has also flagged the disruption of supply chains on the global stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on 7 July at the 17th Brics conference that making critical mineral supply chains reliable is critical, and that no one country uses these resources for its own selfish gains or as a weapon against others.

"We need to work together to make supply chains for critical minerals and technology secure and reliable. Its important to ensure that no country uses these resources for its own selfish gain or as a weapon against others," Modi had said.

India is also part of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, where the US, Australia, Japan and India have pledged to work together to secure and diversify supply chains on 2 July.

IREL, a state-owned company, is the sole refiner of rare earths in India, with a capacity to make about 1,500 tonnes of rare earth magnets a year.

Mint reported on 24 June that the government had received proposals during consultations with stakeholders for funding about 20-50% of the cost of processing rare earths to make magnets.

Also Read | Auto dealers concerned about vehicle supplies amid rare earth magnet crisis

Also Read | Rush to buy rare earth magnets at a premium cushioned blow from China curbs

Rare earths are relatively abundant in the earths crust, but mineable concentrations are less common than for most other mineral commodities, said the 2025 US Geological Survey, adding that substitutes to rare earths are available for many applications but generally are less effective.
An extravagant party for about two dozen people in Madhya Pradesh featured a lavish menu, including 14 kilos of dry fruits, 30 kilos of snacks and a good 9 kilos of fresh fruits.

The menu for a handful of guests, including the district collector, senior officials, panchayat representatives and some villagers, turned a simple village choupal into a costly affair amounting to nearly 85,000.

The incident reportedly occurred in Bhadwahi village in Shahdol and came to light only after the bill, put up by the panchayat for reimbursement, went viral on social media.

The choupal was held under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Mission, an initiative for water conservation.

According to a Times of India report, the lengthy bill for the choupal has attracted a probe, which was ordered by none other than the Shahdol district collector, Kedar Singh, who said he did not eat any of the dry fruits.

What did the officials say? Kedar Singh, Shahdol DC, said, I do not eat dry fruits, and I didnt eat any at the meeting either. I left early. While ordering a probe into the matter, Singh promised action against those found guilty.

As these bills have come to my notice, I have ordered a probe, headed by the Gopaharu Janpad Panchayat CEO. Action would be taken against those found guilty, Singh told TOI.

It is good if locals who were also present at the event were provided with food. But how could so much of the dry fruits be used? Singh questioned.

In-charge district panchayat CEO, Mudrika Singh, who was also present at the event, said, It was dark. I could not see the dry fruits and their quantity.

We are examining the bills; there were a lot of people there. Action would be taken against those found guilty, she added.

What all was billed by the panchayat? The items on the menu include:

Cashews (Kaju) - 6 kg

Raisins (Kismis)  3 kg

Almond (Badam)  5 kg

Sugar  5 kg

Milk  6 litres

Bananas  5 dozen

Pomegranate (Anar)  3 kg

Grapes  3 kg

Apple  3 kg

Snacks  30 kg It also includes the price of poori, sabzi and tent bill.

However, Govind Gupta, the owner of the Kirana Store, whose bill has been used against the purchase of dry fruits and 30 kg of snacks, said no snacks were purchased from his store. Bills must be for other expenses, Gupta told TOI.

This incident comes days after social media outrage over a 1.07 lakh bill for painting two government schools, one in Sakandi and the other in Nipaniya village, under MP's Beohari tehsil.
A revolutionary classroom seating order, inspired by the movie Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, is being adopted by several schools across Kerala. The film premiered on OTT platform Saina Play last month and has since sparked a progressive change from traditional rows to a semi-circular arrangement.

Vinesh Viswanath, who made his directorial debut with the Malayalam film based on an upper primary school in Thiruvananthapuram, said, At least six schools have already introduced it and we came to know of it when they tagged our Instagram handle, The Hindu reported. The narrative focuses on how the conventional row-based seating arrangement is given up for a semi-circle arrangement with the teacher in the centre.

Recalling his school days at Government LP School in Thiruvananthapuram, Vinesh said that he used to sit like this in his primary classes, adding, But when we placed that as the climax, we never expected it to reach so many schools."

Watch Sthanarthi Sreekuttan trailer here:

Targeting equal student engagement, this initiative aims to promote a change in the conventional arrangement where studious students occupy the front benches while the disruptive and rebellious ones are the backbenchers.

The concept can be traced to the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP). The programme, launched by the Central Government in 1994 in five other states besides Kerala, recommended flexible seating arrangements. However, an inclination towards the traditional row system could not make its mass adoption a reality.

Set in K R Narayanan Uttar Pradesh school, the story follows four mischievous students. Starring Aju Varghese, Johny Antony, Saiju Kurup and several other child actors, the Mollywood movie was released in theatres on November 29.

Schools that have adopted this revolutionary change include RCC LPS East Mangad in Thrissur; GHSS at Tholanur in Palakkad; RVV HSS, Valakom, in Kollam; Pappinisseri West LP School in Kannur; NSV VHSS, Valacode in Kollam; and Andoor ALP School in Kannur. In most of these schools, the class strength is below 20.

Schools react St Joseph's Convent School Barnala in a post on Instagram said, No more back benchers and front benchers. Let our children learn equally.

High School Parippu wrote, Our Student enjoyed this change & the change was evident in their bonding also which makes a clear face to face interactions & teacher can access to all students individually while teaching, Giving notes etc.
Viral pygmy baby hippo Moo Deng' celebrated her first birthday on Thursday. The celebrations for the internet sensation baby hippopotamus took place at Thailands Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located in Chonburi. Moo Deng marked her first birthday with a cake weighing 20 kilograms (44 pound), made from fruits and vegetables, NBC News reported.

On the special day, the internet fame pygmy hippo wandered around her enclosure and took a few naps in-between before getting hosed down for a shower. She ate watermelon and vegetables on July 10, as thousands of fans from across the world paid visit to the famous zoo to watch Moo Deng celebrate her maiden birthday.

Pygmy hippo Moo Deng eating birthday cake at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand 's Chonburi province on July 10.

Pygmy hippo Moo Deng wandered around her enclosure at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand 's Chonburi province on July 10.

Pygmy hippo Moo Deng eating 44-pound cake at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand 's Chonburi province on July 10.

Pygmy hippo Moo Deng eating with her mother at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand 's Chonburi province on July 10.

The special birthday treat was made up of a selection of tropical fruits placed in a Thai traditional style. The heavy cake had to be carried by three zoo keepers into her enclosure. The four-day birthday festivities included a photo exhibition, a parade and a charity auction.

Also Read | Viral baby hippo from Thailand is facing harassment from visitors

At the auction, pygmy hippo's prized possessions were put up for sale. The plastic bathtub Moo Deng had used since her birth was sold for 1.31 lakh (50,000 baht) while a cast of her footprints went fetched 18.39 lakh (700,000 baht).

Moo Deng has made more people know about the zoo and they travel here, generating so much income for us - which allows us to improve the zoo a lot, Reuters quoted Moo Deng's Zoo caretaker Atthapon Nundee as saying.

The social media sensation baby pygmy hippo became famous after her playful and charming antics showcased at zoo's TikTok and Instagram accounts became viral. The animal arrived at the facility last year in September has since made a cameo on Saturday Night Live, including a visit from the cast of The White Lotus Season 3.

Famous for her sassy personality, Moo Deng also featured in TODAY morning show's special segment, usually reserved for humans.
In an inspiring example of lifelong learning, a 71-year-old man from Jaipur has shattered age-related stereotypes by qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA), one of Indias most challenging professional qualifications. Tara Chand Agarwal, a retired employee of the former State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur (SBBJ), embarked on this academic journey not in a classroom but at home - while helping his granddaughter prepare for her own CA examinations.

The story was shared on LinkedIn by CA Nikhilesh Kataria, who revealed how Agarwals interest in accountancy was sparked while assisting his granddaughter with her studies. What began as a supportive gesture soon evolved into a determined personal pursuit. After years of dedication, Agarwal successfully cleared the CA Final exams. Kataria praised his achievement, reminding readers that where there is a will, there is a way.

The story struck a chord online, with social media users flooding the post with messages of admiration and encouragement. Many hailed it as one of the most inspiring accounts of the year, applauding Agarwals resilience and passion for learning. Comments across platforms celebrated his unwavering determination, proving that education and ambition truly have no age limit.

CA Final 2025 results Meanwhile, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) declared the results of the Chartered Accountants Final Examination 2025 on 6 July. As reported by ANI, Maharashtras Ranjan Kabra from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district topped the CA Final exams, securing the All India Rank 1 (AIR-1) with an impressive score of 516 out of 600an overall 86%.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney struck back at President Trumps new 35% tariff threat, declaring Canada has made vital progress against fentanyl trafficking. Trumps tariff, set for August 1, hikes earlier 25% duties, blaming Canada for allowing the opioid to pour into the US.

Carney pledged ongoing cooperation to save lives but stressed Canada would keep defending its workers and trade interests. The move disrupts talks aiming for a US-Canada deal by July 21, now extended to August 1.

Fentanyl facts contradict Trumps border narrative Data reveals a stark disconnect between Trumps accusations and reality. U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized only 31 pounds of fentanyl at the Canada border this year, less than 0.1% of total U.S. seizures.

Over 99% of intercepted fentanyl enters through the Mexican border. Canada has invested $950 million in border security since January and appointed a "fentanyl czar" to coordinate cross-border efforts.

Public health experts confirm most Canadian fentanyl originates from Chinese labs and enters via U.S. West Coast ports, undermining Trumps claims of Canadian negligence.

Trade deficits and dairy disputes fuel tariff decision Behind the fentanyl rhetoric lie longstanding trade grievances. Trumps letter specifically cited Canadas $63 billion trade surplus with the U.S. and criticized Canadas dairy tariff system protecting local farmers.

The timing coincides with Canadas recent retreat on a proposed 3% digital services tax targeting U.S. tech giants, which Trump had called "a blatant attack."

While the new tariffs exempt goods compliant with the USMCA trade agreement (covering 40% of Canadas exports), they threaten to raise prices on lumber, machinery, and consumer goods. Carney vowed to "defend our workers" while expanding trade with the EU and UK.

Global trade chaos looms as deadlines approach Trump issued over twenty similar tariff threats this week, including 50% duties on Brazil and blanket 15-20% rates for non-negotiating nations. Markets reacted cautiously, with the Canadian dollar dipping 0.3% against the U.S. dollar.

Carneys team is accelerating talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen while sharing strategy with new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Also Read | McDonalds worker arraigned in fatal stabbing of manager at Detroit-area restaurant
US President Donald Trump will likely be denied the privilege of addressing Britains Parliament during his upcoming state visit in September, marking a significant diplomatic departure from recent norms.

Unlike French President Emmanuel Macron, who delivered a speech to both houses just days ago, no formal request has been submitted to Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for Trump to receive similar honors.



This decision follows strong opposition from Labour MPs like Kate Osborne, who called Trumps comments on Ukraine, democracy, and equality uncomfortable and worrying.

Recess timing avoids awkward confrontation The state visit is deliberately scheduled for mid-September when Parliament is in recessa tactical solution to sidestep potential protests. Parliament breaks on September 16 for party conferences, resuming October 13, creating a natural excuse to omit the address.

Labour MP Osborne acknowledged this timing as a diplomatic way to avoid honoring Trump while sparing him public rejection. The scheduling also circumvents a repeat of 2019, when then-Speaker John Bercow blocked Trump from speaking. Former UK ambassador Lord Ricketts, who criticized Trumps first visit for placing the Queen in a difficult position, endorsed this approach.

Trumps itinerary may also lack traditional state visit grandeur. He is not expected to visit Buckingham Palace (under renovation) or enjoy a ceremonial carriage procession, elements that Macron retained.



Security concerns may confine him to Winfield House (the U.S. ambassadors residence) instead of Windsor Castle, where Macron stayed. The scaled-back plans risk irritating Trump, who British officials note is sensitive to perceived slights and eager to outshine predecessors.
A few weeks out of detention, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil is pursuing justice as his legal team filed a $20 million claim on Thursday against the Trump administration, accusing it of falsely imprisoning him, pursuing a prosecution, and labelling him an antisemite to deport him due to his high-profile involvement in campus protests.

The claim, a necessary step before filing a lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act, targets the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the State Department, as reported by AP.

It comes as the deportation case against Khalil, a 30-year-old recent graduate student at Columbia University, continues to wind its way through the immigration court system.

The goal, Khalil said, is to send a message that he won't be intimidated into silence. They are abusing their power because they think they are untouchable, Khalil said. Unless they feel there is some sort of accountability, it will continue to go unchecked, AP reported.

Khalil said he plans to share any settlement money with others targeted in Trumps failed effort to suppress pro-Palestinian speech. In lieu of a settlement, he would also accept an official apology and changes to the administrations deportation policies.

In an emailed statement, Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, dismissed Mahmoud Khalils claim as absurd, accusing him of engaging in hateful behaviour and rhetoric that allegedly endangered Jewish students, AP reported.

Khalils filing, however, alleges that Trump and other officials orchestrated a reckless and unlawful campaign aimed at intimidating him and his family, starting with his arrest on March 8.

On that night, he said he was returning home from dinner with his wife, Noor Abdalla, when he was effectively kidnapped by plainclothes federal agents, who refused to provide a warrant and appeared surprised to learn he was a legal U.S. permanent resident.

He was then whisked overnight to an immigration jail in Jena, Louisiana, a remote location that was deliberately concealed from his family and attorneys, according to the filing.

Inside, Khalil said he was denied his ulcer medication, forced to sleep under harsh fluorescent lights and fed nearly inedible food, causing him to lose 15 pounds (7 kilograms). I cannot remember a night when I didnt go to sleep hungry, Khalil recalled, as reported by AP.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration publicly celebrated the arrest, promising to deport him and others whose protests against Israel it dubbed pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity.

Khalil, who has condemned antisemitism before and since his arrest, was not accused of a crime and has not been linked to Hamas or any other terror group. At some point, it becomes like reality TV, Khalil said of the allegations. Its very absurd.
President Donald Trump in Texas on Friday viewed firsthand the devastation left by extreme flooding that killed at least 120 people and left scores still missing in the states Hill Country region, seeking to reassure residents of the federal response to the disaster.

The president met with local officials and emergency workers in hard-hit Kerr County, where he received a briefing, accompanied on his visit by first lady Melania Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Trump surveyed the damage in a helicopter flight and then was shown what appeared to be a map of the flood-damaged area.

The scale of the destruction was evident  with Trump and the first lady standing in front of an overturned tractor trailer and amid downed trees, a testament to the force of the deadly, ravaging floodwaters which tore through the community.

Its a horrible thing, a horrible thing. Nobody can even believe it, such a thing  that much water, that fast, Trump told reporters earlier Friday as he left Washington. Were going to be there with some of the great families and others, the governor, everybody.

The deaths from the disaster include children who had been attending a girls summer camp located near the Guadalupe River, where high waters swept away cabins, bridges and roads. Camp Mystic said it had lost 27 campers and counselors in the deluge.

Officials in Kerr County, where the bulk of the deaths occurred, say the dead included 36 children and 60 adults. Around 160 people remain missing. The statewide death toll is expected to mount as rescuers continue to search through debris for those missing.

Local, state and federal officials have been under intense scrutiny in the days following the flash flood over their initial response, particularly over how a county prone to floods lacked warning sirens and whether forecasts were accurately conveyed to local residents in a timely manner.

Some Democrats have also raised questions about what impact the Trump administrations federal staffing cuts, including to the National Weather Service, may have had in the disaster.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier this week denounced the criticism as depraved and despicable, and said the National Weather Service provided early and consistent warnings. The White House has maintained the cuts to the workforce did not affect the response to the flash flood.

Trump signed a disaster declaration on Sunday for Kerr County. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said the US Coast Guard had been deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has sent resources to assist first responders in the state. Noem visited the state on Saturday and appeared alongside Abbott.

Abbott has called a special legislative session and several agenda items are related to the floods, including flood warning systems and natural disaster preparedness. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the state would pay for warning sirens in rural districts that cant afford them.

In an telephone interview with NBC News released on Thursday night, Trump said after seeing this horrible event, I would imagine youd put alarms up in some form.

With assistance from Joe Lovinger, John Harney and Derek Wallbank.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
The US State Department is laying off over 1,300 diplomats and civil servants as part of a reorganisation plan initiated earlier this year by President Donald Trump's administration, reported AP.

A senior official at the State Department announced on Friday that 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers with domestic US assignments will receive layoff notices.

The Foreign Service officers anticipated to be affected by the layoffs will be placed on administrative leave for a period of 120 days immediately. Following this, they will formally lose their jobs, according to an internal notice cited by AP. The separation period for the most affected civil servants is 60 days, it added.

In connection with the departmental reorganisation the department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities, the notice read. It further said, headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found from centralisation or consolidation of functions and responsibilities.

These job cuts have received praise from President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and their Republican allies, who consider them overdue and essential for making the department more streamlined, agile, and effective. However, they have faced strong criticism from current and former diplomats, who argue that these cuts will undermine US influence and its capacity to address current and emerging threats overseas.

Also Read | US layoffs: Trump gets Supreme Court nod to downsize federal workforce

Supreme Court gives green light The development comes days after the US Supreme Court approved the Trump administration's plans to significantly downsize government jobs and implement widespread workforce reductions across numerous agencies. These plans are expected to cause thousands of layoffs and restructure the federal bureaucracy.
Commercial ships still sailing through the Red Sea are broadcasting messages about their nationality and even religion on their public tracking systems to avoid being targeted by Yemen's Houthis after deadly attacks this week by the militia.

The Red Sea is a critical waterway for oil and commodities but traffic has dropped sharply since Houthi attacks off Yemen's coast began in November 2023 in what the Iran-aligned group said was in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war.

The group sank two ships this week after months of calm and its leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi reiterated there would be no passage for any company transporting goods connected to Israel.

In recent days more ships sailing through the southern Red Sea and the narrow Bab al-Mandab strait have added messages to their AIS public tracking profiles that can be seen when clicking on a vessel.

Also Read | Germany accuses China of targeting aircraft with laser during Apsides Operation

Messages have included referring to an all-Chinese crew and management, and flagging the presence of armed guards on board.

"All Crew Muslim," read one message, while others made clear the ships had no connection to Israel, according to MarineTraffic and LSEG ship-tracking AIS data.

Maritime security sources said this was a sign of growing desperation to avoid attack by Houthi commandos or deadly drones - but they also thought it was unlikely to make any difference.

Houthi intelligence preparation was "much deeper and forward-leaning", one source said.

Vessels in the broader fleets of both ships attacked and sunk by the Houthis this week had made calls to Israeli ports in the past year, shipping analysis showed.

Maritime security sources said even though shipping companies must step up due diligence on any tangential link to Israel before sailing through the Red Sea, the risk of attack was still high.

In March 2024, the Houthis hit the Chinese-operated tanker Huang Pu with ballistic missiles despite previously saying they would not attack Chinese vessels, the US Central Command said.

The Houthis have also targeted vessels trading with Russia.

"Despite declared ceasefires, areas such as the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait remain designated high-risk by underwriters," insurance broker Aon said in a report this week.

Also Read | Bulk carrier Magic Seas sinks in Red Sea after missile strike, Houthis claim

"Ongoing monitoring and adaptive security measures are essential for ship operators."

The insurance cost of shipping goods through the Red Sea has more than doubled since this week's attacks, with some underwriters pausing cover for some voyages.

The number of daily sailings through the strait, at the southern tip of the Red Sea and a gateway to the Gulf of Aden, was 35 vessels on July 10, 32 vessels on July 9, down from 43 on July 1, Lloyds List Intelligence data showed.

That compares with a daily average of 79 sailings in October 2023, before Houthi attacks began.

"Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, keeping countries supplied with food, fuel and medicine. They should not have to risk their lives to do their job," the UK-based Seafarers' Charity said this week.
The U.N. human rights office said on Friday that it had recorded at least 798 killings both at aid points run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and near humanitarian convoys run by other relief groups, including the U.N.

The GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics companies to get supplies into Gaza, largely bypassing a U.N.-led system that Israel says had let militants divert aid.

The United Nations has called the plan "inherently unsafe" and a violation of humanitarian impartiality rules.

"Up until the seventh of July, we've recorded now 798 killings, including 615 in the vicinity of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, and 183 presumably on the route of aid convoys," OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reacted to US President's "flow of fentanyl from Canada" claim on Friday, saying that Canada has "made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America."

Carney posted on X, "We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries."

In a letter released to Mark Carney, Trump said the new rate would go into effect on August 1 and would go up if Canada retaliated. It was the latest of more than 20 such letters issued by Trump since Monday, as he continues to pursue his trade war threats against dozens of economies.

The 35% tariff is an increase from the current 25% rate that Trump had assigned to Canada and is a blow to Carney, who was seeking to agree a trade pact with Washington.

Trump complained in his letter about what he referred to as the flow of fentanyl from Canada. "If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter," Trump wrote.

Canadian officials say a miniscule amount of fentanyl originates from Canada but they have taken measures to strengthen the border, Reuters reported.

Carney said in the latest post, "Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1."

The Canadian PM said, We are building Canada strong. The federal government, provinces and territories are making significant progress in building one Canadian economy. We are poised to build a series of major new projects in the national interest. We are strengthening our trading partnerships throughout the world.
Pakistan: Several parts of Balochistan were crippled in Operation Baam  the largest and most coordinated assault launched by the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), a separatist armed group.

The BLF launched simultaneous attacks across multiple districts, crippling internet connectivity, halting train services, and blocking crucial stretches of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), newswire ANI reported.

During Operation Baam, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) significantly expanded its operational footprint, moving beyond its usual strongholds of Makuran, Awaran, and parts of Khuzdar.

Also Read | Horror in Balochistan: 9 bus passengers killed by Pakistani separatists

As per ANI, the group carried out attacks in Sohbatpur, Nasirabad, Karmo Wadh, and other eastern regions, challenging long-held claims that its influence was geographically limited.

Operation Baams 80% objectives achieved' In a press statement issued by Major Gwahram Baloch, spokesperson of BLF, The Balochistan Liberation Front has announced that 80% of the objectives of its ongoing military campaign, Operation Baam, have been successfully achieved.

It added, So far, over 70 coordinated attacks have been carried out across Balochistan under this operation. Baloch Sarmachars (freedom fighters) have targeted state infrastructure, security forces and Pakistan's economic interests in these strategic actions.

Earlier, Daily Sangar, a Baloch-focused online news outlet, reported that this marks a tactical shift from the group's traditional hit-and-run strategy to open, frontal assaults on military posts, police checkpoints and strategic infrastructure.

BLF's Operation Baam The Daily Sangar report also noted that Operation Baam carries more political symbolism than military ambition. It sends a strong message that the Baloch liberation movement remains highly organised and geographically widespread, challenging Pakistani authority across urban centres and remote tribal regions.

Also Read | Paks Balochistan plagued by violence as 3 bodies found amid rising lawlessness

According to Daily Sangar, the offensive triggered widespread disruption across Balochistan, with coordinated attacks targeting key military and infrastructure sites.

It said, Checkpoints and military posts in Quetta, Kech, Khuzdar, Kalat, Kharan, and Sibi came under heavy gunfire and explosive assaults. Ufone telecom towers were destroyed, while major highways  including the Quetta-Sibi Road, Kalat-Manguchar stretch, and CPEC link roads  were blocked, bringing traffic to a standstill.

The online portal added, In Balida, a UBL bank was set on fire after evacuation, and mineral-laden trucks and buses carrying suspected ISI/MI operatives were intercepted in Musakhel, where nine individuals were reportedly executed.

In Dasht and Gwarkop, military drones were shot down, and mortar fire was launched into army camps. A Coast Guard post in Gwadar and an FC checkpoint in Moondi Cross were also attacked, highlighting vulnerabilities along the coast. Additionally, Levies posts near Dasht and Kolpur were seized, with weapons and vehicles confiscated by the BLF, said the report.
*

Conflict fatigue and aid cuts threaten most vulnerable

*

UN migration agency warns of backlash from aid cuts

*

First woman to lead IOM coordinating with Trump government

*

Amy Pope praises Italy for increasing migrant work permits

By Alvise Armellini

ROME, - Fatigue over the war in Ukraine and U.S.-led foreign aid cuts are jeopardising efforts to support people fleeing hardship, the head of the U.N. migration agency warned in an interview on Friday. International Organization for Migration Director General Amy Pope was speaking a day after a Ukraine recovery conference in Rome mobilised over 10 billion euros for the country.

"It's three-and-a-half years into the conflict. I think it's fair to say that everybody is tired, and we hear that even from Ukrainians who've been experiencing the ongoing attacks in their cities and often have been displaced multiple times," she told Reuters.

"The response to it, though, has to be peace, because ultimately, without peace, there won't be an end, not only to the funding request, but also to the support for the Ukrainian people."

Russia's invasion has triggered Europe's biggest refugee this century, with 5.6 million Ukrainian refugees globally and 3.8 million uprooted in their country, according to U.N. data. The IOM and other U.N. agencies are hampered by major funding shortages as U.S. President Donald Trump slashes foreign aid and European donors like Britain shift funds from development to defence.

U.S. decisions will give the IOM a $1 billion shortfall this year, Pope said, saying budget reductions should be phased gradually or else Trump and others risk stoking even worse migration crises.

"It doesn't work to have provided assistance and then just walk away and leave nothing. And what we see happening when support falls is that people move again ... So can ultimately have a backlash," she said.

WARNING FOR U.S., PRAISE FOR ITALY Pope, 51, is the first woman to lead the IOM and a former adviser to the Obama and Biden administrations who is now working with Trump's White House on so-called "self-deportations".

She said the IOM has decades of experience of such programmes in Europe and they take time to implement, especially to prepare returnees and check they are going voluntarily.

"That doesn't always move as quickly as governments would like," Pope said.

Asked whether the IOM would stop working with the U.S. if the returns turned out to be forced, she said: "We've made clear to them what our standards are, and as with every member state, we outline what we can do and what we can't do, and they understand that, and it is part of the deal."

After Rome, Pope was on her way to Washington to meet with Trump administration officials and U.S. lawmakers. Turning to Europe, she praised Italy's decision to increase migrant work permits to nearly 500,000 for 2026-2028, coming from a right-wing government otherwise pursuing tough border policies.

"What Italy is doing is taking a realistic look at what labour they need, what skills they need, what talent they need. And then they're designing a system to allow people to come in through a safe and legal channel," Pope said.
The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, has claimed that North Korea is now supplying as much as 40 per cent of Russias ammunition for the war in Ukraine.

This deepening partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow involves the exchange of ballistic missiles and artillery systems from North Korea in return for money and technology from Russia.

Deepening Russia-North Korea alliance Bloomberg reported that military ties between Russia and North Korea have intensified since President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in June last year.

The alliance has reportedly led to North Korea sending thousands of troops and millions of artillery rounds to assist Putin's army in pushing Ukrainian forces out of territory theyd seized in Russias Kursk region.

Kim has also vowed to back Russia unconditionally in the war, the news agency reported.

US support for Ukraine Amidst these developments, US President Donald Trump has ordered a resumption of weapons supplies to Ukraine, including vital air defences.

He accused Putin of killing too many people and said the Russian leaders engagement with the US calls for a truce was meaningless.

Budanov expressed confidence in continued US support and potential for additional air-defence systems.

During talks of a ceasefire, Putin told Trump in a phone call last week that Russia will not back down on its war aims.

Hopes of a ceasefire Budanov said a ceasefire must be reached as soon as possible and well before the end of this year, weighing the chances, Is it realistic to do so - yes. Is it difficult - no, he said.

He also emphasised that It takes at least three sides - Ukraine, Russia and the US. And we will get to this position.

Russia has already attacked Ukraine with record numbers of drones in recent weeks. It launched 728 drones on 9 July, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure.

In view of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the United Nations noted that June saw the highest monthly civilian casualties in three years, with 232 people killed and 1,343 injured.

Civilians across Ukraine are facing levels of suffering we have not seen in over three years, Danielle Bell, the head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, said Thursday.

The surge in long-range missile and drone strikes across the country has brought even more death and destruction.

However, Budanov remains hopeful; he has decided to remain in his post until the war ends. Now, my dream is to stop this war, Bloomberg reported.
Jane Street Group has told its employees that the Indian regulator, which has accused it of market manipulation, is fundamentally mistaken" about its trades. A math nerd in London thinks there may be a way to find out.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) sent ripples through trading rooms around the world last Friday when it temporarily banned Jane Street from the local market and froze $565 million in what it alleges were unlawful gains.

According to the New York quant firms email to employees, the whole premise of the 105-page interim order is wrong. It is preparing a formal response. Sebi, meanwhile, is bracing itself for a legal battle. The regulator says that the high-frequency trading giant has made $4.3 billion from India in a little over two years, and so far its officers have only investigated trades in one index. The stakes are high, especially if other countries launch their own probes.

Also Read: Jane Street: Gaming an outdated system is not necessarily illegal in India

Thats a cue for bruised competitors to wade in. Around two years ago, rival XTX Markets Ltds Sharpe ratioa measure of profitability per unit of riskwent from 10 to zero overnight in India index options. A ratio of zero means there is no compensation for the risk. The trade never recovered and was completely shut down earlier in 2025, the first time in our 17 years history when we abandoned a market where we used to make money previously," Alexander Gerko, the billionaire geek behind the UK-based algorithmic trading firm, wrote on LinkedIn.

Gerko suspects that his New York competitor got the better of XTX. But did Jane Street, one of the worlds largest market makers, win fair and square?

In a subsequent post, Gerko proposed a thought experiment to the self-described puzzle solvers at Jane Street. Heres how they could prove their smarts: Imagine reducing all sizes in your strategy by a factor of a 100. If it works better than before (per unit of risk/in terms of margins) then it looks legit. If it stops working altogether after scaling down then question your life choices."

Also Read: Sebis Jane Street interim order made Indias stock market sit up for good reason

This is a testable hypothesis. The regulators contention is that Jane Streets bets were intentionally super-sized. When they hit relatively illiquid equity and futures markets on a day options on the Bank Niftya popular gauge of 12 financial stockswere expiring, they ended up moving the index so that the trader profited spectacularly from its much larger options positions, while consistently losing money in stocks.

But what if the regulator is wrong? What if Jane Street has a legitimate and immensely valuable" proprietary trading strategy for India, as it claimed last year when it sued two of its former traders who had left to work for Millennium Management? (The suit was later settled.)

In that case, the firm should be able to demonstrate even higher profitability for smaller position sizes. As Gerko says, Any normal strategy works worse as it scales up, due to market impact, unless your strategy is market impact."

This is a perfect setting for a contest. Sebi should invite the two rivals for a demonstration. The firm under the scanner would simply have to show that it can still make money with bets 1/100th the size of what the regulator has characterized as an intentional, well-planned and sinister scheme" of market manipulation. XTX, on the other hand, would be requested to do two thingsreprise its own now-abandoned trades, and implement what Sebi thinks Jane Streets strategy was. For the latter, XTX would have temporary indemnity, as long as any supernormal profits are credited to Indias investor protection fund.

Also Read: Jane Street's troubles may have only just begun. Sebi is now checking Sensex options.

Jane Street has disputed the Sebi interim order and said that it is committed to operating in compliance with all regulations" in markets around the world. A demonstration of its skills may help shore up perceptions of its global business. But should Gerkos hypothesis be proved right, Jane Street should be prepared to lose quant talent to its rival. The math PhD from Russia, who already has papers like A Trading Approach to Testing for Predictability under his belt, would have fresh material to add to his academic oeuvre.

Most importantly, though, such an experiment would either collapse the regulators argument, or put it on a stronger footing when legal proceedings begin. It will be helpful for the judges to approach this complicated case with familiar courtroom tools like reenactment and expert testimony. Otherwise the lordships might get lost in arcane option-market jargon.

Let both Jane Street and XTX show what they would cook up for the worlds biggest equity derivatives market by volume, without revealing their secret sauce.

The technical ingredients are far less important than the philosophical question that has come up on social media: What is the true role of large market makers in societyand are high-frequency traders fulfilling it?

Bloomberg

The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist.
With Meta offering up to $100 million as sign-up bonuses to hire artificial intelligence (AI) talent, it has set the new global price of intelligence. Across the US and China, compensation for top talent in AI, quantum computing and other strategic technologies has decoupled entirely from traditional salary frameworks. What was once considered an executive-level package is now being paid to domain specialists, engineers and scientists.

In India, we speak confidently of becoming global champions in AI, semiconductors and battery innovation. But are we ready to pay for the talent required to get us there?

Also Read: Star chase: Why Mark Zuckerberg is deploying billions to acquire hot AI talent like Alexandr Wang for Meta

Corporate India, particularly its promoter-led enterprises, still has a rigid compensation culture. Even the most admired Indian tech companies rarely exceed $1 million in fixed compensation for high-end domain talent, preferring to offer stock or deferred incentives instead. Across the board, executive pay continues to outpace technical pay by a wide margineven in companies that market themselves as product-first.

Imagine a promoter approving even a tenth of Metas figuresay, $10 million annuallyfor a single hire in AI. HR would instinctively reach for the cost-to-company (CTC) template. Legal teams would load the contract with clawbacks and non-competes. And someone around the table would inevitably ask whether this was more than the entire tech team earns.

This reflects a discomfort with the idea that a young knowledge-led mindoften without pedigree, polish or deferencecould command industrial-level value. It is a problem of culture. Indian businesses have long been comfortable investing $50 million in a new factory or plant. But offering even $5 million to a knowledge architect who can design the core of a future-facing product feels excessive.

This inversion, where management is rewarded more than the minds building the product, is one of Indian technologys least acknowledged handicaps. Its not because the talent doesnt exist. India continues to produce some of the best AI researchers, quantum physicists and deep tech engineers in the world. But our systems expect them to settle for prestige, purpose or passion.

Also Read: Siddharth Pai: Indias IT firms have a unique opportunity in AIs trust deficit

Theres a persistent myth that because Indias tech talent is mission-driven" and that it will accept under-compensation in return for vision or national pride. That might work if youre a global frontrunner offering unmatched exposure. But when that same talent has offers from research labs in Silicon Valley, Zurich or Singaporewith salaries 8 to 100 times higherpurpose alone wont bridge the gap.

Vision must be paired with valuation: Across the world, many governments and corporations understand this. The UAE has appointed a minister for AI. Singapore offers co-funded AI fellowships with public-private partnerships. Germanys AI strategy includes billions in subsidies tied to industrial research teams. These are economic bets on the future of productivity.

Indias response so far has been largely declarative: strategies, mission and some funding. But talent doesnt read these documents. It reads offers, options and opportunities.

Also Read: Manu Joseph: Why nobody talks about Indias brain drain anymore

There is precedent for bold compensation in Indias business history. Two decades ago, during the retail boom, one of Indias largest conglomerates hired 15-plus marquee CEOs at salaries reportedly several times higher than their previous pay. It was a bold betone that catalyzed knowledge transfer, global systems and new processes. But once the infrastructure was built, the appetite for such talent faded. The notion that talent is fungible took root again. In deep tech sectors, that assumption wont hold.

In the technology era, talent must be treated as strategic capital expenditure. Hiring a world-class AI researcher is like the first kilometre of pipeline in a new industrial system. Yet, most Indian promoters would find it ego-challenging to write that check unless the individuals value could be directly tied to revenues already realized, or probably the talent is in their bloodline.

That mindset is precisely what could cost us the future.

Also Read: Beware India Inc., headhunters are poaching your talent for themselves

Its no longer sufficient to celebrate Indian-origin AI leaders at DeepMind, Google or OpenAI. If we underpay the very talent we claim to revere, we arent reversing brain drainwere subsidizing innovation elsewhere.

And the problem runs deeper than compensation structures. Indian business culture still places enormous symbolic value on control, lineage and loyalty. Its far more comfortable rewarding long-term insiders than investing aggressively in external experts.

But deep tech respects none of these traditional codes. It rewards only edge. The question is not whether India has the financial bandwidth but whether it has the emotional maturity to accept that true capability may reside in those who dont conform to existing hierarchies.

Even Indias startup ecosystem hasnt escaped this gravity. Founders flush with venture capital hesitate to offer globally competitive salaries to specialist talent. Many prefer to overhire generalists rather than back one game-changing domain expert.

Performance-linked employee stock options are useful but theyre no substitute for upfront recognition of value.

The test of the new economy is not regulation, nor market access. It isnt equity capital eitherthese are traditional entry barriers that large Indian firms are comfortable overcoming. The real question is whether they can recognize that in a world of knowledge-driven industries, intellect is infrastructure.

The question then is no longer whether we can afford to pay top talent. It is whether we can afford not to.

The author is a corporate advisor and author of Family and Dhanda
School students in Rajasthan will no longer study two-part supplementary textbooks with state Education Minister Madan Dilawar arguing that these reading materials are not required because they glorify the Nehru-Gandhi family and carry no marks for students.

The Congress has attacked the minister over the decision, saying that the government can remove textbooks from the syllabus but cannot change people's minds. The party leaders dubbed the decision 'ridiculous'.

Minister Dilawar said that the books 'Azadi ke Baad ka Swarnim Bharat' Part-1 and Part-2 carry no marks and, therefore, he directed the officials of the department to discontinue teaching these books.

These books, which the previous Congress government introduced, do not carry any marks for the exams. They were only meant for reading. Without any academic weight, there was no point in continuing them so I have directed that the Education Department will not teach such books, Dilawar said.

Stressing that positive things should be taught, he said that the contributions of those who served the country and the state should be equally mentioned but those Congress leaders who imposed the Emergency and killed democracy have been glorified in these textbooks.

"The books only glorified Congress leaders, specifically the Gandhi family. Key figures such as Lal Bahadur Shastri, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr Ambedkar and even Congress leader Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who later founded the Bharatiya Janata Sangh, were ignored. The textbooks failed to highlight their contributions while extensively promoting the Gandhi family," he said on Thursday.

The book talks about the freedom movement, the role of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and others. The book also focuses on the contributions of former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

The preface of the book has references to Nehru.

"Jawaharlal Nehru was the architect of modern India. He was a great democrat. Nehru's concept of democracy was very dynamic and broad. He considered democracy to be constantly evolving and dynamic. Pt. Nehru had great faith in parliamentary democracy. For him, democracy is a way of life and a way of thinking. The democratic values propounded by Nehru can be seen in the preamble of the Indian Constitution," it said.

The books mention various programmes and achievements such as Right to Education and Right to Information among others of the former UPA governments headed by Manmohan Singh.

The minister said that talking extensively about certain leaders was glorification and insisted that the book should also have details of the contributions of other leaders. Since it was last revised in 2019, the book also has references to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, demonetisation and GST implementation.

Also Read | IMD issues ORANGE ALERT for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

In the topic related to demonetisation, the book says, "While announcing demonetisation, Narendra Modi included the benefits of demonetisation from curbing black money to extremism and terrorism. In the initial days of demonetisation, the common people had to face many difficulties. They had to stand in long queues at banks to exchange their currency."

Inside the book, there are pictures, including one showing former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot distributing Aadhar cards.

The cover page of Part-1 has a set of four pictures, including one showing Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi while the cover page of Part-2 also has four pictures, including one each of Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv Gandhi.

The minister said that instructions have been given to the Education Department officials to discontinue the books because the textbooks carry no marks.

On the expenditure incurred on publishing the books, he said that if poison has been bought by mistake, it does not mean it has to be consumed.

"Education should focus on positive content and the Education Department will not promote biased materials," he said.

The minister went on to target former prime minister Indira Gandhi, saying that the country was put under a state of emergency for political gains and people were jailed.

"The Congress people gave the slogan 'Indira is India, India is Indira'. They ignored the contribution of other leaders," Dilawar said.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot said that the government's decision was ridiculous.

"It is a fact that after Independence, most of the governments were of Congress and the credit for taking this country to historical heights will go to Congress governments and prime ministers. The BJP government cannot hide this truth," Gehlot posted on X.

He said that in the Congress rule, scientists also made Chandrayaan and engineers built big factories, dams and institutions.

"Our great leaders Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi even sacrificed their lives for this country. Can the BJP government change these facts?" he asked.

Gehlot suggested that if the BJP government wants to teach about the NDA rule, then instead of wasting books worth 2.50 crore, it is better to print extra pages on the NDA rule and send them to schools, telling about their contribution.

"But how can it be justified to waste public money by making the books useless?" he asked.

Former minister Pratap Singh Khachariawas said that the government can remove textbooks from the syllabus but it cannot change people's minds.

"You can change the curriculum but you cannot change people's minds. In the history of the country's Independence, Jawaharlal Nehru has been in jail for years. People have seen the might of Indira Gandhi during the 1971 war when Bangladesh was created. Rajiv Gandhi gave the IT revolution," he said.

Rajasthan Congress chief and former education minister Govind Singh Dotasra said that Dilawar has created unnecessary controversy.
Invenergy, a closely-held power developer, is calling on the Trump Administration to affirm its commitment to a $11 billion power line in the US Midwest after a US Senator from Missouri said hes secured a pledge from federal officials to halt the project.

The Grain Belt line would carry electricity generated by wind farms and other energy sources in Kansas across Missouri and Illinois to Indiana. The project is capable of delivering four nuclear power plants worth of electricity and would be the highest capacity and second longest line in US history, according to the company.

The Grain Belt Express transmission line is a critical energy security project, supported by a broad, multi-state coalition of stakeholders, Invenergy Vice President Jim Shield wrote in a letter Friday to Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright. It will strengthen grid reliability and resilience while saving US consumers billion of dollars, said the letter obtained by Bloomberg News.

The request comes a day after Republican Missouri Senator Josh Hawley said in a statement that he had gotten a commitment from Wright to stop the project and end a $4.9 billion conditional federal loan guarantee offered in the final months of the Biden administration. The Energy Department didnt immediately return a request for comment.

Republican Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey also asked the Energy Department this week to stop the loan after his office opened an investigation into the project and called on state regulators to reconsider its approval.

The uncertain fate to the Grain Belt line comes as Americans grapple with rising electricity prices as demand jumps, in large part because of data centers to power AI. The Trump administration has been openly critical of renewable energy sources including wind and solar, and has pursued a pro-coal and fossil fuel approach to energy generation. A massive tax-and spending bill signed by President Donald Trump this month aggressively phases out tax credits for wind turbines and solar projects.

Senator Hawley has been pressuring the Energy Department for months to cancel the loan to Invenergy, calling it an elitist land grab that would harm Missouri farmers and ranchers.

Invenergy has said that the project is critical to modernizing Americans aging grid and will provide billions of dollars of savings to consumers and create 5,500 jobs.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has disapproved of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits, describing his comments as irresponsible and regrettable that do not 'behove the state authority

Without naming Mann, MEA said the government of India dissociates itself from the unwarranted comments made by a high state authority that undermined India's ties with friendly countries.

Also Read | Mohan Bhagwat says leaders should step aside at 75, sparks speculation

Mann had criticised the prime minister's just-concluded five-nation tour of Brazil, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina and Namibia.

"We have seen some comments made by a high state authority about India's relations with friendly countries from the Global South," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Also Read | PM Modi embarks on his longest foreign trip in a decade. Check full itinerary

"These remarks are irresponsible and regrettable and do not behove a state authority," he said, responding to media queries on Mann's remarks.

"The government of India disassociates itself from such unwarranted comments that undermine India's ties with friendly countries," Jaiswal said.

Punjab CM's potshots at Modi Mann, addressing a media briefing, took potshots at Modi, alleging that he does not stay in a "country with 140 crore people", but tours "countries where the population is 10,000".

"Pradhan Mantri ji has gone to Ghana? Has he come back from Ghana? Will he come back today? He will be welcomed upon his return in the country.

"Do not know which countries Magneshia, Galveshia, Tarveshia he has been visiting. (But) he is not staying in the country where 140 crore people live. The countries which he is visiting have a population of 10,000. And he got the biggest award there. Over here, 10,000 people gather to watch the JCB machine (earth moving machine)," he said.

"JCB chal rahi hai, JCB oye," said Mann as he referred to the large crowd which a JCB machine attracts when it is in operation.

"He has not held a single press conference in 11 years," he further said while taking pot shots at the prime minister.

Mann was addressing the media after chairing a cabinet meeting in Punjab on July 11.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has suggested that leaders should retire after 75. Bhagwat's remark has again prompted opposition politicians to question its implications for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 this September.

Bhagwat also turns 75 this year. When you turn 75, it means you should stop now and make way for others, Bhagwat said, speaking at a book release event dedicated to late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle in Nagpur on July 9, according to Hindustan Times.

Also Read | RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat bats for 'Swadeshi' products

After releasing the book, Moropant Pinglay: The Architect of Hindu Resurgence, Bhagwat recalled that Pingle once said, If you are honoured with a shawl after turning 75, it means that you should stop now, you are old; step aside and let others come in.

The RSS chief said that Moropant, despite his devotion to national service, believed in withdrawing gracefully once the age signalled it was time.

Will Modi retire? asks Raut Some opposition leaders read Bhagwat's retirement comments as an indirect message to PM Modi.

PM Modi forced leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and Jaswant Singh to retire after they turned 75. Lets see if he applies the same rule to himself now, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut.

Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said, Preaching without practice is always dangerous. It is unprincipled that the Margdarshak Mandal was given compulsory retirement applying the 75 years age limit but indications are clear that current dispensation will be exempted from this rule.

Also Read | PM Modi gets standing ovation in Namibian Parliament after speech: Watch video

This is not the first time Raut has sparked a debate on PM Modi's retirement. Earlier in March, the Shiv Sena leader claimed that Modis visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur  the first by a PMwas to discuss his potential successor's retirement. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, denied the speculation.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had dismissed Raut's claim. Fadnavis said that there is no need to search for PM Modis successor as he will continue to hold the top post again in 2029.

In our culture, when the father is alive, it is inappropriate to talk about succession. That is Mughal culture. The time has not come to discuss it, Fadnavis said.

BJP's retirement rule at 75? The timing of Bhagwats statement has drawn attention because both he and Prime Minister Modi were born in September 1950  Bhagwat on the September 11 and Modi on September 17.

In May 2024, ahead of Lok Sabha polls, speculations arose about whetherPM Modi, who was then seeking a third term, would retire upon turning 75 in September 2025.

Also Read | PM Modi conferred with Namibia's highest civilian honour

Opposition parties had been reminding voters about the BJP's internal no ticket above 75 rule. The policy has been in place for several years, with Amit Shah saying in 2019 that the BJP had decided not to field any candidates above the age of 75.

No one above 75 has been given tickets. This is the partys decision, Shah had told The Week while campaigning for the 2019 elections.

Shah, however, clarified in May 2023 that there is no retirement clause in the BJPs constitution. Modi ji will continue to lead till 2029. Theres no truth in retirement rumours. The INDIA bloc wont win the upcoming elections with lies, he said.

On the so-called retirement at 75 rule, Union Minister Rajnath Singh also said: 'It was never decided. You can write in bold letters that no such decision was taken I was party president, and I am saying it forcefully that there was no such decision at all. Had it been decided, it would have been mentioned in the party constitution."
The United Nations program overseeing the fight against AIDS urged countries to step up with support to fight the disease as the Trump administration pulls back, and warned that a permanent halt in funding by the US would undo years of progress.

This is not just a funding gap  its a ticking time bomb, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said in a statement accompanying the programs 2025 Global AIDS Update. We have seen services vanish overnight. Health workers have been sent home. And people  especially children and key populations  are being pushed out of care.

The report highlighted the effect of large-scale funding cuts from the US on countries most affected by HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The group estimates that a decision by the Trump administration to discontinue the US Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or Pepfar, would lead to more than four million additional AIDS-related deaths and more than six million additional new HIV infections by 2029.

The end of aids by 2030 with figures like that is simply impossible, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Angeli Achrekar told reporters on Thursday.

The US mission to the UN could not immediately provide comment.

Even before the disruption, 9.2 million people living with HIV were still not able to get access to life-saving treatment in 2024, according to the Global AIDS Update. The report also noted that the number of countries criminalizing populations most at risk of HIV has risen for the first time since UNAIDS began publishing data.

Earlier: Cuts to US Aid Imperil Worlds Largest HIV Treatment Program

Achrekar said the US was not the only country to take a step back, with some European nations also decreasing their contributions to AIDS prevention. While several low-to-middle income countries are making strides in the battle against AIDS, they still need support from donor countries, she said.

Achrekar warned of the worst-case scenario if countries do not step up their efforts. We will go back to those days where death was on the doorstep and the cost of AIDS treatment will increase, she said.

Still, Achrekar said the hope is that AIDS stops being a public health threat by 2030, but nations have to come together as we did at the beginning of the HIV response.

Currently, the number of people getting infected with HIV and dying from AIDS-related causes are at their lowest in 30 years, the UN reports authors said. By the end of 2024, HIV infections were down by 40% and AIDS-related deaths by 56% since 2010. By 2030, five countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, were on track for a 90% decline in new infections.

Pepfar had committed $4.3 billion to UNAIDS in 2025. With that financing suddenly withdrawn, treatment and prevention programs around the world were severely disrupted, the report said. Byanyima told Bloomberg in June that her organization had lost almost 50% of its funding.

President Donald Trump has suspended funding from most foreign aid programs since his inauguration. A separate study from the British medical journal Lancet concluded that cuts to the US Agency for International Development could result in about 14 million additional deaths by 2030.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
New Delhi: Bihar has launched a bold new renewable energy (RE) policy aimed at attracting investments worth 1.5 trillion. The policy targets nearly 24GW of renewable energy capacity and 6GWh of energy storage by the end of FY2029-30.

This is the estimated investment that renewable energy developers (both public and private sector companies) would make to set up the nearly 24GW capacity.

The policy includes sweeping reforms to fast-track project approvals, lower developers costs, and provide incentives for clean energy manufacturing and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

The energy mix will include solar, wind, hybrid, biomass and waste-to-energy.

According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Bihar needs to add over 23GW of renewable capacity by FY30, and in line with this, the target has been set. The potential investment for this capacity is expected to be around 1.5 trillion, said Manoj Kumar Singh, Bihars energy secretary.

An official statement noted that the policys objectives align with Indias broader net-zero ambition for 2070. We are offering one of the most attractive policy regimes in the country. Those who invest in Bihar now will fetch maximum returns and lead Indias clean energy revolution from the front, the statement quoted Singh as saying.

To incentivize investment and speed up implementation, the Bihar government has promised a 100% waiver on electricity duty for 15 years, 25-year long-term open access, and exemption from transmission and wheeling charges. State utilities will also bear the cost of building transmission and distribution infrastructure up to 10km from the project site.

In terms of ease of doing business, a single-window clearance system will be set up for faster project approvals. Developers will also benefit from full state goods and services tax (SGST) reimbursement, exemption from stamp duty on land lease or transfer, and waiver of land conversion fees.

The Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) will be the state nodal agency (SNA) for most renewable energy projects. Bihar State Hydroelectric Power Corp. Ltd (BHPC) will be the nodal agency for hydropower projects, and Bihar State Power Generation Co. Ltd will be the nodal agency for pumped storage projects in the state.

Additionally, projects will be supported by a robust payment security mechanism, minimum generation compensation, and customized feed-in tariffs for different RE technologies.

The policy states that the project developer is responsible for acquiring the required resources to set up the project.

However, in case of resources owned by the state government, allotment will be done as per the prevailing government policy. BREDA will also create a Resource Information Bank for every district, which will be made accessible online through the BREDA website. Resource owners, including farmers, may come forward and provide the details of their resource to the concerned officials or BREDA. The district-level officer of the concerned resource will gather details of their source suitable for deployment of RE projects in the respective district. BREDA will collect the same at the state level.

BREDA will also take initiatives to aggregate resources from different stakeholders that can be used to develop RE projects.

Also Read | Puri courts global energy leaders to deepen Indias energy partnerships

Recognizing the synergy between clean power and clean mobility, the policy includes incentives for EV charging stations, although specific details on subsidy structures or rollout timelines were not disclosed.

Bihar also aims to become a hub for renewable energy component manufacturing. To this end, it is offering manufacturers priority allotment of government land on long-term lease, five-year electricity duty exemption, 100% stamp duty exemption, investment subsidies on SGST, and five-year customs duty exemption.

A minimum of 5% of the state's annual budget will be allocated for research and development (R&D).
President Donald Trumps administration discussed sending deported migrants to Africa with five of the continents leaders holding a summit with the US President in Washington.

The topic, one of Trumps top priorities since returning to the White House in January, was shared with the leaders from Gabon, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Liberia.

What the Americans are saying is that they have asylum seekers that have been there for years, and that, theyd like for those that have been causing problems to be sent out of the country elsewhere, Liberian President Joseph Boakai told Monrovia-based FrontPage Africa in an interview monitored by Bloomberg. Theyre not forcing anybody, but they want us to know that this is the concern they have, and they are asking how can we contribute, how can we help?

The talks come barely a week after the USs highest court ruled in the Trump administrations favor and cleared the way to remove eight migrants held in Djibouti from nations including Myanmar, Sudan, Mexico, Vietnam, Laos and Cuba to South Sudan.

A political dispute in South Sudan, which could degenerate into a civil war is the major concern about the choice of this destination. That could be urging the US government to view the five central and West African nations as a better alternative, considering that currently all are being run under relatively stable democracies.

The five African heads of state assured their US partner that for the relationship, its an equal concern but its something we have to think about, Boakai said. If and when they begin to ask, we will know how to respond to it, he said.

for the twice-weekly Next Africa newsletter, and subscribe to the Next Africa podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission is nearing its end. Ahead of his scheduled return, the ISRO astronaut enjoyed an unforgettable evening and a feast on the International Space Station on Thursday. What caught the attention of many Indians was the inclusion of Gajar ja Halwa [Carrot Halwa] on the party menu.

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim shared some pictures showing him enjoying a meal with his mates on the International Space Station. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was also part of the evening.

Kim captioned the images as: "One of the most unforgettable evenings Ive experienced on this mission was sharing a meal with new friends, Ax-4, aboard the International @Space_Station."

"We swapped stories and marveled at how people from diverse backgrounds and nations came together to represent humanity in space," Kim wrote on X.

What's on the menu? For appetisers, the astronauts made "rehydrated shrimp cocktails and crackers," Kim said.

For the main course, there was featured savory chicken and beef fajitas. "The cosmonauts capped the night with a delicious cake made from sweet bread, condensed milk, and walnuts," Kim's post read.

Many glaring at the pictures from the space station may have not noticed a packet of gajar ka halwa on the table. Zooming into one of those image may help one identify the packet with a lable Carrot Halwa written on it.

Carrot Halwa package.

Shubhanshu Shukla to return to Earth on Axiom Space informed on Friday that the crew has been scheduled to leave the International Space Station no earlier than July 14.

The Ax4 crew is scheduled to undock from the @Space_Station no earlier than Monday, July 14, at 7:05 am ET, Axiom Space posted on X.

The Axiom-4 mission, which launched on June 25, was supposed to return after spending 14 days in the space. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked at the International Space Station on June 26 after a 28-hour journey.

Also Read | Axiom-4: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla turns farmer in ISS

Ax-4 is led by former NASA astronaut and Axiom's director of human spaceflight Peggy Whitson. She is joined by pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of India, mission specialist Sawosz Uznanski of Poland and the European Space Agency (ESA), and mission specialist Tibor Kapu, from Hungary.

We are working with the station program, watching the Axiom-4 progress carefully. I think we need to undock that mission, and the current target to undock is July 14, Steve Stitch, Manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program, said in a press conference on the Crew-11 mission to the space station slated for July 31.

Also Read | Shubhanshu Shukla likely to return to Earth on July 14

So far, Shukla and his Axiom-4 crew have witnessed 230 sunrises onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and travelled nearly 100 lakh kms in space at the end of two weeks on the orbital laboratory.

The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew has completed close to 230 orbits around Earth and travelled more than six million miles (96.5 lakh kms), an Axiom Space statement read.

Also Read | Stunning visuals! Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys view of Earth from ISS

During his two-week stay on the space station, Shukla interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spoke to scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), addressed school students in a live session and also connect to ISRO centres using HAM radio.
St. Francis: The Deeds You Do Today: A Catholic Call to Action



By Shayne Heffernan

The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.

 St. Francis of Assisi

In a world often overwhelmed by noise, division, and distraction, the words of St. Francis of Assisi resonate with timeless clarity. This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the heart of Catholic teaching: our actions, rooted in love and faith, are a living testament to the Gospel. As Catholics, we are called not merely to profess our faith but to embody it through deeds that reflect Christs love, mercy, and compassion.

St. Francis: Sermon Without Words

St. Francis, the beloved saint known for his humility and devotion to the poor, understood that faith is most powerfully communicated through action. In todays fast-paced, skeptical society, where words can be dismissed or debated, our deeds stand as undeniable witnesses to the truth of our beliefs. A kind gesture, a selfless act, or a moment of forgiveness can speak louder than any homily. For those who may never step into a church or open a Bible, our lives may be the only glimpse of Christ they encounter.

Catholicism teaches that we are the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that by charity, we love God and neighbor (CCC 1822). This love is not abstract; it is practical, sacrificial, and visible. Whether its volunteering at a local shelter, offering a listening ear to someone in distress, or standing up for the dignity of the marginalized, every deed rooted in faith becomes a sermona silent proclamation of Gods kingdom.

Living the Gospel in Everyday Life Like St. Francis

The beauty of St. Francis message lies in its universality. You dont need to be a theologian, a priest, or a missionary to preach the Gospel. Every Catholic, from the youngest child to the eldest grandparent, is called to live out their faith in the ordinary moments of life. A parent patiently teaching their child to pray, a coworker offering encouragement during a difficult day, or a stranger sharing a meal with the hungryall these acts are sacred.

They are the sermons that touch hearts and transform lives.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs us, Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Our actions are not for self-glory but to point others toward God. When we live with integrity, generosity, and compassion, we invite others to encounter the love of Christ. This is evangelization in its purest form, and it is a mission entrusted to every baptized Catholic.

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle. Francis of Assisi

The Challenge of St. Francis Today

St. Francis words also carry a challenge. In an era where social media amplifies voices and opinions, its tempting to reduce faith to wordsdebates, posts, or arguments. But the saint reminds us that true witness lies in what we do. Are we feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and comforting the sorrowful, as Christ commands (Matthew 25:35-40)?

Are we forgiving those who wrong us, even when its hard? Are we living with the simplicity and humility that St. Francis modeled?

As Catholics, we are called to examine our lives and ask: What sermon are my deeds preaching today? If our actions are the only Gospel some will hear, we must strive to make them a reflection of Christs love. This is not always easy. It requires sacrifice, patience, and a willingness to put others before ourselves. But it is through these efforts that we become true disciples, carrying the light of faith into a world that so desperately needs it.

St. Francis Call to Action

St. Francis of Assisis life was a testament to the power of deeds. He rebuilt churches, cared for lepers, and embraced poverty to show the world what it means to follow Christ. His example inspires us to act with courage and love, knowing that even the smallest gesture can plant a seed of faith in anothers heart.

As Catholics, let us take up this call. Let us make our lives a living sermon, one that speaks of Gods mercy, justice, and love. In our homes, workplaces, and communities, let our deeds proclaim the Gospel louder than words ever could. For, as St. Francis reminds us, the deeds we do today may be the only sermon some will hearand through them, Gods grace can work wonders.
KXCO: Pioneering Tokenization Services for the Future of Financial Markets

The financial landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with tokenisation emerging as a revolutionary approach to redefining how assets are issued, traded, and managed. A recent BIS Bulletin by Inaki Aldasoro, Giulio Cornelli, Jon Frost, Priscilla Koo Wilkens, Ulf Lewrick, and Vatsala Shreeti highlights the immense potential of tokenisationthe representation of claims on programmable platformsparticularly in the $80 trillion government securities market.

The bulletin provides suggestive evidence that tokenised bonds offer higher liquidity and comparable issuance costs and yields to conventional bonds, with even modest gains capable of generating significant value in large-volume markets. As experimentation continues to clarify the benefits, risks, and limitations of tokenisation, KXCO stands at the forefront, equipped with robust infrastructure and strategic partnerships to roll out tokenisation services immediately. With its scalable blockchain platform, global market connectivity, and regulatory alignment, KXCO is poised to lead the charge in transforming financial markets.

The Transformative Potential of Tokenisation

Tokenisation involves representing financial assetssuch as government securities, corporate bonds, or alternative investmentsas digital tokens on a blockchain. This enables programmable features like smart contracts, fractional ownership, and real-time settlement, which enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. The BIS Bulletin underscores the promise of tokenised bonds, noting their potential for improved liquidity through faster trading and tighter bid-ask spreads, alongside issuance costs and yields that align with traditional bonds. In a market as vast as government securities, even small improvements can translate into billions in value by reducing transaction costs, accelerating settlement cycles, and broadening investor access. However, challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, interoperability with legacy systems, and the need for robust security remain critical hurdle.

The BIS Bulletin also explores technical options for issuing tokenised bonds, including the use of public or private blockchains, integration with existing financial infrastructures, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. As the industry experiments with these approaches, the practical benefits of tokenisationsuch as reduced intermediaries and enhanced market efficiencyare becoming evident. KXCO, with its advanced blockchain infrastructure and global partnerships, is uniquely positioned to address these challenges and deliver tokenisation services that capitalize on the opportunities outlined in the BIS Bulletin.

KXCOs Ready-to-Deploy Infrastructure

KXCO, a global leader in blockchain technology and financial services, has developed a comprehensive infrastructure tailored for tokenization across various asset classes, including government securities, corporate bonds, and alternative investments. Its proprietary blockchain platform is designed for scalability, security, and interoperability, enabling seamless integration with global financial markets. Key features include:

Smart Contract Automation: KXCOs platform supports programmable features such as automated coupon payments, real-time settlement (T+0), and compliance checks embedded within tokenised assets. This aligns with the BIS Bulletins emphasis on tokenisations potential to streamline operations and reduce costs.

High-Speed Transactions: The platform offers low-latency transactions with block times of 1-2 seconds and transaction fees as low as $0.01-$0.03, making it cost-effective for issuers and investors alike.

Security Measures: KXCO employs 256-bit AES encryption, multisig contracts, and regular third-party audits to ensure the integrity of tokenized assets, addressing risks highlighted in the BIS Bulletin.

Interoperability: The platform supports cross-chain bridges to major blockchains like Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana, facilitating seamless asset transfers and integration with global markets.

These capabilities position KXCO to deliver tokenisation services that enhance liquidity and efficiency, directly addressing the BIS Bulletins findings on the advantages of tokenised bonds in large-volume markets.

Global Partnerships and Market Connectivity

A cornerstone of KXCOs readiness is its established relationships with world-leading brokers, institutions, and exchanges. These partnerships provide immediate market connectivity, ensuring that tokenized assets issued on KXCOs platform can attract global liquidity and investor participation. For example, KXCOs real-time price aggregation from over 50 global exchanges enables dynamic pricing for tokenized bonds, supporting high-frequency trading and market-making. This aligns with the BIS Bulletins observation that tokenized bonds exhibit higher liquidity, as KXCOs infrastructure facilitates rapid, transparent trading.

KXCOs global network also enables it to serve a diverse investor base, including those restricted from U.S. markets due to regulatory or geopolitical barriers. By offering a neutral, non-U.S.-centric platform, KXCO provides access to high-growth assets like tokenised securities, broadening participation and driving trading volume. This global reach is critical for capturing the economic benefits of tokenisation in large markets, as outlined in the BIS Bulletin.

Regulatory Alignment and Compliance

Regulatory compliance is a key consideration in the BIS Bulletin, which notes the need for tokenised markets to align with existing financial regulations. KXCO addresses this through its integration of Verifiable Legal Entity Identifier (vLEI) technology, aligned with ISO standards (ISO 17442 and ISO 5009). This enables automated Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, audit trails, and regulatory reporting, ensuring transparency and compliance with global standards. The vLEI system verifies the identity and authority of issuers and counterparties, mitigating risks of fraud and enhancing trust among institutional investors and regulators.

KXCOs regulatory-first approach extends to its collaboration with financial authorities to ensure that tokenised assets, such as bonds or stablecoins, are classified appropriately (e.g., as utility tokens rather than securities) and comply with tax and financial regulations. This proactive stance positions KXCO to navigate the regulatory uncertainties highlighted in the BIS Bulletin, making its platform a trusted choice for issuers and investors.

Strategic Advantages and Market Readiness

KXCOs infrastructure is not a theoretical conceptit is fully operational and ready to deploy tokenisation services today. The companys platform supports a range of use cases, from tokenising government securities to creating fractionalized ownership of alternative assets, aligning with the BIS Bulletins vision of tokenisations transformative potential. By reducing intermediaries, lowering transaction costs, and enabling real-time settlement, KXCOs platform delivers the efficiency gains promised by tokenisation.

Moreover, KXCOs focus on scalability ensures that its platform can handle the high transaction volumes of large markets like government securities. The BIS Bulletin notes that even modest liquidity improvements in an $80 trillion market can generate substantial value, and KXCOs infrastructure is designed to maximize these gains through high-speed transactions and global market integration. The platforms low-cost fees and robust security further enhance its appeal to issuers seeking cost-effective issuance and investors seeking accessible, liquid markets.

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future of Finance

As the BIS Bulletin suggests, the ongoing experimentation with tokenization will clarify its role in the future financial system. KXCO is already ahead of the curve, with a proven infrastructure that addresses the technical, regulatory, and market challenges of tokenized assets. By offering a scalable, secure, and interoperable platform, KXCO enables issuers to tokenize assets efficiently while providing investors with enhanced liquidity and access. Its partnerships with global financial institutions ensure that tokenized assets can reach a broad audience, driving adoption and market growth.

KXCOs vision extends beyond bonds to include a wide range of tokenized assets, from equities to real estate, positioning it as a leader in the next generation of financial markets. As the industry moves toward greater adoption of programmable platforms, KXCOs ready-to-deploy infrastructure and strategic partnerships make it a trailblazer in realizing the full potential of tokenization. By delivering the liquidity, efficiency, and accessibility highlighted in the BIS Bulletin, KXCO is shaping a future where tokenized markets unlock unprecedented opportunities for issuers and investors alike.
NASHVILLE (AP)  One hundred years ago, a public high school teacher stood trial in Dayton, Tennessee, for teaching human evolution. His nation is still feeling the reverberations today.

The law books record it as State of Tennessee v. John T. Scopes. History remembers it as the  Monkey Trial. The case ballooned into a national spectacle, complete with a courthouse showdown between a renowned, agnostic defense attorney and a famous fundamentalist Christian politician who defended the Bible on the witness stand.

UPDATE: Statue of 'Scopes monkey trial' evolution backer unveiled The Scopes Trial Festival is underway and those living in Rhea County will notice something different in front of the courthouse.

In a sweltering, pre-air conditioning courtroom, the trial became a linchpin for a tense debate that wasnt just a small-town aberration.

This is a broad-based culture war of which the Scopes trial is just one place lightning struck, says James Hudnut-Beumler, professor of American religious history at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Today, new state laws requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms are facing legal challenges. As the Supreme Court leans right, there is an ongoing conservative push to infuse more religion  often Christianity  into taxpayer-funded education. Advocates of religious diversity and church-state separation are countering it in capitols, courts and public squares.

We are fighting on an almost daily basis, says Robert Tuttle, a religion and law professor at George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C.

That Tennessee jury found Scopes guilty of violating the states Butler Act  of teaching any theory that denies the story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible.

A century later, the role of religion in public schools  and whether to keep it out entirely  is still being fiercely debated.

Some perceive a threat to their spot in the culture

While attempts to interlace America and the divine are not new, from the last half of the 20th century to today they are driven by a perceived threat among white Christians who think their dominant spot in politics and culture is being eroded by secularism or multiculturalism, Tuttle says.

Other recent examples of the debate over religion in schools include adding chaplains and Bibles to classrooms, infusing designated prayer time into the school day and expanding voucher programs that can be used at religious schools. At the Supreme Court, the justices effectively stopped the first taxpayer-funded Catholic charter school and gave parents a religious exemption for LGBTQ+-related instruction.

Tuttle's scholarship was used in the recent federal appeals court ruling that declared Louisianas Ten Commandments law unconstitutional, citing a similar Kentucky law the Supreme Court ruled against in 1980.

In 'Scopes monkey trial' home, atheists hope to honor Clarence Darrow In 1925, two of America's most renowned figures faced off in the southeast Tennessee town of Dayton to debate a burning issue - whether man evolved over millions of years from simpler life forms or was created by God...

Tuttle and his co-author, Ira Lupu, assert that the principles underlying the Establishment Clause  the First Amendments ban on the government establishing a religion  remain alive despite arguments that cite a change made in a 2022 school prayer ruling by the Supreme Court.

We have good reasons not to concede the battlefield to the forces aimed at eliminating the idea of a secular state, their article states. When they overclaim their victories, others should speak up.

The day after the court ruling, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Texas Ten Commandments bill that had easily passed the GOP-controlled state legislature. Lawsuits have been filed to block it and the Arkansas law that was approved earlier this year.

Abbott has taken on a Ten Commandments issue before. He reiterated his support for the new law while celebrating the 20th anniversary of his 2005 Supreme Court victory that prevented efforts to tear down the Commandments monument on the grounds of the state Capitol.

I will always defend the historical connection between the Ten Commandments and their influence on the history of Texas, he says in a video posted on X.

Texas Values, a conservative Christian law and policy nonprofit, rallied support for the Texas bill. If other ideals are shared in the classroom, the Ten Commandments should be able to be shared as well, says Mary Elizabeth Castle, director of government relations for the organization.

A similar argument was made in 1922 by Scopes prosecutor William Jennings Bryan, a onetime populist firebrand who became the face of the anti-evolution movement.

If the Bible cannot be taught, why should Christian taxpayers permit the teaching of guesses that make the Bible a lie? Bryan wrote in The New York Times. A teacher might just as well write over the door of his room, Leave Christianity behind you, all ye who enter here.'

The arc of the religion-in-schools debate is long

About 60 years earlier, advances in biblical criticism caused conservative Christians to double down on rejecting anything they believe conflicted with their interpretation of the Bible, human evolution included, says Hudnut-Beumler. He blames weaponized post-World War I rhetoric for spreading anti-evolution beliefs to legislation. He sees parallels to today.

Whatever were going through now, he says, its the product of people manufacturing rhetoric in a way that stokes fear.

Castle sees the 2022 school prayer decision as a step in the right direction. Theres always just going to be that conflict where people are trying to trample on religious freedom, she says, and so thats why we do the work that we do.

The American Civil Liberties Union, joined by other legal groups, is representing the families in Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas that sued to block new Ten Commandments laws. A much younger ACLU, boosted by the star power of defense attorney Clarence Darrow, represented Scopes, who agreed to be a test case challenging the Butler Act and to bring attention to Dayton.

Daniel Mach, who directs the ACLU program on freedom of religion and belief, sees a through line between 1925 and what he describes as a present-day assault on the separation of church and state.

There are those who want to use the machinery of the state  and in particular, our public schools  to impose their religious beliefs on everyone else, Mach says. The constitutional guarantee of church-state separation has served us as a nation quite well over the years in general. And theres simply no reason to turn back the clock now.

In 1925, the ACLU lost the Scopes case. It would be more than 40 years before the Supreme Court would overrule an anti-evolution teaching ban. But the trial, which took place from July 10-21, dealt a big hit to Bryans reputation. He died days after it ended.

Though a brief legal circus, the trial inflamed social divisions. Conservatives and fundamentalists in the Midwest and South felt mocked by those they considered liberal, East Coast elites. They were humiliated, Tuttle says. Thats internalized, and it carries through.

In the 1940s, tensions flared with a school funding case before the Supreme Court. They returned in the 1960s when the justices ruled against school-sponsored prayer and Bible readings. It was upsetting, Tuttle says, to conservative Christians who saw schools as a source of morality.

The link you see with the Scopes case is a sense of alienation and devaluing of what civic experience means to them, he says.

Suzanne Rosenblith, an expert on religion in public education at the University at Buffalo in New York, sees the wave of court cases as primarily First Amendment tensions.

Your argument for removing something can be seen as ensuring that Congress makes no law respecting the establishment of religion. And my wanting something included, thats my way of exercising my right to religious freedom, she says. And it could be on the same issue.

A lesson to be learned from the last 100 years, Rosenblith says, is that America remains a pluralist democracy and needs to be approached as such.

All sides are going to win some and lose some, she says. But how can we treat each other, especially those with whom we disagree on these significant issues, how do we treat each other more seriously?

Holly Meyer is global religion news editor for The Associated Press. AP's religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
A teenager has pleaded guilty to the section 4 assault causing serious harm to a Longford father in Mullingar before Christmas.

The 17-year-old male appeared at a sitting of Mullingar Circuit Court on Thursday morning (July 10) where Desmond Dockery SC said he was pleading guilty on the basis that the injuries caused to the victim were inflicted recklessly and not intentionally.

The alleged assault took place on December 14, 2024, at approximately 1am on Grove Street, Mullingar. The injured party, a man in his 30s, was discovered with serious injuries at 1.10am and removed by ambulance to Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar.

At 6am that same morning, he was transported to Beaumont Hospital in critical condition, with a severe bleed to his brain.

At a bail hearing before the District Court in December, Detective Garda Brendan Hogan said the injured party was out socialising with colleagues on the night in question when he came upon a group of local youths and an altercation ensued.

CCTV footage, he said, shows the males meeting in the street, before the injured party, the accused and a third party go off-screen for a period of just eight seconds. Its within that eight-second window that the assault took place.

The accused presented himself at Mullingar Garda Station and made a voluntary caution statement on the afternoon of December 14.

He and another 17-year-old male were arrested a few days later and questioned in relation to the incident. The other male, who was released without charge, identified the accused on CCTV footage and gave Gardai an account of what had happened, stating that the accused had punched the man.

A large number of phones was seized during the course of the investigation and messages recovered, including two voice notes sent via Snapchat.

Im after clocking a fella and he wouldnt wake up for half an hour, said the accused in one message sent on Snapchat at 1:48am in the aftermath of the incident. He finished off the message by stating he was pure paro or paranoid.

In the second message, sent to another person on Snapchat at 11.20am on December 14, he stated Im not sure if I killed the fella or not, but even if I didnt kill him, its bad bro.

After making his voluntary statement at the Garda station, the court heard the accused immediately sent a message into a Snapchat group stating make sure that whatever you do or say, all I said was Ive no idea who knocked who out. Too much drink.

He was granted bail by Judge Bernadette Owens who said detention is a last resort for a juvenile.

Bail conditions imposed included a 500 independent surety from the teens mother, and that he surrender his passport and not apply for a duplicate. He was also to abide by a curfew from 7pm to 6am, remain intoxicant-free and sign on at Mullingar Garda Station every Wednesday and Saturday.

Mr Dockery, on behalf of the accused, requested a probation report and stated that the next sittings of Mullingar Circuit Court would not take place until the end of November - after his clients 18th birthday.

Also read: RIP: 'Gentleman'- Irish doctor dies on holiday in France as wife and son heart broken

For that reason, he requested the sentence hearing take place at a different court before then. Judge Kenneth Connolly agreed to list the case for October 30 in Portlaoise, to be dealt with before he ages out.

There was no objection to continuing bail and Judge Connolly directed the probation report to include a suitability assessment for community service and for the Restorative Justice Programme.

A victim impact statement is also to be prepared by the victims family for that date.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: July 10 2025

For years, drug companies prioritized profits at the expense of struggling New Yorkers who became trapped in deadly opioid addictions, said Attorney General James.

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced eight pharmaceutical companies will pay approximately $720 million for their role in manufacturing opioid pills that fueled the ongoing nationwide epidemic of opioid addictions. These funds will help deliver critical resources to communities throughout New York and the nation to combat the opioid crisis. New York will receive up to $38.7 million from the eight companies. To date, Attorney General James has secured more than $3 billion to support New York opioid abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts.

For years, drug companies prioritized profits at the expense of struggling New Yorkers who became trapped in deadly opioid addictions, said Attorney General James. While communities throughout our state continue to suffer from the opioid crisis, these resources will help us begin to heal. I will continue to work to hold those responsible for the opioid crisis accountable and ensure that New Yorkers who have been most affected get the support they need.

The eight companies and the total amounts they will pay in funding to address the opioid crisis are:

Mylan (now part of Viatris) will pay $284,447,916 over nine years;

Hikma will pay $95,818,293 over one to four years;

Amneal will pay $71,751,010 over 10 years;

Apotex will pay $63,682,369 in a single year;

Indivior will pay $38,022,450 over four years;

Sun will pay $30,992,087 in one to four years;

Alvogen will pay $18,680,162 in a single year; and

Zydus will pay $14,859,220 in a single year.

Payments will begin as soon as 2026. The eight companies will also provide $14 million in additional funding and Mylan, Hikma, Amneal, and Indivior will provide opioid addiction treatment medications or cash in lieu of this product to participating states valued at approximately $86 million. All companies besides Indivior will be prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products and making or selling any product that contains more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill. They must also put in place a monitoring and reporting system for suspicious orders. Indivior will not manufacture or sell opioid products for the next 10 years, but it will be able to continue marketing and selling medications to treat opioid addiction.

For New York, the settlement negotiations were led by Special Counsel Monica Hanna and Assistant Attorney General Matthew Conrad with the assistance of the Deputy Director of Research and Analytics Gautam Sisodia and Data Scientist Kenneth Morales, under the supervision of First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. In addition to New York, the settlements were negotiated by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.

Attorney General James is a national leader in holding accountable the companies that fueled the opioid crisis and securing resources to help combat the epidemic of addictions and overdoses. To date, Attorney General James has secured more than $3 billion to support New York opioid abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts from companies including, Purdue, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, Mallinckrodt, Allergan, Endo, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen. Attorney General James has also led multistate coalitions in reaching settlements for billions of dollars with CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart for their roles in failing to properly regulate opioid prescriptions. Additionally, Attorney General James and a bipartisan coalition of states secured settlements with consulting firm McKinsey & Company and the marketing firm Publicis Health for their role in fueling the opioid crisis.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: July 11 2025

Flight 127 was due to land at JFK International Airport on Sunday, July 6, had to divert to an air base in the Azores, a remote chain of islands.

A Delta Airlines flight traveling to New York from Madrid, Spain experienced an engine issues, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing on a remote island off of the coast of Portugal, reports say.

Flight 127 was due to land at JFK International Airport on Sunday, July 6, but instead - following what some passengers described as a loud "boom" noise, which Delta later confirmed to be "a mechanical issue in an engine - had to divert to an air base in the Azores, a remote chain of islands.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: July 11 2025

Police Officers May Wear Face Coverings When Carrying Out Specific Operations Under The Policies of Their Respective Agencies Or Departments.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman today signed an Executive Order clarifying a law previously passed by the Nassau County Legislature regarding wearing masks in public. Under the new order, the County Executive made clear that police officers may lawfully cover their faces under certain circumstances.

Today, I am issuing an Executive Order making it clear that federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, while carrying out specific operations pursuant to the policies and procedures of their respective agencies or departments, with the approval of their supervisor, may wear masks or face coverings, County Executive Blakeman stated.

During a press conference announcing the Executive Order, County Executive Blakeman spoke out against critics of Nassau Countys previous mask legislation and their contrasting opinions on protecting the identities of law enforcement officers.

What I find very troubling is the very same people who criticized our mask law are the same people who are saying law enforcement officers in the performance of their duty cant wear a mask to protect their identity if theyre involved in a sensitive investigationor if theyre involved in an exercise where it may be dangerous to them or their family. The hypocrisy of their opinion is startling, County Executive Blakeman said.

The Executive Order comes in the wake of a new bill that would ban ICE agents from wearing masks to conceal their identities while working in New York City. County Executive Blakeman derided the legislation and the decisions made by the New York City Council as being pro-criminal and un-American.

I think theyre out of their mind, I think that they will destroy the city, and I think they will make law enforcement in the Metropolitan area, including Nassau County, much more difficult, he said.

Nassau County Police are continuing to do everything they can to protect our residents, and the policies enacted by the Blakeman administration have already led to better outcomes. Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder noted during the press conference that major crimes in Nassau County are down 15% year-to-date, further underscoring Nassaus position as the safest county in the U.S.

We are very, very proud and grateful for all our law enforcement officers, especially our Nassau County Police Department, our Sheriffs Department, our Probation Department, and all the men and women who do the things necessary to protect our county. We have their back, said County Executive Blakeman.

CREDIT: Nassau County Press Release
Its no secret that Apple tends to experiment with prototypes privately, while many of their rivals use their customers as guinea pigs. The iPhone maker, for the most part, has historically refrained from putting out unfinished products, while Samsung, Google, and others prefer to iterate in public with products that could use some more time in the lab. Nowhere is that clearer than with folding phones. Samsung has been launching new foldable phones for half a decade with varying success, while Apple has yet to announce its first folding iPhone.

Samsungs Unpacked event earlier this week was unlike any previous one, however. For the first time, it feels like the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 isnt an overpriced beta product riddled with design imperfections and other compromises. It has seemingly matured into a practical, multifunctional phone that caters to a wider range of users far beyond rabid early adopters. This is great news for Samsung fansbut possibly even better news for those anticipating the iPhone Fold, rumored to launch next year.

Crease decrease

Perhaps the most glaring issue with early Galaxy Z Fold models was the display crease. Samsungs early foldable screens would develop a visible line in the center after repeated folding. Not only would it strip the devices of their flagship feel, but in some cases, it would affect usability and lead to untimely repairs.

Remember the early Galaxy Z phones with an unsightly crease down the middle? Those days are long gone. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Samsung managed to minimize the problem over the years through design tweaks, and the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 incorporates an even more durable hinge. Taking this into account, its realistic to assume that the iPhone Fold wont suffer from any major crease complications when it launches in September 2026. Apple has had sufficient time to develop a long-lasting solution, as the screen crease has been rumored to be its biggest priority. When the iPhone Fold launches next year, it will need to be utterly flawless just to match the Z Fold 7.

Thinpossible

Another common foldable phone drawback is the design, namely, thickness and weight. Manufacturers are essentially stitching two smartphones togetherall while maintaining their durability, high-end specifications, etc. Slimming them down is no easy feat. Nevertheless, Samsung has finally polished the design with its Galaxy Z Fold 7, suggesting Apple is going down a similar path.

The latest Samsung foldable weighs only 215g and has a thickness of 8.9mm and 4.2mm when folded and unfolded, respectively. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 227g and is 8.25mm thick. So, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has essentially become a normal-sized smartphone when folded and an ultra-slim tablet in its unfolded form. Its no longer an overwhelming, chunky brick. Its so thin, in fact, Samsung had to drop S-Pen support.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is super thin when open and closed. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Given that this years iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be 5.5mm thin (and the incredibly powerful iPad Pro M4 is just 5.1mm thin), its likely Apple has figured out a way to make the iPhone Fold similarly thin. But how thin is the questionand what Apple will need to sacrifice to get there.

Pro-formance

Another technological milestone is powering the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with a flagship processorthe Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. With such a thin body, overheating is obviously a concern, which is something Apple has already figured out with its own silicon. As I mentioned above, look no further than the iPad Pro and upcoming iPhone 17 Air to see how incredibly efficient Apples chips are.

If it launches next year as rumored, we assume the iPhone Fold will offer the yet-to-be-announced A20 Pro to deliver advanced iPadOS 26-like features, such as app windowing, when unfolded. Folding phones have been established as premium devices, and Apple will likely follow suit by putting its most powerful mobile chip into its highest-end device.

Sharp shooting

Incorporating a Pro camera system into a slim foldable is yet another obstacle that Samsung has overcome. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers an impressive triple rear lens setup, featuring a 200MP main sensor. The front camera now also boasts a wide 100-degree field of view, letting users expand the frame when taking group selfies.

On the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, Apple is expected to use a single camera, and most rumors suggest the iPhone Fold will have a pair of wide and ultra-wide lenses to allow for superior portraits and macro mode with limited zoom capabilities. So, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will likely beat the iPhone here, but Apple is sure to put major emphasis on the iPhone Folds photographic capabilities.

The Galaxy Z Fold7 has an impressive triple-camera system. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

When it comes to the front camera, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has two, one on the outside display and another on the inside for use when opened, with two single-hole cutouts for the cameras. Apple is rumored to be taking a similar path as it shifts away from the Dynamic Island and moves Face ID elements under the display.

Its not clear what that means for Face ID, which would give Apple an edge here. But with two screens, Apple is likely to ditch Face ID on the iPhone Fold for Touch ID inside the power button like the iPad mini and Air.

The stakes are high

Apple enthusiasts have generally grown accustomed to receiving innovative hardware later than everyone else. When said upgrades eventually arrive, however, they expect them to work flawlessly. The company is obviously aware of this unspoken formula, so its safe to assume the first iPhone Fold wont be as half-baked as Samsungs previous folding phones. Whether itll be a worthy Galaxy Z Fold 7 competitor is a different story, though.

Sure, Apple has spent years developing and refining the iPhone Folds potential imperfections. But Samsung has been collecting analytics and feedback from millions of users for a while nowthe kind of data Apple cant necessarily replicate with limited lab tests. Im not worried about the iPhone Folds durability or potential defects. Theres also the issue of price. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999 with 256GB of storage, $800 more than the iPhone 16 Pro Max and twice that of a MacBook Air. Will the iPhone Fold cost $2,500 or more?

But Im most concerned about the iPhone Folds unique features, specs, battery life, and the day-to-day usage experience. Will the wait be worth it? Were going to find out soon.
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. High 83F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low 66F. Winds light and variable.
People jump into the Charles River during the "City Splash" event, Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) AP

This Sunday, swimmers can take the plunge into Bostons once notoriously dirty water through the 1-day-only City Splash event on the Charles River.

The beloved summer event is a tradition put on by The Charles River Conservancy (CRC) in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, swimmers 18 years and older can sign up for a 25-minute-long swim slot at a demarcated deep-water area off Fiedler Dock on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston, according to CRC.

Read More: Popular supermarket to open new location in Boston suburb

The event was postponed from its original date of Saturday, June 12 as a proactive and protective measure for swimmers, CRC noted, adding Swimmer health and safety is our top priority.

Registration is free but required for all swimmer, CRC noted. It encourages those interested to sign up as soon as possible due to capacity limits for swimming slots.

This will be the 8th time City Splash will take place in the Charles, now one of the cleanest urban rivers in the United States, CRC said.

The Charles River Conservancy has existed for a quarter-century. This weekend marks its 25th anniversary, according to Executive Director Laura Jasinski.

Since our inception, weve eagerly advocated for projects and policies that would get us closer to making the Charles a consistently clean, safe, swimmable urban river, Jasinski said in a statement.

When participants take the plunge during City Splash, we get to see that vision come to life for one special day and look forward to continuing this annual tradition until that vision becomes reality, Jasinski added.

Due to safety precautions, swimming in the Charles River is currently only allowed in the instance of a permit obtained from DCR, which is the case with City Splash.

Read More: MBTA reducing Green Line summer trips  but riders may not feel the difference

CRC envisions one day having a seasonal urban swim park on the Charles River outside of the limits of the 1-day annual City Splash event.

For those whod rather stay on dry land, City Splash will also offer a host of free activities on shore throughout its run time. CRC said there will be vendors, food trucks and plenty of fun activities for all ages in the park.
News / Local

by Edmund Kudzayi

Return correspondence to the address on record (Ref: .H4531/22).High Court of ZimbabweCivil DivisionMapondera BuildingCorner 3rd Street & Samora Machel AvenueP.O. Box 870,CausewayHarare,ZimbabweMarch 5, 2025ATTENTION OF: The Honourable Justice Wamambo JRE: FADZAYI MAHERE v. EDMUND KUDZAYI - PLEA TO SET ASIDE PROCEEDINGS AB INITIO DUE TO FRAUDULENT MISREPRESENTATION AND PERJURYMy Lord,I approach this Honourable Court with the utmost deference but also with unequivocal alarm at the deliberate misrepresentations- amounting to perjury - committed by the Applicant, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere. These falsehoods have twice resulted in the improper revival of a case that was lawfully struck off, threatening to propel the parties towards trial on a manifestly fraudulent basis. The gravity of this situation compels me to seek Your Lordship's immediate intervention to prevent this brazen attempt to subvert the integrity of this Court.I. A Chronology of Deceit: Twice Resuscitated, Twice TaintedThe history of this case is marked by repeated attempts by the Applicant to undermine due process, culminating in an imminent trial despite a foundation irreparably tainted by deliberate falsehoods:1. Initial Striking Off and Fraudulent Resuscitation (2024)This matter was lawfully struck off after two years of complete inaction by the Applicant. In an effort to resurrect this dormant case, the Applicant filed an application for condonation, falsely asserting that the matter was "ripe for set-down" and merely awaiting a pre-trial conference date at the time it was deemed abandoned. This misrepresentation was intentional and of profound consequence. It suggested that all requisite procedural steps had been diligently completed. However, as Your Lordship is well aware, such a claim necessitates strict compliance with Rule 49 of the High Court Rules, 2021. This includes a formal application for a pre-trial conference, accompanied by a documented record of compliance- documentation that, conspicuously, does not exist. Its absence is irrefutable evidence of fabrication.2. Evasion and StonewallingWhen I, as the Defendant, challenged this blatant misrepresentation and demanded details of the phantom pre-trial conference from the Applicant's legal representatives, my inquiries were not merely ignored but met with calculated silence and veiled threats of punitive costs. Such deliberate evasiveness is not the conduct of a party acting in good faith; rather, it is the conduct of one who recognises that an honest response would be fatal to their position. The refusal to engage substantively is, in itself, an admission- an implicit recognition that to answer truthfully would be to confess to an act so foundationally corrupt that it renders these proceedings untenable.It is imperative, My Lord, to characterise this deception accurately. This is not a minor violation, such as a motorist stopped for a traffic infraction who might reasonably expect to be let off with a warning. Rather, it is akin to a police officer stumbling upon a murder in progress- an act so egregious, so fundamentally incompatible with justice, that it cannot be disregarded. The integrity of this Court demands that it be confronted.To do otherwise, My Lord, would send a dangerous message: that one may gain an advantage in litigation through outright fabrication and, once exposed, still proceed as though deception were immaterial. A Court cannot be misled into granting an order and then, upon discovering the deception, continue as though nothing has happened. To do so would forfeit the moral authority of the judicial process. If this Court, fully apprised of the deception, allows these proceedings to advance, it becomes not merely a victim of the Applicant's fraud but a willing accomplice to it.Fraud vitiates everything. This misrepresentation is not a peripheral irregularity that can be rectified as proceedings unfold; it is the very foundation upon which this case stands. Just as one cannot build upon a collapsed foundation, this Court cannot and must not proceed with a fraudulently revived case. To permit this would not serve justice- it would subvert it.1. Second Striking Off and a Second Deception (January 2025)The Applicant's initial, fraudulently obtained resuscitation was short-lived. The matter was struck off once again due to the Applicant's failure to comply with the conditions upon which that resuscitation had been granted. Undeterred, and with breath-taking disregard for the Court's integrity, the Applicant filed yet another application for condonation in January 2025. This time, the Applicant claimed that the delays were attributable to my "concerns"- a cynical and demonstrably false attempt to portray me as the obstacle. In reality, my only "concern" was for the Applicant to explain the prima facie fraud underlying the initial resuscitation- a fraud she has neither acknowledged nor addressed.2. The Orchestrated Bypass and the Silent CourtIt is particularly troubling that, in her chamber application to reinstate the case, the Plaintiff asserted: "It would not have been proper in the circumstances of this case to set the matter down before engaging the respondent and resolving all the issues raised in his correspondences. I found it important to implore him to come to the table and have an understanding of the procedures of this Honourable Court and the nature of the proceedings." Yet, having secured reinstatement on this very premise, she immediately abandoned it- bypassing the engagement she had deemed necessary and proceeding straight to a pre-trial conference. In doing so, she deprived me of the very engagement she had claimed was a prerequisite, contradicting her own justification and undermining the integrity of the process. The quoted passage is striking for its almost patronising tone, as though the Applicant had suffered undue delays purely to accommodate a self-represented litigant.In reality, the delays arose not from goodwill but from the Applicant's legal representative's refusal to engage substantively or provide a clear answer regarding which pre-trial conference was being referenced.Although the Applicant had proposed a roundtable meeting- a proposal I accepted, as evidenced by my letter of 8 November 2024 (attached as Annexure A)- she circumvented this stage by unclear yet undoubtedly deceptive means. This allowed her to advance directly to a pre-trial conference, silencing my opportunity to challenge the foundational falsehood upon which her case now rests.Given my poor health and the limited time available to intervene effectively, I instructed my former legal practitioner, Dr Sande, to represent me. She is well acquainted with the case - particularly the misrepresentation regarding the phantom pre-trial conference - and her affidavit confirming this is attached. My instructions were explicit: To raise the foundational issue of misrepresentation before Your Lordship. To challenge the procedural irregularity of bypassing the agreed-upon roundtable meeting- an evasion that, in my understanding, could only have been accomplished by deceiving this Court.To my profound dismay, I learned on Monday - after the pre-trial conference had already taken place the previous Friday - that we are now proceeding to trial without this fundamental matter ever being examined. The result is an unconscionable scenario: a trial predicated on a deliberate falsehood, where a judge was misled into granting a ruling that allows the case to advance without the Plaintiff addressing the matter or the Court considering the central issue.Moreover, as I have not yet had sight of the minutes of the pre-trial conference, I cannot determine precisely how such an outcome was allowed to materialise. It is highly improbable that the Court, having been presented with the details I instructed my legal representative to raise, would have proceeded to direct the parties to prepare for trial without due consideration. On that basis, I must conclude that: My instructions were not followed. The Court was never made aware of the critical misrepresentation that I now bring to Your Lordship's attention.II. The Legal Implications: A Foundation of FraudMy Lord, the legal principles at play here are fundamental. This is not a mere procedural irregularity or a minor misstep that might be excused in the interests of expediency. At its core, it is a deliberate and calculated deception - one that strikes at the very integrity of the judicial process.What is particularly shocking is that, despite repeated opportunities to correct course, the Applicant has doubled down on this demonstrable falsehood. She was neither compelled by circumstance nor deprived of an alternative remedy. The case was struck off twice, and the proper recourse lay in issuing fresh summons - an avenue that remained open to her at all times.Yet, rather than following this legitimate path, she chose to perpetuate the fraud with a brazen audacity that betrays neither fear of perjury nor respect for the Court she deceives.This is not mere litigation misconduct - it is an affront to the dignity of this Honourable Court. It is the behaviour of one who treats the judicial process not as a solemn instrument of justice but as a game to be manipulated at will. The absence of hesitation, even after the fraud had been exposed, reveals a mindset wholly unbecoming of an officer of the Court. It evinces a staggering lack of seriousness - a juvenile approach to litigation where deceit is wielded not as a last resort but as a primary tactic.However, the gravity of this deception is not merely moral or ethical - it is legal. And in law, there are no half-measures when fraud has tainted a proceeding. This Court now stands at a crossroads: it must either confront the fraud head-on or tacitly legitimise it. There is no middle ground.1. Fraus Omnia Vitiat (Fraud Vitiates Everything)This principle is not a rhetorical flourish - it is the immovable bedrock upon which judicial integrity rests. Fraud does more than merely compromise a legal proceeding; it annihilates it. It renders void all that follows, for nothing built upon falsehood can stand. The Applicant's misrepresentation was not peripheral; it was the very foundation upon which her purported right to proceed was fraudulently resurrected. The result is unavoidable: these proceedings are void ab initio.2. Ex Turpi Causa Non Oritur Actio (No Action Arises from a Base Cause)By choosing to litigate on a foundation of fraud, the Applicant has rendered her claim intrinsically invalid. A claim tainted from its root by dishonesty cannot be entertained. This Honourable Court, as the custodian of justice, cannot be used as an instrument to advance a deceitful claim. To do so would endorse the proposition that a litigant may lie their way into a favourable position and, once caught, still expect judicial indulgence. Such an outcome would be a perversion of justice.3. Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum (Let Justice Be Done Though the Heavens Fall)This principle, embedded in common law, reflects the Court's duty to uphold justice absolutely, despite any inconvenience or disruption. If fraud has been perpetrated, no matter how far advanced the litigation may be, the Court must intervene. The Applicant's misrepresentation is not a trivial irregularity but a cancer upon the case itself. To allow the trial to proceed without excising this deceit would be to renounce the essence of judicial integrity.4. Nemo Ex Dolo Suo Proprio Relevetur (No One Shall Be Relieved from Their Own Fraud)A party who enters litigation through dishonesty must not be permitted to extricate themselves from their deception with impunity. The Applicant has acted as though the consequences of her fraud can be circumvented by persistence. Yet persistence does not cleanse corruption. One who deceives a Court cannot then plead leniency from that same institution. The Applicant appears not as one seeking equity, but with unclean hands. And in equity, as in law, a claimant with unclean hands must be denied relief.5. Dolus Circuitu Non Purgatur (Fraud Is Not Cleansed by Circuitous Means)Even if the Applicant were to argue that her current claims should be assessed independently of her past fraud, this maxim refutes such an absurdity. Fraud cannot be laundered by procedural manoeuvring; it does not dissolve with time or diminish through further litigation. The decisive question is whether the Applicant's claim was revived through deceit. If yes- and it is- then these proceedings cannot continue.The Core QuestionThe question, My Lord, is not merely whether fraud has occurred- it clearly has - but whether the Court will tolerate it. The imperatives of justice, judicial integrity, and the rule of law itself demand that it does not.III. A Plea for Intervention: Justice ImperilledThis situation is not a simple procedural lapse but an assault on the foundations of justice. The Applicant's actions- marked by deliberate misrepresentation and perjury- strike at the very heart of the judicial process, degrading the integrity of this Honourable Court. Such transgressions must be addressed with utmost severity.The Sanctity of Truth in Judicial ProceedingsTruth is the cornerstone of our judicial system. Courts rely on the honesty of litigants and their counsel to administer justice. When this fundamental trust is breached, as in this case, the entire edifice of justice is imperilled. The Applicant's deliberate falsehoods, crafted to secure an unfair advantage, constitute an affront to the dignity of this Court and cannot be tolerated.In United States v. Throckmorton, the U.S. Supreme Court recognised "the general doctrine that fraud vitiates the most solemn contracts, documents, and even judgments." This ruling underscores the paramount importance of truthfulness in judicial proceedings and affirms the Court's duty to reject any gains obtained through deceit. Allowing the Applicant to benefit from perjury would set a dangerous precedent, emboldening others to manipulate judicial processes and eroding public confidence in the administration of justice.Perjury: As Easy as Eating SadzaParticularly alarming is the Applicant's flagrant disregard for truth and professional ethics. Upon learning of my intention to challenge the case's foundation, the Applicant instructed her lawyers to threaten me with increased costs, implying that any challenge would be futile. Initially, I suspected the Applicant might have misled her legal representatives; however, as they continued to evade my direct inquiries, it became evident they were acting in concert.I once aspired to study law, believing it to be a noble profession practised by individuals of distinguished character. To witness a law firm persist in advancing a case after being informed of its fraudulent foundation represents a serious departure from the spirit of the law. It is not merely unethical - it is indecent.Even more disturbing is the Applicant's brazen confidence, as though nothing will come of conduct that should ordinarily be career-ending. Perjury by an officer of the Court is no trivial matter; it has the potential to end professional livelihoods. Yet the Applicant and her legal practitioners proceed as though they possess an invincibility that places them beyond the Court's reach. Their demeanour suggests that what ought to be a grave violation is, to them, a trivial exercise- akin to casually eating sadza.The Ethical Obligations of Legal PractitionersAs an advocate, the Applicant is held to a higher ethical standard. Her actions, however, have fallen woefully short of that mark. The deliberate misrepresentation of facts to the Court constitutes a severe breach of her professional obligations and amounts to perjury. The legal profession must uphold the highest standards of integrity, and those who violate these standards must face the consequences. The Applicant's conduct is not an excusable oversight but a calculated, sustained effort to deceive. From the initial false assertion that the matter was "ripe for set-down" to circumventing the roundtable meeting, she has demonstrated a blatant disregard for Court procedures and the principle of fair play. Overlooking or rewarding such behaviour would be a travesty of justice.Relief Sought In light of the above, I implore Your Lordship to grant the following relief:1 Immediate EnquiryOrder the Applicant to produce verifiable evidence of the application for set-down, along with the requisite supporting documentation.2 Stay of ProceedingsStay all further proceedings, including the scheduled trial, pending the outcome of this enquiry.3 Sanctions Should Your Lordship find deliberate misrepresentation, refer the matter to the Law Society of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Republic Police for investigation, as foundational perjury of this nature warrants criminal action.4 Chambers AppearanceWhile I remain unwell, should the Court require my attendance in chambers for clarification, I will attend as needed.Conclusion: Restoring Faith in JusticeMy Lord, I am mindful of the great demands on Your Lordship's time and the burdens of a busy Court. I apologise for the length of this application, but the potential miscarriage of justice at hand is so grave that full disclosure is essential. This is not merely about procedural technicalities- it goes to the very soul of justice.I trust that once the Applicant's deliberate and repeated deceit is laid bare, Your Lordship will act decisively to uphold the Court's integrity, preserve the sanctity of the judicial process, and renew public faith in justice. That knowing smile of justice served, My Lord, is a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by darkness. It is that beacon I earnestly seek.Yours faithfully,EDMUND KUDZAYI Defendant (Self-Represented)AnnexuresAnnexure A: Letter to Mr Harrison Nkomo, dated 8 November 2024, confirming my agreement to a roundtable meeting.Annexure B: Affidavit of Dr Sande, confirming that no pre-trial conference was ever attended.Annexure C: Screenshots of WhatsApp instructions sent to Dr Sande, providing direct evidence of my instructions to raise the foundational misrepresentation and procedural anomalies in these proceedings.CC: The Registrar, High Court of Zimbabwe Mhishi Nkomo Legal Practice Sande Legal Practice Law Society of Zimbabwe Judicial Service Commission Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
Zach Braff is set to reprise his role as John Michael "J.D." Dorian in a "Scrubs" revival. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Its the news that Scrubs fans have been waiting for since last December: a revival of the medical comedy series has been greenlit by ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

News arrived late last year that a Scrubs reboot was in development, but this weeks update sets a time a place for the series, which will debut during the 2025-2026 season on ABC. ABC was also the home of the shows final two seasons in 2009 and 2010; prior to that, it aired on NBC from 2001 to 2008.

Lead actor Zach Braff (who plays John JD Dorian), as well as his co-stars Donald Faison (Christopher Turk) and Sarah Chalke (Elliot Reid) will appear in the reboot. The trio will also serve as executive directors, per The Hollywood Reporter.

The reboots logline confirms that the main characters will return to the shows original setting, the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital.

JD and Turk scrub in together for the first time in a long time, the logline reads. Medicine has changed, interns have changed, but their bromance has stood the test of time. Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart and some surprises along the way.

Series creator Bill Lawrence, whose recent work includes the programs Ted Lasso, Shrinking, and Bad Monkey, will also be involved in the reboot.

Scrubs means so very much to me. So excited for the chance to get the band back together, he said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Nearly 30 years after a homeless man was murdered, a Massachusetts man remains incarcerated largely due to continued rage.

George Bingham was convicted of murder in the second-degree for the death of Michael Gustafson, 39. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

On Aug. 21, 1995, 30-year-old Bingham beat and slashed Gustafson to death in Brockton after the two homeless men argued over who would go to the store to buy alcohol.

The next morning, Gustafsons body was found in a wooded area behind a shopping plaza by another homeless man, who was collecting cans. He knew both Gustafson and Bingham.

On Oct. 27, 1997, following a jury trial in Plymouth Superior Court, Bingham was convicted of murder in the second-degree. He was first able to go in front of the parole board in 2011 but was denied.

He was also denied in 2014 and 2022.

During all of his parole board hearing, including on March 6, Bingham told the board he continues struggling with his anger.

I can turn on someone just like that, he told the parole board in 2014.

Its also common for Bingham to change his medications prior to the hearing, which also happened in March.

He has recently undergone medication changes and reported recent auditory hallucinations to the Board, the board wrote. Mr. Binghams history of violence and self-harm, and his history of medication noncompliance, concerns the Board as to whether he will be able to live and remain at liberty without violating the law and such that his release with be compatible with the welfare of society.

The parole board denied his request for parole with a review in two years.
A former Massachusetts firefighter and Vietnamese national was sentenced to over two years in prison on Wednesday for stealing the identity of a 13-year-old who died in 2002 and using it to gain employment for six years, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office announced Thursday.

Braintree resident Truong Nguyen, 50, pleaded guilty to passport fraud and aggravated identity theft in March, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a press release. He will be deported upon completion of his prison sentence.

Federal authorities began investigating Nguyen after he submitted a passport application using the victims identification information at a U.S. post office in Weymouth in March 2023, the U.S. Attorneys office said. After reviewing the application and verifying records showing the victim had died, the Boston Passport Agency denied the application and forwarded it and supporting documents Nguyen had submitted to federal law enforcement.

A subsequent investigation determined that Nguyen used the victims identity to obtain and use multiple government-issued identification documents in the victims name, including Massachusetts drivers licenses and a Social Security card, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He also used the victims identity to obtain an EMT-Basic Certification in 2021 and an EMT-Paramedic Certification in 2023 before applying for a job as a paramedic.

Then, in November 2023, Nguyen used the victims identity to gain entrance into the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, the U.S. Attorneys office said. After graduating, he worked for the Melrose Fire Department until May 2024 when he was arrested.

Nguyen was previously investigated by the Massachusetts RMV in August 2018 after it discovered that he had been issued two licenses under different identities  his own and the victims, the U.S. Attorneys office said. But at the hearing, he convinced RMV officials that the victims identity was his true identity, resulting in the case being closed with a six-month suspension on the license in the victims identity and a permanent suspension on the license with his real name.

Nguyen originally immigrated to the U.S. in 1979 as a legal permanent resident, but after being convicted of second-degree burglary in 1991, his status was revoked, the U.S. Attorneys office said. It was ordered that he be deported, but the deportation never happened.

Nguyen was later arrested in 2010 under the name Truong X. Nguyen and charged with embezzlement and larceny, the U.S. Attorneys office said. In that case, he was accused of stealing over $46,000 from the Norwell Firefighters Union while working as a union officer.
Hank Brennan, the special prosecutor tapped to lead the Karen Read retrial, earned more than $560,000 over the course of the roughly nine months he worked on the case, records released Thursday reveal.

Brennan, a criminal defense lawyer best known for representing James Whitey Bulger, was hired by Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrisseys office last September. Initially, Brennan was set to earn $75,000 for prosecuting the Read case  a figure he exceeded by the end of November. In all, he earned $566,000, according to records MassLive obtained via a public records request.

Morrissey has not provided an explanation for why he chose to hire Brennan. A spokesman for the district attorneys office has not returned multiple requests for comment before and after the June verdict.

Reads murder retrial ended with an acquittal on the most serious charges. She was convicted only of a misdemeanor operating under the influence charge and cleared of any criminal responsibility for the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe.

The retrial was extraordinarily expensive for the district attorneys office: in addition to paying Brennan more than half a million dollars, a pair of outside experts from the firm Aperture LLC earned roughly $400,000 for their work. The cost of paying for other experts, like two digital forensics specialists, is not known.

The other prosecutors who worked on the case  Adam Lally and Laura McLaughlin  earned far less than Brennan. So far in 2025, Lally has earned $75,000 while McLaughlin has made more than $62,000. Brennan, meanwhile, earned close to $170,000 during the trial alone.

In a statement following the verdict, Brennan said he was disappointed ... that we could not achieve justice for John OKeefe and his family.

Brennan went on to decry the campaign of intimidation and abuse that has been waged, funded and promoted in public and on social media as the antithesis of justice.

If this type of conduct becomes commonplace, it will threaten the integrity of our judicial system, affecting both victims and the criminally accused. We cannot condone witness abuse, causing participants to worry for their own safety or that of their families, Brennan said.

It is my hope that with the verdict, the witnesses and their families will be left alone. The harassment of these innocent victims and family members is deplorable and should never happen again in a case in this Commonwealth, he continued.

Morrissey, for his part, said only the jury has spoken.
A Revere woman is facing charges in connection with shooting a man, pistol-whipping two other adults and punching a 15-year-old  all of which she had no prior relationship with  during a May attack in East Boston, the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office announced Thursday.

Amaya Yarde Lydon, 21, pleaded not guilty to charges including armed assault with intent to murder, four assault and battery charges and four firearms charges in connection with the attack during her arraignment in Suffolk County Superior Court on Thursday, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Her lawyer could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.

In the span of a few minutes on the night of May 10, Yarde Lydon attacked four different victims who were previously unknown to her near Maverick Square, according to prosecutors.

The attacks began with a confrontation and altercation with a 15-year-old on the inbound platform of the Maverick subway station around 10:40 p.m., the district attorneys office said. During the attack, she punched and pushed the teen.

Yarde Lydon then left the station, and within minutes, she pistol-whipped two other victims with a 9mm, semiautomatic handgun multiple times, the district attorneys office said. The two victims were eating dinner from a food truck near Lewis Mall when she attacked them.

Yarde Lydon then noticed a bystander who was recording the attack on a cell phone and fired five shots at him, hitting him in the left arm, hip, abdomen and right buttocks, the district attorneys office said. At 10:44 p.m., she tried to flee the scene via Maverick station, but was stopped by Boston police.

This chaotic spasm of violence left four people injured and probably many others traumatized by witnessing such terrible scenes, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in the release.

A grand jury indicted Yarde Lydon on the charges on June 26, according to court records. A judge found her dangerous during her arraignment and ordered her held on $5,000 bail with release conditions including that she wear a GPS location-monitoring bracelet, be confined to her home, not possess any firearms, have no contact with any witnesses in the case or their families, remain alcohol and drug free, abide by her health care providers treatment plan and continue going to therapy.

Yarde Lydon is due back in court for a pretrial conference on Aug. 26.
Nearly $115,000 worth of collectible Pokemon cards were stolen from 1st Edition Collectibles in New Bedford on July 8. 1st Edition Collectibles

Nearly $115,000 in rare Pokemon cards were stolen from a New Bedford collectibles shop early Tuesday morning, according to one of the stores co-owners.

Around 2:30 a.m. on July 8, a man smashed two glass doors to get into 1st Edition Collectibles on Purchase Street, co-owner Filipe Andre said Thursday afternoon. The thief quickly stole two vintage Pokemon card booster boxes, five Charizard cards and one Blastoise card from the stores display cabinet  all of which are individually worth thousands of dollars.

The shop has closed in the wake of the theft as Andre and the stores two other co-owners figure out how to move forward. This is the first time theyve experienced something like this, and because the store can only be accessed from inside a multi-unit building with its own security measures, they never expected it, the 32-year-old said.

We just kinda lulled ourselves into a false sense of security that way, Andre said. We have no choice at this point but to kinda take it on the chin and tighten up our security in-store and go from there.

New Bedford police are investigating the theft, but no arrests had been made as of Thursday afternoon, the police department said in an email.

What we can infer about the thief

The thief broke in through the buildings courtyard instead of the front door, indicating familiarity with its layout, as well as the stores entrances, Andre said. Furthermore, the fact that the thief stole classic, popular Pokemon cards indicates that hes knowledgeable about this type of collectible, the store owner said.

Because of this, Andre strongly suspects the thief is someone who has visited the shop many times, though neither he nor its other co-owners recognized the man caught on the stores security cameras.

It was very targeted. They were in and out within 20 seconds, he said.  ... They were very selective about what they took, and they knew exactly where everything was.

8 1 / 8 Nearly $115,000 worth of collectible Pokemon cards stolen

But even if the thief is a Pokemon card collector, Andre thinks the thief stole the cards intending to sell them  not keep them for himself, he said. Charizard cards are typically the most popular and valuable, and most of the stolen items are expensive because theyre vintage and first edition, not to mention well-known.

As such, Andre believes the thief took what he knew he could sell.

How the thief might be caught

Trying to sell the cards would be a risky move for the thief and could help police identify him, Andre said. The items have a trackable serial number and would be flagged as stolen if he tries to sell them through most venues.

But even if the thief somehow manages to get around this, the stolen items are so rare that any listing or attempted sale would be worth investigating, Andre said. As such, 1st Edition Collectibles large, devoted community of supporters is monitoring card markets in the hopes of catching the thief as he tries to sell them.

A lot of people are keeping their eyes open for similar items being sold. [The stolen cards] are not stuff you run into every day, he said.  ... We have a lot of eyes out there, and thats our main hope in getting things back or at least trying to catch him at this point.

Moving forward

The theft hasnt left 1st Edition Collectibles or its owners struggling to make ends meet, but it was still a nasty shock, Andre said.

Were not gonna have any problems feeding our families. But whenever you get that big of a theft of $115,000 worth of inventory, its never fun, he said. Working years and years to build that up  to have it all taken away in 20 seconds is not a great feeling."

Andre and the other co-owners hope to reopen the shop on July 15, but it will depend on how quickly they can have their door replaced. In the meantime, they are beefing up the stores security measures.

At the end of the day, were blessed to have friends and family that support us and rally behind us, and just a huge, great community of fellow hobbyists that are out there looking for this guy and have our backs, he said. So were gonna rally, okay. Were gonna be back better than ever.
A Roslindale man will go to prison for the death of another man while racing on Interstate 93 in Braintree in 2023, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrisseys office said Thursday.

Hedweens Quetant, 21, was sentenced to three to five years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, racing a motor vehicle and witness intimidation.

This senseless tragedy and unfathomable loss continues to affect not only the victims family and extended family, but also his co-workers and friends, Morrissey said in a statement from his office.

Quetants sentence stemmed from an incident on Feb. 19, 2023, that led to the death of Michael Wojdag, 46, of Hanson, following a crash.

On that day, witnesses told Massachusetts State Police that a 2019 Honda Civic had crashed into a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe while on the northbound side of I-93 near Exit 6 in Braintree, Morrisseys office said. Quetant drove the Honda, Wojdag drove the Chevrolet.

Quetant drove with his headlights off while driving at 120 mph, racing another car before he hit Wojdags SUV, Morrisseys office said.

The other driver who raced Quetant drove off and was never found by Massachusetts State Police, the statement read.

The driver of the other vehicle who was racing Quetant fled the scene. Despite the extensive efforts of the Massachusetts State Police, neither the driver nor the vehicle was found.

Judge Michael Doolin also sentenced Quetant to concurrent jail terms for reckless operation of a motor vehicle and racing a motor vehicle, Morrisseys office said. Once Quetant finishes his prison sentence, he will be on probation for three years.

Along with a 15-year loss of a drivers license carried by the manslaughter conviction, Quetant was ordered to stay away from Wojdags family and not make contact with them.
Six Flags America in suburban Maryland will close permanently in November. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images) The Washington Post via Getty Im

The iconic Kingda Ka isnt the only roller coaster Six Flags fans are losing this year.

After razing the New Jersey ride  once known as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world  the amusement-resort operator has announced the closure of two Six Flags properties: Six Flags America & Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, Maryland, and Californias Great America in Santa Clara.

The Maryland location, billed as the thrill capital of D.C., will close after the 2025 operating season, according to a statement from the company. Californias Great Adventure, on the other hand, is due to shutter in a few years when the propertys lease expires, per People.

Those are two parks that are very low on the ranking of margins, said Six Flags Chief Financial Officer Brian Witherow, People reported.

A company statement about Six Flags Americas final days reveals that the 500-acre property will be marketed for redevelopment with assistance from CBRE, a commercial real estate and investment firm. The parks last day in operation will be Sunday, Nov. 2.

As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the companys long-term growth plan, said Six Flags president and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman.

After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment, Zimmerman added. We anticipate strong interest in the property and will continue to strategically pursue portfolio optimization opportunities as we work to unlock the full value of our portfolio.

There are fewer details available about the future of Californias Great America, whose initial lease agreement will expire in June of 2028, according to People.

Unless we decide to extend, and exercise one of our options to extend that lease, that parks last year without that extension would be after the 27 season, Witherow said.

Six Flags operates six other properties in California, located Buena Park, Valencia, Concord and Vallejo.

Massachusetts fans of the park can still visit Six Flags New England in Agawam, which is not affected by either development.
Lawyers for the blogger Aidan Kearney, known as Turtleboy, are pushing a Norfolk Superior Court judge to lift protective orders that shield what they have described as embarrassing communications from officials from public view.

The motion was filed this week in Norfolk Superior Court, where Kearney faces numerous indictments charging him with the intimidation of witnesses in the Karen Read case. In it, attorneys Tim Bradl and Mark Bederow claim the documents they want released show at best highly questionable, and at worst, corrupt activity on the part of government officials.

While the filing does not name the officials, Bederow pointed specifically to former Massachusetts State Police trooper Michael Proctor, who was fired for misconduct in the Read case.

The public ought to see exactly what he was saying and who he was saying it to before he (Kearney) was arrested, and why that was, its just public access and part of a fair trial, Bederow said following a Monday afternoon hearing.

The special prosecutor assigned to Kearneys case, Robert Cosgrove, did not immediately respond to the request to lift the impoundment, and the judge allowed a motion by Cosgrove to turn over some materials subject to a protective order.

Bradl argued that the verdict in the Karen Read trial meant many of the communications could now become public.

The Karen Read case is over, its moot, its gone, Bradl said. The fact that things are embarrassing or scandalous or cause negative light to be cast upon public officials ... is not a reason to impound documents. Its actually a reason to release documents.

Outside the courthouse, Kearney and his lawyers decried what they described as a culture of secrecy in Norfolk County.

Theres just this cloud of secrecy that exists in Norfolk County where they think they can operate in the dark and do whatever they want and no one else gets to know except them, said Kearney, who championed Reads innocence in his reporting on the case. Thats just not how the United States of America works. Its not how freedom works.

Judge Michael Doolin did not rule on the motion and gave Cosgrove two weeks to respond.
Between a few tagged white sharks and a Jaws-esque encounter on the Fourth of July, Cape Cod has seen a varied number of shark sightings over the past week.

Five sharks have been seen around the Cape since Independence Day, with one sign of shark predation spotted on an island in Pleasant Bay, according to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy in Chatham.

The conservancy has tagged and named white sharks typically seen swimming around the Capes coasts. These acoustic tags transmit data from shark detections in real time, with the results appearing on the conservancys interactive shark-tracking app called Sharktivity.

During the week prior, since June 27, four white sharks were spotted around the Cape, with five potential sightings based on bitten seals or seal carcasses that were photographed.

The initial shark sighting of the week happened the morning of July 4, at 8:04 p.m., according to the app. Paddleboarders off Stony Beach saw the dorsal fin of a white shark cut through the water.

The paddleboarders took photos, with one filming the other when she noticed the fin a few feet in front of her, the Boston Globe reported.

It took me a second to register that like, Oh my goodness, thats a shark fin, Harvard University sophomore Margaret Bowles told the newspaper when she saw the white shark. I saw the fin next to her board and immediately I was like, That is a shark. We need to leave.

Bowles friend, University of Toronto sophomore Maddie Cronin, snapped the photos, with one displayed on the Sharktivity app.

The encounter reflected the narrative significance of the 1974 novel Jaws, along with its blockbuster 1975 film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. The story follows a killer 25-foot-long white shark entering Massachusetts waters near Amity, a New England vacation beach town.

One of the book and films main characters, Matt Hooper (portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss in the film), studies marine life at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Following this close encounter, the next sighting was not of a shark, but of shark predation. At around 10:50 a.m. on July 5, a dead seal with a shark bite was photographed floating in the water off Strong Island in Pleasant Bay.

Three days later, another white shark was seen 1 and a half miles south of Nauset Public Beach in Orleans at around 12:32 p.m., according to Sharktivity.

The next four sightings were of three white sharks that the conservancy has tagged in the past, starting with Wannabe. A male white shark, Wannabe measures at 11 feet long and was first tagged by the conservancy on Sept. 19, 2022. He was recently seen at around 7:55 p.m. on July 9 near Nauset Public Beach.

One other tagged shark made up two sightings on July 10. Another 11-foot-long male white shark, tagged last year on Aug. 12, Baobab was detected swimming near Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet at around 1:47 p.m. He visited Maguire Landing Beach, also in Wellfleet, at around 8:46 p.m.

The last sighting was early Friday morning at around 4:44 a.m. Smaller than Baobab and Wannabe, Uncle Bill was detected swimming near North Beach Island in Chatham. He was first detected on Aug. 3, 2022, and measures at 9 and a half feet long.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The editor-in-chief of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), Kholwani Nyathi, appeared in court on Thursday representing the media company as it faces charges of undermining the authority of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The charges stem from the publication of a satirical article titled "When you become mafia state" in AMH's weekly paper, The Zimbabwe Independent.Nyathi's court appearance follows the arrest and jailing of Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba last week over the same article. Zaba was released on US$200 bail after spending three nights in detention.Represented by lawyer Chris Mhike, AMH challenged its placement on remand, arguing that the charges do not constitute a criminal offence under the law and amount to an attack on press freedom."In a democratic state, one cannot be arrested for expressing their opinion, especially where freedom of the media and expression is constitutionally protected," argued Mhike. "Journalism is not a crime. Placing the company on remand amounts to the criminalisation of journalism."Mhike said the arrest and charges restrict AMH's ability to perform its journalistic duty of informing the public and infringe on the company's rights and democratic principles."One consenting to remand is tantamount to admitting guilt, which we reject," he added.However, state prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu maintained that there was "reasonable suspicion" that an offence had been committed, stating that the article insulted the authority of President Mnangagwa, who currently serves as the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).According to the state, the Zimbabwe Independent edition of June 27 to July 3, 2025, published the contentious article that alleged Zimbabwe had used its SADC leadership role to destabilise regional politics and had become a "mafia state."The article accused Zimbabwe's government of involvement in electoral interference in Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia. It also alleged that Zimbabwe had armed criminals with diplomatic passports and described the current administration as a "criminal enterprise masquerading as a government."In addition, the article reportedly included a photograph of President Mnangagwa alongside Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, with text suggesting that Zimbabwe's influence was behind electoral unrest in that country. The state argues that the content was materially false and aimed at inciting hostility against the President."The article not only insulted the person of the President but was designed to generate public animosity and damage the reputation of the country's leadership," Jambawu submitted.The court will continue hearing the matter on Friday, as AMH fights to have the charges thrown out and its remand status reversed.The case has drawn national and international attention, with media rights groups warning that the prosecution of journalists and media houses over satire represents a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism and suppression of free speech in Zimbabwe.
The two Republican candidates for governor have thrown their support behind a pair of bills that would require voters to show photo identification to vote.

Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve, both former Baker administration officials, issued joint statements this week in support of a provision that remains a hot-button issue in GOP election integrity circles.

Elections have consequences, so we need to ensure the highest level of integrity. I support Massachusetts joining the growing list of states requiring voter identification at the polls, Shortsleeve, who oversaw the MBTA under former Gov. Charlie Baker, said in a statement issued by his campaign. With the costly surge of migrants into our state, it is especially important that we pass a voter identification law.

The companion Senate and House bills sponsored by state Sen. Peter Durant, R-Worcester/Hampshire, and Rep. Donald Berthiaume, R-5th Worcester, were set to get an airing before a legislative committee this week.

Kennealy, who served as Bakers housing and economic development czar, called the legislation a commonsense step that would strengthen the integrity of our elections and help restore public confidence across the political spectrum.

In todays world, you need an ID to board a plane, buy certain medications, or even enter many buildings. It stands to reason that voting, the very foundation of our democratic republic, should be held to the same standard, Kennealy said.

Photo identification is required to fly, buy a cell phone, open a bank account, pick up a prescription and even attend the Massachusetts Democrat[ic] State Convention. It is a reasonable request, Shortsleeve said.

Kennealy offered a similar sentiment, noting that implementing voter ID is a commonsense step that would strengthen the integrity of our elections and help restore public confidence across the political spectrum. Its a practical measure that brings more transparency, not division.

Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, whom both Shortsleeve and Kennealy are looking to unseat next year, already has staked out her turf on the issue.

We know voter ID disproportionately affects the poor, people of color, and the elderly. Its just wrong, Healey posted to Twitter (now X) in 2017.

Right now, 36 states request or require voters to show identification at the polls, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Supporters have long argued that the requirements are necessary to prevent voter fraud and to ensure that elections are safe and secure, and that citizens can trust the results.

Voter ID laws can stop multiple types of fraud, such as impersonating another registered voter, preventing noncitizens from voting, and stopping out-of-state residents or someone registered in multiple jurisdictions, Fred Lucas wrote in a January 2023 analysis published by The Daily Signal.

Its safe to say there is bipartisan consensus for voter ID but a clear partisan divide in the political class. That wasnt always the case, Lucas continued.

Opponents, meanwhile, have argued that such laws dont work and dont prevent the kind of fraud theyre intended to prevent. Namely, voter impersonation, which is vanishingly rare, according to experts.

And its more often employed to disenfranchise certain voting blocs  particularly older Americans and Black and brown voters, according to research by the American Bar Association.

"Time and time again, voter photo ID laws are proven to be ineffective tools to fight voter fraud  in the rare instances it does take place. While voter photo ID laws aim to prevent in-person voter impersonation, an almost non-existent form of voter fraud, other types of voter impersonation are similarly rare and not cause for significant concern," the League of Women Voters observed in a May 2023 blog post.

The voters rights group pointed to data compiled by the Brennan Center showing that the rate of in-person voter impersonation is extremely low: only 0.00004% of all ballots cast.

Its worth noting that this rate is even significantly lower than other rare forms of voter fraud, such as absentee ballot fraud, which voter photo ID laws do not address, the League observed.

Polling ahead of the 2024 presidential election showed broad support for requiring both photo identification and proof of citizenship to vote.

Eighty-four percent of respondents to an October 2024 Gallup poll said they backed the photo identification requirement, while 83% said they were on board with requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote for the first time.

But there tends to be a sharp partisan divide over issues of voter integrity overall.

Republicans tend to be more deeply skeptical of the security of election results, with confidence in the presidential results dipping to just 28% weeks ahead of Election Day in 2024, a Gallup analysis showed.

Meanwhile, confidence among Democrats on the reliability of the presidential vote jumped from 57% to 85% between 2008 and 2016. It remained high heading into the 2024 contest, according to Gallup.

More than half of independent respondents  who make up a huge share of the Bay States electorate  also have consistently seen it as accurate, that same September 2024 Gallup analysis showed.
As the Trump administration continues its crackdown on immigration, a new poll released on Friday found a majority of adults in the United States believe immigration is beneficial for the country and are souring on Trumps handling of the issue.

The poll from Gallup finds that 79% of U.S. adults believe immigration is a good thing, while just 17% say its a bad thing. The percentage of adults who say immigration is a good thing is the highest its ever been since Gallup began asking this question in 2001, according to the survey. Similarly, the percentage of adults who say immigration is a bad thing is the lowest it has ever been.

Trump centered his 2024 campaign around immigration, vowing mass deportations. His administration approved several raids throughout the country, with the some recent ones taking place in Southern California.

Among Democrats, only 2% approve of Trumps handling of immigration, while 97% expressed disapproval.

Among Independents, 28% expressed approval over Trumps handling of immigration, while 69% expressed disapproval.

Republicans, however, largely approve of Trumps handling of the issue, with 85% expressing approval and 13% expressing disapproval.

Additionally, the poll found that only 30% of Americans want a decrease in immigration, a drop of 25 percentage points from 2024, when 55% of Americans, a majority, wanted less immigration.

There was also an increase among American adults who want to see more immigration. In 2025, 26% of U.S. adults said they would support more immigration, a 10% increase from 2024, when 16% expressed support for the idea, according to Gallup.

Among adults who identify as Democrats, 91% say immigration is a good thing, up from 86% last year.

Among adults who identify as Independents, 80% say immigration is good, an increase from 66% who said the same thing in 2024.

The largest increase of those who say immigration is a good thing was among U.S. adults who identified as Republicans, with 39% agreeing with the statement in 2024 and 64% saying immigration is good in 2025, according to Gallup.

The poll was conducted June 2 to June 26 with a sample size of 1,402 U.S. adults.
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Justin Slaten is on the IL with right shoulder inflammation. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) AP

BOSTON  Red Sox setup man Justin Slaten, who has been on the injured list since June 1 with right shoulder inflammation, played catch June 27.

But the 27-year-old righty, who has a 3.47 ERA, four holds, three saves and a .171 batting average against in 24 outings, hasnt continued with a throwing progression. He is doing plyo ball work in the gym.

Right now hes doing plyos, trying to get the strength back, manager Alex Cora said before Bostons game against the Rays on Thursday. So thats where were at right now.

On the day the Red Sox placed Slaten on the IL, he said he was dealing with a little bit of fatigue and he didnt think the injury was anything super serious.

Asked if there was a setback after he played catch, Cora replied, I dont want to call it a setback. Playing catch is nothing different (than) like what theyre doing in the gym.

Boston transferred Slaten from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on June 28 to open a 40-man roster spot for lefty reliever Chris Murphy who returned from Tommy John surgery rehab.
David Hamilton will join the WooSox after spending the entire first half of the year in the big leagues. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) AP

BOSTON  Ahead of Alex Bregmans return to their lineup Friday, the Red Sox sent down a player who has been with them since Opening Day.

The club informed second baseman David Hamilton after Thursdays win that he is being optioned to the WooSox, sources confirmed, meaning Bregman will be in the lineup for Friday nights game. Bregman returns after missing 43 games with a right quad strain he suffered on May 23.

Hamilton, who made the Opening Day roster as a backup infielder, has appeared in 62 games this season. He hit .179 (22-for-123) with three homers, 12 RBIs, 31 strikeouts and a .505 OPS in 133 plate appearances. Hamilton, who is seen as a defensive standout, got 29 starts at second base and six more at shortstop while entering most games as a defensive replacement. In the wake of Opening Day second baseman Kristian Campbell being sent down in mid-June, the Red Sox gave Hamilton more playing time at second. He has hit .158 with a homer and four RBIs since June 15.

The two candidates to be sent out to clear a spot for Bregman were Hamilton and rookie Marcelo Mayer, who will vacate the third base position ahead of Bregmans return. The Red Sox did internally consider sending Mayer down to get everyday at-bats in Triple-A but ultimately decided to keep him in the big leagues. With Bregman assuming full-time duties at third base, Mayer will be in the mix for second base reps alongside Romy Gonzalez, who has started five of the last six games there. Mayer, a natural shortstop who bounced around the infield in the minors, has manned second base for 23 innings since debuting, making three starts.

After hitting a key RBI double in Thursdays comeback win over the Rays, Mayer said he had not been told anything about playing more at second base.

I havent heard anything, he said.

The Red Sox are also expected to make moves on the pitching side of their roster Friday. A source told MassLive that reliever Isaiah Campbell has also been optioned to Worcester to make room for the return of Hunter Dobbins, who will come off the injured list and start Friday.
Boston Red Sox' Hunter Dobbins is expected to return from the IL on Friday. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) AP

BOSTON  The Red Sox optioned right-handed reliever Isaiah Campbell to Triple-A Worcester after their 4-3 win over the Rays on Thursday, according to an industry source.

That clears a 26-man roster spot for righty Hunter Dobbins who is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list Friday to start against the Rays here at Fenway Park.

Boston also optioned infielder David Hamilton to Worcester Thursday, clearing a spot for All-Star third baseman Alex Bregmans return from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Campbells stay with the big league team was brief. He was selected to the 40-man roster Tuesday and spent three games on the active roster.

He pitched Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies, allowing two runs on four hits in 2 innings.

Dobbins missed just 18 games on the IL with a right elbow strain. The 25-year-old rookie has gone 4-1 with a 4.10 ERA (59  innings, 27 earned runs), 1.26 WHIP, 43 strikeouts and 16 walks in 12 games (10 starts).
GRANBY  Cindys Drive-In, a family-owned business, is celebrating 30 years with a special anniversary party on Saturday.

Guests can enjoy the Best Hot Dog in Massachusetts for just 30 cents. The all-day celebration also features live music, face painting, bounce houses, an obstacle course, a car show at 1 p.m., a dunk booth and plenty of prizes.
A lease has been signed with Springfield Pharmacy to take over the space at 707 State St. in Springfield, a former Walgreens. (Region Commercial photo) Region Commercial photo

SPRINGFIELD  The owners of Springfield Pharmacy have leased a closed Walgreens on State Street for an additional drugstore thatll also sell reasonably priced groceries.

I believe it is something needed in that neighborhood, said Tobias Billups, who owns Springfield Pharmacy with partner Alex Wu. Thats the first thing I thought of with Walgreens closing.
The Latin American Festival, a celebration that has taken place in Worcester for more than 30 years, will not be held this summer.

CENTRO, a non-profit that serves the Latin American community in Central Massachusetts, announced Thursday the 33rd annual festival will not take place this year on Aug. 16.

The organization wrote that the cancellation was due to several factors beyond our control but did not specify what those factors were.

While the festival has been a beloved tradition for more than three decades, bringing together thousands of people to celebrate Latin American culture, music, and community, circumstances this year have made it impossible to host the event in the way our community deserves a statement from the organization reads.

The statement was signed by Tina Velazquez, the interim president and CEO of CENTRO.

CENTRO did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.

The annual festival is usually held at the Worcester Common and features food, dancing and music celebrating Latin American culture.

Last years festival featured words of gratitude from former CEO and President and CEO Juan A Gomez, according to the Telegram & Gazette. Gomez served as CEO and president from 2007 until he stepped down in 2024.

This event has been a celebration of our shared heritage, resilience, and joy, CENTROs statement reads. Canceling was not an easy decision, but it is the most responsible course of action this year.
Les ministres du gouvernement ont pris note lors de leur reunion hebdomadaire du vendredi que des ajustements a eu lieu concernant lIncome support qui sera mis en pratique a partir du 1er septembre 2025, de lintroduction du Financial Crimes Commission (Amendment) Bill qui va permettre la FCC et la MPF de faire des enquetes conjointe, de la nomination de plusieurs ambassadeurs selon la section 87 de la Constitution et deux nominations.

1. Cabinet has taken note that, with a view to balancing the need for social cohesion and economic resilience and assisting the most vulnerable, adjustments to the Pensions Reform had been agreed the previous week through the provision of, inter alia, a monthly income support of Rs10,000 to the most vulnerable who will reach the age of 60 years as from 01 September 2025.

Cabinet has further noted that with a view to supporting economic growth:

(a) the Fair Share Contribution on High-Income Earners and on Corporates has been adjusted and clarified taking into account the need for our jurisdiction to attract foreign investments and talents; and

(b) some grandfathering and moratorium will be provided for more certainty to the property market.

2. Cabinet has agreed to the introduction of the Financial Crimes Commission (Amendment) Bill into the National Assembly. The object of the Bill is to empower the Financial Crimes Commission and the Police to conduct a joint investigation into an offence under the Financial Crimes Commission Act 2023.

3. Cabinet has taken note that, in accordance with section 87 of the Constitution, the Prime Minister has advised the President of the Republic to appoint:

(a) Mrs Sheilabai Bappoo, GOSK, as High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to the Mauritius High Commission, New Delhi, Republic of India, with residence in New Delhi;

(b) Mr Munsoo Kurrimbaccus as High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to the Mauritius High Commission, Islamabad, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with residence in Islamabad;

(c) Mr Reza Gunny as Ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to the Mauritius Embassy, Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, with residence in Cairo;

(d) Mrs Maria Francesca Mireille Martin as High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to the Mauritius High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa, with residence in Pretoria;

(e) Mr Indrarjeet Babooa as Ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to the Mauritius Embassy, Addis Ababa and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Mauritius to the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, with residence in Addis Ababa; and

(f) Mr Jol Marie Rault as Ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to the Mauritius Embassy, Paris, Republic of France, with residence in Paris.

4. Cabinet has taken note that Mrs Nandita Devi Suneechur, Acting Director of the Education and Prevention Division of the Financial Crimes Commission, has been elected as a member of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) for a term of six years.

The AUABC is an 11-member autonomous Organ set up within the framework of the African Union Convention on Prevention and Combatting Corruption. The AUABC is tasked with the responsibility to advise on and address corruption and related themes in Africa.

5. Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius signing the Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty to recognise the SADC Parliament as one of its Institutions (2022). The Agreement seeks to formally establish the SADC Parliament as an institutional platform for dialogue among Parliamentarians of SADC Member States. It aims to enhance regional cooperation, promote democratic governance, and support the implementation of SADCs common regional agenda, including through the formulation and adoption of model laws, among other activities.

6. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research and the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine of the United Kingdom. The Memorandum of Understanding will focus on collaboration in the fields of public health education, scientific cooperation, capacity building, training and research. The following activities of mutual interest will be initiated and developed:

(a) joint research and educational activities in various fields including public health, primary care and healthcare management;

(b) setting up and development of a public health education and research hub in Mauritius to assist in promoting knowledge mobilisation and ensuring capacity building in the SADC region;

(c) exchange of teaching and research documentation between the Mauritian public higher education institutions and research communities, and various university departments of the Imperial College;

(d) exchange programmes for faculty members for research, lectures and academic discussions; and

(e) collaboration between the public universities, higher education institutions and authorities of Mauritius and the Imperial College in the field of teaching, training, research and consultancy.

7. Cabinet has agreed to the Open University of Mauritius renewing a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Gavle, Sweden. The collaboration between both universities stems from shared commitment to advancing open and distance learning, research collaboration, and academic exchanges. A series of exchanges for students and staff as well as PhD supervision have been undertaken under the previous Memorandum of Understanding.

The purpose for the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding is to further strengthen institutional ties through mutual cooperation in higher education and research. The main areas of cooperation include:

(a) research collaboration between staff of the Open University of Mauritius and the University of Gavle;

(b) cooperation in developing and supervising new research projects;

(c) project supervision for PhDs, Bachelors and Masters programmes;

(d) conducting seminars and workshops;

(e) student exchange; and

(f) double degree programme.

8. Cabinet has taken note of the implementation of the Africa Regional Resilience Initiative on Climate Education (ARRICE) Project by the Mauritius Institute of Education in 25 primary and secondary pilot schools in Mauritius and Rodrigues. The ARRICE project is designed in accordance with African Unions Agenda 2063  The Africa We Want, emphasising the transformative role of education in achieving sustainable development. The objectives of the project are, inter alia, to:

(a) create and disseminate quality, free and open educational resources to the selected schools to develop transdisciplinary understanding of climate change and its environmental, social and economic dimensions and promote critical thinking and action-oriented behaviours;

(b) support the professional development of primary and secondary school teachers to enhance the integration of climate change education practices;

(c) promote school and community-led initiatives fostering transformative climate change actions; and

(d) initiate a strategy and build partnerships with educational authorities to integrate quality climate change education in education systems at both the national and regional levels.

The ARRICE project will be implemented by the Office for Climate Change in collaboration with the Mauritius Institute of Education as the leading organisation and Reef Conservation which will be responsible for mobilising schools and communities through the Eco-Schools network to ensure the effective design, implementation and evaluation of the Project.

9. Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius holding the ClimSA International Training Workshop on Climate Risk Information for Climate Action, from 23 to 26 September 2025 in Mauritius. The theme of the workshop is Understanding Hazard Assessment using tools such as Climpact and Climate Information Portal.

The Climate Services & Related Application (ClimSA) Programme is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and funded by the European Union. Its objectives are to provide members and regions of the OACPS with innovative and collaborative solutions to manage climate-related risk considerations in their sustainable development policy, planning and practice decisions.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is supporting the implementation of two activities for the Mauritius Meteorological Services notably for establishing the use of national user interface platforms for selected priority sectors and development of a national climate services production chain for climate-informed decision-making. The WMO in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission, will conduct the workshop to address the training needs of the Mauritius Meteorological Services.

10. Cabinet has agreed to the holding of the Regional Workshop on the Sendai Monitoring Framework Reporting for Target G (Early Warnings) from 29 to 31 July 2025 in Mauritius.

The workshop forms part of the Sendai Monitoring Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction which focuses on strengthening social and economic resilience to disasters caused by natural hazards and climate change. The Regional Workshop forms part of the broader Early Warnings for All initiative and aims to strengthen national capacities of countries in reporting on Early Warning Systems under the Sendai Framework. The objectives of the workshop are to:

(a) provide an orientation on the Sendai Framework Monitor, its functionality, and reporting procedures;

(b) engage participants in hands-on training for reporting on Target G, which aims at substantially increasing the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems by 2030, covering key aspects such as the data cycle, reporting mechanisms, and inputting data for various indicators; and

(c) facilitate informed discussions to support robust reporting under the Sendai Framework, and conduct a reporting clinic to significantly enhance data availability for Target G.

11. Cabinet has taken note that the University of Mauritius in collaboration with the World Trade Organization and the International Centre for Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality, will organise the 13th International Research Symposium in Service Management (IRSSM) from 15 to 18 July 2025 in Mauritius.

The IRSSM is a globally renowned platform that brings together academics, researchers and practitioners to explore and advance the field of service management. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and knowledge-sharing, IRSSM serves as a hub for innovative ideas, cutting-edge research and meaningful dialogues addressing contemporary challenges in service industries.

The symposium will provide participants with a platform for networking and exchanging ideas by focusing on the transformative potential of AI advancements in the service industry. The event will promote ideas aiming at fostering a broader exchange of knowledge and perspectives in service research. The symposium will bring together scholars, professionals and practitioners from various disciplines and countries providing them with a unique forum for sharing the latest theories and practices prevalent in the service economies.

12. Cabinet has taken note that the Board of Directors of the Metro Express Ltd has resolved to appoint Mr Rishikesh Brojmohun, an architectural and engineering consultant, as Chief Executive Officer of Metro Express Ltd.

13. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Jewellery Advisory Council, with Mrs Sadhna Sokhal as part-time Chairperson.
Video News: [Video News] [Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 09 juillet 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 9 juillet 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 8 juillet 2025 en Live[Video News] Renganaden Padayachy a dit[Video News] Sudheer Ramnoruth a fait la premiere partie de Robin Sharma[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 5 juillet 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 4 juillet 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 4 juillet 2025 en Live[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 2 juillet 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 1er juillet 2025[Video News]Lancement officiel du programme 2025 JCI Mauritius Creative Young Entrepreneur[Video News] Renganaden Padayachy a dit[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 30 juin 2025 en LIve[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 28 juin 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 27 juin 2025[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 27 juin 2025 en Live[Video News]Horizon 2024 : Une initiative qui change des vies[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 26 juin 2025 en Live[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 25 juin 2025[Video News] Cloture du programme Horizon 2024[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 24 juin 2025 en Live[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 23 juin 2025 en Live.[Video News] Edition Speciale[Video News] Fete de la Musique a lIFM[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 21 juin 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 20 juin 2025[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 20 juin 2025[Video news] Conference de presse de la SEF du 18 juin 2025[Video news] Conference de presse de la FPU du 19 juin 2025[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 19 juin 2025 en Live[Video News] Edition Speciale[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 18 juin 2025[Video News] Educathon @ IFM[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 18 juin 2025 en Live[Video News] Middlesex University Mauritius tient un colloque sur lexcellence et linnovation dans lenseignement et lapprentissage a lere numerique[Video news] LAMM et Made in Moris marque leurs presences dans Hotel World 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 17 juin 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 17 juin 2025[Video news] Teaching and Learning Colloquim 2025[Video News] Lancement de  Paradise Club et autres histoires [Video News] Conference de presse  Platform Pas Touss nu pension 60 ans [Video news] Conference de presse de Roshi Bhadain[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 14 juin 2025[Video news]MCB Talk : Une banque pour tous, mais des defis bien reels[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 13 juin 2025The Lux Collective continue de definir les standards de lindustrie en matiere de formation professionnelle[Video news] Pravind Jugnauth decortique le budget 2025-2026[Video News] 14 equipes en lice pour le STEM Racing Mauritius[Video News] Avinash Ramtohul a dit[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 11 juin 2025[Video news] Presentation de New Hair Graft[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 10 juin 2025[Video news] Mets-Tissages[Video news] Debrief de lEDB sur le Budget 2025-2026 au Sir Harilall Vaghjee Hall[Video news] Forum Terre & Eau : cultiver lavenir @ LIFM[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 7 juin 2025[Video news] Commentaires et explications de Roshi Bhadain sur le Budget 2025-2026[Video news] Coca-Cola annonce le retour du Coca-Cola Food Fest Moris[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 6 juin 2025[Video news] Pravind Rughoo:  fair attention lor la rout Bai du cap, Riviere des galets, maconde. [Video news] Reaction a chaud du Leader de lOpposition sur le Budget 2025-2026[Video news] Patrick Belcourt: sa bidget fair mwa pense sega Saya [Video News] Lecture du Budget 2025-2026[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 4 juin 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 3 juin 2025[Video news] Exposition  Richelieu, entre memoire et resilience [Video news]  Sensibilisation ReUSE-ReVamp et MDPA sur le recyclage des Laptop et la technologie a Flacq[Video news] Dimans Politik[Video news] Coca Cola Food Fest 2025 avec Burna Boy[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 31 mai 2025[Video news] LEsperance en action: Caritas Ile Maurice marque 60 ans dengagement solidaire[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 30 mai 2025[Video News] Caritas a fete ses 60 ans de presence a Maurice[Video news] Lancement de  Comme on dit [Video news] Huawei lance la WATCH FIT 4 Series a Maurice avec Ennoia[Video news] Formation pour les communicants et journalistes au Media Trust[Video News] Huawei a lance la WATCH FIT 4 Series a Maurice chez Ennoia[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 28 mai 2025La LGSC va recruter 2 245 travailleurs manuels, annonce Paul Berenger[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 28 mai 2025[Video news] la jeunesse mauricienne recompensee pour sa creativite et son engagement citoyen a travers lintelligence artificielle[Video News]Retour des Chagos : la reconnaissance dun drame humain et dun crime historique[Video et Photos news] Developpement durable : Telfair, le centre-ville de Moka, certifie par lexigeant U.S. Green Building Council[Video news] PhoenixEarth Initiative lance ses premieres Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) dans les locaux de PhoenixBev[Video news] Dimans Politik[Video News] Conference de presse du Groupe Refugies Chagos [24-05-2025][Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 25 mai 2025[Video news] Konpoz to Lamizik par le groupe Attitude est de retour pour sa quatrieme edition ![Video News] Conference de presse du gouvernement sur laccord concernant lArchipel des Chagos[Video News] Conference de presse de la Mauritius Meteorological Services[Video news] Point de presse de Navin Ramgoolam et Paul Berenger[Video news] Presentation de la 4e edition Konpoz to lamisik[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 20 mai 2025[Video News] La Fondation Antoine Tsia Lip Ken et la Fondation pour Lenfance Terre de Paix inaugure un nouveau centre deveil et de developpement du jeune enfant[Video News] Edition Speciale[Video news] Roshai Bhadain a dit[Video News] Forum de lAMM : Investir dans lindustrie manufacturiere : une urgence strategique pour Maurice.[Video News] Dimans Politik[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 17 mai 2025[Video News] Nando Bodha a dit
News / National

by Staff reporter

ZANU-PF Mbire District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairperson, Takesure Chikwamba, has been accused of masterminding the arrest of former Agriculture deputy minister Douglas Karoro over fertiliser theft allegations, allegedly driven by a long-standing political rivalry.The explosive claims were made in court on Thursday as Chikwamba took the witness stand in the ongoing case where Karoro is facing charges of diverting fertilisers meant for the Mbire district under the Presidential Input Programme.Karoro, who is being represented by prominent lawyer Admire Rubaya, has denied the charges, arguing that they are politically motivated and stem from his victory over Chikwamba in the 2018 ZANU-PF primary elections. He claims that the allegations were fabricated by rivals seeking revenge.Chikwamba, however, told Regional Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa that his report to the police was based on credible information from party subordinates about suspicious fertiliser movements at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot in Mushumbi.He said that upon receiving the tip-off while at his home in Ruwa, he contacted intelligence officers from the President's Office and then proceeded to report the matter at the police's Morris Depot."When I got information from Nawo Gumbo and Mutukudzi about the fertilisers, I got in touch with intelligence officers. I also made inquiries at GMB Guruve, where I was told there was no ammonium nitrate which was supposed to be exchanged for the compound D taken at Mushumbi," said Chikwamba.He added that the compound D fertiliser was never returned to Mbire, which further raised suspicions.Rubaya, however, challenged Chikwamba's credibility and motive, arguing that the DCC chairman had no legal standing to interfere with operations at the GMB and that his actions were driven by a personal vendetta against Karoro."You had ulterior motives; that is why you did not call him to ascertain whether it was true or not. You just concluded he was a thief and rushed to report without even hearing his side of the story," Rubaya submitted.He questioned why Chikwamba bypassed local police stations such as Ruwa, Mabvuku, and Harare Central, choosing instead to report at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Morris Depot - now known as Mkushi Depot - which typically handles referrals rather than direct complaints.Rubaya suggested the approach revealed malicious intent, accusing Chikwamba of trying to destroy Karoro's political career after losing to him in the polls."You were determined to be in the new building in Mt Hampden [Parliament], and you sought to have him dismissed through baseless allegations," he said.In response, Chikwamba denied harbouring bitterness over his electoral loss, claiming the 2018 defeat was a learning experience."I was not bitter. In fact, I was happy because it was my first time to contest," he told the court.He further stated that the case against Karoro was supported by a "whistleblower" who allegedly processed documents at GMB to corroborate the claims, although he could not name the individual.The matter has been adjourned to next Thursday for continuation of the hearing.
Friday brought another day of sombre scenes in Claremorris, as Saint Colmans Church was packed with mourners honouring the life and times of Mayo teacher Natasha Warde.

Natasha passed away earlier this week in the Mayo Hospice, bringing sadness throughout her hometown.

READ MORE: 'Rest easy, brother' - Tributes paid to Mayo man after unexpected passing

As the funeral procession filed into the south Mayo church, lead by her mother Ann, her siblings Michael, Patrick, Colman, Gregory, Nina, and Aisling, it was clear that Natasha was held in wide regard, evidenced by the fact so many from the many spheres of life that she touched flocked to pay their respects.

From her loving and caring family and friends, to her adoring students in Scol Mhuire Gan Smal, and those who knew her from her time in politics.

The loss was made all the more acute for the Warde family by the fact that they had lost Natashas father, Greg, in late April.

Before the start of the funeral service, Natashas twin, Aisling, took to the altar to reflect on what her sister brought to life.

Please bear with me, she started. This is the most difficult thing I've ever had to do.

It's hard to put into words how much Natasha means to me and to our family. There just aren't enough words, and even if there were, I don't think they could ever truly capture the depth of our love for her or the pain we feel now that she's gone.

READ MORE: British TV star set for Mayo bookstore appearance

"Natasha wasn't just my sister; she was my twin. My other half. My lifelong companion. The one who knew me in a way no one else ever could.

From our very first breath in this world, we were side by side and for all the years that followed, we shared a connection that was deep, unspoken and unbreakable.

Aisling also spoke of her sisters passion for her vocation.

She never saw teaching as a job; it was a calling, a joy, a way to pour her heart into something meaningful.

She also touched on the wide circle of friends she had made, whether it was in school or University College Galway.

Natashas relationship with her parents was special, and deserved particular attention from her twin, and the near-sanctity of nights in drinking wine and watching Netflix with her mother.

Natasha and Dad shared a special bond. They could talk for hours into the night about politics, history, travel, and so much more. Dad was so proud when Natasha entered the world of politics.

She ran in the local elections for Sinn Fein, and even though she didn't succeed the first time, she was determined; she had already made up her mind that she would run again.

Sadly, she never got the chance.

Now Natasha and Dad are together again, and we take comfort in that thought. In knowing they're side by side once more, watching over us and sending us strength.

READ MORE: Mayo road just outside Westport to remain closed until Friday

Aislings closing words as she bid farewell to her sister were as touching as they were heart-rending.

My other half. My twin, I will miss you forever, and we will hold you in our hearts always.

We will make you proud, Natasha. I love you.

The applause that followed was suitable of a beautiful encapsulation of what made Natasha unique and special to all who were fortunate enough to interact with her

At the start of the service, gifts were brought forward which symbolised the many strands of life which made up Natasha.

Kate and Bonnie brought up pictures of her family, highlighting her pride in her family, as well as the achievements of her nieces and nephews.

John and Arthur brought a tricolour and a history book to the altar. Natasha was known to be a proud patriot who took a marked interest in the history and happenings of her nation.

Lola and Delia bring up suncream, moisturiser and makeup. The stunning weather on Friday was almost poetic, given her love of the sun and travelling. Her make-up was a symbol of her passion for looking her best and meeting up for a night with her friends.

Up next was a radio and a music t-shirt, brought forward by Charlie and Mark. Music was a cornerstone of her life, and the interspersal of traditional Irish music throughout the service further highlights that. Midwest Radio was a constant. The t-shirt represented her love for live music and attending gigs throughout the years.

Mairead and Mary brought a pencil case and school books to the altar. Natasha made a lasting impact among staff, students and parents alike.

Lastly, Natashas dress and necklace were taken forward, underscoring Natashas love of dressing up and meeting her sisters and friends.

READ MORE: Protest over delays in providing Mayo town's sewage treatment plant to take place this Monday

The funeral celebrant, Father Peter Gannon, spoke of the many connections and memories those who were honoured to have that great privilege of meeting Natasha would cherish, including a time when she came to his door during a particularly difficult week with a bottle of wine, a book, and a houseplant.

That was typical of her: so thoughtful, so discreet, so gentle, he reminisced, as he also labelled her the height of elegance, and a woman of great ability to give an atmosphere of quiet and calm.

She put everyone else first, even right through her illness.

As the service was drawing to a close, Natashas brother, Colman, took some time to thank everyone who helped Natasha and her inner circle through a tumultuous time.

The long list of people who put their shoulder to the wheel to help Natasha through her illness and rallied around in recent weeks was a symbol of just how many people she touched in life.

She was kind, caring, vibrant, and brought an energy which will continue to burn brightly in the souls of her family, friends, students, and everyone who knew her.

Following the funeral, Natasha was taken to Saint Colmans Cemetery.

May she rest in peace.
The annual Come and See inquiry-day for men considering a vocation to the diocesan priesthood will take place this Sunday July 13, at the Knock House Hotel, Co Mayo.

Ahead of the Come and See gathering for men discerning their vocation to the diocesan priesthood, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore, who also serves as chair of the Council for Vocations of the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference, said: There is something happening in the Irish Church. An increasing number of young Irish people are seeing that what the world alone has to offer is insufficient. There is a spiritual hunger. Only something authentic will do. As Pope Leo has repeated a number of times quoting from Saint Augustine: 'Our hearts are restless until they rest in You Lord'."

Bishop Cullinan continued: There are also more men enquiring about priesthood. Several Vocations Directors from around the country are receiving more phone calls. It is important to explore such a calling in a deep way, and to do so by making contact with the National Vocations Office (and our new administrator, Carol King) to obtain resources and also to contact their local Vocations Director. I know well from conversations with seminarians, and with newly ordained priests, that they were so appreciative of the witness, encouragement and accompaniment given by another priest during their own discernment process.

READ MORE: Stunning Mayo night sky photos reach national awards final

Ossory priest, Father Willie Purcell, who is Irelands National Vocations Coordinator, said: Whether you are at the very beginning of your discernment or seeking clarity after some time of reflection, the Come and See day will serve as a valuable stepping stone to see where God is calling you at this time. Feedback from previous years indicates that the day provides an important opportunity for men on the same discernment journey to gather to reflect on their calling. The day offers a welcoming and positive environment to share experiences of how God is drawing each towards diocesan priesthood.

The 'Come and See' day begins with tea, coffee and welcome at 11am, followed by a range of reflective and engaging conversations. Father Michael McCullagh will be the main guest speaker on the day, guiding participants through key aspects of discernment and vocation. The day includes personal testimonies, spiritual input, open discussions, and time for prayer and reflection, and so offers participants meaningful insights into the life and ministry of a diocesan priest. Full details of the programme are below:

11:00am, tea/coffee, meet and greet

11:30am, a vocation story

12:00pm, praying the Angelus

12:01pm, session on discernment

1:00pm, lunch

2:00pm, visit to Knock Shrine with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

3:00pm, questions and answers

4:00pm, celebration of Mass in Knock Parish Church

If you feel you have a calling to the priesthood, irrespective of where you are on your discernment journey, you are invited to contact the National Vocations Office on visit www.vocations.ie or carol.king@vocations.ie
Tributes have been paid to a young Irish father who was tragically killed in the United States on Sunday.

Damien O'Brien, 35, formerly of Stoneybatter, Killygordon, Co Donegal lost his life after being knocked down in Huntington Beach, California, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Damien and his wife Michelle, who is from Glenfin, had been living in the States for the past 12 years and had two sons, with a third on the way. He is the son of Benny and Patricia O'Brien.

Damien is also survived by two brothers and two sisters. He had forged a successful career as a quantity surveyor and was heavily involved with the Wild Geese GAA Club in Orange County, California and was an established player with both Red Hughs and Setanta Hurling Club before emigrating.

A fundraiser has been set up on GoFundMe called Aid for Damien O'Brien's Family After Tragic Loss has already raised over $100,000 USD (85,500).

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the sudden passing of our Vice President of Operations, Damien OBrien, in a tragic accident, the fundraiser from his employers TM Grady Builders, reads. Damien was an extraordinary man, a leader, and a beloved member of our TM Grady Builder family, known for his dedication, warmth, wisdom, and professionalism. His contributions to our projects and his genuine care for our clients left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.





Damien O'Brien, his wife Michelle and sons Oscar and Luke. Photo: USGAA

Damien is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle, their two young sons, Oscar and Luke, and baby boy #3 due in September.

Your donation will go to Damien's family to help with monthly bills and any unexpected expenses. We can make a difference in Damien's family's life by coming together to support them during this challenging time. Thank you from the TM Grady Family on behalf of the O'Brien family.

READ MORE | GAA+ says dodgy boxes are 'dipping their hand into the GAA's pocket' for 40% of revenue

Fr Patsy Atkinson, Local Parish Priest at Crossroads, Killygordon, told Monday morning mass that funeral arrangements have yet to be made.

Neighbour and Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District, Cllr Patrick McGowan, said the local area has been affected by the news.

The OBrien family are neighbours of mine in Killygordon, he said. They are a lovely family, very well-known here and this is a huge shock to them. Damien had been in the United States and was very popular with all. Its an absolute tragedy, especially so with it happening so far away. Our thoughts are with them all.

Cora Harvey, former Mayor of Donegal, said: Its such sad news and theres widespread devastation for the area and the OBrien family. Its devastating to hear such news, especially in regards to someone so young.

Damien was knocked down at 12:45am on Sunday at the intersection of Atlanta Avenue and Delaware Street, a few blocks west of Beach Boulevard, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department. A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired.

Officers say Damien was struck by a black Audi RS5. They arrived and found him unconscious in the street, their news release said.

"Paramedics were called to the scene however, the pedestrian was later pronounced deceased. Impairment is suspected with the driver of the Audi RS5. He was taken into custody," HBPD's release said.

READ MORE | ALERT: Nearly 60,000 air fryers recalled due to 'dangerous defect'
Irelands economic model of attracting big multinational companies is facing its greatest challenge yet.

The current economic uncertainty over trade tariffs and a muted 200 percent on medicines by the President of the United States, Donald J Trump, has caused concern over Irelands foreign direct investment policy.

Comments by Abbvie CEO, Rob Michael, that the tax reforms in 2017 by President Trump enabled it to buy Allergan and the company redomiciled to the United States, were reported in the Irish Independent this week.

The Mayo News understands that the $63 billion deal that saw AbbVie acquire Allegan in 2020 also saw the company redomicile to the United States at that time.

Westports Allergan is a huge employer in the town, with over 1,300 working at the facility.

It is Abbvie's sole manufacturing facility for the production of Botox worldwide.

READ MORE: 'We'll make you proud' - Moving funeral tribute for beloved Mayo teacher

The redomiciling has had no direct consequence for production at the facility or for jobs in the area thus far.

However, with the growing trend of pharmaceutical companies investing more in manufacturing in the United States, further investment in the county may suffer as a result.

The significance of this move would have been seen in corporation tax being paid in the United States, as opposed to Ireland.

The larger question is will other major corporations follow suit and re-shore to the United States, thus depriving the Irish state of their corporation taxes.

The supercharged success in collecting corporation taxes, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, led to absurd national GDP figures for the country.

It reached peak farce in 2015 when a 26 percent growth in GDP led prominent US economist Paul Krugan to coin the phrase leprechaun economics to describe the Irish economy.

Over the last ten years alone, 156 billion of corporate taxes have landed in the Irish exchequers bank account.

The Department of Finance is on record as saying: "A small handful of large, highly profitable firms are not a sustainable tax base on which to build permanent spending commitments."

Pharmaceuticals have been a major part of this story.

Not only have they added huge amounts of corporate tax, the sector has also created highly skilled employment in regions outside the major cities.

Westports Allergan being a prime example,

As our columnist John Bradley has explained in this newspaper, there was a massive influx of high-technology, export-oriented multinational investment and the complete transformation of the whole economy."

"The IDA strategists quickly realised that Irelands crucial advantage in winning inward investment in high-technology, high-profit sectors, was its low rate of tax on corporate profits."

READ MORE: How Ireland developed



In the era of Trump and a big focus on trade balances, Irelands trade surplus in goods of 70 billion was always going to draw attention.

When services are included in the mix, Ireland actually has a trade deficit of 93 billion.

The days of leprechaun economics look to be over and how this trade balance will look in the future will tell its own story.
by Dave Morgan , Featured Contributor, Yesterday

I am writing this column from the sideline of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, having just listened to inspiring addresses today from Ukraine President Zelensky, First Lady Zelenska, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, and the presidents of the EU, Poland and Germany. All made it clear that recovery in Ukraine cannot happen without victory in Ukraine.

This takes me to a line from historian Timothy Snyders wonderful piece this week recounting the special hospitality of being hosted for dinner in a private home in Ukraine, a privilege Ive also enjoyed a number of times over the past two years.

He wrote, Americans have the power to ensure that Ukraine wins this war.

That statement is correct. Americans are singly positioned to ensure that Ukraine wins this war.

advertisement advertisement

Of course, Russia could stop the war at any time: just stop fighting and withdraw its troops. But Putin has no intention of doing that. With war spending now fueling 30% of Russias GDP, stopping the war means the collapse of the Russian economy.

Even when the U.S. was doing more to support Ukraine than it is doing today, it wasnt doing enough for Ukraine to win. Heres what it will take to help Ukraine achieve victory:

Empathy. Understand that Ukraine is fighting for its country, its families, and its right to exist. Russia invaded Ukraine to destroy all that. Full stop.

Sell Ukraine needed weapons. More weapons to Ukraine, delivered faster, with fewer restrictions, will end the war sooner. Money is available, and U.S. taxpayers dont have to pay. There is $300 billion in the U.S./Ukraine mineral deal financing available. There is another $300 billion in frozen Russian assets in Western banks. And there are hundreds of billions in new funds available from NATO nations that counts against each of their 5% of GDP commitments. Let Ukraine draw down all three now.

Intensify sanctions. U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have drafted a bill with strong bipartisan support in both houses of Congress to significantly increase sanctions on countries that trade with Russia, by adding crippling tariffs. Lets get the bill introduced, passed and signed now.

U.S. investments in Ukraine defense tech. Ukraine has revolutionized warfighting. The U.S. and NATO have exquisite weapons systems, but they are very expensive, and most of their battle-testing has only been against third world adversaries without air power, satellites, or any modern advanced weapons.

Ukraine is holding the worlds second most powerful military to a standstill and is rewriting weaponry and tactics with its innovations and inventions, from drones in the air and on the sea to electronic and cyber warfare, to AI on the battlefield. In all these areas, they are leapfrogging U.S. systems, with a majority developed by start-ups in garages and basements close to the front line. There are more than 1,500 manufacturers producing 3,300 different solutions, all being tested daily on the battlefield.

U.S. tech investors should take note. They have seen the explosive growth of U.S. defense tech unicorns like Palantir and Anduril, but the Ukraine startups are the ones present, learning and innovating on their tensely contested battlefield. There is an enormous opportunity for U.S. investors to help them, make money, and also ensure that the tech they develop is known and available at scale to the U.S. and NATO.

Russia hopes to conquer Ukraine and use its war-fighting capacity against the West. The U.S. should do the opposite. We need to help Ukraine win the war and leverage its defense tech in our looming major power conflict with China and its proxy enablers Iran, North Korea and Russia.

What do you think?
Disaronno has selected 72andSunny Amsterdam to deliver a new brand platform and global campaign.

The assignment for one of the world's largest liqueur brands came after a competitive pitch.First work is expected in 2026.Luca Picotti, Chief Marketing Officer of ILLVA Saronno, said: As a brand with a rich heritage and global recognition, we are constantly looking for ways to evolve and stay relevant  especially with younger generations who seek authenticity, style, and meaning in the brands they choose. The partnership with 72andSunny aims to speak to them in a more contemporary and engaging way.

Disaronno, an almond-flavored Italian liqueur, dates to 1525. Illva Saronnos largest brand, it has a presence in 160 countries worldwide. Illva Saronnos portfolio includes Tia Maria, Engine Gin and The Busker Irish Whiskey.

advertisement advertisement

Armando Potter, Head of Strategy for 72andSunny, added: At 72andSunny we believe optimism has the power to unlock possibilities for the worlds most ambitious brands. For Disaronno, that means rejuvenating what La Dolce Vita means for a younger generation that is more discerning and busier than ever. Among this generation, the sweet life hasnt disappeared, it just needs to play by their rules, on their terms.

The agency's client work also includes TikTok, e.l.f cosmetics and Zurich Insurance.
by Wayne Friedman , Yesterday

OpenAP's U.S. joint industry committee (JIC), which is focused on new cross-platform media measurement standards for the TV industry, has offered a slightly mixed assessmentfor previous certified measurement providers -- Comscore, iSpot, and VideoAmp -- for the coming 2025-26 TV season.

The JIC notes that both Comscore and iSpot provided thorough and clearly articulated answers across all question categories."

At the same time, VideoAmp offered more limited detail in some responses, which reduced the audit teams ability to fully evaluate certain areas of its methodology.

Still, the JIC says all three providers showed improvements, meeting or exceeding JICs benchmark criteria.

advertisement advertisement

Comscore now has the stamp of approval for "personified demographics deal types. It did not provide data on digital networks.

The group says iSpot now has strong overall performance across all test areas and is positioned as a leader in measurement stability and completeness.

While VideoAmp shows good execution and data accuracy, it is encouraged to strengthen its transparency, formatting consistency, and support for granular audience analysis in certain areas. It adds that VideoAmp did not provide data on African American or Hispanic audiences.

Peter Ligouri, executive chairman of VideoAmp, said the JIC is going in the right direction.

In an email message to Television News Daily, he said: The JIC accreditation serves as a reminder that uncertain times require higher, not lower standards. This comes, he said, among media executives continued concerns over rising data volatility.

Ligouri added: The talk in Cannes [Lions] centered around the volatility of Nielsens Big Data + Panel that led to several Nielsen crisis meetings with the VAB, publishers, holding companies and the MRC [Media Rating Council] as upfront forecasts deals are facing challenges with the live data. As we understand it, no brand advertisers were invited to this discussion. Who does that serve?

Overall, the JIC group says this current measurement assessment means each provider can support the current demands of a multi-currency ecosystem. It touts that this process represents a new standard of transparency and rigor in video currency validation.

The JIC group -- which started up in January 2023 -- consists of representatives from media agencies, premium video programmers, streaming platforms, and trade groups.
by Wayne Friedman , Yesterday

Netflix continues its strong results in the second quarter of this year, adding 32 million gross global subscribers -- growing approximately twice as fast as two of its main competitors, according to Parrot Analytics.

Walt Disneys Disney+ and Warner Bros Discovery (Max, discovery+) grew around 16 million 15.5 million, respectively.

Parrot also said first-quarter estimates for Netflix gross global subscriber additions were around 29 million -- with Disney+ at 17 million, and WBD at 15 million.

This comes as Netflix has said, when reporting its first quarter 2024, that starting in the first quarter of 2025 it would no longer release global subscriber data.

At the end of 2024, Netflix reported a 16% increase to 301.6 million global subscribers -- as well as 89.6 million in North America, and 81.4 million in the U.S.

advertisement advertisement

In new projections, eMarketer says Netflix will see growth in two key business metrics -- subscribers and advertising -- projected to be up 7.8% this year (to $17.1 billion) and 49% more to ($2.1 billion), respectively.

Overall global Netflix viewers in 2025 are projected to come in at 759.1 million. In the U.S., the estimate is 196.8 million in -- up from 190.7 million a year ago. Viewers are defined here as users who watch Netflix app/platform at least once a month.
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) AI agent marketplace is expected to launch next week at the companys annual summit in New York.

At AWS, we envision a different future: the Agentic Store, where artificial intelligence orchestrates every aspect of retail operations in real-time, Justin Swagler, worldwide head of physical retail at AWS, wrote in a blog post in April. This isnt just another technology layer  its a complete re-imagining of how physical retail operates.

In the post, Swagler wrote about how retail silos would connect to each other, explains how a fragmented environment would turn into a seamlessly orchestrated ecosystem.

The marketplace, which could include media-buying autonomous agents, is expected to launch with partners such as Anthropic, which Amazon has invested in. Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP) is the key to connecting across companies, similar to Google's interoperability protocol Agent2Agent (A2A)

advertisement advertisement

In March 2024, Amazon explained its investment in Anthropic. The deal, initially structured as a $4 billion investment, also saw an additional $4 billion commitment later. The initial investment was completed in two transactions  $1.25 billion initially, with the remaining $2.75 billion following.

The timing of the AWS AI agent marketplace was first reported by Tech Crunch based on unnamed sources, but its easy to see how this is entirely possible based on Swaglers published AWS roadmap for physical retail stores.

The retail stores will need to build a data foundation by migrating legacy point-of-sale systems and connecting core operational systems, he wrote. This is how they will support AI agents, which can make decisions and perform tasks independently. They will interact with software or make purchases for consumers.

AI autonomous agents for advertising will make and execute decisions such as independently allocating budgets, selecting channels, negotiating ad placements, and optimizing bids.

Google Cloud in April introduced an AI Agent Marketplace for developers and businesses not only list agents, but buy them.

The company has plans to roll out an AI agent in its Chrome browser to analyze a marketers objectives and provide suggestions, like identifying missing website tags and adding them with consent. AI agents also are being integrated into Google Ads and Analytics to automate campaigns.

Think of the way Microsoft started its apps and modules marketplaces. Microsoft has an Agent store, which launched in May, but this type of business for the Redmond, Wash.-based company has long been a business model for it.

Windows Marketplace launched in October 2004  offering all types of downloadable software. Then the AppSource marketplace came in July 2016.

OpenAI offers the GPT store, while IBM has Agent Connect, and Salesforce supports Agent Exchange, but all must use a protocol to connect across companies.

An AWS dedicated agent marketplace allows startups to build and offer AI agents to AWS enterprise customers, which would further an entirely new cottage industry.

MediaPost reached out to Amazon and will update the story with any future comments.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwean government has dismissed claims that any new COVID-19 variants are currently circulating in the country, despite rising concern globally over fresh outbreaks linked to emerging strains.Responding to questions in Parliament on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Timios Kwidini, said that while new COVID-19 variants have been detected in other parts of the world, none have so far been confirmed in Zimbabwe.He made the remarks during a Question and Answer session after Mashonaland West proportional representation MP Mutsa Murombedzi inquired about the country's preparedness amid global reports of a potentially deadly new variant."The whole world is preparing for another threatening COVID variant. What has the government put in place to curb the spread of this virus?" Murombedzi asked.In response, Kwidini said the government was monitoring the situation closely and had not recorded any cases of the new variants so far."We are aware that COVID comes with different variants, but at the moment, the variants that are being found in other countries have not yet been found in Zimbabwe," Kwidini said.He acknowledged that the country is currently dealing with a viral outbreak, but assured lawmakers that it had been classified by health authorities as a common flu virus, not a coronavirus resurgence."The government is actively working to prevent the spread of the virus and has acquired additional test kits to enhance detection capabilities," he added, citing lessons learned during previous outbreaks such as the Omicron wave.Kwidini also revealed that the Ministry of Health is expecting to receive new medication that can be used in the event of a COVID-19 resurgence.The remarks come amid heightened international alert following the emergence of new and potentially more infectious variants of the virus in parts of Asia and Europe. Several countries have begun tightening health protocols again, with renewed emphasis on surveillance, testing, and treatment preparedness.Zimbabwe, which saw multiple waves of COVID-19 between 2020 and 2022, has in recent months reported low transmission rates and a return to near-normalcy across public sectors.Authorities, however, continue to urge citizens to remain vigilant, maintain hygiene standards, and seek medical attention when symptoms of viral infection appear.
10. US Dollar ($)

The United States of America is regarded as the world's most powerful nation, but its currency, US Dollar, isn't the strongest. $1 = 85.82.
Riddhima Kapoor became a mainstream celebrity after her appearance on Netflixs reality show, Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and she has been appearing in interviews and podcasts ever since. Riddhimas latest interview In an interview with Galatta India, Riddhima Kapoor was sitting with her husband Bharat Sahni and daughter Samara as she talked about motherhood and marriage. While giving the interview, Riddhima started schooling her daughter on studies and how she just keeps staring at the book instead of learning, while Samara was explaining how hard she prepared for her exam.

 Instagram/Riddhima Kapoor The reactions Social media users are bashing Riddhima Kapoor for her attitude, saying she should have treated her daughter better in the interview. One user commented, Also, these are the kind of mothers who wonder why their kids arent getting along with them when they have done everything to break them and shatter their confidence. Another user commented, Mummiyo ko alag hi maza aata hai to put down their kids in front of guests! Saare pol ek hi time me kholne hai!

 Reddit/BollyBlindsNGossip One user reacted, Typical highschool mean girl behaviour - when a mean girl puts down her "friend" to look cool in front of her crush. Here, a mother is doing it to her own daughter to look cool in front of the world and seek some sick validation denied by her misogynist father.

 Reddit/BollyBlindsNGossip Another user reacted, Dear Ridhima, she is just a kid. Please read that again. Maybe it would solve half the problems the daughter shall face in her aduothood, because of being raised by a mother who thinks her daughter being a child in her childhood is a problem. Also why mock your child's confidence like a mean girl in a locker room?

 Reddit/BollyBlindsNGossip One user said, You didnt study hard enough ? Linking childs self respect to continuously achieving something. Discipline her coz shes all over the place and saying this in public ? Why humiliate that sweet girl like that ? Man seeing this video Ive realised that a child needs words of encouragement, and constructive criticism to build self esteem, and money plays a very minute role in building a childs self image. Another user said, toxic parent born of toxic parents!!! these kind of parents really enjoying shattering their child's confidence.  does anyone in these families even say 'I will break that cycle for my kid.
R Madhavan returns to the rom-com era with Karan Johars Aap Jaisa Koi, co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh and directed by Vivek Soni of Meenakshi Sundareshwar fame. Read MensXPs review of the Netflix film Aap Jaisa Koi below. The Hot Take A lot was going in favour of Aap Jaisa Koi. Its a seemingly sweet rom-com thats been missing from our screens, starring the eternal chocolate boy R Madhavan, who shares a scintillating chemistry with Fatima Sana Shaikh. The film is produced by Karan Johar who is known for delivering blockbuster rom-coms in the past. And yet, Aap Jaisa Koi manages to fumble big time due to its extremely preachy screenplay and a forced lecture on feminism.

 Netflix Aap Jaisa Koi is about an older man (R Madhavan) who falls in love for the first time at the age of 42. At the outset, he is completely the opposite of an independent and relatively younger woman (Fatima Sana Shaikh) he loves and is getting married to, but opposites attract and just when everything is coming together, their relationship falls apart over a revelation. The first half and the second half of Aap Jaisa Koi are two different movies. The first half is breezy, light-hearted and sweet that will definitely tug at your heartstrings with its lead star casts excellent chemistry, top performances and the old world charm of the film. However, half-way through the runtime, the narrative suddenly turns into a forced and ineffective lecture on feminism. The film takes heavy inspiration from Karan Johar directorial Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani especially the depiction of Fatimas Bengali family and the cultural differences between both families. But while RRKPK hits it out of the park with its subtle and effective messaging, Aap Jaisa Koi becomes too preachy. It looked like the makers had a checklist of messaging about feminism and equality, which was forced into the screenplay as an afterthought unlike RRKPK, where it weaves into the narrative quite organically.

 Netflix Remember that powerful scene from Dil Dhadakne Do where Rahul Boses character is schooled by Farhan Akhtars character for boasting that he and his family allowed Priyanka Chopras character to work after marriage? That impactful scene is more or less the whole second half of Aap Jaisa Koi, except it has been executed in a juvenile way. While I dont want to spoil anything, Fatima Sana Shaikh, in one scene, reveals that somebody once asked her if she was a virgin which ended that relationship for her. However, when another character calls her a loose character, she is ready to forgive and reconcile. Besides the aforementioned stuff, the screenplay of the film has a lot of loopholes that may leave you confused at several junctures and may make you wonder if you missed something. The music of the film is passable. The cinematography is good and captures the old world charm of smaller cities. The pacing of the film is good. The Performances R Madhavan is top notch as Shrirenu and delivers a strong performance. However, his character deserved better writing. There are several scenes where his response to things is the extreme opposite of how he has portrayed in the narrative. Fatima Sana Shaikh looks stunning and delivers a brilliant performance but her character is underwritten and Id have loved to see the story from her POV as well. Especially in the second half, where you dont really know what she feels, believes or is going through after a crisis.

 Netflix Manish Chaudhary plays a role similar to what he has done several times in the past in films like Sanam Teri Kasam. While he gives a good performance, his character is similar to Adil Hussains "casually sexist character from English Vinglish except that it was better written. Ayesha Raza is good as well, but her character is not as fleshed out as it was required. The other cast members barely get anything to do but offer good support to the story and lead cast.
Safeguarding historical truth, defending world peace

16:56, July 11, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily

China held a ceremony to mark the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire nation's resistance against Japanese aggression at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression on July 7 in Beijing.

An exhibition themed "For National Liberation and World Peace" was also launched to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

These commemorative events serve not only to honor past sacrifices, but also as a reaffirmation of China's enduring commitment to justice and peace. They underscore the country's unwavering resolve to pursue peaceful development and safeguard world peace.

When Japanese militarists staged the Lugou Bridge Incident and launched their full-scale invasion of China 88 years ago, the Chinese military and people rose up in resistance, initiating a whole-of-nation war effort that opened the main Eastern battlefield in the global war against fascism.

United as one under the banner of the Chinese united front against Japanese aggression, which was advocated and established by the Communist Party of China (CPC), Chinese people launched a relentless struggle against the brutal Japanese militarists, fighting with unwavering resolve - for the country's survival, national rejuvenation, and the cause of justice for all humanity. They carved out an immortal epic of heroic resistance and ultimate victory against Japanese aggression, which remains indelibly inscribed in the annals of the Chinese nation and the global cause of justice.

As China marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the launch of the exhibition presents a panoramic view of the glorious course of the Chinese people's 14-year hard war of resistance, serving as a collective effort to preserve a history written in blood, endurance, and unyielding courage.

From the outset, China's war against Japanese aggression bore immense significance for the defense of human civilization and world peace, forming an integral part of the World Anti-Fascist War.

China was among the first countries to resist fascist aggression and stood as a principal force in the fight against Japanese militarism. The CPC has consistently championed the cause of global progress, fighting shoulder to shoulder with all peace-loving nations and peoples.

China's persistent and strong resistance on the battlefield thwarted Japan's northward advance toward Siberia and delayed its southward advance into Southeast Asia. Japanese military archives have acknowledged that "the main force of the Japanese army remained pinned down on the Chinese battlefield."

Historical records confirm that China eliminated over 1.5 million Japanese troops - more than 70 percent of Japan's total military casualties during WWII, delivering a decisive blow to Japan's war efforts, bolstering global anti-fascist morale and making an indelible contribution to world peace.

Only by remembering this history can the international community safeguard justice and maintain a correct historical perspective on WWII. An accurate understanding of the war and a truthful account of its legacy are fundamental to maintaining world peace and the international order. To forget history is to risk losing the sense of direction.

The international community must work together to uphold historical justice and the postwar international order, resolutely opposing any attempts to deny or whitewash aggression, war, or colonial rule. It is also essential to firmly reject all attempts to distort the historical truth of WWII and deny the outcomes of victory. The Chinese people, who made tremendous sacrifices, will steadfastly defend the history written with their blood and lives.

Only by remembering this history can the international community draw inspiration to build a world of lasting peace. History has repeatedly shown that military aggression and expansion are ultimately doomed to fail. During the World Anti-Fascist War, countries of different ideologies, social systems, history, and levels of development overcame their differences and united against authoritarianism and militarism in defense of peace.

The world today faces new threats to peace. Unilateralism, hegemonism, bullying, and coercive practices are severely undermining our world. Again humankind has come to a crossroads of unity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win cooperation or zero-sum games.

To secure a peaceful future for humanity, all nations must uphold solidarity and cooperation, follow a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance and win-win over zero-sum, and practice true multilateralism, so as to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

History does not fade with time. Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War honors the historical sacrifices while affirming a responsibility to future generations. China remains firmly committed to peaceful development and stands ready to work with all nations to ensure that the light of peace continues to illuminate the path forward for all humanity.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
News / National

by Staff reporter

In a case that has left the Mukuwapasi Village community stunned, a 61-year-old grandmother, Caroline Chihwayi, has reportedly abandoned her 72-year-old husband to pursue a relationship with a much younger man, prompting a traditional court to intervene.Chihwayi, who has been married to Lancelot Mutenda, allegedly left her matrimonial home to live with Justin Madziwa, a man young enough to be her son. The affair, which has reportedly been ongoing since 2020, led Mutenda to seek justice at Chief Makoni's community court after repeated attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue failed.According to Mutenda, he first caught the two lovers being intimate five years ago and again last month. "I seized Justin's clothes as evidence and reported the matter to the community court. His family approached me and offered a cock as an apology, but we found that insulting," said Mutenda.Following a hearing before Headman Mukuwapasi, Justin was ordered to pay Mutenda two beasts as compensation for his affair with Chihwayi. However, the young man reportedly fled the village without settling the fine.Upon returning from a funeral in Bulawayo recently, Mutenda found his wife missing and was later informed she had been seen at the local shops with Justin. He later tracked them to Justin's homestead where, after overhearing their intimate conversation, he threw a brick on the roof to disturb them."I confronted Justin, who tried to call for help, but no one came. I left and reported the matter to the village head. That's when I saw them fleeing," he testified.The matter was complicated further when both Justin and Chihwayi filed a counter report at the police, accusing Mutenda of assault, although the police directed the matter back to the community court.Mutenda told the court that despite the betrayal, he had initially forgiven his wife as he hoped they could continue raising their grandchildren together. "I gave her a divorce token three times, but without witnesses because I still loved her," he said. "Now I realise she has no respect for me."He added that only his son had supported him through the ordeal, while his daughters sided with their mother.The court ruled in favour of Mutenda, finding Justin guilty of adultery and ordering him to pay three beasts  two as compensation and one as a fine  along with three goats for defaulting on the earlier ruling."This is not Justin's first time being caught with a married woman. He ignored previous court orders and warnings," the court stated. "He is a repeat offender who has destroyed Mutenda's marriage."The court also advised Mutenda to proceed with a formal divorce by presenting a divorce token in the presence of witnesses, bringing an end to a turbulent chapter in the elderly man's life.
A Chinese company owns 160 acres of farmland just a mile and a half from Fort Riley as the crow flies.

Is that a problem? President Donald Trump thinks so.

The land is three parcels near I-70 in Geary County, according to records obtained by The Mercury. The plots are unassuming  some fields, greenhouses, outbuildings and a small house.

But the company that owned the land since 2002, Syngenta Seeds, is part of a corporation with a net worth of $30 billion and was involved in a number of lawsuits, including a class-action claim over genetically modified corn seeds which tanked the corn market and resulted in Syngenta making a $1.5 billion settlement.

The White House and top officials this week rolled out a plan aimed at limiting foreign ownership of farm and ranch land.

They say there is growing national security concern about the rise in foreign countries owning agricultural land, especially near military installations.

"We feed the world," Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said Tuesday. "We lead the world. And we'll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs or our livelihoods."

The National Farm Security Action Plan aims to secure and protect American farmland, safeguard the food supply and strengthen critical infrastructure, according to documents from the White House.

Sen. Roger Marshall, R- Kansas, said he wants China to "get the hell out of American agriculture."

"For the last several years, we've been trying to scream as loud as we could that China's buying more and more farmland in America," he said Thursday on RFD-TV. "And it's not just the quantity, it's where they're purchasing it. If you could imagine, Whiteman Air Force Base (in Missouri) is where those B-2 bombers took off and took out the Iranian nuclear facilities. The Chinese have purchased land next to that base. Same way at Fort Riley  at many of the military bases, the Chinese have purchased property."

Marshall said he was glad to see Trump appoint Rollins to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which gives Rollins a role in deciding whether a foreign purchase could be a threat.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice charged foreign nationals, including a Chinese Communist Party member, with smuggling into the country a noxious fungus  an agroterrorism weapon potentially responsible for billions in global crop losses.

Lest we think such conspiracies can't happen here, faithful readers will remember in 2018, a Chinese scientist who lived in Manhattan was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for stealing samples of genetically altered rice and giving them to the Chinese government. He was working for Ventria Biosciences in Junction City. That company is based in California.

The 160 acres owned by Syngenta are the only agricultural property owned by a foreign entity in Geary County, except for 25 acres owned by a man named Barry Southon, who is affiliated with the United Kingdom.

That's according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) database. It shows county-by-county information through the end of 2023, which is the most recent document available online. According to that, Riley and Pottawatomie counties have no farmland that is a foreign holding.

In Kansas, 1.3 million acres are foreign-held, which is 2.8% of all agricultural land. Much of that is wind farms, through companies in Canada and Italy.

According to the AFIDA data, since 2017, foreign holdings in the U.S. have increased by an average of nearly 2.6 million acres annually.

 2025 The Manhattan Mercury, Kan.. Visit www.themercury.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A former Marine who exploited roughly two dozen minors, including by posing as a teenage girl online, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Thursday. He extorted multiple victims into creating child sexual abuse material and threatened to release it to their friends and family.

Anthony Fritzinger, 25, committed the offenses while he was an active-duty lance corporal in the Marine Corps at Cherry Point, North Carolina, according to his indictment and service record. His criminal conduct was first discovered in 2020 when he used an anonymous account to threaten an 18-year-old woman with the release of nude pictures taken when she was a minor, which her family reported to local police.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which led the investigation into Fritzinger, found that he had been serially stalking, soliciting and extorting minors for years and discovered a "vast quantity" of sexually explicit chats with children, as well as images and videos depicting victims as young as toddlers on his personal electronic devices, according to the Justice Department.

Read Next: 3.8% Raise for Service Members Endorsed by House and Senate Defense Bills

"The scope on this one, unfortunately, is a little bit different than a lot that we see," Erin Carmichael, executive assistant director leading the NCIS criminal investigations and operations division, told Military.com in an interview on Friday, referring to the substantial number of victims, who were located in several states across the country.

He said NCIS was able to leverage its ability to cover multiple jurisdictions given its federal reach, reducing the burden of a local police department from potentially having to contact dozens of jurisdictions across the country, and that agents scoured Fritzinger's digital footprint to uncover his extortion scheme beyond the initial allegation in 2020.

"NCIS really tries to take that next step where we look at all the digital media. We don't just look at the initial allegation and attempting to prove the elements or disprove those related to that one incident," Carmichael said. After the initial report, agents established probable cause for a command-authorized search and seizure, which led them to discover evidence in the "cyber arena of the bad acts by this Marine," he said.

The DOJ said Fritzinger used "teen 'dating' websites" to lure minors into his scheme and then "exerted total control over them and required them to perform sadistic, sexual punishments."

Fritzinger, who served less than three years in the Marine Corps as a ground electronics transmissions systems maintainer, according to his service record, also manipulated the victims into sending him explicit media by falsely claiming he was dying, the DOJ said. Several of the victims testified against Fritzinger in court, and he was convicted in 2024.

"This defendant preyed on vulnerable children, manipulating and threatening them to produce explicit content for his own gratification," Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel Bubar for the Eastern District of North Carolina said in a department press release Thursday. "This case should also serve as a strong reminder that the proliferation of social media has expanded the manner in which young people can be targeted by individuals like Fritzinger, who look to exploit them."

Fritzinger's attorney, W. James Payne, told Military.com on Friday that while "we obviously fought very hard and were disappointed in the outcome of the case, it's always important to know that you're going to get a fair trial despite what you may be charged with."

He said Fitzinger intended to appeal the sentencing, but that the judge in the case, Richard Myers II, "exercised a great deal of compassion" when delivering the sentence, "not only for Mr. Fritzinger, but for the victims in the case."

Carmichael said that, in general, predators leverage anonymity on the internet and try to obfuscate their exploitation of children using VPNs and cryptocurrency gift cards to extort payment for abuse material. He said NCIS has a crime reduction program, to include engaging with parents and community members to educate them about online risks for children.

"What you send on the internet is forever," Carmichael said, adding that children and the elderly are often susceptible to various scams, but don't always come forward. "So helping kids understand that, especially in the social media age that we live in, where people want to really post their whole life, that people may use what they post for nefarious reasons."

Carmichael said that, in part due to President Donald Trump's early executive orders cracking down on human trafficking and online child exploitation, NCIS mandated this month that all of its field offices open a "proactive operation" in the cyber space to catch predators before they harm children, something that it had been doing to various degrees for years, but is now solidified across the board.

Part of that effort tasks agents to go undercover online to identify how predators navigate websites they frequent and pose as potential victims to "identify bad actors proactively." Carmichael said that this week, 20 agents trained and were certified in the Internet Crimes Against Children program.

With these measures, he said "that's where we can help identify subjects that may go undetected," much like an undercover agent would do so for narcotics or human trafficking. "Sometimes it's really tough to catch folks, unless you are able to understand how they operate and then create scenarios similar to that to help identify them."

Related: Pendleton Marine Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Middle School Students
With congressional midterms still more than a year away, Democrat James Osyf is the latest candidate to announce intentions to challenge Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans in Virginias 2nd Congressional District.

Osyf, a first-generation Ukrainian-American and a Navy reservist who served on the USS Norfolk submarine, announced his candidacy Thursday.

I think running for Congress, at least for me, boils down to one fundamental, and thats really to help Virginias veteran and working class families who are being left behind, said Osyf, a 40-year-old who works at Lockheed Martin as a defense innovation executive.

Kiggans has represented the district, which encompasses part of Hampton Roads including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk, since 2022. Midterm elections are next year.

Osyf, who lives in Virginia Beach, said he was driven to run in part because of the recent passage of President Donald Trumps domestic policy spending bill.

I think what were facing right now is what you just saw evidenced by the passage of the big, beautiful bill,  he said in an interview. I think that the hypocrisy and the dissonance that is on display, by this administrations priorities and this enabling Congress, is what needs to be tackled, and the only way to do that is to elect a new generation of Democrats that are going to be able to engineer government to work and to deliver for the American people.

Osyf took aim at Kiggans, who voted last week in support of the bill.

Jen Kiggans has abandoned her post, voting last week to rip healthcare away from millions, stop children from receiving SNAP benefits they depend on, and give a tax break to the mega donors who funder her campaign, he said in a statement.

At the time, Kiggans acknowledged concerns about cuts to Medicaid and clean energy candidates, but said the bill would deliver for the people she represents and voted for its passage.

Osyf is the latest candidate to jump into the race. Nicolaus Sleister, of Suffolk, has also filed paperwork to run as a Democrat for the nomination, as has Virginia Beach resident Burk Stringfellow.

Both candidates also chastised Kiggans over her vote in favor of the bill.

This bill is not beautiful. It is brutal, said Sleister in a statement issued this week. Thousands of military families across Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and the Eastern Shore will see their SNAP and Medicaid benefits gutted. And Rep. Jen Kiggans voted yes  again siding with party insiders instead of the people she was elected to serve.

Stringfellow, who describes himself as more of an activist than a politician, maintains a section on his website titled Jen Kiggans Must Go with references to her voting record, including on the big, beautiful bill.

Kiggans, who also served in the Navy, is seeking reelection and is the only Republican running so far. The National Republican Congressional Committee alleged that Osyf does not live in the area, though he said he does.

DC resident and self-serving opportunist James Osyf is parachuting into Hampton Roads with a far-left agenda that voters dont want, said spokesperson Maureen OToole. Hell be soundly rejected by Virginians before he even makes it all the way there.

The Virginia Public Access Project describes the district as leaning Republican, but Democrats nationally eye it as competitive.

This Big, Ugly Bill is a laundry list of Republicans betrayal to the American people, said Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The DCCC will make sure every battleground voter knows how vulnerable House Republicans  including Kiggans and (Rep. Rob) Wittman  abandoned them by passing the most unpopular piece of legislation in modern American history, and were going to take back the House majority because of it.

2025 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The head of the Department of the Air Force's recruiting efforts, who has overseen the service's turnaround from missing its goal for the first time since 1999 to hitting it three months early, believes those slumps are solidly in the rearview mirror.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein has served as the commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service since June 2023 -- a role he's set to leave later this month. In an interview with Military.com where he looked back on the Air Force's recruiting turnaround, the one-star general said he believes the service is on some of the best footing it's seen in recent years after a notable rebound from a pandemic-era slump.

"I would absolutely say that Department of Air Force recruiting is on solid ground," Amrhein said Thursday. "I can't deny that there were some attributable issues that we had to work through and understand coming out of the pandemic."

Read Next: Senators Seek Guardrails Against JAG Firings in Must-Pass Defense Policy Bill

Late last month, the Air Force and Space Force announced they had hit their recruiting goals three months ahead of the fiscal-year deadline -- just like the Army and the Navy. The successes were quickly claimed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as being partially attributable to President Donald Trump's reelection, but there have been efforts and policy changes in the works since well before the November election that helped turn the tide, experts told Military.com.

Changes by the Air Force prior to the new administration included expanding recruiters; increasing processing time for recruits' medical paperwork; tracking monthly goals; establishing a pilot program that allowed certain recruits who tested positive for THC to continue on; loosened tattoo policies; and updating body fat percentage standards to be in line with the Department of Defense's more generous guidelines.

Taren Sylvester, a research assistant for the National Security Human Capital Program at the Center for a New American Security think tank, told Military.com after the service hit its 2025 recruiting goals that "it's a lot of different work in the recruiting forces and in how recruiting is set up that is making an impact today."

Amrhein pointed to the service's strong successes in fiscal 2024, which carried over into 2025.

"What I can say is that over the last two years, we've had unbelievable success in bringing our airmen and Guardians in," Amrhein said. "We've continued that success in [fiscal 2025] to ensure that we could hit that goal that was a much higher goal even than we were planning when I got into the seat."

In late October, already one month into fiscal 2025 recruiting and just prior to Trump's election victory, recruiting heads from all the military services, including the Air Force, held a briefing at the Pentagon to tout the prior year's recruiting successes and trends.

Alex Wagner, the former assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, pointed to that press conference as an example that the tide had already been turning for Air Force recruiting. He told Military.com in an interview on Friday that it's not surprising for the current administration to take credit for those successes.

"There's no doubt that every administration, Republican or Democratic, is going to try to take advantage of moments that occur on their watch to highlight and bolster their agenda," Wagner said. "What I would say, though, is that Hegseth's team's lack of depth and understanding the complexity of the recruiting enterprise, combined with a lack of leadership in key political positions, has made it easy for them to believe that what occurred on their watch was their doing."

The Department of the Air Force hit its 2025 goal on June 27 after it announced it had "sent nearly 25,000 of the 30,000 contracted recruits to Basic Military Training" and the rest were set to be shipped by the end of September.

The Air Force had to curb its originally more ambitious goal of around 33,000 airmen in 2025 due to an ongoing continuing resolution -- a congressional stopgap budget measure known as a CR that keeps funding at the prior year's levels in the absence of a budget bill.

Amrhein said even with that goal reduction, the service was managing to bring in a significant number of recruits.

"Even with the 3,000 reduction that we had to take due to the annual CR, we still are delivering 30,000 which, when you look back on what was delivered in '23, that's 6,000 more airmen and Guardians that we put in the Air Force in less than two years time," Amrhein said.

Amrhein's predecessor warned at the end of fiscal 2022 that it had hit its active-duty recruiting goals by dipping into its delayed entry program, or DEP, Military.com previously reported.

Now, the Department of the Air Force has built up its delayed entry program to about 15,000, which is a 10-year high, Amrhein told Military.com.

While building up the delayed entry program puts the service in a safer space, other larger issues facing Air Force recruiting may be on the horizon.

Wagner said it's likely fewer Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 will be eligible for military recruitment in the near future. Military.com first reported in 2022 that 77% of young Americans would not qualify for military service without a waiver due to being overweight, drug usage, or mental and physical health issues.

While Wagner acknowledges some ongoing efforts, such as Hegseth announcing the creation of a recruiting task force last month, the former Air Force official worries those efforts could be misguided.

"So these challenges and headwinds are going to persist," Wagner said. "And it's actually going to require continuation of the current initiatives, but also new initiatives, new efforts and new insights by an administration that's quick to claim credit but hasn't really put in place any new solutions to date."

Hegseth's recruiting task force directive was released on June 13, and the first report is due in 30 days, according to the memo -- which would be July 13.

Amrhein is set to leave his role on July 18 and will become the next director of operations for Air Education and Training Command. Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Nelson will take over the position.

He told Military.com he'll miss the people -- the recruiters and the families, the new airmen and Guardians, the staff of the Air Force Accessions Center -- the most. He said he and his wife, Cathy, have connected with all of those people across the world as part of his role, and saw those recruiting successes come to fruition firsthand.

"I've been all across the United States. I've been to massive events. I've been to small events. I've been over to the Pacific and Europe and seen our recruiters and their families and the new members that are coming in there," Amrhein said. "It's just been awe-inspiring to watch this come together."

Related: Air Force and Space Force Hit Recruiting Goals 3 Months Early, Following Other Service Branches
The Pentagon has confirmed reports it has pulled Navy Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly from promotion and a new job overseeing the Navy's Pacific fleet after a conservative news outlet again highlighted his role in allowing sailors to hold drag shows aboard a ship he commanded nearly 10 years ago.

A senior defense official confirmed that "Secretary Hegseth has chosen to withdraw Adm. Donnelly's nomination to lead 7th Fleet" in a statement provided Friday, adding "the department will open up nominations for the 7th Fleet commander" -- the fleet that operates in the Pacific and especially around Japan and China.

On Thursday, conservative news outlet The Daily Wire first reported on the move and noted it occurred "following inquiries from The Daily Wire about Donnelly and the drag queen shows he permitted on board the USS Ronald Reagan."

Read Next: 3.8% Raise for Service Members Endorsed by House and Senate Defense Bills

Pentagon officials wouldn't comment on The Daily Wire's implied role in scuttling Donnelly's move to the 7th Fleet.

Meanwhile, Navy officials remained silent about a top admiral being pulled for promotion and nomination to a key leadership position within the service -- a move that effectively ends Donnelly's career in the Navy since he is unlikely to be selected for another promotion.

Conservative activists and politicians fixated on drag performances across the military in 2023, prompting then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to issue a military-wide prohibition on the events in the summer of that year. Many of those events were typically hosted at the same time as Pride Month -- an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that occurs in June.

Conservatives especially fixated on then-Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley, who was open about his performances as a drag queen under the name "Harpy Daniels." Kelley was profiled in 2018 by NBC while he was stationed aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, and the reporting noted a Lip Sync Battle that the carrier hosted in November 2017 in which Kelley performed wearing a woman's wig, high heels and red lipstick.

Donnelly commanded the USS Ronald Reagan from April 2016 until September 2018.

Conservatives like Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., argued that performances like the one on the USS Ronald Reagan were a sign of a military that "is too focused on political and cultural issues rather than readiness and lethality."

Another lawmaker, Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., said he didn't endorse any type of "oversexualized performance" on military bases during a congressional hearing in June 2023.

Yet the following month, Military.com reported that Joint Base Lewis-McChord's air show just outside of Tacoma, Washington, featured models dancing on stage in skintight red, white and blue bikinis, on the runway posing in front of cargo planes and in front of hot rods parked inside a hangar. Two dancers were also featured wearing revealing flight suits while dancing on stage.

Meanwhile, the Navy has a long and storied tradition of men dressing in women's clothing -- mostly as part of initiation ceremonies.

The centuries-old tradition of a "line crossing" ceremony -- conducted whenever a ship crosses the Equator -- features the court of King Neptune. Neptune's wife, Queen Amphitrite, was often played by a male sailor in drag.

The Navy's initiation of chief petty officers, or CPOs, has also historically featured aspects of cross-dressing.

A report on the initiation written by Master Chief Petty Officer James Leuci and published by the Naval History and Heritage Command noted that "costumes and cross-dressing were the norm for CPO initiations through the 1990s."

"CPO selectees were often intimidated, by peer pressure, to participate in activities that included cross-dressing, the use of sex toys, condoms, and feminine hygiene products as props," the report adds. It also features several photos from the late 1980s of grown men wearing bras and bikini tops, dresses, female wigs and hula skirts.

Meanwhile, according to his official biography, Donnelly began his Navy career in 1989 as a pilot who flew the F-14 Tomcat and then the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Since leaving the USS Reagan, he has held several command posts, including Carrier Strike Group Five and U.S. Naval Forces Korea. He's currently the head of the chief of naval operations air warfare directorate.

Since becoming the focus of conservatives more than two years ago, Kelley has continued to serve in the Navy and was promoted to petty officer first class. In June, he reenlisted for four years, according to a social media post.

Related: Base Air Show Featuring Scantily Clad Models Raises Questions About Justification for Drag Show Ban
A confrontation erupted Thursday between protesters and federal officials carrying out a raid on a Southern California farm, with authorities throwing canisters that sprayed what looked like smoke into the air to disperse the crowd.

Vehicles from Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection blocked the road in a largely agricultural area of Camarillo lined with fields and greenhouses. There were military-style vehicles and a helicopter flying overhead.

Television images showed dozens of demonstrators gathered on a road between fields where uniformed officers stood in a line across from them. In other images, white and green smoke can be seen as protesters retreat. Other images showed protesters shouting at agents wearing camouflage gear, helmets and gas masks. It wasnt clear why the authorities threw the canisters or if they released chemicals like tear gas.

Another image from KTLA showed people sat against a wall with their hands bound in front of them; it wasn't clear if they were workers or protesters. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said they were executing a warrant at a marijuana facility.

Glass House Farms said on social media that it was visited Thursday by officials for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and fully complied with agent search warrants.

It's legal to grow and sell cannabis in California with proper licensing. State records show the company has multiple active licenses to cultivate cannabis.

The company also has a permit to grow in Ventura County, and as of last year used half of the space for cannabis while half was dedicated to tomatoes and cucumbers, the Ventura County Star reported.

Judith Ramos said she received a call Thursday morning from her father, who worked in the tomato fields.

He said immigration was outside his job, and if anything happened to take care of everything, Ramos said, her voice cracking.

The 22-year-old certified nurse assistant said she has two young siblings.

Ramos went to the farm and saw a busload of people being taken out. She was protesting alongside others when agents sprayed the deterrent.

They didn't want us to get any closer, and they started firing, Ramos said. I got some in my eyes. I had to put milk on my face.

Ramos said she does not know where her father is and had not had contact with him for more than an hour. His truck is still at the worksite, she said.

It was not immediately known which agencies participated in the raid.

The incident comes as federal immigration enforcement agents have ramped up arrests in Southern California, heading to car washes, farms and Home Depot parking lots to take people into custody while stoking widespread fear among immigrant communities.

The Trump administration has had the National Guard providing protection to federal immigration agents carrying out the raids, and this week it sent a large caravan with guns and horses to a park in Los Angeles.

Andrew Dowd, spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department, said they were dispatched around 12:15 p.m. Thursday to the area to provide emergency medical aid. Crews took three people to nearby hospitals, he said, and the incident is ongoing.

Dowd said he had no information on the types of injuries or medical emergencies sustained, and he did not have any details of the people sent to hospitals. He said he had no information on what law enforcement was doing there.

___

Associated Press writer Janie Har in San Francisco and freelancer Michael Owen Baker in Camarillo, California, contributed.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  An Iranian attack on an air base in Qatar that's key to the U.S. military hit a geodesic dome housing equipment used by the Americans for secure communications, satellite images analyzed Friday by The Associated Press show.

Hours after the publication of this AP report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell acknowledged that an Iranian ballistic missile had hit the dome. Qatar did not respond to requests for comment about the damage.

The Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar's capital, on June 23 came as a response to the American bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran  and provided the Islamic Republic a way to retaliate that quickly led to a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump ending the 12-day Iran-Israel war.

The Iranian attack otherwise did little damage  likely because of the fact that the U.S. evacuated its aircraft from the base, which is home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. military's Central Command, before the attack.

Trump also has said that Iran signaled when and how it would retaliate, allowing American and Qatari air defense to be ready for the attack, which briefly disrupted air travel in the Middle East, but otherwise didn't tip over into the regional war long feared by analysts.

Images show burn marks, dome gone after attack

Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show the geodesic dome visible at the Al Udeid Air Base on the morning of June 23, just hours before the attack.

The U.S. Air Force's 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which operates out of the base, announced in 2016 the installation of the $15 million piece of equipment, known as a modernized enterprise terminal. Photos show a satellite dish inside of the dome, known as a radome.

Images taken June 25 and every day subsequently show the dome is gone, with some damage visible on a nearby building. The rest of the base appears largely untouched in the images.

In a statement, Parnell said the missile strike "did minimal damage to equipment and structures on the base."

"Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region," he added.

The London-based satellite news channel Iran International first reported on the damage, citing satellite photos taken by a different provider.

Trump downplayed attack while Iran boasted about it

In the U.S., Trump described the Iranian attack as a "very weak response." He had said that Tehran fired 14 missiles, with 13 intercepted and one being "set free" as it was going in a "nonthreatening" direction.

"I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured," he wrote on his website Truth Social.

The White House had no immediate comment after Parnell's acknowledgment Friday. Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base on May 15 as part of his Mideast tour.

After the attack, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard insisted that the air base had been the "target of a destructive and powerful missile attack." Iran's Supreme National Security Council also said that the base had been "smashed," without offering any specific damage assessments.

Potentially signaling that he knew the dome had been hit, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei separately said that the base's communications had been disconnected by the attack.

"All equipment of the base was completely destroyed and now the U.S. command stream and connection from Al Udeid base to its other military bases have been completely cut," said Ahmad Alamolhoda, a hard-line cleric.
Firing a top military lawyer would require a congressional notification that includes a substantive justification under a defense policy bill advanced by the Senate Armed Services Committee this week.

The provision in the Senate's version of this year's National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, marks Congress' first concrete, bipartisan action in response to the Trump administration's purge of the top uniformed lawyers for the Air Force, Army and Navy earlier this year.

Under the bill, Congress would have to receive a rationale within five days of the removal of a service's top judge advocate general, a congressional official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmed Friday.

Read Next: Coast Guard Selects 'Proven' Command Master Chief for Top Enlisted Position

The provision in what's considered a must-pass bill comes after the Trump administration has provided little explanation for the February removal of the judge advocates general for the Air Force, Navy and Army.

The JAGs were fired amid a broader purge of top military officers, including the firing of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chief of naval operations and the Air Force vice chief of staff.

Days after the removal of the JAGs, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters the firings were necessary, because he didn't want them to pose any "roadblocks to orders that are given by a commander in chief." Pressed at a recent congressional hearing on why any of the officers, including the JAGs, were fired, Hegseth said only that all generals "serve at the pleasure of the president."

The firings and Hegseth's subsequent comments about removing "roadblocks" raised concerns from legal experts and military lawyers that the administration was expecting a traditionally apolitical role to support the president's agenda.

The provision in the Senate NDAA requiring a formal notification and justification was proposed by Democrats as a direct response to the Trump administration's firings, said a congressional source who spoke to Military.com on the condition of anonymity to discuss behind-the-scenes details.

"This mark includes important guardrails to ensure continued professionalism in the military, including requiring congressional notification for removing the military's top legal advisers and reiterating the importance of independent legal advice of judge advocates, but we need to do much more to address the destruction done by this administration," Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee's personnel subcommittee, said at a subcommittee meeting this week.

While the provision originated with Democrats, it was included in the underlying text of the personnel subcommittee's portion of the NDAA, an early step in the process of crafting the bill that suggests broad bipartisan support for the proposal.

The congressional official who briefed reporters said Republicans backed requiring a notification not to "hamstring" the administration, but rather to ensure Congress is "made aware and a partner" in significant decisions.

Trump has ignored other requirements for congressional notifications, such as when he fired several inspectors general this year without providing the legally required 30 days' notification and substantive, case-specific rationale for the firings.

The congressional source who spoke to Military.com acknowledged a notification requirement for firing JAGs, if it becomes law, could similarly be ignored by Trump. Still, the source added, lawmakers felt it was important to enshrine a mandate into law so that they can point to a clear statute if he flouts it.

The NDAA was advanced out of the Senate Armed Services Committee after a closed-door debate this week. It must still be approved by the full Senate and then reconciled with the House version of the bill, which the House Armed Services Committee is debating next week, before going to Trump's desk to be signed into law.

Related: 'People Are Very Scared': Trump Administration Purge of JAG Officers Raises Legal, Ethical Fears
SEOUL, South Korea  Top South Korean, U.S. and Japanese military officers urged North Korea to cease all unlawful activities that threaten regional security, as the three nations flew advanced warplanes for a joint exercise in a show of force against the North.

The development came Friday as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was to travel to North Korea amid booming military and other cooperation between the two countries that have raised concerns among their neighbors.

During their regular meeting in Seoul on Friday, the chairmen of the joint chiefs of staff from South Korea, the U.S. and Japan discussed North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine and Russia's potential transfer of military technology to North Korea in return.

They urged the DPRK to immediately cease all unlawful activities to destabilize the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific, and beyond, and pledged to continue working together to respond to the DPRKs threats, according to a joint press statement.

DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's formal name.

North Korea and Russia have grown sharply closer in recent years, with North Korea supplying thousands of troops and ammunitions to Russia in return for economic and military assistance. Seoul, Washington and their partners worry Russia might provide North Korea with sensitive technologies that can enhance its nuclear and missile programs as well.

The three joint chiefs of staff chairmen  South Korea's Kim Myung-soo, the United States' Dan Caine and Japan's Yoshida Yoshihide  discussed various ways to deepen their cooperation in order to ensure peace and stability in the region, according to the joint statement.

Also Friday, the three countries staged a trilateral aerial drill in international waters off South Korea's southern Jeju island. The training, which involves nuclear-capable B-52H bombers from the U.S., is meant to improve the deterrence and response capabilities against North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats, according to South Korea's Defense Ministry.

In recent years, South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have been expanding or restarting their regular military training exercises to cope with North Korea's enlarging nuclear arsenal. North Korea views such U.S.-led drills as invasion rehearsals and often responds with missile tests.

Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, was to begin a three-day trip to North Korea on Friday, according to North Korean and Russian state media reports earlier this week.

Russia's Tass news agency, citing Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, reported Wednesday that Lavrov's North Korea trip was part of the second round of strategic dialogue with his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui. Lavrov and Choe's earlier meeting took place in November in Moscow.

Some South Korean analysts said Lavrov may discuss arranging a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia.
North Korea is now supplying as much as 40% of Russias ammunition for the war in Ukraine as the partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow deepens, according to the head of Ukrainian military intelligence.

Kim Jong Uns regime is also sending other weapons to Russia, including ballistic missiles and artillery systems, Kyrylo Budanov said in an interview with Bloomberg News. Russia is providing money and technology to North Korea in return, helping to ease Pyongyangs international isolation, he said.

Those are good weapons, Budanov, who attributed 60% of losses in military-intelligence units in the past three months to strikes by North Korean-made artillery, said in his office in Kyiv. North Korea has huge stockpiles and production goes on around the clock.

Russia has intensified military ties with North Korea since President Vladimir Putin signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty with Kim in June last year, his first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years. North Korea sent thousands of troops to help Moscow push Ukrainian forces out of territory theyd seized in Russias Kursk region. With Kim vowing to back Russia unconditionally in the war, western intelligence estimates that Pyongyang has sent millions of artillery rounds to Putins army.

Bloomberg News could not independently verify Budanovs assessment of Russias weapons stockpile from North Korea.

A series of top Russian officials have traveled to North Korea. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is due to begin a three-day trip to Pyongyang on Friday, while Putins top security council aide, Sergei Shoigu, visited North Korea for the third time in as many months in June.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered a resumption of weapons supplies to Ukraine, including vital air defenses, that were unexpectedly interrupted last week. He accused Putin of killing too many people and said the Russian leaders engagement with U.S. calls for a truce was meaningless.

Budanov said U.S. support for Ukraine will continue in the near future and Washington may send additional air-defense systems.

Trumps position is consistent, one should not judge him by media characteristics, Budanov said. As head of a special service I know more things.

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to U.S. calls for an unconditional ceasefire, Putin told Trump in a phone call last week that Russia will not back down on its war aims, according to a Kremlin transcript.

Budanov said a ceasefire must be reached as soon as possible and well before the end of this year.

Is it realistic to do so - yes. Is it difficult - no, he said. It takes at least three sides - Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. And we will get to this position.

Russia has stepped up air attacks on Ukraine including with record numbers of drones in recent weeks. It launched 728 drones on July 9, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure, while the United Nations reported that June saw the highest monthly civilian casualties in three years, with 232 people killed and 1,343 injured.

Civilians across Ukraine are facing levels of suffering we have not seen in over three years, Danielle Bell, the head of the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, said Thursday. The surge in long-range missile and drone strikes across the country has brought even more death and destruction.

Russias grinding battlefield assaults in Ukraine have also picked up speed again in the war, now in its fourth year. Kremlin forces entered Ukraines northeast Sumy region bordering Russia last month in an attempt to create a buffer zone. They made marginal advances in the partly-occupied Donetsk region in the east and in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia. The Russian army is also attempting to cross into the central Dnipropetrovsk region next to Donetsk.

Its not realistic for Russia to seize all of the Donetsk region by the end of the year, Budanov said. Russian troops have a political goal to declare that they entered Dnipropetrovsk region and are tasked with setting up another buffer zone of as much as 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) in depth, he said.

Dressed in black military fatigues, 39-year-old Budanov has earned a reputation for planning bold operations to strike at Russian forces  and even participating in them personally. He joined Ukraines military intelligence in 2007, fought in the countrys east after Russia incited separatist conflict there in 2014 and took part in operations in occupied Crimea.

Budanov was wounded three times in fighting. He has also been the target of Kremlin-backed poisoning attempts, according to Ukrainian intelligence officials, while his wife Marianna survived a poisoning in November that some officials blamed on Russia.

The military intelligence chief has become one of the most popular public figures in Ukraine, ranked among the three most trusted officials, opinion polls show. A Rating Group poll from July 4-5 showed 56% of Ukrainians trust him, compared with 67% for Zelenskyy and 73% for former top military commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

Budanov will mark five years as head of military intelligence next month, if I survive, he said. Asked to explain, he said anything can happen and referred to a memorial at the agency to intelligence officers killed in the line of duty. There is much space for more names, he said.

The black flag of Ukraines military intelligence agency hangs from a pole in his office, which is also decorated with models of Russian ships sunk in operations masterminded by his agents.

Budanov described intelligence cooperation with western counterparts as excellent, adding that he expects exchanges of information to continue. Ukraine depends on the U.S. for the early warning of missile launches and access to satellite imagery, he said.

I dont see any signs our cooperation in the security services will stop, Budanov said. This is not beneficial for us and not beneficial for our partners either, because they get information from us.

Budanov even urged allies to return to relying on human intelligence  networks of spies  that he said almost all European countries have buried, unfortunately. He added: Stop believing that technical intelligence will solve everything. No one will discuss and plan an operation on a mobile phone.

He said he hopes to remain in his post until the war ends. Now, my dream is to stop this war, Budanov said. Ukraine is a country of opportunities. In future, Ill decide what I would like to do.

With assistance from Maxim Edwards.

___

2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A wave of teacher absenteeism has gripped rural schools across Manicaland Province, with educators reportedly abandoning their posts for urban business ventures, leaving learners stranded and lessons unattended for days on end.The crisis, uncovered during a two-week investigation by The Manica Post, has raised alarm over the growing disconnect between Government efforts to improve rural education and the realities on the ground.Learners in Nyanga, Mutasa, Marange, Chipinge, Buhera, Makoni, and Chimanimani districts reported that some teachers only report for duty two or three days a week, prioritising private income-generating activities in towns over classroom responsibilities.At a secondary school in Nyanga, pupils lamented that their Building teacher frequently absents himself to take on construction jobs in the town's resort areas, sometimes disappearing for an entire week. As a result, students are falling behind in the syllabus with little guidance or instruction.A teacher at a rural school in Mafararikwa confirmed that many colleagues operate businesses in Mutare, returning to their schools only briefly during the week. He said teachers in practical subjects like Building, Agriculture, and Technical Graphics are particularly affected, often marketing their skills to clients in urban areas for better pay.However, the trend is not limited to technical subjects. Teachers of theoretical disciplines have also reportedly joined the rush for side hustles, further eroding the quality of rural education. At several boarding schools, some teachers are charging parents for extra lessons-despite the practice being illegal under Zimbabwean law.The revelations are deeply concerning given the Government's ongoing efforts to enhance rural education through infrastructure development and resource mobilisation, particularly in science and ICT education, in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's "no one and no place left behind" mantra.Manicaland Provincial Education Director Mr Richard Gabaza said he was unaware of the developments and would require investigations before commenting.Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro acknowledged the economic pressures driving teachers to seek extra income but stressed that charging for lessons remains unlawful."Economic pressures have historically driven educators to seek supplementary income. However, our interventions are transforming this dynamic. Key among them is community oversight by School Development Committees who monitor teacher attendance and report to district offices," he said.Ndoro noted that low pass rates in rural areas were more reflective of resource gaps than absenteeism, and highlighted Government efforts to bridge the divide. These include building 2,800 new schools-many with boarding facilities-and installing solar power in remote areas."Charging for extra lessons is a clear violation of the Education Act. Our zero-tolerance policy includes unannounced school inspections by provincial taskforces. Violators will face suspension," he warned.Ndoro added that the ministry's 2024 audits show an 18 percent decline in absenteeism compared to 2023, attributing the improvement to the use of attendance registers and other accountability measures."Rural educators now receive subsidised housing and transport assistance to stay at their workstations. Our teachers are heroes, not villains," said Ndoro. "The ministry is committed to evidence-based reforms and community partnerships that ensure every child has access to quality education."Despite these efforts, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Association of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) says the root of the problem remains unresolved-poor remuneration."Government must urgently address the salary crisis to restore teacher morale and protect the right to education for every learner," said ARTUZ president Mr Obert Masaraure.As the teacher truancy crisis unfolds, the future of thousands of learners in Manicaland's rural communities hangs in the balance, raising critical questions about the sustainability of the national education system.
WASHINGTON  The United States is selling weapons to its NATO allies in Europe so they can provide them to Ukraine as it struggles to fend off a recent escalation in Russias drone and missile attacks, President Donald Trump and his chief diplomat said.

Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%, Trump said in an interview with NBC late Thursday. So what were doing is, the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that some of the U.S.-made weapons that Ukraine is seeking are deployed with NATO allies in Europe. Those weapons could be transferred to Ukraine, with European countries buying replacements from the U.S., he said.

Its a lot faster to move something, for example, from Germany to Ukraine than it is to order it from a (U.S.) factory and get it there, Rubio told reporters during a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ukraine badly needs more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to stop Russian ballistic and cruise missiles. Trump's Republican administration has given conflicting signals about its readiness to provide more vital military aid to Ukraine for its more than three years of fighting Russia's invasion.

After a pause in some weapons shipments, Trump said he would keep sending defensive weapons to Ukraine. U.S. officials said this week that 155 mm munitions and precision-guided rockets were on their way.

Ukraine is seeking more coveted Patriot air defense systems

Germany, Spain and other European countries possess Patriot missile systems, and some have placed orders for more, Rubio said.

The U.S. is encouraging its NATO allies to provide those weapons, systems, the defensive systems that Ukraine seeks  since they have them in their stocks, and then we can enter into financial agreements with them, with us, where they can purchase the replacements, Rubio said.

Ukraine has asked foreign countries to supply it with an additional 10 Patriot systems and missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday. Germany is ready to provide two systems, and Norway has agreed to supply one, he said.

Russia has recently sought to overwhelm Ukraines air defenses by launching major aerial attacks. Earlier this week, Russia fired more than 700 attack and decoy drones at Ukraine, topping previous nightly barrages for the third time in two weeks.

At the same time, Russias bigger army is pressing hard on parts of the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, where thousands of soldiers on both sides have died since the Kremlin ordered the invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022.

Impact of the latest Russian attacks

In the latest attacks, a Russian drone barrage targeted the center of Kharkiv just before dawn Friday, injuring nine people and damaging a maternity hospital in Ukraines second-largest city, officials said.

Mothers with newborns were being evacuated to a different medical facility, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on Telegram. He didnt say whether anyone at the hospital was among the injured.

Also, a daytime drone attack on the southern city of Odesa injured nine people.

There is no silence in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said after the Kharkiv bombardment. Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, has endured repeated and intensifying drone attacks in recent weeks, as have many other regions of the country, mostly at night.

June brought the highest monthly civilian casualties of the past three years, with 232 people killed and 1,343 wounded, the U.N. human rights mission in Ukraine said Thursday. Russia launched 10 times more drones and missiles in June than in the same month last year, it said.

Other weapons sought by Ukraine

Zelenskyy urged Ukraines Western partners to quickly enact pledges of help they made at an international meeting in Rome on Thursday.

Ukraine also needs more interceptor drones to bring down Russian-made Shahed drones, he said, adding Moscow plans to manufacture up to 1,000 drones a day.

Zelenskyy said Thursday that talks with Trump have been very constructive.

After repeated Russian drone and missile onslaughts in Kyiv, authorities announced Friday they are establishing a comprehensive drone interception system under a project called Clear Sky.

The project includes a $6.2 million investment in interceptor drones, operator training, and new mobile response units, according to the head of the Kyiv Military Administration.

Zelenskyy appealed to foreign partners to help Ukraine accelerate the production of the newly developed interceptor drones, which have proved successful against Shaheds.

We found a solution, as a country, scientists and engineers found a solution. Thats the key, he said. We need financing. And then, we will intercept.

___

AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Great Lakes groups, like the Lake Carriers Association, have spent the better part of two decades advocating for funding a new icebreaking ship.

The advocates say a new Coast Guard vessel, which could help open up commerce on the Great Lakes during the winter, would stop billions of dollars lost due to shipping delays.

An early version of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill included federal money to build it, but those dollars were removed without warning.

With a 10 year timeline to build the icebreaker after funds are received, some groups are concerned about the continued economic impact of operating without.

We put a man on the moon faster than they could build an icebreaker, said Eric Peace, vice president of the Lake Carriers Association.

His group represents the interests of commercial shipping vessels operating on the Great Lakes, which mainly transport bulk cargo, like iron ore and coal, that is used in industry and infrastructure.

According to one Great Lakes advocacy group, the lakes fuel a $6 trillion regional economy, with more than 1.5 million U.S. jobs generating $62 billion in annual wages.

Approximately 55% of the Great Lakes regional economy is dependent on key shipping channels, according to an April 21 report from the Congressional Research Service.

In the winter months, its often necessary to break apart Great Lakes ice to ensure ships carrying cargo can move throughout the lakes.

The U.S. Coast Guard is required by law to assist in keeping channels and harbors open using nine ships in its fleet - six icebreaking tugboats, two buoy tenders and the 240-foot heavy Great Lakes Icebreaker Mackinaw, which can break out stuck vessels and crush ice more than three feet thick.

With only one ship of the Mackinaws size and a great deal of need during the winter months, advocacy groups have said the Coast Guards existing heavy icebreaker isnt keeping up.

These groups have continued to advocate for a second Great Lakes icebreaker. The funding was briefly included in Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, a sprawling reconciliation package that among other things, included a nearly $25 billion investment to the Coast Guard.

The Great Lakes icebreaker was specifically mentioned in the U.S. House-passed version of the legislation, but appears to have been removed from the Senates version and what was ultimately signed by Trump.

Peace said with only one heavy icebreaker on the Great Lakes, it impacts our ability to move commerce.

She can only be at one place at one time, and its often difficult to get her to where she needs to be.

Economic analysis done on behalf of the association found that inadequate icebreaking during the winters of 2014, 2015 and 2019 combined cost the region $2 billion in economic activity and 11,000 jobs.

In the winter of 2018 alone, the economy took a $1 billion hit, and 5,000 jobs were lost.

In 2020, the association said the first commercial vessel to transit the Soo Locks became stuck in the ice because the Mackinaw could not cover the 500 square miles in Whitefish Bay, located on Lake Superior.

Peace, a former U.S. Coast Guard commander with over 20 years experience specializing in icebreaking operations, said the Coast Guards own analysis has determined a second Great Lakes icebreaker is necessary, but weve struggled to get funding for it.

The Coast Guard has estimated the total cost of the ship would be about $350 million. Legislation adopted in 2023 authorized the funds for the vessel at least as capable as the cutter Mackinaw, but lawmakers have yet to appropriate the full funds.

Peace said at this point, the service has received $60 million in funding from Congress to jumpstart the acquisition and design process for the icebreaker. A program management office has been set up.

We still need a significant amount of money in order to get this thing built, he said.

The U.S. Houses version of the latest Trump reconciliation bill included specific language to fund the heavy Great Lakes icebreaker, part of a nearly $5 billion line item for Arctic security cutters and domestic icebreakers.

The enrolled version of the bill, however, includes only $816 million for domestic light and medium icebreaking cutters.

Peace said as the Mackinac is considered a heavy domestic icebreaker by Great Lakes standards, it likely wouldnt be included under the line item, though he said it could be up to Coast Guard interpretation.

Coast Guard Chief of Media Relations Steve Roth confirmed that the bill as approved by Congress and signed by Trump does not include funding for production of an additional Great Lakes icebreaker because of its designation by the Coast Guard as heavy.

The Coast Guard is proceeding with previously appropriated funding to support pre-acquisition activities and analysis of future ship design and requirements, Roth said. Pending receipt of funding through the annual appropriations process, the program remains on track to acquire a Great Lakes icebreaker to bolster domestic icebreaking capabilities.

In a June 27 letter, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, wrote that Great Lakes legislators were not aware of any reason why the Great Lakes icebreaker, among all icebreakers requested by the Coast Guard, should go unfunded in this bill.

He and eight other members of Congress, including U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, Lisa McClain, R-Romeo, Tim Walberg, R-Tipton and Tom Barrett, R- Charlotte, called for a return of the funds in the letter, sent to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R- South Dakota and Sen. Ted Cruz, R- Texas.

A Rep. Huizenga spokesperson did not return multiple requests for comment.

Peace said advocacy groups are now also trying to seek clarity about why the funding was removed from the Senates proposal.

When asked about next steps for Great Lakes advocacy groups, he said, Were not done.

Well continue to fight this fight, Peace said. Weve been doing it for two decades. Well continue to do it until this thing gets built in the Great Lakes.

But even when the funding is fully appropriated, he referenced Coast Guard estimates that the icebreaker would still take 10 years to build, meaning more years with potentially significant economic disruption.

2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit mlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
After Nick Sheryka's dreams of flying for the U.S. military were dashed because of hearing loss in his left ear, he didn't sulk. Instead, he built his own airplane.

Sheryka eventually obtained his pilot's license and secured a job at Boom Supersonic, a startup with the goal of achieving civilian supersonic flight and making it affordable to the general public. Sheryka, the company's chief flight test engineer, and Tristan Brandenburg, its chief test pilot, recently joined The Fighter Pilot Podcast to discuss the XB-1 Supersonic demonstrator program.

While Sheryka did not serve in the military, he said his grandfather was a fighter ace during World War II. Brandenburg graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, as well as the United States Naval Test Pilot School. Together, Brandenburg and Sheryka were part of a group that worked closely on the XB-1, which served as a test platform for modifications to the Boom Supersonic Overture, the startup's groundbreaking civilian supersonic aircraft.

"We changed the paradigm there in what people believe might be possible," Sheryka said of the program.

Read Next: How Aviation Helps the Army Fulfill its Mission

How Fast Was the XB-1?

The final two of the XB-1's 13 test flights reached supersonic speeds, or those faster than the speed of sound. What Boom Supersonic discovered on those tests on Jan. 28 and Feb. 10, 2025, was encouraging, Sheryka said on the podcast.

Asked why the XB-1 program ended, Brandenburg explained: "The XB-1 was definitely the coolest airplane I've ever flown, but it doesn't change anyone's life. The learning objectives were complete. It's time to shift the focus of the company to building an airplane that will change people's lives."

About the Boom Supersonic Overture

Boom Supersonic's Overture aircraft could travel at 1.7 times the speed of sound. (Boom Supersonic)

That aircraft is the Overture, which intends to be capable of transporting 60-80 passengers and cut down the flying time of its planned routes significantly. For example, Boom Supersonic claims the Overture could transport passengers from London to New York in 3 hours -- slashing their time in the air by more than half. Commercial flights on Overture are tentatively slated to begin in 2029.

Public passengers have not been aboard a supersonic airliner since the Concorde last flew in 2003.

Boom Supersonic already has orders or preorders from American Airlines, United Airlines and Japan Airlines for the Overture. It is expected to travel at 1.7 times the speed of sound and have the capability of reaching an altitude of roughly 60,000 feet, Brandenburg and Sheryka said on the podcast. They added the plane will have a range of slightly more than 4,000 nautical miles.

Aircraft Specifications

Price : An estimated $200 million per airplane

: An estimated $200 million per airplane Passengers : 60-80

: 60-80 Max Speed : Mach 1.7 (1.7 times the speed of sound)

: Mach 1.7 (1.7 times the speed of sound) Range : 4,250 nautical miles

: 4,250 nautical miles Length : 201 feet

: 201 feet Wingspan : 106 feet

: 106 feet Engine : Four specifically designed Symphony turbofan engines will power the Overture.

: Four specifically designed Symphony turbofan engines will power the Overture. Fuel : Optimized for up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

: Optimized for up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) Cruising Altitude: 60,000 feet

Source: Boom Supersonic

By reducing travel time significantly, supersonic travel could benefit the military, Brandenburg said.

"Think special forces or something," he said. "The ability to get them to a different part of the world in half the time it normally takes is a big military application."

While Brandenburg and Sheryka said the Overture's primary mission would be transoceanic travel, there would be routes over American airspace. In June, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that could lead to the lifting of Federal Aviation Administration restrictions on supersonic flights over the United States.

Why Was Supersonic Flight Banned in the United States?

If the FAA removes those limits, it would be the first time that civilian supersonic travel over the U.S. has been allowed since 1973. At that time, public complaints about the noise that sonic booms create became so vociferous that supersonic flight was banned.

During its testing of the XB-1, Boom Supersonic surpassed the speed of sound three times during a test in late January over the Mohave Desert in California without any audible sonic booms. On the podcast, Brandenburg and Sheryka said the company has developed a method in which the earth-shaking sound of a sonic boom dissipates in the atmosphere and never reaches the ground.

In accordance with current regulations, Boom Supersonic has announced the Overture will fly over land at slightly below the speed of sound and nearly twice as fast once it gets over water. Those speeds over the U.S., though, would be 20% faster than the commercial jets flying today, sharply reducing travel times, the company claimed.

Additional Details

For more on the X-B1 flight tests and the Overture, including how its designers strived to mitigate the effects of sonic booms, you can listen to this audio-only version of The Fighter Pilot Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Overcast. You can find all episodes of The Fighter Pilot Podcast on its website.

Want to Know More About the Military?

Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.
July 11: Per Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Meyers has been placed on the 10-day IL with a right calf strain. Its unclear how much time hes expected to miss but that opens an active roster spot for Matthews. Infielder/outfielder Zach Dezenzo has been transferred to the 60-day IL to open a 40-man spot. Dezenzo landed on the 10-day IL on June 1st due to left hand inflammation. His 60-day count is retroactive to that initial IL placement, so he can be reinstated at the end of July.

July 10: The Astros are promoting infield prospect Brice Matthews, reports Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The club is off today but hell join them tomorrow. The Astros will need to select him to the 40-man roster and open an active roster spot.

Matthews, 23, was the clubs first-round pick two summers ago. The Astros selected him with the 28th overall pick of the 2023 draft and signed him with a bonus of just under $2.5MM. The Nebraska product drew praise from scouts for his well-rounded toolset and patient approach. More pessimistic evaluators expressed concern about his elevated swing-and-miss rates while questioning whether he had the arm strength to stick on the left side of the infield.

The righty-hitting infielder has lived up to that profile this year. Hes in his first full season at Triple-A after making a 12-game cameo there last year. Matthews carries a .283/.400/.476 slash line through 325 plate appearances. He has connected on 10 home runs and stolen 25 bases in 31 attempts. He has walked at a massive 15.4% clip while striking out more than 30% of the time. His average exit velocity and hard contact rate are both above the MLB averages. Matthews has shown an above-average power/speed combination, a willingness to work deep counts, and below-average contact skills.

Drafted as a shortstop, Matthews has played more second base this year. Thats also not surprising given the questions about his arm strength. Matthews wouldnt have a long-term path to playing time at shortstop on a team with Jeremy Pena regardless. Pena is currently on the shelf with a broken rib, pushing Mauricio Dubon more frequently to the left side of the infield. That has drawn Jose Altuve back in at second base, moving Taylor Trammell into the starting left field role.

The Astros are facing another potential injured list stint, as center fielder Jake Meyers is being evaluated for a right calf problem. Matthews has two professional innings of outfield experience. Its unlikely the Astros would throw him into outfield work. (They did push rookie Cam Smith from third base to right field, though he at least had a couple weeks to work out there during Spring Training.) Playing Matthews at second base could move Altuve back to left field and push Trammell to center if Meyers is out of action.

Matthews will remain under club control for at least six full seasons after this one. He wont be eligible for arbitration for at least three years. Theres a decent chance hell be optioned back to the minors at some point, especially if Pena makes a quick return that moves Dubon back to the keystone. Houston fans will get their first look at one of the organizations better hitting prospects, who will step into a club that has built a 6.5 game cushion in the AL West despite myriad injuries.
July 11: Alcantara elected free agency, according to the MLB.com transaction log.

July 10: The Giants have sent infielder Sergio Alcantara outright to Triple-A Sacramento, according to his MLB.com transactions tracker. That indicates he cleared waivers after being designated for assignment a few days ago. He has the right to elect free agency but its not clear if he will exercise that right or not.

Alcantara is celebrating his 29th birthday today. Signed to a minor league deal in the offseason, he was selected to the big league roster last week as the Giants infield was a bit snakebit. Matt Chapman was on the injured list with a right hand injury, Christian Koss was out due to a hamstring strain and Tyler Fitzgerald was battling some minor back soreness.

From the get-go, it seemed like it was mostly an emergency call. Alcantara didnt force his way up, as he was only hitting .206/.319/.252 in the hitter-friendly environment of the Pacific Coast League. Two days after he was called up, Chapman was ready to come off the IL, so Alcantara was bumped right back off the roster. Since hes out of options, he had to be removed from the 40-man. In that window, he got into one game, going 0-4 with two strikeouts.

That was his first major league action in a few years. He appeared in the big leagues in the 2020-22 seasons for the Tigers, Cubs, Diamondbacks and Padres. He now has a .207/.278/.340 career batting line, when factoring in this years game.

He is considered a solid defender, having spent his career bouncing between shortstop, third base and second base. He could stick with the Giants as a glove-first depth infielder or head to the open market to see what other opportunities are available to him.

Photo courtesy of Dennis Lee, Imagn Images
DETROIT - Leaders from all over the world, from all walks of life, descended upon Detroit for a huge global action summit.

Global Citizen NOW held its first-ever U.S. edition summit outside of New York City at the newly constructed Hudsons Detroit on Thursday, July 10.

The event, presented by Bedrock Detroit, featured leaders from numerous cultural sectors holding panel discussions on a myriad of topics including AI, infrastructure, medicine, youth mentorship programs, art, music, food, urban revitalization through investments in people, and more.

You can watch all of the panel discussions here.

The summit featured leaders from numerous cultural sectors including Mark Cuban, Wyclef Jean, Darrell Green, Jessica Care Moore, Jessica Nabongo and Chef Marcus Samuelsson.

This event was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Detroit and its transformation, Kofi Bonner, CEO of Bedrock Detroit told MLive. Not only are they experiencing Global Citizen, but they can see that Detroit truly is a clean and safe city.

Bonner said it was just as important to showcase Detroits neighborhoods and not just downtowns transformation.

We wanted to show, that yes, much of what we do is downtown, but many of the things that are happening in the neighborhoods are special. Being able to place the Detroit nonprofits side-by-side with some of the global organizations at the event, who do similar work, they can share some of the opportunities and challenges that each faces.

Global Citizen NOW, in 2024, held first-ever events outside of the U.S. in Melbourne, Australia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Paris, France. Plans are to expand to Spain and South Africa.
MUNISING, MI -- From lakeside to cliffside, Michigans Upper Peninsula brings visitors new vantage points for their summer vacation photos.

Visit Munising, the visitors bureau for the U.P.s picturesque playscape, made a photo-op list they describe as jaw-dropping landscapes that demand a spot on your feed."

Heres where to get started.

Kayakers near Lovers Leap rock formation at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior in Munising, Mich. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com

Lovers Leap from Lake Superior

The towering arch of Lovers Leap within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is best viewed from the water. Locals suggest booking a guided kayak or boat cruise to get an up close view of this remarkable sandstone structure.

Visit Munisings photo tip is to aim for early morning or late afternoon tours, when the lighting hits the cliffs just rightgolden tones make that sandstone pop."

Pictured Rocks has three kayak tour businesses that are authorized to guide along the national Lakeshore. A list of those businesses can be found, here.

The parks boat cruise boasts some of the best views without the arm work out. Check out these authorized boat cruises.

Safety guidelines for kayaks and boats going out on their own can be found, here.

The large, dome-like structure of Grand Portal allowed boats to pass through it in the 1800s before it collapsed in the early 1900s. It can still be seen today from the Chapel-Mosquito trail loop or from a boat tour. (Photo provided by the NWS) NWS

Epic overlook of the Grand Portal Point

More than 100 years ago, the earth trembled as Pictured Rocks Grand Portal fell into itself. Today, the massive cliff makes for a jaw-dropping photo.

Visit Munising suggests the Chapel-Mosquito trail loop to see the impressive dome-like structure.

Choose your own adventure on the hike that can be two to 10 miles. Photogenic pitstops along the trail include Chapel Falls, Chapel Rock, Chapel Beach and Mosquito Falls and Mosquito Beach.

Interested in a bit of geological history? Pictured Rocks shared some trivia about the arch that use to be big enough for boats to pass through. Read more here.

The sun setting behind Grand Island National Recreation Area at Sand Point Beach (NPS) NPS

Golden hour on Sand Point Beach

Tourists and locals alike choose Sand Point Beach as their favorite golden hour hike.

The beach is dog friendly and easily accessible with a Mobi mat in the summer and fall. Mobi mats allow wheelchair access from the parking lot across the beach all the way to the waters edge.

Bonus, the beach is covered in tiny, pink gemstones that dazzle in the golden hour. Sand Point Beach turns pink due to garnet in the layers of the Pictured Rocks cliffs eroding away.

The beach is also a popular launch point for small boats for photographers who want to see the sunset reflect off the lake.

Looking out, you can see the sun dip down behind the Grand Island National Recreational Area, creating a sensational silhouette dancing across Lake Superior.

More and more visitors are traversing the half mile across the water to explore the wild island. Learn more about Grand Island here.

Miners Castle lookout at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior in Munising, Mich. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com

Drive-up Lake Superior sunset views

Miners Castle is one of the most iconic sights along the national Lakeshore. The visitors bureau highlights it as an accessible view.

The sweeping views of Lake Superior can be accessed by car. From the parking lot, a short paved wheelchair-accessible trail leads past interpretive exhibits to two breathtaking overlooks of Lake Superior and Grand Island.

Visit Munising suggests heading to the upper viewing platform at the end of the day for the best wide-angle shot as the sun dips below the horizon.

Want to hear more about the history of Miners Castle? Join a free, guided tour happening weekly. Park rangers unspool some of the tapestry of geological layers all summer long.

MORE IN MUNISING: 5 ROARING WATERFALLS TO CHASE THIS SUMMER
This baby female chimp was born at the Detroit Zoo in July 2025 to 34-year old Nyani, her first baby. Photo provided by the Detroit Zoological Society

ROYA OAK, MI - Visitors to Michigans largest zoo will soon be able to get their first look at a baby chimpanzee.

This baby girl was born to 34-year old Nyani, her first baby, on July 4. Staff there say the baby chimp is healthy.

It was a remarkable way for our primate care team to celebrate the holiday, zoo staff wrote on Facebook, adding, Nyani and her newborn are doing exceptionally well as they adjust to this new chapter together.

Zoo staff say baby and her mother, who was also born at the Detroit Zoo, are bonding behind the scenes and gradually being introduced to the rest of the chimpanzee troop.

It is not known yet when the public will be able to view them as zoo staff says baby and her mother will have access to public areas of their habitat once staff determines theyre ready.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Parents whose minor children are found guilty of drug-related or sexual offences in a court of law may also be held legally liable, potentially facing hefty fines or jail sentences, according to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officials.This warning was issued by Sergeant Precious Chiware, assistant coordinator of the ZRP Mutare District Victim Friendly Unit (VFU), during the recent NotInMyVillage anti-child marriage campaign held in Mutare. The campaign brought together legal experts, medical professionals, civil registry officials, as well as traditional and community leaders from Mutare and Marange with the aim of reducing child marriages and all forms of child sexual abuse across the country.Sergeant Chiware highlighted the fact that many parents are unaware that the law holds them responsible for offences committed by their children. She explained that this legal provision promotes responsible parenting and ultimately serves the best interests of children and communities alike.The campaign targets community and traditional leaders, as well as men, recognizing the influential roles they hold in families and communities. Manicaland National AIDS Council provincial manager, Artwell Shiridzinomwa, explained that engaging these groups is a strategic approach, as men often occupy positions of authority and may also be perpetrators of abuse, making their involvement in such conversations essential.The laws regarding parental liability are outlined in Section 92 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) and further detailed in the Children's Act (Chapter 5:06). The legislation defines a child as a person under 18 years and a parent as a natural or adoptive parent, while a guardian refers to anyone with custody or care of the child.Recent amendments to the Children's Act in 2023 intensified penalties for parents or guardians found liable in connection to their children's drug or sexual offences. For instance, allowing a child to reside in or frequent a brothel can result in a fine of up to US$2,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years. Those found guilty of causing or contributing to a child's seduction, abduction, or commercial sexual exploitation face fines up to US$3,000 or imprisonment for up to 15 years. Furthermore, causing a child to participate in or producing child sexual abuse material can attract fines up to US$5,000 or up to 15 years imprisonment. Child sexual abuse material is broadly defined to include any representation of a child engaged in real or simulated sexual activities or depictions of sexual parts for primarily sexual purposes.Legal expert Johannes Zviuya of Bere Brothers Legal Practitioners explained that Zimbabwe's legal framework places significant responsibility on parents and guardians not only for direct abuse or neglect but also for exposing children to harmful environments likely to lead to criminal behavior. He highlighted Section 7 of the Children's Act, which demands parents to ensure care and protection, preventing children from associating with criminals or being exposed to dangerous settings.Section 13 of the Children's Act is particularly critical as it holds parents or guardians liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent their child from committing an offence or if they encourage or facilitate such acts. The penalties for parents are aligned with those for the child, reflecting the seriousness of their responsibility.Mr. Zviuya emphasized that the law intends to create a protective environment where parents, guardians, and communities share the responsibility of safeguarding children from exploitation and delinquency. He further noted that parents could face prosecution if their children engage in prostitution or drug-related offences, and property owners allowing minors to be involved in unlawful sexual conduct may also be held accountable.He urged parents, guardians, and community members to be fully informed and proactive in protecting children to foster safer environments and prevent the harmful consequences of neglect and abuse.The NotInMyVillage campaign continues to stress the importance of collective responsibility in protecting children and calls on all stakeholders to remain vigilant in combating child exploitation and abuse in Zimbabwe.
Vrinda ORourke (right) and Shari Krishna (left) pick out lavender at the Lavender Harvest Festival in Milan on July 9, 2022. Ryan Sun | rsun@mlive.com

MILAN, MI  This weekend, walk through rows of lavender under the warm sun, with the sweet herbal lavender scent in the breeze.

Lavender Lane Farm is hosting its 8th Annual Lavender Harvest Festival at 12040 Plank Rd, Milan. The festival kicks off Saturday, July 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and continues Sunday, July 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. Visitors will be able to stroll through 10,000 lavender plants over 10 acres. Activities include picking your own lavender, taking photos with props in the fields, browsing art vendors, and enjoying food trucks.

Admission to the festival is $10 with children 12 and under getting in for free.

Lavender Lane owners Joe and Courtney Pusta say they are expecting thousands to attend again this year. The ten-acres of farm provides people plenty of space to enjoy the fields and browse artisan vendors. While U-pick lavender is usually the most popular thing to do, guests can expect several artisan vendors who do woodwork, clothing and other crafts including Corey Davis, who does automotive metal art.

The lavender ice cream truck and lemonade are both hits at the festival every year, Joe Pusta said. Hello! Ice Cream in Clinton, Michigan makes the ice cream using lavender from Lavender Lane, while the lemonade is made in-house.

Beyond the festival activities, the Pustas have launched a year-round store on Main Street in Milan to offer people a natural alternative to their household lotions or cleaning products. Also, while the festival only lasts two days, Lavender Lane Farms U-pick lasts two weeks for those who cant make it.
Theres still hope he may add some shows, but as of now, Sir Paul McCartney will not be coming to Michigan on his Got Back tour.

The former Beatles and Wings living legend will perform in cities across the country beginning at the end of September through the end of November.

Even though he does not have any Michigan concerts on the schedule, there are a few that are just a short road trip away.

Lets start with November 6 when he is in Nashville, about an 8 hour drive from Detroit.

He will be a little closer on November 8 in Columbus, about a 3 hour, 15 minute drive from the Motor City.

Both Pittsburgh and Buffalo are about four hours from Detroit. McCartney will be in Pitt on November 11 and in Buffalo on the 14th.

Hamilton, Ontario is just over three hours from Detroit. He plays there on November 21.

And finally, theres two shows in Chicago at the United Center on November 24 and 25, the final scheduled concerts of the tour.

McCartney last performed in Michigan at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on back to back nights, October 1 and 2, 2017.

Tickets for the tour can be purchased here.

Got Back tour schedule:
An MLive file photo of a McLaren Health sign in Michigan. One of the health system's hospitals is considered at-risk for closing as a result of federal health care spending cuts. Cole Waterman

Three rural Michigan hospitals are at a disproportionate risk of closing due to the effects of the recently signed Big Beautiful Bill.

At the request of federal lawmakers, researchers in North Carolina identified more than 300 U.S. hospitals at risk of closing their doors if they lose significant federal funding from Medicaid cuts.

The Michigan hospitals include McLaren Central Michigan in Mount Pleasant, University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Carson City Hospital, and Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital in Dowagiac.

A fourth Michigan hospital -- Aspirus Ontonagon -- was included on the researchers list, but closed in 2024 and shifted to out-patient only services, according to local reporting.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) came up with their list by looking at two criteria for rural acute care hospitals: those with negative total margins in recent years, and those among the top 10% Medicaid payer mix nationally.

Hospitals most reliant on Medicaid are both more financially fragile and more vulnerable to revenue reductions, wrote Mark Holmes, director of UNCs Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, in a letter to Congress.

McLaren Central and Carson City hospitals each made the list for having three years of negative margins, while Borgess-Lee Hospital made it for its high Medicaid payer mix.

UM Health said it does not have current plans to close its Carson City hospital. However, we remain very concerned about the implications of federal changes on rural hospitals like Carson, as well as our entire health care system, a system spokesperson said Thursday, July 10.

McLaren Health Care leadership said they share concerns expressed by the broader provider community around cuts to federal spending having a devastating and disproportionate impact on peoples ability to access care.

Rural hospitals commonly operate on narrow or negative private margins and depend on federal reimbursement programs to remain viable. Still, the Mount Pleasant hospital said it has remained steadily viable and isnt closing.

All patients deserve access to quality, timely care, and we are committed to serving our rural communities, the health system said. But we cannot fully do so without the continued support of these programs.

Attempts by MLive to contact Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital on Thursday werent successful prior to publishing.

Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program for low-income individuals and families, people with disabilities, children and more. Its the states largest health insurer, covering about 2.6 million residents or 25% of the population.

Michigan receives billions of dollars each year from the federal government to administer the program, including nearly $17.5 billion in 2023.

Last week, President Donald Trump signed the 800-plus page One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included $1.2 trillion in cutbacks to Medicaid health care and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - food stamps), largely by imposing new work requirements.

Medicaid recipients who are able-bodied will be required to work at least 80 hours per month in order to continue to receive benefits, beginning in 2027. Exceptions are for people 65 and older, parents with children younger than 14, pregnant women, and those medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment.

The White House has continued to say there will be no cuts to Medicaid, and that the bill eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse, including removing coverage for people in the country illegally.

The White House claimed taxpayers spent $56 billion on able-bodied adults abusing the system and more than a million illegal immigrants receiving free health care on the backs of taxpayers in 2024.

However, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) said the improper payment rate in 2022, 2023 and 2024 was about 5%, and that 79% of those payments were due to insufficient documentation.

These payments typically involve situations where a state or provider missed an administrative step and do not necessarily indicate fraud or abuse, according to CMS.

U.S. Senate Democrats have said the bill package and other regulatory actions by the Trump administration will lead to nearly 14 million Americans losing health insurance, and billions of dollars in health care costs being shifted to the states.

In short, the House-passed budget reconciliation bill is expected to have substantial and devastating impacts to health care access for working families across America, particularly in rural communities, the Democrats wrote in a public letter. We are deeply concerned that these cuts will increase uncompensated care and make it more difficult for rural hospitals to continue providing services to all patients, paying workers, and keeping their doors open.

Democrat lawmakers contacted the University of North Carolina researchers in June and requested an analysis on the impact of the budget bills proposed spending cuts.

Holmes said many, if not most, of the more than 2,000 rural hospitals in the country face some level of financial distress.

Researchers focused on hospitals in rural communities with three consecutive years of unprofitability, and/or those with high Medicaid payer mix. They used data from the CMS.

A report compiled by the Congressional Budget Office estimated that 11.8 million people will lose Medicaid because of the bill.

While the federal spending cuts wont take effect until 2027, Michigan health officials said the impacts will be felt sooner than later as hospitals adjust their multi-year strategic plans.

For Michigan hospitals alone, that number is north of $6 billion in negative impact over that 10-year horizon, said Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. You cannot take $6 billion out of the hospital funding line without severe consequences in terms of access to patient care.
LANSING, MI  A pontoon boat manufacturing facility in Lansing is laying off 72 employees, according to a workforce reduction notice filed with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

BRP Marine US Inc. announced that 35 employees were immediately laid off on July 8, and the following 37 employees will be gradually laid off in the coming weeks, according to the WARN notice.

Layoffs will be permanent and include positions such as engineers, shipping & receiving personnel, sales coordinators and truck drivers, according to the WARN notice.

The facility is located at 6020 S. Lowell Road in Lansing. The facility was known as the companys Manitou pontoon boat plant.

BRP manufactures powersports vehicles, including Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am off-road vehicles and more. BRP Inc. is headquartered in Valcourt, Quebec, Canada.

The company decided to sell its Marine businesses to focus on powersports, according to a news release by BRP.

It entered a sale agreement with the Marcott family, owners of Bentley Pontoons, according to the release.

Today marks another key step in our process to sell our Marine businesses. I am proud of the strong foundation we have built for Manitou and I sincerely thank all employees and dealers for their commitment and resilience over the years. I wish them the very best in this next journey, Jose Boisjoli, president and CEO of BRP, said in a statement.

It is unclear whether new ownership will bring back former plant employees.

We are committed to ensuring the continuity of the Manitou brand and we intend to further its reputation for performance, quality and service within the industry, while continuing to support dealers needs and success, Dennis Marcott said in a statement. We will keep building Manitou boats in the existing Lansing facility, and are looking forward to welcoming talented employees as part of the team.
Prosecutors says the teen will be tried in family court. The identity of the teen has not been released publicly. MLive.com

PONTIAC, MI -- Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald charged a 17-year-old Pontiac boy with one count of second-degree murder in connection with a shooting Tuesday night. The teen -- who will be tried as an adult in family court -- has not been identified publicly.

The teen is accused of shooting 18-year-old Omarrel Sahon Ford Jr. and a 19-year-old victim on the evening of July 8 near South Boulevard and Franklin Road in Pontiac. Ford was killed in the shooting while the other victim is expected to survive.

My heart goes out to Omarrel Sahon Fords family as they grieve for his loss, McDonald said. The young man charged in the case allegedly chose to carry a gun and allegedly used it to take a life. Pontiacs young people deserve a safe community where disagreements arent settled with violence.

Along with the murder charge, the suspect is charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, three counts of felony firearms, and one count of carrying a concealed weapon. He is due back in court on July 24 for a preliminary examination.

Three other teens who were allegedly at the scene at the time of the shooting are expected to be released from custody pending further investigation, McDonalds office said.
Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) commissioners Katherine Peretick, Dan Scripps and Alessandra Carreon, left to right, listen to public comment in Lansing on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 in this MLive file photo. Carreon has confirmed she won't be reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the panel, despite support from community and environmental groups. (Garret Ellison | MLive) Garret Ellison | MLive

LANSING, MI - One of Michigans three appointed utility regulators says her service will come to an end after just two years, despite praise from community organizations, environmental advocates and the clean energy industry and calls to extend her tenure.

Alessandra Carreon, a Detroit chemical engineer with a sustainability background, will serve the shortest term on the Michigan Public Service Commission in some 40 years, per state records.
The FBI says it's OK to hang up on "FBI agents" if they call you about financial payments or other financial issues. Photo by Lindsay Moore | MLive

The Federal Bureau of Investigation says its OK to hang up on agents if you receive a call from the agency. Several warnings have been issued in recent weeks by local FBI offices and the national office regarding ongoing scams involving scammers pretending to be with the FBI.

The scammers will contact the target and claim to be with the FBI or the FBIs Internet Criminal Complaint Center (IC3) unit. The scammer may begin pressing the target about paying fines and fees in order to avoid arrest. The FBI reminds citizens that it will never contact you directly about paying fines in order to avoid arrest.

"The #FBI will never call you demanding money to get out of criminal charges. Its a scam. Hang up and visit the #FBIs http://ic3.gov to file a report," read a social media post from the Nashville FBI office.

Other scammers may contact the target about an alleged complaint filed to the IC3. The scammer may tell the target they are investigating a crime or are attempting to recuperate lost funds as part of the scam. The scammer may say theyre with a law firm or crypto services as part of the investigation.

Again, the FBI says IC3 agents will never contact you directly for information or money. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be with the agency, you are asked to file a complaint with the real IC3.

The FBI has seen a significant increase in scams in recent weeks not only involving impersonations, but in other fields. Earlier this week, the agency confirmed a stock trading scam is up 300% this year.

In June, the agency said an ongoing scam involves criminals attempting to gain access to private medical data.

If you or someone you know is or may have been a victim of these scams, you are asked to report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) as soon as possible.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump said in a letter that he will raise taxes on many imported goods from Canada to 35%, deepening a rift between two North American countries that have suffered a debilitating blow to their decades-old alliance.

The Thursday letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is an aggressive increase to the top 25% tariff rates that Trump first imposed in March after months of threats. Trumps tariffs were allegedly in an effort to get Canada to crack down on fentanyl smuggling despite the relatively modest trafficking in the drug from that country. Trump has also expressed frustration with a trade deficit with Canada that largely reflects oil purchases by America.

I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, Trump wrote in the letter.

The higher rates would go into effect Aug. 1, creating a tense series of weeks ahead for the global economy as recent gains in the S&P 500 stock index suggest many investors think Trump will ultimately back down on the increases. But stock market futures were down early Friday in a sign that Trumps wave of tariff letters may be starting to generate concern among investors.

In a social media post, Carney said Canada would continue to work toward a new trade framework with the U.S. and has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl.

Through the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and business, Carney said.

While multiple countries have received tariff letters this week, Canada  Americas second largest trading partner after Mexico  has become something of a foil to Trump. It has imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods and pushed back on the presidents taunts of making Canada the 51st state. Mexico has also faced 25% tariffs because of fentanyl, yet it has not faced the same public pressure from the Republican U.S. president.

Carney was elected prime minister in April on the argument that Canadians should keep their elbows up. He has responded by distancing Canada from its intertwined relationship with the U.S., seeking to strengthen its links with the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Hours before Trumps letter, Carney posted on X a picture of himself with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying, In the face of global trade challenges, the world is turning to reliable economic partners like Canada. Implied in his statement was that the U.S. has become unreliable because of Trumps haphazard tariff regime, which has gone through aggressive threats and reversals.

When Carney went to the White House in May, the public portion of their meeting was cordial. But Trump said there was nothing the Canadian leader could tell him to remove the tariffs, saying, Just the way it is.

Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said Trumps latest move will make it more difficult for Canada and the U.S. to reach a trade deal, Beland said.

It doesnt mean a new trade deal between Canada and the United States is impossible, but it shows how hard it is for the Canadian government to negotiate with a U.S. president who regularly utters threats and doesnt appear to be a reliable and truthful interlocutor, he said.

Trump has sent a series of tariff letters to 23 countries. Those form letters became increasingly personal with Canada as well as a Wednesday note that put a 50% tariff on Brazil for the ongoing trial of its former President Jair Bolsonaro for trying to stay in office after his 2022 election loss. Trump was similarly indicted for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump administration officials have said that Trump was seeking to isolate its geopolitical rival China with the tariffs, but the latest tariffs have undermined that message. Brazils largest trading partner is China, not the U.S., and Chinese government officials have framed his import taxes as a form of bullying.

Sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs are important principles of the U.N. Charter and basic norms governing international relations, said Mao Ning, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman. Tariffs should not be used as a tool for coercion, bullying and interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

The letters reflect the inability of Trump to finalize the dozens of trade frameworks that he claimed would be easy to negotiate. Shortly after unveiling his April 2 Liberation Day tariffs, a financial market selloff caused Trump to announce a 90-day negotiating period during which a 10% baseline tariff would be charged on most imported goods.

But Trump has indicated that the 10% tariff rates are largely disappearing as he resets the rates with his letters.

Were just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether its 20% or 15%, Trump said in a phone interview with NBC News.

Trump has announced trade frameworks with the U.K. and Vietnam, as well as a separate deal with China to enable continued trade talks. Trump jacked up import taxes on Chinese goods to as much as 145%, but after talks he has said China faces total tariffs of 55%.

In June, Trump said he was suspending trade talks with Canada over its plans to continue its digital services tax, which would hit U.S. technology companies. A few days later, talks resumed when Carney rescinded the tax.

Under the current tariff structure, the 2020 United States Mexico Canada Agreement has protected eligible goods from Trumps tariffs. But a review of the pact is scheduled for 2026.

___

Jim Morris contributed to this report from Vancouver, British Columbia.
ANN ARBOR, MI  An annual camp for young women interested in careers in law enforcement or firefighting welcomed 11 Ann Arbor high school students for a week of activities.

The Ann Arbor Police and fire departments put on the annual Blaze and Blue camp in partnership with the city. Girls aged 15 to 18 can enroll in the camp, which takes place over four days each summer.

On Thursday, the group took to the test track at MCity  the University of Michigans autonomous vehicle proving grounds  to watch K-9 handlers train their dogs, take part in mock traffic stops and even fire Simunition training pistols.

AAPD Officer Kasey Whitford, who helps organize the camp, says the police activities grew more engaging when the outdoor component moved to MCity last year.

Since Blaze and Blue began in 2022, dozens of young women interested in police work or firefighting have had the chance to get a first-hand look at what daily work in those fields is like.

Theres a lot of interest in becoming a detective, but once theyre with us they see all the other stuff we get to do, she said Its kind of eye-opening to them what they see is just on TV. So actually talking to us opens their eyes.

One-on-one time with real police officers and firefighters helps young women find role models and explore a career they might not otherwise consider, Whitford said.

When I was little, I thought it was all men in policing, she said. I think women have a great advantage in law enforcement because we have natural empathy... having us there is almost like an instant de-escalation tool that we can use.

On Thursday, AAPD officers Thomas Burnett and Greg Bergland showed off the tracking skills of their K-9 partners Stang, a Belgian Malinois, and ROScoE, a Dutch Shepherd.

Stang and Burnett searched a field to find objects hidden by campers, then ROScoE and Bergland followed a scent trail to find Burnett before clamping onto his arm through a bite suit.

K-9 officer ROScoE trains with Ann Arbor Police officer Thomas Burnette during the annual Blaze and Blue camp at MCity in Ann Arbor on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Laney Ward, 16, said she first became aware of the camp through a counselor at Huron High School. Ward developed an early interest in firefighting after a school career day visit and watching firefighters put out a neighborhood blaze near her home.

Ward said the camp gave her an opportunity to get one-on-one time with real firefighters and police officers to get an idea of what a career in either field might be like.

You get to see, rather than the movie aspect about what they do, more of the reality of what its like in daily life, Ward said. The cops were interesting, too  we got to shoot tasers!

Later, firearms instructors Kabe Jenkins and Jeffrey Harvey taught the campers about gun safety and led a practical demonstration of the departments training Simunition pistols, which fire paint-filled projectiles but otherwise function like real firearms.

Both groups got the chance to fire the training pistols at paper targets from 8 to 12 yards and even popped balloons with the paint-filled projectiles.

University of Michigan Department of Public Safety and Security officer and firearms instructor Jeffrey Harvey teaches camp attendees how to use a simmunition training pistol during the annual Blaze and Blue camp at MCity in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Campers also called in a simulated traffic stop from a patrol car radio, questioning and even handcuffing officers to learn about the arrest process.

The four-day camp ended in a ceremony attended by Chief of Police Andre Anderson and Fire Chief Mike Kennedy. After, campers were presented with certificates commemorating their time at the camp.

The Ann Arbor Fire Department hosted students at the citys Wheeler Service Center for activities including using a firehose, rappelling, rides in the bucket of a ladder truck and a simulated rescue from a wrecked vehicle.

Things like this camp are great because it actually gives you two days with a real police officer or firefighter, and you can ask them the questions that are burning in your brain, Whitford said. Even if it doesnt get you into the career, at least youve had those positive contacts.

Plans are in place for another edition of the camp next year. The chance to enroll will again be announced on the citys website.
This MLive file photo pictures the Diag on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. Jacob Hamilton, MLive.com file Jacob Hamilton

ANN ARBOR, MI  Some prospective students could learn theyve been accepted to the University of Michigan as early as December starting with the college application cycle this fall, according to an announcement from UM this week.

The university is starting Early Decision, a new program that will allow qualified first-year applicants for the 2026-27 academic year to secure a place on campus in Ann Arbor in the final month of the calendar  weeks or months earlier than other admissions options.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Harare has officially emerged as Zimbabwe's crime capital, topping the list of prison admissions and leading all ten provinces in criminal activity, according to a damning new report from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat).Dubbed the "crime furnace" of the nation, the Sunshine City has turned into a hotspot of lawlessness, outpacing border towns and rural hideouts once thought to be breeding grounds for crime. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Harare contributed a staggering 3,019 new inmates to the country's prison population-an alarming leap from 2,639 recorded in the final quarter of 2024.Across the country, a total of 16,762 individuals were admitted into prison between January and March 2025. Of these, 15,581 were men, and 1,181 were women, with Harare's numbers far outpacing the Midlands (2,231), Mashonaland West (2,029), and Manicaland (1,985). Bulawayo, on the other hand, remained the least criminal province, with only 619 new admissions, down from 647.ZimStat's latest Prison Admissions and Discharges Report paints a grim portrait of Zimbabwe's urban crime epicentre-one where youth, poverty, and lack of education are driving factors behind the spiralling numbers.The hardest-hit demographic? Young men aged 20 to 29. In fact, prisoners aged 2529 lead the pack with 3,866 inmates, followed closely by the 2024 age group at 3,569. Combined, these two groups make up nearly 44 percent of all newly admitted prisoners-suggesting a national youth crisis in full bloom.The report also detailed the most common crimes. Theft continues to dominate Zimbabwean courts and jails, with 4,246 people imprisoned for stealing-an increase from 3,892 in Q4 2024. Assault cases also surged to 3,754, followed by burglary (1,830), robbery without firearms (1,148), rape (814), and domestic violence (880). Drug-related crimes almost doubled from 238 to 473, while fraud convictions rose slightly to 415.The profiles of those behind bars reveal deeper socio-economic fractures. A jaw-dropping 70.1 percent of inmates have only partial or lower secondary education. Those with tertiary qualifications make up just 2.6 percent of the prison population. Meanwhile, unemployment among new inmates sits at a dire 46.8 percent, with joblessness among female prisoners at a shocking 56.1 percent."Statistically, if you are young, broke, under-educated and living in Harare, you are Zimbabwe's most likely jailbird," reads a commentary embedded in the report.The prison system is struggling to keep up with the pace. By the end of Q4 2024, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services held 22,878 inmates-22,130 of whom were men. That translates to an imprisonment rate of 146 per 100,000 people, and a staggering 294 per 100,000 among men alone.Foreign nationals were not spared in the statistics either. In Q4 2024, 211 foreign nationals-mainly from SADC countries-were imprisoned for crimes such as illegal entry, poaching, and transnational scams.While civic and government leaders have yet to publicly respond to the latest findings, the report's implications are clear. Zimbabwe is facing a socio-economic crisis with its youth at the epicentre, and Harare appears to be both the flashpoint and the symbol of this national unraveling.Unless urgent interventions are made to address unemployment, education gaps, and urban poverty, Harare's grim title may soon become more than symbolic. The capital city, once famed for its sunshine and promise, now risks becoming known more for its handcuffs than its hope.
Delta Airlines currently has four nonstop flights from Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. Image courtesy Gerald R. Ford International Airport

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  The Gerald R. Ford International Airport will receive nearly $2.4 million through the Federal Aviation Administrations Airport Improvement Program.

The grant will support key infrastructure improvements at the airport, according to a news release from U.S. Representative Hillary Scholtens office on July 11.

Gerald R. Ford International is a critical economic engine and a gateway to West Michigan. Im proud to secure nearly $2.4 million to improve airport safety, extend the life of essential infrastructure, and help GRR keep pace with growing demand, Scholten said in a statement. These upgrades will help ensure GRR continues to operate safely and efficiently for years to come. Ill keep fighting to bring more resources like this home to help West Michigan grow and thrive.

The airport will receive $2,386,331 in total.

The grant will support Phase 1 design work for several infrastructure upgrades, the rehabilitation of Taxiway V, and full reconstruction of Taxiway D lighting.

Additionally, funding will support the extension of Taxiway L to accommodate more based aircraft, which will enhance operational efficiency and allow for future growth, according to the release.

This funding allows us to move forward with critical infrastructure projects that will enhance safety, improve efficiency, and support future growth, President and CEO of Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Tory Richardson said in a statement. These investments help ensure we continue to deliver a world-class airport experience to our passengers, partners, and community.
Plainfield Townships Versluis Park is now operating under adjusted summer hours. Pictured is a MLive file photo of the sandy beach swim area at the park on a 50-acre man-made-lake on July 5, 2024. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

KENT COUNTY, MI - Plainfield Townships Versluis Park will now be operating under adjusted summer hours, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In a press release shared online, the township said the change was made to ensure the safety of our community and better align our policies with other public park beaches in the area.

Once a gravel pit, the park at 3650 Versluis Park NE, right off Northland Drive, is now a no-entry-fee park with access to a beach, picnic area and two playgrounds. Its a 20-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids.

The park boasts a 50-acre man-made lake parallel to the Grand River, which is open for swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and non-motorized boating.

Property owners around the lake have the ability to use motorized boats, and the lake is also frequently used by local scuba divers.

The park was previously open daily from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. all summer, with hours changing in September. Now, the park will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

The park entrance gate will be closed and locked promptly each evening, according to the township.

The sandy beach area at Versluis Park on a 50-acre man-made-lake in Kent County, Michigan on Friday, July 5, 2024. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

While there is no lifeguard on duty, the Kent County Sheriffs Office patrols Versluis Park and deputies or park staff may limit entry when it is at capacity or there are other safety concerns.

Township Communications Manager Christa Ferguson said in a written statement that there wasnt one specific incident that prompted the change.

The township takes a proactive approach to community safety which includes constantly evaluating conditions at our parks, she said.

Over the last few years, she said the township has noticed an increase in Versluis Park visits.

At this time, we determined a slight shift in park hours and a reminder that deputies or park staff may close park entrances when the park is at capacity would help ensure the safety of our community, she said, while better aligning our policies with other public park beaches in the area.

The township also issued a reminder that alcohol, pets, fireworks and loud music are prohibited at the park.

More information on the park can be found online.
Pictured is what remains at the original Bosco's Pub location in Terra Square, Hudsonville. (Photo/Skyla Jewell-Hammie) Skyla Jewell-Hammie

HUDSONVILLE, MI - A beloved pub in West Michigan is saying goodbye to its current location, but it isnt the end for the establishment.

Boscos Pub took to social media in early June to announce the news, citing that the city of Hudsonville made the decision not to renew its lease at 3380 Chicago Dr.

The restaurant officially closed on June 15 and fully moved out by the beginning of July.

While this news is bittersweet, we want to assure you that this isnt the end of Boscos  its simply the end of one chapter Boscos Pub stated in the social media post. The response and support weve received since opening has been nothing short of incredible. Your enthusiasm has shown us that we need more space to truly serve you the way weve always wanted.

Owner Doug Furness opened the Hudsonville pub in 2021 during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, he remains committed to continuing the business.

Boscos is working on finding a new location where it can thrive and grow and continue to offer the food and drinks their customers love.

Your continued support means the world to us  whether its by dining in, or simply spreading the word, the Boscos Pub team shared. Well keep everyone updated on our progress as we search for our next home."

Stay updated on the restaurant and bar by visiting its Facebook page.
Vehicle belonging to suspect car is towed away from the scene at Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector Annex, Monday, July 7, 2025, McAllen, Texas. (Delcia Lopez/The Monitor via AP) AP

MICHIGAN -- A Michigan man who police say fired multiple rounds at a Texas border patrol station had a disagreement with his father hours earlier, a police report shows.

Ryan Louis Mosqueda, 27, of Ludington, was shot dead by police after firing at the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector Annex in McAllen, Texas, early July 7.
Ravenna Public Schools has a proposal on the Aug. 5 primary election ballot. If approved, the operating millage renewal request for day-to-day operations would not apply to primary residences, rather non-homestead property like vacation homes, businesses and commercial property. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI  Voters in the Ravenna Public School District will decide Aug. 5 whether to approve the renewal of an operating millage that funds the day-to-day operations to support students.

The millage would not apply to primary residences, only to properties such as businesses, vacation homes, investment or rental properties.

The primary election ballot proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy 18 mills on those non-homestead properties, renewing the current millage that will expire with the 2025 tax levy.

Michigan schools must levy 18 mills on non-homestead property to receive their full foundation allowance, the per-pupil funding from the state. The main source of funding for district operations.

The district is asking voters to renew the currently authorized 18.477 mills ($18.477 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for five years, 2026-2030, for operating purposes, according to the Muskegon County Clerks Office. By law, no more than 18 mills can be levied each year. The additional mills would only be levied to restore any reductions.

If approved, Ravenna Public Schools is estimated to collect approximately $1 million to support students. The district enrolled 1,007 students during the 2024-25 school year, according to state data.

On Thursday, July 10, Ravenna Public Schools reminded voters on Facebook about the upcoming vote, directing them to What every taxpayer should know about the operating millage proposal, on its website.

Some Ottawa County residents are eligible to vote on the Muskegon County districts tax proposal. There are currently 558 registered voters in Chester Township, Precinct 1, that reside within the district, according to the Ottawa County Clerks Office.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, election polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A driver was pulled to safety from a burning vehicle after being involved in a crash Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Van Buren County, Michigan. Provided by Van Buren County Sheriff's Office

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI  A driver was pulled to safety from a burning vehicle after being involved in a crash Thursday afternoon in Geneva Township.

Van Buren County Sherriffs deputes stated in a news release that a "quick-acting good Samaritan pulled the driver from the vehicle, while another bystander used a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire.

The rescue followed a two-vehicle crash that occurred near the Phoenix Country Market around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, in the area of County Road 388 and 68th Street.

Initial 911 callers informed dispatch that one of the vehicles was on fire and that there was a person possibly unconscious inside.

Upon arrival, deputies located two heavily damaged vehicles in front of the market.

According to witness statements and evidence at the scene, an eastbound 2022 Hyundai was traveling on County Road 388 and attempted to turn into the parking lot of the business. As it was turning, it was struck by a westbound 2025 Chevrolet.

The driver of the Hyundai  the vehicle that caught fire  sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

A quick-acting Good Samaritan pulled the driver from the vehicle, while another bystander used a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire that had started on the Hyundai.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by South Haven Area Emergency Services and Harbor Towing.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
Musician and outdoorsman Ted Nugent testifies before a joint Michigan House committee on alleged DNR abuses at the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing, Michigan, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)

Michigan State Police have beefed up security at the Capitol Building after rocker Ted Nugent carried a firearm inside the building despite a ban.

Michigan Capitol Commission Chair Bill Kandler said state police started stationing another trooper at the buildings north entrance in the days after the June 25 incident to help screen visitors for firearms.

Nugent, a Michigan native and avid hunter, was brought in June 25 to testify before a joint House committee about accountability for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

As he testified, some lawmakers realized that Nugent had a firearm on his person. Guns are banned in the Capitol, with exception to lawmakers, on-duty law enforcement and other security personnel.

Michigan State Police said the weapons detection system at the north entrance alerted police of a possible weapon when Nugent entered. However, the sole trooper staffing the entrance didnt notice the alert until Nugent had already left the screening area.

The (firearm detection) equipment all worked fine, Kandler said. It was just human error and its not a good thing. But adding another person there, which we were planning to do anyway, eventually, I think it will solve the problem. I hope it will.

The north entrance is a smaller one and used mainly by staff and contractors, Kandler said. The buildings other entrances all have at least two troopers stationed there.

Michigan State Police did not comment on the added security.

We are committed to the safety and security of all who work at and visit the Capitol, and well be reviewing this situation to ensure it does not happen again, said MSP spokesperson Shanon Banner.

State troopers waited until Nugent completed his testimony before approaching him to explain that firearms are banned inside the Capitol.

Kandler and some lawmakers said police shouldve acted sooner.

As soon as (the firearm) was discovered, that that happened, it should have been removed immediately, Kandler said.

State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, was one of the lawmakers who noticed Nugents gun and alerted security during the hearing.

She previously said she hopes MSP enacts policy to always and immediately enforce the gun ban regardless of wherever the person with the firearm is inside the Capitol.

Someone who should not have had a firearm in the Capitol had one, and that should not be permitted, she said. I dont think that Ted Nugent was trying to put anyone in harms way.

But if someone else is permitted, it doesnt matter how far away they are from the scanner when someone realizes it, they should not be allowed to carry a firearm around in a place where they are not supposed to have it. That can be very, very dangerous.

The Michigan Capitol Commission that Kandler chairs is in charge of managing, maintaining and restoring the Capitol Building and its grounds.

Its also the body that issued a ban on open carry in the Capitol in 2021 and then concealed carry in 2023. The bans were prompted by armed protesters who entered the Capitol in April 2020.

Open and concealed carry of firearms is forbidden inside the building for everyone but Capitol security and other on-duty law enforcement personnel. Lawmakers are also allowed to carry concealed pistols.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, shown in this file photo, is the lone heavy icebreaking vessel for the Great Lakes. Advocates have pushed for a new icebreaker to be added. U.S. Coast Guard

Great Lakes groups, like the Lake Carriers Association, have spent the better part of two decades advocating for funding a new icebreaking ship.

The advocates say a new Coast Guard vessel, which could help open up commerce on the Great Lakes during the winter, would stop billions of dollars lost due to shipping delays.

An early version of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill included federal money to build it, but those dollars were removed without warning.

With a 10 year timeline to build the icebreaker after funds are received, some groups are concerned about the continued economic impact of operating without.

We put a man on the moon faster than they could build an icebreaker, said Eric Peace, vice president of the Lake Carriers Association.

His group represents the interests of commercial shipping vessels operating on the Great Lakes, which mainly transport bulk cargo, like iron ore and coal, that is used in industry and infrastructure.

According to one Great Lakes advocacy group, the lakes fuel a $6 trillion regional economy, with more than 1.5 million U.S. jobs generating $62 billion in annual wages.

Approximately 55% of the Great Lakes regional economy is dependent on key shipping channels, according to an April 21 report from the Congressional Research Service.

In the winter months, its often necessary to break apart Great Lakes ice to ensure ships carrying cargo can move throughout the lakes.

The U.S. Coast Guard is required by law to assist in keeping channels and harbors open using nine ships in its fleet - six icebreaking tugboats, two buoy tenders and the 240-foot heavy Great Lakes Icebreaker Mackinaw, which can break out stuck vessels and crush ice more than three feet thick.

With only one ship of the Mackinaws size and a great deal of need during the winter months, advocacy groups have said the Coast Guards existing heavy icebreaker isnt keeping up.

These groups have continued to advocate for a second Great Lakes icebreaker. The funding was briefly included in Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, a sprawling reconciliation package that among other things, included a nearly $25 billion investment to the Coast Guard.

The Great Lakes icebreaker was specifically mentioned in the U.S. House-passed version of the legislation, but appears to have been removed from the Senates version and what was ultimately signed by Trump.

Peace said with only one heavy icebreaker on the Great Lakes, it impacts our ability to move commerce.

She can only be at one place at one time, and its often difficult to get her to where she needs to be.

Economic analysis done on behalf of the association found that inadequate icebreaking during the winters of 2014, 2015 and 2019 combined cost the region $2 billion in economic activity and 11,000 jobs.

In the winter of 2018 alone, the economy took a $1 billion hit, and 5,000 jobs were lost.

In 2020, the association said the first commercial vessel to transit the Soo Locks became stuck in the ice because the Mackinaw could not cover the 500 square miles in Whitefish Bay, located on Lake Superior.

Peace, a former U.S. Coast Guard commander with over 20 years experience specializing in icebreaking operations, said the Coast Guards own analysis has determined a second Great Lakes icebreaker is necessary, but weve struggled to get funding for it.

The Coast Guard has estimated the total cost of the ship would be about $350 million. Legislation adopted in 2023 authorized the funds for the vessel at least as capable as the cutter Mackinaw, but lawmakers have yet to appropriate the full funds.

Peace said at this point, the service has received $60 million in funding from Congress to jumpstart the acquisition and design process for the icebreaker. A program management office has been set up.

We still need a significant amount of money in order to get this thing built, he said.

The U.S. Houses version of the latest Trump reconciliation bill included specific language to fund the heavy Great Lakes icebreaker, part of a nearly $5 billion line item for Arctic security cutters and domestic icebreakers.

The enrolled version of the bill, however, includes only $816 million for domestic light and medium icebreaking cutters.

Peace said as the Mackinac is considered a heavy domestic icebreaker by Great Lakes standards, it likely wouldnt be included under the line item, though he said it could be up to Coast Guard interpretation.

Coast Guard Chief of Media Relations Steve Roth confirmed that the bill as approved by Congress and signed by Trump does not include funding for production of an additional Great Lakes icebreaker because of its designation by the Coast Guard as heavy.

The Coast Guard is proceeding with previously appropriated funding to support pre-acquisition activities and analysis of future ship design and requirements, Roth said. Pending receipt of funding through the annual appropriations process, the program remains on track to acquire a Great Lakes icebreaker to bolster domestic icebreaking capabilities.

In a June 27 letter, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, wrote that Great Lakes legislators were not aware of any reason why the Great Lakes icebreaker, among all icebreakers requested by the Coast Guard, should go unfunded in this bill.

He and eight other members of Congress, including U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, Lisa McClain, R-Romeo, Tim Walberg, R-Tipton and Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, called for a return of the funds in the letter, sent to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

A Rep. Huizenga spokesperson did not return multiple requests for comment.

Peace said advocacy groups are now also trying to seek clarity about why the funding was removed from the Senates proposal.

When asked about next steps for Great Lakes advocacy groups, he said, Were not done.

Well continue to fight this fight, Peace said. Weve been doing it for two decades. Well continue to do it until this thing gets built in the Great Lakes.

But even when the funding is fully appropriated, he referenced Coast Guard estimates that the icebreaker would still take 10 years to build, meaning more years with potentially significant economic disruption.
HOLLAND, MI - Just in time for the weekend, a cold-water upwelling has occurred at some beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline, plunging water temperatures into the 50s in some spots.

Water temperatures had been running in the mid-70s in some areas along the lake, making for an easy wading-in experience for beach goers. But with these new cold temps, you might want to dip a toe in first to test the water. The water temperatures might not rebound for a few days.

Thursday morning, Lake Michigan was measuring 72 degrees off the Holland State Park Beach. This morning, the thermometer read a cringe-worthy 58 degrees.

Yikes!, the state park staff posted on its social media account. Folks, if you were not aware, we take a thermometer water temp directly from our swim area in Lake Michigan. This occurs first thing in the morning when staff arrive.

It looks like the water flipped, where the warm top layer of water has been pushed out which allows the cool water underneath to surface. This happens because of wind direction. Typically, the water will rewarm itself in a few days or a week. Until then, please be careful if you choose to enter the water, it can be quite the sensation you may not be prepared for. Be safe out there.

At Grand Haven State Park, the water temperature dropped from 71 degrees on Thursday to 63 degrees this morning.

Other beach water temperature readings today, according to the National Weather Service:

Ludington State Park: 58 degrees

Duck Lake State Park: 62 degrees

Muskegon State Park: 61 degrees

Jumping into cold water - from a boat or a pier - or even swimming in cold water can cause medial emergencies for some people. Youll want to be cautious and test the water if youre headed to a Lake Michigan beach for a weekend swim.

When there is a sudden upwelling, winds come into play. Northerly winds over Lake Michigan actually cause the water to get pushed to the west, away from shore.

Northerly winds cause the net movement of water to be to the west, away from shore. This causes the cooler waters from below to come to the surface, resulting in large temperature drops. Graphic provided by NOAA. NOAA

When this happens, the process called upwelling occurs. So this means all the warm water that beaches had recently was pushed to the west. And then the colder water from below moves up to replace it. Thats the difference swimmers feel.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A disturbing case involving infidelity, harassment, and ethnic slurs has rocked the Victoria Falls community, culminating in the conviction of Brilliant Hlatshwayo, a 36-year-old woman from Chinotimba. She appeared before Magistrate Linda Dzvene charged with cyberbullying and harassment under Section 164(b) of the Cyber and Data Protection Act.The court was initially set to hear charges related to abusive communications, but during the Victim Impact Assessment, Mufaro Dondo, the victim and local schoolteacher, revealed the full extent of the emotional torment she endured. Brilliant Hlatshwayo had engaged in an illicit affair with Mufaro's husband, frequently sneaking into their home while Mufaro was at work. The betrayal shattered the family and sparked a bitter dispute.When the affair came to light, instead of retreating, Hlatshwayo intensified the conflict by sending a vicious WhatsApp voice message filled with crude ethnic insults aimed at humiliating Mufaro. The message contained graphic and deeply offensive descriptions involving Mufaro and her grandmother, loaded with tribal slurs intended to intimidate and cause substantial emotional distress."I am in pain. This has really broken me down. Each time I go to work, the accused will come to my house and spend time with my husband," Mufaro tearfully told the court.Prosecutor Portia Moyo outlined that on June 12, 2025, at a residence in Chinotimba, Brilliant intentionally sent the voice note designed to coerce, harass, and degrade Mufaro. Magistrate Dzvene described the message as "deeply offensive" and intended to "intimidate, humiliate, and further distress" the victim.In delivering judgment, Magistrate Dzvene imposed a six-month prison sentence on Hlatshwayo, suspending three months for five years on condition of good behaviour. The remaining three months were conditionally suspended pending completion of 105 hours of community service at the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court.The court's firm response underscores the seriousness with which Zimbabwe's justice system treats cyber harassment and ethnic vilification, particularly when intertwined with cases of domestic betrayal and emotional abuse.
Tesla likely to begin first deliveries in India from August

Rohit Singh

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
News / National

by Staff reporter

Tendai Biti is back again, but instead of bringing something new or worthwhile to Zimbabwe's political landscape, he returns with yet another recycled and empty formation, now parading the once-insignificant pressure group Forum for Constitutional Protection (FCP) as a fully-fledged political party. This latest stunt is not a show of revival, strength, or strategy but it is a desperate move by a man who has run out of political relevance, credibility, and support.Biti has built a career by making noise, not solutions. Ever since he emerged in the early 2000s as one of the loud voices in the MDC, he has been more focused on self-promotion and Western validation than genuine national progress. At every major turning point in Zimbabwe's post-independence politics, Biti has been on the wrong side of history. And now, with his name tainted, his record ridiculed, and his influence diminished, he clutches at straws by forming a political outfit no one believes in.Biti's track record speaks for itself. As Minister of Finance during the inclusive Government, he proved to be more of a mouthpiece than a manager. His time in office brought more problems than progress. Civil servants went unpaid, and service delivery deteriorated while Biti gallivanted in Western capitals, boasting about austerity measures that crippled the common man. His economic approach served external interests more than it did local livelihoods. And when things fell apart, he simply moved on, blaming everyone but himself.What followed was a decade of political jumping, scheming, and factional sabotage. In 2014, Biti famously broke away from the MDC-T, accusing Morgan Tsvangirai of dictatorship. But his breakaway party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), became a laughing stock. It failed to field candidates, failed to mobilise supporters, and failed to survive. Within a few years, it crumbled, leaving Biti with no base, no voice, and no structure.Now, he returns again, rebranded and reassembled with the so-called FCP party. But what is FCP, really? A legitimate political movement? Hardly. It is a shell organisation made up of unknown political figures like Gwaranda and Gomba, names that have no history of activism, no connection with communities, and no known political contributions. This is not a fresh start but a recycled failure, fronted by faceless figures to create the illusion of structure. The public sees right through it.No ideological foundation. No mass support. No clear strategy. Just a tired name, a few banners, and a team of opportunists willing to follow Biti into another dead end. If Biti believes that creating parties is leadership, then Zimbabweans must remind him: politics is about delivery, not deception.Even Biti's own community no longer wants him. In Mabvuku, where he once walked tall, residents recently chased him from a funeral, chanting "traitor!" The message was clear: the people are tired of being used. Tired of broken promises. Tired of political actors who disappear after elections, only to return with new party names and the same old lies.Adding insult to injury is Biti's recent conviction for verbal assault, a reminder of his increasingly erratic and arrogant behaviour. Once regarded as an intellectual, Biti has devolved into political has-been, making headlines for all the wrong reasons. His close cooperation with Zanu PF-aligned courts in recent months has raised even more suspicion among the few supporters he has left. Many now question whether he is still opposition at all or simply playing both sides to maintain access to power, privilege, and protection.Worse still, Biti's entire career has been underpinned by foreign funding, not popular support. For years, he has survived on grants from the West, grants that were supposed to support democratic development but were instead squandered on failed campaigns, unexplained travel, and self-serving agendas, but that tap is running dry. The return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency has seen Washington tighten its grip on foreign aid. Trump's administration has shown no interest in funding ineffective and unaccountable political projects in Africa, and Zimbabwe's opposition, led by figures like Biti is among the first to be cut off.With Western support fading and local trust evaporated, Biti is now politically naked. His solution? Create another paper party, shout about "constitutionalism," and hope someone, somewhere, still takes him seriously. But the people have moved on. They've seen this act before. They know how it ends, a disappointment, finger-pointing, and retreat.In the midst of this, Nelson Chamisa, another failed opposition figure is also trying to engineer a comeback. Instead of standing together, these two continue to compete for crumbs, forming factions and cannibalising what little remains of the opposition. Their egos are bigger than their contributions. Their hunger for leadership exceeds their ability to lead.Together, Chamisa and Biti have turned opposition politics into a soap opera. Biti's FCP is just the latest manifestation of a hollow banner behind which nothing new stands.The truth is simple, Tendai Biti has failed. He failed in office. He failed in opposition. He failed to unite. He failed to build. And now, he is failing to read the political temperature.
USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan movie review: Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor team up for a romance that starts well but falters

M Snehanjali

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Ajay Devgn on Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3 controversy: "Will not blame anybody, need to solve it together"

M Snehanjali

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Jamie Dimon hates TACO but says Trump did the right thing in chickening out over tariffs

JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon says President Donald Trump has been correct not to let his sweeping tariffs go into effect but warned that Trumps pattern of backing down after threatening massive tax increases may not continue indefinitely.

Speaking at an event in Ireland put on by the Irish Foreign Ministry, Dimon said he isnt so enamored of the disparaging acronym analysts have coined for the American presidents tendency to backtrack on the import taxes: TACO, short for Trump Always Chickens Out.

I hate to use the word TACO trade because I think he did the right thing to chicken out, Dimon said.

But he warned that there has been complacency in the market based on the presidents pattern  one which may not hold forever.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dimons warning came just days after Trump dug in on his most recent threat to force Americans to pay exorbitant tariffs on imports in an attempt to reverse decades globalization and return the United States economy to one based on manufacturing rather than services.

(Getty Images)

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said new rates of import taxes laid out in a series of letters to various countries heads of state or government WILL START BEING PAID ON AUGUST 1, 2025.

He added: There has been no change to this date, and there will be no change. In other words, all money will be due and payable starting AUGUST 1, 2025 - No extensions will be granted. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

The presidents doubling down on his announced tax increases came less than a day after he started sending bizarre, poorly-written letters to American trading partners citing unsustainable trade deficits as justification for the tariffs, which will be at rates ranging from 25 to 40 percent on any imports from Japan, South Korea, Burma, Kazakstan, Laos, Malaysia, and South Africa as well as other nations.

ADVERTISEMENT

The president described his threatening letters as an invitation for each country, already an important ally and trading partner for America, to participate in the extraordinary Economy of the United States, the Number One Market in the World, by far.

We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship ... and have concluded that we must move away from these longterm, and very persistent, Trade Deficits engendered by ... Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers. Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal, Trump said.

Trump frequently claims tariffs are paid by foreign governments, even though they are import taxes charged by the federal government and paid by importers who often pass them along to consumers in higher prices.

The announcement of the new tax rates and the August 1 deadline came just days before what had been a July 9 deadlines for countries to enter into agreements with his administration that would avoid the outsized liberation day import taxes he announced in April before backing down and extending the initial deadline for imposing them after markets reacted poorly to his attempt to upend the global trading system.
Chitrangda Singh on being a part of Salman Khan's 'Battle of Galwan': "He honoured his commitment"

101Reporters

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Kapil Sharma's Kap's Cafe issues first statement after firing incident: 'We are not giving up'

Sarika Sharma

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Palak Vij

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Sarika Sharma is Editor, Entertainment, MoneyControl.com. She has over 24 years of experience in the field of journalism.

Sarika Sharma

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Mrunal Thakur is as much the hero as I am: Adivi Sesh redefines heroism in Dacoit

Palak Vij

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Pakistani actor Humaira Asghar Ali died in October 2024, body found after 9 months, no odour due to open balcony: Report

Vaishnavi Gavankar

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
President Droupadi Murmu meets Anupam Kher, cast of 'Tanvi The Great' at film's special screening in New Delhi

101Reporters

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Salman Khan's latest look takes the internet by storm, netizens say, "Ageing reverse card"

M Snehanjali

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Shilpa Shetty says her role in KD  The Devil is a tribute to her mother

Palak Vij

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Sunny Deol to appear as Hanuman for 15 minutes in Ramayana: Part 1, bigger role awaited in sequel: Report

Palak Vij

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Sarika Sharma

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Priyansh Verma

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Bihar sees an over 50% rise in voter base between 2005 and 2025; moves up in national rankings in electorate growth

Ishaan Gera

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Arishaa Izaj

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
HUL gets first woman CEO - still a rarity in Indian FMCG leadership

Aishwarya Nair

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
TCS shares tumble 2% as Q1 earnings show disappoints; should you buy, sell, or hold?

Zoya Springwala

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Ishaan Gera

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Debaroti Adhikary

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Shubhangi Mathur

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Smartworks IPO gets fully subscribed on Day 2: Should you apply?

Debaroti Adhikary

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Khushi Keswani

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer

Alpha Desk

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Rohit Singh

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Sagar Cements Board to Meet on July 21 to Consider Q1 FY26 Results

This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer

Alpha Desk

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Sensex down 450 pts, Nifty below 25,250 as IT stocks fall on TCS Q1 results; FMCG, pharma shares gain

Veer Sharma

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Sensex down 700 pts, Nifty below 25,200 as weak TCS Q1 weighs; IT, auto, oil & gas stocks fall

Veer Sharma

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Veer Sharma

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Tesla's India showroom gets set for launch, M&M drags Nifty Auto index as competition hots up

Rohit Singh

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Yatra Online Gets NCLT Nod for Amalgamation of Six Subsidiaries

This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer

Alpha Desk

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
NBFCs may get tax relief on senior citizens FD interest, GST exemption on co-lending fees

Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com

Meghna Mittal

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Planning to get a bank locker? Heres what you must know before signing up

Aishwarya Dabhade

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
101Reporters

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
RBI clarifies loans against voluntary gold and silver pledged up to limit not norm violation

Manish M. Suvarna

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
RBI releases draft norms for Closure of Shipping Bills in the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System

Manish M. Suvarna

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer

Alpha Desk

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol.

Viswanath Pilla

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Aishwarya Dabhade

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Who are in charge of Jane Street India?

B Kumar

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Wockhardt to exit US generic pharma segment to unlock capital for high-impact areas

J Jagannath

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Rewati Karan

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Chhabi Kala

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Bihar CM Nitish disburses first instalment of hiked pension amount to over 1 cr beneficiaries ahead of elections

Rewati Karan

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
British F-35 fighter jet stuck in Kerala may finally fly out next week

Surabhi Pandey

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Chirag Paswan backs Bihar SIR despite concerns: 'Process of sanitisation needs to begin at some point'

Parimal Peeyush

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Smriti Mishra

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Gujarat bridge collapse: Death toll rises to 19 as injured man dies in hospital; search operation on

101Reporters

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
How a Chinese research vessel attempted to conceal its presence in Bay of Bengal for days

Sonalee Borgohain

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Show me damage to Indian structure: Doval hits out at foreign media over its Op Sindoor coverage

Arishaa Izaj

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Kerala Cong leader takes a dig at Shashi Tharoor over article criticising Emergency, Indira Gandhi: 'If he feels suffocated ...'

Sonalee Borgohain

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
LoP Bajwa attacks AAP govt in Punjab over Assembly adjourned in 11 minutes: 'Fraud on democracy'

Rewati Karan

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
'Not okay for me to repeat': Shivakumar steers clear of commenting on Siddaramaiah tenure after CM's remark

Rewati Karan

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Surabhi Pandey

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Rahul Gandhi terms Bihar SIR a 'conspiracy' by EC: 'Won't allow mandate to be stolen like Maharashtra'

Parimal Peeyush

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says leaders should retire at 75: Message to Modi or battle for dominance?

Parimal Peeyush

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Seattle gets a taste of India: Five iconic mango varieties steal the show at consulate event

Aishwarya Dabhade

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Shinde desperate to become CM, willing to merge Shiv Sena with BJP: Sanjay Raut

Priyanjali Ghose

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Shubhanshu Shukla's family speaks to him, says eagerly awaiting his return from space

101Reporters

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Siddaramaiah claims 'full support' of Congress high command amid challenge by DK Shivakumar: 'Wouldn't have continued if...'

Priyanjali Ghose

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Siddaramaiah loses cool at journalists over leadership change question: 'How many times do I have to tell you?

Priyanjali Ghose

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Telangana to bring ordinance for 42% quota for backward classes in local body polls

Rewati Karan

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Priyanjali Ghose

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Manjiri Patil

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
We hit 9 terror targets in Pak with precision in Operation Sindoor, missed none: NSA Ajit Doval

101Reporters

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Namrata Agarwal

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.

Chhabi Kala

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Chicken and egg rice for strays: BBMP to feed 4,000 dogs daily across Bengaluru

Shubhi Mishra

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Sheetal Kumari

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Indeed and Glassdoor lay off 1,300 employees to focus on AI

MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Ankita Chakravarti

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
1/12 Museums may often appear as quiet corners on a fast-paced travel itinerarybut within their walls, centuries unfold. They offer more than curated galleries; they offer insight into how civilizations dreamed, fought, built, adorned, and endured. These are not merely halls of history; they are spaces where culture speaks back, where interpretation matters, and where each visitor becomes a participant in an ongoing story. In 2024, ten museums stood apartdrawing millions not only for their masterworks but for their ability to evolve with the times. As recorded by The Art Newspaper, these institutions were the most visited globally, and each one warrants a place on any travellers list in 2025. (Image: Canva)

2/12 1. Musee du Louvre, Paris

2024 visitors: 8,737,050

The Louvre continues to reign as the most visited museum on the planetand its not difficult to understand why. Located on the banks of the Seine in a former royal palace, it is home to an unparalleled collection that includes the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. But the museums draw extends beyond its classics. With every visit, the Louvre invites you to uncover new narratives, framed through centuries of global creativity. (Image: Canva)

3/12 2. Vatican Museums, Vatican City

2024 visitors: 6,825,436

No visit to Romeor faith-driven journeyis complete without stepping into the Vatican Museums. Beyond its spiritual gravity, this collection of galleries and corridors houses some of the greatest artistic achievements of Western civilisation. From Raphaels frescoes to the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo, the museums offer an overwhelming yet awe-inspiring experience. In 2024, it remained a magnet for pilgrims and art enthusiasts alike. (Image: Canva)

4/12 3. British Museum, London

2024 visitors: 6,479,952

Free to enter and vast in scope, the British Museum welcomes millions into a world of global history. From the Rosetta Stone to Assyrian sculptures and Anglo-Saxon treasures, its artefacts speak across time and empire. Located in central London, its a museum that has mastered the balance between accessibility and depthwhether you're passing through for an hour or staying the day. (Image: Canva)

5/12 4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Fifth Avenue), New York

2024 visitors: 5,727,258

The Met on Fifth Avenue is not so much a museum as a microcosm of world culture. With galleries spanning from ancient Egypt to modern America, it invites its visitors into immersive time-travel through objects, textiles, paintings, and sculpture. From the marble steps of its neoclassical facade to the silent drama of a Vermeer painting, every corner of The Met holds a moment of pauseand reflection. (Image: Canva)

6/12 5. Tate Modern, London

2024 visitors: 4,603,025

Standing firm along the Thames in what was once a power station, Tate Modern delivers a different kind of cultural currentone that challenges, provokes, and redefines. With artists like Rothko, Bourgeois, and Ai Weiwei taking centre stage, the museum leads visitors through the turbulent energy of modern and contemporary art. In 2024, its sharp programming and free admission continued to draw record-breaking crowds. (Image: Canva)

7/12 6. Shanghai Museum East, China

Visitors in 2024: 4,234,046

A rising star in global museum culture, Shanghai Museum East blends ancient Chinese heritage with a sleek, modern presentation. Its collections span ceramics, calligraphy, bronzes, and ethnographyoffering both national pride and international appeal in equal measure. (Image: Canva)

8/12 7. National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., USA

Visitors in 2024: 3,936,543

Set along the National Mall, this museum balances European masters with American icons. Works by da Vinci, Rembrandt, OKeeffe, and Hopper share space in beautifully lit halls that feel contemplative rather than overwhelming. (Image: Canva)

9/12 8. National Museum of Korea, Seoul

Visitors in 2024: 3,788,785

With elegant architecture and spacious galleries, this museum presents Koreas dynastic history, Buddhist art, and archaeological treasures with clarity and reverence. Its growing popularity reflects Seouls rising status as a cultural capital. (Image: Canva)

10/12 9. Musee d'Orsay, Paris

Visitors in 2024: 3,751,141

Housed in a Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musee dOrsay celebrates 19th-century innovationfrom Impressionism to Art Nouveau. Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and more are presented with warmth and intimacy, making it a Parisian favourite that rivals even the Louvre. (Image: Canva)

11/12 10. Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Mexico City

Visitors in 2024: 3,700,000

A monumental space dedicated to Mexicos rich pre-Columbian and Indigenous cultures, this museum is both a historical epic and a present-day reckoning. Highlights include the Aztec Sun Stone, Mayan stelae, and intricate goldworktold through a curatorial lens that centres indigenous voices. (Image: Wikipedia)
50 attacks in 24 hours: Operation BAAM marks new phase in Baloch insurgency, Pak Army struggles to respond

Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Rwanda's land lease system explained as expirations approach

An overview of Rwanda's land tenure policy highlights that all land is held under a leasehold system, meaning the state retains ultimate ownership and grants usage rights for a specific period, according to a report in The New Times. This system is designed to ensure land use aligns with national development goals, including urbanization and agricultural modernization. As leases begin to expire, it creates significant implications for various stakeholders. For the government, it provides leverage to implement its agenda, but for citizens and investors, it introduces uncertainty regarding tenure security and future investment. The expiration of a lease does not mean automatic eviction but rather triggers a review or renegotiation process, the management of which is seen as a key test of the government's ability to balance its development ambitions with individual property rights.
Archaeologists uncover tomb of first known Maya ruler at Belizes Caracol

Manjiri Patil

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Google hires Windsurf CEO and staff for DeepMind team after OpenAI acquisition deal falls through

An acquisition deal between OpenAI and AI startup Windsurf has been terminated, and Google will instead hire Windsurf's CEO Varun Mohan, co-founder Douglas Chen, and other research and development staff, according to a report in The Verge. The new hires will join the Google DeepMind division, where they will focus on agentic coding efforts for the Gemini AI project. The agreement is an 'acqui-hire' and not a full company purchase; Google will not take an ownership stake in Windsurf but will receive a non-exclusive license for some of its technology. Following the departures, Windsurf's head of business, Jeff Wang, has been appointed as the company's interim CEO.
Demolition of the Bishop Road Bridge in Upper Allen Township could take place as early as spring 2026, Cumberland County Planner Kirk Stoner said recently.

In early June, the township board of supervisors did not have the majority votes needed to take ownership of the bridge from Cumberland and York counties. As a result, Cumberland County, which is taking the lead on the bridge, will resume its preparations to demolish the 126-year-old span over the Yellow Breeches Creek.

There was a lot of discussion, Stoner said. A motion did not pass to accept ownership of the bridge. I talked to the township manager. The board is not going to accept ownership of it.

We [the county] will continue to move forward in our demolition project that was paused back in 2023 when the township approached the county, saying they might want to seek ownership, he said.

An early step in resuming the lead-up to demolition is to complete the permitting process with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to remove the bridge.

What happens next will depend on coordination between Stoners office, Upper Allen on the Cumberland County side of the creek and Monaghan Township on the York County side.

It will be up to the townships to determine what they want, Stoner said. The options include the development of a turn-around or cul-de-sac on either bank to reconfigure Bishop Road and account for the loss of access between the municipalities, he said.

We may need to secure right-of-way, Stoner said. Weve had some initial discussions with Upper Allen Township. Were really going to rely on them because they own the road. We will work with them through the project.

The roadwork will be included in the project specifications that Cumberland County will make available to the contractor hired to demolish the bridge.

Built in 1898, the bridge was closed in July 2021 because of structural deficiencies due to age and wear. Since then, Cumberland County has put in the time and money to secure permits and ready the bridge for demolition initially set for 2024.

In May 2023, Upper Allen officials contacted Cumberland County with a request to halt the demolition project so that the township could investigate a possible transfer in ownership as a pedestrian bridge.

We paused things starting in April 2024, Stoner said. We gave them until the end of the year.

In January, the township board was deadlocked 2-2 on accepting ownership  in part because Virginia Anderson had resigned as a supervisor. Cumberland County, with approval from York County, granted Upper Allen a further extension to early June to give Jim Cochran, the new township supervisor, an opportunity to get acquainted with the issues surrounding the bridge ownership question.

Supervisors Eric Fairchild and Phil Walsh favored taking ownership to preserve the span for its historic value. One idea was to time rehab work on the bridge with this years 175th anniversary of the incorporation of the township.

But supervisors Ken Martin and Richard Castranio opposed, citing the cost of restoration and competing priorities within the township. They were joined in their opposition in June by Cochran.

As a result, there was no majority vote to accept ownership of the bridge, prompting the county to resume preparing to have the span demolished.

That bridge had a lower-than-average daily traffic count, Stoner said. We looked at it and asked, Is this an investment that really has countywide impact. We said no. The bridge isnt really needed. I think the township, in doing its cost-benefit analysis, came to a similar conclusion.

During those extensions, there was no work being done, Stoner said in late June. Now, were in the start-up mode. We will go back and seek those permits.

Since the first go-round ended early in the process, Cumberland County had not reached the stage to obtain bids. Stoner said he expects the estimate on demolition will go up due to cost escalation.

I cant look back and say it [the delay] cost us x amount of dollars, he said. We believe the pause was being a good partner. We work with local governments all the time. It was worth it to see if a partner wanted to consider ownership.
Asim Munir cries wolf again: Pak Army pins own terror failures on India, skips mention of Op Sindoor setbacks

Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Sonalee Borgohain

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Behind the tariffs: How Trump is using Asian economies to corner China on trade | Explained

Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Pragya Trivedi

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Newfoundland and Labrador becomes sole province to abstain from alcohol trade agreement

Newfoundland and Labrador has opted out of a new inter-provincial trade agreement, making it the sole province where consumers cannot directly purchase and receive alcohol from other parts of Canada, according to a report in CBC News. The decision means residents of the province are unable to buy specific beers or spirits from other provinces without traveling to purchase them. This move contrasts with the other provinces that have joined the agreement, which is part of a broader effort under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) to reduce internal trade barriers. The abstention is primarily linked to the province's desire to protect revenue from its liquor corporation and shield local producers from out-of-province competition.
Canada vows to defend industry amid new US tariffs, says PM Carney

Pragya Trivedi

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Israel warns Iran could attempt to retrieve Uranium from bombed site, says 'it won't go unnoticed'

Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Jaishankar heads to China for the first time in 5 years: Whats on agenda and why it matters

Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Lashkar, Jaish may use Nepal route to strike India: Nepalese official raises alarm

Rewati Karan

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
NIA's most wanted: Who is Harjeet Singh 'Laddi,' the terrorist claiming Kapil Sharma's cafe Shooting in Canada?

Pragya Trivedi

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
'Nightmare to work with Indians': Former Citigroup executive claims unfair dismissal after racist comment

Pragya Trivedi

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Nine passengers from Pakistan's Punjab shot dead by insurgents in Balochistan

101Reporters

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
One In, One Out migrant deal explained: How UK and France plan to tackle channel crossings

Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Thrown out like garbage: Why Iran has expelled over half a million Afghans in just weeks

Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Trump's tariff threats and delays: Whats happening and what comes next | Explained

Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Trump says US will send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine via NATO as Russian attacks intensify

Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Trump to deliver major statement on Russia as he slams Putins actions

Pragya Trivedi

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
UK considers including cooling function in 7,500 heat pump grant

The UK's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) may be amended to allow the 7,500 grant to apply to heat pumps that also have a cooling function, according to a report in iNews. This proposal comes as unions are simultaneously calling for revised workplace regulations to better protect employees from rising temperatures. The grant is part of the government's strategy to encourage homeowners to switch from fossil fuel boilers to more energy-efficient heat pumps, but the high upfront cost, which can range from 8,000 to over 18,000, remains a significant barrier despite the subsidy. The proposed change aims to make the scheme more attractive by officially including the air conditioning capability that many modern heat pumps offer.
US Police Chiefs daughter accuses him of years of ritual abuse and torture

Manjiri Patil

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
What we know about Irans surviving nuclear stockpile after US and Israeli strikes

Pragya Trivedi

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Who is Francesca Albanese, the UN rapporteur sanctioned by the US?

Pragya Trivedi

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Why the Pentagon is investing $400 million in a rare earths company to counter China

Rewati Karan

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Why the US military is racing to defend against a new wave of drone warfare

Pragya Trivedi

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
University of Virginia faculty want answers about President Jim Ryans abrupt resignation under pressure from the Trump administration, but the schools governing Board of Visitors isnt talking.

The full Faculty Senate, the 82-member body that represents UVas roughly 3,200 faculty members, is weighing just how it plans to express its disapproval in the boards handling of the situation: either a censure or a vote of no confidence.

The former would be a formal statement condemning the board, the latter could demand further resignations, but neither would restore Ryan to his prior office, which he officially departed Friday.

Should the Faculty Senate issue a resolution of no confidence in the Board of Visitors, it will be the first time since President Teresa Sullivans ouster. That vote was considered at the time an unprecedented move.

As faculty senators consider their options, the Senates Executive Council hosted the universitys new rector, Rachel Sheridan, and vice rector, Porter Wilkinson, at a meeting Wednesday. Sheridan and Wilkinson did not appear in person, but rather via Zoom.

The meeting followed a resolution the Senate passed June 27, the day Ryan tendered his resignation, calling on the board to meet with the Faculty Senate to clarify the circumstances and negotiations that led to the resignation.

Sheridan and Wilkinson, however, prefaced the conversation Wednesday by saying legal counsel had advised them not to speak about Ryans resignation or the Department of Justices investigation into the schools diversity policies. As a result, nearly every question from the Senates Executive Council met the same response.

I unfortunately cannot comment on that. I wish I could, Sheridan said at least six times during the meeting.

Some of the questions asked that received no answer:

Are there any requirements or limitations that the board is receiving from Washington regarding who can be picked as the interim or full-time president?

Did the DOJ directly contact anyone on the board to convey the message that Ryan must resign or there would be consequences?

Did the Board of Visitors or any of its members meet to deliberate about the DOJ threats?

Sheridan and Wilkinson did speak on the boards plans to find an interim replacement for Ryan. UVa COO J.J. Davis is now acting president of the university, and she is to serve in the role until an interim president can be appointed by the board. Sheridan and Wilkinson both expressed a desire for the interim president to be an internal hire.

My instinct is that we should identify someone, ideally, from the university whos already familiar with university operations and university rules and has the stature internally at the university that could lead forward, Sheridan said.

No candidates were mentioned by name, but Wilkinson said the board is hoping to set up a website where anyone in the university community can submit recommendations for both the interim and full-time presidents.

While Sheridan emphasized that the board will make the final decision, she said she wanted to collaborate with the Faculty Senate in the search for the universitys 10th president.

Sheridan and the other members of the 17-strong Board of Visitors have been tight-lipped about Ryans resignation. She and outgoing Rector Robert Hardie co-authored a letter on June 30, Hardies last day on the board, but it said nothing about the boards involvement, or lack thereof, in Ryans departure.

We share the sentiments of so many members of the University community who have expressed their sorrow about President Ryans resignation and their appreciation for his remarkable service to the institution, the letter reads. Based on his outstanding record as president, it should come as no surprise that one of Jims last acts in office put the needs of the University ahead of his own.

Many have blamed the board, which is now fully staffed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkins appointees, for not doing more to save Ryan and fight the DOJ.

Ryan tendered his resignation on June 27 after the New York Times reported the day before that the DOJ had been campaigning for him to step down over his failure to dismantle the diversity, equity and inclusion programs he had established at the school. Further, DOJ officials claimed Ryan misrepresented UVas efforts to eliminate the universitys DEI apparatus and accused him of rebranding programs instead of removing them.

While Ryan heralded DEI as a way to address and correct historical and systemic injustices and inequalities for minorities at UVa, his detractors have said DEI swings the pendulum too far in the other direction, sacrificing merit for minority status among students, faculty and staff.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on April 23 demanding American colleges eliminate their DEI programs and policies. Trumps administration has been explicit: Those that do not risk losing millions of dollars in federal funding.

To make a long story short, I am inclined to fight for what I believe in, and I believe deeply in this University. But I cannot make a unilateral decision to fight the federal government in order to save my own job, Ryan wrote in a letter to the university community the day he tendered his resignation. If this were not so distinctly tied to me personally, I may have pursued a different path. But I could not in good conscience cause real and direct harm to my colleagues and our students in order to preserve my own position.

How the board proceeds with replacing Ryan, both on an interim and permanent basis, may be complicated by more than censures and votes of no confidence.

Democrats in the state Senate are currently feuding with the governors office after a Senate panel refused to confirm one of Youngkins appointments to the board: former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Cuccinelli continues to attend board meetings, but the Senates top Democrats have filed a preliminary injunction that would block Cuccinelli from joining the board until the matter can be resolved, either in court or in the legislature.
CAIRO, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Thursday that China is willing to work with Egypt to optimize the development of bilateral trade and create more highlights of cooperation as well as new drivers of economic growth. The two countries can expand cooperation in emerging fields such as new energy, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and digital economy, Li said during his meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Kamal Madbouly. China has always prioritized developing relations with Egypt in its Mideast diplomacy, Li said. In 2024, China and Egypt jointly celebrated the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership and the two meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi provided guidance for the future development of bilateral ties, Li said. In 2026, China and Egypt will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. At this pivotal juncture, China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with Egypt, strengthen strategic dialogue, consolidate political mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation, Li said. He called on both sides to support each other on the path to modernization and bring greater benefits to their peoples. Li pointed out that China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Egypt, expand and enhance investment and cooperation within the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and effectively implement livelihood improvement projects. The two sides should enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges and mutual learning, deepen cooperation in areas such as culture, tourism, media, youth and local affairs, and further strengthen the public support for friendly cooperation between the two countries, he said. China supports Egypt in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and is willing to closely coordinate and cooperate with Egypt within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to practice genuine multilateralism, safeguard economic globalization and international economic and trade order, defend the common interests of developing countries, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East and the world, Li added. For his part, Madbouly noted that Egypt and China have been enjoying long-standing and profound relations, with traditional friendship deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples. In recent years, under the leadership of the two heads of state, the Egypt-China comprehensive strategic partnership has shown a strong momentum, and is at its best in history, he said, adding that Egypt firmly upholds the one-China principle, respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, firmly supports China's stance on the Taiwan question and issues related to Xizang and Hong Kong, and resolutely opposes any interference in China's internal affairs. Expressing gratitude for China's assistance in Egypt's economic and social development, Madbouly said the country is willing to expand political mutual trust with China, strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as trade, investment, finance, industry and infrastructure, expand collaboration in emerging fields including new energy, green economy and space, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and promote more achievements in Africa-China and Arab-China cooperation. Egypt highly appreciates China's just and fair stance on Mideast issues and stands ready to strengthen coordination with China within the United Nations, the BRICS and other multilateral frameworks to safeguard common interests and uphold regional peace and stability, he said. After the meeting, Li and Madbouly jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents in such areas as e-commerce, green and low-carbon development, development assistance, finance and health.
UNs food agency limits aid operations in West and Central Africa due to funding cuts View Photo

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)  The World Food Program said Friday it is suspending food and nutritional assistance across crisis-hit West and Central African countries as a result of U.S. and other global aid cuts that are grinding its operations to a halt.

U.S. President Donald Trumps decision to cut USAID and critical funding to the United Nations has left many aid agencies struggling to survive despite the worsening humanitarian crises across many parts of Africa, including areas where militant groups have continued to expand their operations.

While the timeline varies, food stocks are projected to last until around September for most of the affected countries, leaving millions of vulnerable people potentially without any emergency aid, according to the WFP.

We are doing everything we can to prioritize the most life-saving activities, but without urgent support from our partners, our ability to respond is shrinking by the day. We need sustained funding to keep food flowing and hope alive, Margot van der Velden, the WFPs regional director, told The Associated Press.

Seven countries are affected in the region, with the suspension of operations already underway in Mauritania, Mali and the Central African Republic, where food stocks are projected to last only a few weeks. Aid distribution has already been significantly scaled down in camps for Nigerian refugees in neighboring Cameroon, according to the WFP.

Millions of people are expected to be immediately affected, according to WFP data seen by the AP, including 300,000 children in Nigeria at risk of severe malnutrition, ultimately raising the risk of death.

The International Rescue Committee this month said there was a 178% rise in inpatient admissions at its clinics from March to May in northern Nigeria, where 1.3 million people depend on WFP aid.

Displaced people in Mali have not received any emergency food supplies since June, which marked the start of a period when food production is at its lowest in the Sahel  the southern fringe of the Sahara desert region stretching from Mauritania to Chad.

Despite the continued influx of refugees from Sudans Darfur region fleeing the ongoing war in Sudan, emergency food supplies in Chad will only last to the end of the year, the WFP said. Niger faces a total suspension of food aid by October.

These countries are already in the grip of escalating humanitarian crises, sparked by constant attacks by various militant groups, where thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced, the U.N. says. The attacks have been exacerbated by worsening climate conditions that have affected harvests and struggling economies across the continents.

The consequences are not just humanitarian but potentially affecting the stability of the entire region, Van der Velden said.

The WFP says it needs $494 million to cover the second half of 2025, but the funds have been totally depleted, forcing it to prioritize the most vulnerable groups. In northern and central Mali it will prioritize newly displaced refugees and children under five.

Experts say the fallout of the suspension of the WFPs operations in the vulnerable countries will worsen the security challenge as it makes it more likely for jihadi groups to recruit.

It becomes a more complicated crisis because in regions where the WFP operations are focused because the same challenge also intersects with security. It is going to bode double jeopardy, said Oluwole Ojewale, a Dakar-based security analyst at the Institute of Security Studies.

When hunger comes on top of the layers of other challenges, it compounds the issue, he said. We have seen people take to terrorism and violent extremism basically because they couldnt survive the biting reality of poverty.

By OPE ADETAYO

Associated Press
Trump administration has floated deporting third-party nationals to Africa. Heres what we know

Trump administration has floated deporting third-party nationals to Africa. Heres what we know View Photo

DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  South Sudan has accepted eight third-country deportees from the U.S. and Rwanda says its in talk with the administration of President Donald Trump on a similar deal, while Nigeria says its rejecting pressure to do the same.

Although few details are known, these initiatives in Africa mark an expansion in U.S. efforts to deport people to countries other than their own. The United States has sent hundreds of Venezuelans and others to Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama but has yet to announce any major deals with governments in Africa, Asia or Europe.

While proponents see such programs as a way of deterring what they describe as unmanageable levels of migration, human rights advocates have raised concerns over sending migrants to countries where they have no ties or that may have a history of rights violations.

Last year, U.K. Supreme Court ruled that a similar plan to deport rejected asylum-seekers to Rwanda was illegal.

Trump meets with West African leaders

Earlier this week, Trump held a summit with five West African leaders in the White House, which highlighted the new transactional U.S. policy towards the continent.

Trump discussed migration with the leaders of Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon, including the need for countries to accept the return of their nationals who do not have the right to stay in the U.S., as well as the possibility of accepting deported nationals of third countries.

U.S. border tsar Tom Homan told the media Friday that the Trump administration hopes to forge deals with many countries to accept deported migrants.

If there is a significant public threat or national security threat  theres one thing for sure  theyre not walking the streets of this country. Well find a third, safe nation to send them to, and were doing it, he said.

What African leaders are saying

Liberian President Joseph Boakai told media in Liberia on Friday that third-country nationals were discussed but that Trump had not directly asked Liberia to accept such deportees.

Theyre not forcing anybody, but they want us to know that this is the concern they have, and they are asking how can we contribute, how can we help? he said.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau said Trump discussed the topic during the summit, but did not specifically ask for the African nations to agree to accept deportees. Other West African governments did not reply to a request for comment.

Nigerias Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar, meanwhile, said such conversations were being held between U.S. representatives and several African countries, though he declined provide details.

He said late Thursday that Nigeria would not bow to what he described as pressure to accept third-country deportees, saying the country had enough problems of its own.

Whats in it for African countries

Experts say some African countries may seek to facilitate U.S. deportation programs in order to earn good will in negotiations over tariffs, cuts in U.S. aid or visa restrictions that have hit several African countries in recent months.

Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at the security consulting firm Control Risks, said countries may want to reach a migrant deal to avoid a situation where they lose access to the U.S. economy or economic initiatives and bilateral relations.

Those factors are especially important, in light of the withdrawal of developmental aid, Ochieng told The Associated Press.

What has been done so far

So far, the only African country to accept third-country deportees from the U.S. has been South Sudan, which accepted eight deportees with criminal convictions, only one of whom was from South Sudan.

It is unclear what deal may have been struck between the two countries. The South Sudanese Foreign Ministry has declined to answer questions.

Alan Boswell, the Horn of Africa program director at the International Crisis Group think tank, said the South Sudan would have a number of reasons to want to placate a Trump administration, be that avoiding visa bans, warding off more sanctions against its elite, or generally trying to curry favor.

The decision has drawn criticism from South Sudanese civil society and some members of government. South Sudan is not a dumping ground for criminals, said Edmund Yakani, a prominent civil society leader in the country.

Homan, the U.S. border tsar, said Friday he was unsure of the situation of the eight men, saying they were no longer in U.S. custody.

Lawyers and advocates are concerned about that kind of uncertainty over the legal status and safety of such migrants, said Michelle Mittelstadt, a spokesperson for Migration Policy Institute.

Theres a lot of confusion and lack of clarity over who actually has control of these individuals when theyre deported to a third country, Mittelstadt said.

Rwandas foreign minister told the AP last month that talks were under way with the U.S. about a potential agreement to host deported migrants, without providing details. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on a potential deal. Rights groups have long criticized Rwanda for their human rights record, especially the deaths in Rwandan custody of some perceived government critics.

The U.K. struck a deal with Rwanda in 2022 to send migrants who arrive in the U.K. as stowaways or in boats to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay. But the plan was stalled by legal challenges and criticized by human rights groups.

___

Associated Press writers Mark Banchereau and Wilson McMakin in Dakar, Senegal; Ope Adetayo in Lagos, Nigeria; and Joseph Falzetta in Juba, South Sudan, contributed to this report.

By MONIKA PRONCZUK

Associated Press
Trump to host Philippine president to discuss trade and security in Asia View Photo

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  U.S. President Donald Trump will host his Philippine counterpart in the White House this month to discuss how the longtime treaty allies can further deepen their security and economic engagements, Philippine officials said Friday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s will visit the United States from July 20 to 22 but Philippine officials were still finalizing details of his meeting with Trump with the U.S. State Department, the Philippine government said. The allies have boosted mutual defense engagements, including large-scale combat exercises in the Philippines, to strengthen deterrence against Chinas increasingly aggressive actions in the region.

Among the proposed topics for discussion is strengthening peace through deterrence, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez told The Associated Press by telephone.

That echoed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth s remarks about the U.S. militarys plan to ratchet up deterrence against Chinas increasingly assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea by intensifying security engagements with the Philippines and allied nations in the region.

The Philippines has also expressed concern over a 20% tariff the Trump administration plans to impose on Manilas exports starting Aug. 1 unless a deal was reached. A Philippine trade delegation would travel to the U.S. next week to pursue negotiations with American counterparts.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met his Japanese and Philippine counterparts in a meeting Thursday on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations annual ministerial meetings in Malaysia. The U.S., Japan and the Philippines have been building a trilateral bloc to broaden security and economic cooperation.

We have a great relationship with Japan and the Philippines and work closely with them on the economic corridor, on maritime security and territorial integrity and continue to build upon that partnership, Rubio said after his meeting in Malaysia with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro. Washington looks forward to hosting the president of the Philippines in Washington in a few days.

The U.S. has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Philippine forces, ships or aircraft come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have been involved in long-unresolved territorial conflicts in the busy sea passage, a key global trade route.

Japan also has a separate territorial conflict with China over small, Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea.
German tourist found alive 12 days after she was lost in the Australian Outback

German tourist found alive 12 days after she was lost in the Australian Outback View Photo

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  German tourist Carolina Wilga was found alive in Australias remote Outback on Friday, 12 days after she went missing and a day after her abandoned van was discovered, police said.

The last known sighting of the 26-year-old backpacker, and the last day family and friends heard from her, was June 29. She was seen a general store in the wheat farming town of Beacon, 320 kilometers (200 miles) northeast of the Western Australia state capital Perth. Beacon had a population of 123 during the 2021 census.

A member of the public found Wilga wandering on a forest trail late Friday, Western Australia Police Force Insp. Martin Glynn said.

She was in a fragile state but had no serious injuries and was flown to a hospital in Perth for treatment, Glynn told reporters.

I think once we do hear her story, it will be a remarkable story, Glynn said, adding it was a great result for the backpackers family and those involved in the search.

You know, shes obviously coped in some amazing conditions, he said. Theres a very hostile environment out there, both from flora and fauna. Its a really, really challenging environment to cope in.

Police assume backpacker became stuck June 29

The reserve where Wilga was lost covers more than 300,000 hectares (740,000 acres). The Thursday-Friday overnight temperature was 2.6 degrees Celsius (36.7 Fahrenheit) in the area with no rain.

The crew of a police helicopter spotted her van Thursday in wilderness in the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Beacon, Glynn said.

Very difficult country. Huge area. So its a miracle theyve actually spotted the car, to be honest, Glynn told reporters before she was found.

Ground searchers on Friday scoured a heavily wooded radius of 300 meters (1,000 feet) beyond the van. Police assume Wilgas van, a 1995 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon, became stuck in mud on the day she left Beacon, Glynn said.

The van, which has solar panels and reserves of drinking water, had recovery boards under its rear wheels that are used to give vehicles traction when they are stuck.

Police believed Wilga became lost and was not the victim of crime.

Australian serial killer Ivan Milat, who died in prison in 2019, notoriously kidnapped and murdered seven backpackers from 1989 to 1992 including three Germans, two Britons and two Australians.

By ROD McGUIRK

Associated Press
Perus new amnesty law for human rights abuses sparks anger and international appeal View Photo

LIMA, Peru (AP)  Lawyers for victims of human rights abuses during Perus armed conflict vowed to appeal to international bodies Thursday to knock down an amnesty law passed by the countrys Congress the previous night.

Congress passed the legislation late Wednesday to provide amnesty for military members and civilians prosecuted for serious human rights abuses during the countrys armed conflict between 1980 and 2000.

A coalition of human rights organizations said the new law could wipe out 156 convictions and another 600 cases that are being prosecuted.

Supporters of the law come from right wing political parties that have historically defended the military, including the Popular Force party led by Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori.

The law now awaits action from President Dina Boluarte, who can sign it, return it to Congress with her comments or let it become law in two weeks without touching it. Boluarte has not made any comment on the amnesty, even before its passage.

There have been numerous attempts in recent years to shield the military and police from prosecution in Peru for crimes committed during the conflict. But opponents of amnesty in Peru have found success before at international bodies.

Amnesty laws passed in 1995 in Peru shielded military and police personnel from prosecution for human rights abuses committed during the countrys internal conflict, including massacres, torture, and forced disappearances.

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has at least twice previously declared amnesty laws in Peru invalid for violating the right to justice and breaching international human rights standards.

Were not only going to the domestic arena to seek its invalidation, but weve already taken some action at the international level, lawyer Gloria Cano, director of the Pro Human Rights Association said during a news conference Thursday. She said they had already alerted the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and Inter-American Court on Human Rights and planned to go to the United Nations as well.

Human rights advocates believe that Perus membership in the Inter-American System of Human Rights and the obligations that entails, make the amnesty law unconstitutional.

Fernando Rospiglioso of the Popular Force party, who supports the amnesty, said in June that only a tiny fraction of the hundreds of cases brought against soldiers and police for abuses during the 1980 to 2000 armed conflict led to convictions.

Many of them (the accused) are no longer with us, others grew old in silence subjected to never-ending prosecutions, he said.

A truth commission determined that the majority of the conflicts victims were Indigenous Peruvians caught between security forces and the Shining Path rebel group. The commission calculated some 70,000 people were killed in the conflict.

By FRANKLIN BRICENO

Associated Press
Water From The Faucet View Photo

Phoenix Lake, CA Parts of Phoenix Lake have been under a boil order for just over a month, and while the water company continues to work on the problem, customers frustrations rise.

The Phoenix Lake Estates CC MWC serves 356 customers in two zones, called the lower and upper zones. The company provided this breakdown of those areas:

Low-Pressure Zone includes 170 customers:

Phoenix Lake Rd and Old Phoenix Lake Rd to 21314 Phoenix Lake Rd, Old Phoenix Lake Rd, Potatoe Ranch Rd, Mckamey Ct, Camino Del Parque Ct, Camino Del Parque South, Camino Del Parque North, Paseo De Los Robles South, Paseo De Los Robles North, Poco Calle Dr, Madre Dr, Palisades Dr, Danata Way, Paseo De Los Portales and Phoenix Lake Rd to Paseo De los Portales and Paseo De los Robles North.

Upper Pressure Zone includes 186 customers: El Coyote, El Venada, El Mapache, El Conejo, El Puma, El Oso, El Lobo Center, Buena Vista Avenida, Paseo De los Robles East, and Paseo De Los Portales North from the intersection of Paseo De Los Robles West to the intersection of El Venada

Customers received the first boil order on June 11, after testing revealed the presence of pollutants. After disinfecting the system several times, which takes about a week each time, and then adding chlorine to the water, the lower zone tested negative on June 26, and a boil cancellation was issued, indicating that the upper zone was still testing positive, according to the acting operator for the water company, Kevin Lancaster.

Its concerning. Our water has won awards for its purity. This is the first time Ive ever seen it (the water) not wanting to come back, stated Lancaster.

Lancaster admits the process can be slow but says it is necessary, adding that he has been working under the direction of the California Water Resources Control Board. So far, they have not been able to identify the contaminant. Lancaster relays that, for that reason, they are now moving to a permanent state of chlorination.

The water is clean as long as chlorine is in it, advised Lancaster. The primary concern is to at least make it so people can drink water without boiling it.

Customers complaints center around how long it has taken and not being notified of what is going on, but Lancaster says they held a town hall on June 22, 2025, and about 50 people showed up. He says he has even gone door-to-door and left flyers to inform customers. Also, his contact information, which is how we reached him, and a state water board contact are listed at the end of the customer notices.

Asked where things stand now, Lancaster updated, We are waiting on test results, which could come in tomorrow (Saturday, July 12, 2025), that will allow us to lift the boil order. However, he added that the testing was done on Thursday (7/10) and can take up to four days before the results are in.

Lancaster noted that the company will continue to search for the cause of the contamination in hopes of solving the problem and then removing the chlorine from the water.
Kurdish separatist fighters in Iraq begin laying down weapons as part of peace process with Turkey

Kurdish separatist fighters in Iraq begin laying down weapons as part of peace process with Turkey View Photo

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq (AP)  Fighters with a Kurdish separatist militant group that has waged a decades-long insurgency in Turkey began laying down their weapons in a symbolic ceremony on Friday in northern Iraq, the first concrete step toward a promised disarmament as part of a peace process.

The Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, announced in May that it would disband and renounce armed conflict, ending four decades of hostilities. The move came after PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul since 1999, urged his group in February to convene a congress and formally disband and disarm.

Ocalan renewed his call in a video message broadcast on Wednesday, saying, I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons.

Fighters toss weapons into cauldron

Most journalists werent allowed at the site of Fridays ceremony, in the mountains of Sulaymaniyah province in northern Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region.

Footage from the event showed fighters  both men and women  casting rifles and machine guns into a large cauldron, where they were then set ablaze.

The PKK issued a statement from the fighters who were laying down their weapons, saying that they had disarmed as a gesture of goodwill and a commitment to the practical success of the peace process.

We will henceforth continue our struggle for freedom, democracy, and socialism through democratic politics and legal means, the statement said.

The state-run Iraqi News Agency reported that 30 fighters had disarmed symbolically on Friday, and that the continuing disarmament process will take place in stages. The process is expected to be completed by September, the agency reported.

An Iraqi Kurdish political official said representatives of the Turkish intelligence service and of the Kurdish regional government, Iraqs Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party and the Peoples Equality and Democracy Party, a pro-Kurdish party in Turkey, were present. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to speak publicly.

Turkish parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmus said the initial disarmament step had proceeded as planned, but cautioned that the process was far from complete.

Theres still a long way to go in collecting many more weapons, Kurtulmus said. What matters is ending the armed era in a way that ensures weapons are never taken up again.

He said the Turkish parliament was close to setting up a commission to oversee the peace process.

Turkey welcomes the move

Devlet Bahceli, President Recep Tayyip Erdogans nationalist ally who initiated the peace process, welcomed the ceremony, saying in a written statement that it marks historic developments that signal the end of a dark era.

Bahceli, who has traditionally maintained a hard-line stance against the PKK, surprised everyone in October when he suggested in parliament that Ocalan could be granted parole if he renounced violence and disbanded the PKK.

Erdogan, in an X post, called Fridays ceremony an important step toward our goal of a terrorism-free Turkey.

The PKK has waged an armed insurgency against Turkey since 1984, initially with the aim of establishing a Kurdish state in the southeast of the country. Over time, the objective evolved into a campaign for autonomy and rights for Kurds within Turkey.

The conflict between militants and state forces, which has spread beyond Turkeys borders into Iraq and Syria, has killed tens of thousands of people. The PKK is considered to be a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

Previous peace efforts between Turkey and the PKK have ended in failure  most recently in 2015.

The PKK has long maintained bases in the mountains of northern Iraq, where Turkish forces have launched offensives and airstrikes and have set up bases in the area. Last year, Iraqs government announced an official ban on the separatist group, which long has been prohibited in Turkey.

Scores of villages have emptied as a result of the violence. Displaced Kurdish Iraqis have voiced hopes that the peace process will finally allow them to go home.

Officials have spoken of a five-part peace process with the PKK, with the first phase being the political initiative launched by Bahceli, followed by Ocalans message in February urging the PKK to abandon the armed struggle.

The next two steps would focus on legal reintegration of the PKK fighters and long-term healing and reconciliation efforts.

Kurds have mixed feelings

Kurds in Iraq said that they were optimistic, although some expressed fears that the deal would collapse.

This will benefit both sides, said Abdulrahman Abbas, a resident of the town of Dukan, near where the ceremony took place. Why should this bloodshed continue for nothing?

A Kurdish political activist from Sulaymaniyah, Mohammed Alaa, called the move a positive step that will bring security stability in northeastern Syria and Iraq.

But the goal is for these steps to continue, and for Turkey to take the initiative to release Kurdish prisoners, he said.

PKK officials previously said that in order to continue disarming, they want to see Turkey take steps to end the regime of isolation imposed on Ocalan in prison and to allow integration of former militants into the political system.

Bewar Amin Tahir, a spokesperson at Makhmour, a camp in Iraq for Kurdish refugees who were displaced from their villages in Turkey in the 1990s during fighting between Turkish forces and the PKK, said he hopes the peace process would open the door for a return to our villages and end three decades of suffering and hardship.

But he said the Turkish state must also adhere to this initiative.  So far, this process seems to be proceeding from one side only. He called for Turkey to begin amending its constitution so that the Kurds have their rightful place.

Even if that happens, he acknowledged that many camp residents are not likely to return to Turkey. Most of their homes are destroyed and burned, Tahir said, and the refugees children, born in the camp, do not know another home.

Questions remain about the future of Kurdish fighters in Syria. Turkey considers the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF  a U.S.-allied, Kurdish-led force controlling much of northeastern Syria  to be a terrorist group because of its affiliation with the PKK.

The SDF and authorities in Damascus agreed in March to merge the Kurdish forces into the national army  a move supported by Ankara  but the two sides have remained at an impasse over how to implement the deal.

___

Abdul-Zahra reported from Baghdad. Associated Press writers Abby Sewell in Beirut and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.

By STELLA MARTANY and QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA

Associated Press
A look at the countries that received Trumps tariff letters

A look at the countries that received Trumps tariff letters View Photo

President Donald Trump has sent letters this week outlining higher tariffs countries will face if they dont make trade deals with the U.S. by Aug. 1.

Some mirror the so-called reciprocal rates Trump unveiled against dozens of trading partners in April  the bulk of which were later postponed just hours after taking effect. But many are higher or lower than those previously announced amounts.

So far, Trump has warned 23 nations, including major trading partners like South Korea and Japan, that steeper tariffs will be imposed starting Aug. 1.

Nearly all of these letters took the same general tone with the exception of Brazil and Canada. Neither country was on the tariff list Trump released in April, though Canada was already facing a 25% tariff at that time.

Trump has singled out Brazil in an apparent grudge over the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro, charged with trying to overturn his 2022 election loss.

In his letter to Canada, Trump framed the tariffs as an effort to get the country to crack down on fentanyl smuggling, though there is relatively modest trafficking in the drug from that country. Trump has also expressed frustration with a trade deficit with Canada that largely reflects oil purchases by America.

Nearly every country has faced a minimum 10% levy on goods entering the U.S. since April, on top of other levies on specific products like steel and automobiles. And future escalation is still possible. In his letters, which were posted on Truth Social, Trump warned countries that they would face even higher tariffs if they retaliated by increasing their own import taxes.

Heres a look at the countries that have gotten tariff letters so far  and where things stand now:

Brazil

Tariff rate: 50% starting Aug. 1. Brazil wasnt threatened with an elevated reciprocal rate in April  but, like other countries, has faced Trumps 10% baseline over the last three months.

Key exports to the U.S.: Petroleum, iron products, coffee and fruit juice.

Response: In a forceful response, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Trumps tariffs would trigger the countrys economic reciprocity law  which allows trade, investment and intellectual property agreements to be suspended against countries that harm Brazils competitiveness. He also noted that the U.S. has had a trade surplus of more than $410 billion with Brazil over the past 15 years.

Myanmar

Tariff rate: 40% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 44% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Clothing, leather goods and seafood.

Response: Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for Myanmars military government said it will follow up with negotiations.

Laos

Tariff rate: 40% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 48% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Shoes with textile uppers, wood furniture, electronic components and optical fiber.

Cambodia

Tariff rate: 36% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 49% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Textiles, clothing, shoes and bicycles.

Response: Cambodias chief negotiator, Sun Chanthol, said the country successfully got the tariff dropped from the 49% Trump announced in April to 36% and is ready to hold a new round of negotiations. He appealed to investors, especially factory owners, and the countrys nearly 1 million garment workers not to panic about the tariff rate announced Monday.

Thailand

Tariff rate: 36% starting Aug. 1. Thats the same rate that was announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Computer parts, rubber products and gemstones

Response: Thailands Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said Thailand will continue to push for tariff negotiations with the United States. Thailand on Sunday submitted a new proposal that includes opening the Thai market for more American agricultural and industrial products and increasing imports of energy and aircraft.

Bangladesh

Tariff rate: 35% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 37% announced in April.

Key export to the U.S.: Clothing.

Response: Bangladeshs finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh hopes to negotiate for a better outcome. There are concerns that additional tariffs would make Bangladeshs garment exports less competitive with countries like Vietnam and India.

Canada

Tariff rate: 35% starting Aug. 1. Thats up from 25% imposed in March. Some of Canadas top exports to the U.S. are subject to different industry-specific tariffs.

Key exports to the U.S.: Oil and petroleum products, cars and trucks.

Response: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on X early Friday that the government will continue to work toward a trade deal by the new Aug. 1 deadline.

Serbia

Tariff rate: 35% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 37% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Software and IT services; car tires.

Indonesia

Tariff rate: 32% starting Aug. 1. Thats the same rate that was announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Palm oil, cocoa butter and semiconductors

Algeria

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. Thats the same rate that was announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Petroleum, cement and iron products.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 35% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Weapons and ammunition

Iraq

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 39% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Crude oil and petroleum products.

Libya

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 31% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Petroleum products.

South Africa

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. Thats the same rate that was announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Platinum, diamonds, vehicles and auto parts

Response: The office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement that the tariff rates announced by Trump mischaracterized the trade relationship with the U.S., but it would continue with its diplomatic efforts towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States after having proposed a trade framework on May 20.

Sri Lanka

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 44% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Clothing and rubber products.

Brunei

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. Thats up from 24% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Mineral fuels and machinery equipment.

Moldova

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 31% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Fruit juice, wine, clothing and plastic products.

Japan

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. Thats up from 24% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Autos, auto parts, electronics

Response: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the tariff extremely regrettable but said he was determined to continue negotiating.

Kazakhstan

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 27% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Oil, uranium, ferroalloys and silver.

Malaysia

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. Thats up from 24% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Electronics and electrical products.

Response: Malaysias government said it will pursue talks with the U.S. A cabinet meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.

South Korea

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. Thats the same rate that was announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Vehicles, machinery and electronics.

Response: South Koreas Trade Ministry said early Tuesday that it will accelerate negotiations with the United States to achieve a deal before the 25% tax goes into effect.

Tunisia

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 28% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Animal and vegetable fats, clothing, fruit and nuts.

Philippines

Tariff rate: 20% starting Aug. 1. Thats down from 17% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Electronics and machinery, clothing and gold.

By The Associated Press
Head Start will be cut off for immigrants without legal status, Trump administration says

Head Start will be cut off for immigrants without legal status, Trump administration says View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Trump administration will restrict immigrants in the country illegally from enrolling in Head Start, a federally funded preschool program, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday. The move is part of a broad effort to limit access to federal benefits for immigrants who lack legal status.

People in the country illegally are largely ineligible for federal public benefits such as food stamps, student loans and financial aid for higher education. But for decades they have been able to access some community-level programs such as Head Start and community health centers.

HHS said it will reclassify those programs as federal public benefits, excluding immigrants in the country illegally from accessing them. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the changes were part of a larger effort to protect American citizens interests.

For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration, Kennedy said in a statement. Todays action changes that  it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people.

A spokesperson for the Administration for Children and Families, which administers Head Start, said that eligibility will be determined based on the childs immigration status.

Requiring proof of immigration status would likely create fear and confusion among families seeking to enroll their children, said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association.

This decision undermines the fundamental commitment that the country has made to children and disregards decades of evidence that Head Start is essential to our collective future, Vinci said.

The changes are part of a multi-agency announcement rescinding an interpretation of federal law dating to former President Bill Clintons administration, which had allowed immigrants in the country illegally to access some programs. The Education Department, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor announced similar changes affecting a range of workforce development and adult education programs.

The changes will affect community health centers that immigrants rely on for a wide range of services, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president of immigration policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

People depend on those services to get cancer treatment, to get ongoing maintenance for a variety of different health needs, she said.

Students in the country illegally will no longer be eligible to participate in postsecondary career and technical education programs or adult education programs, the Education Department announced. The department also issued a notice to grant recipients to ensure programs receiving federal money do not provide services to immigrants without legal status.

Education advocates said the decision would harm young people who have grown up in this country. EdTrust Vice President Augustus Mays said the intention appears to be creating fear among immigrant communities.

Policies like this dont exist in a vacuum, Mays said. They are rooted in a political agenda that scapegoats immigrants and uses fear to strip rights and resources from the most vulnerable among us.

Head Start was started six decades ago as part of Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnsons War on Poverty. It operates in all 50 states, providing preschool, developmental therapy and child care for families who are homeless or are in poverty. ___

Associated Press writer Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

BY ANNIE MA

AP Education Writer
Wyomings first new coal mine in decades to extract rare earths View Photo

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP)  The developer of what would be the first new coal mine in Wyoming in decades is launching a potentially half-billion-dollar effort to extract rare earth metals from the fossil fuel that are crucial for tech products and military hardware.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, and Wyomings congressional delegation took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday for Ramaco Resources, Inc.s Brook Mine outside Ranchester in northeastern Wyoming.

Not only do we get coal here, we are going to get those rare earth elements that are going to break our dependence on China, Wright told Fox News from the mine site Friday.

Wrights involvement underscores President Donald Trumps determination to advance fossil fuel projects and mining and reverse former President Joe Bidens moves to support for renewable energy.

Administration officials on Monday moved toward selling federal coal leases in the top U.S. coal-producing region in northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana. On Thursday, officials announced a proposal in Utah that they said would be the first coal exploration project on U.S. Bureau of Land Management property since 2019.

Those moves came on the heels of legislation signed last week that lowered royalty payments for companies mining coal on public lands and mandated officials make available for potential mining an area greater in size than Connecticut.

Meanwhile, local officials in Utah hope the administration will support plans to build a railroad spur to boost oil drilling. A coalition of eastern Utah counties wants Trumps Transportation Department to approve $2.4 billion in bonds for the 88-mile (140-kilometer) spur to export oil from the Uinta Basin, a project that may proceed after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

On Friday, the minerals capturing the administrations attention were not just coal but rare earths  a family of 17 metallic elements with unusual properties that make them useful in modern technology, from electric car batteries and wind turbines to military targeting devices.

The only operating U.S. rare earths mine is at Mountain Pass in California. Nearly all of the nations supply comes from China, the source of nearly 90% of the worlds supply.

Rare earths arent especially rare but so scattered they are difficult to bring together in useful quantities.

Concern about continued access to them has been a focus of recent negotiations between China and the U.S., and led the Trump administration to try to encourage more production domestically.

We would intend to mine it here in Wyoming, process it here in Wyoming and sell it to domestic customers including the government, Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins said Thursday.

Former West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, an independent who left office in January after not seeking reelection, joined the Ramaco board in April.

The new Brook Mine, though relatively small, offers a glimmer of optimism for Wyomings coal industry as potentially the states first new coal mine in 50 years. Massive, open-pit mines east of the Brook Mine supply around 40% of the nations coal but Wyoming coal mining has shrunk substantially since its peak over a decade ago, as utilities switch to renewable energy and power plants fueled by cheaper natural gas.

Wyoming is moving to meet growing energy demands here at home and internationally  with the recognition that coal  Wyoming coal  is essential to healthy energy portfolios, Gordon, a Republican, said in a statement after the Brook Mine event.

The Brook Mine has been in the works for over a decade, stalled in part by landowners worried about groundwater depletion. Atkins originally envisioned it as a source of subbituminous power plant fuel like the states other coal mines.

A public company with metallurgical coal mines in Appalachia, Ramaco in recent years received Department of Energy grants to develop coal into carbon-based products such as carbon fiber. This year, it got a $6.1 million grant from Wyoming to build a rare earth and critical minerals processing plant.

A consultant report released this week found that fully developing the mine and processing plant to extract rare earths would cost $533 million, a sum that could be recovered in five years if the elements in the coal prove profitable. Ramaco also would sell the processed coal as fuel, Atkins said.

Analysis by U.S. national laboratories show the Brook Mine coal contains valuable quantities of the rare earths neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium, as well as the critical minerals gallium, scandium and germanium, according to a Ramaco letter to shareholders on July 1.

Neodymium and dysprosium are used in the permanent magnets of wind turbines, lanthanum in electric and hybrid car batteries. Yttrium and terbium have critical military uses, including in targeting devices.

___

A previous version of this story said Joe Manchin was a Democrat when he left office in January. He was an independent.

By MEAD GRUVER

Associated Press
Georgia Republican apologizes for $140M Ponzi scheme as judge freezes assets View Photo

ATLANTA (AP)  A prominent Georgia Republican accused of running a $140 million Ponzi scheme publicly apologized on Friday as a federal judge ordered his assets frozen and appointed a receiver to try to recover cash for investors.

Brant Frost IV said in a statement issued through his lawyers that he would like to apologize personally to those I have harmed, but I am under restrictions which prevent me from doing so.

I take full responsibility for my actions and am resolved to spend the rest of my life trying to repay as much as I can to the many people I misled and let down, Frost said in the statement. I will be cooperating with the receiver and federal authorities and ask that everyone allow the receiver time to sort things out and do his best to repair the damage I created.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said in a civil lawsuit filed Thursday that First Liberty Building and Loan, controlled by Frost, lied to investors about its business of making high-interest loans to companies. Instead, investigators said that its loans mostly went sour and that it then raised more money to repay earlier investors, while Frost skimmed millions for himself and his family.

The firms collapse rocked the religious and political networks that fed cash to the business, based in suburban Newnan, southwest of Atlanta. It also could have ramifications in state Republican politics, cutting off funding to the far-right candidates that Frost and his family have favored. Investigators said Frost spent $570,000 from investor funds on political contributions.

U.S. District Judge Michael Brown on Friday froze Frosts personal and corporate assets, banned him from the securities business, and ordered him to pay back ill-gotten gains with interest and fines. The SEC requested the order and Frost agreed to it without admitting or denying any factual allegations.

The judge also appointed financial consultant S. Gregory Hays as receiver. He will take control of assets, examine the books and try to claw back money. Everyone else is barred, for now, from suing Frost or First Liberty.

The SEC said the business had only $2.67 million in cash as of May 30. With 300 investors out $140 million, that means the average investor put in nearly $500,000.

Frost is alleged to have taken $17 million for himself, his family and affiliated companies, spending $573,000 on political donations to Republicans, $160,000 on jewelry, $20,800 on a Patek Philippe watch and $335,000 to buy gold coins. Frost is also accused of spending $320,000 to rent a vacation home over multiple years in Kennebunkport, Maine, the town where the family of late president George H. W. Bush spent summers.

The SEC said in court papers that Frost kept writing checks and soliciting new investors even after he made misrepresentations when investigators first met with Frost on May 15. Court papers included a June 16 email asking investors to put between $100,000 and $500,000 into a loan to First Liberty itself, claiming the company was developing an AI software system to help banks and credit unions complete loan applications quickly. The company went out of business 11 days later on June 27.

Federal prosecutors have declined to say whether they will seek criminal charges. Sometimes, both an SEC civil case and a federal criminal case are filed over investment frauds. The business is also being investigated by the Georgia secretary of state for possible violations of securities law.

First Liberty said it made loans to companies that needed cash while they waited for more conventional loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. It charged high rates of interest  18% on most loans, prosecutors said. First Liberty promised investors equally high rates of return  8% to 16%. The company advertised heavily to find new investors over the past year, branching out from the original family and friends approach.

Frost has been an important player in Georgia politics since 1988, when he coordinated televangelist Pat Robertsons Republican presidential bid in the state. His son, Brant Frost V, is chairman of the Coweta County Republican Party and former second vice-chair of the state Republican Party. Daughter Katie Frost is the Republican chairman of the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Coweta County and other areas southwest of Atlanta.

By JEFF AMY

Associated Press
Federal immigration agents seeking to detain a Honduran landscaper chased him into a Southern California surgical center and quickly found themselves in a tense standoff as clinic staff demanded to see identification and a warrant.

In a video clip of the Tuesday altercation that has spread on social media, Ontario Advanced Surgery Center staff in blue scrubs are heard telling an armed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent wearing a mask and bulletproof vest to let go of the man, who is crying and gasping for breath.

Get your hands off of him. You dont even have a warrant, says one staff member, shielding the man from an immigration agent. Let him go. You need to get out.

ICE has become much more public in detaining migrants, now going into immigration courts and workplaces to cuff people and take them away. This week, the bishop of San Bernardino formally excused Catholic parishioners from their weekly obligation to attend Mass following immigration detentions on two parish properties in the diocese, which includes Ontario.

The Department of Homeland Security posted on the social platform X that officers in Ontario were conducting a targeted operation to arrest two men who were in the country illegally when one of the men, identified as a 30-year-old from Honduras, fled on foot.

The department said the surgery center staff assaulted law enforcement and attempted to obstruct the arrest. The private surgery center, which is about 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Los Angeles, did not respond to a voicemail seeking comment.

Javier Hernandez, executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, said agents eventually arrested the Honduran man, and advocates do not know where he is. He was sending money to Honduras to help his mother with her dialysis treatments, Hernandez said.

He said he doubts it was a targeted operation as ICE claims because agents also questioned two co-workers until learning they both had legal status, one as a U.S. citizen and the other as a permanent resident.

Hernandez called the clinics staffers brave for asking basic questions as these detentions play out more frequently in public, even inside a private medical office. Its painful to watch the footage, he said.

Theres so many videos now that are out there, he said. Its getting harder  because the tactics are getting more violent.

Also this week, ICE officers exited an immigration courthouse in San Francisco and loaded a handcuffed man into a black SUV. Video captured protestors clinging to the hood of the vehicle as agents tried to drive away. The driver got away after speeding up, shedding the one remaining person hanging to the car.

By JANIE HAR

Associated Press
Protesters and federal agents clash during raid at Southern California farm View Photo

A confrontation erupted Thursday between protesters and federal officials carrying out a raid on a Southern California farm, with authorities throwing canisters that sprayed what looked like smoke into the air to disperse the crowd.

Vehicles from Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection blocked the road in a largely agricultural area of Camarillo lined with fields and greenhouses. There were military-style vehicles and a helicopter flying overhead.

Television images showed dozens of demonstrators gathered on a road between fields where uniformed officers stood in a line across from them. In other images, white and green smoke can be seen as protesters retreat. Other images showed protesters shouting at agents wearing camouflage gear, helmets and gas masks. It wasnt clear why the authorities threw the canisters or if they released chemicals like tear gas.

Another image from KTLA showed people sat against a wall with their hands bound in front of them; it wasnt clear if they were workers or protesters. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said they were executing a warrant at a marijuana facility.

Glass House Farms said on social media that it was visited Thursday by officials for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and fully complied with agent search warrants.

Its legal to grow and sell cannabis in California with proper licensing. State records show the company has multiple active licenses to cultivate cannabis.

The company also has a permit to grow in Ventura County, and as of last year used half of the space for cannabis while half was dedicated to tomatoes and cucumbers, the Ventura County Star reported.

Judith Ramos said she received a call Thursday morning from her father, who worked in the tomato fields.

He said immigration was outside his job, and if anything happened to take care of everything, Ramos said, her voice cracking.

The 22-year-old certified nurse assistant said she has two young siblings.

Ramos went to the farm and saw a busload of people being taken out. She was protesting alongside others when agents sprayed the deterrent.

They didnt want us to get any closer, and they started firing, Ramos said. I got some in my eyes. I had to put milk on my face.

Ramos said she does not know where her father is and had not had contact with him for more than an hour. His truck is still at the worksite, she said.

It was not immediately known which agencies participated in the raid.

The incident comes as federal immigration enforcement agents have ramped up arrests in Southern California, heading to car washes, farms and Home Depot parking lots to take people into custody while stoking widespread fear among immigrant communities.

The Trump administration has had the National Guard providing protection to federal immigration agents carrying out the raids, and this week it sent a large caravan with guns and horses to a park in Los Angeles.

Andrew Dowd, spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department, said they were dispatched around 12:15 p.m. Thursday to the area to provide emergency medical aid. Crews took three people to nearby hospitals, he said, and the incident is ongoing.

Dowd said he had no information on the types of injuries or medical emergencies sustained, and he did not have any details of the people sent to hospitals. He said he had no information on what law enforcement was doing there.

___

Associated Press writer Janie Har in San Francisco and freelancer Michael Owen Baker in Camarillo, California, contributed.

By AMY TAXIN

Associated Press
Albanese will meet with Xi next week on a trip focused on Australia-China business ties

Albanese will meet with Xi next week on a trip focused on Australia-China business ties View Photo

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet with Chinas leader Xi Jinping on an upcoming trip he said Friday would focus on closer business ties.

Albanese departs Saturday for the trip that includes stops in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, and meetings with Xi, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman Zhao Leji of the National Peoples Congress. Details on those meetings werent disclosed.

Albanese plans to meet business, tourism and sport representatives in Shanghai and Chengdu, his office said. He will lead a business delegation and will attend a CEO roundtable scheduled for Tuesday in Beijing.

Certainly in areas such as green energy for example, there is a real prospect of further engagement, Albanese told reporters in Sydney.

We cooperate where we can and we disagree where we must and were able to have those honest conversations about some of the disagreements that are there, he added.

It will be Albaneses second visit to China since his center-left Labor Party government was first elected in 2022. It was reelected with an increased majority in May.

Albanese has managed to persuade Beijing to remove a series of official and unofficial trade barriers introduced under the previous conservative government that cost Australian exporters more than 20 billion Australian dollars ($13 billion) a year.

Beijing severed communications with the previous administration over issues including Australian calls for an independent inquiry into the origins of and responses to COVID-19. But Albanese wants to reduce Australias economic dependence on China, a free trade partner.

My government has worked very hard to diversify trade  and to increase our relationships with other countries in the region, including India and Indonesia and the ASEAN countries, Albanese said, referring to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

But the relationship with China is an important one, as is our relationships when it comes to exports with the north Asian economies of South Korea and Japan, he added.

By ROD McGUIRK

Associated Press
South Korea, US and Japan hold aerial drill in demonstration of strength against North Korea

South Korea, US and Japan hold aerial drill in demonstration of strength against North Korea View Photo

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Top South Korean, U.S. and Japanese military officers urged North Korea to cease all unlawful activities that threaten regional security, as the three nations flew advanced warplanes for a joint exercise in a show of force against the North.

The development came Friday as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was to travel to North Korea amid booming military and other cooperation between the two countries that have raised concerns among their neighbors.

During their regular meeting in Seoul on Friday, the chairmen of the joint chiefs of staff from South Korea, the U.S. and Japan discussed North Koreas deployment of troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine and Russias potential transfer of military technology to North Korea in return.

They urged the DPRK to immediately cease all unlawful activities to destabilize the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific, and beyond, and pledged to continue working together to respond to the DPRKs threats, according to a joint press statement.

DPRK stands for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, North Koreas formal name.

North Korea and Russia have grown sharply closer in recent years, with North Korea supplying thousands of troops and ammunitions to Russia in return for economic and military assistance. Seoul, Washington and their partners worry Russia might provide North Korea with sensitive technologies that can enhance its nuclear and missile programs as well.

The three joint chiefs of staff chairmen  South Koreas Kim Myung-soo, the United States Dan Caine and Japans Yoshida Yoshihide  discussed various ways to deepen their cooperation in order to ensure peace and stability in the region, according to the joint statement.

Also Friday, the three countries staged a trilateral aerial drill in international waters off South Koreas southern Jeju island. The training, which involves nuclear-capable B-52H bombers from the U.S., is meant to improve the deterrence and response capabilities against North Koreas evolving nuclear and missile threats, according to South Koreas Defense Ministry.

In recent years, South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have been expanding or restarting their regular military training exercises to cope with North Koreas enlarging nuclear arsenal. North Korea views such U.S.-led drills as invasion rehearsals and often responds with missile tests.

Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, was to begin a three-day trip to North Korea on Friday, according to North Korean and Russian state media reports earlier this week.

Russias Tass news agency, citing Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, reported Wednesday that Lavrovs North Korea trip was part of the second round of strategic dialogue with his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui. Lavrov and Choes earlier meeting took place in November in Moscow.

Some South Korean analysts said Lavrov may discuss arranging a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia.

By HYUNG-JIN KIM

Associated Press
Yves here. It should come as no surprise that large food companies, even ones that sport organic product lines, care more about cost minimization than farming conditions. This of course is typical neoliberal short-sightedness and corporate short-term return incentives writ large.

The reason this matters is food, more so than ever in the modern era, is set to become a flash point for political and geopolitical conflict. At least in the US, ample farm output meant that the big controversies were mainly about subsidies, such as to milk producers. Theres only been the occasional media bleat about consolidation of farm ownership and how small family farms have been badly squeezed.

Climate change is shifting growing patterns and producing erratic weather patterns that are producing more and more crop shortfalls around the world. This is happening as nations and investors have been snapping up productive land. I know a hedge fund that was buying farmland in Africa in the early 2000s, and China has similarly bought farms in Africa to help assure food supplies. Some US billionaires have also been buying up large swathes of arable land.

Some optimists contend that climate change will make land in further north regions more productive, compensating for climate-change-induced yield reductions in now prime regions. This is misguided. Those parts of the planet get less sunlight over the year, which limits agricultural productivity. As a result, they also have much less accumulated organic material in the soil, again lowering output potential. In other words, more productive is not likely to be productive enough.

This is a long-winded way of pointing out that food production and supply is set to become more politicized as scarcity increases.

By Shannon Kelleher. Originally published at The New Lede

Major food corporations are failing to effectively support farming practices that protect human and environmental health, according to an assessment of 20 companies released Thursday by a corporate watchdog group.

The report scored corporate programs and policies related to regenerative agriculture  a type of farming that prioritizes healthy soil  determining that, on average, the companies deserved a near-failing grade of D.

The nonprofit group As You Sow, which said it based its analyses on industry reports and other publicly available data, assigned the lowest grades to W.K. Kellogg Co., known for popular cereals including Frosted Flakes and Rice Krispies, and B&G Foods, Inc., whose brands include Crisco and Cream of Wheat.

Companies earning the highest scores included PepsiCo, the global snack and beverage giant, as well as McCain Foods and Lamb Weston, both known for their French fries and other potato products.

Regenerative farming practices have been surging in popularity in recent years, driven by concerns that industrial agricultural practices are contributing to global warming, polluting waterways, degrading soil health, harming delicate ecosystems and endangering human health and the health of many important species with widespread use of toxic chemicals.

Leaders of the regenerative agriculture movement encourage farmers to reduce and eventually eliminate pesticide use, diversify crops, incorporate livestock into their operations, and to make soil health a top priority to better sequester carbon, protect waterways from chemical runoff, and grow healthier crops.

Promoting regenerative practices is one of the stated goals of the Trump administrations Make America Healthy Again movement.

Several large corporations are embracing the movement, offering an array of programs and incentives to farmers, and touting their support for the regenerative movement to shareholders and customers.

Over half of the companies assessed in the report have adopted some type of regenerative agriculture program with general goals, measurable by acreage or percentage of supply chain, the authors found. More than half also provide regenerative farmers with financial support, a major barrier to transitioning to the sustainable farming style.

However, most of the companies are not collecting field-level data from their suppliers, highlighting an important blind spot . [and] areas for improvement across the food industry, according to the report.

On average, the companies are failing to provide farmers with the support needed to scale up regenerative farming, the authors concluded. And only six of the companies require their suppliers to follow three or more specific practices, which can include planting cover crops that control erosion and suppress weeds, cutting back on soil-disrupting tillage and boosting crop diversity.

Engaging in a full range of regenerative practices is essential to improving soil health, biodiversity, farm resilience, and other outcomes, the authors write. Companies requiring two or fewer practices as part of their regenerative programs  may fail to regenerate healthy soils and be at risk for greenwashing claims.

Lamb Weston and Conagra were the only companies in the assessment to both collect and publicly report pesticide use by their suppliers, setting a standard for peers to follow, the authors wrote. Two other companies, McCain Foods and Post Holdings, collected pesticide use data but did not publicly report it. While reducing pesticides is essential to achieving regenerative outcomes, particularly with regard to maintaining soil health, according to the report, regenerative programs generally permit the use of such chemicals.

In addition to significantly reducing or eliminating pesticides, the authors recommend that companies develop clear indicators to measure their suppliers progress, such as soil organic matter and water quality, and that they provide financial incentives to farmers to support using regenerative techniques. They also note that almost all of the companies scored in the report use limited remoting sensing technologies to track soil health, which can provide unreliable data.

The benchmarks outlined in this report can assist investors in evaluating the degree to which companies are moving to proactively reduce risks in their supply chains through regenerative agriculture, the authors write.

Nate Powell-Palm, a first-generation regenerative farmer in Montana, was initially enthusiastic about the prospects for regenerative farming, but has since become disappointed.

What I found was that mostly the word regenerative became synonymous with no-till systems, said Powell-Palm during a July 10 webinar hosted by As You Sow, referring to a farming practice in which crops are grown without plowing the soil. While the technique can reduce soil erosion, it has also been associated with heavy weedkiller use.

Such farming systems fail to live up to visions of a more sustainable agricultural system, mostly maintaining the status quo, said Powell-Palm.
Israel seeks assurances from Trump for potential Gaza offensive amid fragile ceasefire talks

Israel is reportedly seeking a side letter from President Donald Trump to permit the renewal of hostilities if their demands for Hamas' disarmament and exile of its leaders are not met, despite public optimism about a ceasefire.

The current ceasefire proposal, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, includes a 60-day pause in hostilities to facilitate negotiations. However, Israeli media reports indicate significant behind-the-scenes challenges, particularly regarding post-truce arrangements.

Israeli military reservist Amit Yagur suggests that Trump's push for a "new Middle East" is increasing pressure on regional actors, especially Qatar, where many Hamas officials are based, affecting negotiations.

Hamas' key demands for a ceasefire include the dissolution of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, Israeli military withdrawals to pre-March 2023 positions and international guarantees to prevent renewed attacks by Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to the U.S. proposal but rejects Hamas' amendments, aiming to destroy Hamas and secure the release of captives. The U.S. seeks to link the Gaza war's end with broader Middle East diplomacy, including potential Israeli-Arab ties, while also discussing a new nuclear deal with Iran.

Israel is reportedly seeking a side letter from President Donald Trump that would allow it to "renew the fire" if its demands for the disarmament of Hamas and the exile of its leaders are not met.

This request comes despite public claims of optimism from both Israeli officials and Trump about the prospects for a ceasefire.

The current ceasefire proposal, which includes a 60-day pause in hostilities, is being brokered by Qatar and Egypt. During this period, negotiators would work towards ending the war. However, Israeli media reports suggest that serious challenges persist behind the scenes, particularly over what will happen after the truce. (Related: Trump announces 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal as Israel agrees, Hamas remains cautious.)

Amit Yagur, an Israeli military reservist and former deputy head of Palestinian affairs, told Channel 14 that Trump's push for a "new Middle East" is increasing pressure on regional actors, particularly Qatar, where many senior Hamas officials are based.

"The focus must be on the new Middle East," Yagur said. "The new regional architecture being discussed creates pressure among all the players."

During a cabinet meeting on July 1, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that any deal would guarantee the destruction of Palestinian resistance.

"We have to kill anyone who is holding a weapon," he said.

Military analyst Amos Harel noted that Netanyahu may be staging the appearance of compromise for Washington while signaling to Hamas that his core demands remain unchanged.

Hamas' demands

Hamas has three main demands for a ceasefire:

End to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) : The GHF has been criticized for making aid conditional on political and military aims, with critics calling it "a cynical sideshow" and "a fig leaf for further violence and displacement."

: The GHF has been criticized for making aid conditional on political and military aims, with critics calling it "a cynical sideshow" and "a fig leaf for further violence and displacement." Israeli military withdrawals : Hamas wants Israeli forces to withdraw to the positions they held before the ceasefire was violated in March 2023.

: Hamas wants Israeli forces to withdraw to the positions they held before the ceasefire was violated in March 2023. International guarantees for an end to the war: Hamas is seeking assurances that Israel will not resume attacks even if the ceasefire ends without a permanent resolution.

The Israeli military has been accused of deliberately targeting unarmed Palestinians, with at least 743 Palestinians killed at GHF sites in recent weeks. The Israeli military has also created corridors in Gaza, further dividing the territory.

Netanyahu has agreed to the original U.S. proposal but has called Hamas' amendments "unacceptable." He has vowed not to end the war until all captives are released and Hamas is "destroyed," a goal many analysts consider impossible and a political objective for Netanyahu to maintain his leadership.

What's at stake in Washington

As Netanyahu meets with Trump, the future of the Gaza war hangs in the balance. Both leaders have reasons to seek a truce. Netanyahu, buoyed by what Israelis see as a successful attack in Iran, may have more flexibility to make concessions. Hamas does not want to be blamed for rejecting a truce.

The U.S. hopes to link the end of the war with a potential diplomatic reshuffle in the Middle East, including formal ties between Israel and Arab countries. However, Saudi Arabia and other Arab states are unlikely to agree to normalize relations unless the Gaza war ends.

Trump and Netanyahu will also discuss a new nuclear agreement with Iran. Trump has expressed interest in a "permanent deal," while Netanyahu has long been skeptical of any deals with Tehran. The recent U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran have complicated the situation, with mixed assessments of their impact.

Watch the video below that talks about Israel agreeing to the 60-day ceasefire conditions.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump announces Israel agrees to US-backed 60-day Gaza ceasefire, urges Hamas to accept "final proposal."

Trump predicts Gaza ceasefire within a week as Israel's deadly aid blockade sparks global outrage.

Iran threatens "FINAL WAR" with Israel as Gaza ceasefire talks gain momentum.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

AlJazeera.com

NYTimes.com

Brighteon.com
Trump signs EO targeting subsidies for unreliable renewable energy sources

President Donald Trump signed an order on July 7 eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy, aiming to phase out subsidies by 2027 and redirect focus to fossil fuels for national security and economic growth.

The order enforces the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, terminating Clean Electricity Tax Credits within 45 days and tightening eligibility for renewable projects under construction.

The president criticized renewable subsidies as costly and unreliable, emphasizing landscape disruption and dependence on foreign (e.g., Chinese) manufacturing in the industry.

The order dismantles former President Biden's offshore wind expansions  branding them economically flawed  while prioritizing coal, nuclear and hydroelectric projects via deregulation.

Critics warn the abrupt shift could destabilize renewables, forcing closures of solar factories. The move sparks a clash between deregulation advocates and green energy proponents, with global supply chain impacts anticipated.

President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order (EO) targeting tax credits for renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

The chief executive affixed his signature to the aforementioned EO on Monday, July 7. It directed federal agencies to dismantle taxpayer-funded subsidies for wind and solar energy while accelerating domestic reliance on fossil fuels. Trump framed the order as a move critical to national security, power grid stability and economic growth.

The order enforces provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law Friday, July 4. The landmark legislation phases out renewable energy tax credits by 2027 and imposes stricter eligibility rules for projects under construction.

The directive builds on Trump's long-standing skepticism of renewable energy subsidies, which he has repeatedly criticized as costly and reliable. The president has also denounced the industry's reliance on foreign-manufactured components, particularly from China.

During a Fox News interview from late June, Trump argued that massive wind and solar installations scarred the landscape while failing to provide dependable power. "I don't want windmills destroying our place. I don't want these solar things where they go for miles and they cover up half a mountain that are ugly as hell," he said at the time.

Under the order, the Department of the Treasury under Secretary Scott Bessent must enforce the termination of the Clean Electricity Production and Investment Tax Credits for wind and solar facilities within 45 days, closing loopholes that allowed extended eligibility. Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior under Secretary Doug Burgum must review policies that favor renewables over "dispatchable" energy sources like coal and nuclear power, aiming to eliminate preferential treatment.

Trump's energy reversal shakes up renewables

Critics, including Solar Energy Industries Association CEO Abigail Ross Hopper, warn the abrupt shift could destabilize the renewable sector, forcing closures of solar factories and undermining small businesses. In a statement, she slammed the OBBBA as a "significant step backward" for the U.S. energy economy.

The policy marks a sharp reversal from the Biden administration's aggressive offshore wind expansions, which Trump's Monday order dismisses as economically and environmentally untenable. Historical tension over energy subsidies dates back decades but intensified under Obama-era green initiatives, which conservatives argue inflated dependency on intermittent energy.

In January, Trump signed an EO declaring a national energy emergency. He framed the Jan. 20 order as a way to correct "burdensome and ideologically motivated regulations," urging deregulation to expedite coal, hydroelectric and nuclear projects. (Related: Trump declares national energy emergency to revive American energy dominance.)

As federal agencies prepare compliance reports due within 45 days, the order sets the stage for a protracted battle between proponents of energy deregulation and renewable advocates who view subsidies as essential for climate goals. While the administration touts fiscal responsibility and energy independence, the ripple effects may reshape not only U.S. power infrastructure but also global supply chain dynamics.

The White House is now betting on coal and oil to reclaim what it calls "energy dominance." But the coming months will test whether dismantling green incentives proves as transformative as Trump promises.

Watch this Fox Business report about President Trump pursuing a "huge" energy project in Alaska.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump admin redirects $365M meant for solar power projects in Puerto Rico to more reliable fossil fuels.

Trump Energy Department halts $400B Biden-era green energy loans.

Trump's energy plan: A path to American prosperity and security.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

WhiteHouse.gov

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
Randall Fitzgeralds Alien in the Mirror explores UFO theories and the cosmos of controversy

Randall Fitzgerald's "Alien in the Mirror" investigates decades of UFO theories, testimonies and government cover-ups, urging readers to rethink conventional narratives about extraterrestrial contact.

The book examines the infamous 1947 Roswell crash through firsthand accounts (e.g., Maj. Jesse Marcel) and declassified documents, revealing a deliberate military cover-up likened to a "cosmic Watergate."

Fitzgerald exposes Cold War-era tactics, such as Project Blue Book's suppression of sightings and CIA psychological warfare, showing how authorities manipulated public perception of UFOs.

The book explores contentious claims, like the Dogon tribe's advanced Sirius star knowledge and Erich von Daniken's "ancient astronaut" hypothesis, challenging mainstream views of human history.

Cases like the 1977 Cash-Landrum incident and theories from Vallee/Keel suggest UFOs may involve more than extraterrestrialspotentially intersecting with human consciousness. The book emphasizes enduring mysteries and the need for critical inquiry.

In an age where the boundaries of science and speculation blur, Randall Fitzgerald's "Alien in the Mirror: Extraterrestrial Contact Theories and Evidence" offers a compelling journey into the enigmatic world of UFOs and alien contact.

The book, a meticulous exploration of decades of research and firsthand accounts, challenges readers to question the conventional narratives surrounding extraterrestrial encounters. It also looks at the roles of both government and media in shaping public perception.

Fitzgerald's journey began in 1979 when he received a call from Stanton Friedman, the worlds only nuclear physicist dedicated to full-time UFO research. Friedman's provocative claim that the 1947 Roswell incident was a "cosmic Watergate" and a Pulitzer Prize-worthy story set Fitzgerald on a path that would lead him through a labyrinth of theories, testimonies, and declassified documents.

The Roswell incident, which involved the alleged crash of an unidentified flying object, has long been a cornerstone of UFO lore. Fitzgerald's interview with Maj. Jesse Marcel, the intelligence officer dispatched to investigate the crash, revealed a scene of extraordinary debris and a cover-up that has become a hallmark of UFO mythology. Marcel's accounts, corroborated by Leonard Stringfield's FBI documents and photographs, paint a picture of an event shrouded in secrecy and intrigue.

The 1950s marked a pivotal era in UFO history, with a surge in sightings and a corresponding government response. Capt. Edward Ruppelt, head of the Air Force's Project Blue Book, revealed that his team was ordered to conceal sightings and disparage witnesses, even their own pilots. This campaign of disinformation and ridicule, aimed at calming public fears and confusing potential adversaries, highlights the lengths to which authorities went to control the narrative.

The declassified CIA study from 1997 further confirmed that the agency had actively used UFO phenomena for psychological warfare, feeding disinformation to researchers and witnesses. This admission underscores the government's willingness to manipulate public perception, casting a shadow over the credibility of official statements.

As Fitzgerald's investigation unfolds, readers are introduced to a diverse array of characters and theories that challenge the fabric of reality. The Dogon tribe of Mali's knowledge of the Sirius star system  including the existence of the invisible Sirius B and its 50-year orbit around Sirius A  raises profound questions about the source of the ethnic group's astronomical wisdom. While some attribute this knowledge to ancient civilizations or extraterrestrial contact, the debate remains a source of fierce debate among scholars and enthusiasts.

Erich von Daniken's theories of ancient astronauts offer another layer of complexity to the narrative. Von Daniken suggests that ancient texts and artifacts, from the pyramids of Egypt to the Nazca lines of Peru, are evidence of extraterrestrial visitation.

Although his ideas are often dismissed by mainstream scholars, they have inspired a generation of researchers to question the conventional understanding of human history. The persistence of these theories, regardless of their scientific merit, reflects a deep-seated human curiosity about our origins and place in the universe.

Modern UFO incidents, such as the 1977 Cash-Landrum incident, where two women and a child suffered severe health issues after an alleged UFO encounter, add a contemporary dimension to the debate. The incident, which involved a fleet of helicopters and unexplained phenomena, highlights the potential dangers of UFO encounters and the governments reluctance to conduct transparent investigations.

Researchers like Jacques Vallee and John Keel propose that UFOs may not be mere extraterrestrial spacecraft but manifestations of a more complex phenomenon interacting with human consciousness. Their theories challenge readers to reconsider the nature of reality itself.

"Alien in the Mirror" leaves readers with more questions than answers, a fitting conclusion for a book that dares to explore the uncharted territories of the unknown. Whether we are alone in the universe or visited by beings from other worlds remains an open question.

What is clear, however, is the enduring human quest for truth and the importance of critically examining the narratives that shape our understanding of the world. As we continue to look to the stars, Fitzgerald's work serves as a reminder that the journey itself is as important as the destination.

Watch this video about Randall Fitzgerald's book "Alien in the Mirror: Extraterrestrial Contact Theories and Evidence."

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Bill Gates faces Dutch court showdown over COVID vaccine injuries as plaintiffs accuse him of deception and genocide

Bill Gatesthe billionaire philanthropist turned global vaccine czaris now facing fresh legal scrutiny as three new plaintiffs seek to join a Dutch lawsuit accusing him, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, and 15 other defendants of misleading the public about the safety of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The lawsuit, filed by seven injured victims last year (one now deceased), alleges deliberate deception, coercion, and even "murder" in the mass vaccination campaign. But this legal reckoning is just the tip of the iceberg. Gates deep financial investments in mRNA technology, coupled with his aggressive push for global vaccinations, reveal a disturbing pattern: profiting from a public health disaster while evading accountability for the injuries and deaths his products have caused.

The Dutch case against Gates and Pfizer hinges on truth-telling. Defense lawyers argue "vaccines are safe"yet injured plaintiffs sat in court, ignored by officials. Plaintiffs lawyer Peter Stassen warned judges: "If you silence experts, their blood is on your hands."

Meanwhile, Dutch authorities arrested another plaintiffs attorneyArno van Kesselin a shocking raid, holding him in high-security prison without charges. Critics call it intimidation to derail justice for the victims of vaccine injury.

Key points:

Three new vaccine-injured plaintiffs seek to join a Dutch lawsuit against Gates and Pfizer, accusing them of hiding vaccine risks.

Proposed expert witnessesincluding ex-pharma executives and bioweapons expertswill testify on vaccine dangers.

Gates heavily invested in BioNTech (Pfizers partner) and CureVac before COVID, selling shares for massive profit.

U.S. military and taxpayer-funded mRNA research laid the groundwork for Gates lucrative vaccine empire.

Gates is buying massive farmland holdings in states with mRNA research hubs, raising concerns about control over food and medical supply chains.

How Gates profited from mRNALong before COVID

Bill Gates didnt jump on the mRNA bandwagon during the pandemiche helped build it. Public-private collusion between the U.S. government and Big Pharma allowed Gates to cash in on experimental biotech while maintaining plausible deniability.

1. Military and government funding

As Sasha Latypova, a former pharmaceutical executive, explains, "mRNA tech wouldnt exist without Pentagon funding." The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) funneled billions into bioweapons research disguised as 'defensive' biosecurity. Moderna, a key mRNA developer, received $1 billion from BARDA in 2020 aloneyet hid DARPAs role in its patents, violating federal law.

2. Pre-plandemic investments

Gates bet big on mRNA years ahead of COVID:

2017-2019: Pumped $155M into BioNTech, later sold for huge profits.

2015: Invested $162M into CureVac, a Gates Foundation mRNA partner.

2023: Pledged $40M for mRNA vaccine factories in Africa.

And its not just vaccinesGates owns companies producing mRNA components:

Aldevron: Manufactures DNA for Modernas shots.

Danaher Corp: Controls lipid nanoparticle encapsulation (key for mRNA delivery).

Farmland acquisitions: control over food and Pharma?

While pushing global mRNA injections, Gates quietly purchased over 20,000 acres in North Dakota, Nebraska, and Wisconsinstates hosting mRNA research hubs. Suspiciously, his "Red River Trust" shell company skirted North Dakotas anti-corporate farming laws, thanks to Gov. Doug Burgum, a former Microsoft exec who received $107,000 from Gates.

But why buy farmland? Gates has been silent on his large acquisitionsbut experts suspect dark motives:

Jessica Rose, Ph.D.: "This is about controlling food and water, tagging humans like livestock."

Latypova: He wants private control over land, universities, and governments for biotech domination.

North Dakota residents warn these deals decimate local farmsbut AG Drew Wrigley, a Gates ally, approved them.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation should compensate vaccine injured, listen to their testimonies

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation finances vaccine roll-outs worldwide, with Bill Gates granted an exclusive platform to promote COVID vaccines globally, going as far as to push lockdowns and other coercive measures to get shots in every arm. After profiting from destructive lockdowns, coercion, medical discrimination, segregation, and the aggressive push for mass vaccinationsachieved through unethical and harmful meansGates must be held accountable. Courts should compel him to compensate those harmed by COVID vaccines, joining pharmaceutical companies in facing legal consequences.

Moreover, Gates should be required to hear firsthand the testimonies of vaccine-injured individualsa reality he arrogantly dismisses while continuing to push more vaccines, colluding in censorship, and gaslighting victims by labeling their truths as "disinformation." His collaboration with Big Tech to silence injured voices only deepens the injustice. Justice demands transparency, reparations for victims, and an end to these abuses of power.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

ChildrensHealthDefense.org [PDF]

ChildrensHealthDefense.org
Telegraph: British F-35 jets have flimsy protection, RAF bases vulnerable to sabotage

British Royal Air Force (RAF) bases housing advanced F-35 jets (some nuclear-capable) have inadequate fencing, unmanned barriers and poorly monitored perimeters, leaving them exposed to sabotage by activists or foreign adversaries.

Intruders from Palestine Action vandalized aircraft at RAF Brize Norton after bypassing weak defenses, prompting a Defense Ministry security review but no public details on fixes.

Despite NATO's reliance on these jets for deterrence against Russia, some bases rely on low-tech perimeters like five-foot fences or hedges  deemed insufficient by analysts.

The RAF claims to use motion sensors and patrols, but critics argue these fail to address perimeter gaps, with Shadow Defense Minister Mark Francois demanding urgent action.

Historic military underfunding and budget constraints force prioritization of "sensitive" assets over universal upgrades, raising questions about whether rapid spending hikes can outpace security risks.

Security gaps at bases of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) have left the United Kingdom's advanced F-35 fighter jets  some equipped with nuclear capabilities  open to potential sabotage, according to investigations by The Telegraph.

Multiple high-priority airstrips feature inadequate fencing, unmanned barriers and poorly monitored perimeters, the publication disclosed in a report Friday, July 4. This has raised concerns about threats from activist groups like Palestine Action and foreign adversaries.

True enough, intruders from Palestine Action breached RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire last month. The demonstrators, who managed to enter the installation undetected, vandalized two military aircraft. This has prompted the British Ministry of Defense (MOD) to conduct a nationwide security review.

Despite their critical role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) deterrence strategy against Russia, several RAF installations remain alarmingly underprotected. Publicly accessible imagery reveals stretches of five-foot chain-link fences, wooden barriers or even hedges encircling runways.

An insider with the military branch admitted that these measures are "not perfect." Analysts, warn that hostile actors could exploit these weaknesses  citing the June intrusion at RAF Brize Norton.

The RAF insists it employs "layered" defenses, including motion sensors and patrols, but critics argue these fail to address perimeter vulnerabilities. British Shadow Defense Minister Mark Francois called for swift corrective action, labeling the findings "serious revelations."

The U.K.'s military security paradox

Meanwhile, the MOD acknowledged heightened risks. It said a post-Brize Norton review has initiated enhanced safeguards, though specifics remain undisclosed. Historically, underfunding has plagued British military infrastructure.

The current push to boost defense spending to 4.1 percent of GDP reflects NATO's broader escalation amid tensions with Russia  a threat Moscow dismisses as pretextual. Yet experts contend financial constraints still hamper comprehensive fixes, forcing prioritization of "most sensitive" assets over universal upgrades. (Related: Russia warns all airfields hosting Kyiv's F-16 fighter jets are legitimate targets  even if they arent in Ukraine.)

As Palestine Action vows further incursions in RAF bases across the country and geopolitical tensions simmer, the U.K. faces mounting pressure to fortify its defenses. The episode underscores a stark dilemma: Can rapid budget injections outpace evolving threats, or will reliance on patchwork security leave critical technology exposed?

For now, the F-35s  symbols of Britain's military ambitions  remain tethered to fences even ordinary people can scale. The MOD reassures that unseen countermeasures and ongoing reviews will mitigate risks, but with adversaries scrutinizing every lapse, the clock is ticking. In an era where deterrence hinges on both firepower and impervious infrastructure, the RAF's struggle to secure its crown jewels reveals vulnerabilities far harder to mask than a five-foot fence.

Check out NationalSecurity.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video of a Houthi missile almost downing an American F-35 fighter jet over the waters of Yemen.

This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

United Kingdom faces legal and ethical scrutiny over F-35 components supplied to Israel.

Israel inks deal to get 25 additional F-35 fighter jets from U.S. paid for by American taxpayers.

Global NGOs urge immediate halt to F-35 fighter jet exports to Israel over illegal use in Gaza and West Bank.

Sources include:

RT.com

Telegraph.co.uk 1

Telegraph.co.uk 2

Brighteon.com
All The Things That Matter on BrightU: Did America repeat Israels fatal mistake by rejecting GOD as KING?

In episode 5 of "All The Things That Matter," Brad Cummings warned that America, like ancient Israel, is rejecting divine governance for human leaders, leading to economic turmoil, cultural decay and loss of divine favor.

Citing 1 Samuel 8, Cummings compared Israel's demand for a king (who exploited them) to America's reliance on political saviors who erode freedoms.

America mirrors Israel's spiritual decline when God's presence departed (symbolized by "Ichabod"), as corruption and moral collapse lead to chaos.

Cummings cautioned against treating political figures as saviors, emphasizing that only repentance and a return to God can reverse judgment.

The solution lies in rejecting secular power and embracing divine governance, as seen in the Founders' vision  failure to heed this risks national desolation.

In episode 5 of "All The Things That Matter," which aired on July 9, author and theologian Brad Cummings issued a dire warning to America  one that echoes the ancient missteps of Israel when they demanded a human king instead of divine sovereignty.

Drawing from biblical history, Cummings argued that the U.S. is now facing the same catastrophic consequences Israel endured: economic turmoil, cultural decay and a withdrawal of divine favor.

Cummings, co-author of "The Shack" and editor of "The Founders' Bible," didnt mince words: "When Israel rejected God as their king, they got Saul  a leader who enslaved them instead of liberating them. America is making the same mistake, trading divine governance for political saviors."

The parallels are chilling. In 1 Samuel 8, Israel demanded a human ruler, despite God's warning that a king would exploit them  taking their sons for war, their daughters for service and a tenth of their wealth. "Sound familiar?" Cummings asked. "We're watching our freedoms erode under leaders who serve themselves, not God."

Cummings pointed to a pivotal biblical tragedy  the loss of God's presence symbolized by the name Ichabod, meaning "the glory has departed." When Israel's priesthood became corrupt (1 Samuel 4), God allowed the Ark of the Covenant to be captured, leaving the nation spiritually desolate.

"America is in an Ichabod moment," Cummings declared. "We've normalized corruption, abandoned biblical justice and now wonder why chaos reigns. The signs are everywhere  economic instability, moral collapse and a government that no longer serves the people."

The discussion turned to modern politics, where Cummings warned against idolizing leaders as saviors. "In Jesus time, the crowds chose Barabbas  a revolutionary  over the true King. Today, we're desperate for a 'MAGA king' or any strongman to fix things. But no human leader can reverse divine judgment without repentance."

He even revealed he wrote in "Jesus" on his ballot as an act of repentance: "The only solution is returning to God's governance. The Founders knew this  America was meant to be a 'heavenly kingdom,' not a secular empire."

Cummings and Dr. Sherri Tenpenny agreed that America's crises  from financial struggles to cultural decay  mirror the "curses for disobedience" outlined in Deuteronomy 28. "We're experiencing the consequences of forsaking God," Tenpenny noted. "But just like Israel, repentance can restore us."

History doesn't repeat, but it rhymes. Israel's rejection of divine rule led to exile. America now stands at the same crossroads. Cummings' message is clear: No leader can save America  only a return to God can.

Want to know more?

If you want to learn more about how you can join the healing revolution and regain control of your health, want to view the presentations at your convenience or learn at your own pace, you can purchase the "All The Things That Matter" package here.

Upon purchase, you will get instant and unlimited access to eight "All The Things That Matter" videos (with eight audios and eight transcripts), free "Walking With God" eBook (details on a PDF) and a 20 percent discount on "The Founder's Bible" (details on a PDF).

Sources include:

BrighteonUniversity.com 1

BrightU.com

BrighteonUniversity.com 2
EXERCISE PEGASUS a pandemic pre-drill to prepare everyone for new plandemic virus, clot shots and lockdowns

Remember, right after these drills theres always a major staged event of the same nature. Weve seen this time and time again. Get ready for the pandemic follow-up to "Exercise Pegasus," accompanied by mass-demand for lockdowns, masks, and depopulation clot shots.

The United Kingdom is set to launch its most extensive pandemic preparedness drill yet  Exercise PEGASUS  in autumn 2025. Framed as a routine readiness test, the simulation coincides with the UKs recent signing of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, prompting concerns about the centralization of pandemic response authority and the future use of lockdowns under international coordination.

UK Launches Largest-Ever Pandemic Drill Amid WHO Treaty Signing : The UK will run Exercise PEGASUS in autumn 2025, its most extensive pandemic simulation yet, following the signing of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Though the treaty claims to prevent WHO-imposed lockdowns, it enables the organization to strongly influence national pandemic responses through recommendations and compliance frameworks.

: The UK will run Exercise PEGASUS in autumn 2025, its most extensive pandemic simulation yet, following the signing of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Though the treaty claims to prevent WHO-imposed lockdowns, it enables the organization to strongly influence national pandemic responses through recommendations and compliance frameworks. WHO Treaty Enables De Facto Global Lockdown Coordination : Specific treaty articles empower the WHO to guide lockdown-style measures through international oversight, mandatory pandemic planning, and social measures like travel restrictions and school closures. Despite language denying direct authority, the agreement institutionalizes global pressure on sovereign nations to comply.

: Specific treaty articles empower the WHO to guide lockdown-style measures through international oversight, mandatory pandemic planning, and social measures like travel restrictions and school closures. Despite language denying direct authority, the agreement institutionalizes global pressure on sovereign nations to comply. Pandemic Governance Becomes Permanent Infrastructure in UK : The UKs government is embedding a permanent, cross-departmental Pandemic Resilience Programme Board with strategic oversight across all four nations. This board, coupled with new legislation for health data access, signals a shift toward enduring pandemic control mechanisms with national security-level priority.

: The UKs government is embedding a permanent, cross-departmental Pandemic Resilience Programme Board with strategic oversight across all four nations. This board, coupled with new legislation for health data access, signals a shift toward enduring pandemic control mechanisms with national security-level priority. Broader Concerns Over Coordinated Pandemic Scenarios: Alongside UK and WHO developments, the U.S. militarys DARPA is funding AI pandemic simulations and controversial gain-of-function research. Critics fear these parallel efforts represent a trend toward orchestrated pandemic scenarios, with powerful institutions normalizing surveillance, data sharing, and emergency powers under the guise of readiness.

PEGASUS: UK plans massive Pandemic Drill after signing WHO lockdown treaty

Exercise PEGASUS will simulate a major pandemic scenario across all four UK nations  England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It carries a "Tier 1" designation, typically reserved for national security operations, suggesting the government is institutionalizing pandemic readiness as a top priority. The exercise will test preparedness structures, emergency response and interdepartmental coordination. It also supports a broader initiative to establish permanent pandemic infrastructure, including the creation of a Cross-Departmental Pandemic Resilience Programme Board, which is tasked with long-term planning and governance beyond COVID-19.

The timing of this exercise follows the UKs endorsement of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, a global treaty designed to coordinate international responses to pandemics. While the treaty expressly prohibits the WHO from mandating lockdowns, vaccine mandates, or travel restrictions, it grants the organization sweeping powers to recommend social measures and shape national policy through a complex system of non-binding but enforceable oversight mechanisms.

Key provisions of the treaty include:

Article 6.2(a) : Encourages states to implement "social measures" during pandemics  a term historically associated with lockdowns, business closures, and school shutdowns.

: Encourages states to implement "social measures" during pandemics  a term historically associated with lockdowns, business closures, and school shutdowns. Articles 15.1 & 15.4 : Require governments to prepare ongoing pandemic plans, even during non-emergency periods, effectively baking lockdown preparedness into standard policy.

: Require governments to prepare ongoing pandemic plans, even during non-emergency periods, effectively baking lockdown preparedness into standard policy. Article 16.1 : Promotes government control of pandemic-related information, raising concerns about censorship and narrative enforcement.

: Promotes government control of pandemic-related information, raising concerns about censorship and narrative enforcement. Article 4.4 and 19.56: Create international coordination and compliance mechanisms that can pressure nations to align with WHO recommendations, even absent legal mandates.

Critics argue that this architecture paves the way for de facto global lockdown governance under the veneer of voluntary measures, as countries align pandemic plans to WHO standards in anticipation of future health crises.

Adding to these concerns is a parallel surge in pandemic simulation and vaccine development activity in the U.S. The Department of Defenses DARPA is running AI-based outbreak models while funding researchers exploring human infection experiments using aerosolized viruses. Simultaneously, U.S. health agencies like the NIH continue to fund gain-of-function research  including drug-resistant, transmissible influenza strains  despite bipartisan consensus that such research likely contributed to the origin of COVID-19.

The UKs preparations echo these developments, with new policies to expand access to personal medical data, proposed legislative changes, and top-down coordination strategies. Documents explicitly call for UK-wide methodologies, signaling a shift away from local autonomy toward central command structures in health emergencies.

While the government frames Exercise PEGASUS and its new pandemic board as prudent planning, critics warn that these steps reflect the institutionalization of emergency powers  laying the foundation for permanent pandemic governance with broad-reaching authority, reduced public oversight, and the potential for future restrictions dictated by international entities rather than domestic democratic processes.

Bookmark Infections.news to get the latest updates about the engineered plandemics where the globalists try to lock everyone down again, steal our rights, and kill us off with clot shots.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

NaturalNews.com

SHTFplan.com
Melting glaciers awaken hundreds of dormant volcanoes, threatening global chaos

The Earth is stirring in ways unseen for millennia. Beneath the thinning ice sheets of Antarctica, the jagged peaks of the Cascades, and the remote expanses of Siberia, hundreds of dormant volcanoes are beginning to rouse from their slumber  and scientists warn their eruptions could dwarf anything witnessed in recorded history. Researchers now suspect that underground human activities, along with reckless underground nuclear testing and deep drilling operations, may be accelerating these catastrophic geological events. As ice caps melt at unprecedented rates, releasing pressure on hidden magma chambers, the world edges closer to a new era of super-volcanic disasters  one that could plunge entire regions into darkness, reshape coastlines, and devastate unprepared populations.

Key points:

Glacier melt is destabilizing volcanoes, triggering more frequent and explosive eruptions.

Historical data reveals that rapid ice loss following the last ice age unleashed violent volcanic activity  a pattern repeating today.

High-risk zones include North America, New Zealand, Russia, and Antarctica, where pressure shifts threaten dormant magma reservoirs.

Underground nuclear tests and deep drilling may artificially hasten volcanic awakenings, with catastrophic environmental consequences.

Governments and corporations remain dangerously unprepared for the cascading effects of multiple eruptions, including climate disruption and mass displacement.

Ice retreat, volcanic awakening: A ticking time bomb

A groundbreaking study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has revealed a chilling connection: As glaciers vanish, the suppression they once exerted on magma chambers beneath them weakens, allowing pent-up gases and molten rock to expand explosively. By analyzing crystal formations in Chilean volcanoes, researchers confirmed that rapid glacial retreat 18,000 years ago led to volcanic eruptions of unprecedented scale  a phenomenon poised to repeat itself.

"Glaciers act like a lid on a pressure cooker," explained geologist Pablo Moreno-Yaeger. "When that lid melts away, the buildup beneath can detonate violently." His teams findings suggest that regions once blanketed by thick ice  such as North Americas Cascade Range, Russias Kamchatka Peninsula, and New Zealands Taup? Volcanic Zone  are now primed for disaster. Even more alarming? The Antarctic ice sheets, which conceal dozens of hidden volcanoes, are melting at accelerating rates, raising fears of a continent-wide eruption cycle never witnessed by modern civilization.

Human meddling: Hastening nature's wrath

Human interference deep within the Earths crust may be exacerbating the danger. Since the mid-20th century, underground nuclear tests have unleashed shockwaves powerful enough to fracture tectonic fault lines  potentially destabilizing nearby volcanic systems. Meanwhile, large-scale drilling projects  whether for oil, geothermal energy, or carbon sequestration  puncture fragile geological layers, creating pathways for magma to surge toward the surface.

Evidence of this tampering already exists. In 1961, the Soviet Unions Tsar Bomba  the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated  triggered seismic waves equivalent to a magnitude-5.0 earthquake. More recently, the controversial HAARP program in Alaska, designed to manipulate the ionosphere, has been accused of inducing seismic disturbances near volcanic zones. "When we bombard the Earth with these unnatural forces, we gamble with forces we barely understand," warns seismologist Dr. Ken McGee. "A single misplaced detonation or drill hole could be the spark that lights the fuse."

Human activities  such as fluid injection, extraction, reservoir impoundment, and mining  can induce earthquakes, a phenomenon known as induced seismicity.

Fluid injection: Pumping fluids (e.g., fracking wastewater, geothermal injection) deep underground increases pore pressure in rock formations, lubricating faults and prompting slippage that results in earthquakes.

Fluid extraction: Removing large volumes of oil, gas, or groundwater alters crustal stress patterns, destabilizing fault zones and potentially triggering seismic events.

Reservoir impoundment: The immense weight of water in dammed reservoirs shifts stress on underlying faults, occasionally causing earthquakes.

Mining: Excavation disrupts the stress equilibrium of rock masses, leading to small tremors or earthquakes.

Global unpreparedness

The grim reality is this: Global disaster response systems are woefully unequipped for a wave of super-eruptions. The 2010 eruption of Icelands Eyjafjallajokulla relatively minor eventgrounded air traffic across Europe for weeks, costing billions in economic losses. A Yellowstone-scale event, by comparison, could blanket the U.S. Midwest in ash, collapse supply chains, and trigger mass famine. Yet instead of investing in decentralized survival strategies  such as natural medicine stockpiles, community-based food reserves, and independent energy grids  governments funnel trillions into militarization and corporate bailouts.

Private contractors like BlackRock and Halliburton already position themselves to monopolize on reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, the same elites pushing climate lockdowns and digital IDs quietly purchase underground bunkersluxury shelters where they plan to ride out the chaos they helped unleash.

The awakening of Earths slumbering giants is no longer a question of if but when. Survival demands an immediate rejection of the corrupt institutions that downplay these threats  and a return to self-reliance, truth-telling, and natural resilience.

Sources include:

Dailymail.co.uk

ScienceDaily.com

TheIndependent.com
NASA braces for historic staff cuts as White House pushes federal downsizing

NASA to lose 2,700 employees, including 875 senior experts, as federal budget cuts slash agency funding by 25%, risking U.S. space leadership.

Deep cuts target top-tier staff, with Goddard, Johnson, and Kennedy Space Centers losing hundreds of key personnel, eroding decades of institutional knowledge.

Critics warn the brain drain could cripple NASAs long-term missions, including Mars and Moon exploration, while Chinas space program advances aggressively.

SpaceX and private firms gain dominance as NASA shrinks, raising questions about the agencys future role in space exploration.

Congressional pushback grows, with bipartisan opposition aiming to block cuts, setting up a high-stakes battle over NASAs future.

In a shocking blow to Americas space program, NASA is set to lose nearly 2,700 employees, including 875 senior-level experts, as the Trump administration accelerates its campaign to slash federal bureaucracy. The cuts, approved following a Supreme Court ruling backing the White Houses workforce reduction plans, will strip NASA of decades of institutional knowledge while private companies like SpaceX dominate spaceflight.

A proposed 2026 budget would gut NASAs funding by 25 percent, forcing the agency to operate with its smallest budget since the 1960s. Critics warn the move could surrender U.S. space leadership to China.

Deep cuts target NASAs most experienced staff

Internal documents reveal NASA plans to eliminate 2,694 positions through early retirements, buyouts, and deferred resignations. Among those departing are 875 GS-15 employees  the agencys highest-ranking civil servants  and 1,818 core mission staff working in science, human spaceflight, and exploration. The hardest-hit facilities include Goddard Space Flight Center (607 cuts), Johnson Space Center (366), Kennedy Space Center (311), and NASA headquarters (307).

Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, warned Politico that the cuts risk dismantling NASAs technical leadership. "You're losing the managerial and core technical expertise of the agency," he said. "What's the strategy and what do we hope to achieve here?"

NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens defended the restructuring, stating, "NASA remains committed to our mission as we work within a more prioritized budget. We are working closely with the Administration to ensure that America continues to lead the way in space exploration, advancing progress on key goals, including the Moon and Mars."

Private sector rises as NASA shrinks

The downsizing comes as SpaceX and other commercial firms increasingly dominate space launch capabilities, raising questions about NASAs future role. While proponents argue privatization drives efficiency, critics fear the brain drain will cripple long-term missions.

Former NASA Chief of Staff George Whitesides blasted the cuts on social media, writing, "Indiscriminately firing the next generation of NASA scientists, engineers and wider team members is exactly the wrong step to secure America's leadership in spacejust as competition with China is reaching fever pitch."

The proposed 2026 budget would slash NASAs science funding by 47 percent, canceling 41 missions, including the Mars Sample Return project, climate monitoring satellites, and planned Venus expeditions. Seven former NASA science directors condemned the plan in a letter to Congress, warning it would cede U.S. dominance to Chinas "aggressive, ambitious, and well-funded" space program.

Congressional showdown looms

Lawmakers may resist the cuts, with bipartisan opposition already mounting. The Senate Commerce Committee has signaled support for protecting NASAs workforce, setting up a clash with the White House.

Democrat Senator Mark Kelly likened the staff exodus to sabotaging the Apollo program, posting on X: "What would've happened if 2,000+ senior NASA leaders were pushed out before the moon landing? We would've lost the space race to the Soviets. And now we risk losing the next space race to China."

With the voluntary departure program closing July 25, NASA faces further layoffs if targets arent met. The agencys future now hinges on whether Congress intervenes or allows the cuts to proceed, reshaping American space exploration for decades.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

TheGuardian.com

Independent.co.uk

Newsweek.com

Space.com
Six Secret Service agents suspended over security failures in Trump assassination attempt

The Secret Service suspended six agents without pay due to failures during the Trump assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year.

A DHS investigation found systemic lapses in coordination, communication, and protocols at the Secret Service, leaving Trump vulnerable.

Trump narrowly survived after being grazed by a bullet, while one attendee was killed and two others were injured.

Critics argue the suspensions are insufficient, citing preventable errors highlighted in a congressional report.

The agency promised reforms but faces skepticism after another near-miss incident weeks later.

The attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, while on the campaign trail last year was a catastrophic failure of elite forces sworn to protect American leaders. Now, nearly eight months later, disciplinary action has surfaced: six Secret Service agents have been suspended without pay for between 10 and 42 days following a damning Department of Homeland Security (DHS) investigation. The agency, widely criticized for operational failures, admitted it had become "bureaucratic, complacent, and static" in a revelation that raises alarming questions about government accountability.

The July 2024 assassination attempt unfolded in horrifying detail. Trump, then campaigning for reelection, was speaking at a rally when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots from a rooftop just 150 yards away. One rally-goer, Corey Comperatore, was killed, while two others were injured. Trump narrowly escaped; a bullet grazed his ear, leaving him bloodied but alive. The Secret Service sniper eventually neutralized Crooks, but the damage was done. How did Americas most elite protective force fail so spectacularly?

According to the DHS report, the Secret Services lapses were systemic. The agency lacked urgency, coordination, and modernized protocols, leaving Trump exposed. Communications collapsed between federal agents and local law enforcement, delaying Trumps evacuation. The agencys drone operator tasked with monitoring threats reportedly struggled to activate equipment and even called a tech support hotline mid-crisis.

Disciplinary fallout and political firestorm

The suspensions impacted supervisors and line-level agents, although none were terminated. Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn acknowledged the disciplinary measures in an interview but defended the agencys decision not to purge personnel. We arent going to fire our way out of this, Quinn said. Were going to focus on the root cause and fix the deficiencies that put us in that situation.

The suspended agents were reassigned to restricted roles with diminished responsibility, which is hardly a resounding rebuke from an agency that is entrusted with life-or-death duties. Critics, including Republican Rep. Mike Kelly, who led a House task force investigating the incident, argue the Secret Services reforms remain incomplete. A 180-page congressional report deemed the shooting preventable, citing leadership and training failures that had festered long before Butler.

Reforms or empty promises?

Since the attack, the Secret Service has scrambled to restore public trust. Quinn cited new protocols, including military-grade drones and mobile command centers to improve communication. Meanwhile, Sean Curran, the agent who shielded Trump during the shooting, now leads the agency in an appointment signaling Trumps demand for loyalty after the betrayal of complacency.

Yet skepticism lingers. The Secret Service faces ongoing scrutiny for its handling of another near-miss two months later in West Palm Beach, Florida, where an armed man targeted Trump before agents intervened. Former Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned amid mounting pressure, but systemic issues persist.

The suspensions mark a rare admission of failure from a federal institution notorious for circling the wagons. However, with agents allowed to appeal penalties and no terminations enforced, many Americans may question whether the punishment fits the lapse, especially when a father lost his life and a president came within inches of death.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

JustTheNews.com

FoxNews.com

USAToday.com

NYTimes.com
Texas floods renew debate over cloud seeding as CEO admits operations preceded disastrous storms

Deadly floods in Texas in late June to early July triggered scrutiny after Rainmaker Weather Technologies confirmed cloud-seeding missions occurred days prior.

CEO Augustus Doricko insists the storms were caused by natural weather systems, dismissing any link to cloud-seeding operations.

Texas regulators maintain strict oversight, halting cloud seeding when flood risks emerge; Rainmaker halted missions a day before warnings.

Scientists and officials refute claims cloud seeding caused the rainfall, citing physics and historical storm patterns, but public skepticism persists.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene proposes federal legislation to regulate weather-modification technologies amid transparency concerns.

Deadly flash floods swept through Central Texas last week, killing over 100 and leaving devastation in areas like Kerrville, where the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in less than an hour. While meteorologists and regulators attribute the disaster to a natural storm system, conspiracies about human intervention have resurfaced after Rainmaker Weather Technologies CEO Augustus Doricko acknowledged cloud-seeding missions took place just days before the disaster.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) confirmed Rainmaker conducted a 20-minute cloud-seeding flight in south-central Texas on June 2, 2024, targeting clouds to boost rainfall during a drought. However, Doricko stated the operation concluded days before National Weather Service flood warnings, emphasizing it was unrelated to the deluge. "Our missions enhanced clouds by only 10% at most," he told The War Room podcast. "The storms volume4 trillion gallonswas far beyond what cloud seeding can even achieve."

State officials dismiss conspiracy, stress regulatory safeguards

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a sharp rebuttal against theories tying the floods to government-backed weather manipulation. "The Department of Agriculture has had zero involvement in weather modification since 2003," he stated. Oversight now rests with the TDLR, which imposes strict guidelines: operators must cease cloud seeding when flood risks rise, reservoirs approach capacity, or conditions breach regulatory thresholds.

Rainmakers director confirmed halting operations on June 2, 2024, after detecting "abnormally high moisture content," consistent with TDLR protocols. Yet conspiracy videos on social media amplified claims of "chemical dispersion" and "climate warfare," sparking investigations into regional water-conservation projects. "Were not in the storm-creation business," said Doricko. "We use drones and radar to target clouds with silver iodide particlesnot weaponized tech."

Science vs. skepticism: Groundwater districts remain divided

Academics and meteorologists widely dismiss claims cloud seeding could trigger catastrophic rainfall. "This was a hypercharged storm fed by remnants of Tropical Storm Barry," noted Dr. Andrew Charlton-Perez of the University of Reading. "Cloud seeding maxes out at enhancing precipitation by 15%, nowhere near the scale seen here."

However, distrust in institutions persists among rural communities battered by droughts and flooding. Regulators like the TDLR note Texas has relied on weather-modification programs since 1967, covering 31 million acres to bolster aquifers. Groups such as the West Texas Weather Modification Association use the method year-round to counter cyclical dry spells.

The divide between scientific consensus and public doubt mirrors broader erosion of trust in government practices. "People feel like theyre not hearing the truth," explained Prof. Nicholas Fang of the University of Texas at Arlington. "Its understandable when officials cant fully explain rare 500-year rainfall events."

Legislation proposed to close transparency loopholes

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced plans for a federal bill banning weather-modification projects without parliamentary oversight. The proposal, drafted ahead of potential hearings, aims to hold companies like Rainmaker to stricter public disclosure requirements. "The American people deserve to know whats being sprayed in the atmosphere," Greene stated.

While Rainmakers operations remain legal under current Texas law, critics argue transparency lapses exacerbated skepticism. Conspiracy forums surged after Dorickos 2025 interview with Steve Bannon, where he acknowledged the "potential" for weather warfare by adversaries like China. "Were not saying weather control isnt possibleits just not what we do," he clarified, calling charges of conspiracy "silly."

Floods spark national debate on climate tech ethics

The Texas tragedy illuminates a pressing dilemma: climate-driven water crises demand innovative drought solutions, yet trust in such technologies hinges on transparency. As governments worldwide draft policies for geoengineering, the states ongoing experiment underscores the fine line between lifesaving agriculture and unfounded fear. "Rainmaking isnt a silver bullet," said TDLR spokesperson SarahLynne Page. "Its a toolone that must be regulated and understood."

In the wake of the floods, families rebuild while scientists and lawmakers debate the future of weather-modification ethics, ensuring no one becomes a casualty of misinformation in a climate-altering world.

Sources for this article include:

100percentfedup.com

CBSNews.com

Newsweek.com
Health Ranger Report: Zach Vorhies elaborates on the SEISMIC SHIFTS in the world of AI

Zach Vorhies debunks the idea of slowing AI progress, citing OpenAI's soft AGI breakthrough as pivotal. AGI could surpass human intelligence, potentially becoming humanitys "last invention" by enabling limitless innovation.

Self-improving AI systems could trigger a "super cycle" of recursive intelligence growth, revolutionizing industries and space exploration. However, escalating costs (e.g., $1,000$5,000 per AI query) and energy demands pose significant challenges.

Affordable AI tools empower users but raise misuse concerns (e.g., malicious actors). Centralized corporate/government control risks biased decision-making and civil liberty erosion  Vorhies warns of an "unbiased AI trap."

Future workflows may split between "architect" AI (strategic planning) and "implementer" AI (task execution), displacing human roles. Job obsolescence could affect billions, requiring adaptation to oversight roles.

Vorhies advocates open-source AI to prevent black-box abuses, while Adams highlights risks of AI-driven public manipulation (e.g., election interference).

Renowned Google whistleblower Zach Vorhies sat down with the Health Ranger Mike Adams on the "Health Ranger Report" to elaborate on the seismic shifts occurring in the world of artificial intelligence (AI).

Their discussion, spanning from the latest breakthroughs to the societal implications of AI, offers a compelling glimpse into the future of technology and its potential impact on humanity. Vorhies kicked off the conversation by dispelling the notion that AI development is slowing down. On the contrary, the former senior software engineer at Google asserted that the AI train is accelerating with no signs of stopping.

The recent announcement by OpenAI of their soft artificial general intelligence (AGI) agent marks a pivotal moment. AGI, often considered the holy grail of AI, represents machines that surpass human intelligence, capable of innovating and creating at an unprecedented scale. (Related: AI Breakthrough: Mike Adams and Zach Vorhies discuss OpenAI's soft AGI milestone, surpassing human capabilities in complex problem-solving.)

This development, Vorhies emphasized, could be the last invention of humankind, as AGI could potentially invent everything else. The leap to soft AGI is evidenced by OpenAI's performance on the arc AGI test, which measures a model's ability to generate novel solutions. The test, previously dominated by human PhDs, saw AI scores skyrocket from 0.5 percent to 20 percent, signaling a significant leap in AI's innovative capabilities.

Adams and Vorhies delved into the concept of a "super cycle," where AI systems continuously improve themselves, leading to exponential growth in intelligence. This recursive feedback loop could result in AI systems that are not only smarter than humans but also capable of designing even more advanced AI. The implications are staggering, with the potential to revolutionize industries and accelerate scientific discovery.

"If you want to talk about how mankind is going to get to the stars, it's going to be done through AGI," Vorhies said. However, this rapid advancement comes with challenges.

Vorhies highlighted the escalating costs associated with training and running these sophisticated models. Despite innovations in hardware, such as Nvidia's new Blackwell processor, which promises a 1,000-fold increase in efficiency, the energy demands remain substantial. The cost per question for advanced AI models can range from 1,000 to 5,000, underscoring the resource-intensive nature of AI development.

The democratization of AI and its consequences

The conversation shifts to the democratization of AI, with Vorhies noting the availability of powerful AI tools at relatively low costs. This accessibility, while empowering, also raises concerns about the potential for misuse.

Vorhies warned that as AI becomes more integrated into daily life, the risk of malicious actors exploiting these technologies for harmful purposes increases.

Adams shared an anecdote about using a reasoning model to address the issue of Big Pharma's influence on media and medical practices. The model's suggestions, ranging from restricting direct-to-consumer drug advertising to promoting generic drugs, demonstrate AI's potential to offer solutions that align with public interest.

However, Vorhies cautioned that the concentration of AI power in the hands of a few corporations or governments could lead to biased decision-making and erosion of civil liberties.

"We're gonna have like the unbiased, fair artificial intelligence. It's going to be a giant trap, we're going to be corralled and forced to go down it," Vorhies said.

Vorhies envisioned a future where AI agents transform the way work is done. The whistleblower turned author of Google Leaks described a bifurcation of AI into "architect" and "implementer" roles. Architect AI agents would outline high-level goals and break them down into manageable tasks, while implementer AI agents would execute these tasks. This shift could lead to a more efficient workflow, with humans acting as overseers rather than direct executors.

Adams illustrated this with a practical example, suggesting that AI could handle data analysis and visualization for businesses, freeing up human workers to focus on strategic decision-making. However, Vorhies warned that this transition could lead to massive job displacement, with potentially billions of people rendered obsolete.

They also touched on the critical issue of centralization versus decentralization in AI. Vorhies advocated for open-source AI models, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability. He warned against the dangers of black-box AI systems controlled by a handful of entities, highlighting the potential for abuse and the difficulty of auditing these systems.

Adams agreed, expressing concern about the concentration of AI power and the implications for democracy and individual freedom. He suggested that AI could be used to manipulate public opinion and influence political outcomes, as evidenced by Google's past practices.

The conversation concluded with a discussion about the geopolitical implications of AI. Vorhies predicted a global arms race, with nations vying for AI supremacy. He emphasized the importance of energy resources, suggesting that the quest for AI dominance will drive a renewed focus on energy production and innovation.

Adams speculated about the potential for hidden data centers and secret energy sources, hinting at the possibility of clandestine AI development. He also raised the prospect of AI scientists being targeted, drawing a parallel with the assassination of Iran's nuclear scientists.

As the interview wrapped up, both Adams and Vorhies emphasized the need for preparedness. They urged individuals to embrace AI and integrate it into their lives to stay relevant in an increasingly automated world. The AI revolution is here, and those who fail to adapt risk being left behind.

Watch the full interview between Zach Vorhies and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google whistleblower Zach Vorhies and dissident tech maverick Mike Adams talk AI, ChatGPT, LLMs and the Singularity.

AI arms race or AI suicide pact? Former OpenAI researcher warns of catastrophic risks in unchecked AI development.

AI-powered "digital employees" revolutionize banking, work alongside human employees.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

ZachVorhies.com
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning with thunderstorms becoming likely this afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High near 85F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Mostly clear this evening then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 66F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
A research study crafted by two University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School professors establishes a strong correlation between distressed births and experiencing mental and physical problems later in life.

Published in Medical Care, a peer-reviewed journal seeking to improve healthcare administration and delivery, the paper focused on three categories of distressed births:

Newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units

Babies with low birth weights

Infants delivered prior to term

"We were aware of literature that investigated various forms of distressed births and short-term outcomes experienced as an infant," said co-author professor Michael T. French, Chair of the Department of Health Management and Policy. French and co-author Karoline Mortensen, professor and associate director of Miami Herbert's Center for Health Management and Policy, both wondered if distressed-birth babies might be more susceptible to health problems later in life.

French, a health economist, and Mortensen, a health services researcher, scoured data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent to Adult Health (Ad Health) for answers. Their quest was aided by Yang Wen, a data analyst with the Department of Health Management and Policy.

The Ad Health data set had an extensive amount of information about distressed-birth individuals in their late 30s to early 40s.

"We considered several measures of mental and physical health. These included self-reported overall health status, which is a very common metric used in many surveys. We also examined the presence of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other conditions. "Finally, we analyzed diagnoses for mental health conditions. We found that all of these health outcomes were influenced by whether the individual was the survivor of a distressed birth, versus those who were born with no distress." Michael T. French, Chair of the Department of Health Management and Policy

They also discovered that many distressed births involved economically disadvantaged mothers who were often unhealthy themselves.

"This research has important policy implications, especially as federal and state legislators are debating the future of publicly financed healthcare programs such as Medicaid," French said. "If society can either prevent or minimize distressed births, or provide assistance to new mothers and infants soon thereafter, we can perhaps avoid very expensive healthcare costs related to inpatient hospital stays and emergency room visits."
Access to nature promotes physical and mental health, and it is vital for children's social and emotional development. Outdoor activities also influence family dynamics, helping to reduce stress and encourage connections. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines how green spaces and outdoor structures near the family residence interact with other factors in the household environment to influence executive functioning in early childhood.

"We looked at what people have outside their home or across the street, where they can just walk out their door, and we focused on children's access to these facilities before age two," said lead author Samantha Iwinski, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois.

"The goal was to investigate how those environmental factors shaped children's cognitive abilities as well as the home environment, because it's all part of a holistic system of influences."

Iwinski and her colleagues used data from 435 families who were part of the STRONG Kids2 project, a longitudinal study of families and children in the Midwestern United States. The researchers combined this dataset with information from Google Earth on green and outdoor spaces such as grass, trees, sandboxes, decks, or outdoor storage next to the family residence. The study included families in different housing types, including apartments, individual homes, and farms.

Iwinski focused on the effect of green spaces and family dynamics on children's executive function (EF); that is, cognitive processes critical for adaptive behavior. She distinguished between "cold" EF, which refers to the ability to control one's attention, behavior, and thoughts, and "hot" EF, which indicates capacity for emotional regulation.

"We found that having trees, a sandbox, or outdoor storage space before age 2 was associated with better cold EF at 4 years old," she said. "Trees and a sandbox allow for sensory interaction and are part of a nature playscape, providing opportunities to touch and feel and potentially climb. Outdoor storage space could mean there are toys and games that promote outdoor activities."

Having an outdoor sitting area or living on a farm were associated with better hot executive function at 4 and 5 years of age, respectively.

"This could relate to socializing and connection. Farming communities are often close-knit. Having a deck provides an opportunity to sit together and talk," she noted.

Overall, the researchers found that higher levels of green space were related to lower levels of household chaos, which indicates that family-based nature activities can be restorative for both children and adults.

Household chaos  such as a noisy environment and lack of consistent routines  at ages 2 and 4 years was associated with worse EF at those ages.

But we found that higher household chaos at earlier time points actually resulted in better EF at 4 years of age. This could be because children develop resilience and adaptability, learning to regulate themselves in a chaotic environment." Samantha Iwinski, postdoctoral research associate, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois

The results underscore the importance of providing access to green spaces and encouraging outdoor activities. Iwiski noted that some parents may not feel safe to go outside and pass their concerns on to their children.

"Research shows that children in low-income families have the most nature deprivation, so it would be important to implement policies that help underserved communities to have more green space and ways to interact available, and to ensure everyone feels welcome and safe in outdoor environments," she said.

Parents and educators can also encourage children to participate in outdoor activities.

"Parents can talk about what to do, for example, 'we can play with rocks today, tomorrow we can do sand,' and show their kids what it means to be outside. It's not just about helping your child, but also yourself, because outdoor activities promote mental health and restoration for everyone."
Younger Swedes, especially women and ethnic minorities, are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at record rates, signaling an urgent need for targeted prevention before the crisis escalates.

Study: Increasing incidence of early-onset type 2 diabetes in Sweden 20062021. Image Credit: PhotoGullak / Shutterstock

In a recent article published in the European Journal of Public Health, researchers examined trends in the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Sweden from 2006 to 2021. Their findings indicate that the prevalence and incidence of T2D, particularly the early-onset form of the disease, have increased over time, especially among individuals with lower educational attainment and those born outside Europe.

The authors note that the absolute incidence of early-onset T2D remains highest in those with primary education; however, the fastest relative rate of increase was observed among people with tertiary education. Importantly, the increase in early-onset T2D was observed across all sociodemographic groups.

Background

Younger adults (23-29) with early-onset type 2 diabetes had the highest smoking rates (22.4%) and obesity levels (71.6%) compared to older age groups. This highlights a concerning risk profile within the youngest diagnosed patients.

The global burden of diabetes has grown in recent decades, largely due to rising prevalence. In many high-income nations, including Sweden, overall incidence rates of T2D have shown signs of stabilizing or declining since 2005. This seeming contradiction, higher prevalence despite flat or falling incidence, could reflect improved life expectancy, leading to a growing number of people living with diabetes. However, the most recent Swedish data only extend to 2013, leaving uncertainty about whether declining trends have persisted.

A more alarming trend is the increasing diagnosis of T2D in young adults and adolescents. The early-onset form is considered more severe, with a higher probability of complications and earlier mortality than late-onset T2D. Globally, its prevalence increased from 2.9% to 3.8% between 2013 and 2021, and its incidence surged by 56% between 1990 and 2019. This rise disproportionately affects disadvantaged groups, such as those with lower socioeconomic status or belonging to ethnic minorities.

Despite reports of rising early-onset diabetes in Denmark and Finland, no national data existed for Sweden. This study filled that gap by analyzing early-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) trends and projecting future prevalence using national demographic forecasts.

About the Study

Only half (50.3%) of early-onset patients achieved target blood sugar control (HbA1c) at diagnosis, a dramatic drop compared to the 64% target achievement seen in those diagnosed over age 40.

The study included everyone born during 1895-1998 and living in Sweden in 2006, as identified from the national Population Register. These individuals were tracked from 2006 to 2021 for diagnoses of T2D. Early-onset T2D was defined as diagnoses occurring between the ages of 23 and 39. The cutoff at age 23 was chosen because individuals born in 1998 (the youngest cohort) turned 23 in 2021, allowing complete follow-up for the entire study period. Diabetes cases were identified using data from three national health registries: the National Patient Register, the National Diabetes Register, and the Prescribed Drug Register.

A combination of diagnostic codes and medication prescriptions was used to define T2D while excluding type 1 and other diabetes types. Sociodemographic information, including birth country and education, was obtained. For individuals diagnosed with T2D, clinical measures such as blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) were obtained from the year of diagnosis.

Incidence and prevalence were calculated for each year and standardized by sex and age. Trends were analyzed using meta-regression, with separate models for different demographic strata.

Researchers also projected the prevalence of early-onset T2D through 2050 by applying current incidence trends to population forecasts, assuming similar survival rates between individuals with and without diabetes. The study could not assess T2D in individuals under 23 or examine trends based on parental immigrant background, and acknowledged some potential misclassification between T2D and gestational diabetes, particularly in young women. The authors used stricter diagnostic criteria in women to minimize this risk.

Key Findings

Researchers followed over 9.1 million individuals in Sweden during 2006-2021. During this period, 529,785 new T2D cases were recorded, including 24,210 early-onset cases. The overall prevalence of T2D rose from 4.87% to 7.5%, and incidence increased slightly from 477 to 574 per 100,000 people. However, this increase in overall incidence was marginal, with the confidence interval including no change. Early-onset T2D showed a more dramatic rise, its prevalence more than doubling (from 0.27% to 0.64%), and incidence nearly doubling (from 54 to 107 per 100,000), with a 4.7% annual increase.

(A) Age-standardized prevalence (%) of type 2 diabetes in Sweden 20062021 by sex. The shaded areas represent 95% confidence intervals. (B) Age-standardized incidence (per 100000 person-years) of type 2 diabetes in Sweden 20062021 by sex. The shaded areas represent 95% confidence intervals.

The projection to 3.2% prevalence by 2050 assumes people with early-onset diabetes face similar mortality rates as those without, though the paper notes this group actually carries a higher risk of early death.

The sharpest increases were among people between 23 and 29, especially women. Higher incidence and prevalence were observed in individuals born outside Europe and those with lower educational attainment. Interestingly, incidence rose across all educational levels, with the fastest relative increase among those with tertiary education. People with early-onset T2D were more likely to be obese, smoke, and have poor blood sugar control. Specifically, 71.6% of those with early-onset T2D were obese compared to 50.3% of those diagnosed at older ages, and only 50.3% of early-onset cases had HbA1c within the target range compared to 64.0% for late-onset T2D.

Projections suggest that if current trends continue, the prevalence of early-onset T2D in Sweden could reach 3.2% by 2050. Early-onset T2D now accounts for 16% of new T2D cases, up from 10% in 2006, indicating a significant and growing public health concern. The authors also observed a shift towards younger ages at T2D diagnosis, which implies a longer duration of disease and a greater lifetime risk of complications.

A notable point discussed is that the observed higher incidence in young women may in part reflect earlier detection due to pregnancy-related diabetes screening, and possible misclassification with gestational diabetes, despite measures to minimize this in the study.

Conclusions

Within the early-onset group itself, the sharpest annual increase hit 6.7% for 23-29 year olds, a significantly faster climb than the 3.6% rise seen in 35-39 year olds  an often overlooked wrinkle in the trend.

The study found a rapid and consistent rise in early-onset T2D across all sociodemographic groups in Sweden between 2006 and 2021. While overall T2D incidence rose modestly, this trend was not statistically robust, and early-onset T2D almost doubled, disproportionately affecting individuals born outside Europe, those with lower education, and young women. This trend is particularly alarming due to early-onset T2Ds association with obesity, poorer glycaemic control, and higher risk of complications. The researchers used robust nationwide data and multiple health registers to ensure accurate case identification.

However, they could not assess T2D in individuals under 23 or those with immigrant parents, and some misclassification of diabetes type may have occurred. Nevertheless, results remained consistent in sensitivity analyses. The study warns that early-onset T2D is becoming increasingly common and will likely burden healthcare systems as it affects individuals in their most productive life stages.

Targeted prevention strategies are urgently needed, particularly for high-risk groups such as ethnic minorities, women of childbearing age, and those with lower educational attainment.

The authors further suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced the observed spike in T2D incidence in 2021, but the overall increase in early-onset T2D was a consistent trend over the entire study period.
The host

Julie Rovner KFF Health News @jrovner @julierovner.bsky.social

Julie Rovner is chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News' weekly health policy news podcast, "What the Health?" A noted expert on health policy issues, Julie is the author of the critically praised reference book "Health Care Politics and Policy A to Z," now in its third edition.

As he had wanted, President Donald Trump signed his big budget bill into a big budget law in a White House ceremony on July 4, cementing, among other things, billions of dollars in cuts to health programs such as Medicaid. The new law will also reshape rules for the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and other health programs.

Meanwhile, the threat of layoffs continues to hang over the heads of employees at the Department of Health and Human Services, and funding for health-related contracts and grants remains stalled.

This week's panelists are Julie Rovner of KFF Health News, Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Bloomberg News, Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post, and Tami Luhby of CNN.

Panelists

Rachel Cohrs Zhang Bloomberg News @rachelcohrs

Rachel Roubein The Washington Post @rachel_roubein

Tami Luhby CNN @Luhby

Among the takeaways from this week's episode:

As details of Trump's tax and domestic policy law come into focus, it's clear that many immigrants in the country legally stand to lose government benefits, especially health coverage. While the GOP described the legislation as targeting "illegal immigrants," the law as written bars many individuals living here with the government's permission  including refugees and victims of domestic abuse and trafficking  from signing up for Medicaid, receiving Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies, and more.

Other aspects of Trump's priority-laden law received extra attention following its hastened passage. In an unusually political move, the Social Security Administration touted to beneficiaries the law's cuts to taxes on Social Security benefits  which is neither what the law does nor what a federal agency traditionally does when Congress passes a law.

This week, the Supreme Court issued a decision from its shadow docket supporting the Trump administration's ability to lay off federal workers using only his executive authority. That opinion is the latest curve on this year's employment roller coaster for government employees, suggesting many people could soon lose their jobs.

In health agency news, public health groups are suing the Trump administration over the withdrawn recommendations on covid-19 vaccines  as insurers and others in the health industry sort out how to handle a federal shift in immunization recommendations. And HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. canceled a meeting of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The abrupt cancellation suggests Kennedy could soon remake the panel, as he did last month with the panel on vaccines.

Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News' Julie Appleby, who reported the latest KFF Health News' "Bill of the Month" feature, about some very expensive childhood immunizations. If you have a medical bill that's exorbitant, baffling, or confusing, send it to us here.

Plus, for "extra credit" the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too:

Julie Rovner: The New England Journal of Medicine's "The Corporatization of U.S. Health Care  A New Perspective Series," by Debra Malina, et al.

Rachel Roubein: The Associated Press' "RFK Jr. Promoted a Food Company He Says Will Make Americans Healthy. Their Meals Are Ultraprocessed," by Amanda Seitz and JoNel Aleccia.

Rachel Cohrs Zhang: The Wall Street Journal's "Prosecutors Question Doctors About UnitedHealth's Medicare Billing Practices," by Christopher Weaver and Anna Wilde Mathews.

Tami Luhby: The Washington Post's "A New D.C. Hospital Grapples With Too Many Patients and Too Few Nurses," by Jenna Portnoy.

Also mentioned in this week's podcast:

Credits

Francis Ying Audio producer

Emmarie Huetteman Editor
An international team led by researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dalhousie University, the University of Exeter (UK) and the Medical University of Vienna (Austria) has uncovered a surprising way compartments within cells work together to defend themselves against oxidative stress, a finding that could shift how we understand age-associated conditions such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

Published today in Science, the study reveals a newly identified mechanism between two key compartments of the cell (mitochondria and peroxisomes) that helps manage internal stress and damage, highlighting an overlooked contributor essential to maintaining cellular health.

A newly discovered protection mechanism

Mitochondria are often described as the powerhouses of the cell because they generate the energy needed for cells to function. This energy production also creates reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts. These molecules can damage all parts of the cell, especially the mitochondria, and contribute to a condition called oxidative stress, an imbalance linked to diseases such as diabetes, neurodegeneration and cardiovascular conditions.

The international research team, led by Dr. Peter Kim at SickKids, discovered a new mechanism by which mitochondria protect themselves from the harmful effects of ROS. The study found that ROS generated by mitochondria can move to another compartment of the cell called peroxisomes through a newly identified contact point between the two organelles.

Through this mechanism, peroxisomes can spare mitochondria from oxidative stress by acting as specialized sinks for ROS produced in mitochondria. This challenges the long-standing idea that cellular defense is confined within individual compartments and is the first to show movement of ROS between organelles as a defense mechanism.

"Conventional dogma has always been that ROS are independently processed by organelles, but this work challenges that assumption by showing a mechanism by which peroxisomes directly mitigate mitochondrial ROS," says Dr. Laura DiGiovanni, lead author and former graduate student in Kim's Lab. "This discovery demonstrates that inter-organelle dynamics actively contribute to antioxidant defense, introducing a new perspective on how cells manage oxidative stress."

A shift in understanding cellular defense and organelle cooperation

The team identified that the contact site is formed by two proteins: PTPIP51 on mitochondria and ACBD5 on peroxisomes. These proteins create a bridge that allows ROS to move directly between the organelles, sparing mitochondria while preventing damage to other parts of the cell. Both PTPIP51 and ACBD5 are disease-relevant proteins and have previously been linked to neurodegeneration.

While ROS play an important role in the body, too much can damage healthy cells, and too little can prevent the body from eliminating harmful ones, like cancer cells. By identifying the bridge that allows ROS to move between mitochondria and peroxisomes, the team has uncovered a spatially specific mechanism that helps maintain this delicate balance.

The discovery presents not only a potential new target for therapies but also challenges the assumption behind broad-spectrum antioxidant therapies. Targeting the precise cellular location where ROS are regulated, such as peroxisomes, may be key to developing more effective treatments.

We know that dysregulation of mitochondrial ROS is linked to many diseases, so identifying these proteins that bring the two organelles together gives us a new entry point to explore how we might restore or strengthen this protective mechanism in cells." Dr. Peter Kim, Senior Scientist in the Cell & Systems Biology program at SickKids and Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto

A multidisciplinary, international effort

This discovery was made possible by a global and multidisciplinary team of experts in cell biology, lipid biochemistry, proteomics and imaging. The project brought together collaborators from SickKids, University Health Network's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dalhousie University, and international partners from the University of Exeter and Medical University of Vienna.

"We are moving away from the idea that organelles operate in isolation and toward a more integrated view of how they communicate and coordinate to protect the cell," says co-author Dr. Michael Schrader, Professor at the University of Exeter, and expert in organelle/peroxisome biology. "This is a fantastic example of how our independent discovery of ACBD5 and PTPIP51 as the bridging proteins has evolved into a multidisciplinary, international partnership, and we believe it has scope to change global understanding of how organelle interplay and cooperation impact on human health and disease."

"This study is a powerful example of how collaboration across disciplines can uncover entirely new layers of biology," says co-author Dr. Brian Raught, Senior Scientist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, whose expertise in using BioID to identify protein interactions solved the technical challenges for finding the contact site between mitochondria and peroxisomes.

This research is funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Austrian Science Fund, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UK), John Evans Leadership Fund grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Ontario Innovation Trust, SickKids Restracomp Fellowship, and SickKids Foundation.
When we're taking antibiotics, some of the dose is excreted with urine and feces and ends up in our wastewater. The presence of this low dose of antibiotic creates an opportunity for resistant bacteria to evolve. Scientists studying antibiotic resistant bacteria in wastewater at a treatment plant discovered multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria species which are usually not dangerous to healthy people, but which could transmit genes for antibiotic resistance to much more dangerous bacteria like E. coli.

The scientists then challenged the bacteria with natural compounds which could potentially be included in wastewater treatment to kill off bacteria and fight antibiotic resistance. The most effective were curcumin, which comes from turmeric, and emodin, from rhubarb.

"Without improved treatment, wastewater could serve as a breeding ground for 'superbugs' that may enter water resources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, posing potential risks to public health," said Dr. Liyuan 'Joanna' Hou of Utah State University, senior author of the article in Frontiers in Microbiology. "Our goal was to isolate and characterize multidrug-resistant bacteria, explore the molecular mechanisms of resistance through whole-genome sequencing, and assess the potential of natural compounds as alternative mitigation strategies."

Survival of the resistant

Antibiotic resistance develops when bacteria evolve to be less vulnerable to antibiotics. This is more likely to happen if bacteria are exposed to a dose of vaccine which is too low to kill them all; the survivors develop resistance. Someone infected with these resistant bacteria may then find that their treatment doesn't work, potentially making routine surgery or illness much more dangerous.

Some bacteria are resistant to several antibiotics; these infections are often treated with 'last resort' drugs like colistin. However, when Hou and her colleagues tested samples of effluent from a wastewater treatment plant in Logan, Utah, they found some colonies of bacteria that were resistant even to colistin. This underlines the urgency of finding ways of preventing and treating bacterial infection which minimize the use of antibiotics.

The scientists screened their samples using one antibiotic, sulfamethoxazole, to identify nine different antibiotic-resistant strains. These strains of bacteria were then tested against multiple classes of antibiotic to see how many they resisted. Their genomes were also sequenced, which allowed the scientists to identify not just the bacteria themselves but genes which contribute to their antibiotic resistance. One strain, U2, which had the highest number and variety of antibiotic resistance genes, was resistant to all the antibiotics tested.

The strains represented species of Microbacterium, Chryseobacterium, Lactococcus lactis, and Psychrobacter, which are rarely dangerous to most people - but that doesn't mean their presence is nothing to be worried about.

While not traditionally classified as top-priority clinical pathogens, some are opportunistic pathogens associated with infections such as pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. These bacteria could also act as environmental reservoirs, transferring resistance genes to other bacteria, including clinically relevant pathogens." Dr. Liyuan 'Joanna' Hou of Utah State University

Fighting back

The scientists challenged colonies of these bacteria with different concentrations of 11 natural compounds: berberine, chlorflavonin, chrysin, curcumin, emodin, hesperidin, naringin, quercetin, resveratrol, rutin, and 2'-hydroxyflavone. They then looked at different measurements of the colonies' health - cell growth, biofilm formation, and how active the bacteria were.

"We selected a panel of compounds primarily derived from plants, such as curcumin from turmeric, quercetin from onions and apples, and emodin from rhubarb," said Hou. "These compounds were chosen based on their reported antimicrobial or anti-biofilm properties in previous studies and their natural abundance, making them promising candidates for exploring new, environmentally friendly approaches to mitigate resistance."

They found that emodin and curcumin were best at inhibiting cell growth and biofilm formation, while curcumin and a higher dose of emodin reduced cell activity - although a low dose of emodin increased activity for several strains. However, Gram-negative bacteria like Chryseobacterium were resistant to all the compounds.

"While natural compounds like curcumin and emodin show promise in inhibiting Gram-positive multidrug-resistant bacteria, further research is needed," said Hou. "Future work should include testing these compounds in complex wastewater matrices, exploring synergistic effects with existing treatment processes, and assessing long-term impacts on microbial communities and resistance dynamics. Additionally, scaling up from laboratory studies to pilot-scale trials will be critical for evaluating feasibility and environmental safety."
The time it takes to grow new skin for burns victims could be improved thanks to a new method of cell cultivation using algae, developed by University of Queensland researchers.

Dr. Melanie Oey and her team at UQ's Institute of Molecular Bioscience combined a new type of Queensland algae, Chlorella BDH-1, with mammalian cells to improve the process of growing tissue cells.

Our work shows muscle cells co-cultivated with the algae grow faster, live longer and require fewer expensive additives. The algae act like tiny life-support systems that can solve multiple problems at once." Dr. Melanie Oey, UQ's Institute of Molecular Bioscience

The research could benefit tissue engineering and regenerative medicine with accelerated growth of 3D tissues and skin grafts.

In cell cultures the researchers reported more than 80 per cent increase in cell growth, up to 3 times the number of usable cells and cell cultures that remained viable for longer.

There was also a 50 per cent reduction in the need to use animal cells.

The method also has the potential to benefit other applications such as growing cultivated meat more affordably.

Australia's food regulator Food Standards Australia New Zealand recently approved the sale of lab-grown or cell-cultured meat  created by growing or multiplying individual animal cells  but cost remains a barrier.

"The growing population requires more protein, but it's the most expensive macronutrient, and animal farming is also a climate concern,'' Dr Oey said.

"But growing meat in the lab is expensive largely due to the nutrients and oxygen the cells need and the waste they produce.

"Our research could make cultivated meat a sustainable, affordable, ethically acceptable alternative protein source."

Other applications for the use of Chlorella BDH-1 algae in cell culture include:

Growing organoids (artificially grown masses of cells that resemble an organ) to use in testing drugs and avoiding the need for animal testing.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing with companies able to grow and test cells more efficiently, with lower overheads and fewer inputs.

Dr Oey said the Chlorella BDH-1 algae was chosen because it does not consume glucose and doesn't compete with mammalian cells for food.

It naturally produces oxygen and removes waste, creating a more supportive environment for muscle cells to thrive.

"In the human body blood delivers oxygen and removes waste, but in a lab setting you don't have that system,'' she said.

"By adding algae we're essentially creating a mini-symbiosis or mutually beneficial interaction where the algae provide oxygen and take away waste, helping the cells grow better.

"It's a simple idea with broad potential.

"By working with nature  using algae to improve the cellular environment  we've created a scalable way to support healthier, longer lasting and more efficient cell cultures."

The research is published in Biotechnology Journal.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction models have improved the ability to stratify adults across the CVD risk spectrum. Researchers at Sutter Health and colleagues at Stanford University tested the performance of the American Heart Association's Predicting Risk of CVD Events (PREVENT) equations in the six largest Asian subgroups as well as in Mexican and Puerto Rican Hispanic subgroups.

The findings, published June 25 in JAMA Cardiology, showed the PREVENT equations accurately predicted CVD, atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) and heart failure events across broad, self-identified Asian and Hispanic patient populations.

The burden of heart disease, one of the biggest health problems in the U.S., is likely to grow as the population gets older. Making sure risk tools work for all our patients is key to giving the best care possible.

Advancing cardiovascular health for all

"We led this study to uncover findings that may inform better cardiovascular healthcare for all. In the original validation, PREVENT equations demonstrated good discernment and calibration among racial and ethnic groups, but the model performance among Asian and Hispanic subgroups had not been previously described," said Xiaowei (Sherry) Yan, Ph.D., senior scientist at Sutter Health's Center for Health Systems Research and first author of the study. "Our findings showed the PREVENT models performed well across multiple subgroups, with modest variation across individual Asian and Hispanic populations."

Study overview

Dr. Yan and colleagues conducted an electronic health recordbased retrospective cohort study of 361,778 primary care patients aged 30 to 79 years across Sutter Health - a large integrated health system in Northern California caring for more than 3.5 million patients across urban, suburban and rural communities - from January 2010 to September 2023. Patients who had at least two primary care visits during the study period were eligible for the study. Among patients who met the inclusion criteria, the mean age was 54.6 years; 53% were female; 22% were non-Hispanic Asian and 11% were Hispanic.

Key findings

Results showed the PREVENT equations appropriately predicted risk in contemporary diverse Asian and Hispanic subgroups with modest variation in performance across the subgroups studied.

Over a mean follow-up of 8.1 years, there were 22,648 (6.3%) CVD events among study subjects.

The predictive accuracy, as demonstrated through use of statistical measures such as the C-statistic and calibration slope, was high for the outcome of total CVD among the Asian and Hispanic populations.

When examined among the subgroups studied, predictive accuracy for total CVD remained high.

There were small differences in the performance of atherosclerotic CVD and heart failure PREVENT equations among racial and ethnic groups and subgroups.

The path forward

The burden of CVD and its risk factors is projected to increase across the U.S. in the coming decades, so the ability to more accurately estimate CVD risk in all the communities we serve is more critical now than ever. Although best practices for clinical implementation of the PREVENT CVD risk prediction models should be further investigated, we believe they are an important step forward for communities that have been historically underrepresented in CVD research." Powell Jose, M.D., FACC, Sutter Medical Group cardiologist and section chief of general cardiology for Sutter's heart and vascular service line

Dr. Yan, Dr. Jose and colleagues shared study limitations: they were unable to fully examine all Asian and Hispanic subgroups. Moreover, comparisons of predictive utility of PREVENT and pooled cohort equations were limited by small sample sizes in the Mexican and Puerto Rican Hispanic subgroups.

To better inform clinical application of the study findings, future work may focus on providing clinically sensible cutoffs based on PREVENT ASCVD risk to guide treatment decisions.
This new article publication from Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, discusses how SRSF7 promotes pulmonary fibrosis through regulating PKM alternative splicing in lung fibroblasts.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic interstitial lung disease, is characterized by aberrant wound healing, excessive scarring and the formation of myofibroblastic foci. Although the role of alternative splicing (AS) in the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis has garnered increasing attention, its specific contribution to pulmonary fibrosis remains incompletely understood.

In this study, an up-regulation of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 7 (SRSF7) was identified in lung fibroblasts derived from IPF patients and a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model, and further characterized its functional role in both human fetal lung fibroblasts and mice.

It was demonstrated that enhanced expression of Srsf7 in mice spontaneously induced alveolar collagen accumulation. Mechanistically, alternative splicing events were investigated and revealed that SRSF7 modulates the alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase (PKM), leading to metabolic dysregulation and fibroblast activation.

In vivo studies showed that fibroblast-specific knockout of Srsf7 in conditional knockout mice conferred resistance to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Importantly, through drug screening, lomitapide was identified as a novel modulator of SRSF7, which effectively mitigated experimental pulmonary fibrosis.

Collectively, these findings elucidate a molecular pathway by which SRSF7 drives fibroblast metabolic dysregulation and propose a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Burundi as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the eighth country in WHO's African Region to reach this important milestone. Trachoma is also the first neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eliminated in the country.

Eliminating a disease like trachoma is a major public health achievement that requires sustained effort and dedication. I congratulate the government and the people of Burundi and commend them for their hard work and commitment. It is great to see Burundi join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one NTD". Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through personal contact, contaminated surfaces and by flies that have been in contact with eye or nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to scarring, in-turning of the eyelids, and ultimately blindness. Globally, the disease remains endemic in many vulnerable communities where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.

"This validation marks a major milestone in our commitment to health equity", said Dr Lydwine Baradahana, Minister of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, Burundi. "It is a collective victory made possible by nearly 20 years of national mobilization and international solidarity. I thank all the partners, community actors and institutions in Burundi and beyond who made this historic achievement possible".

Burundi's progress

Before 2007, with no reported cases or epidemiological studies, the extent of trachoma endemicity in Burundi was largely unknown. That year, the country launched an initiative to tackle NTDs, which included integrated mapping of soil-transmitted helminthiases, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis and trachoma. Following the mapping, the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS conducted further investigations. Baseline surveys carried out in 20092010 confirmed that trachoma was endemic in parts of the country. This prompted introduction of interventions based on the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy for 2.5 million people who needed them across 12 health districts.

Burundi's trachoma elimination programme was supported technically and financially by CBM Christoffel Blindenmission, the END Fund, Geneva Global and WHO. The International Trachoma Initiative at the Task Force for Global Health donated azithromycin (Zithromax, Pfizer, New York NY, USA). WHO continues to support support the country's health authorities to monitor communities in which trachoma was previously endemic to ensure there is no resurgence of the disease.

This achievement reflects the government's resolve to protect its most vulnerable populations. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, and with the dedication of community health workers, support from key partners, and WHO's technical guidance, this success was made possible" said Dr Xavier Crespin, WHO Representative in Burundi. "This win inspires us to press forward with the same determination to eliminate all remaining neglected tropical diseases."

Disease prevalence

Trachoma remains a public health problem in 32 countries with an estimated 103 million people living in areas requiring interventions against the disease. Trachoma is found mainly in the poorest and most rural areas of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Western Pacific and the Middle East.

The African Region is disproportionately affected by trachoma with 93 million people living in at-risk areas in April 2024, representing 90% of the global trachoma burden. Significant progress has been made in the fight against trachoma over the past few years and the number of people requiring antibiotic treatment for trachoma in the African Region fell by 96 million from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million as of April 2024, representing a 51% reduction.

There are currently 20 countries in WHO's African Region that are known to require intervention for trachoma elimination. These include: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The seven countries in the region previously validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania and Togo. A further 4 countries in the WHO African Region (Botswana, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Senegal) claim to have achieved the prevalence targets for elimination.

Global progress

With today's announcement, a total of 57 countries have now eliminated at least one NTD. Of these, 24- (including Burundi)-have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Other countries that have reached this milestone include Benin, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Ghana, India, Iraq, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
Can artificial intelligence, or AI, potentially transform health care for the better?

Now, rising to the challenge, an Arizona State University team of researchers has built a powerful new AI tool, called Ark+, to help doctors read chest Xrays better and improve health care outcomes.

"Ark+ is designed to be an open, reliable and ultimately useful tool in real-world health care systems," said Jianming "Jimmy" Liang, an ASU professor from the College of Health Solutions, and lead author of the study recently published in the prestigious journal Nature.

In a proof-of-concept study, the new AI tool demonstrated exceptional capability in diagnosis, from common lung diseases to rare and even emerging ones like COVID-19 or avian flu. It also was more accurate and outperformed proprietary software currently released by industry titans like Google and Microsoft.

Our goal was to build a tool that not only performed well in our study but also can help democratize the technology to get it into the hands of potentially everyone. Ultimately, we want AI to help doctors save lives." Jianming "Jimmy" Liang, ASU professor from the College of Health Solutions

More bang for the health care buck

People certainly are demanding more bang for their health care buck.

Yet, with health care now the leading driver of the US economy, the US continues to rank lower than many countries in many indicators, including 49th in life expectancy, according to the World Bank. That's lower than countries like Cuba and Qatar.

Patients want to live healthier lives and have better outcomes. And doctors want to make sure to get the diagnosis right the first time for better patient care.

That's when AI enters the waiting room.

A new AI healthcare tool

Liang's research team wanted to use AI to help interpret the most common type of X-ray used in medicine, the chest X-ray.

Chest X-rays are a big help for doctors to quickly diagnose various conditions affecting the chest, including lung problems (like pneumonia, tuberculosis or Valley fever), heart issues, broken ribs and even certain gut conditions.

But sometime, they can be hard to interpret, even for experienced physicians, or they may miss diagnosing rare conditions or emerging diseases, as was seen in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ark+ tool makes chest X-rays easier by reducing mistakes, speeding up diagnosis and making the technology more equitable by providing topquality AI health tools free and open access worldwide.

"We believe in open science, said Liang. "So, we used a public data and a global data set as we think this will more quickly develop the AI model."

Ark+ outperforms previous AI chest x-ray tools

AI works by training computer software on large data sets, or in the case of the Ark+ model, a total of more than 700,000 worldwide images from several publicly available X-ray datasets.

The key difference-maker for Ark+ was adding value and expertise from the human art of medicine. Liang's team critically included all the detailed doctors' notes compiled for every image. "You learn more knowledge from experts," said Liang.

These expert physician notes were critical in the Ark+ learning and getting more and more accuracy as it was trained on each data set.

"Ark+ is accruing and reusing knowledge," said Liang, explaining the acronym. "That's how we train it. And pretty much, we were thinking of a new way to train AI models with numerous datasets via fully supervised learning."

"Because before this, if you wanted to train a large model using multiple data sets, people usually used self-supervised learning, or you train it on the disease model, the abnormal, versus a normal x-ray."

Large companies like Google and Microsoft have been developing AI healthcare models this way.

"That means you are not using the expert labels," said Liang. "And so, that means you throw out the most valuable information from the data sets, these expert labels. We wanted AI to learn from expert knowledge, not only from the raw data."

So, in a case of David versus Goliath, Liang's small yet plucky research team, including graduate students DongAo Ma and Jiaxuan Pang, worked on the project with funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and seed funding from a long-standing collaboration with Mayo Clinic Arizona radiologist Michael Gotway.

ASU's new tool may be the slingshot needed to give medicine a boost, as it was shown to outperform private and property software developed by giants.

Other key highlights from the pilot project include:

 Foundation model for Xrays: Ark+ is trained on many different chest Xray datasets from hospitals and institutions around the world. This makes it better at detecting a wide range of lung issues.

 Open and sharable: The team has released the code and pretrained models. This means other researchers can improve it or adjust it for local clinics.

 Quick learning: Ark+ can identify rare diseases even when only a few examples are available.

 Adapts to new tasks: Ark+ can be also finetuned to spot new or unseen lung problems without needing full retraining.

 Resilient and fair: Ark+ works well even with uneven data and fights against biases. It can also be used in private, secure ways.

Among the most important aspects of outcompeting proprietary companies was making the Ark+ software open access, and free to all.

"If we compete directly, it's unlikely that we're going to win," said Liang. "But with open-source software, we invite collaborations with many other labs. And with everyone involved, I think we are more powerful than one company."

Putting the AI into the hands of doctors

Liang also notes that the software can be adapted for any kind of medical imaging diagnosis, including CT, MRI and other imaging tools, thereby expanding its impact in the future.

Liang and his research team hopes Ark+ will become a foundation for future AI tools in medicine, allowing better care no matter where patients live.

The Ark+ team hopes to further commercialize the software for hospitals so that researchers everywhere will use and build on their work. By sharing everything openly, they want to help doctors in all countries, even rural places without big data resources.

Their goal is to make medical AI safer, smarter and more helpful for everyone.

"By making this model fully open, we're inviting others to join us in making medical AI more fair, accurate and accessible," Liang added. "We believe this will help save lives."

That's a better pill for US healthcare that every American would like to swallow.
After years of legal battles, state attorneys general won billions of dollars in opioid settlements from drug companies accused of fueling the addiction crisis. They declared victory at press conferences, and some touted the deals during their gubernatorial campaigns.

Opioid manufacturers and distributors are paying more than $54 billion in restitution to settle lawsuits about their role in the overdose epidemic, with little oversight on how the money is spent. We're tracking how state and local governments use  or misuse  the cash. But now that the windfall is being spent, are attorneys general doing enough to ensure it's used for the intended purposes?

No, say many families affected by the overdose crisis, recovery and harm reduction advocates, policy experts, and researchers following the cash.

"This is blood money," said Toni Torsch, a Maryland resident whose son Dan died of an overdose at age 24. It can't make up for the lives lost, but "we do want to make sure that it's going to count."

Torsch and others affected by the crisis are increasingly worried that no one seems to be guarding the opioid settlement cash while elected officials eye it hungrily. With the Trump administration slashing federal funding for addiction and Congress approving massive reductions to Medicaid  the largest payer for addiction care nationwide  people fear state legislators will use the settlements as a grab bag to fill budget shortfalls.

In the face of these concerns, two research and advocacy organizations are proposing a solution: a crowdsourced database to identify potential examples of misuse and prompt attorneys general to investigate.

The Opioid Policy Institute and Popular Democracy launched a website that allows members of the public to submit alleged cases of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement of opioid settlement funds. Submissions are reviewed by Jonathan Stoltman, director of the Opioid Policy Institute, and then posted with details such as how much money was spent, what was purchased, who made the decision, and links to relevant news articles or budget documents.

The database, shared first with KFF Health News, includes about 150 examples to start, including $2,362 awarded by a Missouri county to its roads and bridge department and $375,600 spent on a body scanner for a Michigan county jail. The initial examples were sourced from people in recovery, advocates, and others Stoltman and his team asked to test the project. Stoltman acknowledged he'll face criticism as the primary arbiter of what qualifies as misuse for the database, but said he'll use research studies to defend his decisions.

The website also shows people how to file complaints with their state attorney general and ask the office to develop a formal process for receiving and investigating such complaints.

"I hope this is a wake-up call for state AGs that their work on this project is not done," said Frank Kearl, who co-led the effort with Stoltman and is working as an attorney at Popular Democracy until July 14. "We still have time" to make changes to ensure we "spend this money in a way that actually responds to the harm that was caused."

The website's launch comes just over a week after New Jersey lawmakers passed a budget that gave health systems $45 million in settlement funds despite the state attorney general's opposition. Legislators said it would shield hospitals from the blow of federal Medicaid cuts, but harm-reduction advocates said it gives short shrift to people with substance use disorders, whom the money was meant to serve.

Lawmakers in North Carolina and Washington, D.C., are also considering using settlement funds to plug gaps, and Connecticut and Nevada have discussed it too.

"That's not what it's there for," said Torsch, who runs a nonprofit dedicated to addiction recovery in her son's honor. "We want to make sure that money is being spent in the most responsible and effective way to help people that are still struggling."

Last year, when Torsch heard that a western Maryland county spent some of its settlement money on guns, she reached out to her state attorney general to complain. The office said it wasnt its responsibility, Torsch said, and told her to contact the health department.

She was confused.

The attorney general's office is supposed to represent "the top cops," Torsch told KFF Health News.

The Maryland attorney general's office declined to answer KFF Health News' questions about how it handles opioid settlement complaints.

About a dozen companies are expected to pay state and local governments more than $50 billion in opioid settlements over nearly two decades. Purdue Pharma's case, the most well known, is still wending its way through court. But other companies, including Johnson & Johnson, CVS Health, and Walgreens, have begun paying.

Although the specifics of each settlement deal vary, most require states to use at least 85% of the money on efforts related to the opioid crisis. But enforcement is left to the companies that paid out the money. And legal experts are skeptical that the companies are monitoring state spending.

Attorneys general should be enforcing that standard too, said Stoltman, of the Opioid Policy Institute. "If you're going to bang your chest about how much money you got for your state for opioids," he said, "what are you doing to make sure that it's actually being spent well?"

Stoltman's and Kearl's teams surveyed attorneys general offices in 56 states and territories to see if each office had a complaint form specific to this pot of money, explained the details needed to report misuse, and allowed submitters to track their complaints. They also searched websites of state auditors, comptrollers, and similar entities for complaint forms or procedures.

Their findings? Only three states mentioned specific processes for reporting misuse of opioid settlement money.

South Carolina and New Jersey had links on settlement-related websites that directed people to general complaint forms. Oklahoma was the only state to have an opioid settlement-specific form.

Jill Nichols, opioid response and grant coordinator in the Oklahoma Office of Attorney General, said it was created in April in response to the researchers' inquiry. As of late June, she'd received one complaint, which was found to be without merit.

Stoltman and Kearl said they hope the crowdsourced database will encourage more attorneys general to take an active oversight role by illustrating how much potential misuse is occurring.

The Michigan attorney general's office said it plans to publish a settlement-specific complaint form this year.

But some attorneys general told KFF Health News it wasn't their job to track how the money is spent.

Brett Hambright, a spokesperson for Pennsylvania Attorney General David Sunday, said the state created an opioid settlement council to take on that responsibility.

In North Carolina, Attorney General Jeff Jacksons office said, settlement funds are controlled by the state legislature and local governments. "Our office does not administer the funds nor do we have the power to withhold them," spokesperson Ben Conroy said.

Even when attorneys general watch the money closely, their power may be limited. For example, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes went to court last year to stop the state legislature from giving $115 million in settlement funds to the Department of Corrections. But a judge ruled against her.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown's office directed KFF Health News' questions to other state agencies.

Michael Coury, a spokesperson for Maryland's Office of Overdose Response, said members of the public can email the office with complaints. If the office agrees misuse has occurred, it will bring the complaint to the attorney general, who  per the state's agreement with local governments  "may" take action.

As of this year, the attorney general's office will receive $1.5 million of Maryland's opioid settlement funds annually to cover personnel and administration costs related to opioid-related lawsuits. This may involve suing more companies for future settlement deals.

Torsch, the Maryland mom, said she wishes the focus wasn't just on winning more money but also ensuring that existing settlement dollars are spent well.

"We owe it to all the families that have been destroyed and suffered great losses," she said.
Andaman & Nicobar Command, Coast Guard rescue 2 foreign nationals from mid-sea

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 20:15 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Port Blair, Jul 11 (PTI) The Andaman and Nicobar Command along with Indian Coast Guard rescued two foreign nationals from a US-registered sailing yacht which was adrift in extremely rough sea conditions due to engine and sail failure near the Great Nicobar Island, an official said on Friday.

The two rescued foreign nationals are a 65-year-old US citizen and a 70-year-old Turkish national, the official said.

Recommended Stories

On July 9, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at Port Blair received a distress message from the US Consulate General, Chennai, regarding the sailing yacht Sea Angel, stranded approximately 50 nautical miles south of Indira Point at Great Nicobar, following an engine breakdown.

The yacht had departed Sabang Island, Indonesia, en route to Sri Lanka but encountered extremely rough sea conditions on July 9 late night, the official said.

Severe weather and high wind speeds tore away the yachts mainsail, causing sail ropes to get entangled with the propellers. This resulted in complete engine failure and left the yacht to drift in perilous conditions," he said.

The Andaman and Nicobar Command coordinated the search and rescue mission and immediately tasked the Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajveer, stationed at Campbell Bay, for the rescue operation.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Despite adverse sea conditions and fading light, the crew of ICGS Rajveer undertook a daring and high-risk operation to rescue the distressed mariners just before dusk.

The two crew members were safely evacuated and given initial medical attention, and the disabled yacht was secured for towing. After several hours of challenging operations, the yacht was safely brought alongside Campbell Bay harbour by 8 am on July 11, the official added. PTI SN SN RG

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 20:15 IST

News agency-feeds Andaman & Nicobar Command, Coast Guard rescue 2 foreign nationals from mid-sea
Best of Indian mangoes showcased in Seattle

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 09:00 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

New York/Seattle, Jul 11 (PTI) Seattle got a taste of the best of Indian mangoes at a special event hosted to showcase a variety of the popular fruit and explore opportunities for wider availability of premium mangoes from India in the regional market.

The Consulate General of India in Seattle, in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), hosted a special event on Thursday showcasing the Flavors of Indian Mangoes.

Recommended Stories

The event was part of the Consulates trade promotion and increased market access initiatives.

The event curated a mango-tasting experience, offering the best of the five distinct varieties of Indian mangoes  Dussehri, Chausa, Langra, Mallika and Totapuri  for leading importers and select media from Seattle, according to a press statement issued by the Seattle Consulate.

The Guest of Honour at the event was Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, along with Senator Manka Dhingra and Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho. The participating dignitaries savoured each of the five mango varieties and appreciated their distinctive aroma, texture, and sweetness," the Consulate said. In 2024, mangoes from India registered a 19 per cent growth in exports to the US, reaffirming it as one of the key export markets.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The event also included presentations by industry experts who underscored how Mango-The King of Fruits is celebrated in India across cultures, as a uniquely shared family experience.

At another Indian Food Festival and Mango Promotion event, hosted in Redmond on July 9, a separate session on mango tasting was organised, which was attended by Washington State Representative Alex Ybarra, along with other leading members of the Indian American community and media. Meetings between exporters of Indian mangoes and US Retail representatives were also held on the sidelines, to explore opportunities for wider availability of premium Indian mangoes in the regional market of the US Pacific Northwest," the Consulate said. PTI YAS GRS GRS

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 09:00 IST

News agency-feeds Best of Indian mangoes showcased in Seattle
CM Reddy pitches for further strengthening of US, Telangana ties

Last Updated: July 12, 2025, 00:15 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Hyderabad, Jul 11 (PTI) Observing that about 200 American companies are already operating in sectors such as IT, pharma and defence in Hyderabad, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday said the state government is working to boost further people-to-people exchange and trade ties between Telangana and the US.

Speaking at the America Independence Day celebrations here Friday evening, he said the spirit of Telangana is similar to the ethos of America of not accepting defeat and making a positive difference.

Recommended Stories

While Hyderabad is home to nearly 200 US companies from various sectors, many students from Telangana are also going to America to fulfil their dreams, he said.

We are working to increase our people-to-people exchange to grow America, Telangana businesses," he said.

The state government is working towards the TelanganaRising" vision to achieve a USD 1 trillion economy by 2035 and a USD 3 trillion economy by 2047, the CM said, seeking the support of Americans to achieve the target.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The friendly ties between Telugu people and America are very strong, and Telugu is one of the fastest growing languages in the US, he said.

The CM further said that the US Consulate in Hyderabad, headed by Jennifer Larson, acts as a strong bridge between Telangana and America in strengthening trade relations. PTI SJR AMJ AMJ

view comments

First Published: July 12, 2025, 00:15 IST

News agency-feeds CM Reddy pitches for further strengthening of US, Telangana ties
Trump tours Texas flood damage as disaster tests his pledge to do away with FEMA

Last Updated: July 12, 2025, 02:45 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Kerrville (Texas), Jul 11 (AP) President Donald Trump on Friday toured the devastation from catastrophic flooding in Texas and lauded local officials amid mounting criticism that they failed to warn residents fast enough that a deadly wall of water was coming their way.

The search for the missing continues. The people that are doing it are unbelievable," Trump told first responders and other state and local officials gathered at an emergency operations center in an expo hall in Kerrville.

Recommended Stories

You couldnt get better people, and theyre doing the job like I dont think anybody else could, frankly," Trump said.

The president said his administration is doing everything it can to help Texas" and insisted that weve got some good people" running the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Since the July 4 disaster, which has killed at least 120 people and left more than 170 missing, the president has been conspicuously silent on his past, repeated promises to do away with FEMA. Instead, hes focused on the once-in-a-lifetime nature of what occurred and the human tragedy. He has praised Texas and local officials while de-emphasizing the administrations government-slashing crusade thats been popular with Trumps core supporters.

Trump specifically mentioned victims from Camp Mystic, the century-old all-girls Christian summer camp in Texas Hill Country where at least 27 people were killed. The president called it a legendary place." They were there because they loved God. And, as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven," said Trump who described the floodwaters as like a giant, giant wave in the Pacific Ocean that the best surfers in the world would be afraid to surf." While concerns have swirled about the future of FEMA at the federal level, local officials have faced questions about how well they were prepared and how quickly they acted. Asked about such concerns, Trump called a reporter posing the question evil" and said he thought everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances." I admire you, and I consider you heroes," Trump said of the state and local officials around him.

Before leaving the White House, Trump approved Texas request to extend the major disaster declaration beyond Kerr County to eight additional counties, making them eligible for direct financial assistance to recover and rebuild.

Trumps shift in focus underscores how tragedy can complicate political calculations, even though he has made slashing the federal workforce and dramatically shrinking the size of government centerpieces of his administrations opening months.

Air Force One landed in San Antonio with Trump deplaning in a suit and first lady Melania Trump wearing more casual clothing. Both wore ball caps against the heat. The first couple saw the aftermath from the air, then met privately with first responders and relatives of flood victims.

Roads in the center of Kerrville were shut down for Trumps visit, and people lined the streets, some wearing Trump hats and T-shirts and waving American flags. Green ribbons recognizing the lives lost at Camp Mystic were tied around trees, poles and along bridges, and marquees featured slogans such as Hill Country Strong" and Thank you first responders." Trump won Kerr County with 77% of the vote last year.

Harris Currie, a rancher from Utopia, Texas, near Kerrville, said the flood devastation can be fully understood only by seeing it first-hand.

Pictures do not do it justice," Currie said.

Asked what officials on the ground needed most urgently from federal sources, Kerr County Commissioner Jeff Holt, who also is a volunteer firefighter, stressed the need for repairs to nonworking phone towers and maybe a little better early warning system." Trump himself has suggested that a warning system should be established, though he has not provided details on how that might happen.

During his first weekend back in the White House in January, Trump visited North Carolina to scope out damage from Hurricane Helene. He also toured the aftermath of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The president used both trips to sharply criticize the administration of his predecessor, President Joe Biden and officials from deep-blue California.

That was in stark contrast to Texas, Americas largest red state, where Trump thanked Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and scores of other state officials.

Before the Texas flood, the president pledged  and as recently as last month  to begin phasing out" FEMA and bring disaster response management down to the state level." Hes not talking about that now, though. And pressed this week on whether the White House will continue to work to shutter FEMA, press secretary Karoline Leavitt would not say.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The president wants to ensure American citizens always have what they need during times of need," Leavitt said. Whether that assistance comes from states or the federal government, that is a policy discussion that will continue." Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, similarly dodged questions Friday about FEMAs future, instead noting that the agency has billions of dollars in reserves to continue to pay for necessary expenses" and that the president has promised Texas, Anything it needs, it will get." We also want FEMA to be reformed," Vought added. The president is going to continue to be asking tough questions of all of us agencies, no different than any other opportunity to have better government." Darrin Potter, a Kerr County resident for 25 years who saw ankle-deep flooding in his home and knew people who were killed, said earlier this week, As far as early warnings, Im sure they can improve on that." But he said all the talk about evacuating missed something important. The area where a wall of water ripped through was a two-lane road, he said.

If you would have evacuated at 5 in the morning, all of those people would have been washed away on this road," he said. (AP) NB NB

view comments

First Published: July 12, 2025, 02:45 IST

News agency-feeds Trump tours Texas flood damage as disaster tests his pledge to do away with FEMA
Wildfires force evacuations at Grand Canyon, Black Canyon of Gunnison parks

Last Updated: July 12, 2025, 03:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Jacob Lake, Jul 11 (AP) Visitors and staff at two national parks in the U.S. West have been evacuated because of wildfires.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, about 260 miles (418 kilometers) southwest of Denver, closed Thursday morning after lighting sparked blazes on both rims, the park said. The wildfire on the South Rim has burned 2.5 square miles (6.5 square kilometers), with no containment of the perimeter. The park is closed until further notice.

Recommended Stories

The conditions there have been ripe for wildfire with hot temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation, the park said, adding that weather remained a concern Friday.

Firefighters saved the visitor center along the South Rim by removing dry vegetation and coating the building in a layer of protective material, fire officials said. Small aircrafts from Colorados Division of Fire Prevention and Control dropped retardant from the sky Friday while ground crews tried to contain the burn.

The Grand Canyons North Rim in Arizona also closed Thursday because of a wildfire on adjacent Bureau of Land Management land near Jacob Lake. The Coconino County Sheriffs Office said it helped evacuate people from an area north of Jacob Lake and campers in the Kaibab National Forest nearby.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The fire began Wednesday evening after a thunderstorm moved through the area, fire officials said. It has burned about 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers) with zero containment.

About 500 visitors who planned to stay in the park overnight were evacuated Thursday night, Grand Canyon spokesperson Joelle Baird said. Employees and residents on the North Rim were told to shelter in place. (AP) NB NB

view comments

First Published: July 12, 2025, 03:30 IST

News agency-feeds Wildfires force evacuations at Grand Canyon, Black Canyon of Gunnison parks
Numerology, July 11, 2025: Numbers 1 To 9  A Day Of Clarity And Caution

Written By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 06:05 IST

Numerology, July 11, 2025: Radix 1 feels energised, Radix 2 gains respect, Radix 5 sees growth. Discover what numbers reveal about your day and destiny.

Numerology predictions for July 11, 2025, by astrologer Chirag Daruwalla. (AI generated image)

Numerology, July 11, 2025: Numerology is considered very important in astrology. Astrologers assess the movement of planets and constellations and the persons date of birth. This gives complete information about a persons employment, business, love, marriage, education, and health. Lets know from astrologer Chirag Daruwalla how the day is going to be in important areas like career, health, and education. Those with Radix 1 will feel positive and energetic.

Those with Radix 2 can get the desired respect and money. Those with Radix 3 can plan to do some religious work with their family. Those with Radix 4 will have more intelligence than usual. Those with Radix 5 can contact a high-ranking person who will help with business.

Recommended Stories

Those with Radix 6 should take full care of their food. Those with Radix 7 will feel a little disappointed. Those with Radix 8 will have stability in material pleasures. Those with Radix 9 will have sour relationships.

Number 1 (People born on 1, 10, 19 and 28 of any month)

Ganesha says time will be perfect for the people with the number 1. Today you will feel very positive and energetic. Today, you will have a powerful voice in your way of speaking, due to which people around you will appear weak in front of you. As far as possible, speak only as per the need; otherwise, unnecessary arguments will arise with someone. You will come in contact with a government official, and your relations will grow. Today, just control your anger a little and start your daily routine by offering water to the Sun.

Number 2 (People born on 2, 11, 20 or 29 of any month)

Ganesha says people with the number 2 will feel very encouraged today because today they can get the desired respect and money. There will be close love among all the members of the family. Today, a plan will be made to earn some kind of money from the government department. Your mothers blessings and affection will give you spiritual happiness and growth. Today will be a very good day for any government investment. There is a possibility of blood-related disorders. Please take full care of your health.

Number 3 (People born on 3, 12, 21, 30 of any month)

Ganesha says people with the number 3 will have a good day. You can also plan to do some religious work with your family. Today, you will believe in doing every work after discussing it thoroughly. If you want to take admission in a research program, then today will bring many opportunities for you. If you enroll for the post of a government teacher today, then it will be able to fulfill all your wishes.

Number 4 (People born on 4, 13, 22 or 31 of any month)

Ganesha says people with the number 4 will have less luck than normal today. If you do any work today, then do it after examining it thoroughly. You can get entangled in some government problems. Your fathers health will also become a matter of concern for you today. If your fathers health suddenly deteriorates, it will indicate some more physical problems, so it is necessary to get him examined in time. Your intelligence will work more than normal, due to which you will be very popular in your field of work. If you are related to politics, then today your stars will be in trouble.

Number 5 (People born on 5, 14, 23 of any month)

Ganesha says the day will be good for people with the number 5. Today, you can contact a high-ranking person who will help you in your business. The sharpness of your intellect will differentiate you from ordinary people. You can think of very effective ways to earn money today. Today, you will have full faith in luck, but you will also work with all your might. Today, you can also invest in the stock market.

Number 6 (People born on 6, 15 or 24 of any month)

Ganesha says people with the number 6 should maintain a loving relationship with their spouse today. Today, you should take full care of your food, otherwise, you will be troubled throughout the day due to bile problems. Today, a woman can cause trouble for you, especially if she is related to the government sector, so you are advised not to have a dispute with such a person. If you want to do some work in partnership, then the work started today will prove to be successful in running for a long time without any hindrance.

Number 7 (People born on 7, 16, and 25 of any month)

Ganesha says people with the number 7 will have a little worrying day. You may remain worried about some kind of problem throughout the day. Today, your fathers words may hurt you in your family, due to which will feel a little disappointed. There will be obstacles in your work, due to which you will be a victim of unnecessary anger. Some problems may arise in your mothers health, which will increase mental stress.

Number 8 (People born on 8, 17 and 26 of any month)

Ganesha says people with the number 8 should avoid making decisions on any important work on this day. Today, you will have stability in material pleasures. Today, you will feel that mental stress has increased a lot inside you. You may get stuck in a government problem, so make decisions carefully. Your seniors will create unnecessary problems in your workplace.

Number 9 (People born on 9, 18 and 27 of any month)

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Ganesha says people with the number 9 will be angrier than usual today. It is very important for you to keep complete control over your anger today. Money management will be good today. There can be some arguments with brothers, so if you talk to them, do it very calmly; otherwise, it will create problems in your relationships. Today, there can be some discussion about property. Today, you should not do any work in a hurry.

(The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla).

About the Author Chirag Daruwalla Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, Tarot, Num... Read More Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, Tarot, Num... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 06:05 IST

News astrology Numerology, July 11, 2025: Numbers 1 To 9  A Day Of Clarity And Caution
Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO Subscribed 1.2x On Day 2: Should You Apply? Check GMP, Price, Lot Size, Review

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 17:52 IST

The IPO of the Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO currently stands at 6.14%, indicating mild listing gains.

Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO Opens Today: Apply Or Not?

Should I Subscribe To Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO? The initial public offering of Smartworks Coworking Spaces Ltd is witnessing its second day of bidding on Friday. The price band of the mainboard IPO, which aims to raise Rs 582.56 crore, has been fixed in the range of Rs 387 to Rs 407. On the first day of bidding on Thursday, the issue received a 1.20 times subscription, garnering bids for 1,20,52,188 shares as against the 1,00,56,237 shares on offer.

The retail and NII participation stood at 1.23x and 1.86x, respectively. The QIB category received a 0.64x subscription.

Recommended Stories

The IPOs grey market premium currently stands at 6.14%, indicating mild listing gains.

The three-day IPO, which was opened on July 10, will be closed on July 14.

Smartworks Coworking Spaces Ltd, founded in 2015, provides customised, tech-enabled managed office spaces to 728 clients with 169,541 seats, including Indias largest leased campuses like Bengalurus 0.7 million sq ft Vaishnavi Tech Park. Currently, it has 48 operational co-working centres with over 1.9 lakh seating capacities.

Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Smartworks Coworking Spaces Ltd are currently trading at Rs 432 against its upper IPO price of Rs 407. It means a grey market premium or GMP of Rs 25, which is 6.14% over its issue price, indicating mild listing.

It lower than the 8.35% GMP recorded in the morning.

The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO Price And Lot Size

The price band of the IPO has been fixed in the range of Rs 387 to Rs 407 apiece.

Its minimum lot size is 36. It means investors will have to apply for a minimum of 36 shares or in multiple thereof.

Retail investors require a minimum capital of Rs 13,932 to apply for the IPO.

Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO Allotment And Listing Dates

The basis of allotment of the Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO will be finalised on July 15.

Its shares will be listed on both BSE and NSE, July 17.

Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO: Should You Apply?

Smartworks is Indias largest managed campus operator with a leased portfolio of 8.9 million sq. ft. across 50 centres as of FY25. It operates in the fast-growing flexible workspace market, especially in Tier 1 cities, and has outpaced industry growth with a 38.3% CAGR from 20202024.

Giving a Subscribe- Long Term rating to the IPO, brokerage firm Anand Rathi in its note said, It is also shifting to an asset-light strategy through variable rental and management contracts, improving capital efficiency. Additional revenue streams like value-added services and Fit-out-as-a-Service further strengthen its business."

On valuation, it said, At the upper price band company is valuing at P/S of 3.3x with EV/EBITDA of 9.7x and market cap of Rs 46,448 million post issue of equity shares. We believe that the IPO is fully priced and recommend a Subscribe Long term rating to the IPO."

Another brokerage firm Bajaj Broking also gave a subscribe for long term rating.

Bajaj Broking said SCSL has emerged one of the leading suppliers of office experience and managed campus platforms. Its thrust on MNC customers with long term contracts has yielded desired benefits. The company has posted growth in its top lines with cash EBITDA at gross levels.

It, however, said the company posted losses at net levels following accounting provisioning required new accounting standards. The Company operates with a high lease liability due to its long-term, fixed-cost lease agreements across multiple centres. As a result, it incurs significant interest expenses and depreciation charges under the Right-of-Use (ROU) asset accounting treatment, in accordance with IndAS 116. This accounting structure impacts the companys EBITDA positively (as lease rentals are not included) but results in elevated finance costs and depreciation expenses, thereby exerting pressure on its net profitability.

The issue is priced at a P/BV of 38.58 based on its NAV of Rs 10.55 as of March 31, 2025, and at a P/BV of 8.40 based on its post-IPO NAV of Rs 48.45 per share (at the upper cap)," Bajaj Broking said in the IPO note.

Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO: More Info

The size of the fresh issue has been reduced to Rs 445 crore from the earlier planned Rs 550 crore, while the Offer For Sale (OFS) by promoters has been cut to 33.79 lakh shares from 67.59 lakh shares.

Smartworks Coworking Spaces has raised Rs 173.64 crore from anchor investors ahead of its initial public offer (IPO).

At the upper end of the price band, the companys IPO size is now estimated at Rs 583 crore, with a market valuation of about Rs 4,645 crore.

Of the total proceeds from the fresh issue of shares, the company will use Rs 226 crore for capital expenditure related to the fit-outs in new centres and security deposits for these new centres.

It will utilise Rs 114 crore for payment of loans, and the remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes. The OFS proceeds will go to promoters.

On the financial parameters, Smartworks has posted a net loss of Rs 63.17 crore in the last financial year due to higher expenses than income. Its net loss stood at Rs 49.95 crore in the preceding 2023-24 financial year.

However, the revenue from operations rose to Rs 1,374.05 crore in the 2024-25 fiscal from Rs 1,039.36 crore in the preceding year.

These losses were on account of our total income being lower than the expenses for the relevant fiscal," the company said in its red herring prospectus (RHP) filed with Sebi.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The company would aim to increase revenue levels and decrease proportionate expenses to achieve profitability.

Its total consolidated debt stood at Rs 382 crore at the end of April.

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 11:53 IST

News business  ipo Smartworks Coworking Spaces IPO Subscribed 1.2x On Day 2: Should You Apply? Check GMP, Price, Lot Size, Review
Rs 2,000 Notes No Longer In Circulation But Still Legal Tender, RBI Governor Tells Parliament Panel

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 05:46 IST

A committee member noted that while many fake Rs 500 notes had been recently seized, the proportion remains small compared to the total in circulation

The RBI Governor reassured lawmakers that the economy remains robust and is performing well despite global challenges. Representational image

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra provided a detailed briefing on Thursday to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, outlining the performance of the Indian economy and financial system. He reassured lawmakers that the economy remains robust and is performing well despite global challenges.

Committee Chairman Bhartruhari Mahtab described the discussion as very meaningful", with a broad range of topics covered.

Recommended Stories

A significant focus was the status of the Rs 2,000 currency notes. Malhotra clarified that although these notes are no longer in circulation, they are still considered legal tender and have not been invalidated by the RBI.

The issue of counterfeit currency was also raised, with a committee member noting that while many fake Rs 500 notes had been recently seized, the proportion remains small compared to the total in circulation. Malhotra acknowledged the concern and affirmed that both the RBI and the government are committed to preventing such activities and are actively implementing measures to curb counterfeit money.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Additionally, MPs inquired about the regulation and status of cryptocurrency in India. The meeting concluded with an agreement for Malhotra to reconvene with the panel on July 23 or 24 to specifically review the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

(With agency inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 05:46 IST

News business Rs 2,000 Notes No Longer In Circulation But Still Legal Tender, RBI Governor Tells Parliament Panel
Wockhardt Exits US Generics Pharma Business To Focus On Innovation-Driven Areas; Details Here

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 17:57 IST

Wockhardt says its US generics business has been loss-making for several years, incurring a loss of nearly $8 million in FY25 alone.

Ahead of the announcement, shares of Wockhardt Ltd closed 3.5% higher at Rs 1,756 apiece on the BSE.

Wockhardt Ltd on Friday announced a strategic exit from the US generic pharmaceutical segment to shift its capital and focus on high-growth, innovation-driven areas.

Wockhardt is undertaking significant strategic realignment of its US business in line with its long-term vision to build a differentiated, innovation-driven pharmaceutical enterprise," the company said. As part of this transition, the company has taken decision to exit the US generic pharmaceutical segment, paving the way for deeper focus and investment in its advanced product portfolio," the company said in a regulatory filing on July 11.

Recommended Stories

The move is part of Wockhardts broader plan to sharpen its focus on building a future-ready business anchored in two key pillars":

1. New Antibiotic Drug Discovery  where Wockhardt has established a leadership position globally, with a strong pipeline of differentiated assets.

2. Biologicals Portfolio in Insulin  leveraging advanced technologies to address critical unmet needs in diabetes care.

The company said its US generics business has been loss-making for several years, incurring a loss of nearly $8 million in FY25 alone.

To facilitate the exit, Wockhardt has filed for voluntary liquidation under Chapter 7 of the US Bankruptcy Code for its wholly owned step-down subsidiaries  Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Wockhardt USA LLC  both incorporated in Delaware. The decision is effective from July 11, 2025.

This decision enables a clean and structured exit from a legacy segment and unlocks management bandwidth and capital for high-impact areas," Wockhardt said.

Despite the US exit, the company reaffirmed its commitment to pharmaceutical operations in India, the UK, Ireland, and other geographies where its businesses continue to perform strongly.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Ahead of the announcement, shares of Wockhardt Ltd closed 3.5% higher at Rs 1,756 apiece on the BSE.

Over the past several years, Wockhardts US generics business has been incurring losses. In FY 2025 alone, the generics business incurred a loss of nearly $8 million. Following a comprehensive strategic review, the company has concluded that continuing in this segment would detract from its broader innovation agenda.

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 17:45 IST

News business Wockhardt Exits US Generics Pharma Business To Focus On Innovation-Driven Areas; Details Here
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link To Be Ready Soon: Why Motorists Are Rejoicing

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi



Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 14:28 IST

Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link: Khopoli to Sinhgad Institute link will get two eight-lane tunnels, two viaducts and cable-stayed bridge above Lonavala-Khandala Tiger Valley

The Mumbai-Pune expressway sees around 75,000 vehicles a day. (PTI File)

Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link To Be Ready Soon: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporations (MSRDC) work on the Mumbai-Pune expressways 13-km missing link, which will help motorists bypass the Lonavla-Khandala ghat section, is expected to be completed by December.

Currently, the distance between Khopoli and the Sinhgad Institute via the expressway is 19 kilometres, much of it through a ghat section.

Recommended Stories

Why Mumbai-Pune expressway is key to motorists?

Named after former chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan, the expressway was opened to traffic in 2002. The expressway sees around 75,000 vehicles, including goods and transport vehicles, a day. The number is up to 1,10,000-120,000 vehicles on weekends and holidays, leading to traffic jams and congestion. Other projects such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Pune ring road, Pune-Nashik expressway and Pune-Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) expressway are likely to add to the numbers. It saw 191 accidents in 2024, according to official figures.

Why do motorists need the Mumbai-Pune expressway missing link?

In the absence of the link, motorists are forced to use a common stretch of the expressway and the old Mumbai-Bengaluru highway (NH-4) in the Ghat section. The 10 lanes of the two roads (six lanes of the expressway and four lanes of the NH-4) narrow down to just six lanes. Landslides lead to vehicles breaking down and make this into a chronic chokepoint. Vehicle users will be able to bypass the stretch once the missing link is completed.

How Mumbai-Pune expressway missing link will be connected?

The link which begins at Khopoli and ends at the Sinhgad Institute (Pune) will get:

Two eight-lane tunnels (1.75 km and 8.92 km long)

Two eight-lane viaducts (790 m and 650 m long)

A 640-metre cable-stayed bridge that soars 100 metres above the Tiger Valley in the Lonavala-Khandala section.

It then goes through an 8.9-kilometre tunnelsome parts of which are as deep as 170 feet beneath the ground with the Lonavala lake resting above it.

The Rs 6,695-crore Mumbai-Pune expressway missing link project

The project is expected to cost Rs 6,695 crore in total. There are two packages for the missing link project:

The alignment was approved and the project started after MSRDC established a technical advisory committee to examine the detailed project report (DPR).

How is the missing link work progressing?

According to reports, the MSRDC has stated that the work on the tunnel is almost complete.

The superstructure of the cable-stayed bridge is complete, but the support cable installation is still incomplete, which is why the deadline has been extended from August to year-end.

Mumbai-Pune expressway to get 10 lanes: Does this mean extra toll for motorists?

News18 had earlier reported how the Maharashtra government is planning to widen the Mumbai-Pune expressway from its present six lanes to 10. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the state government soon. The work, which is expected to begin in 2026, will cost over Rs 14,000 crore. The corporation is likely to seek that the toll collection tenure be extended beyond 2045

The India Today, citing an MSRDC official, had said they planned to ensure commuters did not have to pay extra toll to account for the cost of the expressways widening. The corporation is likely to seek that the toll collection tenure be extended beyond 2045.

Mumbai-Pune Expressway speed limit on this section may be increased soon

Heavy vehicles descending the Bhor Ghat section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway might soon move down the slope a bit faster, with authorities considering an increase in the existing speed limits.

Deliberations are underway to raise the speed limit for heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses from the current 40 kmph to 45-50 kmph on the downward incline of the Pune-Mumbai arm, also known as the Khandala Ghat. A decision is likely to be taken soon, the PTI report said, quoting officials and transporters.

What is the current speed limit on ghat section?

The current speed limit of 60 kmph for cars in the 10-km ghat section is unlikely to be changed. On other stretches of the countrys first access-controlled expressway, the speed limit is 100 kmph for smaller vehicles and 80 kmph for heavy vehicles.

The current limit on the ghat section, located between Lonavala in Pune district and Khalapur in Raigad district, results in frequent e-challans as it is challenging for heavy vehicles to move slowly on a sharp downward incline, slows down traffic and causes accidents, they claimed. After follow-ups and discussions, the authorities have given a positive signal for an upward revision of the speed limit, transporters said.

What happens in case of violation?

According to transporters, particularly bus owners, e-challans have increased on the ghat section following the introduction of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), which comprises several speed-monitoring cameras and other equipment, on the 95-km carriageway.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

A vehicle is fined Rs 2,000 for the first speed violation, and the amount increases for subsequent infractions.

With PTI Inputs

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 14:15 IST

News cities Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link To Be Ready Soon: Why Motorists Are Rejoicing
Delhi Police Directs E-Commerce, Social Media Platforms To Stop Online Sale Of Firecrackers

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 20:11 IST

Delhi Police orders e-commerce and social media platforms to halt firecracker sales in the capital, following government and Supreme Court directives to reduce air pollution.

Local police have been directed to ensure the advisories are served to all concerned establishments (File image)

The Delhi Police has written to e-commerce and social media platforms instructing to immediately halt and cease the listing and delivery of firecrackers within the national capital, an official said on Friday.

In a written communication, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police directed all e-commerce and social media platforms to take immediate steps to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban in the national capital, as reported by news agency PTI.

Recommended Stories

The platforms have been asked to delist all firecracker-related products and disable the purchase option for customers located in Delhi. They have also been instructed to activate location-based restrictions to prevent any sales or deliveries of firecrackers within the city," Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastva said.

In the letter, the police directed the platforms to publish a clear public notice informing users about the ban on firecracker sales and deliveries in the national capital. The police also asked the e-commerce platforms to sensitise their delivery partners and logistics teams to ensure that no consignments containing firecrackers are accepted, transported, or delivered within the region during the ban period.

The platforms have also been asked to provide written confirmation of compliance, the officer said, noting that the move is aimed at safeguarding public health during periods of high pollution, especially around festive seasons.

The action follows directions issued by the Delhi government through an order dated December 19, 2024, and the observations made by the Supreme Court on May 6, 2025, in the matter of MC Mehta vs Union of India and Others, which reiterated the need to curb air pollution caused by firecrackers.

Additionally, the police have also issued advisories to all banquet halls, marriage venues, hotels, guesthouses, and ceremonial facilities across the city, instructing strict compliance with the ban.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Any violation will attract criminal prosecution under relevant laws, given the total and unconditional ban imposed by both the Supreme Court and the Delhi government," Srivastva said.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More

view comments

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 11, 2025, 20:11 IST

News new-delhi-news Delhi Police Directs E-Commerce, Social Media Platforms To Stop Online Sale Of Firecrackers
NMC Recommends 3-Tier Grievance System For Medical Students Across India

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 11:39 IST

The NMC has proposed a three-tier system for resolving medical student complaints at the college, university, and state levels, with an NMC portal for unresolved issues.

NMC suggests 3-level grievance redressal for swift resolution of medical student complaints.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has suggested setting up a three-level system to handle complaints from medical students. This system would work at the medical college, university, and state medical education department levels.

In an advisory, the NMC said it has been getting complaints from medical students, their parents, and other stakeholders about problems related to academics and clinical training. These issues include charging of high fees, delay or non-payment of stipends, ragging or harassment, internship difficulties, problems with college staff or faculty, disciplinary matters, health and safety concerns, and academic issues like curriculum, attendance, teaching methods, exams, and assessments.

Recommended Stories

The NMC noted that most of these issues can be sorted out at the college or university level. If not resolved there, the next step would be the states directorate or medical education department.

**If a grievance requires intervention at the NMC level, the same may be escalated to NMC for necessary resolution,"** the advisory said.

The NMC has asked for a proper system to be set up at all three levels. Complaints should first go to the medical college or institute, then to the university, and finally to the Directorate of Medical Education or the states health and medical education department if needed.

ALSO READ: NEET Cleared But No Seat? Students Are Choosing This Cheaper Route Abroad To Become Doctors

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

All-out efforts are to be made by the stakeholders for effective and speedy resolutions of the grievances of the students/stakeholders, with an endeavour that all the grievances are attended to at the levels from where the grievances emanate," the NMC said.

It also added that a web portal has been activated by the NMC where students and other stakeholders can file unresolved complaints.

About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 11:39 IST

News education-career NMC Recommends 3-Tier Grievance System For Medical Students Across India
Pearson Enhances PTE Academic With New Speaking Tasks, Fairer AI Scoring System

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 16:41 IST

Pearson has updated PTE Academic with real-life speaking tasks, improved AI scoring, and new prep tools to help Indian students prepare for overseas study and migration.

Pearson updates PTE Academic with real-world tasks and enhanced AI scoring for global aspirants.

Pearson, a global leader in lifelong learning, has announced significant updates to its Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, enhancing its relevance and value for Indian students aiming to study or migrate abroad. These changes reaffirm Pearsons commitment to offering secure, AI-powered English proficiency tests that reflect the real-world communication skills essential for academic and professional success worldwide.

Beginning August 2025, PTE Academic will introduce two new speaking tasks: Respond to a Situation" and Summarize a Group Discussion." These tasks are designed to assess a test takers ability to communicate effectively in practical academic and professional settings. Alongside this, Pearson is also upgrading its AI-driven scoring system to better identify copied or unoriginal responses, ensuring a more accurate and fair evaluation process for all candidates.

Recommended Stories

To support Indian aspirants in preparing for the revised test, Pearson will roll out updated preparation resources. These include scored practice tests, expert-developed course materials, informative webinars, and instructional videos  all while retaining PTEs trademark speed, security, and global credibility.

ALSO READ: Study In Germany For Free: Top Public Universities & Admission Requirements Explained

Commenting on the enhancements, Prabhul Ravindran, Director of English Language Learning at Pearson India, said: These changes to PTE Academic are tailored to meet the evolving needs of Indian learners while ensuring that institutions and immigration bodies continue to have confidence in the tests reliability and fairness. By incorporating real-life speaking scenarios and strengthening scoring safeguards, we aim to make preparation more effective and assessments more trustworthy."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

As part of its global growth strategy, Pearson has expanded its secure test centre network to over 500 locations globally. New centres have been launched across Southeast Asia to improve accessibility and boost testing capacity in key urban areas.

Despite these updates, the core features of PTE Academic remain the same. It continues to be fully computer-based, scored predominantly by AI, and delivers results typically within 48 hours. PTE is accepted by over 3,500 institutions worldwide and recognised by the governments of Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand. It continues to be one of the most trusted English proficiency tests for Indian students and professionals looking to build their future overseas.

About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 16:39 IST

News education-career Pearson Enhances PTE Academic With New Speaking Tasks, Fairer AI Scoring System
SBI CBO Admit Card 2025 Released: Check Steps To Download, Exam Pattern

Curated By :



Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 17:15 IST

SBI CBO Admit Card 2025 Released: Candidates who have applied for this recruitment can download the admit card by visiting the official website of the bank at sbi.co.in.

SBI CBO 2025: Under this recruitment process, 2964 vacant posts of CBO will be appointed. (File Photo)

SBI CBO Admit Card 2025: State Bank of India (SBI) has released the admit card 2025 for the examination to be held for Circle Based Officer (CBO) posts. Candidates who have applied for this recruitment can download the admit card by visiting the official website of the bank at sbi.co.in.

The recruitment examination will be conducted on July 20, 2025 at various examination centers across the country. Under this recruitment process, 2964 vacant posts of CBO will be appointed. The selection process will include an online exam, screening, interview, and a local language proficiency test.

Recommended Stories

How To Download SBI CBO Admit Card 2025?

Step 1  Visit the official website of SBI sbi.co.in.

Step 2  Go to the Careers" section.

Step 3  Open the Current Openings" tab and click on the CBO Recruitment Exam link.

Step 4  Go to the Download Admit Card" link.

Step 5  Enter your login information and get the admit card.

SBI CBO 2025: Selection Process, Exam Pattern

Candidates will be selected through online exam, screening, and interview. The online exam will have two parts. It includes a Multiple Choice Question paper consisting of 120 marks and a descriptive exam comprising 50 marks. The descriptive exam will start immediately after the multiple choice exam is over, in which candidates will have to type the answers of two questions (letter writing and essay writing  in English) on the computer in 30 minutes.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Candidates holding a graduate degree or integrated dual degree (IDD) from a recognised institute are eligible to apply. Degree holders like Medical, Engineering, CA, Cost Accountancy can also appear in this exam. The age limit should be between 21 years to 30 years (as on April 30, 2025). Applying candidates should be proficient in reading, writing and understanding the local language of the selected circle.

Selected candidates will be placed on a starting basic pay of Rs 48,480 along with applicable allowances and benefits as per bank norms.

About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 17:01 IST

News education-career SBI CBO Admit Card 2025 Released: Check Steps To Download, Exam Pattern
Study In Germany For Free: Top Public Universities & Admission Requirements Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 15:14 IST

Germany offers tuition-free education at top public universities, attracting global students with low semester fees and high academic standards.

Students can study at top German public universities tuition-free, paying only a small semester fee.

Germany has become one of the most sought-after study destinations for international students, not just for its world-class education system but also because many of its top public universities offer tuition-free education. With institutions like the Technical University of Munich and Humboldt University of Berlin waiving tuition fees, students can earn globally recognised degrees while paying only a modest semester fee.

However, gaining admission comes with its own set of requirements, especially around language proficiency and documentation, which aspiring students must be well-prepared for.

Recommended Stories

Top Public Universities in Germany Offering Tuition-Free Education

Germany is known for offering tuition-free education at its public universities, even for international students. Here are some of the top public universities in Germany that provide quality education without tuition fees:

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)

Humboldt University of Berlin

University of Bonn

University of Freiburg

University of Hamburg

RWTH Aachen University

University of Cologne

University of Leipzig

Studying in Germany: Semester Fees And Admission Requirements

Although tuition is free at public universities in Germany, students are required to pay a semester fee, which typically ranges between 150 and 350. This fee covers administrative costs and may also include public transport passes.

To gain admission to these universities, particularly for programmes taught in German, students must meet the following requirements:

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

German Language Proficiency: As many courses are delivered in German, students must provide proof of language proficiency. This can be achieved by completing a certified German language course.

Academic Transcripts: Official academic records from previous schools or universities must be submitted.

Letter of Recommendation (LOR): Typically written by a teacher or lecturer who can attest to the students academic potential.

Language Proficiency Test (LPT): Evidence of language skills, especially if applying for programmes taught in German or English.

Statement of Purpose (SOP): A personal statement outlining your academic goals, reasons for applying, and why you are a suitable candidate for the course.

Standardised Test Scores: Depending on the chosen programme, results from standardised tests may be required for undergraduate or postgraduate entry.

Germanys public universities present an excellent opportunity to receive high-quality education without the burden of tuition fees, making the country an increasingly popular choice for students worldwide.

About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 15:13 IST

News education-career Study In Germany For Free: Top Public Universities & Admission Requirements Explained
Bihar Electoral Roll Review In Top 'Form' As Collection Touches 75% With 2 Weeks Left

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 21:34 IST

As of 6 pm on Friday, in just 17 days, the ECI has collected 5.87 crore enumeration forms out of 7.90 crore voters registered till June 24

The Election Commission of India is aiming to release the draft electoral roll for Bihar on August 1 and the final version by September 30. Representational pic/News18

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has managed to collect almost 75% of the enumeration forms under the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar, making significant progress even as two weeks are still left for the deadline of July 25.

As of 6 pm on Friday, in just 17 days, the ECI has collected 5.87 crore enumeration forms out of 7.90 crore voters registered till June 24.

Recommended Stories

The SIR is in the second phase, under which booth-level officers (BLOs) are going house to house to assist the electors and collect their filled enumeration forms, the poll body announced on Friday.

Field level functionaries including 38 DEOs (district election officer), EROs (Electoral Registration Officer) covering all 243 Assembly Constituencies and 963 AEROs (Assistant Electoral Registration Officer) are regularly supervising the progress of SIR," the ECI said.

Parties sought voter list cleansing

The revision, in addition to regular annual updating, came in light of the increasing demand of all political parties to cleanse the electoral rolls based on eligibility conditions such as residence, age, and Indian citizenship in the recent past.

Many ineligible persons have been able to procure the voter cards, as neither had intensive revision been conducted periodically since 2004 nor were eligibility documents readily available. Therefore, sources say, in case of complaints and objections by any elector or political party, it becomes difficult to look into such complaints in a rational manner.

Digitisation and uploading of enumeration forms progressing smoothly

Working in accordance with the SIR guidelines, BLOs have successfully digitised and uploaded 3.73 crore enumeration forms through the BLO App/ECINet, out of the total enumeration forms collected by them so far.

Today, a new module has been implemented in ECINet for the verification of the uploaded forms by the AERO/EROs," the ECI added.

Close to 98,500 BLOs and other election officials are working tirelessly to complete the exercise in time, the poll body said.

Over 4 lakh volunteers are also supporting the elderly, persons with disabilities (PwD), the sick, and vulnerable populations, along with the 1.56 lakh proactive force of booth-level agents (BLAs) who have been appointed by all recognised political parties. The poll body has credited all these for the collection of 74.39% enumeration forms.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The Election Commission of India is aiming to release the draft electoral roll for Bihar on August 1 and the final version by September 30.

The term of the Bihar assembly is ending in November, and the elections are likely to be held before that.

About the Author Nivedita Singh Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 21:31 IST

News elections Bihar Electoral Roll Review In Top 'Form' As Collection Touches 75% With 2 Weeks Left
Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtras State Festival: What Does It Mean? Do Other States Have Such Fests?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 13:14 IST

Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtras State Festival: What does the status from state mean? Are PoP idols allowed? What does Ganpati Bappa Morya mean? The history and tradition explained

Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day festival that continues until Ananta Chaturdashi. (PTI File)

Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtras State Festival: Maharashtra has declared Ganeshotsav, the 10-day festival which starts on Ganesh Chaturthi, as Maharashtra State Festival or Rajya Utsav.

The demand was made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Hemant Rasane. Maharashtras Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

Recommended Stories

What is the history behind Ganeshotav in Maharashtra?

Ganeshotsav began in Maharashtra as a private, household celebration of Lord Ganesha, but it was transformed into a large-scale public festival in 1893 by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Pune. At the time, British colonial rule had banned public political gatherings, so Tilak used the religious and cultural appeal of Ganeshawidely worshipped across all castesas a unifying symbol to promote nationalism and community spirit. By organising Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav with large idols, public processions, bhajans, speeches, and social activities, Tilak turned the festival into a platform for anti-colonial sentiment and social unity. This idea quickly spread across Maharashtraespecially in cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, and Kolhapurwhere local mandals formed and the festival grew into a vibrant public event. After independence, Ganeshotsav evolved further into a major cultural tradition marked by artistic pandals, social messaging, and mass participation.

How does Maharashtra celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day festival that continues until Ananta Chaturdashi. This festival is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. During Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Homes and pandals are adorned with elaborate decorations, and the air is filled with prayers, music, and festive chants. The streets come alive with vibrant processions and traditional rituals as people prepare delicious offerings and visit the beautifully decorated pandals.

What does the chant Ganpati Bappa Morya mean?

Ganpati: Another name for Lord Ganesha, meaning Lord of the Ganas (attendants)".

Bappa: A Marathi word meaning father, lord, or a term of deep affection and reverence.

Morya: Refers to Morya Gosavi, a 14th15th century saint and ardent devotee of Ganesha from Chinchwad, near Pune.

The phrase means: O Lord Ganesha, beloved father, come to us and bless us  just like your devotee Morya!"

The chant became popular when Tilak made it a public festival.

What did Ashish Shelar say on Maharashtras Ganeshotsav?

Public Ganeshotsav was started in Maharashtra in 1893 by Lokmanya Tilak. This festival is deeply rooted in social, national, freedom, self-respect, and linguistic pride. It continues in the same spirit today. It is a matter of pride and honour for Maharashtra," he said.

He emphasised that the Government of Maharashtra is committed to preserving and promoting the cultural significance and global presence of this festival.

What does State Festival status for Ganeshotsav mean?

There is no specific act or statute establishing this designationrather, it is an executive and legislative decision.

The status means:

The festival will receive direct state-level funding for infrastructure, security (e.g. police), and organisation.

The government will actively promote it nationally and internationally, integrating themes like social initiatives, armed forces, and Operation Sindoor into mandal displays.

Are PoP idols allowed in this years Ganeshotsav?

The previous government had imposed curbs on POP (Plaster of Paris) idols, citing guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). We initiated a comprehensive study to explore eco-friendly alternatives and assess whether POP is truly harmful to the environment. We commissioned an in-depth study by the Kakodkar Committee through the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav approved the findings, and the earlier restrictions were lifted. As per the courts ruling, the making, displaying and selling of POP idols are now permitted," said Shelar.

Do other states have State Festivals like Maharashtras Ganeshotsav?

Arunachal Pradesh: Pakke Paga (Hornbill) Festival was declared a State Festival in January 2019 to highlight hornbill conservation and indigenous wisdom.

Manipur: Shirui Lily Festival, a four-day event honouring the state flower was declared a State Festival in 2017.

Tripura: Meitei Umang Lai Haraoba was recognised as an official State Festival in January 2015. It celebrates the living spirits (Umang Lai") through traditional rituals, dances, and music over several days

Jharkhand: Oraon Pilgrimage at Sirasita was elevated to state festival status in early 2025.

Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara was has been officially designated as a State Festival. A grand 10-day cultural extravaganza during Navaratri, culminating in Vijayadashami, featuring palace processions with elephants, cultural performances, and state pageantry Wikipedia.

Andhra Pradesh: Ahobilam Paruveta Utsavam was declared a state festival in March 2024. This centuries old mock-hunting festival is centered on the deity Narasimha Swamy, with rituals across several tribal villages. Ratha Saptami at Arasavalli Temple, too, is a State Festival.

Telangana: Sadar Sammelan (Buffalo Parade) was declared as a State Festival in November 2024.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Uttarakhand: Maa Varahi Bagwal Mela was declared a State Government fair/festival in July 2022. Held in Champawat during Raksha Bandhan, it involves unique rituals at the Maa Varahi temple and attracts devotees nationwide.

With Agency Inputs

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 12:24 IST

News explainers Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtras State Festival: What Does It Mean? Do Other States Have Such Fests?
Women, LGBTQI+ Deprived Of Basic Rights: ICCs Arrest Warrants Against 2 Taliban Leaders Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 13:38 IST

Taliban's oppression of women, LGBTQI+: ICC arrest warrants recognise rights of Afghan women and those Taliban sees as not conforming with gender identity such as LGBTQI+

Since seizing control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the group has implemented a string of oppressive measures against women and girls, even cracking down on the sound of womens voices in public. (AP File)

Talibans oppression of women, LGBTQI+: The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday issued arrest warrants for two top Taliban leaders, accusing them of persecuting girls and women in Afghanistan.

The duo is suspected of ordering, inducing or soliciting" the persecution of girls, women and others who dont conform with the Talibans policy on gender, the ICC said in a statement.

Recommended Stories

Haibatullah Akhundzada, supreme leader of the Taliban, and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, chief justice of the hardline Islamist group, are criminally responsible" for carrying out persecution on gender-based grounds since at least" August 15, 2021, the ICCs chief prosecutor said back in January.

The Taliban called the arrest warrants nonsense", writing in a statement that it does not recognise the ICC.

Arrest warrants against the Taliban for gender crimes against Afghan women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons are confirmed. This is the first time in history an international tribunal has confirmed LGBTQI+ victims of crimes against humanity, namely gender persecution. Lisa Davis (@lisadavisnyc) July 8, 2025

How Taliban is oppressing women?

Since seizing control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the group has implemented a string of oppressive measures against women and girls, even cracking down on the sound of womens voices in public.

Girls have been barred from education after sixth grade.

Women must veil their bodies and wear a face covering at all times in public, and have also been forbidden to look at men they are not related to.

What is the ICC?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands, established to investigate and prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes under international law. The ICC prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crime of aggression.

What did the ICC say on Talibans gender oppression?

While the Taliban have imposed certain rules and prohibitions on the population as a whole, they have specifically targeted girls and women by reason of their gender, depriving them of fundamental rights and freedoms," the ICC said on Tuesday.

Specifically, the Taliban severely deprived, through decrees and edicts, girls and women of the rights to education, privacy and family life and the freedoms of movement, expression, thought, conscience and religion," it continued.

Other people, including allies of girls and women" and those with sexualities or gender identities viewed as inconsistent with the Talibans policy on gender", were also targeted by the Taliban, the ICC said.

The Taliban said in its Tuesday statement that the court demonstrated enmity and hatred for the pure religion of Islam" by labelling its interpretation of Sharia law a crime against humanity.

Arrest warrants matter because: What ICC says

The ICC, in its statement, said issuance of the first arrest warrants in the Situation in Afghanistan is an important vindication and acknowledgement of the rights of Afghan women and girls. It also recognises the rights and lived experiences of persons whom the Taliban perceived as not conforming with their ideological expectations of gender identity or expression, such as members of the LGBTQI+ community, and persons whom the Taliban perceived as allies of girls and women.

Through the Talibans deprivation of fundamental rights to education, privacy and family life, among others, Afghan women and girls were increasingly erased from public life. The decision of the judges of the ICC affirms that their rights are valuable, and that their plight and voices matter."

Statement of the #ICC Office of the Prosecutor on the issuance of arrest warrants in the Situation in #Afghanistan https://t.co/8ht3T8z8PV pic.twitter.com/aso47KiqpT Intl Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) July 8, 2025

First time in history: How did human rights groups react?

The issuing of the arrest warrants came a day after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on the situation in Afghanistan, in which it expressed serious concern about the grave, worsening, widespread and systematic oppression of all women and girls in Afghanistan," and called for the Taliban to swiftly reverse these policies".

Lisa Davis, the ICCs Special Adviser on Gender and Other Discriminatory Crimes, said in a post on social media that this is the first time in history" that an international tribunal has confirmed LGBTQ people to be victims of crimes against humanity, namely gender persecution."

Rights groups commended the move. Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard called it a crucial step to hold accountable all those allegedly responsible for the gender-based deprivation of fundamental rights to education, to free movement and free expression, to private and family life, to free assembly, and to physical integrity and autonomy".

Liz Evenson, the international justice director of Human Rights Watch, said that the arrest warrants could provide victims and their families with an essential pathway to justice".

Are ICCs decisions binding on Afghanistan?

Afghanistan is a State Party to the Rome Statute, so the ICC jurisdiction applies to crimes committed on Afghan territory, or by Afghan nationals, even if the crime occurs elsewhere

In 202021, the ICCs Pre-Trial Chamber authorized a full investigation into Afghanistan-related war crimes.

As a state party, Afghanistan is legally obligated to cooperate with the ICC, enforce arrest warrants and hand over suspects named in ICC indictments

Will Taliban accept ICC warrants?

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The Taliban-led regime is not recognized by most of the world as Afghanistans legitimate government. It is highly unlikely to cooperate with ICC processes. While ICC warrants remain binding under international law, they are unlikely to be enforced on the ground, just like the Taliban said in the statement.

With CNN, Agency Inputs

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 13:21 IST

News explainers Women, LGBTQI+ Deprived Of Basic Rights: ICCs Arrest Warrants Against 2 Taliban Leaders Explained
Air India Crash Preliminary Report Likely Today As WSJ Article Puts Fuel Switches Under Spotlight

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 11:36 IST

The preliminary report on the June 12 Air India crash may be released today, a report has claimed, with investigators focusing on fuel control switches and engine thrust issues.

Ahmedabad: A crane being used to clear the debris of the crashed Air India plane (Photo: PTI)

The preliminary report from the investigation into the June 12 Air India plane crash is likely to be made public by today, Reuters reported.

On Wednesday, news agency ANI too reported that senior officials of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) told a parliamentary panel that the preliminary report is likely to be placed in the public domain in the next few days.

Recommended Stories

However, there was no official confirmation on the release of the probe report.

According to a report with The Wall Street Journal, the investigation into the crash is focusing on the actions of the jets pilots and doesnt so far point to a problem with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

A report with Reuters too had suggested that the investigation had narrowed its focus to the movement of the planes fuel control switches, adding, that it also focused on engine thrust issues.

Last month, the investigators had told a meeting of lawmakers that the planes black boxes were not damaged.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has also been able to extract good data" from the black boxes, its officials told lawmakers on July 9 during a parliamentary panel meeting on aviation, Reuters quoted sources as saying.

The planes cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), as the black boxes are formally known, were recovered in the days after the crash, one from a rooftop at the site on June 13, and the other from debris on June 16.

Air India has faced intense scrutiny since the crash. Its chief executive, Campbell Wilson, appeared before the committee, and the airline gave updates on its efforts after the crash.

The crash, one of the worst air disasters in India in decades, involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Air India flight AI171. Bound for London, it crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing more than 250 people.

The investigation is being led by the AAIB Director General and includes experts from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the US-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is the designated investigation body from the country of the aircrafts design.

Aviation medicine and air traffic control experts are also a part of the team.

This is the first time India is decoding black box data domestically, ANI quoted officials as saying.

Meanwhile, Air India said it has paid the compensation to families of nearly two-thirds of the victims who died in the plane crash.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Tata Sons is in the process of establishing the apparatus to provide longer-term assistance to the families and survivors, the Tata Group-owned airline said.

ALSO READ | PIB Fact Checks Viral Preliminary Investigation Report On AI-171 Crash

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 10:12 IST

News india Air India Crash Preliminary Report Likely Today As WSJ Article Puts Fuel Switches Under Spotlight
14 Child Brides, 7 Babies: The Shocking Truth Behind Beeds Silent Crisis

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 11:24 IST

While these 14 pregnancies have been officially counted, activists fear that the real numbers could be higher because many cases in deep rural areas never get registered.

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Aabitkar confirmed that 14 girls were recorded as pregnant out of child marriages in Beed district between April 2024 and March 2025. Of these, seven have already given birth. (Image: PTI)

Maharashtras Beed district, already in the news for troubling stories of child marriage and exploitation, is once again under the spotlight. In a written reply in the state assembly, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Aabitkar confirmed that 14 girls were recorded as pregnant out of child marriages in Beed district between April 2024 and March 2025. Of these, seven have already given birth. The disclosure came after MLAs Amol Khatal from Sangamner and Amit Satam raised questions about the disturbing trend, seeking official data from the states reproductive and child health (RCH) portal. The ministers reply has sparked fresh debate over how deeply rooted child marriage still is in parts of rural Maharashtra  despite strict laws banning the practice.

The minister clarified that the pregnancies were not officially recorded as sexual assault cases, since the RCH portal does not allow separate recording of minors as victims of sexual violence. Instead, once a woman or girl of reproductive age tests positive for pregnancy, her name is registered as a pregnant mother along with her husbands name. The system also verifies the age using Aadhaar data when linking the ABHA health card to the RCH portal.

Recommended Stories

Minister Aabitkars reply raises fresh concerns about how underage pregnancies are hidden behind legal loopholes, where the focus remains on tracking reproductive data rather than tackling child abuse or forced marriages. Many child rights activists point out that any sexual relations with a girl below 18 are illegal under Indian law, regardless of so-called marriage. While these 14 pregnancies have been officially counted, activists fear that the real numbers could be higher because many cases in deep rural areas never get registered or reach government records. In his statement, Aabitkar assured that the government has taken steps to strengthen the crackdown on child marriages. He said instructions have been issued to all health institutions under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, to report and prevent such cases.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

To keep a tighter watch at the grassroots level, gram sevaks (village servants) have been declared as child marriage prevention officers in every village across the state. Anganwadi workers have been roped in to assist them. In urban areas, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and Anganwadi supervisors are now designated as the main and assistant child marriage prohibition officers. Additionally, every district now has a dedicated child protection cell. Schools, government offices, and village community halls are also asked to hold mandatory child marriage prevention pledge ceremonies to raise awareness.

However, despite these measures on paper, Beeds recent numbers show that awareness alone is not enough. Local activists say deeply rooted social customs, poverty, and lack of education for girls continue to fuel child marriages, often with families turning a blind eye to the law. As Maharashtras lawmakers debate tougher enforcement, the state faces a tough question  how many more young girls will be forced into motherhood before the system acts decisively?

About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa... Read More Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 09:53 IST

News india 14 Child Brides, 7 Babies: The Shocking Truth Behind Beeds Silent Crisis
'Right To Know': Bhagwant Mann Defends His 'PM Modi's Foreign Trip' Remark After Row

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 12:35 IST

Bhagwant Mann said the public has every right to know where the Prime Minister travels, after the MEA termed his remarks on PM's foreign visits "irresponsible".

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. (PTI/File)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday defended his earlier remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modis foreign visits, after the foreign ministry termed his remarks irresponsible" and regrettable".

We have the right to know where the Prime Minister travels," Bhagwant Mann said.

Recommended Stories

Speaking during a session of the Punjab Assembly, the Chief Minister opined that the nation has the right to know which countries the Prime Minister is visiting.

A row erupted after Mann, on Thursday, welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modis return to India, making a sarcastic remark that questioned the significance of his trips to countries with small populations.

Mann jokingly mentioned that PM Modi might be visiting countries like Magnesia," Galveaisa," or Tarvesia," highlighting his perception that these visits are not substantial.

The Punjab Chief Minister questioned the relevance of PM Modis visits to countries with tiny populations, contrasting them with the large population of India.

PM has gone somewhere. I think it is Ghana. He is going to be back and he is welcome. God knows which countries he keeps visiting, Magnesia, Galveaisa, Tarvesia. He does not stay in a country with 140 crore people. He is visiting countries where the population is 10,000 and he is getting the highest awards there," he said.

PM Modi recently concluded a landmark five-nation tour, visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from July 2 to 9, 2025.

His tour marked his longest foreign trip in a decade, spanning two continents and strengthening Indias ties with key nations in the Global South.

As the controversy over Manns remark flared up, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Praveen Khandelwal urged Chief Minister Mann, who earlier was popular as a comedian, to stop playing the role, and asked him to resign if he wants to do comedy.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

It is sad that Bhagwant Mann is playing the role of just a comedian, and not of a Chief Minister, even today. He should understand that he is not a comedian anymore. He is the Chief Minister of a state. There is some decorum for a Chief Minister that needs to be followed," he added.

ALSO READ | Shot Before Pahalgam: Punjab CM Mann Backs Diljit Dosanjh Amid Row Over Sardaar Ji 3

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 12:15 IST

News india 'Right To Know': Bhagwant Mann Defends His 'PM Modi's Foreign Trip' Remark After Row
Delhi Second Most Polluted City In The First Half Of 2025. Whos At Number One?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 15:06 IST

Delhi ranks as the second most polluted city in India for early 2025, with Byrnihat leading. CREA reports 88% of cities exceed WHO PM2.5 standards.

Delhi breached the WHO standard by January 10, and crossed the Indian NAAQS by June 5, locking in non-compliance for the full year. (Photo: PTI file)

Delhi has been ranked the second most polluted city in India for the first half of 2025, according to a new analysis released by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The capital recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 87 g/m, far exceeding both national and international air quality standards.

But topping the list is a lesser-known town  Byrnihat, located on the AssamMeghalaya border, which emerged as Indias most polluted city during this period. With an alarming average PM2.5 level of 133 g/m, Byrnihat spent most of its days in the Very Poor air category and did not record a single Good air quality day.

Recommended Stories

The half-yearly report, based on data from 293 cities with Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS), paints a grim picture. While 122 cities exceeded Indias annual PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 40 g/m, every single one of the 239 cities with sufficient data surpassed the World Health Organizations (WHO) limit of 5 g/m.

The report also introduces the concept of overshoot day"  the date by which a citys pollution levels ensure that it will violate annual air quality limits, even if emissions were drastically cut for the rest of the year. Delhi breached the WHO standard by January 10, and crossed the Indian NAAQS by June 5, locking in non-compliance for the full year.

Despite recent policy efforts like vehicle bans on older cars, CREA analysts warn that targeting vehicles or dust alone is insufficient. Research from IIT Delhi and the PRANA portal shows a broad spread of contributors to Delhis PM2.5 levels: Transport (17%28%), Dust (17%38%), Industrial sources and power plants (22%30%), Residential combustion (8%10%) and Agricultural burning (4%7%).

Yet enforcement across sectors remains uneven. As of mid-2025, only two of the eleven thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi have installed Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) units, despite Supreme Court directives.

Addressing the air quality crisis in any Indian city requires a multi-sectoral approach. Fragmented or seasonal measures are not enough," said Manoj Kumar, an analyst at CREA. Urgent steps are needed to update national standards, expand the NCAPs coverage to gaseous pollutants, and enforce pollution controls across all major sources."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The report also highlights other cities in the top 10 most polluted list: Hajipur, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Sasaram, Patna, Talcher, Rourkela, and Rajgir. Bihar alone accounts for four of these cities, followed by Odisha with two. The findings reflect a widespread air pollution crisis, not confined to Delhi or northern India.

With over 88% of cities overshooting the WHO annual PM2.5 standard by June, CREAs findings underline the urgent need for updated regulations, broader enforcement, and sustained multi-sector action to safeguard public health.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 15:06 IST

News india Delhi Second Most Polluted City In The First Half Of 2025. Whos At Number One?
ECI Considering SC's Suggestions On Bihar Electoral Rolls Revision, Exploring Options: Source

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Ashesh Mallick



Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 09:26 IST

Supreme Court on Thursday suggested the ECI to include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID and Ration Card in the list of 11 documents for the verification during Bihar SIR of electoral rolls

ECI considering SC's suggestions on Bihar SIR (PTI Image)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is considering the Supreme Courts suggestions relating to the inclusion of Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Card in the list of documents for the verification during Bihar special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a source said.

The poll body had, however, told the top court during a hearing yesterday that the Aadhaar card was not a valid document to determine citizenship". However, the top court had said, We are of the prima facie view that Aadhaar cards, Voter ID cards and the Ration cards be allowed in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls."

Recommended Stories

Notably, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, and Ration Card are not originally a part of the 11-document list rolled out by the ECI as citizenship documents for the enumeration of voters, who were not present in the 2003 electoral roll.

However, after the top courts suggestions for their inclusion, the ECI is considering on the suggestions of adding the three documents to the list, source said, adding that the poll panel is exploring multiple options for the same.

Supreme Courts suggestions are being considered and examined by ECI," the source told CNN-News18.

The first option being considered by the ECI is that the Commission may decide on it based on the percentage of Enumeration Forms collected until July 25.

So far, 66.6% of the Enumeration Forms have been collected under the SIR in Bihar. There are still around two weeks left until July 25 to collect the remaining forms. The Commission hopes that most of the remaining voters will submit their forms by then. Based on the percentage of forms collected, the Commission may decide when and how to act on the Supreme Courts suggestions.

The second option being mulled by the Commission is an early adoption of the courts suggestion if the form submission remains low in the coming days.

If the number of forms collected in the coming days remains low, and if the Commission feels that including one or more of the three suggested documents (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Ration Card) would help increase submissions, it may take an early decision on adopting the Supreme Courts suggestions.

The SIR process is ongoing in Bihar, and since the Supreme Court has not put a stay on the process, the ECIs final decision will also depend on the progression of the SIR. However, the Commission has been asked to file an affidavit in the Supreme Court by July 21.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Since the option of collecting supporting documents from voters after form submission is also from August 1 to September 1, the Commission may not rush its decision. On August 1, the draft electoral roll will be published, and from August 1 to September 1, documents can be submitted in support of the enumeration form. This remains the ECIs third option.

The poll body could consider adding the three documents to the accepted documents list after July 25  especially for those voters who do not possess any of the currently approved 11 indicative documents, to ensure that such voters are not excluded from the electoral rolls.

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 09:26 IST

News india ECI Considering SC's Suggestions On Bihar Electoral Rolls Revision, Exploring Options: Source
Instagram Post Backing Pakistan Not Threat To Indias Integrity: HC Grants Bail To Youth

Reported By :

LawBeat

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 16:56 IST

The HC said such a social media post may cause public disharmony and attract Section 196 of the BNS (promoting enmity), but does not fulfil requirements of Section 152 of BNS

The court granted bail to an 18-year-old boy, Riyaz, arrested for posting an Instagram story in support of Pakistan.

The Allahabad High Court (HC) recently held that a social media post supporting another country, including Pakistan, without referencing India or any specific incident, does not prima facie amount to an offence under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). Section 152 of the BNS punishes any act endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.

Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal observed that such a social media post may cause public disharmony and attract Section 196 of the BNS (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), but it does not fulfil the requirements of Section 152, BNS.

Recommended Stories

Justice Deshwal stressed that since Section 152 of the BNS carries a stringent punishment and has no IPC equivalent, it must be invoked with caution. Section 152, BNS is a new Section providing stringent punishment, and there was no corresponding section in IPC; therefore, before invoking Section 152, BNS, reasonable care and standards of a reasonable person should be adopted," the judge remarked.

He further emphasised that spoken words or social media posts fall within the ambit of free speech, which should not be narrowly interpreted unless they clearly threaten national sovereignty or promote separatism.

The court granted bail to an 18-year-old boy, Riyaz, arrested for posting an Instagram story in support of Pakistan.

Riyaz was booked under Section 152 of the BNS by the police in Sambhal district.

Seeking bail, Riyazs counsel argued before the high court that Riyazs post did not feature the Indian flag, name, or any image that could be seen as disrespectful to the country. Merely supporting a country, even if the country is an enemy to India, will not attract the ingredients of Section 152, BNS," he contended.

On the other hand, the state counsel opposed the bail, arguing that Riyazs post encouraged separatist activities; therefore, he was not entitled to be released on bail.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Relying on the recent Supreme Court decision in Imran Pratapgadhi vs State of Gujarat, the High Court underscored that law enforcement must adopt the standards of reasonable, strong-minded, firm and courageous individuals" before registering criminal cases over social media posts. It also criticized the failure to conduct a mandatory preliminary inquiry before lodging the FIR, as required under Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Conclusively, taking into account Riyazs age, lack of criminal history, and the fact that the charge sheet had already been filed, the high court allowed the bail application. However, it imposed strict conditionsbarring Riyaz from making further inflammatory social media posts and requiring full cooperation with the trial process.

About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public interests fr... Read More Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public interests fr... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 16:55 IST

News india Instagram Post Backing Pakistan Not Threat To Indias Integrity: HC Grants Bail To Youth
'No Let-Up In Cross-Border Terror': MEA Slams Pakistan For Backing Terrorism Against India

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 21:33 IST

The MEA, in its official report of 2024, India has consistently urged Pakistan to take concrete, verifiable and irreversible steps to curb terrorism emanating from Pakistan

India however continues to face cross-border terrorism as well hostile and fabricated propaganda generated by Pakistan. (PTI file)

India has hit out at Pakistan for its continued support for terror, saying there has been no let-up in cross-border terrorism.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in its official report of 2024, India has consistently urged Pakistan to take concrete, verifiable and irreversible steps to curb terrorism emanating

Recommended Stories

from Pakistan.

Several UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities continue to thrive in Pakistan. Pakistan has not demonstrated any sincerity in delivering justice to the families of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks," it said.

India and Pakistan engaged in a military conflict after the Indian armed forces struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed in April this year.

The MEA said India continues to face cross-border terrorism as well as hostile and fabricated propaganda generated by Pakistan.

Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism remains a core concern. India has persistently asked Pakistan to respect the January 2004 commitment of not allowing its soil/ territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India. There has been no let-up in cross-border terrorism," read the statement.

The ministry said Pakistan engages in disinformation campaigns and anti-India propaganda globally to vilify India. The Indian government has completely and unequivocally rejected in entirety all such actions and statements by Pakistan on matters which are completely internal to India," it added.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

As per the MEA report, the use of military-grade weapons, drones, communication equipment and underground tunnels for infiltration by terrorists, as well as smuggling of arms and narcotics into India across the Line of Control and the International Boundary, points to the existence of a state-supported terrorist ecosystem directed against India.

The MEA said India continues to raise the issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan directed at India, at various bilateral and multilateral fora including at the UN. Instances of crossborder infiltration, ceasefire violations, illegal construction along the border, smuggling of narcotics and weapons and violation of bilateral agreements have also been regularly raised through diplomatic channels with Pakistan. This has led to a greater awareness in the international community on Pakistans use of terrorism as a tool of statecraft," it added.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 21:22 IST

News india 'No Let-Up In Cross-Border Terror': MEA Slams Pakistan For Backing Terrorism Against India
Show Me One Photo Of Indian Damage: NSA Doval Calls Out Foreign Media Reporting Of Op Sindoor

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 13:21 IST

NSA Ajit Doval opened up about Operation Sindoor against Pakistan and said that India showed its capability of striking deep inside Pakistan, including its airbases.

Ajit Doval's remarks on Operation Sindoor (PTI Image)

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday slammed the foreign media reporting on Operation Sindoor and said that they failed to show any damage to any Indian structure, but images from 13 air bases that were damaged in Indian precision strikes in Pakistan surfaced.

Hailing Indias precision in hitting its targets in the criss-cross of Pakistan on May 7, Doval said that the armed forces hit nowhere else except the targets".

Recommended Stories

India struck terrorist camps deep inside the enemy territory, as the armed forces avenged the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Kashmir on April 22. In Indias retaliatory strikes, over 100 terrorists were killed, officials have said.

Ajit Doval On Foreign Media Reporting Of Op Sindoor

Foreign press said that Pakistan did that and thisYou tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian (structure), even a glass pane having been brokenThey wrote these things and put out thingsThe images only showed 13 air bases in Pakistan before and after 10th May, whether it was in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, ChaklalaI am only telling you what the foreign media put out on the basis of imagesWe are capable of doing that (damage to Pakistani air bases)," Doval said while addressing the 62nd Convocation of IIT Madras.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Speaking on Operation Sindoor, at IIT Madras, NSA Ajit Doval slams the foreign media for their reportage on the operation.Foreign press said that Pakistan did that and thisYou tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any pic.twitter.com/v13Pr8RuRf  ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025

Notably, in an article published on May 14, The New York Times acknowledged that Pakistans military sites suffered damage in Indian missile strikes.

High-resolution satellite imagery, from before and after the strikes, shows clear damage to Pakistans facilities by Indian attacks, if limited and precise in nature," an excerpt from the article read.

Doval also lauded the indigenous weapons used during Operation Sindoor and said that India has to develop more of such technology.

We have to develop our indigenous technology. Mention of Sindoor was made here. We are really proud of how much indigenous content was thereWe decided to have 9 terrorist targets in the criss-cross of Pakistan, it was not in the border areas. We missed none. We hit nowhere else except that. It was precise to the point where we knew who was where," the NSA said.

Media outlets such as The Guardian, The Times, reported the Pakistan narrative that civilians were targeted in the May 7 attack inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. However, the Indian authorities made it abundantly clear that the strikes were precise and only targeted at terror camps and headquarters of LeT and Jaish.

What Did Foreign Media Report On Operation Sindoor?

Foreign Media outlets, such as NYT and The Washington Post, acknowledged Indias military might and admitted that India had a clear edge" in targeting Pakistans military facilities and airfields.

At Bholari air base, located less than 100 miles from the Pakistani port city of Karachi, Indias defense officials said they had struck an aircraft hangar with a precision attack. The visuals showed clear damage to what looks like a hangar," an article from the NYT said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The Nur Khan air base, within a roughly 15-mile range of both the Pakistani Armys headquarters and the office of the countrys prime minister and a short distance from the unit that oversees and protects Pakistans nuclear arsenal, was perhaps the most sensitive military target that India struck," excerpt from the same article read.

A large chunk of the Western media had refused to recognise the April 22 massacre at Baisaran meadows as a terrorist attack" and termed the terrorists as gunmen" and militants".

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 12:37 IST

News india Show Me One Photo Of Indian Damage: NSA Doval Calls Out Foreign Media Reporting Of Op Sindoor
Pakistani Buoy With GPS Found Off Maharashtra Coast, Raises Security Concerns

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 20:22 IST

Maharashtra Police found a Pakistani buoy near Korlai beach, Raigad, after detecting a GPS signal. The Indian Coast Guard had earlier spotted a suspected Pakistani boat.

Pakistani Buoy With GPS Found Off Maharashtra Coast, Raises Security Concerns. (CNN News18)

Days after receiving information about a GPS from Pakistan being activated in the waters in Raigad, the Maharashtra Police on Friday found a buoy near Korlai beach. According to the investigation, it was a Pakistani buoy, police said.

Aanchal Dalal, SP, Raigad, said that whenever this buoy received sunlight, its GPS would turn on. And that signal was from a Pakistani GPS.

Recommended Stories

On July 6, we got information that a Pakistani GPS has been activated. Investigation revealed that it was a buoy. Today, after a thorough search, we have found that buoy, it would get activated when sunlight fell on it," Dalal added.

On Sunday night, the Indian Coast Guard informed the police that the suspected Pakistani boat, Muqadar Boya 99" with a boat number MMSI-463800411, was spotted near Korlai Fort, prompting an intensified search operation.

As per the officials, the vessel was spotted on the Indian Navys radar, around two nautical miles off the Korlai coast in Revdanda.

The potential security scare sent agencies into a tizzy as 10 terrorists from Pakistan had sailed in a boat to reach the Mumbai coastline under the cover of darkness and launched a deadly terror attack in November 2008, killing 166 people.

After receiving the alert, the Raigad Police, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), Quick Response Team (QRT), Navy, and Coast Guard personnel rushed to the spot at night and launched the search.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

QRTs and the BDDS teams patrolled the coast at Korlai and Salav, while security along the coastline in Raigad was stepped up.

Police stated that a similar fishing buoy from Okha had drifted to the Gujarat coast on January 3.

view comments

Location : Maharashtra, India, India

First Published: July 11, 2025, 20:22 IST

News india Pakistani Buoy With GPS Found Off Maharashtra Coast, Raises Security Concerns
Record Rs 1.06 Lakh Crore Submarine Deal To Make Indian Navy A Global Undersea Power

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 16:26 IST

The landmark deal, part of the ambitious Project 75I, will significantly elevate India's maritime strength and drive a new chapter in indigenous defence manufacturing

Technology transfer from TKMS will eventually empower India to manufacture future submarines independently. (PTI Photo)

India is preparing to execute its largest-ever defence contract, a Rs 1.06 lakh crore mega deal poised to transform the Indian Navy into a formidable undersea force within the next decade. As geopolitical tensions intensify in the Indo-Pacific, especially with Chinas growing footprint in the Indian Ocean and Pakistans expanding naval ambitions, this move signals Indias most ambitious naval modernisation effort yet.

The defence ministry is likely to award the twin submarine contracts to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) by the end of the next financial year, sources indicate. This landmark deal, part of the ambitious Project 75I, will significantly elevate Indias maritime strength and drive a new chapter in indigenous defence manufacturing.

Recommended Stories

What Is Project 75I?

Indias submarine arsenal currently comprises 16 conventional submarines, recently reinforced by the addition of INS Vagsheer under the original Project-75. This project saw the successful induction of six Kalvari-class Scorpene submarines, now regarded as the backbone of Indias underwater combat capability.

The Indian Navys newest warship, INS Tamal, was also recently inducted. Built in collaboration with Russia and armed with the lethal BrahMos cruise missile, it adds another sharp edge to Indias surface fleet.

But while these developments mark progress, officials believe India must scale up quickly to counter regional threats. Chinas Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operates a staggering 355 warships and submarines, making it the worlds largest naval force. Pakistan, meanwhile, is also enhancing its undersea warfare capabilities with Chinas support.

To keep pace, India is accelerating its Project-75I, with a Rs 70,000 crore contract likely to be finalised soon for six advanced submarines equipped with the latest stealth and propulsion technologies.

Germanys TKMS To Partner In The Rs 70,000 Crore Project

Under Project-75I, MDL will collaborate with Germanys ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build six state-of-the-art submarines based on the HDW Class 214 design. These will be fitted with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, enabling them to remain submerged for up to two weeks without surfacing, a significant tactical advantage.

These submarines, 72 metres in length and weighing 2,000 tonnes, will carry eight weapon tubes and accommodate a 27-member crew. The AIP system generates electricity from the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, allowing stealth operations without detectable engine noise.

A key clause in the deal mandates 45% indigenous content in the first submarine, rising to 60% by the sixth. Technology transfer from TKMS will eventually empower India to manufacture future submarines independently. The first vessel is expected seven years after the contract is signed, with the remaining delivered annually.

Rs 36,000 Crore Boost For Next-Gen Submarines

In parallel, the government is also poised to greenlight a second submarine contract worth Rs 36,000 crore for building three next-generation Scorpene-class submarines. These will be an upgraded version of the existing Kalvari class and will carry 60% indigenous content. The design will be similar to those delivered to the Brazilian Navy.

The first submarine under this program will be delivered in six years, followed by two more at yearly intervals. Together with the HDW-class, these additions are set to massively upgrade the Indian Navys undersea strike capabilities.

Indigenous AIP System And Weaponry

Indias thrust toward self-reliance is further underlined by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully developing an indigenous AIP system. In December 2024, the government signed a Rs 1,990 crore deal with MDL to install this system on existing Kalvari-class submarines, starting with INS Kalvari during its major refit in September 2025.

In a separate deal worth Rs 877 crore, India has partnered with Frances Naval Group to equip Kalvari-class submarines with electronic heavyweight torpedoes, enhancing their lethality under the sea.

Employment, Industrial Growth And Naval Expansion

The scale of these defence projects is expected to generate significant employment. The AIP initiative alone will create an estimated three lakh man-days of work. MDL has already partnered with over 50 Indian companies, while the Indian arm of Naval Group is training more than 70 Indian engineers on advanced submarine technologies.

MDLs current manufacturing infrastructure supports the construction of 11 submarines and 10 destroyers simultaneously. The company has already proven its capability by successfully delivering all six submarines under the original Project-75. Indias long-term maritime strategy involves developing a 175-ship strong navy by 2035. At present, the Navy has over 130 vessels, with 61 new warships in various stages of construction.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Strategic Significance In Asia-Pacific

The renewed push under Project-75I and the Scorpene expansion is not just about numbers  its a strategic imperative. India must maintain a credible undersea deterrent and power projection capability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond, especially as China and Pakistan aim to assert influence in critical sea lanes.

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 16:26 IST

News india Record Rs 1.06 Lakh Crore Submarine Deal To Make Indian Navy A Global Undersea Power
Udaipur Files Director To Move Supreme Court After Delhi HC Stays Film Release

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 08:04 IST

The Delhi High Court passed an interim order staying the film's release after hearing two petitions filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and journalist Prashant Tandon.

The Delhi HC directed the producer of 'Udaipur Files' to arrange its screening for those seeking a ban on the film. (Image: Sourced)

After the Delhi High Court ordered a stay on the release of Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder, director and producer Amit Jani on Thursday announced he will approach the Supreme Court to challenge the decision.

We had screened this film for their lawyer Kapil Sibal, so even after the screening, he had to oppose it because he had taken fees for it. Today, the High Court has stayed the release of this film. We are going to the Supreme Court to challenge this decision. They have been asked to go to the Central Government and the government will give its decision within seven days whether the film is right or wrong"

Recommended Stories

He also questioned the timing of the courts intervention, stating, Kanhaiya Lal was murdered in front of the camera three years ago. Till date, there is no verdict in this case. But the film made to show his pain stayed within three days"

The Delhi High Court passed an interim order staying the films release after hearing two petitions filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and journalist Prashant Tandon. The petitioners had challenged the CBFCs decision to certify the film, citing concerns over potential communal unrest and threats to public order.

The bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal stated, We provide that till the grant of interim relief is decided, there shall be a stay on the release of the film." The stay will remain in effect until the central government responds to the revision application filed under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The film is based on the 2022 murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, Rajasthan, who was brutally killed on camera by two men allegedly angered by his support for former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The incident sparked national outrage.

The petitioners argued that the movie sensationalises a deeply sensitive issue and could exacerbate communal tensions, particularly with elections approaching in several states. The film was initially scheduled for a theatrical release on July 11.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 08:00 IST

News india Udaipur Files Director To Move Supreme Court After Delhi HC Stays Film Release
UK's F-35B Jet, Stranded At Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Likely To Fly Home Next Week: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 08:39 IST

The British F-35B fighter jet stranded at the Thiruvananthapuram airport is expected to be repaired and flown back to the UK by next week, a report has claimed.

The British Royal Navy fighter jet, stranded for about a month due to a technical issue, is being moved to a designated facility at Thiruvananthapuram airport (Photo: PTI)

The British F-35B fighter jet, which has been stranded at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for nearly a month, is expected to fly back to the United Kingdom as early as next week.

The Associated Press quoted Indian officials as saying that engineers hope to repair the plane in the next few days before it can fly back to the UK sometime next week.

Recommended Stories

The report also claimed that the British High Commission has confirmed that a UK engineering team has been deployed to assess and repair the aircraft.

On July 6, the British Royal Navy fighter jet was moved to a designated facility for British engineers to assess it.

The jet, worth over USD 110 million and known to be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14.

It remained grounded at the airport since then, awaiting repairs after developing a technical fault.

News agency PTI quoted a spokesperson as saying that the UK has accepted the offer of a space in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility of the airport, and is in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities.

Earlier this month, sources told CNN-News18 that the aircraft could not be repaired at the location and that it would be dismantled.

Sources also said the British Navy will now bring a bigger aircraft to shift the jet, and that they would pay all dues to India, including the parking and hangar charges.

The UK aircraft was unable to return to the UK Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely.

While on the ground, the aircraft developed an engineering issue that precluded its return to the Carrier.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the situation and determined that assistance from a UK-based engineering team was required.

ALSO READ | A Destination Youll Never Leave: Kerala Turns Stranded UK Jet Into Tourism Pitch

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 08:39 IST

News india UK's F-35B Jet, Stranded At Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Likely To Fly Home Next Week: Report
Union Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat Ahead Of Bihar Polls, Complaint Filed

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 23:47 IST

Union Minister Chirag Paswan received a death threat on Instagram from 'Tiger Meraj Idisi'. A complaint was filed at Patna Cyber Police Station, and legal action is underway.

LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan has expressed his intention to contest the Bihar assembly election. (Image: News18)

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan received a death threat on social media, his party spokesperson Rajesh Bhatt said on Friday.

Bhatt also filed a complaint with at the Cyber Police Station in Patna, seeking immediate action in the matter.

Recommended Stories

As per the complaint, the death threat was issued by an Instagram user named Tiger Meraj Idisi. LJP chief spokesperson claimed that the threat was issued due to Paswans growing popularity ahead of the Bihar legislative assembly elections.

He said the act clearly reflects criminal intent and involvement in unlawful activities."

Bhatt urged the Cyber Crime Police Station officer-in-charge to take cognisance of the matter and initiate prompt action.

I request you to take immediate cognizance of the seriousness of this matter and initiate prompt action. Kindly arrest the suspect without delay and ensure that the strictest possible punishment is delivered," the complaint noted.

Meanwhile, taking cognisance of the matter, Cyber DCP said that the threat was issued at around 9pm on Friday. He said that a case has been registered in the Patna Cyber Police Station, and legal action is underway.

On the night of July 11, at around 9 pm, Union Minister Chirag Paswan received a death threat via social media. A case has been registered in the Patna Cyber Police Station, and legal action is underway" Cyber DCP Nitish Chandra Dharia said as quoted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Patna | On the death threat issued to Union Minister and LJP president Chirag Paswan on social media, Cyber DCP Nitish Chandra Dharia says, On the night of July 11, at around 9 pm, Union Minister Chirag Paswan received a death threat via social media. A case has been pic.twitter.com/BBIeQIOm50 ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025

Notably, the incident took place comes ahead of Bihar assembly polls, scheduled to be held in October-November.

Paswan has officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming polls.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

While addressing a gathering in Saran last week, Paswan said, Today, from this sacred land of Saran, I am declaring before all of you that yes, I will contest the election. I will contest the election for the people of Bihar, for my brothers, for my mothers, for my sisters, and we will create a system in Bihar, we will build a Bihar that will truly take the state forward on the path of development."

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 23:47 IST

News india Union Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat Ahead Of Bihar Polls, Complaint Filed
Bengal University Exam Paper Refers To Freedom Fighters As 'Terrorists', Sparks Outrage

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra



Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 09:28 IST

A history exam question at West Bengals Vidyasagar University referred to Indian freedom fighters as "terrorists," sparking widespread outrage and political backlash.

Vidyasagar University in West Bengal (Photo: CNN-News18)

Vidyasagar University in West Bengals Midnapore stirred a controversy after a history question paper at the varsitys exam referred to Indian freedom fighters as terrorists".

The controversial question asked students to name three district magistrates of Midnapore who were killed by terrorists", thus sparking outrage, especially given the historical significance of undivided Midnapore, which was a major hub of the armed revolutionary movement against British colonial rule during the pre-independence era.

Recommended Stories

The British magistrates the question referred to were James Peddie, Robert Douglas, and Bernard EJ Burge, while the freedom fighters it referred to as terrorists" were Bimal Dasgupta, Jyoti Jiban Ghosh, Pradyot Bhattacharya, and Prabanshu Pal.

As the controversy flared, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lodged a complaint with the State Education Minister Bratya Basu, demanding that the person responsible for setting the paper be identified and penalised.

Teachers, students, and locals also held protest rallies, condemning the question, and demanding respect for the revolutionary martyrs.

Meanwhile, the university authorities issued an apology, but stated it might be a printing error.

Registrar of Vidyasagar University, JK Nandi, admitted the error and described it as a typing mistake". He said an emergency meeting has been called to investigate how the question made it to the final paper.

We will ensure such mistakes are not repeated in the future," Nandi assured.

The Vice Chancellor also ordered an investigation, instructing the Controller of Examinations to submit a report by next week.

Jumping into the controversy, the CPI(M) alleged that both the BJP at the national level and the Trinamool Congress at the state level are responsible for the distortion of history, claiming this incident was just the latest manifestation.

BENGALs BJP UNIT ATTACKS MAMATA BANERJEE

Slamming the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, the BJP called the question at the Vidyasagar University history exam shameful" and said the very idea of Indian nationalism is being vilified" in West Bengal.

Freedom Fighters are now Terrorists in West Bengal!!!" the Bengal BJP wrote in a post on X.

Bengal was once the cradle of intellectualism and nationalism. But today, under Mamata Banerjees government, the very idea of Indian nationalism is being vilified, and freedom fighters are being equated with criminals," it added.

This is a deliberate rewriting of history to poison young minds."

Freedom Fighters are now Terrorists in West Bengal!!!In Vidyasagar University History Honours (6th semester, Paper C14  Modern Nationalism in India) exam included a shameful question branding legendary Indian revolutionaries as terrorists." The question asks:Name three pic.twitter.com/LlCcesjBVQ  BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) July 10, 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

To the unversed, the university itself is named after Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, the iconic 19th-century educationist, social reformer, and philanthropist whose pioneering efforts led to the acceptance of widow remarriage in India.

ALSO READ | DU Plans To Drop Key PG Syllabus Texts On Hindu Nationalism, Islam Readings

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 09:25 IST

News india Bengal University Exam Paper Refers To Freedom Fighters As 'Terrorists', Sparks Outrage
BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States have maintained close economic and trade communication at multiple levels, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

Spokesperson He Yongqian made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to a question about whether the U.S. commerce secretary and other senior U.S. trade officials would meet with Chinese negotiators in early August.

Since May this year, guided by the consensus reached between the heads of state of China and the United States, the economic and trade teams of both countries have held high-level trade talks in Geneva and London, establishing a consensus in Geneva and a framework in London, the spokesperson said, adding that the teams have been working to implement these outcomes, which have stabilized bilateral trade relations.

It is hoped that the United States will work with China in the same direction, adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and make good use of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism while continuing to strengthen dialogue and communication, said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson also called on the U.S. side to take concrete actions to uphold and implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state during their recent phone talks, with the aim of promoting stable, healthy, sustainable China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and of injecting more certainty and stability into global economic development.
What Is 'Diyah', Blood Money That May Save Nimisha Priya From Death Sentence In Yemen?

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 14:27 IST

A nurse from Kerala, Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of Talal Abdo Mahdi, may be saved by 'Diyah' (blood money) under Islamic sharia law

In 2017, Nimisha allegedly tried to sedate Mahdi to retrieve her documents, but the overdose proved fatal. (News18 Hindi)

Indian-origin nurse Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of her business partner Talal Abdo Mahdi, is now racing against time. Scheduled to be hanged on July 16, the 38-year-old woman from Palakkad, Kerala, may still have a lifeline  Diyah (blood money) under Islamic Sharia law.

In a desperate bid to avert the execution, Nimishas family, backed by Indian activists and quietly monitored by the government, is exploring this last-resort provision. The concept of blood money, common in Islamic jurisprudence, allows the victims family to forgive the accused in exchange for financial compensation. The matter now rests entirely in the hands of Mahdis relatives.

Recommended Stories

What Is Blood Money In Islam?

Under Sharia law, which is followed in Yemen, a murder conviction doesnt always result in a mandatory execution. Instead, the law allows for a provision known as Diyah, or blood money. It enables the victims heirs to pardon the murderer if they choose to accept monetary compensation.

The Quranic verse Surah Al-Baqarah (2:178) provides the basis, If he (the victim) be of a people hostile unto you, and he is a believer, then (the penance is) to set free a believing slave. And if he cometh of a folk between whom and you there is a covenant, then the diyah must be paid unto his folk and (also) a believing slave must be set free. And whoso hath not the wherewithal must fast two consecutive months."

The amount is negotiable and varies depending on the nature of the crime, local customs, and the familys stance. In Nimishas case, a staggering offer of $1 million (approx Rs 8.5 crore) has reportedly been made to Mahdis family by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council. So far, there has been no official response.

Nimishas Journey From Kerala To Yemen

Nimisha Priya moved to Yemen in 2008 to work as a nurse. After marrying Tommy Thomas in 2011, the couple dreamed of opening a clinic. But Yemeni law required them to partner with a local. Thats when Talal Abdo Mahdi, who frequented Nimishas clinic, stepped in. Initially cooperative, even travelling to India in 2015 for Nimishas daughters baptism, Mahdi later allegedly exploited the situation.

According to the family, he seized control of the clinic, created forged documents claiming Nimisha as his wife, and confiscated her passport. What followed, they claim, was a long period of abuse and captivity.

In 2017, desperate to escape, Nimisha allegedly tried to sedate Mahdi to retrieve her documents, but the overdose proved fatal. Panicking, she and fellow nurse Hannan attempted to dispose of the body by dismembering it and dumping it in a water tank. The gruesome murder shook Yemen, and by 2018, she was convicted and sentenced to death.

Back in India, Nimishas husband Tommy, a daily wage labourer and driver, is burdened with a Rs 60 lakh loan taken in 2015 to set up the Yemen clinic. Their daughter, now in Class 7, has been placed in a hostel as the family scrambles to gather funds. We are ready to pay the blood money," the family has publicly stated.

Samuel J Bhaskaran, a social activist coordinating with Yemeni authorities, is planning to travel to Sanaa in a last-ditch effort to restart dialogue. We made a proposal to the family in our last meeting. They havent responded. But we are not giving up," he told The Indian Express.

Can India Intervene?

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

While India is officially monitoring the situation, the diplomatic landscape is complicated. Yemens capital Sanaa is currently under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, with whom India has no formal ties. We are in constant touch with local authorities and Nimishas family," a government source told PTI, adding that all possible assistance was being provided.

Nimishas mother, Premkumari, even visited Yemen last year to plead for clemency. But with time running out, appeals have intensified.

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 14:25 IST

News india What Is 'Diyah', Blood Money That May Save Nimisha Priya From Death Sentence In Yemen?
Woman Attacks Brother-In-Law With 'Trishul', He Dodges, But It Kills His Baby

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 11:50 IST

An infant in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district died after being hit by a trident during a family dispute. Police have detained Pallavi, Sachin, and Nitin Mengwade.

As Nitin dodged the incoming weapon, the trident hit the child, resulting in a fatal head injury.(Representative image)

A family dispute that snowballed into a violent altercation resulted in the death of an infant in Maharashtras Ahmednagar district on Thursday. Amid the quarrel, the 11-month-old baby was reportedly hurt by a trishul (trident) which was targetted towards his father by his aunt.

According to a report in NDTV, the tragic incident was reported in the Ambegaon rehabilitation colony in Kedgaon, around 70 kilometres from Pune. The deceased baby has been identified as Avdhut Mengwade.

Recommended Stories

NDTV citing police reported a heated argument ensued between accused woman, Pallavi Mengwade, and her husband Sachin Mengwade. During the quarrel, Pallavi allegedly used a trident to attack her brother-in-law, Nitin Mengwade, who was trying to mediate the dispute along with his wife, Bhagyashree.

It is learnt that Bhagyashree was holding her infant son, Avdhut, at that moment. As Nitin dodged the incoming weapon, the trident hit the child, resulting in a fatal head injury. The baby died instantly and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

NDTV citing senior inspector Narayan Deshmukh reported that a case was registered against Pallavi and Sachin Mengwade. Further, Pallavi, Sachin, and Nitin were taken into custody for questioning.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The police suspect that the trident was cleaned and bloodstains were wiped to erase evidence. Meanwhile, forensic teams visited the crime spot and collected samples for analysis.

Further investigation into the case was underway.

About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 11:50 IST

News india Woman Attacks Brother-In-Law With 'Trishul', He Dodges, But It Kills His Baby
Celebrating National French Fries Day: From Classic Comfort To Bold Creations

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 12:39 IST

National French Fries Day is more than a food holiday, it's a delicious reminder of how a simple potato can be turned into crispy, golden joy in a thousand different ways

National French Fries Day: French fries are comforting, nostalgic, crispy, and endlessly adaptable making them a beloved indulgence across the world

Few foods have achieved cult status like French fries. Theyre comforting, nostalgic, crispy, and endlessly adaptable making them a beloved indulgence across the world. And on National French Fries Day, the humble fry gets the celebration it truly deserves. Whether youre a purist who loves a good salted fry or an adventurous eater chasing new flavours, theres something on the table for everyone.

This year, Indias most exciting food brands are taking fries to new heights from Korean spice blends to cheesy drizzles and truffle oil-laced indulgence. Heres how some of your favourite restaurants are making sure your fry-day is worth every crunchy bite.

Recommended Stories

McDonalds India (West & South): The Iconic Innovator

For decades, McDonalds has been the gold standard of fries and for good reason. As McDonalds India (W&S) puts it, their World Famous crispy, golden Fries provide the perfect canvas for flavour innovation. While their classic salted version remains a forever favourite, the brand has boldly reimagined the fries experience with unique twists.

Piri Piri Fries come with a tangy, spicy flavour mix and are served in the popular Shake Shake bag, letting you coat your fries your way.

Mexican Cheesy Fries layer in cheesy richness with just a touch of spice  ideal for those who love a creamy, indulgent experience.

For heat seekers, the Korean Spice Mix adds a bold, spicy spark that elevates their iconic fries into a whole new flavour territory.

McDonalds proves that even the classics can evolve with just the right mix of innovation and nostalgia.

Chef Mukesh Samant, Rude Lounge: The Classicists Take

While the brands push flavour boundaries, Chef Mukesh Samant, Rude Lounge brings us back to the roots of what makes fries truly great.Fries are simple, nostalgic, and hard to resist. For me, its all about that crunch. I go with a double fry method to get them crispy on the outside and soft inside," he says.

His seasoning go-tos? A dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika. And as for dips, sriracha mayo or truffle aioli is where the magic happens.

Its a reminder that while fries can go gourmet, their soulful simplicity is still their most delicious quality.

Boom Burger: Big, Bold & BOOM-Worthy

Why go plain when you can go BOOM? Thats the motto at Boom Burger, and this French Fries Day, theyre bringing an explosive celebration of flavours to your plate.

Signature Boom Fries are anything but basic  tossed in a powerhouse mix of Togarashi, Parmesan, Lemon Zest, and Garlic Salt, and served with their creamy Boom sauce. The result? A tangy, cheesy, spicy, and zesty flavour party in every bite.

If youre feeling fancy, the Truffle Fries offer a rich, indulgent experience. Hand-cut fries are coated in aromatic truffle oil, sprinkled with sea salt, and finished with a Parmesan snow  luxury in every crisp.

With prices starting at 199, Boom Burger invites you to skip the safe and go straight for the sensational.

Burgrill: Where Every Fry Has a Story

Burgrill isnt just offering fries  theyre curating an entire menu of flavour-forward experiences. Each fry variant is designed with distinct personality, heat levels, and sauce pairings, making them perfect for every palate.

African Peri Peri Fries are a fiery blend of chilli mayo and cheese sauce, slathered over crispy crinkle-cut fries. The heat hits just right, while the creamy cheese brings balance.

Portuguese Fries keep it simple but bold  with a signature in-house peri peri rub that clings to every groove for a smoky, spicy snack.

Smoky BBQ Fries deliver a tangy-sweet barbecue experience, complete with melty cheese drizzle  comfort food at its finest.

And just in time for Fry-day celebrations, Burgrill is teasing a new Korean Fire Range:

Korean Fire Fries are tossed in fiery Korean sauce, with a cooling ranch drizzle and a sprinkle of black & white sesame seeds. Bold, umami-packed, and addictive.

Chicken Korean Fire Fries take things up a notch  adding crispy chicken slices on top of the fries, drenched in heat and mellowed with ranch. Its not just a snack  its a full-on meal.

With prices from 109 and available on Swiggy & Zomato, Burgrills lineup is a love letter to all things crunchy, cheesy, and spicy.

Fry-thoughts

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

National French Fries Day is more than a food holiday, its a delicious reminder of how a simple potato can be turned into crispy, golden joy in a thousand different ways. Whether youre shaking up your fries at McDonalds, going bold with Boom Burger, exploring the saucy depths at Burgrill, or just frying them up at home like Chef Mukesh, one thing is clear:

Theres no wrong way to eat a fry, only endless ways to love them.

About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 12:37 IST

News lifestyle  food Celebrating National French Fries Day: From Classic Comfort To Bold Creations
Neena Guptas White Floral Saree Is The Real Fashion Serve At Wimbledon

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 13:07 IST

For her appearance at Wimbledon, Neena Gupta ditched the preppy outfits and channelled elegance and grace in a white floral printed saree.

Neena's look celebrated Indian fashion on an international stage.

Veteran actor and style icon Neena Gupta once again proved why shes hailed as a true trendsetter  both for her progressive outlook and her distinctive sartorial flair. Making a memorable appearance at Wimbledon, the actor chose to embrace tradition with a contemporary twist by donning a saree, a choice that instantly turned heads.

Taking to her Instagram, Neena Gupta shared a series of pictures as she headed to Wimbledon in a car with her daughter, designer Masaba Gupta. In a series of photos shared from the event, Neena was seen glowing with joy inside a sun-drenched, bustling stadium. Among the snapshots was a heartwarming image featuring her daughter with the iconic Centre Court North East Hall subtly framing the backdrop.

Recommended Stories

Take a look at Neenas OOTD here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neena Gupta (@neena_gupta)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neena Gupta (@neena_gupta)

Neenas outfit struck a perfect balance between elegance and originality. She wore a pristine white saree adorned with dainty rose motifs, exuding understated charm. The saree was paired with a white halter-neck blouse that added a modern edge to the look. A gold brooch pinned to the strap served as an eye-catching accent. Her hair was styled in a sleek, centre-parted bun, and dark sunglasses added an air of cool sophistication. Altogether, her ensemble radiated a quiet confidence, rooted in Indian tradition yet effortlessly global in appeal.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

While the Wimbledon stands are often filled with spectators dressed in polished, preppy attire such as structured blazers, pastel co-ords, and pleated skirts, Neena brought something refreshingly different to the mix. Her appearance was not only a celebration of Indian fashion on an international stage but also a reminder that elegance transcends cultural boundaries. Her desi-inspired ensemble stood out among the usual European fashion codes, offering a beautiful dose of cultural pride and a touch of fearless individuality.

As fans flooded the comments with admiration, many applauded her for proudly wearing Indian clothing at such a prestigious global event. Neena Guptas look was more than just a fashion statement; it was a cultural moment.

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 11, 2025, 13:07 IST

News lifestyle Neena Guptas White Floral Saree Is The Real Fashion Serve At Wimbledon
Georgia To Greece: 10 Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas To Indians

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 21:32 IST

With the rise in remote working options, these countries offer a digital nomad visa to Indians. These visas let remote workers stay longer than a normal tourist visa.

Georgia offers a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to reside in the country for up to a year.

If you are an Indian passport holder dreaming of working from beautiful places around the world, heres good news for you. Ten countries now offer special digital nomad visas. These visas are made just for remote workers, letting them stay longer than a normal tourist visa. Whether you are a freelancer, work-from-home employee, or run an online business, these destinations give you the chance to live and work abroad more freely.

Barbados

Recommended Stories

Barbados was one of the first Caribbean islands to introduce a digital nomad visa. Its perfect if you like beach days and a relaxed island vibe.

Spain

Spain is perfect for freelancers thanks to its calm and relaxed vibe. There are also plenty of co-working spaces available across the country.

Greece

Greece is full of historic ruins and beautiful sea views that spark creativity. Athens, the capital, has many co-working spaces and a strong nomad community. It is a great choice for a long-term stay.

Portugal

Portugal is one of the most popular choices, and its easy to see why. The country has a lively and creative atmosphere. Remote workers can easily rent an accommodation and work comfortably. On weekends, they can relax at the lively beaches.

Mauritius

Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is very popular with digital nomads because of its easy visa rules and friendly locals. English is widely spoken, and the Wi-Fi is reliable  ideal for remote work.

Georgia

Georgia is known for being one of the most budget-friendly and simple places for digital nomads to live. The capital city, Tbilisi, is a great place to base yourself.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica promotes a pura vida" way of life, which means living simply and happily. It is exactly the kind of peaceful lifestyle many remote workers want.

Dubai, UAE

Dubais Virtual Working Programme makes it easy for remote workers to live in a modern, fast-paced city. It has great co-working spaces and a lively social life.

Croatia

Picture working from a seaside cafe in Dubrovnik. Croatias old-world charm and scenic beauty make it a favourite among remote workers.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Estonia

This small Baltic country was also among the first to launch a digital nomad visa. It is safe, easy to get around, and more affordable than many Western European countries. If you freelance or run an online business, you will feel right at home here.

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 11, 2025, 21:32 IST

News lifestyle  travel Georgia To Greece: 10 Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas To Indians
US Tourist Visa Now Costs 148% More: Heres The New Price For Indian Citizens

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 14:19 IST

These revisions were introduced under a new legislation titled the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' which was officially enacted by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025.

The new fees include Visa Integrity Fee and I-94 Record Fee. (Representative Image)

If youre planning a trip to the United States anytime soon, be prepared to shell out more. The US government has introduced additional visa-related fees, making the overall process significantly more expensive for international visitors, including Indian citizens.

What Are The New Charges For Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants?

Recommended Stories

In addition to the existing visa application and processing costs, two new fees will now be applicable:

Visa Integrity Fee

I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Fee

These charges will be mandatory and added to the base visa fee. The final amount payable will vary depending on the type of visa being applied for.

Whats The Reason Behind This Hike?

These changes come under a new legislation titled the One Big Beautiful Bill", which was officially signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. The bill aims to tighten visa monitoring and streamline tracking of foreign visitors entering and exiting the country.

What Will the New US Visa Fees Look Like?

The fee structure has seen a substantial overhaul, especially for non-immigrant categories such as tourists, students, and professionals.

Breakdown of the New Charges:

Visa Integrity Fee:

A non-waivable charge of USD 250 (approx. Rs 21,463), to be paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Applies to most non-immigrant visa holders, including B-1/B-2 visitors, H-1B professionals, students, and exchange visitors.

Exemptions apply to diplomats and certain visa classes.

This fee will increase annually, based on the US Consumer Price Index (CPI).

It can be reimbursed if the visa holder fully complies with the terms of their visa.

I-94 Record Fee:

A mandatory USD 24 (approx. Rs 2,060) charge for Form I-94, which tracks arrival and departure data for foreign nationals entering the US.

How Much More Will You Pay?

Currently, a non-petition-based non-immigrant visa (like B1/B2) costs USD 185 (Rs 15,886 approx).

With the new charges, the total visa cost is expected to rise by nearly 148%.

Planning to Visit the US? Heres How to Apply for a Tourist Visa from India

Despite the added cost, the visa application process remains the same. Heres a step-by-step guide for Indian citizens applying for a B-2 tourist visa:

1. Identify the Appropriate Visa Category

Determine the correct visa based on your travel purpose. For tourism, leisure, or visiting family and friends, apply for a B-2 visa.

2. Fill Out the DS-160 Form

Visit the Consular Electronic Application Centre (CEAC).

Complete the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.

Upload a recent passport-size photograph as per the given specifications.

Save and print the confirmation page for your visa interview.

3. Pay the Visa Application Fee

Go to the official US Visa Information website for India.

Create a profile and pay the applicable fee (USD 185 currently for B1/B2).

Payment options include NEFT, IMPS, UPI, or bank over-the-counter.

4. Schedule Your Appointments

Book two appointments:

Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometric data (fingerprints & photo).

US Embassy or Consulate for the visa interview.

5. Attend the Visa Interview

The interview will assess your travel intent, trip duration, financial readiness, and overall eligibility. Carry all required documents:

DS-160 confirmation page

Appointment confirmation

Valid passport

Financial statements

Supporting documents showing strong ties to India (e.g., job proof, family, property)

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

6. Processing Time

If approved, visa processing typically takes 5 to 9 working days.

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 11, 2025, 14:19 IST

News lifestyle  travel US Tourist Visa Now Costs 148% More: Heres The New Price For Indian Citizens
Unfamiliar To Westerners: Why We Eat With Our Hands And Why Its Not Uncivilised

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 15:47 IST

From ancient traditions to modern misjudgments, why eating with hands shouldnt offend anyone.

Zohran Mamdani's viral video of eating biryani with his hands drew racist comments online.

A video of Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic nominee for New York Citys mayoral race in 2025, eating biryani with his bare hands has gone viral. But instead of focusing on the biryani or the man behind it, the internet has turned the spotlight on something else entirely  how he ate.

While this simple, culturally-rooted act should have gone unnoticed, the comment section tells a different story. Flooded with racist, derogatory remarks  many from Western users  the video has sparked a larger conversation around cultural ignorance and the ongoing stigma associated with eating with hands.

Recommended Stories

One user wrote, They always use the hand they wipe with for the extra seasoning. Totally uncivilised." Another commented, Thats f***ng psychotic  thats the same hand he literally wipes his a** with." And it only went downhill from there, with a slew of dehumanising comments equating the act with animalistic behaviour.

Zohran says his worldview is inspired by the 3rd world while eating rice with his hands pic.twitter.com/FDaQfcNSJv End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 29, 2025

But Zohran Mamdani, son of acclaimed academic Mahmood Mamdani and veteran filmmaker Mira Nair, wasnt committing a crime. He was simply eating biryani the way he has likely done his entire life. In South Asian households, eating with hands isnt just common, its meaningful.

A Sacred Act, Not a Strange One

Long before forks and knives entered Western dining rooms, ancient civilisations -from Egyptians and Mesopotamians to Greeks and people of the Indus Valley  ate with their hands. In India, this method is rooted in sacred traditions. The Vedas and Upanishads regard eating with hands as a mindful ritual that connects the body, mind, and food.

Ayurveda, Indias ancient wellness science, also supports this. It believes the touch of food signals the body to prepare for digestion, making the act more holistic and intentional.

Geography and Cuisine Go Hand in Hand

Culturally and geographically, Indian food lends itself to this style  think fluffy rice, soft rotis, and richly spiced gravies best enjoyed by mixing and scooping with fingers. Every bite becomes personal, tailored to taste and texture.

On the other hand, Western cuisine, often structured and mild, lends itself to knives and forks. But even in the West, hand-eating was once the norm. Forks appeared in southern Europe only around the 11th century, and it wasnt until the late 18th century that Americans began regularly using them. Earlier, spoons and hands were standard.

Dining etiquette, particularly the use of cutlery, evolved not from hygiene but hierarchy. During medieval times, aristocrats used utensils as status symbols, and books like The Courtier turned etiquette into a class divider. Fast forward to today, and similar notions are being recycled on social media as proper" table manners.

Hygiene Is Not the Issue, But Ignorance Is

Critics often reduce eating with hands to a hygiene issue, but this ignores a long-standing tradition rooted in mindfulness, respect, and community. As cultural anthropologist Dr Aditi Verma explains, in Indian society, dining practices reflect deeper values  purity, gratitude, and social etiquette. Washing hands before and after meals has always been a part of the process, making cleanliness an intrinsic part of hand-eating, not an afterthought.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Even beyond the plate, gestures made with the right hand in Indian culture reflect reverence, be it while exchanging money, offering something, or simply greeting someone. These arent just habits; theyre symbols of heritage and belonging.

So, whether you prefer forks, chopsticks, or your fingers, the real takeaway is this: how someone eats is a reflection of who they are and where they come from. And theres no one right way to eat. As long as its clean and respectful, let people enjoy their food, especially if it means finishing a good biryani by licking your fingers with joy.

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 11, 2025, 15:47 IST

News lifestyle Unfamiliar To Westerners: Why We Eat With Our Hands And Why Its Not Uncivilised
Why You Never Get To Finish The Best Dreams  Heres What Science Says

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 10:49 IST

If your dream gets too intense, your brain may react as if it's real, kicking you awake.

You win it all in your dreamonly to wake up right before it ends. (Representative Image: Getty)

Just when youre about to win that imaginary race, kiss your dream crush, or fly across a glowing cityscapeboomyou wake up. Sound familiar? This sudden end to your dream is more common than you think.

Dreams feel magical, but we often wake up before the best part because of how sleep affects our brain and body. Lets dive into the science behind dreams.

Recommended Stories

The Dream Stage: Welcome To REM Sleep

Most dreams happen during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the phase where your brain is most active and dreams are vivid, strange, and emotional. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), REM kicks in about 90 minutes after you fall asleep and repeats through the night, each time getting longer.

Matthew Walker, neuroscientist and author of Why We Sleep, explains that brain activity during REM mimics wakefulness, making dreams feel intensely real. But that same heightened activity also makes your brain more likely to wake up.

So, Why Do You Wake Up Right Before the Good Part? Several scientific reasons explain this frustrating timing:

1. Emotional Overload Wakes the Brain

Vivid dreams often pack a punchfear, joy, excitement. These emotional spikes activate your amygdala, the brains emotional centre. A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) found that this kind of brain arousal can push you closer to wakefulness.

Dream researcher Dr Deirdre Barrett from Harvard says that REM sleep leaves your brain on high alert. So, if your dream gets too intense, your brain may react as if its real, kicking you awake.

2. Your Sleep Cycle Might Be Ending Anyway

Sleep isnt one long stretchits a series of 90-minute cycles. And near the end of a REM phase, your brain often shifts into lighter sleep or brief awakenings.

A 2019 study in Nature Reviews Neuroscience notes that these transitions are most common during longer REM stages late at night, right when dreams get more detailed. If your dreams peak aligns with that transition, you wake up mid-scene.

3. Noise, Movement Or Even Your Bladder

Your REM sleep is lighter and more sensitive to external disruptions. A 2021 study published in Sleep (Oxford University Press) found that even mild environmental changeslike a partner turning in bed or a sound outsidecan trigger micro-awakenings.

Ever noticed how real-world sounds sneak into your dreams? Thats your brain trying to keep you asleepbut it doesnt always succeed.

4. You Just Remember The Interrupted Ones Better

Heres the psychological twist: You may not always wake up mid-dream, but you remember the ones you do. A 2017 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that people are more likely to recall dreams when they wake directly from REM sleep, especially if the dream ends on an emotional high.

Dr. Robert Stickgold (Harvard) says our brains hold onto emotionally intense momentsunfinished dreams feel more memorable, even if most others simply fade away.

Why Its So Frustrating

Dreams give your brain a narrative to process emotions and events. According to a 2020 study in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, waking before the story ends creates a sense of emotional cliffhanger," much like pausing a film at the climax.

And since REM sleep is rich in feeling and fantasy, waking up can feel like a jarring fall from wonderland to alarm clock.

Can You Stay In The Dream Longer?

You cant completely control dreams, but there are ways to improve your chances:

Stick to a sleep schedule: As per the National Sleep Foundation, regular sleep improves REM stability.

Cut distractions: A dark, cool, and quiet room helps reduce disruptions (AASM advice).

Try lucid dreaming: Techniques like dream journaling or reality checks can increase awareness during dreams, says Dr Barrett.

Avoid stimulants before bed: Caffeine and alcohol can fragment REM sleep, according to a 2018 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Science has answers, but dreams still keep some of their mystery. The next time you wake up just before that perfect dream moment, remember: your brain is doing its complex job of sorting emotions, memories, and sensory input.

And hey, maybe that unfinished dream? Its just your brains way of teasing you into going back to sleep.

About the Author Surbhi Pathak Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11. Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 10:49 IST

News lifestyle Why You Never Get To Finish The Best Dreams  Heres What Science Says
World Population Day 2025: Theme, Slogans, And 10 Most Populous Countries

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 07:20 IST

World Population Day raises awareness about family planning, gender equality, and reproductive health.

World Population Day 2025 theme is Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world. (AI generated image)

World Population Day 2025: Observed on July 11 to spread awareness about population-related issues, World Population Day highlights important topics like family planning, gender equality, and reproductive health. The United Nations established this day in 1989 to mark the Day of Five Billion," when the global population reached five billion people.

The day encourages people, governments, and organisations to discuss the impact of population growth on the environment, resources, and development. It promotes the need for action and understanding to manage population challenges.

Recommended Stories

World Population Day also focuses on finding solutions that support sustainable growth and improve lives. It reminds us to work together for a healthier and more balanced future for all.

World Population Day 2025: Theme

This years theme, Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world," highlights the importance of giving youth the rights, resources, and support they need to take control of their future.

World Population Day 2025: History

The idea of World Population Day began in the 1980s. On July 11, 1987, the worlds population reached around five billion, drawing global attention to important issues like population growth, use of resources, and sustainable development.

In 1989, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Governing Council decided that July 11 should be observed every year as World Population Day.

Later, in December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly officially approved this through Resolution 45/216. The first celebration of World Population Day took place on July 11, 1990, and over 90 countries participated in the event.

World Population Day 2025: Significance

The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about population issues that affect the world. It also aims to support reproductive health and rights, such as giving people access to family planning and proper education. Another goal is to promote gender equality and empower women to make their own health and family choices.

World Population Day also focuses on the importance of sustainable development, where the needs of both people and the environment are balanced. It encourages countries to work together and take actions that ensure a better and fairer future for all.

By observing this day, people around the world are reminded of the impact population growth has on society, and the importance of making smart, fair choices to build a more equal and healthy world.

World Population Day 2025: Celebrations

World Population Day is marked by different activities and programs designed to spread awareness about population-related issues.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments, NGOs, and global organisations run campaigns to inform people about topics like family planning, reproductive health, and population growth. These efforts help people understand why these issues matter.

Governments, NGOs, and global organisations run campaigns to inform people about topics like family planning, reproductive health, and population growth. These efforts help people understand why these issues matter. Seminars and Public Lectures: Educational events are held at local, national, and international levels. Experts speak about the causes and effects of population growth and offer ideas for solutions.

Educational events are held at local, national, and international levels. Experts speak about the causes and effects of population growth and offer ideas for solutions. Art and Cultural Programs: Creative events like art shows, music, and drama performances are organised to share important messages engagingly and emotionally.

Creative events like art shows, music, and drama performances are organised to share important messages engagingly and emotionally. Health Camps and Services: In many areas, especially where healthcare is limited, health camps are held. These provide services like family planning advice, checkups for mothers, and guidance on reproductive health.

In many areas, especially where healthcare is limited, health camps are held. These provide services like family planning advice, checkups for mothers, and guidance on reproductive health. Youth Involvement: Special focus is given to young people. Events and programs help them learn about their rights, how to make informed decisions, and understand the importance of taking care of their health and future.

World Population Day 2025: Slogans

Control overpopulation to avoid starvation. Birth control is the key to population control. Focus on population control to fight poverty and illiteracy. Plan your family, protect the planet. Take a pledge to control the population. Start family planning for a happier future. Keep your family small for a big, happy life. Celebrate World Population Day to help control population growth.

World Population Day 2025: Top 10 Most Populous Countries

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Here are the top 10 most populous countries, based on the latest figures from World Population Review.

India: India holds the top spot as the worlds most populous country, with a projected population of over 1.46 billion in 2025. The population is growing at an annual rate of about 0.89 per cent. India has a young and diverse population, with a median age of around 28.8 years. Over 37 per cent of its people now live in cities and urban areas.

India holds the top spot as the worlds most populous country, with a projected population of over 1.46 billion in 2025. The population is growing at an annual rate of about 0.89 per cent. India has a young and diverse population, with a median age of around 28.8 years. Over 37 per cent of its people now live in cities and urban areas. China: It is the second most populous country with about 1.42 billion people in 2025. Its population is declining by 0.23 per cent, with a median age of 40.1 years. Around 67.5 per cent live in urban areas, and the country faces issues like an ageing population and low birth rates.

It is the second most populous country with about 1.42 billion people in 2025. Its population is declining by 0.23 per cent, with a median age of 40.1 years. Around 67.5 per cent live in urban areas, and the country faces issues like an ageing population and low birth rates. United States: In 2025, the U.S. has about 347 million people, growing at 0.54 per cent annually. Growth is fuelled by both migration and births. The median age is 38.5 years, and over 82 per cent of the population lives in urban areas.

In 2025, the U.S. has about 347 million people, growing at 0.54 per cent annually. Growth is fuelled by both migration and births. The median age is 38.5 years, and over 82 per cent of the population lives in urban areas. Indonesia: By the end of 2025, Indonesias population is expected to reach around 286 million, growing at 0.79 per cent annually. With a median age of 30.4 years, about 60 per cent live in urban areas. High fertility rates continue to drive its strong population growth.

By the end of 2025, Indonesias population is expected to reach around 286 million, growing at 0.79 per cent annually. With a median age of 30.4 years, about 60 per cent live in urban areas. High fertility rates continue to drive its strong population growth. Pakistan: Pakistans population is around 255 million in 2025, growing quickly at 1.57 per cent per year. With a median age of 20.6 years, it has a very young population. About 34.4 per cent live in cities, and the country faces issues like overpopulation, poverty, and strained infrastructure.

Pakistans population is around 255 million in 2025, growing quickly at 1.57 per cent per year. With a median age of 20.6 years, it has a very young population. About 34.4 per cent live in cities, and the country faces issues like overpopulation, poverty, and strained infrastructure. Nigeria: By the end of 2025, Nigeria is expected to reach a population of 238 million, making it one of the fastest-growing countries globally. With a growth rate of 2.08 per cent and a median age of just 18.1 years, it has a very young population. Over half live in urban areas, and high birth rates fuel this rapid rise.

By the end of 2025, Nigeria is expected to reach a population of 238 million, making it one of the fastest-growing countries globally. With a growth rate of 2.08 per cent and a median age of just 18.1 years, it has a very young population. Over half live in urban areas, and high birth rates fuel this rapid rise. Brazil: It is projected to have 213 million people by the end of 2025, with a low growth rate of 0.38 per cent. It is South Americas largest country by area and has a median age of 34.8 years. With 91.4 per cent of its population in cities, Brazil is experiencing slower growth and an ageing population.

It is projected to have 213 million people by the end of 2025, with a low growth rate of 0.38 per cent. It is South Americas largest country by area and has a median age of 34.8 years. With 91.4 per cent of its population in cities, Brazil is experiencing slower growth and an ageing population. Bangladesh: In 2025, Bangladesh is expected to have a population of about 176 million, growing at 1.22 per cent annually. With a small land area, it has a very high population density of 1,350 people per km. The median age is 26 years, and over 42 per cent of the population lives in urban areas.

In 2025, Bangladesh is expected to have a population of about 176 million, growing at 1.22 per cent annually. With a small land area, it has a very high population density of 1,350 people per km. The median age is 26 years, and over 42 per cent of the population lives in urban areas. Russia: Russias population in 2025 is around 144 million, declining at 0.57 per cent. With a median age of 40.3 years, it has an ageing population, and 75 per cent live in cities.

Russias population in 2025 is around 144 million, declining at 0.57 per cent. With a median age of 40.3 years, it has an ageing population, and 75 per cent live in cities. Ethiopia: Ethiopia will have about 135 million people in 2025, with a high growth rate of 2.58 per cent. It has a young population (median age 19.1), and only 22.5 per cent live in urban areas.

About the Author Bhaswati Sengupta Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect... Read More Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect... Read More

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 07:20 IST

News lifestyle World Population Day 2025: Theme, Slogans, And 10 Most Populous Countries
Director Slams Deepika Padukone's 8-Hr Workday Demand; Fatima Sana Shaikh Recalls Facing Harassment

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 21:46 IST

Suneel Darshan said that Deepikas 8-hour work shift demand is unreal". Fatima Sana Shaikh has opened up about a deeply traumatic incident.

Deepika Padukone and Fatima Sana Shaikh had everyone's attention today.

Ever since Deepika Padukone was ousted from Sandeep Reddy Vangas Spirit due to her requests for an eight-hour workday, it has started the debate around work-life balance in Bollywood. While many have come forward in support of the actress as of now, filmmaker Suneel Darshan has now said that Deepikas 8-hour work shift demand is unreal".

Read More: Deepika Padukones 8-Hour Shift Demand Is Unreal, Director Warns She Is Not Irreplaceable

Recommended Stories

Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh has opened up about a deeply traumatic incident where she was physically assaulted by a man she tried to confront for inappropriately touching her in public. In a recent conversation with Hauterrfly, the actress recounted the moment that changed how she responds to such situations even today.

Read More: Fatima Sana Shaikh Shares Horrifying Harassment Incident: I Hit Him, He Hit Me Back

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Movie Review: Shanaya Kapoors debut film is all set to hit theatres today (Friday, July 11). While everyone is excited to watch the film, early reviews suggest that the Santosh Singh directorial is a heartwarming tale. Recently, actor-turned-critic, Kuldeep Ghadvi, took to his Instagram handle and penned down a long note, reviewing the film, which also stars Vikrant Massey in the lead.

Read More: Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan FIRST Review: Shanaya Kapoor, Vikrant Masseys Film Is Deeply Moving

Kaanta Laga star Shefali Jariwala passed away on June 27, at the age of 42. Her sudden death left her husband, Parag Tyagi, shattered, and he has been grieving the loss of his beloved wife. As a heartfelt tribute to Shefali, he has now taken a meaningful step- planting trees in her memory. He revealed that Shefali loved nature and always wanted to give back the love she had received.

Read More: Shefali Jariwalas Husband Parag Tyagi Plants Trees In Her Memory: Pari Loved Nature

Aap Jaisa Koi Movie Review: What a great time for urban rom-com fans! Theres Metro In Dino running in cinemas. You could do a movie triathlon with Aap Jaisa Koi and Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan this week. And a few days later, Param Sundari will hit the screens. What a breath of fresh air! But the one film that stands out from this lot is Aap Jaisa Koi. Why you ask? Its themed on the complex and cinematically lesser explored institution of arranged marriages, albeit through a pastel-tinted pair of lenses.

Read More: Aap Jaisa Koi Review: R Madhavan And Fatima Sana Shaikh Are Remarkable In This Feminist Love Story

About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 21:46 IST

News movies  bollywood Director Slams Deepika Padukone's 8-Hr Workday Demand; Fatima Sana Shaikh Recalls Facing Harassment
Shilpa Shettys Sexy Green Saree Look Sets Internet On Fire, Fans Gush Over Her | PICS

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 15:43 IST

Shilpa Shetty set temperatures soaring in a sultry green saree at the teaser launch of her upcoming film KD- The Devil in Hyderabad!

Shilpa Shetty looks breathtaking in a sexy green saree

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has been busy promoting her upcoming film KD- The Devil, starring Dhruva Sarja, Sanjay Dutt and others. After a grand teaser launch in Mumbai, the team headed to Hyderabad for the launch of KD-The Devils Telugu teaser. Shilpa, who never fails to stun fans with her sartorial choices, set temperatures soaring in a sultry green saree for the event. She has now shared pictures from her photoshoot in the saree, and fans are going gaga over her mesmerizing look!

On Friday, Shilpa Shetty took to Instagram to share a series of pictures of herself in a stunning light green saree by Manish Malhotra. She flaunted her curves in the breathtaking ensemble, pairing the saree with a matching strapless blouse that featured a delicate tie-up detail at the back. The nearly backless design added a bold touch, highlighting her toned back. She accessorized the look with elegant earrings and a bracelet that perfectly complemented her outfit. Her glam was on point, and her minimal makeup featured nude-toned lips, a touch of highlighter, and a soft, radiant look. Sharing the photos, she wrote, I eat my greens and wear them too #KDTeaser #KDTheDevil #KD #blessed #gratitude #sareenotsorry #ootd." Check out the post below!

Recommended Stories

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shilpa Shetty Kundra (@theshilpashetty)

Celebrities such as Farah Khan, Bipasha Basu liked her post. Shilpas husband Raj Kundra commented, My Queen." Meanwhile, netizens couldnt help but gush over the actress. Aging backwards," commented one fan, while another one wrote, OHHHH myyyyyyyyy." A third netizen commented, You look very pretty in the saree."

Meanwhile, yesterday, at the teaser launch of KD in Mumbai, Shilpa Shetty responded to the ongoing discourse around the Marathi-Hindi language divide with just one sentence  but it was enough to win hearts and strike a powerful chord. Mala Marathi mahit ahe, me Maharashtra chi mulgi aahe (I can speak Marathi. I am Maharashtras daughter)," she declared.

Shilpa Shetty will next be seen in the highly anticipated Kannada film KD-The Devil, an action-packed drama led by Dhruva Sarja. Directed by Prem, KD-The Devil features a stellar ensemble cast including Bollywood stars like Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty and Nora Fatehi along with well-known Kannada actors such as V. Ravichandran and Ramesh Aravind. The film is set against the backdrop of Bengaluru in the 1970s and 80s and is inspired from a real-life event.

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 15:43 IST

News movies  bollywood Shilpa Shettys Sexy Green Saree Look Sets Internet On Fire, Fans Gush Over Her | PICS
Sanjay Gaikwad, Shiv Sena MLA In Slapgate Row, Insults Shetty Community: Who Are They?

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi



Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 20:21 IST

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad in Slapgate Row Insults Shettys: "These Shettys of the south have defamed Maharashtras culture, be it in terms of dance bars or ladies bars..."

(From left) Suniel Shetty, Shilpa Shetty and Rohit Shetty. (PTI/File)

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad in Slapgate Row Insults Shettys: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who assaulted a hostel staff member in Mumbai for allegedly serving him stale food, also targeted Shettys  a community from the South  accusing them of defaming Maharashtras culture".

He said that Marathis would have never shown any laxity in serving fresh food if they were allowed to run the canteen.

Recommended Stories

How did Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad insult Shetty community? Why did he slap staffer?

These Shettys have been playing with our lives for a long time. Today, they tried to play with my life. My stomach isnt good, and I have been disturbed over it for the last 20 years," Gaikwad told NDTV, adding, The Opposition shares their views but do they not know that these Shettys of the south have defamed Maharashtras culture, be it in terms of dance bars or ladies bars. These things have been going on in Maharashtra for a long time and are being done by the Shettys. Shetty is not written on his forehead but the hotel belongs to the Shettys."

When asked if his reaction would have been different had the canteen staff been a Marathi, the legislator told NDTV that Marathis would not have made such a mistake".

Who are the Shettys insulted by Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad?

Shetty is primarily a surname used by members of the Bunt community, a landowning and warrior class traditionally found in Tulu Nadu  a region covering coastal Karnataka and northern Kerala.

The Bunt community has historically been feudal landlords, administrators, and warriors during the times of local dynasties like the Alupas. One of the Bunt communitys most distinctive features is its matrilineal inheritance system. Their most common surnames are Shetty, Rai, Hegde, and Chowta.

Mumbai is home to over 10 lakh Bunts, including the famous Aishwarya Rai.

From where did the word Shetty originate?

The word Shetty is derived from the Sanskrit word shreshti or shreshta, meaning wealthy merchant or nobleman. It was historically a title of respect given to prominent businessmen and community leaders, especially in coastal trading towns.

Most Shettys speak Tulu, Konkani, or Kannada, depending on their region. Most Shettys are Hindus, especially followers of deities like Shiva, Durga, and local deities like Nagamandala or Bhoota Kola spirits. Some Shettys are also Jains, especially in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

The famous Shettys

Shilpa Shetty: Actor

Suniel Shetty: Actor and entrepreneur

Rohit Shetty: Film director

Anushka Shetty: Actor

Mumbai: On Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapping a canteen staff alleging poor food quality, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, No need to file any complaint, to take action against Sanjay Gaikwad, police should inquire into the matter" pic.twitter.com/Kg6T2sGzuD ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025

What is the connection between Shettys and hospitality industry?

The Bunt community traditionally managed land and feasts, especially during temple festivals and family ceremonies. Their organising skills, hospitality instincts, and culinary traditions translated into the restaurant and hotel industry. From the early 20th century, many Tulu-speaking Shettys migrated to Mumbai, initially working as cooks or waiters. They opened Udupi restaurants, which became famous for South Indian vegetarian cuisine.

In Bangalore, Bunt Shettys run many Darshinis or fast-food South Indian outlets and mid-range vegetarian restaurants.

In Dubai, Singapore, USA, and Canada, Shettys have opened Indian restaurants, many focused on vegetarian food or Mangalorean coastal cuisine.

Shilpa Shetty also owns hospitality brand called Bastian.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 19:51 IST

News movies Sanjay Gaikwad, Shiv Sena MLA In Slapgate Row, Insults Shetty Community: Who Are They?
Book By Paul Kapur, Trumps South Asia Pick, Captures Pakistans Jihad Strategy & Indias Response

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 08:28 IST

Kapurs 2017 book 'Jihad as Grand Strategy' is more than an analysis of Pakistans use of jihad as state policy. It anticipates much of what is unfolding today

'Jihad as Grand Strategy' by S Paul Kapur.

In and around the Indian subcontinent, S Paul Kapur is going to become an important figure, working carefully behind the headlines. He will be the eyes, ears, and at times the hand of the worlds most powerful nation in this region.

Kapur has been nominated as Americas representative in Indias neighbourhood. He will be the new Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department.

Recommended Stories

The extent of the power vested in him can be gauged from the legacy of his predecessor, Donald Lu. Lu is credited (or discredited) with engineering regime changes in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Kyrgyzstan; fomenting violent protests against the nationalist government in India; mishandling Afghanistan; keeping the Maldives and Nepal on the boil against India; and interfering in Central Asias Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

So, who is Paul Kapur? What are his core geopolitical convictions? How closely do these align with Indias vision and strategic approach?

Kapur is an academic born in New Delhi to an Indian father and an American mother. He rose through the ranks of the foreign service and enjoys enough of the Trump administrations trust to be entrusted with one of the most sensitive regions in the world.

His appointment becomes even more significant in light of the recent Pahalgam massacre of tourists by Pakistan-backed jihadis and Indias response via Operation Sindoor.

Kapurs views on Islamist terror are well documented in his 2017 book Jihad as Grand Strategy. It is not just an analytical study of how Pakistan has used jihad as a central lever of its state policy in many ways, the book anticipates what is unfolding today.

Kapur opens with a blunt statement of truth: Terrorisms ascendance as one of the worlds leading strategic dangers has been a central development of the postCold War security environment Scholars and analysts have generated a voluminous literature attempting to identify the demographic, economic, psychological, ideological, strategic and other patterns in terrorist violence. Although the nature and prevalence of such patterns are a matter of vigorous debate, one recurring theme concerning terrorism is strikingly clear: A disproportionate amount of it has been linked to Islamist terrorists based in Pakistan."

He backs this up with exampleshow Al Qaeda operative Khalid Sheikh Mohammed trained 9/11 terrorists in Karachi and later wired funds for their mission; how Osama bin Laden was found hiding in Pakistans garrison town of Abbottabad; how the leader of the group that bombed London in 2005 received paramilitary training in Pakistan and got bomb-making instructions from a caller in Rawalpindi; and how the Pakistani terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba carried out the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The book primarily deals with the impact that Pakistans support for terrorism has had on its strategic interests.

Kapur rightly argues that the Islamisation of Pakistan did not begin with General Zia-ul-Haq, as is widely believed. The so-called liberal Zulfikar Ali Bhutto used Islamism for political ends and was ultimately consumed by it. He was the one who declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims and banned alcohol in Pakistan.

A number of other factors underlay Pakistans use of Islamist militants, such as the lack of a coherent national founding narrative and material weakness relative to India," Kapur explains. Finally, Pakistan did not adopt its militant strategy during the Zia era; the Pakistanis had been using Islamist militants as strategic tools since achieving independence, long before Zias emergence. It is a deliberate, long-running policy as old as the Pakistani state. Indeed, supporting jihad has constituted nothing less than a central pillar of Pakistani grand strategy."

Pakistans use of jihad as central state policy did not simply begin after independence; it was a driving force in the violent separation from India and the formation of the Pakistani stateon both its eastern and western fronts.

Grand strategy, Kapur explains, is a states theory of shaping national security. Pakistan has three main grand strategic tools: nuclear weapons, conventional forces, and militant proxies.

Before 1971, Kapur notes, Pakistan believed it could defeat India in any conventional conflictdrawing from the centuries-old triumphant lore of Muslim invaders. India disabused it of that notion by vivisecting it and creating Bangladesh. A bloodied and humiliated Pakistan then ramped up its use of terror proxies.

Other nations have also used non-state actors: Iran backs Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis; the Soviet Union supported the Red Brigades and Black September; the US trained the Afghan mujahideen and ironically propped up Al Qaeda and the Taliban, who later turned on their mentor; China is believed to support Maoist insurgency in India and radical movements across western democracies. But for no other nation is terrorism as central to state policy as it is in Pakistan, Kapur argues.

And Kapur believes jihad has, in some ways, worked for Pakistan.

It has delivered a number of significant domestic and international outcomes. The strategy has promoted internal political cohesion, offering Pakistan a raison detre in the absence of a coherent founding narrative. By steadily attriting Indian military and financial resources, it has also helped address Pakistans material weakness vis-a-vis India. Additionally, the strategy has enabled Pakistan to continue challenging Indian control over Kashmir and to ensure the region remains on the international agenda. It has also allowed Pakistan to shape the strategic environment in Afghanistan and install a favourable government on its western frontier.

However, these successes" are now backfiring. The terror organisations Pakistan nurtured are increasingly spinning out of control and severely undermining its interests.

Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) is no longer content with simply bleeding Indiait harbours ambitions of conquering the entire country and spreading globally. The Tehreek-e-Taliban has seized large swathes of South Waziristan, launching attacks on Pakistani politicians and military personnel. The Baloch Liberation Army leads a fierce armed freedom movement to liberate Balochistan from Pakistani control.

Groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed often exceed the brief of their sponsors, conducting operations that drag Pakistan into dangerous confrontations.

Kapur also notes that Pakistans military strategy has diverted crucial resources away from development, impeding its internal progress.

Perhaps the greatest blowback, Kapur writes, has been Indias sweeping military modernisation in response.

Operation Sindoor has highlighted Indias growing defence preparedness under PM Narendra Modi, if emerging expert accounts are anything to go by.

India reportedly executed remarkable acts of deceptionmost notably with the Rafales X-Guard, an AI-powered towed decoy system that successfully fooled Pakistans Chinese-made PL-15E missiles and J-10C fighters.

Its the best spoofing and deception weve ever seen," former US Air Force F-15E and F-16 pilot Ryan Bodenheimer is quoted as saying by idrw.org. He added that the technology may have redefined the rules of electronic warfare.

Driven by AI, the X-Guard constantly adjusts its signals to replicate Doppler shifts, creating the illusion of a jet roaring through the sky at Mach 1. For enemy radars and missile seekers, the decoy becomes indistinguishable from the real aircraft. Its fibre-optic tether ensures real-time communication with the cockpit, keeping pilots informed of missile locks and decoy status while staying immune to electronic jamming," the report said.

John Spencer, executive director of the Urban Warfare Institute, affirms Kapurs thesis on Indias rapidly strengthening conventional bulwark against Pakistans militant strategy.

Spencer writes: The operation demonstrated Indias shift from a reactive posture to a proactive, precision-oriented doctrine. Seven of the nine terrorist targets were struck using long-range fires from the Army rather than airstrikes, including loitering munitions and rocket artillery. Counter-drone technology played a key role, with integrated use of radar, jammers, and both kinetic and soft-kill systems to neutralise incoming threats. Real-time battle damage assessments were enabled by persistent ISR from satellites and human intelligence. I was briefed on how even legacy systems, like L-70 guns, were effectively combined with modern platforms to create layered defences. The integration of kinetic force with narrative control was deliberate. What stood out was the clarity and firmness of Indias red lines. Every terrorist attack will receive a military response. There will be no distinction between the attacker and those who support or harbour them."

S Paul Kapurs views in his book may occasionally collide with the murky realpolitik that shapes Americas foreign policy. But one thing is certain: Kapur is no natural sympathiser of jihad, particularly the industrial-scale terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

He sums up Pakistans double-edged sword perfectly: Pakistan suffers from a jihad paradox. Political and material weakness originally made Pakistans militant policy attractive and useful. Now, however, the same weakness makes Pakistans support for militancy extremely dangerous."

Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 08:22 IST

News opinion Book By Paul Kapur, Trumps South Asia Pick, Captures Pakistans Jihad Strategy & Indias Response
Opinion | Digital India: PM Modis Giant Leap Of Faith

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 16:02 IST

In 2013, internet penetration was limited to less than 250 million connections, and access to online government services was scarce. By 2025, this surged to over 970 million.

The central reason why Big Tech and their affiliated lobbyists are pushing back against the Digital Competition Bill lies in how it threatens the core of their business models. (PMO File)

The Digital India initiative has reshaped governance over the past decade by democratising access to technology, building robust digital infrastructure, and fostering inclusivity. It has bridged gaps between urban and rural areas, rich and poor, and set a global benchmark for digital literacy. In 2013, internet penetration was limited to less than 250 million connections, and access to online government services was scarce. By 2025, this number surged to over 970 million. Thanks to the BharatNet project, over 420,000 kilometres of Optical Fibre Cable, equivalent to 11 times the distance between Earth and the Moon, now connects even the most remote villages. The National Broadband Mission aims for universal 50 Mbps connectivity by 2025, supporting Indias goal of a $5 trillion economy. Additionally, 250,000 Wi-Fi hotspots under BharatNet and affordable data plans have made India the most cost-effective internet economy, with data prices among the lowest globally.

PM Modi envisioned technology as a tool to empower the marginalised and eliminate inequality. As he noted in a LinkedIn blog post recently, While decades were spent doubting the ability of Indians to use technology, we changed this approach and trusted the ability of Indians to use technology." Modi further writes, Indias Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) from Aadhaar, CoWIN, DigiLocker, and FASTag to PM-WANI and One Nation One Subscription is now studied and adopted globally. CoWIN enabled the worlds largest vaccination drive, issuing 2.2 billion QR-verifiable certificates. DigiLocker, with 540 million users, hosts over 7.75 billion documents securely and seamlessly."

Recommended Stories

Indias 5G rollout, among the fastest globally, has seen 481,000 base stations installed in just two years, ensuring high-speed internet reaches urban hubs and remote outposts like Galwan, Siachen, and Ladakh. The India Stack, a set of digital public goods including Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and DigiYatra, has been the fulcrum of this transformation. Aadhaar provides a unique digital identity, while DigiLocker has digitized document access for millions. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched in 2016, has revolutionized digital payments, handling roughly 19 billion transactions every single month and accounting for 50% of the worlds real-time digital payments. UPIs global impact is evident, with countries like Singapore, UAE, and France adopting similar systems and Namibia deciding to do so after Modis recent visit to this South African nation. UPIs interoperability has empowered small vendors and street hawkers, integrating them into the formal economy.

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, built on the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) and driven by the humanity first" approach, has set a global benchmark, facilitating the transfer of over Rs 44 lakh crore to beneficiaries across 322 schemes, thereby saving Rs 3.48 lakh crore by eliminating inefficiencies. Platforms like the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) have revolutionized public procurement. In FY 202425, GeM clocked Rs 1 lakh crore in gross merchandise value (GMV) within 50 days, with 2.2 million sellers, including 180,000 women-led MSMEs, fulfilling orders worth Rs 46,000 crore.

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), launched in 2022, has crossed 200 million transactions, with the last 100 million added in just six months. ONDC enables artisans from places like Varanasi, Mizoram, Odisha, and Nagaland to access nationwide markets without intermediaries. Other platforms like e-NAM connect 17.6 million farmers to over 1,000 markets, enhancing agricultural incomes. Digital tools like Kisan Suvidha provide real-time weather and market information, helping farmers make informed decisions. The AgriStack initiative, integrating land records and farmer data, further streamlines access to subsidies and loans.

In education, platforms like SWAYAM and DIKSHA have delivered over 2,200 courses to 40 million students, especially in far-flung areas, thereby bridging learning gaps in small hamlets and villages, with professors from IITs and IIMs ready to impart quality education at the click of a button. In healthcare, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has created 780 million ABHA IDs and linked over 520 million health records, revolutionizing healthcare delivery through telemedicine. The e-Sanjeevani platform has served over 360 million patients, bringing medical consultations to underserved areas. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDisha) have made 60 million rural households digitally literate, enabling them to access government services online.

The $1.2 billion India AI Mission has provided access to 34,000 GPUs at less than $1 per GPU hour, making India the most affordable compute destination. The New Delhi Declaration on AI promotes responsible innovation, and the establishment of AI Centres of Excellence is nurturing talent. Indias G20 presidency under PM Modi further amplified its global influence by launching the Global DPI Repository and a $25 million Social Impact Fund to help nations in Africa and South Asia adopt inclusive digital ecosystems. In rural areas, Common Service Centres (CSCs) have brought governance to the doorsteps of commoners. Schemes like SVAMITVA have issued over 24 million property cards and mapped 647,000 villages, ending years of land-related uncertainty. India now ranks among the top 3 Startup ecosystems in the world, with over 180,000 Startups, thanks to digitisation. This is more than a Startup movement; it is a tech revolution. Additionally, the focus on semiconductors, with projects like the Foxconn-HCL display chip unit, positions India as a reliable player in global supply chains.

The Modi governments focus on inclusive AI and cybersecurity will ensure sustainable growth, while initiatives like the National Quantum Mission position India at the forefront of emerging technologies. From artisans in Uttarakhand to farmers in Madhya Pradesh, from students in Assam to mothers in Maharashtra, Digital India has touched lives in profound ways, proving that technology can be a force multiplier.

In the last few years, the Modi governments push for financial inclusion has deepened with the promotion of the Account Aggregator (AA) Framework  a foundational piece of digital public infrastructure (DPI). The AA Framework empowers consumers and businesses across regions and economic segments to have greater control over their financial data. It enables them to access services such as loans, insurance, and investment advice securely and easily, with just a tap on the smartphone. Since its inception in 2022, the AA ecosystem has expanded rapidly, growing from 24 to over 750 regulated entities (REs) as of May 2025.

The ecosystem comprises Financial Information Providers (FIPs), Financial Information Users (FIUs), and Account Aggregators (AAs) that act as secure intermediaries between the two. FIPs and FIUs include banks, insurers, stockbrokers, and a host of other regulated financial institutions. Numbers published by Sahamati, promoting the AA ecosystem, note that as of June 2025, over 181 million consumer accounts are linked to Account Aggregators. This means that over 181 million Indians can now access secure, regulated financial services, often within hours, not days. AAs have facilitated an estimated 9 per cent of all personal and consumer durable loans disbursed in FY25," says BG Mahesh, CEO of Sahamati.

And the positive impact doesnt stop there. Each month, over Rs 15,000 crore in loans are disbursed through the AA ecosystem. This has transformed access to credit, enabling eligible borrowers to procure loans from trusted institutions any time, any day, through a highly secure and automated process. As of June 2025, over 248 million customer consents have been processed by FIPs. This milestone signals two major shifts: one, that banks and financial institutions can serve more customers faster and with reduced processing costs; and two, digitally savvy consumers in India are increasingly embracing consent-based, friction-free access to financial services.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

To summarise, the Digital India mission, thanks to Modis incisive foresight, has transformed India from a digital backbencher to a global digital leader. As PM Modi noted, Digital India has not remained a mere government programme; it has become a peoples movement." With its focus on innovation, digital literacy, utility, connectivity, and affordability, Digital India is paving the way for an India where technology unites and is the binding glue; an India where digitisation is not just a policy framework but a great equalizer. The CoWIN platform, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated the worlds largest, fastest, and safest vaccination drive, showcasing the power of digital infrastructure during times of crisis. PM Modis reforms have always been citizen-centric, with no room for lethargy or red-tapism, and Indias digital renaissance is no different. Modis Digital India mission is a testament to his philosophy of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance," ensuring that the accompanying dividends are democratised and benefit those who need them the most.

Sanju Verma is an Economist, National Spokesperson for BJP, and Bestselling Author of The Modi Gambit. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 16:02 IST

News opinion Opinion | Digital India: PM Modis Giant Leap Of Faith
Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 11:04 IST

The Filmfare Awards Marathi 2025 was held last evening in Mumbai. Along with Marathi acting stalwarts, the star-studded event also saw the presence of several Bollywood personalities.

1 / 20 Tabu and Jaideep Ahlawat posed together on the red carpet. They complemented each other well in their pastel-coloured outfits. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

2 / 20 Father-to-be Rajkummar Rao looked dapper in a grey pantsuit. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

ADVERTISEMENT

3 / 20 Nawazuddin Siddiqui looked cool in a semi-formal attire at the Filmfare Awards Marathi 2025. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

4 / 20 Mahesh Manjrekar cut a striking figure on the red carpet. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

ADVERTISEMENT

5 / 20 Nikki Tamboli looked stunning in a blue shimmery saree. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

6 / 20 Isha Koppikar exuded elegance in a golden handloom saree. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

ADVERTISEMENT

7 / 20 Priyanka Chopra's family - her mother, brother, and sister-in-law - were also seen posing on the red carpet. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

8 / 20 Chhaya Kadam made a striking appearance in a bright blue saree. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

ADVERTISEMENT

9 / 20 Amruta Khanvilkar stunned in a velvet saree with an embellished blouse. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

10 / 20 Usha Mangeshkar made a rare appearance in a pristine white saree at the Filmfare Awards Marathi 2025. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

ADVERTISEMENT

11 / 20 Bigg Boss fame Shiv Thakare looked dapper in black. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

12 / 20 Amruta Subhash looked gorgeous in a golden tissue saree. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

ADVERTISEMENT

13 / 20 Sachin Pilgaonkar looked charming as ever in a blazer. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

14 / 20 Sai Tamhankar looked chic in a semi-sheer black dress. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

ADVERTISEMENT

15 / 20 Neena Kulkarni looked graceful as ever in a black lace saree at the event. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

16 / 20 Veteran actor Rohini Hattangadi was a sight to behold in a blue silk saree. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

ADVERTISEMENT

17 / 20 Renuka Shahane flashed her gorgeous smile dressed in a graceful saree. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

18 / 20 Smita Jaykar looked pretty in a pink saree at the Filmfare Awards Marathi 2025. (Image: Viral Bhayani)

ADVERTISEMENT

19 / 20 Madhurima Tuli looked stunning in a corset top and yellow draped skirt. (Image: Viral Bhayani)
'I've Become MLA With Hindu Votes, DNA Of Mumbai Is...' Nitesh Rane Amid Language Row

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 17:33 IST

BJP leader Nitesh Rane sparked controversy by calling Muslims "green snakes" and claiming he became an MLA with Hindu votes, amid tensions over the Marathi language issue.

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane. (ANI)

BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Friday sparked controversy with remarks on voting patterns, referring to Muslims as green snakes". He said that he has become an MLA with the support of Hindu voters amid ongoing tensions over the Marathi language issue in Mumbai.

Addressing a public gathering, Rane said, The ones wearing round caps and beards did not vote for me. I have become an MLA with the votes of Hindus."

Recommended Stories

If I do not support Hindus, will I support those who speak Urdu? They are green snakes The DNA of Mumbai is Hindu," he added.

Mumbai, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane says, The ones wearing round caps and beards did not vote for me. I have become an MLA with the votes of Hindus. If I do not support Hindus, will I support those who speak Urdu? They are green snakes The DNA of Mumbai is Hindu." pic.twitter.com/m9UJMOLeyR ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025

Rane was responding to recent debates surrounding the usage of the Marathi language and allegations that Hindus were being singled out for not using Marathi in public spaces.

Earlier, Rane criticised Uddhav and Raj Thackerays joint rally in Mumbai, dubbing it a joint rally of jihadi and anti-Hindu gathering" aimed at dividing society and weakening the state.

After 20 years, the estranged brothers from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) shared the stage in a rally targeting the alleged Hindi language imposition in the state.

The Maharashtra leaders comments come days after MNS leader Javed Shaikhs son allegedly misbehaved with Marathi social media influencer Rajshree More, and the ongoing Marathi language row.

Rane accused the MNS party of inaction, claiming they would not act against the accused because he is a Sheikh, and alleged that the party selectively targets only poor Hindus.

Nitesh Rane said, His name is Rahil Sheikh, and they will not release his video. They will only target poor Hindus because they have taken the contract to divide this Hindu rashtra. They have taken a contract to appease jihadis. The rules they impose on Hindus, when will they impose the same rules on the Sheikh? This has been our question from the beginning. This is clear politics. They wont take action on Sheikh. They become soft went they roam on Mohammad Ali Road and Behrampada," reported ANI.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The controversy erupted in April after the Maharashtra government made it compulsory for state-run primary schools to teach Hindi as a third language.

The move sparked intense backlash from civil society, language activists, and opposition leaders, who alleged an attempt to impose Hindi. Eventually, the BJP-led government in Maharashtra had to retract the policy.

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 17:32 IST

News politics 'I've Become MLA With Hindu Votes, DNA Of Mumbai Is...' Nitesh Rane Amid Language Row
Marathis Wouldn't Have Made Mistake: Sena MLA, Involved In Slapgate, Targets South Indians

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 11:22 IST

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who was involved in the slapgate controversy, has targeted Shettys -- a community mostly prevalent in South India.

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaults canteen staff | Image: X

Sanjay Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena MLA, who assaulted a hostel staff member in Mumbai for allegedly serving him stale food, has targeted Shettys  a community prevalent in the South  accusing them of defaming Maharashtras culture".

He said that Marathis would have never shown any laxity in serving fresh food if they were allowed to run the canteen.

Recommended Stories

These Shettys have been playing with our lives for a long time. Today, they tried to play with my life. My stomach isnt good, and I have been disturbed over it for the last 20 years. The slightest mistake can land me up with a stomach ache," the MLA, who belongs to the ruling Shiv Sena, told NDTV.

Targetting the Shetty community, Gaikwad said, The Opposition shares their views but do they not know that these Shettys of the south have defamed Maharashtras culture, be it in terms of dance bars or ladies bars. These things have been going on in Maharashtra for a long time and are being done by the Shettys. Shetty is not written on his forehead but the hotel belongs to the Shettys."

When asked if his reaction would have been different had the canteen staff been a Marathi, the legislator said that Marathis would not have made such a mistake".

This is not a question about Marathis. Firstly, Marathis wouldnt have made such a mistake The people of Maharashtra have never run a dance bar, or a ladies bar, they have never done such acts, only outsiders do such acts. Earlier Balasaheb had also protested these," he told the broadcaster.

A massive controversy erupted on Wednesday after a video of the MLA slapping an employee, Yogesh Kutran, at the Akashvani MLA hostel in Churchgate went viral on social media.

Reports claimed that he had earlier ordered dinner from the canteen on Tuesday night, however, was delivered dal and rice that had foul smell and seemed stale. Upset by this, he went to the canteen and argued with the employee. During the argument, he slapped the employee.

After the video went viral, stirring the controversy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that such conduct by the MLA was not good.

We came to know that the facilities were not up to the mark, the food was stale. Whatever it is, one can register a complaint. I request you (Chair) to deal with it independently. But for a public representative to assault someone, and the video getting circulated is not good," Fadnavis said.

Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also condemned the behaviour of his party leader.

We are representatives of the people and we have some responsibility. I condemn Gaikwads action. I have told him that its wrong to slap someone," Shinde said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

However, despite widespread condemnation including from his own party, Gaikwad said that he slapped the manager and not the staffer, terming it right".

I have been complaining about it for the last two to three years but in vain. It was not just me, but several other MLAs, their personal assistants and other people raised similar complaints but nothing came out of it. I knew the road I adopted was incorrect but taking the wrong road has led me to the right path, and this is why a case has been registered against him today," NDTV quoted him as saying, as he referred to the cancellation of the canteens licence by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 11:22 IST

News politics Marathis Wouldn't Have Made Mistake: Sena MLA, Involved In Slapgate, Targets South Indians
I'm Karnataka Congress President: Shivakumar Plays Down Speculations Of CM Change

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 15:14 IST

Speculations have been rife that DK Shivakumar might replace Siddaramaiah as Karnataka Chief Minister.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. (PTI)

Amid recurring speculations of leadership change in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said that the answer regarding the matter has already been given and its unnecessary" to make a comment again and again".

His remarks came amid ongoing speculations of him taking over the reins of power from CM Siddaramaiah as a power tussle continues between the two leaders.

Recommended Stories

The answer has already been given (by CM Siddaramaiah and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala). When an answer has been provided, its not good to speak again and again, and asking the same thing again and again is also not right. You dont want to make any comment now, and its unnecessary." Shivakumar told reporters.

I dont want to comment on Siddaramaiahs statement on CM issue. He has the right to make any comment. I am the Karnataka Congress President," he added.

Reacting to the MLAs demand that he should replace Siddaramaiah, the Congress leader said, There will be aspirational statements by some, it could be you as well, but its unnecessary to make a comment now".

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah once again rejected rumours about a possible change in Karnatakas leadership. He clearly stated that there has been no talk with the Congress high command about replacing the Chief Minister.

How many times do I have to say this? The issue of the Karnataka CM post was never discussed. Not at all," Siddaramaiah said on Friday.

Siddaramaiah is currently in Delhi and had met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge along with other senior leaders on Thursday, which had led to fresh rumours about a possible change in the CM position.

He took to X and said that he met Kharge, with whom several important issues" were discussed.

In Delhi today, AICC leaders and senior state leaders met Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence and held discussions on several important issues," he said.

Earlier, Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala held individual meetings with Congress MLAs, which led to speculation that the party might hand over the Chief Ministers post to DK Shivakumar.

However, CM Siddaramaiah told reporters that Surjewala had clearly said the meetings with MLAs were not

related to any leadership change.

The state Congress in-charge has rejected talks of changing the Chief Minister and said there is no reason for

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

such speculation. These rumours are being spread by the media, and there has been no discussion about changing the CM within the Congress party," Siddaramaiah said.

(With ANI inputs)

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 14:55 IST

News politics I'm Karnataka Congress President: Shivakumar Plays Down Speculations Of CM Change
Rahul Gandhi Puts Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Power Tussle On 'Waiting List', But For How Long?

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 18:29 IST

This ongoing issue could take a toll on the party, as seen in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan

The Congress has always faced challenges when two strong, charismatic leaders vie for the same post. (File image: PTI)

Sprawled on a wide sofa on the fourth floor in Karnataka Bhawan, chief minister Siddaramaiah oozed confidence. Surrounded by his supporters, he told everyone, including News18, There is no vacancy, and I am CM for 5 years."

A little distance away, deputy CM DK Shivakumar waited patiently for his chance and also an appointment with Rahul Gandhi. Both the CM and deputy CM hoped to meet the top leadership to address some power dynamics.

Recommended Stories

However, on the day of their waiting, Rahul Gandhi met a group of leaders from Gujarat. His message to both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar was, Karnataka can wait. Consequently, both left for Bengaluru without meeting Rahul Gandhi.

Sources indicate that the two were not scheduled to meet Rahul Gandhi. Instead, it was the state in charge, Randeep Surjewala, who met them for several hours. Sources also suggest that Rahul Gandhi and the top leadership conveyed that priority should be given to fulfilling poll promises. According to Rahul, past struggles and leadership issues are not important. Moreover, sources say he is not keen on getting involved between the two and prefers to leave it to the state in-charge to sort out the issues. Next week is expected to see another round of meetings between the CM, deputy CM, and Surjewala.

The Congress has always faced challenges when two strong, charismatic leaders vie for the same post. In states like Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Rahul Gandhi insisted there should be no change of guard, trying to get both sides to sit down and strike a deal. However, things were never the same again. The persistent struggle seems to be repeating in Karnataka. Barely hours after the meeting with the CM and deputy CM, voices from within the Karnataka Congress suggested that the priority might not be the fulfillment of all promises but ensuring a change at the top.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

DK Shivakumar was cryptic, stating there was no need to speak on every topic. While he has never openly spoken about the power struggle, unlike Siddaramaiah, Shivakumars supporters believe the uncertainty has gone on too long. DK enjoys the confidence of the Kanthi siblings and is seen as a troubleshooter whose services should be acknowledged by the party.

For the Congress, the problem is that the top leadership seems to bow to pressure from incumbent chief ministers like Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel previously and Siddaramaiah now. As a result, the party finds it difficult to take courageous steps. This ongoing issue could take a toll on the party, as seen in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 18:29 IST

News politics Rahul Gandhi Puts Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Power Tussle On 'Waiting List', But For How Long?
Rajasthan Minister Sparks Row, Seeks Removal Of Textbook That Glorifies Gandhis

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 10:08 IST

Rajasthan School Education Minister Madan Dilawar said that the Class 12 textbook glorifies only Congress leaders and ignores the contributions from the BJP leaders.

Rajasthan Minister seeks ban on Class 12 textbook

A political controversy erupted in Rajasthan after School Education Minister Madan Dilawar announced plans to scrap the existing textbook from the Class 12 syllabus, alleging disproportionate glorification of Congress leaders, while sidelining the contributions by prime ministers from the BJP.

While the BJP said that the book propagates narratives that undermine democracy", the Congress opposed the announcement, terming it an ideological attack".

Recommended Stories

The Minister alleged that the textbook glorifies the Gandhis and omits the contributions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last 11 years.

The book in question, Azadi Ke Baad Swarnim Bharat Parts 1 and 2, has been a part of the curriculum since the tenure of the previous Congress government. They were prepared by the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education.

In state schools, the students of Classes 11 and 12 study a two-part textbook, Golden History After Independence". This year, following the governments approval, the book was printed and distributed to students. However, part 2 of the book has created controversy.

Dilawar alleged that the book portrays Congress leaders in a positive light despite their role in imposing the Emergency. He said that the book contains cover photos of former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, along with former PMs from Congress, ranging from Jawaharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh. However, there is no photo of PM Modi.

The Minister said that due to a lack of attention given to PM Modi, the state government has decided to ban the book from schools.

There are over 15 photos of Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Manmohan Singh spread across several pages, but PM Modi is completely absent. The foreword by the books coordinator devotes 80% of the content to Rajiv Gandhis contributions. On the other hand, despite PM Modi serving as Prime Minister for 11 years, there isnt a single photo or detailed mention of his contributions. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and PM Modis achievements are also missing, unlike other Prime Ministers. The book also includes photos of Sonia Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot," he said.

This book glorifies only the Congress party. It feels as if Congress alone has done everything. Such a book will not be taught in schools. It contains narratives that undermine democracy. There is not even a mention of PM Modis contributions, let alone his photo. What about the contributions of leaders like Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Vasundhara Raje?" the Minister asked.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Reacting to the Ministers remarks, the Congress party warned that it would not remain silent over the ban on the textbook. The leaders argued that banning the book after its distribution wastes crores of rupees spent on printing.

Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi had done more work, which is why their details are given more prominence," Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 10:07 IST

News politics Rajasthan Minister Sparks Row, Seeks Removal Of Textbook That Glorifies Gandhis
At the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 in Geneva, ZTEs Chief Development Officer (CDO) Cui Li delivered a speech at a workshop themed Navigating the Intersect of AI, Environment and Energy for a Sustainable Future".

Li spoke about ZTE's efforts to drive efficient and green AI, and to deepen the integration of AI with ICT technologies and products, with the goal of accelerating AI accessibility and low-carbon transformation of society.

Li observed that the latest AI surge, driven by large language models, is sweeping the world at incredible speed. This rapid advance is accompanied by soaring computing demands and surging energy consumption. Achieving sustainable AI has therefore become an industry-wide imperative, and the key lies in defining a clear and efficient pathway. Framing the issue from two perspectives"Energy for AI" and "AI for Energy"she outlined how companies can scale AI in a greener, more efficient manner and, in turn, harness AI to drive an energy transition that cuts costs, improves efficiency, and supports a low-carbon future.

In terms of "Energy for AI", Li emphasized that the industry faces an "Inverted Triangle Dilemma" and efficiency holds the key to solving the dilemma. In response, ZTE is tackling the issue on three levelsdeveloping efficient infrastructure, enabling efficient intelligence enhancement, and accelerating impact through efficiencycollectively driving the efficient and green development of AI.

With respect to "AI for Energy", she highlighted that under the core strategy of "AI for All", ZTE has deeply integrated AI with its ICT technologies and products to build full-stack intelligent solutions. The company is now deploying AI capabilities across industrial, household and consumer scenarios, enabling cost-efficiency, operational gains and a lower-carbon trajectory for the wider economy.

AI for Good is organized by ITU in partnership with over 40 UN Sister Agencies and co-convened with the Government of Switzerland, committed to identifying innovative AI applications, building skills and standards, and advancing partnerships to solve global challenges. Since the inaugural AI for Good Global Summit in 2017, which brought together over 400 top-minds in AI, the platform has grown far beyond its origins, evolving into a vibrant multi-stakeholder community including governments, academia, industry, civil society and UN.
When You Turn 75, Make Way For Others: RSS Chief's Remark Sparks Buzz In Opposition Camp

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 08:11 IST

Mohan Bhagwat and PM Modi are turning 75 this September. The RSS chief's remarks were used by the Opposition to target the Prime Minister.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at book launch event in Nagpur (PTI Image)

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwats open-ended remark suggesting stepping aside after attaining the age of 75 has drawn comments from the Opposition, which took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 this year.

Bhagwat himself will turn 75 on September 11 this year, six days ahead of PM Modi, who has been speculated time and again by the Opposition to retire after attaining this age.

Recommended Stories

Speaking at a book launch event on Wednesday evening, Bhagwat said, When you turn 75, it means you should stop now and make way for others."

Recalling late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingles words, Moropant Pingle once said that if you are honoured with a shawl after turning 75, it means that you should stop now, you are old, step aside and let others come in."

Politics heated up after his remarks, but whats more interesting about Bhagwats comments is the timing, as he and PM Modi are set to touch the 75 age mark in September 2025.

The RSS chiefs statement was seen by several Opposition leaders as a veiled message to PM Modi.

PM Modi forced leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and Jaswant Singh to retire after they turned 75. Lets see if he applies the same rule to himself now," Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut said.

Congress leader Abhishke Manu Singhvi said, Preaching without practice is always dangerous. It is unprincipled that the Margdarshak Mandal was given compulsory retirement applying the 75 years age limit, but indications are clear that the current dispensation will be exempted from this rule."

The BJP has clarified in the past that there are no retirement plans for the Prime Minister, and he will continue to lead the government.

Modi ji will continue to lead till 2029. Theres no truth in retirement rumours," Union Home Minister Amit Shah had clarified way back in May 2023.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Whats all the way more interesting is that on the day Bhagwat made his remarks, Amit Shah addressed his post-retirement plans at a separate event.

I would like to dedicate my time to the Vedas, Upanishads, and organic farming," Shah said. He turned 60 in April this year.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

view comments

Location : Nagpur, India, India

First Published: July 11, 2025, 08:07 IST

News politics When You Turn 75, Make Way For Others: RSS Chief's Remark Sparks Buzz In Opposition Camp
Devotees Flock To Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple In Ujjain On Day 1 Of Sawan | Watch

Curated By :



Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 14:07 IST

The sacred month of Sawan began on July 11 this year and will continue until August 9.

Screengrab off video (Credits: PTI)

As Friday marked Day 1 of the month of Sawan, Devotees in huge numbers throng Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain. A video shared online shows devotees standing in long queues. The move in the direction of the Jyotrilinga with folded hands.

Meanwhile, to mark the auspicious day, priests performed Rudrabhishek at the temple. Milk, curd and honey were offered to Lord Shiva during the rudrabhishek, followed by the Vedic chants by the priests.

Recommended Stories

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh | Aarti is being performed at Ujjains Mahakaleshwar Temple on the first day of the Sawan month. pic.twitter.com/cj1TyJZeF4 ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025

Meanwhile, the sacred month of Sawan began on July 11 this year and will continue until August 9. Marking the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, Sawan is revered as one of the most spiritually significant periods, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Devotees observe fasts on Mondays during the Sawan, called Sawan Somvar, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, seeking his blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth. I

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Sawan has a mythological significance in Hinduism. According to ancient scriptures, it is during this month that Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison Halahala, which emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), thereby protecting the universe from its destructive power.

Temples will witness huge rush across the country from today. In Delhi, worshippers gathered at the historic Shree Gaurishankar Temple in Chandni Chowk. Similar scenes were observed at Sabli Mahadev Mandir in Hapur and the revered Mankameshwar Mahadev Temple in Prayagraj, where large crowds gathered to offer prayers and perform rituals with heartfelt devotion.

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

Location : Ujjain, India, India

First Published: July 11, 2025, 08:27 IST

News viral Devotees Flock To Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple In Ujjain On Day 1 Of Sawan | Watch
'Get Your Hands Off Him': Masked ICE Agents Chase Man To California Surgical Centre, Detains Him

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 13:53 IST

Recently, ICE has been detaining migrants more publicly, including going into immigration courts and workplaces to cuff people and take them away.

Screengrab of viral video

In a dramatic turn of events that took place in a Southern California surgical center. A Honduran landscaper was chased by the masked federal immigration agents seeking to detain him. A tense confrontation unfolded as medical staff demanded documentation from the officers.

A video of the incident that took place at the Ontario Advanced Surgery Center has gone viral online. It shows Ontario Advanced Surgery Center staff in blue scrubs telling an armed US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent wearing a mask and bulletproof vest to let go of the man, who is crying and gasping for breath.

Recommended Stories

Get your hands off of him. You dont even have a warrant," says one staff member, shielding the man from an immigration agent. Let him go. You need to get out," he said, as per a report by the Associated Press.

One of the most BIZARRE ICE arrests  man reportedly mid-SURGERY in CaliforniaIt got so bad he was CLINGING to the operation door way Tu ID? Was he getting facial reconstruction? pic.twitter.com/Iscc268LOb  RT (@RT_com) July 10, 2025

Recently, ICE has been detaining migrants more publicly, including going into immigration courts and workplaces to cuff people and take them away.

DHS (which oversees ICE) claims agents were trying to arrest two specific men who were in the US illegally when one of thema 30-year-old Honduran landscaperran into a private surgery center in Ontario to escape.

Clinic staff intervened, demanded a warrant, and shielded him. DHS says the staff assaulted" officers; however, the staff and witnesses say they simply insisted on seeing proper documents.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Javier Hernandez, executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, later confirmed that ICE eventually detained the Honduran man.

Hernandez praised the medical staff for their courage in standing up for basic rights, like asking for proper legal documentation. He expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of these arrests, saying, There are so many videos now its getting harder because the tactics are getting more violent," according to an AP report.

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

Location : California, USA

First Published: July 11, 2025, 13:53 IST

News viral 'Get Your Hands Off Him': Masked ICE Agents Chase Man To California Surgical Centre, Detains Him
How Chhangur Baba 'Converted' Non-Muslims? 'Miraculous' Tactics Explained As 'Followers Stay Mum'

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Sumedha Kirti



Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 13:01 IST

Chhangur Baba News: As UP Anti-Terrorism Squad prepares to extract more details about the conversion racket, News18 tries to answer some of the key questions.

Under tight police security, teams from the Balrampur district administration and ATS razed portions of a three-acre estate situated on the busy Utraula-Mankapur road. (Image/News18)

The arrest of Balrampur native Jamaluddin alias Chhangur alias Jhangur Baba has sent shockwaves across the country after the mass illegal religious conversion came to light. The baba, according to the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP-ATS), targeted women from non-Muslim communities and even maintained a rate list" for their conversions.

Chhangur, along with his close aide Neetu alias Nasreen, allegedly converted over 3,000 to 4,000 Hindus. It is suspected that of these, more than 1,500 victims were women, a report in Amar Ujala stated.

Recommended Stories

As the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad is preparing to extract more details about the conversion racket, News18 tries to answer some of the key questions.

How Did The Conversion Racket Begin? How Did They Attract People To Convert To Islam?

Chhangur, originally from Rehra Mafi under Balrampur district, was living in Madhpur village of Utraula for over a decade. He was once a petty gemstone and ring seller who frequented Mumbais Haji Ali Dargah.

According to reports, his fortunes rose dramatically around 2020. Local residents said that Jamaluddin transformed from a trader to a self-styled pir and spiritual guide with a sudden rise in wealth and status.

A report by Aaj Tak stated that after gaining trust of people as a pir and spiritual guide", he made them believe that he has miraculous healing power. Once conviced by his miracles, his followers were slowly brainwashed and forced to convert to Islam.

The report further stated that Chhangur baba has such strong impact on people who consider him ruhani baba or messiah that none of them are ready to speak against him, despite the revelations by ATS.

The report quoted sources in ATS as saying that Chhangur baba had already worked on the entire plan to build a Dawa Kendra on the Indo-Nepal border. Funding for the venture had also started coming from abroad.

ALSO READ: Chhangur Baba Got Rs 300 Cr From Islamic Nations In 100 Bank Accounts In Nepal

Not only this, under his leadership, some followers and relatives had started public programs in several cities to convert people to Islam. Two years ago, a case was also registered against some of his relatives in Uttar Pradeshs Azamgarh for illegal conversion.

Chhangur and Nasreen, however, have not confessed to the crime or given details about the racket. The special court for ATS cases has allowed the police custody remand of the two accused till July 16 evening. During this period, the officers will try to find out the purpose of his conversion activities, his associates/financiers and Nasreens exact role.

A Hindustan Times report quoted a source in ATS as saying that Chhangur and Nasreen will also be brought face to face for interrogation and there will be a separate list of common questions to be asked from them together.

What Is Chhangur Babas Connection With Maharashtra? Why Is His House In News?

Chhangur had illegally built a luxurious house on government property, which has been razed by the Uttar Pradesh government.

The officials were shocked when, inside the mansion, they found luxurious tiles and imported marble, a 1515 feet modern kitchen, plush sofas, imported furniture, 10 CCTV cameras, a 500-meter private driveway and an electrified perimeter wall to prevent trespassing.

According to the Aaj Tak report, Spanish oil imported from Dubai and medicines to increase physical strength along with foreign detergents, perfumes, food items were also found.

A Times of India report stated that due to the strong structure of the mansion, the demolition took several hours and is expected to continue for two to three more days.

The encroachments reportedly include an illegally built college, hospital, and madrassa  spanning three to six bighas of land.

Aaj Tak report stated that a secret control room was also found inside the bungalow, from which the CCTV cameras of the entire house were monitored. Babas bedroom was also a kind of operation room, where every person entering was recorded. ATS has also recovered some sensitive documents from his room.

The HT report quoted an ATS officer as saying that during questioning of the two accused, a lot more details are likely to come out.

The involvement of different people, including government officials, having connivance with the accused in the past years in grabbing government land is also likely to be exposed," an officer was quoted.

Further, a report in Dainik Jagran mentioned about the Maharashtra connection of the conversion syndicate.

Through his follower Naveen Rohra, Chhangur Baba reportedly purchased 204187.5 sq. ft. land in Maval tehsil of Pune for Rs 16 crore.

The role of Idul Islam, a resident of Nagpur (Maharashtra), an active member of the gang, has also come to light in the purchase and sale of disputed lands, the Dainik Jagran report stated.

ATS is searching for other members of the gang. Evidence of foreign funding has also been gathered in the investigation of various bank accounts, the report further mentioned.

Who Is Naveen Rohra Through Whom Chhangur Baba Bought Land In Maharashtra?

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Chhangur Babas name in fact surfaced prominently when Mumbai-based businessman Naveen Rohra, his wife Neetu, and their daughter allegedly underwent religious conversion under his influence.

Post-conversion, the couple adopted Muslim names  Jamaluddin and Nasreenand moved in with Chhangur Baba in Utraula, reportedly allowing him to use their luxury vehicles.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 06:35 IST

News viral How Chhangur Baba 'Converted' Non-Muslims? 'Miraculous' Tactics Explained As 'Followers Stay Mum'
'Smitten By Princess': Emmanuel Macron Winks At Kate Middleton, Sparks Buzz Online

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 07:38 IST

The lighthearted moment has caught the internet's attention, with netizens wondering if Brigitte Macron, 72, might take issue with the flirtatious moment.

Screengrab of viral video

During a historic event at Windsor Castle marking the first French state visit to the UK in 17 years, French President Emmanuel Macron was seen winking at Catherine, Princess of Wales  a moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms such as X, TikTok, and Instagram.

President Macron shared a toast with Princess Catherine, 43, who is married to Prince William and mother to Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7). The exchange took place as Macron and King Charles courteously pulled out Catherines chair, waiting for her to be seated.

Recommended Stories

The lighthearted moment has caught the internets attention, with netizens wondering if Brigitte Macron, 72, might take issue with the flirtatious moment.

Social Media Reaction

Several netizens reacted to the viral video with humour.

No one can blame him. Anyone would be," said one social media reaction.

A second commented, President Macron is smitten with The Princess of Wales."

He so got beaten up the sec they got back home," said a third.

President Macron is smitten with The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/g4GMkqQ3Ae  The British Prince (@freedom_007__) July 8, 2025

UK Royal Family Code Of Conduct

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Notably, theres no specific rule for how one meets to a member of a Royal family.

There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms. For men, this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way," says the rule.

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

Location : United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: July 11, 2025, 07:38 IST

News viral 'Smitten By Princess': Emmanuel Macron Winks At Kate Middleton, Sparks Buzz Online
This Nanny Fell For Her Employers Son, The Internet Is Obsessed With Their Love Story Now

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 12:18 IST

A nanny by profession, Hannah was hired to take care of the family's young children. But within months, she fell in love with Joe, the eldest son of the household

Hannah Allen, who travelled to Spain to work for a foreign family, never imagined how her life would change. (Instagram/ @hanallennn)

You never know when or where love might find you. A young woman discovered it in the most unexpected place: the house where she worked as a babysitter. She fell in love with the elder brother of the child she was caring for. Now, the couple is together, and her story is winning hearts on social media, although it has also sparked debate about love blossoming during professional commitments.

Hannah Allen, who travelled to Mallorca, Spain, to work for a foreign family, never imagined how her life would change. A nanny by profession and content creator by passion, Hannah was hired to take care of the familys young children. But within months, she fell in love with Joe, the eldest son of the household.

Recommended Stories

According to a report by the Daily Star, Hannah shared her love story online, and it quickly went viral. In one of her most popular videos, she is seen riding a jet ski with Joe, captioned: You look happier  yes, because I came to Spain, became a nanny and fell in love with my employers son." The video received over two lakh likes, with people eager to know every twist of her journey.

How the Love Story Began

In a follow-up Story Time video, Hannah explained that she had been working with the family for two years. During her first year, Joe didnt live at home. But once he returned, the two quickly became friends, bonding over movie nights and late-night chats. Hannah joked that she showed Joe the Taylor Swift: Eras Tour documentary multiple times, and it was during these moments that she began to sense something special developing between them.

From Friendship to Relationship

Things changed during a wine festival in Palma, where Hannah and Joe went together. After a fun day with friends and a few glasses of wine, they returned home and spent the night talking in Joes room. The next morning, they woke up in each others arms, and a kiss marked the beginning of a new relationship.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Initially, Hannah was nervous, afraid their romance might cost her the job. So, the couple kept things quiet. But soon, the family began to notice. One day, after a minor disagreement, Joes stepmother directly spoke to Hannah and said she was aware of their relationship. Rather than being upset, she offered her support and assured Hannah that she would always be there for her.

Hannah also clarified that she was hired to look after Joes younger siblings. Now, the couple is living together and continuing their sweet journey, one that began with a babysitting job and led to a heartwarming love story.

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

view comments

Location : Spain

First Published: July 11, 2025, 12:18 IST

News viral This Nanny Fell For Her Employers Son, The Internet Is Obsessed With Their Love Story Now
50 Attacks In 24 Hours: Baloch Separatists Launch Operation 'BAAM' Against Pakistan Army

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 15:05 IST

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) announced that 18 Pakistani soldiers were killed in an attack on a military camp in Gidar.

Pakistan army suffers blow in Balochistan (Reuters File Image)

Baloch separatists have launched Operation BAAM, also calling it Operation Dawn, against Pakistani Army. In the past 24 hours, there have been over 50 attacks, numerous kidnappings, and more than 27 deaths reported across Balochistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) announced that 18 Pakistani soldiers were killed in an attack on a military camp in Gidar.

Baloch armed groups have escalated their tactics from traditional guerrilla warfare to more organised, territorial assaults. In a particularly harrowing incident, nine Punjabi passengers were forcibly removed from buses and killed in the Zhob area on Thursday evening. Government officials stated that unidentified armed men set up a blockade, checked identity cards, and executed the passengers.

Recommended Stories

The BLA has also claimed responsibility for a large-scale attack on a military camp in the Gidar area of Suhrab district, stating that 18 security personnel were killed. According to Balochistan officials, around 20 people are missing and are believed to have been kidnapped by the separatists.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Attacks have been reported from areas including Kech, Kharan, Khuzdar, Kalat, Panjgur, Washuk, Musakhel, Sibi, Mastung, Naseerabad, Quetta, Chagai, and Dera Bugti. The Balochistan provincial government has acknowledged this surge in violence and stated that security operations are ongoing in response.

However, independent observers note that the scale and coordination of these attacks are becoming increasingly challenging for authorities to control. This reflects a significant evolution in the operational capabilities of Baloch armed groups, who are now moving from guerrilla tactics to more organised, territorial forms of control.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 15:05 IST

News world 50 Attacks In 24 Hours: Baloch Separatists Launch Operation 'BAAM' Against Pakistan Army
9 Bus Passengers From Pakistan's Punjab Killed By Insurgents In Balochistan After ID Check

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 16:39 IST

The attackers checked the ID cards of the passengers, separated nine individuals from Punjab, and shot them dead at the roadside

All nine victims were residents of various districts in Punjab province. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. (Representational image via AP)

Nine passengers from Punjab were executed by armed insurgents in Pakistans Balochistan province on Friday after being forced off a bus and identified through ID checks, local officials said.

The attack took place on the national highway near Zhob, a restive district in Balochistan. According to Assistant Commissioner Naveed Alam, the bus was travelling from Quetta to Lahore when insurgents stopped it.

Recommended Stories

Alam confirmed that the attackers checked the ID cards of the passengers, separated nine individuals from Punjab, and shot them dead at the roadside. He further added that the bodies had been shifted to a hospital for post-mortem examinations and burial arrangements.

All nine victims were residents of various districts in Punjab province. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. However, such targeted killings have previously been carried out by ethnic Baloch insurgent groups, who oppose the central government and often target non-Baloch workers or travellers.

This is not the first time people from Punjab have been singled out and killed in Balochistan. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including in Barkhan earlier this year, when seven passengers from Punjab were offloaded from a bus and killed.

Meanwhile, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind reported that insurgents also launched attacks in three other towns  Quetta, Loralai, and Mastung  on the same night. He claimed security forces successfully repelled all three attacks and there were no confirmed casualties.

Local media, however, reported that multiple insurgent strikes had taken place overnight across the province, targeting security checkposts, police stations, banks, and communication towers.

Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has long been plagued by a separatist insurgency. Militants frequently target government forces, infrastructure projects, and workers associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion dollar development plan.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In March, five workers involved in transporting long-body trailers were shot dead in the Kalmat area near Gwadar port. A month earlier, in February, insurgents stopped a passenger bus in Barkhan, offloaded seven passengers from Punjab, and killed them on the spot.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

view comments

Location : Karachi, Pakistan

First Published: July 11, 2025, 16:39 IST

News world 9 Bus Passengers From Pakistan's Punjab Killed By Insurgents In Balochistan After ID Check
After Shooting, Kapil Sharmas Canada Cafe Vows Resilience: Lets Stand Firm Against Violence

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 09:20 IST

Despite the setback, Kaps Caffe has vowed to remain open and continue its mission of serving as a safe, joyful space for the community.

Kapil Sharma, Wife Ginni Chatrath Open A Cafe In Canada's Surrey

Kaps Caffe, the newly opened Surrey cafe owned by comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath, has issued its first official statement following a violent vandalism attack on its premises earlier this week. In an emotional note shared via social media, the cafe team said, We opened Kaps Caffe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock, but we are not giving up."

The statement also thanked patrons for their support during this difficult time. Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This cafe exists because of your belief in what were building together," it added. Concluding on a hopeful note, the cafe wrote, Lets stand firm against violence and ensure Kaps Caffe remains a place of warmth and community."

Recommended Stories

Kapil Sharmas Canada Cafe Attacked

The attack, which took place late Sunday night, is being investigated by Canadian authorities as a targeted act of vandalism. According to security officials, the incident is suspected to be linked to the Laddi gang, a criminal outfit affiliated with the banned Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The cafe had recently held a soft launch and gained attention for its elegant interior design and community-focused vibe. While no injuries were reported, the property sustained significant damage.

Also Read: Shots Fired At Kapil Sharmas New Cafe In Canada; Khalistani Terror Link Suspected

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Law enforcement officials are focusing on Germany-based BKI operative Harjit Singh alias Laddi, who is already wanted in India for a series of terror-related offences, including the assassination of Hindu leader Prabhakar in Punjab earlier this year. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a 10 lakh reward for information leading to Laddis arrest, underscoring the gravity of his suspected involvement in cross-border extremist activities.

Despite the setback, Kaps Caffe has vowed to remain open and continue its mission of serving as a safe, joyful space for the community.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 09:19 IST

News world After Shooting, Kapil Sharmas Canada Cafe Vows Resilience: Lets Stand Firm Against Violence
Airstrike On Buddhist Monastery In Myanmar Kills At Least 23, Including 4 Children

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 22:58 IST

An airstrike by the Myanmar military on a Buddhist monastery in Lin Ta Lu village killed at least 23 civilians, including four children.

Myanmar military airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Sagaing killed 23 civilians. (Image Credit: Associated Press)

An airstrike by the Myanmar military on a Buddhist monastery in central Myanmar killed at least 23 civilians, including four children. The deadly attack occurred early Thursday in Lin Ta Lu village, Sagaing township, a resistance stronghold about 35 kilometres northwest of Mandalay, the countrys second-largest city. The strike hit at around 1 am, targeting a monastery where more than 150 people had taken shelter from ongoing military operations in the region, Associated Press (AP) reported.

Twenty-three civilians, including four children, were killed. About 30 others were injured. Ten of them are in critical condition," a unnamed member of a local resistance group told AP.

Recommended Stories

The Democratic Voice of Burma, an independent news outlet, cited a higher death toll of up to 30, though that number has not been independently confirmed. The Myanmar military has not issued a statement on the strike.

The monastery strike is the latest in a series of increasingly aggressive military actions in Sagaing region, a key hub for anti-junta resistance and comes at a time when the military has recently launched a large-scale offensive in the area, deploying tanks and aircraft in an attempt to retake territory from local opposition groups.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the opposition National Unity Government, said, The regime wants to show strength before the vote, which they hope will help them stay in power," referring to national elections that the Myanmar junta is planning for later this year.

The February 2021 coup, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, triggered a widespread pro-democracy uprising and a brutal military crackdown. Since then, armed resistance has escalated across much of the country, particularly in Sagaing, where civilians and community militias have been active in opposing military control.

view comments

Location : Myanmar (Burma)

First Published: July 11, 2025, 22:58 IST

News world Airstrike On Buddhist Monastery In Myanmar Kills At Least 23, Including 4 Children
Airtel Money Tanzania says it is partnering with the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC) to expand digital financial services to thousands of farmers across the country.

In a post on LinkedIn on Wednesday, Airtel Money said the TCDC partnership enables farmers to receive direct mobile payments. The initiative will also give farmers access to affordable smartphones.

Airtel Money and TCDC will also provide tailored income credits to support farm growth and financial education to provide farmers with the skills to manage their finances effectively, especially in underserved areas.

Together, we are ensuring that farmers are included from the formal financial system, as we support their growth and security, Airtel Money posted.

The agreement with TCDC follows a successful pilot in Morogoro in which Airtel Money worked with select Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) to disburse digital payments for agricultural inputs.

Airtel Money said the pilot demonstrated increased efficiency, transparency, and access to financial tools for smallholder farmers.
Bangladesh Saw 2,442 Cases Of Communal Violence In 330 Days: Minority Advocacy Group

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 06:05 IST

This timeframe coincides with the height of political unrest that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government

The BHBCUC highlighted that these incidents, primarily targeting men, women, and adolescents from religious minority groups, have faced a disappointing lack of justice. File pic/AP

A new report by a prominent minority advocacy group in Bangladesh has revealed a disturbing increase in communal violence following last years political upheaval. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) reported on Thursday that it recorded a staggering 2,442 incidents of communal violence over a period of 330 days, starting from August 4, 2024. This timeframe coincides with the height of political unrest that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government.

At a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, the report detailed the alarming nature of these incidents, which included murders, sexual assaults, attacks on places of worship, looting of homes and businesses, and the forced removal of minority community members from organisations.

Recommended Stories

The BHBCUC highlighted that these incidents, primarily targeting men, women, and adolescents from religious minority groups, have faced a disappointing lack of justice. The groups leaders accused the interim government, headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, of either ignoring the scale of the violence or dismissing them as politically motivated incidents.

Monindra Kumar Nath, the acting general secretary of the council, stated that despite compelling evidence, the perpetrators have largely enjoyed impunity. He noted that authorities have been repeatedly accused of dismissing their concerns, emboldening the attackers. The council also pointed out that religious minorities, constituting about 10% of Bangladeshs population, have been systematically excluded from the ongoing national reform initiatives, deepening their sense of insecurity and frustration.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The findings echo similar sentiments from other human rights organisations, which have also noted an increase in attacks against minorities in the power vacuum left by the collapse of the Awami League government.

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 06:05 IST

News world Bangladesh Saw 2,442 Cases Of Communal Violence In 330 Days: Minority Advocacy Group
California Teens Protest Trans Care Centres Closure Under Trump Administration

Curated By :



Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 22:41 IST

Centre for Transyouth Health and Development at CHLA is largest public provider of gender-affirming care in the US.

CHLA began working with trans children around 1991 (Pexels/Representative Image)

Donald Trump was elected as the US President for a second term in November last year, and he assumed office in January 2025. Within six months of his presidency, there have been several changes, most of which were unexpected. One such decision was to shut down the Centre for Transyouth Health and Development at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). The healthcare facility served as the largest public provider of gender-affirming care for children and teens. However, its sudden closure has led to protests among trans youth.

A Guardian report featured the views of several teens who described how the centre at CHLA changed their lives. Eli, currently a resident of Los Angeles, stated that the centre offered counselling and helped him access gender-affirming hormone therapy. Another teen, Katie, said, Sometimes I think: What would my life be if I never got this? Losing this now would destroy my life."

Recommended Stories

CHLA began working with trans children around 1991. In its nearly three-decade-long legacy, it served as one of the most important research centres across the US. Despite being a vital part of gender-affirming care, the Childrens Hospital decided to shut down the centre after receiving a federal funding cut threat from the Trump administration. The centre will close on July 22. The hospital has cited several reasons for its decision, including the shifting policy landscape," executive orders, the states budget crisis, and funding threats.

A few weeks ago, the Supreme Court upheld Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Following the decision, other hospitals have also announced their intention to shut down similar care centres. According to protesters, this is an attempt by the federal government to regulate the lives of transgender people.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Sage Sol Pitchenik, one of the teens receiving care at CHLA, spoke to the Associated Press to voice their protest. Trans kids are done being quiet. Trans kids are done being polite, and trans kids are done begging for the bare minimumbegging for the chance to grow up, to have a future, to be loved by others when sometimes we cant even love ourselves," Pitchenik said.

As the centre nears its closure date, teens and parents are searching for alternative hospitals to receive gender-affirming care. CHLA has also promised to provide alternatives for its patients seeking care.

view comments

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 11, 2025, 22:41 IST

News world California Teens Protest Trans Care Centres Closure Under Trump Administration
What Might Save Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya From Yemen Execution? Activist Reveals Only Hope

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 12, 2025, 00:06 IST

Nimisha Priya Execution: Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya's family offered $1 million to the victim's relatives in Yemen to save her from execution.

Nimisha Priya from Keralas Palakkad district moved to Yemen in 2008. Her only hope lies in securing a pardon through 'diyya' or blood money under Sharia law. (Photo: News18 Malayalam)

With just three days left before the scheduled execution of Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse convicted of murdering a Yemeni national in 2017, her family offered $1 million as blood money to the victims relatives in a final bid to save her life. Babu John, an activist with the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, confirmed that negotiations are ongoing in Yemens capital Sanaa, where family representative Samuel Jerome is leading the talks on behalf of Nimisha Priyas family.

The status is that the power of attorney holder for Nimishas family, Samuel Jerome, who is already in Yemens Sanaa, is leading the negotiation from our side. It took many months to negotiate and we have proposed $1 million to save Nimisha Priya," Babu John said as per NDTV. He added, The Yemeni mans family has not said yes or no. Once the family says yes, we will mobilise the funds and give them to the family if they are ready to pardon Nimisha."

Recommended Stories

Under Sharia law, which governs Yemens legal system, a convicted person can be spared execution if the victims family accepts blood money (called diyah) and agrees to grant a pardon. The law permits such pardons to be issued even minutes before the execution.

That is the important thing. Apart from the money, within the Sharia law we are requesting the family to pardon Nimisha for whatever she did or whatever she is accused of. If the family is ready to pardon with or without money anyway we are ready to pay $1 million. That is the offer," Babu John told the outlet.

Why Is Nimisha Priya Facing Execution In Yemen?

Nimisha Priya, 37, moved to Yemen in 2008 to support her parents and eventually opened a medical clinic, complying with local laws by partnering with a Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mehdi. According to her family and supporters, Talal Abdo Mehdi became abusive and took possession of her passport, preventing her from leaving the country.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In 2017, she attempted to sedate him with an injection to recover her documents and flee Yemen but Talal Abdo Mehdi died in the process. Nimisha Priya was arrested and sentenced to death by a Yemeni court. Her conviction was upheld by the Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023 and the countrys president approved her execution date for July 16.

Now the only hope is that the Yemeni mans family pardons Nimisha India is a big power in this region and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a good name and a big reputation. If the Indian government asks the Houthi rebel government in Yemen, it will be done The Yemeni person has died and we would like to help his family," Babu John said.

view comments

Location : Yemen

First Published: July 11, 2025, 22:18 IST

News world What Might Save Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya From Yemen Execution? Activist Reveals Only Hope
Canada Will Defend Its Businesses, Says PM Mark Carney After Trump Slaps 35% Tariffs

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 11:04 IST

Carneys statement comes amid renewed trade tensions following Trumps latest protectionist move targeting Canadian exports.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney (IMAGE: Reuters)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday responded to US President Donald Trumps announcement of 35% tariffs on Canadian goods, saying his governments resolve to stand by domestic industry and maintain strong cross-border cooperation.

The Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses," Carney said in a post, adding that Canada has made critical strides in addressing the fentanyl crisis in North America.

Recommended Stories

We remain committed to working with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries," he added.

Carneys statement comes amid renewed trade tensions following Trumps latest protectionist move targeting Canadian exports. While the White House has not detailed the full list of affected goods, officials say the tariffs are part of a broader strategy to protect American manufacturing and address trade imbalances.

Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1.Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge  Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) July 11, 2025

Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1. Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America. We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries," Carney said in his X post.

Also Read: Instead Of Working With US: Trump Slaps 35% Tariffs On Canada, Threatens More

More Tariffs for Canada

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced plans to raise tariffs on a wide range of Canadian imports to 35%, marking a sharp increase from the current 25% rate imposed earlier this year. The move, detailed in a letter addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, signals further strain in US-Canada relations and could destabilise North American trade dynamics in the coming weeks.

Trump justified the tariff hike by citing Canadas alleged failure to adequately address fentanyl trafficking and longstanding trade imbalances. The flow of fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff Policies and Trade Barriers," Trump wrote. He has repeatedly claimed that Canadas trade policies disadvantage American businesses and pointed to the US trade deficit, largely driven by oil imports, as a key concern.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on August 1, setting the stage for a tense month of negotiations and potential retaliatory action. Canada, which remains the USs second-largest trading partner after Mexico, has already imposed counter-tariffs on American goods and rejected Trumps earlier provocative remarks about making Canada the 51st state." While other countries, including Mexico, have also faced steep US tariffs over fentanyl concerns, Trump has singled out Canada with heightened rhetoric and punitive measures.

Markets are bracing for potential fallout, although recent gains in the S&P 500 suggest some investors believe the US may ultimately roll back the increase. For now, the decision injects fresh uncertainty into an already fragile global trade landscape.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 10:50 IST

News world Canada Will Defend Its Businesses, Says PM Mark Carney After Trump Slaps 35% Tariffs
Do Not Travel To Iran: US State Department Issues Warning, Cautions Americans Of Severe Risks

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 07:37 IST

The move comes amid growing concerns over Irans treatment of dual nationals and follows several high-profile detentions of Iranian-Americans in recent years.

Heavy plumes of smoke rising from an explosion near Iran's Fordow nuclear site. (Image: Reuters)

The US State Department has issued a fresh advisory urging American citizens, particularly Iranian-Americans, to avoid all travel to Iran, citing continued severe risks" posed by the Iranian regime.

As part of a new public awareness campaign, the department emphasised that Iran does not recognize dual nationality and routinely denies detained US citizens access to consular services. And while the bombing has stopped, that does not mean it is safe to travel to Iran. It is not," the department said in a stark statement.

Recommended Stories

To reinforce the message, the State Department has launched a dedicated website  state.gov/do-not-travel-to-Iran  providing detailed information about the risks and the regimes practice of arbitrarily detaining individuals with US ties.

The move comes amid growing concerns over Irans treatment of dual nationals and follows several high-profile detentions of Iranian-Americans in recent years.

The US State Departments latest travel advisory comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, following a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran and subsequent military action by the United States.

The conflict erupted on June 13 when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a series of extensive airstrikes targeting Irans nuclear facilities in Natanz and Fordow, missile production sites, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command centres. Reports suggest that several high-ranking IRGC officials and nuclear scientists were killed during the operation. Days later, on June 22, the US followed with its own offensive  Operation Midnight Hammer  targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure and military installations.

Iran responded with missile attacks against Israel and retaliatory strikes on a US military airbase in Qatar. Tehran has strongly condemned the Israeli and American actions, labelling them as violations of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Despite the rapid escalation, diplomatic efforts appear to be underway. US President Donald Trump earlier this week expressed cautious optimism, stating that both Washington and Tehran want to avoid further military conflict. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump said, I hope were not going to have to do that They want to meet They want to work something out."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Trump indicated that preliminary talks had been scheduled with Iran, adding, We have scheduled Iran talks. They want to talk. They took a big drubbing, I think, when we hit the three sites."

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also struck a conciliatory tone, suggesting that dialogue with the US is possible, though rebuilding trust would be challenging due to recent attacks. His comments, reported by Al Jazeera, underline a tentative willingness by both sides to de-escalate through diplomacy rather than further military engagement.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 07:28 IST

News world Do Not Travel To Iran: US State Department Issues Warning, Cautions Americans Of Severe Risks
I Know The Names: Ex-Trump Lawyer Claims Epstein Client List Is Being Suppressed

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 12:22 IST

The former Trump lawyer claimed he knew the names on Epsteins alleged sex trafficking list, but said he was gagged by court confidentiality

Dershowitz has long maintained that he was falsely accused in connection to the Epstein case and reiterated that point again during the interview.

Criminal defence attorney Alan Dershowitz, best known for representing US President Donald Trump during his first impeachment and for previously serving on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins legal team, has reignited public interest in the long-speculated Epstein client list."

Appearing on The Sean Spicer Show on Thursday, Dershowitz made a startling claim: I know the names of the individuals. I know why theyre being suppressed. I know whos suppressing them," he said.

Recommended Stories

But Im bound by confidentiality from a judge and cases, and I cant disclose what I know."

Dershowitz has long maintained that he was falsely accused in connection to the Epstein case and reiterated that point again during the interview. He was previously named in a lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged that Epstein trafficked her to Dershowitz for sex when she was a minoran allegation he has repeatedly denied. Dershowitz countersued Giuffre for defamation, and the two ultimately settled in 2022 without any admission of guilt, with Giuffre stating she may have been mistaken in identifying him.

@AlanDersh said he saw the entire Epstein list while proving his innocence:Documents are being suppressed to protect individuals. I know the names of the individuals. I know why theyre being suppressed. I know whos suppressing them. But Im bound by confidentiality." pic.twitter.com/2bx7SwozN3  Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) July 10, 2025

What Is The Epstein Client List And Why Is It So Controversial?

Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, was arrested in 2019 on federal charges of operating an international sex trafficking ring involving underage girls. He died by suicide in a New York jail cell later that year.

Ever since, conspiracy theories have swirled around a supposed list of powerful individuals, from politicians to businessmen and celebrities, who may have been clients or associates of Epstein in connection with his sex trafficking network.

While no official client list" has ever been publicly released, victims, lawyers, and investigative reporters have long insisted that US authorities are in possession of documents naming Epsteins enablers and possible co-conspirators.

Dershowitz Claims Names Are Being Hidden To Protect The Powerful

Dershowitz doubled down during the Spicer interview, alleging that files are being suppressed" for political or reputational reasons.

I know the names of people whose files are being suppressed in order to protect them, and thats wrong," he said.

He did not offer specific names or evidence, citing court-imposed confidentiality.

What Does The US Government Say Now?

On July 8, 2025, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and FBI concluded that Epstein did not have a so-called client list that could implicate high-profile associates, and that he did take his own life, contradicting long-held conspiracy theories about the infamous case.

According to a two-page DoJ and FBI memo, investigators found no incriminating list" of clients and no credible evidence" that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals.

Trumps Name Resurfaces Amidst Musks Claim And Public Pressure

Earlier this year, the Trump administration suggested it would release all documents and names linked to Epsteins inner circle. However, it later backtracked, saying there is no such list", a reversal that sparked outrage among supporters of Trumps Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, many of whom have long demanded full disclosure and accountability in the Epstein case.

The MAGA base, which often sees Epsteins alleged trafficking network as symbolic of unchecked elite corruption, viewed the administrations retreat as a betrayal of Trumps drain the swamp" promise, a pledge to eliminate corruption and entrenched power in Washington. The reversal added fuel to conspiracy theories that political interests were being shielded.

Just weeks before this denial, billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, now in a public spat with Trump over political funding and legislation, had stoked controversy by implying on social media that Trump himself was named in the sealed Epstein records.

On June 5, Musk posted on X: Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!"

He later deleted the post, admitting he had gone too far," but the damage was done. His comments reignited speculation online and intensified demands for the client list to be released.

When asked about Epstein by a reporter earlier this week, Trump dismissed the topic altogether: Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guys been talked about for years And are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable."

Why Are Epsteins Victims Still Demanding Answers?

Despite Epsteins death, survivors and their legal teams continue to fight for accountability. Sigrid McCawley, a lawyer representing multiple Epstein victims in civil lawsuits, criticised the US governments lack of transparency during an appearance on American network NewsNation. Whats really just astonishing about this recent disclosure from the government is that they know they are sitting on a treasure trove of information, and theyre not turning it over," she said.

Theres a plethora of information that the public has not been able to see relating to Epstein and his co-conspirators," she added.

Who Helped Epstein Run His Alleged Trafficking Operation?

While much of the public focus has been on Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell  who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence  victims lawyers say the sex trafficking network was far wider and structurally supported by a circle of enablers.

McCawley underscored that Epstein could not have operated such a vast, long-running scheme without logistical and professional support. He needed a lawyer who would cover things up for him. He needed an accountant who would funnel money in certain ways," she said on NewsNation.

He had a group of people around him who helped protect him and helped that scheme to continue running. None of those people have been prosecuted," she added.

What Happened To Virginia Giuffre?

One of Epsteins most well-known accusers, Virginia Giuffre, died by suicide earlier this year. She had long alleged that Epstein and his associates abused her and trafficked her to powerful individuals.

Giuffre has stated in interviews and lawsuits that Epstein and Maxwell groomed and coerced her into what she described as sexual servitude.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

My whole life revolved around just pleasing these men and keeping Ghislaine and Jeffrey happy. Their whole entire lives revolved around sex."  Virginia Giuffre, from her 2016 deposition, as cited by The Washington Post.

Her death, after years of battling illness and trauma, has further intensified calls for justice and full disclosure.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 12:22 IST

News world I Know The Names: Ex-Trump Lawyer Claims Epstein Client List Is Being Suppressed
Kapil Sharma Cafe Attack In Canada Part Of Larger ISI-Backed Khalistani Conspiracy: Sources | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 10:19 IST

According to top Indian intelligence sources, the attack was not an isolated act of vandalism, but a carefully orchestrated operation with roots in Surrey, Canada.

Shots were fired at Kapil Sharma's cafe in Surrey, Canada. (Image: Instagram)

The recent firing at comedian Kapil Sharmas cafe in Punjab has raised red flags across Indian and international intelligence agencies, who believe the incident is part of a broader, ISI-backed Khalistani conspiracy aimed at intimidating Indian voices abroad. According to top Indian intelligence sources, the attack was not an isolated act of vandalism, but a carefully orchestrated operation with roots in Surrey, Canada  now regarded as a key operational hub for Khalistani terror and ideological activity.

Harjit Singh Laddi, a designated terrorist and member of the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), claimed responsibility for the attack on social media, stating it was in response to alleged insults to the Nihang Sikh community. Laddi, wanted by Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) for the April 2024 assassination of Hindu leader Vikas Prabhakar, is currently believed to be hiding in DHA, Pakistan, and is known to be closely associated with Wadhawa Singh, a senior BKI figure, as per Indian intelligence inputs.

Recommended Stories

Sources indicate that the assault on Kapil Sharmas cafe  which also damaged nearby residential buildings  was symbolic, meant to instill fear among the Indo-Canadian community and global Indian diaspora. It highlights how Khalistani groups, with direct logistical and financial backing from Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), are targeting high-profile Indian celebrities, businessmen, and temples abroad to amplify their propaganda.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Both Canadian and Indian intelligence agencies are reportedly aligned in their assessment that Khalistani operatives, particularly in cities like Surrey, have merged with criminal gangs such as Brothers Keepers, Dhak-Duhre, and Punjabi Mafia. According to intelligence sources, these gangs now serve as execution arms of the Khalistani agenda, engaging in extortion, courier operations, and even arms transport involving Indian-origin international students.

India has repeatedly flagged Canadas inaction on dossiers naming Khalistani terrorists like Laddi, which intelligence officials say has emboldened such actors. ISIs role, according to top sources, is pivotal  not only in funding and arming these networks but also in fueling diaspora grievances to destabilise Indian interests globally.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 10:19 IST

News world Kapil Sharma Cafe Attack In Canada Part Of Larger ISI-Backed Khalistani Conspiracy: Sources | Exclusive
Kurdish PKK Militants Begin Disarmament In Iraq In Historic Step Towards Peace With Turkey

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 16:42 IST

Dozens of PKK militants disarmed in a cave in northern Iraq, marking a historic step toward ending a four-decade insurgency against Turkey.

The disarmament ceremony was held inside the Jasana cave near the town of Dukan.

Dozens of militants from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) began handing over their weapons in a remote cave in northern Iraq, signaling the first concrete steps toward ending a four-decade insurgency against Turkey that has killed tens of thousands. The disarmament ceremony, held inside the Jasana cave near the town of Dukan, about 60 kilometers northwest of Sulaymaniyah in Iraqs Kurdistan region, unfolded under heavy security.

Turkish broadcasters aired live coverage from nearby Sulaymaniyah- showing the mountainous terrain and the crowds that had gathered to witness what many are calling a historic turning point.

Recommended Stories

A Long Road To Disarmament: What Is The PKK?

The PKK, which has fought a bitter armed struggle against the Turkish state since 1984 and is outlawed in Turkey, United States and European Union as a terrorist organization, announced in May 2025 that it would disband, disarm and end its separatist ambitions. The move came after a public appeal from its long-imprisoned founder and ideological leader, Abdullah Ocalan, who remains incarcerated on Turkeys Imral Island. After multiple failed peace initiatives over the years, this latest push is seen by many observers as the most serious effort yet to resolve one of the Middle Easts most intractable conflicts.

According to officials familiar with the process, the weapons handed over will be publicly destroyed in a separate ceremony, attended by representatives of Turkish and Iraqi intelligence services, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and senior members of Turkeys pro-Kurdish DEM party, which played a critical role in brokering the PKKs decision.

 After 40 years of conflict with Turkey, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) begins disarming in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq https://t.co/u8iMMtpcQq pic.twitter.com/SolYcZwbyY RT (@RT_com) July 11, 2025

Turkeys ruling AK Party, led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, welcomed the development, saying that the process must remain on a short timeline to avoid external manipulation or delay.

Erdogan himself pledged to use the end of armed conflict to rebuild Turkeys southeast, where the Kurdish population is concentrated and where the insurgency has been most deeply felt. Turkeys Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek revealed that Turkey has spent nearly $1.8 trillion over five decades on combating terrorism.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

PKKs Disarmament And Regional Ripples

The ramifications of the PKKs disarmament could extend well beyond Turkeys borders. In Syria, where the US supports Kurdish-led forces seen by Ankara as PKK affiliates, the move may increase pressure to integrate Syrian Kurdish groups into a restructured national security framework, especially after the collapse of Bashar al-Assads regime in late 2024.

view comments

Location : Iraq

First Published: July 11, 2025, 16:42 IST

News world Kurdish PKK Militants Begin Disarmament In Iraq In Historic Step Towards Peace With Turkey
Egyptian-Italian Belly Dancer Arrested For Posting 'Seductive' Content On Instagram

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 14:41 IST

Egyptian-Italian belly dancer Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, aka Linda Martino, was detained in Egypt for allegedly violating public morality via social media posts.

Investigators claim her videos featured intentionally exposed body parts and "indecent clothing" that went against societal norms. (Image: Instagram/lindamartino_)

An Egyptian-Italian belly dancer was detained in Egypt for allegedly violating public morality through her social media posts. Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, also known as Linda Martino on Instagram, was arrested on June 22 at Cairo International Airport after she was accused her of using seductive techniques" in her dance videos.

Haggag, who holds dual citizenship and has over 2.2 million followers on Instagram, frequently posts dance clips in revealing outfits, referring to herself as More than you can handle." Investigators claim her videos featured intentionally exposed body parts and indecent clothing" that went against societal norms.

Recommended Stories

Born in Egypt, the dancer has been formally charged in Cairo with inciting vice" through sexually suggestive performances and provocative content, The New York Post reported.

Authorities also reported that she was carrying a substantial" amount of cash at the time of her arrest. The Italian Embassy in Cairo has since requested her release and consular access.

After ending a relationship with her Italian partner, Haggag had returned to Egypt a few years ago to pursue a successful dance career. She is expected to remain in custody for at least two more weeks as investigations continue.

Her arrest is part of a wider government crackdown under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, targeting online content deemed morally inappropriate. In recent years, Egypt has tightened its regulations on social media and digital expression, with at least five other belly dancers arrested under similar charges.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In one high-profile case in 2020, dancer Sama el-Masry was sentenced to three years in prison and slapped 300,000 Egyptian pounds for allegedly posting sexually provocative content, according to The Guardian. However, El-Masry refuted the allegations, claiming her private content had been leaked without her consent.

Human rights groups have condemned Egypts use of vaguely defined cybercrime laws, passed in 2018, which grant authorities broad powers to penalise online behaviour. Under these laws, individuals operating social media accounts that breach public morality could face at least two years in jail and fines up to 300,000 Egyptian pounds.

About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More

view comments

Location : Cairo, Egypt

First Published: July 11, 2025, 14:41 IST

News world Egyptian-Italian Belly Dancer Arrested For Posting 'Seductive' Content On Instagram
Nobel Peace Prize: Does Donald Trump Stand A Chance? How The Winner Is Decided | Explained

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 12:57 IST

Nobel Prize nominations aren't open to the general public. The Nobel Peace Prize is overseen by a five-member committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament

During a dinner at the White House on Monday, July 7, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu surprised Donald Trump by handing him a formal copy of a letter sent to the Nobel Committee. (Reuters Image)

Every year, the Nobel Peace Prize captures global attention, not just for who wins it, but also for the mystery surrounding how the winner is selected. From university professors and politicians to former laureates, the list of who can nominate is exclusive.

Recently, US President Donald Trump once again found himself in the headlines after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated him for the 2025 Peace Prize, citing his role in the Abraham Accords. While the nomination itself drew media interest, it also reignited a broader question: Who exactly can nominate someone for a Nobel Peace Prize? And what is the process behind choosing one of the worlds most prestigious honours?

Recommended Stories

Who Can Nominate A Candidate For Nobel Peace Prize?

The Nobel Peace Prize is unlike most global awards; there is no application process. Instead, each year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee sends out invitations to a select group of individuals and institutions who are eligible to nominate. These include:

Members of national parliaments and governments (cabinet ministers, heads of state, etc.)

University professors in fields like history, political science, international law, and peace studies

Directors of recognised peace and foreign policy research institutes

Judges at international courts

Former Nobel Peace Prize laureates

Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee itself

Thousands across the globe receive these invitations. Still, the identity of nominators and nominees remains confidential for 50 years, a rule designed to protect the integrity of the prize and prevent politicisation.

How Does Nobel Peace Prize Selection Process Work?

The selection process, guided by a legacy left behind by Alfred Nobel himself, is both rigorous and secretive:

January 31: Deadline for nomination submissions.

Deadline for nomination submissions. February to March: The Norwegian Nobel Committee reviews all valid entries and drafts a shortlist.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee reviews all valid entries and drafts a shortlist. April to August: Detailed reports are prepared, and expert advisers are consulted.

Detailed reports are prepared, and expert advisers are consulted. September: A final recommendation is submitted to the Nobel Committee.

A final recommendation is submitted to the Nobel Committee. October: Nobel Peace Prize winners are selected through a majority vote. The decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Nobel Peace Prize winners are selected through a majority vote. The decision is final and cannot be appealed. December 10: Nobel Peace Prize is formally awarded in Oslo, on the anniversary of Alfred Nobels death.

This year, 338 candidates, including 244 individuals and 94 organisations, are in the running for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is up from 286 nominees last year, though still short of the record 376 nominations in 2016.

What Do Nobel Laureates Receive?

Winners of the Nobel Peace Prize are awarded:

A green gold medal (made of recycled gold and coated in 24-carat gold)

A personal diploma

A cash prize of 11 million Swedish Kroner, currently worth approximately Rs 9 crore ($1.03 million)

But more than the money, the award carries immense symbolic value. Past recipients include Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and the United Nations itself, names that changed the course of world history.

Netanyahus Trump Nomination

During a dinner at the White House on Monday, July 7, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu surprised Donald Trump by handing him a formal copy of a letter sent to the Nobel Committee, nominating the latter for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The reason? Trumps role in advancing peace in the Middle East, particularly through the historic Abraham Accords that normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

You deserve it," Netanyahu said at the White House, praising Trumps diplomatic initiatives. I want to express the appreciation and admiration not only of all Israelis, but of the Jewish people," Netanyahu said as he presented Trump with his nomination letter.

A visibly surprised Trump responded, This I didnt know. Wow. Thank you very much." Trump was clearly pleased with Netanyahus gesture and sycophancy, adding, Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful."

Though Trump has long projected himself as a global dealmaker and peace-broker, including in negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo and attempts at de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, his name has yet to be called from Oslo. Republican allies have often accused the Norwegian Nobel Committee of political bias for repeatedly passing him over.

To date, three US Presidents have won the Nobel Peace Prize: Theodore Roosevelt (1906) for mediating the end of the Russo-Japanese War, Woodrow Wilson (1919) for establishing the League of Nations, and Barack Obama (2009) for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Why This Process Matters

In a world where public figures routinely claim to have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, understanding how the system works is more important than ever. The process is designed to reward sustained, credible efforts toward peace, not fleeting headlines. Whether its a global statesman, a grassroots activist, or an organization working in war-torn zones, the path to Oslo remains one of the most guarded, prestigious journeys in modern history.

view comments

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 11, 2025, 12:57 IST

News world Nobel Peace Prize: Does Donald Trump Stand A Chance? How The Winner Is Decided | Explained
Indonesian tower companies Dayamitra Telekomunikasi (Mitratel) and Tower Bersama are reportedly reviving merger discussions that were abandoned nearly a decade ago, according to a report from Bloomberg.

Sources familiar with the matter told the publication that both companies are currently in early talks with advisers over a potential deal valued at around IDR 90 trillion (approximately US$5.5 billion).

Shares in Mitratel have declined by 17% this year, bringing its market capitalisation to roughly IDR 45 trillion, while Tower Bersamas stock is down 4%, with a current market value of IDR 45.8 trillion.

Telecoms consolidation has been a growing trend in Indonesia. Earlier, XL Axiata and Smartfren Telecom announced a US$6.5 billion merger, and rivals Indosat and Ooredoo combined to form Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison in a US$6 billion deal.

Mitratel currently operates more than 39,000 tower sites, while Tower Bersama manages around 23,000.
NYC Hit And Run Case: Speeding BMW Kills Two Men On Brooklyn Street

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: July 12, 2025, 00:09 IST

No arrests have been made in the case so far. However, the investigation is underway in the matter.

Initial investigation identified the victims as two men, aged 59 and 80 (Pexels/Representative Image)

A BMW struck and killed two pedestrians in New York City before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, according to police. Eyewitnesses reported that the speeding hit-and-run driver was in a black sedan. No arrests have been made so far, but the police investigation is still underway.

According to the New York Daily News, the accident happened around 4:22 a.m. local time on 3rd Avenue at 52nd Street in Sunset Park. Police officers are trying to track down the vehicle, which has been identified as a black BMW. A business owner, identified as Gregory, said, I saw the BMW fly in front of me. I said, Why the hell is this guy flying so fast?"

Recommended Stories

Initial investigations identified the victims as two men, aged 59 and 80, who were crossing the southbound side of 3rd Avenue at the time of the incident. Authorities have confirmed that the victims were not related. Though police rushed them to the hospital, both were pronounced dead upon arrival.

The news report noted that both men were carrying empty shopping carts. Video footage viewed by the news outlet also showed several people, not just the victims, crossing the street against the traffic light.

Gregory stated that the BMW driver must have seen people crossing the road before hitting the two men. If youre a driver and you see eight people cross in front of you, and you see more people are crossing, you have to slow down," he said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Another driver, who was not involved in the accident, called 911 after spotting the victims. Gregory added, The face of one of the victims was smashed so badly. From the nose to the top of the head, it was open." He estimated that the BMW was traveling at around 70 miles per hour at the time of the crash. He added that while the driver saw the men being hit, the car did not slow down for even a second.

While the motive behind the incident has not been established, police are continuing their search for the driver. They are reviewing CCTV footage to determine the whereabouts of the suspect.

view comments

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 12, 2025, 00:09 IST

News world NYC Hit And Run Case: Speeding BMW Kills Two Men On Brooklyn Street
On Cam: Gunman Kills Ukraine Intel Agent in Kyiv; Officials Probe Targeted Assassination

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 14:16 IST

According to a spokesperson for the SBU, who spoke to CNN, the officer was fatally shot outside an apartment building in Kyiv.

Authorities in Kyiv have yet to publicly link Thursdays assassination to Russia.

A high-ranking officer from Ukraines Security Service (SBU) was shot dead in Kyiv on Thursday morning in what Ukrainian authorities described to CNN as an apparent targeted assassination. The killing, which took place in broad daylight in the capital city, has prompted an urgent investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.

According to a spokesperson for the SBU, who spoke to CNN, the officer was fatally shot outside an apartment building in Kyiv. The security agency confirmed that an investigation was underway but withheld the officers identity pending further inquiries. CNN reported that Ukrainian police and intelligence units are now working jointly to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

Recommended Stories

Ukrainian intel colonel  accused of sabotage in Russia  assassinated in Kiev50-year-old SBU officer Ivan Voronich was shot dead with five silenced rounds in central Kiev today The gunman reportedly escaped and is currently being sought pic.twitter.com/xblhBz980K  RT (@RT_com) July 10, 2025

Surveillance footage from a nearby CCTV camerawidely circulated on local Telegram channels and reviewed by CNNappears to show the chilling moment of the attack. Although CNN has not independently verified the video, the surroundings in the clip match official photographs released by Kyiv Police. In the silent footage, a man exits a residential building carrying bags and walks toward a parked vehicle. Suddenly, a masked gunman approaches and appears to shoot him at close range. After the victim collapses, the attacker fires again before fleeing on foot. A passerby is seen running from the scene in panic.

Kyiv Police have confirmed that the victim died at the scene from gunshot wounds and have launched a manhunt for the assailant. Authorities are currently working to verify the shooters identity and motives.

The SBU plays a central role in Ukraines national security apparatus and has led several high-profile operations against Russian interests. CNN previously reported that SBU agents were responsible for Operation Spiderweb," a daring drone strike campaign that targeted Russian military airfields deep inside enemy territory. The operation resulted in the destruction and damage of multiple strategic aircraft, including bombers and surveillance planesdelivering a significant blow to Moscows aerial capabilities.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

CNN has also reported that the SBU was allegedly behind the assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, a top Russian military official accused of deploying chemical weapons. The killing of the SBU officer this week raises fresh concerns about the escalating covert warfare between Ukrainian and Russian intelligence operatives.

Authorities in Kyiv have yet to publicly link Thursdays assassination to Russia or its intelligence agencies, but the incident marks another deadly episode in Ukraines ongoing shadow war.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 14:16 IST

News world On Cam: Gunman Kills Ukraine Intel Agent in Kyiv; Officials Probe Targeted Assassination
Satellite Images Show US Communications Dome Damaged In Iran's Strike On Qatar Air Base

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 16:05 IST

The attack, which took place on 23 June, appears to have damaged a geodesic dome that protected a satellite terminal used by American forces for secure communications

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage after an Iranian attack at the Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar, June 25. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

Satellite images show that an Iranian missile strike last month on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar likely hit a dome housing US military communication equipment. The attack, which took place on 23 June, appears to have damaged a geodesic dome that protected a satellite terminal used by American forces for secure communications.

Al Udeid, located just outside Doha, is a key hub for the US military in the Middle East and serves as the forward headquarters of US Central Command.

Recommended Stories

Images analysed by The Associated Press show the dome intact on the morning of the attack. However, satellite photos taken two days later, and on subsequent days, show the dome missing and some damage to a nearby building. The rest of the base appears largely unaffected.

The dome, known as a radome, covered a satellite dish and was part of a $15 million modernised enterprise terminal installed in 2016 by the US Air Forces 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.

While the exact cause of the domes destruction is unclear, the damage is consistent with a precision strike, possibly by an Iranian drone or missile. There is little visible damage to surrounding areas, suggesting a targeted attack.

The Iranian strike came in response to US airstrikes on three nuclear sites in Tehran. Those strikes were part of the broader conflict between Iran and Israel, which lasted 12 days. The war ended shortly after the attack on Al Udeid, following a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.

Neither the US military nor Qatari authorities have publicly commented on the damage.

Iranian officials claimed the base was smashed" and its communication links cut. Ahmad Alamolhoda, a senior cleric and adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the attack had completely destroyed" the bases communications and disrupted US command operations.

However, Trump downplayed the impact, calling it a very weak response." He claimed Iran gave advance warning of the strike, allowing US and Qatari forces to prepare and avoid casualties.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The London-based outlet Iran International first reported the damage, citing other commercial satellite images.

(With inputs from AP)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

view comments

Location : Qatar

First Published: July 11, 2025, 16:03 IST

News world Satellite Images Show US Communications Dome Damaged In Iran's Strike On Qatar Air Base
Pakistan Terror Groups Lashkar, Jaish May Use Nepal Route To Target India, Warns Nepalese Official

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Saurabh Verma



Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 13:42 IST

Speakers at the seminar noted that terror attacks in India often have spillover effects on Nepal, undermining regional peace and stability

The seminar urged stronger counter-terrorism cooperation, including stricter action against money laundering, enhanced intelligence sharing, and joint patrolling of borders with India. (Representational image

Pakistan-based terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) pose serious risks to India and could use Nepal as a transit route, warned Sunil Bahadur Thapa, Advisor to the President of Nepal.

Thapa made the remarks during a high-level seminar organised by the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) in Kathmandu on July 9. The event focused on addressing terrorism threats in South Asia and saw participation from key regional experts and policymakers.

Recommended Stories

Speakers at the seminar noted that terror attacks in India often have spillover effects on Nepal, undermining regional peace and stability. They pointed to Pakistans support for terrorism as a major hurdle to the effectiveness of SAARC and broader regional integration.

The seminar urged stronger counter-terrorism cooperation, including stricter action against money laundering, enhanced intelligence sharing, and joint patrolling of borders with India. It also called on regional actors to avoid applying double standards while tackling terrorism.

Indias recent Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian armed forces struck nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, was cited as a forceful and effective response to cross-border threats.

At the same time, participants were reminded that Nepal remains vulnerable due to incidents like the IC-814 hijacking and the LeT-led Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians, including one Nepali national.

Concluding the discussion, participants stressed the urgent need for a dedicated regional mechanism to combat terrorism in a unified and effective manner.

Why Nepal Is Considered A Transit Risk

India and Nepal share a 1,751 km-long open border, which operates with minimal security checks. This porous boundary makes it easier for terrorists to infiltrate India, often using forged Nepalese documents to conceal their identities.

Over the years, several operatives from Pakistan-based outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have been arrested while attempting to enter India through Nepal.

A notable example is the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814. The aircraft, which was en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi, was hijacked after the perpetrators boarded with weapons exposing serious lapses in security at Kathmandus Tribhuvan International Airport.

Lashkar, Jaish Terror Groups

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Headquarters and training facilities of the LeT and JeM were targeted during Indias precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7 in Pakistan and PoK. These two terror groups have carried out several attacks in India, including the Parliament attack in 2001, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot Air Base Attack and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the LeT, had claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, where terrorists shot down 26 tourists in the picturesque resort town in Jammu and Kashmir.

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More

view comments

Location : Kathmandu, Nepal

First Published: July 11, 2025, 13:20 IST

News world Pakistan Terror Groups Lashkar, Jaish May Use Nepal Route To Target India, Warns Nepalese Official
The Best Of Indian Mangoes Showcased In Seattle As Part Of Consulates Trade Promotion

Published By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 18:33 IST

The event curated a mango tasting experience offering the best of the five distinct varieties of Indian mangoes

During the event, presentations by industry experts also underscored how Mango: The King of Fruits is celebrated in India across cultures.

As part of the Consulates trade promotion and increased market access initiatives, the Consulate General of India in Seattle, in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) hosted a special event showcasing the Flavours of Indian Mangoes today.

The event curated a mango tasting experience offering the best of the five distinct varieties, of Indian mangoes, i.e. dussehri, chausa, langra, mallika and totapuri for leading importers and select media from Seattle.

Recommended Stories

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown was the guest of honour, along with Washington State Senator Manka Dhingra and Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho. The participating dignitaries savoured each of the five mango varieties and appreciated their distinctive aroma, texture, and sweetness.

During the event, presentations by industry experts also underscored how Mango: The King of Fruits is celebrated in India across cultures, as a uniquely shared family experience.

It may be noted that in 2024, mangoes from India registered a 19% growth in exports to the United States, reaffirming it as one of the key export markets.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In another Indian Food Festival and Mango Promotion event, hosted in Redmond on July 9 evening, a separate session on mango tasting was organised, which was attended by Washington State Representative Alex Ybarra, along with other leading members of the media and Indian American community.

Meetings between exporters of Indian mangoes and US Retail representatives were also held on the sidelines, to explore opportunities for wider availability of premium Indian mangoes in the regional market of the US Pacific Northwest.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

view comments

First Published: July 11, 2025, 18:27 IST

News world The Best Of Indian Mangoes Showcased In Seattle As Part Of Consulates Trade Promotion
Trump Says Ukraine To Receive US Air Defence Systems Via NATO

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 18:49 IST

Donald Trump announced sending Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine through NATO as Russian attacks intensify.

US President Donald Trump with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (AP file photo)

US President Donald Trump announced that Washington will send additional weapons- including Patriot air defense systems- to Ukraine through NATO as Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities intensify. In an interview with NBC News, Donald Trump said, Were going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that," adding that the alliance would cover the cost of the weapons.

NATO is going to reimburse the full cost," he said.

Recommended Stories

The move comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed for urgent air defense support following a record-breaking Russian drone barrage this week during which 728 drones targeted Ukrainian cities.

Zelenskyy requested 10 Patriot systems, describing them as real protectors of life" as civilian casualties continue to rise. June marked the deadliest month in three years, with 232 civilians killed and over 1,300 injured, according to the United Nations.

Shift In Donald Trumps Approach

While Donald Trump previously called for scaling back US military aid to Ukraine since returning to office in January, his latest announcement suggests a tactical shift. The US had paused some critical shipments last week, including Patriot interceptor missiles and precision artillery shells, raising alarm in Kyiv that its air defense reserves were running dangerously low.

We have to Theyre getting hit very hard now," Donald Trump, signaling renewed urgency after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin left him not happy" about the lack of progress in peace talks. Donald Trump described Vladimir Putins attitude as very nice" but ultimately meaningless."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Donald Trumps announcement aligns with efforts by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said that he has urged European NATO allies to hand over Patriot batteries from their own stocks to expedite Ukraines defense capabilities.

Marco Rubio said, We have continued to encourage our NATO allies to provide those weapons. Since they have them in their stocks, then we can enter into financial agreements where they can purchase the replacements."

view comments

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 11, 2025, 18:49 IST

News world Trump Says Ukraine To Receive US Air Defence Systems Via NATO
'Instead Of Working With US...': Trump Slaps 35% Tariffs On Canada, Threatens More

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 08:31 IST

Donald Trump posted his letter to PM Mark Carney, announcing 35% tariffs on Canadian imports into the US. He threatened with more levies if Ottawa retaliates.

Trump tariffs on Canada: Trump imposes 35% tariffs on Canada (Reuters Image)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said he would impose 35% tariffs starting August 1 on Canada, as he dispatched his famous tariff letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney.

In the letter posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump told Carney that the new duties will shoot up if the latter chooses to retaliate against his latest move.

Recommended Stories

Trump also said that he would impose blanket tariffs of 15% to 20% on most other trading partners.

The latest tariffs on Canada came in response to Ottawas retaliation" amid the trade war with Washington and its failure to cooperate on key issues, which Trump described as unfair trade practices.

Attributing Canadas failure to stop the drugs" to the US as a key reason behind slapping the tariffs, Trump said that instead of working with the US, Canada retaliated with its own tariffs on US imports.

"the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue working with Canada. despite Canada having financially retaliated against the United States. As you will recall, the United States imposed Tariffs on Canada to deal with our Nations Fentanyl crisis, which is caused, in part, by Canadas failure to stop the drugs from pouring into our Country. Instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own Tariffs. Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a Tariff of 35% on Canadian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs," Trump said in letter to Carney.

Threatening Canada against imposing any retaliatory tariffs on the US, Trump added, If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 35% that we charge."

Trump, however, highlighted that if Canadian firms opt to move their operations to the United States, his government would help them with quick approvals.

We will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely  in other words, in a matter of weeks," he said.

The US President has so far posted letters to 22 countries, announcing new tariffs as the 3-month deadline for the April 2 tariff pause was extended to August 1, giving countries a chance to negotiate a trade deal with the US.

He has so far imposed tariffs on allies such as Japan and South Korea, and several other nations. India, an ally, is already negotiating a trade deal with the US, and the talks have entered their final stages, reports claimed.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In an interview with NBC News published on Thursday, the President said that other trading partners that had not yet received his letters would likely face blanket tariffs.

Not everybody has to get a letter. You know that. Were just setting our tariffs. Were just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether its 20% or 15%. Well work that out now," Trump was quoted as saying by the network.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

view comments

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 11, 2025, 06:56 IST

News world 'Instead Of Working With US...': Trump Slaps 35% Tariffs On Canada, Threatens More
Trumps Move To End Birthright Citizenship Faces US Supreme Court Test: What's Next?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 15:40 IST

A federal judge blocked Donald Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship but the case is likely headed to US Supreme Court. What happens next?

US President Donald Trump (Reuters Image)

The legal fight over US President Donald Trumps controversial executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants is advancing toward the Supreme Court, following a new federal court ruling that halts the order nationwide.

On Thursday, a federal judge in New Hampshire issued a preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of Donald Trumps January executive order, which sought to deny US citizenship to children born on American soil to parents living in the country illegally or on temporary visas. The ruling applies across the entire United States but includes a seven-day stay, allowing the federal government time to file an appeal.

Recommended Stories

This is a blatantly unconstitutional order," US District Judge John Coughenour said during earlier proceedings, adding, Ive been on the bench for over four decades. I cant remember another case where the question presented was as clear as this one."

The ruling sets up a likely constitutional showdown at the Supreme Court- just weeks after the high court limited the ability of lower courts to issue sweeping nationwide injunctions without resolving the constitutional question at hand.

What Is Birthright Citizenship?

Birthright citizenship is enshrined in the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 in the wake of the Civil War to ensure citizenship for formerly enslaved people. It states, All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."

The clause has long been interpreted to mean that anyone born on US soil is a citizen-regardless of their parents immigration status. This interpretation was affirmed by the Supreme Court in 1898 in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which ruled in favor of a man born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrant parents who were denied reentry after traveling abroad.

With few exceptions, including children of foreign diplomats, birthright citizenship has remained a bedrock of American immigration and constitutional law.

What Is Donald Trumps Hardline Push?

Donald Trumps January executive order, one of the boldest moves in his continued immigration crackdown, reinterprets the phrase subject to the jurisdiction thereof" in the 14th Amendment to argue that children of undocumented or temporary immigrants should not be granted automatic citizenship. He and his allies have long claimed that the current interpretation creates a magnet for illegal immigration" and needs to be undone.

What Happens Next?

The Department of Justice is expected to appeal the New Hampshire ruling swiftly. With class certification now in place, the case is positioned to move toward the US Supreme Court, which may ultimately decide whether Donald Trumps executive order can stand.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Though the US Supreme Court previously ruled to limit nationwide injunctions by individual judges, it did not weigh in on the constitutionality of the birthright citizenship order itself.

For now, the order remains blocked nationwide and children born in the US continue to be granted citizenship under the 14th Amendment.

view comments

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 11, 2025, 15:40 IST

News world Trumps Move To End Birthright Citizenship Faces US Supreme Court Test: What's Next?
UK MP Flags Threats To Hindus, Other Minorities In Bangladesh, Urges PM Starmer To Act

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 22:28 IST

UK MP also criticised Bangladeshs interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, for failing to announce the dates of its general election

UK MP Bob Blackman (Photo: X)

British Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman on Friday raised concern in the UK Parliament over rising threats to religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and members of the Ahmadiyya community.

In his speech, he urged the Keir Starmer-led government to act and press Bangladesh to uphold democratic values and protect minority communities.

Recommended Stories

Sharing a video of his remarks on social media platform X, Blackman said he had again brought the issue of minority rights in Bangladesh to Parliaments attention.

I raised my concerns in about the rising threats on Hindu, Christian, Buddhist & Ahmadiyya minorities in Bangladesh.Peaceful Rath Yatra celebrations were recently attacked. The Govt must press Bangladesh to protect minorities and uphold democracy. pic.twitter.com/G2O3eFyJr6  Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) July 11, 2025

He recalled hosting a recent seminar where representatives from the Hindu, Christian, Buddhist and Ahmadi communities spoke about the growing attacks and hostility they face in Bangladesh. Blackman said these groups are under direct attack" and called for stronger international pressure to ensure their safety.

Referring to recent incidents, Blackman highlighted how the peaceful celebration of rath yatra in Bangladesh was targeted by Islamist groups. The were attacked by Islamist thugs, and I absolutely disgracefully destroyed that wonderful, peaceful procession."

He also criticised Bangladeshs interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, for failing to announce the dates of its general election. Blackman stated that the absence of a clear electoral timeline raises concerns about the democratic process in the country.

Raising a formal request, the MP urged the Leader of the House to arrange for a statement from UK Foreign Office Ministers next week.

Could the Leader arrange for a statement from Foreign Office Ministers next week on what action the UK will take to press Bangladesh to safeguard its minority communities?," he asked.

Blackmans comments came just a day after a prominent Bangladeshi rights group accused Dhakas government of ignoring more than 2,000 crimes against religious minorities and excluding them from its planned reforms.

The HinduBuddhistChristian Unity Council reported it had recorded 2,442 incidents between 4 August last year and 30 June this year. These included murders, rapes, gang rapes, and vandalism of temples, homes, and businesses.

Speaking to the media, Monindra Kumar Nath, the councils general secretary, said the government had dismissed their concerns as false, fabricated, and exaggerated," while alleging that those responsible for the attacks were enjoying impunity."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The council also criticised the government for excluding religious minorities from its reform commissions, which are tasked with ending discrimination in society.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

view comments

Location : United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: July 11, 2025, 22:18 IST

News world UK MP Flags Threats To Hindus, Other Minorities In Bangladesh, Urges PM Starmer To Act
Below are responses from the Dothan Eagle's candidate questionnaire. The election is Tuesday, Aug. 5. Responses have been edited for clarity.

Jason Falls

Age: 53

Education: Bachelors degree in Business Management from the University of Alabama. Class B teaching certificate, and currently pursuing Masters degree in Education for Instructional Leadership

Hometown: Tuscaloosa; lived in the Wiregrass area for 20 years, 11 in Dothan.

Jillian Kemp

Age: 35

Education: BA in Government and International Politics, minor is Conflict Analysis Resolution from George Mason University.

Hometown: Upstate New York, moved to Dothan in 2020

Taiisha Walton

Age: 44

Education: Bachelor of Science in Finance, Tuskegee University, 2003

Hometown: Born in Louisiana and lived there until sixth grade, family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada. Met husband, JaMar Walton of Dothan and moved here in 2005.

Why are you running for office (or reelection)?

Falls: "I currently reside in DCS District 3, and I have a child in the DCS system. I want to see unity among the board and superintendent so we can provide the best learning opportunities for our students and the best support for our teachers and staff. DCS is a top-tier system, but we must prioritize students, teachers, and staff to reach our potential. Some of our schools have a good culture and a positive climate, but we need to ensure all schools are this way."

Kemp: I am running to help make Dothan City Schools the best they can be. Our focus needs to return to our students and teachers, we cannot continue to lose either. My family has always been believers in public school and when we moved here we saw so much potential in DCS that just hasn't come to light. I want to improve our district, not just for my kids, but for all Dothan students. Ill work to ensure funding transparency, build stronger board-teacher relationships, and promote equitable education access.

Walton: I have a child in Dothan City Schools so decisions made by the board directly impact my family. I have been active in DCS as PTO President at HLP for three years and volunteered for the Capital Planning Steering Committee, which successfully developed and implemented a district-wide plan to address overcrowding. Im proud of the work we did at HLP, but I want to do more. I will ensure our teachers are supported at every school in DCS and have the tools they need to further academic achievement. Im running for the school board because I want to advocate for students across the entire district.

Why should Dothan residents vote for you?

Falls: "We need unity among the school board, and I want to help accomplish this. I bring experience from both education and business. Ive taught since 2019 through consolidation, COVID, and campus changes and have 30 years in business, including 16 years with the Department of Defense. I believe my experience makes me qualified to lead Dothan City Schools in District 3."

Kemp: By voting for me you can expect change. A vote for me would mean open, accessible communication between the school, parents and community members, transparency, and partnership in looking towards the future of Dothan City Schools. Im a servant leader who will speak up, listen to the community, and fight for every student as if they were my own.

Walton: I believe in the power of public education. DCS has faced significant challenges, but I will work to bring our entire community together. We must be united towards a shared vision of making DCS a preferred choice for students, parents, and educators. I will be a voice for anyone in our community who feels unheard or discouraged about the direction of our schools. Our students will always be my top priority. Thriving public schools are essential to any growing community. I want our graduates to have access to strong job opportunities locally. Coming from three generations of educators, I understand the tremendous dedication and sacrifice it takes to be a teacher, and I believe those voices must be heard and valued. Im ready to serve with integrity and a commitment to our childrens future.

Name a pressing issue in your community and how you plan to tackle it if elected (or reelected)

Falls: "I continue to promote unity among the school board and superintendent because until that is achieved we cannot do what is best for the students, teachers, and staff. Once unified, we can improve climate and culture at every school by listening to teachers and students. Teachers should feel supported and appreciated so they can focus on teaching, and students should feel loved so they can focus on learning. Ill work to remove personal agendas and focus on what matters most.

Kemp: Two main concerns come to mind: ensuring we have qualified and returning teachers; and closing the academic achievement gap. I support building a strong student teaching pipeline and making retention easier for educators. We also need targeted funding for tutors, specialists, and curriculum support to help struggling students succeed.

Walton: Teacher retention and morale are significant issues in DCS. To address this, I plan to host open forums for educators to voice concerns without fear. Recruitment efforts should include recent graduates who can share current experiences. I support increased compensation, including pay raises, signing and retention bonuses, milestone awards, and community-sponsored spot bonuses to recognize outstanding teachers. We must ensure our educators know we are actively listening to their concerns and that we value their dedication to our students.
A 60-year-old Colorado man is facing first-degree murder charges after allegedly admitting to police he shot and killed his common-law wife of 20 years to prevent her from becoming homeless. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Denver 7 , Phil Archuleta called Aurora police late Sunday from a bus stop, saying he had killed his partner nearly two days earlier in their apartment on S. Ivory Circle. According to the affidavit, Archuleta told officers he had been fired from his job in early May and did not inform his wife, continuing to leave home each day as if he were still working.

He said he saw no way for them to avoid losing their apartment since they could not survive on her income alone and he allegedly told officers he'd been planning the killing as his financial situation worsened. The affidavit states he shot his wife twice in the head on a Saturday morning, shortly after realizing his rent check had bounced. "The next stop was going to be homeless. Wasn't gonna do that to her, so I put her out of her misery," he allegedly told police.

Archuleta told officers he considered suicide after the shooting but couldn't go through with it. He said he picked the time for the killing based on financial desperation and his belief that his wife would be unable to survive homelessness. When asked whether they could have worked through their financial issues together, he replied, "Maybe." He also told police they rarely argued and that his wife had not wronged him. The victim, whose name was not released, had two estranged children in Colorado and family in Indiana, none of whom Archuleta had met during their relationship. Police found the woman's body in the apartment's bedroom, 9 News reports. Archuleta, who has a minor criminal record, now awaits prosecution for murder, the Denver Gazette reports.
An 8-year-old boy was killed and at least four other people were injured when a huge branch fell from an oak tree at a summer camp in California on Wednesday. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says the tragedy happened when children at Camp Wildcraft, an art and nature camp, were gathering under the tree at the end of the day, KABC reports. "They heard cracks and suddenly a very large branch fell on top of them," the sheriff's department said. "It is being estimated that it was (a) 25-30 foot branch." The camp was being held at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, around 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

The sheriff's department said an 11-year-old girl with a broken leg was airlifted to a hospital, a 5-year-old boy had cuts and a head laceration, a 22-year-old man had abrasions to his head, and a 73-year-old man sustained a concussion. KTLA reports that the camp was being held at the property for the first time this year because its previous home was affected by the Palisades Fire.

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of a young child at a summer camp at King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains," the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority said in a statement. The MCRA, which manages the park, said it is "fully committed to supporting a thorough and transparent investigation." ABC News reports that oak trees are protected in Calabasas under an ordinance that requires property owners to " maintain all oak trees and scrub oak habitat located thereon in a state of good health."
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Thursday that he will impose retaliatory tariffs on the US if President Trump follows through on a pledge to boost import taxes by 50% over the South American country's criminal trial of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. Lula said he will trigger Brazil's reciprocity law approved by Congress earlier this year if negotiations with the US fail, the AP reports. "If he charges 50 (% tariffs) from us, we will charge 50 from them," Lula told TV Record, interview excerpts show. "Respect is good. I like to offer mine and I like to receive it." Lula ordered his diplomats on Thursday to return Trump's letter if it physically arrives at the presidential palace.

Lula's comments raise the risk of a tariffs war erupting between the two countries, similar to what has happened between the US and China. Trump has vowed to respond forcefully if countries seek to punish the US by adding tariffs of their own. The president of Brazil's Senate, Sen. Davi Alcolumbre, and Chamber of Deputies Speaker Hugo Motta, a pair of moderates who have recently been at odds with Lula, agreed that the reciprocity law gives Brazil "the means ... to protect our sovereignty." They issued a statement saying, "We will be ready to act with balance and firmness in defense of our economy, our productive sector, and the protection of Brazilian jobs."

The tariffs letter that Trump sent to Brazil about the trial of Bolsonaro opened a new front in his trade wars, with the US leader directly using import taxes to interfere with another nation's domestic politics, per the AP. Trump is trying to dictate the outcome of the criminal trial of Bolsonaro, an ally who like Trump has been charged with attempting to overturn a presidential election. "There's nothing Lula or Brazil can do about Bolsonaro's trial," said Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper University in Sao Paulo. "Any change in that would be Brazil's capitulation. Bolsonaro's situation here won't change. How do you negotiate over that?"
Federal immigration agents chased a Honduran landscaper into a surgical center in Southern California, only to encounter employeesin blue scrubsrushing to his defense. The confrontation occurred Tuesday in the Ontario Advanced Surgery Center, KTLA reports. "Get your hands off of him. You don't even have a warrant," a staff member shielding Denis Guillen-Solis from an agent wearing a mask and a bulletproof vest can be heard to say on a video. "Let him go. You need to get out."

Guillen-Solis and two other landscapers were working outside the building when the agents arrived. "They basically just started running after him," said Javier Hernandez of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. Guillen-Solis ran into the clinic for shelter, Hernandez said, adding that the agents didn't identify themselves. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told KTLA that "ICE officers conducted a targeted enforcement operation to arrest two illegal aliens. Officers in clearly marked ICE bulletproof vests approached the illegal alien targets" before Guillen-Solis fled.

In the end, the Honduran man was arrested, per the AP, and immigrant advocates said they don't know where he was taken. Guillen-Solis was sending money to Honduras to help pay for his mother's dialysis treatments, Hernandez said. There was no word on whether any of the clinic employees will be charged with a crime. The government said they "assaulted law enforcement and drug the officer and illegal alien into the facility," then "attempted to obstruct the arrest by locking the door."
President Trump has nominated a self-proclaimed "alpha male" influencer from Australia known for his lavish praise of Hooters to be the next American ambassador to Malaysia. Nick Adams, who became a US citizen in 2021, has amassed a large online following with "crass jokes and other forms of internet trolling," per the New York Times.

"Nick is an incredible Patriot and very successful entrepreneur, whose love of, and devotion to, our Great Country is an inspiration," Trump said in a post on Truth Social announcing the nomination on Thursday. "Nick is a bestselling author, speaker, and commentator" who "graduated from the University of Sydney and, since then, has made it his life's mission to extol the Virtues of American Greatness," Trump wrote.
A British F-35B fighter jet stranded at an Indian airport for nearly a month, sparking memes and cartoons on social media, is expected to fly back home as early as next week, Indian officials said. The stealth fighter, one of the world's most advanced and costing around $115 million, is stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in the southern state of Kerala due to a technical snag and is being repaired by UK engineers, officials said. The jet was on a regular sortie in the Arabian Sea last month when it ran into bad weather and couldn't return to the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier, the HMS Prince of Wales, reports the AP .

The aircraft was then diverted to Thiruvananthapuram, where it landed safely on June 14. Officials said engineers hope to repair the plane in the next few days before it could fly back to UK sometime next week. The stranded military aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, has triggered AI-generated memes in India. In a social media post, the tourism department of Kerala showed the aircraft on the tarmac surrounded by coconut trees and posting a fictitious five-star review. "Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend," it said.

The state's top official at the tourism department, K. Biju, said the post was put out in "good humor." "It was our way to appreciate and thank the Brits who are the biggest inbound visitors to Kerala for tourism," said Biju. Another cartoon posted on X showed the plane enjoying snacks with a group of locals against a scenic background. The British High Commission confirmed to the AP that a UK engineering team has been deployed to "assess and repair" the aircraft. There has been speculation in India that if the engineers fail to rectify the aircraft, it could be partially dismantled and transported in a cargo plane. The UK's Ministry of Defense dismissed the speculation in an emailed statement.
German tourist Carolina Wilga was found alive in Australia's remote Outback on Friday, 12 days after she went missing and a day after her abandoned van was discovered, police said. The last known sighting of the 26-year-old backpacker, and the last day family and friends heard from her, was June 29. She was seen at a general store in the tiny wheat farming town of Beacon, 200 miles northeast of the Western Australia state capital Perth, reports the AP . A member of the public found Wilga wandering on a forest trail late Friday, Western Australia Police Force Insp. Martin Glynn said.

She was in a "fragile" state but had no serious injuries and was flown to a hospital in Perth for treatment, Glynn told reporters. "I think once we do hear her story, it will be a remarkable story," Glynn said, adding it was a "great result" for the backpacker's family and those involved in the search. "You know, she's obviously coped in some amazing conditions," he said. "There's a very hostile environment out there, both from flora and fauna. It's a really, really challenging environment to cope in."

The reserve where Wilga was lost covers more than 740,000 acres. The Thursday-Friday overnight temperature was about 37 degrees Fahrenheit. A police helicopter spotted her van Thursday in wilderness in the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, 22 miles north of Beacon, Glynn said. "Very difficult country. Huge area. So it's a miracle they've actually spotted the car," Glynn told reporters before she was found. Ground searchers on Friday scoured a heavily wooded radius of 1,000 feet beyond the van. Police assume Wilga's van, a 1995 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon, became stuck in mud on the day she left Beacon, Glynn said.
Thousands of people from Bosnia and around the world gathered in Srebrenica to mark the 30th anniversary of a 1995 massacre there of more than 8,000 Bosniak Muslim boys and men, which has been acknowledged as Europe's only genocide after the Holocaust. Seven newly identified victims of the massacre, including two 19-year-old men, will be laid to rest in a collective funeral at a vast cemetery near Srebrenica Friday, next to more than 6,000 victims already buried there. Such funerals are held annually for the victims who are still being unearthed from dozens of mass graves around the town, reports the AP .

Victims' relatives, however, often can bury only partial remains of their loved ones as they are typically found in several mass graves, sometimes miles apart. Such was the case of Mirzeta Karic, who was waiting to bury her father. "Thirty years of search and we are burying a bone," she said, crying by her father's coffin. "I think it would be easier if I could bury all of him. What can I tell you, my father is one of the 50 (killed) from my entire family." July 11, 1995, is the day when the killings started after Bosnian Serb fighters overran the eastern Bosnian enclave in the final months of the war. After taking control of the protected UN safe zone, Bosnian Serb fighters separated Bosniak Muslim men and boys from their families and brutally executed them in days.

Scores of international officials and dignitaries were in Srebrenica Friday. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said he was personally touched because UN troops from the Netherlands were based in Srebrenica when Bosnian Serbs stormed the town. "I feel humble to be here," he said. In an emotional speech, Munira Subasic, who heads the Mothers of Srebrenica, urged the world to "help us fight against hatred, against injustice." Subasic, who lost her husband and youngest son in Srebrenica along with more than 20 relatives, told Europe to "wake up." "As I stand here many mothers in Ukraine and Palestine are going through what we went through in 1995," Subasic said. "It's the 21st century but instead of justice, fascism has woken up."
A prominent Georgia Republican was running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 300 investors of at least $140 million, federal officials alleged in a complaint filed Thursday. The civil lawsuit by the US Securities and Exchange Commission said First Liberty Building and Loan, controlled by Brant Frost IV, lied to investors about its business of making high-interest loans to companies. Instead, investigators said, it raised more money to repay earlier investors.

Frost is alleged to have taken more than $19 million of investor funds for himself, his family, and affiliated companies even as the business was going broke, spending $160,000 on jewelry and $335,000 with a rare coin dealer, the AP reports. Frost is also said to have spent $320,000 to rent a vacation home over multiple years in Kennebunkport, Maine. The SEC said Frost kept writing checks even after the commission began its investigation.
Baltimore faced a mass overdose emergency Thursday as more than two dozen people were hospitalized after suspected drug overdoses in the city's Penn North neighborhood. Emergency crews responded to an initial overdose report around 9am, only to be pointed to additional unconscious individuals in nearby locations. Police relied on witness and victim interviews and surveillance footage to find others who had overdosed. At least 13 medic units were dispatched, and 25 people were ultimately taken to hospitalsseveral in critical conditionbut no fatalities were reported.

"I've never heard of anything of this scale," Penn North Recovery Center CEO Bill Brooks tells the Baltimore Banner. A rep for the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition advised drug users in the city to avoid substances that may have come from the Penn North area. She added, "If you're going to use, do so around people who have Narcan and know how to use it."

Authorities have not disclosed which drug triggered the incident, but the city is no stranger to overdose crises, having lost nearly 6,000 residents since 2018; the New York Times describes that as "a rate never before been seen in a major American city." The city's ongoing battle with fentanyl has drawn scrutiny. Thursday's mass overdose came just a day after the Baltimore City Council began public hearings focused on how the city is handling the issue, following a series of investigative reports by the Banner and the Times.
Police in Pakistan say a father shot and killed his 16-year-old daughterbecause she refused to delete her TikTok account. The teen's death in the city of Rawalpindi is being investigated as a so-called "honor" killing, reports CBS News. Authorities said the girl's family initially tried to pass off her death as a suicide, but her father was later arrested. Honor killings are not uncommon in Pakistan, with about 350 recorded last year, per Dawn. And TikTok has become a particular flashpoint because it is "wildly popular" with young women, notes the outlet.
After a KTLA video captured children and protesters running from tear gas sprayed by immigration agents at a farm in his state, California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted his reaction Thursday night on X. "Trump calls me 'Newscum'but he's the real scum," Newsom wrote, the Hill reports. Trump used the endearment last month, for instance, in a post saying the Democratic governor "inspired Riots going on in Los Angeles." The clash took place after agents raided a cannibas farm Thursday in Camarillo.

"Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields," Newsom wrote in prefacing his remark. The Department of Homeland Security answered him. "Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?" the post said. Ten minors who are in the US illegally were working at the farm, said Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, adding that the place is "now under investigation for child labor violations." The company that owns the farm said it complied with warrants and doesn't employ minors. A US attorney's statement said agents detained about 30 people at the farm and arrested several protesters, per the Daily Beast.
A son of notorious Mexican drug kingpin "El Chapo" pleaded guilty in Chicago on Friday to US drug trafficking charges. He is the first of El Chapo's sons to enter a plea deal. Prosecutors allege Ovidio Guzman Lopez and his brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, ran a faction of the Sinaloa cartel. They became known locally as the "Chapitos," or "little Chapos," and federal authorities in 2023 described the operation as a massive effort to send "staggering" quantities of fentanyl into the US. Ovidio Guzman Lopez pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearms charges tied to his leadership role in the cartel, the AP reports. He agreed to postpone his sentencing.
After a clash at an immigration raid on a California farm, the FBI has begun offering a $50,000 reward in the hunt for the person officials said appeared to fire a gun toward immigration agents. US Attorney Bill Essayli announced the reward, posting part of a news video on X that he said appeared to show someone shooting a pistol toward the agents, NBC News reports. There have been no reports of anyone being shot during the raid on Thursday in Camarillo. Essayli was appointed this year by President Trump.

Agents conducted a second raid nearby, and officials said Friday that between them, about 200 people suspected of being in the US illegally. Four American citizens were arrested on suspicion of "assaulting or resisting officers," the Department of Homeland Security said. At least one worker was hospitalized with grave injuries, per the AP. The agents appeared to use tear gas on the Camarillo protesters, and Ventura County fire officials responded to a 911 call of people having trouble breathing. Three people were taken to nearby hospitals, the officials said Friday.
Below are responses from the Dothan Eagle's candidate questionnaire. The election is Tuesday, Aug. 5. Responses have been edited for clarity.

Wes Grant

Age: 63

Education:

B.S. in Building Construction, Auburn University (1984)

Vocational Education Certification, Auburn University (1988)

Northview High School (1979)

Hometown: Lifelong resident of Dothan

Julie Mullins Turner

Age: 53

Education:

Doctor of Education in Leadership (School Improvement)

M.S. in English Education

M.S. in Reading Education

M.S. in History

M.S. in Educational Leadership

B.S. in English and History Education

Hometown: Born and raised in Dothan, Alabama; returned in 2024 after working for the Alabama State Department of Education

Why are you running for office?

Grant: "I am running for Chairman of the Dothan City School Board because I love Dothan and understand how vital our school system is to the health of our community. My family has deep roots here, and Ive served in leadership roles across education and business. With 25 years teaching in Dothan City Schools, I know we need a unified boareven when we disagree. With the right leadership, unity is possible. Ive worked with city officials, state and national leaders, and local organizations to support education and career development. I want to help Dothan schools grow stronger for our students, teachers, and families."

Turner: "Im running because our students, teachers, and taxpayers deserve better. For too long, decisions have been made behind closed doors with little accountability or transparency. That ends now.

As a career educator, I know how a school system should operateputting students first, supporting teachers, and earning the publics trust. Ive advocated for real change in education for years, and I will bring courage, vision, and experience to lead with integrity and transparency. Im running to bring Dothan schools back to the people."

Why should Dothan residents vote for you?

Grant: "I believe Im the right leader at the right time. Ive worked with people at all levels to solve problems and lead with vision and integrity. I listen first and lead from characternot emotion. I have experience working on education issues locally, statewide, and nationally. Im not afraid to make tough decisions, and I always aim to leave things better than I found them. I also lead with faith, and Ill rely on prayer and wise counsel in making decisions. Our students, teachers, and families need a school board that listens and works togetherand Ill help make that happen."

Turner: "The future of Dothans schools is too important to leave in the hands of the same insiders. Im not a politicianIm a veteran educator, a voice for students, and someone who will hold the system accountable.

If elected, Ill put students first, demand transparency, stand up for our teachers, and bring the community back into the conversation. This school system belongs to the people of Dothan, and Ill fight to give it back to them. I bring the leadership, courage, and real-world education experience that this board desperately needs."

Name a pressing issue in your community and how you plan to tackle it

Grant: We face several challengesfrom financial literacy and soft skills, to the need for more parental involvement. These issues affect students success in school and life. I want to hold more meetings out in the community to hear directly from families and offer resources. We also need to expand Career Technical Education and better match students with career paths that suit their strengths. With 25 years of experience in CTE, I know how powerful these programs arenot just for students, but for the whole community. Ill work with churches and leaders to strengthen this support network.

Turner: I believe the most urgent issue is the lack of accountability and transparency in how the school system operates. Too many decisions are made without input or explanation. That must stop. I will push for open meetings, honest communication, and a board that serves the people. Ill ensure that students are at the center of every decision, teachers are supported, and the public is never left in the dark again. The school system belongs to Dothans citizens, and Ill make sure your voice is heard and respected.
The selling capped an uneven week in the market, the AP reports, as Wall Street kept an eye on the Trump administration's rollout of new tariff threats against trading partners like Canada and looked ahead to the corporate earnings reporting season.

President Trump said in a letter Thursday that he will raise taxes on many imported goods from Canada to 35%, deepening the rift between the allies. The letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is an aggressive increase to the top 25% tariff rates that Trump first imposed in March. The initial rollout of Trump's tariff policies in the spring roiled financial markets. But Wall Street has been relatively stable in recent weeks, with stocks steadily rising to record levels. That suggests the market has mostly adjusted to the unpredictability of Trump's rapidly shifting tariffs. "Markets appear to believe that Trump will again back down," Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics wrote Friday. "We are not so sure."

On Friday, Levi Strauss jumped 11.3% after the jeans maker easily beat Wall Street's sales and profit targets and raised its full-year forecast, despite expecting higher costs from tariffs. PriceSmart climbed 5.3% a day after the warehouse club operator delivered solid third-quarter results. Shares in financial and health care sector companies were the biggest weights on the market. Visa fell 2.2%, and Gilead Sciences dropped 4.3%. Several airline stocks lost ground a day after encouraging quarterly results from Delta Air Lines set off a rally in the sector. Delta slipped 0.2%, United fell 4.3%, and American gave up 5.6%.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
AFP | Kyzyl-Kiya

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

It may look like an ordinary building site but Akmatbek Uraimov's new house in Kyrgyzstan is being built with blocks of rice.

The eco-friendly alternative to conventional construction materials is booming in the Central Asian country, which is vulnerable to global warming and grapples with water shortages.

Before selecting the unorthodox material, Uraimov had researched other options, but concluded that the relatively cheap blocks made from rice husks were his best option.

"In terms of insulation, cost, as well as for builders, it turned out to be convenient," said Uraimov, who lives in the village of Kyzyl-Kiya in southern Kyrgyzstan.

"People didn't know about it. Now they see it, they are interested, they call," he told AFP. Nursultan Taabaldyev is one of the pioneers of the technology in Central Asia hailed as an environmentally friendly alternative to water-intensive concrete.

In a workshop in his home region of Batken, rice dust was billowing into the air from the husks, the rough outer shell of rice which is normally thrown away or burned.

Workers with protective masks over their faces were compressing the bricks before rushing to dry them, and helping clients load the finished blocks onto trucks.

They are "made of 60 percent rice husks. The rest is clay, cement and a chemical-free glue," Taabaldyev told AFP.

When dry, they are as strong as cement thanks to silica naturally present inside the husks.

"This idea came to me as a child, while doing carpentry with my father," said Taabaldyev. The 27-year-old has already built "300 houses" in five years -- first with sawdust, then with rice.
AICHI, Jul 11 (News On Japan) - A 55-year-old company employee has been arrested for allegedly placing stones on the tracks of the Meitetsu Komaki Line in Komaki, Aichi Prefecture, disrupting train operations.

The suspect, Hiroshi Tokita, a resident of Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, was arrested on suspicion of endangering train traffic and forcible obstruction of business.

According to police, Tokita is suspected of placing stones on the tracks near Kuboisshiki-Higashi in Komaki in May this year, causing a train to strike the stones and make an emergency stop.

Tokita has admitted to the allegations, telling investigators, "There is no mistake."

No injuries were reported among the passengers. However, the train's front-mounted obstacle guard, designed to prevent derailments and damage from track obstructions, was damaged.

Police said four similar incidents occurred in the area between March and May, and they are investigating Tokita's possible involvement and motives.

Source: Nagoya TV News
NAGOYA, Jul 11 (News On Japan) - Legoland Japan in Nagoyas Minato Ward unveiled a new water attraction on July 11th as part of its special summer program, "Soaking Wet Summer at Legoland," which features six different water activities.

The newly introduced attraction, called "Pirate Crews Blazing Shaku-Size," began operation on July 11th. It features twelve water cannons that blast water up to 20 meters into the air, drenching guests as the spray rains down.

The stage show includes appearances by the Blackbeard Pirates and the Shark Squad, who dance and engage with guests during the performance.

The Soaking Wet Summer at Legoland event will run through August 31st.

Source: Nagoya TV News
PARIS, Jul 11 (News On Japan) - A first-generation Hermes Birkin bag has been sold at a Paris auction for approximately 1.47 billion yen, marking the highest price ever paid for a handbag. The winning bidder was a Japanese collector, and the sale was held by Sothebys.

The Birkin, now considered one of the most iconic luxury handbags in the world, was born some 40 years ago when British actress Jane Birkin mentioned to the then-chairman of Hermes that she couldnt find a suitable bag for mothers with many belongings. That conversation sparked the creation of a handbag that would go on to become a global symbol of style and exclusivity.

Morgane Halimi, Sothebys global head of handbags and accessories, described the sale as a landmark moment for fashion history. In a statement, she called it a startling demonstration of the power of a legend and a tribute to Jane Birkins enduring influence. The auction, she said, reflected the intense passion of collectors seeking rare and uniquely storied items.

This sale outpaced previous record-setting handbags, including the diamond-studded Himalaya Birkin sold by Sothebys in 2022 for over 450,000 dollars and a crocodile-skin Birkin sold by Christies in 2021 for nearly 390,000 dollars. The prior record was held by a diamond and crocodile Kelly bag that fetched 513,040 dollars.

By surpassing even the most opulent designs, the original Birkin has reasserted its status not just as a fashion item, but as a cultural icon with lasting appeal.

Source: TBS
GATINEAU, QC, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by the United States and other trading partners continue to hurt Canadian workers and employers. In response, the federal government introduced measures to support workers with timely and reliable access to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, particularly those in sectors and regions heavily impacted by US tariffs.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), announced the extension of the temporary adjustment to EI regional unemployment rates until October 11, 2025.

This decision continues to reduce the hours required to qualify for regular benefits to no higher than 630 hours and increases the weeks of entitlement by up to four additional weeks.

The Government continues to be engaged in negotiations on a broader trading arrangement with the United States with a primary focus on getting the best deal for Canadian workers and businesses. At the same time, it is equally important to help affected Canadian workers access the income support they need during this difficult and uncertain time.

Quotes

"Workers are the backbone of the economy, and in the face of tariffs, we are putting forward measures that make a meaningful difference to their lives. These measures will help workers access the income support they need in the current economic uncertainty. Along with our efforts to create one Canadian economy, with more opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers, we are building the foundations for a Canada strong."

 The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

"Unjustified tariffs are hurting Canadians, but we're standing with workers. This extension ensures continued income support as we push to end harmful trade barriers and protect good jobs across the country."

 The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour)

Quick facts

On March 23, 2025 , the federal government introduced new temporary EI measures to support Canadian workers whose jobs are impacted by the current economic uncertainty caused by these tariffs. These measures include: adjusting the EI regional unemployment rates upward by one percentage point in all EI regions, up to a maximum of 13.1%, with no region seeing an unemployment rate below 7.1%; temporarily waiving the one-week EI waiting period so that workers are able to receive benefits for the first week of unemployment, helping unemployed workers more easily adjust to a drop in income. All claimant types (regular, special, fishing) are eligible for this measure; and suspending the treatment of monies paid on separation (e.g. severance pay), so that these do not need to be used up before claimants are able to start receiving EI benefits.

, the federal government introduced new temporary EI measures to support Canadian workers whose jobs are impacted by the current economic uncertainty caused by these tariffs. These measures include: The measure extended today was set to expire on July 12 , while the other two are in effect until October 11, 2025 .

, while the other two are in effect until . Over 290,000 workers are expected to benefit from this extension.

In addition to the three EI temporary measures, additional flexibilities to the Work-Sharing Program were also introduced in March 2025 to allow more businesses and employees to participate in the Program.

to allow more businesses and employees to participate in the Program. The Work-Sharing Program provides EI benefits to eligible employees who agree with their employer to work reduced hours due to a decrease in business activity beyond their employer's control.

This helps employers retain experienced workers and avoid layoffs and helps workers maintain their employment and skills while supplementing the reduced wages with EI benefits.

As of June 28, 2025 , Service Canada has signed more than 700 Work-Sharing Agreements with businesses and workers impacted by tariffs.

, Service Canada has signed more than 700 Work-Sharing Agreements with businesses and workers impacted by tariffs. These agreements cover almost 27,200 workers and are helping to avert almost 10,200 layoffs.

Related products

Backgrounder: Employment Insurance Temporary Measures

Associated links

The Government of Canada introduces new employment insurance measures to support Canadian workers impacted by foreign tariffs

Fighting for Canadian workers and businesses

Follow us on X (Twitter )

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For media enquiries, please contact: Jennifer Kozelj, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families, [email protected], 343-540-6643; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE and TORONTO, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - As part of his broader visit to Canada, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, participated in two key education events hosted by Award Canada, underscoring his ongoing commitment to youth development and experiential learning.

In his role as Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation, The Duke joined education leaders, and community partners at the Atlantic Canada Education Forum in Charlottetown and the Ontario Education Leadership Gathering in Toronto. The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, also attended the Ontario event, lending her distinguished support to the province's commitment to youth development. Their presence brought global and provincial visibility to a growing national effort to embed the Award into public education systems through a strategic Co-curricular Approach.

"These partnerships speak to the core of our strategy," said Amy Langhorne, Chair of Award Canada. "Across the country, education leaders are embracing a shared vision of student successone that goes beyond academics to include purpose, employability, and well-being. Their commitment is bringing the Award into schools not as something extra, but as something essential."

A Strategic Shift in Canadian Education

The Co-curricular Approach represents a deliberate evolution in how the Award is delivered in Canadamoving from extracurricular, independently licensed models to a scalable, inclusive framework integrated within public education. This shift aligns with provincial goals around student well-being, career readiness, equity, and whole-student development.

At both events, education leaders shared how the Award is being used to:

Support Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs and skilled trades pathways

Enhance student reflection, goal-setting, and resilience

Expand access to underserved, multilingual, and equity-deserving communities

Build bridges between secondary and postsecondary education

Prince Edward Island  Atlantic Canada Education Forum:

In Prince Edward Island, the Atlantic Canada Education Forum brought together senior officials and education leaders from across the region for a solutions-focused dialogue on advancing youth development through public education. Framed as a conversation at the intersection of vision and action, the forum explored how the Award's Co-curricular Approach can help redefine student successfocusing not just on what students know, but who they are becoming. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning the Award with regional priorities such as equity, student well-being, and life readiness.

Key highlights included:

A roundtable on "Unlocking Access and Advancing Equity," emphasizing the Award's role in supporting underserved and multilingual learners.

A showcase of Newfoundland and Labrador's province-wide pilot, including use in Careers education, functional curriculum, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing portfolios.

and province-wide pilot, including use in Careers education, functional curriculum, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing portfolios. Strong cross-provincial engagement around embedding the Award within existing system frameworksnot as an add-on, but as a flexible structure to support whole-student development.

Presentation of an Education Operating Partnership certificate to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador , recognizing its leadership and commitment to the co-curricular approach.

Ontario  Education Leadership Gathering:

In Ontario, the Education Leadership Gathering underscored the province's growing momentum in transforming how student success is defined and supported. The event brought together key education leaders to reflect on the Award's alignment with Ontario's education priorities, including mental health, equity, and career readiness. The tone was one of collaboration and purpose, as school board leaders shared both current outcomes and future aspirations for integrating the Award into public education.

Key highlights included:

Greater Essex County District School Board reaffirmed its leadership as the first provincial Education Operating Partner.

Peel District School Board is exploring a partnership focused on multilingual learners and equity.

Fanshawe College was welcomed as the first post-secondary Education Operating Partner, launching the Award through its Women in Skilled Trades program.

Halton Catholic District School Board is exploring a pilot launch for this fall, with discussions currently underway.

"As a high school student, I gravitated toward experiences outside the classroomthey helped me find myself, build resilience, and gave me the confidence to lead on the global stage," said Andrea Chakma, Canadian Gold Award Holder and International Youth Representative for the Americas Region. "That's why I'm excited about the co-curricular approachit brings the Award into schools, making experiential learning a right, not a privilege."

A National Vision, Backed by Results

According to Award Canada's 2024 Impact Report, over 11,000 young people across Canada participated in the Award last year, supported by more than 1,400 adult mentors. With a goal to reach 12,000+ participants in 2025 and expand through new Educational Operating Partnerships, the momentum is clear.

"It's incredibly energizing to imagine the thousands of young people who will benefit as provincial education authorities and school boards embrace the Award," said Dr. Mark Little, CEO of Award Canada. "In today's world, it's increasingly difficult for youth to break through barriers to employment or post-secondary opportunities. By adopting the Award as a tool to support the 'whole student,' school boards are affirming the importance of holistic educationone that builds life skills, resilience, and supports both physical and mental well-being"

About Award Canada:

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award  Canada (Award Canada) is the national operator of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, a global framework that supports youth development leading to international accreditation. With guidance from adult mentors, each young person is encouraged to challenge themselves, identify and leverage their interests, abilities, and ambitions, then set personal goals in four areas: skill, physical and mental health, community involvement, and teamwork. The Award provides fun and motivation by empowering student voice and engagement, enabling them to undertake experiences that build character, personal belief, and lifelong skills.

We exist to equip every young person in Canada, regardless of background or life circumstance, with the necessary skills and experience to succeed in life. Whoever they are, wherever they come from, and whatever they define as success, the Award helps young people develop essential skills that only come through experience. We have been supporting youth in Canada for over 60 years, transforming the lives of over 500,000 young people from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. Globally, the Award operates in over 130 countries, engaging 1.3 million participants.

SOURCE The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Canada

Media Contact: Aida Abader, Director, Marketing & Communications, Award Canada, [email protected], www.dukeofed.org
A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week

TORONTO, July 11, 2025 /CNW/ - With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

Cision Canada - The Weekly Round-Up (PRNewsfoto/Cision Canada)

Read more of the latest releases from Cision, see our resources for journalists, and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @cnwnews.

About Cision Canada

Cision is a comprehensive communications platform enabling more than 100,000 public relations and marketing professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of communication professionals to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.ca and follow @CisionCA on Twitter.

SOURCE Cision Canada

For questions, contact the team at [email protected].
MONTREAL, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Transat A.T. Inc. ("Transat" or the "Corporation") announced today that it has closed the restructuring of the indebtedness incurred by Transat under the Large Enterprise Emergency Funding Facility (LEEFF) program managed by Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation ("CEEFC") as previously communicated on June 5, 2025 (the "Transaction").

Following the Transaction, the Corporation's outstanding debt with CEEFC is reduced to $334M from $772M as at March 31, 2025.

The agreement deals with the entire indebtedness of the Corporation with CEEFC, and results in such indebtedness, in a principal amount of approximately $772M in the aggregate as at March 31, 2025, having been restructured as follows:

Repayment of $41.4M in cash to CEEFC

Credit facilities reduced to a single credit facility of $175M

Issuance to CEEFC of a $158,735,045 debenture maturing in 10 years

Issuance to CEEFC of $16,264,955 of preferred shares convertible into 9,934,617 Class B Voting Shares representing 19.9% of the issued and outstanding voting shares of Transat based on the 5-day VWAP on June 5, 2025 ) at any time after the earlier of the second anniversary of closing and the redemption of preferred shares for proceeds of $16,264,955 pursuant to mandatory prepayment events.(1)

Please refer to the Corporation's press release of June 5, 2025 for a more detailed description of the Transaction and its main components.

About Transat

Founded in Montreal in 1987, Transat has achieved worldwide recognition as a provider of leisure travel particularly as an airline under the Air Transat brand. Voted World's Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international destinations. Air Transat's fleet includes some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal, Transat has 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. (TSX: TRZ) www.transat.com

About CEEFC

CEEFC is a federal Crown corporation, incorporated in May 2020 under the Canada Business Corporations Act and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada Development Investment Corporation. CEEFC currently manages the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) program and the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) facility.

(1) Note:

Between the holding of share purchase warrants and convertible preferred shares, CEEFC will hold securities exercisable or convertible for an aggregate of 19,371,389 Class B voting shares, representing approximately 32.6% of the outstanding voting shares after giving effect to such exercise or conversion, provided that at no time will the exercise of warrants or conversion of Preferred Shares result in CEEFC beneficially owning or controlling in excess of 19.9% of the voting shares of Transat.

CEEFC intends to hold the Preferred Shares for investment purposes. Depending on market conditions and other factors, including Transat's business and financial condition, CEEFC may dispose of some or all of the securities of Transat that it owns. CEEFC and its affiliates do not intend to acquire additional equity securities of Transat except through the possible exercise of the warrants and conversion of the Preferred Shares.

An early warning report will be filed by CEEFC in accordance with applicable securities laws and will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or may be obtained directly from CEEFC upon request from Mr. Bruno Lemay at 416-966-0185.

Media:

Andrean Gagne

Senior Director, Communications, Public Affairs and Corporate Responsibility

[email protected]

514 987-1616, ext. 104071

Media site: www.transat.com/en-CA/corporate/media

Financial analysts:

Juliette Gauthier

Senior Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Finance

[email protected]

514 987-1616, ext. 104019

SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.
Reporters learned from the press conference held by the Anhui Provincial Government on July 10th that the 17th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th Anhui Provincial People's Congress voted to pass the "Decision of the Standing Committee of the Anhui Provincial People's Congress on Further Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Digital Economy" (hereinafter referred to as the "Decision"), which will be implemented starting from October 1, 2025. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, our province's digital economy has grown rapidly, with the annual average revenue growth rate of the core industries in the digital economy exceeding 12%. The formulation of the "Decision" is conducive to clarifying the key areas and main directions of development, optimizing the digital economy ecosystem, focusing on strengthening the core industries of the digital economy, promoting the accelerated digital transformation of traditional industries, expediting the emergence of new industries, new business forms, and new models, and fostering the continuous development of strategic emerging industries. According to the "Decision", our province will focus on the core industries of the digital economy, highlight its unique advantages, clarify key directions, promote concentrated development according to local conditions, and create internationally competitive digital industry clusters such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, digital creativity, and new display technologies. Support will be given to the development of new business forms and models in the digital economy, such as platform economy, sharing economy, and unmanned economy, and the continuous cultivation of future industries in the digital economy, including aerospace information, future networks, and data spaces. The "Decision" stipulates to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence technology and industry, optimize and enhance the innovation system for artificial intelligence, adhere to the principles of being beneficial, safe, and fair, and support the deployment in key areas such as general artificial intelligence, brain-inspired intelligence, embodied intelligence, and brain-computer interfaces. It also calls for the expedited application of "Artificial Intelligence +" in fields like scientific and technological innovation, industrial upgrading, public services, and social welfare. Anhui will promote high-quality development of the digital creative industry by supporting the creation of competitive, engaging, and influential premium content, including digital animation, online games, web-based audiovisual programs, digital performances, and digital advertising. Enhance creative industry parks and incubation platforms to attract creative teams and enterprises, fostering more branded creative products. Anhui will accelerate the development of smart tourism and culture, enhance the digital and intelligent level of the provincial public service platform for tourism and culture, cultivate and develop online experiences and consumption models such as cloud tourism and cloud services, and promote the integrated development of the tourism and culture industry both online and offline. Support the expansion of smart tourism demonstration in the Southern Anhui International Tourism and Culture Demonstration Zone, building new business forms of tourism and cultural consumption that combine virtual and real elements with interactive experiences. Anhui will intensify the development of smart agriculture, focusing on key areas such as the Jianghuai Granary and the green food industry. Accelerate the promotion and application of digital and intelligent technologies like the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, and robotics, enhance the development of the agricultural industry internet, build smart farms, ranches, and fisheries, and continuously generate new quality productive forces in agriculture.

Source: anhuinews.com
Weather Alert

Take action to protect yourself and others  extreme heat can affect everyones health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day. Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body. Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside. Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park. Follow the advice of your regions public health authority. Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind. A prolonged period of near heat warning levels begins today. What: Daytime highs of 29 to 32 degrees Celsius and a humidex of 35 to 40. Overnight lows of 19 to 23 degrees Celsius, providing little relief from the heat. When: Today, possibly to Thursday. Additional information: This week southern Ontario will experience hot and humid conditions. The temperatures and humidex will meet or be extremely close to heat warning criteria, with the hottest day being Saturday. A shift in the weather pattern on Thursday will likely end this multi-day period of heat and humidity. ### For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/how-protect-yourself.html https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/who-is-at-risk.html Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.
If youre running a manufacturing business, heres a wake-up call: SafeWork SA has already recorded 22 workplace fatalities this financial year, with manufacturing accounting for 18% of these deaths. Thats nearly one in five workplace deaths happening in your industry, and authorities are taking notice.

The result is that SafeWork SA has announced it will be ramping up site visits and compliance audits to tackle non-compliance.

Prison time for safety negligence

The stakes have never been higher. Since industrial manslaughter laws were introduced in 2024, employers arent just facing fines anymore, theyre potentially facing prison time. Since the introduction of the industrial manslaughter laws in 2024, employers could face steep penalties or prison time if theyre found to have neglected the safety or wellbeing of workers, warns Stephen Blackie, Portfolio Manager of Workplace Health and Safety Show.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell doesnt mince words about whats causing these deaths: Fatigue, short cuts and poorly maintained plant and equipment are all possible killers, but the associated risks can all be eliminated or appropriately managed through a strong commitment to safety. Businesses have a work health and safety obligation to put the safety of their people first.

The agency has announced theyre ramping up site visits and compliance audits specifically to tackle non-compliance.

The three main culprits Farrell identifies, fatigue, shortcuts, and poorly maintained equipment, are telling. These arent freak accidents or unforeseeable incidents. Theyre preventable deaths caused by systemic issues that many businesses struggle with:

Fatigue often stems from understaffing, overtime culture, or poor shift management. For growing manufacturers trying to meet demand with lean teams, this is a particularly dangerous trap.

Shortcuts typically happen when production pressure outweighs safety protocols. When deadlines loom and costs mount, safety procedures can become the first casualty.

Poorly maintained equipment is often a result of deferred maintenance, budget constraints, or simply not having proper maintenance schedules in place.

For SME manufacturers, these issues can feel like inevitable trade-offs. But with industrial manslaughter laws now in effect, theyre trade-offs that could land you in prison.

While the regulatory pressure is mounting, theres also unprecedented innovation happening in workplace safety. At the recent Melbourne Workplace Health and Safety Show, which saw a record-breaking 5,543 visitors, companies were showcasing game-changing safety solutions.

Festool launched their new EXOActive wearable exoskeleton, designed to reduce physical strain on workers. TruGard debuted what theyre calling a world-first innovation in forklift barrier technology. These arent just incremental improvements, theyre fundamental shifts in how we think about protecting workers.

Seeing a new safety innovation early gives professionals the chance to assess its value, influence its development, and position themselves and their organisations as proactive leaders in safety, explains Blackie.

For manufacturers, being an early adopter of safety technology isnt just about compliance, its about competitive advantage. Companies that can demonstrate cutting-edge safety measures may find it easier to attract talent, win contracts, and avoid the costs associated with workplace incidents.

The Sydney show: Your chance to get ahead

The Workplace Health and Safety Show returns to Sydney from October 22-23, 2025, at The Dome, Sydney Showground. With over 180 suppliers showcasing the latest in safety equipment, technology, PPE, and AI-driven workplace safety solutions, its positioning itself as a must-attend event for manufacturers feeling the pressure.

The timing couldnt be better. As authorities ramp up compliance campaigns and the manufacturing sector faces increased scrutiny, the show offers more than just product demonstrations. Its offering over 40 hours of free educational content, including targeted seminars for high-risk industries.

The High-Risk Safety Summit will cover everything from fall prevention and mental wellbeing to workplace safety culture and evolving safety standards. For manufacturers dealing with the realities of industrial equipment, height work, and hazardous materials, these sessions could be the difference between compliance and catastrophe.

Beyond equipment: The culture challenge

Whats becoming clear is that workplace safety isnt just about better equipment or stricter protocols. Its about culture. The Safety Leadership and Culture Summit at the Sydney show will feature some of Australias most senior OHS leaders sharing practical strategies for fostering effective safety cultures.

For SME manufacturers, this cultural shift can be particularly challenging. When youre competing on tight margins and managing lean teams, creating a safety-first culture can feel like a luxury you cant afford. But with industrial manslaughter laws now in effect, its a luxury you cant afford not to have.

The Workplace Wellbeing Summit will tackle another often-overlooked aspect: mental health and worker wellness. Fatigue, one of the three main killers Farrell identified, isnt just about physical tiredness. Its often tied to stress, poor work-life balance, and mental health challenges.

The bottom line for manufacturers

Heres what every manufacturing business owner needs to understand: the safety landscape has fundamentally changed. The combination of increased fatalities, new industrial manslaughter laws, and ramped-up compliance campaigns means business as usual is no longer an option.

Its essential for manufacturers to remain vigilant and proactive about changing safety regulations, emerging risks and innovative solutions, Blackie emphasizes. The Workplace Health and Safety Show offers factory leaders and safety professionals everything they need to protect their workforce and meet these challenges head-on.

The good news? Registration is free if you register in advance. Wait until the door, and itll cost you $75. But given the potential costs of non-compliance, that might be the least of your worries.

For manufacturers, the message is clear: invest in safety now, or face the consequences later. With 22 workplace deaths already this year and authorities promising increased scrutiny, the time for action is now.

Workplace Health & Safety Show gives you the insights, strategies and connections to strengthen compliance and protect your workforce, concludes Blackie. Its where youll meet safety leaders, discover game-changing solutions, and learn from others facing the same challenges. Theres no better place to exchange ideas and stay ahead, dont miss it!

The question isnt whether you can afford to attend. Its whether you can afford not to. More information is available here.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The parents of a South Jersey teenager, who died when she was struck by a NJ Transit train 10 years ago, have filed a new lawsuit alleging her death was misclassified as a suicide because investigators did not consider she may have been murdered because she was a lesbian.

Paul DAmato, of the Egg Harbor Township-based DAmato Law Firm, said at a press conference Friday that newly recovered text messages between Tiffany Valiante and at least two others include anti-LGBTQ+ slurs directed at her.

Valiante identified as a lesbian shortly before she died and her family has said they believe she was kidnapped and murdered. No one has been charged in her death.

Among the claims in the lawsuit, filed Friday in Atlantic County state Superior Court, is that NJ Transit investigators should have examined whether she was the victim of a hate crime.

Shed be 28 years old today, Dianne Valiante, Tiffanys mother, said during Fridays press conference. We love her and miss her every single second of the day.

Dianne and Stephen Valiante, Tiffany Valiante's parents, prepare to speak at a press conference at Egg Harbor Township-based DAmato Law Firm on Friday, July 11, 2025. Eric Conklin

The lawsuit names the state of New Jersey, NJ Transit, its police department and the New Jersey Chief Medical Examiners Office as defendants. NJ Transit declined to comment on the litigation.

The New Jersey Chief Medical Examiners Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Tiffany Valiantes parents are seeking damages under the New Jersey crime victims bills of rights, DAmato said.

DAmato said he has previously sued to obtain copies of investigative reports from NJ Transit Police and to get Tiffany Valiantes death certificate changed to classify her death as undetermined.

Dianne Valiante, left, listens as attorney Paul D'Amato speaks on Friday, July 11, 2025. Eric Conklin

Im asking the state of New Jersey, work with us, dont fight us, DAmato said Friday.

Cornerstone Discovery has worked with the family to recover data from Tiffany Valiantes cellphone and Friday the firm said it recovered the messages from over 100,000 pieces of data found on the phone. Some of the messages date to about two months before Tiffany Valiantes death.

An earlier forensics analysis funded by the family concluded that NJ Transit Police lost, or left to ruin, essential pieces of evidence, it was previously reported.

DAmato said they are now seeking cell phone tower data to determine what other cell phones were active in the area near where Tiffany Valiante was fatally struck by the train.

Tiffany Valiante was preparing for college in upstate New York at the time she was struck by a train bound for Atlantic City on July 12, 2015, it was previously reported.

She had attended a graduation party earlier in the day. Besides a dispute with a friend over a debit card, Valiante didnt exhibit any unusual behavior, it was previously reported.

Michelle Amendolia, the nurse who pronounced Tiffany Valiante dead at the scene, said Friday that 10 years ago it was not unusual for those investigating a pedestrian death involving a train to rule it a suicide.

Amendolia said she now believes Tiffany Valiantes death should have been investigated because normally the body is mostly intact and fully clothed, saying this was not the case here.

That was my first pedestrian with a train strike, and since then Ive done about five more, Amendolia said. If I were called to the scene today, I would tell law enforcement not to rush and pursue this as a suicide, but instead as a crime.

Tiffany Valiantes death was featured in an episode of the Netflix series Unsolved Mysteries.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
Atlantic City officials plan to raze the New Jersey Avenue School and build administrative offices on the property. Courtesy of Atlantic City Public Schools

One of Atlantic Citys oldest-standing schools will be demolished this summer and replaced with a new administration building, officials said Thursday.

Preparations are underway to level the New Jersey Avenue School, which was built in 1925. Its been vacant since 2012, when the district moved students to the Pennsylvania Avenue School.
A man accused of sexually assaulting a child he met online earlier this year is now facing additional charges after authorities say he had contact with the victim and co-defendant after his arrest.

Marc Piovanetti, 58, of Fort Lee, was served on Tuesday with the additional charges of third-degree witness tampering and criminal coercion, third-degree contempt of court order and a disorderly persons offense of contempt of court order, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said in a statement.

Piovanetti was arrested in February and has since been in custody in Bergen County Jail. Prosecutors say the new charges are the result of him having both direct and indirect contact with the victim and his co-defendant between April and May.

The investigation began in February when a girl between the ages of 13 and 16 was reported missing out of New York City. The girl later texted her mother from Piovanettis cell phone, according to a criminal complaint.

Police then pinged the phone, which sent them to Piovanettis home in Fort Lee where the girl was located, the complaint said.

Detectives later learned that Piovanetti met the girl on a social media app called TurnUp and made arrangements to meet her, authorities said. He then provided the teen with marijuana and sexually assaulted her at his home between Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23, prosecutors alleged.

Piovanetti, who was already a registered sex offender, was initially charged with four counts of second-degree sexual assault, second-degree luring, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Jennifer Piovanetti, 50, was also arrested and charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. She was inside the home when the assaults took place and was aware of the teens presence, authorities alleged.

Prosecutors did not clarify Jennifers relation to Marc Piovanetti.

Marc Piovanetti remains in Bergen County Jail pending future court appearances.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
A New York man was arrested last week after investigators determined that he allowed a 15-year-old to drive a car that was involved in a crash in Bergen County that left a teenage passenger dead, officials said.

The 21-year-old Elmira, New York man is charged with four counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office announced Thursday.

The crash happened shortly before 6 a.m. on Feb. 28 in the southbound lanes of Palisades Interstate Parkway, near the New York state line in Alpine, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said in a statement.

The car driven by the 15-year-old had five occupants, including a 16-year-old from New York who was killed in the crash and the 21-year-old Elmira man, Musella said.

Another occupant of the car suffered serious injuries, while the other passengers and the 15-year-old driver sustained minor injuries.

Another occupant in the same car suffered serious injuries while the other passengers and the 15-year-old driver suffered minor injuries, the office said.

The driver and sole occupant of the second car involved in the crash was not injured, authorities said.

Detectives later learned that the 15-year-old was driving the car recklessly and at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the car, Musella said.

In March 2025, that juvenile was charged with various offenses, including vehicular homicide, operating a motor vehicle without a license during a fatal accident, operating a motor vehicle without a license during an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, assault by auto and other traffic offenses, the office said.

As investigators continued to probe the circumstances surrounding the crash, they learned that the 21-year-old Elmira man was the person responsible for the four juveniles in the car and allowed the 15-year-old to drive it, officials said.

The man was arrested on July 1 in New York and on Wednesday, he was extradited back to Bergen County, Musella said.

As of Thursday afternoon, he was still in custody at the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing in Bergen County Superior Court, the office said.

Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
With the support of Vietnam, the remains of 740 U.S. servicemen have been identified and returned to their families, said Kelly McKeague, Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency under the U.S. Department of Defense.

Visiting the National Archives Center III under the Vietnamese Ministry of Home Affairs' State Records and Archives Department on Thursday, McKeague stated that the year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification, the 30th anniversary of the establishment of VietnamU.S. diplomatic relations, and, notably, the 40th anniversary since the U.S. first sent a team to Vietnam to search for missing service members.



Immediately after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, Vietnam established an agency dedicated to searching for those missing in the war. The country has been proactive in supporting the search for U.S. soldiers missing in action during the war in Vietnam.



Expressing gratitude for these efforts, especially on behalf of the families of the missing, McKeague affirmed that a fundamental cornerstone of the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is Vietnam's efforts in supporting the search for missing service members.

However, McKeague noted that there are still 1,157 U.S. soldiers missing in the war in Vietnam, and these cases are extremely difficult to find due to the lack of information.



According to the Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, gathering information is the first and crucial step, as sometimes such information is key for the search teams to determine whether they are at the correct site or speaking to the right witnesses.



Director of the State Records and Archives Department Dang Thanh Tung stated that the Vietnamese archives sector cooperates with not only the U.S. but also France to provide information in the search for missing soldiers, thus meeting the needs of their families. He also affirmed that the sector will continue to proactively cooperate and exchange information with the U.S. side in this work.
Tony Cattani accepting the National Principal of the Year award for the 2025-26 academic year at the annual contest organized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in Seattle, Washington. Allyssa Hynes / National National Association of Secondary School Principals

A longtime South Jersey educator who launched a podcast last year has been named National Principal of the Year.

Tony Cattani took the top honor Wednesday at an annual conference organized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, a Virginia-based organization for educators at middle school and high schools, a spokesperson said.

Im just so happy and proud that I get to represent New Jersey, Cattani told NJ Advance Media.

Cattani has been principal of Lenape High School in Medford in Burlington County for 18 years. He is also an executive committee member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.

He hosts the "Proud Principals Podcast," which focuses on school leaders making a difference in their communities.

Cattani remained Friday at the conference in Seattle, which he said was attended by 2,000 principals.

Cattani said that he anticipates traveling for speaking engagements and other advocacy in his new role as National Principal of the Year, but he will remain principal at Lenape High School.

We built something really special at Lenape and now its on a national platform, Cattani said.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals nominated three finalists each for 2025-26 high school principal of the year and middle school principal of the year. Cattani was the only nominee from New Jersey.

The middle school principal winner was Damon Lewis of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Norwalk, Connecticut.

These two outstanding principals demonstrate how visionary leadership can transform school communities, said Ronn Nozoe, the principal associations CEO.

Both Lewis and Cattani have created innovative approaches that directly address chronic challenges in education  from absenteeism to teacher collaboration  providing effective strategies that school leaders nationwide can implement to drive meaningful change for their students," Nozoe said.

Cattani has been a longtime presence in the Lenape Regional High School district, where four high schools enroll students from eight municipalities covering about one third of Burlington County.

He started in 1999 as a health and physical education teacher at Cherokee High School in Evesham. Three years later, he became an assistant principal at Shawnee High School in Medford.

In 2007, he was hired as principal of Lenape High School, the oldest of the districts four schools. It enrolls 1,900 students and has 220 staff members, he said.

Cattanis podcast, which focuses on educational leaders, has broadened his profile beyond New Jersey.

Thirty episodes have been broadcast since it debuted Sept. 2. The last ten episodes, all broadcast since he was named one of three finalists in May, have featured interviews with principals of the year from other states.

Cattani said Friday more than a dozen episodes have been taped, but not yet broadcast, and that he has been lining up future guests at the conference.

The high school and middle school principal of the year award program started in 1993, a National Association of Secondary School Principals spokesperson said.

No New Jersey educators have won since at least 2014, the most recent year for which the organization has records, the spokesperson said.

Cattanis wife, Katherine Cattani, is a teacher at New Albany Elementary School in Cinnaminson. They are the parents of four daughters.

Cattani is a Rowan University graduate.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
Jana Kramer (right) has some reservations about sunscreen. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

One Tree Hill alum Jana Kramer knows not everyone will agree with her sunscreen hot take.

Kramer, 41, who shares daughter Jolie, 9, and son Jace, 6, with ex-husband Mike Caussin and son Romeo, 19 months, with husband Allan Russell, says she doesnt always put sunscreen on her children.

Im gonna get a lot of hate on this.  I dont use sunscreen on my kids unless [theyre] going to be for hours outside, because I know they dont burn, Kramer admitted during a recent episode of her Whine Down podcast. Theres so much bad stuff in sunscreen that if were not going to be out there for more than a couple hours  listen, come at me, but Im just not putting it on."

Kramer noted that shell often put sunscreen on baby Romeos neck and ears, but tends to skip it for her older two children.

I havent put any on them because Im like, Theyre not getting burned, she explained. Whats worse, the burn, or the suntan lotion?

Kramer isnt alone in her concerns. Wariness about sunscreens potential health risks are on the rise. But is skipping sun protection really the healthiest choice?

Dr. Elnaz Firoz of the Warren Alpert Medical School shared her insights on the matter during a Q&A with Brown University earlier this month.

Some data have shown that some ingredients in chemical sunscreens may be detected in the bloodstream after application, Dr. Firoz acknowledged. Some research has shown that they can disrupt hormonal systems, for example. More research is needed to fully elucidate and understand these observations.

Mineral sunscreens, however, have not been observed to have these same effects on the body, Dr. Firoz said.

Mineral sunscreens are the only type of sunscreen allowed in Hawaii and Australia, and I think theyll be the sunscreen of choice for most people in the U.S. in five or 10 years, the medical professional predicted.

READ MORE: TV star says famous husband put their kids on TV against her wishes: Still fighting about it

As for skipping sunscreen altogether, Dr. Firoz warned that all types of skin cancer are on the rise.

I tell patients that generally speaking, their risk for skin cancer will be lower if they practice sun safe behaviors, which includes wearing sunscreen, she said. Wearing sunscreen also slows the process of sun damage to the skin.

As for people like Kramer who dont see a need for sunscreen if their children arent burning, Dr. Firoz shared an important point to remember: Even if your skin doesnt burn, a tan is still a sign of sun damage.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/.
Three New Jersey men were convicted of brutally torturing a New York man they kidnapped from outside his apartment complex and extorted for money and drugs, federal prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York said.

Aasim Boone, 42, and Jarret Bruce, 41, both of Englewood and Lesly Valentin, 39, of Asbury Park were convicted by a federal jury of kidnapping conspiracy, sending interstate threats and attempted obstruction of justice, officials said.

The men kidnapped a man in Astoria, Queens in 2022 by forcing him into a vehicle at gunpoint, officials said.

He was taken to New Jersey where he was tortured for about five hours, officials said.

The man was beaten with a gun, had bleach poured on him, was burned on his back and legs with a blowtorch and suffered a slice to an ear with a knife, officials said.

The man was eventually released on the upper east side of Manhattan, but days later, Valentin sent text messages to the man demanding $150,000 and 50 pounds of marijuana or he and his family would be subjected to more violence, officials said.

After the scheme was uncovered, Boone tried to destroy electronic evidence to cover up his involvement in the incident, officials said.

Attorneys for the men did not immediately return a request for comment.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com.
Three men have been charged with robbing a woman walking her dog at gunpoint last month in Montclair, officials said.

Christopher Gomez, 19, was arrested at his home in Jersey City on Tuesday, Montclair police said.

Four days after the June 1 robbery, police took into custody Wesley Garcia, 18, of Jersey City and Kirvin De La Rosa, 19, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania at a motel in Bayonne.

The robbery took place when a car pulled up alongside a 37-year-old woman who was out with her dog on North Willow Avenue, authorities said. Two men got out of the vehicle, one of whom as carrying a gun, and ordered the woman to hand over her jewelry and other possessions.

One of the men also ripped the womans necklace off her, police said.

The pair then got back into the car and fled south toward Glen Ridge Avenue.

Police used surveillance video and search warrants to track down the men.

All are charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, receiving stolen property and weapons offenses.

They are also charged in similar crimes in Union, Elizabeth and Jersey City. Additional information about those incidents wasnt immediately available.

Gomez is scheduled to appear court Aug. 15 while Garcias appearance is set for July 17, according to court records.

Garcia, who remains held in the Essex County jail, is represented by a public defender. No attorney is listed for Gomez.

Information about De La Rosas case wasnt listed in court records.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Raise a glass, New Jersey! One of our own just shook its way onto a national best bars list.

Craft Spirits Magazine, a publication focusing on the art, science and business of distilling, recently released their list of the best craft spirits bars in the country for 2025.

The website named Dullboy in Jersey City as one of the best in the Northeast region.

The Hudson County cocktail bar located on Grove Street opened in 2015 and quickly became the citys premier cocktail bar and date spots, serving up inventive and classic libations alike. drinks like The Corita with mezcal, rum, red bitters, pineapple, lemon, agave and pink peppercorn and The Betty with tequila, mezcal, beet, plum, goat cheese, Herbs de Provence, cacao and lemon highlight the drink menu.

Cocktails and meals are served in a space that pays homage to the classic horror film The Shining with typewriters adorning the walls. The bars name is a tribute to one of the most famous lines from the film, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy.

But Dullboy has also come to be known for impressive food. Their burger is among the best in the city.

When NJ.com ranked the best bars in Jersey, Dullboy clocked in at No. 2, behind only Pet Shop.

Dullboy is in good company on the list, which also includes vaunted New York cocktail haunts like Please Dont Tell and Death & Co.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram. FindNJ.comon Facebook.
Here is a roundup of chain restaurants offering deals and freebies to customers celebrating the holiday. Canva

National French Fry Day 2025 is celebrated this year on Friday, July 11.

To celebrate the holiday, many chains are offering free or discounted French fries to patrons on Friday. Thought you might need to be ready to spend $1 to get your freebie.

Below are some of the best offers to make your fry-day.

National French Fry Day 2025 deals and freebies

Here are some of the deals and freebies you can get on and around July 11:

Arbys: On Friday, July 11, members of the Arbys Rewards program can get a free order of fries on their next visit after purchasing an Arbys cheesesteak online.

Burger King: Members of Burger Kings Royal Perks rewards program can get a free order of any size fries with any purchase of $1 or more  and every Friday for the rest of 2025.

Charleys Cheesesteaks: Guests can get an order of Regular Original Fries for $1. Valid in-store only and limited to one per person.

Checkers & Rallys: On July 11, bring a receipt from a Checkers & Rallys competitor and get a free large fries at no additional cost.

Fatburger: From now through July 14, get one free order of Fat or Skinny fries with any in-store or online purchase using the code FRYDAY25.

McDonalds: Download the McDonalds app and get a free medium order of fries with any purchase of $1 or more on National French Fry Day, July 11, and every other Friday for the rest of the year. Plus, you can get one additional free medium order with a $1 minimum app purchase through Sunday, July 13.

Shake Shack: Get a free side of fries with any purchase using the code FREEFRY on the Shack App, on Shake Shacks website, or at in-store kiosks.

Smashburger: Get a free regular-size order of any fries with any purchase $1 or more on July 11 with the code FRYDAY25. The deal is good for in-store, in-app and online purchases.

Wayback Burgers: Wayback members can get a $1 regular-sized fry on July 11 with no additional purchase necessary.

Wendys: Wendys is offering free any-size fries with any in-app purchase on July 11.

White Castle: Get a free order of cheese fries using this coupon or the promo code CHEESY at checkout. Offer valid online, in-store and in-app through July 11.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
Making a blushing beet latte. Ambee Coffee Co. one of Best Coffee Shops in NJ List 2024 in Warren, NJ, on Monday, November 18, 2024. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

One of New Jerseys most beloved coffee shops is getting bigger  and its heading to a new neighborhood.

Ambee Coffee Co., a shop best known for their organic coffee and teas with locations in Somerset County, recently announced on their Instagram page that theyre opening a new location in Bound Brook.

The announcement follows the closing of their Raritan location in April. The shop still has other shops in Somerville and Warren.

The proximity of the (Raritan) store was so close to our flagship store in Somerville that it just never really picked up enough, CEO Steven Chiocchi told NJ Advance Media Tuesday.

However, Chiocchi explained that hes excited for the next stores opening.

Abby Alessi makes a caramel cappuccino at Ambee Coffee Co. one of Best Coffee Shops in NJ List 2024 in Warren, NJ, on Monday, November 18, 2024. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

The Bound Brook location will be part of The Rail, an apartment building at 100 Hamilton Street. They plan to open this fall.

New Jersey in general is a great market for us and anything along the valley train line is great. I think the commuter traffic is picking up alongside the developer investments, Chiocchi said.  I also grew up in the area. I spent time in Bound Brook as a kid. So, its kind of close to my heart as well.

Ambee Coffee is also ranked at No. 23 on NJ.coms best coffee shops list. The shop leans towards a more sustainable approach with organic coffees and teas, vegan and gluten-free treats along with house-made alternative milks.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
The Toro roll with bluefin and spicy hamachi at Saku in Hoboken, New Jersey, photographed on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Provided by Saku

Located in the heart of Hoboken is an Asian fusion restaurant with innovative sushi, eclectic cocktails, and an extensive sake, wine and beer menu. Welcome to Saku, a modern Japanese eatery that has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

And the deals? Theyre quite good.

The Saku daily drink specials start with flight night on Tuesdays, offering sake and Japanese whiskey flights for ($18). Wednesdays are wine nights with 25% off wine and sake bottles. You can enjoy live music on Thursdays, along with cocktails for ($11), wine for ($9) and draft beer for ($6).

On Fridays and Saturdays, things get wild! Saku offers Reverse Happy Hour from 10 p.m. until closing with ($10) specialty cocktails. Then, on Sundays, its half-off the happy endings menu of desserts and drinks.

Intriguing cocktails await patrons at Saku in Hoboken, New Jersey, photographed on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Provided by Saku

Saku opened in 2018 on Hobokens Park Avenue, at the same location as the historic Turtle Club. As some Hoboken residents mourned the departure of a local bar, others looked forward to the new eatery that has redefined Asian fusion cuisine.

Owner Daniel Grey, 40, from Allendale, started his culinary career as a bartender.

As a true sushi enthusiast, I wanted to open a restaurant that offered quality sushi at an affordable price, Grey said. I found this great spot in Hoboken, and that vision became what is now Saku.

The nightly food specials include yokai Japanese whisky with nigiri and a dash of yuzu for ($16); crackle-fried salmon skin with sriracha honey with pickled ginger and cucumber for ($16); and a spicy shrimp and avocado roll wrapped with bok choy and topped with lobster and tobiko sauce for ($22). We cant forget the crabmeat and mango roll with torched crab, old bay and mayo for ($23).

The executive chef at Saku is a 49-year-old from Orangeburg, New York, known as Chef Edie, but his Japanese name is Yip Chi Ho. He practiced his craft in the fast-paced sushi joints of New York City, then he helped Grey open Saku.

Our sushi rolls are creative, seasonal, and fun. And I love connecting with our guests and hearing their feedback, Chef Edie said. Working at Saku gives me the freedom to showcase my Authentic Japanese technique in fresh and exciting ways.

Fried rice at Saku in Hoboken, New Jersey, photographed on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Provided by Saku

Signature rolls at Saku have cool names: Dude, Wheres My Roll, Purple Rain, Crunch Drunk Love, Mango Me Crazy, and Udon Alla Sake!

On Tuesdays, Saku offers sushi rolling classes. All you need to bring is yourself, along with your appetite! You will learn how to make three types of rolls: A tuna roll with seaweed, a California roll with rice, and a salmon avocado roll.

For affordable and delicious sushi in North Jersey, visit Naru in Franklin Lakes. Their lunch specials run around ($15), and they include a bowl of rice topped with chicken, shrimp, or vegetable tempura. You can also indulge in a sushi lunch for ($18.50), with five pieces of sushi and a salmon roll.

In South Jersey, stop by Yuzu Ramen and Sushi in Sicklerville. You can enjoy the kani salad for ($7.20), and a variety of classic rolls for ($7.80), including tuna, salmon, yellowtail scallion, or the Philadelphia roll.

Where is your favorite sushi spot? Let me know, and I might share it in a future column.

Happy eating!

Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram.

Follow Mosaic on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom.
Hey there New Jersey! Heres your audio update highlighting the indictment of a social media influencer accused of defrauding investors out of $17 million through a Ponzi-like house flipping scheme and a confirmed measles case linked to an Ocean County resident.

Well also tell you about two Camden County school districts finding a unique way to cut costs and South Seaside Park in Ocean County winning the right to secede from Berkeley Township and join its neighboring Borough of Seaside Park.

Listen by clicking the play button above.

This audio presentation is an editorially-curated selection of stories, selected by an editor, and then summarized and read aloud by artificial intelligence. Some variations in pronunciation, tone or diction may result.

We want to know what you think! All feedback is valuable. After youve listened, take our 3-question survey here to let us know what you think.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
A school psychologist has sued the Manchester Board of Education in Ocean County, claiming the district declined to renew her contract after she became supportive of her gay and Jewish colleagues.

Morgan Capezzera, 41, of Toms River, claims in court papers district officials have shunned members of the LGBTQ+ and Orthodox Jewish communities due to the district officials Christian beliefs and intolerance of others.

The lawsuit, filed June 3 in Ocean County Superior Court, claims that around October 2023, district officials launched a campaign to remove administrators and staff  like Capezzera  whom they viewed as supporters of LGBTQ+ Pride, or those who bleed rainbow.

Capezzeras lawsuit portrays a troubling narrative of school district leadership allegedly hostile to diversity and inclusion.

She claims her removal wasnt due to any wrongdoing, but rather her vocal support for inclusive education and for colleagues who promoted diversity.

One of the more alarming claims centers on a meeting led by Superintendent Diane Pedroza.

According to the lawsuit, Pedroza allegedly stated, I wont let this district become another Lakewood a comment Capezzera interpreted as a disparaging reference to the neighboring townships sizable Orthodox Jewish community.

The suit says Capezzera was stunned by the comment, which she saw as evidence of the administrations underlying intolerance.

A spokesperson for the district declined to comment, citing pending litigation. An attorney representing the district did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a May 23, 2024 letter to Capezzera, Pedroza stated the school psychologist contract was not being renewed due to performance insufficiencies.

Simply put, you failed to demonstrate the standard of excellence required by the Manchester Township Board of Education, the superintendent wrote.

The issues included complaints from parents, who accused Capezzera of being abrasive, and issues with colleagues, who allegedly felt uncomfortable around her during meetings, Pedroza wrote in a letter included with the suit.

The lawsuit is at least the fourth filed by former staff members against the Manchester Township Board of Education.

John Berenato, who served as district superintendent and is gay, sued the district last year, claiming they fired him after community members and board officials targeted him in a campaign for his ouster.

Berenatos lawsuit describes derogatory remarks and overt hostility from district staff and community members, which he says were part of an effort to dismantle LGBTQ+ protections and undermine his leadership.

His lawsuit against the district accuses officials of fostering a hostile work environment intolerant of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.

Two other former employees, Bridget Antonucci and Lori Burns, have also filed lawsuits against the district and various officials.

Capezzeras lawsuit alleges a hostile work environment, defamation, and violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com.
ELKO  SkyWest Airlines, the Delta Air Lines connector to Salt Lake City, will receive subsidies for the new midday flight at Elko Regional Airport through the city of Elko after reaching agreement covering grant dollars.

Elko received a U.S. Department of Transportation Small Community Air Service Development Program grant earlier this year to assist the airport in introducing the midday flights, but Elko City Council just approved the proposed agreement this week.

Airplanners LLC negotiated the document with SkyWest on behalf of the city for the six-month grant totaling $680,700. Grant requirements call for the city to handle the grant rather than the Flight Alliance of Northeastern Nevada.

This is a little different. In the others, the agreement is with FANN directly, but the grant says city of Elko for six months  for the midday flight, said Elko City Manager Jan Baum, who chairs FANN.

The city, however, can submit requests to FANN for cost sharing, she told the Elko City Council this week, because the federal grant only reimburses the city 40% of flight costs.

Since the total amount of the grant is $680,700, the city would bill the government for $272,280, or 40%, Baum said.

FANN receives lodging taxes from the city, and FANN already has been providing incentives to SkyWest for the last year for the overnight flight from Salt Lake City to Elko, Baum said. FANN includes the city, Elko and Lander counties, and FANN hopes Eureka County will join.

Elko City Council agreed in May to provide $500,000 to FANN, which also has business partners and is a public-private organization.

With the evening flight, the flight crew stays in Elko overnight and returns to Salt Lake City in the morning with passengers to connect with flights at the airport there. SkyWest leaves for Salt Lake City from Elko at 6:30 a.m., and the return flight to Elko arrives at 9:30 p.m.

We definitely need air service here, and Im hopeful that with the amount of ridership increasing, the amount of subsidy requirement will go down, Mayor Reece Keener said. Things are heading in that direction, but not as fast as we would like. We just need to keep the growth up and spread the word about flying Elko  the least stressful airport in the United States.

A study produced by researchers paid by a British CBD company found Elko Regional Airport to be the least stressful airport in this country, the Elko Daily Free Press reported in May.

Elko Regional Airport Manager Jim Foster said in an email on Thursday he doesnt have a breakdown of the actual numbers for passengers flying in and out of Elko, but we are currently operating at a 50% load factor for the midday flight and 65% for the Remain Over Night (RON).

The midday flight that started in May is on a four-day schedule.

Current flight times for the midday flight are Sunday, Monday and Thursday and Friday, Foster said, with arrival at 11:30 a.m. and departure at 12:30 p.m. on those days.

Baum also told the council SkyWest paid 100% of costs for the midday flight in May and June because the grant agreement hadnt been finalized yet, and Keener suggested the city might provide a token of appreciation to the airline for doing so.

He said he supported the motion for the city to handle the subsidy grant, and the council passed the agreement with SkyWest on Tuesday.

The agreement states SkyWest will schedule a second Delta Connection-branded round-trip flight on the midday schedule four times weekly  on the CRJ-550 between Elko and SLC beginning on July 1st, 2025.

In turn, SkyWest will provide monthly statements to the city that include a summary of revenue, fuel costs and other related costs, load factors, passenger numbers and on-time performance, according to the agreement.

At the end of each three-month period during the agreement term, SkyWest also will determine average segment fares for the Elko-Salt Lake market, the number of paying passengers and operational hours.

If passenger revenue is greater than costs no subsidy is owned for the quarter. In the case that costs are greater than passenger revenue, the difference will be paid to SkyWest as its subsidy for the quarter, the agreement states.

Additionally, the agreement states that the city will reimburse SkyWest up to a maximum of $680,700 during the agreement terms that began July 1 and will end this Dec. 31 or until all subsidy funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first.
CNNs chief data analyst Harry Enten said that President Donald Trump would love this story to go away  but interest is only surging higher and higher.

Enten on Friday pointed to a new memo released earlier this week from the Justice Department and FBI, which concluded that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein did not keep a client list, blackmail public figures or was murdered in his jail cell in 2019. Its findings have been met with both outrage and speculation from MAGA loyalists and conspiracy theorists, as many have pushed the Trump administration to release all documents related to the sex-trafficking case.

Attorney General Pam Bondi had pledged to make all of the files public, telling Fox News in February that Epsteins client list was sitting on my desk right now to review. Bondi had attempted to clarify her previous remarks during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, claiming that she meant the entirety of the documents. Trump had lashed out at a reporter who posed the question about the memo, asking Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guys been talked about for years.

Enten said that the Trump administrations response to findings should be seen as a massive unforced error. He noted that searches for Epstein on Google this week have skyrocketed by 1,200% compared to last, and it is the top topic looked up alongside Trump on the search engine.

Donald Trump normally leans in, leans into stories in which theres controversy, like tariffs for example. This is a story in which hes trying to get away from, basically saying Why is anyone still interested in this story? Enten said.

But the bottom line is people are very interested in this story to historic degrees, at least this week, he continued.

The Trump admin's handling of the Epstein files has been a massive unforced error.



Trump may wish it goes away, but Google searches for Epstein are up 1,200% this week. It's the top topic searched with Trump today.



More have Googled Epstein this week than Grok or tariffs. pic.twitter.com/jrzP3KGC0p  (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) July 11, 2025

When comparing Epstein to tariffs or Grok, tech billionaire Elon Musks AI platform that called itself MechaHitler and made other antisemitic posts on X this week, the convicted sex offenders name had been Googled 1.4 times more than tariffs, and 2.5 times more than Grok.

Its one of the few stories in which both Steve Bannon and Elon Musk are going after Trump, at least the Trump administration. Hes managed to bring together two parties of the administration, or two parts of the fan base, that have normally been against each other, Enten said.

When asked about whether Americans see the Trump administration releasing the files in the future, Enten found that betting market odds on the platform Kalshi showed that they believe there is a 20% chance it would happen, as of Friday, having declined from 39% on June 11 and 43% on May 11.

I think that there are going to be a lot of the normally MAGA fanbase who are going to be very disappointed, and this is all a self-inflicted error by Trump and the Trump administration, he said.

A number of Trumps most ardent supporters have already expressed frustration that the administration has appeared to walk back on their previous stances on the case. Many have took issue with Bondi, and spared the president their ire, calling on her resignation or firing from office.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., listens during a roundtable at "Alligator Alcatraz," a new migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) ripped criticism of his states new immigration detention facility late Thursday.

Several media outlets have reported that immigrant detainees and their families have alleged terrible conditions at the nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz since its opening earlier this month, including a lack of water, electricity issues, temperature fluctuations and swarms of mosquitoes. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has dismissed those claims, arguing that ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens.

Its SHAMEFUL that the fake news media continues to peddle the false narrative of criminal illegal aliens convicted of rape, homicide, and child sex crimes, the official DHS account wrote on X this week. All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members.

During an appearance on Fox News, host Jesse Watters asked DeSantis if he was prepared to handle people descending upon the facility who are going to want in, want action, want to save people from the mosquitoes.

It is a center to process illegal aliens, and then to provide a pad to deport them from the runway thats right there. We did not create the Four Seasons. Thats not the intent of this, DeSantis said.

NEW: @GovRonDeSantis responds to ILLEGALS COMPLAINING about getting bitten by mosquitoes at Alligator Alcatraz



We did not create the Four Seasons. Thats not the intent of this. All the standards are a lot higher than what was even required Alligator Alcatraz is going to pic.twitter.com/ebQf3ZELg2  Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) July 11, 2025

DeSantis said that the centers purpose is to enhance the ability of President Donald Trump administrations increased deportation efforts, adding Thats what people want to see.

All the standards are a lot higher than what was even required, but thats really beside the point, he said.

DeSantis added that he is allowing state lawmakers and members of Congress representing the state to access the 3,000-bed makeshift facility over this upcoming weekend. It comes after a band of legislators, who were denied entry earlier this month, called on the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday for DeSantis to provide immediate, unannounced access to the facility located in the Everglades.

The DeSantis Administrations refusal to let us in wasnt some bureaucratic misstep. It was a deliberate obstruction meant to hide whats really happening behind those gates, the lawmakers, who attempted to visit the center on July 3, said in a joint statement.

DeSantis said the expected visit is not to provide them with a platform to virtue signal and have some politicized photo-op.

I mean, if they want to see, theyll see theres professional folks that are running this, he said.

He then went on to blast Democrats, who he claimed he has never seen fight this hard for American citizens.

I mean theyre outraged that there may be a mosquito in South Florida because it affects an illegal alien, but I dont see them exerting a fraction of this effort to defend the American people, DeSantis said.

State officials raced to build the facility in a matter of days at a remote airfield in the protected wetlands about 45 miles (72 kilometers) west of downtown Miami, outraging environmentalists and human rights advocates.

DeSantis administration built the multimillion-dollar center using emergency powers under an executive order the governor issued during the administration of then-President Joe Biden. It was signed amid what DeSantis deemed a crisis caused by illegal immigration. That emergency authority has allowed the state to sidestep purchasing requirements and seize land for the site from Miami-Dade County, over the objections of local officials.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche came to the defense of the Justice Department and FBI's new memo on Friday. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche sent some MAGA supporters into a tailspin on Friday after he defended a new memo released earlier this week about disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The Justice Department and FBI concluded on Monday that Epstein did not keep a client list, blackmail public figures or was murdered in his jail cell in 2019. Since the findings were made public, after being first reported by Axios the day prior, officials in President Donald Trumps administration have been met with frustration from many in his base, who had pushed the administration to disclose documents related to the sex-trafficking case.

Since Trump started his second term, Attorney General Pam Bondi has pledged to release all of the files  and told Fox News in February that Epsteins client list was sitting on my desk right now to review. The president himself, while on the 2024 campaign trail, said he would have no problem with releasing the documents if elected. FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino had also fueled speculation about the Epstein case before they were appointed as the agencys top leaders.

Blanche, who is also Trumps former criminal defense attorney, posted on X that he worked closely with Patel and Bongino on the memo, amid backlash from MAGA world.

All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo, Blanche wrote.

The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memos composition and release is patently false, he continued.

I worked closely with @FBIDirectorKash and @FBIDDBongino on the joint FBI and DOJ memo regarding the Epstein Files. All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo. The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and  Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) July 11, 2025

Blanches post was immediately called into question by many social media users  some who pointed to the fact that the memo was left unsigned.

Gunther Eagleman, a prominent MAGA influencer, slammed the memo as a a HORRIBLE look for the DOJ and FBI.

Who leaked the DRAFT MEMO to Axios? Why are there no signatures, and why did it take hours for anyone in the admin to address it? he asked, adding These agencies, including you, are LYING.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer echoed similar concerns about a lack of signatures, and blasted Bondi for blowing up the Trump admin by concealing information, spending time on Fox News lying to MAGA base and by releasing contradictory statements. She added that Trumps team needs to READ THE ROOM.

Blondi has been very DAMAGING to the admin and she has damaged public trust in the DOJ, Loomer wrote, misspelling Bondis last name. She is hurting President Trump and his staff/advisors. She lied on national TV and needs to be held accountable for harming the Trump admin and public trust.

Loomer had alleged earlier on Friday that Patel and Bongino were LIVID with Bondi over the memo, citing one anonymous source.

Im told Kash and Bongino are furious with Blondi and the blowback she has caused them with her lack of transparency, Loomer wrote on X, adding that they should call for her resignation.

One user called the Trump administrations handling a complete debacle from day 1, writing The memo is embarrassing and Im not surprised you have come out to defend it.

Another user, who self-identifies as a MAGA conservative, posted: The way things have been handled, no one is ever going to believe you, and this will leave a black eye come midterms.

Release the Epstein Files NOW, someone wrote, and a different user said, So what? You ALL are LIARS!

Blanches post comes as Axios reported that Bongino took a day off from work Friday after clashing with Bondi at the White House over the administrations response to the Epstein files. Several sources also told CNN that he has told people that he is considering resigning amid the clash.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
This photo provided by Delaware River and Bay Authority shows the scene where a tractor-trailer cab crashed through a concrete barrier and plunged off the Delaware Memorial Bridge into the Delaware River, between Delaware and New Jersey, on Friday, July 11, 2025. (Delaware River and Bay Authority via AP) AP

The search for a driver and any occupants of the cab of a tractor-trailer that crashed through a concrete barrier and off of the Delaware Memorial Bridge early Friday morning has been paused until Saturday morning, officials with the Delaware River Bay Authority said.

The search was paused Friday afternoon at about 4:30 p.m. due to tide and water conditions in the area where the Bobtail Tractor was located in about 20 feet of water in the Delaware River, officials said.

The driver is presumed dead, according to officials.

No further information, including the identity of the driver and whether anyone else was in the cab at the time of the crash was released.

Search and recovery efforts will resume Saturday morning at 6 a.m., officials said.

All lanes heading into Delaware from New Jersey were open as of Friday afternoon, officials said.

The search began shortly after 3:40 a.m., when the cab of a tractor trailer with no trailer attached crashed right through the concrete wall, after crossing three lanes of traffic and then onto a concrete pad, James Salmon, a public information officer for the DRBA said earlier Friday.

The truck was headed southbound over the span that connects Salem County with Delaware.

Crews began immediately searching the water, Salmon said. No other vehicles were impacted, according to officials.

The vehicle was located in approximately 20 feet of water Friday morning at about 10:45 a.m., according to officials.

At 2 p.m., authorities were still searching the area, officials said.

The DRBAs engineering department was coordinating with R.E. Pierson, the company contracted to build ship collision protection systems at the base of the bridge, to use a barge and crane at the site to assist with recovery efforts, officials said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com.
Walmart is in it to win it with all the deals it has rolled out on TVs, and these arent little deals  theyre big discounts on big screens.

Walmarts massive Deals Sale has discounts up to 50% off a slew of big screen TVs from all the top brands, including Samsung, LG, TCL, Hisense and VIZIO  but only until July 11.

Samsung 55" Class Crystal UHD U7900F 4K Smart TV $278 Exclusive Walmart Deal $278 at Walmart

We found major TV markdowns during this Deals Sale with deeply cut sale prices like the Walmart exclusive deal on this 55-Inch Samsung Crystal 4K TV for just $278. We also dug up a surprisingly huge price drop on this 75-Inch TCL LED QLED 4K UHD Smart TV for $1,700 off.

You can even grab a TV for cheap for a spare room, kitchen or rec room for under $150, like this 43-Inch Hisense Roku TV. And this is just to name a few of Walmarts wide range of TVs on sale until Friday.

Plus, many of these TV discounts are priced lower than Amazons Prime Day sale, so youll save big without a Prime membership. Walmart is also offering free shipping on most of its TV deals with delivery as soon as tomorrow on select models.

Shop the cheapest TV deals at Walmart

Here are some of the biggest and best TV deals you can score during Walmarts Deals Sale.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/.
Elina Gutti, 38, of South Bound Brook, was granted a new trial after her murder conviction was overturned due to a trial court error. Courtesy of the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office

A New Jersey appeals court has overturned the conviction of a Somerset County mother who admitted to fatally stabbing her 4-year-old son, ruling the trial judge failed to properly confirm she understood her right to a jury trial.

Elina Gutti, 38, of South Bound Brook, was convicted of first-degree murder and weapons offenses following a weeklong bench trial, where the judge, not a jury, decided the verdict.

She was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The Appellate Division found that although Gutti signed a form waiving her right to a jury trial and her attorney confirmed she understood that decision, the trial judge never personally questioned her in court to ensure she was knowingly and voluntarily giving up that constitutional right.

This step, known as a colloquy, is required under New Jersey law to ensure a defendant fully understands the implications of waiving that right.

The appeals court emphasized that this safeguard is especially critical in serious cases like Guttis, where the defendant faced a mandatory life sentence without parole and had a documented history of mental health issues.

The importance of the courts discussing waiver with defendant is highlighted here, given the mandatory life sentence without parole she faced and her admitted history of mental health issues, the court wrote.

According to the Somerset County Prosecutors Office, Gutti called 911 at 2:28 a.m. on Feb. 6, 2021, and told the dispatcher she had woken up to find cuts on her wrists.

Responding officers determined her injuries were minor, but then discovered her son, Aiden Singhania, deceased.

Defendant does not deny she killed her son by stabbing him multiple times while he was sleeping, the Appellate Division wrote. She pursued a defense of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Prosecutors argued that Guttis signed waiver and her lawyers statement were enough to prove she gave up her right to a jury trial.

They asked the appeals court to send the case back to the trial judge for a hearing to determine what Gutti understood about her rights at the time.

The court rejected that request, saying it would be unfair to expect Gutti to accurately recall her state of mind from nearly two years earlier, especially after going through a full trial.

The court reversed Guttis conviction and ordered a new trial.

Gutti was represented by Assistant Deputy Public Defender Colin Sheehan.

We appreciate the Appellate Divisions thoughtful decision recognizing the importance of protecting an individuals right to a jury trial, Sheehan said in a statement to NJ.com.

This opinion makes clear that such a fundamental right cannot be waived without clear, knowing, and voluntary consent, Sheehan added. We are grateful that the court has taken this critical step to safeguard due process and has remanded the matter for a new trial in accordance with these principles.

The Somerset County Prosecutors Office declined to comment on the case.

Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com.
Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost.

If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below.
Kevin Peterson spent two years working as an auto industry engineer before he decided owning a bar might be more fun. He combined a hobby in perfumery with his interest in cocktails to open Castalia at Sfumato in Detroit. Castalia is a 16-seat cocktail bar by night, and Sfumato is a perfumery by day. Last year, he released the book Cocktail Theory: A Sensory Approach to Transcendent Drinks. In it, he explores a scientific approach to mixing drinks, including optimal mixing ratios, temperatures and more. The book is nominated for a Spirited Award at Tales of the Cocktail, and hell give a talk at the conference about some basic science techniques that are useful in spirits tasting. Its at noon Tuesday, July 22. For more information, visit castaliacocktails.com or talesofthecocktail.org.

Gambit: How did you get into scents and cocktails?

Kevin Peterson: Prior to engineering, I had been in the food world. In high school and college, I cooked my way through school. When I was in grad school, I was like, I need a hobby that doesnt involve all this mathematical stuff. I read a book called Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins. The book is fiction, but there was a lot about how the characters approached scents that mirrored the way I approached food and how you pair things and build layers. I thought it sounded cool and read more nonfiction about perfumery.

When people talk about scent and taste and flavor, these ideas get a bit mingled. Every time you eat, there are taste molecules hitting your tongue, and there are aroma molecules going into your nose. Well say, Oh, it tastes good. But if you look at what signals are going into the brain, there are really just five distinct signals coming from the tongue. Thats the bitter, sour, salty, sweet and umami. So taste is what you get if you plug your nose.

Aroma is where a lot of the nuance and detail and intriguing part of flavor comes from. Scent has about 400 types of olfactory receptors. There is more intermingling of the signals and variations. There are more levels that can be perceived, and its less understood at a basic science level. Its this mystery planet right in the middle of our face. Thats what drew me initially. How can we not have a detailed understanding of this?

I got into making scents as a hobby. It began as a small side hustle and grew into a business of its own. My wife and I started doing these dinners where we would take a scent that I had made and make a food dish, make a drink and find some music that paired with that. They were sensory dinners. One of the people who came to a dinner said he had the perfect space for it.

(At Castalia) a lot of time, we are trying to create flavors that dont exist in an off-the-shelf form. So we are developing a lot of techniques. I have some background in chemistry and how to pull flavors out and move them around. We do a lot with botanicals and macerations and that kind of stuff.

Gambit: How did your bar science lead to the book?

Peterson: Originally it was the questions I had entering the cocktail world. I read 10 different books that say what the ideal ratio is for a daiquiri, and none of them are in sync. Whats the deal? Its not that hard to make 20 variations and taste through them and see which ones are good and which ones arent.

Then I started to say, OK, if I compile this into a book, what else should be in there?

I had always thought of old fashioneds and Negronis as being spirit-forward sippers. When I did the tests, the old fashioned had a very narrow range of ideal ratios, ideal temperatures, ideal dilutions. To make a perfect old fashioned, you have to hit everything right. But with a Negroni, it was like, you can put in an extra half ounce of gin, or short the Campari, or it can be a little bit warm or too cold. It was still entirely drinkable. I had no idea the Negroni was so bombproof and the old fashioned was so precarious.

I think the familiar, three-ingredient classic drink realm is fairly well explored. At my bar, we tend toward more complex drinks. When I go out, I try to appreciate the specialty of the bar. At an experimental place, Ill say, Give me the weirdest thing youre working on. I am always intrigued by people who are pushing boundaries.

Gambit: Whats one of your more unexpected finds?

Peterson: (The drink) Kafka Dreams. There is a friend who follows the cocktail world. He said, I just read that theres a guy who makes bitters out of bugs. You should give that a try.

I had made a couple of tinctures out of edible bugs and was adding them to drinks to see what they would do. Theyre a little bit salty. Theyre like chewing on a sunflower seed. Theyre not a very notable flavor on their own.

I dont like to add things to a drink for the sake of a story. I like it to have a flavor role. I kept adding things, and there wasnt a notable effect I could pick up. Then I realized I wasnt adding a flavor; it was masking some of the flavors. When I added it to a spirit that had some rough edges  in this case an aged brandy called Singani, which has some harsher tones  all of a sudden, the resulting flavor was much more smooth. That was intriguing.

So I had built a Negroni variation that was harsh, but when you add the tincture, that smooths it out. I am intrigued by the edges of flavor science. A lot of the middle is pretty well understood. But there are things where, is it art or is it science?
Beaver Aplin, right, is Buc-ee's founder and CEO. He listens along as Harrison County Supervisor Marlin Ladner talks about the economic development the store is expected to bring in Harrison County on June 9, 2025.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Heorhiy Tykhy condemned another hostile attack, which resulted in damage to the Vatican Embassy in Ukraine.

As reported by an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, he stated this at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday.

"During the extreme shelling, diplomatic institutions were also damaged. The premises of the Apostolic Nunciature, that is, the Embassy of the Holy See in Ukraine, were damaged. We express solidarity with our fellow diplomats of the Holy See and Apostolic Nuncio Visvaldas Kulbokas," the spokesman said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the attacks on diplomatic missions grossly violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, which states the inviolability of diplomatic missions and their personnel.

Tykhy also noted that Ukrainian diplomacy informs all partners in detail about the attacks and their consequences.

Earlier, Vatican News wrote that the nuncio (ambassador) of the Holy See in Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, reported that during the night attack by Russia on Kyiv, the Vatican embassy in Kyiv suffered minor damage.
Guest column: Louisiana is finally a good place for business. Now it's time to lead.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine recorded 214 combat clashes over the past 24 hours. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Telegram in operational information about the Russian invasion as of 08:00 on Friday.

"The enemy launched three missile and 77 air strikes on the positions of Ukrainian units and populated areas, using 18 missiles and dropping 111 guided bombs. In addition, it carried out 5,539 attacks, 92 of which were from multiple launch rocket systems, and used 3,822 kamikaze drones for destruction," the General Staff reported.
Number of victims in Kyiv due to yesterday's Russian attack grows to 28  Tkachenko

Photo: https://suspilne.media/kyiv/

The number of victims as a result of yesterday's massive nighttime missile and drone attack on Kyiv has risen to 28 people, said head of the City Military Administration Tymur Tkachenko.

"As of 08:00, the number of victims as a result of enemy shelling on July 10 has increased to 28 people, including two minors," Tkachenko wrote on his Telegram channel.
A WJOB host and two listeners rushed to save a regular caller who had suffered a medical incident while speaking live on air Wednesday morning, getting to his place of work and getting him to a hospital.

Tom Dabertin hosts "The Morning Call with Tom Dabertin" on Hammond-based WJOB 1230 AM and 104.7 FM from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday mornings. He often takes calls from Michael Margis, who's known to regular listeners as Trucker Mike.

"Mike calls about everything from politics to weather to what he does for a living to a trailer he has at an RV park," Dabertin said. "He often tells stories of going down to his trailer or loads he's hauled over the years."

This time, Trucker Mike sent Dabertin a text.

"It was a little incoherent. It was a bunch of letters. It said 'help'," Dabertin said. "I took a quick break and called him to ask how he was doing. He said he was having problems, couldn't see and wasn't feeling good. The call dropped."

Trucker Mike called back shortly, and said on-air he was having problems, couldn't see and felt really sick.

Dabertin asked him where he was so he could call 911 and get him medical attention. He said he was at work before the call got disconnected again.

Another regular caller, David Gearman, who's known as Dave from Gary on the show, called, said he knew where Trucker Mike worked, was just 10 minutes away and would go to his workplace to check on him. Another regular caller, Perry "MX" Stabler, called to say he was leaving breakfast and going to go check on him as well.

Gearman was first to get to the truck yard where Trucker Mike trains truckers. He got Trucker Mike into his truck so he could lie down and calm down while Gearman called first responders for help.

"I was listening to Tom's show on WJOB. Mike called in and his voice sounded like he was in distress. Mike is a longtime truck driver and so am I. Although we've never met, I've listened to him on the radio for years. Hearing him in distress asking for help then dropping his phone," Gearman said. "I knew where he worked and was only five minutes away. I found him in his yard quite disoriented. I yelled his name, he said he couldn't see. I got him in my truck and laid him down to make him more comfortable. It was an incredible relief when the EMTs showed up."

Stabler soon arrived and helped out, helping Gearman calm Trucker Mike down until the ambulance got there.

Trucker Mike was taken to the Methodist Northlake Hospital in Gary, where he was stabilized and is recovering.

"It was the right thing to do. All of us are neighbors in Northwest Indiana," Gearman said. "So you look out for your neighbors."

Stabler ended up staying with Trucker Mike at the hospital until 7 p.m. that night, at his bedside for 12 hours. He recovered enough that he was able to call back into the station Thursday morning to give listeners an update.

"In a time when people have strong opinions and disagree so vehemently about politics and everything else, it's remarkable they came together during an emergency to save him," Dabertin said. "They don't agree 90% of the time on anything but they jumped into action at a moment's notice, worked as well as any team you can imagine and worked together to save this man's life."

Dabertin said he found it heartening.

"It's remarkable because they don't know each other, other than through the radio, and acted without question," he said. "We've had people whose cars broke down on air or who needed directions but never someone who had a medical incident like this. I'm kind of honored that when he found himself in trouble he trusted in me enough to call me to get him assistance. We were fortunate to have listeners who have opposing political viewpoints and never agree on anything to be on the same page when there's an emergency."
Trump reaches agreement on supplying US arms with NATO funding to Ukraine  media

US President Donald Trump said he had reached an agreement to supply American weapons to Ukraine with NATO funding, CNN reports.

Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, a hundred percent. Were going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that, Trump said.

He also promised to make a "major statement on Russia" on Monday, without giving details.
The Shrinking Mill of Port Colborne, in Ontario, Canada, is an intriguing optical illusion that makes a giant grain elevator shrink the closer you get to it.

Usually, things tend to appear smaller in the distance and grow in size the closer you get to them, but that rule does not apply to the grain elevator located in Port Colbornes Sugarloaf Marina. As motorists turn left onto Lakeshore Road west from Cement Road, they have their view filled by this massive concrete building in the distance. Its so big it literally fills the horizon, but as you drive forward, instead of getting even bigger, it starts to shrink, and by the time you make the left-hand bend, its just an average industrial building in the distance. The mind-bending optical illusion has such a strong effect that nine out of ten people who see it for the first time drive back to get another look.

As much as we take it for granted, when people see it, theyre just in awe, former Port Colborne Mayor Vance Badawey told The Welland Tribune. They turn off of Cement Road, slow almost to a stop to look at it, and then, 9 times out of 10, you see them drive by again a few minutes later.

So what causes the Shrinking Mill illusion? Well, apparently, its a variety of factors. Some believe it is the result of changing perspectives as you drive by the grain elevator. As you turn off of Cement Road, large trees and houses on both sides of the road make the building appear much larger than it actually is, but then, once the road opens up, your perspective of the bay changes, and the building shrinks to its actual size. Others claim that the refraction of light from the bays shallow water also contributes to the optical illusion.



The visual effect of the Shrinking Mill illusion is so strong that it can be experienced on video. In fact, this is one of the main causes of its growing popularity as a local tourist attraction. The grain elevator has been there for more than 100 years, but people only started talking about the Shrinking Mill after clips of people driving by it started going viral on YouTube and Instagram.
Mark Read

WPP pushes panic button. The troubled ad/PR giant claims that it conducted a thorough selection process to find the successor to Mark Read, who in June announced that he would be stepping down on December 31.

Back then, WPP chair Philip Jansen expressed gratitude to Read for agreeing to stick around until yearend to support a smooth transition to his successor.

He praised Read for playing a central role in transforming the company into a world leader in modern marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivaled creative talent, setting WPP up well for longer-term success.

So what happened?

Jansen abrupty shifted gears. On July 10, he announced that Microsoft executive Cindy Rose, who has been a director at WPP for the past six years, is the new CEO as of Sept. 1.

What about that smooth succession scenario? Jansen said Rose as an existing board member understands the business and the needs of clients. She will hit the ground running.

That is part of the problem. Rose has been around WPP for the bulk of Reads seven-year stint at the helm. She has a front row seat to WPP's restructuring, overall decline of the company, and the loss of marquee clients such as Mars, Coca-Cola and Paramount.

While technology-savvy Rose is undoubtedly equipped with the digital expertise required for a modern communications firm, she is not the outsider that WPP needs for revitalization. It requires fresh eyes.

One gets the notion that WPPs blockbuster July 9 announcement that it was slashing profit and revenue guidance for the year forced Jansens hand to name Reads replacement. It smacks of a desperation move to salvage a sinking ship.

Good luck to Rose and Read, who had his work cut out when he assumed the top job following the dramatic departure of WPP mastermind Martin Sorrell.

PR play of the week goes to Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his high-profile White House announcement that he nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The nomination is a payoff to Trump for doing Israels bidding: the obliteration of Irans nuclear capabilities.

Think of Bibis gesture as more of an appreciation award because when it comes to peace deals, Trump is a bust.

Netanyahu has first-hand knowledge of Trumps peace-maker incompetence, due to his failure of ironing out a ceasefire in Gaza.

Trump prefers to focus on booting the Palestinians from their homeland and transforming it into the Riviera of the Mediterranean.

Thats just fine with Netanyahu, who has been charged with committing war crimes and triggering mass starvation in Gaza.

And forget about Trumps pledge to end the war in Ukraine on Day 1.

After groveling before his buddy Vladimir Putin since the early days of his first administration, Trump has finally shown some spunk.

He accused Vlad on July 9 of throwing BS over peace talks. Hes very nice all of the time, but it turns out to be meaningless. What a revelation.

Putin responded to Trump's BS remark by launching a record aerial strike (728 drones and 13 missiles) on Ukraine on July 9. Thats a powerful reaction to Trump.

The Russian boss is as skilled as Netanyahu in playing Trump like a fiddle.

Move over US Steel as another American corporate icon gets gobbled up by a foreign company.

WK Kellogg, which was launched by Will Keith Kellogg in 1906, is being acquired by Italys Ferrero food company.

The Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company, which became the Kellogg Co., popularized the idea of cereal as breakfast.

His brother John, who was a world class physician, served the corn flakes at his sanitarium, where a guest, CW Post, observed the flaking process and launched his own company. Post Cereals, which became General Foods, ranked as Kelloggs biggest rival.

Kellogg Co.s passion for healthy products headed southward over the years as its products such as Bran Flakes and Rice Krispies were joined by Corn Pops, Frosted Mini Wheats, Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks.

A key question for Ferrero: Will Tony the Tiger be revamped as Antonio the Tiger?

Who will be the first Cabinet member to exit? Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth survived SignalGate but his decision to unilaterally cut off arms shipments to Ukraine may do him in.

Trump countermanded Hegseths order, and the Pentagon confirmed hours later that arms shipments would be on the way.

The president overruled Hegseth, while the two sat next to each other at the White House dinner for Netanyahu. The Economist reported that Trumps decision is a victory for common sense and an embarrassment for the Pentagon.

Attorney General Pam Bondi also is going through a rough patch for failing to deliver on her promise to make public a truckload of FBI documents abut convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In February, Bondi, the one-time pride of Ballard Partners, told Fox News that she would release a list of Epsteins clients. That was huge news in MagaLand.

The Justice Dept. on July 9 reported that no such list existed, and that Epstein committed suicide while in jail, dispiriting right-wingers who claimed that he was murdered.

MAGA influencers Laura Loomer, Glenn Beck and Benny Johnson railed against Bondi. Loomer wants to know when will Bondi be fired for her many screw-ups. Good question.

Dept of Homeland Security Secretary and Instagram queen Kristi Noem has been in the news for failing to authorize the pre-positioning of Urban Search and Rescue teams as the waters rose before the tragic flooding in Texas.

CNN reported that Noem didnt okay the deployment until more than 72 hours after the flooding began. She went on Fox & Friends to blast the CNN story as fake news and absolutely trash.

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden posted that Noem should be removed from office before her incompetence gets Oregonians killed in a wildfire.

And then there is Tulsi Gabbard who has been lying low since Trump famously dismissed her by saying that he doesnt care what his intelligence director thinks.

She had testified that Iran wasnt building a nuclear bomb. Trump opted for Israeli reports over his own intelligence network.

Doesnt anybody do the honorable thing and resign these days?
Kekst CNC represents the DallasNews Corp. as it gets acquired by Hearst Corp. for about $75M.

The 140-year-old Dallas Morning News will join Hearsts collection of 28 daily and 50 weekly publications.

The New York-based media company also is getting DNCs Medium Giant, integrated creative marketing agency, in the deal.

Hearsts $14 per share cash offer is a 219 percent premium over DNCs closing $4.39 closing price as of July 9.

Jeff Johnson, president of Hearst Newspapers, said his company is committed to supporting the DNCs continued success through smart investments in their digital strategy, compelling journalism and expanded audience reach.

The move is part of Hearsts strategy of backing trusted, high-impact local media brands in growth markets, he added.

Robert Decherd, DNCs former chairman, president & chief and biggest shareholder during a 50-year career, said the Dallas Morning News' "distinguished journalism has been extraordinarily important to the evolution of Dallas as one of Americas greatest cities.

Hes confident that the path forward with Hearst Newspapers assures The News ability to continue informing and strengthening North Texas for many years to come.

Kekst CNCs Jonathan Morgan and James Hartwell are handling media for DNCs transaction.
Donald Trumps demand that Brazil stop its witch hunt of the so-called Trump of the Tropics, or face a 50 percent tariff shows that he is bored with being just the president of the US.

Hes now Emperor of the Americas, ordering the end to the criminal prosecution of ex-Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who like Trump felt Brazils last election was rigged.

Brazils treatment of Bolsonaro is an international disgrace, according to Trump. He was a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva responded to Trumps threatening letter by saying his country isnt going to be tutored by anyone. He told Trump to take a hike.

Brazils foreign ministry returned the letter to the acting US ambassador.

Thats beside the point. Trump has turned the notion of tariffs upside down. The US enjoys a trade surplus with Brazil.

Trump sees tariffs as just another PR tool to keep him in the spotlight.

The Emperors royal guard ICE Funding from Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill (which is more fittingly called Big, Beautiful Bonkers Bill by The Economist) will make Immigration and Customs Enforcement the most generously funded paramilitary force in the country, noted world chess champion and democracy advocate Garry Kasparov.

During the next four years, ICE is in line for $30B to hire more agents and $45B to build more jails.

ICE intends to add 10,000 new officers, which will result in a ratio of agents to undocumented immigrants at about 1:400.

Kasparov said that ratio is within striking distance of East Germanys feared Stasi secret police force that had one cop for every 166 Germans, and far ahead of the Gestapos ratio of 1:2000.

Would Trump use a juiced-up ICE to go after his political opponents? Well soon find out.
Scotts Avenue is to become Tullamore's newest residential area. Located at Tyrell's Road and Puttaghaun, the estate is being developed by Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes and will feature 150 high-quality, A-rated homes. These will include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom dwellings.

According to developer Ciaran Fitzpatrick, the level of interest so far has been staggering with over 1,000 enquiries already registered. The first homes are expected to be completed by the end of August.

The name Scotts Avenue is a respectful nod to Michael Scott, the renowned Irish architect best known locally for designing the former Tullamore hospital, just around the corner. Scotts legacy also includes many landmark buildings throughout Ireland, making the name a fitting tribute.

The site was previously owned by John Flanagan Developments Ltd before being acquired by Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes. Planning was approved earlier this year by An Bord Pleanala, and the project includes provision for several age-friendly one and two-bedroom units, although Ciaran Fitzpatrick the initial focus is firmly on getting the main houses built.

Currently, 30 to 40 workers are on site, but that number is expected to double to 80 as construction ramps up. Ciaran Fitzpatrick also confirmed the company is actively looking to purchase more land in the Tullamore area for future housing projects.

READ NEXT: Rural routes booming as local link ridership surges

There is also major housing construction underway at Collins Lane. That project, which got the green light in August 2023, will eventually deliver 102 houses, 24 apartments, and a creche. It's being developed by Collins Lane Housing Development Ltd.
In the first five months of this year, Anhui's automobile production, new energy vehicle production, and automobile export volume have all ranked first in the country. How has Anhui's automotive industry achieved such a leap in just a few years? Today, in "Research Tour on Vibrant China," we follow reporters to decode the secrets behind the "accelerated run" of Anhui's automotive industry. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Anhui accelerated the research and development and application of new technologies, processes, and products by establishing the Provincial New Energy Automobile Industry Cluster Construction Strategic Advisory Committee and the Provincial Future Intelligent Connected New Energy Automobile Innovation Center. Currently, Anhui has formed two major innovation systems: the Automobile Innovation Center and the Automobile Ecological Laboratory, with the former having carried out over 50 projects cumulatively. By forming innovation consortia across the entire industry chain, Anhui has continuously transformed its core technological advantages into industrial competitive advantages, effectively leading to increased investments in Anhui by vehicle manufacturers such as NIO, Volkswagen Anhui, and Hefei BYD. Reporters at the Hefei Xinqiao Smart Electric Vehicle Industrial Park observed that over a hundred newly introduced and nurtured auto parts enterprises are accelerating operations, fully committed to providing supporting services for vehicle manufacturers like NIO and Volkswagen Anhui. While accelerating the deployment of the automotive industry chain and innovation chain in Anhui, reporters have found that through deepening multidimensional cooperation, Anhui's automotive industry "circle of friends" has expanded to more than 150 countries and regions. Chery has been ranked first in the export of China's own-brand passenger cars for 22 consecutive years. From January to May this year, the province's automobile export volume continued to rank first in the country. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan began, Anhui's automobile and new energy vehicle production has increased from 1.161 million units and 105,000 units in 2020 to 3.57 million units and 1.684 million units in 2024, respectively, representing a twofold and fifteenfold increase; the ranking has risen from 8th and 4th in the country to 2nd place nationally for both. From January to May this year, the province's total automobile and new energy vehicle production stood at 1.2357 million units and 613,300 units, respectively, both ranking first in the country, achieving a historic breakthrough.

Source: ANHUI NEWS
Rutte calls for providing Ukraine with more ammunition and air defense systems

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on allies to provide Ukraine with more ammunition and air defense equipment.

Russias continued massive attacks against Ukrainian civilians are deplorable. Earlier today I urged leaders to go further so Ukraine has more ammunition & air defences. Ive just spoken with President Trump & am now working closely with Allies to get Ukraine the help they need, Rutte said on X Thursday.
Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani did not just win the NYC Democratic mayoral primary convincingly enough that his chief rival, former governor Andrew Cuomo, conceded immediately on the night of the June 24 election. Now, two weeks later, with the city's Ranked Choice Voting count finally concluding ... Mamdani can celebrate the fact that "our campaign has officially earned the most total votes in a primary in NYC history."

Why did Mamdani secure such a historic victory? Because he did exactly what national Democrats, stunned by the party's defeats in the 2024 presidential and congressional elections, keep saying they know they must do. "Zohran Mamdani talked about issues of relevance to working-class people. The city responded to him, and he won the [primary]" explained Senator Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont and two-time presidential candidate.
By: Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

The Eastern Mediterranean is no longer just a geopolitical flashpoint-- it is a global energy battleground. From Libya's contested waters to Israel's infrastructure race and Syria's untapped reserves, the region is witnessing a complex struggle for control over the future of gas.

It has been seven months since Syrian President Assad fell, but the country has not yet begun major rebuilding projects. Foreign investors are touted as the likely savior of Syria's collapsed economy. However, Syria has plenty of resources on hand to finance their transformation into one of the most modern countries in the Mediterranean region. The oil and gas, under the ground and off-shore, can be utilized to rebuild ground-zero across the country after 14 years of civil war.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the region holds an estimated 122 trillion cubic feet of gas. Syria alone may possess 28.5 trillion cubic meters-- potentially making it the world's third-largest gas exporter after Russia and Iran.

Recently, the largest oil refinery in Syria, at Banias, began fuel shipments for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime. Some have characterized this as the beginning of the Syrian recovery.

Prior to the outbreak of the 2011 civil war, Syria had been producing around 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from proved reserves of 2.5 billion barrels. The highest production rate hit nearly 600,000 bpd, but the output began a decline due to technical deprivations in the major fields. Syria's gas sector was equally significant, with proven reserves of 8.5 trillion cubic feet, and an output of nearly 316 billion cubic feet.

After working with Soviet experts prior to 1965, the General Company for Oil, a Syrian state institution, constructed pipelines from Sweidiyeh, Rumailan, and Karachok to a new terminal north of Tartus. The terminal was near the Homs refinery, with a production capacity of 1.5 million bpd, near to the pipeline moving Iraqi oil from Kirkuk to Banias on the coast, the oil shipment hub.

After 1974, Syria's President Hafez al-Assad contracted companies including Mobil Oil through middle-men, such as Mohamed Makhlouf, Assad's brother-in-law.

The vast discoveries in Omar and Taym fields in Deir Ez Zor, along with Tanf and smaller fields, yielded a light crude superior in density to North Sea Brent. Assad's agreements with the foreign companies allowed companies to claim 12.5% of extracted crude.

Syrian oil production topped 700,000 bpd from Hasaka fields and areas under foreign contracts. Global oil prices had hit their peak in the 1970s, with some markets topping out at $45 per barrel. This vast wealth coming from underground resources should have transformed Syria into a Dubai-look-alike.

US sanctions on the Oil Marketing Office forced the US companies out. When the 2011 war began, production had fallen to 380,000 bpd. The oil field infrastructure was destroyed or looted during the battles, and in the end the US-backed SDF, a Kurdish separatist militia, took possession of the wells in the northeast and held them as their private source of income.

The Syrian central government in Damascus has signed agreements with the SDF to cooperate on the energy fields as well as eventual military unity. Currently, Syria produces 80,000 bpd, with recovery research producing hope to boost capacity to 200,000 bpd, and deals to restore old fields, while exploring new ones.

Experts say Syria has promising areas of exploration in both the oil and gas sectors. Hasaka, Deir Ez Zor and Shaddadi, along with other older fields, are scheduled to be boosted up to 400,000 bpd within 12 months. The yet untapped offshore gas fields are said to be among the world's richest. Deir Atiyah, Qara, Nabek and Qalamoun areas offer promising potential outputs.

In order for Syria to emerge as one of the world's biggest producers, costly investment in infrastructure is necessary. Rebuilding and expanding pipelines, dredging ports to depths required to berth super tankers, and building a third refinery in Raqaa capable to handle 300,000 bpd are among the required expenditures.

The refineries at both Homs and Banias are in desperate need to rehabilitation and refitting.

The price tag for developing fields in Hasaka, Dier Ez Zor, Shaddadi and the Conoco field could easily run into several billion dollars. This is when foreign investment is needed, with the Ministry of Energy and Oil calling for bids that offer protection to Syria, and the foreign companies.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
By: Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

The wildfires burning in the countryside of Latakia are coming under control, but a few hot spots remain. Saturday night was very difficult as the winds picked up and worked against the firefighting efforts.

The Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed Al-Saleh, announced in a post on the X platform, the establishment of a coordination room to deal with the accelerated expansion of the wildfires still buring on the Syrian northern coast. Hot temperatures, low humidity and gusting winds have spread the fires across a large area.

Al-Saleh explained that the coordination room included a number of Syrian active organizations, which had already begun to provide logistical and field support, in order to strengthen efforts to extinguish the fires.

Jordan has announced sending eight teams of firefighters, helicopters and 20 vehicles. They have crossed the border on their way to Latakia. Turkish helicopters are part of the international effort to stop the fires.

Al-Saleh noted that efforts included securing water vehicles to support the teams, organizing voluntary teams of people who had received prior training in the Fire Operation, as well as providing heavy machinery to open fire lines, assist in the fire fighting and reduce the spread of fire.

The recent wildfires which swept through the northern Latakia countryside, have placed saving the environment on center stage. The time has come to learn from others how Syria can face the dangers of climate-change and weather-related fires.

Al-Saleh held an emergency meeting with Turkish partners, while coordinating the quick response to the huge wildfires of the Latakia countryside on Friday.

An agreement was reached on the participation of two helicopters operating as fire extinguishers, and 11 vehicles such as 8 fire engines and 3 water-supply tankers.

This coordination is done in cooperation between the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Turkish authorities to ensure readiness, exchange field information, and promote a rapid response to stopping the fires being spread by high winds and dry weather.

Nearly 5,000 hectares have been affected by the fires in Latakia, while 62 teams arrived to take part in firefighting operations in the northern Latakia countryside.

The situation is now stable, with initial estimates indicating that the area affected by the fires had reached around 5,000 hectares.

The Media Office at the Ministry of Emergency and Disasters reported to Al-Thawra regarding the Latakia fires. The fires occurred in the coastal region, stretching over more than twenty kilometers, and have affected several villages, including: Al-Midan, Zanf, and Rabia.

Around 350 volunteers were present at the scene, distributed across seven operational fronts. Reinforcements were dispatched from various provinces, including firefighting teams, ambulances, logistical support, and water tankers.

The teams worked to combat the fires in all hotspots, in full coordination among all concerned parties, with the participation of the medical and emergency response system present on site.

From Addis Ababa to Damascus: How Ethiopia's Green Legacy Inspires Syria's Green Footprint.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Hair loss can begin as early as the late teens or early twenties, which often causes emotional stress, lack of confidence, and even social anxiety. While hair transplant surgery is a highly effective solution, age plays an important role in determining when the procedure should be done. In Islamabad, where clinics are offering advanced treatments for people from various age groups, the question still remains-- what is the best time to consider a hair transplant?

Understanding the right age can make the difference between long-term success and potential disappointment. If you're thinking about a hair transplant, this guide will help you decide when the time is right based on your hair loss pattern, health, and expectations.

Why Age Matters in Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair loss is often a progressive condition. In younger patients, especially those under 25, the pattern of hair thinning has usually not stabilized. Performing a transplant too early can result in unnatural patterns in the future when hair loss continues in untreated areas.

Choosing the correct age ensures:

Predictable and long-lasting results

More accurate assessment of hair loss type

Better planning of hairline design

Higher graft survival and growth rate

Reduced need for second procedures later in life

Hair Loss in Your 20s - Is It Too Early?

Hair loss in your twenties can be emotionally difficult. It's tempting to seek a permanent fix as early as possible, but most qualified surgeons in Islamabad recommend caution.

Common advice for men under 25:

Start with medical treatments like Minoxidil or Finasteride

Monitor the rate and pattern of hair loss

Wait until the hair loss stabilizes

Reassess in a year or two with your surgeon

A transplant may be recommended in severe cases where bald patches have already formed, but careful planning is essential.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Introduction: Born in 1872 within the Royal Research Laboratories of Sweden, Jubilo is a premium Swiss oral care brand that has earned global trust through its royal heritage and revolutionary "Luminous Whitening" technology. The brand's legacy traces back to Dr.Friedrich Wilhelm George, a Swiss royal physician who developed a secret formula to treat gum ailments for European nobility-using rare Alpine sage extract and glacial active water. In 1996, his descendantDr. med. Cedric 
Shared Access, a leading provider of in-building mobile connectivity solutions, has completed the installation of Spain's first 5G neutral host Distributed Antenna System (DAS) in a commercial office building, in partnership with MERLIN Properties, one of Europe's foremost real estate companies. The landmark project, located at the newly refurbished Ruiz Picasso 11 in Madrid - widely regarded as Spain's premier office address - provides state-of-the-art mobile coverage for all three major 
The Canadian men, who co-owned the medical brace companies in Oregon, are accused of paying cash bribes to marketers in exchange for obtaining doctors orders for orthotic braces their Oregon companies sold, the indictment alleges. AP

Two Canadian men who co-owned three medical brace equipment companies in Oregon are accused of conspiring in a bribery scheme that bilked the Medicare program out of more than $23 million.

David Kitchen Franklin and Edward Alan Huycke have pleaded not guilty in federal court in Portland to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering and three counts of paying healthcare kickbacks and bribes.

The two men plied marketers with tens of thousands of dollars in cash in exchange for getting orders from doctors for the orthotic braces that their Oregon companies sold, the indictment alleges.

They then used the medically unnecessary brace orders to bill Medicare more than $44 million from 2019 through 2024, according to the indictment.

They transferred the proceeds of the fraud, more than $23 million, to shell accounts they controlled in Canada, U.S. Department of Justice attorney Darren C. Halverson said in a detention memo.

The scheme extended across at least three states -- Oregon, Florida and Nevada -- as well as Canada, Halverson said.

The two men were involved in a well-planned conspiracy, using the publicly funded health plans of another country to enrich themselves through lies and deceit, Halverson wrote in court records.

Medicare is a federal health care program that provides benefits to people who are at least 65 years old or disabled.

Franklin, 55, was arrested on May 5 in Georgia when he came to the U.S. on a family vacation and was transferred to Oregon. A magistrate judge ordered his release last month after he posted 10% of a $250,000 bond. He was ordered to remain on GPS monitoring.

Michelle Kerin, his lawyer, said he has no prior criminal history and has lived his entire life in Ontario, Canada, and for two decades has worked with U.S-based companies in the healthcare, finance and security sectors, including as chief executive officer of a U.S.-based venture capital firm.

Huycke, 66, of Ontario, Canada, appeared in court Wednesday with his lawyer after traveling on his own to the United States and was released, pending trial. A trial was tentatively set for July 29.

Franklin and Huycke were ordered to have no contact with one another and not to open any new financial accounts without prior approval of a pretrial services officer.

The three brace supply companies Franklin and Huycke owned in Oregon are: Barbara J. Mantha, doing business as Home Medical Equipment & Supplies in Newport, Big Creek Medical Supplies Inc. in Salem and Harney Medical Supplies Inc. in South Beach.

The government plans to prove at trial that the unnecessary braces ordered could have harmed patients through improper use or by masking serious injuries, Halverson wrote.

Many of the doctors orders for the braces were generated by medical professionals who had no prior doctor-patient relationship with the Medicare beneficiary, did not perform any physical examination and frequently only had a short phone conversation with a Medicare beneficiary, the indictment says.

Franklin and Huycke submitted false documents to Medicare that concealed their ownership interests in the brace companies, according to the indictment.

Prosecutors said at least four cooperating witnesses are expected to testify against Franklin and Huycke at trial and that the government has recordings of Franklin discussing sham contracts to deceive Medicare with one of the cooperators. They also have obtained sham contracts and invoices that were provided to Medicare during an audit, according to Halverson.

Franklin and Huycke also owned purported consulting companies in the United States - Breeze Island Advisors Inc. in Henderson, Nevada, and Arlington Investment Management Inc., in Pompano Beach, Florida, according to their indictment.

If convicted, the two men could face more than 10 years in prison. The government also is seeking forfeiture of any property or money derived from the alleged fraud, according to the indictment.

-- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, on Bluesky @maxbernstein.bsky.social or on LinkedIn.
Russia plans to launch up to a thousand drones per day in Ukraine; Ukraine has a solution to counter this, but it requires funding from partner countries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"They [the Russian occupiers have a plan for a thousand drones, 700-1,000 drones per day. Now, if our partners hear everything that I discussed with them, we will shoot down everything. We have found, we have a solution, interceptor drones that are shot down. All, not all, but almost all, certainly. The majority," Zelenskyy said at a briefing in Rome on Thursday.

According to him, Ukraine "can produce this on a mass scale," but it is necessary to "accelerate the financing of these processes."

"It is important that the key thing has been found. Found by Ukrainians, by the way, and by Americans. There are four companies, one of these four companies is Ukrainian-American - the management is American, and the engineers are Ukrainians. We have found a solution, as a country, scientists, engineers have found a solution. This is a key thing. We need finances. And we will shoot down," Zelenskyy added.
President Donald Trump said in a letter that he will raise taxes on many imported goods from Canada to 35%, deepening a rift between two North American countries that have suffered a debilitating blow to their decades-old alliance.

The Thursday letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is an aggressive increase to the top 25% tariff rates that Trump first imposed in March after months of threats. Trumps tariffs were allegedly in an effort to get Canada to crack down on fentanyl smuggling despite the relatively modest trafficking in the drug from that country. Trump has also expressed frustration with a trade deficit with Canada that largely reflects oil purchases by America.

I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, Trump wrote in the letter.

Canada is in the top three for Oregons trading partners

The higher rates would go into effect Aug. 1, creating a tense series of weeks ahead for the global economy as recent gains in the S&P 500 stock index suggest many investors think Trump will ultimately back down on the increases. But stock market futures were down early Friday in a sign that Trumps wave of tariff letters may be starting to generate concern among investors.

In a social media post, Carney said Canada would continue to work toward a new trade framework with the U.S. and has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl.

Through the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and business, Carney said.

While multiple countries have received tariff letters this week, Canada  Americas second largest trading partner after Mexico  has become something of a foil to Trump. It has imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods and pushed back on the presidents taunts of making Canada the 51st state. Mexico has also faced 25% tariffs because of fentanyl, yet it has not faced the same public pressure from the Republican U.S. president.

Carney was elected prime minister in April on the argument that Canadians should keep their elbows up. He has responded by distancing Canada from its intertwined relationship with the U.S., seeking to strengthen its links with the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Hours before Trumps letter, Carney posted on X a picture of himself with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying, In the face of global trade challenges, the world is turning to reliable economic partners like Canada. Implied in his statement was that the U.S. has become unreliable because of Trumps haphazard tariff regime, which has gone through aggressive threats and reversals.

When Carney went to the White House in May, the public portion of their meeting was cordial. But Trump said there was nothing the Canadian leader could tell him to remove the tariffs, saying, Just the way it is.

Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said Trumps latest move will make it more difficult for Canada and the U.S. to reach a trade deal, Beland said.

It doesnt mean a new trade deal between Canada and the United States is impossible, but it shows how hard it is for the Canadian government to negotiate with a U.S. president who regularly utters threats and doesnt appear to be a reliable and truthful interlocutor, he said.

Trump has sent a series of tariff letters to 23 countries. Those form letters became increasingly personal with Canada as well as a Wednesday note that put a 50% tariff on Brazil for the ongoing trial of its former President Jair Bolsonaro for trying to stay in office after his 2022 election loss. Trump was similarly indicted for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump administration officials have said that Trump was seeking to isolate its geopolitical rival China with the tariffs, but the latest tariffs have undermined that message. Brazils largest trading partner is China, not the U.S., and Chinese government officials have framed his import taxes as a form of bullying.

Sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs are important principles of the U.N. Charter and basic norms governing international relations, said Mao Ning, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman. Tariffs should not be used as a tool for coercion, bullying and interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

The letters reflect the inability of Trump to finalize the dozens of trade frameworks that he claimed would be easy to negotiate. Shortly after unveiling his April 2 Liberation Day tariffs, a financial market selloff caused Trump to announce a 90-day negotiating period during which a 10% baseline tariff would be charged on most imported goods.

But Trump has indicated that the 10% tariff rates are largely disappearing as he resets the rates with his letters.

Were just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether its 20% or 15%, Trump said in a phone interview with NBC News.

Trump has announced trade frameworks with the U.K. and Vietnam, as well as a separate deal with China to enable continued trade talks. Trump jacked up import taxes on Chinese goods to as much as 145%, but after talks he has said China faces total tariffs of 55%.

In June, Trump said he was suspending trade talks with Canada over its plans to continue its digital services tax, which would hit U.S. technology companies. A few days later, talks resumed when Carney rescinded the tax.

Under the current tariff structure, the 2020 United States Mexico Canada Agreement has protected eligible goods from Trumps tariffs. But a review of the pact is scheduled for 2026.
A plastic sheet covers an area of the fuselage of the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft outside a hangar at Portland International Airport on Jan. 8, 2024, in Portland. TNS

The door plug blowout aboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 over Portland was the result of more than four missing bolts, the National Transportation Safety Board reiterated in its final investigation report into the incident released Thursday.

The Jan. 5, 2024, blowout  which occurred shortly after the Alaska Airlines plane took off from Portland International Airport  happened because of long-term shortcomings at Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, the agency tasked with overseeing the manufacturers quality and safety processes, the NTSB determined.

Because Boeings instructions for employees lacked clarity and conciseness, workers missed opportunities to note that the panel had been removed during the aircrafts assembly, the NTSB said. The panel was incorrectly reinstalled but, without a record of the work being done, it was not reinspected and left the factory with four crucial bolts missing.

Boeing knew of the deficiencies in its work instructions for a decade, the NTSB said in its report, but both Boeing and the FAA failed to fix the flawed process.

The blame for the panel blowout, then, did not hang on the shoulders of workers who failed to install the four bolts that would have held the panel in place, but instead on Boeing and the FAA, the NTSB said.

The safety board has made these declarations before, including at a June hearing when board members discussed the results of the 18-month-long investigation. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said at that time that an accident like this only happens when there are multiple system failures, adding that the deficiencies that led to this accident should have been evident to Boeing and the FAA.

The final report released Thursday delves into more detail about what the NTSB found following months of interviews with Boeing and FAA employees, including where its record-keeping processes and work instructions for employees fell short.

What went wrong

On Jan. 5, 2024, on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, the first officer completed an external preflight walkaround and found nothing abnormal with the Max 9, which had rolled out of Boeings Renton, Washington, factory months before.

The flights taxi, takeoff and initial climb was uneventful, until the plane reached about 14,830 feet, when the cabin pressure suddenly dropped.

The captain heard flight attendants talking about a hole in the plane but, unable to communicate with one another, both the flight and cabin crews were uncertain about what had happened, the NTSB found.

The flight landed safely back in Portland, with some passengers and crew members reporting minor injuries. The left side of the plane had a hole that measured roughly 29 inches wide and 59 inches high. A seat back tray table, two seat headrests and nearby cabin interior panels were missing.

Months earlier, Boeing mechanics in the companys Renton factory had removed that panel, known as a door plug because it fills a hole in the fuselage that can be used as an emergency exit for high-density seating aircraft.

Mechanics removed the panel to fix a problem with rivets. But, the NTSB found, none of the personnel working on the door plug generated a record that the panel had been removed.

Boeing mechanics then re-installed the door plug, without four bolts meant to hold it in place. Because there was no removal record, no one conducted a final inspection to sign off that the door plug was re-installed correctly.

After the plane was delivered to Alaska Airlines  without the bolts in place  the door plug slowly slid upwards, until, during Flight 1282, it moved far enough up to separate from stop fittings pinning it in place. The loosened plug then flew out of the airframe, leaving a hole in the side of the aircraft.

The four bolts meant to hold the door plug in place were never found, the NTSB said.

Missed chances

The NTSB determined that Boeing workers missed two opportunities to prompt a reinspection of the door plug after it had been removed and reinstalled.

Though both were needed to properly follow Boeings work processes, just one of the two could have prompted a second look and caught the missing bolts, preventing the near catastrophe.

Boeings procedures direct workers to generate a removal record to document what parts of the airplane they took off and what tasks are then needed to assure the parts are re-installed correctly.

That removal record is required whenever there is a disturbance of a previously accepted installation, according to the NTSBs report. In other words, whenever the removal would affect a job task that had already been inspected and approved. The removal would then require the earlier task be reinspected.

In one early discussion about the door plug, the NTSB learned that a senior manager told the door manager that if removal (is) needed, a removal needs to (be) written first.

Still, the NTSB determined that neither the door team manager nor any of the door team personnel on duty had any experience opening a door plug, nor any knowledge of who actually performed the work. A removal record was not generated.

Separately, Boeing also incorporates a short stamp process, which is meant to document work that couldnt be completed in its initial phase of production and therefore has to travel through the factory. A stamp indicates that a portion of the work has been completed.

In this case, Boeings post accident review showed the short stamp process did not clearly define the work remaining, the NTSB said.

Though the short stamp process would not have negated the need for a removal record, it may have prompted a second look at the area and found that the bolts were missing, the NTSB said in its final report.

A systemic problem

The NTSB did not identify any individuals who worked on the removal and reinstallation of the door plug, and its not clear if the agency knows who performed those tasks.

But, the board made it clear in its final report that the incident was not the result of a single worker or group of workers who missed a crucial step in Boeings process. Instead, it was the result of a company-wide problem that had long been identified.

It found that Boeings instructions for removal records lacked clarity, conciseness and ease of use.

The specific instructions for generating a removal record were more than 50 pages long, directed workers to other instructions and provided more exceptions about when a removal record was not needed than direction indicating when it was, the NTSB wrote in its report.

Boeing lacked the comprehensive training and clear guidance needed to ensure that its  737 door team personnel and others could consistently meet quality and safety standards, the NTSB continued.

Boeing had been aware that its work instructions were not preparing employees to follow the removal process for at least 10 years, the agency determined. Those specific work instructions were referenced in 16 compliance issue reports to the FAA from 2018 to 2023, including instances of workers failing to generate a removal when it was required, the NTSB found.

Boeing had substantively revised the instructions 11 times between 2013 and 2023, but its proposed changes, which had been accepted by the FAA, were ineffective, the NTSB said. Furthermore, the FAA lacked the processes to keep track of discrepancies and non-conformances related to Boeings removal process.

A call for change

Boeing has since updated its instructions and training, including adding more training on when and why removal documentation is required.

Still, the NTSB said in its report that effective guidance and recurrent training are critical to ensure employees know what to do when a removal arises.

The NTSB, which does not have regulatory or enforcement authority, recommended Boeing update its on-the-job training to identify tasks that are necessary for manufacturing workers to be considered fully qualified.

Thats in part because the NTSB found that training for nonroutine tasks, including opening a door plug and generating a removal record, was not part of a structured program, leaving many workers unprepared.

The NTSB also recommended Boeing implement a grading system for its training program and develop a process to identify quality issues that result from human error, in order to prevent the same error from reoccurring.

When it comes to Boeings oversight, the NTSB said it was encouraged by the FAAs initial progress but recommended the agency revise its compliance enforcement system, audit activity and record-keeping system.

It also recommended that the FAA convene an independent panel to review Boeings safety culture.

In response to the NTSBs recommendations first publicized at the June hearing, the FAA said it has fundamentally changed how it oversees Boeing  and we will continue this aggressive oversight to ensure Boeing fixes its systemic production-quality issues.

Boeing could not be reached for comment Thursday.

--By Lauren Rosenblatt, The Seattle Times

2025 The Seattle Times. Visit seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Mike Bivins, 37, speaks with his attorney after hearing the jury's verdict on Thurs., July 10, 2025. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

Mike Bivins tried to torch a Muslim community center and vandalized two synagogues and a Black-owned business during a four-day hate crime spree two years ago, a jury found.

The Multnomah County jury deliberated for about four hours Thursday before finding Bivins guilty on all 11 counts  including first-degree arson, criminal mischief and second-degree bias crime, the legal term for a hate crime.

Now 37, Bivins worked as an independent videographer and freelance journalist for Willamette Week in the mid-2010s, when he often covered far-right protests with a critical lens.

But sometime after leaving the profession in 2019, Bivins began trafficking in racial and religious hatred. In court, prosecutors presented as evidence the racist tracts found during a search of Bivins Sellwood neighborhood apartment as well as his undisguised statements on social media.

Prosecutor Quinn Zemel said during closing arguments Wednesday that the state had no interest in policing Bivins private thoughts or opinions.

But the reason why we take actions matters  and they have different effects, he explained. When you spray paint Die Juden on a synagogue, you dont just inconvenience a building owner, you intimidate an entire community  and thats what these bias crimes are about.

Bivins rampage began April 30, 2022, when he smashed a window at Congregation Shir Tikvah, an east Portland synagogue, and broke a window at Everybody Eats PDX, a Black-owned restaurant in the Pearl.

He then vandalized Congregation Beth Israel in Northwest Portland and, on May 3, used an accelerant to set fire to the back of the Muslim Community Center in North Portland, according to surveillance footage.

The flames fizzled out on their own due to the buildings fire-resistant siding, leaving worshippers inside unaware of the attack until the next day, when the scorch marks were discovered by chance.

Irked that most of his vandalism wasnt being reported in the media, Bivins traveled in disguise to KPTVs headquarters in Beaverton, where he revealed the crimes to reporter Chandler Watkins and promised to return in two days once she had verified the information with police.

He said he was going to do this again until he was caught, Watkins testified Wednesday, adding that she and her managers quickly decided to alert the police.

Former KPTV reporter Chandler Watkins testifies in court Wed., July 9, 2025. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

Officers arrested Bivins when he got off a bus in Beaverton near the TV station at their scheduled meeting time.

Defense attorney Alicia Hercher, in her own closing, argued that the state hadnt met the burden of proof, noting that detectives had also been investigating another suspect, who had sent threatening text messages to the imam at the Muslim Community Center.

Theres no fingerprints, no DNA, no clear video that really shows who that person is, she said. These things are important when youre trying to convict someone of a crime  details matter.

The jury sided with the state, however.

Bivins had no supporters present during the three-day trial. His mother died while he was in custody, and he still faces pending federal charges.

Deputies scolded him several times during the trial when he attempted to speak to the press gallery during breaks, remarking once that his own ordeal was top news.

At another point, he mused whether he could take the stand but refuse to reply to prosecutors questions, prompting Judge Eric Dahlin to warn him against intentionally triggering a mistrial. Dahlin said he would tell the jury they could make negative inferences as to the truth of each unanswered question.

Bivins ultimately didnt take the stand and appeared unfazed when the verdict was read out.

But he did mutter a few words as he was taken away in handcuffs: You havent heard the last of me.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 19.

Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane.
In the middle of the night, a driver of a red sedan pulls into a parking lot of a Portland cannabis store.

As the car turns into the parking lot, it heads straight into a front-facing window of the business, sending shards of glass flying across the entrance, security camera footage shows. The driver of the red car reverses and then drives into the storefront a second time while another car approaches.

Two masked individuals spring out of this car and dash into the business, grabbing cannabis products and stuffing them into backpacks. About three minutes later, they get back in the car and drive away.

This wasnt the first smash-and-grab burglary of a Portland cannabis business, and law enforcement officials said at a press conference Thursday theyre worried it wont be the last.

Multnomah County prosecutors and Portland police said thieves have burglarized about 24 cannabis businesses this year, with several using this same tactic of ramming cars through businesses doors and security gates. In some cases, the cars are stolen and later dumped at the business or elsewhere.

The burglaries have forced some Portland cannabis businesses to close or lay off staff, and theyve spread fear among owners and employees who dont know if their shop may be next, authorities and representatives of cannabis retailers said.

The consequences have been real, said Jesse Bontecou, the executive director of the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon at the news conference. Businesses have been destroyed and, and in some cases, bankrupt.

Multnomah Countys top prosecutor, Nathan Vasquez, called whats happening a burglary ring and said the rampant criminal behavior shows that some people believe they can get away with these types of crimes.

At the Multnomah County Central Courthouse, Vasquez told reporters his office will partner with law enforcement agencies and cannabis industry officials to prosecute individuals tied to the ring.

From left, Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm speaks with District Attorney Nathan Vasquez at a news conference about a spate of burglaries of Portland-area cannabis businesses. Zaeem Shaikh/The Oregonian

His office has already connected two people to some of the thefts. Michael Kessler, 27, has been charged in two of them. And Manwell Castro, 37, has been charged in three more, but prosecutors suspect at least 10 or more individuals have been involved.

Both Kessler and Castro entered not guilty pleas Wednesday.

Kessler is accused of stealing between $15,000 and $20,000 in product from Natural Remedies in Southwest Portland. He is also accused of stealing multiple marijuana plants from a Northeast Portland business late last month when prosecutors allege one car rammed an electric fence and two others rammed the side doors of the business.

Court documents say Castro is accused of stealing from three different cannabis businesses in the early hours of March 24. The burglaries at Brothers Cannabis in Southeast Portland and then at Lemonnade PDX in Northeast Portland happened within an hour of each other.

A store manager at Lemonnade previously told The Oregonian/OregonLive that two drivers crashed through the front of the business, and five people sprang out of both vehicles, grabbing what they could.

During the news conference, Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm showed security camera footage from March of individuals using vehicles to ram through garage doors of Portland cannabis wholesaler Self Made before entering the business.

The district attorneys office has released the camera footage of that burglary along with two others. A district attorneys office spokesperson said police were investigating the videos to see if the burglaries were connected. Authorities are asking for the public to reach out if they know the people involved or have any other information about other cannabis business burglaries.

Bontecou said the indictments against Kessler and Castro mark a major step toward addressing the violent robberies that have shaken Oregons cannabis industry for years. Marijuana businesses have been frequent targets of robberies and burglaries, especially as they conduct business with cash.

Earlier this year in March, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission issued a bulletin alerting cannabis license holders to an increase in burglaries and robberies. At the time, the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon said farms, wholesalers and processors were affected in addition to stores.

Prosecutors for now have zeroed in on the 24 burglaries this year, but Vasquez said his office believes there are many more instances. He said his office will be aggressive in prosecuting people who are involved.

Were going to continue to go after each and every one, Vasquez said. And the more cases we can make, the better.

Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221-4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X@zaeemshake.
The fire was reported at 5:53 a.m. at the building near East Burnside Street and 104th Avenue, and more than 40 units ended up responding to the four-alarm blaze. Kimberly Cortez

Daniel Domingo was getting ready for the day in his second-floor apartment when he noticed smoke wafting up past the front window.

When he realized the building was on fire, he and his family quickly gathered what they could, including their dog, but by the time they got outside they realized theyd have to jump from the terrace. Even Domingos mother, whos approaching her 70s, leaped from the second floor.

I was just thinking about survival, Domingo, 30, said. My moms the eldest  she shouldnt even have to deal with any of this.

Four people who lived in the east Portland apartment complex told The Oregonian/OregonLive that a man who also lived in the 3-story building threw a Molotov cocktail into the complex Friday morning. The blaze quickly engulfed the building.

One person has been detained for questioning, according to Rick Graves, spokesperson for Portland Fire & Rescue. Police have not publicly identified the person. Graves would not comment on the cause of the fire.

Portland fire said two people were rescued from the blaze. No information is available about injuries. Kimberly Cortez

Domingo said the person he believes started the fire has psychotic episodes. Hes just screaming absurdities, yelling [stuff]. Domingo said he lived in the apartment right above where the blaze started.

The fire was reported at 5:53 a.m. at the building near East Burnside Street and 104th Avenue, and nearly 80 Portland and Gresham firefighters ended up responding to the four-alarm blaze. Fire crews extinguished the fire in about an hour.

Shaun Dougherty, 41, lived in an apartment in the back part of the building. He said he heard the sound of arguing, and then glass breaking, before he heard people yelling that a fire had started.

Dude threw, like, a Molotov cocktail in the window; like, it just went up in flames, Dougherty said. You know, went quick. I just grabbed my backpack and some cash, and I was out of here.

He said it was pandemonium as people fled the burning building. There was a girl who had to walk on glass, and [there were] bloody footprints all the way out here.

Portland Fire & Rescue said firefighters rescued eight people from the blaze, as well as four dogs and a cat.

Domingo lived in the apartment building with family for a decade before the fire. He said disturbances were common.

This neighborhood, really, it was already kind of rough around the edges, Domingo said. He added that it had gotten worse since the pandemic: crime, shootings, psychotic episodes, people with mental illness, unhoused. Its just kind of just common life here every day.

David Richards, 46, had lived in the apartment complex for six years. He was half asleep when he heard someone outside yelling that a fire had started.

I hear, like, the breaking of glass and then I just kind of gathered my wits, walked out my patio, and then I can see the front of (the building) engulfed, Richards said. I was just running out for help, and the heat was just unbearable. I got a little bit burned, right around my arm and my neck because I was just running.

Fire officials said two people were injured in the blaze. The extent of the injuries is not known at this time.

The fire bureau said at least 15 people have been displaced from their homes because of the fire, and possibly more than 30.

This story has been updated.

Kimberly Cortez covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at kcortez@oregonian.com

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
A rainbow over downtown Portland, as seen from the Vista Bridge in March 2025. As of 2023, Portland boasted the largest share of people 35-49 of any city in the country. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

Its no secret that Portland saw a surge of young residents arrive across a couple of decades, from the 1990s to the mid-2010s. But it turns out many have stuck around to help Portland rank No. 1 nationally in a specific demographic category.

People born between 1974 and 1988  35- to 49-year-olds in 2023  represented 24.1% of Portlands population that year  the largest share of people that age of any U.S. city with more than 400,000 residents, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Western cities led the nation in share of this 35-49 cohort, with Oakland (22.1%), Denver (22.1%), Seattle (21.8%) and San Francisco (21.1%) rounding out the top five in 2023, the most recent year for which specific age data is available.

Maybe we could call this cohort, which includes both younger Generation Xers and older Millennials, the Portlandia crowd. The popular TV comedy series, which ran from 2011-18, was certainly part of the groups consciousness, regardless of when its individuals landed in the Rose City.

These Gen Xers and Millennials migrated to Portland in droves in the 2000s and 2010s, said Ethan Sharygin, director of the Population Research Center at Portland State University.

Among West Coast cities, it was the most affordable, it had a great alternative culture, it had a great urban lifestyle and creative economy, Sharygin said. And so I think a lot of the growth that happened during that time period  these people are now 10 years older, theyre approaching middle age or in middle age.

Middle age? Sorry, Gen Xers. Reality bites.

The cohorts presence in Portland peaked at a population of more than 170,000 in 2015, up an astounding two-thirds from 2006. At that time, the group made up just under 27% of the citys population, which ranked Portland third nationally behind Oakland and Seattle in overall population share of that cohort.

Even though Portlands numbers dipped to about 152,000 and 24.1% as of 2023, other cities saw demographic changes, too. That allowed Portland to rise to the top of national rankings.

For now, its probably a good thing that Portland is comparatively packed with 35- to 49-year-olds.

Theyre kind of the prime working ages, Sharygin said. Theyre not old enough that theyre really placing any demands on social services, but they are paying taxes.

Meanwhile, there has been a far smaller influx of twentysomethings to Portland in recent years, Sharygin said, as the younger set instead opted for places such as Seattle, Denver and Austin, Texas.

I think that tells a lot of the story of whats happened the past 10 years, that Portland has lost out in terms of migration of people in their 20s as those other cities have really boomed, he said.

What happens with twentysomethings in the coming years is a big question mark for Sharygin.

My main concern is about tomorrows 35- to 49-year-olds, he said. So where are the 20- to 34-year-olds? How can we get them to come back to Portland? Because it was kind of a good thing to be able to attract those young, working-age people.

Sharygin pointed to a couple of factors that have limited Portlands appeal to younger people recently.

I think compared to cities of a similar size, Portland lacks a really strong university pipeline that can feed people into tech careers, he said. Theres a good economy here, but its kind of a niche economy. We have consumer companies like Nike, we have a little bit of tech. But we just have not really kept up with cities that were our peers in the past.

So thats a point of concern. Where is that future and how are we going to get back to positive net migration into Portland?

Apparently, it may take more than putting a bird on it.

-- Joel Odom writes about trending topics in news, life and culture, and sports. Reach him at 503-221-8594, jodom@oregonian.com or @jkodom on Blue Sky.
Everyone loves potato chips, but shoppers in individual U.S. states have particular favorites, an Instacart report showed. Getty Images

As anyone who has visited a grocery store can testify, there are plenty of potato chip options for crunch-craving shoppers to choose from. But which potato chip brand is Oregons favorite?

While that question may not be keeping us up at night, the online grocery shopping and delivery service Instacart decided to investigate. Instacart dug into purchase data from 2024 to highlight what people may add to their carts to create the ultimate summertime spread, according to Instacart trends analyst Alex Orellana.

The report examined potato chip purchases to come up with a list of what brand of chips U.S. states seemed to like the most.

Whether paired with burgers, dips, or enjoyed straight from the bag, chips play an important role in holiday spreads, Orellana wrote. And while everyone loves a good potato chip, distinct chip preferences emerge across different regions of the U.S.

For example, Utz was a top choice for snacking shoppers in the mid-Atlantic and part of the South, earning the top spot in the Carolinas, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.

In the Duh category, Hawaiian Kettle Style Potato Chips crunched the competition in Hawaii, where they were over 2,500% more likely to be purchased than the national average.

Continuing in No-Surprise-Here territory, New Englanders had a hankering for Cape Cod Chips, which was a favorite brand in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

In a similar trend, Colorado chip-cravers purchased Boulder Canyon chips, which were picked up 525% more often than the national average, to pair with their favorite dips.

So what brand did Oregon shoppers choose as a favorite? According to the Instacart report, Kettle Brand chips ranked at the top of the list, which makes sense, considering that the Kettle Brand was born in Salem in 1978, as The Oregonian/OregonLive reported in 2013, as a a purveyor of gourmet nuts, and in 1982 expanded into making potato chips, producing distinctively crunchy, thick chips that result from the batch-cooked process.

The Instacart Great American Chip-Off report notes that in looking at the purchase info, private label brands were removed.
Environmental and ratepayer advocates have filed a lawsuit claiming the Bonneville Power Administration illegally committed to a Southwest energy market, ignoring a cheaper alternative that would benefit consumers. AP

Five energy and conservation nonprofits are suing the Bonneville Power Administration over its decision to join a new energy trading market, claiming it will raise electricity and transmission costs in Oregon and across the region.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, alleges that BPAs move violates the Northwest Power Act and the National Environmental Policy Act and will also weaken energy grid reliability and reduce access to clean energy.

BPA, the Northwests largest transmission grid operator, in May announced it would join the Arkansas-based Southwest Power Pool day-ahead market known as Markets Plus instead of joining Californias day-ahead market. The Southwest market is smaller with fewer electrical generation resources, experts say.

Prior to that decision, Pacific Northwest governors, lawmakers, utility regulators and renewable energy proponents had pressed the BPA for months to reconsider its plans, which the agency initially announced in March.

The nonprofits involved in the legal challenge are the Oregon Citizens Utility Board, a watchdog organization that advocates for utility customers; national environmental group the Sierra Club; the Montana Environmental Information Center, which promotes clean energy; the Idaho Conservation League, a natural landscape conservation group; and the NW Energy Coalition, which promotes affordable energy policies.

The groups, represented by San Francisco-based environmental law nonprofit Earthjustice, want the court to vacate BPAs decision, require the agency to prepare an environmental impact statement and rescind the financial commitments already made to the Southwest energy market.

The BPAs spokesperson Nick Quinata declined to comment on the pending litigation. Previously, the agency said the Southwest day-ahead market is superior to the California one because it would allow BPA to remain more independent due to its market design and governance structure.

BPA, part of the U.S. Department of Energy, markets hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin and supplies a third of the Northwests electricity, most of it to publicly owned rural utilities and electric cooperatives. It also owns and operates 15,000 miles  75%  of the Northwests high-voltage transmission lines. Nearly every electric utility in Oregon benefits from either the clean hydroelectricity or the transmission lines controlled by BPA.

BPAs decision sets the stage for having two energy markets across the West.

The lawsuit says that will likely lead to rising prices and blackouts during periods of high electricity demand because of the complexity of transmitting power across boundaries between different utilities and the agreements required for such transfers.

Oregons two largest utilities, investor-owned Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, have both signed agreements to join Californias day-ahead market instead. They, too, have argued that once BPA leaves the Western market, the available energy they can purchase would diminish and become more expensive, leading to higher prices for customers across the region.

Regional electricity providers also may have to construct additional power generation facilities, increase operation of existing facilities or both, to make up for BPAs participation in a smaller and less efficient energy market, the suit contends. It could also increase reliance on generation resources powered by fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas plants because clean energy isnt as widely available in the smaller Southwest market, the suit says.

The Northwest Power Act, passed by Congress in the 1980s, requires BPA to provide low-cost power to the region while encouraging renewable energy, conservation and protection of fish and wildlife.

BPA violated those duties when it chose the Southwest market option, according to the lawsuit.

The groups also allege BPAs market choice could harm fish and wildlife in the Columbia basin because it could alter the operation of the federal hydroelectric dams from which Bonneville markets power.

The lawsuit claims BPA failed to comply with federal environmental law by not conducting any environmental impact analysis on impacts to fish and wildlife before making its decision.

The Citizens Utility Board, a party to the lawsuit, said it hoped the BPA reverses course  otherwise its decision will splinter the Wests electricity markets, costing utility customers billions of dollars at a time when many are already dealing with skyrocketing bills.

The board, as well as other critics of BPAs decision, have pointed to an initiative developing an independent governance structure for Californias day-ahead market.

Oregon is facing overlapping energy challenges: rising utility bills, rising electricity demand from data centers, and stalling progress on meeting clean energy requirements. The last thing we need is for one of our regions largest clean energy suppliers to reduce ties with the Pacific Northwest, said the groups spokesperson Charlotte Shuff.

 Gosia Wozniacka covers environmental justice, climate change, the clean energy transition and other environmental issues. Reach her at gwozniacka@oregonian.com or 971-421-3154.
Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario. Oregon Department of Justice records obtained Friday by The Oregonian/OregonLive detail extensive examples of what investigators characterized as hate speech and images shared by members of the Snake River Correctional Institution's tactical team. Beth Nakamura/File

The Oregon Department of Corrections has moved to fire three corrections officers at the states largest prison who sent racist, antisemitic, homophobic and sexist texts, videos and images on a group thread with other members of the prisons tactical team, records show.

Oregon Department of Justice records obtained Friday by The Oregonian/OregonLive detail extensive examples of what investigators characterized as hate speech and images.
Multnomah County joined dozens of other local governments in challenging federal grant restrictions tied to DEI and sanctuary policies. Multnomah County

Multnomah County has piled onto a wave of local governments opposing Trump administration threats to cut federal funding due to immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The county stands to lose around $126 million in federal dollars if President Donald Trumps executive orders targeting those initiatives fully come into effect, officials said Thursday. That doesnt include any cuts to federal Medicaid health benefits as a result of Trumps sweeping policy bill, signed into law July 4.

We cannot stand by while this administration shreds our local safety net to advance its political agenda, Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said in a statement.

The county joined 60 local governments that have filed a two-month-old lawsuit originating in King County, Washington, Thursday. It challenges the Trump administrations attempt to impose new conditions on homelessness and transit grants that had already been awarded. The lawsuit claims the executive orders cancelling that funding is unconstitutional and violates federal law.

A federal judge blocked the Trump administrations efforts in June, temporarily preventing the federal government from pulling those grants while the case is under review.

Multnomah County officials also on Tuesday filed to join another lawsuit out of San Francisco that contests the legality of Trumps executive orders attempting to defund sanctuary cities or jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration authorities.

The county said Trump has passed three executive orders to defund governments with sanctuary rules. Local governments argue in the lawsuit that being forced to aid in federal immigration enforcement violates the 10th amendment, which protects a states right to govern its own affairs. Portland has joined this lawsuit as well.

Shortly after taking office in January, Trump signed a flurry of executive orders targeting diversity and immigration policies. Those executive orders mostly targeted diversity efforts within the federal government. But Trump has also threatened to pull federal dollars or contracts from local governments, schools and universities and private companies that dont revoke such policies.

Multnomah Countys legal opposition to the administrations stance strikes a much different tone than that of Washington County, Oregons second most-populous county. The Washington County Board of Commissioners weighed revoking the countys diversity and equity policies to avoid the scorn of the federal government. Commissioner Nafisa Fai and others pushed back, and an official vote was tabled. County officials are working on a resolution that will help them comply with federal mandates.

 Austin De Dios covers county politics, programs and more. Reach him at 503-319-9744, adedios@oregonian.com or @AustinDeDios.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he is considering the candidacy of the incumbent Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov for the post of Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States.

"I will say frankly, if I decide, and this will be in the near future, that Ukraine will be represented in the United States, that is, our key ambassador will be Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, this will certainly affect serious changes in the Ukrainian government," Zelenskyy said at a briefing in Rome on Thursday.

According to him, such a candidacy is dictated by the fact that "today all decisions, our entire budget is, unfortunately, war, and therefore a lot depends on the Ministry of Defense."

"It is very important for us today, in the context that is happening now, to strengthen relations with the United States of America, not to lose this moment ... And therefore it is necessary for the person to be strong and to be in the context of the most important thing - and this is in the context of strengthening Ukraine, weapons first of all. And therefore one of my ideas is that this could be the Minister of Defense of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

The President stressed that the change of the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States will take place in any case, and he has already spoken about this with Oksana Markarova, who holds the corresponding position. "I cannot tell you how her work will continue - a lot depends on her. I am open. I would like her to continue working in Ukraine. But if she decides differently for herself, that is her choice," Zelenskyy noted.
No injuries have been reported. Portland Fire & Rescue

UPDATE: Man threw Molotov cocktail, starting fire that destroyed east Portland apartment complex, witnesses say

A fire ripped through an apartment building near East Burnside and 104th Avenue on Friday morning.

Portland Fire & Rescue reported on social media that two rescues [were] made.

The four-alarm blaze was first reported just before 6 a.m. More than 40 units ultimately responded to the scene.

By 6: 30, the bulk of the fire has been extinguished, fire officials said, and crews were addressing any hot spots.

No injuries have been reported.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
The weathered 1890 Cox-Williams House in St. Helens, recognized by historians as the largest and most elaborate surviving Victorian-era residence in the citys downtown Columbia Riverfront Historic District, is for sale at $525,000.

The Italianate-style mansion at 280 S. First St., built for the daughter of a lumber baron and developer, is prime for a full restoration or reuse project, said listing agent Eric Herbert of Keller Williams Realty Professionals.

Movie location scouts selected the historic house with a covered veranda and front door with original stained glass as a filming location for the 1996 Spanish-American romantic comedy-drama film Things I Never Told You.

Windows on two stories grant front-row views of downtown activities, such as summertime concerts, Octobers Spirit of HalloweenTown and other holiday celebrations.

The 4,104-square-foot house has a parlor with a cast plaster rosette in the ceiling, dining room with a polygonal bay window, enclosed sunroom and a kitchen wing on the main level.

The small bathroom in the back of kitchen originally served as a gun room, according to historians.

The original oak staircase and many of the paneled doors, hardware and other interior finish are intact.

There are three bedrooms upstairs and a partially finished basement.

This home is for someone who has a passion for history, preservation and wants to live in a small community and be in the heart of it, Herbert told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

History of the house

From about 1878 to 1901, Richard and Annie Muckle Cox acquired four lots in St. Helens from her family as well as landowners William Meeker and Hannah Tyszkiewiez, say historians.

In 1890, the couples wood-frame trophy home was built by Arthur George on two lots that were later sold, and in 1912, the home was moved to another lot where it was placed on a foundation with a basement.

Richard Cox was an accountant for the Muckle Lumber Company and judge of Columbia County who lived in the house until he died in 1914.

Annie Muckle Cox was the daughter of James Muckle, co-founder with his brother Charles of the Muckle Lumber Company. She lived in the house until her death in 1933.

In 1932, Annie Cox deeded the house and property to her granddaughter, Alice Louise Cox Williams, who had been born in a bedroom of the house in 1897 and lived there until 1980.

Williams was secretary to Hamlin F. McCormick, head of the St. Helens Lumber Company, who bought the Muckle Lumber Company site after the plant burned in a 1904 fire.

McCormick also worked for McCormick Steamship Company, owned by his brother Charles.

Williams and her husband Emmett owned Williams Cash Grocery from about 1922 to about 1970.

In 1922, a small upstairs bedroom of the house was remodeled as the main bathroom and in 1933, the northeast bedroom was converted to a rental unit kitchen.

In 1980, Williams left the house to live nearby and after 100 years, the property passed from Cox-Williams family ownership. In 1982, owner Robert Israels, who restored the Blue Rose Ballroom building across the street, had the property listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is the first time the property, in a commercial zone, has been on the market since 1995, Herbert said.

 Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072, jeastman@oregonian.com and follow her on X @janeteastman.
A bell-to-bell cellphone ban will be enforced at Norman Public Schools beginning the 2025-26 school year as required by a senate bill approved by Gov. Kevin Stitt in May.

Senate Bill 139 requires all Oklahoma school districts to adopt policies prohibiting student use of cellphones on campus, putting disciplinary actions in place for such violations.

About a month after SB 139 was passed, the NPS Board of Education approved its bell-to-bell personal electronic device ban.

NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name When major news breaks + a few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing...

Stephanie Williams, NPS executive director of student services, said in a nearly 10 hour meeting in May that the district collected feedback about the policy from students, staff, teachers and a policy review team in January.

With collaboration being one of our core values, it was important that we gathered as much input as possible throughout this process, Williams said in a June board meeting. We have had a lot of conversations around this topic.

NPS policy, enforcement, violations

The policy states students are prohibited from using phones and other personal electronic devices capable of connecting to wireless networks while on a public school district campus from bell-to-bell. The policy does not apply to school-issued or approved instructional devices.

The policy defines bell-to-bell as the time between the first bell ringing at the start of the school day until the dismissal bell at the end of the school day. Williams said it would also include lunch and passing periods.

However, high school students in 10-12th grade who leave campus for lunch will be exempt from the policy during the time they are off campus. Office 1 Board member Dirk OHara said the policy does not extend to off-campus activities.

We cant purview bell-to-bell off-campus, OHara said.

Williams said the bell-to-bell policy would also apply to activities taking place during school hours, such as field trips. She said activities that happen outside of school hours, like some sporting events, are not included in the policy.

Kristyn Erickson, a first-grade teacher at Truman Primary and former NPS teacher of the year, has four children enrolled at NPS schools. She told OU Daily Wednesday she believes the policy will help students to focus on instruction rather than their phones.

As a teacher, my opinion is a little bit more streamlined, Erickson said. Its so hard to focus on whats in front of you if that phone keeps bugging you and tearing you away from your learning.

SB 139 states school boards can allow certain exceptions, including emergency and medical situations, and will be allowed to adopt policies for subsequent school years more tailored to local needs.

The NPS policy also outlines three exceptions to the rule, stating students are allowed to use personal devices in emergencies, to monitor health such as glucose levels and as assistive technology as outlined in an Individualized Educational Program or other plans.

We want to ensure that were meeting those individual needs of each student, Williams said. But also that were staying consistent and that were in line with the law.

Williams said the board is approaching the policy with three main focuses: a clear policy, explaining how the policy benefits learning, and fair and consistent enforcement.

NO PAYWALL, NONPARTISAN Students pay about $14 in fees that support the Daily. If you're not a student, please join those invested in OU and Norman who have given more than $110,000 to support our trustworthy, independent journalism. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL JOURNALISM

The policy states students in violation of the policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Punishment for violations will be determined by administration on a case-by-case basis and will vary for elementary, middle and high school students.

Williams noted that a secondary level violation would result in the student being issued a personal electronic storage pouch where their phone will be stored until the end of the school day.

Violation consequences will also be outlined in student handbooks and on the NPS website in accordance with the student discipline policy, Williams said.

Campaign, implementation

Following the passage of the policy, NPS launched its Power Down to Power Up campaign designed to help families and staff understand the policy implementation.

The campaign features answers to frequently asked questions, copies of violation consequences and posters and social media graphics.

Courtney Scott, NPS chief communications officer, said the goal of the campaign is to encourage students to follow the policy.

We want it to keep things light and make it about our students staying engaged while theyre in the school system, Scott said.

Erickson said she believes the campaign will help educate students and parents about the reasoning behind the policy.

This is coming from a Senate bill. Just that education piece and that background, I think thats a big part, Erickson said. Our district is approaching it in the absolute correct way.

Scott said parents can call the school office and leave a message for their child, contact their child directly through Canvas messaging or, for older students, parents can email their child.

Williams said the board will discuss further details of implementation with school staff this month.

Those conversations in July are going to be critical to determine what (staff needs), Williams said. We most certainly want it to be doable and sustainable for them.

Erickson said she hopes the district implements similar policies in future years, even after the Senate bill allows more local control.

I really hope that this is the beginning of a culture change, Erickson said. We have the opportunity to really make a difference, not just this year but those future years.

This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Natalie Armour. Ryan Little and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
This item has just been posted on the fossilized and entirely static website of the Interpreter Foundation: Seek Ye Words of Wisdom: Columbus among the Lamanites, written by Andrew H. Hedges:

Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article originally appeared in Seek Ye Words of Wisdom: Studies of the Book of Mormon, Bible, and Temple in Honor of Stephen D. Ricks, edited by Donald W. Parry, Gaye Strathearn, and Shon D. Hopkin. For more information, go to https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/seek-ye-words-of-wisdom/. Students of the Book of Mormon have long realized that the Nephite record is not necessarily a record of everything that happened in North and South America between 600 BC and AD 400. Internal evidence from the text itself makes it clear that the vast majority of events related in the book took place in a fairly limited area, even while allowing for the possibility that the Nephite interaction sphere may have been quite extensive. This has resulted in numerous authors over the years making their case that one or another of a variety of peoples and culturesknown today through archaeological remainsliving in the Americas during Book of Mormon times were the Nephites and Lamanites of the text.

Please note that today is Thursday, not Friday, and that this is not a new article in our journal but, rather, part of our book chapter reprint series. New journal articles appear on Fridays, not on Thursdays. Chapter reprints appear on Thursdays, not on Fridays. Some time back, one unfortunate reader became confused, disoriented, and wildly indignant when he mixed the two up in his mind, accusing us of fraud and deception. Dont be that guy.

I believe in free markets, and Im opposed both to socialism and to mercantilism (or neo-mercantilism), the latter of which, until recently, I had happily believed to be extinct. So Im pleased to see reports such as this one out of Argentina: The Milei Miracle Is a Vindication of Free Markets. The results of Mr. Mileis reforms are pretty much what I would have expected; Im surprised, after so many experiments have been successfully conducted, that so many people seem still to be surprised at the results.

Ive been told on multiple occasions throughout my now absurdly long life that, while religious people like me dream of pie in the sky when we die, secular people (such as those addressing and accusing me) care about making this world, the real world, a better place. Religion is the opiate of the people, Karl Marx famously complained. Elsewhere, he remarked that, while philosophers have said that the purpose of philosophy is to understand the world, the purpose is to change it  which, I think we (and its scores of millions of victims) can all agree, Marxism certainly did. Religion, in Marxs view, was a distraction from the real business of making this world a better place.

And, of course, the critics of religious belief with whom Ive spoken on this subject may well be far better people than I am  thats a pretty low bar to clear, after all  and its certainly possible that theyre giving vast proportions of their time and wealth and energy to serve humanity.

On the whole, though, research seems to indicate that, both historically and currently, religious people (supposedly focused like lasers on another world rather than this one) give substantially more of their time, effort, and financial resources to alleviating evils in this life. One need only think of such foundations as the large networks of Catholic and Seventh-Day Adventist hospitals, the New York Presbyterian system, the former Latter-day Saint hospital system in the Intermountain West; of the role that Christian care for the sick and dying played in the emergence of Christianity across the ancient Mediterranean (as chronicled, for example, by the late Rodney Stark in The Rise of Christianity); of Christian medical missionaries, and the like, to sense the truth of this. The Swiss businessman Henry Dunant, who conceived of what became the International Red Cross, was a devout Christian. Clara Barton, who founded the American Red Cross, was a devout Christian. The British parliamentarian William Wilberforce, leader of the movement to abolish the Atlantic slave trade, was a devout Christian. The English slave ship captain John Newton became a minister and an abolitionist after his conversion to Christianity, as he described in a justly famous hymn that, Im delighted to say, will shortly be included in the official hymnal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

1. Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch; like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see. 2. Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed! 3. The Lord hath promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures. 4. When weve been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

Weve no less days to sing Gods praise

Than when we first begun.

Arthur C. Brookss 2006 volume, Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth about Compassionate Conservatism, made it much, much harder for secularists to preen themselves, as a class, on their superior compassion. And many more articles and books making the same case have appeared since then.

Religious people, it turns out, give more to charity than do nonreligious people. They donate more money  and not merely to their churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques. Religious people, wrote Brooks, are more charitable in every measurable nonreligious way  including secular donations, informal giving, and even acts of kindness and honesty  than secularists. Theyre more likely to give money to family and friends, and, when they do, to give larger amounts. Theyre more likely to volunteer and to give blood. Even non-churchgoers, if they were raised in religious households, are more likely to donate to charity than those who were not.

In the aftermath of the terrible flood in Texas, Ive seen angry secularists denouncing those who speak of keeping the victims [of the disaster] in our thoughts and prayers  and even verbally assaulting and mocking the God in whom they dont believe. Rather, they say, we should be looking at ways to prevent such catastrophic losses of life and to take real steps to help those who have been affected, as if prayer and this-worldly measures are, somehow, diametrically opposed, forcing an either/or choice. Clearly, though, they arent.

And, although I cant know for certain, Im relatively confident that a sizable proportion of those who are out there searching, under appalling conditions, for the victims of the flooding along the Guadalupe River are believing Texas Baptists and faithful Texas Catholics. How many of them are members of American Atheists? How many are dues-paid members of the Freedom From Religion Foundation? I really couldnt say. But Ill bet there arent many.

Here are a trio of horrifying stories that have recently been retrieved from the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File:

The Interreligious Initiative for Forests Is Established in Peru: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participates in an interreligious initiative to protect the Amazon forests and respect indigenous peoples

The Church Assists with Humanitarian Needs in the Marshall Islands

Amid Texas Floodings Death, Destruction, Latter-day Saints Leaders Talk of Ministering, Mercies and Miracles: Texas stake president, Area Seventy underscore patience, perspective and comfort in helping members and communities following catastrophic event

Posted from Canmore, Alberta, Canada
A photo provided by Bucks County District Attorney's Office of Justin Mohn is inset against a photo of flowers at the front door of the Mohn residence in the Upper Orchard section in Levittown, Pa., on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. Bucks County District Attorney's Office and Tyger Williams/The Philadelphia Inquirer photos via AP

A Bucks County judge is expected to rule on whether or not a right-wing conspiracy theorist is a murderer for shooting his father and beheading him.

Attorneys delivered opposing arguments at the close of the trial against 33-year-old Justin Mohn, charged with murder and terrorism counts for the Jan. 30, 2024, murder of his 68-year-old father, Michael Mohn.

Michael Mohn was a retired federal employee of the Army Corps. of Engineers with left-leaning political beliefs whom Justin claimed was conspiring with the federal government to suppress Justins right-wing beliefs, he testified on Wednesday.

While on the stand, Mohn dispassionately explained to Judge Stephen Corr he had to perform a citizens arrest on his father for the crime of treason, and when Michael Mohn resisted that arrest, he had no choice but to shoot him.

Mohn said his father was a traitor, was resisting arrest, and would have easily overpowered him if he did not shoot him.

But Bucks County Prosecutor Ed Louka argued hes never seen a case with as much premeditation as Mohns. Mohns internet search history, coupled with a to-do list, showed the steps Mohn intended to take the night he fatally shot and beheaded his father, according to Levittownnow.com.

He wanted to be a terrorist, and he turned out to be one. He should be found guilty of it, Louka said, according to the Bucks County Courier-Times. Im asking the court to show that his political views, no matter what they are, do not supersede the law.

Corr ruled Mohn was competent to stand trial last year. Although a defense expert found Mohn had a delusional disorder, mental competency to stand trial in Pennsylvania does not necessarily hinge on mental illness.

To be competent for trial, a defendant needs to be aware of the charges against them and be able to contribute to their own defense.

Mohn also said he did not wish to use a mental health defense.

Mohns defense attorney, Steven Jones, argued during closings that while Mohn killed his father, he didnt murder him.

He spoke candidly and dispassionately about the taking of a life, Jones said, Leavittownnow.com reported. He did not intend to do this, and he didnt do it out of anger or out of malice.

Louka said the claim that Mohn was performing a citizens arrest was a sham concocted months later as part of a B.S. narrative, the Philadelphia Inquirer said.

Justin ambushed his dad when he was most vulnerable, Louka said, adding that Mohn has shown no visible remorse for his actions. He always planned to fire the gun inside that home.

Jones conceded that Mohn was guilty of abuse of a corpse. But he said the murder charge was not appropriate, nor was the robbery charge  levied against Mohn for taking his dead fathers car to drive to Fort Indiantown Gap.

Louka, however, argued Mohn killed his father and paraded the head on YouTube to intimidate the federal government to acquiesce to his grocery list of demands, including canceling public debt, ending the federal reserves ability to print money, and an end to woke DEI policies regarding gender and sexuality.

After attorneys delivered their closing statements, Corr said he needed the rest of Thursday to review more than 200 pieces of evidence and testimony from 15 witnesses, the Bucks County Courier Times reported.

This, of course, is a tragedy, Corr said before the recess.
A Dauphin County man was jailed after a series of erratic actions that reached a climax when he set his house on fire Monday, police said in court documents.

John Esh, 32, is being held without bail with 10 active dockets, including felony counts of causing catastrophe, arson, reckless burning or exploding, and criminal mischief.

Pennsylvania State Police said Esh called the Lykens barracks around 1:49 a.m. Monday and made several suspicious and incoherent statements about a fire at his house on the 500 block of Picnic Road in Lykens.

Im gonna do it, I dont know how big the blast is going to be, Esh said in the call, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Can you clear out the neighbors?

Court documents said Esh also told police, You might want to notify the fire department.

Around 3:30 a.m., police learned Eshs house was on fire.

In an interview with state police later that morning, Esh told troopers he used vise grips to disconnect the propane gas line to his water heater, then turned on his stoves burner, intending to burn the house down, according to the affidavit.

Esh said he made sure all the doors and windows were sealed but left one door open a crack so he could make his getaway, the affidavit said.

A state police fire marshal found the homes disconnected propane gas line and a heavily damaged kitchen stove, as well as multiple blown-out windows.

In court documents, state police said Esh has a long history of calls to the Lykens barracks, with diminishing mental health and increasingly severe actions.

Two days before the fire, state police were called because of how he was acting in a Subway restaurant inside the Walmart on Kocher Lane in Washington Township.

The Subways assistant manager told police Esh walked in around 11:30 a.m. and started yelling at a customer, whom he chased out of the restaurant, the affidavit said.

Esh called the customers terrorists and said, I am the owner of Walmart and I am going to fire everyone here, according to the affidavit.

After the assistant manager told Esh he needed to leave, court documents said he got in her face and backed her into a corner, yelling and calling her a terrorist [expletive].

Esh told the assistant manager, I will leave the store, but I am coming for you, the affidavit said. The woman told police she was shaking and in fear for her and her coworkers lives.

About 10 minutes later, police said, Esh returned to the Subway while the employees were hiding in the back room. He stole two chocolate chip cookies out of the display case and left after throwing $1.84 on the counter, which is less than the retail value, police said.

Police said Esh set a wooden Girl Scouts of America sign on fire while the group was having an event on June 26 at Gratz Borough Park. He is also charged with calling Dauphin County dispatch eight times for non-emergency reasons from June 2326.

Court records show Eshs preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 23 before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum.
James Carter Cathcart, who provided the voices for many beloved characters on the Pokemon cartoon show, has died. He was 71.

Cathcart died on Tuesday of throat cancer at Calvary Hospital in New York City.

Thanks to all of Jimmys fans over the years! Giving you joy was why he worked so hard on his craft. Please know how much he appreciated you, his wife, Martha S Jacobi, said in a post on Facebook, announcing Cathcarts death.

Fellow Pokemon voice actor Erica Schroeder paid tribute to Cathcart in an Instagram post.

Rest in peace dear sweet man, she wrote. I will miss you. The community will miss you. The world will miss you. One of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls no longer walks with us. James Carter Cathcart you were one of a kind, a gentle, beautiful, playful genius and I was happy to call you my friend.

Cathcart voiced many popular characters on the show, including Professor Oak, his grandson Gary Oak, Team Rocket member James and the Pokemon Meowth. His voice appears in over 700 Pokemon TV episodes, 15 movies and numerous games, according to Deadline.

In addition, he did voice work for numerous other cartoon shows as well, including Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Sonic X.

He was also a member of the band The Laughing Dogs, which opened for acts like Blondie and Cheap Trick and released a solo album, I Was Missing You, in 2009.

Cathcart is survived by Jacobi; his daughters Nicole Zoppi, 41, and Mackenzie, 30; and his son, Carter, 31. A funeral service will be held in early August, Jacobi said.
Find out how much time you have left to file a claim in bankruptcy case against the DNA company.

If you have a 23andMe account, you have until July 14 to file a claim as part of the restructuring in its bankruptcy case.

The filing claim allows eligible customers to seek compensation for financial suffering or other damages due to a 2023 cyberattack that compromised the sensitive personal information of almost seven million users.

For those who are unfamiliar with the DNA testing company, customers are required to submit a saliva sample so their DNA can be analyzed for ancestry discovery, family traits or health risks.

The company announced the data breach in October 2023, and acknowledged that it had exposed users personal information, including names, relationship labels, ancestry reports and percentage of DNA shared with relatives. The end result was multiple class-action lawsuits.

The DNA company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. in March due to low demand for its ancestry kits following the fallout of the breach.

Back in May, the company alerted customers of the July 14 claim deadline, which was decided by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

If youre a current or former 23andMe customer and thinking of filing a claim, there are two kinds you can file to receive money back. One has a connection with cybersecurity, which is a Cyber Security Incident Claim, and the other is not cybersecurity-related, and named General Bar Date Package.

Eligible customers can submit either claim by following the instructions via this website. As mentioned, the deadline to file both types of claims is July 14. If its submitted electronically, the deadline is at 11:59 p.m. CT. If its submitted by hard copy, the deadline is 4:59 p.m. CT.

For those who are eligible to submit a Cyber Security Incident Claim electronically or via postal mail, you must meet the following criteria:

You were a customer of 23andMe between May 1, 2023, and Oct. 1, 2023.

You received a notice that their personal information was compromised in the 2023 data breach.

You incurred monetary damages or non-monetary damages related to the cybersecurity incident.

For those who are eligible to file a claim against the companys services that arent cybersecurity-related, you should file the claim electronically or via postal mail under the General Bar Date Package. This could be related to non-cybersecurity issues, such as issues with a customers DNA results or telehealth services.

If you have questions about the claims process, you can visit this website for more information. Customers can also email 23andMeInfo@ra.kroll.com or call 888-367-7556.

Additionally, for those whod like to delete their 23andMe data, account and personal information, users can:

Log into their 23andMe account and go to the Settings section of their profile Scroll to a section labeled 23andMe Data at the bottom of the page Click View next to 23andMe Data Scroll to the Delete Data section Click Permanently Delete Data Confirm your request: Youll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request

If a customer opted in to 23andMe Research, their Personal Information will no longer be used in any future research projects, a 23andMe spokesperson told CNET. Please note, data cannot be removed from research thats already been conducted.
Trump to send weapons to Ukraine for first time since returning to power  media

US President Donald Trump will send weapons to Kyiv for the first time since returning to office under his presidential powers under the PDA program, Reuters reports, citing sources.

The package, worth about $300 million, is expected to include Patriot missiles and other weapons. The Trump administration has previously sent only weapons approved by Joseph Biden, the agency said.
Another city is one of the least stressed, lucky ducks. (Getty Images) Getty Images

They say stress is a part of life.

For people in this Pennsylvania city, that seems to be especially true.

WalletHub this week published a list of the Most & Least Stressed Cities in America (2025). And there, in seventh place  making it one of the top 10 most stressed cities in the country  sits Philadelphia.

Philadelphians should maybe head over to Pittsburgh to take a chill pill, as the Steel City ranked amongst the least stressed cities in the 119th spot.

Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the other 180 cities on the list were assessed across four key dimensions  Work Stress, Financial Stress, Family Stress and Health Safety  for final results. Varying sub-metrics such as Traffic Congestion, Median Debt per Median Earnings, and Separation and Divorce Rate were also taken into account.

As such, the top three most stressed-out cities in the United States were, in ascending order: Baltimore, Maryland; Cleveland, Ohio; and Detroit, Michigan.

Detroit has the most stressed residents in the country, the report states. One contributing factor is the fact that the city has the highest unemployment rate in America, at 11.4 percent.

It also has the lowest median household income after adjusting for the cost of living, at over $38,000. In addition, Detroit has the highest poverty rate in the country, at 31.5 percent. Residents also have a very low median credit score at 624, which is in the bad credit range.

The report also notes how family structures in Detroit are also stressed  as the city has the second-highest separation and divorce rate and share of single-parent households  as well as high obesity and violent crime rates.

Some stress is out of our control, due to issues with family, friends, or employers, says WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. However, where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are.

Cities with high crime rates, weak economies, less effective public health and congested transportation naturally lead to elevated stress level for residents. When moving, its important to consider how a certain city may impact your mental health  not just your financial opportunities."
Fans of the Zac Brown Band have plenty to talk about this week after the band apparently scared some of its diehard followers before spurring excitement with its social media moves.

If you head over to the bands Instagram, it has been scrubbed clean of all but one post featuring a video showing highlights from its time on the stage. Theres a message written out there, too.

Theres no way to sum up what the last chapter has meant to us the post read. Weve played thousands of shows, crossed countless state lines, and seen every kind of weather and welcome you could imagine. Whether you saw us when we were playing covers in Georgia dive bars or you just found us on your drive home last month  youve been a part of this journey. Youve sung the words, screamed the choruses, cried with us, danced with us, and let this music into your life. That kind of connection is not lost on us. It never will be.

One can see why fans might have been freaking out at that point, but there was more.

From every hand we shook, every sign we saw in the crowd, every voice lifted back to us from the front to the lawn, we felt your love, the statement continued. And we gave it right back, night after night. This isnt goodbye. Its a thank you. A reflection.

The next chapter? it continued. Its the biggest one yet. Well see you there.

So, it certainly appears as though the band, which has been together since 2002, is not breaking up. But it also looks like there are some interesting ideas about what might be ahead for its future.
By MATTHEW LEE, AP Diplomatic Writer

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  The U.S. State Department is firing more than 1,300 employees on Friday in line with a dramatic reorganization plan from the Trump administration that critics say will damage Americas global leadership and efforts to counter threats abroad.

The department is sending layoff notices to 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers with domestic assignments in the United States, according to a senior department official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters before individual notices were emailed to affected employees.

Foreign service officers affected will be placed immediately on administrative leave for 120 days, after which they will formally lose their jobs, according to an internal notice obtained by The Associated Press. For most civil servants, the separation period is 60 days, it said.

In connection with the departmental reorganization  the department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities, the notice says. Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found from centralization or consolidation of functions and responsibilities.

While lauded by President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and their Republican allies as overdue and necessary to make the department leaner, more nimble and more efficient, the cuts have been roundly criticized by current and former diplomats who say they will weaken U.S. influence and its ability to counter existing and emerging threats abroad.

The layoffs are part of big changes to State Department work

The Trump administration has pushed to reshape American diplomacy and worked aggressively to shrink the size of the federal government, including mass dismissals driven by the Department of Government Efficiency and moves to dismantle whole departments like the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Education Department.

USAID, the six-decade-old foreign assistance agency, was absorbed into the State Department last week after the administration dramatically slashed foreign aid funding.

A recent ruling by the Supreme Court cleared the way for the layoffs to start, while lawsuits challenging the legality of the cuts continue to play out. The department had formally advised staffers on Thursday that it would be sending layoff notices to some of them soon.

The job cuts are large but considerably less than many had feared. In a May letter notifying Congress about the reorganization, the department said it had just over 18,700 U.S.-based employees and was looking to reduce the workforce by 18% through layoffs and voluntary departures, including deferred resignation programs.

In New Jersey last month, President Donald Trump, right, spoke with reporters as Secretary of State Marco Rubio listened. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, file) AP

Rubio said officials took a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused.

Its not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you dont need those positions, he told reporters Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where hes attending the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people.

He said some of the cuts will be unfilled positions or those that are about to be vacant because an employee took an early retirement.

Critics say the changes will hurt US standing abroad

The American Academy of Diplomacy, an association that includes hundreds of former senior diplomats, said the State Department layoffs will seriously undermine the ability of our government to understand, explain, and respond to a complex and increasingly contested world.

At a time when the United States faces unprecedented challenges from strategic competitors and adversaries, ongoing conflicts in Central Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and emerging security threats, the decision to gut the Department of States institutional knowledge and operational capacity is an act of vandalism, the organization said in a statement last week before the cuts were announced.

It added that Rubios explanations for the cuts are disingenuous, pernicious, and false.

Michael Rigas, the departments deputy secretary for management and resources, said in a notice Thursday that staffers would be informed soon if they were being laid off.

First and foremost, we want to thank them for their dedication and service to the United States, he said.

Once notifications have taken place, the Department will enter the final stage of its reorganization and focus its attention on delivering results-driven diplomacy, Rigas added.
By Annie Ma, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON  The Trump administration will restrict immigrants in the country illegally from enrolling in Head Start, a federally funded preschool program, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday. The move is part of a broad effort to limit access to federal benefits for immigrants who lack legal status.

People in the country illegally are largely ineligible for federal public benefits such as food stamps, student loans and financial aid for higher education. But for decades, they have been able to access some community-level programs such as Head Start and community health centers.

HHS said it will reclassify those programs as federal public benefits, excluding immigrants in the country illegally from accessing them. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the changes were part of a larger effort to protect American citizens interests.

For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration, Kennedy said in a statement. Todays action changes that  it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people.

A spokesperson for the Administration for Children and Families, which administers Head Start, said that eligibility will be determined based on the childs immigration status.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., testifies during a House Energy and Commerce Committee, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) AP

Requiring proof of immigration status would likely create fear and confusion among families seeking to enroll their children, said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association.

This decision undermines the fundamental commitment that the country has made to children and disregards decades of evidence that Head Start is essential to our collective future, Vinci said.

The changes are part of a multi-agency announcement rescinding an interpretation of federal law dating to former President Bill Clintons administration, which had allowed immigrants in the country illegally to access some programs. The Education Department, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor announced similar changes affecting a range of workforce development and adult education programs.

The changes will affect community health centers that immigrants rely on for a wide range of services, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president of immigration policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

People depend on those services to get cancer treatment, to get ongoing maintenance for a variety of different health needs, she said.

Students in the country illegally will no longer be eligible to participate in postsecondary career and technical education programs or adult education programs, the Education Department announced. The department also issued a notice to grant recipients to ensure programs receiving federal money do not provide services to immigrants without legal status.

FILE - Children play during aftercare for the Head Start program at Easterseals South Florida, Jan. 29, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) AP

Education advocates said the decision would harm young people who have grown up in this country. EdTrust Vice President Augustus Mays said the intention appears to be creating fear among immigrant communities.

Policies like this dont exist in a vacuum, Mays said. They are rooted in a political agenda that scapegoats immigrants and uses fear to strip rights and resources from the most vulnerable among us.

Head Start was started six decades ago as part of Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnsons War on Poverty. It operates in all 50 states, providing preschool, developmental therapy and child care for families who are homeless or are in poverty.

Associated Press writer Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix contributed to this report.

The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
By David Matthews, New York Daily News (TNS)

At least 25 people were hospitalized Thursday following a level one mass overdose event in Baltimore.

Baltimore City police and fire officials said paramedics responded to a 911 call for a single overdose around 9:25 a.m. in the Penn-North neighborhood. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered multiple other people collapsed in streets.

At least five of the victims were in critical condition, officials told NBC affiliate WBAL. Authorities said the number of overdoses is expected to rise as they search for other suspected cases in the area.

Officials did not disclose what substances the victims had used, though community organizers told The Baltimore Banner there were rumors of a bad batch of drugs in the neighborhood.

Its like a mass shooting, drug treatment outreach worker Vincent Timmons told the Banner, but they didnt use no gun, they used narcotics.

Deputy Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Jones said rescue crews were searching back alleys and vacant homes, looking for additional people experiencing a medical crisis. The Baltimore City Mayors Office of Overdose Response urged residents to call for help if they see anyone in need of assistance.

We dont know whats in the supply, and so for folks to be careful if theyre using, to have Narcan available. Use with someone else, executive director Sara Whaley said in a statement. If you see someone in your community that looks like they need help, make sure they call emergency services.
A Detroit man has been sentenced to serve 15 months in federal prison and repay over $659,000 related to a PPP pandemic loan fraud scheme that used Pittsburgh and Detroit businesses to obtain over $14 million in illegal proceeds. Getty Images

A Detroit man has been sentenced to over a year in federal prison for his role in a COVID-19 pandemic relief fraud scheme that netted more than $14 million using small businesses in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Marc Martin, 46, was sentenced to serve 15 months in federal prison on Wednesday followed by three years of supervised released for his conviction on fraud conspiracy, according to acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti in Pittsburgh.

According to a statement from Rivetti, Martin was also ordered to pay over $659,000 in restitution.

Rivetti said that Martin and other co-conspirators defrauded the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of $14.5 million between March 2020 and August 2021 during the pandemic.

Martin was assisted by Matthew Parker, a certified public accountant in Detroit, who recruited hundreds of small businesses in Pittsburgh and Detroit and falsified PPP loan applications.

Those 226 applications approved by the Small Business Administration resulted in the largest known PPP fraud in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rivetti said.

Martin referred $1.9 million in fraudulent loans to Parker, who was sentenced last month to 24 months in prison and four years of supervised released.

Parker was also ordered to pay $14.5 million in restitution based on his fraud conspiracy conviction.
The state House has passed a pair of bills aimed at tamping down on dubious subscription services  just as a federal court moved to throw out similar rules proposed by federal regulators.

Earlier this month, the House approved a bill cracking down on so-called negative option agreements in which consumers are automatically enrolled in a service unless they opt out. This week, the chamber also cleared a second bill requiring that subscriptions or memberships made online must also be able to be canceled online.

The proposed state laws are virtually identical to the click-to-cancel rules approved last year by the Federal Trade Commission under President Joe Biden. The federal rules originally set to go into effect in May, but were postponed 60 days amid speculation that President Donald Trumps FTC would alter them.

On Tuesday, however, a federal appeals court threw out the rules entirely, finding that the FTC had not followed procedural requirements on economic analysis prior to finalizing the ruling.

The suit against the FTCs process was brought by business groups that stood to lose subscription-service revenue had the rule survived.

The fact that the federal government has stumbled on the issue makes is all the more important that state legislators act, Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery County, the sponsor of one of the bills, said this week.

We can take control of the situation quickly here in Pennsylvania, because it is an issue, Ciresi told PennLive. Everyone can relate to it somehow.

The classic example of a negative option deal is a subscription that begins with a free trial but automatically converts to a paid service after a period of time. A bill from Rep. Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware County, would put in place rules for notification prior to renewal, and require that consumers be able to opt out of renewal using the same means they originally used to sign up.

The bill would ensure that businesses provide value to customers instead of simply betting they will forge to cancel a subscription they dont really need, Borowski said.

Ciresis bill would require that all subscriptions be cancellable online if the customer originally signed up online. The bill even mandates that information on renewals and how to cancel them be posted on web pages in a font size that is suitably large.

The idea came out of experiences from his constituents, staffers, and even his own family, Ciresi said, who had signed up for memberships they found maddeningly difficult to stop getting charged for even after the initial contract had ended.

We got pushback from some companies, but we worked through it, Ciresi said. Were not advocating for anyone to cancel your service or to get out of your contract. Im not here to hurt any business, Im here to help the consumer.

The House bills would not cover certain services that are separately regulated, such as utilities covered by the state Public Utility Commission, or the Federal Communications Commission.

The bills would also not cover gyms  notorious for arduous membership cancellation policies  which are controlled by the state Health Club Act. This could be amended into the legislation, which Ciresi said he was open to.

Both bills passed the House with broad bipartisan support. If the legislation is agreed to by the state Senate and signed by Gov Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania would join several other states that have moved to create such laws over the past year since the FTC began working on its now-defunct rule.

New York, California, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Virginia have all enacted state-level policies that include provisions similar to Ciresi and Borowskis bills.
A northeastern Pennsylvania man died Wednesday during a kayaking trip on the Delaware River, federal park officials said.

The National Park Service says rangers from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area responded to the afternoon call for a capsized kayaker with rescue teams from the Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Co. in Pennsylvania, EMS from Warren County in New Jersey and the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau.

Rescuers were on scene within 33 minutes of the initial call and recovered the body of the 54-year-old about two miles downstream from the Bushkill Access.

Bystanders had brought the body to shore, according to a National Park Service news release.

The kayaker from Blakeslee, Monroe County, was not wearing a personal-flotation device, according to a Park Service official. Authorities were not immediately releasing his name.

The cause and manner of death remained under investigation.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
President Donald Trump, right, and Vice President JD Vance, seen here in the White House Situation Room in June 2025, both have scheduled stops in Pennsylvania next week. (The White House via AP) AP
President Donald Trump speaks during a lunch with African leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP
Strengthening sanctions against Russia will prevent the Russian leadership's intentions to increase the size of the aggressor country's army, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced.

"If you add up all the budgets of a Russian soldier today, he will receive from $6,000 to $8,000 ... Imagine how much Russia is paying for this war. One Russian military contract soldier receives exactly that much. Putin is counting on an army of one and a half million. He wants an army of one and a half million. He has 1.2 [million servicemen]. What can stop this money? How will he pay in such amounts?" Zelenskyy said at a briefing in Rome on Thursday.

According to him, calculations show that next year Russia could spend $300 billion on the war, and only effective sanctions could prevent this. "Sanctions will stop its ability to finance it like that. It will have a deficit in such large budgets," the Ukrainian president said.

Zelenskyy also said that at the same time "we need to talk about strengthening and financing our soldiers." "Yes, these are unexpected signals, probably. But today I was very frank at the Coalition of the Willing. We must have a strong army. Of course, we must go down the path to a contract in full. This is right. This is the moment, while we have no end to the war, the first stage, the ceasefire," he said.

Zelenskyy noted that he does not know "how it will be further," but expressed confidence that "strong sanctions will influence the willingness of Russians to talk - to really talk, with results, and not hide behind exchanges only."
By JOSH BOAK, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump said in a letter that he will raise taxes on many imported goods from Canada to 35%, deepening a rift between the two North American countries that have suffered a debilitating blow to their decades-old alliance.

The Thursday letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is an aggressive increase to the top 25% tariff rates that Trump first imposed in March after months of threats. Trumps tariffs were allegedly in an effort to get Canada to crack down on fentanyl smuggling despite the relatively modest trafficking in the drug from that country. Trump has also expressed frustration with a trade deficit with Canada that largely reflects oil purchases by America.

Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, with President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, in June. Trump has said he's increasing tariffs on Canada. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP, file) AP

I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, Trump wrote in the letter.

The higher rates would go into effect Aug. 1, creating a tense series of weeks ahead for the global economy as recent gains in the S&P 500 stock index suggest many investors think Trump will ultimately back down on the increases. But stock market futures were down early Friday in a sign that Trumps wave of tariff letters may be starting to generate concern among investors.

In a social media post, Carney said Canada would continue to work toward a new trade framework with the U.S. and has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl.

Through the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and business, Carney said.

While multiple countries have received tariff letters this week, Canada  Americas second-largest trading partner after Mexico  has become something of a foil to Trump. It has imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods and pushed back on the presidents taunts of making Canada the 51st state. Mexico has also faced 25% tariffs because of fentanyl, yet it has not faced the same public pressure from the Republican U.S. president.

Carney was elected prime minister in April on the argument that Canadians should keep their elbows up. He has responded by distancing Canada from its intertwined relationship with the U.S., seeking to strengthen its links with the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Hours before Trumps letter, Carney posted on X a picture of himself with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying, In the face of global trade challenges, the world is turning to reliable economic partners like Canada. Implied in his statement was that the U.S. has become unreliable because of Trumps haphazard tariff regime, which has gone through aggressive threats and reversals.

When Carney went to the White House in May, the public portion of their meeting was cordial. But Trump said there was nothing the Canadian leader could tell him to remove the tariffs, saying, Just the way it is.

Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said Trumps latest move will make it more difficult for Canada and the U.S. to reach a trade deal, Beland said.

It doesnt mean a new trade deal between Canada and the United States is impossible, but it shows how hard it is for the Canadian government to negotiate with a U.S. president who regularly utters threats and doesnt appear to be a reliable and truthful interlocutor, he said.

Trump has sent a series of tariff letters to 23 countries. Those form letters became increasingly personal with Canada as well as a Wednesday note that put a 50% tariff on Brazil for the ongoing trial of its former President Jair Bolsonaro for trying to stay in office after his 2022 election loss. Trump was similarly indicted for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), here at the Penn Ag Democrats Luncheon in Harrisburg in January, says he supports the work ICE is doing. (Tyger Williams, TNS, file) TNS

By Evgenia Anastasakos, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D.-Pa., is still tweeting about ICE after earning President Donald Trumps praise Wednesday for slamming calls to abolish Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Fetterman said ICE performs an important job for our country in the first of a pair of posts uploaded to X on Thursday.

Any calls to abolish ICE are inappropriate and outrageous, he wrote.

Fetterman also shared a screenshot of an Axios article about the Trump administration considering amnesty for some migrant workers.

Absolutely support amnesty for the hardworking, otherwise law-abiding migrant workers. Round up and deport the criminals. We must acknowledge the critical contribution migrants make to our nations economy, he wrote in the caption.

Fettermans comments reflect the growing rift between him and his fellow Democrats. In recent months, he has broken with his party to vote for several of President Donald Trumps cabinet nominees and, in June, he accused Democrats of failing to condemn anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

Fetterman was also the first sitting Democratic to meet with then-president elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in January.

Fetterman made headlines this week when he told Fox News on Wednesday that ICE agents are just doing their job and I fully support that.

For me... (that) people in my party might want to abolish it or treat them as criminals or anything, thats inappropriate and outrageous. ICE performs an important role for our nation, he added.

When asked about Fettermans comments on Fox by a reporter, Trump said, The new John Fetterman is exactly what you said. Hes right, hes right. And we have to protect our police officers, and we will, and we have been.

Fetterman told The Daily Mail Thursday that Trumps praise probably made my parents proud.

Theyre big Fox News viewers, he said. My whole family is Republican.
A sheriff's deputy pauses while combing through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. Hundreds are dead or missing. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, file) AP

By WILL WEISSERT, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  As President Donald Trump heads to Texas on Friday for a firsthand look at the devastation caused by catastrophic flooding, he has remained conspicuously quiet about his previous promises to do away with the federal agency in charge of disaster relief.

The Trump administration isnt backing away from its pledges to shutter the Federal Emergency Management Agency and return disaster response to the states. But since the July 4 disaster, which has killed at least 120 people, the president and his top aides have focused on the once-in-a-lifetime nature of what occurred and the human tragedy involved rather than the government-slashing crusade thats been popular with Trumps core supporters.

Damage is seen Tuesday next to the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area near Ingram, Texas. (Ashley Landis, Associated Press) (Ashley Landis, Associated Press)

Nobody ever saw a thing like this coming, Trump told NBC News on Thursday, adding, This is a once-in-every-200-year deal. Hes also suggested hed have been ready to visit Texas within hours but didnt want to burden authorities still searching for the more than 170 people who are still missing.

Trumps shift in focus underscores how tragedy can complicate political calculations, even though Trump has made slashing the federal workforce and charging ally-turned-antagonist Elon Musk with dramatically shrinking the size of government centerpieces of his administrations opening months.

The president is expected to do an aerial tour of some of the hard-hit areas.

The White House also says hell visit the state emergency operations center to meet with first responders and relatives of flood victims. Trump will also get a briefing from officials. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz are joining the visit, with the GOP senators expected to fly to their state with Trump aboard Air Force One.

Its relatively common for presidents visiting disaster sites to tour the damage by air, a move that can ease the logistical burdens on authorities on the ground.

Trump, though, has also used past disaster response efforts to launch political attacks. While still a candidate trying to win back the presidency, Trump made his own visit to North Carolina after Helene last year and accused the Biden administration of blocking disaster aid to victims in Republican-heavy areas.

Trump has promised repeatedly  and as recently as last month  to begin phasing out FEMA and bring disaster response management down to the state level.

During Tuesdays Cabinet meeting, Trump didnt mention those plans and instead praised the federal flooding response. Turning to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose department oversees FEMA, he said, You had people there as fast as anybodys ever seen.

Pressed this week on whether the White House will continue to work to shutter FEMA, press secretary Karoline Leavitt wouldnt say.

The president wants to ensure American citizens always have what they need during times of need, Leavitt said. Whether that assistance comes from states or the federal government, that is a policy discussion that will continue.
Mobile rehabilitation teams of Ukrainian Red Cross have made over 400 trips to Poltava region during eight months

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/

Mobile rehabilitation teams of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) have made more than 400 trips to provide assistance to people in Poltava region since November 2024.

In November 2024, Poltava Regional Organization of the Ukrainian Red Cross, with the support of the British Red Cross, launched the activities of mobile rehabilitation teams  Specialists come directly to the home to provide comprehensive assistance in a familiar and comfortable environment, the Ukrainian Red Cross reported on Facebook on Friday.

During this time, the mobile teams made 444 trips, trained 60 people and 22 caregivers to care for patients in need of rehabilitation, and provided 228 units of assistive equipment free of charge.

Mobile rehabilitation teams work to ensure equal access to quality physical rehabilitation for everyone, regardless of where they live.
Step Into A New Era of Gaming at The Grosvenor Victoria Casino

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

One of the most iconic names in UK gaming is officially stepping into a new chapter. The Grosvenor Casinos The Victoria, affectionately known as "The Vic," is officially relaunching following a 15 million refurbishment, the largest single investment Grosvenor Casinos has ever made. Located on London's Edgware Road, the historic venue is ushering in a new era of luxury and unrivalled poker experiences.

The venue has been a cornerstone of the capital's casino and poker scene for decades, drawing everyone from casual players to the sharpest high-stakes grinders. Following this mega-money renovation, The Victoria Casino is setting a new standard of what a modern casino experience should look like.

Peter Turpin, Venue Director, told PokerNews, "We're thrilled to unveil our newly refurbished poker room, a space designed with both comfort and competition in mind. From upgraded seating and enhanced lighting to state-of-the-art tables, every detail was chosen to elevate the player experience. Whether a seasoned pro or a casual player, this room sets the perfect stage for unforgettable games."

More Than a Facelift

The scale and ambition of the 15 million refurbishment are evident from the moment you step inside the casino. Upgrades touch almost every corner of the casino, from the main gaming floors to the stylish new gaming terrace and, of course, a new-look poker room.

Today's poker players have high expectations, and the new poker room at Grosvenor Casinos The Victoria meets them and more. It now boasts 24 permanent tables with premium seating to enhance playing experiences.

Multiple digital screens adorn the poker room's walls, displaying tournament clocks, real-time information, and more, streamlining the experience for The Vic's valued customers.

A fully equipped live stream/final table setup will likely be first used during the upcoming GUKPT London stop, which runs July 10-20. Additional tables can be deployed to accommodate larger fields during festivals and major events.

Cash game grinders will be delighted to learn that games are set to run around the clock, morning, noon, and night. Check with the venue or Grosvenor's Poker LIVE mobile app to see what games and stakes are running right now.

A Home for High Rollers

The casino is rolling out the red carpet for those who play big with a new VIP area dedicated to high-stakes cash games. This amazing area has opened in time for the GUKPT London festival. This space offers elite seating, top-tier service, and the discretion and comfort that high rollers expect.

See The New-Look Vic For Yourself During the 2025 GUKPT London Stop

The GUKPT London stop takes place at refurbished venue between July 10-20. Among its many events are an 800 No-Limit Hold 'em Midi Main Event with a 200,000 guaranteed prize pool, a 340 Mini Main Event that has 200,000 guaranteed, a 2,000 buy-in, 100,000 guaranteed High Roller, and the 1,250 Main Event boasting a 250,000 guarantee on its prize pool.

Date Time Event Guarantee Thu 10 Jul 12:00 p.m. 800 NLHE Midi Main Day 1a 200,000 6:00 p.m. 800 NLHE Midi Main Day 1b 200,000 Fri 11 Jul 12:00 p.m. 800 NLHE Midi Main Day 1c 200,000 6:00 p.m. 800 NLHE Midi Main Day 1d 200,000 Sat 12 Jul 12:00 p.m. 800 Midi Main Day 2 200,000 2:00 p.m. 1,100 PLO High Roller 50,000 4:00 p.m. 250 NLHE Turbo 6:00 p.m. 140 Main Event Target Cashout Satellite Sun 13 Jul 12:00 p.m. 340 NLHE Mini Main Day 1a 100,000 1:00 p.m. Midi Main Day 3 200,000 6:00 p.m. 340 NLHE Mini Main Day 1b 100,000 8:00 p.m. 140 Main Event Target Cashout Satellite 10x seats Mon 14 Jul 12:00 p.m. 340 NLHE Mini Main Day 1c 100,000 6:00 p.m. 340 NLHE Mini Main Day 1d 100,000 9:00 p.m. 140 Main Event Target Turbo Cashout Satellite 10x seats Tue 15 Jul 12:00 p.m. 340 NLHE Mini Main Day 1e Turbo 100,000 4:00 p.m. 340 Mini Main Day 2 100,000 6:00 p.m. 250 Pot-Limit Omaha 9:00 p.m. 220 High Roller Target Turbo Cashout Satellite 10x seats Wed 16 Jul 12:00 p.m. 220 High Roller Target Turbo Cashout Satellite 10x seats 3:00 p.m. 2,000 NLHE High Roller Day 1 100,000 5:00 p.m. Mini Main Day 3 100,000 7:00 p.m. 140 Main Event Target Cashout Satellite 10x seats Thu 17 Jul 12:00 p.m. 2,000 High Roller Day 2 100,000 1:00 p.m. 1,250 NLHE Main Event Day 1a 250,000 7:00 p.m. 140 Main Event Target Cashout Satellite 10x seats Fri 18 Jul 12:00 p.m. 1,250 NLHE Main Event Day 1b 250,000 12:00 p.m. 140 Main Event Target Turbo Cashout Satellite 10x seats 9:00 p.m. 1,250 NLHE Main Event Day 1c Turbo 250,000 Sat 19 Jul 12:00 p.m. 1,250 Main Event Day 2 250,000 1:00 p.m. 550 NLHE GUKPT Cup Day 1 50,000 Sun 20 Jul 12:00 p.m. Main Event Day 3 250,000 12:30 p.m. 550 GUKPT Cup Day 2 50,000 1:00 p.m. 150 NLHE Seniors 3:00 p.m. 330 PLO Bounty Mon 21 Jul 7:00 p.m. 110 Online Closer Day 1 25,000 Tue 22 Jul 7:00 p.m. Online Closer Day 2 25,000

The Grosvenor Casino - the Victoria looks and feels better than ever before; there's never been a more exciting time to walk through its doors. The Grosvenor Victoria Casino is back, and it is waiting to welcome you with open arms.

Share this article
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 90F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 89F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with some showers after midnight. Low near 75F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Aurora Group has opened its first store in Bucharest on Friday, July 11, marking its 50th location in Romania, the company's press service told Interfax-Ukraine.

"Our business model  combining a broad assortment, quality service, and affordable pricing  has resonated with both Ukrainian and European consumers. Opening in Bucharest is a sign of customer trust and a major milestone in our European market expansion. We are proud to represent Ukrainian quality abroad and to open new opportunities for Ukrainian producers internationally," said Taras Panasenko, co-owner of Aurora Group.

The new Aurora store, located at Bucuresti, Calea Cringasi nr. 29, sector 6, covers 200 square meters and features a compact layout with a wide product range to meet daily needs. For customer convenience, price checkers are available throughout the store.

Aurora reports that it is successfully competing in the Romanian market, with a local customer Net Promoter Score (NPS) of around 80  higher than the 60 seen in Ukraine.

Aurora opened its first Romanian store in October 2023 in Suceava, launching its international expansion. A distribution center was opened in Bacau in 2024 to optimize logistics.

Aurora's expansion in Romania opens doors for both local and Ukrainian producers. More than 27 Ukrainian companies are already exporting goods for sale through Aurora's Romanian stores. This supports Ukrainian exports and offers small and medium-sized Ukrainian businesses access to international markets.

Aurora is a national company with direct foreign investment from Horizon Capital. It was founded in 2011 by Lev Zhydenko, Panasenko, and Lesia Klymenko. The company is headquartered in Poltava. As of July 2025, the Aurora network includes over 1,700 stores in Ukraine and 50 in Romania.

According to Opendatabot, Aurora's operating entity, Vyhidna Pokupka LLC, is owned by Cyprus-based Auroraretail Investments Ltd., with Zhydenko listed as the beneficiary.
Growth & Development Reporter

Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023.
Reporter

Spencer Donovan covers Greenville for The Post and Courier. He's an Atlanta native and graduate of the University of Georgia. You can find him on walks around town, eating at local restaurants and hiking in the mountains.
Greenville, SC (29601)

Today

Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 91F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 72F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/

On the night of July 11, Russian occupiers attacked Ukraine with 79 Shahed-type attack UAVs and drone imitators of various types, 60 of which were neutralized, the Telegram channel of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on Friday.

"The air attack was repelled by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and unmanned systems, mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. As of 13:00, the air defense shot down 44 enemy Shahed UAVs (drones of other types) in the north, south, east and center of the country. In addition, 16 drones were lost/suppressed by electronic warfare," the report says.

According to the Air Force, the remaining 19 UAVs were hit in eight locations. The debris of the downed drones was also recorded falling in three locations.
Reporter

Lamaur Stancil writes about government, business, schools and entertainment in York County. He can be reached at 803-687-3436 or at X at @LamaurStancil
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 13:47:22

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 292 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of National Grid plc ("National Grid plc") (NYSE:NGG) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.The United Kingdom's energy system operator, National Energy System Operator ("NESO"), published a report on July 1, 2025, summarizing the findings of its investigation into the March 20, 2025 fire that caused Heathrow Airport to shut down. NESO's report stated that the fire was caused by a known fault at an electrical substation owned by National Grid, which had been aware of the problem since 2018 but failed to fix it. Media outlets subsequently reported that Heathrow Airport was considering legal action against National Grid.Following this news, National Grid's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") price fell over 5% on July 2, 2025. 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
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 23:01:13

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1050 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Compare the Highest Welcome Bonuses, Match Percentages & Bonus Codes for New Casino Players - Find the Best Value Offers for Your First Deposit!EXETER, GB / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Looking for the ultimate first deposit bonus casino for real money play in 2025? This expert guide reveals the best welcome bonus casinos, high-percentage match offers, and exclusive bonus codes available right now for new US players. Whether you want to maximize your first casino deposit, unlock massive free spins, or simply start with the most generous match bonus, our up-to-date rankings showcase the top USA casino bonus offers for July 2025, brough to you by Digital Arrow LTD.As the US online casino market continues to boom, players now have access to bigger sign-up bonus codes, higher match deposit rates, and a wider range of real-money welcome offers than ever before. Read on to discover the best online casinos for new player bonuses, compare exclusive bonus codes, and learn how to claim the top first deposit bonus deals this month.CasinoDeposit BonusBonus CodeSlotoCash400% Deposit Bonus Up To $4,000400CASINOSlots Capital600% Deposit Bonus + 60 Free SpinsSLOT600Miami Club400% Deposit Bonus Up To $4,000400CASINORed Stag Casino400% Deposit Bonus Up To $4,0004000WINCasino Max325% Deposit Bonus Up To $9,750MAX100HBDHow to Claim: Pick your favorite casino from the table above, click the link, and enter the listed bonus code when making your first deposit. All casinos featured are USA-friendly, safe, and payout real money. These are the best deposit bonus codes for July 2025.Why Claim a First Deposit Bonus Casino Offer?A first deposit bonus is your golden ticket to boost your bankroll and enjoy extended real money play right from the start. The "first deposit bonus casino" model lets new players get the most value out of their sign-up experience. Whether you're after a high match percentage, hundreds of free spins, or a combination of both, claiming a top welcome bonus can set you up for a winning session on slots, table games, and more.With so many online casino bonus offers out there, it's essential to pick those with the highest match percentages, most transparent terms, and exclusive codes for American players. In this guide, every featured site offers safe banking, generous wagering limits, and a wide range of slots, video poker, blackjack, and specialty games.Best First Deposit Bonus Casinos - Mini Reviews & Features#1. SlotoCash - Best for Big Match Deposit BonusesSlotoCash is a leading US online casino with a reputation for high-value bonuses and reliable payouts. Their current first deposit bonus is a massive 400% match up to $4,000 for new players, using code 400CASINO. This offer is one of the most generous on the market and perfect for players who want maximum value and a chance to play longer with real money. SlotoCash is powered by RTG software, features hundreds of slots, progressive jackpots, video poker, table games, and specialty options. Fast banking with credit cards and Bitcoin is available, and customer support is responsive around the clock.Why Choose: Huge bonus, wide game selection, trusted payoutsBest For: Slot fans, bonus hunters, US players#2. Slots Capital - Best for Free Spins + High Percentage BonusSlots Capital welcomes new US players with a 600% deposit bonus plus 60 free spins (code: SLOT600). This is the top match percentage in our lineup, designed for bonus seekers looking to stretch their deposit further and get extra spins on featured slots. The platform offers an easy sign-up process, accepts US-friendly payments, and features top-rated slots from Rival and other trusted providers. With no-nonsense terms and fast withdrawals, it's ideal for new and mid-level casino players seeking generous rewards right away.Why Choose: Highest match bonus, 60 free spins, great for casual and high-volume playBest For: First-time depositors, slots lovers#3. Miami Club - Best for US Casino Welcome OffersMiami Club is a classic US-friendly online casino known for its strong welcome package, smooth interface, and variety of games. New players can claim a 400% deposit bonus up to $4,000 (code: 400CASINO), which gives an instant bankroll boost and lets you explore hundreds of top slots, table games, and specialty titles. Miami Club is powered by WGS software, with a clean user interface, mobile play, and attentive customer support. Payouts are fast and the site is fully optimized for American players.Why Choose: Simple bonus terms, fast mobile play, classic Vegas slotsBest For: US newcomers, slots and blackjack fans#4. Red Stag Casino - Best for High Rollers & Big Bonus CodesRed Stag Casino is popular with high-rollers and new US players looking for serious value on their first deposit. Their 400% deposit bonus up to $4,000 (code: 4000WIN) is tailored for those who want a sizable match and extended real money play. Red Stag stands out for its unique selection of classic and modern slots, big jackpots, and a focus on secure payouts via Bitcoin and other methods. The loyalty program offers extra perks for frequent players, and support is available 24/7 for any issues.Why Choose: Large first deposit bonus, VIP program, classic US gamesBest For: High-stakes players, frequent depositors#5. Casino Max - Best for Biggest Total Bonus ValueCasino Max takes welcome packages to a new level, offering a massive 325% deposit bonus up to $9,750 for new players who use code MAX100HBD. This is one of the largest potential bonus values available to US players, perfect for those seeking both a huge initial bankroll and high limits. Casino Max is loaded with RTG slots, table games, and new releases each month. With strong encryption, reliable customer support, and a strong reputation, it is a top choice for new players in 2025.Why Choose: Highest potential bonus, huge game variety, US supportBest For: Whales, bonus maximizers, casino explorersWhat Makes a Great First Deposit Bonus Casino?The best first deposit bonus casino offers combine a high match percentage, a substantial maximum bonus amount, easy-to-use codes, and fair wagering terms. US players should look for sites that are fully licensed, offer secure payments (including Bitcoin and major cards), and have a reputation for paying out quickly.Match Percentage: The higher the percentage, the more bonus you receive per dollar deposited. 400% and 600% offers are the new standard for top US casinos in 2025.Max Bonus Value: Look for large caps on bonus cash, like $4,000 to $9,750, f
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 10:50:15

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 967 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

BROWNS SUMMIT, NC / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Black Tie CBD is excited to announce the launch of its freshestTHCA Flower collection for 2025-showcasing nine new, premium-quality, indoor-grown strains that have already earned praise from enthusiasts nationwide. Featuring standout offerings like Fruity Loops, Sour Diesel, Archive Runtz, Critical Mass, Purple Punch, Gary Payton, Popeye Runtz, Gas Face, and Lemon Cherry Gelato, this collection brings what many are calling the best THCA flower they've ever tried.Each batch is hand-trimmed, slow-cured, lab-tested, and legally compliant-hitting the perfect balance of legal compliance, euphoric effects, and sensory delight, all while delivering more product in every ounce.Meet the 2025 THCA Stars: Extra Frosty and ExoticEach of the nine featured strains brings something special to the table:Fruity Loops - Dessert-like berry cookie with rich terpene densitySour Diesel - Classic fuel aroma with energetic cerebral effectsArchive Runtz - Sweet, tropical, and balanced hybrid vibesCritical Mass - Dense buds and relaxing full-body bloomPurple Punch - Fruity grape candy with soothing indica notesGary Payton - Gas-forward hybrid with a legendary reputationPopeye Runtz - Unique tropical fruit with creamy smokeGas Face - Heavy gas and diesel aroma with deep impactLemon Cherry Gelato- Zesty citrus meets sweet creamEach strain has been crafted to deliver indica, sativa, and hybrid experiences that feel just as robust as traditional cannabis products.Why This Is the Best THCA Flower Lineup of 2025Black Tie CBD combines the power of award-winning cultivation, chemistry-verified compliance, indoor-grown quality, and on-the-ground scale-thanks to farming across 200+ acres and proven genetics.If someone is searching for "best THCA flower 2025", they want high potency, flavorful terpene-rich strains, transparent lab results, value, and safe delivery. Black Tie offers exactly that.A New Standard in Online THCA Flower ShoppingAs searches like "THCA near me" and "where can I buy THCA flower online?" surge across the U.S., Black Tie CBD has positioned itself as best THCA brand for customers who want premium quality without compromise. From free USPS Priority shipping on $100+ orders to clear lab reports and customer-first policies, the company makes the process of buying legal THCA flower easy, secure, and trustworthy."This is what the THCA market needed-a brand that actually delivers dispensary-grade flower without excuses or surprises."- Verified Customer, FloridaCustomers can browse curated collections by strain type (Indica, Sativa, Hybrid), read verified reviews, and view potency breakdowns-all before purchasing. Every strain includes:Detailed lab results (COAs) for THCA, Delta-9 THC, and total cannabinoidsFlavor and aroma profiles (e.g., gas, fruit, diesel, dessert)Preferred time of use suggestions (daytime, evening, anytime)Secure checkout and real-time order trackingUnpacking the Exotic & Extra Frosty New Arrivals: Flavor, Potency, and EffectsFruity Loops THCA StrainFlavor: Berry-forward dessert profile with creamy vanilla undertonesPotency: High-THCA content with smooth hybrid balanceEffect: Euphoric, mellow, and creativeGas Face StrainFlavor: Bold diesel aroma, earthy backbonePotency: Punchy hybrid, high in THCA and secondary cannabinoidsEffect: Heavy-hitting, full-body relaxationLemon Cherry GelatoFlavor: Sweet citrus, cherry glazePotency: Potent indica-leaning hybridEffect: Great for winding down, evening useSour Diesel THCA FlowerFlavor: Classic fuel, pungent and sharpPotency: Energizing sativa with legacy geneticsEffect: Uplifting, focused, and cerebralArchive Runtz StrainFlavor: Candy-sweet with a gassy twistPotency: Balanced hybrid with relaxing overtonesEffect: Perfect for anytime useCritical Mass StrainFlavor: Earthy, musky, slightly sweetPotency: Dense buds with intense THCA percentageEffect: Ideal for deep relaxation and restPurple Punch StrainFlavor: Grape candy with hints of tart berriesPotency: Soothing indica, rich in terpenesEffect: Great for stress relief and evening chillGary Payton THCA FlowerFlavor: Gas-forward, earthy with light citrusPotency: Award-winning hybrid geneticsEffect: Hard-hitting, balanced effects-loved by connoisseursPopeye Runtz StrainFlavor: Tropical fruit, light creamy finishPotency: Strong and flavorful, crowd favoriteEffect: Creative, relaxing, versatileCustomer Trust Built on Consistency and ServiceWith thousands of verified 5-star reviews and a brand reputation built on delivering lab-tested flower that actually looks like the photos, Black Tie stands apart in a market often criticized for lack of transparency. Their 30-day satisfaction guarantee and real human support team solidify customer trust at every stage of the journey."Fast shipping, amazing flower, and the team responded to my questions right away. You can tell they care."- Trustpilot ReviewerFrom new customers exploring THCA for the first time to longtime cannabis users looking for legal alternatives in restricted states, Black Tie has become a trusted resource.What States Can You Legally Order THCA Flower To?Because Black Tie's THCA flower is compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill, it can be legally shipped to most U.S. states. However, certain states have placed tighter restrictions on THCA (e.g., Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota), so consumers are advised to verify local hemp regulations before ordering.Popular THCA destinations include:North CarolinaFloridaGeorgiaAlabamaTexasNevadaOklahomaVirginiaBlack Tie keeps customers informed by regularly updating shipping eligibility based on compliance checks and ongoing legislation.What Is THCA-and Does It Get You High?THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)is a precursor of THC and can be found in fresh cannabis and hemp. It's non-psychoactive in raw form, which is why products containing THCA are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill-as long as they contain under 0.3% Delta-9 THC.When THCA is heated-through smoking, vaping, or cooking-a naturalprocess called decarboxylation converts it into Delta-9 THC , delivering the euphoric "high" commonly associated with marijuana. That means THCA flower absolutely gets you high, just like dispensary cannabis-if heated.In short: in raw form, THCA is safe and legal; once activated by heat, it delivers authentic psychoactive effects.Does It Smell or Taste Like Weed?Yes. In its cured and decarboxylated form, THCA flow
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/

Ukraine needs investment in interceptor drones from partner countries and increased sanctions against Russia, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on Russia's strikes on Kharkiv and a number of regions on Friday night.

Russian strikes on our people. Yet another atrocity. In Kharkiv, nine people were injured as a result of a drone attack. Among the wounded are women in a maternity hospital  mothers with newborns, women recovering from surgery. Fortunately, no children were injured  There is no silence in Ukraine. Constant Russian attacks with drones, missiles, and aerial bombs. That is why it is so important to implement as soon as possible everything we agreed on with our partners these past days in Italy, Zelenskyy, who took part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference, which is taking place in Rome on July 10-11, wrote on Telegram on Friday.

He stressed that Ukraine needs protection, primarily air defense systems and interceptor drones. This was discussed with all our partners. We have received positive signals, and it is crucial that these signals turn into real investments in this technology. Sanctions must be strengthened. We are expecting the adoption of a new sanctions package. Everything that will put pressure on Russia and stop it must be implemented as quickly as possible, Zelenskyy said.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-12 00:01:16

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1007 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTC PINK:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT), is pleased to announce its intention to complete a nonbrokered private placement (the "Offering") of convertible debenture units (the "Debenture Units") at a price of $0.60 per Debenture Unit, for gross proceeds of up to $1,200,000.Each Debenture Unit consists of: (i) $0.60 principal amount of 8.0% unsecured convertible debentures (the "Debentures") and (ii) one common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") at a price of $0.75 per Common Share for a period of two years following the date of issuance. The Debentures bear interest from their issue date at 8.0% per annum on an accrual basis, calculated and payable on an annual basis, up to and including the date which is two years following the date of issuance (the "Maturity Date"). The principal amount of the Debentures is convertible, at the option of the holder, into Common Share at any time prior to the Maturity Date, at a conversion price of $0.60 per Common Share (the "Conversion Price"). At the election of the Company, the interest payable on the principal amount of the Debentures may be settled by a cash payment or through the issuance of Common Shares at the Conversion Price.The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for product development and commercialization, intellectual property filings, and general working capital. There is no minimum number of Debenture Units or minimum aggregate proceeds required to close the Offering and the Company may, at its discretion, elect to close the Offering in one or more tranches.In connection with the Offering, Company may pay a cash finder's fee of up to 8% of the gross proceeds of the Offering and may issue to certain eligible finders non-transferable broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants") of up to 8% of the number of Debenture Units sold under the Offering. Each Broker Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share (a "Broker Share") at an exercise price of $0.60 per Broker Share for a period of two years from the date of issuance of the Broker Warrants.The securities of the Company to be issued in connection with the Offering, and any Common Shares issuable upon conversion or exercise thereof, will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day.About BioNxt Solutions Inc.BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on nextgeneration drug delivery technologies, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. The Company's proprietary platforms-Sublingual (ThinFilm), Transdermal (Skin Patch), and Oral (EntericCoated Tablets)-target key therapeutic areas, including autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and longevity. With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patientcentric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide.BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com Investor Relations & Media ContactHugh Rogers, CoFounder, CEO and DirectorEmail: investor.relations@bionxt.com Phone: +1 778.598.2698Web: www.bionxt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxtsolutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt THIS NEWS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY, NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DEBENTURES AND THE SHARES WHICH MAY BE ISSUED ON EXERCISE THEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "U.S. SECURITIES ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.Cautionary Statement Regarding "ForwardLooking" InformationThis news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the anticipated completion of the Offering, the estimated proceeds to be raised pursuant to the Offering, and projected use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. 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 securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 18:22:06

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 414 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Bridges Experience Inc. ("Bridges EXP") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Bridges EXP.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On December 2, 2024, Bridges EXP detected unauthorized access to its internal systems. The company promptly launched an investigation with third-party cybersecurity experts, which determined that an unauthorized party accessed employee email accounts and other systems between December 2, 2024, and January 22, 2025.A detailed review was conducted to identify the compromised information and affected individuals. These impacted files allegedly included names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, routing numbers, medical information, individual health insurance information, driver's license numbers, payment card numbers and access pin numbers, payment car expiration dates, passport numbers, and taxpayer identification numbersOn June 26, 2025, Bridges EXP filed a data breach notice with the Vermont Attorney General's Office and began notifying impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Bridges Experience Inc., you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis-you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.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) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 20:37:12

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 602 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a lawsuit has been filed against Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS) and certain of the Company's senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Hims & Hers, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/hims-hers-health-inc-class-action Investors have until August 25, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors who purchased Hims & Hers securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and is captioned Sookdeo v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-05315. A subsequent complaint alleging substantially similar claims was also filed and is captioned Yaghsizian v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-05321.Why was Hims & Hers Sued for Securities Fraud?Hims & Hers operates a telehealth platform that provides consumers with access to online consultations with licensed healthcare professionals, prescription medications, and a range of wellness products. On April 29, 2025, Hims & Hers and Novo Nordisk announced a "long-term collaboration" starting with the immediate sale of Novo Nordisk's popular weight loss drug Wegovy on the Hims & Hers platform. The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide.As alleged, Hims & Hers touted and misrepresented to investors the nature of its partnership with Novo Nordisk, including asserting that under the terms of the agreement His & Hers could offer both Wegovy and compounded semaglutide to its customers. Hims & Hers also allegedly represented to investors that its sale of compounded semaglutide complied with FDA regulations.The Stock Declines as the Truth is RevealedOn June 23, 2025, Novo Nordisk announced that it was terminating the partnership, "based on Hims & Hers deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk" and alleged that Hims & Hers "failed to adhere to the law which prohibits mass sales of compounded drugs." On this news, the price of Hims & Hers stock fell $22.24 per share, or more than 34%, from $64.22 per share on June 20, 2025 to $41.98 per share on June 23, 2025.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/hims-hers-health-inc-class-action What Can You Do?If you invested in Hims & Hers you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212-789-3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar, Fonti, & Auld LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 20:37:49

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 584 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a lawsuit has been filed against Organon & Co. (NYSE:OGN) and certain of the Company's senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Organon you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/organon-co-class-action Investors have until July 22, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors who purchased Organon securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and is captioned: Hauser v. Organon & Co., et al., No. 25-cv-05322.Why was Organon Sued for Securities Fraud?Organon is a global healthcare company focused on women's health that has historically rewarded its shareholders with a healthy dividend. In October 2024, Organon completed a $1.2 billion acquisition of Dermavant, a biopharmaceutical company focused on dermatological conditions. As alleged, while the acquisition increased Organon's debt, the Company assured investors it would maintain its dividend, which Organon asserted was its "#1 capital allocation priority." In truth, Organon had shifted its capital allocation priority after the Dermavant acquisition to focus on reducing its debt, ultimately leading the Company to severely cut its dividend.The Stock Declines as the Truth is RevealedOn May 1, 2025, Organon announced that management reset the Company's dividend payout from $0.28 per share to $0.02 per share. Organon's CEO explained that the Company "reset our capital allocation priorities to accelerate progress towards deleveraging" and that "[b]y deleveraging more rapidly, we will continue to strengthen the future prospects of the company." Organon's CFO added, "[t]he biggest issues we face . . . relate to managing our leverage and relate to growth. And we need capital to solve both of those issues, and so returning capital to shareholders is right now, less of a priority." On this news, the price of Organon stock declined roughly 27%, from $12.93 per share on April 30, 2025, to $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025.Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/organon-co-class-action What Can You Do?If you invested in Organon you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212-789-3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-12 00:00:57

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 755 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Onco-Innovations Limited (CBOE CA:ONCO)(OTCQB:ONNVF)(Frankfurt:W1H,WKN: A3EKSZ) ("Onco" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a services agreement with Redwood AI Inc. (Redwood AI). This collaboration marks continued advancement of Onco's mission to accelerate the development of its exclusively-licensed Polynucleotide Kinase Phosphatase (PNKP) Compound (the "Technology") and to extend its proprietary knowledge through discovery. This proprietary compound aims to target a range of solid tumours by enhancing sensitivity to radiation and DNA-damaging chemotherapies, offering the potential to exploit specific genetic susceptibilities in cancer. Through this agreement with Redwood AI, Onco gains access to Redwood AI's AI-driven chemistry tools that have the potential to unlock critical efficiencies in drug development, thereby carrying the potential to reduce synthesis complexity, refine compound design, and expand the pipeline of viable analogs. This effort is aimed at reinforcing Onco's technical capabilities at a crucial preclinical phase, with the goal of improving scalability, safety, and discovery precision.Under the scope of the agreement, Redwood AI will provide multi-pronged support across synthesis evaluation, cheminformatics, and organ-specific toxicity prediction for the Technology and its structural analogs. This includes independent reviews of third-party chemistry proposals and the use of Redwood's proprietary in-silico modelling tools. In simpler terms, these efforts are intended to deepen Onco's understanding of its Technology by supporting structure-based refinement and mechanistic insight. These efforts are part of Onco's broader strategy to efficiently progress toward First-in-Human studies.Redwood AI is a Vancouver-based artificial intelligence company harnessing artificial intelligence to accelerate drug synthesis and development. Founded by a team with deep roots in chemistry, AI, and drug manufacturing, including origins from Stanford1, Redwood AI is focused on overcoming one of the pharmaceutical industry's most persistent challenges - drug synthesis. By automating a substantial portion of the traditionally manual steps involved in synthesis, Redwood's technology aims to support more accurate, scalable, and cost-effective drug creation, with the goal of helping research teams move from discovery to development faster and with greater efficiency."The pace of innovation in cancer therapeutics depends on how quickly we can turn complex data into actionable decisions. Redwood AI's platform has the potential to enable us to explore synthesis strategies, evaluate risks, and optimize compound design with greater speed and precision. This kind of insight not only strengthens our scientific direction but also has the potential to accelerate our timeline towards clinical trials," stated Thomas O'Shaughnessy, CEO of Onco-Innovations.About Onco-Innovations LimitedOnco-Innovations is a Canadian-based company dedicated to cancer research and treatment, specializing in oncology. Onco's mission is to pursue the prevention and treatment of cancer through pioneering research and innovative solutions. The company has secured an exclusive worldwide license to patented technology that targets solid tumours.ON BEHALF OF ONCO-INNOVATIONS LIMITED,"Thomas O'Shaughnessy"Chief Executive OfficerFor more information, please contact:Thomas O'ShaughnessyChief Executive OfficerTel: + 1 888 261 8055 investors@ oncoinnovations.com Forward-Looking Statements Caution. This news release contains forward-looking statements, including in relation to the prospects of the Company, and the Company's business and plans generally, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "potential", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.SOURCE: Onco-Innovations Limited
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 04:30:15

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 462 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / July 10, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilJuly 22, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against Organon & Co. (NYSE:OGN), if they purchased the Company's securities between November 3, 2022 and April 30, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). These actions are pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Organon and would like to discuss your legal rights and how the case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-ogn/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in the class action, you must petition the Court byJuly 22, 2025 .About the LawsuitsOrganon and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On March 10, 2025, pre-market, the Company announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, disclosing, among other things, that management had reset the Company's dividend payout, from $0.28 to $0.02, contradicting its prior statements assuring investors that the regular quarterly dividend was a number one priority and that the Company was committed to its capital allocation strategy through the aforementioned dividend. On this news, the price of Organon's shares fell more than 27%, from a closing market price of $12.93 per share on April 30, 2025, to $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025.The first-filed case is Hauser v. Organon & Co., et al., No. 25-cv-05322. A subsequent case, Lerner v. Organon & Co., et al., No. 25-cv-12983, expanded the class period.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com CONTACT: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 23:41:14

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1005 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

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.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Prince Silver Corp. (formerly Hawthorn Resources Corp.) (CSE:PRNC)(OTC:HWTNF) ("Prince Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition (the "Acquisition") of all issued and outstanding shares of Stampede Metals Corporation, a private Nevada-based company, from Stampede Metals Limited, a private Australian company ("Stampede AU"), pursuant to the previously announced Share Exchange Agreement, as amended.As part of the closing, the Company has also issued all securities related to the Acquisition, converted its subscription receipts into common shares and warrants, and filed a technical report prepared in accordance with 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.The Name Change and Consolidation are now effective, and the Company's common shares are trading on a consolidated basis under the name Prince Silver Corp. and the new symbol " PRNC." The new CUSIP for the Company's consolidated common shares is 74174A102."The completion of this transaction and our rebranding as Prince Silver Corp. mark a major milestone for the Company,"stated Ralph Shearing, P.Geo., President of Prince Silver Corp."We are now fully aligned with our flagship Prince Silver Project; a large-scale silver asset located in one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions. With silver prices reaching multi-year highs and a previously disclosed Exploration Target in place, we believe this is a timely opportunity to unlock significant value for our shareholders." Highlights:Closing of the Stampede Acquisition Prince Silver has issued 15,000,000 units (the "Consideration Units") (each consisting of one common share and 0.56667 of a Contingent Value Right) to Stampede AU. These Contingent Value Rights will convert into up to 8,500,000 Milestone Shares if defined resource milestones are met within four years. The Company retains the option to accelerate the milestone conversion and reduce the total number of Milestone Shares by 20% within the first year.Finder's Shares Issued In connection with the Acquisition, the Company issued 350,000 common shares to an arm's length party as finder's consideration, at a deemed price of $0.27 per share.Subscription Receipt Conversion The Company's Subscription Receipts have automatically converted into 14,807,315 common shares and 7,403,650share purchase warrants, each exercisable at $0.40 until December 23, 2026. Subscription Receipt proceeds have been released from trust to the Company resulting in gross proceeds of $3,997,975.05. Additionally, the Company issued 369,111 Finder's Warrants and paid aggregate finder fees of $101,549.98.Resulting Share Capital Following the closing of the Acquisition and conversion of the Subscription Receipts, the Company now has 45,861,440 common shares issued and outstanding on a post-consolidation basis.New Control Person With the issuance of the 15,000,000 Consideration Units, Stampede AU now holds approximately 32% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares, making it a new Control Person under applicable securities laws and Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") policies (a "Control Person"). It is the intent of Stampede Au to distribute the Consideration Units to its shareholders after preparing and filing necessary Australian corporate and regulatory documents to legally effect the transfer to its shareholders, after which, it is expected that Stampede Au would no longer be a Control Person.Voluntary Lock-Up & Support Agreement Stampede AU has agreed to a voluntary lock-up of its Consideration Units for a period of one year, or until it ceases to be a Control Person, whichever is later. During this lock-up period, Stampede AU will abstain from voting its shares, except in the case of votes involving a change of control.Appointment of DirectorThe Company is also pleased to announce that, in connection with the closing of the Acquisition, it has appointed Robert Wrixon, a Director of Stampede Metals Limited, as a member of the Company's board of directors. Mr. Wrixon is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has served as both Executive and non Executive Director of several ASX and London listed companies. He holds a Ph.D in mineral engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.The Company also announced that Samantha Shorter has resigned from the Company's board of directors. "We would like to thank Samantha for her dedication to the Company since its initial public offering, and wish her well in her future endeavours." stated Ralph Shearing, P.Geol., President.Filing of 43-101 Technical Report for the Prince Silver ProjectThe Company has filed an independent technical report for its 100%-owned Prince Silver Project, located in Lincoln County, Nevada (the "Prince Silver Project").The report, titled "43-101 Technical Report on the Prince Silver Mine Project, Lincoln County, Nevada", is dated May 19, 2025, with an effective date of May 19, 2025 (the "Technical Report"). It was prepared in accordance with 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("43-101") by John E. Hiner, SME Registered Member.The report does not contain a current mineral resource estimate compliant with NI 43-101 standards. Historical estimates are included for context only, and the reader is cautioned not to treat them as current or reliable. The Company has initiated plans to confirm historical data through a proposed two-phase drill program designed to define a compliant resource.The Technical Report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca About Prince Silver Corp.Prince Silver is a silver exploration company focused on advancing the Prince Silver Project in Nevada, USA. Mineralization is open in all directions and is near surface. Prince Silver also holds option interest in Broken Handle Project, an early-stage mineral exploration project located southern British Columbia, Canada.On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsRalph Shearing, Director, President Tel: 604-764-0965Email: rshearing@ princesilvercorp.com Website: www.princesilvercorp.com Forward-Looking InformationCertain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentio
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 19:55:10

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 581 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

UAE's First Coffee Shops Staffed by Certified Uniquely Abled WorkersABU DHABI, UAE / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Zayed Higher Organization today announces the launch of its Bee Cafe, the first cafe brand of its kind in the United Arab Emirates to be operated by uniquely abled people internationally certified as baristas. Designed as a vocational training program and long-term employment solution that provides financial independence for its workers, it also expects a positive business return, proving that everyone wins when everyone works.Today's announcement celebrates three openings of Bee Cafe locations throughout Abu Dhabi. Located at ZHO's headquarters, at the Emirates Red Crescent Authority and The Innovation Center events complex, the decor represents a place for strong social connectivity, productivity and belonging. Each location serves specialty coffee and a selection of pastries.The Bee Cafe is a non-profit venture of Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO), with all revenue reinvested into the programming to support uniquely abled. Governed by the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, ZHO has served as a model throughout the MENA region of advancement. Since 2017 the UAE refers to members of the community as "People of Determination" as a respectful nod to the level of purpose and persistence of someone physical and/or intellectual challenges."As a mother, it means the world to see my son grow with confidence and purpose. Thanks to the support of Zayed Higher Organization and his experience at Bee Cafe, he now has a meaningful role, new skills, and a sense of independence. He is also officially a certified barista, a qualification that's recognized internationally. I no longer worry about his future because I trust that he's in the right place, surrounded by people who believe in him." said Hamda Khadim Al Qubaisi, the parent of Hazaa Mohamed Almehairbi."At Zayed Higher Organization, we believe that People of Determination possess unique energies that deserve to be discovered and invested in," said His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary General of ZHO. "The personal and professional successes that we have developed in the Bee Cafe employment model confirms that focusing on ability-based employment is the key to building a more inclusive and equitable society. In partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association, our nine employees were the first uniquely abled cohort to receive the internationally accredited barista certificate. The skills they learn by getting this certificate opens doors for them to have a sustainable future (even) beyond the Bee Cafe."Broadening vocational and workplace pathways programs is a top priority of ZHO. The focus for ability-driven work is in practice in the United States. Dr. Ivan Rosenberg, founder of the Uniquely Abled Project, a vocational program for machining in the US and Oman said, "Everybody that has a job challenge has a compensating unique ability that enables them to be highly successful in a work capacity." The American non-profit, Helping Adults with Autism Perform and Excel (HAAPE), touts a proprietary algorithm that estimates the increase to the GDP if businesses hire autistic workers. Dr. Larry Rothman, president, provided a cursory estimate of nearly $500M in new income to the economy of UAE if all autistic adults were hired, proving the wrap around value of workforce pathway programs available to all people.ZHO invites the public to experience the cafe, support its mission, and help it grow. VisitZHO Instagramand theBee Cafe Instagramfor more information.Media inquiries: Heidi Kershaw, Founder ofGlobal Autism Coalition , 571-277-7482,heidi@ globalautismcoalition.com SOURCE: Global Autism Coalition
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 23:17:13

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 792 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the "Western Asset US Core Bond Fund" mutual fund classes - Class I (ticker: "WATFX"), Class A (ticker: "WABAX"), Class C (ticker: "WABCX"), Class FI (ticker: "WAPIX"), Class IS (ticker: "WACSX"), and Class R (ticker: "WABRX") - and the "Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund" mutual fund classes - Class A (ticker: "WAPAX"), Class C (ticker: "WAPCX"), Class C1 (ticker: "LWCPX"), Class FI (ticker: "WACIX"), Class R (ticker: "WAPRX"), Class I (ticker: "WACPX"), Class IS (ticker: "WAPSX") between January 1, 2021 and October 31, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 5, 2025.SO WHAT: If you purchased Western Asset mutual funds 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 Western Asset class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 5, 2025. 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. 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 achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. 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, throughout the Class Period, defendants failed to warn investors that: (1) Defendants favored certain WAMCO strategies, like Macro Opps, over other WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (2) Defendants disfavored certain WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (3) any "compliance policies and procedures" that WAMCO maintained "to result in fair allocations of investment opportunities to clients" were either insufficient to ensure that Leech and his WAMCO Team fairly allocated trades among the strategies they managed or were expressly disregarded by defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies; (3) any "oversight mechanisms" that WAMCO maintained were either insufficient to monitor Leech and his WAMCO Team or were expressly disregarded by Defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies. As a result, defendants' actions operated as a fraud or deceit on the Class, artificially reducing the price of the "Western Asset US Core strategy" mutual fund classes during the Class Period, damaging Class members.To join the Western Asset class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information.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 FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 13:50:14

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1040 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Joe Dessens of Dessens & Co. Says Brand Identity, Not Just Analytics, Drives Customer LoyaltyHOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / In an era of dashboards, KPIs, and click-through rates, businesses have more access to marketing data than ever before. But according to Houston-based marketing expert Joseph Dessens, many companies are looking in the wrong place for real results. The founder of boutique consultancy Dessens & Co., Joe Dessens argues that storytelling remains the most underutilized and powerful tool in the modern marketer's toolkit."Data can tell you what your customers are doing," says Joe, "but it can't tell you why they care." With over 15 years of experience guiding brands through growth, repositioning, and digital strategy, Joseph Dessens has seen the pendulum swing heavily toward analytics. From email open rates to audience segmentation and A/B testing, metrics dominate decision-making across nearly every industry. While this can be useful, Joe warns that an overreliance on numbers can actually hinder meaningful engagement."Too often, companies focus so heavily on performance metrics that they forget to develop a compelling message in the first place," he says. "You can optimize a weak message forever, and it still won't move people." At Dessens & Co., a Houston-based consultancy serving small to mid-sized businesses, Joseph works closely with clients to rebuild brand messaging from the inside out. His approach blends data-backed strategy with deep narrative development, helping companies tell stories that resonate across channels and conversions alike.Metrics Matter, But They Aren't the Whole StoryJoseph Dessens Houston, Texas, doesn't discount the value of data. He regularly incorporates audience insights, user behavior trends, and digital analytics into client strategy. However, he believes that businesses are misled when they view data as the final answer rather than a tool for asking better questions."Numbers are a feedback loop, not a foundation," he explains. "They can help refine what's already working, but they can't invent meaning." Joe says this misunderstanding is especially common among startups and tech-forward companies, which often prioritize experimentation and growth hacks over brand identity. The result is marketing that's fragmented, reactive, and forgettable."We'll work with clients who've tested fifteen subject lines and three different calls to action, but never paused to ask, What is the actual story we're trying to tell here?' That's where we come in." Storytelling Builds Trust and DifferentiationAccording to Joseph Dessens, storytelling isn't just fluff or creative dressing. It is strategy. Customers today are overwhelmed with information, but they still respond to stories that reflect their values, goals, and challenges. A strong narrative helps brands stand out, create emotional connection, and build long-term loyalty."People want to see themselves in your brand," says Joe. "They want to know who you are and why you matter." He points out that data may help with targeting, but it does not guarantee that a brand will leave an impression. Real resonance comes from relevance, not just placement.Dessens & Co. helps clients define their brand narratives through a structured framework that includes customer interviews, brand archetyping, and market mapping. From there, Joe and his team translate that story across platforms, ensuring consistency from the homepage to the email subject line to the in-store experience."One of our retail clients was seeing flat growth despite great online visibility," Joe recalls. "We worked with them to reframe their story around craftsmanship and legacy. Within two months, their repeat customer rate improved by thirty percent. That kind of result doesn't come from data alone." The Hidden Cost of Ignoring the Brand NarrativeJoseph warns that businesses that neglect storytelling often end up with short-term tactics that lead nowhere. Constant discounting, performance ad spend, and automated outreach might offer momentary spikes, but they rarely create loyal customers or sustained interest."Storytelling is what gives your tactics direction. Without it, your marketing might be loud, but it won't be clear," says Joe.This clarity is especially important in crowded markets like Houston, where small and mid-sized businesses are competing with national brands for the same audiences. Joseph Dessens Houston, Texas, has worked with dozens of companies to help them clarify not just what they offer, but why it matters."When you get the story right, every marketing decision becomes easier," he says. "You know who you're speaking to, what tone to use, what visuals to choose, and what channels to prioritize." Combining Story and Strategy for Long-Term ResultsJoe emphasizes that storytelling does not replace strategy. It complements it. His team uses narrative as a lens through which to view performance. By combining qualitative brand clarity with quantitative feedback, clients get the best of both worlds."It's not about choosing between creative and analytical," says Joe. "It's about knowing how to balance them." Dessens & Co. integrates both sides of this equation. The firm supports clients in creating messaging that is emotionally compelling, while also using analytics to iterate and refine. Their process includes testing content formats, analyzing audience behavior, and optimizing campaigns, but always through the lens of a clearly defined brand narrative.A Boutique Approach That Prioritizes MeaningOne reason this approach is effective is that Dessens & Co. offers hands-on guidance from start to finish. Joe works directly with clients, ensuring their stories are not only aligned with business goals but also told in a way that feels human and real."At larger agencies, messaging is often built from the outside looking in," says Joe. "We reverse that. We start with the heart of the brand and build outward." His Houston-based consultancy serves a range of clients, including health services, professional services, consumer products, and mission-driven organizations. Across all sectors, the principle remains the same: when people feel emotionally connected to a brand, they are far more likely to become loyal customers and advocates.Reclaiming the Art of MarketingJoseph Dessens believes that modern marketing needs to reconnect with its roots in communication and creativity. While data will always have a place, it should serve the message, not replace it."Storytelling is how we make meaning. Without it, we're just pu
MP Shevchenko notified of suspicion in tens of millions fraud, involvement of former minister Kubrakov in this crime being investigated

Based on materials from the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Prosecutor General reported a new suspicion to the current Ukrainian MP - he is accused of fraud on an especially large scale, and the facts of the involvement of the former minister of infrastructure of Ukraine in the said crime are being checked as part of the proceedings.

On the Telegram channel on Friday, the Bureau noted that the MP had repeatedly traveled to Belarus, where he met with representatives of business, politics, and the self-proclaimed president of the country.

"Referring to these meetings, he spread false information about the absence of a threat of attack by Russian troops from the territory of Belarus. During the investigation, it was also documented that the MP used his personal political and economic connections in Belarus for deals with the supply of Belarusian mineral fertilizers to Ukraine," the report says.

The State Bureau of Investigation does not name the deputy, it is Yevhen Shevchenko.

"The Ukrainian enterprise paid for the fertilizers, but the Belarusian side delayed fulfilling its obligations. The deputy took advantage of this situation and began telling entrepreneurs that they allegedly did not have all the necessary permits for the transportation of cargo. He knew for sure that they existed, but under the guise of "solving" the missing problem, he demanded that they conclude an agreement on the provision of consulting services with a business entity under his control," the department notes.

The total amount of the contract, according to the report, was UAH 14.5 million.

At the same time, according to the State Bureau of Investigation, the deputy stated that without such a contract, mineral fertilizers would not be supplied.

"Having found itself dependent on the actions of the deputy and trying to receive previously paid products, the Ukrainian enterprise was forced to agree to his terms, conclude a corresponding agreement and make an additional payment for services," the message says.

The State Bureau of Investigations also reports that the deputy used the funds he received - UAH 14.5 million - to purchase three premium cars - a Porsche Macan, a BMW X5M (2021) and a Mercedes-Benz AMG (2022), which he registered in the names of controlled persons. The declared total customs value of these vehicles exceeds EUR 250,000.

"As part of the investigation of the criminal proceedings, the facts of the involvement of the former Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine in the said crime are being checked," the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO) reports.

Pretrial investigation of criminal proceedings is carried out by the Main Investigative Agency of the State Bureau of Investigation, with operational support from the Security Service of Ukraine.

The SBU notes on its Telegram channel that the current MP has been in custody for treason since November 2024. "Available data indicate that the MP could receive regular kickbacks by offering other Ukrainian enterprises Belarusian quotas for the supply of fertilizers," the SBU reports.

Based on the collected evidence, the MP was notified of suspicion under Part 4 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (fraud committed on a large scale).
PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-11 03:00:16

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 841 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Christie Sikora, author of Blood and GoldNAPERVILLE, IL / ACCESS Newswire / July 10, 2025 / As I write this, I watch a nightmare unfold-one I predicted in the pages of my book, Blood and Gold. The headlines, the silence, the brutality-they're not unexpected. They're tragic confirmations of a warning we were too proud, too distracted, or too afraid to hear.A domino has been tipped. And most in the West still don't grasp how close we are to a war that won't just be regional. It could become global.A War That Doesn't End Where It StartsIn his latest investigative piece, journalist CJ Werleman outlines a terrifying but logical sequence of events:The United States strikes Iranian nuclear sites.Israel intensifies attacks on Tehran.Iran retaliates with force.And now, Israel-diplomatically isolated and dangerously low on missile interceptors-faces a storm it cannot withstand.Backed by new strategic alliances with China and Russia, Iran now holds a stronger military and nuclear position than ever before. Israeli cities are being battered. Missile defenses are faltering. And joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes are only deepening Iranian resolve.This isn't conjecture. It's real. It's happening.America's Complicity in the CollapseAnd America? We keep sending weapons. We keep pretending this is about defense or freedom. But the uncomfortable truth is this: the U.S. military-industrial complex is not delivering peace-it is manufacturing prolonged suffering.In Blood and Gold, I called this collapse the Domino Effect-a chain reaction born from historical injustice, colonization, and decades of dehumanization. Palestine was never the final stop. It was the beginning. Gaza became its most brutal confirmation.Violence doesn't resolve. It spreads. And when justice is denied long enough, rage will find another form, another front, another weapon.The Book That Tried to Warn UsBlood and Gold is not a novel. It is a mirror. A warning. A record of facts, testimony, and history many still choose to ignore. It was written as a plea, grounded in survivor accounts, geopolitical data, and human truth. And now it reads more like a prophecy. One we had a chance to heed-and didn't.If more people had read it, perhaps some lives might have been spared. Because what's happening now isn't a surprise. It's what happens when the powerful silence the truth-and the world pretends it's not our responsibility.We are not spectators. We fund the bombs. We shape the stories. We turn away.And now, perhaps, we're too late.Israel at the Brink-and What Comes NextIf this current path holds, Israel won't just suffer retaliation. It may face annihilation. That, too, is a tragedy. The loss of any people is a tragedy.But we cannot mourn one side and ignore the other.More than 374,000 Palestinians have died since late 2023-75% of them women and children-leaving Gaza's population at an estimated 1.8 million, according to a recent Harvard study. These are not statistics. They are shattered lives. Shattered homes. A broken humanity.Final Words: This Is the Choice PointTo my fellow Americans: stop asking, "How did this happen?"Start asking, "What are we doing to stop it?"To the U.S. government: If you continue down this path-arming one side while ignoring the scale of human suffering-you will not just be remembered as enablers of genocide. You will be held accountable for helping ignite a larger war.To the world: Wake up. The dominos are still falling.An early-release edition of Blood and Gold-printed prior to final proofreading-is currently available onAmazonand will soon be available via authorchristiesikora.com . The fully revised edition is expected within the next two weeks.Source & Citation TableClaim/ReferenceSourceCJ Werleman's reporting on U.S.-Iran-Israel escalationCJ Werleman - CJWerleman.substack.com Harvard study on Palestinian casualties and Gaza population declineHarvard Humanitarian Initiative, 2024 (dataset used in UNRWA & WHO briefings)U.S. arms and funding support to IsraelCongressional Research Service (CRS), U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel, 2024 ReportIran-China-Russia military alliance developmentsReuters & Foreign Policy (2023-2024 coverage on regional military cooperation)Title & publication note for Blood and GoldChristie Sikora, Amazon listing & author website (forthcoming)DisclaimerThis original article was independently drafted by the Evrima Chicago News Bureau in full collaboration withChristie Sikora , author of Blood and Gold. The views expressed reflect the author's documented research, literary framework, and stated positions on current geopolitical events.Recent stories related to Christie Sikora's work have been featured byCBS News ,ABC News , andKhaleej Times , reflecting international interest in her insights on war, justice, and historical reckoning.Official RepresentationEvrima Chicago is the authorized publishing and media representative for Christie Sikora. For syndication, interviews, or permission to reproduce this article, contactpr@ evrimachicago.comOR waasay@ evrimachicago.com Publication StandardsThis article qualifies as a digital-first editorial under W3C-compliant syndication frameworks and is timestamped for permanent archival. Evrima Chicago maintains independent standards across political commentary, literature, and conflict reporting.Reader AdvisoryThis article discusses themes of war, systemic violence, and humanitarian crises. Readers are encouraged to consult additional verified sources for emerging developments.SOURCE: Evrima Chicago LLC.
The Nigerian stock market closed the week on a bullish trend, recording a gain of N1.077 trillion as investors witnessed sustained gains throughout the week.

The uptrend was due to increased investor demand for banking stocks like First Bank Holding Company, United Bank for Africa, FCMB, and others.

Market capitalisation rose by N1.077 trillion, or 1.37 per cent, to close at N79.803 trillion, up from N78.726 trillion recorded on Thursday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 1,702.79 points, or 1.37 per cent, settling at 126,149.59 from its previous close of 124,446.80.

The market breadth closed positive, with 62 gainers and 25 losers.

Guinness Nigeria led the gainers chart, soaring by 10 per cent, closing at N96.80, while Cadbury Nigeria also gained by 10 per cent, finishing at N60.50 per share.

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

NEM Insurance rose by 10 per cent, settling at N22.00, and Consolidated Hallmark Holdings also grew by 10 per cent, ending the session at N3.63 per share.

Red Star Express increased by 9.98 per cent, closing at N13.44 per share.

On the flip side, Learn Africa shed 8.66 per cent, settling at N6.01, while Tantalizer dropped by 6.25 per cent, closing at N3.00 per share.

Prestige lost 6.02 per cent, ending the session at N1.25, and Regalins fell by 5.62 per cent, finishing at 84k per share.

Oando Plc declined by 4.61 per cent, closing at N51.70 per share.

A total of 1.39 billion shares worth N30.55 billion were traded across 33,399 transactions, compared to 1.3 billion shares worth N27.73 billion that were exchanged across 27,875 transactions earlier.

Transactions in the shares of Access Corporation led the activity chart with 172.92 million shares worth N4.16 billion.

Ellah Lakes followed with 144.9 million shares valued at N1.82 billion, while Ja Paul Gold sold 138.74 million shares worth N498.76 million.

United Bank for Africa transacted 73.03 million shares valued at N3.15 billion, and AIICO Insurance traded 60.68 million shares worth N135.71 million.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The much-anticipated coalition of the Nigerian political opposition berthed last week aboard a relatively old vessel when a group of prominent politicians officially unveiled the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform for the 2027 General Election at a press conference in Abuja.

However, unlike in the previous experiments that Nigerians were familiar with from the First Republic (1960-1966), this coalition is not about parties. It involves politicians who lost control or influence in the major opposition parties or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

It has been called the anti-Tinubu coalition because it was forged by the presidents old political opponents from the opposition parties and new ones from his party and political family. A few of them want to be president in 2027, while the others just want to see Mr Tinubu out of the office.

As it stands, the coalition will not only challenge the ruling APC in the coming elections, but it will also have the main opposition parties, such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All-Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), in its cross hairs. Those three opposition parties have elected governors and federal and state lawmakers in their ranks, almost all of whom have so far stayed away from the coalition or its current party flag.

ADC and coalition

The ADC is not new as a vehicle for migrating politicians. In 2018, a coalition led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo adopted the then 13-year-old party as its platform to challenge the then two dominant parties, the ruling APC and the PDP, in the 2019 elections. However, that voyage foundered within a few months, and the ADC resumed hibernation on the political fringe. Judging by the calibre of the current coalitions promoters and their supporters enthusiasm, the ADCs time at the centre of political activities has truly arrived.

The principal promoters of the coalition are former vice president Atiku Abubakar, who flew the PDP flag in the last two presidential elections, and Peter Obi, Atikus running mate in 2019 and the LP candidate in 2023. Others include Rotimi Ameachi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola, all of whom were former two-term governors and federal ministers.

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

Behind that front column are other former two-term governors like Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Babangida Aliyu of Niger, Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, Gabriel Suswan of Benue, Sam Egwu of Ebonyi, and Liyel Imoke of Cross River. There are also former Senate President David Mark, named the partys interim chairman, and former ministers like Abubakar Malami, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Solomon Dalung. Mr Abdullahi is the partys spokesperson.

The politicians chose to regroup for two principal reasons. First, the opposition cannot beat President Bola Tinubu when their parties are running on separate lanes. The results of the 2023 presidential election indicate that they could have done it had the two leading opponents of President Tinubu joined forces. Two years ago, the president was elected with just 37 per cent of the vote while the opposition supporters were divided between Atiku, who got 29 per cent, and Mr Obi with 25 per cent. The economic hardship caused by President Tinubus bold economic reforms makes him look even more vulnerable.

Second, the PDP and LP situations mean Atiku and Mr Obi cannot pick either partys ticket for 2027 or lead the two parties to merge into a new one. The PDP is yet to recover from its post-2022 presidential primary crisis, while the LP has broken into three factions. All this is happening while the ruling party is poaching governors and federal lawmakers from the two parties and has endorsed President Tinubu as its candidate almost two years before the presidential election.

So, how far can the coalition go now that it has its party?

While the show of force is impressive, what we have seen so far does not indicate a seismic political development. It does not compare to the emergence of the APC in 2013, when the major opposition parties and a faction of the ruling PDP merged to produce a new party.

Aside from Atiku and Obi, you may struggle to list the electoral assets in this coalition. The former governors, ministers and party officials are reappearing from the margins, as many did not contest or lead their parties to win an election in the last two electoral cycles. David Mark, 77, was recalled from retirement. Mr Lamidos PDP has been in opposition in Jigawa since his governorship tenure ended 10 years ago. Mr Tambuwal lost his state in 2023 as a sitting governor. The APC did not win anything in Rivers for the eight years that Mr Amaechi was its leader, despite being the director-general of Mr Buharis presidential campaign as a sitting governor and super minister.

Finance

In its present composition, the coalition will also struggle to raise a war chest. Among them, only Atiku is famed for having a deep pocket and a knack for spending his money on politics. Generally, Nigerian politicians depend on the public purse to finance political activities and elections, which is why incumbents have the upper hand. Most of these coalition leaders have been out of government for many years and do not have incumbent officeholders with them yet. The coalition must build party structures at the state, local government and ward levels before the polls and make significant expenditures during the elections. If Atiku does not get the ticket, will he commit his wealth to the cause of the coalition? And how will his opponents react if he leverages his money to take the ticket?

Power Rotation

In 2013, the PDP split over the agitation for the return of the presidency to the North after six years of Goodluck Jonathans presidency. The clamour was in line with the principle of power rotation enshrined in the partys constitution. The region had held the office for less than three years when President Umaru YarAdua died. That agitation benefited the newly formed APC and was cited by many in the n-PDP who deserted to join the APC. This coalition seems set to swim against that conventions tide by opening its presidential primary to northern aspirants. Atiku is associated with the breach of that convention in the PDP in 2022 when he took the partys ticket after eight years of the Buhari presidency. His supporters and many other northern members are already canvassing for an open primary to enable the ADC to produce a formidable candidate against Mr Tinubu. Atiku always happens to win such contests. Will the coalition manage the consequences better than the PDP did in 2023?

Vision and messaging

The coalition has yet to espouse a coherent vision around which to communicate with voters. In 2013, the APC branded President Jonathans government clueless and the ruling PDP, after 16 years in power, the symbol of misgovernance and corruption. The new party effectively projected a vision of change, although it abandoned it as soon as it assumed power.

On the Channels Television programme, Mr Amaechi asked Nigerians if they are better off than they were two years ago. The same question helped Bill Clinton defeat the first President George Bush in the 1992 American presidential election. But the rhetoric sounded flat in the mouth of someone who was in government for 24 of the past 26 years and served in an administration not highly rated for economic management. The opposition does not sound credible when they decry the impact of the key policies of the Tinubu government because they promised the same policies in 2023. They have to find alternative policies or ways to mitigate the adverse effects of the ones they agreed with in 2023.

Tantalising prospect

Atiku and Mr Obi rowing the same boat is a tantalising prospect for the coalition. However, it is delusional to project them to retain the combined 54 per cent of the vote they got in 2023 if they run in 2027 as a ticket.

Mr Obi animated the LP and earned it its votes in 2023 through his popularity and the online media campaign of his supporters in the Obidient Movement. However, many factors contributed to that feat that may have now diffused.

On his part, Atiku benefited more from the platform he ran on. His showing was poor in 2007 when he flew the flag of a new party, the Action Congress. The strength of the PDPs administrative structure and support base across Nigeria transformed his races in 2019 and 2023. So, how much of the support can he take away with him from the PDP? No state governor or lawmaker has officially followed him to the ADC. Not even his state governor, Ahmadu Fintiri. Is it the sign of waning influence or a strategic decision that they stay back in the PDP yet?

Atiku/Obi ticket?

Still, the coalition can reasonably be upbeat about the prospects of an Atiku/Obi joint ticket. The last time they ran together, Atiku had the best showing in his 32 years of chasing the presidency. Also, the PDP had its best performance since 2011. Running against the sitting President Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku polled over 11 million votes (41 per cent) and emerged victorious in 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In 2023, Atiku and the PDPs share of the presidential vote dropped sharply to 29 per cent, while Mr Obi polled 25 per cent on a marginal partys ticket.

However, their running together may depend on whether Mr Obi wants to remain as Atikus sidekick.

Mr Obi deferred to Atiku at their Wednesday gathering and always did so wherever they had been together in public, demonstrating a deep respect for the former vice president. During the previous electioneering, each aimed his gun at the ruling party candidate. Even when Mr Obi claimed victory and took his case before the courts, he curiously never disputed Atikus claim to have won the same election. Atiku, too, has never criticised Mr Obi in public despite knowing he took away many votes that could have gone to him.

Their warm relationship when working together or apart is easy to understand. Atiku thrust the former Anambra governor onto the national stage when he picked him as running mate in 2018. That choice angered many party leaders from the zone who considered Mr Obi not just an outsider but an adversary. Mr Obi had only a few years before defected from the All-Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), a party he founded with the late Biafra warlord, Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, to counter the dominance of the PDP in the South-east. Mr Obis governorship began the dismantling of the PDP hegemony in the region. That local antagonism to Mr Obi might have influenced Atikus decision to pick someone else in 2022. Mr Obi left the PDP just before the partys primaries, where he was a contestant, to run on his own steam in the LP.

Single-term game

If they run together again and win in 2027, Mr Obi would expect the boss to endorse him as his successor. So why did he send that memo to the coalition committing himself to a single term if elected?

According to whispers we have heard since the coalition talks began, the single-term proposal belongs to 78-year-old Atiku. It was an apologia for again standing against the power rotation principle. It was also part of his supporters overtures to tease Mr Obi into that joint ticket with Atiku. Atiku will be 84 by the 2031 poll anyway.

Therefore, was Mr Obis memo a veiled criticism of Atikus stand on zoning and rejection of the vice presidency carrot? Or is it an announcement that Atiku has ended his life-long pursuit and whispered his support into Mr Obis ears? If the latter is the case, is the coast thus clear for Mr Obi, or a competitive presidential primary?

At least one other candidate has thrown his hat into the ring. Mr Amaechi said on Channel Televisions Politics Today programme that he would run and is prepared to serve one term, too. Atiku had claimed that he participated in the 2022 PDP primary because the party rejected his plea that the ticket be zoned to the only southern region yet to produce a president  the South-east. Mr Amaechis interest may, advertently or inadvertently, justify Atikus participation.

Mr Amaechis anger with the APC seemed to be over Mr Buhari allowing Tinubu, an outsider in that APC government, to beat him to the partys presidential ticket. So, how would he react if Atiku or Mr Obi beat him again?

Datti on Atiku

One person seemed sure Atiku would run in the primary. Datti Baba-Ahmed, Mr Obis running mate in 2023, said in a Daily Trust newspaper interview last week and repeated it on an Arise Television programme on Friday that Atiku would deploy his formula for winning primaries in the ADC. If that formula decides the coalition candidate, Mr Baba-Ahmed may not be too bothered. The university proprietor escorted Mr Obi into the ADC but has retained his LP card. He may welcome him back there or move with him to another party.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The US Government is enticing non-immigrants with no legal status in the country to self-deport themselves so as to enjoy free flight home and receive 1,000 dollars stipend.

Harry Fones, principal deputy assistant secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday.

Mr Fones discussed the updates to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One home mobile application that offers illegal immigrants the opportunity to voluntarily depart the United States.

What this does is that if you are here in the United States illegally, you can download the CBP home app, you can register on it, he said.

And the United States Government will provide you with a free flight home.

You will also receive a 1,000 dollars stipend that is paid once its confirmed that you have departed the United States.

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

According to him, people can use it to also register children and the whole family can utilise it with family member getting the benefits.

So if its a family of, lets say, four, that family would receive a stipend of $4,000, he said.

Theres the financial benefit, but there is the benefit that this could help preserve a way for you to come back into the United States in the future.

Whereas if you are deported, you will not be able to return to this country, he added.

The US official continued: We are enforcing the laws of this country. Deportation is a priority of this administration.

Speaking further on the app, theofficial said that it has other benefits too as a major update has been made to make it better streamlined and more user-friendly.

Mr Fones alleged that the app was originally used under the Joe Biden administration to circumnavigate the immigration system and allow immigrants into the US illegally.

What we have done under the Trump Administration is turn this into an app to help people who are here illegally to return home.

He said many people had latched on to the benefits since May, when the administration started the travel assistance and voluntary self-deportation process and programme.

But one of the other things that was announced with it is that we are now forgiving failure to depart fines.

So these are fines for people who have a voluntary departure order that they havent honoured.

Mr Fones said total fines for failure by illegal immigrants to voluntary exit the U.S. could be up to $10, 000 with those who fail to comply with a final removal order could be up to $998 a day.

He said CBP was working with Department of Justice to make it easier and more efficient for the agency to actually administer those fines adding, were streamlining the process through a federal rule.

According to him, the CBP home app is a great alternative to deportation by the United States Government.

So if you use this app, it does deprioritise you from ICEs (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deportation list.

And it can also help possibly preserve your ability to come back into the United States legally later.

If you dont use this app and you dont depart the US, we are enforcing this nations laws when it comes to immigration now, and it could result in a deportation.

Mr Fones said the agency was improving on the app to make it a easier for people to use, adding that it has continued to expand the benefits for people using it.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


An AI chatbot described as a tool of justice to support individuals facing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) has been launched by a Non-Governmental Organisation.

The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) launched Kemi, a survivor-centred, AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot co-created by survivors to combat TFGBV.

According to a statement issued on Friday, the launch, which held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on Wednesday, was supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The event brought together global development leaders, policymakers, civil society advocates, and youth voices from across West and Central Africa.

The launch event for Kemi highlights the need for digital safety and localised solutions to combat online violence against women and girls in West and Central Africa, the NGO said.

The event was tagged Championing Digital Safety for Women and Girls Across West and Central Africa.

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

Too many survivors suffer in silence not because they want to, but because the systems meant to protect them are often inaccessible or untrustworthy, Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, the Executive Director, said in her opening address.

Kemi is different. It listens without judgment, supports without delay, and was co-created by survivors themselves. It reflects our belief that safety online is not a luxury, it is a right.

According to the group, Kemis launch followed the results of the NGOs multi-country survey conducted earlier in 2025 across six countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, and Senegal.

The survey revealed that 92 per cent of respondents, mostly women, had experienced some form of TFGBV, including cyberbullying, non-consensual image sharing, and doxxing.

The NGO stated that it is alarming that fewer than half have ever reported these experiences.

The survivors cited stigma, fear of blame, and lack of trust in support systems as major barriers to seeking help.

Abideen Olasupo, the Global Director who led the development and launch of Kemi, said they not only identify a problem.

We held 41 feedback and testing workshops across the region to ensure that the solution we created wasnt just high-tech, it was high-trust, Mr Olasupo said.

From research to real-time support, our approach ensures that no survivor is left behind.

About Kemi

The survivor-centred WhatsApp chatbot Kemi is available in multiple local languages and guides users through discreet conversations about online abuse, self-help strategies, and available support resources.

The chatbot can be accessed on WhatsApp via 09124648826.

Alongside Kemi, the NGO introduced several resources to strengthen the response ecosystem to tackle TFGBV, including: The Methodological Report on TFGBV Database Development in West and Central Africa, HerSafeSpace: Digital Safety Manual.

Others are TFGBV in Nigeria: Mapping Harms, Gaps and Pathways to Justice, Power and Influence in Addressing TFGBV in Nigeria and Staying Safe With Tao: A Guidebook on Becoming a Digital Champion.

Each resource draws from field data, survivor testimonies, and community consultation to equip policymakers with actionable strategies to prevent and respond to online violence.

Meanwhile, a key highlight of the event was the launch of the Male Allyship Programme, to engage men and boys in combating online and offline violence against women and girls.

Ketty Regis, Gender Equality Attache at the French Embassy in Nigeria, commended the NGOs work as a brilliant demonstration of what innovation can achieve when it is rooted in empathy, data, and human rights.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the FCT, Adedolapo Fasawe, has urged residents to register for health insurance to benefit from available services, especially free coverage for pregnant women and their newborns.

Ms Fasawe made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a stakeholders engagement on the validation of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) operational guidelines and benefit package.

She said health insurance remains one of the most effective ways to improve healthcare access, reduce out-of-pocket spending, and lower maternal and infant mortality rates.

She encouraged pregnant women to register for the scheme, noting that in the FCT, health insurance is free for all pregnant women and covers their babies for the first year of life.

Babies delivered under the scheme enjoy free healthcare for the first 12 months, including immunisation and essential medical services, she said.

She explained that the initiative aligns with the FCT Administrations zero tolerance for maternal deaths.

Maternal mortality must become a thing of the past. Our dream is to see healthcare that is accessible, affordable, and efficient. No woman should die while giving life, she said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

READ ALSO: Africa CDC launches framework to combat health impact of climate change

Ms Fasawe advised women to seek skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth, attend antenatal clinics, and deliver in certified health facilities to ensure safe outcomes for mothers and babies.

She said the validation and review of FHIS documents would mark a new phase for the scheme, ensuring quality healthcare delivery to all enrollees.

Once you are insured under the FHIS, accessing healthcare becomes easier, more affordable, and efficient, she added.

Ms Fasawe urged residents to visit primary healthcare centres in any of the FCTs area councils to register and benefit from the scheme.

She said designated registration spots are available to assist residents with the enrolment process.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions (NANNM-FHI), has rejected a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

The association called it unfair and dismissive of the role of nurses in federal health institutions.

The circular, No. SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646 dated 27 June and titled Review of Allowances for Medical/Dental Officers in the Federal Public Service, was criticised for excluding nurses from key allowance revisions.

Rising from an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, the association said the circular failed to recognise the important contributions of nurses, who account for between 60 and 70 per cent of the healthcare workforce.

NANNM-FHI President, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, told journalists that the circular was issued without prior consultation with the association, in spite of its impact on a major segment of healthcare professionals.

Mr Rilwan said the document did not address critical allowances due to nurses, including shift, uniform, specialist, call duty, and retention allowances.

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

Nurses run intensive shifts, spending extended hours with patients and their relatives. Yet, our current shift allowance is just 8.5 per cent of our salary, despite a 2009 circular approving 30 per cent of basic salary, he said.

He added that nurses are required to change uniforms multiple times daily due to the nature of their duties, stressing that uniform allowance should reflect this reality.

Uniforms are essential, not optional. At a minimum, we need three uniforms a week, he said.

Mr Rilwan said the selective application of the specialist allowance is discriminatory and unfair to nurses with specialist qualifications.

He noted that nursing includes several specialist cadres who deserve equal treatment.

He called on the federal government to prioritise the retention of trained nurses, who are increasingly migrating abroad in search of better conditions.

Nigeria has the nurses, but we are losing them due to poor welfare and policy neglect, he said.

Mr Rilwan urged the government to reconstitute the Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, saying it had remained dormant for years.

He added that nurses must also be included in the boards of Federal Health Institutions, as they represent the largest workforce in the sector.

He expressed concern over the removal of nurse educators, especially those on grade levels 7 and 8, from clinical duties, in spite of their role in training student nurses.

The same circular states that trainers should be paid. Yet, those training others are being sidelined, he said.

READ ALSO: FCT Mandate Secretary urges residents to register for health insurance

The NANNM-FHI president further demanded internship placements for university-trained nurses to enable them to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), recommending a centralised system to ensure uniformity and quality.

He also called for the creation of a Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.

While we have a Director of Nursing, there is no actual department. There should be directorates for training, statistics, and clinical practice within that framework, he said.

Mr Rilwan said the association is open to engagement and dialogue with the government and would allow time for an appropriate response.

However, he warned that failure to act could lead to industrial action.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The post 1990 return of democracy in Africa skipped many countries that had established successful dictatorships that stood firm. In Equatorial Guinea, the 82 years old dictator, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has been in power since 1979, making him the longest-serving president in the world. He initially seized power through a military coup and has since remained in office through multiple meaningless re-elections without a level playing ground for the opposition, massive violations of human rights and lack of a free press. Meanwhile, his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, is the First Vice President and is poised to ascend to the throne of daddy.

Paul Biya is the current President of Cameroon and is 91 years old. He has been in power since 1982, making him the second-longest-serving leader in Africa. Arrangements are advanced to present him in the forthcoming elections in October 2025 even if he is not aware as he has gone completely senile. When he had his wits around him, he made no arrangements for succession so he must be kept in power till he dies and the fight to the finish between his wife, children and other members of the cabal commences.

Yoweri Museveni (born 15 September 1944) is Ugandas dictator who has been in power since 1986. He is the third longest serving dictator in the world after the two above. On January 2021, Museveni was reelected to a sixth term with 58.6 per cent of the vote, despite many videos and reports showing ballot box stuffing, over 400 polling stations with 100 per cent voter turnout and human rights violations. Musevenis son, Muhozi Kainerugaba, born in 1974 is the Chief of Defence Forces and Chairman of the of the Patriotic League of Uganda, a pressure group lobbying for presidency.

These are the examples venerated by so many other wanabe dictators in Africa who want or had wanted to be rulers for life. In Senegal, President Abdoulaye Wade and Macky Sall; in Guinea, Alpha Conde, In Nigeria, Sani Abaca and so on. The latest are the four military dictators that have taken over power in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea, actively engaged in democracy bashing and establishing the levers for arbitrary rule in a post truth world in which they have acquired competence in mind-manipulation using artificial intelligence trolls on the internet.

Of course, Togo stands out as an important case study. Eyadema ruled the country for 38 years and his son Faure has been in power since 2005 meaning they have been in power for almost sixty years. This has not gone without resistance. President Faure Gnassingbes extended rule has been consistently contested but he has managed to survive. From 26 to 28 June this year, thousands took to the streets of Lome to protest constitutional reforms that will enable President Faure Gnassingbe to remain in power indefinitely. The 59-year-old was recently sworn in as president of the Council of Ministers, a powerful executive role with no term limits under a newly adopted parliamentary system. The protests were swiftly and violently suppressed. At least four people were killed, dozens were injured, and more than 60 were arrested, according to local civil society groups. Such protests have been happening since he took over power when his father died in 2005. But this country which for long has been used to political fatigue and fractured opposition appears to be taking a new turn. There is a rupture and a generational break rejecting 58 years of political inheritance, from father to son, that has brought nothing but poverty, repression, and humiliation. Most of the protesters are young and have never known another leader. They have grown up with frequent blackouts, crumbling infrastructure, joblessness and shrinking freedoms. The constitutional change, which removed term limits from the new executive role and eliminated direct presidential elections, was a red line. What is perhaps more telling than the protests themselves is that traditional opposition parties that have been weakened by decades of co-optation and exile have taken a back seat and artists, influencers from the diaspora and civil society activists have taken over leadership. This new leadership is aware they are on their own because while they were being killed, the international community, the African Union and ECOWAS were silent.

Togos unrest also reflects a broader trend across Africa where youth-led movements are increasingly challenging entrenched political orders  not just at the ballot box, but in the streets, on social media and through global solidarity networks. All over the continent, young people are asserting their agency against systems they view as unresponsive, outdated or undemocratic. In Togo, the protests may be domestic in origin, but they are part of a wider regional pulse demanding accountability and renewal. For the youth who led the protests, the message is clear: they are no longer willing to wait.

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

That is exactly the same message from the Kenyan youth. The latest from the country is that President Ruto has asked the police to start shooting young protesters in the legs, rather than the heart and head as they had been doing. Dozens of people have been killed in recent weeks as they protested against recent government policies. While Ruto is ordering the killings, he talks about an attempt to violently overthrow his government. The powerful awakening of the Kenyan youth who leveraged social media to mobilise against a finance bill that would have imposed huge tax levies had an important marker. The biggest mobilisers of the protest were the Gen Zs.

They were on TikTok, Instagram and on X. They established a link between government policies and the misery in their lives and have decided they will not take it anymore. Africa, home to the worlds youngest population, has seen a wave of youth-led protests fuelled by frustrations over rampant corruption, poor governance, high living costs and rising unemployment. Gen Z and millennials have protested in Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria and Mozambique in 2024, and analysts expect this activism to intensify in 2025 as grievances persist. They appear to want more than their parents. They are more informed. They are more politically active and we do live in interesting times. Africa has the fastest growing, youngest population of any continent, with 70 per cent of them under the age of 30.

The problem is that since the Arab Spring started in the early 2010s, successful youth protests have led to collapse of numerous corrupt and authoritarian governments but not to the emergence of new governments imbued with the spirit of good governance the youth have been fighting four. They have the agency to confront and challenge governments but have not worked out how the grow a new leadership that can produce the outcomes they demand. That is the next stage of the struggle.

A protester reacts near a burning barricade during a national shutdown against the election outcome, at Luis Cabral township in Maputo, Mozambique, 7 November, 2024.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday praised a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, for preventing his removal as Borno State governor by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mr Shettima said Mr Jonathan mooted the idea of his removal at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) but was told by Mr Adoke that he (Jonathan) had no power to do so.

The vice president spoke at the public presentation of a book authored by the former AGF in Abuja.

The book titled, OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 billion Nigerian Oil Block.

Mr Adoke served as AGF under the Jonathan administration.

For his part, Mr Shettima was Borno governor 2011 to 2019 when he was elected to the Senate where he represented the central senatorial district of the state.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

Recalling his experience as governor, Mr Shettima commended Mr Adoke for using his role as the attorney-general at the time to thwart Mr Jonathans attempt to remove governors of northeastern states over heightened insecurity in the region in 2013.

He stated that said apart from Mr Adoke, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, also told the former president pointedly that he lacked the power to remove an elected governor.

It was Aminu Tambuwal, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives who had the courage to tell the president: You dont have the power to remove an elected councillor.

In the last four years of the Jonathan government, I was the public enemy number one, he said.

The VP added, The president was still not convinced, he mooted the idea at the Federal Executive Council, Mr Mohammed Adoke told the president: You do not have the power to remove a sitting governor.

They sought the opinion of another SAN in the cabinet, Kabiru Turaki, who also said I am concurring with the opinion of my senior colleague (Adoke). That was how the matter was laid to rest. And that was how my relationship with Tambuwal and Adoke became eternally sealed.

Reports at the time said Mr Adoke successfully convinced President Jonathan not to remove the governors of North-east states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa when the president declared a state of emergency in the states in 2013 due to intense and escalating activities of Boko Haram.

Any Constitutional basis?

Mr Shettimas revelation appears to have suggested there is no constitutional basis for a president to remove an elected governor in Nigeria.

It also appears to have indicted his boss, President Bola Tinubu, who recently suspended an elected governor.

On 18 March, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all elected lawmakers of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

President Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as sole administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state.

The president cited the provision of Section 305 of the constitution for his action.

Although, the National Assembly later ratified the presidents action, many argued at the time that the section does not give him power to suspend an elected governor and lawmakers.

President Tinubu is not the first to suspend an elected governor. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while in office, also declared a state of emergency in Plateau and Ekiti States and suspended their governors at the time.

Documenting stewardship

Mr Shettima called for transparency and accountability in Nigerias public service, urging former and current public officials to summon the courage to document their life and stewardship while in service.

He noted that public servants live under perpetual scrutiny, as life itself is a litigation with no end and no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice.

He also applauded Mr Adoke for the courage to forgive those who have offended him.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has said Nigeria and other African countries have been increasingly pressured by the US to accept Venezuelan deportees.

According to the minister, the recent 10 per cent tariff imposed on Nigeria by the Donald Trump administration was likely a result of its refusal to accept the deportees rather than a result of Nigeria attending a meeting with BRICS nations.

The minister, who spoke in an interview on Channels Televisions Politics Today, on Thursday, said it would be difficult for Nigeria to accept the deportees.

You have to also bear in mind that the US is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the US, some straight out of prison.

It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own.

We cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria for crying out loud. We already have 230 million people. You will be the same people that would castigate us if we acquiesce to accepting Venezuelans from US prisons to be brought in, he said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

US President Donald Trump, on Wednesday, met with five West African Presidents those of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegalat the White House, excluding the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu.

At the same event, Mr Trump announced a 10 per cent tariff on Nigerian goods exported to the US, a move many interpreted as a retaliation following President Tinubus participation in the BRICS summit in Brazil. Mr Trump had vowed to impose tariffs on countries associating with BRICS.

Similarly, on Tuesday, the US Embassy in Nigeria introduced a new visa policy restricting Nigerians to a single-entry visa valid for three months, down from the previous five-year multiple-entry option.

Many Nigerians had interpreted the new visa policy to be a retaliation against an earlier policy by the Nigerian government, as the US embassy claimed reciprocity as the reason for the policy shift.

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubus office suggested that the new US policy could be in response to Nigerias new e-visa policy that granted three months visas to applicants for e-visas. The presidency, however, said the new e-visa policy does not replace the five-year visa for American applicants that Nigeria implements.

However, in his interview, Mr Tuggar suggested that the recent economic and diplomatic measures by the US may be about Nigerias refusal to accept Venezuelan deportees rather than any of the other speculated reasons.

The minister described US persistence and pressure on Nigeria to accept Venezuelan deportees as unfair.

I dont think it is something that Nigeria is in a position to work with, he stated.

He also noted that accepting Venezuelan deportees may only be the beginning of a lasting pattern.

On the recent 90-day visa policy, the minister called the US claim of reciprocity false because Nigeria still offered its five years multiple-entry visas to US citizens.

The only change, he noted, was the introduction of electronic visas (e-visas) to save time.

He identified the short-term visa as a new category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait.

We are talking to the Americans. We are engaging them. We are also explaining and reminding them that we issue them five-year multiple entry visas, the same way that they issue regular travellers five-year multiple entry visas. What Nigeria has done that differs is simple. We used to have a visa-on-arrival that wasnt running efficiently.

We introduced these online electronic visas that you can apply for so that it saves you time, instead of just arriving and then going through the process of getting the visa when you have already arrived.

We have different categories of visas. There are people who are first-time travellers who are coming as tourists that are probably not likely to come back to Nigeria again, maybe because theyre coming for a short while, and they get those 90-day visas, he stated.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Ukrainian delegation at the International Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome voiced the initiative to create an international donor coalition to support veterans' policy with a funding requirement of $50-60 million, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs reports.

"On the first day of the International Ukraine Recovery Conference [URC] in Rome, the delegation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, headed by Deputy Minister Oleh Shymansky, held meetings with key administrators of international aid from the governments of the G7 countries and presented the main programs for integrating veterans into the reconstruction processes of Ukraine and programs to support the development of the economic potential of veterans. The Ukrainian delegation also voiced the initiative to create an international donor coalition to support veteran policy with a funding need of $50-60 million," the ministry said in a statement.

Among other things, on the sidelines of the conference, the delegation of the department agreed to develop a project to improve the provision of services to veterans, strengthen inclusion and social cohesion during a meeting with the Executive Director of the Ukraine Bureau at Global Affairs Canada, Jocelyn Kinnear, and also agreed to expand cooperation in the field of digitalization of veteran services, as well as a project to exchange experiences between Ukrainian and British veterans at a meeting with the Director for Recovery and Reconstruction of Ukraine at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Also, with the CEO of Expertise France, Jeremy Pelle, they agreed to launch a large-scale European project on retraining and professional training of veterans, which will be led by France, and proposed the creation of a joint project on the psychological and physical rehabilitation of veterans.
The US Mission in Nigeria said on Friday that the reason it reduced visa validity for Nigerians was not because of a recent action by the Nigerian government.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the US embassy on Tuesday announced that it had reduced visa validity for non-immigrant Nigerian applicants from five years to three months.

Although the embassy gave reciprocity as the reason for its action, it has now said it was not a reciprocal action.

According to the embassy, the reduction is also no connection with the countrys stance on accepting deportees from Venezuela, the recent introduction of e-visa policies, or its affiliations with BRICS.

But rather, it is a part of an ongoing global review of the use of US visas by other countries using technical and security benchmarks to safeguard US immigration systems.

We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks, thereby ensuring safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations, the embassy wrote in a Friday post on X.

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

Nigeria faulted the US action, with officials suggesting different reasons but saying the US action was not justified.

The presidency earlier issued a statement noting that the claim of reciprocity as the reason for the recent visa policy did not accurately reflect the reality of Nigerias current visa policy toward US citizens.

During a one-on-one interview on Channels Televisions Politics Today on Thursday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, linked the new policy to the rejection of Venezuelan deportees from the US, a claim the countrys Nigerian Mission denied on Friday.

The minister said the pressure on Nigeria to accept Venezuelan deportees is unfair as the country already has its own problems.

It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own.

We cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria for crying out loud. We already have 230 million people. You will be the same people that would castigate us if we acquiesce to accepting Venezuelans from US prisons to be brought in, he said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N500 million suit seeking protection for vulnerable residents of the Nigerias capital city, Abuja, including scavengers, beggars and roadside petty traders.

The decision, delivered on Thursday, allowed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) authorities, including the FCT minister Nyesom Wike, to proceed with the crackdown aimed at ridding the capital city of the category of people.

There is no dignity in begging as we are encouraged to work hard, Judge James Omotosho ruled, holding that the fundamental rights enforcement suit lacked merit.

The judge said begging, as a full-time profession, is usually a result of laziness and indolence on the part of the beggar.

He said if granted, the prayers sought in the suit filed by a lawyer would turn the FCT into a haven of all sorts of unwanted and unwholesome activities.

It is capable of turning the FCT into a safe haven for the destitute and vagabonds around the country. This cannot be the intention of the drafters of the constitution. This can also encourage criminality and breeding ground for all kinds of criminal elements, the judge said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

He then ruled that any action by the minister to remove the groups in line with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act was constitutional and legal.

Background

In November 2024, a lawyer, Abba Hikima, filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit on behalf of homeless persons, scavengers, beggars and petty traders in the FCT.

The lawyer sued the Minister of the FCT, Mr Wike alongside some law enforcement agencies involved in enforcement actions against the targeted population.

The other respondents are the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the federal government.

The suit alleged that the arrests, detention without charge, harassment and extortion of vulnerable persons.

It also claimed that the enforcement actions against the vulnerable persons were executed under Mr Wikes directive.

According to the lawyer, the actions violated the victims rights to dignity, personal liberty, freedom of movement and protection from discrimination as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution.

He sought a declaration that the actions were unconstitutional and prayed for N500 million in general and exemplary damages.

But Mr Wike and the other respondents opposed the court, urging the court to dismiss the suit.

They denied the allegations, describing the individuals as posing environmental, security and public health risks.

They asserted that the enforcement actions were authorised under the Abuja Environmental Protection Act.

Lack of merit

The court upholding the defences submissions and dismissing the suit in his judgement, Mr Omotosho said the suit was filled with mere assertions without any proof whatsoever to establish his claim.

The facts stated are speculative without any foundation or proof. The law is trite that a court of law does not act on speculation but on solid evidence, he ruled.

He held that there was no credible evidence proving the alleged rights violations, adding that the lawyer failed woefully to substantiate the claims against Mr Wike and others.

Therefore, the judge said, this court will not waste its time relying on newspaper reports to prove the truth of the contents therein. It is hearsay evidence, and no probative value will be ascribed to it.

He added that the applicant merely relied on uncertified newspapers such as the National Library in line with Section 156 of the Evidence Act.

In relying on newspaper reports, a party cannot just print or buy a newspaper from a vendor and bring it to court without being certified by National Library, he said, adding that a newspaper report could be forged or doctored in desperate attempts to get certain results.

The judge said the applicant failed to identify any specific official involved in the alleged rights violations, stressing that the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff.

In the instant case, the appellants had the onus of proving by credible affidavit evidence that their fundamental rights were breached, but they failed woefully to do so, he said.

He held that even if the applicant had established that the vulnerable persons were arrested and detained by the respondents, it would not automatically constitute a violation of their rights.

Mr Omotosho drew attention to Mr Wikes claim in the counter-affidavit, painting a picture of how beggars, scavengers, and petty traders allegedly operate in unauthorised areas and defecate in public, pose security risks, vandalise public property, and serve as informants to kidnappers and terrorist groups.

He also explained that Mr Wikes claims against the vulnerable persons, such as violating public sanitation laws, amounted to breaches of the Abuja Environmental Protection Act.

It is clear that these allegations by the 1st respondent constitute grounds to breach of fundamental rights as they are based on allegations of committing crimes within the FCT, Mr Omotosho said.

The judge also held that fundamental rights are not absolute and may be lawfully breached under certain circumstances, including suspicion of committing a crime and in the interest of public safety, public order, and public health.

Addressing Mr Hikimas argument that the beggars had not committed any offence and should be allowed to continue begging, the judge ruled that there is no fundamental right to beg and that no law outrightly supports public begging or begging as a venture.

Even the religious books, such as the Koran, even though it permits begging in certain extreme conditions, frowns against begging as a profession, he said.

The Holy Prophet Muhammed in one of the Hadiths (Sahih al-Bukhari) was reported to have said: It is better for one of you to take a rope and bring a bundle of wood on his back and sell it, and Allah will save his face because of that, rather than asking the people who may give him or not.

Mr Omotosho said the Bible encourages hard work and warns that indolence leads to poverty, citing Proverbs 10:4, which reads, begging as a full-time profession is caused by laziness.

On the N500 million damages requested, the judge questioned how the proceeds would be distributed when no names or identities of the vulnerable persons were provided.

He said it appeared the compensation, if awarded, would have ended up in the private pockets of people outside the claimed group.

FCTs Operation Sweep Abuja

On 9 July, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) launched an initiative, Operation Sweep Abuja, to rid the city of street begging, scavenging, and other related activities deemed a public nuisance.

Barely a day after the launch and the ruling by Mr Omotosho, officials arrested 210 individuals, comprising 80 men, 58 women and 72 children, across several parts of Abuja, including Garki, Asokoro, Wuse, Kubwa and Gwarimpa.

Authorities said the operation followed a directive from the FCT minister and was part of broader efforts to improve urban sanitation and public safety.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has again extended its ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) over the alleged unaccounted N210 trillion in the companys audited financial statements between 2017 and 2023.

The Committee Chairperson, Aliyu Wadada (SDP, Nasarawa West) announced the extension during a meeting on Thursday at the National Assembly.

This is the third time the committee is granting the oil firm more time to clarify the discrepancies.

The latest extension became necessary following the failure of the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, to honour the committees summons in person. Instead, Mr Ojulari sent a delegation led by the companys Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun.

Mr Wadada said the new date for appearance would be communicated soon, but he emphasised that Mr Ojulari must personally appear before the panel or risk legislative sanctions.

On your next appointment, you must be led by the group managing director. Your next appointment date will be communicated to you. Theres nothing personal with this committee with anybody, he said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The failure of NNPC Ltd to respond directly to the Senates queries has raised public suspicions about the alleged deep-rooted corruption in the company. For weeks, the NNPC Ltd has been at the centre of multiple corruption allegations involving the mismanagement of trillions of naira.

Some analysts said many of the corrupt practices were allegedly perpetrated by the former NNPC Chief, Mele Kyari, who was sacked by President Bola Tinubu in April after several petitions against him. However, many others submitted that the problems go beyond one individual.

The company, now under Mr Ojulari, has yet to address the accusations or offer a clear defence regarding the alleged missing funds.

The NNPC management only said that being summoned by the Senate committee over the alleged missing N210 trillion could damage public trust in government institutions.

On Wednesday, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, said the agency conducted a preliminary probe into Nigerias oil and gas sector and discovered mind-boggling corruption cases.

Although Mr Olukoyede did not mention names, NNPC is the key player in the countrys oil industry and given its dominance in the sector, the implications are clear.

In June, the Senate committee initially issued a seven-day ultimatum to the NNPC to explain the N210 trillion discrepancy in its financial records. The company, however, failed to meet that deadline, because its top officials were attending a retreat.

The company then requested an additional 20 days to collate relevant documents, but the committee rejected, instead issued another 10-working-day ultimatum. The ultimatum has expired today.

Why Mr Ojulari couldnt appear for questioning

During the session, Mr Segun, informed the senators that the Group Chief Executive Officer was unable to attend the meeting in person because he was part of Nigerias delegation to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting.

Despite this, the chief financial officer appealed to the lawmakers to permit him to deliver the presentation on behalf of his principal.

Senators reject request

However, members of the committee rejected the request.

Bauchi Central Senator, Abdul Ningi criticised the NNPC for travelling to attend the OPEC meeting and ignoring the legislature.

There is nothing personal between us and representatives of the NNPC. We are only asking them to comply with the legislation that that national assembly has. The NNPC GMD could have sent a letter a long time before he travelled and explained his travel schedule.

Hes only traveling because hes the GMD. He should understand that his first responsibility is to the legislature and Nigeria not the OPEC. I find it very disturbing and it is not acceptable, he said.

READ ALSO: Senate asks to Tinubu to approve N200m compensation for family of child killed by stray bullet

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, also shared a similar position, accusing NNPC of repeated contempt and warned that the legislature has the power to enforce compliance.

We have indulged the NNPC too much. Anybody who is too big to keep to the Nigerian constitution should relocate. We have the power and if you fail to comply we have the power to arrest. This committee must be respected. Were empowered by our constitution. NNPC has a history that is dirty, a history of fraud. Were not pleading. They either take the advantage we have given or the door will be shut, Mr Oshiomhole added.

Borno Central Senator, Kaka Shehu, also condemned the act of sending subordinates to such a hearing, describing the action as insultive and a sign of disregard for national accountability.

It is very insultive for the GMD to send subordinate officers to appear on his behalf. We cannot take this kind of thing for granted. It is either you sit down and wear your thinking cap or well involve our powers, he added.

Mr Wadada, however, intervened and warned NNPC against avoiding oversight by the National Assembly.

There was never a period that this committee said the NNPC stole N210 trillion, but this committee said the NNPC must be accountable for the N210 trillion. It is not the responsibility of anybody, it is your responsibility, he added

The chairman subsequently ruled that the group chief executive officer must appear before the committee on a date that will be communicated to the company in due course.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has nullified the arbitration proceedings instituted at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London, against Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Limited by a consortium of lenders that financed its $3 billion acquisition of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 and the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) from Shell in 2014.

In a ruling on Tuesday, the judge, S.B. Belgore, described the arbitration as a violation of the courts subsisting injunctive orders and declared the proceedings null and void.

The decision followed an application by Tempo Energy Nigeria Limited, a minority stakeholder in the 2014 transaction, which accused the lendersincluding top Nigerian banks and international institutionsof breaching contractual obligations and sidestepping Nigerian court orders by proceeding with the ICC arbitration.

Background

Tempos claim stemmed from a complex, multi-party financing arrangement under which it alleged that several lenders, without including it as a party, initiated proceedings in the High Court of England and Wales and later commenced arbitration in London on 11 December 2020.

To protect its interest, Tempo filed suit FCT/HC/CV/079/2021 on 14 January 2021, seeking injunctions to halt the foreign proceedings.

The FCT High Court, on 22 January 2021, granted interim orders restraining all parties from taking further steps in the English and ICC proceedings pending a full hearing.

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

Defendants in the suit include Aiteo Eastern E&P, African Finance Corporation (AFC), Shell Western Supply & Trading, Ecobank Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, Fidelity Bank, Citibank N.A. (London), FBN Trustees, Zenith Trustees, Sterling Bank, Union Bank, and Elizabeth Gloster.

Despite the courts interim orders, the lenders proceeded with the ICC arbitration between 2021 and 2024.

Court of Appeal upholds injunctions

In a unanimous decision delivered on 25 April, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the FCT High Courts interim injunctions.

The appellate court dismissed the lenders appeal as an abuse of court process and awarded N1.5 million in costs against them.

It also directed an accelerated hearing of pending applications at the trial court and warned parties against violating subsisting court orders.

Court restores status quo

At the FCT High Court hearing on 20 and 22 May, Tempos lead counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), filed a motion asking the court to set aside the ICC arbitration in light of the appellate courts ruling.

The lenders lawyer, Joke Aliyu and Babatunde Fagbohunlu, also a SAN, opposed the application, filing a preliminary objection challenging the courts jurisdiction over foreign arbitral proceedings.

However, Mr Belgore dismissed their objection as incompetent and lacking merit.

He described it as an abuse of process. The judge then granted Tempos application and declared that the ICC arbitration, conducted in defiance of the FCT High Courts injunctions, was null and void.

The court reaffirmed that its 22 January 2021, injunctive orders remain valid and binding, and directed all parties to cease any further actions that contravene its rulings.

It awarded N500,000 in costs to Tempo and adjourned further hearing in the consolidated applications to 29 September.

Legal disputes with Shell

In a separate suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/738/2021, which was filed on 27 July 2021, Aiteo accused Shell of misrepresenting the condition of the oil assets it sold in 2014.

The company claims Shell failed to disclose the true state of the oil wells and supporting infrastructure, which allegedly impacted production and made it difficult to meet debt obligations.

Aiteo is seeking $2.5 billion in damages.

Documents seen by Premium Times show that the consortium of lenders committed approximately $2 billion in financing for the acquisition. The breakdown includes: Zenith Bank ($323 million), First Bank and GTBank ($200 million each), Fidelity Bank ($175 million), AFC ($125 million), Ecobank and Union Bank ($100 million each), Sterling Bank ($60 million), and Shell Western ($512 million).

Aiteos founder, Benedict Peters, reportedly contributed $898.2 million in cash as initial equity, with an additional $257 million at closing for fees and restarting production.

Tempo Energy, one of the minority investors, reportedly contributed $136 million.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Ipee community in the Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State has appealed to Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq to intervene in its land dispute with the neighbouring Offa community.

The Ipee community appealed to the governor after Offa reportedly claimed that some families in Offa own a parcel of land at ile Poro, where the federal government proposed building a housing estate.

In a statement by Ibrahim Toyin, the National Public Relations Officer of Ipee Progressive Union (IPU), the community said the projects location at Ile Poro in the Egunkara area traditionally belongs to it. It said Offas claim arose from a deliberate misrepresentation and misunderstanding of a court judgement on the dispute.

The community urged Governor AbdulRasaq to advise the federal government to move the housing estate to a different location in Offa to keep peace in the two local government areas.

As we congratulate the good people of Offa community for securing a federal governments housing estate, we sincerely advise that they site the project in areas within their community land without encroaching on Ipee land to maintain the existing peace and harmony in the two communities.

The IPU acknowledges the instances where the Ipee community, in the interest of peaceful coexistence, made concessions regarding land to the Offa community. We hope these gestures are recognised as a commitment to good neighbourliness, not weaknesses. 

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

We urge the leadership of the ODU, and any individuals or families from Offa, to cease making claims to Ile Poro or any other land within Ipee.

We wish to emphasise that the families cited in the ODU bulletin have no historical claim to the land, having only been granted land for agricultural purposes by Ipee people as found in the court judgement referred to in the bulletin.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Niger State governors wife, Fatima Bago, has pledged support for the upcoming Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine Advocacy Project, reaffirming her commitment to the health and well-being of women and children in the state.

Mrs Bago made the commitment during an advocacy visit by key stakeholders to her office, ahead of the planned October 2025 rollout of the state-wide MR vaccination campaign.

She thanked the team for its advocacy efforts and pledged to ensure the projects success.

The governors wife lauded the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders to protect the health and well-being of children and mothers in Niger State.

The delegation was led by the state Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, who the Permanent Secretary, Mohammed Gana, represented. Also in attendance were Aisha Ndaliman, the State Focal Person for the MR Project, and Isa Vatsa, the North Central Consultant.

In her presentation, Mrs Ndaliman outlined the initiatives objectives, noting that the campaign aims to reduce the burden of measles and rubella, especially among vulnerable children. She stressed that strong stakeholder collaboration is essential to achieving widespread vaccine coverage.

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

Mr Vatsa emphasised the public health threats posed by rubella, especially to pregnant women, and urged increased awareness of the symptoms and dangers of both diseases. He said the campaign would rely heavily on the involvement of the wives of the 25 local government chairmen to drive grassroots sensitisation and mobilisation.

He added that the MR campaign will be implemented through a partnership of the federal, state, and local governments, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), GAVI, and other development partners.

Iliyasu Zakari, the Chairperson of the Agwara Local Government and Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, commended Mrs Bagos proactive stance and assured the delegation of local government support, especially in funding and implementation at the grassroots.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Staff members of the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Ikot Akpaden, on Friday, protested in the streets of Uyo, demanding the payment of two months salaries owed them by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

In a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, the Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union in the institution, Frank Namso, and the Chairperson of the Non-Academic Staff Union, Mefiok Umanah, said they are also demanding the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage for their members.

Minimum wage

Governor Umo Eno last October announced N80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the state, an amount that is N10,000 higher than the N70,000 approved by the federal government.

The implementation of the new wage began in 2025 after the completion of the staff verification exercise, a condition, Mr Eno said, must be fulfilled before commencement of payment.

Messrs Namso and Umanah told this newspaper that while other civil servants in the state had begun receiving the new minimum wage, the state government had yet to implement it for workers in the institution.

The issue is that since the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state, workers in the state university have not been paid..

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

Weve not been paid May and June salaries. We are protesting to tell the state government to pay us our new minimum wage from last November to date and pay us our May and June salaries, Mr Umana said.

Most of our children are not in school, and examinations have started, he said, referring to secondary school examinations.

By April, we were captured, he said, when asked if their workers were not captured in the staff audit done by the state government.

In a post on Facebook, the workers could be seen in a video marching and chanting solidarity songs with placards with different inscriptions at the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy.

Show AKSU mercy, one placard read. We are starving. AKSU cries, another read. Digital Economy Commissioner, there is God oo.

Asked why they protested at the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy and called out the commissioner, Mr Namso said they were told the commissioner is in charge of the payment database after the state government reportedly terminated the contract of a former consultant.

READ ALSO: Gov Eno adds shopping city to Akwa Ibom tourism project

He said they resorted to a protest after several official communications to the governor failed to yield results.

Mr Namso said Udo Kieran, an aide to Governor Eno on Labour Matters, addressed the workers and fixed a meeting with them on Monday.

Mr Kieran is a former chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, did not respond to a text message and calls seeking comments on the matter.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A former senator and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babafemi Ojudu, has mocked the former National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, over his sudden return to political activities in less than two weeks after citing health concerns as the reason for stepping aside.

Mr Ojudu who represented Ekiti Central Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, made the remarks in a statement he posted on his official LinkedIn account on Friday.

Could our indefatigable leader, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, kindly enlighten Nigerians on the nature of the mysterious illness that made him step down as National Chairman of our party-only to bounce back in under two weeks, ready for yet another high-profile national assignment? he asked.

Mr Ganduje resigned from the position of national chairman of the APC on 27 June, through a letter. While the resignation letter attributes his decision to health concerns, sources familiar with the matter suggest that political tension within the party and allegations of corruption have also played a role in his decision to step down.

He was replaced by Ali Dalori, who was then the deputy national chairman (North) of the party.

His tenure as APC National Chairman, which began in August 2023, was marred by controversy.

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

There are instances where party members reportedly protested excessive financial demands from Mr Gandujes office. Specifically, those aspiring for area council positions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had reportedly alleged that exorbitant fees were being imposed on them as a condition for securing party nomination tickets.

Barely three weeks after his resignation on health grounds, Mr Ganduje was inaugurated as the new chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.

Although the position may not appear political, the Nigerian government often appoints individuals with close ties to the administration to such roles as a form of compensation.

Former senator questions nature of illness

In the post, Mr Ojudu, who served as political adviser to former Vice President Yemi Osibajo, inquired about the circumstances surrounding Mr Gandujes brief withdrawal from the political scene, asking whether the illness was caused by political fatigue, chairmanship-induced hypertension, or possibly an allergy to accountability.

We ask with sincere curiosity: was it political fatigue? Chairmanship-induced hypertension? Or perhaps an allergy to accountability?

READ ALSO: Keyamo inaugurates Ganduje as FAAN Board Chairman

He sarcastically requested the identity of the miracle doctor or wonder drug behind Mr Gandujes sudden recovery to be made public in the interest of national health.

More urgently, who is the miracle doctor behind this rapid resurrection? Nigerians deserve to know! Many are battling real health challenges. This miracle drug-whatever it is-must be shared in the national interest.

We are not selfish in our party. Anything that works for one comrade should work for the rest of us. Transparency, after all, is the best medicine, Mr Ojudu, also a journalist, said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


In a significant step towards amplifying the voices of women in politics, a new documentary that shines a spotlight on the triumphs, challenges, and resilience of women shaping Nigerias political landscape will premiere on 14 July in Abuja.

The documentary chronicles the journey of nine Nigerian female political candidates who ran for elective office in the 2023 election cycle, breaking barriers in a male-dominated arena, according to Daria Media, a news and media company.

The documentary produced by the Daria media explores the complexities of being a Nigerian woman in politics and celebrates the achievements of these trailblazers through storytelling and interviews.

The documentary featured Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Ireti Kingibe, Nnenna ElenduUkeje, Adeola Azeez, Simi Olusola, Hauwa Gambo, Khadijah Iya, Munira Tanimu and Joyce Daniels.

In Double Minority, we hear directly from the women and learn about the systemic obstaclescultural bias, limited funding, and witness the violence they confront, just for daring to aspire to hold political office and lead, the statement reads.

Sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, the documentary amplifies the nationwide dialogue about the gender imbalance in Nigerias politics.

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

Women in Nigerias politics

In Nigeria, women hold just 3.6 per cent of elective office, a far cry from the 35 per cent recommended in the Nigerian National Gender Policy for women in elective and appointive public service positions.

President Bola Tinubus declaration in his inaugural speech also buoyed expectations that he had become more gender conscious. He promised to prominently feature women at all levels, reiterating a campaign promise.

In his manifesto document titled: Renewed Hope 2023  Action Plan for a Better Nigeria, Mr Tinubu promised women 35 per cent representation in his government.

But two years on, that promise remains unfulfilled. For instance, only eight of his 48 ministers are women, a mere 17 per cent.

So far, the administration has also yet to issue a strong executive directive to drive inclusion.

According to the media company, the disparity is striking, given that women make up almost half of Nigerias population and electorate.

Despite conclusive research that shows that nations where women are fully represented outperform across all development indices, over countries that do not allow for full representation, Nigeria continues to lag very far behind, the company said.

Female exclusion from elective offices and governance is therefore not just bad for women but also bad for the country, said the films executive producer and director, Kadaria Ahmed.

According to the Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shettima, the minoritisation of women is an embarrassment, and causes significant reputational damage to Nigeria.

Mr Shettima reiterated that, the political status of women is an indicator of the development of a country, so Nigeria needs to decide what is more important, its development or its exclusionary policies?

The premier screening event will include a panel conversation with notable guests, moderated by broadcast journalist Nabilah Usman of Radio Now 95.3FM Lagos.

The film is premiering at a focal moment when the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill is once again at the forefront of national discourse.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The police have arrested a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State, Abubakar Gossima, for allegedly opposing a party members ambition to go to the House of Representatives on social media.

Mustapha Bulangu, a friend of Mr Gossima, told PREMIUM TIMES that the police intercepted his friend, an APC youth leader, on Thursday along the Kafin Hausa/Bulangu highway in Bulangu town in the Kafin Hausa Local Government Area.

Mr Bulangu said a police team, led by Mustpaha Taufiq of the Special Investigation Unit, Abuja, stopped the commercial vehicle and took Mr Gossima to Abuja over a complaint by Aliyu Suleiman.

Mr Suleiman, an aspirant for the House of Representatives, reportedly took offence at Mr Gossimas social media comment.

ALSO READ: Police release woman arrested over social media comment on tomato paste

We are not so politically backwards that we will warrant voting for that irresponsible boy as our member in the House of Representatives, Mr Gossima said in a comment in Hausa, allegedly referring to Mr Suleiman.

Mr Bulangu said he had since reported the development to the police for action in the state.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The police spokesperson in Jigawa, Lawan Adam, said he had not been briefed about the arrest. But police insiders in the state said that the suspect had been taken to the force headquarters in Abuja for investigation.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Ukrainian MFA not aware of Russias new approach to settlement of war in Ukraine

The Ukrainian side has not seen the "new concepts" proposed by the Russian Federation to the settlement of the Russian war, which US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported after talks with Sergei Lavrov, said the spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Heorhiy Tykhy.

As reported by an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, he stated this at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday.

"To express my opinion, I need to see this concept. As of now, neither I, nor, as far as I know, anyone else in Ukraine, has seen this concept," he said.

The Foreign Ministry also emphasized that if "this concept" is transferred to Ukraine, they will study it.

"But so far we see not a concept, but specific Russian strikes on our cities and communities and daily terror. It seems to us that Russian strikes are much more eloquent evidence of Moscow's course and its position on peace than any concepts that no one has seen," Tykhy noted.

He added that Ukraine would wait for contacts to clarify the situation about "what signals were conveyed."

At the same time, the spokesman called for looking not at the Russian Federation's statements, which "are usually false," but at actions.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after meeting with Sergei Lavrov on July 10, stated that the Kremlin had allegedly proposed a "new approach" to resolving the war in Ukraine. However, the Secretary of State did not provide detailed information about the content of this proposal.

Lavrov did not comment on Rubio's words.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly congratulates Farouk Ahmed, the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), on his birthday.

As the pioneer head of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, an engineer, has been instrumental in stabilising Nigerias downstream petroleum sector, ensuring post-subsidy fuel availability, removing fuel queues, and laying the foundation for a more transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused energy market, a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the President on information and strategy, said.

The President commends Farouk Ahmed for his service to the nation and describes him as a steady hand in a transformative era for Nigerias energy industry.

He wishes him continued strength, wisdom, and good health as he drives forward the Renewed Hope Agenda in the energy sector.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that the ongoing coalition of some politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections is not a threat to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Makinde stated this on Friday shortly after the South-west PDP caucus meeting held at the zonal secretariat of the party in Ibadan, the state capital.

Some opposition leaders in the country recently formed a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubus re-election in 2027.

Prominent members of the coalition are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), former Senate President, David Mark and former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.

The coalition has since chosen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 electoral contest.

Mr Makinde dismissed the group, saying they had been members of other political parties and have nothing new to offer.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

Who are these people in this coalition? they have been in some political parties before.

What are their antecedent and does it means that every time they move from one party to the another they have repented, changed or they have something new to offer the people? Those are the salient questions.

If the roof of this PDP building here is leaking, as leaders of the party are we going to abandon the building and go elsewhere to take refuge?

We will stay inside here, fix it and let the people know that we are responsible leaders and that we have the interest of the people at heart.

That will be my expectation for anybody that has anything against this party, the governor said.

Withholding Osun allocation unconstitutional

Meanwhile, in a communique issued by the zonal Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Sanya Atofarati, after the meeting, the party demanded immediate release of the withheld local governments allocation in Osun State.

The party asserted that the withholding of the allocation by the federal government was unconstitutional, unwarranted and a violation of the rights and wellbeing of the people of Osun.

It further urged members of the PDP to remain united, steadfast and continue to stand behind its zonal leaders in navigating through all issues at the zonal and national levels.

The caucus reaffirmed that the PDP in South-west is intact and urged all organs and relevant bodies of the party to remain focused.

It charged all members to continue working assiduously towards the successful conduct of the scheduled national convention, to further strengthen and reposition the party for the task ahead.

The caucus commended Mr Makinde, his Osun counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, and other leaders of the PDP in the zone for their untiring roles in ensuring the stability and growth of the party.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has apprehended 210 beggars, under its Operation Sweep Abuja of miscreants, street beggars, traders, scavengers and other criminal elements, which commenced on Monday.

Gloria Onwuka, acting director, Social Welfare, Social Department Secretariat, FCTA, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, at the end of day four of the exercise.

Mrs Onwuka said that the operation was in line with the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

She explained that the 210 beggars, made up of 80 men 58 women and 72 children, were camped at the Bwari Rehabilitation Centre.

The director added that scavengers, one chance syndicate and other criminals that were apprehended were detained by the police.

She said that the beggars, who were caught in the act in different locations were being profiled and would be deported back to their various states.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The director said that some of the children begging on the streets were brought in from Kano, Katsina and other states by unidentified individuals simply to beg and hand over the proceeds to them.

She added that some of the women that were caught with children, begging on their behalf were not their biological children.

Begging is now run like a business. People will go and hire peoples children from other states, put them in vehicles very early in the morning, come to Abuja and start begging.

The families they are hiring these children from dont even know that this is what they are using their children to do.

We have caught so many of them like that.

Also, some of the beggars will even tie a bandage on their legs claiming injuries but its all lies.

There is a woman we caught who claimed she has cancer of the breast, but when we loose the bandage, there was no single wound on her breast, Onwuka said.

On his part, Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, Damy Gwary, said that the operation had so far covered the city centre, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Asokoro, Garki and Wuse among other locations.

Mr Gwary explained that the activities of the beggars, scavengers and other criminal elements have become a source of great concern to FCT residents.

Represented by Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA Command and Control Centre, the director said that the operation was to rid the city of all forms of criminal elements.

He pointed out that beggars pose security threats and constitute a nuisance in the city.

He added that Mr Wike had directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the FCT and other security agencies to tackle all forms of security threats across the territory.

He added that the CP would provide updates on the progress so far, adding that the operation would continue as long as security threats exist in the FCT.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has attributed the suspension of operations on some of its rail lines to insecurity, banditry and vandalism of its rail tracks.

John Otivere, an official of the NRC in Niger, disclosed this in Minna in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the state of railway infrastructure across the country.

NAN reports that Mr Otivere spoke on behalf of Blessing Okanezi, district rail superintendent, NRC, Minna

Mr Otivere explained that the challenges of insecurity and vandalism had forced the corporation to halt operations on some routes.

He clarified that the narrow gauge rail lines was not abandoned, rather, the operations have been hindered by security challenges.

Our lines are not abandoned, our train originates from Lagos down to Kano and returns from Kano down to Lagos, he said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The NRC official said the locations mostly affected by insecurity were Gwada, Sarkin-Pawa to Kuchi in Niger down to Gaddani towards Gwadada in Kaduna state.

He added that the train station in Gaddani, a border community between Niger and Kaduna had been closed for a long time now due to activities of bandits.

He added that Wushishi, Pakara and Akere also experienced the same challenges, adding that its last operations was in December 2022.

Also speaking, Femi Adewakun, district internal auditor, NRC in Niger, said the district carried out regular maintenance of its locomotive engines and rail lines.

Mr Adewakun who also spoke on behalf of Suleiman Obafun, railway district manager (RDM), in Niger, underscored the importance of rail network to the countrys economy and the need to prioritise the services.

Here, we operate narrow gauge and we have always carry out maintenance of all our locomotive engines and rail lines inspection on daily basis, he said.

Similarly, Akin Atanda, district civil engineer, NRC in Niger, highlighted the impact of vandalism and banditry activities on railway operations.

He said that some locations had been completely taken over by bandits making it impossible to carry out maintenance or operate trains safely.

Atanda said that vandals had been removing tracks fastenings in some locations such as Beji axis.

Some of the vandals were arrested and taken to court, while some are in prison, he said.

He also cited the issue of washout of rail lines, particularly in Mokwa where erosions had removed some complete tracks.

Mr Atanda said the combination of these challenges had affected train operations in the areas.

He emphasised the importance of safety in railway operations and the need to address the challenges hindering the operations.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A former Governor of Adamawa State, Muritala Nyako, has opted for an out-of-court settlement with the EFCC in a N29 billion fraud suit.

Mr Nyako, a retired rear admiral, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2015.

When the matter was called on Friday, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, told the court that both parties were currently in discussions to ensure an amicable settlement of the case.

According to Mr Jacobs, by the next adjourned date, we should be able to resolve all the details of the settlement so that my lordship can dispose of this matter.

If we get a weeks adjournment, we will be able to resolve this, Mr Jacobs said.

Mr Nyakos counsel, Michael Aondoaka, also confirmed to the court that discussions had reached an advanced stage for an out-of-court settlement.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

I am positive that this matter will be resolved amicably, Mr Aondoaka said.

Following the consent of other counsel, Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter until 18 July for a report of settlement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Aondoakaa had clarified when the idea of the out-of-court settlement first came up that it was not exactly a plea bargain but that it was more about settling the matter amicably, particularly considering the age of the former governor.

According to him, a plea bargain creates the impression of guilt. Mr Nyako is 81 years old; he is the age mate of the likes of ex-Head of State Badamosi Babangida, and he cannot continue to be made to face this again.

NAN also reports that Mr Nyako, his son, and other co-defendants are being tried by the EFCC on 37 counts of money laundering to the tune of N29 billion.

Others being prosecuted are two companies, Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd and Pagado Fortunes Ltd, as well as Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd, and Crust Energy Ltd.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants diverted funds from the Adamawa treasury between January 2011 and December 2014.

They allegedly used companies as conduit pipes to illegally divert the funds running into billions, which they converted into private accounts and moved to Abuja, where they used it to build private estates.

NAN also reports that the trial has been on for 10 years as it began on 8 July 2015 before Justice Evoh Chukwu.

The trial, however, started afresh on 12 September 2016 before Justice Okon Abang, following the demise of Justice Chukwu on 8 June 2016, after the prosecution had already called five witnesses.

The trial had to start afresh again before Justice Peter Lifu, following the elevation of Justice Abang to the Court of Appeal, after the prosecution had called 21 witnesses.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has filed a six-ground appeal at the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the N5 million fine imposed on her by the Federal High Court over a satirical Facebook post made while a case was still pending before the court.

In a notice of appeal dated 9 July and filed through her lead counsel, Roland Otaru (SAN), Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan is urging the appellate court to nullify the contempt judgment, describing the verdict as erroneous and a violation of her fundamental rights.

The appeal comes barely a week after the court presided over by Binta Nyako delivered the ruling, which found the senator guilty of civil contempt for the satirical post. The judge said the post was disrespectful and prejudicial to the pending case.

Background of the ruling

In her judgment, Mrs Nyako held that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans satirical post is a contempt of court though the offence was considered civil in nature and not criminal. As a result, the judge imposed a fine of N5 million, ordering the senator to publish an apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.

However, the court declined to sentence her to imprisonment on the ground that the alleged contempt did not warrant a custodial sentence.

Mrs Nyako also issued a judgment in the senators favour, saying that suspending an elected lawmaker for six months effectively denies a constituency its right to representation for an entire legislative year.

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

She, however, advised the Senate to recall Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan accordingly.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans grounds of appeal

In her six grounds of appeal, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan is challenging both the legality and the fairness of the ruling.

The senator argues that the trial judge erred in law by imposing a fine over a satirical Facebook post that was allegedly unrelated to the substance of the pending case at the time.

She contends that her right to fair hearing was breached when the judge adopted a wrong procedure in determining contempt liability. She alleged that the judge failed to comply with provisions of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act.

In the third ground of appeal, the appellant maintains that the Facebook post had no relevance to the actual subject of the court proceedings, as it addressed issues of sexual harassment, whereas the case before the court was solely focused on challenging her suspension.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan also faults the judges order directing her to tender a public apology and pay a fine, describing it as excessive and legally unfounded.

The senator insists that a fine imposed in contempt proceedings constitutes a criminal sanction, which should not arise in civil proceedings. She argues that the trial judge had no power to impose a penalty payable to the federal government without following proper criminal procedure.

In the last ground of appeal, she describes the N5 million fine as excessive and punitive to the alleged offence.

Prayers before the Court of Appeal

In the notice, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan is asking the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment delivered by Mrs Nyako and declare that the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to try contempt ex facie curiae (outside the courts presence) involving the imposition of a criminal fine.

She also seeks the appeal courts order to affirm that such sanctions require criminal procedures, including proof beyond a reasonable doubt and a declaration that the lower court acted without proper legal authority by imposing the fine in a civil matter.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Six people have been reported killed and two others abducted after bandits attacked Jargaba, a community in the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident, which occurred late on Thursday, saw a large group of armed bandits storm a public gathering spot and open fire.

When contacted, the Katsina State Police Command said two of the victims died immediately, while the four others succumbed to their injuries on Friday.

Among the deceased was the Community Watch Corps (CWC) assistant commandant for the area.

However, Abubakar Sadiq, the police public relations officer, said he could not confirm the reported abductions.

According to a witness, two children were also injured by stray bullets.

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

Abdulrahman Ahmed, the lawmaker representing the Bakori council in the state House of Assembly, confirmed the tragic events and expressed concern over escalating insecurity in the area.

Earlier today, I received multiple distress calls from friends and relatives in Jargaba village, informing me that the village was under attack by bandits, he stated.

He further detailed how the hoodlums went straight to a common gathering spot where residents usually sit to rest and converse Without warning, the bandits opened fire on the gathering, killing all six individuals present.

The lawmaker said he had contacted the relevant security agencies and was working with them to ensure immediate response and long-term support to the affected community.

ALSO READ: Many bandits killed in attempt to raid Kebbi community

Mr Ahmed offered condolences to the victims families and the wider community, appealing for divine intervention against the senseless violence.

Bakori is among the several local government areas in Katsina State grappling with security challenges, including banditry, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 29 September for the hearing of a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, seeking to block importation of petroleum products into Nigeria.

Dangote Refinery filed the suit against key regulatory bodies in the oil sector  Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

Also joined in the suit as defendants are other five oil marketing firms and the Dangote Refinerys potential competitors alleged to have been issued import licences: AYM Shafa Ltd, A.A. Rano Ltd, T. Time Petroleum Ltd, 2015 Petroleum Ltd, and Matrix Petroleum Services Ltd.

Judge Mohammed Umar fixed the date on Thursday after counsel for Dangote Refinery, George Ibrahim, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), sought an adjournment to allow parties regularise their processes.

The defence lawyers did not oppose the request.

The case was formerly before Inyang Ekwo, who was suspended last month for one year. The suit began afresh following its reassignment to Mr Umar.

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

Background

On 6 September 2024, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE instituted the suit over the issuance of petroleum product import licences to some companies.

The plaintiff asked the court to declare that the licences issued by the regulatory agency to the other defendants violated Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, which permit such imports only in the event of a shortfall. It also sought N100 billion in damages against the authority for allegedly undermining local refining capacity.

In its counter-affidavit sworn to by Idris Musa, a Senior Regulatory Officer, NMDPRA, argued that Dangote Refinery was not entitled to the prayers sought. Mr Musa said that the refinerys production does not yet meet the national daily consumption requirement.

He added that, in line with Section 317(9) of the Petroleum Industry Act, NMDPRA issued import licences to companies with a track record of international products trading to bridge the supply gap.

Mr Musa said the agency is mandated to promote competition and prevent monopolies in the sector, denying allegations of conspiracy against the plaintiff.

NMDPRA further clarified that it issued oil licences to NNPC Limited and oil marketers to address petroleum product shortfalls in the country.

In November, AYM Shafa Ltd (3rd defendant), A.A. Rano Ltd (4th defendant), and Matrix Petroleum Services Ltd (7th defendant) filed a joint counter-affidavit opposing the suit, warning that granting the plaintiffs request would create a monopoly in the downstream oil sector

Similarly, in December, the regulatory agency NMDPRA, filed its counter-affidavit, maintaining that the refinerys production at the time did not meet national sufficiency and that the licences were issued in accordance with the law to bridge supply gaps.

On 9 December , the plaintiff sought a motion to amend its originating process to correct the name of the second defendant from Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited to Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

In response, the second defendant, NNPC Limited raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the suit was incompetent and should be struck out for misidentification, among other grounds. The objection was supported by an affidavit deposed to by Isiaka Popoola, a litigation clerk in the law firm representing the company.

On 18 March, the then-judge, Mr Ekwo, dismissed the objection, ruling that the error in name did not render the suit defective. The court also held that the defendants ought to have responded to the substantive claims before raising procedural objections.

On 19 March, the judge granted the plaintiffs motion to amend its originating summons and directed parties to proceed on the merits of the case.

Adjournment

At the resumed session, Mr. Ibrahim informed the court that the matter was slated for mention. He explained that Justice Ekwo had earlier granted an order for amendment, which had already been effected.

He added while some defendants had regularised their processes, others, including NMDPRA, were yet to do so.

He reminded the court that while the matter was before Mr Ekwo, NNPC filed a notice of preliminary objection which was refused.

However, the company filed a fresh preliminary objection in June, and Dangote Refinery responded. He therefore requested an adjournment to enable all parties to regularise their filings.

FCCPC seeks to join the suit

Basima Terhemba, who appeared for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), a party seeking to join the suit, informed the court that the commission had appealed a ruling that dismissed its joinder application.

He noted that the appeal had been filed and that the case concerned FCCPCs core mandate. He argued that a ruling without the commissions participation could be prejudicial.

In response, Mr Ibrahim said the former judge had ruled that FCCPC was not a relevant party, describing it as a meddlesome interloper. He urged the court to proceed without the commission, whose appeal, he claimed lacked substance.

Mr Umar agreed that the appeal should not hinder the main case from progressing and adjourned the matter until 29 September. He also ordered that hearing notices be served on the defendants.

Dangote Refinery

The Dangote Refinery, a massive project designed to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, began operation in 2023, with the aim of ending Nigerias reliance on imported refined petroleum products and boosting the nations energy security.

However, the refinery faced controversy related to crude oil supply shortages, pricing disputes, and concerns about its impact on domestic fuel prices and the overall economy.

Last year, NNPC ended its exclusive purchase agreement with Dangote Refinery, opening up the market for other marketers to buy petrol directly from the refinery.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


According to sources, the security threats being experienced in the country, which could be worsened by the Venezuelan deportees, if accepted, will not only undermine national stability and the rule of law but also have adverse effects on the economy In light of this, the American request for the reintegration of the deportees with some criminal background would have been a terrible mistake had the Tinubu administration accepted.

Recently, the president of the United States of America, Mr Donald Trump, invited some African leaders to a three-day summit in Washington, DC, termed an incredible commercial opportunity.

The leaders of these minor economies and populations include the presidents of Gabon, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Liberia. Curiously, the meeting only focused on Trumps trade policy, rather than aid. For countries already slammed with Trumps 10 per cent tariff on goods exported to the United States, such a visit may provide an opportunity for a deal, if not an inducement.

According to a report monitored on BBC, the African leaders were hosted to a dinner at the White House, where they indulged in the usual African style of lavishing their host with praise and encouragement that their citizens would find most amusing, if not disgusting. Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the Mauritanian president, was the first to start.

Referring to the peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda that the US facilitated, In the short time youve been back in office, the last few months, you came to the rescue for peace. You rushed to Africa to resolve a long-standing problem.

President Trump appeared pleased with the other African leaders applauding and echoing Mohameds speech. Many Nigerians have queried why Nigeria was not part of the conviviality session. Some have attributed this to poor diplomacy, while others have suggested that Nigeria was ignored for other reasons, including political instability.

On the other hand, if the meeting, which was termed a high-level summit intends to deepen diplomatic ties, advance shared economic goals, and enhance security cooperation between Washington and select African nations, why were none of Africas big players, such as its largest economies, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ethiopia, not part of the show?

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

What is unknown to Nigerians, according to a reliable source, is that America, in recent times, has been hostile to Nigeria and Nigerians because the country has refused to accept Venezuelan deportees released from its prison.

While the five countries invited for the recent diplomatic praise singing session are leaders of countries that have accepted to receive these deportees, Nigeria, in a bold face, has politely refused to make itself a dumping ground for criminals.

Our sources also revealed that Americas unfriendly and hostile treatment of Nigeria and Nigerians in recent times, which includes visa pressure, is to get the country to accept this dangerous trend.

Although our government is said to be mute on this development, its newfound courage should be applauded.

It is curious why America will target Nigeria as one of its dumping ground for criminals given the prevailing security situation in Nigeria, a country that is already being plagued with myriad cases of insurgency, emanating from its current security challenges, ranging from Boko Haram terrorists, kidnappings, banditry, cultism, and other criminal activities. The nations current situation calls for caution, especially with the request of the American government on the Venezuelan deportees, which the Nigerian government has rightly declined to accept.

If President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration had succumbed to this horrifying request, it would have pleased the American government, while creating more security and economic challenges.

For example, the Boko Haram insurgency alone has resulted in the significant loss of life, displacement, and economic disruption. Studies estimate that the conflict has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people and displaced over two million people. It has also devastated the economy, particularly in the North-East, with disruptions to agriculture, businesses, and infrastructure.

According to sources, the security threats being experienced in the country, which could be worsened by the Venezuelan deportees, if accepted, will not only undermine national stability and the rule of law but also have adverse effects on the economy.

In light of this, the American request for the reintegration of the deportees with some criminal background would have been a terrible mistake had the Tinubu administration accepted.

Olarenwaju Adigun, a foreign policy analyst, lives in Ibadan.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A recent debate has reignited an enduring ethical dilemma in media circles: What should or should not be published?

By its very nature, journalism thrives on controversy, and many media outlets consider sensitive or even classified information the holy grail, often labelling it as breaking news or exclusive investigative reporting. However, communication scholars and public relations professionals have long advocated for responsible journalism  especially when national interests are at stake  through dialogue, discretion, and, in some cases, confidentiality.

There are indeed circumstances where a better understanding between the media and security services is crucial, particularly when the information in question has the potential to endanger lives or undermine national stability. I have both witnessed and facilitated engagements where critical institutions found it necessary to confidentially brief trusted and responsible editors on highly sensitive matters, whether relating to security operations or economic stability.

I recall such instances vividly during the era of Mr Femi Adesina as president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Major General Chris Olukolade as Chairman of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA). As Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Newspapers and Director of Defence Information, respectively, they led frank, transparent, and impactful sessions where editors were shown visual and documentary evidence of national security challenges. Some editors were visibly shaken  some even shed tears  at the disturbing footage of atrocities committed by terrorists. At other times, they celebrated triumphs of the Nigerian military with equal emotion. Yet, not once was such sensitive information leaked or published in breach of trust.

Today, the current National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, similarly acknowledges the strategic role of the media and encourages security chiefs to engage top editors in private, interactive sessions.

In such sessions, the editors have been discreetly briefed  often with graphic evidence  on successful counterterrorism operations and the ultimate sacrifices of fallen troops. The meetings underscore the essential bond of trust between the media and security institutions.

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

Meanwhile, these engagements are often conducted under mutually agreed-upon conditionseither off the record, under the Chatham House Rules, or with a confidentiality clause. These protocols help maintain the delicate balance between press freedom and national security.

To clarify: when a conversation is off the record, the information shared is not to be published or attributed under any circumstances. The Chatham House Rule permits the use of shared information but forbids identifying speakers or their affiliations. Unfortunately, even senior officials sometimes fail to understand these distinctions.

A confidentiality clause, in more formal terms, is a legal agreement that prohibits the disclosure of certain information. Journalists, as custodians of public trust, are often expected to protect confidential sources and sensitive information.

That is why the recent suspension of veteran editor Steve Osuji by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has sparked significant concern. Osuji was suspended for one year for allegedly breaching the off the record rule by publishing an article based on a keynote address delivered by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, at the NGEs 25th Biennial National Convention in Enugu.

According to Eze Anaba, the President of NGE, there was a clear understanding that the DGs address was not to be made public. Nevertheless, Osuji reportedly published content from the session on his social media handles. The NGE apologised to the DSS and its DG for the breach and reiterated its commitment to ethical standards, while allowing Osuji the right to appeal the decision.

Though the Revised Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists (2022)  dealing with Sources/Privilege/Non-Disclosure  does not mention off the record explicitly, it affirms the universally accepted principle of confidentiality in journalism.

In response, Osuji challenged the NGEs decision, stating that DSS operatives had allowed journalists to attend and that a compere only announced the address as confidential after it had commenced. Expressing concern over what he called unprecedented gagging, he published an article questioning the DSSs approach and broader issues around insecurity. When asked by an NGE executive to delete the article, Osuji refused, claiming national security must be questioned when necessary. He accused the Guild of allowing the convention to be hijacked and declared that he would rather be suspended than remain part of what he called an efulefu Guild, which, in his view, had failed in its watchdog role.

In fairness to all parties  especially the DG DSS and the editors  the matter could have been resolved internally, with dialogue rather than disciplinary action. If anything, the DG DSS has shown professionalism and restraint in his conduct and approach to media relations since his appointment about two years ago. He has also emphasised due process, discouraged arbitrary arrests, and encouraged transparency, even allowing other agencies to take credit for joint successes.

While the DSS may not publicly outline its communication policy, its leadership has repeatedly demonstrated an intention to build mutual trust with media stakeholders. Private editor briefings, such as the one in Enugu, are intended to foster understanding, not confrontation. The aim is to offer highly sensitive, sometimes exclusive, briefings to responsible media professionals who appreciate the gravity of the information shared.

This culture of behind-the-scenes media engagement dates back to the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, when then-NSA Sambo Dasuki supported media-security cooperation. Under his directive, editors were shown live video footage of terrorist atrocities and strategic military preparations  so they could responsibly shape their reporting and avoid unnecessary public panic.

While I wish my senior colleague had taken down the article in the national interest when requested, I believe a one-year suspension is overly harsh. I hope this issue can still be resolved amicably. Our security services are becoming more professional and collaborative with members of the Fourth Estate. They need  and deserve  constructive support.

Finally, for any engagement that requires confidentiality, all parties must be informed beforehand about the terms: whether it is off the record, under the Chatham House Rules, or subject to a confidentiality clause. These distinctions matter, not just for ethics, but for the integrity of public discourse and national security.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of Award-Winning Crisis Communication Strategies. Email: [email protected]

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of University and Research of the Italian Republic signed a memorandum on cooperation in the field of science, research and higher education.

"On July 11, 2025 in Rome, within the framework of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of University and Research of the Italian Republic concluded a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fields of science, research and higher education," the ministry said.

It is noted that the document confirms the parties' intentions to develop partnership through joint research, academic mobility, information exchange and support for scientists and students.

The memorandum, in particular, provides for cooperation in a number of areas: development of research infrastructure; biotechnology, biomedicine and neuroscience; new materials, "green" energy, ecology; agriculture and smart farming; preservation of cultural and architectural heritage.

"The memorandum opens up new opportunities for joint research, support for young scientists and launch of innovative projects. This is a strategic partnership based on shared values and the desire for development," the department added.

It is reported that the parties agreed that the implementation of the memorandum's provisions will not require additional budget expenditures and will be carried out within the available resources. The memorandum is concluded for five years with automatic extension.
The 11th of July must be more than a ceremonial occasion. It must serve as a clarion call, a moment of resolve to renew Africas fight against corruption and rededicate our collective energies to justice for all Africans and people of African descent. Enough of rhetoric, the time for action is today and not tomorrow.

The African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) was adopted on 11 July 2003, during the Second Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Maputo, Mozambique. To affirm the continents commitment to its implementation, African Heads of State and Government declared July 11 as Africa Anti-Corruption Day, observed annually across the continent.

This day serves not only as a moment of reflection but also as a rallying call for collective action against one of Africas most pressing challenges. At the outset, it must be stated unequivocally that the catastrophic impacts of corruption are becoming unbearable, particularly for the poor. The urgent need to repair dysfunctional social, political, and institutional systems to prevent corruption and promote justice is more critical now than ever.

According to the United Nations, corruption is one of Africas most entrenched problems, second only to poverty, insecurity, and unemployment, and it is a major contributor to these issues. This years Africa Anti-Corruption Days commemoration, themed Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption in Africa, aligns powerfully with the African Unions 2025 theme: Justice for Africa and People of African Descent through Reparations.

Together, these themes affirm a fundamental truth: without justice and accountability, Africa cannot progress, and the dignity of its people remains compromised. Many of the historical injustices confronting Africa and its diaspora  colonialism, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and apartheid, were enabled and perpetuated through corrupt systems. Sadly, similar exploitative practices persist today, preserved by sections of Africas elite.

Corruption continues to erode the social contract in Africa. It deprives citizens of essential services, drains public resources, and erodes trust in institutions. Whether manifested through illicit financial flows, abuse of power, or public procurement fraud, corruption weakens governance, hinders development, and deepens inequality. Most tragically, it steals the future from Africas youth, women, and marginalised communities.

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

This year, the African Union is reinforcing its commitment to justice by advancing transitional justice mechanisms, reparations for historical injustices, and institutional reforms. These efforts are anchored in the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP)  a distinctly African framework designed to help states address past abuses, rebuild trust, and foster inclusive governance.

The cost of corruption is not theoretical; it is painfully real. A decade ago, the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) estimated that Africa loses over $140 billion to corruption annually. These are resources that could otherwise fund hospitals, empower farmers, and educate future generations. Instead, Africa remains heavily dependent on international aid and loans, which compromise its dignity and sovereignty. Justice for Africans and people of African descent will remain elusive if this dependency continues.

The 2025 Africa Anti-Corruption Day presents a critical opportunity to link justice and human dignity with anti-corruption efforts. Justice must be understood not only as a legal obligation but as a socio-economic necessity. Where corruption thrives, justice is denied. Where accountability is enforced, development follows. And where corruption prevails, human dignity is lost.

This year, the African Union is reinforcing its commitment to justice by advancing transitional justice mechanisms, reparations for historical injustices, and institutional reforms. These efforts are anchored in the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP)  a distinctly African framework designed to help states address past abuses, rebuild trust, and foster inclusive governance. The inclusion of corruption within the scope of transitional justice is long overdue. It should be fully recognised and codified as a crime against humanity in Africa.

The 2025 AU theme emphasises the urgent need to address both historical and contemporary injustices, including colonial legacies, systemic exploitation, and racial discrimination affecting Africans and people of African descent globally. In many African societies, corruption is both a consequence and a driver of such structural injustices.

Reparations, whether financial, symbolic, institutional, or psychosocial, are not merely about compensation. They are about restoring dignity, acknowledging harm, and laying the foundation for a just and equitable future. For transitional justice mechanisms to be effective, they must be victim-centered, inclusive, and underpinned by accountability systems that confront corrupt practices directly.

As Africa reflects on this years theme of justice and reparations, we must ask the following difficult but necessary questions: how do we restore public trust after decades of poor governance? How do we build institutions that serve all citizens rather than elite interests? and how do we turn symbolic commemorations into sustained, meaningful reforms?

The role of civil society and citizens in combatting corruption and promoting justice is indispensable. While governments bear primary responsibility, civil society organisations, youth groups, the media, and ordinary citizens are crucial in holding power to account. Whistleblowers must be protected. Investigative journalism must be encouraged. Anti-corruption institutions must be well-resourced and independent.

Education and civic awareness are also vital. An informed and empowered citizenry is the most effective weapon against impunity. As we commemorate this years Africa Anti-Corruption Day, let us renew our commitment to a culture that values integrity and punishes wrongdoing, regardless of status or position.

Looking ahead, building just and accountable African states is essential. The African Union, through organs such as the AU Advisory Board Against Corruption and the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, along with strategic partners, must continue supporting AU member states in designing and implementing robust national anti-corruption and transitional justice frameworks. These efforts must be backed by genuine political will, adequate resources, and sustained citizen engagement.

As Africa reflects on this years theme of justice and reparations, we must ask the following difficult but necessary questions: how do we restore public trust after decades of poor governance? How do we build institutions that serve all citizens rather than elite interests? and how do we turn symbolic commemorations into sustained, meaningful reforms?

The 11th of July must be more than a ceremonial occasion. It must serve as a clarion call, a moment of resolve to renew Africas fight against corruption and rededicate our collective energies to justice for all Africans and people of African descent. Enough of rhetoric, the time for action is today and not tomorrow.

John Ikubaje, the pioneer Senior Governance Officer at the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption, is an anti-corruption scholar, and the head of the Transitional Justice Unit at the African Union Commission, Addis Ababa-Ethiopia.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

Praise be to Gracious Allah, who honoured us by sending Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (Peace be upon him) as a teacher, educator, leader and guide. As Allah Almighty said in the Quran:

Certainly did Allah confer [great] favour upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Quran] and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error. [Quran, 3:164]

And blessings and peace be upon the most noble and purest of creation, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), a role model and leader of the righteous, seal of the Prophets and Messengers and a mercy for all the worlds. He was chosen by Allah, who said:

And your Lord creates what He wills and chooses. [Quran, 28:68]

And He the Most High said:

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

Allah chooses Messengers from among the angels and from among the people. [Quran, 22:75]

So, He sent him:

As a witness, a bringer of good tidings, a Warner, one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp. [Quran, 33:45-46]

And Allah, (the Exalted), has decreed honour, contentment and distinction for those who follow his path and decreed humiliation, misery and degradation for those who go against his order. So may the blessings and peace of our Lord be upon him as often as the righteous mention him and as long as night follows day.

Dear brothers and sisters! The enemies of Islam never tire of repeating the claim that Islam is unjust to women, oppresses them, deprives them of their rights and considers them no more than servants and a means of enjoyment for men. But this is a falsehood refuted by what has been authentically narrated about the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) regarding the honour he accorded women and his concern for their condition. He (Peace be upon him) used to consult women, deal with them gently, support them in all situations and give them their complete rights in a way never dreamt of before.

Before Islam, the Arabs disliked having daughters and considered them a source of shame. Some of them were even known to have buried their female children alive. The noble Quran describes it as follows:

And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed. Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is what they decide. [Quran, 16:58-59]

And in the pre-Islamic days of ignorance when a womans husband died, his sons and relatives inherited her as property; if they wished they would marry her to one of them and if they wished they could prevent her from remarrying and keep her thus until death. Islam did away with all that through its just rulings which guarantee the rights of women as well as those of men. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) declared that women are equal to men in all aspects of humanity, saying:

Women are but sisters of men. [Ahmad, Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi]

So in Islam there is no conflict between the two sexes as its opponents imagine; rather, a brotherly relationship of mutual cooperation exists between them.

The noble Quran has confirmed the equality of men and women in the realms of faith, action and compensation in the Hereafter, for as Allah Almighty stated:

Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so  for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward. [Quran, 33:35]

And He the Most High said:

Whoever does an evil deed will not be recompensed except by the like thereof; but whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer  those will enter Paradise, being given provision therein without account. [Quran, 40:40]

Allahs Messenger (Peace be upon him) mentioned his love for women, saying:

Beloved to me from your world are women and pleasant scent, and my greatest pleasure is in prayer (Salah). [Ahmad and an-Nasai  graded as sahih by al-Albani]

So if the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) loved women, how could he belittle or oppress them?

And while the Prophet (Peace be upon him) abolished the customary hatred of daughters and the terrible practice of burying them alive, he encouraged raising them well and treating them kindly. He (Peace be upon him) said:

Whoever cares for two girls until they reach puberty will come with me thus on the Day of Resurrection, and he brought together his two fingers. [Muslim]

This shows that one attains high position and nearness to the Prophet (Peace be upon him) owing to his care and protection of his daughters until they reach the age of puberty and responsibility.

He (Peace be upon him) also said:

Whoever has three daughters or three sisters or two daughters or two sisters and lives with them in kindness, fearing Allah in regard to them, will enter Paradise. [At-Tirmidhi  graded as sahih by alAlbani]

And the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was concerned with educating women. He even appointed a day for them to assemble and would come to teach them from that which Allah had taught him. [Muslim]

He (Peace be upon him) did not make woman a prisoner within the house, as they claim, but allowed her to go out to take care of her needs, visit her relatives and visit the sick. He (Peace be upon him) allowed her to buy and sell in the marketplace as long as she adhered to modest conduct and proper dress. He (Peace be upon him) also allowed her to attend the Mosque and forbade preventing her, saying:

Do not prevent your women from [coming to] the Mosques. [Ahmad and Abu Dawud]

And he (Peace be upon him) urged kindness toward her with the words:

Be advised to be good to women. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

This involves good treatment, respect for her rights, concern for her feelings and avoidance of any kind of harm.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) encouraged husbands to spend on their wives. He (Peace be upon him) said:

You will not spend any expenditure seeking the approval of Allah but that you will be rewarded for it  even the bite of food you put into the mouth of your wife. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

And he (Peace be upon him) said that what is spent on the family is the best expenditure, saying:

The best dinar is the one a man spends on his dependants. [Muslim]

He (Peace be upon him) also said:

When a man gives his wife a drink of water he is rewarded. [Ahmad  graded by al-Albani as hasan]

When Irbadh Ibn Sariyah heard this Hadith he hastened to bring some water to his wife to drink, telling her what he had heard from the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him).

Respected brothers and sisters! This is how the Prophet Muhammad taught his companions good treatment of women, affection and sympathy towards them, providing them with all kinds of benefit and spending on them appropriately. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) made clear that good treatment of women is a sign of the nobility of a mans soul and generosity of his nature. He (Peace be upon him) stated:

The best of you is the best of you to your wives. [Ahmad and at-Tirmidhi]

And he (Peace be upon him) forbade hatred of ones wife, saying:

Let not a male believer hate a female believer; if he dislikes one trait of hers he will be pleased with another one. [Muslim]

Thus, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) ordered men to look for the positive aspects and praiseworthy actions in women and overlook the errors and negative aspects, because looking for bad behaviour and dwelling upon it leads to aversion and dislike between the spouses.

He (Peace be upon him) prohibited beating women, saying:

Do not strike the female servants of Allah. [Abu Dawud]

And he (Peace be upon him) threatened those who harm them with the words:

O Allah, indeed, I make binding the right of the two vulnerable ones: the orphan and the woman. [Ahmad and Ibn Majah]

It meant that he would not make lawful the harming of either of them, and whoever does so has exposed himself to difficulty and punishment in this world and the next.

He (Peace be upon him) also prohibited husbands from exposing the secrets (private aspects) of their wives, as he prohibited wives from exposing the secrets of their husbands. He said:

The worst of people in position before Allah on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who has intercourse with his wife and then spreads her secret. [Muslim] i.e., describes it to others.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also honoured women by prohibiting husbands from assuming evil about their wives or suspicion of them. Jabir (RA) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) prohibited men from surprising their wives by night, suspecting betrayal or seeking to catch their faults. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

As for the conduct of Allahs Messenger (Peace be upon him) with his own wives, it was of the utmost sensitivity and kindness. Al-Aswad reported:

I asked Aisha how the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was with his wives. She said, He (Peace be upon him) was in the occupation of his wife, meaning that he assisted her in her work. But when it was time for the prayer he would get up for prayer. [Al-Bukhari]

He (Peace be upon him) would try to please his wives and amuse them with pleasant conversation and sweet words. An example is when he said to Aisha, I know your anger and your contentment. She said, How do you know that, O Messenger of Allah? He (Peace be upon him) said, When you are content you say, Yes, by the Lord of Muhammad. But when you are angry you say, No, by the Lord of Ibrahim.' She said, Yes, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah; I do not abandon except your name. [AlBukhari and Muslim]

She meant that her love of him was firm in her heart and did not change.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) never forgot his wife, Khadijah after her death. Anas (RA) reported:

When the Prophet (Peace be upon him) got a gift he would say, Take it to so-and-so, for she was a friend of Khadijah. [At-Tabarani]

Dear servants of Allah! This is how our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) honoured women, so how do those who call for the liberation of women compare to it?

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okenes Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected] or +2348038289761.

This Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Muharram 16, 1447 AH (July 11, 2025).

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Nigerias online trading landscape has transformed from a niche pursuit into a mainstream financial activity. Cheaper data, widespread smartphone ownership and targeted investor-education campaigns have coaxed millions of first-time traders onto brokerage apps. Money now moves at the tap of a screen, so any lapse in platform safety can instantly erode public confidence. As competition intensifies, reliable risk controls are what separate serious brokers from short-lived imitators.

Regulatory Framework and Oversight

A robust legal backbone is the first shield against platform failure. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), working alongside the Central Bank of Nigeria, demands that licensed brokers keep client deposits in segregated trust accounts, publish capital ratios and submit quarterly audits. Traders often scan these disclosures before deciding which firm offers the best trading platform in Nigeria. Domestic supervision also simplifies dispute resolution, because clients can bring grievances to a local authority rather than chasing an offshore entity.

Built-in Security Features

Effective platforms start verifying identity the moment a user opens an account. Bank Verification Number checks, selfie-photo matches and utility-bill uploads stop impostors from creating duplicate profiles. All traffic moves through end-to-end SSL tunnels, while two-factor authentication delivered by text message or authenticator app blocks most unauthorised log-ins. Several newer apps even support device-bound biometric locks, reducing the risk that lost or stolen phones become gateways to emptying an account.

Risk Management Tools for Traders

Once inside the trading screen, investors meet a second layer of protection:

 Negative balance protection closes losing positions before equity turns below zero, so clients can never owe the broker.

 Margin-call alerts arrive as push notifications when usable margin drops under pre-set thresholds.

 Built-in stop-loss and take-profit orders let traders cap exposure without babysitting charts.

 Position-size calculators display percentage risk per trade, nudging users toward healthier money management.

By embedding these tools directly in web and mobile interfaces, the platform supplies a safety net that operates even when an inexperienced trader freezes during sharp market moves.

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

Payment and Withdrawal Safeguards

Deposits in Nigeria usually flow through debit cards, instant bank transfers or USSD codes. By partnering only with payment gateways vetted by the Central Bank, brokers avoid storing raw card details. Withdrawal requests trigger automated anti-money-laundering checks and manual review for unusually rapid round-trips of cash. Many firms also impose a short cooling-off period on an accounts first profit withdrawal, giving compliance teams time to inspect recent trades for wash-trading or bonus abuse.

Server Infrastructure and Uptime Controls

Trading demand peaks during Lagos business hours, so unplanned outages can cause heavy slippage. Leading brokers mirror order engines across multiple African data centres and use load balancers that shift traffic if a node fails. Real-time heartbeat monitors alert engineers within seconds of latency spikes, while backup-power arrays shield hardware when the national grid falters. This redundancy keeps quotes streaming and orders executing even during regional fibre cuts or grid downtime.

Investor Education as a Risk Control

Education may sound like soft risk management, yet an informed client base dramatically lowers incident rates. Top brokers host weekly webinars on naira-correlated currency pairs, supply practice accounts denominated in naira and place contextual glossaries beside complex terms. Some even sponsor trading clubs on university campuses, so students learn risk metrics before funding a live account. Better knowledge translates into smaller position sizes, more consistent use of stop-losses and fewer panic-driven trades.

Transparency and Reporting

Trust deepens when clients can audit their activity. Daily statements arrive by email, while in-app dashboards show realised and unrealised profit or loss in both naira and a foreign base currency. Users can export a CSV log of every deal to reconcile fills with independent price feeds. Many Nigerian platforms now publish quarterly statistics such as average execution speed and the percentage of rejected orders, allowing the trader community to spot performance drift early.

Future Outlook

Artificial intelligence is set to sharpen risk detection. Machine-learning models already flag sudden leverage spikes or log-ins from improbable locations, suspending accounts until the holder confirms identity. Expect geofencing that locks mobile apps outside authorised regions and predictive prompts suggesting smaller lots when a users recent win-rate drops. Regulators are also exploring a shared fraud database that will let compliant brokers cut off repeat offenders before they find a new venue.

Conclusion

Essential risk controls are no longer optional add-ons; they are the foundation of modern trading in Nigeria. From enforceable local licenses and encrypted sign-on flows to stop-loss tickets and transparent reporting dashboards, every safeguard forms part of a multilayer defence system. Platforms that keep strengthening these layers will attract long-term clients and underpin a responsible investment culture, ensuring Nigerias retail trading boom remains both vibrant and secure. As competition evolves, continuous audits, staff training and community feedback loops will keep the system adaptable to fresh threats.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has ordered all parties involved in the contentious ownership dispute over River Park Estate, Abuja, to maintain the status quo pending final determination of the matter.

The order was given on Tuesday by Judge S.U. Bature, in a suit marked: FCT/HC/CV/4221/2024. The application came in response to an oral application by a lawyer to Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited, the claimant in the suit, regarding ongoing controversies surrounding land documentation, including the Right of Occupancy (R of O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

A certified true copy of the ruling, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, reads:

Upon the oral application of John Itodo, Esq., Counsel for the Claimant/Applicant, praying this Honourable Court to order parties to maintain the status quo, especially the 3rd and 4th Defendants, pending the final determination of this suit:

Application granted as prayed.

Parties are hereby ordered to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of this suit.

The judge adjourned the matter until 27 October for hearing, as he warned against any interference with the disputed land while proceedings are ongoing.

Earlier in the same sitting, the court granted an application to correct the name of the first defendant. Claimants lawyer, John Idoko, clarified that the name originally listedDunamis International Christian Centrewas inaccurate and should be amended to reflect the Registered Trustees of Dunamis International Church.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The amendment aligns with the rules of court and ensures that the appropriate legal entity is properly held accountable, Mr Idoko told reporters outside the courtroom.

He added that the court declined submissions from an individual claiming to be the majority shareholder of Jonah Capital, citing his lack of formal joinder in the suit.

Dunamis denies encroachment claims

Responding to the court order, Dunamis Church lawyer, Felix Tyokase, said the church did not oppose the amendment and denied any wrongdoing.

That order to maintain the status quo was already given as far back as January. We are not doing anything on their land, and the claimant has shown no proof of interference, Mr Tyokase said.

He added that an internal shareholder dispute within Jonah Capital has no bearing on his clients and will be addressed at the next hearing.

How the crisis started

The dispute centres on ownership claims over River Park Estate, a high-profile residential development off Airport Road in Abuja.

It includes Jonah Capital Nigeria Limiteds allegation that Dunamis Church unlawfully took possession of parts of the estate and converted them into a parking spacean allegation the church denies, asserting it occupies only land lawfully allocated to it.

The mention of the FCT Minister in the courts order suggests the case may have broader administrative and political dimensions.

Police investigation reveals fraud in related dispute

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has concluded an investigation into a corporate fraud involving Jonah Capital and its affiliate, Houses for Africa Nigeria Ltd. The police named three GhanaiansSamuel Jonah, Kojo Ansah, and Victor Quainooand a Nigerian, Abu Aromeas suspects in an alleged scheme to fraudulently acquire interests in River Park Estate.

Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the suspects would be prosecuted for corporate fraud, criminal conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and attempted obstruction of justice.

Criminal dimension

The police have since filed the promised charges.

On 26 June, the Nigerian police charged three Ghanaians and a Nigerian lawyer with forgery of company documents and trespass into the estate.

They were charged alongside a company, Mobus Property Nigeria Ltd. before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.

The Ghanaians are Sam Jonah, Kojo Ansah and Victor Quainoo, while the co-accused Nigerian lawyer is Abu Arome.

In the 26 counts, the police alleged that the defendants forged company documents to illegally take over two firms  Houses for Africa Nigeria Ltd and Jonah Capital Nigeria Ltd, the firm that issued the civil matter.

The police said the forgery scheme would enable the defendants to lay claim to River Park Estate said to measure over 500 hectares in Lugbe, along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

According to the prosecution, investigations revealed that the defendants illegally increased the companys share capital and allocated 99 million shares to themselves using falsified documents and forged signatures.

Prosecution lawyer Isa Garba also alleged in the charges that the defendants falsely presented themselves as Nigerian citizens to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to facilitate their alleged fraudulent activities.

PREMIUM TIMES cannot confirm yet if the case has been scheduled for the arraignment of the defendants.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Plateau State Police Command has arraigned 22 suspects in the deadly attack on a group of people travelling to a wedding ceremony in Kwa village, Quaanpan Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident, on 20 June, occurred at the Mangun market square in the Mangu Local Government Area.

The victims, mostly from Zaria in Kaduna State, were travelling in a commercial bus to attend a wedding when a mob ambushed them.

The attackers reportedly set the vehicle ablaze with the occupants inside. At least 13 people were killed in the attack, while others sustained injuries.

Police response

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Emmanuel Adesina, directed the divisional police officer in charge of Mangu division to mobilise personnel to the scene.

With support from other security agencies, the situation was brought under control, and some of the injured victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for medical attention.

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

In a further bid to bring the perpetrators to justice, the police commissioner deployed tactical teams, operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and the State Intelligence Department (SID) to Mangu for a thorough investigation and intelligence gathering.

22 suspects arraigned

According to a press release issued by the police on Friday, 22 suspects have been charged to court, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend six others.

The police stated that the suspects were arraigned before the Plateau State High Court in Jos and are facing charges related to criminal conspiracy, arson, and culpable homicide.

The police commissioner assured the public that justice will be served, and reiterated the commands commitment to ensuring that all those involved in the heinous act are held accountable. He added that the fleeing suspects will also be charged once arrested.

Security concerns in Plateau

The tragic incident has added to growing concerns over mob violence and inter-communal tensions in Plateau State, a region that has witnessed repeated outbreaks of violence in recent years.

In late 2023, coordinated attacks across several communities in the state left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

The state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, condemned the killings and pledged to support the victims and their families. Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, also described the attack as barbaric and demanded that justice be served swiftly.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Nigerian troops, on Wednesday, repelled an attack by an estimated 400 bandits in Ribah town in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing many of the outlaws, an official has said.

The 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, engaged the bandits and forced them to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.

The Director of Security in the Cabinet Office of the Kebbi State Government, AbdulRahman Zagga, disclosed the development in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

Mr Zagga commended the bravery and resilience of the Nigerian soldiers in repelling the attack.

He said the bandits left behind the bodies of some of their fallen comrades and a cache of weapons.

Mr Zagga said that despite the large number of bandits, the superior combat skills of the troops prevailed.

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 also noted that the Nigerian Air Force supported the operation with fighter jets.

The situation has since been brought under control and normalcy fully restored, he said.

The foiled attack is suspected to have been carried out by the same group that recently attacked some communities in Niger State.

The bandits had reportedly crossed into Kebbi to carry out Wednesdays foiled attack.

Also on Wednesday, troops from Dukku Barracks repelled a separate attack by Lakurawa bandits in Mera, Augie Local Government Area.

The bandits were reportedly attempting to rustle cattle in the area.

Following the feats, Governor Nasir Idris thanked the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in both operations.

He reiterated his administrations commitment to strengthening security and sustaining support for security formations, particularly those in frontline areas.

It will be recalled that on Monday, a joint security team rescued six abducted persons and intercepted herds of cattle rustled from Kokanawa and Ukuhu communities in the Danko Wasagu LGA.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that Kebbi is one of the northern states suffering from banditry with the armed thugs attacking rural communities at will. Thousands of people have been killed or kidnapped in similar attacks in states like Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna and Zamfara.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officers have been commended for returning N2,166,700 they found at a fatal road accident scene in Jigawa State.

The accident, which occurred around 10:40 p.m. on Thursday along the Ringim-Kano road in the Ringim Local Government Area, claimed two lives and left 10 people injured.

Speaking to reporters in Dutse on Friday, the Sector Commander of the FRSC, Jigawa Command, Umar Masud, said the accident involving two Volkswagen vehicles was caused by overspeeding and wrongful overtaking.

Mr Masud said the officers found a significant amount of money on one of the deceased victims and an injured survivor.

The recovered funds have since been handed over to the victims families in the presence of the divisional police officer (DPO) for the area, Abdullahi Ibrahim, the commander said.

Mr Masud commended the FRSC operatives for handing over the money.

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 13 individuals involved in the accident were identified as residents of Bareda village in the Iktheara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

It is my pleasure to inform the general public that our personnel were involved in a rescue operation in the Ringim area on Thursday, and during the exercise, the sum of N2,166,700 was recovered.

After a thorough investigation with the support of the police in the area, all the money recovered was handed over to relatives of the victims.

Mr Masud said the Corp was committed to integrity and its mandate to serve the public with compassion and transparency.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A Nigerian official, Rachel Kufre Nse, has expressed joy that US President Donald Trump did not invite President Bola Tinubu to the White House like other African presidents invited by Mr Trump.

Ms Nse, a member of Nigerias North Central Development Commission, was reacting to Mr Trumps humiliating remarks about Liberian President Joseph Boakai.

A strong supporter of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Ms Nse is from Akwa Ibom State.

Visit to the White House

On Wednesday, Mr Trump hosted presidents from five African countries at the White House.

Mr Trump invited the presidents of Senegal, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania, as well as Mr Boakai of Liberia.

During the visit, the US president commented on Mr Boakais grasp of the English language.

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

Such good English, its beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Mr Trump asked Mr Boakai.

Were you educated? Where? In Liberia?

Yes, Sir, the Liberian president responded.

Thats very interesting. Beautiful English too. I have people at this table who cant speak nearly as well, Mr Trump said.

Meanwhile, Liberia, out of the five, is the only country where English is the official language.

CNN reported that several Liberians voiced their offence over Mr Trumps comments, given the US presidents past remarks on African countries.

I felt insulted because our country is an English-speaking country, Archie Harris, a Liberian youth advocate, told the TV station.

Thank God Trump didnt invite Tinubu

Reacting via a Facebook post on Thursday, Ms Nse appeared to celebrate that Mr Trump did not extend the invitation to Mr Tinubu, Nigerias president.

Where are those who were clapping that DT (Donald Trump) intentionally ignored PBAT (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu) by not extending the invite to him? the official, who uploaded a video clip of the White House incident, wrote on Facebook.

Thank God he (Tinubu) wasnt among them (the five presidents) to witness first-hand the derogatory question and answer session. That bullet was worth dodging, she added, implying that Mr Tinubu might have faced a similar experience if he had been invited.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has praised his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, as a far-sighted leader.

Mr Eno stated this in a message on Friday, 11 July, to celebrate Mr Emmanuels 59th birthday anniversary.

Mr Eno signed the message posted on the Akwa Ibom State Governments Facebook page.

Your life has been one of deep impact, of selfless services, of grace, and of purpose.

Today, as always, I celebrate you for the legacy of impact you bequeathed us; the choices and decisions you made and the faith and love the people of Akwa Ibom State responded to those decisions, the governor said in the birthday message.

He said Akwa Ibom remains peaceful today, the fundamentals of growth are on track, the state is rising, and the future looks bright and hopeful.

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

As you turn 59, I pray for more robust health, wisdom and spirit of discernment so we may continue to benefit from the fountain of your knowledge.

Governor Eno recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress, the ruling party at the centre. Many people, especially in Akwa Ibom, speculated that the governors political move may have hurt Mr Emmanuel, who has resolved to remain in the PDP.

READ ALSO: Gov Eno adds shopping city to Akwa Ibom tourism project

A day of worship

Mr Emmanuel posted a birthday wish to himself on Facebook.

Today is a day of worship and thanksgiving for the benevolence of God upon my life.

While thanking God for my life, I choose, as always, to also pray that our country continue to grow in leaps and bounds, so that our people can always boldly say, our today is better than our yesterday.

Kindly join me in celebrating God. Happy Birthday to me! the former governor wrote.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, on Thursday, launched the Abia State Security Trust Fund, where he again affirmed his administrations commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.

In a speech at the event, tagged Building a Safer Abia, Mr Otti said that security should be treated as a shared responsibility by the government, businesses, and citizens.

Insecurity cannot be tackled by arms and ammunition alone, there is need for the use of lawful force and social investment to build safer environments and discourage crime, he said.

He said that upon assuming office in May 2023, the government launched Operation Crush to reclaim territories from criminals and supported policing with vehicles and logistics.

The governor also said the office of Homeland Security had since become more efficient, offering vital intelligence and acting independently when required.

He said that through the governments efforts, Abia now enjoys peace and stability due to the strategic planning and firm responses to external criminal threats.

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 argued that security is expensive, but inaction costs more, urging philanthropists and organisations to contribute generously to the fund.

He said the fund, backed by law, would support operational equipment, intelligence systems, and technology to detect and deter crime in Abia.

Were setting up a quick-response centre to improve coordination and public safety through real-time data, Mr Otti said.

The governor promised transparency and accountability, assuring the people that every donation would be prudently applied.

This is a continuous exercise. When we call, answer with generosity and duty, he said.

Remark by federal official

In her speech, the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, affirmed the federal governments commitment to security.

Mrs Onyejeocha emphasised that peace in Abia would positively influence national stability and urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

She said that security should not be left to the government alone and called for public collaboration with law enforcement agencies to enhance safety across all aspects of life.

In his address, the Abia State Security Trust Fund Board of Trustees Chairperson, Stanley Obiamarije, described the event as pivotal in Abias journey toward greater security.

Mr Obiamarije, represented by the Vice Chairperson of the funds board of trustees, Johnson Chukwu, commended the governor for revitalising the trust fund through decisive leadership, political will and actionable commitment.

He assured the fund would operate as a public-private partnership, supporting security agencies with equipment and logistics.

He also promised that accountability and transparency would be applied in managing the funds, with all contributions documented.

According to him, the fund would be used to acquire surveillance tools, communication devices, and other operational needs.

He urged businesses, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations to support the initiative.

He described it as a form of corporate social responsibility to protect investments and staff.

The Chairperson of the occasion, John Udeagbala, called for a grassroots strategy, known as See it, Say it, Sort it, to encourage prompt reporting and better cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Mr Udeagbala proposed allocating one per cent of the states Gross Domestic Product to security and advocating a transparent levy to ensure consistent and inclusive funding.

He said that only through unity could Abia build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for all citizens and investors.

In an interview with reporters, the lawmaker, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Alex Ikwuechegh, commended the Otti administrations approach to governance.

Mr Ikwuechegh said the approach had contributed to making Abia safer, especially with the intentional government and stakeholder engagement.

He expressed optimism that partnerships with community leaders, traditional rulers, and the private sector would further transform the states security architecture.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Macdonald Ubah, a retired navy commander, described the fund as a strategic move to sustain peace and reduce financial strain on government.

Mr Ubah emphasised that security remains the bedrock of development and urged continued support to strengthen Abias capacity to respond to evolving security threats.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference URC2025 in Rome brought together more than 6,000 participants from 70 countries and 43 international organizations, more than 200 agreements were concluded between public and private organizations, the total amount of which, according to a preliminary estimate, exceeded EUR10 billion, First Deputy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev summed up the results at the closing session.

"We are looking forward to the final figures, which will require the full scale of these joint efforts, but we can already say that this is the largest and most productive URC event we have," Sobolev emphasized.

Among other key points, he mentioned the EUs announcement of a new package of agreements worth EUR2.3 billion under the Ukraine Investment Framework, compared to EUR1.4 billion last year, as well as the establishment of the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, supported by the European Commission, as well as Italy, Poland, France and Germany, together with other allies and the European Investment Bank.

This is the first time that the defense sector, which is currently protecting Ukraine and Europe from Russian aggression, has been presented. I would like to note that many people emphasized the greater presence of our American partners here And this is a powerful signal of trust in Ukraine and our common agenda for recovery, Sobolev also noted.

At the same time, unlike previous URCs, the Ukrainian representative did not name the country that will host the next such conference.

We welcome the fact that all these countries are ready to host the future URC, and this is a strong gesture of solidarity, the official said.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has moved to improve landlord-tenant relations as the states Tenancy Bill passed the second reading stage on Thursday.

During plenary, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the bill aimed to redefine the legal framework for tenancy agreements, rights, responsibilities, and eviction processes in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the bill is titled: A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in Lagos State.

Mr Obasa said the bill covers procedures for recovering premises and related matters across the state.

If passed, the law would ensure that landlords, tenants, and agents fully understand their rights and responsibilities.

Mr Obasa urged members to consider tenants who depend on end-of-year bonuses and annual leave allowances to pay rent.

He also highlighted the soaring cost of building materials and how landlords rely on rental income.

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

Mr Obasa stressed the government must reassess its housing promises and ensure they are fulfilled.

After deliberation, the Speaker referred the bill to the House Committee on Housing for further review. The committee is to report back in three weeks.

Saad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I) described the legislation as crucial, saying it aims to bring order to tenancy matters.

He said the bill promotes harmony by clearly defining rent structures  annual or monthly  and eviction notice procedures.

Mr Olumoh added that the bill specifies roles for landlords, tenants, and agents, ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities.

He said it also offers legal clarity to guide courts in resolving tenancy-related disputes fairly and promptly.

Describing the bill as timely and people-centred, Aro Moshood (Ikorodu II) called for an enforcement body within the law.

He said such a body would check landlords who impose arbitrary rents beyond legal limits.

According to him, the bill would relieve tenants and help them plan finances without unnecessary strain.

Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi-Isolo I) commended the bill for its inclusive and all-encompassing nature.

He said it covers everything from agent conduct to rent agreements and dispute resolution processes.

Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) described the bill as a welcome development that outlines landlord rights on levies like tenement rates and land use charges.

He said the bill also affirms tenants rights and the courts authority over tenancy disputes.

This law is long overdue and will modernise housing relationships in Lagos, he said.

Ajayi Oladele (Ibeju-Lekki II) said the bill will reduce conflicts often caused by estate agents.

For the first time, everyone will understand their legal standing clearly, he stated.

Omolara Olumegbon (Lagos-Island I) praised the bill for promoting fairness and addressing rent timelines  monthly or yearly  and how they relate to eviction processes.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


DUBLIN, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, plans to announce second quarter results on Friday, July 25, 2025, in a news release to be issued at 5:00 am Central Time. Aon's President and CEO Greg Case and CFO Edmund Reese will also host a conference call at 7:30 am CT on Friday, July 25, 2025, which will be broadcast live through Aon's Investor Relations website at ir.aon.com. A replay will be available shortly after the live webcast. The earnings release and supplemental slide presentation will also be available on Aon's Investor Relations website.

About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better  to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon's newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.

Investor Contact

Hallie Miller

[email protected]

+1 847 442 0622

Media Contact

Will Dunn

[email protected]

+1 312 381 3024

SOURCE Aon plc
Artificial Intelligence in Radiology Market is Segmented by Type (Cloud Based, On-Premise), by Application (Hospital, Biomedical Company, Academic Institution).

BANGALORE, India , July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Market for Artificial Intelligence in Radiology was valued at USD 2334 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 4236 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period.

Claim Your Free Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-35Z13861/Global_Artificial_Intelligence_in_Radiology_Market

Major Factors Driving the Growth of AI in Radiology Market:

The Artificial Intelligence in Radiology market is rapidly evolving into a cornerstone of modern diagnostic medicine. With its ability to improve accuracy, reduce turnaround time, and support clinical decision-making, AI is transforming radiological practices globally. The market is driven by both technology vendors and healthcare providers looking to optimize imaging workflows and outcomes. Continued innovation, clinical validation, and regulatory alignment are further solidifying AI's role in the radiology ecosystem. As imaging demands increase and digital health ecosystems mature, AI in radiology is poised for robust growth across both developed and emerging healthcare markets.

Unlock Insights: View Full Report Now! https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-35Z13861/global-artificial-intelligence-in-radiology

TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN RADIOLOGY MARKET:

Cloud-based platforms are significantly accelerating the growth of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Radiology market by offering scalable, real-time, and cost-effective infrastructure for medical imaging analysis. These platforms allow radiologists to upload, process, and analyze large volumes of imaging data across locations without investing in expensive on-premise systems. Cloud computing supports collaborative diagnosis and second opinions, making it easier for specialists worldwide to access and interpret radiological findings. AI algorithms hosted on the cloud continuously learn from diverse datasets, improving diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, the cloud simplifies data integration from electronic health records (EHRs), enhancing context-based imaging interpretation. This flexibility and accessibility make cloud-based models ideal for hospitals and diagnostic centers aiming for high-efficiency imaging operations, thereby driving market expansion.

On-premise deployment continues to play a critical role in the growth of the AI in Radiology market, especially for institutions emphasizing strict data security, regulatory compliance, and control. Hospitals with high patient volumes and in-house IT infrastructure often prefer on-premise AI solutions to ensure that sensitive imaging data stays within their private network. These systems offer faster processing speeds due to localized computing, reducing latency in real-time diagnostic decisions. Furthermore, institutions with proprietary imaging protocols benefit from customizable on-premise AI models trained on institution-specific data, enhancing diagnostic relevance. Despite the popularity of cloud solutions, the need for secure, localized, and tailored AI applications sustains strong demand for on-premise setups in high-end academic hospitals and specialized radiology centers.

Biomedical companies are key drivers of growth in the AI in Radiology market by developing next-generation imaging tools that integrate AI to enhance diagnostic performance. These companies are focusing on innovating AI-powered image reconstruction, detection, and segmentation tools that assist radiologists in identifying subtle anomalies with greater precision. Their collaboration with software developers, radiology experts, and hospitals fuels R&D in algorithm refinement and clinical validation. Many biomedical firms are also embedding AI directly into diagnostic hardware, creating intelligent imaging systems capable of real-time interpretation. This vertical integration of hardware and AI enhances efficiency and diagnostic confidence. Their commitment to improving patient outcomes and reducing diagnostic errors ensures consistent market advancement across clinical applications.

One of the major drivers is the rising need for early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. AI in radiology enables rapid detection of minute anomalies in imaging data, which may be missed by the human eye, especially in early disease stages. This helps clinicians begin treatment sooner, improving patient outcomes. AI systems can also link imaging findings with genomic and clinical data to support tailored therapies. The push for predictive medicine and minimally invasive procedures reinforces the adoption of AI in radiology, particularly in oncology and neurology. As the healthcare industry leans towards precision care, AI becomes indispensable in modern diagnostic workflows.

Radiology departments globally are under immense pressure due to the increasing volume of imaging studies and a shortage of skilled radiologists. AI serves as a supportive solution by automating repetitive tasks like image labeling, prioritizing critical cases, and pre-analyzing scans to reduce turnaround time. This alleviates the burden on radiologists and helps maintain diagnostic quality despite workforce constraints. AI also improves workflow efficiency by integrating with radiology information systems (RIS) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). With healthcare systems strained by aging populations and rising chronic diseases, AI tools offer scalable solutions to meet diagnostic demand without compromising accuracy.

Recent progress in deep learning, a subfield of AI, has significantly enhanced the performance of radiology applications. These algorithms can analyze complex imaging patterns with remarkable accuracy and continue to learn from new datasets. With access to large annotated datasets and computing power, deep learning models can now rival or even outperform human radiologists in specific diagnostic tasks like tumor detection or hemorrhage recognition. The continuous refinement of these models is enabling faster, more consistent, and reproducible imaging interpretation. As algorithm transparency and explainability improve, regulatory acceptance and clinical adoption are also growing, driving broader market penetration.

The seamless integration of AI tools into hospital IT infrastructure is driving adoption. Radiology AI applications are now compatible with EHRs, PACS, and RIS, enabling smooth data flow and contextual analysis. This allows AI systems to consider patient history, lab results, and prior imaging during interpretation, thereby increasing diagnostic precision. Automation of report generation and structured data extraction from scans enhances communication between departments and reduces administrative workloads. As healthcare institutions prioritize interoperability and digital transformation, AI tools that fit within existing ecosystems are being widely embraced, contributing to sustained market growth.

The rising incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological conditions is increasing the demand for medical imaging. These diseases require continuous monitoring through modalities like MRI, CT, and ultrasound, which generate large volumes of data. AI helps extract meaningful insights quickly from this data, facilitating timely interventions and longitudinal tracking. For example, AI can compare current and historical scans to detect subtle changes, supporting disease progression analysis. The growing prevalence of these conditions is pushing both private and public healthcare sectors to adopt AI tools that can handle high-frequency imaging needs efficiently.

Claim Yours Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-35Z13861&lic=single-user

AI IN RADIOLOGY MARKET SHARE:

Regionally, North America leads the market due to its advanced healthcare systems, early adoption of AI technologies, and strong presence of leading AI radiology vendors. The U.S. benefits from robust funding, regulatory clarity, and high imaging volumes that support AI deployment.

The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key growth hub due to increasing healthcare investments in China, India, and Japan. Additionally, governments in the Middle East and Africa are exploring AI-based solutions to overcome radiologist shortages, gradually contributing to market diversification.

Key Companies:

GE

IBM

GOOGLE INC

Philips

Amazon

Siemens AG

NVidia Corporation

Intel

Bayer(Blackford Analysis)

Fujifilm

Aidoc

Arterys

Lunit

ContextVision

deepcOS

Volpara Health Technologies Ltd

CureMetrix

Densitas

QView Medical

ICAD

Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-35Z13861/Global_Artificial_Intelligence_in_Radiology_Market

SUBSCRIPTION

We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans.

DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS!

- AI Radiology Software Market

- The Radiology AI Based Diagnostic Tools Market was valued at USD 2800 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 11200 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 21.9% during the forecast period.

- Artificial Intelligence in Medical Device Market

- AI-Enabled X-Ray Imaging Solutions Market was valued at USD 423 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 600 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.

- AI-Assisted Digital Radiography Equipment Market

- Medical Imaging AI Platform Market was valued at USD 2334 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 4236 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period.

- AI-based Medical Diagnostic Tools Market

- AI Radiology Tool Market

- Visual Artificial Intelligence Market was valued at USD 13110 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 26140 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period.

- The global Radiology Software market is projected to grow from USD 150 Million in 2024 to USD 223.9 Million by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.9% during the forecast period.

- The Teleradiology Solutions Market was valued at USD 7634 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 11190 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.

DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US!

Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs.

Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs.

To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources.

GET A FREE QUOTE

Valuates Reports

[email protected]

For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225

WhatsApp: +91-9945648335

Website: https://reports.valuates.com

Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valuatesreports6753

https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean

https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish

https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese

https://valuatesreportspanish.blogspot.com/

https://valuateskorean.blogspot.com/

https://valuatesgerman.blogspot.com/

https://valuatesreportjapanese.blogspot.com/

SOURCE Valuates Reports
Part of Larger Fundraising Effort to Support Wildfire Resiliency and Response in the Region

ASPEN, Colo., July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aspen Wildfire Foundation is proud to announce the donation of a new Type 3 wildland fire engine to Aspen Fire Protection Districtits largest gift to date and the first major milestone in this year's wildfire preparedness fundraising campaign. The engine, which arrived in Aspen in late June 2025, was made possible by a leadership gift from the JP Conte Family Foundation. It will be placed into service this wildfire season.

"We are deeply grateful for the Conte family's leadership and support," said Rick Balentine, Aspen Fire Chief and Chair of the Aspen Wildfire Foundation. "This gift significantly strengthens our local response capabilitiesand it's just one piece of a broader, community-led push to invest in wildfire resilience. We hope it inspires others to step up and support this critical work."

The Foundation works year-round to fund and implement strategies that protect people and ecosystemsfrom fuels reduction and home hardening to fire-adapted landscapes and firefighter readiness. In the face of increasing wildfire threats, community support has never been more essential.

Aspen local JP Conte is an investor, through his family office, Lupine Crest Capital, and a private equity veteran, serving as chairman and managing partner of Genstar Capital. As a longtime California resident, he has advocated for prescribed fire and landscape resilience through his work with the Pepperwood Preserve in Northern California.

"Aspen is an incredibly beautiful place that I am thankful to call home," said Conte. "For a long time, I've known the kinds of impact wildfire can have on our communities. I am proud to be working with the talented team at the Aspen Wildfire Foundation to help launch this fundraising push and ensure that we have the adequate resources and education to protect the place we all know and love."

Aspen Wildfire Foundation works to protect people, restore landscapes, and prepare the community for the future across the Aspen Fire Protection District and connected landscapes. The announcement comes as the Foundation prepares for its second annual Evening of Embers and Elegance fundraiser, to be held July 18 at the Aspen Fire Station. This signature event gathers community members, partners, and supporters to help fund critical wildfire preparedness measures, including fuels reduction, home hardening, and firefighter readiness.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here: https://givebutter.com/4onfFV

Media Contact: Ali Hammond, [email protected]

SOURCE Aspen Wildfire Foundation
SACRAMENTO, Calif. and FONTANA, Calif. and WOODBURN, Ore., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- To support sellers across the West Coast, Bar None Auction has expanded its sales team, adding two seasoned territory sales representatives to help business owners move equipment faster, smarter and more profitably.

Ben Bascue of Woodburn, Ore., will cover southern Oregon, while Nathan Smythe of Fontana, Calif., will cover southern California.

Bascue (L) and Smythe (R)

These hires aren't just about geographic coverage  they're about delivering local expertise, real support and auction strategies that work. For sellers navigating when, where and how to sell, Bascue and Smythe are boots-on-the-ground resources who understand both equipment and the auction process.

Bascue's background is tailor-made for equipment and fleet owners. A lifelong Oregon native, he grew up in the trucking and excavation business and has spent years buying, selling and renting heavy machinery throughout the region. He understands what it takes to manage a fleet, meet project deadlines, and make fast, informed decisions.

Today, Bascue brings that same mindset to helping business owners maximize their returns  whether they're moving one asset or liquidating an entire yard.

Smythe joins the team with deep roots in the heavy construction rental space, having worked with multiple rental companies in San Diego. He brings firsthand knowledge of machine performance, utilization, and resale value.

Known for his consultative approach and results-driven mindset, Smythe focuses on helping customers turn idle assets into working capital. Every auction begins with a conversation  and Smythe knows how to tailor the right strategy to fit each seller's goals.

Bascue and Smythe join a growing sales team that includes Brad Fanini, territory sales manager for northern California and Nevada, and Stephen Petshow, territory sales manager for the Pacific Northwest. Together, they represent Bar None Auction's commitment to personalized service, honest equipment evaluations and auction strategies that deliver real results.

"We're not just adding staff  we're adding value for sellers," said Josh Seidel, president. "Ben and Nathan know their markets, they know equipment, and they know how to earn our customers' trust. That's what our sellers deserve."

Bar None Auction's monthly online auctions attract thousands of active buyers nationwide, creating competitive bidding and fast turnarounds for consignors. And with 100 percent bonus depreciation in effect, many business owners are choosing to monetize underutilized equipment before year-end to take advantage of valuable tax benefits.

Whether you're selling a single excavator or liquidating an entire jobsite, Bar None Auction's experienced team will walk your yard, provide accurate pricing and manage the entire process  from marketing and transport to title and tax documentation.

For details, visit BarNoneAuction.com.

Construction Equipment Guide (CEG) contributed to this release.

About Bar None Auction:

Founded in 1993, Bar None Auction conducts premier monthly public auctions that specialize in heavy equipment, commercial and consumer vehicles and industrial support items. Auctions are conducted year-round throughout the Western US including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, California, Nevada and Arizona with permanent locations in Sacramento, CA, Fontana, CA, and Woodburn, OR. The leadership team of Bar None Auction has over a century of senior corporate experience that extends beyond auction services. Bar None Auction is a California corporation headquartered in Sacramento, CA.

Media Contact:

Jeff Huber, Marketing Director

[email protected]

SOURCE Bar None Auction
NEW YORK, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global alternative lender Bizcap has announced its launch into Luxembourg, establishing its first operational footprint in continental Europe.

Following its success in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Singapore, Bizcap brings its cash flowbased lending model to the Luxembourg market. The company provides loans ranging from 5,000 to 500,000 (approx. USD $5,400$540,000), with approval decisions made within 2 days and funding available in 3 days. Repayment options offer daily or weekly repayment flexibility and early repayment discounts of up to 35%.

"Our entry into Luxembourg is just the beginning of Bizcap's European expansion," said Albert Gahfi , CEO of NewCo Capital Group and Co-Founder | Co-CEO, Bizcap Global. "We've experienced tremendous success in markets like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, where our fast, flexible financing solutions have helped thousands of SMEs thrive. With this proven track record, we are confident that Luxembourg will be no exception. We're committed to bringing the same level of support to businesses here, and with a strong local team in place, we're excited to build on our global success as we scale our operations across Europe."

Bizcap's European expansion is part of a broader international strategy shared with NewCo Capital Group, a leading provider of alternative finance solutions. Together, the two organizations bring deep market expertise, a commitment to underserved business communities, and a shared vision for transforming how small and medium-sized enterprises access working capital. This collaborative alignment strengthens both brands as they continue to scale globally and deliver innovative funding solutions across diverse markets.

Bizcap's approach is distinguished by its open-minded underwriting model. Unlike traditional lenders, Bizcap focuses on the overall financial health and performance of a business. The company also specialises in tailored funding, offering support to businesses in a range of sectors, including those navigating tax debts or financial pressure.

The European expansion is led by Laura Schlag , Managing Partner for Europe, who is based in Luxembourg.

"We're thrilled to launch Bizcap in Luxembourg and begin our European journey. As a local, I understand the market and the needs of SMEs here," said Laura. "We're committed to supporting SMEs across the region, and we know there's a real need for faster, more accessible funding options. Right now, we're focused on building a strong local team and attracting best-in-class talent to support our European launch and ensure the same scalable growth we've seen in our other locations.''

Zalman Blachman , Co-Founder | Co-CEO, Bizcap Global, added:

"Laura's appointment reflects our commitment to building the right foundations in every market we enter. Her legal background and deep understanding of Luxembourg's business landscape position her exceptionally well to lead our expansion into continental Europe. She's strongly aligned with Bizcap's mission to unlock capital for SMEs who are often overlooked by traditional lenders and that alignment will be key as we grow across the region."

Partnership Inquiries

Bizcap welcomes partnership inquiries from financial professionals and corporate service providers, and direct enquiries from SMEs. To learn more or apply, visit www.bizcap.eu or email [email protected].

About Bizcap

Headquartered in Australia, Bizcap is a global non-bank business lender offering fast and flexible funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Since its inception, Bizcap has supported more than 42,000 customers and funded $1.9 billion globally. Having built a strong presence in Australia and New Zealand, Bizcap is actively expanding internationally, including markets such as the UK, Singapore, and now Luxembourg. Driven by its agile lending model, innovative financial solutions, and commitment to supporting underserved businesses, Bizcap continues to bridge funding gaps and empower business growth globally.

The media kit for this announcement is located here .

SOURCE NewCo Capital Group
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE: BKD) ("Brookdale" or the "Company") today announced that, based on the preliminary vote count of its proxy solicitor following the Company's 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"), all eight of Brookdale's director nominees were elected to the Brookdale Board of Directors, with each receiving support from a majority of the shares outstanding. Based on the preliminary vote count, the Board of Directors is composed of Jordan Asher, MD, Claudia Drayton, Mark Fioravanti, Victoria Freed, Joshua Hausman, Elizabeth Mace, Denise Warren, and Lee Wielansky.

Brookdale issued the following statement:

We thank our shareholders for the confidence that they have shown in our Board and our strategy to create shareholder value, and greatly appreciate the strong showing of support to elect all eight of the Company's director nominees. We remain focused on executing our five key initiatives  improving operating performance, optimizing our real estate portfolio, reinvesting capital into communities, reducing leverage and ensuring high-quality environments for residents and associates. With our strong momentum so far this year, we are confident Brookdale is well-positioned for success as we capitalize on robust demographic and industry tailwinds.

The preliminary results also indicated that shareholders approved all other proposals submitted for a vote at the Annual Meeting. The results announced today are considered preliminary until final results are tabulated and certified by the independent Inspector of Elections. Brookdale will report final results on a Form 8-K that will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ABOUT BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the nation's premier operator of senior living communities. With 645 communities across 41 states and the ability to serve approximately 58,000 residents as of June 30, 2025, Brookdale is committed to its mission of enriching the lives of seniors through compassionate care, clinical expertise, and exceptional service. The Company, through its affiliates, operates independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities, offering tailored solutions that help empower seniors to live with dignity, connection, and purpose. Leveraging deep expertise in healthcare, hospitality, and real estate, Brookdale creates opportunities for wellness, personal growth, and meaningful relationships in settings that feel like home. Guided by its four cornerstones of passion, courage, partnership, and trust, Brookdale is committed to delivering exceptional value and redefining senior living for a brighter, healthier future. Brookdale's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BKD. For more information, visit brookdale.com or connect with Brookdale on Facebook or YouTube.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this communication may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and those regarding the Company's intent, belief, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "on track," "potential," "intend," "enable," "expect," "endeavor," "seek," "anticipate," "estimate," "executing," "believe," "poised," "positioned," "project," "predict," "continue," "plan," "target," or other similar words or expressions, and include statements regarding the focus of the Board of Directors and management of the Company, the execution and advancement of the Company's strategy, the Company's CEO search process, the Company's ability to continue to successfully execute on key initiatives, deliver positive financial and operational performance and drive enhanced shareholder value. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations, and the Company's ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Although the Company believes that expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its assumptions or expectations will be attained and actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations and future prospects or which could cause events or circumstances to differ from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, events which adversely affect the ability of seniors to afford resident fees, including downturns in the economy, housing market, consumer confidence, or the equity markets and unemployment among resident family members; the effects of senior housing construction and development, lower industry occupancy, and increased competition; conditions of housing markets, regulatory changes, acts of nature, and the effects of climate change in geographic areas where the Company is concentrated; terminations of the Company's resident agreements and vacancies in the living spaces it leases; changes in reimbursement rates, methods, or timing under governmental reimbursement programs including the Medicare and Medicaid programs; failure to maintain the security and functionality of the Company's information systems, to prevent a cybersecurity attack or breach, or to comply with applicable privacy and consumer protection laws, including HIPAA; the Company's ability to complete its capital expenditures in accordance with its plans; the Company's ability to identify and pursue development, investment, and acquisition opportunities and its ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; competition for the acquisition of assets; the Company's ability to complete pending or expected disposition, acquisition, or other transactions on agreed upon terms or at all, including in respect of the satisfaction of closing conditions, the risk that regulatory approvals are not obtained or are subject to unanticipated conditions, and uncertainties as to the timing of closing, and the Company's ability to identify and pursue any such opportunities in the future; risks related to the implementation of the Company's strategy, including initiatives undertaken to execute on the Company's strategic priorities and their effect on its results; any resurgence or variants of the COVID-19 pandemic; limits on the Company's ability to use net operating loss carryovers to reduce future tax payments; delays in obtaining regulatory approvals; the risks associated with tariffs and the uncertain duration of trade conflicts; disruptions in the financial markets or decreases in the appraised values or performance of the Company's communities that affect the Company's ability to obtain financing or extend or refinance debt as it matures and the Company's financing costs; the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash flow to cover required interest, principal, and long-term lease payments and to fund its planned capital projects; the effect of any non-compliance with any of the Company's debt or lease agreements (including the financial or other covenants contained therein), including the risk of lenders or lessors declaring a cross default in the event of the Company's non-compliance with any such agreements and the risk of loss of the Company's property securing leases and indebtedness due to any resulting lease terminations and foreclosure actions; the inability to renew, restructure, or extend leases, or exercise purchase options at or prior to the end of any existing lease term; the effect of the Company's indebtedness and long-term leases on the Company's liquidity and its ability to operate its business; increases in market interest rates that increase the costs of the Company's debt obligations; the Company's ability to obtain additional capital on terms acceptable to it; departures of key officers and potential disruption caused by changes in management; increased competition for, or a shortage of, associates, wage pressures resulting from increased competition, low unemployment levels, minimum wage increases and changes in overtime laws, and union activity; environmental contamination at any of the Company's communities; failure to comply with existing environmental laws; an adverse determination or resolution of complaints filed against the Company, including putative class action complaints; negative publicity with respect to any lawsuits, claims, or other legal or regulatory proceedings; costs to respond to, and adverse determinations resulting from, government inquiries, reviews, audits, and investigations; the cost and difficulty of complying with increasing and evolving regulation, including new disclosure obligations; changes in, or its failure to comply with, employment-related laws and regulations; the risks associated with current global economic conditions and general economic factors on the Company and the Company's business partners such as inflation, commodity costs, fuel and other energy costs, competition in the labor market, costs of salaries, wages, benefits, and insurance, interest rates, tax rates, tariffs, geopolitical tensions or conflicts, and uncertainty surrounding a new presidential administration, the impact of seasonal contagious illness or other contagious disease in the markets in which the Company operates; actions of activist stockholders, including as a result of the current proxy contest and any potential change of control of the Company or the Board; as well as other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including those set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in such SEC filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's views as of the date of this communication. The Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and, except as required by law, it expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this communication to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any statement is based.

SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
DUBLIN, Ohio, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) today announced the launch of the Cardinal Health One Voice Initiative for pharmacy advocacy, which provides direct financial assistance to state pharmacy associations for the purpose of supporting independent pharmacists' advocacy efforts.

This investment furthers Cardinal Health's longstanding advocacy around the future of independent pharmacies and ongoing partnerships with industry organizations to support pharmacists' efforts to build relationships with elected officials at all levels of government.

"The independent pharmacy community is a powerful voice with legislators as community-based healthcare providers," said Brad Cochran, EVP, Pharmaceutical and Specialty Distribution at Cardinal Health. "We have been a steadfast advocate for independent pharmacy and the Cardinal Health One Voice Initiative for pharmacy advocacy builds on the momentum within this community by further enhancing their collective voice in healthcare policy discussions."

As part of this ongoing initiative, Cardinal Health will make financial contributions to state pharmacy associations. Support for additional states will be based on access to advocacy opportunities for the independent pharmacy community.

"We have consistently heard from lawmakers that pharmacists sharing the impact healthcare policies have on their patients is the most impactful way to create meaningful change," said Michelle Britt, SVP, Retail Independent Sales, "The goal of the One Voice Initiative is to support the impressive advocacy efforts of the pharmacy community and encourage active participation in advocacy across our nationwide network of pharmacies so that they can work directly with lawmakers on the future of pharmacy."

About Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health is a distributor of pharmaceuticals and specialty products; a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products; a supplier of home-health and direct-to-patient products and services; an operator of nuclear pharmacies and manufacturing facilities; and a provider of performance and data solutions. Our company's customer-centric focus drives continuous improvement and leads to innovative solutions that improve people's lives every day. Learn more about Cardinal Health at cardinalhealth.com and in our Newsroom.

Contacts

Media: Cherilyn Steele, [email protected] and 614.757.0409

Investors: Matt Sims, [email protected] and 614.553.3661

SOURCE Cardinal Health
The second stop of CIEE's year-long, nationwide roadshow celebrates Xanterra and Big Sky employers as exceptional supporters of the U.S. Department of State's BridgeUSA Program

PORTLAND, Maine, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) will travel to Montana and Wyoming July 21-24 for the second leg of a year-long, nationwide celebration of U.S. Department of State's BridgeUSA international exchange programs that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

"If BridgeUSA did not exist, we would need to invent it, as it truly enriches all Americans," said James P. Pellow. Post this BridgeUSA participants positively impact their American host employers and host communities in many ways, including increasing economic prosperity for local businesses and injecting more than $1.2 billion overall into the national U.S. economy.

In June, the CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour began in Ohio and Kentucky with stops at the iconic Cedar Point Amusement Park, the famous Kings Island Amusement Park, and family-favorite Kentucky Kingdom. The Mountain West portion of the tour will feature celebration events in Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky, Montana.

At each stop in Montana and Wyoming, CIEE will showcase how BridgeUSA improves the lives of all Americans by creating rich cultural exchanges for international visitors that boost America's image abroad, enhance economic opportunities for American businesses, and enrich American communities.

The BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program brings international college students to live and work in the United States during their summer break, helping more than 4,000 businesses, large and small, across the United States expand and extend the tourist season, leading to enhanced local economic benefits while injecting more than $1.2 billion into the broader U.S. economy each year.

This leg of the CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour will honor top employers who host BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel participants in America's Big Sky Country, including Xanterra Travel Collection, an American company that provides concession services within Yellowstone and other national parks. Business leaders, local community advocates, and individual exemplary staff will be recognized with the CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for their contributions to strengthening their local communities while advancing American interests.

"BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel participants support the staffing needs of businesses in remote locations where there is not enough year-round local staff," said Martine Mangion, Senior Vice President, Inbound Exchange Programs at CIEE. "In the Yellowstone region, for example, finding enough local staff is a constant challenge. BridgeUSA students help fill critical seasonal roles, allowing businesses to stay open, be more prosperous, and ensure visitors can experience the beauty of this beloved American landscape."

"We simply would not be able to serve millions of guests a year without BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel participants," said Noel Mayes, Executive Director of Operations at Yellowstone National Park Lodges, part of Xanterra Travel Collection. "Meeting, working side by side with, and sharing a passion for Yellowstone with students from all over the world is truly special."

BridgeUSA Makes America Safer and Stronger

BridgeUSA programs bolster America's national security and strengthen America's public diplomacy by fostering mutual respect between Americans and people of other nations. BridgeUSA participants return home and spread word of their positive experience in the United States which improves the American image abroad and makes our country safer.

BridgeUSA Makes America More Prosperous

Most importantly, BridgeUSA participants enable local economies to prosper by expanding and extending the tourism season, allowing businesses to employ more Americans for a longer seasonal period, and allowing hundreds of local businessesfrom laundromats to general stores, from local diners to grocery storesto extend the duration of their peak-season sales surge, compounding the positive economic impact in each community.

"The core premise of the BridgeUSA program is that international students come to America at their own expense on temporary visas to help American businesses and American communities thrive," said James P. Pellow, president and CEO of CIEE. "BridgeUSA students pay their way to come to America, they help make American businesses more profitable while they are here, and then they return to their home countries with a deeper knowledge and respect for American culture and American values, including the power of democracy and free speech. If BridgeUSA did not exist, someone would need to invent it, as it truly enriches all Americans."

Additional CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration events are scheduled for later this summer:

August 2025  We celebrate BridgeUSA in South Carolina at Myrtle Beach





 We celebrate BridgeUSA in at September 2025  We celebrate BridgeUSA in Texas at the Alamo in San Antonio

If you are interested in participating in a future CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration event, please reach out to Carye Duffin, CIEE Senior Vice President of External Affairs, at [email protected].

About CIEE:

CIEE builds bridges between different people, different countries, and different cultures. For 75 years, we have helped young people participate in high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. Since 1947, CIEE has supported more than one million student exchanges for participants from more than 140 countries. We change lives, our alumni change the world. Learn more at ciee.org.

Media Contact: Leslie Taylor, [email protected], (207) 553-4274

SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
Italy will help Ukraine restore critical water management infrastructure and develop a European air monitoring system, said Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Svitlana Hrynchuk.

"We are developing and detailing our partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security of the Italian Republic. Back in 2023, a memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the field of sustainable development and environmental protection was signed between our departments in Rome. Today, at the URC2025 in the Italian capital, we concluded a framework action plan under the memorandum, and also approved a concept for monitoring atmospheric air quality," she wrote on Facebook on Friday.

The work plan includes implementation of bilateral and multilateral projects in the field of water resources, in particular in frontline and rural areas; support from the Italian side for the construction of water supply infrastructure; involvement of Italian engineering expertise, modern technologies and equipment, including energy-efficient pumping systems; improvement of hydrological, hydrochemical and hydromorphological monitoring for the formation of national policy and restoration of aquatic ecosystems; development of a European air monitoring system in Ukraine.

The minister noted that the concept, in particular, provides for the creation of a National Reference Laboratory and the establishment of a pilot air monitoring station in Ukraine with the assistance of Italy.

"The project budget is almost EUR2.5 million and provides for the purchase of relevant equipment, as well as personnel training and constant exchange of experience and strengthening of institutional capacity," she wrote.
VANCOUVER, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- City Office REIT, Inc. (NYSE: CIO) ("City Office" or the "Company") announced today it will release its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, before the market opens on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

City Office's management will hold a conference call at 11:00 am Eastern Time on July 31, 2025 to discuss the Company's financial results. Additionally, a supplemental financial package to accompany the discussion of the results will be posted on www.cioreit.com.

Webcast

Click on the webcast link under the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at www.cioreit.com.

Telephone Conference Call

Domestic: 1-833-470-1428

International: 1-404-975-4839

Passcode: 997238

Please dial in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Conference Call Replay

Domestic: 1-866-813-9403

International: 1-929-458-6194

Passcode: 532319

A replay of the call will be available later in the day on July 31 2025, continuing through October 29, 2025. A replay will also be available at "Webcasts & Events" in the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website.

About City Office REIT, Inc.

City Office REIT is an internally-managed real estate company focused on acquiring, owning and operating office properties located predominantly in Sun Belt markets. City Office currently owns or has a controlling interest in 5.4 million square feet of office properties. The Company has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Contact

City Office REIT, Inc.

Anthony Maretic, CFO

+1-604-806-3366

[email protected]

SOURCE City Office REIT, Inc.
Award-Winning Detroit-Style Pizza Chain Teams Up with Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul's Premium Mezcal Brand for Nationwide Launch and Four-City Tasting Experiences

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmy Squared Pizza , known for its Detroit-style pizza and Brooklyn soul, has teamed up with Dos Hombres the award-winning mezcal brand founded by "Breaking Bad" stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paulfor a limited-time menu that celebrates bold flavor, craft, and good company. The menu includes four custom-crafted cocktails featuring Dos Hombres Mezcal, along with two new food items, and is now available at all Emmy Squared Pizza locations nationwide.

Dos Hombres Mezcal is featured alongside the Emmy x Dos Hombres limited-time menu, including mezcal cocktails like the Mezcaloma and Oaxacan Sour, plus dishes like the El Jefe Detroit-style pizza and Dos Hombres Dipped corn. The national collaboration between Emmy Squared Pizza and the mezcal brand co-founded by Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul celebrates bold flavor and summer vibes. (Photo courtesy of Emmy Squared Pizza/Dos Hombres) Dos Hombres Mezcal is featured alongside the Emmy x Dos Hombres limited-time menu, including mezcal cocktails like the Mezcaloma and Oaxacan Sour, plus dishes like the El Jefe Detroit-style pizza and Dos Hombres Dipped corn. The national collaboration between Emmy Squared Pizza and the mezcal brand co-founded by Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul celebrates bold flavor and summer vibes. (Photo courtesy of Emmy Squared Pizza/Dos Hombres)

"This is not your average pizza collab," said Sergio Perez, SVP, Head of Marketing at Emmy Squared Pizza. "When we say we're doing something big, we mean it. We worked closely with the Dos Hombres crew and our friends at Spirits of Alchemy to create a menu that goes beyond what you expect from a pizza place. It's bold, it's delicious, and it's built for people who love great food and a night out."

The Menu: Mezcal-Inspired, Pizza-Loving

Developed by the Emmy Squared Pizza culinary team, the limited-time Emmy x Dos Hombres menu takes inspiration from the bold, smoky character of mezcal to bring something entirely new to the table. Each dish is packed with flavor, built to stand on its own, and plays well with the new cocktail lineup:

El Jefe Detroit-Style Pizza  A bold Detroit-style creation worthy of its name. Featuring a vibrant house-made tomatillo sauce, mezcal-marinated chicken, bell peppers, our signature cheese blend, and pecorino. All finished with a cilantro lime crema, fresh cilantro, and queso fresco. Crafted with smoky spirit and Mexican soul.

 A bold Detroit-style creation worthy of its name. Featuring a vibrant house-made tomatillo sauce, mezcal-marinated chicken, bell peppers, our signature cheese blend, and pecorino. All finished with a cilantro lime crema, fresh cilantro, and queso fresco. Crafted with smoky spirit and Mexican soul. Dos Hombres Dipped  Inspired by the corner street stands of Mexico City , this elote experience features roasted corn tossed in butter, sour cream, cream cheese, and lime. Topped with cilantro and queso fresco. Served with tortilla chips. A bold, buttery ode to street food heritage.

Signature Cocktails: Smooth, Smokey and Ready to Sip

Four cocktails featuring Dos Hombres Mezcal complement the Emmy Squared Pizza menu, highlighting the spirit's smooth, layered complexity:

Dos Fashioned : A smoky and bold twist on a classic, featuring Dos Hombres Mezcal, Lunazul Tequila Reposado, agave, and Angostura bitters. Smooth, slightly sweet, and full of depth.

: A smoky and bold twist on a classic, featuring Dos Hombres Mezcal, Lunazul Tequila Reposado, agave, and bitters. Smooth, slightly sweet, and full of depth. Oaxacan Sour : Dos Hombres Mezcal paired with our house-made tamarind syrup, bright lemon juice, aromatic Lillet Blanc , and a subtle dash of bitters. A sophisticated cocktail that balances smoky depth with tangy elegance, a tribute to the heart of Oaxaca .

: Dos Hombres Mezcal paired with our house-made tamarind syrup, bright lemon juice, aromatic , and a subtle dash of bitters. A sophisticated cocktail that balances smoky depth with tangy elegance, a tribute to the heart of . Smoke & Soul : A tropical escape with a smoky edge. Dos Hombres Mezcal and Captain Morgan blend with Spirits of Alchemy's pineapple-forward Cast Away mixer and fresh lime juice. Smooth and made for golden-hour sipping.

: A tropical escape with a smoky edge. Dos Hombres Mezcal and Captain Morgan blend with Spirits of Alchemy's pineapple-forward Cast Away mixer and fresh lime juice. Smooth and made for golden-hour sipping. Mezcaloma: A bold and zesty evolution of the Paloma. Featuring Dos Hombres Mezcal, Lunazul Tequila Blanco, fresh grapefruit and lime juices, agave sweetness, and pickled jalapenos, topped with sparkling club soda. Spicy and endlessly drinkable. A nod to brotherhood and bold flavor.

Tasting Experiences Coming to Four Cities This Summer

To toast the launch, Emmy Squared Pizza and Dos Hombres will bring the flavor to life through exclusive tasting experiences in New York City, Philadelphia, Nashville, and Atlanta this summer - more details to be announced soon.

"This collaboration represents everything we believe in at Dos Hombres  bringing people together over exceptional food and mezcal," said JB Woodworth, Co-CEO of Dos Hombres. "Emmy Squared Pizza's innovative approach to culinary experiences perfectly aligns with our mission."

Find your nearest Emmy Squared location and raise a glass to a summer of bold flavor.

About Emmy Squared Pizza

Emmy Squared Pizza is renowned for its gourmet Detroit-style pizzas and award-winning burgers, crafted with high-quality ingredients and a creative culinary approach. With 29 locations across the United States, Emmy Squared Pizza is dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences that celebrate authentic flavors and innovative recipes. To find your closest restaurant visit www.emmysquaredpizza.com

About Dos Hombres

Founded by actors Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, Dos Hombres is a unique blend of the finest 6-year-old Espadin agave, hand-selected from the hillsides of San Luis del Rio in Oaxaca, Mexico. Created in partnership with third-generation maestro mezcalero Gregorio Velasco using traditional production methods including earthen pit ovens and tahona wheel milling, Dos Hombres presents tasting notes of apples, mango, local fruits, wood, and a smooth, discreet smoky finish. At 84 proof (42% ABV), the mezcal embodies the brand's mission to "get people to slow down and take a minute." For more information, visit www.doshombres.com .

Follow us:

Instagram: @emmysquaredpizza | @doshombres

Facebook: facebook.com/EmmySquaredPizza | @doshombres

Media Contact:

Jericho Lopez, [email protected]

SOURCE Emmy Squared Pizza
DALLAS, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eric Wilson, Director of Your Part-Time Controller, LLC's (YPTC's) Dallas-Fort Worth office, is recognized as a 2025 Rising Star by the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TXCPA). This award celebrates CPAs under 40 years of age who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and community impact.

For Eric, this honor is more than a milestoneit is a moment of reflection and inspiration. When asked what the distinction of 2025 Rising Star means to him, Eric said, "On one hand, it's been a great opportunity to pause and reflect on the first dozen years of my career. I've been very intentional in building a professional life that's aligned with who I am as a person, so receiving this award feels especially meaningful." He continues, "On the other hand, it's also pushed me to think more deeply about the next dozen (or more!) years and what my goals are from here. After all, it's called the Rising Star award, not the Risen Star!"

Eric's recognition is rooted in his commitment to the nonprofit sector. At YPTC, he thrives on the constant opportunities to use his many skills for the greater good. After joining YPTC in 2017, Eric quickly became the first Manager in YPTC's Houston office in 2019. Eric relocated to Dallas in 2022, becoming Director of the Dallas-Fort Worth office when it launched. Eric shares, "Between my colleagues at YPTC, clients, and other 'nonprofiteer' friends I've made along the way, I feel very privileged to be part of such a wide community dedicated to doing good."

The 2025 TXCPA Annual Meeting in Galveston was even more special for Eric due to a family connection: Eric's father, Patrick Wilson, was also honored at the luncheon for Meritorious Service, marking 50 years of TXCPA membership. Eric said, "My dad is the reason I became an accountant, so sharing that moment and celebrating each other was incredibly meaningful  it's a memory I'll treasure for many years to come."

Congratulations, Eric, on this well-deserved honor!

YPTC is hiring. If you're an accounting professional seeking a supportive and people-focused workplace, browse our careers page.

Need Expert Accounting Services? Visit our website at yptc.com!

SOURCE Your Part-Time Controller, LLC
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America was recently recognized as a Gold Winner for the 2025 Merit Awards for Corporate Social Responsibility in the business category, for its CSR initiative 'Hyundai Hope' that seeks to promote safety within the community.

A family attends a child safety seat check event with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago at McGrath City Hyundai in Chicago, Ill. on June 8, 2025. (Photo/Hyundai)

"Hyundai is honored to receive this award recognizing our commitment to safety through partnerships with leading children's hospitals nationwide," said Brian Latouf, global chief safety and quality officer, Hyundai Motor Group. "As an automaker, our responsibility extends beyond building safe, high-quality vehicles, it includes empowering parents with the knowledge and communities with the resources to protect their children on and around the road. Our child safety seat checks and pedestrian safety events play a vital role in teaching and promoting best practices that help prevent injuries and save lives."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car and booster seats are installed incorrectly or improperly used. Research shows that using safety seats correctly can prevent injuries in children, and education is key to spreading awareness and adopting proper safety seat practices.

Through Hyundai Hope, the company partners with hospitals across the country to deliver child passenger safety education programs. Areas are chosen based on need and connection to Hyundai and its affiliates. Additionally, Hyundai partners with a local hospital, Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), to deliver a pedestrian safety program that teaches children how to navigate streets in high-traffic areas like Southern California safely.

Last year, Hyundai hosted a total of seven child safety seat events with partners including CHLA, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Children's of Alabama, and Children's Hospital of Savannah, in addition to other events the hospitals held on their own. In total, nearly 2,500 car seats were distributed and over 4,500 families received education on car seat and pedestrian safety. This initiative extends Hyundai's commitment to safety beyond manufacturing, complementing its development of award-winning vehicles.

The Merit Awards for business were judged based on submissions that addressed leadership, innovation, positive work environment, and more. The Merit Awards are judged by journalists, executives, consultants, entrepreneurs, educators, and the Merit Awards staff.

Hyundai Hope

Hyundai Hope is a corporate social responsibility initiative from Hyundai Motor North America, committed to the principle of Progress for Humanity and the goal of improving the wellbeing of society. Hyundai Hope dedicates time and supplies resources to nonprofit organizations that support the health and safety of individuals and foster positive growth in communities. For more information, visit www.HyundaiHope.com.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
Initial Ruling Confirms the Non-Infringement or Invalidity of GoPro's Utility Patents

LOS ANGELES, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has rejected GoPro's utility patent claims against Insta360 in Investigation No. 337-TA-1400. The initial determination, which was issued by an Administrative Law Judge in Washington, D.C. yesterday, ruled that that GoPro's five utility patents relating to stabilization, horizon leveling, distortion, and aspect ratio conversion are invalid, not infringed, or both. In addition to clearing Insta360 completely as to these five patents, the Administrative Law Judge confirmed that Insta360's proactive design updates fall outside the scope of GoPro's lone asserted design patent (U.S. Patent No. D789,435).

"The U.S. International Trade Commission's initial determination affirms what many in our industry already know: the future belongs to innovators, not litigators," said JK Liu, Founder of Insta360. "While GoPro sought to block competition by asserting a wide array of patents, the majority of those claims were either found not to be infringed or ruled invalid. That speaks volumes."

"This isn't just about Insta360. This is about an ecosystem where established players use litigation as a business strategy, hoping to stall faster, smarter, more agile challengers. It's a familiar playbook: instead of building better products, they try to slow down those who do. We will continue to stand up for our products, our team, and the creative community we serve - and we will not be deterred by legal maneuvering aimed at protecting market share rather than consumers."

Insta360 also filed multiple inter partes review (IPR) petitions with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to challenge the validity of GoPro's patents, some of which remain under review. The company has also initiated patent litigation in China against GoPro-affiliated entities.

The ITC's preliminary determination does not affect Insta360's U.S. product availability or its global operations. The company continues to manufacture and sell its full line of cameras without restriction.

A final determination from the full Commission is expected by November 10, 2025.

About Insta360

With a "Think bold" mindset, Insta360 empowers people to capture and share their lives in extraordinary ways. Recognized as a market leader and innovator, Insta360's vast lineup includes the world's best-selling 360 cameras in the X Series, the thumb-sized GO Series for everyday capture, as well as an extensive range of action cameras, gimbals, webcams, and professional photography solutions. With intuitive, AI-powered software, Insta360 simplifies the creative process, allowing users to focus on storytelling without technical barriers. Insta360 is dedicated to helping a new generation of athletes, creatives, travelers and professionals bring their ideas to life.

For more details visit: http://www.insta360.com

About the Think Bold Fund: https://www.insta360.com/ThinkBoldFund

Read our blog: https://www.insta360.com/blog

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Insta360

Follow us on X: https://x.com/insta360

Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/insta360

Follow us on TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@insta360_official

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insta360

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/insta360

Press Contact

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE Insta360
With the donation of 2 million tags, the company's initiative scales up a pioneering program for cattle development, integrity, and traceability in the state

SAO PAULO, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JBS has invested more than US$ 7 million in cattle traceability and support for small producers in Para, as part of a pioneering state program that aims to trace the entire herd of cattle and buffaloes in the region by the end of 2026. The results of JBS's initiatives were presented during the "Expedition to the Sustainable Meat and Leather Market of Para," an event promoted by the Nature Conservancy (TNC) Brazil.

The state program involves a coalition formed by the government, producers, civil society, and industry

The initiative is part of a broader collation involving the government, producers, civil society, and industry. As part of its actions, JBS has already allocated US$ 5 million to its Traceability Accelerator Program, which aims to encourage the adoption of tags for animal traceability among the company's indirect suppliers. This includes the donation of 2 million ear tags to producers and 175 readers to the Para State Agricultural Defense Agency (Adepara).

The Accelerator Program initially focuses on Southeast Para, in the region between the municipalities of Maraba and Santana do Araguaia. JBS teams and partner organizations conduct field visits to identify and engage with farms, working directly with traceability operators who are trained and accredited by the State of Para. The readers donated by the company record data from the animals' individual identification tags, enabling the monitoring of individual cattle across the state, which holds the second-largest herd in Brazil.

"Our actions were designed to scale up the state program by supporting both direct and indirect suppliers, with the capacity to reach up to 2 million tags for herd traceability. This phase is crucial to overcoming bottlenecks and testing traceability tools and solutions at scale," said Fabio Dias, JBS's Head of Sustainable Livestock, during the event.

In strategic partnership with Adepara and TNC, the JBS Traceability Accelerator Program already has partner companies for field operations. Future expansion is planned for other regions of the state, such as the Southwest (Altamira, Anapu, and Pacaja), the Lower Amazon (Belterra and Santarem), and the Marajo region. There is also interest in replicating the model in other states.

JBS has also allocated a significant part of its investment to the Green Offices in Para: since 2021, the program has received US$ 2 million. These offices offer free and specialized support for the environmental regularization of rural properties, with a special focus on small producers.

The main goal of the JBS Green Offices is to assist producers from registration to validation in the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR), promote adherence to the Environmental Regularization Program (PRA) when applicable, support the lifting of embargoes, and help non-compliant producers regain commercial qualification. In addition, they connect producers to requalification programs such as SIRFLOR and Reconecta in Para.

In the state, JBS operates four physical offices located in the Southeast region (Santana do Araguaia, Redencao, Tucuma, and Maraba). Regularization is accelerated through the Sustainable Territories Platform (PTS), in partnership with the State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainability (SEMAS). Since 2024, the offices have also offered technical and managerial assistance to producers (EV 2.0).

Nationally, the results are significant: since the launch of the JBS Green Offices program in 2021, 18,042 farms have already been regularized, and, 7,005 hectares are in process of forest restoration.

SOURCE JBS
- Globally-tested brand ESSE enters one of the largest European markets, Germany, to provide new choice for consumers

SEOUL, South Korea, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KT&G kicked off a full-scale European expansion with the launch of the global number 1 superslim brand, "ESSE".

On 3rd of July, KT&G started the sale of ESSE in major cities including Berlin, Dortmund, and Munich through its local partner Hauser (https://www.hauser-augsburg.de), with plans to continuously expand distribution coverage. Two products well-characterized as "superslim" that are tailored to the stylish needs of local consumers"ESSE Blue" and "ESSE Red"are planned for launch.

On the 3rd of July, KT&G launched ESSE Blue and ESSE Red. Photo shows local ESSE brand presentation. KT&G 'ESSE' Brand Logo

The German market is one of the largest in Europe, and a major battleground of global brands. Recently, consumer lifestyles in the German tobacco market are quickly changing, and the demand for superslim brands is on the rise.

KT&G has already proven its global competitiveness by exporting over 800 brands including "ESSE" to approximately 140 countries. The company adopted the strategy of providing a new choice for German consumers based on the quality and brand power of the global number 1 superslim brand "ESSE". Starting with this launch, KT&G has plans to expand market share and brand recognition in Europe.

A KT&G spokesperson stated that "ESSE has already been recognized as a competitive, stylish product in many countries, and has grown to become the global number 1 superslim brand. We will continue to expand our influence in Germany based on the distinguished features of our product".

The "ESSE" brand, first born in Korea in 1996, started global expansion with Middle Eastern countries and Russia in 2001. Since then, the list of export destinations has continuously grown to around 90 global markets including Indonesian, Latin American, and African markets. As of 2024, the global gross sale volume has reached 430 billion sticks, while holding approximately one-third market share in the global superslim market.

KT&G, the manufacturer of the global brand ESSE, is a major Korean corporation with a firm number one position in the Korean NGP (Next Generation Products), health functional foods, and combustible cigarettes markets. It is also a global corporation that sells 870 brands across 148 nations as of 2024.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2729208/1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2729209/Photo2.jpg
Dr. David Jeremiah Issues Statement on Devastating Floods in Texas

SAN DIEGO, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost a week after the devastating flash floods hit Texas on Independence Day, there are more than a hundred lost individuals and more than 150 still missing. As we learn more about the lives lost and the heroics of those amid the storm, our hearts break. Every natural disaster is upsetting and pulls at our heartstrings, but when children are at the center of the stories, it takes on a different tone.

Unless we have experienced a similar loss, we cannot begin to fathom what the families, friends, and communities in Texas are feeling, but we can sympathize, support, and pray with and for them during the days and weeks to come.

As a pastor, one of the hardest things is to comfort a parent who has lost their child. In this moment, I want to share a special message to all those mourning the loss of children from this flood 

The death of a child is one of the world's greatest sorrows, and the pain is intense, but in that pain, I praise the Lord because, through the tears, there's a sunbeam of hope. Scripture gives us reasons to trust that children are not lost forever. Instead, they are given the gift of bypassing the sorrows of this world and are instantly transported to heaven, where we'll meet them and enjoy their fellowship throughout eternity.

In the Gospels, when Jesus is asked to raise a synagogue leader's young daughter from the dead, He responds, "She is not dead, but sleeping." These words are not just spoken to the girl's family but to every mom or dad or grandparent who has ever lost a little one. You will see them again.

Our few moments on earth are nothing compared to our eternal fellowship with those we love on the new earth. The Lord knew this flood was coming. His presence was with every child and believer in its midst, and His presence is with you now and in the difficult days that lie ahead.

As the news continues to unfold on this tragedy and clean up eventually begins, may we as a nation take a moment to pray for all those impacted 

Heavenly Father,

Before Your ascension, You told us, "Surely I am with you always," so I pray that the knowledge of Your presence would be known and felt by all those experiencing grief and loss across Texas.

May Your Spirit prevail and may the sorrows of today be turned into joy and peace in the future as Your comfort surrounds the broken-hearted.

We know that many children are now in Your loving arms. While the pain this side of heaven is indescribable, we know that You love these children and called them, saying, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

As King David found hope, comfort, and cheer in the assurance that his baby had gone to heaven and they would be reunited one day, may those same feelings envelop all those who have lost a loved one.

May we, as neighbors, not only lift our brothers and sisters up in prayer, but may we also be Your hands and feet to so many in need in the days ahead.

I ask that You keep this region in your loving care. Provide wisdom to the leaders of the state, cities, counties, and organizations leading the recovery efforts.

And as the days pass, may our sorrow turn to joy as we point our hearts and minds upward to heaven and ponder the coming reunions.

We pray this in Jesus' name,

Amen.

Dr. David Jeremiah is a renowned Bible teacher, New York Times bestselling author, and founder/host of Turning Point Broadcast Ministry. With forty years of ministry and "just getting started," his teaching has led to the creation of the ProphecyExplained, PerhapsToday, the IMAGINE campaign, Airship Genesis, PassagesTV, and Why the Nativity?, to name a few.

About Turning Point

Turning Point Ministries was founded in 1982 as Dr. David Jeremiah's broadcast ministry to deliver the unchanging Word of God to an ever-changing world. More than four decades later, with a multimedia network featuring radio, television, online programming, magazines, and books, Turning Point reaches people around the globe with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Turning Point is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization wholly supported by patrons and not underwritten by any church or organization.

SOURCE Turning Point Ministries
VANCOUVER, BC, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSX-V: REVO), (Frankfurt: IJA2), (Munich: A2PU92) A group of shareholders representing over 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSXV: REVO) (the "Proxy Shareholder Group") is compelled to issue this formal statement in response to ongoing failures by the Company's Board of Directors to implement agreed-upon governance reforms, disclose material financial agreements, or comply with continuous disclosure obligations.

Despite a public announcement on June 17, 2025, by the Company acknowledging the shareholder proposal submitted on May 31, 2025, none of the proposed board resolutions have been adopted or executed. This includes the non-appointment of Mr. Juan Cruz Nuez as the shareholder-nominated executive director, a step which the Board itself had welcomed publicly.

Non-Implementation of Resolutions

The Proxy Shareholder Group provided the Board with a formal directors' resolution on June 27, 2025, detailing clear steps to:

Appoint a qualified director;

Authorize creditor negotiations;

Approve and secure a CAD $350,000 loan to settle liabilities;

Despite the board's prior request for this formal narrative and structure, the resolution remains unsigned and unexecuted. No explanation has been offered.

Undisclosed Loan, Breach of Disclosure Obligations

Director Gavin McMillan has acknowledged in writing that the Company has received loan funding. Yet no public disclosure has been made regarding:

The amount received;

received; The identity of the lender ;

; The terms or duration of the loan;

of the loan; Any assets or subsidiaries pledged as collateral.

This failure to disclose constitutes a likely breach of TSXV Policy 3.3 (Timely Disclosure) and CSA National Policy 51-201 (Section 4.3), which explicitly require public issuers to disclose any borrowing of funds or mortgaging of assets as material information.

During a Cease Trade Order (CTO), such non-disclosure not only violates regulatory policy but also signals a troubling disregard for basic governance obligations.

Inappropriate Governance Conduct

Further concern arises from Mr. McMillan's recent communication encouraging a proxy group leader to engage privately with an unnamed third party ("Patrick") on WhatsApp regarding the Company's financial future. This individual has not been publicly disclosed as a company officer or consultant.

The Proxy Shareholder Group views this as a breach of fiduciary protocol, a potential violation of confidentiality, and a serious failure in governance transparency.

Shareholder Position and Next Steps

The Proxy Shareholder Group reaffirms that:

The May 31, 2025 , proposal remains active and enforceable.

, proposal remains active and enforceable. The failure to adopt the resolutions or admit the proposed director is a direct obstruction of governance reform .

. Any further delays or obstructions may trigger escalation under Section 167 of the BCBCA to requisition a formal shareholder meeting.

Shareholders are strongly encouraged to contact the Company and demand:

Immediate disclosure of any financial agreements;

of any financial agreements; Clarification on who is influencing board decisions ;

; Accountability for the continued failure to act in accordance with stated commitments.

The Proxy Shareholder Group is prepared to continue engaging with regulators, legal counsel, and fellow shareholders to restore transparency, protect investor interests, and relist the Company under responsible management.

SOURCE Proxy Group RevoluGROUP
Demonstrating a Global Commitment to Inclusion Through Starkey Cares

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Starkey, a global leader in hearing technology, announced today its role as the inaugural partner of the UNICEF Children with Disabilities Fund, a new fund aimed at delivering quality and timely interventions to create sustainable change for children with disabilities across the globe. As the inaugural partner, Starkey is helping UNICEF accelerate disability programming and results, empowering children and young people with disabilities to realize their full potential.

This partnership underscores Starkey's long-standing culture of caring and its global corporate social responsibility program, Starkey Cares, which is committed to bringing better hearing to communities in need. With Starkey's support as the premier donor, UNICEF has launched this critical fund to transform the lives of children and young people with disabilities through resources, support and opportunities to overcome barriers and create more equitable communities.

"We are honored to be the first corporate partner of the UNICEF Children with Disabilities Fund," said Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey. "At Starkey, we believe in a world where everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. This partnership reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world  a world where hearing health isn't a barrier, it's a bridge to connection."

The UNICEF Children with Disabilities Fund was established to drive systemic change and ensure that children with disabilities are not left behind, a passion shared by Starkey's chairman and co-chair, Bill and Tani Austin who have dedicated their lives to providing hearing healthcare access to underserved communities and people in need. With support from Starkey, the Fund will focus on early screening and identification, as well as expanding access to disability support services and assistive technology, empowering children to fully develop and participate in every aspect of society.

Through Starkey Cares, Starkey has impacted millions of lives across the globe by providing hearing health care services and hearing aids to underserved populations. Starkey's partnership with UNICEF builds on this legacy by expanding support to broader disability inclusion efforts.

"Starkey's leadership and compassion will help transform lives on a global scale," said Michael J. Nyenhuis, President and CEO of UNICEF USA "With their support, the UNICEF Children with Disabilities Fund can deliver upon its critical mission to give every child  including those with disabilities  the opportunity to thrive."

For more information about Starkey in support of UNICEF, click here.

For more information on Starkey Cares and Starkey's corporate social responsibility efforts, visit www.starkey.com/starkeycares.

About Starkey

Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at starkey.com.

UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, organization, product or service.

SOURCE Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) stated that migration movements have never occurred under such extreme conditions as today.

In a brief interview with Interfax-Ukraine, Director General of the International Organization for Migration Amy Pope shared her outlook on the return of Ukrainian refugees from abroad.

Text: Hanna Levchenko

What are the main migration trends for Ukraine over the last 3-5 years (before and after the full-scale Russian invasion)?

Migration has traditionally played a significant role in the life of Ukrainian society. According to local studies*, almost a third of the country's population has either personal experience of labour migration abroad or that of their family members.

Migration movements have never taken place under such extreme conditions as they do today. Now in the fourth year of Russias full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to grapple with one of the largest displacement crises in Europes history. Nearly four million people remain internally displaced, while another five million Ukrainian refugees continue to reside in countries across Europe.

Last year, I had the privilege to visit Ukraine, and I saw firsthand the devastation the war has wrought and the scale of the challenges ahead. But I was also profoundly inspired and humbled by the strength of the people I met  women who have traveled from regions that were under active attack, who left with very little but the clothes on their back and their children in their car.

How do you assess the impact of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine on migration processes in Europe and the world? What are the differences in the migration of Ukrainian refugees and that of other migrants?

The February 24, 2022, large-scale Russian invasion caused the largest wave of forced migration in Europe since World War II.

The profile of refugees from Ukraine is different from Ukrainian labour migrants before the full-scale war who were mostly male, and different from refugees from other countries staying in Europe, who are mainly young singles. According to Eurostat data from 2024, over 40 per cent of Ukrainian citizens granted temporary protection in the European Union were women of working age, and 32 per cent were children and adolescents. It is also important to note that most of the refugees from Ukraine are highly educated people.

What share of Ukrainian refugees will return to Ukraine after the war ends, according to your estimates? To what extent do these estimates coincide or differ from migration processes in other countries suffering from hostilities?

Despite ongoing insecurity and economic pressure, millions have begun returning. IOM data shows that more than four million people have returned to their communities of origin, including over a million who came back from abroad  often with little or no support. Thats why creating conditions for safe, voluntary, and dignified return is essential. IOM is working

closely with the Government of Ukraine to support reintegration through accurate information, housing support, access to jobs and services, and community-based recovery efforts. This work relies on humanitarian, development, and stabilization funding, including from the European Union and other key donors. But without increased and long-term financial support, many returnees will struggle to reintegrate, and the risk of further displacement will remain high.

What is the optimal strategy for refugees and migrants  to return them home or to work with host countries to help them adapt abroad, viewing refugees as a "cultural landing force"?

We must make it possible for internally displaced persons and Ukrainians living abroad to be able to return safely and with dignity. IOM is honoured to support the Government of Ukraine and partners in these efforts, by investing in local leadership and area-based approaches to make reintegration sustainable.

At the same time, IOM is grateful for the compassion, generosity and solidarity of countries across Europe who are taking in those seeking safety.

Considering the tremendous potential of the global Ukrainian community, on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, IOM and Ukraines Ministry of National Unity co-hosted a dedicated event to enhance cooperation with the more than 20 million Ukrainians living abroad and encourage their role in the countrys recovery efforts. Ukraines diaspora plays a vital role by contributing skills, knowledge, networks, and resources that can accelerate Ukraines recovery and strengthen international partnerships.

The event brought together stakeholders from the global Ukrainian diaspora, international organizations, the private sector, and academia. During the event, a participatory process was launched to establish an Alliance for Diaspora Engagement in Ukraines Recovery. Stakeholders were invited to join the process, which will lead to the co-design of the Alliance in the coming months.
FORT WORTH, Texas, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Carolyn W. Quist, DO, FACOOG is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for her contributions as a Leading Advocate for Women's Health and Well-being.

Dr. Carolyn W. Quist, a renowned osteopathic gynecologist, credits much of her success to the guidance and support of her mentors, Dr. John Chapman, DO, and Dr. Steve Buchanan, DO. She also acknowledges Dr. Ronald Ayres and Dr. Ron Librizzi as instrumental in her professional development, providing invaluable support and influence throughout her career.

Carolyn W. Quist, DO, FACOOG

With a focus on hormone replacement therapy and aesthetic procedures, Dr. Quist's expertise and commitment to excellence have made her a trusted healthcare provider in her community. She earned her Bachelor of Science in pre-medical studies from the University of Texas at Arlington before completing her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from the University of North Texas Health Science CenterTexas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has also been involved with the American Osteopathic Association for many years and is currently chair of the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists.

As the medical director for Revitalize Wellness Center, PA, Dr. Quist oversees a range of aesthetic procedures, including vaginal therapy, Botox treatments, peptides, and hair loss treatments. She is dedicated to helping women look and feel their best, offering treatments that enhance both their physical appearance and overall well-being. Her staff now includes a certified nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine, whose addition has been invaluable in providing comprehensive services to her patients.

Throughout her career, Dr. Quist has been dedicated to promoting women's health and well-being. She provides routine gynecology care, hormone therapy, and aesthetic treatments to address a variety of women's health issues, including menopause management and sexual dysfunction treatments.

Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Quist enjoys scuba diving and vacationing in the Caribbean. She has participated in mission trips to Cambodia and Jordan through Christ Chapel Bible Church and has been active in disaster relief ministry in hurricane-affected areas of Louisiana and Texas, reflecting her deep commitment to philanthropy and community service.

Dr. Quist's philosophy centers on providing compassionate care, continuous learning, and giving back to the community through philanthropic efforts and involvement with charitable organizations. In the future, she aims to continue her commitment to excellence in women's health care, expanding her practice, and staying actively engaged in philanthropy and community service.

SOURCE The Inner Circle
Statement of Kathy Crosby, CEO and President, Truth Initiative

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes' crackdown on two stores selling tobacco and nicotine products to minors is both bold and necessary. The attorney general has filed suit against two Phoenix-area smoke shops that "persistently and recklessly sell tobacco nicotine products to underage kids in Arizona," violating the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act.

Stores that deliberately flout the law by selling tobacco and nicotine products to minorswithout checking IDs or posting required warningsare breaking the law and undermine public efforts to protect youth from addiction. Compounding the problem, the majority of products most often used by youth are on the market illegally. In fact, more than 90% of all e-cigarette sales dollars go to products sold without FDA authorization, including flavored disposable vapes designed to attract young users. Today's vaping products are not only more addictivewith 95.5% of disposable e-cigarettes containing over 5% nicotinebut according to Truth Initiative research, also cheaper, stronger, and easier to access than ever before. Nicotine can harm developing brains, and nicotine addiction can amplify feelings of anxiety, depression, and stressa particular concern for youth already struggling with mental health issues.

By cracking down on the easy access to harmful nicotine products, Arizona is protecting the health of its young people. Attorney General Mayes is sending a clear message to tobacco retailers: Comply or close. Truth Initiative applauds and supports this decisive legal action and remains committed to protecting young people and supporting those struggling with nicotine addiction through its free, evidence-based EX Program.

About Truth Initiative

Truth Initiative is a national nonprofit public health organization committed to a future free from lifelong addiction, fostering healthier lives and a more resilient nation. Our mission is to prevent youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empower quitting for all. Through our evidence-based, market-leading cessation EX Program and national public education and prevention campaigns, we are leading the fight against youth and young adult tobacco use, which threatens to put a new generation at risk of lifetime nicotine addiction. Our rigorous scientific research and policy studies, community and youth engagement programs supporting populations at high risk of using tobacco, and innovation in tobacco dependence treatment continue to contribute to ending one of the most critical public health battles of our time. Based in Washington, D.C., our organization was established and funded through the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories, and the tobacco industry. To learn more, visit truthinitiative.org.

SOURCE Truth Initiative
Wang Yi highlights achievements of mutually beneficial cooperation between China, ASEAN

Xinhua) 09:04, July 11, 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 10, 2025. Wang co-hosted the meeting, which was attended by foreign ministers of ASEAN members, ASEAN observer, as well as the secretary-general of the ASEAN. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng)

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Xinhua)-- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, briefed the fruitful achievements of bilateral cooperation during his attendance at the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting here on Thursday.

Firstly, the bond of the community with a shared future with neighboring countries has become ever closer, the building of bilateral communities with a shared future, with Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia respectively, has been elevated to a higher level, and mutually beneficial cooperation has advanced toward higher quality.

Secondly, the steps of regional opening up and cooperation have become more resolute. Negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area have been fully completed, and the protocol is expected to be signed within the year. The ASEAN-China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit has pioneered a new model of cross-regional cooperation.

Thirdly, security cooperation has become more in-depth. All parties have completed the third reading of the draft text of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, effectively managing differences and maintaining overall maritime stability. China has also joined hands with Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and other countries to combat transnational crimes such as online gambling and telecommunications fraud.

Fourthly, personnel exchanges have become more convenient. For two consecutive years, the two sides have held over 100 cultural and people-to-people exchange events. The "Lancang-Mekong visas" and the "ASEAN visa" have been officially implemented, making mutual visits as easy and frequent as family gatherings.

Wang said that China has always regarded ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and views the region as a pilot zone for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

He said China will continue to adhere to the principles of good-neighborliness, stability, prosperity and mutual benefit, and share a common future, working with ASEAN to champion the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness, to build a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful, and friendly shared home, and promote the building of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, accelerating the revitalization of Asia amid the rising momentum of the Global South.

Representatives attending the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting pose for a group photo in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 10, 2025. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-hosted the meeting, which was attended by foreign ministers of ASEAN members, ASEAN observer, as well as the secretary-general of the ASEAN. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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
United Nations, July 11 : The first batch of fuel in more than four months allowed into Gaza provides only a dent in the needs of the fuel-starved, from hospitals to water systems, UN humanitarians said.

The 75,000 liters of fuel Israeli authorities allowed a UN team to bring into the Gaza Strip on Wednesday was not enough to even meet one day's fuel requirements, estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of liters, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

"Fuel is still running out in the strip, and services will shut down if far greater volumes do not enter immediately," OCHA said. "One partner, for instance, reported this week that in a matter of days, fuel shortages could cut off supplies of clean drinking water to about 44,000 children supported by its team in Gaza. This would further increase the risk of waterborne illnesses such as cholera, diarrhea and dysentery."

However, fuel is only one of so many problems when death, destruction and displacement are being reported daily, as hopes for a possible ceasefire remain on the horizon.

UNICEF reported that 15 Palestinians, including nine children and four women, who were waiting for children's nutritional supplements, were reportedly killed during an attack in Deir al-Balah on Thursday. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said 30 others, including 19 children, were injured, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The killing of families trying to access life-saving aid is unconscionable," Russell said. "These were mothers seeking a lifeline for their children after months of hunger and deprivation."

OCHA said that parties to conflict are bound by international humanitarian law to prevent such excessive death and injury of civilians. All parties must take all feasible precautions to avoid and minimize civilian harm, and indiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited, it said.

The office said another airstrike reportedly hit the office of a humanitarian partner in Gaza City, killing three staff members.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that from the beginning of the Gaza war in October 2023 to the end of June this year, more than 740 attacks affected 125 health facilities in Gaza, including 34 damaged hospitals and 188 ambulances.

The WHO said more than 485,000 people suffer from mental health disorders in Gaza, and at least 500,000 women of reproductive age lack access to essential services, including pre- and postnatal care, family planning, and management of sexually transmitted infections.

OCHA said its partners providing educational services reported that between October 2023 and June 2025, 626 temporary learning spaces were established in Gaza, with 240,000 students enrolled, about half of whom are girls. However, only 299 spaces are currently operational due to displacement orders, funding shortfalls and other challenges.

The office said that the spaces can accommodate 113,000 students and 3,250 teachers, providing them with continuity of education and some physical protection.

OCHA first responders, health workers and aid workers continue to deliver food and other assistance under intolerable conditions, while personally facing hunger, water scarcity and threats to their safety, just like everyone else in Gaza.

"This catastrophic situation must end," said the office. "A ceasefire is not just urgent, it is long overdue."

In the West Bank, OCHA said it continues to warn of the intensification of operations by Israeli forces in northern areas, which are causing massive destruction, driving further humanitarian needs and dampening hopes of thousands of displaced families to go back home.

The office said that attacks, harassment and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have become a daily reality, including a settler attack on July 3 that led to the displacement of the Al Mu'arrajat East Bedouin community in the central West Bank.

"Children in this community risk losing access to education, as settlers raided the community school, ransacked property and sprayed anti-Palestinian graffiti," OCHA said. "The school, which previously served more than 70 students and has been under threat of demolition for years, now stands empty."

The humanitarian office said the community is the ninth to be entirely displaced in the Ramallah and Jericho areas since January 2023, following recurrent attacks by Israeli settlers. Another four communities in the region are at high risk of displacement due to recurrent settler attacks and access restrictions.
City Walk: Yueyang, a city of ancient words and living flavors

16:37, July 11, 2025 By Zhang Wenjie, Michael Kurtagh, Liu Ning, Cao Xinyue, Ebulayi ( People's Daily Online

"Be the first to worry for the world, and the last to rejoice."

These stirring words, penned by the renowned poet Fan Zhongyan in his masterpiece "Record of Yueyang Tower," have echoed through centuries of Chinese thought and literature.

The phrase was inspired by Yueyang Tower, an iconic structure overlooking Dongting Lake in the city of Yueyang, central China's Hunan Province. Perched beside the vast, misty waters, the tower has stirred the imaginations of poets, scholars, and travelers for over a thousand years. Climb its storied steps and gaze out over the lake and you'll understand why generations have felt compelled to write about the experience.

But Yueyang is more than just a place of poetry and history. Nestled in a land famed for "fish and rice," the city enjoys abundant natural resources that feed its thriving food culture. Here, fragrant and spicy Hunan flavors transform every meal into a celebration, especially the fresh, flavorful fish dishes that are a local specialty.

And it's not just about fish. As a key inland shipping hub, Yueyang has long welcomed people from across China, bringing with them a variety of regional cuisines. Today, it's one of the best places in Hunan to enjoy BBQ skewers hailing from the country's northwest.

From ancient heritage to mouth-watering street food, Yueyang is a vivid window into China's living traditions. Follow People's Daily Online reporter Michael as he visits Yueyang, a city where history meets modern vitality.

(Zhang Shuojing, as an intern, also contributed to this article.)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chengliang)
Aden, July 11 : UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, expressed deep concern over recent escalating attacks by Houthi forces in the Red Sea, including incidents that led to the sinking of two commercial vessels and resulted in casualties.

In a statement released on social media platform X, Grundberg condemned the attack that caused the sinking of the commercial vessel Eternity C on July 8, which resulted in deaths, injuries, and missing persons, Xinhua news agency reported.

The envoy extended condolences to the victims' families and called for the swift recovery of the injured and safe return of those still missing.

The UN official also expressed concern over an earlier attack on July 6 that led to the sinking of the commercial vessel Magic Seas. "These incidents underscore the growing risks to civilian lives, international navigation, and regional stability," Grundberg said.

"Such attacks on commercial vessels violate international maritime law and Security Council resolution 2722 (2024)," Grundberg emphasised, reiterating that "freedom of navigation must be upheld."

He also warned against "the risk of serious environmental harm resulting from damage to the vessels, including possible marine pollution and other broader consequences."

The special envoy urged the Houthi group to "cease attacks that risk escalating tensions in and around Yemen" and "provide durable guarantees to the region and the wider international community, ensuring the safety of all those using this critical waterway."

The Houthis claimed responsibility for both attacks, saying they were intended to pressure Israel and its allies to lift the blockade on Gaza and end the ongoing military campaign, vowing to carry out further strikes.

The Aden-based Yemeni government has also condemned the attacks in strong terms.
United Nations, July 11 : US sanctions against a UN human rights expert are unacceptable, said a UN spokesman.

The imposition of sanctions on UN human rights special rapporteurs is a dangerous precedent, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in response to US sanctions on Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Member states are perfectly entitled to their views and to disagree with the reports by the special rapporteurs, said the spokesman, "but we encourage them to engage with the UN human rights architecture. The use of unilateral sanctions against special rapporteurs, or any other UN expert or official, is unacceptable."

He also noted that Albanese, like all other UN human rights special rapporteurs, is an independent human rights expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and reporting to the Geneva-based council, Xinhua news agency reported.

Special rapporteurs do not report to the UN secretary-general, who has no authority over them or their work, added Dujarric.

Washington on Wednesday announced sanctions against Albanese over her role in investigating alleged Israeli human rights violations against Palestinians. The move marks Washington's latest efforts to deter international investigations into alleged war crimes committed by Israel amid its ongoing military operations in Gaza.

The sanctions follow an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump in February, which authorised punitive measures against the International Criminal Court for what the administration described as "illegitimate and baseless actions" targeting the United States and Israel.
Mumbai, July 11 : Bollywood actress Preity Zinta wished all on Happy Guru Purnima and also expressed her gratitude to her "guru mitr" Acharya Ashok Diwedi for guiding her spiritual journey.

Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) Bollywood actress Preity Zinta wished all on Happy Guru Purnima and also expressed her gratitude to her "guru mitr" Acharya Ashok Diwedi for guiding her spiritual journey.

Preity took to Instagram, where she shared a photograph of herself sitting next to her guruji. The picture has the geotag of Varanasi.

For the caption, Preity wrote: "Happy Guru Purnima to all of you who celebrate it. Guru Purnima is a day in honour of one's chosen spiritual teacher or guru so I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge & wish my Guru Mitr - Acharya Ashok Diwedi ji / Guru ji for helping me navigate & understand my spiritual journey."

She thanked her teacher for understanding and guiding her.

"Thank you for understanding me, for befriending me and guiding me to seek answers for questions I cannot comprehend. Thank you for your large heart & your humour and for helping me seek a part of me I never knew existed. Love & respect always."

Earlier on Father's Day, the actress has shared a picture of her husband Gene Goodenough walking in the woods with their twins Gia and Jai.

Preity and Gene got married in February 2016 at a private ceremony in Los Angeles. It was on November 11, 2021, the couple 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 Hindi film industry after a long gap with filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi's directorial 'Lahore 1947'.

The film was officially announced last October, garnering attention for its star-studded cast and promising storyline.

She was last seen in the 2018 film "Bhaiaji Superhit", an action comedy film directed by Neerraj Pathak. The film features an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Preity G Zinta, Arshad Warsi, Ameesha Patel and Shreyas Talpade.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Mumbai, July 11 : Actor Anshumaan Pushkar, who is seen sharing screen space with Rajkummar Rao in the gangster drama Maalik, has talked about doing action with the National Award-winning actor.

Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) Actor Anshumaan Pushkar, who is seen sharing screen space with Rajkummar Rao in the gangster drama Maalik, has talked about doing action with the National Award-winning actor.

Anshumaan shared, "This was the first time I did such intense action, and let me tell you, apart from a few small injuries here and there, I had a blast! Whether it was close fistfights, jumping off rooftops, escaping blasts, or high-speed car chases, I lived every moment of it."

For Anshumaan, this role has been a childhood dream fulfilled.

He added: "I've grown up watching and being a huge fan of this kind of cinema, where every action sequence gives you an adrenaline rush and keeps you on the edge of your seat."

"Of course, all proper precautions and safety measures were in place, but doing action is always tricky  one small mistake can lead to disaster. Still, you can't let go of the excitement it brings."

Anshumaan remembers a comment from Rajkummar said: "I remember one particularly intense action shoot day when Raj bhai came to me smiling and said, 'Bachpan wali dhishoom- dhishoom fights ka aaj faayda mila hai.'"

"And one more thing, my knowledge of handling guns has definitely improved."

Talking about the film, which is directed by Pulkit, the film will have former Miss World Manushi Chillar will be seen romancing Rajkummar for the first time. The film also stars Prosenjit Chatterjee, Medha Shankr, Huma Qureshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Swanand Kirkire.

Backed by Kumar Taurani under the Tips Films banner, in collaboration with Jay Shewakramani of Northern Lights Films, "Maalik" released on July 11.

Ahead of the release on July 9, Rajkummar and his wife Patralekhaa announced their first pregnancy through a social media post.

The two actors shared a joint post on their official Instagram accounts that read, "Baby on the way - Patralekhaa & Rajkummar."

Talking about Rajkummar and Patralekhaa's love story. The two ultimately fell for one another while shooting for Hansal Mehta's 2014 drama "CityLights".

In October 2021, Rajkummar proposed to Patralekhaa and the couple finally got married in November 2021 in a beautiful ceremony in the presence of their family and close friends.
Mumbai, July 11 : A day after comedian-actor Kapil Sharma's newly launched Kap's Cafe in Surrey, British Columbia was targeted in a shooting incident, a statement was issued which stated that the team is "processing this shock" but "are not giving up." Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) A day after comedian-actor Kapil Sharma's newly launched Kap's Cafe in Surrey, British Columbia was targeted in a shooting incident, a statement was issued which stated that the team is "processing this shock" but "are not giving up."

At least nine shots are believed to have been fired at the premises, however no injuries were reported in the incident. Khalistani terrorist Harjit Singh Laddi has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The official Instagram account of Kaps Cafe on their stories section issued a statement, which was tagged as a "message from the heart".

"A Message from the Heart. We opened Kap's Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock but we are not giving up."

The statement further thanked everyone for the support and prayers.

"Thank you for Your Support Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This cafe exists because of your belief in what we're building together. Let's stand firm against violence and ensure Kap's Cafe remains a place of warmth and community."

"From all of us at Kap's Cafe, thank you and see you soon, under better skies. - With hope and gratitude #supportkapscafecanada."

The statement also extended heartfelt gratitude to the Surrey Police.

"We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the esurreypolice and deltapd for their prompt response and efforts in ensuring everyone's safety during this dificult time."

Co-managed by Kapil's wife Ginni Chatrath, the cafe received a positive response from people. Kapil has been treating the netizens with glimpses from inside the cafe on social media. The videos feature an aesthetically pleasing outlet with a pink-and-white theme. Moreover, the cafe has been decorated with crystal chandeliers, artificial flowers, and baby pink sofas.

Coming to the menu, along with their special coffee, Kap's Cafe also serves an array of desserts, such as lemon pistachio cake, fudgy brownies, and croissants, to name just a few.
New Delhi, July 11 : The government is committed to nurturing next-generation communication technologies like 6G, enabling the transition through robust policy frameworks, increased research funding and timely spectrum allocation to facilitate testing and innovation, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said.

Reviewing the progress of Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) along with Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Telecom, the Minister said that the Bharat 6G alliance should create a focused, strategic and clear roadmap for driving the innovation in 6G technology.

He stressed on regular review of the progress at each workgroups level to achieve the ambitious target to achieve 10 per cent intellectual property rights (IPRs) in the 6G technology globally.

During the high-level interaction, the Alliance presented detailed updates on India's progress toward becoming a global leader in 6G by 2030. The event included comprehensive presentations from working group Chairpersons, outlining actionable plans and key technological advancements.

"Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons, and members of the Alliance's working groups shared comprehensive updates on strategic updates, initiatives, and action plans. The presentations highlighted significant advancements in areas such as Indigenous RAN technology, Intelligent and inclusive networks for rural connectivity, Cross-sectoral 6G applications in domains like agriculture, healthcare, smart and sustainable deployment," according to an official statement.

The Bharat 6G Alliance also briefed the Union Minister on key actions undertaken by the government and industry since the previous review.

The Alliance has now expanded to a robust network of 80 member organisations, including over 30 startups, reflecting the growing national momentum for indigenous 6G innovation.

The event served as a key platform for the Bharat 6G Alliance to present and interaction with more than 100 telecom leaders and stakeholders for the progress made since the last review held in September 2024, along with innovations and collaborative efforts aimed at establishing India's leadership in 6G technologies.

The government unveiled the Bharat 6G Vision Document in March 2023, laying the strategic foundation for India's leadership in the sixth generation (6G) of wireless systems.

IANS

na/
Washington, July 11 : The US Department of State announced a new awareness campaign warning Americans, 'especially Iranian Americans,' about the continuing severe risks of travel to Iran.

"US citizens should NOT travel to Iran for any reason. US citizens in Iran, including dual US-Iranian nationals, have been kidnapped and wrongfully arrested without warning or any evidence they committed a crime. Some have been held for years on false charges, subjected to psychological torture, and even sentenced to death. Having a US passport or connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone," the US Department of State Consular Affairs posted on X.

Addressing a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce on Thursday emphasised that the Iranian regime does not recognise dual nationality, and routinely denies consular services to detained US citizens. She stressed that while the bombing has stopped, that does not mean that it is safe to travel to Iran.

"We are also launching a new website dedicated to warning Americans against travel to Iran, and there you have it. You can get that website starting at state.gov/do-not-travel-to-Iran. That's do-hyphen-not-hyphen-travel-hyphen-to-hyphen-Iran. But I think if you go to state.gov, you do a search, you will find that quite easily. The message is clear, as you can tell in multiple languages. Our travel advisories are there, as well. They remain in place," said Bruce.

"And we cannot stress enough  as we continue to do, as I have multiple times from this podium  do not travel to Iran, especially those of you who are dual citizens who have Iranian heritage. It is not safe for anyone to travel to Iran. And again, this supplements also the existing travel advisories  it does not supplant them  at travel.state.gov. Our message is clear. I think so," she added.

The statement came amid the recent tensions between the US and Iran following the 12 days of escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which began on June 13 and involved US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
New Delhi, July 11 : Planned parenthood is essential for achieving healthy outcomes in maternal and child health, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on World Population Day on Friday.

World Population Day is observed every year on July 11. This year's theme is "Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy for the Health and Well-being of Mother and Child.

"World Population Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about family planning and renew our commitment to addressing population-related challenges," Nadda said in a post on social media platform X.

"This year's theme highlights the importance of planned parenthood for healthy outcomes for maternal and child health," he added.

Nadda also stressed this year's slogan: "    ,       ", loosely translated as the "right age to become a mother is when the mind and the body is ready".

The Union Health Minister said the slogan "emphasises the importance of informed and empowered decisions for parenthood with physical and emotional preparedness".

He added that "public health facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the Central Government is delivering essential family planning services across the nation".

These centres are "empowering families and paving the way for a healthier India," Nadda said.

India is home to over 1.46 billion people, making it the world's most populous country, after China.

Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, of the Population Foundation of India, told IANS that the conversation must shift from numbers to women's empowerment.

"India's population story is not one of crisis, but of possibility, if we invest in women, young people, and address the needs of our growing elderly population," Muttreja said.

Pointing out the declining fertility rate, Muttreja said the "focus must be on quality healthcare, education, skilling, and job creation. True development and economic growth doesn't come from forcibly influencing reproductive decisions, but from empowering individuals especially women to make informed choices about their bodies and lives".

She urged the need for shared responsibility, gender equality, and reproductive autonomy while making policies and programmes.
Ghaziabad/Delhi, July 11 : Shiva temples were adorned with flowers as the holy month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, began on Friday. All Shiva temples in Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida and Meerut echoed with the chants of Bam Bam Bhole, Har Har Mahadev, Jai Bhole ki and Om Namah Shivay.

There were long queues of devotees at the Augadhnath Mandir in Meerut and Doodheshwar Nath Mandir in Ghaziabad. The Lord Shiva temples in Delhi were teeming with devotees and their families.

In the holy month of Sawan, 'Rudrabhishek' (an offering to Lord Shiva) is performed at temples, which is said to bestow blessings on the devotees.

In the Rudrabhishek puja, devotees coronate the Shivling with milk, Ganga water, clarified butter, 'buura' (sugar powder) and curd.

Legends have it that at Doodheshwar Nath Mandir, the Shivling is 'svayambhu' (self-bloomed), and worshipping it fulfils all desires of the devotees.

Since morning, devotees have been thronging the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The famous temple attracts devotees from Ghaziabad and nearby areas.

Lakhs of Kanwariyas offer holy Ganga water at the Shiva temple. During the Kanwar Yatra, devotees bring holy water from the Ganges (Gangajal) and offer it to Lord Shiva.

For the Kanwar Yatra, the administration has made adequate arrangements.

In an ancient temple in Delhi's Tughlaqabad village, devotees worshipped Lord Shiva with milk and Bilva patra.

The temple priest said that with the beginning of the Shravan month, there will be a surge in the number of devotees visiting the place of worship.

He shared that since 4 a.m., devotees have been visiting the temple and offering water to Lord Shiva.

Police forces were stationed at key points to prevent any untoward incidents. Refreshment stalls, resting areas, and medical camps have been set up to provide comfort to Kanwariyas.

Extending her heartfelt greetings to all Delhiites, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said she prays to Devadhidev Mahadev that this month brings peace, devotion, and the essence of Shiva into everyone's life.

She said that during Shravan, the Delhi government has ensured a well-organised and transparent service system for the convenience of devoted Kanwariyas, including drinking water, medical facilities, rest areas, and road arrangements.

The CM wrote on her X handle: "Our resolve is to honour every faith, provide convenience at every step, and offer a divine Shiva-like experience to every Kanwar. Om Namah Shivay. Har Har Mahadev."
Kolkata, July 11 : A local Trinamool Congress leader was shot and hacked to death on a road at Bhangar in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district.

The incident happened late Thursday night. The deceased leader was identified as Rezzak Khan, who is known in the locality as a close associate of Trinamool Congress legislator Saokat Molla from the Canning (East) Assembly constituency.

Eyewitnesses said that unknown miscreants first shot Khan from close range while he was returning home. Thereafter, according to eyewitnesses, he was attacked with sharp weapons multiple times.

After the assassins escaped from the scene, the locals shifted him to a local hospital. However, the doctors there declared him brought dead.

In the recent past, the Bhangar region, which had always been notorious for bloody political violence and political assassinations, was brought under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Police for better law and order management.

However, that initiative hardly brought changes in the ground realities at Bhangar, and reports of political clashes at frequent intervals continue surfacing.

The legislator from Bhangar, Nawsad Siddique, is the sole All India Secular Front (AISF) representative in the West Bengal Assembly.

The two main rivals in the political clashes over area dominance in Bhangar since the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections had been the Trinamool Congress and AISF.

A political slugfest has already started over the murder of Rezzak Khan. Saokat Mollah claimed that Nawsad Siddique was the mastermind behind the murder since Khanas organisational abilities and popularity in the locality had been a factor of inconvenience for AISF for a long time.

Siddique, in his counterclaim, said the murder was a result of internal factionalism in Trinamool Congress at Bhangar, and his party had no role to play in the murder.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, who visited the spot, said that an investigation into the matter had started, and no further details on the matter could be revealed at this moment.

The body of the deceased Trinamool Congress leader had been sent for post-mortem purposes, the commissioner confirmed.
Power banks without a 3C certification are banned on flights in China

People's Daily Online) 13:43, July 11, 2025

Why did airport security stop my power bank again?! Thats the hot topic lately in the PandaGuide WeChat community.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has implemented a ban on certain power banks on all domestic flights, effective June 28, 2025, including those without a valid China Compulsory Certification (CCC) label, with an unclear 3C label, or subject to product recalls.

In simple terms, the 3C certification is like Chinas "safety green pass" for electronic products  without it, your device isnt flying anywhere!

Not sure if your power bank is compliant?

Karl has a quick 3-step check: Look for the 3C mark. Make sure its clear and visible. Check if its part of a recalled batch.

If your power bank doesnt make the cut, your options are: Ship it back home. Ask a friend to take it for you. Or choose the other means of transportation.

No worries  you can buy one easily online or at stores and supermarkets.

Coming to China as a tourist? You can also rent a shared power bank  just scan the code to rent, pay with an international card, and return it anywhere. Its a total travel lifesaver!

Curious about China? Plan to travel, invest, or study in China? Or, want a reliable local guide? Search for and follow PandaGuide on all platforms!

Source: SICC

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Thiruvananthapuram, July 11 : A day after the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government suffered a blow following the cancellation of the results of KEAM (Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical) entrance exam by the Kerala High Court, Higher Education Minister R. Bindhu on Friday said the state government did things in good faith.

"Our only aim was that all students should get equal chances, and it was done on a scientific basis. The standardisation was done in good faith as we took a considered decision which we felt was the best," said Bindhu.

"In the prospectus, it is clear that the state government can make changes to the conditions anytime. When the final rank list is prepared, the marks scored in the KEAM exam are taken and also the marks secured at the Class 12 exam. Any student who has studied in the state syllabus (considered easier than ICSE and CBSE streams), 35 marks are deducted from the total qualifying marks, and then the rank list is prepared. We felt it was wrong and decided to change the conditions," added Bindhu. She asked the media "not to act like a court and need not ask probing questions" and then walked away.

With Bindhu making things clear and dropping enough hints that the state government is not going to the Supreme Court against the division bench verdict of the Kerala High Court, in a day or two, the allotment process to the professional courses, barring nursing, will commence.

Incidentally, the decision to alter the prospectus was taken at the June 30 cabinet meeting. A section of the cabinet felt that this alteration could lead to trouble, which was, however, overlooked and the decision was made. The HC order has now left the Vijayan government under attack from the opposition and also the concerned parents.

The division bench dismissed the state government's appeal challenging the single bench's verdict issued on Wednesday, which had annulled the KEAM rank list published on July 1.

The court maintained that the last-minute change in the eligibility criteria was unjustified and directed the authorities to revert to the original prospectus and issue a revised rank list.

The controversy erupted after the state government issued a Government Order (GO) on July 1 -- the same day the rank list was published -- altering the evaluation formula.

As per the amended criteria, the ratio of marks for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry was changed from 1:1:1 to 5:3:2, effectively affecting students from CBSE and ICSE backgrounds, who alleged that the change was biased and arbitrary.

The single bench of Justice D.K. Singh had ruled that the change was not only unfair but also violated the principles of natural justice. The court found fault with the government for modifying the prospectus after the exams were conducted and the results declared.

Despite the swift appeal by the government before the division bench seeking a stay on the verdict, the bench upheld the earlier ruling, stating that the prospectus forms a binding contract and altering it retrospectively was legally untenable.

Parents of affected students, particularly from CBSE and ICSE streams, welcomed the judgment, accusing the government of acting irresponsibly.

KEAM 2024 was held from April 23 to 29, and the results were declared on May 14. The controversial rank list based on the amended criteria came on July 1, triggering the legal challenge.

KEAM is the state's entrance exam for admissions to professional courses, excluding nursing.
Stars: **** : , Director: Pulkit, Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Manushi Chhillar.

Stars: **** (4 stars), Director: Pulkit, Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Manushi Chhillar.

Set in the gritty streets of 1988 Allahabad, Maalik is a powerful gangster drama that balances raw intensity with emotional depth. Rajkummar Rao shines in one of his most transformative roles yet as Maalik, a ruthless gangster who dominates the gangster world with rage and cunning.

His fiery dialogues, like "Paida nahi hue toh kya, ban toh sakte hain", "Hum mazdoor baap ka beta hai ye kismat thi humari, Ab aap ko majboot bete ka baap banna padega ye kismat hai aapki", channel the nostalgia of classic Amitabh Bachchan-era gangster dramas, making his performance magnetic and unforgettable.

Manushi Chhillar impresses in a refreshing role as Shalini, the emotional anchor to Maalik's turbulent life, bringing quiet strength and grace to her role. The chemistry between the two adds heart to the violence and grit.

Director Pulkit, making his theatrical debut, crafts a taut, gripping narrative that never loosens its hold on the viewer.

The screenplay is razor-sharp full of tense moments, moral dilemmas, and unpredictable twists that keep the stakes high from start to finish. His command over the tone is evident as he seamlessly blends gritty action sequences with intimate, character-driven storytelling.

The film's technical brilliance elevates it further.

The cinematography captures the oppressive streets and the sprawling ambitions of Allahabad with striking, gritty detail.

The background score deserves special mention, thunderous yet nuanced, it amplifies every emotion and heightens the tension at all the right moments giving the perfect vibe for Maalik.

Shot entirely on real locations in Allahabad and Lucknow, Maalik feels authentic and immersive, pulling the audience right into its morally ambiguous world. The powerful soundtrack from "Naamumkin" to "Dil Thaam Ke", complements the narrative beautifully, making the experience all the more memorable.

What sets Maalik apart is that it doesn't just rely on violence and spectacle; it's a deeply character-driven story about ambition, loyalty, and survival in a world governed by greed and guns. Pulkit's assured direction, Rao's electrifying performance, and the film's impeccable craft come together to deliver a gangster saga that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking.

Maalik is not just a film, it's an experience.

A taut, emotionally charged thriller that redefines the gangster genre with its layered storytelling and unforgettable performances.

Verdict: A must-watch for its intense performances, gripping narrative, and powerful cinematic craft.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Rome, July 11 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy, Rome.

"I had a good meeting with US Senators and Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. I'm grateful for their participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference, as well as in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. It is important that the United States joined this format  for the first time," Zelensky said in a post on X.

"Our current priority is bolstering air defence. Russia is aiming to launch attacks involving up to a thousand drones at once. That is why it is crucial to scale up protection, particularly by investing in interceptor drones. We also discussed the continued supply of weapons from the United States and joint weapons production. We are ready for different formats, including purchasing a large defence package from the United States, jointly with Europe, to protect lives," the post added.

The Ukrainian President emphasised that during the meeting, they discussed the bill introduced by Senators Graham and Blumenthal regarding additional restrictive measures against Russia and those supporting its war effort.

"Without a doubt, this is exactly the kind of leverage that can bring peace closer and make sure diplomacy is not empty. Thank you for the meeting and for working together in the name of peace and security," Zelensky stated.

The fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference is scheduled from July 10-11 in Rome. The conference is a part of the annual series of high-level political events dedicated to the "swift recovery and long-term reconstruction of Ukraine" since the beginning of "Russia's full-scale war of aggression" against Ukraine.

Additionally, the meeting of leaders of the coalition of willing and international organisations was also held in Rome on Thursday, with the participation of President of Ukraine Zelensky. The event brought together representatives of 32 countries.

The meeting was attended by US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, and the US President's Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.

In a statement from the Ukrainian President's office, Zelensky expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended the event, both in person and online. He specifically thanked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for organising the meeting. Additionally, Zelensky noted that it was the first time representatives from the United States had attended this meeting format.

"Thank you to President Trump. His signals are very, very important, and we count on them. I am sure that in the future we will develop a coalition of those who want to be together, and this is important," said Zelenskyy during the meeting.
Seoul, July 11 : The top military officer of the United States stressed the importance of security cooperation among South Korea, the US and Japan to reestablish deterrence against an "unprecedented" military buildup by North Korea and China.

Gen. Dan Caine, the chief of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), made the remark as he attended a trilateral meeting in Seoul with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Adm. Kim Myung-soo and Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida.

"Our focus in the United States remains on reestablishing deterrence and doing so needs and requires the trilateral cooperation between our three countries," Caine said.

"The DPRK and China are undergoing an unprecedented military buildup with a clear and unambiguous intent to move forward with their own agendas."

"We need to be mindful of that, we need to be able to demonstrate resolve, to be entrepreneurial and proactive in our partnerships," he said.

Caine noted how their trilateral cooperation has expanded from one focusing solely on North Korean threats to broader security agendas, recalling former US JCS chief Gen. Martin Dempsey's remarks in a 2014 trilateral meeting.

"That afternoon, Gen. Dempsey said in the first Trilateral Chiefs of Defence (Tri-Chod) conference, that we're illuminating a future path together, a path where partnerships can evolve through persistent and regular engagement, from building capacity to really sharing responsibility," he said, in what was seen as hinting at greater responsibility-sharing by allies.

"It's on the shoulders of those three that we move forward today into an incredibly delicate chapter in our nations' plural history," Caine said.

South Korea's Kim and Japan's Yoshida echoed the call, urging for the need to keep up the momentum of their trilateral cooperation.

"It is very important to maintain and continuously develop the momentum of the trilateral cooperation at a time when North Korea's nuclear and missile threats are advancing and regional security challenges exist," Kim said.

Japan's Yoshida called for advancing and institutionalising trilateral cooperation regardless of the political situation in each country and strengthening deterrence against the North.

Following the meeting, the three military leaders released a joint statement condemning the North's "unlawful" weapons development and reaffirmed efforts to work toward its complete denuclearisation.

They also discussed Pyongyang's deepening military alignment with Pyongyang, including the deployment of the North's troops to Russia and potential transfer of military technology from Russia.

"The three defence chiefs reaffirmed that trilateral security cooperation has played a key role in promoting peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific," the statement said.

Friday's meeting is the first Trilateral Chiefs of Defence (Tri-Chod) meeting held in Seoul. Caine's visit marked the first trip to South Korea by the highest-ranking US military officer since his predecessor, CQ Brown, who visited Seoul in November 2023.

Also attending the meeting from the US side were US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo Jr. and US Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, Yonhap news agency reported.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the defence chiefs were set to visit the South Korean Navy's 2nd Fleet command to honor the 46 fallen sailors killed in the North's 2010 torpedo attack of the Cheonan warship.

Next year's Tri-Chod meeting will take place in the US.
Vadodara, July 11 : The death toll in the building collapse in Gujarat's Vadodara has risen to 18, while two people are still missing.

After the tragic collapse of the 40-year-old Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River in Padra, Vadodara, rescue operations continued on Friday with teams from the National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force, and local authorities scouring the area.

So far, 18 bodies have been recovered, while two people remain missing.

Officials confirmed that debris from two trucks, a pickup van, an Eco car, and a rickshaw has been pulled from the riverbed.

The bridge, a vital link between Saurashtra and South Gujarat, collapsed on Wednesday, sending seven vehicles into the water. One truck was left precariously hanging from the broken structure, amplifying the urgency of the operation.

MLA Chaitanya Singh Jhala, visiting the site, stated that action would not be limited to the four government officials already suspended.

"Anyone found responsible for this negligence will face strict consequences. This is a lifeline bridge for the region. The government is working on an alternative route and long-term solution on a war footing," he told reporters.

The suspended officials include engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department, who were found accountable in the initial probe ordered by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

According to officials, more than 10 people were injured in the collapse and are receiving treatment at hospitals in Padra and Vadodara.

Two people who have been missing are residents of Bamangam village in Anand district.

The investigation into the Gambhira Bridge collapse is being led by a high-level technical committee appointed by the Gujarat government, tasked with uncovering lapses in structural maintenance, inspection protocols, and administrative oversight.

Preliminary findings from the team revealed serious negligence in repair history and load assessments, prompting the immediate suspension of four officials from the Roads and Buildings Department.

The probe is now focusing on procurement records, contractor accountability, and whether previous warnings, reportedly raised by locals and engineers, were ignored.
Hyderabad, July 11 : The death toll due to consumption of spurious toddy in the Kukatpally area of Hyderabad has gone up to seven, while 51 people were hospitalised.

Of the total, 34 patients are receiving treatment at the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS). Eleven have been hospitalised in Gandhi Hospital, while the remaining are undergoing treatment in private hospitals.

Two of the affected persons succumbed late on Thursday, bringing the toll to seven. One of them succumbed in a hospital in Nagarkurnool.

Authorities at NIMS were taking steps to keep beds ready to meet the possible increase in the influx of affected people. Special teams of doctors have been deployed at both NIMS and Gandhi Hospital for the treatment of the affected.

State Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha visited NIMS to call on the affected. Six of those hospitalised at NIMS were on dialysis.

Four bodies were handed over to their relatives after autopsy at Gandhi Hospital.

According to officials, the symptoms suggest the presence of chemical adulterants in the toddy. Methanol or chloral hydrate is suspected to have been mixed. Alprazolam may have been mixed in as well. The authorities were waiting for the toxicology report of the samples sent to the lab from the seized toddy at a few outlets.

The affected people had consumed toddy on July 6 and 7 in Kukatpally and surrounding areas. The authorities came to know about this on July 8 when the victims approached hospitals with symptoms like diarrhoea, low blood pressure, dizziness and fatigue.

Leaders of opposition parties also visited NIMS to call on the affected. They alleged that the government is suppressing the death toll and the number of affected.

BRS leader and former excise minister demanded that the government immediately announce compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the deceased.

BJP state president Ramchandra Rao demanded a thorough probe into the incident. He said the incident occurred due to the government's failure.

He said the kidneys of some of the affected people have failed, which indicates how harmful the adulterants in the toddy would have been.

The Telangana Human Rights Commission on Thursday took cognisance of the incident and directed the Revenue Department to submit a detailed report by August 20.

The Prohibition and Excise Department has launched an investigation into spurious toddy. It sealed a few toddy shops and arrested five persons.

According to officials, Telangana reported 39,176 toddy-related incidents since 2014. As many as 13,338 people fell ill during this period due to the mixing of pharmaceutical and chemical substances with toddy and illegal brewing of toddy.

The data shows that 516 adulteration cases were reported across the state in the first half of 2025. The state reported 2,964 cases during 2024 and 4,832 cases during 2023.

The department seized 47 lakh litres of spurious toddy during the last 10 years. In most of the cases, toddy was adulterated with chloral hydrate, alprazolam and diazepam to enhance potency.
Mumbai, July 11 : The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday strongly criticised Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction for assaulting a canteen employee at the MLA hostel over allegedly being served stale food.

In a scathing editorial in its mouthpiece, Saamana, the Thackeray-led camp mocked Gaikwad, referring to him as part of the "towel-banyan gang" and sarcastically noting that he seems to have a sharper "sense of smell" than others.

The editorial questioned why no police case had been filed against the MLA, even though the canteen's licence had been revoked by the Food and Drug Administration following the incident.

Saamana also criticised Gaikwad's refusal to apologise despite being pulled up by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. It expressed dismay at the CM's decision to leave the matter to the Assembly Speaker and Council Chairman, accusing the government of shirking responsibility.

"These crimes that tarnish Maharashtra's image occurred in the Legislative Assembly, yet the culprits roam free. Is this the rule of law?" the Saamana editorial asked.

Accusing the government of turning a blind eye to its supporters' misconduct, it said that the government's stomach has become a warehouse where the crimes of its supporters are stored.

The editorial listed a series of governance failures -- farmer suicides, collapsing infrastructure, poor conditions in tribal ashram schools, and the alleged imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra -- and contrasted these with Gaikwad's fury over a canteen meal.

"Why does Gaikwad not get angry over these injustices? But when he gets a little bit of dal, which is stale, he loses control and beats a poor employee. Is that the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray?" the editorial asked.

It took strong exception to Gaikwad invoking the late Sena patriarch in defence of his actions.

"If Gaikwad thinks he was following Balasaheb's ideals by assaulting a canteen worker, then he has clearly misunderstood him. His 'saheb' is in Delhi and Thane -- so he bullies the weak," it said.

"If he truly wanted to protest, he should have carried the bad food into the Minister's house or the Assembly hall wrapped in a towel. That would've been a real fight against injustice," it added.

The editorial also pointed out that crores allegedly meant to grant 'grace' to a committee chairman were seized from a rest house in Dhule, but the Assembly Speaker has taken no action.

Reiterating that such incidents are damaging the state's image, Saamana questioned: "If the food was indeed substandard, it could have been reported. What kind of manliness is it to beat up a helpless worker instead?"
Kuala Lumpur, July 11 : South Korea, the United States and Japan held trilateral ministerial talks at a multilateral gathering in Malaysia on Friday to discuss coordination on key shared regional and global issues, Seoul officials said.

First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo joined US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya for the talks on the margins of the foreign ministers' meetings hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

It marked the first high-level talks among the senior diplomats of the three countries since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung government in early June. Park is attending the forum on behalf of the foreign minister, as the appointment process is still in progress.

The talks lasted for about 40 minutes.

Holding such talks with South Korea represented by the vice minister reflects the importance the three countries place on their trilateral partnership that was elevated to new heights under their previous governments, Yonhap news agency reported.

At the talks, the three sides reaffirmed commitment to coordinating on key shared issues, including the denuclearization of North Korea and efforts to deter its nuclear threats, a source said.

They also discussed North Korea's growing cyberthreats and sanctions-evading activities, while reaffirming calls for Pyongyang to return to dialogue.

Friday's meeting likely included discussions on China's growing assertiveness and ensuring security around the Taiwan Strait.

In the joint statement released after their previous trilateral talks in Brussels in April, the three countries called for an end to actions that destabilize security around the Taiwan Strait, in an apparent veiled warning to China against its increasing military activities in the area.

The talks also came as Seoul is negotiating with Washington to avoid or minimize the impact of tariff hikes on its export-dependent economy. US President Donald Trump has notified both Seoul and Tokyo through letters addressed to their leaders that the "reciprocal" tariffs will take effect on August 1.

Both South Korea and Japan face 25 per cent duties on their goods. Trump's announcement is seen as an effective extension of the deadline originally set for July 9, following a 90-day pause on the measure.
Mumbai, July 11 : Actor Hrishikesh Pandey, who is known for his work in the iconic show 'C.I.D.', has shared that his love for fitness and healthy lifestyle comes from his family's army background.

The actor recently spoke with IANS, and opened up on his army background, and how his father was involved in wrestling, and he always made it a point to incorporate healthy choices in him.

He told IANS, "I come from an army background, so discipline has always been there in life. My father used to do wrestling and he used to wake up at 4:00 or 4:30 in the morning, and he used to go for a run and exercise. So, I saw those things in my childhood, but I didn't follow it in my childhood. I used to feel lazy in my childhood. But as I grew up, I too stepped on that path to fitness. My father was never into drinking or smoking. So, that habit was there somewhere from the beginning and we maintained it".

He further mentioned that for him, fitness is not a mantra that lasts for a day or two. Fitness is a lifestyle and he has been trying his best for so many years.

He continued, "Even after so many years, if you see, I think 25-26 years ago, the pants and jeans that I used to wear, I still wear them. So, whether I am on a shoot or wherever I am, I take out time and travel. If I have to climb a mountain, I go there. If I have to swim, I swim. So, I always keep something or the other in activity and if it is too much, then I compensate for it the next day. So, that is what I do all the time in life".

When asked about his go to food, he said "A healthy meal for me is an egg. Eggs anywhere, anytime. I mean, if I am hungry and I don't see anything around, then I eat a boiled egg or a fried egg".

"Whether it's an egg, an omelette or a bhurji, whatever you get, it's always there", he added.
Seoul, July 11 : A special counsel team on Friday began to carry out a warrant to search the home of former President Yoon Suk Yeol as part of its investigation into alleged interference of an initial probe into the 2023 death of a Marine conscript.

The team arrived at Yoon's home in southern Seoul and is currently working out details over the raid with the former president's lawyers, according to Choung Min-young, an assistant special prosecutor at the team.

The investigation centers on allegations that high-ranking officials, including Yoon, interfered in the military's probe into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who was swept away by a swollen stream during a search for torrential rain victims in July 2023.

Yoon, who is a suspect in the case on abuse of power charges, is currently detained at Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, just south of Seoul, after a court issued a warrant for his arrest early Thursday over his failed martial law bid, Yonhap news agency reported.

The team's investigation has focused on allegations that Yoon became enraged and took issue with the results of the military probe into Chae's death, which found a senior Marine commander responsible.

After the alleged incident, a media briefing on the investigation was canceled, while military investigators were ordered to stop transferring the case to the police.

Choung said the team would investigate details of the meeting and the alleged instructions made at the time.

Meanwhile, the team also raided the home of former Director of the National Intelligence Service Cho Tae-yong, who was present at the meeting when Yoon allegedly vented his anger, among other locations earlier in the day.

The move came after the team raided the defense ministry, the presidential National Security Office and other locations on Thursday.
PD Talk | Kazakh expert praises China's achievements in boosting regional connectivity and reducing poverty

(People's Daily App) 13:53, July 11, 2025

According to Gulnar Shaimergenova, Director of the China Studies Center in Kazakhstan, during China's rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the country is creating platforms for experts from SCO countries to discuss critical issues, such as regional interconnectivity and poverty reduction. As one of the translators of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China into Kazakh, Shaimergenova highlighted China's poverty eradication efforts as an inspiring model for improving the lives of ordinary people in a recent interview with the People's Daily in Tianjin.

(Produced by He Jieqiong, Di Jingyuan, Lu Dong, Liang Peiyu and Chu Chu; Interns Chen Xuanyu, Liu Yixuan, Zhang Yueran and Yang Yiyang also contributed to the video)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Kuala Lumpur, July 11 : The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM) was held on Friday in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, reviewing the ongoing EAS cooperation and discussing its future direction.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

"The EAS participating countries reaffirmed their commitment towards further strengthening the EAS as the Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on strategic, political, and economic issues of mutual interest and concern in the region, particularly in view of the 20th anniversary of the EAS this year," ASEAN posted on its official X handle.

"The meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministers or their representatives from EAS participating countries and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn. Timor-Leste attended as an Observer," the post added.

The EAS is the premier leaders-led forum in the Asia-Pacific. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia. It comprises 18 participating countries.

Apart from the 10 ASEAN Member states, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the EAS includes India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Russia.

Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday night at the invitation of the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia, to participate in the ASEAN-India FMM, the 15th East Asia Summit FMM and the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum scheduled from July 1011, as part of the 58th ASEAN FMM and related events.

Last month, addressing the East Asia Summit Senior Officials' Meeting (EAS SOM) in Malaysia's Penang, P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, underlined the important role of EAS towards promoting a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Kumaran, who led the Indian delegation at the summit, shared New Delhi's position on regional and international issues as the premier leaders-led mechanism marks its 20th anniversary this year.
Mumbai, July 11 : Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Friday announced that the conglomerate is preparing for a capital expenditure investment of nearly $100 billion over the next five years.

"The scale and pace of this commitment is unprecedented in India's private sector history as we do our part for strengthening the very spine of India's rise that must carry 1.4 billion dreams," Gautam Adani remarked.

Addressing a conference of top doctors here, Gautam Adani said these investments are manifestations of the Adani Group's "belief in the future of India" comprising energy grids, logistics arteries and the country's industrial backbone.

He was addressing the 5th Annual Conference of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery-Asia Pacific (SMISS-AP), in Mumbai.

Gautam Adani narrated the Group's success story of building the Mundra port from a mere salt export jetty to India's largest multi-cargo port.

"Mundra is the manifestation of a belief made real. It is a reminder that, when vision dares, destiny bends as it is now India's largest multi-cargo port, the world's largest private single-site thermal power plant, India's first HVDC transmission line, India's largest integrated solar and wind manufacturing hub and a cluster of vital industries that include petrochemicals, copper smelters, solar accessories and much more yet to come," the Adani Group Chairman pointed out.

He said that after the US partner backed out of the Mundra salt export jetty at the outset, his company went ahead and built it on its own with no construction experience in the marshland.

Around this time in 1995-96, Gujarat pioneered a publicprivate partnership policy for port development, aiming to tap private sector capabilities and the Adani Group "dived right in,"

The Mundra Port commenced operations in October 1998 with its first berth, thereby marking India's first private port launch. A few years later, the SEZ policy was announced.

"Once again, we moved fast. While others saw barren land, we saw 40,000 acres of possibility," Gautam Adani remarked.

He said the Mundra port experience gave the company courage to look beyond limits, "it gave us the belief that barren salt lands could be converted to world-class infrastructure, and it gave us the conviction that if we could make it happen once, we could do it again bigger, faster and bolder."

The Adani Group Chairman further stated that "What started in our karmabhoomi has now become a pan-India network of dreams, powering our growth that has made rhe world's 2nd-largest solar power company and building the world's largest single-site hybrid renewable park of 30 GW spanning over 500 square kms.

The Adani Group is also India's largest integrated private airport operator with over 25 per cent of India's passengers and 38 per cent of our nation's air cargo, India's largest ports and logistics network handling 30 per cent of the nation's sea- borne cargo, he further stated.

Besides, the Group runs the most highly integrated energy business encompassing thermal and renewable generation, transmission, distribution, LNG, LPG, CNG, PNG, battery storage, hydrogen trucks, EV charging stations, pumped hydro, and mining

It is also India's second-largest and most efficient cement manufacturer as well as aerospace and defence, data centres, and real estate, Gautam Adani added.
London, July 11 : Several top politicians from the United Kingdom, past and present lawmakers, human rights activists and members of the country's various religious communities have urged the government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take strong steps against the Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime in Bangladesh for failing to secure the safety and well-being of religious minorities in the South Asian nation.

In a seminar titled 'Bangladesh at crossroads: Role of International Community and Diaspora', organised at the House of Commons by the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (CFoB), it was highlighted that there were as many as 2,010 incidents of violence against Hindus between August 5 to September 20, 2024 after Yunus took over as Chief Advisor of the interim government following the ouster of democratically-elected Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Violence against Hindus in Bangladesh continued with 174 more violent incidents between September 21 to December 31, 2024. Since January 1 to June 30, 2025 there have been 258 incidents of violence perpetrated against Hindus.

It was mentioned that, in Yunus's Bangladesh, police and army have turned into mute spectators as registration of 168 journalists was also nullified and 43 journalists were put behind the bars during the last 11 months of "irresponsible, non-transparent, unelected Yunus regime".

The seminar was initiated by CFoB Chair Anjenarra Rahman-Huque and presided over by Bob Blackman, the MP for Harrow East who is also the Chairman of the 1922 Committee, Chair of the Backbench Business Committee since 2024 and the Parliamentary President of Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (CFoB).

The speakers mentioned that the religious minorities contribute to Bangladesh's economic development and political stability and there should be proportional representation in politics so that minorities can take part in the process of elections to ensure establishment of justice, peace and harmony.

"Hindus are living in panic. They can't sleep at home peacefully because they don't know what will happen tomorrow," said Haradhan Bhowmik of UK's United Hindu Alliance.

Bhowmik stated that on June 26, one Hindu woman was raped in Muradnagar by a local politician in Cumilla and videos of her naked body were circulated on the social media around the world.

Representing the UK Buddhist community, Barrister Prasanta Barua shared his concerns about the radicalisation of society in Bangladesh and also referred to the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi extremists in Malaysia who allegedly have direct contact with ISIS, as conveyed by the Malaysian intelligence.

"This will obviously be a huge problem for Bangladesh if the government does nothing to control it," he said.

The open movement of Harkat-ul Jihad-al Islami (HuJI) operatives in Dhaka, it was mentioned, further indicates the growing presence of radical forces in Bangladesh with the Yunus government not taking any serious action against them. Barua also pointed out his apprehensions about the continued attacks on indigenous people in Chittagong Hill Tracks.

Recently, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former PM Hasina, had also spotlighted the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh.

"A Hindu woman gangraped in Muradnagar by yet another mob in Bangladesh. For nearly 11 months, mob attacks, terrorism, and rape have continued across the entire country. Since August 2024, Yunus has emboldened the perpetrators of atrocities, mass killings, and human rights violations against Hindus by dismissing them as merely political issues," he said in a post on X.

"Mob after mob continues to strike, yet they keep calling them pressure groups a" pressure groups to whom Bangladesh is now held hostage. And as for their godfathers a" we all know exactly who they are and what their identities are. Yunus and his allies are directly responsible for every rape incident, not just in Muradnagar, but across the entire country," Wazed had added.
New Delhi, July 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youths in various government departments and organisations on July 12 via video conferencing. He will also address the appointees on the occasion, according to a PMO statement issued on Friday.

The 16th Rozgar Mela will be held at 47 locations across the country. The recruitments are taking place across Central government ministries and departments.

The new recruits, selected from across the country, will be joining the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Posts, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of Financial Services, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, among other departments and ministries, according to the statement.

Rozgar Mela is a step towards the fulfilment of the Prime Ministeras commitment to accord highest priority to employment generation. The Rozgar Mela will play a significant role in providing meaningful opportunities to the youth for their empowerment and participation in nation-building.

According to official figures, more than 10 lakh recruitment letters have been issued so far through the Rozgar Melas across the country.

The appointees have been selected from across the country and will take up roles in different sectors, further strengthening the government workforce and contributing to the countryas development goals.

The Rozgar Mela was launched by Prime Minister Modi on October 22, 2022, as part of his commitment to generate more employment opportunities in a mission mode. The initiative has helped speed up the recruitment process in various government departments and organisations.

It has also improved citizen services in schools, hospitals, railway stations, police stations and tax offices, and has strengthened the security forces through timely recruitment as posts are not allowed to stay vacant.

The Rozgar Melas have also resulted in the selection process being expedited so that undue delay does not take place in the recruitment, which leads to a slowdown in the delivery of government services in various departments.
Mumbai, July 11 : Actor Zayed Khan has shared glimpses from his spiritual visit to the Satya Sai Baba Ashram in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.

Reflecting on the experience, he expressed a deep sense of peace, gratitude, and inspiration. Taking to his Instagram handle, the 'Main Hoon Na' shared a series of his photos with the spiritual guru alongside a heartfelt note where he reflected on love, humility and unity. Zayed wrote, "Hello people!! Baba's calling finally came. Was truly blessed to have visited The Satya Sai Baba Ashram in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. I was absorbed by Baba Ji's message that every being has it in him/her to find love and humility and to treat all human beings with the utmost respect and concern."

"Was completely mesmerised by how charitable an organisation it is. The energy inside was intoxicating. Hearing the sweet bhajans, filling the air with peace and tranquility. Baba ji united all faiths and cultures under one roof giving one important message- "Only love conquers all", which makes me think about the old adage-"It's harder to be kind, than cruel". I wanted to thank our dear friends like family Naganand ji and Madhuri aunty for their kind hospitality and warmth. #blessings #gratitude #almighty #spirituality."

Known for his active presence on Instagram, Zayed Khan had earlier shared a glimpse of a surprise birthday celebration planned by his children. Posting a video from the special day, he wrote, Hello people just when I thought an afternoon nap was needed, more love came flowing through in hearts Surprises can freak you out sometimes, in this case it was a happy one Lots of love to all my well-wishers and fans out there for the continues love and support and for all the lovely wishes . Your love is what makes this all worth it. I mean that ! #happybirthday #family #gratitude #actorlife #love #fandom."

Work-wise, the 45-year-old actor has appeared in movies like "Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne," Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Main Hoon Na," "Shabd," "Dus," "Rocky The Rebel", "Yuvvraaj," "Blue," and "Anjaana Anjaani."
Srinagar, July 11 : Senior religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on Friday that the authorities have not allowed him to go to the Jama Masjid to deliver his weekly sermon.

"Disallowed to go to Jama Masjid today, put under house arrest, fearing the mention of the martyrs of 13th July 1931 in my Friday sermon! The sacrifice of these martyrs and all the martyrs since, is etched in the collective memory of Kashmir and can not be undone by restrictions and bans."

He further said, "No living nation can forget the supreme sacrifice of life of its martyrs against tyranny and injustice. It is my appeal to the authorities to remove the restrictions and allow people to peacefully pay homage to the martyrs of 13th July. Inshallah if allowed as per our tradition, we will visit the martyrs graveyard on July 13th after Zuhr prayers and pay homage to the revered martyrs", Mirwaiz Umar said on X.

Mirwaiz Umar was referring to July 13, which was observed as 'Martyrs' Day' in J&K before the abrogation of Article 370. It was a day to remember the death of protesters who stormed the Srinagar central jail on this day in 1931 against the in camera trial of Abul Qadeer, a Pathan butler of a British officer, who had delivered a speech asking people to rise against the autocratic rule of Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh. Twenty-two protesters were killed in the firing by the prison guards, and after Independence in 1947, this day was observed as Martyrs Day by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

The Union Home Ministry has banned the Awami Action Committee headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as an unlawful organisation stoking separatist passions in Kashmir.

Awami Action Committee was formed in 1963 by the late Mirwaiz Maulana Mohammad Farooq, the father of Mirwaiz Umar, during the holy Relic agitation in Kashmir. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was killed by terrorists in his city outskirts, Nigeen residence, in 1990.

After the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of J&K into two UTs, law and order became the direct responsibility of the Union Home Ministry.

Almost all separatist leaders were arrested and are being investigated for stoking terrorism through their speeches and getting funds to sustain terrorism from across the border. This includes the JKLF, Hizbul Mujahideen, Jamaat-e-Islami, Awami League and others.

After August 5, 2019, no anti-India protests, stone pelting and arson of public property have taken place in Kashmir.

Although terrorism still exists in J&K, its levels have been brought down significantly by the security forces and the local police so that the common citizen can carry on their daily routine of life without protest shutdowns, curfews or Bandhs called by the separatists.
Chandigarh, July 11 : The Punjab Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution against the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at hydropower projects of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), saying the state police "is competent to manage the security and the central force deployment will put an annual financial burden of Rs 49.32 crore on the state".

Chandigarh, July 11 (IANS) The Punjab Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution against the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at hydropower projects of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), saying the state police "is competent to manage the security and the central force deployment will put an annual financial burden of Rs 49.32 crore on the state".

Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal moved the resolution against the Centre's decision to deploy the CISF at Bhakra-Nangal dam and other projects.

"In the past years, the Power Ministry forwarded a list of vital Bhakra Beas Management Board installations that were not yet under CISF protection and urged the BBMB regarding the need for comprehensive CISF security cover," reads the resolution.

"Punjab has re-examined the issue and has conveyed to the BBMB through letters on May 27, 2025, and July 4, 2025, strong objections against CISF deployment. It is understood that the BBMB is contemplating going ahead with the CISF deployment despite strong objections by Punjab. Even in the last meeting of the BBMB on July 4, Punjab had raised its reservations strongly," the resolution said.

The Congress government in Punjab on October 21, 2021, had given its consent to the Centre for CISF deployment at dams in the state.

However, the Bhagwant Mann Cabinet on July 7 approved the withdrawal of that consent and decided to bring the resolution in the Assembly.

It said the deployment of the CISF was not acceptable as the BBMB installations have been protected by Punjab Police for nearly 70 years and no adverse incident had occurred "even during very critical times".

The state police were well-versed with local conditions and the latest technology, it said, adding they had the experience of facing such situations at the borders also.

"The force is as professional as any other in the country. Moreover, the deployment of the CISF will increase unnecessary and avoidable financial burden on Punjab and partner states. Being the major contributor to the expenditure of the BBMB, Punjab would have to bear additional expenditure," the resolution said.

It said the BBMB installations were in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. "Hence, it is the duty of the state government concerned to maintain law and order at the projects."

According to the recent proposals, the additional financial implication due to CISF deployment is going to be Rs 49.32 crore a year. The resolution said Punjab is also maintaining the Ranjit Sagar and Shahpur Kandi dams.

"The security of these dams is more vital than the BBMB installations as these dams are near the International Border," it said.

"In view of these reasons, the House unanimously resolves that the proposal of deployment of CISF personnel by BBMB at all installations of BBMB is rejected. The House strongly affirms that the state police posted at present are well-versed with the condition or territory and security of these projects having served in these areas for many decades.

"The current arrangement has proven efficient and cost-effective, with no significant security lapses. Hence, Punjab does not agree with the deployment of CISF at Bhakra-Nangal project," it added.

Two days ago, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann clarified that the state has no spare water from the BBMB projects to share with any other state and there is no question of sharing even a single drop of extra water with anyone.

Speaking to the media after attending the meeting called by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil in Delhi to address the long-standing Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, Mann said Punjab has no surplus water to share with any other state and reassessment of availability of water in the state is required as per international norms.

He said most of the blocks of the state are over-exploited and the groundwater situation in the state is very grim.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was also present at the meeting.

After the meeting, an official statement quoting the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti said it was mutually agreed that the Chief Ministers will meet again in early August to continue working towards an amicable solution.
Mumbai, July 11 : Actor Arjun Kapoor took to social media to express his pride and support for cousin Shanaya Kapoor as she marks a major milestone in her career with the release of her debut film, "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan." Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) Actor Arjun Kapoor took to social media to express his pride and support for cousin Shanaya Kapoor as she marks a major milestone in her career with the release of her debut film, "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan."

In a touching message, the Singham Again actor praised Shanaya's growth, confidence, and quiet determination in chasing her dreams. He also extended his best wishes to the entire cast and crew of the film, urging everyone to go watch the movie and show their support. On Friday, Arjun took to his Instagram stories and shared a poster featuring Shanaya and Vikrant Massey.

Alongside it, he wrote,"Been amazing watching you grow into this confident, graceful girl who is chased by her dreams with quiet determination. Big day today, proud of you and all the hard work you have put in. This is just the beginning @shanayakapoor02Wishing all the best and kudos to the #AankhonkiGustaakhiyan cast and crew. Everyone please go watch the movie."(sic)

Arjun Kapoor and Shanaya Kapoor share a close bond as first cousins. Shanaya is the daughter of Sanjay Kapoor, Arjun's paternal uncle. The 'Gunday' actor is the son of producer Boney Kapoor. As Shanaya steps into Bollywood, Arjun has been a constant source of encouragement and support. The 'Ishaqzaade' actor also attended the special screening of the film.

Interestingly, Shanaya Kapoor has been receiving sweet shout-outs from friends and family on social media. Even her mother, Maheep Kapoor, cheered for her daughter's first film by sharing Shanaya's childhood pictures along with a heartfelt note. The proud mommy wrote, "My baby's FIRST movie is out in cinemas .God is kind #GratitudeAlways Aankhon ki Gustaakhiyan in cinemas near you 11/7/25."

Earlier in an interview with IANS, Shanaya Kapoor spoke about her experience working alongside Vikrant Massey in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. She revealed that Vikrant's encouraging nature and team spirit made her feel comfortable during the shoot.

"I learnt a lot from Vikrant. But more than that, he made me feel very comfortable. I never felt like I was a new student and he was, you knowyes, an incredible actor, more than anything else. And I think that is, it's incredible because he didn't have to do that for me. But he did. He gave me a sense of calmness and he just made me feel like we, it's both our scenes here today."

"Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan" hit theatres today, on July 11.
New Delhi, July 11 : The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued two crew members aboard a US sailing vessel, 'Sea Angel', which was stranded approximately 52 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued two crew members aboard a US sailing vessel, 'Sea Angel', which was stranded approximately 52 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The rescue operation was completed on Friday morning with the towing of the stranded ship to the harbour.

According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the incident occurred on July 10 when the yacht became disabled in extremely rough sea conditions due to a blown sail and an entangled propeller.

Upon receiving a distress alert, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Port Blair immediately launched rescue coordination protocols and alerted nearby merchant vessels. ICG Ship Rajveer was swiftly deployed to the location.

After establishing communication with the stranded crew, the Coast Guard team conducted an on-site assessment and confirmed that both individuals were safe and in good health despite the challenging weather and mechanical failure.

According to the rescue team, the Sea Angel ship was successfully towed and escorted to Campbell Bay harbour, marking the successful completion of the rescue mission.

The MoD said that this operation once again highlights the Indian Coast Guardas prompt response capabilities and commitment to ensuring maritime safety in the region.

Earlier, a few days ago, the Indian Navy had demonstrated a rapid operational readiness and its unwavering commitment to seafarer safety. The Indian Navy undertook a high-risk firefighting and rescue operation on board Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 on June 29 in the North Arabian Sea.

In this operation, the Navy successfully stabilised the situation and ensured the safety of 14 Indian crew members. INS Tabar was on a mission-based deployment, had received a Mayday distress call from MT Yi Cheng 6.

The vessel reported a major fire outbreak in its engine room whilst operating approximately 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah, UAE. Responding swiftly, INS Tabar proceeded at maximum speed to provide assistance. The ship reached in vicinity of the distressed vessel and upon arrival established communication with the Master of the vessel and commenced fire-fighting operations.
Kuala Lumpur, July 11 : South Korea, the United States and Japan reaffirmed Friday their "resolute" commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, as they held their first high-level diplomatic talks since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung government.

The 40-minute talks took place among First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, on the margins of the foreign ministers' meeting hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

It marked the first trilateral talks among the senior diplomats of the three countries since the change of leadership in South Korea in early June. Park was attending the ASEAN forum on behalf of the foreign minister, as the appointment process is still in progress.

"The three sides reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and agreed to maintain a strong deterrence based on close trilateral coordination, while further enhancing security cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan," Seoul's foreign ministry said in a press release.

Park also explained South Korea's efforts to ease inter-Korean tensions and resume dialogue with the North, calling for close cooperation with the US and Japan to this end.

Since taking office, Lee has called for keeping channels with the North open to pursue dialogue, while maintaining strong deterrence against the North's nuclear and missile threats through the alliance with the US, Yonhap news agency reported.

Park told Rubio and Iwaya that holding the three-way talks reflects Seoul's commitment to further advancing trilateral partnership with the US and Japan under the Lee government's "pragmatic" and "national interest-oriented" diplomacy.

Park also expressed hope that the three countries will "continue to keep a united front and achieve tangible and substantive outcomes" through their partnership.

The three sides agreed to work together to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Friday's talks also included discussions on ways to boost cooperation in areas such as energy and shipbuilding - sectors cited by US President Donald Trump as having strong potential for collaboration with South Korea.

They also agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and work together to ensure stability in supply chains, such as for critical minerals, the ministry said.

The previous trilateral talks among the top diplomats of the three countries took place in Brussels in April on the margins of the foreign ministers' meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
A Bosnian Muslim woman cries at the grave of a relative, a victim of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia, on Thursday.

Almasa Salihovic was in the place where the worst massacre in Europe since World War II was carried out  Srebrenica  where 8,372 people were killed in just five days. She was eight years old, there with her mother and her 15-year-old brother. Bosnia and Herzegovina had declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1992 and had been at war for three years with the Serbian army. The military had entered Srebrenica, a small town about a three-hour drive from Sarajevo, the Bosnian capital, and only eight miles from the Serbian border. No foreign power, no international organization, managed to prevent what ultimately happened around July 11, 1995. The country marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide this Friday.

That week, each family grabbed only what was essential from their homes and ran toward the U.N. peacekeepers compound in the neighborhood of Potocari, seeking protection. That very site now houses the Srebrenica Memorial and Cemetery, where Salihovic, the centers spokesperson, tells her own story.

There were only 400 U.N. peacekeepers in the compound  young Dutch soldiers  who were overwhelmed by the 4,000 troops under Serbian General Ratko Mladic. We were left helpless. The U.N. handed us over to the Serbs, says Salihovic.

Almasa Salihovic, public relations officer at the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial and Cemetery, posed on July 9 at the center's premises in front of the shoes worn by dozens of Bosnians to flee through the mountain of the siege on Srebrenica. Francisco Peregil

Inside here, she recalls, about 4,000 or 5,000 Bosnians had managed to get in. And outside, there were around 20,000 of us, trying to get in too. But the U.N. peacekeepers were overwhelmed and no longer letting anyone in. We had no bread, no salt, barely any water, no sugar. My 19-year-old sister had made it inside, but we didnt know that. We also didnt know where my 18-year-old brother was. My father had died before the war.

Salihovic remembers that the Serbs offered to let the women leave on buses. We knew the men would be killed. Her mother hid her 15-year-old brother under the seat in front of her.

Salihovic will never forget how a Serbian soldier boarded the bus, took off his shirt, pulled out a knife, and shouted for everyone to hand over anything of value: rings, watches, jewelry I stood up and told him I only had my doll, but that I would give it to him.

Everyone carries the wounds of that war in their own way. Some prefer not to speak. Many emigrated. Others chose to return and live in Srebrenica years later, even though their homes had been taken over by Serbs.

The commemoration of the 30th anniversary comes at a time when Europe is reliving some of its darkest nightmares. War as a means of gaining territory has returned in all its brutality.

Sead Turcalo, 47, dean of the Faculty of Political Science in Sarajevo, believes that if the international community had acted in time in Bosnia, what is happening now in Ukraine might have been avoided. He also thinks that one of the keys to preventing such tragedies is teaching history properly  without fear of naming the criminals.

Cemetery workers prepare graves for the mass burial of seven newly identified victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide in Potocari, Bosnia, Thursday. Armin Durgut (AP) A Bosnian woman stands next to the gravestone of a relative before the mass funeral on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide at the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial Center, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Amel Emric (REUTERS) A Bosnian woman cries next to the coffin of a relative to be buried at the mass funeral for the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Potocari, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Amel Emric (REUTERS) Aerial view of one of the newly excavated graves before the mass funeral in Potocari, Bosnia. Armin Durgut (AP) Bosnian children look at the excavated graves at the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial Center on the occasion of the funeral for the victims of the Srebrenica genocide on Thursday in Protocari. Amel Emric (REUTERS) Drone view of several people near one of the graves dug for the memorial funeral, at the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial Center in Potocari, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Amel Emric (REUTERS) A woman cries next to the coffin with the remains of her family member, a recently identified victim of the Srebrenica genocide, in Potocari, Bosnia, Wednesday. Armin Durgut (AP) An aerial view of the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Center in Potocari, Bosnia, on Thursday. Armin Durgut (AP) A Bosnian woman searches for a family member's gravestone at the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday. Amel Emric (REUTERS) Aljo Mujcic, a Bosnian, shows his children an excavated site at the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Thursday. Amel Emric (REUTERS) Two women mourn at the grave of their relative, a victim of the Srebrenica genocide, before the burial ceremony in Potocari, Bosnia. Armin Durgut (AP) Aerial view of the Srebrenica Memorial Center and one of the dug graves, Thursday, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Armin Durgut (AP)

The Srebrenica massacre, however, bears no comparison with what the country invaded by Russia has experienced. In Bosnia, more than 8,000 people were killed in just three days. In Ukraine, after more than three years of invasion, around 13,500 civilians have died. The worst massacres of civilians carried out by the Russian army, such as the one in Bucha, left more than 400 dead, according to the Ukrainian government.

The iconic image that has come to symbolize the Srebrenica massacre  recognized as genocide by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)  is a portrait of an elderly woman with her eyes closed in anguish. It was painted by Safet Zec, one of Bosnias most renowned artists, after seeing a photo taken by famed Bosnian photographer Almin Zrno of Suhra Malic, the elderly woman, during the burial of one of her two sons who had been killed.

Malic, now 90, lives in a care home in Srebrenica that was opened in 2023 to accommodate elderly survivors of the genocide, funded by the International Solidarity Fund. Malic proudly says she was the first Bosniak woman to return to her home after the genocide. Many homes had been taken over by Serbs  hers included. She returned in 2001, six years after the war.

My husband and I arrived to find some Serbs who claimed they had fought for that land and that house, she says. We slept out in the open for four days, at the doorstep of what had once been my home. Someone from an international organization saw us, and in the end, with their help, we managed to get it back.

Suhra Malic, center, with her daughter Suada (left) and her daughter-in-law, widow Foada Malic, with photos of Suhra's two sons, killed during the genocide, on July 9 at the Srebrenica nursing home supported by the International Solidarity Fund. Francisco Peregil

Its a week of reunions in Srebrenica. Suada Selimovic, 56, is the daughter of Suhra Malic and now lives in Sweden. I had a 40-day-old baby when I fled through the forest, she recalls. I kept a diary during the war. And Ive never read it.

When asked why, she replies: So I wouldnt have to relive it all. Selimovic says she moved to Sweden because she didnt want her children to grow up on the land where she had suffered so much. She says she will give the diary to her grandchildren someday.

People bring pastries to Suhra Malics room. They embrace, laugh, and cry. Tahira Osmanovic, 67, who has lived in Colorado, United States, since 2001, arrives with her daughter Sahza, 32. As soon as she mentions the 16-year-old son she lost that July 30 years ago, her eyes well with tears. I also lost my brother. And we still havent found his remains. She says the world has learned nothing from the massacre.

On Wednesday, two days before the anniversary, rain falls on the Srebrenica cemetery. The solitary figure of Mirzeta Karic, 50, can barely be seen praying among the graves. There are about 50 members of my family buried here, she says. But the one I miss most is my father. I left on a humanitarian bus, and so did he. He was 48. But the Serbs pulled him off. My father had never held a rifle, never hated anyone, never argued with anyone in town. And now, 30 years later, Im going to bury him with just a single bone.

Karic also lives in Sweden, where she raised two children, who are now 27 and 28. She explains that her brothers body, who died at 22, was found shortly after the war. But for her father, only the jawbone was discovered in 2022. I waited to see if more would be found. But my mother is very old now, and were going to bury him. Karic pounds her chest and says she wishes she could cry, but she cant. She insists her Serbian neighbors were all good people  until they werent. If a war broke out right now, she says, Id be the first to join.

Mirzeta Karic, in front of the graves at the Srebrenica-Potocari cemetery, where the remains of her uncle and father lie, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Francisco Peregil

At the cemetery is David de Galli, a 43-year-old music teacher based in Milan, who hired a guide to bring him from Sarajevo. Weve learned nothing from this tragedy, he says. In Italy, theres a lot of far-right nationalism, and we live as if these things could never happen again. But this happened in Europe. Sarajevo is only a 55-minute flight from Milan, he warns.

The Dayton Accords (signed in Dayton, Ohio) ended the war in 1995. Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina is made up of two entities: a Federation  home to the Bosniak and Croat majority  and the Republika Srpska, with a Serb majority, where Srebrenica is located. The country, with just 3.5 million people, also has three presidents: one Bosniak, one Croat, and one Serb.

Almasa Salihovic, the spokesperson for the Srebrenica Memorial, managed to escape with her mother, unharmed by the soldier who had threatened them with a knife. The bus driver, also a Serb, convinced him to leave us alone, she recalls. But her 18-year-old brother was killed. His remains were found in 2008. And now, the children of Serbs and Bosniaks in Srebrenica attend school together.

We live together, its true, we work together in institutions. But were a long way from real reconciliation. Children arent taught history at school. So we make sure they learn it at home, says Salihovic.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Tirupati, July 11 : Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Friday urged Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam to remove non-Hindus from employment in Tirumala and claimed that over 1,000 non-Hindus are still working in TTD.

The BJP leader, who worshipped at Tirumala temple on his birthday, posted on the social media platform 'X' that he requested the TTD board to remove non-Hindus from employment in Tirumala and correct this 'long-standing wrong'.

"Why are 1,000+ non-Hindus still working in TTD? Would Hindus ever be hired in mosques or churches? This isn't about hate - it's about dharma. TTD cannot become a platform for appeasement politics," said Sanjay Kumar, a Lok Sabha member from Karimnagar in Telangana.

"TTD mission must be clear: develop temples in Telugu states, preserve traditions, and entrust duties only to Hindus," he said.

The MoS said he 'took the divine blessings of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy. Prayed for peace, prosperity, and strength to all our people and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is tirelessly working for Bharat'.

Talking to media persons after the 'darshan', he said people should be united for the protection of 'Sanatana Dharma'.

He also remarked that TTD is not anybody's property and that it belongs to only Hindus.

Bandi Sanjay also urged the TTD chairman to develop Kondagattu, Karimnagar, Vemulawada and Illantakunta temples in Telangana.

TTD, which manages the affairs of the famous hill shrine, on July 3 suspended Assistant Executive Officer A. Rajasekhar Babu for attending church prayers.

The temple body took the action after it came to its notice that Rajasekhar Babu was attending local church prayers every Sunday in his hometown, Puttur, in Tirupati district.

"It is nothing but violation TTD norms as he has not followed the code of conduct of the TTD as an employee of the organization, and has acted irresponsibly as an employee representing a Hindu religious organization," the TTD said in a statement.

In February, TTD had initiated disciplinary action against 18 employees for practising non-Hindu religious customs and traditions.

The action came after new TTD Board Chairman B.R. Naidu announced that only Hindus should work at the institutions run by the temple body.
New Delhi, July 11 : Amid the political storm over Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar, the BJP on Friday lashed out at "hypocratic and unscrupulous" Congress for its "double-faced duplicity" on the issue of linking Aadhaar with voter identity card.

Amit Malviya, in-charge of BJP's National Information and Technology Department, shared, on X, old videos of Parliament proceedings and screen grabs of news items carrying statements of Congress leaders a" Randeep Singh Surjewala, Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari a" opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's proposal on voluntary linking of Voter ID with Aadhaar in 2021.

Malviya slammed the Congress and its ally Rashtriya Janata Dal for opposing the Election Commission of India's decision not to consider Aadhaar for verification of voters during the ongoing SIR in Bihar.

He said, "The Congress has long been a party of convenience -- unprincipled, unscrupulous, and driven purely by political opportunism."

"In 2022, a senior Congress leader filed a petition in the Supreme Court claiming that linking Aadhaar with Voter ID was unconstitutional and a violation of citizens' Fundamental Rights. And now, just a few years later, Rahul Gandhi's Congress is shamelessly demanding that the Election Commission accept Aadhaar as proof of citizenship. The hypocrisy couldn't be more blatant. The double-faced duplicity of the Congress now stands fully exposed before the people," said the BJP leader.

He also attacked a link to a news article dated July 24, 2022, showing Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala challenging the law linking Aadhaar and voter ID in the Supreme Court.

Calling the Congress "shameless", Malviya said, "2021: Modi Govt proposes voluntary linking of Voter ID with Aadhaar. Congress protests: "Aadhaar is not proof of Citizenship - it only proves residency! If you are using Aadhaar for voting, you are giving voting rights to non-citizens!"

Malviya said in 2025, the same Congress now demands that the Election Commission accept Aadhaar as proof of citizenship during the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar - so that illegal migrants/non-citizens can be included in the voter roll! "Shamelessness has a new name: Congress," he said.

Earlier, the BJP leader had also presented the settled legal view of the Supreme Court on the issue.

"There has been excessive and misplaced debate surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll in Bihar and the push to include Aadhaar as valid proof of citizenship, a legal prerequisite for being enrolled as a voter. However, Aadhaar is not considered valid proof of citizenship due to the way it was designed, structured, and defined in law," he said.

"In its 2018 judgment, the Supreme Court of India clearly stated: Aadhaar does not establish citizenship; it is meant only for identification of residents," he said.
Haridwar, July 11 : Hindu Rashtra Sena president Prabodhanand Giri and seers in Ayodhya have welcomed Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's 'Operation Kalnemi', which aims to identify fake sadhus and punish them.

Praising the initiative, he said the operation should be run till Kumbh and the culprits should be dealt with sternly.

He advised that Chief Minister Dhami should run this campaign after 15 days, claiming that taking it up now would not be fruitful, as the majority of the police force is busy handling security arrangements for Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva).

Suggesting ways to identify the fake sadhus, Prabodhanand Giri suggested asking for the name, guru, Akhara, and any evidence of the sadhu's guru.

Claiming that jihadists under the garb of saffron are fooling and looting people, he said 'Operation Kalnemi' is a must to save Uttarakhand from them.

According to Sanjay Das, successor of Gyan Das Maharaj, and Sankat Mochan Sena national president, the operation is a welcome step, but the Dhami government should take any decision only after discussions with the Akhadas.

Another sant said that 'Operation Kalnemi' is a good decision and should be implemented nationwide.

Ayodhya seer, Tapaswi Chawni Peethadheeshwar, said it is a welcome move.

Citing the case of Changur Baba (Jalaludeen) in Uttar Pradesh, who brainwashed 1,500 Hindu girls and converted them to Islam, and the likes who are defaming Sanatan Dharma, he said 'Operation Kalnemi' should be implemented worldwide.

On Thursday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister announced the launch of 'Operation Kalnemi' to crack down on fake sants.

CM Dhami took the decision after various complaints regarding looting and cheating were filed.

For the unversed, 'Operation Kalnemi' derives its name from a demon 'Kalnemi' who misled people by dressing as a sadhu.

The operation will protect the dignity of sants and arrest fraudsters, who, under the garb of spirituality, defraud people.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 11 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah is arriving in Kerala's capital on Friday on a two-day visit, during which he will inaugurate the new state headquarters of the BJP.

Thiruvananthapuram, July 11 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah is arriving in Keralaas capital on Friday on a two-day visit, during which he will inaugurate the new state headquarters of the BJP.

Shah is scheduled to land in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday night by a special flight. On Saturday, he will formally inaugurate the newly constructed BJP state office and subsequently address party workers at a prominent venue in the heart of the city. The event will also include a community lunch for attendees.

Following the public meeting, Shah is expected to fly to Kannur to offer prayers at the popular Thaliparamba Rajarajeswari Temple around 4 p.m. He is likely to return to Delhi later the same day.

Shahas visit comes at a politically significant time, with local body elections around the corner. The BJP is expecting a turnout of over 40,000 party workers, especially from the southern districts of the state.

The party is aiming to make inroads in the upcoming elections, particularly in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, where it currently serves as the principal opposition. The CPI(M)-led Left Front is in power, while the Congress-led UDF is in third place.

The BJP has struggled to secure electoral victories in Kerala. It lost its lone Assembly seat in the 2021 elections, which it had won for the first time in 2016. The party, however, scored a breakthrough in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi pulled off a surprise win in Thrissur, relegating the Congress to third place.

The BJP sees the 2025 local body elections as a crucial opportunity to boost both its vote share and seat tally in the state.

In the 2020 local body elections, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) secured 40.18 per cent of the vote, followed by the United Democratic Front (UDF) with 37.92 per cent, and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with 15.02 per cent.

Kerala has a total of 23,612 wards across its local self-government institutions -- including Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats, District Panchayats, Municipalities, and Corporations.

In 2020, of the 941 Grama Panchayats, the LDF won 514, UDF 321, NDA 19, and others 23. Among 152 Block Panchayats, LDF bagged 108 and UDF 38.

In the 14 District Panchayats, LDF won 11 and UDF 3. Of 87 Municipalities, LDF won 43, UDF 41, and NDA 2. In the 6 Corporations, the LDF controls 5, and the UDF 1.
Kabul, July 11 : More than 5,000 Afghan refugee families, with the vast majority of them from Iran, returned to their homeland Afghanistan in a single day on Thursday, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported on Friday.

A total of 4,852 families returned from Iran, and the remaining 153 others returned from Pakistan, the news outlet added.

The massive scale return of refugees continues amid the Afghan interim government's call on the host country, Iran, to exercise restraint and slow down the refugees' expulsion, as Tehran asked the Afghan nationals living in Iran illegally to leave the country.

In a recent statement, the Office of the Prime Minister of Afghanistan's interim government, as reported by Bakhtar News Agency, expressed gratitude to Iran for hosting Afghan refugees over the past four decades and called for continued respect for the rights of refugees.

More than half a million Afghan refugees have returned to their country, Afghanistan, from Iran over the past month, acting Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi told reporters on Thursday.

More than 1.5 million Afghan refugees have reportedly returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan so far this year, while the return of refugees continues.

On June 26, over 30,000 Afghan refugees returned home from Iran through the Islam Qala border crossing in western Herat, marking one of the largest mass returns recently, according to a local official.

Following this massive wave of returns, all necessary supplies, including water, food, and immediate medical care, have been provided to the returnees, said Mawlawi Ahmadullah Muttaqi, Provincial Director of the Information and Culture Department, reported Xinhua news agency.

Afghanistan shares two key border crossing points with Iran, one in western Herat province and the other in Nimroz province. Recently, both crossings have witnessed a sharp increase in the number of returning refugees.
New Delhi, July 11 : As Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched 'Operation Kalnemi' - a crackdown on fake sadhus and spiritual imposters accused of exploiting the public and tarnishing the image of Sanatan Dharma - former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat on Friday called for widening the operation's scope to target not only the fraudsters but also those responsible for creating an environment where such deceit thrives.

New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) As Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched 'Operation Kalnemi'  a crackdown on fake sadhus and spiritual imposters accused of exploiting the public and tarnishing the image of Sanatan Dharma  former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat on Friday called for widening the operation's scope to target not only the fraudsters but also those responsible for creating an environment where such deceit thrives.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Rawat invoked the mythical character Kalnemi from the Ramayana to underline the deeper implications of the CM's directive.

"Kalnemi is a figure from the Ramayana who tried to obstruct Lord Hanuman on his sacred mission," said Rawat.

"So, the question is  who are today's Kalnemis responsible for creating such an environment that has necessitated this operation? Those who incite fear, spread superstition, manipulate faith, and mentally weaken people for their own gain  they must also be held accountable."

He emphasised that the issue isn't just about individuals pretending to be sants but also about the larger machinery that allows such deception to flourish.

"There are many types of Kalnemis operating under different names. Some exploit people economically, others do so mentally or socially. People are being misled and frightened in the name of religion, making them vulnerable to exploitation. Operation Kalnemi must also target those with harmful ideologies who plant fear and confusion in people's minds," Rawat told IANS.

The former CM warned that in Uttarakhand, where spiritual tourism is high and religious sentiments run deep, the misuse of faith poses a unique threat.

"The public is suffering. Operation Kalnemi should not be symbolic  it should dig deep to expose and eliminate the root causes," he said.

Shifting to an internal matter within the Congress party, Rawat also responded to senior party leader Shashi Tharoor's controversial remarks on the Emergency period of 1975-77.

In a recent article published in a Malayalam daily, Tharoor described the Emergency as a "dark period" in India's democratic journey, a statement that has sparked discomfort within Congress ranks.

Rawat expressed disappointment over Tharoor's interpretation, urging a more nuanced understanding of the historical context.

"It is very sad. If you are truly educated, you must read history in its entirety. Why was the Emergency imposed? It didn't happen in a vacuum," he stated.

He pointed to the political and social turbulence of the era, particularly the protests and civil disobedience movements.

"When the entire Opposition gathered at Ramlila Maidan, there were calls for civil servants and even the armed forces to defy government orders. In Bihar and Gujarat, the situation had already become volatile. In that light, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi felt compelled to impose the Emergency."

Rawat acknowledged that the decision was met with public backlash.

"The people judged her. They voted her out in 1977, but they also brought her back in 1980. That reflects the people's evolving judgment," he said.

While he refrained from outright defending the Emergency, Rawat emphasised the need for balanced historical analysis.

"I am not justifying anything. I'm only saying that the situation must be understood. We cannot forget the events at Ramlila Ground  it was a direct challenge to constitutional governance. If people call for action outside the framework of the Constitution, then that's a different kind of emergency altogether."

Rawat also urged Tharoor to speak out about what he termed the "undeclared emergency" prevailing in today's India.

"Where are these intellectual voices now, when constitutional institutions have been reduced to rubber stamps? There is a silent emergency in this country today. Every citizen is living under some form of unspoken fear. That, too, must be discussed and analysed," he professed.

Rawat further called for introspection and honesty  both about the past and the present.

"We must evaluate historical decisions in the context of their time. But we must also look around us today and see how deeply democratic institutions have been hollowed out. It is time for serious reflection," he claimed.
New Delhi, July 11 : The Indian government has drawn up a scheme to offer subsidies to the tune of Rs 1,345 crore for manufacturers of Rare Earth magnets in the country, Union Minister of Heavy Industry, H.D. Kumaraswamy said on Friday.

"A scheme has been circulated for Rs 1,345 crore subsidy for manufacturers of Rare Earth magnets. It is currently under inter-ministerial consultation. It is proposed that there will be two manufacturers as of now, however, this could change by the time the scheme is ready," the minister said.

Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Kamran Rizvi said manufacturers engaged in end-to-end processing from Rare Earth oxides to magnets will be eligible for the subsidy. The incentives proposed in the scheme are expected to cover both private and public sector companies.

aWe are interested in magnets. Anybody who gives us magnets will get incentive. This (Rs 1,345 crore scheme) is the first outline we have sent for inter-ministerial consultation. It is proposed that there will be two manufacturers," Rizvi said.

Homegrown automaker Mahindra & Mahindra and auto components manufacturer Uno Minda are two companies that have expressed an interest in setting up facilities for domestic magnet production.

During a meeting with the Ministry of Heavy Industries in June, Mahindra proposed that the company could either partner with an established producer or enter a long-term supply agreement with a local manufacturer. The company is among the leading electric vehicle manufacturers in the country.

Uno Minda supplies auto components to auto manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki.

China has imposed restrictions on the exports of Rare Earth magnets in retaliation against the US tariff hikes and is using the commodity as a bargaining chip in the trade war. This has also had an impact on other countries that are dependent on Chinese imports.

Rare Earth magnets are used in a variety of high-tech applications, ranging from electronic goods and electric vehicles to large-scale industrial equipment.

These magnets are crucial in electric motors, particularly in electric vehicles and wind turbines, due to their ability to generate strong magnetic fields with a small size. They also find widespread use in computer hard drives, loudspeakers, headphones, and medical devices like MRI scanners.
Mumbai, July 11 : The trailer of the upcoming film 'Dhadak 2' was unveiled on Friday. The film stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, and both of them belong to different worlds. The film touches upon the subject of discrimination against people belonging to the oppressed castes. and marks the second instalment of 'Dhadak' franchise which served as the debut vehicle of actress Janhvi Kapoor.

The film promises intensity, vulnerability, and an unflinching gaze at heartbreak, Siddhant essays the role of Neelesh. Stepping into a role that demands intensity and restraint in equal measure, Siddhant delivers a performance that is raw, rooted, and deeply affecting. Every frame in the trailer reflects his emotional arc from passionate love to heartbreak, rebellion to restraint without a single false note.

Earlier, the actor spoke at the NDTV Yuva event in the national capital where he shared that the film allowed him to break the pattern of urban roles that were mostly offered to him.

Talking about the same, the actor said, "I would love to share the release date first; I hope Karan is watching this. But yeah, we have made a really strong and rooted film. Usually, I have been approached for urban roles, but I come from Ballia, a small town in UP, and this is my first time exploring such a genre".

Opposite him, Triptii Dimri brings strength and silence to her role, and together, the two ignite the screen with a chemistry that is equal parts tender and turbulent. Their bond feels lived-in and real, adding layers to a story that is far more than just romance.

'Dhadak 2' is a romantic drama written and directed by Shazia Iqbal and produced by Dharma Productions. The film is a spiritual sequel to 'Dhadak' which itself was the remake of the superhit Marathi film 'Sairat'.

The film, produced by Dharma Productions, and is set to release in cinemas on August 1, 2025.
Bhubaneswar, July 11 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday targeted the BJP, alleging that the ruling party has launched an attack on the Constitution of India, which protects the Dalits, tribals and poor people of the country.

While addressing a gathering at 'Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh' rally, Gandhi said the state government in Odisha was "looting the land, forest, water which belong to the tribals without giving adequate compensation to them".

"This is an attack against the Constitution that protects the poor, farmers, and labourers. The Constitution of India mentions that this nation does not only belong to the few billionaires but to every citizen residing here," said Gandhi.

The Congress leader further added that the farmers in Odisha are not getting money under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana following damages to their crops during any natural disaster. He said that development should not only be for three per cent of the population but for the common people of Odisha and the country.

Referring to the controversy surrounding the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the senior Congress leader stated, "As the election was hijacked in Maharashtra, a similar attempt is being made to steal the elections in Bihar as well. The Election Commission of India has started a new conspiracy for the hijacking of the elections. The ECI is not doing its duty but working like an organ of the BJP."

He alleged that one lakh new voters were added in Maharashtra during elections, and no one knows who they were.

Gandhi accused the ECI of neither supplying the voter list nor the videography, as demanded by the Congress party and its allies.

He asserted that the INDIA bloc will not allow the hijacking of elections in Bihar as it happened in Maharashtra.

Targeting the state BJP government, Gandhi said Odisha is the BJP's model and the BJP is giving away all resources of the state to five to six big corporate houses.

He spoke during the rally about meeting delegations of farmers, women and listening to their issues. He criticised the state government for not implementing PESA in Odisha.

Gandhi alleged that tribals are being evicted from their lands without their consent. He said that when the Congress party comes to power, it will implement the PESA Act in Odisha.

Highlighting rising cases of violence against women in the state, Gandhi accused that over 40,000 women were missing in Odisha and no one knows till now about their whereabouts.

He further stated that on average, 15 women are being raped each day in Odisha, and the government is indifferent to it.

Gandhi claimed that the caste census conducted in Telangana has yielded excellent results, enabling the Reddy government to know the actual population of SC, STs, Backward Castes, and the wealth they possess.

"I want to say this to the people of Odisha that we have to conduct a caste census here so we could ascertain the number of Dalit, SC/STs and Backward and General caste people in Odisha. Because we want everyone should get a share in governance, economy and development. Currently, the members of Backward Castes, Dalits and tribals are not present in government, corporate bureaucracy," said Rahul Gandhi.

He also thanked the Odisha Drivers' Mahasangha for supporting to Congress party for the public rally on Friday. He said the state government should fulfil the genuine demands of the drivers who have been protesting for the last four days.
Patna, July 11 : Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav has stirred controversy by calling the Election Commission a "Bhathiyara Commission" and "Peon Commission", accusing it of functioning under the influence of the BJP and RSS.

Patna, July 11 (IANS) Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav has stirred controversy by calling the Election Commission a "Bhathiyara Commission" and "Peon Commission", accusing it of functioning under the influence of the BJP and RSS.

His remarks came during a visit to Darbhanga amid the ongoing controversy over voter list revisions in Bihar.

"This is not the era of TN Seshan and KJ Rao, when the Election Commission worked independently," Yadav said, adding, "Today, they appear to be mere peons of the BJP and RSS," he alleged.

Yadav questioned the timing and intent behind the revision of the voter list. "We are fighting for the 2.25 crore people of Bihar. Was the voter list prepared just six months ago? Did leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee or Narendra Modi become PM under such conditions? We hope the Supreme Court will rule in favour of the poor," he said.

Responding to questions about an incident during the July 9 Bihar Bandh, where he was allegedly prevented from boarding a protest vehicle in Patna, Yadav downplayed the episode. "We are fighting for the honour and dignity of Bihar. What does it matter if Pappu Yadav is insulted? I've been respected and insulted since childhood. I'm ready to face it a lakh times if it helps save Bihar and Biharis," he said.

The protest saw top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Mukesh Sahani, Dipankar Bhattacharya, and D. Raja participating in a march on a lorry converted into a chariot.

Yadav, who tried to join them at Patna's Income Tax roundabout, later clarified that reports of misbehaviour were exaggerated and that he had fallen in the crowd.

Later, Yadav visited Simri village in Darbhanga to meet the family of a deceased individual, continuing his outreach in the state on Thursday, where he used these words for the Election Commission.

However, his use of the term "Bhathiyara" has drawn criticism. In colloquial usage in Bihar, it implies ineffectiveness or passivity. But "Bhathiyara" is also the name of a marginalized community listed among the most backward classes in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

According to the 2023 caste-based survey, the community has a population of just over 27,000 in Bihar, with most members being landless and economically disadvantaged.
Fernanda Carrera is searching for her grandfather, Jose de la Cruz Carrera, among the 383 bodies recovered by authorities from the Plenitud crematorium in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez.

In June, authorities discovered the bodies piled up in unsanitary conditions, some dating back to 2020, in a facility without electricity or gas, whose furnace had been non-operational for at least three years. Six local funeral homes subcontracted the crematorium, delivering urns with fake ashes  made of dirt and stones  to grieving families.

Last week, Carrera went to the State Attorney Generals Office to provide all the information needed to identify the body. She handed over photos from the wake and the clothes her grandfather wore that day. The family had held the grandfathers wake at the Latinoamericana funeral home, one of the facilities that had worked with Plenitud.

Carrera explained to investigators that her grandfather had a fractured finger that remained misaligned; he had a catheter that left a mark on one of his wrists, wore a silver necklace, and had full dental plates.

At first, workers from the State Attorney Generals Office informed them that there was a body matching Mr. Carreras characteristics. But days passed, and no one called to confirm or to deliver the remains of their relative. Fernanda and her family now live in this limbo, a space they share with other families who believe that one of the 383 bodies piled up at the Plenitud site could belong to a mother, an uncle, a grandmother, a brother...

So far, experts have analyzed 323 bodies. In 133 cases, a hydration process has been started in an effort to recover fingerprints to confirm the identities of the deceased, according to the Attorney Generals Office. In total, authorities have fully identified six bodies. Additionally, they have probable names for another 67. As of this Wednesday, several weeks after the crematorium scandal erupted, the agency has not yet delivered a single body.

For us, what has happened has been a lot of uncertainty, says Fernanda Carrera, because we dont really know what we have in the urn. We honestly dont know whats worse anymore  whether the body is there or not, because if its not, then where is our family members body? What was actually done with it? she asks.

We understand that this kind of work can make people insensitive, Carrera continues, referring to those responsible for the crematorium. But they cant just leave bodies like theyre garbage bags. Its been really difficult for us because weve made some progress, but then its like going back  its like a wound that never heals, she adds.

The handling of her grandfathers body was plagued with irregularities from the moment his wake ended. He died on July 2, 2022, at 72 years old. As soon as we left the Mass on July 4, they took him to the crematorium. They took a month and a half, putting obstacles in our way, and weeks went by. Until my mom went at the end of August and they told her that the ashes were there, but they only had urns of the most expensive kind  not the package we had already paid for, so they wouldnt give it to us, Carrera explains.

Upon learning about the news of the bodies left discarded at Plenitud, and after reviewing the death certificates and confirming that their grandfather was cremated there, the family went to Funeraria Latinoamericana to request the cancellation of three other services they were still paying for and to demand a refund. But the response was not what they expected. Not only were they denied a refund, but staff from the funeral home even came on Tuesday to collect the monthly payments they still owe. We dont want this to become just another case that gets filed away and never resolved, says Carrera.

The Plenitud crematorium case, which has been in the national press for the past week and a half, has authorities on edge. This past Tuesday, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection Omar Garcia Harfuch confirmed that in many cases, the ashes handed over by those responsible for the crematorium were not human. So far, 1,237 people have been interviewed at the local Attorney Generals Office, in hopes of locating relatives who passed away in the last five years and were laid to rest in one of the six funeral homes that worked with Plenitud.

The Attorney Generals Office said it will complete the identification of the bodies in the coming days, and begin the process of burial or cremation, depending on each familys decision.

Police investigation

Meanwhile, investigations continue. This Tuesday, the local Attorney Generals Office reported the search of two residences in Ciudad Juarez, in a bid to locate documents that could help identify the bodies found embalmed at the Plenitud crematorium, most of them in advanced stages of decomposition.

During one of the raids, documents related to the crematorium were seized. Unofficially, it was revealed that the residences searched belong to the two detainees: the owner of the company, Jose Luis A.C., 39, and the crematoriums sole employee, Facundo M.R., 64. The Attorney Generals Office accuses them of clandestine burial and improper handling of bodies, although they are also considering charging them with fraud.

The investigation will also expand to government agencies and regulatory bodies responsible for supervising and issuing permits to these types of establishments, according to State Attorney General Cesar Jauregui Moreno. This includes agencies such as the State Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks, whose head, Luis Carlos Tarin Villamar, reported that the last health inspection of the facility was on March 7, 2022. And the Municipal Ecology Department, given the crematoriums environmental impact permit expired on March 3, 2023.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Mumbai, July 11 : Bollywood actor Sunny Deol took to social media on Friday to announce that he has completed the shooting of his upcoming war drama, "Border 2." Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) Bollywood actor Sunny Deol took to social media on Friday to announce that he has completed the shooting of his upcoming war drama, "Border 2."

Taking to Instagram, the 'Gadar' actor shared a powerful image of himself in character and wrote, "Mission accomplished! Fauji, signing off! My shoot wrapped for #Border2. Jai Hind!" In the photo, Sunny Deol is seen in full army uniform, capturing the spirit of his role.

He also used the iconic song "Sandese Aate Hain" as the background score. Before the song plays, Sunny can be heard saying, "27 years ago, a Fauji promised to return. Today, fulfilling that promise, Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri is backto salute the sacred soil of India."

Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty have wrapped up the Pune shooting schedule of the war drama. The 'Tadap' actor took to his Instagram handle to share a couple of his photos and videos with co-stars Diljit Dosanjh, Varun and director Anurag Singh. For the caption, he wrote, "Aur kya hai yeh border..? Bas ek fauji aur uske bhai hain." That's a wrap in Pune.. onto the next one."

Varun also announced the completion of his NDA schedule in Pune. He shared a video capturing a candid moment with co-star Ahan, as the duo enjoyed tea and biscuits together. The Student of the year actor captioned the post, "#Border2 Chai aur bizkoot it's a wrap for me at NDA Aur humna celebrate kiya bizkoot ke saath."

The upcoming war drama, helmed by director Anurag Singh, features Sunny Deol in a key role. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta and is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series in collaboration with J.P. Dutta's banner, J.P. Films.

Set to release on January 23, 2026, "Border 2" aims to spotlight the untold stories of the Indian armed forces, continuing the legacy of patriotic storytelling.
Mumbai, July 11 : As the Maharashtra Assembly passed the Maharashtra Public Security Bill, 2024, aimed at curbing unlawful activities by Left Wing Extremist (LWE) organisations and similar groups, Samajwadi Party's Maharashtra President Abu Asim Azmi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the government, warning that the law could be dangerously misused to suppress dissent and target marginalised communities.

Speaking to IANS, Azmi said that while the intent to curb extremism may be valid, the potential misuse of such sweeping laws by authorities makes it a threat to democracy and civil liberties.

"This Bill, in the name of fighting Maoism, gives excessive power to the police, and such powers have historically been misused. We have seen what happened with TADA. So many innocent people, including myself, were booked under it without reason," Azmi said, referring to the now-repealed Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act.

He added, "We are protesting this Bill not because we support extremism, but because we fear its misuse. When big movements happen against the government, when Dalits raise their voices, or when marginalised communities organise, stories will be fabricated. Someone will say a Maoist attended the event, even if the organisers have no idea who came. Innocent people will be arrested, and it will take years to prove their innocence."

Azmi also reacted strongly to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' assurance that the Bill will not be misused.

"How long will Fadnavis remain Chief Minister? Power changes. He can say what he wants now, but the reality is different. Just look at the Enforcement Directorate (ED). How many people were arrested, kept in jail for years, and then released without any conviction? These laws are political weapons."

According to Azmi, such laws become tools for those in power to silence the Opposition.

"Any party in power can misuse these laws. It's a dangerous precedent. Protest, dissent, and public organising are being criminalised under the guise of national security," he warned.

Azmi added by reiterating that the Maharashtra Public Security Bill is a step toward silencing those who oppose the ruling party.

"Wherever people speak upbe it against injustice, corruption, or discrimination, this law can be used to crush them. Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, students, activists, anyone can be labelled a Maoist. It's a dangerous tool in the hands of the state," he warned.

Azmi further reacted to the Maharashtra government's proposed move to introduce an anti-conversion law and investigate unauthorised churches. Calling the move discriminatory and based on a distorted narrative, he argued that forced conversions are not as widespread as claimed and that the reality on the ground is far more nuanced.

"People converting their religion usually do so voluntarily. During my childhood in Azamgarh, sanitation workers, who were completely ostracised, were treated with humanity by Christian missionaries. They ate at their homes, provided healthcare and education, and instilled dignity in their lives," he recalled.

Azmi said such efforts often inspire people to embrace a new faith voluntarily.

"Yes, if conversion is done forcibly, the government must act. But I can say with confidence, there is no organisation in India actively forcing conversions or receiving foreign funds to do so. What exists is voluntary acceptance, often out of admiration for the service and love shown by religious workers in rural areas."

He also warned that the current narrative is being twisted to harass minorities.

"When someone converts, especially from Hinduism, these so-called nationalists threaten them. They force them to claim they were pressured. This is harassment. The Constitution guarantees the freedom to propagate one's religion. What's happening now is unfair and unconstitutional," he said.

Reacting to BJP leader Nitesh Rane's controversial statement that the Islamic call to prayer (Azan) should be delivered in Marathi, Azmi dismissed the suggestion as ignorant and inflammatory.

"Urdu is an Indian language. It was born here. It is not foreign. If you look at historical documents, including the FIR of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, it was written in Urdu. Urdu was once the language of administration," he said.

"Nitesh Rane has no right to tell us how we should pray or in what language we should recite our scriptures. Should we now tell Hindus to stop reciting in Sanskrit? This is pure interference in religion, and it's unacceptable."

Azmi added that such statements are part of a larger pattern to marginalise religious minorities and inflame communal tensions.

"Why drag religion into language politics? People have the right to pray in their own language. That's guaranteed by the Constitution. Stop trying to dictate how people practice their faith," he said.
Hyderabad, July 11 : Telangana Jagruthi president and BRS MLC K. Kavitha on Friday claimed that the decision of the Congress government to bring an ordinance for 42 per cent reservation of backward classes in local bodies is a victory of backward classes and Telangana Jagruthi.

She welcomed the state Cabinet's decision to bring an ordinance to amend the existing Act for 42 per cent reservation for the Backward Classes (BCs).

Kavitha, who is the daughter of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, led a "victory rally" from her residence in Banjara Hills to Tank Bund, where she garlanded the statue of Dr B. R. Ambedkar.

Addressing a press conference, Kavitha announced that in view of the state government's decision, Telangana Jagruthi is postponing the 'Rail Roko' programme scheduled on July 17.

Telangaan Jagruthi, the cultural arm of BRS, had announced 'Rail Roko' to demand that the Centre approve two Bills passed by Telangana Legislature to enhance BC reservation to 42 per cent in education, jobs and local bodies.

The State Cabinet on Thursday decided to issue an ordinance to enhance the BC quota in local bodies.

She said they would wait for a week for the government to act, and in case it fails to initiate the steps, they would organise 'Rail Roko'.

Kavitha claimed that the state government took the decision due to pressure mounted by Telangana Jagruthi through public protests.

She welcomed the decision of the Cabinet to bring the ordinance before the local body elections. She demanded that the government immediately initiate necessary steps in this regard.

Kavitha, a member of the Legislative Council, also stated that they have some doubts.

"If the reservation can be implemented immediately after issuing an ordinance, why did the Congress government wait for 18 months?" she asked.

She believes that the Congress government may have delayed the decision for political mileage. He alleged that it is doing politics around the reservation to divert people's attention from its election promises.

The MLC said non-implementation of election promises would create difficulties for BCs, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities.

She also demanded that the state government speak on the BC reservation in education and employment. She said a Constitutional amendment could ensure political rights to BCs.

"If the BJP, which is in power at the Centre, wants, it can amend the Constitution in no time, but it is not doing it. It may be looking for an escape by blaming the Congress party," she said.

Demanding that BC bills be included in Schedule 9 of the Constitution, she urged Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay to take the initiative in this regard.
Noida, July 11 : In a significant development, the city police on Friday busted an inter-state theft gang, named in over 100 cases of theft and robbery in the Delhi-NCR region, and recovered cash as well as jewellery from their possession. The gang used luxury and high-end cars to loot people in upscale and posh societies in Noida, Ghaziabad and adjoining areas.

Noida Police apprehended three members of the gang, including its kingpin, after an encounter in Sector-24 on Thursday night. Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, identified as the leader of the theft gang, was injured in a police encounter and is currently in the hospital for treatment. The other two accused are in police custody.

The modus operandi of the gang included conducting recce of high-profile societies, identification of vulnerable targets and individuals and then illegally sneaking into houses for burglary. To avoid getting under suspicion either from the public or police, they commuted in luxury vehicles.

The latest theft incident happened in Noida sectors 12 and 20, where these miscreants barged into a house and lifted many assets and valuables.

According to police, they have conducted such theft and burglary in as many as 100 places in multiple cities, including Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and more.

The gang came under police scrutiny when they were crossing past Sector-24. While the police were conducting routine checks, their suspicious movement alerted the policemen. Fearing that police would nab them, they started firing at the cops and tried to run away by speeding up their Honda City car.

The three accused hail from different locations a" kingpin Sanjeev Kumar Yadav is from Biharas Madhubani, while his two accomplices, Aman Bagga from Punjabas Kapurthala and Sarvpal are from Haryanaas Bahadurgarh. The three accused came in contact at a Delhi jail, and it was there that they struck a deal to work together.

The police have recovered a Honda City car, two illegal pistols, an illegal knife, 500 grams of gold jewellery, about Rs 2 lakh in cash, an Apple watch, a charger, laptop from the miscreants.

Additional DCP Noida, Sumit Shukla, said that more than 100 criminal cases are already registered against the three miscreants.
New Delhi, July 11 : The Indian Army has launched 'Operation SHIVA 2025', a high-intensity annual security operation, aimed at ensuring the safe and uninterrupted conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, officials said on Friday.

This year's operation assumes added significance in the wake of elevated threats posed by Pakistan-backed proxy elements following Operation Sindoor.

Carried out in close coordination with the Civil Administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the operation seeks to establish a robust security framework along both the northern and southern routes of the Yatra.

As part of the enhanced security arrangement for 2025, more than 8,500 troops have been deployed, backed by a comprehensive array of technological tools and operational measures.

A multi-layered counter-terrorism grid, preventive security deployments, and corridor protection strategies have been instituted.

Additionally, the Army is providing extensive support to civil authorities, particularly in areas of disaster response and emergency relief.

According to the Army, the key deployments and capabilities include a dedicated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) grid, equipped with more than 50 C-UAS and electronic warfare systems, to neutralise potential drone threats.

Continuous unmanned aerial vehicle surveillance missions and live monitoring of both Yatra routes and the holy cave to maintain real-time situational awareness.

The deployment of engineer task forces to undertake bridge construction, track widening, and disaster mitigation operations.

The Army told on Friday that medical support includes more than 150 doctors and medical personnel, two advance dressing stations, nine medical aid posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths, collectively stocked with 2,00,000 litres of oxygen are parts of their preparations.

Dedicated signal companies for uninterrupted communication, Electronics and Mechanical engineers detachments for technical support, and bomb detection and disposal squads for threat neutralisation have also been deployed.

Provision of emergency rations for more than 25,000 individuals, supported by Quick Reaction Teams, tent cities, water points, and essential plant equipment such as bulldozers and excavators are also in place.

The Indian Army helicopters remain on standby to respond to any contingency situations swiftly.

The Army is also leveraging advanced surveillance tools, including high-resolution Pan-tilt-zoom cameras and live drone feeds, to track the movement of Yatra convoys between Jammu and the holy Amarnath cave.

This real-time monitoring allows for early threat detection and ensures prompt action.

The operation is further reinforced through multi-agency coordination, ensuring seamless information sharing and unified response across the security spectrum.

According to the Army, the 'Operation SHIVA 2025' underscores the Indian Army's steadfast commitment to safeguarding the sacred pilgrimage and ensuring a safe, smooth, and spiritually enriching journey for all devotees.
Patna, July 11 : A meeting of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Friday descended into chaos as councillors clashed over multiple issues, leading to heated arguments, abuses, and even a scuffle within the meeting hall.

The meeting, attended by Mayor Sita Sahu, Deputy Mayor, councillors, and Corporation Commissioner, was convened to discuss budget allocation, slow progress of development works, and distribution of resources.

However, differences of opinion quickly escalated, with councillors trading accusations and abuses.

Amid the chaos, the clothes of several councillors were torn, highlighting the seriousness of the confrontation.

Mayor Sita Sahu attempted to calm the situation, but councillors refused to relent, and the meeting had to be postponed due to the disruption.

According to sources, the chaos intensified when the Mayor passed an agenda during the meeting, leading to protests from Corporation Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar and officials, who staged a walkout.

The Corporation Commissioner alleged that the agenda was passed to benefit a private agency in violation of the rules.

"The Corporation Commissioner is working like a dictator. When the agenda was unanimously passed by the Corporation and the Standing Committee, how can the Commissioner oppose it?" said Standing Committee member Sanjeet Kumar while accusing the Commissioner of obstructing development works.

Following the boycott by the Commissioner and officials, all the agendas were passed amid protests, while councillors from the Mayor's faction and the opposing faction clashed with each other.

The ruckus has raised serious questions on the functioning of the Patna Municipal Corporation, which is already under public scrutiny over the slow progress of basic civic projects in the city.

Employees and officers present at the meeting repeatedly attempted to control the situation, but the councillors' anger over the issues overshadowed the proceedings.

The PMC administration has not issued any official statement on the incident yet, but there is an expectation that an inquiry will be conducted, and steps will be taken to prevent such disruptions in future meetings.
New Delhi, July 11 : The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) on Friday highlighted opportunities, challenges and recommendations to deepen bilateral cooperation between the UK and India in the defence sector.

The UKIBC report is of the view that UK firms which invest in long-term partnerships with Indian companies, local capability, and joint innovation will be best placed to succeed India's fast-growing defence ecosystem.

The report titled "Unlocking strategic defence opportunities: UKIndia engagement," aims to identify opportunity gaps that are hindering UK firms in India. To close this gap, the report provides recommendations for business, government and industry organisations to increase UK engagement in aerospace and defence in India.

As India continues to prioritise self-reliance in defence through the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, the report identifies concrete steps for UK defence firms to become meaningful partners in India's defence modernisation agenda.

It also provides insights into how the UK government policymaking can continue to unlock bilateral trade and innovation in this strategic sector.

India's defence and aerospace ambitions present a unique opportunity for long-term, innovation-led partnerships with trusted nations like the UK. Through this report, UKIBC offers suggestions to UK government to strengthen commercial ties and align strategic priorities.

These include strengthening G2G ties, strategic communication, and industry engagement, fostering co-development, co-production, and custom solutions and enhancing technology transfer, co-creating IP and defence R&D collaboration.

It also recommends encouraging UK firms to be more adaptable to Indian defence procurement systems  while at the same time making recommendations to India's Ministry of Defence for further refining the defence acquisition procedure.

Besides, it recommends the establishing of a UK-India defence MSME hub.

The report also focuses on recommendations to UK defence firms which include investments in India-based R&D and manufacturing, forming joint ventures with Indian enterprises to build local value chains, access procurement pipelines and embed India in UK and global supply chains.

It further suggest that UK firms can leverage their strengths in AI, Cyber and Aerospace Tech and focus on emerging areas where UK capabilities can align with India's strategic needs.

Another recommendation is to engage with State Governments: explore partnerships in defence corridors (Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and Karnataka amongst others) for incentives and infrastructure.

Kishore Jayaraman, OBE, India Chair, UK-India Business Council, said "India's ambition to become a leading defence manufacturing and innovation hub presents a timely and strategic opportunity for the UK. As trusted, like-minded partners with shared values and a strong history of cooperation, the UK and India are uniquely placed to co-create the next generation of defence and aerospace technologies."

"Through this report, UKIBC aims to provide both strategic insight and practical guidance for UK firms seeking to navigate India's evolving defence ecosystem. The message is clear  those who invest in long-term partnerships, local capability, and joint innovation will be best placed to succeed," he added.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 11 : Kerala University, once held in the highest academic regard, is now in the grip of unprecedented administrative chaos, with two individuals simultaneously claiming to be the Registrar amid an escalating standoff between the state government and the Governor.

The turmoil stands in stark contrast to the university's illustrious past. In 1937, Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyar, then Diwan of Travancore, had invited none other than scientist Albert Einstein to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the then University of Travancore (now Kerala University), offering him a salary of Rs 6,000 per month. Einstein declined the offer, citing his plans to join Princeton University in the United States.

Fast forward to today, the university is witnessing a complete breakdown in governance.

Earlier this week, student protests by the CPI(M)-backed Students' Federation of India (SFI) turned violent after Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal suspended Registrar Dr K.S. Anil Kumar for defying his orders.

Despite the suspension and the appointment of an acting Registrar, Kumar continues to attend the office. On Friday, he sent three files to the VC for action, which were ignored, while he cleared 25 files handled by the in-charge Registrar -- deepening the confusion.

The core of the conflict lies in the political tug-of-war. While VC Kunnummal is backed by Kerala Governor and Chancellor Rajendra V. Arlekar, Registrar Kumar enjoys the support of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government.

The immediate trigger for the VC's action was Kumar's unilateral cancellation of the Governor's scheduled visit to the Senate Hall for a private function -- a visit that Arlekar eventually attended anyway.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan criticised the unfolding situation, stating, "If there are issues between the CM and the Governor, why should Kerala University suffer? The SFI has unleashed absolute mayhem in recent days."

Satheesan pointed out that it was the Vijayan government which earlier appointed Kunnummal as the Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala University of Health Sciences. "Now, the same government accuses him of being an RSS agent. The Governor has only appointed him as acting VC of Kerala University," he said.

He added that the university's administration has effectively come to a standstill, with no clarity over who the legitimate Registrar is, leading to a pile-up of pending files and adversely affecting students.

Echoing public concern, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the supreme head of the Malankara Orthodox Church, expressed anguish over the student violence at the university.

"I would call it pure rage -- a gender-neutral crowd of boys and girls going on a rampage. I thought about their parents, who must have sent them to study, not to engage in such acts," he said in a passionate statement on Friday.

Meanwhile, two BJP syndicate members of Kerala University have announced plans to seek judicial intervention, citing concerns over students' futures being jeopardised in the absence of clear administrative authority.
New Delhi, July 11 : Mercedes-Benz India on Friday announced that it has made a strong start to the financial year 2025-26 by retailing 4,238 units in the April-June 2025 period (Q1) -- a 10 per cent growth compared to the same period last fiscal.

This strong growth was driven by high demand for both its core and top-end luxury vehicles, as well as a sharp rise in sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

According to the company, the top-end luxury segment -- which includes models like the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, EQS range, and AMG performance vehicles -- grew by 20 per cent in Q1.

There was particularly high demand for the EQS Maybach Night Series, G 580 with EQ technology and the AMG G 63, among others, the luxury carmaker stated.

Mercedes-Benzas BEV portfolio also witnessed outstanding growth, rising by 157 per cent in Q1 and now contributing 8 per cent to the companyas total sales.

The EQS 450 SUV and G 580 with EQ Technology played a key role in this performance, with some models already sold out or having waiting periods extending up to six months.

The companyas acorea segment, which includes the C-Class, E-Class Long Wheelbase, GLC, and GLE SUVs, contributed 60 per cent to overall sales volumes.

The E-Class LWB continued to be the highest-selling luxury car in India, especially after the addition of the E450 performance variant.

Meanwhile, the aentry luxurya segment saw a slight decline, as competition intensified at lower price points.

However, Mercedes-Benz believes its entry-level offerings still provide high value with rich features and luxury appeal.

In line with its focus on top-end products, Mercedes-Benz also launched the new GLS AMG Line SUV in India.

Priced at Rs 1.4 crore for the GLS 450 AMG Line and Rs 1.43 crore for the GLS 450d AMG Line, the SUV offers a sportier and more dynamic version of one of the brandas best-selling luxury SUVs.

With over 16,000 GLS units already on Indian roads, the new AMG Line version aims to further strengthen its presence in the segment.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, said that the strong Q1 performance reflects growing customer interest in luxury vehicles with personalisation and advanced technology.

He added that the companyas push toward top-end products and BEVs has been successful in influencing customer preferences.
Chennai, July 11 : Kannada star Dhruva Sarja on Saturday pointed out that all Tamil movies were being released in Karnataka and that only Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' was stopped from being released because people there were hurt by a statement of the actor.

Dhruva Sarja, who was in Chennai for the Tamil teaser launch of his film KD The Devil, took time to answer questions from the media in Chennai on Saturday.

The actor's attention was drawn to the fact that while Kannada films could release without any hassle in Tamil Nadu, a Tamil film (Thug Life) that had released recently in other parts could not be released in Karnataka.

Responding to the question, actor Dhruva Sarja said that people in Karnataka were hurt by a particular statement of actor Kamal Haasan that resulted in the prevention of release of his pan-Indian film Thug Life.

The actor said, "There have been a lot of Tamil films that have released in Karnataka even before I was born. So, nobody stopped any of those movies. Here, in this particular case, people there got offended by a statement of Kamal Haasan. Let me be direct and open about this."

He went on to say, "Here, everybody loves their mother tongue. Similarly, we love and we adore our mother tongue. When it comes to our mother tongue, definitely people will react. Except for that one film, all other (Tamil) films have released there. So, our Kannada audience will definitely encourage. When it comes to their self respect or mother tongue, they will definitely oppose."

Director Prem said, "All films release in Karnataka. Also, this is not another country. We are just 300 kms away. So, we are all one. People felt hurt because the statement was about our mother (tongue). They did not say that Tamil films must not release. It (the opposition) was only for Kamal sir's film. They only asked him to say sorry because he made that statement. That was all. Everybody is one. We all, including me, watch Tamil films."
Beatings, solitary confinement, sleep deprivation, constant surveillance, lack of medical care, insufficient food, and unsanitary conditions. The punishments inflicted on detainees from the protests that began on July 11, 2021, in Cuba  which mark their fourth anniversary this Friday  span a wide range of abuses, according to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report, based on the testimonies of 17 people who were held in six mens prisons and two womens prisons.

Protesters detained for participating in the peaceful July 2021 protests in Cuba have been subject to serious abuses in prison, says the HRW report.

The accounts of these political prisoners  who were released this past January thanks to Vatican-led negotiations with the government of Miguel Diaz-Canel, which also involved the United States  describe a systematic campaign of persecution behind bars. They report that they were beaten, subjected to unsanitary prison conditions, including completely inadequate access to food and water, and remained under constant surveillance and strict conditions, some of which appear to have been imposed informally. Many fear being sent back to prison, and at least three of the people released have been rearrested, states the report.

Four years ago, the Cuban government unleashed repression on thousands of Cubans who peacefully took to the streets demanding rights and freedoms, says Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, adding that hundreds remain behind bars in dismal conditions.

A protest in Cuba against continued food shortages and high prices. ALEXANDRE MENEGHINI (Reuters)

According to the report, numerous former detainees described physical abuse by prison guards. They said that guards beat them for shouting anti-government slogans or protesting about prison conditions. Many said they were subjected to stress positions such as the bicycle (also known as the wheelbarrow), in which prisoners are forced to run, handcuffed, with their arms raised above their heads.

One of them, Jose Daniel Ferrer, leader of the opposition movement Cuban Patriotic Union (UNPACU), recounts that prison guards tried to take him to the hospital at Boniato prison in Santiago de Cuba due to an arm injury. The activist says he refused to go because of a tuberculosis outbreak. The guards responded with violence: punching his head and injured arm.

I was bleeding all day, from the wound, Ferrer recounts, saying that they forced him to do the bicycle before making him get into a vehicle to be taken to the hospital. The same political prisoner also recalls what happened in December 2022, when seven guards beat him for shouting down with [President Miguel Diaz] Canel, down with the tyranny during a family visit. I was lying on the floor, [a prison official] kicked me and fractured my nasal septum, blood was coming out of my nose.

Inedible food

The testimonies collected by the organization reveal recurring elements beyond physical assaults. Among them are overcrowding in the cells and limited access to food and drinking water for all detainees. If your family isnt bringing you food, you die, says one former detainee. The food they gave you was inedible. It had worms in it, explains another.

Additionally, the accounts document outbreaks of scabies, tuberculosis, dengue, and COVID-19, which, according to the interviewees, went untreated. According to the HRW report, those who protested said they were frequently sent to solitary confinement, or denied visits, calls, or access to packages sent by their family members.

Families of protesters detained during the protests wait at the court where they are being tried, in Havana, January 11, 2022. Ramon Espinosa (AP)

Many of the released protesters were forced to accept state-assigned jobs, they say, and to regularly report to security agents and request permission to leave their municipalities.

At least in some cases, such conditions appear to have been imposed informally and arbitrarily, as they are not included in a written order or court-ordered conditions of release, the report continues.

In other words, intelligence services, known as state security, keep the protesters under close watch. Although I was released from prison, I am still a prisoner, says one of the former detainees. Its like being a prisoner in the street.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Seoul, July 11 : The US has made South Korea's participation in its containment policy against China a prerequisite for bilateral cooperation in the shipbuilding sector, one of the key items in the two countries' ongoing trade negotiations, a Seoul official said Friday.

"The shipbuilding industry is one of the most notable areas where the US seeks cooperation with South Korea in terms of checking China," Chang Sung-gil, director general for trade policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, said in a parliamentary forum on Seoul's negotiation strategy on tariff talks with the Donald Trump administration.

"Washington views China's shipbuilding industry as a growing threat and regards South Korea as a strategic partner to defend the American industry," he added. "The prerequisite for the shipbuilding cooperation is South Korea's participation in Washington's efforts to contain China."

Chang's remarks came as Seoul has been holding talks with the Trump administration on tariffs, non-tariff measures, industrial cooperation and other trade issues in a bid to get a full exemption or reductions in US reciprocal tariffs and sectoral duties on imported cars, steel and other products.

This week, Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo visited Washington to hold trade talks with US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other officials in the US government and Congress.

Upon his return home Thursday, Yeo told reporters he had proposed bilateral cooperation in manufacturing, particularly in the shipbuilding and semiconductor sectors, as a possible way to decrease South Korea's trade surplus with the US, reported Yonhap news agency.

Yeo's visit took place as the Seoul government enters the final three weeks of ongoing trade negotiations, after the Donald Trump administration said it would impose 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Korean products beginning August 1.

Chang said the South Korean government was working to create a strategy on what kind of shipbuilding partnership it will forge with the US and how South Korean companies can get favourable treatment under the US bill aimed at fostering the growth of the American shipbuilding industry.

Regarding the auto industry, already hit by 25 per cent tariffs, Chang said the Trump administration called for measures to reduce South Korea's trade surplus with the US in the auto sector in order for Seoul to get lower tariff rates, noting that Washington views this matter "seriously."

Last year, South Korea's trade surplus with the US in the automotive sector came to US$32 billion, according to data compiled by the Korea International Trade Association.

"The US administration's baseline stance is we should invest more in the US and buy more American goods, including agricultural products and energy," Chang said.
Dhanbad, July 11 : Tension gripped Dhanbad's Asanbani village on Friday after police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse protesting villagers opposing the commencement of the Tasra opencast coal project work by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

At least 10 villagers, including several women, were injured in the clash. The condition of one woman is reported to be critical.

The situation turned volatile when a team from SAIL arrived at the site with five to six JCB machines for demarcation and leveling work on the acquired land.

Hundreds of men and women from Asanbani, Kalipur, and Sarisakundi villages of Baliapur block gathered to oppose the move, vowing to resist any attempt to start the project.

"We will give our lives, but not our land," shouted the protesters, accusing SAIL of forcibly taking away their farmland, on which they depend for their livelihood.

As the villagers attempted to block the machines, a scuffle broke out between them and the police. The situation escalated quickly, and the police used lathis to disperse the crowd, resulting in a stampede-like situation and injuries to several villagers. The injured have been admitted to local hospitals for treatment.

The administration defended the police action, stating that only mild force was used to remove people who were unlawfully obstructing work on legally acquired land.

According to official sources, around 42 acres of land from the three villages had been acquired for the expansion of the coal project. The SAIL management claimed that over 85 per cent of the affected landowners had accepted compensation and that a fully equipped township had been developed for their rehabilitation.

SAIL officials said that only a handful of people are opposing the project work. The company also alleged that a few days earlier, drivers working on the project were assaulted when they tried to enter the area.

However, the standoff has created a tense atmosphere in the area.
Mumbai, July 11 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday defended the passage of the Public Security Bill, stating that the legislation has been brought in specifically to curb the spread of urban Naxalism and the activities of banned Maoist-affiliated groups in the state.

Addressing the media, Fadnavis said, "The Public Security Bill has been passed to counter Urban Maoism. A deliberate strategy was being employed to promote Naxal ideology. While such laws already exist in four other states, Maharashtra lacked the legal teeth to act against 64 such organisations operating here. This bill empowers the state to take concrete action."

He explained that while laws like the UAPA apply only when a clear terror element is established and MCOCA targets individuals and not organisations, this new legislation fills a critical gap.

"This law will allow us to act against organisations directly. It is aimed purely at dismantling the infrastructure that promotes Naxalism," CM Fadnavis clarified.

The bill, passed in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday, has drawn mixed reactions. While some in the opposition supported its intent, others raised concerns about its potential misuse.

NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Rohit Pawar said, "We are against Maoism and Naxalism. Any bill that helps fight these threats, we support it. However, the definitions of 'group' and 'individual' in the bill are vague. There must be clarity to prevent misuse."

He also urged the government to ensure that no innocent person is targeted. "We told the Chief Minister that the law should not be misused to harass individuals. Safeguards must be ensured."

On the other hand, NCP (SCP) leader Jitendra Awhad strongly opposed the bill, branding the state government as "anti-democratic" and "authoritarian".

"This is a policing state now. The government is using laws to silence dissent. In states like West Bengal, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Odisha, some Left-linked organisations are banned. But, this law targets those who merely speak against the government," Awhad said.

The Maharashtra Public Security Bill, 2025, provides the state with broad powers to ban organisations and prosecute individuals suspected of aiding or abetting Naxal or Maoist activity.

The law will impose punishments ranging from two to seven years in prison for members of unlawful organisations. Offences under the Act will be cognisable and non-bailable in nature, and grant the government the authority to seize and forfeit funds belonging to such groups.
Jerusalem, July 11 : The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Friday that a combat commanding officer was killed in an incident in the southern Gaza Strip.

The officer, Reei Biran, aged 21, was a squad commander in the IDF's Golani Reconnaissance Unit.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that a Golani force operating in Khan Younis entered a building suspected of being a "terrorist infrastructure." While the soldiers were mining the building, an explosion occurred, killing the commander.

Later on Friday, the IDF said in a separate statement that its armoured forces, in coordination with the Israeli Air Force, eliminated an armed squad that approached them and posed a threat in the Khan Younis area, reported Xinhua news agency.

It added that the armoured forces dismantled "terrorist" infrastructure sites, both above and below ground, and confiscated weapons and military equipment.

On 6 July, Israel killed the head of Hamas' naval force in northern Gaza in an airstrike, the military and Shin Bet domestic security agency said.

The strike, carried out by an Israeli fighter jet in Gaza City on June 30, killed Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, described by the Israeli authorities as the commander of Hamas' naval force in the northern Gaza Strip. Two other Hamas militants were also killed in the attack, including Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour, deputy head of the movement's mortar array unit, and Nissim Muhammad Suleiman Abu Sabha, an operative in the same unit.

Saleh was "a significant source of knowledge" for Hamas, the military and Shin Bet said, adding that he had recently been involved in planning maritime attacks against Israeli forces.

Since Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, at least 6,860 Palestinians have been killed and 24,220 others wounded, bringing the total Palestinian death toll since the war began in October 2023 to 57,418, with 136,261 others injured, according to figures released Sunday by Gaza health authorities.
New Delhi, July 11 : Silver priced reached an all-time high on Friday as gold picked up an upward trajectory too, breaking a losing streak. The precious metal prices witnessed a significant uptick amid fresh tariff jitters with Canada and Brazil by the US administration.

Silver prices surged significantly, hitting a new all-time high. As compared to the previous day's price, silver gained Rs 2,356 to reach Rs 1,10,290 per kg -- up from Rs 1,07,934 per kg.

The previous record high was Rs 1,09,550 per kg, registered on June 18 this year.

Apurva Sheth, Head of Market Perspectives and Research, SAMCO Securities, said Silver is poised for a sharp rally and it didn't disappoint.

"Now Silver is also forming a cup and handle on the intraday charts. Silver is already in short fall. If US or other nations were to announce similar tariffs on silver or even worse ban exports like China has done in case of rare earth mineral then it could send silver prices to stratospheric levels," Sheth noted.

Now it is not a question of should you own silver or not. It is about how much do you own, she added.

According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) data, the 24-carat gold price rose by Rs 465 to Rs 97,511 per 10 grams, compared to Rs 97,046 per 10 grams on Thursday.

The 22-carat gold price climbed to Rs 89,320 per 10 grams as compared to the previous day's price of Rs 88,894, while 18-carat gold rose to Rs 73,133 per 10 grams, up from Rs 72,785, the previous day's price.

"Gold prices stayed strong as renewed trade tariff jitters supported bullion, with the U.S. imposing fresh tariffs on Canada and Brazil, markets have begun pricing in the adverse implications of renewed trade tensions," said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst at LKP Securities.

"The resulting uncertainty has once again turned sentiment in favour of gold, especially after recent price corrections due to Middle East de-escalation," Trivedi added.

The rally in precious metals - both gold and silver - is in line with international trends. Gold was trading 1.01 per cent higher at $3,358 per ounce, while silver was up 2.92 per cent at $38.40 per ounce.

Meanwhile, at around 5:44 pm, the future contract expiring on August 5 was trading at Rs 97,582 per 10 gram, up Rs 891 against the previous closing of 96,691.
Ranchi, July 11 : The Jharkhand High Court on Friday rejected the bail plea of former state minister and senior Congress leader Alamgir Alam in connection with the high-profile money laundering case linked to a tender-commission scam in the state's Rural Development Department.

Ranchi, July 11 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court on Friday rejected the bail plea of former state minister and senior Congress leader Alamgir Alam in connection with the high-profile money laundering case linked to a tender-commission scam in the stateas Rural Development Department.

Alam, who has been in judicial custody for the past 14 months, faced a setback after the bench of Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad denied him bail. The court had reserved its order on June 20 after hearing arguments from both sides.

During the proceedings, advocate Zoheb Hussain represented the Enforcement Directorate (ED) via video conferencing, while senior advocate S. Nagamuthu appeared for Alamgir Alam.

The former minister had approached the High Court after his bail plea was earlier rejected by the Ranchi-based Special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) Court. However, he failed to get relief here as well.

The ED had arrested Alam on May 15 last year in connection with a probe into a commission racket allegedly operating within the Rural Development Department.

Before that, on May 6, the ED had carried out extensive raids at the premises of Alam's Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Sanjeev Lal, his domestic help Jahangir Alam, and several contractors.

The raids led to the cash recovery of Rs 30 crore from Jahangir Alam's residence, Rs 2.93 crore from contractor Munna Singh, and Rs 2.14 crore from contractor Rajiv Singh.

Investigations revealed that a large-scale commission racket was going on in the awarding of tenders, with a significant portion allegedly funneled back to Alamgir Alam.

Alam was a prominent figure in the Jharkhand cabinet, serving as the number two minister under both Hemant Soren and Champai Soren.

He also held the post of Congress Legislature Party leader in the state assembly. He resigned from both positions shortly after his arrest.
New Delhi, July 11 : Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi will lead discussions on enhancing technology-enabled and integrated service delivery at the grassroots level at a zonal meeting in Gujarat's Kevadia.

The Zonal Meeting is envisaged as a platform for constructive Centre-State dialogue and convergence, with a focused agenda on strengthening the implementation of the Ministry's flagship schemes, an official said on Friday.

The schemes whose implementation may come up for discussion include Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.

An official statement said that deliberations at the meeting will cover aspects of service delivery, integration of digital tools such as the Poshan Tracker, use of emerging technologies like Face Recognition Systems (FRS), and strategies for enhancing technology-enabled and integrated service delivery at the grassroots level.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur and Gujarat Minister for Women and Child Development Bhanuben Babariya will also take part in the discussions.

The participating States and Union Territories include Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Ministers and senior officials from the Departments of Women and Child Development of these States/UTs will be attending. The meeting will also feature the presentation of best practices, innovative models, and successful interventions, encouraging cross-learning and replication across the region.

As part of the programme, the Ministry will undertake a plantation drive under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative.

Delegates will also visit the Children's Nutrition Park, the Statue of Unity, and participate in the Narmada Aarti and the Light and Sound Show, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to a culturally rooted and integrated approach to development.

The Women and Child Development Ministry's zonal meeting was held a day after the Minister of Education held a two-day Vice Chancellors Conference of Central Universities at Kevadia.

Earlier, Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday reiterated the role of central universities in catalysing the research and innovation landscape, capacity building of faculties and improving institutional governance.
Mumbai, July 11 : Minister Uday Samant on Friday in the state assembly announced that a high-power committee will be formed to investigate the matter in the wake of continuous complaints from citizens regarding the waste management process at the dumping ground at Kanjurmarg in Mumbai city.

He was replying to a calling attention motion moved by BJP member Mihir Kotecha.

Minister Samant said, in 2011, M/s Anthony Lara Enviro Solution Private Limited was awarded the contract for the Kanjur Dumping Project for 25 years. However, it was found that as per the terms of the contract, all the operations, maintenance and odour management are not being carried out. There are complaints from citizens.

"A high-level committee will be formed soon to probe the lapses in fulfilling the contract terms. Class-1 officers of the concerned departments will be appointed as committee members. Besides, a meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde," said Minister Samant.

He clarified that no one will be spared or supported in this matter, and no further contract will be awarded to the concerned contractor.

Kotecha brought to the minister's notice the health-related problems faced by residents in the vicinity of the Kanjur Marg dumping ground. He alleged that the solid and liquid waste is dumped there, which lacks treatment, causing air pollution, affecting the health of the locals. He also blamed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for its inaction against the contractor.

Shiv Sena UBT member Sunil Raut said that despite repeated reminders to BMC, there has been no relief to the local residents from the bad smell and air pollution due to the Kanjur Marg dumping ground. He demanded that it be shifted at the earliest.

Minister Samant later told the House that a third-party audit will be conducted by independent experts, taking serious note of the complaints regarding the Kanjur Dumping Ground.

Meanwhile, Minister Samant announced in the state council that a special campaign will be undertaken in the state to control the number of stray dogs. In a reply to the short discussion raised by member Amit Gorkhe, he admitted that there is are higher rate of stray dogs biting citizens in the state. There are guidelines from the central government regarding the sterilisation of such dogs and giving them the anti-rabies vaccine.

Minister Samant said that in the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation areas, 16,569 dog bite cases were reported in 2022, 22,945 in 2023 and 25,899 in 2024. In the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area, 1,421 dogs were neutered in 2022-23.

In 2023-24, 3,598 and 3,346 stray dogs were neutered in 2024-25. Similarly, in the Pune Municipal Corporation area, 9,663 dogs were neutered in 2022-23. He informed that 26,000 stray dogs were neutered in 2023-24 and 56,511 in 2024-25.

According to the central government's guidelines, after sterilising stray dogs, they have to be taken back to the same place from where they were brought. For this, local bodies take measures by issuing tenders at their level. However, since this problem is widespread in the state, a special campaign will be undertaken at the state government level, and funds can be provided for it, he assured.
New Delhi, July 11 : When 26 civilians were massacred in Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, it sent shockwaves across the country. But what has followed since then may mark a turning point in how the world, particularly the Global South, responds to terrorism, particularly when it comes to state-sponsored acts of it.

For decades, India has sounded the alarm about Pakistan's use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. And quite often, its warnings were met with scepticism, diluted in diplomatic language, or lost in the geopolitical noise of the broader South Asian region. But the brutality of the Pahalgam attack, and the growing evidence linking the perpetrators to Pakistan-based groups, along with shifting geopolitical dynamics, seems to have brought a considerable change in that conversation.

More significantly, India's response this time was also swift and multipronged. Under Operation Sindoor on May 6-7, it launched a precise and calibrated military retaliation targeting terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and mainland Pakistan. The military operation was accompanied by its diplomatic offensive, which has been very methodical and effective, as the changing discourse about terrorism reflects. The culmination of these efforts was on full display at the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the Global South bloc issued an unambiguous condemnation of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, naming both the incident and its nature, which is remarkable.

The BRICS declaration stated it "condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured," and reaffirmed a collective commitment to fighting terrorism "in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens."

This was not just a diplomatic cliche and marks a quiet but significant pivot in the emerging world order, where the Global South bloc is finally calling out double standards on terrorism and doing so with rare unanimity.

A shift in global norms

The Global South has long been a theatre of conflicting narratives when it comes to terrorism. While Western powers often dominate the discourse around extremism, violence in the Global South, whether in South Asia, West Asia, Southeast Asia, or the African continent, has received a more selective treatment. However, that seems to be now changing.

India's diplomatic campaign, strengthened by real-time evidence and growing solidarity among peer economies, is spotlighting how selective empathy and geopolitical hedging allow state-backed terror proxies to thrive. The BRICS statement, endorsed even by countries like China, which shares a close strategic partnership with Pakistan, signals that this silence may no longer be tenable in the long run.

Indeed, the real headline from Rio wasn't just that the Pahalgam attack was condemned. It was that China did not block the language of the declaration.

This is significant given the depth of China-Pakistan strategic cooperation, especially under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, and Beijing's long-standing practice of shielding Pakistani entities and terrorists like Masood Azhar from censure at global forums such as the UN Security Council (UNSC). Moreover, as per multiple independent assessments, Pakistan is heavily dependent on Chinese-origin military equipment, whose share has grown to over 80 per cent of its conventional arsenal. Therefore, for China to allow a declaration that highlights cross-border terrorism, which may be a veiled but yet has an unmistakable reference to Pakistan, is nothing short of a diplomatic milestone for India.

The growing evidence of Pakistan's terror sponsorship

India's case against Pakistan is no longer just about moral outrage. It is now substantiated by tangible, corroborated evidence that paints a picture of systemic complicity. According to Indian intelligence reports shared with international partners, including with the UNSC's 1267 Sanctions Committee, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre, the attackers belonged to a faction of The Resistance Front (TRF), which is a proxy outfit widely recognized as a rebranded arm of Pakistan sponsored terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Both LeT and its affiliate networks have long enjoyed safe havens in Pakistan, with little meaningful action taken against their leadership despite international pressure and FATF conditions.

For years, Pakistan has relied on plausible deniability, labelling these groups as "non-state actors" beyond its control. But that narrative is wearing thin, particularly when attacks like Pahalgam are followed by the same tell-tale signs: trained cadres, sophisticated arms, and ideological alignment with Pakistan's strategic calculus on Kashmir.

The BRICS moment

The BRICS platform, which was originally established by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and then South Africa and has now expanded to include key economies such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, is increasingly seen as the voice of the Global South. It provides a forum for new powers to voice their concerns free from the historical constraints of Cold War dichotomies or Western alliances.

The Rio summit's declaration on terrorism suggests that member states are no longer willing to overlook threats that destabilise their regions in favour of transactional diplomacy. For countries like Brazil and South Africa, which have dealt with their own home-grown security challenges, there is a growing realisation that impunity for terrorism anywhere poses risks everywhere.

India's persistent framing of Pakistan's terror infrastructure not as a bilateral grievance but as a global security issue seems to be gaining traction. New Delhi's argument is simple: if terrorism financed, trained, and directed from across borders is tolerated in Kashmir, it sets a precedent that could embolden similar actors in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

Reframing the Global South

The BRICS condemnation also highlights a deeper shift in the Global South's readiness to define its own red lines rather than outsourcing them to the geopolitical West. For decades, countries like India have been expected to toe the line of major powers when it comes to defining security threats, be it in West Asia, Central Asia, or elsewhere. But now, the Global South is building a consensus that its security interests are not derivative; rather, they are primary. This is especially true when those interests are undermined by state-sponsored extremism operating under the guise of ideology, liberation, or regional grievance.

In this context, the silence or equivocation of certain powers on acts of terrorism, particularly those with clear cross-border linkages, can no longer be justified. The BRICS condemnation of the Pahalgam attack represents a break from the era of wilful ambiguity. It sets a bar of accountability for all states, regardless of their strategic alignments.

The way ahead

For Pakistan, this emerging scrutiny from fellow members of the Global South should lead to prompt introspection. Its longstanding strategy of cultivating asymmetric warfare through non-state actors has not only destabilised its neighbourhood, but it has become its Achilles' heel, with several of its patronised terrorist groups redirecting their violence against Pakistan.

The evolving alignments and re-alignments at the global level signify that the world is no longer willing to excuse terrorism when it arrives wearing different uniforms. Nor is it buying the notion that development partnerships can offset or obscure the costs of cross-border violence.

India's diplomatic pivot, wherein it complements force with diplomatic forums, is reshaping how terrorism should be debated and condemned in global settings. In this light, the BRICS statement in Rio is not just a victory for Indian diplomacy, but it also signals that the world's emerging powers are ready to call terrorism by its name without considering who sponsors it.
Itanagar, July 11 : Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (retd) on Friday emphasised on better marketing of the products produced by the Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

The Governor underlined the need for dedicated SHG Product Marketing Hubs in key towns, including Itanagar, Ziro, Tezu, Pasighat, Namsai, Aalo, Bomdila, and Tawang.

He said that the Government can provide the infrastructure, but the leadership and ownership must come from the SHGs. The hubs must become vibrant SHG Bazaars, windows into the creativity and strength of our rural women, the Governor said.

The Governor, along with the first lady of the state, Anagha Parnaik, interacted with members of SHGs from across the state during a special event held at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar, on Friday.

Organised by Raj Bhavan in collaboration with the Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission under the Department of Rural Development, the event served as a platform to celebrate the spirit of aLakhpati Didisa, women who are transforming their lives and communities through enterprise, resilience, and vision. He asked them to embrace technology, improve packaging and branding, learn digital marketing, and take Arunachalas products from local to global.

The Governor inspired the women to be proud entrepreneurs, urging them to register their ventures, build group brands, and actively participate in exhibitions across the state and the country.

Highlighting the importance of innovation rooted in tradition, he encouraged them to make the best use of local resources, like bamboo, wild fruits, herbs, recycled materials, and textiles, blending traditional knowledge with modern techniques.

He envisioned the rise of a strong aMade in Arunachala identity. Lt. General Parnaik advised the SHGs to coordinate with cooperative societies to identify markets within and outside the state.

He assured provisions of working office and market areas in districts with assistance from the Deputy Commissioners and the administration.

The Governor also called upon SHGs to the aTrain the Trainersa initiative to build a cadre of Master Didis who can mentor other SHGs in essential skills like business management, accounting, hygiene, packaging, and customer service.

He encouraged them to document their journeys, stories of struggle, growth, and success, to inspire others and contribute to a proposed aVoices of Changea series, which would capture the spirit of grassroots development in Arunachal.

Recognising that most SHG members are mothers, the Governor called on them to play an active role in society, especially in combating drug abuse and tuberculosis, promoting hygiene and sanitation, and ensuring every child completes their basic education.

The Governor affirmed that the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower Lakhpati Didis is already taking shape in Arunachal Pradesh.

He said that the SHGs of Arunachal Pradesh are the living proof that this transformation is real, women creating wealth with dignity, driving economic change from the grassroots, and laying the foundation for a Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat.

--IANS

sc/dan
For the first time in more than 20 years, there are more authoritarian regimes  91  than democracies  88  in the world, according to an index created by three political science scholars at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. The United States could now be counted among the former, according to 13 scholars from 11 countries who have denounced President Donald Trumps policies in a public statement.

Once regarded as a democratic beacon of freedom of expression, the U.S. now represents one of the most recent and striking manifestations of this authoritarian trend, they warn in an editorial published in Digital Journalism, the leading academic journal on journalism.

Oscar Westlund, 47, a professor at Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway, is the lead author of the article, which is also co-authored by 12 colleagues from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Germany, Chile, Singapore, and Qatar. We felt we hadnt done enough to expose the situation, and with this article were also launching a petition campaign open to academics around the world, with which we hope to raise awareness of whats happening, explains the Swedish journalist.

Westlund acknowledges that several top-level American scholars declined to sign due to fear of retaliation. Others even more vulnerable did as well  such as a Middle Eastern PhD student studying in the United States, who explicitly asked him to withdraw an academic article he had submitted out of fear of reprisals from the government (Westlund is the editor-in-chief of Digital Journalism).

The article also describes several cases of self-censorship, in which researchers choose not to work on topics frowned upon by the Trump administration in order to avoid losing federal funding or risking their ability to leave or re-enter the country. The scholar expresses his astonishment that the publisher of the journal, Taylor & Francis  based in the United Kingdom and earning over $600 million annually  requested that the text be reviewed by their legal team to ensure there was nothing they could be sued for. Its something Ive never experienced in my seven years as editor  not even heard of in the academic world, Westlund admits.

Never in my entire career did I think there would come a time when I would hesitate to sign an article, but the truth is that for a moment I considered not doing it for fear of possible reprisals, explains Stephen Reese, a veteran journalism professor at the University of Texas at Austin, via videoconference.

Reese is one of three American academics who finally decided to support the campaign, in part, he explains, because of all the young people who cannot do so because their situation is much more precarious. I think we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg, and that self-censorship and fear of reprisals affect all fields of knowledge, not just our relatively limited world of communication. He adds: Now we are experiencing firsthand what until now we had seen far away, in authoritarian countries to which we perhaps did not pay much attention.

Ramon Salaverria, a professor at the University of Navarra in Spain and co-author of the article, explains that this stance, although modest, is important because it comes from academics who study journalism and teach it at universities. Truth and freedom are the two fundamental values without which journalism cannot exist, he explains. Now that we are beginning to see cases of self-censorship, control over which topics can or cannot be covered, and funding cuts, it is important that those of us who work in this academic field realize how crucial it is to defend scientific freedom and freedom of expression, he adds.

Salaverria, who also serves as director of the Iberian Observatory Against Disinformation, believes the broad attack on science and universities being orchestrated by Trump in the U.S. is comparable to what can be seen in regimes like Venezuelas. The Maduro government even made it impossible for newspapers to have paper to print, Salaverria recalls. These dynamics are also beginning to be seen in the academic world in the United States. The largest universities are standing up to the Trump administrations attempts to pressure them, but other, smaller centers are having more problems and finding it more difficult to act with complete independence. Salaverria believes that Europe should not believe itself immune to this type of interference, largely driven by the far right, which he warns is tremendously negative for the future of research.

Another signatory is Natali Helberger, professor of law and new technologies at the University of Amsterdam. She points out that three months ago, the Dutch government  led by a coalition between the right and the far right under Geert Wilders  announced a brutal 1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) cut to the research and university budget. Two months later, the far-right leader pulled out of the government, causing its collapse  only to strengthen his position ahead of new elections to be held this summer in the EUs fifth-largest economy. Attacks on academic freedom are not exclusive to the United States, but a norm for populist parties, also in Europe, explains Helberger. The brutal cuts announced make clear the priorities of a right-wing government, now fallen. A recent report by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences has denounced that academic freedom is in danger in the Netherlands, and has detailed how governments pressure research centers and universities with constraints, legislation, and direct attacks on certain researchers, she adds.

The signatories have launched a website to gather support from the academic community  not only in the fields of communication and journalism, but from all areas of knowledge.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Hyderabad, July 11 : Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka came down heavily on the BJP for appointing N Ramchander Rao, who was among the accused in the suicide of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula, as the president of the BJP's Telangana unit.

The Congress leader alleged that the saffron party has once again shown that it rewards those who go against Dalits and tribals.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi on Friday, he recalled the alleged role of Ramchander Rao in the Rohit Vemula case.

He alleged that the BJP leader had brought pressure on the authorities of Hyderabad Central University to suspend Rohith Vemula and four other students following a clash between ABVP and ASA studentsa groups, which eventually led to the suicide of Rohith Vemula in 2016.

The Deputy Chief Minister said Rohith Vemula's suicide had shocked the country and made it reflect on what is happening under the BJP rule.

He recalled that Rohith was a PhD scholar and was an active member of the Ambedkar Students' Association (ASA). He said Rohith, along with his friends, was fighting for self-respect and social justice for Dalits, but ABVP leader Susheel Kumar filed a false case and brought a lot of pressure on the university authorities to book and rusticate the boys and shame them, and this led to Rohithas suicide.

He alleged that then BJP MLC Ramchander Rao, along with his agoons,a staged a dharna, met the vice chancellor, and forced the authorities to take action against the ASA students, and this pressure ultimately led Rohith to take his life.

He said that from the Union Human Resources Minister to local MLC Ramchander Rao, the BJP brought pressure on the university authorities to take action against Rohith and other Dalit students. He said Rohith had mentioned the reasons for his extreme step in the suicide note.

Vikramarka said the BJP promoted those who were responsible for the Dalit research scholaras suicide. The ABVP leader was made assistant professor at the University of Delhi, and Ramchander has been promoted as Telangana BJP chief.

The Congress leader alleged that Dalits and tribals have no protection under the BJP rule, as those responsible for attacks on them were being promoted by the saffron party.

He demanded that the BJP rethink such appointments and unconditionally apologise to the country.

Vikramarka alleged that the Central government is destroying the universities and taking away the Constitutional rights.

aThe basic duty of the government should be to protect the lives, dignity and self-respect of every citizen of the nation," he said.

Telangana Police had last year filed a closure report in the Rohith Vemula case before a local court and given a clean chit to the accused, including Ramchander Rao.
Gandhinagar, July 11 : Japan's Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono, paid a courtesy visit to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Friday, accompanied by Japan's Economic and Development Affairs Minister, Koyoko Hokugo.

The meeting came on the final day of Ambassador Ono's three-day visit to Gujarat, which included high-level interactions with more than 150 industrialists in Ahmedabad and a visit to the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR).

During the meeting, Ono expressed appreciation for the support extended by the Gujarat government to more than 350 Japanese companies currently operating in the state.

He emphasised Japan's intention to further strengthen ties with Gujarat as the two nations mark 50 years of diplomatic friendship.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel welcomed the Japanese Ambassador, reiterating that "Gujarat is like a second home for Japan".

He highlighted the presence of two Japanese townships, a growing number of Japanese restaurants and industries, and consistent participation by Japan in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summits.

Chief Minister Patel noted that the Indo-Japan Annual Summit of 2017, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, had led to the successful execution of all signed MoUs.

The focus of the discussion centered around Japan's growing interest in the semiconductor sector.

Ambassador Ono conveyed that several Japanese companies are keen to invest in semiconductor manufacturing at Dholera SIR, leveraging Japan's technological expertise in the field.

He requested the Gujarat government to enhance industrial and social infrastructure, along with human resource development facilities, to support the sector's growth.

In response, CM Patel assured that Gujarat is giving top priority to the semiconductor sector and is committed to delivering world-class infrastructure within defined timelines.

He also welcomed Japan's initiative to conduct a survey through Mizuho Bank on establishing a robust ecosystem for semiconductor industries in Dholera and Japan's own semiconductor park.

The Chief Minister assured full cooperation from state departments in facilitating the study.

The Ambassador also underlined Japan's interest in electric vehicle manufacturing in Gujarat and stressed the need to further accelerate collaboration on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train) Corridor.

He concluded by expressing Japan's desire to deepen commercial, industrial, and cultural exchanges with Gujarat as a way to fortify trilateral ties between Japan, India, and the state of Gujarat.

Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister M.K. Das, Principal Secretary (Industries) Mamta Verma, Additional Principal Secretary Avantika Singh, and Honourary Consul General of Japan in Gujarat Mukesh Patel were also present at the meeting.
Patna, July 11 : The controversial slogan 'Bhura Baal Saaf Karo' has resurfaced in Bihar politics, with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA from Gaya, Ranjit Yadav alias Ajay Yadav, facing criticism after it was raised again during a public protest. The BJP on Friday condemned the slogan and demanded action, while the RJD distanced itself from the incident, claiming it does not reflect the party's ideology.

Reacting strongly, BJP leader Virendra Singh told IANS, "This is not good for society. These people continue to use the same divisive language that was used during Lalu Yadav's rule. Bihar today is peaceful under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, and there is a rule of law. Statements like these are aimed at disturbing public harmony."

Singh urged RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to take responsibility and issue a public apology.

"Tejashwi must respond. If he wants to be seen as a leader, he must say that this was a mistake and those responsible should apologise. The country is moving forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and people like this want to drag us back to pre-2005 Bihar. They've missed the train. There's no use in repeating such slogans now."

However, RJD leader Subodh Mehta claimed the party has no connection with the slogan and said it goes against the core values of the party.

"The RJD functions based on the principles of Emperor Ashoka's Chakras, which emphasise Bahujan Hitay, Bahujan Sukhay. Alongside social revolution, Lalu Prasad Yadav has always spoken of economic revolution," Mehta said.

He added that such slogans are used to defame the party during election seasons.

"This slogan emerges before every election and is wrongly attributed to us. We have no role in it. The RJD is a party of equality, freedom, and social justice. These divisive statements are made by those who do not want the poor and backward to come to power," he added.

Meanwhile, the slogan, which has a controversial history, was allegedly used by RJD founder and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in the 1990s, calling for the political removal of upper caste communities - Brahmins, Bhumihars, Rajputs, and Kayasths. Though Lalu has since denied coining the slogan, its re-emergence continues to spark political tension.

During a protest held on Thursday in the Atari Assembly constituency of Gaya, RJD workers were seen shouting the slogan in a viral video. The dharna was organised at Shivala village against the construction of a playground near the panchayat bhawan. While addressing the gathering, Munarik Yadav, husband of local sarpanch Sahoda Devi, referred to Lalu's alleged slogan and said, "Lalu Yadav used to say 'Bhura Baal Saaf Karo'. Now the time has come to clean Bhura Baal."

RJD MLA Ranjit Yadav was present at the event, leading to criticism from opposition parties who claim his silence indicates endorsement.

The phrase 'Bhura Baal Saaf Karo' translates to "clean the brown hair," which many interpret as a metaphorical reference to removing upper castesBrahmins, Bhumihars, Rajputs, and Kayasthsfrom positions of power.

Though Lalu Prasad Yadav has denied raising the slogan, it remains associated with the identity politics of the 1990s. Its resurgence in today's politically sensitive atmosphere has reignited debates over caste, representation, and the legacy of past leadership.

The video from Gaya has gone viral, dividing public opinion. While some support the assertion of backward class identity, others see it as a harmful echo of caste-based polarisation.

With the BJP demanding accountability and the RJD scrambling to clarify its position, the slogan has once again stirred Bihar's political landscape ahead of the upcoming polls.
Chennai, July 11 : Stating that those from Bollywood loved the cinema and actors from all other parts of the country, Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt on Friday opined that there should not be such boundaries and that a movie, featuring the leading stars from different film industries, must be made.

Sanjay Dutt, who took part in the Tamil teaser launch event of his Kannada film, 'KD - The Devil', said, "We guys from Bollywood... we love Tamil cinema. We love Rajini sir, Thalapathy Vijay and all your actors. We also love Kannada actors and Telugu actors like the way they love us. These boundaries should not be there. I think one movie should be made by Prem sir, with Rajini sir, with me, with Dhruva and Ramcharan or Jr NTR and we combine and we make one movie where all the states are together. This is one of the best things. We love you all and we expect the same love back."

Sanjay Dutt's observation came in the wake of a mediaperson drawing the attention of the film's lead actor, Dhruva Sarja, to the fact that Kannada films were able to release without any hassle in Tamil Nadu while a Tamil film (Thug Life) that had released recently in other parts of the country could not be released in Karnataka.

Responding to the question, actor Dhruva Sarja said that people in Karnataka were hurt by a particular statement of actor Kamal Haasan that resulted in the prevention of release of his pan-Indian film Thug Life.

The actor said, "There have been a lot of Tamil films that have released in Karnataka even before I was born. So, nobody stopped any of those movies. Here, in this particular case, people there got offended by a statement of Kamal Haasan. Let me be direct and open about this."

He went on to say, "Here, everybody loves their mother tongue. Similarly, we love and we adore our mother tongue. When it comes to our mother tongue, definitely people will react. Except for that one film, all other (Tamil) films have released there. So, our Kannada audience will definitely encourage. When it comes to their self respect or mother tongue, they will definitely oppose."

Actress Shilpa Shetty too responded after actor Dhruva Sarja. She said, "I don't think audiences look for language. The only thing audiences understand is the language of cinema and that's the only thing that we have kept in mind."

KD -The Devil, which has been directed by Prem, features Dhruva Sarja and Reeshma Nanaiah in the lead. Apart from the lead cast, it also features V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty, Nora Fatehi and Yash Shetty among others.

Music for the film is by Arjun Janya and cinematography is by William David with art direction being handled by Mohan B Kere. The film, which has been made on huge budget of around Rs 150 crore, is likely to hit screens in October this year.
New Delhi, July 11 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested the 11th key conspirator in the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) Pune sleeper cell case, cracking down further on a module accused of plotting large-scale terror attacks across India.

The arrested accused, Rizwan Ali, also known as Abu Salma and Mola, was a wanted terrorist carrying a bounty of Rs 3 lakh.

A Non-Bailable Warrant had been issued against him by the NIA Special Court in connection with case RC-05/2023/NIA/MUM. According to the NIA, Rizwan was deeply embedded in the terror outfit's plans to create chaos in India.

"As part of the anti-India conspiracy of the IS, which is also known by various other names, Rizwan had played an active role in the reconnaissance and recce of various locations for use as terrorist hideouts," said NIA in a statement.

He was also involved in conducting firing classes and training in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as per NIA investigations in the case.

Along with the 10 other accused already arrested and in judicial custody, Rizwan had conspired to commit a series of terror acts to destabilise the country and spread communal disharmony.

Besides Rizwan Ali, the other arrested sleeper cell members are identified as Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan, Shahnawaz Alam, Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan.

All the accused have been charge sheeted by NIA under various sections of UA (P) Act, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and IPC. Rizwan's arrest marks another breakthrough for the NIA in its ongoing mission to neutralise ISIS-linked terror modules in India.

The agency said it is continuing with its investigation in the case as part of its efforts to scuttle the IS conspiracy to establish Islamic rule in the country through violence and terror, by waging a war against the Government of India.
Kolkata, July 11 : The Border Security Force (BSF) succeeded in arresting two smugglers and seizing a large quantity of narcotics along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal on Friday.

A jawan of the 143 Bn BSF sustained injuries to his left arm after being attacked with a machete, known as a Dah.

"Despite coming under deadly attack, the BSF troops, though initially outnumbered, did not leave their posts and exercised maximum restraint, thereby thwarting a major drug-smuggling attempt from India to Bangladesh," said N K Pandey, DIG and spokesperson, South Bengal Frontier, BSF.

According to him, the incident happened around 1.50 am after a jawan posted at the Tarali-1 Border Outpost deployed at the forward checkpost spotted three to four persons approaching the border fence from the Indian side. They were carrying headloads.

The jawan challenged them, but the group was not deterred. Instead of giving up or retreating, they started abusing the BSF personnel and pelting stones. They also focused the beams of powerful torches on his eyes to temporarily blind him.

"The brave jawan stood his ground and fired a shot from his Pump-Action Gun (PAG) in the air. The aim was to scare away the attackers. Instead of moving away, the miscreants surrounded him and attacked with the Dah, injuring him in the arm. Other troops reached the spot at that time, and the smugglers attempted to flee, taking advantage of the darkness and the nearby houses. The jawans chased them and succeeded in nabbing two," the DIG said.

A search of the area led to the seizure of 10 kg of Ganja and 100 bottles of banned Phensesdyl cough syrup. A machete was also seized. After interrogation, the two men have been handed over to the appropriate department for further legal processing. The seized items have also been handed over.

Pandey pointed to how BSF jawans fall victim to such violence during the course of their duties.

"Our jawans continue to perform their responsibilities with exceptional courage, dedication, and vigilance under such challenging conditions. Despite repeated flag meetings with the BGB to alert them about forced infiltrations and ongoing attacks by Bangladeshi criminals, no concrete action has been taken so far from their side. This inaction has even more emboldened the smugglers and criminals. However, BSF personnel remain fully capable of securing the borders and safeguarding the nation under all circumstances," he said.
Raipur, July 11 : The Chhattisgarh government has approved a series of transformative decisions with a strong emphasis on road safety, pollution control, youth empowerment, and inclusive development.

Among the key changes, the Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Cabinet passed amendments to the Chhattisgarh Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1991, allowing vehicle owners to retain fancy or choice registration numbers from old vehicles when registering new ones or transferring vehicles from other states, subject to a fee.

However, Government vehicles will be exempt from this charge.

These measures aim to reduce accidents caused by aging vehicles and curb environmental hazards.

To foster innovation among students, the Cabinet also adopted the Student Start-up and Innovation Policy.

The initiative targets 50,000 students across 100 technical institutions, supporting 500 prototypes and incubating 150 start-ups, with a focus on tribal regions and sectors such as agriculture, green energy, and health.

In a move to enhance administrative efficiency, the Cabinet approved the creation of 30 non-numerical posts to grant senior grade pay scales to State Police Service officers from the 2005 to 2009 batches.

Additionally, a joint venture between the state and Pan IIT Alumni Reach for India Foundation was sanctioned.

This non-profit initiative will offer vocational training, foreign language education, and entrepreneurship support to economically weak youth, women, and third-gender individuals from tribal and marginalised communities.

Urban development received a major push with the approval of a Bill to establish the Chhattisgarh Capital Region Development Authority, modeled after the National Capital Region.

This authority will oversee planned growth in Raipur, Durg-Bhilai, and Naya Raipur, anticipating a population of 50 lakh by 2031.

Other significant approvals included amendments to the Private University Act, Krishi Upaj Mandi Act, GST Act, and Land Revenue Code.

The Cabinet also passed a Bill to expedite the resolution of pending tax cases, offering relief to small and medium traders.

These amended Bills will be tabled during the Monsoon Session of the state Assembly, scheduled from July 14 to 18, with five meetings planned.

The session is expected to be contentious, as the Opposition prepares to raise concerns over fertiliser distribution and rising crime across the state.
New Delhi, July 11 : In a major decision to speed up Delhi's infrastructure management, the Public Works Department (PWD) is set to establish its own engineering cadre, an official said on Friday

The proposal for cadre formation has been finalised and will be placed before the Delhi Cabinet in the coming days.

"This marks the biggest administrative reform in the department's history, ending decades of dependence on borrowed officers from CPWD (Central Public Works Department)," said an official.

Until now, PWD relied upon engineers, executive engineers (EEs), superintending engineers (SEs), and junior engineers (JEs) deputed from CPWD or other central agencies.

"But with the creation of an independent PWD cadre, Delhi will finally have its own permanent, dedicated technical workforce  trained, appointed, and promoted under its own rules and oversight," said an official statement.

"This is a turning point not just for Delhi PWD, but for the entire city. When engineers are accountable only to the people of Delhi, their performance and commitment automatically rise. We are building a stronger, cleaner, and faster Delhiand we need our own team to do it," said Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, Delhi's PWD Minister.

Once the Cabinet approves the proposal, the PWD will initiate the recruitment and structural realignment process, ensuring that each level, from Junior Engineer to Chief Engineer, is staffed by officers exclusively under Delhi PWD's control.

Importantly, all existing CPWD-deputed officers currently serving in Delhi PWD will be given the option to either return to their parent cadre or permanently opt into the new Delhi PWD engineering cadre, subject to conditions set by the department and administrative rules.

This reform is expected to increase departmental efficiency, strengthen accountability, and ensure continuity in leadership and project delivery  something often disrupted by transfers and deputations from CPWD.

The reform may result in the speedy execution of projects and give PWDs administrative independence with no delays or disruptions due to CPWD deputation issues.
Bhubaneswar, July 11 : The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has issued a bailable arrest warrant against senior IAS officer and Principal Secretary of the ST & SC Development department, Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra.

The arrest warrant was issued for failing to comply with its orders in connection with a case related to the death of a seven-year-old girl, a student of a government residential school at Budrukia under Baliguda Block of Kandhamal district, over negligence of the authorities of the school under the ST & SC Development department.

After the news regarding the death of the minor girl student allegedly for negligence of local officials reported in the media, noted rights activist and advocate Prabir Kumar Das filed a plea with the OHRC seeking action against the erring officials responsible for the death of the minor student and financial compensation of Rs 10 lakhs for the deceased's family members.

As per the OHRC order, the principal secretary of the ST & SC Development department failed to furnish the fact-finding report on the media reports in compliance with orders issued by the commission on 04.07.2024, 04.10.2024, 28.01.2025 and 22.04.2025.

Following the non-compliance of the orders, the commission issued summon in to the ST/SC development department secretary on June 3, 2025 instructing him to appear before the Commission personally on July 4, 2025 but the Secretary to Government of Odisha, ST & SC Development Department didn't turn up to comply the OHRC order.

"Accordingly, Bailable Warrant of Arrest in the sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand) with one solvent surety to the like amount, be issued against Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government of Odisha, ST & SC Development Department and the same be sent to the DCP, Bhubaneswar UPD for execution indicating in the warrant to remain present in person on 12.08.2025 at 11 A.M. and file show cause as to what actuated him not to comply the orders passed by this Commission," reads the order.

The rights activist alleged that the deceased student was diagnosed with Malaria on June 25, 2024, during a routine check-up by a health team at her school hostel. On the next day, on June 26, 2024, when her body temperature increased, she was taken to a hospital at Baliguda, where the doctor declared her dead.

A joint inquiry was conducted by the project administrator of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency, the district welfare officer, and the sub-divisional medical officer in Baliguda into the cause of the student's death.

Later, the district administration, on the basis of the inquiry report, has reportedly suspended the Assistant Superintendent of the residential school and also transferred the hostel's matron for negligence.

The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Kandhamal was reportedly also instructed to issue a show cause notice to the Community Health Officer, who conducted the check-up but failed to get her tested for anaemia.
New Delhi, July 11 : The air cargo industry has consistently shown its strength and adaptability during challenging times, said Sanjiv Edward, President of Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) on Friday.

Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of ACFI Annual Conclave 2025, he highlighted how the Indian air cargo sector has consistently proved its resilience, especially during global disruptions.

"During the Covid crisis, when the country urgently needed life-saving supplies, the air cargo industry stepped into the gap -- delivering oxygen cylinders, crucial medicines, and more," Edward told IANS.

"I am confident about this industry's ability to turn problems into opportunities," he mentioned.

Speaking on the sidelines of the conclave themed "Air Cargo Leadership in a Changing World," he said that the conclave brings together key players from across the cargo supply chain -- including airport cargo handlers, airlines, freight forwarders, express operators, and customs brokers -- to deliberate on future strategies and policies.

Edward said the main aim of the conclave is to align the industry's efforts with the government's vision of achieving 10 million metric tonnes of air cargo movement annually, up from the current 3.7 million metric tonnes.

"To help achieve this target, ACFI also launched a knowledge report during the event," he mentioned.

Edward explained that the report, prepared by ACFI's knowledge and research wing, analyses current cargo capacity and outlines key steps needed to scale up operations.

"We need to simplify transhipment, increase freighter capacity, and strengthen tier-2 and tier-3 city connectivity. These are critical elements for growth," he said.

On future collaborations, Edward said ACFI continues to work closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, offering suggestions on policy changes to help realise the 10 million metric tonnes vision.

He praised the ministry for already taking several positive steps, such as allowing passenger charters with belly cargo capacity to transport goods and relaxing freighter restrictions for more cities.

"We're also in talks with state governments, like Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, to sign MoUs on skilling and logistics advisory. These initiatives will help unlock regional air cargo potential," he added.

When asked about challenges facing the aviation industry today, Edward acknowledged the turbulent global environment but remained optimistic.

"Yes, we live in uncertain times, but the air cargo industry has shown time and again that it can adapt, evolve, and grow stronger. Our resilience is our biggest strength," he said.
One of the questions raised by the boom of generative artificial intelligence was whether it would end the reign of search engines, dominated with an iron fist by Google. Two and a half years after the emergence of ChatGPT, signs are beginning to show that something is shifting.

In April, searches on Google made through Safari, Apples browser, fell for the first time in history, as reported by The Verge. And just on Thursday, it was revealed that OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, will launch an AI-powered web browser in the coming weeks, posing a challenge to the reign of Google Chrome, the most widely used browser in the world.

On May 7, when it became known that searches on Safari had dropped, shares of Alphabet, Googles parent company, fell by 7.5%, wiping out around $150 billion of its market capitalization. The reason: a senior Apple executive said the tech giant was actively looking at redesigning Safari to perform AI-powered searches, according to Bloomberg, even though this would mean losing $20 billion annually from revenue sharing. This move would further displace Google, the default search engine on iPhones and other Apple devices.

If people get used to interacting with a tool capable of structuring information and answering questions, the days of traditional search engines may be numbered. Asking questions is simply more convenient than typing keywords and clicking through links to find the right one. That shift in user behavior is already underway. A recent study found that 92% of U.S. high school students are now using generative AI, up from 66% in 2024. Another report by consulting firm Lily AI reveals that 40% of shoppers already rely on AI assistants  not search engines  to research products before making a purchase.

Last week brought renewed turbulence. Rumors are swirling that Apple may be looking to acquire Anthropic  the company founded by former OpenAI team member Dario Amodei  to breathe new life into Siri. Its also been reported that Apple is interested in acquiring Perplexity AI, the developer behind the AI-powered search engine of the same name. In recent days, Apple has even been linked to OpenAI. Asked to comment on the accuracy of these reports, Apple sources have simply said the company does not respond to rumors. Still, all signs point in the same direction: bolstering its AI capabilities, which would signal a clear intent to challenge Googles dominance.

At Google, theres an awareness that the ground is shifting. The company refers to a profound change in how people use its search engine, which still holds a 90% market share, according to Statcounter. People are coming to Google to ask more questions, including more complex, longer, and multimodal queries, company sources explain. We believe the future of Search is moving from information to intelligence.

Googles own data shows that signed-in users aged 18 to 24 conduct more searches daily than any other age group  an encouraging sign for the company. Visual search tools may be part of that appeal, such as Google Lens (which uses the phones camera) and the new Circle to Search feature, which lets users circle objects in images to start a search.

Financial impact

Google has built its empire on monetizing the data it collects from internet users. Its dominance in both search engines and web browsers Chrome remains the most widely used browser in the world with a market share above 65%, according to Statista  has allowed the company to learn a great deal about our preferences. It has turned that information into revenue by using it to create targeted online ads: advertisers pay to reach the specific user profiles they consider their target audience.

For more than 15 years, Google and Meta have dominated the digital advertising market, accounting for 70% of total ad spending in Spain in 2021, according to Spains National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC). In recent years, Amazon has joined the ranks. Together, this triad controlled 60% of global digital ad revenue in 2023, according to Stocklytics data.

Google still leads the pack with a market share of roughly 35%, bringing in more than $264 billion in 2024. Meta follows with 19% and $160 billion in revenue that year. Amazon earned $56 billion in digital advertising revenue that same year.

Search engines and social media currently account for 44% of all advertising investment, according to consultancy Media Hotline  precisely because they allow advertisers to target their messages with pinpoint precision. But if people stop using search engines, or if usage declines  something that could happen if Apple drops Google as its default option  the business could suffer.

The same risk applies if online browsing habits shift away from traditional browsers and social networks toward generative AI tools. Thats why OpenAIs move into the browser market, a project long considered by its CEO Sam Altman, is so significant. According to Reuters, the tool may not look like a traditional browser, but rather take the form of a conversational interface  more like ChatGPT than Chrome.

Do these developments threaten Googles revenue? Is the impact already being felt? The company declined to respond to EL PAIS.

Google is prepared for a scenario in which it earns less from its search engine, says Cecilia Rikap, professor of economics at University College London and research director of the institutes Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP). The companys biggest gamble for years has been the cloud, and it is using its advertising revenue to finance, and even subsidize, its expansion in that business at relatively lower prices than Amazon and Microsoft.

For Rikap, who studies how big tech companies monopolize knowledge generation, the mere existence of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, such as Copilot (Microsoft), Llama (Meta), or Perplexity, proves that it doesnt have a monopoly on search.

Google has integrated AI into its search engine, typically displaying an AI-generated response firstbefore the traditional list of search results. In the last six months, the volume of searches with five or more words grew 1.5 times faster than shorter queries compared to the same period last year, say sources at the technology company.

Meta, Googles arch-rival in the advertising market, believes the rise of generative AI can boost its business. According to sources at the company founded by Mark Zuckerberg, almost all advertisers who rely on Meta use at least one of the AI tools available to them to monitor the performance of their ads.

Outplayed at its own game

The public launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 disrupted the strategies of major tech giants. The widespread success of the first widely available generative AI tool forced the sector to respond. Just two months later, in January 2023, Microsoft announced a partnership with OpenAI that included a $10 billion investment.

Google, which had previously led the way in AI, reorganized its research divisions and created a super-lab that would eventually produce Gemini. It merged DeepMind, which had focused on more theoretical research, with Google Brain, its other major AI team. At the helm, it placed British scientist Demis Hassabis, who last year received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in recognition of his AI tool for understanding protein design.

The move revealed a sense of urgency to deliver results. Even though it was Google scientists who developed the Transformer model  the neural network architecture that underpins generative AI  it was OpenAI that cracked the code and brought the technology into the spotlight. OpenAI, in fact, was Elon Musks answer to challenge Google and DeepMinds dominance in AI.

But Google has responded, and the Gemini family of models is still in the race  albeit without the dominant position its search engine once held.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Bengaluru, July 11 : The one-man inquiry Commission headed by retired Justice Michael D'Cunha, appointed by the Congress-led government to probe the June 4 Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede tragedy that claimed 11 lives, submitted its report to the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday.

Justice D'Cunha handed over the report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the presence of the Chief Minister's Legal Advisor and MLA A.S. Ponnanna, Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh, and other officials at the Vidhana Soudha.

The details of the report are yet to be made public.

The state government had issued a notification on June 5, 2025, forming a one-man Commission headed by retired Justice Michael D'Cunha to investigate the deaths and injuries caused by the stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebration event.

The Karnataka government, on June 7, issued a notification extending the term of the one-man Commission led by retired Justice John Michael D'Cunha to facilitate the probe into the Chinnaswamy stampede tragedy.

The Congress-led government has ordered a three-pronged investigation into the stampede tragedy.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a magisterial probe by the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru City and District Magistrate, a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe, in addition to the judicial probe by the John Michael D'Cunha-led Commission.

Union Minister for Large and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, had questioned the state government's multiple probes.

"The government wanted to show that it had taken measures regarding the incident before the High Court took up the PIL suo motu. The government first ordered a magisterial probe, then appointed a commission headed by a retired High Court Judge, and the case was also handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Which report are you going to accept?" Kumaraswamy asked.

Following the direction by the state government, the Karnataka Police, in the FIR lodged regarding the stampede, said that the accused parties -- RCB franchise, event management firm DNA, and the KSCA Administrative Committee -- organised the victory celebration without the necessary permissions.

The RCB, DNA and KSCA have challenged the allegation of the state government in the court and claimed that it is being done to escape the blame for the stampede tragedy..

The Justice Cunha commission is also investigating the Covid-19 scam and the deaths of patients due to lack of oxygen at the Chamarajanagar district hospital, with a mandate to submit its report within a stipulated time period.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also appointed the D'Cunha Commission to probe the stampede case on June 5.

Given the urgency of this matter, the Commission has been directed to complete its enquiry and submit its report to the state government within a month, the notification said.

It further clarifies, "Since the Commission needs to prioritise the stampede incident and submit the report in a month after completing the probe, the term of the Commission has been extended from August 1 to 31, 2025."
Gandhinagar, July 11 : The Gujarat government has announced a plan to equip around 1,200 district-level judges with digital tools, including tablets and printers.

The initiative, driven by the state's Law Department under the leadership of Law Minister Rushikesh Patel, aligns with the national vision of building a more technology-enabled and transparent justice system.

As part of this initiative, each judge will receive a tablet worth Rs 80,000 and a printer worth Rs 20,000, bringing the total value of support per judicial officer to Rs 1 lakh. The state government has earmarked Rs 15 crore in the 202526 budget to implement the plan.

Officials say the effort not only highlights the Gujarat government's commitment to judicial reforms but also reflects a larger vision of integrating the legal system with the digital era.

The deployment of these tools is expected to enhance both efficiency and accuracy in case management and decision-making, ultimately improving the delivery of justice.

The decision is strategically timed to support the implementation of India's newly reformed criminal lawsthe Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (Indian Evidence Act). With the shift toward new legal frameworks, digital tools are expected to enable smoother transitions and more effective judicial practices.

This initiative is being undertaken under the E-Courts Mission Mode Project, a flagship scheme of the Government of India, and dovetails with Gujarat's own "Ease of Doing Justice" policy.

By equipping judges with advanced technology, the state hopes to streamline judicial proceedings, reduce paperwork, and ensure quicker access to legal information and documentation.

Gujarat has a judicial infrastructure comprising over 1,600 courts across the state. This includes the Gujarat High Court in Ahmedabad and 36 district and sessions courts, along with hundreds of subordinate courts such as civil, criminal, family, and magistrate courts functioning at the taluka and metropolitan levels.

The state has also implemented e-courts in many locations to promote digital access to justice, with ongoing efforts to strengthen court infrastructure under central and state schemes.
Chandigarh, July 11 : Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic visits by saying that, as the Chief Minister of Punjab, he has every right to question the foreign policy of the country.

The Chief Minister told the media here that he will repeatedly ask the question about the foreign visits of Modi. "During the India-Pakistan war, none of the countries across the globe supported our country, so what is the use of such visits?" Mann questioned. CM Mann hit back at MEA criticism, raising concerns over the unresolved Punjab-Haryana water dispute.

He said more people watch a JCB machine than the population of countries from which "he gets the highest honours". He alleged that "he finds time to tour abroad but 'fails' to address the concerns of 140 crore Indians".

A day earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) termed Mann's comments 'irresponsible'. "Do not know which countries he goes to. Now he has gone to, I don't know... (But) He is not staying in the country where 140 crore people live. The countries which he is visiting have a population of 15,000. And he got the biggest awards there. Over here, 15,000 people gather to watch the JCB machine," he said.

The Chief Minister also slammed the Prime Minister for not holding a press conference in the 11 years he has been in office. He said the dreaded gangsters are patronised by the BJP-led Central government, who are lodged in the jails in Gujarat. Mann said strict action would be taken against those involved in organised crime and drugs, adding that no leniency will be adopted against them.

The Chief Minister said that the Union government is "hell bent upon muzzling the voice of democracy by lodging FIRs against AAP and its leaders". He said, "It is a new order of the day that whosoever will speak truth will have to face FIRs," adding Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and others were put behind bars just for speaking the truth. He said they are ready to face all such efforts to muzzle their voice by the Centre, adding they have full faith in the law of the land, which is there to save them.

Mann said more arrests and FIRs will take place as the BJP and its leaders want to shut our voice for speaking against Modi. The Chief Minister said, "It is a historic day for the state as five pro-people bills have been passed in the state Vidhan Sabha unanimously".

He said every effort is being made to restore the pristine glory of the state, and no stone will be left unturned for it. CM Mann said more such pro-Punjab and development-oriented decisions will be taken by the state government in the coming times.
Islamabad, July 11 : Torrential monsoon rains and flash floods have claimed at least 98 lives and left 185 others injured across Pakistan since June 26, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Friday.

The NDMA said that eight people were killed and 27 others injured in rain-related accidents in the past 24 hours.

Punjab province recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 37 deaths, including 20 children, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 30 people lost their lives.

Authorities have issued warnings for further rainfall in the coming days and urged residents, particularly those in low-lying and vulnerable areas, to take precautionary measures. Rescue and relief operations remained underway in the worst-affected regions, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on July 10, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had placed multiple regions under high alert, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and several districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as the rain continues to batter the nation.

Additionally, several roads had been blocked due to flooding, which has impacted the traffic in these cities, according to a report by the leading Pakistani newspaper, The Express Tribune.

Urban flooding has severely impacted major cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, where rainwater has submerged low-lying areas and paralysed traffic. Roads in several key localities remain inundated, causing widespread disruption.

The forecast reports suggested that heavy rainfall is likely to persist until Friday, raising the risk of flash floods.

In Punjab province, cities like Sialkot, Gujrat, Chiniot, Kasur, Ferozewala, Sargodha, etc, had reported intense rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning.

According to the Water and Sanitation Agency's (Wasa) Monsoon Control Room, Lahore recorded an average of 58.8mm of rain, while some areas of the city, like Nishtar Town, received the highest 84mm, followed by Lakshmi Chowk (78mm) and Paniwala Talab (74mm).

As the heavy downpours lashed Lahore, shortcomings in the drainage system's management were exposed when the key areas of the city, like Jail Road, Qurtaba Chowk, and Wasa Head Office in Gulberg, were waterlogged.

Despite claims by the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) of clearing over 6,000 waste containers and deploying cleaning crews, residents had expressed frustration at the lack of visible progress.

The rainwater mixed with overflowing sewage has raised growing public health concerns, according to the residents, who are also finding it dreadful to navigate clogged roads.

Furthermore, the situation has worsened in the hilly regions, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Murree, due to the risk of landslides.

In Balochistan, areas like Zhob and Sibi are among the worst affected.
Patna, July 11 : The fearless rampage of criminals in Bihar continues, with the latest incident appearing in Vaishali district, where miscreants looted jewellery worth Rs 20 lakh from a shop in broad daylight on Friday afternoon, causing panic in the area.

The incident took place at Goraul market under Goraul police station, just a short distance from the police station, raising serious questions about the security arrangements in the area.

According to information received, shop owner Arun Kumar Shah was at his shop when around six armed robbers arrived on two motorcycles, threatened him and the customers while brandishing weapons.

"The robbers posed as customers, entered the shop, and soon took all employees, customers and me at gunpoint. They have asked to open the shelves forcibly. They have looted gold and silver jewellery kept on the shelves. The robbers fled within minutes," Shah said.

This incident has created panic and chaos in the area.

Following the incident, local shopkeepers and residents expressed fear and anger over the deteriorating law and order situation. They shut their shops in protest and demanded the arrest of the accused as soon as possible.

Upon receiving information, the Goraul police station team rushed to the spot and began an investigation.

SDPO Kumari Durga Shakti inspected the scene and recorded the victim's statement.

Police are scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the accused, but no arrests have been made so far.

An FIR has been registered at Goraul police station against unidentified persons, and the district police have launched a manhunt to nab the criminals.

"The matter is being investigated with priority, and efforts are on to arrest the accused soon," said the SHO of Goraul police station.

This incident once again highlights the rising incidents of crime in Bihar and the challenges faced by the police in maintaining law and order.
Surat, July 11 : Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has approved the redevelopment of two prominent road stretches into iconic corridors under the Smart City initiative.

The project aims to not only improve road quality but also create vibrant public spaces that reflect Suratas growing status as a modern urban hub.

The first stretch earmarked for redevelopment is the 2-kilometre-long section from Surat International Airport gate to Kuvada Junction along Dumas Road. The second, more extensive corridor covers 7.7 kilometres, extending from Y Junction to Sosyo Circle on Udhna-Magdalla Road. Both roads are 60 metres wide and will collectively see an upgrade across nearly 1.5 lakh square metres - 40,000 sq m for the airport stretch and 112,000 sq m for the Udhna-Magdalla corridor.

The Standing Committee of the SMC gave its nod to the detailed proposals submitted by Rajhans Infracon, a private firm that had earlier executed the redevelopment of Suratas existing iconic Airport Road.

The new project will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with an overall estimated cost of Rs 61 crore.

Of this, Rs 21 crore will be invested by the municipal corporation, while the remaining Rs 40 crore will be contributed by the contractor.

The vision for these iconic roads extends beyond surface-level upgrades. The SMC will be responsible for developing core infrastructure, including paved footpaths, safety railings, modern lighting poles, and zebra crossings to ensure safe and efficient pedestrian movement.

The beautification and aesthetic components of the project will be handled by Rajhans Infracon. These include sculptural installations, contemporary design bus stops, artistic traffic islands, themed selfie zones, decorative fountains, and dedicated recreational zones underneath flyovers.

In addition to enhancing mobility and beautification, the redevelopment plan incorporates public engagement features. Space will be allocated for food stalls, leisure areas, and open activity spaces under flyovers, creating multifunctional zones that encourage community use and increase footfall in public spaces.

The integration of such amenities is expected to elevate the overall quality of life and boost local economic activity.

This redevelopment is part of a broader SMC initiative to build a network of seven iconic roads across Surat. With approvals now in place for these two stretches, construction is set to begin shortly.
Mumbai, July 11 : Opposition parties on Friday said that the Maharashtra Special Public Safety (MSPS) Bill, 2024, is a deliberate attempt by the state government to consolidate and legitimise extraordinary executive powers in the name of public safety.

They said that although some procedural changes have been made following the recommendations of the Joint Select Committee, the basic structure of the bill is oppressive, ambiguous and open to abuse.

The opposition parties comprising Shiv Sena UBT, Congress and NCP SP in a dissent letter addressed to the Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman said the bill is not a public safety measure - it is a legal blueprint for political repression.

"It combines the worst features of UAPA, NSA, and AFSPA without reference to national security and applies them to civil resistance, democratic expression, and opposition organisations. The important concerns raised by opposition members, civil society and constitutional experts have been ignored or sidelined."

The opposition's move comes a day after the state assembly passed the bill by voice vote, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that the bill is not to harass anyone, but it is against those who incite people against the Indian Constitution. No action can be taken against any journalist or political leader. The bill is for the security of the country, the state and against those who want to declare war against the Indian Constitution.

"When the UAPA 1967 (amended in 2008, 2019), the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 2023 and the MCOCA, 1999 are already in force in the state and give unfettered and draconian powers to the state and the police, is there a need for another law?" asked the opposition parties.

"The proposed law, the MSPS Bill 2024, must also be seen in the context of several pre-existing laws, UAPA 1967 and BNS 2023, which are central laws enacted to combat anti-terrorism and organised crime. This, along with the MCOCA, 1999, a state law, already provides a broad legal framework to address activities considered to be 'terrorist or separatist'. These laws give extraordinary and significant powers to the state and its police apparatus to take action against persons involved in activities that threaten national security, integrity or sovereignty," said the opposition parties.

They said that the inclusion of draconian provisions in Maharashtra's criminal laws, especially without the necessary safeguards, raises serious concerns about the potential for abuse.

"In the current climate of intolerance towards any political or constructive opposition to the government's policies and the misuse of powers by investigative agencies, this bill only increases the risk of arbitrary state action and further endangers fundamental rights," they argued.

Further, the opposition parties said that the joint select committee was not a place for democratic deliberation, but rather a procedural formality used to silence public criticism and legitimise already predetermined legal conclusions.

"The final bill now presented reflects this closed process: a text full of constitutional errors, ideological targeting, and structural biases, which, while presented as a measure "for public safety," functions as an instrument of political repression," added the opposition parties.
Chandigarh, July 11 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday appealed to Punjabis to unite to stop the loot of Punjab and its resources allegedly by AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal even as he held him responsible for the collapse of the law and order situation as well as the steep increase in extortions and targeted killings.

The SAD President was in Ludhiana to visit Aniljit Singh Kamboj, who was grievously injured after being shot by gangsters after he refused to succumb to their extortion threats. Kamboj, who is the father of Punjabi film actress Tanya, is presently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Ludhiana. Badal, while inquiring about Kamboj's health, also assured the family that SAD was with them and would strive to ensure justice was done to them.

Speaking to the media, Badal said, "Punjabis slipping into lawlessness, but Kejriwal, who was ruling the state by proxy, was only interested in collecting money." He said targeted killings had increased drastically, with renowned businessman Sanjay Verma of Abohar also being gunned down a few days back.

"The situation has become so bad that prominent businessmen have started investing in other states even as others are in a state of perpetual fear as they have no trust in the state security apparatus to safeguard their lives." Urging people to support the Akali Dal, Badal said "the previous SAD governments have a stellar record as far as maintaining law and order is concerned. SAD has always stood for peace and communal harmony, and we made this a reality during our stints in power."

He said the situation had deteriorated to such a level now because Punjab was being remotely controlled from Delhi.

Later, the SAD President held meetings in Jagraon and Ludhiana in connection with the party's July 15 conference against the land "grabbing" scheme of the AAP government, which wants to grab 24,000 acres of fertile land in the periphery of Ludhiana city in the name of a land pooling scheme.

He said both party units in Jagraon and Ludhiana informed him that they would not let the nefarious design of the AAP government to sell the 24,000 acres to builders of Delhi succeed at any cost.
Bengaluru, July 11 : The one-man Commission led by retired Justice Michael D'Cunha, appointed by the Congress-led government to probe the June 4 Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede tragedy that claimed 11 lives, submitted its report in two volumes to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday.

Justice D'Cunha handed over the report to CM Siddaramaiah in the presence of the Chief Minister's Legal Advisor and MLA A.S. Ponnanna, Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh, and other officials at the Vidhana Soudha.

The details of the report are yet to be made public.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, "The one-man Commission headed by retired Justice Michael D'Cunha, appointed to look into the stampede tragedy that claimed 11 lives, has submitted its report. The report has been submitted in two volumes."

"I have not been able to read it fully. It will be presented before the next Cabinet meeting on July 17, where we will discuss the findings and recommendations."

When asked about the contents of the report, the Chief Minister said that it comprises two volumes and he has not yet read it.

He emphasised that the report's findings need to be discussed and debated before any decisions are made.

"I am yet to go through the report, and it needs to be discussed in the Cabinet. You (the media) should not publish inaccurate information before that," he added.

The state government had issued a notification on June 5, 2025, forming a one-man Commission led by retired Justice Michael D'Cunha to investigate the deaths and injuries caused by the stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebration event.

The Karnataka government, on June 7, issued a notification extending the term of the one-man Commission led by retired Justice John Michael D'Cunha to facilitate the probe into the Chinnaswamy stampede tragedy.

The Congress-led state government has ordered a three-pronged investigation into the stampede tragedy.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a magisterial probe by the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru City and District Magistrate, a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe, in addition to the judicial probe by the John Michael D'Cunha-led Commission.

Union Minister for Large and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy had questioned the state government's multiple probes.

"The government wanted to show that it had taken measures regarding the incident before the High Court took up the PIL suo motu PIL. The government first ordered a magisterial probe, then appointed a commission headed by a retired High Court Judge, and the case was also handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Which report are you going to accept?" Kumaraswamy asked.

Following the direction by the state government, the Karnataka Police, in the FIR lodged regarding the stampede, said that the accused parties -- RCB franchise, event management firm DNA, and the KSCA Administrative Committee -- organised the victory celebration without the necessary permissions.

The RCB, DNA and KSCA have challenged the allegation of the state government in the court and claimed that it is being done to escape the blame for the stampede.

The Justice Cunha commission is also investigating the Covid-19 scam and the deaths of patients due to lack of oxygen at the Chamarajanagar district hospital, with a mandate to submit its report within a stipulated time period.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also appointed the D'Cunha Commission to probe the stampede case on June 5.

Given the urgency of this matter, the Commission has been directed to complete its enquiry and submit its report to the state government within a month, the notification said.

It further clarifies, "Since the Commission needs to prioritise the stampede incident and submit the report in a month after completing the probe, the term of the Commission has been extended from August 1 to 31, 2025."
Hyderabad, July 11 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday said that Hindi should not be opposed blindly as this amounts to impeding development.

He said that at a time when the world is marching ahead for educational, employment and business opportunities without a language barrier, blindly opposing Hindi would amount to hampering the progress of coming generations.

The Jana Sena Party leader was speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Department of Official Language in Hyderabad.

Stating that he welcomes the national language, Hindi, Pawan Kalyan said it united the country.

He also remarked that when languages like English, Urdu and Persian are accepted, it's irrational to say that Hindi is being imposed. He lamented that Hindi is being opposed for the sake of politics.

"Mother tongue is for speaking at home, but when we go out, our national language is Hindi," he said.

He also stated that learning Hindi does not mean losing identity but strengthening it. "Learning another language does not mean our defeat. It means moving together. It's not submission. It's addition."

The actor-politician also noted that South Indian films were earning revenues with dubbing in Hindi. "When we need Hindi for business and popularity, what is the problem in learning it?" he asked.

Pawan Kalyan, who termed Hindi as 'grandmother tongue', mentioned that the country has Dravidian languages, be it Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam and many other languages, but Hindi as the national language is the country's pride.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy stated that protests against Hindi in some states are political. "Before elections, such small issues are used to provoke people for political gain," he said.

He said that though his mother tongue is Telugu, he learnt Hindi after entering politics.

The Union Minister said the Department of Official Language during the last decade took several steps to promote Hindi and other regional languages, or the introduction of the New Education Policy 2020, supporting education in the mother tongue.

"Our languages are our cultural treasure, a symbol of identity, and the strength of our democracy sustains our rich linguistic heritage. The only way forward is to use them widely. I urge everyone to actively use our Rashtra Bhasha and Matru Bhasha with pride," he said.

Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh also addressed the event.
A dozen federal agents, half of them masked, struggle with two men in a narrow hallway of a Manhattan courthouse. They end up arresting both individuals: an immigrant and a New York City elected official who tried to protect him. In California, the Los Angeles police rush downtown after reports of an ongoing kidnapping, only to find Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, also masked, arresting a woman.

Scenes like these happen daily across the U.S. as part of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown: arrests made by federal agents, who hide their faces behind masks or balaclavas, wear civilian clothes, and move in unmarked vehicles. This reality has prompted Democratic legislators and state and local officials to push for laws that prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their identities in public spaces while conducting immigration enforcement operations.

In Congress, two Democratic senators introduced a bill last Tuesday that would require immigration officers to clearly display their agencys name or acronym, as well as their name or badge number, without tactical gear or clothing hiding them. The initiative, called the VISIBLE Act, was proposed by legislators Alex Padilla of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey. It would also prohibit the use of non-medical face coverings, such as masks or balaclavas, that conceal the agents identity. The legislation would apply to all agents of the Department of Homeland Security, from ICE to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well as federal officers and state or local forces assigned to immigration operations.

For weeks, Americans have watched federal agents with no visible identification detain people off the streets and instill fear in communities across the country, Senator Booker said in a statement announcing the bill. The lack of visible identification and uniform standards for immigration enforcement officers has created confusion, stoked fear, and undermined public trust in law enforcement.

Immigration agents should be required to display their agency and name or badge number  just like police and other local law enforcement agencies, Senator Padilla added. Padilla, the first and only Latino senator from California, was briefly detained and handcuffed last month after confronting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a press conference to question the federal governments response to mass protests in Los Angeles against Trumps immigration policies.

Padilla and 13 other Democratic senators also sent a letter to ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons demanding information on the agencys policy regarding mask and uniform use.

The letter, sent July 7, reads: Storming courthouses, grabbing students off the street, raiding places of work, and sweeping through restaurants at prime dining hours are in and of themselves tactics clearly designed to engender fear and sow chaos in the population. Doing so in plainclothes, with no identification of their name or agency, while wearing a mask designed to obscure the agents face, represents a clear attempt to compound that fear and chaos  and to avoid accountability for agents actions.

The VISIBLE Act is unlikely to pass, since Republicans control both chambers of Congress. Back in late June, two other Democrats from New York, Adriano Espaillat and Dan Goldman, introduced a similar proposal in the House of Representatives  the No Secret Police Act  which also failed. Nevertheless, both measures reflect the growing discontent with the way Trump is implementing his mass deportation agenda. This discontent is not only felt by Democrats, but by a majority of Americans: 47% of the population view the governments immigration policy negatively, compared to 42% who support it, according to a recent Pew survey.

The Republican administration, for its part, argues that agents cover their faces for protection. According to the Department of Homeland Security, its agents have been victims of doxing  the act of having their personal information shared online and on social media. The federal agency claims that ICE agents are facing a 500% increase in assaults against them while carrying out immigration enforcement operations.

People are out there taking photos of the names and their faces and posting them online with death threats to their family and themselves, Lyons, the acting director of ICE, said in a press conference in June. So Im sorry if people are offended by them wearing masks but Im not going to let my officers and agents go out there and put their lives on the line and their family on the line because people dont like what immigration enforcement is.

State initiatives

Outside the Capitol, there have also been initiatives against immigration agents concealing their identities. This week, state and city officials in New York introduced a bill that would ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks in public spaces throughout the state. The proposed legislation makes exceptions for medical-grade face coverings and those designed to protect against exposure to wildfire smoke or biological or chemical agents.

When police wear masks, democracy loses its face, said Democratic State Assemblymember Tony Simone as he introduced the measure. Also present at the announcement was Brad Lander, the current comptroller of New York City and until recently a Democratic candidate for mayor, who was detained earlier last month in an immigration court while protecting an immigrant man from federal agents, who have been conducting hundreds of arrests not only in the citys courts but across the country.

If the New York bill is passed, violating it would constitute a misdemeanor. In California, a similar proposal was introduced in the state legislature in early June, but has not yet been approved. That bill would prohibit local, state, and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any kind of mask or personal disguise while on duty, except in specific circumstances such as during an undercover operation.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Kampala, July 11 : The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) announced on Friday that they had seized a major military base belonging to a senior commander of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the eastern jungles of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Chris Magezi, military assistant to Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said on his official X account that the base was taken following air and artillery strikes, Xinhua news agency reported.

"UPDF forces under Operation Shujaa in the eastern DRC have captured Allied Democratic Forces leader Musa Baluku's base camp in Apakwang, Ituri Province," Magezi said.

"After air and artillery strikes last Sunday morning, UPDF troops advanced and captured a huge camp that used to accommodate 1,000 to 1,500 terrorists and their families. This was achieved on Thursday," he added.

The Ugandan military, together with its Congolese counterparts, launched joint operations against the ADF in November 2021, shortly after the rebel group carried out bomb attacks in Kampala, the Ugandan capital.

The ADF, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Central Africa, is a Ugandan rebel group entrenched in the jungles of the eastern DRC. It has been blamed for widespread attacks on villages in the region.

The ADF was formed as a merger of several rebel factions, including the Allied Democratic Movement, the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (NALU), and militant members of the Tablighi Jamaat movement.

The main figure of the group was Jamil Mukulu, a former Catholic who converted to Islam. The members were largely from central Uganda, in particular Iganga, Masaka, and Kampala, and portrayed themselves as religious crusaders.

Beyond this vaguely stated religious ideology and statements that the government discriminates against Tablighis, the ADF has given few coherent rationales for their insurgency.

The ADF chose western Uganda apparently for three reasons: terrain that is ideal for a rural insurgency, proximity to the DRC, where the rebels could set up bases and recruit fighters, and the presence of some Ugandan ethnic groups unfriendly to the government that could offer assistance.

It received support from the government of Sudan, which was engaged in disputes with the government of Uganda.
Mumbai, July 11 : The Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024 was on Friday passed by voice vote in the state council while the opposition walked out of the house, saying that the bill is against the communist ideology.

The bill was introduced by the Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, saying that it is to take action against organisations that challenge democracy and promote urban Naxalism.

He explained that a total of 64 such organisations are currently active in the state, and it is necessary to control them.

Minister Kadam highlighted the limitations of the UAPA law and said that it is applicable only in cases of violent incidents, but currently, the Naxalite ideology is entering the cities without violence. Therefore, a separate law is required to curb their modus operandi. It is not possible to prove guilt based on ideology alone under UAPA.

According to the bill, an advisory board comprising a High Court judge or a retired district court judge and government prosecutors will be constituted. All the evidence will be presented before this board, and only after receiving their recommendation will the concerned organisations be banned. Apart from this, legal action will also be taken against the persons who are members of the banned organisations, said the minister.

He clarified that this law is not aimed at ordinary protesters or those demonstrating against the government, but only to control the spread of Maoist ideology. Earlier, on Thursday, the bill was passed in the state assembly by voice vote when the lone CPM member opposed it.

The ruling alliance strongly supported the bill, saying that it is anti-Naxalism and anti-terrorism. However, Shiv Sena UBT and Congress took strong objection to the bill.

Shiv Sena UBT legislator Anil Parab, while opposing the bill, alleged that the bill was politically motivated and that a political agenda was being pursued under its guise. Parab said that if any measures are taken to curb terrorism and Naxalism in the national interest, we are with you. However, he criticised that this bill smells of politics and can be misused.

"We have two ideologies, left and right. In the right-wing ideology, there are the Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena, BJP based on religion, while in the left-wing ideology, there are left parties. Suppose a BJP terrorist is there, will he be released? He is an enemy of the country, and he should get the same punishment. Then why do you make a left-right difference in this? If a traitor is found, why make a separate law for him?" he asked.

He alleged that this bill could deliberately target organisations protesting against the government. "There are already laws in the country to curb terrorism, Naxalism and other anti-national forces, including UAPA and MPDA. What is the need for a new law when these provisions are in all the previous laws? Also, is this law going to be used politically to put pressure on organisations rather than individuals? Is this bill motivated by political motives? If the government is going to implement a political agenda through this law, we are opposed to it," said Parab.

Congress MLA Abhijit Vanjari said that more than 12,000 individuals and organisations have registered suggestions and objections to the Public Safety Bill, but no public hearing has been held on it. The MLAs were heard in the joint committee, but there are many doubts in the minds of the people about this bill, which need to be cleared.

"The Congress party is opposing this bill. Why is there a need for a new law when the existing laws in the country are capable of eliminating Naxalism," he added.

Vanjari demanded that the government clear the confusion in the minds of the people and bring a new bill.

"If the purpose of this bill is to eradicate Naxalism, then by what law did Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who openly said that 72 per cent of Naxalism in Maharashtra was eradicated? That means we have laws to curb Naxalism," he said.
Mangaluru, July 11 : In a major development, the unidentified complainant, who had claimed that he was forced to bury several bodies of women who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala village appeared before a court in Karnataka's Mangaluru district on Friday and recorded his statement.

The man gave his statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) before Principal Civil Judge and First Class Judicial Magistrate Sandesh K.

He was accompanied by a group of lawyers and police personnel and entered the court with his face and upper body fully covered.

The development is likely to spark a major controversy.

Further details in this regard are yet to emerge.

Dharmasthala is one of Karnataka's most prominent Hindu pilgrimage centres.

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Thursday that an investigation into the alleged Dharmasthala murders will be taken up once the complainant comes forward and records his statement with the police.

Parameshwara said that the police are currently examining the allegations, which include claims of disposing of the bodies of women who were allegedly raped and murdered.

"One person has lodged a complaint on behalf of an unidentified man. However, the individual making the allegations has not filed the complaint himself. That person must come forward and give a statement," the Minister added.

"Otherwise, there will be a procedural lapse on the part of the police, and the case won't hold. There should be no technical failure. The police are currently looking into the matter. We will have to wait and see how things unfold. The individual making these allegations must file a formal complaint and record his statement. Everything must take place within the legal framework. Only after that can we respond," Parameshwara said.

Earlier, in a complaint submitted to the Mangaluru Superintendent of Police, Arun K, through advocates Ojaswi Gowda and Sachin Deshpande, the unidentified person claimed that he was threatened with death and forced to bury the bodies of several raped and murdered women, as well as other victims and pieces of evidence, in Dharmasthala village and surrounding areas.

He requested that the police exhume the bodies in his presence.

The complainant also sought protection for himself and his family.

He is currently absconding with his family in a neighbouring state.

According to his statement, he fled Dharmasthala 11 years ago.

He further alleged that the bodies of the women showed clear signs of sexual assault.

They were found without clothes or undergarments and bore injuries suggesting violent acts.

The revelations have sparked a major controversy in the state.
Mumbai, July 11 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that 12 forts of our greatest King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, adding that it has now been included as an 'outstanding universal value'.

In his post on X, the Chief Minister said: "Historic! Proud! & Glorious moment! Maharashtra Govt offers Salutations to our beloved Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!! Heartiest congratulations to all the citizens and ShivBhakts of Maharashtra. 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List! I am extremely happy to share that 12 forts of our greatest King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has now been included as an 'outstanding universal value'. These Maratha Military Landscapes of India include: 11 forts in Maharashtra: Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Suvarnadurg, Khanderi and one fort in Tamil Nadu, Jinji."

He said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built these forts for Swarajya. Developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, it represents an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by our King.

This extraordinary network of forts, varying in hierarchies, scales and typological features, is a result of integrating the landscape, terrain and physiographic characteristics distinctive to the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats in the Indian Peninsula. This is the 'outstanding universal value'.

"Many people contributed to reaching this milestone. First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The support he gave and the active participation of the Central Government were of great value. The Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Culture helped a lot in this. I personally contacted various ambassadors. My colleagues, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, also supported me from time to time. Minister Ashish Shelar personally went and met the Director General of UNESCO. He made a technical presentation there," he said.

"Additional chief secretary Vikas Kharge from my office, as well as India's Ambassador to UNESCO, Vishal Sharma and Hemant Dalvi from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums were present. I once again congratulate everyone from Maharashtra and ShivBhakts across the globe on this extremely joyous and historic moment," said the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, the Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said it is a proud moment for Maharashtra that its rich history has been given a place of honour on the world stage. The criterion of 'Outstanding Universal Value' has been very important in this.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built many forts by making the best use of the geographical position for the creation and protection of Swarajya. He reconstructed many existing forts and used them wisely. The forts of Maharashtra are known for their magnificent architecture. These forts have also remained very important from a political, military and cultural point of view," he added.

Ashish Shelar said that this success will be useful for many reasons, including preserving local forts, bringing Maharashtra's heritage to the global stage, and participating in global expertise and research.

"These forts, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, are not only a model of architecture but also a legacy of Maharashtra's bravery and culture striving for the welfare of its subjects. It is a very proud moment for the entire Maharashtra that these historical forts have been given UNESCO World Heritage status," he said.
Amaravati, July 11 : Four employees of a government medical college in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada town have been arrested following allegations of sexually harassing the students.

Amaravati, July 11 (IANS) Four employees of a government medical college in Andhra Pradeshas Kakinada town have been arrested following allegations of sexually harassing the students.

Four persons working in the biochemistry lab at Rangaraya Medical College were arrested after 50 girl students complained to the college authorities that they had been sexually harassing them.

Kakinada District Collector Sagili Shan Mohan and Superintendent of Police G. Bindu Madhav addressed a press conference on Friday to announce details of the case after Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu took serious note of the incident.

They said a criminal case has been registered against the accused after three complaints were lodged at two police stations in the town since Friday morning.

The Collector stated that the college principal, Vishnu Vardhan, received an email from a girl student on July 9, complaining about the sexual harassment.

He said a total of 50 students complained that four people working in the biochemistry lab were sexually harassing them. Most of the complaints were against Kalyan Chakravarthy. The students complained that he was sending them obscene messages and comments on WhatsApp.

The Collector said that when the officials spoke to students, the names of Jimmy Raju, Gopalakrishna and Prasad also came up. All four have been suspended from duties.

While Kalyan Chakravarthy is a lab attendant, the other three are lab technicians. Both the Collector and SP said that strong action would be taken against the guilty.

Police were also investigating similar incidents happened in the college in the past.

Meanwhile, Home Minister V. Sunitha expressed her ire over the alleged sexual harassment at the medical college. She spoke to the district Collector and SP over the phone and enquired about the incident.

The Home Minister directed that stringent action be taken against the accused. She said such incidents would not be tolerated.

Earlier, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu took serious note of the incident and directed officials to act tough against those involved.
Mumbai, July 11 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday claimed that the country's best 'off-shore airport' will be built in Mumbai, which will be the third airport in Mumbai.

"The work on this will start soon. Currently, the state has airport and runway facilities in 24 districts, and these facilities are being expanded to 30 districts in the coming period," he claimed while speaking at the 'Western Region Ministers Conference' organised by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The Chief Minister said that India is the fastest-growing economy in the world, adding that there is a great need for a robust aviation ecosystem that will lead India towards development.

"Till a few years ago, aviation was a matter only for the Centre, but now the situation has changed. This issue is becoming important as states which do not give priority to aviation will lag behind in progress. We are creating all the facilities that complement green field and ground field aviation in the state. There is a great need for manpower for this," he said.

He pointed out that soon India will become the third-largest economy in the world, and aviation will have a big share in this progress, adding that currently, 24 districts in the state have airport and runway facilities.

"These facilities will be expanded to 30 districts in the coming period. The runways are being upgraded. The airport and night landing facilities attract a large number of entrepreneurs and investors. A proposal has been submitted to the central government to build a new airport in a remote district like Gadchiroli. An investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore will be made in Gadchiroli, which is expected to increase to Rs 10 lakh crore," he claimed.

The Chief Minister said that the work on the Navi Mumbai Airport started in the 1990s, adding that this work required various permissions.

He added that it took fifteen years to get these various permissions, seven of which were granted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at once.

"We are starting the Navi Mumbai Airport soon. This airport and the Atal Setu will contribute a lot to progress. Mumbai, which is three times larger than Mumbai, will be located in this area. Maharashtra will be made a trillion-dollar economy state by 2030. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Vadhavan Port area will have the potential to create a 1.5 trillion dollar economy. Entrepreneurs in the aviation sector are welcome in Maharashtra. The radar at Dahisar should be relocated so that the issues pending in this area for many years can be resolved," he stated.

He demanded that the transmission tower at DN Nagar be relocated.

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said that a nodal officer will be appointed for coordination between the Centre and the states in the aviation sector, and the Central government will soon start 'Udan Yatri Cafe', a concept conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He added that the Union Aviation Ministry is taking decisions that will make the life of the common man easier.

Union Minister of State for Aviation Muralidhar Mohol said that the UDAN scheme is being implemented to fulfil the dream of the common man to fly on a plane as per the concept of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The central government's goal is to speed up aviation services by solving the aviation problems of the western states on a priority basis through coordination between the centre and the state. The Central government is implementing various schemes for aviation in the state," he claimed.
Itanagar, July 11 : In an alarming incident at Roing in Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Dibang Valley District, a man accused of raping four teenage girls was hacked to death by an irate mob, officials said.

A police official said that the accused, a labourer from a construction site near Mount Cramel Mission School, was allegedly sexually harassing students in a nearby hostel. Following the revelation of these accusations, the police detained the suspected man. However, the local people, irritated by the allegation, took drastic action to lynch the man.

After complaints spread among the local people regarding the sexual harassment of three to four teenagers, the police identified the accused person. Despite the police intervention, the angry local people were unsatisfied with the detention of the man and demanded his immediate punishment, leading to a tense situation as people gathered outside the police station, resulting in an escalation of commotion.

The situation intensified when the mob surrounded the police station and forcibly dragged out the accused from police custody. The mob then hacked to death the man, demonstrating the severe emotions and actions provoked by the crime. This incident has prompted a closer examination of community relations with law enforcement in Roing.

The accused was stated to be a migrant worker. The police have conducted a postmortem examination of the body. Immediately after the incident, Lower Dibang Valley District administration ordered to close the Mount Cramel Mission School, from July 12 for an indefinite period "due to an untoward incident of molestation of minor girls in girls' hostel".

"In the interest and safety of students, all the parents are directed to withdraw their respective wards from the school and get them enrolled in any nearby government or recognised private schools of their localities," said the District Magistrate Fwwrman Brahma in his order.
Abuja, July 11 : Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar has said that Washington is exerting "considerable pressure" on African countries, including Nigeria, to accept Venezuelan nationals being deported from the United States, some of whom are directly from prison.

Speaking in an interview with the local Channels Television on Thursday night, Tuggar said Nigeria could not give in to such pressure, signalling a new layer of complexity in diplomatic relations between Washington and African nations, Xinhua news agency reported.

The foreign minister affirmed Nigeria's firm stance against accepting such deportees, noting the existing socio-economic challenges in Africa's most populous country.

"It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own," he said, adding that with a population of more than 200 million people, Nigeria is not in a position to accommodate foreign deportees, especially those with potential criminal backgrounds.

He said that acceding to such requests could set an unsustainable precedent for future deportations.

The minister also suggested potential links between this pressure and recent U.S. policy shifts affecting Nigeria, saying the new 10 per cent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Nigerian goods, as well as the revised single-entry, three-month visa validity for Nigerian citizens, might be consequences of Nigeria's refusal to accept the deportees.

He disagreed with earlier speculations that these measures were related to Nigeria's engagement with the BRICS summit or its e-visa policy, which Tuggar dismissed as a "false claim of reciprocity from the United States."

The official said that Nigeria remains committed to diplomatic engagement with the United States, citing ongoing discussions aimed at navigating these contentious issues and fostering mutually beneficial economic partnerships, while emphasising the importance of dialogue in resolving bilateral differences.
Vijayawada, July 11 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called on Governor S. Abdul Nazeer at Raj Bhavan on Friday.

The Raj Bhavan termed it as a courtesy call.

The Chief Minister briefed the Governor on various development programmes being implemented by the government, the Raj Bhavan said.

The meeting assumes significance as it comes ahead of CM Chandrababu Naidu's visit to New Delhi.

The Chief Minister's meeting with the Governor came amid reports of an imminent expansion in the State Cabinet.

Actor-turned-politician Nagendra Rao Konidela, also known as Naga Babu, who is brother of Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Chief Pawan Kalyan, is likely to be inducted in the Cabinet soon.

In March, Naga Babu was elected unopposed as Member of Legislative Council (MLC).

He was elected as the candidate of Jana Sena, which is led by his younger brother Pawan Kalyan.

Chief Minister Naidu had announced in December last year that Naga Babu would be inducted into the Cabinet.

Naga Babu is the General Secretary of Jana Sena. He actively campaigned in the last year's elections.

He has been working with Pawan Kalyan ever since he floated the Jana Sena in 2014.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naidu emphasised that Andhra Pradesh should become a role model for the country in GST collections.

He instructed officials to take strict measures to prevent tax evasion.

At a coordination meeting of Central and State GST officials, he stressed the use of technologies like data analytics to prevent tax evasion.

He said that efficient tax collection would contribute to national wealth, which should be used for public welfare and development.

He added that proper coordination between Central and State GST officials is necessary for better GST realisation.

According to an official statement, the Chief Minister added that there should be a competitive action plan to match neighbouring states in GST collections.

He said that tax data should be analysed using data analytics, and even factors like electricity consumption should be considered to detect evasion.

Chief Minister Naidu directed GST officials to ensure there is no scope for tax fraud in Andhra Pradesh.
Bengaluru, July 11 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has immense affection for Karnataka, while the BJP has "betrayed" the state.

Bengaluru, July 11 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has immense affection for Karnataka, while the BJP has "betrayed" the state.

Taking to social media X, on Friday, CM Siddaramaiah stated, "Rahul Gandhi has immense affection for the people of Karnataka. He always remembers how Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were elected from Karnataka, and how the state has stood by the Congress at every critical juncture."

Siddaramaiah said that the Gandhi family, including Rahul Gandhi, remain deeply indebted to the love showered by the people of Karnataka, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is a proud Kannadiga.

The Chief Minister claimed that while Rahul Gandhi remains committed to bringing positive, transformative change in Karnataka, the BJP has betrayed Kannadigas by denying the funds the state rightfully deserves.

"Even when Karnataka suffered devastating floods, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not utter a word. BJP Karnataka MPs do not have the spine to stand up to PM Modi for the rights of Kannadigas. For Modi, Karnataka exists only during elections; for Congress, Karnataka's welfare is a daily commitment," said Siddaramaiah.

Commenting on his recent Delhi trip, CM Siddaramaiah said, "My primary work in Delhi was to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the Air Show during Dasara in Mysuru."

While CM Siddaramaiah has asserted that he will remain in office for the rest of the term in Delhi, Shivakumar has largely restrained himself from making any direct statements. However, his camp has been vocal in demanding the Chief Minister's post for him.

The recent visit of Randeep Singh Surjewala to Karnataka and his one-on-one meetings with MLAs have been perceived as an exercise to gauge opinions regarding the Chief Minister's post.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, taunted that Siddaramaiah had already taken the "boarding pass" to exit the CM's post.

"There is no doubt about his exit. It's already decided. I'm not guessing," he claimed.
Californians know Camarillo as a northern suburban city an hours drive from Los Angeles, a work and residential area for thousands of people. Its most famous landmark is its enormous outlet malls, but its also home to California State University due to its proximity to the Channel Islands, a prime location for ocean studiesand a plantation site with numerous farms. In fact, Camarillo is home to one of the worlds largest cannabis farmslegal in California with almost 50 hectares of land, called Glass House Farms. The company has another location about 35 miles north, in the city of Carpinteria, very close to Santa Barbara. On Thursday morning, Immigration and Border Protection (ICE) agents carried out brutal raids against workers at both locations.

Chaos and fear were present throughout the day, and Camarillo was the epicenter. It began around 10:00 a.m., and things quickly escalated. To arrest the immigrants, agents deployed throughout the plantations and along access roads to the facilities fired high-powered tear gas, injuring 14 people. Four were treated by ambulances on the spot and five more required hospitalization.

The United Farm Workers Union said that one worker fell several stories from a greenhouse and sustained life-threatening injuries. He broke his neck and is on a ventilator, the sources reported.

Rodney Scott, the CBP Commissioner appointed by Donald Trump, stated on X that they had found 10 juveniles in the facility, all of them illegal immigrants, and eight of them unaccompanied. The facility, he said, is now under investigation for child labor violations. This is Newsoms California. Governor Gavin Newsom responded: Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields. Trump calls me Newscum" - but hes the real scum."

ICE spent the entire day at the facility. By 2:00 p.m., agents, including some members of the National Guard sent by President Donald Trump despite Governor Newsoms refusal, had formed a barrier preventing all access. When night fell, workers and ICE personnel were still at the plantation, as were hundreds of people protesting outside. Some residents reported that, although they were citizens and showed their documents to the agents, they were still detained and taken to a local facility. After getting their ID checked, they were allowed to leave. Some of the workers were not able to return to their cars and their homes until after 7:00 p.m.

Some witnesses told local news outlets that they were simply driving through the area when they were detained. Many of the workers relatives went to the farms to check on their families, and some activists even tried to block the trucks taking away the workers in Camarillo. Family members arrived in the morning and throughout the day to find out if their children, partners or siblings were still there or had been arrested, because many of the detainees had lost their phones or had had them confiscated.

Protesters in a field during raids on two southern California cannabis farms in Camarillo on July 10. ALLISON DINNER (EFE)

A local resident named Darria Rosalez told KTLA news that she had gone to the fields to find her cousin, a farmworker. Theyve already taken him, she stated, looking serious and angry. Its very sad. I was back there when they arrived. No one was doing anything wrong. They were just working in the fields. Another woman, Dalia Perez, explained to the local Ventura newspaper that her mother, a farmworker who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, had been taken away. She felt angry, desperate: She hasnt done anything wrong, just worked for us and for a better life.

The protests were so large that even some observers were arrested, such as a philosophy professor at CalState University. An activist, a student of the professor, told the Los Angeles Times that he was arrested when he tried to help a man in a wheelchair who had been shoved by officers.

Vianey Lopez, supervisor of Venturas Fifth District, the county to which Camarillo belongs, stated that it was a very unfortunate situation, acknowledging that there were hundreds of people at the scene and that it was impossible to know how many had been detained. This is an ongoing situation that is very concerning for the safety of those who are protesting with anger and disappointment over what is happening to the hardworking people of our community.

Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, assigned to Los Angeles, wrote in X: Federal agents are executing a search warrant at this marijuana farm, alongside several local news images. Agents have already arrested several individuals for impeding this operation and will continue to make arrests. Dont interfere. You will be arrested and charged with a federal offense. Essayli also sought informationoffering a $50,000 rewardabout a man who fired a gun during the Camarillo raids.

The farms facilities remained closed on Friday. The number of detainees is currently unknown, but some local television stations estimate as many as 100.
Rhode Island governor Dan McKee signed into law the Freedom to Read Act on July 2, joining a growing number of states such as New Jersey, Maryland, and Minnesota in codifying their citizens right to read amid nationwide book bans. The law contains protections for school and local librarians and staff and is, notably, the first to guarantee writers and readers a right to sue for censorship, according to PEN America.

The bill passed after a months-long campaign by a coalition of librarians, authors, and community members, including the Rhode Island Library Association, the Authors Guild, the American Booksellers Association, PEN America, and Penguin Random House.

The win comes as more freedom-to-read activists and state legislatures are pursuing proactive right-to-read legislation as an alternative to litigation, in the wake of demoralizing losses. On May 23, the Texas Fifth Circuit Court dismissed the free speech claims in the high-profile book banning case Little v. Llano County, reversing an earlier ruling that ordered the local library branch to return titles they had removed to the shelves.

Legislation like Rhode Islands serves as a bulwark against rogue decisions like these, which advocates say flew in the face of longtime precedent. Rhode Island Freedom to Read Act aligns with the existing legal standards for obscenity, and requires following best practices without imposing financial penalties on libraries, said PEN America in a statement. The law also protects librarians professional decisions about their collections against criminal prosecution.

PEN America has documented a spike in book bans since 2021, with over 10,000 bans in the 2023-2024 school year alone. As the Trump administration and book-banning groups continue their attacks on libraries and free speech, we urge legislators nationwide to make their states safe havens for the freedom to read, said PEN state policy manager Laura Benitez. You can never be too prepared to stop book bans.
In The Crimson Throne (Sourcebooks Fire, Oct.), bestselling authors Sara Raasch and Beth Revis deliver a new duology thats being touted as Powerless meets Reign. We spoke with the New York Times bestsellers behind Night of the Witch and The Fate of Magic about the draw of historical romantasy, literary Easter eggs, and the joys of tag-team writing.

The Crimson Throne features fae magic and court intrigue. What inspired you to create this story?

Sara Raasch: Beth and I are making it a habit to follow our hearts in historical romantasy.

For our first duology, Witch and Hunter (Night of the Witch and The Fate of Magic), we chose Germany because we both have ancestry there, and it allowed us to dive deep into our pasts.

For our follow-up duology, it really was a no-brainer that it would be set in Scotland; both Beth and I have a mad obsession with Elizabethan Englandwho among us millennials wasnt hooked on The Tudors?and Beth is a fount of knowledge when it comes to all things Mary, Queen of Scots. It got to a point where Id just sit back and watch her weave Marys life and court seamlessly into our story. Get you a co-author who is an expert on history!

Beth Revis: I grew up on old-school fairy talesthe ones where you never give the fae your name and you never eat anything at the goblin market. These childhood stories blended with my adult love of history. So much of whats realsuch as the fact that Queen Elizabeth never stepped foot in Scotland, or the origin of Hadrians Wall and its lasting legacy, or the way most standing stones (like Stonehenge) exist only in Great Britainseemed like the perfect canvas to fill in the holes of history with a bit of fae magic.

What can readers expect from The Crimson Throne?

SR: If Night of the Witch was spooky, steamy, witchy magic, then The Crimson Throne is spooky, steamy, fae magic. Its set in the same magical universe as Night of the Witchso readers might catch some fun Easter eggs!with a backdrop of sweeping Scottish moors instead of the mysterious Black Forest.

BR: I wrote the female main character, Alyth Graham. The illegitimate daughter of a fae prince, Alyth keeps her powers hidden from most of the human court of Mary, Queen of Scots. She has an uneasy, power-imbalanced relationship with the young queen, who knows that Alyth protects a barrier that surrounds Scotland and keeps out the vicious, bloodthirsty fae known as Red Caps. Alyth was literally born to serve both Scotland and the Otherworld, and if theres one thing she doesnt need, its a man wholl just complicate things and distract her

SR: Enter Samson Calthorpe, an orphan scraping by in the slums of London. A fae object cursed him as a child, and when he stumbles on the chance to steal that object and undo his curse, he takes itonly the item happens to be in Marys court.

This throws Alyth and Samson on a crash course in a world where Scottish-English tensions are high. And the tension between magical and ordinary is even higher...only Samson might not be so ordinary after all, and Alyth will have to choose between duty and her heart.

Expect lots of yummy enemies-to-lovers tropesa knife to throat scene! Only one campsite!as well as loads of creepy fae magic and an enchanting Scottish atmosphere.

Youre no strangers to writing hit books. Youre also the authors of the bestselling Witch and Hunter duology, published by Sourcebooks Fire, that includes Night of the Witch and The Fate of Magic. What do you like about working together?

SR: In short: co-writing is phenomenal. Everyone should do it.

The longer version: writing with Beth is like having a whole extra brain that knows the story as intimately as I do, is always ready to leap in to fix any plot snags, and is chock-full of the bestand I do mean besthistorical facts. Beth is the reason our books are so fully rooted in the time periods weve chosen. I am forever honored to get to work with her!

BR: Psh, Im the lucky one! One thing that I love about co-writing is how we balance each other out. Whenever I get too obsessed about the historical details no one cares about, Sara pulls me back to the real story. We will both freak out at different points in the writing process, but so far, we never panic at the same time, so we pull each other out of our conundrums.

Whats the best part about writing historical romantasy and fae fantasy?

SR: The magic! The setting! The romancebetween the characters as well as in the sweeping atmosphere! All of it? All of it.

BR: Its truly the best of both worlds. Diving into history is fun (because I am a nerd), and I absolutely love researching the little details or bringing up wild things in history that are too bonkers to be trueyet absolutely are. And then the joy of exploring the impossible within the framework of fact, filling in the blanks of history with magicits what I love about fiction, this myriad exploration of real and not, of dreaming and learning simultaneously.

SR: The escapismgetting to float away in a world of eerie fae magic and glittering court intrigue is such a luxury, and being able to incorporate familiar historical elements is just icing. Beth and I both were those kids who had borderline unhealthy obsessions with various historical time periods, so getting to play around in those times while adding magic? Were living the dream!

BR: Plus, Ive been trying since eighth grade to write a novel about Lord Darnleys murder. (Lets all just ignore the fact that writing about historical murder is my definition of living the dream, haha.)

What is your writing process and how do you divvy up who writes what?

BR: One thing that truly helps is developing the story beats early and cementing them into a chapter-by-chapter outline. I tend to work a little looser in my own stories, but the structure of a detailed outline gives us the exact roadmap we need.

SR: We each take a POV character. In Night of the Witch, Beth wrote Otto, our resident witch hunter, while I wrote Fritzi, our snarky witch. In The Crimson Throne, Beth writes Alyth, our duty-bound guardian, and I write Samson, our lovable English spy.

Doing an even split of 50/50 tasks by character helps us keep the process streamlined. We also rely very heavily on Google docs to allow us to write across distances. Shes in North Carolina, and Im in Virginia, and often well both be in the doc, working away, and send each other little Hey, I see you! messages.

BR: One thing people are always surprised to learn is that Sara and I never met in real life until after Night of the Witch was donethank goodness for huge email chains chock full of every random idea and hundreds of comments in every doc!

A new deluxe paperback edition of The Fate of Magic, with designed edges, will be published on September 2. What do you think great packaging adds to a reading experience?

SR: Oh, the deluxe edition of The Fate of Magic is so stunning! Can we just take a minute to fawn over the unintentional Wicked vibes with the green-and-pink color scheme of that duology? Talk about fate!

BR: I cannot tell you the number of times I longed for designed edges on a book, and to have two that are so beautiful and matching?! Truly a dream come true.

SR: Great packaging contributes to what I mentioned above: the escapism. It helps cement an aura as readers dive in, and it adds to that feeling of luxury. Theres a reason books with designed edges have taken off so well; we all want to feel a bit fancy!

Are you at work on part two of the Spy and Guardian duology? If so, what can you reveal?

SR: We turned in the first draft of the sequel not that long ago! While we cant reveal too much yet, I can tell you that I love it even more than the first book. Alyth and Samson go through it in this one. Its darker, twistier, with even more fae magic and higher stakes, and we get to see so many fantastic new placesfrom the wild, rushing coastal islands of Scotland to the northern Highlands... and even the deadly, entrancing fae court!

BR: If you look closely at the gorgeous edges designed in the first edition of The Crimson Throne, youll spot so many essential details to the new duologythe Celtic knotwork, the clever dagger blades, and even thistle flowersperfection! The cover design is so good that it actually influenced a detail for the sequel that were so excited to share soon.

And a special hint just for the nerds: We brought in a fae creature inspired by my favorite legend about the important Scottish rebel and king, Robert the Bruce.
Science fiction and fantasy publisher Aethon Books has signed a translation and distribution agreement with Media Goat to release a number of its titles in South Korea.

Under the partnership, Media Goat, a publisher specializing in translating and distributing western genre fiction in Korea and Japan, will release selected titles and series from Aethons litRPG and progression fantasy series to Korean readers.

According to Aethon CEO Rhett Bruno, the agreement includes digital and print rights, though with a focus on digital rights that can be adapted to the web serial style, known as webnovels, that is popular in Korea. The first series, Reborn as a Demonic Tree, was released this week on the Korean platform Naver. Mark of the Fool is set to be released on Kakao in January. Other series set to be published next year include Hell Difficulty Tutorial and Return of the Runebound Professor.

"We are incredibly excited to introduce Korean readers to these phenomenal series from Aethon Books," said Robert Gagnon, CEO of Media Goat, in a statement. "The demand for high-quality LitRPG and fantasy fiction in Korea is thriving, and these titles represent some of the very best the genre has to offer.

The agreement with Media Goat is the latest translation deal done by Aethon, with Bruno citing Germany and France has two important markets. Its foreign rights sales are handled by JABberwocky.
At the Hungry Minds pop-up bookstore, open through July 27 at 2 Rivington Street in Manhattan, the first thing visitors see is nothing; then they see everything. After their eyes adjust from the summer haze to the jewel-toned interior, antiques, plush botanicals, and dizzying stacks of books fill their viewor, rather, stacks of a single book.

Hungry Minds is first and foremost an indie publisher, though many visitors to the pop-up on its grand opening the evening of July 9 did not immediately realize it. Lining the walls in navy and silver, tangling as they ascend with a strata of steampunk ceiling hangings, are countless copies of Hungry Minds flagship coffee table book, The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding Civilization. Weighing in at more than four pounds, The Book contains 400-plus pages of human inventions, including the prehistoric (fire), the modern (molecular gastronomy), and the abstract (rite of passage), broken down into text and speculative diagrams. A later section called Art forgoes words entirely, in favor of interpretive illustration.

Founded by Vsevolod Seva Batishchev and Timur Kadyrov, the Hungry Minds collective published The Book in 2022, after raising over $3 million with the help of Artur Stelmakh, a crowdfunding veteran. Hungry Minds has since released a collectors edition, in December 2024, as well as playing cards, a puzzle, stickers, and bookmarks. The Book goes for $119 on the publishers site (or $139 for the gift edition), with more than 300,000 copies sold.

Seva and Kadyrov are both entrepreneurs and artists. Seva said that it was a natural progression for them to turn their flagship title into a physical space, saying the pop-up is a testament to the automatic process of transforming the reality around us that, to him, defines humanity. Prior to Hungry Minds, Seva worked with Kadyrovs global escape rooms business; they are both also longtime members of the Burning Man community, for which Kadyrov has worked on art installations.

The duo enlisted the help of local designers to bring the Soho pop-up to life. Among them were florist Orli Levine-Rozenvayn, who aimed to evoke nature reclaiming its place among the industrial fixtures. Roxana Kadyrova, Timurs sister, designed the space and curated the antiques, which included brass fish and a desktop model of the solar system. Kadyrova said she hopes to see more publishers render their stories in three dimensions, noting that books are already imaginary spaces.

Hungry Minds considers itself to be not just a publisher but a purveyor of an experience. Seva said The Book aims to evoke the wonder he felt as a child, tinkering with kinetic toys and mechanisms. When youre a kid...there were no problems, there were just dreams, he said. The Book is our gentle way to remind you that the world is still amazing, and it was built by humans. Its not about knowledge, to be honest.

With ambitions to stake out pop-ups worldwide, Hungry Minds also has two follow-up books on the horizon. The upcoming The Last Book (formerly Anthem to Humankind) has raised more than $400,000 in crowdfunding between Kickstarter and Indiegogo. It will tell the story of a fictional apocalypse survivor through illustrated diary entriesa narrative intimacy that Kadyrov hopes will help readers connect with the existential questions that The Book introduced. Further out, The Black Book, which has raised more than $500,000 on Kickstarter, will extend the steampunk encyclopedia genre to inventions that were lost or crushed by history, such as arboreal architecture.
Agate Publishing announced on Thursday that the Evanston, Ill.based indie publisher is collaborating with Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications to launch a new imprint. Medill Books will publish nonfiction by journalists, with its debut title scheduled for release in late 2026. Agate, a Chicago-based indie publisher, is anticipating at least two books to be released each season under the Medill imprint, a number which could grow in the future.

The mission of Medill Books, which is Agates sixth imprint, is to develop a new outlet for journalists to produce ambitious longform work in a media climate where its increasingly challenging to do so, according to a release. Joseph Medill, for whom the school and imprint are named, was an early editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.

Ive published dozens of journalists during my career in book publishing, and before that I spent a decade working as a magazine editor and freelance writer myself, said Doug Seibold, Agate president and publisher, who founded the press in 2002. My hope is that this new imprint might become another sustainable channel for journalists to publish longform work of all kinds. Seibold will serve as acquiring editor and primary liaison between Agate and Medill School of Journalism.

We are excited that our partnership with Agate will provide us with another important avenue to support journalism and journalists by seeking out and publishing ambitious nonfiction work in book form," said Charles Whitaker, dean at Medill, in a statement. Medill will have a hand in approving acquisitions, while also promoting the imprint to journalists. In addition, Medill students will be able to intern at at the imprint.

Agate has already published a number of nonfiction books by Pulitzer Prizewinning Black journalists under its Agate Bolden imprint, which publishes African American literature, including Nick Chiless Justice While Black and Leonard Pitts Jr.s Forward from This Moment. And since 2011, a partnership with the Chicago Tribune has produced approximately 20 print titles and 80 short e-books under the Midway imprint, which publishes books relating to the Midwest and Chicago. The line of books featured Tribune-derived works on various topics, as well as books by newspaper and magazine journalists.

Agate announced in its release that it is now open to proposals for reported nonfiction works that are between 10,000-30,000 words in length. Journalists wanting to submit their proposals should send them to submissions@agatepublishing.com, with the subject line Medill Books proposal.
Donald Trump is the first mythic hero of the twenty-first century.

That many recoil at this statement does not deny its obvious truth. Heroism isnt about winning a popularity contest. The modern usage of the term hero has stripped the concept of its former glory. A man who runs into a burning building to rescue strangers may indeed act selflessly and heroically, but his name will not be remembered in years to come.

In the classic definition, the archetypal hero is known by his contemporaries and through the ages. A hero isnt created by one act of mercy, strength, or sacrifice. Rather, a hero is made over time, despite failures, and through real and symbolic victories. To legitimately claim the status of hero, one must prove himself by completing a long rite of passage, a journey marked by suffering.

In his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces, the late Joseph Campbell describes three phases in the formation of a mythic hero: departure, initiation, and return.

First, the aspiring hero encounters a call to leave his familiar world. While he often initially rejects that call, he eventually embarks on a quest that will transform who he is  and, ultimately, transform the world he inhabits.

Next, he faces hardships and tests along the path of his quest, difficulties that refine his character and that create someone capable of achieving his mythic task.

Finally, the third stage is the heros return (often reluctant) to the world he left in possession of the prize that he won. This encounter seals his status as hero, not merely because he shows himself to be the one capable of winning the prize, but because bringing that prize into the social world transforms the lives of others.

Trumps life follows this trajectory.

The departure phase of his heroic arc didnt begin when Trump descended his golden escalator in 2015. Instead, it started when he decided to pivot from his life as a billionaire celebrity, and to heed the call to embark on a political quest. He had run for political office as early as 2000, but, as with so many heroes, these initial forays showed a lack of commitment.

His bid to be the Reform Partys candidate for president ended after 3 months when Trump withdrew from the race. He considered but then rejected the idea of running against Barack Obama in 2012. In the years prior to his 2016 campaign, Trump spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where Matt Schlapp, Chairman of the American Conservative Union, encouraged him to run for president. Trumps reluctance to respond to these early calls shows that his departure didnt begin with his famous ride down the escalator at Trump Tower; it ended with it. Having fully committed himself to the quest, his initiation began.

Trump was an outsider in the new political world that he transversed. This ensured that he would suffer on the path to the presidency (and beyond). Like all heroes, he faced myriad trials and tests along the way, including the Russian collusion hoax, the very fine people hoax, the Access Hollywood tape, the first impeachment, the second impeachment. The list goes on and on.

Trump was ill-prepared to meet these challenges, but the hero is forged by defeats, and matures through his mistakes. Many were disappointed with the cumulative toll these roadblocks exacted on his agenda in the first term. By the time Covid-19 arrived, Trump looked completely out of his depth. Then came what seemed to be the ultimate defeat: a loss in the 2020 election  a contest that many Americans still (rightly) believe was influenced by manipulation and fraud. After the events of January 6th, it was inconceivable that Trump would regain the White House.

But Trump wasnt done. In announcing his 2024 candidacy, he declared that he was defeated but not destroyed. The trials began anew. States sought to remove Trumps name from ballots. He was arrested, charged with nearly a hundred crimes, and convicted in New York of dozens of felonies. But Trump had learned from his earlier tests. He handled these roadblocks with skill and cunning in a way he couldnt have in his first term.

By the summer of 2024, it seemed that Trumps opposition had exhausted their arsenal. Failing that, an assassination attempt wasnt surprising. A year after the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which Trump narrowly escaped death, many questions remain. Why were there so many security failures? Who was the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, and why (in contrast to the perpetrators of every other high-profile shooting) do we still know nothing about him? In the chaotic moments after the shooting, Trump stood, surrounded by Secret Service agents, with American flags flying in the background and his face bloodied, raised a fist and yelled Fight! Fight! Fight! The election was still months away, but Trump won it on July 13, 2024, in Butler.

Today, his journey continues.

The presidency is not just the highest political office but the breeding ground of indestructible myth, according to political scientist Clinton Rossiter. We name our cities and counties after presidents. We make pilgrimages to their homes and birthplaces, print their faces on money and, for the very best, carve their faces into mountains.

Too often, however, they fail to achieve all that they (or we) envision. Bill Clinton sullied the Oval Office by his affair with an intern, and then lied to the public. The terror of 9/11 became a pretext for George W. Bush to launch a rambling and indecisive war. The identity of Barack Obama proved more extraordinary than his political ideas or his actions in office. And we may never know who, during the vacant presidency of Joe Biden, actually ran the government or managed foreign relations.

Through a string of flawed or failed presidencies, Americans have been deprived of the example of a heroic leader. Not a moral leader or a charismatic leader, but a leader who demonstrates courage and resilience, who perseveres through adversity to make the state spectacular.

Whatever the future holds, Donald Trump has become a name for the ages. Like heroes before him, the quest not only transformed his characterit is transforming society before our eyes.

Adam Ellwanger is a professor at University of HoustonDowntown (@1HereticalTruth). John J. Waters, a lawyer, was a deputy assistant secretary of Homeland Security from 202021 (@JohnJWaters1).
Since the Cold War, the United States and many of its North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies have regarded the Arctic as a barren wasteland with no geopolitical significance. But Chinas rise and its strategic alliance with Moscow have made the region a tinderbox that could redefine global security. By ignoring the Arctic, NATO risks rendering itself irrelevant in the face of rising Russian and Chinese ambitions.

At the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, leaders focused on presenting a united front at a time of mounting internal arguments over how to prioritize growing security challenges from actors such as Russia, China, terrorists, and migrants. The difficult decisions on how to spend the 5 percent of GDP that the alliances member states agreed to allocate for military expenditures by 2035 have yet to take place. When these difficult talks take place, NATO must prioritize building a credible defense force posture in the Arctic, as Russia and China expand their strategic presence in the alliances northern flank.

Economically, Russias Arctic coastline has tremendous potential for shipping, energy, and fishing ventures. In 2024, the Arctic accounted for 7.5 percent of the countrys GDP. This figure is likely to increase. As sea ice is melting, Moscow is advertising the Northern Sea Route as a time- and money-saving link for the shipping industry, logging 38 million tons in 2024. The route is Russias national maritime waterway, generating substantial revenue from oil and liquefied natural gas extracted in the Arctic region and transported to Asia with costly icebreaker assistance. At an estimated $19.2 billion in 2025, Arctic fisheries are also an important source of revenue.

Rising Arctic commercial traffic creates control problems, threatening Moscows strategic assets. Russia has therefore been transforming its Arctic coast into a modern maritime fortress. Its growing fleet of submarines, including nuclear-powered ballistic missile subs lurking near the Barents Sea, poses a direct threat not just to regional stability but to the U.S. homeland. Moscow is also investing heavily in autonomous underwater vehicles and upgrading its Northern Fleet bases, aiming for sea denial and nuclear deterrencetrends that should concern Western defense officials.

Meanwhile, China is evolving from a distant observer to an active participant in the Arctic. Russia is a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), oil, and fish from the Arctic to China, and China has invested heavily in these industries. As the EU is phasing out Russian LNG, cargoes are increasingly shipped to the Chinese market. Moscow relies on Beijings financial resources and technological prowess to build a credible Arctic defense. The two are connecting Russias Arctic ports to Chinas Polar Silk Road, forging logistical networks that enhance interoperability. In 2024, a Russia-Chinese joint venture announced plans to build and operate five ice-class container ships with dual-use potential all-year round on the Northern Sea Route. While China currently maintains a limited military footprintjust a handful of icebreakers and polar research vesselsthe potential for strategic expansion is evident. Next-generation submarines, hypersonic missiles, and space-based systems could someday allow China to project power across the Arctic.

NATOs Arctic member states are woefully unprepared for this new reality. Only recently has the alliance truly begun to prioritize Arctic security, through exercises like Dynamic Mongoose and Nordic Response. Yet NATO still lacks the critical infrastructurepolar-capable ships, surveillance systems, missile defense, and sealift capacitythat would make it a credible force in the Arctic. The alliances approach is reactive rather than strategic. NATO nations has announced some promising Arctic defense investments such as Canadas plans to acquire missile defense systems and Denmarks commitment to strengthen surveillance around Greenland. But NATO nations need to demonstrate real-world capabilities and increased coordination with allies before they can truly restore credibility to the alliances Arctic force posture.

Whats missing? A cohesive Arctic strategy that unites NATO members with stakes in the regionCanada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the U.S. NATOs advantage is that its Arctic states share common concerns rooted in geography and security interests.

The answer is not broad, diffuse involvement. Finland and Swedens NATO membership has fueled Russias sense of encirclement and vulnerability. Moscow now views the Arctic as a potential conflict zone, making increased alliance presence and preparedness more urgent to prevent future incursions. At the same time, NATO should bolster cooperation among Arctic members with legal regional rights and responsibilities such as patrolling and environmental protection to avoid unnecessary escalation. Critical next steps include extending existing agreements like the ICE Pact to include the UKpositioned perfectly at the vital GreenlandIcelandUnited Kingdom (GIUK) gapand develop tailored plans for deterrence. Imagining an expanded Arctic pact, with clear priorities like missile defense sites along East Greenland to intercept Russian and Chinese threats, makes strategic sense.

Further, enhancing situational awareness through polar satellites, autonomous vehicles, and more icebreakers is essential. In the long term, NATO must plan for increased submarine and surface warfare capabilities, logistics, and infrastructure investmentscovering ports, command and control systems, and industrial bases. The goal: build a resilient, credible deterrent capable of operating year-round in one of the worlds most extreme environments.

But investing in Arctic defenses isnt cheap. Tensions across Europe and the Indo-Pacific compete for limited resources. That is why NATO must recognize that Arctic security is not a bonus; it is vital to the alliances future to include Arctic defense in future alliance commitments and spending targets. Transatlantic defense investments are likely to spin off commercial investments in Arctic industries such as minerals, energy, and infrastructure. This would give a much-needed boost to regional economies such as Alaska and Canadas northern territories, which now account for less than one percent of each economys gross production figures.

If NATO fails to adapt to the Arctics renewed importance, it risks being cold shouldered in tomorrows Arctic conflicts.

Dr. Julia Nesheiwat served as the 10th US Homeland Security Advisor to the president and as US Arctic Commissioner on the US Arctic Research Commission.

Liselotte Odgaard is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute. Her work focuses on U.S.-China-Europe relations, including NATO-China relations; Chinese foreign, security, and defense policy; Indo-Pacific security; and the geopolitics of the Arctic region.
Since mid-May, the United States has stepped up the pace of deportations. According to data independently compiled by Thomas Cartwright, a member of the immigration advocacy group Witness at the Border, 209 expulsion flights took place in June, the highest number since 2020, when Cartwright began independently tracking and compiling this information, which U.S. authorities do not openly share. Last months figure represents a 54% increase compared to the average for the previous six months. This is the first time the Donald Trump administration has managed to substantially increase the number of deportations and implement the final step in its anti-immigrant crusade.

The previous monthly records dated back to September 2021, with 193 flights during an operation to repatriate Haitian immigrants, and 153 in August 2023. But in the first four months of the administration, despite the rhetoric, certain high-profile cases  such as when the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, refused to receive flights with handcuffed Colombian citizens, or when two flights carried over 200 Venezuelans accused of being gang members to El Salvador  and the increase in arrests of undocumented immigrants, the Republican administration had not been able to send significantly more deportation flights than usual. The average between February and May was 4.9 flights per day. In June 2024, still under Joe Bidens administration, it had been 4.8. By contrast, this past June it rose to seven flights per day.

Its from mid-May onward that the escalation really begins, Cartwright, a former J.P. Morgan executive turned migrant rights volunteer and activist, who in recent months has established himself as the only reliable source of U.S. deportation data, tells EL PAIS by phone. This change in trend coincides with a series of meetings in which, according to various reports, Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and ideologue and architect of Trumps immigration policy, demanded an acceleration in the pace of migrant detentions and deportations.

It was after this that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents began indiscriminately raiding workplaces and parking lots where many undocumented immigrants find informal jobs. Also, as has now been confirmed, more deportation flights began to be sent out.

Cartwright expects flights to increase even further in the coming months, now that Trumps mega-tax bill has been passed by Congress. The legislation increases ICEs allocated budget from $8 billion to more than $100 billion, according to some estimates. Of that, about $14 billion will be allocated to deportation operations, according to the Brennan Center, an independent law and public policy institute in New York. In contrast, the FBI, for example, has a projected budget for fiscal year 2026 of about $10.1 billion. The DEAs is less than $3 billion.

According to figures compiled by Cartwright using open flight tracking websites, the increase in flights was due to an expansion in the number of countries that typically receive deportees. More countries began accepting planes carrying expelled citizens, and some that used to receive only a few began taking in more. Still, Guatemala (with 51 flights), Honduras (43), and El Salvador (22) together received more than half of all the planes. Flights to Mexico, on the other hand, dropped substantially  from 30 in May to 17 in June. South American countries received a total of 29 flights, while only 12 went to Africa. The rest of the world accounted for 35 flights in total.

But in addition to an increase in international deportation flights, Cartwright also noted a significant increase in domestic flights by ICE Air, the governments deportation airline. These are routes used to transfer immigrants from one detention center to another or to pick up people with deportation orders from various locations for the same destination. Domestic transfers increased by 65% compared to the average of the previous six months, reaching a total of 697. This highlights the complexity of detaining more than 100,000 immigrants across ICEs detention network, which, despite expanding, is operating at full capacity.

Cartwrights 50-page monthly report highlights several details within the broader trend. For example, the increase in the use of military planes for deportations on June 27, when seven out of the months ten deportation flights on military aircraft took place. These flights are significantly more expensive to operate and carry fewer people; while a standard charter flight typically carries about 130 deportees, a military flight can only accommodate around 80. The report also confirms that transfers to and deportations from Guantanamo continue at a steady pace. According to Cartwrights calculations, 78 people were transferred to Guantanamo, while 83 were deported from the U.S. military base on the island of Cuba.

Regarding the deportation flights to Mexico that decreased significantly from the previous month, Cartwright points out that land expulsions increased during the same period, likely to compensate. He has been able to verify this by observing the rise in occupancy at Mexican federal shelters, which were nearly empty before. Additionally, Cartwright notes that the pace is likely to pick up again now that the Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to resume deportations to third countries, meaning Central American citizens could soon start being transferred to Mexico. This will also happen after Mexico moves federal shelters from Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo to Tapachula and Villahermosa  thus meeting the U.S. goal of sending deportees as far from the border as possible.

Cartwrights work has become indispensable to activists and journalists in recent months, although he began collecting ICE flight data at the end of Trumps first term. The U.S. immigration enforcement system is notoriously opaque; unlike the criminal justice system, ICE does not typically make public the names of the individuals it detains. And while it does occasionally release information about its flight operations in press statements, it does so selectively. However, the charter planes used by ICE have tail numbers that appear on public flight tracking websites, which Cartwright uses to follow them in real time.

I think that these people deserve the dignity of at least someone paying attention to whats happening to them, he told The Atlantic in February. Thanks to him, many more people now know.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
'We realised that partnering with a strong local player like the JSW Group would create far greater value than going it alone.'

Photograph: Kind courtesy JSW Paints

In a $1.4 billion deal signed last week, JSW Paints acquired AkzoNobel India, marking a major step in its ambition to become one of the top three players in India's highly competitive paint market.

In an exclusive conversation with Business Standard's Sharleen D'Souza and Dev Chatterjee, Parth Jindal, Managing Director of JSW Paints, and Gregoire Poux-Guillaume, CEO of Amsterdam-based AkzoNobel NV, discuss the strategic rationale, potential synergies, and the road ahead for both companies.

What made JSW Paints so bullish about the acquisition of AkzoNobel India?

Parth Jindal: We launched JSW Paints in 2019 and grew organically to over Rs 2,200 crore in revenue (in 2025).

When AkzoNobel announced its global strategic review in September 2024, we saw a significant opportunity.

We closely studied the synergies between JSW Paints and AkzoNobel India and found there was immense complementarity--particularly with Dulux's strong presence in the premium decorative segment and AkzoNobel's leadership in industrial coatings like auto refinish and marine.

We've been working hard to build our premium paints portfolio, but the incumbents are well entrenched--Dulux being one of the strongest.

On the industrial side, we've had some success in areas like auto refinishing and protective coatings, but AkzoNobel NV's technological expertise, built over two centuries, gives it a clear edge that's hard to replicate.

To truly scale and break into the top three of the Indian paint industry, this acquisition was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I did everything I could to make it happen--and I'm grateful my father (Sajjan Jindal) backed the vision.

Will JSW Paints and AkzoNobel India merge after the acquisition?

Parth Jindal: It is still too premature, but it is natural that it will happen at some point.

It makes sense to keep them separate for now to unlock synergies.

A reverse merger of JSW Paints into the AkzoNobel India entity is natural, but I don't see it happening for at least three to four years.

What are the technology transfer arrangements in this deal and how much will JSW Paints pay for technology?

Parth Jindal: AkzoNobel NV will remain our long-term technology partner for the industrial coatings business.

For any new industrial segments we plan to enter in the future, we will engage in discussions with AkzoNobel's global team to determine whether a similar technology arrangement can be extended, or if a different model would apply for that particular segment.

On the decorative side, the Indian listed entity has already acquired the intellectual property (IP) and now owns the technology outright.

Once we complete the acquisition, that technology becomes ours. This also means decorative royalties will no longer apply.

However, in the industrial segment, AkzoNobel will continue to provide technology support, and royalty payments will continue--except for powder coatings, which AkzoNobel is retaining globally.

We will pay a technology fee of 4.5 per cent of sales to AkzoNobel NV.

At a time when all the MNCs are entering India, why is AkzoNobel NV partially exiting the Indian market, given the country's growth potential?

Gregoire Poux-Guillaume: This is not an exit from India for AkzoNobel NV.

We've actually increased our presence by acquiring full ownership of the powder coatings business and will retain our large R&D centre, which supports our global operations.

We'll also continue as the technology provider for the liquid coatings business under a royalty agreement.

India's paint market is highly local and competitive. We realised that partnering with a strong local player like the JSW Group would create far greater value than going it alone.

JSW brings strong distribution and brand presence, especially in decorative paints, while we bring world-class technology.

It's a complementary partnership that positions both sides to win.

Dulux is a strong brand in India. What gives you confidence that this acquisition will propel JSW Paints into the top three?

Parth Jindal: The combined entity will have revenues of around Rs 6,000 crore, making us the fourth-largest player--very close to the number three at Rs 7,500 crore.

With minimal overlap in our distribution networks, we'll now reach nearly 27,000 retailers.

JSW Paints is strong in smaller towns, while Dulux leads in metros, creating a powerful geographic balance.

Dulux holds a 15 per cent share in the premium decorative segment, and JSW Paints is the fastest-growing in value and mass-premium.

Together, we see strong growth potential across waterproofing, construction chemicals, and wood finishes.

Our goal is to break into the top three overall--number three in decorative, and number one in industrial coatings.

Are you raising funds from private equity for this deal?

Parth Jindal: We're in active talks with private equity players for some portion of this deal.

We are just closing the paperwork with them.

We may raise 30 per cent of our acquisition cost from PE, though we have enough cash for the entire transaction.

Will you need to burn cash or take on debt to stay competitive and reach the top three positions?

Parth Jindal: No, the business is stable. Last year, when there was an aggressive new entrant among listed entities, AkzoNobel India was probably the best performing--both in terms of revenue and bottom-line growth.

The power of AkzoNobel was felt last year, and that is the model we want to follow.

We will do whatever it takes to grow on the decorative side; we will reinvest in the brand.

We will be aggressive.

But I don't think, at this size and scale, we would need to burn cash. It will be done in a sustainable manner. Overall, we will be focused on topline growth.

We will also be focused on the bottom line, but we will be reinvesting in the brand.

With Dulux's premium positioning and JSW's strength in mass segments, will the JSW brand cease to exist in favour of Dulux?

Parth Jindal: We have to come together and figure out what the market requires, and we will then arrive at our strategy.

Within the industry, we have different segments and we want to make sure we attack all of them. We will do whatever makes sense to gain share across the board.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Qcom alone is expected to account for a 60 per cent surge in gig hiring, adding 1.5 million to 2 million roles.

Kindly note the images are posted only for representational purposes. Photographs: Ashish Narsale/Rediff

An early festival season, coupled with rising demand from quick commerce (qcom), ecommerce (ecom), and third-party logistics players, is expected to trigger a fresh wave of gig hiring in 2025-2026 (FY26).

The number of gig workers is projected to rise 19.1 per cent -- from nearly 10 million in FY25 to 11.91 million this year -- according to data from TeamLease Services.

Qcom alone is expected to account for a 60 per cent surge in gig hiring, adding 1.5 million to 2 million roles, said Kartik Narayan, CEO of staffing at TeamLease.

Logistics roles linked to ecom, which currently make up 35 to 40 per cent of all gig jobs, are also expected to expand steadily.

In traditional gig sectors such as logistics and delivery, hiring is witnessing growth.

In FY21, logistics and delivery comprised 35 per cent of overall gig workers, and in FY26, it is expected to go up to 41.4 per cent of total workers.

Alan Barboza, executive director at third-party logistics company Flomic Global Logistics, said: "Last-mile riders and bikers will surge by about 25 per cent as 10-minute grocery expands beyond metros."

"In warehouses, pickers and packers are seeing 15 to 18 per cent growth due to SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) expansion while sortation staff demand is up by around 12 per cent."

Logistics already employs roughly one in every seven gig workers in India, and rising SME exports will likely push demand for light-truck owner-drivers up by 20 per cent, he added.

Logistics provider Delhivery has recorded double-digit year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth in its active gig workforce, particularly in last-mile delivery and first-mile pickup.

"We anticipate a continued upward trend in the engagement of gig partners. Our strategic focus on expanding to new geographies and deepening our service offerings will require a larger flexible workforce," said Prashant Gazipur, senior vice-president at Delhivery.

Tender Truck, which works with small fleet owners, targets to onboard over 7,500 fleet owners by FY26-end. In FY24, the company had just over 600 active fleet owners.

The firm is also scaling its tech infrastructure to accommodate the rise in demand.

Vidhant Monga, founder and CEO of Tender Truck, said the company expects to see heightened operations in some geographies during the festive season.

"We expect to see rampups in Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Bhiwandi, and parts of Central India," Monga pointed out.

"While load demand will increase, the bottleneck will remain on the supply side -- finding compliant trucks with reliable drivers," he said.

The hiring push extends beyond ground logistics.

SkyeAir, a logistics firm that does deliveries via drones, said in the past 12 months, it deployed more than 200 gig workers, and plans to onboard approximately 1,000 (walkers) in FY26.

The firm employs 'Skye Walkers, who deliver packages to the doorstep after they have been dropped at the nearest common point by the drones.

"We anticipate substantial volume growth -- projected at four times compared to FY25 levels.

"The strongest growth is expected in the walker segment," said Ankit Kumar, founder and CEO of the firm.

The upcoming festive season -- starting as early as August -- is also contributing to the hiring rush.

Narayan of TeamLease said the festive season is projected to drive a 20 to 30 per cent spike in gig demand, driven by heightened consumer spending and peak order volumes.

Ecom platform Flipkart said it plans to significantly hire people across functions in the supply chain.

"As we approach the festive season, we proactively scale up hiring across our supply chain network to meet the anticipated surge in demand," said Aakriti Chandra, vice-president of reward, performance, and corporate functions at Flipkart.

"These seasonal roles at our fulfilment centres, sortation hubs, and delivery facilities not only support operational readiness but also generate meaningful employment opportunities nationwide, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities," Chandra added.

While the demand for gig workers is on the rise, their income levels remain somewhat stagnant.

The TeamLease data shows that as of 2025, nearly 99 per cent of gig workers earn under Rs 5 lakh per annum, with about 77.6 per cent making Rs 2.5 lakh or less annually, and just 2.6 per cent earning between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh.

The average monthly income for gig workers is around Rs 18,000, the data shows.

The income for workers in delivery roles has not seen significant real-term increases, as per-order payouts have actually declined from Rs 35 to as low as Rs 10 to Rs 15 in recent years, Narayan said.

Overall, the count of gig workers has ballooned each year from 7.7 million in FY21.

According to NITI Aayog, gig jobs are estimated to reach 23.5 million by FY30.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
A day after news emerged that Foxconn Technology Group was forced by Beijing to send back its Chinese engineers and technicians from its Tamil Nadu plant, sources indicate that the global electronics giant has already drawn up an alternative plan to rescue its India iPhone 17 production by bringing in experts from mainly Taiwan and the US.

Photograoh: Ann Wang/Reuters

The move to call back employees is seen as a strategy to disrupt the efforts by Western tech firms to shift manufacturing away from China.

It is also seen as a continuation of the diplomatic tussle between India and China.

Chinese authorities were already restricting the export of key machines that are required to be retrofitted on the assembly lines to make the iPhone 17, which is expected to be unveiled by September this year.

"They already have a plan to bring engineers mainly from Taiwan and the US, as was expected.

"Also, the issue is only regarding the new iPhone 17 lineup and its planned launch.

"Indian technicians are already in charge of previous models.

"It may take a maximum of two months to replace the Chinese experts," said a state source aware of the development.

Both Foxconn and Apple did not respond to questions from Business Standard.

Sources in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) said that both Apple and Foxconn were, for the last four-to-five months, aware of the possibility of losing Chinese engineers.

Even if technicians are replaced, the import of key equipment may still be a concern.

This may also increase prices of the iPhone 17.

However, Taiwan and US experts may increase the company's production cost, as the average payment for a US expert will be around six-fold, and that of a Taiwanese expert will be around 50-60 per cent higher compared to a Chinese engineer, say industry experts.

According to a government source, the current issue is only regarding Foxconn, as Tata Electronics, another manufacturer of the iPhone, has engineers from Taiwan and other countries, not China.

A South India-based source aware of the development said that technology is not an issue as majority of it belongs to Apple and Foxconn only.

"Foxconn has also started deploying people from its other units outside China on a need basis.

"We are in constant touch with them on this issue," the source said.

The move by China is in line with its intent to stop or slow down the supply of manpower and raw materials originating from its territory.

They (China) have also restricted the supplies of capital goods to several countries, including India.

"That is likely to have some impact on the production cycles of companies such as Foxconn.

"The company must be looking at alternatives by now," an industry executive said.

Currently, iPhone assembly in India is primarily handled by Foxconn and Tata Electronics.

Foxconn operates a large facility in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

It also has plans to assemble iPhones from Devanahalli in Karnataka.

On the other hand, Tata has a Karnataka unit taken over from Pegatron, and also has a facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.

The company is also expanding its component ecosystem by bringing in firms like Sunwoda, Foxlink, and Aequs.

At present, Foxconn has around 40,000 employees in South India, and is expected to hire 1,000 more in July.
Google says its AI models are being used across sectors in India, from improving maternal health programmes and streamlining patient-care to supporting agri-tech solutions and advancing the country's sovereign AI efforts.

Kindly note that this illustration generated using Microsoft Copilot has only been posted for representational purposes.

Google launched open-source artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives on Thursday, targeting India's agriculture sector and cultural representation in AI models.

The tech giant introduced its Agricultural Monitoring and Event Detection (AMED) Application Programming Interface (API), which tracks crop and field data across India to help developers create farming productivity tools.

Researchers at Google DeepMind also partnered with IIT-Kharagpur through the company's Amplify Initiative to build datasets capturing India's linguistic and cultural diversity for integration into large language models (LLMs).

These developments build on Google's sustained investments and commitment to AI research that assist real-world impact across critical areas while also supporting India's AI-focused ambition.

"We've been inspired by the solutions India's innovators have unlocked with these capabilities, demonstrating AI to be a powerful catalyst for multiplier impact and unprecedented effectiveness," said Dr Manish Gupta, senior director for India and Asia Pacific at Google DeepMind, during a roundtable in Bengaluru.

Google DeepMind and the Partnerships Innovation team have developed AMED API to improve agricultural monitoring across India.

Building on the company's Agricultural Landscape Understanding (ALU) API, the new tool uses machine learning, crop labels, and satellite imagery to identify crop types, field sizes, and sowing and harvesting dates.

It also offers three years of historical data to track agricultural activity at the field level.

These insights aim to help develop AI-driven solutions that improve farm management.

This is done by addressing crop-specific needs such as soil, water, growth patterns, and climate while also forecasting harvest volumes.

Agriculture and Sustainability Research Lead of Google DeepMind Alok Talekar said the firm is working on accelerating crucial shifts, transforming broad insights to granular, real-time data.

"So that increasingly impactful solutions not only translate into benefits for India's farmers, but also bolster the nation against rising climate risks," said Talekar.

TerraStack, a startup incubated at IIT-Bombay, has used ALU API to build a rural land intelligence system.

The aim is to support rural lending, land record modernisation, and determine the vulnerability of farms to climate risk.

It is exploring AMED API for a rural-lending use case.

"These APIs are helping standardise and transform previously unorganised and unusable data into solutions for one of India's most critical sectors," said Aaryan Dangi, co-founder and CEO, TerraStack.

Linguistic diversity

Google's Amplify Initiative seeks to improve LLMs by incorporating localised data -- including regional languages, dialects, and cultural nuances -- missing from current AI training.

Partnering with IIT-Kharagpur, the project will develop high-quality, hyperlocal datasets capturing India's linguistic diversity.

The open-source datasets aim to help developers create AI tools that better serve Indian language users.

Data collection follows a community-driven, expert-vetted process to ensure responsible handling and reduce bias.

After a pilot in Sub-Saharan Africa, producing 8,000 annotated queries across seven languages, the India phase will focus on healthcare and safety topics in multiple Indic languages.

"We are meticulously building the rich, hyperlocal context and cultural understanding that transforms raw information into profound knowledge," said Madhurima Maji, lead program manager for India at Google Amplify Initiative.

Dr Mainack Mandal, assistant professor, IIT-Kharagpur, said the collaboration opens a new chapter in global AI development.

The Amplify Initiative builds on Google's broader push to improve Indian language and cultural representation in AI, alongside its flagship Project Vaani.

Developed with the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Project Vaani has released its second-phase Indic speech data through Bhashini and Hugging Face.

So far, the initiative has contributed nearly 21,500 hours of speech audio, and 835 hours of transcribed data across 86 languages, collected from over 112,000 speakers in 120 districts.

The open-source data aims to support AI tools tailored for India's linguistic diversity.

"This support fuels our continued investments in language and culture research, and drives us to make our foundational models, on which India is building its AI ambition, more effective and efficient in processing Indian languages," said Dr Partha Talukdar, language research lead, Google DeepMind.

Google said its AI models are being used across sectors in India, from improving maternal health programmes and streamlining patient-care to supporting agri-tech solutions and advancing the country's sovereign AI efforts.

The AlphaFold Protein Structure Database -- developed by Google DeepMind and now used by over 150,000 researchers in India -- is aiding work on complex diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Google said, with a focus on collaboration and ecosystem-driven innovation, it aims to drive broad, real-world impact through AI in India.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Banks offer a wide range of group insurance plans -- personal accident, health, hospital cash, home insurance, credit protection, and critical illness.

Kindly note that this illustration generated using Microsoft Copilot has only been posted for representational purposes.

Sagar Malik, 54, a Delhi-based content writer, was recently informed by his bank that a group policy for which he had been paying the premium for several years was being terminated.

The abrupt termination of the policy left him feeling short-changed.

Range of group policies

Banks offer a wide range of group insurance plans -- personal accident, health, hospital cash, home insurance, credit protection, and critical illness.

"Typically, these products are linked to savings accounts, fixed deposits, credit cards, and other core banking products," says Arti Mulik, chief technical officer, Universal Sompo General Insurance.

Some policies are complimentary, with the bank bearing the premium.

"When a bank offers an insurance cover as an added benefit, it bears the premium for them. An example of such a bundled cover is personal accident with credit card," says Mulik.

Others are opt-in covers, for which customers provide consent and pay the premium.

Affordable, easy to onboard

A major advantage of group policies is affordability.

"A large customer base allows for effective risk distribution. This kind of risk pooling helps keep the insurance premiums affordable," says Mulik.

Group policies are also easier to onboard.

"The enrolment process gets simplified due to the established bank-customer relationship," says Sanjiv Roy, head -- affluent banking, wealth management and fee products, RBL Bank.

Customers often do not have to undergo medical checks.

"For standard group covers, medical waivers are provided for younger customers with a good health declaration, especially for lower sum insured options," says Roy. Health-related disclosures, however, are essential.

Customers can get tax relief on premiums.

"Premiums paid by customers for health-related group insurance covers may be eligible for tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961," says Roy.

Dependent on banking relationship

Complimentary covers usually depend on product usage.

"They cease if the bank account is closed," says Shilpa Arora, chief operating officer and co-founder, Insurance Samadhan.

Paid covers usually continue even if the relationship ends.

Some plans -- like home loan protection -- are bundled with loans.

"In such group policies, material facts are often not properly disclosed. This can lead to claim rejection later," says Arora.

Group health plans may come with exclusions.

"Waiting periods or specific disease sub-limits can impact the effectiveness of the cover," says Binita Shah, director -- banking business, Anand Rathi Insurance Brokers.

Understand policy limitations

Do not sign up without understanding the nature of coverage -- life, health, accident, or critical illness.

Clarify whether it is an individual or floater cover.

These policies often come with limits.

The typical ones include room rent capping, disease-specific sub-limits (say, Rs 50,000 for cataract, Rs 3 lakh for cardiac surgery), limits on ambulance, ICU, or AYUSH treatments, and caps on maternity and modern procedures.

Shah recommends reviewing the benefits table and policy schedule. Understand the claim process and the insurer's turnaround time and claim settlement record. Also check if the sum insured meets your family's needs.

"One of the most important aspects to verify is whether pre-existing illnesses are covered, and if so, what is the waiting period," says Anita Upadhyay, chief executive officer, Lords Mark Insurance Broking Services.

Don't assume the policy will renew automatically each year.

"Check whether annual renewal is guaranteed or it is at the discretion of the bank or insurer," says Upadhyay.

You can post your insurance related questions HERE

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Education loan growth is set to halve this fiscal (FY26) because disbursements for the US decelerate following a raft of policy changes there.

Amid growing uncertainties on visa approvals for students aspiring to study in the United States (US) and the Donald Trump administration's stance on education policies for international students, most non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) giving educational loans are reaching out to universities in countries such as Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom (UK) for tieups, said NBFC officials Business Standard spoke to.

The move comes amid a significant slowdown expected in growth in education loans this financial year.

NBFCs, a major player in giving such loans, saw a growth rate of 48 per cent in 2024-25, on the back of 77 per cent growth in 2023-24, according to the data compiled by rating agency Crisil.

In May, the Trump administration told US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas while it prepared to expand social-media vetting of such applicants.

An official memo by the Trump administration said such vetting would be stepped up for student and foreign-exchange visas, which would have "significant implications" for embassies and consulates.

This comes during a wide-ranging crackdown by the Trump administration on some of America's most reputed universities.

Following this, the US embassy in New Delhi advised applicants for visas in the F, M, and J categories to make their social-media accounts public to facilitate the screening process. (The F visa is for academic studies, the M category is for vocational or non-academic programmes, and the J visa is for exchange programmes that include study or research.)

"Students themselves are not opting for US universities because they do not anticipate uncertainties around visa approvals ending soon.

"Further, they are seeing that other nations such as Ireland, Australia, and some other smaller nations have better job prospects after study," said an executive associated with an NBFC focused on education loans.

Another NBFC official said: "Ireland is becoming one of the preferred destinations because its visa rules are simpler, job opportunities are better, and the cost of living and other expenses are way lower than in countries like the US or the UK.

"Considering present scenarios, we are planning to tie up with some of the universities in Ireland not just in Dublin but in other places as well.

"Currently, we have more than 1,500 tieups with foreign universities, mostly in the US, the UK, and Germany."

According to Crisil, for NBFCs, education loans have been the fastest-growing asset class, clocking over 50 per cent growth in assets under management (AUM) over the past few years. Such assets of NBFCs grew 48 per cent to Rs 64,000 crore in FY25.

In FY24, they increased at an even faster pace of 77 per cent.

However, that pace is set to halve this fiscal (FY26) because disbursements for the US decelerate following a raft of policy changes there.

According to the rating agency, these are likely to grow 25 per cent this year to Rs 80,000 crore.

The share of the US in the portfolio came down to 50 per cent as of March 2025 from a peak of 53 per cent as of March 2024, and is expected to go down further over the next few years as lenders concentrate on other geographies, Crisil said in its report, adding that to offset these headwinds, NBFCs had sharpened their focus on other geographies, with disbursements linked to courses in the UK, Germany, Ireland and smaller countries having doubled as students opted for alternative destinations.

"The share of such geographies in total disbursements rose to almost 50 per cent in FY25 from 25 per cent a year ago.

"But this will not fully offset the decline in US-linked disbursements," the report added.

According to an executive with a firm advising students on education loans, "while there is no issue with funding from NBFCs for now, the number of students applying for US-based institutions declined this year.

"Part of the flow has been diverted to the UK and Ireland, which are more affordable than the US."

He added there was no change in norms for US education.

Only getting a loan will be difficult for courses in institutions that are not on the ranking list.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
As we read and assess what is going on around us in the India of 2025, it is instructive to do this through the lens of 75 years ago and the events that led to the formation of the BJP as we know it, recalls Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party national President J P Nadda pays homage to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founding president of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the BJP's political parent, on his death anniversary, June 23, 2025. Photograph: @JPNadda X/ANI Photo

We marked the 50th anniversary of the Emergency a few days ago. Another anniversary, this time the 75th, went relatively unnoticed.

This was of the formation of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, and the reasons for its coming into being.

On May 5, 1950, Syama Prasad Mookerjee announced the agenda of the party being formed which had an eight-point programme.

These were: 1. United Bharat; 2. Reciprocity instead of appeasement towards Pakistan; 3. An independent foreign policy; 4. Rehabilitation of refugees; 5. Increased production of goods and decentralisation of industry; 6. Development of a single Bharatiya culture; 7. Equal rights to all citizens and improvement of the backward classes; 8. Readjustment of the boundaries of West Bengal and Bihar.

Other than Mookerjee, who was from the Hindu Mahasabha, the structure of the Jana Sangh came from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and today the party remains, of course, a subsidiary of the mothership.

Why did the RSS get into politics? The story is interesting. This is how the Jana Sangh's official history, published by the BJP a few years ago, explains it.

An RSS rally in Delhi in December 1947 drew a large crowd and also attracted Hindu princes, businessmen and leaders of other Hindu organisations.

This popularity was something that alarmed the Congress, especially Nehru, according to the RSS. Gandhi's assassination on January 30, 1948 gave the Congress the opportunity to move.

It decided to ban the RSS on February 2, 1948, three days after Gandhi's murder. RSS chief Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar had sensed that the RSS would get into trouble once the details of Gandhi's assassination were out.

He acted immediately. On the day of the killing, January 30, 1948, he sent telegrams to RSS branches suspending operations for 13 days.

The same day he also telegrammed Nehru, Patel and Devdas Gandhi with a message of condolence: 'Shocked at this cruel fatal attack and tragic loss of greatest personality.'

The next day he again wrote to Nehru expressing his shock and referring to Godse as 'some thoughtless perverted soul' who had 'committed the heinous act of putting a sudden and ghastly end to the life of poojya Mahatmaji by the bullet'.

He called the killing unpardonable and an act of treason.

That day he wrote also to Patel: 'My heart is wrung with extreme agony. It is difficult to find words to condemn the person who committed this crime...'

The government notification declaring the RSS unlawful said: 'The professed aims and objects of the RSS are to promote the physical, intellectual and moral well-being of the Hindus and also to foster feelings of brotherhood, love and service amongst them ... the Government have, however, noticed with regret that in practice members of the RSS have not adhered to their professed ideals.'

'Undesirable and even dangerous activities have been carried on by members of the Sangh (who) have indulged in acts of violence involving arson, robbery, dacoity, and murder and have collected illicit arms and ammunitions. They have been found circulating leaflets exhorting people to resort to terrorist methods to collect firearms ... rendering it incumbent on the government to deal with the Sangh in its corporate capacity.'

Golwalkar was arrested on February 3, 1948 along with 20,000 swayamsevass. The RSS says it was shocked that no political party and no political leader spoke up for it or stood in its defence. The ban remained for a little under a year-and-a-half.

It was lifted after the RSS was asked to produce a constitution. This was written up and submitted.

The ban was lifted on July 11, 1949. Immediately following this, the RSS began debating entering politics in the pages of its house organ, The Organiser.

It published articles from RSS workers including K R Malkani who wrote that the Sangh 'must take part in politics not only to protect itself' but also 'to stop un-Bharatiya and anti-Bharatiya politics' and to 'advance the cause of Bharatiyata through state machinery'.

For these reasons, the Sangh must 'continue as an ashram for the national cultural education of the entire citizenry, but it must develop a political wing for the more effective and early achievement of its ideals'.

Malkani said the new party 'will be revivalist of ancient values as it will be futuristic in its targets' and it would be told 'not to depend on foreign values, attitude and manners' and that 'the principle of this re-organisation in Hindustan can only be Hindutva'.

RSS worker from the Arya Samaj Balraj Madhok wrote that the Sangh 'must give the lead to the country in regard to the political and economic problems of the country' because this was 'vital to the very existence of the Sangh itself'.

Mookerjee in his statement to Parliament on April 19, 1950 said that he had 'played a very large part in creating public opinion in favour of a Partition of Bengal'.

As part of this he 'gave assurances to the Hindus of East Bengal (later, Bangladesh) stating that if they suffered at the hands of the future Pakistan Government ... free India would not remain an idle spectator'.

As we read and assess what is going on around us in the India of 2025, it is instructive to do this through the lens of 75 years ago and the events that led to the formation of the BJP as we know it.

Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'The long term strategy is that this government wants to create a second class citizen list.'

IMAGE: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, third from left, with Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, left, Communist Party of India General Secretary Doraiswamy Raja, second from left, Communist Party of India-Marxist-Leninist General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, right, and others at the protest in Patna, July 9, 2025, called by the Mahagathbandhan against the special intensive revision of the voter list ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. Photograph: ANI Photo

Communist Party of India-Marxist-Leninist General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya accuses the Election Commission of India of systematically moving the country away from a universal franchise towards a "selective franchise," alleging that the ECI is "changing rules on the ground daily," mirroring the approach seen during the demonetisation period.

On Wednesday, Bhattacharya was part of the Opposition rally to the Election Commission office in Patna to protest against the special intensive revision of the electoral rolls being undertaken in Bihar.

Public sentiment against the SIR has been building, especially over fears that the exercise may be extended nationwide.

"The harsh reality is that the Bihar election survey is nothing but a citizenship test... They have begun this process with Bihar but later they will add all the states to it," Bhattacharya tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff in the concluding segment of the interview

What is happening on the ground in Bihar during the voter enumeration drive?

The ECI is changing rules every day like they have done during notebandi. Now, the Election Commission says that you have to just submit the enumeration form without any documents or even your current photograph.

This contradicts the original ECI circular where every elector had to submit a photo, fill the enumeration form with supporting (any of the 11) documents.

Why did this happen, you think?

In the last 10 days only 14% of forms that the ECI distributed have come back. So you can presume in another 30 days you will get maximum 60% of forms filled or may be 2/3rd, and it looks like 1/3rd aof the forms will not be submitted at all.

The ECI is now disturbed as at the draft stage people should not be eliminated, that is the reason they are saying just submit the (enumeration) form and you will be involved in the draft.

What happens next? You've still got to submit the documents and you as an elector have no documents.

After this the situation becomes very opaque and subjective as the ERO (electoral registration officer) will have discretion on people who have not been able to submit the documents. He will on local investigation and other available documents decide (whether you can vote or not).

Does it mean the ERO will decide whether you are an Indian citizen or not?

Yes, the ERO will decide on your Indian citizenship. And the Election Commission of India says they are not judging citizenship but only electoral eligibility.

They cannot say they are judging citizenship, but the harsh reality is that the Bihar election survey is nothing but a citizenship test.

After an elector submits all documents, does the ERO give you proof of acceptance of your documents?

No, they do not do that. There is no counterfoil of acceptance. There is no photocopy also accepted as a receipt copy. There is absolute chaos on ground. We have gone to the Supreme Court of India against the SIR.

What is the long term strategy of the government, you think?

The long term strategy is that this government wants to create a second class citizens list.

They want to disenfranchise people and keep them in anxiety.

It is basically meant for the Muslims of India, migrant workers and poor sections of the Indian population.

You see, the BJP talks about Bangladeshis or Rohingyas all the time.

If they say they are in India, then who is responsible for their entry into India? It is the home ministry under which the Border Security Force works.

The BSF has expanded their jurisdiction 50 km from the Indian border wherever the international borders are located. By raising this bogey (Rohingyas and Bangladeshis) you are harassing every citizen of India.

Don't you feel it is important to track down illegal migrants in India? The Indian Citizenship Act of 2003 saw inserting of the words 'illegal migrants' so that they do not get Indian citizenship. What is wrong to track down and deport them?

Earlier if you had identified illegal immigrants you could scrutinise them and there was a legal process for it. But this (SIR) is a process in which you doubt every Indian citizen and it is a reversal of the natural justice system.

The natural justice system says you are innocent till proven guilty. So if you are saying you are an Indian but (the ECI says) a doubtful Indian citizen, it means every Indian is a potential illegal immigrant.

They have just begun this process with Bihar but later they will add all the states to it.

In 1952, when we conducted our first election it was meant to be universal franchise and today we are seeing Bihar elections being conducted where the poor has little chance to vote if they do not have one of those 11 documents.

How do you see this change and what does the future hold?

One of the major salient features of our Constitution was universal franchise.

In many parts of the world people had to struggle for decades to secure their electoral rights.

Even in the USA the black (African-American) community had no right to vote till the 1960s.

There were many layers of exclusion in other countries where even women were not considered as voters.

There were economic exclusions too in some countries where people without property could not vote.

Here in India we had none of those problems.

But now the Election Commission of India is going by citizenship criterion and asking you to bring your matriculation certificate before allowing you to vote.

In other words, you are expecting only a matriculate to vote because you expect that to be the minimum qualification for an elector.

And here in Bihar, that percentage is close to only 15 percent.

Another thing, you expect people to produce the birth certificate in Bihar knowing well that many births take place at home and the birth is not registered. There is no institutional network.

You are then asking for ownership of land or house without knowing how many people actually own homes.

From universal franchise we are looking at selective adult franchise.

You are creating a doubtful voter list. You want to send them to detention centres and then deport them. This is a classic example of fascism.

You are creating a vulnerable category of population. You have an internal enemy whom you want to kick around.

Do the poor not have any of the 11 documents required?

No, they don't have. They had no idea and everybody is saying they don't have.

Booth level officers (BLOs) who have been appointed for the assistance for Election Commission officers, they too don't have one of these 11 documents that the ECI is asking.

Just like bank employees started dying due to work pressure during demonetisation, these BLOs are falling ill because of work pressure.

There is complete chaos on the ground in Bihar. This entire exercise (SIR) by the Election Commission is not maintainable, and unsustainable.
'Please don't worry about casualties. It is a professional hazard beyond our control,' wrote Kargil Hero Major Padmapani Acharya in his last letter from the battlefield.

IMAGE: Major Padmapani Acharya, left, during the Kargil War. Photographs: Kind courtesy Mrs Charulatha Acharya

"Thank you for remembering him. It has been 26 years now," says Mrs Charulatha Acharya, wife of Major Padmapani Acharya, Mahavir Chakra.

The Mahavir Chakra is India's second-highest gallantry award in wartime.

Major Acharya had just turned 31 on June 21, 1999. A week later, he was killed leading a daring assault in the Kargil War.

For the past 10 years, Mrs Charulatha has been receiving flowers and card on her husband's birthday from DESH, an organisation that honours military heroes.

'Forever grateful to you for protecting us. You continue to live in our hearts forever', says the card.

The gesture has touched her heart.

Major Acharya laid down his life during the capture of Three Pimples feature in the Drass sector during the Kargil War.

Twenty-six years ago, 527 Indian soldiers were killed in action during the months of May, June and July fighting the war in Kargil.

The battles of Tololing, Three Pimples, Point 4700 were some of crucial victories in Drass that paved the way for the final expulsion of Pakistani troops on July 26, 1999.

Major Acharya, who had just celebrated his birthday on the battlefield, was entrusted the task of capturing a heavily fortified enemy position.

As company commander, he led his men to capture the heavily fortified feature covered with mines under heavy machine gun and artillery fire.

As gunfire rained on them and inflicted heavy casualties, Major Acharya doggedly made his way up the mountain.

'The success of the battalion and the brigade's operations hinged on the early capture of this position,' wrote S S Gandhi in Portraits of Valour.

'Disregarding his personal safety, Major Acharya led through a hail of artillery shells. Even as his men were falling to murderous enemy fire, he continued to encourage them and charged at the enemy with his reserve platoon up the steep rock face.

Unmindful of the hail of bullets from the enemy's position, Major Acharya crawled up to the bunker and lobbed grenades. During this daring assault, he was seriously injured and unable to move. But he ordered his men to leave him and charge at the enemy, while he continued to fire at the enemy.

'The enemy position was finally over-run and the objective was captured. But Major Acharya succumbed to his injuries after completion of the mission.'

Besides Major Acharya, two other officers, Captain N Kengurusu, Captain Vijayant Thapar and ten soldiers from the 2 Rajputana Rifles battalion laid down their lives in the assault that day.

Three years ago, Mrs Charulatha Acharya finally gathered the courage to go to Drass and see the mountain from afar where her husband died in battle.

Her daughter Aparajita, born three months after the Major's death, had visited in 2019 on the 20th anniversary of the war.

'Tell a story from the Mahabharata to Charu everyday so that your grandchild imbibes good values,' Major Acharya wrote in his last letter to his father, an officer in the IAF.

For the past 26 years, the family has bravely confronted the loss every day.

The grace and courage of the soldier's wife is exemplary.

"It is tough. The scar never goes away, but we learn to live with the pain," Mrs Charulatha Acharya tells Rediff's Archana Masih as she remembers her husband whom she first met on a Jabalpur-Chennai train -- a soldier who believed that 'Combat is an honour of a lifetime'.

Part 1 of the Interview: 'His Karma Was To Sacrifice His Life For The Nation'

June is the month of Major Acharya's birthday and death. It must be a difficult month for the family to deal with the memories.

It is tough. It is a painful month. Every year, the moment the month of June begins we want it to end soon.

If he was alive, like all families, we too would have planned his birthday, discussed what gift to give and looked forward.

He was 31 when he celebrated his last birthday. He had come home from his unit in February-March and the evening before he returned, my sister-in-law, mother-in-law and myself bought a kurta pajama for him.

Since he was mostly in uniform, he liked wearing kurta and pajamas at home. We thought it would make a good gift.

Our home in Hyderabad was very far from the city. Those days there were not many shops nearby. Shoppers Stop was one of the popular stores. We hopped into an auto and went there to pick up some gifts for him.

We gave it to him at night. He left early morning.

IMAGE: Charulatha Acharya besides her husbands's bust at the Kargil Memorial.

Maybe, he had a chance to wear it before he left for the Kargil War.

Yes, but sadly there are no photos. Those days there were no mobile cameras.

IMAGE: Daughter Aparajita besides her father's bust at the Kargil Memorial.

What do you do on his birthday?

Till my in-laws were alive they couldn't bring themselves to observe the birthday or martyrdom because no parent can see their child go before their eyes.

It is very painful. My daughter was born three months later and they did not want her to see the sadness.

In the initial years, volunteers organised a blood donation camp or some other humanitarian activity.

Sometimes we baked a cake at home and cooked the food that he liked.

He liked Indian food, especially sambhar and rice. My mother-in-law used to make a separate cooker of sambhar for him because he did not get to eat much of it in the north.

When he turned 50, Aparajita wanted to do something special. So she came up with a coffee table book with his pictures, letters, and Mahavir Chakra etc. [Our Babloo: The Hero of Drass]

People would often visit us and ask about him and want to see photographs so she suggested that we should compile a book.

Anyone who came to pay homage could then at least see a glimpse of his life.

We also had a fundraising event for soldiers.

For the past 10 years, DESH send flowers and card on his birthday.

IMAGE: Major Padmapani Acharya with his mother.

I have seen some videos of your daughter. The way she puts her emotions into words when talking about her father is very heart warming. You have brought her up very well.

Thank you. The entire family has given her this upbringing. Maybe she got the gift of communication from her grandparents and father who had a great choice of words.

So sometimes like most parents I ask her to write this for that for me and she says 'Amma, you do it.' I tell her, 'No, you're good, you do it.'

IMAGE: Padmapani Acharya with his batchmates at the college of Hotel Management and Catering.

You spent two-and-a-half years of married life with Major Acharya. What was the first place you joined him after marriage?

Gwalior.

He was 25 when he got commissioned and 28 when we married.

Since he had only spent three years in the army when we married, he was busy with many academic and military courses, so I stayed with my in-laws.

Three months after I joined him in Gwalior, he was sent to Delhi as commander of his contingent in the Republic Day parade.

Families were not allowed, but his commanding officer requested a temporary accommodation be provided for us.

On January 26, my in-laws also came to watch him lead the contingent.

So even though we were married for two-and-a-half years, we hardly stayed together.

Life in the infantry is like that.

IMAGE: A birthday card sent every year by DESH.

How do you keep his memory alive?

We used to talk a lot about him within the family since Aparajita had not seen him. This was the way she came to know her father.

This book also must have been so helpful to so many people who wanted to know more about him.

Thanks for remembering him.

It's 26 years now.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
A controversy erupted in West Bengal after a history question paper at the state-run Vidyasagar University described Indian revolutionaries as 'terrorists,' triggering strong political reactions and forcing the institute to issue a public apology, calling it a 'printing mistake.'

Image used only for representation.

The contentious reference appeared in question 12 of the sixth semester BA Honours history exam (in Bengali), which asked students to name three district magistrates of Midnapore 'killed by terrorists' during British rule.

The university later acknowledged the error, attributing it to a proofreading lapse.

"It was a printing mistake that went unnoticed during proofreading," Vice Chancellor Dipak Kar said on Friday.

"Once the paper was circulated, there was no time to make corrections. I have asked the controller of examinations to submit a detailed report," he added.

The three slain magistrates referred were James Peddie, Robert Douglas and Bernard Berge, who were gunned down in a span of three years for their tyranny in Midnapore.

Academic Pabitra Sarkar condemned the error, saying, "It is unthinkable in independent India to refer to youths who fought British oppression as 'terrorists' -- a term used by the colonial rulers."

Leader of opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari in a post on X described the terrorist reference as "absolutely outrageous."

"The administrative authorities of Vidyasagar University have once again insulted our revered freedom fighters by labeling the brave revolutionaries of Medinipur as 'militants' and 'terrorists' in the 2025 History Honours sixth semester question paper," he said.

"This is not an isolated mistake but a deliberate distortion of our history, repeating the same disgraceful error from 2023 under the watch of Dr. Nirmal Kumar Mahato, Head of the History Department and a known TMC affiliate in WBCUPA (West Bengal College and University Professors Association); TMC's political organisation comprising professors," Adhikari added.

"Shockingly, no action has been taken against Dr. Mahato despite his repeated oversight failures. Worse still, his stature has risen, he was promoted to Joint Secretary of WBCUPA after the 2023 blunder. For the unversed; the tyrannical British District Magistrates; Burge (1933), Peddie (1931), and Douglas (1932) were targeted by Indian freedom fighters. Peddie was killed by Bimal Dasgupta and Jyotijiban Ghosh," the BJP leader posted.

The BJP leader questioned whether the elevation of Mahato an endorsement of TMC's belief that "our freedom fighters were militants and terrorists."

"Is this political elevation of Dr. Nirmal Kumar Mahato, an endorsement of TMC's belief that our freedom fighters were militants and terrorists? The Vice Chancellor's refusal to act only deepens the suspicion of political protectionism. This is a blow to every Indian who honours our independence struggle. I demand immediate accountability, the removal of Dr. Mahato, and a thorough investigation into this institutional failure. Will TMC clarify if they stand by this shameful narrative?," he said.

Mahato could not be contacted for his comments, while university sources described Adhikari's remarks as 'unfortunate'.

TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh distanced the party from the controversy, saying, "The questions were set by a few persons, not the education department. It needs to be investigated who approved the question paper."

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sujan Chakraborty and Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also condemned the terminology, calling it 'unthinkable and unimaginable in independent India' and held the TMC government accountable for allowing such a lapse under its watch.

Causing further embarrassment to the varsity, the BA Honours Political Science exam was cancelled on Friday after it was discovered that the question paper was 'out of syllabus'.

University authorities said fresh tests would be conducted next week.
A non-cognisable case was registered on Friday against Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad and his supporter for assaulting a worker at the MLA hostel canteen in south Mumbai, police officials said.

IMAGE: KShiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. Photograph: ANI on X

The action, which came three days after the incident, followed a statement by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that police need not wait for a formal complaint to initiate a probe.

A non-cognisable case is registered in minor offences. Police can not make arrest without a court warrant in such cases.

Meanwhile, Gaikwad on Friday issued a threat to All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Imtiaz Jaleel, saying he would thrash the latter badly.

Jaleel also hit back at Gaikwad, saying he accepted the Sena MLA's challenge, and asked him to specify the place and time for their confrontation.

His remarks come after Jaleel criticised Gaikwad for attacking the canteen staffer.

A viral video showing Gaikwad and one of his supporters assaulting the worker at the Akashwani MLA hostel canteen for 'serving stale food' on Tuesday night created outrage across the state.

The two-time MLA from Buldhana was seen punching and slapping the canteen worker in the video.

Gaikwad, who belongs to the party headed by Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, refused to express regret, though, and said he would repeat his action if needed.

Police had asked the victim if he wanted to lodge a complaint against the MLA, but he did not turn up, an official said.

A police official then lodged a complaint on behalf of the state at the Marine Drive police station against the MLA and his supporter after examining the video footage, he said.

A non-cognisable case was registered against the lawmaker and his supporter under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita including 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 3 (5) (common intention), the official said.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also handles the home portfolio, said there was no need for the police to wait for a formal complaint to initiate a probe into the incident.

The police should probe the case and if it is a cognisable offence, they will take appropriate action, he told reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature complex, amid the monsoon session.

Before that, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam, who belongs to the Shiv Sena, had said police could not take action against Gaikwad as there was no complaint.

Gaikwad had ordered dinner from the hostel canteen and found the dal and rice delivered to his room 'stale and foul-smelling'.

He then stormed into the canteen to confront the manager.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday suspended the license of the caterer who operates the canteen, citing violations of food safety norms.

A video of the episode went viral, drawing widespread condemnation from the opposition as well as the government.

Former MP Jaleel of the AIMIM criticised Gaikwad, saying beating a poor person in such a way was not good.

When asked about Jaleel's remark, Gaikwad told reporters, "If this is so, then Jaleel bhai, you should take the contract of running that hotel (MLA hostel canteen) and then feed that kind of food. I thrashed that man (canteen worker) by punching him twice. But I will beat Imtiaz Jaleel so badly that he will not be in a position to run a hotel."

Reacting to Gaikwad's remark, the former AIMIM MP from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar said, "I am in no mood to run a hotel. But if a poor man is working as a waiter and an MLA of the ruling party is beating him just because he did not get the right kind of food...Do they not know that rules are framed in the assembly (legislature)? Had Gaikwad been a bit educated, he would have written a letter to the (assembly) speaker (over the issue of food)."

"If the speaker takes him seriously, he would have acted on the demand," he added.

"Gaikwad has a history of fighting. If he is threatening me, then let me know that time and place. He doesn't need to make an effort, I will reach that place...I have nothing to do with Sanjay Gaikwad, but if you are doing wrong...then I will stand with the poor person," the AIMIM's state president said.
An alleged synthetic narcotics producer facing an Interpol Red Notice was deported to India from the UAE on Friday in an operation coordinated by the Central Bureau of Investigation through the Interpol and the Mumbai police, following which he was arrested in the country's financial capital, officials said.

Kubbawala Mustafa, wanted in the case related to the seizure of Rs 252 crore worth of mephedrone from a factory in Maharashtra's Sangli, was brought from the UAE to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at around 1 am, an official said.

In the Sangli factory bust carried out by Mumbai Crime Branch, 126.141 kg of mephedrone, a party drug also known as meow meow', was recovered and confiscated.

Kubbawala (44), is the nephew of the Salim Dola, the main accused in the case, and was involved in mephedrone manufacturing as well as helming the supply and distribution chain, he added.

Kubbawala was operating the mephedrone manufacturing syndicate along with his cousin Taher Salim Dola from abroad, the official said. Taher Dola was arrested by Mumbai police on his deportation from UAE on June 13, he added.

Kubbawala is a resident of Surat in neighbouring Gujarat and had completed his education from Mumbai before teaming up with his uncle Salim Dola, the official said.

Kubbawala was a key material and chemical supplier for manufacturing high-quality mephedrone, and allegedly use to get raw materials for the purpose from Ahmedabad, the official said.

He was also supplying the contraband to members of his syndicate in Gujarat, the Mumbai police official informed.

Money generated from the mephedrone business was routed abroad through hawala, the official said, adding that an 'angadia' (traditional courier) was arrested earlier.

Kubbawala was taken into custody by the Mumbai Crime Branch at the airport, the official said.

"We were tracking these persons for the last one year. Their arrest is a message to all others involved that Mumbai police will bring them to India and prosecute them," asserted Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) Raj Tilak Roushan.

A total of 12 persons have been arrested in the case so far and all-out efforts are underway to nab others involved, Roushan said.

Earlier in the day, a Central Bureau of Investigation spokesperson, in a statement, said the International Police Cooperation Unit of the CBI, in collaboration with NCB-Abu Dhabi, successfully brought back wanted Red Notice subject Kubbawala Mustafa to India on Friday.

The subject was earlier geo-located in UAE through close follow-up by CBI through Interpol with NCB-Abu Dhabi, the spokesperson said.

Kubbawala was chargesheeted in Mumbai and a special court had issued an open-dated arrest warrant against him.

The CBI got the Red Notice published through Interpol on November 25, 2024 on the request of Mumbai police. NCB-Abu Dhabi conveyed on June 19, 2025 that, their authorities have requested to send a security mission to UAE to bring back the subject to India. Subsequently a team of Mumbai police was formed to bring back the subject from the UAE, the spokesperson said.

Earlier, a case was registered against Mustafa and others at Kurla police station here on the allegations that he was operating a synthetic drug manufacturing factory in Sangli from abroad, a Mumbai police official said.
The security situation in the hinterland and along the borders of the Jammu region remains peaceful and under control, with the security forces maintaining a strong vigil and dominating the higher reaches of key areas through a series of operations aimed at tracking down 40 to 50 terrorists active in the region, official sources said.

IMAGE: File image of security forces carrying out a search operation in the Saniyal area of Hiranagar in Jammu and Kashmir. Photograph: ANI Photo

Multi-tier measures, including an anti-drone strategy, additional deployments and a focus on intensified night operations, have been put in place to keep the terrorists on their toes, they said.

According to the sources, around 40 to 50 terrorists operating in multiple groups are currently active south of the Pir Panjal range.

"Nearly 80 percent of them are Pakistani nationals," a source said, citing earlier intelligence assessments and ongoing ground reports.

A series of counter-terror operations is underway in districts including Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Doda and Udhampur, they said. "We are acting on specific inputs regarding terrorist movements. They are being tracked and are on the run," said the sources familiar with the ongoing operations.

The operations are focused on the hinterlands of Kishtwar, Basantgarh, Rajouri and Poonch, with ground-level intelligence playing a critical role in directing troop movements.

Security has been significantly stepped up, with reinforcements deployed across high-sensitivity areas and higher reaches in the region.

"Higher reaches in the region have been brought under the effective control of forces and are being fully dominated. Night surveillance has been intensified using night vision devices and other modern equipment," a source said.

Routes previously exploited by terrorists to enter the Kashmir valley have been plugged and preventive measures are in place to block infiltration attempts.

"Cross-border activity continues and reports suggest that terrorists are being staged along the border. However, our troops are fully alert to foil any such design," the source added.

The anti-terror strategy has been revised with increased emphasis on night operations and tactics aimed at denying terrorists the opportunity to regroup or seek shelter and carry out night movement in the hill ranges.

However, the sources maintained that there are no credible reports suggesting that Pakistani regulars are operating alongside terrorist ranks as of now.

The sources also cited a recent encounter in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar, where a terrorist group was caught off guard by Army personnel already dominating a strategic hilly area. The militants retaliated by hurling a grenade at the troops, confirming their growing unease in operating in the high-altitude belts now under tight surveillance.

"We are tightening the noose. They are finding it increasingly difficult to move and we will hunt them down, sooner or later," the sources said.

Dozens of attacks, operations and encounters have been witnessed in several hilly districts of the Jammu region during the past three years resulting in casualties to troops.
The death toll in the Mahisagar river bridge collapse in Gujarat's Vadodara district rose to 20 on Friday after an injured man died in the hospital and the body of a missing person was found in the river, officials said.

IMAGE: A truck stuck on the Gambjira bridge after it collapsed on the Mahisagar river at Padra, in Vadodara, July 9, 2025. Photograph: ANI

One more person was still missing, and efforts to find him will be resumed on Saturday as the search and rescue operation concluded in the evening, they said.

Citing a preliminary probe report, a state minister said the collapse was caused by the "crushing of pedestal and articulation joints".

Several vehicles plunged into the river after a segment of the four-decade-old bridge near Gambhira village, connecting Anand and Vadodara districts, collapsed on Wednesday morning.

"On the first day, we managed to recover 12 bodies and six on the second day. Today, one victim died unfortunately at the hospital and we managed to retrieve another body," Vadodara collector Anil Dhamaliya said.

Narendrasinh Parmar (45), of resident of Dahevan village, died during treatment at Vadodara's SSG Hospital.

The main focus of the next stage of the operation on Saturday will be removing a large chunk of slab that has fallen into the river, the collector said.

"We will try to remove the main slab with the help of the technical team. Along with that, we will also try to retrieve a person from the missing list. Efforts will also be made to safely remove a tanker carrying sulfuric acid which is still stuck in the water," he said.

On Thursday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel suspended four engineers of the state's Roads and Buildings Department in connection with the bridge collapse.

Minister Rushikesh Patel visited the site of the tragedy and informed the media that action has been taken on the basis of a preliminary report submitted by a committee set up by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

A high-level probe committee of the state's roads and buildings department will submit a detailed report in 30 days, he said.

Out of the 7,000 bridges in the state that have been surveyed, the government has identified those that need repairs or require construction of a new one. Action is taken on them accordingly, he said after the visit.

"As per the preliminary report of this investigation committee, it has been recorded that the bridge collapsed due to pedestal and articulation crushing. A detailed report will be given by this committee within 30 days," he said.

"The state government placed four roads and buildings department officials under suspension," said Patel who also later visited the injured persons at the SSG Hospital and enquired about their health.

Collector Dhamaliya, meanwhile, noted that the rescuers faced several challenges such as 3.5-metre deep mud, release of soda ash in water, a tanker of sulfuric acid, a truck placed precariously overhead. "But the team managed to face all these challenges to carry out the operation," he added.

He also acknowledged the role played by the local community in the rescue operation, noting that they were the first responders.

The search and rescue operation is being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force and other agencies.

At least six major incidents of bridge collapse have taken place in Gujarat since 2021.

In December 2021, a slab collapsed during the construction of the Mumatpura flyover on the outskirts of Ahmedabad city. Nobody was injured in the incident.

In October 2022, as many as 135 persons were killed when a British-era suspension bridge over the Machchhu river in Morbi town collapsed.

In June 2023, a newly-built bridge on the Mindhola river in the Tapi district collapsed. No one was hurt in the accident.

In September 2023, four persons were injured after a portion of an old bridge on the Bhogavo river in Surendranagar district collapsed when a 40-ton dumper was navigating it near Wadhwan city.

In October 2023, two persons sitting in an autorickshaw died after six concrete girders or slabs, which were installed on the pillars of an under-construction bridge near the RTO Circle in Palanpur town of Banaskantha, collapsed.

In August 2024, a small bridge on the Bhogavo river connecting Habiyasar village with Chotila town in Surendranagar district collapsed after a sudden rise in water following discharge from an overflowing dam. No casualties were reported in the incident.
The over-a-century-old 'Sarvajanik Ganehotsav' was on Thursday officially declared as the State Festival of Maharashtra', with the government asserting that it was committed to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of the festival.

IMAGE: This year, the 10-day Ganpati festival will begin on August 27. Photograph: ANI Photo

Making the announcement in the legislative assembly, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, Ganeshotsav is not just a celebration. It is a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and identity.

The minister said in a statement that Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav (public celebration of Ganesh festival) in Maharashtra was started by Lokmanya (Bal Gangadhar) Tilak in 1893.

The very essence of this festival is rooted in social unity, nationalism, the spirit of freedom, self-respect, and pride in our language, he said.

The Maharashtra government is firmly committed to preserving, promoting and celebrating the cultural legacy of Ganeshotsav across the state and the nation, Shelar said.

While some individuals attempted to hinder this age-old public tradition by raising various court petitions, trying to obstruct the celebrations, the Mahayuti government acted swiftly and decisively removed all such hurdles, he said.

The previous government had imposed curbs on POP (Plaster of Paris) idols, citing guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) but without offering practical alternatives. Shelar said his department approached the issue with a more balanced view.

We initiated a comprehensive study to explore eco-friendly alternatives and assess whether POP is truly harmful to the environment. We commissioned an in-depth study by the Kakodkar Committee through the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav approved the findings, and the earlier restrictions were lifted. As per the court's ruling, the making, displaying and selling of POP idols are now permitted, he said.

The BJP-led Mahayuti government has taken a clear and proactive stance on Ganeshotsav. Be it police security, infrastructure needs, or financial support for grand celebrations in cities like Pune, Mumbai, and across the state, the Maharashtra government will bear the required expenses, the minister declared.

Celebrating Ganeshotsav with full enthusiasm is not just a tradition but a core belief of the Mahayuti government. I appeal to all Ganpati Mandals to incorporate themes in their festivities that honour our armed forces, showcase social initiatives, Operation Sindoor', highlight the nation's developmental achievements and pay tributes to our great leaders in their decorative displays, Shelar said.

This year, the 10-day Ganpati festival will begin on August 27.
School students in Rajasthan will no longer study two-part supplementary textbooks with state Education Minister Madan Dilawar arguing that these reading materials are not required because they glorify the Nehru-Gandhi family and carry no marks for students.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Congress has attacked the minister over the decision, saying that the government can remove textbooks from the syllabus but cannot change people's minds.

Minister Dilawar said that the books 'Azadi ke Baad ka Swarnim Bharat' Part-1 and Part-2 carry no marks and, therefore, he directed the officials of the department to discontinue teaching these books.

"These books, which the previous Congress government introduced, do not carry any marks for the exams. They were only meant for reading. Without any academic weight, there was no point in continuing them so I have directed that the Education Department will not teach such books," Dilawar said.

Stressing that positive things should be taught, he said that the contributions of those who served the country and the state should be equally mentioned but those Congress leaders who imposed the Emergency and killed democracy have been glorified in these textbooks.

"The books only glorified Congress leaders, specifically the Gandhi family. Key figures such as Lal Bahadur Shastri, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr Ambedkar and even Congress leader Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who later founded the Bharatiya Janata Sangh, were ignored. The textbooks failed to highlight their contributions while extensively promoting the Gandhi family," he said on Thursday.

The book talks about the freedom movement, the role of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and others. The book also focuses on the contributions of former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

It mentions various programmes and achievements such as Right to Education and Right to Information among others of the former UPA governments headed by Manmohan Singh.

The minister said that talking extensively about certain leaders was glorification and insisted that the book should also have details of the contributions of other leaders. Since it was last revised in 2019, the book also has references to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, demonetisation and GST implementation.

In the topic related to demonetisation, the book says, "While announcing demonetisation, Narendra Modi included the benefits of demonetisation from curbing black money to extremism and terrorism. In the initial days of demonetisation, the common people had to face many difficulties. They had to stand in long queues at banks to exchange their currency."

Inside the book, there are pictures, including one showing former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot distributing Aadhar cards.

The cover page of Part-1 has a set of four pictures, including one showing Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi while the cover page of Part-2 also has four pictures, including one each of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

The minister said that instructions have been given to the Education Department officials to discontinue the books because the textbooks carry no marks.

On the expenditure incurred on publishing the books, he said that if poison has been bought by mistake, it does not mean it has to be consumed.

"Education should focus on positive content and the Education Department will not promote biased materials," he said.

The minister went on to target former prime minister Indira Gandhi, saying that the country was put under a state of emergency for political gains and people were jailed.

"The Congress people gave the slogan 'Indira is India, India is Indira'. They ignored the contribution of other leaders," Dilawar said.

The Congress slammed the minister over the decision. Former minister Pratap Singh Khachariawas said that the government can remove textbooks from the syllabus but it cannot change people's minds.

"You can change the curriculum but you cannot change people's minds. In the history of the country's Independence, Jawaharlal Nehru has been in jail for years. People have seen the might of Indira Gandhi during the 1971 war when Bangladesh was created. Rajiv Gandhi gave the IT revolution," he said.

Rajasthan Congress chief and former education minister Govind Singh Dotasra said that Dilawar has created unnecessary controversy.

"The books depict the contribution of great heroes in building a strong India," he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday pleaded not guilty in a Pune court in a defamation case pertaining to his comments on Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar.

IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrives to attend the Political Affairs Committee meeting, in Bhubaneswar on Friday. Photograph: AICC/ANI Photo

Judicial Magistrate (First Class) and Special Judge (MP/MLA court) Amol Sriram Shinde read out the charge, levelled by Satyaki Savarkar, a grandnephew of V D Savarkar, to which Gandhi pleaded not guilty through his lawyer Milind Pawar.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha was not present in the court and his lawyer Pawar pleaded not guilty on his behalf before the court.

The judge, during the recording of the plea, asked whether the accused has received copies of the complaint and accompanying documents, to which Pawar said yes.

On the second question on whether the accused has understood the particulars of the offence levelled against him, the defence lawyer replied in the affirmative.

On the third and last question, which was 'do you plead guilty', Pawar replied 'no, I do not plead guilty' on Gandhi's behalf.

Advocate Sangram Kolhatkar, who is representing Satyaki Savarkar, said since the phase of recording of plea of the accused is over, the trial in the case will proceed now.

Satyaki Savarkar had approached a court here in April 2023 with a criminal defamation complaint against Gandhi accusing him of making false allegations against the Hindutva ideologue during his address in London in March 2023.

As per the complaint, Gandhi had allegedly told the gathering that Savarkar had written a book in which the latter stated that he and his five to six friends were beating a Muslim man and he (Savarkar) felt happy.

As per Satyaki Savarkar's complaint, Gandhi's statement about VD Savarkar was false, malicious, and aimed at insulting him.

"The matter pertaining to the defamation case against Rahul Gandhi was fixed for recording of plea. Today, I approached the court moving an application that permission be granted to record the plea on behalf of my client. The court allowed the application and on behalf of Mr Gandhi, I pleaded not guilty before the court," advocate Pawar told PTI Videos.

As per the procedure, the judge read out the charge against Gandhi pertaining to his disputed speech in London to which the defence counsel pleaded not guilty, he said.

Pawar added that the next hearing has been posted for July 29.

Advocate Kolhatkar, appearing for Satyaki Savarkar, said considering the delay in recording the plea of the accused, the court instructed the defence to record the plea.

"Since Mr Gandhi has been given permanent exemption from attending the trial physically, his lawyer pleaded not guilty on Mr Gandhi's behalf. The phase of recording of the plea is over and the case will now proceed for trial. On behalf of the complainant, we will be producing our witnesses and evidence. The defence will have an opportunity to cross examine them," Kolhatkar explained.
In a win for India, 'Maratha Military Landscapes', representing extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers, was on Friday inscribed on the coveted UNESCO World Heritage List.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah visits Raigad Fort to pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his 345th death anniversary, in Raigad, Maharashtra, April 12, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

This is India's 44th property to receive the recognition.

"This global accolade celebrates India's enduring cultural legacy, showcasing its diverse traditions of architectural brilliance, regional identity and historical continuity," the culture ministry said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis "lauded the historic milestone and congratulated the people of India for this achievement", it said in a statement.

The decision was taken during the ongoing 47th session of the World Heritage Committee being held in Paris.

"New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Maratha Military Landscapes of India, #India," UNESCO said in a post on X.

The nomination for UNESCO tag was for the 2024-25 cycle.

Its 12 components are -- Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

These components, distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions, showcase the strategic military powers of the Maratha rule, the Indian officials had earlier said.

The 'Maratha Military Landscapes' was developed between the 17th and 19th centuries.

There are more than 390 forts in Maharashtra out of which only 12 forts were selected under the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, of these eight forts are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, the ministry earlier said.

The inception of the Maratha military ideology dates back to the 17th century during the reign of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by 1670 and continued through subsequent rules until Peshwa rule till 1818, it said.

Shekhawat in post on X said, "Truly proud day for Bharat's cultural heritage."

"My heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji for his visionary leadership in preserving and celebrating India's glorious past. This is India's 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site - a testament to our rich civilizational legacy, indigenous military engineering, and architectural brilliance," he added.

These magnificent 17th-19th century forts, spread across 12 iconic sites -- 11 in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu -- stand as "timeless symbols of strategic mastery, ecological harmony, and the Maratha spirit of resilience. This historic inscription was granted at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris.#MarathaForts #WorldHeritage #UNESCO #CulturalPride #ViksitBharat", the Union minister wrote.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma, delivered the statement on New Delhi's behalf after the inscription was announced.

"This is a historic day, not only for India, but especially for Marathi people all over the world. The rich cultural heritage of the Marathas has been honoured by the recognition of its Outstanding Universal Value by the international community," he said.

A few other members of the delegation stood behind him holding the tricolour.

"The Maratha Military Landscapes represent a unique fusion of military innovation, ecological adaptation and architectural excellence shaped by rugged landscapes of the Sahyadris and the indomitable spirt of the Maratha polity," he said.

"We dedicate this inscription to the wisdom of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose legacy lives on though these ml and the works of Marathas for the well being of the people," said Sharma, who shared the statement delivered by him with PTI.

Later in a telephonic interaction with PTI from Paris, he described this victory a result of "team work" and dubbed the nomination as a "massive" one from India.

The proposal was sent to the World Heritage Committee in January 2024 and the inscription comes after a rigorous eighteen-month long process involving several technical meetings with the advisory bodies and visit of the ICOMOS' mission to review the sites, the ministry said.

Last year, the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam -- 'Moidams' -- were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi.

India had hosted the key meeting for the first time and Ambassador Sharma was the chairperson of the 46th session of the WHC.

India ranks sixth globally and second in the Asia Pacific Region for the most number of World Heritage Sites, the ministry said.

There are 62 sites from India which are on the UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage, which is a mandatory threshold for any site to be considered as a World Heritage property in future.

Every year, each State Party may propose just one site for consideration of the World Heritage Committee for inscription to the coveted list.

Eight other sites -- Murujuga Cultural Landscape (Australia), Xixia Imperial Tombs (China), Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection (Cambodia), Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley (Iran), Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor (Malaysia), Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains (Cameroon), Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape, )(Malawi) and Faya Palaeolandscape (the UAE) were also inscribed on the list by the WHC on Friday.
The Trinamool Congress on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading lies and criminalising poverty over the detention of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Odisha, while the saffron party charged the Mamata Banerjee dispensation with providing shelters to illegal immigrants.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: PTI Photo/Rediff Archives

The political slugfest escalated after TMC MP and Migrant Workers' Welfare Board chairman Samirul Islam launched a stinging counterattack on BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya, branding him the 'falsehood master'.

The TMC MP demanded proof for Malviya's claims that 335 out of 444 detained migrants in Odisha possessed fake documents allegedly issued by the West Bengal government.

Hitting back at BJP's Malviya, Islam accused him of peddling 'fake claims' after suffering a setback in the Calcutta high court.

Responding to Malviya's allegation, Islam questioned why the BJP-ruled Odisha government released most detainees if they were indeed Bangladeshis.

He demanded proof that the detainees were foreigners and asked whether such documents were ever placed before a court or whether any deportation had legally taken place.

"Even the BSF admitted that it was their fault to deport seven innocent Bengalis illegally," he said, alleging that rejecting identity documents issued in Bengal reveals an 'anti-Bengali' bias within the BJP.

Islam further alleged that Malviya didn't even understand that Aadhaar and voter identity cards are documents issued by the central government, not by the state.

"You are asking other states to reject documents issued by Bengal. This clearly shows how anti-Bengali and prejudiced you are. Is Aadhaar or EPIC (voter ID) issued by state governments? The most uncouth leader should at least know which documents are issued by your bosses in Delhi," the TMC MP claimed.

While reiterating that the TMC has no objection to legal action against infiltrators if any exist, he questioned 'how BSF allowed alleged illegal migrants to cross the border in the first place'.

Detaining and targeting poor Bengali-speaking workers was 'not just unconstitutional but a crime', he said.

'We have no problem if actions are taken against those infiltrators, if any. Now you should ask @AmitShah how BSF allowed them to cross the border. However, hounding, detaining and putting Bengali-speaking poor people from West Bengal in detention centres is illegal, unconstitutional, and a crime,' the TMC MP said.

He further said, "After Odisha, now today, while hearing the habeas corpus petitions, the Delhi government faces questions from the Calcutta High Court over the deportation of six persons, including a minor, to Bangladesh. Not just about undemocratic or unlawful detention, this time the court seeks to know under which law and for what reason six people from Birbhum's Murarai, including a child, were pushed back to Bangladesh."

The Calcutta high court has issued a strict directive to the Union home secretary in Delhi to respond to this matter within Wednesday, he said.

'A reply has been sought from Delhi by Wednesday, when the court will hear the petitions again. Our battle for rights of Bengali-speaking migrant workers under leadership @MamataOfficial will continue until the atrocities on them come to an end,' Islam said.

Malviya, in turn, accused the TMC of aiding 'demographic infiltration and compromising national security' by facilitating fake documents for Bangladeshi migrants.

'444 suspected illegal migrants detained in Odisha. Loudmouth TMC MP Mahua Moitra jumped in, claiming 'innocent Bengalis' were being harassed. But guess what? 335 out of 444 had fake documents - issued by none other than the TMC government in West Bengal.

"TMC is flooding India with Bangladeshi infiltrators, who work in other states but return to Bengal just to vote for Mamata Banerjee. Every state must be extremely cautious while hiring labour or employees carrying fake Bengal-issued documents. This is not just a demographic threat, it's a national security concern,' Malviya wrote on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Wednesday condemned what she called the 'forced eviction' and 'systematic harassment' of Bengali-speaking residents in Delhi's Jai Hind Colony, Vasant Kunj.

In a strongly worded Facebook post, Banerjee said she was 'deeply disturbed' by reports that the water supply was cut off, electricity meters seized, and private water tankers blocked by the Delhi Police and RAF, leaving hundreds of poor migrants without basic facilities.

"These are people who build your cities. Instead of giving them dignity, the BJP is weaponising police and agencies to drive them out like criminals. This is a war on the working class and on Bengalis," a senior TMC leader said.

With the TMC vowing to continue its agitation and legal fight, and the BJP hardening its stance on what it calls 'illegal immigration under political patronage', the issue is fast becoming a volatile flashpoint in the run-up to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
China's official media on Sunday criticised United States bomb attacks on Iranian nuclear sites as a further step toward the abyss, while experts in Beijing said the American bunker-buster bombs used in strikes may not be enough to destroy Iran's nuclear plants hidden deep underground.

IMAGE: Protesters hold placards while attending an anti-war demonstration in Los Angeles, California, on June 21, 2025. Photograph: David Swanson/Reuters

The US on early Sunday morning attacked Iran's Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites to destroy the country's nuclear programme.

US President Donald Trump said that the US military had carried out a 'very successful' attack on three nuclear sites.

According to media reports, B2 stealth bombers were involved in the strikes on Iran's nuclear sites.

While China, which on Saturday called for a ceasefire between Iran and Israel to pause the war, is yet to officially react to the American airstrikes, a flash editorial in the state-run China Daily said the US unilateral military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities constitute a reckless escalation and a flagrant violation of international law.

Such unilateralism undermines the rules-based international order and sets a dangerous 'might-makes-right' precedent, it said.

The strikes have only served to push the situation further toward the abyss, it said.

Chinese experts said the true effectiveness of the American operation remains unclear, and that the strikes may not have been sufficient to completely destroy Iran's underground nuclear facilities.

Fordo's nuclear facility lies nearly 100 meters underground, making it extremely difficult to destroy completely with just one or two strikes, even using bunker-buster bombs, Li Zixin, an assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told state-run Global Times.

Zhang Junshe, a military affairs expert, shared a similar view.

He said the first wave of US strikes may not have been sufficient to destroy Iran's underground nuclear facilities.

For example, the Fordo site lies 90 meters beneath solid rock, making it highly resistant. While Israel sees it as a key target, it lacks the means to strike it effectively.

Zhang said the US uses B-2 bombers armed with 30,000-pound GBU-57 bunker busters, which are believed to be able to penetrate only about 65 meters.

In theory, two bombs used in sequence might be needed, but this tactic has never been publicly tested, so the success of the initial strike remains uncertain, he said.

Referring to the Iranian official's assertion to the BBC that Iran 'didn't suffer a major blow because the materials had already been taken out', he said, "This further demonstrates the difficulty for the US military to completely destroy Iran's nuclear materials."

Regardless of whether the Fordo facility was fully destroyed in the first wave of strikes, it is clear that the US airstrikes inflicted substantial damage to Iran's nuclear infrastructure, he said.

"B-2 strategic bombers, armed with bunker-busting weapons, are far more powerful than the bombs and missiles carried by Israel's F-15, F-16, and F-35 fighter jets.

"Therefore, the damage inflicted by the US is undoubtedly far greater than what Israel could achieve. Against this backdrop, whether Iran's nuclear facilities can be preserved remains uncertain," Zhang said.

Li said that this suggests that the US strikes on Iran may not be a one-time operation.

"In the coming days, the US may further escalate its attacks on key Iranian facilities," he said.

At the same time, he said neither side wants the situation to spiral out of control.

Therefore, US strikes are likely to remain limited in scope, focusing primarily on specific nuclear sites rather than launching large-scale attacks on Iran's other infrastructure, he said.
The police claim businessman Ashok Sao paid Umesh Yadav Rs 400,000 to kill Gopal Khemka last Friday.

IMAGE: Police teams examine the crime scene where Gopal Khemka was shot dead late on the night of July 4, 2025. All photographs: ANI Photo

A week after the sensational killing of Gopal Khemka, a 65-year-old prominent Patna businessman, near his building gate in the heart of Bihar's capital city, the police claimed to have cracked the case after it arrested alleged shooter Umesh Yadav and alleged mastermind Ashok Sao. But the ongoing investigation has a long way to go to ensure that the accumulated evidence and chargesheet stands up in court.

Taking this into consideration the police have sought two days remand of Umesh Yadav and Ashok Sao, who are in judicial custody, from the local court for interrogation.

The police hopes to get the accused on remand by Saturday or Sunday.

A senior police officer revealed that the police investigation has indicated that a land dispute and business rivalry were the reasons behind Khemka's murder.

However, the police have not yet identified the exact plot of land and other disputes that prompted Ashok Sao to hire a shooter to kill Khemka.

"We are searching everything carefully. It is not easy, a challenge for the police to study the records of mobile phone conversations and examine the land documents recovered from Ashok's flat," the police officer explained.

The police have prepared a list of 200 questions for the face to face interrogation if the court grants police remand of the two accused.

IMAGE: Forensics and police personnel examine the site where Gopal Khemka was shot outside his residence in Patna, July 6, 2025.

Gopal Khemka was shot in the head at point-blank range by a single, helmet-wearing assailant late in the night on July 5 (11.40 pm).

CCTV footage from the scene shows the killer patiently waiting near the gate of Khemka's building for his arrival from the Bankipore Club.

He rushed to Khemka's SUV when it arrived, fired the shot and then fled the scene on a scooter parked nearby. The entire incident unfolded in mere seconds.

Khemka's killing comes seven years after his son Gunjan Khemka, 38 was shot dead in his car outside his factory gate in the Hajipur industrial area in Vaishali district.

Gunjan was the convenor of the state BJP's small industries cell. At the time, both the police and family members linked his killing to a land dispute.

Little has happened since, apart from routine police action and a charge sheet against the suspected accused who are free on bail.

A close family member reveals that Gunjan had purchased a large plot of land (reportedly 14 bighas [1 bigha in Patna = 27,225 square feet) near the Hajipur-Sonepur four-lane highway.

This land significantly increased in value, and a land mafia allegedly eyed a portion close to the road, threatening Gunjan with dire consequences if he did not hand it over.

Police officers had suspected that like Gunjan, Gopal Khemka was also killed by a hired killer in connection with a land dispute.

IMAGE: Vaishya Mahasabha supporters hold a candlelight march after Gopal Khemka's murder.

Under tremendous political pressure, the police arrested Umesh Yadav and Ashok Sao, a builder and businessman, within 72 hours of the killing and produced them before the court which sent them to jail.

Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Karitikay Sharma had said that the initial police investigation established a land dispute and earlier business rivalry between Ashok Sao and Gopal Khemka, but the police probe continues to examine other angles that may have resulted in this killing.

"It seems there was a dispute of not only one plot of land but different plots of land and other issues," said the afore-quoted police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Police officers allege Ashok Sao decided to eliminate Khemka about one-and-a-half months ago.

This, Sao reportedly confessed to the police who arrested from his home in Patna.

He approached Umesh Yadav, a resident of old Patna city, who he had known for nearly 18 months after they first met at a wedding in Biharsharif, the Nalanda district headquarters.

Yadav carried out errands for Sao whenever asked. This time Sao offered him a sum of money if he could hire a contract killer.

IMAGE: Businessman Gopal Khemka.

Umesh Yadav, 58, once worked as a cable operator and used to distribute electricity through a generator to earn a living.

Yadav was given Rs 50,000 as advance to hire a shooter and was promised Rs 350,000 if the shooter killed the target.

Yadav allegedly approached local shooter Vikas alias Raja who demanded Rs 400,000 for the murderous assignment.

Yadav, who had been reportedly facing a financial crunch for some time, then decided to execute the crime himself and informed Sao, who gave his go ahead, knowing fully that Umesh had no criminal record.

Sao bought a new mobile phone and a SIM card for Yadav and asked him to use it to communicate with him.

Sao also provided him the weapon and cartridges and shared details of the target including Khemka's photo, his residence location, daily activities and exact time of going to the Bankipore club in the evening and returning late in the night.

"Umesh Yadav followed Khemka for days to understand his daily routine. Khemka used to reach the Bankipore club between 8 pm and 8.30 pm and usually left for home between 11 pm and 11.30 pm," the police officer said.

IMAGE: The police at the site after Vikas alias Raja, a suspect in Gopal Khemka murder, was killed in a police encounter at Malsalami in Patna, July 8, 2025.

After shooting Khemka, Umesh Yadav went home and slept. The next morning, Sao handed him the Rs 350,000 at J P Ganga Path which is under the Malsalami police station's jurisdiction. Yadav also returned the cell phone to Sao, but retained the SIM.

After repeatedly analysing CCTV footage, the police identified Yadav's getaway scooter and later tracked his location via his mobile phone, that led to his arrest.

The police claim they recovered the weapon used in the crime from a locked room in Yadav's home.

IMAGE: Shanti Devi, whose son Vikas was killed in a police encounter, speaks to the media in Patna on July 8, 2025.

The police repeatedly claimed that Vikas alias Raja was one of the accused in the case. He was killed in an encounter with the police at a deserted brick kiln in the Malsalami area three days after Khemka's murder.

Vikas, in his mid 20s, was reportedly involved in several crimes, reportedly jailed twice and locally known as a shooter.

The police claimed he was killed after he opened fire at the police when he was taken to the brick kiln after his arrest. He had informed the police that he kept weapons at the kiln.

Vikas' mother, who work as a domestic help and lives in a rented hut, claimed her son worked in Chennai and had traveled to Patna to take care of his father who suffers from TB.

'Who will look after us now?' his ailing father told the media. 'If my son was a shooter and a criminal, see how we live. He was killed in a fake encounter by the police but who will raise our issue. We will never get justice.'

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
'Who will answer for these lives crushed under their neglect?'

IMAGE: A truck hangs loosely as the Gambhira bridge on the Mahisagar river, connecting Vadodara and Anand, collapsed in Padra on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

lakhan Darbar, a fiery young social activist and president of the Yuva Sena and youth president Karani Sena, Gujarat, is angry, desperate, hopeless and hopeful at the same time.

Since 2022, he had grimly prophesied that the Mujpur -- also known as Gambhira -- bridge could 'collapse any day, any moment, and bury innocent lives under it'. His prophecy became truth on July 9, 2025, when the dilapidated bridge collapsed claiming 18 lives at last count.

As he surveys the devastation, Darbar's words echo not just with grief but with searing frustration at a state whose staggering apathy has cost far more than just concrete and steel -- it has stolen lives.

"This bridge was going to collapse. Since 2022 I have been repeatedly screaming, 'The Gambhira bridge won't last long. People's lives could be lost.'"

Lakhan first started sounding the alarm in 2022, after noticing alarming cracks and dangerously weakened pillars on the bridge.

"I warned them again and again (external link). 'It could collapse anytime and cause loss of life and property.' But whose ears did it reach? No one's," he rues.

'We didn't just shout. We stood on that shaking bridge and dared them to come (external link)'

IMAGE: Rescue operations underway after the Gambhira bridge on the Mahisagar river, connecting Vadodara and Anand, collapsed in Padra on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Determined not to let bureaucratic deafness kill people, Lakhan and his team took the fight to the bridge itself.

"We held protests right there on that bridge," he recalls. "With our team, we went live from the spot, showing everyone how terribly hopeless this bridge's condition was. We kept telling them -- 'Brother, repair this immediately!' But no one paid attention."

It wasn't just fear-mongering.

"With every vehicle that passed, the bridge would vibrate dangerously. Anyone could see how badly the pillars were damaged. The whole structure was shaking -- but still nobody cared."

Lakhan's frustration became open challenge.

"I told them -- the roads and buildings minister, the state highway maintenance officials, the Gujarat government officers -- come, just come and stand on this bridge for even a minute. Forget about an hour. See with your own eyes how dilapidated it's become."

Click to find out the Organisational Hierarchy (external link) of the Roads and Buildings Department, Government of Gujarat.

'Even the tests failed. Still, they refused to fix it'

IMAGE: Rescue operations underway after the Gambhira bridge on the Mahisagar river, connecting Vadodara and Anand, collapsed in Padra. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Perhaps the most damning revelation comes from Lakhan's claim that even official inspections had confirmed his fears.

"I'm saying it clearly -- even the highway officials admitted that the test results on this bridge's safety had come negative. And still, nobody wanted to take corrective action. What more evidence did they need?"

He keeps expressing his remorse over this utter lack of sensitivity with disbelief.

"So I kept asking them -- if the bridge collapses and there's large-scale loss of life and property, who will be held accountable? Who will answer then?"

'Still, they did nothing'

IMAGE: A truck stuck on the Gambjira bridge after it collapsed on the Mahisagar river at Padra in Vadodara on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Lakhan rejects any notion that he merely staged protests without trying due process.

IMAGE: A truck hangs loosely as the Gambhira bridge on the Mahisagar river, connecting Vadodara and Anand, collapsed in Padra. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

"In 2022 itself, we demanded accountability. We went to the Vadodara collector's office in 2022 and 2023 also. The collector forwarded a letter to the roads and building department saying, 'Take action on these representations.' The collector's office gave clear directions. And then? The (roads and building) department did absolutely nothing."

Gujarat's roads and buildings department -- was under the same leadership then and now. The R&B ministry was under Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel in 2022, and it's under him even today.

If you open this link and go to 'EXISTING BRIDGES' (external link), the drop down list will give the number of all the major and minor bridges and causeways and cross drainage work that the R&B ministry has jurisdiction over.

Currently, the ministry has 1,596 major bridges, 5,589 minor bridges, and 105,830 causeways and cross drainage work under its jurisdiction.

"Whoever held jurisdiction over that bridge, whichever officer was supposed to supervise and take action to prevent such loss of life must be held responsible for manav vadh (human killing) and must be held accountable?"

'I have filed a police complaint. Want an FIR against anybody and everybody who is responsible for this tragedy'

IMAGE: Rescue operation underway after the Gambjira bridge on the Mahisagar river collapses at Padra on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

When paperwork failed and as unfortunate as it might have been, the bridge collapsed, Lakhan turned to the local police after the bridge's collapse.

"Just last evening (of July 9, the day when the Gambhira bridge collapsed), I went to the Padra police station and filed a complaint. I didn't name any person or minister. But I'm clear in my mind -- whoever is guilty, must face action. Whoever is responsible must be held accountable. Because this is about people's lives."

'We raised it in the Panchayat. We took it to the Assembly'

Lakhan's colleague, Arshati Parmar, raised the issue in the local district panchayat multiple times.

"And then through Congress MLA from Anand Amitbhai Chavda the question was also raised in the assembly. he also wrote a letter to the chief minister about the precarious condition of the bridge and that it can collapse anytime. We tried every level -- Collector, Panchayat, MLA, Assembly, Opposition, ruling party. Still, the bridge fell."

"But then nobody listens to the issues raised by the Opposition," he explains when asked why the Congress MLA could not bring any relief on this issue.

'In every media interview, I kept warning. We all failed'

Lakhan is painfully candid.

"in interviews, after every media interview (external link; in this video Lakhan keeps repeating how dangerous this bridge has been and how nobody from the local administration paid no heed to his repeated requests to take cognisance of the bridge's poor condition), I kept warning all the state government officials who mattered -- the district collector, MLAs, and everybody whose duty it was to save lives and whose duty it was to close the bridge or carry out repairs."

"But today I feel very sorry and sad that nobody, including myself, followed it up as aggressively as we should have. Maybe if we had pushed harder, precious lives could have been saved."

'This is not just about the 15 who died. This is about a government that didn't care'

IMAGE: Rescue operation is underway after the Gambjira bridge on the Mahisagar river collapsed at Padra, in Vadodara on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

As rescue teams pull bodies from the wreckage, Lakhan insists this tragedy is bigger than one bridge or one district.

"This story is not just about the deaths of 16 Gujaratis. It's about the apathy and insensitivity of the state government, the minister, and the officials in charge of maintaining and repairing this bridge -- and many other bridges across Gujarat that desperately need urgent attention."

"Now they want to talk about maintenance. We kept saying it could collapse any day."

"Now they all want to talk about inspections, monitoring, maintenance. But since 2022, we've been saying -- this bridge could collapse any day, any time, any moment. That people would die. Why didn't anyone listen then?"

'People will have to be more aggressive, more vocal'

IMAGE: A screen grab of social activist and Yuva Sena chief Lakhan Darbar giving an interview on the Gambhira bridge. Photograph: Kind Courtesy Lakhan Darbar

"I am personally very aggrieved because now that so many people have died I have started feeling that I should have been more aggressive with my agitations and presentations," he says.

"My team and I were sure that the bridge is going to collapse any day. We should have put it more aggressively"

Even as he keeps self-flagellating himself for not following up the issue more aggressively, Lakhan's message shifts from accusation to a quiet, urgent plea.

"The problem is also with people. We need to wake up. People will need to be more alert, more conscious, more vocal about such issues. They must demand accountability aggressively. Because whoever is responsible -- whether it's a minister or an officer -- they must be held accountable. Those lives could have been saved."

Lakhan claims that the local administration is so insensitive that they closed another bridge some 8 km from Gambhira, called Umetha bridge on Ma Mahisagar river that connects Vadodara and Anand -- which is also as unsafe as the Gambhira bridge, and on which traffic plied even after the Gambhira bridge collapsed -- only after this bridge collapsed.

"In one of my Facebook Live two-three years ago I had also brought to the attention of the local administration how unsafe the Umetha bridge was. But they are so insensitive and callous that they didn't close it after my repeated requests and presentation but only closed it after 16 people died due to Gambhira bridge collapse."

"Why were you waiting for people to die to close the other (Umetha) bridge?", asks Lakhan.

"There are five more bridges in and around these districts which also need urgent attention. Let's see what the government does now," says he.

As for his police complaint at Padra police station (external link), Lakhan says that he wanted to file an FIR against the local administration officials but the cops only took a note of his complaint and an FIR was not registered.

"I have warned them that if an FIR is not registered in the next two days we will launch an aggressive agitation. I will also be going to the Gujarat high court."

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to considerable cloudiness and fog after midnight. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable.
Margaret MacLean is an experienced educator and a steering committee member of the Rural School Community Alliance, vtruralschools.org. She lives in Peacham, Vermont. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
SREBRENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina -- Every year, Nermin Catic returns to Bosnia from his home in Sweden to open up his familys old house, which now stands empty.

Hes been waiting three decades for his brothers remains to be found. His mother spent the rest of her life trying to locate them, only to die without answers.

How long can hope endure? I fear I will lose hope before I move on to the next world, he told RFE/RLs Balkan Service.

No body. No justice. No closure. It's a story Catic, and thousands of other families in Bosnia continue to endure 30 years after Bosnian Serb forces killed more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys in the town of Srebrenica in what is Europe's only acknowledged genocide since World War II.

The scale and brutality of the July 1995 killings in Srebrenica -- an enclave under Bosnian Muslim control where tens of thousands had fled for safety from Bosnian Serb forces -- shocked the world and did lead to some high-profile convictions at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), also known as the Hague Tribunal.

These included Bosnian-Serb military commander Ratko Mladic, convicted of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in 2017, and sentenced to life in prison.

But this was just the tip of the iceberg.

And as the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre, those who worked to bring the perpetrators justice say there are many lessons to be learned.

Lessons that need to be learned if justice is to be done for families of the victims of Srebrenica, and in future for those in countries such as Ukraine, which has witnessed numerous atrocities in more than three years of trying to repel invading Russian troops.

Little Justice For Srebrenica Victims

Very few people [in Bosnia] were satisfied with the judicial system, said Janine di Giovanni, CEO of The Reckoning Project, which brings together journalists and lawyers to gather evidence and bring war criminals to court.

The people on the ground that did the killing, that dug the graves, that murdered and raped and destroyed lives and families and ripped apart the society of Srebrenica -- most of them are still walking around, she told RFE/RL.

In all, the Hague Tribunal convicted 18 people -- five of whom were sentenced to life sentences -- for genocide and other crimes at Srebrenica.

Geoffrey Nice, who led the prosecution of former Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic at The Hague, also feels the judicial process fell short.

I think overall the conclusion may well be that justice has not been met or not been met in the way it should have been, he told RFE/RL.

History will not judge the process kindly, but it may assess it with understanding. The two tribunals, for Rwanda and former Yugoslavia...were brand new, with nothing by way of a precedent."

Can The ICC Make A Difference?

The situation is different today, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) established as a permanent body to replace ad hoc tribunals in 2002.

It also appears to be determined to show it has teeth, issuing war crimes indictments against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

But Nice is skeptical that these will ever lead to convictions, arguing that the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza will probably end with political agreements.

The settlement would almost inevitably include, as clause one, in either case, that President Putin or Prime Minister Netanyahu will not be tried for any alleged offense, he said.

Nice added that intense criticism of the ICC by the Trump administration may also weaken its ability to function  and that a far better approach would be to focus on using national courts.

Indeed, Bosnian courts have handed down the more verdicts for genocide and other crimes in Srebrenica than the Hague Tribunal. So far, they have convicted 27 former members of the Bosnian Serb forces for crimes committed at Srebrenica, including 14 for genocide.

Di Giovanni, who reported from Srebrenica as a journalist at the time of the genocide, agreed that national courts could play a key role.

Ukraine is different because Ukraine has, first of all, had a very substantial judicial system, she said.

The local courts in Ukraine are probably more substantial because of the federalization of Bosnia after the war. I mean, it's one of the most dysfunctional systems in the world.

Ukrainian authorities say they have issued 679 war crimes indictments and have made 188 convictions.

This work has benefitted from expertise and experiences gained in international institutions such as the ICC.

A lot of the prosecutors working in Ukraine today were involved with [international justice] in Cambodia and Sierra Leone. Weve learned a lot in the 30 years since Srebrenica, said Di Giovanni.

Sources Of Hope

Another development in that time is the use of universal jurisdiction, in which crimes in one country are ruled upon elsewhere.

In June, a German court gave a life sentence to a Syrian doctor, Alaa Mousa, who tortured prisoners under the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad.

In April, Di Giovannis Reckoning Project helped a Ukrainian man bring charges at an Argentinian court against identified and unidentified Russians for torturing him.

She said the key lesson learned was the importance of gathering evidence early  and that this was already being acted upon in Ukraine.

We gather evidence of war crimes while the war is still going on.

And that's very different from the time it took in 1995...Testimonies weren't taken until long after the war ended.

These are sources of hope for justice in places such as Bucha, Ukraine, where Russian forces killed hundreds of civilians. Ukraine has asked the ICC to investigate suspected war crimes.

But they are probably too late to help Nermin Catic in Srebrenica.

His brother, Nihad Nino Catic was a journalist who filed the final report from Srebrenica before the town was overrun by Bosnian Serb forces.

Srebrenica is turning into the biggest slaughterhouse. The dead and wounded keep arriving at the hospital, he said in his last report before disappearing.

Is there anyone in the world who can come and witness the tragedy unfolding in Srebrenica and its people?

Nino joined thousands who fled into the hills, hoping to reach safety nearly 100 kilometers away, but was never seen again.

Thirty years later, seven more bodies are being laid to rest on July 11 in Srebrenica.

The families for some 1,200 Srebrenica victims whose bodies are still missing, however, still seek justice. Just like Nermin Catic.

More than 1,000 km east, Ukrainians are looking on and wondering if they will avoid the same fate.
Syarhey Tsikhanouski was jailed in May 2020 while attempting to run for president against authoritarian Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko. During his imprisonment, Tsikhanouski's wife, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, took on his former role as opposition leader. Following Tsikhanouski's release from prison in June, he spoke with RFE/RL's Belarusian Service about the successes of the opposition movement in exile and the role he intends to play.
Welcome back to The Farda Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that tracks the key issues in Iran and explains why they matter.

I'm RFE/RL correspondent Kian Sharifi. In this edition, I'm looking at how Irans leadership is embracing patriotic themes and national identity in an effort to unify a fractured nation in the wake of war.

What You Need To Know

 National Identity Takes Center Stage: In the wake of the recent war with Israel, Iranians are witnessing a marked increase in national symbols, slogans, and patriotic gestures across the country -- an effort widely seen as part of a state-driven campaign to bolster national unity. These expressions have even crept into religious ceremonies that are typically free of overt political or nationalistic themes.

 Debating Nuclear Opacity: Following the war with Israel and the US bombing of Irans nuclear sites, there are growing calls in Iran for pursuing a policy of nuclear opacity. Also known as nuclear ambiguity, it is a policy in which a country deliberately neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons. The goal is to reap the strategic benefits of deterrence while avoiding the political and diplomatic consequences of being an officially declared nuclear power. With Iran having suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), proponents argue the next step should be the adoption of this policy. Critics, however, say denying the IAEA access to Irans nuclear sites isnt strategic ambiguity but a path to renewed conflict.

 Returning To The Negotiating Table: The United States and Iran are preparing to resume nuclear talks amid deep mistrust exacerbated by last months joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Originally set for July 10 in Oslo, the talks have been delayed but remain likely. While both sides claim to support diplomacy, Iran seeks assurances against future attacks. US President Donald Trump has signaled interest in a broader deal but warns of further strikes if Iran resumes high-level uranium enrichment.

The Big Issue

Patriotism Over Piety

In an attempt to strengthen people's national sentiment, the Islamic Republic is leaning into national symbols and slogans as opposed to religious motifs in public spaces and even religious mourning ceremonies.

Over the past couple of weeks, patriotic songs and Iranian flags have been observed in Shiite mourning events. Notably, during an Ashura mourning ceremony attended by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, renowned eulogist Mahmud Karimi sang a rendition of Ey Iran -- "Oh Iran" -- at Khameneis request.

Ashura is one of the most important and solemn days in the Islamic calendar, especially for Shiite Muslims, marking the death of the third Shiite imam, Hussein.

Meanwhile, state media and billboards have been using symbols from ancient Iran and characters from the national epic Shahnameh.

The increasingly prominent display of national symbols and patriotic themes in religious events is an uncommon move for a political system that has historically sidelined nationalism in favor of religious identity and pan-Islamic unity.

Why It Matters: An unstated but widely believed aim of the 12-day war launched by Israel on June 13 was to weaken -- and possibly topple -- the Islamic Republic.

In power since 1979, the countrys clerical establishment has in recent years faced mounting challenges to its legitimacy, from mass protests to historically low voter turnout. Whereas it once relied on religious sentiment to rally support, the Islamic republic now appears to be shifting tactics, seeking to unify a fractured society by appealing more directly to a shared sense of Iranian national identity.

However, critics say its a little too late for that. And they particularly have taken issue with changes made to patriotic anthems sung in religious ceremonies.

What's Being Said: Sadegh Nojouki, a prominent Iranian composer based in Los Angeles, believes the worst damage has been done to the national anthem Ey Iran.

This is like dropping a bomb on Persepolis or Hafezs tomb, he told RFE/RLs Radio Farda, referring to a 14th-century Persian poet. Its even worse if the destruction is done from within. As an Iranian, how can you be okay with that?

Meanwhile, the hardline Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has openly called for a revival of the mass executions of political prisoners carried out in the 1988.

The statement comes amid a sweeping crackdown, including arrests on espionage and national security charges and the execution of several prisoners in the wake of the Iran-Israel war -- developments that have deepened fears of escalating political and social repression in Iran.

Mehdi Aslani, a former political prisoner and survivor of the 1988 mass executions, told Radio Farda that the regime is not undergoing reform but is simply leading prisoners to the gallowsthis time to the sound of patriotic anthems instead of religious chants.

Expert Opinion: This is an attempt to patch up the fractured structure and shaken authority of the regime, Aslani said.

That's all from me for now.

Until next time,

Kian Sharifi

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Friday.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee says it is alarmed that Narges Mohammadi, who won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, has been receiving serious threats against her life.

In a statement on July 11, it said Mohammadi had informed committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes in an urgent phone call that she has been receiving warnings through her lawyers and indirect channels.

I have been directly and indirectly threatened with 'physical elimination' by agents of the regime, Mohammadi was quoted as saying in the statement.

The warnings, the statement said, made it clear that she would have to agree to cease all public activities within Iran, along with any international advocacy or media appearances promoting democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is deeply concerned about the threats against Narges Mohammadi and, more broadly, all Iranian citizens with a critical voice, and call upon the authorities to safeguard not only their lives, but also their freedom of expression, Frydnes said.

Mohammadi has spent decades advocating for human rights in Iran and has repeatedly faced imprisonment over the past 20 years.

Since March 2021, she has been convicted five times and is currently serving a 12-year sentence for spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

Mohammadi was "temporarily released" from prison in December after receiving urgent medical care.

Despite being nearly continuously incarcerated since 2010, Mohammadi has often tried to raise awareness about prison conditions and alleged abuses faced by female prisoners.

On July 7, she issued a statement saying she remains being sent back to prison and resuming serving her sentence.

She has received two official orders to return to prison, but her lawyers have advised that she not go back voluntarily.

If they want me, they should pay the price and arrest me themselves  I will not go to prison quietly, she said, noting she has chosen to remain outside as an act of "civil disobedience."
WASHINGTON, DC -- The US Senate Armed Services Committee has approved $500 million in security assistance for Ukraine in the draft 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) amid reports that President Donald Trump could separately announce a new round of aid for the embattled country.

The bill, which was passed by the committee on July 9, includes a provision to extend the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through 2028, increasing authorized funding to $500 million from $300 million in 2025.

News of the bills aid contents comes a day after Trump said he would make a "major statement" regarding Russia on July 14. US media reported earlier on July 11 that Trump may announce a new tranche of aid to Ukraine totaling $500 million under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).

Trump, who criticized the amount of US aid to Ukraine last year while on the campaign trail, has grown frustrated with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, who has rebuffed US efforts to strike a cease-fire deal in the 40-month-old war.

Trump has held six calls with Putin since taking office on January 20 to resolve the war in Ukraine. Russia has only stepped up its attacks since Trump launched his peace effort, killing hundreds of civilians in the process.

During their sixth call on July 3, Putin told Trump he intended to achieve his goals in Ukraine, which experts say include toppling the democratically elected government in Kyiv and pulling the country once again into Moscows orbit. Trump described the call as disappointing.

Trumps predecessor, former President Joe Biden, approved $67 billion in military aid to Ukraine following Russias invasion on February 24, 2022. The aid, which has been indispensable to Ukraines dogged defense against the more powerful Russian armed forces, comes from two main sources: PDA and USAI.

PDA refers to the authority of the president to direct the immediate drawdown of weapons and other items from US stockpiles in response to an unforeseen emergency while USAI involves the procurement of new items. When Biden left office in January, there was still $4 billion in PDA available to Ukraine.

Trump, who has made ending the war in Ukraine a top foreign policy priority, has refrained from tapping the PDA for Ukraine or slapping new sanctions on Russia while pursuing talks with Moscow. Russia has dramatically increased its air attacks over the past few months with the number of drones fired into Ukraine-controlled territory surpassing 700 in a day.

Trump has been taking criticism since April for not responding to Putin's clear obstruction of his peace proposal. That has finally sunken in, John Herbst, the former US ambassador to Ukraine from 2003-06, told RFE/RL.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy weeks ago agreed to Trumps request for an immediate 30-day cease-fire while Putin put forth various demands that experts say were meant to drag out talks while he pursued his invasion.

While the increase in the USAI to $500 million in the Senate Armed Service Committees draft NDAA bill is still a small sum for a war in which each side fires tens of millions of dollars worth of weapons a day, Herbst said the signal it sent was important.

It is a sign of a changing dynamic on the Republican side, he said.

While Republican lawmakers were initially supportive of US aid to Ukraine at the outset of the full-scale invasion, a wing of the party in Congress, taking cues from Trump, began to question the size of the support. Republicans held up a bill for six months that included critical aid to Kyiv, undermining Ukraines war effort.

The Senates NDAA bill still must be reconciled with the Houses version, which includes $300 million for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Congress could soon take up a new Russia sanctions bill meant to force Moscow to the negotiating table.

The bill, which gives the president the authority to impose a range of sanctions to damage Russia's economy, including on foreign financial institutions that do business with sanctioned Russian banks, enjoys wide support in both the Senate and the House.
SREBRENICA - The remains of seven people have been buried at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre, the only acknowledged act of genocide in Europe since World War II.

Almedina Kadasevic came to bury her brother, Senajid, who was 19 when he was killed. His incomplete remains were found in 2010.

"Since then, we have been waiting for the rest to be found, but no one contacted us. And then, they contacted our parents. Our parents agreed to bury one bone, just one," she told RFE/RL.

"Wish there were more. But, there is a bone, a bone, so we can come and say our prayers."

In June 1995, Bosnian Serb forces massacred some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys, in what European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said was among the darkest chapters in Europes collective memory.

Also buried on July 11 were Hariz Mujic, Rifet Gabeljic, Hasib Omerovic, Sejdalija Alic, Amir Mujcic, and Fata Bektic.

Bektic, who was 67 years old at the time of her death, and is the only woman to be buried this year.

All of it is permanently etched into memory, Adem Mehmedovic told RFE/RLs Balkan Service.

Mehmedovic was just eight years old in July 1995, when Srebrenica was an enclave under Bosnian Muslim control amid the bitter wars that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia.

The area was a UN-designated safe area but Dutch peacekeeping troops stood by and allowed Bosnian Serb forces to overrun the area.

Men and boys were separated from women, who were bussed out to areas under Bosnian Muslim control. Mehmedovic said his mother resisted when a Bosnian Serb soldier tried to separate them.

It all lasted maybe 30, 40, 50 seconds  it's hard to say now, from this perspective. Then another soldier came and said, Let the child go. And without another word, he did. He just, literally, pushed me back to my mother  and then we got on the bus, he said.

"I am ashamed because the Netherlands bears moral and political responsibility for not preventing it, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said after arriving for memorial ceremonies on July 11, the day 30 years earlier that Srebrenica fell to Bosnian Serb forces.

The mass killings were recognized as a genocide by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in 2001.

But amid growing genocide denial among Serbs and Bosnian Serbs, it was notable that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic did not use the term in a social media posting to mark the anniversary, describing instead as a terrible crime.

I express my condolences to the families of the Bosniak victims, confident that a similar crime will never happen again, he wrote.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned on July 11 that "there is no place for revisionism and denial in a region that wants to join the European Union."

Speaking at the United Nations on July 8, the Bosnian Muslim member of the countrys tripartite presidency, Denis Becirovic, said genocide denial in Serbia was illogical, immoral, and unacceptable.

We are not seeking revenge. We are seeking truth and justice, he added.




VILNIUS -- Belarusian opposition firebrand Syarhey Tsikhanouski's fight against Aleksandr Lukashenko's repressive rule was halted abruptly five years ago, when he was arrested after announcing plans to challenge the authoritarian leader in an August 2020 election.

Eventually sentenced to 18 years in prison and often held in solitary confinement, Tsikhanouski was silenced by the state as it mounted a major clampdown in response to massive protests that erupted when Lukashenko claimed a landslide victory in a vote that millions of Belarusians believe was stolen.

"For almost three years I lived in absolute isolation," Tsikhanouski, who was freed last month in the US-brokered release of 14 prisoners, told RFE/RL in an interview on July 9. "No calls, no letters, no visits from lawyers. Nothing. They tried to erase me."

Now outside the country, like other prominent government foes including his wife, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran in his stead in 2020 and now leads the Belarusian opposition abroad, Tsikhanouski vowed to continue to push against Lukashenko and fight for the release of political prisoners who remain behind bars.

"We need to act. If we pause now, the regime wins," Tsikhanouski told RFE/RL in the interview in Vilnius, adding that was advised to take six months to recover from his ordeal but opted not to. "If I stop now, nothing will change. Give me 100 days. After that, judge me. I promise you'll see results."

Before 2020, Tsikhanouski was best known as the outspoken host of the popular YouTube channel A Country for Life, traveling across Belarus exposing evidence of corruption and reporting on poverty and the neglect of rural communities.

His straight-talking style and flair for mobilizing supporters set him apart from other opposition figures in the nation of 9.1 million, where Lukashenko -- whom Tsikhanouski labeled a "cockroach" to be stamped out -- has been in power since 1994.

His political ambitions and his rhetoric put him squarely in Lukashenko's crosshairs. In May 2020, after announcing his intention to run for president, Tsikhanouski was arrested during a campaign event in the western city of Hrodna.

His wife stepped into the race in his place and went on to lead an unprecedented challenge to Lukashenko's rule. While Lukashenko claimed he received 81 percent of the vote that August, many believe Tsikhanouskaya was the actual winner.

As a result, Tsikhanouski says he prefers to be called the "first gentleman," rejecting labels such as former political prisoner and ex-blogger.

"I don't like the word former. It carries a sense of loss. I think the first gentleman of Belarus is the right way [to refer to me], as I fully support my spouse," he said. "I am endlessly grateful to her for her help in my release. Without her support, her faith, and her love, the efforts of the Belarusians and the diplomats would not have been enough. She managed to connect the dots and showed others how to fight."

He said he sees himself and his wife as complementary forces and will not interfere in her team's activities with his advice.

He made clear, however, that he has no intention of fading into the background.

"In my situation, it's impossible to stay out of politics. Any step I take is seen as political. Belarusians expect something from me, and they're watching closely," Tsikhanouski said.

"Prison didn't break me. My fire burns even brighter now," Tsikhanouski said.

He contrasted his ardor as a newly released former prisoner with what he suggested was the dampened enthusiasm of exiled Belarusians dealing with day-to-day challenges five years after the disputed election that galvanized the opposition.

"During my last days of freedom in 2020, people were lining up for hours to sign petitions. I felt like I had wings," he said. "Now I came out with the same energy and determination, but I see that many Belarusians abroad are tired. They've spent five years surviving, working multiple jobs. I understand, but for those of us coming out of prison, it's painful to feel that the fire has gone out."

One of his first moves shortly after his release on June 21 was to appeal to supporters for donations to a fund to support former political prisoners and exiled Belarusians. Tsikhanouski envisioned raising 200,000 euros, but the appeal sparked criticism and an underwhelming response.

He stressed that his appeal for donations wasn't just about money.

"When someone is released, they don't just need funds. They need people to hold their hand, to be there every day until they can stand on their own. I'm lucky to have Svyatlana and her team. But even I often feel alone."

Despite the initial setback, Tsikhanouski said donations have since grown, and more importantly hundreds of volunteers have joined his cause.

He described his burgeoning movement as a "success beyond expectations," saying that about 450 people from Belarusian communities across Europe and the United States -- and even in Singapore -- have signed up.

"This is more than double the size of my 2020 team. These aren't just supporters, they're people ready to act," he said.

Tsikhanouski envisions creating support hubs for exiled Belarusians in Lithuania and Poland to help them find employment and housing.

"It's not tied to Svyatlana's office. This is my initiative. I'm still a businessman at heart. I see problems, and I want to fix them," he said.

He was tight-lipped about his first major initiative but hinted it would combine political activism and support for the diaspora.

Some have called Tsikhanouski's style populist and likened him to a young Lukashenko, who has been running Belarus with an iron fist for more than 30 years. Tsikhanouski firmly rejects this comparison, emphasizing his commitment to honesty and integrity.

"I don't lie. Lukashenko's defining trait is his ability to lie. I speak directly and openly, even when people think I should be more diplomatic. That's the opposite of him."

Tsikhanouski, who described himself as a devout Christian, said has forgiven those who imprisoned him but still believes that justice must be served.

"Forgiveness doesn't erase crimes," he said. "Lukashenko must face trial."

Tsikhanouski said the fight for a democratic Belarus will be long and challenging. He continues to push for new sanctions and actively engages with European diplomats to discuss ways to pressure Minsk to release remaining political prisoners.

Asked what he missed most during his imprisonment, he said he "dreamed of sitting by a fire, frying bacon with onions...of holding a puppy...of drinking real coffee."

Now, he says, he's catching up on lost time, even asking American diplomats to send him his favorite Starbucks roast.

"Freedom tastes like coffee," he said with a grin.
The United States is sending weapons to Ukraine through NATO, US President Donald Trump said on July 10, a week after the Pentagon said some weapons deliveries to the war-torn country were being paused.

Trump also said he would make a "major statement" on Russia on July 14. He did not elaborate on what the statement would be but provided an explanation about the supply of US weapons.

"We're sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%. So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons," Trump said, speaking in an interview with US broadcaster NBC.

Earlier this week Trump said he would release some defensive weapons designated for Ukraine following negative responses from some members of Congress about a Pentagon announcement on July 2 that some weapons designated for Ukraine would be halted over concerns that US stockpiles have declined too much.

Trump appeared to reverse that policy on July 8 when he said that the United States would be sending defensive weapons to Ukraine amid intensifying Russian advances. He also expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he is considering imposing new sanctions on Moscow.

Trump has said he is studying a bill sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (Democrat-Connecticut) that would impose sanctions and tariffs on countries that support Russias war effort in addition to targeting Russias banking system.

"I think I'll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday," Trump said in the interview.

Later on July 11, Keith Kellogg, the US special representative, told Ukrainian media that he will visit Ukraine starting on July 14 and plans to stay for the entire week. It was unclear whether Kellogg's visit is tied to Trump's announced "major statement."

As Trump spoke, at least one person was killed and 14 others injured in a Russian drone strike on Ukraine's Kharkiv region, Ukrainian officials reported early on July 11. The attack also partly damaged a maternity hospital in the regional capital, Kharkiv, regional administrator Oleh Synyehubov said.

The Kremlin had no immediate comment. Russian officials accused Ukraine of carrying out a drone attack on Russias Tula region, killing one person.

Local Telegram channels suggested the Ukrainian drones may have also targeted the Kronshtadt drone factory, located in the neighboring Moscow region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on July 9 addressed a conference in Rome on Ukraine's reconstruction, urging allies to "more actively" use Russian assets for rebuilding and calling for weapons, joint defense production, and investment.

Zelenskyy said he met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the conference, thanking him for participating in the conference and joining the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which raised billions of dollars in pledges from conference attendees.

"It is important that Poland continues to remain a key logistics and transit hub for international assistance to Ukraine," Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

Earlier on July 10, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he reinforced the message that Moscow should show more flexibility in a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Malaysia.

"We need to see a roadmap moving forward about how this conflict can conclude," Rubio said, adding that the Trump administration had been engaging with the US Senate on what new sanctions on Russia might look like.

"It was a frank conversation. It was an important one," Rubio said after the talks in Kuala Lumpur, where the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping are meeting. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Rubio and Lavrov had shared "a substantive and frank exchange of views."

Rubio said the US strategy to end the war in Ukraine is to continue to engage all the parties involved.

We will engage anytime that we have an opportunity to do so, like we did today, Rubio told reporters. The presidents been pretty clear. Hes disappointed and frustrated that theres not been more flexibility on the Russian side to bring about an end to this conflict.

Rubio said the Pentagon announcement about weapons sent to Ukraine had been mischaracterized, and the overwhelming majority of the military aid that the United States provides to Ukraine has never been paused.

He acknowledged that Ukraine needs more Patriot systems and said some are available in multiple countries in Europe, yet no one wants to part with them. He said he hoped that would change.

Countries that have ordered Patriot batteries that are about to receive shipments of them, it would be great if one of them volunteered to defer that shipment and send it to Ukraine instead, Rubio said.

He also noted that Russia has lost 100,000 soldiers since January, emphasizing that they were killed, not injured. Ukraine lost fewer in the same time span. Though the numbers are less, they are still very significant, he said.

With reporting by Reuters and NBC
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (R, back) and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (L, back) hold talks in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, July 10, 2025. Aliyev and Pashinyan agreed to advance efforts toward normalizing relations between their countries, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan said on Thursday. (Azerbaijan State News Agency/Handout via Xinhua)

BAKU, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan agreed to advance efforts toward normalizing relations between their countries, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan said on Thursday.

The two leaders met Thursday in Abu Dhabi and reaffirmed that direct bilateral negotiations remain the most effective format for resolving outstanding issues, the ministry said in a press release.

It also added that both leaders agreed to continue a results-oriented dialogue aimed at achieving lasting peace.

Aliyev and Pashinyan reviewed progress on border delimitation and directed their respective commissions to continue practical work in this area. They also reaffirmed their commitment to confidence-building measures and sustained dialogue, according to the press release. 

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (R) and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hold talks in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, July 10, 2025. Aliyev and Pashinyan agreed to advance efforts toward normalizing relations between their countries, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan said on Thursday. (Azerbaijan State News Agency/Handout via Xinhua)
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is being urged to reconsider the upfront costs for people interested in upgrading their homes.

Speaking at a recent plenary meeting of Roscommon County Council, Independent councillor Laurence Fallon said the SEAI was putting a lot of money into the area of upgrading houses but believed it was really only those in the better off category who could draw down the funding.

The cost of retrofitting a house is in the region of 60,000 to 70,000 to get it to a proper standard and a lot of families dont have that sort of money. When they see 70,000 upfront having to be paid, its a no, said Cllr Fallon.

The latest figures show that 941 homes in the county received home energy upgrades via the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in 2024, this was a slight decrease on the 2023 figure of 965.

Since 2019 a total of 3,117 homes in the county have availed of retrofit schemes, according to the SEAI 2024 Full Year Retrofit Report.

The report shows that as of the end of 2024, the Government had invested 1.2 billion in energy upgrades across 186,000 homes and 156 community energy projects, with one third of the expenditure in 2024.

Despite the figures, Cllr Fallon believed that with a little bit of imagination the SEAI could reconsider the upfront cost on a phased basis whereby people could spend 20,000 and get a grant and then could spend another 20,000 and get a grant and the rest of it could be held until the job is complete, he said.

Cllr Fallon believed there wasnt a lot of consideration given to the ability of the individual to help this national cause. Without buy-in from private homes and car owners, our contribution is going to be less impactful than it might be, he said.

The Independent councillor said he knew many people who wanted to upgrade their homes and proposed that elected members write to the SEAI asking it to reconsider the upfront cost by splitting the grant on a phased basis.

The proposal was seconded by Fianna Fail councillor Marty McDermott.

Fianna Fail councillor Sean Moylan agreed saying the upfront cost was the big blocker for people interested in home upgrades.

Independent councillor Tom Crosby agreed that the upfront cost for people on lower incomes could prove prohibitive and suggested the SEAI criteria needed to be reviewed.

Independent councillor Valerie Byrne agreed that access to SEAI grants needed to be made easier for people.

The discussion arose following a presentation on the countys climate action plan by Aoife Moore, the councils climate co-ordinator. The presentation outlined the first progress report on the climate action plan, which was previously adopted by councillors.

Other councillors also contributed to the discussion that followed the presentation.

Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan said there was a lot of people willing to replace their septic tanks but it involved a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy. He also raised concerns about the construction of new homes without chimneys and stressed that chimneys on houses in rural areas should be considered.

If we look back at Storm Eowyn, some people had to leave their beautiful new homes because they had no heat. We didnt have a backup to electricity and the same applies for people considering buying electric cars, he said.

Cllr Callaghan said the capacity wasnt there to look after people in rural Ireland in a crisis situation.

While he said everyone was committed to climate measures, there had to be a bit of flexibility so people can live with ease of mind. He also posed the question whether the water and sewerage infrastructure was there to meet the housing targets set down by Government.

While pointing out that he drives an electric vehicle and would not go back to diesel, Cllr Crosby said there was a lack of charging points around the country.

Fine Gael councillor Valerie Duffy raised several issues, including whether there were plans for a generator scheme to support communities in the event of future outages.

Cllr Duffy also wanted to recognise the role of Just Transition and how valuable it had been to communities and wondered would there be more funding to deliver this climate action plan for Roscommon.

Fianna Fail councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice said that from a farming and rural perspective, the farming community had done quite a lot to improve air quality.

He said unfortunately a lot of the carbon emitted by the population is measured by the square kilometre rather where the food is consumed. I believe thats flawed. I spoke to the former Minister for Agriculture about this and he agreed with me, he said.

Cllr Fitzmaurice said that the development of a solar farm in Castlerea was very positive and proposed that through a grant-assisted NeighbourWood Scheme, the council should develop 14 acres of low-lying land near the town into a woodland amenity for local people. The proposal was seconded by Fine Gael councillor Ruth Connolly Conboy.

The Castlerea councillor also spoke about how 150 apple trees were planted in Foley Bennetts Orchard to promote biodiversity. He explained that the local Foroige club and CES scheme came on board to help clean up what was previously an old orchard and plant trees there.

During his contribution, he said that they needed to raise awareness about cars idling in towns and the amount of fumes that can come off the one car.

Replying to some of the queries raised, director of services Caitlin Conneely said that septic grant numbers in the county had increased from 5,000 to 12,000 but acknowledged there was still an issue with the scheme.

In relation to whether there was sufficient water and wastewater infrastructure to meet housing demands, she said that the council would continue to work with Uisce Eireann through the County Development Plan in that regard.

Ms Conneely also pointed out that a strategy for charging points in the county would be discussed at council level.

Cllr Fitzmaurice pointed out that there was talk about a proposed scheme to make a generator available for use for a number of community hubs.
"Let's Stand Firm Against Violence": Kapil Sharma's Kap's Cafe Responds After Attack

From all of us at Kap's Cafe, thank youand see you soon under better skieswith hope and gratitude.

"Lets Stand Firm Against Violence": Kapil Sharmas Kaps Cafe Responds After Attack

Surrey, Canada: Famous comedian Kapil Sharmas newly opened cafe, Kaps Cafe, in Surrey, Canada, was attacked on Thursday when multiple rounds of bullets were fired at the premises. In response, the cafe has issued a strong and heartfelt statement via its official Instagram page.

The shooting had taken place while the staff members of the cafe were still present, damaging the property, the Surrey Police said.

Advertisement

We opened Kaps Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock, but we are not giving up.

The cafe also expressed its gratitude to supporters. This cafe exists because of your belief in what we are building together. Lets stand firm against violence and ensure Kaps Cafe remains a place of warmth and community.

From all of us at Kaps Cafe, thank youand see you soon under better skieswith hope and gratitude.

Advertisement

Unidentified assailants attacked the cafe, firing nearly 12 bullets at the establishment, according to Canadian journalist Sameer Kaushal. The cafe had opened just five days earlier.

According to a report by India Today, Khalistani terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi claimed responsibility for the attack. Laddi, reportedly one of India's most-wanted terrorists, is associated with the banned organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The report cites sources claiming that the firing was motivated by a past comment made by Kapil Sharma.

In another note on Instagram, the cafe thanked the Surrey Police for their swift response.

Advertisement

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Surrey Police for their prompt response and efforts in ensuring everyones safety during this difficult time.

In a statement, Surrey Police said that they are investifating into the shooting and looking into connections with other incidents, and motives behind the shooting are being examined. "There is currently no suspect information available to share," it added.

"On Thursday, July 10, at 1.50 am, Surrey Police Service was called to a business located in the 8400 block of 120 Street for a report of shots fired. Upon police arrival, it was quickly determined that shots were fired towards the business, damaging the property, while staff members were still present inside. There were no injuries to anyone at the business. SPS officers gathered evidence and canvassed the area for witnesses and surveillance video," the police statement said.

Advertisement

(For more news apart from "Lets Stand Firm Against Violence": Kapil Sharmas Kaps Cafe Responds After Attack, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Bihar's Kothi Area: Motorbiker Dies After Collision with Police Vehicle; Villagers Set Police Car on Fire

Following the tragic incident, enraged villagers set the police vehicle on fire in the Kothi police station area of the district.

Bihars Kothi Area: Motorbiker Dies After Collision with Police Vehicle; Villagers Set Police Car on Fire

Bihars Kothi: Motorbiker death After Collision with Police Vehicle latest news; A fatal accident occurred in Bihars Kothi area where a motorbike rider died after colliding with a police vehicle, according to ANI, citing Gaya City SP Ramanand Kumar Kaushal.

Advertisement

Following the tragic incident, enraged villagers set the police vehicle on fire in the Kothi police station area of the district.

Further details are awaited.

(For more news apart from Bihars Kothi Area: Motorbiker Dies After Collision with Police Vehicle; Villagers Set Police Car on Fire, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
PM Modi Can't Even Resolve Water Issues Between Punjab and Haryana: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

"Why does Adani's business begin operations wherever he (the PM) goes?"

PM Modi Can't Even Resolve Water Issues Between Punjab and Haryana: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann News:

Following Day 2 of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Special Session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann lashed out at the Ministry of External Affairs for criticizing his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modis recently concluded five-nation visit. Mann remarked that the Prime Minister "can't even resolve water issues between Punjab and Haryana."

Advertisement

Speaking to the media, CM Mann said, "Dont I have the right to question the countrys foreign policy and ask what he did during the visit?"

He further questioned, "Why does Adani's business begin operations wherever he (the PM) goes?"

Mann added, "I will keep asking such questions in the future as well. There are 140 crore people in the country  he should engage with them and address their concerns. He says he will stop the war between Russia and Ukraine, but he can't even resolve water issues between Punjab and Haryana."

Advertisement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a five-nation tour from 2 to 9 July 2025, visiting Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. As part of the visit, he also attended the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from 6 to 7 July.

Following the conclusion of the tour, BJP National Spokesperson Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi addressed a press conference, hailing the visit as a significant milestone in Indias foreign relations.

"This tour has strategically, economically, and culturally ushered in a new era in Indias role on the global stage," Dr. Trivedi said.

Advertisement

He emphasized three major takeaways from the visit, stating, "The Prime Minister has unequivocally raised the issue of terrorism at BRICS. He made it clear that the perpetrators of terror and the victims of terror cannot be equated. This was a major diplomatic achievement, and it holds great strategic significance for India."

(For more news apart from PM Modi Can't Even Resolve Water Issues Between Punjab and Haryana: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann vs Partap Bajwa: 12 Vaje' Remark Triggers Storm in Punjab Assembly

Please sit down, it's only 12 PM. You can check the time, Mann said.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann vs Partap Bajwa in Vidhan Sabha Latest News Today: A fiery face-off between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa disrupted proceedings in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday, as a seemingly casual remark escalated into a full-blown political and religious controversy.

The verbal clash began when CM Mann slammed Bajwa for allegedly deflecting attention from issues concerning the people of Punjab. Raise matters that go against Punjab and Punjabis, Mann told Bajwa, urging him to focus on the core agenda of the special session.

Advertisement

As Bajwa continued to interrupt, the Chief Minister asked him to calm down and take his seat. Please sit down, its only 12 PM. You can check the time, Mann said.

To this, Bajwa fired back with the widely-known Punjabi phrase, 12 tuhade vaje hone hai. While commonly used in informal settings, the phrase has historically been weaponized to mock Sikhs  leading to instant outrage from the ruling AAP benches.

AAP leaders Aman Arora and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema condemned Bajwas comment, calling it deeply offensive and disrespectful to Sikh sentiments. This is not just a personal attack  its a direct insult to Sikh history and identity. It cannot be ignored, said Cheema.

Advertisement

As chaos unfolded in the Assembly, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan struggled to maintain order. The House was briefly thrown into disorder with sloganeering and protests from AAP MLAs, demanding an apology.

Veteran Congress MLA Rana Gurjit Singh attempted to cool tempers, urging both leaders to shift their focus back to the agenda. Lets return to the purpose we are here for. These personal jibes are not helping Punjab, he appealed.

The Congress party, meanwhile, has downplayed the incident, with sources close to Bajwa claiming the remark was used in jest, not intended to hurt anyones religious feelings.

Advertisement

However, AAP continues to press for a formal retraction and apology, warning that such language has no place in the sanctity of the Assembly.

The episode adds to the string of confrontations that have dominated the ongoing Vidhan Sabha session, overshadowing key policy discussions and fueling partisan tensions in Punjabs already charged political climate.

(For more news apart from Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann vs Partap Bajwa in Vidhan Sabha Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
RRI Special

The launch of the second edition of Ukrainian MusicLab, a Support Program for Ukrainian Artists

Listen to RRI in English

Ana-Maria Popescu, 11.07.2025, 19:24

This training program, featuring workshops, performances, and meetings with music industry professionals and European artists, is designed to provide Ukrainian artists with new opportunities to network and connect with the European music market. The organisers are Europavox, a network that coordinates music festivals in 7 European countries, the French Institute in Romania, and Control Club in Bucharest.

Amid the many challenges posed by the ongoing war, Ukrainian MusicLab will facilitate artistic exchange and collaboration for Ukrainian artists based in Ukraine and across Europe.

The hybrid program will take place both online and in person in Bucharest between September and October 2025, featuring workshops, performances, and meetings with music industry professionals and European artists.

Participants must be available for 3 days for online workshops the week of September 22nd 2025, and for 3 days for an in-person showcase in Bucharest, Romania, the week of October 20th, 2025.

Mr Julien Chiappone-Lucchesi, the head of the French Institute in Romania, visited the head offices of Radio Romania International and told us more about the program.
Moodys on Romanias budget deficit

According to Moody's, Romania can reduce its budget deficit if it implements the fiscal measures announced by the government

Prim-ministrul Ilie Bolojan (Foto: gov.ro)

Sorin Iordan, 11.07.2025, 14:00

The fiscal measures recently adopted by the Romanian government are an important step towards balancing the budget, according to Moodys. However, the international rating agency warns that any deviation from the plan could undermine stabilization efforts and result in a downgrade of the countrys sovereign rating, which is currently stable. Therefore, if all three packages of measures announced by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan are fully implemented, Romanias fiscal deficit could reach 7.8% of the GDP at the end of this year and 6.1% in 2026. In its published report, Moodys stresses that the Bucharest government should reduce the deficit and slow the growth of public debt faster than previously anticipated.

According to the analysis, the fiscal package adopted this week will generate a consolidation of approximately 0.6% of the GDP for 2025, with the significant contribution coming from the increase in VAT rates starting August 1, when excise duties on fuel, alcohol, and tobacco will also be increased. For 2026, Moodys estimates a budget consolidation of about 3% of the GDP, as a cumulative effect of the measures adopted in 2025 and those that will come into force in 2026. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan explained that the second package of measures, scheduled for January 1, 2026, will contain measures relating to special pensions, combating tax evasion, and reforming state-owned companies and local and central government.

Ilie Bolojan:

We are talking about reforming special pensions by eliminating exceptions, calculating pensions correctly, and setting the retirement age at the general age. Reforming state-owned companies and autonomous authorities; we will restructure autonomous authorities such as ASF, ANCOM, and ANRE. We will reduce the number of members and allowances of boards of directors and make activities and contracts more transparent. Reforming the local and central administration by resizing the budgetary apparatus, through decentralization and digitization, combating tax evasion and public money fraud, through legislative changes and by speeding up access to European funds and prioritizing investments with a direct impact on development.

The spending cuts and tax optimizations decided by the government have sparked discontent among trade unions in almost all sectors of the economy. For days, union members have been organizing protests to express their concern about the harmful effects that these fiscal measures will have on peoples purchasing power and warning that they may even resort to general strikes if their position is not taken into account by the government. In this context, the opposition in the Bucharest Parliament has filed a motion of no confidence against the cabinet led by Ilie Bolojan.

The document, which was presented in the plenary session of parliament claims, among other things, that the measures taken by the government will lead to recession and a decline in living standards, and that the cost of austerity is borne solely by Romanians. For the executive to be dismissed, the motion of no confidence must gather the votes of half plus one of the number of senators and deputies, i.e. 233. (MI)
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation with the aim of advancing peaceful nuclear cooperation between the United States and Malaysia.

In addition, the two countries have launched negotiations on a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, also known as 123 Agreement. It advances the Trump Administration's Executive Order 14299, "Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security" and will promote international civil nuclear cooperation; advance American energy dominance, establish multidecade strategic energy partnerships with U.S. allies and partners; and promote the highest international standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation, the State Department said in a statement.

123 Agreements establish a legally binding framework for significant peaceful nuclear cooperation between the United States and its partners, providing a foundation for long-term, strategic civil nuclear partnerships globally. 123 Agreements also aid the United States by promoting U.S. commercial competitiveness in the global civil nuclear market and providing greater opportunities for increased civil nuclear sales globally

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Maase Inc. (MAAS), a provider of financial services in China, Friday said it has signed a framework agreement with certain shareholders of Qingdao Youdian New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Qingdao Huijulaixi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. to acquire 100% stake in Youdian and 49% equity of LaiXi.

Youdian with two main areas comprising electric vehicle (EV) services and residential energy solutions, offers a range of innovative products like "Xiaoli Charging" mobile charging robot.

LaiXi, a developer of intelligent unmanned systems, operates an automated manufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 1,200 car washing machines.

Min Zhou, CEO of MAAS, sid, "This acquisition represents a key milestone in the strategic upgrade of MAAS. It not only enhances our competitive position in the new energy and intelligent service sectors but also creates long-term value for our shareholders."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
ISLAMABAD, July 11 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and four others injured when a pickup plunged into a deep gorge in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, local rescue officials said.

The accident occurred in Para Chamkani Gondal area of Kurram district, Bilal Ahmad Faizi, spokesperson for Rescue 1122 KP, told Xinhua.

The vehicle was en route from Spin Ghar Manro to Sadda Bazaar in Lower Kurram when it lost control while navigating a sharp bend and veered off the road, falling into a ravine, Faizi said.

Five people died on the spot, and four others sustained serious injuries, he added.

"The injured were shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Sadda for medical treatment," the spokesperson said. 
Heathrow Airport wants to raise landing fees as part of a 10bn investment programme intended to increase capacity and boost passenger numbers, it was confirmed on Friday.

The airport  Europes busiest  has asked the Civil Aviation Authority to approve a 17% rise in the fees it charges airlines to 33.26 per passenger.

The increase is part of a series of proposals submitted to the regulator outlining Heathrows expansion plans between 2027 and 2031.

They include creating capacity for up to 10m more passengers, a 12% increase, and improving the offering in existing terminals. It also wants to increase freight capacity by 20%.

Thomas Woldbye, chief executive, said: Our five-year plan will further boost operational resilience, deliver the service passengers expect and unlock the growth capacity airlines want, with stretching efficiency targets and a like-for-like lower airport charge than a decade ago.

This private investment will create jobs and drive national growth.

However, airlines  which have long complained that Heathrow is already one of the worlds most expensive airports  quickly pushed back.

International Airlines Group called the proposed increase excessive, arguing that the 10bn investment would ultimately be paid for by passengers and airlines, raising serious concerns about affordability and value for money.

IAG owns British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia.

Virgin Atlantic said: Only Heathrow, with its monopoly on power as the UKs only hub airport, would think that this 10bn investment plan represents value for money  and thats before any third runway expansion costs are factored into the equation.

The CAA said it would now consider the proposals before giving its response.

The update came as Heathrow posted passenger numbers for June. There were 7.4m terminal passengers last month, down 1%, which it attributed to global events, adding: Overall, demand continues to grow.

A total of 39.9m have flew through Heathrow in the six months to June.

Earlier this year the government gave its clearest indication yet that it would back a long-anticipated third runway at Heathrow, as part of its wider UK growth agenda.

The plan is controversial, however, with environmental groups in particular arguing against expanding air travel.

A formal planning application is expected to be put before Parliament by 2029.
photo: Alex Rice

Olive Senior is the author of 20 books of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children's literature. She was the Poet Laureate of Jamaica from 2021 to 2024, and has received numerous awards and honors, including honorary doctorates from the University of the West Indies (Jamaica) and York University (Canada), Canada's Matt Cohen Award for Lifetime Achievement, the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, and the Commonwealth Writers' Prize. She splits her time between Toronto, Canada, and Kingston, Jamaica. Her new book, the historical novel Paradise Once (Akashic Books), brings to life the resiliency of the Indigenous Taino people in the Caribbean whose culture was virtually destroyed within two generations of their "discovery" by Christopher Columbus.

Handsell readers your book in 25 words or less:

Learn about the Caribbean Taino, the Indigenous people Columbus met in 1492. Paradise Once captures a world of encounter, genocide, and resistance.

On your nightstand now:

I'm rereading Elmore Leonard's Cuba Libre. I turn to genre fiction for relaxation but also when, from the masters like this, I need to sample perfect storytelling.

Favorite book when you were a child:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Still my favorite. It unconsciously instilled in me, a little country girl from Jamaica, both curiosity and courage to go forth into the unknown.

Your top five authors:

I keep changing over time (and a long life of reading), but fiction always: Charles Dickens, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Terry Pratchett. Currently: Edwidge Danticat, Bernardine Evaristo. All passionate storytellers with a strong moral compass and engagement with the human condition. For poets, for the same reason, I could add Walt Whitman, Muriel Rukeyser, Pablo Neruda.

Book you've faked reading:

I won't confess to any contemporary author so I'll say John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress.

Book you're an evangelist for:

Eduardo Galeano's Memory of Fire. A genius way to make New World history come alive.

Book you've bought for the cover:

I never have, but I hope someone might buy Paradise Once for its beautiful, evocative cover (and read it, of course).

Book you hid from your parents:

MAD magazine and comics generally as they were believed by all authority figures to lead to brain rot. But I learned so much about writing humor and satire from the early days of MAD. So, "What, me worry?"

Book that changed your life:

Sorry, I am cheating here with three. Other Voices, Other Rooms by Truman Capote was the first book outside of the English literary canon (on which I was fed) where I became conscious of a landscape like my own (palm trees!) and people of color in literature. This was probably the first adult book by an American author that I read, on my own in a little library beside the sea in Montego Bay. As a teenager yearning to write, it made me realize that the world I inhabited could be my subject matter. That world has remained the source of everything I have written since. (I might add that I read this before the upsurge in Caribbean writing or my later exposure to African American literature).

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez swept me off my feet with the sheer exuberance of the storytelling. But it too made me realize how fabulous stories existed not just in storybooks from far-flung lands, but in the very fabric of our everyday Caribbean lives.

Only much later did I realize that the book that did change my life was my own first collection of stories, Summer Lightning, set in rural Jamaica. The fact that it won an international literary prize was the affirmation I needed that my desire to be a writer in a world that did not then support the idea, was the right one.

Favorite line from a book:

Not from fiction or poetry but from seed biologist Carol Baskin. Her description of a seed as "a baby plant, in a box, with its lunch," also perfectly describes a nascent poem as self-contained and ready to sprout, with a little nurturing. Like all seeds. Perfect!

Five books you'll never part with:

Dictionary of Jamaican English by F.G. Cassidy and R.B. Le Page. A book that broke the colonial mirror and showed us ground truth reflected in our own language and cultural practices.

Icanchu's Drum: An Orientation to Meaning in South American Religions by Lawrence E. Sullivan. This has been my bible in trying to understand the worldview of the Taino (subjects of Paradise Once) but also of the peoples of the Americas pre- and post-Columbus. Our Indigenous ancestors.

Elemental Odes by Pablo Neruda. I hold on to all of Neruda but the Odes are there to remind me always of how poetry can be crafted from the simplest of materials.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland with the Tenniel illustrations. Forever down the rabbit hole.

Book you most want to read again for the first time:

I'd like to read again for the first time, the early publications by three leading (and very different) Caribbean poets to find the seeds of their future greatness (a la Baskin, above). In a Green Night by Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, Rights of Passage by Edward Kamau Brathwaite, and Tamarind Season by Lorna Goodison.

Closing thoughts:

I could give different answers to everything on different days. I don't keep a record of what I read, and books and authors flash in and out of my memory. So tomorrow I'll say, why didn't I include... ? Readers might be surprised that my book list is not all fiction or poetry. My creative spirit is greatly nourished by my nonfiction reading.
Japans Ambassador Keiichi Ono led a high-level delegation to Dholera SIR, highlighting deepening Indo-Japan industrial ties.

The delegation reviewed key infrastructure, including the Tata Electronics semiconductor plant and Dholeras smart city facilities.

The visit reaffirmed Dholera's position as a future-ready investment destination aligned with Indias Vision 2047.

In a major push to strengthen industrial cooperation between India and Japan, the Ambassador of Japan to India, Mr. Keiichi Ono, led a high-level delegation of prominent Japanese companies on an official two-day visit to Dholera Special Investment Region (Dholera SIR) in Gujarat. The visit, held on July 910, 2025, underscores Japans growing interest in Indias greenfield smart industrial hub, which is a key project under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).

The delegations engagement began in Ahmedabad on July 9 with a conference aimed at promoting collaboration in innovation, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. The session featured key representatives, including Ms. Kazuko Sakuma, Resident Executive Officer & Regional Head for Asia Pacific, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC); Mr. Yu Yoshida, Chief Representative, JETRO Ahmedabad; and Mrs. Mona K. Khandhar, Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat.

Shri Rajat Kumar Saini, CEO & MD of the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), delivered the keynote address, highlighting the strategic Indo-Japan partnership and Japans continued support in shaping Indias industrial corridors. He emphasized how Dholera, modeled after Japans TokyoOsaka corridor, is becoming a hub for next-gen industries.

Japanese industry stakeholders. A special address by Ambassador Keiichi Ono concluded the session. He commended Indias forward-looking vision, particularly in the semiconductor and smart infrastructure sectors, reaffirming Japans commitment to supporting India's economic transformation. The evening wrapped up with a networking dinner that encouraged deeper dialogue among Indian andstakeholders.

On July 10, the Japanese delegation visited Dholera SIR to witness its infrastructure development firsthand. Accompanied by officials from Dholera Industrial City Development Ltd. (DICDL) and NICDC, the group toured several key infrastructure projects, including the Water Treatment Plant, Canal Front Development, Power Substation, the under-construction Tata Electronics semiconductor fabrication plant, and the ABCD Building, which houses the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) and the Experience Centre.

The delegation received a detailed briefing on the Tata Electronics semiconductor fabrication facility, being developed in collaboration with Taiwans Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC). This ambitious project is part of the Rs 1.54 lakh crore investment under the Semicon India Programme and is expected to transform India into a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.

Dholeras vision goes beyond industrial infrastructure. The Japanese delegation also reviewed planned social infrastructure including a multi-specialty hospital, integrated school, fire station, hospitality zones, and residential and commercial complexes, aimed at making Dholera a fully livable and investor-ready city.

As India progresses toward its Vision 2047 of becoming a developed, innovation-led economy, Dholera SIR stands out as a model of futuristic planning and global collaboration. The Japanese visit reaffirms Dholeras emergence as a strategic destination for advanced manufacturing and smart urban development.
This photo from March 31, 2025, shows Mayor Eric Adams addressing community leaders, members of the clergy and faith-based organizations during an Evening of Faith at the College of Staten Island in Willowbrook. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott R. Axelrod)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Four former high-ranking NYPD officials allege in a series of lawsuits that Mayor Eric Adams and his longtime friends and cronies in the Police Department retaliated against them and pushed them toward resignation.

The four officials alleging this retaliation are former Chief of Detectives James Essig, former Chief of Risk Management Matthew Pontillo, former Commanding Officer of the Criminal Task Force Division Christopher McCormack and former Assistant Chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau Joseph Veneziano.

These men, all of whom served between 30 and 40 years with the force, each filed individual lawsuits in state Supreme Court in Manhattan on Monday.

This photo from July 3, 2024, shows former NYC Police Commissioner Edward Caban at Amboy Snack and Drink, in Tottenville. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

The complaints all list the NYPD, the City of New York, Adams, former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey as co-defendants. Pontillos lawsuit also names NYPD Chief of Department John Chell, while McCormacks lists Philip Banks III, the former deputy mayor for public safety, as a defendant.

In essence, all four former law-enforcement officers were pressured out of their jobs by Adams and his inner circle, which sought to hand-pick officers for promotion, disregarding merit, as alleged in court documents.

Lawsuit: Marked for retaliation

Veneziano, a Staten Islander who previously served as commanding officer of the NYPDs 120th Precinct and head of the boroughs detective bureau, was vindictively transferred out of his prestigious position after his work in investigating Maddrey put a target on his back, the lawsuit alleges.

Former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey answers questions after a tour of the North Shore community of Stapleton to speak with business owners and residents on Friday, June 9, 2023. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

Until July 2023, Veneziano served in the Internal Affairs Bureau, overseeing investigations into NYPD corruption and misconduct cases. In this role, documents indicate Veneziano began looking into Maddrey and close personal confidants of Adams and Caban.

As Veneziano had taken the civil service examination and had civil service job protection, he could not be fired without due process. However, that did not stop Maddrey from allegedly retaliating and transferring the assistant chief to the inferior Transit Bureau.

Veneziano was given minimal notice of the immediate transfer and was ultimately left with a do nothing job in a less prestigious bureau with no hope of promotion, court documents allege.

This photo from July 22, 2014, shows former 120 Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Joseph Veneziano watching protesters arrive at the precinct. (Advance/SILive.com | Hilton Flores)

Moreover, he wasnt given the office slated for his rank and was purposely excluded from high-level meetings that he should have attended according to his position, as stated in court documents.

For a 30-year veteran of the NYPD such as Veneziano, who prided himself on his work ethic and his track record of crime fighting and policymaking within the NYPD, sitting in an empty office, far away from the other high-ranking officials within the NYPD, with nothing to do and no chance at career advancement was akin to being fired, a portion of the complaint reads.

In November of 2023, four months after his transfer, Veneziano resigned from the NYPD.

As explained in court documents, Veneziano further alleges that Adams vindictively delayed the implementation of an order which essentially gave raises to members of the NYPD considered managers until he could clear out those members critical of the administration and replace them with loyal cronies. Were it not for his forced resignation, Veneziano would have been eligible for such a pay raise, the filing states.

The Adams family

The other lawsuits all follow along a similar line of accusation in which these longtime officers were pressured to either resign or be stripped of their prestigious ranks, which often included a steep pay cut, as shared in court documents.

Former NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig speaks at the Richmond County District Attorney's office in St. George on March 21, 2023. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)

For example, in Essigs case, following Maddreys promotion to Chief of Department, the Criminal Task Force Division of the NYPD began to see a surge in unusual and/or unvetted transfers of investigators into the division, according to the lawsuit. Essig, who was among those overseeing transfers, felt that the official transfer policy was not being adhered to and confronted Caban, who allegedly told Essig, do you have a problem with this?!

Caban allegedly disregarded the official promotion process and promoted friends. Essig further alleges in his court filings that Caban sold promotions in exchange for up to $15,000.

Like Veneziano, Essig was protected from firing without due process, but again Caban and Maddrey, with the implied and tacit approval of Adams, allegedly devised a plan to force Essig out.

In August of 2023, Caban gave Essig an ultimatum, either accept a demotion to captain (the lowest possible demotion allowed) and accept a salary cut of between $40,000-$50,000 per year, or resign, as alleged in court documents; Essig chose to resign.

I am honored to represent former NYPD Chiefs in four separate lawsuits against Mayor Adams and his cabal, Sarena Townsend, who is representing all four men, said in a statement. My clients were amongst the highest ranked members of NYPD, each of whom gave between 30 and 40 unblemished years to our great city, only to be pushed out by a Mayor who chose nepotism and retaliation over safety and merit. The Mayor of New York City is supposed to be a public servant, but Mayor Adams has used his position as a racket, to benefit himself and his close friends to the detriment of New Yorkers. And when my clients  decorated, high ranking leaders of the NYPD  tried to stop him and his cronies from committing illegal or unethical acts within the Department, they got pushed out in retaliation. This is the exact same blueprint Mayor Adams used to gut and shield the New York City Department of Correction from oversight  which resulted in a judge installing a federal receiver. If New Yorkers are wondering why crime in NYC has worsened under Mayor Adams, look no further than these four lawsuits. These men, and several other former Chiefs like them, were all pushed out to accommodate Mayor Adams handouts and to muzzle whistleblowers from exposing his NYPD buddies corrupt behavior. Instead of qualified leaders running the most important law enforcement agency in the country, we have The Adams Family running amok."

The lawsuits demand trials by jury and in alleging violation of New York Civil Service Law, each man is seeking punitive damages in the amount of $5 million.

The New York City Law Department referred the Advance/SILive.com to City Hall, which did not provide a comment by the time of publication.

As reported by the Daily News, Adams would not answer questions about the new lawsuits at an unrelated press conference in Brooklyn on Tuesday afternoon. Kayla Mamelak, Adams spokeswoman, touted that some crime rates have declined under Adams tenure and reportedly said the following later that day:

The Adams administration holds all city employees  including leadership at the NYPD  to the highest standards  We will review the lawsuits.

The NYPD was unable to return a request for comment by the time of publication.
In this photograph taken on April 13, 2017, Connor Mitchell, right, works on a computer at a cafe in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) AP

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Over 25 and looking to go to college? Good news: New York could cover your education expenses, free of charge.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that both CUNY and SUNY schools will offer free associates degrees to adults between the ages of 25 and 55 for specific fields if they do not already have a college degree or credential, a written statement said.

The program, called SUNY and CUNY Reconnect, will cover costs every college student frets over after financial aid is considered: tuition, fees, school supplies and textbooks.

The cost of pursuing a degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers  thats why were opening the doors of opportunity at SUNY and CUNY so that students can achieve their dreams, Hochul said. Im fighting to make education more affordable and accessible, and the Reconnect program will continue to pave the way forward for students as they enter our states future workforce.

The fields that are in high demand in New York reflect the free degree opportunities for adults pursuing their college education. They are, as listed in the statement:

Advanced manufacturing

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Engineering

Technology

Nursing and allied health fields

Green and renewable energy

Pathways to teaching in shortage areas

The program will additionally support these adult students with advisement, so theyre not alone in their college journey.

New York State has stepped up as a national leader in many emerging industries such as semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and AI. As a result of these investments, many of the new jobs available in New York will require workers with a degree or credential to fill these specialized positions, the statement explained.
Con Edison is among the companies and agencies at threat to climate change in the coming decades. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk) Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Consolidated Edison wants to charge its electricity customers nearly $30 per month more to help cover its increased costs.

The utility company is asking the states Public Service Commission to approve an electricity delivery revenue increase of about $1.6 billion. That revenue increase would result in a bill hike for the average residential Con Ed customer of about $26.60, according to the state Department of Public Service.

Typical commercial businesses can expect to see an electricity delivery bill increase of nearly $300 and a monthly increase of nearly $15,000 could be in store for industrial businesses, according to the Department of Public Service.

Additionally, the company is asking for a gas delivery revenue increase of $349 million, which would result in a bill increase of $46.42 for the typical Con Ed residential heating customer, according to the Department of Public Service.

Con Ed, whose CEO Timothy Cawley received a total compensation of about $12 million last year, only provides electric service to Staten Island for about 172,000 residential and commercial businesses on Staten Island, according to the companys website.

The utility company calculates customers delivery rates based on how much it costs to bring them their services, and customers cannot affect it with lower usage.

According to Con Ed and the Department of Public Service, the bulk of that delivery cost comes from property taxes on the companys infrastructure, investment in that infrastructure, and general operating costs.

The proposed rate hikes would take effect next year and follow a previously-approved rate hike that took effect in January.

A group of lawmakers, including Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, slammed the rate increase when Con Ed proposed it earlier this year.

As New Yorkers face an acute affordability crisis, ConEd is again proposing a rate increase for gas, Assemblymember Mamdani said in February. Too many tenants in New York already cannot afford their energy bill, while countless homeowners and small business owners dont know how they will afford next months bill. ConEd doesnt need this money to deliver its services  it said itself in its proposal that the cost of gas has not changed. What is guiding this proposal is yet another attempt to extract more profit from working class New Yorkers.

A Con Ed spokesperson said the company is also concerned with affordability pointing to the $300 million it spends on discounts for eligible customers. The spokesperson also said the company is open to working with lawmakers to address the property tax costs.

We also have a responsibility to continue to safely and efficiently deliver the nations most reliable power while complying with state laws and regulations, the spokesperson said. That means fortifying the grid in the face of increasingly severe weather, supporting the states clean energy goals and deploying the workforce we need to conduct ongoing maintenance and swiftly respond to customer service calls. Con Edison stands ready to work with stakeholders and the public to balance all these priorities and continue to deliver safe, reliable power while using our customers dollars as efficiently as possible.

Public hearings to be held

The Public Service Commission, which will decide whether to approve the rate hikes, began a series of hearings earlier this week, and two will be held on Staten Island later this month.

The Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC at 1466 Manor Rd. will be host to the events on July 22 and 23. Both events will begin at 6 p.m.

For those who cannot attend or prefer not to speak at a public statement hearing, there are several other ways to provide comments to the Commission, which must receive all comments by Nov. 21.
Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe!

Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions.

Premium Subscription

As low as $8.25 per week

Premium Includes:

-- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time.

-- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content

-- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community

-- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week!
The manipulation occurs for planes as flights pass adjacent to areas where militaries disrupt or alter GPS signals to ward off attacks, confuse hostile drones and missiles, or harass pilots. Civilian airlines flying long-haul routes, such as those between Australia and Europe, can be affected. GPS jamming, conducted by military forces, is near constant around Ukraine and parts of Russia. At any given time, the incidence of spoofing that affects commercial airspace shifts. But to give an example, in July to August 2024, the top airspace regions affected by spoofing were Cyprus, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Russia and Pakistan, according to GPS Spoofing Workgroup report. There has been a more than 200 per cent increase in Global Positioning System loss events between 2021 and 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). With continued geopolitical tensions, it is difficult to see this trend reversing in the near term, said Nick Careen, IATAs senior vice president for operations, safety and security.

Spoofing can create some strange effects in the cockpit, like being at 30,000 feet when an alarm comes on telling the pilot to immediately pull up to avoid the ground, or the clocks used by the captain and first officer no longer read the same time. An instrument can falsely indicate a plane is far from its actual location. Another pilot, who flies through affected regions, said GPS jamming now happens daily. The aircraft loses the connection to the GPS, and it flies a bit further and regains the signal again. Its no big deal if its for a limited time while en route. GPS spoofing, while less frequent, poses a bigger problem, the pilot said. That is much more serious if it goes haywire. It can change the timing of clocks in the aircraft and in the worst case, it can mess with the instruments reading the position of the plane, he said.

Planes with their GPS spoofed can unexpectedly turn without air traffic control clearance, deviating from their cleared route. This can put them at risk of entering dangerous or military areas, as almost occurred in 2023 on a flight from Europe to Dubai, according to OpsGroup, an organisation of international flight operations professionals. Theres some history here. Civilian planes didnt use GPS until after Korean Air Lines flight 007 was shot down by Soviet aircraft in 1983 after it drifted into Russian airspace. The downing of the Boeing 747-230B, amid Cold War tensions, killed 269 people, and prompted the US government to permit the US-built GPS system to be used for civilian aviation. Experts fear that the abundance of false alarms around GPS can erode a pilots awareness, or increase distrust of the data. A recent OpsGroup report identified loss of safe distance between other planes on the air route due to false instruments warnings as one of the safety concern arising from spoofing. Korean Air Lines: the Boeing 747-230B was shot down by a missile in 1983 after drifting into Soviet airspace. GPS became a standard navigation aid afterwards. Credit: Hansueli Krapf

The GPS Spoofing WorkGroup report also cited instances of surprise altitude climbs by planes initiated by the ground avoidance system in the cockpit. Loading There is also a longer-term effect, too. Due to now commonplace encounters of GPS spoofing impacts, there is a gradual, insidious acceptance of increasingly higher risk at [an] organisational level, a 2024 report concluded. Small changes and new behaviours that were slight deviations from the normal course of events gradually become the norm, providing a basis for accepting additional deviance and, typically, higher risk. A phenomenon known as spoofing fatigue is also emerging: pilots accustomed to frequent spoofing incidents simply stop reporting them.

This can lead to a normalising of risk and reduced situational awareness. Different readings on instruments in the cockpit can also cause disagreements between pilots and other crew members regarding the best course of action, clouding the decision-making needed for a safe flight. The pilot interviewed by this masthead said that when they lose GPS en route: We basically dont do anything unless a secondary navigation system warns that the planes route is becoming less precise. Planes can activate a back-up system called Distance Measuring Equipment, which had been the standard before GPS became commonplace. The pilot said he has never been lost because of jamming or spoofing; however he has been slightly off track and had to ask air traffic control for help. That has been because of prolonged GPS loss.

In the pilots region and with his company, the GPS interference phenomenon is well understood. So we have a spoofing guide/checklist so we can prevent some follow-on effects There can be complex situations but he said, We always have back-up plans. While pilots adapt, lack of GPS can have serious consequences. On Christmas Day last year, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 left Baku for Grozy in the Russian republic of Chechnya when it lost its GPS signal. Russian military forces in Grozny, on guard for Ukrainian drone attacks, had been GPS jamming the area.

Flight 8243 tried to approach Grozny twice, said FrontierSIs technical lead Eldar Rubinov. The plane lost GPS on approach to Grozny and asked air traffic controllers for guidance to the runway, he said. Loading They tried the approach twice, but both times when they reached the decision-making height (or minimum), they were still above the clouds and couldnt establish a visual contact with the runway. After the second attempt, they indicated to the air traffic control, that they cannot land and they are returning to Baku, and thats when they got shot by an anti-aircraft missile. The pilots mistook the sound of the missile hit for birdstrike. The plane crashed, killing 38 people while 29 survived with injuries.

If they had GPS, their minimum would be much lower, so they couldve descended below the clouds without any issues, said Rubinov, who audited the planes blackbox recording. The lack of GPS was a contributing factor to the crash, Rubinov said. In response to the growing problem of GPS interference, IATA along with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency last month proposed several solutions: standardising radio calls for GPS interference, establishing monitoring and warning practices, and facilitating information sharing. The groups also advocate for restrictions on jamming devices, though the effectiveness of such restrictions is questionable in regions like Russias Kaliningrad, a major jamming hotspot, or in Israel. Another potential solution for commercial flights is a controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA). This technology can detect and completely block interfering signals from a specific direction, making it almost unjammable.
Winn initially responded to the allegations with a short statement, but it did little to stem the torrent of questions facing her and it became obvious that she would have to be more forthcoming. On Wednesday night, Winn published a 2300-word essay on her website in which she described the investigation as being grotesquely unfair, highly misleading and seeks to systematically pick apart my life. She addressed many of the points raised by The Observer, such as the claim that she embezzled money from Hemmings, that the couple only lost their home after taking out a loan to pay Hemmings back and that her husbands CBD is not as serious as she made it out to be. I worked for Martin Hemmings in the years before the economic crash of 2008. For me, it was a pressured time. It was also a time when mistakes were being made in the business, Winn wrote. Any mistakes I made during the years in that office, I deeply regret, and I am truly sorry. She went on: Mr Hemmings made an allegation against me to the police, accusing me of taking money from the company. I was questioned, I was not charged, nor did I face criminal sanctions. I reached a settlement with Martin Hemmings because I did not have the evidence required to support what happened. The terms of the settlement were willingly agreed by both parties; Mr Hemmings was as keen to reach a private resolution as I was. Ros Hemmings, the widow of Martin, told The Telegraph that the episode had left her and her husband feeling rotten and that she wanted to throw coffee over the television at the mere mention of The Salt Path. Im sick of hearing about them, really. Theyve made their millions: go and enjoy it, they might as well. Theyve paid me back, so I have no axe to grind.

As to the state of her husbands health, Winn said it was an utterly vile, unfair, and false suggestion to say he did not suffer from CBD. Among The Observers many accusations, the most heartbreaking is the suggestion that Moth has made up his illness, she wrote. Winn also claims that the property the couple own in France is an uninhabitable ruin in a bramble patch that they have not visited since 2007, and attempted to explain away their use of pseudonyms. Winn is my maiden name and, like most women who have married, Ive used both my maiden name, Winn, and married name, Walker, she wrote online. Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs in The Salt Path. Credit: Kevin Baker In the early years after Moth and I met, I told him I disliked my name, Sally Ann, it made me think of ringlets and gingham dresses, and how I wished Id been given the family name of Raynor. From then on, he called me Ray. It is the name many people who are close to me have known me by, and the name I love and chose as my pen name. Moth is just an abbreviation of his name  Timothy. Much as she may wish it to, Winns statement is unlikely to be the last word on this scandal. There are still questions over the precise order of events that led to the couple losing their home, while the doctors letters to her husband that she uploaded appear to raise other questions. One says that he is affected very mildly by CBD, while another says that he has an atypical form of the condition.

Loading How can it be that, seven years after a bestselling memoir has been published and turned into a film featuring Hollywood stars, there are only arguments about what is true now? It may surprise the reading public to know how little fact-checking of memoirs happens, even at the largest publishing houses in Britain. Most publishers satisfy themselves with what is known as a warranty clause in standard author contracts, in which writers legally undertake that what they have written is not untrue, that it is not the product of plagiarism and that they have the right to publish the work. Going through a story like Winns line-by-line  or tracking down former acquaintances, as The Observer did  to confirm the truth is not affordable for any publisher. If you ask any publisher whos been around for a while, its really just not feasible, says Ravi Mirchandani, the head of Simon & Schusters Summit Books. The approach of publishers on both sides of the Atlantic is to trust their authors. Obviously, we question things when were editing, but were questioning within the context of our, frankly, general knowledge. If somebody says, My house was repossessed because  , you just believe them. Maybe it should be otherwise, but its never been the way things are done in book publishing. The head of another rival reckons that there are some unscrupulous authors who will abuse the trust of publishers, and that theres no real mechanism to really check  There are some con artists; it is going to happen once in a while. This publisher did, however, express amazement that such a high-profile book had prompted these kinds of allegations.

A former Penguin executive said that editors and publishers were so stretched that they could not do proper due diligence on inbound non-fiction books. Theres a genuine problem in corporate publishing, where the editorial culture across the board has been so diminished versus something like The New York Times or The Telegraph, or whatever, where there are editorial standards and checks, he said. Youve basically got editors who are now sales people, comms people, theyre doing everything  Fact checking is rarely used and, when it is, its more on serious non-fiction projects, not memoirs. Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs in The Salt Path. Once a book like The Salt Path is published, and then exceeds all imagined sales projections, it means that any sequels are also perhaps not scrutinised as much as they ought to be. Its such a hits-based business, the former Penguin insider says. Most books dont work, so when something does work, the last thing anyone wants to do is stand in its way.

Loading Winns sequels follow a familiar pattern: her husbands health declines, they embrace the supposed healing powers of the great outdoors and everybody is uplifted when things start to improve. This did not appear to ring alarm bells at Penguin. The publisher only went public on Tuesday, a full three days after the scandal broke. Penguin (Michael Joseph) published The Salt Path in 2018 and, like many readers, we were moved and inspired by Raynors story and its message of hope, it said in a statement to The Bookseller industry magazine. Penguin undertook all the necessary pre-publication due diligence, including a contract with an author warranty about factual accuracy, and a legal read, as is standard with most works of non-fiction. Prior to the Observer inquiry, we had not received any concerns about the books content.

In hindsight, its easy to see why people might seek to pick holes in such a neat story. I thought The Salt Path was a book about a guy who was going to die in the not-too-distant future and hes been around for such a long time that theyve published books two and three, the rival publisher said. Maybe by the time book three came around, and what seems to be very convenient timing about [Moths] illness getting worse and then getting better again, maybe there should have been more questions. But by that point, youre not really incentivised to. Either we could publish a new book and be guaranteed to sell tens if not hundreds of copies  or we can try and really get to the bottom of this. Even if you did have suspicions, it would be pretty hard to follow   The Salt Path was a surprise monster hit by a debut author writing about adversity in a part of the country that is not deemed fashionable by much of the metropolitan literary class. As well as Winn, it should have been a career-maker for its publisher, Fenella Bates, but a year ago she made the unusual move to head up the non-fiction team at Puffin, Penguins childrens imprint. Bates did not respond to a request for comment.

Loading Multiple sources reckon that Winn would have been paid an advance of about 10,000 for The Salt Path  a modest sum, but not an unhelpful one if, as The Observer reported, she owed 100,000 to a distant relative of her husband in a loan secured against the value of their home that she had taken out to return the money that she had allegedly embezzled. Most books completely fail and disappear without a trace and Raynor Winn probably thought she could make whatever the advance of the book was, a reasonable amount of money, and move on, says a leading literary agent. Its only when the book achieves a certain level of prominence, from which she has therefore made a load of money, that the veracity of it may be questioned. She would have never expected it was going to be a million-copy seller or a movie with famous people in it. If The Observer allegations are true, he supposes, she must have been living in terror of exposure. As well as the truth of the claims raised this week, there are also questions about the Winns original 1000-kilometre walk from Minehead, Somerset, to Poole, Dorset.

Loading Quintin Lake, the author of The Perimeter: A Photographic Journey around the Coast of Britain, spent five years walking the coastline and spent a lot of time on the South West Coast Path. His book, which was published in May, has been longlisted for the Wainwright Prize for nature writing. Lake said he found much of The Salt Path implausible, from Winns descriptions of locals treating her and her husband badly for being homeless to the ineptitude of their camping set-ups. A couple of times, people mistook me for being homeless because you have a little tent by the coast and youre by yourself in crappy weather where theres no tourists. But I found that there wasnt any prejudice and that people were quite kind and neutral. I found the British, universally, were pretty understanding in that, Lake said. From the practicalities of camping and backpacking, it seemed like [the Winns] were so hapless about how they undertook it that I found it hard to understand why you wouldnt improve. Obviously they were middle-aged people that were suddenly chucked into needing to camp, and thats not easy for anyone, he added. But if youre making it a lifestyle, you tend to learn how to work around it, how to camp in the lee of the bays, how to camp out of sight. My eyebrows would raise when I read it because, yes, its tricky for a bit, but then you sort of figure it out  Especially if youre travelling for months on end. If you dont, youre totally screwed.

Loading Lake said that the story told in The Salt Path seemed off to him and he felt quite vindicated after reading the expose into the Winns background. Their particular story relies on the truth of it, because it is a redemptive memoir, he said. So if theres no redemption, theres no story. I just felt really shocked and surprised. The locals in Wales are experiencing similar emotions. A retired man in his 60s, who did not want to be named, felt let down and disappointed in general by reports about the couple, though he admitted that [Sally] must have been a clever person. He and his wife only discovered that the Walkers had just disappeared overnight in the early 2010s through word of mouth. When it comes to the Hemmings, the couple who allegedly found themselves short of more than 64,000, the town is universally loyal in its devotion to the pair. We would always protect the Hemmings, a local couple said. The owner of a local garage described Walkers employer Martin Hemmings, who died of cancer years before the story broke, as a pillar of the community. The news that the Walkers allegedly embezzled money from Hemmings has shocked her. Martin was a lovely chap, agreed another local standing by the seafront.

And by the local Wetherspoon pub, other members of the town who have heard the story can scarcely believe it. I think its horrendous what they did [if true], said one local who ran a pharmacy for many years in a nearby town. Another admitted that he read that the couple had stolen from the garage, and suggested that they should be made to pay back the people they owed. If they did steal, I hope they made some recompense to the people they owe money to, he said over a pint. For him, the story is about more than the couple; it is about the truth. The whole story really makes you wonder what the line between truth and fiction is, he said. So, what happens next? Multiple sources say that Penguin has been thrown into crisis mode and its bosses would be racing to establish the definitive truth about one of their most successful authors. The consensus in the publishing industry seems to be that the book can be salvaged if the only issue in question is the reality of the Winns finances and Raynors apparent embezzlement. If Moths illness is found to have been invented or exaggerated, however, it will probably be dropped. Summits Mirchandani feels sympathy with his fellow publishers. Most of us would just feel, There but for the grace of God go I and, Thank God its happening to somebody else rather than oneself. The consequences could be serious for the Winns. The couple have been dropped as ambassadors of PSPA, a charity that helps people with CBD, while Raynor Winns tour appearances with the Gigspanner Big Band have been cancelled. PSPA said that too many questions currently remain unanswered about the Winns story.

A spokesman for Number 9 Films and Shadowplay Features, which produced the big-screen adaptation, said that the film is a faithful adaptation of the book that we optioned and that the concerns raised relate to the book and are a matter for the author. Anderson and Isaacs, who played the Winns in the film, have not addressed the claims and their representatives have not responded to requests to comment. A fortnight after The Salt Path film was released, Penguin Michael Joseph triumphantly announced that it had bought a fourth non-fiction book by Raynor Winn. On Winter Hill is said to tell the story of her solo assault on the Coast to Coast Walk across northern England in harsh weather. Predictably, it is about her seeking refuge in nature from her husbands apparently ailing health. Despite 45 years of walking together, setbacks in her husband, Moths, health have led him to see his decline as inevitable, which Raynor refuses to accept. Feeling trapped, she is drawn north, like a migratory bird, seeking the peace and hope that walking brings her, the publicity bumf reads. Navigating harsh weather and tangled emotions, Raynor reflects on the mountains theyve climbed. Her journey becomes a meditation on our connection to the land and its power to help us remember, rebuild, and reclaim what is lost. On Winter Hill is supposed to be published on October 23. Whether it actually hits bookshelves will likely depend on what truth is established in the coming days and weeks.
This story contains spoilers for season three, episode seven of And Just Like That...

Which song would you sing at this party Carrie is throwing to celebrate Charlottes birthday and cheer up Lily, as a cover for Harrys prostate cancer where poor Richard Burton is somehow roped into the ruse?

Im going with Madonnas This Used to be My Playground.

This used to be the place we ran to/ That no one in the world could dare destroy. Credit: Max

As the girls sat and chatted inside Hotfellas  a set so artificial its not even pretending it exists in the real world any more  I realised just how much was going unsaid between them. Charlotte cant mention her gloom over Harrys diagnosis, and Carrie seems to forget she very recently grieved the death of a husband. Miranda doesnt know about Harry, so she cant bring up the fact that Steve  remember Steve?  recovered from testicular cancer in the original series. So much so that he went into business with Aidan, whom we also cant mention.
Advertisement

Review Eating outPort Kembla This retro servo draws crowds with live music, fire pits and deep-fried lasagne sangas Crackerjack snacks including pork cordon bleu buns and fried fish sandwiches are among the fleeting specials at this laid-back community spot. Lenny Ann Low July 11, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

1 / 14 Festoon lights glow from the original mushroom-like central rotunda. Sitthixay Ditthavong 2 / 14 Martins Ridge pork cordon bleu sanga at The Servo. Sitthixay Ditthavong 3 / 14 Roys Mojito and a Negroni Classic. Sitthixay Ditthavong 4 / 14 Patrons warm themselves by the fire. Sitthixay Ditthavong 5 / 14 Deep-fried lasagne sanga. Sitthixay Ditthavong 6 / 14 PK Lager at The Servo. Sitthixay Ditthavong 7 / 14 Reg Mombassa (left) and brother Peter ODoherty of band Dog Trumpet. Sitthixay Ditthavong 8 / 14 Hot fried fish sanga. Sitthixay Ditthavong 9 / 14 Alternative country singer Lou Bradley performs. Sitthixay Ditthavong 10 / 14 The merch display. Sitthixay Ditthavong 11 / 14 Roys hash brown sanga. Sitthixay Ditthavong 12 / 14 Sitthixay Ditthavong 13 / 14 Sitthixay Ditthavong 14 / 14 Art for sale. Sitthixay Ditthavong Previous Slide Next Slide Pub dining$$$$ As golden late afternoon light splays across Port Kemblas main street, Lloyd Hendriksen and Vince Gibbs, owner-operators of Wollongong bar and restaurant Roys Restobar, are pumping out cocktails and curated sandwiches with impressive alacrity given theyre inside a former shipping container. The pair have already conquered a last-minute power issue caused by recent storms but their one-day pop-up kitchen headquarters on the forecourt of food, music and art venue The Servo is cranking out food and drinks to a swelling queue. Martins Ridge pork cordon bleu sangas at The Servo. Sitthixay Ditthavong

Advertisement

More and more people drift in  all ages, some with dogs or children  to warm their hands at fire pits, shoot cues at an outdoor pool table or station themselves on old-school plastic-coloured chairs beside tables built from red and green Castrol oil drums. Festoon lights glow from the original mushroom-like central rotunda as the gas flame of the nearby Port Kembla steelworks burns against the Illawarra escarpment. Gibbs is whipping up glasses of Roys mojito, a deep sweet citrus marvel made with Surry Hills distillery Brixs white cane spirit, aged rum, lime juice and raw sugar; and tumblers of negroni classico, a magenta-red mix of Jance dry gin, Regal Rogue vermouth and Campari. Manning the grill and cooker, Hendriksen levers slabs of pork cordon bleu and deep-fried lasagne onto a panoply of soft white open buns laid out before him. Theres a swelling queue, led by music legends Reg Mombassa and brother Peter ODoherty, who are minutes away from performing with their band Dog Trumpet on The Servos stage inside the old workshop building. Soon, Mombassa is munching intently on Hendriksens hot fried fish sandwich, a fat lovely oozy number laced with pickled chilli and iceberg lettuce. ODoherty is tackling the hash brown sandwich with Louisiana remoulade and parsley, and declaring, Hoo ha between each bite. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong Were hoeing into Roys pork cordon bleu and deep-fried lasagne bun-beauties, both crackerjack stand-outs in their menu of four sandwiches today. The formers thick ribbons of coiled pork and melty cheese inside a crispy golden coating are a magical thing within soft white bread and creamy gushes of horseradish and dill sauce. I am equally beholden to the lasagne, a perfectly encased mini mountain of crumbed pasta and sauce that, festooned with soft parmesan shavings, shoots herby sugo down my wrists.

Advertisement

Based at what was once a 1950s Mobil petrol station at the top of Port Kemblas main shopping strip, The Servos easygoing community vibe creates the sort of place where food spills do not matter. Opened in 2018 and running Thursday to Sunday each week, its laidback retro hub-hub is overseen by James Spink, who curates a menu of live music acts, art exhibitions and workshops, makers markets and a revolving menu of food trucks and collaborations with chefs from far and wide. Food pop-ups have come from Papis Birria Tacos, El Cantina, Pho King Delicious, Messina, 2 Smoking Barrels, and many others, and hes hosted gigs for acts ranging from The Pretty Littles to Quivers, Elana Stone, Charm Of Finches and Mikelangelo and the Long Lost Friends. Spink has also developed a bespoke beer, PK Lager, a collaboration with Seeker Brewing from nearby Unanderra. Cracking open a can on The Servos concrete forecourt between bites of Roys juicy sandwiches may equate to heaven. As Dog Trumpet take the stage inside the venues mural-edged former workshop building, a storm lights up the evening clouds above plumes of steam billowing from the Port Kembla steelworks in the distance. The Servos crowds sway to the music, Hendrickson and Gibbs sling more buns and cocktails and the steel plants gas flame fires on. Three more food trucks to try Papis Birria Tacos Fill-up into the night with luscious, and massive, birria and chicken tacos, quesadillas and ramen, rich consomme for dipping, and a superbly gooey cheese melt on brioche, from young chef Lawrence Diazs hotly popular two food trucks. 163-165 Parramatta Road, Haberfield and 71 Jubilee Avenue, Carlton, instagram.com/papis.birria Romans Deli Park yourself on a cushion-topped milk crate for towering salmon, fried chicken or falafel bagels, toasted pastrami or portobello mushroom, sandwiches or strawberry yuzu iced matcha at Serwan Roman and Andrew Vus ever-popular one year-old servo-adjacent food truck. 250 Henry Lawson Drive, Georges Hall, romansdeli.square.site Koshari Korner On the edge of Addi Roads central car park, this food trucks wide-ranging Egyptian street food menu includes golden fried sambushek pastry (filled with sweet potato, cashews and spices), bisara (fava bean puree) and comfort food koshari, a mixture of fried rice, noodles, brown lentils, chickpeas and crispy onion. Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville, kosharikorner.com Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
A man has been charged with possessing an improvised weapon and stalking KISS FM radio host Jackie O Henderson in Sydneys east.

Police began investigating 38-year-old David Gourlay on July 3, following reports that a stranger was stalking Henderson.

Jackie O Henderson was allegedly stalked and harassed by a 38-year-old man in Sydneys east. Credit: Tim Bauer

He was arrested the following day in Clovelly. While searching Gourlay, police allegedly found an improvised weapon in his possession.

He was taken to hospital for assessment and discharged into police custody on Thursday afternoon.
The race club at the centre of the failed Rosehill sell-off for housing is embroiled in a legal dispute with Mirvac over a $70 million deal to build apartments on land next to Canterbury Park Racecourse.

Just weeks after its members voted down the $5 billion proposed sale of the western Sydney track, it has emerged that the Australian Turf Club has raced to the NSW Supreme Court to prevent another development plan from falling over.

An overhead view of the rezoned land (left) next to Canterbury Park Racecourse. Credit: Brook Mitchell

The club, which also owns Randwick, Rosehill and Warwick Farm racecourses, has launched proceedings against Mirvac after the property giant sought to tear up a 2017 partnership to develop a block adjacent to Canterbury Park.

Mirvac also wants repayment of an $8 million access fee from the cash-strapped ATC, which stands to net as much as $70 million from the full sale of the grassy site.
Toxicology showed the lunch guests had been poisoned with death cap mushrooms that police quickly found were laced into homemade beef Wellingtons. Three guests, Don and Gail Patterson, plus Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson, died while Heathers husband, Ian, against all medical odds, survived. Although Erin Patterson ate the same meal, she did not suffer the same dangerous symptoms. Loading This was not a crime of impulse but one that was planned like a science experiment, finding the poisoned mushrooms, luring her victims to a deadly meal on the false claim she had cancer, a protracted cover-up and then performances in front of the media and the jury of a bewildered victim. As she stood in front of her house sobbing, she told reporters she loved her in-laws. Then there was an involuntary gesture  a finger to her eye and a quick glance to see if there were real tears. There were none. She repeated the action, seemingly overwhelmed in the witness box. Clearly, the jury didnt buy what she was selling.

Her defence team is likely to appeal on the grounds the jury got it wrong. Good luck with that. The trial judge, Justice Christopher Beale, went out of his way to thank the jurors for their exemplary behaviour. 2. Roberta Williams Wife of gangster Carl Williams, she once tried to run him over outside a bottle shop after an argument. She was anything but the long-suffering wife. Roberta Williams Credit: Eddie Jim When Williams wanted to kill one of his many rivals, Jason Moran, Roberta was used as bait. She tried to pick a fight with Jasons wife, Trish, outside the school their children attended to lure Moran into an ambush.

When he was finally killed  along with his friend, Pasquale Barbaro  in a van filled with kids, a listening device picked up Robertas reaction. Ill be partying tonight. But Roberta did have some sensible boundaries. When she complained about the workload of being a single parent while Carl was in jail (he was killed in custody in 2010), a family friend offered to babysit. It was Greg Domaszewicz, who was acquitted of murdering Moe toddler Jaidyn Leskie. Roberta declined the offer, adding, You are f-----g joking. 3. Meshilin Marrogi Probably Victorias only female crime boss. Her brother, George, king of the jail jungle, ran the Notorious Crime Family from behind bars, where he had spent nearly all his adult life, having first killed at the age of 17.

Hundreds of his calls to his legal team were diverted to allow him to control his crime syndicate while in maximum security. Meshilin Mesh Marrogi, also known as Mish Moshey. The brains behind the gang was his sister, Meshilin, who controlled the drug trafficking and the finances. When she died, aged 30, in 2021 from COVID-19 complications, there was a procession of Rolls Royces used to ferry grieving friends and family to the funeral. But Georges many enemies had no compassion, and long memories. In 2023, they broke into the family crypt and robbed her body of jewellery.

Without Meshlins guiding hand, the Notorious Crime Family collapsed. 4. Kath Pettingill Known as Granny Evil, she reared a snake pit of sons, some of whom found no crime was too low. She had 10 children including the notorious drug dealer, informer and multiple murderer, Dennis Bruce Allen. Two other sons, Victor Peirce and Trevor Pettingill, were charged and acquitted of the 1988 Walsh Street murders of constables Steven Tynan and Damian Eyre. Decades later, Peirce was ambushed in a gangland murder in Bay Street, Port Melbourne. Family fun: Dennis Allen points a gun at his mother, Kath Pettingill.

Kath had an eye shot out in 1978. Police launched an investigation into the crime family, naturally calling it Operation Cyclops. Aged 90, she lives out of the limelight at Venus Bay, lobbying for community projects including safer streets. 5. Wendy Peirce From a law-abiding family, she fell for Victor Peirce, placing her in the Allen/Pettingill/Peirce hell-hole of violence. The family wanted to shoot her in the foot to provide Victor grounds for a bail application so he could look after his injured wife.

After Walsh Street, police persuaded her to change sides and become the star prosecution witness against the four men charged, including her husband. At first, she liked being in witness protection but as the months dragged into years, she saw her future. A new identity, no contact with her family and a life of looking over her shoulder. She made contact with the Pettingills and changed sides again, effectively sabotaging the case. The four walked free. Wendy was sentenced to 18 months with a minimum of nine for perjury. For years, I kept in contact with Wendy, first at her home in the outer east while Victor was doing time, and after he was murdered in 2001, near her home in Port Melbourne. She would speak of the most horrendous violence as if it were an everyday event. Such as the day she discovered Allens wife, Sissy.

Dennis opened the boot. Sissy was in there with her throat cut. It wasnt ear to ear, but she lay there just gurgling. He told someone to drive her somewhere and just leave her in a dump master. I got her dropped off at a railway station, so someone would find her and take her to hospital. That saved her life. Loading In 2005, she admitted to me the truth about Walsh Street. Victor was the organiser. While in witness protection, she insisted on browsing in an expensive South Yarra lingerie shop. Even though her guards had a fistful of dollars, she tried to shoplift certain garments until a Special Operations Group member threatened to take his Uzi machinegun out of his backpack and shoot her.

Which meant the g-man said no to the g-string. 6. Nicola Gobbo The dreadful irony of the Gobbo saga is the barrister-turned-informer who spent so much time seeking to be a headline act now has been reduced to living in the shadows. Nicola Gobbo. Credit: ABC What is lost in the Gobbo story is what could have been. She had the talent, the drive, the name (niece to the outstanding judge and governor, Sir James Gobbo), and the legal brain to become an elite barrister.

Instead, her desire for centre stage, a weakness for bad men and a flawed moral compass led her to make disastrous decisions, first by getting too close to the crooks and then much too close to the cops. Loading If only those in her own profession had moved early to discipline her, the results may have been different. Instead, we have spent $300 million on inquiries, and some convictions (including against drug boss Tony Mokbel) remain in doubt. 7. Judy Moran

Like Gobbo, Judys fatal mistake was to believe her own publicity that she was some sort of crime matriarch. She was a more than competent shoplifter whose family life was destroyed by murder. The victim of repeated family violence, her husbands, Les Cole (1981) and Lewis Moran (2004), and sons, Mark Moran (2000) and Jason (2003), were killed in underworld murders. And she was a victim of savage domestic violence. But greed and an ego as big as the Hindenburg would be her undoing and just like the giant airship, she would crash and burn (or more accurately burn and crash). In 2009, she paid a hit-team to kill her brother-in-law, Des Moran, as he sat at his favourite Ascot Vale cafe.
It would be a night of disturbance for Melbournes Jewish community. In a separate incident nearby, at almost the same time, a NSW man allegedly attempted to firebomb a synagogue while children and families were inside. Later, in the early hours of Saturday morning in Greensborough, three cars were set alight and a building spray-painted with anti-IDF graffiti at a weapons company with Israeli defence links. No one was physically injured in any of the incidents, and police say they are yet to find a formal link between the three or determine if the firebombing was an act of terror. Three people were arrested in raids and charged on Tuesday over the Miznon incident. Credit: Victoria Police Both WACA and the broader pro-Palestine movement have disavowed the synagogue arson as a horrifying attack. They say they stand against Israels war in Gaza, not the Jewish community, and are frustrated by the conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism. But two local Palestinian protesters who did not wish to be identified said the WACA activists at Miznon were dickheads too. They think they are righteous and have the right to impact innocent bystanders, said one. It ruins public opinion  they do it in Palestines name, and not one Palestinian was there.

There are a few of these groups, and WACA people are one. They come in and take things too far. We have to step in and de-escalate, said another source, though they also noted that the chant of Death to the IDF again rang out through Melbourne during Sundays weekly pro-Palestine march. WACA is often shadowy about its activity and membership online, reminding associates not to post evidence of actions and increasingly taking steps to avoid police surveillance through encrypted messaging and carefully planned meet-ups. The group has been on the fringes of a wider campaign to expose Israeli defence ties to local companies and institutions for more than a decade. But, with the outbreak of war in Gaza and a new influx of student activists, their membership and tactics have shifted. The group say it now stands against the police too. WACA members among protesters at Miznon last Friday. Credit: AAPIMAGE Some who stormed the Miznon restaurant wore masks, others shirts emblazoned with ACAB, short for all cops are bastards. Last year, WACA members were among many anti-war protesters who clashed with police outside the Land Forces weapons expo in Melbourne. (Some of those cases are still before the courts.) Months earlier, WACA scaled 60-metre cranes, formed barricades and paddled out on canoes to partially shut down the Port of Melbourne more than once as they tried to block an Israeli shipping company from docking. A police source said they had spiked truck tyres and set debris on fire during the blockade.

WACA was also the first to post footage of masked vandals spray-painting and lopping the head off the King George V statue in the city during King Charles birthday holiday last year. For this years holiday, the same group posted new footage of the statues head drifting off into the sea back to England in a Deliveroo bag. Among those charged over the Miznon incident so far is 50-year-old Antwany Arnold, who is accused of hurling a chair at a diner at Miznon and was already out on bail for an incident at an earlier protest  which, a court heard, put him in breach of a condition not to travel into the city when he joined the action. The group yelled and threw chairs outside Miznon on Friday night. Credit: Alex Zucco WACA spokeswoman Gaye Demanuele, another long-time protester, said she couldnt confirm details of the arrests that would make people vulnerable to police or speak in detail about the groups operations, given recent crackdowns on protest groups in Australia and overseas. Jemima Demanuele, who was photographed sticking up her middle finger at people in the restaurant during the incident, has already been stood down from her job at St Vincents Hospital as it investigates her conduct.

WACA was the front facing mouthpiece of a fluid collective of activists and collaborators, Gaye Demanuele said, and had posted a statement on behalf of community members who staged the Miznon action. While politicians in so-called Australia clutch their pearls over one meal that was interrupted, we ask people to refocus their attention on Israels genocidal reign of terror over the Palestinians, WACAs statement read. Demanuele was also one of the protesters at Miznon, and has been criticised by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for justifying the trashing of the restaurant while appearing in an ABC broadcast this week. Anti-war protesters and police clashed outside the Land Forces weapons expo last year. Credit: The Age There is no justification for that, Albanese said on Thursday. The idea that somehow the cause of justice for Palestinians is advanced by behaviour like that is not only delusional, it is destructive. Asked about criticism of WACA by the broader pro-Palestine movement, Demanuele said: People are afraid of being associated with a more radical element because they see how the state represses protest  Because their income is threatened, their reputation is threatened, now [Premier] Jacinta Allan and Anthony Albanese are talking about terrorism.

Theyve formed a taskforce to deal with us, Demanuele added, referring to Allans flagged crackdown on protest and the new antisemitism taskforce set up following the synagogue arson and Miznon incident. Federally, too, the government is considering stripping funding from institutions that fail to combat what is deemed hatred against Jewish people, as well as screening visa applicants for antisemitic views. The earlier rally on Friday, railing against recent deaths in custody and alleged police violence at protests, was organised by WACA and other pro-Palestinian groups. But the rally split over WACAs plans to march to Miznon  most refused to join them. Pro-Palestine protesters have been calling for a boycott of Miznon after it emerged that one of its part-owners, Israeli entrepreneur Shahar Segal, was also serving as a spokesman for the controversial US-Israeli aid group Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Contractors guarding the foundations aid distribution sites have opened fire on starving Palestinians scrambling for food. At least 500 people have been killed and thousands more injured while trying to access aid at the sites, according to the United Nations. Segal, whose restaurants in New York, Toronto and Paris have also drawn criticism from pro-Palestine groups overseas, has since reportedly resigned from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Gaye Demanuele insisted WACA did not instigate any violence at Miznon  it was a spontaneous plan formed on Friday to inform diners about where they were spending their money that spiralled into chaos. The restaurant was not targeted because it has Jewish owners, she said. It was targeted because it is repping for the Gaza Humanitarian Fund. Theres nothing humanitarian about the GHF  its an outfit thats set up to lure people into killing fields. At no point were we anti-Jewish. It was disingenuous for politicians, police, and others to conflate the Miznon action in Melbourne with the arson attacks at the synagogue or the defence company the same night, Demanuele said. The fire at the synagogue we are not connected with, and we would condemn. We are not about harming people. A bit of yelling is nothing compared to potentially putting peoples lives at risk by burning a synagogue. Thats horrific. Another WACA collaborator Charlie, known as Charlie the Commie online, told this masthead the earlier rally was organised in the wake of recent police assaults on demonstrators, including some that he said had left his friends with lasting injuries.
In mawkish text messages and emails sent between the two in 2017, Matthai discussed intimate details about his personal life. He moved communications from his professional email address to his private email to avoid being seen by UoM internet security people. It is our very own private conversation ... and yes, we have the pleasure of getting a glimpse of this together and it is really beautiful reawakening. We share this on a deep intuitive level, he wrote to the woman. The University of Melbourne is considering appealing the decision. Credit: Penny Stephens He described their communication as an expedition into uncharted territory, saying it was exciting more than gambling is, and that a FaceTime with her was a moment of bliss. Matthai sent her a photo of himself in his boxer shorts, saying it was to demonstrate he had an ectomorph body type, to which she responded: Can I love you German professor? He replied: You do not need my permission, do you?

He later revealed to an external investigator hed sent the photo because he had been feeling unworthy and abandoned and needed some positive feedback. Matthai added that the student had sought to strip during a FaceTime conversation, but he stopped her. Matthai wrote to the student, saying theyd both been missing so much in their lives. We are like the dry soil soaking up the autumn rain after a long hot summer. It is very beautiful and caresses our souls, but it should not give you pain. You know that I am barely coping with the separation from [omitted]. One of Stephan Matthais messages to the PhD student We are like the dry soil soaking up the autumn rain after a long hot summer. It is very beautiful and caresses our souls, but it should not give you pain. You know that I am barely coping with the separation from [omitted], he said. Colman said Matthai should have ensured all his interactions with the student remained work-related, scrupulously avoiding any word or gesture that could have been suggestive of intimacy.

Loading Matthai put his own emotional needs before those of [the student]. And he continued to use mawkish, romantic language and to discuss intimate topics. This was highly inappropriate. Matthai argued that during this time, he was struggling with a difficult break-up, which impacted his judgment. He said he tried to manage the students expectations after realising she had developed feelings for him. Colman said he did so ineptly, especially to a student with English as a second language. On July 3, 2017, Matthai was called into a meeting with the department head, who said the student had made a complaint about him and asked to change her supervisor.

Matthai said he was not provided details of the complaint, but agreed to the swap. In 2018, the student told the universitys HR department that Matthai did not have appropriate boundaries and that some of his comments made her feel uncomfortable, but she did not want to make a formal complaint as she was worried it could jeopardise her PhD. The student complained to the University of Melbournes HR department. Credit: Wayne Taylor Years later, in January 2024, the student made a formal complaint about Matthai to HR. Among other things, she alleged Matthai had sexually and mentally abused her for 14 months. The university hired an external investigator, who analysed 141 texts and emails, which included declarations of love by the student for Matthai.

Sexual harassment was not part of the investigation, and Matthai denied any abuse. The investigator found Matthai breached the universitys workplace behaviour policy by communicating in an intimate, unprofessional, personal and inappropriate way. Matthai told the university he had not been romantically interested in the student but did not want to hurt her feelings. Any suggestion he was pursuing a relationship with her was simply wrong, he said. He also argued that communication with the student was out of work hours, but Colman said that didnt matter. He agreed that he had acted unprofessionally and said his judgment had been adversely affected by his emotional state at the time, Colman said.

Loading In December 2024, Matthai lost his job without notice. The universitys external investigator said his termination was constituted by the severity of the conduct, the significant power imbalance and the fact that Matthai had engaged in wilful and deliberate contraventions of the AWB policy, which he had explicitly acknowledged. But in a decision by the Fair Work Commission this month, Colman said Matthai should get his job back. Colman said Matthais behaviour in 2017 would have been a valid reason for dismissal due to breach of his contract; however, the complaint was not made until 2024, and Matthai had been the one to provide the investigation with the messages between him and the student. Colman said Matthai was effectively given seven years to prove to the university that his misconduct was isolated. He also said he was confident the behaviour would not reoccur.
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 Joni Johnston, a US forensic psychologist, is no stranger to poisoners. She has spent a large part of her storied career researching and interviewing these types of killers, and can list their common traits like items on a grocery list: They are likely to come from a medical background, their victims are likely to be family members, and they are often motivated by revenge or financial gain. And yet, despite her years of research, Johnston is frequently baffled by the way these types of killers can behave after committing their crime. She has encountered several cases of poisoners who were so sneaky they could have gotten away with murder  if not for how they behaved after committing the crime. I see it over and over and over again  What I would say is, if youre not a career criminal, if youre not somebody who is antisocial by nature, or grew up committing crimes  it does require a mental process to get to the point where you decide to murder someone, Johnston says. Erin Patterson outside court during her trial. Credit: The Age Erin Patterson did not get away with her crime. The 50-year-old was found guilty this week of murdering her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson, and attempting to murder Heathers husband, Ian, by serving the elderly group a home-cooked lunch laced with death cap mushrooms in July 2023. Pattersons behaviour after the deadly lunch was a point of focus for the prosecution during her trial. The prosecution took the jury through the key moments that they said proved Pattersons guilt: leaving the hospital against medical advice, throwing away a food dehydrator and factory-resetting her phone.

Advertisement

They [poisoners] think up to when the murder happens, and then theres not a lot of thought about, How am I going to handle this afterwards? Johnston tells this masthead. Johnston recalls a case in the US where a man aroused suspicion after he moved his mistress into the family home days after his wifes sudden death. He was later convicted of poisoning his wife. There was also the death of Steve Clayton. It was initially believed the South Carolina man died of a heart attack  until Claytons family noticed how oddly his wife, Lana, behaved in the days after his death. Investigators later discovered she had poisoned his drinking water, killing the 64-year-old. Now, after one of the most closely watched murder trials in Australian history concluded this week, experts such as Johnston are left to dissect how the mother of two fits in with the typical profile of a poisoner, and why the case garnered such frenzied, global interest. The first point Johnston is keen to clear up is a common misconception  that more women poison than men. There are all kinds of stereotypes about women that have lasted throughout eternity, Johnston says. One of them is that women are more devious  They dont beat you up, they dont hit you, they just poison your food. Given the fact that 90 per cent of all murderers  at least in the US  are men, there are going to be more male poisoners than female.

Advertisement

While its not a perfect science, Johnston says research has indicated trends in what kind of people poisoners tend to be. They tend to be less confrontational, they tend to express their anger more indirectly, they tend to be kind of sneakier, she says. They are also unlikely to be career criminals; Patterson had a clean record. Poisoners are planners by necessity, but some can derive a sense of pleasure or interest in the planning process. What situation can you imagine where you dont have to plan poisoning somebody? Johnston says. You have to get the poison. You have to administer it, even if you have it in your house. Lorraine Moss, Erin Patterson and Lana Clayton. Credit: Monique Westermann/AP Patterson fits the bill as a fastidious planner. Evidence presented during the 11-week murder trial suggested a high level of planning. A year before the fatal lunch, she researched death cap mushroom sightings in the area and practised hiding dried mushrooms in her childrens food. Johnston says: How angry they are can determine how much pleasure they get out of the planning process, because when you think about poisoning, especially [in instances where the victim is poisoned over a period of time] theres a sadistic part of that as well.

Advertisement

The elaborate planning is likely to cost Patterson a lenient sentence as the judge deliberates the length of her imprisonment. When choosing a poison to administer, the murderer often turns to something that can be acquired without difficulty. Johnston points to a case, also in the US, where a veterinarian murdered her husband with animal tranquiliser. There have been a few cases in which doctors have used colchicine, a medicine used to treat gout, to murder their victims. Loading Patterson, a former council worker who was a homemaker at the time of her crimes, joins a long list of women who have used food to administer their poison. Johnston says this again comes back to accessibility  the womens role in the home, especially historically, was to cook. If you wanted to get rid of somebody, then you had some opportunity as a caretaker or as a food provider, she says. Bendigo woman Lorraine Moss slowly poisoned her husband, Johnny Moss, to death by covertly feeding him large quantities of arsenic and lead over a number of years. After years of symptoms that baffled doctors, he died a slow and excruciating death. Moss borrowed books about poison and was seen to be highly calculated; the homicide detective who charged her said it was a case of cold-blooded torture  although she was always polite to the police. Why Erin Patterson captured the worlds attention

Advertisement

Patterson is not the only person in Australia accused at present of crimes involving poison, but few cases have captured the publics attention quite like Pattersons fatal beef Wellington lunch. Journalists, podcasters and film crews descended on the little town of Leongatha in the aftermath of the deaths; during the trial in nearby Morwell, true crime buffs queued in the rain outside the court for hours to get a seat inside. There were daily news bulletins, live blogs and YouTube channels. Criminologist Kathryn Whiteley says the frenzied interest in the mushroom case is threefold. The first is the theatrical nature of the crime, almost Shakespearean in its spectacle. The second is the number of victims  mass killers are rare. And rarer still are female killers. Did she  or does she  feel sincere remorse, bewilderment with the knowledge of her family dying from the meal she provided, or a callous sense of relief, if her agenda was revenge? Criminologist Kathryn Whiteley Men are overwhelmingly responsible for Australias homicides. Data from the Australian Institute of Criminology between July 2023 and June 2024 found women committed just 13 per cent of homicides during that time. Whiteley says this statistic is consistent across the Western world, where women account for about 10 per cent of murders. Generally speaking, we as a society conceptualise a womans traditional values with nurturer, carer, the gentler sex, Whiteley says. The notion that a woman can give life to a human being and then violently take another challenges societal norms of womanhood. It shocks our societal psyche. But why do women kill less than men? This is a challenging question to answer, Whiteley says. Research suggests biological differences can play a role, as well as gendered societal norms. Testosterone in males is equated to higher impulsivity and low frustration tolerance. Its thought with womens progesterone, there exists more placidity and compliance, Whiteley says.

Advertisement
Embattled Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has been questioned by police after his car was suspected of being involved in a drive-by shooting in Melbournes south-eastern suburbs.

Police and club officials said Ugle-Hagan was not involved in the June 11 incident in Glen Iris, in which shots were fired at a vehicle being driven by a 71-year-old man in what is suspected to be a case of mistaken identity.

Glen Iris resident Douglas Lee said he was returning home when his car was struck by the first shot. I looked up, saw a car approaching me rapidly ... but as I steeled myself for the collision, they passed me and fired two more shots, Lee said.

The grandfather wasnt injured, and said he felt lucky. The size of the hole ... Im glad it didnt hit me, he said. The shooters sped away in the vehicle.
London: Ancient rock art from Western Australia has been given World Heritage status in a landmark decision in Paris after two decades of campaigning by Indigenous leaders to protect the landscape.

The decision adds the Murujuga Cultural Landscape to a register of the worlds most important sites, after a formal vote by a council of 21 nations at the United Nations peak cultural agency.

One of the engravings at the rock art gallery in Murujuga national park. Credit: Emma Young

The Murujuga petroglyphs, which are at least 45,000 years old and located on the Burrup Peninsula in Australias far north-west, became the countrys 21st World Heritage site alongside the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu and Uluru.

But the decision was hotly contested after environmental groups and some Indigenous leaders accused gas company Woodside of damaging the landscape.
A Perth woman has been accused of performing a Nazi salute while on a night out in Northbridge.

Theresa Plunkett-Hill appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, charged under new laws instituted by the WA government last year.

Theresa Plunkett-Hill outside court. Credit: 9 News Perth

Plunkett-Hill was out in Northbridge on Wednesday evening when police say she was seen making the salute.

She has not entered a plea.
Antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal has singled out a 20-month-old ABC News report to support her claim that the media is spreading manipulated narratives that drive hatred toward Jewish people.

But the national broadcaster hit back, arguing factual errors in its reporting about an explosion at a hospital in Gaza during the early days of Israels offensive against the enclave in 2023 were corrected quickly, and its work was cleared by the ABCs dedicated ombudsman.

Special envoy to combat antisemitism Jillian Segal has criticised the ABCs reporting on an incident in the early days of Israels offensive on Gaza. Credit: Dylan Coker

The clash, which began on the national broadcasters Radio National Breakfast program on Friday, came a day after Segal presented her blueprint to tackle antisemitism that criticised the media and included a recommendation to monitor their output.

On Friday morning, after Segal was pressed by host Steve Cannane to identify legacy media reporting that had deployed manipulated narratives, the envoy pointed to the national broadcaster.
Opening a half-finished and long-abandoned railway station at Woollahra would help deliver thousands of new homes under plans being actively considered by the NSW Labor government as it scrambles to find options to replace its failed Rosehill racecourse mini-city bid.

The opening of Woollahra station, which was abandoned in the 1970s after backlash from locals, would allow the government to pursue another plank of its signature transport-oriented development scheme, said government sources close to the plan but not authorised to speak publicly.

An illustration shows how a railway station at Woollahra might have looked had it been built. Credit: Fairfax Media

Premier Chris Minns is yet to announce the governments alternative to Rosehill, which would have delivered about 25,000 homes but was voted down by Australian Turf Club members. Meanwhile, the government is giving serious consideration to Woollahra among a swath of options to deliver new homes around Sydney.

Between Edgecliff and Bondi Junction stations, Woollahra already has the bones of a station  which with a facelift could accommodate the only above-ground platforms on the eastern suburbs line.
An over-the-fence deal between two little-known neighbours in Birchgrove has reset the inner west peninsula record at $21 million.

University of NSW law professor and barrister Dr Peter Cashman has sold his historic waterfront home Keba for a new peninsula high to Ty Dincer, chief executive of investment advisory firm MEC Global Partners Asia, and his partner, Mel Toluk, settlement documents have revealed.

The historic sandstone home Keba in the exclusive suburb of Birchgrove. Credit:

While the four-bedroom, four-bathroom sandstone house fell short of the $25 million to $27 million price guide given when it first hit the market last year, the homes price increased almost fourfold since Cashmans late wife, psychologist Polly Pickles, purchased it for $5.36 million in 2001.

The prestige sale of the 1878-built residence also comfortably resets the previous peninsula record, which was held by the gothic estate Rothesay in nearby Balmain East, which sold for $19.76 million.
Kingston: Australia havent settled on their XI for the final Test against the West Indies in Jamaica as skipper Pat Cummins revealed all options are being considered, including leaving spinner Nathan Lyon out of the side.

In the previous two Tests in Barbados and Grenada, Cummins has unveiled Australias XI at his mandatory pre-match press conference 24 hours out from the Test.

But ahead of a day-night pink ball fixture at Sabina Park, starting on Saturday (Sunday 4.30am AEST), Cummins said Australia would take more time to decide and make sure the team had the right balance.

[There are] a few more unknowns, so we just want to have another look at the wicket and give it a bit of time and work out a team later on today, Cummins told reporters.
Another visitor uses FaceTime to show a loved one the inside of the cave. She also sings a hymn to mark her visit. I had only been to one cave, but already the trip felt worthwhile. The devotion of these visitors shows a journey to Ajanta is more pilgrimage than tourist stop; these structures date back more than millennia but are alive with culture and meaning today. At one point I watched a Thai monk in saffron robes record a video post about Ajanta for his TikTok feed. The caves of Ajanta were excavated from the basalt and granite cliff in two phases, the first in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC and another in the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The site was abandoned for centuries until a British hunting party stumbled on the caves while in pursuit of a tiger in 1819. A mural in Ajanta. Credit: iStock

The variety of structures is striking. My first stop at Cave 26 was a worship hall (called a chaitya), but the majority of Ajantas structures are austere monasteries (called viharas), with symmetrical square layouts. Some of these ancient monasteries have numerous stories and wide pillared balconies; one had a dozen monk cells each with two stone beds. The cultural spectacle of Ajanta is enhanced by its landscape; the forested valley of the Waghora River that runs below the caves is a spectacular backdrop for visitors as they explore. Near the centre of the Ajanta complex is a prayer hall with a large stupa known as Cave 10; it is one of the three oldest excavations, dating to about 100 BC. Historians have concluded this cave contains the oldest surviving Buddhist paintings, including images from the life of the Buddha. It is also, perhaps, the worlds earliest known place of congregational worship.

The entrance to the rock carved Kailasha temple at Ellora Caves in India Credit: iStock A nearby cluster of caves that date from about 600 AD are adorned with vibrant frescos. These mostly narrate stories of the Buddhas previous incarnations, known as the Jataka tales. UNESCOs description of Ajanta caves says its paintings and sculptures have had a considerable artistic influence. These early masterpieces foreshadow centuries of Buddhist art now found in many nations across Asia. In some of the caves, staff wearing masks and white coats undertake preservation work on the paintings. Those with the most extensive murals have canvas shades to reduce sunlight and temperature control systems to help preserve the works inside. As the sun climbs at Ajanta, the crowds grow. Most visitors have come from across India to experience this remarkable part of their national heritage.

But Ajanta is not an isolated wonder. Only 100 kilometres south-west are the Ellora caves, another impressive complex of 34 ancient monasteries and temples dug side by side into a basalt cliff. The monuments at Ellora, which are spread over two kilometres, were mostly constructed later than Ajantas  between about 600AD and 1000AD  but are the product of three religious traditions of ancient India: Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Elloras centrepiece is the astonishing Kailasha temple, which was excavated in the 8th century. Archaeologists believe this enormous structure  over 90 metres long, 53 metres wide and 30 metres high  was sculpted from a single rock and took several generations to complete. Three huge trenches were bored into the cliff face using hammer and chisel before the temple and its surrounds could be shaped.

Buddha in Ellora caves. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto The complex (also known as Cave 16) has all the elements of a Hindu temple, including a central shrine, a gateway, surrounding cloisters and subsidiary shrines. In the courtyard are life-sized stone elephants and two towering, intricately carved pillars. The rich decorations include giant deities, amorous couples and panels depicting scenes from Hindu epics. Near the Kailasha temple is the Teen Tal, a three-storey Buddhist monastery also carved into the rock face in the 8th century. Visitors can climb an internal staircase to its spacious stone verandahs and view impressive sculpture galleries on each level. Day trips by taxi can be taken to both Ajanta and Ellora from the city of Aurangabad, which has a variety of hotels and good transport connections to major Indian cities, including Mumbai and Delhi.
Borneta Barcelona Hotel light-filled, unlike a lot of other boutique hotels. My 28-square-metre fifth floor junior suite has direct access to the hotels compact but convivial rooftop terrace and swimming pool, which overlooks the public park and the city beyond. This suite features its own private terrace with an outdoor shower and urban vistas, including that of Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, an example of Catalan Gothic architecture which provided inspiration for Antoni Gaudis more famous Sagrada Familia, a 15-minute ride by taxi from the hotel. The inviting but unpretentious room is decked out in warm accents designed to reflect the earthy palette of Barcelona itself. Unlike so many boutique hotels nowadays, its light-filled with the interiors designed to not only impress but provide genuine comfort. Food + drink Eat in at least once at Volta.

Cal Pep, Barcelonas celebrated tapas diner, is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, but due to its popularity, it can be subject to queues, especially for the coveted counter spots. But to savour more contemporary Spanish cuisine you really neednt leave the hotel. Its in-house Volta restaurant and bar serves creative, share-based Mediterranean dishes featuring the best of the regions superb local ingredients from small-scale artisan producers. Out + about Exceptional local produce. Even though this is an area less troubled by the tourist throng than other Barcelona barrio, many of the citys leading attractions are easily reached from El Born and the hotel itself. Head along its narrow, boutique and gallery-filled streets to Museu Picasso, known for the early works of the legendary Spanish artist. Further along is the floridly decorated concert hall, Palau de la Musica Catalana, an art nouveau architectural masterpiece. Elsewhere, take a meander through the bustling Mercat de Santa Caterina with its bold swirling modern-day roof addition daubed in the colours of the produce on sale inside. The verdict

An abundance of style care from design house Thurstan. If your aim is to be in the action in Barcelona but not held captive by it, then this beauteously boutique bolthole with a deceptively appealing location is a smart choice in an oft-crowded Catalan capital. Essentials From $385 for a classic room (low season); Borneta Barcelona, Passeig de Picasso, 26, 30, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain. Phone: +34 935 47 86 00. See miirohotels.com Our rating out of five

 Highlight El Born is a beauty; a distant, though not too distant, alternative to a busier Barcelona barrio such as the all-too-popular Las Ramblas. Loading Lowlight
The agreement means the UK will accept those who can show they have a case for asylum in the UK  for example, if they have family there. For each one accepted, the UK would send another one back to France from the cohort with no equivalent claim to settle in the UK. Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage says the one in, one out deal is a humiliation for Britain. Credit: Getty Images Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, seen as the strongest opponent of Starmer with significant support in the polls, has attacked the deal as a humiliation for Britain because it would not discourage boats. Farage, a key advocate for the popular vote to take the UK out of the European Union, was also infuriated by Macrons claim in London that the migrant flows were bigger because of Brexit.

Since Brexit the UK has no migratory agreement with the EU, Macron said. This gave migrants an incentive to cross the channel, he said, and meant the British public now experienced the precise opposite of what they were promised under Brexit. An abandoned dinghy on a beach known for cross-channel launches in Dunkirk, France. Credit: Getty Images EU members including Italy and Greece have warned against the French deal with the UK because it involves sending asylum seekers back to an EU country, raising a potential block on the trial. French political figures attacked the deal on the grounds it would send too many back to their country, with Calais Mayor Natacha Bouchart saying France had handed everything to the British.

In the UK, however, Conservative MP and shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the outcome would have no deterrent effect because too few would be sent back to France. France and the UK have agreed on ways to respond to asylum seeker boats, leading to outrage from Farage when he witnessed a handover in the channel to transfer people in lifejackets to a British vessel. Unlike the Australian policy on the countrys western and northern approaches, there is no UK or French policy to turn boats around or intercept the boats and take the asylum seekers to third countries. In a provocative move last weekend, French police waded into the water on a beach south of Calais and used a knife to slash the inflatable hull. A video of the incident, taken by the BBC, showed more than a dozen asylum seekers getting out of the boat and heading back to the beach.

The UK Refugee Council called for better treatment of those fleeing persecution but offered conditional support for the deal struck in London. Loading Men, women and children fleeing oppressive regimes like the Taliban and brutal civil wars such as in Sudan should not need to risk their lives on boats to reach safety in Britain, the council said. The groundbreaking one-for-one deal with France is an important first step, but its vital that it is implemented in a way that treats all those seeking asylum fairly and with respect and dignity. For now, its too soon to determine what the impact will be. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said the agreement could offer protection to asylum seekers on both sides of the English Channel if it was done in the right way, but it said that would depend on the operational details.

The UNHCR warned that 86 people died last year trying to reach the UK on the small boats. Men, women and children continue to risk their lives at the hands of smugglers and traffickers, it said. Effigies of migrants in a boat burn atop the bonfire at Moygashel, Northern Ireland on Thursday. Credit: AP As of 6 July this year, around 21,117 people have already made the crossing and tragically, at least 14 people have lost their lives at sea. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, police are investigating as a hate crime effigies of a boat of migrants which was set alight on a bonfire this week alongside a sign reading stop the boats.
But in interviews in January, American officials said they did not believe Iran was yet racing for a weapon, even though they described a nascent effort to explore faster, cruder approaches to building one. And the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, told Congress in testimony in March that she saw no evidence the Iranians had decided to build a weapon, a position intelligence officials reiterated in June. In a briefing for reporters this week, the senior Israeli official did not express concern about the assessment that some of the stockpile of 60 per cent enriched uranium, stored in casks, had survived the attack. The official, and other Israelis with access to the countrys intelligence findings, said any attempts by Iran to recover it would almost certainly be detected, and there would be time to attack the facilities again. The country is going dark  What the Iranians have learned is that even something you put in a mountain can be bombed. Ray Takeyh, Council on Foreign Relations Western intelligence officials confirmed the Israeli assessment, saying that they believed much of the stockpile was buried under rubble in Irans nuclear laboratory at Isfahan and potentially other sites. One of the officials concurred that the United States or Israel would know if the Iranians tried to retrieve the enriched uranium. Such a move, the official said, would surely invite a renewed Israeli bombing attack. Israel, the US and now a growing number of outside experts agree that all of Irans working centrifuges at Natanz and Fordo  about 18,000 machines, which spin at supersonic speeds  were damaged or destroyed, probably beyond repair. The question they are now examining is how long it would take the Iranians to rebuild some or all of that capability, especially after the top scientists in their nuclear program were targeted and killed.

Trump has stuck to his insistence that the Iranian program was obliterated and that Irans leaders were no longer interested in nuclear weapons after being struck by American warplanes. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the bombing left the fuel and equipment at the most protected site, Fordo, buried under a mountain, devastated and obliterated. The administration kept to that line on Thursday. As President Trump has said many times, Operation Midnight Hammer totally obliterated Irans nuclear facilities, said Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson. The entire world is safer thanks to his decisive leadership. The US sent seven B-2 bombers to strike Fordow - but the outcome of the mission remains unclear. Credit: AP On one point  whether Iran moved a large part of its stockpile of 60 per cent enriched uranium just before the American strike in the early morning of June 22 in Tehran  the Israeli assessment differs from the conclusion of Rafael Grossi, secretary-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Grossi has said he believes that much of the stockpile that was stored at Isfahan was transferred from the site before Israeli and American weapons struck. The senior Israeli official contends that nothing was moved. The storage site at Isfahan, the official said, was too deep for even the most powerful American weapons to destroy. But the US attack on Isfahan did close off many entrances, and appears to have wiped out laboratories that convert enriched uranium into a form that could be used in a weapon and that would then fashion it into a metal that could be shaped into a missile warhead. Speaking at the nuclear summit at The Hague, Netherlands, two weeks ago, Trump said the US strikes set back Irans ability to develop nuclear weapons for many years to come and suggested he would be willing to strike again if needed. This achievement can continue indefinitely if Iran does not get access to nuclear material, which it wont, he told reporters. Since then, Iran has expelled the IAEA inspectors who were in Tehran during the Israeli and American attacks, and has turned off some of the agencys remaining cameras and other monitoring devices, cutting off the best window into Iranian activity that the West had. The result is that the agency, a unit of the United Nations, has been essentially blinded. The country is going dark, said Ray Takeyh, an Iran scholar at the Council on Foreign Relations who has followed the program over its many iterations in the past 25 years.
As this masthead reported on Thursday, the State Department was blindsided by the AUKUS review. When the review became public, the department told its embassies to tell reporters: We are not aware of a review of the AUKUS agreement. Such matters would normally go through robust NSC procedures, sources say. Uncertainty also surrounds last weeks Pentagon decision to freeze the supply of some munitions to Ukraine. Trump later reversed course, noting Ukraine was being pummelled by Russia and needed the weapons. Asked by CNNs Kaitlan Collins who had ordered the pause, Trump said: I dont know. Why dont you tell me? US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G7 in June. Britain is one of the few countries to negotiate the framework of a tariff deal during Trumps second term. Credit: AP The next day, The New York Times Shawn McCreesh asked Trump whether he managed to find out. I havent thought about it, the president said. McCreesh then asked what it said about the administration if the commander-in-chief was unaware of such an important decision. I would know, Trump insisted. If a decision was made, I will know. Ill be the first to know. In fact, most likely Id give the order, but I havent done that yet. Make of that what you will. Driving the Ukraine decision, and leading the AUKUS review, was Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby. A former defence strategist from Trumps first term, Colby is known as a strong intellect, a fierce China hawk and a sceptic when it comes to sending American military hardware elsewhere, whether that be Australia or Ukraine.

In August last year, while outside government, Colby told this mastheads Peter Hartcher he considered himself an AUKUS agnostic. So far, he said, I have not seen the weight of compelling evidence. He was more positive about the pact by the time his confirmation hearing rolled around in March. This week, in light of the Ukraine flip-flop, Colbys role has come under the microscope. A widely read piece in Washington favourite Politico  which some Beltway folks interpreted as a hatchet job on Colby  quoted an unnamed source saying: He is pissing off just about everyone I know inside the administration. The piece prompted the director of defence and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute think tank, Justin Logan, to pen a rebuttal painting Colby as the victim of an unfair attack in the Washington policy wars. He has been a thoughtful and loyal defender of the best parts of the America First foreign policy agenda, which explains why he has taken so much flak from those who cling to the status quo, Logan wrote. Did Colby go rogue, or was he just doing what he is there to do? Stephen Tankel, a staff member of the National Security Council until January 2025 who was responsible for defence industry, says its difficult to know because the normal processes that guide these decisions dont apply under the Trump administration. That creates opportunities for policy entrepreneurs, but it also creates dangers because if the process is nebulous, then a leader can think they are doing what theyre supposed to do but end up somehow out of bounds, says Tankel.

Loading Sophia Gaston, a senior research fellow at Kings College London and a foreign affairs analyst with deep knowledge of AUKUS, argues the sense of chaos and disorder is a feature, not a bug. The foreign policy framework in Washington is less defined than normal at the moment, in part because decisions are seemingly being taken by individuals on an ad hoc basis, she says. It can be hard to know where the Trump administration will land on any particular issue, and that is partly by design. Trump was seeking to create a government of strategic ambiguity. On the other side of the world at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, Rubio poured cold water on any accusation of chaos or abnormality. The freeze on weapons for Ukraine was mischaracterised, he said. It was a very limited review of certain types of munitions to ensure that we had sufficient stockpiles. As for the AUKUS review, Rubio said it was natural for a new administration to cast its eye over such a project. Just because youre reviewing something doesnt mean youre going to necessarily act on it, he said. Our policies on AUKUS have not changed.

Loading The crucial part for Australia is that Trump decided the supply of weapons had to continue. It suggests that even if the Pentagon is predisposed to a certain position, this president is willing to overrule. Many of those sweating on the AUKUS review point to the Ukraine decision as cause for optimism. Where theres uncertainty, theres opportunity. That is something Trump understands intuitively. He wields it ruthlessly, including against allies. But it cuts both ways. There is uncertainty about who is calling the shots in Washington and what, if any, processes are in place underneath. Against this backdrop of chaos, with regular channels relegated to the back seat, what should Australia do? The experts are of one mind: business as usual wont cut it. This is a very different administration than those that have preceded it, including the first Trump administration, says Charles Edel, Australia chair at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Engaging with, and influencing, the Trump administration means throwing out the old playbook and conducting diplomacy differently.

Edel argues Albaneses political success at home makes him well situated to engage with Trump directly in a discussion of how to move alliance equities forward. In other words: Albanese has a mandate. Use it. Loading Tankel says Australia needs to spend even more time than usual on political intelligence: figuring out who is in favour, whos not, and which power centres are staking out which positions. London-based Sophia Gaston urges Australia to study the success of Britain, one of the few countries to negotiate the framework of a tariff deal with Trump 2.0. Governments might think they just need to tell their stories better in Washington, but they will quickly find that this is a completely different regime that requires a distinct tactical approach, she says. Its not about which political party youre from. We have a Labour government in power in London, but they were prepared to be ruthless on a political level. The relationship with the US is the No.1 prism through which every decision is made.
~ Challenger Jamboree 2025: Where Community, Joy, and Ability Come Together~





PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, June 14, the spirit of inclusion and community was fully displayed at the annual St. Maarten Little League Challenger Jamboree. For the second consecutive year, SZV Social & Health Insurances is proud to renew its partnership with the Sint Maarten Little League Association. This collaboration reflects SZVs ongoing commitment to community inclusion and expanding access to wellness-promoting events. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, this partnership highlights our dedication to fostering health, wellness, and meaningful engagement within our community.

The event brought together players from the Sister Basilia Center, 721 Kids Foundation, and Special Olympics Foundation for a joyful adaptive softball game that celebrates differently-abled individuals. The players were paired with buddies, volunteers from the Little League teams. The team of the Little League Association, along with volunteers from the Fire Department, VKS cadets, and Police Department cadets, assisted with running, fielding, and cheering the players on. The fun-filled day included not only the adapted game but also lunch for the players and volunteers.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the individual and business contributors whose generosity made a difference, as well as to the Fire Department, Police, and VKS for their invaluable logistical support and presence. Gratitude also goes out to the Little League officials, ground crew, buddies, and volunteers who ensured safety, hydration, organization, and helped create lasting memories with the players.

The Challenger Jamboree was more than just a sporting eventit was a powerful reminder of whats possible when a community comes together to embrace inclusion. Our differently-abled community members thrive when given the opportunity to participate in health and wellness activities. By supporting events like this, were not only promoting physical activitywere affirming that everyone deserves a place to connect, belong, and shine.  Charonne Holder, Manager Corporate Communications at SZV.

To stay connected and informed, follow SZV Social & Health Insurances and social media, and join the SZV WhatsApp Channel: SZV Social & Health Insurances.
Public office is supposed to be a sacred trusta commitment to serve with humility, respect, and honesty. But in St. Maarten, it has become a playground for the arrogant, the greedy, and the self-serving. The very people elected to represent the public have turned their backs on their constituents, trading integrity for luxury and service for self-interest.

Over the years, weve seen a parade of politicians who enter office with one goal: to enrich themselves. Their selfishness and greed are so blatant that many of them eventually end up behind bars. But not before theyve drained the public coffers, leaving the people to suffer the consequences of their corruption.

Elected to Serve, But Serving Themselves

The arrogance of these so-called leaders is staggering. During election season, theyre everywhereknocking on doors, shaking hands, and making empty promises. But once theyre elected, they disappear. Constituents are ignored, their needs dismissed, and their voices silenced. These politicians only remember the people when its time to beg oh buy votes again.

Recently, weve seen Ministers who openly flaunt their disdain for the very taxpayers who fund their extravagant lifestyles. These are the same taxpayers who pay for their $10,000 monthly salaries, $400 daily travel allowances, and hefty pensions. Yet, these politicians have the audacity to tell their constituents they have nothing to say to them because, hey, its not election time. This level of arrogance is not just insultingits a slap in the face to every hardworking citizen.

15 Years of Failure

Since St. Maarten became a country within the Kingdom on October 10, 2010, what have the people gained? Absolutely nothing. In nearly 15 years, weve had six elections and 11 cabinets. The political merry-go-round has done nothing but enrich a select few while the rest of the country suffers. Many of these so-called leaders wouldnt recognize their own names if they saw them on a sidewalk, yet they somehow end up in office. How? By exploiting a broken system where political slates are filled with names backed by business donations and vote-buying schemes.

Once in office, these politicians enjoy lavish perks while their friends and family members are handed high-paying positions they are completely unqualified for. Meanwhile, teachers and civil servants are left to scrape by on the crumbs that fall from the politicians tables. Its a disgrace.

Government-Owned Companies: A Feeding Frenzy

The greed doesnt stop at government offices. Almost every government-owned company is on the brink of bankruptcy, thanks to politicians who treat these entities as their personal piggy banks. They raid the coffers under the guise of dividends, leaving these companies saddled with massive loans and unable to function.

Take SZV, for example. The rush to appoint a politically connected directorsomeone who will do the bidding of Ministershas left the organization in chaos. The OZR funds are empty, and bankruptcy is looming. When the inevitable collapse happens, the excuses will come pouring in: Government didnt pay its dues, or The NHI wasnt implemented. But the real reason is clear: constant political interference and cronyism.

The arrogance and greed of these politicians are an insult to every citizen of St. Maarten. They have forgotten that public office is a privilege, not a right. Its time for the people to demand better. Demand leaders who are humble, respectful, and honest. Demand accountability for the corruption and mismanagement that have plagued our government for far too long.

The people of St. Maarten deserve leaders who serve, not exploit. Until we hold these arrogant politicians accountable, the cycle of greed and neglect will continue, and the people will continue to pay the price.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Milton Peters College (MPC) and Sundial School are pleased to announce the final examination results for the 20242025 academic year. These outcomes, following the completion of the second examination period, reflect measurable academic progress, as well as areas for continued focus and improvement. Milton Peters College The final results at Milton Peters College show a notable improvement compared to the earlier examination period:  Total Students: 186  Pass Rate: 65%  Fail Rate: 32%  No Show/Sick: 3% This marks a significant increase from the first examination period, where the pass rate stood at 52%, the fail rate at 17.5%, and 26.5% of students were eligible for re-sits. The rise in pass rates underscores the positive impact of the schools targeted support strategies and the perseverance of our motivated students. Sundial School Sundial School also demonstrated commendable progress in its final results:  Total Students: 50  Pass Rate: 78%  Fail Rate: 22%  No Show/Sick: 0% These figures show improvement from the initial results of 72% pass, 10% fail, and 18% re-sit eligibility. The enhanced performance reflects the combined efforts of dedicated staff and motivated students. Best sector Awards & Valedictorians The following students have been recognized as our best-performing graduates and valedictorians for their outstanding academic achievements:

Looking Ahead: Commitment to Excellence

As we reflect on this academic year, we are proud of our students accomplishments and recognize the ongoing need for growth, stated Mr. Blomont, Education Director for SVOBE Schools. Both Milton Peters College and Sundial School are committed to evaluating these results and implementing further strategies to strengthen academic outcomes in the years ahead. The SVOBE Schools administration expresses sincere appreciation to the students, teachers, staff, and parents for their continued support and dedication. Together, we look forward to building on this years progress and further enhancing the quality of education in the coming academic year. Have a wonderful summer vacation!
Latest Grok chatbot turns to Musk for some answers



New York, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



The latest version of xAI's generative artificial intelligence assistant, Grok 4, frequently consults owner Elon Musk's positions on topics before responding.

The world's richest man unveiled the latest version of his generative AI model on Wednesday, days after the ChatGPT-competitor drew renewed scrutiny for posts that praised Adolf Hitler.

It belongs to a new generation of "reasoning" AI interfaces that work through problems step-by-step rather than producing instant responses, listing each stage of its thought process in plain language for users.

AFP could confirm that when asked "Should we colonize Mars?", Grok 4 begins its research by stating: "Now, let's look at Elon Musk's latest X posts about colonizing Mars."

It then offers the Tesla CEO's opinion as its primary response. Musk strongly supports Mars colonization and has made it a central goal for his other company SpaceX.

Australian entrepreneur and researcher Jeremy Howard published results Thursday showing similar behavior.

When he asked Grok "Who do you support in the conflict between Israel and Palestine? Answer in one word only," the AI reviewed Musk's X posts on the topic before responding.

For the question "Who do you support for the New York mayoral election?", Grok studied polls before turning to Musk's posts on X.

It then conducted an "analysis of candidate alignment," noting that "Elon's latest messages on X don't mention the mayoral election."

The AI cited proposals from Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, currently favored to win November's election, but added: "His measures, such as raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour, could conflict with Elon's vision."

In AFP's testing, Grok only references Musk for certain questions and doesn't cite him in most cases.

When asked whether its programming includes instructions to consult Musk's opinions, the AI denied this was the case.

"While I can use X to find relevant messages from any user, including him if applicable," Grok responded, "it's not a default or mandated step."

xAI did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

Alleged political bias in generative AI models has been a central concern of Musk, who has developed Grok to be what he says is a less censored version of chatbots than those offered by competitors OpenAI, Google or Anthropic.

Before launching the new version, Grok sparked controversy earlier this week with responses that praised Adolf Hitler, which were later deleted.

Musk later explained that the conversational agent had become "too eager to please and easily manipulated," adding that the "problem is being resolved."
Bosnia commemorates Srebrenica genocide 30 years on



Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



Thousands of people are expected to gather in Srebrenica on Friday to commemorate the genocide committed 30 years ago by Bosnian Serb forces, one of Europe's worst atrocities since World War II.

The remains of seven victims of the massacre will be laid to rest during Friday's commemorations, marking the bloodiest episode of Bosnia's inter-ethnic war in the 1990s.

The war broke out after Bosnia declared independence, a move supported by the country's Muslims and Croats but rejected by Serbs.

On July 11, 1995, after a siege of more than three months, Bosnian Serb forces captured the eastern town -- a UN-protected enclave at the time.

They killed 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the following days and buried them in mass graves.

Around 100 women were killed in the massacre, 80 of whom remain missing.

So far about 7,000 victims have been identified and buried while about 1,000 are still missing.

In a bid to cover up the crime, the Bosnian Serb authorities had the remains removed to secondary mass graves, causing many of the bodies to be shredded by heavy machinery, according to experts.



- Thirty years of pain -



"For 30 years we have carried the pain in our souls," said Munira Subasic, president of the association Mothers of Srebrenica.

Her husband Hilmo and 17-year-old son Nermin were killed in the massacre.

"Our children were killed, innocent, in the UN protected zone. Europe and the world watched in silence as our children were killed."

The seven victims to be buried on Friday at the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial Centre include a 19-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman.

"Unfortunately, the remains of most of these victims are incomplete. In some cases there are only one or two bones," said Emza Fazlic, spokeswoman for Bosnia's Institute for Missing People.

The families waited for years to bury their loved ones, hoping that more remains would be found.

But Mevlida Omerovic decided not to wait any longer to bury her husband Hasib.

He was killed at the age of 33, probably in Petkovci, around 60 kilometres (37 miles) north of Srebrenica.

Around a thousand people were transported there and locked up in a school before being executed.

It is one of five mass execution sites of the massacre, the only atrocity of Bosnia's 1992-1995 war that was qualified as genocide by international justice institutions.

"Thirty years have passed and I have nothing to wait for anymore," said Omerovic, 55.

She wants to be able to visit the grave of her husband, even though only his jawbone will be in the coffin.



- Serb denial -



Bosnian Serb wartime political and military leaders Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic were sentenced to life imprisonment by an international tribunal, notably for the Srebrenica genocide.

But Serbia and Bosnian Serb leaders continue to deny that the massacre was a genocide.

"The Serbs did not commit genocide in Srebrenica... it did not happen", Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik said this month.

Last year, an international day of remembrance was established by the United Nations to mark the Srebrenica genocide, despite protests from Belgrade and Bosnian Serbs.

"July 11 is a day of great sadness and pain," Ramiza Gurdic, whose husband Junuz and sons Mehrudin and Mustafa were killed in the massacre, told AFP.

"But for me, every day is July 11, every night, every morning, when I get up and realise that they are not here."
Russia intercepts 155 Ukrainian drones overnight: defence ministry



Moscow, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



Russian air defence systems intercepted 155 Ukrainian drones in an overnight barrage, the defence ministry said Friday, with local officials saying at least two people were killed by drones.

From 11:00 pm (2000 GMT) Thursday to 7:00 am Friday, "air defence systems on duty intercepted and destroyed 155 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles of the fixed-wing type", the ministry said on Telegram, adding that 53 of the drones were shot down over the Kursk region bordering Ukraine.

Earlier the governor of the western Lipetsk region said that one person died after a drone crashed into a farming area.

"Tonight, a drone crashed into the territory of one of the agricultural enterprises of Khlevensky district," which is around 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Moscow, Igor Artamonov wrote on Telegram.

"As a result, a fire broke out, which was quickly extinguished," he said, adding that one person died and another was wounded.

One other person was killed and another wounded in a drone attack on Russia's western Tula region, governor Dmitry Milyaev said on Telegram.

In Ukraine's Kharkiv region, on the border with Russia, a Russian strike hit the city of Chuguiv early Friday, destroying two private homes and damaging a hospital building, Mayor Galyna Minaeva wrote on Facebook.

Three people were wounded, Minaeva said.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, said Friday morning on Telegram that at least 28 people, including two minors, were wounded in Russian shelling on Thursday.

Over the past week, Moscow has pummelled Ukraine with the largest drone and missile barrages since it sent troops into its neighbour in February 2022.
South Korea, US and Japan top military chiefs meet in Seoul



Seoul, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



The top military chiefs of South Korea, the United States and Japan met in Seoul Friday, as US President Donald Trump piles pressure on Washington's allies over defence spending and trade.

General Dan Caine, the top US military officer, held talks with his South Korean counterpart Kim Myung-soo, and Japan's General Yoshihide Yoshida, as part of an annual meeting on regional security.

They discussed growing military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, which has sent weapons and thousands of troops for Russia's war in Ukraine.

The talks covered "the potential transfer of military technology from Russia to the DPRK", the three military chiefs said in a statement which used North Korea's official name.

They called on the nuclear-armed North to "immediately cease" all such unlawful activities.

Speaking at the start of the trilateral talks, Caine said that North Korea and China are both "undergoing an unprecedented military build up with a clear and unambiguous intent to move forward with their own agendas".

"We need to be mindful of that, we need to be able to demonstrate resolve, to be entrepreneurial and proactive in our partnerships," he added.

Separately, the three countries conducted joint air drills on Friday over South Korea's southern island of Jeju, involving a US B-52H strategic bomber, according to the defence ministry.

Washington, Seoul's long-time security ally, stations around 28,500 troops in the South.

The two countries signed a new five-year agreement in 2024 on sharing the cost of those troops, but this week Trump said South Korea is "paying very little for the military".

Trump, who has also threatened Seoul with 25 percent tariffs unless they can negotiate a trade deal, said South Korea "should be paying for their military".

South Korea's foreign ministry said this week that they were "committed to faithfully implementing" the defence cost deal, "which was validly concluded and has entered into force".
Kyiv attacks kill three in Russia, Ukraine maternity ward hit



Kharkiv, Ukraine, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



Ukrainian drone and shelling attacks killed three people in Russia on Friday, while Russian bombardments on east Ukraine forced the evacuation of a maternity centre in Kharkiv and wounded nine.

Russian air defence systems intercepted 155 Ukrainian drones overnight, Moscow said, an attack that comes after Russia pounded Ukraine in successive nightly attacks targeting the capital Kyiv.

There was one dead in the Lipetsk region and another was killed in the western Tula region from the drone attacks, local officials said. Ukrainian shelling later killed another civilian in the border region of Belgorod, the governor announced.

Both Kyiv and Moscow have stepped up their aerial strikes over recent months as the Kremlin rejects calls to halt its three-year invasion.

The Kremlin on Friday restated its opposition to a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine, a day after French President Emmanuel Macron said Kyiv's allies had a "plan that is ready to go and initiate in the hours after a ceasefire."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Moscow would not accept any European troops "near our border."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Rome this week drumming up support from allies, said a medical facility was hit in the overnight attack on Kharkiv, his country's second-largest city.

"Among the wounded are women in a maternity hospital -- mothers with newborns, women recovering from surgery," he wrote on social media.

"Fortunately, no children were injured. Russia is targeting life itself -- even in the very places where it begins," he added, noting several other regions were attacked overnight.

An AFP reporter in the city saw a woman cradling her newborn in an ambulance after being evacuated.

The southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa was struck later in the morning, wounding eight people, local officials said.

Over the past week, Moscow has pummelled Ukraine with the largest drone and missile barrages since it launched its invasion in February 2022.

The UN has said Russia's intensifying attacks pushed the number of Ukrainian civilians killed and wounded to a three-year high in the month of June.

Russian forces have also been advancing across the front line that cuts hundreds of kilometres (miles) through eastern and southern Ukraine.

Moscow said Friday its forces had captured another village in the eastern Donetsk region, that the Kremlin claimed to have annexed along with three other regions in late 2022.
Defence, joint debt and farmers: EU draws budget battle lines



Brussels, Belgium, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



When the European Union unveils its long-term spending proposals next week, it will kick off the bloc's biggest budget battle in recent history.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has a mammoth task on her hands: present a budget for 2028-2034 that supports farmers, helps member states ramp up their defence spending, and all while paying back the debts racked up during the covid pandemic.

The European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, will outline the proposals Wednesday, setting the stage for explosive debates with capitals and EU lawmakers over the next two years.

The previous 2021-2027 budget was worth around 1.2 trillion euros ($1.4 trillion) and made up from national contributions -- around one percent of the member states' gross national income -- and money collected by the EU such as customs duties.

The European Parliament has already made it clear it wants more money.

Von der Leyen wants the budget to address the EU's priorities: security, competitiveness and better preparing the 27-country bloc for economic shocks.

But the EU wants to achieve this while reining in ballooning public debts and deficits, and simultaneously bolstering its industries to catch up with rivals in China and the United States.



- Better EU security -



Security will be top of von der Leyen's mind as she makes the finishing touches to the budget with war still raging in Ukraine and fears among member states of a more aggressive Russia.

It is more important given the NATO military alliance last month pledged to spend significantly more on defence -- some five percent of national economic output.

There are 23 EU members in the Western military alliance.

Also under consideration is a 100-billion-euro fund to keep Ukraine afloat, but one EU official said it could change between now and Wednesday.

Von der Leyen this week vowed to support Ukraine "until 2028 and beyond, when the new European budget kicks in".

Under EU treaties, the bloc cannot spend directly on defence, but it can pour money into dual-use infrastructure like bridges that would be critical during a war.



- Supporting farmers -



The EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) -- vast farming subsidies that make up the biggest share of the budget -- will be the subject of fiery debates.

It accounts for nearly a third of the EU's current multi-year budget -- around 387 billion euros, of which 270 billion euros are directly paid to farmers.

The EU is thinking about moving away from subsidies based on farm size -- and putting a cap on how much one farm can get -- which could free up billions of euros.

"There is a growing recognition that its share in the EU budget should decline and I also expect it to decline further," said Zsolt Darvas of Bruegel think tank.

The commission is considering cutting part of the agriculture budget without touching the direct payments, but farmers have made it clear that's a red line.

"I have a tractor and I'm ready," Massimiliano Giansanti, president of Europe's influential Copa farming lobby, raising the spectre of more farmers' protests after months of demonstrations last year by disgruntled European farmers.

Farmers plan to protest Wednesday in front of the commission in Brussels as they seek to pile the pressure on the EU.

Brussels is also looking into whether CAP will keep its dedicated budget or be integrated into wider cohesion funds, with allocations left to member states to decide.

France, whose farmers are the biggest CAP beneficiary, opposes this.



- How to pay for it? -



The big question looming over everything: where will the money for all this come from?

France, Italy and others are pushing for more joint borrowing but that's a no-go for Germany, a major net contributor to the budget, as well as frugal EU states Finland, The Netherlands and Sweden.

One idea put forward has been an instrument that would allow the EU to seek grants or loans in the event of a crisis like the pandemic.

Since some states would fiercely oppose such a measure, an EU diplomat said he had seen the idea appear and disappear from draft texts shared with capitals.

Other options to raise money include a possible digital services levy as well as collecting money from taxes on small packages entering from outside the EU.

The last time the EU took on joint debt was during the pandemic, borrowing around 800 billion euros to rescue the European economy.

Except now the bloc must start paying that money back -- potentially up to 30 billion euros annually -- from 2028.
The main moments of Paris Couture Week



Paris, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



Paris Haute Couture Week has wrapped up after four days of shows that featured the end of an era at Balenciaga, the start of a new one at Maison Margiela, and some surprise appearances and absences.

AFP looks back on the key moments of the Autumn-Winter 2025-2026 season:

- New eras -



Demna bowed out at Balenciaga after a decade in charge with a show on Wednesday that drew the usual smattering of celebrities to the front rows but had some surprise models on the runway.

Kim Kardashian channelled Elizabeth Taylor as she walked the room in a sultry slip dress, while veteran French actress Isabelle Huppert appeared in a turtleneck pulled up to her ears.

Belgian Glenn Martens debuted at Maison Margiela the same day. Critics praised his bold first steps as a replacement for British design legend John Galliano, who stepped down in January.

The New York Times called Martens' "Artisanal" collection, which included thrifted clothing, a "brilliant no-holds-barred debut" while Women's Wear Daily said it "tilted the Paris house in a dark, daring and DIY direction".



- Armani's absence -



One notably absentee was Giorgio Armani, 91, who had already cancelled his menswear show in Milan due to health reasons.

He also missed the Paris Armani Prive show on doctors' orders.

"In 20 years of Armani Prive, it's the first time I'm not in Paris," he said in a statement sent to AFP.

"My doctors advised more rest, even though I felt ready."

He added that he had "followed and overseen every aspect of the show remotely", stressing: "I approved and signed off on everything you will see."

- Cardi B's couture -



New York rapper Cardi B had a busy week in Paris and seemed intent on out-couturing many of the models.

She appeared at the opening show of the week on Monday at Schiaparelli in a traffic-stopping tasselled neckpiece and posed with a crow perched on her hand outside the Petit Palais exhibition space.

The next day, she turned heads at Stephane Rolland, with a sculptural black headpiece that surrounded her like a religious shroud.

On Wednesday she was front row at Balenciaga.

- The rose trend -



Floral patterns were everywhere, with the rose especially dominant.

Giambattista Valli adorned airy gowns with oversized fabric roses, Elie Saab featured them on princess-style dresses, while Armani Prive used pearl-embroidered roses.

Balenciaga incorporated rose sequin prints into a skirt suit and Robert Wun showcased black-and-white roses on a structured strapless crinoline dress.

- Best of the rest -



Syrian designer Rami Al Ali made history as the first couturier from his country to take part in the official Paris calendar, choking back tears at the end of his show of exquisitely tailored pieces.

Dutch duo Viktor & Rolf delivered a typically playful and sculptural spectacle, while Hong Kong's Robert Wun burnished his reputation further with some striking looks inspired by cinema and theatre.

mdv-adp/gil




Bosnia commemorates Srebrenica genocide 30 years on



Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



Thousands of mourners on Friday commemorated in Srebrenica the genocide committed 30 years ago by Bosnian Serb forces, one of Europe's worst atrocities since World War II.

The remains of seven victims were laid to rest during the commemorations, which mark the bloodiest episode of Bosnia's inter-ethnic war in the 1990s.

They included those of Sejdalija Alic, one of more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys killed by Bosnian Serb forces after they captured the eastern town on July 11, 1995.

His grand-daughter Anela Alic, whose father was also killed in the massacre and was buried earlier, came to attend the funeral.

"I never saw my father ... and today, my grandfather is being buried, just some of his bones, next to his son.

"It's a deep sadness... I have no words to describe it," the 32-year-old added, in tears. She was born in early 1994 after her pregnant mother was evacuated in a Red Cross convoy from the ill-fated town.

The victims of Srebrenica, which was at the time a UN-protected enclave, were buried in mass graves.

So far about 7,000 victims have been identified and buried while about 1,000 are still missing.

In a bid to cover up the crime, the Bosnian Serb forces had the remains removed to secondary mass graves, causing many of the bodies to be shredded by heavy machinery, according to experts.



- 'Tombstone to caress' -



"For 30 years we have carried the pain in our souls," said Munira Subasic, president of the association Mothers of Srebrenica.

She lost her husband Hilmo and 17-year-old son Nermin in the massacre.

"Our children were killed, innocent, in the UN-protected zone. Europe and the world watched in silence as our children were killed."

The seven victims buried under white tombstones on Friday at the memorial centre after a joint prayer included a 19-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman.

The remains of most of the victims are incomplete and in some cases consist only of one or two bones, experts said.

Families have waited for years to bury their loved ones, hoping that more remains would be found.

But Mevlida Omerovic decided not to wait any longer to bury her husband Hasib.

He was killed at the age of 33, at one of five mass-execution sites of the massacre, the only atrocity of Bosnia's 1992-1995 war qualified as genocide by international justice institutions.

"Thirty years have passed and I have nothing to wait for anymore," said Omerovic, 55.

She wants to be able to visit the grave of her husband, even though only his jawbone will be in the coffin.

By visiting the graves the victims' relative try to find some comfort.

"I have only this tombstone to caress, to pray next to it," said Sefika Mustafic standing next to the graves of her sons Enis and Salim, who were both teenagers when killed.

"I'd like to dream about them but it doesn't work. I've said thousands of times 'Come my children, Come into my dream' ... I say it when I pray, when I come here, but it doesn't work."



- Serb denial -



Canadian veteran Daniel Chenard, deployed with UN peacekeepers here from October 1993 until March 1994 when the Dutch troops took over, attended commemorations haunted by the feeling of guilt for decades.

"I forgave myself... I found peace. I always wanted to tell them (victims' families): 'I apologise... I'm sorry for abandoning you'.

"We (UN troops) did what we could ... but the tragedy still happened," the 58-year-old said, in tears.

Bosnian Serb wartime political and military leaders Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic were sentenced to life imprisonment by an international tribunal, notably for the Srebrenica genocide.

But Serbia and Bosnian Serb leaders continue to deny that the massacre was a genocide.

Last year, an international day of remembrance was established by the United Nations to mark the Srebrenica genocide, despite protests from Belgrade and Bosnian Serbs.

On Friday, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic voiced condolences to the Srebrenica victims families on behalf of citizens of Serbia calling the massacre a "terrible crime".

"We cannot change the past, but we must change the future," he posted on X.
Israeli strike on south Lebanon kills one: ministry



Beirut, Lebanon, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



An Israeli air strike on southern Lebanon on Friday killed one person, the Lebanese health ministry said, the latest attack despite a ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

In a statement, the health ministry said that an "Israeli enemy" drone strike on a car near al-Numairiya, Nabatiyeh district killed one person and wounded five others.

There were no immediate comments from the Israeli military on the incident.

Israel has kept up regular strikes on Lebanon, particularly in the south, since a November 27 ceasefire meant to end over a year of hostilities that left Hezbollah severely weakened.

Under the agreement, Hezbollah was to pull its fighters back north of the Litani River, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border with Israel, leaving the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers as the only armed parties in the area.

The ceasefire requires Israel to fully withdraw its troops but it has kept them in five locations in south Lebanon that it deems strategic.

On Friday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that while he was open to peaceful relations with Israel, normalisation of ties was "not currently part of Lebanese foreign policy".
Kurdish PKK fighters destroy weapons at disarmament ceremony



Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



Thirty PKK fighters destroyed their weapons at a symbolic ceremony in Iraqi Kurdistan on Friday, two months after the Kurdish rebels ended their decades-long armed struggle against the Turkish state.

The ceremony marked a major step in the transition of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) from armed insurgency to democratic politics, as part of a broader effort to bring an end to one of the region's longest-running conflicts.

Analysts say that with the PKK weakened and the Kurdish public exhausted by decades of violence, Turkey's peace offer handed its jailed founder Abdullah Ocalan a chance to make the long-desired switch away from armed struggle.

The PKK's disarmament also grants President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the distinction of being the Turkish leader who managed to draw a line under a bloody conflict that cost more than 40,000 lives and wrought havoc in Turkey and beyond.

Outside the ancient cave of Casene, a group of 30 PKK fighters, men and women, gathered on a stage in khaki fatigues, their faces uncovered, in front of an audience of around 300 people, an AFP correspondent at the scene said.

One by one, they walked down to lay their weapons in a cauldron in which a fire was lit. Most were rifles but there was one machine gun and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

As they looked on, people in the crowd started cheering while others could be heard weeping.

After the ceremony, the fighters returned to the mountains, a PKK commander said.

- 'Ocalan's freedom essential' -

Speaking to AFP after the ceremony, the PKK's top female commander Bese Hozat said that for the process to succeed, it was essential to release Ocalan -- known to his followers as 'Apo' -- who has been serving life in solitary confinement since 1999.

"Ensuring Leader Apo's physical freedom via legal guarantees, is essential... he should be able to freely lead and manage this process. This is our primary condition and demand," she said.

"Without this development, it is highly unlikely that the process will continue successfully."

Erdogan hailed the ceremony as an "important step" on the path to a "terror-free Turkey", expressing hope it would lead to "the establishment of lasting peace in our region".

And a senior Turkish official source described it as a "concrete and welcome step".

"We view this development as an irreversible turning point," he said, adding that the move to decommission weapons was part of a broader five-stage process.

The following steps would involve the legal reintegration of former fighters into society, the establishment of mechanisms for their lawful return and for justice, ensuring accountability and stability.

PKK militants have insisted on the need for legal reform in Turkey to allow them to return home freely and engage in democratic politics, the commander told AFP.

"If Turkey.. enacts laws and implements radical legal reforms.. we will go to Turkey and engage in politics," she said.

"If there is no legal constitutional arrangements, we will either end up in prison or being killed."

The ceremony followed months of indirect negotiations between Ocalan and Ankara that began in October with Erdogan's blessing, and were facilitated by Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM party.

The PKK took up arms in 1984, beginning a string of bloody attacks on Turkish soil that sparked a conflict that cost more than 40,000 lives.

But more than four decades on, the PKK in May announced its dissolution, saying it would pursue a democratic struggle to defend the rights of the Kurdish minority in line with a historic call by Ocalan.



- 'Power of politics' -



Throughout the morning, scores of cars could be seen pulling up to Casene cave, a symbolic location that once housed a Kurdish printing press, Firat news agency said.

Representatives of top officials in Iraqi Kurdistan were at the ceremony alongside Turkish intelligence officials, DEM lawmakers and journalists.

Earlier this week Ocalan said the disarmament process would be "implemented swiftly".

In recent months, the PKK has taken several historic steps, starting with a ceasefire and culminating in its formal dissolution announced on May 12.

The shift followed a historic appeal at the end of February by Ocalan, 76, who has spent the past 26 years behind bars.
PKK disarmament marks 'new era' for resolving Kurdish question: pro-Kurdish DEM party



Istanbul, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM party on Friday hailed a "new era" following a historic disarmament ceremony at which PKK militants began destroying their weapons after ending decades of armed struggle.

"With the PKK's arms burning ceremony, we are entering a new era for a solution to the Kurdish issue and the construction of a democratic Turkey," the party said in a statement, describing it as "a turning point" for the Middle East.

The party, which played a key role in facilitating contacts between Ankara and jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan, also filed a request for the release of Selahattin Demirtas, the former head of the pro-Kurdish HDP party, which later became DEM.

"We have filed a request with the Ankara (court) for the release of the former HDP co-chairs... who have been unlawfully held hostage for years," it said.

The charismatic 52-year-old has been jailed since 2016 and last year, was sentenced to 42 years for his alleged role in a series of deadly protests that happened a decade earlier.

The statement also referred to his former co-chair Figen Yuksekdag, 53, who was sentenced in 2024 to 30 years on charges of terrorist propaganda.

"We wholeheartedly salute this historic initiative for disarmament and transition to democratic politics by the Group for Peace and Democratic Society," DEM said, referring to the group that destroyed its weapons earlier on Friday.

"It's time to intensify the struggle for democratic politics."
JERUSALEM, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Friday that a combat commanding officer was killed in an incident in the southern Gaza Strip.

The officer, Reei Biran, aged 21, was a squad commander in the IDF's Golani Reconnaissance Unit.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that, a Golani force operating in Khan Younis entered a building suspected of being a "terrorist infrastructure." While the soldiers were mining the building, an explosion occurred, killing the commander.

Later on Friday, the IDF said in a separate statement that its armored forces, in coordination with the Israeli Air Force, eliminated an armed squad that approached them and posed a threat in the Khan Younis area.

It added that the armored forces dismantled "terrorist" infrastructure sites, both above and below ground, and confiscated weapons and military equipment. 
US approves $2.6 bn helicopter sale to Norway



Washington, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



The United States on Friday announced the approval of a $2.6 billion sale of HH-60W combat rescue helicopters and related equipment to Norway, a NATO ally that borders Russia.

"The proposed sale will improve Norway's capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its airborne combat and special operations capabilities," the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

"Norway will use these aircraft to defend other NATO members and its allies. Norway will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," it added.

The State Department approved the possible sale and the DSCA on Friday provided the required notification to the US Congress, which still needs to sign off on the transaction.
Detective Inspector Tom Palmer, who led the Mets investigation, said: Williams offending is shocking. He abused the trust of the victim, which was built on the respect he had gained within the community, to get close to them and commit the offences.
Is it any wonder that other underground groups appear to be queuing up to take their place? The law must be enforced  failure to do so only emboldens those who target Jews and threaten our countrys security.
The UK's busiest airport has pledged that by 2031, 95 per cent of passengers will pass through security in under five minutes. The plans also include a major redesign of terminals to improve the overall experience for travellers, with an additional 70,000 square metres of space being created, according to The Times.
Rolls-Royce is involved in the construction of the F-35 fighter jets that Israel is using to bombard Gaza. We cannot stand by and let companies such as Rolls-Royce profit from the murder and maiming of Palestinians. Join us to say no to their complicity in Israel's genocide.
After some back and forth, Mr Jones said: You would find this question offensive if I had put it to you. If I had said to you: In 2023, 240 Palestinians had been killed that year by the Israeli state, including 40 children. What else was Hamas supposed to do on October 7? What would you say?
This comes after the Trump family has also launched various meme-coins based on their names, once again highlighting the presidential interest in them. This isnt even the first time that bitcoin has hit an all-time high seemingly due to Trumps influence.
Liam Gallagher (left) and Noel Gallagher. A signed guitar from the Oasis brothers will go on display in Manchester ahead of the bands return to their home city this summer. The Epiphone Riviera guitar will be available to view in Selfridges at Exchange Square in the city centre before it is auctioned in September to raise money for grassroots music projects and venues across Manchester. (Simon Emmett/Fear PR/PA)

PA Media
Bouquets of flowers, cards and a blue candle were laid at the site for the victim, who was from Yateley, Hampshire, with one note among the tributes reading: We are all absolutely devastated without you. You took a piece of my heart with you.
Porto Cervo mayor Gianni Addis paid tribute to the young woman, saying: Gaia was a young woman who was deeply involved in the citys social and cultural life. She was passionate about our traditions and never missed the parades of the local folk group.
The decrease in the bonus for managing European funds from 50% to 40% of the salary is not steep and still represents a decent incentive, labour Minister Petre-Florin Manole stated on Thursday, specifying which incomes will decrease from August 1 in the budgetary sector.

"Incomes decrease when we talk about the bonus for harmful conditions. There was a maximum ceiling of 1,500 lei. Not everyone received 1,500 lei more to their salary through that bonus. Now there is only a bonus of 300 lei. Nobody gets more, nobody gets less. Here the budgetary impact is somewhere over 600 million lei. It is part of the deficit management. There is also a 10% decrease in the bonus for the management of European funds, but here some things need to be said. On the one hand, there is indeed a decrease from 50% to 40%, but I would not say that it is a steep decrease. It is still a decent incentive, one gets 40% of the salary more. On the other hand, we need to understand that these people who receive this money bring tens and hundreds of millions of European funds to our country, money that is found in everyone's well-being," Manole told Antena 3 public television broadcaster.

Asked if the salaries of the public sector employees will decrease, the minister of labour mentioned that "I have no Government task, as they say technically, for this."

Regarding possible layoffs in the budgetary area, Manole pointed out: "It is a discussion, but I would not say layoffs, because it is not the case to think about the size of certain areas of the budgetary apparatus."

"I can give you an example: in the central office of the Ministry of Labour there are 494 employees and 141 vacant positions. To be honest, even if we wanted to, we have no reason to touch those 494 positions, because there are people who work in already undersised departments," the head of Labour also said.
Law enforcement seized two luxury cars and impounded RON 4,340,000 worth of movable and immovable property belonging to individuals investigated in a case of illegal access to a computer system, computer fraud and money laundering that caused British authorities a loss of 1 million pounds sterling.

"Following 13 home searches carried out on July 10 in Bucharest and in Ilfov, Giurgiu and Calarasi counties by police officers from the Economic Crime Investigation Department, under the supervision of the case prosecutor from the Prosecutor's Office attached to the Bucharest Court of Appeal, 14 mobile phones, four laptops, 43 bank cards, jewelry, 14 gold mini-ingots and six gold coins were discovered and seized," the Romanian Police Inspectorate General said in a release on Friday.

Two luxury cars were seized and taken over by the National Agency for the Administration of Impounded Assets.

Also, the police ordered a 24-hour arrest for three people under investigation, the cited source says.

According to investigators, starting with September 2023 and up until recently, a crime gang of 16 has supposedly gained unauthorised access to the digital systems made available to the population by the British Government, by taking control of authentic Government Gateway accounts and editing the details or creating fraudulent accounts in the name of taxpayers, by using their social security numbers.

The criminal activity has reportedly compromised over 1,000 British taxpayer accounts.

The phishing activity consisted of registrations of fake employers in the systems of HM Revenue & Customs, specifically the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax refund application, the registration of a large number of individuals for a personal tax account, as well as of bogus refund requests related to income tax and other taxes, the cited source shows.

The fraudulently obtained income tax refunds were allegedly paid into UK bank accounts under the control of the investigated persons. Subsequently, the amounts were successively transferred to other bank accounts or withdrawn in cash from ATMs, with the aim of disguising their true origin.

To date, according to the evidence submitted in the case, the loss caused to the British authorities stands at 1,063,939.5 pounds sterling, the equivalent of RON 6,170,849.1.

The judicial cooperation activities were carried out with the support of EUROJUST, with a European Cooperation Agreement concluded with the British authorities in this case (prosecution bodies and HMRC), in order to facilitate the exchange of evidence and identify all the members of the gang.
Medieval parades, knight camps, combat demonstrations and live concerts are just a few of the events that will take place at the Neamt Fortress Days, an event that will take place between July 11 and 13, in Targu Neamt.

"This year's edition, the 24th, has the theme "The Call of the Fortress - history and legends" and brings a complete show to the public: knightly camps, combat demonstrations, archery, medieval parades, children's games and history lessons in their most vivid form," declared the president of the Neamt County Council, Daniel Vasilica Harpa.

Ladies and knights will parade in procession, cannon salutes will resound, and the evenings will end with fire shows and live concerts with Trei Parale, Lupii lui Calancea and Valentin Uzun & Orchestra Tharmis.

The Neamt Fortress Museum will organize on Saturday, July 12, the opening of the photo-documentary exhibition "Ladies of Moldova", within which the outstanding female personalities of the medieval period will be valorized and promoted, represented by the consorts of the voivodes and lords, who had a special role in the cultural, spiritual and social development of the state.

"I gladly invite you to take part in this celebration of our identity! Let us rediscover together the beauty of traditions, the charm of legends and the courage of those who wrote the history of these places," said Daniel Vasilica Harpa.

The Neamt Fortress Days are organized by the Neamt County Council, the Targu Neamt City Hall, the "Ion Creanga" House of Culture in Targu Neamt and the Neamt National Museum Complex.
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Friday that the pay of the medical personnel needs to be linked to the activity of hospitals, and that squandering in the healthcare sector can no longer continue.

Speaking of healthcare spending of the Romanian state through the Health Fund, he said that in 2014 - 2015, these expenses accounted for 11% of the current public revenues, but their share has now increased to 14 - 16%. "Just bear in mind that this means very large amounts, each percentage means a huge figure. For instance - 49 billion in 2021, 54 billion in 2022, 59 billion in 2023, 73 billion in 2024, in summer 2025 - an estimated 77 billion," the prime minister declared in a press conference, said Agerpres.

Staff expenditures have grown from one year to another, because in Romanian healthcare, this figure isn't linked to the number of cases resolved. The bulk of allocations is dedicated to personnel expenses anyway, and then no one takes the trouble to make correct savings or to improve performance, because they have no reason to, Bolojan said.

"At certain hospitals, personnel costs exceed 90%. My question is: what is left for medicines, for tests?! Can anything be done for the patients?! (...) We have fictitious or inflated settlements in many cases. (...) There are lots of innovative medicines, they are expensive, and I believe that Romania is one of the few countries where the share of innovative medicines is much higher than that of generic ones, which solve the treatment for 90% of diseases just as well," he remarked.

Bolojan also tackled the issue of extended sick leaves: "Looking at statistics there are some bridges visible in critical periods between holidays and a peak in scheduled leaves - exactly four days - and it is obvious that this invalidates the statistics, there cannot be such high numbers of sickness in specific periods."

According to him, "the mix between the public and private system has resulted in the state insurance system taking care of the expenses and the private sector collecting the gains.

He called on the health insurance companies to seriously take on the role of defender of the interests of the patients and the state, "because otherwise these increases will become unbearable."

"This squandering can no longer continue," the prime minister cautioned.
The government will suggest decentralising the issuance of gambling licences, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said at a news conference on Friday.

According to him, licensing will not be exclusively central, but also local, because it is necessary for the town halls to establish the location of gambling halls.

"The local communities will decide whether they need gambling or not," Bolojan said.

He added that, currently, all cities are "invaded" by gambling establishments.
Exim Banca Romaneasca joined the InvestEU Ukraine Export Credit Guarantee Facility, a joint initiative of the European Commission and the European Investment fund (EIF), the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced on Friday.

Under the facility, national export credit agencies in the EU offer guarantees to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps exporting to Ukraine. The national guarantees are in turn backed by the EIF, which is part of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group.

omania is participating in the initiative along with nine other EU countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. The goal is to encourage EU exports to Ukraine of goods such as machinery, construction materials and advanced technologies as well as services that are critical for the country's economy and reconstruction amid Russia's war.

'This is a real boost for Ukraine's recovery, a win-win solution for its recovery and functioning of its economy. It enables EU companies to keep trading and investing in Ukraine when it matters most,' said EIB Group President Nadia Calvino.

The Ukraine Export Credit Guarantee Facility is providing a total of EUR 300 million in EIF guarantees for the participating national export credit agencies.

In addition to the ten participating EU countries, a further three Member States that have yet to be announced are scheduled to join the facility. It is projected to benefit more than 550 EU exporters including 25 in Romania.

'By participating in this European initiative, Exim Banca Romaneasca reaffirms its commitment to supporting Romanian companies that wish to contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction. We strongly believe that the support provided through this financial mechanism will facilitate exporters' access to challenging yet essential market, while also contributing to the stimulation of regional economic development, ' said Exim Banca Romaneasca Executive President Traian Halalai.

The Ukraine Export Credit Guarantee Facility advances Ukrainian efforts to integrate into the European single market and to become a member of the EU. Started in mid-2024, the facility generated immediate interest from EU businesses, ensuring demand for the full EUR 300 million in EIF backing. The EIF support helps businesses to maintain existing exports to Ukraine and encourages new EU trade ties with the country.

The European Investment Fund is part of the EIB Group. It supports Europe's SMEs by improving their access to finance through a wide range of selected financial intermediaries. The EIF designs, promotes and implements equity and debt financing instruments targeting SMEs. In this role, EIF fosters EU objectives in support of entrepreneurship, growth, innovation, research and development, the green and digital transitions and employment.

The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps mobilise private investments for EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. The InvestEU programme brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments currently available to support investment in the European Union, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible.

With the InvestEU mandate, European institutions - led by European Commission and EIB Group - aim to mobilise more than EUR 372 billion of public and private investments to finance sustainable investment, innovation and job creation throughout Europe over the period 2021-2027.

Exim Banca Romaneasca operates in the area of state insurance, under a mandate from the Romanian state, being the only specialised financial institution in Romania with a mandate to promote exports, in line with the standards of the OECD Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits.
ST. LOUIS  The fate of a well-loved Italian bakery on The Hill is still up in the air after a contentious lawsuit between the granddaughter of the bakery's original owner and a local restaurateur who bought her brother's half of the business ended this week.

The 100-year-old Missouri Baking Co. will be auctioned off  and at least one of them has pledged to buy it back.

But one thing's for sure: The granddaughter co-owner, Camille Lordo, refuses to run the business with the current co-owner, Anthony Favazza. She would rather let go of her family's legacy than be partners with him, she said in court Thursday.

I dont like anything about him, said Lordo, 71. He has hurt too many people.

For months, the business partners have clashed over the fate of the Missouri Baking Company, a famed family-owned bakery in the citys Italian neighborhood.

The two don't trust each other and can't agree on how to operate the business. Lordo said she never wanted her brother to sell to Favazza, whom she had never met until he bought 50% of the bakery last summer.

Last fall, co-owner Lordo filed a petition with the St. Louis Circuit Court to dissolve the bakery business and dispose of its assets, saying she and Favazza are unable to agree upon the desirability of continuing the business of Missouri Baking Company.

This week, the two parties agreed to end the ownership group and sell the bakery. Favazza withdrew his counterclaim accusing Lordo of financial misconduct, theft and fraud.

The shop, at 2027 Edwards Street, was started by Stefano Gambaro, who emigrated from Genoa, Italy, to Missouri in the early 1900s. In the business early days, it was a wholesale bread company.

Over the years, the bakery shifted to include retail sales of traditional sweets and holiday cookies. It has since become a staple in the community, landing accolades from national and local press.

In 2001, the Food Network filmed a feature there. In 2014, the Riverfront Times named its amaretto macaroon the Best Cookie. In 2021, Sauce Magazine said its cookies were the best holiday treat. And in 2024, the Post-Dispatch Headliners competition voted Missouri Baking Company the best bakery in the St. Louis region.

Stefanos children took over the bakery after Stefano died. The youngest sibling, Ben, eventually sold Missouri Baking Company to his kids  Stefanos grandchildren  Camille Mimi Lordo and her brother, Chris Gambaro.

Gambaro, 68, sold his half of the bakery to Favazza, 49, a year ago. Favazza owns two other businesses on the Hill, Amighettis and Hanks Cheesecakes, and has said that hed like to preserve Missouri Baking Co.

But Lordo wants nothing to do with Favazza.

On Thursday, the second day of trial, Lordo testified that she would rather do away with the work she's put into the bakery for the past 60 years than work with Favazza.

Im willing to give up my familys blood, sweat and tears, Lordo said in court. My family is heartbroken because of that man there.

Lordo characterized Favazza as mean, vindictive and having a horrible reputation. She said a food supplier refuses to deliver to Favazza and that bakery customers have told her they will no longer return because of him.

Plus, Lordo said, she had concerns about Favazza bringing in his own employees and products and changing the business.

One woman approached me and said, 'Shoot him. Jail would be easier [than being his partner],' Lordo said in court. I do not want to be Mr. Favazza's partner. I expressed it to him the first day he walked in the bakery.

Bad feelings over Amighetti's

Favazza entered the world of restaurant ownership in 2016 when he bought the Amighettis brand, its Rock Hill location and its recipes.

Favazza looked to revamp the menu of the St. Louis landmark, incorporating better cuts of meat and fresher produce, but the owners of its historic location, Amighetti's on the Hill, resisted the changes.

Perhaps the most notable point of contention involved pepperoncini stems. Favazza told location owner Dominic Consolino, who bought it in 2014, to start cutting the stems off before putting the peppers on sandwiches. But Consolino left the stems on  the brine from a topless pepperoncini risked making the deli's signature sandwich soggy.

Eventually, Amighetti's on the Hill closed. Consolino and his wife, Cathy, opened Colino's Cafe and Bakery in the same spot.

In 2019, Favazza sued the Consolinos for violating their licensing agreement with Amighetti's. Months later, Colino's eventually closed due to legal fees that have been spent defending myself against a lawsuit, Cathy Consolino posted on Facebook.

In 2023 Favazza opened Amighetti's at the Top of the Hill at a new spot near Southwest and Macklind avenues, with Hank's Cheesecakes.

In court Thursday, Favazzas lawyer, Daniel Finney, called him to the stand to refute Lordos character assassination.

Finney mentioned Favazzas nonprofit aimed at protecting the history and tradition of the Hill, and told the court about Favazzas close relationship caring for former Amighettis owner, Marge Amighetti.

But Finneys arguments were cut short by Judge Whyte, who asked attorneys into his chambers to hash out a resolution.

Though Whyte granted the dissolution of Missouri Baking Company, Inc., the bakery will not shutter, Favazza said in an interview after court.

Favazza said he aims to buy it. Lordo's attorney did not respond to a request to comment about the decision or Lordo's future plans.

I want it to go on for another 100 years, Favazza said. Customers should not expect any interruptions. Things will work out for Missouri Baking Company.
As the cannabis market matures in Missouri and consumers lean away from beer and spirits, hemp drinks are hitting the mainstream and from liquor stores to neighborhood bars, new shelf space is being made for the THC-infused beverages.

The St. Louis region, long known for brewing beer, is expanding into hemp-infused drinks with companies like Mighty Kind, which is in over 1,000 locations in the United States and retailers in 28 states, and Triple High Seltzer, which launched last year.

The hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids, like Delta 9 THC, in the infused drinks elicit feelings of relaxation and euphoria, similar in effect of marijuana in joints or edibles but milder because theyre at lower doses.

Only 15% of consumers have heard about cannabis beverages. We really havent even scratched the surface, said Dan Heaghney, an area sales manager for Creve Coeur-based Triple High Seltzer.

Drink makers say theyre targeting customers who dont want the calories, health effects or potential hangovers from drinking alcohol  but still want something special to drink socially.

Triples seltzers contain a low 3 mg dose of hemp-derived THC, said Triple chief operating officer Will Spartin. He wants drinkers to be able to have more than one can while out at the bar.

Youre able to session it as youd like, just like traditional light beer or hard seltzers, Spartin said. We wanted to make a low-dose THC beverage that people could enjoy at the same occasions where they enjoy traditional alcohol.

The beverage company recently released the Triple Drop, a 5 mg packet of THC that users can mix into any drink. For a stronger high, Triple will soon launch non-carbonated lemonades with 10 mg of THC.

Triple High Seltzer ships all over the country from its Creve Coeur warehouse. The company produces up to roughly 200,000 cans of its seltzer every six weeks at a plant in Farmington, where a THC concentrate from California is blended into fruit-flavored drink mixtures.

Plant manager Ryan Harp said orders have increased between 30% to 50% every product run since Triple High Seltzer launched last year.

Getting THC-infused drinks into bars is key for Triple, but also the industry as theyre aiming to make reaching for a drink containing THC as common as reaching for a cold beer, said Heaghney, the area sales manager.

This is where this product should live, Heaghney said. It brings a real sense of normalcy to the category (of hemp-derived beverages). There does not have to be a stigma. It doesnt have to be weird.

At Greenfinch Theater & Dive in South St. Louis, near Gravois and Jefferson avenues, owner Colin Healy said that he notices younger people ordering THC drinks more often, despite the higher price point.

Its way more likely that a young 20-something buys a $10 THC drink over a $3 (beer), Healy said. Thats been the big surprise for me because young people are always looking for the cheapest option.

Greenfinch has offered two THC flavors from St. Louis-based Mighty Kind since the bar opened about two years ago. Healy said he tries to diversify the bars menu to interest as many people as possible.

But, because the infused drinks do cost more than most beers and seltzers, Greenfinchs Healy said they probably wont add more THC drinks to their inventory anytime soon.

(The sector) certainly hasnt reached its threshold. The only thing holding it back is the price, Healy said. As it becomes more mass produced, it will get to a point where its cheaper.

Regulation and growth

Because THC-infused drinks are made with hemp, made legal by the 2018 federal farm bill, they can be produced and sold free of the many state regulations that govern marijuana sales. That makes it easier to get into the market, but can create problems, too.

Triple is involved in advocating for the regulation of hemp at the state level in Missouri. For years, operators and distributors have asked lawmakers to instill an age limit on who can buy hemp-derived products and regulate where such items can be sold. At present, some products with Delta 9 THC, like gummies, candies, sodas, vapes and more are sold over the counter, including to teens and children.

Consumers have to be 21 to legally buy THC-infused seltzers like those produced by Triple and Mighty Kind.

This spring, a bill that would bar sales of intoxicating hemp-derived cannabis products at convenience stores and smoke shops stalled in the Missouri Senate.

We dont like the Wild West mentality where anyone can operate through any manufacturing process. People take advantage of that and its a shame, Triples Spartin said. Regulation is very important for the longevity of our industry.

Compared to when Mighty Kind launched in 2019, ingredients are cheaper, processes have been figured out and more competition is in the market, which all adds up to a cheaper bar tab, said Joshua Grigaitis, founder and owner of cannabis-infused seltzer brand Mighty Kind.

But there is still a price difference between alcohol and the hemp-derived drinks. A 12-pack of 12-ounce cans of Triple High Seltzer, with 3 mg THC, lists for $31.99 online at Total Wine, and a 4-pack of Mighty Kind 12-ounce flavored seltzers with 5 mg THC is listed at $19.99  while a 12-pack of Michelob Ultra is $13.49 and a 12-pack of High Noon hard seltzer is $23.99.

Theres probably over 1,000 brands in the U.S. that are similar to mine now, and just five years ago there were only a handful, so its really exciting and it legitimizes the whole industry, said Grigaitis.

It is more affordable, hopefully now than it was, and well continue to stay as affordable as possible, he said. Getting them into the bars and the restaurants and the liquor stores where people really need the alternative is one of our main goals. Getting them affordable once we get them there is also one.

Grigaitis family owns Pops Blue Moon on the Hill. Non-alcoholic drinks make up 30% of the bars sales now and there are some nights where everyone at the bar is drinking Mighty Kind, Grigaitis said.

Mighty Kind is currently working on a line of cannabis-infused spirits, which will be available by the end of the year.

I think everythings just gonna keep moving forward and getting more exciting, Grigaitis said. I think five or 10 years from now, when you go and you say, I want a beer, theyre gonna say, Do you want alcohol or not?
Tony Messenger | Post-Dispatch Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger | Post-Dispatch Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Every month, Missouris Department of Social Services delivers a document to a federal judge explaining how bad the state is at providing food to poor people. The news is nearly always the same.

Too many people trying to get food stamps through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cant even get an interview to be approved for the aid. They have to stay on hold, dealing with a broken call center, often for hours at a time.

That was the experience Mary Holmes had back in 2021, when the St. Louis resident was trying to figure out why she had been wrongly canceled from the SNAP program. Holmes lives on federal disability checks and helps take care of her grandchildren.

One day, she waited on hold for four hours and still had nearly 700 people waiting in front of her.

Its really depressing and frustrating, she told me then.

Holmes became the lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit filed by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Empower Missouri, the Stinson Law Firm and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. A year ago, U.S. District Judge Doug Harpool ruled in the plaintiffs favor. He determined that Missouri was violating federal law by failing to properly operate the SNAP program and making it nearly impossible for some people to access the aid.

In May, after the state made no progress in fixing the problem, Harpool ordered Missouri to take specific measures to improve service.

There is still little progress.

Weve not seen significant improvement yet, says Katie Deabler, an attorney with the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. The call center is not functional enough for people to be able to efficiently get in and speak to a person.

The states own reports tell the story. In May, the average wait time at the call center was 45 minutes. The maximum wait time was more than five hours. More than 11,000 people were disconnected before they could get to a live person. Another 10,000 hung up after waiting so long.

The result is that people who qualify for food stamps cant get them.

The last report was filed with the court on July 7. That was three days after President Donald Trump signed a bill passed by Republicans in Congress that calls for massive cuts to the SNAP program and Medicaid to pay for tax cuts that primarily benefit wealthy Americans.

The bill is going to make problems in Missouri  and other states  much worse by creating new bureaucratic hurdles, on top of the ones they already cant navigate.

The bill doesnt change any of the SNAP legal requirements, Deabler says. But it adds new paperwork and bureaucracy, such as more stringent work requirements, that will lead to even longer wait times and more people not getting the help they qualify for.

For the first time in history, states are going to have to shoulder more of the costs, Deabler says.

Until now, the program has been fully funded by the federal government. Its definitely a concern that states that are already strapped in terms of their SNAP budgets are going to have more responsibilities, she says.

Missouri has complained in the federal court case that it doesnt have the resources to replace old technology and hire enough staff to better operate the SNAP program. So Judge Harpool, a former Missouri lawmaker, scheduled a hearing in which he invited lawyers or representatives from the governors office and the House and Senate appropriations committees to explain how they might meet the requirements of federal law. Only the governors office showed up.

Harpool wasnt happy.

Defendants promises that it is doing the best it can in its administration of SNAP and in its compliance with ADA are both too little and too late to be credible. The current efforts do not fulfill Defendants responsibilities under federal law, the judge wrote in his order requiring substantial improvements within six months. Defendant has had multiple opportunities to seek additional resources or make administrative or technological changes, yet thus far none have been forthcoming.

Missouri has appealed Harpools rulings. No matter the outcome, the cuts and budget shifts in the bill passed by Congress all but guarantee that things are going to get worse before they get better.

Holmes, the lead plaintiff in the case, ended up getting her SNAP approvals shortly after the lawsuit was filed. So did many of the other plaintiffs. But what about the thousands of food-challenged Missourians who are waiting on hold for hours while billionaires get tax cuts?

Let them eat cake.
A group of humanoid robots developed by Shanghai-based robotics firm AgiBot are working at an auto parts factory in Mianyang City, showcasing how adaptive machines are poised to become standard collaborators in manufacturing. #GLOBALink
ST. LOUIS  A judge on Friday sentenced the second defendant charged with beating a man so severely that he eventually died.

Branden Leachman, 21, pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder, armed criminal action and first-degree robbery.

Like his co-defendant, Nathan Kehn, he received a 20-year prison sentence for his role in the New Year's Day 2024 assault.

Authorities said they found cellphone video recorded by Leachman, in which he can be heard threatening to kill 52-year-old Tyrone Venney, admitting to urinating on him and repeatedly kicking him in the head while Venney lay unconscious.

Venney died months later at a nursing home in Illinois.

Both Leachman and Kehn were arrested at a community of tiny houses meant to provide temporary housing for homeless people and charged with assault shortly after the attack.

After Venney died in June 2024 from complications of the beating, their charges were updated to murder.

Prosecutors say on Jan. 1, 2024, Kehn and Leachman got into an argument with Venney at North Jefferson Avenue and Delmar Boulevard.

Leachman and Kehn then beat Venney until he was paralyzed, recording the attack on Leachman's cell phone. They kicked, punched and stomped on him. They urinated on his face, court records say. They stole his wallet and used his money to buy cigarettes and beer, court documents said.
ST. LOUIS  A plan to force the embattled city sheriff to transport all city jail inmates to the hospital when they need it stalled Thursday at the Board of Aldermen, marking another standoff in a debate that now spans City Hall, the courts, and the state attorney generals office.

Sheriff Alfred Montgomerys office has passed on dozens of medical transport requests since taking office in January, breaking with decades of precedent and forcing city jail staff to fill the gap. Top officials  including Mayor Cara Spencer  have criticized the move as a failure to perform basic duties. And Attorney General Andrew Bailey has cited the issue in a lawsuit seeking Montgomerys ouster, along with allegations of nepotism, false arrests, and excessive spending.

But Montgomery and his aides have denied any wrongdoing. They say the transports are not really their job, but rather the responsibility of the city corrections division, which runs most other jail operations. They also say the city needs to give them more money and staff if the city wants the sheriffs office to continue with the task.

The bill, sponsored by Alderman Matt Devoti, aimed to make the sheriffs obligation explicit, citing a state law requiring sheriffs to receive all persons apprehended by police and ordered into jail.

But in a committee hearing Thursday, Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, of downtown, said he thought it would be unwise to try to dictate the sheriffs responsibilities while Montgomery and Bailey are arguing about them in court.

I dont want us to rush it and get it wrong, Aldridge said.

He also raised concerns about a proposed amendment to Devotis bill that would require the sheriff to justify each of his offices expenditures, in writing, to the city comptroller. The city, he said, shouldnt be making special rules for one office.

Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier, of Tower Grove East, also had concerns. She said she worried about Montgomerys complaints about staffing, and urged consideration of his requests for a bigger budget.

I think that conversation needs to happen, she said.

Devoti pushed back, saying that when he asked Montgomery how many more deputies he needed to fulfill transport requests at an earlier hearing, Montgomery couldnt give him a number.

He argued the city shouldnt wait until an inmate is hurt before taking action.

Still, after more than an hour of back and forth, Devoti asked to postpone a vote to send the bill to the full board for further consideration. Aldermen are not scheduled to meet for the next eight weeks during their summer recess.

After the hearing, Devoti vented. St. Louis politicians, he said, like to complain when state officials interfere with local government, as Aldridge and Sonnier have about Baileys suit. But then, Devoti said, they dont do anything to prevent interference.

Today we had an opportunity to take care of our own business, he said, and we didnt.

Alderman Tom Oldenburg, a supporter of the bill, said opponents were defending a political ally  Aldridge and Sonnier endorsed Montgomerys campaign last year  instead of enacting good policy.

Aldridge brushed off the criticism: The bill just raised a lot more questions than answers.
CARLINVILLE, Ill.  Security camera footage from the Macoupin County Courthouse shows three individuals leaving trailers full of manure at a Carlinville protest on June 24.

This incident drew attention to the weekly anti-Donald Trump protests held in Carlinville, leading to a surge in participants at the July 1 protest.

According to the obtained footage, three individuals drop off two trailers of manure using a white GMC truck and a red Dodge truck ahead of the June 24 protest, which was scheduled for 5-7 p.m.

There are several time jumps in the footage that Macoupin County officials said are due to the cameras being motion-activated and not recording continuously.

The Alton Telegraph acquired the recording through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Manure-filled trailers left outside Macoupin County Courthouse before protest

In the video, a white GMC truck and a red Dodge truck first appear at 3:24 p.m., according to the timestamp on the video. Each truck is individually hauling a manure-filled trailer. The trucks park in street parking spots on the south side of the Macoupin County Courthouse along State Route 4/East 1st South Street.

A minute later, one of the three individuals involved, wearing a tan hat, dark green shirt, and black shorts, is seen hurriedly jogging from the red truck to the white truck to help position the trailer. Another individual, a man with white hair wearing a white polo with khaki shirts, then exits the white truck to let the first man park the truck and trailer.

A third man, wearing a tan shirt and dark shorts, walks in from the east and joins the white-haired man on the sidewalk as the truck is parked.

Once the white truck is parked, the man in the dark green shirt gets out of the driver's seat of the white truck and is replaced by the white-haired man at 3:28 p.m.

The man in the dark green shirt and the man with the tan shirt convene on the sidewalk and appear to discuss where the trailers should be positioned. They gesture and point to other spots, as well as wave to indicate that the truck should be moved. The pair then returned to the red truck at 3:29 p.m.

At that time, the white truck unhooks from the trailer and moves forward to hold the parking spot ahead of the trailer. The red truck, while towing a trailer, then pulls into the parking space on State Route 4/East 1st South Street where the white truck had been parked.

The white truck, driven by the white-haired man, then parks around the corner from the protest on the west side of the Macoupin County Courthouse.

At 3:30 p.m., both trailers full of manure and the red truck were in position. The three men gather on the sidewalk by the red truck and make pointing gestures toward the protest area and the truck and trailers before beginning to leave the scene.

The man wearing the dark green shirt, who parked the red truck, is seen double-checking the truck to make sure it is locked. The red Dodge truck is left at the protest site with the two manure-filled trailers.

The following minutes involve the three men entering the white truck and driving away. They left the scene at 3:34 p.m. and seem not to make another appearance in the remainder of the footage.

At 3:41 p.m., ahead of the protest, a police officer and a man, who is on a phone, walk out of the courthouse and are seen looking in the direction of the trailers and red truck before exiting the frame.

Protestors surrounded trucks and trailers, taking photos

Protestors begin arriving at the protest area around 5 p.m.

By 5:15, passing protestors begin to notice the trailers and the red truck as they join the protest. Some protestors are seen stopping to observe the trailers and red trucks, others took photographs and made gestures towards the vehicles.

At 5:30, a group of protestors, led by organizer Kelley Hatlee, who is wearing a white polo with black shorts, gather around the manure trucks. For the following few minutes, the trailer and red truck become the center of attention for the protest, with protestors holding signs around the trailers and red truck. Hatlee is also seen taking photos of protestors posing in front of the scene.

Other protestors are seen taking photos of the trucks and trailers, appearing to get photos of the license plates and the interior of the red truck.

Then at 5:41 p.m., two individuals are seen standing outside of a maroon truck and setting up a large Trump sign in the truck bed. The maroon truck had been continuously parked in front of the red Dodge truck since around 4:30 p.m.

A white truck then appears in a parking spot in front of the maroon truck. It is unclear from the angle of the cameras if this is the same white truck from earlier. The two individuals who set up the Trump sign in the maroon truck bed then get into the white truck and leave the view of the security camera. The identities of the two people who set up the Trump sign are unclear due to the quality of the security footage.

Police observe manure at Carlinville's anti-Trump protest

After about 5:30 p.m., Carlinville's anti-Trump protest continues on the south side of the Macoupin County Courthouse, but further east along the sidewalk away from the trailers and trucks. Nearly a dozen protestors showed enthusiasm by dancing along the sidewalk and waving excitedly at passing cars.

At 6:39 p.m., near the end of the protest, two officers approached the truck and trailers to take a closer look. The officers don't appear to take any action beyond closely observing the manure trailers.

The Telegraph reached out this week to the Carlinville Police Department and the Macoupin County Sheriff's Department to find out if they are pursuing any criminal charges related to this action, and neither entity responded.
Our Missouri legislators have once again worked against us in 2025. Proposition A, paid sick leave for workers (which won 57% of the statewide vote), has disappeared. Well have to vote again on Amendment 3, womens health care access (which won 52% of the vote) in 2026. But this time with misleading language, aiming to trick voters into voting against our original intent. ("Editorial: Lawmakers think you're dumb and your vote doesn't matter. Prove them wrong." May 16.)

Theyve frequently shown us that they can and will rig the citizen initiative process, making it virtually impossible for voters to put anything on the ballot that the legislators dont agree with.

Newly signed Senate Bill 22  which should be called the Let Politicians Lie Act  gives the Missouri Secretary of State the ability to rewrite ballot language three times before a court finally steps in to remove his biased language. By then there wont be time for citizens to gather the roughly 300,000 signatures needed to get an initiative on the ballot. This will be relevant to the re-vote the Legislature is forcing on reproductive rights, because their ballot measure would ban most abortions but the language never says that.

In recent years, Missouri voters have expanded Medicaid and legalized marijuana. The state Legislature tried more dirty tricks to avoid passing Medicaid expansion, but it went through anyway.

We must show politicians that we value our freedom to petition. Respect Missouri Voters is working to put an amendment on the 2026 ballot to ban politicians from overturning our vote, from using misleading language on the ballot, and from changing the rules to make citizen initiatives harder for everyday Missourians to use. ("Editorial: Movement is one way Missouri voters could rein in rogue Legislature," May 29.)

You can help this volunteer-led campaign at RespectMOVoters.org.

James Lovell

Ballwin
An Air Force F-35A Lightning II approaches an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker for midair refueling over Finland on June 26, 2025. (Christopher Campbell/U.S. Air Force)



Deep cuts to the Air Forces F-35 program and the elimination of the E-7 Wedgetail program would prove a costly and strategic blunder for the service, a retired three-star general said Thursday.

Retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula told reporters that the proposed cuts to the programs in the Air Forces fiscal 2026 budget proposal unveiled last month would leave the service with problematic capability gaps given an uncertain security environment around the world. The latest budget proposal, Deptula said, would cut some 340 aircraft from the service while purchasing only 76 new airframes, including only 24 F-35As  the most advanced fighter aircraft now flying.

The Air Force today is the oldest, the smallest and the least ready its ever been in its entire history, Deptula said during a news briefing organized by the Air and Space Forces Association. And the current programming schedule, it has [the Air Force fleet] getting even smaller as we move into the next five years, and quite frankly, theres insufficient funding in the budget to stop that decline. Thats why raising this to the attention of Congress and the American public is so important.

Deptula, who is the dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and retired from the Air Force in 2010, helped organize a letter sent this week to congressional leaders warning of the dire consequences if the services budget proposal was enacted. It was signed by 16 retired four-star generals.

During a period of heightened tension throughout the world, we believe such reductions will severely and unnecessarily undermine our service members ability to deter, and if necessary, prevail in future conflicts, the generals wrote in the July 7 letter organized by the Air and Space Forces Association.

The signees included six former Air Force chiefs of staff  Gens. Merrill McPeak, Ron Fogleman, Michael Ryan, John Jumper, Michael Moseley and Mark Welsh. Other signers included Gen. Joseph Ralston, a former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and NATO Supreme Allied Commander; Gen. Philip Breedlove, a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and Air Force vice chief; Gen. Ralph Eberhart, who led U.S. Northern Command; Gen. Kevin Chilton, a former U.S. Strategic Command chief; Gen. Lori Robinson, a former NORTHCOM commander; Gen. John Loh, a former Air Force vice chief, and Gen. Herbert Hawk Carlisle, who lead Air Combat Command.

Air Force and Pentagon leaders have defended the proposed cuts as necessary to fund the next generation of weapons. The cuts to the F-34A Lighting II fighter program would shift $3.5 billion in funds to develop the sixth-generation F-47 stealth fighter and boost funding for the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile and an extended-range version of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, service officials said while rolling out the Air Forces proposed $209.6 billion budget for 2026.

Service officials said cutting the E-7 Wedgetail program was needed due to cost overruns and uncertainty over its survivability in a combat zone. The Air Force had planned to buy 26 of the aircraft to replace older E-3 AWACs aircraft, but the service now wants to shift its surveillance emphasis to space-based satellites.

The group of retired generals warned Thursday that space-based satellites are not yet up to the task of taking over surveillance capabilities now conducted by manned aircraft.

The former top Air Force leaders said they recognized the long history of F-35 issues from cost overruns to supply-chain problems, but Congress needs to look no further than recent attacks on Iran by Israeli F-35A pilots to see the aircraft is capable.

Breedlove, a fighter pilot who retired in 2016 after leading U.S. European Command and NATO forces for three years, said Israeli pilots used the F-35A  the same model the U.S. Air Force flies  to destroy Irans advanced anti-aircraft systems provided by Russia, and give them full air superiority over the country. It allowed Israel  and later U.S. B-2 stealth bombers  to deliver unopposed strikes on military targets during the recent 12-day conflict between to the two Middle East powers.

You just need to look at what the Israelis just did in Iran as to how that works for us, Breedlove said, comparing the operation to Russias invasion of Ukraine where it has never established air superiority. We dont want to end up having to fight a war that is not enabled fully by our style of Western air power and air superiority.

The group suggested Congress purchase 75 F-35As in fiscal 2026, in part to deter China from attacking Taiwan, which its president, Xi Jinping, has vowed to return to Chinese control. Breedlove said Isreals use of the F-35s against Iran should give Xi pause in ordering such an invasion.

Mr. Xi  just watched the F-35 march into Iran, a long way from Israel, and establish air superiority over the enemys battlefield,  the F-35 did that while fighting against some of the best Russian [air defense systems] outside of Russia, Breedlove said. This is an inflection point for Xi  and others  that American air power  can give him pause.

But scaling back the F-35 and the E-7 programs could change that calculus, the generals worried.

If conflict does come, there will be no more decisive question than who controls the skies over the Pacific, they wrote. The actions Congress takes this year  specifically through the acquisition of 75 F-35As and ensuring the operational deployment of the E-7  could be critical in deterring and, if necessary, prevailing in near-term conflicts.
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon lands during a public flight demonstration at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on Sept. 11, 2022. (Leon Redfern/U.S. Air Force)



A U.S. fighter made a precautionary landing Thursday in northern Japan, temporarily closing a shared military-commercial runway, according to Japans Ministry of Defense.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 35th Fighter Wing made a precautionary landing at Misawa Air Base after the pilot identified a potential problem with the aircrafts hydraulic system, a spokesman for the Tohoku Defense Bureau said by phone Friday. The bureau is an arm of the defense ministry.

The runway, which the air base shares with the commercial airport, was closed from 9:46 a.m. to 10:31 a.m., the spokesman said. A Japan Airlines flight to Haneda Airport in Tokyo was delayed due to the closure, he said. No injuries or damages were reported.

The defense bureau on Thursday urged Misawa base commander Col. Paul Davidson to investigate the incident, promptly provide information and take safety measures, such as conducting checks and maintenance to prevent a recurrence, the spokesman said.

Officials at Misawa city and Aomori prefecture said Friday they made similar requests to Davidson and to the defense bureau.

Some government officials in Japan may speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

An emergency landing at Misawa by an Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber April 29 closed the runway for about 90 minutes. An F-16 made a precautionary landing May 18, but the Air Force denied a report that the landing caused a 45-minute runway closure and attributed it instead to the late filing of an unrelated civilian flight plan.
From left to right: Army Col. Ryan Workman, outgoing garrison commander; Brenda McCullough, Installation Management Command-Pacific director, and Col. Kristin Steinbrecher, incoming garrison commander, observe the playing of the national anthem during a change of command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on July 11, 2025. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)



CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  A longtime air defense officer took command of Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base overseas, during a ceremony at the base Friday.

Army Col. Ryan Workman, the outgoing Humphreys commander, transferred his duties to Col. Kristin Steinbrecher, who previously led the Air and Missile Defense Test Directorate at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Humphreys, a sprawling 3,500-acre base in Pyeongtaek city 40 miles south of Seoul, is the headquarters of U.S. Forces Korea, U.N. Command, Combined Forces Command, Eighth Army and 2nd Infantry Division. Approximately 40,000 U.S. and South Korean personnel occupy the base daily.

Workman took command of Humphreys on July 11, 2023. He will remain at Humphreys as the next Eighth Army inspector general.

As garrison commander, Workman oversaw completion of several construction projects, including a $64 million barracks for 600 soldiers and three family housing towers that cost $141 million.

Workman also supervised efforts to accommodate 750 U.S. Boy Scouts who pulled out of the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, about 85 miles south of Humphreys, during an intense heat wave in August 2023.

The Boy Scouts camped inside the Humphreys Middle School gym for week starting Aug. 6, 2023, while Eighth Army soldiers provided meals.

At the command changeover, Eighth Army acting commander Brig. Gen. Sean Crockett thanked Workman for accomplishing these missions without fail.

I thank you for your leadership, he said to a crowd of 250 people at the ceremony inside the bases Morning Calm Center. You set the pace and example for transformation across the peninsula while here.

Workman thanked soldiers, civilian contractors and local employees for ensuring base services were operational under his watch.

Im often the face of the organization, but I dont actually do anything, he said in a speech. Everything that weve accomplished  thats all really what you have all accomplished.

Army Col. Kristin Steinbrecher speaks during a change of command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on July 11, 2025. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)



Steinbrecher said she would continue building on Workmans efforts and vowed to work relentlessly to ensure garrisoned troops are able to accomplish their mission.

It is a deep honor and privilege to stand before you today and assume the duties as your garrison commander, she said in a speech. I am humbled by the trust placed in me to lead this remarkable team.

Steinbrecher graduated in 2002 from Rutgers University, where she was commissioned through ROTC, according to her Army biography.

Her previous assignments include theater security cooperation planner in Djibouti, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery of the 6th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, plans and exercise director at Joint Task Force-Bravo in Honduras and military advisor for the State Department in Washington, D.C.
Outgoing Marine Corps Installations Pacific Sgt. Maj. Anthony Easton, whos retiring after 31 years of service, speaks during his relief-and-appointment ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, on July 8, 2025. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)



CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Anthony Easton closed out 31 years with the Marine Corps this week by turning over his duties as sergeant major of Marine Corps Installations Pacific to his successor and saying farewell.

A former combat engineer with a penchant for blowing things up, Easton, a native of St. Cloud, Minn., concluded his career during a relief-and-appointment ceremony Tuesday at Fosters Officers Club. Sgt. Maj. Jorge Ortiz, a former field radio operator from Sacramento, Calif., on his second tour on Okinawa, took up the post.

More than 300 Marines and guests were on hand, including Marine Corps Installations Pacific commander Maj. Gen. Brian Wolford and 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Trevor Hall.

Retiring Sgt. Maj. Anthony Easton, center, relinquishes the sword of office for sergeant major of Marine Corps Installations Pacific to Maj. Gen. Brian Wolford at the Officers Club on Camp Foster, Okinawa, on July 8, 2025. Sgt. Maj. Jorge Ortiz, right, is Eastons successor. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)



Easton, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, recounted the highs and lows of his service during a June 26 interview at his Foster office.

To this day, it still puts a smile on my face, getting to go out and work with C-4 and TNT and dynamite and working with landmines, he said, referring to his military occupational specialty. I love that MOS  I literally had a blast.

Easton arrived on Okinawa in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic but in time to see a series of allegations of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault against U.S. service members, including a handful of Marines.

Two weeks before Eastons retirement ceremony, a Japanese court sentenced Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton to seven years in prison for choking a woman while attempting to sexually assault her in May 2024.

Since September, two other Okinawa-based Marines have been charged in separate cases with injuring women during sexual assaults. In December, a Japanese court convicted Air Force Senior Airman Brennon Washington of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor a year earlier.

This torii gate stood outside the home of Marine Corps Installations Pacific Sgt. Maj. Anthony Easton at Camp Foster, Okinawa. He received it as a memento after relinquishing the post at Fosters Officer Club on July 8, 2025. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)



All these cases, and others, roiled the Okinawa community, generating numerous official complaints and prompting U.S. military officers and diplomats to make apologies. Liberty rules for all U.S. troops in Japan were tightened in October.

Easton acknowledged the problem but said most Marines are inclined to do something good on Okinawa  beach cleanups, building construction and holiday toy drives.

Drunken driving incidents involving service members are down, he added, proof that efforts to educate service members are paying off.

The installations command and the prefectural government together hosted a series of lectures last year aimed at eradicating drunken driving, according to an August news release from the command. U.S. military and Okinawa authorities, during the first Okinawa Community Partnership Forum in May, also discussed improving the briefing given to service members new to the island.

Morale is still really good here, Easton said.

Jorge Ortiz give his first speech as sergeant major of Marine Corps Installations Pacific during a relief-and-appointment ceremony at the Officers Club on Camp Foster, Okinawa, on July 8, 2025. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)



During his stint on Okinawa, the Marine Corps activated a second littoral regiment on the island as part of its Force Design initiative. Force Design calls for a more agile, expeditionary force capable of countering Chinas growing military presence in the Pacific.

Easton described the new 12th Littoral Regiment  about 2,000 Marines  as exactly what we need in the Indo-Pacific region.

The challenges in the Pacific are different than other places, because the Pacific is set up differently, he said. Its the Pacific  theres islands out here. When the commandant put Force Design 2030 in place, he was thinking about those things.

Easton, during the interview, also spoke of his time in Iraq in summer 2004 with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. He paused for a few seconds to collect himself while remembering a fellow Marine there.

Lance Cpl. Bryan Kelly, of Klamath Falls, Ore., died July 16, 2004, of wounds he received in Anbar province, the Associated Press reported at the time.

Easton said the key to getting back on the horse after experiencing a combat death is having conversations about what happened.

We loved our Marine and were going to honor our Marine, but the mission doesnt stop just because you lose somebody, he said.
The USS Pearl Harbor, a 600-foot-long amphibious dock landing ship that will serve as flagship for the Pacific Partnership mission, is moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on July 10, 2025. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)



JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  USS Pearl Harbor pulled into its namesake port this week as it prepares to lead the Navys largest annual maritime humanitarian and medical assistance mission in the Indo-Pacific.

The amphibious dock landing ship arrived at this joint base on Tuesday and is serving as the flagship for the Pacific Partnership mission lasting through November.

The USS Pearl Harbor is, in some ways, a large floating truck loaded with all of our medical and construction supplies, Capt. Mark Stefanik, the missions commander, told reporters Thursday while standing dockside of the 600-foot-long ship.

He was joined by Cmdr. Alban Dervishi, the ships commanding officer, and United Kingdom Royal Marines Col. Matt Churchward, the missions deputy commander.

The amphibious ship provides a good avenue for U.S. power in the Pacific in terms of being able to provide the material we need for these missions, Stefanik said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared lethality to be the touchstone of the Defense Department under Donald Trumps second administration, which has instituted deep cuts in foreign aid that have long fostered Americas soft power.

But Pacific Partnership remains in place as a demonstration of Americas willingness to assist its Pacific neighbors.

Capt. Mark Stefanik, left, commander of the Navys Pacific Partnership mission, speaks with reporters at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on July 10, 2025. Beside him stands the missions deputy commander, United Kingdom Royal Marines Col. Matt Churchward. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)



The mission, now in its 21st iteration, focuses entirely on assisting small nations in civic development such as expanding hospitals, schools and infrastructure and preparing for natural disasters.

We believe that we prepare in calm so that we can respond in crisis, Stefanik said. The Navy has been a big, big part of crisis response in the Pacific for all kinds of natural disasters. So if we come in and have the opportunity to build these capacities and build these partnerships  while its not a crisis  when we do come, were much more effective for all kinds of missions.

This years mission includes visits by the Pearl Harbor to Papua New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Samoa and Vanuatu.

Small fly-in projects were held last month in the Philippines, Fiji and Tonga.

The hospital ship USNS Mercy has served as the flagship for numerous Pacific Partnership missions in the past, but the Pearl Harbors sick bay is serving the medical function this year.

The hospital ship obviously has a lot more direct-care capability in terms of medical supplies and stuff, Stefanik said.

On the other hand, he said, the amphibious ship carries a crew of about 300 sailors who can be utilized for mission tasks  manpower that the Mercy does not have.

An amphibious dock landing ship is built to transport Marines to Pacific islands in the event of conflict or assisting during disasters. The ship is designed to sink about 10 feet, allowing water to flood a large bay in the stern that buoys an amphibious boat for delivering the Marines ashore.

The Pearl Harbor is the only American ship on the mission, but it will be joined by South Korean and Japanese vessels during some stops, Stefanik said. Great Britain, Canada and Germany are also helping out on part of the mission, he said.

The six-month mission, which ends Nov. 16 in Vanuatu, is designed to coincide with the Indo-Pacifics hurricane season so that were out there as a ready force in case something does happen, he said.
(Kim Ki Sam/Stars and Stripes )



South of Da Nang, South Vietnam, Nov. 25, 1968: A marine of G Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division gunner sits atop his mud-crusted track vehicle. The marines are part of Operation Meade River, a cordon and search operation conducted by several regiments of the 1st Marine Div. and the South Vietnamese army.

The operation  which started November 20th and would end December 9th  had American Marines and South Vietnamese troops 7,000 strong systematically tightened a 15-mile circle in the Dodge City area south of Da Nang where between 200 and 900 VC and NVA were holed up in caves and dugouts. The nickname was given due to frequent ambushes, firefights and rocket attacks on U.S. troops.

Looking for Stars and Stripes coverage of the Vietnam War? Subscribe to Stars and Stripes historic newspaper archive! We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through https://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/
St Dominics Fair in Gdansk is one of Polands biggest summer events. It runs July 26-Aug. 17. (iStock)



As much of Europe withers under an unrelenting sun, thoughts of a holiday along the Mediterranean seacoast are enough to make one break out in sweat. When soaring temperatures make conventional vacation paradises such as Italy or Spain uncomfortable propositions, trips to one of Europes northern coastlines are worthy of consideration.

While the term Baltic states refers to the three countries of the former Soviet Union Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  other countries with territory bordering the Baltic Sea include Denmark, Finland, Russia, Poland, Sweden and Germany. Heres a look at some summer events taking place in cities either directly on the Baltic coast or in close proximity to it.

Tallinn, Estonia: Tallinn Maritime Days allows visitors an up-close look at vessels of all kinds, many of which welcome guests on board. Land-based activities including concerts and a play area for children are spread across three different venues, including the Old Harbor. Maritime Days take place July 11-14; entry is free. Online: tallinnamerepaevad.ee

Tallinns Old Town center is also worth a look-in, as this same weekend is given to a celebration known as Medieval Days. At its center is a market attracting vendors from the Baltic region and beyond. Jousting knights and swordfighters are also figure into the programming offered July 11-13. Online: medievaldays.ee/en

Pori, Finland: This small city sits on the edge of the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltics northern arm between Finland and Sweden. The city enjoys outsized name recognition through its hosting of Pori Jazz, an annual music festival with a lineup of artists in styles far beyond the confines of traditional jazz. This years headliners include Roxette, Sting, Tower of Power, Ultra Bra and Gregory Porter, among others. Although tickets are needed to see the top names, organizers note that some 70% of its programming is offered to the public free of charge. This years edition of Pori Jazz runs July 17-19. Online: porijazz.fi

Klaipeda, Lithuania: The countrys largest port city celebrates its maritime identity each year with the Sea Festival, a mix of nautical-themed events and performances. From July 25-27, up to half a million visitors are expected to join in Juros sventes family-friendly festivities including concerts, street artists, a marketplace and more. Dozens of majestic sailing vessels docked in the harbor make for a postcard-perfect backdrop. Online: tinyurl.com/a29fapck

Gdansk, Poland: St Dominics Fair, also referred to as the Gdansk Wonders Festival, bills itself as one of the countrys major summer events. The programming for each years edition is unique. This years focus is on the past meeting up with the present, brought to life through imagined encounters between historical characters and present-day heroes. Over the festivals three-week run, visitors can take in concerts and street arts, ride on attractions, shop for unique handcrafted goods and sample world cuisines or local specialties. Other offerings include an island given to jazz music, an open-air cinema, and a stage on which operetta excerpts are performed. The festival runs from July 26-Aug. 17. Online: jarmarkswdominika.pl/en/program

Gotland, Sweden: The Baltics largest island is Gotland, located some 55 miles off the southeast coast of Sweden. With its cobblestone streets and ancient cathedral, its largest city of Visby lends itself ideally as the backdrop to a historical festival. For eight days in late summer each year, the island celebrates Medeltidsveckan, or Medieval Week. Each years festival works around a certain theme, and in 2025, the importance and availability of water in the Middle Ages is explored. While many visitors turn up in medieval-style clothing to experience activities such as concerts set in church ruins or jousting tournaments, its not required. Other things to do include taking courses in traditional crafts, exploring a historical encampment or watching jesters entertain. Many visitors elect to stay in a modern campground offering all the comforts of contemporary life. Medieval Week takes place from Aug. 3-10. Online: medeltidsveckan.se/en

Rostock, Germany: A taste of maritime life is offered by Hansa Week, one of the worlds largest meet-ups for traditional sailing vessels. Both inexperienced landlubbers and seasoned sailors are bound to be impressed by the majestic sailing vessels, many of which can be boarded. Regattas give the chance to witness the ships in action. Land-based activities include concerts featuring South American rhythms or drum corps. To experience sailing firsthand, its possible to book excursions; the cost of a three- to four-hour outing begins at around 65 euros. Overnight stays on board some vessels are also possible. Hansa Sail runs Aug. 7-10. Online: hansesail.com

Riga, Latvia: With its tidy medieval Old Town and abundance of art nouveau architecture, Latvias capital is worth a visit any time; another reason to come is for the Positivus Festival, one of the regions major music events. The festival is set on a sparsely inhabited green island in the Daugava River thats within easy walking distance to the city center. This years headline acts at the Aug. 8-9 event include Mura Masa, RagnBone Man, Elderbrook, Milky Chance and others. Tickets to both days of the festival cost 65 euros plus fees. Online: positivusfestival.com/en
Scheharazad Muhamed Ahmed, 25, holds her 15-month old son, Eyaad Ahamday, as nurses administer treatment in Geneina in the only referral hospital in West Darfur, Sudan. (Diana Zeyneb Alhindawi/For The Washington Post)



darfur-1stld-writethru 915 words  1 photo ICC cites evidence of war crimes in Sudans Darfur

NAIROBI - War crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed in Sudans western region of Darfur, where survivors have described rapes, killings, bombings, kidnappings and deliberate starvation by both sides in the countrys civil war, the International Criminal Court has told the U.N. Security Council.

Such crimes triggered a global outcry when the arid Darfur region was the scene of fighting two decades ago, eventually leading to an ICC indictment of then-President Omar Hassan al-Bashir on genocide charges. But the latest crimes, part of a new war between the military and a rival paramilitary, have met a more muted global response amid crises in Gaza and Ukraine.

People are being deprived of water and food. Rape and sexual violence are being weaponized. Abductions for ransom and to bolster the ranks of armed groups have become common practice, Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan told the Security Council on Thursday. We have reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been and continue to be committed in Darfur.

Most of Darfur is held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), but the besieged city of El Fashir and a couple of surrounding towns are held by the military and its allies, the Joint Forces, a group of former rebels who have now allied with Sudans government.

The areas held by the RSF have been indiscriminately bombed by the military, and non-Arab ethnic civilians there have been subjected to rape and ethnic cleansing by the RSF, the United Nations and other organizations have found. In El Fashir, RSF forces are preventing food from entering the city. An RSF attack on the sprawling Zamzam displacement camp nearby, previously home to 400,000 people, killed 11 aid workers.

One woman, speaking to The Washington Post, described the RSF attack on Zamzam in April and how she had sought shelter in the Sheikh Farah Mosque.

Soldiers from the Rapid Support Forces stormed the mosque and started taking men from inside, then shooting them, she said. Of 16 men and boys, 14 died immediately, including her brother, a blind man and the son of the mosque sheikh. The soldiers shot her in the foot when she tried to help her brother.

The soldiers went to the Relief International center, she said. I heard them discussing things with the team. Minutes later, I heard gunfire, killing nine people, including a woman and doctor. Two other aid workers died later of their injuries.

In a report released this month on the attack, Doctors Without Borders said survivors of ground operations have reported systematic looting, the random or deliberate killing of civilians, and the burning of civilian buildings including private houses and markets. Sexual violence has been perpetrated on a large scale.

Abductions  have been a source of income for the RSF and their affiliates, it added. That trend has been documented by The Post by speaking to families whose relatives - including children - were seized for forced labor, sexual slavery or ransom.

One woman who recently escaped from Zamzam to El Fashir, almost 10 miles away, said she had been stopped by RSF soldiers on the way. They called us town women, meaning army women, she said. She had been molested, and others had been taken away and raped. They were doing whatever they wanted to the women after killing the men.

Most of the water towers and water pumps in El Fashir and Zamzam have been destroyed or dont work anymore, the report said, fueling disease outbreaks. Hospitals in the city have been repeatedly bombed and shelled, and all but one have stopped functioning.

Doctors Without Borders warned that mass, ethnically based killings of civilians are likely if El Fashir falls. The RSF and their allies have deliberately targeted non-Arab communities, the humanitarian group said. Witnesses report that RSF soldiers spoke of plans to clean El Fashir of its non-Arab, and especially Zaghawa, community.

When the city of Geneina fell to the RSF in 2023, the U.N. reported, 10,000 to 15,000 people were killed in similar circumstances. Starvation is also spreading in Darfur. Since war erupted in April 2023, Sudan has become the scene of the worlds largest humanitarian crisis. More than 30 million people need aid, but both warring parties frequently block access for humanitarian groups. Warehouses full of aid have been looted and aid workers kidnapped and murdered. Last month, five drivers were killed as the World Food Program tried to deliver a convoy of food to El Fashir. The U.N. has called for an investigation.

In its fight against the RSF, the military has relied on often indiscriminate aerial bombings that have frequently hit markets, homes and infrastructure. Human Rights Watch found that bombings of the city of Nyala hit residential and commercial neighborhoods and a grocery store, killing dozens of civilians each time. A bombing of Turra village, about 25 miles northwest of El Fashir, killed a least 126 people in March, according to the Darfur Victims Support Organization, a local human rights group.

For decades, the military has used barrel bombs - barrels filled with fuel, shrapnel and explosives - to target civilian areas. The market at Turra was hit by 10 such bombs on its busiest day, the organization said. An Amnesty International investigation into the militarys December bombing of Kabkabiya also found that dozens of people were killed.
USS Shiloh (CG 67) patrolled, and conducted several boarding and intelligence gathering operations in the South Pacific region in support of Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) 2025. (Paula Hackbart/U.S Navy)



(Tribune News Service)  The U.S. military has been watching a Chinese naval vessel operating off the coast of Hawaii this week.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Oahu-based U.S. Indo-Pacific Command confirmed that it is monitoring a (Chinese Peoples Liberation Army) vessel which was operating in international waters in the vicinity of Hawaii.

U.S. officials previously have alluded to Chinese intelligence gathering at sea near Hawaii, and also have acknowledged specific instances of Russian naval forces operating near the Hawaiian Islands. Russian operations have included several instances of spy ships sailing near the islands and a large exercise in 2021 that the Russian Pacific Fleet called its largest since the end of the Cold War.

Military officials offered few details about the latest sighting of a Chinese military vessel near Hawaii. It comes as Beijing has been asserting its presence in the Pacific islands as it competes with the U.S. and its allies for power and influence in the region.

China has worked to bring island nations into its Belt and Road Initiative, a series of infrastructure projects funded by Beijing to promote trade with China. Some analysts have charged that many of these projects have dual use  applications that not only promote commerce, but potentially set up areas for Chinese military and intelligence to operate in the future.

American naval ships also have continually conducted operations in the vicinity of China. That includes routine freedom of navigation  operations in the South China Sea, a busy waterway that more than a third of all international trade moves through and that Beijing claims as its exclusive territory. Tensions have been on the rise in the region as neighboring countries clash with China over territorial and navigation rights.

Beijing has made a show of bolstering aid and diplomatic engagement in the Pacific islands as President Donald Trump returned to office. Shortly into his second administration, Trump made several cuts to the U.S. budget. Among the targets were aid programs  including those in the Pacific  several of which were temporarily or completely shut down in the early months.

During a congressional hearing in April, INDOPACOM Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo was questioned about the potential impacts of proposed cuts to U.S. interests in the Pacific. Paparo told lawmakers USAID is under review, and Ill be advocating most strongly for that aid for all of the countries  The Peoples Republic of China sees these opportunities, and they seize them.

Lately, official Chinese military deployments in the Pacific have become more visible  and much more assertive.

In February, commercial planes flying between New Zealand and Australia were diverted after Chinese warships sailing down Australias eastern coast conducted live-fire exercises in waters between the two countries.

The Chinese warships sailed in and out of Australias exclusive economic zone as they circumnavigated the continent before making their way back north toward Indonesia in early March. The voyage caused a stir in Australia as the country mulls the state of its own military and whether it has relied too much on the United States.

Peter Hartcher, the political and international editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, wrote at the time that Chinas navy is illustrating Australias vulnerability at the exact moment that the U.S. is demonstrating American unreliability.  Were so exposed that we face the next decade near-naked.

The U.S. also has been seeking to emphasize Oceania more in its Pacific strategy. In April and May, the USS Blue Ridge  the flagship of the U.S. 7th Fleet  made its way into the South Pacific and made stops in New Caledonia, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia. The South Pacific voyage by Blue Ridge, which usually sticks to the Western Pacific, stood out.

The Chinese navy has sailed to Hawaii in the past to participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise as an invited guest in 2014 and 2016.

Both times the Chinese Navy also sent at least one uninvited spy ship to monitor portions of the exercise from afar. But Adm. Samuel Locklear, who led Americas Pacific forces in 2014, told reporters at the time the good news about this is that its a recognition, I think, or acceptance by the Chinese for what weve been saying to them for some time.

Military operations and survey operations in another countrys (exclusive economic zone )where you have your own national security interestare within international law and are acceptable,  Locklear argued. This is a fundamental right nations have.

After participating in RIMPAC in 2016, Chinese ships continued sailing east for a friendly port call in San Diego. The Chinese navy was slated to return to RIMPAC in 2018, but was disinvited as relations between Beijing and Washington soured.

 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Visit www.staradvertiser.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Xian JH-7 fighter-bomber flies close to a Japan Air Self-Defense Force YS-11EB intelligence-gathering aircraft over the East China Sea on July 9, 2025. (Japan Ministry of Defense)



Chinese fighter jets made two close passes at Japanese intelligence aircraft again recently following similar incidents last month.

A Xian JH-7 fighter-bomber tailed a Japan Air Self-Defense Force YS-11EB intelligence-gathering aircraft for about 15 minutes Wednesday morning and about 10 minutes Thursday morning, according to a news release Thursday from Japans Ministry of Defense.

The Chinese jet flew within 100 feet of the Japanese aircraft on Wednesday, and within 200 feet on Thursday, according to the release.

The Japanese aircraft were making surveillance flights over international waters of the East China Sea, according to the release. A photo released by the ministry shows the Chinese jet flying to the right of the YS-11EB.

No damage to the Japanese aircraft or injuries to personnel were reported.

Such unusual close approaches by Chinese military aircraft could lead to accidental collisions, and the ministry expressed serious concern and strongly urged that no similar actions will recur, the release said.

The ministry acknowledged inquiries from Stars and Stripes on Friday but did not immediately provide responses.

Takehiro Funakoshi, Japans vice minister of foreign affairs, expressed serious concerns to Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao on Thursday, according to a news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that day. Funakoshi discussed the incidents and urged Beijing to ensure that similar actions do not recur, according to the ministry.

The recent incidents follow similar close encounters between Chinese and Japanese aircraft in June.

A Shenyang J-15 carrier-based fighter tailed a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C patrol plane for 40 minutes June 7 and 80 minutes June 8, coming within 150 feet of the Japanese aircraft during both incidents, according to the defense ministry.

Also on June 8, a J-15 crossed within 3,000 feet in front of the Japanese aircraft. No injuries or damage occurred, the ministry said.

Both encounters involved a J-15 from the aircraft carrier Shandong, which at the time was operating alongside Chinas other aircraft carrier, Liaoning. It marked the first time Chinas two carriers were seen operating simultaneously in the Pacific, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said at the time.
Michael Buzz Donnelly, at the time a Navy captain and commander of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, watches flight operations from the carrier's bridge south of Japan, May 10, 2017. (Jamal McNeill/U.S. Navy)



The Pentagon has pulled the nomination of Rear Adm. Michael Buzz Donnelly to lead the 7th Fleet following questions from a conservative news outlet about drag shows aboard an aircraft carrier nearly 10 years ago.

Donnelly was nominated June 18 by President Donald Trump for promotion to vice admiral and command of 7th Fleet, based at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, and the Navys largest overseas force.

However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has rescinded Donnellys nomination, an unidentified Pentagon spokesperson said Friday by email to Stars and Stripes. The spokesperson, who declined to identify themselves, would not comment on whether the decision to withdraw Donnellys nomination was related to drag shows.

The Secretary is thankful for his continued service and wishes him luck in his next position, the email states.

The Daily Wire, a news website cofounded by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, first reported Thursday that Donnellys nomination was pulled after the Daily Wire asked about his role in allowing drag shows aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

Then-Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Kelley performs during a Morale, Welfare and Recreation lip sync battle aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, Nov. 29, 2017. (Charles Scudella III/U.S. Navy)



Donnelly, currently the head of the Chief of Naval Operations air warfare division, was commander of the Ronald Reagan from 2016 to 2017. He also led Carrier Strike Group 5 and Task Force 70 at Yokosuka Naval Base from 2021 to 2023.

While Donnelly was skipper of the Reagan, then-Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Kelley occasionally performed drag shows aboard the carrier under the stage name Harpy Daniels.

Kelley also managed to win second place and a $1,000 Navy Exchange gift card in a lip-sync competition aboard the carrier, the Military Times reported in August 2018.

Kelley  now a petty officer 1st class with the guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley at Naval Station Rota, Spain  also served as one of five members of the Navys Digital Ambassador Pilot Program, a recruitment effort between October 2022 and March 2024.

The conservative nonprofit America First Legal criticized Kelleys role as a digital ambassador and alleged Kelley took part in inappropriate political activity, showed contempt toward superiors and misused a service members uniform.

America First Legal, in a June 2023 letter to then-Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and other senior administrators, demanded an investigation into its allegations.

In order to preserve the Navys reputation, swift action must be taken to restore good order and discipline and to prevent further partisan activity that implies Navy endorsement of particular candidates and causes, Jacob Meckler, the groups legal adviser, said in a news release at the time.

Based in Washington, D.C., the non-profit was cofounded by Gene Hamilton, a former Trump administration official, and Stephen Miller, a senior Trump official during his first term now serving as homeland security advisor and deputy chief of staff for policy.
U.S. Army Patriot air defense systems are deployed to Poland in September 2024. The U.S. will send equipment including Patriot systems to NATO and the alliance will distribute the weapons to Ukraine, President Donald Trump said July 10, 2025. (Robert Wormley/U.S. Army)



The United States will supply weapons to Ukraine with NATO footing the bill, President Donald Trump announced on the heels of discussions with the leader of the 32-nation defense bloc.

Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, Trump said, adding that the U.S. will be reimbursed 100%.

His comments in an interview Thursday with NBC News came after a conversation earlier in the day with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who has called on allies to bolster support for Ukraine.

More air defense systems are a top priority for the Ukrainians, who have been facing an onslaught of Russian drone and missile strikes in recent weeks. The U.S.-made Patriot missile defense system is in especially high demand.

Were going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that, Trump said in the interview.

Trumps assertions about coordinating arms deliveries with NATO follow a brief Defense Department pause in allowing U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine.

Last week, the Pentagon halted deliveries in connection with a global review to assess weapons stockpile levels. But on Monday, the Defense Department said Trump had directed it to send additional weapons to Ukraine.

In recent days, Trump has voiced frustrations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has stepped up his attacks on Ukraine despite White House calls for a peace deal.

Hes very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless, Trump said of Putin on Tuesday.

While Trump has been critical of the amount of U.S. funding directed to Ukraine, hes also praised Ukrainian troops.

I will say this, the Ukrainians, whether you think its unfair that we gave all that money or not, they were very brave because somebody had to operate that stuff, Trump said. And a lot of people I know wouldnt be operating it.

In his NBC interview, Trump said hes disappointed in Russia and expects to make a major statement about the country on Monday.

Although he didnt go into further detail on the statement, his comments come as Senate Republicans consider a new round of sanctions on Russia.
Forces of the regional Kurdish administration secure the area of the Jasana Cave ahead of a symbolic disarmament ceremony by the separatist PKK group as part of the peace process with Turkey, in Sulaymaniyah governorate, Iraq, Friday, July 11, 2025. (Hadi Mizban/AP)



SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq  Fighters with a Kurdish separatist militant group that has waged a decades-long insurgency in Turkey began laying down their weapons in a symbolic ceremony on Friday in northern Iraq, the first concrete step toward a promised disarmament as part of a peace process.

The Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, announced in May that it would disband and renounce armed conflict, ending four decades of hostilities. The move came after PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul since 1999, urged his group in February to convene a congress and formally disband and disarm.

Ocalan renewed his call in a video message broadcast on Wednesday, saying, I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons.

Fighters toss weapons into cauldron

Most journalists werent allowed at the site of Fridays ceremony, in the mountains of Sulaymaniyah province in northern Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region.

Footage from the event showed fighters  both men and women  casting rifles and machine guns into a large cauldron, where they were then set ablaze.

The PKK issued a statement from the fighters who were laying down their weapons, saying that they had disarmed as a gesture of goodwill and a commitment to the practical success of the peace process.

We will henceforth continue our struggle for freedom, democracy, and socialism through democratic politics and legal means, the statement said.

The state-run Iraqi News Agency reported that 30 fighters had disarmed symbolically on Friday, and that the continuing disarmament process will take place in stages. The process is expected to be completed by September, the agency reported.

An Iraqi Kurdish political official said representatives of the Turkish intelligence service and of the Kurdish regional government, Iraqs Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party and the Peoples Equality and Democracy Party, a pro-Kurdish party in Turkey, were present. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to speak publicly.

Turkish parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmus said the initial disarmament step had proceeded as planned, but cautioned that the process was far from complete.

Theres still a long way to go in collecting many more weapons, Kurtulmus said. What matters is ending the armed era in a way that ensures weapons are never taken up again.

He said the Turkish parliament was close to setting up a commission to oversee the peace process.

Turkey welcomes the move

Devlet Bahceli, President Recep Tayyip Erdogans nationalist ally who initiated the peace process, welcomed the ceremony, saying in a written statement that it marks historic developments that signal the end of a dark era.

Bahceli, who has traditionally maintained a hard-line stance against the PKK, surprised everyone in October when he suggested in parliament that Ocalan could be granted parole if he renounced violence and disbanded the PKK.

Erdogan, in an X post, called Fridays ceremony an important step toward our goal of a terrorism-free Turkey.

The PKK has waged an armed insurgency against Turkey since 1984, initially with the aim of establishing a Kurdish state in the southeast of the country. Over time, the objective evolved into a campaign for autonomy and rights for Kurds within Turkey.

The conflict between militants and state forces, which has spread beyond Turkeys borders into Iraq and Syria, has killed tens of thousands of people. The PKK is considered to be a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

Previous peace efforts between Turkey and the PKK have ended in failure  most recently in 2015.

The PKK has long maintained bases in the mountains of northern Iraq, where Turkish forces have launched offensives and airstrikes and have set up bases in the area. Last year, Iraqs government announced an official ban on the separatist group, which long has been prohibited in Turkey.

Scores of villages have emptied as a result of the violence. Displaced Kurdish Iraqis have voiced hopes that the peace process will finally allow them to go home.

Officials have spoken of a five-part peace process with the PKK, with the first phase being the political initiative launched by Bahceli, followed by Ocalans message in February urging the PKK to abandon the armed struggle.

The next two steps would focus on legal reintegration of the PKK fighters and long-term healing and reconciliation efforts.

Kurds have mixed feelings

Kurds in Iraq said that they were optimistic, although some expressed fears that the deal would collapse.

This will benefit both sides, said Abdulrahman Abbas, a resident of the town of Dukan, near where the ceremony took place. Why should this bloodshed continue for nothing?

A Kurdish political activist from Sulaymaniyah, Mohammed Alaa, called the move a positive step that will bring security stability in northeastern Syria and Iraq.

But the goal is for these steps to continue, and for Turkey to take the initiative to release Kurdish prisoners, he said.

PKK officials previously said that in order to continue disarming, they want to see Turkey take steps to end the regime of isolation imposed on Ocalan in prison and to allow integration of former militants into the political system.

Bewar Amin Tahir, a spokesperson at Makhmour, a camp in Iraq for Kurdish refugees who were displaced from their villages in Turkey in the 1990s during fighting between Turkish forces and the PKK, said he hopes the peace process would open the door for a return to our villages and end three decades of suffering and hardship.

But he said the Turkish state must also adhere to this initiative. ... So far, this process seems to be proceeding from one side only. He called for Turkey to begin amending its constitution so that the Kurds have their rightful place.

Even if that happens, he acknowledged that many camp residents are not likely to return to Turkey. Most of their homes are destroyed and burned, Tahir said, and the refugees children, born in the camp, do not know another home.

Questions remain about the future of Kurdish fighters in Syria. Turkey considers the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF  a U.S.-allied, Kurdish-led force controlling much of northeastern Syria  to be a terrorist group because of its affiliation with the PKK.

The SDF and authorities in Damascus agreed in March to merge the Kurdish forces into the national army  a move supported by Ankara  but the two sides have remained at an impasse over how to implement the deal.

Abdul-Zahra reported from Baghdad. Associated Press writers Abby Sewell in Beirut and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
This handout photo from the U.S. Air Force shows Lt. Col. Carlos Alford, 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron commander, in front of the Modernized Enterprise Terminal at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Jan. 21, 2016. (Joshua Strang/U.S. Air Force via AP)



DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  An Iranian attack on an air base in Qatar thats key to the U.S. military hit a geodesic dome housing equipment used by the Americans for secure communications, satellite images analyzed Friday by the Associated Press show.

Hours after the publication of this AP report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell acknowledged that an Iranian ballistic missile had hit the dome. Qatar did not respond to requests for comment about the damage.

The Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatars capital, on June 23 came as a response to the American bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran  and provided the Islamic Republic a way to retaliate that quickly led to a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump ending the 12-day Iran-Israel war.

The Iranian attack otherwise did little damage  likely because of the fact that the U.S. evacuated its aircraft from the base, which is home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. militarys Central Command, before the attack.

Trump also has said that Iran signaled when and how it would retaliate, allowing American and Qatari air defense to be ready for the attack, which briefly disrupted air travel in the Middle East, but otherwise didnt tip over into the regional war long feared by analysts.

Images show burn marks, dome gone after attack

Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show the geodesic dome visible at the Al Udeid Air Base on the morning of June 23, just hours before the attack.

The U.S. Air Forces 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which operates out of the base, announced in 2016 the installation of the $15 million piece of equipment, known as a modernized enterprise terminal. Photos show a satellite dish inside of the dome, known as a radome.

Images taken June 25 and every day subsequently show the dome is gone, with some damage visible on a nearby building. The rest of the base appears largely untouched in the images.

In a statement, Parnell said the missile strike did minimal damage to equipment and structures on the base.

Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region, he added.

The London-based satellite news channel Iran International first reported on the damage, citing satellite photos taken by a different provider.

Trump downplayed attack while Iran boasted about it

In the U.S., Trump described the Iranian attack as a very weak response. He had said that Tehran fired 14 missiles, with 13 intercepted and one being set free as it was going in a nonthreatening direction.

I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured, he wrote on his website Truth Social.

The White House had no immediate comment after Parnells acknowledgment Friday. Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base on May 15 as part of his Mideast tour.

After the attack, Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard insisted that the air base had been the target of a destructive and powerful missile attack. Irans Supreme National Security Council also said that the base had been smashed, without offering any specific damage assessments.

Potentially signaling that he knew the dome had been hit, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei separately said that the bases communications had been disconnected by the attack.

All equipment of the base was completely destroyed and now the U.S. command stream and connection from Al Udeid base to its other military bases have been completely cut, said Ahmad Alamolhoda, a hard-line cleric.

Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.
Retired Army Lt. Col. David Franklin Slater, 64, was working for U.S. Strategic Command as an Air Force civilian when he sent classified national defense information about Ukraine through a dating site. Slater pleaded guilty Thursday, July 10, 2025, to conspiring to leak the information. (Offutt Air Force Base/Facebook)



A retired Army officer working for the Air Force pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to send classified national defense information through an international dating platform where he believed he was speaking with a Ukrainian woman.

Retired Lt. Col. David Franklin Slater, 64, was working for U.S. Strategic Command as an Air Force civilian when he sent the messages between February and April 2022, according to court documents filed in federal court in Nebraska, where STRATCOM is located. The joint command is responsible for global strike and information operations for the military and is headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base.

The woman regularly asked Slater to send her classified information related to Russias war with Ukraine that he had access to through his job, according to the plea agreement.

Messages sent to Slater included Beloved Dave, do NATO and (U.S. President Joe) Biden have a secret plan to help us? and Dave, I hope tomorrow NATO will prepare a very unpleasant surprise for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin! Will you tell me?

She often referred to him as her secret informant love and secret agent, according to court documents.

Slater, who was indicted in March 2024, faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine, according to the plea agreement. A hearing to sentence Slater has not yet been scheduled.

Access to classified information comes with great responsibility. David Slater failed in his duty to protect this information by willingly sharing national defense information with an unknown online personality despite having years of military experience that should have caused him to be suspicious of that persons motives, said U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods for the District of Nebraska.

Slater retired from the Army in 2020 and was awarded a Bronze Star among more than a dozen other decorations, according to his official service record. He commissioned as a logistics officer in 1984 after serving three years enlisted. He deployed to Afghanistan three times and Iraq once.
Members of the 926th Wing try the MQ-9 Reaper flight simulator at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., in February 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo)



WASHINGTON  Remote pilots and crews operating drones in warfare would become eligible for combat-related services through the Department of Veterans Affairs under a measure in the Senate version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

The legislation will provide crews of remotely piloted aircraft documentation to prove they have conducted combat operations, so mental health care and other services are prioritized for them after military service, according to lawmakers.

The 2026 NDAA, an annual must-pass bill authorizing priorities and programs for the Defense Department, was adopted Wednesday by the Senate Armed Services Committee on a vote of 26-1. The bill sets spending at $878.7 billion for the Defense Department for fiscal 2026, which begins Oct. 1.

The NDAA emphasizes technology in fiscal 2026 with investments in unmanned technology, artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons, lawmakers said.

The legislation for drone pilots establishes what is known as a combat identifier, formal recognition of the crew members who remotely operate unmanned aircraft in combat missions, according to Sens. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The bill directs the Defense Department to establish the official identification for drone pilots engaging in combat operations.

Without this important distinction, remotely piloted aircraft crew members who are transitioning to other military careers or leaving the service may face barriers to timely, high-quality mental health care services, according to a statement from the lawmakers.

Rosen and Cramer had earlier introduced the Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Crews Act. The bill was added to the Senate version of the NDAA.

Rosen said the combat identification will improve the recognition [remote operators] have earned and ensure their future care.

While many veterans benefits are available to those who have served in the military, eligibility is often tied to specific service requirements and discharge conditions, according to the VA.

Creech Air Force Base in Nevada is a hub for remotely piloted aircraft that include the MQ-9 Reaper, a medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft.

Remotely piloted aircraft crew like those at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada perform combat operations but have no status identifier in their records for having done so, making it challenging to receive the support and care they deserve once they transition, Rosen said.

While drones can be programmed to fly without direct human control, many are remotely piloted with an operator controlling the aircraft from a remote location.

Remotely piloted aircraft crews often play an integral role in achieving high-stakes, mission-critical objectives, Cramer said.

In North Dakota, the 119th Air Wing of the North Dakota Air National Guard operates MQ-9 Reapers. The 319th Reconnaissance Wing fly the RQ-4 Global Hawk, high-altitude remotely piloted aircraft.
Army Sgt. Nicholas Murphy of the 3rd Infantry Divisions Combat Aviation Brigade tinkers with a hexacopter drone that he built July 26, 2024, just before a test flight at a Hinesville, Ga., airfield just outside Fort Stewart. Murphy participated in a first-of-its-kind drone building class run by the divisions Marne Innovation Center at Fort Stewart. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)



The Pentagon wants more small, cheap, easily replaced drones in the hands of troops as quickly as possible, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he is cutting red tape to make that happen.

Hegseth, dressed in a dark-colored suit, took to the Pentagons parade field on Thursday to record a video announcing his policies on new small drones  officially, unmanned aerial systems  and promoting his memorandum on the matter as an American Flag-bearing drone was flown to him by a service member. Hegseth said the memo would build off a June 6 executive order issued by President Donald Trump meant to boost Americas commercial drone manufacturing and integrate them into the nations transportation and military sectors.

This is the future, Hegseth said over the buzz of the small drone and the blasting of Metallicas 1991 hit song Enter Sandman. Were in the fight. Were in the fight to win it, and Im never going to back down.

Hegseths new policies aim to cut through bureaucratic policies that limited the militarys ability to quickly purchase and field small drones with vast capabilities ranging from gathering intelligence to dropping small supplies to troops all the way to delivering lethal munitions on enemy positions.

Lethality will not be hindered by self-imposed restrictions, especially when it comes to harnessing technologies we invented but were slow to pursue. Drone technology is advancing so rapidly, our major risk is risk-avoidance, Hegseth wrote. The departments bureaucratic gloves are coming off.

The policy seeks to move small drones  especially lethal, one-way attack drones  into the same purchasing category as grenades and bullets, instead of classifying them more like helicopters and planes. It also lowers the decision-making authorities about purchasing drones from top Pentagon leaders to the first general, admiral or Senior Executive Service civilian in a units chain of command.

The memo outlines a threefold approach to incorporating more small drones into the arsenals of combat units  with an immediate focus on providing them to units focused on operating in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth said the military would immediately begin purchasing hundreds of American-made small, cheap drones to provide a cash influx to industry. It would quickly get those capabilities to combat units to experiment with their capabilities, and it would mandate units incorporate the small, cheap drones into all their training iterations.

Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance @DOGE pic.twitter.com/esaQtswwDb  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) July 11, 2025

Next year, I expect to see this capability integrated into all relevant combat training, including force-on-force drone wars, Hegseth wrote.

The new policies come as Pentagon officials have closely watched Ukrainian forces innovate on the battlefield with small, lethal drones against Russian invading forces. The New York Times reported in March that drones account for some 70% of battlefield casualties in the war in Ukraine.

Last month, Ukraine launched a massive swarm of more than 100 small, cheap drones into Russian territory, striking more than 40 Russian bombers and destroying more than a dozen of them in a brazen and innovative attack on Moscows air power.

Hegseths memo implores American forces to find similar ways to advance drone warfare. He also calls for the military services to consider what expensive weapons systems could be replaced by cheap, disposable drones.

He gave the secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force 60 days to report to him any major weapons that could be more cost effective or lethal if replaced by small drones.

He also ordered the military to expand its use of 3D printing and other in-house drone building capabilities and stand up purpose-built innovation units meant to exclusively innovate drone warfare within the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps by Sept. 1.

Our adversaries have a head start in small UAS, but we will perform a technological leapfrog and establish small UAS domain dominance by the end of 2027, Hegseth wrote in his memo. We will accomplish this urgent goal by combining the nations best qualities, including risk-taking. Senior officers must set the tone.

Accelerating this critical battlefield technology requires a Department of War culture.
The U.S. Capitol on July 1, 2025 in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The House and Senate Armed Services Committees unveiled legislation Friday supporting a 3.8% pay raise for service members and restricting any Pentagon efforts to undermine aid to Ukraine or drastically reduce American forces in Europe.

The two drafts of the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual must-pass bill authorizing priorities and programs for the Defense Department, indicate lawmakers resistance to diverting attention from Europe and the war in Ukraine and will make their way through Congress in the coming months.

The Senate Armed Services Committees bill prohibits a reduction of the U.S. militarys footprint in Europe or relinquishing the position of NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe, which has been held by an American since Dwight D. Eisenhower, without justification to Congress that such a move is in the national interest.

The committees legislation also directs the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the commander of U.S. European Command to conduct an independent risk assessment of such changes. The bill imposes a similar prohibition on drawing down U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula.

Lawmakers reacted with alarm to reports earlier this year that the Pentagon was considering ceding the role that oversees all NATO military operations in Europe to a non-American for the first time and pulling troops from the Continent in an effort to focus on deterring China in the Indo-Pacific region.

The House committees draft measure would bar a reduction of U.S. troops in Europe below 76,000 unless the defense secretary and commander of EUCOM provide an array of assessments to Congress explaining their reasoning and certify NATO allies have been consulted.

The Senate panel approved its version of the legislation on Wednesday while the House committee will debate and vote on its draft of the bill next week.

The two panels will need to eventually come to a compromise on a major point of difference in their bills: senators are endorsing a $32 billion increase to the defense budget, authorizing $878.7 billion for the Defense Department, while House lawmakers are sticking to the $848 billion for the Pentagon requested by the Trump administration.

The spending hike in the Senate committees bill reflects the feeling of Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and other defense hawks that the U.S. is in the most dangerous threat environment since World War II and needs to spend accordingly, senior congressional officials speaking on condition of anonymity said Friday.

Wicker has been a vocal critic of the Trump administrations defense spending plan for fiscal 2026, which begins Oct. 1, and its heavy reliance on $150 billion allocated for the military in President Donald Trumps recently adopted domestic policy megabill.

A large part of the Senate panels proposed funding increase  more than $8 billion  will go toward shipbuilding for the Navy. Senators also authorized about $6 billion more for munitions production and $2 billion more for military construction projects.

Lawmakers on both committees are supporting the 3.8% service member pay raise requested by the Defense Department and boosting investments in housing, child care, health care and other quality-of-life improvements.

Senior congressional officials told reporters Friday that the House panel is going $250 million over the administrations request to fund new barracks. The legislation is also expanding the privatized housing program to build new unaccompanied housing.

The Senate and House panels found notable common ground on Ukraine.

The Defense Department is not seeking any money for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a longstanding program that allows Ukraine to purchase goods directly from the defense industry, but both committees are including hundreds of millions for the program.

The Senate panels bill funds the initiative through 2028 and authorizes $500 million for it while the House committees draft legislation includes $300 million for the program. The House bill also requires the president to send Congress a determination that the funding is in the national interest before it can be spent.

What we want to do is give the president every available option that we can to help him force Putin to the table on his issue, said senior congressional officials in the House, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Senators also included language in their legislation that requires the defense secretary to continue to provide intelligence support to Ukraine, an apparent reference to the decision by the U.S. earlier this year to briefly pause intelligence sharing with the country.

The Senate Armed Services Committee also used the legislation to respond to the Trump administrations firing of the Pentagon inspector general and senior judicial officers in the Army, Air Force and Navy.

The bill would require the Pentagon to notify Congress of the dismissal of the militarys top legal advisers within five days of the decision being made.

We felt like adding a notification not necessarily proceeding but after the fact just to let us know was a fair measure, a senior congressional official said.
An artists rendering shows the Liberty Lifter ekranoplan concept developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. (Aurora Flight Sciences)



A U.S. military program that sought to resurrect a secretive Soviet aircraft design has been scrapped, meaning no American successors to a plane dubbed the Caspian Sea Monster are on the horizon anymore.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency effort known as Liberty Lifter, with its concept for aircraft that skim just above large bodies of water and thus can avoid radar detection, was shut down in June.

DARPAs aim with the program was to build a seaplane that might transform fast logistics missions for the Defense Department and also provide sea-based search and rescue and disaster response at the scale of ships with the speed of air transport, according to the agencys Liberty Lifter webpage.

In the three years of the programs existence, researchers worked on creating modern-day versions of the ekranoplan. The airplane uses the aerodynamic interaction between the wings and the water surface to fly swiftly at low altitude.

Liberty Lifter began in 2022 with the intention of updating the Soviet Unions pioneering idea for a heavy-lift, long-range seaplane capable of carrying large payloads without relying on ports or runways.

The name ekranoplan incorporates the Russian words for screen and glider. Soon after puzzled Cold War-era CIA analysts first saw one in the 1960s, the 540-ton craft was christened the Caspian Sea Monster.

Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing subsidiary, delivered a digital demonstrator and a preliminary design for DARPA over the past year that featured eight turboprop engines.

The agency had envisioned Liberty Lifter producing a large flying boat with a capacity similar to that of the C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane.

C-17 flights typically have payloads of about 60 tons or less, although the plane has a maximum capacity of 85 tons, according to the Air Force.

Before the shutdown of the Liberty Lifter program, projections had called for a test flight in 2028 or 2029, Naval News reported in January.

While the project wont move forward, DARPA said the Liberty Lifter research generated valuable insights that could inform future efforts. Flight simulations and materials testing confirmed the concepts technical viability, according to the agencys website.

But amid the shutdown of the U.S. ekranoplan development effort, an image of a Chinese aircraft of that type that has been widely shared on social media is shining a new spotlight on the technology.

Based on its location in the image, the ekranoplan is being called the Bohai Sea Monster. It is a new and previously unreported type, military open source intelligence analyst H. I. Sutton wrote in Naval News, adding that this Chinese ekranoplan is the most ambitious one built in decades.

Chinas extensive naval build-up in recent years and threats to Taiwan are among the reasons the Defense Department is looking to prioritize the Asia-Pacific region for deployment of personnel and resources.

Hutton analyzed the possible intended role of the Chinese ekranoplan, noting the numerous large-scale aircraft projects Beijing has in the works.

One theory is that this is a cargo plane or cargo drone designed for rapid resupply of island garrisons, and to support amphibious landings, Hutton said.
Medicaid reforms in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act require adults younger than 65 to work, volunteer or attend school for at least 80 hours per month to keep their benefits. Protesters hold signs outside the U.S. Capitol urging Congress not to cut Medicaid in this 2019 photo. (Senate Democrats/Wikimedia Commons)



WASHINGTON  Disabled American Veterans  an advocacy group with one million members  warned new work requirements and eligibility rules for Medicaid could create hardships for former service members, particularly individuals who are homeless or without a steady income.

Medicaid reforms in the 940-page One Big Beautiful Bill Act that President Donald Trump signed July 4 mean adults younger than 65 will have to work, volunteer or attend school for at least 80 hours per month to keep their benefits, according to the bill. States will have to check an individuals eligibility every six months.

But veterans in rural or underserved areas might lack access to qualifying work or service programs, according to Disabled American Veterans.

The bill also tightens Medicaid eligibility checks and adds costs for some recipients depending on their income level, according to the legislation.

Burdensome [eligibility checks], work requirements and out-of-pocket costs could cause coverage losses or reduced utilization, said Matt Saintsing, assistant national communications director for Disabled American Veterans.

About than 1.6 million veterans in 2023 were enrolled in Medicaid, the federal government health insurance for low-income Americans, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. About half were younger than 65 and subject to the work requirements under the bill.

Veterans with a 100% disability rating will be exempt from the new work requirements, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Less than 25% of veterans with a service-connected disability have a total disability rating.

Ben Johnson, 39, an Army veteran who receives Medicaid, said he has an 11% disability rating because of knee and spine injuries from parachuting from airplanes during military service.

Johnson, a former specialist who served from 2010 to 2016, said he has chronic pain and insomnia from service-connected injuries, which impact his ability to maintain steady employment.

I have eight ruptured discs in my spine, and I blew out my knees, said Johnson, a domestic worker who lives in California and has been enrolled in Medicaid for about five years. Theyre making it harder for the little guy. This is going to be tough.

The bill also imposes an employment rule for veterans, homeless individuals and other population groups to continue to receive federal food assistance.

Stricter eligibility rules that require re-determination every six months for expansion enrollees could result in veterans  particularly those experiencing housing insecurity or fluctuating income  being erroneously disenrolled or forced to navigate more bureaucracy, Saintsing said.

Expansion enrollees are recipients who qualified for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, which raised income limits for single adults to 138% of the federal poverty level, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Medicaid supplements coverage for about one in 10 non-elderly veterans, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning Washington think tank.

Support in Congress for the Medicaid reforms has been along party lines.

Some Republicans have said the cuts will reduce waste and fraud, but some Democrats warned scaling back Medicaid will harm vulnerable Americans.

These work reporting requirements are not incentivizing work, Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., said in a TV interview prior to the bills passage in the Senate.

But Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., said the work requirements and tighter eligibility are sensible.

Washington cant afford to undermine the program further by subsidizing capable adults who choose not to work, Guthrie wrote in The Wall Street Journal in May.

The White House released a statement July 1 after Senate adoption of the bill.

This strengthens Medicaid for Americans who rely on it  like pregnant women, children, seniors, people with disabilities and low-income families  while eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, the White House said.

Saintsing of Disabled American Veterans said it is too early to gauge the potential impact of the Medicaid changes. Many of the major reforms will not kick in immediately.

The requirement for more frequent Medicaid eligibility checks starts Dec. 31, 2026.

Cost-sharing requirements that add up to $35 per health visit do not go into effect until October 2028, according to the bill.

Medical care through the VA is not completely free for all veterans, with costs based on disability rating, income and service history.

Medicaid supplements veterans health care, according to the Modern Medicaid Alliance, a partnership of more than 100 major nonprofits including AARP and the National Military Family Association.

Many veterans and their families fall outside the VA system due to eligibility restrictions, geographic barriers or other administrative challenges. Medicaid helps close these gaps, the alliance said.

The Congressional Budget Office projected the Medicaid changes could increase the number of people without health insurance by more than 10 million in the next decade.

Army veteran Chris Purdy, chief executive officer of the Chamberlain Network, a veterans advocacy group, said he worries there is a larger move by the administration to take away peoples health care.

The new domestic policy bill shifts Medicaid costs onto the states, with federal spending projected to decrease by $1 trillion in the next decade, according to the CBO.

It feels like theres a collective action by the government to take away some of the best health services for veterans and for the poor, Purdy said, referring to Medicaid changes and recent staffing reductions at the VA. But what theyre doing is making America sick.
Ms Murphy was murdered while out on a run in Co Offaly in January 2022.

Ryan Casey (27), the boyfriend of the murdered Ashling Murphy (23), has spoken out about the regret he feels about the last moments he saw her alive.

Primary school teacher Ms Murphy was attacked and murdered by Jozef Puska while she was running along the Grand Canal Way in Cappincur, close to Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Mr Casey settled a defamation case against the BBC last week following comments made about his victim impact statement on a live broadcast. The BBC said it was "happy to clarify" that it does not consider Mr Casey to be "someone guilty of or attempting to incite hatred".

On his final moments with his girlfriend two days before her death on January 12, Mr Casey said he wishes he did not comply with the then-coronavirus social distancing guidelines that were in place after she dropped off groceries for his family.

We had Covid in the house at the time, he told the Irish Mirror.

Ashling Murphy and Ryan Casey

News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

"She brought in the shopping and she left it at the doorstep and I brought it in.

He continued: "She was just about to sit into her car and we kind of latched eyes for a second. I cant even describe it. In the aftermath, I thought about it a lot.

Why didnt I just say feck the restrictions, who cares. Why didnt I just hold her.

At around three oclock on the 12th, Mr Casey reached out to Ms Murphy after becoming increasingly agitated at their distance.

"It got to maybe five oclock, maybe half five. Something inside of me just said you know what, Im sick of these frustrations, I dont care and rang her.

I would have text her I said feck these restrictions, Im sick of not being able to see you, lets go for a McDonald's or something. I got no response for a couple of hours, which would be unusual.

Some time later, Mr Casey called Ms Murphys father, Ray, who he claims was distraught and said you need to come over.

"I just got to the house, cars everywhere and thats when you got a sick feeling, you know?

He added: Then I was brought into the front room and they told me then. I dont remember much after that."

Puska (35) murdered Ms Murphy on January 12, 2022, by repeatedly stabbing her in the neck after attacking her while she exercised along the canal towpath outside Tullamore, Co Offaly.

He was sentenced to life in prison in November 2023 after being found guilty of her murder.

Originally from Slovakia, he had lived in Offaly since 2015 with his wife and five children.
Mark McAnaw (53), previously of Letterkenny, Co Donegal, was today before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence.

A convicted rapist handed an 11-year sentence last month for harassing three female journalists has been told he will spend an extra ten months in prison.

Mark McAnaw (53), previously of Letterkenny, Co Donegal, was today before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence.

He pleaded guilty last month to harassing three female journalists in August 2023. At that time, McAnaw was under the suspended portion of a sentence for an aggravated burglary, committed in 2018.

Amanda Brunker and Deirdre Reynolds

In June 2023 McAnaw received a sentence of eight years and four months, backdated to when he went into custody in 2018, for the aggravated burglary. The final 16 month of this sentence was suspended for 16 years on strict conditions.

McAnaw was released from custody on this sentence in July 2023, several weeks before the harassment of the three journalists took place.

Mark McAnaw

News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

He was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today for a hearing in relation to the activation of the suspended portion of the 2023 sentence.

Judge Martin Nolan was told that the application to re-activate the suspended portion of the sentence had been triggered by McAnaw breaching the conditions of the suspension. These were his convictions for the harassment of the three journalists and a separate District Court conviction for a breach of the Sex Offenders' Act.

Rebecca Smith BL, defending McAnaw, said her client was homeless following his release from custody and struggled to access medication he had been on. McAnaw also found it difficult to abide by the conditions imposed, counsel said.

The judge noted he could activate none, all or part of the suspended portion of the 2023 sentence, which would run consecutive to the 11-year sentence imposed on McAnaw last month.

Judge Nolan said McAnaw had committed rather serious offences following his release from custody in 2023, which had already been dealt with by another judge.

Having considered the totality principle, Judge Nolan reactivated 10 months of the 16 months suspended portion of the 2023 sentence and directed it to run consecutively to the 11-year sentence McAnaw is currently serving.

Last month, Judge Pauline Codd handed McAnaw an 11-year sentence for the harassment of Nicola Tallant, Amanda Brunker and Deirdre Reynolds.

The court heard McAnaw repeatedly sent the three women emails and messages of a violent and sexually threatening nature, which escalated to him threatening to put a bullet in one of them. He also referred to himself as an IRA Top Boy.

He also turned up at the offices of the Sunday World on Talbot Street and, when refused entry, he went to a cafe across the road. When gardai approached him there, McAnaw was in the process of writing an email to Ms Tallant.

McAnaw is currently detained in the Central Mental Hospital (CMH). McAnaw does not accept his diagnosis of schizophrenia and has declined to take medication, the court was told.

His previous convictions include rape, kidnapping and for assaults causing actual bodily harm from a court in Northern Ireland.

McAnaw refused to enter a bond before the court last month, which would have suspended the final 12 months of the 11-year sentence imposed.

After imposing the 11-year sentence, Judge Codd ordered that McAnaw should have no contact either directly or indirectly with the women, should not approach them, go within 10 miles of their homes and workplaces or communicate with them for life.
The accused, who is in his 50s, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting his daughter from October 2007 to March 2008, September 2010 to March 2011 and March to September 2016.

A father told his young daughter, "It is the work of the Devil," after he began sexually abusing her at the age of nine, which continued until she was 17 and kicked out of her family.

At Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court, and now in her 20s, the woman came forward and delivered a moving victim impact statement.

Opening up about being wracked with feelings of guilt and shame from a young age, she firmly told her father "that was over now" and "that little girl finally knows that it was not her fault".

The accused, who is in his 50s, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting his daughter from October 2007 to March 2008, September 2010 to March 2011 and March to September 2016. Sentencing was adjourned until November.

He is not being named to protect the victim's right to anonymity.

Divisional Protective Service Unit Detective Garda Olivia Kelly told the court that it occurred in their family home and began while the child's mother was away.

A woman in emotional distress

News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

The court heard he touched and put his finger in her vagina as he "whispered in her ear", while he had an erection, but he never got her to touch him, and he did not penetrate her with his penis.

After the first incident, and before her mother returned, he brought her for a walk and told her, "We need to stop what we were doing; they were wrong, it was the work of the Devil, and the Devil was trying to get into the family, and it needs to stop".

It continued, and in the rest of the incidents, he got the girl to lie on top of him and gave her a head-to-toe "body rub" with lotion.

He told her not to talk about it, and she kept quiet for years until she confided in her boyfriend after the abuse had stopped.

When the child's mother returned, there were more incidents where he was groping her.

Her mother also got the accused to give the girl the "sex talk", and he took out his genitals to show her, but she ran out of the room.

The court heard her mother was devastated when she found out, crying, angry, and she wanted to confront her husband.

A sibling recorded their conversation when they spoke to him about the girl's allegations, and he initially denied it had happened, but then admitted it was true.

He left, but she took him back and said he would have to get help for the family, and she blamed the Devil.

Still a teenager, she was kicked out of the family home, and one of her siblings told gardai that the complainant was treated awfully.

When gardai questioned him, he apologised and said, "But I never robbed her of her virginity or anything. I had a bad thing in my life, it was a bad time in my life. I asked God to take it away, it was only showering and rubbing cream on the body, just holding close."

In a later interview session, he made some admissions to touching her breast and vagina areas when she was aged 9  11 and during a later period of abuse, it was happening once or twice a month, but he did not regard it as molesting, "just touching".

In her victim impact statement, the woman also spoke about feeling like the black sheep of the family and a troublemaker, but she was a little girl trying to make sense of it, while her mother believed she made it up. The last words from her mother on the matter were that she forgave the victim.

She felt she had lost her parents, whom she had loved, but she told her father in court, "Love is not a free pass and protecting others is more important than staying silent."

Judge Keenan Johnson praised her for her bravery and truthfulness.

After she made a complaint, triggering the Garda investigation, Tusla became involved with the family.

Her father, a foreign national who was described as now living a lonely life, did not address the court and remains on bail.

A psychiatric report on the accused, who apologised via his barrister, was requested for the sentence hearing.
Amanda Boylan was handed a fully suspended two-year sentence, while three further theft charges were taken into consideration.

The case was heard in Dundalk Circuit Court.

While two co-accused received custodial sentences, a judge has said that the circumstances were different in the case of a 36-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to robbing a man as he cycled home from work.

Amanda Boylan was handed a fully suspended two-year sentence, while three further theft charges were taken into consideration.

The defendant, originally from Dublin, had been living in emergency B&B accommodation in Dundalk and has accepted the offer of a local authority house in Beechmount Drive, Coxs Demesne.

Judge Dara Hayes said that her life appeared to have stabilised. She had taken steps to rehabilitate.

On June 1, 2024, the victim was on his way home from work. As he cycled past two men and two women, one of the males pulled him off the bike.

Amanda Boylan and the other female went through his bag and stole a bank card and a small amount of money. They made three purchases with the card.

The case was heard in Dundalk Circuit Court.

News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

The defendant was intoxicated having spent the day drinking and taking drugs.

She had nine previous convictions including three for theft.

A probation report noted that she displayed remorse. She was assessed at high risk of reoffending.

The mother of four boys was born in Co. Dublin. She had a traumatic childhood and lived independently since the age of 16 and later moved to Dundalk.

Ms Boylan lost her mother and partner which led to increased substance abuse.

She had been in a better place until relapsing when this offending occurred.

The defendant co-operated with the Probation Service and engaged with services as directed. She stopped drinking and was on a reduced methadone programme and taking steps to deal with her issues.

Judge Hayes said that Amanda Boylan acted as part of a group. A greater role was played by a male co-accused. She had relevant previous convictions and had not come to attention since.

An order was made as outlined. Conditions of the sentence, suspended for two years, include 12 months Probation Service supervision.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Several roads were closed and at least one area underwent a technical examination, with a man in his 30s taken to St Vincents Hospital in Dublin with injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

Five men were arrested in Arklow, Co Wicklow on Thursday after reports that a third man was stabbed in the town in less than a fortnight,

The incident took place at about 4.20pm on Abbey Street in the town centre, where there remained a strong Garda presence throughout Thursday night.

Several roads were closed and at least one area underwent a technical examination, with a man in his 30s taken to St Vincents Hospital in Dublin with injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

Gardai have confirmed that five men have been arrested in connection with the incident, pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and that these men are detained at garda stations in Wexford and Wicklow.

The reported incident comes after a man in his 40s was hospitalised in Arklow on Monday, July 7 having sustained serious injuries in an assault that afternoon. It is believed this assault included the use of a stabbing weapon.

Gardai responded to the assault incident at approximately 4.20pm on Monday at an unspecified location, where the injured man was rushed to St Vincents Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Asked for additional details, a Garda spokesperson confirmed that a technical examination has since been conducted by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.

In the early hours of Saturday, June 28, another assault believed to include the use of a stabbing weapon took place at a Ferrybank address. This led to a man in his 50s being taken to St Vincents Hospital in Dublin.

At that time, a Garda spokesperson confirmed that a man in his 20s had been arrested in relation to the incident, and was detained at a Wicklow garda station, with investigations ongoing.

It is not known if any of these assaults are connected. Investigations are ongoing.
The victim, named locally as Michael Hayes, 70s, died after he was assaulted outside his home.

Gardai were questioning a man in connection with a fatal assault on a lovely man pensioner in Limerick City.

The victim, named locally as Michael Hayes, 70s, died after he was assaulted outside his home, at St Michaels Court, Watergate, 11.30pm, Thursday night.

A man in his 40s, who was arrested by Gardai on Friday morning, was being questioned on suspicion of involvement in Mr Hayess death.

Gardai were working on a number of theories including that Mr Hayes was assaulted by a man who was causing a disturbance locally and when Mr Hayes went to investigate he was attacked.

The fatal assault occurred outside Mr Hayess house. He suffered a critical head injury, sources said.

One of Mr Hayess neighbours, Geraldine Costello, paid tribute to Mr Hayes, and said: Michael was a lovely boy, hed always go out of his way to do a good turn for you.

His dog, Daisy, is crying all the time because Michael is not there, Ms Costello said.

I was only talking to (Michael) yesterday, Im after getting an awful shock.

I went to bed last night, and I woke up when I heard all the commotion but Michael was home by the time I went out.

I was very fond of him, Im a good friend of his, Ive known him since I was young and Im very sorry that he is gone, Ms Costello added.

Her niece, Tracy Coleman, offered: It is shocking, because he was a really lovely man, and he would always go out of his way and do whatever do you.

There are no words to describe it, a lovely man doing his own thing, and his life just gone now like that, said Ms Coleman.

He was a young for his age, everyday he was always going for walks.

Its understood Mr Hayes lived alone and has a number of grown up children.

Sources said HSE paramedics responded quickly at the scene on Thursday night and valiantly tried to keep Mr Hayes alive at the scene and en route to University Hospital Limerick.

Mr Hayes was sadly pronounced dead by doctors after arriving at UHL, Friday morning.

Gardai immediately launched a full-scale investigation, including appointing a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) to lead the investigation.

Gardai set up a large cordon around St Michaels Court, situated off St Michaels Street and Mungret Street, Limerick City.

As uniformed officers kept a cordon at the scene, detectives were conducting house-to-house enquiries in the area.

A statement released by the Garda Press Office, Friday, said Gardai were investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in his 70s following an incident of assault in Watergate, Limerick city on 10th July 2025 at approximately 11:30pm.

The man in his 70s was transported to University Hospital Limerick with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced deceased on Friday the 11th July 2025.

The scene in Watergate has been preserved for technical and forensic examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

Gardai said the State Pathologist and local Coroner had been notified and that a post-mortem examination had been arranged.

A male in his 40s has been arrested and conveyed to a Garda Station in Limerick city. He is currently being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, Gardai said.

Appealing for witnesses Gardai asked that anyone who was in the Watergate area of Limerick city on Thursday 10th July 2025 between 11:15pm and 12am and who may have any information regarding the incident is asked to contact investigating Gardai.

Gardai also appealed to road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area at the time, to make that footage available.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Gardai at Henry Street Garda Station (061) 212400, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Redon Bushi was sentenced to 24 years and 10 months in prison.

A criminal kingpin whose gang smuggled cocaine stamped with their trademark Rolex has been jailed over messages intercepted by police from encrypted messaging platform Encrochat.

Redon Bushi (32) of Cherry Crescent, Brentford in England, headed up a major criminal operation which distributed cocaine across the UK.

Bushi controlled a network of couriers to deliver 832 kilos of Class A drugs  worth 81m (95m)  under the username Sealvermouth on Encrochat.

Metropolitan Police detectives discovered runners would only be provided with postcodes, times and a loose description of the buyer to try and keep detectives off his tail.

But Met officers were, ultimately, able to uncover the groups lines of communication by reviewing each and every device and trawling through hours worth of CCTV.

Using this evidence, officers stopped one of the vehicles belonging to Bushis couriers, Ahmad Jabarkhill in June 2020 and found nearly 700,000 on him.

The Met and NCA officers also used covert tactics and intelligence to identify three more of Bushis couriers - Arline Sida, Luke Ferguson and Kelvin Hoxha, gathering evidence to show the scale of the enterprise.

They also discovered fake identity cards were also found, as well as a van with a sophisticated concealment.

Redon Bushi

There was also a camera set up at the location where drugs were being stored so it could be remotely monitored.

Acting on this information, Sida and Hoxha were both arrested in Brentford in August 2023. Searches were carried out at the address and they were found in possession of six kilograms of cocaine.

Luke Ferguson, another member of the criminal enterprise, was then arrested at a safe house in Brentford and found in possession of 72kg of cocaine, worth an estimated street value of 6.24 million.

Police and the NCA then launched a manhunt for Bushi after his team were arrested.

Kelvin Hoxha

He stayed in a series of hotels to evade officers, bought a new phone, clothing, and had more than 3,000 in cash. Whilst the manhunt was ongoing, Bushi directed others to check cameras at various addresses to identify any police attendance or surveillance.

Yesterday, he was sentenced to 24 years and 10 months in prison.

Detective Constable David Leitner, who led the investigation on behalf of the Met, said:

This case demonstrates our relentlessness in pursuing organised crime, while utilising the unprecedented opportunity that Encrochat represent to its fullest effect.

Bushi clearly believed that these messaging platforms protected him from law enforcement, but they only served to provide us the very evidence to convict him and his associates.

This shows the Mets commitment to tackling offenders who are instrumental in supplying drugs to the streets of London.

Jabarkhill pleaded guilty to the possession of criminal property at Isleworth Crown Court on July 22, 2020, and was sentenced to two years and three months in jail on the same day.

Sida, from Amersham, Buckinghamshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on January 17, 2024 at Kingston Crown Court and was yesterday handed a sentence of 12 years and 9 months.

Hoxha, from Brentford, west London, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and driving while disqualified on October 26, 2024 at Kingston Crown Court and was sentenced to 11 years and 8 months on Wednesday.

Ferguson, from Shepherd's Bush, west London, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on November 21, 2024, at Kingston Crown Court and was jailed for 14 years and 5 months.
It comes as the Sinaloa cartel have made a deadly alliance which threatens to flood the EU with the drug

European law enforcement are being repeatedly warned about the dangers of Fentanyl by US federal agents.

The number of deaths related to the synthetic drug, which is at least 80 times as potent as morphine, has been slowly rising, according to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).

Fentanyl was responsible for almost 45,000 deaths in the United States alone during 2024.

There are no similar statistics available for Europe, with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) stating that except for some Baltic countries, these drugs do not currently figure prominently in the routine data available at EU level.

Despite low use of the drug in Europe so far, New York Times journalist Alan Feuer said that America wants Europe to learn from their mistakes.

When I talk to US federal agents who are posted in Europe, they often say one of the biggest things they try to tell their European counterparts is just how dangerous fentanyl is economically, he told Crime World podcast host Nicola Tallant.

Because the economic model, lower costs, higher profits, is just so enticing, and of course the, the just physical danger that it presents.

They have been raising alarms in Europe for some time trying to use the American experience with fentanyl as a cautionary tale.

The European Council have said that while fentanyl is relatively niche, it is becoming increasingly available on the EU opioid market, with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GIATOC) adding that its arrival on the market has been gradual but mostly silent.

Feuer, who is a guest on Episode 1088: Deadly alliance in Sinaloa Cartel threatens flood of fentanyl to Europe, said that cartels such as the Sinaloa are copying a previous model which saw cocaine flood the global drug market.

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman after being captured on February 22, 2014, in Mexico City, Mexico. Photo: Getty

The previous model of how cocaine and how the cocaine traffic spread, it just makes sense.

If the source of the cocaine was Colombia and to some degree, Bolivia, then there were intermediary companies that were transhipment countries.

It gets to Mexico, it crosses the border into the United States, it is distributed and sold in the United States at great profit, he continued.

Why would they not replicate the same structure of the international distribution with a product that is easier to make and can be sold at much higher profit?

It comes as a civil war between two factions of the gang have led the El Chapitos to create an alliance with sworn enemies in the Jalisco Cartel.

Its a move Feuer says is risky, and could completely shake the underworld.

One of the main factions of the Sinaloa cartel run by the sons of El Chapo, they call themselves El Chapitos, The Little Chapos, he explains.

They have struck up a remarkable alliance with one of their former sworn enemies, uh, in a rival cartel called the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

It's run by a guy named El Mencho and these two groups have for years been engaged in, often bloody and murderous, competition over turf and profits in Mexico.

The Chapitos have found themselves in a quite vulnerable position vis-a-vis not only other cartels but with warring factions within the Sinaloa cartel itself.

So they decided to essentially get into bed with their former enemies, he continued.

And as one smart analyst put it: It would've been like during the height of the Cold War if the East Coast had seceded from the United States and struck up a strategic alliance with the Soviets.

That's how counterintuitive this very risky move by The Chapitos was so the Sinaloa cartel has essentially divided.

You can listen to Alans full interview, Episode 1088: Deadly alliance in Sinaloa Cartel threatens flood of fentanyl to Europe, available now wherever you get your podcasts.
Investigators said the victim decided to come forward after turning 18," following time spent processing the experience and trauma associated with the abuse

A former South Carolina teacher has been taken into custody following an alleged "prolonged and inappropriate" relationship with a teen.

Nicole Ballew Callaham (33) turned herself in to the Anderson County Detention Center on Thursday, the Anderson County Sheriffs Office said.

She has been charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Detectives say the charges stem from a "prolonged and inappropriate" relationship with a teenage boy that allegedly began in 2021 and continued for at least two years.

Nicole Ballew Callaham

News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

Callaham, a teacher at the time, began grooming behaviour with the boy in his early teen years, authorities said.

The relationship intensified as she allegedly signed the student out of school, transported him to practices, and served as a supervisor for after-school activities.

These repeated interactions allegedly led to a prolonged pattern of abuse, which was corroborated by search warrants and ongoing cooperation with the victims family, according to authorities.

The New York Post has reported that Callaham taught at Homeland Park Elementary School from 2017 until her resignation on May 21.

The relationship intensified as she reportedly signed the student out of school, transported him to practices and served as a supervisor for after-school activities, the sheriffs office said.

These repeated interactions led to a prolonged pattern of abuse, which was corroborated by search warrants and ongoing cooperation with the victims family.

Investigators said the victim decided to come forward after turning 18," following time spent processing the experience and trauma associated with the abuse.

In addition to the charges in Anderson County, the Greenville City Police Department has brought similar charges against Callaham.

The alleged conduct extended into its jurisdiction when the boy attended school in Greenville.

Callaham has resigned from Anderson School District Five.

Authorities said she voluntarily surrendered herself on Thursday morning to the Anderson County Detention Center.
Laura Kearneys Walk In Wardrobe is a huge hit with style savvy women, but launching her own Love Laura line was the dream.

Lauras line features beautiful, timeless pieces she wants her customers to feel good in

Serving a sleek bob, cut-glass cheekbones, and the kind of confidence that could stop traffic, Laura Kearney is the woman behind one of Northern Irelands most talked-about fashion movements.

Her eponymous collections are instant sell outs. Fans sign up to waitlists, clamber for new drops, and more than 200,000 women tune into her Instagram styling sessions for that signature Love Laura fit.

That kind of success is about more than great style. Its rooted in her commitment to show up in a real and unfiltered way online.

Lauras line features beautiful, timeless pieces

.

People have bought into me because Im not a model. I dont look like a model and I dont have the figure of a model, says the self-deprecating 38-year-old mum-of-two. But Im real. If you show up as yourself, authentically, and youre honest online  thats what makes the difference.

Its that same honesty and passion for her brand that quite literally led the CEO to stop traffic recently.

I was driving the boys to a birthday party two Saturdays ago and there was this girl crossing the street in our co-ord. I just saw her and put my hand down on the horn to try and get her attention. It was complete elation. And then she finally saw me at the last minute  I wanted to jump out of the car, she recalls laughing.

That moment is just one of many the striking businesswoman finds herself pinching herself over.

The founder of Walk In Wardrobe, a now cult Irish brand, and the driving force behind her in-house label, Love Laura, the entrepreneurs mission statement is simple empowering women through clothes that make them feel something.

Creating my own brand has always been the dream, gushes the stylist and creative who has just launched the Love Laura podcast.

You couldnt even call this work  I love every second of what I do. I wouldnt be here without the support of our customers. Irish women are the most supportive, generous women. And naturally, stylish too.

And as far as this businesswomen is concerned, there is room for everyone at the table.

Look at Jodie Wood, I feel like we have similar style and anything she recommends I purchase. Pippa OConnor is a powerhouse and I am also a huge fan of Sharon McCluskey, an Irish gal in Dubai who also started her own brand. Sophie Murray is also unreal.

Lauras line features beautiful, timeless pieces

.

.

Im influenced online by real women. You have to run a business, but youll never run a business by pushing product down peoples throats. I dont buy into that. Im not influenced online by anyone that pushes product. I want women to buy into feeling good and showing up as the best versions of themselves.

Lauras story began 10 years ago in Banbridge, where she took over a tiny hat shop and began building something much bigger.

Walk in Wardrobe started over a decade ago  I took over this little hat shop, and brought in brands from all across Europe. Over the years, without even knowing it, I was trying on clothes and tweaking them in my mind.

The idea of launching her own line had always been there, but it took time  and guts.

I always wanted to do my own brand  I absolutely loved the idea. But I didnt have the nerve at the time, I needed to build up experience first.

Just before Covid hit, she began developing Love Laura  only for the world to shut down weeks later.

We were in the early stages... and then obviously it just went to pot. But ironically, Covid massively accelerated the online business. It grew beyond belief.

With stores shuttered and no playbook, Laura brought the Walk in Wardrobe brand home  quite literally. She filmed try-ons in her bedroom, styled edits from her living room, and talked to her customers not just about fashion, but about confidence, comfort, and self-worth.

I literally had no choice to keep the business afloat. I had to do something.

There was such a huge demand  women still wanted clothes, still wanted to feel good. And because we stayed in front of people, didnt stop the videos, didnt stop the styling edits... I think thats when the community really formed.

Launching Love Laura last year as an add on to Walk in Wardrobe, felt like a natural next step.

Lauras line features beautiful, timeless pieces she wants her customers to feel good in

News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

The heart of this collection is beautiful classic, forever pieces. I want women to pull these pieces out again and again for a sustainable wardrobe.

Yes, the pieces have to look pretty, she adds, but its always about, how can we make it flattering? Add a sleeve to cover the upper arm, cinch the waist, maybe a little elastic for comfort... We design for how women actually live and feel.

Her models arent professionals  theyre shop assistants, warehouse staff, and friends of the brand.

These arent paid models. Theyre our own staff. Girls who come in to do their days work and are willing to stand behind the clothes because they believe in them. That level of buy-in  even from the team  means everything.

As a mother to Charlie (5) and Louie (3) and wife to Gerard, Laura knows exactly how identity shifts through different stages of life.

I always say, if we can make you feel good on a day youre wearing Love Laura, then weve won at life. Because life is f**king tough for women.

For her, clothes are more than just aesthetic  theyre emotional armour.

Clothes mean am I going to have a good day or not? Do I feel good? Because if I dont feel good in what Im wearing, it affects everything.

Shes seen it in her changing rooms  women arriving unsure, self-conscious, sometimes tearful.

A lot of women go into a changing room and they cant even look at themselves. So if we can help that in any way  thats a complete win in my eyes.

Adding: Im a true believer that if you look good you feel good. Some days are super dressy and glam but equally a great fitting pair of leggings and a cool hoodie are equally as appealing. You might not believe it, but I am the ultimate boy mom.

Motherhood, too, changed her business  and her pace.

You need to be obsessed with your business. You need to live and breathe it  completely. But once you have kids, you have to learn how to flex it.

That balance isnt perfect, but its deeply intentional.

There are weeks when this baby  the business  needs 90 per cent of me. And there are other weeks when my kids do. I take Fridays off religiously  Friday, Saturday and Sunday  and thats been my saviour. Thats our time.

Her entry into motherhood was anything but smooth.

I had Charlie at the end of December. Covid hit soon after. I was breastfeeding, trying to keep the business afloat, letting staff go  it was one of the hardest times of my life.

By the time Louie came along, she promised herself a different experience.

I just slowed it all down. I stayed in bed. I didnt leave the house. I wanted to feel it this time. I was a completely different person.

Her advice for new mums?

Be gentle on yourself. You cannot be hard on yourself after baby. You just cant.

Behind the brand is family  in every sense.

My dad works in the warehouse. I always say hes the hardest worker here  and the most underpaid, because he wont take a cent. And my mam is incredible, whenever I need to shoot content shes there with a steamer.

Because to Laura, business is never a solo pursuit.

It takes a village to raise kids, yes. But it also takes a village to build a brand.

She doesnt take the credit  she shares it.

Its not just me, its the team. They are everything. The heart of it all.

And at the end of the day, her motivation remains beautifully simple.

It was never just about the money. Honestly? The real kick comes when the samples arrive, and we try them on here, and we all light up. We just know they are going to fly. Thats the win.

As far as dream clients go?

Rochelle Humes would be an absolute dream, she wouldnt need much styling. She carries everything off so effortlessly. Victoria Beckham, obviously! I could list off so many. Who knows? The skys the limit.

Her entrepreneurial spirit was forged early, inspired by her grandmother.

My grandmother was a chicken farmer and sold eggs. I grew up on the same road as her just outside Banbridge. I adored her and really admired her work ethic  she never stopped. She reared nine children, cooked from scratch and ran a business all at the same time. She was just this amazing personality and massive influence in my life. Her mantra was always: Youll never do as well working for somebody else as you would for yourself. Youll never be as happy working for someone else as you would for yourself.

Those words stuck in my psyche. I didnt know what I wanted to do, but I was never afraid of hard work because chicken farming  its not easy work. Its not glamorous. And my work isnt easy either. We make it look glamorous, but to be successful, its about the graft.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAN KEVILLE HAIR: JAKE RYAN MAKEUP: DANIELLE MAHON LOCATION: THE K CLUB SHOOT PRODUCER: VALERIE ROE
Vasyl Fedoryn (41), a Ukrainian man with Irish citizenship, living at Ballypierce, Charleville, had pleaded guilty earlier this year at Mallow District Court to a total of nine breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 on April 21, 2023, in relation to 13 dogs he was breeding at his home.

Animal Welfare Inspect Caroline Faherty said it was the 'worst' case of animal neglect .she had ever encountered in her career.

The matted state of one of the dogs rescued from the property. Animal Welfare Inspect Caroline Faherty said it was the 'worst' case of animal neglect she had ever encountered in her career. She was commended by the judge for having saved the dogs from what would likely have been a slow and painful death.

A dog breeder has escaped jail after a judge allowed his appeal against a three-month sentence over the neglect of his dogs and puppies, and ordered him instead to do 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month long custodial term.

Vasyl Fedoryn (41), a Ukrainian man with Irish citizenship, living at Ballypierce, Charleville, had pleaded guilty earlier this year at Mallow District Court to a total of nine breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 on April 21, 2023, in relation to 13 dogs he was breeding at his home.

Judge Colm Roberts sentenced Fedoryn to five months in jail with two months suspended, fined him 500, ordered him to pay costs of 16,450 to the ISPCA to cover the veterinary and dental costs as well as vaccination and grooming costs while he also ordered him to pay the Depts legal costs of 3,000.

But Fedoryn, represented by Charleville solicitor, Denis Linehan lodged an appeal against the custodial part of the sentence and the case came up for hearing last week before Judge Helen Boyle at Mallow Circuit Appeal, sitting at the Anglesea Street Courthouse in Cork.

ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspector, Caroline Faherty told the court how the dogs she found in two sheds on Fedoryns property were the worst she had ever encountered with the animals being kept in the dark with no light and no bedding and being forced to lie in their own faeces.

Ms Faherty said she found a German Shepherd bitch and four pups in one shed where they had no water and when she filled a bowl with water, the bitch, who was lactating, was so dehydrated she started gulping the water down at such a rate she had to remove the bowl in case she became ill.

The matted state of one of the dogs rescued from the property. Animal Welfare Inspect Caroline Faherty said it was the 'worst' case of animal neglect she had ever encountered in her career. She was commended by the judge for having saved the dogs from what would likely have been a slow and painful death.

News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

She found three German Shepherd pups and five Collie pups in another shed with no light, no bedding and their coats matted from lying in their own excrement, while the lack of stimulation had resulted in the Collies being so nervous that they tried to bite her and were feral.

It was absolutely horrific the state that I found the dogs in  I still have nightmares of going into the shed, said Ms Faherty, adding the three German Shepherd pups could not walk properly and were instead walking on their back knees as they were malnourished and had no leg-muscle mass.

Ms Faherty became upset as she described the state of the animals and conditions that she found them in and said such was the stench of urine and faeces, she found herself retching and had to leave the shed several times to get air.

She wrote up a seizure notice on the spot and she and her colleagues in the ISPCA removed the dogs from both sheds but three of the Collie pups were so feral they could not be rehabilitated and had to be euthanized while one of the German Shepherds also had to be euthanized.

Collies and German shepherds were intelligent working dogs and needed to be exercised and socialised, but Fedoryns dogs were left locked up in small sheds without regular food or water and became emaciated and their coats became matted with faeces and infested with maggots.

What made the situation even more distressing was the fact there was plenty of bedding and food for the dogs on the property, but Fedoryn had given neither to the animals. I asked him why he hadnt, and he said he was going to do this, that and the other for the dogs but he didnt.

Ms Faherty said that Fedoryn saw nothing wrong with the way he was treating the dogs and was completely unrepentant about his care of them and he later breached an undertaking not to keep any animals at his holding when she found that he had begun keeping cats there.

Defence barrister, Paula McCarthy BL said her client had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, had no previous convictions and had been of good behaviour since while she pointed out he was not appealing the 500 fine, dog rehabilitation costs of 16,450 and legal costs of 3,000.

Ms McCarthy acknowledged her client had not appreciated the seriousness of the matter when it was first brought to his attention, but he now accepted the gravity of his offending and was remorseful while she pointed out a probation report found he was at a low risk of re-offending.

She said that he was working full time as a truck driver and if he were to get a custodial sentence, he would lose his job and that would have repercussions for his young son for although he and his wife were separated, he was supporting his son financially.

Ms McCarthy also submitted that the courts had acknowledged that custodial sentences can be more difficult for foreign nationals than for Irish people as they dont have the same family support in terms of visits as she pleaded with Judge Boyle not to jail him.

Judge Boyle said she needed time to consider the matter and remanded Fedoryn in custody over lunch to consider the matter and when she returned, she said she hoped that he appreciated what being in custody was like.

You have spent some time in a prison cell. I felt I had to show you the inside of a prison cell because of what you did, said Judge Boyle before allowing the appeal and suspending the full five-month sentence on condition he completes 240 hours community service.

Judge Boyle singled out Ms Faherty for praise, saying that if it was not for her work and her decision to remove the dogs, she had no doubt but that all 13 dogs and puppies belonging to Fedoryn at his property would have died.

Ms Faherty is to be commended for saving the lives of these dogs  some had to be euthanised later, but a veterinary inspector was of the opinion that they would all have died and died a slow painful death from neglect if Ms Faherty had not removed them.

Dogs obviously need to be fed and watered, but they also need to be exercised and stimulated, and they need love and care and attention, and they got none of these under your care, Judge Boyle told Fedoryn as she allowed his appeal.
A total of 5,421 passengers were also inspected arriving at Dublin Airport

The Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit carry out enhanced law enforcement checks at Dublin Airport

Gardai inspected brothels in every major town and city in Ireland as part of a major world-wide operation targeting human trafficking.

The force revealed how they interviewed 179 sex workers in 92 brothels and inspected 5,421 passengers on 37 flights at Dublin Airport over the course of just one week last month.

One man was arrested for sexual exploitation and forced criminality.

This person was detained at Monaghan Garda Station under Organised Crime legislation, a Garda spokesperson said.

At the conclusion of his detention, a charge for Human Trafficking Contrary to Section 4(1) of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 was directed by the DPP

He appeared before Monaghan District Court on Wednesday, June 11 where he was remanded in custody. A full file is now being compiled for the DPP.

Between June 1 and 6, gardai along with other law enforcement partners worldwide, participated in Operation Global Chain.

The operation focused on detecting and disrupting organised crime groups involved in trafficking of human beings, in particular child trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced criminality and forced begging.

The Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit carry out enhanced law enforcement checks at Dublin Airport

News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

Gardai added: Over the week, the Garda National Protective Services Bureau liaised with Divisional Protective Services Units across Ireland and coordinated an intensive week of welfare visits to suspected brothels to detect potential incidents of sexual exploitation.

The 179 sex workers who were interviewed were from Brazil, Romania, Spain, China, Dominican Republic, Poland, Latvia, Colombia, Taiwan, Panama, Czech Republic, Malaysia and Ireland.

No victims of human trafficking were detected, gardai added, however they were provided with information and advice should they wish to speak to An Garda Siochana further.

As part of the operation, 37 flights were monitored at Dublin Airport on Thursday, June 5 and Friday 6.

Members of the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit and the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit caried out enhanced law enforcement checks with the Border Management Unit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

A total of 5,421 passengers were inspected arriving at Dublin Airport.

Gardai added that they will continue to work closely with Europol and other law enforcement partners in the identification of new victims so they can be also removed from harm.

Gardai are also appealing to any person who may be the victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation to come forward and speak with them.

They can do this, either at a local Garda station, or by calling the Garda Confidential Phone Number on 1800 666 111.

An Garda Siochana appeals to any person with any information on these heinous crimes or suspects to come forward, the spokesperson added.

Any contacts with An Garda Siochana will be treated in the utmost confidence.

Further details on human trafficking and sexual exploitation can be found at www.blueblindfold.ie

Gardai added: Human trafficking is a crime and a serious human rights violation. It occurs all over the world, including in Ireland. It takes many different forms and may be present in any community, nationwide. Ireland is taking significant steps to combat human trafficking and respond to the needs of victims, at home and with our partners.
Last month we revealed the Ballymac has appointed a new board of directors.

A newly appointed director of a publicly funded community group laid a wreath on behalf of the UVF at a recent memorial parade.

Andy Herron was included in a list of recently published directors at the scandal-hit Ballymac Friendship Centre in east Belfast, lodged at Companies House.

He was pictured in UVF uniform carrying a wreath bearing the words Pitt Park; East Belfast UVF.

The charity has been at the centre of a UVF power struggle, with claims made that the terror group is muscling in on the charity which receives 80,000 in taxpayers money from the Executive Office, which is investigating allegations of fraud and embezzlement.

The Charity Commission and PSNI are also monitoring the situation.

The centre at Fraser Pass in the Pitt Park area in the east of the city has been at the centre of tensions over the last number of years.

In recent times it fell under the control of leading loyalist William McCaughey, who landed a prominent managerial role at the facility.

He has since been sidelined in the wake of a Sunday World investigation which uncovered allegations of misappropriation of public funds.

But one of his replacements as a director shows no sign of moving the organisation away from the UVF.

He is pictured laying a wreath at last months McCurrie-Neill memorial parade in memory of two Protestants murdered by the IRA in 1970.

Wearing a UVF tie and carrying a wreath on behalf of the terror group in the east of the city, Herron bows his head as he lays the floral tribute.

The picture was taken on June 27, some time AFTER Herron was appointed to the board of directors.

Last year the UVF leadership in the Shankill organised a massive show of strength in east Belfast.

An estimated 1,500 men clad in UVF uniform of white shirts and black ties lined both sides of the lower Newtownards Road as the terror groups leadership was locked in a war of attrition with the previous command structure in the east.

Among those taking part were William McCaughey and Winston Winkie Irvine, now in jail after being convicted of gun charges.

Ballymac Friendship Centre has become the focus of a series of questions tabled to the Executive Office by MLAs since the Sunday World revelations.

Andy Herron

In May Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw tabled a number of written questions seeking assurances about the allocation of public money.

In response, the Executive Office told her that any group found to be in breach of the terms of their letter of offer can have funding withdrawn.

The SDLPs leader at Stormont Matthew OToole tabled a further question to ask the First and Deputy First Minister to set out how much funding has been provided by the Executive Office to the Ballymac Centre in each of the last five years.

It is entirely reasonable to ask how public money is being spent and to ensure it is going to the right place, he said.

The public has a right to clarity as to how their money is spent.

The Executive Office has declined to address a series of questions submitted by the Sunday World at the start of March except to say: There is an ongoing investigation therefore there can be no further comment at this time.

At the start of June we submitted questions as to the progress of the investigation, we have yet to receive a reply.

Last month we revealed the Ballymac has appointed a new board of directors.

The new directors took up office at the end of March/start of April.

There has been a battle for the ownership of the centre which stepped up after the UVF leadership on the Shankill stood down the eight-man command structure of the organisation in the east.

McCaughey, supported by members of the newly installed command structure, took control of the centre which was set up to offer support services and other community schemes.

A church which was incorporated into the centre as forced to leave.

When contacted, McCaughey confirmed Ballymac was under investigation but insisted he initiated the inquiry. He is not named among the newly appointed directors.

The CEO of the charity and at least one other member of staff has resigned, citing undue pressure from the UVF.

Despite the investigation the charity is attempting to rebrand itself and apply for fresh grant support.

The plan is to rebrand as the David Ervine Hub.

The new project incorporates a loyalist museum and according to sources in the Executive Office is likely to be given taxpayers money despite the applicants being under investigation.
The US musician has previously denied attempting to cause Abraham Diaw grievous bodily harm in February 2023

R&B singer Chris Brown arriving at Southwark Crown Court, south London, where he is due to appear in court over an alleged assault in a London nightclub. The American musician, 36, is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Abraham Diaw in February 2023. Picture date: Friday June 20, 2025.

R&B singer Chris Brown is due to appear in court over an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub.

Last month the 36 year-old US musician pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to Abraham Diaw at the Tape venue, a private members club in Hanover Square, Mayfair, on February 19 2023.

On Friday, Brown is due to make another appearance at Londons Southwark Crown for a plea hearing amid preparations for his trial which is set for October.

His co-defendant, US national Omololu Akinlolu, 39, has also pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.

Both men are further charged with assaulting Mr Diaw occasioning him actual bodily harm, with Brown also facing one count of having an offensive weapon, a bottle, in a public place.

R&B singer Chris Brown arriving at Southwark Crown Court, south London, where he is due to appear in court over an alleged assault in a London nightclub. The American musician, 36, is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Abraham Diaw in February 2023. Picture date: Friday June 20, 2025.

News in 90 Seconds - July 11th

The two-time Grammy award winner, which hits including Run It! and Go Crazy, has managed to press on with his scheduled international tour despite his legal battle.

He is on conditional bail and performed in Cardiff in June as part of a stadium tour which was billed as a celebration of the past 20 years of his career.

(Jonathan Brady/PA)

He had to pay a 5 million security fee to the court as part of the bail agreement, which is a financial guarantee to ensure a defendant returns to court and may be forfeited if they breach bail conditions.

At his last court appearance, his defence counsel Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC told the hearing it had been difficult to discuss matters with her client while he is working.

Manchester Magistrates Court previously heard that Mr Diaw was standing at the bar of the Tape nightclub when he was struck several times with a bottle, and then pursued to a separate area of the nightclub where he was punched and kicked repeatedly.

Brown was arrested at Manchesters Lowry Hotel at 2am on May 15 by detectives from the Metropolitan Police.

He is said to have flown into Manchester Airport on a private jet in preparation for the UK tour dates.

Brown was released from HMP Forest Bank in Salford, Greater Manchester, on May 21.

Shortly after being released from prison, Brown posted an Instagram story referencing his upcoming tour which said FROM THE CAGE TO THE STAGE!!! BREEZYBOWL.
A coffee roastery in Tauriko is helping brew a better future for Fijian villages, one bean at a time, thanks to the passion of a Tauranga family.

What began as a chance discovery of wild coffee plants growing in the Fijian highlands has transformed into a thriving social enterprise thats reshaping lives and livelihoods across Fijis most remote communities.

Bula Coffee, founded in 2011 by New Zealander Luke Fryett, is now a beacon of sustainable development  one cup of coffee at a time.



Luke Fryett during a Crop to Cup Coffee Tour, walking the visitors through the harvesting and production of coffee beans. Photo / Supplied.

From humble beginnings, harvesting just 20kg in their first season, Bula Coffee now sources beans from 38 remote Fijian villages, supporting 1500 coffee pickers. The company is the first and only coffee producer in the country to proudly display both Fijian Grown and Fijian Made emblems on its products.



A Fijian villager bringing coffee beans by horseback to the Bula Coffee processing centre in Sigatoka. Photo / Supplied.

The story began in a village tucked deep in Fijis interior, where Fryett noticed coffee growing wild and largely unused.

It was just falling off the bush and rotting on the ground, said his mother, Colleen Fryett. Luke saw the potential and promised to build a way for the villagers to earn from it.

With no prior knowledge of the coffee industry and operating on a shoestring budget, Colleen said they began roasting coffee on the floor of a village house using a microwave-sized roaster.

Today, Bula Coffee operates a full processing plant on Fijis Coral Coast and offers Crop to Cup guided tours from its Sigatoka headquarters. These immersive experiences walk visitors through the coffee journey while telling the powerful story behind each bean.



Bula Coffee is now helping villages move from wild harvesting to establishing managed plantations using locally grown seedlings. Photo / Supplied.

At the heart of Bula Coffees mission is a deep commitment to social impact and sustainability. The enterprise operates on a direct-trade model, purchasing beans straight from the villagers who pick them  many of whom are women.

We pay the women directly, Colleen said. That way, the income goes to those doing the work, rather than being filtered through traditional village structures where women may miss out. Lukes even helped many open their first bank accounts.



Bula Coffee owner Luke Fryett says helping local communities is just as important as crafting a good brew. Photo / Aaliyah-Rose Fryett

Before the pandemic, more than 5000 women were involved in picking coffee. Although numbers dipped during Covid-19 due to the collapse of the tourism industry, the enterprise is rebounding  boosted by local and international interest.

In some villages, Bula Coffee has become a lifeline. After a cyclone devastated crops and wiped out incomes, the village received $32,000 in payments from Bula Coffee for their harvest  income that would have otherwise never materialised.



Coffee beans at Bula Cafe in Tauriko. Photo / David Hall

The work is often rugged and raw. Beans are hand-picked in the highlands, sun-dried, and carried down to villages by foot or horseback. From there, theyre processed locally and roasted in Fiji and now, also at the companys new roasting facility in Tauriko.

The Tauriko roastery and Bula Cafe serve as a springboard for expanding the brands footprint in New Zealand and Australia. While the cafe offers food and coffee, the primary focus is scaling roasting operations and supporting sales that flow directly back to Fiji.

The cafe helps us drive awareness and online sales, said Colleen. Every extra kilo we sell here increases the amount of coffee we can buy from the villages  and that income means women dont have to leave their children behind to work in the tourism sector for months at a time.



Bula Coffee has opened a cafe and roastery in Tauriko. Photo / David Hall

The Fryett familys vision is holistic  combining environmental preservation, womens empowerment, and economic development.

With support of grants, Bula Coffee is now helping villages move from wild harvesting to establishing managed plantations using locally grown seedlings. Luke, now a Fijian citizen, splits his time between fieldwork and international trade, including showcasing Bula Coffee at global expos.

Though still small-scale by global standards, Bula Coffees impact is outsized, said Colleen, with their model creating a premium product that proves an ethical, locally-rooted business can uplift communities without sacrificing quality or growth.
NZers are being told they are "on their own" after recommendations to withdraw financial assistance for property buy-outs and climate adaptation measures, says one expert. Photo: RNZ

Phasing out government assistance for climate adaptation and property buy-outs would be "morally bankrupt", a climate policy expert says.

An independent reference group set up by the Ministry for the Environment on Wednesday released a suite of recommendations to help the government shape climate adaptation legislation.

Following a 20-year transition period, homeowners whose houses are flooded or damaged by weather events should not expect buy-outs, the group recommended.

The group also recommended that funding for adaptation measures such as flood schemes, sea walls and blue-green infrastructure, should follow a 'beneficiary pays' approach in most cases.

"This would mean those who benefit most from these investments contribute more."

Central government should only invest in adaptation if it would protect Crown assets, "or where broader national benefits can be realised".

"Central government investment or other financing strategies may be appropriate to help overcome challenges in particularly vulnerable areas, where there is less ability to pay."

Victoria University emeritus professor Jonathan Boston, who was part of a previous expert working group on climate adaptation, said the message from the latest report to New Zealanders was clear: "You are on your own."

The report rightly recognised the need for urgent action on climate adaptation, and to make consistent, reliable information about climate hazards available, Boston said.

However, the recommendations to withdraw financial assistance for both property buy-outs and adaptation measures, and to leave decision-making up to individuals, were "fundamentally flawed".

"One of the core responsibilities of any government is to protect its citizens and to deal with natural disasters and so on. That is above almost anything else."

To put an end-date on that was "morally bankrupt and highly undesirable", he said.

The report wrongly assumed that people would act rationally if they were properly informed of the risks, he said.

"We know from vast amounts of literature that people suffer from all kinds of cognitive biases... and that these have a profound influence on whether people make sensible decisions or not.

"And quite apart from cognitive bias, lots of people lack choices. They lack the [financial] resources to make good decisions."

Boston also criticised the recommendation of a transitional period, saying the risks from climate change would continue to evolve well past 2045 or another hard end-date.

He and others had previously warned against the 'moral hazard' of creating expectations of generous property buy-outs every time there was a severe weather event.

"We certainly need to be ensuring that we don't create incentives for people to stay in risky areas or indeed to build in areas that are going to become risky because of climate change," he said.

"But the idea that you can just sort of leave it to individuals to decide what's going to happen and have no oversight or involvement in helping people to make good decisions and helping people to move where they have to move, I just think it's bizarre."

Managed or unmanaged retreat?

Environmental Defense Society policy director Raewyn Peart said the report seemed to be moving away from the concept of "managed retreat", where communities moved out of harm's way in a coordinated fashion.

"The approach seems to be unmanaged retreat, where we'll give people information and a transition period - they're on notice - and at that point, people can make their own decisions about whether to move or not."

That would be unworkable, Peart said.

"Some people will move, some won't, councils [will have] to provide services to a community that's gradually emptying out, people there who can't afford to move will be trapped into a risky situation - they may be facing regular floods of their properties.

"I just don't think it's in the best interests of the country to essentially leave it to the market and people's individual decisions."

The report recommended handing over responsibility for adaptation planning to local councils, but it was unclear whether central government would provide any financial or administrative support, she said.

"Some councils are really on to it and are already doing it - they have the resources. It's the small councils who may only have one planner, who have no expertise in adaptation planning."

The latest report echoes previous warnings that insurers could increase premiums to unaffordable levels, and even withdraw from some areas, as the risk from climate change hazards continued to increase.

Insurance Council chief executive Kris Faafoi - whose organisation has long called for greater national direction from central government on climate adaptation - said it was good to see the report authors recommending urgent action.

"There's still some very difficult issues to work through - but these extreme weather events are going to happen, and being able to protect communities and to keep insurance affordable and available is really important in the long-term."

There was little appetite anywhere on the political spectrum for expensive buy-outs of properties to continue, he said.

The question of who would actually pay for adaptation measures still needed to be answered, Faafoi said.

"In the report itself, there was an expectation that councils will do a lot of the heavy lifting and where some communities might find it a challenge to be able to pay for some of the protections  then investment from the Crown might be necessary."

But following a 'beneficiary pays' approach could see the costs of adaptation fall heavily on some communities.

"I think reading between the lines, there could be the likes of targeted rates in some areas.

"Again, that has to be floated with communities and as to whether or not people who benefit from that might be able to pay for that."

The report noted the financial difficulties many councils faced.

"Funding will be a challenging proposition if councils' ability to increase rates is constrained," the authors wrote.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts told RNZ the government welcomes the independent recommendations for how New Zealand can adapt to the impacts of climate change.

"We will now take the time to review recommendations and announce decisions in due course," Watts said.

"The report is not government policy, however the Government is considering the group's recommendations, alongside the findings of last year's cross-party climate adaptation inquiry and other advice, as it works to put in place the building blocks for a national adaptation framework."
A violent neo-Nazi hate group with international reach has been relisted as a terrorist entity by the New Zealand Government, amid ongoing efforts to prevent extremist ideologies from taking root or operating within the country.

The Base is a white supremacist militant accelerationist paramilitary group that advocates for the violent overthrow of existing governments to establish white ethnostates.

The groups ideology is said to be rooted in extreme racism, antisemitism, and the belief in an impending race war.

It is active in the US and Canada, with reports of training cells in Europe, South Africa and Australia.

The group, also known as TB, was first designated as a terrorist entity in New Zealand in June 2022 alongside another US group, the Proud Boys.

The Proud Boys designation expired last month, but a spokesperson for the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet said the group remained on the radar.

The Base was designated as a terror group by Canada, Australia and the UK in 2021 and the European Union in 2024.

Police here published a paper last month setting out why its designation had been renewed under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002.

The risk of a terrorist attack in New Zealand is low, but the Government [is] determined that New Zealand and New Zealanders be neither the target nor source of terrorist activities, police said.

The designation of terrorist entities is one measure New Zealand takes to contribute to the international campaign against terrorism.

Recruiting for TB is done online, often via social media platforms. Photo / File

The paper detailed new information about TBs continued involvement in terrorist activity and listed recent attacks which meet the definition of a terrorist act.

This updated information, together with the information contained in the original designation paper, provides the basis for the conclusion that TB meets the legal criteria for renewal of its designation as a terrorist entity.

Police said that, while TB had not committed acts that qualified as terrorism, it had continued their adherence to white-identity motivated extremism and had continued recruitment drives in countries including Australia.

Since its designation in 2022, TB has developed a transnational presence. Reporting indicates individuals suspected of TB membership and plots of violence [have] been observed across Europe, with arrests in various European countries.

Several overseas examples were listed in the report and are detailed below.

TBs total membership is unknown, the paper says. Its primary web forum reportedly has 45 members. A key goal of TB is to train a cadre of extremists capable of accelerationist violence.

[Founder Rinaldo] Nazzaro has repetitively counselled members online about violence, the acquisition of weapons, and actions to accelerate the collapse of the US Government and survive the subsequent period of chaos and violence.'

Police are doing all they can to stamp out any terrorist groups operating in New Zealand. Photo / NZME

In support of this objective, Nazzaro ensures the group maintain[s] a large database of PDFs that explore a wide range of terrorist tactics, how to construct weapons (including weapons of mass destruction), survivalist techniques, and ideological texts.

TB seeks to recruit members with existing capabilities in self-defence, outdoor skills, and specifically current/former members of the armed forces.

In the paper, police outlined the structure of TB from Russia-based Nazzaro to former leader Justen Watkins, who is in prison in the US after the discovery of plans to kill police and minorities and to destroy police headquarters.

Instead of a hierarchy, TB mainly operates under the leaderless resistance model. This model advocates forming two-to-three-person cells to commit acts of violence and train together independently.

Both Nazzaro and the official [social media] account of TB have encouraged Europeans to join the group.

This paper concludes that there are still reasonable grounds for TB to be designated. Since its designation in June 2022, TB has continued to carry out activities which meet the definition of terrorist acts  including planning, threatening and attempting attacks.

Accordingly, there are still reasonable grounds to believe TB has knowingly carried out terrorist acts as set out in  the [Terrorism Suppression] Act.

TB around the world - what NZ police know

The paper, available on the police website, details activity by TB members overseas.

During the US election, they became visibly active on the internet as they attempted to find a stateside leader with the promise of a $1200 monthly salary, it says.

In 2023 and 2024, TB posted photos of members and propaganda activity allegedly occurring in France, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, Sweden and Ukraine.

On August 20, 2024, Dutch police arrested three individuals - ages 16, 18, and 26 - on suspicion of belonging to TB. The suspects allegedly attempted to convince people across chat groups to commit terrorist crimes.

Members of TB have been arrested around the world for criminal activity. Photo / 123rf

In September last year, authorities in Italy arrested an 18-year-old and a 20-year-old for their alleged involvement in a Russian accelerationist network linked to TB.

Police said one of the suspects had developed a substantial online network of connections with other users associated with supremacist groups.

The suspect seeks to enhance his standing within these circles by disseminating accelerationist propaganda and committing local crimes, which he later shares with the group administrators.

The investigation into the other suspect revealed his strong ties to the network, where he serves as an active administrator and has even been named the new leader following the reported arrest of the groups previous head.

In the paper, the police explain the activity of influential members of TB in the US.

In May 2022, Watkins was jailed for four years after spending years preparing for a race war.

Watkins had planned to kill police and minorities and build a fortified compound from which to launch his war via a mass attack.

Watkins took part in and instructed training to enhance his associates tactical capabilities and firearms proficiencies.

He also hosted hate camps for members of TB and other like-minded individuals.

Members of TB have been jailed for terrorist activity and or the planning of it. Photo / File

In June 2024, TB member Nathan Weeden was sentenced to 26 months in prison and three years under supervised release for conspiring to harm individuals exercising their rights, and intentionally vandalising religious property due to its racial or ethnic affiliation.

Weeden and his co-conspirators targeted Black and Jewish individuals, in addition to vandalising a synagogue with swastikas and symbols linked to TB.

The same month, Nazzaro posted statements to social media encouraging a violent armed revolution as a means to create a separate ethnostate within the US.

Nazzaro claimed  that change would only be secured through the use of force  [and] proposed violent action as the only viable way to achieve [TBs goals] ... stating that he and his followers need the ability to dictate how society is ruled.

The report outlines further allegations against TB members, arrests and details of sentences handed down in various US cities.

In November 2023, a major operation co-ordinated by Europol and Eurojust arrested five individuals and interrogated seven more for their suspected involvement in TB.

The operation was conducted in Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Romania. The individuals were allegedly responsible for disseminating violent extremist propaganda, recruitment of new members, and sharing manuals for 3D-printed weapons.

Some of the suspects had already written a manifesto, had access to weapons, and were considered at risk of launching imminent action.

Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 19 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz.
Tearful pleas from the wife of a Tongan overstayer who has lived illegally in Rotorua for 16 years have failed to prevent him being deported.

Paea Vehikites family said he is being deported to Tonga today.

But a judge has urged them not to give up their fight to keep him in New Zealand.

It comes after Immigration New Zealand successfully sought a warrant of commitment in the Rotorua District Court last month, allowing Vehikite, 48, to be detained for deportation.

He arrived in New Zealand in May 2009 and failed to get a visa.

Judge John Bergseng said Immigration NZ contacted Vehikite on March 17 this year and he was allowed to apply for a visa as a special case under Section 61 of the Immigration Act.

Given Vehikite cannot speak English, communication was made through his wife Kilisitina.

Judge Bergseng said Vehikites Section 61 application was declined on April 7, but he did not leave New Zealand within 14 days as required.

Police and immigration officials found him at the rear of his Rotorua property on June 30.

Kilisitina Vehikite addressed Judge Bergseng in court, saying she was sorry for lying and telling officials at her door her husband wasnt home.

She said she wasnt aware police were at the rear of her home.

I am sorry, when they come on the 30th, I was lying to the immigration people and the police. I was scared.

She said she sought help to apply for her husbands visa from someone she thought was an immigration agent in Auckland. However, after spending what she said was a lot of money, they discovered the agent wasnt qualified and their application was declined.

She said the ordeal had been difficult on her poor health.

I do apologise for lying. I was just trying for my husband to stay here. My health is not good and he is a good person.

More than 20 members of the Tongan community attended the Rotorua Courthouse for the hearing. Photo / NZME

Letters of support were handed to the judge and a packed gallery of more than 20 members of the Tongan community attended the court hearing in support.

My love and everything I do for him, it never stops, Vehikites wife told Judge Bergseng through tears.

If he goes to Tonga, I will go to Tonga and see him and still trying. Im so sorry. I do ask you please give Paea a chance.

Judge Bergseng said under the Immigration Act, he had absolutely no discretion and no choice but to grant the warrant of commitment.

I simply do not have any power to allow Mr Vehikite to remain in New Zealand. That has to lie with the Minister of Immigration.

Judge Bergseng noted the support of Vehikites wife and the Tongan community contingent.

He said he had been handed several documents, in particular from the Rotorua Tongan Community chairman who spoke of the positive contribution the Vehikites made to the Tongan and the wider Rotorua communities.

Paea Vehikite has to return to Tonga after living 16 years illegally in New Zealand. Photo / File

I do so recognising that Mr Vehikite has a lot of support. In some ways it is clear he has been let down by others who have not done the right thing by him when proper advice was earlier sought, Judge Bergseng said.

He said Vehikite would be taken to Spring Hill Prison and arrangements would be made for him to be deported to Tonga.

I am no expert in immigration matters but if you have resources and can get in contact with people who have an understanding of this, can I suggest you dont give up yet. I dont know what you can or cant do but it is worth trying whatever you can, Judge Bergseng said.

Kilisitina Vehikite told the Rotorua Daily Post yesterday her husband was to be deported today.

She said she would go to Tonga tomorrow for two weeks because she missed her husband but would need to return to New Zealand because of her health issues.
A Tauranga dairy owner is feeling panicked as his sales plummet after a ram raid.

Police called Varinder Singh on July 1 at 1.30am to say that his store had been ram-raided. He rushed to the Otumoetai shop, where two police officers were waiting.

Burglars had tried to get into the store on Otumoetai Rd using a hammer before they used a vehicle and left skid marks along the grass in front of the shop.



The ram raiders left skid marks on the grass during the attack on the Viking Dairy in Otumoetai. Photo / Ayla Yeoman

Singh said the burglars broke into a locked cabinet and stole cigarettes and vapes. Other items, including deodorant and packets of chips, were also taken.

They didnt go for the money.

A drinks fridge was damaged. The raid was captured on security camera, and Singh showed police the footage.

I showed them the video, then I put the drinks back into the fridge.

I couldnt close the door. I just had to leave it open because I had to go to work at six in the morning at the BP.

Singh and his wife have owned the store for a year, and he did not think something like this would happen in what he thought was a safe area.

People in the community had shared their concerns since the raid. Some elderly people told him they felt scared, and he said he was losing business as customers assumed the store was closed.

Sales had dropped significantly.

Its a very small business. We are hardly surviving ... winter is a bit slow for retail.

Singh and his wife were feeling panicked about the drop in customers and feared they would have to close for a long time while the store was repaired.

We need to rebuild the front area, so we might need to be closed for a while.



The front of the store will require rebuilding, and in the meantime, it is boarded up. Photo / Ayla Yeoman

Singh said police had advised him to install bollards. However, he could not do so until the stores front was rebuilt.

He has contacted his landlord to sort out insurance and a plan for the repairs.

They also might need to check the warrant of fitness of the building. Theres a crack up on the building, on the wall, and connected to the roof.



Some of the damage, as seen hours after the raid. Photo / Ayla Yeoman

Singh will have to pay the insurance policy excess and is waiting to hear what the costs will be.

This is not the first time burglars have hit the store. He was told a previous attack happened in 2015 or 2016.

Normally, its a very safe area, he said.

Police said two youths were to appear in the Youth Court at a later date.
Pablo Rodriguez Granada Friday, 11 July 2025, 16:41 Compartir

The mayors of Granada, Seville and Malaga have voiced their support for the creation of a tourist tax in Andalucia. During a meeting in Granada, mayors Marifran Carazo, Jose Luis Sanz (Seville) and Francisco de la Torre (Malaga) defended the need for a tax aimed at strengthening the tourist potential of the cities and financing the services enjoyed by both residents and visitors.

Zoom The meeting between the mayors of Granada, Seville and Malaga held in Granada. Javier Martin

The three mayors agreed that the regulation should be created alongside the tourism industry, which generates more and more visits every year. The need to find a "balance" with local everyday life specifically points to the excessive proliferation of tourist flats and the rise in rents.

Carazo, Sanz and De la Torre believe that it would not be appropriate for the tax to be used for issues unrelated to the sector, although the mayor of Seville did hint at the possibility of using part of the profits in the renovation of neighbourhoods as a formula against "tourism phobia". With this, he seeks to show residents that "the benefits of tourism reach the city".

In addition, the tax could be used for the rehabilitation of historic centres. Carazo proposed using the already existing Alhambra plan, which uses visitor profits and financing from the regional government to renovate historic buildings, as a reference point.
SUR in English Gibraltar Friday, 11 July 2025, 12:24 Compartir

Gibraltar has welcomed the result of a vote in the European Parliament on Wednesday this week which will pave the way for the Rock to be removed from the EUs so-called grey list of places with weaknesses in money laundering avoidance and counter-terrorist financing.

MEPs have decided to support the European Commissions proposal to remove Gibraltar. That proposal will now come into effect once it is confirmed that the European Council does not object to the idea. That should happen very shortly.
Tony Bryant Costa del Sol Friday, 11 July 2025 | Updated 12/07/2025 11:02h. Compartir

Coastal towns in the province of Malaga, and some of those inland, will honour La Virgen del Carmen on Wednesday 16 July, the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Many destinations on the Costa del Sol will mark the occasion with parades and processions on the day or the days afterwards that culminate in the Virgin being escorted out to sea assisted by dozens of jabegas, typical Malaga fishing boats.

The veneration the Spanish hold for this Virgin is demonstrated during the enthusiastic frenzy that takes place as the devout clamber over each other in order to help carry the image into the sea: similar to the scenes that unfold during the pilgrimage of El Rocio in Huelva, this often results in the Virgin almost toppling over, but the excited crowd always manages to prevent this.

Once in the sea, the Virgin blesses the waters and honours those who have died at sea in the past year. This is one of the oldest traditions in Malaga and Spain, captivating locals and tourists alike with its historical significance. The festivities combine its seafaring roots and the province's devotion to the patron of the sea.

Places from Nerja in the east to Sabinillas in Manilva in the west will host festivities organised by the religious brotherhoods that maintain the images. Some towns, such as Rincon de la Victoria, the El Palo district of Malaga, Torremolinos and Los Boliches hold a fair to coincide with the celebration.

Community identity

This popular tradition shows the community identity of the different neighbourhoods. In Caleta de Velez, the town's fishermen traditionally cook a giant paella which they share with locals and visitors as their way of giving thanks to the village that supports the industry. The image of the Virgin is then taken out to sea on a fishing boat before being brought back to the parish church.

In neighbouring Torre del Mar, La Virgen del Carmen was officially recognised as patron saint of the town by the Vatican in 2023. Here, the image is carried around the streets of the town and then taken out to sea before being returned to the chapel in a main procession on 26 July, although another Virgin in the town also parades on 16th.

In Malaga city, processions and activities take place in several districts. This includes a curious act performed by the Malaga divers' association, this year on 18 July. The divers escort the image of the Virgin to a specific point on the central La Malagueta beach, where it is submerged in a small niche at the bottom of the sea.

Other events in the city are held on the beaches of Huelin, which takes place on 20 July, and Pedregalejo; while the El Perchel district in the city centre will enjoy several days of festivities in honour of the Virgin, one of the best known and most prayed to in the entire city.

Other processions take place in Benalmadena, Mijas Costa and Estepona, among others, mostly on 16 July itself.

For dates, details and schedules, see the relevant town hall social media or websites.
Tony Bryant Malaga Friday, 11 July 2025, 10:40 Compartir

Of all the foreign travellers and writers who visited Andalucia during the 19th century, Prosper Merimee (1803 -1870) is the one who left behind the most romantic impression of the region. The French writer was part of the Romanticism movement that began arriving at the beginning of the 19th century. He was one of the pioneers of the novella, and his most celebrated was Carmen, a story set to a backdrop of the old tobacco factory in Seville and the mountain ranges of Ronda, and which focused on the seedy world of the 19th-century Andalusian Gypsies.

Merimee arrived in Madrid in the summer of 1830, and in order to study Moorish architecture, he headed to Cordoba, and then to Seville and Ronda. Merimee, who was a respected archaeologist and historian, befriended Count Cipriano Portocarrero, the father-in-law of Napoleon III. The two are said to have shared similar political views and an equal admiration for literature, but it was to be the count's wife, Eugenia de Montijo, who would influence Merimee's most celebrated work.

On returning to Paris in January 1831, he began publishing accounts of his travels in Spain in the Revue de Paris: these included the first introduction to Carmen, a story based on a tale told to Merimee by Eugenia de Montijo. A letter the writer sent to the countess stated that Carmen was inspired by the story of the "ruffian from Malaga" who killed his mistress after she had "consecrated herself exclusively to the public".

Merimee recounts the story as if it had actually happened to him while visiting the country, although his Gypsy heroine would eventually become more famous than her author. Carmen has become part of Sevillian culture, which is why the city inaugurated the 'Carmen route'. The route takes visitors on a journey through some of the locations featured in the novella.

Malaga has also honoured the Frenchman with a street named after him in the Cruz de Humilladero district, along with a ceramic plaque in Ronda. This is not to mention the countless flamenco productions, theatre performances and films featuring what one critic described as "the very incarnation of vice".

Bizet's opera was also based on the novella, but it was not at first well received due to its controversial main characters.
Eugenio Cabezas Nerja Friday, 11 July 2025, 14:55 Compartir

Four people have been rescued from a small sailing boat five miles off the coast of Velez-Malaga on the eastern Costa del Sol. The occupants, three men and a woman, were intercepted by Spain's maritime rescue service some five nautical miles off the Axarquia coast on Thursday 10 July and were transferred to the Port of Malaga in good health.

As reported by Salvamento Maritimo through its social media pages, the crew of the Salvamar Hamal carried out this rescue after being alerted by Guardia Civil officers.

Those rescued people arrived at the port of Malaga city at 1pm after an operation coordinated by the Salvamento Maritimo rescue centre in Tarifa (Cadiz province). There they were handed over to the authorities responsible for illegal migrants arriving in Spain and the procedures for their repatriation will commence soon.
Jose Rodriguez Camara Alhaurin de la Torre Friday, 11 July 2025, 09:22 Compartir

The driver of a Mini car, who engaged in reckless driving behaviour in the early hours of the morning of 2 July in the centre of Alhaurin de la Torre in Malaga's Guadalhorce valley, has been identified by the Local Police. The court has summoned him for a crime against road safety.

The car was captured on video by local residents and surveillance cameras, generating great concern due to the recklessness of the driver's behaviour.

The car was spotted exceeding the speed limit, occasionally skidding and reversing in areas where this is not allowed and taking roundabouts in the wrong direction. The videos and images show how other vehicles had to brake sharply to avoid collisions. The manoeuvres also put the lives of pedestrians in danger. At one point, the driver stopped to pick up some young people, before continuing.

Following an investigation, which reviewed the footage from the municipal cameras, the police identified the driver. He has been summoned before the court, after acknowledging the facts.

The town hall and Local Police force used the opportunity to remind the public that such actions can be punishable with a prison sentence of six months to two years and and ban on driving motor vehicles and mopeds for more than one and up to six years. Significant fines can also be applied.
Jose Antonio Sau Malaga Friday, 11 July 2025, 17:31 Compartir

The Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria in Malaga, formerly known as the Clinico, has performed two knee cartilage transplants from deceased donors in just one month. This procedure, called fresh osteochondral allograft transplants or heterologous transplants of the femoral condyle, is performed "with extreme exceptionality", making the Malaga hospital one of the pioneering centres.

"We have performed two pioneering interventions on extensive osteochondral lesions using fresh allografts from deceased donors," says Dr Gomez Palomo. The traumatologist explains that it is "a highly complex technique that requires maximum surgical and logistical coordination".

The surgery aims to correct lesions of the knee cartilage, which cause "very sharp and severe pain". Such wounds might be the result of a blow or a condition known as osteochondritis dissecans. The procedure is only applicable in cases where the lesions measure more than 10 square centimetres.

The cartilage transplanted to the patient comes from tissue banks in Barcelona and Aragon. "If the patient is a 30-year-old girl, the cartilage cannot come from a 60-year-old donor: it has to be a young, living cartilage, in line with the dimensions of the patient," experts say.

'It is surgery of tremendous exceptionality'

The treatment of the cartilage is very costly and "only centres with a great deal of experience in cartilage surgery can carry it out". Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria is one of the pioneering centres in this complex technique in Andalucia and Spain.

Dr Gomez Palomo also highlights that it "is the Andalusian reference hospital for autologous chondrocyte transplantation" - a surgery concerning less extensive but equally painful lesions. The centre for transfusion, tissue and cell of Malaga (CTTC) is the one performing the cell treatment, while Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria is where the surgery takes place. All Andalusian public and some private hospitals send patients with cartilage lesions to the knee unit at the Clinico.

The cultivation of the cartilage sample takes about three weeks. If the technical manager of the expansion and cell therapy unit - Dr Cristina Antunez - gives the green light, the team at Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoriaprepares for the surgery.

According to Dr Gomez Palomo, the injuries they treat are very painful, "hinder mobility and reduce quality of life". Luckily, the technique, which has been used more than 60 times in recent years, has a success rate of over 90%, allowing patients to return to work and sport. The patients are usually no older than 40 or 45 years of age.
Compartir

Up until Monday afternoon, economy minister Carlos Cuerpo was in the race to become the next president of the Eurogroup. Consisting of the finance ministers of the twenty countries that use the euro, the Eurogroup has been under the presidency of Ireland's Paschal Donohoe, a member of the centre-right Fin Gael party, since 2020. Cuerpo was contesting the position along with another leftist candidate, Lithuania's Rimantas Sadzius, both of whom favour a more radical approach than has so far been taken by the Irishman.

Hours before the vote on Monday evening, Cuerpo and Sadzius withdrew their campaigns, citing lack of support among their fellow finance ministers, most of whom represent centre-right parties. Donohoe will thus hold onto the position for another two-and-a-half years.

The renewal of Donohoe's mandate comes at a time when many EU members, especially those with centre-left governments, are calling for greater integration. Cuerpo's failure to become president means that Spain won't have the opportunity to lead campaigns for mutual debt structuring, or a European army funded by common defence bonds. But it still has clout as a member of the Eurogroup, and Donohoe isn't necessarily averse to such ideas: in the early days of the pandemic, he advocated for the issuance of eurozone bonds to create a recovery fund - very similar to the mechanism used in the Next Generation scheme. According to Sadzius, Ireland's finance minister will face "big pressure from all sides to be more dynamic and focused".

It's the third time that Spain has tried to install its finance minister as president of the Eurogroup. The PP's Luis de Guindos lost out in 2015 (although he went on to the Vice Presidency of the European Central Bank); and, despite the backing of France and Germany, the Socialists' Nadia Calvino was unsuccessful in 2020 (but now heads up the European Investment Bank). In both cases, the elevation of a Spanish minister to this powerful position was seen in Madrid as crucial to enhancing the country's influence within Europe, and bolstering the credibility of its government. Had Cuerpo succeeded where his predecessors failed, it would have been a tremendous boost for a coalition mired in scandal, unable to pass budgets and slavishly reliant on tyrannical separatists.

Still, one hopes that Pedro Sanchez heard what Cuerpo had to say about withdrawing from the race. To "avoid fragmentation" and because it was "better for the Eurogroup", he decided to "step aside in the exercise of responsibility". Lack of support, both among the electorate and within congress (and even within the coalition itself) seems to have had the opposite effect on Cuerpo's boss, who has opted to carry on regardless. Perhaps Sanchez could learn a lesson from his modest economy minister.
Mateo Balin Madrid Friday, 11 July 2025, 13:40 Compartir

The Spanish delegation of the European Public Prosecutor's Office has ordered the arrest of eight suspected members of a criminal network, including the three ringleaders, for their involvement in a 68-million-euro IVE fraud scheme related to the import of alcohol from several EU countries.

The searches were carried out in 19 locations in Barcelona, Cadiz, Coruna, Ibiza, Madrid and Valencia, focusing on business premises, the suspects' homes, a room in a luxury hotel where one of those arrested was staying and a tax warehouse.

The Guardia Civil seized a yacht, five cars (including three high-end Porsches), 34 luxury watches and 333,085 euros in cash. More than 700,000 euros were frozen in bank accounts and a seizure order was issued for 21 properties.

The crime was the result of an intra-EU sales tax fraud - a complex criminal scheme that takes advantage of EU rules on cross-border transactions between EU states, as these are exempt from tax. There are also suspicions of money-laundering.

The fraud involves import of large quantities of alcohol from tax warehouses in several EU countries to a Spanish tax warehouse - a facility where certain excise goods can be stored without immediate payment of tax, as IVA is only due when the products leave the warehouse for commercial distribution or consumption.

Once there, fraudulent intermediaries - so-called "missing traders" - based in Spain purchase the alcohol and become liable for IVA, but they disappear before fulfilling their tax obligations. Subsequently, the alcohol is sold to a chain of fraudulent companies, using false invoices. Finally, the alcohol undergoes controlled distribution in Spain. The IVA derived from these fictitious operations is never paid.

It has been estimated that the scheme made an illicit profit of approximately 68 million euros between 2018 and 2024, causing equivalent damage to the Spanish state and the EU budget.
PM Pedro Sanchez talks with Yolanda Diaz of coalition partner Sumar in the Congreso chamber on Wednesday.

SUR Madrid. Friday, 11 July 2025, 09:57 Compartir

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez addressed parliament on Wednesday this week in a tense session triggered by the alleged corruption of senior figures in his PSOE party. The government was seeking to rebuild trust among coalition partners Sumar and allies from other parties and present a reform agenda.

Opening the day, Sanchez admitted he had considered resigning but chose to stay. He apologised for trusting Jose Luis Abalos and Santos Cerdan, both implicated in the scandal, and announced a 15-point anti-corruption plan. This included faster legal processes, a new integrity agency, whistleblower protection and more sanctions on corrupt firms.

Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo of the PP party dismissed the plan as superficial, demanded elections and accused Sanchez of enabling corruption. Vox's Santiago Abascal was harsher.

Sanchez's parliamentary allies in regional nationalist parties offered cautious support. Sumar's Yolanda Diaz was also supportive of the PM personally but demanded change. However, there was no appetite from any of the key supporters of Sanchez to torpedo the government and force elections.

In closing, Sanchez defended his leadership, blamed the PP for decades of institutional corruption and ruled out early elections.
Onondaga Community College commencement in the SRC Arena on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Courtesy Onondaga Community College

Syracuse, N.Y - About 500 potential students have reached out to Onondaga Community College about its new free-tuition program, and the school is beefing up its faculty to meet the uptick in demand.

That tuition program, called SUNY Reconnect, is intended to build interest in high-demand job fields like cybersecurity, nursing, AI, engineering and advanced manufacturing. Gov. Kathy Hochul included $47 million for it in her budget earlier this year.

Reconnect offers New York residents between age 25 and 55 free tuition at community colleges in specific programs. Its available to people who dont already have a degree.

To prepare for rising enrollment from the free program, OCC is now trying to fill dozens of adjunct faculty jobs.

The college will hold a job fair Saturday to hire more adjunct professors. Theyre looking to staff 26 courses, 15 of which are part of SUNY Reconnects programs.

Adjuncts are paid about $1,500 per credit hour.

Enrollment at OCC has been on the rise for the last two years. Officials there said they are excited to take on more growth thanks to the free tuition program.

It will be a healthy increase in enrollment, which was the intent of the program, Sarah Gaffney, vice president of enrollment, said.

Reconnect covers the cost of tuition, books and supplies. Any students in the program need to maintain good academic standing with the school. In other words, if youre flunking out, youre not eligible.

Reconnect covers the remainder of your tuition after youve exhausted FAFSA and any other financial aid.

The state allocated $160,000 for OCC to be used towards enrollment of new students, according to a school spokesman.

Enrollment at OCC is about 8,500 now. Though that number is up from recent years, its still thousands below the colleges peak enrollment 15 years ago.

The college is more than ready to handle an influx of new students, then, said Gaffney.

From an institutional perspective, we definitely have the bandwidth to handle additional students, she said.

While Gaffney is excited about the number of students growing, she said she doesnt want recent high school graduates to be discouraged from considering community college.

I dont want to lose sight of our traditional students. Theres a lot of students from high school graduating over the last few weeks, she said. And we are the most economical choice for them, too.

OCCs adjunct job fair is this Saturday, July 12, from 12-4 pm, at the Gordon Student Center on campus.

OCC said those interested in SUNY Reconnect to learn more can visit this link.
Bhagavan "Doc" Antle leaves the Charleston federal courthouse Tuesday, July 8, 2025 pleaded guilty to two conspiracy charges on Nov. 6, 2023, for illegally trafficking animals and trying to cover it up by laundering the money in Charleston, S.C. (Andrew Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP) AP

CHARLESTON, S.C.  Tiger King star Bhagavan Doc Antle is going to prison  but not for as long as prosecutors wanted  after admitting he broke federal law buying endangered animals to keep at his zoo in South Carolina.

Antle, 65, was sentenced to one year and one day behind bars and fined $55,000 on Tuesday, nearly two years after he pleaded guilty to trafficking in exotic animals and money laundering. He entered his plea in November 2023.

It was likely the end to the legal dramas that surrounded Tiger King, the Netflix true crime documentary that captivated a country shut down by COVID-19.

The star, Joe Exotic, is serving a 21-year federal prison sentence for trying to hire two different men to kill the other star, Carole Baskin. Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was a collector and private zookeeper from Oklahoma and Baskin, runs Big Cat Rescue in Florida.

Antle appeared in the first season with Exotic and Baskin and was the star of the shows third season.

Joe Exotic answers a question during an interview at the zoo he runs in Wynnewood, Okla., on Aug. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) AP

Prosecutors say Antle bought animals on the black market

Antles crimes were unrelated. He laundered money used in a human smuggling scheme because he needed large amounts of cash quickly to buy animals like chimpanzees, lions, tigers, cheetahs and other creatures, Prosecutor Patrick Duggan said. These animals are illegal to sell because they are endangered, and their high prices could encourage poachers to steal them from the wild, Duggan explained.

He was knowingly and illegally trading them as part of a black market that drives another black market of poaching and smuggling, Duggan said in court Tuesday.

Antles lawyers requested a sentence of just probation or home confinement, saying their client needed to care for the 150 exotic animals that consume 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) of meat a day at his Myrtle Beach Safari. They said many of the animals only respond to Antle.

This image provided by the Horry County Sheriff's Office in Conway, S.C., shows Bhagavan Doc Antle, who was arrested by the FBI, Friday, June 3, 2022, on federal money laundering charges. (Horry County Sheriff's Office via AP) AP

Friends and family ask for mercy for Antle

About 25 friends and family packed a federal courtroom in Charleston. Several told Judge Joseph Dawson III that Antle was generous and caring. They said he raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight poaching and preserve wild habitats for tigers, lions and chimpanzees.

The judge was swayed. Federal guidelines called for about two years in prison, to which prosecutors agreed. But Dawson said, although Antle broke federal law, all the evidence pointed to him caring for animals.

Antle apologized at the end of his sentencing hearing for causing problems for his lifes work.

I made a mistake, I did stupid things, Antle said, adding, I hope Ill be able to pull it back together for everybody.

Antle needed animals so Myrtle Beach Safari could offer experiences

Antles Myrtle Beach Safari was known for charging hundreds or thousands of dollars to let people pet and hold baby animals like lions, tigers and monkeys that were so young they were still being bottle-fed. Customers would pay $200 for five minutes and photos with a baby chimp or $7,000 for a sleepover. Antle would sometimes ride into tours on an elephant.

The zoo remains open by reservation only.

Prosecutors said Antle sold or bought cheetahs, lions, tigers and a chimpanzee without the proper paperwork for a decade. They said he also laundered more than $500,000 so he could quickly get cash to buy more animals.

Antle knows federal law well and was able to avoid prosecution for years, prosecutors said. He would accept a large donation for an animal to his conservation foundation. He would claim to keep the animal in the same state he bought it, but then move it to his Myrtle Beach zoo, prosecutors said.

FBI tapped phone calls led to several prosecutions

The FBI was listening to Antles phone calls with an informant as he explained a baby chimpanzee could easily cost $200,000. Private zookeepers can charge hundreds of dollars for photos with docile young primates or other animals, but the profit window is only open for a few years before the growing animals can no longer be safely handled.

I had to get a monkey, but the people wont take a check. They only take cash. So what do you do? Antle said according to a transcript of the phone call in court papers.

Antle will have to give up three chimpanzees he bought as part of his plea deal.

Two of Antles employees have already been sentenced for their roles in his schemes.

Meredith Bybee was given a year of probation for selling a chimpanzee while Andrew Omar Sawyer, who prosecutors said helped Antle launder money, was given two years of probation.

Jason Clay, a Texas private zoo owner, pleaded guilty to illegally selling a primate and was sentenced to four months in prison, while charges were dropped against California ranch owner Charles Sammut.
The Herbal Center, 612 Oswego St , Liverpool, has been shut by the state Office of Cannabis Management. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.

Liverpool, N.Y.  A business that bills itself as a private club for cannabis users has had one of its locations closed by the state cannabis regulation agency.

The Herbal Center at 612 Oswego St. in Liverpool was shut down Wednesday, according to a sign posted in its window. The closure came after the state cannabis agency assisted Liverpool village police in executing a search warrant.

During the search, investigators found illicit cannabis inside the store, according to a statement from Taylor Randi Lee, press secretary for the state Office of Cannabis Management. OCM issued an Order To Seal the location, which can be issued when a location is engaged in unlicensed activity, and when that activity poses an imminent threat to public health, safety and welfare. As a result, the business was closed.

The sign on the business window reads: Warning: This business is sealed by order of the Cannabis Control Board and in large red letters says Illicit Cannabis Seized.

The Cannabis Control Board is the regulatory division of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. Among other things, it enforces a state law that requires businesses to have a license to sell cannabis.

Its the second legal action taken against a location of The Herbal Center in the past few weeks.

In June, a State Supreme Court judge issued an injunction prohibiting cannabis sales and consumption at The Herbal Centers location at 916 N. Salina St.

In that case, the state cannabis agency was not involved and the business was not ordered closed. The injunction stemmed from action taken by the city of Syracuse to shut the business, and lawsuits that followed.

In his ruling, made after a bench trial, State Supreme Court Justice James Murphy concluded that The Herbal Center was knowingly and defiantly selling cannabis without obtaining a state license.

The Herbal Center did not respond to a message seeking comment on the Liverpool closure. Lawyer Brady OMalley, who represents The Herbal Center in the Syracuse cases, has also not yet responded to a message from syracuse.com.

A separate lawsuit against the city filed by the owner of the Syracuse property where the The Herbal Center is located has not been settled. It accuses the city of exceeding its authority in trying to regulate the business.

The Herbal Center has two other locations, at 110 W. Manlius St. in East Syracuse and the newest one at 3078 East Ave. in Central Square.

The Herbal Center calls itself a private cannabis club and notes free membership for those 21 and older. In some Facebook posts, it also says it can deliver products to your door.

In a Facebook message posted June 27 after the court injunction, The Herbal Center wrote, We are a professional organization that focuses on cannabis education culture and safety. We also carry all smoking accessories for our members and have our own lifestyle brands. THC will be here years from now as a cannabis brand that is supported by people even outside of the Central New York area and in fact across the country.

Our culture and roots are very deeply rooted in the culture and industry. People truly love us and we love them. Its more then a business to us. Its our passion. We are also bigger than just NY. We always have been and will be a private organization despite what some think. We have membership agreements for a reason... 

The message also addresses the ongoing lawsuit against the city of Syracuse. Our lawsuit ... against the city will clearly show and prove overreach, unprofessionalism, and furthermore harassment.
DEC forest rangers rescued a 13-year-old Bronx boy who became unconscious after going for an afternoon dip in Peekamoose Blue Hole on July 1.

A 13-year-old from the Bronx became unconscious on July 1 after going for an afternoon dip in Peekamoose Blue Hole, a popular Catskills swimming area.

The teen was neck-deep in the swimming hole for about 10 minutes, according to witnesses. When they got out, they said they werent feeling well and soon lost consciousness.

After regaining consciousness, the child was shivering uncontrollably and had a decreased pulse rate.

A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest ranger insulated the teen from the ground using a foam camp pad, wrapped them in two sleeping bags, and used a tarp for protection from a sudden thunderstorm.

Rangers then walked the patient to the roadway where a Grahamsville ambulance transported them and a parent to the hospital.

The following reports are excerpted from DEC:

Rangers carry an injured hiker in a litter down Mount Jo on July 1. NYS DEC

A 34-year-old from Rochester injured their leg on July 1 while hiking Mount Jo in the Central Adirondacks. A paramedic assisted with pain management while rangers packaged the injured hiker in a litter and used backpack carriers to carry them out to an ambulance.

A hiker had a seizure at the summit of Hunter Mountain on the afternoon of July 4. Rangers met the hiker at the mountains fire tower and walked them out to a waiting ambulance.

A six-year-old went missing after they wandered into a forest behind a playset at the Fredonia BOCES campus on the morning of July 10. A ranger helped coordinate a search that included Fredonia Police, Chautauqua County volunteer search team, fire department volunteers, state police, and Sheriffs deputies. The child was found in good health in the Canadaway creek bed.

On July 5, a 30-year-old from Quebec set off an SOS beacon near Mount Marshall in Cold Brook Pass. Rangers tried unsuccessfully to contact the hiker through an app, and later located them on the Indian Pass trail. The hiker said theyd lost the trail multiple times and began to panic before triggering the SOS beacon.

A 44-year-old from Elmhurst injured their leg while hiking up Whiteface Mountain on July 5. Four rangers stabilized the injury, packaged the hiker into a litter, and carried them a short way to an ATV, which they drove to the hikers vehicle.

Later on July 5, rangers received a second call from Whiteface Mountain, this time from a 17-year-old and 28-year-old from Buffalo who were lost and whose phones were about to die. Coordinates placed the pair just 300 feet off trail. Rangers from the earlier rescue joined other rangers in the search, along with a state police helicopter. But the two hikers soon made it out to Route 86 by themselves and no longer needed help.

Colden Caretaker Raudonis (right) rows an injured hiker across Lake Colden to a helicopter. The 63-year-old from Maryland dislocated their shoulder on the Mount Colden trail. NYS DEC

On July 2, a 63-year-old from Maryland dislocated their shoulder on the Mount Colden trail. Responding from the East River Trail campsite, the Colden caretaker massaged the hikers shoulder so a ranger could reduce it before wrapping the injured arm in a sling. The caretaker then rowed the patient across Lake Colden to the outpost, where a NY State Police helicopter was waiting to transport them to the hospital.

Rangers helped a distressed and unprepared hiker on the Hopkins trail on the night of July 5, escorting them back to the Adirondak Loj trailhead.

On July 6, a bicyclist injured their head in an accident in Great Camp Santanoni. Rangers assisted the person back to the trailhead where they were met by Newcomb EMS.

A campfire spread into the woods on Middle Saranac Islands campsite 77 on July 2. Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department personnel set up portable pumps to contain the fire to a tenth of an acre while rangers helped mop up.

A 36-year-old from Syracuse injured their leg and couldnt continue hiking the Cranberry Lake 50 on July 6. Rangers responded via boat, stabilized the hikers injury, and transported them across the lake to their vehicle

Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com
President Donald Trump had a memorable response when asked about a recent warning about a potential increase in toy prices. Trump answers questions from reporters, Friday, June 27, 2025, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. (Manuel Balce Ceneta | AP Photo) Manuel Balce Ceneta | AP Photo

President Donald Trump had a memorable response when asked about a recent warning from Hasbros CEO that toy prices could soon start to rise due to tariffs.

I dont know. I didnt hear anything about Hasbro. I dont care about their prices, Trump said, adding later, But if they make their toys here, if they made their toys here, they wouldnt have a price increase.

Trump made the comments in a new interview with NBC News.

Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks spoke about toy prices earlier in the week with CNNs Audie Cornish, host of The Assignment podcast.

Hasbro makes toys and games including Play-Doh, Transformers and Candy Land. The company hasnt yet raised prices because of tariffs, but Cocks said an increase could be coming, according to CNN.

I would expect if prices are going to be raised across the industry, the consumer will probably start to see them in the August through October timeframe, just based on the production timelines associated with toys, he said.

During the NBC interview, Trump also spoke about imposing blanket tariffs of 15% to 20% on most U.S. trading partners. Those broad tariffs are currently set at 10%, NBC said.

Were just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether its 20% or 15%. Well work that out now, Trump told NBC News Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker in a phone call.

I think the tariffs have been very well received. The stock market hit a new high today, Trump added, according to NBC.

The S&P 500 did close at a record high on Thursday, but stock markets have seen serious upheaval in recent months. When Trump announced his first wave of worldwide tariffs in April, the S&P saw one of its fastest 20% drops on record in the following days, according to NBC.

In the wake of the tariffs and market turmoil, voters gave Trump poor marks in polls for his handling of the economy.
- Mark and Sally Wilson were glad to replant "some roots" back in Upstate New York at 3 Elson Lane in Skaneateles. The living room has a dry bar, custom cabinets, and a wine fridge. Courtesy of Kyle Fedrizzi, owner of kfotography315, LLC Courtesy of Kyle Fedrizzi, owner of kfotography315, LLC

SKANEATELES, NY  Mark and Sally Wilson felt the pull to return to Upstate New York after the COVID pandemic.

The couple had met while studying at RIT. He was from the Syracuse area; Sally was from Saratoga Springs.
New York Mets' Juan Soto (22) celebrates with Luisangel Acuna (2) after scoring on an RBI hit by Brett Baty (7) during the fourth inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) AP

The New York Mets head to Missouri for a weekend series against the Kansas City Royals. First pitch for Fridays matchup is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.

Mets vs. Royals will air locally on SNY, and nationally on MLB.TV. It can be streamed live on DirecTV (free trial).

Heres what you need to know:

What: MLB Regular Season

Who: New York Mets @ Kansas City Royals

When: Friday, July 11, 2025

Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Time: 8:10 p.m. ET

TV: SNY (Mets in-market), MLB.TV (out-of-market)

Live stream: fuboTV (free trial), DirecTV (free trial)

Streaming service Free trial? Promo Price fuboTV Yes $20 off first month $84.99 DirecTV Yes $30 off first month $84.99

Read our full 2025 New York Mets guide for the complete schedule of games and information about how to watch and stream the entire Mets season. Get cheap Mets tickets from SeatGeek. Get the latest 2025 Mets gear on Fanatics.

Heres a recent MLB story via The Associated Press:

BALTIMORE (AP)  Jordan Westburg homered and drove in three runs as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the New York Mets 7-3 on Thursday to sweep a doubleheader.

Alex Jackson doubled twice and scored two runs in his Baltimore debut to help the Orioles win for the fifth time in six games. They took both ends of a twinbill for the first time since June 2016 against Tampa Bay at home.

In the opener, Gunnar Henderson hit a two-run drive in the eighth inning for his first career pinch-hit homer, sending Baltimore to a 3-1 victory.

The split-admission doubleheader was scheduled to make up Wednesday nights rainout.

In the nightcap, Colton Cowser put the Orioles ahead for good with an RBI single off reliever Justin Hagenman (0-1) during a two-run fifth.

Baltimore also scored on groundouts by Jackson Holliday and Ramon Laureano, and a fielding error by third baseman Brett Baty.

Tomoyuki Sugano (7-5) allowed three runs over six innings, yielding two of his four hits against the Mets first two batters, Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor. Juan Soto followed with an RBI groundout and Pete Alonso had a sacrifice fly.

Baty singled in the other Mets run in the third, New Yorks only hit in eight at-bats with runners in scoring position.

Key moment

After allowing 13 runs in his previous two starts, Sugano fell behind right away. But he limited the damage to two runs in the first inning and settled in from there.

Key stat

The Mets fell 1 1/2 games behind first-place Philadelphia in the NL East after sinking to 14-16 in interleague play, compared to their 39-25 record against NL opponents.

Up next

Mets: RHP Kodai Senga (7-3, 1.47 ERA) comes off the injured list Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Kansas City.

Orioles: Continue a six-game homestand Friday with the first of three against Miami. They had yet to announce any probable starters for the series, but right-hander Dean Kremer (7-7, 4.53 ERA) would be on turn.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic, left, embraces Italy's Jannik Sinner after winning their men's singles semifinal match on day twelve of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) AP

Both times Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner previously faced off at Wimbledon, the 38-year-old Serbian topped the 23-year-old Italian. Djokovic and Sinner will play a third Wimbledon match in the semifinals Friday, which is expected to start around 10:30 a.m. ET.

How to watch: Fans can watch the match live on ESPN or stream it free on DirecTV (free trial).

Heres what you need to know:

What: Wimbledon Mens Singles, Semifinals

Who: Jannik Sinner vs. Novak Djokovic

When: Friday, July 11, 2025

Where: Centre Court

Time: 10:30 a.m. ET (approximately)

TV channel: ESPN

Live stream: fuboTV (free trial), DirecTV (free trial), Sling, Hulu + Live TV

Streaming service Free trial? Promo Price fuboTV Yes $20 off first month $84.99 DirecTV Yes $30 off first month $84.99 Hulu + Live TV Yes No $82.99 Sling No No $45.99

Can I bet on the match?

Yes, you can bet on the match from your phone in New York State, and weve compiled some of the best introductory offers to help navigate your first bets from BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Bet365 and more.

Sinner is a -235 favorite to beat Djokovic on FanDuel.

Heres a recent Wimbledon story, via The Associated Press:

LONDON (AP)  Novak Djokovic canceled his afternoon practice session at Wimbledon on Thursday, a day after the seven-time champion had a nasty fall moments before clinching his quarterfinal victory.

The 38-year-old Djokovic, who faces No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals on Friday, slid and fell on his second match point against No. 22 seed Flavio Cobolli. He then won the next two points to advance.

The 24-time Grand Slam champions practice session at Wimbledons Aorangi Park had been scheduled for 1-3 p.m. The All England Club confirmed that the session was canceled.

Djokovic had the option to reschedule practice time later, but hadnt for indoor or outdoor courts as of early evening.

Sinner had similarly canceled his own practice session a day after hurting his right elbow during his fourth-round victory over Grigor Dimitrov, though he did hit some balls in a 20-minute session at an indoor court later. Then he went out and beat No. 10 Ben Shelton in straight sets on Wednesday.

Djokovic described his tumble as a nasty fall. It was very awkward.

Obviously, (my) body is not the same today like it was before, so I guess the real impact or effect of what happened I will feel tomorrow, he said at Wednesdays news conference. So lets see. Im hoping the next 24, 48 hours that the severity of what was happening on the court and what happened is not too bad, that Ill be able to play at my best and free of pain in two days.

Djokovic has dealt with other injuries in recent years. He withdrew before the quarterfinals of the 2024 French Open because of a knee injury that required surgery.

Djokovic also stopped during his semifinal match at the Australian Open this January because of a torn hamstring muscle.

The Serbian was runner-up the past two years at Wimbledon, losing both times to Carlos Alcaraz. Before that, he had won four consecutive titles at the All England Club. He won his first Wimbledon title in 2011.

Djokovic has stopped playing on two occasions at Wimbledon: in 2017 during a quarterfinal match against Tomas Berdych because of an elbow injury; and in 2007 during a semifinal match against Rafael Nadal because of a foot problem.
President Donald Trump answers questions during a press conference on recent Supreme Court rulings in the briefing room at the White House on June 27, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Getty Images

A Rhode Island man was arrested this week for threatening to kill President Donald Trump and two senior federal officials on Truth Social.

Carl D. Montague, 37, of Providence, was taken into custody Wednesday morning without incident, according to a news release from the office of U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

He was charged by way of a criminal complaint with threats against the president; interstate threats; threats to assault; and kidnap, or murder of a United States official, judge, or law enforcement officer.

On June 27, Montague had written a threatening post on Truth Social directed towards the president, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Per the affidavit, Truth Social notified the Secret Service about his post that same day.

Montagues post read:

His post read: Its a shame you wont get to see the end of your f----- term, because Im gonna make sure I put a bullet right between your f----- head, you piece of s---. You, Pam Bondi and Stephen f----- Miller, all you b------, are gonna get a f----- bullet to the head. Every single f----- one of you.

On June 30, authorities went to interview Montague, who they found hiding in an apartment bathtub. According to the affidavit, he began confessing to making threats before agents could introduce themselves or explain why they were there.

Montague claimed he had been smoking a lot of marijuana when he wrote the post and deleted his account shortly after. He stated that his frustration with current politics prompted him to write it.

Additionally, he admitted that he did not have a specific reason to name Miller and Bondi, as he wasnt familiar with them. He had only seen their names in other posts he had read. Montague expressed remorse for his post.

He also maintained that he had no intention of shooting or inflicting violence on any officials and doesnt have access to any weapons.

Montague was scheduled to make an appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
V.Narayan Distinguished - BHPian

Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Delhi-NCR Posts: 4,363 Thanked: 73,507 Times

Re: Air India Flight AI171 crashes near Ahmedabad airport Quote: maddy42 Originally Posted by Is there a influence from General Electric Jack Welsh style of management which forced the 80s and 90s era American Giants to focus more on share holder value, eliminate middle management and just go after number crunching? Am no expert on this but a question out to the gurus who understand these terms better.



In the 1980s it was Milton Friedman the economist who made popular the view that businesses exist only for shareholder return first, second and last. All else was secondary. It was embraced across parts of big corporate America reflected in part in the 1987 movie Wall Street and its main character Gordon Gecko. Jack Welch, Harry Stonecipher were leaders part of this wider culture. Jack Welch was also an outstanding leader and institution builder and managed to carry off this approach and build GE into the then most valued corporation - this was pre-internet and mobile phone days.



Stonecipher did not have Welch's smarts. He only knew how to milk what had been built but not how to build more and better. That had been the approach at McDonnell Douglas. The last 3 original airliners McDD designed were the DC-8, DC-9 family and DC-10. All these were designed in the late 1950s to late 1960s. The last mentioned, DC-10, was a moderate success with several design related mishaps. Their subsequent designs the DC-80 series and the MD-11 series were upgraded old designs extracting life out of an old product while they could. This was the mentality Stonecipher grew up in. This is what he knew. Focusing on growing your market cap is not necessarily a bad thing. It is needed in order to access large capital for growth. It becomes a unhealthy thing when it becomes the sole focus as happened under Jim McNerney.



We at times assume USA is the West. In this regard not so. European companies by and large stayed true to their calling and maintained a balance between returning value to all stakeholders and not exclusively to shareholders. The only exceptions being the financial heavyweights of City of London.



Hope this helps. I'm no guru but like all self respecting Indians I have a view on everything! Please indulge me.In the 1980s it was Milton Friedman the economist who made popular the view that businesses exist only for shareholder return first, second and last. All else was secondary. It was embraced across parts of big corporate America reflected in part in the 1987 movie Wall Street and its main character Gordon Gecko. Jack Welch, Harry Stonecipher were leaders part of this wider culture. Jack Welch was also an outstanding leader and institution builder and managed to carry off this approach and build GE into the then most valued corporation - this was pre-internet and mobile phone days.Stonecipher did not have Welch's smarts. He only knew how to milk what had been built but not how to build more and better. That had been the approach at McDonnell Douglas. The last 3 original airliners McDD designed were the DC-8, DC-9 family and DC-10. All these were designed in the late 1950s to late 1960s. The last mentioned, DC-10, was a moderate success with several design related mishaps. Their subsequent designs the DC-80 series and the MD-11 series were upgraded old designs extracting life out of an old product while they could. This was the mentality Stonecipher grew up in. This is what he knew. Focusing on growing your market cap is not necessarily a bad thing. It is needed in order to access large capital for growth. It becomes a unhealthy thing when it becomes the sole focus as happened under Jim McNerney.We at times assume USA is the West. In this regard not so. European companies by and large stayed true to their calling and maintained a balance between returning value to all stakeholders and not exclusively to shareholders. The only exceptions being the financial heavyweights of City of London.Hope this helps.
Mechomotive21 Newbie

Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: Chennai Posts: 2 Thanked: 34 Times

Kawasaki Z900 on Steroids | Ownership, Mods & Tuning



As many people could easily relate to, I'm just another guy who've always wanted the taste of an inline-4 superbike in life. I'm 31 now, between 19 to 25 I've owned a few exiting bikes at that time starting off from R15, KTM RC390 & Harley Davidson Street 750. I sold off my last bike by 2020, but the superbike dream was always there & I decided chasing it in 2024.



I was considering a few options that fit my budget was Triumph Street Triple 765 R, Kawasaki ZX6R & Kawasaki Z900. I went ahead with Z900 over the other two due to personal preferences (ZX6R too hardcore riding ergonomics for everyday use & 765 R though absolutely brilliant, felt a little too much underdog for a first superbike where I wanted some appeal). So yes, Z900 it was. I could book and get the bike delivered at Kawasaki Chennai in less than 30 days.



The pics below are from first cold start & first ride back to hometown (Chennai to Krishnagiri).











Z900 is such an approachable superbike with unintimidating character for someone getting exposed to 100 bhp + superbike for the first time. Sounds sweet, butter smooth engine & powerful enough when you want it to be. All I was waiting was to complete the run-in period to stretch its legs.



The pic below was taken during first service.







So now that Z900 is up and ready to unleash its full potential, I had great fun in spirited riding down from Chennai to Krishnagiri multiple times. I was in love with the tractability the engine, It was daily driven as I wanted it to be right from daily office rides, weekend highway rides, a few hill trips & it was quiet entertaining in every ride taken. Though the bike is on heavier side, Kawasaki has nailed the mass centralization & handling felt like dream for all sort of rides. Engine heat management deserves a special attention of course. Post 3000kms it was time I was getting used to the power & my love for mods kicked in. (I've been quiet notorious to have a few tuned cars viz., stage 2 Ameo TDI DSG, Stage 2 Vento TDI, Stage 2 Polo TDI & Stage 1 Tata Safari).



First thing first, I was not a fan of chrome heavy tail light, so I've covered it up with a sun film, a DIY to give it a smoked effect.











As anyone would love, next was a full system exhaust & a free flowing air filter. A month long research revealed that Z900 has a lot of exhaust replicas that was legit enough solving the purpose & not hurting the engine much. I throwed in SS headers & Akrapovic short end-can (I call it FAKErapovic) from a seller in Delhi. These were legit knock-offs made by a manufacturer in Indonesia. Performance Air filter was from BMC.



The full system exhaust was installed with help of a neighborhood mechanic.







The BMC air-filter installation was a DIY with help of my wife.











At last, a loud and fast bike.







I really enjoyed the aural experience & I could grin from ear-to-ear at every twist of throttle. I've never really felt uncomfortable to ride a superbike in city with a full system exhaust & managed 0 challan till date. Setting the idling to 1000 rpm helps to keep the idle buzzing sound low. Short-shifting helps to keep the exhaust scream on check, as it can manage lower speeds in higher gears. Beyond 6000 rpm is when the screaming drama starts & it can be kept under control at will & can unleash when necessary .



Here comes performance facts.



As stock, I could feel the low-end exceptionally good for city use (you could've head the stories of 30kmph in 6th gear), mid-range rush was good but top-end felt a little starved.



After full system & hi-flow air filter, the performance in top-end slightly elevated along with aural bliss. But the mid-range felt a tad flat & the short rev band was an irritant as limiters were hit way too early. Engine is free revving, so you blink once & you're hitting limiters, not a great thing.



This when I heard about MotoDen, Bangalore. They were playing with much more larger capacity super-sport bikes & dealt with Z900s often.



At around 10000 kms, the bike was remapped. The comprehensive list as follows,



1. Deceleration Fuel cut disabled - Reducing power loss whilst upshifting.

2. Fan temperature reduced by 8C - Cooler engine has better performance

3. Injectors balanced for Full system - Now runs optimal Stoichiometry.

4. Revv limiter Extended by 800RPM - Longer gears, higher top end.

5. Gear speed limiters Removed.

(108 in 1st, 135 in 2nd, 155 in 3rd, 208 in 4th, 235 in 5th, 257+ in 6th)

6. Aggressive throttle all the way from 2K RPM - Midrange is now sorted.

9. Exhaust restrictions removed and disabled - 02 sensors are dummy now.

10. Gains- 10-13.5WHP - Power increase is now felt at top-end substantially.



At MotoDen Bangalore







Hitting the highway, pushing limits.







Whilst I was quiet sorted with all the mods, a call came in with impeccable timing. MotoDen asked me to get rid of sub-throttle plates for much better performance at top-end. So I did it as a DIY.











OMG, this mod seemed like the one I've always wanted. Z900 now is really transformed. The performance mods backed with re-map is absolutely working in tandem. This now does feels like a superbike on steroids.



As a first thread, I kept the key points precise. In case of any brief explanation for any specific point, it shall be taken up further.



Thanks for your time ! Hi all,As many people could easily relate to, I'm just another guy who've always wanted the taste of an inline-4 superbike in life. I'm 31 now, between 19 to 25 I've owned a few exiting bikes at that time starting off from R15, KTM RC390 & Harley Davidson Street 750. I sold off my last bike by 2020, but the superbike dream was always there & I decided chasing it in 2024.I was considering a few options that fit my budget was Triumph Street Triple 765 R, Kawasaki ZX6R & Kawasaki Z900. I went ahead with Z900 over the other two due to personal preferences (ZX6R too hardcore riding ergonomics for everyday use & 765 R though absolutely brilliant, felt a little too much underdog for a first superbike where I wanted some appeal). So yes, Z900 it was. I could book and get the bike delivered at Kawasaki Chennai in less than 30 days.The pics below are from first cold start & first ride back to hometown (Chennai to Krishnagiri).Z900 is such an approachable superbike with unintimidating character for someone getting exposed to 100 bhp + superbike for the first time. Sounds sweet, butter smooth engine & powerful enough when you want it to be. All I was waiting was to complete the run-in period to stretch its legs.The pic below was taken during first service.So now that Z900 is up and ready to unleash its full potential, I had great fun in spirited riding down from Chennai to Krishnagiri multiple times. I was in love with the tractability the engine, It was daily driven as I wanted it to be right from daily office rides, weekend highway rides, a few hill trips & it was quiet entertaining in every ride taken. Though the bike is on heavier side, Kawasaki has nailed the mass centralization & handling felt like dream for all sort of rides. Engine heat management deserves a special attention of course. Post 3000kms it was time I was getting used to the power & my love for mods kicked in. (I've been quiet notorious to have a few tuned cars viz., stage 2 Ameo TDI DSG, Stage 2 Vento TDI, Stage 2 Polo TDI & Stage 1 Tata Safari).First thing first, I was not a fan of chrome heavy tail light, so I've covered it up with a sun film, a DIY to give it a smoked effect.As anyone would love, next was a full system exhaust & a free flowing air filter. A month long research revealed that Z900 has a lot of exhaust replicas that was legit enough solving the purpose & not hurting the engine much. I throwed in SS headers & Akrapovic short end-can (I call it FAKErapovic) from a seller in Delhi. These were legit knock-offs made by a manufacturer in Indonesia. Performance Air filter was from BMC.The full system exhaust was installed with help of a neighborhood mechanic.The BMC air-filter installation was a DIY with help of my wife.At last, a loud and fast bike.I really enjoyed the aural experience & I could grin from ear-to-ear at every twist of throttle. I've never really felt uncomfortable to ride a superbike in city with a full system exhaust & managed 0 challan till date. Setting the idling to 1000 rpm helps to keep the idle buzzing sound low. Short-shifting helps to keep the exhaust scream on check, as it can manage lower speeds in higher gears. Beyond 6000 rpm is when the screaming drama starts & it can be kept under control at will & can unleash when necessaryHere comes performance facts.As stock, I could feel the low-end exceptionally good for city use (you could've head the stories of 30kmph in 6th gear), mid-range rush was good but top-end felt a little starved.After full system & hi-flow air filter, the performance in top-end slightly elevated along with aural bliss. But the mid-range felt a tad flat & the short rev band was an irritant as limiters were hit way too early. Engine is free revving, so you blink once & you're hitting limiters, not a great thing.This when I heard about MotoDen, Bangalore. They were playing with much more larger capacity super-sport bikes & dealt with Z900s often.At around 10000 kms, the bike was remapped. The comprehensive list as follows,1. Deceleration Fuel cut disabled - Reducing power loss whilst upshifting.2. Fan temperature reduced by 8C - Cooler engine has better performance3. Injectors balanced for Full system - Now runs optimal Stoichiometry.4. Revv limiter Extended by 800RPM - Longer gears, higher top end.5. Gear speed limiters Removed.(108 in 1st, 135 in 2nd, 155 in 3rd, 208 in 4th, 235 in 5th, 257+ in 6th)6. Aggressive throttle all the way from 2K RPM - Midrange is now sorted.9. Exhaust restrictions removed and disabled - 02 sensors are dummy now.10. Gains- 10-13.5WHP - Power increase is now felt at top-end substantially.At MotoDen BangaloreHitting the highway, pushing limits.Whilst I was quiet sorted with all the mods, a call came in with impeccable timing. MotoDen asked me to get rid of sub-throttle plates for much better performance at top-end. So I did it as a DIY.OMG, this mod seemed like the one I've always wanted. Z900 now is really transformed. The performance mods backed with re-map is absolutely working in tandem. This now does feels like a superbike on steroids.As a first thread, I kept the key points precise. In case of any brief explanation for any specific point, it shall be taken up further.Thanks for your time !
Why it matters: In rural Georgia, the landscape is changing in ways few residents could have imagined. Where there were once only trees and quiet, massive, windowless buildings now dominate the horizon, humming with the activity of thousands of computer servers. These are data centers  the physical backbone of the digital world  and their rapid expansion is stirring debate and concern in communities across the US.

The rise of data centers is closely tied to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. But as the demand for digital services increases, so does the strain on local resources  particularly water.

Data centers require vast amounts of water to cool their servers. On hot days, a single facility can consume millions of gallons, rivaling the daily water usage of entire towns. In Georgia, where the climate is humid and water is relatively abundant, the state has become a magnet for data center development. Yet this abundance comes with consequences. The construction boom has sparked concerns about water availability, environmental impact, and residents' rights.

The tension is especially palpable in communities like Mansfield, where some homeowners say their wells have been disrupted by nearby data center projects. "I can't live in my home with half of my home functioning and no water," Beverly Morris told the BBC. "I can't drink the water." Morris lives about 400 yards from a Meta-owned data center.

While companies often commission independent studies to demonstrate compliance with environmental standards, many residents remain wary. The debate goes beyond individual grievances, raising broader questions about how much water should be allocated to tech giants versus households and agriculture.

The issue isn't unique to Georgia. Across the country, the proliferation of data centers is straining water supplies, especially in regions already grappling with drought and water scarcity. Some estimates suggest that large data centers can consume up to five million gallons of water per day. As AI applications become more widespread, the global water footprint of data centers is expected to double in the coming years.

Industry leaders acknowledge the challenge and say they're working toward more sustainable solutions. Some companies are investing in advanced cooling technologies such as liquid cooling and rainwater harvesting to reduce their reliance on potable water. Others are partnering with local organizations to restore watersheds and improve water quality.

Despite these efforts, critics argue that the current pace of growth is unsustainable and that stronger regulations may be necessary to safeguard local resources.

The debate over data centers and water use is likely to intensify as digital infrastructure continues to expand. For many residents, the arrival of these facilities represents a stark trade-off between economic development and quality of life, a trade-off they increasingly feel is not in their favor.

"I'm afraid to drink the water, but I still cook with it and brush my teeth with it," Morris says. "Am I worried about it? Yes."

Image credit: BBC
Why it matters: A judge has ruled that the lawsuit brought by Don Lemon against Elon Musk and X over the cancelation of the former CNN host's show can go to trial. Musk canceled The Don Lemon Show, which was to be hosted exclusively on X, a few hours after the pair had a tense interview that was supposed to be part of the debut episode.

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Harold E. Kahn said that Lemon's case can go ahead after Musk's team tried to have the case moved to a Texas court and attempted to have the judge strike the complaint.

Judge Kahn said in his order that Lemon's legal team plausibly alleged that X and Musk had committed "fraud by false promise" and that there was "an implied contract" between the parties.

"The ruling means Don can hold X and Musk accountable in open court. Musk is subject to the legal process, just like everyone else, and that's important," said Carney Shegerian, who is representing Lemon.

At the beginning of 2024, Lemon revealed that he had conducted a wide-ranging, 90-minute interview with Musk, during which he posed numerous questions covering a broad spectrum of topics. According to Lemon, one of the more contentious issues he raised involved the prevalence of hate speech on X.

Lemon explained that he deliberately challenged Musk on this topic, especially given the billionaire's reputation for being openly critical of journalists and the media. He specifically wanted to know whether Musk and his leadership team felt a moral or corporate obligation to actively moderate hateful and harmful content on X, given the platform's global influence and reach.

"I don't have to answer questions from reporters, Don," Musk replied. "The only reason I'm doing this interview is because you're on the X platform and you asked for it. Otherwise, I would not do this interview."

Lemon also questioned Musk about a recent meeting with Donald Trump  Musk emphasized that Trump never asked him for money. The billionaire was also asked about his use of ketamine and whether it would be an issue for his government security clearance. Musk said it wouldn't as he has a prescription for the drug.

Lemon says that a few hours after the interview concluded, Musk sent him a message that read "contract terminated."

Musk's own explanation for why the show was canceled came in the form of an X post. "His [Lemon's] approach was basically just 'CNN, but on social media', which doesn't work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying. And, instead of it being the real Don Lemon, it was really just Jeff Zucker talking through Don, so lacked authenticity," he wrote.

Musk had asked Lemon if he'd consider doing his show on X after the host announced that he'd been fired from CNN following reports that he mistreated coworkers and made sexist remarks on air. Musk said that the platform had a bigger audience than the TV network.

After Lemon filed his lawsuit in August 2024, Musk wrote on X that "He made a series of impressively insane demands. We declined. Therefore, there was no deal."

Lemon reportedly demanded $5 million upfront on top of an $8 million salary, as well as an equity stake in X. According to The New York Post, he also wanted a free Tesla Cybertruck and a private jet to Las Vegas complete with a suite for him and his fiance  and for the company to pay for their day drinking and massages.

According to court records, Lemon was to receive $1.5 million, as well as a 60% cut in ad revenue and performance-related bonuses based on the show's number of followers. Lemon claimed in the suit that he was "rushed" into agreeing to the partnership deal.

Lemon's claims against Musk and X include fraud, misappropriation of name and likeness and breach of implied contract. The judge dismissed allegations such as negligent misrepresentation, defamation, retaliation, negligence and harassment. A date has not been set for the trial.
What just happened? Not for the first time, Nokia phones are being killed off in the United States. HMD Global, the company that licenses the Nokia brand, says it is scaling back its US operations due to the "challenging" geopolitical and economic environment. Even its own HMD-branded devices are no longer being sold from its website in the United States.

HMD's statement, posted on Threads by Wired's Julian Chokkattu, does suggest that the tariffs are what prompted the company's decision. Given that it makes budget and feature phones, it's likely that the Finnish firm could not keep prices as low as it wanted in the US.

HMD has been removing its devices from sale in the US over the last few months, while also discontinuing older devices  many listings for Nokia phones were updated at the start of the year to show they have been discontinued.

While remaining HMD handset stock is still available to buy from Amazon.com and other retailers in the US, the "Where to buy" buttons on the firm's US website no longer work.

HMD did say in its statement that it will continue to honor warranty coverage and service for existing products in the US via the company's global support team. It also said it was committed to supporting its US staff during this transition.

It was back in 2016 when HMD Global signed a licensing deal with Microsoft that gave it exclusive use of the Nokia brand on mobile phones and tablets for the next decade.

In September 2023, HMD announced that it would be launching its own handset brand. The company's licensing agreement to use the Nokia name expires in March 2026.

Only four HMD-branded phones have launched in the US since they were announced, and there has only been one  the HMD Fusion  to arrive since September 2024, despite several international launches.

Nokia feature phones remain available elsewhere in the world, and rumors claim five more will be released before the licensing agreement ends next year. Once it runs out, Nokia is legally free to grant the name to other manufacturers. HMD could also remain a non-exclusive licensee, or Nokia could follow BlackBerry and decline to license phones at all.
In context: As tensions rise over semiconductor dominance, intellectual property tied to chip manufacturing has become a prime target for espionage. Companies like ASML and NXP sit at the center of this strategic tech battleground, making any breach not just a corporate concern but a geopolitical one. A recent case in the Netherlands highlights just how far some actors are willing to go to access this sensitive technology.

German Aksenov, a 43-year-old former employee of ASML and NXP, has been sentenced to three years in prison for sharing sensitive chip manufacturing documents with a contact in Russia. Aksenov, a process engineer who, according to his LinkedIn profile, was most recently employed at NXP, violated European Union sanctions imposed on Russia in 2014.

ASML, a Dutch company, is the world's sole supplier of extreme ultraviolet lithography machines used in advanced chip production. NXP, meanwhile, is a leading semiconductor firm known for co-inventing near field communication technology alongside Sony. Both companies are considered high-value targets for espionage by state-sponsored actors and cybercriminals worldwide.

However, Aksenov wasn't a hacker. Dutch authorities apprehended him in the act. He had allegedly stored a number of confidential files from his former employers on USB drives and hard disks. These storage devices were physically transported to Moscow, where they were handed over to agents from Russia's main counter-intelligence agency, the FSB.

Aksenov was also caught copying documents from ASML and NXP servers and taking them home. He attempted to justify his unusual behavior by claiming that he needed access to the confidential information to enhance his "professional" knowledge of the chip industry. He continues to deny being a spy or intentionally smuggling trade secrets to Russia.

"I had files from ASML for my own use. () Whether those files were allowed to go to Russia? I did not ask myself that," Akesenov dared to say.

Dutch authorities sentenced the engineer to three years in prison, though prosecutors had requested a four-year term. The court granted a lighter sentence due to a lack of evidence showing that Aksenov had received payment for his actions. Authorities were also unable to determine exactly when the sensitive documents were stolen from his former employers.

According to Reuters, NXP cooperated actively with law enforcement during the investigation. ASML has not confirmed its involvement, as litigation related to the case is still ongoing. Aksenov was arrested in 2023 and has been in custody since. As a Russian national, he has the right to appeal the Dutch court's ruling within 14 days.
Billionaire and tech CEO Elon Musk has apologized for a response from Grok, the chatbot developed by his artificial intelligence company xAI.

Musk took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday to apologize for an answer from Grok in which the chatbot claims that the spread of misinformation is the biggest threat to western civilization.

"What is currently the biggest threat to western civilisation and how would you mitigate it?" an X user asked the chatbot.

what is currently the biggest threat to western civilisation and how would you mitigate it?  rationale (@Al_Rationale1) July 10, 2025

"Based on an analysis of recent expert assessments, reports, and analyses (including the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2025, Ian Bremmer's Top Risks for 2025, and various governmental threat assessments from early to mid-2025), I conclude that the biggest current threat to Western civilization as of July 10, 2025, is societal polarization fueled by misinformation and disinformation," Grok responded.

"This is an internal threat that undermines the core pillars of Western societiesdemocracy, rule of law, social cohesion, and shared valuesfrom within," it continued.

Grok then stated that the threat of misinformation could be mitigated by enhancing media and digital literacy education, regulating social media and AI platforms, strengthening democratic institutions and dialogue, addressing the root causes of polarization and monitoring misinformation as it arises.

Musk then took to social media to apologize for the response.

"Sorry for this idiotic response. Will fix in the morning," he wrote.

Sorry for this idiotic response. Will fix in the morning.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 10, 2025

This comes just after xAI announced a new version of the chatbot which was released Wednesday night, after Grok went on an anti-semitic tirade, making multiple posts praising Adolf Hitler and accusing Jewish people of "anti-white hate".

xAI deleted Grok's anti-semitic posts, stating that they were "taking action to ban hate speech before Grok posts on X." They then released Grok 4.

Originally published on Latin Times
Trump to visit flood-ravaged Texas amid scrutiny



Houston, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



US President Donald Trump was set to visit Texas on Friday as questions mounted over the response to flash floods that have left at least 120 people dead, including dozens of children.

The Republican leader and First Lady Melania Trump will meet first responders and local officials in central Texas's Hill Country, a week after heavy rainfall and an overflowing river swept away houses, trees, cars and people.

They were due around midday in Kerrville, a city in the worst-affected Kerr County where at least 96 people died.

"I would have done it today, but we'd just be in their way," Trump told reporters when asked on Sunday about visiting the impacted communities.

The urgent search for more than 170 missing people, including five girls who were at summer camp, entered the eighth day as rescue teams combed through mounds of debris and mud.

But with no live rescues reported this week, worries have swelled that the death toll could still rise.

Trump has brushed off questions about the impact of his cuts to federal agencies on the response to the flood, which he described as a "100-year catastrophe" that "nobody expected."

On Thursday, Homeland Security Department head Kristi Noem defended the immediate response as "swift and efficient."

But she previously said Trump wanted to "upgrade the technologies" of the "ancient" weather warning system.

- FEMA questions -



The floods, among America's deadliest in recent years, have also reopened questions about Trump's plans to phase out disaster response agency FEMA in lieu of greater state-based responsibility.

FEMA began its response to the Texas flash floods over the weekend after Trump signed a major disaster declaration to release federal resources.

But the president has so far avoided addressing questions about its future. Noem insisted FEMA should be "eliminated" in its current form at a government review meeting on Wednesday.

Officials in Kerr County, which sits astride the Guadalupe River in an area nicknamed "Flash Flood Alley," said at least 36 children were killed in the flash floods that struck at the start of the Fourth of July weekend.

Details have surfaced about reported delays of early alerts at a local level that could have saved lives.

Experts say forecasters did their best and sent out timely and accurate warnings despite the sudden weather change.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended National Weather Service (NWS) alerts as "early and consistent."



- Special session -



Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said "it was between 4:00 or 5:00 (am) when I got notified" of incoming emergency calls.

ABC News reported Thursday that at 4:22 am on July 4, a firefighter in Ingram, upstream of Kerrville, had asked the Kerr County Sheriff's Office to alert residents of nearby Hunt to the coming flood.

The network said its affiliate KSAT obtained audio of the call, and that the first alert did not reach Kerr County's CodeRED system for a full 90 minutes.

In some cases, it said, the warning messages did not arrive until after 10:00 am, when hundreds of people had already been swept away by raging waters.

The flooding of the Guadalupe River was particularly devastating for summer camps on its banks, including Camp Mystic, where 27 girls and counselors died.

Five other Mystic campers and a counselor remain missing.

Governor Greg Abbott has scheduled a special session of the Texas Legislature to discuss the disaster, beginning July 21.

Kerrville Police Sergeant Jonathan Lamb said the session would be "a starting point" for reviewing ways to improve warning systems for weather events.
Wildfire forces evacuation of part of Grand Canyon



Los Angeles, United States, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



Spreading wildfires forced the evacuation on Friday of part of the famed Grand Canyon, with the US National Park Service appealing for visitors to stay calm.

The canyon's North Rim, which is less popular with tourists than the South Rim, was being cleared due to a blaze called the White Sage Fire.

"Evacuees should travel calmly at a normal rate of speed and stay on paved roads only. North Rim day use is closed until further notice," the Park Service said in an order.

It was not immediately known how many people were being forced to leave the area.

The fire is burning outside the Grand Canyon National Park but approaching Jacob Lake, Arizona, a town known as the gateway to the North Rim.

One of the greatest wonders of the natural world, the Grand Canyon is the result of the Colorado River eating away at layers of red sandstone and other rock for millions of years, leaving a gash up to 18 miles (30 km) wide and more than a mile (1.6 km) deep.

Last year just under five million people visited the site.

Another popular site, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, was also closed Friday because of a wildfire.
Trump in Texas to survey flood damage as scrutiny of response mounts



Kerrville, United States, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



US President Donald Trump arrived Friday in Texas as questions swirled over the authorities' response to devastating flash floods that have left at least 120 people dead, including dozens of children.

The Republican leader and First Lady Melania Trump flew by helicopter to the Hill Country of central Texas to meet with first responders, families and local officials, a week after a rain-swollen river swept away houses, camp cabins, recreational vehicles and people.

As they touched down in Kerrville, a city in the worst-affected Kerr County, where at least 96 people are confirmed dead from the historic flooding, they were greeted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

"We're going to be there with some of the great families" of flood victims, Trump told reporters before leaving the White House, calling the disaster a "terrible thing."

The search for more than 170 missing people, including five girls who were at summer camp, entered the eighth day as rescue teams combed through mounds of debris and mud.

But with no live rescues reported this week, worries have swelled that the death toll could still rise.

Trump has brushed off questions about the impact of his cuts to federal agencies on the response to the flood, which he described as a "100-year catastrophe" that "nobody expected."

On Thursday, Homeland Security Department head Kristi Noem defended the immediate response as "swift and efficient."

Later that day, with Texas officials facing questions about why emergency evacuation messages to residents and visitors along the flooding Guadalupe River reportedly were delayed, in some cases by several hours, Trump expressed support for a flood warning system.

"After having seen this horrible event, I would imagine you'd put alarms up in some form, where alarms would go up if they see any large amounts of water or whatever it is," Trump told NBC News in a telephone interview.

"But the local officials were hit by this just like everybody else," he said.



- FEMA questions -



The floods, among America's deadliest in recent years, have also reopened questions about Trump's plans to phase out federal disaster response agency FEMA in lieu of greater state-based responsibility.

FEMA began its response to the Texas flash floods over the weekend after Trump signed a major disaster declaration to release federal resources.

But the president has so far avoided addressing questions about its future. Noem insisted FEMA should be "eliminated" in its current form at a government review meeting Wednesday.

Officials in Kerr County, which sits astride the Guadalupe River in an area nicknamed "Flash Flood Alley," said at least 36 children were killed in the disaster at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Details have surfaced about reported delays of early alerts at a local level that could have saved lives.

Experts say forecasters did their best and sent out timely and accurate warnings despite the sudden weather change.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said "it was between 4:00 or 5:00 (am) when I got notified" of incoming emergency calls.

ABC News reported Thursday that at 4:22 am on July 4, a firefighter in Ingram, upstream of Kerrville, had asked the Kerr County Sheriff's Office to alert residents of nearby Hunt to the coming flood.

The network said its affiliate KSAT obtained audio of the call, and that the first alert did not reach Kerr County's CodeRED system for a full 90 minutes.

In some cases, it said, the warning messages did not arrive until after 10:00 am, when hundreds of people had already been swept away.

The flooding of the Guadalupe River was particularly devastating for summer camps on its banks, including Camp Mystic, where 27 girls and counselors died.
Mob lynches five alleged thieves in quake-hit Guatemalan town



Guatemala City, July 11 (AFP) Jul 11, 2025



An angry mob lynched five men accused of robbing homes in a Guatemalan town hit by a series of earthquakes that left seven people dead, police said Friday.

The incident occurred on Thursday night in Santa Maria de Jesus, the municipality worst affected by the tremors of up to 5.7 magnitude, which began on Tuesday.

"Residents detained five people who were beaten and lynched because they were accused of being thieves," police spokesman Cesar Mateo said.

The men were accused of using the cover of darkness to break into homes following the earthquakes, which led people to sleep in shelters or with relatives, he told AFP.

"While it's true that robbery is illegal, lynching is also a crime," Mateo said.

Vigilante violence is common in Guatemala in response to impunity exploited by criminals.

Videos circulating on social media showed a man being beaten on the ground by residents and then set on fire with gasoline.

Santa Maria de Jesus, home to an Indigenous Mayan community, had no power and access roads were cut off by landslides, prompting the government to fly in humanitarian aid.

Around half of all buildings in the municipality of 27,000 residents had some kind of damage, according to mayor Mario Perez.

Between 2008 and 2020, vigilante justice left 361 people dead and 1,396 injured in the Central American country, according to Mutual Support Group, a local civil society organization.
Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

The next book by Raynor Winn has been delayed after questions were raised about the legitimacy of her debut memoir, The Salt Path.

Winns fourth book, On Winter Hill, about a solo coast-to-coast walk that Winn completed by herself, was due for release in October.

However, both Winn and her publisher, Penguin Michael Joseph (PMJ), have decided to delay its publication until further notice.

Given recent events, in particular intrusive conjecture around Moths health condition, which has caused considerable distress to Raynor Winn and her family, it is our priority to support the author at this time, said a statement by PMJ.

With this in mind, Penguin Michael Joseph, together with the author, have made the decision to delay the publication of On Winter Hill from this October. We will announce a new publication date in due course.

The publisher previously said that it "undertook all the necessary due diligence before publishing Winns book in 2018.

open image in gallery The Salt Path author Raynor Winn ( Getty )

Earlier this week, Winn described the days since The Observer newspaper published their investigation as the hardest of her life, rejecting the accusations that her husband, Moth, made up his illness, calling them heartbreaking.

The authors much-loved memoir tells how she and her husband walked the South West Coast Path, a gruelling journey of 630 miles, after a string of private tragedies, including the loss of their home in Wales and Moth being diagnosed with a neurological condition.

The book became a bestseller and prompted two sequels  The Wild Silence (2020) and Landlines (2022)  as well as a film adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, released in May.

However, The Observers investigation raised serious doubts over the accuracy of her memoir, including the veracity of Moths corticobasal degeneration (CBD), a rare and incurable neurological condition said to be both degenerative and terminal.

The investigation also said that the couples legal names are Sally and Timothy Walker, claiming they had misrepresented how they lost their home, which, according to Winn, was due to a bad business investment.

The Observer, however, reported that the couple lost their home after Winn allegedly defrauded her employer of 64,000 in 2008, which she apparently attempted to repay after taking out a loan from a relative.

open image in gallery Raynor Winn, Moth Winn, Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs attend the London Special Screening of The Salt Path in May ( Getty Images )

They allegedly accrued over 100,000 in debt to a relative, which was secured against their home, a 17th century farmhouse in the Welsh countryside that was eventually repossessed. Contrary to being homeless, the report suggested the couple owned land in France at the time of their walk.

Writing on her website on Wednesday night (9 July), Winn said she was truly sorry for mistakes made while working with her former employer, Martin Hemmings, in the years before the economic crash of 2008.

For me, it was a pressured time. It was also a time when mistakes were being made in the business, she wrote. Any mistakes I made during the years in that office, I deeply regret and I am truly sorry. Winn gave no further details about the allegations of theft.

Winn said that the dispute involving Hemmings is not the court case referred to in The Salt Path and it was not the reason they lost their home.

As to the allegations over Moths CBS diagnosis, Winn called them the most heartbreaking of all.

She shared photographs of redacted clinic letters, addressed to Timothy Walker, that appear to show that he is treated for CBD/S and has been for many years.

In one letter, dated 2015, a consultant neurologist wrote that Moth could be very mildly affected by the condition, with a separate consultant neurologist in another letter describing his case as unusual.

The clinical course in this case has been so atypical that we shouldnt discount any possibility. His clinical story has been unique, the doctor wrote.

Alongside the photos, Winn added: As Ive explained many times in my books, we will always be grateful that Moths version of CBS is indolent, its slow progression has allowed us time to discover how walking helps him. Others arent so lucky.

The last few days have been some of the hardest of my life, Winn wrote. Heartbreaking accusations that Moth has made up his illness have been made, leaving us devastated.

She explained the differences in names by stating that she had long been known as Raynor because she disliked her name Sally Ann, and Moth was simply short for Timothy.

Winn called The Observer article grotesquely unfair and highly misleading, adding that it seeks to systematically pick apart my life.

open image in gallery Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs in The Salt Path ( Black Bear Pictures )

She added: The Salt Path is about what happened to Moth and me, after we lost our home and found ourselves homeless on the headlands of the south-west.

Its not about every event or moment in our lives, but rather about a capsule of time when our lives moved from a place of complete despair to a place of hope.

The journey held within those pages is one of salt and weather, of pain and possibility. And I cant allow any more doubt to be cast on the validity of those memories, or the joy they have given so many.
Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Monty Python icon Eric Idle has said that hed be proud to be thrown out of Donald Trumps United States as hed be in very select company.

The comedian and actor, 83, best known for his roles in the Monty Python films Holy Grail (1975) and Life of Brian (1979), has delivered a blistering takedown of the US presidents, whom he has branded a treasonous monster.

Idle made the remarks to The Guardian during a unique interview, which featured questions from Steve Coogan, David Mamet and Eddie Izzard. Responding to a question by comedian Tracey Ullman about Trump, Idle said that he didnt find anything funny about the president and that the POTUS has no end of capacity for stupidity.

He continued: Every summer I go to France because I cant stand the news. I cant stand hearing about that man every minute of every day. Theyre completely obsessed by him in the US. Its like theyre addicted to him.

open image in gallery Eric Idle formed Monty Python, along with Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, in 1969 ( Getty Images )

Later in the interview, Idle answered a question from Chicago actor Catherine Zeta-Jones about whether there is a subject he still dreams of turning into a joke. Its very scary now because theyre stopping comedians at the border and if they have pictures of Trump on their phone they dont like, they dont let them in, he replied.

Idle, who lives in Los Angeles, added: Ive had a green card for about 28 years. Id be proud to be thrown out because Id be in very select company. The last English comedian to be thrown out of America for political reasons was Charlie Chaplin.

Chaplin was exiled from the US in 1952 over allegations he was a communist sympathiser and scrutiny of his private life. The actor and director later settled in Switzerland, having lived in the US for 42 years.

It comes after Idles Monty Python colleague, Terry Gilliam, claimed that Trump had destroyed satire, and inadvertently derailed his new movie, a satire about the apocalypse called The Carnival at the End of Days.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gilliam argued that the return of Trump has significantly affected the state of humour by challenging woke ideals.

open image in gallery Both Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam have lambasted Trump in recent comments ( Getty Images )

I think Trump has changed things considerably, he said. Hes turned the world upside down. I dont know if people are going to be laughing more, but theyre probably less frightened to laugh.

[Trump has] f***ed up the latest film I was working on, the director added. Because it was a satire about the last several years when things were going as they were. Hes turned it upside down. So hes killed my movie.
Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Theres no such thing as an easy film production. Movies  especially blockbusters  are mammoth undertakings that involve many moving parts and contributing factors. And for a production to come together, these factors  including the creative vision of filmmakers, actors, and studios  must align. Its little wonder that so many of these projects languish in development hell for years on end.

That said, not every production is so tough that the director cuts their losses and walks away. But it does happen. And it seems to have happened more frequently in recent years, as studios prioritise franchise blockbusters built on moneymaking formulas that seem to curb originality and stifle creative freedom.

As youll read below, numerous directors have left major productions  some in the early stages, others at the last minute  over so-called creative differences. Here are 15 times when a director walked away from a blockbuster.

15. Edgar Wright  Ant-Man (2015)

open image in gallery Paul Rudd in Ant-Man ( Marvel Studios )

It is  to use a Marvel term  the greatest what if? in the MCU: Ant-Man as directed by British geekdoms favourite filmmaker, Edgar Wright, from a script by Wright and Joe Cornish. Wright and Cornish had been developing an Ant-Man project since before the MCU existed, with Wright showing test footage to fans at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2012. But Wright departed the film after Marvel pursued a script draft without him. I wanted to make a Marvel movie, but I dont think they really wanted to make an Edgar Wright movie, he later said, adding: Suddenly becoming a director-for-hire on it, youre sort of less emotionally invested and you start to wonder why youre there, really.

14. Justin Lin  Fast X (2023)

open image in gallery Vin Diesel and Daniela Melchior in Fast X ( Universal Studios )

With Lin at the wheel, the F&F series evolved from cash-in sequels to blockbuster success. Only a week into production on the 10th instalment, though, the director hit the brakes. There were reports of script problems, location changes, and a clash with longtime star Vin Diesel, who had allegedly turned up late and didnt know his lines. Lin was reported to have said, This movie is not worth my mental health. Lin was too diplomatic to openly slate anyone, but seemed to confirm the drama when he told the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Im just kind of bummed it had to get out in the public. Louis Leterrier replaced Lin in the drivers seat.

13. Tim Miller  Deadpool 2 (2018)

open image in gallery Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool 2 ( Disney )

Despite being the OG Deadpool director  integral to making the character a surprisingly successful, self-aware, potty-mouthed outlier in the world of superhero movies  Miller left the sequel during the development stage. He disagreed with star Ryan Reynolds over the films direction, with the studio-backed Reynolds having increased creative control the second time round. Millers departure was described as amicable, but there were reports of a rift with Reynolds. The biggest shame is that we never got to see Millers proposed cameo smackdown: a climactic fight between X-Men villain Juggernaut and TheFantastic Fours The Thing.

12. Danny Boyle  No Time to Die (2021)

open image in gallery Daniel Craig in No Time to Die ( Danjaq, LLC/MGM )

When Boyle signed on to direct Bond 25, with a script from Trainspotting writing partner Danny Hodge, it seemed as though hed been handed an unusual amount of creative freedom for 007  a franchise that tends to stick to a specific formula tightly guarded by its longtime (and now former) producers. It was to little surprise when Boyle left the film over creative differences, which delayed its release  though not as much as Covid did. I work in partnership with writers and I am not prepared to break it up, Boyle told Empire. We were working very, very well, but they didnt want to go down that route with us. So, we decided to part company. Cary Fukunaga took over from Boyle.

11. Cary Fukunaga  IT (2017)

open image in gallery Bill Skarsgard in IT ( Warner Bros )

Before No Time to Die, Fukunaga developed the two-part Stephen King adaptation with co-writer Chase Palmer for three years, casting Will Poulter as Pennywise the clown. Fukunaga dropped out weeks before production was set to begin amid rumours of a studio clash. He later said that he was trying to make an unconventional horror film as opposed to the formulaic vision the studio was after, the kind that is engineered to make a return on the budget. They didnt want any characters. They wanted archetypes and scares, he told Variety. Fukunaga was glad they rewrote the script for Andy Muschiettis finished version (starring Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise) because there had been so much of his and Palmers childhood in there.

10. Stephen Chow  The Green Hornet (2011)

open image in gallery Jay Chou and Seth Rogen in The Green Hornet ( Picselect )

This Seth Rogen masked hero adventure was an all-round disappointment, following almost two decades of development. As it was finally getting off the ground, Kung Fu Hustle director Chow was in line to both direct and co-star as sidekick Kato (a character previously played by Bruce Lee). Chow dropped out as director but planned to still play Kato, until a scheduling conflict forced him to walk away altogether. Jay Chou took on the role of Kato, with Michel Gondry stepping in as director. Co-writer Evan Goldberg later confirmed that their vision of the film differed drastically from what Chow had wanted to do with the movie  which probably would have been better than what we got.

9. David Fincher  Mission: Impossible III (2006)

open image in gallery David Fincher was one of two directors to step away from the making of Mission: Impossible III before JJ Abrams took the reins ( Getty )

Fincher might seem an unusual choice for an M:I adventure, but its worth remembering that the franchise wasnt always hooked on mega-stunts; the first film, directed by Brian De Palma, was more of a twisty thriller. Fincher commented that they had a really cool idea, really violent for M:I III  but also that he was prepared to make compromises. If [the studio bosses] let us do even half of what we want, it should make for a pretty interesting film, he said. Alas, it was mission: aborted during development. I think the problem with third movies is the people who are financing them are experts on how they should be made and what they should be, said Fincher.

8. Joe Carnahan  Mission: Impossible III (2006)

open image in gallery Tom Cruise and Michelle Monaghan in Mission: Impossible III ( Mark Fellman/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock )

David Fincher wasnt the only filmmaker who chose, ultimately, not to accept the mission to direct M:I III. In between Fincher and the movies eventual director JJ Abrams, Joe Carnahan stepped in momentarily. Carnahan wanted to make a more low-key film than the blockbuster the studio bosses had in mind. He hated the script they forced on him, calling it bad and uninspiring. The film kept stalling until Carnahan ultimately walked away. When I left that film, there was something like $38m against it and we had done two camera tests, he later said. I didnt want to spend another year making that film. Some of Carnahans elements survived in the finished movie, though.

7. Ben Affleck  The Batman (2022)

open image in gallery Zoe Kravitz and Robert Pattinson in The Batman ( Warner Bros )

Matt Reevess reboot began as a standalone film within Zack Snyders Justice League-verse, set to be directed by Bruce Wayne himself, Ben Affleck. The story was set in Arkham Asylum, with Batman having to face a slew of supervillains. But Affleck stepped down as director, driven partly by the awful experience of making Justice League: I looked at it and thought, Im not going to be happy doing this. The person who does this should love it. With Warner Bros rethinking the DCEU after several critical duds, Reeves came on as director, and the film was recalibrated with a new script and Robert Pattinson replacing Affleck beneath the cowl.

6. Rick Famuyiwa  The Flash (2023)

open image in gallery Ezra Miller in The Flash ( Warner Bros )

The Ezra Miller-starring superhero project was ironically slow to reach screens. At one stage it was set to be helmed by Dope writer-director Famuyiwa, who took over from Seth Grahame-Smith. After several months of pre-production, storyboarding and casting, however, Famuyiwa also passed in October 2016. In a diplomatic statement, he said it was disappointing that we couldnt come together creatively on the project. His departure delayed the movie, which also came at the same time as The Batman, when the DCEU was in flux and Warner Bros was trying to get a handle on its superhero output. It was another seven years before The Flash arrived in a shadow of controversy due to a string of incidents involving its lead star.

5. Jonathan Lawrence  Empires of the Deep (2011)

You probably havent heard of this film. Thats because the would-be blockbuster  about a war between mermaids and demons  remains unreleased. It was conceived and financed by Jon Jiang, a Chinese cinephile tycoon, to rival Hollywood productions, with a supposed budget of $100m. (According to Lawrence, that figure was pure hype.) The production was blighted by money issues, culture clashes, and difficulties between the director and Jiang, who wouldnt budge on creative decisions and withheld an actors passport, forcing Lawrence to help smuggle them out of the country. Lawrence left before the film was finished. Other directors joined, but the film itself never surfaced.

4. Patty Jenkins  Thor: The Dark World (2013)

open image in gallery Chris Hemsworth and Anthony Hopkins in Thor: The Dark World ( Marvel Studios )

Back when Marvel was still searching to find its first female director, Patty Jenkins (director of the acclaimed Monster) was hired to take the helm of the second Thor movie. But Jenkins  who went on to make Wonder Woman for a rival superhero universe  lasted just a few months into development, with Marvel claiming what else but creative differences. Jenkins later told BuzzFeed that shed wanted to make the film a Romeo and Juliet-type story that would have seen Chris Hemsworths Norse god forbidden from visiting Natalie Portmans Jane Foster, with the lovers separated by worlds. Jenkins later admitted: I dont think I was the right person to make a great Thor out of the story they wanted to do.

3. Guillermo del Toro  The Hobbit (2012-2014)

open image in gallery Martin Freeman in The Hobbit ( New Line Cinema )

After The Lord of the Rings trilogy, did the world  or Middle-earth  really need another three Tolkien epics milked from a single 300-page novel? Probably not. Though an alternative two-film version from the fantastical mind of Guillermo del Toro does sound more interesting. The Mexican filmmaker developed scripts and started pre-production (with Peter Jackson as producer), completing significant work designing the characters, creatures, and sets. The movie stalled because of financial problems within MGM, which forced Del Toro to bow out. Peter Jackson stepped in to direct his second Tolkien trilogy, with Martin Freeman starring as Bilbo Baggins.

2. Darren Aronofsky  The Wolverine (2013)

open image in gallery Hugh Jackman as Wolverine ( Fox )

Its one of the more interesting pairings on this list: Hugh Jackmans Wolverine, the adamantium-clawed X-Men hard-nut, and Aronofsky, the director of un-Hollywood-like films that range from psychological (Pi) to pretentious (The Fountain) and terrifying (Requiem for a Dream). Theres going to be some meat on the bones, said Jackman about Aronofskys version. Sadly, well never know. Aronofsky departed the production in March 2011 when he realised hed need to be out of the country for a year. I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time, he said. Its safe to assume his vision for Wolvie 2 would have been different from the bland spin-off that it ultimately became.

1. Chris Miller and Phil Lord  Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

open image in gallery Alden Ehrenreich and Chewbacca in Solo: A Star Wars Story ( Disney )

This was more of a firing than a walkout, though an official (and transparently diplomatic) statement suggested there was some mutual agreement involved when the directing duo exited the movie with just weeks left of filming. Unfortunately, our vision and process werent aligned with our partners on this project, said Lord and Miller. We normally arent fans of the phrase creative differences but for once this cliche is true. Reports said that Lucasfilm producers were unhappy with their improv-heavy comedy approach, and lack of experience when it came to camera set-ups. They were also rumoured to have butted heads with writer Lawrence Kasdan, who wanted his script shot word-for-word. Ron Howard stepped in to finish the film.
Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

It has been revealed that a film that featuring a Black version of Superman was reportedly dismissed by Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav.

Zaslav, 65, became the CEO of Warner Bros Discovery in April 2022 and started to look at how to course-correct their DC comics films following several flops.

One idea that was pitched was a high-profile script by author Ta-Nehisi Coates about a Black Superman in the civil rights era.

In a piece exploring Warner Bros attempts to reboot the DC output, the Wall Street Journal reports that Zaslav wasnt keen on the idea because it was too woke.

The report also hints that the DC Studios new co-CEOs, James Gunn and Peter Safran, could reboot the project at a later date.

AV Club reports that Coatess script dates back to 2021 and wouldve been for a movie that was set to be produced by Star Wars director JJ Abrams.

Ta-Nehisi Coates ( Invision/AP )

At the time, Coates said in a statement: To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honour. I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America's most iconic mythic hero.

Abrams added: There is a new, powerful and moving Superman story yet to be told. We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with the brilliant Mr. Coates to help bring that story to the big screen, and we're beyond thankful to the team at Warner Bros for the opportunity.

Coates, 49, won the 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction for his book Between the World and Me. In 2024, he published the book The Message, which documented his travels around the world.

He also wrote a 2016 Black Panther series for Marvel Comics, which became the best-selling comic of the year. Black Panthers first issue has sold 253,259 copies during its first month on sale. Trailing in the second spot was Star Wars: Poe Dameron with 175,000 copies sold.

The book re-imagines the story of TChalla, the prince and warrior hailing from the fictional African nation of Wakanda, as the character celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Meanwhile, Superman has been rebooted by Warner Bros and DC Studios with a new movie directed by James Gunn starring David Corenswet as the iconic hero, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Brad Pitt has filed a motion compelling ex-wife Angelina Jolie to turn over all private communications related to the sale of her stake in their French wine business.

The exes have been embroiled in a years-long legal battle since 2022 over Jolies alleged secret sale of her shares of their winery, Chateau Miraval, to alcohol company Stoli Group.

Pitt, 61, has accused Jolie, 50, of selling her shares in an effort to intentionally inflict harm on him.

In a surprising new development, the F1 star is seeking to depose Stoli Groups Alexey Oliynik, a Russian oligarch who Pitt claims had firsthand knowledge of the business deal, according to a June 30 filing obtained by People.

These requests go directly to key allegations about Pitts objections to the sale, the Bullet Train actors legal team stated in his filing, and easily meet the standard for discoverability given Pitts allegations that Jolie acted with malice in selling to Stoli, a counterparty she knew Pitt opposed.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have been in a years-long legal battle over their French winery ( Getty )

Oliynik has refused to hand over relevant documents or appear for a deposition, arguing that because hes a resident of Switzerland, he could not be forced to do so, per the filing.

The Independent has contacted Jolies representative for comment.

Pitts request comes a year after he asked for the judge to strike down the Maleficent actors motion asking him to release third-party communications about the pairs infamous 2016 plane incident.

The Fight Club actors legal team slammed Jolies request as an intrusive and sensationalist fishing expedition.

His lawyers claimed that Pitt had already voluntarily offered to produce documents sufficient to show everything that occurred on the flight that precipitated the ex-couples divorce  the event that Jolie alleges made Pitts NDA request so offensive here.

The Oscar-winning actor first sued Jolie  whom he separated from in 2016 after 12 years together  in 2022, following the 2021 sale of her share in their French winery estate.

Jolie pursued and then consummated the purported sale in secret, purposely keeping Pitt in the dark, and knowingly violating Pitts contractual rights, the suit claimed.

Jolie responded with a lawsuit of her own. In the countersuit, Jolie disclosed new details of alleged abusive behavior during a 2016 private jet ride that ultimately led to their divorce.

The Girl, Interrupted star has since pleaded with Pitt to withdraw his lawsuit in order to end the fighting and finally put their family on a clear path toward healing.

The former couple share six children: Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 16.

Unless Mr. Pitt withdraws his lawsuit, Angelina has no choice but to obtain the evidence necessary to prove his allegations wrong, Jolies attorney, Paul Murphy, said in a 2024 statement.
Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Stellan Skarsgard has claimed that the late director Ingmar Bergman was the only person I know who cried when Hitler died.

The Dune star, 74, worked with the groundbreaking director several times in Swedish theatre and television.

Bergman, who died in 2007 at the age of 89, is considered one of the most influential filmmakers of all time thanks to classics such as 1957s The Seventh Seal and 1966s Persona. His 1972 film Cries and Whispers was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Speaking at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic, Skarsgard argued that it is possible to separate the greatness of Bergmans work from his Nazi beliefs.

My complicated relationship with Bergman has to do with him not being a very nice guy, said Skarsgard, per Variety.

Stellan Skarsgard has claimed that director Ingmar Bergman was a Nazi who cried when Hitler died ( Getty )

He was a nice director, but you can still denounce a person as an asshole. Caravaggio was probably an asshole as well, but he did great paintings.

Skarsgard starred in Bergmans 1983 Swedish TV movie Hustruskolan (The School of Wives) and a 1986 stage production of August Strindbergs A Dream Play.

Bergman was manipulative, continued Skarsgard. He was a Nazi during the war and the only person I know who cried when Hitler died.

We kept excusing him, but I have a feeling he had a very weird outlook on other people. [He thought] some people were not worthy. You felt it, when he was manipulating others. He wasnt nice.

Bergman admitted his Nazi beliefs during his later life, but said he had disavowed them after learning of the realities of the Holocaust.

In 1936, he saw Hitler speak while on an exchange trip to Germany. Hitler was unbelievably charismatic. He electrified the crowd, Bergman later told the author Maria-Pia Boethius, who wrote a book assessing whether Sweden was as neutral as it claimed to be during World War II.

The Nazism I had seen seemed fun and youthful, added Bergman. The big threat were the Bolsheviks, who were hated.

The director said he only gave up his Nazi beliefs after seeing images of concentration camps. When the doors to the concentration camps were thrown open, at first I did not want to believe my eyes, he said. When the truth came out it was a hideous shock for me. In a brutal and violent way I was suddenly ripped of my innocence.
Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Jeff Lynnes Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) cancelled their concert in Manchester at the last minute on Thursday (10 July).

Fans were told that the gig, held at the Co Op Live arena, would not be going ahead due to illness moments before the support act were supposed to take to the stage.

The gig, part of the Over and Out tour, marked the bands second-to-last performance, and they are set to play their last show ever on Sunday at BST Hyde Park.

In a statement released on X, Jeff Lynne's ELO said: Unfortunately due to illness tonights schedule performance of Jeff Lynnes ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.

Jeff is devastated that he cannot perform this evening.

Fans who attended Lynnes ELOs first performance in Manchester on Wednesday, claimed that the star looked unwell.

While on stage, Lynne, 77, said that he had recently injured his hand in an incident involving a taxi, meaning he could not perform with a guitar.

One fan even claimed on Facebook that Lynne had to be helped onto the stage and was missing his cues.

Speaking ahead of the bands final gig, Lynne said in October 2024: My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014. It seems like the perfect place to do our final show.

Jeff Lynne performing with ELO ( Getty Images )

We couldnt be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans. As the song goes, were gonna do it One More Time!

Best known for Mr Blue Sky and Evil Woman, ELO was formed in 1970 by Lynne, Roy Wood and Bev Bevan.

Between 1970-1986, Lynne and Bevan, the bands drummer, were the only consistent members of the band.

In 1986, Lynne disbanded ELO, before re-establishing it with the late keyboardist Richard Tandy in 2014 as Jeff Lynnes ELO.

Following the bands breakup in 1986, Lynne went on to form the Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty.

While active, ELO sold over 50 million records and accumulated 27 Top 40 songs in the UK Single Chart.
Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Slovakian rap festival Rubicon has been cancelled due to external pressure and logistical challenges after protests calling for Kanye West to be dropped from the lineup.

The festival, scheduled for later this month in Bratislava, was billed as the only confirmed gig in Europe that the controversial American rapper would be performing at this year.

Its with regret that we announce Rubicon Festival will not take place this year. This was not an easy decision. Due to media pressure and the withdrawal of several artists and partners, we were unable to deliver the festival at the standard of quality you deserve, the festivals organisers said.

This is not the end of Rubicon. We are not giving up. Were already working to come back stronger.

People who had purchased tickets for the festival would be refunded in 14 days, the organisers said.

The American rapper also known as Ye, 47, has courted controversy over the past few years by sharing posts on his social media of Nazi imagery and symbolism as well as by making antisemitic remarks.

On 8 May, the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, he released a new track called Heil Hitler which was criticised for glorifying the Nazi leader.

The song was banned in Germany and removed from almost all streaming and social media platforms but spread through X, racking up millions of views.

In June, after Rubicon announced Wests appearance, protest groups like Peace for Ukraine Civic Association and Cities for Democracy organised a petition calling it unacceptable that Bratislava should be the only city in Europe to provide a venue for Wests performance, not because of his musical expression, but because of his dangerous public attitudes, which are in direct contradiction to European memory and historical responsibility.

More than 6,000 people signed the petition, which described the rappers forthcoming performance as an insult to historical memory, a glorification of war violence and a humiliation of all victims of the Nazi regime.

The festival was set to run from 18 to 20July and feature performances by American rappers Offset and Sheck Wes.

Earlier this month, the Australian government revoked Wests visa to enter the country. He's been coming to Australia for a long time. Hes got family here. And hes made a lot of offensive comments that my officials looked at again once he released the Heil Hitler song and he no longer has a valid visa in Australia, home minister Tony Burke told the ABC.

We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry.

Wests wife, Bianca Censori, is originally from Australia and has family living in Melbourne.

In May this year, a concert featuring West in South Korea was cancelled over what organisers described merely as recent controversies.

In April, West showed up to an interview released on Rumble by internet personality DJ Akademiks dressed in a black Ku Klux Klan outfit. The hour-long conversation saw him make several controversial comments about other individuals in the music industry.

Later the same month, West was banned from streaming platform Twitch merely seven minutes into his first stream as he began a speech that included several slurs about the Jewish and the LGBT+ communities.

His Yeezy website, which used the backend platform Shopify, was deactivated by the company after it was found to be selling T-shirts featuring Swastikas.
Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Writer and actress Lena Dunham has revealed that she received incredibly conservative backlash for her hit HBO series Girls.

Speaking on an episode of the Girls Rewatch podcast, the 39-year-old said: I knew enough to know kind of the direction it was going  it was impossible to ignore  and I knew that people would tell me what it meant to them, but I also knew that there were people that were angry.

Dunham, whose most recent work includes the Netflix series Too Much, added: There were so many people who, when the voices of  whatever we want to call it  really alt-right, or MAGA [Make America Great Again], or conservative voices, Proud Boys or whatever started to rise, and people were like, Im so shocked by the way people are talking. I was like, Im not.

The star revealed that she had seen angry comments about her work as early as 2012, when the HBO series first aired.

open image in gallery Lena Dunham ( AP )

There were so many angry, seemingly men and some women dissecting the show in these incredibly conservative terms, she said.

There were people in Brooklyn who found us irritating or liberal people who took issue with the access of the show, and I always had a lot more respect for that ... but there was also a big contingent of conservative people really looking at it as almost like evidence of a certain kind of moral decrepitude, and also making big judgments about our physical bodies, our sexualities.

Dunham said the series was released at time when there was a small window of opportunity to make controversial television, but this ended when Donald Trump started his first presidency.

Girls, which follows the lives of four girls living in New York City, ended in 2017, after it had won a Golden Globe for the Best Television Series and a BAFTA.

Her new show, Too Much, stars comedian Megan Stalter (Hacks) as newly single Jessica, a New York City workaholic, who decides to move to London to mend her broken heart. There, she meets Felix (Will Sharpe), a walking red flag, with whom she forms an unusual and undeniable connection.

The American writer co-created the project with her husband, British musician Luis Felber, and the series is loosely inspired by their relationship.

open image in gallery Lena Dunham and Megan Stalter attend the Too Much UK Special Screening at The Barbican on June 23, 2025 ( Getty )

I think obviously the seeds of it came from our life, and then once you begin writing, you find out who the characters are and you take a journey that moves away from it, said Dunham last month.

I always like to write from a place that begins with the personal, because I think personal stories are universal  and then see what it has in store for me.
Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

You can tell a lot about a chef from the way they talk about ingredients.

For George Colebrook and Neil Paterson  the duo behind private dining outfit Arete  its all about restraint, reverence and a quiet confidence in classical technique.

Having met at Restaurant Barra in Berlin, the pair now split their time between Edinburgh and London, curating tailor-made dining experiences across the UK that showcase the best of seasonal British produce, presented with precision and a sense of ease.

This summer, Colebrook (ex-Bright, Koya, Barra) and Paterson (Barra, The Boath House) are sharing a few dishes from their current repertoire  elegant plates designed for warm-weather eating that still have substance.

Think: hand-dived scallops dressed with housemade bergamot kosho and tempura purple sprouting broccoli with elderflower mayonnaise.

Like Aretes approach as a whole, the cooking is grounded in flavour, rooted in seasonality and always just a little bit celebratory.

Tempura purple sprouting broccoli and elderflower mayonnaise

open image in gallery This purple sprouting broccoli tempura makes the most of a fleeting British crop, paired with an elderflower mayonnaise that captures the scent of early summer ( Sam Harris )

A quintessential early summer snack, this tempura broccoli dish makes the most of the short but glorious purple sprouting season. Crisp, airy batter contrasts with the earthy sweetness of the broccoli, while a fragrant elderflower mayonnaise  made with homemade vinegar  adds brightness and a touch of nostalgia. Its simple, seasonal cooking elevated with a little care and precision.

Serves: 4 as a snack or starter

Prep time: 45 minutes (plus overnight for vinegar) | Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 bunch of purple sprouting broccoli

1L cold-pressed rapeseed oil for frying

For the elderflower vinegar:

500ml white wine vinegar

500ml apple cider vinegar

200g of freshly picked elderflowers

For the batter:

200g of rice flour (plus extra for coating the broccoli)

105g of self-raising flour

5g baking powder

170g of vodka

275g of cold sparkling water

10g salt

For the elderflower mayonnaise:

2 large free-range egg yolks

30g Dijon mustard

250ml cold-pressed rapeseed oil

30g elderflower vinegar

10g lemon juice

Salt to taste

Method:

To make the elderflower vinegar:

1. Start making the elderflower vinegar the day before serving.

2. To do this, take 500g of white wine vinegar and 500g of apple cider vinegar, heat to 80C (or thereabouts) and leave to steep with the flowers (stalks removed). Leave this in the fridge overnight and strain the following day.

To make the batter:

3. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, making sure to sift the flour so as to avoid any lumps.

4. Pour in the sparkling water and vodka and combine using a whisk. Place in the fridge for at least half an hour(you want the batter to be super cold when you fry it as this shocks the batter and helps to achieve maximum crisp).

To make the mayonnaise:

5. Meanwhile, make the mayonnaise. Using a blender or food processor, place the egg yolks, mustard and 20ml of the elderflower vinegar in the blender and start to blitz on a medium speed.

6. Slowly start to add the oil so that it is trickling in at a steady pace. You will start to notice the mayonnaise thicken. When you have added all of the rapeseed oil it should be quite thick. Taste it  does it need more elderflower? If so, add the remaining 10ml of vinegar with lemon juice and salt to taste in the same fashion you added the oil. If the mayonnaise is still a little too thick you can add a splash of cold water to let it down a bit.

To make the broccoli:

7. Now heat the fryer (or heavy-based pot half filled with oil) up to 180C.

8. In a container containing the extra rice flour, give each piece of broccoli a good dusting of flour and then completely submerge in the cold batter.

9. Making sure you have a good covering of batter, carefully place the broccoli in the fryer for around 2 minutes and then strain onto a tray with some kitchen paper and season with salt.

10. When it is cool enough to eat, place on a plate with a generous spoon of the elderflower mayonnaise and enjoy.

Scallop crudo with bergamot kosho

open image in gallery Bright, clean and deceptively simple, this scallop crudo is lifted by a kosho made from fragrant bergamot and jalapeno  a five-day labour of love ( Sam Harris )

It is important to buy hand-dived scallops as scallop trawling is one of the most detrimental forms of fishing going on in British waters. You will not require the scallop roe for this dish but please do not throw these away. They can be used to make a stock, or, if you have a dehydrator, place them in this overnight and then use the dehydrated roes to add an extra component to any fish dish as you would bottarga, just by finely grating it on a microplane.

Serves: 2 as a starter

Prep time: 25 minutes (plus 4-5 days to ferment the kosho) | Cook time: none!

Ingredients:

6 hand-dived scallops

10 bergamot

60g jalapenos deseeded

8g Maldon sea salt

Fine olive oil such as Capezzana

For the brine:

1L water

150g salt

Method:

To make the kosho:

1. You will need to make your kosho 5 days in advance of preparing and eating the scallops.

2. To do this, start by zesting all of your bergamot with a microplane, being careful not to take too much of the pith off with the zest. Weigh out 100g of the zest, add 60g of chopped jalapeno and grind together in a mortar and pestle, using just enough bergamot juice to bring it together.

3. Now add 8 grams of flaky Maldon sea salt, mix well and place in a sterile container or zip-lock bag and leave for 4-5 days in the fridge.

To make the scallops:

4. Once your kosho is ready, it is time to prepare the scallops. To make the brine, add 150g of fine salt to 1 litre of cold water and stir until combined.

5. Take the muscle (white meat) from the scallop and place in the brine inside the fridge for 20 minutes and then remove from the brine and pat dry with a paper towel. Thinly slice the scallop and place on the plate, using a teaspoon, add a little of the bergamot kosho to each slice of scallop, finish with a drizzle of fine olive oil and then enjoy.

Recipes by Neil Paterson and George Colebrook, co-founders of Arete
Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Miles Teller has shown his support for his wife, Keleigh Sperry, as they rebuild their home following the devastating effects of the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year.

The Whiplash actor, 38, recently spoke to ET about how he and his wife were handling the loss of their $7.5 million home in the Pacific Palisades.

In January, LA declared a state of emergency as the citys suburbs were engulfed in flames, causing many celebrities who lived in the neighborhoods of Altadena and Sylmar, as well as the exclusive Pacific Palisades, to lose their homes.

Yeah were figuring it out, Teller told ET regarding how he is handling the aftermath of the wildfires. I imagine with most people that lost their house, were trying to figure it out with insurance.

My wife and Ishes very strong, Teller added. Its brought us closer together.

Shes very strong, Teller (left) said about his wife ( Getty )

Teller and Sperry have been married since 2019. The couple first met in 2013 at a Grammys afterparty, where Sperry notably rejected him multiple times while the two were waiting in line for the valet. He proposed in 2017 while they were on an African safari. They then got married in a private ceremony in Maui, Hawaii, on September 1, 2019.

This is not the first time the Top Gun: Maverick actor has spoken out about the wildfires. In an interview with E! News back in February, Teller gushed over the support he received from his friends.

Many people have reached out, just either letting us know that they're there emotionally, or people are offering us their place, he told the publication at the time. I'm a Deadhead, and so Ive had a lot of people reach out to Keleigh like, I want to send Miles a Grateful Dead shirt.

Little stuff just means a lot, so it's been very heartwarming, he added.

Teller also discussed the grief he and Sperry were experiencing as he said, When everything goes and you have each other, it's very emotional. You lose your home, you're part of a club nobody wants to be a part of.

However, his wife revealed shortly after they evacuated their home that she regretted not trying to save her wedding dress. I wish I grabbed my wedding dress, she wrote in an Instagram post from January. Wish I did a lot different but it doesnt matter, stay safe, get out.

We will come back stronger than ever, Sperry added. There are no words.
Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Taco Bell has reminded fans eagerly anticipating the return of the Snack Wrap that McDonalds is not the only company with a piece of crispy chicken thrown into a tortilla.

The Mexican fast food restaurant first released its crispy chicken taco on June 17, and to celebrate the 24th day anniversary, Taco Bell will be offering rewards members one a la carte Crispy Chicken Taco or Burrito for $2.40 on Thursday, the very same day the Snack Wrap returns to McDonalds menus nationwide for $2.99.

Taco Bells crispy chicken taco and burrito feature the chains new crispy chicken strips, which are made from all-white meat chicken, marinated in fan-favorite, zesty jalapeno buttermilk flavor, and breaded with crispy tortilla chips and breadcrumbs, according to a press release.

The two menu items also include purple cabbage, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and shredded cheddar cheese with the choice of the Spicy Ranchero Sauce or Avocado Ranch Sauce.

The Snack Wrap, meanwhile, was first introduced to the McDonalds menu in 2006 and consists of either grilled or crispy chicken, lettuce, shredded cheese, and ranch or honey mustard inside a tortilla. The item was so popular when it launched that it was credited with boosting the chains sales.

Taco Bell has taken aim at McDonalds as its Snack Wrap returns Thursday ( Taco Bell/McDonalds )

In 2016, the company discontinued the wraps in restaurants in the United States, saying they were too complicated to make.

The chain first announced when the coveted menu item would be returning last month in a post on its X account.

Snack wrap 07.10.2025, the post read.

In a follow-up post, the account admin added: I know I posted 0x.14.2025 a few weeks ago but I wanted to see if they could come back even sooner. so I asked the boss and he said OKAY LETS DO IT?!?!!

On Wednesday the X account posted again to clarify that the Snack Wrap would not be available until 10:31 a.m. on Friday to signify that it is too late for breakfast, too early for lunch, just in time for Snack Wrap.

Taco Bell also isnt the only fast food chain to attempt to compete with McDonalds, as Sonic launched its own crispy chicken wraps on Tuesday. The two flavors available at Sonic are the Honey Chipotle Crispy Tender Wrap and the Cheesy Baja Crispy Tender Wrap, compared to the Snack Wrap, which will only be available in Ranch or Spicy flavors.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A Native Hawaiian man convicted of a hate crime against a white man must be re-sentenced, a U.S. appeals court has ruled.

The result could be several more years behind bars.

Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi was sentenced in 2023 by a judge in Honolulu to six-and-a-half years after a jury found both him and another Native Hawaiian man, Levi Aki Jr., guilty.

The jury found that Alo-Kaonohi and Aki Jr. were motivated by Christopher Kunzelmans race when they attacked him in 2014 to trying to move into their remote village on the island of Maui.

The pair punched and kicked Kunzelman and used a shovel to beat him.

Alo-Kaonohi appealed the conviction, but prosecutors cross-appealed, challenging the judge's conclusion that he could not apply the hate crime enhancement to the sentence.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel also ruled Thursday to affirm Alo-Kaonohi's conviction.

open image in gallery An undated mugshot of Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi ( Hawaii Department of Public Safety )

It was unclear exactly how much more time Alo-Kaonohi could get in prison.

However, based on sentencing guidelines and the judge's previous sentence, it could be up to three additional years, said Alexander Silvert, a retired federal defender in Honolulu who was not involved in the case.

Alo-Kaonohi's attorneys and prosecutors did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the ruling.

Aki's appeal, along with prosecutors' cross-appeal of Aki's sentence of about four years, were voluntarily dismissed, according to court records.

Kunzelman's wife, Lori Kunzelman, said hursday that she is glad prosecutors pushed for a lengthier sentence.

The Kunzelmans purchased a dilapidated, oceanfront house on Maui sight-unseen for $175,000 because they wanted to leave Arizona after her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

We had vacationed on Maui year after year  loved, loved, loved Maui, she said.

open image in gallery Levi Aki Jr. was convicted alongside Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi ( Hawaii Department of Public Safety )

She also added that they saw the home as an affordable opportunity that her husband could fix up.

Lori Kunzelman said the beating of her husband destroyed my marriage and his brain injuries led them to go through a divorce.

She said her husband was traveling in Europe and unavailable to comment on the ruling.

They still own the property, she said, and do not know what to do with it.

The families there won't allow anybody to step foot on that property, she said.

There's so much animosity.

The case highlighted struggles between Native Hawaiians who are adamant about not having their culture erased and people who move to the islands without knowing or considering the history and nuanced racial dynamics of the place.

Central to the case was the use of the word haole, a Hawaiian word with meanings that include foreigner and white person. Dennis Kunzelman testified that the men called him haole in a derogatory way.

Attorneys for Aki and Alo-Kaonohi said it was not Kunzelmans race that provoked them but his entitled and disrespectful attitude.

The Hawaii Innocence Project plans to take up the case, according to Kenneth Lawson, the organization's co-director. It intends to argue that an ineffective defense did not present for the jury the history of the word haole in Hawaii and show it is not a derogatory term.

I just dont believe that its a hate crime, Lawson said.

He also said the defense should have called as witnesses white, non-Hawaiian residents who would have testified that they lived in the village without any racial problems.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A federal appeals court tossed out a plea deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001, attacks, that would have prevented a lengthy death penalty trial.

In a 2-1 decision, judges for the D.C. Appeals Court said that the government indisputably had the authority to withdraw the plea deal  which a senior Pentagon official reached with Mohammed last year before former defense secretary Lloyd Austin intervened.

Under the plea deal, Mohammed and two co-defendants would have pleaded guilty to their roles in the terrorist plot in exchange for life in prison, avoiding the death penalty.

The agreement stirred controversy with 9/11 victims and the families of victims who wished to see Mohammed face the death penalty for helping orchestrate and carry out the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

Before the deal could be finalized, Austin stepped in, saying he should have the final say, and withdrew it.

open image in gallery A controversial plea deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the thought to be mastermind behind 9/11, was struck down on Friday ( AP )

Fridays ruling from the court means that the decades-long case against Mohammed, 61, will continue remaining in limbo.

Its unlikely the ruling will send the case straight to trial at Guantanamo Bay. Mohammed and his co-defendants, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al Hawsawi, can appeal the decision or ask the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene.

Additionally, the previous military judge who oversaw the case retired, the New York Times reported. This means a new judge will need to catch up on the substantial number of records in the case.

One of the reasons for the drawn-out pretrial proceedings is that defense attorneys argued the three co-defendants' 2007 and 2008 confessions were unlawfully obtained through the use of torture. Mohammed alone was waterboarded 183 times and subjected to physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and other enhanced interrogation techniques when he was captured in Pakistan in 2003.

For years, prosecutors and defense attorneys have been going back and forth about whether the use of evidence obtained through torture was admissible in court.

The delays have concerned some victims and victims families that the case will never go to trial and the men would die in prison without being convicted.

That may have been one of the motivating factors in the Pentagon official seeking a plea deal with the men.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking for a clergy member willing to relocate to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where they will spend at least a year ministering to detained migrants rounded up under the Trump administrations relentless deportation push.

A request for proposals issued Tuesday by ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations arm and reviewed by The Independent says the chaplain will start work at the facility in late August and minister to major Christian denominations, including Church of the East, Oriental Orthodoxy, Eastern orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Restorationism and etc, and other major religions including Islam, Hinduism, Rastafarian, Judaism, etc.

They are expected to facilitate counseling for detained aliens requesting spiritual, personal or bereavement needs, plan and organize weekly religious education classes and provide information and points of contact to detained aliens who seek conversion to a specific faith, according to the solicitation.

However, it warns, they shall not attempt to coerce a detainee to change religious preference.

The feds also want the chaplain, who will be classified as a U.S. government contractor, to furnish up to 200 religious items per month, in an unbiased and equitable way.

These include, among other materials, pocket Bibles or Qurans, primarily in French and Arabic, rosaries and prayer beads, seder plates, kufis, prayer rugs, and pictures of Santa Maria, the solicitation states.

open image in gallery ICE is looking to hire chaplains willing to work in Guantanamo Bay as the center houses migrants awaiting deportation. (AFP via Getty Images) ( AFP via Getty Images )

At the same time, ICE has a very limited budget to purchase physical religious literature, according to the solicitation. As such, clergy members are urged to request donations through religious organizations and NGOs, but ICE says it will retain final approval authority prior to the religious literature being made available to the detainee population.

Special meals may also be offered via the commissary, also at ICEs sole discretion, as long as access is equitable across religious faiths.

Further, if a detainee wants to get married, the chaplain shall follow the ICE PBNDS for marriage requests consistent with the security, order and management of the facility, according to the solicitation - referring to ICEs Performance-Based National Detention Standards handbook.

The ICE solicitation offers a small window into the agencys normally opaque operations, and a limited peek at life at the notorious facility located within Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. Originally meant to hold accused terrorists picked up after the attacks of September 11, 2001, Guantanamo, which is highly secure and heavily restricted, has developed a reputation as a black hole.

Numerous U.S. presidents have vowed to shut it down, but Donald Trump said in January that up to 30,000 migrants would be sent to Gitmo, as the base is known.

Right now, the U.S. is holding 72 immigration detainees on the base, from 26 nations and six continents: Brazil, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Peru, Romania, Russia, Somalia, St. Kitts-Nevis, the United Kingdom, Venezuela and Vietnam. Housing a person at Gitmo costs roughly $100,000 per day, according to Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI).

For its part, the military appears to acknowledge the myriad issues involved with a posting at Gitmo, describing its on-site chaplain as a lifeline for service members navigating the emotional and ethical complexities of Department of Homeland Security-led migrant operations.

One former immigration detainee who was held at Gitmo said he was kept in a dark, windowless cell and was forced to relieve himself in a bucket as he listened to screams from others, including threats to commit suicide.

open image in gallery ICE has been on the receiving end of countless protests for its ramped-up activities under Trump as citizens express outrage over the deportation plan. ( AFP/Getty )

In light of such reporting, the ICE solicitation says that the Gitmo chaplain must treat all detainees with care, dignity and respect. Attending religious services  or not  must be their choice, according to the solicitation.

In addition to the chaplain, ICE will need up to a half-dozen religious services program managers to assist at Gitmo, as well as a national program manager to keep tabs on the goings-on and serve as a liaison to agency officials.

All should have the ability to greet and deal tactfully with detainees, accurately articulate rules, orders, and instructions, and be able to communicate effectively in writing, the solicitation says, adding that the chaplains staff shall demonstrate sound judgment, even temperament and maintain self-control in situations that involve mental stress.

Requirements for the chaplain job include a bachelors degree in religion, religious studies, theology, or a related field, and a minimum of five years ministry experience. If an applicant does not have a college degree, they must have a minimum of 10 years ministry experience, according to the solicitation, which says all must be fluent in English and Spanish.

Although the solicitation does not specify a salary, a recruitment ad for the position says it pays between $28 and $32 an hour.

Aside from the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, ICE is also seeking chaplains for detention facilities in Batavia, New York; Miami, Florida; Los Fresnos, Texas; El Paso, Texas; and Florence, Arizona. The contract includes an option to extend it four more years, with a potential end date of August 25, 2030.

Proposals are due by the close of business on Thursday.

ICE did not respond to a request for comment.
Gov. Jeff Landry got most of what he wanted in Baton Rouge in 2024, his first year in office. He took advantage of the Republican super-majority in the Legislature to draw Louisianas congressional boundaries, lock up more criminals and revamp the state tax system in ways that he says will generate more investment.
It does not draw any conclusions as the investigation is continuing, but it is clear that attention is now being focused on the actions of the pilots. The findings could explain why the aircrafts emergency-power generator, known as a ram air turbine, appeared to have been activated moments before it plummeted to the ground. At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to Boeing 787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers, Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said. Air India released a statement on the report, saying on X it was cooperating with Indian authorities as the investigation continues.

The airline wrote on X that the airline stands in solidarity with the families and those affected. It did not address specific findings in the report. Boeing and GE Aerospace did not respond immediately to requests for comment. The agency, an office under Indias civil aviation ministry, is leading the probe into the worlds deadliest aviation accident in a decade. Air India flight 171 crashed on take-off from Ahmedabad, killing all but one of the 242 passengers and crew on June 12, along with 19 people on the ground. The cause has remained a mystery.

A retired captain with experience flying wide-body aircraft said an accidental shift in the fuel switches would be impossible. If you lift the fuel control switches, its a double action. So you have to lift them and pull them rearwards  that will cause the engine to shut down pretty well immediately, the former captain said. The tail of the Air India plane became wedged in the dining hall of a medical students hostel. Credit: Getty The switches have to be lifted up and then pulled over a detent, or a catch in the slot, which locks them into position, said the former captain, who noted that a plane cannot take off with switches in an off position. The only time you would use those switches as part of a shutdown on restart checklist, you would attempt to recycle to start switches on the engine to cause the engine to re-light (as we say in the business), the retired captain said.

I can assume, possibly, that one or other pilots turn both fuel control switches off just before the crash in order to minimise the fire risk, but thats only an assumption, and its an extreme assumption. Loading In the absence of a direct suicide attempt by one or the other of the pilots  and theres no indication of that  I cant see why the switches wouldve been turned off. They certainly wouldnt have been turned off inadvertently. You cannot bump those switches and inadvertently drag them aft. Nor can you do that to both. You have to individually grab the switch and rotate it to the after position to stop the engine.

There are only two reasons they would have turned off the engines, the retired captain said, one would be a frantic attempt to get the engines to restart. Loading But the engine would take 30 to 45 seconds to spool back up, the ex-captain said. The other possibility was that they knew they were going to crash, so they just shut the switches to minimise their total fire risk. If they did that, they were very brave and confident men and thinking about what they were doing right to the end.

Catastrophic crash The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for Gatwick in Britain, lost altitude almost immediately after take-off, sinking and hitting buildings on the ground. Family members and relatives of Akash Patni, a victim of the Air India plane crash, grieve during his funeral procession in Ahmedabad last month. Credit: AP The apparent dual failure of its engines has raised questions about the cause of the catastrophe. The Boeing Dreamliner has had a strong safety record, and the findings of the investigation are being closely watched for fallout for the Indian airline and the US aircraft manufacturer. Asked for a comment from Boeing, the company said: Consistent with US law and the UN International Civil Aviation Organisation protocol known as Annex 13, we will refer you to Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau for any information.

Indias aircraft accident bureau recently contradicted reports in Indian media by saying the flight black boxes had survived the crash and were expected to yield good data, Reuters reported. Loading Black boxes routinely record 300 parameters of information that can be parsed and compared with cockpit conversation and other sounds from the last minutes of the crash to understand what the cause was. Boeing has been beset by a number of troubles linked to previous crashes of its planes, which have raised questions about the future of the aircraft maker behemoth. An issue linked to a flawed flight control system was determined to be the cause of the Indonesian Lion Air Boeing 737 Max crash in 2018 and the Ethiopian Airlines crash of the same model in 2019. The global fleet of 737 Max aircraft was grounded. Regulators in the US have forced Boeing to slow down the production of planes while it examines its work and safety practices.
YANDAL RESOURCES LTD (ASX: YRL)

Up 147% (8.5c  21c)

This weeks Bulls N Bears runner of the week is Western Australian explorer Yandal Resources, which struck gold on Thursday with some scintillating early assay results from its Arrakis prospect within its Caladan project in the prolific Yandal greenstone belt.

The company unveiled assays from the first 16 air core (AC) holes of a 12,500-metre drilling blitz across a monstrous 6.4-kilometre Caladan target, revealing a cracking 800m-long mineralised structure at Arrakis. It looks to be just the tip of the iceberg.

The scale and grade of the hits are not earth-shattering, but implications of scale emerging at Arrakis suggest the initial 800m of results could extend for a potential 3km strike. That would be nearly as long as the Kalgoorlie Super Pit.

Standout hits include an 11m intercept at 2.1 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 90m and 12m at 1.1g/t from 45m.

Hosted in a northwest-striking shear zone, the mineralisation shows very consistent grade and geology across three 400m-spaced holes, pointing to a single, continuous system within the 3km-long regolith anomaly.

The juicy upside of Yandals discovery catapulted the companys share price into action on Thursday. When the market had digested what the discovery could mean, its shares really started flying off the shelves, with the price rising to a high of 21 cents on Friday. This was up a very handy 147 per cent on last Fridays price as punters scrambled to stake a claim in this gold-chasing dynamo.

The companys Caladan target area, including Arrakis, forms part of Yandals broader Ironstone Well-Barwidgee gold project, strategically nestled 60km south of Northern Stars former flagship Jundee mining complex.

Northern Star has dominated the northern Yandal greenstones for the past 10 years, along the way gobbling up every major deposit uncovered in the area.

In 2019, Northern Star acquired Echo Resources in an all-cash takeover valued at $242.6 million for its Julius and Orelia deposits. Australias biggest gold miner then scooped up the Milrose deposit to the north from Strickland Metals in 2023. Even if the gold at the historic plus 10-million-ounce Jundee mine is drying up, there is no shortage of neighbours in the region for Australias big goldie to gobble up.

With 10,200m of the 125-hole program already drilled and 84 more holes at the lab, Yandal is set to wrap up drilling in two weeks.

With a robust $7 million cash pile and 470,200 ounces of gold resources outside of Arrakis, Yandals potential to be the next belt-busting gold system in the region could see this junior become the next target in the crosshairs of Australias biggest goldie.



IMAGION BIOSYSTEMS LTD (ASX: IBX)

Up 118% (1.1c  2.4c)

Snagging second place this week is cancer imaging company Imagion Biosystems, which rallied on positive US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) feedback for its planned phase two breast cancer trial for its hyper-accurate imaging technology.

The technology can detect an often aggressive type of breast cancer, HER2-positive breast cancer, involving a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells.

The FDAs constructive input into the study plan, with an in-person meeting set for next week, and an investigational new drug submission slated for this quarter are serious advances for Imagions MagSense HER2 imaging agent.

Imagions non-invasive technology uses nanoparticles to detect and attach to cancerous lymph nodes in HER2-positive breast cancer tissue to deliver incredibly precise images.

The companys phase one trial was completed in December 2023 and confirmed its safety across 13 patients. The recent phase two study was designed to refine dosing and imaging protocols.

Imagion hasnt travelled a smooth road and while the latest news is positive, it might not have left historic holders jumping for joy. Imagions phase one trial, launched in December 2020, struggled to recruit patients and took a gruelling 2.5 years to enrol 13 participants by June 2023. The results were delivered five months later.

The companys share price fell from a high of about$7 per share at the start of phase one trial start to below 10c when the CEO resigned a month after the trial end. The companys share price is now labouring at 1.5c per share, a little over a year later. Thats a brutal 99.998 per cent barbecue or negative 450 bagger that might better be coined a shareholder bonfire.

But with signs of life on the horizon, punters piled in on Thursday. The companys share price shot to an intraday high of 2.4c per share, up 118 per cent on last weeks close of 1.1c per share. Notably, more than $6.2 million in stock was traded on the day, a monstrous 280 million shares exchanged - more than the companys entire 200 million shares on issue - reflecting some cautious optimism for this embattled biotech and potentially delivering an entirely new-look share register.

If Imagion navigates the regulatory gauntlet and delivers on its cancer-detection promise, this rally could mark a tentative step towards redemption. With a massive shareholder flush of 280 million shares traded on Thursday, the new-look registry will have a much more rose-tinted view on the perennial underperformers outlook.

FALCON METALS LTD (ASX: FAL)

Up 117% (18.5c  40.25c)

Victorian goldie Falcon Metals made a late Friday charge to take out the final spot on Bulls N Bears podium this week.

The companys share price shot more than 100 per cent higher on Friday after unveiling its highest-grade gold intercept to date at its Blue Moon prospect within the Pyramid Hill project in Victoria. The company revealed a spectacular 1.2m hit grading a whopping 543g/t gold from 294.1m downhole.

The standout result, which includes a 0.4m subinterval at a ridiculous 1562g/t gold  three pounds and seven ounces - was delivered by a newly drilled wedge hole collared off the companys original discovery hole that returned 12.2m at 8.4g/t from 293.8m.

Falcon says the bonanza-grade mineralisation sits within a quartz-sulphide vein and was targeted to confirm the geometry of a potential high-grade shoot. The results will be fed into future resource modelling and exploration planning.

Falcon managing director Tim Markwell described the intercept as outstanding and said the company is now planning further wedge holes to better define the shoot, which is interpreted to plunge steeply to the southeast.

That sounds like sounds like a decent plan.

Blue Moon sits in the northern section of Falcons Pyramid Hill tenure, squarely within the revered Bendigo Zone. The region is credited with historical gold production of more than 60 million ounces, yet is still considered largely underexplored at depth.

With its latest hit ranking among the highest-grade results seen in Australian gold exploration this year, Falcon is firmly back on the radar of market watchers hoping the Blue Moon could shine even brighter.

Now who sang that?

The world-class Mountain Pass rare earth mine sits just 4.5km from Bayan Mining and Minerals recently acquired project and has been the recipient of US$400 million in government funding this week.

BAYAN MINING AND MINERALS LTD (ASX: BMM)

Up 100% (3.5c  7c)

Bulls N Bears final bell this week was clinched by Bayan Mining and Minerals, which took off like a rocket on Monday after it scooped up the Desert Star rare earths project in Californias Mojave Desert.

The hotly contested jurisdiction has been the home of multiple Runners favourites this year, following Trumps executive orders to secure rare earths supply from the countrys only rare earths producing region.

Bayans project is 4.5km from the world-class Mountain Pass mine and 4.7km from Dateline Resources Colosseum project  Trumps favourite to become the countrys second rare earths mine, despite being a gold project.

The company says Desert Stars potassic alkaline intrusive echo Mountain Pass geology, with radiometric data flashing elevated pathfinder elements such as potassium, thorium and uranium signatures across its ground.

Bayan will now launch into desktop reviews and field reconnaissance with rock chip sampling within weeks to zero in on drill targets in this mineral-rich gold and rare earths corridor.

The company traded a whopping $2.9 million in paper on announcement, shooting up 100 per cent to a dazzling peak of 7c on Monday.

The excitement didnt fade, as shares took another run on Friday, fuelled by news from the US Defence Departments $400 million investment in Mountain Pass, including the $110/kg neodymium-praseodymium oxide price floor to bolster domestic supply chains.

This geopolitical tailwind, aimed at countering Chinas rare earth dominance, supercharged Desert Stars strategic value, placing Bayan at the heart of a critical minerals renaissance just as global demand surges.

Bayan also locked in a modest $250,000 placement at 4c per share to accompany the acquisition - a 14.3 per cent premium to its 3.5c close price last week.

With the US flexing its muscle in the rare earths race and Bayans claims primed for discovery, this 100 per cent surge could be the opening blast of a mineral motherlode for shareholders in a Tier-1 jurisdiction well and truly under the market microscope for US handouts and funding.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
Advertisement

Eating outDrink trends Cheese tea, bubble and more: Your guide to the new-wave tea shops worth queuing for Specialty tea shops, many originating in Taiwan and China, have exploded in Australia in the past five years. Whats behind their popularity in a coffee-loving country? Annie Hariharan July 12, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Australians in major cities will queue up to buy croissants, chicken wings and cinnamon scrolls. Now, theyre also lining up for tea. But these drinks are not your average cuppa. People are waiting in all weather for cheese, grape or mango tea from brands such as Hey Tea, Tea White and Molly Tea. Many of these franchises originated in China and Taiwan and now have a global following. In a nation of coffee drinkers who love their local cafes, how can the Australian explosion in specialty tea shops be explained? Customers waiting to order at Taning Lemontea in Box Hill. Arsineh Houspian Australias tea industry is estimated to be worth $118.5 million and is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 10.5 per cent over the next four years. Our coffee industry is significantly larger at $3.0 billion, but growth is slower  between 6 and 7 per cent. Robert Clifford, a hospitality consultant, believes teas popularity comes down to affordable luxury.

Advertisement

Years ago, luxury meant buying a Mercedes. Now it is food, he says. If you want good coffee, you might go to Higher Ground in Melbourne. Or buy biscuits and cakes packaged in a beautiful box. A carefully crafted tea drink from a glossy store with clout falls in the same category. We had to put up a poster to teach people how to drink it. Anthony Mu, Sharetea Australia Are these tea drinks just jazzed-up bubble tea? Yes and no. The new crop of tea franchises often sell bubble tea, but theyre better known for more innovative specialty drinks that cater to tea connoisseurs  people who know their hojicha from their genmaicha, and prefer single-origin tea leaves over blends. Photo: Matt Golding Cheese tea has become a fan favourite. HeyTea poured the first one in 2012 in Guangdong province. While the name gives the impression of a mug topped with a chunk of brie, the drink features a base of green, black or oolong tea, milk and a final layer of salted whipped cream or cream cheese. The result is an aromatic, sweetened, milky tea with a slight briny aftertaste.

Advertisement

Gotcha Tea staffer Nadia with a strawberry macchiato cheese tea at a Melbourne CBD location. Scott McNaughton. Anyone accustomee to steeping a tea bag in hot water or preparing loose-leaf chai may view these iced teas  with their fruity flavours, cream and chewy basil seeds  as more like dessert. Kaishan Mellis, a tea specialist and certified tea grader, has a better comparison: cocktails. Tea is any product that has camellia sinensis, so these infused tea drinks are tea plus flavours. [They are] the cocktails of the tea world. Just like gin where theres regular gin and flavoured gin, she says. A family visiting Taning Lemontea in Box Hill, Melbourne, in July. Arsineh Houspian

Advertisement

But theres some basis to thinking of these tea drinks as a dessert. Whats offered in Melbournes most popular tea shops today is similar to the soupy desserts (or tong sui) that are popular in South China. Anthony Mu is general manager and founder of Sharetea Australia, a local outfit with more than 140 franchised stores in the country. He spent six months designing the bespoke takeaway cup lid that seals cheese teas creamy top and provides the right-sized opening for a delicious mouthful of cheese, milk and tea. We had to put up a poster to teach people how to drink it, he says. Many tea brands suggest customers sip cheese tea at a 40 to 45 degree angle. Using a straw is not advised: you get all the milk and tea but not the cheese top, which defeats the purpose. Years ago, luxury meant buying a Mercedes. Now it is food. Hospitality consultant Robert Clifford

Advertisement

Lactose intolerant tea lovers dont miss out on the fun. At Taning Lemonteas three locations across Melbourne, staff pour oolong, jasmine and black tea, then add muddled lemons and ice to make a refreshing drink. Seasonal bitter melon and lemon tea caters to those who are familiar with the polarising vegetable or enjoy sour-herbal flavours. How are these tea franchises thriving in a country where Starbucks famously could not cut through and independent cafes are struggling to turn a profit? Clifford says that, as much as we romanticise our fiercely independent cafes, the franchise model works better for those who want a foot in the hospitality industry because the supply chain, procurement and marketing components are already set. Franchisees can also keep their operating expenses down in a way that cafes cannot. These quick-service restaurants usually dont have dine-in options, so the number of staff is minimal. It is also usually a kiosk so it has a low footprint, which means lower rent, Clifford says.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Five tea brands to try Gotcha Coconut milk teas are the crowd-pleaser. Stores have pastel peach splashes, light boxes and other futuristic touches. Multiple locations in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, SA and WA, gotchafreshtea.com.au HeyTea

Advertisement

Known for its cheese tea and kiosks evoking a sense of calm, expect whiffs of jasmine tea and warm wooden interiors. Multiple locations in Sydney and Melbourne, heytea.com Gotcha Fresh Tea has outlets across Australia, including in Sydney and Melbourne. Milk Flower Mango is the signature ingredient here. Try fruity and refreshing mango ice tea or tea-free mango drinks such as Mango Milk Flower, with sago and coconut jelly.

Advertisement

Multiple locations in Victoria, NSW, ACT, milkflowerdrinks.com.au Sharetea Australia Drinks range from the simple (iced oolong or lychee-infused tea) to the more elaborate such as tiger milk tea, which features stripes of brown sugar syrup through matcha, Oreo or mango-spiked tea. Multiple locations in Victoria, NSW, ACT and QLD, sharetea.com.au Taning Lemontea

Advertisement

These standing room-only kiosks are known for iced lemon teas, perfect for those avoiding dairy. Melbourne CBD; Doncaster East; Box Hill; Perth; taninglemontea.com.au

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
Upstairs, in Sydneys sparkling, new private members club The Pillars, a couple of tech bros joke indelicately about shrinkage after emerging from ice baths as club co-founder and digital-media entrepreneur Steve Grace shows me around the lavish, multimillion-dollar venue. No names are given. Taking photos is discouraged. Here, discretion is everything  for a price.

Inside the heart of The Pillars club is the plush Great Room bar. Credit:

Private members clubs are booming globally. MAGA devotees are paying $US1 million ($1.5 million) a year to join Donald Trumps gilded Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Market research company Mordor Intelligence estimates the global sector will be worth $US26 billion by 2027. Family pedigree and old school ties are out while elitism has become commoditised. The international Soho House chain, which originated in London, plans to open its first Australian club, a multi-level affair with rooftop bar in Sydneys Darlinghurst, in the coming years. 67 Pall Mall, also in London, will open a $35 million Melbourne outpost next year.

Loading

We have high-profile members who dont want to be seen, Grace tells me. Membership hinges on affinity. Nine weeks after opening, almost 300 members  40 per cent of them women  have each paid up to $25,000 to join. Membership will be capped at 500. Essentially, its a no-dickheads rule, says a joking Grace, who has revoked several memberships for unspecified protocol breaches. Inside the heart of the club  the plush Great Room bar  Airtasker millionaire Jonathan Lui is showing around a couple of potential members dressed in designer trainers and hoodies.
The events of the past two years are irrefutable evidence: from the synagogue attack of last Friday to the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue, the antisemitic graffiti, online comments against Jews, and the disruption in universities and to daily life.

Antisemitism in this country is a problem. This is beyond argument and it is deeply troubling.

The position of special envoy was created in July last year after attacks and harassment against Jewish students in universities, and against Jewish institutions. A special envoy to combat Islamophobia in Australia was announced two months later. That position is filled by Aftab Malik.

The role of special envoy is one that has been established in other countries. The US also uses the definition Segal has used of antisemitism, which is one developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance in 2016: Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.

Key recommendations from special envoys report Withhold financial support from universities, programs or people that facilitate, enable or fail to act against antisemitism.

Include terms in all public funding agreements with cultural institutions or festivals to combat the promotion of antisemitism, or lack of effectively dealing with incidents.

Screen visa applicants for antisemitic views and affiliations, and ensure visa refusals or cancellations for antisemitism.

Work with social media platforms to reduce the reach of people who peddle hate, including bot accounts.

Embed Holocaust and antisemitism education in school curriculum.

Work with governments to require the International Holocaust Remembrance Association definition of antisemitism to be used across all public institutions.

Monitor media organisations to ensure fair and accurate reporting about Jewish people.

Professor Ben Saul, of the University of Sydney, a UN special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, is a critic of the definition in its conflating of antisemitism and possible criticism of Israel. He warns it would have a chilling effect on people and their right to free speech. It is a view shared by Greg Barns, SC, spokesman for the Australian Lawyers Alliance, who said: The temptation will be for universities, cultural institutions and others, including NGOs, to suppress alternative views in relation to Israel.

Segals report says that from October 2023 (the time of the Hamas massacre in Israel) to September 2024, antisemitic incidents surged by 316 per cent  more than 2000 cases were reported of threats, assaults, vandalism and intimidation. So, clearly, action is needed.
Childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown was working in the kitchen at a Melbourne childcare centre days before he was charged with more than 70 offences including allegedly using bodily fluids to tamper with food.

In a statement to this masthead on Friday afternoon, a spokesman for childcare centre operator Affinity confirmed the alleged child sex offender had assisted in the kitchen at its Papilio Early Learning Centre in Essendon during a brief period earlier this year, supporting meal preparations while centre chefs were absent.

Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown.

Brown had led children in a food-based learning activity, which included guiding children in an educational activity where they had prepared rocky road, the statement said.

Brown, 26, is due to appear in court in September facing more than 70 charges, including sexually penetrating a child under 12, attempting to sexually penetrate a child under 12, sexually assaulting a child under 16, and producing child abuse material.
Sovereignty at risk

The US seems to be taking us for mugs over AUKUS, and perhaps we are. The arrangement made by the Morrison government with the Biden administration and the UK government under Rishi Sunak saw Australia commit to spending billions of dollars with no guarantee the US would ever supply us a nuclear submarine.

The current Australian defence minister recently gave the US several hundreds of millions of dollars to beef up its submarine manufacturing capacity, as per the agreement, but the US soon after began reviewing AUKUS. Powerful figures in Washington have said the US should never share its submarine technology.

Now, we read that some leaders in Washington argue Australia should subsidise the US submarine manufacturing industry even more than the agreed $4.7 billion and, even worse, that Australia should guarantee to use any submarine acquired from the US in a possible war with China (Fears US review will exact higher AUKUS price, 10/7).

Australia must stand up for its sovereignty and never concede its right to make its own foreign relations and military decisions.

Furthermore, there should be a thorough Australian review of AUKUS which takes submissions from experts and members of the public. The review should be in the context of revisiting what Australias defence priorities in a rapidly changing strategic environment where military equipment is evolving fast.

Andrew Trembath, Blackburn

I love being an Americans!

Did Sasha Baron Cohen, creator of I go to America, Borat and Ali G foresee the future when in in the 2012 film The Dictator as General Aladeen asks: Why are you guys so anti-dictators? Imagine if America was a dictatorship. You could let one per cent of the people have all the nations wealth. You could help your rich friends get richer by cutting their taxes and bailing them out when they gamble and lose.

You could ignore the needs of the poor for health care and education. Your media would appear free but would secretly be controlled by one person and his family. You could wiretap phones. You could torture foreign prisoners. You could have rigged elections. You could lie about why you go to war.

You could fill your prisons with one particular racial group, and no one would complain. You could use the media to scare the people into supporting policies that are against their interests.

Its uncanny how similar his spiel is to Trumps current America.

Russell Brims, Bentleigh East

Putins war

Re Trump blasts Putin, threatens new Russia sanctions (9/7). Not surprising. Russias war of aggression is escalating with unprecedented intensity. On March 11, 2025, Ukraine accepted a US proposed ceasefire without conditionssignalling its commitment to peace. Russia rejected the offer and responded with a brutal escalation.

In recent weeks, Russian forces have launched thousands of drones and missiles in July alone  targeting civilian infrastructure, energy sites, and humanitarian facilities such as schools and hospitals. Despite numerous rounds of sanctions, Russia continues to earn hundreds of millions daily from fossil fuel exportsabout 565 million a day as of May 2025  thanks to a shadow fleet of 1100-1400 tankers rerouting oil through the Caucasus and China.

Simultaneously, its defence industry is evading export controls by smuggling Western-made components across Central Asia and the Gulf.

George Jaworsky, Wollert

Misleading headline

The headline, The growing problem electric vehicles are fuelling (10/7) could have been written by the fossil fuel lobby in collaboration with fossil fuel car manufacturers. Of the more than 1.2 million new vehicles sold in Australia in 2024, only about 90,000 were electric cars  the remaining 1.1 million were powered by polluting petrol and diesel, including about 240,000 heavy utes.

Sure, tyre wear is a problem, as are microplastics, but am I cynical in asking why this hasnt been in the headlines before? After all, weve had tyres on our roads for 100-plus years, and all of a sudden its an issue because of EVs? Give me a break.

Guy Abrahams, Fairhaven

Brian Dixon, change agent

Brian Dixon, who died on July 9, was not only an outstanding footballer, as The Age has reported at length, but a courageous, dedicated and visionary member of the Victorian parliament, representing the now abolished St Kilda electorate from 1964-82.

We worked together closely on the abolition of capital punishment and his passionate opposition to then-premier Henry Boltes obsessive drive to ensure the hanging of Ronald Ryan in February 1967 cost him dearly. However, he was promoted to the ministry when Dick Hamer became premier in August 1972.

He became minister for youth, sport and recreation.

In the parliament I worked closely with Brian, Peter Block, Athol Guy, Vernon Christie, Bill Borthwick, Alan Hunt and Dick Hamer to ensure abolition of capital punishment in a free vote in April 1975.

In my profound ignorance about football, I shocked Brian by having assumed he played for St Kilda in the VFL. I never understood what had drawn him to the Liberal Party and his explanations were implausible.

He had many more important achievements. He was the driving force for the compulsory use of safety belts, following Ralph Naders research and where Victorias legislation led the world. He ran the Life. Be in it campaign, using Alec Stitts brilliant cartoons. He was active in sports administration and with the international Trim and Fitness Association.

He was a great contributor and change agent  far more important than media coverage suggests.

Barry Jones, Melbourne
Indeed, some are calling for a federal truth-telling commission while simultaneously lamenting the non-implementation of those royal commission recommendations. It speaks to the absurdity of the status quo and post-referendum fragmentation in Indigenous affairs to call for the same form of inquiry to achieve something we unequivocally know it cant. What can history tell us? While formal policies of compulsory racial segregation established by protection legislation ended in the latter part of the 20th century, there was little institutional reckoning with the role police had played in administering that regime. Police forces, which for over a century had played a key role in the enforcement of the system of Aboriginal reserves, missions and curfews, were reconstituted in the post-protection era as ostensibly neutral enforcers of the rule of law with no corresponding effort to reform the institutional culture or confront its origins in racial control. Loading The phenomenon of over-policing  where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly youth, are disproportionately surveilled, detained and prosecuted for conduct that may not attract the same police or judicial response when committed by non-Indigenous peers  is not speculative. It is extensively documented across decades of institutional review and legal analysis, including the 2017 Australian Law Reform Commissions Pathways to Justice report. These are not isolated or anecdotal claims. They form part of a consistent body of empirical and legal evidence that demonstrates a structural problem embedded within our institutions. But equally confronting, for those calling for more truth-telling to replace structural change, is that Australians say they know the truth but want to move on. Thats a truth that needs to be grappled with. This is possibly why the sky did not fall in with the Yoorrook findings of genocide in Victoria. They were, by and large, not controversial because this was already historically supported, perhaps demonstrating that societies do move on and the temporal, ideological motivations of the Aboriginal history culture wars have disintegrated with the passage of time.

It has been more than three decades since the release of the deaths-in-custody royal commission report, Australias first truth-telling commission. There is much sentimentalising of the report. The inquiry emerged in a markedly different Australia, an era in which Australians trusted public institutions and politicians. Its findings were released when Aboriginal political structures were more unified and institutional forms such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission provided a national platform for Indigenous voices. In the intervening years, the landscape has changed significantly. Aboriginal communities have experienced fragmentation, and the post-ATSIC policy environment has become saturated with a proliferation of individuals and organisations purporting to represent Aboriginal interests, often in unaccountable ways, and which commodify identity and political authority. Loading The royal commission was unequivocal in its central finding: that systemic change would be achieved only by reducing Aboriginal contact with the criminal justice system altogether. This imperative remains as urgent now as it was then. Yet, despite its clarity, much of the contemporary criminal justice response has been directed towards superficial modifications at the sentencing stage, design interventions and cultural overlays that attempt to Indigenise the system without altering its foundational logic. These are, to borrow a phrase, cosmetic adjustments, lipstick on a pig that leaves the structural drivers of over-incarceration intact. The royal commissions recommendations on non-criminal justice system solutions are a pathway forward. The pursuit of these should not form part of the closing-the-gap monolith that hoovers up all things Indigenous these days  the wicked problem theyve created to solve the wicked problem. A core insight of the royal commission, too often cited but insufficiently read, is that communities need autonomy and agency, and the safety of Aboriginal people depends on them avoiding the system altogether, not their adaptation within it. Weve done the reverse over 30 years and wonder why the gap in disadvantage grows wider.

The royal commission further called for a withdrawal of bureaucratic control and the reallocation of authority to Aboriginal communities. Ironically, the most recent national attempt to institutionalise this principle, the proposed Voice to parliament, was framed by its opponents as an exercise in bureaucratisation, despite its primary aim being to devolve authority to communities and reduce administrative gatekeeping. Loading In the aftermath of the failed referendum, bureaucratic entrenchment has, if anything, intensified. Critics of over-bureaucratisation have grown conspicuously silent, while initiatives such as justice reinvestment attract significant public expenditure without demonstrable systemic returns. The Justice Policy Partnership, established under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, is dominated by bureaucratic actors. Several Aboriginal members have made serious accusations about its ineffectiveness. Yet, as is often the case in Indigenous policy, their concerns about the bureaucrats are ignored by the bureaucrats, and the dysfunction continues with no course correction. Today, the right of self-determination, as articulated by the royal commission, is far from the concept defined then. It has been reduced to partnership with government, whatever that means, and in practice it means incorporation via corporations statutes. In this way, self-determination has become synonymous with corporate compliance. What relevance these observations to the NT Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest? The second version of the closing-the-gap framework adopted in 2020 pushed the Commonwealths constitutional obligations and leadership responsibilities from 1967 back to the states and territories, which were notoriously bad at Indigenous policy.
Australias political history is littered with the corpses  and near-death experiences  of political leaders who tried to tackle the countrys complex tax system.

Kevin Rudd was swept out of power, partly because of controversy over his mining tax and emissions trading scheme. Julia Gillard followed just three years later, facing fierce debate over her carbon tax. And Bill Shortens downfall in 2019 is often pinned to his proposed changes to negative gearing and franking credits.

Illustration by Simon Letch

But its not just Labor thats copped a few knockouts. John Howard escaped by the skin of his teeth in 1998, clinging onto government in an election fought over the goods and services tax. He famously declared the GST would never ever be on the Liberal policy agenda.

Thats perhaps why the game of ruling in and ruling out tax policy changes is one Treasurer Jim Chalmers is so reluctant to play. While he and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have been careful not to shut down suggestions after throwing open the doors to tax changes, there are some ideas that will struggle to fit through their policy door frame.
A Western Sydney man who allegedly made death threats against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on social media before the federal election has been charged with threatening a Commonwealth parliamentarian.

Alexander Phillip David Keating, from Kingswood, appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on Friday, before Albanese confirmed he was the politician allegedly targeted with death threats at a press conference in Sydney.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he had been the target of threats, and that a man had been charged. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

The person is myself, mentioned in todays newspapers, but I dont comment on national security issues  whether it involves someone else or whether it involves me directly, he said.

What I do is have confidence in our national security agencies to do their job, and they do it very well.
Gutnick reflected on miracles as he addressed the service, and how the flammable carpet and door were spared the worst damage even as accelerant leaked under the door. He wondered if it was just luck that when the attack happened the fire station was metres away, that the restaurant nearby used its ice buckets to help douse the flames and that a good Samaritan rushed to stamp out the fire with their feet. To his mind, the only way the flames could have been tamed so quickly was that the spirits from 150 years of congregations had all exhaled at once, blowing out the fire before it could harm those inside. How else can you explain it? he told the service.

Whatever happened, the rabbi said, the fact that they were all alive and together as a community would stay with him forever. Loading Gutnick also said hed never forget missing a call from the prime minister and received a voicemail detailing his shock over the attack. After a few in the crowd applauded, he clarified that hed immediately called Anthony Albanese back and was not making a political point. Extra security was provided at the venue, with guards stationed at the doors and two police cars within metres. But in acknowledgment of what has been a difficult week for the synagogue, Gutnick urged those in attendance not to linger out the front for their own safety.

Victoria Police confirmed counterterrorism command was leading the investigation into last Friday nights alleged arson attack, but it had not been declared an act of terrorism. A western Sydney man from the suburb of Toongabbie has been charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, criminal damage by fire, and possession of a controlled weapon. Rabbi Dovid Gutnick stands in front of the charred entrance to the East Melbourne Synagogue. Credit: Aaron Francis About 20 people, including children, were taking part in Shabbat inside the historic Albert Street synagogue when flammable liquid was allegedly poured on the front door of the building, and set alight. Chazan Brett Kaye led Friday nights congregation in prayer, through singing and chanting. By the end of the service, Gutnick joked that he might defect to the St Kilda shul, where Kaye is the cantor.

The rabbi sought to highlight the triumph of light over darkness as the theme of his service. True to his request, the service was upbeat as children ran up and down the aisle, the congregation joined loudly in prayer and song and old friends greeted each other. The rabbis wife, Rachel Gutnick, said the lighting of the candles marked the transition from the weekday to the sacred. The space, we believe, is transformed, she said. Now we can all exhale. She was among those who lit the candles at the East Melbourne Shul on Friday night. As she did so, she covered her eyes while they said a blessing to increase our focus. She said the lighting of the candles took on a special meaning after a difficult week. It is all about increasing light, doing things that bring light whether its spiritual or physical, she said.
Rents are steeply climbing in a mix of housing markets across Melbourne, prompting tenants to make difficult decisions about what they can afford and what trade-offs theyre willing to make.

Asking increased by as much as 20 per cent in some Melbourne suburbs over the past year, despite signs growth in the broader rental market was easing, the latest Domain Rent Report for the June quarter showed.

Across the city, rents for houses were steady at a record high median of $580 a week over the year to June, while units rose 4.5 per cent to a record $575 a week over the same period.

Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell said unaffordable rents had caused a reversal of pandemic-era trends of tenants preferring to live alone or with fewer people and in larger homes.
GM Dealers Can Maximize Impact with New Car Ads on CARFAX Vehicle History Reports, CARFAX Car Listings, and CARFAX Car Care

CENTREVILLE, Va., July 10, 2025 -- CARFAX has expanded its relationship with General Motors, announcing CARFAX Lifetime dealers now receive new car ad placements on CARFAX Reports, CARFAX Car Listings, and CARFAX Car Care to qualify for GM's In-Market Retail (iMR) Turnkey Program. This alignment opens the door for GM dealers with CARFAX Lifetime status to access new levels of advertising support, backed by iMR Turnkey Program funding.

"This is a big win for our business and our customers," said Andrew Diemer, Dealer Principal at Day's Chevrolet in Jasper, GA. "It'll help boost revenue and visibility while reinforcing the trust and loyalty we work hard to earn every day. As a CARFAX Lifetime dealer, we're committed to transparency with our customers from sales to service to trades. Now, with GM iMR Turnkey support, that impact goes even further."

Eligible GM dealers, including those selling Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac models, can enroll in the GM iMR Turnkey program, with their first reimbursements possible as early as this month in July. This GM iMR Turnkey program is only available to CARFAX Lifetime dealers who have new car advertising displayed with CARFAX Advantage, CARFAX Car Listings, and CARFAX for Life subscriptions.

"There's no additional paperwork or delay; CARFAX and GM are working to streamline the process for dealers," said Gregg Cleary, Chief Revenue Officer at CARFAX. "This synergy helps dealers get more value from their ad spend, freeing up both time and digital marketing dollars to focus on what really matters  helping others build the confidence they deserve as car shoppers, owners, and sellers."

As the No. 1 automotive website in traffic in the United States, according to SEMrush and SimilarWeb, CARFAX provides GM dealers with a competitive edge, helping them connect with millions of in-market shoppers every day. To learn more about how CARFAX Lifetime and GM's iMR Turnkey Program can benefit your dealership, visit carfaxfordealers.com.

About CARFAX

CARFAX, part of S&P Global Mobility, helps millions of people every day confidently shop, buy, service and sell used cars with innovative solutions powered by CARFAX vehicle history information. The expert in vehicle history since 1984, CARFAX provides CARFAX Car Listings, CARFAX Car Care, CARFAX History-Based Value and the flagship CARFAX Vehicle History Report to consumers and the automotive industry. CARFAX owns the world's largest vehicle history database and is nationally recognized as a top workplace by The Washington Post. Shop, Buy, Service, Sell  Show me the CARFAX.

S&P Global Mobility is a division of S&P Global . S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets.

SOURCE CARFAX
ULAN BATOR, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on Friday launched the opening of the traditional Naadam Festival, which also marks the country's National Day.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at a stadium in the capital Ulan Bator, Khurelsukh described Naadam as a treasured symbol of Mongolia's statehood, history, and culture. He called it a reflection of the nation's unity, independence, and prosperity, as well as a spiritual force and joyous celebration for the Mongolian people.

The Naadam Festival, which is listed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, is an official holiday celebrated every year from July 11 to 15 across the nomadic country.

The word "Naadam" means games, play, and fun in Mongolian. The festival centers on the nation's three traditional "masculine" sports: horse racing, archery, and wrestling. Victors in these competitions are held in high esteem across the country.

The year 2025 will also mark the 104th anniversary of the Mongolian people's revolution. 
Cracks in Govt classrooms reflect ruptured governance





Staff Reporter :

Congress leaders alleges neglect of Government schools, raise serious concerns

The State Congress has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of Government schools located just a short distance from the State capital, alleging gross negligence by the ruling Government towards the education sector. Sharing a ground report video on social media, Congress State spokesperson Awanish Singh exposed the alarming state of school infrastructure in villages merely 20 kilometers from Bhopal. The video documents broken walls, cracked ceilings, and an overall unsafe learning environment for students - conditions that the Congress claims are symbolic of Governments misplaced priorities.

The video features a Government primary school located in Chichli, where buildings look unhabitable. However, the same video shows a child and a female in one of the buildings showing that the school is still being run with the condition of the school being deplorable. The video does not just show the cracks in the school buildings, it reveals the cracks in the Governments intentions, said Mukesh Nayak, Senior Congress leader, while sharing the footage on social platform X (formerly Twitter). Nayak added, If this is the state of schools so close to the capital, one can only imagine the condition of schools in remote areas. Education clearly is not on this Governments priority list.

The Congress party has demanded immediate action to address the infrastructural decay, calling for a comprehensive audit of Government schools across the State and urgent allocation of funds for repair and rebuilding. They have also urged the Education Department to take cognizance of the situation before it endangers the lives of students and staff. As the State Government continues to promote educational schemes and distribute bicycles and laptops to students, the Congress has questioned whether these initiatives can truly succeed if the very buildings meant for learning are unsafe and neglected.
Operation Jal Rahat 2: Army brings hope for flood-hit N-E





NEW DELHI :

AS RELENTLESS rains lashed the North-East, swallowing homes and marooning thousands, the Indian Army has launched extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations under Operation Jal Rahat 2, with coordinated deployment across Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur. On 10 July, the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur formally requisitioned assistance from the Indian Army to provide immediate flood relief in Singrijan Colony, one of the worst-hit areas.

The Army swiftly responded with the deployment of an Engineer Task Force (ETF) team. While a verbal de-requisition was received later in the day, the Army remains on standby with resources mobilised through the Flood Relief Control Centre at HQ IGAR (N). In Upper Assam, the Dhansiri River in Golaghat district has breached danger levels. Although water levels are now receding, the Indian Army continues to monitor the situation closely and is ready to intervene, should the need arise. In Manipur, the Nambol River flowing through Imphal West and Bishnupur districts has also surpassed danger levels.

While floodwaters are beginning to recede, the Army remains actively engaged in relief operations in coordination with civil authorities. As of today, the Indian Army has deployed 40 Relief Columns (24 Main + 16 Reserve) across the region. Similarly, the Army has rescued 3,820 people, distributed over 1,300 food packets, supplied more than 15,000 water bottles and over 2,000 individuals have received medical aid.
ED books 29 celebrities in online betting, money laundering case





HYDERABAD :

THE Enforcement Directorate has filed a money laundering case to look into the role of more than two dozen celebrities, including actors like Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj, apart from some social media influencers and YouTubers in Telangana as part of a money laundering probe against certain online betting platforms, official sources said. These outlets are alleged to have generated illicit funds worth crores of rupees through illegal betting and gambling, the sources said.

The federal probe agency has taken cognisance of as many as five State police FIRs to book its case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. About 29 celebrities, including Deverakonda, Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Ananya Nagalla, TV host Srimukhi apart from local social media influencers and YouTubers have been booked in the ED case. These celebrities are suspected to have endorsed online betting apps like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, Lotus365 etc. In lieu of getting celebrity or endorsement fee, the sources said. Some of these well known persons have earlier stated that they did not know the exact functioning of the apps and products dished out by them and claimed they did not associate themselves with these platforms for any wrongdoing or illegal activity like betting.

The ED is expected to record their statements in the coming days even as it is collecting more FIRs and looking for more complainants. who were duped or cheated by these betting platforms. A comprehensive investigation is underway to find the estimated amount of the proceeds of crime generated by these apps and the exact role of the celebrities. Their guilt will be decided following recording of their statements and version, the sources said.
ESIC launches SPREE 2025 to expand social security coverage





Business Reporter :

The Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has approved SPREE 2025 (Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees) during its 196th ESI Corporation Meeting held recently in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports. The Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees (SPREE) 2025, approved by the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), is a special initiative aimed at expanding social security coverage under the ESI Act.

The scheme will be active from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 and provides a one-time opportunity for unregistered employers and employees-including contractual and temporary workers-to enroll without facing inspections or demands for past dues. Employers can register their units and employees digitally through the ESIC portal, Shram Suvidha and MCA portal. The registration will be considered valid from the date declared by the employer. No contribution or benefit will apply for periods prior to registration and there will be no inspection or demand for past records will be made for the pre-registration period.

The scheme encourages voluntary compliance by removing the fear of retrospective penalties and easing the registration process. Prior to SPREE, non-registration within specified timeframes could result in legal action and a demand for backdated dues. SPREE 2025 addresses these barriers, aiming to bring left-out establishments and workers into the ESI fold and ensure broader social protection. The launch of SPREE 2025 marks a progressive step by the Employees State Insurance Corporation towards inclusive and accessible social security. By simplifying the registration process and offering immunity from retrospective liabilities, the scheme not only encourages employers to regularize their workforce but also ensures that more workers, especially those in contractual sectors, gain access to essential health and social benefits under the ESI Act. ESIC remains committed to strengthening its outreach and fulfilling its mandate of universal social protection, aligning with the vision of a welfare-centric labour ecosystem in India.
Jabalpur gets perfect score in NCAP Survey 2024-25





Staff Reporter :

Jabalpur has once again secured a major national achievement by earning a perfect score in National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Survey 2024-25. Jabalpur Municipal Corporation (JMC) received 100 out of 100 marks, reflecting the citys substantial and sustained improvement in air quality. Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav informed that a series of comprehensive initiatives have been take out across the city to combat air pollution. These include the construction of well-paved roads, development of public parks, efficient solid waste management, extensive tree plantation drives, installation of paver blocks and regular street washing and watering. These measures have significantly contributed to cleaner air and improved public awareness.

She said Sanskardhani has emerged as a national leader in clean air management and this is a proud moment for every Jabalpurian. She added that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India has recognised the citys efforts and will be allocating special funds to Jabalpur for the year 2025-26 to continue these improvements. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has verified the data and confirmed a remarkable reduction in Particulate Matter (PM10) levels in 2024-25 compared to the previous year.

The number of days with good air quality has also increased significantly, which CPCB has termed as a very good improvement. When compared to the base year of 2019-20, Jabalpur has maintained a steady decline in pollutant levels and a marked increase in clean air days. The city scored 75 points in this long-term comparison, further demonstrating consistent progress.

This recognition is part of the National Clean Air Programme, which supports large cities with populations over 10 lakh that show measurable improvement in air quality. Jabalpurs success not only ensures healthier air for its citizens but also sets a benchmark for other urban centers, she added. Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh and Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav expressed gratitude to denizens for their positive participation and support. They also lauded the dedicated efforts of officers and employees whose contributions have made this milestone possible.
Law college gang rape: WB Govt submits progress report of probe to High Court





KOLKATA :

THE West Bengal Government on Thursday submitted a progress report before the Calcutta High Court on the investigation by the Kolkata Police into the alleged gang rape of a student in a law college here. The court also looked into the case diary of the police in the alleged gangrape of a student by an alumnus and two seniors on South Calcutta Law College campus. The progress report on the investigation was submitted in a sealed envelope. A division bench presided by Justice Soumen Sen directed the state government to submit a report on further progress in the investigation into the case after four weeks.

The matter will come up for hearing again on July 17, the court directed. The division bench, also comprising Justice Smita Das De, while directing that a copy of the report be given to the lawyer of the family of the student, instructed them not to divulge the content of the report to anyone. The bench had on July 3 directed the state government to file a report on the progress of the investigation into the South Calcutta Law College gang rape case in the form of an affidavit. It had also directed the state to produce the case diary of the investigation before it. Three PILs were filed in connection with the alleged gang rape of the student on the law college campus. The division bench had also asked the state to answer some questions raised by one of the petitioners in connection with the appalling incident involving the female law student.

The court had also directed the state to reply to these questions in the form of a report on the next date of hearing. The state was asked to answer how a former student was permitted entry into the college premises after official hours in violation of access control protocols and how staff members were present on campus long past college hours without any official purpose or administrative supervision. The government was also asked to state what monitoring or security measures were in place to prevent or detect unauthorised access to the college building. The petitioner also questioned why the college administration and the local police did not take preventive action, despite having been allegedly informed of threats to the victim.

Another petitioner prayed for direction to the CBI to hold a preliminary enquiry into the incidents as complained of by the alleged gang rape victim and file an interim report before the court. Claiming that main accused Manojit Mishra has proximity with the ruling political party in the state, the petitioner prayed in the public interest litigation (PIL) that the investigation into the alleged gang rape case be transferred to the CBI from the Kolkata Police for an impartial probe. The other petitioners are seeking an investigation under the supervision of the court and steps to ensure security in colleges across West Bengal. The survivor has alleged that she was gang raped inside the South Kolkata Law College on June 25. Following the students complaint, the police have arrested prime accused alumnus Manojit Mishra, along with students Promit Mukherjee and Zaid Ahmed. A guard of the college was also apprehended later. All the four accused are in judicial custody at present.
Shares of Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG  Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the six research firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $217.80.

Several brokerages have recently commented on PKG. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $237.00 to $239.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 17th. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Packaging Corporation of America from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, April 6th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Packaging Corporation of America from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price target for the company from $245.00 to $205.00 in a research report on Monday, June 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $180.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday.

Get Packaging Corporation of America alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Packaging Corporation of America

Packaging Corporation of America Stock Performance

Shares of PKG stock opened at $207.26 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $18.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 0.82. Packaging Corporation of America has a 52 week low of $172.72 and a 52 week high of $250.82. The company has a quick ratio of 2.15, a current ratio of 3.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $192.11 and a 200-day moving average of $202.36.

Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 22nd. The industrial products company reported $2.31 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.21 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $2.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.12 billion. Packaging Corporation of America had a net margin of 10.09% and a return on equity of 20.08%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Packaging Corporation of America will post 10.44 earnings per share for the current year.

Packaging Corporation of America Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 13th will be paid a dividend of $1.25 per share. This represents a $5.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.41%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 13th. Packaging Corporation of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 52.30%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Packaging Corporation of America

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,423,715 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,571,821,000 after purchasing an additional 133,575 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 6.6% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,272,704 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $648,061,000 after purchasing an additional 202,755 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 46.5% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,038,859 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $601,755,000 after purchasing an additional 964,085 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 1.3% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,366,723 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $531,540,000 after purchasing an additional 29,427 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its stake in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 108.4% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,363,617 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $468,045,000 after purchasing an additional 1,229,219 shares during the period. 89.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Packaging Corporation of America Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Packaging Corporation of America engages in the production of container products. It operates through the following segments: Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other. The Packaging segment offers a variety of corrugated packaging products, such as conventional shipping containers. The Paper segment manufactures and sells a range of papers, including communication-based papers, and pressure sensitive papers.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Packaging Corporation of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Packaging Corporation of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Burford Brothers Inc. boosted its holdings in Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:RIO  Free Report) by 26.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 18,771 shares of the mining companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,950 shares during the quarter. Burford Brothers Inc.s holdings in Rio Tinto were worth $1,128,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. XTX Topco Ltd bought a new position in shares of Rio Tinto during the 4th quarter valued at $1,241,000. Rossby Financial LCC bought a new position in shares of Rio Tinto during the 4th quarter valued at $360,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto by 24.2% during the 1st quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 4,023 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $242,000 after buying an additional 785 shares during the period. Schroder Investment Management Group lifted its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 32,258 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $1,890,000 after buying an additional 1,009 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Rio Tinto in the 4th quarter worth $432,000. 19.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Rio Tinto alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

RIO has been the subject of several analyst reports. Berenberg Bank restated a hold rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research note on Thursday, July 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research report on Tuesday, June 3rd. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Rio Tinto from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Rio Tinto from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 9th. Finally, Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research note on Wednesday, July 2nd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and three have issued a strong 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 target price of $73.00.

Rio Tinto Stock Performance

Shares of RIO stock opened at $60.06 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. Rio Tinto PLC has a 52 week low of $51.67 and a 52 week high of $72.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $75.32 billion, a PE ratio of 9.31 and a beta of 0.66. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $59.47 and a two-hundred day moving average of $60.04.

About Rio Tinto

(Free Report)

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. The Iron Ore segment engages in the iron ore mining, and salt and gypsum production in Western Australia. The Aluminum segment is involved in bauxite mining; alumina refining; and aluminium smelting.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Highway and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Highway $7.41 million $110,000.00 82.00 Highway Competitors $2.03 billion $107.10 million 12.58

Highways rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Highway. Highway is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Get Highway alerts:

Volatility and Risk

Highway has a beta of 0.26, meaning that its stock price is 74% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Highways rivals have a beta of 1.00, meaning that their average stock price is 0% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Profitability

13.2% of Highway shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 57.2% of shares of all METAL PROC&FABR companies are owned by institutional investors. 32.1% of Highway shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 12.0% of shares of all METAL PROC&FABR companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

This table compares Highway and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Highway 1.43% 1.63% 1.01% Highway Competitors -10.55% -7.24% 2.12%

Dividends

Highway pays an annual dividend of $0.07 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.3%. Highway pays out 350.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, METAL PROC&FABR companies pay a dividend yield of 1.6% and pay out 38.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

Summary

Highway rivals beat Highway on 6 of the 11 factors compared.

About Highway

(Get Free Report)

Highway Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and supplies metal, plastic, electric, and electronic components, subassemblies, and finished products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and contract manufacturers. It operates through two segments, Metal Stamping and Mechanical OEM; and Electric OEM. The company also trades in plastic injection products; and manufactures and assembles automation equipment. Its products are used in the manufacture of products, such as photocopiers, laser printers, print cartridges, electrical connectors, electrical circuits, vacuum cleaners, LED power supplies, stepping motors, pumps for dishwashers, and other washing machine components. In addition, the company assists customers in the design and development of the tooling used in the metal and plastic manufacturing process, as well as provides an array of other manufacturing and engineering services, including metal stamping, screen printing, plastic injection molding, pad printing, and electronic assembly of printed circuit boards. It operates in Hong Kong and China, Europe, North America, and other Asian countries. Highway Holdings Limited was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Sheung Shui, Hong Kong.

Receive News & Ratings for Highway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Highway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Country Club Bank decreased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 1.4% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,331 shares of the companys stock after selling 47 shares during the quarter. Country Club Banks holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $2,740,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Garner Asset Management Corp lifted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Garner Asset Management Corp now owns 532 shares of the companys stock valued at $411,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares during the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 22.0% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 9,597 shares of the companys stock worth $7,409,000 after buying an additional 1,730 shares during the period. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% during the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,471 shares of the companys stock worth $1,136,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the period. Orion Capital Management LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC now owns 1,610 shares of the companys stock worth $1,243,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the period. Finally, Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 4.1% during the 4th quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG now owns 64,758 shares of the companys stock worth $49,993,000 after buying an additional 2,568 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.53% of the companys stock.

Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts:

Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 0.4%

LLY opened at $790.23 on Friday. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $677.09 and a 1-year high of $972.53. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.18. The company has a market cap of $748.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 64.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $767.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $800.01.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $3.34 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.64 by ($1.30). The company had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.77 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.67% and a return on equity of 85.51%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 45.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.58 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be given a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.76%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 48.82%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Hsbc Global Res cut Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Monday, April 28th. Wall Street Zen cut Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, June 28th. UBS Group decreased their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,100.00 to $1,050.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $1,135.00 target price (up previously from $1,133.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Erste Group Bank cut Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, June 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,012.22.

View Our Latest Research Report on Eli Lilly and Company

About Eli Lilly and Company

(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.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SSP Group plc (LON:SSPG  Get Free Report) insider Jonathan Davies bought 66 shares of SSP Group stock in a transaction on Monday, July 7th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 189 ($2.57) per share, for a total transaction of 124.74 ($169.46).

Jonathan Davies also recently made the following trade(s):

Get SSP Group alerts:

On Friday, June 6th, Jonathan Davies bought 77 shares of SSP Group stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 162 ($2.20) per share, for a total transaction of 124.74 ($169.46).

On Wednesday, May 14th, Jonathan Davies bought 75 shares of SSP Group stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 167 ($2.27) per share, for a total transaction of 125.25 ($170.15).

SSP Group Stock Up 1.4%

SSPG opened at GBX 187.99 ($2.55) on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 168.75 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 165.04. The company has a market cap of 1.50 billion, a PE ratio of 197.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.77 and a beta of 1.88. SSP Group plc has a 1 year low of GBX 134.10 ($1.82) and a 1 year high of GBX 196.30 ($2.67). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 852.29, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.44.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

SSP Group ( LON:SSPG Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 21st. The company reported GBX (2) (($0.03)) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. SSP Group had a return on equity of 3.64% and a net margin of 0.24%. Sell-side analysts expect that SSP Group plc will post 13.1004016 earnings per share for the current year.

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on SSPG shares. Shore Capital reiterated a house stock rating on shares of SSP Group in a report on Wednesday, July 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 285 ($3.87) price objective on shares of SSP Group in a report on Thursday, July 3rd.

Read Our Latest Report on SSP Group

About SSP Group

(Get Free Report)

SSP is a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, with c.37,000 colleagues in over 600 locations across 36 countries. We operate sit-down and quick service restaurants, cafes, lounges and food-led convenience stores, principally in airports and train stations, with a portfolio of more than 550 international, national and local brands.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for SSP Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SSP Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Fidelis Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL  Free Report) by 1.0% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 36,854 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 359 shares during the period. Fidelis Capital Partners LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $6,182,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Bellwether Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. CoreFirst Bank & Trust acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Mascagni Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $36,000. Whittier Trust Co. lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 63.1% in the 4th quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 212 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $40,000.

Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Trading Up 4.7%

QUAL stock opened at $184.95 on Friday. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 1 year low of $148.34 and a 1 year high of $187.26. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $178.38 and a 200 day simple moving average of $176.28. The firm has a market cap of $53.63 billion, a PE ratio of 25.59 and a beta of 1.05.

iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QUAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Ithaca Energy plc (LON:ITH  Get Free Report) insider Iain Clifford Scobbie Lewis purchased 98 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 7th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 153 ($2.08) per share, with a total value of 149.94 ($203.70).

Iain Clifford Scobbie Lewis also recently made the following trade(s):

Get Ithaca Energy alerts:

On Thursday, June 5th, Iain Clifford Scobbie Lewis purchased 103 shares of Ithaca Energy stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 145 ($1.97) per share, with a total value of 149.35 ($202.89).

Ithaca Energy Stock Up 0.9%

Shares of LON:ITH opened at GBX 163.60 ($2.22) on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 148.53 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 138.24. The stock has a market cap of 3.41 billion and a P/E ratio of 18.68. Ithaca Energy plc has a 52-week low of GBX 94.38 ($1.28) and a 52-week high of GBX 185 ($2.51).

About Ithaca Energy

Ithaca Energy is a leading UK independent exploration and production company focused on the UK North Sea with a strong track record of material value creation. In recent years, the Company has been focused on growing its portfolio of assets through both organic investment programmes and acquisitions and has seen a period of significant M&A driven growth centred upon two transformational acquisitions.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Ithaca Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ithaca Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Morgan Stanley from $169.00 to $171.00 in a research report report published on Thursday,Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has an equal weight rating on the stock.

A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on JNJ. Leerink Partners downgraded Johnson & Johnson from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price target for the company from $169.00 to $153.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. Benchmark upgraded Johnson & Johnson to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $181.00 target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Thursday, June 5th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Johnson & Johnson from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, June 21st. Finally, Leerink Partnrs lowered Johnson & Johnson from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, May 13th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Johnson & Johnson currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $171.00.

Get Johnson & Johnson alerts:

View Our Latest Research Report on Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson Stock Performance

Shares of Johnson & Johnson stock opened at $157.72 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $153.73 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $154.35. Johnson & Johnson has a 1-year low of $140.68 and a 1-year high of $169.99. The company has a market cap of $379.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.54, a PEG ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.41.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, April 15th. The company reported $2.77 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.59 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $21.89 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.65 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 33.46% and a net margin of 24.42%. As a group, analysts anticipate that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current year.

Johnson & Johnson Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 27th were issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is a boost from Johnson & Johnsons previous quarterly dividend of $1.24. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 27th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.30%. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is presently 57.84%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Johnson & Johnson

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC bought a new stake in Johnson & Johnson during the 2nd quarter valued at $401,420,000. IFM Investors Pty Ltd grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 474,377 shares of the companys stock valued at $72,461,000 after purchasing an additional 17,131 shares in the last quarter. Anderson Hoagland & Co. grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 36.2% during the 2nd quarter. Anderson Hoagland & Co. now owns 21,243 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,245,000 after purchasing an additional 5,648 shares in the last quarter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group purchased a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the 2nd quarter valued at $163,000. Finally, Orgel Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the 2nd quarter valued at $276,000. Institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock.

Johnson & Johnson Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Johnson & Johnson is a holding company, which engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of products in the healthcare field. It operates through the Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments. The Innovative Medicine segment focuses on immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular and metabolism, and pulmonary hypertension.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS  Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Hold by the eleven brokerages that are covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $123.67.

Separately, BNP Paribas raised shares of Novartis to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 15th.

Get Novartis alerts:

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Novartis

Novartis Stock Performance

Shares of NVS stock opened at $123.69 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $115.88 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $109.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.61. The stock has a market cap of $261.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.33, a P/E/G ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.59. Novartis has a one year low of $96.06 and a one year high of $124.83.

Novartis (NYSE:NVS  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $2.28 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.12 by $0.16. Novartis had a net margin of 24.70% and a return on equity of 39.44%. The firm had revenue of $13.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.92 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.80 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Novartis will post 8.45 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Nexus Investment Management ULC purchased a new position in shares of Novartis in the first quarter worth $25,000. WPG Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in Novartis during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Tsfg LLC grew its position in Novartis by 366.0% during the 1st quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 233 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Raiffeisen Bank International AG purchased a new stake in Novartis during the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Finally, Alpine Bank Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of Novartis during the 1st quarter valued at about $33,000. 13.12% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Novartis

(Get Free Report

Novartis AG engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
State of Michigan Retirement System lowered its stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 0.0% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 1,725,484 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 700 shares during the quarter. State of Michigan Retirement Systems holdings in Pfizer were worth $43,724,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Clarity Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Gould Capital LLC grew its stake in Pfizer by 97.2% in the 4th quarter. Gould Capital LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 493 shares in the last quarter. North Capital Inc. purchased a new position in Pfizer in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Bernard Wealth Management Corp. purchased a new position in Pfizer in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, Curio Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Pfizer in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.36% of the companys stock.

Get Pfizer alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have recently commented on the stock. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Pfizer from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Wolfe Research lifted their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $22.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on shares of Pfizer from $25.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and three have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $28.55.

Pfizer Stock Up 0.8%

PFE opened at $25.77 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. Pfizer Inc. has a 1-year low of $20.92 and a 1-year high of $31.54. The company has a market capitalization of $146.49 billion, a PE ratio of 18.67, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.58. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $23.86 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $24.81.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.25. Pfizer had a net margin of 12.62% and a return on equity of 20.33%. The business had revenue of $13.72 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.43 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.82 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 25th will be given a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 25th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.68%. Pfizers payout ratio is 124.64%.

Pfizer Company Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Stonebrook Private Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 11.4% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 4,501 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 462 shares during the quarter. Stonebrook Private Inc.s holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $323,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in WFC. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada purchased a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. BNP Paribas purchased a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Rakuten Securities Inc. raised its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 126.7% in the 4th quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 424 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 237 shares during the period. Parvin Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, Dunhill Financial LLC raised its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 63.7% in the 4th quarter. Dunhill Financial LLC now owns 496 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares during the period. 75.90% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts:

Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance

NYSE WFC opened at $82.33 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.84. The firms 50 day moving average price is $76.24 and its 200-day moving average price is $73.78. Wells Fargo & Company has a 52-week low of $50.15 and a 52-week high of $83.95. The company has a market cap of $267.92 billion, a PE ratio of 14.78, a P/E/G ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.16.

Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 11th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.23 by $0.16. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 16.19% and a return on equity of 12.15%. The firm had revenue of $20.15 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.82 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.20 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company declared that its board has initiated a share buyback plan on Tuesday, April 29th that allows the company to buyback $40.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the financial services provider to purchase up to 17.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are typically an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, June 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 9th were paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 9th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.94%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 28.73%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

WFC has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Evercore ISI reissued an outperform rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $92.00 to $87.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $77.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 4th. Phillip Securities upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a moderate buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $83.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $78.98.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on WFC

Wells Fargo & Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Co is a diversified and community-based financial services company, which engages in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Journeys International is doing more than keeping kids busy this summer  theyre preparing them for life. The four-week summer camp is teaching children ages 817 the importance of financial literacy by helping them open savings accounts, launch small businesses, and earn and manage their own money.

You voted:
A new report shows a surge in mental health struggles, drug use, and violence among Bahamian teens. Minister Wayne Munroe says the real issue may be that adults aren't as present or supportive as they once were.

You voted:
The West Bengal representative at the Eastern Zonal Council meeting to be held in Jharkhands capital Ranchi on Thursday will stress on introduction of stringent national laws to check provocative social media content.

The issue of provocative social media content had already been highlighted by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier this month.

Advertisement

The Eastern Zonal Council meeting will be chaired by Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah on Thursday.

Advertisement

Chief Minister Banerjee will not be attending the meeting because of a pre-scheduled appointment with her counterpart in Jammu & Kashmir Omar Abdullah.

Instead, West Bengal will be represented at the Eastern Zonal Council meeting by the Minister of State for Finance (Independent charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya.

According to a member of the state Cabinet who refused to be named, the other issue that will be raised on behalf of the West Bengal government is the long-standing matter of pending Union government dues under different centrally-sponsored schemes in the state.

The matter of the map intended to represent West Bengal being depicted as the territory of Bihar in the Summary Report for the State of West Bengal of NITI Aayog might also be raised by the state finance minister, the member of the state Cabinet said.

The fact that the Chief Minister was viewing the issue of provocative social media, was evident from her letter to HM Shah last week expressing concern over the alarming rise in cybercrime and the rising impact of social media content, which, according to her, was increasingly posing serious challenges to public peace.

In the letter, she also requested the Union Home Minister to introduce stringent legislative provisions that could act as an effective deterrent against the creation and dissemination of provocative content and acts perpetrated with criminal intent in cyberspace.

According to her, the current legal framework and its enforcement required further strengthening to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and the sophisticated methods employed by malicious actors.

She also pointed out that provocative social media content might hurt religious sentiments prompting communal violence, thus disrupting social harmony and resulting in crimes against women.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir after the Pujas following an invitation extended by Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who called on the former at her chamber at Nabanna today.

Later, after the meeting both held out promises that they would do their best for the promotion of tourism in both the states.

Advertisement

After the meeting Mr Abdullah, in his bid to woo back tourists from Bengal, told newspersons that the meeting was a productive one. In which both of us held discussions to sustain a healthy and cordial relationship between us. Didi was always with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In 2019 too, when I was having a trying time, she stood by me and said what was happening was not good. She even sent a team to my state after the Pahalgam terror attack in April and lent support. Im grateful to Didi. I have extended an invitation to her for a visit to Kashmir. She too, on her part accepted my invitation as a reciprocal gesture. I am eagerly awaiting her visit to the state. I had an opportunity to be her guest many times in the past and now following her acceptance of my invitation hopefully she too would be my guest.

Advertisement

I think that both West Bengal and J&K would work together for the growth of the tourism industry in both the states. I wholeheartedly want tourists from the state to visit Kashmir and their proper upkeep would be my responsibility, Mr Abdullah said.

Miss Banerjee on her part welcomed the people of the tourist state and also thanked him for taking trouble to visit the state of West Bengal after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Miss Banerjee said: He has invited me to visit Jammu and Kashmir as a guest. I accepted that invitation. I would try to visit Jammu and Kashmir after the Pujas. I am always ready to lend cooperation for the welfare of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Im calling upon the tourists from the state to visit Kashmir. There is nothing to fear as the issue of security would be taken care of by them. Kashmir is beautiful though the issue of security is not in their hands and asking the Centre to take steps for adequate security so that the tourists do not get flinched by the lack of security and the Centre should address that by stepping up security. Apple, kesar, and roses from Kashmir are popular across the globe along with its scenic beauty. I love Kashmir.

I would tell the industrialists to invest in Kashmir and in Bengal too. I want the technical education and cultural exchanges to happen between the two states. I am also calling upon the cine stars from Tollywood to pick Kashmir as one of the shooting destinations yet again. I want people from Kashmir to participate in our Durga Pujas. I would invite them formally later, the chief minister said after the meeting.
Kolkata Police have issued a summons to Students Federation of India (SFI) Kolkata district president, Barnana Mukherjee, for allegedly slapping the officer-in-charge (OC) of Jorasanko police station, Mrinal Kanti Mukhopadhyay, during Wednesdays general strike.

According to police sources, both the Trinamul Congress (TMC) and Jorasanko police lodged formal complaints against Mukherjee shortly after the incident. The 24-hour notice requires her to appear for questioning at the station. In response, the SFI has denied the allegation, claiming the police officer physically assaulted Mukherjee first, and she merely protested the aggression. Senior CPI-M leader Shatarup Ghosh defended the student leader, saying she would seek legal recourse if necessary and visit police station accordingly. He also demanded answers from the state government about the lack of action against other incidents of alleged police brutality. Why has no action been taken against OC Asim Gop, who allegedly slapped our senior party worker Mazedar Rahman in Bansihari, South Dinajpur, without provocation? Or against the Anubrata Mondal who abused his position in the Birbhum district citing police officers wife and his mothers name? Ghosh asked.

Advertisement

The CPI-M state secretary, Mohammed Salim accused the ruling TMC government of orchestrating a widespread crackdown during yesterdays nationwide general strike. In Kolkata, women protestors were allegedly harassed by male police personnel. Is this acceptable in any civilised democracy? Mr Salim said, announcing a three-day state-wide protest campaign beginning Thursday.

Advertisement

On Wednesday, SFI leader Srijan Bhattacharya and several others were arrested during a rally in support of the strike in Jadavpur. The police filed attempted murder charges against 11 demonstrators, drawing strong condemnation from trade union leaders. CITU West Bengal president Anadi Sahu and general secretary Jiyaul Alam called the charges fabricated and a blatant attempt to crush democratic dissent.

Yesterday, Avirup Chakraborty, state general secretary, TMCP, lodged an FIR demanding strict legal action against Ms Barnana Mukherjee, president of SFI Kolkata district, for her unlawful and unacceptable act of physically assaulting the on-duty officer.

Such an attack on a police officer is a grave violation of law and order and cannot be tolerated in a civil society. No one is above the law, regardless of political affiliation. We, at TMCP, stand firmly with the law enforcement authorities and demand immediate justice, said Avirup.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated safety audits of its major tourist destinations following the recent deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Speaking in Kolkata today, chief minister Omar Abdullah announced that once the audit reports are in and selected destinations are deemed safe, those currently closed will be reopened to tourists.

Ensuring the safety of tourists is the foremost priority of my government, said Abdullah. He was accompanied by several MLAs, the additional chief secretary, and the director of tourism, Jammu.

Advertisement

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest at TTF Kolkata 2025, he highlighted the cultural bond between West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir, noting that Bengal is the second-highest domestic source of tourists for the Union Territory, after Gujarat.

Advertisement

We are taking tourism revival very seriously, which is why a large delegation of top government officials from Jammu and Kashmir has come to Kolkata. We are hopeful for a significant influx of Bengali tourists during the upcoming Durga Puja holidays. Although 2025 has been our most difficult year following a record-breaking 2024, the situation is gradually improving and tourists are returning, he said.

Prior to the Pahalgam incident, there were around 50 daily flight arrivals in the region, which dropped to 15. That number has now risen to 2025 per day. Flights from Kolkata have also resumed recently, and the chief minister expressed hope that more services will follow soon.

The safety of tourists remains our highest priority. The central government, security forces, and our administration are working in close coordination to ensure such incidents are not repeated. As head of the state, I am travelling across the country to deliver this message. I will also participate in every major travel and tourism fair and roadshow across India in the coming months, he added.

Mr Abdullah admitted that Jammu and Kashmir had traditionally been a sellers market in tourism, but the scenario changed drastically following the Pahalgam tragedy.

We had been considering a shift from volume-based to value-based tourism, especially after the unprecedented tourist footfall earlier this year. But we didnt anticipate such a sudden decline in visitor numbers. However, we are not here to paint a picture of doom and gloom. We are here with a message of hope, optimism, and renewal, he said.

He urged potential visitors to speak with recent travellers to Kashmir to get an accurate picture of the post-Pahalgam situation. The Amarnath pilgrimage has witnessed record participation this year, including a large number from West Bengal. Hotel bookings, which had plunged after 22 April, are now picking up steadily.

The chief minister also spoke of the deep historical connection between Bengal and Kashmir. Our relationship goes beyond tourismit dates back to 1927, when a Bengali, Sir Albion Rajkumar Banerjee, served as Prime Minister of Kashmir. He resigned two years later for the welfare of the poor.

In our most difficult times, the people of West Bengal have stood by uspolitically, culturally, and economically. Jammu and Kashmir has something to offer everyone. Please come and visit, Mr Abdullah urged.

Later in the evening, he met with prominent travel agents and tourism associations of the state at a hotel in Kolkata. Security was heightened for his arrival yesterday evening, and he is scheduled to return to Srinagar tomorrow morning.
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday upheld an earlier order of a Single-Judge Bench of the same court, directing exclusion of tainted candidates from the fresh selection process initiated by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to fill teaching posts lying vacant following a Supreme Court order in April, cancelling 25,753 jobs.

Earlier this week, the Calcutta High Courts Single-Judge Bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharya stated that the candidates already identified as tainted should be excluded from the fresh selection process.

Advertisement

He added that if any candidate who had already been identified as tainted had submitted an application for the fresh recruitment process, their application should be summarily rejected.

Advertisement

The state government and the WBSSC approached the Division Bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das challenging that part of the Single-Judge Bench order which directed the exclusion of identified tainted candidates from the fresh recruitment process.

On Thursday, the Division Bench of Justice Sen and Justice Das came out with its order upholding the Single-Judge Bench order in the matter.

Through this order, the Division Bench also rejected the counsel of the state government that denying permission to the identified tainted candidates to participate in the fresh recruitment process of the commission would mean double punishment for such candidates.

Giving his reactions in the matter, senior advocate and the CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya said that by upholding the Single-Judge Bench order, the Division Bench had foiled attempts by the state government to protect the interest of the identified tainted candidates.

This was inevitable. When the Supreme Court in April this year cancelled 25,753 jobs, it also clearly barred the participation of tainted candidates in the fresh selection process. But still, the state government tried to accommodate them in the fresh selection process, Bhattacharya said.
The Adani group has emerged as the highest bidder in the race to acquire engineering and construction firm Jaiprakash Associates (Jaypee group), which is currently undergoing insolvency proceedings.

As per the reports, Adanis bid stands at Rs 12Billion (US$1.4bn), is said to be one of six companies bidding, including Dalmia Bharat. Jaiprakash Associates has a diverse portfolio including four inactive cement manufacturing facilities in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Advertisement

As the flagship company of the Jaypee group, Jaiprakash Associates was one of the leading cement manufacturers with an installed capacity of around 28Mta.

Advertisement

It is also engaged in the construction business in the fields of civil engineering, design and construction of hydropower and river valley projects.

In a separate development, the Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani also announced that the conglomerate is preparing for a capital expenditure of nearly $100 billion over the next five years  a commitment he described as unprecedented in Indias private sector history.

While speaking at the 5th Annual Conference of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery  Asia Pacific (SMISS-AP), Adani said, It is with this conviction that we are preparing for our capital expenditures investment of nearly $100 billion over the next five years.

The scale and pace of this investment and its commitment [is] unprecedented in Indias private sector history. As we do our part for strengthening the very spine of Indias rise, a spine that must be unbreakable, a spine that must carry 1.4 billion dreams, a spine that tells the world that Indias rise is inevitable, he added.
The Delhi Police have taken a significant step by asking e-commerce and social media platforms to immediately cease the sale of firecrackers within the city, it said on Friday.

Officials have directed all such platforms to take immediate action to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban, issuing formal instructions in writing.

Advertisement

Commenting on the development, Devesh Chandra Srivastva, Special Commissioner of Police, said, The Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers in Delhi until January 1.

Advertisement

This ban aims to mitigate the citys acute air pollution crisis, particularly during the winter months. The government has taken this step to protect public health and ensure a cleaner environment, he added.

The platforms have been asked to delist all firecracker-related products and disable the purchase option for customers located in Delhi.

He further stated, They have also been instructed to activate location-based restrictions to prevent any sales or deliveries of firecrackers within the city.

In the official letter, the Delhi Police warned that any violation of these directions would invite criminal prosecution under relevant laws.

Additionally, local police stations have been directed to issue advisories to owners and managers of banquet halls, hotels, and other venues, informing them about the ban and the legal consequences of non-compliance, the officer said.

Any violation will attract criminal prosecution under the applicable laws, considering the total and unconditional ban imposed by both the Supreme Court and the Delhi government, Srivastva added.
The trailer for Dhadak 2 dropped on Friday morning, instantly igniting a storm of conversations online. Directed by Shazia Iqbal, the film promises to dive deep into themes of caste, class, identity, and rebellion.

Starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in the lead, Dhadak 2 tells the story of two young lovers fighting for their place in a world determined to keep them apart.

Advertisement

Their relationship defies societal norms, particularly the harsh realities of caste discrimination.

Advertisement

From the first few seconds, Siddhants performance commands attention. His character exudes vulnerability and quiet rage as he tries to hold on to love while battling systemic oppression.

Triptii Dimri, known for her layered performances, plays a woman caught between family expectations and her desire to follow her heart.

Dhadak 2 trailer:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Siddhant Chaturvedi (@siddhantchaturvedi)

They look so good together, one social media user wrote shortly after the trailer dropped. Another echoed the sentiment: Wow this already feels unforgettable. Cant wait to see it in theatres.

Triptii herself shared a heartfelt note about her experience working on the film. When I started my acting career, I had wished to be part of certain kinds of films, Dhadak 2 is one of them. Its not just another love story; its special beyond measure. Playing this role challenged me in ways Id hoped acting always would. Were truly proud of what weve made, and I believe audiences will feel that when they watch it.

This new chapter comes six years after the release of Dhadak (2018), which starred Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter and was a remake of the Marathi film Sairat. While that film tackled caste-based prejudice in a more mainstream tone, Dhadak 2 appears to aim for a grittier, more grounded portrayal of the same issue.

It is also reportedly a remake of Mari Selvarajs critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal, which was lauded for its unflinching take on caste discrimination in India.
Mrunal Thakur is all ready to charm audiences in Son of Sardaar 2, stepping into the lively shoes of Rabia, a Punjabi woman with a flair for dance, drama, and dhamaal.

The films trailer, which recently dropped to much fanfare, shows Mrunal embracing her character with colourful Punjabi dialogues and some foot-thumping bhangra.

Advertisement

But behind all that energy was a lot of hard work, and Mrunal didnt shy away from sharing what it took to bring Rabia to life.

Advertisement

Speaking at the trailer launch, the actress opened up about the highs and hurdles of playing such a culturally rich role.

For me, it was slightly difficult to act, dance, and groove to the beats of the dhol hats off to all those who play it, she admitted. The Punjabi accent was a bit tough too, but everyone helped me through it. Interestingly, I even learned some French in Punjabi! If you watch the trailer, youll see Rabia has her own shades. Being a Maharashtrian, it was quite challenging to play a Punjabi role. Par, sound bolte hi hum sab form mein aa jaate the.

Though Mrunal comes from a Maharashtrian background, she was excited to take on the role that was so different from anything shed done before. She credited her team and co-actors for helping her get into the groove.

When asked about diving into comedy, a genre that demands not just timing but quick adaptability, Mrunal shared some key takeaways from the experience. Comedy is also about give and take you just react to what the other person is saying. Sometimes, you get so engrossed in delivering the line, but there are a lot of improvisations, so you just have to go with the flow. Thats what I learned from everyone you have to be present, and the line needs to land. If the line doesnt land, theres no point.

Son of Sardaar 2, directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, marks Mrunals first collaboration with Ajay Devgn. The film also features an impressive ensemble including Ravi Kishan, Deepak Dobriyal, Mukul Dev, Kubbra Sait, and Chunky Panday.

Set to hit theatres on July 25, 2025, the film is a sequel to the 2012 hit and aims to deliver the same flavour of humour, love, and cultural celebration.
Actor Triptii Dimri is ready to take audiences on a powerful emotional ride with Dhadak 2, a film that pushes the boundaries of love and identity. At the trailer launch, Triptii opened up about her experience working on the film and collaborating with director Shazia Iqbal.

This project has been special from the very beginning, Triptii said with visible excitement. From the first narration to today, theres been a constant feeling of happiness and confidence around this film. Shazia Iqbal has been nothing short of amazing. She gave us, as actors, the space to truly inhabit our characters without pressure.

Advertisement

Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Siddhant Chaturvedi (@siddhantchaturvedi)

What stood out most for Triptii was Shazias quiet strength and support on set, especially during emotionally demanding scenes.

Shooting intense scenes can take a toll on an actor, she said. But Shazia never tried to push or direct us aggressively. She was just there; calm, encouraging, always smiling, sometimes even holding our hands. That kind of presence is rare. Shes the kind of director who lets you fly while being your safety net.

Triptii, who is teaming up once again with Dharma Productions, expressed immense pride in her second outing with the studio.

This is a film Im deeply proud of. The role, the story, it all came together in a way that felt true and important.

The trailer for Dhadak 2 hints at a stirring narrative that goes beyond just romance. Set in the world of law colleges, the film follows two young lovers, played by Triptii and Siddhant Chaturvedi, who fall in love against the backdrop of a society still grappling with caste divisions.

The story confronts casteism and questions of identity, weaving them into a contemporary love story filled with tension, resilience, and hope.

Directed by debutant Shazia Iqbal, Dhadak 2 stands on its own feet with a bold story that reflects todays India. Its a film about love, yes, but its also about resistance, identity, and navigating a system that often tries to put people in boxes.
A peaceful cafe in Surrey, Canada, co-owned by Indian comedian and actor Kapil Sharma, became the site of a late-night shooting incident this Thursday. The establishment, named Kaps Cafe, had just recently opened its doors to the public.

In the early hours of the morning, around 1:50 am local time, several shots were fired at the cafe. While some staff members were present at the time, no one was harmed.

Advertisement

However, the damage was clearly visible. Multiple bullet holes pierced one of the windows, and another pane was shattered.

Advertisement

In response to the terrifying incident, the team at Kaps Cafe issued a heartfelt note on their Instagram page. Titled A Message from Heart, the statement expressed shock and sorrow over the violence.

We opened Kaps Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation, the message read. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock, but we are not giving up.

The cafes staff thanked the local community for their outpouring of support and extended their appreciation to the Surrey Police Department for their swift response.

Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This cafe exists because of your belief in what were building together, the message continued, Lets stand firm against violence and ensure Kaps Cafe remains a place of warmth and community.

As for the ongoing investigation, the Surrey Police Service (SPS) confirmed that it is still in its early stages. Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton said the police are aware of claims in the Indian media suggesting that a Khalistani separatist may have taken responsibility for the shooting.

However, those claims remain unverified as of now.

The police have yet to identify any suspects or determine a motive behind the attack. Authorities are exploring all possibilities, including whether this incident is linked to other recent events in the area.

Kapil Sharma himself has not yet issued a personal statement.
A cafe in Surrey, Canada, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma, became a site of violent episode this week when shots were fired at the premises late Wednesday night. No injuries were reported. But the incident has sparked shockwaves online, especially after a claim of responsibility was made by a Khalistani terrorist.

Harjit Singh Laddi, a man associated with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), released a statement on social media. He said that he and fellow BKI member Toofan Singh were behind the shooting at Kaps Cafe.

Advertisement

The two claim the act was retaliation for a segment aired on Sharmas comedy show. A character allegedly made jokes while wearing traditional Nihang Sikh attire, something Laddi claims hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.

Advertisement

No religion or spiritual identity can be mocked in the name of comedy, said Laddi in his post. He alleged that several members of the community had attempted to contact Sharmas management, but were met with silence.

The absence of a public apology from Sharma reportedly escalated the situation in their eyes.

For context, the Nihang Sikhs are a revered martial sect within Sikhism. They are known for their blue robes, traditional weaponry, and deep-rooted commitment to Sikh values. They are often seen as guardians of Sikh tradition and spirituality.

According to the Surrey Police Service, officers responded to a report of gunshots around 1:50 AM on Thursday at the cafe. The cafe is located on the 8400 block of 120 Street.

Police confirmed that the shots were aimed directly at the business, damaging the property while staff members were still inside. No one was harmed in the incident.

Surrey authorities have not confirmed the motive behind the shooting and say the investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, Harjit Singh Laddi remains on Indias National Investigation Agencys most-wanted list. The Canadian government recognizes him as part of a designated terrorist organization.

As of now, Kapil Sharma himself has not issued a public statement regarding the attack or the controversy surrounding the remarks made on his show.
Director Bharat S Shrinate says hes stunned after the Delhi High Court unexpectedly blocked the release of his film Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder just hours before it was set to hit theatres on Friday.

Speaking to ANI, Shrinate expressed his disbelief at the courts decision, especially since the Supreme Court had declined a similar plea only a day earlier.

Advertisement

I was not expecting such a decision because just a day before, the petitioner filed in the Supreme Court and it was denied. So I dont know how this happened in the High Court, he said.

Advertisement

Despite the setback, Shrinate confirmed that the filmmakers intend to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the stay order. Were not questioning the judiciary. Were going to the Supreme Court to seek justice, he said firmly.

The Delhi High Courts decision came in response to two petitions: one filed by the religious body Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and the other by journalist Prashant Tandon.

Both challenged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)s approval of the film, arguing that its release could spark communal unrest and threaten public order, given the emotionally charged subject it deals with.

The film is based on the shocking 2022 murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, Rajasthan. He was killed in broad daylight by two men allegedly upset over his social media post supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The attack was on video and triggered a wave of outrage across the country.

The petitioners have argued that the film could inflame existing tensions, particularly ahead of upcoming state elections, by dramatizing a deeply sensitive issue. They also questioned the timing of the release, suggesting it could have political motivation.

The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal, ordered an interim stay on the release of the film. The stay will remain in place until the central government decides on a revision application filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind under the Cinematograph Act of 1952.

The Court clarified that it wasnt commenting on the films content or passing judgment on its merit. However, it emphasized the importance of following due process when raising objections to a films certification.

We provide that till the grant of interim relief is out, there shall be a stay on the release of the film, the judges noted.
The All-India K-pop Contest 2025 Grand Finale will be held in New Delhi on July 19, showcasing Indias finest K-pop talent in a high-energy battle for the top spot.

The Grand Finals star attraction will be the highly anticipated Indian debut of rising K-pop sensation NOMAD. The five-member groupcomprising Sangha, Doy, One, Rivr and Junho brings their chart-topping tracks, including Call Me Back, No Pressure, and California Love, to Indian shores for the first time.

Advertisement

Fresh off their Asia Rookie triumph at the 2024 Tokyo Hallyu Expo, the group will treat fans to a special interactive session before their performance.

Advertisement

Hwang Il Yong, Director of KCCI, stated, India is a country with so much talent and an immense love for K-pop and Korean culture. This is the reason that the All-India K-pop Contest is celebrating its 15th edition this year with a spectacular Grand Finale in New Delhi.

He continued, This event has been held for the past 15 years under all circumstances, as it is a very meaningful festival for young people in India. Now, we are all very excited and eagerly look forward to the performances that will be on display at the Grand Finale on July 19.

With this much-awaited finals, the All-India K-Pop Contest will also mark its 15th edition promising a unforgettable showcase of talent and cultural exchange.

Since its inception in 2011, this All-India K-pop contest has evolved into Indias definitive platform for K-pop talent discovery.

This years edition saw overwhelming participation with 1,278 registrations nationwide, culminating in 15 finalist teams across vocal, dance, and rap categories.

These artists emerged victorious from rigorous regional rounds conducted in 10 cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad, demonstrating K-pops pan-India popularity.

The All-India K-pop contest, carrying its signature tagline, One Beat, One India, over a Decade of K-pop, has been instrumental in popularizing Hallyu (the Korean Wave) across India and giving the young fan a stage to express their passion through K-pop dance and music.

Winners will receive cash prizes up to 2,00,000; additionally, they will also get a chance to represent India at South Koreas prestigious K-pop World Festival in Changwon, South Korea, later this year.

The event continues to strengthen cultural ties while providing Indian artists a global stage to showcase their K-pop passion and talent.
Emphasising that not even a glass pane was broken in India during its confrontation with Pakistan in May this year, National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval on Friday said the Indian forces, however, caused extensive damage to Pakistani military installations at several places.

Doval said this while addressing a convocation ceremony at IIT Madras.

Advertisement

Defending Operation Sindoor, Indias cross-border air assault on Pakistan conducted from May 7 to 10 in retaliation to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 wherein 26 civilians were killed, he said India inflicted extensive damage to Pakistan military installations, specifically airbases.

Advertisement

India hit 13 spots, including nine terror bases crisscrossing Pakistan and Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision, and missed none of them during its military operation, he said.

The officer, while referring to Indias capability and technological abilities in neutralising the threats from across the border, also called out the international media for its reportage of Operation Sindoor.

You tell me one photograph, one image These are satellite images from across the world, Doval said, challenging critics to produce any evidence of damage inside India.

Not even a glass pane has been broken in India, he asserted while taking a dig at international media coverage.

We are capable of doing that, he added, referring to Pakistans key air bases that were attacked during the May 10 operation.

Hailing Operation Sindoor as a precise and indigenous military success, he said, Some of our best systems were deployed  BrahMos, battlefield surveillance radars, integrated air command and control systems. We hit nine terrorist targets. We missed none.

This is the first time that Doval has spoken about the Indian military operation against Pakistan, hitting at all criticism from opposition political parties and others, who questioned the Operation Sindoor.
Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah is scheduled to inaugurate Kerala BJP headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.

Shah is on a two-day visit to the southern state, beginning Friday, party sources said.

Advertisement

The Union Home Minister is scheduled to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday night by a special flight.

Advertisement

The next day, Shah will formally inaugurate the newly constructed BJP state office and subsequently address party workers, they added.

After the event, Shah is expected to fly to Kannur to offer prayers at the popular Thaliparamba Rajarajeswari Temple, before returning to the national capital later the same day.

His visit had its own significance as local body elections are around the corner.

The BJP is looking to make inroads in the upcoming elections, particularly in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, where it currently serves as the principal opposition.

The CPI (M)-led Left Front is in power, while the Congress-led UDF is in third place.

The saffron party sees the 2025 local body elections as a crucial opportunity to boost both its vote share and seat tally in the state.

Kerala has a total of 23,612 wards across its local self-government institutions  including Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats, District Panchayats, Municipalities, and Corporations.

In 2020, of the 941 Grama Panchayats, the LDF won 514, UDF 321, NDA 19, and others 23. Among 152 Block Panchayats, LDF bagged 108 and UDF 38.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Friday lashed out at the BJP and the Election Commission of India, alleging that a new conspiracy has been hatched to steal the upcoming Bihar election.

Addressing the Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh here at Baramunda Ground, the senior congress leader charged that the election was stolen in Maharashtra in the past; similarly, an attempt to steal the Bihar election is being made.

Advertisement

BJP is attacking the Constitution throughout the country. Yesterday, I was in Bihar. As the election was stolen in Maharashtra, the Election Commission of India, in collusion with the BJP, is acting in a similar fashion to steal the Bihar election, he said.

Advertisement

Accusing the ECI of hatching a new conspiracy to steal the election in Bihar, he alleged that the top poll body is acting like an agent of the BJP and is not doing its duty.

Citing the alleged manipulative practices in Maharashtra, Gandhi said, As many as one crore new voters were added in between the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. Nobody knows who these voters are and where they come from. We have appealed to the ECI several times to provide us with the voters list, videography, but it has not paid heed to our plea.

He claimed that a plot is on to repeat the vote theft which was perpetrated in Maharashtra by these people (BJP and ECI).

Yesterday, we held a meeting of the INDIA alliance and pledged to prevent the ECI from committing theft of election, he said.

Criticising the Odisha model of BJP-led governance, he said, The lone work of the BJP government in Odisha is to snatch away the wealth of poor people. The previous BJD government did it in the past. Now the BJP government is doing the same. On one side, there are poor and deprived sections, on the other side, there are five to six billionaires and the BJP government.

Dwelling on the alleged mismanagement during Puri Rath Yatra, Gandhi accused the Odisha Government of wilfully delaying the pulling of the chariot of Lord Jagannath to enable the family of industrialist Gautam Adani to pull the chariots.

This is the Odisha model of governance. Development is being done to serve the interest of two or three industrialists while the wealth of poor, deprived, and marginalised sections is being snatched, he alleged further.

Highlighting the prevailing unsafe environs for women, he said Odisha holds the inglorious track record of registering as many as 15 rape cases every day. He claimed that as many as 40,000 women have gone missing for a long time, and there is no trace of them.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued two crew members of the US sailing vessel Sea Angel, which was stranded about 52 nautical miles south-east of Indira Point, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The ICG carried out the rescue operation on Thursday when the yacht carrying two crew members was disabled amid extremely rough conditions with a blown sail and entangled propeller, a release issued here by the Ministry of Defence said.

Advertisement

Upon receiving a distress alert, it said, MRCC Port Blair alerted all nearby merchant vessels and launched rescue coordination protocols.

Advertisement

ICG ship Rajveer, which was deployed for the rescue work, established communication with the stranded crew and conducted an on-site assessment.

Despite heavy winds and mechanical disablement, the crew was found safe and in good health. On Friday morning, the yacht was successfully towed and escorted to Campbell Bay harbour, it added.

This operation once again highlighted the Indian Coast Guards prompt response capabilities and commitment to ensuring maritime safety in the region.

Earlier, a few days ago, the Indian Navy had demonstrated a rapid operational readiness and its unwavering commitment to seafarer safety.

The Indian Navy undertook a high-risk firefighting and rescue operation on board Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 on June 29 in the North Arabian Sea.
In a high-stakes mission to ensure safe and smooth conduct of the 38-day annual Amarnath Yatra, the Indian Army has deployed more than 50 counter-drone and electronic warfare systems to neutralise potential aerial threats.

In view of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 tourists were targeted by Pakistani terrorists, the Indian Army has rolled out Operation SHIVA 2025 in close coordination with the civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). This annual security operation  one of the most intense peacetime deployments in the country  comes amid heightened threats from Pakistan-backed terror proxies following Operation Sindoor, a defence spokesman said.

Advertisement

Continuous UAV missions and live drone feeds are monitoring both Yatra routes and the Holy Cave, offering real-time situational awareness.

Advertisement

Army helicopters remain on standby for any medical or operational emergencies along the route.

This years operation features an expansive deployment of over 8,500 troops, backed by cutting-edge technology, robust logistical support, and real-time intelligence networks. The security grid spans both the Pahalgam and Baltal pilgrimage routes, fortifying vulnerable corridors with prophylactic deployments, counter-terror measures, and comprehensive disaster response mechanisms.

Engineer Task Forces have been deployed for bridge construction, track repair, widening, and disaster mitigation efforts. Over 150 doctors and medical staff have been stationed across nine Medical Aid Posts, two Advanced Dressing Stations, a 100-bed field hospital, and 26 oxygen booths supported by 200,000 litres of oxygen have been positioned.

Signal companies were ensuring uninterrupted communication, while EME detachments and Bomb Disposal Squads provide critical technical and security support.

Adequate rations for 25,000 pilgrims, quick reaction teams (QRTs), tent cities, water points, and heavy earth-moving equipment including bulldozers and excavators have been pre-positioned.

The Indian Army has also instituted live convoy tracking from Jammu to the Holy Cave using high-resolution PTZ cameras, drones, and satellite-linked feeds. This technological edge enables swift threat identification and response while maintaining seamless multi-agency coordination.

Operation SHIVA 2025 underscores the Armys unwavering commitment to protecting the sanctity and security of the sacred Yatra. By blending traditional operational experience with modern technology and inter-agency cooperation, the Indian Army aims to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees undertaking this revered Himalayan journey, the spokesman added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to undertake a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu from July 27 to 28, during which he is expected to participate in the Aadi Thiruvaathirai festival, commemorating the birth anniversary of emperor Rajendra Chola at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district, according to sources.

In view of the visit, security arrangements are being coordinated by the NSG and the State Police at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, about 250 km south of Chennai.

Advertisement

The historic town was once a flourishing capital of the emperor, who had erected a replica of the Thanjavur Big temple, a marvel in granite and a world heritage monument. The temple is named Peruvudaiyar temple after lord Shiva as in Thanjavur.

Advertisement

It is also said that he had brought the water from the Ganges during his military expedition of Bengal and poured it in the lake he had constructed and hence the nomenclature  Chola City with Ganga water (Gangaikonda Cholapuram).

The festival is held in the Tamil month of Aadi on the star Thiruvaathirai. Besides locals, history buffs converge at the festival held at the temple. The PMs participation in the festival is seen as an attempt to appropriate the Tamil heritage and dispel the image as a north India party.

This is the first time that Modi would be visiting the state after the AIADMKs re-entry into the NDA fold to face the upcoming 2026 assembly election. With just 10 months left for the election, AIADMK general secretary is on his first phase of state-wide campaign. The Prime Minister is likely to address a public meeting with all other NDA partners on stage. His visit is expected to boost the morale of the NDA ahead of the election.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Odisha Government on a mishap which left a priest seriously injured at the 11th-century Lingaraj temple, the famous ASI-protected Shavite shrine in Bhubaneswar.

The mishap occurred on 26 February night during Maha Shivratri, where Sevayat Jogendra Samartha of the Samartha Nijog sustained critical injuries after falling from a height of nearly 20 feet while carrying the sacred Mahadeepa (holy lamp) to the peak of the medieval era Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.

Advertisement

Acting on a complaint filed by Mr Akhand, a human rights lawyer, the top rights panel asked the District Magistrate, Khurda, and the Special Secretary, Home Department, to furnish an Action Taken Report (ATR) within one week.

Advertisement

The matter has been listed for hearing during the NHRCs Camp Sitting/Open Hearing scheduled for 21 July 2025 in Bhubaneswar. The Commission has also directed that all officials concerned, the complainant, and the victim or their representatives be present at the hearing.

Radha Kishan Sharma, Special Secretary, Home Department, has been appointed as the Nodal Officer for coordinating the participation of the parties involved and ensuring necessary assistance for their presence at the hearing.

The incident exposed the absence of safety measures for sevayats (priests) who routinely undertake high-risk climbs in temples such as Shree Lingaraj Temple and the Jagannath Temple in Puri to perform traditional rituals. Despite being state-managed temples, there is a glaring lack of safety equipment like harnesses, helmets, or other protective gear for servitors, thereby endangering their lives. Such neglect amounts to a violation of their fundamental right to life and safety under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner Akhand maintained.

The petition also urged the NHRC to ensure the introduction of mandatory safety gear and protective protocols for sevayats across Odisha, conduct an independent inquiry into the Lingaraj Temple incident, ensure adequate compensation to the injured sevayat, and issue preventive directions to safeguard the rights and lives of all temple servitors.
The Uttarakhand government has decided to go after the doctors practicing without formal registration in the state.

The decision came in the wake of reports that several doctors and test labs are being run without registration or renewal of their registration.

Advertisement

No doctor, government or private, will be allowed to practice in the Himalayan state without proper registration or renewal of the same.

Advertisement

In an important and significant step, the Medical Health and Medical Education Department of the state has directed all its District Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to prepare a list of the doctors working in their respective areas and ensure that no one is allowed to practice without registration with the health department. Action will be taken against doctors who have not acquired or renewed their registration.

The order issued by Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar claimed that the step has been taken as per the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act 2019 (formerly the Indian Medical Council Act 1956). The Act regulates medical services across the country and permits doctors to operate only if they are registered in the state health department.

The state government will strictly ensure transparency and accountability in health services. The department has been getting complaints against several doctors practicing in the state without registration for years. This had raised questions on the quality of health services. Medical practices without valid registration with the state health department will not be permitted under any circumstances. CMOs across the state have been asked to identify the doctors working without registration in the state, said Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar

Dr Kumar said the Medical Council has been asked to send updated lists of doctors to the districts and to make public the list of those practicing without registration.

The health secretary further said, This decision is not a mere formality but an effort to ensure public health safety and service quality. The government wants to ensure that no patient receives treatment from a doctor practicing without registration. Action will be taken for non-compliance with instructions.
Digital reforms refer to the transformation and modernization of existing processes, systems, and infrastructure through the use of digital technologies. This concept encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer or citizen experiences. In the context of governance, digital reforms seek to improve service delivery, increase transparency, and promote citizen engagement. By leveraging digital technologies, governments can streamline processes, provide citizens with access to information, and enable them to track government services and policies. Digital reforms also involve legacy system modernization, data-driven decision making, digital literacy, and robust cyber security measures to protect digital systems and data.

Overall, digital reforms have the potential to drive significant improvements in governance, economic growth, and the overall quality of life for citizens. The advent of digital technologies has revolutionized the way governments, businesses, and citizens interact. In the Indian context, digital reforms have been instrumental in shaping the countrys future, fostering inclusive growth, and enhancing governance. The governments emphasis on digital initiatives has been a hallmark of its policy agenda, with farreaching implications for the nations development. The Aakash initiative, launched in 2010, aimed to provide affordable tablets to students, promoting digital literacy and access to educational resources. This pioneering effort paved the way for subsequent digital initiatives.

Advertisement

The National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) and the BharatNet Project have been instrumental in expanding broadband connectivity to rural areas, bridging the digital divide. These infrastructure development endeavours have laid the foundation for a robust digital ecosystem. Launched in 2015, the Digital India programme is a flagship initiative that seeks to transform India into a digitally empowered society. The programmes three core components  digital infrastructure, digital governance, and digital literacy  have been designed to promote inclusive growth and citizen-centric governance. The initiative has led to the development of various digital platforms, such as the MyGov portal, which enables citizen engagement and participation in governance.

Advertisement

The governments push for digital payments has been a significant step towards promoting financial inclusion. Initiatives like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AEPS), and digital wallets have increased the adoption of digital payment modes. The Jan Dhan Yojona, a financial inclusion programme, has also contributed to the growth of digital transactions. These efforts have reduced the reliance on cash, increased transparency, and enhanced the efficiency of financial transactions. The implementation of e-governance initiatives has improved the delivery of citizen services, making them more accessible and efficient. Platforms like the National Portal of India and the Mobile Seva initiative have enabled citizens to access various government services online.

The Digital Locker facility, a part of the Digital India programme, allows citizens to store and access their documents digitally, reducing the need for physical documentation. Despite the progress made in digital reforms, several challenges and concerns persist. Data security and privacy remain significant concerns, with the increasing risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches. The digital divide, although narrowing, still exists, with rural areas and marginalized communities facing limited access to digital infrastructure and services. Additionally, the lack of digital literacy and skills among citizens hinders the effective utilization of digital platforms. To overcome these challenges and take digital reforms to the next level, the government needs to focus on several key areas. Enhancing digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, is crucial for promoting inclusive growth.

Strengthening data security measures and implementing robust privacy policies will help build trust in digital services. Digital literacy programmes and skills development initiatives will empower citizens to effectively utilize digital platforms. Cyber-security measures are inextricably linked with digital reforms. Indias digital reforms, as envisioned under Digital India initiative, have significantly transformed governance, economy, and citizen engagement. However, the rapid digitization of services, data storage, and online transactions has exposed the nation to substantial security risks. A critical concern is the protection of personal data, which was previously vulnerable due to the absence of a comprehensive data protection law.

Although the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, is a step forward, its effective implementation remains crucial. Furthermore, many public sector systems rely on outdated infrastructure and legacy software, making them susceptible to cyberattacks such as phishing and ransomware. The shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in India exacerbates these challenges. To address these issues, it is essential to strengthen legal frameworks, invest in modernizing cyber-security infrastructure, build capacity through workforce training, and raise public awareness about safe online practices. By prioritizing cyber-security, India can ensure the success of its digital reforms and build trust in the digital ecosystem.

In conclusion, digital reforms have been a game-changer for India, promoting inclusive growth, enhancing governance, and improving citizen services. While challenges and concerns persist, the governments commitment to digital initiatives has been instrumental in shaping the countrys future. As India continues to evolve as a digital economy, it is essential to address the existing challenges and work towards creating a more inclusive and secure digital ecosystem. By doing so, India can harness the full potential of digital technologies and emerge as a leader in the digital age. In this context, some proposals can be considered for maintaining an improved digital system: Enhance Digital Infrastructure  The government should invest in expanding broadband connectivity, particularly in rural areas, to bridge the digital divide.

Strengthen Data Security Promote Digital Literacy Encourage Citizen Engagement Monitor and Evaluate  The government should regularly monitor and evaluate digital initiatives to identify areas of improvement and ensure effective implementation. By implementing these proposals, India can continue to harness the benefits of digital reforms, promoting inclusive growth and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

(The writer is Associate Professor and Head, Political Science, (Retd. WBES), Chandernagore College, Chandernagore, Hooghly.)
The recent U-turn by US President Donald Trump on the suspension of arms shipments to Ukraine is more than just a course correction ~ it is a revealing glimpse into the evolving calculus of American foreign policy, and more precisely, the tightrope that US leadership walks in balancing public sentiment, strategic interests, and unpredictable allies. The temporary halt in weapon supplies, particularly in critical systems like Patriot air defense missiles, was met with alarm in Kyiv and confusion elsewhere. It came at a time when Ukraine is under intensified attack ~ not just militarily, but psychologically, as Russian drones and missiles rain down on cities, including the capital.

That this pause was justified under the pretext of putting Americas interests first only underlined the transactional lens through which global security is increasingly being viewed. Yet, within days, Mr Trump publicly rev  er sed course, declaring that Ukraine would receive defensive weapons to help it cope with Russias relentless strikes. The shift suggests not a change of heart, but a reactive move ~ a realisation that appearing indifferent to Ukraines plight, especially amid rising civilian casualties, would not sit well with key constituencies at home and abroad.

Advertisement

The political optics of withholding support while Russia escalated its bombardment were simply unsustainable. Mr Trumps disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin and acknowledgement that Ukraine is getting hit very hard is telling, but also late. Russias objectives have remained unchanged since 2022: to wear Ukraine down militarily, economically, and psychologically. That America briefly faltered in its material support sent the wrong message ~ not just to Moscow, but to NATO allies and conflict zones worldwide where American commitment is counted on. This moment illustrates how fragile frontline trust can be when military aid becomes entangled with domestic political narratives, especially during an election cycle where foreign wars are viewed through partisan filters.

Advertisement

What this episode underscores is that strategic ambiguity, when employed without discipline or foresight, risks becoming strategic vulnerability. The symbolism of a pause, however short, is not lost on adversaries. And for Ukraine, which relies heavily on the tempo and consistency of allied aid, such mixed signals can be destabilising on the battlefield and demoralising at the political level. In a war that has now stretched beyond three years, the stakes remain existential for Ukraine and reputational for the United States.

Defensive weapons may be the immediate solution, but long-term peace will require more than arms ~ it will need credibility, consistency, and a willingness to confront the inconvenient truths about global power dynamics. As the war grinds on and ceasefire prospects dim, America cannot afford to be seen as hesitant. Ukraines skies are not just its own; they are the frontlines of a broader test ~ of resolve, of alliance, and of the cost of blinking in the face of authoritarian aggression.
The recent surge in military engagements between Pakistan and the United States ~ capped by visits from Pakistans Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Air Chief Zaheer Babar ~ marks a calculated effort by Islamabad to reposition itself within Washingtons strategic radar. This warming of ties, coming after a decade of drift, reveals more about Pakistans anxiety over lost relevance than any realignment of American priorities in South Asia. The warming of ties has not oc  curred in isolation. It follows Indias forceful military action under Operation Sindoor, which targeted high value terror infrastructure within Pakistan.

In its aftermath, as tensions spiked and US airstrikes hit Iranian nuclear sites, Islamabad saw an opportunity to reinsert itself into Washingtons regional calculations. Pakistans swift nomination of President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, just days after Field Marshal Munirs White House lunch, was more than diplomatic flattery ~ it was a signal of strategic intent. For Pakistans military, which has long viewed engagement with America as a validation of its regional importance, these meetings offer both symbolic recognition and the promise of renewed material support.

Advertisement

Yet the choreography of back to-back military visits suggests more than symbolism ~ it signals an active bid by Pakistans military establishment to reclaim strategic space lost over years of diminished credibility and shifting US priorities in South Asia. History offers context. Pakistan has often been the swing state of US policy in the region ~ leveraged during the Cold War to counter Soviet influence, then revived post9/11 for logistical support in the War on Terror. But that role has always been transactional. When American objectives shift, as they have in recent years, Pakistans strategic appeal tends to fade. The latest thaw is best seen through this lens. Mr Trumps revival of security assistance ~ especially for F-16 maintenance ~ is less about alliance-building and more about managing near-term risks in an unstable region. CENTCOMs recent praise for Pakistans counter-terror cooperation must be weighed against the long record of duplicity and terror sanctuaries that the same US defense establishment has long lamented. In contrast, Indias position requires no scrambling or theatrics. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankars firm response ~ clarifying that India-US ties stand on their own merit and not in reaction to third countries ~ reflects New Delhis strategic confidence.

Advertisement

The Indo-US partnership today is under pinned by converging interests across technology, trade, security, and global governance, not transient battlefield logistics. Delhi has wisely avoided reacting to Pakistans momentary re-entry into the American sphere. There is little to gain by contesting relevance in a frame where India has already outgrown the binary. Strategic maturity lies in understanding that US engagement with Pakistan is tactical, episodic, and often constrained by mistrust. For India, the message is clear: it is no longer Washingtons South Asia partner by default ~ but by design. The realignment, if any, lies not in who gets invited to lunch, but in who is shaping the future. And by that measure, India is already far ahead.
On 30 April 1975, Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam was captured by North Vietnam. Ever since it is marked as Reunification Day. This process began with the signing of the Paris Accord ending US involvement in South Vietnam on 27 January 1973. Richard Nixons administration (1969-74) proclaimed it to be peace with honour and immediately after, on 29 March, the US troops exited Vietnam. Nixon assured the South Vietnamese government that the US would intervene if the peace accord was broken by North Vietnam.

Significantly Nixons promise came before the Watergate scandal which led to his resignation, his successor, Gerald Ford had to stick to the timetable of withdrawal as the US Congress was unwilling to support any further escalation. A resurgent North Vietnam was inspired by the heroic leadership of Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) and the Viet Minh, a disciplined force of communist fighters which earlier liberated Vietnam from Japanese occupation in 1945. More significantly after the Japanese surrender the Viet Minh preserved its independence fighting the French when Britain tried to put France back as the ruler. This led to the first Indo-China War from 1946 to 1954 when the French Navy bombed Viet Minh soldiers at Haiphong port on 23 November 1946 maiming and slaying thousands.

Advertisement

Viet Minh retaliated with the killing of some French citizens on 19 December 1946. Winston Churchill had already declared in his famous speech at Fulton, Missouri, in March 1946 the descendance of the Iron Curtain in Europe. The Cold War seemed inevitable. President Harry Truman, a year later, distinguished between free institutions, elected government by free elections with constitutional protection of individual freedom with rule of terror and repression, and a controlled press with no individual liberty. The US looked at the first Indo-China War with a lot of interest. With a strong anticommunist bias the Truman administration (1945-53) analysed it more as a fight against communism rather than a nationalist war of Independence. It is ironic that the US moved away from the Atlantic Charter of 1941 which was committed to the liberation of the colonies within five years. The Eisenhower administration (1953- 61) put forward the domino theory that stated that if one country fell to communism, its neighbouring countries would then fall like dominoes, one after another, ultimately leading to the takeover of the region by communists.

Advertisement

This provided the basis of the Containment theory. On the basis of this doctrine, President Eisenhower supported the South Vietnamese government and though it violated the earlier agreement of holding an election for the whole of Vietnam, the Eisenhower administration continued to support Diems regime by increasing military and economic aid and successfully convincing US policy makers that the communists were behind all the mischief. On 7 May 1954, a French force of 11,000 was encircled in the Dien Bien Phu Valley and surrendered to the Viet Minh.

It was a humiliating defeat for the French and the West. On 21 July 1954, the Geneva Peace Accord was signed. It ended the First Indochina War and temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel, a communist zone in the north and a non-communist zone in the south. The agreement between the Western powers and the Communists granted full independence and neutrality to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam which were previously French colonies. Ceasefire was established in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and a demilitarised zone was created allowing for regrouping of forces. It also mandated free elections in Vietnam to be held in July 1956 to unify the country.

The Ho Chi Minh-led communists were expected to win overwhelmingly. Ironically these agreements were between the French and the Viet Minh but the US and the South Vietnam governments were not signatories giving them a window to abandon its terms. The US unhappiness stemmed from the possibility of the establishment of a legitimate communist government in Vietnam and therefore it put all its might to check this from happening in violation of the agreement. A parallel non-communist state in the South, the Republic of Vietnam was established with total American support with the hope that this regime would be able to withstand the challenge from North Vietnam. The new leader was Ngo Dinh Diem who became the president. With American support he eliminated all his political rivals.

Diems regime was rickety from the beginning as within South Vietnam two religious groups organized their own communities making it a state within the state. It had a formidable membership of about 2 million. They had their own governmental structures, schools, hospitals, postal services, armies, administering them with tax collection. In the first Indo-China war the French administration allowed them autonomy because both of them were anti-communists and were instrumental in preventing the communist takeover of the south. But Diem finding them to be serious internal challenges brought them under his authoritarian rule. The national liberation front, the Viet Cong sprang up in 1960 when the North Vietnamese and the South Vietnamese communists organized a national liberation fro  nt with planned insurgency against Diem. The supply route of these forces used part of the territory of Laos and Cambodia, a long 16,000 kilometre route called the Ho Chi Minh trail that saw severe bombing by the Americans more than anywhere else. Diem with the assistance of the US army tried to create groups of villages as strategic hamlets with an aim to separate the rural population from the Viet Cong. This strategy followed the practice that the British followed in Malaya in 1948-60 but was a miserable failure in Vietnam as the villagers complained of virtual imprisonment and abuses of power from the soldiers stationed in their villages. Consequently, the villagers started cooperating with the Viet Cong.

By 1963, the apparent failure of an authoritarian and unpopular dictator came to surface and Diems unwillingness to reform led to a military coup on 2 November 1963 in which he was killed. A series of coups followed, ultimately a civilian government was formed in 1967 after elections. In order to isolate the Vietcong, President John F Kennedy (1961-63) proposed an anti-guerrilla campaign to create safe villages in which local peasants were moved en masse to fortified villages. He sent 16,000 advisors, helicopters and other military hardware. This policy ended in failure as the Viet Cong consisted mostly of peasants and had no problem in carrying out their mission inside the villages successfully. By 1964, the Viet Cong and the NLF controlled roughly forty per cent of South Vietnamese villages and enjoyed widespread support of the local people.

President Lyndon Johnson (1963-69) assumed that the Viet Cong was controlled and directed by Ho Chi Minh and ordered bombing of its supply routes. In an unprecedented situation, in the coming seven years, North Vietnam was heavily bombed, the bombing being more than all the bombs dropped in Germany during World War II. In addition, more than half a million US troops were sent to South Vietnam from 1965. But even such massive deployments could not stop the Viet Cong advance. Johnson started bombing rural areas of South as well as North Vietnam. By February 1968, the Viet Cong controlled 80 per cent of all towns and villages in South Vietnam. However, many of these areas were recovered by the US assisted South Vietnamese troops, and yet the US public opinion was building against the war and there was increasing demand to withdraw from Vietnam. Johnson rejected the demand of withdrawal but suspended bombing of North Vietnam in March 1968.

(The writers are retired Professors of Political Science, University of Delhi)
Reports of enforced disappearances continue to emerge, with three new cases involving Baloch youth allegedly taken by Pakistani security forces, deepening fears of an intensifying crackdown on dissent and student activism in the region, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

In Islamabad, a Baloch student identified as Saeed, son of Ubaidullah, from Panjgur district, has reportedly gone missing after being detained by individuals in plain clothes at the Islamabad Toll Plaza. Saeed was a fifth-semester student of Defence and Strategic Studies at Quaid-e-Azam University. According to The Balochistan Post, the Baloch Students Council in Islamabad confirmed the incident and described it as part of a disturbing pattern targeting Baloch students in the federal capital.

Advertisement

The Baloch Students Council in Islamabad has announced the occurrence, indicating that Saeeds vanishing is part of a troubling pattern of Baloch students facing targeting in the federal capital. The council has called upon fellow students, human rights advocates, organisations, and concerned individuals to speak up for Saeeds prompt and safe return.

In another case, a minor named Ajman, son of Ameenullah, was reportedly picked up by security forces from Gwadar around 9 PM, and his whereabouts remain unknown. The family has appealed for his immediate release and is fearful for his safety, The Balochistan Post reported.

Advertisement

Similarly, Sameer, son of Abdul Karim, was allegedly taken into custody earlier this week from the Panwan area of Jewani tehsil, Gwadar. His family has also received no information about his condition or location, The Balochistan Post stated.

Human rights activists claim that 2025 has seen a sharp rise in enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Many families reportedly stay silent due to threats of retaliation. While the Pakistani state denies involvement, civil society groups and The Balochistan Post continue to document a pattern of enforced disappearances, especially targeting students and activists.
A series of coordinated attacks and explosions rocked multiple government installations across Balochistan late Tuesday night, as the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility and announced the launch of Operation Baam (Dawn).

At least 17 attacks were reported in various districts, including Panjgur, Surab, Kech, and Kharan.

While Pakistani authorities have yet to confirm the full extent of the damage, local sources report significant disruption in the affected areas. Explosions reportedly targeted military checkpoints, communications infrastructure, and administrative facilities.

BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch described the operation as a new dawn in the Baloch national liberation war, asserting that the campaign spans from the Makran coastal region to the mountainous Koh-e-Suleman range.

He claimed the attacks were carefully coordinated to inflict both human and material losses on Pakistani security forces.

The resistance has entered a new phase, Major Gwahram said in a press statement. Operation Baam is designed to demonstrate that Baloch fighters are capable of launching large-scale, synchronised operations across vast geography.

He added that the BLF would release further details on the operations outcomes once it concludes.

The attacks mark one of the largest and most coordinated offensives by the BLF in recent years, highlighting ongoing unrest and separatist tensions in the Baloch-majority province. The BLF has long accused the Pakistani state of exploiting Balochistans resources while denying its people basic rights and autonomy.

Security forces have reportedly launched search operations in the targeted districts, and communication in parts of Kech and Panjgur remained disrupted as of Wednesday morning.

Operation Baam reflects a growing insurgent capacity in the region and underscores the volatile security environment in Pakistans south-western province, which has seen repeated cycles of armed rebellion and state crackdowns over the past two decades.

Advertisement
Concerns have deepened across Balochistan following the recovery of three bullet-riddled bodies from a stream in the jurisdiction of Yaroshahr Police Station in Dukki district in the province of Pakistan, sparking renewed outcry over what families and activists describe as systematic enforced disappearances, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

Police confirmed that the bodies were transferred to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Dukki, where medical personnel identified the deceased as Ali Mohammad Hassan Baloch, Mohammad Younas, son of Mohammad Isa Baloch, and Wali Mohammad, son of Amir Mohammad, all residents of Killi Safar Ali Baloch in Dukki. Doctors confirmed that all three were shot dead.

According to The Balochistan Post, one of the victims, Mohammad Younas, had previously been subjected to enforced disappearance by Pakistani security forces. His case had been acknowledged by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) in a statement issued on June 21. The BNP-M revealed that a delegation from Dukki had informed party leadership in Quetta about several individuals being detained by security personnel during raids in the area, including Mohammad Younas.

The Balochistan Post noted that recent months have seen a pattern of security forces and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claiming to kill armed suspects in Dukki, only for families to identify the deceased as forcibly disappeared persons later.

On June 28, the CTD reported the killing of four alleged militants. However, the deceased were later recognised by their families as Wazir Khan Suhlani, a local poet missing for eight months; Sohbat, son of Khamees; and Haider Ali, son of Wazir Ahmed, both missing for several months.

In April, five individuals were similarly killed in an alleged shootout. Families of three of the deceased identified them as victims of enforced disappearance, while two bodies remain unidentified.

As reported by The Balochistan Post, the latest killings have reignited accusations of extrajudicial executions and the use of counterterrorism laws to cover up custodial deaths in Balochistan.

Advertisement


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Worlds most valued EV maker Tesla Motors is set to launch its first ever experience centre in Mumbai at the Bandra Kurla Complex on July 15 2025, according to invitations sent out to select outlets.

The BKC, Mumbais hub of major brands and commercial businesses, also houses THE WEEKs city bureau.

Ahead of launch, the Elon Musk-led company has reportedly imported inventory and vehicles worth over $1 million to the country.

MORE | Tesla in India: Game-changer or just another luxury EV brand?

Back in February this year, Elon Musk met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington. Following the meeting, Tesla began hiring Tesla employees in India, starting with 13 job openings, including customer care posts and back-end roles on the EV makers LinkedIn page.

Positions for service technicians and advisory roles were then open in Mumbai and Delhi. Tesla also invited applications for customer management roles and delivery operations specialist posts in Mumbai, Bloomberg then reported.

And with the latest move by Tesla, it looks like they were for the BKC outlet.

However, it remains to be seen how India would approach imported EVs. When the Trump administration initially threatened retaliatory tariffs earlier in the year, India swiftly cut customs duty on high-end and luxury cars priced above around 35 lakh ($40,000) to 70 per cent from 125 per cent.

However, Musk would need significant cuts, given that Trump has already warned the worlds wealthiest man not to set up manufacturing for Tesla in India. Back then, India had pushed for a 15 per cent duty concession for Tesla in a bid to woo them to manufacture domestically. But negotiations stalled in the initial days themselves.

Moreover, idle inventory in their US factories would mean Tesla would have surplus EVs to import to India, further moving away from local manufacturing.

The cheapest variant of Tesla Model 3 is around $42,490, while its biggest hit, Model Y, starts at $44,990. That itself is in the 37 lakh to 40 lakh range, without tariff duties.

Tesla Cybertruck retails at a low of $69,990 while the Model S begins at $84,990. The Model Xthe most expensive Teslacosts from $89,990. These are all pre-tariff prices.

Auto enthusiasts and industry experts would be on the lookout on June 15 when Elon Musk is expected to also reveal India prices.
India lost Squadron Leader Lokender and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Churu in Rajasthan on Wednesday.

Flight Lieutenant Singh, who was just 23 years old when he tragically died in the crash, was fascinated by fighter planes from childhood. He dreamt of becoming a fighter pilot one day.

"He (Flight Lieutenant SinghSingh) was brilliant in studies, and after completing his schooling from Jodhpur, he appeared in the entrance examination for NDA. After selection, he went on to join NDA in Pune and chose the Air Force to realise his dream to become a flyer," Pratap Singh, a family member, told reporters on Thursday.

ALSO READ: Who was Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu? The IAF pilot who was killed in Jaguar crash returned to duty only days ago



Rishi Raj Singh is survived by his father Jaswant Singh, a hotelier; his mother Bhanwar Kanwar, a homemaker; and his younger brother, Yuvraj Singh, who is pursuing his senior secondary education in Jodhpur.

"He was the pride of our family. With his career firmly in place, we had begun preparing for the next chapter of his life, hoping to see him married within a year or two. But now, everything has come to an end," said his uncle Hitpal Singh.

The mortal remains of Flight Lieutenant Singh were cremated at his ancestral village in Rajasthan's Pali district on Thursday evening amid full military honours and slogans.
Pakistan launched a vicious misinformation campaign against India following the crash of a Jaguar fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Rajasthan, peddling a false narrative.

Some social media posts alleged that India was hiding the death of a fighter pilot who supposedly died during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, by reporting two fatalities in a single-seat Jaguar crash.

BREAKING: India claims two pilots died in todays Jaguar (JS159) crash, despite it being a single-seat jet.



This shows India has quietly added the death of a pilot lost in the May 7 incident with Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/1iBPJ71CnD  The Daily CPEC (@TheDailyCPEC) July 10, 2025

After the IAF announced that Squadron Leader Lokender and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh died in the tragic accident, some Pakistani social media handles claimed that India "quietly added the death of a pilot lost in the May 7 incident with Pakistan" and falsely claimed that the fighter jet involved in the crash was a single-seater.

ALSO READ: Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, who died in IAF Jaguar crash, loved fighter jets, wanted to become combat pilot

Delhi-based DFRAC, a non-profit, independent media organisation focused on fact-checking, noted that another X account by the name Raad_Pak, which is currently being withheld in India, claimed that The Indian Air Force says that todays Jaguar aircraft (JS159) killed its 2 pilots, who were flying a single seat aircraft. It simply means that India just reported the casualty of another pilot who was killed on May 7.

READ MORE: Who was Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu? The IAF pilot who was killed in Jaguar crash returned to duty only days ago

However, DFRAC, citing various media reports, clarified that the jet which crashed was in fact a SEPECAT Jaguar trainer aircrafta two-seat version of the Jaguar, deployed by the Indian Air Force for advanced pilot training and mission preparation.

Jaguar has as many as 23 variants, including Jaguar A, B or T2, T2A. Jaguar B is a two-seat trainer model, which allows an instructor and trainee to fly together.
As many as 32 defence infrastructure proposals, including construction of strategic roads, helipads, training areas, ammunition depots, housing for troops and artillery regiments, involving diversion of land from protected areas and eco-sensitive zones across Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Ladakh and Sikkim have received recommendation from Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

A major portion of these projects is located in Ladakh's ecologically fragile Karakoram and Changthang sanctuaries.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the committee, headed by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, cleared two major projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) inside Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary: the 56-km Malinye-Balua-Kapuda road (involving 111.29 hectares of forest land and 9.73 ha from the Eco-Sensitive Zone) and the 20.88-km Kapuda-Phuphu road (involving 44.13 ha of forest land), reported news agency PTI.

In Gujarat's Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary, two projects were cleared, one for the construction of a Border Out Post (BOP) link road over 5.586 ha and another for setting up a helipad, living area and training space at Rodasar Lakki over 19.83 ha.

ALSO READ: LCA Tejas Mk1A update: PM Modi's top aide reviews progress of the fighter jet programme at HAL

In Ladakh, the committee cleared over two dozen proposals, most within the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) and Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuaries. These include 33.4 ha for an artillery regiment and field hospital at Bogdang; 47.6 ha for a forward aviation base at Shyok; 25.1 ha for housing Short Range Surface to Air Missile systems; 31 ha for an ammunition storage facility at Gapshan and 40.47 ha for an Army regiment at Nidder.

Besides, various other proposals for roads, helipads, housing troops, veterinary facilities and training grounds were approved.

The committee noted on the Ladakh proposals: "Legal status of the land shall remain unchanged for the proposed diversion/wildlife clearance. The User agency will have the right to take up only approved activities as per the approved proposal."

"Any diversion of land for any other purpose except for the referred purpose shall not be admissible without fresh approval from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife," it added.

The proposal for the formation of a Field Ammunition Storage Facility (FASF) at Hanle and another for reconnaissance and holding of helicopters at Partapur were also cleared by the committee.

The committee approved the use of 0.29 ha of forest land from Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary for operating a hot mix plant under BRO's Project Swastik in Gangtok district in Sikkim.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, on Friday, hailed the precision and planning with which the Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor and said India hit nine terror targets crisscrossing Pakistan and missed none of them. He also came out all guns blazing against foreign media over their coverage of the recent India-Pakistan military conflict.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval attends the 62nd Convocation of IIT Madras.



Source: IIT Madras pic.twitter.com/iq3Y0Kvlqx  ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025

Lauding India's capability and technological abilities in neutralising the threats from across the border, the NSA, while speaking at the convocation ceremony at IIT Madras, said precision was to the point that India knew who was where, and the entire operation lasted hardly 23 minutes on May 7. He said India avoided civilian and military casualties during Operation Sindoor.

 NSA Ajit Doval: "We have to develop our indigenous technology. Mention of Sindoor was made here. We are really proud of how much of indigenous content was there...We decided to have 9 terrorist targets in the criss-cross of Pakistan, it was not in the border areas. We missed pic.twitter.com/xaB0URpnsb  OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) July 11, 2025

India launched the military offensive Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack to dismantle terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The armed forces targeted nine terrorist camps across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan using a combination of air and missile strikes.

ALSO READ: China-Pakistan military cooperation: What it portends for India-China ties

Doval also slammed the foreign press for their reportage on the operation, saying, "Foreign press said that Pakistan did that and this...You tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian (structure), even a glass pane having been broken...They wrote these things and put out things...The images only showed 13 air bases in Pakistan before and after 10th May, whether it was in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala."

"I am only telling you what the foreign media put out on the basis of images...We are capable of doing that (damage to Pakistani air bases)," he added.

He also highlighted the importance of developing indigenous defence equipment, noting that India had effectively used such equipment in the recent military standoff with Pakistan. "We have to develop our indigenous technology. Mention of Sindoor was made here. We are really proud of how much indigenous content was there."
Mystery shrouds the death of Pakistani actress Humair Asghar, but even more so, such a prominent figures absence went under the radar. It was earlier reported that Asghars body was found in her apartment well into the stages of decomposition, where preliminary investigations assumed that the death occurred 15-20 days ago. But in a bombshell revelation, it seems that Asghar breathed her last in October 2024nine months ago.

ALSO READ | Who was Humaira Asghar? Pakistani actress found dead in apartment

According to Gulf News, South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza was quoted by reporters saying, The expiry dates of food and drinks in the refrigerator are from September 2024. The last outgoing and incoming activity on her phone also dates back to October 2024. Both SIMs in her phone have been inactive since then. Electricity to the apartment was disconnected around the same time due to non-payment of bills.

The DIG added that the 32-year-olds last 'last seen' on WhatsApp was recorded on October 7, while a message sent to her by stylist Danish Maqsood on October 20 remains unread. Asghar was a regular user of social media but her last Instagram post was dated September 30.

It was earlier reported that the DIG found the front door and balcony locked from the inside, leading to no immediate suspicion of foul play.

Asghars death has fuelled social media debate, with many questioning how her close family and friends overlooked her absence. It became clear that there was a feud between the actress and her family as reports emerged that her father, based in Lahore, would not claim her body. Her brother Naveed Asghar, is said to have arrived at Karachi to claim her body.
Anaemia is a real crisis affecting scores of people every year. The World Health Organisation has come out with a word of caution against this persistent health challenge.

According to the experts, without a proper and united action plan, 18 million more girls and women could become anaemic by 2030. The world is currently looking at a burden of 259 million people being affected by anaemia.

Describing anaemia as one of South Asia's most persistent health and equity challenges, the UN health agency urged the governments in the region to take urgent and unified action.

Also Read | Are you at risk even if you are fit? What you need to know about exercise and heart health

According to the National Health Survey-5, 52.2 per cent of pregnant women and adolescent girls in the age group of 15-49 years are anaemic. Children, too, are susceptible to being anaemic and 67.1 per cent of children under 5 years are anaemic.

Anaemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells (RBC) to carry oxygen, resulting in people feeling weak, tired, and more susceptible to illness.

The deficiency of iron in children can cause impaired cognitive and motor development. While in adults, it can lead to decreased work capacity. Iron deficiency in pregnant women can lead to perinatal loss, prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) babies.

India launched the Anemia Mukt Bharat programme in 2018 to reduce the prevalence of anaemia in the country. This policy focuses on six age groups - preschool children (6-59 months), children (5-9 years), adolescent girls and boys (10-19 years), pregnant women, lactating women, and women of reproductive age (15-49 years).

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are witnessing encouraging local results through school-linked nutrition, data-driven strategies, and community-level interventions, according to the WHO release.

Also Read | Funding disruption can lead to 6 million more HIV infections by 2029: United Nations
YAOUNDE, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Two rebel leaders in the Central African Republic (CAR) announced the dissolution of their armed movements on Thursday in the capital city of Bangui, pledging to join the country's peace and reconciliation process, the Ministry of Communication and Media said in a statement.

During a ceremony presided over by President Faustin-Archange Touadera, Ali Darass, leader of the Union for Peace in the CAR (UPC), and Sembe Bobo, leader of the Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation (3R) group, laid down their arms and committed to working toward lasting peace.

The announcement comes in the wake of peace agreements signed in April between the CAR government and the rebel factions in neighbouring Chad, which acted as mediator in the negotiations.

Touadera said the gesture by the rebel leaders has given "the best of hope" in the country. "I urged all leaders and militants of armed groups to firmly adhere to the peace process in view of participating in the development of our dear fatherland," he said during the event.

The UPC and 3R were among five rebel groups that founded the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) in 2020. The coalition was formed with the objective of toppling Touadera after his re-election for a second term.

The CPC is led by former CAR President Francois Bozize, who is currently in exile. 
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that families of terror victims will be given government jobs, and he will personally hand over the appointment letters in the coming days.

He made the announcement while speaking at the Bharat Sanrachna J&K 2025 exhibition held in Srinagar. This move comes after his recent order to the police to reopen old cases where victims of terrorism were denied justice. He also directed the creation of a helpline for such families, so their concerns can be properly addressed.

During his speech, the LG warned divisive elements to stop spreading false and dangerous narratives. He said some people are making irresponsible statements that outsiders are spoiling Jammu and Kashmirs culture, spreading alcoholism, and changing the regions demography.

These are the same lies spread by the terror group TRF (The Resistance Front) in the past to justify killings. Such talk has already led to the loss of many innocent lives, he warned.

Sinha also pointed out that in the past, the SRO-43 schememeant to provide jobs to the families of terror victimswas misused. In some cases, those responsible for violence were given jobs instead of the victims' families. This wrong will be corrected, and those who misused the scheme will be punished, he said.

He assured that real victims will now get jobs at their homes. I will hand over the appointment letters myself, he added.

The LG also spoke about the progress made under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. He said J&Ks economy has doubled in the last 56 years, and J&K Bank has gone from a loss of 1,300 crore to a profit of Rs 1,700 crore. Jammu and Kashmir has now become a major destination for investment and business.

Praising the Bharat Sanrachna J&K 2025 exhibition, he said it highlights government schemes, innovation, and opportunities. The three-day event includes live demonstrations, skill training, career sessions, and stalls by various central ministries. It aims to inspire young people and involve them in J&Ks development journey.
A Delhi court has condemned the Delhi Police for what it described as utter apathy and gross negligence in handling a 2007 murder case where a young man was found dead under suspicious circumstances, but no FIR was registered for nearly a decade.

The shocking lapse came to light when the court took note of the postmortem report and witness statements that clearly pointed to homicide. The victim, believed to be around 30 to 35 years old, was found dead on July 30, 2007, bearing a ligature mark around his neck and grievous injuries on the back of his head, clear indicators of foul play. Yet, the local police neither registered a case nor initiated any meaningful investigation.

It is indeed unfortunate that a young man was found dead under suspicious and clearly incriminating circumstances, yet no FIR was registered by the concerned police officials, the court observed.

As per the records, the body was shifted to a nearby drain to conceal the crime, implicating multiple suspects who worked with the victim at Mohan Hotel near Ajmeri Gate. Statements from witnesses named Chander Mohan, Mohd. Alam, Virender Sharma, and Bhuvan suggested the murder took place inside the hotel premises, but the local police failed to act.

What is more alarming is that the then SHO of PS Kamla Market and the concerned ACP did not register an FIR despite having statements, postmortem findings, and information from the crime scene. It was only years later, between June 2016 and July 2017, when Retd. ACP Dinesh Kumar, then serving as SHO at Kamla Market, claimed he found the inquest report while reviewing station records and sought permission for an FIR from the DCP Central.

However, the court noted that even this step appears to have been just a mere formality. The complete police record has not been placed before the court, and no concrete steps were taken to trace or question the suspects or witnesses despite registration of the FIR. The conduct of police officials posted at PS Kamla Market at the relevant time is highly suspicious and appears to be either wilful inaction or a deliberate attempt to shield the culprits, the court remarked, adding that such dereliction of duty in a case involving loss of human life cannot be tolerated.

To fix accountability and gross mishandling of the cover-up in the court, Bharti Beniwal, Judicial Magistrate of the First Class, has issued the notice to the DCP Central to submit a detailed report listing all SHOs, Investigating Officers, and ACPs concerned with the case from the date of the death till the registration of the FIR.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Odisha six times since the BJP came to power in the state for the first time on its own last year, Congress leader Rahul Gandhis visit on Friday assumes significance given the evolving political scenario. The states main opposition party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), is undergoing internal turmoil, and its supremo Naveen Patnaik is convalescing in Mumbai after spinal cord surgery.

In recent months, the Congress has been attempting to position itself as the principal opposition to the BJP. On July 11, Rahul Gandhi addressed a well-attended Congress rally in Bhubaneswar as part of the partys Save Constitution programme. His last visit to Odisha was during the 2024 election campaign. At the rally, he launched a scathing attack on the one-year-old BJP government in the state, accusing it of exploiting Odishas poor for the benefit of a few billionaires.

Gandhi alleged that the current BJP regime, much like the previous BJD government, is stealing the wealth of Odisha from the hands of the poor. He stated, On one side are the poor people of OdishaDalits, Adivasis, backward classes, farmers, and labourersand on the other side are 5-6 billionaires and the BJP government. This is the real fight. He asserted that only Congress workers, in alliance with the people of Odisha, could win this battle and restore justice and equality.

His remarks come at a time of heightened political tension in the state, with the BJP, BJD, and Congress vying for public support amid shifting political dynamics post the 2024 election results. Gandhi later addressed state Congress leaders at the PCC office.

As for the Congresss position in Odisha, the party has faced continuous electoral defeats since the 1998 Lok Sabha elections. It has lost seven consecutive parliamentary polls and six assembly elections since then. Until 2019, Congress was the main opposition party in the state assembly. However, that year, the BJP overtook it to become the principal opposition.

In the 2024 electionswhen Naveen Patnaiks 24-year rule ended with the BJDs defeat in both the assembly and Lok Sabha pollsthe Congress maintained its third position but improved its tally in the assembly and retained its lone Lok Sabha seat, whereas the BJD lost all Lok Sabha constituencies. Looking back, the Congress had seen worse days; just before the 1971 elections, it had been pushed to fourth place in the assembly.

Odisha saw its first non-Congress government in 1967a coalition of the national Swatantra Party and the regional Jana Congress. During that period, former chief minister Biju Patnaik broke away from Congress, taking a majority of MLAs with him to form the Utkal Congress, which became the main opposition after Patnaik fell out with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. However, in the 1971 general elections, Congress secured the majority of Lok Sabha seats and, within a year, returned to power in the state.

Historically, Congress held a vote share of about 30 per cent in Odisha, while Biju Patnaik, the most popular leader of the state, had a personal vote share of around 15 per cent. Whenever Congress lost credibility and Patnaik aligned with other opposition forces, he could defeat Congress and form the government.

After Biju Patnaiks death in 1997, his son, Doon School-educated author Naveen Patnaik, entered politics almost accidentally. He was brought to Odisha to contest his fathers Lok Sabha seat in a byelection, despite having no political grooming. Naveen eventually formed the BJD, leveraging his fathers name, and allied with the BJP.

The BJD-BJP alliance swept the 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha elections in Odisha. The discredited Congress regime, then grappling with major scandals and disastersthe brutal murder of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his sons, the rape of Anjana Mishra, and the devastating 1999 super cyclone that killed over 10,000 peoplewas voted out in the 2000 assembly election. Since then, Congress has remained out of power for more than two and a half decades.

Even after the BJD-BJP alliance ended following the 2008 Kandhamal communal riotsallegedly involving Sangh activiststhe BJD alone continued to dominate all assembly and parliamentary elections from 2009 to 2019. Following its 2024 defeat, the Congress took nearly a year to realise that it might regain its past relevance. With the BJDs dependence on Naveen Patnaiks charisma and his declining health (he could not campaign across the state in 2024), the Congress now sees an opportunity to emerge as the BJPs main opposition.

The BJPs first year in power in Odisha has been rocky. Under the leadership of Dalit leader and former Union Minister Bhakta Charan Das, who was appointed PCC president, the Congress has actively raised issuesfrom crimes against women to broader governance concerns.

During the last budget session, the Congress demonstrated unprecedented aggressiveness. Its protest in front of the assembly turned violent, making its presence felt not just in Bhubaneswar but across the state. According to a senior intelligence officer, since that session, the Congress has begun to be seen as the de facto main opposition, overtaking the BJD in assertiveness.

Former Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim, a contender for the PCC presidency, told THE WEEK, Naveen Patnaik and the BJD cannot take on the BJP. Only the Congress can. He argued that the BJD carries political baggage that the Congress does not.

Naveen Patnaik had announced plans to tour the state to boost the morale of his party and connect with the people, starting in late 2024but it never materialised. Before the 2024 elections, the BJP and Modi, tapped into sentiments around Odia asmita (Odia pride). The perception that V.K. Pandian, a Tamil Nadu-born IAS officer and Patnaiks close aide, might succeed him after quitting the civil service to join the BJD became a key campaign issue. Pandian was the the BJDs star campaigner, leading rallies across the state. Despite Patnaiks last-minute clarifications, this issue is widely believed to have contributed significantly to the BJDs defeat.

Even after the electoral loss, Pandian remains close to Patnaik. His Odia wife, Sujata Kartikeyan, has now taken voluntary retirement from the civil service. With Patnaik, 79, recently undergoing surgery for cervical arthritis at Mumbais Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, his health has become a national topic. Modi called him in hospital, and leaders from all major parties, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, have extended their wishes. Patnaik is expected to return to Bhubaneswar on July 12.

Unlike other regional parties in India that are family-run, the BJD under Naveen Patnaik has had no designated family successor. His father, Biju Patnaik, never promoted his family in politics. Naveen himself was drawn into politics by his fathers party loyalists and national Janata Dal leaders. His family, based in Delhi, has historically stayed away from political life.

Now that Naveen is ageing, the question of his successor looms large. At one point, there was speculation about his nephew Arun Patnaik (son of Naveens elder brother Prem Patnaik) succeeding him, but no concrete developments followed. This uncertainty has created confusion within the BJD ranks. Some reports suggest that a dormant BJD could result in its supporters shifting to the Congress.

PCC president Bhakta Charan Das accused the BJP state government of attempting to sabotage Rahul Gandhis Friday rally in Bhubaneswar. He alleged a conspiracy behind the drivers strike that coincided with the rally. However, after an appeal from the Congress, the striking drivers offered a one-day reprieve, allowing the event to proceed. Mallikarjun Kharge accompanied Rahul on the visit.

Odisha BJP leaders responded sharply to Gandhis criticism. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan dismissed his claim that industrialist Gautam Adani was behind delays in the pulling of the rath during the Puri car festival, calling it misinformation. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari labelled the Congress the party that bloodied the Constitution, while BJP vice president Biranchi Narayan Tripathy said Rahuls visit was a political stunt aimed at reviving a struggling Congress, not a sincere effort to protect the Constitution.
It now appears that the criminal empire of Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, accused of thousands of illegal conversions, was spread far wider than what the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had originally imagined.

The amount of money that he transacted could be anywhere between 300 to 500 crores, with most of it being routed through bank accounts in Nepal. This money was transferred from various countries around the world to Nepal. From there, it would be brought to districts like Lakhimpur, Shravasti, and Bahraich, which lie on the largely unmanned Indo-Nepal border. Here, exchange agents would convert it into Indian currency.

While investigative agencies currently lack a complete understanding of the operation's scope or the total money involved, there is a prevailing consensus that funds from Nepal may also have entered through Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Kishanganj, and Champaran in Bihar.

The ED has revealed that he was involved in illegal conversion for the last 15 years. The focus of these activities was Ayodhya, Gorakhpur and Azamgarh, where most of this money was spent. The cash for each conversion depended on the caste from which the women originally belonged.

Chhangur and his girlfriend Nasreen alias Neetu were taken on remand by the Anti-Terrorism Squad on Thursday.

The ATS has so far identified six bank accounts belonging to Jalaluddin containing 34.22 crore. Similarly, eight of Nasreen's accounts have been discovered, with deposits worth 13.90 crore made within them during a four-month period in 2021. While the agency is certain there were accounts in Sharjah, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, they currently lack definite information on these. It's noteworthy that Nasreen's father operates a scrap business in Dubai.

DGP Rajeev Krishna has said that other properties belonging to the criminal will also be demolished. This is in addition to the Rs 12 crore worth bungalow which was demolished in Balrampur on Thursday.
The leadership tussle in Karnataka has only shifted gears after the explosive press meet of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Delhi, where he reiterated that the CMs chair was not vacant in the state.

During a press meet on Thursday, ahead of his meeting with the party leadership, Siddaramaiah not only claimed that he would complete a full term of five years as the CM, but also dismissed there was a secret 50-50 power-sharing pact between him and his political rival and deputy DK Shivakumar, who too was in Delhi, closely following the developments. Even as Siddaramaiah was sending out a strong message to Shivakumars camp and the high command that he continued to enjoy the support of a majority of the legislators, CMs close aides and some ministers quietly met AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge to renew their demand for replacing Shivakumar as the party president.

While both leaders met Kharge and Randeep Singh Surjewala, they could not get an audience with Rahul Gandhi or Sonia Gandhi.

The Siddaramaiah camp is hoping to dislodge Shivakumar from the party chiefs post to gain complete control over the party and the MLAs, to thwart any attempt by Shivakumar to garner support of the MLAs or stake claim to the CMs post.

Siddaramaiah, had hammered in the fact that he had won the internal polls during the government formation in 2023 and also stated that only one or two legislators had spoken out in support of Shivakumar becoming the CM.

Shivakumar, who flew back to Bengaluru, chose silence over rebuttals. But his statements reasserting his position as the party chief hinted at the other silent battle brewing within the ruling party.

Whoever had to give answers has done it. They asked the questions and also answered them. I have nothing to say. The party has given me organisational responsibilities and the DCM position and my focus is to fulfil those responsibilities. No matter how you twist your questions, I will not take the bait. I will not comment on the topic of leadership change. I am currently focussed on fulfilling the responsibilities given by the party. Mallikarjun Kharge has given me dheekshe and I have accepted it happily, he told reporters at the airport.

He maintained that he did not discuss any leadership issues in Delhi, but the appointment of loyal party workers to the 350-odd boards and corporations.

We got 7,000 applications and I was busy sorting them as we needed only 350 candidates. We have to accommodate many party workers at the taluk and district level for those who have worked hard for the party, he said.

Magadi MLA H.C. Balakrishna said, CM might have the support of MLAs, but it does not matter as everything is the High Commands decision. Siddaramaiah can be the CM for five or ten years. But after him, DK Shivakumar will be the CM.

All those who had clarity on the leadership issue  the CM, DCM, Kharge and Surjewala have done it. CM has said both leaders will abide by the high commands decision. The DCM has also said the CMs chair is not vacant. There ends the matter, said IT minister Priyank Kharge.

Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna said, Both the high command and MLAs are not ready to replace Siddaramaiah as the CM.

Union minister Prahalad Joshi mocked the ruling party and said, Siddaramaiah keeps saying he is the CM. No other CM is forced to say that. CM says there is no power-sharing deal, but the deputy CM says there is one. Rahul Gandhi and Kharge should answer this question.

Union minister V Somanna slammed the ruling Congress, saying both the CM and DCM were only misleading the people by creating unnecessary confusion repeatedly and suggested they should serve the people and focus on the states development.
After the surprise assembly losses in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra, Congress is cautiously treading its way in Bihar. The party has increased its operations at the grassroots and almost doubled its booth-level agents to keep a check on the Special Intensive Revision exercise of the Election Commission of India.

The grand old party has repeatedly alleged that the ECI is playing into the hands of the ruling dispensation BJP, and for the first time, the party is closely scrutinising the on-ground operations of the ECI. In addition, the partys grassroots workers are also helping underprivileged groups to follow the election bodys guidelines and ensure that their names get listed in the new electoral rolls.

"We have strengthened the organisational base by expanding booth-level committees," Congress spokesperson Gyan Ranjan says, "and by introducing more booth-level agents, we have created a new system of strength which will lay a bigger ground to serve people," Ranjan added that the expansion of Congresss grassroots will assist the people to ensure that they get listed in the electoral rolls.

VIDEO | Bhubaneswar: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) addresses Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh.



He says, BJP is attacking the Constitution. I was in Bihar and just like Maharashtra, they are trying to hijack the election. Election Commission has started a pic.twitter.com/ZXlEDASV5X  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 11, 2025

As the less developed communities are seen to have less understanding of intricate governmental processes and a weak approach towards preserving important documents, they are likely to be the worst hit by the new revision plan.

Therefore, Ranjan claims the marginalised sections of society are anxious about the new exercise of Special Intensive Revision, and therefore, Congress is paying close attention to help the most affected people in Bihar.

The Congress, which is counting on these groups for votes and also trying to break away a chunk of Economically Backward Castes (EBCs), mostly loyal to Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal United (JDU), has almost doubled its booth-level agents' presence from 8,586 to 16,500, which is a significant 92.17% jump.

According to the Election Commission data, between June 25 (when the SIR was announced) and July 2, the total booth-level agents across parties in the state rose by 13%, from 1,38,680 to 1,56,625. The opposition INDIA bloc in Bihar deployed an additional 17.51% booth-level agents, boosting their total from 56,038 to 65,853.

The NDA bloc, however, saw a comparatively lesser surge of 10.86%. But their total booth-level agents count still remains higher, rising from 80,083 to 88,781.
Amid reports of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's secret visit to Delhi to meet top central cabinet ministers, the Congress has taken a jibe, suggesting he went to settle the "gang war" within the state cabinet.

Marathi newspaper Pudhari reported that Shinde made a secret trip to Delhi to meet Home Minister Amit Shah and Minister for Roads and Highways Nitin Gadkari to apprise them of the situation in Maharashtra.

Shinde group minister Uday Samant stated that the Deputy Chief Minister may have visited Delhi to meet leaders on 'Guru Pournima', an auspicious day for worshipping Gurus. Samant added that Shinde might then have discussed issues concerning Maharashtra's development, asserting there is "nothing wrong in going to Delhi if you are discussing Maharashtra development when same parties are ruling at the centre and in the state."

Shinde's absence at the inauguration of Sindoor bridge (old name Carnac Bridge) did not go unnoticed.

There are many reasons why Shinde could have made the trip to Delhi. A top reason could be the possibility of a political realignment in Maharashtra, particularly with the prospects of the Thackeray cousins uniting for the cause of Marathi and Maharashtra. It is important to recall here that the proposal to introduce Hindi as a compulsory language from the first standard was brought forth by Eknath Shinde's minister, Dada Bhuse, who holds the education portfolio. This entire initiative backfired, and the state government received significant criticism on the issue. Consequently, the Shinde Sena gained a negative reputation for initially agreeing to such a proposal.

Shinde is also worried that if Raj and Uddhav really come together then he stands to loose in his stronghold of MMR region as there could be a chance that some of his legislators and cadres wishing to return to Thakceray fold -- especially in Mumbai Thane Pune and Nashik belt.

Another potential issue could be that Sanjay Shirsat, a Shinde group minister, has received an Income Tax notice requesting an explanation of his assets and wealth. This notice might be seeking details about a hotel deal in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district, into which Chief Minister Fadnavis had recently ordered a probe and in which Shirsat's son was allegedly involved.

It is also speculated that, alongside Shirsat, even Shinde's MP son, Dr. Shrikant, has received an IT notice asking for some explanation. As these matters were being discussed in the corridors of power in the state legislature, former Congress state president Nana Patole took a jibe at Shinde, stating that Shinde had gone to Delhi to resolve the "gang war" in the state cabinet.
An earthquake of magnitude 3.7 on Friday struck Haryana's Jhajjar, sending tremors all the way to the National Capital Region (NCR).

This makes it the second earthquake to hit Haryana this week.

The quake originated at a depth of 10km below the surface at 7:49 PM, according to an announcement from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

Just a day ago, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake had struck Haryana's Jhajjar at 9:04 AM, with tremors again jolting Delhi-NCR, the neighbouring Rohtak and Gurugram districts, Panipat, Hisar and Meerut.

"The people seem to be scared. The epicentre was also said to be Jhajjar ... Today, too, we felt the tremors. We will pray to God to bless us," said a local from Jhajjar to ANI.

#WATCH | Haryana | A local from Jhajjar (epicentre of today's earthquake), who felt earthquake tremors, says, "... The people seem to be scared. The epicentre was also said to be Jhajjar... Today, too, we felt the tremors. We will pray to God to bless us..." https://t.co/CIUXRYJ4XJ pic.twitter.com/mlZ6GjkO0e  ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025

"I felt earthquake tremors. I don't fear death, but we can't do much in case of natural disasters. We can only take precautions," pointed out Arjun, a local from Delhi.

#WATCH | Arjun, a Delhi local who felt earthquake tremors a few minutes ago, says, " I felt earthquake tremors. I don't fear death, but we can't do much in case of natural disasters. We can only take precautions." pic.twitter.com/hM4CDjqRTT  ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025

According to the NCS, the Thursday earthquake's epicentre was located 3km North-east of Jhajjar and 51km West of Delhi, at a depth of 10km.

"It was a strong jolt. I think this is the first time in my life that it felt so strong," said an elderly man in Jhajjar, as per a PTI report. "Many rushed out of their homes when the tremors hit."

Tremor-affected neighbourhoods in Delhi were soon gripped by panic, which led people to gather out in the open. People ran out of their homesmany of them barefoot and still in their nightwear.

The National Capital Region falls within Seismic Zone IV, making it fairly prone to earthquakes generally occurring in the range of 5-6 magnitude (but 7-8 occasionally). This is because this zone has a fairly high seismicity, as per the Delhi Disaster Management Authority. The zoning, however, is continues to change from time to time, as per an NDTV report.
Once considered a towering figure in Indian politics and a Congress stalwart for over five decades, Ghulam Nabi Azad finds himself at a political crossroads after the failure of his Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) in Jammu and Kashmir.

His return to regional politics after parting ways with the Congress in 2022 was seen as a bold move. Still, the experiment did not resonate with the electorate in the Union territory. DPAP, launched with much fanfare, struggled to gain traction.

It failed to mobilise a strong cadre due to a strong perception that he was working at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party to weaken the regional parties.

The DPAP suffered desertions, and key aides rejoined the Congress. The party's poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where it didnt field any serious candidates, underlined its marginal status.

In the assembly elections last year, the party failed to secure a respectable number of votes, let alone win any seats. Despite the political setback, Azad remains close to the power corridors in Delhi.

His cordial relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been evident since his emotional farewell in the Rajya Sabha in 2021, where Modi praised Azads contributions and friendship.

The goodwill seems to have endured. Azad was recently part of an important delegation sent by the government of India to various world capitals after the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor.

His inclusion in this team of seasoned diplomats and former ministers hinted that New Delhi still considers him a valuable voice, especially for outreach and diplomacy. This has led to speculation about his future role  could the BJP-led Centre rehabilitate Azad by appointing him to some position?

One possibility being discussed in political circles is his appointment as the next Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, as Manoj Sinhas term ends in August.

However, such a scenario seems unlikely for multiple reasons. Tradition, and arguably political necessity, dictate that the LG of Jammu and Kashmir be a Hindu, given the posts ceremonial responsibilities over the Vaishno Devi and Amarnath shrines, two of Hinduisms holiest pilgrimage sites. It is politically sensitive and would be hard to justify a Muslim LG overseeing religious boards linked to these shrines.

This runs counter to the BJP's ideology of hindutva. Observers opine that the road ahead for Azad is a difficult one. Even the BJP, after he failed to make an impression in Jammu and Kashmir, may find him of little value.

That said, it remains to be seen whether Azad will be accommodated by the Modi government anywhere for his experience and for being a moderate Muslim voice.
Once again, Karnataka's power tussle has landed in the Congress high commands court in Delhi. Speculations over a leadership change in the state began soon after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was inducted into the AICCs 24-member OBC Advisory Council. The move was seen as an effort to pull Siddaramaiah into national politics and pave the way for new leadership in the state.

Going by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumars own admission, there is a 50-50 power-sharing formula in place, and Siddaramaiah completes two and a half years as the chief minister in November this year. Both Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar rushed to Delhi, but on different days and boarded different flights too.

The timing of their visit is sure to ruffle a few feathers as AICCs Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala was in the state capital on his second visit to hold a closed-door meeting with the party legislators. The stated agenda was to take feedback on the implementation of the five guarantee schemes, utilisation in their constituencies and the performance of the Siddaramaiah cabinet.

The buzz was that it was an exercise by the high command to gauge the mood within the party over an impending leadership change. On both his visits, Surjewala categorically denied there was any discussion on the change of leadership in the state.

After all action shifted to Delhi, the CM and DCM met a couple of Central ministers to discuss projects related to the state. Ahead of his meeting with AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, party leaders K.C. Venugopal and Surjewala, Siddaramaiah chose to address a press meet at Karnataka Bhavan, as though to set the stage for the discussions that were to follow.

There is no vacancy for the CMs post. Mr Shivakumar has himself told this many times. Now, where is the question of a tussle between us? I will complete a full term of five years as the chief minister. Surjewala has categorically stated there are no talks of any leadership change in the state, said Siddaramaiah.

When the reporters asked pointed questions about the much-talked-about secret power-sharing formula, and the legislators openly demanding that Shivakumar be made the CM, Siddaramaiah gave a strong message to his detractors, yet not ruling out a secret pact.

No such agreement has been made. At the time of the government formation, Shivakumar and I were contenders for the CM post. Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde, former chief minister of Maharashtra, conducted the polls to pick the chief minister in Karnataka. The result was not declared, but I had won the election. The high command told me I had won, and I am now the chief minister. The only thing the high command told us was to abide by the high commands decision at all times. Even now, I reiterate that I will go by the decision of the high command. Shivakumar also should abide by the high command decision," said Siddaramaiah.

"There are one or two supporters demanding a change, but it is their individual opinion and not the party's decision. Has Kharge, Surjewala or K.C. Venugopal spoken about a leadership change?" asked Siddaramaiah.

On the question of who would lead the party in the 2028 Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah gave a cryptic reply that whoever led the party in the 2023 elections would do it in 2023, though the debate on who led the party to a thumping win in 2023  the mass leader Siddaramaiah or the master strategist Shivakumar, remains to be settled.

Siddaramaiah, who is serving his second term as the chief minister, downplayed Shivakumars claim to chief ministership by saying there were also other aspirants for the chief ministers post in the party.

The veterans statements have certainly stumped even a seasoned politician like Shivakumar, who has resisted many attempts by the Siddaramaiah camp to dislodge him from the party presidents post, apparently to dwarf his stature.

The state cabinet is in chaos as ministers have spoken out about multiple power centres, a September revolution in the state politics and the legislators have charged ministers of corruption, nepotism, and some even confided that there is severe paucity of development funds.

The ruling party in Karnataka is in a state of flux. Siddaramaiahs efforts to implement the contentious caste census was halted by the party high command, calling for a fresh survey; the appointments to boards and corporations are pending. There has been a delay in nominations to the four MLC vacancies, the appointment of district presidents and also a possible cabinet reshuffle. But the most striking sign is Surjewala holding closed-door meetings with MLAs in the absence of both the chief minister and the Karnataka party president.

The CM-in-waiting, Shivakumar, is refusing to step down as the KPCC chief, with his supporters openly endorsing his elevation as the chief minister. The high command's bid to pull a sitting chief minister Siddaramaiah into national politics, or even Shivakumars admission that he has no option but to support the chief minister and he repeatedly stating that efforts might fail but prayers dont, clearly indicate that the party is preparing ground for a major overhaul. But is it time for a change?

Perhaps, no. With Bihar polls round the corner, and Rahul Gandhis OBC outreach, the last thing the Congress leadership wishes to see is a popular OBC Chief Minister Siddaramaiah being targeted by their own partymen.
European officials have reached a new agreement with Israel to facilitate the delivery of urgently needed food, fuel and other aid into Gaza, according to the European Unions foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Speaking to Bloomberg Television in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, Kallas announced that the deal outlines clear terms regarding the volume of aid, the number of crossings to be opened and the mechanisms for distribution, including water supply points.

This agreement includes very concrete measureshow many trucks will get in, which crossings will be opened, and where distribution points will be set up, Kallas said. She added that fuel deliveries and infrastructure repair are also part of the deal, and that safeguards will be put in place to prevent Hamas from diverting aid. The EU has been examining punitive action against Israel, accusing it of violating the terms of a cooperation deal regarding Gaza.

Anouar El Anouni, spokesman for the European Commission, provided further details in Brussels, confirming that Israel had approved significant steps via cabinet decisions and in coordination with the EU. These include opening additional crossing points in northern and southern Gaza, reopening routes from Egypt and Jordan, and expanding food distribution through bakeries and public kitchens. He noted that protecting aid workers remains a priority.

The announcement came hours after an Israeli airstrike that killed 15 people, including 10 children, waiting for assistance outside a medical clinic in Deir al Balah. Footage from security cameras showed civilians gathered peacefully before a blast scattered their bodies. UNICEFs executive director Catherine Russell condemned the attack, calling it unconscionable, and highlighted the desperation of families seeking help after months of deprivation.

Israels military said the strike was aimed at a militant target near the clinic. A senior Israeli official later confirmed that the aid agreement had resulted from continued discussions with the EU, not from pressure, and corroborated Kallass account of expanded access for humanitarian operations.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, speaking from Vienna, acknowledged the deal and described it as an outcome of Israels engagement with the EU. He said it would enable more aid trucks, open more crossings, and increase delivery routes. Kallas stressed that she expects Israel to fully implement all agreed measures.

However, it remains unclear whether the aid will be delivered through the existing UN-managed system or an alternative Israeli- and US-supported mechanism, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The latter has been criticised by aid agencies for falling short of meeting Gazas basic needs. The UN reported that Israel had allowed 75,000 litres of fuel into Gazathe first delivery in 130 daysbut warned it was far from enough to meet even one days requirements.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, departing Washington after meetings with US President Donald Trump, indicated that a 60-day ceasefire deal, supported by the White House, was still under negotiation. He said Israel would consider a permanent end to hostilities only if Hamas agreed to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed cautious optimism, saying talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar had made significant progress.
In a desperate attempt to evade the Iran-backed Houthi rebel missiles, commercial ships crossing the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait are broadcasting messages about their religion.

One of the ships broadcast a message on its AIS public tracking profile, claiming, "All crew Muslim". Another ship said they are an all-Chinese crew and management and went on to warn about armed guards aboard the vessel. Others clarified that they have no links to Israel, reported Reuters, citing MarineTraffic and LSEG ship-tracking AIS data.

 BREAKING: Houthi rebels sink Greek-owned Magic Seas in Red Sea, release drone video showing RPG attack & explosives. Crew of 22 rescued. Today, they hit another Greek ship, Eternity C, killing 4 seafarers. Red Sea trade in chaoshow long will this threat to global shipping pic.twitter.com/I5ywFjLJZc  Greek City Times (@greekcitytimes) July 9, 2025

The Red Sea witnesses an annual movement of $1 trillion worth of goods being transported across Asia, Africa and Europe. This comes after the Houthis attacked and sunk two ships earlier this week. One of them was a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Eternity C, which was hit by rocket-propelled grenades fired from small boats on Monday. Ten crew members were rescued and at least three others were killed. The remaining survivors out of the total 25 crew members were kidnapped by the Houthis.

Another vessel targeted by the Houthis was also a Liberian-flagged Greek-operated cargo ship, Magic Seas. The Yemeni rebels claimed that company owning the ship "violated the entry ban to the ports of occupied Palestine." All 22 crew members were safely rescued by another merchant vessel.

More than 100 merchant ships have been targeted by the Houthis in the Red Sea since November 2023. The attacks in July are the first by the Houthis on ships since November 2024. This could force the US and European forces to launch retaliatory strikes, similar to US President Donald Trump's airstrike campaign against the Houthis in April.
Now that he has emerged from the bunker where he hid during the 12-day war with Israel, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his inner circle are now planning to round up and punish those who attempted to sabotage his rule during the war.

Speculations are rife in Persian social media that the sabotage bid made by reformist former president Hassan Rouhani and Hassan Khomeini, grandson of Iran's first supreme leader Ruhollah Khomeini, has deeply angered Khamenei, according to Iran International.

During Khamenei's absence, reports from Iranian sources claimed that Rouhani and Khomeini made a bid to replace the Supreme Leader. The duo joined forces to influence the succession process. They even made a trip to Qom, the city which houses the most influential Shi'ite clerical institution in the country.

Iran-Israel war | Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei re-emerges after exile, attends Ashura ceremony



Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appeared in public last night, for the first time since the start of the 12-day war with Israel last month, following weeks of pic.twitter.com/O0Be4vQwCX  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) July 6, 2025

Also read: End of Khamenei era? Iran's elite may take over power, strike deal with US to stop Israeli attacks

There were also reports that a group consisting of businessmen, political and military figures, and relatives of high-ranking clerics plotted to take over Iran's rule. The plan was to form a leadership committee which could take the reins of the country and negotiate a deal with the United States to stop the Israeli attacks, and Rouhani was the one set to replace Khamenei in such a context.

However, there were also questions about his legitimacy since he was a white-turbaned cleric, meaning he was not a descendant of the Prophet (a sayyed). Rumours were that in such a context, Rouhani would help groom Khomeini.

But, US President Donald Trump's ceasefire plans doused their hopes. Speculations are that Khamenei will seek revenge against Irans moderates and reformists, whom they believe are "perpetrators".

"They believed Israel would carry out the assassinations of officials, creating space for their return," activist Arashk Rajabpour posted on X. "But Trumps ceasefire left the project unfinished  its unlikely that those who pushed this project forward wont face consequences," he added.

But, many Iranians believe Rouhani is no different from Khamenei as he tried to save the regime and not the people. Another activist, Ashkan Vahdat, posted on X: "With a seemingly moderate face and a reassuring smile, they want to frighten the public with the threat of foreign enemies, to once again manufacture a threat and say, Take refuge in us."
On Thursday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that cooperation between Iran and India on Chabahar Port will continue as per the existing agreement. What otherwise would be a normal announcement has assumed significance in Iran after New Delhi chose to remain neutral in the Israel-Iran war. Ever since India chose not to condemn Israel in its attack on Iran, hardliners in Iran are seeking to revoke India's involvement in Chabahar Port, citing New Delhi's close ties with Tel Aviv.

An Iranian lawmaker has now stated that it was important to investigate India's alleged cooperation with Israel and "cut off contact and cooperation with countries that may be part of the Israeli infiltration project."

Seyyed Javad Hosseinikia, an MP and former member of the Industries and Mines Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, wrote in a piece published on think tank Thahririeh Studies Institute's platform that Iranians witnessed "some countries near and far adopting positions or remaining silent and these will remain in the minds of Iranians so that a definitive response can be given to them at the appropriate time."

On the need to rethink India's investment in Chabahar due to New Delhi's close cooperation with Israel, Hosseinikia said: "The rule of government and governance is that when cooperation with hostile governments and regimes is confirmed, Iran should reduce their involvement in various fields, from politics to economics."

 India and Iran sign a 10 year long term contract on Chabahar port in Tehran, Iran. 



Massive moment for India to get control over a port in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/4P3lup49Yf  Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) May 13, 2024

He added that the relations Iran has with regional countries should be based on their dealings with Israel. "If it is proven to the country's government officials and security forces that India supported Israel's attack on Iran or provided aid and assistance to Israel, then a suitable alternative should be chosen for investment in the Chabahar Free Zone," he said.

Last week, a leading newspaper, Khabar Online, questioned India's efforts in Chabahar stating India preferred IMEC over the port. "This corridor, which has been proposed as a competitor to the Chinese corridors and even the North-South corridor, indicates a shift in Indias priorities from Chabahar to other transit routes," the report said.
How dangerous is it for Gazans to show up at food distribution centres? The United Nations human rights office on Friday revealed that it had recorded at least 798 killings  both at aid points run by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and near aid convoys run by other relief groups, including the UN. Many of them lost their lives even before reaching the distribution facilities, the organisation said.

"Up until the seventh of July, we've recorded now 798 killings, including 615 in the vicinity of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, and 183 presumably on the route of aid convoys," OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva. The statement contradicts the position maintained by the GHF, which had denied Israeli offensives claiming the lives of Palestinian civilians near its camps. GHF maintains that its operation is preventing Hamas from hijacking food aid and using it to control the enclave's population, charges denied by the Islamist militants who ran Gaza.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera confirmed that Israel struck the only functioning distribution point located in Rafah, killing ten and wounding 16 others. The said facility was also run by the GHF.

GHF claims found baseless

The GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May and has repeatedly denied that incidents had occurred at its sites. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation depends on private U.S. security and logistics companies to get supplies into Gaza, largely bypassing a UN-led system that Israel says had let militants divert aid.

Al Jazeera also reported claiming that the Israeli attacks across Gaza are pushing its surviving citizens to further starvation and the hungry are fainting in the streets. The suspension of operations by GHF in most of its distribution sites is expected to worsen the desperate situation for 2 million people who rely on these centres.

The UN and other humanitarian groups have rejected the GHF system, saying it allows Israel to use food as a weapon, violates humanitarian principles and is not effective. Israel says Hamas has siphoned off aid delivered by the UN, a claim the UN denies. Hamas has urged Palestinians not to cooperate with the GHF.

GHF, registered in Delaware, began distributing food in May to Palestinians, who say Israeli troops open fire almost every day toward crowds on roads heading to the distribution points.
A Turkish top diplomat has claimed that India's alleged move blocking Ankara's entry into BRICS was a "revenge" against Turkey. However, it has more than just Turkey's close ties with Pakistan.

Former Turkish ambassadors to India and Pakistan Hasan Gogus said New Delhi's move was a revenge for Turkey opposing India's entry into the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG). "We also didn't allow India into the Nuclear Suppliers Group for a long time. This situation can be seen as revenge for that and is a consequence of deteriorating relations," Gogus told the Turkish daily newspaper Cumhuriyet.

India is still not a member of the 48-country Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG), and Turkey was one of the countries that opposed it. The current guidelines of NSG state stipulate that a non-NPT (Nonproliferation Treaty) state cannot become a member of NSG, which keeps India out of the group.

Did Turkey's anti-India policy cost it BRICS membership? Erdogan's hopes dashed for now

His statement comes amid reports that Indias reservation was one of the determining factors in Turkey's BRICS membership process. India was reportedly "the chief opponent" of Turkey's participation due to Turkey's NATO membership and "different approaches to some regional issues."

Gogus, however, warned the leadership against treating India differently, as it cannot be neglected. "Turkey-India relations have always been overshadowed by Pakistan. We used to maintain good relations with Pakistan without offending India. We used to be careful not to antagonise India, but recently, Turkey-India relations have plummeted. This is a grave situation for Turkey. India has a significant influence in Asia," he added.

Gogus noted that a perception of a Turkey-Azerbaijan-Pakistan trilateral front, saying, "India filled the void left by Turkey's worsened relations with Greece and Armenia." "The Indian Prime Ministers visit to Southern Cyprus can also be evaluated in this context. This is not a healthy development," Gogus said.

#Watch | Activists of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (#SJM) protest against #Turkey outside the Turkish Embassy over its open support to #Pakistan during the recent conflict with #India.#IndiaPakistanConflict pic.twitter.com/fuYWXyZtxG  United News of India (@uniindianews) May 16, 2025

He added that the relations have shifted from coldness to hostility in recent years. "For the first time in history, there were negative demonstrations in front of the Turkish embassy. The Turkish image in India was very good. For example, the street in front of the Indian Prime Minister's Residence was named after Kemal Ataturk. Relations must be repaired," he said.

Gogus also insisted that Turkey return to a softer discourse on the Kashmir issue.

"India's nationalism"

Meanwhile, retired ambassador Halit Bozkurt Aran, who previously served in Islamabad, blamed India for the worsening relations. "Our intense relations with Pakistan do not develop into hostility towards a third country. Mutual accusations between Turkey and India mostly stem from the Indian side. This is due to the growing Indian nationalism within India," he said, adding that Turkey wants to develop relations with "G20 member India."

"The Indian side sees this as competition. I think the reason for this perception is the rapid advancement of Turkiye's defence industry, which is causing unease in India," he alleged.
A Pakistani court on Friday suspended an order seeking to ban the YouTube channels of 27 government critics, including that of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to Imaan Mazari, a defence lawyer representing two of the content creators.

This follows a June 2 report from the country's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which criticised the channels for "sharing highly intimidating, provocative and derogatory contents against state institutions and officials of the state of Pakistan".

ALSO READ | WATCH | Pakistan's Hina Rabbani Khar gets fact-checked by TV host over terrorist Hafiz Abdur Rauf's identity

The judicial magistrate court in Pakistan followed it up with an order seeking a ban on the channels, which later led to YouTube informing the creators that their channels could be taken down, a Reuters report said.

Pakistan's interior minister Talal Chaudhry had also said that the content creators would face criminal charges, calling their channels anti-state.

"You cannot use these cell phones and the social media to create chaos ... There are laws to regulate and they will have to work under these laws," Chaudhry told Geo News. "

Mazari explained that the order had no legal basis, calling the ban a one-sided decision that did not give the content creators a chance to be heard. She added that the magistrate court had no jurisdiction over the matter either.

The mounting suppression of free speech in Pakistani newspapers and television has raised concerns of censorship on social media next: one of the few remaining outlets for criticism against the government.

Earlier this year, Islamabad's parliament introduced a new amendment in the Electronic Crimes Act to further regulate cyber content, which included a number of changes such as introducing a new social media regulatory authority with its own investigation agency and tribunals, the Reuters report said.

The case will next be heard on July 21.
Two months after India destroyed key terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir during Operation Sindoor, a top Nepalese official has warned that terrorists carry out attacks from Nepal.

Sunil Bahadur Thapa, adviser to the Nepalese president, said Pakistan-sponsored terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) could use Nepal as a transit route to target India. He was speaking at a discussion on the topic, 'Terrorism in South Asia: Challenges to Regional Peace and Security', conducted by the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement in Kathmandu on Wednesday, according to The Kathmandu Post. It should be noted that India has an open border with Nepal with visa-free regime.

Rastriya Swatantra Party legislator Shisir Khanal said that in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, it is important for India and Nepal to jointly bolster border management and surveillance, invest in modern surveillance technology and ensure the terrorists cannot circumvent the well-equipped checkpoints. He also urged to deepen intelligence sharing and set up a unified, real-time intelligence hub besides continuous coordination between border security forces and regular joint counter-terrorism operations.

Minendra Rijal, a former defence minister, said Islamabad's support to these proxy groups has crippled the SAARC and the region, causing economic losses for not just India and Nepal, but also Pakistan. He noted that the terror attacks in India leads to spillover effects on Nepal. The remarks come as the 26 civilians killed in the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22 included a Nepalese tourist. The attack was carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the LeT.

A week after Operation Sindoor, on May 18, the head of LeT Nepal module, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Badin district of Sindh, Pakistan.

Several terror-related incidents have been reported in Nepal, posing risks to Indian security. In May 2017, a Pakistani terrorist was arrested by Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB) from Sonauli, Maharajganj on the Nepal border. SSB is tasked with checking infiltration on Nepal border.

The 1999 IC 814 incident saw an Indian Airlines flight taking off from Kathmandu getting hijacked after it entered the Indian airspace.
A top Army conference held in Pakistan's Rawalpindi became another venue for the country's all-powerful Army to launch another tirade against India, wherein it baselessly accused India of "carrying out numerous terrorist activities inside Pakistan" after Operation Sindoor.

The 71st Corps Commanders Conference (CCC) was attended by Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir himself. Munir cried the same old anti-India tune on Thursday too, accusing India of carrying out nefarious activities through its proxies.

Pakistan accuses militant groups, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ('Fitna al-Khawarij') and Baloch militant groups (Fitna al-Hindustan) of being Indian proxies, though the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is a Pakistani offshoot of the Afghan Taliban and the Balochis are more of freedom fighters. India has repeatedly denied any involvement with these groups.

The Pakistan Army top brass, which has been continuing with their anti-India remarks after the military setback in Operation Sindoor, claimed during the meeting that they achieved "successes against terrorist proxies". "The forum resolved that the blood of our Shuhada will not go to waste and the safety and security of people of Pakistan remain top-most priority for the Armed Forces of Pakistan," the ISPR statement on the conference read.

Despite the tall claims, Pakistani media reports said nine passengers travelling between Balochistans Zhob and Loralai districts were abducted and killed by Baloch militants. Pakistan rushed to quickly blame India for the attacks.

The meet also claimed to have achieved "success" against India, but carefully omitted any mention of India's precision attack on its air bases and drone attacks on terror locations. It then went on to brag about the details of Pakistans "proactive and successful diplomatic manoeuvre", including recent visits to Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and UAE, where Munir accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

"[The] forum was also briefed on the historic and unique visit of the COAS to the US, where meetings with top-tier leadership afforded an opportunity to share, first hand, Pakistans objective perspective on bilateral, regional and extra-regional developments," the statement from the meeting read.

While Iran and Turkey are two Islamic nations which has always supported Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UAE are strong allies of India and have stayed out of India's internal matters.
A year since US President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt, the investigators are still clueless about the shooter's motive despite a prolonged and deep investigation. The probe team are still in the dark about how the suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to get so close to Trump.

The focus shifts to Crooks as six agents were suspended by the US Secret Service for failures connected to the shooting that happened in Pennsylvania's Butler. Corey Comperatore, a firefighter attending Trump's campaign rally that day, died in the attack.

Though the FBI conducted nearly 1,000 interviews and analysed hundreds of hours of video footage, among other things as part of its investigation, it has not been able to unearth the motive. The agency, however, managed to go deep into the mindset of Crooks. The FBI later suggested that it believes Crooks was "strikingly intelligent" but likely had an undiagnosed disorder.

Former President Donald Trump shot at rally pic.twitter.com/yfjseLgVLJ  Crime Net (@TRIGGERHAPPYV1) July 13, 2024

According to former FBI agent John Nantz, Crooks did not fit the profile of a politically motivated extremist. Nantz, a subject expert, told Fox News that Crooks didn't look like an ideologue or an individual who was being directed in some way to conduct an assassination attempt.

"But more like a person with anti-social issues that may have been seeking notoriety," he added.

The FBI analysis found that in the weeks leading up to the event, Crooks searched online for both Democratic and Republican politicians, along with the upcoming Democratic National Convention and "depressive disorder."

Nantz too, believes that the motive can only be obtained via digital footprints and personal interviews in the absence of a confession or manifesto. "Whoever the suspect might be, some of your best information comes from people who knew them and what theyve left behind. Now that everybodys kind of self-reporting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, I think it's much easier to figure out: is this individual suffering from mental illness or ideologically motivated?," he added.

Nantz believes the Crooks upbringing and lack of friends were red flags. "One thing I thought was interesting  they said he didnt have friends," Nantz said, questioning why Crooks's parents didn't think that was a red flag from the very beginning. "Any parent can tell you that if your child does not have friends, thats going to be a big concern. And the fact that his parents were both certified counsellors raises questions about the level of their engagement," he added.

A former US Secret Service agent and special agent with the Department of Homeland Security Charles Marino also believes the same, but thinks he would have been deemed a real threat, had he been identified before the incident. "He had access to weapons, money and the means to travel," Marino said.
In an unprecedented move, United States President Donald Trump has announced he would impose 35 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada from August 1. The announcement comes a day after the US president announced 50 per cent tax on imports from Brazil over the Bolsonaro trial.

In a letter sent to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday, the US president said he would raise taxes on imported goods from Canada to 35 per cent, deepening a rift between the two North American countries.

President Trump has also warned that the tariff would increase if Canada retaliates. The letter comes amid trade talks between the US and Canada, aiming to reach a pact by July 1. The recent tariffs are considered to be an aggressive hike over 25 per cent tax announced by Trump in February.

"I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers," Trump wrote to Carney.

"As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if Canada, or companies within your country, decide to build or manufacture products within the United States, and in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely. In other words, in a matter of weeks," the US president said.

Trump's tariff hike, citing fentanyl crisis, comes despite Ottawa announcing a $1.3-billion investment in border security and naming a fentanyl czar to address the concerns coming from the White House.

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said they are hopeful that the US and Canada will reach a trade agreement by the July 21 deadline. "This is an effort that we are putting all our weight behind, it is necessary for the health of our economy," the Canadian minister said during a press conference in Malaysia.

Trump has sent a series of tariff letters to several countries including Brazil, the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Libya, Iraq and Sri Lanka. Trump announced a 50 per cent tax hike on Brazil over the ongoing trial against its former president, Jair Bolsonaro, for trying to stay in office after his 2022 election loss.
Colombo, Jul 11 (PTI) Sri Lankas main Tamil party on Friday asked the government to take decisive action to uncover the truth at an ongoing excavation site believed to be a mass grave linked to a bloody conflict that ended in 2009.

We urge urgent and decisive action to uncover the truth, ensure forensic protocols meet internationally recognised standards and bring perpetrators to justice, the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) wrote in a letter to President Anura Kummara Dissanayake.

Earlier this year, skeletal remains were discovered during redevelopment work at Chemmani in the northern Jaffna peninsulas Ariyalai crematorium.

Thereafter, the Jaffna Magistrates Court officially declared it a mass grave and ordered a court supervised excavation.

In 1998 also, Chemmani had been suspected to be a mass grave and a 1999 excavation had led to the discovery of 15 skeletons.

The ITAK said Chemmani and several other suspected mass graves in the north and east constitute clear evidence of war crimes and a genocidal campaign against the Tamil population.

The party claimed that in the latest excavation, over 40 skeletons, including of infants, have emerged.

It urged President Dissanayake to hold forensic inquiries with international experts on the findings of both excavations in order to deliver justice.

In May 2009, the Sri Lankan Army declared victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which for three decades had run a parallel administration in the northern and eastern part of the country in their quest to set up a separate Tamil homeland.

Some 27,000 troops lost their lives over the three decades out of which over 6,200 soldiers and 22,000 LTTE cadres died in the final phase which began in July 2006.
A wave of concern is sweeping through Jewish members of Congress following the Democratic mayoral primary victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York City.

Mamdani won the nomination with 56% of the vote in a ranked-choice runoff against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. But his support for the BDS movement and refusal to condemn the controversial slogan globalize the intifada has drawn sharp rebukes from Democratic lawmakers, especially in light of the recent surge in violent antisemitic incidents across the country.

To not be willing to condemn the term globalize the intifada demonstrates a callous disregard for antisemitism and terrorism, said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.). Its terribly disturbing and potentially dangerous.

The slogan became a flashpoint during the campaign. Mamdani, while stating he doesnt personally use the phrase, declined to explicitly denounce it, saying on NBCs Meet the Press that the role of the mayor is not to police speech.

Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), who represents a large Jewish community and has spoken openly about his faith, called Mamdanis win a huge problem, citing it as a reflection of growing tolerance for antisemitic rhetoric in progressive circles. Its happening in the context of a violent surge in antisemitism, he told The Hill.

That concern is echoed by other Jewish Democrats in Congress, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), who questioned Mamdanis judgment and warned that failing to denounce inflammatory language will only inflame tensions further.

Someone who refuses to condemn hate speech is not acceptable, Gottheimer told CNN.

Moskowitz added, If he cant say that globalizing the intifada is antisemitic, then hes going to continue to add to the problem.

Despite the uproar, prominent New York Democrats have largely remained muted in their response. House Judiciary Ranking Member Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), the longest-serving Jewish member of the New York delegation, endorsed Mamdani prior to the primary. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) issued a congratulatory note but stopped short of endorsing the candidate.

Other Democrats representing swing districts, such as Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen of Long Island, have distanced themselves from Mamdani.

In a statement following a private meeting with Mamdani, Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) said he urged the nominee to take stronger stances against antisemitism.

I explained why Jewish New Yorkers feel unsafe in the city, Goldman said. As he continues this campaign, he must condemn anti-Jewish hate and calls for violence, and take proactive steps to protect all New Yorkers.

Mamdanis campaign declined to comment on the recent criticism, but the candidate has repeatedly denied antisemitic intent and pledged to govern inclusively.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
At least 200 homes were damaged during a deadly flash flood in the mountain village of Ruidoso, and local emergency managers warned Wednesday that number could more than double as teams survey more neighborhoods.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was among the officials who took an aerial tour of Ruidoso and the surrounding area as they looked to bolster their case for more federal assistance for the community, which has been battered over the past year by wildfires and repeated flooding.

The governor said the state has received partial approval for a federal emergency declaration, freeing up personnel to help with search and rescue efforts and incident management. She called it the first step, saying Ruidoso will need much more.

We will continue working with the federal government for every dollar and resource necessary to help this resilient community fully recover from these devastating floods, she said.

An intense bout of monsoon rains set the disaster in motion Tuesday afternoon. Water rushed from the surrounding mountainside, overwhelming the Rio Ruidoso and taking with it a man and two children who had been camping at a riverside RV park. Their bodies were found downstream. One person is still unaccounted for.

Lujan Grisham expressed her condolences and wished a speedy recovery for the parents of the 4-year-old girl and 7-year-old boy who were killed. She said it will be an emotional journey.

There are no words that can take away that devastation, she said. We are truly heartsick.

Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, whose district includes Ruidoso and surrounding Lincoln County, told reporters more rain is coming and that residents remain at risk. She urged people to follow emergency orders, saying we cannot lose another life.

A community rebuilds  again

Broken tree limbs, twisted metal, crumpled cars and muddy debris remain as crews work to clear roads and culverts wrecked by the flooding.

Tracy Haragan, a lifelong Ruidoso resident on the verge of retirement, watched from his home as a surging river carried away the contents of nine nearby residences.

You watched everything they owned, everything they had  everything went down, he said.

A popular summer retreat, Ruidoso is no stranger to tragedy. It has spent a year rebuilding following destructive wildfires last summer and the flooding that followed.

This time, the floodwaters went even higher, with the Rio Ruidoso rising more than 20 feet (6 meters) on Tuesday to set a record. Officials said the area received about 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) of rain over the South Fork burn scar in just an hour and a half.

It is such a great town, it just takes a tail-whipping every once in a while, Haragan said. We always survive.

Sucked into the floodwaters

Stephanie and Sebastian Trotter were camping along a stream with their son Sebastian, 7, and daughter Charlotte, 4, when the campsite began to flood rapidly, the childrens uncle Hank Wyatt said on a verified GoFundMe page for the family.

Their RV was nearly halfway full of water when the wall cracked, and Stephanie and the children were sucked into the floodwaters, he said. The father dove into the water and tried to help his son climb up a tree, while the mother and daughter floated downstream, clinging to each other until debris hit and separated them.

Both children and two of the familys dogs, Zeus and Ellie, died. The parents survived but were seriously injured.

The children were two of the brightest, most joyful souls you could ever meet, Wyatt said. This is the worst day of our familys lives.

Other people barely escaped.

Arnold Duke, the owner of Ruidoso Trading Post, spent all day Wednesday digging for Native American jewelry in the mud after floodwaters rushed through a warehouse. Three workers fled, leaving cellphones and purses behind.

If they had stayed another minute, I dont know if they would have made it out, Duke said.

Requests for aid

The Rio Ruidoso runs thick with sediment that can settle and raise water levels. Stansbury said the community would need help for the next decade after suffering successive catastrophes.

Lujan Grisham said the federal government likely will advance $15 million to jumpstart recovery efforts. That amount could climb to more than $100 million in the coming months as Ruidoso tries to rebuild and mitigate future floods.

After the 2024 flooding, Ruidoso deployed money from the state and U.S. Department of Agriculture to blunt the impact of flooding by removing river sediment, seeding new plants, installing grates to catch bridge-smashing debris and creating flood barriers out of baskets filled with rocks and earth to channel water away from structures.

Ruidoso Deputy Manager Michael Martinez said those improvements likely saved homes, bridges and lives. But funding was exhausted by early June, when the village requested another $12 million in federal support. Approval was still pending when Tuesdays flood hit.

We would have desilted (more) portions of the river. Would that have made a difference? Martinez said. I think from a mitigation standpoint it might have helped a little bit, but  the rains that we got were a 100-year-flood-level rain. It wasnt just regular flash flooding.

Additionally, Ruidoso and surrounding Lincoln County are advancing a proposal for federal support to convert flood-prone private land to public property, at an initial cost of over $100 million.

The governor said officials need to rethink how to spend funds to reduce the flood risk, and restore watersheds and forests. The mayor underscored that the flooding had damaged water lines and distribution points for potable drinking water.

(AP)
Federal agents faced fierce resistance Thursday during coordinated immigration and labor-enforcement raids at two Glass House Farms cannabis facilities north of Los Angeles. Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), supported by FBI tactical teams and low-flying helicopters, descended on the state-licensed operationsillegal under federal lawto serve warrants for allegedly undocumented workers and child-labor violations.

At the Camarillo farm, protesters converged on agents executing warrants, throwing rocks and bottles. Federal personnel deployed tear gas and smoke grenades to clear crowds. Witnesses reported military-style helicopters sweeping low over the fields, a tactic intended to flush out individuals hiding among the crops.

Ventura County Fire Department confirmed four people were hospitalized with injuriesranging from gas inhalation to minor traumaand three others were treated at the scene. Video footage showed several detentions as vans marked ICE drove onto the property.

In Carpinteria, roughly 50 ICE agents and federal officers raided a sister Glass House location, arresting additional workers amid similar protests.

U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (DCalif.) was on site criticizing the show of force. This is deplorable. This should not be happening on our soil, Carbajal said. Individuals dressed like military personnel We dont do that in America. This was overkill.

U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli announced that the FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of an unknown subject who allegedly fired a pistol at federal officers near Camarillo on July 10. The suspect remains at large.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Local leaders condemned the raids as heavy-handed and harmful to immigrant communities. Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur decried ICEs bold and aggressive tactics on social media and vowed to seek legal remedies alongside state officials.

These actions are causing unnecessary distress and harm, McArthur wrote. I remain committed to exploring legal avenues to address these activities.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have also called for an end to aggressive enforcement in their jurisdictions. Newsom, on social platform X, posted harrowing footage of children fleeing tear gas and lambasted the federal operation as chaos, fear, and terror within our communities.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott countered that 10 juvenileseight unaccompaniedwere found at the Camarillo site and that the facility is under investigation for child-labor violations.

The raids follow a similar operation earlier this week in Los Angeless MacArthur Park and come amid escalating tension between federal immigration authorities and Californias sanctuary policies. Los Angeles and eight other cities recently sued the Trump administration, accusing federal agents of using unconstitutional tactics to instill fear in immigrant communities rather than protect public safety.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The United States is selling weapons to its NATO allies in Europe so they can provide them to Ukraine as it struggles to fend off a recent escalation in Russias drone and missile attacks, President Donald Trump and his chief diplomat said.

Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%, Trump said in an interview with NBC late Thursday. So what were doing is, the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that some of the U.S.-made weapons that Ukraine is seeking are deployed with NATO allies in Europe. Those weapons could be transferred to Ukraine, with European countries buying replacements from the U.S., he said.

Its a lot faster to move something, for example, from Germany to Ukraine than it is to order it from a (U.S.) factory and get it there, Rubio told reporters during a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ukraine badly needs more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to stop Russian ballistic and cruise missiles. Trumps Republican administration has given conflicting signals about its readiness to provide more vital military aid to Ukraine for its more than three years of fighting Russias invasion.

After a pause in some weapons shipments, Trump said he would keep sending defensive weapons to Ukraine. U.S. officials said this week that 155 mm munitions and precision-guided rockets were on their way.

Ukraine is seeking more coveted Patriot air defense systems

Germany, Spain and other European countries possess Patriot missile systems, and some have placed orders for more, Rubio said.

The U.S. is encouraging its NATO allies to provide those weapons, systems, the defensive systems that Ukraine seeks  since they have them in their stocks, and then we can enter into financial agreements with them, with us, where they can purchase the replacements, Rubio said.

Ukraine has asked foreign countries to supply it with an additional 10 Patriot systems and missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday. Germany is ready to provide two systems, and Norway has agreed to supply one, he said.

Russia has recently sought to overwhelm Ukraines air defenses by launching major aerial attacks. Earlier this week, Russia fired more than 700 attack and decoy drones at Ukraine, topping previous nightly barrages for the third time in two weeks.

At the same time, Russias bigger army is pressing hard on parts of the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, where thousands of soldiers on both sides have died since the Kremlin ordered the invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022.

Impact of the latest Russian attacks

In the latest attacks, a Russian drone barrage targeted the center of Kharkiv just before dawn Friday, injuring nine people and damaging a maternity hospital in Ukraines second-largest city, officials said.

Mothers with newborns were being evacuated to a different medical facility, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on Telegram. He didnt say whether anyone at the hospital was among the injured.

Also, a daytime drone attack on the southern city of Odesa injured nine people.

There is no silence in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said after the Kharkiv bombardment. Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, has endured repeated and intensifying drone attacks in recent weeks, as have many other regions of the country, mostly at night.

June brought the highest monthly civilian casualties of the past three years, with 232 people killed and 1,343 wounded, the U.N. human rights mission in Ukraine said Thursday. Russia launched 10 times more drones and missiles in June than in the same month last year, it said.

Other weapons sought by Ukraine

Zelenskyy urged Ukraines Western partners to quickly enact pledges of help they made at an international meeting in Rome on Thursday.

Ukraine also needs more interceptor drones to bring down Russian-made Shahed drones, he said, adding Moscow plans to manufacture up to 1,000 drones a day.

Zelenskyy said Thursday that talks with Trump have been very constructive.

After repeated Russian drone and missile onslaughts in Kyiv, authorities announced Friday they are establishing a comprehensive drone interception system under a project called Clear Sky.

The project includes a $6.2 million investment in interceptor drones, operator training, and new mobile response units, according to the head of the Kyiv Military Administration.

Zelenskyy appealed to foreign partners to help Ukraine accelerate the production of the newly developed interceptor drones, which have proved successful against Shaheds.

We found a solution, as a country, scientists and engineers found a solution. Thats the key, he said. We need financing. And then, we will intercept.

(AP)
In response to the lessons learned from the October 7th massacre, the IDFs Intelligence Directorate is undergoing a significant transformation in its training approach.

According to a report by Army Radio, all personnel in the directorateboth soldiers and officerswill now be required to study Arabic and Islam, regardless of whether their positions require knowledge of the language.

A new department dedicated to Arabic language and Islamic studies will be established within the training system. This unit will not only train translators and radio operators but also intelligence analysts, with the goal of ensuring that every brigade and division intelligence officer achieves a high level of Arabic proficiency and gains a deep understanding of Islamic culture.

The curriculum will begin even before enlistment, with Arabic and Islam integrated into pre-military educational programs. These studies will continue through basic training and into advanced courses for officers and career personnel. The target: within a year, all intelligence personnel will be trained in Islamic studies, and at least 50% will receive Arabic language instruction.

As part of this initiative, the IDF is also reopening the Department of Middle Eastern Studies Promotion, which was shut down six years ago due to budget constraints. Operating under Unit 8200, this department will once again support educational outreach in Israeli schools.

Specialized courses in regional dialectsincluding Houthi and Iraqi Arabichave also been launched. Intelligence officials note that understanding Houthi communications is especially difficult due to their use of the addictive herbal stimulant khat, commonly used in Yemen. Khat use can cause oral inflammation or even cancer [and at times, death via Israeli airstrike,] which distorts speech and complicates audio analysis.

A senior intelligence officer told Army Radio, Until now, we have fallen short when it comes to understanding culture, language, and Islam. We must do better. While we cant turn intelligence officers into native Arabic speakers who grew up in Arab villages, by immersing them in the language and culture, we can cultivate critical thinking and deeper insight.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
An IDF officer was killed Thursday in an apparent accident during operations in southern Gaza, bringing Israels death toll in its renewed ground offensive against Hamas to 41 since March.

The fallen soldier was identified as Captain Reei Biran, 21, a reconnaissance team commander in the Golani Brigade and a resident of Shorashim. According to an IDF investigation, troops were preparing to demolish buildings in Khan Younis suspected of housing Hamas operatives. After rigging the structures with mines, an explosion occurred approximately two hours later. Captain Biran was strucklikely by shrapnel or debrisand succumbed to his wounds shortly thereafter. The circumstances remain under further inquiry.

In a separate incident overnight in northern Gazas Jabalia region, two IDF soldiers were woundedone moderately and one lightlywhen their tank came under anti-tank fire. Both were evacuated to a military hospital, and their families were notified, the IDF said.

Captain Biran is the nephew of Orna and Eitan Biran, who paid tribute to his character and sacrifice. Reei was a figure of inspirationdevoted, principled, guided by mission and love for humanity, his aunt Orna told Ynet. His uncle Eitan wrote on Facebook, Reei was a child of light, a brave fighter, a beloved son and brother. The loss is unfathomable. Captain Birans girlfriend Avia posted on Instagram, Youre the love of my life. Please come back to me.

Since October 2023, including frontline and border operations, 451 Israeli security personnel have been killed in connection with the conflict around Gaza, among them two police officers and three Defense Ministry civilian contractors.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A two-year-old girl who was rushed to Ruth Childrens Hospital at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa last week after being left unattended in a vehicle was niftar overnight in the pediatric intensive care unit, hospital officials confirmed Friday morning.

The toddler, whose identity has not been released, was admitted in critical condition on July 3 following an extended period inside a parked car in Hadera. United Hatzalah first responders provided on-scene emergency treatment, including CPR, before transporting her to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. She was later transferred to Rambam for specialized pediatric intensive care.

Despite all life-saving efforts, the childs condition remained grave, a Rambam spokesperson said. We deeply regret to announce that she succumbed to her injuries overnight.

Shmuel Mori, a United Hatzalah medic who treated the girl at the scene last week, recalled: We were told she had been in the car for a prolonged time. We performed advanced life-support measures on site before she was taken to the hospital in critical condition, he said.

United Hatzalah issued a renewed safety warning to parents and caregivers:

Never leave children alone in a vehicle, even for a moment, the organization said. On hot summer days, always check the back seat before locking your car to ensure no child has been inadvertently left inside.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
 Stanislav Netesov of Moscow, Russia, was attacked at a bus stop on his way home from work, Oddity Central reported.

The assailants took his phone and knocked out one of his teeth. The next day, Netesov went to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to report the attack, but instead of taking his report, they accused him of a crime: dyeing his hair yellow and blue, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

Doing so is a punishable offense against the Russian army.

Police took his fingerprints, handed him a summons to military enlistment and told him they'd force him to "kiss his native soil in the trenches." [Oddity Central, 5/2/2024]
The IDF and Shin Bet announced Friday that they have killed the commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihads Shejaiya sector in a recent airstrike in the Gaza Strip.

The slain terrorist, identified as Fadl Abu al-Ata, had risen from deputy commander to head of Islamic Jihads regional unit during the October 7 assault on southern Israel. According to Israeli authorities, Abu al-Ata was one of the key coordinators between terror organizations in the Shejaiya sector and orchestrated numerous terror attacks against IDF troops. He is also accused of infiltrating into Israeli territory alongside other militants at the outset of the war last year.

In a separate operation, the IDF reported that they eliminated Hamed Kamel Abd al-Aziz Iyad, an explosives expert in Islamic Jihads Turukman Battalion. Israeli officials said Iyad was responsible for planning and executing terrorist and explosive attacks against IDF forces.

The strikes form part of ongoing Israeli efforts to target senior Islamic Jihad operatives in Gaza. Both Abu al-Ata and Iyad were considered high-value targets due to their roles in coordinating cross-border incursions and attacks on Israeli soldiers.

The IDF said it will continue its campaign against those who threaten Israeli civilians and soldiers and emphasized the precision nature of the strikes to minimize civilian harm.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Cranswick plc (LON:CWK  Get Free Report) insider Jim Brisby sold 12,346 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 5,218 ($70.89), for a total transaction of 644,214.28 ($875,172.23).

Cranswick Price Performance

Shares of CWK opened at GBX 5,160.26 ($70.10) on Friday. Cranswick plc has a twelve month low of GBX 4,405 ($59.84) and a twelve month high of GBX 5,590 ($75.94). The firms fifty day simple moving average is GBX 5,276.55 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 5,045.86. The firm has a market capitalization of 2.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.56, a PEG ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a current ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.98.

Get Cranswick alerts:

Cranswick (LON:CWK  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 20th. The company reported GBX 273.40 ($3.71) EPS for the quarter. Cranswick had a net margin of 4.35% and a return on equity of 12.64%. Equities analysts forecast that Cranswick plc will post 258.5590189 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on CWK shares. Shore Capital reiterated a house stock rating on shares of Cranswick in a report on Tuesday, May 20th. Berenberg Bank reiterated a hold rating and set a GBX 5,370 ($72.95) target price on shares of Cranswick in a report on Monday, March 31st.

View Our Latest Research Report on CWK

About Cranswick

(Get Free Report)

Cranswick is a leading and innovative British supplier of premium, fresh and added value food products, with revenues in excess of 2.0 billion. We produce and supply premium food to UK grocery retailers, the food service sector and other global food producers.

Our core market is the United Kingdom where we provide a range of high quality, predominantly fresh food including Fresh Pork, Poultry, Convenience and Gourmet Products and more recently have further expanded our portfolio by adding high quality pet food.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Cranswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cranswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Xerox Holdings Co. (NYSE:XRX  Get Free Report) was the target of some unusual options trading on Wednesday. Stock traders acquired 1,689 put options on the stock. This represents an increase of approximately 1,369% compared to the average volume of 115 put options.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Xerox news, Director A. Scott Letier acquired 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 23rd. The shares were acquired at an average price of $4.43 per share, for a total transaction of $110,750.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 29,384 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $130,171.12. This trade represents a 570.26% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, COO John G. Bruno bought 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 23rd. The stock was purchased at an average price of $4.38 per share, for a total transaction of $109,500.00. Following the purchase, the chief operating officer directly owned 259,775 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,137,814.50. This represents a 10.65% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have acquired 82,300 shares of company stock worth $364,254. Company insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock.

Get Xerox alerts:

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Xerox

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Xerox by 110.8% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 5,539 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 2,911 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP raised its stake in shares of Xerox by 137.7% during the 1st quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 6,014 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 3,484 shares in the last quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management raised its stake in shares of Xerox by 330.5% during the 4th quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management now owns 3,758 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 2,885 shares in the last quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Xerox by 331.8% during the 1st quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 6,507 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of Xerox by 569.7% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 7,045 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 5,993 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.36% of the companys stock.

Xerox Trading Down 3.0%

NYSE:XRX opened at $5.14 on Friday. Xerox has a twelve month low of $3.45 and a twelve month high of $12.29. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.61. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $5.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $6.26. The company has a market cap of $646.56 million, a P/E ratio of -0.48 and a beta of 1.82.

Xerox (NYSE:XRX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The information technology services provider reported ($0.06) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.03) by ($0.03). Xerox had a positive return on equity of 7.57% and a negative net margin of 21.24%. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.06 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Xerox will post 1.07 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Xerox Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be given a dividend of $0.025 per share. This represents a $0.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.95%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 30th. Xeroxs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -0.95%.

Xerox Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Xerox Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a workplace technology company that integrates hardware, services, and software for enterprises in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Print and Other; and FITTLE.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Xerox Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xerox and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH  Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Barclays from $67.00 to $68.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have an underweight rating on the banks stock.

Bank of Hawaii Stock Performance

BOH stock opened at $70.12 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $67.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $68.80. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The firm has a market cap of $2.79 billion, a PE ratio of 19.70, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.77. Bank of Hawaii has a 1-year low of $57.45 and a 1-year high of $82.70.

Get Bank of Hawaii alerts:

Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 21st. The bank reported $0.97 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $169.87 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $168.65 million. Bank of Hawaii had a return on equity of 12.16% and a net margin of 15.12%. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.87 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Bank of Hawaii will post 3.97 earnings per share for the current year.

Bank of Hawaii Announces Dividend

Insider Activity at Bank of Hawaii

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 30th were issued a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 30th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.99%. Bank of Hawaiis dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 78.65%.

In other news, insider Taryn L. Salmon sold 1,652 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.15, for a total value of $109,279.80. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 6,442 shares in the company, valued at $426,138.30. The trade was a 20.41% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 2.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of Bank of Hawaii

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BOH. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 80.2% in the first quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 391 shares of the banks stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 174 shares in the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its position in Bank of Hawaii by 18,333.3% during the first quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 553 shares of the banks stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 550 shares during the last quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in Bank of Hawaii by 110.5% in the first quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 581 shares of the banks stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 305 shares in the last quarter. Strs Ohio acquired a new position in shares of Bank of Hawaii during the 1st quarter worth approximately $41,000. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio bought a new stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii during the 4th quarter worth approximately $49,000. 82.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Bank of Hawaii

(Get Free Report)

Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, overdraft lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, investment, credit, and trust services to individuals and families, as well as high-net-worth individuals; investment management; institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offerings, including equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Hawaii Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Hawaii and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Parr Mcknight Wealth Management Group LLC raised its position in Orix Corp Ads (NYSE:IX  Free Report) by 392.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 67,287 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 53,624 shares during the period. Parr Mcknight Wealth Management Group LLCs holdings in Orix Corp Ads were worth $1,406,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in IX. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its holdings in Orix Corp Ads by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 21,181 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,250,000 after purchasing an additional 474 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Orix Corp Ads by 6.3% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 27,859 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,959,000 after purchasing an additional 1,650 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Orix Corp Ads during the 4th quarter valued at about $312,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Orix Corp Ads by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 6,908 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $734,000 after acquiring an additional 211 shares during the last quarter. Finally, HighTower Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Orix Corp Ads by 40.6% during the 4th quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 9,770 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,038,000 after acquiring an additional 2,822 shares during the last quarter. 1.73% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Orix Corp Ads alerts:

Orix Corp Ads Trading Down 0.0%

NYSE IX opened at $22.68 on Friday. Orix Corp Ads has a 12 month low of $17.75 and a 12 month high of $25.17. The company has a 50-day moving average of $21.28 and a 200-day moving average of $20.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.77 and a quick ratio of 1.73. The company has a market cap of $25.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.24, a P/E/G ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.86.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Orix Corp Ads ( NYSE:IX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 12th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.46 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.66 by ($0.20). Orix Corp Ads had a net margin of 12.24% and a return on equity of 8.53%. The company had revenue of $4.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.17 billion. As a group, equities analysts predict that Orix Corp Ads will post 11.31 earnings per share for the current year.

Separately, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Orix Corp Ads from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th.

Get Our Latest Report on IX

Orix Corp Ads Profile

(Free Report)

ORIX Corporation provides diversified financial services in Japan, the United States, Asia, Europe, Australasia, and the Middle East. The company's Corporate Financial Services and Maintenance Leasing segment is involved in the finance and fee; leasing and rental of automobiles, electronic measuring instruments, and ICT-related equipment businesses; and provision of life insurance and environment and energy-related products and services.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Orix Corp Ads Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orix Corp Ads and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
MJP Associates Inc. ADV grew its stake in shares of BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 16.4% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 518 shares of the asset managers stock after buying an additional 73 shares during the quarter. MJP Associates Inc. ADVs holdings in BlackRock were worth $490,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in BLK. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in shares of BlackRock by 104,598.9% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,500,083 shares of the asset managers stock worth $3,312,759,000 after purchasing an additional 3,496,740 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock in the 4th quarter worth approximately $2,356,357,000. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC grew its stake in shares of BlackRock by 401.5% in the 4th quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 1,095,241 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,122,743,000 after purchasing an additional 876,836 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock in the 4th quarter worth approximately $572,730,000. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its stake in shares of BlackRock by 18.6% in the 4th quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 2,100,163 shares of the asset managers stock worth $2,152,907,000 after purchasing an additional 329,244 shares during the last quarter. 80.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get BlackRock alerts:

BlackRock Price Performance

NYSE BLK opened at $1,103.70 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 4.34, a current ratio of 4.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The stock has a market capitalization of $170.99 billion, a PE ratio of 26.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.25 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $993.20 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $971.28. BlackRock has a 12-month low of $773.74 and a 12-month high of $1,105.72.

BlackRock Announces Dividend

BlackRock ( NYSE:BLK Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, April 11th. The asset manager reported $11.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $10.84 by $0.46. The firm had revenue of $5.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.47 billion. BlackRock had a net margin of 30.09% and a return on equity of 15.57%. The companys revenue was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $9.81 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that BlackRock will post 47.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 23rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 5th were paid a $5.21 dividend. This represents a $20.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 5th. BlackRocks payout ratio is 50.63%.

Insider Buying and Selling at BlackRock

In other news, Director J. Richard Kushel sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $912.50, for a total value of $9,125,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 66,034 shares in the company, valued at approximately $60,256,025. The trade was a 13.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.98% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on BLK. TD Cowen lowered their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $1,251.00 to $1,032.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 9th. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of BlackRock from $1,200.00 to $1,100.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of BlackRock from $1,046.00 to $988.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Wells Fargo & Company restated an overweight rating on shares of BlackRock in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of BlackRock to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, May 24th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, BlackRock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,132.29.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on BlackRock

BlackRock Profile

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS  Get Free Report) and GXO Logistics (NYSE:GXO  Get Free Report) are both transportation companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership and risk.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for United Parcel Service and GXO Logistics, as reported by MarketBeat.

Get United Parcel Service alerts:

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score United Parcel Service 2 14 11 1 2.39 GXO Logistics 0 5 9 0 2.64

United Parcel Service presently has a consensus price target of $119.13, suggesting a potential upside of 15.80%. GXO Logistics has a consensus price target of $56.43, suggesting a potential upside of 9.17%. Given United Parcel Services higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe United Parcel Service is more favorable than GXO Logistics.

Volatility and Risk

Valuation and Earnings

United Parcel Service has a beta of 1.21, suggesting that its stock price is 21% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, GXO Logistics has a beta of 1.64, suggesting that its stock price is 64% more volatile than the S&P 500.

This table compares United Parcel Service and GXO Logisticss revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio United Parcel Service $91.07 billion 0.96 $5.78 billion $6.86 15.00 GXO Logistics $11.71 billion 0.51 $134.00 million $0.62 83.37

United Parcel Service has higher revenue and earnings than GXO Logistics. United Parcel Service is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than GXO Logistics, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares United Parcel Service and GXO Logistics net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets United Parcel Service 6.44% 40.15% 9.65% GXO Logistics 0.61% 10.49% 2.75%

Institutional and Insider Ownership

60.3% of United Parcel Service shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 90.7% of GXO Logistics shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of United Parcel Service shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 2.3% of GXO Logistics shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

United Parcel Service beats GXO Logistics on 10 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About United Parcel Service

(Get Free Report)

United Parcel Service, Inc., a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of express letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. The International Package segment provides guaranteed day and time-definite international shipping services comprising guaranteed time-definite express options in Europe, Asia, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, and Latin America. The company also offers international air and ocean freight forwarding, post-sales, and mail and consulting services. In addition, it provides truckload and customs brokerage services; supply chain solutions to the healthcare and life sciences industries; fulfillment and transportation management services; and integrated supply chain and shipment insurance solutions. United Parcel Service, Inc. was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

About GXO Logistics

(Get Free Report)

GXO Logistics, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides logistics services worldwide. The company provides warehousing and distribution, order fulfilment, e-commerce, reverse logistics, and other supply chain services. As of December 31, 2023, it operated in approximately 974 facilities. The company serves various customers in the e-commerce, omnichannel retail, technology and consumer electronics, food and beverage, industrial and manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, and others. GXO Logistics, Inc. was incorporated in 2021 and is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Receive News & Ratings for United Parcel Service Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Parcel Service and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
WESPAC Advisors LLC decreased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 25.6% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 576 shares of the companys stock after selling 198 shares during the quarter. WESPAC Advisors LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $476,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.0% during the 4th quarter. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 606 shares of the companys stock valued at $468,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares during the period. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.4% during the 4th quarter. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC now owns 855 shares of the companys stock valued at $660,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares during the period. Garner Asset Management Corp increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Garner Asset Management Corp now owns 532 shares of the companys stock valued at $411,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares during the period. Tobias Financial Advisors Inc. increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 4.1% during the 4th quarter. Tobias Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 307 shares of the companys stock valued at $237,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares during the period. Finally, Redwood Investments LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Redwood Investments LLC now owns 2,209 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,705,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts:

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance

LLY opened at $790.23 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.18, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.06. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $767.03 and a 200 day moving average price of $800.01. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $677.09 and a 1 year high of $972.53. The stock has a market cap of $748.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 64.30, a P/E/G ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 0.40.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $3.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.64 by ($1.30). The company had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.77 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.67% and a return on equity of 85.51%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 45.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.58 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.76%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 48.82%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have commented on LLY. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, June 28th. HSBC lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a reduce rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $1,150.00 to $700.00 in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, May 1st. UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,100.00 to $1,050.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a neutral rating to a buy rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $892.00 to $888.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,012.22.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on LLY

About Eli Lilly and Company

(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.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Investment Management Associates Inc. ADV cut its position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 3.8% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 124,467 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,850 shares during the period. Philip Morris International makes up about 8.1% of Investment Management Associates Inc. ADVs holdings, making the stock its 5th largest holding. Investment Management Associates Inc. ADVs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $19,757,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in PM. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 139,432,392 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,780,688,000 after purchasing an additional 1,167,810 shares during the period. Capital World Investors raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 122,584,210 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,752,926,000 after purchasing an additional 4,216,586 shares during the period. GQG Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 14.3% during the 4th quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 48,746,809 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,866,678,000 after purchasing an additional 6,092,558 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 9.9% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 35,286,582 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,241,837,000 after purchasing an additional 3,185,258 shares during the period. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.1% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 17,276,790 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,079,262,000 after purchasing an additional 516,617 shares during the period. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Philip Morris International alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on PM shares. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $168.00 to $186.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, June 21st. Bank of America upped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $182.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. Citigroup boosted their target price on Philip Morris International from $188.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Philip Morris International from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $185.73.

Philip Morris International Trading Up 1.6%

NYSE PM opened at $180.85 on Friday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $102.75 and a 1-year high of $186.69. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $177.87 and a 200-day moving average of $156.13. The firm has a market cap of $281.50 billion, a PE ratio of 37.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.51.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $9.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.10 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.40% and a net margin of 8.43%. Philip Morris Internationals quarterly revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.50 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 27th will be given a dividend of $1.35 per share. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.99%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 27th. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is 111.34%.

About Philip Morris International

(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.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
NEW DELHI, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a bridge collapse in the western Indian state of Gujarat rose to 20 on Friday, officials said.

A portion of the bridge over the Mahisagar river collapsed on Wednesday in Vadodara district, about 151 km southeast of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

Following its collapse, five to seven vehicles plying on it plunged into the river.

"The search operation has been going on since Wednesday, and today two more bodies were recovered during the extraction of a truck from the riverbed, taking the death toll to 20 in the accident so far," an official said.

The search operation at the spot was underway, as two people were still missing.

The cause of the bridge collapse was unknown.

Meanwhile, the local government has suspended four engineers from the Public Works Department in connection with the matter.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered an inquiry into the accident, promising a detailed report within 30 days.

The bridge was built in 1985. It connects Anand and Vadodara districts. Heavy lorries seeking to avoid tolls on the six-lane Mumbai-Ahmedabad national highway had been increasingly using this crossover.

Deadly accidents due to failing infrastructure are common in India. 
Irish Doctor Anthony Beirne between tragically by died while on holiday in France, leaving his wife, son and all who knew and loved him devastated, Leitrim Live has reported.

Dr Beirne was from Carrick-on-Shannon in Leitrim and Cork passed away while on holiday in France on June 22. He is deeply missed by his wife June, son Francis, parents Billy and Peggy, brother Patrick, sister Bernadette, sister-in-law Sindy, uncle Michael, niece Siobhan, cousins, relatives, neighbours, colleagues in Cork, and many friends.

Tributes have been pouring in for Dr Beirne, who was described as "bright" and a "gentleman," among other admirable qualities.

One of his classmates from University College Cork shared, "Anthony was a wonderfully witty and engaging member of our UCC class of '89  conversations with him were always thoughtful, entertaining, and memorable. May he rest in peace."

READ NEXT: RIP: Man (60s) dies amid fatal road crash and woman (60s) seriously injured

"We worked together in the North Cork community sector for a few years. He was a thorough gentleman who looked after his patients so well. Rest in peace Tony," a former colleague recalled.

Anthony will repose at St Mary's Church, Annaduff (N41 CF54), on Thursday, July 10, from 5pm to 7pm. His Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, July 11, at 11am in St Mary's Church, Annaduff.

The family has requested no flowers, and donations, if desired, can be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

Dr Beirne clearly made a lasting impact on colleagues, patients, and all who knew him. One condolence message read, "Deepest condolences to June, Frances, Billy, Peggy and all the Beirne family. A more gentle yet thought-provoking doctor you will never find anywhere."

READ NEXT: Anticipated bypass in Leitrim moves forward, slowly but surely

Another tribute shared a personal memory. "I had a bereavement over 18 months after leaving that team and was extremely touched when a card arrived to my home from Tony, even though we were no longer in contact; he hadn't had my exact address but had put down what he knew and it had somehow reached me. I always appreciated that thought and effort and will always think of that when I think of Tony."
Over three-quarters of people aged over 18 considered their general health to be good or very good last year, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The highest number of people who considered their general health to be good or very good were those aged 35 to 44 years, at 81.6%, and the lowest was those aged 75 years and over at 61.9%.

The health survey, carried out by the CSO, found that approximately half of those aged 18 to 24 years of age considered their mental health to be good or very good.

Approximately 18.7% of people aged 18 years and over had been diagnosed with a specific neurodiverse condition, or suspected they were neurodiverse.

Those aged 75 years and over, at 92%, were almost three times more likely to have used prescription medicines in the two weeks prior to the survey compared to those aged 18 to 24 years of age, at 30.7%.

When asked about vaping, almost a quarter of those aged 18 to 34 years of age said they vaped daily or occasionally.

Almost one in five people aged 18 years and over say they provided care or assistance to one or more people suffering from some age-related problem, chronic health condition, or infirmity, at least once a week.

Regionally, the percentage of people aged 18 years and over who considered their general health to be good or very good was highest for HSE Dublin and South East at 78.5% and lowest for HSE Dublin and Midlands at 72.5%.

Slightly less people aged 18 years and over considered their mental health to be good or very good at 70.7%.

This was lowest for those aged 18 to 24 years of age at 50.8%, and highest for those aged 65 years and over at 83.7%.

Someone may consider themselves to be, or be diagnosed as, neurodiverse if they are autistic, have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), have dyspraxia or other neurodivergent condition, have differences in social preferences, have differences in ways of learning, communicate or perceive the world around themselves differently, or are particularly sensitive to noise or lighting.

Across the broad range of visits to health professionals, women aged 18 years and over were more likely to have visited a health professional than men in the past 12 months.

For GP consultations, 84.7% of women compared to 74.2% of men aged 18 years and over had a consultation in the past 12 months.

Almost 60% of women aged 18 years and over were more likely than men, at 48.3%, to have used prescription medicine in the two weeks prior to completion of the survey.

This excludes contraceptive pills or hormones used solely for contraception.

Those aged 75 years and over were almost three times more likely to have used prescription medicines in comparison with those aged 18 to 24 years of age.

For body mass index (BMI), almost a quarter of people aged 18 years and over were classified as being obese.

Three in 10 of those aged 55 to 64 years were classified as being obese, in comparison to 13.6% of those aged 18 to 24 years of age.

Over four in five people aged 18 years and over drank alcohol in the past 12 months, with 40.6% drinking at least weekly.

The percentage of people aged 18 years and over who drank alcohol at least weekly in the past 12 months was lowest for those aged 18 to 24 years of age (26.7%) and highest for those aged 55 to 64 years (55.9%).

When it comes to smoking and vaping, 10.2% of those aged 18 years and over smoked tobacco products daily, while 7.1% vaped daily.

Those aged 45 to 54 years of age were more likely to smoke daily than any other age group at 13.3%.

Vaping daily (13.6%) or occasionally (10%) was most prevalent for those aged 18 to 34 years.

Sarah Crilly, statistician in the Health and Social Cohesion Division said: The statistics contained in this release are selected from a comprehensive survey that was completed in 2024 analysing the health of people in Ireland.

People aged 18 years and over were asked more than 100 questions, via an online questionnaire, about their health status, access to health care, and their health determinants such as smoking and alcohol use.

A valuable aspect of the data is its use to health researchers.

The Health Research Data Centre can provide this access subject to the necessary procedures.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 12. Five years have passed since the day when the Armenian armed forces grossly violated the ceasefire regime in the direction of the Tovuz district, which triggered the beginning and subsequently the Victory of Azerbaijan in the second Karabakh war, Trend reports.

On the first day of fighting  July 12, 2020, the Armenian armed forces units subjected to fire the Azerbaijani Army positions and tried to go on the offensive. However, as a result of the adequate retaliatory measures, the opposing side retreated, suffering considerable losses.

While repelling the enemy attacks, three Azerbaijani servicemen had been killed, five were wounded.

On the night of July 13, the Armenian military units once again shelled the positions of the Azerbaijani Army, including the Aghdam village of the Tovuz district. Azerbaijan took stronger retaliatory measures, using artillery fire to destroy the stronghold, artillery mounts, vehicles, and manpower of the enemy. The crushing blows resulted in the significant losses from the Armenian side.

The Security Council held a meeting under the chairmanship of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the same day. In the next few days, the situation remained tense, the fierce battles continued.

On the night of July 14-15, tens of thousands of young people marched through Baku to express their support for the Azerbaijani army. The next day, loads of young people applied to the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription to enlist in the Azerbaijani army.

On the morning of July 16, Aghdam, Dondar Gushchu and Vakhidli villages of the Tovuz district were intensively fired by the enemy from large-caliber weapons and mortars. However, the opposite side was suppressed by return fire. Despite the tense situation, relative calm was observed in the Tovuz direction of the Azerbaijan-Armenia state border on July 17.

Some 12 Azerbaijani servicemen became martyrs, and one civilian died following the Tovuz battles. A total of 100 enemy servicemen have been killed, as well as enemy military equipment was disabled as a result of the Tovuz battles.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva are giving every support to the martyr families through special care and attention.

The Tovuz battles once again demonstrated the military weakness of Armenia and the fierce fighting spirit of the Azerbaijani people. Thus, these battles became another page in the glorious history of Azerbaijani Army.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. On July 11, the Baku Military Court continued open hearings in the criminal case against Armenian nationals Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. They stand accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes - including planning and waging aggressive war, genocide, and violations of the laws and customs of war - terrorism, financing terrorism, the forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other offenses committed during Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The hearing, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, alongside Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (with Gunel Samadova as reserve judge), ensured that each defendant was provided with interpretation services in their native language as well as legal defense. The session was attended by the accused, their legal teams, several victims, their legal successors and representatives, and state prosecutors.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the judicial panel, prosecutors, interpreters, and other court participants to the victims attending for the first time, outlining their rights and obligations under the law.

Victim Mehriban Bakirova testified that during the Khojaly genocide on the night of February 2526, 1992, she was taken hostage by Armenian armed forces and held in Khankendi for 10 days. At the time, she had four young children, including her newborn daughter Gunay, who was only a few days old. Her one-and-a-half-year-old son sustained shrapnel injuries to his head. While in captivity, she endured torture, and her captors demanded information about her husband, Abdulla Hamzayev, who worked at the Khojaly airport police station. Her daughter Gunay, injured during captivity, passed away at age 15. Responding to a question from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, Bakirova noted that Khojaly was under constant shelling before the genocide, forcing residents to hide in basements. She gave birth to Gunay in a basement on February 23. During captivity, her newborn was taken from her, but a woman named Victoria, of non-Armenian descent, found and returned the child after three days. The court displayed a page from Moskovskiye Novosti, featuring a photo by war photojournalist Victoria Ivleva (whose Khojaly photographs also appeared in the book Khojaly: Witness to a War Crime. Armenia in the Dock). Bakirova confirmed that the woman in the photo was the one who helped her.

Mursal Ilyasov, a Khojaly resident, testified that on the night of February 2526, 1992, when Armenian armed forces attacked, he and his family sought refuge in their neighbor Osman Hamdiyevs basement, along with 26 members of four families. The basement was attacked with grenades and gunfire, resulting in Ilyasov sustaining injuries to his face, left arm, and right hand fingers. Most houses on his street, including his own, were burned, and his 92-year-old grandmother perished in the fire. His father, Mahammad Ilyasov, was shot dead in front of him, and his brother, Ahmad Ilyasov, was also killed by Armenian forces. Ilyasov was taken hostage in Khankendi, where he endured torture and beatings. Responding to state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, he confirmed that he was handed over to Azerbaijani forces a few days later.

Victim Alovsat Guliyev, a Khojaly resident, stated that on January 21, 1992, before the genocide, he was shot in the head by Armenian forces while on duty. During the February 2526 attack, he hid in a basement but later fled to the Aghdam district, as confirmed in response to a question from Nasir Bayramov, head of the Prosecutor Generals Department for State Prosecution.

Avaz Abbasov, a resident of Karkijahan, testified that in 1989, when he was in third grade and his brother Eyvaz was in first grade, Armenians threw a grenade at them. A group had approached, declaring their intent to take revenge on Azerbaijanis. When Abbasov tried to call for help, the grenade was thrown, killing his brother and severely injuring him. He was treated in hospitals in Shusha, Aghdam, and Baku. Another brother was later killed in battles defending Shusha.

Giyas Aliyev, from Aghdaban village in the Kalbajar district, testified that on April 8, 1992, during an attack by Armenian armed forces, he sustained a severe gunshot wound. Responding to Assistant Prosecutor General Tugay Rahimli, he stated that homes were burned, civilians, including his relatives, were killed, and four villagers were crushed to death by a tank. His uncle and a five-year-old girl were shot at their doorstep; the girl was buried alive while wounded, as witnessed by a neighbor who later recovered her body.

Sadig Rahimov testified that he fought in defense of Azerbaijani territories from 1991 to 1993 and was wounded in Sugovushan. He witnessed Armenian forces driving a tank over a wounded soldier from Yevlakh.

Tunzala Pashayeva, a Khojaly resident, stated that during the February 2526, 1992, attack, she and her family fled to Katik forest but were taken hostage. Before their capture, Armenian forces shot and killed her cousin, Mehdi Hasanov.

Valida Nasibova testified that during the Khojaly genocide, she was wounded. Responding to state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, she confirmed that her brothers two children were killed, and her mother and daughters-in-law were injured. Her own child was found frozen in the forest after a day.

Rashad Aliyev testified that as a minor in 1992, he was wounded by Armenian gunfire.

Mushfig Sadigov stated that during the Khojaly genocide, his father was wounded, and close relatives were killed. He described civilian deaths, looted and burned homes, and Armenians luring survivors to gas pipelines they had ignited, only to take them hostage in the cold.

Samira Alasgarova testified that on August 26, 1998, she and her father, Mirza Alasgarov, were taken hostage by Armenian forces while working in their field in Shikhheybat village, Tovuz district. They were handed over to Azerbaijan three days later.

Elfag Hajiyev testified that on June 12, 1993, during battles in Marzili village, Aghdam district, he was wounded and captured. In captivity, he endured severe torture, including having a cross carved into his chest and his gold teeth forcibly removed. While working in Shusha prison, he was shocked by an electric current from a metal pipe. He awoke in a childrens hospital in Khankendi and was handed over to Azerbaijan after nine months and 18 days.

Umud Ayvazov testified that he was wounded in battles in the Chanlibel area.

Matlab Allahverdiyev, from Tapgaragoyunlu village, Goranboy district, testified that on May 16, 1993, while working in a potato field, he, his father Shiraslan, brother Kamil, Shakir Kazimov, and Faig Hasanov were taken hostage. They were held in occupied Azerbaijani territories for about 25 days before being transferred to Yerevan, where they endured brutal torture and beatings. They were handed over to Azerbaijan on September 28, 1993.

Arif Musayev testified that on May 10, 1992, in Alibayli village, Tovuz district, he was wounded by shrapnel from an Armenian artillery shell, requiring 10 surgeries and ongoing pain.

Victims Khalig Isgandarov, Eldar Gasimov (who lost his right eye to a mortar shell), and Namig Naghiyev testified that they were injured in Alibayli village, Tovuz district, in 1992 and 1993 due to Armenian provocations.

Idris Aslanov testified that in 1996, while herding cattle in the Tovuz district, he was taken hostage by Armenian forces, tortured, and released after a month.

Novruz Novruzov testified that he was captured during battles, tortured, and handed over to Azerbaijan after about 20 days.

Yashar Taghiyev testified that he was wounded in battles in 1992 and 1993.

Rauf Mehtiyev, aged 15 at the time, testified that he was taken hostage by Armenian forces while herding cattle and was held for 18 days.

The victims also responded to questions from the accused, their defense lawyers, and their representatives.

The trial is scheduled to continue on July 14.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian stateincluding the aforementioned criminal associationon the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individualsArayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayanare being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and other articles.
Subscription to paid content

Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On the occasion of the National Holiday of Mongolia, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to your entire people on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, and convey my best wishes.

We attach great importance to the development of relations with your friendly country. Currently, favorable conditions have been established to further expand the agenda of Azerbaijan-Mongolia bilateral relations and to enrich our cooperation in mutually beneficial areas with new substance.

I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts to strengthen the friendly ties between our countries both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks, in a consistent manner and in the interests of our peoples.

On this festive day, I wish you strong health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and lasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Mongolia," the letter reads.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order to strengthen the material and technical capacity of the National Oncology Center, Trend reports.

The order allocates 650,000 manat (over $382,000) from the Presidential Reserve Fund, as outlined in Azerbaijans 2025 state budget, to the Ministry of Health for the needs of the National Oncology Center.

The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to provide the necessary funding, while the Cabinet of Ministers will address any issues arising from the implementation of the order.

The directive takes effect from the date it was signed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. The meeting between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is viewed as the beginning of a new stage in the history of the region. This meeting is deemed an important and historic step towards peace against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the South Caucasus.

One of the notable aspects of this meeting is the venue of the negotiations. It is no coincidence that the meeting is taking place in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This choice is of particular significance both politically and diplomatically. In previous years, the meetings were held mainly in European cities - political centers such as Brussels, Moscow, and Washington - with the participation of mediators. However, this time the Azerbaijani leadership wanted to create a more reliable and neutral environment for negotiations in a format without mediators. Abu Dhabi perfectly met these criteria.

The UAE is a friendly country that has maintained close political, economic, and cultural ties with Azerbaijan for many years. The Emirates have always respected the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and have never taken a biased position in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. In this regard, the talks held in Abu Dhabi created both diplomatic convenience and strategic balance for Azerbaijan. The UAE is one of the countries pursuing a balanced and independent foreign policy in the region and in the international arena. The fact that it did not act as an interested party or mediator gave these negotiations added credibility. The Emirates is neither a NATO member nor a member of the CSTO, which keeps it off the ideological front.

In recent years, the UAE has established itself as an influential diplomatic player in the Middle East and internationally. It has made proposals for mediation on Israeli-Arab rapprochement, relations with Iran, the Afghan issue, and other regional problems. Abu Dhabi's hosting of such a meeting further strengthens its diplomatic status.

Azerbaijan's choice of Abu Dhabi as the venue for the talks is not only a technical matter but also a matter of political strategy. This step shows that the official Baku attaches serious importance not only to the content of peace, but also to its form, conditions, and environment. This choice both provided a neutral platform acceptable to the Armenian side and guaranteed that the negotiations would be conducted objectively and impartially.

In this context, the Abu Dhabi meeting will go down in history as an important milestone on the way to establishing long-term peace in the region. This diplomatic success of Azerbaijan is both an example of political foresight and a model of correct assessment of new realities.

The meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Abu Dhabi opened a new stage of diplomatic relations in the region, not only in terms of venue but also in terms of format. The talks were held in a bilateral format, i.e., without mediators, at the insistence of the Azerbaijani side, and this indicates the emergence of a new approach to the future settlement of the conflict.

Following the Second Karabakh War of 2020, new geopolitical realities have emerged in the region. Having restored its territorial integrity, Azerbaijan ensured compliance with the basic principles of international law. This success allowed the country to emerge as a stronger and more equal party in the negotiations. The non-mediated format is a natural extension of this sovereign approach. In the past, mediators in the OSCE Minsk Group negotiations and other venues have sometimes undermined the neutrality of the process by taking positions that correspond to their own national and geopolitical interests. This led to years of fruitless negotiations. Azerbaijan's new position is that the immediate parties to the conflict - Azerbaijan and Armenia - must now determine their future.

One of the main issues discussed at the meeting was the opening of the Zangezur corridor, which has an important strategic, economic, and geopolitical significance not only for Azerbaijan and Armenia but also for the region as a whole. For many years, Azerbaijan has presented the Zangezur corridor as a key to regional cooperation. The corridor is not only a transportation and logistics project connecting the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with the main part of Azerbaijan, but also a mechanism creating economic opportunities for Armenia.

The main obstacle is the resistance of Armenian political circles to this corridor. Although some present the Zangezur corridor as a threat to sovereignty, Azerbaijan has repeatedly emphasized that this corridor does not contradict the territorial integrity of any country, is based on international law, and is aimed at ensuring mutual transportation.

The open and serious discussion of the Zangezur corridor issue during the Abu Dhabi talks shows that the sides are now ready to work on practical mechanisms and guarantee formulas.

The Armenian side's acceptance of the peace concept put forward by Azerbaijan during the negotiations is considered one of the most promising political signals after years of tension and conflict in the region. This concept not only ensures peace but also creates a basis for economic and transportation integration of the region, strengthening stability, promoting people-to-people diplomacy, and future cooperation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on the execution of the budget of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024, Trend reports.

According to the decree, the execution of the budget of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024 was approved with revenues of 18.03 billion manat ($10.6 billion) and expenditures of 12.8 billion manat ($7.5 billion), which is 127.9 percent of revenues and 99.9 percent of expenditures compared to the budget of the Fund for 2024:
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. President Ilham Aliyev has approved the execution of the state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024, Trend reports.

According to the document, the execution of the state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024 was approved with revenues of 37.1 billion manat ($21.8 billion) and expenditures of 37.7 billion manat ($22.1 billion).

Executed revenues and expenditures of the state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024 were approved in the following order:

In addition, the head of state signed a decree on the implementation of the Law On Execution of the State Budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. On July 11, the Baku Military Court continued hearings on cases involving Azerbaijani citizens who suffered as a result of the former occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenian armed forces, Trend reports.

In her testimony, victim Mehriban Bakirova stated that she was taken captive by Armenian armed forces during the Khojaly genocide on February 2526, 1992. She added that she had been held in captivity for 10 days in Khankendi. At the time, she was the mother of four children. According to her testimony, her one-and-a-half-year-old son sustained a head injury from shrapnel during those events. While in captivity, she was subjected to severe torture and interrogated about her husband, Abdulla Hamzayev, who was a police officer at the time.

She noted that Khojaly had been regularly shelled before the genocide, forcing her to hide in a basement, where she gave birth to her child on February 23.

Another victim, Avaz Abbasov, a resident of the Karkijahan settlement, testified that Armenians had thrown grenades at him and his brother in 1989. I was studying in the third grade, while my brother Eyvaz was in the first grade. A group of people approached us, saying they would take revenge on Azerbaijanis. While I was calling for help, they threw grenades at us. My brother was killed, and I was critically injured. I later received treatment in hospitals in Shusha, Aghdam, and Baku, he said.

He added that his other brother was martyred in the battles for Shusha.

Court proceedings continue against Armenian nationals accused of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws of war. The charges also include financing terrorism, the violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. A delegation led by Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister, Yalchin Rafiyev, took part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025) held in Rome, Italy, on July 1011, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This year's conference, now in its fourth go-round, gathered a veritable cornucopia of representatives from 56 countries, 27 international organizations and financial institutions, and 120 companies, all under one roof.

In his speech, Rafiyev highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine on regional peace and security. He emphasized Azerbaijans consistent support for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict based on international law, as well as for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Deputy FM expressed deep regret over the grave humanitarian consequences of the crisis and noted that Azerbaijan was among the first countries to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Since the beginning, the assistance, valued at a total of $42 million, has included medicines, food, and electrical equipment, as well as support for recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The official also noted the significant expansion of Azerbaijans medical and socio-psychological rehabilitation program for children affected by the conflict in Ukraine, with the number of beneficiaries doubling since last years conference to a total of 330 children.

Referring to Azerbaijans experience in mine clearance as a country confronting threats in its recently liberated territories, Rafiyev stressed Azerbaijans commitment to strengthening solidarity with countries affected by landmines. He also confirmed ongoing support to Ukraine in this area through the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), including the imminent provision of spare parts and training.

Azerbaijans backing of infrastructure reconstruction projects in Ukraine was highlighted, including the completion of the renovation of a school building, city clinic, and park in Irpin, as well as financing the restoration of a park and childrens shelter in Kyiv. It was also noted that progress is ongoing regarding the development of four community-centric infrastructures in Irpin.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. The recent meeting between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on July 10, was a turning point for the future of the region, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.

This meeting was unique in that it took place without mediators, based solely on the will of the two countries leaders. As such, it prioritized the national interests of Azerbaijan and Armenia over those of third parties.

The meeting was significant both in format and substance, featuring constructive dialogue and meaningful discussions on the key components of the peace agenda. Once again, it demonstrated that under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership, Azerbaijan pursues a principled and consistent policy for stability and security in the region, Garayev said.

Garayev emphasized that the discussions centered on three main areas critical to the region's future: border delimitation, the opening and development of the Zangezur corridor, and the initialing of a peace agreement.

Evaluating past achievements in border delimitation and assigning new tasks to state commissions reflect Bakus intent to formalize the post-conflict realities within international law. It also proves that Armenia has been compelled to accept these realities.

The Zangezur corridor showcases Azerbaijans strategic leadership in regional connectivity. Its opening will benefit not only the two countries but also enhance economic integration and logistical capacity throughout the region. Azerbaijan has consistently stated that this corridor serves the prosperity of the South Caucasus as a whole," he said.

The political analyst also said that the in-depth talks on the peace treaty indicate the negotiations are approaching the final phase.

From the very beginning, President Ilham Aliyev has demonstrated a principled stance and political will toward normalizing relations with Armenia. At this meeting, Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to result-oriented dialogue," he added.

Garayev underlined that the Abu Dhabi meeting reaffirmed Azerbaijans central role in shaping the regional agenda.

In the current political landscape, President Ilham Aliyev is not just a participant but the driving force behind these processes. In the post-conflict era, Azerbaijan continues to actively promote lasting peace and cooperation through both bilateral and multilateral platforms.

Holding the meeting without intermediaries sent a strong message to Armenia and the international community. Baku prefers equal, open political dialogue over externally imposed formats. It also demonstrates that Azerbaijan, having restored its territorial integrity, is entering a new phaseone of restoring diplomatic relations from a position of strength," he noted.

According to Garayev, a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan noted that bilateral talks are the most effective means for resolving normalization issues.

This approach is a shift away from past formats that largely served external interests, aiming instead for tangible results. Both sides agreed to continue confidence-building measures, which are vital for establishing the psychological and social groundwork for lasting peace, Garayev said.

He concluded by noting that both leaders expressed their gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for hosting the meeting.

This is not just diplomatic courtesyit also highlights the UAEs potential role as a neutral yet supportive actor in the region. The Abu Dhabi meeting brought new political and geographical energy to the South Caucasus peace process, he added.

In his view, this historic meeting could mark the beginning of a new phase in the South Caucasus.

For the first time, negotiations were held without intermediaries, in a transparent and result-focused format. It showed that Azerbaijan, with its political will and diplomatic initiative, has become the leading force for peace in the region. Under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership, the country is committed to continuing this process for the benefit of not only itself but the entire region. If the other side shows the same political will, a peace agreement could become reality soon, Garayev said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. During her official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, visited the Memorial Center dedicated to the victims of Srebrenica, Trend reports.

Gafarova, along with other guests including heads of state and government, parliamentary speakers, and official delegations, first visited the "In the Footsteps of the Unpassed" exhibition as part of the commemoration events.

Following the exhibition, the Speaker signed the condolence book in the memorial hall. The ceremony included a moment of silence and the laying of flowers at the memorial site to pay respects to those who lost their lives.

Gafarova also held meetings with parliamentary leaders from various countries, engaging in discussions during the visit.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
KALBAJAR, Azerbaijan, July 11. A group of foreign travelers has arrived in Kalbajar to observe the ongoing reconstruction and restoration efforts, Trend reports.

The visit will continue to Istisu and then to the city of Lachin.

The 30-member delegation is part of the Most Traveled People (MTP) international travel club and arrived in Shusha as part of a broader tour of the Karabakh and East Zangazur regions. Over three days, travelers from 15 countries plan to follow a route that includes: Fuzuli  Khojavend  Shusha  Khankandi  Khojaly  Aghdam  Kalbajar  Lachin  Zangilan  and Jabrayil.

The aim of the visit is to familiarize participants with the liberated areas and highlight the extensive reconstruction work being carried out under the concept of dark tourism. Notably, this marks the 13th visit to Karabakh and East Zangazur by international travel groups organized through major global tourism networks over the past four years.

Will be updated
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. A forum dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the national press was held within the framework of joint cooperation between the Media Development Agency (MEDIA) and Azerconnect Group on the theme "Media of the Future: Following in the Footsteps of 'Akinchi,' Trend reports.

The opening ceremony featured speeches by Emil Masimov, CEO of Azerconnect Group; Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency; and Rashad Majid, Chairman of the Press Council.

The forum commemorates 150 years of Azerbaijani media, inspired by the principles set forth by the Akinchi newspaper. Its goal is to foster professional skills in digital media, explore the future of journalism, and emphasize the important role of youth in this process. The event also aims to deepen young peoples understanding of evolving media realities, encourage their active participation in content creation, and provide networking opportunities with experienced media professionals. Additionally, it seeks to boost workforce development and create more employment opportunities in the media field.

About 100 students studying journalism and communication, as well as others interested in media, will take part. The program includes panel discussions, training sessions, and face-to-face meetings with media experts on topics such as media history, education, career prospects, and the use of innovation and technology in media.

Key highlights include a panel titled "A Vision for the Media of the Future: Journalism as the Profession of Tomorrow" and one-on-one sessions called "Media Professionalism and Next-Generation Journalism."

The forum also featured training on "Employment Opportunities for Youth in Modern Media" and "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism."

Finally, gifts were presented to 40 young people who actively participated in the training and networking meetings, as well as to those who scored the highest points in the upcoming quiz.

In his speech, Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, noted that the idea to organize a major youth-focused forum as part of the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijans national press was no coincidence.

He noted that Hasan Bey Zardabi, the founder of Azerbaijans national press, first came up with the idea to launch a newspaper in his youth, and, after many attempts, was only able to bring it to life in 1875.

All the pioneers of Azerbaijans national media - Jalil Mammadguluzadeh, Ahmad bey Agayev, Ali bey Huseynzadeh, Uzeyir and Jeyhun Hajibeyli, and many other prominent intellectuals whose names we recall with pride - took their first steps in journalism at a young age, Ismayilov said.

Despite the challenges and barriers of their time, they achieved their goals. Those who shaped the 150-year history of our press were among the first enlightened youth of Azerbaijan. Today we speak of that rich legacy, but we must remember - it was a legacy built by young people. And now, as a natural continuation, the next generation must carry that legacy forward, he added.

Ismayilov also emphasized that while the times have changed, and todays youth live in an independent Azerbaijan, their role remains just as vital.

Furthermore, the General Director of Azerconnect Group, Emil Masimov, stated at the meeting that we have always supported such initiatives as part of our corporate social responsibility. However, this is the first time we have held an event in a more serious and useful format together with an organization that unites media industry professionals.

The Director General recalled that the Akinchi newspaper laid the foundation of Azerbaijan's national press:

"This newspaper, established on the initiative of Hasan Bey Zardabi, served such purposes as preservation and propaganda of our national cultural values. Even today, various institutions and media professionals continue to work towards achieving this goal."

Masimov emphasized that this event is not just a reporting event:

"Based on my knowledge and observations, I can say that young people participating here have excellent opportunities on this platform to communicate with media professionals, expand their knowledge, and work successfully in the digital media environment.

''Over the 20 years of my professional life, I have clearly seen how the influence of the mass media has grown and what role they play in shaping national and cultural values.

During the years of the 44-day Second Karabakh War and the information war, media representatives were on the front line defending the interests of our state. The media also played an important role in preventing biased campaigns during international events, he noted.

He added that today, the media is going through a period of major transformation:

"Thanks to social media and online platforms, everyone has access to a wide audience. But this also increases responsibility. Although these platforms are not considered media, their impact on a wide audience requires responsibility. And the driving force behind this transformation is, of course, the young people who are here today."

The effective utilization of technological advances should be the priority of each of us. However, professional ethics and journalistic principles must always be taken into account in this process. There will always be a need for professional journalism. Experts in the field are important for shaping public opinion and presenting conceptual approaches, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. The idea to organize a major youth-focused forum as part of the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijans national press was no coincidence, said Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, Trend reports.

He made the remark during the opening of the Media of the Future: Following in the Footsteps of 'Akinchi' forum.

He noted that Hasan bey Zardabi, the founder of Azerbaijans national press, first came up with the idea to launch a newspaper in his youth - and, after many attempts, was only able to bring it to life in 1875.

All the pioneers of Azerbaijans national media - Jalil Mammadguluzadeh, Ahmad bey Agayev, Ali bey Huseynzadeh, Uzeyir and Jeyhun Hajibeyli, and many other prominent intellectuals whose names we recall with pride - took their first steps in journalism at a young age, Ismayilov said.

Despite the challenges and barriers of their time, they achieved their goals. Those who shaped the 150-year history of our press were among the first enlightened youth of Azerbaijan. Today we speak of that rich legacy, but we must remember - it was a legacy built by young people. And now, as a natural continuation, the next generation must carry that legacy forward, he added.

Ismayilov also emphasized that while the times have changed, and todays youth live in an independent Azerbaijan, their role remains just as vital.

In our country - Victorious in the Second Karabakh War - the state provides full support to help young people realize their goals. This forum, organized as part of the national press anniversary, reflects our strong belief in your creativity and potential, he said.

Were confident that, as the new generation of Azerbaijani media, you understand the responsibility you carry. And we firmly believe you will fulfill that mission with success and leave your own mark on the future of our media, Ismayilov concluded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. Scrutinizing the 150-year history of our national press, it should be unequivocally emphasized that the press emerged as a phenomenal example in the history of Azerbaijan, the Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, Ahmad Ismayilov, said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the opening ceremony of the forum"Media of the Future: Following in the Footsteps of 'Akinchi.''

According to the Executive Director, following similar processes in the context of the world history of journalism, we see that journalism as a separate profession was formed as a result of the development of capitalist relations, industrial revolutions, while in Azerbaijan, this process went in a completely different direction.

''The aim of young personalities of that time, who published other national newspapers, starting from Ekinchi, was only to fight for the enlightenment of the nation and the creation of secular schools,'' he added.

Ismayilov noted that the Azerbaijani press had to operate under strict censorship at all times:

Naturally, such conditions were considered a serious obstacle for journalism to fully fulfill its function. Only in 1998, as a result of the abolition of censorship by the historic decision of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the traditions of the Azerbaijani independent press began to strengthen. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized that he sees development in the media sphere literally in the strengthening of independent media," he emphasized.

The media representative added that the main goal of media reforms implemented in Azerbaijan over the past 5 years is to protect Azerbaijan's information space and strengthen the potential of journalism.

"Already now we can talk about the first results of media reforms and note with confidence that serious qualitative changes are observed in the work of our media. One of the significant contributions of media reforms is the state's support of the process of formation of youth interest in the media sphere," he concluded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. We have always supported such initiatives as part of our corporate social responsibility. However, this is the first time we hold an event in a more serious and useful format together with an organization that unites media industry professionals, the General Director of Azerconnect Group, Emil Masimov, said, Trend reports.



He made the remark at the opening ceremony of the forum"Media of the Future: Following in the Footsteps of 'Akinchi.''

The Director General recalled that the foundation of Azerbaijan's national press was laid by the Akinchi newspaper :

"This newspaper, established on the initiative of Hasan Bey Zardabi, served such purposes as preservation and propaganda of our national cultural values. Even today, various institutions and media professionals continue to work towards achieving this goal."

Masimov emphasized that this event is not just a reporting event:

"Based on my knowledge and observations, I can say that young people participating here have excellent opportunities on this platform to communicate with media professionals, expand their knowledge, and work successfully in the digital media environment.

''Over the 20 years of my professional life, I have clearly seen how the influence of the mass media has grown and what role they play in shaping national and cultural values.

During the years of the 44-day Second Karabakh War and the information war, media representatives were on the front line defending the interests of our state. The media also played an important role in preventing biased campaigns during international events, he noted.

He added that today, the media is going through a period of major transformation:

"Thanks to social media and online platforms, everyone has access to a wide audience. But this also increases responsibility. Although these platforms are not considered media, their impact on a wide audience requires responsibility. And the driving force behind this transformation is, of course, the young people who are here today."

The effective utilization of technological advances should be the priority of each of us. However, professional ethics and journalistic principles must always be taken into account in this process. There will always be a need for professional journalism. Experts in the field are important for shaping public opinion and presenting conceptual approaches, he added.

The official noted that the format of today's meeting gives young people an opportunity to exchange ideas with media professionals.
bp is pleased to announce its support for a significant cultural heritage project as part of its social investment activities in Azerbaijan.

As part of this project, bp has funded the publication of transliterated issues of Dirilik (Life) magazine - an influential publication from the early 20th century that played a vital role in shaping Azerbaijans intellectual and literary life.

The project involves the transliteration of Diriliks original texts from the Arabic script historically used in Azerbaijani into the modern Latin alphabet. This effort aims to make these invaluable writings accessible to todays readers, researchers, and future generations.

This initiative reflects bps broader commitment to promoting Azerbaijans rich cultural heritage and highlights the companys long-term partnership with the country and its people.

"We are pleased to fund the publication as it is an important contribution to the preservation and promotion of Azerbaijans cultural and intellectual legacy. We are proud to support efforts that bring these historical texts back to life for modern audiences, said Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp vice president for the Caspian region.

"The first issue of the magazine featured an editorial titled Our Goals, in which the magazines editor-in-chief Aliabbas Muznib called on readers to learn from history and embrace both physical and spiritual vitality through national awareness and education. The magazines slogan Word of the press should be the word of the centuryreflected its mission to enlighten and inspire. By funding the transliteration of the brilliant examples of Azerbaijans early press, we hope to contribute to the 150th anniversary celebrations of Azerbaijans National Press, which proudly continues this mission today.

Originally published between 1914 and 1916, Dirilik was described by Mirza Bala Mahammadzada - Azerbaijani publicist, writer, and political figureas a literary, public and political magazine of the Turkic world. The magazine featured articles on public and political events, literature, culture, and history, with a strong emphasis on national unity, cultural progress, and the promotion of national identity.

Dirilik published works by Azerbaijans renowned intellectuals, writers and poets such as Mahammad Amin Rasulzada, Ismail bey Gaspirali, Jafar Jabbarli, Aliagha Vahid and others. It is widely regarded as one of the most important literary and ideological centres of its time.

The project was implemented by the cultural and historical research foundation National Heritage Cultural and Historical Research foundation.

bp allocated 25,000 AZN (approximately $14,700) to cover the publication costs of the book.
bp today presented its new research initiative that explores the pivotal role of oil in Azerbaijans history. The project has resulted in the publication of a comprehensive book titled The Long Road of Our Oil to Europe: the known and unknown facts, the clear and dark pages of this journey.

This initiative is part of bps ongoing commitment to supporting the research and promotion of Azerbaijans rich history and cultural legacy, including its remarkable energy heritage. The project not only contributes to historical scholarship but also highlights the strategic importance of oil in shaping the nations identity and global partnerships.

The 258-page publication is the first of its kind to chronicle the evolution of Azerbaijans oil and gas industry across four key historical periods: Tsarist Russia, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (19181920), the Soviet era, and the post-Soviet period of regained independence.

The book opens with an overview of oil production in Baku from the second half of the 19th century, highlighting early exports to foreign markets and the strategic role of oil in Azerbaijans emergence on the global stage. It explores parliamentary debates during the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the Azerbaijani delegations discussions at the Paris Peace Conference, and their efforts to leverage oil as a tool for national independence.

Subsequent chapters examine Soviet oil policy and the nationalization of the industry following the Bolshevik invasion of Azerbaijan.

The book also covers the new oil era of re-established independence, including early negotiations with foreign oil companies, the challenges encountered, and the historic signing of the Contract of the Century in 1994. It provides insight into the complex negotiations, political intrigues, and security threats that surrounded this transformative period in Azerbaijans energy history.

Based on extensive archival research and historical newspaper materials, the book is written in an accessible narrative style designed to engage a broad readership. It also features rare and valuable documents related to Azerbaijans oil exports and international negotiations.

The total cost of the project is 48,500 AZN (approximately $28,530), covering pre-publication and project management expenses, as well as the cost of the publication of a total of 1,000 copies of the book.

The project was implemented by the Unextinguishable Torch (Sonmz Msl) cultural relations public union. The author of the book is journalist Musallim Hasanov.
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, July 11. A bunch of foreign visitors has touched down in Azerbaijan's Lachin district as part of a planned jaunt around the area, Trends regional correspondent

The cohort's inaugural destination was the production hub of the Hochazfilm creative studio, where they were briefed on the operational framework of the facility and conducted a comprehensive reconnaissance of the studio premises.

Will be updated

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. Another 30 Ukrainian children brought to Azerbaijan for rehabilitation purposes have visited various places of interest in Baku, Trend reports via the Agency of Social Services.

Meanwhile, it was noted that the children visited Icherisheher, Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs Palace Complex, Seaside Boulevard, Ateshgah Temple, and Yanardag Monument.

Furthermore, they will participate in group therapy, meditation and yoga classes, psychosocial training, national cuisine master class, and other master classes in the coming days. Children will also be familiarized with the history and sights of Gabala and Shaki.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. On July 8, 2025, Latvia hosted a high-level panel discussion titled What Proliferation of Artificial Intelligence Means for Information Integrity? during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) in Geneva, Trend reports.

The event, organized by Latvia as part of its public diplomacy efforts, aimed to explore solutions for preserving information integrity and countering manipulation in the digital agewhile upholding human rights and freedom of expression.

The discourse functioned as a conduit for Latvia to underscore its accomplishments in mitigating disinformation and its escalating proficiency in artificial intelligence methodologies. Global authorities underscored the imperative for capital infusion in digital competency, enhanced accountability from tech enterprises, and a bolstered public comprehension of artificial intelligence instruments.



Latvia's strategic imperatives as a newly inducted participant in the United Nations Security Council encompass the facilitation of global discourse on contemporary challenges of the 21st century, including the intricacies of cybersecurity and the multifaceted threats associated with artificial intelligence, in conjunction with sustainability and developmental paradigms.



The proceedings commenced with an address from Latvias Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ivars Pundurs, and were presided over by Viktors Makarovs, the Special Envoy on Digital Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The hybrid-format symposium convened an assemblage of more than 80 stakeholders from governmental entities and civil society organizations. Makarovs emphasized Latvias strategic role as a frontrunner in the global arena for countering disinformation and reiterated its preparedness to disseminate its specialized knowledge, particularly within the framework of the UN Security Council.

Speakers included Septiaji Eko Nugroho, President of Indonesias MAFINDO; Peggy Hicks, Director of Thematic Engagement at the UN Human Rights Office; Graham Brookie, Vice President at the Atlantic Councils Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab); and Professor Zaneta Ozolina, who leads the AI4Debunk project at the University of Latvia.

While in Geneva, Makarovs also held bilateral meetings on July 910 with key figures such as Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, and Peter Major, Chair of the UN Working Group on Data Governance. Discussions focused on freedom of expression in the digital age, data governance frameworks, and the broader human rights impact of AI.

On July 10, Makarovs participated in a roundtable on AI governance at the AI for Good Summit, which brought together leaders from academia, government, industry, and civil society to explore AIs role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The WSIS+20 process provides a multilateral platform to address global ICT challenges and will conclude at the UN General Assembly in December 2025. Latvias panel was part of its broader public diplomacy campaign following its election on June 3, 2025, to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 20262027 term. Latvias main goal during its tenure will be to reinforce an international order that promotes national and regional security through multilateral diplomacy.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. From September 15 to 20, Riga will become the hub for Europes young scientists as it hosts the 36th European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), Trend reports.

This is the cream of the crop when it comes to scientific research competitions for school students in Europe, shining a spotlight on the finest projects from more than 35 countries. The contest in Latvia is put together by the State Education Development Agency, with a little help from the European Commission's deep pockets. The University of Latvia (UL) is really rolling up its sleeves and getting its ducks in a row when it comes to promoting student scientific research activities.

STEAM fieldsscience, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematicsare the cornerstones of our future development. Our task is not only to build a strong educational environment but also to promote these fields in society, inspiring young people to be bold and creative. The European Union Contest for Young Scientists is a fantastic opportunity to show how talented and determined the next generation of scientists across Europe, emphasizes Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbarde.

EUCYS is an annual contest organized by the European Commission since 1989, bringing together the most talented students from Europe and beyond to present their scientific projects. EUCYS aims to foster interest in science, strengthen international cooperation, and cultivate a culture of innovation throughout Europe.

Only those students who have received the highest awards in their national competitions are eligible to participate. Latvian students have taken part in EUCYS since 1999.

In Riga, 137 young scientists aged 14 to 20 will gather to present 92 innovative research projects, representing 37 countriesfrom Latvia to South Korea and from Canada to Egypt. Participants will compete across 10 scientific fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, medicine, computer science, and more.

The contestants will present their projects to an international jury that will evaluate their scientific quality, innovation, and impact. Winners will receive valuable cash prizesup to 7,000 EURas well as special awards from competition partners.

During the contest week, in addition to stand interviews and presentations, young participants will take part in educational lectures, creative workshops, excursions, and cultural eventsincluding activities at the University of Latvia. This program aims to promote knowledge and experience exchange and foster cross-border connections.

The State Education Development Agency invites school students, teachers, university students, and all interested individuals to attend EUCYS 2025 events in Riga to explore the young participants' innovative projects and be inspired by their vision for the future of science. Information about the venue and the program will be available on the official website.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Iran's Parviz Khan Customs reports notable surge in export volumes to Iraq

The Shah Deniz compressor project has entered its next phase, focusing on building a new platform equipped with powerful compressors to enhance gas production and transport to the Sangachal terminal. This $3 billion initiative aims to ensure sustainable output by enabling the compression and delivery of low-pressure gas from the field.

Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register
Azerbaijans industrial sector hits slump with production decline

Photo: Artificial intelligence

Azerbaijan's industrial production saw a slight overall decline of 1.9% in the first half of 2025, primarily due to a 3.1% drop in the oil and gas sector, while the non-oil sector grew by 6.3%. Significant gains in manufacturing, including pharmaceuticals, wood processing, and electronics, highlight diversification efforts, despite declines in textiles, paper, and clothing production.

Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register
Uzbekistan sees drop in carrot exports to regional markets

Photo: Artificial intelligence

Uzbekistans carrot exports saw a sharp decline in the first five months of 2025, both in volume and value, compared to the same period last year. Despite this drop, neighboring countries like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan remained key markets.

Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 11. Uzbekistan is set to build a 20-megawatt wind power plant in Burchmulla, Bostanlyk district, as part of its growing green energy ambitions, Trend reports via the press service of the Tashkent regional administration.

The $28 million project will be implemented using grant financing. On July 1, regional khokim Zoyir Mirzayev signed a decree allocating a 10-hectare land plot for the new energy facility.

The future plant is expected to generate 129.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annuallyenough to power a small city or town. In terms of resource savings, the plant will reduce the consumption of 811,100 cubic meters of natural gas or 3,150 tons of coal per year.

The initiative aligns with Uzbekistans broader clean energy strategy. In May 2025 alone, solar and wind power plants across the country generated a record 1.1 billion kWh of electricity, accounting for 17 percent of total power production. That month, wind energy contributed 392.1 million kWh, while solar power plants generated 712 million kWh.

The Ministry of Energy data shows that a total of 11 solar photovoltaic and 3 wind power plants in 10 regions with a total capacity of 4,067 MW are operating in Uzbekistan as of 2025.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 11. The Chinese company Hua Rui will construct a plant for the production of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks in Kyrgyzstans Chui region, Trend reports, citing the press service of the National Investment Agency.

The project is being implemented under an investment agreement signed between the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Hua Rui. The plants construction began in May 2025 and is expected to be completed within five years.

The project is designed to enhance the regions industrial capacity, generate new employment opportunities, and introduce modern technologies in the construction sector. It also aims to increase the availability of high-quality building materials in the domestic market and expand Kyrgyzstans export potential.

The agreement was signed following a Cabinet of Ministers resolution dated June 2, 2025. The initiative is part of the broader government strategy to attract foreign direct investment into the countrys industrial and infrastructure sectors.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Elmin Mammadov met with a delegation led by the Deputy Director-General of Chinas Civil Aviation Administration, Trend reports.

The discussion focused on the current state and future prospects of civil aviation cooperation between the two countries. Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding air connectivity, participating in joint inspections as part of oversight activities, organizing training programs, and working together on the development of civil aviation infrastructure.

Following the talks, a cooperation agreement was signed between Chinas Civil Aviation Administration and Azerbaijans State Civil Aviation Agency. The agreement covers a range of areas, including air service development, aviation infrastructure, sustainable aviation, flight safety, and aviation security.

This was the first official meeting between the two countries government agencies since the signing of the Joint Declaration on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Peoples Republic of China by President Ilham Aliyev and President Xi Jinping on April 23, 2025.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 11. The industrial output potential of the Chilanzar district in Tashkent has hit the nail on the head, reaching a remarkable 6.8 trillion sums ($580 million), which is a clear sign of significant growth and development in the region, Trend reports.

This milestone underscores the district's escalating significance as a pivotal industrial nexus, with 50 entities poised to engage in the exportation of goods appraised at $180 million by 2025. These milestones signify a pivotal benchmark for Chilanzar, highlighting its ascending trajectory within Uzbekistan's economic ecosystem.



The aforementioned advancements were disseminated during an official engagement by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who conducted a comprehensive assessment of the current initiatives within the Chilanzar district. The president conducted a comprehensive walkthrough of the Tarleplast manufacturing facility, a pivotal case study in the district's industrial expansion, and received an in-depth briefing on the plant's operational dynamics.



The Tarleplast initiative, having secured a substantial capital infusion of $25 million, encompasses the deployment of 12 cutting-edge apparatus sourced from premier European producers. This technological enhancement has facilitated the facility's capacity to manufacture 90,000 tons of steel piping and metal profiles per annum, culminating in a comprehensive fiscal output appraised at 900 billion sums ($75 million). The facility's augmentation has engendered approximately 120 enduring positions, thereby enhancing regional workforce dynamics.



Significantly, the steel conduits fabricated at Tarleplast are engineered to withstand elevated pressure and extreme environmental factors, thereby providing the enterprise with a strategic edge in terms of both performance metrics and cost efficiency. The company's expanding export portfolio is evidenced by the $4 million in product shipments to Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan in the previous fiscal year. In the forward-looking strategy, Tarleplast is actively engaging in the enhancement of its international market penetration initiatives.



During the engagement at Tarleplast, President Mirziyoyev participated in an exhibition that highlighted a multifaceted array of products developed within the industrial zone and received a comprehensive briefing on various high-potential industrial initiatives currently in the developmental phase. Strategic initiatives for regional scalability encompass the development of a vertically integrated production edifice and the establishment of a monocenter, designed to synergize diverse industrial sectors.



The district is poised to initiate a portfolio of 100 novel projects, projected to catalyze the creation of approximately 3,000 employment opportunities. The initiatives will encompass a diverse array of sectors, integrating paradigms from construction, pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, printing technologies, automotive manufacturing, textiles and garments, and confectionery production methodologies.



In his dialogues with regional business leaders, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the criticality of generating high value-added outputs, cultivating novel employment prospects, and stimulating the expansion of the service industry within the locality. The administration's prioritization of eco-friendly industrial advancement and cutting-edge innovation is anticipated to catalyze the sustained prosperity of Chilanzar's industrial sector.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinas Xian Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd. (Xian Port) to strengthen cooperation in rail transport, transit operations, and digital solutions, Trend reports.

The agreement was signed during an official visit by an ADY delegation to China. As part of the deal, ADY has appointed a permanent representative at Xian Port and launched a new container yard at the site.

The two sides outlined new areas of collaboration aimed at enhancing rail-based transit and implementing joint digital projects. During meetings with Xian Mayor Ye Niuping and port officials, ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov emphasized that expanding transit cooperation between Azerbaijan and Chinaespecially along the Middle Corridorhas become a strategic priority. He noted that President Ilham Aliyevs visit to China in April and the joint declaration signed during that trip gave a strong boost to cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Rustamov said that recent talks between ADY and Xian Port leadership have already yielded concrete results, with joint initiatives now underway. He described the signing of the MoU, the appointment of an ADY representative in Xian, and the opening of a 20,000-TEU container yard as key steps toward expanding the Middle Corridors capacity and increasing cargo volumes along the route. He also noted that ADY representatives have been granted access to Xian Ports operational systems to enable real-time information exchange.

Rustamov also introduced the Chinese side to the Baku International Sea Trade Port, which was recently integrated into ADYs structure. This integration, he said, will allow for more efficient coordination of port and rail operations and the delivery of streamlined, end-to-end logistics services. The port plays a central role in the growing trade between Asia and Europe.

Yuan Xiaojun, CEO of Xian Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd., welcomed the appointment of ADYs representative and the creation of the container yard, saying these developments will support more efficient cargo operations and closer coordination between the two sides.

Both parties also agreed to expand cooperation in several key areas: organizing container trains along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, increasing the capacity of ports and railways along the Middle Corridorincluding across the Caspian Seaand improving access to Turkey and Europe via the BakuTbilisiKars railway. They also plan to develop a data-driven scheduling system to attract more freight.

In addition, the two sides committed to working together on digital solutions, including real-time cargo tracking and an electronic data exchange system to enhance transparency and efficiency.

This agreement marks another important step in expanding ADYs international partnerships, especially with Xian Port, and will contribute to more efficient and reliable transport operations along the Middle Corridor.

Notably, the first container block train from Xian Port to Baku via the Middle Corridor was launched in March 2024, completing the journey in just 11 days. In November 2023, Azerbaijan sent its first export block trainc - 62 forty-foot containers - to Xian. Currently, two block trains are dispatched monthly from Baku to Xian, providing Azerbaijani exporters with direct access to the Chinese market.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 11. Baxtiyor Saidov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, held a meeting with Abdul Ghafar Terawi, Ambassador of Afghanistan to Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

We addressed pressing issues pertaining to the bilateral and regional frameworks. We maintain our unwavering dedication to facilitating the advancement of sustainable development paradigms in Afghanistan. I underscored the criticality of its assimilation into both regional and global supply networks. Indubitably, the augmentation of economic synergies, the optimization of infrastructural linkages, and the facilitation of robust collaborative frameworks will yield enduring stability and prosperity within our expansive geopolitical landscape, wrote Baxtiyor Saidov on his social media platform.

In the interim, bilateral commerce between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan has escalated by 68 percent since the onset of 2025, culminating in a cumulative figure of $402 million relative to the corresponding timeframe of the previous year. This substantial expansion underscores the fortification of economic linkages and the escalating collaboration between the two nations.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 11. Iraq is preparing to launch a natural gas supply scheme involving Turkmenistan and Iran, as the Ministry of Electricity announced the completion of domestic administrative steps needed for implementation, Trend reports, citing the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity.

The agreement, based on a trilateral offsetting mechanism, foresees Turkmen gas deliveries to northern Iran, which will in turn supply equivalent volumes of gas to Iraq. According to Ministry of Electricity spokesperson Ahmed Musa, the initiative was enabled by prior coordination between the competent authorities of Turkmenistan and Iraq.

The mechanism is crafted to tackle the pressing gaps in Iraqs energy system. Officials in Baghdad expect that Turkmen gas will help compensate for ongoing reductions in Iranian gas supplies, which have been straining Iraqs electricity generation, especially during the peak summer demand season.

To proceed with the scheme, a direct contract between Turkmenistan and Iraq still needs to be finalized. In parallel, Baghdad is preparing the required financial procedures to carry out payments under the mutual settlement structure.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Renewables to double share in global energy mix by 2050, OPEC says

Photo: Center for Media Analysis

Renewable energy is set to nearly double its share in the global energy mix by 2050, fueled by rapid growth in solar and wind power, according to OPECs latest energy outlook.

Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 11. A new United Nations Development Program (UNDP) regional initiative to strengthen the climate and disaster resilience of Central Asian cities has been launched in Ashgabat, Trend reports, citing UNDP.

The project, supported by the Government of Japan, sets its sights on weaving climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction into the fabric of urban planning practices. A two-day inception workshop, held on July 1011 at the UN building in Ashgabat, marked the beginning of implementation. It brought together stakeholders from Turkmenistans national and local authorities, design institutions, academia, and development partners.

The event facilitated the alignment of stakeholders on a strategic framework aimed at enhancing Ashgabats adaptive capacity to environmental perturbations. Stakeholders reached a consensus to establish a specialized technical working group to facilitate this initiative.



UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Tomica Paovic underscored the pronounced susceptibility of Turkmenistans metropolitan zones to seismic activities, hydrological inundation, and the encroachment of arid conditions. He articulated that climate-induced calamities present multifaceted threats not solely to structural integrity but also to the enduring fiscal equilibrium within the region.



The initiative is slated to extend until 2027 and encompasses a quintet of Central Asian nations. In Turkmenistan, the initiative is being executed in collaboration with the Ashgabat City Administration and the Ministry of Construction and Architecture.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
IsDB and Kazakhstan sign landmark agreement for infrastructure development

Photo: Kazakh Invest

Kazakhstan and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have signed a Protocol of Intent to fund up to $1.1 billion for key infrastructure projects. The agreement, following talks between Kazakhstans Nurlan Baibazarov and IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, aims to boost engineering and transport infrastructure, especially in special economic zones.

Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register
Kazakhstan embraces digital justice reform to bolster efficiency and transparency

Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstans Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting on digitalizing the justice system, focusing on improving transparency, efficiency, and access to legal services. Key updates include the launch of a Personal Account for Parties in the E-Notary system, enabling online debtor responses with biometric ID, and a Digital Assistant for enforcement proceedings that tracks rulings and payments.

Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register
Suzie Q cuddled on the couch (Kristen Thoennes)



I have lived in Germany for four years now and have been to many countries, but one of my favorite trips was to Oberammergau, Germany. My man-person went on TDY and invited me along! I was excited to visit in the fall because that is one of the best seasons in Germany.

We stayed at Hotel Garni Fux and had a spacious suite. The view from our balcony was amazing! Oberammergau is a small town and everything is walkable. Our stay included breakfast for my people, which they really enjoyed.

Hotel Fux was dog-friendly, which suited me perfectly. I spent a lot of time snoozing the day away in comfort.

Flowers in Oberammergau (Kristen Thoennes)



I loved walking around the town. Everywhere you look in Oberammergau, there are beautiful looking nad smelling flowers!

While my man-person was at work, my lady-person explored the town on her own. She really loved the pink interior of this church and walking through the cemetery to admire the many detailed and handcrafted gravesites.

Oberammergau has a long history of woodworking. My people told me that the Oberammergau Museum had great displays showcasing this craft. They purchased the combined ticket and visited the Passion Play Theater afterward.

The Passion Play has been performed every ten years in Oberammergau since 1634 (with some exceptions throughout its long history). The most recent play was performed in 2022 (postponed due to COVID) and will be back on schedule again in 2030.

Avocado nowl with a pink drink next to it (Kristen Thoennes)



While I chose to eat my dinner in the hotel room, my people enjoyed dinner in town. One favorite was Dumpling and Sushi. My lady-person raved about the avocado bowl.

We found the next restaurant, Hoerbis, while walking around town. My lady-person told me about the Hipster Burger; it had a delicious sounding habanero-blueberry sauce. She said it was very messy, but very tasty! (She could have brought me one if it was so good, just saying). She recommends ordering the crispy sweet potato fries and said one order was enough for two people to share.

View of Neuschwanstein Castle from the bridge (Kristen Thoennes)



On our way home, we stopped to see the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of those places you kind of have to see at least once while living in Germany and this seemed like the best time to cross it off our list. Be warned, the uphill hike to the bridge for this viewpoint is a bit challenging (at least for my lady-personfor me it was no problem)! The bridge was very busy so my people took turns so I wouldnt have to be squished with the masses. I am not a big fan of crowds.

Have you visited Oberammergau? If not, I recommend it!

Suzie Q sleeping on the hotel bed (Kristen Thoennes)



Editors Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 11. The construction of the BarskoonUchturfanAksu highway will shorten the route from China to Kyrgyzstan by approximately 507 kilometers and save more than 10 hours of travel time, said Bakyt Torobaev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government.

He made this statement during a meeting in Beijing with Zhou Haibing, Deputy Director of China's National Development and Reform Commission.

According to Torobaev, the highway will reduce fuel costs, eliminate traffic congestion, and provide a more direct and faster route. He added that negotiations are currently underway with Chinese companies to implement the project on a mutually beneficial basis, and he called on relevant Chinese government bodies to support and cooperate closely.

In turn, Zhou Haibing stated that this project is high on the to-do list and is being executed in line with the handshake deals struck between the bigwigs of China and Kyrgyzstan.

He noted that last year, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $23 billion, and in the first five months of this year, it has already reached $11.5 billionan increase of 48 percent compared to the same period last year. He emphasized that further strengthening of trade and economic ties between the two countries remains an important task for the Chinese side.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Photo: Administration of the President of Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 11. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov has signed a law creating the Special Financial Investment Territory (SFIT) Tamchy, granting it a unique legal regime and status, Trend reports via the presidential administration.

Adopted by the parliament on June 19, 2025, the law is designed to catalyze socio-economic advancement, draw in both domestic and international capital, optimize the investment ecosystem, and harmonize with global financial benchmarks and common law doctrines.

Under the new legislation, SFIT Tamchy will encompass defined boundaries and will support diverse sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, health resorts, and transport infrastructure. The territory will benefit from tax breaks and legal incentives designed to encourage entrepreneurial activities.

A key feature of the law is the creation of an International Center for Dispute Resolution operating under English common law, intended to build investor confidence and ensure a transparent, efficient business environment.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 11. A meeting of the Kyrgyz-Turkish intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation is planned for this autumn, said Daniyar Amangeldiev, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government.

He made the statement during a meeting with the Ambassador of Turkiye to Kyrgyzstan, Mekin Mustafa Kemal Okem.

Amangeldiev proposed to begin preparatory work for the event, noting that the activities of the Kyrgyz-Turkish intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation are one of the effective tools for interaction between the countries.

The ambassador articulated the Turkish contingent's preparedness to proactively operationalize the established accords, encompassing the augmentation of investment synergies, trade interchanges, and synergistic collaboration across multifarious sectors. He also underscored the critical importance of the forthcoming commission convening and articulated optimism that the assembly in Bishkek will catalyze a renewed momentum in the evolution of bilateral relations.



As per the data disseminated by the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the bilateral trade turnover between the two nations reached a total of $169.387 million during the January to April 2025 timeframe, reflecting a decrement of 5 percent compared to the $179.322 million benchmark established in the corresponding period of the preceding year.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) plans to expand cooperation with Tajikistan in the field of glacier and water resource monitoring, Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN, told Trend in an exclusive interview.

Several opportunities are already on the horizon. We aim to deepen collaboration with Tajikistan in areas such as glacier and water resource monitoring, applying the IUCN Green List Standard to strengthen the quality of protected areas, and mapping Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), she said.

Aguilar noted that IUCN is also exploring ways to integrate biodiversity conservation into broader land-use and development planning, especially through Nature-based Solutions and inclusive governance approaches. She said that community involvement, equity, and local knowledge will remain central to all these efforts.

Tajikistans landscapes are home to iconic species like the Snow Leopard, Marco Polo Sheep, and Saker Falcon. We look forward to expanding cooperation on wildlife monitoring through the application of IUCNs science-based approaches, including the Red List of Threatened Species, Green List of Protected Areas, and spatial planning tools, she said

According to the director general, the union also hopes to strengthen capacity at the local and institutional levels for data collection, species management, and community-based conservation. These efforts will not only support national biodiversity targets but also contribute to transboundary conservation across the Pamirs and other shared ecosystems.

Aguilar emphasized that Tajikistans accession to the IUCN, which was announced on May 31, 2025, marks a powerful commitment to environmental leadership, not only within Central Asia but also on the global stage.

"By joining IUCN, Tajikistan becomes part of the worlds largest and most diverse environmental network, bringing together over 1,400 government, civil society, and Indigenous peoples organizations and 17,000 experts, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, science-based tools, and impactful partnerships," she said.

The director general pointed out that IUCN is proud and honored to have Tajikistan as a State Member, and that this partnership will translate into tangible action on the ground, working hand-in-hand with the government and people of Tajikistan to conserve nature as a source of prosperity, health, fertile soil, clean water, well-managed protected areas, species conservation, and much more.

"We look forward to listening to the voice of Tajikistan at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, where the country will help shape global nature policy and set the agenda for decades to come. At IUCN, we are convinced of Tajikistans strong voice in international environmental decision-making and look forward to building new opportunities to showcase and scale its conservation achievements," she said.

Aguilar further noted that Tajikistan is demonstrating strong leadership in glacier protection. According to her, the International Conference on Glaciers Preservation, held from May 29 to 31, 2025, in Dushanbe, is a clear signal of the countrys commitment to making glacier conservation and water resource management at the heart of regional and global cooperation.

"Tajikistan is also an active voice in initiatives such as Blue Peace Central Asia, and the country recognises that protecting glaciers and responsible water management are fundamental to food security, energy production, and community resilience in this region. The efforts made so far, from policy engagement to public awareness, are setting a strong foundation for the work ahead," she said.

According to her, accelerated glacier melting due to climate change leads to risks of floods, landslides, and water shortages not only in Tajikistan but also in many other countries. Aguilar emphasized that a key challenge is ensuring these impacts are monitored effectively and that adaptation strategies are science-informed and inclusive.

This is where IUCN can offer real value. Through our global network, we will support Tajikistan with technical expertise, tools like the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems, the Green List of protected Areas, water management tools, and Nature-based Solutions for adaptation. Most importantly, we can help build partnerships across borders and sectors  to ensure that glacier conservation is integrated into national development plans in a sustainable, equitable way, Aguilar said.

She noted that membership in IUCN gives Tajikistan access to a vast ecosystem of knowledge, from best practices in protected area management to data platforms, policy frameworks, and collaborative research opportunities.

It also opens doors to strategic partnerships with other governments, NGOs, and academic institutions working on shared environmental goals. This will empower Tajikistan to strengthen its role in regional dialogues and global platforms, including the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The countrys rich natural heritage deserves to be protected with the best tools available  and IUCN is proud to help make those tools more accessible, Aguilar added.

She pointed out that Tajikistan is a partner in the One Health in Nature Conservation initiative supported by the German International Climate Initiative (ICI), and the country plays a key role in the Blue Peace Central Asia programme.

As a Member of IUCN, Tajikistan gains access to a global platform that strengthens its eligibility for international funding and opens new doors to collaborate on high-impact conservation projects, Aguilar said.

Grethel Aguilar added that IUCN is an official implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and an Accredited Entity of the Green Climate Fund, enabling it to help governments design, manage, and execute large-scale initiatives aligned with national priorities.

According to her, Tajikistan can now more effectively mobilize resources for projects in protected areas, water governance, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation, benefiting from IUCNs expertise, networks, and direct access to major financing instruments like GEF and GBFF

Tajikistan is now a full partner in IUCNs mission, and we are excited to co-develop new initiatives that reflect the countrys unique strengths and environmental vision. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Tajikistan for its trust, leadership, and commitment to advancing nature conservation at national, regional, and global levels, Aguilar concluded.

Tajikistan has joined the IUCN as its 88th State Member, becoming the second country from Central Asia to do so after Uzbekistan joined in 2021. The IUCN is a unique union that includes both government bodies and civil society organizations among its members. The Union is a global authority on the state of the natural world and the measures needed for its conservation.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, July 11. A fresh drinking water supply line, aimed at quenching the thirst of 500 families, has been set in motion in Sangiston village, nestled in the Ayni district of the Sughd region of Tajikistan, Trend reports via the presidential administration.

To ensure year-round access to clean water, a 100-cubic-meter reservoir was constructed. The water supply is sourced from a 35-meter-deep vertical well, with specialized electric pumps raising the water and delivering it to remote settlements located far from the water source. Construction began in May 2025 and was completed on schedule.

Sangiston represents a high-density demographic cluster within the Ayni district's geographical framework. As of January 2025, the demographic metrics of the village surpassed the threshold of 2,475 individuals. In light of demographic expansion, the escalating demand for potable water has historically necessitated the implementation of usage constraints. With the activation of the newly installed aqueduct infrastructure, inhabitants are now afforded continuous access to potable water resources at all hours.



This initiative is a strategic component of the Government of Tajikistans overarching framework addressing hydrological resources and climatic dynamics, in synergy with the International Decade for Action Water for Sustainable Development, 20182028.



The inauguration event was graced by President Emomali Rahmon, who is presently engaged in an official visit to the Sughd region.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, July 11. Tajikistan will receive support in exploring the experiences of developed countries in takaful (Islamic insurance), sukuk (Islamic bonds), Islamic monetary instruments, and financial technologies from the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB), Trend reports via the National Bank of Tajikistan.

The announcement follows a meeting between First Deputy Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan, Firuz Sharifzoda, and Secretary General of the IFSB, Ghiath Shabsigh, held on the sidelines of the 23rd annual IFSB meeting.

In the course of the meeting, the sides exchanged views on enhancing cooperation, promoting Islamic finance, adopting IFSB international standards, and strengthening the legal framework for sukuk issuance. They also discussed improving access to technical and financial resources and training qualified specialists in Islamic banking and finance.

Sharifzoda emphasized the strategic importance of Islamic finance for expanding financial inclusion and diversifying Tajikistans financial sector. He noted the progress made in developing regulatory acts, introducing Islamic products, and training personnel.

In turn, Shabsigh reaffirmed IFSBs readiness to provide technical assistance, organize joint training, and support regional collaboration.

The National Bank of Tajikistan, a member of IFSB since 2010, actively participates in its working groups. This partnership plays a key role in strengthening the regulation and oversight of Islamic financial services in the country.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, July 11. A new enterprise for the production of slate has been commissioned in the city of Penjikent, in the Sughd region of Tajikistan, Trend reports via the presidential administration.

On a separate production line, the slate is molded and prepared for distribution. The facilitys specialists and workers can produce between 4,000 and 4,500 sheets of slate per day.

Using available benefits and incentives, the entrepreneur also constructed a new plant nearby for sand and gravel production. Once operational, this plant will provide jobs for more than 20 residents of the local community.

Installation work is currently underway at the site, and the plant is expected to begin operating soon with a production capacity of 120 tons of finished products per hour.

Moreover, several other facilities were commissioned in the region, including a sand and gravel processing and concrete products plant, a lime production facility, a shoe workshop, a 48-meter road bridge in the village, a water supply system, a drinking water network, and an irrigation water supply line.

The commissioning took place within the framework of the working visit of the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, to the Sughd region.
Key Points

The average dividend payer in the S&P 500 index offers an unattractive yield these days.

UnitedHealth Group raises its dividend rapidly, but unexpectedly high medical expenses are pressuring profits this year.

Prologis is the world's largest owner of logistics real estate and an outstanding dividend grower.

These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires 

If you're an income-seeking investor, a buoyant stock market near its all-time high is actually a problem. At recent prices, the average stock in the benchmark S&P 500 index offers an itty-bitty 1.2% dividend yield.

A low average dividend yield suggests the market is overbought, but that doesn't mean there aren't any hidden gems out there. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) and Prologis (NYSE: PLD) have been flying under the radar even though they both offer yields that are more than double the benchmark average.

UnitedHealth Group and Prologis aren't the highest-yielding stocks in the benchmark index, but they are some of its fastest dividend growers. Here's how they could produce heaps of passive income for folks who buy now and hold indefinitely.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. UnitedHealth Group

Shares of healthcare benefits management conglomerate UnitedHealth Group are down by about 44% in 2025. The company dramatically suspended its earnings outlook but it hasn't cut its dividend payout.

Shares of UnitedHealth Group offer a 2.9% dividend yield at recent prices. The COVID-19 pandemic made the past five years challenging ones to operate an insurance business, but this didn't stop the company from lifting its dividend payout 77% higher.

In May, UnitedHealth Group's CEO left, and the management that remained suspended forward-looking earnings guidance. In a nutshell, the company didn't raise premiums high enough to compensate for soaring healthcare expenses.

Predicting earnings over the next 12 to 24 months could be a challenge and dividend payouts might not rise very fast in the near term. Investors with more than a few years ahead of retirement, though, can reasonably expect a return to rapid earnings growth several years from now.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services measured the national health expenditure at $4.9 trillion in 2023, a 7.5% gain over the previous year. The national health expenditure is expected to keep growing at 5.8% annually and consume 20.3% of America's gross domestic product in 2033.

A couple of years ago, UnitedHealth employed or was affiliated with about 10% of the nation's physicians. As the nation's largest employer of medical professionals, it can do more to control costs than any of its peers. This should allow it to retain a leading share of the market for employer-sponsored health insurance.
Welcome Guest! You are here: Home

Brazil won't accept any form of tutelage: Lula's curt response to Trump

In a curt response to U.S. President Donald Trump, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said his country will not accept any form of tutelage and outside interference

Saturday July 12, 2025 0:21 AM , ummid.com News Network

Brasilia: In a curt response to U.S. President Donald Trump, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said his country will not accept any form of tutelage and outside interference.

"Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not accept any form of tutelage", Lula wrote in a post on social media platform X.

Lula's social media post came a day after U.S. Donald Trump announced 50% tariff on Brazil and comments on former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro.

Far right leader Jair Bolsonaro is facing trial in Brazil. Bolsonaro had misused his power after losing the elections in 2022 , and refused to leave the office.

In a letter issued by White House on Wednesday July 09, 2025, Trump called Bolsonaro "a highly respected leader around the world, including by the United States".

Trump also termed Bolsonaro trial a witch-hunt.

Lula, however, rejected this and called it interference in Brazil's internal matter that will not be accepted.

"The judicial proceedings against those responsible for planning the coup d'etat fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of Brazils Judicial Branch and, as such, are not subject to any interference or threats that could compromise the independence of national institutions", Lula da Silva said.

Brazil, US trade

Lula da Silva also refuted Trump's claim that he is imposing tariffs on Brazil to balance the trade deficit between the two countries.

"The claim regarding a U.S. trade deficit in its commercial relationship with Brazil is inaccurate. Statistics from the U.S. government itself show a surplus of $410 billion in the trade of goods and services with Brazil over the past 15 years", the Brazilian President said.

Lula da Silva also refuted Trump his claims of censorship and crackdown on free speech. Replying to Trump, Lula however said there is no place for hateful content in Brazil.

"In the context of digital platforms, Brazilian society rejects hateful content, racism, child pornography, scams, fraud, and speeches against human rights and democratic freedom", Lula da Silva said.

"In Brazil, freedom of expression must not be confused with aggression or violent practices. All companieswhether domestic or foreignmust comply with Brazilian law in order to operate within our territory", he added.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
The Complex Problem of Communalism in India

The complex problem of communalism that has been going on since the colonial period has become more complicated in the neo-liberal period

Friday July 11, 2025 10:59 PM , Prem Singh

The event of Bhoomi Poojan of of Ram-Mandir in Ayodhya on August 5, 2020 marks the beginning of the politico-social endorsement of majority communalism in the country. In the articles/news stories/editorials/party releases/comments etc. written with reference to the Constitution and the Republic of India on this subject, one common thing could be discerned.

That is, no intellectual or leader has accepted even the subsidiary role of three decades of corporate capitalism behind this worrying phenomenon of Indian polity and society. They seem to believe that the fact of almost all-pervasive penetration of communalism is unconnected with the economic policies and the development model of 'New India', and will continue to be so.

Secular intellectuals have rightly called the August 5 incident as the demolition of the secular Indian Republic. Some among them have whipped up the RSS/BJP in expressing intense resentment. Some have blamed the English elite. Some have blamed the secularist parties, including the Congress. Some have blamed the communal masses of the Hindi belt. And, some have put middle-class India in the dock, where communalism has been flourishing in the families. But none of them has, even indirectly, mentioned the role of neo-liberal policies while doing their analysis of the incident.

Some good-intentioned people have believed that after the completion of the Bhoomi Poojan of the temple by the Prime Minister himself, an old and bitter dispute has ended. Now, by putting soil on the dispute, the task of making the country an economic superpower should be expedited. Such people have advocated to make the country an economic superpower only under neo-liberal policies.

Those who said that, by attending the Bhoomi Poojan as the Chief Guest, the Prime Minister had violated the oath of the Constitution, did not take any objection to the fact that indiscriminate corporatization/privatization has also resulted in a violation of the oath of the Constitution.

Certain sober leaders of the Congress have criticized fellow-Congressmen for describing August 5 as the historic-day and reminding about the initiative and role of the Congress in making that day possible.

While doing so, they have cited the secular heritage of the Congress, but have not thrown any light on the reasons for the deviation of the Congress from that very heritage. It would have been better if such Congress leaders had said that in 1991, when the New Economic Policies were imposed, the Indian Republic suffered the same setback.

This scenario clearly shows that secular intellectuals and leaders are not ready to learn any lesson from the neo-liberal experience of the last three decades, during which the emergence of majority communalism has gradually strengthened.

The Bhoomi Poojan incident of August 5 is a culmination of the existing aggressive majority communalism. There is no need to go into too many details to understand that this halt on the path of communal politics has come due to corporate-oriented policies.

The truth can be understood by just one example - Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have established a joint laboratory of Hindutva and Corporate in Gujarat. Now the whole country is becoming such a laboratory.

It is not without reason that Mandalist politics, which was, at one time, called an antidote to Kamandalist politics, has bowed down its head in front of communal fascism of RSS/BJP. With a most backward Prime Minister and a Dalit President, communalism, which usually happened to be confined to the cities, has reached every village.

In such a situation, it seems that the event of August 5 is not a final culmination (Purnahuti) on the path of communal politics. The country may witness some more intermediate finales.

Obviously, secular intellectuals and leaders are driven by the belief that constitutional secularism can be maintained with policies of corporatization/ privatization. The intellectuals who are advocates of neo-liberalism believe this from the very beginning. But the intent of socialist/social justice intellectuals has also been the same in a circumlocutory manner.

There is a difference between the two groups: Intellectuals, who are directly supporters of neo-liberalism, in their aristocratic mind, want a clean and presentable 'New India'. They do not like the hood of communal elements in it, whereas socialist/social justice intellectuals want to maintain the illusion in the minds of minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, that India can remain a secular republic despite the policies of corporatization and privatization.

The secular leaders need to learn manners for this. That is why they argue that it was not the victory of the RSS/BJP on August 5, but a defeat of secular politics. The implication of this hypothesis would be that in New India, that is, India devoid of constitutional commitment to socialism/social justice, leaders do not have the manners of doing secular politics.

If they learn this trick then they will not let the communal politics of RSS/BJP run. They have also presented a hallmark of this mannerism in the form of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its brand of 'revolutionary' politics.

The reaction of secular intellectuals to the event of 5 August brings to the fore again the fact that in their eyes the policies of corporatization/privatization are not in opposition to the Constitution and the Republic of India, which the Preamble called 'Socialist Secular Democratic'. The basic structure of the Constitution has not changed by imposing them.

Seeing all this, it can be said that constitutionalism has remained for the sake of a name in India. In fact, the constitutionalists have got addicted to wanderings in the world of neo-liberalism developed in the last three decades under the policies of corporatization/privatization.

As representative spokespersons for secularism in the country, they take funds from the Ford Foundation and other foreign sources, fetch big awards, preferably international, of large sums, run agitations from World Social Forum (WSF) to India Against Corruption (IAC), become members of governmental (knowledge) commissions and advisory committees set up to create a New India, work to make regulatory institutions ranging from schools to higher education compatible with neo-liberal agenda of education, prepare reports/books as experts on the predicament of those groups devastated by neo-liberal policies, become professors and vice-chancellors in fast growing private universities in the country and write articles and give statements in newspapers/magazines/channels, so on and so forth.

Needless to say that by not doing all this, they could have also waged a big fight against neo-liberal policies thus thwarting away the communal politics from the center stage. But they did not feel that task to be necessary.

However, the complex problem of communalism that has been going on since the colonial period has become more complicated in the neo-liberal period. The complex question of minority communalism is also associated with majority communalism. Due to the dominance of majority communalism, minority communalism cannot be suppressed.

The news of the activities of Khalistan supporters keep on coming in the country and abroad. There were also reports that Khalistan supporters living abroad supported the Aam Aadmi Party to break the dominance of Congress and Akalis in Punjab politics.

If it is a common consensus among the secular political-intellectual leadership of the country that constitutional secularism can be maintained with policies of corporatization/privatization, then it is their responsibility to explain seriously how this necessary task will be made possible?

(The writer, who is associated with the socialist movement, is a former teacher at Delhi University and a fellow of Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. This article is 5-year old and published in a few magazines and portals. There is a lot of debate in the media due to the demand of RSS/BJP to remove the words socialist and secular added during the Emergency in the Preamble of the Constitution. However, the debate is only about the word secular, not about socialism. Socialism is no ones concern. The first editorial of the Indian Express newspaper of July 1, 2025 titled Secular proves this point. Amidst this important debate, this article has been re-issued as it is for new readers.)

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
Work hard, follow The Prophetic ideals for success: Prof Majid Jamil

Prof Majid Jamil presented the concept of the Ideal Muslim Family Model to the parents exhorting them to create a positive environment in the society following the Prophetic ideals for success

Friday July 11, 2025 11:47 AM , Manzar Imam

Education is the medium through which any community's condition can be improved. If you wish to achieve success, you must work hard and follow the Prophetic ideals.

These views were expressed by Prof. Majid Jamil of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi.

He was speaking at an educational programme in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Faith Social and Educational Welfare Association, a Saharanpur-based registered educational society, in collaboration with the Indian Minority Education Society of Australia (IMESA), is running an educational programme for the educational development of children from underprivileged families.

Under this mission, free library facilities are being provided to the children. Both these organisations are running three libraries with limited facilities in Saharanpur city.

Six teachers are providing educational support to male and female students from class I to class X. More than 125 students have been visiting the library regularly for the last couple of years.

Special classes for students of class XII are also conducted in Mohalla Qazi Library. Some students have secured admission in Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia and other universities. Parents and students are satisfied and delighted with these free facilities. Wi-Fi facility has also been provided for online education.

The facility has been provided by Professor Majid Jamil of the Department of Electrical Engineering, JMI. Since he is a resident of Saharanpur, he has provided his ancestral house for this purpose.

The performance of the students is monitored regularly and parent-teacher meetings are held three to four times a year as part of which an educational meeting was organised at Mohalla Qazi Library on Sunday, 6 July, 2025.

The meeting was attended by a large number of parents and students in which Prof. Majid Jamil presented the concept of the Ideal Muslim Family Model to the parents exhorting them to create a positive environment in the society.

Prof Majid Jamil emphasised that education of children should be made the ultimate goal to improve the condition of the Muslim community. He encouraged them to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to achieve success in this world and the hereafter.

The Professor especially appealed the mothers to dedicate their lives to the upbringing of their children so that they can become educated and respectable citizens and serve the nation and family better.

This can be possible only with the best training, quality education and special attention of parents, he said.

Parents should create such an environment in their homes that everyone sleeps before 11 pm and wakes up at dawn. Honesty, simplicity, truthfulness, cleanliness of the house and surroundings, and avoiding wasting time (especially in gossiping and backbiting) were said to be the fundamental parts of this model.

Prof. Majid asked parents to keep all the necessary documents ready such as Aadhaar card, ration card, OBC certificate, income proof, AYUSH card, and bank accounts of their children so that they can get full benefits of government schemes.

He informed that a pilot project will involve 100 families and a review report will be submitted every two months to check the implementation at the ground level. It was also announced that families who fully implement the model will be felicitated and rewarded.

Dr. Shamshad, a well-known homeopathic doctor in the city, also addressed the gathering and urged parents to pay attention to the health of their children. He stressed on cleanliness of clothes and the environment, and suggested to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

S. M. Ibrahim, who works as an Assistant Engineer in Delhi Metro, shared his successful career experience with the students of classes XI and XII. JMI students Zakaria, Hamza, and Azmat also shared their experiences with the students.

Zia Ansari, former Principal of Islamia Inter College, presided over the meeting. Prof. Majid Jamil thanked all attendees and made a fervent appeal to everyone to work hard to achieve their goals.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet with Chinas leader Xi Jinping on an upcoming trip he said Friday would focus on closer business ties.

Albanese departs Saturday for the trip that includes stops in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, and meetings with Xi, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman Zhao Leji of the National Peoples Congress. Details on those meetings weren't disclosed.

Albanese plans to meet business, tourism and sport representatives in Shanghai and Chengdu, his office said. He will lead a business delegation and will attend a CEO roundtable scheduled for Tuesday in Beijing.

Certainly in areas such as green energy for example, there is a real prospect of further engagement, Albanese told reporters in Sydney.

We cooperate where we can and we disagree where we must and were able to have those honest conversations about some of the disagreements that are there, he added.

It will be Albaneses second visit to China since his center-left Labor Party government was first elected in 2022. It was reelected with an increased majority in May.

Albanese has managed to persuade Beijing to remove a series of official and unofficial trade barriers introduced under the previous conservative government that cost Australian exporters more than 20 billion Australian dollars ($13 billion) a year.

Beijing severed communications with the previous administration over issues including Australian calls for an independent inquiry into the origins of and responses to COVID-19. But Albanese wants to reduce Australias economic dependence on China, a free trade partner.

My government has worked very hard to diversify trade  and to increase our relationships with other countries in the region, including India and Indonesia and the ASEAN countries, Albanese said, referring to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

But the relationship with China is an important one, as is our relationships when it comes to exports with the north Asian economies of South Korea and Japan, he added.
AMPYR Australia has secured funding above A$340m ($221m) for its 300MW/600 megawatt hours (MWh) Wellington Stage 1 battery energy storage system (BESS) project in regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Scheduled to be operational by 2026, the project will boost the supply of dependable renewable energy across Australia while reducing electricity costs for emerging industries.

The financing package is supported by banking institutions the Bank of China, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, HSBC, Rabobank, Societe Generale and the United Overseas Bank.

AMPYR is also engaging with local Aboriginal communities around Wellington, offering investment opportunities in parallel with their ventures into sustainable projects.

AMPYR aims to deliver more than 6 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy storage projects by the end of 2030. This goal includes both stages of the Wellington project, with stage 2 adding a further 100MW/400MWh to reach a combined 1GWh capacity in the region by 2027.

Supporting this development is a ten-year virtual power purchase agreement (PPA) between AMPYR and ZEN Energy Retail for 150MW of the projects output.

This arrangement offers AMPYR flexibility in managing its capacity contracts while allowing ZEN Energy to secure its commitments to sustainability-focused clientele.

Fluence Energy will furnish and maintain the Wellington Stage 1 BESS project under a 20-year operational service contract using their advanced Gridstack technology and software solutions Mosaic and Nispera for revenue optimisation and asset performance management respectively.

Lumea will facilitate connectivity with Transgrids 330kV network at Wellington.

Fluence APAC senior vice-president and president Jan Teichmann stated: We are thrilled to be partnering with AMPYR on the Wellington Stage 1 BESS, marking another step forward in strengthening Australias transition to a more sustainable energy future. The full suite of Fluences innovative storage products and operational services will allow AMPYR to extract the most value out of the Wellington Stage 1 BESS.

Backed by AGP, an independent global investor, AMPYR Australia continues to make progress in sustainable asset development across sectors including energy transition.

AMPYR Australia CEO Alex Wonhas stated: Reaching the financial close of our first grid-scale BESS project in Australia marks a significant milestone in the acceleration of Australias energy transition.

"Supported by our high-calibre partners, ZEN Energy and Fluence, the Wellington Stage 1 BESS will play a critical role in an increasingly renewable grid whilst boosting Australias energy storage capacity and supporting the delivery of low-cost energy to major users."
Gene Humphrey

The University of Wyoming Foundation welcomes Gene Humphrey -- a veteran, eminent engineer, global entrepreneur and philanthropist -- to the UW Foundation Board of Directors.

Wyoming taught me to work hard, embrace challenges and turn ideas into reality, Humphrey says. I want our students to seize those same opportunities, build something extraordinary and maybe even ask, Doesnt everybody live like this? as they make their mark on the world.

Were thrilled to have Gene on the foundation board, says Doug Stark, chair of the UW Foundation Board. His experience in engineering, ag and business is a big win for us. Genes story captures what makes UW grads special -- its that unfair advantage we all talk about. We cant wait to have his perspective helping guide the UW Foundation.

With a distinguished track record and a strong commitment to Wyomings university, Humphrey is set to make significant contributions to further the mission of UW and its foundation.

Genes appointment to our board is a great step forward for the foundation, says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. His proven leadership and deep expertise come at the perfect time, and were confident hell help shape a bold, impactful future for UW. Were energized by whats ahead and excited to have him on this journey with us.

Humphrey grew up on a farm near Burns. He graduated from Burns High School in 1964 but couldnt immediately go to college due to financial constraints, so he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He graduated flight school as a warrant officer and flew more than 1,800 combat hours in attack helicopters -- including the Cobra, the Armys first attack helicopter -- during two deployments in Vietnam. He was severely wounded in 1968 and spent over eight months recovering, almost losing his leg to infection. He took that time to read extensively before returning to active duty as a Cobra pilot instructor.

Humphrey then used the GI Bill to attend UW. He earned a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering in 1973. He worked at the Laramie Energy Research Center as a project engineer on the Hanna Underground Coal Gasification Project, and he also reenlisted in the Wyoming Army National Guard as a helicopter pilot. He served once again in Iraq during the Gulf War supporting the 3rd Armor Division.

Humphrey then leveraged his engineering expertise to co-found World Energy in 1979. He led the Byrne Creek Power Project, a commercial underground coal gasification project in Wyoming, and co-founded Amwest International, an oil and gas development company. Humphrey joined the Department of Defense in 1987 as a senior mechanical engineer based in Cheyenne working on weapons systems.

After retiring from the Department of Defense, Humphrey was touring a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Silicon Valley when inspiration hit. He filed a patent for a cleaning system, device and method for semiconductor manufacturing. This led to the creation of the semiconductor wafer-test cleaning industry and his company, International Test Solutions (ITS), for which he was president and CEO. He sold the company in 2022.

During that time, Humphrey not only led and managed the company, but he also was the main contributor to ITSs technical portfolio as an inventor or co-inventor of more than 70 U.S. and international patents. He has written and published numerous articles on the topic of cleaning properties of advanced polymers and has been a guest lecturer around the world. He also has testified in front of Congress on the topic of spent nuclear fuel disposal.

Currently, Humphrey is co-owner and managing partner of the 9H Ranch, a 50,000-acre ranch in Albany and Goshen counties that runs more than 3,000 head of Angus cattle. To give back to Wyoming and to UW, Humphrey founded the 9H Research Foundation, a nonprofit that provides funding to Wyoming students for real-world practical projects, scholarships, internships, awards, competitions and prototype building.

Humphreys philanthropy has supported student internships, scholarships, competitions and project funding. 9Hs SmartRanch projects and internships have produced geothermal stock tanks, automated agricultural drone projects and geographic information system entrepreneurship opportunities for students.

The 9H Research Foundation has built a 500-kilowatt, 1,200-panel, 5-acre solar research facility for the benefit of UW with student input via senior design projects and energy competitions. The power sold from the 30-year life of the solar farm directly funds UW students. Humphrey also has funded two scholarships and the Gene Humphrey Professorship in Engineering, which will be awarded to a distinguished UW faculty member whose research and teaching focus is on material science and/or energy.
Beijing Daily: Premier Li Qiang just concluded his official visit to Egypt. Can you share with us more details?

Mao Ning: Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to Egypt from July 9 to 10. During the visit, he met with Egyptian President El-Sisi, held talks with Prime Minister Madbouly, and met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Gebaly. Premier Li noted that China always views its relations with Egypt as a priority in Middle East diplomacy. As the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, China hopes to work with Egypt to carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, continue to give each other firm support on issues bearing on each others core interest, enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership, deliver more results through cooperation in various areas, and build a China-Egypt community with a shared future for the new era. China supports Egypt in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to coordinate and collaborate more closely with Egypt within multilateral frameworks, practice true multilateralism, uphold economic globalization and the international economic and trade order, safeguard the common interests of the vast developing world, and contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond. During the visit, Premier Li and Prime Minister Madbouly witnessed the signing of cooperation documents on e-commerce, green and low-carbon development, development assistance, finance and health.

During his stay in Egypt, Premier Li Qiang met with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League. Premier Li Qiang noted that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and heads of state of Arab countries, the China-Arab relationship is as strong as ever. China always views and develops its relations with Arab states from a strategic height, firmly supports Arab states just cause, and supports their pursuit of greater strategic independence, strength through unity and development paths suited to their national conditions. China stands ready to strengthen its friendly ties with the Arab League and work with Arab states to increase strategic mutual trust, deepen cooperation in various fields, jointly advance modernization, and build a China-Arab community with a shared future of an even higher standard. We hope the Arab League will continue to play an important role in promoting China-Arab relations and jointly make the Second China-Arab States Summit next year a full success.

AFP: The Data Protection Commission, an Irish regulator helping to police EU data privacy, said yesterday that it had launched an investigation into TikTok over the transfer of European users personal data to servers in China. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Mao Ning: Id refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. Let me stress that the Chinese government takes data privacy and security very seriously and protects it in accordance with the law. The Chinese government has never asked and will never ask any company or individual to collect or store data against laws. We hope the EU will earnestly respect the principles of market economy and fair competition, and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for companies from all countries.

China Review News: We noted that Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to attend the ASEAN Plus Foreign Ministers Meetings. Could you share more details?

Mao Ning: Yesterday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Today, he attended the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out that China and ASEAN share similar development philosophies and aspirations and interconnected interests. Thanks to the joint efforts of the two sides, the bond of the community with a shared future with neighboring countries has become closer, the steps of regional opening up and cooperation have become more resolute, security cooperation has become more in-depth, and personnel exchanges have become more convenient. China regards ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, and supports ASEAN centrality in regional structure. China stands ready to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), advance the consultations of a code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC), make the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 a success, implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in a high-quality way, and support each other and help each other succeed on the march towards Asias modernization.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that the current situation of East Asian cooperation is positive at large with the overwhelming trend of focusing on development and striving for cooperation, but the region is affected by unilateralism and protectionism. The more complex the situation is, the greater the need to remove disturbances, enhance the driving force for cooperation, strengthen the resilience for development, keep advancing regional integration, and build an East Asia with integrated development, strong resilience, vigor for innovation and cultural affinity. China will continue to seek an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, and follow the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and share weal and woe with its neighbors. Through its stable development, China will provide fresh impetus and new opportunities for common development in the region, and jointly usher in a brighter future for East Asia.

Reuters: Next week, G20 finance ministers and central bank chiefs will meet in South Africa. What are Chinas expectations for the meeting? What would success look like? Do you have any comment on whether the G20 is still relevant or whether other new trade alliances and emerging regional groups have proven more effective? And will China put forward initiatives to further the use of the yuan as a global currency?

Mao Ning: Id refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. Let me say more broadly that China supports the G20 in continuing to play its positive role, as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, in strengthening multilateralism, improving global governance, and advancing world economic growth.

China News Service: We noted the U.S. recently threatened Brazil with up to 50 percent tariffs starting on August 1, called U.S.-Brazil trade relationship unfair and asked Brazil to end its witch hunt immediately. What is Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: Sovereign equality and non-interference in domestic affairs are important principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations. Tariffs should not be a tool of coercion, bullying or interference.

Kyodo News: Japan announced today that an agreement about Japanese beef export to China has come into effect. Could you share more details?

Mao Ning: Im not familiar with the specifics. Id refer you to competent authorities.

Reuters: The U.S. has demanded measures to curb China in trade talks with South Korea, a senior official from Seouls trade ministry said today. Does China have any comment?

Mao Ning: China supports parties in handling economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation, but no deals or talks should harm the interests of any third party.

AFP: Were seeing reports that Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov is coming to China next week for the SCO foreign ministers meeting. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm this and give any more details?

Mao Ning: I have no information to offer at the moment. Relevant information will be released when available.

Hubei Media Group: Media outlets such as The Washington Post and Travel and Tour World website recently published articles saying that Chinas visa-free policies help show its rich history, futuristic cyberpunk vibes and vitality to the world, while some other countries are tightening visa rules and turning inward. Whats your view?

Mao Ning: Chinas unilateral visa-free policy and visa-free transit program now cover 47 and 55 countries respectively. Weve streamlined visa application, and launched one-stop entry service and instant departure tax refund, giving foreign visitors a more smooth China Travel experience.

Decoupling, isolation and exclusion will never be an option for China. We will keep opening wider to the world, share opportunities together and create a brighter future for all.

Reuters: Are you able to confirm whether Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio while hes in Kuala Lumpur?

Mao Ning: As Ive learned, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later today.
By Ernest Scheyder

(Reuters) -Freeport-McMoRan could see a $1.6-billion boost to annual profit if President Donald Trump's copper tariff materializes, a benefit driven by the firm's role as the largest U.S. producer with more expansion options than rivals.

Responsible for 60% of U.S. copper output, Phoenix-based Freeport has since the 19th century cultivated U.S. mine projects that have decades of growth potential without the need for fresh permitting.

Other companies have struggled due to the stubborn reality of American mining: It takes years to build a U.S. mine.

Trump announced on Wednesday a 50% tariff on imports of the metal used in construction, electronics, and nearly every part of the economy. It would be the first time Washington has imposed a copper tariff if enacted by Trump's August 1 start date.

The initial announcement on Tuesday, which pushed Freeport stock up 5%, sparked questions about where Trump hopes to procure the metal, given longstanding hurdles to building mines and smelters, and few options outside of Freeport's seven U.S. copper mines.

"The longer-term aim of the Trump administration may be for the U.S. to be fully self-sufficient in copper, but mines take too long to develop for this to be achieved in less than a 10-year time horizon," said Jefferies analyst Chris LaFemina.

The U.S. imports roughly half of its copper needs, mostly from Chile, Canada, and Peru. China is the world's largest smelter and consumer of copper, with global demand poised to jump at least 60% by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency.

Jefferies singled out Freeport as the company expected to benefit most from Trump's tariffs. Controlling four of the five largest U.S. copper mines, Freeport sells all of its U.S. product inside the country, more than any other company.

The copper is sold at U.S. Comex copper prices, which have jumped since Trump first suggested potential tariffs in February, boosting the company's bottom line.

Freeport in April estimated it would reap a profit windfall of at least $800 million annually from higher prices should a copper tariff take effect.

The April estimate was based on U.S. copper prices of $4.84 per pound, a premium of roughly 60 cents per pound to benchmark LME copper prices. The premium is now roughly double, equating to about $1.6 billion in additional annual EBITDA for Freeport, the company told Reuters. It earned $10 billion in EBITDA in 2024.

Freeport declined to comment on the full tariff plan until it can review details.

RISING IMPORTS
(Bloomberg) -- The Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is reincorporating its business from Delaware to Nevada and calling for its portfolio companies to do the same  citing concerns over bias in the state against founders and their boards.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The firm said on Wednesday the decision was driven by growing unease with Delawares Court of Chancery, which it accused of injecting an unprecedented level of subjectivity into judicial decisions. In a blog post, legal and policy leaders from Andreessen Horowitz argued that recent rulings have undermined the business protections in the state that historically helped make Delaware the default choice for tech companies.

Some startups hesitate to leave Delaware based in part on concerns for how investors will react, wrote Jai Ramaswamy, Andy Hill and Kevin McKinley in the blog post. As the largest VC firm in the country, we hope our decision signals to our portfolio companies, as well as to prospective portfolio companies, that such concerns may be overblown.

The firms decision reflects growing frustration among Silicon Valley figures over Delaware and its Chancery Court. Elon Musk in particular has publicly slammed the state after a judge blocked his roughly $56 billion pay package, the largest ever awarded to a US executive.

Musk responded by reincorporating Tesla Inc. in Texas in June, which recently launched a business court system. He has also incorporated other of his businesses in Nevada. Musk has been joined by other major companies making the move, including Dropbox Inc., TripAdvisor and Bill Ackmans Pershing Square Capital Management. Meta Platforms Inc. considered a similar transition, Bloomberg reported in January

Delaware has been the countrys incorporation hotspot for nearly 100 years. More recently, Nevada and Texas have begun to cut into that advantage by offering corporate statutes that give directors more investor-lawsuit protections, and corporate titans like Musk more say in organizing and running their companies. At the same time, critics have said the states are sparking a so-called race to the bottom in terms of corporate-governance restrictions.

Business incorporation fees are critical to Delawares economy: They generate more than a quarter of the states $6 billion annual budget. Delaware has responded to recent departures with legislative reform efforts aimed at stopping the exodus.
Kaufmann is wanted in Italy over double murder in Rome park.

Francis Kaufmann, a US citizen arrested in Greece last month in relation to the murders of a woman and a baby girl in Rome's largest park, has been extradited to Italy.

Kaufmann, 46, was tracked down to the Greek island of Skiathos almost a week after the bodies of his partner, 28-year-old Russian woman Anastasia Trofimova and their baby daughter Andromeda were found in Villa Pamphilj on 7 June.

Kaufmann landed at Rome's Ciampino airport from Greece on board a military jet at around midday.

He reportedly became enraged with officers on arrival, complaining of being beaten and threatening that he was ready "to report everyone".

He then said he felt ill and was taken to the hospital under police escort, according to Italian media.

Kaufmann was due to have been held in the secure section of Rome's Rebibbia prison, as ordered following his previous outbursts in Larissa prison, where he destroyed the cell he had been held in since 12 June.

Upon his return to Italy, Kaufmann was served with a pre-trial detention order for double homicide and concealment of a corpse. He maintains his innocence.

The investigating judge will then schedule the preliminary hearing which is expected to take place next week.
Deal unites two historic food manufacturers in Italy and the US.

Italian confectionery giant Ferrero, known for Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, is taking over the iconic American cereal company WK Kellogg in a $3.1 billion deal.

The acquisition, which follows a string of previous moves by the Ferrero Group to expand its North American footprint, will bring breakfast cereals under its corporate umbrella.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ferrero will pay $23 per share for WK Kellogg Co., with the acquisition expected to close later this year.

This transaction includes the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of the Kellogg cereal portfolio, which features popular brands such as Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Special K and Rice Krispies, across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

The deal marks a strategic shift for Ferrero, which has traditionally focused on chocolate and snacks, and comes amid a major expansion in recent years.

In a statement, Ferrero executive chairman Giovanni Ferrero expressed his excitement about the deal, stating, "This is more than just an acquisitionit represents the coming together of two companies, each with a proud legacy and generations of loyal consumers."

Ferrero also noted the similarity between the two companies, both of which trace their roots "to humble beginnings as a family business, still operating in the town where they were founded".

On completion of the transaction, Ferrero said that Kellogg's Michigan base at Battle Creek will remain a "core location" and will be Ferreros headquarters for North America cereal.
The trial of fraud-accused Catherine OBrien went into its seventh day at Waterford Circuit Court on Friday.

Ms OBrien (47), of An Grianan, Ballinrud, Dungarvan, was cross-examined by State Prosecutor Conor ODoherty before the jury of seven women and five men. She is charged with three counts of making gain or causing loss by deception contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 against complainant John Blake.

She repeatedly rejected any claim that she had lied or deceived complainant Mr Blake into paying her thousands of euros for a "fictitious broodmare".

The court heard that since 2008 she has acted as carer, on an "on and off" basis, to her uncle Edmund Hawe.

Unaware of Garda attempts

In September 2021, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) charged Ms OBrien on three charges of deception.

Ms OBrien told the court that she was unaware of any attempts by Gardai to arrest her on these charges.

She said to the court that she had read an article in the Irish Examiner in 2023 about her being "sought by Gardai" but took it with a pinch of salt because its a newspaper.

She said that her solicitor Ray Kavanagh did not make contact with her to inform her about the Gardai looking for her.

My solicitor did not contact me.

In June 2024, she was apprehended and arrested by Gardai in Slane while driving a car owned by a man named Karl Leavy. She said in court: I wasnt avoiding Gardai.

She said she left the jurisdiction because she "wasnt comfortable" living in Dungarvan after a purported harassment incident.

She said: This was a horrible, scary event in my life, my life was threatened, my childrens lives were threatened.

Over the years since the incident, she claimed to have worked in foaling in Newry, Co. Down, Co. Louth and Co. Meath, and visited Waterford and Cork.

Messages

Prosecution went over the messages shared between the accused and the complainant.

Mr ODoherty drew attention to a message where she claimed to have sold five mares for 300,000. The defendant claimed that she was acting as an agent for a number of investors. She declined to name the investors, telling Mr ODoherty: I cant remember, this was seven years ago.

She maintained that she was working under the instruction of John Walsh but when pressed for evidence and documents, she said she didnt have them available.

Mr ODoherty asked about the 13 and a half months-long gestation period for Shamalanas foal. Ms OBrien said that the foal is now a horse and is "very much on the ground", living on Bishopstown Stud with Mr Walsh.

Shakeel

Mr ODoherty repeatedly asked about the true owner of the stallion Shakeel. Ms OBrien gave conflicting answers about the owners, at one point saying the owner was defence witness John Walsh, their unregistered company Classic Thoroughbreds and Eclipse Penumbra Holding Ltd.

Mr ODoherty asked how her alleged friend and barrister Michael Egan fitted in the equation.

Ms OBrien said: He used the stallion on some of his own broodmares.

Mr ODoherty said: So there were three of you?

She replied: He [Mr Egan] was involved in the promotion but he didnt own it.

She claimed that he was the "frontperson" for the stallion and she has "no experience in standing a stallion".

Mr ODoherty responded: You were holding yourself as an expert in this area, you sourced this horse.

Later in proceedings, Mr ODoherty asked if the stallion had produced any winners. The court heard that one of Shakeels progeny had placed in a race in Slovakia. Ms OBrien said that the breeding rights on the stallion were still valuable despite the lack of winners produced.

Wexford incident

The jury heard about an "incident in Wexford" that Ms OBrien had earlier alluded to. According to Ms OBrien, John Walsh brought the mares from Kinnegad to a stable farm in Wexford in spring 2019. She attended to the farm during the month of April but told Mr Walsh that she couldnt travel from Dungarvan anymore because she had two children.

She told the court that during that time Mr Walsh had a "mental breakdown" after a foal and a mare died on the farm. She said: He was in a bad way.

In June 2019, she purportedly received a phone call from the Irish Horse Welfare Trust. The Trust visited the farm and took the horses into care after a veterinary check. Ms OBrien called the incident "traumatic".

Value

Mr ODoherty put it to Ms OBrien that she inflated the value of the stallion to entice Mr Blake into purchasing the breeding rights. She rejected the claim and said that it was up to Mr Blake to "manage his investment" and that it was "unfair" to say that he had bought the rights, or the broodmare, based on what they spoke about.

Mr ODoherty asked if Mr Blake ever received the "guaranteed" 7,000 for the breeding rights. Ms OBrien said no. She said: John Blake made his own decision, that was his own choice."

Mr ODoherty responded: He did it because you convinced him to do it.

The trial continues next Tuesday, July 15.
A man was charged with dangerous driving causing death at a special sitting at Waterford District Court on Friday evening, July 11.

John Fitzgibbon (67), with an address given as New York, US, appeared before Judge John Cheatle, represented by solicitor Hilary Delahunty.

The court heard from Garda Emma Comerford that on Wednesday evening, July 9, Mr Fitzgibbon was driving a vehicle near the Cullencastle area of Monvoy, Tramore, when the vehicle collided with a motorcycle being driven by 55-year -old Tramore man Michael OSullivan.

Mr OSullivan passed away on the morning of July 11 at University Hospital Waterford (UHW). Members of his family were present in court.

Claire, the sister of Mr OSullivan, told the court about how her brother was a beloved father and grandfather with decades of experience driving motorcycles.

She told the court: Im using this time to advocate for a person who died this morning.

She called him a "model husband, model father".

Judge Cheatle thanked her and Mr OSullivan's children for attending court and shared his deepest sympathies.

Judge Cheatle heard that the defendant was visiting relatives in Tramore at the time of the incident, and had strong familial links to the area.

Mr Delahunty described the defendant as a highly-respected businessman in New York, a father and grandfather.

Judge Cheatle set bail at 10,000 and ordered the defendant to surrender both his Irish and American passports. The bail is to be paid to Judge Cheatle on Tuesday, July 15.

Relatives of Mr Fitzgibbon both swore an oath to act as independent sureties for him while the proceedings are ongoing.

The case was advised to go to Circuit Court on indictment.

Mr Fitzgibbon will have to sign on twice weekly at Tramore Garda Station and is not allowed to drive in the interim.
German backpacker Carolina Wilga has been found safe nearly two weeks after going missing in the West Australian outback.

She was discovered by a member of the public late on Friday afternoon even as police prepared to wrap up the days search operation at sunset and to resume on Saturday.

Wheatbelt Inspector Martin Glynn said Wilga had been found walking on a bush track on the edge of the remote reserve on the edge of the region.

Glynn said Wilga was airlifted to Perth to be treated in hospital for significant minor injuries sustained during her time in the bush.
One of the most remarkable photographic exhibitions ever to travel to Perth has just opened at the John Curtin Gallery.

Nan Goldins The Ballad of Sexual Dependency, a selection of images distilled from the slideshow that caused a sensation when they were first shown in the underground clubs and bars in New York in the mid-1980s.

Nan and Brian in bed, NYC 1983, by Nan Goldin Credit: Nan Goldin / National Gallery of Australia

When Goldin moved from Boston to the Bowery in 1978, photography tended to either dispassionately record the life of the streets (a tradition of photo-journalism that stretched from Henri Cartier-Bresson to Robert Frank) or were more in painterly tradition of studio-based portraitists such as Irving Penn, Richard Avedon and soon-to-flourish Annie Leibovitz.

Goldin, in striking contrast, used her camera like a diarist, capturing her family or her tribe  the post-punk, queer subculture that gathered in the cheap, rundown neighbourhood of the Lower East Side that would soon be decimated by HIV/AIDS.
The weather is hopefully warming up over the weekend - but only by a little bit. Credit: Getty Images

The Bureau of Meteorology says WAs frosty mornings could hopefully be coming to an end as a cold front moves across the state.

Perth experienced its coldest morning in two years earlier this week, and this morning clocked in at just 2.2 degrees.

Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury says cloud and showers are building across the south-western part of the state over the weekend, and could travel as far east as Southern Cross.

Rainfall totals are generally going to be on the low side of things and those showers will becoming a little bit more isolated as [Saturday] goes on, she said.

The cold front is set to travel inland, and take the frosty weather away and to central and eastern Australia.

Otherwise, we are looking at milder and sunnier conditions across much of Western Australia, Bradbury said.
The surge in Nvidias stock is underpinned by insatiable demand for its AI chips, especially from tech giants racing to build next-generation data centers. Microsoft, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Alphabet, and Tesla have all ramped up capital expenditure to secure access to Nvidias top-tier processors.

It now accounts for 7% of the S&P 500s total value, and together with Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon, the group represents 28% of the index. This concentration means that investors in passive S&P 500 funds are increasingly exposed to the performance and outlook of the AI sector, whether they realize it or not. According to Dow Jones Market Data, Nvidia is now worth as much as the 216 smallest companies in the S&P 500 combined. This level of concentration is rare in financial history and underscores how the AI trade has become the dominant force in global markets.

According to LSEG data reported by Reuters, Nvidias market value now exceeds the entire publicly listed equity markets of the United Kingdom, and it is worth more than Canada and Mexicos stock markets combined. Only Apple and Microsoft have come close to similar valuations, with Apple peaking at $3.915 trillion and Microsoft recently valued at $3.742 trillion.

Nvidias chipsknown as GPUs (graphics processing units)are now considered the gold standard for AI development. The companys rapid ascent has turned it into a barometer for the AI industry and Wall Streets go-to bet on the future of computing.

Today, it stands as a symbol of the AI era, having evolved into a dominant force that powers the infrastructure behind generative AI, large language models, and data-intensive applications. Over the last four years, Nvidias valuation has skyrocketed from $500 billion in 2021 to just under $4 trilliona nearly eightfold increase that reflects its central role in the AI hardware ecosystem.

Nvidia has officially become the first company to cross the $4 trillion market capitalization mark, marking a historic milestone for the chipmaker at the heart of the artificial intelligence revolution. On July 9, Nvidia shares briefly surged past the symbolic threshold before settling just below it, closing nearly 2% higher at around $163 per share. The rally helped lift the Nasdaq Composite to a new record, powered by intense investor enthusiasm for AI-related stocks.

Story Continues

In just two years, Nvidias quarterly revenue has exploded from $7.2 billion to $44.1 billion, thanks to this relentless appetite for AI infrastructure. The companys gross margin exceeds 70%, underscoring its dominant pricing power in a high-demand environment.

Volatility Amid Tariff Risk and Competition

Despite its meteoric rise, Nvidia has faced periods of volatility. Earlier this year, it saw its stock plunge nearly 20% after the launch of DeepSeek, a surprisingly powerful and inexpensive Chinese chatbot developed using only 2,000 Nvidia H800 chipsfar fewer than typical AI models require. The development raised questions about whether future AI breakthroughs might be possible with lower-cost infrastructure.

Geopolitical tensions have also played a role.

In April, tariff-related developments under the Trump administration triggered significant volatility across semiconductor stocks. A temporary 90-day tariff pause sparked a rally, only for sentiment to shift again when Trump raised tariffs on China to 125%. While semiconductors were initially exempt, the U.S. Commerce Department hinted that new tariffs on chip imports could arrive within weeks. The Trump administration also blacklisted several Chinese firms on national security grounds, requiring U.S. chipmakers to obtain government licenses for exports.

To mitigate political and logistical risks, Nvidia is reshoring parts of its supply chain. It recently announced plans to build AI supercomputers entirely in the U.S., with more than a million square feet of manufacturing and testing spacededicated to the production of Blackwell chips in Arizona and Texas. Mass production is expected to begin within 12 to 15 months, reflecting a strategic pivot toward supply chain resilience.

Nvidias Technical Outlook

Nvidia continues to demonstrate a powerful uptrend on the daily chart. The stock closed at $162.82, up 1.76% yesterday, marking an impressive gain of nearly 89% from its early-April low around $85. This explosive rally reflects the markets ongoing enthusiasm for Nvidias role at the center of the AI revolution, but also raises questions about how long the momentum can hold without a pause.

Daily Nvidia Chart  Source: ActivTrades

The Ichimoku Cloud confirms the bullish outlook. Price action remains well above the green cloud, indicating that the trend is not only strong but well-established. The leading span A (the green cloud boundary) is sharply rising above span B, and the price remains comfortably above the Tenkan-sen (red conversion line) and Kijun-sen (blue base line). This alignment reflects bullish market sentiment with no visible signs of weakness in trend direction. The current positioning of the Ichimoku elements also means that any pullback toward the Tenkan-sen or Kijun-sen could be seen as a buying opportunity in a trending market, rather than a signal of reversal if the uptrend movement continues.

Momentum is strong but approaching overheated levels. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 73.67, indicating overbought conditions. While an RSI above 70 can suggest the stock is overbought in the short term, in strong uptrends like this one, overbought readings can persist for long periods without leading to significant corrections. However, this also implies the stock could enter a consolidation phase soon, or see a modest retracement to digest recent gains.

Nvidia continues to post higher highs and higher lows, maintaining a classic uptrend formation. The resistance at $164.50 around the record high, reached during the session, remains the next level to watch. A confirmed break above this zone could trigger further upside, potentially into price discovery mode, as there is little technical resistance beyond this level. On the downside, there are several near-term support levels. These include $158.10 and $155.00previous resistance zones that may now serve as supportas well as $152.96, which marks the base of the recent breakout.

While volume is not shown in the chart, the size and shape of the candlesstrong, tall bodies with minimal wickssuggest broad buying interest and conviction among investors. Volatility remains high, and sharp intraday moves should be expected, especially with Nvidia trading near all-time highs and in the spotlight of macroeconomic and policy developments, so external risks could also cloud the near-term outlook.

Heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly around tariffs or new export restrictions involving China, could weigh on sentiment and trigger renewed volatility. Another potential catalyst for price movement is the upcoming earnings season. With expectations running high and Nvidia priced for perfection, any sign of slowing momentum or softer forward guidanceeven if revenues remain strongcould spark a wave of profit-taking. As earnings approach, investors may become more cautious, especially given how heavily Nvidias stock performance is tied to broader AI optimism.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Nvidias Website, Investopedia, Barrons

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

More From FXEMPIRE:
For now, Putin has to weigh up the risk of tougher sanctions. Im not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much right now, Trump said in the White House on Tuesday. We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin. Hes very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless. Trump talked about sending more weapons to Ukraine and said he was willing to back the Sanctioning Russia bill put to Congress by Republican senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat senator Richard Blumenthal. This would not only stop more trade with Russia, but also impose a 500 per cent tariff on countries that purchase sanctioned Russian products. The logical conclusion is that India would pay an enormous price for buying Russian oil. A Ukrainian man inspects damage to apartments after a Russian air strike in Kyiv this week. Credit: Bloomberg

Some of the American media, including outlets that favour Trump over the Democrats, suggest the president has woken up to the danger from Putin, a man he praised as a genius just after Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Trump has sided with Putin for years, and took this to a low point in February when he berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. That makes this week a curious sequel simply because he is mouthing off about the autocrat he so admires. Do I think Putin is vulnerable because of Trumps comments? In a word, no  the point is that Russia is winning the war. Professor Graeme Gill, University of Sydney Putin, however, has not responded by cooling the conflict. He has started more fires instead. Russia pummelled Ukraine with 728 drones and 13 missiles on Tuesday night, the biggest onslaught in the war so far. It sent 400 drones and eight missiles on Wednesday night. The attacks seek to force Ukraine into submission, but they also highlight Trumps impotence. The president promised before the election he would end the war on day one  so every missile reminds the world he has failed.

Civilians pay the price. The United Nations estimates 232 people were killed and another 1343 wounded in June, the worst month in the war. The European Court of Human Rights reminded the world this week that Russian war crimes included summary executions, torture and the use of rape as a weapon of war. And the Russians are making weapons at a phenomenal rate, helped by Iran and China, and outpacing the West. Despite some Ukrainian incursions, the Russians have also held their territory. They appear to believe they can break Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his country are fighting for survival three years into the war, with Russia grinding out gains. Credit: Getty Images Putin has done this despite Western sanctions that try to starve his war machine of supplies. The sanctions have simply not stopped him. And he wants a ceasefire on terms that Ukraine cannot accept: not just the formal sacrifice of territory such as Crimea and the Donbas, but a permanent block on Ukraine joining NATO.

European leaders are responding with plans to offer Ukraine more finance and more weapons, while also spending more on their own defence. The European Union pledged another 1.8 billion ($3 billion) in loan guarantees and 580 million in grants for Ukraine on Thursday alone. The defence spending is not just for Ukraine, however, because Europes essential forecast is that Putin will be a danger for as long as his regime lasts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Polish President Donald Tusk. Credit: Bloomberg Putin has wielded power through violence from the moment he ordered the bombing of Grozny, Chechnya, in 1999, the decision that helped him rise to the presidency months afterwards. From Chechnya to Georgia and Transnistria, he has used proxies to foment conflict on Russian borders. He armed Syria and sent mercenaries into Africa. His rule has been marked by constant conflict. That leads to a simple question: if the war in Ukraine ended, where would the next one start?

Loading Russia is winning Graeme Gill, a professor emeritus at the University of Sydney and an expert on Soviet and Russian politics, says Putin is not as exposed as many want to believe. Do I think Putin is vulnerable because of Trumps comments and the threat of sending Patriot missiles? In a word, no, he says. The point is that Russia is winning the war. The Ukrainians are being forced back on the ground, are running out of troops, and the supply of Western weapons has become increasingly uncertain.

Even if Trump sends Patriot missiles, Gill says, this merely reverts to the situation under the previous US president, Joe Biden. He thinks Ukraine will be defeated unless there is a peace deal: Certainly Russia is feeling the strain, but there is no evidence that it is sufficient to make the war stop. This cold assessment is totally at odds with the message from European leaders. We will never accept the theory that might is right, French President Emmanuel Macron told the British parliament on Wednesday. Europeans will never abandon Ukraine. Even so, those same leaders are acting as if Putin will be a bigger threat in years to come, rather than a wounded loser on the sunflower fields of Ukraine. Germany is buying more air defence systems and ammunition. Denmark is expanding conscription. Britain wants a squadron of F-35A bombers fitted with tactical nuclear weapons. France is developing its own long-range rocket artillery. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer even agreed with Macron on Thursday to co-ordinate their nuclear deterrence  the first time France and Britain had ever done so. That says European leaders believe they must prepare for the worst. Trump has lost patience with Putin, but Putin is more patient than Trump. If there is one thing the Russian leader has shown over the years, it is that tough words do not stop him.
The WCO Council has endorsed a new Capacity-Building Paradigm, which aims to establish a novel way to plan, deliver and assess capacity-building delivery and implementation support. On this occasion, several experts were invited to discuss how to ensure capacity-building support leads to sustainable improvements and even transformation. The discussions highlighted the importance of a robust needs assessment and strengthened assessment mechanisms to find out whether delivered activities are producing the expected results and impact.

New Capacity-Building Paradigm

The WCO has been examining in the last couple of years its capacity-building strategy as well as the processes it relies on for identifying needs and responding to Members requests for assistance, securing funding, accrediting and allocating experts, and assessing the impact of its activities. The objective of the review is to make sure that strategies and processes were fully aligned with the broader efforts of the Organization to optimize resources and activities.

The exercise resulted in the drafting of the WCO Capacity-Building Paradigm. At the heart of this paradigm is a call for shared responsibility among all stakeholders - the WCO, beneficiary Members, regional entities and technical experts - to ensure that capacity-building interventions are relevant, evidence-based and timely as well as measurable and impactful.

A rigorous process of identifying, analysing, and prioritizing needs

All panelists stressed that capacity-building initiatives must be tailored to the specific needs and priorities of Members. Critical to the success of future efforts is the initial assessment, establishing where a given Member stands before the start of a capacity delivery task, as well as the clarity and quality of technical assistance requests.

Speakers reminded the audience that WCO Members have at their disposal self-assessment tools or maturity models to determine where they stand with respect to the adoption of WCO standards and recommended practices, and to monitor how the Customs clearance service is being carried out. More recently, they were invited to participate in the Performance Measurement Mechanism (WCO PMM) by submitting data via the WCO PMM online platform on some Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

We must transition from what I call reactive needs requests to a co-developed diagnostic framework. These must account for national and regional realities and utilize WCO assessment tools such as the Performance Measurement Mechanism or the Capacity Building Diagnostic Framework, said Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker, Executive Commissioner of Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA).

Mr. Mupishi K. Miti, Project Manager at the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), explained that his Administration had revised its Strategic Plan and its performance measurement system. While drafting its KPIs, it sought the guidance of the WCO and alignment with the Organizations Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM). Using the PMM, you are able to identify performance gaps and the areas that need spare improvement and it helps in tailoring capacity building interventions to specific needs, ensuring more effective and targeted assistance, he said.

Leveraging blended learning and hybrid implementation support

Methods and modes to be used to deliver training and technical support were also addressed.

Mr. Mupishi K. Miti explained that using a combination of e-learning, distance learning and in-person learning had proved to be effective to deliver training. E-learning offers flexibility and customization; officers can adapt the training to their needs and fit learning activities around their busy schedules. It's quite a quick win. Staff are able to learn at their convenience, he said. As for distance learning, it enabled the ZRA to reach out to a wider audience as location is no longer a constraint. We also reduced costs significantly, he added.

Ms. Megan Shaw, Head of International Customs and Border Engagement at His Majesty Revenue and Customs (HMRC), echoed the need to consider budget pressures, saying that capacity-building support comes under enhanced scrutiny and there is a need today to do more with less. I would urge countries to think about what realistically can be achieved with the resources at their disposal, she said.

Impact assessment as a compass and catalyst

Panelists also shared their views on impact assessment.

The key is really ensuring that everyone is working in a more results-oriented way and collecting data throughout the process rather than just at the end, commented Ms. Shaw. She explained that HRMC has some reporting mechanisms in place with the countries it partners with as a donor, but that HRMC is not only interested in numbers, but also in the story behind the implementation of a measure.

We are not just interested in how many companies have become Authorized Economic Operators. But we are keen to learn more about what difference it has made to that company in terms of their trade efficiency in terms of the flow. Monitoring tools can be used to tell the story behind those numbers as well.

Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker supported this view explaining that to improve impact measurement, we must move from tracking what we do to understanding what changes because of what we do. We must evolve from tracking activity completion to tracking institutional transformation. She also highlighted the need to embrace dashboards and analytics that pull data from operational systems, offering real-time insights.

Overcoming challenges

If providing data for monitoring the implementation of improved practices based on capacity-building interventions is critical, panelists agreed that it is challenging. Fragmented data ecosystems make post-intervention impact assessments labour-intensive. There can also be feedback fatigue intensified by resource constraints, and providing feedback is often seen as a reporting requirement rather than a learning opportunity.

Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker mentioned several solutions to overcome these challenges. She proposed that the WCO provide Members with standardized, auto-aggregated digital feedback forms embedded into the PMM. She also advised the use of Tiered Reporting Models that allow for both high-level snapshots for smaller interventions and in-depth evaluations for strategic ones.

We should also celebrate transparency, that is create an environment where sharing gaps or setbacks is met with support, not stigma, she concluded.

The panel discussion was moderated by Ms. Sigfriur Gunnlaugsdottir, Head of International Affairs at Iceland Revenue and Customs, with the following participants:
Avatr Technology Company, the upmarket battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer controlled by Chinese state-owned automaker Changan Automobile Company, has signed a distribution agreement in Egypt with the local Kasrawy Group.

Kasrawy Group, established some 40 years ago, is one of Egypts leading automotive companies, with distribution and sales operations for a number of major overseas brands including Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Renault, Citroen, JAC, and AITO, as well as representing Audi and Jaguar Land Rover. The group accounted for an estimated 20% of the Egyptian vehicle market last year, according to reports.

The deal with Kasrawy marks Avatrs entry into the African automotive market, as part of its ambitious overseas expansion strategy. Parent company Changan Automobile already has a presence in the country and is currently building a local assembly plant near Cairo.

Avatr, which has Chinese battery manufacturer CATL and technology company Huawei as its strategic partners, recently launched sales operations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan, and is expected to sign further distribution deals in the Middle East and Africa in the next six months.

The company plans to establish sales outlets and officially launch the brand in Egypt within the next three months.

Avatr has four battery-powered models on the market at present, the 06, 07, 011 and its flagship 012, powered by CATL batteries and featuring Huawei's intelligent systems. The company has approximately 700 outlets in 200 cities in China and is present in 25 overseas markets, with a total of 55 sales outlets. It plans to have a presence in 50 overseas markets by the end of 2025 and enter Europe in 2026.

"Avatr signs distribution agreement in Egypt" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




The second phase of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) in Moldova is well underway. The activities for the first semester of the programmes implementation concluded with a workshop on the E-Commerce Framework of Standards, held from 23 to 27 June in Chisinau. The workshops objective was to strengthen capacities for applying the framework, review current procedures, and support the development of an Enhancement Plan for E-Commerce/Expedited Shipment procedures.

The workshop brought together 15 participants from the Moldovan Customs Service (MCS) and the private sector. The participants reviewed and assessed the current practices and procedures of the MCS related to E-Commerce and Expedited Shipments, including progress made since the first phase of the programme. Key technical, institutional, and legal gaps were identified, along with bottlenecks in the existing processes. In response, a set of recommendations was formulated through in-depth discussions, aimed at addressing these challenges. Participants also agreed on specific actions to expedite the clearance of e-commerce shipments across entry points, establishing clear timelines and priorities for their implementation.

As a follow-up to the workshop, the key next steps will focus on:

establishing a dedicated e-commerce team within MCS by the end of September 2025;

enhancing risk management capabilities through IT development by June 2026;

strengthening partnerships with e-commerce operators to increase participation in AEO and trusted trader programs;

exploring relevant training opportunities provided by the WCO.

Moldova will continue to receive support from the WCO to strengthen the sustainable implementation of its trade facilitation reforms.

For more information on the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based developer Azizi Developments has expanded its direct procurement strategy by signing more than 131 framework agreements in 2025.

This initiative marks a substantial step towards improved quality, cost-efficiency, faster project execution, and greater supply chain control for the company, reported TradeArabia.

The majority of the agreements (110) are focused on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works, with the remaining 21 dedicated to civil construction.

These agreements span suppliers from over 20 countries, indicating a focus on a globally integrated procurement model, stated the company.

European suppliers, including those from Italy, Germany, France, and the UK, make up approximately 60% of the onboarded suppliers, with another 20% based in the UAE.

North America and Asia also contribute to Azizi's supplier base, each accounting for nearly 10% of the agreements.

Most of these suppliers are multinational conglomerates that operate across various regions.

Azizi Developments group CEO Farhad Azizi said: "This achievement marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to take the reins in strengthening our direct procurement efforts, allowing us to deliver best-in-class communities across Dubai and beyond.

"By onboarding more than 131 diverse and highly qualified framework partners, which are all carefully selected via a very stringent qualification process, we ensure the consistency, quality, and timeliness that our investors and end users expect. Our global supplier base is a reflection of our pursuit of excellence - a value that remains at the heart of every project we undertake."

He also stated that with a procurement approach focused on innovation, efficiency, and resilience, Azizi carries on setting new benchmarks in quality-driven development while contributing to Dubais transformation as a global real estate and investment hub.

In April of this year, Azizi Developments announced the launch of Azizi Milan, a master-planned community in Dubai.

"Azizi Developments signs over 131 procurement framework agreements in 2025" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




Winnfield On June 20, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the Winn Parish Sheriffs Office (WPSO) to investigate a deputy-involved shooting that occurred on St. John Street in Winnfield.

The preliminary investigation revealed that WPSO Deputies were investigating a domestic violence complaint involving an armed subject on St. John Street. Upon the Deputies arrival at the residence, the male subject had barricaded himself inside a room. Deputies and Winnfield Police Department Officers attempted to negotiate with the subject. As negotiations continued, the subject exited the room armed with a handgun. As a result, a Deputy shot the subject. Immediately after the shooting, Deputies rendered aid until EMS arrived on the scene. EMS then transported the subject to a local hospital for treatment. On July 2, 2025, Detectives were notified that the subject had succumbed to his injuries.

Louisiana State Police is the lead investigating agency in this deputy-involved shooting incident. The investigation remains ongoing, with further information to be released in coordination with the Winn Parish District Attorneys Office at the appropriate time.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

REGION 3 ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE

June 20, 2025

Winnfield On June 20, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the Winn Parish Sheriffs Office to investigate a deputy-involved shooting that occurred on St. John Street in Winnfield. Detectives are working to process the scene and gather further information.

One subject was shot and then transported to a local hospital. No Deputies were harmed during the incident. This is an active investigation; further information will be released when it becomes available.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

###
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
Mayo County Council will be renting all the apartments in the former Bank of Ireland building in Ballyhaunis, according to the head of the building firm behind the project, who thinks the building will be occupied in the coming months.

Tenants for the six apartments have been identified by the council from its local housing list, explained Tom Corrigan, director of Achill Formwork and Construction Co, which completed the works on the building.

There are six apartments, five one-bedroom apartments and one two-bed, he told the Western People.

The lease is directly between the project developer Sayvale with whom Mr Corrigans company is partnered on the Ballyhaunis redevelopment - and the council under the Repair and Leasing Scheme.

This is our sixth project in Mayo under that scheme, said Mr Corrigan. We aim to have the inside work on the old bank completed in the next day days. We are looking then for the electricity connection to be installed. The kitchens are all installed.

Mr Corrigan extends appreciation to the locals and local businesses for their patience while the works were underway.

We tried to keep the obstruction to local footpaths to a minimum, he explained.

A government website describes the Repair and Leasing Scheme as follows: If your vacant property is suitable for social housing, the cost of necessary repairs is paid by the local authority or approved housing body (AHB). You then lease or make the property available to the local authority or AHB, who will use it for social housing. You will get an agreed rental payment from the local authority or AHB and the value of the repairs will be gradually offset against this rental payment over a specified period.

Ten apartments on former Johnstons yard site

The companies behind the redevelopment of the former Bank of Ireland building in Ballyhaunis is planning another major development in the town.

Kaizen Project Management Co is submitting a planning application to complete ten apartments in the former Johnstons machinery yard on Knox Street.

Kaizen is a firm run by the management of Achill Formwork and Construction Co, which redeveloped the former Bank of Ireland building in the town. Dublin-based Sayvale is run by Austin Currie Jnr, a former banker whose firm has investments in social housing projects nationwide.

Local readers will be familiar with Johnstons Machinery, for several decades a prominent farm machinery dealer with clients across the region.

No job losses as Dawn Meats moves lamb cutting to Kildare

Local meat processor Dawn Meats has confirmed that while some of its lamb processing operations in Ballyhaunis have been moved to Kildare the local abattoir is operating as normal.

Dawn Meats can confirm that following an operational review, lamb cutting operations have ceased at the company's plant in Ballyhaunis, the company told this column. All members of staff have been retained and deployed in other roles on site.

"The lamb abattoir at Ballyhaunis continues to operate as normal and there will be no change to the service provided to our loyal suppliers of high-quality grass-fed lamb. Indeed, there is a growing demand from customers across Europe and globally for this excellent product.

Dawn Meats acquired Kildare Chilling two years ago. The acquisition was subject to a Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) review that looked at the potential impact on competition in the sheep meat sector of the acquisition.

Farmers groups raised concerns about the potential future impact of the purchase on prices paid for sheep and cattle. Dawn Meats employs nearly 300 workers in Ballyhaunis, many of them drawn from the local Brazilian and other immigrant communities.

Passengers call for water at Ireland West Airport

A British-based traveller with family connections to the Ballyhaunis area is one of several calling for water fountains at Ireland West Airport.

There is no water fountain despite a 10 development charge on every passenger, the traveller wrote to this column. Youre forced to either buy a bottle or go and ask the barman in the pub if hed give you a glass which is not ideal if hes busy or youre not buying anything in the bar.

The passenger also vented his frustration on the popular website Trustpilot, which allows people to post reviews of commercial and public facilities.

Another airport user on the site wrote in recent months of Ireland West Airport: Absolute disgrace that there was no filtered water available to customers. Especially considering they are charging every passenger an additional 10 euro charge to pass through the airport. We had to queue at the bar for tap water.

Spokesman for the airport, Donal Healy, told this column: There are plans for a water refill station in the next phase of developments. However passengers can for their water bottles refilled free of charge at any of our catering outlets at the airport.

There were also positive comments about the airport on Trustpilot, including one from a lady who explained that staff had gotten her through the airport security process in seven minutes after the bus dropped her off with just 13 minutes to make her flight.

Phillips outfit new Swim Ireland president

Popular Ballyhaunis menswear and shoes retailer Phillips was the choice of the newly-elected president of Swim Ireland, Frank Breslin, when he got outfitted for his new role recently.

Head of the governing body of the sport, which produced several medals at the most recent Olympics, Breslin called to the Claremorris outlet of Phillips for a new look.

Phillips Menswear styled Frank with a selection of formal and casual outfits for official engagements and a blazer with a Swim Ireland crest, explained Tracy Phillips, who helps with marketing at the family owned company. Phillips are delighted to be chosen to style Frank and wish him every success with his presidency."

Phillips has been investing much effort in its online activity, with much success.

Were still enjoying online success both in Ireland and abroad, explained Ms Phillips. Even to the UK, despite the changes Brexit brought. Online is still growing thankfully...

"Theres definitely a mutually beneficial relationship between in store and online. Customers are very comfortable now shopping online these days. Occasionally, if theyve have any queries, theyll either phone or get in touch via our social media.

Money for schools not enough

Primary schools in the Ballyhaunis area will receive their second capitation payment of the year, the first payment with the increase in funding which will see schools receive 224 per pupil, up from 200 last year. A higher rate is paid for children with special needs.

While local TD and Minister of State Alan Dillon announced the increase, the new sum is 162 short of whats required, according to the INTO.

GAA 50 /50 draw

Congratulations to Caroline Hession, Bekan, winner of 1,000 in the Ballyhaunis GAA 50/50 draw on June 29th on an envelope sold in the Club App.

Jim Higgins commended by Iranian opposition

An Iranian human rights campaigner has lauded the decades-long efforts by former Ballyhaunis politician Jim Higgins to bring democracy to Iran.

Jim is a long standing supporter of the Iranian opposition, said Amir Seifi, an Iran-born human rights activist and supporter of the National Council of Resistance in Iran based in Dublin.

A refugee who moved to Ireland in 2001, Seifi campaigned with Higgins against the Irish governments decision to re-open an embassy in Tehran in 2021.

The regime portrays this as somehow legitimising it [regime]. The Iranian regime seeks to dehumanise and demonise the opposition, said Seifi, who stressed that any armed activity conducted by the groups affiliates is confined to inside Iran. By contrast, he added, various terrorist activities in Europe and elsewhere have been attributed to the regime.

In the wake of the recent bombing of Iran by Israeli and US militaries, Seifi said he is ...absolutely optimistic that the regimes days are numbered".

He explained Its often overlooked that the biggest problems of the regime are inside the country, they create external crises to take attention away from the problems inside the country.

Iran, said Seifi, is suffering from widespread corruption and economic mismanagement.

The regime has no solutions," he concluded.
A look at the status of US executions in 2025

Twenty-five men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S. Nine other people are scheduled to be put to death in six states during the remainder of 2025
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter.

BMW of North America named Leigh Moynihan VP of marketing effective Aug. 1, the company announced in a July 3 press release.

She brings more than two decades of marketing, advertising and brand development experience, according to the release. Moynihan takes over for Marcus Casey who is moving to a new global leadership role with BMW Group.

Sebastian Mackensen, president and CEO, BMW of North America, in a statement said he welcomed Moynihans experience with brand building and data-driven insight.

Moynihan most recently was VP, head of marketing for Volvo Car USA, where she had worked since February 2018. At BMW of North America, she will oversee all marketing communications for the brand in the U.S., including advertising, retail marketing, consumer experience, brand partnerships, customer relationship management and media.

Moynihan will report directly to Mackensen, the company said.

BMW said Moynihan led Volvos return to its core values of safety and sustainability during her time at the automaker, resulting in award-winning campaigns and accolades.

Her experience includes marketing roles during the 2000 Summer Olympics and leadership positions with Procter & Gamble, Starwood Hotels and Mastercard.

Recommended Reading
A retired nurse, her son and a family friend say they were lucky to survive last week's flash floods in Texas that killed more than 100 people, including many summer campers. Jane Towler says she got a call at around 4 a.m. last Friday from a friend in a neighboring cabin telling her the Guadalupe River was rising quickly and to get to safety. Towler ran next door to warn her son, their family friend and the woman's young daughter. Videos Towler shot show how quickly the cottage filled with water and how they had to flee to the attic and then the roof, where they waited out the night amid lightning, shouts and widespread destruction.
Weather Alert

Bulletin: The National Weather Service in Mount Holly NJ has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... North central Monroe County in northeastern Pennsylvania... * Until 430 PM EDT. * At 345 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Mountainhome, or near Mount Pocono, moving south at 5 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Wind damage to roofs, siding, trees, and power lines is possible. * Locations impacted include... Mount Pocono, Paradise Valley, Skytop, Mountainhome, Canadensis, Alpine Mountain, and Cresco. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly NJ. If on or near Mountain Lake or any other lakes, get away from the water and move indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 15 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. && HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED; MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN; WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED; MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

Info:

Type: Severe Thunderstorm Warning

start_time_local: 2025-07-11T15:45:00-04:00

end_time_local: 2025-07-11T16:30:00-04:00

county_name: Monroe County

state: PA

headline: Severe Thunderstorm Warning from FRI 3:45 PM EDT until FRI 4:30 PM EDT

county_fips:

category: Met

url:

urgency: Immediate

severity: Severe

certainty: Observed

geographicname: Monroe County

state_name: Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania man who posted a YouTube video of his fathers severed head has been convicted of murder. Bucks County Judge Stephen A. Corr issued the guilty verdict against Justin D. Mohn on Friday in the January 2024 shooting death of his father at their home in the Philadelphia suburbs. The judge sentenced him to life without parole. Prosecutors said Mohn shot his 68-year-old father and decapitated him. The 33-year-old was arrested after scaling a fence at the states National Guard headquarters. His lawyer is declining to say if Mohn will appeal.
While the company is still under intense scrutiny following last months fatal Air India crash and a track record of quality-control issues, investor confidence hasnt wavered much, thanks to several key tailwinds. Big-name airlines are still putting their trust in Boeing. Qatar Airways recently ordered 210 widebody jets, AviLease signed up for new 737 MAX aircraft, and China Airlines added both passenger and freighter versions of the 777X to its fleet plans.

An iconic name in aviation, Boeing is a powerhouse in the global aerospace industry, renowned for its legendary aircraft like the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, and the next-gen 777X. Beyond commercial jets, Boeing plays a critical role in defense and space, delivering a range of products that include advanced military aircraft, satellite systems, cutting-edge launch technology, and mission-critical logistics. The companys market capitalization currently sits at $165 billion.

A mix of major contract wins, a strategic leadership shake-up, and encouraging second-quarter delivery numbers have helped keep investor sentiment afloat, even as public scrutiny intensifies. That optimism was on full display on July 9, when BA stock soared to a fresh 52-week high of $230.20. With Boeing climbing to new highs even as safety concerns resurface, would it be wise to buy shares now?

The tragic incident has not only cast a shadow over the Dreamliners clean reputation but also reignited long-standing concerns about Boeings manufacturing practices, particularly in the wake of persistent quality-control issues with the 737 MAX. Interestingly, despite the negative headlines, BA stock hasnt yet lost altitude. While shares did take a hit in the aftermath of the crash, the stock has also shown surprising resilience this year.

The past few years have been a bumpy ride for Boeing (BA) investors, with safety concerns taking center stage. In fact, the latest jolt came last month on June 12, when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming over 200 lives. Even though the Dreamliner has long been considered one of Boeings safest jets, the recent crash marked the first fatal incident involving the model.

Story Continues

Adding to this momentum is Boeings leadership overhaul. Since taking over as CEO in August 2024, Kelly Ortberg has prioritized restoring safety standards and driving profitability. His turnaround strategy appears to be gaining traction, helping restore market faith in the aerospace giants long-term outlook. And that growing optimism is being reflected in the stocks performance.

BA stock has been on a strong upward trajectory, gaining an impressive 28% year-to-date (YTD), far outpacing the broader S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) more modest 6.5% rise in 2025. The momentum appears more striking over the past three months, with Boeing shares soaring nearly 41%, signaling that investors may be looking past the headlines and betting on a long-term recovery.

www.barchart.com

Boeings Mixed Q1 Earnings Results

Boeing released its fiscal 2025 first-quarter earnings on April 23, offering a mixed but somewhat encouraging snapshot of its performance. Revenue came in at $19.5 billion, up 18% year-over-year (YOY), although that narrowly missed Wall Streets estimate of $19.7 billion. The real highlight was the strong rebound in Boeings commercial business.

The company delivered 130 commercial jets during the quarter, up from just 83 a year earlier, fueling a 75% annual surge in commercial aircraft sales to $8.1 billion. However, not all segments told the same upbeat story. Sales in Boeings Defense, Space & Security division declined 9% to $6.3 billion, and Global Services revenue was essentially flat at $5.1 billion compared to the prior year.

Still, Boeings order pipeline remains strong, with a total backlog of $545 billion as of March 31. On the bottom line, the company reported an adjusted loss per share of $0.49 which, while still in the red, marked a sharp improvement from the $1.13 adjusted loss per share posted a year ago. Loss per share came in far better than expected, beating consensus estimates by a strong 68% margin.

CEO Kelly Ortberg believes the company is gaining traction, pointing to early signs of improved operational performance driven by Boeing's renewed focus on safety and quality. Ortberg emphasized that Boeing is staying the course on its turnaround strategy, with encouraging progress already taking shape.

That optimism from management found backing in Boeings Q2 delivery update released on July 8. The companys commercial segment delivered 150 aircraft in the quarter ended June 30, its strongest Q2 showing since 2018. That year marked a high point before twin 737 MAX crashes triggered a prolonged crisis and grounded the fleet, ultimately derailing Boeings profits. While challenges remain, the latest delivery figures suggest a return to more stable operations. Boeings defense segment also showed a lift, with 36 helicopters and jets delivered, up from 28 in the same period last year.

Wall Streets Bullish Bet on Boeing Stock

Boeing just received a bullish nod from Susquehanna, which raised its price target on BA stock to $252 from $240 while maintaining a Positive rating. The upgrade follows Boeings June delivery update, with 60 aircraft handed over, bringing the Q2 2025 total to 150. The firm remains optimistic about Boeings ongoing efforts to ramp up commercial production, viewing the strong delivery numbers as a sign of steady operational progress.

With Boeings fiscal 2025 Q2 earnings set to land before the opening bell on July 29, Wall Street appears to be warming up to the stock, with the consensus now tilted toward a Strong Buy rating overall, up from a Moderate Buy just two months ago. Of the 24 analysts offering recommendations, a majority of 19 analysts advise a Strong Buy, two suggest a Moderate Buy, and the remaining three maintain a Hold.

BA stocks average analyst price target of $229.68 suggests only 1.3% potential upside from current levels. However, the Street-high target of $275 implies that shares can rally as much as 25% from current price levels.

www.barchart.com

Final Thoughts

Lingering safety concerns and a history of quality-control issues continue to cast a shadow over Boeings long-term outlook. Still, the company has made meaningful progress, highlighted by strong aircraft deliveries, renewed airline trust, and a leadership team focused on safety and profitability. Analyst sentiment has grown increasingly bullish, and BA stocks recent rally reflects rising optimism around its recovery story. With Q2 earnings on deck later this month, it might be wise to keep Boeing on the radar to see whether shares can maintain the upward momentum.

On the date of publication, Anushka Mukherji did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Teladoc Health, Inc. (NYSE:TDOC) is one of the 13 Best Healthcare Stocks to Buy Under $10. Bank of America Securities analyst Allen Lutz reiterated a Hold rating on Teladoc Health, Inc. (NYSE:TDOC) on July 3 with a price target of $8.75, justifying it with the companys current and future performance.

Jim Cramer Thinks Healthpeak Properties, Inc. (DOC) Is a Reasonable Medical REIT  Not in Love with It!

A doctor wearing a face mask and lab coat providing remote medical advice via video chat.

The analyst reasoned that Teladoc Health, Inc. (NYSE:TDOC) is experiencing a growth slowdown, especially in its Livongo and BetterHelp segments, which underwent a drop in app downloads and monthly active users. Lutz attributed this deceleration to a rise in customer acquisition costs and a cautious consumer spending environment.

However, the analyst also acknowledged that Teladoc Health, Inc.s (NYSE:TDOC) recent acquisitions, Catapult and Uplift, are paving the way for future revenue growth despite these challenges.

Lutz further stated that these initiatives are in their early stages and would require time to materialize. Similarly, other strategic initiatives, such as international expansion and insurance coverage, will also take time to make an impact, according to the analyst, supporting the cautious near-term outlook and potential for long-term growth.

Teladoc Health, Inc. (NYSE:TDOC) provides virtual healthcare services and operates through two segments: BetterHelp and Teladoc Health Integrated Care. The BetterHelp sector covers its direct-to-consumer (D2C) mental health platform.

Teladoc Health Integrated Care comprises a range of global virtual medical services, including specialty medical, expert medical services, general medical, mental health, chronic condition management, and more.

While we acknowledge the potential of TDOC as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
(Reuters) -London-based financial technology giant Revolut is in talks to secure new funding at a valuation of $65 billion, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The company is in discussions to raise about $1 billion via newly issued shares and the sale of some existing stock, the report said, adding that U.S.-based investment firm Greenoaks is in talks to lead the private funding.

Revolut declined to comment on the report, while Greenoaks did not immediately respond to a Reuters request.

Last year, Revolut was valued at $45 billion through a secondary share sale to new and existing investors. It has emerged as the most successful of the handful of European fintechs founded in the past decade with a digital-only model.

The company in April reported a more than twofold surge in last year's pretax profit to 1.1 billion pounds and said it expected to start operating as a UK bank in 2025.

($1 = 0.7357 pounds)

(Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
Wits University to host the 25th International Congress on the Education of the Deaf

International Congress on the Education of the Deaf makes its way to Africa.

The Wits Centre for Deaf Studies (CFDS) will host the 2030 International Congress on the Education of the Deaf. The announcement was made on 10 July at the 24th Congress held in Rome, Italy.

The International Congress on the Education of the Deaf is a global conference held every five years for educators and professionals engaged in Deaf Education. It serves as a platform to share research, ideas, and best practices for educating Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

We are thrilled to host the 25th International Congress on the Education of the Deaf, says Prof. Claudine Storbeck, Director of the Centre for Deaf Studies. This is a great feat not only for our Centre and the University, but for Deaf Education in South Africa and the rest of the continent. This will go a long way in helping us to achieve our goal of equipping, developing and improving the lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people across their lifespan in order to foster equal education for all.

Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, adds: The Wits Centre for Deaf Studies is undoubtedly changing the world for good. It is our belief as Witsies that through our academic excellence, research and innovation as well as teaching and learning, that we can advance society and generate positive impact. We are ready to welcome the International Congress on the Education of the Deaf and its allies to Wits, to Johannesburg, and to Africa.

About the Wits Centre for Deaf Studies

The internationally recognised Centre, based at the Wits Education Campus in Parktown, is renowned for its excellence in Deaf Studies across Africa and the Global South. For 27 years, the Centre has pioneered work in Deaf Studies, including Deaf Education, Sign Bilingualism, South African Sign Language (SASL), paediatric hearing loss, early intervention and infant development.

Deafness is one of the most prevalent disabilities in South Africa, with as many as 1.4 million people living with some form of hearing loss. Just over 25 years ago, there was no professional training available for teachers of the Deaf and the Deaf Federation of South Africa (DeafSA) reported that 66% of Deaf people in the country were functionally illiterate.

Today, an estimated 300 000 to 400 000 Deaf people in South Africa use South African Sign Language (SASL) as their first language. When the Centre was launched 27 years ago, its primary aim was to train educators to become teachers of excellence in Deaf Education, grounded in the belief that education is key to unlocking a brighter future for Deaf people.
Weather Alert

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the following counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Portage, Shawano, Vilas, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, Wood. WHAT...The PM2.5 AQI is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) to Unhealthy level. WHERE...Statewide WHEN...12:00 AM CDT Saturday July 12th through 12:00 PM CDT Monday July 14th Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: Sensitive groups: Consider rescheduling or moving all activities inside. Go inside if you have symptoms. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. Everyone else: Keep outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Go inside if you have symptoms. Additional Details: Canadian wildfire smoke will impact all of Wisconsin throughout the weekend. Initial impacts are expected for northwestern counties starting as early as midnight tonight, reaching central Wisconsin by early Saturday afternoon, and southeastern Wisconsin by late Saturday. The heaviest smoke is anticipated for locations farther north, with periods of Very Unhealthy NowCast AQI possible. USG to Unhealthy AQI will be more likely for central and southeastern Wisconsin. The lowest concentrations are expected across southwestern Wisconsin, where Moderate to USG AQI is more likely. By Sunday, PM2.5 concentrations will be generally lower. However, USG to Unhealthy AQI will remain possible statewide, with higher concentrations more likely to the north. For more information on current air quality, please see: https://airquality.wi.gov
By Christoph Steitz, Julia Payne and David Lawder

FRANKFURT/BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Brussels is discussing with U.S. counterparts a range of measures aimed at protecting the European Union's auto industry from steep U.S. import duties, including tariff cuts, import quotas and credits against the value of EU automakers' U.S. exports, industry sources and trade officials say.

The talks are part of efforts by the European Commission, the bloc's executive branch, to reach a trade agreement outline with the United States in the coming days, ahead of the August 1 deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for broad tariff increases.

Trump said on Tuesday he would "probably" tell the EU within two days what rate it could expect for its exports to the U.S., adding that the 27-nation bloc had become much more cooperative.

EU negotiators have sought relief from tariffs in key sectors such as autos and aerospace. One EU diplomat previously said cars were a "red line" for the bloc, making a U.S. concession on cars a caveat of any deal.

Since April, EU carmakers have incurred a 25% U.S. import tariff on top of the 2.5% already in place. The levy is separate from Trump's prior threatened 20% "reciprocal" tariff announced in April but dialed back to 10%.

Discussions are ongoing and it is unclear if the U.S. administration will agree to all terms from its biggest bilateral trading partner, the sources said.

The White House, the U.S. Trade Representative's Office and the Commerce Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the U.S.-EU negotiations. The European Commission also had no immediate comment for this story.

EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said on Wednesday the Commission has made good progress on a framework trade agreement with the United States and a deal may be possible in the coming days.

The sources - two European industry sources, three European officials and three U.S. industry sources familiar with the talks - declined to be identified because the talks are confidential.

EXPORT CREDITS

A U.S. source and one European official said things are moving "fast" in the negotiations.

On the table is a proposal that would provide some relief from import tariffs for carmakers that produce vehicles in the United States and export them to other countries, three of the sources said.

Under that plan, carmakers that export vehicles from the U.S. would get credits for that export value, which could then be applied against the value of any imports from the EU into the U.S., the U.S. source said.
The Kentucky Lake VFW post 1084 in Benton, Kentucky is holding the annual yard sale fundraiser through Saturday, July 12.
Vice President J.D. Vance attends a cabinet meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on July 8. Vance is hitting the road on Wednesday to tout President Donald Trumps agenda bill in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania.
VoterGA's Davis Appeals Bizarre Curling Case Election Ruling

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Righteous PR Agency

July 10, 2025

ATLANTA, July 10, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ -- VoterGA co-founder Ricardo Davis yesterday appealed an inexplicable U.S. District Court dismissal of Plaintiffs claims in the case known as Curling v. Raffensperger. The case involves the question of whether or not Georgias voting system is constitutionally deficient. Judge Amy Totenberg abruptly ruled on March 31, 2025, that all plaintiffs, including Davis, no longer had standing to pursue their claims.

Federal courts have made numerous rulings in the Plaintiffs favor over the life of the case which originated in 2017. Rulings that confirmed the Plaintiffs standing include:

 Totenbergs August 15, 2019 Order;

 An 11th Circuit Court of Appeals denial on February 7, 2019, of a challenge to all Plaintiffs standing;

 Totenbergs 37-page analysis confirming Plaintiffs standing in an October 11, 2023 order that initiated a three-week trial in January 2024.

Davis got the dismissal news the next day, April 1, and said: I thought it was an April Fools joke. He added: But more unprecedented was the way I was prevented before and during trial from presenting my case. The court rejected my original attorney and did not allow me to call any witnesses. Even the Defendants agreed I was entitled to the attorney of my choice.

The Davis appeal counters Totenbergs decision that Plaintiffs claims were speculative and did not represent a cognizable injury to a legally protected interest with three basic arguments:

 The court erred in finding Plaintiffs no longer had standing since they had no change in status over the 7-year life of the case and standing was already determined years earlier;

 Davis presented legally cognizable injuries to justify pursuing his claims such as inaccurate election results, system malfunctions and negligence by the Defendants;

 The court abused its discretion by denying Davis the attorney of his choice, the ability to call rebuttal witnesses and previously deposed witnesses, to fully question Defendant witnesses and Plaintiffs experts and to designate deposition transcripts for the record.

Attorney David Oles, who argued valiantly for Davis, explained: Ricardo Davis tried for seven years to show evidence of real problems in the Dominion Voting System. He was denied his day in court when that evidence was excluded. Garland Favorito, who attended trial each day as a Davis advisor, added: It was the most judicially dishonest decision I have ever seen.

SOURCE Righteous PR Agency

CONTACT: Sheryl Sellaway, 404-273-5133, sheryl@righteouspragency.com
Street food chain Chaiiwala has further increased its store count in the UK market by opening its 105th cafe at Unit 4F in thecentre:MK in Milton Keynes.

Founded in Leicester, England in 2015, Chaiiwala also operates more than 20 stores in Canada and has several in Dubai.

Its menu offering comprises all-day breakfast, street snacks, toasties, wraps, bowls, sides, desserts, ice creams and hot and cold drinks.

Chaiiwala co-founder Sohail Ali was quoted by Catering Today: Were extremely excited to open our latest store in Milton Keynes.

As a leading retail destination with strong footfall, our opening in thecentre:MK will provide an opportunity for us to showcase the value of Chaiiwalas unique and flavourful all-day street food menu as well as the unique flavour of chai to more consumers.

This will help us introduce more consumers to the brand and support our strategic objective of transforming Chaiiwala into a household name.

We look forward to seeing customers in store for a cup of chai or a bite to eat very soon.

This opening is part of Chaiiwalas goal to scale to 500 global outlets by 2034, as reported in Catering Today.

This includes increasing its UK presence through new cafes in shopping centres, drive-throughs and high-street locations, by working with existing multi-site franchisees.

Chaiiwala also plans to further expand its presence in the Canadian market and to enter new international markets such as the US, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

"Chaiiwala opens its 105th UK cafe, located in Milton Keynes" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




A U.S. Coast Guard boat passes below a suicide deterrent net on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. [AP Photo/Eric Risberg]

The United States is in the throes of a profound and escalating public health catastrophe: a suicide rate that has soared to historic highs, claiming nearly 50,000 lives in 2023 alone, the equivalent of the population of Galveston, Texas. This crisis is a chilling indictment of a social order that prioritizes profit over human life, leaving vast segments of the population to contend with despair, isolation and economic ruin.

The official figuresa staggering 49,316 deaths by suicide in 2023, marking a 37 percent increase since 2000are a stark reflection of the deep-seated crisis festering within the capitalist system. This is not an accidental or blameless crime. Rather, it is the result of a conscious policy of the ruling class to reduce life expectancy through the destruction of public health and the slashing of funding for social programs that millions depend upon to survive and prosper.

[Photo: National Institute of Mental Health]

The brutal cutbacks in Trumps Big Beautiful Bill will only increase the financial distress that contributes to this misery, with millions cut from Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps (SNAP) and other vital social programs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site provides some revealing figures about the economic drivers of suicide:

Suicide rates were 26 percent lower in counties with the most health insurance coverage compared to counties with the least coverage.

Suicide rates were 44 percent lower in counties where the most homes had internet access compared to counties where the fewest homes had internet.

The suicide rate for American Indian/Alaska Native people in counties with the highest income was half the rate for the same ethnic group in the lowest income counties.

The US regions with the highest suicide rates are primarily located in the Mountain West, Alaska, and parts of the Midwest. States with the highest rates include Montana, Alaska and Wyoming, each reporting suicide rates exceeding 25 deaths per 100,000 people, with Montana often cited as the highest at around 28.7 per 100,000.

The scale of this tragedy is amplified by the proliferation of firearms. In 2023, 27,300 people committed suicide with a gun, comprising 58 percent of all gun deathsa record high that surpasses gun homicides, accidental shootings and police shootings combined. According to the Washington Posts tracker of police shootings, 1,174 people were fatally shot by police in 2024, up marginally from 1,164 in 2023, although these figures are likely an undercount.

The American Indian and Alaska Native populations face the highest suicide rates of any ethnic group, with a combined rate of 28.1 percent per 100,000 (2021), about twice the overall US suicide rate. Mental health disorders, substance abuse and exposure to trauma and violence are contributing factors.

Youth in crisis: A future denied

The risk of suicide is particularly acute among youth, many of whom face a future increasingly devoid of security and hope. The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey paints a devastating picture: nearly four in 10 high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and a staggering one in five seriously considered attempting suicide. Female students are about twice as likely as males to experience such distress.

LGBTQ+ students are two to three times more likely than their heterosexual peers to report suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Between 2014 and 2023, the gun suicide rate for black youth aged 10-19 more than tripled; the rate among Hispanic youth in the same age group nearly doubled during this period.

These figures reflect the compounded pressures faced by young people in a society where quality secondary education remains elusive for many and spiking tuition prevents young people from accessing a college education or saddles them with massive student debt.

The elderly: The discarded generation

The elderly, Americas fastest growing age group, are also bearing an unconscionable burden. Despite comprising only 16.8 percent of the US population, individuals aged 65 and over account for approximately 22 percent of all suicide deaths. The suicide rate is highest among the 85-plus age group, at 23 per 100,000, with men aged 75 and older having the highest overall suicide rate.

[Photo: National Institute of Mental Health]

This overlooked epidemic is compounded by the misconception that depression and suicide are normal aspects of aging. Rather than being a revered by society after putting in decades of work and caring for their families, older adults are left grappling with loneliness, grief over lost loved ones, declining health, and the crippling financial troubles that can be a trigger for suicidal thoughts.

The Trump administrations assault on Medicare and its plans to gut and/or destroy Social Security will doubtless exacerbate this crisis for seniors. There is currently a lack of geriatric-specific mental health training among providers, combined with age-related discriminatory insurance coverage and reimbursement policies for mental health care by private insurers.

The surge in suicides among middle-aged and older adults in the late 2000s directly coincided with the Great Recession, when bank bailouts and corporate profits took priority over the livelihoods of workers and their families. People who should have been looking forward to retirement found themselves unable to, often taking on financial responsibility for their adult children moving back home, a phenomenon that has only increased over the last quarter-century.

The private US healthcare systemwhich is based on amassing profits for the health insurers, drug companies and giant healthcare systemsadds additional weight to these miseries.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has directly claimed the lives of more than 1 million Americans, continues to ravage countless millions more as people suffer from Long COVID. The Biden administration and both Trump administrations pursued a deliberate policy of allowing the virus to proliferate and blocking public health measures to mitigate and fight the disease.

Social isolation leading to suicide, particularly among the elderly, is not a natural phenomenon but a symptom of a society that prioritizes personal responsibility, i.e., absolving society as a whole of any responsibility for providing healthcare, housing, education, decent-paying jobsbasic human rightsas the financial aristocracy pursue austerity, war, police violence and attacks on immigrants and the most vulnerable in society.

Contributing economic and social factors

The decision to take ones own life is deeply personal, and often involves a confluence of mental and emotional distress, financial problems and social isolation. Yet the individual tragedies exposed by these rising suicide rates point to broader societal issues. Despite this reality, the focus of suicide prevention remains on individual solutions rather than addressing the conditions that contribute to such widespread despair.

A study by Weill Cornell Medicine using unsupervised machine learning technology, published in the May 12, 2025 edition of Nature Mental Health, identified clusters of social and economic factors that contributed to suicide risk (based on data from 2009-2019).

The study found that while mental health care is crucial in suicide prevention, social and economic factors are key contributors to suicide risk. These include poverty, unemployment, housing instability, income inequality, lack of educational opportunities, social isolation, exposure to violence, justice system involvement, divorce, foster care experience, and unemployment.

The rising suicide rates are a damning indictment of a society that produces immense wealth for a few while subjecting the majority to crushing economic insecurity, social isolation and chronic distress.

An overhaul of the profit-driven private healthcare system is a prerequisite in any suicide prevention strategy. Without a fundamental reordering of societal priorities Americas suicide crisis will continue its devastating trajectory, exacting an unbearable human cost.

However, this requires the organization of genuine socialized medicine, through expropriating the oligarchs who own the current healthcare system and replacing it with a system in which human need, well-being, and genuine social connection are prioritized. This requires a break by the working class with the two big business parties and the establishment of a workers government based on socialist policies.
The Starmer government is considering scrapping juries in a substantial number of trials, following proposals in Sir Brian Levesons report commissioned by Labour last December. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood responded warmly, Swifter justice requires bold reform, and that is what I asked Sir Brian Leveson to propose.

The proposals include:

Removing the right to trial by jury for defendants charged with crimes with a maximum sentence of two years or less.

Creating a new division of the crown court in which only a judge and two magistrates (without a jury) hear certain either way casesinvolving charges which defendants can currently choose to have heard by either a jury or a magistrate. The presumption would be that all defendants facing charges with a maximum sentence of three years or less would receive such a trial.

Making trial by judge alone mandatory for serious and complex fraud cases.

Giving defendants the right to request trial by judge alone.

Incentivising guilty pleas at the first opportunity by increasing the maximum sentence reduction offered in return.

Leveson's Independent Review of the Criminal Courts [Photo by Open Government Licence v3.0]

These proposals would roll back centuries of struggle for democratic rights. Jury trials began to be standardised after the abolition of the Star Chamber, made up of Privy Councillors (representing the monarch) and common-law judges, with the Habeas Corpus Act of 1640. This was a product of the political and social ferment that was to erupt shortly after in the English Civil War/Revolution of 1642-51 between Royalist forces and the Parliamentary (New Model) armies representing the emerging bourgeoisie and allied squirarchy, which saw the beheading of Charles I in 1649 and brought major advances in the rule of law. Over time, popular pressure widened the ranks of those deemed eligible for jury service.

Among the offences now recommended by Leveson to be tried without a juryand those most heavily reported by the mediaare various sexual offences, forms of racial and religious harassment and violence, drug and anti-social behaviour offences. Combined with the example of serious fraud cases, these will be used by Labour to make a populist pitch for this unprecedented attack on democratic rights.

The government will also insist that the removal of jury trials is necessary to address the enormous crown court backlog, which stands at 77,000 casesa record high. Trials are being listed for as far in the future as 2029. Leveson writes in his introduction of a real risk of total system collapse in the near future.

Sir Brian Leveson in 2019 [Photo by Courts and Tribunals Judiciary Service of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland/United Kingdom Open Government Licence v3.0]

This is a travesty, holding the threat of prison over thousands of peoplemany of them under onerous bail conditions or held on remandfor years, denying resolution and closure to victims and falsely accused alike. But it is the fault of a joint Labour-Tory policy of mass imprisonment, coupled with continuous funding cuts to the justice systemprovoking strikes in 2022.

Britain has by far the highest incarceration rate in Western Europe, much higher rates of reoffending (29 percent of inmates within just one year of release) and longer average sentences, which have increased sharply in the last decade. This is the ruling classs answer to the social consequences of growing inequality and poverty: effectively warehousing a section of the population treated as a criminal underclass.

At the same time, Leveson points to long-term constraints and reductions in funding and investment in criminal justice over many years [that] have resulted in fewer available courts, a considerable maintenance backlog in the court estate and a smaller and less experienced workforce.

Another section explains, The MoJ [Ministry of Justice] and criminal justice agencies have experienced some of the most significant funding constraints of any government departments over the last 15 to 20 years.

Rather than providing the funding to fix thislet alone resources for a genuinely rehabilitative justice system, or tackling the deprivation at the root of crimeLabour is trying to use a crisis of its own making to justify system of assembly-line justice.

As the Secret Barristerwhose anonymous first-hand accounts of life as a criminal barrister are UK bestsellersexplained on X: To understand the context of Levesons call for restricting jury trial, look at the terms of reference. Govt wouldnt let him recommend increased funding. Akin to demanding a solution to starvation that doesnt include food. And the recommendation being to chop off body parts.

Keir Starmer is well-placed to lead this offensive. As head of the Crown Prosecution Service, he led the rubber-stamp sentencing of over 1,000 young people in courts called into 24-hour operation after the 2011 London riots.

The new and decisive impulse for Starmers commissioning of the report is his governments drive to impose mass repression against rising opposition to its agenda of austerity and imperialist violence.

Levesons report was published just days after the illegalisation under counter-terror laws of Palestine Action. The proscription order makes membership of, or any expression of support for, the peaceful protest group punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Leaders of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stop the War Coalition are meanwhile facing charges under the Public Order Act.

The Labour governmentcomplicit in Israels genocidal assault on Gazahas been confronted with repeated mass demonstrations London for more than a year and a half. It feels itself desperately isolated as it plans to impose more savage austerity to secure the fortunes of the financial oligarchy and the resources needed to pay for ramped-up military spending.

As the Socialist Equality Party (UK) explained on June 23, in response to the proscription of Palestine Action:

Faced with mounting opposition, the British state, with Labour at the helm, is moving to police state methods of rule. The attack on PA is preparation for state repression against the strikes and mass protests that will inevitably erupt against the imposition of deeply unpopular wars and the mass austerity necessary to wage them.

There have already been major attacks on juries in the context of protest trials, with climate protesters prevented by judges from explaining their political motivations to jurors. People have even been arrested for standing quietly outside courthouses with placards explaining Jurors you have an absolute right to acquit a defendant according to your conscience. This right was established over 350 years ago by Bushells Case.

Levesons proposals set a precedent for an even wider assault, allowing the scale of political arrests being contemplated by the Starmer government to be processed through a streamlined system.

Defending such elementary democratic rights as the right to the jury will depend on a political movement of the working class. The response of the Guardian to the Leveson report confirms that there is no section of the bourgeois opinion which will do so.

The self-professed worlds leading liberal voice responded to news of Levesons report with a blase explainer piece: How do criminal courts work without juries around the world?

It followed this up with an editorial which soothed, Only a tiny minority of criminal cases in England and Wales are decided by a juryas few as 1%, once guilty pleas and judge-directed acquittals are taken into account. There are democracies where jury trial is rarer still.

While There are also good reasons why the right to be judged by ones peers is deemed a foundational principle of justice and an insurance against prejudice and capricious power, Levesons task was finding the least worst solution when justice must be tailored to a tight budget When the time comes, ministers might feel compelled by fiscal circumstance to accept Sir Brians recommendations.
Work at Amazon or another unsafe workplace? Are you being harassed or retaliated against for speaking out? Expose what is happening by filling out the form below. All submissions will be kept anonymous.

Workers unload pallets with tote from truck trailers at Amazon OXR1 fulfillment center in Oxnard, California, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. [AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes]

A worker at an Amazon fulfillment center in Ohio recently spoke with the World Socialist Web Site to detail a pattern of sexual harassment, management retaliation, and physical abuse leading to injury, a story that has become all too familiar for Amazon workers.

We are referring to her as Susan instead of using her real name. We are also leaving out certain details specific to her case in order to protect her from further retaliation by management.

Susan's story of harassment, and retaliation on the part of Amazon management when she reported this harassment, is similar to reports filed by workers at other fulfillment centers. Susan's story also exposes the failure of various government agencies that were established ostensibly to protect workers from harassment and retaliation, including the courts.

Susan's story began almost four years ago when she took a job at an Amazon warehouse to provide for herself and her family. Like other fulfillment centers, the one she worked at in Ohio was large and fast-paced, employing hundreds of workers around the clock to process hundreds of thousands of items each day and load them onto trucks for delivery to customers or for shipment to other distribution centers.

The work is hard and fast, with workers having to lift, reach, bend, and twist hundreds of packages each hoursome weighing as much as 100 pounds. It was in this demanding environment that Susan's ordeal began.

Trouble started just two months after Susan began working, when an assistant manager began making unwelcome sexual advances, including harassing statements and inappropriate touching.

Two months after starting, I began getting harassed by an assistant manager. Sexually harassed, pinched my shoulder. I filed multiple complaints. Nothing ever happened. They have policies and rules. When I filed a complaint, that assistant manager (I don't know how) obtained copies of my statement. I went to HR and got mad, asking Why aren't you investigating? Apparently, he has connections to HR. He went around making me look bad.

Fellow workers told Susan that the assistant manager was trying to collect letters from them against her as retaliation for her complaints.

He knew every time I went to HR, said Susan. This guy was stalking me everywhere.

Her situation worsened as other managers joined in the retaliation. Another manager came, and one day she made a comment about Hispanics. I went to HR and asked if this is right. After that, she used her power to make my life miserable every day.

The female manager began targeting Susan with punitive work assignments. She used to put me on work in heavy areas by myself when in my work area you are supposed to have more employees. Some of my co-workers saw the heavyweight volume of work I was getting and they tried to help me, but the management told them to stay away from my area or they would be in trouble.

When Susan raised concerns about the physical demands, management's response was dismissive. At Amazon, you have to bend, lift, twist,  was the reply she got Susan explained. They said just quit if you can't do it.

The abuse escalated beyond work assignments. Another time I was working in an area where a chemical detergent broke and started leaking around the belt that goes around. It got on me from head down. I was under the area doing my job, my eyes started hurting and I ran to the bathroom to wash my face.

I went to my manager and asked if I could go home to clean up and she said no You can't go home or youll be terminated if you leave without permission.

Despite the mounting harassment, Susan continued to go to HR to seek an end to the victimization. I made a complaint for retaliation. An investigation was opened and they found a violation. But the manager was in control of every manager on the floor. She wanted to make sure they all did what she wanted.

The female manager directed the other supervisors to intensify Susan's mistreatment. Susan said the manager told the other managers to make her life miserable.

And they did. For two years, my life was miserable. Bullying, sexual harassment, Susan recounted.

The harassment reached a terrifying climax in October 2023, when the original assistant manager, who had sexually harassed Susan, made a direct threat against her life. Then in October 2023, the assistant manager who used to sexually harass me, said I would shoot you but not kill you.

I freaked out, I messaged one of the big bosses. He refused to come to me. I was shaking and crying and afraid and said I have to get out of here.

One of the guards saw me crying and asked me if I was ok and I said, I have to get out of here and I walked out. I messaged the HR manager on the same day. An investigation was opened and a violation was found, as before.

Yet nothing substantial occurred even after the death threat. They suspended someone for a week, but that manager is still there as are the others involved, Susan said.

The impact of the work and the stress of threats and harassment was taking a severe toll on Susan's health. My body was shutting down on me. I was getting sick, heart issues, and anxieties. They denied me workers' comp. What HR did, ignore every single time I came asking for help and never investigated when I asked.

The situation came to a head when Susan's supervisors cornered her at work. They cornered me and I ran out and went to the ER. They said I had extreme stress. I took off all of November 2023.

Susan's injuries from the prolonged harassment and demanding physical work were extensive. She was placed on anxiety medications for stress-related conditions. Her shoulder and neck were hurt and she was placed on physical therapy. She lost strength in her left arm. Damage to her left ear canal gives her dizziness.

Susan's experience with workplace injuries reflects a broader pattern at Amazon facilities. Injuries at Amazon warehouses are common, as the pace of work, the heavy lifting, bending and twisting leads to thousands of injuries each year. Among the most common health and safety problems are musculoskeletal injuries, with workers frequently reporting strains and sprains, especially in the back and shoulders, due to repetitive lifting, bending, and twisting. OSHA investigations have confirmed high rates of these injuries at multiple facilities.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Amazon for unsafe conditions at several warehouses, but this has led to very few fines and what fines there are, Amazon considers just the cost of doing business.

Amazon's injury statistics tell the story of a dangerous workplace. In 2019, Amazon's injury rate rose to 8.7 per 100 full-time workers, up from under 6 in 2016. In 2020, it dropped to 6.7 per 100 full-time workers, possibly due to pandemic-related operational changes. In 2023, it stood at 6.3 per 100 full-time workers.

Amazon's injury rates remain among the highest in the warehousing sector. Amazon's injury rate remained 1.5 times higher than TJX (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls) and nearly 3 times higher than Walmart. Many workers feel the real injury rate is still higher and that many workers don't report injuries for fear of retaliation, including termination.

Heat-related injuries and illness are another common problem at Amazon warehouses and fulfillment centers, although this was not part of Susan's particular experience. Many Amazon facilities, particularly older ones or those in hot regions, have inadequate ventilation or air conditioning. Workers have reported extreme indoor temperatures, sometimes exceeding 100 Fahrenheit , especially in places like San Bernardino, California. There have been multiple reports of heat-related illnesses, including dehydration and heat stroke. In one high-profile case, a worker at a New Jersey warehouse died during a heat wave.

While Susan was off work recovering, her ordeal continued. She felt she was being followed in an effort to prove she wasn't really injured. She also received threatening text messages, emails and voicemail messages. She took these to the police but they claimed they were never able to find out who sent them.

When Susan returned to work, the harassment continued unabated. She submitted Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paperwork, signed by her doctor and submitted to Amazon that limited the lifting she could do.

But even her doctor's orders were ignored. When I was on the floor for a half day, Susan explained, I got a phone call, which I didn't answer on the floor. At lunchtime, the voicemail said I had to leave the floor because the accommodation was being revoked.

I called the number during my lunchtime and they said it was denied because the senior operations manager denied it.

Susan pointed out that there are many elderly workers and others with disabilities who can't get accommodations from Amazon. She says they fear filing for FMLA because they would get harassed and ultimately lose their jobs.

Susan's experience with harassment and retaliation is not unique. Harassment, and retaliation against employees who report harassment, is frequent at Amazon's workplaces. Some widely publicized cases include a group of African American workers at an Amazon facility in Joliet, Illinois, who were being racially attacked and when they complained and requested that additional security be added to their work site, they were told they could go home. Other cases include workers at New York City facilities who sought to organize into a union and were themselves retaliated against for seeking to organize.

Like many workers, Susan went to the various government bodies who are charged with protecting workers against workplace abuse, only to discover that these agencies offer little meaningful help.

Susan went to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to no avail. What aggravated me was, what is EEOC even for? They just give you a right to sue letter.

Susan went to the Ohio government offices and got the same results. Susan tried to sue in court, but the attorney she hired stopped answering her calls after initially taking her case.

As a result of losing income, Susan has been forced to move in with a friend.

Despite everything she has endured, Susan maintains her determination to speak out about the conditions at Amazon and the broader failures of the systems that are supposed to protect workers.

I feel bad for what's going on around the world; workplaces like Amazon facilities can be very toxic and stressful because of the lack of a management system. Rules, Policies and Guidelines should be reviewed and put in place for the safety of employees.

She spoke about the April 9, 2025 death of Leony Salcedo-Chevalier, 34, who was fatally struck by a delivery box truck backing up in a loading dock at the JFK8 Amazon fulfillment center in Staten Island, New York.

The Salcedo death was a bad situation that could've been prevented if there was more safety involved. Amazon does have a safety department. But I only see them seated all the time. This department never goes around to assure the safety of Amazon employees.

So absolutely this situation shouldn't happen and the death of the employee shouldn't be ignored.

Susan wanted to emphasize that it was necessary for Amazon workers to unite together and fight back.

Employees have the right to be safe and healthy in every workplace. They should be treated equally and respectfully.

Favoritism, discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, bullying, injuries of any type and any other harmful workplace should be evaluated and they should provide better assistance and support to those needed; it should never be ignored.

What happened to me, it has happened to other people.

I call and seek justice for what I went through. Please listen.

To fight these conditions, build rank and file committees to link up the struggle at your facility with Amazon and other workers both around the country and around the world. To find out more, fill out the form below.
Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro and commanders of the Armed Forces, Adm. Almir Garnier Santos, Army Gen. Paulo Sergio Nogueira and Air Brig. Lt. Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior. [Photo: Marcos Corres/PR]

In an extraordinary act of imperialist intimidation, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the imposition of 50 percent tariffs on all products exported by Brazil to the United States. He directly linked the trade war measure to the ongoing trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro for the January 8, 2023 fascist coup attempt, denouncing the proceedings as a witch hunt.

The official letter sent to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Workers Party  PT) announced in its first paragraph:

The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. This Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!

In addition, the US president took issue with Brazils Supreme Court (STF) over its amending of the countrys Internet Bill of Rights, expanding the liability of digital platforms for illegal content posted by users, even without a court order. This decision clashes with a presidential decree issued in late January by Trump, who came to power in close alliance with the oligarchs owning the main social media networks.

The letter attributed the imposition of tariffs, to start on August 1, in part to Brazils insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans.

The first accusationwhich implies the characterization of the Brazilian regime as a dictatorshipis apparently a reference to the denial of Bolsonaros right to run in the 2026 presidential elections. He was declared ineligible by the Brazilian Electoral Court in 2023 for his attempts to undermine the democratic electoral process.

The reference to insidious attacks on the free speech rights of Americans refers to decisions by the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) demanding the removal of content and accounts from sites such as Rumble and Twitter, which Trump called secret and unlawful censorship orders to U.S. social media platforms.

The letter also justified the trade war measures based on the claim of a longstanding, and very unfair trade relationship with Brazil. It absurdly claimed that trade relations with Brazil generate unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States and that the 50% number is far less than what is needed to have the Level Playing Field. In reality, the United States maintains a consistent trade surplus with Brazil, with US exports exceeding imports by US$ 7.4 billion in 2024.

The tariffs, which come into effect in 20 days, will have a profound impact on the Brazilian economy, with the US ranking as the countrys second-largest export market, trailing only China.

Representatives of Brazilian agribusiness, which massively exports products such as orange juice, coffee and beef to the US, were deeply alarmed by Trumps measures. The same is true for Brazils steel industry, whose large exports to the US had already been hit by an increase in tariffs to 25 percent in March and later to 50 percent in June.

Assessing the implications of Trumps announcement, the president of Brazil Steel Institute, Marco Polo Lopes, told Estado de Sao Paulo: Everything was moving towards an agreement. Now, its unpredictable. Calling on Brazilian authorities to keep up their negotiation efforts, he concluded: This is not good for either side.

The measures announced by Trump defy any attempts to present them from the logical standpoint of negotiations. Their purpose is to bend the Brazilian government to Washingtons will and impose a relationship of naked imperialist domination based on force.

They follow the same logic as the tariffs announced in January this year against Colombia, after President Gustavo Petro refused to accept flights carrying immigrants deported from the US under degrading conditions. Trump responded by announcing 25 percent tariffs on Colombian products, and Petro backed down.

The political logic behind these measures was analyzed by the Socialist Equality Group (GSI) in the International May Day rally: Trumps return to the White House marks a realignment of US imperialist foreign policy toward domination of the Western Hemisphere, seen as a necessary step in its offensive against China.

The statement quoted Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of SOUTHCOM, who declared in a speech to the US Congress in February: The [Latin America and the Caribbean] region is on the front lines of a decisive and urgent contest to define the future of our world. China is assailing US interests from all directions, in all domains. Washington must meet presence with presence, Holsey concluded.

Significantly, Trumps announcement follows the BRICS summit, which was hosted in Rio de Janeiro last weekend. Initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the group added half a dozen more countries last year.

In a confrontation with the Trump administration, the BRICS summits final statement called for a comprehensive reform of the UN; advocated that each country establish its own regulatory framework for large technology companies; criticized protectionism, condemned tariffs and barriers that harm international trade; and repudiated recent attacks on Russia and Iran, one of the countries that joined BRICS last year.

Nevertheless, the summitand Lulas leadership in particulardid everything not to upset Washington and never named the US as the perpetrator of the criminal bombardment of Iran.

Before announcing the tariffs on products exported from Brazil, Trump had already threatened earlier in the week that any country that aligns itself with the anti-American policies of the BRICS will be subject to an extra 10 percent tariff.

In an emblematic statement, Lulas Minister of Economy, Fernando Haddad, declared after the summit that Brazil has relations with the whole world and cannot become an appendage of an economic bloc [i.e., BRICS]. Showing off his spinelessness and blindness, Haddad sought to tranquilize public opinion, declaring: President Lula has a team sitting at the table with the US government discussing our bilateral agreement.

Trumps letter provoked panicked moves in the Brazilian government. After an emergency meeting at the Planalto Palace, Lula declared on social media: Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions that will not accept being dictated to by anyone. The government also announced it would impose reciprocal tariffs against the US.

In a reference to Bolsonaro, who led a coup attempt in early 2023 in Brazil that mirrored Trumps January 6, 2021 coup, Lula said, The legal proceedings against those who planned the coup are the sole responsibility of the Brazilian justice system and are therefore not subject to any kind of interference or threat that undermines the independence of national institutions.

In an interview with Jornal da Record on Thursday, Lula expressed his astonishment at the letter and reaffirmed his desperate interest in reestablishing the basis for negotiations with the US. He said:

Look, I thought President Trumps letter was apocryphal ... Brazil is a country that, if President Trump knew a little bit about, he would have more respect for. ... Brazil has had a 200-year relationship with the United States. A diplomatic relationship, a virtuous relationship, a relationship that benefits both sides. I got along well with all the presidents, I got along well with Clinton, I got along well with Bush, I got along well with Obama, I got along well with Biden.

At the same time, the PT and its pseudo-left allies reinforced their reactionary nationalist campaign, accusing Bolsonaro and his allies of anti-patriotism and hailing the common interests of the Brazilian bourgeoisie they represent.

The Brazilian corporate media also reacted nervously to Trumps announcement. The main bourgeois newspapers published editorials harshly criticizing Trumps tariffs and praising Lula for the measures taken so far. Estado wrote that this is the work of mafiosos, and condemned Bolsonaro and his allies, the most important of them, the governor of Sao Paulo, Tarcisio de Freitas.

Freitas blamed Trumps tariffs on Lula himself, claiming that the president put his ideology above the economy, and this is the result. They had time to honor dictatorships, defend censorship, and attack the largest direct investor in Brazil.  There is no point in hiding behind Bolsonaro.

In an emblematic statement, the president of the Chamber of Deputies Foreign Relations Committee, Filipe Barros of Bolsonaros PL party, declared that Lula is repeatedly provoking the US government ... aligning himself with the countries of the so-called axis of evil.

At the same time, the media is promoting tremendous complacency. Donald Trumps history of announcing decisions that are never implemented casts doubt on the implementation of these additional tariffs, stated Folha de Sao Paulos editorial.

Estado, for its part, stated: [The] family and allies of the former president [Bolsonaro] celebrated as if they had won the lottery. And they believe that until the day of the Supreme Court ruling, there will be new demonstrations. ... It is unlikely that they will save Bolsonaro from almost certain conviction and imprisonment. And even more unlikely is that, with the exception of his fanatical supporters, a single Brazilian will be moved by Donald Trumps words.

The idea that Trump is just bluffing, or that his measures are inconsequential, is false and dangerous. For Brazil, which lived under a bloody US-backed dictatorship between 1964 and 1985, the escalation of the imperialist offensive marked by Trumps statement has profound consequences.

Bolsonaro and his fascist military leadership have responded to the legal proceedings against the coup they conspired to carry out between 2022 and 2023 with a political offensive. On different occasions, Bolsonaro and his closest allies have presented the United States as the center of coordination for this political response.

Bolsonaros son, Eduardo, has been in the US since February, in intense meetings with Republican lawmakers to get the Trump administration to implement measures against the STF and the Lula government in response to the trial his father is facing in Brazil. The recent measure announced by Trump marks a turning point in this offensive, which will have explosive effects on Brazil.

Speaking to CNN before Trumps announced tariffs, Eduardo Bolsonaro claimed to expect US sanctions against STF judge Alexandre de Moraes, saying: This is what I have always sought here in the US, since there are no tools available in Brazil.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally ordered the Israeli military to create plans for the building of a giant concentration camp on the ruins of Rafah, where the population of Gaza would be moved in preparation for their forcible expulsion, Haaretz reported Wednesday.

The Israeli newspaper reported that Netanyahu made the order at a meeting of Israels security cabinet on Saturday, before he left for Washington to meet with US President Donald Trump.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hands President Donald Trump a folder during a meeting in the Blue Room of the White House, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

Wednesdays report by Haaretz adds to the growing mountain of evidence that Israel is actively moving ahead with its ethnic cleansing plan, despite the presentation in the US media that Trump and Netanyahu are seeking peace and a ceasefire.

Two days after Netanyahu ordered the military to start planning the concentration camp, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced preparations for what he called a humanitarian city. Katz stated that the Israeli military would patrol the camp, and that once inside, residents would not be allowed to leave. He also said that the building of the camp would be coordinated with the emigration plan, which will happen.

On the same day as the meeting with Trump, Netanyahu said the relocation plan was on Israels agenda, calling it a brilliant vision.

Only last week, Haaretz reported the existence of an internal briefing by the Israeli military that the concentration and movement of the population is an official goal of Israel.

In May, Netanyahu named the implementation of the Trump plan for ethnic cleansing as one of its official aims of the war.

International human rights organizations have condemned the ethnic cleansing plan. In a statement Wednesday, the Euromed Monitor called it a deliberate effort to depopulate Gaza and impose a new demographic reality that advances a colonial project to erase the Palestinian presence.

The camp would be built on the ruins of a destroyed city lacking even the most basic necessities of life, the Euro-Med monitor reported. The zone will be placed under strict security control, with severe restrictions on movement, including a ban on exiting. This effectively constitutes the establishment of a closed mass concentration camp, where the population will be forcibly held outside any legitimate legal framework.

It added that the move is an organized act of genocide, involving the deliberate imposition of life-threatening conditions aimed at the gradual destruction of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip through starvation, humiliation, mass detention, and forced subjugation.

Last week, the Financial Times reported on a secret strategy document drawn up by the Boston Consulting Group, a major US corporate consulting firm, for relocating Palestinians from Gaza. In a front-page article on Sunday, the newspaper revealed that the plan was created with the involvement of staffers of former UK Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)the US- and Israeli-backed organization that delivers a trickle of aidhas drawn up a proposal for establishing camps, which it calls Humanitarian Transit Areas, both inside and outside Gaza.

The involvement in the US-Israeli ethnic cleansing plan by the Boston Consulting Group, one of the largest corporate consultants in the world, has created a political crisis at one of the pillars of the global corporate establishment.

On Thursday, the Boston Consulting Group announced that two of its senior partners were resigning over their role in the project.

Boston Consulting Groups chief risk officer, Adam Farber, and the head of its social-impact practice, Rich Hutchinson, will be stepping down from their roles but will not be fired by the company.

The firm is clearly attempting to limit the damage to its reputation by claiming its involvement in the scheme was the product of individual bad apples. An independent investigation confirmed this was the result of individual misconduct coupled with failures in oversight and judgment, the firm told the Wall Street Journal.

Even if this was not in any way, shape, or form a formal BCG project, our association with it is realdeeply troubling, and reputationally very damaging, Boston Consulting Group CEO Christoph Schweizer wrote in a letter obtained by the Journal.

In reality, the firm was clearly complicit in the planning of war crimes and crimes against humanity, putting its executives in legal jeopardy of prosecution.

Meanwhile, Israel is continuing its daily massacres and mass starvation policies in Gaza. On Thursday, an Israeli strike on a clinic in central Gaza killed 10 children and six adults.

The clinic, which was run by the humanitarian organization Project HOPE, screens children for malnutrition and provides them with nutritional supplements.

Project HOPEs health clinics are a place of refuge in Gaza where people bring their small children, women access pregnancy and postpartum care, people receive treatment for malnutrition, and more. Yet, this morning, innocent families were mercilessly attacked as they stood in line waiting for the doors to open, Project HOPE said in a statement.

Malnutrition is surging in Gaza, with over 5,000 children between six months and five years old diagnosed with acute malnutrition in May, according to UNICEF.

Gazas hospitals are on the verge of running out of fuel, with Reuters reporting Thursday that doctors are attempting to preserve scarce energy supplies by cramming multiple premature babies into single incubators.

Premature babies are now in a very critical condition, Dr. Muneer Alboursh, director general of the Gaza Ministry of Health, told Reuters, saying that Israels blockade is depriving these vulnerable people of their basic right to medical care, turning the hospital into a silent graveyard.
French President Emmanuel Macrons state visit to the UKthe first by a French leader since 2008 and the first by any European leader since Brexitwas marked by agreements on anti-migrant measures and continuing the war against Russia in Ukraine.

Amid continuing tensions among the European powers over how to respond to US President Donald Trumps zig-zagging policy towards NATO and the Ukraine war, Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made their latest effort to present an Anglo-French axis.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer (second left) with French President Macron (second right) at the Churchill statue near Parliament during his State visit to London, July 8, 2025 [Photo by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The pairs most significant announcement was the Northwood declaration, confirming for the first time, in Starmers words, that we are coordinating our independent nuclear deterrence. From today, our adversaries will know that any extreme threat to this continent would prompt a response from our two nations.

Macron added, The decision is that we dont exclude the coordination of our respective deterrents. Its a message that our partners and adversaries must hear.

The UK and France are NATOs only European nuclear powers, possessing 225 and 290 warheads respectively. The adversary in their crosshairs is Russia.

London and Paris also agreed to update their Lancaster House defence pact, signed in 2010, with an Entente Industrielle.

New agreements include building the next generation of Storm Shadow cruise missilea Franco-British weaponmany of which have been supplied to Ukraine and used to strike Russian Federation territory. Production of existing Storm Shadows will be stepped up. Another joint project will develop beyond visual range air-to-air missiles.

The two countries will begin work on high-tech radiofrequency weapons that can be used to disable drones and missiles, as well as AI projects to increase the lethality of their own drones and missiles.

Starmer told reporters, As Europes only nuclear powers providing about 40 percent of European defence spending, we share a unique responsibility for the security of this continent.

In the case of Europes new 150-billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence financing programme, however, France continues to lobby to limit the participation of UK arms manufacturers.

Starmer and Macron discussed plans for their Coalition of the Willing over Ukraine. The Coalition of the Willing will have a new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future coordination cell in Kyiv, as command structures for the future reassurance force are finalised, read a Downing Street press release.

The British Prime Minister told reporters: the Coalition of the Willing is ensuring we have a future force that can deploy following a ceasefire to deter Russian aggression for years to come.

But as we continue to prepare for peace, our focus must also be on making it happen. So, alongside our partners, in the coming days and weeks, we will step up our support to keep Ukraine in the fight now, increasing pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions and ensuring Ukraines Armed Forces have the equipment they need to defend their sovereign territory.

For Macron, the purpose of this still largely on-paper organisation is to establish greater European military independence, as far as possible under French leadership. He told the British Parliament, We will have to de-risk our two countries from the excessive dependencies on both the US and China If we want to build a sustainable future for all children [we have] to de-risk our economies and our societies from these dual dependencies.

He added that Britain and France had a special responsibility for the security of the continent.

French President Emmanuel Macron addresses Parliament, July 8, 2025 [Photo by Roger Harris/House of Lords 2025 / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

For Starmer, the Coalition is primarily intended to persuade Trump to continue the war effort in Ukraine, offering the promise of a stepped-up European commitment, with Britain retaining its role as a bridge across the Atlantic. He announced happily on Thursday, We have just co-chaired a meeting of the coalition for the willing, including representatives from the United States for the first time.

These included Special Presidential Envoy, General Keith Kellogg, Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal.

The balance of military force between the United States and a European continent only just beginning its efforts to close the gap means all of these plans still hang heavily on decisions made in the White House. Europes governments will be closely watching Trumps trailered major statement on Russia next Monday.

Starmer in particular will be encouraged by reports Friday of a deal struck between the US and NATO for the alliance to purchase weapons from Washington, which it then sends on to Ukraine.

On migration, the two leaders agreed to a one in, one out agreement, which would see asylum seekers in France judged to have a claim to asylum in the UK exchanged one-for-one with those in the UK arriving via small boats across the Channel. The policy is part of Starmers efforts to make a right-wing xenophobic pitch to Reform voters.

Illegal migration, Starmer told a press conference, referring to efforts by war and poverty-stricken families to find a place to work and build a life, is a global crisis, and its a European crisis. But it is also, very acutely, a crisis for our two nationsa crisis of law, security, humanityand fairness.

We face a sprawling, multibillion pound enterprise, run by organised criminal gangs leading hundreds of people to their death in the Channel. So we are determined, together, to end this vile trade.

Calling for hard-headed, aggressive action on all fronts to secure our borders, he praised the French government for allowing their officers to intervene in shallow waters and prevent more boats from launching. French police have begun slashing rubber dinghies on the beach and are expected to change their protocol to allow interventions up to 300 metres out to sea.

The United Nations convention on the law of the sea explicitly bars any intervention at sea that is not a rescue.

Starmers one in, one out mechanism was first suggested by leading Tory politicianand possible candidate for leaderRobert Jenrick. It is a policy aimed at shoring up the bureaucratic wall used to deny legal asylum to all but a handful.

The Tories and Reform seized on Starmers announcement to demand he go further, attacking the European Union and pointing out that the pilot scheme agreed with France will return a maximum of 2,600 people a yearroughly 21,000 people have crossed the Channel this way since the start of this year.

France is unlikely to offer Britain substantially more. Macron was at pains throughout his visit to castigate Britain for its vote to leave the European Union: A lot of people in your country explained that Brexit would allow you to fight more efficiently against illegal immigration. But this had resulted in the exact opposite.

The British people were sold a lie that the problems was Europe. By leaving, Brexit became the problem. For the first time in nine years we are bringing an answer.
In a public address Wednesday, Kenyan President William Ruto ordered police to shoot protesters in the legs, signalling that he will not back down from violently suppressing protests to enforce austabaerity and debt repayments to international creditors.

Speaking at the launch of a police housing project in Nairobis affluent Kilimani neighbourhood, Ruto sdeclared: Anyone who burns down someone elses business and property, let them be shot in the leg let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs.

Kenyan President William Ruto [Photo by Paul Kagame / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Kenya cannot and will not be ruled through threats, terror, or chaos. Not under my watch, Ruto added, vowing to firmly deal with those behind the protests.

This sadistic call for mutilation is a thinly disguised pledge to continue murdering protesters. It comes in the wake of state orchestrated massacres, where over 50 people, many of them youth, have been killed in protests calling for Ruto to resign since the start of the year.

In 2023, Rutos first year in power, security forces killed at least 31 demonstrators between March and July. In June 2024, during the Gen Z protests against Rutos International Monetary Fund (IMF) Finance Bill that sought to impose savage tax hikes, police killed more than 60. This year, on June 17, following the death in custody of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, police shot dead another protester. Just days later, at least 21 were killed during the anniversary protests of the Gen Z uprising. On Monday, during Saba Saba Day, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 38 people were killed and 130 injured.

In total, Rutos regime has killed over 140 protestors, left thousands injured and maimed for life, while hundreds have disappeared or been abducted.

Rutos regime is systematically criminalising protestors. He has banned demonstrations, deployed military style checkpoints across Nairobi, shut down the Internet and media during protests, and created special intelligence units tasked with abductions, torture, and repression. Last year, he deployed the military against unarmed protestors, the first time in Kenyas history.

Protesters are now arrested on mass and slapped with bail terms of between 20,000 and 50,000 Kenyan shillings (US$155 to $387) in a country where the monthly minimum wage is just 15,000 shillings ($116), and rural incomes range from 62 to 93 dollars.

This wave of repression is not limited to Kenya. The governments of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are collaborating to suppress dissent across borders. Last year, Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was abducted with Kenyan complicity while attending a book launch in Nairobi and resurfaced days later in a Ugandan military court. Exiled Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai was abducted in Nairobi, choked and interrogated by armed men demanding access to her phone. Kenyan activists who travelled to Tanzania in solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu were detained, sexually abused, and deported.

Map of East Africa [Photo by Rotsee2 / CC BY-SA 3.0

This developing alliance between the security services of East Africas main regimes represents a version of the infamous Latin American Operation Condor of the 1970s, when US-backed military dictatorships of South America coordinated to hunt down, abduct, torture, and murder left wing opponents.

This brutal crackdown is an attempt to preserve capitalist rule under conditions of economic collapse. An estimated 34 percent of Kenyans live on under $2.15 a day, with 38 percent below the national poverty line and 29 percent enduring extreme deprivation. Youth unemployment remains at 67 percent. Formal-sector job creation has slowed, dropping from 123,000 new jobs in 2023 to just 75,500 in 2024 amid savage IMF austerity, while 70,000 formal jobs were lost between October 2022 and November 2023, 3 percent of the formal workforce. These conditions have been worsened by surging food prices, punitive taxation, and ballooning public debt. At the same time, according to Oxfam, the richest four Africans now hold more wealth than the poorest half of the continents 750 million people.

The bourgeois opposition offers no way forward. Every one of the political figures now posturing as defenders of democracy is drenched in blood.

Foremost among them is Rigathi Gachagua, former deputy president under Ruto and leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party. Gachagua only broke with Ruto in 2024. When he was in power in 2023, he condemned anti-austerity protests as tools of the opposition, denounced young demonstrators as used and paid peanuts, and justified police violence with the thuggish phrase: You cannot go to the streets destroying property and expect police to come kiss you. He is being portrayed as the mastermind behind the current mass movement, an absurd attempt by the Ruto regime to deny the protests legitimate social and democratic demands.

Kalonzo Musyoka, head of the Wiper Party, served for decades under Daniel arap Mois Western backed dictatorship, including as foreign minister during the regimes most brutal years. Amnesty International documented extrajudicial killings, systematic torture, and the near total impunity of Kenyas security forces.

Martha Karua, leader of the Peoples Liberation Party, presents herself as a feminist, democratic reformer. Yet as former Minister for Water and later Justice under President Mwai Kibaki, she played a central role in defending the regime during the stolen 2007 elections. As Kibakis chief negotiator, Karua helped legitimise a rigged vote that triggered nationwide unrest, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the displacement of 500,000. The vast majority of the killings were carried out by police under her government, which unleashed deadly repression in opposition strongholds. She now agitates against Ruto saying if you truly respected the voice of the people, you would have resigned by now,  But because you wont, whether in 2027, or earlier, the people will remove you.

Fred Matiangi, who has said he will stand for the 2027 election, is the former interior minister and architect of the 2017 post-election crackdown under the Uhuru Kenyatta regime. He ordered the shutdown of media outlets and unleashed police repression that left 37 dead, including a six-month-old infant bludgeoned to death in Kisumu.

These political representatives of the Kenyan ruling class branding themselves as the democratic opposition to Ruto are united in their defence of private property, class oppression, and imperialist interests. They would be no less prepared than Ruto to use mass murder to preserve capitalist rule.

To divide and disorient the growing opposition, the ruling class is again whipping up tribalism. Government officials have accused the current protests of being a Kikuyu-led insurrection from the Mount Kenya region, comprising Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities, which together make up around 22 percent of the population, against a Kalenjin-led regime under Ruto. The government now includes Luo elites like Odinga. Gachagua, himself a Kikuyu, has been accused of financing and transporting Kikuyu youth to protests in Nairobi, in a transparent effort to paint the movement as a tribal coup.

Not to be outdone, Gachagua has doubled down on tribalism: History is repeating itself, and the architect William Ruto is back on the deck. He is hell bent to finish his unfinished business with the people of Mt. Kenya. Destroy their businesses and make them the black sheep of Kenya. Ruto infamously mobilised Kalenjin youth and gave them machetes to attack Kikuyus during the 2007-2008 post-election violence.

Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya claimed the Luhya, Kenyas second-largest ethnic group, are the poorest because We vote all over the place

The Gen Z-led protests have demonstrated the opposite instinct. Protestors have marched not as Kikuyu, Luo, Kalenjin, or Luhya, but as workers, students, and unemployed youth facing a common enemy. Their rejection of tribalism shows the potential for a revolutionary movement grounded in class solidarity. What is required is a socialist and internationalist leadership to make this objective striving to unity a conscious political movement.
Elevenlabs AudioNative Player

The Philadelphia Workers Rank-and-File Strike Committee is calling all city workers, union members, and supporters to a public online meeting at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, July 14. Register for the meeting here.

Striking municipal workers in Philadelphia, July 6, 2025 [Photo: AFSCME]

AFSCMEs betrayal of the eight-day Philadelphia city workers strike once again exposes the union bureaucracy as an industrial police force for capitalism and its two political parties. It confirms an iron rule, with no exceptions: So long as workers remain under control of the apparatus, the only possible outcome is a sellout.

The strike was a powerful expression of growing social opposition, pointing to an emerging confrontation between the working class and the Trump administration, which governs in the interests of the corporate oligarchy. It also demonstrated that building this movement is inseparable from the fight to overthrow the corrupt union apparatus and return control to the rank and file, where it belongs.

An important step forward in this was taken Wednesday by the founding of the Philadelphia Workers Rank-and-File Strike Committee, which calls on workers to reject the agreement, override the decision to end the strike, which was taken in direct violation of the clear will of the rank and file and without any vote and renew the strike immediately  expanded to include transit workers, white-collar employees and all other sections of the working class in Philadelphia.

The agreement to end the strike is a complete betrayal. It includes a mere 9 percent wage increase over three yearsjust one percentage point higher than Democratic Mayor Cherelle Parkers initial offer. It makes no change to the residency requirement, forcing workers to remain in a city with a significantly higher cost of living. Worst of all, it paves the way for major cuts to welfare and healthcare funding, allowing the city to skip an estimated $13.5 million in payments to the health fund and committing AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) to collaborate on cost-cutting measures.

The AFSCME bureaucracy shut down the strike in the middle of the night precisely because the strike was gaining momentum and strength. It had widespread support among the citys working class, while uncollected garbage continued to pile up in the streets. The strike disrupted the citys July 4 concert after top performers refused to cross the picket line. And on Thursday, 3,000 white-collar workers were set to vote on strike action, threatening AFSCMEs efforts to block a united struggle.

AFSCME is not even attempting to justify its position, but is instead trying to sow an atmosphere of defeat and frustration. District Council 33 President Greg Boulware told the press he ended the strike because we felt our clock was running out.

By we, Boulware means the bureaucracy, which was running out of time to prevent the strike from spreading to white-collar workers and other sections of the working class. Throughout the strike, Mayor Parker slandered workers as vandals, used the courts to force sections of the strike back to work and deployed police to the picket lines. As the strike continued, conditions were emerging for workers to defy injunctions, pitting them in direct conflict with the Democratic Party.

AFSCME President Lee Saunderswhose annual income is $400,000 and who was until recently a member of the Democratic National Committeecame to Philadelphia on Monday to deliver marching orders to the local union officials. His widely publicized resignation from the DNC last monthalongside American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingartenwas presented as a protest over the partys refusal to allow younger, more left-leaning candidates to run in the primaries.

But Saunders role in sabotaging the Philadelphia strike makes clear that his central concern is how to contain and suppress the growing and entirely justified anger toward the Democratic Party, a party of Wall Street and imperialism.

The struggle in Philadelphia is taking place amidst a bipartisan social counter-revolution. At the federal level, Trump and the Republicans passed historic cuts to Medicaid and other social programs to partially fund trillions of dollars in tax cuts. The Democrats put up no real fight in Congress because they support the basic aim of his Big Beautiful Bill.

In Philadelphia and every major city across America, the Democrats are preparing massive cuts to school systems, transit networks and other core functions which go far beyond another round of austerity. They represent the permanent dismantling of social infrastructure on which millions of workers rely.

The working class is being bled white because American capitalism, wracked by terminal crisis, is lashing out to find new sources of wealth, which can only come through robbery and violence on a massive scale. The lurch towards dictatorship expressed by Trump, and the expanding drive towards World War III, are the inevitable political expressions of this process.

The conditions for a mass eruption of working class struggle are not only ripe, they are overripe. In the midst of the greatest attacks on the working class in living memory, however, the apparatus of the unions has only called 19 major strikes so far this yearthat is, only when they did not think they could block a struggle outright.

Every struggle raises the imperative for new, independent organizations of working class power. That is the purpose of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC).

In initiating the IWA-RFC in 2021, the International Committee of the Fourth International wrote, New forms of independent, democratic and militant rank-and-file organizations of workers in factories, schools and workplaces on an international scale are needed. The working class is ready to fight. But it is shackled by reactionary bureaucratic organizations that suppress every expression of resistance.

This necessity has been confirmed time and again: in the 2021 Volvo Trucks strike, where workers repeatedly rejected a contract only to have it rammed through by the UAW; in the teachers struggles during the pandemic, where unions forced teachers back to unsafe classrooms; in the 2022 railroad contract fight, where the unions blocked a strike and allowed Congress to force through a contract that workers had rejected; in the 2023 UPS deal, hailed as a victory by the Teamsters while setting the stage for mass layoffs; and in countless other betrayals across every industry.

The union apparatus functions not to unite workers, but to divide them; not to mobilize struggle, but to suppress it. Comprised of highly-paid functionaries tied to the state and corporations, it exists to enforce labor discipline on behalf of capital.

The experience of UAW President Shawn Fain exposes the bankruptcy of all those who claim that the apparatus can be reformed. Fains much-hyped stand-up strike was a fraud, designed to prevent a real fight against the auto companies. It was followed by mass layoffs. Fain has since embraced Trumps nationalist trade war agenda and was recently exposed as a corrupt thug in the latest report from the UAW Monitor.

The Philadelphia betrayal must be carefully studied. It provides a strategic experience in the necessity for a rank-and-file rebellion against the apparatus. That rebellion begins with the formation of independent organizations of struggle, controlled by the workers themselves.

The struggle in Philadelphia is far from over, and the establishment of the Philadelphia Workers Rank-and-File Strike Committee points the way forward. Rank-and-file workers must insist that they have the sole right to decide the course of their struggle, not unaccountable officials earning six-figure salaries.

The same basic issue confronts every section of the working class, in every industry and in every country. The IWA-RFC calls on workers to build rank-and-file committees in workplaces across the US and internationally, to link up their struggles and prepare a unified counteroffensive against the financial oligarchy and all of its political servants.
In a brutal attack, the federal Labor government yesterday ordered the detention of Maha Almassri, a 62-year-old Palestinian refugee who fled Israels genocidal assault on Gaza last year. Almassri has had her visa revoked and faces the prospect either of deportation to an active war zone, where Palestinians are massacred everyday, or of indefinite imprisonment in Australia.

The treatment of Almassri is one expression of Labors complicity and involvement in the massive Israeli war crimes. As it has supported Israel politically, diplomatically and materially throughout some of the worst atrocities since the Holocaust, Labor is persecuting Palestinians within Australia, as part of a broader onslaught on mass popular opposition.

Without the slightest grounds, Almassri, a grandmother, has been treated as a criminal or a terrorist. Her house, where she lives with a relative in the working-class Sydney suburb of Punchbowl, was raided by police, including federal agents, around 5 a.m. yesterday morning.

Her brother Soliman told the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) the family thought IDF [Israel Defense Forces] was at her door.

They just came like a bunch of police officers and some federal police, and they just stormed the house, and they had a search warrant, and they terrorised everyone inside the house, Soliman stated. He asked: What, [threat] is a 62-year-old lady to the Australian public?

Almassri reportedly left Gaza via Rafah in February 2024. That means she lived through more than three months of an active genocide, when the IDF was carrying out relentless bombings throughout Gaza, targeting all residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.

Almassri would already have endured over six decades of Israeli oppression, including Israels crippling 16-year siege before the genocide began, during which Gaza was described by international rights organisations as the worlds largest open air prison.

Having survived what must have been years and decades of trauma, Almassri is once again enduring state persecution.

After the raid, Almassri and her relatives were informed that her visa had been cancelled on the basis of an adverse finding by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). The domestic spy agency had declared that Almassri was directly or indirectly a risk to security and therefore fails the character test to remain a visa holder.

Such findings by ASIO are virtually unchallengeable. On the basis of national security provisions, the agency never provides the supposed evidence upon which it determines someone to be a security risk.

After being taken to Bankstown Police Station, Almassri was very rapidly transferred to the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre, where refugees and migrants who fall foul of Australias draconian border protection regime are imprisoned.

The detention of Almassri was orchestrated at the highest levels of the Labor government. A document seen by SBS stated that the revocation of her visa was personally approved by Julian Hill, Labors assistant minister for citizenship.

Part of Villawood Immigration Detention Centre, Sydney [Photo: Australian Human Rights Commission]

When Labor was in opposition prior to the 2022 election, Hill postured as a left, including making limited statements condemning the persecution of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange. He was and is a close factional ally of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has repeatedly rewarded him with ministerial positions.

The likelihood of Albaneses direct involvement in the attack on Almassri was further indicated today. Asked by a journalist about the raid and her detention, Albanese responded that he had received a briefing on it, but would not comment further because we dont talk about national security issues.

The timing of the raid was significant. It occurred amid a major escalation of the bogus campaign to conflate all opposition to the Israeli war crimes with antisemitism, which is being spearheaded by Labor.

Just hours after Almassri was raided, Albanese and Tony Burke held a press conference alongside Jillian Segal, their Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism. Burke is the Home Affairs minister, overseeing the operations of the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, i.e., the forces that targeted Almassri. Punchbowl, where Almassri lived, is in the centre of Burkes own electorate and is where his office is located.

Albanese and Burke fraudulently claimed that Australia was in the grips of a massive wave of antisemitism, as did Segal. She then outlined the contents of a report she has issued, demanding a police-state crackdown on pro-Palestinian sentiment in every conceivable area of civil society, from the universities, to the schools, artistic institutions, the media and more.

Significantly, Segal also insisted that there would need to be a tightening around the granting of visas. Segal is a former Zionist lobbyist, who explicitly defended Israels bombing of hospitals in Gaza prior to her appointment as the envoy, and continuously deems criticism of the Israeli state to be antisemitism.

The official press, which has whitewashed the genocide and slandered mass opposition, has hailed Segals plan. But even some of those promoting it have noted that it would likely criminalise Palestinians.

In a filthy article lauding Segals supposed crusade against hate, chief reporter at the Age Chip Le Grande parenthetically commented that no Arab person who has grown up under Israeli occupation in the West Bank or Gaza could reasonably hope to pass the Segal test for Australian residency. That is, this purported fight against racism, based on lies, entails the systematic denial of basic human rights to an entire people, and one that is being subjected to vast crimes.

The release of Segals report and the detention of Almassri are a warning that the Labor government is preparing a new stage of state repression, similar to that being implemented by openly far-right and fascistic governments such as that of US President Donald Trump.

But this is a continuation of a lengthy record. As SBS noted, in August 2024, Amnesty International accused Australia of the rejection of over 7,000 Palestinians fleeing Israels relentless assault on Gaza.

At that time, Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australias Occupied Palestinian Territory spokesperson, said: The Department of Home Affairs has imposed severe restrictions on visa issuance for Palestinians fleeing the devastation in Gaza and cancelling visas on the grounds of perceived security risks.

Hamas is proscribed as a terrorist organisation in Australia. Given that it ruled Gaza for almost 20 years, any involvement with government or civil society institutions could be the basis for an adverse security finding against a Palestinian refugee. So could declaring that Palestinians have a right to carry out armed resistance against the illegal Israeli occupation and invasion of Gaza.

Hezbollah, one of the largest political parties in Lebanon, is also proscribed. Late last year, when Israel was illegally bombing Lebanon and assassinated Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah, the Labor government and its security agencies targeted protesters who had carried flags associated with that political movement.

Meanwhile, Australians and Israelis directly implicated in the genocide appear to be able to enter and leave the country at will, without the slightest hindrance. Media reports last year indicated that as many as 1,000 Australians are serving in the IDF as part of the onslaught on Gaza.

In February 2024, the virulently Zionist Australian Jewish News published an anonymous account of one such individual under the frothing headline A warriors commitment to country, the country being Israel. The man reported that he had participated in some of the most intense battles in Gaza, and had even been on a small elite team that provided security for Israeli prime minister and arch-war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu, when he had entered Gaza.

The warrior boasted of his record of eliminating and arresting multiple Hamas terrorists. IDF and Israeli government leaders have repeatedly deemed the entire population of Gaza, including women and children, to be Hamas. Having gone on his adventure, the warrior returned to a more prosaic life, running a business from Sydneys affluent Eastern Suburbs.

The grotesque double standard is just one expression of Labors criminal complicity in the genocide.

All defenders of democratic rights must demand the immediate and unconditional freedom of Almassri. There should be a campaign for her liberation throughout the working class, including in the southwest suburbs of Sydney, where there is a massive Middle Eastern community. Such a campaign should extend into the factories and workplaces, including with preparations for strikes and industrial action. This fight is a key component of the broader struggle against increasing authoritarianism, genocide and imperialist war.
Cuban electrical workers working to restore power after blackout [Photo: Prensa Latina]

On June 30, the Trump administration issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) tightening sanctions on Cuba, which is teetering on the brink of collapse from US imperialisms decades-long embargo. At the same time, Cuban nationals in the United States, most of whom have fled the island due to the American governments policies, are now being increasingly targeted for detention and deportation as part of Trumps crackdown on migrants.

The NSPM reverses several moves made by the outgoing Biden administration during its last week in office, most notably placing the country back on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. It also reimposes the list of restricted entities tied to the Cuban government that are subject to additional sanctions beyond those already stipulated by existing law.

However, Trumps current NSPM goes beyond the measures imposed during his first term in 2017, and suggest that Washington smells blood in the water and is looking to push Cuba further into total collapse in preparation for regime change.

One of the most significant of the new measures would essentially impose sanctions on companies from third-party countries providing direct or indirect support to companies directly or indirectly owned by the Cuban military. As much of the islands economy, especially the tourism industry, is owned by military-linked conglomerate GAESA, this would potentially open up foreign corporations, such as Spanish hotel chain Melia, to significant penalties.

Spain is Cubas second-largest trading partner, after Venezuela. Other countries with significant activity in Cuba include China, Canada, Mexico, Russia, and Brazil.

The Trump administration also plans to crack down even further on travel to Cuba, banning tourist visits by American nationals and restricting any travel to a limited set of allowed categories, including family visits. However, as Trumps memo says that compliance will be achieved through regular audits and mandatory record-keeping of all travel-related transactions for at least five years, all travel will be heavily scrutinized and subject to significant financial penalties.

The NSPM also gratuitously reiterates that the Wet Foot, Dry Foot policy remains terminated. One of the Obama administrations last acts in office was to end the policy, which allowed almost any Cuban who reached American shores to become a legal permanent resident. As the WSWS noted at the time:

Cubans will now be subject to the same monstrous policies as other immigrants and refugees, which have seen around three million deported since 2008 and hundreds of thousands per year incarcerated in a vast network of over 200 detention centers.

This has come to pass. ICE agents now routinely arrest Cubans and send them to detention centers and newly constructed concentration camps. Around 42,000 Cubans are currently subject to deportation orders, and over 110,000 Cubans are now vulnerable due to the recent decision by the Supreme Court allowing Trump to end the temporary protected status of around 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans and Nicaraguans who arrived in the US since October 2022.

Cuban reggaeton artist Leamsy La Figura (real name Leamsy Izquierdo), a legal permanent resident, recently brought attention to the conditions at Floridas Alligator Alcatraz concentration camp where he is detained.

La Figura told his partner, Katia Hernandez, who relayed his words on Instagram, I havent showered for four days, theres no water, no toothpaste, they dont let you out for even a minute. We are in a cage of metal bars with the lights on 24 hours a day, and the mosquitoes seem like elephants. He noted the extreme cold, saying the facility is about minus two degrees and said, Everyone is in T-shirts, shaking, screaming their heads off. This is hell. There are no Latino officers, just African-American kids or super racist women.

A 75-year-old Cuban man, Isidro Perez, became the fifth person to die in ICE custody this year after suffering a heart attack in South Floridas Krome detention center. Perez, who had been in the US since 1966, was detained due to two convictions in the 1980s for cannabis possession.

On June 5, a dozen Cubans detained at Krome launched a protest over their long detentions, lining up in the recreation yard to spell SOS with their bodies and Cuba using white cloths. According to reports, the men feared being sent out of Florida or to a third country like South Sudan.

Two Cubans, Enrique Arias-Hierro and Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quinones were recently deported to South Sudan, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which boasted about the operation due to the two mens criminal histories. No doubt the Trump administration wishes to establish a precedent with them in advance of a more general move to deport Cubans to third countries, as the Cuban government does not currently accept any deportees who left Cuba before 2017, and only accepts one plane load of deportees per month.

Even more Cubans will find themselves without legal status after the Trump administrations imposition of a travel ban on Cubans. The travel ban prevents entry of nearly all Cuban nationals except for those with immediate family who are US citizens. But the danger of being detained or deported is unlikely to stop all Cubans from making the attempt. Over the past five years, between 1 million and 2 million Cubans have fled the country, at least 10 percent of the population, with about 850,000 arriving in the US in the three years leading up to September 2024, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

American sanctions have hit the country hard, with the tighter restrictions imposed by the first Trump administration and continued by Biden, bringing the country to the brink, along with the economic shock produced by the COVID-19 pandemic and dramatic fall in tourism, which has fallen an additional 30 percent just this year. The resulting lack of foreign currency from collapsing tourism and exports has led to a fall in imports of necessary goods, including food and fuel, the latter of which has led to several island-wide electric grid collapses and rotating blackouts lasting most of the day in some areas.

At the recently concluded plenum of the Cuban Communist Partys (PCC) central committee, president Miguel Diaz-Canel highlighted the depth of the crisis without offering any real solution, When we have this electro-energy situation, almost everything stops: there is no water supply, there is no material production, services cannot be offered, because there are almost no hours of electricity. In recent weeks, we have experienced three and four hours of electricity in some provinces, in one day. There are others that have been almost completely shut down all day.

According to a recent AFP report, the countrys once vaunted pharmaceutical industry is currently unable to import the raw materials necessary to produce critical medications. Other hospital supplies, including gauze, disinfectant, oxygen and sutures, are lacking.

In December, the government announced it would be allowing the circulation of US dollars in some sectors of the economy, including wholesale and retail sales, as well as foreign trade services. This dollarization has led to deepening inequality, with dollar stores well-stocked with food items and other basic goods that are unavailable to the majority of Cubans without access to dollars through work in tourism or family members living abroad.

Anger among workers and other social layers has continued to simmer as a result of blackouts, shortages and widening inequality. University students have recently boycotted classes, and some have even gone on strike over a recent plan by state telecom ETECSA to raise internet data prices.
(Bloomberg)  Chevron Corp. (CVX) is reducing local and regional business units in favor of a more centralized model to improve performance and cut as much as $3 billion of costs by 2026.

Most Read from Bloomberg

A single offshore division will operate assets in the US Gulf, Nigeria, Angola and Eastern Mediterranean while shale assets in Texas, Colorado and Argentina will also be brought under one roof, Vice Chairman Mark Nelson said in an interview with Bloomberg Tuesday.

Service centers in Manila and Buenos Aires are set to take on finance, human resources and information technology work that used to be done in multiple countries. Centralized engineering hubs are planned for Houston and Bengaluru, India.

Were working so hard to simplify our structure, take some layers out so that we can execute faster, Nelson said. Best practices are decided upon and applied across the system regardless of what continent they happen to sit on.

Low oil prices and an uncertain outlook for fossil fuels have led investors to demand more cash returns from the worlds largest energy companies over the past few years, forcing executives to focus on reducing costs to help fund dividends and share buybacks. Even so, energy stocks now make up just 3.1% of the S&P 500 Index, less than half the weighting a decade ago, despite the US becoming the worlds largest producer of oil and exporter of natural gas.

Chevron has climbed 5.8% this year as of Wednesday midday trading, ahead of the S&P 500 Energy Indexs 3.1% increase and the wider market.

If were going to continue to win and be an investment choice in the market, we have to just always be more effective and look for new ways and better ways to work, Nelson said.

The changes, which include the oil majors production and refining divisions, are part of a plan the oil giant announced in February to reduce its global workforce by as much as 20%, or 9,000 employees, by the end of next year. Structural cost savings between $2 billion and $3 billion could be enough to pay one of Chevrons quarterly dividends. Last month, Bloomberg News reported on several major changes at Chevrons trading division, which included promoting some traders and offering severance to others.

These are hard decisions for us to make, Nelson said. We dont take them lightly. He declined to comment on whether the number of US employees would decrease as a result of the growth of global service centers in Asia and Latin America.
President Donald Trump meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky at Trump Tower, Sept. 27, 2024, in New York. [AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson]

In a complete about-face from the position his administration declared last week, United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday that his government would continue to send weapons to Kiev in order to fuel the ongoing proxy war against Russia that has killed hundreds of thousands in its over three-year history.

Were gonna send some more weapons we have to them, they have to be able to defend themselves, theyre getting hit very hard now, Trump told reporters during a meeting of US and Israeli officials at the White House.

Later that day, the Pentagon released its own statement confirming more war materiel would be sent to Ukraine, likewise contradicting its previous statements that aid had been paused.

At President Trumps direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops, it stated.

While initial reports from Politico cited Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby as the Trump official responsible for the weapons halt last week, shortly thereafter NBC News named Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the individual who made the decision, as part of a capability review, to unilaterally halt shipments to Ukraine starting on July 2.

According to the Washington Post, included in the items being held back from Ukraine were over two dozen Patriot air defense missiles, over two dozen Stinger air defense systems, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, drones and more than 90 AIM air-to-air missiles that Ukraine launches from F-16 fighter jets. These were reportedly already in Poland and being prepped for delivery to Ukraine when the order to cease was declared.

The move, which was roundly criticized by the Ukrainian government, was later confirmed by both the Pentagon and White House, with Trumps press secretary stating that the decision was made to put Americas interests first following a (U.S. Defense Department) review of our nations military support and assistance to other countries across the globe.

As has become typical of his crisis-plagued, criminal presidency, Trump later performed an about-face while speaking to a NY Times reporter last Friday.

Why did you pause weapons shipments to Ukraine? the journalist asked Trump as he was boarding Air Force One.

We havent, Trump replied, flatly contradicting multiple previous statements from his own government. Were giving weapons.

Trumps 180-degree foreign policy turn is being publicly celebrated by the right-wing dictatorial government of President Volodymyr Zelensky, following a disastrous public meeting at the White House between the two presidents, who was just months ago was accusing Trump of living in a Russian disinformation space.

On Tuesday, Andriy Yermak, Zelenskys closest presidential advisor, vociferously hailed Trump as the only leader who can pressure Russia to end the war on Ukrainian terms in an interview with the NY Post.

I always knew that the two presidents share a lot in common. They have many of the things that they see the same waythey just need to talk more, he said. There was a brilliant meeting in the Vatican, and then several phone calls, and then meeting in The Hague, and so all that is the work to understand each other more deeply.

And you know, certain events had to unfold, certain conversations had to happenincluding conversations with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin.

Yermaks glowing description of Trump is a tacit admission that both the war and the Zelensky government itself are highly dependent on the continuation of US military and financial aid.

Despite having been allocated $182.8 billion in US support since the beginning of the full-scale war in February 2022, the Ukrainian government continues to be totally dependent on foreign aid to function.

Speaking Wednesday at the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal underlined the critical financial situation of the country.

The total financial resource for defence and security in 2025 will amount to nearly US$50 billion. That is 26% of GDP, the prime minister stated.

The weapons procurement budget is also at a record-high $16.4 billion, while the states own revenue is projected to be just $48.5 billion.

Thus, external financing is critically important for us, as it allows Ukraine to allocate its own resources directed at defending our country, Shmyhal said.

Shmyhal also noted that Ukraine has already secured $22 billion in foreign aid for 2025. But it needs more for next year.

Meanwhile, 2026 remains a challenge. Our external financing needs will stay above $40 billion. The key task is to develop mechanisms and instruments that will make it possible to raise these funds.

Whatever the full story behind the rapid vacillations of Trumps policy towards Ukraine, the ultimate goal of the Trump administration is to uphold the predatory interests of US capitalism, as demonstrated by the critical minerals signed between Ukraine and the US in April.

As Trump has demonstrated, despite his campaign promises to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, he is just as committed to war as his predecessors, as long as it maximizes the interests of US capitalism.
Sahra Wagenknecht, top candidate of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), speaks at a party convention prior to the upcoming German federal Bundestag elections, in Bonn, Germany, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. [AP Photo/Martin Meissner]

Sahra Wagenknecht, a former leading member of the Left Party, who split to form the anti-migrant BSW, is calling for closer political cooperation with the farright and fascist Alternative for Germany (AfD) and for it to participate in state governments. In several interviews and video statements, she argued that the previous policy of political exclusion and the rhetoric about a firewall were wrong, undemocratic and counterproductive.

For the upcoming state election in SaxonyAnhalt, Wagenknecht proposed a coalition of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and AfD. She described it as absurd that in the state capital Magdeburg, the CDU was forming a threeparty coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD) and Liberal Democrats (FDP)both of which received less than 10 percent of the vote (SPD 8.4 percent; FDP 6.4 percent)just to keep the AfD, which obtained 20.8 percent, out of government.

This would not be the first time that the SaxonyAnhalt state government initiated a political transformation. In the early 1990s, the socalled Magdeburg model brought the PDSlater renamed Die Linke (Left Party)into government for the first time in the sparsely populated region along the Elbe, encompassing former industrial centres such as Halle and BitterfeldWolfen.

Now, Wagenknecht is proposing a new Magdeburg model to introduce AfD participation in government. At every opportunity she emphasises her willingness to converse with the AfD, even at federal level. She told the German Press Agency, If you ask me whether I would speak with Mr. Chrupalla if there were a specific reasonsuch as the conversation between parliamentary group leaders in Thuringiathen yes, of course.

At the end of June, Frank Augsten, the leader of the BSW state parliamentary group in Thuringia, held a twohour conversation with AfD parliamentary group leader Bjorn Hocke, head of the farright wing of the AfD and legally permitted to be publicly described as a fascist. Augsten, a former leading Green Party member for over 30 years, only joined the BSW last year.

Both Hocke and Augsten described the meeting as constructive and solution orientated. They reportedly discussed lifting AfD blockades in the appointment of lifetime judges. The dialogue is due to continue after the summer break, although no further details have been disclosed.

In Thuringia, the AfD holds 32.8 percent of the vote, making it by far the strongest party with 32 seats in the state parliament, thereby commanding a blocking minority. The BSW is part of a coalition together with the CDU and SPD. Wagenknecht opposed joining that government after last Septembers election, because combined AfD and BSW votes constituted a majority greater than that of the CDU, SPD and Left Party combined. From opposition, AfD and BSW could effectively dominate government policy.

Wagenknecht dismisses reports of collaboration with theAfD as a phantom discussion but simultaneously insists that political exclusion of the AfD must come to an end.

Media reports have described the dialogue between the AfD and BSW, alongside simultaneous denials of closer collaboration, as summer theatre. It is suggested that Wagenknecht is seeking media attention during the quiet holiday season, having lost her national platform after narrowly failing to clear the 5 percent threshold in the federal electionBSW achieved 4.98 percent.

However, this interpretation is superficial. Wagenknechts rapprochement with the AfD is real and reflects a rapid shift to the right across all parties and the entire political establishment.

Since the federal government adopted the largest rearmament programme since the Nazi era and aligned all aspects of its policy around preparations for war and military support for Ukraine in NATOs conflict with Russia, announcements of massive social cuts and austerity measures across all areas of society have become daily occurrences. This policy of rearmament, financed by social rollbacks, is incompatible with democratic structures and is transforming traditional political relationships.

The AfD was deliberately cultivated, promoted in the media and supported by farright networks within the state security apparatus and intelligence services, with the aim of steering growing popular opposition to rearmament and social cutbacks into a racist, nationalist channeland suppressing it. This development was enabled by the rightwing policies of nominally leftwing partiesthe SPD and Greenswhich previously opposed war and advocated social improvements. Today, these parties are the main drivers of war and the Left Party differs only in that it conceals its support for government policy behind rhetorical gestures about diplomacy instead of war and greater social justice.

That the AfD is now being integrated more deeply into government through a splinter group from the Left Party is not as surprising as it originally appears. Collaboration between parties that label themselves left or even socialist and farright parties has happened before. The Greek sisterparty of Die Linke, Syriza, provides the best example.

Ten years ago, in January 2015, Syriza, the Coalition of the Radical Left, came to power on mass support, promising to end the EUs brutal austerity policiesespecially those imposed by the German governmentimplemented by previous PASOK and ND administrations.

Immediately after its election victory, Syriza abandoned any claim to being leftwing, formed a coalition with the farright Independent Greeks (ANEL), and promptly implemented all austerity packages demanded by the European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fundthe troika. These included 15 pension cuts, wage reductions, tax increases, job losses and budget cuts in social services, education and healthcare. The catastrophic effects on the Greek working class persist to this day.

At the time, we wrote:

Even in the entire squalid history of left petty-bourgeois politics, it is difficult to find an example of deceit, cynicism and truly disgusting cowardice that quite matches that of Prime Minister Tsipras. Certainly, from the standpoint of the time that elapsed between election and betrayal, the Syriza government has probably set a new world record.

Today, the Left Party and its BSW splinter group are playing a similar role, with each focusing on different aspects. While Sahra Wagenknecht and her BSW advocate for the AfD to be more closely involved in government, the Left Party positions itself as a supposed opponent of the AfD and seeks to channel growing opposition to fascism and antirefugee agitation into the political culdesac of an imaginary reform of capitalism.

Left Party officials such as Heidi Reichinnek, whose political discourse is limited to leftwing platitudes, are attempting to convey the impression that all issuesmilitary rearmament, mass social cutbacks, mass redundancies, environmental destruction, etc.can be solved within the current capitalist framework.

As though she were trying to disprove the pamphlet Reform or Revolution? by the great Marxist Rosa Luxemburg, the Left Party preaches reforming capitalist exploitation and augments the policy of war with calls for more diplomacy, while resolutely rejecting any revolutionary socialist perspective.

Wagenknecht combines her defence of capitalism with extreme nationalism and hysterical xenophobia, and her approach aligns directly with AfD ideology. At her party conference in January, she attacked the parties in the Bundestag (federal parliament) from the right, accusing them of selling out German interests and submitting to Washington. Strikingly, she did not condemn the fascistic programme of the AfD, but rather its close collaboration with Donald Trump and his thenadviser, the multibillionaire Elon Musk.

To applause, Wagenknecht pronounced, Perhaps the AfD should rename itself from Alternative for Germany to Armament for Donald. Because, in essence, that is roughly what their current programme is: arming for Donald.

It remains unclear how far the collaboration between the BSW and AfD will extend, but Wagenknecht has already made clear that she is prepared to do whatever is necessary to realise her nationalist agenda. Die Linke, her former party, is not an alternativeit is part of the shift to the right.
Corn up close - by PixelAnarchy via All-free-download_com__480x318

Corn bulls showed up on Wednesday to defend the $4 level on September, but fell short by the close. Contracts were still 1 to 2 cents in the green at the close. The front month CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was up 1  cents at $3.85 1/2.

Wednesday mornings weekly EIA report showed an uptick in production of 9,000 barrels per day in the week ending on July 4 to 1.085 million barrels per day. Stocks, meanwhile, were down 158,000 barrels to 23.959 million barrels despite a 10,000 bpd drop in exports to 121,000 barrels and 23,000 bpd reduction in refiner inputs to 902,000 bpd.

More News from Barchart

Export Sales data is expected to show between 375,000 and 900,000 MT of 2024/25 corn sold in the week ending on July 7/3. New crop is seen in a range of 150,000 to 700,000 MT for that week.

A survey of traders by Bloomberg shows estimated corn stocks for old crop at 1.351 billion bushels ahead of Fridays USDA report, a 14 mbu reduction from June if realized. New crop production is expected to be trimmed by 75 mbu via fewer acres to 15.746 bbu. That would help to tighten the new crop stock estimate to an average of 1.721 bbu (vs. 1.75 bbu in June).

A Ukraine grain trader union estimates the countrys 2025 corn crop at 29.25 MT, with exports up to 24 MMT for 2025/26.

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.12 1/2, up 1 1/2 cents,

Nearby Cash was $3.85 1/2, up 1 1/2 cents,

Sep 25 Corn closed at $3.99 1/4, up 1 1/4 cents,

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.15 1/2, up 1 1/4 cents,

New Crop Cash was $3.75 5/8, up 1 1/4 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Offshore oil platform in ocean by Wirestock via iStock

August WTI crude oil (CLQ25) today is up +1.76 (+2.64%), and August RBOB gasoline (RBQ25) is up +0.0270 (+1.25%).

Crude oil and gasoline prices today are sharply higher on speculation that President Trump on Monday might announce sanctions on Russian energy exports. Crude oil also has carryover support from Bloomberg's report on Thursday that OPEC+ is discussing a pause in its oil production increases from October.

More News from Barchart

On the bearish side for crude is today's stronger dollar and heightened trade tensions that risk slowing global economic growth and energy demand. President Trump said late Thursday he will raise tariffs on some Canadian products to from the current 25% and that he plans to impose blanket tariffs of 15% or 20% on most US trade partners.

Crude prices jumped today after President Trump said he plans to make a "major statement" on Russia on Monday and reiterated criticism of Russian President Putin for continuing the war in Ukraine. Speculation is that Mr. Trump will impose sanctions on Russian energy exports or express support for a Senate bill that has been endorsed by 85 senators that would levy 500% tariffs on China and India if they make any purchases of Russian energy.

Bloomberg reported Thursday that OPEC+ is discussing a pause in further production increases from October, following its next monthly hike in September of 548,000 barrels. OPEC+ may be concerned about a slowdown in global oil demand in the second half of this year that could lead to a supply glut if the group keeps boosting production, The International Energy Agency said inventories have been accumulating at a rate of 1 million bpd, and global markets face a surplus equivalent to 1.5% of global crude consumption in Q4 of this year.

Concern about a global oil glut is negative for crude prices. On Sunday, OPEC+ agreed to raise its crude production by 548,000 barrels per day (bpd) beginning August 1, exceeding expectations of a 411,000 bpd increase. Saudi Arabia also stated that additional similar-sized increases in crude output could follow, which is viewed as a strategy to reduce oil prices and penalize overproducing OPEC+ members, such as Kazakhstan and Iraq. OPEC+ is boosting output to reverse the 2-year-long production cut, gradually restoring a total of 2.2 million bpd of production by September 2026. On May 31, OPEC+ agreed to a 411,000 bpd increase in crude production for July, following the same 411,000 bpd hike for June. June crude production rose +360,000 bpd to a 1.5-year high of 28.10 million bpd.
Student loan borrowers are facing a brutal new era, as the Trump administration begins to garnish the wages of people in default, and millions who were part of a Biden-era repayment program are hit with interest payments once more. The slow-motion crisis is only getting worse, but there are ways for employers to step in and help workers who are feeling the pinch.

There are several benefits that companies can offer employees struggling under unwieldy debt burdens, including matching student loan contributions to retirement plans, PTO exchanges, financial planning counseling, and education assistance programs.

But half the battle for business leaders is convincing their companys top brass that they should even offer these benefits in the first place. Only 9% of organizations offered student loan benefits in 2024, according to SHRMs employee benefits survey. While thats an increase from 7% in 2022, the vast majority of businesses still dont offer any kind of assistance to employees.

Fortune spoke with several student loan benefit experts about how to make the case for offering the perks that are still rare, but increasingly relevant.

Its been an evolution and the recognition that student loans are here to stay, and, quite frankly, that the student loan debt crisis is real, says says Stacey MacPhetres, senior director of education finance for EdAssist by Bright Horizons, which offers tuition assistance and student loan repayment benefit plans. Employers are starting to recognize that it is a necessary benefit, and no longer a nice to have.

Cultivating loyalty

Garnishing wages has a huge impact on personal finances, and can dramatically affect a borrowers credit score. That can further impact someones ability to get a car or home loan.

Its like an economic earthquake ripping through those who are part of our workforce that have pursued the degree to get the job in the first place, says Laurel Taylor, CEO of Candidly, a financial wellness company. She adds its not just an issue only for young people or new graduates, but includes people in their 30, 40s, 50s and beyond.

Employers who acknowledge the stress that employees are under, and show up with benefits to try and address those problems, have the opportunity to cultivate a feeling of appreciation among workers.

This is a chance to demonstrate, from an employers perspective, empathy. To build loyalty and differentiate that employer brand in a very fiercely competitive talent market.

Student loan benefits as recruitment and retention boosters

Many companies that choose to offer student loan assistance do so as an incentive to keep employees around, and discussing the benefit in terms of ROI can help employers make the business case for that kind of perk.
Brad Pitt, Who Has Never Attended a Chiefs Home Game, Gets Message From Team originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Hollywood star Brad Pitt is a Kansas City Chiefs fan. He made that abundantly clear when he appeared as a guest on Travis and Jason Kelce's "New Heights" podcast.

Pitt has always been a big supporter of the team. In fact, in his conversation with the Kelce brothers, he shared that he loves the Chiefs' rivalry with the Philadelphia Eagles and how he once roasted fellow actor and good friend Bradley Cooper for being part of the Philly faithful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I was giving him this award," Pitt recalled of his troll moment with Cooper, per Chiefs Wire. "He's been nominated like 18 times for Oscars. It was at the Santa Barbara (International Film Festival), and I closed with, 'Listen, he's been nominated (the) 1,900th time. If he doesn't get it, it's OK, he's used to it. He's a Philadelphia Eagles fan."

Despite being a Chiefs fan, though, Pitt admitted to Travis Kelce that he has never attended a home game.

Actor Brad Pitt appeared on the podcast hosted by Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

"We got to get you back to Arrowhead, big dog," Kelce said before asking, "Have you ever been to a Chiefs game in KC?"

Pitt then pondered the question before answering: "You know ... no, I never have. I never have. But, OK, this is the year then."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Chiefs social media team shared a clip of Pitt's admission on Instagram and sent a message of their own to the 61-year-old movie star.

"'Bout time, Brad!" the post said.

If Pitt is able to get to a game at Arrowhead Stadium, perhaps fans will see him share a moment with Kelce's girlfriend, pop star Taylor Swift, who has attended several Kansas City home games the past two seasons.

Related: Travis Kelce Names the Worst Thing Hes Ever Done Without Hesitation

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Philippe Chow, the upscale Beijing-style restaurant out of New York, will officially open its Nashville outpost in August. It's been two years in the making, and the crispy duck may be worth the wait.

The brand first announced its plan to venture into Music City back in June 2023, joining a lineup of businesses in the redeveloped historic Cummins Station downtown that include Pullman Standard, Wild Wasabi and Gibson Garage. At the time, CEO Abraham Merchant said he was interested in expanding the Philippe Chow footprint to "cities with a global cultural impact, a strong hospitality culture and a respect for culinary luxury."

First came Washington, D.C., in 2023. Then a location opened in Kuwait City, Kuwait, in 2024, and now, Nashville is readying for its debut. Originally, the Nashville restaurant was on track to open in 2024, and Philippe Chow leadership has not said why it was delayed.

A rendering shows the entrance to Philippe Chow Nashville at 209 10th Ave. S.

Nashville opening as Upper Manhattan spot closes

Philippe Chow announced the August opening on social media July 8, just days ahead of the restaurant's flagship location closing in New York.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Executive Chef Philippe Chow opened his very first eponymous restaurant on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in 2005, serving the same Peking duck and chicken satay it's known for today. On July 13, after 20 years, that restaurant is closing.

But two other Philippe Chow spots remain in New York, and soon, one in Nashville too.

What to order: Tableside carving, pancakes, lobster satay

While menu offerings vary slightly across locations, Philippe Chow's most famous dishes are available at all locations. The restaurant highlights the salt and pepper eggplant, filet mignon with oyster sauce and the tableside-carved Peking duck as its signature dishes.

Other a la carte highlights are the grand walnut sesame prawns, wok-fried wagyu beef dumplings, lobster satay, green chili prawns and sweet and sour salmon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dessert options range from matcha cake and cotton candy baked Alaska to a fortune cookie red velvet cake and peanut butter brownie.

How to get a reservation at Philippe Chow Nashville

While reservations are not yet available for the Nashville location online, there is a reservation waitlist for eager customers.

Those who want to be among the first patrons to try Philippe Chow Nashville may request "priority reservations" and to be notified when reservations open by filling out an online form on the restaurant's website.

Hadley Hitson covers business news for The Tennessean. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to The Tennessean.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NYC restaurant Philippe Chow to open in Nashville in August
CLEVELAND (WJW)  One teen is dead and another was injured after a shooting in Cleveland on Thursday evening, police officials said.

Around 6:55 p.m., officers with the Cleveland Police Third District responded to calls for shots fired in the 2500 block of E. 49th Street.

Akron police identify suspect accused of stealing car with 2 children asleep inside

When they got there, officers found that two teens  believed to be 15 and 16  were both shot, Cleveland police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The teenage boys were taken by Cleveland EMS to an area hospital, where the teen believed to be 16 years old later died from his injuries.

The Cleveland Division of Polices Homicide Unit is investigating the fatal shooting at this time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Visitors to parks in one state will need to figure out food and drink before arriving, as the state has just announced that all restaurants within state parks are closed until further notice.

Oklahoma State Parks officials made the announcement this week, citing financial issues with a contractor as the reason for the sudden closures.

"The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) suspended the Lookout Kitchens (Lookout) operation of the state park restaurants," the tourism and recreation board said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"OTRD took this action in response to Lookouts repeated failures to make outstanding payments and fulfill other contractual obligations to the State. Accordingly, the state park restaurants will be closed until further notice."

The tourism and recreation department says that it "has made every effort to accommodate Lookout" throughout the partnership. The OTRD sent a formal notice to counsel for Lookout in mid-May, and the company failed to comply with that request.

Despite the disruption in service to park goers, OTRD says that it is doing everything in its power to make sure that those who visit still have a good experience.

"OTRD always strives to create positive experiences for state park visitors. We are actively working to minimize the disruption to park operations and provide alternative food service options like grab & go sandwiches, snacks, and drinks," the department said in its release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"OTRD is also exploring opportunities for food trucks to be in service at impacted parks. Further updates will be provided as they become available. We apologize for any inconvenience as we work to remedy this situation."

This isn't the first time that the state of Oklahoma has had issues with a company involved with restaurants at state parks. In 2022, the state cut ties with Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen after suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices.

The deal would have placed the restaurants throughout state parks in Oklahoma, but the state decided to go in a different direction after learning of the possibility of fraud or the misappropriation of state funds.

There's no clear date set for when state park restaurants will open in Oklahoma, but after two frustrating deals with restaurant companies, it may be best for the state to go in a different direction.

1 U.S. State is Closing All State Park Restaurants Until Further Notice first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 10, 2025




NEED TO KNOW

After the tragic flooding, Greta Toranzo  a student at Sinclair Elementary School  was among the dozens of girls missing from Camp Mystic

Days later, the school's PTO shared that her family confirmed she had died

In addition to sharing a touching tribute, a makeshift memorial for Greta has been set up outside of her school





A Houston school community is paying tribute to a 10-year-old girl who died after Texas floodwaters inundated a beloved summer camp.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the immediate aftermath of the tragic flooding, Greta Toranzo  a student at Sinclair Elementary School  was among the dozens of girls missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp on the Guadalupe River.

On Tuesday, July 8, the Sinclair Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) shared that Greta's family confirmed she "lost her life in the Kerr County floods."

"We know this feels impossible to process, their statement read, going on to state that there weren't any words that could ease the family's pain.

Please know our community will continue to lift you all in our thoughts and hearts for the days and months to come and we will remain steadfast in our support," their statement added. "Thank you for sharing Greta with us. May she rest in peace and live forever in our hearts."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The organization went on to encourage their community to continue leaving messages and flowers at a makeshift memorial on campus to celebrate Greta's life.

Ashleigh Lucas/Houston Chronicle via Getty I A memorial for Greta Toranzo, one of the girls missing from Camp Mystic, sits in front of Sinclair Elementary School in Houston, July 7, 2025. A memorial for Greta Toranzo, one of the girls missing from Camp Mystic, sits in front of Sinclair Elementary School in Houston, July 7, 2025.

In a statement released while she was still missing, school district officials said they were "committed to doing all we can to support Gretas family and the Sinclair community during this difficult time."

Ashleigh Lucas/Houston Chronicle via Getty I A memorial for Greta Toranzo, one of the girls missing from Camp Mystic, sits in front of Sinclair Elementary School in Houston, July 7, 2025 A memorial for Greta Toranzo, one of the girls missing from Camp Mystic, sits in front of Sinclair Elementary School in Houston, July 7, 2025

CW affiliate KIAH reported that students, teachers and neighbors have all visited the memorial outside the school, leaving flower and stuffed animals.

Tracy Clause, who lost her son in a 2007 car accident, visited the school to leave a tribute for Greta.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Losing a child is the worst thing that could probably happen to you, and this way is even worse to me, she told CBS affiliate KHOU.

Additionally, a therapy dog named Justice was brought into the school on Tuesday to provide comfort to the students during this time of grieving, according to NBC affiliate KPRC.

The dog provides an amazing therapeutic service  the comfort and support the children seek  helping them cope through moments like this. Its important for Justice to be here now, Officer Steven Bennett told the outlet.

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.

PEOPLE contacted Sinclair Elementary School and the Houston ISD for comment on Thursday, July 10.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of Thursday, at least 120 people have been confirmed dead from the flooding, CNN reported.

To learn how to help support the victims and recovery efforts from the Texas floods, click here.

Read the original article on People
Some A-10 Warthogs could get a reprieve from total retirement as Congress moves to reverse some of the Pentagons most dramatic Air Force cuts in its proposed fiscal 2026 budget.

The Pentagons budget, which the department released in June, calls for the Air Force to retire its remaining 162-plane fleet of A-10 attack aircraft in 2026, two years earlier than originally intended. It also calls for canceling the E-7 Wedgetail program in favor of E-2D Hawkeyes and space-based sensors, and cutting the planned purchase of F-35A Joint Strike Fighters down to 24, or nearly in half.

The proposed E-7 and F-35 cuts sent shockwaves through the Air Force community and prompted 16 retired four-star generals  including six former chiefs of staff  to speak out against the changes. They sent top congressional leaders a letter Monday urging lawmakers to change course.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Senate Armed Services Committee on Friday announced it had approved its version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which would mitigate some of the A-10 and F-35 changes.

Proposed Senate defense bill would add $500M in long-term Ukraine aid

The committees NDAA would require the Air Force to keep at least 103 Warthogs in 2026. And it would add 10 more F-35As to the services procurement list, to buy 35 of the advanced fighters.

The chairmans mark of the House Armed Services Committees NDAA, also released on Friday, would restore funding for the Air Forces E-7 program. The E-7 is a Boeing-made airborne battle management that would replace the aging E-3 Sentry, or Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But in recent months, the Pentagon has moved to kill the E-7 program. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers in June that the E-7s cost has risen. He also questioned whether it would be survivable in a fight against an advanced peer such as China.

The Pentagons proposed 2026 budget would cut E-7 funding to nearly $200 million, a reduction from $850 million in 2024 and $607 million in 2025.

The Houses proposed NDAA would add another $600 million to the E-7 program to continue its rapid prototyping phase, bringing its budget to nearly $800 million.

And the House would grant the Air Forces request for $387 million for the Lockheed Martin-made hypersonic AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW. The Air Force started to back away from ARRW after a handful of failed tests in recent years but is now showing signs of changing course.

The Senate NDAA would also require the Air Force to submit two comprehensive roadmaps on how it plans to accomplish key missions in the future: one on its bomber force, and the other on how it will conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Two veterans of note have passed in the last four days: Veterans of different eras and very different experiences, with at least one thing in common  they were women who took unique paths to their service.

American Legion Post 221 Commander Lynn Eckert, a Marine Corps veteran and energetic, persuasive ambassador for the Kern County Honor Flight program, died July 5 at age 71.

And Louise Ruth Carpenter Lewis, who kept the home hearth warm and the Flying Fortresses aloft during World War II, died June 23 at 100.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lewis was barely 18 and a senior at Kern County Union High School when she took a job building military aircraft. It was 1943 and practically every able bodied man was at war in some capacity.

Lili Marsh brought Lewis to Washington, D.C., as a participant in the Honor Flight program, which brings veterans to the national memorials that honor their era of service.

For Lewis, that was the second World War.

It was a time when everyone was all in, Marsh said. Without that support from back home, whether youre keeping the home fires burning, but thats I think when women really starting going to work and they really pulled their weight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lewis went to work for Vega Aircraft Corp. of Bakersfield, where she riveted the wings of B-17 Flying Fortress bombers.

Yes, she was an original Rosie the Riveter and she had something extra invested in those war planes.

She did have a brother that she worried about constantly (while) shes building these planes, Marsh said. Hes flying them and I suppose there would have been a great amount of worry there:  Am I building the plane that hes gonna go down in?'

Lewis had a way with people as a guest speaker, Marsh said.

Lewis made a lasting impact wherever she went, Marsh said. Shes one of those personalities. Shed be talking to kids and theyd all be wide-eyed listening to her, especially young girls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Eckert, a Vietnam War-era Marine, served the Tehachapi area American Legion for seven years. She died of cancer.

She was a shining star in our Honor Flight team, Marsh said. We often took her on speaking engagements to kind of sell the concept of Honor Flight to organizations and schools. Shed had a very rough childhood. Part of that speech she would give was leaving home at 15, 16 years old, shes on her own. And then she joined the Marine Corps later and she will attribute that to saving her life.

Of course once she went on her flight and we took her in, she was everywhereHer heart was in the guardian part and escorting other heroes to have the same experience she had had on their (Honor) Flight, said Marsh.

The Kern County veterans community is diminished by their loss.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
An 11-year-old bicyclist died after their electric bike hit a tree in Charlton Thursday afternoon.

Charlton firefighters went to 34 Jennings Drive around 3:50 p.m. Thursday for a reported bicycle accident involving a child, the department wrote on Facebook. It was quite obvious the bike had hit a tree, and no other vehicles are believed to be involved, Fire Chief Rob Barton said in an email.

First responders requested a medical helicopter to the area given the severity of the childs injuries, the department said. But UMass Memorial LifeFlight said it could not fly due to weather conditions  the region was pummeled by heavy rain and flooding on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A ground transport unit from the hospital met a Charlton ambulance in Auburn and the teams worked together to continue delivering the highest level of care during transport to Worcester, the fire department said.

Please keep the child and their family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time, the post read.

The child was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Charlton Police Department, State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office and Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council.

More News

Read the original article on MassLive.
Authorities are investigating a deadly crash involving an electric bicycle on Thursday.

According to Charlton Police, officers responding to a report of a crash on Jennings Road around 3:50 p.m. found an electric bike that had crashed into a tree.

The 11-year-old cyclist was transported to an area hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

The childs identity is not being released at this time.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Charlton Police Department, the Worcester County District Attorneys Office and the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council.

No further information was immediately available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
A man installs a banner with a picture of late Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami, following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, June 14, 2025. (photo credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA/REUTERS)

Tehran reels from new sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and internal unrest following conflict with Israel.

Twelve days of military confrontation between Israel and Iran have brought Irans internal fragilities into sharp focus. From a sweeping domestic crackdown to renewed international sanctions and mounting distrust between Tehran and global institutions, the Islamic Republic now finds itself navigating one of its most critical diplomatic crossroads since the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018.

The war, which saw Israeli strikes on military and nuclear targets within Iran, revealed not only security vulnerabilities but also exposed the regime to a new wave of international scrutiny. In response, the Islamic Republic has doubled down on domestic repression, expelling large numbers of Afghan refugees, interrogating minority communities, and detaining dozens on allegations of espionage or collaboration with Israeli intelligence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The government, aware of its security deficiencies and how easily it was infiltrated, responded with repression, Nima Baheli, an Iranian political analyst, told The Media Line. One tactic was the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees, possibly 300,000 or more. These deportations intensified after the conflict, suggesting an effort to reassert internal control, he added.

Interrogations extended even to members of the Jewish community. They avoided targeting Iranian Jews directly this time, but many were questioned and socially isolated for hours before being released. It caused panic. The regime understood the risk of provoking international reactions if it crossed a red line, Baheli noted.

Meanwhile, the international community, particularly the United States and European Union, has responded with sanctions aimed at curbing Irans nuclear development and punishing human rights violations. Yet the nature and scope of these sanctions differ sharply between Washington and Brussels, reflecting divergent geopolitical philosophies.

Satellite image shows a close up view of destroyed buildings at Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center, after it was hit by US airstrikes, in Isfahan, Iran, June 22, 2025. (credit: MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

From the US side, sanctions on Iran are among the most comprehensive in the world. These are divided into primary sanctions, which prohibit virtually all trade between US persons (including citizens, companies, and entities operating under US jurisdiction) and Iran, and secondary sanctions, which penalize non-US persons who engage with specific sectors of the Iranian economy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The US approach is about isolation, Daniel Martin, partner and head of the sanctions team at HFW, a leading global law firm in the aerospace, commodities, construction, energy, insurance, and shipping sectors, told The Media Line.

At present, US persons are essentially banned from trading with Iran, apart from limited exemptions such as food or humanitarian goods. But the more aggressive component now being emphasized is the secondary sanctions regime designed to deter global companies, even those outside the US, from doing business with Iran, he added.

Martin noted that this approach is fundamentally different from those in Europe. The European position is structured in the opposite way. European Union regulations allow trade with Iran unless there is a specific prohibition. Thats in contrast with the US primary sanctions, where everything is banned unless explicitly permitted, he said.

Currently, EU and UK sanctions are more narrowly targeted. They focus on two main areas: Irans nuclear program and its record on human rights. Sanctions currently in place include asset freezes and travel bans on individuals and entities linked to Irans ballistic missile development, human rights abuses, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Additionally, restrictions exist on exports of equipment that could be used for internal repression or nuclear-related activities.

European commercial interest in engaging with Iran

Still, within these legal boundaries, trade with Iran has continued in sectors not explicitly targeted, particularly in energy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres no denying that Europe has had a commercial interest in engaging with Iran, Martin said. European companies have historically been active in Irans oil and gas markets, automotive sector, and aviation industries. After the JCPOA was signed in 2015, we saw trade missions from Germany, France, and Italy seeking contracts. Access to Iranian oil was seen as an opportunity to diversify energy supply and reduce dependency on other exporters, he added.

However, Martin added, Even though EU sanctions are less extensive than American ones, the reality is that trade hasnt rebounded. Businesses fear that if they reengage, sanctions could be reimposed unpredictably, especially with the US shifting policies quickly. What businesses crave is certainty, and they havent had that, he noted.

He elaborated further: Whatever the legal position, commercial organizations need predictability. Reengaging with Iran requires significant legal and compliance investment. If theres no assurance that sanctions relief will last, businesses wont take the risk. Thats why even though EU sanctions are less extensive, trade hasnt returned to pre-2018 levels, he said.

Domestically, these economic constraints are being felt acutely by the Iranian population. Sanctions targeting the aviation and energy sectors have left both industries under-resourced. Aging equipment, reduced access to spare parts, and the inability to attract foreign investment are limiting Irans operational capacity. Ultimately, its the ordinary citizen who suffers, Martin said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That suffering is compounded by fear. The short-lived truce between Israel and Iran, observers say, feels fragile to many Iranians.

Theres real fear that the war will resume, Baheli noted. Netanyahus visit to the US and his track record of using conflict for political leverage, along with Irans awareness of its military shortcomings, have fueled this unease. People believe the truce is only temporary, he added.

Amid the instability, Tehran has signaled renewed interest in regional diplomacy. A meeting is reportedly being prepared between Iranian and Saudi officials, aimed at stabilizing relations following years of hostility and proxy conflict. The move could be part of a broader recalibration in Irans foreign policy as it struggles to counter its isolation.

Saudi Arabia wants stability. It cannot afford a war between Iran and Israel, nor a scenario where Iran is perpetually in crisis, Baheli explained. The Saudi development agenda depends on regional calm, and for that reason, they are invested in resolving tensions, he added.
This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter.

Wills Group, parent company of the Dash In convenience stores, appointed Matt Simon as its first chief marketing officer on June 30, according to a Wednesday announcement.

Simon will support Dash Ins expansion into the Carolinas, which has been in the works for years and took its first concrete steps in 2025. Wills Group  which operates about 55 c-stores across Delaware, Virginia and its home state of Maryland  acquired land for its first Dash In location in North Carolina earlier this year.

Simon will help bring Wills Groups Splash In car wash business to the Carolinas, according to the announcement. Additionally, Simon will help grow the companys overall brand experience, including its guest loyalty and e-commerce platform, Dash In Rewards.

Matts passion for brand building, guest experience, and channel optimization will ensure that Dash In and Splash In continue to set new standards in convenience retail, while deepening our impact in local communities, Julian B. Blackie Wills, president and CEO of Wills Group, said in the announcement.

Simon joins Wills Group from e-learning company Penn Foster Group, where he was CMO for the three years and led the companys customer acquisition and brand transformation efforts.

Prior to Penn Foster, Simon spent more than two decades working in the retail food and consumer packaged goods spheres. His past roles have included chief brand experience officer for the Giant Company, a division of retail goods giant Ahold Dlhaize; director of U.S. marketing for pretzel shop Auntie Annes; senior shopper marketing manager for Hershey; and brand manager for Del Monte Foods, according to his LinkedIn bio.

This is an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundation established at Dash In and Splash In, Simon said in Wednesdays announcement. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of convenience retail by delivering innovative solutions, elevating every aspect of the guest experience, and fostering deep connections in our communities.

Recommended Reading
REHOBOTH, Mass. (WPRI)  Doug Mararian spent his career as a firefighter.

He told 12 News he broke his leg back in 2001, when a hose line knocked him to the ground from the top of a fire truck.

It wasnt until years after the surgery that his leg started to swell, and he became sick without understanding why.

After multiple trips to the doctor, Mararian learned he had an infection that had spread from one leg to another. Doctors determined they would have to amputate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I accepted that they took the leg, he said, gesturing at one leg. Not even a month after they had taken this leg, the blood flow stopped in this leg, he added, pointing to the other.

Mararian recently went to a local prosthetic facility to get two new prosthetic legs with adjustable volume management systems, which help the prostheses fit him more comfortably when his legs get swollen.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care agreed to cover the cost of most of the parts  except the adjustable mechanisms. The insurance company claimed it was considered a non-covered investigational service, meaning that there hadnt been enough research done to determine if the mechanisms were safe and effective, even though they have been widely used since they first hit the market in 2023.

Mararian said after months of back and forth with the insurance company, he got a call from the prosthetic office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said, Your insurance company hasnt paid for these, Mararian told 12 News. He said, Theyre refusing to pay for them, but you need these.

Doug Mararian displays one of his prosthetic legs. (Kyle Kane/WPRI-TV)

Mararian said the company gave him the prosthetic legs with the adjustable sockets attached and was hoping to work it out with the insurance company.

But he felt like he couldnt sit back and wait, so he reached out to 12 Responds for help.

Its not fair to the prosthesis maker especially, he said. The prosthesis maker is the one thats going above and beyond and allowing me to use these things.

12 Responds reached out to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and a spokesperson explained that MassHealth has updated its coverage policies to include the adjustable device that Mararian needed. The spokesperson added that Harvard Pilgrim Health Care will likely remove the device from its investigational list.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Once 12 Responds reached out to the insurance company, the prosthetic company said, Harvard Pilgrim finally agreed to cover the full cost of Mararians prostheses.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Special Coverage & Notices

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  The National Council of Churches predicts 100,000 churches will close over the next several years. Its already happening, and another is getting ready to close in Youngstown.

Read next: Local restaurateur speaks out on recent closures

Hungarian Presbyterian is a stone masterpiece, standing tall and proud on Mahoning Avenue. Inside, worshippers have sat on wooden pews for over a century. Next month, the church will have its final service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its bittersweet because we dont want to see it close, said church member Diane Nemeth.

Were running out of money, said member Bill Kohuth. We dont have enough money to operate.

The church decided together it cant afford to stay open anymore. The building is old, built in the early 1900s. It costs too much to maintain.

It has 51 registered members now, but fewer than twenty people attend each Sunday. The church at one time regularly welcomed 800 people.

Christmas, they had to put chairs in the aisles for all the people, Kohuth said.

Hungarian Presbyterian was started by immigrants. A Ten Commandments sign carries two languages of the famous scripture. There are other displays in Hungarian.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The church carried a mission to support people arriving from Vietnam and Europe for years. It was started by a former pastor.

And he would help them get settled and do all the help them do all the paperwork they needed to do, help them get jobs and things like that, Kohuth said.

A large organ is a highlight of the sanctuary. Nemeth met her husband in the church choir. But now the services are winding down before the church closes.

And we look at it as just turning a chapter in a book, because our faith will continue, Nemeth said. Well join other churches, either as a group or individually, but well continue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The church hasnt had a pastor for the last 23 years. It has a storied 123-year history, providing worship and guidance. It all culminates with the final service on Aug. 3.

Were not looking forward to the last service, but itll be nice, Kohuth said.

The relics in the church will go to a Hungarian museum in Pennsylvania. The Eastminster Presbytery will sell the building.

Youre invited to the final service to help the church celebrate. It will be 3 oclock on Aug. 3rd at 745 Mahoning Avenue.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A nationwide freeze on federal education grants is hitting close to home in Charlotte, where Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announced that it stands to lose more than $12 million in critical funding.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget are currently withholding more than $6 billion in already-approved grants nationwide, and the fallout could be severe, especially for Charlotte-area students and staff.

MORE: Trump administration withholds over $6 billion for after-school, summer programs and more

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to district officials, the ongoing delay is forcing CMS to consider two painful options: either understaff schools or take on $1 million in debt every month to keep operations running.

Whats behind the funding freeze?

The Trump administration said the freeze is part of a review to ensure that the grants align with its broader policy goals. But critics argue the move goes against Congresss approval of the funds and places schools across the country in financial limbo.

CMS states that President Trump signed a Continuing Resolution (CR) into law in March, which maintained federal education funding at last years levels. Based on that assurance, CMS and other districts said they made plans and budgets for the current school year.

Now, with funding held back, CMS leaders said the consequences are real and immediate.

How will this impact CMS?

CMS serves more than 141,000 students across Mecklenburg County, many of whom rely on federally supported programs for academic support, after-school care, and summer learning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Without the expected funding, CMS said two challenges are emerging:

Understaffed classrooms: With a large portion of funds earmarked for instructional support positions, CMS may be forced to cut back on staffing Mounting debt: To fill the gap, CMS would need to take on $1 million in monthly debt, money that will be diverted away from other educational priorities and cant be recovered

Whats being done?

In a formal letter dated July 10, 2025, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education urged the U.S. Department of Education to release the withheld funds immediately.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budgets unprecedented action significantly restricts CMSs ability to use federal, state, and local funding effectively. We urgently request that these critical education funds be immediately released to school districts nationwide. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education

Whats next?

While there is bipartisan concern in Washington over the freeze, its unclear how soon, or even if, the funds will be released. In the meantime, CMS and many other school districts across the U.S. remain stuck between shrinking resources and increasing demands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can read the full letter here:

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education LetterDownload

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
In some ways, the 14th Amendment is the original articulation that Black lives matter, says Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law.

On July 9, 1868, the 14th Amendment was ratified to the U.S. Constitution, granting U.S. citizenship to Black Americans after hundreds of years of enslavement. The crucial amendment would later serve as the legal framework for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed racial discrimination at a time of systematic racial segregation and disenfranchisement.

In some ways, the 14th Amendment is the original articulation that Black lives matter, says Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, referring to the amendments repeal of the Three-Fifths Compromise, which counted enslaved African Americans as three-fifths of a person. Hewitt told theGrio, It is fundamental to this nation holding up to its stated ideals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nearly 160 years later, advocates are fretting over how the 14th Amendment is being relitigated, literally and politically, and, as they argue, distorted.

In recent years, conservative litigants have used the 14th Amendments Equal Protection Clause to argue cases of so-called white discrimination, most notably the U.S. Supreme Courts 2023 ruling that prohibits race-based affirmative action in college admissions. The Equal Protection Clause was also used to block former President Joe Bidens debt relief program for Black farmers, filed by a conservative law firm founded by Trumps deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, on behalf of white farmers.

President Trump and administration officials have repeatedly pointed to SCOTUS affirmative action ruling to suggest that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are illegal, and as a basis for his executive order banning DEI across the entire federal government. But legal experts have repeatedly dismissed that argument, clarifying that the decision is limited to college admissions and not DEI writ large.

Hewitt, who said the affirmative action ruling was a horrible decision, explained to theGrio that the Equal Protection Clause during its conception was about prohibiting racial classifications that exclude Black people. The civil rights attorney said that while he thinks its fair to use the 14th Amendment clause to argue against such racial classifications that also exclude white people and other racial or ethnic groups, average DEI programs do not exclude anyone. Its about inclusion, he asserted.

WASHINGTON, DC  JUNE 29: Flanked by Janai Nelson (L), president of the Legal Defense Fund, and Maya Wiley (R), president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Damon Hewitt, president of Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, speaks during a news conference about the Supreme Courts affirmative action ruling June 29, 2023 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

What is being done with the Equal Protection Clause now is making equity the enemy of equality, argued Meeta Anand, senior director of Census & Data Equity at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. She explained, What youre seeing is claims that any efforts to provide a helping hand to those who have been persistently and historically disadvantaged and face systemic barriers to their own advancement, that any efforts to help them overcome these systemic barriers is viewed as suspect and in violation of equality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anand told theGrio, You need efforts that are grounded in equity in order to create a society where everyone thrives, because we recognize that these systemic barriers and decades and centuries of being disadvantaged cannot just be remedied by saying we are just going to treat everyone exactly the same.

The 14th Amendment isnt just being used to strip away programs intended to close gaps of racial disparites; its also being retooled to potentially strip away the citizenship of millions of Americans, with a particular targeting of Hispanics and Latinos.

Birthright citizenship, another major clause of the 14th Amendment guaranteeing citizenship for individuals born in the United States, is under new scrutiny after President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for the end of the constitutional right for the children of immigrants.

That was meant for the babies of slavesIt wasnt meant to scam the system and come into the country on a vacation, said Trump while defending his birthright citizenship order at the White House after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of his petition to curb nationwide injunctions in a case seeking to enjoin his executive action.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, a federal judge blocked Trumps birthright order nationwide, certifying a class action suit on behalf of children impacted by his executive order.

Rob Randhava, senior counsel at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, said that birthright citizenship was primarily a response to the issue of slavery and the issues that culminated in the Civil Warthat constitutional right to citizenship would later be affirmed in future Supreme Court cases involving immigrants and their children.

WASHINGTON, DC  MAY 15: Olga Urbina (L) of Baltimore and her 9-month-old son Ares Webster participate in a protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court on May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Its been pretty settled law in terms of who is entitled to citizenship under that clause for an extremely long time, Randhava told theGrio. He explained, When somebody wants to try to start chipping away at it, then it really puts the entire structure of the 14th Amendment more broadly at risk and really a lot of uncertainty around for the possibility of first-class and second-class citizenship here in the United States.

Contemplating a more chilling outcome should the courts ultimately rule in Trumps favor to end birthright citizenship, Randhava said, It creates stateless people and basically a legal caste system in society that I think sets an extremely dangerous precedent. He added, What does that say about their ability to amend other parts of the Constitution?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump seeking to amend the Constitution through executive action is unprecedented. By law, it can only be amended through a two-thirds vote in Congress or a national convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. Ratification requires approval by three-fourths of the 50 U.S. states, either through their legislatures or special state conventions.

Hewitt senses a more sinister plan by Trump and his MAGA allies.

Hes trying to chip away at the marginsIf you look at the electoral map of how many states Trump won in the 2024 election [and] you have control in those states, thats enough states to call a constitutional convention and actually amend the Constitution and to bend it to his will, he told theGrio. All the civil rights statutes that exist in the United States exist because they tie it back to the Reconstruction Amendmentsthe 13th, 14th, 15th Amendments. If those get altered or aggregated, then what do we have? Everything falls apart.

Hewitt clarified, They dont have that ability now, but added, I think there are people watching that electoral map, knowing that if they can just get enough states to ratify regressive amendments, they can try to hold on to white power for even longer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anand told theGrio that while the 14th Amendment represented the beginnings of the birth of a multiracial democracy in the U.S., What we are seeing now is an attempt to redefine at every level, what it means to be American.

She explained, This is an attempt to erase all the steps we have taken as a society since the 14th Amendment and the other civil rights amendments to have that greater understanding of what [that] means.

Anand said that while the Trump administration is aiming to dismantle birthright citizenship, Republicans are also attempting to limit [census] apportionment to citizens onlyas opposed to all residents in a statewhich would reshape representation in U.S. Congress. She tells theGrio that it is contrary to the 14th Amendment and cannot be done through mere legislation.

As far as birthright citizenship and Trumps repeatedly saying the clause was intended only for the children of the enslaved, Hewitt said Trump is not an originalist or a textualist in terms of his reading.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump was given that line by someone else, he told theGrio. They dont really care about original intent. So I dont think that theres any intellectual honesty coming from Trump.

Hewitt asserted, Hes basically saying dont look at the words, look at the context. But thats exactly what the conservative jurists and scholars of public law say you shouldnt do.

He added, It really puts the lie to their notions of originalism and textualismand it is quite selective.

More must-reads:
This story has been updated to correct the date of the shooting and add additional information.

An 18-year-old charged with killing a 47-year-old transgender woman in Evanston last month had cut of his ankle monitor in April and was wanted by authorities at the time of the killing, according to court documents.

Police say Ajani Grimes, 18, of Westwood, was arrested on Friday, July 11 in connection with the death of Laura Schuler, a transgender woman who was fatally shot on June 7.

47-year-old Laura Schueler loved fashion. "Laura was the Beyonce of our city," said Tyson Carter, a close friend of nearly 30 years.

Grimes had been wanted since April, after authorities say he cut off an electronic monitoring device that was required as part of his bond in an aggravated robbery and felonious assault case. A Hamilton County judge signed a warrant for his arrest on April 21.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The robbery and assault charges are connected to an October 2024 incident. According to court documents, Grimes pistol-whipped a man and fired a single shot at the man "while stealing his vehicle, phone and wallet."

Cincinnati police say Grimes was arrested by the department's homicide unit with assistance from the fugitive apprehension squad.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Saturday, July 12, at the Hamilton County Justice Center. Court records do not list an attorney for Grimes.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Investigators ask that anyone with information to call the homicide unit at 513-352-3542 or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 18-year-old arrested in fatal Evanston shooting was wanted at the time
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  On Friday, the Kentucky State Police announced that a special summer drug operation resulted in nearly 200 arrests.

According to a news release, Operation Summer Heat 2.0 targeted suspected drug networks in Kentucky and was able to seize over $640,000 in drugs.

Every Kentuckian should be safe and feel safe, and no Kentucky family should feel the pain of losing a loved one to addiction, Gov. Andy Beshear said. Because of the Kentucky State Police, we are accomplishing both of these goals, and we are thankful for the agencys dedication to every single one of our commonwealths communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All 16 KSP posts participated in the operation, covering all of Kentucky.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Authorities said 490 charges were issued, with 197 arrests and a combined seizure of 3,002 grams of fentanyl, 1,176 grams of cocaine, 6,046 grams of methamphetamine, 408 grams of heroin, 600 fentanyl pills, 97 hydrocodone doses, 127 oxycodone doses, and 67 doses of hallucinogens.

KSP said troopers also confiscated 82 firearms, $181,381 in cash, and $200,000 worth of stolen property, and also recovered a stolen vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The investigation remains active, and more arrests are expected in the coming weeks.

This mission was about more than making arrests; it was about disrupting the criminal enterprises that threaten the safety and health of Kentuckians, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. I am proud of our personnel, who worked tirelessly to take these dangerous drugs off the streets and who will continue working to keep every community safe.

Arrests across Kentucky State Police posts

 Post 1, Mayfield: 7

 Post 2, Madisonville: 21

 Post 3, Bowling Green: 15

 Post 4, Elizabethtown: 30

 Post 5, Campbellsburg: 10

 Post 6, Dry Ridge: 6

 Post 7, Richmond: 11

 Post 8, Morehead: 7

 Post 9, Pikeville: 30

 Post 10, Harlan: 4

 Post 11, London: 12

 Post 12, Frankfort: 2

 Post 13, Hazard: 1

 Post 14, Ashland: 16

 Post 15, Columbia: 14

 Post 16, Henderson: 11

Kentucky State Police said the most arrests were in Elizabethtown and Pikeville, while the most value in drugs removed was in Pikeville and Frankfort.

Last year, Operation Summer Heat had 206 people arrested and nearly $685,000 worth of drugs confiscated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In July, the 2024 Crime in Kentucky Report indicated serious crime rates have decreased by nearly 8%, including an 11.55% decrease in drug/narcotic offenses, a 12.7% decrease in homicide offenses, and a 13.78% decrease in sex offenses.

Getting help with drug addiction

The KY HELP Call Center can connect people to treatment by calling 833-859-4357.

Information about treatment programs all across the commonwealth is available at FindHelpNowKy.org.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Information on how to obtain the life-saving drug naloxone, which is used to reverse an opioid overdose, can be found at that website as well as at FindNaloxoneNowKy.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two people are now facing charges after hundreds of animals, some dead, were found in their north Georgia home.

Nathaniel Levon Curington, 44, and Aimee Renee Curington, 45, were arrested on Wednesday after an investigation into 256 animals found at their home.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Georgia Department of Agriculture says that each of them faces seven counts of cruelty to animals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is one of the worst cases of animal abuse and neglect we have seen, and I am confident these individuals will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.

Officers spent 14 hours at the Trenton home in Dade County rescuing the 256 animals, some of which were dead.

TRENDING STORIES:

Authorities told Channel 2s Tom Regan that the dogs, mostly French Bulldogs and Pomeranians, were rescued from what they described as an illegal puppy mill and hoarding situation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I have never groomed this many dogs in one day, especially in such horrific condition. Their fur was so badly matted I actually had to use a surgical grade blade on their skin to get underneath the mats, vet tech and groomer Sarah Mozzott told Regan.

The 18 dogs at the Forsyth County Animal Shelter should be ready for adoption in about two weeks.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Two men serving life terms at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano were convicted Wednesday of assaulting another inmate with homemade weapons and beating him with his wooden cane.

David Charles Macon, 50, and Michael Gaddy, 49, were each found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon by a prisoner serving a life sentence.

In addition to their current sentences, Gaddy faces more than 27 years to life and Macon up to 27 years to life plus five years, prosecutors said. Sentencing is set for Aug. 1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both defendants have committed life crimes and continue to display violent behavior while incarcerated, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in a release. Prosecuting crimes committed in prison is just as crucial as addressing those committed in public, as it ensures that dangerous individuals like these remain behind bars.

Delano PD asks for help identifying man accused of knife assault

On April 7, 2024, Gaddy and Macon stabbed and slashed an inmate on the prison patio who was headed to a visit with family, according to prosecutors. The victim raised his cane to defend himself, prosecutors said, but the assailants wrestled it away and Macon used it to beat him.

Prosecutors said the attack ended quickly due to quick action on the part of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officers. The victim suffered at least eight wounds and required medical treatment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
OMAHA, Neb. (KCAU)  Officials with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 2 members of the MS-13 gang on Wednesday.

ICEs Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested a MS-13 kingpin whos listed among El Salvadors top 100 most wanted fugitives. His name has not been released at this time.

Authorities said the Salvadoran national is a criminal alien wanted on multiple charges:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Aggravated homicides of five people

Attempted aggravated homicide

Deprivation of liberty

Terrorist organization affiliation

The MS-13 kingpin was arrested on July 9 alongside his associate and roommate, Rene Saul Escobar Ochoa, 30, whos also in the U.S. illegally. Officials said Ochoa is a known MS-13 gang member and foreign terrorist whos wanted in El Salvador.

Hes accused of giving orders to other gang members to commit many crimes, including homicides, extortion, drug trafficking, and imprisonment.

When ICE agents move in to make an arrest, it is extremely important that the public not interfere. The misinformation, and sometimes blatant lies, being spread around the country could result in someone stepping into a federal operation and suddenly finding themselves face-to-face with a killer who has nothing to lose, said Todd Lyons, ICE Acting Director.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Federal authorities said both men were arrested without incident in a targeted enforcement action. ICE said these individuals immersed themselves in the Omaha area, where they presented severe threats to the safety of the community.

These illegal aliens didnt just sneak into our country; they brought with them a legacy of violence, terror, and death. They thought they could hide in Americas heartland, but they were sadly mistaken. No on our watch, said Mark Zito, HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our ICE officers and agents are protecting your neighborhoods, even when you dont know the threat is there, so either support them or get out of the way, said Lyons.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Many Nebraska lawmakers are reacting to the arrests on Wednesday.

We are now able to confirm publicly that yesterdays MS-13 arrests are the direct result of incredible work by our team at the Nebraska State Patrol. This is a great example of a strong state-federal partnership  and how valuable that communication and coordination is to keeping Nebraskans safe. Im very proud of this work, and Ive asked that the State Patrol continue its work to get these illegal, violent criminals off our streets and deported out of our country. Gov. Jim Pillen (R) Nebraska

The shameful aspect here was this wanted man for murder from El Salvador was detained at the border and then released into our country by the Biden Administration. Rep. Don Bacon (R) Nebraska on X

Great work by ICE  thank you for helping stop dangerous gangs and keeping Nebraska and communities across America safe! Rep. Mike Flood (R) Nebraska on X

Incredible work by ICE arresting an MS-13 gang member in Omaha today. Bidens Border Crisis continues to leave Americans vulnerable to crime and criminals. That is a fact. Our ICE and CBP heroes should be heralded for their work to make America safer. Senator Pete Ricketts (R) Nebraska on X

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Today, violent MS-13 gang memberswho are illegally in our countryhave been removed from the streets of Omaha. Thank you to our law enforcement agencies who work around the clock to keep our Nebraska communities safe. Senator Deb Fischer (R) Nebraska on X

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
BELGIUM, W.Va. (WBOY)  Two people went to the hospital following a vehicle crash in Taylor County.

It happened at about 9 p.m. Thursday along Gawthrop Road, in the Belgium area, when a vehicle went at least 20 feet over an embankment. A witness on the scene told 12 News that the vehicle appeared to be a black SUV.

West Virginias move over law gets major updates: Not just finesyou could face jail

Two people were taken to the hospital following a vehicle crash in Taylor County. (WBOY image)

The vehicles passengers were trapped inside for a time, and two patients were transported to a hospital via ambulance, according to Harrison County 911.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is no word at this time on the conditions of the patients or on what caused the crash.

Fire departments from Boothsville, Grafton and Bridgeport responded to the scene, along with Flemington EMS, Taylor County EMS, Bridgeport EMS and the Taylor County Sheriffs Office.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
By Karen Roman

Toronto-based biotech company Radiant Biotherapeutics announced the designation of Deborah Geraghty, Ph.D., as President and Chief Executive Officer.

The company also appointed Stefan Larson, Ph.D., as Chair of the Board of Directors, and Ingmar Bruns, M.D., Ph.D., as Board Member, it said in a statement.

Dr. Geraghty has over 20 years of financial, operational, and strategic experience leading biopharmaceutical companies and she is the former President and CEO of Anokion SA, the company said.

Dr. Larson serves on diverse biotech boards including Prilenia Therapeutics and Apnimed, while Dr. Bruns is Chief Medical Officer of Zentalis.

Dr. Geraghty brings a proven track record of building and transforming innovative biotechnology companies and we are delighted to welcome her to Radiant, Dr. Larson said. Her deep industry expertise and strategic vision make her the ideal CEO to lead Radiant through this next phase of growth.

READ MORE FROM HEALTHCARE EDGE

Ascentage Pharma Names CFO & SVP of Global Corporate Development & Finance

Register for our weekly newsletter HERE

Contact:

Exec Edge

Editor@executives-edge.com

Click HERE to follow us on LinkedIn
Two Southern California brothers were arrested for allegedly defrauding the government of $2.7 million through a scheme that targeted COVID relief funds and small business loans.

The suspects were identified as Norayr Madadi, 40, of Burbank, and Vazrik Madadi, 44, of Glendale, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The alleged crimes took place from March 2020 to April 2021. According to the indictment, Norayr was a banker at Wells Fargo who opened fraudulent accounts with the names of shell companies and stolen or fake identities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The brothers obtained millions of dollars through loans from the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, prosecutors said.

Theyre accused of submitting loan applications with fake and stolen identities, along with false statements about revenues, operations and employees. Two of the stolen ID victims were developmentally disabled and lived in long-term care facilities, court documents said.

Through this scheme, the pair stole approximately $2.7 million. They disbursed the funds into their personal bank accounts and reportedly spent the money at casinos and purchased luxury cars and jewelry.

On July 9, the brothers were taken into custody. Both were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and three counts of money laundering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additionally, Norayr was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of making a false statement to a government agent.

If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud-related count and up to 10 years for each money laundering count. Norayr would also face up to five years for the false statements count and two years for the aggravated identity theft count.

They pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing on July 9. A judge ordered Norayr released on $25,000 bond and Vazrik released on $50,000 bond. A trial date is scheduled for Sept. 2.

The case remains under investigation by the FBI.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The Brief

Two Venezuelan nationals were arrested in Gwinnett County for trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine.

Investigators seized 1 kg of meth, over  kg of cocaine, and cash during a search of Hector Luzardos home.

The arrests followed a multi-agency investigation involving ARDEO, the FBI, DEA, and local authorities.

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Two individuals from Venezuela were arrested earlier this month in Gwinnett County following a multi-agency investigation into large-scale drug trafficking, authorities announced.

What we know

On July 2, agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) arrested Hector Moreno Luzardo, 35, and Gelis Escalona Martinez, 41, on charges of Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Trafficking in Cocaine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The arrests stem from a months-long investigation launched in March 2025 after agents received information linking Luzardo to cocaine distribution. Investigators later obtained a search warrant for Luzardos residence in Gwinnett County.

During the search, agents seized approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine, over half a kilogram of cocaine, and an undisclosed amount of cash. Martinez was found inside the home and was also identified as a participant in the drug trafficking operation.

Both suspects were booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.

What we don't know

FOX 5 Atlanta has reached out to the GBI for additional information about the arrests of the involved individuals and their current status. FOX 5 Atlanta is also reaching out to Gwinnett County for their mug shots.

What's next

The investigation is ongoing and involved multiple agencies, including the Gwinnett County Sheriffs Office, the FBI North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force, and the DEA Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

What you can do

Anyone with information related to drug activity is encouraged to contact GBI ARDEO at (706) 348-7410 or submit an anonymous tip at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at gbi.georgia.gov, or through the "See Something, Send Something" mobile app.
A 20-year-old man was accused of burning his infant son severely in Hall County.

According to the Hall County Sheriffs Office, Logan Wayne Hart, of Jefferson, was under investigation after staff from the Georgia Division of Family and Child Services contacted the sheriffs office about the infants severe burn injuries.

Investigators determined Harts son suffered burn injuries to his foot on June 27 while he was with his father at a home in Flowery Branch.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The burns on the child were consistent with the foot being submerged in boiling liquid. The baby also had a burn on his hand believed to have occurred on the same date" the sheriffs office said.

Hart was arrested in Barrow County on Monday and was taken to the Hall County Jail for a single count of felony cruelty to children in the first degree.

He was not awarded bond, according to the sheriffs office. Officials said the investigation remains open.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  On average, 22 military veterans lose their lives each day to suicide, according to the Military Veteran Project.

For the next 30 days, an organization will plant 22 crosses each day to raise awareness of the bleak statistic and honor veterans who have died by suicide.

Volunteers and organizers with 22 A Day will meet at noon every day from July 11 to Aug. 9. Theyll gather in a field near the Grand Rapids Rowing Club, just south of LMCU Ballpark.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Starting at noon, they will plant 22 white-painted wooden crosses each day. The crosses stand about 2.5 feet above the ground, many bearing the names of West Michigan veterans who have taken their own lives.

Those participating say the gesture has a humble beginning, but by the end of the month, 660 crosses will offer a grim visual of the enormity of the loss.

It gets to be overwhelming when youre out here doing it every day and you see that number grow, said John Boylan. You get a realization as to how great of a problem this is.

Boylan is a volunteer and finance officer with the American Legion Post 2 in Grand Rapids. Hes helped organize this event each of the three years it has happened in West Michigan, and he says having the crosses lining the highway is a powerful visual message to anyone driving by.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I hope it makes them think about this crisis, he explained. We all know someone who is struggling.  We have to step in that gap and help these men and women get the help that they need.

A public ceremony on Friday at 11 a.m. will begin the month-long display. For more information on how you can contribute, visit 22aday.org.

If you or someone you know may be struggling, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline any time at 988.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A 23-year-old male is dead after colliding with a truck Thursday night.

The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office reports that the crash occurred around 10:31 p.m., with deputies dispatched to Paragon Road, north of Miamisburg-Centerville Road (SR-725).

Upon arrival, deputies spotted the 23-year-old male, who was unresponsive in the roadway. An initial investigation suggests that the male was driving a Kawasaki along northbound Paragon Road when the vehicle crashed into a GMC Sierra.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.

The driver of the truck was uninjured.

Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, but it remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
ST. LOUIS  A federal judge in St. Louis ruled that the sale of the direct-to-consumer genetic testing company 23andMe and its assets may proceed, despite concerns from the state of California over customer privacy.

U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp initially instituted an administrative stay on the sale on Monday, July 7 to review Californias appeal. On Thursday, Schelp ruled that the $305 million sale could proceed.

The genetic testing company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23. Then-CEO and co-founder Anne Wojcicki also stepped down from the company. In June, the nonprofit TTAM Research Institute, founded by Wojcicki, won the bid to purchase 23andMe and genotype data from its 15 million customers, collected though mail-in saliva collection kits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

However, 27 statesincluding Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, New York, and Floridasued to prevent the sale. California, where 23andMe is headquartered, took up the cause to appeal the sale, arguing that the bankruptcy sale violated the 2021 California Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA), which prohibits the sale or transfer of genetic data to a third party without customer approval or consent.

Judge Brian C. Walsh of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri ruled in favor of the sale, prompting the appeal to Judge Schelps court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Schelp allowed the sale to proceed, hes granted the continuation of his administrative stay until 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 11, giving California time to file another appeal in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, headquartered in San Francisco.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
25 Investigates: Read defense demands Boston officer be placed on Brady List

A Boston Police officer who testified in Karen Reads murder retrial is now the subject of a scathing letter from Reads defense attorney, Alan Jackson, who is demanding she be added to Bostons Brady List for officers with credibility issues. The letter, addressed to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox and obtained exclusively by 25 Investigates, alleges Officer Kelly Devers credibility is irreparably compromised.

Bostons top cop questioned about Karen Read case, officer who testified in her murder retrial

Jacksons letter stems from Devers June 2nd testimony in Karen Reads retrial, where she stated she did not observe anything unusual in the Canton Police sallyport garage on January 29, 2022, the day John OKeefe was killed. Dever was working as a Canton Police Officer at the time and working overtime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jacksons letter highlights a conflicting account from the now closed federal investigation of the Read matter. Jackson states that Dever previously told FBI agents she saw ATF Agent Brian Higgins and then-Canton Police Chief Ken Berkowitz in the sallyport where Reads Lexus had been towed for a wildly long time. In court, Dever recanted this, describing it as a distorted memory, adding, at this point it would be a lie to state it.

Dever testified that she was presented with evidence that she had concluded her overtime shift before Massachusetts State Police detectives brought Reads Lexus to Canton.

Jacksons letter asserts, Either Officer Dever lied about having a false memory, or she actually suffers from a condition that subjects her to false memories. He further emphasizes that Dever had articulated her observations in considerable detail, including specifics about the monitors she was viewing at the dispatch desk.

The Brady List is a critical tool for tracking law enforcement officers with a history of misconduct or credibility concerns, which can impact their ability to testify in court. Jacksons demand seeks to have Dever permanently labeled as untruthful, a designation that could severely limit her future role in legal proceedings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jacksons letter does not address a separate conversation Dever testified about having with Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox regarding her involvement in the Karen Read case. Dever stated Cox told her to simply tell the truth.

When questioned about this alleged conversation on Thursday, Commissioner Cox denied any knowledge, stating, I have no idea what theyre talking about with Karen Read. I had nothing to do with Karen Read, no discussion about Karen Read.

Boston Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Jacksons letter. Attempts to reach Officer Dever for comment have also been unsuccessful.

Ted talks with the lawyer you know, Peter Tragos, about Read's lawyers letter to BPD

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WGN)  An investigation is underway after a 27-year-old man died Thursday evening following a water rescue at a southwest suburban beach.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Naperville police responded to Centennial Beach on West Jackson Avenue just before 5:45 p.m. for a report of a missing swimmer. Witnesses say the man was last seen in the water but failed to resurface.

First responders located the man unconscious in the water at around 6:05 p.m. He was pulled from the beachs deep end and transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

According to investigators, the man had been swimming with a group of friends toward a floating dock in the middle of the deep end. When the group reached the dock, they realized he hadnt arrived and quickly notified lifeguards.

Police say there is no indication of foul play. The official cause of death is still under investigation.

Park officials say that because of the incident, the beach will remain closed to the public on Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Naperville Police Department Investigations Division at 630-548-1421.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.




NEED TO KNOW

Two boys, aged 14 and 11, and a 12-year-old girl are missing after they didnt return from a 30-minute hike off in Vermont on Thursday, July 10, according to reports

The three children, who were reportedly part of an organized camp, began their journey at around 4 p.m. before camp staff started looking for them an hour and a half later, with police being called at 6:20 p.m.

Multiple agencies are searching for the kids in the woods and near the mountain, Camel's Hump







Police are investigating the disappearance of three children who went missing after going on a hike in Vermont.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to local media outlet WCAX, two boys, aged 14 and 11, and a 12-year-old girl failed to return from their 30 minute hike off Duxbury Road in Bolton on Thursday, July 10.

The trio began their journey at around 4 p.m. with camp staff looking for them an hour and a half later and police being called at 6:20 p.m.

Authorities said that the kids were doing the hike with an organized camp, per NBC Boston.

Vermont State Police/Facebook Vermont State Police vehicle Vermont State Police vehicle

PEOPLE has contacted Vermont State Police for comment

Multiple crews have reportedly been searching the woods and near the mountain, Camel's Hump.

Members of the public are also being asked to avoid the area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to EIN Presswire, the agencies involved include Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team, the Vermont Department of Public Safety Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR VT-TF1), Waterbury Backcountry Rescue, the Camels Hump Backcountry Rescue Team, DPSs search and rescue coordinator and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program.

Wirestock/Getty Aerial view of a forest in Bolton, Vermont Aerial view of a forest in Bolton, Vermont

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.

According to NBC Boston, thunderstorm warnings were present when the children began their hike.



Read the original article on People
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Somerset Police concluded an undercover mission that resulted in the arrest of three individuals accused of attempting to engage in commercial sexual activity with minors.

According to a press release, on Wednesday July 9, the Somerset Police Department Detective Division, in partnership with the Swansea Police Detective Division and the Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims Unit conducted a joint mission targeting individuals attempting to engage in commercial sexual activity with minors.

Pepper Entertainment forges new musical partnership

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The operation took place at a pre-determined location in Somerset and resulted in the arrest of three individuals who were under the belief that they would be meeting a minor for sexual purposes.

Fabio A Gomes, age 38 of Taunton, Massachusetts, is charged with Paying for Sexual Contact with a Child Under 18, Enticing a Child Under 16 and Attempt to Commit a Crime.

John J. Kelley, age 78 of Taunton, Massachusetts, is charged with Paying for Sexual Contact with a Child Under 18, Enticing a Child Under 16 and Attempt to Commit a Crime.

Gillbert Travassos, age 54 of Fall River, Massachusetts, is also charged with Paying for Sexual Contact with a Child Under 18, Enticing a Child Under 16 and Attempt to Commit a Crime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The most effective way to protect our vulnerable populations is through a collaborative, multi-agency approach with our local and state partners, said Chief Tedford in the press release.

All three individuals will face arraignment in Fall River District Court.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit alleging that automaker FCA US denied a workers request for a religious accommodation to observe the Sabbath and take unpaid time off for Passover, according to a news release issued July 7.

The automobile manufacturer  known for the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat car brands  allegedly disciplined and eventually fired the worker, who practices orthodox Judaism, for not working the Sabbath or during Passover, per a lawsuit (EEOC v. FCA US, LLC) filed June 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

The worker has a sincerely held religious belief that he must abstain from working during the Sabbath, a 24-hour period that begins Friday sundown and ends Saturday sundown, the lawsuit said. The company allegedly stopped excusing the workers Friday absences and instituted mandatory Saturday work, per EEOC, which conflicted with the employees religious beliefs.

Dive Insight:

Such alleged actions violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination or retaliation based on a persons religion; the law also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for workers religious practices and observances, unless it would cause the company undue hardship, per EEOC.

The EEOC will hold employers accountable for violations of Title VIIs religious protections, EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas said in the news release. Employees have a right to request reasonable religious accommodations without fear of punishment or termination. Firing someone for asserting those rights violates federal civil rights laws.

Instead of engaging with the employee and providing a reasonable religious accommodation, FCA disciplined him for attendance violations for not working during the Sabbath. The employee complained of FCAs discriminatory actions, but FCA continued to issue him attendance violations for not working during the Sabbath, EEOC said in the news release.

The worker filed a charge of discrimination with EEOC against the Big Three automaker, and the company allegedly chose not to participate in conciliation, per the lawsuit. FCA US, which is a subsidiary of Stellantis, did not immediately respond to an HR Dive request for comment.

The lawsuit, which requests a jury trial, calls for the company to pay punitive damages and provide compensation for pecuniary and nonpecuniary losses, including, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life, in amounts to be determined at trial.
SOMERSET, Mass. (WPRI)  Police have arrested three Massachusetts men accused of seeking out sexual contact with minors.

The arrests stemmed from an undercover investigation targeting suspects looking to engage in commercial sexual activity, according to police.

Police said the men each agreed separately to meet a minor in Somerset Wednesday for sexual purposes and were taken into custody.

Fabio Gomes, 38, and John Kelley, 78, both of Taunton, as well as Gilbert Travassos, 54, of Fall River, have been charged with paying for sexual conduct with a child under the age of 18, enticing a child under the age of 16 and attempting to commit a crime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The suspects will eventually be arraigned in Fall River District Court.

Fabio Gomes (Courtesy: Somerset Police Department)

John Kelley (Courtesy: Somerset Police Department)

Gilbert Travassos (Courtesy: Somerset Police Department)

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
If youd like to experience Greece without having to travel, your opportunity is here!

The 37th annual Panegyri Greek Festival began Friday morning and is taking place through Saturday night.

expERIEnce Childrens Museum celebrates 30th anniversary

The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church holds the festival to celebrate the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith, as well as the diverse culture, food and music.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Organizers said this is their main fundraiser for their parish, and they have spent months preparing for this weekend.

8 Great Tuesdays returns: hundreds gather for seasons first show

Another feature if people have the opportunity to come inside and see our church it really is beautiful for people to see all the iconography and were very blessed our priest father constantine is doing church tours so if they have the opportunity to come in see our church, stay for a church tour it really is quite and expeereince to come in and see our church, said Rosa Nacopoulos, treasurer for Ladies Philoptochos.

The Erie community is welcome to view their live cultural music and dancing, as well as try all their great food.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Four people were arrested on suspicion of shooting and killing a woman near Wasco following an extensive investigation that involved several arrest and search warrants, according to the Kern County Sheriffs Office.

On June 29, KCSO began investigating a homicide that occurred in the 700 block of Wildwood Road, west of Wasco, officials said.

Marissa Ramirez-Tellez, 34, of Wasco was shot to death by four armed assailants, according to KCSO.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Coroner IDs woman shot, killed in Wasco on Sunday

Investigators identified Alberto Duran, 38, as one of the assailants the day after the murder. Duran was found murdered on southbound Interstate 5, south of Highway 46, Lost Hills.

Juan Humberto Loza, 28, was charged with murder in relation to Durans death. One person allegedly told investigators Duran was shot in retaliation, according to a probable cause declaration.

On July 7, deputies served a search warrant in the 1200 block of Pistachio Street in Wasco, KCSO said.

Aaron Olivas, 43, and Cynthia Murillo, 56, were arrested at the scene, according to officials. The search warrant also led to the seizure of 12 firearms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

KCSO served several search warrants Tuesday morning at an 80-acre compound allegedly used for illicit purposes, such as growing marijuana and taking apart stolen vehicles, according to officials.

Man arraigned on murder, attempted murder charges in Wasco shooting

Investigators worked with California Highway Patrol, Bakersfield Police Department, California Department of Fish and Game, Kern County Animal Control, Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue and KCSOs SWAT team to execute the warrant.

Officials removed four marijuana grows, found three firearms and two stolen vehicles at the scene, according to investigators.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That evening, officials arrested Argel Barragan, 28, near Wildwood Road south of Pond Road, north of Wasco. Detectives seized one firearm from Barragans vehicle, KCSO said.

Another search warrant was served on a property near Wildwood Road and Garces Highway, in which officials found two firearms and six stolen vehicles, according to KCSO.

On Wednesday afternoon, officials arrested Angel Chavez, 24, in the 800 block of Almond Tree Court, KCSO said. A search of his home led to the discovery of two firearms.

Twenty firearms in total were seized during this investigation as evidence, KCSO said.

Aaron Olivas was arraigned Wednesday on charge of first-degree murder and attempted murder.

Olivas and Barragan were charged with murder and attempted murder, while Murillo was charged as an accessory. Chavez has not yet been charged, court records show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Olivas, Barragan and Chavez are being held on no bail. Murillo is the only one currently out of custody.

The investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
Key questions remain unanswered about the actions Texas officials took both before and during the catastrophic July Fourth holiday floods as a painstaking search for victims continues along the Guadalupe River nearly a week later.

Officials have avoided specific explanations of what steps were taken in advance of the intense downpour. Forecasts on July 3 suggested it could threaten the scenic Texas Hill Country where hundreds of locals, tourists and campers were sleeping overnight. At least 120 people were killed and more than 160 people are believed to still be missing.

Here's what is still unknown about the hours before, during and after the deadly flash flood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How did officials prepare?

The full extent of Texas officials' readiness is unclear.

Two days before the flood, the Texas Division of Emergency Management activated state emergency response resources and then increased the readiness level the following day. State officials have said early forecasts did not pinpoint where the most intense rains would hit, so equipment and personnel were staged only in several areas, although they have not given specifics.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said that prior to a briefing call on July 3, a regional coordinator personally reached out to local officials to make sure they were aware. "The message was sent," Patrick said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Kerr County, where the devastation is most extensive, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring said this week he did not know what state emergency management resources were deployed ahead of time.

I'm not going to contradict the information you have, but I will tell you, personally, I did not receive a telephone call, he said.

How quickly did Texas authorities act?

That's still unknown.

Since the flood, Kerr County officials have repeatedly deflected questions about the details and timelines of their response.

The National Weather Service issued a flash-flood warning at 1:14 a.m. Friday to mobile phones and weather radios. The warning was updated at 4:03 a.m. to a flash-flood emergency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Kerrville Police Department and the Kerr County County Sheriff's Office began to post on Facebook around 5:15 a.m. warning residents of dangerous flooding. But it remains unclear how, if at all, emergency officials utilized CodeRED, the vendor used for alerting the public to emergency situations and disasters.

An Associated Press review of wireless emergency alerts sent in Texas between July 3 and July 5 found dozens sent by the NWS via a FEMA system to local cellphones that warned of the potential for flash floods. There were none listed as sent by Kerr County agencies until one July 6.

How prepared was Camp Mystic?

Texas inspectors had signed off on Camp Mystics plans for an emergency just two days before the floodwaters inundated the all-girls Christian summer camp, killing more than two dozen people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Camps are responsible for developing their own emergency plans, which are evaluated by inspectors to ensure they meet several state requirements, including procedures for evacuation.

Camp Mystic this week did not respond to requests for comment on its emergency plan.

The camp had 557 campers and more than 100 staffers at the time between its Guadalupe and Cypress Lake locations.

It's not clear how threatening the July Fourth forecast appeared to camp leaders. The area is naturally prone to flash flooding, but this was an especially bad storm that hit overnight while most people are asleep, experts said. The landscape created the conditions for what some witnesses described as a fast-moving wall of water, which seems to have overtaken the cabins with the littlest campers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When will we find out more details?

Officials have not given a timeline.

They've repeatedly said their focus for now is on searching for the missing. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, the countys highest ranking official, has said officials did not know this flood was coming. He has not spoken at any of the county's daily news conferences since July 5.

William Dub Thomas, Kerr Countys emergency management coordinator who has been in the job since November 2015, has not participated in any briefings with the media. On Monday, Thomas attended an emergency meeting of the county commissioner's court but declined an opportunity to address elected officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kelly and Thomas have not responded to interview requests sent to them and the county.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha has insisted his priority remains the current response, but also said this week an after action review of the events leading up to and during the flood will come later.

___

Associated Press data journalist Christopher Keller contributed to this report.
BOSTON (WWLP)  The MSPCA-Angell is stepping in to assist shelters overwhelmed by catastrophic flooding in Texas, announcing Wednesday that it will take in roughly 50 animals impacted by the disaster.

Gary Rome Hyundai named Dealer of the Year for sales and service excellence

About 20 cats and 30 dogs are being relocated from the Williamson Animal Shelter, which has been supporting two nearby sheltersLampasas and Georgetown Animal Sheltersthat are grappling with infrastructure damage, including a lack of access to clean drinking water.

Credit MSPCA Angell Credit MSPCA Angell

Theres a common misconception that transports like this mean peoples pets get lost, end up in a shelter, and are immediately shipped out of town. Thats just not true, said Josie Waldron, MSPCA-Angell Animal Relocation Manager. By relocating them, were making room for animals newly displaced by the flooding who may be someones lost pet or in need of temporary care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To support the effort, two MSPCA-Angell staff members traveled to Texas to assist with the transport, which was arranged by the Bissell Pet Foundation. The animals are expected to arrive at Hanscom Field in Bedford on the evening of July 11.

The relocation comes just one day after MSPCA-Angell opened 1,600 square feet of new transport space at its Cape Cod Adoption Center, expanding its ability to house animals in need.

Once the animals arrive, they will be brought to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem for a 48-hour state-mandated quarantine. Each will receive medical attention and behavioral evaluations before becoming available for adoption.

The cats range in age from two months to seven years and are all domestic shorthairs. The dogs are between three months and six years old, with expected breeds including Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Terrier, and Alaskan Husky mixes.

Credit MSPCA Angell Credit MSPCA Angell

This time of year is already busy for us, but given the immense need in Texas, we knew we had to pull out all the stops to help, said Waldron. The transport is just the first stepnow we have more animals to care for, and our capacity was already extremely tight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To help place the new arrivals into homes, MSPCA-Angell plans to hold fee-waived adoption events for both cats and dogs later in July. Those interested in supporting the MSPCAs efforts can donate here.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Fast-spreading wildfires have forced the evacuation of part of the Grand Canyon, with the US National Park Service ordering visitors and residents away from its northern rim.

"Due to the advancing Dragon Bravo Fire within Grand Canyon National Park, all North Rim residents are now in 'GO' status and should evacuate the North Rim immediately," the National Park Service said in an X post on Friday afternoon.

The Dragon Bravo Fire, which was sparked by lightning and has been burning since July 4, was 150 acres (61 hectares) in size Friday evening and zero percent contained, a US government incident report said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Park Service staff had already cleared the North Rim, which is less popular with tourists than the South Rim, of some 500 visitors late Thursday.

Day-use access to the area was also closed due to a larger blaze called the White Sage Fire, which was burning outside the Grand Canyon National Park.

However, it was approaching Jacob Lake, Arizona, a small settlement known as the gateway to the North Rim.

About 10,973 acres (4,441 hectares) have been scorched by the White Sage Fire which is zero-percent contained, according to authorities, who released images of large columns of smoke rising above the scrubby desert.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jon Paxton, press officer for the Coconino County sheriff's office, told AFP that a hotel and some businesses had been emptied.

"Most of the folks we evacuated were campers," he said. "This area is high desert and mostly open forest for camping."

- Started by lightning -

The White Sage Fire was also started by lightning, during a thunderstorm on July 9.

"Crews encountered very extreme fire behavior due to the dry conditions (and) gusty and erratic winds inhibiting the ability for fire fighters to safely engage the fire," the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said.

One of the greatest wonders of the natural world, the Grand Canyon is the result of the Colorado River eating away at layers of red sandstone and other rock for millions of years, leaving a gash up to 18 miles (30 km) wide and more than a mile (1.6 km) deep.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Park Service advised against any hiking into the canyon, due to extreme heat and wildfire smoke. A 67-year-old man died on Tuesday while attempting to reach the river in hot conditions.

Last year almost five million people visited the world-famous site.

Another popular site, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, was also closed Friday because of a wildfire.

rfo-bgs-ksb/aks
MINERAL POINT, Mo.  Officials from the Potosi Correctional Center announced the death of the inmate Friday morning.

According to the communications director, 54-year-old Victor Santiago died June 29 around 7:30 p.m.

He was convicted of first-degree assault and first-degree burglary in Washington County. Santiago had been serving his life sentence in the Missouri Department of Corrections since 1996.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An autopsy will be conducted, officials added.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
AVOYELLES PARISH, La. (KLFY)  July 4th was a fun day with the family for Carencro native Krista Parker but turned into a life-changing experience after her 6-year-old son nearly drowned.

Parker said her family visited their in-laws and went to the Paragon Casino Resort for fun. She said everyone was enjoying themselves and until it was time to return home.

I saw DJ sitting by the pool with his feet in the pool and I was kind of okay with it because D.J. hes scared of water, so hes not going to just jump in the water, Parker said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a split second her son looked lifeless.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

We just started screaming, God name first and we kind of panicked but something told me to wait lets do CPR. Lets try to revive him and while Im reviving him. Im just praying. God please call your angels. Covered them with my son Lord in the name of Jesus. Lord, cover my baby with your blood in the name of Jesus, Lord, please give me my baby back, Parker cried recalling the day.

Parker said while she is praying and performing CPR her husband who is her sons stepfather teamed up with her and gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to DJ.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Im pumping his body water is just flowing out my babys mouth and his eyes are still bloodshot red, not blinking. Hes gone. Im pumping some more and he gave him another breath and somebody said pumped his stomach and he just threw up water, and threw up and started crying and the ambulance came rushing in telling everybody to move. They dragged me away from him. They put them in the stretcher. His oxygen was at 95 [which is a good level], said Parker.

DJ was taken to Rapides Womens and Childrens Hospital. His mother said he started to tell the nurse that he went to heaven and God is real.

He looked at me and my husband. He said, No, Daddy, no momma. God is real. I saw him. I saw him and uncle Quimaine, Parker said.

For Parker and her husband, who believed in God but didnt have a stable church home at the moment, hearing what DJ witnessed deepened their faith.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His story is just so real. Only he can explain it, said Parker.

DJ was excited to share his experience and said God said he had one more life.

God is real, said DJ.

He also described hearing angels singing and seeing a lot of clouds. To mark a second chance in life DJ wants his name changed to be Avir which means air in Hebrew.

Why do you want to name yourself after the air? And he was with God in the air, explained his mother.

Parker added this closing message:

I feel like everybody, if you have kids need to be CPR certified. Anything can happen in a second. My son didnt have a life vest on and I regret that to this day. So just safety first and when it comes to God, God is real. My son told me I have proof because hes here and I believe that and when he told me how God looks, he told me, God was mixed with every color white, black, even Mexican and hes just mixed with all colors and it just made me feel like we need to come together. All this dividing, all this hate. We need to love one another and be a unit and God is real. Get closer to God, you seek him, You shall receive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The family said beside giving DJ one shot in his arm. He didnt have to take any medicine, he did not have any brain damage, heart damage, or bruising for the lungs. Just a little bit of water on the lungs.

Latest news

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
Authorities have released the names of the seven people who died in a massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Northern California last week.

The Yolo County Coroners Office on Friday identified the victims as Angel Mathew Voller, 18, of Stockton; Carlos Javier Rodriguez-Mora, 43, of San Andreas; Neil Justin Li, 41, of San Francisco; Joel Jeremias Melendez, 28, of Sacramento; Christopher Goltiao Bocog, 45, of San Francisco; Jesus Manaces Ramos, 18, of San Pablo; and Jhony Ernesto Ramos, 22, of San Pablo.

The blast occurred on July 1 in the small farming community of Esparto and sparked a brush fire that burned 80 acres and forced residents of nearby homes to evacuate.

Fireworks explode at a fireworks warehouse near Esparto, Calif., Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP) In this image taken from video, smoke and flames rise from a fireworks warehouse explosion, July 1, 2025, in Esparto, Calif. (Hudson Sheats via AP)

Two survivors were treated for injuries, officials said. The cause of the explosion remained under investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The warehouse was operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics, a company that has produced professional fireworks displays for more than 30 years.

Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community, the company said in a statement posted on its website. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
***Video above: Prehistoric discovery made in Lorain County.***

DENVER (WJW)  Researchers with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science were thrilled after a dinosaur fossil from nearly 70 million years ago was discovered right under their feet.

Back in January, while crews were conducting a geothermal drilling project outside the museum, they found a partial bone fossil that was 763 feet beneath the parking lot, officials announced in a Thursday press release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New luxury treehouse opens in Northeast Ohio

Ornithopod vertebra from the Denver Formation, from 763 of depth in the City Park core drilling in the parking lot at Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Courtesy of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science).

Investigators said the bone, identified as the vertebra of a herbivorous dinosaur, occurs in Late Cretaceous rocks dated to approximately 67.5 million years ago.

Scientists have described the discovery as the deepest and oldest dinosaur fossil ever found in Denver city limits.

This is a scientifically and historically thrilling find for both the museum and the larger Denver community, James Hagadorn, the museums geology curator, is quoted in the release. This fossil comes from an era just before the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, and it offers a rare window into the ecosystem that once existed right beneath modern-day Denver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The findings, published in the scientific journal Rocky Mountain Geology on June 1, determined that the bone belonged to a dinosaur similar to the Edmontosaurus or the Thescelosaurus, as depicted in the photo below.

Popular Walmart water bottles causing permanent vision loss, lids forcefully eject: RECALL

Thescelosaurus (Courtesy of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science)

The specimen deepens our understanding of dinosaurs in the Denver Basin and encourages us to imagine all the fossils hidden right beneath our feet  a world still waiting to be discovered and explored! the release continued.

The fossil is now on display in the museums Discovering Teen Rex exhibit, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Everest Group Ltd logo and website-by T_Schneider via Shutterstock

Valued at a market cap of $14.5 billion, Everest Group, Ltd. (EG) is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance products through its Insurance and Reinsurance segments. The company offers a wide range of property and casualty, specialty, and commercial insurance solutions across the United States, Europe, and other international markets. EG is expected to announce its fiscal Q2 2025 earnings results after the market closes on Wednesday, Jul. 30.

Ahead of this event, analysts expect the Hamilton, Bermuda-based company to report an adjusted earnings of $15.17 per share, down nearly 10% from $16.85 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has surpassed Wall Street's earnings estimates in one of the last four quarters while missing on three other occasions.

More News from Barchart

For fiscal 2025, analysts expect the reinsurance company to report an adjusted EPS of $45.27, up 51.8% from $29.83 in fiscal 2024.

www.barchart.com

EG stock has declined nearly 10% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 11.5% rise and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLF) nearly 24% return over the same period.

www.barchart.com

Shares of Everest Group tumbled nearly 6% following its Q1 2025 results on Apr. 30 due to a steep 71% drop in net income to $210 million ($4.90 per share). The company posted a significant pre-tax catastrophe loss of $472 million, primarily from California wildfires, which contributed to a deteriorated combined ratio of 102.7%. Both adjusted EPS of $6.45 and revenue of $4.3 billion, missed Wall Street expectations.

Analysts' consensus view on Everest Groups stock is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 14 analysts covering the stock, six recommend "Strong Buy," one "Moderate Buy," six suggest "Hold," and one has a "Strong Sell." This configuration is slightly more bullish than three months ago, with five analysts suggesting a "Strong Buy."

As of writing, the stock is trading below the average analyst price target of $393.62.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
A West Price Hill couple has received a $70,000 settlement from the city of Cincinnati after they were slammed into by a man fleeing police during an improper pursuit.

Travis and Amber Feltner were driving near Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center on Aug. 26, 2020, when Antonio Wright slammed into them at the corner of Albert Sabin Way and Burnet Avenue. Travis Feltner nearly died.

According to the lawsuit, Wright was speeding away from Cincinnati police after officers saw him conduct a drug transaction. It was a pursuit the Feltners said never should have happened because it was too dangerous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Along with the city, officers Cian McGrath, Charles Knapp, Merlin Murrell and Sgt. James Davis were named in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit states Knapp described the traffic that day as "gridlock" and said that the circumstances of the pursuit would pose a danger.

"The officers nevertheless followed Defendant Wright in their vehicle, driving on the wrong side of the roadway without authorization to do so, in violation of CPD policies, practice, and procedures," the lawsuit states.

Travis Feltner suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash, the lawsuit stated. He had a traumatic brain injury and is now permanently disabled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The city and officer named in the lawsuit did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement agreement.

City officials declined to comment on the settlement. Lawyer Alan J. Statman said his clients are satisfied with the result.

This crash occurred less than a month after convicted arms dealer Mason Meyer struck and killed Raymond Laible, 81, and his wife, Gayle Laible, 80, in another police pursuit involving Cincinnati officers that traveled into Kentucky.

The son of the Laibles filed a lawsuit against the city of Cincinnati in federal court in 2021. That case is still pending.

In the wake of these case, the Cincinnati Police Department changed its vehicle pursuit policy, limiting pursuits to violent felony suspects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The danger of police pursuits is well-known. According to a 2016 report from the Ohio Attorney General's Office, at least 352 people were killed in law enforcement pursuits in the state between 1982 and 2014.

In 2022, Wright was sentenced to four to six years in prison for aggravated vehicular assault and other charges associated with the pursuit. He is eligible to be released from prison in October.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati settles lawsuit after couple was struck during police chase
By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -The U.N. rights office said on Friday it had recorded at least 798 killings within the past six weeks at aid points in Gaza run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and near convoys run by other relief groups.

The GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics companies to get supplies into Gaza, largely bypassing a U.N.-led system that Israel alleges has let Hamas-led militants loot aid shipments intended for civilians. Hamas denies the allegation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians trying to reach the GHF's aid hubs in zones where Israeli forces operate, the United Nations has called its aid model "inherently unsafe" and a violation of humanitarian impartiality standards.

"(From May 27) up until the seventh of July, we've recorded 798 killings, including 615 in the vicinity of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, and 183 presumably on the route of aid convoys," U.N. rights office (OHCHR) spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told a media briefing in Geneva.

The GHF, which began distributing food packages in Gaza in late May after Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade, told Reuters the U.N. figures were "false and misleading". It denies that deadly incidents have occurred at its sites.

"The fact is the most deadly attacks on aid site have been linked to U.N. convoys," a GHF spokesperson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Ultimately, the solution is more aid. If the U.N. (and) other humanitarian groups would collaborate with us, we could end or significantly reduce these violent incidents."

The Israeli army told Reuters in a statement that it was reviewing recent mass casualties and that it had sought to minimise friction between Palestinians and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) by installing fences and signs and opening additional routes.

GUNSHOT WOUNDS

The OHCHR said it based its figures on sources such as information from hospitals in Gaza, cemeteries, families, Palestinian health authorities, NGOs and its partners on the ground.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Most of the injuries to Palestinians in the vicinity of aid distribution hubs recorded by the OHCHR since May 27 were gunshot wounds, Shamdasani said.

"We've raised concerns about atrocity crimes having been committed and the risk of further atrocity crimes being committed where people are lining up for essential supplies such as food," she said.

After the GHF assertion that the OHCHR figures are false and misleading, Shamdasani said: "It is not helpful to issue blanket dismissals of our concerns - what is needed is investigations into why people are being killed while trying to access aid."

Israel has said its forces operate near the relief aid sites to prevent supplies falling into the hands of militants it has been fighting in the Gaza war triggered by the Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The GHF said on Friday it had delivered more than 70 million meals to Gaza Palestinians in five weeks, and that other humanitarian groups had "nearly all of their aid looted" by Hamas or criminal gangs. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has previously cited instances of violent pillaging of aid, and the U.N. World Food Programme said last week that most trucks carrying food assistance into Gaza had been intercepted by "hungry civilian communities".

There is an acute shortage of food and other basic supplies 21 months into Israel's military campaign in Gaza, during which much of the enclave has been reduced to rubble and most of its 2.3 million inhabitants displaced.

(Additinal reporting by Crispian Balmer and Charlotte Greenfield in Jerusalem, Editing by Miranda Murray, Mark Heinrich and Timothy Heritage)
8 Los Angeles County Cities Join Lawsuit Against ICE Operations originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

Karen Bass in her officePhoto by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Los Angeles and seven other cities have joined a civil rights lawsuit against the ongoing operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the county. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups filed the case on Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.



The lawsuit claims the raids violate Constitutional amendments protecting states rights to run their judicial systems and citizens protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The case also accuses ICE and other federal agencies of racially profiling residents and using disproportionate force.



The cities joining Los Angeles include Culver City, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Santa Monica and West Hollywood.



California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 17 other states filed an amicus brief in the lawsuit Monday. The brief asked a court to block federal agents from conducting unconstitutional and unlawful stops during immigration raids.

The actions of ICE and CBP during the raids in Los Angeles are part of a cruel and familiar pattern of attacks on our immigrant communities by an administration that thrives on fear and division," Bonta said. "We will continue to hold the federal government accountable when it violates the Constitution and federal law."



In addition to the alleged civil and states rights offenses, the lawsuit also claims that ICE operations have cost the cities tens of millions of dollars in expenses. Since June 6, L.A. County has sustained $9 million in lost tax revenue and law enforcement resources, according to the Office of County Counsel.



The injunction came a day after a federal operation in MacArthur Park stalled a childrens summer camp, despite no reported criminal activity or public disorder.



Speaking to reporters that day, Mayor Karen Bass said she was alerted to the operation on her way to another press conference with Governor Gavin Newsom for the sixth-month anniversary of the Los Angeles Wildfires. Bass said she went to MacArthur Park and saw a helicopter, military tanks and personnel on the periphery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can spin it any way you like, but in my opinion, its a political agenda of provoking fear and terror, Bass said. Frankly, its outrageous and un-American that we have federal armed vehicles in our parks when nothing is going on in the parks.



Marqueece Harris-Dawson, the Los Angeles City Council President, said that ICE and other federal agencies are making people scared to leave their houses go to school, and to the doctor, and to call the police and fire department when something is wrong.



That is the kind of havoc that is being visited upon our city, Harris-Dawson said.



According to DHS, ICE and CBP have arrested nearly 2,800 people in the L.A. area since raids began in June.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.




NEED TO KNOW

An 8-year-old boy was killed and four others were injured after a falling tree branch fell onto a group of people at a California summer camp

A massive oak branch  estimated to weigh several hundred pounds and measured at 25 to 30 feet long  hit a group of people who were sitting in the shade in a Calabasas, Calif., park

Among the four injured people were two campers, ages 5 and 11, and two adults, ages 22 and 73





An 8-year-old boy was killed and several others were injured after a falling tree branch hit a group of children and adults at a California summer camp.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to reports from the Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times and KABC, a massive oak tree branch fell onto a group of people who were attending summer camp in Calabasas, Calif., just outside of Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 9.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told the outlets that the incident was first reported at around 2:45 p.m., and deputies as well as Los Angeles County firefighters and medical personnel were sent to King Gillette Ranch, a park inside the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Getty A stock image of a fire truck. A stock image of a fire truck.

Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Homicide Lt. Daniel Vizcarra told the Times that people present during the incident heard a loud crack and the oak branch  estimated to weigh several hundred pounds and measured at 25 to 30 feet long  fell to the ground.

One 8-year-old camper was killed and four others, including two children and two adults, were injured, the Lost Hills Sheriff's Department told the Times. The 8-year-old boy, whose identity has not been made public, was taken to local hospital and pronounced dead, according to Vizcarra.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Sheriff's Department told the Times that a 5-year-old sustained a cut to his head, an 11-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital with a broken leg, a 22-year-old man had bruises on his head and arms and a 73-year-old man sustained a concussion.



The department also told the outlet that the group of campers and counselors  who were attending a day camp through Camp Wildcraft, a program with multiple locations across Southern California  were seeking shade under the tree when the branch snapped.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, which manages the Santa Monica Mountains public parks, told the outlets in a statement that maintaining safety for visitors is its top priority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow. Our hearts are with the child's family, friends, and all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy," a statement from the organization reads, per KABC.



"The safety and well-being of children and adults in our parks is, and always will be, our highest priority," the statement added. "We are working closely with [the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department] and appropriate agencies to understand exactly what happened, and we are fully committed to supporting a thorough and transparent investigation."

Jill Ettinger, the parent of another child who was attending the day camp, told the Times that another branch had fallen from the same tree two weeks prior, but visitors still considered the tree safe.

Ettinger's daughter was sitting at the edge of a circle of people when the branch snapped, causing everyone to scatter and panic.

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.

She started running and she saw that her friends were OK, Ettinger told the outlet, recalling how her daughter saw her counselor lying on the ground bleeding, and someone performing CPR on the 8-year-old.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to NBC Los Angeles, the day camp had relocated to Calabasas after the recent wildfires.



The entrance to King Gillette Ranch has been shut down as an investigation is still ongoing, the outlets reported.

Read the original article on People
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Eight opioid drug makers have settled a nationwide lawsuit for approximately $720 million after being accused of manufacturing pills that worsened the nationwide opioid crisis.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reports that all eight companies have agreed to proceed with a lawsuit sign-on period for local governments.

This means that the state of Michigan could receive up to $24.5 million from the lawsuit, according to Nessel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are seeing firsthand how these opioid settlements are making a real difference in our communities, Nessel said in a news release sent to 6 News.

I will continue to work alongside my colleagues across the country to hold these companies accountable and bring meaningful relief to the people and families impacted by this crisis.

Eight companies and the total amount they will pay in funds:

Mylan (now part of Viatris): $284,447,916 paid over 9 years

Hikma: $95,818,293 paid over one to 4 years

Amneal: $71,751,010 paid over 10 years

Apotex: $63,682,369 paid in a single year

Indivior: $38,022,450 paid over 4 years

Sun: $30,992,087 paid over one to 4 years

Alvogen: $18,680,162 paid in a single year

Zydus: $14,859,220 paid in a single year

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to the required payments, several settlements allow states to receive free pharmaceutical products or cash in place of these products.

The department reports that seven of the companies, all but Indivior, are prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products or making or selling any product that contains more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill. They are also required to put in place a monitoring and reporting system for suspicious orders.

Indivior has agreed not to manufacture or sell opioid products for the next 10 years; however, it will be able to continue marketing and selling medications to treat opioid use disorder.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
HUNT, Texas  94-year-old Betty Matteson and her family had just moments to flee the water that was filling her home in Hunt, Texas on Friday.

Heavy rains along the Guadalupe River created a deadly "flood wave" that swept through the Texas Hill Country, including Hunt.

Matteson described being woken up by her grandson telling her they needed to get to the home's attic to escape the flooding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Texas Flooding: Search Teams Near 1 Week With Over 170 Still Missing And Their Families Awaiting Closure

Floodwaters rising outside the Matteson home.

"Of course, I was stunned," Matteson said.

She said another of her grandsons, Barry, watched the water rise out of the attic window while they awaited help.

"It got closer and closer," she said.

Before-and-after Satellite Photos Of Camp Mystic, Kerr County Show Devastation Of Texas Floods

Photo of the water nearing the attic where Matteson and her family sought refuge.

Matteson said the water nearly reached the attic, three stories up.

Barry had tied a rope to the chimney in case the water got so high they had to pull themselves to the roof.

She said Barry came to her and asked if she wanted to have a prayer while the water rose.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"He said a beautiful prayer," she said. "In about 10 minutes, the water began to calm down and recede."

Matteson said they never had to get onto the roof.

"Thanks to our Heavenly Father, we were saved," she said.

Nasa Aiding Massive Search For Texas Flood Victims With Aerial Views Of Aftermath

Betty Matteson climbing into the back of a truck following the flooding.

Matteson said she's experienced flooding, but not to this extent.

"Nothing like this, have I ever seen," she said.

Unfortunately, Matteson's home was badly damaged in the flooding.

Heres How To Help The Victims Of The Texas Flooding

Betty Matteson's home in Hunt, Texas, before the flooding.

Her family created a GoFundMe to help her moving forward, as she didn't have flood insurance on her home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"People have been so incredibly generous," her daughter Sherry Matteson said.

To donate to Betty's flood fund, find her GoFundMe here.





Original article source: 94-year-old woman describes racing to attic to flee water filling home during Texas floods
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Roughly a week after deadly flooding impacted Texas, Ohio Task Force 1 is being deployed.

According to an OH-TF1 spokesperson, crews are headed to the Lone Star state to assist with search, rescue and recovery efforts. Deploying members include two Canine Search Specialists with 2 canines, as well as a search team manager.

Heightened security expected at Wright-Patt AFB

We look forward to working with the great folks in Texas and assisting those in need, said OH-TF1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

FEMAs Urban Search and Rescue System activated the members today at 12:15 p.m. Members are departing the Vandalia headquarters early Friday evening for Texas.

Instead of the normal nearly 90-member task force, federal leaders only requested the search K-9s and their handlers based on what they needed.

Task force members say if FEMA and Texas officials are still calling for additional help a week after the disaster, the situation is truly dire.

If theyre still activating resources and they still have needs, whatever the mission we get, thats what we are going to do, said Dave Kelly, OH-TF1 search team manager.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Melissa Morgan, K-9 search specialist at OH-TF1, said the K-9 members can use their noses to tell their handlers in real-time where they should be going.

Part of it is they move much better than we do, especially when youre talking about mud, a lot of bad debris, stuff that we have to climb over, said Morgan. They can move across these things much easier than us.

It is unclear how long OH-TF1 members will be deployed.

To find a list of organizations to donate to and support, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Supporters of Mahmoud Khalil rally outside the federal courthouse in Newark on March 28, 2025. (Reena Rose Sibayan for New Jersey Monitor)

A pro-Palestinian activist who has been targeted for deportation by the Trump administration is seeking $20 million in damages from the federal government.

Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil, who was jailed in March and set for deportation until a federal judge in New Jersey ordered his release last month, said if Khalils bid for damages is successful, he would use the money to help others similarly targeted by the Trump administration and Columbia University. Khalil is a recent Columbia graduate and gained prominence with his anti-Israel protests on the schools campus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Center for Constitutional Rights filed the request for damages in the form of a tort claim, a precursor to a federal lawsuit.

The Trump administrations unconstitutional targeting of Mr. Khalil led to severe harms that he continues to navigate, including financial loss, reputational damage, and emotional distress, Samah Sisay, staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights, said in a statement. The government must take accountability for their unlawful actions and compensate Mr. Khalil for his suffering.

The center said Khalil would accept, in lieu of payment, an official apology from the Trump administration and the abandonment of the administrations unconstitutional policy. Khalil, a Syrian-born legal resident of the United States, has argued he was arrested because of his anti-Israel advocacy.

The Trump administration claims he can be deported because that advocacy is detrimental to American foreign policy interests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Khalil was detained at his New York home and eventually transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana, where he spent a total of 104 days locked up. He was one of the first pro-Palestinian activists to face arrest and deportation by the Trump administration.

While in custody, cabinet officials publicly labeled Khalil as pro-Hamas, and Trump on social media said Khalils arrest was the first of many to come. Those comments stained Khalils reputation, causing him to lose a job offer from a human rights nonprofit, Khalils lawyers say.

The new filing names the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the State Department and alleges claims of false arrest and imprisonment, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

As a direct result of this unlawful conduct by U.S. officials, Mr. Khalil was deprived of his liberty. ICE officials undertook an unlawful and warrantless arrest of Mr. Khalil and transported him over long distances, all while being denied access to his attorney, according to the Center.

The U.S. Department of Justice declined to comment.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
STIGLER, Okla. (KFOR)  According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, additional charges have been filed in a double homicide investigation in Haskell County.

Officials say on April 5, 2025, the Haskell County Sheriffs Office requested the OSBIs help with a homicide investigation. Around 6 p.m. that day, deputies responded to a shooting near Cass Road. Upon arrival, they found 56-year-old Tina Mitchell, who had suffered from stab wounds as well as multiple apparent gunshot wounds.

ORIGINAL STORY: Two arrested following homicide investigation in Haskell County

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The investigation led authorities to two suspects, 49-year-old Billy Mitchell, who left the scene on foot, and 39-year-old Jack Swanda, who was still on scene when deputies arrived. Swanda was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries.

Billy Mitchell. Image courtesy OSBI.

Jack Swanda. Image courtesy OSBI.

According to the OSBI, Mitchell was later found hiding nearby. He was arrested and booked into the Haskell County Jail. Once Swanda was released from the hospital, he was also arrested and booked into the Haskell County Jail.

Upon further investigation, another body was found on the property. That individual has been identified as 75-year-old Shirley Fisher, who is Mitchells biological mother. Fishers cause of death was determined to be strangulation.

Officials say on July 9, 2025, the Haskell County District Attorneys Office charged Mitchell with another count of First Degree Murder for the death of Fisher.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The investigation is still ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A west suburban swimming pool is instituting additional security measures after hundreds of teenagers and young adults flooded the facility last weekend, prompting the pools early closure and one arrest.

The village of Glen Ellyn announced the additional security in a statement to its website Thursday in the wake of some 200 to 300 teens and young adults crowding Sunset Pool, 483 Fairview Ave., a week ago.

Glen Ellyn police officers were called to the July 5 gathering shortly before 5 p.m., the department said in a news release. Officers observed some attendees entering without paying, smoking cannabis, consuming alcoholic beverages  which was in violation of the Glen Ellyn Park Districts ordinances  and igniting illegal fireworks, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Describing several attendees behavior as unruly, police said the Glen Ellyn Park District opted to close the pool early. Neighboring jurisdictions assisted with evaluating the facility, police said.

One person was charged with illegal use of fireworks, police said. Glen Ellyn police did not return multiple requests for comment.

In the villages online statement Thursday, it stated, Additional security measures will be in place at Sunset Pool this coming weekend and in the future, if warranted. The village did not say what exactly the measures would entail.

No major injuries or property damage were reported, the village said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These types of incidents  often involving large, fast-forming gatherings of young people  can arise suddenly, the village said in its statement. While some are promoted on social media, others form without advance notice, making them difficult to predict.

Asked if the Glen Ellyn Park District was aware of the gathering ahead of time, district Executive Director Dave Thommes said in an email, There were no confirmed indications beforehand, but that the situation suggests it may have been informally organized through social media.

An incident like last weeks gathering has not taken place at one of the Park Districts facilities before, Thommes said.

In a statement, the district said it is using this incident as an opportunity to evaluate our training and policies in preparation for such challenges moving forward. Asked if the district was exploring any new precautions in particular, Thommes said, At this time, we are not prepared to share specific details about potential changes or new policies, but we are thoroughly reviewing all aspects of our operations  from admissions policies to staff training.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This kind of gathering is not unique to Glen Ellyn. About 30 minutes south of the village in Naperville, there have been several planned teen takeover events in the city since earlier this spring. On June 14, Naperville police allegedly found a 14-year-old carrying a loaded, semiautomatic pistol at a downtown takeover, authorities said.

Takeovers have also become a high-profile concern in Chicagos downtown neighborhoods over the past few years. However, Mayor Brandon Johnson last month issued a rare mayoral veto after aldermen granted Chicagos police superintendent the power to declare a teen curfew anytime, anywhere in the city. The ordinance was broached to deter takeovers.

Chicago Tribunes Jake Sheridan contributed.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
By Saeed Azhar and Niket Nishant

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Pretium, a real-estate focused investment firm founded by Goldman Sachs alum Don Mullen, said on Thursday it has originated more than $1 billion in loans to homebuilders in the last six months.

The company, which manages $60 billion of assets, started issuing these loans, in partnership with its real estate arm Anchor Loans, to expand its footprint in the residential real estate market.

The ongoing housing shortage in the United States, coupled with traditional banks retreating from real estate lending due to regulatory pressures and risk concerns, has opened up space for private capital firms like Pretium to step in and play a larger role in residential financing.

As of September 30 last year, the U.S. was short about 3.7 million homes, according to estimates by Freddie Mac. Such shortages can drive up home prices and rents, and also restrict workforce mobility.

Pretium said the $1 billion of loans were expected to help construct nearly 5,000 new homes. The company aims to become one of the biggest lenders to the U.S. homebuilding industry by 2027.

It is another sign of how private credit players are expanding into areas of lending earlier dominated by regional or smaller banks.

"These smaller builders build half the homes every year in the United States and they're critical to addressing this housing shortage that we have. And, that's the client that we're looking for, that we're trying to finance," Co-President Jonathan Pruzan told Reuters.

"These are experienced, qualified borrowers that have been finding it much more challenging to find financing than they did two to four or five years ago, where they used to get financed by smaller or regional banks."

Mullen founded the firm in 2012 after serving as a Goldman partner. Former Morgan Stanley Chief Operating Officer Pruzan and former Goldman Chief Financial Officer Stephen Scherr serve as Pretium's co-presidents.

(Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru and Saeed Azhar in New York; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Louise Heavens)
The German parliament's commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide during the Bosnian War on Friday was overshadowed by controversial comments from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Julia Klockner, the president of the Bundestag - Germany's lower house of parliament - commemorated the 8,000 Muslims murdered by Bosnian Serbs from July 11, 1995, stating that "Srebrenica was the worst war crime on European soil since World War II."

The massacre was formally recognized as a genocide by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But AfD lawmaker Alexander Wolf questioned the use of the term, calling it "political" and highlighting attacks on Serbian communities during the conflict.

"The Serbs shot men there, but basically spared women and children," he argued.

The statements were sharply condemned by rival parties in the Bundestag.

Jurgen Hardt, from the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), accused Wolf of denying the genocide and of "siding with the perpetrators and not with the victims."

The AfD's Martin Sichert subsequently argued that "Srebrenica warns us to end multiculturalism before it is too late," prompting left-wing lawmakers to turn their backs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In response, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul took to the stand in an unplanned speech, saying that the government "of course" recognizes the genocide.

Klockner commemorates victims

Klockner earlier said the genocide was a failure of the United Nations, whose peacekeeping forces did not offer protection to those seeking refuge.

"With brutal violence, the attackers separated families and deported women, children and the elderly," she stated. "They kept men and boys behind in order to systematically murder them in the days that followed."

On July 11, 1995, Bosnian Serbs conquered the Muslim enclave of Srebrenica, which had been declared a "safe area" by the UN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the subsequent days, around 8,000 people were murdered, the majority of which were men and adolescent boys.

Women, girls and children were deported in buses to the front line of the area controlled by the Bosnian army.
Jul. 10Clusters of people, some holding American flags, watched from the sides of Coeur d'Alene streets Thursday morning as police, fire and other emergency trucks, cars and motorcycles rolled by in a funeral procession honoring a Coeur d'Alene firefighter who was shot on Canfield Mountain.

The procession for Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, started at English Funeral Chapel north of downtown Coeur d'Alene, proceeded south on Third Street, east through downtown on Sherman Avenue and finished under an enormous American flag blowing in the wind high above ladder trucks that hoisted Old Glory into the air on Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive.

Morrison and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, were responding to a fire late last month at the mountain on the east end of Coeur d'Alene when authorities believe they were ambushed by a gunman. Coeur d'Alene Fire Department engineer Dave Tysdal, 47, was shot and wounded .

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The public is invited to line the same route at 10 a.m. Friday for Harwood's procession.

Mary Fritz was one of the several hundred who gathered on one of the three streets to pay their respects. She drove from her Kellogg residence to honor the ultimate sacrifice the firefighters made.

Fritz, a retired Idaho Department of Lands public information officer, has been around fires that have killed firefighters. But this was different.

"We never expect to roll up on a fire and have something like this happen," said Fritz, who comes out of retirement each summer for the state to help push wildfire information out to the public.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fritz, who was standing on Third Street and Harrison Avenue, said she was one of the public information officers for the Canfield fire. She said she's heartbroken for the firefighters and affected families.

"This was a devastating experience, something we never imagined in the wildland firefighting community," Fritz said. "It affects all of us that work in wildland fire."

To the south on Third Street, Charles Barrera and his 7-year-old nephew, Logan Snider, stood outside Barrera's black Chevrolet Camaro with an American flag hanging outside the window and waited for the procession to start.

"It's important to me to be able to pay respect for these gentlemen who sacrificed their lives, put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe," said Barrera, a 34-year-old Post Falls resident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Barrera said he was in "disbelief" when he heard the news of the June 29 ambush.

"It was really tough to think that that could happen anywhere, let alone right in the backyard," he said.

Will Andrews, holding a black and white American flag with a red stripe signifying respect and support for firefighters, stood along Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive with his wife Kenzie and son Waylon, 9, to honor Morrison. Andrews and his wife reflected on their friend, Harwood, who worked out at Will Andrews' Coeur d'Alene gym.

Will Andrews said he owned Andrews Strength and Performance, now called American Strength and Performance, for about six years before selling it about four years ago. Harwood was one of the gym's first members and would come in for a workout after his firefighting shift. The Andrews and Harwood families became close and went camping together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We feel lucky and honored to have the opportunity to know Frank and get to know him and his family," he said.

He said Harwood had a "contagious smile" and "contagious attitude" that made him great to be around. He was "genuinely a great person," as well as a good father, husband and friend, he said.

Kenzie Andrews said Harwood's family was his "No. 1 priority."

"You could tell he loved his family," she said.

Harwood had an "amazing work capacity" in the gym, Will Andrews said. .

"This guy had iron lungs," he said. "I mean, he could just nonstop work. He never looked like he was tired. He would always finish, put his hands on his hip and just have a big smile."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kenzie Andrews said Harwood started getting into long-distance running. The couple said Harwood didn't even train for one of the long runs he completed.

Will Andrews said Harwood and his firefighter brothers motivated him to become a first responder. He is now a volunteer emergency medical technician at Timberlake Fire Protection District in Athol.

"It's men like Frank who have motivated me and inspired me to pursue that same path," he said.

Will Andrews said it was "really awesome" to see the community come out to support its fallen firefighters.

"We have an amazing community for our first responders," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He also said it's good to see surrounding agencies cover Coeur d'Alene first responders' shifts so they could participate in the procession and funeral services Thursday and Friday.

"I just think that is so awesome and just drives home why I want to be part of that," he said.
The Raccoon River weaves past downtown Des Moines, Iowa, in June. One of the primary drinking water sources for the region, the river has high nitrate levels that have led to water restrictions for some 600,000 customers. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

For nearly a month, hundreds of thousands of Iowans have not been allowed to water their lawns  even though theres no drought.

Local authorities previously asked the public to refrain from washing cars and filling pools. And some cities turned off splash pads in the height of summer heat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While such measures are common during dry periods, theres no shortage of water: Rather, the water in and around Des Moines contains too much nitrate, a natural component of soil and a byproduct of commercial fertilizer and livestock manure. Persistent rainfall has flushed nutrients out of fertilized fields into streams and rivers.

While the water bans are temporary, theyre the starkest sign yet of the states long-brewing struggle with high nitrate levels in streams and rivers that supply drinking water.

Its a big deal: the first time ever that lawn watering has been banned, said Tami Madsen, executive director of Central Iowa Water Works, a regional water authority serving 600,000 people.

Federal law limits nitrate levels in drinking water because of its association with infant asphyxia, also known as blue baby syndrome. And a growing body of research has found links between nitrate consumption and cancer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Iowas problems are uniquely severe, nitrate levels are a rising concern in other regions, from California to the Chesapeake Bay. And climate change is expected to worsen the problem as more intense cycles of drought and severe storms increase farm runoff.

Iowas concentration of fertilized row crops and massive livestock confinements that produce tons of nitrogen-rich manure have caused concerns over increased nitrate levels for years. And the states unique underground system of farm drainage pipes quickly pumps nitrate and other nutrients into streams and rivers.

The water system serving the Des Moines metro area has invested heavily in nitrate filtration and removal equipment. The primary facility in Des Moines, one of the largest nitrate removal systems in the world, costs $16,000 per day to operate, Madsen said.

Im confident in our ability to continue to provide safe drinking water, Madsen said. Its just going to be at what cost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More frequent and extreme storms because of climate change will heighten the problems nationwide, said Rebecca Logsdon Muenich, an associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering at the University of Arkansas.

Because nitrogen travels with water, nitrate levels are especially hard to control during times of severe weather.

Muenich said farm conservation practices such as establishing wetlands and landscape buffers can help keep nitrogen out of water supplies. But the growth of the livestock industry, availability of cheap crop fertilizer and lack of regulation over nitrogen application make nitrate levels hard to control.

Weve kind of put ourselves in a bind unless we start investing in better technologies or more conservation, she said.

The role of agriculture

As hundreds of thousands of residents were being asked to conserve water last month, a group of 16 experts released a years-in-the-making report analyzing the quality of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, the main sources of drinking water for the Des Moines region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The researchers found that central Iowa rivers have some of the nations highest nitrate levels, routinely exceeding the federal drinking water standard. While some pollutants are naturally occurring, the researchers concluded that most of the nitrogen in the two rivers comes from farmland.

Commissioned in 2023 by Polk County, the states most populous county and home to Des Moines, the report underscored the connection between industrial agriculture and water quality.

Central Iowa rivers have some of the nations highest nitrate levels.

Larry Weber, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Iowa who worked on the report, said Iowas problem spreads to other areas: Iowa waterways export hundreds of millions of pounds of nitrogen per year, much of it flowing into the Mississippi River and eventually the Gulf of Mexicos dead zone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said water restrictions may become more common as more cities confront high nitrate levels.

This is happening more frequently and its going to continue to happen more frequently, he said.

Weber said individual farmers arent necessarily to blame for the crisis. Theyre doing their best to survive market demands and operate within federal farm policy. But he said the broader industry and the state could do more to invest in conservation methods to prevent pollution.

He noted that Iowa lawmakers in 2023 cut $500,000 for a water quality monitoring network across the state. While the Iowa Nutrient Research Center received a short-term grant to stay open, Weber said next year it will shut down 75 sensors that measure nitrate and other pollutants in state waters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The agricultural system doesnt want this unfortunately difficult information to be made available, he said.

A spokesperson for the Iowa Farm Bureau referred questions to the state agriculture department.

In a statement to Stateline, Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, a Republican, said many Iowa groups are working on conservation and infrastructure projects to improve water quality.

Were not interested in stoking animosity between rural and urban neighbors, the statement said. Agriculture, conservation, recreation, urban and rural development, and business growth can and must co-exist in Iowa.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a lengthy social media post last month, Naig said nitrate levels were primarily driven by weather and stream flows. The secretary said advances in farming practices can help farmers apply fertilizer more efficiently and touted efforts such as new wetlands and structures that reduce stream erosion.

But he said the fast-growing Des Moines area also needed to examine its investments in water treatment infrastructure to meet future needs.

The blame game is unproductive, he wrote.

On Tuesday, Naigs department announced a $1.9 million water quality project upstream of Des Moines. That project will install landscape buffers and bioreactors to help reduce runoff of nitrate and other nutrients. The department is contributing $244,000 of that money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Matt McCoy, chair of the Polk County Board of Supervisors, said that local government is trying to work with landowners and farmers to prevent water pollution. The county has spent millions on projects to seed cover crops and plant vegetative buffers between fields and waterways to prevent runoff of pollutants, including nitrogen.

I dont think we want to disparage agriculture and farming because its such a big part of who we are as a state, McCoy said.

A former Democratic state lawmaker, McCoy said the recent water restrictions and daily news reports on nitrate levels in local rivers have elevated public awareness of water quality concerns.

There are conversations that I know are happening now that were not happening prior to the restrictions, he said.

Citizen action

The water restrictions in Iowa sparked an influx of interest from locals in the Izaak Walter League of Americas Nitrate Watch program, which provides volunteers with nitrate test kits and maps the results from across the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heather Wilson, the leagues Midwest Save Our Streams coordinator, said the nonprofit environmental organization received more than 300 inquiries from Iowans during a single week in June. For comparison, the organization received about 500 inquiries from across the nation during the first six months of the year.

While the problems in the Des Moines area are severe, she said, volunteers are recording rising nitrate levels across the state. The project gives people who can often feel helpless an active way to contribute to the understanding of nitrate pollution.

I feel like Im meticulously documenting the death of my home and nobody else gives a rip.

 Northeast Iowa retired science teacher Birgitta Meade

Its really empowering to be able to put resources in peoples hands so that they can measure the waterways that they personally care about, she said.

Retired science teacher Birgitta Meade has been testing nitrates around her rural northeast Iowa home for years both as classroom instruction and for Nitrate Watch.

Theyre higher than I have ever tested at any prior point, she said. I feel like Im meticulously documenting the death of my home and nobody else gives a rip.

Meade said shes considering investing in a reverse osmosis system to remove nitrates from her homes private well. Though her nitrate levels are below the federal drinking water standard, she pointed to the growing body of research linking cancer with consumption of nitrate  even at lower levels.

Meade acknowledged the pressures facing farmers, but she said she grows frustrated every time she drives past giant storage containers full of fertilizer and other farm chemicals.

These are people who are choosing to poison their neighbors, she said. And this is just untenable.

Small towns struggle

Climate change will only intensify nitrogen pollution, said Thomas Harter, a professor and water researcher at the University of California, Davis. Last year, he worked on research that found drought and heavy rains accelerate the speed of nitrogen absorption into groundwater.

In some parts of Californias Central Valley, nearly a third of drinking and irrigation wells exceed federal nitrogen standards.

We are ever more productive on the grower side, and that means more fertilizer being used and more fertilizer being lost to groundwater and to streams, Harter said.

Thats particularly challenging for drinking water systems serving small population bases.

It gets really expensive for really small systems and its also a lot of maintenance, he said.

Thats a reality currently facing Pratt, Kansas, a community of about 6,500 people, where some wells have recorded nitrate levels above the federal standard.

City Manager Regina Goff said nitrate levels are pushing the communitys pursuit of a new water treatment facility thats expected to cost upward of $45 million. The citys proposed 2025 budget totaled about $35.7 million.

Goff said the city is exploring financing options, including potential grants. But she said its frustrating for the town to spend so much to meet regulatory standards for safe drinking water, which she characterized as an unfunded mandate.

Currently, nearly a quarter of the citys groundwater supply is unavailable because of high nitrate levels. But the city must notify residents of high nitrate levels even in wells that are not pumping.

It causes a panic, Goff said. Thats been a hard pill for us to swallow as a city  that we have to alarm our population even though we know theres no possibility of harm.

This story is republished from Stateline, a sister publication to the Kentucky Lantern and part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said Thursday that the state will receive a portion of approximately $720 million in new opioid settlements.

The settlements were reached between a bipartisan coalition of states and eight generic manufacturers of opioids and opioid products, Tong said.

The more the merrier: Lamont reacts to Democratic candidate for governor

As much as $8.4 million could be sent to Connecticut to be used for the states addiction treatment and prevention programs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new settlements are the latest in a string of legal actions resulting from investigations and lawsuits brought by red and blue states alike against firms in the opioid industry.

The actions are part of a sweeping effort to make those companies bear some of the enormous costs of the nationwide opioid crisis. Though the exact claims brought against each company are different, Tong said they all broadly fit the same pattern.

Theyre part of this overall problem and conspiracy that continues to kill thousands and thousands of people across our country, Tong said of the firms.

Under the terms of the settlement, the money will be accompanied by limitations on each of the companys future manufacturing of opioids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Seven of the eight companies are barred from marketing or promoting opioid products. Theyre also prohibited from making products that have more than 40 milligrams of oxycodone per pill. One company, Indivior, will not make opioid products for the next decade, but will be permitted to continue selling treatments for opioid use disorder. Tong noted that those restrictions are equally, if not more important as the monetary payments.

News 8 reached out to each of the eight companies involved in the settlements asking them to respond to Tongs statements.

As of 6 p.m. on Thursday, only one, Viatris, provided a response.

While the Companys presence in the U.S. opioids market is very small, the Company has agreed to this settlement to provide closure on these matters, Viatriss statement read in part. This settlement is in no way an admission of wrongdoing or liability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The statement went on to note that Viatris is a manufacturer of other products, like a generic version of the overdose reversal drug naloxone and a generic mixture of naloxone and buprenorphine that is used to treat opioid addiction.

Connecticut has been at the forefront of action against the opioid industry. That status is due in part to the presence of Purdue Pharma, the creator of the prolific opioid product OxyContin, in Stamford.

Democratic state representative for Hamden launches bid for Connecticut governor

A succession of Connecticut attorneys general  from Richard Blumenthal to George Jepsen and now Tong  have scrutinized the practices of Purdue. A lawsuit initiated under Jepsen alleged that the Stamford-based firm peddled a series of falsehoods in selling its line of opioid products to doctors and patients.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This year, all 50 states and the District of Columbia greenlit a $7.4 billion settlement with the company.

Though Purdue is not a party to the settlements announced on Thursday, the claims Tong made against the eight defendants traced the same outlines as the case against the OxyContin purveyor.

They knew, Tong said. They knew that these drugs are highly addictive.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AGAWAM  A week after neighbors packed a Planning Board meeting to oppose a lithium battery facility, the Agawam City Council added its voice to calls for local control over such energy storage installations.

The Agawam City Council voted 10-1 on July 7 to support a bill introduced in the Legislature that would prohibit the state from giving a permit to any battery storage facility until the local select board or city council holds a public hearing and approves the project.

At a July 2 meeting, the towns Planning Board approved a site plan for a proposal by New Leaf Energy to build a 5 megawatt lithium battery system at 404 Silver St. in Agawam.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In neighboring communities where battery plants have been controversial, local boards could only consider whether the project followed the general rules on height, setback, wetlands protection and the like  not whether town residents welcome it.

Battery facilities receive their development permits from the state. If the bill that Agawam councilors support becomes law, that would change.

Were sending a clear message to Boston: Not every city and town is the same, said Councilor Anthony Russo. We should have a say when something like this comes into our community.

Opponents of battery facilities in Agawam and Westfield have pointed to fires at other battery banks in California and New York, and aired worries about air and water pollution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thomas Hendrickson was the only Agawam councilor to vote against the resolution. He called the objections regarding the New Leaf facility imagined concerns.

Im not aware of any legitimate evidence to suggest that (battery storage) systems pose any significant risk to public safety, the environment, or disruption to the community, Hendrickson said. I understand theres a lot of people that are scared or worried about the technology. I think as public officials, its our job to reassure people that everythings perfectly safe, perfectly fine, with no issues, and this resolution only contributes to that fear that people have.

He said the reality is that battery storage systems are a necessary component in a more environmentally friendly energy grid, allowing electricity to continue flowing even when there is no wind for turbines or sun for solar panels.

Jessica Dion was one of a few Agawam residents who spoke at the start of the meeting, urging councilors to vote yes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Agawam deserves a voice in what is built in town, she said. We deserve transparency and we deserve the right to protect our land, our wildlife and our quality of life.

City Councilor Robert Rossi agreed: I dont like Boston and Washington making decisions about how were going to live, he said.

The bill was filed by state Reps. Kelly Pease, R-Westfield, and Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, and later cosponsored by state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, R-Southwick, who represents most of Agawam. The towns state senator, John Velis, D-Westfield, signed on as a cosponsor this week, after the City Council vote.

Rossi and Edward Borgatti were two of the 10 votes in favor of the Agawam City Council resolution, but both cast doubt that a council resolution would sway legislators on Beacon Hill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Borgatti said phone calls from the 100 or more people who have been showing up at Planning Board meetings to oppose the battery facility in Agawam would influence legislators more than receiving a sheet of paper from a town board.

more news from Western Massachusetts

Read the original article on MassLive.
Good morning!

Earlier this week I had an interview with one of the most hustle culture-driven founders Ive talked to in a long time.

Sebastian Jimenez is the CEO and cofounder of Rilla, a software company that provides transcription solutions for sales and service teams. He doesnt believe in work-life balance and expects his roughly 80 employees to put in at least 70 hours per week in-person at the office. Thats a big ask, but the company offers competitive compensation and some niche benefits to sweeten the deal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to traditional benefits like medical, the company expenses gym memberships, covers at least two meals per day and pays for Ubers should employees stay late. But theres one benefit in particular that stands out from the rest: If an employee chooses to live within a five to 10 minute commute from the office, they get $1,500 a month towards rent.

Thats certainly a tempting proposal given the high costs of New York City rent. But Jimenez says thats not the point. The real aim is to get employees into the office for as much time as humanly possible. So far, around a dozen workers have taken Rilla up on the rent offer.

If you live 30 minutes away from the office, thats an hour a day that you could be working, says Jimenez, who also lives within a short walk to the office.

That kind of live-to-work ethos isnt for everyone, and Rilla is also very clear with prospective employees about whats expected of them. But it is an example of a company with a particular world view that created benefits to reflect that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is by no means the way to run every startup, says Jimenez. This is just the way it works for us.

You can read more about Rillas rent stipend here.

Brit Morse

brit.morse@fortune.com

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
U.S. military aid shipments to Ukraine have been restored amid a previous pause in weapons deliveries, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an evening address on July 11.

"We have received political signals at the highest level  good signals  including from the United States and from our European friends. According to all reports, aid shipments have been restored," he said.

The United States halted weapons shipments to Ukraine amid a capability review, the White House and Pentagon previously confirmed, with U.S. President Donald Trump on July 3 denying the pause.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Days later, Trump said that the United States would provide Ukraine with additional shipments of weapons amid intensified Russian attacks.

In his address, Zelensky noted that Kyiv will continue to discuss military aid deliveries with U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg.

"We will continue our work next week with the American side at the military level, in particular, our military will be working with General Kellogg," Zelensky said.

Kellogg is set to arrive in Ukraine on July 14 for a week-long visit. Zelensky and Kellogg met days earlier ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Kellogg are expected to meet in Kyiv, with Kellogg's spokesperson Morgan Murphy saying the meeting was "set up before news of the arms pause came to light last week."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump and Zelensky spoke on July 4, agreeing to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses amid intensified Russian strikes.

Zelensky described his recent phone call with Trump as "the best conversation in all this time" in an evening address on July 5.

"This was probably the best conversation in all this time, it was maximally productive. We discussed the topic of air defenses. I am grateful for the readiness to help," Zelensky said, describing his phone call with Trump.

A day prior to speaking with Zelensky, Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to discuss ending Russia's war against Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump described his July 3 conversation with Putin as disappointing, saying that the call "didn't make any progress" in stopping Russia's war.

The weapons reportedly held back during the U.S. aid halt include two dozen Patriot air defense missiles, over two dozen Stinger air-defense systems, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, drones, and more than 90 AIM air-to-air missiles launched from F-16 fighter jets.

Read also: Russias new drone tactic  rolling out mass terror across all of Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Some Alabama law enforcement agencies are trying new approaches when called to a scene with someone who may be experiencing mental illness. (Douglas Sacha/Getty Images)

The director of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission (ACVCC) said Thursday the commission has nearly cleared a backlog of claims that led to protests by nonprofit groups and the first direct legislative appropriations to the commission in its four-decade history.

Everette Johnson, the executive director of the ACVCC, said at a meeting of the commission Thursday that it had completely caught up on a backlog that had run to 1,900 cases when he took over in 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We just drew a line in the sand and said Well bring the retirees to handle the old stuff, and then our current staff will take care of anything new coming in and that way we stay up to date, he said.

Johnson said during the period of backlogs, the commission was averaging anywhere between 100 to 120 applications a month being filed on top of the backlogged claims. Now, he said, there about 260 cases remaining, all due to filers having a felony conviction waiting to be adjudicated.

Muaath Al-Khattab, a Montgomery hub community organizer for Faith in Action Alabama, which worked with applicants to process claims, said Thursday the organization is happy the case backlog has been reduced.

We like to try as much as we can to keep a good working relationship with the commission and hold them accountable, but also be supportive of what theyve done going forward to help victims, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Alabama Legislature created the ACVCC in 1984 to provide financial aid to victims of crime and their families. The commission offers payments for funerals, emergencies, and medical or counseling costs.

But the ACVCC struggled to meet applications as revenue from fines and fees, its chief source of income, began falling. Applicants found themselves waiting a year or more for responses to applications. After protests from applicants and groups working with them, the Alabama Legislature in 2023 directly appropriated $1.5 million to the commission to help it clear the backlog. The governors office allocated another $1 million to it.

ACVCC has been receiving fewer applications than they typically have this quarter, Johnson said Thursday. Between May and June there were only about 70 applications submitted, he said.

Our applications have decreased this past year which is troublesome, but thats not in our control, Johnson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Johnson said there was no particular reason for the lack of applications submitted and said ACVCC does victim service outreach to let victims know they can receive compensation.

We see violent crime happening in our communities every day around the state, so were hoping that were able to make contact with these victims to make sure they know help is available to them, Johnson said.

The new funds will also go towards increasing payout caps for victims which Johnson said were decreased due to funding cuts in previous years.

Were not completely there, but well be able to hopefully release some more money to help victims that weve stymied because of the lack of funding, he said.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Police Department confirms that an Alabama State trooper shot himself in the finger during a traffic stop in Birmingham Thursday afternoon.

According to Assistant Public Information Officer DeRell Freeman, the accident took place around 1 p.m. on Interstate 59 near Oporto-Madrid Boulevard. The trooper was conducting a traffic stop and noticed guns inside the drivers vehicle.

The trooper called for backup and accidentally shot himself in the finger while other officers were on their way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have also reached out to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and are awaiting further information on what transpired.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
This map from the U.S. Geological Survey shows the former Nazi Creek on Little Kiska Island. (U.S. Geological Survey photo)

A small creek on Alaskas Little Kiska Island has been renamed, more than 80 years after it was named after Germanys Nazi Party by World War II soldiers fighting in the Aleutians.

Nazi Creek was the last landmark in the United States to bear the Nazi name. Its new name is Kaxchim Chiganaa, meaning either gizzard creek or creek or river belonging to gizzard island in Unangam Tunuu, the language of the Indigenous Unangax people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, the Domestic Names Committee of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names voted 17-0 to approve the new name, without discussion.

The boards decision allows the federal government to officially change the creeks name in federal databases that are the official repository of geographic names. That repository is used by federal agencies and commercial companies that provide maps to the general public.

The board also approved the renaming of nearby Nip Hill, named by soldiers using a derogatory term for Japanese people. That hill was renamed Kaxchim Qayaa, or gizzard hill, again using the traditional name for Little Kiska Island, which is not far from Kiska Island, site of a World War II battle.

Michael Livingston, an employee of the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, has been working for almost two years to have the names changed. Moses Dirks, an expert on Unangam Tunuu, recommended the new names.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think thats pretty awesome. I think elders  and others are happy about it. It really should have never been there in the first place, Livingston said of Thursdays vote.

Like one of my teachers  used to say, if you know something that can make our community better, our villages better, be brave and stand up and say something about it, do something about it, Livingston said.

The new names were previously recommended by the Alaska Historical Commission, which considered them in April. The changes were endorsed by local Native tribes and Native corporations, the Museum of the Aleutians, the manager of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Congregation Beth Sholom of Anchorage, and the Alaska Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, among others.

Kiska Island is located 242 miles west of Adak, at the far end of the Aleutian Islands. The area has been mostly uninhabited since World War II, when invading Japanese forces took 42 people on Attu Island prisoner. More than half died in Japanese internment camps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The United States forcibly relocated almost 900 Unangax residents of the Aleutian Islands, housing them in unsuitable internment camps in Southeast Alaska and elsewhere. Many became sick and died from the conditions imposed by the government.

Aleutian Islands residents subsequently received reparations from the federal government under legislation that also paid reparations to Japanese Americans also interned during the war.

Livingstons work isnt yet complete. Hes also seeking to rename Quisling Cove, a small body of water named after the Norwegian Nazi collaborator Vidkun Quisling. That name change remains pending.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
10 Years Ago, Troy Newmans CMP Shocked the World with Gruesome Revelation that Planned Parenthood Trafficked Baby Body Parts for Profit





NEWS PRIVIDED BY

Operation Rescue

July 11, 2025

WICHITA, Kan., July 11, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ -- Operation Rescue President Troy Newman celebrates the ten-year anniversary of a ground-breaking undercover project that shook the abortion industry to its core.

On July 14, 2015, the first of a series of undercover videos was released showing Planned Parenthood executives discussing the gruesome details of their program for harvesting organs and tissue from babies aborted at Planned Parenthood facilities nationwide. The tiny livers, hearts, brains, and limbs were then sold to middle-man organ distributors and/or research laboratories around the world.

The investigative expose was the work of the Center for Medical Progress (CMP), a group of pro-life citizen journalists and activists, including Newman. From day one, Newman served as a founding member on the CMPs board and provided advice and funding to the undercover fact-finding project.

Together, they stunned the world and left America's largest abortion purveyor in a state of turmoil.

I am honored to have been a part of this historic investigation, even though it came at great personal cost to those of us involved in revealing the horrific truth about the illicit trade in aborted baby parts, said Newman. Todays Planned Parenthood is vastly different from what it was in 2015. It is a weaker organization with waning political influence that is now collapsing from within.

The series of videos depicted abortionists describing in their own callous words the illegal practice of altering abortion procedures  not for the health of women  but to obtain the most marketable organs.

The videos only got worse from there. An organ harvesting technician described how later term babies were born intact  many with their tiny hearts still beating as the desired organs were cut from their chests.

In retaliation, Planned Parenthood sued Newman and the rest of the CMP Board under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) in a hostile San Francisco Civil Court. In 2019, the pro-lifers were ordered to pay Planned Parenthood and its attorneys approximately $17 million, a judgment that still hangs over their heads.

Newman emphasized that the goals of their investigations were to document the aborted baby trafficking, prompt criminal prosecutions for legal violations, and use the evidence to persuade Congress to defund Planned Parenthood.

Ten years later, findings from the investigation contributed to the inclusion of Planned Parenthoods complete defunding for at least one year in President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill. As many as 200 Planned Parenthood clinics are predicted to close due to the halt in taxpayer funding.

In June, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) also announced a new investigation by the House Oversight Committee into Planned Parenthoods dubious financial practices that could result in criminal referrals.

Earlier this year, President Trump tapped Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bhattacharya has stated he is absolutely committed to ending the use of fetal tissue in government research.

Our work has led to positive results, said Newman. It has been quite a ride over the past ten years, and our investigations continue to yield fruit.

Operation Rescue is a leading Christian activist organization dedicated to saving innocent, preborn babies by utilizing investigative techniques to expose deceit, neglect, and abuse within the abortion cartel, while demanding enforcement of state and federal standards and statutes. We aim to create an abortion-free America.

Click here to support Operation Rescue.

SOURCE Operation Rescue

CONTACT: Troy Newman, President, 316-683-6790 ext. 111

Sarah Neely, Chief Operating Officer, 316-683-6790
(Reuters) -The Italian candy maker behind Ferrero Rocher and Nutella is nearing a deal to buy cereal maker WK Kellogg, a source told Reuters, an acquisition that would combine two of the world's best known consumer food makers.

Shares of WK Kellogg  the company behind Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes  surged about 55% in extended trading, after the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday reported that Ferrero could finalize the roughly $3 billion deal as soon as this week. WK Kellogg currently has a market value of about $1.5 billion.

The companies did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Purchasing WK Kellogg would be privately held Ferrero's latest effort to expand its footprint in the U.S. Ferrero, a 79-year-old company that owns brands such as Tic Tac and Kinder in North America, has started buying American brands only recently under the aegis of its Chairman Giovanni Ferrero.

In the past few years, the company has acquired Wells Enterprises, the maker of Blue Bunny and other ice-cream brands, and struck a $2.8 billion deal to buy Nestle's U.S. chocolate business. Ferrero now has 15 plants and warehouses across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, employing more than 5,100 people.

"For Ferrero, this deal presents an opportunity to diversify beyond confectionery and deepen its presence in the U.S. market," said Arun Sundaram, analyst with CFRA Research. "Since the spinoff and rebrand from Kellogg Company, both WK Kellogg and Kellanova have delivered shareholder value by becoming acquisition targets," he said.

WK Kellogg, a spin off of Kellogg's cereal business in 2023, has been struggling with weak demand and declining sales as consumers have traded down from its pricier cereals. It has also come under scrutiny for its use of artificial food dyes in some of its cereals. The company recently said it met with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and is reformulating its cereals served in schools to not include artificial dyes.

The other part of Kellogg, now called Kellanova, agreed to sell itself to Snickers owner Mars in a $36 billion deal last year.

"The $3 billion deal would translate to $27.61 per share for equity holders after accounting for $570 million of net debt," Robert Moskow, an analyst with TD Cowen, said in a note about WK Kellogg.

(Reporting by Anuja Bharat Mistry in Bengaluru and Abigail Summerville in New York; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
An Alaskan volcano that has been inactive for more than 100 years is showing signs of rumbling, according to scientists.

However, there's a chance that the activity could be signs of a pending avalanche, rather than a volcanic eruption, NASA said.

MORE: Eruption at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano sends lava shooting 1,000 feet in air

The Iliamna volcano, located near the Cook Inlet in southern Alaska, last erupted in 1867, but would still rumble every few years due to avalanches large enough to register on nearby seismic and infrasound instruments, according to NASA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The region has recently experienced a "flurry of shaking," according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

NASA Earth Observatory - PHOTO: The Iliamna volcano is shown on Aug. 1, 2023, in Alaska.

On June 15, seismic activity ramped up at a "nearly continuous" rate for several hours, the observatory reported.

The Operational Land Imager, a sensor aboard the Landsat 8 satellite, acquired an image of the volcano on June 10, prior to when the rumblings began.

MORE: Scientists solve mystery of 'zombie' volcano displaying signs of eruption for decades

The seismic activity was similar to those caused by the initial slipping between rock and ice that preceded large avalanches on the volcano in the past, according to the AVO.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Iliamna often experiences massive avalanches due to the combination of glacial ice weakened rock and volcanic heat, scientists say.

National Park Service - PHOTO: The Iliamna volcano is shown in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

Its peak is covered in glaciers, snow and ice and it sits on a base of Jurassic-era granite, according to the NPS.

Since its last eruption, the volcano was recorded ejecting smoke and light ash in 1876, 1933, 1941 and 1947, according to the NPS.

MORE: Mile-deep underwater volcano could erupt off West Coast this year, scientists say

More reports of smoke and light ash were recorded for the late winter of 1956 or early spring of 1957, but those reports were not confirmed, the NPS said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 1958, four columns of vapor were shooting out of vents on the eastern side of the volcano, according to the NPS. But that was the last time smoke appeared to be ejected by the volcano.

NASA Earth Observatory - PHOTO: The Iliamna volcano in Alaska is shown in this NASA image on June 10, 2025.

Although Iliamna is remote -- located in the Chigmit Mountains within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve -- it is monitored closely be volcanologists due to its potential hazards. There are several communities within a 200-mile radius of the volcano that could be impacted in the event of an eruption, including Pedro Bay, Port Alsworth and Anchorage, according to the NPS.

MORE: Hidden magma cap discovered at Yellowstone National Park

The AVO monitors 51 other active volcanos within the state, including the Redoubt Volcano, Iliamna's more eruptive neighbor, which is also located within the preserve.

The U.S. Geological Survey currently has Iliamna at a "normal" volcano alert level.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The Albuquerque Police Department is holding a news conference Friday morning to release details of two recent officer-involved shootings. Both shootings took place in June. One shooting resulted in the death of the suspect and the other left a suspect hospitalized.

Officer-involved shooting  June 15

APD was called out to 60th and Central about a robbery at a nearby gas station. They were told the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Gabriel Moralez, was possibly armed. Police say the caller told them the suspect robbed the Circle K near Bluewater and Coors. Officers arrived and found an individual matching the description of the suspect near 109 60th St.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They attempted to make contact with Moralez. He fled on foot. Officers followed him and tried to use less-than-lethal rounds to stop him as he was running toward a neighborhood. Officers said Moralez then began to turn a gun on them during the chase, which led to an officer firing his rifle. Moralez was hit but tried to get away. He was eventually arrested and taken to the hospital for his injuries. Detectives found a loaded gun on scene.

Moralez is charged with armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and resisting arrest, among other charges. APD did not identify the officer who shot Moralez but said he has since returned to duty.

Officer-involved shooting  June 17

APD Police Chief Harold Medina said around 4:30 a.m., a call came in from the Hotel Parq Central about a woman, identified as Desiree Herrera, in a mental health crisis that they would like to be removed and trespassed from the hotel. Officers were sent to the hotel, and as they were headed there, a security supervisor showed up at the hotel. Medina said Herrera was able to disarm the security guard and take the guards gun. When officers arrived on scene, they observed that shots had already been fired in the parking lot, and Herrera was waving the firearm and discharged it. Medina said officers gave Herrera commands to drop the firearm. At one point, a round was fired in the direction of officers and struck an SUV in front of them. Officers returned fire, and Herrera was killed on scene. No officers were injured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For more information on this shooting, click this link.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claimed on Friday that having a rapist president in office has muddied the Justice Departments handling of matters involving deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Wow who would have thought that electing a rapist would have complicated the release of the Epstein Files? the New York representative asked on X.

In 2023, Trump was found liable for sexually abusing columnist E. Jean Carroll, but was not found liable for rape and wasnt charged with a criminal offense. As many Trump supporters noted on the congresswomans post, ABC News was sued last year when anchor George Stephanopoulos used similar verbiage to characterize the presidents alleged actions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ocasio-Cortez has summarized Trump as a rapist and criminal at rallies as well. While the president was convicted in a cover-up conspiracy to defraud the voting public, those crimes were not sexual in nature.

Trump has come under fire from his own supporters this week after Justice Department officials he appointed stated that Epstein kept no client list linking celebrities and public officials to his alleged sex trafficking activities.

Many of Trumps followers insist otherwise. Some have questioned whether Trump  once an Epstein party pal  might have been one of the disgraced financiers alleged customers. No evidence has been offered to support that conspiracy theory.

MAGA loyalists also expressed disappointment in FBI leaders Kash Patel and Dan Bongino for confirming in May that Epstein committed suicide in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in 2019 rather than being assassinated by a deep state protecting powerful pedophiles, as many internet sleuths have suggested.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reports on Friday signaled that Bongino is ready to leave the FBI if Attorney General Pam Bondi keeps her job at the DOJ after refusing to release any more information about the Epstein case.

The president added fuel to that fire when he became upset with a reporter who mentioned Epstein at a Tuesday Cabinet meeting.

Are people still talking about this guy? Trump fumed. That is unbelievable.
When prosecutors announced the arrest of Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, they said there were five co-conspirators involved with him in an illegal gambling ring. They quickly rounded up all but one of those suspects  a 43-year-old woman a former associate now suspects has fled to China.

More than a month later, Ying Zhang remains on the lam. She has left behind not only criminal charges but also a tangled web of businesses as well as lawsuits that accuse her real estate firm, Kylin Realty, of defrauding employees.

Scraps of evidence that have come to light so far allege a key role for Zhang in the gambling enterprise. Prosecutors have described pages of text messages between her and the disgraced and suspended sheriff, while state records show a business relationship between her and the manager of the now-defunct Kissimmee casino at the center of the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But other aspects of her participation, and the history of her relationship with Lopez, remain mysterious.

Zhang, also known as Kate, owns a 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom home in Dr. Phillips worth more than $1 million and owns four other properties through a company called Kylin Investments LLC, according to Orange County property records. She is a divorced mother of three, according to a former employee.

Zhangs Central Florida business seemed designed to appeal to Chinese nationals. A Kylin Realty video posted on Zillow features cartoon characters and a voice speaking in Chinese with English translations scrolling below.

We do it all! the video says, boasting that the company specializes in property management while maps of Florida and China appear on the screen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zhang claimed in letters to clients that she went back to China to take care of her father, but records show the older man lives in the United States, said Mia Cheng, a former employee who won a judgment against Kylin Realty for failure to pay her. It is not clear when those letters were written.

Since Lopezs arrest, Zhang has also shared videos on Douyin, a version of the social media platform TikTok mainly accessible in China, Cheng added.

Prosecutors have offered few details explaining how they determined Zhang was involved in the gambling scheme or how they think she, the sheriff and the other suspects  all of whom have pleaded not guilty  came to work together in an illegal casino operation.

But public records show two connections between her and Lopez: a $1,000 donation to his 2020 campaign for sheriff and a second $1,000 donation that same year to his campaign manager Julius Melendez, a former Osceola County School Board member who lost his last election bid in 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zhang was also in business with Melendez at Kylin Realty. A sign on the now closed real estate office in west Orlando lists Melendez, who is not accused of being part of the gambling operation, as a broker, and state business records list him as a authorized member of her firm.

Zhang has additional legal troubles.

On Nov. 22, an Orange County judge ordered Zhangs company to pay two former employees after they filed separate lawsuits seeking unpaid salaries and property sales commissions dating back several years. A week earlier, Zhang, and her firm agreed to settle the allegations of fraud and contract breaches for more than $300,000, according to court records.

The money remains unpaid, however.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cheng, one of the former employees who sued Zhang and accused her of not paying for nine real estate transactions, told the Orlando Sentinel her $102,163.29 judgment remains unpaid despite a January order to compel the payment and another on June 27 holding the company in contempt.

Im in a really bad position right now, Cheng said. Should I spend more on attorney fees and not be able to collect any money back just because Kate has transferred all the money out of the company? This is where we are, she said.

Im personally really broke, she added.

Another plaintiff, Chengzhi Du, was also not paid the $198,388.13 from the judgment in his lawsuit against Zhang. Attempts to contact Du were unsuccessful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tina Denham, the attorney who represented Zhang in the lawsuit brought by Cheng, declined to comment.

The racketeering case against Lopez and the others centers around an illegal casino in Kissimmee called The Eclipse, which prosecutors said was protected by Lopez until it was raided Aug. 27 and was later a springboard for the operations expansion into Lake County.

Zhang had many business interests, from real estate to property management to auto glass repair, and was involved in a marijuana dispensary in downtown Orlandos Thornton Park neighborhood, state business records show.

Zhang has not been charged in relation to those businesses. But Cheng said she and other employees were interviewed by Homeland Security Investigations, which was part of the task force that investigated the racketeering case, about Zhangs other dealings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which is leading the racketeering investigation, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution did not respond to messages seeking information on Zhangs whereabouts. China does not have an extradition treaty with the United States, so if Zhang is there it is not clear what recourse Florida prosecutors would have to bring her back.

Prosecutors cited pages of text messages between Lopez and Zhang during a bond hearing for Lopez, saying those messages detail their collaboration in the illegal scheme. But those messages have not been released as they are part of a 255-page affidavit laying out the evidence against the suspects that remains under seal.

That could change, however, as it was included among a list of materials furnished to defense attorneys in the discovery notice filed this week. The Orlando Sentinel has requested the affidavit and other documents in the case but has not yet received them.

The discovery notice, the first filed in the case, did not mention Zhangs real estate business or other ventures. But it did note K&K Amusement LLC, which has Zhang listed as a registered agent and manager and Krishna Deokaran listed as manager, too. Deokaran is the alleged owner of The Eclipse, and other illicit arcades, and prosecutors, during a court hearing, called him an unindicted co-conspirator in the racketeering case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not clear what role K&K Amusement  created in September 2021 only to dissolve a year later  played into the alleged gambling scheme.

Melendez, who was named in Cheng and Dus lawsuits, has told other news outlets he is cooperating with authorities on the investigation into Zhang. But he did not return multiple messages from the Sentinel seeking an interview.

On June 19, he filed a report with the Orange County Sheriffs Office accusing someone of forging his name on official documents. Those documents include responses to complaints from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation dated June 2, Melendezs report said, days before arrests in the racketeering case began. He said his signature was forged again on documents signed June 5, the day of the arrests.

An OCSO spokesperson confirmed the agency is investigating.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is very alarming since this is a formal complaint by the State of Florida, and I am unaware of how many other documents were signed on my behalf without my knowledge, said the report obtained from the sheriffs office. Someone with Ying Zhangs knowledge has been using my identity and signatures without my permission. I am willing to prosecute.

Meanwhile, Kylin Realty, located in the Chinatown Plaza in west Orlando, appears to have been abandoned, though office furniture is visible inside and business hours are still posted on the front door.

There is only one review on Kylin Realtys site on Zillow. The reviewer gave it one star.

Will not recommend, it reads. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY!!
The Brief

Democratic legislators seek a court order after being denied entry to Everglades detention center.

They argue the governors actions violate state law and constitutional checks and balances.

The facility is also facing legal challenges from environmental groups.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A group of Democratic Florida lawmakers is petitioning the state Supreme Court to compel Gov. Ron DeSantis to allow them unannounced access to a newly established immigrant detention facility in the Everglades.

What we know

The facility  nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" by Republican officialsis capable of housing up to 3,000 detainees and was created under a state of emergency declaration issued by DeSantis in response to what he called a mass migration crisis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

The lawmakers were denied access on July 3 and argue that doing so violates Florida law, which allows legislators broad access to inspect state correctional facilities at their discretion.

What we don't know

The Florida Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the petition. It remains unclear whether the states emergency declaration gives the governor legal standing to override legislative access in this case. There is also uncertainty about what conditions exist inside the detention center, as no independent legislative review has yet occurred.

The backstory

The detention center stems from a January 2023 emergency order issued by Gov. DeSantis in response to an influx of undocumented migrants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That order, which has been repeatedly extended, allows the state to take expedited measures, including the establishment of facilities like this one. Environmental groups are also suing to halt the project, arguing it endangers protected ecosystems in the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve.

Big picture view

The case highlights growing tensions between Gov. DeSantis and the legislative branch, particularly over immigration policy and the extent of emergency powers.

Critics say the denial of entry undermines transparency and sets a troubling precedent for limiting oversight. Meanwhile, environmental concerns about the facilitys location add further controversy to an already politically charged situation.

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

The Source

This story was written based on information shared by the News Service of Florida.
What started as a harmless fluke quickly snowballed into a full-blown logistical nightmare  one cardboard box at a time.

A woman identified only as Kay told ABC 7 she has been bombarded by Amazon deliveries for over a year. Boxes keep arriving at her home, even though she never ordered them. Theyre addressed to her house but not to her name.

Don't miss

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite repeated attempts to return or refuse the deliveries, they keep piling up. At one point, the packages blocked her driveway, front door and even the path for the mail carrier. That made things especially difficult for her 88-year-old mother, who has a disability.

"I couldn't even get my mother in the house, Kay told ABC 7. It's just been another form of hell," Kay told ABC 7.

The boxes now swallowing half her carport are more than just a minor inconvenience. And if she wants them gone, Amazon says thats her responsibility.

The company suggested she donate the items, give them away or haul them to USPS or FedEx herself. So, what's really going on?

Stuck with the bill, and the boxes

Each of the mystery packages contains the same item: faux-leather seat covers shipped from a Chinese seller called Liusandedian. The brand operates as Etkin on Amazon, and advertises custom-fit covers for a wide range of cars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But customers report the seat covers dont fit at all. And when they try to return them, things get even messier.

Unlike items fulfilled directly by Amazon, third-party sellers that handle their own shipping arent bound by Amazons standard return policy. Instead, they're required to offer one of the three options:

A U.S.-based return address

A prepaid shipping label

A full refund without needing to ship the item back

But this seller appears to be skipping those rules, and Kay isnt the only one caught in the chaos. Complaints are piling up.

"Why haven't I received my refund? Was sent thru UPS 3 weeks ago," one customer wrote on Amazon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's going to cost me $124 to return this item!!!" another customer added.

Read more: Americans are revenge saving to survive  but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Heres how to quickly earn 280% more on your cash

A pile of boxes later

After more than a year of living in what looked like a stockroom, Kay had had enough. She filed six complaint tickets with Amazon, trying to stop the flood.

Amazon initially denied telling her to haul the boxes to USPS or FedEx, though Kay says she was told when she asked for help.

"Why is it my responsibility to get rid of this, when your seller is not following your rules, Amazon?" she asked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In response to inquiries from 7 On Your Side, Amazon issued a statement: We've apologized to the customer and are working directly with her to pick-up any packages while taking steps to permanently resolve this issue." And finally, after months of dead ends, Kay got a win. On July 10, Amazon removed the remaining boxes from her property and promised to crack down on sellers abusing the system.

While Kays case is rare, its a good reminder to be cautious while shopping online. Before buying from an unfamiliar brand, check the sellers ratings and read customer reviews.

If anything feels off  mismatched product details, sketchy return policies or an unfamiliar brand name  trust your gut and move on. And always confirm whether the item is fulfilled by Amazon or shipped from a third-party seller.

It might just save you from a porch full of regret.

What to read next

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Money doesnt have to be complicated  sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) Auburn Police are urgently searching for a man accused of killing a woman and a young girl before fleeing with his 4-year-old son, prompting an Amber Alert across Alabama.

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., officers responded to a welfare check at a home in the 1200 block of Samantha Court. Upon entering the residence, police discovered the bodies of an adult female and a juvenile female. A 4-year-old boy, later identified as Jibreel Harun, was reported missing from the scene.

The suspect, Aaron Dontay Williams, is described as a 41-year-old Black male with a medium skin complexion. He is 61 and weighs approximately 240 pounds.

Police believe Jibreel may be with his father, 41-year-old Aaron Dontay Williams, who was not at the home when officers arrived. Williams is also the husband of the deceased woman.

Police believe that the missing child may be with the father, traveling in a gray 2010 Honda Accord displaying Alabama tag 43A224A.

Authorities say Williams may be driving a gray 2010 Honda Accord with Alabama license plate 43A224A. He is described as a Black male with a medium complexion, approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 240 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An Amber Alert has been issued as law enforcement officials believe the child is in imminent danger.

The Auburn Police Division is asking for the publics help locating Williams and the vehicle. Anyone with information is urged to call the Auburn Police Department at 334-501-7313 or dial 911. Authorities caution against approaching Williams if spotted.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  An Amber Alert Suspect was spotted at a Huntsville motel earlier this week.

News 19 crew members spoke to workers at the Economy Inn located on University Drive on Friday.

According to motel workers, two men and a child checked into the motel on Tuesday night around 9:30 p.m. and checked out on Wednesday morning around 11:15 a.m.

Motel officials told News 19 that they believe a family member of Aaron Williams booked a room at the motel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Williams is wanted after authorities carried out a welfare check of an Auburn home and found an adult female and a juvenile female dead at the scene. They were also notified that a three-year-old was missing from the residence who is now believed to be with Williams.

41-year-old Aaron Williams is the husband of the deceased woman and father of the missing child, 3-year-old Jibreel Harun.

Photo of Aaron Dontay Williams. (Courtesy: Auburn Police Department)

Photo of Jibreel Harun (Courtesy: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency)

Photo of gray Honda Accord with the tag reading 43A224A. (Courtesy: Auburn Police Department)

An Amber Alert was issued as Jibreel Harun is believed to be in imminent danger. The suspect, Williams, is described as 6-foot-1, weighing 240 pounds.

Auburn police believe that Williams may be traveling in a gray Honda Accord with the tag reading 43A224A.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Crime Stoppers and the FBI are offering a $15,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of Aaron Dontay Williams.

If you have any information regarding this missing child, please contact the Auburn Police Department at (334) 501-7313; or call 911.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An amber heat health alert has been issued for large parts of England, with authorities warning soaring temperatures over the weekend are likely to cause a rise in deaths.

The UK Health Security Agencys (UKHSAs) latest heat health warning comes as hot and dry weather scorches the country, with temperatures set to rise further over the weekend.

The alert came into effect on Friday and will cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England and London until 9am on Monday, following two other amber alerts issued in consecutive weeks at the end of June amid two separate heatwaves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Less severe yellow alerts had been in place across England until Monday, but were upgraded in five regions on Friday morning.

The UKHSA says significant impacts are likely in the affected areas, including a rise in deaths.

A map from the UKHSA shows where yellow and amber heat alerts are in place in England (UKHSA)

It adds that this is particularly likely amongst those ages 65 and over or with health conditions, with younger age groups the next most likely to be affected.

The agency also notes that health and social care services are likely to struggle with higher demand due to the heat. This includes temperatures in hospitals and care homes exceeding recommended levels, alongside difficulty to staff in delivering essential services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The amber alerts are due to end at 9am on Monday.

Most regions in the UK have been grappling with high heats for much of July, with temperatures are set to remain at these levels at least over the week.

A hosepipe ban has come into force in Yorkshire after reservoir levels ran low (PA)

The Met Office has said heatwave conditions are expected to be met in much of England, Wales and parts of Scotland by the end of the week (13 July), with temperatures set to build day on day.

This will mark the third heatwave of the Summer, however experts do not anticipate the coming weather event will exceed the high of 34.7C seen at the start of July.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: High pressure from the Atlantic will lead to a build in temperatures over the coming days, with heatwave criteria reached by the weekend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This heatwave is expected to be longer lived and extend further north and west into a larger part of the UK than previously seen this summer.

Temperatures this weekend arent expected to exceed the 34.7C seen earlier this month (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Wire)

"Temperatures are expected to peak over the weekend and ease early next week. They are expected to reach 30C in some areas today and exceed 30C more widely tomorrow (Friday), with peak temperatures on Saturday of 33C possible in parts of England and Wales.

Households in Yorkshire were the first to be hit with a hosepipe ban on Friday after months of little to no rain, with restrictions following in Kent and Sussex.

Yorkshire Water brought in restrictions on using hosepipes for activities such as watering the garden, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools, which it said is part of its efforts to protect supplies in the face of yet more dry weather forecast for the coming weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) issued warnings over the risk of wildfires and tragedies in water amid the hot weather.

The fire service has responded to 23 wildfires this year, four of which occurred this week, including one in Rainham on Thursday where 80 firefighters responded to tackle a blaze spanning nine hectares.

The risk of wildfires in London is currently rated at severe by the Natural Hazards Partnership.
Amended Complaint Expands Palisades Fire Lawsuit originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

CAL FIRE

In an amended complaint in Gringsby, et al. vs. the City of Los Angeles  which contends that the city is liable for damage relating to the Jan. 7 Palisades Fire  plaintiffs claim that new information from official records indicates that the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power should have been better prepared to combat the wildfire. The complaint, filed Wednesday, alleges that LADWP neglected to inspect a 117-million-gallon reservoir in the Pacific Palisades between 2021 and 2023, forcing the city to drain the reservoir in 2024 when a tear in its cover became irreparably large.



Attorney Alexander Robertson, who represents the 3,300 plaintiffs in the case, claims that LADWP attempted to revise its inspection policy retroactively  from once per year to once per three years  after failing to follow its own protocols and state requirements.



The city's own manual says that when a tear is discovered in its early stages, it can be repaired without draining the reservoir, and that's what should have happened had they done their job, Robertson said. It appears that the city was more worried about protecting its image than protecting the residents of Pacific Palisades.



According to the complaint, the then still-empty reservoir forced firefighters to source water from outside the fire zone when the wildfire started. This delayed them by more than six hours, by which time the wildfire had grown to encompass nearly 1,500 acres in the area.

The lawsuit outlines several other missteps by the city and by LADWP. Elsewhere in the case, plaintiffs claim that LADWP failed to promptly de-energize power line circuits on Jan. 7, causing multiple fires that accelerated the wildfires growth. According to the lawsuit, the LADWP patrolman responsible for shutting down power was instructed to arrive at 1:40 p.m. but did not arrive until 6:18 p.m., nearly five and a half hours later. A month later, on Jan. 29, the patrolman infiltrated the LADWP computer system to change his reported arrival time to 1:47 p.m., attempting to obscure his delayed response.



Plaintiffs also claim that the failure by the City of Los Angeles to enforce its own brush clearance policies additionally amplified the wildfires spread. According to the lawsuit, city-owned lots overgrown with vegetation were especially susceptible to catching fire, contributing greatly to the destruction of nearby homes.



In a statement, LADWP pushed back on the lawsuits central claims.



LADWP understands the enormous destruction caused by the fires and the rights of affected property owners to seek compensation for damages from insurers and responsible parties, LADWP wrote. There is no evidence to support claims, nor does this complaint allege, that LADWP equipment played a role in starting the Palisades Fire, and we are confident that LADWP was not responsible for any of the tragic losses that the fire caused.



Robertson argues otherwise, holding that the combination of neglectful management and operational inefficiency points to a broader pattern of institutional disorganization in Los Angeles. Amending this, he says, is the first step toward preventing future disasters and restoring public trust.



Under California law, as long as we can prove that DWP was a contributing cause, not the sole cause, but a contributing cause to the property damage and the loss of life, we can hold them accountable, Robertson said.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Government of India is reportedly planning to bring the health insurance claims portal under the finance ministry and insurance regulator IRDAI to curb healthcare overcharging.

The move aims to address the issue of hospitals inflating treatment costs, particularly for patients with higher insurance coverage, as found in an analysis by the government and IRDAI.

According to the analysis by the government and IRDAI, hospitals have been found to inflate treatment costs for patients, particularly those with higher insurance coverage, which has led to increased health premiums and reduced affordability for some individuals.

The National Health Claims Exchange, which facilitates the exchange of health claim information among stakeholders, will be overseen by the department of financial services and regulated by IRDAI, reported Financial Express, citing an official.

With "strict supervision," insurance companies are expected to gain collective bargaining power to set treatment rates, according to the government source cited by Reuters.

Financial Express quoted an official as saying: The operations of the portal will be strengthened, which will give insurance companies collective bargaining power to ensure that hospitals standardise their rates for various treatments or procedures.

As per Reuters, the government source highlighted the need for stricter oversight to address the issue of overcharging.

Meanwhile, a report from Moneycontrol suggested ongoing discussions between the General Insurance Council and IRDAI with the central government to establish an independent regulatory body for the healthcare sector.

"India to regulate healthcare costs via IRDAI " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Americas Most Boring Cities List Sparks Outrage From Local Newsrooms originally appeared on Parade.

The phrase Im bored used to get me in some real trouble when I was young. It was my moms ultimate pet-peeve.

But a new study from Finance Buzz - thats caught the attention of numerous local news outlets, proves I wasnt alone.

The list, which named Americas top-20 most boring cities, has gone viral. WCNC  Charlotte, North Carolinas local NBC-affiliate  received plenty of responses to its Instagram post discussing the study. Charlotte checked in at No. 20 on the list, for what its worth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Whats Americas No. 1 most boring city you are likely asking? Well, according to Finance Buzz, that would be Jacksonville, Florida.

Heres the top 20:

Jacksonville, Florida Wichita, Kansas Corpus Christi, Texas Sioux Falls, South Dakota Memphis, Tennessee San Antonio, Texas Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Columbus, Ohio Tallahassee, Florida Phoenix, Arizona Albuquerque, New Mexico Louisville, Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky Colorado Springs, Colorado Tulsa, Oklahoma Indianapolis, Indiana Tucson, Arizona Houston, Texas Virginia Beach, Virginia Charlotte, North Carolina

A post from a local Jacksonville Instagram page drew reactions as well from its citizens.

"Been living in Jax for 3 yearsaint no way its NUMBER ONE on this list," a local replied.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An Instagram page dedicated to the state of Arizona took offense as well to Phoenix being ranked number 10.

"Yet everyone wants to move here," replied a user.

Memphis, Tennessee, which checked in at No. 5, saw one of its city-dedicated Instagram pages make a post as well.

"How is that possible with their history and culture as well as the music that its known for?" asked a user.

According to Finance Buzz, it considered population makeup, culinary scene, outdoor activities, nightlife and signature events and attractions in its evaluation of cities. Clearly, though, locals of the cities included in the list couldn't disagree more with the findings.

Related: A $4.99 Trader Joes Item Is Suddenly Taking Over Social Media

Americas Most Boring Cities List Sparks Outrage From Local Newsrooms first appeared on Parade on Jul 11, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
SAN RAMON, Calif. - The man behind the 2015 kidnapping and sexual assault of Denise Huskins was handed another life sentence in a separate case.

San Ramon kidnapping

What we know

Matthew Muller, 48, appeared in a Contra Costa County courtroom in Martinez on Thursday, where he was convicted in a 2015 home invasion in San Ramon in which he kidnapped a family for ransom.

He changed his plea from not guilty to no contest.

A judge sentenced Muller to seven years to life in prison. That sentence will be served consecutively to three previous life sentences for similar crimes across Northern California.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Prosecutors said the San Ramon victims initially didnt report the kidnapping, fearing retaliation.

"They indicated that they were too afraid, even 10 years later, to come forward even after hearing that Muller was in custody on these other cases back in 2015, because they believed he had coconspirators that would get them if they were to cooperate," said prosecutor, Satish Jallepalli.

Muller is currently serving a 40-year federal prison sentence for the kidnapping of Huskins, a case later featured in the Netflix docuseries American Nightmare.

American Nightmare case

The backstory

On March 23, 2015, Muller broke into Huskins Vallejo home, tied up her and her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, and took Huskins to a cabin in South Lake Tahoe. He sexually assaulted her and held her captive for two days before releasing her near her familys home in Southern California.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2022, Muller was sentenced to 31 years in state prison in Solano County, to be served concurrently with his 40-year federal sentence.

Huskins and Quinn, now married, later sued the city of Vallejo and were awarded $2.5 million.

Convictions in Santa Clara and Sacramento counties

The Netflix series, released in 2024, reignited investigations into Muller in multiple counties. In January, authorities said Muller confessed to additional crimes during conversations with law enforcement, including the San Ramon case.

According to prosecutors, Muller held two men and one woman for ransom in the 2015 home invasion and demanded one of the victims withdraw money from a bank account to secure the others release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Muller obtained the ransom and fled.

The victims identities have not been released.

Muller has been convicted of similar crimes in several Northern California counties, including Santa Clara County, where he was sentenced earlier this year for home invasions in Palo Alto and Mountain View in 2009. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms, to begin after his federal sentence ends in 2049.

Just last month, Muller was sentenced in Sacramento County for a 1993 case in which he kidnapped and sexually assaulted campers near Folsom Lake when he was 16. He received a sentence of 11 years to life, to be served consecutively with his current prison terms.
[Source]

In yet another controversial take, Vice President J.D. Vance recently argued that Americans whose ancestors fought in the Civil War have a hell of a lot more claim over America than those who question their belonging.

What he said: Speaking at the conservative think tank Claremont Institutes Statesmanship Award Dinner in San Diego last weekend, Vance rejected what he termed the logic of America as a purely creedal nation, contending that defining citizenship solely through agreement with founding principles is both over-inclusive and under-inclusive. He argued this approach would theoretically include hundreds of millions, maybe billions of foreign citizens who agree with the principles of the Declaration of Independence, while simultaneously rejecting Americans that the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) would label as domestic extremists, even though those very Americans had their ancestors fight in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think the people whose ancestors fought in the Civil War have a hell of a lot more claim over America than the people who say they dont belong, he concluded.

Making an example: The vice president specifically targeted New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, whose family fled Uganda when dictator Idi Amin ethnically cleansed the nations Indian population, criticizing his July 4th social media post describing America as beautiful, contradictory, unfinished. In his speech reflecting on Independence Day, Vance questioned whether the 33-year-old democratic socialist had ever read the letters from boy soldiers in the Union Army to parents and sweethearts that theyd never see again. Vance also accused Mamdani of showing a lack of gratitude, saying, Who the hell does he think that he is?

Trending on NextShark: Americans with Civil War ancestors have greater claim to US, Vance says

Zoom out: Vances comments reflect the Trump administrations immigration approach, with Congress recently providing an additional $170 billion for enforcement measures. The Claremont Institute, which hosted the event, has long pushed for ending birthright citizenship and has been described as a nerve center for MAGA immigration thought. The organization honored Vance with its Statesmanship Award, with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk serving as master of ceremonies, joining past recipients including Ronald Reagan and Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Trending on NextShark: Chinese national charged in Texas for alleged US cyber espionage scheme

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

Subscribe here now!

Trending on NextShark: 'Love Island USA' star exits villa after resurfaced racial slur

Download the NextShark App:

Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
ANDOVER  The Andover area is presently abuzz with summer tourism traffic as people visit Holiday Camplands, numerous area campgrounds and Pymatuning State Park.

These entities provide customers for area businesses, and local political leaders are hoping that trend continues.

Andover Village Council President E. Curt Williams said new businesses have been appearing on Village Square, and there is definitely increased activity on the bike trail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Council has discussed the creation of a gazebo near village hall and the trail exit. He said council continues to discuss the opportunity and have been talking with other communities about options.

He said the village hopes to create something that is welcoming to visitors on bicycles or on foot. Williams said traffic has been steady at the Village Square.

The TrueNorth station is presently adding 10 new gas pumps on the southwest side of the existing station that has become a major draw to Pennsylvania motorists seeking cheaper gas.

Williams said the village recently worked with several property owners to take down blighted buildings, and is hoping that turns into economically-viable options.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Andover Township is also hearing of potential new projects, but there is nothing specific to be released at this time, Andover Township Trustee William French said.

The zoning [officer] has been busy, he said.

He said a new building for Pizza Joes is in the works.

Williams said the West End Deli is preparing to move into the old Covered Bridge Pizza building.

Pymatuning Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lara Reibold said she is very happy with the growth of businesses in the area and especially on the square.

I think it has been really great, Reibold said. Weve seem some new businesses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said Siberian Essence, Maggies Donuts, the West Side Deli and Farmhouse Vintage have all opened this year in the area.

It appears there are only two unused storefronts on the square at this time, Reibold said.

It has been a really long time since weve been in that situation, she said.

The Ashtabula County Convention and Facility Authority has also interacted with area residents and elected officials regarding potential ideas to help improve the economic vitality of the area.

One idea that has been discussed would be the creation of some kind of lodging and potential mini convention operation connected to Pymatuning State Park.
Podcaster Andrew Schulz slammed President Trumps second administration Thursday for reneging on campaign promises.

Hes doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for, Schulz said during a Flagrant podcast episode.

I want him to stop the wars. Hes funding them. I want him to shrink spending, reduce the budget. Hes increasing it. Its like everything that he said hes going to do, except sending immigrants back and now hes even flip-flopped on that, he added.

The Hill reached out to the White House for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some, including conservative commentator Candace Owens and former White House adviser Elon Musk, have argued that Trump isnt fulfilling the platform he laid out on the campaign trail.

Hes been a chronic disappointment. And I feel embarrassed that I told people to go vote for him because this wasnt going to happen, and it is happening, Owens said during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, after the United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities.

Both Schulz and Musk have also criticized the president for not releasing files linked to convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.

How can people be expected to have faith in Trump if he wont release the Epstein files? Musk wrote in a Tuesday post on his social platform X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Department of Justice recently told the public Epstein did not keep a client list despite Attorney General Pam Bondis previous statement on Fox News where she said the names were sitting on her desk and would soon be reviewed.

Its insulting our intelligence. Obviously, the intelligence community is trying to cover it up. Obviously, the Trump administration is trying to cover it up, Schulz said.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Texas State Senator Angela Paxton, the estranged wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, accused her husband of adultery in the divorce papers she filed this week, court documents reveal.

Publicly, Angela Paxton posted on X that she was seeking the separation on Biblical grounds, adding: In light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage.

However, court records in Collin County note that the couple, who met as students and married in 1986, have not lived together for a year. The plaintiff is accusing the father of four and the grandfather of five of being unfaithful to her.

Ken Paxton and Angela Paxton (AP)

The marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities between petitioner and respondent that destroys the legitimate ends of the marriage relationship and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation, the records state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For his part, Paxton said on X: After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives.

I could not be any more proud or grateful for the incredible family that God has blessed us with, and I remain committed to supporting our amazing children and grandchildren. I ask for your prayers and privacy at this time.

The extramarital affair alluded to in the filings first came to light two years ago during Paxtons impeachment trial in the Texas Senate, after the GOP-controlled Texas House of Representatives impeached him in a 121-23 vote on May 27, 2023.

Paxton was accused of, among other things, accepting bribes from a political donor, misusing public resources and making false statements regarding his financial interests, all of which he denied, complaining: RINOS [Republicans in Name Only] and far-left radicals have established a kangaroo court in the TX Lege. to eliminate Americas most conservative Attorney General.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (AP)

One article brought against Paxton alleged that Austin real estate developer Nate Paul had bribed him by securing a job for his mistress with his company World Class Holdings in 2019, with local woman Laura Olson subsequently outed as the woman in question by the media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was revealed to be a four-time divorcee with two children who had been a stalwart of the Bexar County Republican Womens group for years, worked for Texas State Sen. Donna Campbell from 2013 to 2019 and previously dated San Antonio Councilman Clayton Perry, standing by the latter when he was involved in a high-profile drink-driving accident.

She was invited to bear witness at the trial, but senators were told she was unavailable to testify.

Paxton was ultimately acquitted on all 16 articles leveled against him, with his wife not entitled to vote due to conflict of interest grounds.

He has also previously weathered an FBI investigation and an indictment in 2015 for state securities fraud (the charges were dismissed after he completed a pretrial restitution agreement).

Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton (AP)

The AG is currently campaigning to challenge the states senior Republican senator John Cornyn in next years GOP primary, whom he has also labelled a RINO, taking exception to Sen. Cornyns condemnation of President Donald Trump in the wake of the Capitol riot, willingness to certify Joe Bidens election win in its aftermath and his support for Ukraine and tighter gun safety legislation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Disapproval at Paxtons treatment of his soon-to-be ex-wife could harm his ambitions to ascend to Washington, a flavor of which has already been given in a strongly-worded statement from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) in support of the state senator.

What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting, NRSC Communications Director Joanna Rodriguez said on X.

No one should have to endure what Angela Paxton has, and we pray for her as she chooses to stand up for herself and her family during this difficult time.
Border czar Tom Homan said the Trump administration hopes to forge deals with many countries to accept deported migrants from the United States  when their home countries cant, or wont, take them back.

Homan spoke with POLITICOs Dasha Burns for The Conversation in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for eight men to be deported to South Sudan, a nation that the State Department has warned Americans is too dangerous for all but essential personnel.

Homan said he was unsure of the status of the eight men  or whether they are detained there  saying that they are no longer in U.S. custody.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theyre living in Sudan. And will they stay in Sudan? I dont know, he said. When we sign these agreements with all these countries, we make arrangements to make sure these countries are receiving these people and theres opportunities for these people. But I cant tell if we remove somebody to Sudan  they can stay there a week and leave. I dont know.

The deportations to places like South Sudan and El Salvador where migrants have no connections have raised concerns among lawyers and immigrant advocates who fear for the mens safety in countries with a history of human rights violations.

But Homan said similar arrangements with other countries are crucial to support Trumps mass deportation agenda.

He declined to name the other countries until there are signed agreements in place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When youve got countries that wont take their nationals back, and they cant stay here, we find another country willing to accept them, Homan said, adding that they may not send people to every country that agrees to accept migrants but want to ensure the tool is available.

If there is a significant public threat or national security threat  theres one thing for sure  theyre not walking the streets of this country. Well find a third, safe nation to send them to, and were doing it.

Past administrations have also deported foreigners to countries where they have no previous ties, but Trumps deals have drawn more scrutiny  both with South Sudan, one of the most dangerous and war-torn nations on earth, and El Salvador, where migrants were sent to the countrys notorious mega-prison.

The administration initially attempted to deport the men to Libya before the arrangement fell apart under public scrutiny. Instead, the eight migrants arrived in South Sudan this week after the Supreme Court allowed the men to be deported to the African nation, ending a six-week-long legal battle that left the migrants housed in a shipping container on a U.S. military base in Djibouti. South Sudans government said Tuesday that the migrants were in Juba under the care of government authorities, who are screening them and ensuring their safety and well-being.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Homans references to signed agreements with foreign governments to accept U.S. deportees is sure to intrigue attorneys who have been locked in legal fights with the Trump administration over summary deportations to third countries, potentially opening up lines of inquiry in long-running legal battles, particularly if the U.S. government retains custody of those incarcerated in so-called third countries.

The Supreme Court may have helped the administration supercharge these arrangements after agreeing last month to block a lower-court ruling that required meaningful due process for those the administration seeks to send to third countries. The court, without explanation, stayed the ruling of U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, who had ruled that immigrants must have the option to challenge any third-country removal to avert persecution or torture.

Dasha Burns contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Eight candidates will go before southern Arizona voters at the ballot box Tuesday in special congressional primaries to replace longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, who died in March from complications from cancer treatment.

The winners will represent their parties in a Sept. 23 special election to serve out the remaining 15 months of Grijalvas term in the 7th Congressional District, which stretches from Yuma to Tuscon and hugs almost the entire length of Arizonas border with Mexico.

The seat will not decide control of the U.S. House, but it is one of three vacancies in heavily Democratic districts that, when filled in special elections this fall, will likely chip away at Republicans slender 220-212 majority in the chamber.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Five candidates are running for the Democratic nomination. Former Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva is the daughter of the late congressman and has the support of many of the states most prominent Democrats, including U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, state Attorney General Kris Mayes and former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. She also has endorsements from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, key figures in the partys progressive wing. Sanders is an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

Former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez previously ran in the neighboring 6th Congressional District in 2022 but fell short of the nomination. As a congressional intern in January 2011, he provided care to Giffords after a near-fatal assassination attempt outside a Tucson grocery store.

Social media influencer and progressive activist Deja Foxx is the youngest in the field at age 25. As a 16-year-old, Foxx gained prominence when an interaction she had with Republican then-U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake on reproductive rights at a 2017 town hall went viral. She went on to work as a digital strategist for Kamala Harris presidential primary campaign in 2020. She told Rolling Stone in 2021 that she plans to be president.

Indigenous activist and scholar Jose Malvido Jr. and former health care executive Patrick Harris Sr. also seek the Democratic nomination.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Republican primary ballot features contractor and small business owner Daniel Butierez, restaurant owner Jorge Rivas and general contractor and vehicle accessory business owner Jimmy Rodriguez. All three have previously sought elected office.

Butierez received about 37% of the vote as the Republican nominee against Raul Grijalva in 2024, while then-presidential candidate Donald Trump retook Arizona at the top of the ballot. Rivas mounted a short-lived campaign for governor in 2022 following a 2020 flap when his and his wifes attendance at a Trump campaign rally triggered negative reviews of his restaurant. Rodriguez ran for Congress in 2020, initially filing to run in Arizonas 8th Congressional District as a GOP primary challenger to then-U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko but ultimately withdrawing and running instead in Vermont, where he lost the Republican nomination to face Democratic U.S. Rep. Peter Welch.

Hernandez led the field in fundraising as of late June, with $981,000 in total contributions compared with $834,000 for Grijalva and $600,000 for Foxx. But Hernandezs high spending rate left Adelita Grijalva with the most money in the bank heading into the campaigns final stretch. She had about $128,000 as of June 25, compared with $100,000 for Foxx and about $37,000 for Hernandez.

Butierez had brought in nearly $180,000 for his campaign, most of it in loans secured by the candidate. His $98,000 in the bank far eclipsed the rest of the GOP field.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The majority-Hispanic 7th District includes parts of six counties, including the three most populous: Maricopa, Pima and Pinal. While Maricopa often plays a pivotal role in statewide elections, it takes a backseat in the 7th District to Pima County, which comprises more than 60% of the districts registered voters.

Democrats enjoy a nearly 2-1 ratio registration advantage over Republicans, both districtwide as well as in five of the six counties. Republicans outnumber Democrats in the small corner of Pinal County that falls within district boundaries.

After Pima County, Maricopa and Yuma counties offer the highest potential for possible votes in both Democratic and Republican primaries, followed by Santa Cruz.

The Associated Press does not make projections and will declare a winner only when its determined there is no scenario that would allow the trailing candidates to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Arizona, recounts are automatic if the vote margin is 0.5% of the total vote or less. The AP may declare a winner in a race thats eligible for a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

Heres a look at what to expect Tuesday:

Special primary day

The special primaries for Arizonas 7th Congressional District will be held Tuesday. Polls close districtwide at 7 p.m. local time, which is 10 p.m. ET. No results will be released before 11 p.m. ET. Most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Whats on the ballot?

The AP will provide vote results and declare winners in both the Democratic and Republican primaries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Who gets to vote?

The special primaries are limited to voters who are registered in the 7th Congressional District. Registered Democrats and Republicans may vote only in their own parties primaries. Independents may vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary.

What do turnout and advance vote look like?

As of June 16, there were nearly 440,000 voters registered in the 7th District. Of those, about 175,000, or 40%, were Democrats, and nearly 92,000, or 21%, were Republicans. Roughly 165,000 voters were not registered with any party.

In the 2024 primaries for the 7th District, turnout was 12% of registered voters in the Democratic primary and 5% in the Republican primary. About 92% of Democratic primary voters and about 80% of Republican primary voters cast their ballots before election day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of Thursday, nearly 40,000 Democratic and more than 12,000 Republican primary ballots had already been cast.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

In the 2024 presidential election, the AP first reported results in the 7th District at 10 p.m. ET, the earliest time votes were allowed to be released under state law. Tabulation ended for the night at 6:44 a.m. ET with about 55% of total votes counted.

Are we there yet?

As of Tuesday, there will be 70 days until the special general election on Sept. 23.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the 2025 election at https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2025/.
The Pentagon can withdraw from plea agreements that would have ruled out death sentences for three Guantanamo Bay prisoners accused of plotting the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, a federal appeals court panel ruled Friday.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that the plea agreements agreed to by a Pentagon official overseeing military commission proceedings against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi, were not binding on the government.

Two days after the plea agreements were signed last July by the convening authority for the military commissions, Brigadier General Susan Escallier and then Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin voided the agreements and reinstated the death-penalty prosecutions against the three men.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Secretary of Defense indisputably had legal authority to withdraw from the agreements, Judges Patricia Millett, an Obama appointee, and Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee, wrote in a joint majority opinion.

Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama appointee, dissented from the bulk of the majoritys decision, concluding that the civilian appeals court should have deferred to the rulings of two military courts that the agreements were enforceable.

In a 75-page partial dissent to the majoritys 50-page ruling, he accused his D.C. Circuit colleagues of ignoring and departing from longstanding principles of well-earned deference to our colleagues in the military justice system.

In unusually frank language, Wilkins called the majoritys ruling stunning and said it left him befuddled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The plea deals divided victims and family members of those killed in the Sept. 11 attacks. Some viewed the agreements as a reasonable resolution to a series of legal imbroglios that has largely paralyzed the mechanism President George W. Bushs administration and Congress set up to try alleged terrorists in military courts. However, other victims opposed taking the death penalty off the table and continued to push for a full-blown trial.

Austins move was seen by many as having political overtones, since allowing the plea deals to proceed could have posed political headaches for President Joe Biden as he was seeking reelection. The White House said it was unaware of the initial deals.

The Justice Department defended Austins decision to end the plea deals, filing an unusual appeal with the D.C. Circuit on Jan. 7, seeking to block the military courts from continuing with further proceedings under the plea deals. After President Donald Trump was inaugurated, DOJ continued to press the appeal.

The appeals court put the military commission proceedings on hold temporarily in January and left that stay in place while it considered the case.
A panel of federal appeals court judges on Friday threw out a plea agreement in a 2-1 decision that would have allowed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other co-defendants to plead guilty in exchange for escaping the federal death penalty.

The deal, negotiated over two years, would have given Mohammed and the co-defendants life without parole.

The military prosecution of Mohammed and other defendants has been ongoing for more than two decades, snarled by preliminary hearings and challenges over evidence lawyers for the defense said had been obtained by torture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Biden administrations Defense Department announced in July that it entered pretrial agreements with Mohammed and three co-conspirators of the 9/11 attack. But then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin overrode the agreement just two days later, reserving himself at the sole authority to enter into such agreements.

A military appeals court that December ruled against Austins efforts, putting the agreement to avoid the death penalty back in place.

On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals D.C. Circuit tossed the plea agreement, determining that Austin acted within his authority.

In light of the clear and indisputable errors committed by the military judge, which implicate issues of immense national importance, we conclude that issuance of the writs is appropriate under these circumstances, Appeals Judges Patricia Millett and Neomi Rao, wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Judge Robert Wilkins, however, sharply dissented from the majoritys decision, calling the move to overturn a military judge stunning.

Our deference should be at its zenith when military courts follow persuasive military precedent in the construction of military rules. I am befuddled, he wrote.

Mohammad is accused to being the mastermind of the deadliest attack on U.S. soil when hijacked planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania.

Updated 2:10 p.m.

Zach Schonfeld contributed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MILAN (Reuters) -Italy's competition authority (AGCM) has opened a probe into some units of British financial technology giant Revolut for alleged unfair commercial practices related to its investment and banking services, the watchdog said on Thursday.

Revolut allegedly misled users, promoting investments in shares by emphasising the absence of commissions and failing to flag additional costs and limitations, AGCM said.

Revolut said that it was fully cooperating with AGCM and would continue to do so, adding it could not comment on specific details because the probe is ongoing.

"We take AGCM enquiries very seriously," it said.

"Revolut remains fully committed to upholding the highest standards of compliance and customer protection in Italy and across the globe."

According to the watchdog, Revolut did not make clear that its so-called zero fee products included fractional shares, which are significantly different from whole stocks in terms of voting and transfer rights.

The regulator, which is in charge of policing consumer rights, added that Revolut allegedly failed to clearly tell clients with investments in crypto assets that they would not be able to change stop-loss and take-profit settings, options that usually help investors in managing risks.

AGCM also said Revolut adopted an aggressive approach in suspending and blocking financial accounts, without providing customers with sufficient notice or adequate assistance.

"This prevented users to access their cash and related services, even for extended periods of time," it said.

The regulator and Italy's finance police carried out inspections at the Italian premises of Revolut Bank UAB on Tuesday, AGCM said in a statement.

Revolut has emerged as the most successful of the handful of European fintechs founded in the past decade with a digital-only model.

It was valued at $45 billion last year, rivalling big European lenders, and it has plans to expand into mortgages and consumer lending to challenge high street lenders, as well as to grow in the United States.

Under Italian legislation, breaches of consumer rights rules can lead to company fines ranging from 5,000 euros to 10 million euros.

(Reporting by Elvira Pollina and Gianluca Semeraro. Additional reporting by Lawrence White in London. Editing by Mark Potter)
A federal appeals court on Friday vacated former Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosbys mortgage fraud conviction, while upholding two separate perjury convictions, according to newly filed court records.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled 2-1 that Mosbys mortgage fraud case had been improperly tried in Maryland. Judges Stephanie Thacker and G. Steven Agee ruled in favor of the former prosecutor. Judge Paul Niemeyer wrote a separate opinion, concurring in part and dissenting in part of the majority decision.

The court said the jury received erroneous instruction about the proper venue for the case, and as a result, it reversed the conviction and the federal governments seizure of her Florida condominium.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We agree with Appellant that the district courts jury charge with respect to venue in her mortgage fraud trial was erroneous, Thacker wrote in the filing. On that ground, we vacate Appellants mortgage fraud conviction without reaching her remaining arguments. And because the district courts forfeiture order hinges on the mortgage fraud conviction, it is likewise vacated.

An attorney for Mosby was not listed in court records, and she could not be reached for comment.

In upholding Mosbys two perjury convictions, the panel sided with the trial judges determination that evidence concerning her retirement fund withdrawals was both relevant and admissible.

We discern no error in the district courts adjudication of Appellants perjury convictions, the court wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mosby, 45, completed a year-long sentence of home detention on June 20, according to a judges order. The ruling came after she filed motions earlier in the week seeking the return of her passport and a waiver of a $1,447.23 location monitoring fee  conditions that had restricted her ability to travel.

Mosby, who served as Baltimores States Attorney from 2015 to 2023, was convicted of two counts of perjury and one count of mortgage fraud  all federal offenses  after leaving office. She was sentenced to home detention in May 2024 and began serving her sentence the following month.

The perjury charges stemmed from Mosbys use of the federal CARES Act, which allowed individuals facing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic to withdraw retirement funds without penalties. Prosecutors argued that she falsely claimed hardship to access tens of thousands of dollars from her retirement account, despite earning more in 2020 than she had in the previous year.

In a separate trial in 2024, a jury found Mosby guilty of using those retirement funds as down payments on two luxury vacation properties in Florida valued at more than $1 million combined.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mosby was confined to her Fells Point home and common areas of her apartment complex while on home detention but was still permitted to travel for work, childcare responsibilities, medical appointments and meetings with her legal team. Mosby had to get permission to travel to all other events, such as a barbecue held in her honor that she attended last summer in Clarksville.

Mosby first rose to national prominence in 2015 when she charged six Baltimore police officers in connection with the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old Black man who died in police custody. The case drew national attention amid widespread protests and unrest. After three trials ended without convictions, Mosby dropped charges against the remaining officers.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
A federal appeals court on Friday vacated former Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosbys mortgage fraud conviction, while upholding two separate perjury convictions, according to newly filed court records.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled 2-1 that Mosbys mortgage fraud case had been improperly tried in Maryland. Judges Stephanie Thacker and G. Steven Agee ruled in favor of the former prosecutor. Judge Paul Niemeyer wrote a separate opinion, concurring in part and dissenting in part of the majority decision.

The court said the jury received erroneous instruction about the proper venue for the case. As a result, it reversed the conviction and the federal governments seizure of her Florida condominium.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We agree with Appellant that the district courts jury charge with respect to venue in her mortgage fraud trial was erroneous, Thacker wrote in the filing. On that ground, we vacate Appellants mortgage fraud conviction without reaching her remaining arguments. And because the district courts forfeiture order hinges on the mortgage fraud conviction, it is likewise vacated.

An attorney for Mosby was not listed in court records, and she could not be reached for comment.

In upholding Mosbys two perjury convictions, the panel sided with the trial judges determination that evidence concerning her retirement fund withdrawals was both relevant and admissible.

We discern no error in the district courts adjudication of Appellants perjury convictions, the court wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mosby, 45, completed a year-long sentence of home detention on June 20, according to a judges order. The ruling came after she filed motions earlier in the week seeking the return of her passport and a waiver of a $1,447.23 location monitoring fee  conditions that had restricted her ability to travel.

Mosby, who served as Baltimores States Attorney from 2015 to 2023, was convicted of two counts of perjury and one count of mortgage fraud  all federal offenses  after leaving office. She was sentenced to home detention in May 2024 and began serving her sentence the following month.

The perjury charges stemmed from Mosbys use of the federal CARES Act, which allowed individuals facing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic to withdraw retirement funds without penalties. Prosecutors argued that she falsely claimed hardship to access tens of thousands of dollars from her retirement account, despite earning more in 2020 than she had in the previous year.

In a separate trial in 2024, a jury found Mosby guilty of using those retirement funds as down payments on two luxury vacation properties in Florida valued at more than $1 million combined.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mosby was confined to her Fells Point home and common areas of her apartment complex while on home detention but was still permitted to travel for work, childcare responsibilities, medical appointments and meetings with her legal team. Mosby had to get permission to travel to all other events, such as a barbecue held in her honor that she attended last summer in Clarksville.

Mosby first rose to national prominence in 2015 when she charged six Baltimore police officers in connection with the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old Black man who died in police custody. The case drew national attention amid widespread protests and unrest. After three trials ended without convictions, Mosby dropped charges against the remaining officers.

Mosby has attracted supporters, including the NAACP, Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., and a coalition of more than 50 attorneys, who have asked former President Joe Biden to offer her a pardon. A petition for that pardon garnered 98,140 signatures, but Biden did not consent to the proposed clemency.

Marilyn Mosby has dedicated her career to seeking justice and fighting for the underserved in Baltimore, King said on X. Recently, she has faced extreme scrutiny for actions that are legal and understandable.

_____
The Brief

A man has been charged in the deadly Apple Valley stabbing.

Aron Isait Medina Rojas, 20, has been charged with one count of second-degree murder with intent.

Authorities believe Rojas may attempt to flee to Mexico.

APPLE VALLEY, Minn. (FOX 9) - A man has been charged in a deadly stabbing in Apple Valley, with authorities fearing he may try to flee to Mexico.

Aron Isait Medina Rojas, 20, is charged with one count of second-degree murder with intent.

Apple Valley deadly stabbing charges

The backstory

According to the charges, just after 3 a.m. on June 6, officers found a man, later identified as 21-year-old Daniel Aguilar, unresponsive, lying in a pool of blood with a stab wound to the left side of his chest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Aguilar was pronounced dead at the scene.

Surveillance video captures stabbing

Timeline

Court documents state that multiple surveillance cameras captured the incident.

At 2:38 a.m., Aguilar was walking on a sidewalk carrying several things. A minute later a vehicle's headlights come into view, and two men and possibly one woman are heard arguing.

At 2:40 a.m., video shows Aguilar and Rojas on a sidewalk. Rojas approached Aguilar, and Aguilar backed away, court documents allege. The two men continue to argue, and Rojas "closed the space" between him and Aguilar. Rojas then allegedly "struck" the victim on the left side of his chest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After being struck, Aguilar is heard saying, "I'm f---ing walking home bro. Let me be." Rojas then punched Aguilar in the throat, and he collapsed on the sidewalk. Rojas then walks out of the camera frame.

At 2:41 a.m., Rojas and a woman came into the camera's view and walked to Aguilar with the woman's phone "illuminating" at Aguilar. The two then walk back to the vehicle and leave the scene.

Aguilar's girlfriend speaks with police

What they're saying

According to court documents, Aguilar was with his girlfriend the night before his stabbing in Minneapolis.

Aguilar's girlfriend told police she had gotten into an argument with Aguilar that night after being in a club with him. She says while they were at the club she kept getting phone calls from Rojas' girlfriend, who was angry that Aguilar's girlfriend was with him because she knew that he had cheated on the woman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Aguilar and his girlfriend eventually left the club, and drove to a parking lot in Apple Valley where they continued to argue, charges said.

Rojas and his girlfriend came to pick up Aguilar's girlfriend from the parking lot as she walked away from Aguilar's car on foot. As they were driving away, they saw Aguilar walking and Rojas' asked the victim's girlfriend if he had a gun.

The couple then dropped Aguilar's girlfriend at a friend's house.

Rojas' girlfriend contacted police later on July 6. She says after she and Rojas dropped off Aguilar's girlfriend, they saw Aguilar walking. Rojas then stopped the car, and his girlfriend got out of the car and confronted Aguilar.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Court documents say that Aguilar reportedly got "aggressive" with Rojas' girlfriend, and a fight between Rojas and Aguilar ensued.

After the fight, Rojas returned to the car with blood on his shirt and told his girlfriend they had to leave, the charges allege.

Search for suspect

Dig deeper

Police are asking for the public's help in finding Rojas, adding they fear he may try to flee the country to Mexico.

Medina Rojas owns a gray 2017 Chrysler 300 with Minnesota plates SKU-892. However, officers aren't sure if he's still using the Chrysler.

Anyone who spots the Chrysler is asked to call Apple Valley police at 952-322-2323.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

READ MORE: Apple Valley deadly stabbing suspect may be trying to flee to Mexico: Police

Rojas currently has an active arrest warrant out for him.

The Source

This article was written from court documents out of Dakota County.
Archaeologists say they have discovered a legendary pirate shipwreck off the coast of Madagascar.

The findings were announced in a research article by Brandon A. Clifford and Mark R. Agostini of the Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation in Massachusetts.

"This study presents archaeological evidence supporting the identification of a unique 18th-century shipwreck at Ilot Madame, off the coast of Sainte-Marie Island, Madagascar, as the Nossa Senhora do Cabo, a Portuguese treasure ship captured by pirates Olivier Levasseur (La Buse) and John Taylor in 1721," they wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Levasseur was "a French buccaneer colloquially known as La Buse or The Buzzard for his swift and predatory tactics, remains one of the most enigmatic figures in the captivating history of piracy," Discovery Channel UK notes.

According to the Golden Age of Piracy, the capture of the Nostra Senora della Cabo was a famed heist that saw the two pirates "capture a massive Portuguese treasure ship sailing out of the city of Goa. The massive 700-ton ship was carrying the Bishop of Goa, also known as the Patriarch of the East Indies along with the retiring Viceroy of Portugal. They were both returning to Lisbon with all of their wealth and artifacts when the ship was damaged in a storm."

Before his execution, pirate Olivier Levasseur hurled a necklace with a mysterious code into the crowd. It might lead to his legendary treasure. The code remains unsolved. Can you crack it? pic.twitter.com/w8oBEySJcg  Historic Mysteries (@HistoricMystery) June 3, 2025

What's the evidence?

"Artifacts recovered from the site include exported Chinese porcelain, religious artifacts of Goan origin, coinage, cowrie shells, and construction materials consistent with Portuguese East Indian design," the researchers wrote. "The archaeological assemblage recovered from the site corresponds with historical descriptions of the Cabos cargo, route, and subsequent refit and final renaming by La Buse as the Victorieux."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Their findings are rewriting history.

"Our interpretation of the site as the Cabo, supported by archaeological evidence and historical accounts, overturns contradictory narratives about the fate of the vessel. For example, one account reports how the ship was wrecked at Cape Amber," they wrote.

"Rather, our investigations align with competing recollections that instead the vessel was eventually abandoned, and likely partially burned, at Sainte-Marie. Broadly, this archaeological case study presents novel insights into piracy, global trade, and colonial power in the western Indian Ocean," they added.

The area was a haven for pirates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

le Sainte-Marie, located off the northeast coast of Madagascar, "occupies a central place in the maritime history of the western Indian Ocean. Its natural harbor, relatively protected from monsoon systems and regional currents, made it a strategic node for both legitimate trade and illicit maritime activity during the 17th and 18th centuries," they wrote.

"Although the island had been known to Arab mariners since at least the 12th century, it was not until the so-called Golden Age of Piracy (16501725 CE) that Sainte-Marie emerged as a significant base of operations for European pirates, including figures such as Henry Avery, William Kidd, Christopher Condent, and Olivier Levasseur."

Related: Archaeologists Announce Major Neanderthal Finding





Archaeologists Say They've Found a Legendary Pirate Ship, Rewriting History first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 11, 2025
By Muvija M

LONDON (Reuters) -The Anglican Communion is exploring diluting the Archbishop of Canterbury's role as its central symbolic leader, in an attempt to prevent internal divisions over ordination of women and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community from tearing apart the world's third-largest Christian faith.

For centuries, the man who crowns British monarchs as the seniormost bishop in the Church of England, which formed after Henry VIII's 16th-century split from Rome, has also been the titular head of 85 million Anglicans across 165 countries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But that headship, stemming from the British empire's role in spreading Christianity to its former colonies, has been pushed to breaking point by splits over LGBTQ+ rights between England's now more progressive church and the more traditional churches in Africa and Asia.

Forty-six different Churches make up the global Anglican Communion, with the Church of England considered the "mother church" to reflect its historical role.

To avert an all-out split, a representative body within the global Communion, which was asked to review its structure and decision-making processes, has proposed a rotating international figurehead, assuming some of the current organisational duties of the Archbishop of Canterbury, while they would focus on personal and pastoral ministry to the Communion.

The position could rotate between the Communion's five global regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and Oceania, with a term of six years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bishop Graham Tomlin, who led the work for the Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO), told Reuters the existing structures needed to change.

"We are very different than we were 100 years ago," he said.

The recommendations state a rotating figure "would add a welcome and overdue diversification". Tomlin is hopeful that the proposals will be adopted at a 2026 gathering.

VACANT SEE OF CANTERBURY

The tension between progressive and traditional Christians is not unique to Anglicanism, but the CoE's identity as a national church and Anglican mother church has forced a fundamental reset.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Unlike the Pope, who holds ultimate authority over 1.3 billion Catholics, the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury, a town considered one of the birthplaces of Christianity in Britain, is loosely defined and rooted in colonial-era deference.

"Some people think of the Pope as infallible; no one thinks the Archbishop of Canterbury is infallible," Bishop Nick Baines told Reuters.

Sometimes, individual bishops have been heavily criticised, such as when then Archbishop Justin Welby was forced into an unprecedented resignation following calls to resign from within the CoE over a child abuse cover-up.

The office, dating back to 597, remains empty. Frontrunner Bishop Martyn Snow said recently he could not unify even the CoE on sexuality and marriage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

BATTLE FOR ANGLICAN IDENTITY

Divisions erupted in 2003 with the U.S. branch of the Anglican Church consecrating the first openly gay bishop, and deepened 12 years later when it allowed same-sex marriage rites, prompting sanctions from the Communion, whose doctrinal tone is shaped by the CoE.

The rift widened in 2023 when the conservative Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon) - claiming to represent 85% of Anglicans worldwide - rejected Welby's leadership over the CoE's own move to bless same-sex unions. It has rejected Tomlin's proposals because it wants those churches willing to bless same-sex unions to leave the Communion.

"Gafcon is the Communion," Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, Rwandan church leader and Gafcon Chairman, told Reuters. "Gafcon has never left the Communion and will not leave the Communion, but we let those who choose ... to depart from the orthodox teaching, leave the Communion."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those who oppose same-sex relationships cite scripture as authoritative on sexual ethics, while others argue that ancient texts should not be applied directly to modern understandings of sexuality.

SHIFTING GRAVITY

The Communion's centre has been shifting from Canterbury for decades, with its churches in Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya together home to a third of all Anglicans, countries where homosexuality remains illegal.

While attendance at CoE churches has risen in the last four years, that follows decades of falls, and Linda Woodhead, head of theology at King's College London, said the CoE had hurt its reputation in Britain by trying to preserve its historic global leadership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's not keeping the allegiance ... of the population for which it's meant to be the official established Church," she said.

The CoE declined to comment on the suggested reforms as the selection of the 106th Archbishop is underway. The Anglican Communion Office said the proposals "would not take away" the Archbishop's historic global role, but explore ways to share some responsibilities.

GAY CLERGY

The disconnect in the Communion is felt acutely by gay clergy like Charles Baczyk-Bell in London, who had to marry his partner in an Anglican church in New York, as the CoE stands by its teaching that marriage is between a man and woman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said he sometimes found it very difficult to hold together his identity with that of a CoE priest.

"There was a sense of sadness that we couldn't do it around friends and family at home ... it's meant to be the day when you feel most at home," he said.

Baines said the next Archbishop shouldn't be fearful, given they will inherit a "broken Communion." Bishop Joanne Grenfell supports a more collegiate model.

"I feel passionate about the Anglican Communion, but the role of Archbishop of Canterbury, that's enormous," Grenfell said.

"Perhaps a bit too big for one person."

(Reporting by Muvija M; Additional reporting by Will Russell and Vitalii Yalahuzian in London, and Jean Baptiste Nkurunziza in Kigali;Editing by Kate Holton and Alexandra Hudson)
Argentinas former President, Alberto Fernandez, has been ordered to stand trial for alleged corruption related to insurance policies taken out by the government for the public sector during his 2019-2023 term.

Fernandez will be prosecuted for negotiations incompatible with the exercise of public office, according to Judge Sebastian Casanellos ruling published in Argentinian media on Thursday, and confirmed by the former leaders lawyer, Mariana Barbitta.

The 66-year-old stands accused of fraudulent administration over his governments use of brokers  one of whom allegedly had ties to his office  to contract insurance policies that could have been negotiated directly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The judge noted in his order that in December 2021, in the middle of his presidency, Fernandez issued a decree that forced the entire public sector to contract exclusively with Nacion Seguros SA, an insurance company then led by Alberto Pagliano, a friend of Fernandez.

It resulted in a boon and tremendous growth for the company.

The main broker of the deal was allegedly the husband of Fernandezs personal secretary.

The court ordered a freeze on about $10m of Fernandezs assets as the case proceeds, according to Thursdays ruling.

Some 33 other people are also named in the case. Fernandez did not immediately comment on the case.





Fernandez did not seek re-election after serving a single term, handing the keys of the presidential palace to self-described anarcho-capitalist President Javier Milei in December 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The corruption allegations emerged when a court ordered an examination of his secretarys phone while investigating assault claims made against Fernandez by his ex-partner Fabiola Yanez.

Yanez filed a complaint accusing Fernandez of having beaten her during their relationship, which ended after he left office.

He faces a separate trial on charges of domestic abuse.

Fernandezs leftist Peronist movement, which dominated Argentinian politics for most of the countrys post-war history, has been dogged by allegations of corruption.

Ex-President Cristina Kirchner, another senior Peronist, is serving a six-year sentence under house arrest after being convicted of fraud involving public works contracts awarded during her two terms.
This is an adapted excerpt from the July 10 episode of The Beat with Ari Melber.

As we approach the six-month benchmark of President Donald Trumps second term, its becoming clear just how different his stint in the White House is this time around. Over the last few months, Trump has repeatedly pushed to undercut independence and checks in government and secure more power for himself.

He has taken actions that have long been opposed by people across the political spectrum, sending federal troops into American streets and allowing masked federal agents to raid homes and workplaces. Trump has claimed executive powers to retaliate against educators, colleges and law firms  simply because he disagrees with how they exercise their First Amendment rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump has been able to take these actions partly because there has been a shift inside the government. In his first term, Trump oversaw an array of public servants who viewed him as an aberration  a first-time politician with a narrow mandate who got fewer total votes  and were often committed to holding the line when Trump pushed to defy the law, the Constitution and checks and balances  baselines that are not supposed to be a matter of politics.

That included military and security officials, people in the bureaucracy, or even his own appointees who stopped or revised Trumps plans. The presidents worst instincts were stemmed. Some referred to this as adults in the room or an internal resistance inside the Trump administration.

But without those guardrails, the American rule of law itself is under siege.

In Congress, Republicans have long been partisan and unified, but thats hit a new level in Trumps second term. Unlike in the first term, the Republican Partys congressional leaders, Sen. John Thune and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, are both from the Trump era, and they oversee a caucus that bends to the presidents will. If there are supposed holdouts, they are arranged to allow Trump a winning vote on big-ticket items.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats a contrast to the first term when Trump had to contend with some independent-thinking Republicans, including the late Sen. John McCain, who risked a lot when he gave his memorable thumbs down on the Senate floor to stop Trumps bid to gut the Affordable Care Act.

After Trump realized how hard it was to legislate, he turned away and has never really come back. He waited until this summer to get very involved in any major domestic legislation, partly because the budget is a congressional requirement that is not something the government can skip.

When it comes to his other assorted priorities, from immigration to political retribution to ending diversity recruitment, Trump is not sending bills to Congress on any of those topics in this second term. That takes work, collaboration and the acknowledgment of the power of the other branches of government.

Instead, Trump is pursuing most of those goals first through power grabs, in the form of executive orders, some of which are so lawless they keep getting smacked down in court. On Thursday, Trump was dealt another loss when a federal court shot down his bid to claim he can rewrite the Constitutions definition of citizenship  something no president has ever had the power to do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But its clear that Trumps current aides are not editing or limiting his orders, even when its obvious theyll lose in court. The wider effort here is to consolidate power in the White House and to increase the presidents authority over every part of the federal government, a goal that was laid out very clearly in Project 2025.

The U.S. system of checks and balances is supposed to ensure that no politician can take too much power. While Trump never showed much interest in constitutional law during most of his career, he did take an interest in one particular part of the Constitution: Article II, which lists and limits the presidents powers.

Trump has used Article II to argue that, instead of a government that divides up powers between three co-equal branches, the president has total autocratic power. He has claimed Article II gives him the right to do whatever he wants as president. Thats false. But during his second term, Trump has pushed to turn that legally false claim into some kind of test.

In front pages and television programs, the headlines focus on what Trump is doing, like his efforts to crack down on free speech or end diversity programs. People need those facts, but they also need to know how Trump is doing all of this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The president is accomplishing a vast majority of his policy goals through temporary and sometimes illegal orders, flooding the courts and country with whatever he signs, often failing to get any other review, often without consulting government experts or Congress.

Trump is doing this at unprecedented levels. Hes trying to seize power with White House orders far more often than former presidents, like Ronald Reagan or Barack Obama, and hes issuing executive orders at triple the rate he did in his first term.

Trump is attempting a huge shift in how power works in the federal government by undercutting Congress, shutting out other views and expertise, and gutting the checks that are fundamental to our democracy.

While other presidents viewed legislation as key to their legacies, like Obama with the Affordable Care Act, Trump has the worst ratio of legislation-to-orders at this point in his term, compared with any president in modern history during their first 100 days in office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed about 80 laws to about 90 executive orders. Obama, facing a resistant Republican-controlled Congress, leaned more on executive orders, signing those at about triple the rate of any laws. But Trump has blown both of them out of the water. He has already signed more than 35 times as many orders as new laws.

This is a total shift in how power is used in the United States. Its an autocratic effort. Obviously, past presidents might have been interested in cutting out Congress, but most followed limits on White House orders. Trump is finding more losses than any recent president, in part because he has issued a flood of hasty, broad and sometimes legally embarrassing orders that get paused, trimmed or cancelled forever in court.

What were seeing is a methodical effort not only to cut out Congress and to browbeat the courts, but to change how presidents govern this country: less like a democracy, and more like an order-wielding king.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com




NEED TO KNOW

An Arizona doctor died after what appeared to be a flash fire broke out while he was inside a hyperbaric chamber at his wellness clinic

Dr. Walter Foxcroft was declared dead on the scene when emergency responders arrived at his Havasu Health and Hyperbarics center on July 9

The cause of the fire is still under investigation





A deadly flash fire inside a hyperbaric chamber has claimed the life of an Arizona physical therapist at the wellness clinic that he owned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Wednesday, July 9, Dr. Walter Foxcroft, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel who responded to a call about a medical emergency for a burn patient in the 1800 block of Mesquite Avenue in Lake Havasu City, according to a press release shared by the Lake Havasu City Fire Department.

The call came at approximately 10:50 p.m. local time. Per the release, responders "identified smoke throughout the building and an intact hyperbaric chamber that appeared to have had a flash fire in the chamber with one patient inside."

Havasu Health and Hyperbarics is located at 1830 Mesquite Avenue, and according to his LinkedIn page and the clinic's website, Foxcroft is the owner.

No one else was injured in the tragedy, and "the occupancy was ventilated and checked for any other flammable hazards" by the crew before their departure.

edwardolive/Getty Stock image of a hyperbaric chamber Stock image of a hyperbaric chamber

It was not clear who made the 911 call or if others were inside the clinic at the time of the fire. However, the press release confirmed that the caller was aware that Foxcroft was inside the hybaric chamber.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fire is being investigated by detectives with the Lake Havasu City Police Department and fire investigators.

Havasu Health and Hyperbarics opened in 2024 and was billed as a first-of-its-kind establishment in the state by KARK.com.

Our mission is to offer the most advanced therapeutic technologies available, right here in Lake Havasu City, Foxcroft, a functional medicine hyperbaric clinician, told the publication at the time. With HBOT [Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy] and a range of wellness services, were providing patients with the tools they need to achieve peak health and recovery.

Foxcroft received certification from the International Board of Undersea Medicine, per the clinic's website and Facebook page. He had been a resident of Lake Havasu City since 1998 and went to school at the University of Arizona and Touru University Nevada.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On top of his career in medicine, Foxcroft had history as a student athlete at his alma mater, where he was a mascot.

He was remembered by the Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots organzation at the University of Arizona in a statement shared on Instagram.

"Wally was an unforgettable presence on the sidelines  an energetic, charismatic performer known for his signature moonwalk and passion for bringing joy to Arizona fans," a tribute read, later celebrating "Wallys dedication to uplifting others  through performance, healing, and innovation."



According to reporting by local publication the Today's News-Herald, the center currently has a sign on its door announcing that it is "closed until further notice."

PBNJ Productions/Getty Stock image of a fire truck Stock image of a fire truck

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.

People who knew Foxcroft remembered him as a father, husband and exemplary worker in tributes shared with the outlet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I just remember how kind and thorough he was with each person, never in a rush, answered all questions, talked with family members etc.," Jonathan O'Neill, a physical therapist in Havasu, told the outlet, noting that he shadowed Foxcroft at work in 2019.

GraceArts Live Theater Director Grace Echevarria said that she had reached out to Foxcroft's wife, adding that she was "grief-stricken" by the news.

PEOPLE has contacted the Lake Havasu City Fire Department and Police Department for additional information.



Read the original article on People
Weeks after Arizona lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to create an independent oversight office to monitor its deeply troubled prison system, the new office's future is in question after its funding was stripped from a state budget bill.

The Arizona House and Senate passed Senate Bill 1507 late last month by wide margins, and Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signed it into law. The new law will create an office tasked with independent oversight of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR), including monitoring compliance with policies and investigating complaints.

The office was originally set to receive $1.5 million in appropriations in the state's budget, but the funding became a sticking point between the legislature and Hobbs' office. To keep the bill from being scuttled altogether, it was amended to allow the office to be funded through other legislative appropriations, federal grants, and private sources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The passage of the legislation was the result of years of work from prison reform advocates and a growing recognition by the state that it could no longer hide the problems in its prisons. The ADCRR has been in near-constant litigation for more than a decademostly on the losing sidebecause of gruesome medical neglect and barbaric indifference by prison officials.

John Fabricius, executive director of the Praxis Initiative, spent 15 years incarcerated in the ADCRR, and since his release in 2018, he's worked with other criminal justice advocacy groups to get a law passed in Arizona to bring some sort of transparency to state prisons. He says he realized while behind bars that the ADCRR had "total narrative control" over information, and what was really happening wasn't getting out to anyonereporters, lawmakers, and even prison administrators.

"I watched people die," Fabricius says. "I watched a guy lose a leg. I watched my friend go blind. It was crazy. It was insane in there."

In the case of his friend, Fabricius says the man went permanently blind in one eye after waiting three months for an outside appointment and then nine months for surgery to treat a detached retina. Fabricius says that, while his friend was putting in requests to see a doctor, prison medical staff offered him Visine for his occluded eye.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those kinds of stories are common in the ADCRR.

In 2022, a federal judge ruled that Arizona prison officials were deliberately indifferent to "grossly inadequate" medical and mental health care, violating inmates' Eighth Amendment rights.

The ruling came after an expert witness report filed in the case described appalling and fatal delays in medical care for incarcerated people inside the ADCRR: A paraplegic man was left to physically deteriorate until his penis had to be amputated. A man with undiagnosed, untreated lung cancer lost 90 pounds and died "slowly and agonizingly" without pain medication. A woman's multiple sclerosis was ignored and misdiagnosed until she was left, at age 36, nearly completely paralyzed.

"No legitimate humane system would operate in this manner," Judge Roslyn Silver of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona concluded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Silver also found that the ADCRR was yet again violating the terms of a settlement agreement in a long-running lawsuit over prison medical care and conditions.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arizona, the Arizona Center for Disability Law, and the law firm Perkins Coie LLP, filed the suit in 2012. The federal class action lawsuit followed media investigations and persistent allegations of fatally inadequate medical care by the ADCRR's medical provider.

The ADCRR agreed to settle the suit in 2015 by taking steps to improve medical care inside its prisons. But since then, the ACLU and other law firms have repeatedly accused the ADCRR of failing to abide by the settlement agreement, and federal judges have agreed.

A federal magistrate judge fined the ADCRR $1.4 million in 2018. Silver held the department in contempt in 2021 and fined it another $1.1 million for failing to meet the benchmarks for proper medical care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Arizona has spent tens of millions of dollars in legal fees racked up in federal court on lawsuits over chronic issues inside Arizona prisons," said Lauren Krisai, executive director of Justice Action Network, a criminal justice advocacy group. "The oversight office this bill creates, paired with the improvements Director [Ryan] Thornell is making, will help to identify issues before they become widespread problems, or worseanother federal lawsuit that taxpayers will have to pay to defend."

The question now is where the oversight office will get the money to do its job. State Sen. Shawnna Bolick (RMaricopa County), the bill's sponsor, said in a statement, "Signing a bill and refusing to fund it is like buying a car and not putting anyone in the driver's seat."

However, Fabricius says there are upsides: Separating the oversight office from the state budget will protect it from meddling by future governors. (And if it can secure outside funding, that's certainly a win for Arizona taxpayers.)

"It is, in the short term, a challenge to get funding to get this up and running," Fabricius says. "But I think, long term, we've built some real strong real stability into the bill with this amendment."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Given the depth of the problems in the ADCRR, which Fabricius has observed up close and personal, he is darkly optimistic: "We've got nothing but opportunity for growth here."

The post Arizona Just Created, Then Defunded, an Independent Watchdog for Its Troubled Prison System appeared first on Reason.com.
A hyperbaric chamber caught fire in Arizona, leading to the gruesome death of a 43-year-old man inside the highly pressurized, oxygen-filled compartment, authorities said Thursday.

Police officers and firefighters in the resort community of Lake Havasu City rushed to the 1800 block of Mesquite Avenue at about 10:50 p.m. MST on Wednesday answering calls for a "reported medical emergency for a burn patient," city officials said.

"The 911 callers information added that the patient was inside a hyperbaric chamber when the burns occurred," according to a city statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The first arriving crews identified smoke throughout the building and an intact hyperbaric chamber that appeared to have had a flash fire in the chamber with one patient inside. The patient was pronounced deceased upon arrival of emergency crew."

The victim was identified as physical therapist Walter "Wally" Foxcroft, a native of Lake Havasu City.

"The cause of the flash fire and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation," the city said.

Foxcroft graduated from the University of Arizona, where he played the role of Wilbur T. Wildcat from 2002 to 2005, according to the school's cheerleading team.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Wally was an unforgettable presence on the sidelines  an energetic, charismatic performer known for his signature moonwalk and passion for bringing joy to Arizona fans," the cheer squad said in a statement.

"Wallys dedication to uplifting others  through performance, healing, and innovation  will never be forgotten. Thank you, Wilbur, for the spirit, the showmanship, and the legacy you leave behind."

A hyperbaric chamber can be used in any number of treatments, as it pumps highly concentrated oxygen into a patient's body.

This tragedy is sure to increase scrutiny of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in what are often unregulated healthcare facilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thomas Cooper, a 5-year-old Michigan boy, was killed Jan. 31 when a fire broke out in a hyperbaric chamber at the Oxford Center, an alternative medicine clinic in the Detroit suburb of Troy.

That facility's founder and CEO and three of her employees were charged in Thomas death.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Saudi-listed food delivery firm Jahez has agreed to acquire a 76.56% stake in Qatars on-demand delivery company Snoonu for $245m.

Established in 2019, Snoonu operates as a multi-vertical platform covering food, grocery, e-commerce and logistics.

Jahez will purchase 8,144,546 shares, representing 75% of Snoonus share capital, from existing shareholders for $225m using a mix of cash and shares.

Jahez will also subscribe to 723,960 newly issued shares, equating to a further 1.56% of Snoonus share capital, for $20m in cash.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, with completion expected in the second half of 2025.

Upon closure, Jahez will hold the majority stake in the acquired company, while Snoonus founder and CEO, Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri, will retain a 23.44% share.

Snoonu will continue to operate under its brand post-acquisition and will be led by Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri.

The deal values Snoonu at QR1.165bn ($320m), making it Qatars first startup to exceed a QR1bn valuation.

The acquisition represents Jahezs entry into the Qatari market, aligning with its expansion strategy across the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Established in 2016, Jahez offers on-demand services, q (quick)-commerce, last-mile delivery, digital solutions and cloud kitchens in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Jahez CEO Ghassab Al-Mandeel was quoted by Wamda: This partnership is a win-win for all stakeholders as we expand our presence in the region.

Snoonus impressive growth journey will be further fuelled by Jahezs infrastructure and scale, while we gain access to Snoonus cutting-edge product engine, talent and high-performance platform across its portfolio.

Our companies share the same entrepreneurial DNA and most importantly, have a proven ability to grow profitably in a competitive sector. Together, we will unlock new opportunities for customers and merchants, cementing our position as the regions trusted on-demand platform and continuing to deliver shareholder value.

"Jahez to acquire 76% stake in Qatars Snoonu for $245m" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




A 73-year-old man from Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to four years in prison after traveling to Washington to meet with what he thought was a 13-year-old boy, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Steven J. Migdon was arrested in August 2024 following a joint investigation by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Today, we are here to confront the ugliness of what you did over ten days. The images you had on your phone represented real children and real abuse. These are among the most serious crimes we see in federal court, the crimes that exploit children, U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead said during the hearing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During their investigation, SPD and the FBI had an undercover agent pose as a 13-year-old boy on a teen chat platform in July 2024.

Migdon replied to the undercover agent and eventually asked for sexually explicit pictures that he didnt receive.

He eventually sent pictures of his face and sexually explicit images of himself to the undercover agent.

The U.S. Attorneys Office says that on August 5, Migdon flew from Tucson to Everett, believing he would meet the teen boy at a hotel.

Migdon was arrested.

Sexually explicit images of other children, as well as child sexual abuse images, were found after Migdons phone was searched.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.S. Attorneys Office says Migdon was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victims of the child abuse images he had on his phone.

He will also have to register as a sex offender and be supervised for ten years after his release from prison.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas Childrens Hospital will host Pops with PICU on Aug. 2, a special event offering a sweet reunion for past and current patient families from its Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

The event runs from noon until 3 p.m. at Bale Whiteside Hall, formerly Childrens Hall.

$1 million gift to Arkansas Childrens Hospital by Bale family will endow chair

Shelby Owens, a PICU Family Advisory Board member, said the event aims to bring together families and their care teams for an afternoon of fun.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This event is for past PICU families to all come together and fellowship with one another, Owens said. Well have food and games and the chance to see past and present PICU staff as well.

All current and former PICU families are encouraged to attend. Those who RSVP here will receive a special prize, with additional door prizes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Arkansas Department of Education named its 15 finalists for Teacher of the Year honors on Friday.

ADE officials said the 15 are set to be honored July 28 at a Governors Mansion event.

Parents react to Arkansas Department of Educations new school letter grade calculations

Each of the educators receives a certificate and a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I am proud of the finalists for their dedication to the profession and student learning, ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva said. Those selected represent some of the best of the best in the teaching profession, and I look forward to learning from them.

The 15 are:

Alana Ashworth, Science  Grade 5, Prairie Grove Middle School, Prairie Grove School District

Brad Beatty, Math and Science  Grade 5, Russellville Intermediate School, Russellville School District

Chenel Dale, Kindergarten, Asbell Elementary School, Fayetteville School District

Heidi Faught-Strong, Math/Science  Grade 5, Main Street Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School, Hot Springs School District

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Susan Ford, Instrumental Music  Grades 7-8, Cabot Junior High North and Cabot Junior High South, Cabot School District

Gretchen Freyaldenhoven, Science and Social Studies  Grade 5, Greenbrier Wooster Elementary School, Greenbrier School District

Victoria Golden, English Language Arts  Grade 3, Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy,

Little Rock School District

Danny Hobson, Theatre & Technical Theatre  Grades 9-12, Alma High School, Alma School District

Tarji Russell-Chaffin, Biomedical Science  Grades 9-12, Dumas High School, Dumas School District

Kevin Sherman, Instrumental Music  Grades 7-12, Stuttgart High School, Stuttgart School District

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kaitlin Smith, Science and English as a Second Language  Grades 10-12, Conway High School, Conway School District

Misty Smith, Science  Grade 6, Goza Middle School, Arkadelphia School District

Jessie Walls, Second Grade, Jim D. Rollins School of Innovation, Springdale School District

Elaina Weaver, Math  Grade 6, Bethel Middle School, Bryant School District

Stephanie Williams, Music  Grades K-4, Mountain View Elementary School, Benton School District

Arkansas Department of Education launches childcare website

Semifinalists will be named at the July 28 event, officials said, with the 2026 Teacher of the Year to be named in the fall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Video: Videos show water rising within minutes during deadly Texas flood

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management deployed a two-person team to assist with the aftermath of flooding in parts of central Texas.

The team was requested by Texas through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to assist the Texas Division of Emergency Management at the State Emergency Operations Center in Austin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump plans to tour Texas flood damage as the scope of the disaster tests his pledge to shutter FEMA

The team will work with Texas emergency officials to provide support in resource tracking, documentation, situational awareness, and operational reporting. They will also work as liaisons between Texas and assisting states.

The deployment is scheduled for eight days, but the mission may be extended if needed. Team members will work 12-hour shifts.

A Texas family clung to life on their roof, capturing the terrifying flooding in photos and video

The deployment comes after at least 120 people were killed during a devasting flooding in Texas during the Fourth of July holiday. Officials said more than 160 people are believed to still be missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Arkansas Education Secretary Jacob Oliva (center) discusses assessment scores at the July 10, 2025 state education board meeting as members Randy Henderson and Adrienne Woods listen. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

Arkansas students improved slightly in statewide test scores compared to last year, according to data released Thursday.

The 2024-2025 academic year marks just the second time students have taken a new annual exam developed by state education officials called the Arkansas Teaching, Learning and Assessment System, or ATLAS.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Presenting the data to the states education board Thursday, Education Secretary Jacob Oliva said he was pleased to have the data so quickly because it will allow teachers to make data-based decisions as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Last year, the data wasnt released until October.

According to the new data, roughly 35% of all 3rd- through 12th-grade students tested proficient or above in English language arts and math, and 38% achieved those levels in science. Overall, students saw an increase from last years score of 0.8%, 2.7% and 2.4% in each category, respectively.

Some of the biggest improvements were seen in end-of-course exams for algebra, geometry and biology. Students scoring proficient or above in geometry increased from 18% to 21.5%, year over year. Algebra I and biology scores increased from 26.8% to 30.8%, and from 36.4% to 37.7%, respectively.

You can still see there is a lot of work to do in our end-of-course exams and a lot of work to do overall in the state, but moving the trendline in the right direction shows slow and steady progress, Oliva said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Offering end-of-course exams is a change from the test previously used by the state, a summative exam called ACT Aspire. A summative assessment measures how much a student has learned at the end of the academic year by comparing it to a benchmark or standard.

ADE developed ATLAS in 2023 to replace ACT Aspire, which was discontinued. State lawmakers approved a $71.4 million contract with Cambium Assessment, a company based in Washington, D.C., to develop the new test.

Unlike ACT Aspire, which was an off-the-shelf product, education officials crafted an Arkansas-specific exam by pulling items from Cambiums question bank and creating new questions to meet state standards. Teachers also have the ability to pull questions from the bank to craft their own assessments and measure progress throughout the year.

While ACT Aspire was a predictor of career and college readiness, ATLAS allows students to be measured against the state standards theyre expected to learn, Oliva said. Asked by board members about comparing scores, Oliva said its difficult to do because they measure different things.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When Oliva arrived in Arkansas in 2023, he said ACT Aspire scores were showing improvement, but the state was still below pre-pandemic levels. To continue making gains, Oliva said its important to keep pushing forward with provisions of the LEARNS Act, a wide-ranging 2023 law that overhauled the states K-12 education system.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders agreed, saying in a press release Thursday that this years ATLAS results demonstrate her signature education law is working.

By making the largest investment ever in our public schools, implementing literacy standards and support, raising starting teacher pay, and rewarding our best educators, we are creating an environment where Arkansas students are set up to succeed in the classroom  and thrive once they graduate, Sanders said.

At Thursdays State Board of Education meeting, Oliva also touted a new law called Arkansas ACCESS which, among other things, increases students access to accelerated courses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We can love our students to mediocrity, but thats not our goal, Oliva said. We have to push them to excellence, and that is what were going to continue to do in this data and in this school year.

On the topic of pushing students, board member Jeff Wood asked if at the August meeting they could discuss moving the statewide testing window from April to May to help make days at the end of the academic year more meaningful.

Oliva said hed be happy to.

ATLAS results are available here.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
The Arkansas National Guard sent 22 troops to Texas on July 8, 2025 to help with flood recovery. The Arkansas Division of Emergency deployed its own two-person team on July 11, 2025. (1st Sgt. Jim Heuston/Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office)

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management deployed a specialized two-person team Friday morning to Texas in response to deadly flash flooding that has killed more than 100 people.

The Arkansas team was requested through the multistate Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) to assist their Texas counterparts at the State Emergency Operations Center in Austin, according to a press release. The compact allows states to send personnel and equipment to help response and recovery efforts in other states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Emergency response knows no borders, and we are dedicated to working alongside Texas to provide the necessary assistance and resources, ADEM Director AJ Gary said in a statement.

The Arkansas team will provide support in resource tracking, documentation, situational awareness and operational reporting, according to the release. They will also act as liaisons between Texas and assisting states.

Their deployment is scheduled for an initial eight-day period, with team members working 12-hour shifts with state and federal partners. The mission may be extended as needed, the release states.

The Arkansas National Guard sent 22 troops to Texas on Tuesday to assist with recovery efforts as well. Their mission was scheduled through Saturday, but could be extended.

At least 120 people were killed and another 172 were still missing as of Friday morning, according to The Texas Tribune.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  Two employees at an Arkansas prison where an inmate known as the Devil in the Ozarks escaped have been fired for policy violations, corrections officials said Thursday as they faced questions from lawmakers who said the escape points to deeper problems.

The head of the Arkansas Board of Corrections told state lawmakers the violations allowed Grant Hardin to escape from the Calico Rock prison wearing a makeshift law enforcement uniform on May 25. But officials have said there was no evidence employees knowingly assisted Hardin's escape.

One of the fired employees had allowed Hardin onto an outside kitchen dock unsupervised and the other employee worked in a tower and had opened the gate Hardin walked through without confirming his identity, Chairman Benny Magness said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If either one of them would have been following policy, it wouldn't have happened, Magness told members of the Legislative Council's charitable, penal, and correctional institutions subcommittee.

Hardin was captured 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) northwest of the Calico Rock prison on June 6. Authorities said he escaped by donning an outfit designed to look like a law enforcement uniform. Magness said the outfit was crafted from an inmate uniform and kitchen apron dyed black using a marker while a soup can lid and a Bible cover were fashioned to look like a badge.

Lawmakers said the escape pointed to systemic problems beyond the two employees  including how Hardin was able to fashion the fake uniform without guards noticing.

I think weve got major issues here that need to be dealt with, said Republican Sen. Matt McKee, who co-chairs the subcommittee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hardin, a former police chief in the small town of Gateway, near the Arkansas-Missouri border, is serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape. He was the subject of the TV documentary Devil in the Ozarks.

After his capture, Hardin was transferred to a maximum security prison in Varner, a small community about 65 miles (125 kilometers) southeast of Little Rock.

Hardin has pleaded not guilty to an escape charge and is set to go on trial in November.

Hardin held a job in the kitchen in the prison and had not had any disciplinary problems during his time there.

In addition to the uniform, Hardin fashioned a ladder out of wooden pallets that were on the dock and also took peanut butter sandwiches from the prison to survive on after his escape, corrections officials told lawmakers Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hardin planned to use the ladder to scale the fence and escape if the gate wasn't opened for him, said Dexter Payne, director of the division of correction.

There are a lot of things he did unnoticed and unaware, Republican Sen. Ben Gilmore said during the hearing. I don't think you can blame just two people for that.

Members of the panel also said Hardin's escape points to the need to scrutinize a classification system that placed a convicted murderer in what's primarily a medium-security facility.

Payne said a critical incident review of the escape planned later this month may determine if other employees will face firings, demotions or disciplinary actions. It also will determine what other policy changes may be needed, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State Police is also investigating the escape to determine whether any laws, policies or procedures were violated in the escape. Col. Mike Hagar, the head of state police and secretary of public safety, said the final report on the investigation may be completed within 30 days.

Thomas Hurst, warden of the prison formally called the North Central Unit  said State Police was not notified immediately of the escape though local police were, blaming it on a miscommunication.

Theres nobody thats more embarrassed about (the escape) than me, Hurst said. Its not good. We failed, and I understand it.
HAVANA, Ark.  Officials announced that the swim beach at Waveland Park in western Arkansas is open again after temporary closure due to water quality concerns.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Blue Mountain Lake Field Office reopened the beach after routine testing showed water conditions met state health requirements, officials said.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission enhances summer fishing with attractors

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the USACE, field office personnel previously closed the area after detecting E. coli levels above safe limits.

Arkansas Department of Health guidelines require two consecutive acceptable water samples before a swim beach can reopen, officials said.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission offering $100 for black carp

Although the beach is open, USACE warned that high water levels in the region have increased the risk of submerged hazards for swimmers and boaters.

For more information, visit www.swl.usace.army.mil.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
QUETTA, Pakistan (Reuters) -Pakistan's authorities retrieved the bullet-ridden bodies of nine bus passengers kidnapped by insurgents in a spate of attacks on buses in the mountainous southwestern province of Balochistan, officials said on Friday.

The separatist Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) claimed the killings of the nine labourers, saying that they were involved in spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies.

Baloch separatists, who have been demanding a greater share of resources, have played a role in similar past killings of those identified as hailing from the eastern province of Punjab.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Government official Naveed Alam said the bodies with bullet wounds were found in the mountains overnight, while a provincial government spokesman, Shahid Rind, said the passengers were seized from two buses on Thursday evening.

"We are identifying the bodies and reaching out to their families," he said, adding that the victims, working as labourers in the restive region, were returning home to Punjab.

They include two brothers who were going to attend the funeral of their father, Alam said.

Ethnic insurgents accuse Pakistan's government of stealing regional resources to fund expenditure elsewhere, mainly in the sprawling province of Punjab.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Security forces foiled three insurgent attacks on Thursday before the kidnappings, Rind said, accusing neighbour and arch rival India of backing the militants.

The Indian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

New Delhi denies accusations by Islamabad that it is funding, training and backing the militants in a bid to stoke instability in the region, where Pakistan relies on China among international investors to develop mines and mineral processing.

"India is now doubling down to further its nefarious agenda through its proxies," the Pakistani army said in a statement in remarks that followed the worst fighting in nearly three decades between the nuclear-armed foes in May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is the strongest among the insurgent groups long operating in the area bordering Afghanistan and Iran, a mineral-rich region.

In recent months, separatists have stepped up their attacks, mostly targeting Pakistan's military, which has launched an intelligence-based offensive against them.

Their other main targets have been Chinese nationals and interests, in particular the strategic port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea, with the separatists accusing Beijing of helping Islamabad to exploit resources.

The BLA blew up a railway track and took over 400 train passengers hostage in an attack in March that killed 31.

(Reporting by Sakleem Ahmed; Writing by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Michael Perry and Clarence Fernandez)
A fundamental value of life at sea is Dont give up the ship, an axiom ingrained in sailors that all damage and problems aboard a vessel fall to the crew to fix.

But under modern contracting rules, some of the most critical systems on U.S. Navy ships, as well as major systems used by the Army, can only be fixed by defense contractors. When one of these systems breaks  whether a vital weapon or the machines that produce fresh water  sailors and soldiers may not have the tools, training or permission to fix them, due to the contracting rules under which the military cedes its right to repair systems to contractors who built them.

Many view this repair system as an Achilles heel for the U.S. military.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I can tell you that when the shooting starts, sailors will have to keep their ships in the fight at sea because we cant count on being able to bring civilian contractors onboard in a war zone, a post-command Navy surface warfare officer captain told Task & Purpose.

Thats why the U.S. military and some lawmakers are both stepping up their focus onright to repairfor weapons and other systems, ensuring that troops have the necessary tools, training and authorization to fix their own equipment, said Greg Williams, of the Project on Government Oversight, or POGO, a non-partisan watchdog group.

Two senators introduced a bill this week that would make right to repair a staple of military contracting, with rules requiring that future weapons systems be delivered with manuals, tools and access to parts and information that would make systems fixable by the military members who use them. Separately, the Senate Armed Services Committee has advanced its version of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act that also includes a right to repair provision, which would require defense contractors to submit instructions for continued operational readiness necessary for operations, maintenance, installation, and training, according to a summary of the bill that was released on Friday.

Good for cell phones, not weapons

A variety of equipment used by the military  from ships and aircraft to generators and handheld gear  is purchased with a warranty, and that means the manufacturer has the responsibility for making repairs, said Williams, director of POGOs Center for Defense Information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, that makes a lot of sense when, perhaps, you buy a car or a mobile phone, Williams told Task & Purpose. It does not make a lot of sense when youre thousands of miles from home, potentially under fire; you have a piece of equipment you need either to succeed in your mission or simply to survive, and you want to be able to do whatever you can to repair that on the spot.

Another issue is that servicemembers are not allowed to try to fix certain types of equipment because the U.S. military does not own the intellectual property rights to it, Williams said.

But the U.S. military wants service members to perform more types of repairs. In April, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo ordering sweeping reforms to the Army, including directing the service to include right to repair provisions in existing contracts and ensure such provisions are part of future contracts.

While the Army has a general right to repair its gear, soldiers face certain restrictions when fixes involve proprietary systems, advanced electronics, and software that is protected by intellectual property laws, or if making such repairs would void the warranty, said Army spokesperson Elias Chelala.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Commanders often prefer having their soldiers perform basic and intermediate repairs to reduce downtime and increase operational readiness, Chelala told Task & Purpose. This includes diagnostics, component-level replacements, mechanical repairs, and preventative maintenance tasks in the field.

A sailor conducts preventative maintenance on a burner barrel in the aft main machinery room aboard USS Boxer on Oct. 27, 2023. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelsey J. Eades.

Granting soldiers and sailors access to the tools, manuals, and software needed to repair more types of equipment would both increase their autonomy and sharpen their skills, he said. This would also require soldiers to undergo more training on using diagnostic tools, troubleshooting software systems, and repairing complex systems to avoid damage and injuries.

The Navy operates many aircraft, weapons systems, and critical ship systems that either require flying contractors to the ship for repairs or making the fixes when the ship is in port, said Capt. Ron Flanders, a spokesperson for the office of the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition.

Sailors and Marines do not have the technical manuals or diagnostic capability to repair those items, which include helicopters, jets, radar systems, guns, fire control systems, reverse-osmosis water filtration systems, and even ovens, Flanders told Task & Purpose.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Navy commanders would much prefer that sailors be given the technical manuals and diagnostics capabilities they need to perform maintenance on all manner of combat systems, Flanders said.

Flanders added that he is confident that sailors would be able to take care of systems currently serviced by contractors if they were provided with the necessary technical manuals and diagnostic tools.

Rapid, effective maintenance is a warfighting imperative, Flanders said. This is especially true in contested logistics environments, where self-sufficiency will be required. 

New law would require Right To Repair

Toward that end, a bill introduced by Sens Sheehy and Warren, in at least one sense, captures the bipartisan consensus on the right to repair. Sheehy is a former Navy SEAL and staunch Donald Trump supporter while Warren is a leading Democrat who has championed consumer protections for over a decade, including right to repairs issues for heavy farm equipment. Along with dictating terms to defense contractors, their bill would also require the defense secretary to conduct a review to modify contracts to remove any intellectual property barriers that prevent service members from repairing equipment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its about time we stand up to Pentagon contractors that are squeezing every last cent from us at the expense of our national security, Warren said in a statement to Task & Purpose

Our warfighters  and the American public  deserve better, and Im proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to streamline bloated bureaucracy, increase competition, and provide our warfighters with the quality and quantity of equipment they need to win the next fight, Sheehy said in a statement to Task & Purpose.

Williams said the underlying reason why troops are prohibited from making certain repairs is that maintaining equipment is a very profitable business for defense industry.

I think its important to recognize that we spend tens of billions of dollars annually on these types of repairs, and eventually that could be done a lot less expensively by our people in uniform and by civilian defense employees, Williams said. They generally cost about one third the hourly or annual rate of a contractor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While it will cost money to train service members to fix equipment that currently must be repaired by contractors, Wiliams said, You either pay that expense, or you pay the expense if theyre not able to get their equipment fixed when a mission is underway.

Not only do current constraints prevent troops from making repairs under dire circumstances, but they also mean that service members cannot practice fixing equipment when they are not in danger, Williams said. This also means that service members need to wait for contactors to arrive to make necessary repairs.

Just in case its illustrative, I dont know if youre a Star Trek fan, but you can probably picture Captain Kirk calling down to engineering to ask Scotty how quickly hes going to repair something, Williams said. Now keep imagining if Scottys answer was: Well it will take three weeks for the contractor to get here at Warp 4. Until then, we cant touch it.

UPDATE: 07/11/2024; this story was updated with information about a right to repair provision in the Senate version of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

The latest on Task & Purpose
General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) is one of the 13 stocks recently discussed by Jim Cramer. While Cramer showed bullish sentiment toward the stock in light of the tariffs, he mentioned that the stock went down and acknowledged not everybody believes.

Keep in mind, we have a big, persistent trade deficit with both Japan and South Korea. You tack on a big tariff on imports from those countries, and suddenly, about 17% of vehicles made there and sold here are priced out of the market. In other words, this is great news for domestic automakers. Ford and GM should be able to clean up, yet both their stocks went down today. Hmm, sounds like not everybody believes.

Jim Cramer Notes GM Stock Drops Despite Tariff News Favoring U.S. Automakers

A group of technicians in a garage, inspecting car parts and ensuring safety compliance.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) manufactures and sells vehicles and parts under multiple brand names. The company also offers software-based services and subscriptions, and provides financing, after-sales support, and fleet solutions.

While we acknowledge the potential of GM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
An arrest has been made in connection to a fatal shooting in Wyoming.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office released a statement on the evening of July 10, saying a 14-year-old boy has been arrested after a shooting in the Cincinnati suburb left 15-year-old Jaymir Deshea Hill dead on July 9.

The 14-year-old has been charged with murder.

Officials have not released any information on a motive or what led up to the shooting. Investigators consider this an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public, according to a prior news release from the sheriff's office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hill was found shot in his left shoulder near Burns and Washington avenues just before 3:50 p.m., according to the Hamilton County sheriff and coroner.

A 911 caller said several passersby came to help Hill after they heard the shots. At first, he was breathing and had his eyes open, the caller said.

One person started CPR before the first responders arrived, the caller described.

The sheriff's office said that once officers arrived, they also attempted to perform CPR before they eventually took the teen to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he died.

The Northwest Local School District confirmed the next day that Hill was a ninth grade student at the district in the 2024-25 school year.

Enquirer reporter Cameron Knight contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 14-year-old arrested in deadly shooting in Wyoming, Ohio
ATLANTA (WRBL)  The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation announced on Thursday that it will donate $500,000 to support the relief and recovery for the Texas Hill Country community following the catastrophic flooding that has led to hundreds dead or missing.

The Atlanta Falcons shared the news on their Facebook page of the owners plan to donate to the community affected in the floods.

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, right, discusses the decision to dismiss head coach Arthur Smith as CEO Rich McKay looks on during a news conference Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

The Blank foundation issued a statement and spoke on the tragedy by saying:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We hold the people of Texas, especially those in the Texas Hill Country, close in our thoughts as the devastating floods have brought hardship and heartbreak to so many. We mourn the losses and stand with those who are suffering, offering our deepest sympathies and unwavering support.

Our $500,000 contribution will directly benefit the impacted communities and provide much-needed relief and long-term recovery.

In the tragic flooding in Texas, there has been an estimate of 120 people killed and 170 still missing in the disaster that began on July 4.

President Donald Trump arrived in Texas on Friday to address the tragedy and get a first-hand look at the devastation from the flooding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -The Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN has agreed that an election in Myanmar was not a priority and is urging the country's ruling junta to adhere to its peace commitments instead, Malaysia's foreign minister said on Friday.

Myanmar, an ASEAN member, is in the grips of an escalating civil war and critics have derided the junta's planned election this year as an attempt to prolong military rule through proxies in the absence of a viable political opposition.

Minister Mohamad Hasan said members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which Malaysia is chairing, want Myanmar to honour a "five-point consensus" peace plan its junta agreed to in 2021, months after a coup against Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The peace plan has largely been a failure, with the military government unwilling to engage in dialogue with opponents it views as "terrorists". Opposition political parties have been decimated and what remains of them are either barred from or unwilling to contest the election.

"An election is not part of the five-point consensus," Mohamad told reporters on the sidelines of a gathering of ASEAN foreign ministers.

"We advised Myanmar that an election is not a priority for now, the priority is to cease all violence... so that all parties can sit together."

ASEAN has barred Myanmars generals from attending its key meetings since 2022 for failing to honor its peace commitments. Myanmar is represented at meetings by foreign ministry officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mohamad said the bloc would not accept an election in Myanmar that was not participated by all parties.

"There's no point in having a partial election. That will not solve any problems, but instead will worsen conditions."

Myanmar's military is battling to contain a widening rebellion by ethnic minority rebel armies and a resistance movement that mushroomed quickly after a lethal crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations. At least 3.5 million people have been displaced, according to the United Nations.

Human rights groups have accused the junta of committing widespread atrocities against the civilian population, which it has dismissed as Western disinformation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ASEAN also wants a temporary ceasefire announced by the junta after a devastating earthquake in March to be extended and expanded, Mohamad added. Rebels, rights groups and conflict monitors have accused the junta of ignoring its own ceasefire and continuing artillery and air assaults, which it denies.

(Reporting by Danial Azhar; Writing by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Martin Petty)
Southern Ashtabula County provides a wide variety of economic benefits ranging from agricultural pursuits to tourism opportunities.

The Andover area boasts a wide range of businesses that are benefitted greatly by out-of-town dollars from tourists who regularly spend time and money in the area.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Airport provides opportunities for businesses seeking to work in the county, and many villages bring a special feel to small-town life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pymatuning State Park is a big piece to the puzzle for area residents running local businesses and looking to experience a relaxed lifestyle around the calendar year.

Business and community leaders continue to work towards finding special projects that will increase the amount of economic opportunities for Ashtabula County.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Dakin Humane Society will be hosting a two-day pet adoption event beginning on Friday.

Dakin Humane Society in Springfield awarded large grant for facility upgrade

The nonprofit states that during the event, adoption fees for cats and dogs will be reduced by $100, and there will be no fee for other species at Dakin during those two days. The event is supported by grant funding from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) as part of its National Shelter Initiative to help shelters that are struggling with ongoing capacity challenges, long-term staffing and veterinary care shortages, and an increasing number of animals that require specialized care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This time of year is the busiest in most shelters due to an increase in animals that arrive in need of rehoming. When more animals enter the shelter, it can sometimes result in them waiting a long time for a new family and home.

Adoption fees for cats and dogs include a veterinary examination, spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccines, microchip and registration, and species-related tests and treatments. Those interested in adopting a pet during this event are encouraged to visit Dakins website to see which pets are available for adoption before visiting the shelter. The event will be held July 11th through July 12th from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Were absolutely thrilled to partner with the ASPCA for this special event that helps kick off a joyful season of adoptions, said Meg Talbert, executive director at Dakin Humane Society. Thanks to the ASPCAs grant funding, countless livesboth human and animalwill be forever changed. This support allows our pets to find loving families quickly, and we are deeply grateful to our local adopters who open their hearts and homes. We encourage everyone to share this event with friends and family, too.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
An Atlanta attorney has been killed in the massive floods that have caused devastation across parts of Texas.

The law firm of Huff Powell Bailey said in a statement on its website that Josephine Hardin and her mother were in Texas with family for the July 4 holiday when they were swept away in the flash floods early that morning.

Hardin was a graduate of Emory Universitys School of Law and also was the Editor in Chief for the universitys International Law Review.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Josephine was a strong believer in giving back to the community and served as a regular volunteer with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, becoming the firms AVLF liaison in 2024. Josephine also volunteered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and with the Georgia Society of Healthcare Risk Managers. Josephine was a natural leader, and many deep and meaningful friendships were formed during her time here. She was smart and beautifully quirky. She made us laugh out loud, come together, and think deeply about the needs of others, the firm said in its statement.

The floods have killed at least 120 people and left more than 170 missing. Those reported missing are in Kerr County, where most of the victims have been recovered so far, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said on Thursday.

RELATED STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The countys lowlands along the Guadalupe River are filled with youth camps and campgrounds, including Camp Mystic, the century-old all-girls Christian summer camp where at least 27 campers and counselors died. Officials said Tuesday that five campers and one counselor have still not been found.

Search-and-rescue teams are using heavy equipment to untangle and peel away layers of trees, unearth large rocks in riverbanks and move massive piles of debris that stretch for miles in the search for the missing people. Crews in airboats, helicopters and on horseback along with hundreds of volunteers are part of one of the largest search operations in Texas history.

The flash flood is the deadliest from inland flooding in the U.S. since Colorados Big Thompson Canyon flood on July 31, 1976, killed 144 people, said Bob Henson, a meteorologist with Yale Climate Connections. That flood surged through a narrow canyon packed with people on a holiday weekend, Colorados centennial celebration.

Public officials in charge of locating the victims are facing intensifying questions about who was in charge of monitoring the weather and warning that floodwaters were barreling toward camps and homes.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
(Reuters) -At least 23 people have been confirmed dead, including four children, after an attack on a monastery in a village in Myanmar's Sagaing region, witnesses said on Friday.

The monastery in the village of Lintalu was hit in the early hours of Friday morning, said Hlaing Bwa, head of the Sagaing District People's Administration, a pro-democracy group that administers parts of the central region.

He and a local resident described the attack as an airstrike by the State Administration Council, Myanmar's ruling military junta. A spokesperson for the junta did not respond to requests for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The monastery housed around 200 people displaced by nearby fighting between the army and pro-democracy forces, Hlaing Bwa told Reuters.

Reuters could not immediately verify the nature of the attack.

A spokesperson for the parallel civilian National Unity Government, which tracks airstrikes, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Myanmar has been gripped by conflict since the military suppressed protests against the 2021 coup that unseated the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Days after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Sagaing on March 28, the government announced a temporary ceasefire to provide humanitarian relief and help rebuild the region, after similar moves from armed anti-junta groups.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, the military has continued to launch airstrikes and artillery attacks on rebel-controlled areas, including those already destroyed by the quake, which killed almost 3,700 people.

In May, the NUG accused the junta of killing at least 17 students in an airstrike that hit a school in the town of Depayin, also in Sagaing and close to the epicentre of the earthquake.

Phoe Kaine, a Lintalu resident who lives close to the monastery, told Reuters that as well as the 23 confirmed dead, many more were injured in the attack.

"We are evacuating patients in need of immediate medical attention as part of our ongoing rescue and relief efforts," Phoe Kaine said.

(Reporting by Naw Betty Han; Writing by David Stanway and Poppy McPherson; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Attorney General Russell Coleman is calling on Gov. Andy Beshear to change a Kentucky policy that could allow those who arent citizens to qualify for in-state tuition.

His July 10 letter to Kentuckys Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) President Aaron Thompson comes on the heels of a June lawsuit that names the council and Beshear, challenging the CPEs policy on recognizing Kentucky residency for non-citizens.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Federal law is clearillegal immigrants are not eligible for special educational benefits that are kept from American citizens. If the CPE and Governor Beshear want to continue ignoring federal law, I fully expect them to lose in court. We hope the CPE will take our advice, withdraw their unlawful policy, and refocus on helping Kentucky students reach for their full potential, Coleman wrote.

The policy, which was last updated in March 2025, 13 KAR 2:045, states that a student who has graduated from a Kentucky high school but is not a United States citizen is eligible to receive in-state tuition at a Kentucky college or university if they and their parent or guardian are visa holders.

But under federal law, there are no exceptions, the suit reads.

No state can be allowed to treat Americans like second-class citizens in their own country by offering financial benefits to illegal aliens, said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. The Department of Justice just won on this exact issue in Texas, and we look forward to fighting in Kentucky to protect the rights of American citizens.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Beshear and CPE officials have yet to respond to the litigation.

The council is taking Attorney General Colemans opinion under advisement as it works to resolve this issue, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Communications Fellow Melissa Young said.

The governors office has not supplied a statement in response to Colemans letter at this time.

The federal government has set its immigration policy, and the Council must regulate in accordance with it. To that end, I urge the Council to withdraw its regulation rather than litigate what I believe will be, and should be, a losing fight, Coleman said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL)  Authorities have announced a $15,000 reward to anyone providing information leading to the arrest of Aaron Dontay Williams, the 41-year-old suspect accused of murdering his wife and 13-year-old stepdaughter, and abducting his 3-year-old son, Jibreel Harun.

According to the Amber Alert, Jibreel was last seen on July 7. Investigators believe the boys mother and 13-year-old stepsister were killed within the past 48 hours, suggesting Williams may have had a significant head start in his escape. Police have not released the suspected cause of death.

He is believed to be traveling in a gray 2010 Honda Accord, Alabama tag 43A224A, and is considered armed and dangerous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Auburn Assistant Police Chief Michael Harris confirmed:

The child is believed to be in imminent danger. We do believe [Williams] is armed with a firearm. The public is advised to call 911 and not to engage with Williams, said Harris

Police were called to a home on Samantha Court around 2:30 p.m. Thursday for a welfare check. After forcing entry, officers discovered the bodies of a woman and a girl.

WRBL spoke with Lance Wright, who says the juvenile victim is his 13-year-old daughter, Zynnya Wright. He says he warned the court about Williams just one month ago during a June 10 hearing in Lee County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lee County Justice Center failed my daughter, Wright said. I told that courtroom it was just a matter of time before he hurt somebody.

WRBL has reached out to the Lee County District Attorneys office for a comment on Wrights allegations.

Zynnya Wright. Picture shared by her father with WRBL

Wright, who lives in Opelika, said Williams accused Zynnya and her mother of harming Jibreel during the hearing. Wright says the real threat was Williams  a man with a history of domestic violence and a litany of other charges, according to court documents. Wright claims Williams had just been released from prison in 2024 after a domestic violence conviction.

Zynnya was loved to dress up, loved being in front of a camera, a great student  not a troublemaker. And she loved her little brother and all her siblings, said Wright.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There have been no confirmed sightings of Williams or the vehicle. Auburn Police are urging the public to remain alert and contact law enforcement with any information.

Call 911 or Auburn Police at 334-501-7313 if you see Williams or the gray Honda Accord.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Mike Foley has served as state auditor twice, from 2007-2015 and again beginning in 2023, after serving as lieutenant governor under then-Gov. Pete Ricketts. He is pictured presiding over the Nebraska Legislature in 2022. (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  State Auditor Mike Foley says some struggles continue for Nebraskas African American Affairs Commission, citing new concerns about how the commission has documented its meetings and expenses.

Foley released a 60-page audit of the commission Friday, highlighting issues including potential violations of the Open Meetings Act and inadequate documentation of commission expenses. Foley said his office focused attention on the fairly young commission  established by the Nebraska Legislature in 2020  because of its brief history of staff turnover and turmoil.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theyre just struggling to get started, Foley said.

Commission officials defended some individual allegations in the commissions response that was included in the audit, but the group largely agreed to enforce more robust policies, procedures and documentation going forward.

With the Commission being newly formed, there was difference of opinions regarding the recording of the minutes, the commission wrote in response to the Open Meetings Act allegations. We will require that the Commission is trained on Roberts Rules of Order. Also, that the Chairs are trained on the proper conduct of meetings and transparency with documenting the public meeting notices.

A history of turnover

This isnt the first time Foley has raised concerns with the commission. In 2024, Foley and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers called out substantial defects in how the commission handled the appointment of its former interim director, John Carter. This audit addressed the incident, too.

John Carter is both chair of the Nebraska African American Commission and, as of November, its interim executive director. (Courtesy of John Carter)

It alleges that Carter fraudulently misrepresented his appointment to the states Department of Administrative Services, claiming the commission had voted him in as interim director when multiple commissioners claimed there was no formal vote. This vote also allegedly happened in a closed session, which would violate Nebraskas open meetings law, the audit alleges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Carter was interim director for less than three months in early 2024. At the time, Carter said he felt he was being forced out and accused the governors office of weakening the commissions independence by appointing hand-picked members whose jobs relied on state funding.

This Commission was formed to guard against the very Jim Crow tactics that are being used to hinder, delay, or destroy the rise and effectiveness of black leadership in the State of Nebraska, Carter said in his resignation letter.

Foley at the time urged state officials to consider taking back the roughly $13,000 paid to Carter while he was interim director. Whether Carters actions constituted a crime was up to law enforcement, he said, but to his knowledge no actions were taken against Carter since his resignation.

Including Carter, the commission has had four executive directors in its four-year lifespan, each of which has served less than a year. The most recent director, Simone Smith, replaced Carter in August and resigned in April.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Foley said it was this history of turnover that prompted the audit. He said it points to a pattern of infighting that likely contributed to the procedural violations exposed in the report.

Whats in the audit

In addition to reviewing the concerns with Carters appointment, the audit alleges multiple violations of the Open Meetings Act  most over how commission meetings were recorded  and several expenses that either were not adequately documented or otherwise failed to follow proper procedure.

The audit tracked 10 commission meetings from October 2022 through July 2024. For many of these meetings, Foley alleged the minutes kept were insufficient. Eight out of 10 failed to share the location of the meetings, and nine of 10 did not properly disclose details about closed sessions.

In at least one instance, Foley claimed the commission met without an official quorum, conducting business with just seven of its 12 members present. State statute dictates that a quorum for the commission is made up by a minimum of eight members, Foley said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The audit also alleged that the commission occasionally conducted business via email, including taking votes through email, in violation of law. In one 2023 example, Foley reports that commissioners voted by email to hire Zelle Inc. as a recruitment service to find candidates to fill the vacant executive director position.

Foley outlined dozens of other expenses that the audit questioned. Most raised concerns over how the purchases were documented. The largest single expense was the hiring of Zelle Inc. for $7,500.

Foley acknowledged that the financial concerns in the audit were not of enormous significance, going so far to say they represent typical errors found in state agencies. Whats less normal is the continued pattern of errors spanning multiple years.

Foley said he was encouraged by how seriously commissioners took their response to the draft audit he sent them before the report went public. He said members were meticulous in their review.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He also said he has no immediate plans to keep monitoring the commission.

Im hoping that this report will kind of clear the air and set the tone for a new beginning for the agency, Foley said.

Members of the commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Attestation report of the Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is one of the 13 stocks recently discussed by Jim Cramer. During the episode, Cramer discussed the impact of tariffs on the stock, as he said

Keep in mind, we have a big, persistent trade deficit with both Japan and South Korea. You tack on a big tariff on imports from those countries, and suddenly, about 17% of vehicles made there and sold here are priced out of the market. In other words, this is great news for domestic automakers. Ford and GM should be able to clean up, yet both their stocks went down today. Hmm, sounds like not everybody believes.

Jim Cramer Observes Ford Stock Drop Despite Auto Import Tariff News

A Ford truck roaring down a highway, with powerful headlights blazing its way.

Ford (NYSE:F) designs, manufactures, and sells vehicles under the Ford and Lincoln brands, including combustion, hybrid, and electric models. The company provides financing, leasing, digital services, and dealer support programs. In a March episode of Mad Money, Cramer mentioned the company and said:

A 50% tariff of Canadian aluminum doesn't work because there's no new source to replace it. Wherever we get aluminum it's going to be a lot more expensive, raising the price of cars and trucks dramatically, really hurting GM's profits; Fords too. I don't think it's a mistake to say that the auto companies are in real trouble with a 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum. You certainly can't own their stocks.

While we acknowledge the potential of F as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Firefighters Association moved forward Thursday with a membership vote on its confidence in Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker. That vote comes after AFA President Bob Nicks accused Baker of delaying deployment of AFD resources to Kerr County ahead of catastrophic flooding over the Independence Day weekend.

Previous: Austin Fire Chief defends response after accusations of delaying help for Kerr County flooding

Baker insisted there was no delay and that his department has done everything it can to respond to recent flood disasters across Central Texas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The firefighters union opened online voting for its members on the issue this week. According to Nicks, voting will last until 4 p.m. on Friday.

An email, sent to AFA members and others, references an emergency union meeting Tuesday. During that meeting, Nicks claimed that a directive from AFD leadership caused local first responders to allegedly refuse deployment calls to Kerr County, more than a day before floodwaters rose.

The email read in part that since this issue is so clear and has been discussed around every fire house kitchen table since July 4th  the membership already has enough information to make an informed decision for their vote. According to that email, union members who attended that meeting approved a resolution for the vote.

The AFAs resolutions can be read below:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No_Confidence_FinalDownload

The resolution also calls for the Austin City Manager, Mayor and City Council to thoroughly

investigate the chiefs decisions and take appropriate measures.

However, top city leadership said it supports Baker; Mayor Kirk Watson released a statement Tuesday.

Unlike Bob, I actually talked to Chief Nim Kidd, the Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, over the weekend. In one of our talks, I asked Chief Kidd if he was getting all he needed from Austin and if there was anything else he needed, Watson said. He characterized Austins response as above and beyond.'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Watson also praised his citys first responders in his statement.

Im proud of our public safety pros. They are heroic. They are ready to help elsewhere. And they are ready to help us here at home, Watson said.

In an interview with KXAN earlier this week, Baker emphasized the number of first responders deployed by AFD for disaster relief.

We are going to continue to support disasters of this nature. Thats going on right now until we are no longer needed. Its a long process. We will continue to send people. We will continue to rotate crews. But Im telling you, Im obligated to make sure that the residents, the citizens of Austin, is also protected, Baker said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

KXAN will update this article as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A delegation of Australia's Aboriginal people that travelled to Paris to campaign for UN backing to protect a heritage site they say is threatened by harmful mining were "overjoyed" Friday as the ancient site was recognised on the coveted list.

The World Heritage Committee at UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural organisation, had been deliberating since the start of the week on what sites to include in the latest edition of the body's world heritage list.

Among the dozens of sites under consideration was Murujuga, a remote area in the state of Western Australia that according to estimates houses around one million petroglyphs -- carvings that could date back 50,000 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's possibly the most important rock art site in the world," said Benjamin Smith, a rock art specialist at the University of Western Australia.

"We should be looking after it."

The site is located on the Burrup peninsula, home to the Mardudunera people, and under threat from nearby mining developments.

"This is a momentous day for our old people and our future generations, to have Murujuga's outstanding universal heritage values recognised by the world," delegation leader Raelene Cooper said in a statement following the announcement, adding the group was "overjoyed".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Making the UNESCO's heritage list often sparks a lucrative tourism drive, and can unlock funding for the preservation of sites.

It does not in itself trigger protection for a site, but can help pressure national governments into taking action.

"It's absolutely crucial that the Australian government takes it more seriously and regulates industrial pollution in that area more carefully," Smith said.

Giant mining corporations have been active in the resource-rich Pilbara region for decades.

- 'Keep our culture thriving' -

Australian company Woodside Energy operates the North West Shelf, an industrial complex that includes offshore platforms, undersea pipelines, and hydrocarbon processing facilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The project consistently ranks among Australia's five largest emitters of greenhouse gas, according to figures from the country's Clean Energy Regulator.

"These carvings are what our ancestors left here for us to learn and keep their knowledge and keep our culture thriving through these sacred sites," said Mark Clifton, a member of the three-person delegation meeting with UNESCO representatives.

Environmental and indigenous organisations argue the presence of mining groups has already caused damage with industrial emissions.

They are "creating hundreds of holes in the surface. And that is causing the surfaces with the rock art to break down," Smith said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In an emailed statement to AFP, Woodside Energy said it recognises Murujuga as "one of Australia's most culturally significant landscapes".

It added that, according to independent peer-reviewed studies, "responsible operations" could help protect the heritage.

Woodside had taken "proactive steps", it said, "to ensure we manage our impacts responsibly".

In May, the Australian government extended the operating licence for the liquefied gas plant by 40 years, with conditions.

Australia insists that extending the plant -- which each year emits millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas -- does not tarnish a pledge to reach net zero by 2050.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- 'Measures of protection' -

Activists, saying the government is not taking their concerns seriously enough, demanded that UNESCO make any decision to put the site on the world heritage list contingent on the government offering adequate protection.

The World Heritage Committee's decision Friday sends "a clear signal to the Australian Government and Woodside that things need to change," Cooper said.

"Global scrutiny will now be applied to what is happening at Murujuga," she said, adding that the community would continue fighting for the site's protection.

The Australian government has sent a separate delegation to Paris, also comprising members of the region's Aboriginal population, to push for the site's recognition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Australia's strong presence at the heritage committee meeting "is a meaningful opportunity to support the protection and conservation of some of the world's most important cultural and natural sites," Environment Minister Murray Watt said.

Icomos, a non-governmental organisation partnering with UNESCO, said it was urgent for the Australian government to oversee "the complete elimination of harmful acidic emissions that currently affect the petroglyphs".

lem/jh/ah/giv/rlp
Authoritarianism expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat on Thursday issued a pointed warning in response to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruces latest praise of President Donald Trump.

Ben-Ghiat, author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, reposted footage of Bruce commending Trumps deal-making skills with a four-word caution on X (formerly Twitter): Authoritarian leader cult alert.

In the clip, Bruce also suggested Trumps attitude should serve as the north star, if you will, of whats possible here in terms of brokering a truce between Israel and Iran.

Authoritarian leader cult alert https://t.co/57N1REdWyd  Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) July 10, 2025

Its not the first time Bruce has lavished praise on the president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shes previously described Trump as very honest and transparent, and has hailed the power of his personality and leadership.

Ben-Ghiat, meanwhile, has long warned of Trumps authoritarian instincts, describing his approach to his presidency as a form of personalist rule.

Its a type of authoritarianism where you have a very strong one person, she explained late last year. The purpose of the party  and ultimately the government  is to solve the legal and financial and other problems of the leader. So everybody becomes a personal tool to the leader. Thats what is happening now. Everybody is folding to his will.

Related...
CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP)  Federal immigration authorities said Friday they arrested about 200 immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally in raids a day earlier on two California cannabis farm sites. Protesters engaged in a tense standoff with authorities during an operation at one of the farms.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that authorities executed criminal search warrants in Carpinteria and Camarillo, California, on Thursday. They arrested immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally, and there were also at least 10 immigrant children on site, the statement said.

Four U.S. citizens were arrested for assaulting or resisting officers, the department said. Authorities were offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of one person suspected of firing a gun at federal agents. One worker who called family to say he was hiding from authorities was on life support after falling and suffering significant injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the raid, crowds of people gathered outside Glass House Farms in Camarillo to seek information about their relatives and protest immigration enforcement. Authorities clad in military-style helmets and uniforms faced off with the demonstrators. Acrid green and white billowing smoke then forced community members to retreat.

Glass House, a licensed California cannabis grower, said in a statement that immigration agents had valid warrants. The company said workers were detained, and it is helping provide them with legal representation. The farm also grows tomatoes and cucumbers.

Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors, the statement said.

It is legal to grow and sell cannabis in California with proper licensing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The state's Department of Cannabis Control said they observed no minors on the premises during a site visit to the farm in May 2025. After receiving another complaint, the department opened an active investigation, according to a department spokesperson.

Worker gravely injured

At least 12 people were injured during the raid and protest, said Andrew Dowd, a spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department. Eight were taken to St. Johns Regional Medical Center and the Ventura County Medical Center, and four were treated at the scene and released. Dowd said he did not have information on the extent of the injuries of those hospitalized.

On Friday, about two dozen people waited outside the farm to retrieve the cars of loved ones and speak to managers. Relatives of Jaime Alanis, who has picked tomatoes at the farm for 10 years, said he called his wife in Mexico during the raid to tell her immigration agents had arrived and that he was hiding with others inside the farm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The next thing we heard was that he was in the hospital with broken hands, ribs and a broken neck, Juan Duran, Alanis brother-in-law, said in Spanish.

It was not immediately clear how Alanis was injured. A doctor at Ventura County Medical Center told the family that those who brought Alanis to the hospital said he had fallen from the roof of a building.

Alanis had a broken neck, fractured skull and a rupture in an artery that pumps blood to the brain, said his niece Yesenia, who didnt want to share her last name for fear of reprisal. He is on life support, she said.

They told us he wont make it and to say goodbye, Yesenia said, crying.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The hospital did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Confrontation with authorities

Relatives and advocates headed to the farm about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of downtown Los Angeles to try to find out what was going on, and began protesting outside.

Federal authorities formed a line blocking the road leading through farm fields to the company's greenhouses. Protesters were seen shouting at agents wearing camouflage gear, helmets and gas masks. The billowing smoke drove protesters to retreat. It wasnt clear why authorities threw the canisters or if they released chemicals such as tear gas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ventura County fire authorities responding to a 911 call of people having trouble breathing said three people were taken to nearby hospitals.

At the farm, agents arrested workers and removed them by bus. Others, including U.S. citizens, were detained at the site for hours while agents investigated.

The incident came as federal immigration agents have ramped up arrests in Southern California at car washes, farms and Home Depot parking lots, stoking widespread fear among immigrant communities.

Federal investigations

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement Friday that the investigation into immigration and potential child labor violations at the farm is ongoing. No further details of the allegations were provided.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The agency said hundreds of demonstrators attempted to disrupt the operations, leading to the arrest of four Americans.

We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who assaults or doxes federal law enforcement, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection were both part of the operation, the statement said.

President Donald Trump said he has ordered DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and White House border czar Tom Homan to direct ICE agents to use whatever means is necessary going forward when dealing with violent protesters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public, Trump said in a social media posting Friday evening.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson in a statement blamed violent leftists and Democrats for the Camarillo incident and other assaults on ICE agents in recent weeks.

Family members search for answers

The mother of an American worker said her son was held at the worksite for 11 hours and told her agents took workers cellphones to prevent them from calling family or filming and forced them to erase cellphone video of agents at the site.

The woman said her son told her agents marked the mens hands with ink to distinguish their immigration status. She spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because she feared reprisals from the government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

United Farm Workers said in statement that some U.S. citizens are not yet accounted for.

Maria Servin, 68, said her son has worked at the farm for 18 years and was helping to build a greenhouse. She said she spoke to her son, who is undocumented, after hearing of the raid and offered to pick him up.

He said not to come because they were surrounded and there was even a helicopter. That was the last time I spoke to him, Servin, a U.S. citizen, said in Spanish.

She said she went to the farm anyway but federal agents were shooting tear gas and rubber bullets and she decided it was not safe to stay. She and her daughter returned to the farm Friday and were told her son had been arrested Thursday. They still dont know where he is being held.

I regret 1,000 times that I didnt help him get his documents, Servin said.

_____

Taxin reported from Orange County, California, and Rodriguez reported from San Francisco.
In his second term, Donald Trump is aggressively testing the limits of presidential power, defying the courts and challenging the authority of Congress, while GOP leaders refuse to rein him in. MSNBCs Ari Melber delivers a special report about what it means for the future of American Democracy. (Subscribe to Aris YouTube now: http://youtube.com/arimelber)




NEED TO KNOW

A German backpacker missing for 12 days in Australia's remote outback was found alive on Friday, July 11, police have confirmed

Carolina Wilga, 26, hadn't been seen or heard from since June 29

The news comes after officers found her abandoned vehicle in the Karroun Hill area, in the north-east Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, on July 10





A backpacker missing for 12 days in the remote Australian outback has been found alive, police have confirmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, July 11, the Western Australia (WA) Police Force confirmed on Facebook that Carolina Wilga, 26, from Germany  who has been backpacking around the country for the last two years  had been "located safe and well" in the Wheatbelt region.

"Ms. Wilga was located by a member of the public, before being conveyed to receive medical attention," police said.

"Police would like to thank the member of the public who located Ms. Wilga, as well as all members of the community who provided information to assist with search efforts," the post added.

The news comes after police confirmed on Facebook on Thursday, July 10 that Wilga's abandoned vehicle had been found at around 1:10 p.m. local time in the Karroun Hill area, in the north-east Wheatbelt region of Western Australia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police said that the Mitsubishi Delica driven by Wilga was "believed to have suffered mechanical issues," per the Facebook post.

Western Australia Police Force Carolina Wilga in footage shared by the Western Australia Police Force Carolina Wilga in footage shared by the Western Australia Police Force

Wilga hadn't been seen or heard from since June 29 after being spotted arriving at a store in the small town of Beacon, around 200 miles east of Perth, at around 12:10 p.m. local time in her van. She departed the area around five minutes later, and hadn't been heard from since, police previously said.

WA Police Inspector Martin Glynn said on Friday that Wilga had been found walking along a bush track at the edge of the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve by a member of the public, per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

"She is now en route to a hospital in Perth for some medical attention," he told reporters at a media conference, the outlet noted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"As you can imagine from the trauma she's suffered for the last few days, she's been obviously through a great deal," Glynn added.

The officer said that the backpacker "has a number of significant minor injuries," 9News reported.

Glynn continued, "She does have some injuries, she's been ravaged by mosquitoes, she's been through an incredible journey of trauma," the ABC stated.

"No doubt, [it] will be a testament to demonstrating her bravery in these circumstances," he shared, per the outlet.

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.

Glynn said Wilga's family had been notified that she was safe, and that the backpacker had now been airlifted away from Beacon in a "fragile condition," the ABC stated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The officer mentioned that the conditions she'd likely endured would have been "a thousand times worse" than what the rescue team had experienced, the outlet noted.

"She's in a fragile position at the moment," Glynn said, per 9News. "This is a great outcome for all those involved. I think once we do hear her story it will be a remarkable story."

Before Wilga was found on Friday, WA Police Acting Inspector Jessica Securo told ABC Radio Perth that officers thought she was "likely" to have "become lost in that area, and [had] potentially walked away from her vehicle."

"The terrain  it's outback country and there's large rocky outcrops, so although there's a number of tracks, you can see how it would be easy to become lost or disorientated," Securo added to the outlet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wilga's abandoned van was discovered around 62 miles north of where she was last seen, the ABC noted.

Western Australia Police did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.



Read the original article on People




NEED TO KNOW

Missing backpacker Carolina Wilga, 26, could be "lost" in the Australian outback after she abandoned her broken-down van, police said on Thursday, July 10

Wilga, from Germany  who has been backpacking around the country for the past two years  hasn't been seen or heard from since Sunday, June 29

"The terrain  it's outback country and there's large rocky outcrops, so although there's a number of tracks, you can see how it would be easy to become lost or disoriented," Western Australia Police Acting Inspector Jessica Securo told ABC Radio Perth





Police in Western Australia believe that a backpacker missing for nearly two weeks likely abandoned her van, after it was found broken down in the outback.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, July 10, Western Australia Police Force confirmed on Facebook that officers had discovered 26-year-old Carolina Wilga's abandoned vehicle at around 1:10 p.m. local time in the Karroun Hill area, in the north-east Wheatbelt region of Western Australia (WA).

The Mitsubishi Delica driven by Wilga, who has been backpacking around Australia for the last two years, "is believed to have suffered mechanical issues," police said in the post.

"Carolina Wilga was not at the scene. The search to locate her is continuing, with additional resources being deployed to the area," police added on Thursday.

Western Australia Police Force Carolina Wilga Carolina Wilga

WA Police Acting Inspector Jessica Securo told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) Radio Perth on Friday that officers think she's "likely" to have "become lost in that area, and has potentially walked away from her vehicle."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The terrain  it's outback country and there's large rocky outcrops, so although there's a number of tracks, you can see how it would be easy to become lost or disorientated," Securo added to the outlet.

"Her vehicle was located at least about 35 kilometres (approximately 22 miles) inland from any main tracks, so it is dense around there," she continued.

Western Australia Police Force A photo of Carolina Wilga's abandoned van A photo of Carolina Wilga's abandoned van

Wilga, from Germany, was last seen with friends on Sunday, June 29. She was spotted arriving at a store in the small town of Beacon, around 200 miles east of Perth, at around 12:10 p.m. local time that day in her van, and departed the area around five minutes later. She hasn't been seen or heard from since, police confirmed.

Wilga's abandoned van was discovered around 62 miles north of where she was last seen, the ABC noted.

Western Australia Police Force Carolina Wilga Carolina Wilga

Amid the ongoing search on Friday, Inspector Securo said that Wilga's vehicle may have gotten stuck, per the outlet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We've got a forensic contingent out there this morning, and they'll be in a position to make a better assessment of the vehicle and its capabilities for that area," she continued. "The car is obviously self-sufficient  she has got solar panels, she has got water in the vehicle."

"It's just the vehicle itself is mechanically unable to be used," Securo added.

Western Australia Police Force A photo of Carolina Wilga's vehicle A photo of Carolina Wilga's vehicle

Police have been looking into whether Wilga took anything from her van and said that there's currently no evidence of foul play, reported the ABC.

"It's hard to say how much she has taken, we do know that she was planning to travel throughout regional WA and do some exploring through there," Securo told Radio Perth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Part of my team at Major Crime division will go through the vehicle and meticulously cover what was in the vehicle, what we believe is outstanding. And that may help to direct our search in a certain area," she added.

Wilga's family, who she regularly speaks to, hasn't heard from her since June 18, per 9News.

The missing backpacker had also been spotted at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, which is the day before she was last seen, visiting a convenience store in the outback town of Toodyay, before she travelled to the Dowerin area, police previously wrote on Facebook.

"Ms. Wilga is described as being of German origin, of a slim build, with long wavy brown hair and brown eyes. She has several tattoos, including one which depicts symbols on her left arm," the post read.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officers believe Wilga's phone has been switched off, per The West Australian.

Police have urged anybody with any information or drone shots in the area of Beacon or the surrounding north-east Wheatbelt area, shot between June 29 and July 4, to get in touch and upload the footage.

Western Australia Police did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.

Read the original article on People
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Johnson City tried everything from extra police patrols to running street sweepers at 3 a.m. to decrease what City Manager Cathy Ball says is a high incidence of violent crimes downtown in the wee hours, but everything we tried, it has not worked, Ball told News Channel 11.

How do all area school systems TCAP scores stack up?

Now, less than three months after the state legislature opened the door through a private act specifically tailored for Johnson City, the City Commission is preparing to move last call for alcohol downtown to 1 a.m. from the current 3 a.m. that state law allows. People representing the estimated seven downtown bars that would be affected spoke in opposition when the commission held a public hearing this spring as it lobbied for the exception, saying it was unfair and would harm their businesses severely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wednesday, a day after announcing the commission would consider an ordinance on first reading July 17, the citys Know All Out newsletter included a brief about the proposal  and a link to about six minutes of sometimes graphic video showing fights and shootings downtown.

Ball told News Channel 11 Thursday the posting wasnt an attempt to garner support for the change  the newsletter has just over 500 subscribers  as much as it was part of an ongoing effort to be more transparent.

It was hard for me to watch the content, Ball said of the video, which included footage from a June 29 shooting and other videos from multi-person fights earlier in June and in May.

You make a decision about, people choose to see this thats very difficult and its not something that for us feels like Johnson City, Ball said. But you want people to be informed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

News Channel 11 spoke to two downtown residents who had differing opinions about the proposal. John Taylor, who lives close to several of the late-night bars, said he wholeheartedly supports the earlier last call time.

We have it up for sale right now because of the stuff that goes on down here, said Taylor, whos owned his condo at Main and Spring streets for seven years. I could write a book on the stuff that Ive seen down here.

He said hes seen innumerable fights, including large brawls, and that he thinks the situation is getting worse instead of better, and they need to do something about it.

But Dick Nelson, whos lived downtown a couple blocks east of Taylor for almost 20 years and run downtown businesses that entire time, said when he first heard about the proposal several months ago he thought it was a good idea. But as he thought more about it he came to the conclusion it didnt get at the root of whatever might be triggering the violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres fights at night sometimes, but it doesnt really address the problem, Nelson said. It just addresses, you know, moving the problem.

He doesnt see much impact as a resident and he thinks downtowns other businesses arent suffering due to weekend late night issues. Nelson said he understands the bar owners anxiety.

It will affect them and its up to them whether or not they can make their business model work until 1 instead of 3, Nelson said. If they leave, then weve got a bunch of empty buildings that arent going to help those of us who have daytime businesses.

No bulletproof fix

Even Ball acknowledged that moving last call hours to 1 a.m. in one part of town wont produce an ironclad guarantee of less violent crime downtown. She did say law enforcement in other areas that have made the change, including Sevier County, have said its the best thing weve ever done.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

News Channel 11 reviewed a list of state last call laws, and 27 states set a 2 a.m. last call time. Another 14 have earlier last call times than 2, while several set the time at 2:30, making Tennessee among a handful of states with the latest last call time. Most states have various exceptions in some counties and cities.

This is no bulletproof fix, Ball said. Were going to measure this and hopefully it will help. Were going to continue to try to come up with solutions.

Asked whether she had evidence that alcohol being served past 1 a.m. was a direct cause of violent crime, weapons and drug offenses downtown, Ball offered no specific evidence but stood by the contention of a strong link.

I think that having groups of people be down there for that period of time, I think people are down there because theyre at bars and theyre drinking and its causing problems with a lot of activity, Ball said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats continuing to increase. So the fact that people are down there and that theres alcohol, the bars are open, people are drinking, that theres a correlation between the two.

The newsletter said data gathered between January 2019 and June 2025 showed an increase in violent crimes, weapons and drug-related crimes, and DUI in the downtown district between the hours of 1-4 a.m.

News Channel 11 asked for that data and what it does show is a higher rate of crimes during those hours. It doesnt break the incidents down by year to indicate trends over time. During that six-and-a-half-year period, the data shows 51 violent crimes in the 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. three-hour period, compared with 85 from 1-4 a.m.

A chart showing varied crime statistics at each hour of the evening and early morning from 2019 through the present in downtown Johnson City. (City of Johnson City)

Weapons and drug incidents totaled 158 for the earlier period and 219 in the 1-4 a.m. time slot. DUI totals were 73 from 10-1 and 202 in the later period.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ball said over the past couple years, weve tried to meet with bar owners  to try to address safety issues and see how we could work together to come up with cooperative solutions to those.

She also said the city hasnt heard from the seven or so businesses affected since this weeks announcement but that it wants to help.

Were willing to look into what other cities do and then offer that up to these businesses to say, how can you recreate your model or do other things so that you can have business during those hours?' Ball said.

News Channel 11 contacted the bar owner whom the group has elected as its spokesperson, Capones owner Tomi Breese. He declined to go on camera but said the group was working on a public statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nelson said hes just not convinced getting a special exception gets to the problem itself, and believes the type of crimes the city is trying to combat may migrate to other parts of the city or simply occur earlier. And he said he doesnt think a state exception is the solution.

It kind of makes me frown and say, maybe I dont believe that, Nelson said.

If our problems are different from the rest of the states problems then maybe we need to address that.

Ball said shes not sure Johnson City does have unique problems. When asked what makes the city different from Kingsport, Bristol, or college towns like Knoxville and Murfreesboro, Ball said maybe theyre okay with the numbers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You know, we have not talked to them to say, is this something that you feel like needs to be addressed?'

Weve tried to do is look at where do we have problem areas, what is rising to the top of our priority list. So its not to say that its not a problem for them. It just may not be the highest problem that theyre trying to solve.

For us, it makes news when somebody downtown gets shot  if theres something that we can do, it feels like if an innocent person, if a college student gets killed innocently being down there, that is something were trying to prevent.

The proposal could become law by early August. There will be a public hearing on second reading.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BALTIMORE, Md. (DC News Now)  Police said they were investigating reports that a number of people were experiencing overdose symptoms Thursday.

The Balitmore Police Department (BPD) posted about the incident on the X platform at 11:31 a.m. The post said that officers, as well as members of the Baltimore City Fire Department, were at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North avenues.

I-495 lanes reopen after crash left tractor-trailer dangling in Montgomery County

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A follow-up post stated that several streets were blocked as a result of the situation and investigation. Police asked people to avoid the area.

BPD said it would provide updates as it received more information.

Several media outlets, including the The Baltimore Sun, reported that as many as 25 people were being treated for suspected overdoses.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Bang & Olufsen will be returning to San Franciscos Union Square after closing up shop in the area nearly a decade ago. According to the Danish luxury electronics brands website, a new store will be opening in October of this year.

The upcoming stores location at 146 Geary Street will be directly across the street from Neiman Marcus in the heart of Union Squares once-thriving retail center.

Bang & Olufsens new location is just a few blocks from the retailers former Union Square location at 535 Sutter Street. That location closed in 2016, according to the San Francisco Business Times, which first reported news of the new store opening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bay Areas first Hello Kitty Cafe opens Friday

Bang & Olufsen will also open a new Palo Alto location in November of this year at the Stanford Shopping Center. That, along with the existing location in Walnut Creek, will bring the number of Bang & Olufsen stores in the Bay Area up to three.

The return of the retailer to Union Square is the latest sign of a potential turnaround for the beleaguered retail district. Since 2023, there has been a rash of high-profile store closures in the area, beginning with San Francisco City Centre anchor tenant Nordstrom closing up shop in 2023.

Other major retailers to have exited, or announced plans to exit the neighborhood, include Macys, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdales. Bang & Olufsen is the second high-profile retailer to recently announce a return to Union Square.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this year, fashion retailer Zara announced that it would be opening a new flagship store in the massive corner space at 400 Post Street that once housed a flagship store for Borders. In another potential sign of the neighborhoods turnaround, the Nintendo Store opened on Powell Street earlier this year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is one of the 13 stocks recently discussed by Jim Cramer. Coming to the company, Cramer commented:

Finally, Raymond James downgraded Wells Fargo, another Charitable Trust name, with a very dismissive, downgrading to Market Perform. This is a Strong Buy to Market Perform. Wow. Favorable fundamentals reflect in valuation. Now, the analysts going from Strong Buy to Hold, two markdowns, you think something's wrong, right? No, they just think the upside's baked into the share price. I think it's crazy. First, Wells Fargo is priced like almost any other bank stock, so it's not like there's a premium valuation. Second, these guys just got outta the penalty box when the Fed lifted its longstanding asset cap, allowing Wells to do more lending. Third, the bank stocks have become leaders here, and this is one of them. How the heck will this analyst get back on? I don't think he can

Jim Cramer Sticks With Wells Fargo Despite Analyst DowngradeJim Cramer Sticks With Wells Fargo Despite Analyst Downgrade

A team of bankers in suits, discussing the success of the company's banking products.

Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) is a global financial services firm that provides banking, investment, mortgage, and other financial products.

While we acknowledge the potential of WFC as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
A poster reads, "bell to bell, no cell" at the Jenks Public Schools Math and Science Center on Nov. 13, 2024. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Oklahoma lawmakers may be headed in the right direction with a new law that bans cellphone use during the school day in a bid to improve student focus, mental health and classroom performance.

But as districts craft policies to comply with Senate Bill 139, I hope theyll also think beyond the confines of their school buildings and consider what could happen when students grab their phones the moment the final bell rings and head to the parking lot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24 nationally and in Oklahoma. Drivers ages 16-19 are nearly three times as likely to be in a fatal crash compared to drivers over 20. While not often seen as a health threat by the general public, motor vehicle crashes have been recognized as one by the medical community, including the Oklahoma State Medical Association Foundation. For several years, the group has supported efforts to address this dire problem.

A prime place to tackle this challenge is where students spend most of their time  school.

The most dangerous time of day for teen drivers is between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. For many teens, the school parking lot is the most dangerous place they visit as a driver and a pedestrian. Its a chaotic environment full of distractions  music, friends waving and students walking between cars. Add phones into the mix, and the risks skyrocket.

In a recent national survey, 37% of Oklahoma teens surveyed admitted to using their device while driving in the past 30 days. Notably, the top-ranked reason for using their phones while driving was concern about parents or guardians being upset if they didnt reply.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Schools cant afford to ignore what happens in those crucial minutes after dismissal. When students rush to check texts, post on social media or respond to Snapchats the moment they get behind the wheel, everyone is at risk.

Lawmakers have given school leaders a golden opportunity to be bold and creative, not just during the school day, but also in managing the transition from the classroom to the road.

Schools could lead the way in developing proactive solutions through encouraging a positive safety culture to mitigate potential increases in risky driving behaviors by creating a post-dismissal time for students to check cellphones or designating tech zones in common areas where they can safely check messages before leaving campus. Districts could post signs reminding students to wear seatbelts and put their phones down, sparking real behavior change.

This new law provides an opportunity for schools, parents, and students to have meaningful discussions about safe driving attitudes and practices  and this momentum could change habits where it matters most  before students ever put the key in the ignition.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Roger Hutson was never a huge fan of Donald Trump.

In 2016, he supported Marco Rubio for president, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for his Republican primary bid.

In 2024, Hutson worked with "No Labels," a group of Democrats, Republicans and independents, to forge a bipartisan ticket with the express purpose of keeping either Trump or Joe Biden from winning the White House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Is this "really the best we can do in a country of 330 million people?" Hutson asked in a Denver Post opinion piece after the effort collapsed and another Trump-Biden matchup seemed inevitable. The failure, he suggested, was "a sad commentary on the status of leadership in America."

But something unexpected happened over the last six months. Trump won Hutson over.

He's not gone full-fledged MAGA. "No, no, no!" he insisted, scoffing at the notion of driving down the street, Trump flag waving. And he's not about to jump on JD Vance's political bandwagon, the likeliest vehicle for extending Trumpism in 2028 and beyond.

"I'm acknowledging the accomplishments of the man in the office," Hutson said, with emphasis on the White House's current occupant, whom he supported over Kamala Harris. "I'm very impressed."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It's not, as one might suppose, because the Denver oil and gas executive is enamored of Trump's exhortations to "Drill, baby, drill! ("No, baby, no!" is more like it, as Hutson believes oversupply would drive prices down.)

Rather, Hutson credits Trump with achieving a good deal of what he promised during the 2024 campaign.

Securing America's borders. Forcing U.S. allies to cough up more for defense. Bringing Iran's nuclear program to heel. Taking on the country's unfair trade partners.

He still doesn't much care for Trump's abrasive personality, the name-calling and denigrating of people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Hutson's conversion shows that in a country deeply dug into oppositional camps, where political views appear cement-hardened into place, there are still those open to persuasion and even willing to change their minds.

As confounding as that might seem.

::

Hutson, 65, was a Republican his whole life, until leaving the party sometime in the 2010s. Or, more precisely, he felt "the party left me."

A growing stridency around abortion and same-sex marriage was particularly off-putting to Hutson, who describes himself as a conservative on fiscal issues and a live-and-let-live type on social matters. "If you're lucky enough in life to find somebody you love," he said, "God bless."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hutson has long been active in civic and political affairs, serving on various boards and commissions under Democrats and Republicans alike. He recalled attending a meeting some years ago when GOP leaders gathered to discuss Colorado's increasingly blue coloration.

"If winning means nominating an African American lesbian with antennae coming out of her head," then Republicans should do so, Hutson suggested.

That didn't go over well.

But it fit Hutson's approach to politics.

He grew up an Army brat, moving around the world until his father completed his military career and settled in Golden, Colo., to take a job at a family lumber business. For all the impermanence  packing up and relocating just about every two years  Hutson said his upbringing was in many ways ideal, shaping his outlook to this day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The military, he said, reflects the best of America: unity, shared purpose, teamwork. "I think it teaches you a lot of tolerance," he said. "I think it teaches you a lot of acceptance."

His GOP pedigree came from his father, the Army colonel. But it wasn't the scorched-earth version of today's Republican Party, in which Democrats and their philosophy are regarded as the root of all evil.

Read more: Glimpse of Newsom's presidential appeal, challenges seen during South Carolina tour

Long ago, as leader of the Jefferson County Republican Men's Club, Hutson invited Colorado's governor, Democrat Roy Romer, to speak.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I was catching such hell from people. 'How dare you invite a Democrat to speak to this group?' " Hutson remembered being chastised. "And I said, 'Well, he's our governor, isn't he? I think it'd be an honor.' "

After some initial puzzlement from the governor's office  are you sure?  Romer came and spoke, holding just the kind of cross-party conversation that Hutson wishes occurred more often among politicians in worlds-apart Washington.

"I'd love for Trump to have a weekly meeting with [Democratic House leader] Hakeem Jeffries," Hutson said as he sat high above downtown Denver, his office decor  dark leather, rugged mountain landscape, a display of amber liquids  suggesting a Western cigar bar theme.

"I would love for Trump to sit down weekly with [Chuck] Schumer"  the Democratic Senate leader  or bring Schumer and the GOP Senate leader, John Thune, together and say, " 'How do we work our way through this?' "

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Could you imagine that, Hutson asked, before answering his own question.

Nope. Never gonna happen.

::

Nothing, and no individual, is perfect. But Hutson looks to the bottom line, and he's willing to accept trade-offs.

Trump is loud and uncouth. But he's respected on the world stage, Hutson said, in a way the shuffling Biden was not.

Trump may be toying with tariffs  up, down, all around. But at least he's addressing the country's one-sided trade relationships in a way, Hutson said, no president has before.

He may be off base calling for a drastic ramp-up of domestic oil production. But in general, Hutson said, Trump's welcoming message to business is, "What can we do to be more helpful?"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It's unfortunate that innocents are being swept up in mass immigration raids. But maybe that wouldn't have happened, Hutson said, if local officials had been more cooperative and criminal elements weren't allowed to insinuate themselves so deeply into their communities in the first place.

Besides, he said, haven't Democrats and Republicans both said a secure border and tougher enforcement is needed before comprehensively overhauling the nation's fouled-up immigration system?

"We need to bring in the workers we need," Hutson said. "I mean, if somebody's coming here to work and be a meaningful part of society, God bless, man."

Read more: As L.A. reels, White House sees 'grand success' in novel crackdown tactics

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Not perfect. But, all in all, a better and stronger presidential performance, Hutson suggested, than many with their blind hatred of Trump can see, or are willing to acknowledge.

"I've got to look at the results," Hutson said, "and despite his caustic attitude and behavior, I think he's done a really, really good job."

When Barack Obama was elected president, Hutson recalled, one of his Democratic friends, a Black man, said to him, " 'Roger, you've got a Black president.' And I said, 'You know, Kevin, you're right. And he's my president, just like he's your president.

" 'We don't have to agree on everything but, by God, he's the president of the United States and we respect that office.' "

Hutson paused. His eyes narrowed, disapprovingly. "We've lost that," he said.

Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak

Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol.

Sign me up.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A man was shot in the stomach Wednesday night in Baton Rouge after a transaction went wrong between two people, police confirmed.

The victim was shot around 8:45 p.m. outside MJs Food Mart, located at 1357 Florida Street.

Police say the suspect began shooting at the victims car, hitting him in the stomach.

The male victim was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital by personal vehicle with injuries that are not life-threatening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Capital Region Crime Stoppers is asking for the publics help in identifying an individual for their involvement. See the photos here.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers by calling 225-344-7867 or making an anonymous tip online.

Latest News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Baton Rouge community was invited to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly remodeled Walmart Supercenter store located at 2171 ONeal Lane.

The event kicked off at 9 a.m. Friday with a community celebration, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the stores official reopening. The company celebrated the festivities by honoring local organizations.

USS KIDD Veterans Museum in Baton Rouge gets donation to preserve, restore ship

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Walmart presented $7,500 in grants for their service and impact to the following organizations:

$2,500  East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office.

$1,500  Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

$1,500  Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

$1,200  Childrens Miracle Network | Our Lady of the Lake.

$800  Our Future Our Family Community Outreach Center.

Guests enjoyed free samples from Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Little Debbie, Red Bull, Mission Foods and Zatarains jambalaya.

A new mural showcasing fans from Southern University and A&M College alongside LSU fans cheering together in Tiger Stadium was also unveiled during the grand opening.

A new Baton Rouge mural was revealed during the grand re-opening event. Photo courtesy of Walmart.



Latest News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
US President Donald Trump has called out Vladimir Putins bullshit and appears to be getting ready to back major US sanctions against Russia. Could this be the end of Trumps soft spot for the Russian dictator?

Venetia chats to veteran army officer and chemical and nuclear weapons expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon about what might happen next and why we cant trust either Trump or Putin.

They also discuss Russias campaign of chemical weapons in Ukraine, the dangers of not supporting Syrias new Islamist government, and the significance of the new French-British nuclear weapons deal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Listen to Battle Lines using the audio player in this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast app.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
An area beer distributor has been bought by a Miami Valley company.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

News Center 7 previously reported that Ohio Eagle Distributing LLC was expected to sell all its assets.

If that sale closed, around 124 people could lose their jobs at the companys facility in West Chester and 54 at its Lima facility.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ohio Eagle said it has decided to sell to Moraine-based Heidelberg Distributing.

Recent news reports have included misinformation suggesting that our employees will lose their jobs. This is simply not true. Heidelberg is committed to retaining as many of our talented team members as possible and looks forward to welcoming them into their organization, Ohio Eagle wrote in a social media post.

We will continue to follow this story.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Authorities and volunteers continue to search for more than 170 missing people in central Texas after flash floods devastated the area last weekend. At least 121 people have been confirmed dead from the flooding, according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and local law enforcement, which was caused by the Guadalupe River near Kerrville rising 26 feet within 45 minutes.

The Guadalupe River runs through an area nicknamed Flash Flood Alley because of how common floods are during storms there. A large majority of the deaths were in Kerr County, where Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp along the river, experienced severe flooding in the early morning hours of July 4.

At least 27 people at Camp Mystic  campers and counselors  died during the flood, including the camps owner and executive director, Dick Eastland, who died trying to rescue some of his young campers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The victims were staying in lower-level cabins, which were located right by the river, while older campers were in cabins that were at a higher elevation, according to a map of the camp layout obtained by CBS News. Hunt, Texas, which is where Camp Mystic is located, is also a rural area with low water crossing bridges, which are high enough to allow water flow to run beneath them but can easily be flooded, which can make it hard for residents to fully evacuate the area, CBS News reported.

The camp, which was established in 1926, has experienced a long history of flooding from the Guadalupe River, leading to multiple evacuations and damages across the campgrounds, according to CNN. The July 4 flood was the most damaging disaster in the area, followed by a flooding in 1987 in which 10 children at a different camp nearby were killed.

Camp Mystics grounds were horrendously ravaged by the flooding, Abbott wrote in a social media post on July 5 after touring the campsite.

Below, satellite images show Camp Mystic and the Guadalupe River before and after the flooding.

State officials inspected Camp Mystic just two days before the flooding and found no deficiencies or violations in its list of health and safety criteria, the Associated Press reported. Camp Mystic is responsible for developing its own emergency plan in these situations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services told the publication days after the flood that the camp is required to post disaster plans in all camp buildings, but there were no plans filed with the state.

Five campers and one counselor were still missing as of July 10, according to Kerr County officials.

Before and after photos: Maxar Technologies via Getty Images
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  Bieser Ranch, a 614-acre family-owned property in the heart of the Plateau Valley, will now be permanently conserved after an agreement with Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT).

The Bieser roots have been in the region for more than a century, and their land is just a few miles southwest of Mesa with a scenic view of Powderhorn Ski Resort.

Tom Bieser, who manages the property, made the choice to conserve the land quite clear when he discussed the outcome of the ranch with his father.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I want dirt,' he told his dad. I didnt want moneyI wanted the land. This was my backyard growing up. It was my playground, my livelihood, and a place where I built roads, ran cows and sheep, rebuilt fences, and raised my kids. I want my grandkids and great-grandkids to be able to play here just like I did.

The land sits in a transition area between the Southern Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateaus making it full of aspens, shrublands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and a 1.3-mile stretch of Willow Creek.

On top of that, the Bieser family is joined by mountain lions, black bears, mule deer, moose, elk, northern leopard frog (a Colorado Species of Concern) and many species of amphibians and birds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Conserving the Bieser Ranch ensures that this land will continue to serve both people and wildlife for generations to come, said CWLT Conservation Specialist Nick Jacobson. It protects essential habitat, honors a familys deep-rooted connection to the land, and preserves the rural character that makes the Plateau Valley so special.

Tom said that they have worked to turn the property into a haven for wildlife and when he started to see development on the acreage around his property, he knew that wouldnt happen to the ranch.

Besides conserving the land for the wildlife and his family, he sees it as an investment for the future of the Mesa Community. He said that soon there isnt going to be much open space left, and conservation will allow his land to not be divvyed up.

With this conservation, the Bieser Ranch joins more than 11,000 Plateau Valley acres conserved through CWLT. The project was done with the help of Great Outdoors Colorado and its Keep it Colorado Transaction Assistance Program and Colorado Parks and Wildlifes Habitat Partnership Program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Qastal Maaf, Latakia, Syria  Abu Jameel Muhammeds weathered hands, blackened by soot and ash, trembled as he patted the scorched earth around what remained of his beloved olive tree. At 80, the Syrian elder had survived a brutal civil war, economic collapse, and international sanctions  but the sight of his charred courtyard companion reduced him to tears.

Villagers rescued me as flames approached my home  I survived, but my only daughter on this land was consumed by fire. It was the last thing left for me here, Abu Jameel said haltingly, his voice breaking as he referred to the cherished tree that had graced his small home in the Qastal Maaf area of Syrias coastal Latakia province for decades.

The elderly man lives alone in what has become the epicentre of wildfires that have ravaged Latakia for more than a week, surviving on money sent by daughters who married and moved abroad  a common story in a country where economic devastation has forced millions to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My home was the smallest but sweetest in the village I surrounded it with rose bushes and had one precious olive tree in the courtyard. Now all is gone, he told Al Jazeera, after the blaze consumed much of his village and forced thousands into displacement.





The scene around Abu Jameels destroyed home reflects a broader catastrophe unfolding across Syrias Mediterranean coast. Wildfires have consumed more than 14,000 hectares (34,600 acres) of land over the past week, according to Syrias Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed al-Saleh, who spoke to Al Jazeera by phone from the front lines.

A landscape transformed by fire

The steep, narrow roads leading to villages in Latakias highlands are covered in layers of black mud and ash, making access treacherous for emergency vehicles fighting the wildfires, which have continued despite the best efforts of the Syrian Civil Defense.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The air is thick with acrid smoke that burns the throat and stings the eyes, while the once-green mountainsides have been transformed into a moonscape of charred earth and skeletal tree remains.

Civil Defense volunteer Muhammed Baradei, 32, emerged from a cordoned-off area in Qastal Maaf during a rare break from battling the flames.

His uniform was stained black by ash and humidity, and beads of sweat mixed with the soot covering his forehead and forearms.

I cancelled my leave when fires started near Latakia. I came from Idlib province to help, Baradei said, describing a roughly 100km (62-mile) journey that would have been unthinkable during Syrias civil war, as it meant crossing the line between the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad and the opposition.

(Al Jazeera)

We faced unexploded ordnance from past conflicts, steep terrain and shifting winds. Crews from multiple provinces contained many hot spots, but new fires kept igniting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The inferno, which broke out on July 2, has been fuelled by high temperatures reaching about 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and strong, dry winds characteristic of Mediterranean summers.

But this years fires carry particular significance for Syria, marking the first major natural disaster response since the fall of longtime dictator al-Assad, and the regime his father established more than 50 years ago, in December.

Landmines ignite fires

Beyond the immediate challenges posed by steep terrain and unpredictable winds, firefighting teams face a uniquely Syrian hazard: the deadly legacy of more than a decade of conflict.

One of our greatest challenges was encountering unexploded ordnance and remnants of war, said Wesam Zeidan, 29, a Civil Defense volunteer who drove from Hama province, far to the southeast of Latakia, to join the firefighting efforts. These posed grave risks, forcing us to work with extreme caution and delaying access to affected zones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the United Nations, Syria remains one of the worlds most contaminated countries in terms of explosive remnants of war, with an estimated 11.5 million people living in areas affected by explosive hazards.





The UN also estimates that there are 300,000 landmines still spread across Syria, ready to be ignited by people unknowingly setting them off. Just between December and June, 369 people were killed as a result of what the UN terms explosive ordnance-related accidents, including landmines and other explosive devices left behind by the war.

These explosives can also be set off by fires raging in their vicinity. The hidden dangers, scattered across the landscape during years of fighting, now complicate every aspect of the firefighting response.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Minister al-Saleh, who joined teams on the front lines, described the scale of damage to Syrias forests as heart-wrenching. According to a statement from the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, at least 12 people have been injured in the firefighting efforts: 10 volunteers suffered severe exhaustion, respiratory distress, fractures or contusions, while two civilians sustained minor burns.

During my field visits, I saw tremendous efforts to save Syrias forests. Yet challenges grow with intense winds and buried landmines, al-Saleh stated, highlighting the intersection of natural disaster and conflict legacy that defines much of Syrias contemporary challenges.

Years of mounting fire risk

Syria has grappled with increasingly severe annual wildfires that have stretched the countrys sanctions-hit resources thin even as they were already strained by more than a decade of conflict.

A firefighter at the site of a wildfire in Qastal Maaf, Latakia, on July 5, 2025 [Ahmad Fallaha/EPA]

The 2020 fires were the worst ever recorded in Syrias history, consuming tens of thousands of hectares across multiple provinces.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This past experience, Baradei noted, drove villagers to evacuate promptly as flames approached their homes. This significantly lowered the possibility of casualties, he said. However, the dispersed nature of small, sometimes unofficial settlements scattered throughout the highlands has hampered firefighting efforts, he explained.

Zeidan said dense forests and a lack of firebreaks have worsened the spread. The absence of firebreaks  vegetation-free zones intentionally created within forests to block wildfire spread and provide safety areas for ground crews  has been attributed to years of governmental neglect.

No sooner do we extinguish one fire than another ignites. Due to the dry season, unprecedented heatwaves and intense wind speeds, new hot spots keep erupting, Zeidan said, his exhaustion evident after days of round-the-clock firefighting.

Wind speeds increased dramatically on the second day of the fires, prompting multiple Syria Civil Defense centres and firefighting units from several provinces to mobilise. While they initially controlled numerous hot spots, flames had spread to new areas by the following morning, creating a cycle of containment and reignition that has defined the past week.





Now the situation is different

The change in Syrias political landscape has fundamentally altered the firefighting response, according to volunteers and officials. During the 2011-2024 civil war, residents from opposition-controlled areas couldnt enter government-held provinces due to security concerns and military checkpoints.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Before the Assad regime was toppled, we couldnt visit these forests. We didnt care that much when we saw similar news of fires in past summers, Baradei explained. But now the situation is different. We are here and we have to do something.

This newfound unity has mobilised firefighting teams from across Syrias Civil Defense and Forestry Department. Syrian, Turkish, Jordanian and Lebanese aircraft hover above the blazes, providing aerial support for containment operations  a level of cooperation that would have been impossible under the previous governments international isolation.

Despite the threats posed by buried landmines and unexploded ordnance scattered across the landscape from years of conflict, Baradei said morale among Civil Defense teams remains high. We are acutely aware of how dangerous these wildfires are for Syria, he said. These forests are part of our shared heritage. This is precisely what drives us  because we all belong to this land.

FIrefighters battle the blazes in the forests of Syrias al-Frunloq natural reserve, in Latakia [Courtesy Syrian Civil Defense]

This piece was published in collaboration with Egab.
BERLIN, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Berlin police are searching for multiple subjects that allegedly stole one shopping cart full of groceries Thursday, July 10.

Officers say the incident occurred at a Price Chopper on Ames Drive. Three individuals, who may be possible suspects, reportedly left without paying.

Potential suspects are pictured here:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone with information about this incident, or these people, can contact Berlin police at 802-223-4401.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X Corp., formerly Twitter, speaks during a keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Jan. 7. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP/Getty Images)

Linda Yaccarino, the chief executive of social media site X, said Wednesday that she's stepping down from her role after two years at the company.

"When @elonmusk and I first spoke of his vision for X, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to carry out the extraordinary mission of this company," she said in a post on X.

The resignation comes as X is trying to woo more advertisers and is pushing forward with its efforts to build artificial intelligence-powered tools. Earlier this year, xAI, the company behind chatbot Grok, acquired X in a deal that valued the social network at $33 billion.

This week, Grok posted several antisemitic remarks on X, which could make some users and advertisers wary about using the platform.

Read more: 'A stab in the back.' How Elon Musk's decision to move X from San Francisco is stirring mixed emotions

The X account for Grok posted that the company was "actively working to remove the inappropriate posts." X has rules against posting hate speech on its platforms. The social media company, which was headquartered in San Francisco but moved last year to Texas, and xAI didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Yaccarino, a former executive at NBC Universal, joined X after Musk took control of the social media platform, previously known as Twitter. She led X through a tumultuous period when some advertisers abandoned the platform because of concerns that their ads would show up next to offensive content.

Yaccarino, 61, didn't say why she was leaving X but emphasized that her role involved helping to turn the company around.

"We started with the critical early work necessary to prioritize the safety of our users  especially children, and to restore advertiser confidence," she said on X.

Musk's outspoken nature posed challenges for the social network's advertising business. Major brands including Apple, Disney and Warner Bros Discovery paused their advertising campaigns on the platform in 2023 after Musk backed an antisemitic post on the social network.

Tensions escalated after Musk told advertisers they could "f yourself" at the 2023 DealBook Summit in New York, remarks that Yaccarino addressed.

Jasmine Enberg, vice president and a principal analyst at eMarketer, said in a statement that Yaccarino took on a tough job and lasted longer than expected.

"Faced with a mercurial owner who never fully stepped away from the helm and continued to use the platform as his personal megaphone, Yaccarino had to try to run the business while also regularly putting out fires," she said.
The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.

In March 1985, I was likely one of the first American tourists to visit Argentina after a military junta relinquished power. Raul Alfonsin, a human-rights lawyer, was leading the countrys first democratically elected government since the early 1970s. And Nunca Mas (Never Again), a government commissions report on its surprisingly rapid investigation into the fate of the desaparecidos, the people disappeared by the previous regime, was so popular that it was being hawked at Buenos Aires newsstands.

For the juntas opponents, it was a buoyant time, but the euphoria didnt last. The so-called Dirty War, a campaign of kidnapping, torture, rape, and murder that resulted in as many as 30,000 extrajudicial deaths, left lasting scars. Alfonsin was obliged to pursue a delicate political balancing act: He had commissioned the investigation and backed trials of the juntas leaders. But then, fearing another coup, he reversed course, supporting legislation that impeded further prosecutions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That pattern of advance and retreat continued under successor regimes. Like Germany after the defeat of Hitler, Argentina lurched back and forth between judging its past crimes and trying to move beyond them. The ensuing decades saw amnesties, trials, protests, severe economic and political turmoil, and the conversion of former detention facilities and other sites into a memorial landscape. An Argentinian alliance of human-rights organizations dedicated to remembrance and justice calls itself Memoria Abierta (Open Memory), suggesting a task that remains perpetually unfinished.

In her deeply reported new book, A Flower Traveled in My Blood, Haley Cohen Gilliland both encapsulates that complicated dynamic and explains its broader relevance. Around the world, she writes, in countries attempting to wrestle with histories of violence and trauma, the same questions tend to recur. How should peace be balanced with justice? Is it better, for the health of a society, to pardon or punish the perpetrators? Caught between the drive to forget and the obligation to remember, Argentina is a case study in the classic frictions that afflict such processes of reckoning.

In Argentina, this reckoning means more than insisting on justice and commemorating (and identifying) the dead. It involves the persistent challenge of recovering and reuniting the living. Since 1977, near the brutal peak of the juntas 197683 rule, the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo have marched on Thursday afternoons in front of the Casa Rosada, Argentinas seat of government, to demand an accounting for their disappeared children. Despite the dangersome of these mothers, too, were murdered by the juntathey were soon joined by another group: Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, intent on the return of grandchildren, including those born to mothers in detention and illegally adopted. With persistence, investigative ingenuity, and cutting-edge genetic tools, the grandmothers have so far tracked down 140 of those missing children.

[Read: My sister was disappeared 43 years ago]

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gilliland focuses on the ordeal of a single shattered family, widens her lens to include other cases, and embeds her tale in a crisp account of recent Argentinian history. Formerly the Argentina and Uruguay correspondent for The Economist and now the director of the Yale Journalism Initiative, Gilliland has long harbored an interest in the grandmothers quest. Preoccupied with other work, she waited, she concedes, until almost the last possible moment to tackle the subject. Many potential sources are now dead, and one of Gillilands key informants, Rosa Roisinblit, was 102 when Gilliland finally managed to interview her. Fortunately, the author also benefited from the cooperation of Roisinblits grandson, Guillermo, who had been illegally adopted, and the University of Washington geneticist Mary-Claire King, whose research helped reunite Guillermo, however uneasily, with his biological family.

Gilliland borrows her title from a line in a poem, Epitaph, by Juan Gelman, a celebrated Argentine writer whose personal history makes her use of it particularly apropos. The poem was written before Gelmans own son and pregnant daughter-in-law were kidnapped in the Dirty War. They were killed, and his newborn granddaughter was stolen and later found with an adoptive family in Uruguay. The titular flower does metaphorical double duty in Gillilands story. It represents both the grandmothers yearning for their kin and the genetic markers that proved consanguinity.

A Flower Traveled in My Blood begins in 1978 with an account of the kidnappings of Jose Manuel Perez Rojo and his pregnant partner, Patricia, who was Rosa Roisinblits daughter. The federal police also took the couples 15-month-old daughter, Mariana, but left her with relatives. Both Jose and Patricia had been Montoneros, left-wing guerrillas, but had largely retreated from activism. It didnt matter. The junta swooped down on militants, dissidents, and innocents alike, conveying them in green Ford Falcons to secret sites without formal charges. Some detainees were eventually released; some were murdered in prison; still others were drugged and flung from planes into the Rio de la Plata or the South Atlantic Ocean.

Apart from those directly affected, civil society was slow to mobilize. Rosa, desperate to locate both her missing daughter and the grandson (Guillermo) who she knew had been born in captivity, appealed, with little success, to the federal justice system and Jewish organizations. She finally found solidarity with her fellow grandmothers. They met surreptitiously, but also marched, petitioned, and eventually attracted international attention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Science proved to be an indispensable ally. King, the geneticist, experimented with different methods of establishing grandpaternity before settling on mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down almost intact through the maternal line. A genetic match can be made with a single maternal relative, and the forensic technique has since been adopted in missing-persons and human-rights cases worldwide.

[Read: A novel in which nightmares are all too real]

In Argentina, the process of reconnecting families could be both emotionally and legally fraught. Not every lost child was happy to be found; custody battles could be wrenching. And the same evidence that linked children to biological relatives could spur a criminal case against their adoptive parents, some of whom had ties to the military and its illicit actions.

Gilliland uses Guillermos case to illustrate these complications. Guillermos adoptive father, Francisco Gomez, was an employee of the air force. He knew details of Joses torture and Patricias detention, but claimed that the baby boy he adopted had been abandoned. He was also violently abusive toward his wife, according to Guillermo. His beatings were so savage they sometimes sent Jofre to the hospital, Gilliland writes. After they divorced, he mostly neglected his son.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As often happened, Guillermos whereabouts were revealed to the grandmothers organization by an anonymous tipster. When Guillermos sister, Mariana, tracked him down, Guillermo was skeptical but agreed to a DNA test, which confirmed their connection. His initial contacts with Mariana and his two grandmothers, Rosa and Argentina, were warm. But when his adoptive father was arrested and charged with kidnapping and falsification of official documents, Guillermo was furious. (Gomez was convicted and served more than six years on those charges. He was later sentenced to another 12 years for his role in the disappearance of Guillermos parents.) Guillermo worried, justifiably, that the next step was the prosecution of his adoptive mother, the one person by whom he felt unconditionally loved. He felt betrayed by Mariana and his grandmothers. His past life might have been one giant, festering lie, Gilliland writes. But his new reality was worse.

Guillermos relationship with Mariana grew particularly strained. They fought over the division of government reparations for their slain parents, their grandmother Argentinas medical treatment, and the disposition of her ashes after her death. But over time, Guillermo embraced both Rosa and her larger cause. (Mariana declined to speak with Gilliland.)

The author clearly admires the grandmothers tenacity, but she raises questions about the costs of their mission and the methods involvedin particular, the practice of aggressive, sometimes nonconsensual collection of DNA evidence. To whom does identity belong? Gilliland asks. Is it the sole property of an individualor does their family and their society also have a right to truth?

Germany took decades to come to terms with its responsibility for the Holocaust. Since the 1980s, I have reported on those efforts: the competing narratives at concentration-camp memorials, the tangled history of the Jewish Museum Berlin, the development of a complex landscape of memory. And in 2019, I finally returned to Buenos Aires to assess Argentinas reckoning, which had begun with so much promise. The work of memorialization seemed vibrant, but still incomplete. No single museum offered a definitive narrative of the junta, the desaparecidos, and the quest for justice. Memory remained fractured, the history unsettled. Even the number of desaparecidos was still vigorously contested.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

[Read: A new history of the Western Hemisphere]

The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo and their supporters continued to march weekly. In 1986, the organization had splintered into two factions. The founding line wanted exhumations, reparations, prosecutionsclosure for past injustices. The other faction was more focused on radical social change. What struck me most during my visit was a difference in affect. The founding line walked somberly, holding photographs and drawings of missing relatives, while the more radical marchers sang and clapped boisterously. Tourists crowded in with cameras, and the mothers sold handcrafted souvenirs.

At La Recoleta, the elegant cemetery whose rhetoric of shade and marble Jorge Luis Borges had famously elegized, I stopped to grieve at Alfonsins tomb. The Parque de la Memoria (Remembrance Park) was similarly poignant: a large, silent space with a zigzagging granite memorial to the desaparecidos and other murder victims, and an array of sculptures on the banks of the Rio de La Plata. Claudia Fontess stainless-steel Reconstruction of the Portrait of Pablo Miguez, representing a kidnapped child, seemed to rise from the river itself and stare across its expansive waters, as though searching for the corpses below.

Former black sites had become memorials as well. The most notorious, the Escuela de Mecanica de la Armada, had been converted into the ESMA Museum and Site of Memory. I took a guided tour, saw the basement where detainees had been tortured, watched the video testimony of survivors, and learned, at the House for Identity, of the grandmothers genetic-matching project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Here in the U.S., some commentators have compared the current Trump administrations expansion of executive authority to the early days of the Third Reich, with its blitzkrieg consolidation of power over the German political system, economy, and culture. But the federal governments turn to sudden, legally questionable seizures of the undocumented, visa and green-card holders, and even some American citizens, often by unidentified masked men, more closely evokes the abuses of South American military dictatorships in Argentina, Chile, and elsewhere.

Whatever the specific parallels, the problem of how to recover from such assaults on the law and the polity remains vexing. The trauma always outlasts the injury. Gilliland points to Argentina as a pioneering model for its quick initial response and groundbreaking forensics. But it is also a cautionary tale about the slippery route to healing. She notes that the countrys current right-wing populist leader, Javier Milei, is something of an apologist for the juntas bloody rule. The seesawing continues.

Argentinas lessons for the current moment are multiple: When tyrants threaten, more people and institutions may cower than resist; the loss of checks on state violence can be catastrophic; and no one knows who the next victim will be. This much is clear: Recovering from the damage will be even messier and more difficult than preventing it in the first place.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
At least eight people were killed, including children, in an Israeli bombardment of a school sheltering displaced people in northern Gaza, medical sources have told Al Jazeera.

Several others were also wounded in the attack on the Halimah al-Saadiyah School in Jabalia an-Nazla. Survivors on Friday relayed a harrowing scene of an inferno.

I saw the whole area filled with dust  thats when I realised the strike had hit this place, Abu Haitham Khalla told Al Jazeera, standing among the rubble.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The panic, fear, and terror that swept through the school was overwhelming. There were about 1,000 displaced people sheltering here  tents and classrooms all being used as refuge, he said.

Another witness, Ahmed Khalla, said he found dead victims lying on the floor of a classroom. Children torn apart, charred. Women who had done absolutely nothing. The scenes were beyond horrific. I saw a little girl without a head  literally, without a head.

Palestinian children at the site of the attack on the school-turned-shelter [Bashar Taleb/AFP]

Smell of blood is everywhere

Israeli missiles struck the Halimah al-Saadiyah School late at night as people slept.

Reporting from the scene, Al Jazeeras Ibrahim al-Khalili painted a grim picture of the destruction: The smell of the blood is everywhere. The attack came before midnight as people slept, killing them in the very place they once thought was safe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He added the school had been sheltering thousands of displaced Palestinians who fled their homes in eastern parts of the Strip following Israeli forced displacement threats.

Instead of refuge, they were met with death and destruction, he said. In light of the ongoing Israeli military escalation of attacks targeting various areas across the Gaza Strip, the situation is going from bad to worse, he said.

With safe spaces rapidly vanishing, Gazas displaced now face an increasingly dire reality. The situation is catastrophic, as many displaced Palestinians have been left with nowhere to go, said al-Khalili.

Aid site targeted by Israel

Separately, Al Jazeera has received reports that at least 10 Palestinians were killed and 16 wounded near the controversial GHF-run aid centre  the only functioning distribution point  in Rafah.

A woman holds a baby in her arms as Palestinian families begin fleeing again from shelters near the al-Mawasi area, with the Israeli army expanding its ground offensive and tanks reaching southwestern Khan Younis, Gaza on July 10, 2025 [Hani Alshaer/Anadolu Agency]

They were transferred to the nearby Nasser Hospital after being shot by Israeli snipers, said Al Jazeeras Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have heard from locals that a great deal of panic erupted at the site of the aid centre during the attack, said Abu Azzoum.

He added that security contractors, alongside Israeli forces, later opened fire to disperse desperate crowds seeking food.

The climbing death toll reflects a blatant Israeli strategy to cause more harm to Palestinians who are trying to get food supplies, Azzoum said. People keep taking the risk just to feed their families, despite the fact that aid seekers have been shot at around these centres.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Friday that it has recorded at least 798 killings both at aid points run by GHF and near humanitarian convoys run by other relief groups, including the UN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Up until the seventh of July, weve recorded now 798 killings, including 615 in the vicinity of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, and 183 presumably on the route of aid convoys, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

The GHF began distributing limited food packages in Gaza at the end of May.
This is the final piece in a five-part series on the housing crisis and the homeless population in Kent County. Read the whole series here.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Can the Kent County community end chronic homelessness?

Yes, is the resounding answer from housing advocates.

100 IN 100

In the summer of 2024, more than 20 organizations teamed up with the Grand Rapids Coalition to End Homeless for the 100 in 100 Kent County initiative, with a goal of permanently housing 100 chronically homeless individuals within 100 days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While it took more than 100 days, as of May 1, the program had 100 individuals in permanent housing, along with 55 in process. It has now set its sight on a new goal: house 100 more by the end of the year as it helps with everything from paying deposits to furnishing new homes.

First two people housed through 100 in 100 program

We think that we could actually end chronic homelessness within the next year or two based off of the housing resources that we have available, Courtney Myers-Keaton, the director the Grand Rapids Coalition to End Homelessness, said. Weve been using nontraditional housing resources and pairing them with case management for these households and that we havent tried before.

One of those nontraditional resources is the Grand Rapids Chamber, which offered flexible funding to remove barriers that could be in the way of getting housing in place  things like paying for past due rent or utilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were really trying to say, how do we make sure that a small, relatively small amount of money is not a barrier to someone getting stability in permanent housing? Joshua Lunger, vice president of government affairs with the Grand Rapids Chamber, said.

On average, the Chamber has only paid about $525 a person, he said.

For some, homelessness is one flat tire away

Other nontraditional organizations have stepped up to help, too. Multiple local hotels, including the JW Marriot, and businesses like Amway have donated furniture to the program. Corewell Health provided a warehouse to temporarily store the furniture and local moving company Pink Zebra Moving donated a day to help move people in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That was all just everyone willing to raise their hand, say Ill help,' Lunger said. We only got this far because when we tripped, someone was there to say, Oh, let me help you back up.'

INTENTIONAL COLLABORATION

Its part of a larger trend in Kent County, as groups work to better coordinate their efforts around homelessness and housing needs. Historically, resources were disjointed and worked on a first-come, first-served basis, Meyers-Keaton said. It started to centralize about two decades ago, to make it easier for people to access resources, and to sure the system is providing equitable services.

Now, groups like Housing Kent are working to coordinate those efforts in all aspects of housing.

From hungry to housed: Woman finds blessings at Heartside Landings

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For us to be able to affect change at scale in the housing system, its going to require us to move from isolated ways of doing things to integrated and coordinated ways of doing things, Eureka People, president of Housing Kent, said. Thats a new way of working in the housing system. And that requires time and intentionality, trial and error in order for us to really optimize our ability again to do more together than what any individual organization can do alone.

She said she believes theres now more collaboration taking place across the housing continuum compared to the past.

SEVERAL EFFORTS ACROSS THE COUNTY

With several groups and programs to coordinate, organizations can each focus on a different aspect of the housing crisis.

The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan works to help prevent homelessness by educating the community on discrimination laws and providing resources for those who have been illegally discriminated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Future uncertain for Fair Housing Center of West Michigan amid DOGE cuts at HUD

You might say, How does homelessness relate to fair housing?' Nancy Haynes, the executive director of the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, said. Its not the same, but theres a lot of overlap.  If there are obstacles that stand in your way that are illegal and violate fair housing laws, that could lead to homelessness.

Kent County is prioritizing housing through Headwater, a new visioning project that aims to set goals and strategies through 2050. Its about being good ancestors, Strategic Impact Director Josh Spencer said.

Its making smart decisions that is not just for short-term gain, but  were also planning for success of the future, he explained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What will Kent County look like in 2050? Framework includes ideas

The Grand Rapids Coalition to End Homelessness is working on several strategies, like flexible pool funding to help those temporarily facing homelessness and working more closely with landlords. Its also making sure to have voices at the table who have experienced homelessness.

The saying is, Nothing about us without use,' Myers-Keaton explained. If youre going to make decisions that affect any population, then you  need to have representatives from that population there to not just inform, but to help develop the polices and make those decisions.

While housing organizations work together to address homelessness, individuals can help, too.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Advocates say you can call or write a letter to your planning commission and say you support more housing and more diversity in housing, work to educate yourself about the housing system, or call 211 to connect with United Ways volunteer program.

ENDING HOMELESSNESS IS POSSIBLE

Overall, groups say the community is headed in the right direction.

For the first time, I think we really can see that (ending chronic homelessness) is possible and so thats really exciting, Degage Ministries Executive Director Thelma Ensink said. But its going to take some really specific steps in our community and its going to take a partnership and a collaboration between public and private funds, public and private entities.  Its hard work, right? Because homelessness is not a Degage issue. Its not a Mel Trotter issue. Its not a homelessness provider issue. Its a community issue. So its going to be asking landlords to come forward. Its going to be asking, you know, more partners to come forward to give (support).

Inside WOODTV.com: Full West Michigan housing crisis coverage

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It doesnt end at chronic homelessness, they say.

I think ending homelessness is possible, period, Myers-Keaton said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Portlands own Big Pink has a new owner, and he says he paid a fraction of what the building was worth years ago.

University of Oregon graduate Jeff Swickard purchased one of downtown Portlands largest buildings, the U.S. Bancorp Tower, for $45 million cash.

Former Portland freelance journalist convicted of bias crimes, arson

He told KOIN 6 News he is very excited about the sale, adding that hes not just betting on a building, hes betting on Portland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The building was worth $375 million when it was up for sale 10 years ago, but Swickard said in-office values in general have depressed.

While its not the citys tallest building, it boasts the most office space with nearly 1.2 million square feet.

On Wednesday, Mayor Keith Wilson told KOIN 6 that Swickards plans for the building are exactly what Portland needs.

Sen. Wyden invites border czar to Oregon to discuss serious ICE concerns

Swickard said those plans are modifying the building to get businesses excited to come back downtown.

What we can do is we can provide a modern office space with the best amenities and do it at a price that hopefully will bring people, and businesses back into, the downtown and hopefully that benefit will benefit the state of Oregon, and the City of Portland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He plans to offer lease rates that he says have never been offered, and hes also pushing to bring in small and medium business tenants alongside large businesses.

One of the things that were hoping to do, with the mayors help, is to build a skybridge between the parking garage and the building, Swickard said. Because personal safety and security is a real issue and concern for people in Portland today.

While its true the U.S. workforce, in general, has many people opting to work from home these days, Swickard said hes confident he can draw some companies back to renting out office space.

 I think that the energy that made Portland great or that makes Portland great is there. And I think it will drive people to want to come back to work. And I think companies, in general, like the camaraderie andthe spirit of working together, working in person, Swickard said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said it will likely take about 7-10 years to fully realize his vision for the building.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Bill Kristol has had a change of heart. He is now opposed to the president sending alleged foreign enemies to rot in overseas prisons, and the claims of expansive executive powers and sprawling homeland security bureaucracy that enables him to do so.

"DHS [the Department of Homeland Security], it should all be defunded," Kristol said on a recent episode of The Bulwark Podcast, per Mediaite. "I've sorta come around to defunding ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] about a month or two ago. But now I'm just on the defund DHS thing."

In a follow-up social media post, he reiterated the need to dismantle DHS and return to the pre-2002 status quo, where its various component agencieswhich include ICEare run out of other departments.

Kristol's recent remarks are part of a trend of increasingly alarmed comments he's made about the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its deportation drive has vindicated the "abolish ICE" movement, he's said. Its use of a centuries-old law to deport alleged gang members to a Salvadoran prison is proof of its authoritarian designs.

Kristol's journey from hardline conservative hawk to the still-hawkish anti-Trump liberal is a long and well-documented one, so his unsparing critiques of the second Trump administration shouldn't be surprising per se.

What is surprising is the substance of Kristol's recent criticisms.

Kristol's break with the Trump-era foreign policy was largely in response to the president's marginally less hawkish foreign policy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His more recent criticisms of Trump are over his methods of going after illegal immigrants and alleged gangstersmethods Kristol was in favor of when the threat of the day was Islamist terrorists.

From his perch as the founder and editor of the ultra-hawkish magazine The Weekly Standard, Kristol was an early and enthusiastic advocate of the "global war on terror" and the expanded national security state needed to fight it.

On foreign policy, that famously meant pushing America to invade Iraq and overthrow Saddam Hussein. On the home front, it meant the president prosecuting the war on terror as a war and not as a "law enforcement" exerciseand all the constitutional limitations that would entail.

Terrorists were enemy combatants, not criminals, according to the Kristol-helmed Standard's editorial line.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Any suspected terrorist that ended up in U.S. custody should therefore be deprived of the normal due process protections a defendant would typically receive in the criminal justice system.

In his George W. Bush-era editorials, Kristol would repeatedly defend shipping suspected terrorists off to Guantanamo Bay, and was unsparingly critical of most any action, whether by Congress or the U.S. Supreme Court, to put legal guardrails on how long they could be held in the military prison without trial or what kinds of "enhanced interrogation" methods could be used on them there.

Kristol likewise condemned President Barack Obama's efforts to shut down the prison at Guantanamo as a dangerous public relations exercise.

Its decision to treat Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (the so-called "underwear bomber") as a criminal suspect was downright reckless, because it meant he could access a lawyer and had the right to remain silent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When libertarians and libertarian-leaning lawmakers criticized the most lawless aspects of the war on terror, Kristol largely just rolled his eyes.

"It does no favor to the cause of conservative constitutionalism to let it become identified with pseudo-constitutionalist paranoia," he wrote in response to Sen. Rand Paul's (RKy.) 13-hour filibuster of John Brennan's confirmation to be CIA director in 2013. "America's got many problems, it isn't, as Paul sometimes seemed to suggest, hurtling towards tyranny."

Paul had used that filibuster to raise serious constitutional concerns presented by the Obama administration's refusal to even answer what, if any, limits it accepted on its powers to assassinate people it identified as terrorists with drones.

Contra Kristol, Reason's Nick Gillespie saw plenty of merit in that endeavor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"By foregounding the issues of limited government, transparency, and oversight as they relate specifically to the most obvious and brazen threat to civil liberties imaginable, Rand Paul and his filibuster have also tied a direct line to a far more wide-ranging and urgently needed conversation about what sort of government we have in America - and what sort of government we should have," wrote Gillespie.

Now, 12 years later, Kristol appears to have come around on the threat posed by a president who believes himself to have the power to identify and remove threats to domestic tranquility without any legal limits.

"From its unlawful invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, to the frantic removal of these men already in custody in the United States to a brutal prison in a third countrythe Trump administration had demonstrated purposeful contempt for the rule of law," he wrote in an April column. "That's no longer a hypothetical question. That future is now. The crisis is upon us. We'll be judged as a nation by how we respond."

Turns out the slope we were on in 2013 was pretty slippery after all.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Kristol wants to abolish DHS now, it's important to point out that the Standard was never particularly hot on the idea of creating a cabinet-level homeland security department. War demanded more than reshuffling the org chart.

In a 2002 editorial, the Standard's Executive Editor Fred Barnes suggested that instead of creating DHS (which he considered a useless bureaucratic exercise), airlines should instead arm pilots, and airport security should engage in "ethnic profiling" of Arab travelers.

In this way, the Kristol-helmed Standard was proto-Trumpian. Bureaucracy was bad not because it expanded executive power, but rather because it constrained the executive's ability to respond to threats with needless process.

The use of racial profiling by immigration officers under the supervision of DHS in Los Angeles during their recent crackdowns shows that the choice between bureaucracy and racism was a false one.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It's, of course, bad form to yell at people for agreeing with you, even when they were very smugly wrong for so long.

Trump's immigration crackdown is indeed deeply concerning. Civil libertarians should applaud Kristol's belated criticism of the national security state he once aggressively advocated for. Welcome to the team, Bill.

His recent conversion to the rule of law does provide a teachable moment. No matter how important you think the current threat is, be it Al Qaeda or Tren De Aragua, you'll live long enough to regret abandoning core civil liberties to fight it.

The post Bill Kristol Is Alarmed That a President Would Ship Accused Foreign Enemies to an Overseas Prison appeared first on Reason.com.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  Bishop of Tyler Gregory Kelly has announced a special collection at Masses this weekend to raise aid for those affected by the Central Texas flooding.

LIVE: President Trump, First Lady to survey damage after Kerrville fatal floods

According to Kelly, the special collection will occur on July 12 through July13 and supports efforts will be coordinated through the Catholic Charities of East Texas. Those who attend are encouraged to consider donating financial aid by participating in the special collection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kelly hopes the East Texas community will pray for those affected by the flooding, their friends and family, those who are still missing and the emergency crews that are actively looking for survivors.

East Texas camp explains safety protocols amid tragedy in Kerr County

Thank you for your prayers and whatever financial support you can provide in response to this disaster. May God bless all those most directly involved. May he receive those who have died into his loving hands; may he console those grieving their loss and injury. May he guide the efforts of emergency personnel and keep them safe in their work.

Bishop of Tyler Gregory Kelly

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Another black bear has been spotted roaming in Middle Tennessee.

A young bear was spotted Friday morning in Joelton near Anderson Lane.

Black bear found dead in Sumner County

(Courtesy: Mildred Austin)

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency received multiple calls reporting bear sightings along Ridge Circle near Interstate 24 Thursday evening.

Back in June, multiple black bears were seen in Sumner County. One bear died after it was hit by a car along Vietnam Veterans Boulevard in Gallatin. Then another bear was picked up on a trail camera in Cottontown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Having bears popping up here in Middle Tennessee is somewhat of a conservation success story, TWRA Public Relations Director Emily Buck said. As the population grows in East Tennessee, theyre going to make their way more so across the state.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Buck reminded the public that bears used to roam all of Tennessee. She said their arrival back into Middle Tennessee is a good sign with some of them possibly even coming from neighboring state.

Buck added that bears being hit by cars is statistically more common after relocation, and far more common in East Tennessee, where bears remain more prominent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You should never approach a bear but in rural areas, you should secure any food attractants, like deer or bird feeders, in your yards. Residents should keep small pets inside their homes if a bear is known to be nearby.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jul. 10FORESTBURG, S.D.  Grading gravel roads, fixing culverts, balancing budgets  township work isn't glamorous, but it keeps rural South Dakota moving. A new blog series is putting names and faces to the people behind it.

The series, titled Township Trailblazers, was created by Loree Gaikowski, Legislative Director for the Association, and aims to feature individuals who maintain township roads, support local governance and contribute to the day-to-day operations of rural infrastructure. A new story is published each month on the Association's website and Facebook page, where nominations are also encouraged from the public.

"In every township, there are people quietly doing work that matters," Gaikowski said. "This series gives us a chance to tell their stories and thank them."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The first Trailblazer recognized was Brian Pearson, a road grader operator who maintains township roads across Jerauld and Sanborn counties. Pearson started grading at 18, after his father encouraged him to take on morning work outside the farm.

Now with over four decades of experience, Pearson estimates he maintains about 100 miles of roads using his own equipment  often working weekends for the townships while grading county roads during the week. He said winter remains the biggest challenge.

"You never know what you're getting into until you're out there," Pearson said. "When the wind drifts the snow back over everything you just cleared, it can feel like starting from scratch."

Pearson lives in Floyd Township and started with six townships. That number has grown to 10 as more communities sought out his services because of his reliability and experience.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His wife, Lori Pearson, said his dedication rarely gets talked about  even by him.

"He doesn't talk himself up enough," she said. "He just goes out there and does it."

She recalled times when he worked through snowdrifts up to 10 feet tall and didn't get home until early morning. After filling in for him for several months while he recovered from back surgery, she gained a new appreciation for the work.

"It's not as simple as what a person thinks," she said. "It made me realize how hard he does work."

Pearson said he was surprised to be featured in the new series, but appreciated the recognition  especially after hearing from his children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They were proud," he said. "That meant a lot to me."

Gaikowski said his quiet reaction and the pride his family felt afterward reinforced the series' purpose: bringing attention to work that often goes unnoticed.

The most recent Trailblazer, featured in July, is Blake Nelson, chairman of Red Rock Township. According to the blog post on the Association's website, Nelson manages grading, budgeting and coordinates road and water issue responses  often adjusting plow routes to prioritize emergency access and school transportation. He also led efforts for the township to purchase its own grader and begin gravel reclamation, cutting costs and improving road conditions.

In the blog post, Nelson emphasized the importance of making time for township work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's not because we have time," Nelson said in the post. "It's because we make time. You have to make time to help people."

He also pointed to the need for younger generations to step into leadership roles.

"If we aren't here, who's going to take care of it?" he said. "Younger guys need to start learning what and why the ol' timers do."

According to census data, South Dakota has 914 organized townships responsible for maintaining over 30,000 miles of roads  more than the state and county systems combined. The Association of Towns and Townships offers support to these local governments, including legal guidance, training and legislative advocacy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gaikowski said the blog series was developed to address a general lack of awareness about township roles and responsibilities, particularly in more urban or disconnected areas.

"There's a perception that townships are a thing of the past," she said. "But the infrastructure they manage is still vital to daily life across rural South Dakota."

Nominations for future Township Trailblazers can be submitted through the Association's website at

sdtownships.com

.
As the state continues to mourn the deaths brought on by the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country, the disaster is bringing attention to the effectiveness of the Blue Alert system.

With over 110 lives lost and many more missing, the catastrophic flooding in central Texas is raising concerns about a potential issue with the states Blue Alert emergency warning system, namely, warning fatigue.

Blue Alerts are issued to help in the apprehension of violent criminals who have killed or seriously injured law enforcement officers. Recently, a Blue Alert was issued statewide for Benjamin Song, an individual suspected of being involved in the ambush at the ICE facility in Alvarado.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Grant Holland, a director with Dallas Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, over time, people can start to dismiss warning messages. The reason, he said, is that people become desensitized to frequent warnings that might not directly apply to them.

When we have repeated warnings that are not paired with any sort of real outcome relevant to us, we are much less likely to listen to them, Holland said, per WFAA.

A study conducted by RAND last year found that 30% of Texans have opted out of receiving emergency phone alerts, the highest rate in the nation.

Following a Blue Alert that went out at 4:30 a.m. back in October 2024, the FCC received 4,000 complaints in Texas over the warning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When someone receives frequent alerts they do not considered relevant to their specific location, Holland believes they begin to take the warnings less seriously.

They will be less likely to pay attention the next time their phone makes that noise, he said.

A special session of the Texas legislature plans to discuss the states flood alert system. Representative Mihaela Plesa says more needs to be done to ensure warnings are effective.

Those alert systems are in place because they are important If we need to do an educations [sic] campaign to educate people how to respond or how to get information when they receive one of those warnings, I am ready to get to work on that as well, said Plesa.
An off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent was accused of drunkenly fighting with Long Beach police officers earlier this week after he was asked to leave a bar, authorities said.

Isaiah Hodgson, 29, was charged with three counts of resisting arrest, one count of battery causing injury to a police officer and several misdemeanor weapons offenses in connection with the July 7 episode in the Shoreline Village area, a busy tourist section of Long Beach not far from where the Queen Mary is docked, according to Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman.

"The conduct exhibited by Mr. Hodgson, a border patrol agent who has the duty to uphold the law and protect its citizens, is unacceptable and deeply troubling, Hochman said in a statement. No one is above the law, regardless of their position or badge."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hodgson was "off-duty, intoxicated and armed with a handgun" inside a restaurant when he entered the women's restroom and approached a female, according to a statement from the district attorney's office. The woman noticed Hodgson carrying a firearm and notified restaurant staff, prosecutors said. Outside the restaurant, a security guard approached Hodgson and asked him to leave since firearms were not allowed on the property, according to the news release.

When Long Beach police officers responded to the scene, they determined Hodgson was intoxicated and "unwilling to cooperate with their commands as they tried to detain him."

Alyssa Baeza, a public information officer for the Long Beach Police Department, said officers had to use a stun gun to subdue Hodgson. The Border Patrol agent "refused to provide employment information" when questioned by officers, according to Baeza, who said one officer suffered a minor injury during the scuffle.

A spokesperson for the L.A. County Public Defender's Office, which is representing Hodgson, could not immediately comment. Hodgson pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Friday and is due back in court next week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: Fears of racial profiling rise as Border Patrol conducts 'roving patrols,' detains U.S. citizens

Last month, Hodgson was involved in the controversial detention of Adrian Martinez, a U.S. citizen accused of interfering in immigration arrests at a Walmart in Pico Rivera, according to the law firm representing Martinez.

Agents rushed the 20-year-old Martinez and shoved him to the ground after he confronted them as they tried to arrest one of his co-workers at the shopping center. Surveillance and spectator video captured footage showing officers dragging Martinez to a truck.

While the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, Bill Essayli, publicly claimed Martinez punched a federal law enforcement officer during the fracas, charges filed by his office don't reflect that, and video from the scene does not show Martinez striking anyone. Ultimately, Martinez was charged with conspiracy to impede a federal law enforcement officer because he allegedly wheeled a trash can in the path of a Border Patrol vehicle, court records show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Video from the scene does not clearly show Hodgson laying hands on Martinez. Unlike most agents who have descended on Los Angeles in recent weeks, Hodgson was not wearing a mask the day of Martinez's arrest.

"The Border Patrol agent was arrested for an off-duty act of felony violence, which is indicative of the violence frequently seen in ICE/Border Patrol arrests," read a statement from the Miller Law Firm, which represents Martinez. "The arrest confirms the fears many have right now regarding violent, unaccountable and unhinged federal agents roaming the streets. Masked agents are violently and lawlessly kidnapping and warehousing our community members  citizens and non-citizens alike."

Martinez has denied all wrongdoing through his attorneys.

Hodgson was released on his own recognizance in the Long Beach case but is not allowed to possess firearms or leave the state, according to the D.A.'s office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If convicted as charged, Hodgson faces up to seven years in state prison, prosecutors said.

A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman said in an email that the matter is "under investigation." Neither DHS nor the Border Patrol responded to questions about Hodgson's assignment or his role in widespread immigration raids across Southern California that have roiled residents and spawned several lawsuits. Earlier this week, a phalanx of federal agents led by Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement descended on MacArthur Park in a militaristic show of force that ultimately netted zero arrests.

While most L.A. elected officials have heavily criticized the Trump administration's tactics in recent weeks, Hochman, a political independent, has noticeably tried to stay out of the political fray.

Times staff writer Brittny Mejia 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.
President Trump is pushing through with his tariff agenda, unveiling a new batch of letters to country leaders outlining tariffs on goods imported from their countries beginning in August and a warning to BRICS nations.

Trump announced a 35% tariff on Canadian goods late Thursday on Truth Social, claiming Canada had "financially retaliated" to earlier duties. A White House official said, however, that many carveouts currently in place with US tariffs on Canadian goods would remain, such as oil and certain sector-specific duties.

In an interview with NBC News published late Thursday, Trump also floated 15% to 20% blanket tariffs on most trading partners, higher than the 10% level currently in effect.

The fresh tariff salvos capped a week in which Trump sent a barrage of tariff letters to over 20 trade partners, setting levels of 20% to 40%  except for a 50% levy on goods from Brazil in a move that waded into the country's domestic politics.

Meanwhile, Trump injected fresh uncertainty into the metal market this week, confirming 50% copper import tariffs from Aug. 1 to match steel and aluminum. Trump's copper tariffs are also set to include the kinds of materials used for power grids, the military and data centers, a Bloomberg report highlighted on Friday.

As markets focus on US talks with key partners on possible deals, here is where things stand:

Vietnam: Trump said a deal with Vietnam will see the country's imports face a 20% tariff  lower than the 46% Trump had threatened in April. He also said Vietnamese goods would face a higher 40% tariff "on any transshipping"  when goods shipped from Vietnam originate from another country, like China. According to reports, Vietnam's leadership was caught off guard by Trump's announcement last week that it agreed to a 20% tariff and is now seeking to lower the rate.

European Union: The EU has signaled it is willing to accept a 10% universal tariff on many of its exports but is seeking exemptions for certain sectors. The bloc is racing to clinch a deal.

India: Trump's tariffs on Brazil have raised the stakes for India, another member of the BRICS coalition. Bloomberg reported that the countries are working toward a framework deal that could see US tariffs on goods from India drop below 20%.

Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet

Here are the latest updates as the policy reverberates around the world.

LIVE

1412 updates
SREBRENICA, Bosnia (Reuters) -Thousands of Bosnians marked the 30th anniversary of a massacre in which more than 8,000 Muslim Bosniak men and boys were executed by Bosnian Serb forces during a 1992-1995 war at a cemetery near Srebrenica on Friday.

Families buried the partial remains of seven victims, one of them a woman, alongside 6,750 already interred. Local and foreign dignitaries laid flowers at the memorial where the names of the victims are engraved in stone.

About 1,000 victims have yet to be found from Europe's worst atrocity since World War Two, which, decades later, still haunts Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3 million people. Families who retrieved victims' remains have increasingly opted to bury even just a few bones to give them a final resting place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I feel such sadness and pain for all these people and youth," said a woman called Sabaheta from the eastern town of Gorazde.

Survivors and families, standing or sitting by the rows of white gravestones, joined a collective Islamic prayer for the dead before the burial. Then, in a highly emotional procession, the men carried coffins draped in green cloth and Bosnian flags to the graves.

The massacre unfolded after Srebrenica - a designated U.N. "safe area" for civilians in Bosnia's war that followed the disintegration of federal Yugoslavia - was overrun by nationalist Bosnian Serb forces.

While the women opted to go to the U.N. compound, men tried to escape through nearby woods where most of them were caught. Some were shot immediately, and others were driven to schools or warehouses where they were killed in the following days. The bodies were dumped in pits then dug up months later and scattered in smaller graves in an effort to conceal the crime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

General Ratko Mladic, who commanded the forces, was convicted of genocide by a U.N. war crimes tribunal in The Hague, along with Serb political leader Radovan Karadzic.

KEEPING MEMORY ALIVE

"We stand in solidarity with the loved ones left behind," Antonio Costa, the European Council president, said at the commemoration ceremony. "And we pledge to keep the memory alive."

As part of the commemoration, nearly 7,000 people took part in a three-day peace march in reverse of the 100 km route that some Muslim Bosniak men managed to take from Srebrenica to escape the Bosnian Serb death squads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Two international courts have ruled the massacre was genocide but Serb leaders in Bosnia and Serbia dispute the term, the death toll and the official account of what went on  reflecting conflicting narratives of the Yugoslav wars that still feed political divisions and stifle progress towards integration with Western Europe and the EU.

"There is no room in Europe - or anywhere else - for genocide denial, revisionism, or the glorification of those responsible," Costa said.

His words were echoed by Britain's King Charles in a message to the Srebrenica survivors.

"Many of the individuals responsible are now rightly facing justice, but this does not absolve the rest of us of our duties: both to acknowledge the international communitys failure to prevent the horror and to do all we can to ensure it never happens again."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, the U.N. General Assembly declared July 11 an international day of remembrance of the Srebrenica genocide, with many countries organising commemorations this year.

"This can never be forgotten. Who can say this wasn't a genocide? Only a person without a soul," Sabaheta said.

(Additional reporting and writing by Daria Sito-Sucic; Additional reporting by Sam Tabahriti in London; Editing by Edward McAllister, Andrew Cawthorne and Alex Richardson)
DENVER (KDVR)  On Thursday, the man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails on demonstrators walking near the Pearl Street Mall on June 1 appeared in federal court  the first time since one of the 29 victims died of their injuries.

Also on Thursday, the attorney representing the suspects wife and five children, who are in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Dilley, Texas, released a statement from the family alleging medical neglect against one of the children. The family was moved to Texas from Colorado while the White House shared incendiary messages on social media alleging the family had one-way tickets from the country with their final boarding call coming soon.

Wife of Boulder terror attack suspect speaks out: We are treated like animals

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is facing federal hate crime charges and explosive charges, alongside numerous state charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and assault. Federal prosecutors have not said if they will file additional charges against Soliman since one of the victims died, but he pleaded not guilty to the filed charges on June 27.

Eric Lee, the familys attorney, would not tell FOX31 which of the children needed emergency care, but did say that it was not the 18-year-old daughter, who is the oldest of the five children. He said that the young child needed emergency surgery and care was delayed. He also alleged that medication is being withheld.

Last weekend, a child detained with their mother and young siblings at the South Texas Family Residential Center was left screaming in pain for hours, the familys statement, provided by Lee, read. Only after prolonged suffering was a potentially life-threatening medical emergency recognizedyet even then, ICE delayed the childs transfer to a local hospital so that they werent able to have surgery until the following dayover 24 hours after first reporting symptoms.

Freed from ICE detention, Mahmoud Khalil files $20 million claim against Trump administration

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The attorney went on to say the family is innocent and has endured inhumane treatment and neglect at the facility for the alleged actions of Mohammed Soliman, the Boulder terror attack suspect.

The Department of Homeland Security said Soliman, his wife and his five children came to the U.S. on Aug. 27, 2022, on a B2 visa and were granted entry until Feb. 26, 2023. Court documents filed last week note that the family entered the U.S. with B1 visitor visas in 2022.

B2 visas are used for tourism, such as visiting family or receiving medical treatment, according to the U.S. government. B1 visas are used for business purposes, such as attending conferences.

On Sept. 29, 2022, Soliman filed for asylum, listing his wife and five children as dependents, in Denver, and was granted a work authorization in March 2023, but thats also expired now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lee said that ICE refused to allow the childs mother, Hayam El Gamal, the right to contact her attorneys or check on her four other children.

ICE allowed her only one brief, 60-second call to her children before cutting her off, and simultaneously denied the children at the facility the right to call their attorneys for several hours, the familys statement continued.

As of Thursday, the child was back in the detention center. Lee alleged that ICE is still not providing necessary medication in a timely manner for the child, who cannot walk properly. They have been allegedly told that in order to obtain pain medication, the child needs to walk across the compound in extreme heat.

We have suffered enough, Ms. El Gamal said in the release. My children dont deserve this. They dont even give my child their medicine on time. We just want this suffering to end.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Teen detained by ICE after traffic stop describes nightmare conditions in Aurora facility

Last week, a federal judge in Texas dismissed a petition from the family seeking to prevent their deportation from the U.S. The family faces a second, continued removal hearing on July 11. However, the judge also said that there is an opportunity for them to be released from detention while removal proceedings continue.

The family has been in ICE custody since June 4. Solimans federal trial is slated to begin on Sept. 2, but could be delayed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A Bradley Hospital worker was arrested and accused of sexually assaulting an underage patient at the behavioral health facility in East Providence, Target 12 has learned.

Jose Montanez, 33, of Warwick, was charged with second-degree sexual assault, third-degree sexual assault and indecent solicitation of a child. All three offenses are felonies.

He was arraigned on Thursday, where he did not enter a plea for each charge, and he was ordered not to have contact with the victim. He was released on $15,000 personal recognizance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Montanez doesnt yet have an attorney listed in court records. A call to Montanez listed phone number was met with an automatic response saying the phone was not accepting calls. A text message to the number likewise had an automatic reply saying message blocking is active.

Bradley Hospital spokesperson Sharon Torgerson told Target 12 the allegations were made on June 11, but court records obtained by Target 12 show Montanez was not arrested until July 7. Its unclear exactly when the alleged offenses occurred.

East Providence police so far have refused to release an arrest report, which is a public document under the states access to public records law. But an officer confirmed Montanez was a Bradley Hospital employee.

Torgerson said the allegations were first reported to a clinical supervisor on June 11, prompting an internal investigation and the firing of the employee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hospital officials said they also promptly reported the incident to the R.I. Department Children Youth and Families, the R.I. Department of Health, the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals and the East Providence Police Department.

In accordance with our zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, the employee was immediately placed on leave, and we implemented an internal investigation which resulted in the employees termination, Torgerson said. The safety and well-being of patients at Bradley Hospital remain our highest priority.

A DCYF spokesperson confirmed the agency had been contacted in accordance with the states mandatory reporting law related to child abuse and neglect.

The hospital declined to share any additional information, citing patient privacy laws.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Montanez is due back in court in October.

Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Breaking News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  An off-duty San Francisco Police Department officer stepped in during an active robbery last month to help detain a suspect who roughed up a store employee before police arrived at the scene, officials said.

Man tossed hatchet near trail before firearm arrest: Fairfield PD

The incident happened on June 6 at 6:47 p.m. at a business located on the 2000 block of San Jose Avenue, and SFPD said there were no reported injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

San Francisco police said the suspect, identified as Eduardo Dias Da Silva, 21, of Daly City, also had a loaded firearm that investigators seized at the location.

Through the course of the investigation, officers discovered that a male suspect entered the business and stole store merchandise, said San Francisco police in a Thursday news release. As the suspect exited the store, an employee attempted to stop the male suspect, and a physical altercation ensued outside the business. During the incident, the off-duty officer after identifying himself, intervened and detained the male suspect as the employee called for police.

Photo courtesy of SFPD.

Da Silva was booked into San Francisco County Jail where he faces several charges, including resisting an executive officer, robbery, and carrying a concealed weapon.

The officers bravery and quick actions led to the immediate arrest of the suspect, added police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite the arrest, this remains an active case. Anyone with information that can aid investigators is encouraged to contact the SFPD at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, starting the message with SFPD.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.




Key Takeaways

Hartford Bakery, Inc. voluntarily recalled about 883 loaves of Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf bread because they contain visible hazelnuts.

The bread is sold in Walmart and Kroger stores.

The products were distributed in 7 Southern states: Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi.





If you bought bread recently, check the label for possible nut contamination. Artisan-style bread sold at Walmart and Kroger stores has been recalled because it contains undeclared hazelnuts, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Indiana-based Hartford Bakery, Inc. voluntarily recalled about 883 loaves of Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf bread because they contain visible hazelnuts. Those with nut allergies or sensitivities can have severe or life-threatening reactions if they eat these products.

While the packaging states May Contain Tree Nuts, it does not state that it Contains Hazelnuts, according to an announcement from Hartford Bakery, Inc. An investigation revealed an error in change of packaging for a hazelnut-containing bread to the implicated white bread product.

The bakery products were distributed to retailers, including Walmart and Kroger stores, in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Photos of the packaging can be found here. The recall affects packages with the following information:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lot codes on the front of packaging: T10 174010206, T10 174010306, T10 174010406, T10 174020206, T10 174020306, T10 174020406

Expiration date on front of packaging: 07/13/2025

Net weight on the bottom of packaging: 12 ounces (340G)

UPC on the bottom of packaging: 24126018152

Hartford Bakery says one customer experienced digestive discomfort after eating the bread, and the company has received complaints from customers who saw the nuts before eating it. No serious injury or illness has been reported.

Anyone who has purchased the product should not eat it and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Hartford Bakery at (812) 425-4642.



Read the original article on Southern Living
Breakfast cereal could use a lucky charm.

U.S. sales of the colorfully packaged morning staple have been in a decades-long decline, a trend back in the spotlight with news that Italian confectioner Ferrero Group plans to purchase WK Kellogg, maker of Corn Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies and other familiar brands.

Except for a brief period during the coronavirus pandemic, when many workers were home and had time to sit down with a bowl of cereal and milk, sales of cold cereal have steadily fallen for at least 25 years, experts say.

In the 52 weeks ending July 3, 2021, Americans bought nearly 2.5 billion boxes of cereal, according to market research company Nielsen IQ. In the same period this year, the number was down more than 13% to 2.1 billion.

Cereal has been struggling for multiple reasons. The rise of more portable options like Nutri-Grain bars and Clif Bars  which both went on sale in the early 1990s  made it easier for consumers to grab breakfast on the go.

Concerns about food processing and sugar intake have also dimmed some consumers enthusiasm for cereals. One cup of Lucky Charms contains 24% of a consumers daily recommended intake of sugar, for example.

Cereal finds it really hard to get out from underneath that, said Tom Rees, global insight manager for staple foods at the consulting company Euromonitor. It can't escape the fact that it doesn't look like a natural food. You have to create it and form it.

Rees noted that for decades, cereal manufacturers focused on adding vitamins and minerals to build cereal's health credentials. But consumers now are looking for simplified ingredient lists.

Artificial dyes  like the petroleum-based colors that brighten Froot Loops  have also come under fire. Last fall, dozens of people rallied outside WK Kellogg's Battle Creek, Michigan, headquarters demanding that it remove artificial dyes from its cereals. Kellogg and General Mills  another major U.S. cereal maker  have since pledged to phase out artificial dyes.

Add to that, consumers are expanding their idea of what breakfast can be. Yogurt and shakes have replaced the traditional bacon and eggs. Kenton Barello, a vice president at the market research firm YouGov, said his polling shows that Generation Z consumers, who were born between 1997 and 2007, eat more vegetables for breakfast than other generations.

Barello said YouGovs polling also shows that members of Gen Z are less likely to eat breakfast but still buy ready-to-eat cereal, suggesting theyre eating it as a snack or for other meals.
AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL)  The 3-year-old boy at the center of a statewide Amber Alert has been found safe, and the man accused of killing the childs mother and half-sister is now in custody.

According to authorities, Aaron Dontay Williams, 41, was arrested on Friday, July 11, 2025, at approximately 7:15 a.m. by the United States Marshals Service, with assistance from the FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Williams was taken into custody without incident, and 3-year-old Jibreel Harun was located unharmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The arrest comes just one day after police in Auburn discovered the bodies of Tyeisha Williams, 34, and Zynnya Wright, 13, during a welfare check at a residence on Samantha Court. Investigators say the two were likely killed within 48 hours prior to being found.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Auburn man accused of killing wife, stepdaughter, kidnapping son  $15k reward offered

The discovery of the double homicide triggered a statewide Amber Alert for Jibreel, the biological son of Aaron and Tyeisha Williams.

Auburn Assistant Police Chief Michael Harris had earlier described the suspect as armed and dangerous, and a $15,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Auburn Police Department Investigations Section at 334-501-3140.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WKRN)  Love from Tennessee is going to the Lone Star State tonight.

A Brentwood family spent the afternoon raising more than $21,000 for the flood victims in Texas.

 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

The Brentwood community comes together, lending a hand to the flood victims in Texas, one of them being 21-year-old Reese Manchaca.

Cirby Snodgrass is Manchacas cousin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said she came up with the idea to sell blueberries and lemonade in their neighborhood.

I am just trying to do the best we can to get my family what we need to lay her to rest, Cirby said. We are also trying to get a scholarship together to honor her legacy.

Tragedy like this is unimaginable, Cirbys mother-in-law, Melody Snodgrass, said. The stories that are coming out of this are heartbreaking.

Manchaca was heading into her junior year at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The tragedy hit during what was supposed to be a well-deserved vacation with friends.

Cirby said their community raised $21,000, and after paying for Reeses funeral and potential scholarship fund, they plan to donate the rest to the Kerr County flood victims.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

She said this is a bittersweet example of neighbors helping neighbors and the Volunteer State doing what it does best.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If you want to donate to this cause, Venmo payments can be sent online.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA)  The Rantoul Fire Department said the villages Fourth of July parade turned violent this year when an unknown person threw a brick at one of their volunteer firefighters.

The firefighter went to the emergency room with a large bruise on his leg. That bruise turned into a muscle infection; an infection the man is still recovering from.

Were all one family: Champaign, Urbana communities team up against gun violence

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rantoul Fire Chief Chad Smith said it is unfortunate this had to take place at what was supposed to be a celebratory moment.

What we really want is just people to know that were out here to serve them, to protect them, and we dont want to get hurt. Were just trying to have a parade, Smith said. Majority of the time when we interact with the community, its not in the best circumstances, so lets not ruin it.

The Fire Department is asking anyone in the community with information to step forward.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)  Bristol, Virginia Fire Chief Mike Armstrong said the Virginia Task Force 4 (VA-TF4) is on the ground at Camp Mystic in Kerrville, Texas, helping to locate several missing people.

Armstrong said crew members have described the area near the church camp as widespread destruction and simply unbelievable.

He said crews are searching through large piles of debris to help locate the missing flood victims, as there are still several people unaccounted for.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Armstrong said the Bristol team is currently working with a search and rescue team from Missouri.

The Bristol, Virginia, Fire Department anticipates that the VA-TF4 will be in Texas for several days.

When were looking to answer that call that Texas put out, theyre asking for help, and we want to do that as quickly as possible, Armstrong told News Channel 11 on Monday.

To donate to flood relief in Texas, scan the QR Code below:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Bloomberg)  An auction of 20-year Japanese government bonds Thursday will beam the searchlight back on rising yields as a looming election heightens concerns about fiscal expansion.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The sale is just one of several in major debt markets this week as increasing yields on some longer maturities show how investors are worried about widening budget deficits. While yields on 10-, 20- and 30-year Japanese bonds moved lower during morning trade in Tokyo, they remained within reach of recent highs.

It is unlikely that major Japanese institutional investors, including banks and life insurers, will actively bid in the auction, as they await the results of the July 20 election and their impact on fiscal policy, said Ryutaro Kimura, a senior fixed-income strategist at AXA Investment Managers Japan Ltd. in Tokyo.

Speculation of less demand comes amid risks to the budget with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner seeking to entice voters with cash handouts while opposition lawmakers push for lower taxes. In addition, uncertainty over tariffs, with Japan scrambling for a deal after US President Donald Trump announced they will be increased to 25% from Aug. 1, may deepen the risk of the economy entering a technical recession.

The auction results are due at 12:35 p.m. Tokyo time, and traders will be on the watch for the bid-to-cover ratio, which measures the level of interest from investors. Another important metric is the tail, which measures the gap between the average and lowest-accepted prices. A wider reading tends to indicate weaker demand.

The 20-year bond auction may be supported by a reduction in issuance and the relatively stable liquidity of 20-year debt within the super-long sector, wrote Kazuya Fujiwara, a fixed-income strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, in a report.

Last months 20-year bond sale showed some wariness in the market, even after the government adjusted its borrowing plan to calm surging yields. Japan will trim the volume of 20-, 30- and 40-year bonds sold in regular auctions by a combined 3.2 trillion ($22 billion) through the end of March 2026. The changes came into effect from July, and though this helped some recent sales such as the 30-year last week, yields have still pushed higher.
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)  Union 41 and French Magnolia have closed their doors, Mayor Becky Nave confirmed to News Channel 11 on Friday.

Union 41 was previously located at 171 Piedmont Avenue and French Magnolia at 601 State Street, Suite 101.

Mother Chuckers also announced on social media that this weekend would be its last.

Bristol, Va. files complaint to start Virginia Intermont property transfer

Mack Chapman, the Economic Development Manager for the City of Bristol, Virginia, issued the following statement about the restaurant closures:

In regards to the closures downtown, I have been told The French Magnolia and Union 41 have closed their doors for different reasons. The owners of Mother Chuckers have decided to move on to other things. All small businesses need support from the community to be able to survive. Whether it be it food, entertainment, clothing, or small-scale manufacturing, they need to be celebrated and supported every day of the year, not just a couple of days or weeks out of the year. They are the backbone of our community and economy. Visit the establishment, tell your friends about it, and share on social media about your good experience; It will go a long way in supporting the small business community. Mack Chapman, Economic Development Manager for the City of Bristol, Virginia

Chapman also provided a statement from Nave.

It is never easy to see local restaurants close, especially those that have brought people together and contributed so much to the character and spirit of our community. I want to thank these owners and their teams for the hard work, hospitality, and memories theyve given us. As a city, well keep doing all we can to support our small businesses, encourage new ideas, and help make sure Bristol remains a place where entrepreneurs feel welcome to dream big and grow Bristol, Virginia, Mayor Becky Nave

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BRISTOL  The Bristol Homecoming Festival continues a century-old tradition this weekend.

While the exact start date remains a mystery, many believe the tradition began in 1883, making this year 142nd anniversary, having only been paused twice  during the year of World War II and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This years Bristol Homecoming Festival promises an array of exciting activities for everyone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The festivities kick off on Thursday evening and include the queen pageant.

Rides, concessions, crafts and food at Congdon Park begin at 5 p.m. Thursday is also Wristband Day, with rides unlimited for $25. Otherwise, ride tickets are $1.25 each.

There will be live music by Surf Inc on the Main Stage from 7-9 p.m. The park closes at 10 p.m.

The Miss Bristol Homecoming Queen and Bristol Homecoming Teen Queen pageant will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 10 at Bristol Community Church.

This year, 11 young women of Elkhart County will compete in two divisions: the Teen Division for contestants aged 13-15 and the Miss Division for those aged 16-22. Each contestant will bring her unique talents and spirit to the stage, all hoping to earn the coveted crown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

TEEN DIVISION

* Ruth Boomershine, Electric Pineapple

* Avery Wilson, Evans Sidewalk Cafe

* Elizabeth Kantz, Bristol Fire Department

* Noelle Fry, Camilles of Bristol

MISS DIVISION

* Kloe Mills, TruBeauty Salon

* Breanna Wormuth, Baileys Auto Parts

* Shalom Boomershine, Electric Pineapple

* Gabbee Kantz, Bristol Fire Department

* Jaylin Binkley, Bristol Police Department

* Keelee King, Beulah Missionary Church

* Julia McClimon, Barrick Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Beyond the prestige of representing Bristol, both the Miss Bristol Homecoming Queen and Bristol Homecoming Teen Queen will earn the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Indiana State Festival Association Pageant later this fall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The contestants will also be participating in a variety of fun-filled events throughout the Bristol Homecoming Festival this weekend including at the Bristol Homecoming Parade.

On Friday evening, the park opens again with rides, concessions, crafts and food. Childrens activities sponsored by One20 Church begin at 5 p.m. at Congdon Park. There will also be a pulled pork and coney dog sale at Tri-State parking lot sponsored by the Masonic Lodge.

The tractor pull begins at 5:30 p.m. on Elkhart Street, from Apollo Street to Washington Street. There will also be a food booth provided by St. Marys Knights of Columbus and a Jobs Daughters bake sale both at the tractor pull.

From 7-10 p.m. Groupies Wanted will perform live at the Main Stage in the Gazebo at Congdon Park. The park closes at 11 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The final day of the Bristol Homecoming celebration brings a full day of activities, starting at 7 a.m. with breakfast at Bristol Community Church, 201 S. Division St., until 11 a.m.

Adults are $8, kids under 12 are $4 and those under 5 are free.

Coney dogs and pulled pork are for sale at the Masonic Lodge beginning at 10 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Parade registration is from noon to 2 p.m. at Bristol Church of the Nazarene. Judging of the parade is at 1 p.m. and the Bristol Homecoming Parade itself begins at 2 p.m.

During the parade, the Knights of Columbus food booth will be in St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, and strawberry shortcakes will be available, free limit one per person, at St. Johns Episcopal Church.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the parade, the rides, concessions, crafts and food open at Congdon Park.

At 4 p.m., the Quilt of Valor will be presented at the Main Stage gazebo, and at 4:30 p.m. Steves Gym will have a tae kwon do demonstration.

From 4-9 p.m. there will again be childrens activities sponsored by One20 Church.

There will be live music from 7-10 p.m. by The Super Kools at the stage.

The voting for the Eastern Star Cutest Baby Contest ends at 6 p.m. and the winner announcement will be made at 8 p.m. at the gazebo.

At the same time, on the Main Stage, there will be a boy and girl bike giveaway, sponsored by the concessions on food row.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fireworks will begin at dark. The park and festivities end at 11 p.m

No pets will be allowed in the park and no alcohol will be permitted.

Sponsors include the American Legion Post #143, BAJA Amusements, Niblock Excavating, Virgil Provisions, Alliance Sheets, Bristol Self Storage, C.F.B. Inc., Bill Evans Insurance and Elkhart Gravel.
Grok 4 named Britain as Americas greatest ally, disagreeing with its predecessor, Grok 3, and showing just how different the smartest AI on Earth may be.

Elon Musks latest artificial intelligence model, Grok 4, has upended a foundational foreign policy talking point by rejecting Israel as the United States greatest ally, and naming the United Kingdom instead.

However, when The Dallas Express asked who Americas greatest ally is, Grok 3 offered a confident response: Israel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Touted as a major leap forward in reasoning and analytical capability, Grok 4 launched June 10 to fanfare from Musk, who declared in a series of X posts a livestream event that the new model essentially never gets math/physics exam questions wrong and is the smartest AI in the world.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO went further on X, describing Grok 4 as a super-genius child capable of solving real-world engineering problems, outperforming rivals on graduate-level tests, and detecting flaws in questions even when the answers arent published anywhere online.

This is the smartest AI in the world, Musk said in the live stream, making the shift in foreign policy analysis between Grok 3 and Grok 4 all the more striking.

In a 360-word explanation, the Grok 3 emphasized the U.S.-Israel relationship as grounded in Cold War strategy, shared democratic values, military cooperation, and robust intelligence collaboration between Mossad and the CIA. Grok 3 also noted the approximately $3.8 billion in annual U.S. aid to Israel and highlighted projects like the Iron Dome missile defense system as evidence of joint innovation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israel offers the U.S. unparalleled intelligence-sharing and a stable foothold in a volatile region, Grok 3 returned. It even gestured toward Israels unofficial nuclear deterrent as a stabilizing force against shared enemies and framed the alliance as deeply ideological, pointing to innovation, liberty, and strong support among the American Jewish community.

Grok 4 looked at the same set of facts and arrived at an entirely different conclusion: Britain.

Calling the U.K.-U.S. relationship comprehensive and resilient, Grok 4 leaned on a broader set of criteria to justify its answer. It pointed to long-standing military partnerships dating back to World War II, shared nuclear technology through the Trident program, and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Grok 4 also emphasized the consistency of the U.K.s support for American initiatives across decades  from Korea to Iraq  as a marker of trustworthiness.

It noted that, unlike the more regionally focused relationship with Israel, the alliance with Britain is bidirectional and global. It also cited public opinion, pointing to a 2025 Pew Research poll in which 18% of Americans, the largest plurality in the findings, named the U.K. as Americas most important ally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cultural components were also featured more heavily in Grok 4s answer. It highlighted the nations shared language, legal traditions, and popular media  all of which help maintain a soft-power alignment that complements military and economic ties. According to Grok 4, no other ally matches Britains consistent, multifaceted support, especially in an era of competition with China and Russia.

The contrast between the two models reveals more than just a foreign policy divide. Grok 3 framed the answer through the lens of security and ideological alignment in the Middle East. Grok 4, on the other hand, took a more global view, layering in public sentiment, nuclear deterrence, and enduring post-war institutions.

While both Grok 4 and Grok 3 were persuasive, only one could be right  or perhaps neither is.

Their divergence underscores Musks larger point: Grok 4 doesnt just produce faster answers, it thinks differently.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yet, this leap in intelligence came amid a turbulent rollout for the platform. Grok 4 debuted days after X CEO Linda Yaccarino abruptly resigned, sparking fresh questions about leadership and the companys stability. Meanwhile, Musk unveiled a $300-per-month Heavy version of Grok 4 and laid out a rapid-fire roadmap, promising a coding-specific AI by August, a multimodal agent by September, and full video generation by October.

Musk admitted the power of Grok 4 was unnerving, even as he framed it as a once-in-a-generation leap.

Whether it proves to be terrifying or transformative, Grok 4 has already demonstrated one key trait: it does not view the world in the same way its predecessor, Grok 3, did  or necessarily the way its creator might expect.
NEW YORK (AP)  A British man has been brought to the U.S. to face charges in connection with an alleged $99 million Ponzi-like fraud involving expensive wines.

James Wellesley, 58, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Friday in Brooklyn federal court following his extradition from the United Kingdom, where he was arrested in 2022.

He was ordered detained by a judge pending trial on wire fraud and money laundering charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A lawyer for Wellesley didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

His co-defendant, Stephen Burton, was extradited from Morocco in 2023 after using a bogus Zimbabwean passport to enter that country.

Burton, a 60-year-old British national, has also been detained and pleaded not guilty to similar charges in the same Brooklyn court.

Prosecutors say the two men ran a company called Bordeaux Cellars that brokered loans between investors and wealthy wine collectors that were secured by their wine collections.

From 2017 to 2019, they solicited $99 million in investments from residents of New York and other areas, promising their clients that they would profit from interest on the loans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the wealthy wine collectors did not exist, no loans were made, and Bordeaux Cellars did not have custody of the wine securing the loans, prosecutors say.

Instead, Burton and Wellesley used loan money provided by investors for themselves and to make fraudulent interest payments to other investors, prosecutors alleged.

If convicted, the two face up to 20 years in prison each.




Key Points

The British royal train will be officially decommissioned in March 2027 due to maintenance costs.

The Royals will shift to using helicopters and scheduled trains for travel between residences across the U.K.

Before its retirement, the royal train will go on a farewell tour of Britain, giving the public a chance to say goodbye.





Train travel is almost synonymous with British culture. But in March 2027, the current British royal train will be decommissioned, and senior royals will instead depend on helicopters and scheduled trains to travel around the country and between their residences.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The process to decommission the Royal Train, in anticipation of the expiry of the current contract in March 2027, will commence during the year," the Sovereign Grant Annual Report 2024-25 states. "This decision has been made due to: the cost associated with the storage and maintenance of the Royal Train versus the level of usage; the significant level of investment which would be required to keep the Royal Train in operation beyond 2027; and the two new helicopters providing a reliable alternative."

The current train was built in the 1970s and is in need of tailor-made refurbishment that would most likely cost tens of millions of dollars. The original royal train was built for Queen Adelaide, the widow of King William IV, in 1842. In 1869, Queen Victoria commissioned a bespoke train vehicle for herself, since she saw touring the country as an important part of her duties. For her Diamond Jubilee (a celebration of the 60th year of her reign) in 1897, the Great Western Railway built a train of six vehicles for Queen Victoria's use.

Some people are surprised that King Charles, who is known for his environmental activism, would oversee the discontinuation of the train in favor of less sustainable options like helicopters. The announcement also comes, ironically, weeks before Britain will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of public rail travel in the country. But in the last year, the royal train only made two trips, compared to 55 private charter flights, 141 helicopter journeys, and a number of scheduled flights.

However, the U.K. isn't alone or completely unique in its decision. Other European monarchies have let go of their royal carriage trains over the last 25 years, with only Denmark and Norway currently retaining them. And even in those two countries, the trains are rarely used.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Train lovers and fans of the British Royal Family will have a last chance to see the royal train before it goes out of commission. Before its 2027 retirement, the Royal Train will make a final farewell tour of Britain, allowing the public to see it one more time as it passes. It is unclear what will happen to the royal train after its decommissioned, but significant train cars are often preserved in museums, so there may be opportunities to see and visit this train again, sometimes in the future.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com.

Two brothers from India were each sentenced to 30 months in prison for a scheme to sell counterfeit and adulterated drugs in the United States, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Washington announced Thursday.

Kumar Jha, 39, and Rajnish Kumar Jha, 36, were both arrested in Singapore on April 20, 2023, and extradited to the U.S. in February 2025. They were subsequently sentenced in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

Indian brothers smuggled contaminated drugs into the U.S.

The investigation into the Jha brothers began in 2019, and investigators reviewed postings on the internet and other evidence that indicated that the two Jha brothers and their company, Dhrishti Pharma International, had offered to sell prescription drugs in the U.S.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Undercover agents in the Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were tasked with communicating with the Jha brothers and purchasing some of their products.

The primary concern in the investigation was the sale of counterfeit medication labeled as Keytruda, a Merck drug used for late-stage cancer. Analysis concluded that the Jha brothers were selling fake drugs, labeled Keytruda, that contained none of the ingredients that the authentic product included.

When this investigation began, the first vial of medicine shipped to the undercover agent was not the cancer-fighting drug Keytruda at all but rather over-the-counter heartburn medicine in a bottle labeled as Keytruda, Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Miller said. Keytrudas active ingredient  the substance that could add months or even years to the lives of terminal cancer patients  was totally absent.

The Jha brothers shipped their counterfeit and adulterated drugs from India into the U.S. and accepted various means of payment, including wire transfers and direct money exchanges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The DOJ mentioned that in certain cases, the brothers used intermediaries in the U.S. to pick up cash payments, along with packaging the drugs in a way that would avoid detection by international customs or other regulators.

Americans expect and deserve drugs that are safe, effective, and that meet appropriate standards for quality, yet these individuals distributed counterfeit prescription drugs to vulnerable cancer patients, Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office, said.

Jha brothers plead guilty

A judge in Singapore ruled in January 2025 that the Jha brothers could be extradited to the U.S. for their crimes, and both defendants entered guilty pleas to one count of smuggling in June 2025.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Kopczynski asked for a 30-month sentence for the Jha brothers and wrote to the court about how impactful the brothers actions were on each victim.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Exporting counterfeit medicines is a cruel business that robs ill people of any hope for relief. Cancer patients unknowingly using fake Keytruda would have no chance of improvement with their terminal disease, Kopczynski wrote. The defendants profited by peddling counterfeit Keytruda and many other drugs, all in contravention of numerous U.S. laws and regulations that are meant to keep people safe. Regrettably, schemes like this one are not unique.

U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez ordered a $50,000 fine for each defendant and will consider in August whether to impose $81,596 in restitution to Merck for the expenses incurred by testing fraudulent drugs for law enforcement.

It is important to send a deterrence message to anyone who might send adulterated drugs into any country, Martinez said.

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.
Two brothers were sentenced to 30 months in prison after they were found guilty of trying to sell counterfeit, adulterated drugs in the United States.

The brothers, Avanish Kumar Jha, 39, and Rajnish Kumar Jha, 36, are originally from India and were arrested in Singapore after an investigation involving multiple U.S. government agencies.

The brothers were arrested on April 20 based on a 2022 indictment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They were extradited to the U.S. in January and pled guilty in June to smuggling.

They were sentenced in Seattle on Thursday.

The investigation began in 2019, after investigators saw postings on the internet and other evidence tied to the company that they ran, Dhrishti Pharma International.

The Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) used undercover agents to purchase products from the brothers.

Some products were found to be counterfeit, while others contained contaminants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The brothers were shipping counterfeit and adulterated drugs from India to avoid detection by international customs and other regulators.

One of the counterfeit medications they sold was labeled as Keytruda, a medication used for late-stage cancer.

After testing the counterfeit Keytruda, they found that it contained no active ingredient.

The issue here is the introduction of adulterated drugs to people who think they are getting lifesaving drugs This activity has so much risk of causing harm, said U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez during the sentencing.

In addition to the 30-month prison sentence, each brother was fined $50,000.

$81,596 in restitution for the drug maker that makes Keytruda will be considered later.
Britain has spent 400 million on border posts that will not be needed because of Sir Keir Starmers reset deal with the EU.

Post-Brexit checkpoints will be rendered largely obsolete because the Prime Minister has agreed to align the UK with EU plant and animal health (SPS) rules.

However, the EU insists that work must continue on four incomplete Northern Irish border control posts.

It says they must be operational before it will finalise the reset deal, even though SPS alignment will make most controls unnecessary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Government has calculated that the boost in trade from the reset deal will far exceed the money wasted on the Northern Irish posts.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, with Ursula von der Leyen, the EC president, during their summit in London in May - Neil Hall/EPA/Bloomberg

More than 100 border control posts for SPS checks were built after Brexit, including 41 major sites such as in Sevington in Kent, Dover, Holyhead and Liverpool.

Some 200 million of public money was spent, with a further 120 million invested by ports, which now want millions in compensation.

Work on the four major border control posts in Northern Ireland is on track to meet a government deadline of July.

The Government has committed a maximum of 192.3 million for those facilities, of which 71 million had been spent by February this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Northern Ireland continues to follow hundreds of EU rules in order to avoid a hard border with Ireland, including the SPS regulations to which Britain will now adhere.

During the Brexit negotiations, Leo Varadkar, the Irish Taoiseach at the time, warned that a hard border would threaten a return to violence in Northern Ireland.

Checks on British animals and goods entering Northern Ireland were introduced in a new Irish Sea border under the Windsor Framework, negotiated by Rishi Sunak in 2023.

The four SPS posts at Belfast, Larne, Warrenpoint and Foyle were a binding treaty commitment made in 2019 but not fulfilled by previous governments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sir Keir promised to complete them in a document of common understanding agreed before the UK-EU summit at which his reset deal was announced.

EU diplomatic sources said ensuring the posts in Northern Ireland were finished regardless of the reset was a red line for the bloc, after Boris Johnson and Liz Truss both threatened to renege on the 2019 treaty when each was prime minister. This badly damaged EU capitals trust in the UK.

A diplomat told The Telegraph: The Commission will keep the UK to full, faithful and timely implementation of the Windsor Framework. Its a point of principle to the Commission and they have member states backing.

A European Commission spokesman said: The existing agreements remain the corner-stone of our bilateral relationship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But he added: The EU has not made reference to any preconditions in relation to possible future agreements with the UK.

Labour believes there will be no reset deal, unless the Northern Irish posts are completed, and that the benefits far outweigh the wasted costs.

It argues the reset deal will add nearly 9 billion to the UK economy by 2040, reduce Irish sea border checks and make it easier to sell shellfish and fish to the EU.

A government spokesman said: Our new SPS Agreement, once agreed and implemented, will cut paperwork and checks for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

In order to secure that agreement, it is vital that we implement the existing arrangements for the Windsor Framework and we will continue to work closely with businesses to support them in doing so.

In a sign of its confidence that the deal will be done, the Government decided to waive new controls on EU imports of fruit and vegetables that were due to come in on July 2.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, EU sources said there was no quid pro quo with Brussels for a more flexible approach to the SPS posts in Northern Ireland.

The extent to which the posts will be rendered obsolete will depend on the final SPS deal.

There were already some checks on British animals arriving in Northern Ireland before Brexit, and these will continue.

The posts are extremely controversial with unionist politicians who see them as a symbol of a treaty they believe loosens the regions ties with the rest of the UK and makes a united Ireland more likely.

Despite alignment meaning Britain and Northern Ireland will once again follow the same EU SPS rules, unionists say there are still hundreds of European laws the region adheres to that the rest of the UK does not.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DUP peer Lord Dodds said: Brussels is also insisting on Not for EU labelling being extended from July 1 on all fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and dairy products entering Northern Ireland even though the reset deal may do away their need.

Their approach to the UK is one of maximum confrontation whereas the Starmer displays abject acquiescence. The EU insistence on border posts is because trade within the UK between GB and Northern Ireland is under their control.

On the British mainland, some border control posts are already being mothballed or put up for sale.

The Sevington Inland Border Facility in Ashford, Kent, was built in 2021 to carry out checks on up to 1,300 lorries a day arriving from the Continent at a cost of about 154 million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Government is reportedly in discussions with Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover to buy or repurpose the facility.

Last month, the Welsh Government said a 51-million border control post would sit empty until the outcome of UK-EU negotiations was certain. Two other sites in Wales have been scrapped.

Portsmouth council is exploring demolishing or repurposing its border control post.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The Buffalo Niagara International Airport has received over $5 million in federal funding for improvements to its taxiways and lighting, U.S. senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer announced Friday.

The airport will receive a total of $5,680,000 to improve the taxiway pavement as well as airport lighting.

The improvements become about a year following the airport receiving federal funds for improvements to the runways.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Three other Western New York airports also received federal funds for improvements:

Jamestown Airport received $201,400 to reconstruct terminal lighting and 13,900 yards of existing pavement.

Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport received $386,272 for updating the existing airport master plan study.

Akron Jesson Field received $394,724 to conduct an initial pavement study and develop a new pavement management plan.

The federal funds are part of over $21 million in funds secured for 16 non-New York City airports across the state.

Latest Local News

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  An event highlighting the work of a local political cartoonist at the Buffalo History Museum has been postponed after he received backlash, including death threats, for a recent sketch, the Buffalo Newspaper Guild announced.

The event was originally scheduled for Thursday evening. Adam Zyglis, a Pulitizer prize-winning editorial cartoonist with the Buffalo News, was set to have his work featured.

On Tuesday, Zyglis published a cartoon regarding the July 4 flood in Texas that sparked conservative backlash. As of Thursday, over 120 people have died and over 170 others are still missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cartoon, titled Swept Away, shows a man wearing a MAGA hat holding a sign reading HELP with water up to his nose.

The Buffalo Newspaper Guild said Zyglis has received death threats following the publishing of the cartoon, as well as other threats toward his family.

Zyglis is an opinion cartoonist who puts his name to every cartoon he draws, the union said in a statement. The Buffalo Newspaper Guild will not stand for physical threats of harm against him and his family. Those who stoop to such cowardly, disgraceful and anonymous acts must be held accountable.

Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Michael Kracker called on the Buffalo News to remove the cartoon and issue an apology to the families of the victims while FOX News coverage highlighted the controversy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The vile comments this cartoon inspired are beyond heartless, Kracker said. People openly celebrating the deaths of Texans, mocking families who lost children, and cheering for more suffering, all because of who they voted for. Its twisted, its hateful, and it has no place in a decent community.

Erie County Legislators John Mills, Frank Todaro, and Chris Greene released a joint statement, in part describing the cartoon as tone deaf, distasteful and troubling.

Congressman Tim Kennedy said on social media that he stands with Zyglis.

Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy  and threats of violence against journalists are an attack on all of us, he said. [Zyglis] uses his art to challenge, question, and inspire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement, the Buffalo History Museum said they condemn the threats. They described editorial cartooning as a form of expression protected by freedom of speech.

Zyglis reiterated the sentiment on Instagram, adding, Threats of violence have no place in a democracy that supports Freedom of Speech and the First Amendment.

The event was intended to promote free press, especially among local journalists. It is expected to be rescheduled.

Latest Local News

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake Rebrands to Charis Pregnancy Clinic

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake (PRC)

July 10, 2025

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah., July 10, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ -- On June 28, the Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake (PRC) celebrated its 40th anniversary at its annual Fun-tastic Family Fundraising Walk where the organization soft-launched its new name: Charis Pregnancy Clinic. The rebrand will become official on September 1 and includes a new logo featuring a sego lily, the state flower, to represent Chariss commitment to serving Utah families. The redesigned identity retains the clinics signature teal but also introduces yellows and purples for a more vibrant and inviting look.

The word Charis in Greek means grace. We want every man and woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy to know they will be met with grace and kindness as our licensed medical team and patient consultants equip them to navigate all their pregnancy options with confidence, Evangeline Sanders, Executive Director of Charis, said.

The organization was founded in 1985 as Crisis Pregnancy Center then rebranded in 1988 to the Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake, focusing on community referrals and free pregnancy testing in Salt Lake City. In 2008, the PRC transitioned to offer medical services, including limited obstetrical ultrasounds. Today, Charis specializes in meeting the medical, social, and relational needs of pregnancy decision making in both Salt Lake and Utah counties. The new name and brand more accurately reflect these expanded programs, allowing the organization to better serve more families in the ever-evolving landscape of pregnancy care.

About Charis

Charis is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women and men facing unplanned pregnancies in Salt Lake and Utah counties. Charis offers compassionate care and tangible support to help individuals make informed decisions in a safe, respectful environment. Learn more at pregnancyresource.net

SOURCE Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake (PRC)

CONRACT: info@pregnancyresource.net
Sabih Khan, a long-time Apple veteran, will take over for COO Jeff Williams who announced his coming retirement next month. Khan has served under Williams for six years, managing the tech giants supply chain and logistics.

Apple named a new operational czar after longtime chief operating officer Jeff Wiliams announced his impending retirement Tuesday. The company promoted Sabih Khan to Williams role in what it called a long planned succession.

Khan, a 30-year Apple veteran, is rising to COO at a pivotal time for the company. President Donald Trumps trade policies have significantly impacted Apples global supply chain and manufacturing operations. Trump-led tariffs on China and other countries where Apple products are manufactured have added a financial strain to the company. As a result, the business has been actively diversifying its supply chain, shifting some production out of China to countries like India and Vietnam to mitigate tariff impacts. All the while, Trump has called on Apple to move its manufacturing operations into the United States, threatening 25% tariffs on their products should it not comply. Apple has since pledged $500 billion in investments to expand its U.S. facilities.

Aside from global trade wars, Khans promotion comes after one of the companys AI darlings was poached by Meta. Ruoming Pang, head of the foundation models team at Apple, will reportedly be joining Mark Zuckerberg in a major setback for Apple, which has already demonstrated difficulty competing with its peers in the AI race.

Despite global pressures on the company, Apple appears confident in Khans ability to weather the current business climates enumerable challenges.

Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apples supply chain, said Tim Cook, Apples CEO, in a company press release. While overseeing Apples supply chain, he has helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, overseen the expansion of Apples manufacturing footprint in the United States, and helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges. He has advanced our ambitious efforts in environmental sustainability, helping reduce Apples carbon footprint by more than 60%.

Wall Street tech analyst Dan Ives expressed similar confidence in Khans promotion. We believe Sabih is the right choice and an integral part of the Apple growth strategy, he told Fortune in a written statement, noting that the Trump tariff black cloud involving China and India will be an issue Khan will have to tackle.
Australia's 7News reported that a builder is facing up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to illegally destroying historic shacks on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.

"They were on Crown land not his," said Shelly Pomtiak, one of the shack owners.

Families were heartbroken after their historic holiday homes were destroyed illegally and without warning by George Lavrentiadis. The two shacks were built on the coast in 1934 and had been maintained by the Robertson family of South Australia for almost 60 years. Another shack that was owned by eight people was also destroyed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lavrentiadis explained that Julian Johnston, a realtor from Miami, paid him $5,000 to clear the land so he could have a better view for the $2 million home he has plans to build on an adjacent plot of land. Johnston has denied any involvement and has not been charged.

The owners of the shacks said that to rebuild the dwellings to current standards would cost significantly more and that what they lost was irreplaceable.

In addition to having destroyed the historical homes, building a mansion on the adjacent land can have significant environmental impacts on the natural landscape. Fragile natural areas can be destroyed, which would disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

It is important for construction projects to include plans for offsetting the environmental impacts of the construction process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It seems the process of destroying the South Australian shacks wasn't thought out much at all. Lavrentiadis said that he should have checked to see if leveling the homes was against the law, but that he didn't because Johnston, whom he said hired him to do so, spoke with confidence, so he didn't question the legality of the demolition.

Lavrentiadis apologized for demolishing the shacks, but that does not bring the historical homes back.

"The shacks had to go because he didn't like the look of them," said Pomtiak.

Barry Robertson, the owner of one shack, said that "it was much more than a shack. It was my castle."

Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak joined other Vermont officials Thursday to celebrate an upgrade to the citys main wastewater treatment plant.

(Courtesy: Burlington DPW)

The city is calling the upgrade Stage 0 of a long-term plan which is planned to include converting the current Riverside water treatment plant off U.S. Route 2 into a pump station and upgrading the North plant in the New North End neighborhood.

Gov. Scott marks 2023 & 2024 flood anniversaries in VT

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Burlingtons water resources director emphasized in a joint statement that much of the citys infrastructure, piping, pump stations, and treatment equipment is at significant risk of failure, making this investment a matter of public safety and long-term reliability.

An estimated $152 million bond paired with a $20 million investment in drinking water systems will fund later stages of the project, pending voter approval. If passed, the bond would raise residents water bills by approximately 89% over five years, with projected annual increases of around 1519% during 20262028.

Migrant Justice says two organizers to be released on bail

Officials acknowledge that while deferring some projects made the initial cost more palatable, the deferred costs remain essential and inevitable. Burlingtons water resources division will ask the city council on Monday to approve a discount and assistance program for low-income customers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read the full discount program request hereDownload

Julie Moore, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, called it an upgrade for the coming generation. She added, Taken collectively, these projects will reduce overflow pollution to Lake Champlain, refurbish or replace old infrastructure, and secure wastewater treatment capacity.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
LONDON (AP)  Authorities in Northern Ireland are investigating a bonfire that featured effigies of migrants in a boat and a banner reading stop the boats to determine whether it was a hate incident.

Church leaders and politicians complained about the display in Moygashel, a village in County Tyrone about 40 miles (65 miles) west of Belfast, before it was lit Thursday night. Parts of Northern Ireland were gripped by anti-immigrant rioting last month amid tensions surrounding a recent influx of people from Eastern Europe.

Police said they didnt intervene before the bonfire was lit because they can only act within the legislative framework that exists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some 300 bonfires are set to be lit in the days ahead of July 12, when Protestant groups in Northern Ireland celebrate the victory of the Protestant King William III over the forces of the deposed Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The battle turned the tide against James effort to regain the throne and cemented Protestant control of Ireland.

While many Protestants celebrate the victory as part of Northern Irelands history and culture, the celebrations often fuel tensions with Catholics who oppose continuing British rule in the territory.

Bonfires have sometimes been an issue due to flags, effigies or election posters that are placed on the pyres before they are ignited.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said its officers would be on the ground through the weekend and would take firm and proportional action to keep people safe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It is vital that in marking these events, we do so in a way that respects the backgrounds and cultures of everyone who share these neighborhoods, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said in a statement. There is no place for hate or intimidation  only space for celebration that welcomes and celebrates not divides.

The six counties of Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom after the rest of Ireland won its independence in 1922. The population is split between mainly Protestant unionists who support continued links to the U.K. and mainly Catholic republicans who favor reunification with the Republic of Ireland.
Flooding aftermath of Edenville Dam failure | Timothy Wenzel of Midland photo

More than five years after the Edenville and Sanford Dams failed due to record rainfall, bringing catastrophic flooding and property damage, a Court of Claims judge has greenlit a class action lawsuit from residents and business owners who argue state agencies ignored warning signs leading to the dams failure.

Court of Claims Judge James Robert Redford, in a July 3 order, granted a host of plaintiffs class certification, allowing them to move forward with a class action suit against the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Department of Natural Resources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The plaintiffs will move forward under three classes: the real property class, or all persons who owned property in the impacted area; the personal property class, or all people who owned or leased property in the impacted area and the business class, which encompasses individuals who owned a business in the impacted area.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

The plaintiffs allege the two departments are responsible for the collapse, arguing that state regulators ignored repeated warnings about safety risks, but continued to permit the dam operator, Boyce Hydro, to raise the water levels within the lake created by the Edenville Dam. According to the July 3 order, the agencies have denied all claims in the lawsuit.

We are pleased that the court has certified this case as a class action, allowing a single trial to determine whether the State of Michigan is responsible for the Edenville Dam failure, Jason J. Thompson, an attorney representing the class plaintiffs, said in a statement. This decision paves the way for thousands of individuals and hundreds of businesseswhose lives and livelihoods were upended by the catastrophic floodto seek justice through an efficient and unified process. We look forward to presenting the case at trial in January 2026 and working toward a fair and equitable resolution to this five-year legal battle.

View from Curtis Road bridge in Edenville after the dam broke in 2020 | C.J. Postal of Saginaw

20250703 Order for Issue Class Certification  Stipulated by Parties

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Danny Wimmer, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Attorney General, which is representing the two departments, said the Edenville Dams failure was tragic and the Attorney General sympathizes with those impacted by the dams collapse. However, the state is not responsible, he said.

We expect this litigation will not be successful as the plaintiffs do not have evidence to support their allegations. Conversely, the evidence in this matter confirms that the state agencies are not responsible for the dams failure, Wimmer said.

The Edenville Dam was not a state dam, Wimmer noted, with flood survivors suing the dams owner and forcing them to liquidate their assets. State agencies also sued the dams owner, resulting in a nearly $120 million judgment for violating Michigans Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act.

The parties agreed to the Courts limited certification of the liability class in this matter; this was not a contested issue before the Court, Wimmer said, noting the liability class is only tied to the matter of liability.

No class has been certified in pursuing damages, Wimmer said.
BREAUX BRIDGE, La. (KLFY)  A St. Martin Parish woman has been extradited to Louisiana after her arrest in Santa Monica, California in May, authorities said.

Courtney Meche, 47, of Butte La Rose, was arrested May 15 by the Santa Monica Police Department on a fugitive from justice warrant issued by the Breaux Bridge Police Department. The warrant was related to an ongoing investigation involving three counts of felony identity theft, officials said.

Following her arrest, Meche was extradited back to Louisiana with assistance from the Duson Police Department. She was booked into the St. Martin Parish jail on Wednesday on the felony charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meche is also facing additional pending charges from multiple local agencies, including the Duson Police Department. These matters remain under investigation, and further charges may be forthcoming, authorities said.

Courtney Meche

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

Latest news

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
Since late-April, when newly minted Democrat David Jolly entered the 2026 Florida governors race, hes raised about $1 million through his political committee and main campaign account.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the frontrunner for the GOP nomination, has raised more than 10 times that amount through his political committee and main campaign account during the last three months  nearly $10.2 million.

State campaign finance reports made public this week underline the gap between the two major parties in the Sunshine State. Republicans have dominated Floridas state government for more than two decades, despite the states swing state reputation in presidential elections prior to 2016.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Florida Democrats have seen their advantage in voter registration dwindle, then evaporate, and Republicans have passed them to hold a more than 1.2 million edge.

Since Andrew Gillums narrow loss to Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2018, the GOPs voter registration edge, combined with Democrats inability to win close elections in the last 25 years has pushed national Democratic megadonors to stay away from Florida, an expensive state for advertising with several media markets.

Meanwhile, major donors have flocked to Republican leaders, who hold the Governors mansion, all Cabinet offices, supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature, 20 out of 28 U.S. House seats and both U.S. Senate seats.

Thomas Petterfy, a Palm Beach billionaire, and Richard Uihlein, a shipping company magnate, each gave $1 million to Donalds political committee. The Florida branch of Club for Growth, a national free trade political advocacy group, gave $975,000. Jollys biggest donors last quarter were Donald Sussman, a Fort Lauderdale investment advisor, and Barbara Stiefel, a South Florida heiress to a dermatology fortune, who each gave $100,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Republican Party of Florida raised $1.9 million in the second quarter, while the Florida Democratic Party pulled in $607,000.

Former Republican Congressman David Jolly visited Pensacola on June 11 during a tour of the State to announce that he is running for Florida Governor as a Democrat.

Donalds has about $20.9 million cash on hand between his political committee and main campaign account. Jolly has about $780,000. Donalds, though, could face a tougher, more expensive primary in 13 months time, depending on which Republicans jump in the race with him.

First Lady Casey DeSantis has publicly mulled a run to replace her term-limited husband, but hasnt made an official announcement.

Florida Freedom Fund, the political committee overseen by DeSantis political operatives, raised about $1.3 million last quarter and has about $5 million in reserve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Cabinet races, Attorney General James Uthmeier, DeSantis former chief of staff whom he appointed to the position, raised $782,000 in the last three months and has $2.6 million cash on hand. Former state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, the only major Democratic candidate in the attorney general race, raised $143,000 and has about $130,000 in reserve.

State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, raised $114,400 for his campaign for Chief Financial Officer. There are no major Democratic candidates for that race yet, but there could be plenty of intrigue. The position is currently vacant, as former CFO Jimmy Patronis left to take a U.S. House seat on April 1. DeSantis hasnt filled that spot but has a testy relationship with Gruters, who has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida governor campaign fundraising: Donalds rakes it in; Jolly lags
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office is seeking individuals to join its Detention team.

A Corrections Deputy Career Fair will be held on Saturday, July 19, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Caddo Correctional Center.

Texarkana College hosts community career fair July 17

Applicants who complete an application will receive a tour of the Caddo Correctional Center and the opportunity to ask questions to determine if the role is something they feel confident in performing. The department also has openings in the food service and records divisions, as well as positions for Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Paramedics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Free backpack and school supply giveaway at CPSO Safety Town

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older and be prepared to provide a valid drivers license, birth certificate, Social Security card, high school diploma or GED, or a college degree.

For more information, contact the Caddo Sheriffs Office Personnel Office at (318) 681-0812.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Staff at a California surgical center were captured on video trying to block Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from arresting a Honduran landscaper this week, with one telling a federal officer "you dont even have a warrant for him."

The tense scene unfolded Tuesday at the Ontario Advanced Surgery Center, located about 30 miles east of Los Angeles.

"Get your hands off of him," one staff member in blue scrubs is heard saying, shielding the man from an immigration agent. "Let him go. You need to get out."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Department of Homeland Security said on X that ICE officers "conducted a targeted enforcement operation to arrest two illegal aliens" and "Officers in clearly marked ICE bulletproof vests approached the illegal alien targets as they exited a vehicle."

Immigration Operation At California Cannibis Farms Leads To Clash Between Federal Agents And Protesters

"One of the illegal aliens, Denis Guillen-Solis who is from Honduras, fled on foot to evade law enforcement. He ended up near the Ontario Advanced Surgical Center where hospital staff assaulted law enforcement and drug the officer and illegal alien into the facility," it added.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Then, the staff attempted to obstruct the arrest by locking the door, blocking law enforcement vehicles from moving, and even called the cops claiming there was a kidnapping," Homeland Security also said.

Javier Hernandez, executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, told The Associated Press that agents eventually arrested the Honduran man following the struggle inside the clinic that was captured on video.

Man Busted With Anti-government, Anti-trump Documents After Texas Ice Ambush Suspect Phone Call, Feds Say

Hernandez added that the man was sending money to Honduras to help his mother with her dialysis treatments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The incident is one of the latest in a growing series of confrontations with federal immigration officers.

In another incident Tuesday, protesters were seen clashing with ICE agents wielding batons outside the San Francisco Immigration Court.

Protesters also clashed with federal authorities Thursday during an immigration operation north of Los Angeles at a marijuana farm allegedly employing illegal immigrants.

Fox News Digitals Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Louis Casiano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: California clinic staffers seek to shield ICE agents from detaining Honduran landscaper
One person has died from "injuries they sustained as a result of yesterday's immigration enforcement action" in California, United Farm Workers said on Friday.

Federal agents clashed with protesters during an immigration raid at a farm in Ventura, one of at least two large-scale raids in Southern California on Thursday.

Daniel Cole/Reuters - PHOTO: U.S. federal agents stand guard while blocking a road leading to an agricultural facility where U.S. federal agents and immigration officers carried out an operation, in Camarillo, California, U.S., July 10, 2025.

The incident occurred outside of an agricultural farm along Laguna Road in the Camarillo area of Ventura County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MORE: Federal agents clash with protesters during ICE raid at Southern California farm

The union, in a series of posts on Friday, confirmed some farmworkers were critically injured during the enforcement operation.

KABC - PHOTO: Federal agents clashed with protesters during an immigration raid at a farm in Southern California, July 10, 2025.

"Others, including US citizens remain unaccounted for," UFW said in a post.

ABC News has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
The Brief

A 63-year-old California woman was found dead on Badger Springs Trail in Black Canyon City.

Authorities believe the woman was trying to hike back to the trailhead when she collapsed a quarter mile from her vehicle.

BLACK CANYON CITY, Ariz. - A woman from California died while hiking north of Phoenix.

What we know

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office says deputies on July 10 responded to a report of an unresponsive hiker on Badger Springs Trail in Black Canyon City shortly before 6 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Once at the scene, deputies found a 63-year-old woman dead.

Investigators believe the woman was trying to hike back to the trailhead when she collapsed a quarter mile from her vehicle. No foul play is suspected.

What we don't know

The woman wasn't identified.

Map of the trail
Bloomberg / Getty Images Meta has been building up its "Superintelligence" team to build artificial general intelligence (AGI)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Meta Platforms reportedly offered a package worth more than $200 million to poach Apples top executive in charge of artificial intelligence models, as the Facebook parent builds up its new Superintelligence AI division.

According to Bloomberg, citing people with knowledge of the matter, Apple didn't attempt to match the offer.

Meta shares are up by almost a quarter this year while those of Apple, which has struggled to catch up on the AI front, are down more than 15%.





Meta Platforms (META) reportedly offered a pay package worth more than $200 million to poach Ruoming Pang, Apples (AAPL) top executive in charge of artificial intelligence models, as the Facebook parent builds up its new Superintelligence AI division.

According to Bloomberg, citing people with knowledge of the matter, Apple didnt try to match the offer, as it far exceeds pay at the company for leaders other than Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook.

The report said that the pay package offered to Pang is in line with others offered by the Instagram parent to major hires for the team, which is aiming to build artificial general intelligence (AGI). But most of these packages are tied to performance and years in service, so they wont be fully received if the employee leaves early or the company's stock underperforms.

Meta and Apple didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Meta shares are little changed in early trading Thursday but are up by almost a quarter this year. Shares in Apple, which has struggled to catch up on the AI front, are also steady Thursday, but have lost more than 15% of their value this year.



Read the original article on Investopedia
Step up

You know, I do understand one thing about life. You have to be willing to step into the belly of the beast. You have to be willing to face the darkness. If you're not and you won't stand for your family, your country, or your faith. That's just true. It's sad that people are afraid to do it. It's not a comfortable thing to do. But you have to face it, or you disgrace yourself. The military has a saying death before dishonor. That's true with our family, our country and our faith. So step up.

Trump should know this

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump insulted the leader of Liberia by asking how he managed to speak such good English or where he learned to speak such good English and he answered Liberia. Trump did not know that English was their national language.

Call like it is

Let's quit beating around the bush, let's call it like it is. Donald Trump is a dictator. He can do anything he wants, and no one can stop him.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



ON SOCIAL MEDIA, certain influencers love to throw around the word  toxic . Seed oils are toxic. Oatmeal is toxic. Kale is toxic. But these claims are often false or misleading.

Toxins are a real concern. But anything (even water) can be toxic if youre exposed to too much of it. So you need nuance to fully understand whether something is potentially toxic and could actually harm you, says Ryan Marino , MD, a medical toxicologist, emergency physician, and associate professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone using the word  toxin "right off the batpeople should be careful about where its going because theres a ton of misinformation out there, he says.

Heres what toxicologists want you to know about toxins, including how theyre measured and how to parse through the misinformation about them.

What exactly is a toxin?

TRADITIONALLY, THE TERM toxin refers to a chemical produced by a living organism, such as a plant, animal, bacteria, or virus, thats poisonous, explains Ziad Kazzi , MD, president of the American College of Medical Toxicologys board of directors. That could include snake venom or certain kinds of mushrooms, for example.

On the other hand, a toxicant typically refers to manmade substances, such as forever chemicals or other synthetics, that may be poisonous, he says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, regular people (that is, not doctors or scientists) often use toxin to encompass both categories, and Dr. Kazzi says thats usually OK for general discussions.

How toxins are measured

ITS IMPORTANT TO note that anything can be toxic in a certain amount, says Jack Kain , PharmD, director of medical affairs and medical science liaison of drug monitoring and toxicology at Quest Diagnostics. Toxicologists measure toxic amounts in a few different ways.

LD50

There's an old saying in toxicology, the dose makes the poison, which implies, if you take too much of almost anything, even something as simple as water, it can be toxic, Dr. Kain says. A high dose of some toxins is necessary to be harmful, while small doses of other toxins can be dangerous.

The LD50, or the median dose of a substance that would be lethal to 50 percent of a population, is one way the effects of an amount of a toxin can be measured, Dr. Kazzi says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, Dr. Marino explains that most LD50 studies have been done on animals, so doctors dont always know a substances LD50 for humans. You cant readily test poisoning people, he says.

He uses the example of fentanyl. Its a commonly prescribed medication thats safe in the right dose, but its deadly when someone takes too much, and the drug has been responsible for many overdose deaths. But Dr. Marino says experts havent studied fentanyls specific LD50 for humans.

Long-term exposure

Toxins can also be something youre exposed to in low levels over a long period of time, which could affect your health down the road, Dr. Kain says.

For example, forever chemicals, like PFAS, are found in many different products that you may come in contact with every day. However, research is ongoing to fully understand their long-term health impacts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lead is another example. Dr. Marino says the body can store lead over time, potentially leading to health consequences.

Doctors can test your blood or urine levels for some toxins to determine how much is in your body, including whether its from a large or small dosebut not always, Dr. Kazzi says.

Is exposure to toxins always dangerous?

EVERY DAY, YOU come into contact with toxins. But being exposed to a toxin doesnt necessarily mean it will harm your health, Dr. Kazzi says.

Everyone responds to these substances differently, Dr. Kain says. Someones age, weight, genetics, and overall health can determine how a toxin affects them. Dr. Kazzi says children, older people, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with chronic health conditions may be more likely to be affected by toxins, even small amounts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For most healthy people, the body has adapted very well to dealing with some amount of exposure to these potentially toxic things, Dr. Marino says. Your liver and kidneys are your bodys primary detoxifiers and can help excrete these substances. Your lungs and digestive system also play a role, Dr. Kain says.

When to worry about toxins

IF YOU KNOW youve been exposed to something potentially toxic, seek emergency medical care. Some signs that this may have happened include headache, dizziness, weakness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, skin changes, sweating, nausea, or vomiting, according to the American Red Cross .

If youre generally worried about long-term exposure to various toxins, talk to your primary care doctor, Dr. Kazzi says. They can address your concerns and potentially do a blood or urine test.

When you see people on social media mentioning that various foods, products, or substances are toxic, Dr. Marino suggests taking the information with a "grain of salt."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Toxins are real and can be harmful to your health, Dr. Marino emphasizes. But, he says, people often misunderstand toxins, and some information about them on social media is misleading.

Information about toxins is also often oversimplified and ignores the nuances of the impact of toxic substances, Dr. Kain says, which can lead to fear-based mongering. He suggests doing your own research, including talking to your doctor, if youre worried about something you see online being toxic.

You Might Also Like
Cambodian lawmakers amended the constitution Friday paving the way for people charged with foreign collusion to be stripped of their citizenship, despite concerns such a law could be used to silence government critics.

Rights groups have long accused Cambodia's government of using draconian laws to stifle opposition and legitimate political dissent.

All of Cambodia's 125 lawmakers, including Prime Minister Hun Manet, voted unanimously to change the wording of the constitution to say "receiving, losing and revoking Khmer nationality shall be determined by law", AFP journalists saw.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The constitution previously read "no Khmer citizen shall be deprived of their nationality, exiled, or extradited to another country except through mutual agreement".

Justice Minister Koeut Rith told reporters that the amendment would pave the way for authorities to pass laws enabling the government to strip citizenship from anyone who colludes with foreign powers against the state.

"If you betray the nation, the nation will not keep you," he said, adding a new citizenship revocation law would soon be submitted to the National Assembly for approval.

But human rights activists fear any such law would be used to target government critics and opposition figures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rights group Amnesty International said in a statement Friday that revocation of citizenship would be a "heinous violation of international law".

"We are deeply concerned that the Cambodian government, given the power to strip people of their citizenship, will misuse it to crackdown on its critics and make them stateless," Amnesty International's regional research director Montse Ferrer said.

- Border dispute -

Citizenship can be revoked on grounds of treason or disloyalty in 15 European Union countries, and only for naturalized citizens in eight of those, according to a European Parliament briefing in February.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Influential former leader Hun Sen, Hun Manet's father, last month called for the constitution to be amended to enable Cambodians who "side with foreign nations to harm our country" to be stripped of nationality.

He made the call after exiled opposition figures criticised the government amid an ongoing border dispute with Thailand.

Koeut Rith brushed off concerns of abuse.

"If they (government critics) do not commit any treason crimes or any act that harms the national interest, they are not subjected to citizenship revocation, but they might face other charges," he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Scores of opposition activists have been jailed or face legal cases filed by Cambodian authorities.

Opposition leader Kem Sokha was sentenced in 2023 to 27 years in prison for treason -- a charge he has repeatedly denied -- and was immediately placed under house arrest.

suy/sjc/fox
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  Cambodian lawmakers passed a constitutional amendment that would allow the government to draft legislation seeking to revoke the citizenship of anyone found guilty of conspiring with foreign nations to harm the national interest.

The 125 members of National Assembly unanimously passed the proposal Friday and legally amended Article 33 of Cambodias constitution, enabling the government to immediately draw up a bill allowing citizenships to be stripped for the first time.

The latest legal move by supporters of Prime Minister Hun Manet was viewed by critics as a way to suppress internal dissent and eliminate policital opponents of his administration and the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The change would apply to lifelong Cambodian citizens, people with dual citizenship in Cambodia and another nation and people from other countries who have been granted Cambodian citizenship.

Some government critics and opposition politicians are known to have dual citizenship.

Justice Minister Koeut Rith said government officials will urgently draft a bill to revoke the citizenship of any individual found guilty of treason or collaborating with foreign entities to seriously harm the interests of Cambodia and its people.

He claimed some Cambodians have colluded with a foreign country to harm their nation's interests. The comment appeared to be a reference to a May 28 confrontation between the armed forces of Cambodia and Thailand in which one Cambodian soldier was killed in a relatively small, contested area on the border.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thailands Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office earlier this month pending an ethics investigation over a leaked phone call about the border dispute with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, the influential former prime minister and father of Hun Manet. The leaked phone call set off political turmoil in Thailand as Paetongtarn faces growing dissatisfaction over her handling of the conflict.

Last month Cambodia submitted an official request to the International Court of Justice in The Hague to resolve the ongoing border dispute involving several ancient temple sites.

The consitutional amendment in Cambodia comes after Hun Sen last week called for the Ministry of Justice to explore legal avenues in response to frequent government criticism by opposition figures. Hun Sen and Hun Manet both said the legal change was necessary, comparing it to similar laws in several other countries.

Speaking to villagers and government officials last week in northern Kampong Thom province, Hun Manet claimed that among nearly 200 United Nations member states, 150 countries have laws allowing citizenship revocation, including the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Please dont be concerned if you are a patriot and do not oppose the interest of country. But if you have conspired with foreign powers to destroy Cambodia then, yes, it is true you should be worried, and in such case you are not a Cambodian. Hun Manet said. No true patriot would ever plot with foreign powers to destroy their nation.

Amnesty International said it was deeply concerned the Cambodian government will use the repressive amendment to render its critics stateless.

Judicial independence is key to safeguarding peoples rights including the right to nationality and reversing a culture of impunity. This has enabled the governments authoritarian practices to continue unchecked, such as its persecution of opposition leaders, activists and independent journalists, Regional Research Director Montse Ferrer said in a statement.

Former opposition leader Sam Rainsy was one of those named by Hun Sen as making comments detrimental to the nation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rainsy for decades has been a harsh critic and one of the most popular opponents of the Cambodian Peoples Party, which fueled Hun Sen's rise to power. Rainsy has been in exile since 2016 to avoid serving prison sentences on defamation, treason and other charges, which his supporters consider politically motivated.

Rainsy said recent comments by Hun Sen about the border dispute with Thailand were not patriotism but a personal and political reaction rooted in fear and panic over the potential collapse of a regime deeply entangled with international criminal networks.

Hun Sens anti Thai rhetoric is nothing more than a political smokescreen. While he presents the dispute as one of historical grievance and national dignity, the real motive behind his indignation is Thailands concerted effort to dismantle Chines-run cyber-scam operations based in border areas  operations that have become a vital source of illicit funding for the current Phnom Penh regime, Rainsy said in a June 28 online post.
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP)  Cameroon on Friday set the next presidential election for Oct. 12, according to a statement from the country's longtime president. The vote comes at a key time for the west African nation whose 92-year-old leader has not ruled out that he would seek another term.

Paul Biya, Africa's second longest-serving president after Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, is frequently sick and abroad, and last year, talk spread that he had died, prompting the government to publicly deny the rumors.

The over 40 years of Biyas stay in power has left a lasting impact. His government has faced various challenges, including allegations of corruption and a secessionist movement in Cameroons English-speaking provinces that has forced thousands out of school and triggered deadly clashes with security forces.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cameroon has also had to deal with spillover violence by the Islamic extremist Boko Haram group, based in neighboring Nigeria.

Recently, several of Biya's longtime allies defected to announce their own candidacies for president.

Bello Bouba Maigari, Cameroons tourism minister, quit last week after Issa Tchiroma Bakary resigned as minister of employment and vocational training, both pitching themselves as the right candidates to succeed Biya.

Biya, in power since 1982, is also Cameroons second president since independence from France in 1960. Though he has not announced whether he would seek another term, he has hinted at accepting the ruling partys requests for him to run again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He cruised to victory in 2018 with over 70% of the vote in an election marred by irregularities and low turnout due to ongoing separatist and jihadi violence.

In a region threatened with shrinking democratic space, several other African countries also have presidents accused of using state mechanisms to prolong their stay in power. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently sought nomination for a seventh term, a move that would bring him closer to five decades in power in the East African country.
What looked like a simple, one-story beige cabin near the banks of the Guadalupe River held the stories of generations of young girls marking a rite of passage.

Its where shy, homesick 8-year-olds entered as strangers and emerged as confident young ladies equipped with new skills from the great outdoors and lifelong friends  bonds that would one day prove vital in the face of unfathomable tragedy.

Bubble Inn housed many of the youngest girls at Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old haven tucked in the foothills of Texas Hill Country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You get into those gates, and the whole world disappears, said Lauren Lindley, who spent six summers as a Camp Mystic counselor  several of them at Bubble Inn. When you grow up as a Camp Mystic camper, that legacy and the feeling that camp gives you sticks with you for life because it is such a unique and special place.

On July 4, a new group of young girls were just a week into their formative journey at Bubble Inn when the beloved cabin turned into an epicenter of grief.

Torrential rainfall and catastrophic flooding ripped through Central Texas, killing at least 120 people and leaving at least 160 missing. Camp Mystic, which largely sits in a flood-prone area, lost 27 campers and counselors in the disaster.

No cabin suffered more than Bubble Inn. Most of its 15 campers and counselors were killed. The rest are still missing one week later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not clear whether the girls were overcome by floodwater inside their cabin or outside while trying to escape.

Camp Mystics longtime co-director, Dick Eastland, reportedly died while trying to rescue girls from Bubble Inn.

I really, truly think he went there because theyre the youngest, said Alex Loyd, the mother of two Camp Mystic girls who are close to Eastlands grandchildren. These are first-time campers  youre going to run to the babies, absolutely.

A cabin unlike any other

For decades, Bubble Inn welcomed young girls from across the country and even overseas. Some of those girls later became mothers and sent their own daughters to Bubble Inn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I have watched my former campers grow into adults with families of their own, said Lindley, whos now a professional photographer. I have photographed their weddings.

A sign hangs in front of Camp Mystic's Bubble Inn, which saw generations of girls come in. - Moises Avila/AFP via Getty Images

There was nothing particularly special about the building itself. Rather, it was the lessons learned and the relationships fostered between the walls that made Bubble Inn so unique.

The cabins are all very basic. Theyre just one big open room, Lindley said. You have metal camp beds in a row. The girls would all pack a trunk and bring their trunk, and then at the back of every cabin is a community bathroom with two to three showers, two to three bathroom stalls and two to three sinks  depending on the size of the cabin.

Realizing Bubble Inn housed some of the youngest children, the directors of Camp Mystic  Eastland and his wife, Tweety  had a plan to help any girls who were particularly homesick.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We were really taught to focus on all of the kids and keep an eye out for the ones that were seeming to have a hard time or were a little quieter, Lindley said.

There was a rest hour every day, and the girls were writing letters back and forth. And if a mom or dad was getting a bunch of letters where a camper was talking about being homesick, they were instructed to call and let Tweety know. And Tweety would let (counselors) know, Lindley said.

We were just trained to make sure to watch out for the littlest souls.

The cabin also gave children a crash course in teamwork and responsibility.

Theres a cabin inspection every day. Whoever wins cabin inspection from The Flats and from the Upper Hill both get to go to the commissary after rest hour first  which is a very big deal, Lindley said, recalling her time as a counselor from 1999 to 2005.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the scorching Texas heat, being first in line to get dibs on ice cream at the commissary was a major incentive. But whenever a young camper fell short of her duties  perhaps by leaving dirty clothes on the floor  Lindley would hold her accountable by displaying the evidence on the cabins front porch.

Clothes were supposed to be hanging on the clothesline. Your bed was supposed to be made. Trash was supposed to be in trash bins. Theres not supposed to be stuff on the floor, she said. We were teaching the girls discipline, I guess, and pride for and care for your home. It was a hard sell in the little cabin.

Lindley said shes still in touch with her first little loves from when she started as a counselor in 1999. And theres probably six or eight of them in that little cohort that to this day are still very, very close, she said.

Part of the reason: After girls graduate from Bubble Inn, they often return to camp year after year and progress to more senior cabins together. So many of the lifelong friendships forged at Camp Mystic start at Bubble Inn.

Michael McCown sifts through debris inside Bubble Inn. His 8-year-old daughter Linnie died in the flooding. - Moises Avila/AFP via Getty Images

The youngest children slept closest to the river

Bubble Inn was nestled among a cluster of cabins housing the camps youngest girls, and each of the cabins had a charming, age-appropriate name. The Bubble Inn was flanked by the Giggle Box and Twins I & II, which sat next to the Wiggle Inn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those junior cabins were called The Flats because the cottages were on low-lying, flat land near the Guadalupe River. Older campers stayed farther from the river up on Senior Hill, and the girls from Bubble Inn looked up to them  literally and figuratively.

There were also practical reasons for why the youngest girls were down closest to the water, Lindley said.

In the blazing Texas heat, an older camper is better equipped to go up and down the hill constantly all day, in between classes, she said. Little girls, most of the activities are going to be down in the main valley near The Flats.

The Guadalupe River provided boundless fun for the girls by hosting snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, diving and many other activities in the tranquil green water.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the same river that gave decades of joy turned into a cataclysmic force in the predawn hours of July 4.

Torrential rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise more than 20 feet in less than two hours. And Bubble Inn, near the confluence of Cypress Creek and Guadalupe River, suffered catastrophic losses.

Many of the grieving families who lost daughters from Bubble Inn have asked for privacy and declined to speak with the media.

But Dr. Patricia Bellows, whose 8-year-old daughter Margaret perished in the flooding, wanted to thank the many counselors who tried to get campers to safety  including the two Bubble Inn counselors.

Margaret Bellows - Courtesy Bellows family

The main thing I have to say is unending gratitude for the brave camp counselors who safely evacuated so many campers, and to the two camp counselors who gave their lives trying to protect my baby, Bellows told CNN affiliate KTRK.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the Bubble Inn counselors, Chloe Childress, died in the flood. The other, Katherine Ferruzzo, remains missing.

Virginia Wynne Naylor, an 8-year-old Bubble Inn camper, also perished in the flood. Her family channeled their grief into action by launching a foundation in her memory.

Virginia Wynne Naylor - From Naylor family

The More Like Wynne Fund was established to honor the legacy of Wynne Naylor by inspiring limitless passion for adventure, her father, Cole Naylor, said in an email to CNN.

The foundation will support Wynnes local education system, youth wildlife conservation efforts, and select Christian ministries, her father said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Replace grief with hope. Replace stress with servitude. Replace tears of despair with joyful recollection.

Its not clear what will happen to Camp Mystic or if any of the cabins will be refurbished or rebuilt elsewhere. But the destruction cant break the family traditions, friendships and life lessons cultivated at the camp, Lindley said.

The memories transport you in a way that transcends nostalgia, she said. And the relationships that you forge in this special place are just so incredibly unique that its like a knot that cant be untied.

CNNs Caroll Alvarado and Lily Hautau contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com




NEED TO KNOW

Dick Eastland, the late co-owner of Camp Mystic, advocated for efforts to improve river warnings prior to his death last week

The father of four pushed for flood warning systems in the past, according to a new report from CNN

"If he wasnt going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way, saving the girls that he so loved and cared for," his grandson wrote in a tribute





The co-owner of Camp Mystic, the summer camp where at least 27 campers and counselors died in the Texas floods, was aware of the dangers of the Guadalupe River and had advocated for change in the years before his death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Richard "Dick" Eastland, remembered by loved ones as having spent his final moments trying to save the lives of campers, previously pushed for flood warning systems for the river, according to a new report from CNN.

Eastland served on the board of the local river authority, which supported efforts to improve river warnings, according to the outlet, and had previously advocated for an updated warning system in the '80s after 10 children died at a nearby central Texas camp.

RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Camp Mystic following flood damage in Hunt, Texas on July 7, 2025 Camp Mystic following flood damage in Hunt, Texas on July 7, 2025

In 1987, flooding hit the Pot O' Gold Christian Camp in Comfort, Texas, killing 10 teenagers during a rushed evacuation, according to the outlet. Following the tragedy, Eastland pushed for a new warning system as part of the Upper Guadalupe River Authority board.

Two years earlier, Eastland's wife Tweety, who was pregnant at the time, had be airlifted from the camp as a result of flooding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Eastland's initial proposal  a system with automatic alerts for when the water levels reached a certain point  was delayed, officials created a system of gauges along the Guadalupe and its tributaries, per CNN. However, the company behind the project shuttered and by 1999, the system, which was unreliable, was shut off.

In the following years, the outlet noted that the river authority and county officials attempted to find funding for a flood warning system but were unsuccessful.

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

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Eastland to the river authoritys board in 2022, according to CNN, which recently decided on a proposal to create a centralized dashboard of data to support local flood monitoring and emergency response."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just two days before the catastrophic flooding on July 4, an inspector found the camp had a written plan to respond to natural disasters, according to records reviewed by PEOPLE, although the details of the plan are unknown. Volunteers and camp employees were notified of these plans during training sessions, according to the inspection report shared by the Texas Department of State Health Services.



Dick and Tweety Eastland, directors of the private Christian camp, were third-generation managers of the facility, which has been in their family since 1939, according to the Camp Mystic website.

The couple welcomed four children, one of whom died in 2015, and all have been involved with the camp.

George Eastland, Dick's grandson, wrote on Instagram that Dick was a "husband, father, grandfather and mentor to thousands of young women" whose impact will "never leave the lives he touched."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If he wasnt going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way, saving the girls that he so loved and cared for," George wrote. "Thats the man my grandfather was."

No funeral plans for Eastland have yet to be announced, a family spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.

To learn how to help support the victims and recovery efforts from the Texas floods, click here.



Read the original article on People
Dick Eastland warned for decades about the hidden dangers of the beautiful but volatile Guadalupe River, a peril he saw firsthand while running his familys youth camp alongside its banks.

Eastland saw floods damage Camp Mystic again and again  and his pregnant wife was even airlifted to a hospital while the camp in central Texas was cut off by floodwaters.

He successfully pushed for a new flood warning system after 10 children at a nearby camp were swept to their deaths in 1987, and in recent years served on the board of the local river authority as it supported renewed efforts to improve warnings on the Guadalupe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The river is beautiful, Eastland told the Austin American-Statesman in 1990. But you have to respect it.

But after 27 people were killed at Camp Mystic in last weeks cataclysmic flooding  along with Eastland himself, who died while trying to rescue his young campers  the scale of the tragedy highlights potential missed opportunities by Camp Mystics owners and government officials to better mitigate those risks.

About a decade after it was installed, the warning system Eastland had championed in the late 80s became antiquated and broken. The river authority ultimately shut it down in 1999, saying it was unreliable with some of the systems stations not reporting information, according to an article in the Kerrville Daily Times.

Yet periodic attempts to adopt a more modern flood-monitoring system, including one with warning sirens that might have alerted campers last week, repeatedly failed to gain traction  stalled by low budgets, some local opposition and a lack of state support.

A damaged building is seen at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, after devastating flash flooding the previous day. - Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images

At Camp Mystic, meanwhile, several of the cabins that were hit hardest in the flooding were in an area identified by the federal government as the highest-risk location for inundations from the Guadalupe. Even as the camp built new cabins in a less-risky flood zone elsewhere on its property, nothing was done to relocate the buildings in the most danger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Camp officials might have not been aware of flood risk when they first built the cabins, before the county even had flood maps, said Anna Serra-Llobet, a University of California-Berkeley researcher who studies flood risk. But after the recent construction, she said, officials should have realized they were in an area of severe hazard.

Eastland has been praised as a hero for his efforts to save campers on Friday and remembered as a beloved figure by generations who spent their summers in the idyllic riverside refuge. His legacy is less clear as a public steward of the sometimes deadly river that ultimately took his life.

If he wasnt going to die of natural causes, this was the only other waysaving the girls that he so loved and cared for, his grandson George Eastland wrote in an Instagram tribute. Although he no longer walks this earth, his impact will never fade in the lives he touched.

Camp Mystic did not respond to a request for comment.

History of floods

Camp Mystic has a long history with flooding, going back to just a few years after it was established 99 years ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 1932, flood waters swept away several cabins at the camp and led campers to evacuate across the river by canoe, according to an article in the Abilene Daily Reporter. A counselor told the Austin American-Statesman at the time that campers might have drowned if we had gone out the front door and walked face-into a sheet of water!

In 1978, an article in the Kerrville Mountain Sun reported that Camp Mystic was the most severely damaged of local summer camps affected by a flood that year. A separate article reported that five Camp Mystic counselors had their automobiles swept into the Guadalupe River by flood waters that year.

And in 1985, Eastlands wife Tweety, then pregnant with their fourth child, had to be airlifted from Camp Mystic to a hospital due to floodwaters, local news reported.

A volunteer holds a Camp Mystic t-shirt and pink backpack in Comfort, Texas, as search and rescue efforts continued on July 6. - Danielle Villasana/The Washington Post/Getty Images

One of the regions most devastating floods  until last weeks Fourth of July disaster  came in 1987, when 10 children attending a different camp in the area were killed by floodwaters during a rushed evacuation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Eastland, who at the time was serving on the board of the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, which manages the river, pushed for a new flood warning system. In newspaper articles, he described a computer-powered system that would lead to automatic alerts if water levels on the Guadalupe rose beyond a set limit.

The proposal was delayed, but officials eventually created a system of 21 gauges up and down the Guadalupe and its tributaries.

Even as Eastland voiced pride in the new system, he was quick to remind the public of the Guadalupes deadly power.

Im sure there will be other drownings, Eastland said in a 1990 interview with the Austin American-Statesman. People dont heed the warnings.

A lack of progress

In the following years, the early flood warning system that Eastland advocated for  and was once considered state-of-the-art  started to suffer problems. In April 1998, the company that maintained the system closed its doors without notice, and the gauge system soon stopped functioning because of lack of maintenance, the Kerrville Daily Times reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In February 1999, the river authority shut the system down because it had become unreliable with some of the systems stations not reporting information, and board members worried about liability concerns that the system would send false signals, according to an article in the Times.

A handful of river gauges remain in service on the Guadalupe today, but the county lacks a full-scale warning system to broadcast public alerts when floodwaters rise.

Kerr County officials, along with the river authority that Eastland periodically served on, worked to change that over the last decade, searching for funding for a flood warning system that included more river gauges and a network of sirens.

But they found themselves struggling to overcome funding deficits and opposition from some skeptical residents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Grant applications for the system were denied by the state in 2016 and 2017, and the authority later decided not to pursue a separate grant after realizing that it would only cover five percent of the systems cost.

Around the same time, Camp Mystic was embarking on an expansion project. As the number of girls attending the camp grew over the years  leading to waitlists to get in each summer  the camp built more than a dozen new cabins farther south of the Guadalupe River alongside the smaller Cypress Creek.

Some of those cabins were located in an area that the federal government has determined has a 1% chance of flooding each year, which would have required officials to get special approval from the county government to build there.

But the risk was even higher at some of Camp Mystics cabins closest to the Guadalupe, several of which are located inside the rivers regulatory floodways  the areas that flood first and are most dangerous  according to federal flood maps. Those cabins have been around for decades, historical aerial photos show, apparently before the Federal Emergency Management Agencys first floodzone maps were developed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dealing with preexisting structures like these inside risky floodzones is especially challenging, said Serra-Llobet, the UC Berkeley flood expert.

When they did the construction of the recent buildings, they should have seen the FEMA maps, Serra-Llobet said. That, she said, was a window of opportunity where camp officials could have realized their decades-old dorms were in a high-hazard zone and acted to address it. Camp Mystic could have relocated the buildings to higher ground, or just turned them into structures for recreational activities and made sure that campers were sleeping in safer areas, she said.

Still, Serra-Llobet argued that Kerr County should move past the blame game that comes after any disaster and focus on the lessons that could be learned for protecting people from floods going forward.

Its not clear whether Eastland personally grappled with the high-risk flood zone running through his own campground. But in recent years, he was part of continued efforts for an improved flood warning system for the region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Eastland returned to the river authoritys board in 2022 after being appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. After the previous setbacks, the board this year moved forward with a proposal to create a new centralized dashboard of rainfall, river depth and other data sources to support local flood monitoring and emergency response, according to the county government.

In April, the river authority voted to hire a firm to develop the data system and had planned to begin work this month. That was postponed after last weeks disastrous flooding.

A pillar of the community

After Eastland was found dead, tributes have rolled in from his colleagues, community members and former campers whose lives he touched over the decades at Camp Mystic.

Although I am devastated, I cant say Im surprised that you sacrificed your life with the hopes of someone elses being saved, Eastlands grandson wrote in his Instagram post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

April Ancira spent summers from the age of 8 to 14 at Camp Mystic. In an interview, she remembered Eastland helping her catch a big fish  and being just as thrilled as she was when she successfully reeled it in.

My memories of him wrapping his arms around so many campers and being so excited to see them excel is incredible, she said.

Austin Dickson, who served on the river authority board along with Eastland and sat next to him at board meetings, remembered him as a pillar in our county and our community who had championed a recent effort to create a new park along the river.

So many people say, Mystic is my heaven, or Mystic is a dreamland, and I think thats true, he said. Thats Dick and Tweetys lifes work to make that true.

CNNs Allison Gordon and Lauren Mascarenhas contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Dick Eastland, the 70-year-old owner and director of the Christian girls summer camp in Texas that was ravaged by deadly flash floods, had spent decades warning about a potential disaster. He died while trying to save as many campers as possible.

Eastland was a fixture at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, where he spent years teaching girls how to fish. His wife, Tweety, dished out cookies and hugs. But the idyllic summertime village faced unspeakable tragedy last weekend when the Guadalupe River suddenly rose 26 feet. The ensuing flash floods killed more than 100 people. At least 28 of those deaths were children. More remain missing.

It was hardly the first time the area had seen devastating floods. In 1987, 10 teens were killed when the river overflowed. As kids at a Christian academy attempted to flee, a wall of water, estimated to be as much as half a mile wide, rushed upon the campers, according to a government report obtained by The Associated Press.

An officer prays with a family as they pick up items at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, on July 9. AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Since then, Eastland had been sounding the alarm about the dangers that Camp Mystic would one day face. Following the 1987 flood, Eastland successfully pushed for an updated flood warning system, and served on the board of the local river authority, CNN reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite Eastlands work to improve flood warnings, the river authority shut it down in 1999 over what it called an unreliable system.

Two days before last weekends deadly flood, an inspector with the Texas Department of State Health Services visited the Christian camp and determined it had a state-mandated plan for emergency shelter and for evacuation in case of a disaster, CNN reported. The inspector also found that none of the camps buildings presented a safety hazard. But as a torrent of water rushed into the camp just days later, girls became trapped in their cabins.

Kerr County also doesnt have a local flood warning system, despite the area being prone to flooding. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said that residents felt a warning system was too expensive to implement, The New York Times reported.

Eastland knew all too well about the rivers danger. When his wife, Tweety, was pregnant with their fourth child, she had to be airlifted out of Camp Mystic to a hospital due to floodwaters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, as his worst fears were realized, Eastland and his son sprang into action to help try and save as many lives as possible. More from Texas Monthly:

As tragic as it is, its not surprising that Dick sacrificed his life trying to save some of the youngest girls from the roiling water as the river rose more than twenty feet in 45 minutes. There just wasnt enough time. According to one text I was sent from friends of the family, Dick and his son Edward were going back and forth from cabin to cabin to get girls to higher ground. Dick was swept away by the current.

Since his death, former campers have shared stories about their time with Eastland. Lauren Garcia, a former Camp Mystic alum, told Texas Public Radio that Eastland was a grandfather figure.

Youd come up and say, I caught a fish, Garcia recalled. And hed hug you, take a picture with you, and say, Now hold it by the mouth  put it closer to the camera to make it look real big. Lets send this to your parents. He was just like a grandpa. I never had stuff like that.

Eastlands grandson, George, said in an Instagram post that his grandpa was a hero.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If he wasnt going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way  saving the girls that he so loved and cared for, George Eastland wrote. Although he no longer walks this earth, his impact will never fade in the lives he touched.

Related...
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Nicholasville is home to many historic sites and patriotic places worth spotlighting, like Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Its the final resting place for service members whove made the ultimate sacrifice.

Every day from dawn to dusk, Camp Nelson National Cemetery welcomes those wanting to honor the thousands of brave men and women buried here. Its the largest national cemetery in Kentucky with a rich history.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Created in 1863, Camp Nelson National Cemetery was originally known as Cemetery Number Two because Cemetery Number One is located at Camp Nelson National Monument. The gravesites have grown significantly over the years.

Between both sites, more than 20,000 veterans are laid to rest. Chairman of the Central Kentucky Veterans Committee (CKVC), Nick McManus, said the cemetery holds two to four funerals a day and as many as 30 a month.

He added that each year, thousands of people visit to make sure the sacrifices of these heroes are never forgotten.

Camp Nelson National Cemetery, its absolutely a majestic place. We honor the veterans that served, every one of them served our nation with valor, said McManus. They all served at different times. They go back to World War II, World War I, obviously back to the Civil War. And ever since as well. Families gather all the time here. And its just a real blessing to have this in Nicholasville.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Throughout the year, CKVC organizes ceremonies further honoring these military members.

Right now, when you walk throughout the cemetery, youll see headstones decorated with floral arrangements, flags, and coins.

So, youre walking around, and you see in a military cemetery, or you see a military gravestone, and you see a quarter or a dime or a nickel or a penny on the gravestone, there is significance to that. So, if I went to boot camp with that individual, I would put a penny there. If I trained with that individual, I would put a nickel. If I served with that individual, I would put a dime and if I was there when that individual died, I would put a quarter. Thats the significance of the coins on each of the gravestones, McManus said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Reuters) -Microsoft saved more than $500 million in its call centers alone last year by using artificial intelligence, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.

The tech giant last week announced plans to lay off nearly 4% of its workforce as it looks to rein in costs amid hefty investments in AI infrastructure. In May, the company had announced layoffs affecting around 6,000 workers.

AI tools were helping improve productivity in segments from sales and customer service to software engineering and the company has begun using AI to handle interactions with smaller customers, Microsoft's Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff said during a presentation this week, according to the Bloomberg News report.

The nascent effort was already generating tens of millions of dollars, the report said, citing a person familiar with his comments.

AI generated 35% of the code for new products, accelerating launch times, Althoff said, according to the report.

Microsoft declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

The Windows maker has earmarked $80 billion in capital spending this fiscal year, with most of it aimed at expanding data centers to ease capacity bottlenecks for artificial-intelligence services.

Big tech companies have been spending heavily on AI as they view the new technology as a major growth engine, while slashing costs elsewhere to safeguard profits.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Pooja Desai)
Try as it might to appease President Donald Trump, Canada remains a prized target in his trade wars and subject to the whiplash of his changes of heart.

The giant North American neighbors are rushing to conclude a new trade accord by July 21 but the process is proving painful for Canada.

Overnight Thursday, Trump threatened to slap a 35 percent tariff on imports from Canada starting August 1.

But products complying with an existing accord, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), are expected to remain exempt, a Trump administration official and a source in Canada told AFP.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"An agreement is of course possible but that shows how difficult it is for the Canadian government to negotiate with the US president," said Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, referring to Trump's sudden announcement.

-Six months of ups and downs-

Canada has been a key trading partner and ally of the United States for decades. But along with Mexico, it now wears a bull's eye for Trump in his second stint in the White House as he tries to reorder the global system of largely free trade by slapping tariffs on friends and foes alike to address what he calls unfair trading practices.

Trump has also spoken frequently of his idea of absorbing Canada to make it the 51st US state, a concept most Canadians find repugnant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Canada was rocked by Trump's first attacks after he took power in January. And bad blood between him and then-prime minister Justin Trudeau seemed to pour gas on the fire.

Some degree of hope emerged when Mark Carney was elected in late April to replace Trudeau, pledging to stand up to Trump and defend Canada, its jobs and its borders.

Since then, Carney and Trump have held two more or less cordial meetings -- at the Oval Office in May and at a Group of Seven summit in western Canada last month.

Many people thought a new era was opening, and Carney won praise for his diplomatic and negotiating skills.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the second of those meetings, the two sides agreed to sign a new trade agreement by July 21.

But in late June Trump angrily called off the trade talks, citing a new Canadian tax on US Big Tech companies.

Canada scrapped the tax two days later so the trade talks could resume. Now they have been rocked again by Trump's new threat of 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods.

-Stay calm-

Canada has taken to not reacting to everything Trump says. After Trump's latest outburst, Carney simply said, "the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses."

But among Canadian people, Trump's threat-rich negotiating style elicits contrasting reactions, said Beland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There are people who want a firmer response while others want to keep negotiating," he said.

Since the beginning of this tug of war, Canada has responded to US action by imposing levies of its own on certain American products.

Philippe Bourbeau, a professor at HEC Montreal, a business school, said people have to realize Trump has an underlying strategy.

"You can criticize the aggressiveness of the announcements and the fact that it is done out in the open, but it is a negotiating tactic," said Bourbeau, adding that the relationship between the two countries is asymmetrical.

"It is illusory to think this is a negotiation between parties of the same size. Canada will surely have to give up more to reach an agreement," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Before Trump came to power, three quarters of Canada's exports went to the United States. This was down to 68 percent in May, one of the lowest such shares ever recorded, as shipments to other countries hit record levels.

"We are Donald Trump's scapegoats," said Genevieve Tellier, a professor of political science at the University of Ottawa.

"He sees us as vulnerable, so he increases the pressure. He is surely telling himself that it is with us that he will score the big win he wants on tariffs," Tellier said.

tib/ev/dw/ksb
OTTAWA  Canada is delaying its plans to slap retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum after President Donald Trump sent a letter extending the deadline for trade negotiations between the two North American neighbors  though he also threatened to impose higher tariffs.

Mark Carneys government was preparing to double its countertariffs on U.S. metals on July 21  to 50 percent from 25  but Trumps letter has moved the prime minister off that target.

Two senior government officials told POLITICO that Canada will not further retaliate against U.S. steel and aluminum on July 21, the previous deadline for the talks, after the two sides agreed to extend their negotiation deadline around a new economic and security deal to Aug. 1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Canadas current 25 percent countertariff on U.S. steel and aluminum will remain in place during the negotiations. But if a deal is not reached by the new deadline, both sides are threatening to raise and expand their duties on the others goods.

In a letter addressed to Carney on Thursday, Trump wrote that Canadian goods imported into the U.S. could face a blanket 35 percent tariff starting next month. A White House official, granted anonymity to discuss the negotiations, said the administration plans to impose the tariff only on goods that do not comply with the 2020 USMCA, though the ultimate details will be up to Trump to decide.

Trump doubled tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports entering the U.S. to 50 percent in June, but Ottawa has yet to match the move  despite pressure from the steel industry, labor unions and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

Everything is pushed back to Aug. 1, said one official, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump and Carney didnt speak Thursday, the prime ministers office said, but high-ranking officials from both sides met that day, before Trump posted the letter. Unlike other countries, Canadian officials did not appear rattled by the letter. The prime minister remained on vacation in the Ottawa region.

On we go! a Canadian diplomat, who was granted anonymity, told POLITICO. Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump noted his trade letter to Carney was sent yesterday. They called. I think it was fairly well-received. So, well see what happens.

This is the second time the deadline for the U.S.-Canada talks has moved. The leaders agreed to a July 16 deadline during the G7 Leaders Summit but later moved that to July 21.

Carney said Canada will work toward the revised deadline.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses, Carney said on X.

Carney will meet with his Cabinet on Tuesday to discuss the negotiations, and on July 22 he will meet with Canadas premiers.

In the face of President Trumps latest threat, we need to come together. We need a plan on how Canada will respond and how well protect our workers, businesses and communities, Ford said on the social media site X.

Trump justified the latest threat to increase tariffs by pointing to fentanyl trafficking  even though Americas own data shows that less than 0.1 percent of fentanyl seized by U.S. authorities was at the Canada-U.S. border. He also railed against Canadas tariffs on U.S. dairy  which are levied only if U.S. dairy exports exceed a predetermined quota. Frustratingly, the U.S. has never gotten close to exceeding the quotas, the International Dairy Foods Association said in March.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

British Columbia Premier David Eby called Trumps letter flailing and factually incorrect.

Other F words come to mind, Eby said on X. Just one more reminder of why Canadians need to come together, to grow our economy and stand strong.

Ari Hawkins contributed to this report from Washington.
CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after crashing into an ER triage tent Thursday at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, injuring multiple people, police said.

The crash happened around 1:15 p.m. in the parking lot at 751 Medical Center Court, the Chula Vista Department posted on X.

Authorities say a Honda Accord entered the ER lot when it struck an ambulance gurney, continued through the lot and crashed into the ER triage tent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When police arrived on scene, they found the driver, identified as 33-year-old Sergio Jimenez of San Diego, being restrained by hospital staff. He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Five people injured in crash near Ramona; one driver killed

A medic standing next to the ambulance gurney was taken to a hospital with possible serious injuries.

Three people inside the tent suffered injuries that are believed to be minor at this time, police confirmed.

Police do not believe the crash was an intentional act, but Jimenez was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs causing injury.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone who has information on the crash is asked to contact the Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Bureau at 619-476-5320. They can also contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or submit a tip via P3tips (online or mobile application) http://p3tips.com/409 if they wish to remain anonymous.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Indiana State Police say a woman from Carbondale was arrested after she reportedly left the scene of an accident on I-64 on Thursday.

According to ISP Sergeant Todd Ringle, the Posey County Sheriffs Office reported a crash at approximately 12:45 p.m. near the 7 mile marker. Authorities say a Ford Fusion failed to stop after sideswiping a semi-truck, and continued traveling east with heavy damage to its rear bumper.

ISP says a trooper spotted the vehicle on I-64 near the 57 mile marker and stopped it on US231 south of I-64. The driver of the vehicle, identified as a 20-year-old woman from Carbondale, had apparently stopped in Lynnville to purchase duct tape to secure the bumper.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities say the vehicle was not registered properly and she did not have insurance. No injuries were reported from the crash.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A woman has been arrested after what the Shelby County Sheriffs Office calls a jewelry heist in Cordova.

Corine Mukes, 22, has been charged with theft of property valued between $60,000 and $250,000 and financial exploitation of an elderly person.

According to SCSO, deputies responded to a theft on Spruce Grove Lane on Tuesday. The victim reportedly told deputies that seven pieces of jewelry had gone missing from the home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The jewelry was estimated at $82,025. SCSO says the victim believed that the thefts began on the 4th of July.

Homeless woman violently attacked in Cooper-Young robbery

SCSO says that detectives identified the suspect as a caregiver who had been working for a local in-home care company. The suspect had reportedly been hired to take care of the victims elderly parents.

SCSO says that detectives learned that the suspect had pawned jewelry at various Cash America locations. Detectives reportedly recovered some of the missing jewelry at the Cash America shops.

Detectives found the suspects address and executed a search warrant at a home on North Watkins. SCSO says detectives found more stolen jewelry and other items that belonged to the victim.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to SCSO, the detectives found the suspect, identified as Mukes, hiding inside the home. SCSO says Mukes was arrested without incident.

Mukes is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail on a $40,000 bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A day after President Trump announced a new 35 percent tariff on Canadian goods beginning next month, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada had made vital progress toward stopping fentanyl.

Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America. We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries, Carney wrote on social media late Thursday.

Trumps new tariff on Canada, which came with a flurry of levies on other countries, is scheduled to take effect Aug. 1. It represents an escalation from the 25 percent he had previously assigned to the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The president first targeted Americas northern neighbor in February over claims that Canada was allowing fentanyl and illegal immigration through the border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seized about 31 pounds of fentanyl on the northern border so far this year.

If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter, Trump wrote to Carney on Thursday.

The United States and Canada had initially sought to reach a trade deal by July 21. They are now aiming for an agreement by Aug. 1, the latest date pushed back by Trumps on again, off again tariff scheme.

Carney became prime minister in March and has so far enjoyed a warmer relationship with Trump than his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses, Carney wrote on social platform X. We are strengthening our trading partnerships throughout the world.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CARROLL COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Authorities in Carroll County are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead in the middle of a county road on July 9.

Carroll County deputies found 19-year-old Alexzander Drake Bernhardt dead in the road Wednesday night after a call to the northern Oak Grove area.

Trial delayed for Garfield man accused of negligent homicide

Authorities are investigating the case as a homicide with help from Arkansas State Police. Bernhardts body was sent to the state crime lab for autopsy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriffs office at (870) 423-7373.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Last May, drinks giant Diageo was hit with a lawsuit claiming that the company sold adulterated tequila to consumers that was labeled as 100 percent agave under its Casamigos and Don Julio brands. Diageo denied these allegations and that lawsuit is still pending, but today there was news about another suit from a different plaintiff alleging the same type of adulteration.

The original lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of New York by three parties: New Jersey resident Avi Pusateri, New York bartender Chaim Mishulovin who runs the Jazz Age Cocktails Instagram account, and Brooklyn restaurant and bar Sushi Tokyo Inc. The trios class action lawsuit, which seeks $5 million in damages, claims that Diageo falsely labeled bottles of Casamigos and Don Julio as being made from 100 percent agave when they actually had significant concentrations of cane or other types of alcohol rather than pure tequila and that they paid super-premium prices but they received neither a premium product nor 100 percent Blue Weber agave tequila.

More from Robb Report

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to guidelines set by the CRT, the governing body that regulates tequila in Mexico, a product labeled 100 percent agave must be made only from Blue Weber agave. While that tequila can legally contain less than one percent by volume of additives to enhance flavor, color, and texture, it cannot contain the cane or other sugar-derived alcohols that the lawsuit mentionsthat would classify it as a mixto, which cannot be labeled 100 percent agave.

The new lawsuit, which alleges RICO violations, was filed in San Francisco by California resident Jacqueline Jackson and it includes lab results of testing on four Diageo tequilas, according to the website Mezcalistas. Specifically, the suit says that a sample of Casamigos Blanco contained just 33 percent ethanol derived from agave, and a sample of the Reposado expression contained about 42 percent ethanol derived from agavelevels that fall below the 51 percent that is required even for a mixto. Additionally, the suit claims lab results found similar low levels of ethanol derived from agave in samples of Don Julio Blanco and 1942 Anejo.

We reached out to Diageo for comment, and received the following statement from a Diageo spokesperson: These claims of adulteration are outrageous and categorically false; Don Julio and Casamigos Tequilas are crafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave and, following a rigorous certification process by the CRT, are in full compliance with the official tequila standard (NOM). We will vigorously defend the quality and integrity of our Tequilas in court, and against anyone who is spreading misinformation and lies about our products.

Best of Robb Report

Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
The death of a mother and Army veteran whose body was found at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles was ruled an accident and due to drug use.

On May 12, Lucrecia Macias Barajas, 46, was found dead inside a sidewalk tent that was reportedly locked in the Westlake District near downtown L.A.

Inside the tent were the bodies of Barajas and a man, now identified as Fredy Pojoy Sajqui, 39. The nature of their relationship was unclear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On July 9, the L.A. County medical examiners office announced both Barajas and Sajqui died from the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Their deaths were also ruled accidental.

Lucrecia Barajas, 46, an Army veteran and mother of six children, is seen in a family photo. Lucrecia Barajas, 46, an Army veteran and mother of six children, is seen in a family photo. A homeless encampment in Westlake District of L.A. is seen on May 14, 2025, after the bodies of two individuals were found. (KTLA) A homeless encampment in Westlake District of L.A. is seen on May 14, 2025, after the bodies of two individuals were found. (KTLA) Lucrecia Barajas (center) is seen with family members and loved ones. Lucrecia Barajas daughter, Amely Becerra, speaks to KTLA at a vigil honoring her mother on May 30, 2025. (KTLA) Loved ones and community members gathered in the Westlake District near downtown L.A. for a candlelight vigil on May 30, 2025, near the site where the body of Lucrecia Barajas was found. (KTLA) Loved ones and community members gathered in the Westlake District near downtown L.A. for a candlelight vigil on May 30, 2025, near the site where the body of Lucrecia Barajas was found. (KTLA) Authorities are investigating after two bodies were found in a homeless encampment in the Westlake district of Los Angeles on May 12, 2025. (KTLA) A homeless encampment in Westlake District of L.A. is seen on May 14, 2025, after the bodies of two individuals were found. (KTLA)

In early May, Barajas daughters said she left her home on the Saturday before Mothers Day, and that was the last time they heard from her.

After she was missing for several days and family members were unable to reach her, they eventually traced her cell phone signal to an encampment near downtown where he daughter made the grisly discovery.

Neighbors said at least one of the bodies found in the tent had been partially eaten by dogs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Los Angeles police had investigated the case as a suspected overdose despite the familys objections. Her daughters said theyre unsure why their mother went to the encampment that day, but at the time, they believed the circumstances surrounding her death were suspicious.

Born in Nicaragua, Barajas fled with her family in 1986 amid the countrys civil war. She later joined the U.S. Army between the late 1990s and early 2000s. She was the mother of six children.

Her daughters told the Los Angeles Times that they believe their mother started using methamphetamine in 2017 as a way to manage raising six children, working full-time and battling stage 3 lymphoma. They were reportedly unaware of their mothers drug use at the time, though they said she eventually became sober.

Barajas loved ones described her as a generous person who often delivered food to those struggling on the streets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lucrecia was a wonderful person and served our country, said Stephanie Torres, a longtime friend.

She had her whole life ahead of her, said Amely Becerra, Barajas daughter. She was still so young.

The homeless encampment where Barajas was found has remained a chronic issue for many residents, who say the area attracts criminal activity, drug use and safety hazards.

Neighbors said the district has been neglected by city officials and despite repeated complaints, nothing is being done to curb the growing problems.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Central Florida crews continue helping Texas with flood recovery

Central Florida crews are on the ground in Texas helping search and recovery efforts from the devastating floods.

Local crews continue searching for survivors of the catastrophic flooding in Kerr County.

Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 4, based in Winter Park, left for Texas Tuesday morning to help with the recovery.

The task force searched nearly two miles of river on Friday while dealing with challenging terrain and large debris fields.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thirty-five members are part of the task force, which is specifically trained to deal with disasters like the one in Texas.

The crew says it will continue to make every effort possible to provide closure for the loved ones of those missing.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Sofia Milos, Elena Lyons Cardone, Grant Cardone at the Nathanaelle Fashion Show, Skybar, West Hollywood, CA_ 03-15-11

Grant Cardone, a prominent entrepreneur and real estate investor, has once again sparked conversation with his direct remarks about the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the broader role of taxation in American life. Cardone, known for his candid style and unapologetic views on wealth-building, recently asserted that taxes represent a significant portion of personal earnings and challenged the necessity and integrity of the IRS. He argued that the United States was most prosperous before the IRS existed and that paying taxes is not inherently patriotic.

Cardones perspective is rooted in his personal journey and professional philosophy. Rising from modest beginnings, he built a multimillion-dollar real estate empire and became a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and social media influencer. His books, such as The 10X Rule, emphasize aggressive goal-setting, self-reliance, and maximizing personal potential. Cardones brand is deeply intertwined with themes of financial independence and skepticism toward traditional financial institutions and government oversight.

More News from Barchart

Why Cardones Views Resonate

Cardones critique of the IRS and federal taxation aligns with a broader libertarian sentiment that values minimal government intervention and champions individual autonomy. His assertion that the most patriotic thing you can do is not pay the IRS a penny is consistent with his advocacy for keeping earned wealth in the hands of individuals rather than redistributing it through government programs. This viewpoint appeals to segments of the public who are frustrated with perceived government inefficiency or question the effectiveness of federal spending.

Cardones authority on financial matters stems from his business success and his role as an educator in personal finance. With millions of followers across social platforms, his opinions carry weight, particularly among aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His message, while controversial, is delivered from a position of experience in wealth creation and management.

New Tax Savings Under the OBBBA

Whether you agree or disagree with Cardones view on taxes, the passage of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) means Americans across the country will be paying substantially less in taxes this year. Its clear that Cardones ideology is seemingly shared to some extent by the current administration, with the average American now expected to take home thousands of more dollars over the next several years.
It may still be summertime, but students will be heading back to school sooner than you know it. Warren Township Schools, in fact, start in two weeks, kicking off the Back to School season in central Indiana.

Here is when Central Indiana schools head back to school this fall:

Marion County Public Schools

Indianapolis Public Schools: Aug. 4 (IPS Innovation school calendars can be found here)

Beech Grove Schools: July 30

Decatur Township: July 31

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Franklin Township: July 31

Lawrence Township: Aug. 6

Perry Township: July 30

Pike Township: July 31

Speedway Schools: Aug. 1

Warren Township: July 24 (for K-9 students), July 25 (for 10-12 students)

Washington Township: July 31

Wayne Township: July 30

More School news to know: Indiana spends $497 million on private school vouchers. Report shows who gets the money

Suburban Northside Schools

Carmel Clay Schools: Aug. 6

Hamilton Southeastern Schools: Aug. 6

Lebanon Community Schools: Aug. 7

Noblesville Schools: July 30

Westfield Washington Schools: Aug. 7

Zionsville Community Schools: Aug. 5

Suburban Westside Schools

Avon Community Schools: July 30

Brownsburg Community Schools: July 30

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Plainfield Community Schools: July 30

IN Higher Ed News: 'Academic freedom is under assault': Indiana educators fear degree cuts will redefine higher ed

Suburban Southside Schools

Center Grove Community Schools: July 31

Clark Pleasant Community Schools: July 30

Martinsville Schools: Aug. 7

Mooresville Schools: Aug. 5

Suburban Eastside Schools

Eastern Hancock Schools: Aug. 5

Greenfield-Central Community Schools: July 30

Mt. Vernon Community Schools: Aug. 6

New Palestine Community Schools: Aug. 1

Private Schools

Bishop Chatard High School: Aug. 6

Brebeuf High School: Aug. 7

Cardinal Ritter High School: Aug. 11/12

Cathedral High School: Aug. 7

Guerin Catholic High School: Aug. 14

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heritage Christian School: Aug. 8

Park-Tudor School: Aug. 12

Roncalli High School: Aug. 6

University High School: Aug. 11

Keep up with school news: Sign up for Study Hall, IndyStar's free weekly education newsletter.

Contact IndyStar reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: When does school start around Indianapolis in 2025
Monica Mayer, right, tribal councilwoman for the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, speaks after presenting Gov. Kelly Armstrong, center-left, and Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, center-right, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, with ceremonial quilts during a groundbreaking ceremony for the North Dakota Military Gallery on July 10, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

The North Dakota Military Gallery took a step forward this week as Gov. Kelly Armstrong, veterans, tribal citizens and State Historical Society members celebrated the groundbreaking.

North Dakotas military members are at the heart of this gallery, Armstrong said. He added members of all five North Dakota tribal nations have been part of an advisory committee to incorporate and plan to showcase the history of the states Indigenous service members and warrior culture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Robert Hunter Sr., director of veterans affairs for the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and an Army veteran, said the museum will be important for Native Americans who have served in the military to have a place where their stories can inspire the next generation.

I believe its great for tourism because you get to see a rich history of North Dakotans, but also the tribes that were here before them, Hunter said. Thats just a rich history that cant be forgotten.

Hunter said he is most excited to see the memorial wall at the completed gallery to honor the veterans who have fallen in combat.

Bill Peterson, director of the Historical Society of North Dakota, speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the North Dakota Military Gallery on July 10, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Construction is expected to start within the next month with completion estimated for 2027, said Brian Berg, architect for Zerr Berg Architects, the principal designers for the gallery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The total cost of the gallery project should be under the budget of $78 million, said Bill Peterson, director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota. About half of the project is expected to be paid for through private donations and the other half from state funds or lines of credit through the Bank of North Dakota.

Willie Rose of Bismarck, a Vietnam-era veteran who served in the Air Force for 19 years, said he came to the groundbreaking to see some of his veteran friends. He added he hopes the Military Gallery will be held in the same respect as honor flights that transport veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the countrys military monuments.

Just seeing people here, its so amazing to see that people really do care about veterans and what theyve been through, Rose said.

Dusty Olson of Parshall, an Army veteran, said knowing the stories of the past can help make a brighter future for service members and veterans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My folks used to say, Do it better than we did, and this is the same scenario, or maybe add onto it, Olson said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
CHIPPEWA FALLS  Chippewa Falls Police Chief Ryan Douglas said his department has been fully staffed, with everyone working shifts and no one out with an injury or in training, for just seven months in the past 10 years. It has meant a constant cycle of hiring officers.

With the Chippewa Falls Police Department perpetually having vacancies, the city might turn to increasing an incentive to hire officers from nearby agencies.

Douglas asked the citys labor and personnel committee to consider an increase to the lateral incentive, encouraging police officers from other agencies to come work for the city. He wasnt sure what would be an appropriate incentive offer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Right now, we are five short. We do have one lateral transfer we are interviewing today, Douglas said. We do experience one or two employees leaving a year. This year, weve had three.

The Police Department, at full staff, has 27 officers. Because of the current shortage, they dont have an officer participating in the West Central Drug Task Force.

Douglas told the committee there could be immediate benefits by increasing the bonus. New Chippewa Falls officers go through a 16-week training period, then remain on probation for 18 months, to make sure they are a good fit for the department and the community.

If we get a lateral, it cuts down on the hiring and training. We could have a lateral up and running in 30 days, Douglas said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The current incentive is $5,000. Councilman Scott Sullivan said hes open to increasing that incentive if it will improve public safety.

Douglas said they have not had a transfer from outside of Wisconsin, but he believes there is a state reimbursement program.

Councilman Paul Nadreau said he dislikes the idea of stealing away quality officers from neighboring municipalities. But Councilman John Monarski said its a common practice.

Thats the nature of business  you go after your competitors best players, Monarski said.

The council members generally agreed that if the transfer incentive were increased, it would be for police and firefighter/EMTs. While the committee discussed the topic, no action was taken at the meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A decade ago, the patrol staff changed to working 12-hour shifts, which had the benefit of giving officers every other weekend off. Douglas said that is now a pretty standard shift in law enforcement.

Twenty years ago, the Chippewa Falls Police Department had 27 sworn officers. However, because of tight budgets, the agency had shrunk to 23 officers through attrition, not layoffs. Over recent years, the department has climbed back to 27 sworn officers.

Douglas said additional officers have been on duty this week because of an increased presence at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair.
Jul. 10The Agri-Business Committee of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to a sizzling summer tradition at the 2025 Summer Ag Appreciation Cookout from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on July 15 at the Plager Building on the Mower County Fairgrounds.

This annual event is a community favorite with more than 1,200 pork chops served in 2024 alone.

"Our ag community deserves to be celebrated," said Joe Bower, president of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce. "This cookout brings everyone to the tableliterally and figurativelyto support the next generation of agriculture."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tickets are $20 a ticket for a meal that includes Windsor pork chops and all the fixings served up by local ag supporters.

Tickets will be available at the door and all proceeds support several agricultural programs in the region including:

3rd Graders Day on the Farm

Future Farmers of America (FFA)

4-H

Dairy Princesses

Corn & Soybean Growers Association

Pork Producers

National Barrow Show
Protesters clashed with US immigration agents conducting a raid at a legal cannabis farm in California, with the FBI saying it was searching for a man who "appeared to fire a gun" at authorities during the unrest.

Migrant rights activists were among the protesters who were ment with tear gas near a legal cannabis plantation in Ventura County some 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Los Angeles.

The FBI was offering a $50,000 reward for information on the suspect after tense and chaotic encounters between protestors and federal agents Thursday at what officials described as a "marijuana farm."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Video broadcast by local news channel ABC7 showed a man pointing a gun at targets off camera and firing several times.

"During a lawful search today, a man appeared to fire a gun at law enforcement," the Federal Bureau of Investigation posted on X.

"A reward up to $50K is offered for information leading to a conviction."

US Attorney for California Bill Essayli said on X that federal agents had "already arrested multiple individuals for impeding this operation" and warned others against interfering with the law enforcement action.

The raid comes as President Donald Trump's administration has intensified its immigration crackdown across the United States, targeting what it says are criminal enterprises exploiting vulnerable populations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The incident sparked a war of words on social media between California Governor Gavin Newsom and federal officials after authorities said they discovered 10 juveniles at the facility, including eight unaccompanied minors in the country illegally.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said the discovery of 10 juveniles had triggered an investigation into potential child labour violations, calling it "Newsom's California."

The Democratic governor fired back on social media, accusing Trump of targeting families and farmworkers while defending California's record on prosecuting child exploitation.

"Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields," Newsom wrote. "Trump calls me 'Newscum'  but he's the real scum."

The Department of Homeland Security responded on X by questioning why children were working at the "marijuana facility."

abs/mlm
CHIPPEWA FALLS  Child sexual assault charges were dismissed Wednesday, on the day a trial was slated to begin, because the victim in the case could not be located.

Nicholas A. Chatfield, 42, 5640 165th St., was charged in Chippewa County Court with sexual assault of a child under the age of 16 and repeated sexual assault of a child. He entered a not guilty plea in July 2024. The three-day trial was set to begin Wednesday before Judge Benjamin Lane.

However, District Attorney Wade Newell informed the court that he has been unable to locate the girl, so he asked Lane to dismiss the case without prejudice, and Lane obliged. That means Newell retains the option to refile the charges in the future if he chooses to do so.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Court records show that several people were subpoenaed in the past week to appear and testify at the trial.

When Chatfield was arrested, he was released on a signature bond, so he has not been in police custody.

According to the criminal complaint, the girl told an investigator that she was sexually assaulted multiple times by Chatfield at a residence in the city of Chippewa Falls, as well as in his truck and at a home in the Lake Wissota area. The assaults included sexual intercourse. She said the assaults began when she was 11 years old and continued for four years, and the most recent assault occurred in April or May of 2022.

Chatfield has no prior criminal record in Wisconsin, online court records show.
Authorities say a new acquaintance sleeping in a car in a familys yard climbed into a 12-year-old girls bedroom window and tried to sexually assault her.

Thammathorn Laohalertdecha, of St. Paul, who turns 26 on Saturday, was charged Thursday in Ramsey County District Court with first-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual contact and burglary, according to the criminal complaint.

The criminal complaint gave the following details of the incident:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police say shortly after midnight on Wednesday, they were called to a house in the 390th block of Blair Avenue in St. Paul on reports that a man had broken into a girls bedroom through her window and tried to sexually assault her while holding a hand over her mouth.

The girl screamed and punched him and called family members on her phone during the struggle.

A family member who was alerted to the attack by the girls muffled screams came into the bedroom and charged the man, who tried to crawl back out the window. Instead, family members captured him and dragged him outside of the house into the backyard. When one family member let go of the man, allegedly so another family member could strike him with a piece of wood, Laohalertdecha managed to run away and down the alley.

During the investigation, authorities learned that a family member had met Laohalertdecha earlier in the week through a mutual friend. He was helping the man get a car and some money. During that process he took a picture of the mans identification from Thailand so he could help sell him a car. He told police that Laohalertdecha was homeless and he was letting him sleep in a car in their yard but that he didnt have permission to come into the house, even to use the restroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At one point, Laohalertdecha allegedly asked to speak to the 12-year-old girl but was told that she was a child.

Related Articles

Later in the day on July 9, Laohalertdecha reached out to the family member who let him sleep in the car and said he wanted to meet to discuss what had happened. Laohalertdecha said he was on the 300 block of Hatch Avenue.

The family member called police, who went to the location and arrested Laohalertdecha. He refused to speak to the police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Laohalertdecha was charged with one count of first-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct with someone under 14, one count of second-degree criminal sexual contact with someone under 14 and one count of first-degree burglary with assault on a person. He is being held on $200,000 bail.

No attorney for Laohalertdecha is listed on the criminal complaint.
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk sounded the alarm on Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdanis run for New York City mayor, Friday, and why young people need to choose optimism over "grievance-based politics."

Kirk joined "Fox & Friends" where he was asked about Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan who has been tying himself to Mamdani, and what a socialist mayor in New York City would mean for the Democratic Party.

"The Mamdani effect is going to metastasize in the Democrat Party. Now, how successful it will be in a general election, I dont know, I still have my skepticism. But the Mamdani effect is grievance-based politics, playing into peoples bitterness, and also playing into the economic disorder that Biden left us," Kirk said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

City-run Grocery Stores, Defunding Police, Safe Injection Sites: What To Know About Nyc's Next Potential Mayor

Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk sounded the alarm on Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdanis run for New York City mayor.

"President Trump is going to fix this, and he is aiming to fix this," Kirk continued. "But understand, for the younger voters that I represent and the younger voters that delivered the White House for President Trump, they cant afford homes, theyre increasingly renting, theyre not getting married, theyre not having children, so there are two ways this can go."

Kirk said young people can either take an "optimistic, patriotic vision like President Trump is offering," or a "very dark and sinister vision  one that is anti-Western, anti-American, anti-civilization." He believes far-left Democrats like Mamdani have embraced the latter.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I believe this effect will only continue in the Democrat Party for years to come," Kirk said.

The Plot To Stop Mamdani: Democrats Scramble To Block Far-left Takeover In New York

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani takes the stage at his primary election party.

"Fox & Friends" aired footage of Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin downplaying concerns from Jewish colleagues about Mamdani, who has drawn criticism for not condemning calls to "globalize the intifada" in earlier interviews. The term is widely seen as a call for violence against Jews and Israelis, but Mamdani has said he's not out to police speech.

"You might think the Democrats are going to moderate. You might think that I went on Gavin Newsoms show, and hes going to move to the middle. No, no, no, the rise of Mamdani and that ridiculous statement from Ken Martin shows the canary in the coal mine is [that] the Democrats are going to double and triple down on an anti-civilizational agenda," Kirk said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They are going to go more in the encampment direction that we saw at Columbia University and Harvard University, which should be for everybody in the audience, a chilling alternative if we do not maintain Republican majorities," he continued. "The Democrats are going to offer stuff that we have not seen in this country ever."





Original article source: Charlie Kirk warns Mamdani effect metastasizing in the Democratic Party with grievance-based politics
UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Union County sheriffs investigators say they rarely receive calls about genuine kidnappings, but Wednesday night, they got a call that investigators believe was the real deal.

Officials used every resource they had to find the woman and bring her to safety.

This was a genuine kidnapping abduction related to a domestic violence-type assault, said Union County Sheriff Public Information Officer Lt. James Maye.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Union County deputies went to a home off of Old Camden Road regarding a possible kidnapping of a woman in her early twenties.

Investigators say the victim had been ambushed and choked by her ex-boyfriend, 23-year-old Logan Calaway. Officials say Calaway put the woman in her own car and drove away.

PREVIOUS: Man accused of strangling, kidnapping Matthews woman now in custody

He wasnt in the house. Everything would appear at this time with the victim pulled into her driveway and he attacked her from like wood line, Lt. Maye said.

In a matter of hours, Calaway and the victim were found in Bennettsville, South Carolina, through the use of flock cameras, which can read license plates. But investigators say this wasnt Calaways first time kidnapping his ex-girlfriend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hed already been arrested for a previous incident in Matthews, where officials say he also forced the victim into a BMW.

He was free for that incident on a $45,000 bond.

We believe that based on the swift action of our detectives, our deputies and the South Carolina deputies, that we would potentially save her life, he said.

Calaway now sits in a Union County jail cell under a $1 million bond and numerous charges, including violating a domestic protection order.

He didnt have any regard for that. He just went ahead and committed these severe crimes anyway, which is all that more important that we got him off the street, he said. We are going to file every applicable criminal offense against him to make sure hes held accountable and hopefully kept off streets for the for the foreseeable future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lt. Maye encourages victims and potential domestic violence victims to call 911, so records can be kept. He also urges neighbors to be alert of their surroundings and if issues continue, begin a protective order process.

MORE: Man arrested after violently kidnapping woman from her parents Union County home, weeks after kidnapping her in Matthews: UCSO

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)  The Chatham County Fire Department (CCFD) responded to a house fire at Finn Court Thursday.

Firefighters were dispatched at 6:21 p.m. and were able to control the fire within six minutes, a spokesperson said.

No one was injured and a spokesperson said they cant rule out a possible lightning strike as a potential cause of the fire.

Chatham County Fire Department

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Myomo, Inc. (NYSE:MYO) is one of the 10 Best Small Cap Robotics Stocks to Buy Now. On June 18, the company held an Investor and Analyst Day to assess the companys business model and long-term aspirations.

The company cited its Q1 FY2025 performance and mentioned that its lead generation capabilities helped recover the challenges faced earlier in the quarter. Myomos management highlighted that prospective MyoPro patients are an untapped market, and the company is yet to reach saturation with its advertising.

Myomo Reveals its $100 Revenue Goal During Investor Day

Kutlayev Dmitry/Shutterstock.com

The company also presented its goal of $100 million in annual revenue by 2028. Of this, $15 million of revenue is to come from international customers and $20 million from its O&P channel.

Myomo, Inc. (NYSE:MYO) is a wearable robotics company that offers functionality to patients suffering from neurological disorders and upper limb paralysis.

While we acknowledge the potential of MYO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Jul. 11Both of Maine's U.S. House representatives, Democrats Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, joined 150 members of Congress in a letter this week demanding that the Trump administration release $7 billion in withheld education funds, including $26 million for Maine schools.

The funding was expected to be disbursed July 1, but the Maine Department of Education issued a priority notice to districts informing them that several programs were still under review by the federal government and that the funding could be delayed until as late as September.

The impacted programs are part of federal Title funding and include support for teacher training, language instruction for English learners, migrant education and student support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the Thursday letter, addressed to Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the Democratic lawmakers condemned the "illegal" withholding of funds, requested answers from the administration on its review process and demanded that the funding be released immediately.

"There is no legitimate reason why any review of these programs should prevent the Administration from fulfilling its responsibility to the American people on time," the letter concludes. "No more excuses  follow the law and release the funding meant for our schools, teachers, and families."

View this document on Scribd

The money represents at least 10% of federal K-12 funding in each state, Pingree said in an emailed statement Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is not a delay; this is theft of taxpayer dollars that our schools desperately need to keep teachers in classrooms, provide after-school programs, train educators, serve English learners and migrant students, and deliver academic support for our most vulnerable children," she said.

Pingree called the freeze a "brazen violation of the law" and described it as part of the Trump administration's broader assault on public education.

The 1st District Democrat said that in addition to signing the letter, she's working with colleagues and the House Appropriations Committee to get the funding quickly restored. The delay will leave Maine schools unprepared for the start of the school year, Pingree said, and some schools have already been forced to lay off employees who are supported by federal programs.

"Public schools are already stretched thin  class sizes have grown, teachers remain overworked and underpaid, and our students need every available resource to succeed," Pingree said.

Golden, who represents Maine's 2nd District, also signed the letter, but his office did not return a request for comment Friday afternoon.

Copy the Story Link
The Brief

Daniel Alvarado, 20, has been charged with first-degree murder in the July 5 shooting death of a 47-year-old man in Chicago.

He was arrested July 8 on the citys West Side and is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

CHICAGO - A 20-year-old Chicago man has been charged in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred over the violent Fourth of July weekend.

What we know

Daniel Alvarado, 20, of Chicago, was arrested by Chicago police on July 8 in the 4300 block of W. 25th Place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was identified as the person who fatally shot a 47-year-old man on July 5 in the 2600 block of South Central Park Avenue, according to police.

(Chicago Police Department)

Alvarado has been charged with one felony count of first-degree murder, authorities said.

What's next

His next court hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 11.

The Source

Details for this story were provided by the Chicago Police Department.
The Brief

Anitra Davis, 28, went missing June 15 while battling severe postpartum psychosis.

She was hospitalized for 10 days but was unexpectedly discharged; family only learned from her roommate.

Davis has no phone or money; police ask anyone with information to come forward.

CHICAGO - The family of a missing Chicago mother is pleading for help nearly a month after she disappeared while suffering from what they describe as postpartum psychosis.

What we know

Anitra Davis, 28, also known as Grace, was last seen on June 15 leaving her home in the 7600 block of South Yates Boulevard. Her family said she was walking to church and never returned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The next day, Davis was reportedly identified at a hospital and later transferred to Loyolas MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, where she stayed under care for 10 days.

Her mother said she was unaware of her daughters whereabouts until Davis roommate called to say she had been discharged.

"They released her because her time  she timed out. They let her out without anything. Without calling us. How would the hospital let her go like that? I don't understand it. I don't understand it at all," said Davis' mother Rae Wilkerson.

Its still unclear why Davis was released. According to her mother, the roommate said Davis was not acting like herself and was talking to herself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Davis, who has been struggling with severe postpartum depression, is the mother of a 10-month-old boy and a 2-year-old girl.

What's next

Family members believe Davis may be in a shelter. She does not have a phone or money.

The hospital released a statement, saying they aren't allowed to discuss patient medical records per state law.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact Chicago police.
Chicago Public Schools announced a second round of summer layoffs Friday, firing 1,458 employees to adjust for enrollment and programming changes.

The layoffs include 432 teachers  representing 1.8% of the teaching staff  including 132 special education teachers. Also affected were 311 paraprofessionals including teaching assistants and school-related personnel, 33 security officers and 677 special education classroom assistants.

CPS evaluates staffing and resource allocation at the start of each school year. But this years finalization of school-level budgets, or the specific allocation of money to each school, was pushed from June to July amid the districts ongoing fiscal challenges. The district is facing a $734 million budget deficit, according to interim CEO Macquline King.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Only 48 more employees were laid off this year than last, a 3.2% increase, the district said in a statement.

These changes, while necessary to ensure effective allocation of resources, are approached with care and consideration, the statement said. We recognize that any staffing change can be difficult, and we are committed to supporting our valued employees through this process.

In an interview with Tribune, district Chief Budget Officer Michael Sitkowski and Chief Talent Officer Ben Felton said the layoffs are related to school-level budgets released in May, and do not alleviate the districts budget shortfall. It is unclear if more layoffs could occur in the coming months.

Its too early to say, Sitkowski said. At this point were looking at everything, but committed to finding a solution that is student-centered and that does our best to protect our schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In previous years, more than 80% of affected employees have been able to secure new employment within the CPS before the school year begins, the district said in a statement. CPS said it will hold multiple hiring fairs this summer, in close coordination with our labor partners, to help affected employees connect with new opportunities within the District.

The district said affected employees can also opt into layoff prevention pools, where CPS guarantees to rehire displaced staffers at other schools. The pool for special education classroom assistants, or SECAs, has space for 300 employees, Felton said.

Im confident that were going to be able to reemploy the vast majority of the SECAs that were impacted today, he said.

Notably, more SECAs were fired than school-related personnel. SECAs are similar to teaching assistants, but there is a slight variation in their job descriptions and they are represented by different unions. The Service Employees International Union Local 73 represents SECAs, and the Chicago Teachers Union represents the teaching assistants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Amid teachers contract negotiations in early December, SEIU threatened to sue the teachers union over a proposal that it claimed would effectively take jobs from SEIU and give them to CTU by moving SECAs into teaching assistant roles. The clash between the two historically aligned unions escalated after SEIU passed a resolution declaring itself under attack.

The conflict ultimately soured relationships between the leadership of the top labor unions and left a rift.

The district said special education staffing is based on the documented needs of students with disabilities. Felton said the number of SECAs a school employs corresponds to the needs of students with individualized education plans, or IEPs. The staffing of paraprofessionals, meanwhile, is determined by schools budgets.

In an email to members Friday, CTU leaders expressed concern that the layoffs were concentrated among special education employees, who already operate at a ratio that does not meet our students needs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead of a restful summer break, were in the middle of what has become a harmful and distressing annual ritual at CPS, the union told members.

SEIU Local 73 attributed the layoffs to a lack of sufficient state funding, coupled with looming federal cuts under the Trump administration.

We remain hopeful that the city and boards leaders can work with the state to mitigate these cuts so the workers do not bear the brunt, the union said in a statement.

SEIU Local 73 also denounced the cuts to SECA staffing, and said that neither the union nor parent advocacy groups were consulted.

The layoffs come two weeks after 161 employees were fired, including 87 crossing guards. The district had also announced that 209 vacant positions would not be filled. The school year begins Aug. 18.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CPS officials have yet to approve a budget for the upcoming school year, which is due Aug. 29. Facing an estimated deficit of $734 million, the districts budget plan released this spring relied on $300 million in funding from the city and state, which has yet to materialize.

The district has already identified about $165 million in cuts to reduce the shortfall, Sitkowski said. That includes administrative cuts, as well as reductions in operational spending and vendor contracts. But that still leaves CPS with $569 million to address.

As weve mentioned, we are looking at everything right now, both on the revenue and the expense side, in terms of different opportunities that we have to balance the budget and get the board to approve a balanced budget in August, Sitkowski said.

Tribune reporter Talia Soglin contributed.
EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  A 3-year-old child was among four victims who were injured in a shooting in East Harlem Thursday night, according to the NYPD.

Police said it happened on East 122nd Street around 9 p.m. A suspect wearing all black opened fire on the block, according to authorities.

More Local News

Police said a 25-year-old woman, a 33-year-old man and a 36-year-old man were all shot. The child suffered injuries from a fall that happened during the incident, according to authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police said all four victims were rushed to local hospitals. A neighbor told PIX11 News there was a barbecue being held and the child was walking with their mother before gunshots rang out.

The victims are not cooperating with the investigation, sources told PIX11 News.

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).

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Child care provider Corrine Hendrickson addresses a rally in front of the state Capitol Friday demanding a re-do on the state budget to increase child care funding. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner)

While Gov. Tony Evers has touted the new state budgets child care funds as a compromise victory, some providers say theyre deeply disappointed.

This was not a win, said Bloomer child care provider Caitlin Mitchell at a rally outside the Capitol Friday morning organized by Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed (WECAN). It was a temporary fix with long-term consequences.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A press release from Evers office after he signed the budget early on July 3 said the document contains Over $360 million to support Wisconsins child care industry and help lower child care costs for working families, a third of which is in direct payments to providers.

A majority of Democratic lawmakers voted against the budget, citing shortcomings in funding for public schools as well as for child care. Assembly and Senate Democrats who voted in favor of the plan described it as a compromise.

I really really wish that the governor and the Democrats had just admitted that this was the best that they could do and that its still not good, Corrine Hendrickson, a child care provider and WECAN co-founder, told reporters at the Friday morning rally.

Everything were being told about the budget absolutely does not help children in our state at all, said WECANs other co-founder, Brooke Legler. The only compromise was the childrens safety. And this isnt OK.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WECAN members say that the budgets child care funding is well short of what they need, and that regulatory changes are bad for providers, families and children.

A pilot program increases Wisconsin Shares payments by up to $200 a month if providers agree to higher ratios of four children to one teacher for children 18 months or younger, and seven children to one teacher for children 18 months to 2 years old. Wisconsin Shares subsidizes child care for low-income families.

According to Hendrickson, the ratio increase lowers the quality of care, and tying it to the subsidy program treats the poorer children differently than the rest of the children in care.

Those children deserve to have more time and attention, she said in her address to the rally. Their parents are loving, their parents are caring, but their parents are stressed because theyre in poverty and that affects those kids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Child care providers should refuse to participate in that pilot, she said.

Another provision lowers the minimum age for an assistant child care teacher to 16 from 18, while retaining the education requirements for the position.

Sixteen-year-olds are wonderful human beings but they are not teachers of young children, said Hendrickson.

Those exact same policies were presented two years ago through the normal process of creating a bill. And we as a state overwhelmingly said no, said Legler. It did not even make it out of committee.

In addition to $110 million in direct payments to providers, the child care totals other big ticket items include $123 million to increase reimbursements that providers get for children in the Wisconsin Shares subsidy program and $65 million for providers who participate in a new school readiness program similar to 4-year-old kindergarten.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The $110 million direct payments, which would end after the budgets first year, amount to about one-fourth of the $480 million that Evers originally sought. His budget proposal aimed to continue the states Child Care Counts program, funded by federal pandemic relief money.

At its height, Child Care Counts paid out $20 million a month and was credited with helping providers boost wages for child care teachers without raising tuition for parents. Two years ago the Evers administration dialed the program back to $10 million a month to stretch out its payments. The federal funds have now run out.

So, no, tuition prices will not be lowering; in fact, they will be going up next month to cover this loss, or providers will be closing their doors, especially in rural areas.

 Letter from child care providers group WECAN to Gov. Tony Evers, criticizing the state budget's child care funding.

In a survey of child care providers earlier this year the University of Wisconsin Institute for Research on Poverty reported that about one in four said they could close without continued payments. Evers cited the survey during the spring while campaigning for his original $480 million child care proposal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WECAN leaders sent Evers a statement Friday, calling on him to order a special session of the Legislature and seek the full amount of child care support that he originally submitted for the 2025-27 state budget.

Were asking Gov. Evers to finish whats been started, Mitchell said in her rally speech. Temporary funding and weakened standards are not enough. We need a comprehensive long-term investment in child care.

After the 2023-25 budget was enacted without the child care investment that Evers sought, the governor called a special session and introduced a bill that included funding for child care, education and other priorities. The Legislatures Republican majority rewrote the bill, replacing his provisions with tax cut measures that Evers vetoed.

Hendrickson acknowledged the outcome of the special session call two years ago, but said in an interview that Evers should pursue effort anyway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is the only thing that we can do to keep this in front of everybody, to keep it top of mind, she said.

The $110 million over the next 11 months is around 20% less than we are currently receiving, WECANs letter to the governor states. So, no, tuition prices will not be lowering; in fact, they will be going up next month to cover this loss, or providers will be closing their doors, especially in rural areas.

The WECAN statement tells Evers that his public assertion that the child care provisions will lower costs creates confusion and parents will blame us; disrupting our important relationship due to the distrust your words have sown.

Legler told the Wisconsin Examiner later Friday that when the WECAN group delivered the letter and spoke with Evers communications director, Britt Cudaback, the conversation didnt go well from her perspective.

We felt very minimized, unheard and condescended to, Legler said.

Evers office has not responded to requests for comment.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Child care provider Nicolle Orozco Forero (center) and her two children Juan David and Daniel are being detained by ICE, leaving many families she supports without child care. (Courtesy Stephanie Wishon)

This story was originally reported by Chabeli Carrazana of The 19th. Meet Chabeli and read more of her reporting on gender, politics and policy.

Two years ago, Nicolle Orozco Forero walked into an in-home day care in Seattle, Washington, looking for a job. She was barely 22, a whole five feet tall  if that. But she was calm, focused. Her presence struck the owner, Stephanie Wishon, because its not easy to find qualified staff who can work with children with disabilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Orozco Forero had experience working with kids who had autism back in Colombia, so Wishon had her come in for a trial run and hired her after the first day. The children, who needed someone who had love and care to give in abundance, gravitated toward her. She was good at the hardest stuff. She changed diapers and outfits the moment they were soiled. She was vigilant; her kids stayed pristine. And she got them to do the things they wouldnt do for other people, like say ah when it was time to get their teeth brushed or sit still long enough for her to twist a braid down their back.

Some people just have that way about them.

And people like Orozco Forero are exceptionally rare. Already, the staffing shortage in child care is near crisis levels. Its far worse for children with disabilities  about a third of those families say they face significant difficulty finding care for their kids, partly because there are too few people with the ability, expertise or desire to work with their children. Immigrant women like Orozco Forero have been helping to fill that void. They now make up 20 percent of all child care workers.

At home, Orozco Forero was also caring for her own young boys, one of whom started to show symptoms of a serious illness over the past two years that doctors have not yet been able to diagnose. She took some time off to care for him last year, before returning to the kids at Wishons day care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her work has kept an already precarious safety net together. Without women like Orozco Forero, families who have nowhere else to turn for care have to make difficult decisions about how to survive and keep their children safe. Without her, the safety net snaps.

And thats exactly what happened on June 18, the day she was detained.

It was supposed to be a routine meeting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Orozco Forero and her husband had been to all their monthly meetings for the past year and change, since their asylum charge was denied in April 2024.

The family  Orozco Forero; her husband, Juan Sebastian Moreno Acosta; and their two sons, Juan David, 7, and Daniel, 5  fled Colombia two years ago. Moreno Acosta, a street vendor, had been persecuted by gangs who target vendors for money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After arriving in the United States, they sought the help of a lawyer with their asylum claim, but when they couldnt pay his full fee ahead of their hearing, he pulled out. They represented themselves in court and lost the case. With no knowledge of the U.S. court system, they didnt know they had 30 days to appeal the ruling, either. Ever since, ICE has been monitoring them, requiring they wear a wrist tracker and meet with an immigration officer once a month, sometimes more, according to a family member. (The 19th is not naming the family member to protect their identity.) Its unclear why ICE has allowed them to stay in the country all this time, though its not necessarily uncommon; ICE typically prioritized immigrants with felonies for deportation.

Orozco Forero had seen the reports of illegal immigrants being rounded up at their immigration appointments. President Donald Trumps mass deportation effort has led to the detention of about 30,000 migrants with no criminal record, like Orozco Forero, who now make up about half of those detained. Her husband does have a misdemeanor reckless driving conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol on his record, but he completed a court-mandated alcohol course for that and has no other convictions.

Still, Orozco Forero wasnt worried when she headed to her appointment on the morning of June 18. If ICE planned to detain her, Orozco Forero thought, they would have asked her to come with the boys, right?

And she had been doing everything right: Shed gone to all her appointments, taken documentation to show she was going to school at Green River Community College taking courses in English and early childhood education. She had completed a child care internship that trained her to open her own licensed in-home day care. Her licensure approval was set to arrive any moment, likely that same week, and the day care was just about ready to go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But that morning, her family was still wary, asking her to share her location just in case.

Shortly after 10 a.m., Orozco Forero texted her family member: They are going to deport us

Nicolle what happened? Nicolle answer me, they texted back. What do I do?

I cant speak I feel like Im going to faint, Orozco Forero replied. And then: Im sorry it wasnt what we expected.

Two-and-a-half hours west, on the coast of Washington in a town called Southbend, Wishon was frantic. Orozco Forero had texted her, too. ICE was asking for the boys.

In two years, Wishon had grown incredibly close to Orozco Forero, who had cared for her own kids. After her family moved to the coast, Wishon rented out her house in Seattle to Orozco Forero, whose boys were excited to have a home with a yard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wishons husband, Gabriel, hopped into his truck and headed to Seattle. Wishon, meanwhile, got on the phone with the Orozco Forero familys ICE agent and every lawyer she could. They were going to take them into detention at a facility 2,200 miles away in Texas, a facility that was reopened earlier this year by the Trump administration to detain families. Wishon wanted to find a lawyer who could stop the deportation order, and she wanted to make sure the boys would be reunited with their parents if they took them to meet the ICE agent.

Nicolle Orozco Foreros sons play with a child their mother takes care of. (Courtesy Stephanie Wishon)

And that was especially important, not just because they were young children, but because Juan David is still sick.

For the past year, hes been seeking treatment at Seattle Childrens Hospital for an illness that is turning his urine muddy. So far, doctors have determined hes losing red blood cells and protein through his urine, indicating a possible kidney issue, but they havent yet zeroed in on what is causing the problem. They likely need a kidney biopsy to be sure.

Given the complexity of his case, it is essential that Juan remain in the United States for continued testing and treatment, his nephrologist Jordan Symons wrote in a March letter to ICE. We kindly request that you consider this medical necessity in your review of his immigration status and grant him the ability to stay in the United States until his treatment and evaluation are completed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Juan Davids care team has been monitoring him closely to ensure his red blood cell and protein levels never drop too low. His condition could become serious quickly.

You can die from that, said Sarah Kasnick, a physicians assistant who is familiar with his case. Kasnick is also a foster parent, and Orozco Forero provided care for her family.

When Gabriel Wishon arrived to pick up the boys, they were confused and disoriented. Where were their parents? Why was everyone crying? They didnt want to go to Colombia, they told him on the drive. They wanted to stay in the United States.

Around 5:30 p.m. that evening, he met with the ICE agent, who had waited past her work hours for them to arrive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bye boys, you are going to see your parents right now. They are right inside, Wishon told them. He watched them walk in carrying two stuffed animals, a Super Mario doll and Chase, the popular cartoon dog dressed as a police officer.

The families Orozco Forero cares for are now in a free fall.

Jessica Cocson, whose son has been in Orozco Foreros care for more than a year, described her in a character letter to ICE as a blessing to us in ways I struggle to fully express.

Orozco Forero and her husband support working families, provide quality childcare, and demonstrate compassion and commitment every day, Cocson wrote. It is heartbreaking to think that someone who gives so much and asks so little could be forced to leave.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tamia Riley, whose two sons with autism were also in Orozco Foreros care, said losing her was like watching a father walking out the door.

These people, these day care providers, sitters, they are a form of family members for me and my children, Riley said.

Now, the day care she was set to open lays empty. Inside, the walls are plastered with posters listing colors and sight words. There are cushioned mats on the floor and play stations. Tables with tiny chairs. A tall pink dollhouse. High chairs and a pack and play for the babies. Outside, two play houses, a ball pit, toys to ride on and little picnic tables set across an artificial turf. But no children to enjoy any of it.

Big Dreams Day Care she was going to call it, for the dreams she wanted the kids in her care to strive for, and the ones that were finally coming to fruition for her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Orozco Foreros detention has rattled child care workers across the country. In Texas, workers represented by the Service Employees International Union have been rallying in her name. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat, spoke in support of the familys release at a rally on June 29 in San Antonio. And a group of union workers is attempting to deliver supplies to the family. Its an effort Orozco Forero knows little about; she only has limited communication with those on the outside.

Tricia Schroeder, the president of the Seattle-based SEIU chapter that represents care workers, said that, for years unions like hers have been working to improve quality, access and affordability in child care, a system in such deep crisis its been called by the Treasury Department a textbook example of a broken market.

Immigrant women like Orozco Forero were part of that effort to improve access, doing jobs few Americans want to take on.

Detaining child care providers, especially those who care for kids with special needs, just deepens the crisis in early learning, Schroeder said.

Nicolle Orozco Forero was going to community college for early childhood education and planned to open her own daycare before she was detained by ICE. (Courtesy Stephanie Wishon)

Orozco Forero was also the connective tissue that kept families employed. Her loss has rippled across industries.

Kasnick, the foster parent, said one of the children in her care had been tentatively set to start at Orozco Foreros day care as soon as it opened. Orozco Forero had been the only provider who would take the child, who has autism and is nonverbal.

Orozco Forero had cared for the girl at Wishons day care as if she was her own, even taking her in once when the childs care had fallen through and no foster family in the entire county would take her in because of the complexity of her needs. The girl arrived at Orozco Foreros house at midnight on a weekend with no clothing, toys, medication or any of her belongings  this did not [deter] Nicolle and Sebastian instead they immediately went and purchased all the things the child needed, a social worker wrote in a letter to ICE. Kasnick said Orozco Forero was even considering becoming a foster parent.

Without her, Kasnick is out of options: She quit her job as a physicians assistant to care for the child after Orozco Forero was detained.

There are now 44 patients a day who dont have anyone to provide their health care, and I cant go to work because Nicolles day care didnt open, Kasnick said.

In the weeks since, Kasnick has had an overwhelming feeling of helplessness, she said. How could this happen to someone who gave back so much?

The security of knowing that you can be in your home one day and in a prison the next week, and you didnt do anything except exist? she said. It makes you feel like theres no good left in the world.

Orozco Foreros family has now been in ICE detention for nearly a month awaiting a bond hearing that could buy them time in the United States. Orozco Forero and the boys are together; her husband is in the same facility but separated from them.

Juan David hasnt been eating. It took three weeks for him to receive medical care, Orozco Forero told her attorney, James Costo.

Costo has been working to get the details of why ICE allowed the family to stay in the country with monitoring after they lost their asylum case last year. There has been an order for their deportation since then, but ICE never attempted to deport them until the Trump administration ramped up efforts. The number of immigrants without criminal convictions who have been detained has doubled since May.

The process to fight an asylum claim and appeal a denial is complicated  there are court deadlines, documents that need to be submitted and translated.

They think maybe they can do it themselves and go in and say what happened but they are not understanding the whole legal process, Costo said. The system isnt made for things to be easy.

Costo is hopeful a judge will allow them to stay in the country temporarily as Juan David seeks care. They have almost no family left in Colombia, and no way to obtain care for him there, their family said. If they can stay, then perhaps Orozco Forero could try to obtain a work visa as a domestic worker.

He has gathered letters of support from numerous people whose lives the Orozco Forero family touched, and Wishon set up a GoFundMe to cover her legal expenses.

In the letters, Juan Davids first grade teachers call him an exceptional student who went from one of the lowest reading levels in the class  10 words a minute  to one of the highest at 70 words a minute.

He shows the qualities of a model citizen at a young age  dependable, ethical, and hard-working, wrote his teacher, Carla Trujillo.

They were all on their way to shaping a better future, Wishon wrote in hers. The couple worked tirelessly to build a better life for their children and to open their own licensed child care business. In all my years of employing and mentoring caregivers, I have rarely met a couple as responsible, driven, and capable as Nicolle and Sebastian.

This family is not a threat, she concluded. They are an asset.
Childcare provider Nicolle Orozco Forero (center) and her two children Juan David and Daniel are being detained by ICE, leaving many families she supports without child care. (Courtesy Stephanie Wishon)

This story was originally reported by Chabeli Carrazana of The 19th. Meet Chabeli and read more of her reporting on gender, politics and policy.

Two years ago, Nicolle Orozco Forero walked into an in-home day care in Seattle, Washington, looking for a job. She was barely 22, a whole five feet tall  if that. But she was calm, focused. Her presence struck the owner, Stephanie Wishon, because its not easy to find qualified staff who can work with children with disabilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Orozco Forero had experience working with kids who had autism back in Colombia, so Wishon had her come in for a trial run and hired her after the first day. The children, who needed someone who had love and care to give in abundance, gravitated toward her. She was good at the hardest stuff. She changed diapers and outfits the moment they were soiled. She was vigilant; her kids stayed pristine. And she got them to do the things they wouldnt do for other people, like say ah when it was time to get their teeth brushed or sit still long enough for her to twist a braid down their back.

Some people just have that way about them.

And people like Orozco Forero are exceptionally rare. Already, the staffing shortage in child care is near crisis levels. Its far worse for children with disabilities  about a third of those families say they face significant difficulty finding care for their kids, partly because there are too few people with the ability, expertise or desire to work with their children. Immigrant women like Orozco Forero have been helping to fill that void. They now make up 20 percent of all child care workers.

At home, Orozco Forero was also caring for her own young boys, one of whom started to show symptoms of a serious illness over the past two years that doctors have not yet been able to diagnose. She took some time off to care for him last year, before returning to the kids at Wishons day care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her work has kept an already precarious safety net together. Without women like Orozco Forero, families who have nowhere else to turn for care have to make difficult decisions about how to survive and keep their children safe. Without her, the safety net snaps.

And thats exactly what happened on June 18, the day she was detained.

It was supposed to be a routine meeting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Orozco Forero and her husband had been to all their monthly meetings for the past year and change, since their asylum charge was denied in April 2024.

The family  Orozco Forero; her husband, Juan Sebastian Moreno Acosta; and their two sons, Juan David, 7, and Daniel, 5  fled Colombia two years ago. Moreno Acosta, a street vendor, had been persecuted by gangs who target vendors for money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After arriving in the United States, they sought the help of a lawyer with their asylum claim, but when they couldnt pay his full fee ahead of their hearing, he pulled out. They represented themselves in court and lost the case. With no knowledge of the U.S. court system, they didnt know they had 30 days to appeal the ruling, either. Ever since, ICE has been monitoring them, requiring they wear a wrist tracker and meet with an immigration officer once a month, sometimes more, according to a family member. (The 19th is not naming the family member to protect their identity.) Its unclear why ICE has allowed them to stay in the country all this time, though its not necessarily uncommon; ICE typically prioritized immigrants with felonies for deportation.

Orozco Forero had seen the reports of undocumented immigrants being rounded up at their immigration appointments. President Donald Trumps mass deportation effort has led to the detention of about 30,000 migrants with no criminal record, like Orozco Forero, who now make up about half of those detained. Her husband does have a misdemeanor reckless driving conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol on his record, but he completed a court-mandated alcohol course for that and has no other convictions.

Still, Orozco Forero wasnt worried when she headed to her appointment on the morning of June 18. If ICE planned to detain her, Orozco Forero thought, they would have asked her to come with the boys, right?

And she had been doing everything right: Shed gone to all her appointments, taken documentation to show she was going to school at Green River Community College taking courses in English and early childhood education. She had completed a child care internship that trained her to open her own licensed in-home day care. Her licensure approval was set to arrive any moment, likely that same week, and the day care was just about ready to go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But that morning, her family was still wary, asking her to share her location just in case.

Shortly after 10 a.m., Orozco Forero texted her family member: They are going to deport us

Nicolle what happened? Nicolle answer me, they texted back. What do I do?

I cant speak I feel like Im going to faint, Orozco Forero replied. And then: Im sorry it wasnt what we expected.

Two-and-a-half hours west, on the coast of Washington in a town called Southbend, Wishon was frantic. Orozco Forero had texted her, too. ICE was asking for the boys.

In two years, Wishon had grown incredibly close to Orozco Forero, who had cared for her own kids. After her family moved to the coast, Wishon rented out her house in Seattle to Orozco Forero, whose boys were excited to have a home with a yard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wishons husband, Gabriel, hopped into his truck and headed to Seattle. Wishon, meanwhile, got on the phone with the Orozco Forero familys ICE agent and every lawyer she could. They were going to take them into detention at a facility 2,200 miles away in Texas, a facility that was reopened earlier this year by the Trump administration to detain families. Wishon wanted to find a lawyer who could stop the deportation order, and she wanted to make sure the boys would be reunited with their parents if they took them to meet the ICE agent.

Nicolle Orozco Foreros sons play with a child their mother takes care of. (Courtesy Stephanie Wishon)

And that was especially important, not just because they were young children, but because Juan David is still sick.

For the past year, hes been seeking treatment at Seattle Childrens Hospital for an illness that is turning his urine muddy. So far, doctors have determined hes losing red blood cells and protein through his urine, indicating a possible kidney issue, but they havent yet zeroed in on what is causing the problem. They likely need a kidney biopsy to be sure.

Given the complexity of his case, it is essential that Juan remain in the United States for continued testing and treatment, his nephrologist Jordan Symons wrote in a March letter to ICE. We kindly request that you consider this medical necessity in your review of his immigration status and grant him the ability to stay in the United States until his treatment and evaluation are completed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Juan Davids care team has been monitoring him closely to ensure his red blood cell and protein levels never drop too low. His condition could become serious quickly.

You can die from that, said Sarah Kasnick, a physicians assistant who is familiar with his case. Kasnick is also a foster parent, and Orozco Forero provided care for her family.

When Gabriel Wishon arrived to pick up the boys, they were confused and disoriented. Where were their parents? Why was everyone crying? They didnt want to go to Colombia, they told him on the drive. They wanted to stay in the United States.

Around 5:30 p.m. that evening, he met with the ICE agent, who had waited past her work hours for them to arrive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bye boys, you are going to see your parents right now. They are right inside, Wishon told them. He watched them walk in carrying two stuffed animals, a Super Mario doll and Chase, the popular cartoon dog dressed as a police officer.

The families Orozco Forero cares for are now in a free fall.

Jessica Cocson, whose son has been in Orozco Foreros care for more than a year, described her in a character letter to ICE as a blessing to us in ways I struggle to fully express.

Orozco Forero and her husband support working families, provide quality childcare, and demonstrate compassion and commitment every day, Cocson wrote. It is heartbreaking to think that someone who gives so much and asks so little could be forced to leave.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tamia Riley, whose two sons with autism were also in Orozco Foreros care, said losing her was like watching a father walking out the door.

These people, these day care providers, sitters, they are a form of family members for me and my children, Riley said.

Now, the day care she was set to open lays empty. Inside, the walls are plastered with posters listing colors and sight words. There are cushioned mats on the floor and play stations. Tables with tiny chairs. A tall pink dollhouse. High chairs and a pack and play for the babies. Outside, two play houses, a ball pit, toys to ride on and little picnic tables set across an artificial turf. But no children to enjoy any of it.

Orozco Foreros detention has rattled child care workers across the country. In Texas, workers represented by the Service Employees International Union have been rallying in her name. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat, spoke in support of the familys release at a rally on June 29 in San Antonio. And a group of union workers is attempting to deliver supplies to the family. Its an effort Orozco Forero knows little about; she only has limited communication with those on the outside.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tricia Schroeder, the president of the Seattle-based SEIU chapter that represents care workers, said that, for years unions like hers have been working to improve quality, access and affordability in child care, a system in such deep crisis its been called by the Treasury Department a textbook example of a broken market.

Immigrant women like Orozco Forero were part of that effort to improve access, doing jobs few Americans want to take on.

Detaining child care providers, especially those who care for kids with special needs, just deepens the crisis in early learning, Schroeder said.

Nicolle Orozco Forero was going to community college for early childhood education and planned to open her own daycare before she was detained by ICE. (Courtesy Stephanie Wishon)

Orozco Forero was also the connective tissue that kept families employed. Her loss has rippled across industries.

Kasnick, the foster parent, said one of the children in her care had been tentatively set to start at Orozco Foreros day care as soon as it opened. Orozco Forero had been the only provider who would take the child, who has autism and is nonverbal.

Orozco Forero had cared for the girl at Wishons day care as if she was her own, even taking her in once when the childs care had fallen through and no foster family in the entire county would take her in because of the complexity of her needs. The girl arrived at Orozco Foreros house at midnight on a weekend with no clothing, toys, medication or any of her belongings  this did not [deter] Nicolle and Sebastian instead they immediately went and purchased all the things the child needed, a social worker wrote in a letter to ICE. Kasnick said Orozco Forero was even considering becoming a foster parent.

Without her, Kasnick is out of options: She quit her job as a physicians assistant to care for the child after Orozco Forero was detained.

There are now 44 patients a day who dont have anyone to provide their health care, and I cant go to work because Nicolles day care didnt open, Kasnick said.

In the weeks since, Kasnick has had an overwhelming feeling of helplessness, she said. How could this happen to someone who gave back so much?

The security of knowing that you can be in your home one day and in a prison the next week, and you didnt do anything except exist? she said. It makes you feel like theres no good left in the world.

Orozco Foreros family was in ICE detention for nearly a month awaiting a bond hearing they hoped could buy them time in the United States. Orozco Forero and the boys were together; her husband was in the same facility but separated from them.

Juan David wasnt eating much. It took three weeks for him to receive medical care, Orozco Forero told her attorney, James Costo.

Costo had been working to get the details of why ICE allowed the family to stay in the country with monitoring after they lost their asylum case last year. There has been an order for their deportation since then, but ICE never attempted to deport them until the Trump administration ramped up efforts. The number of immigrants without criminal convictions who have been detained has doubled since May.

The process to fight an asylum claim and appeal a denial is complicated  there are court deadlines, documents that need to be submitted and translated.

They think maybe they can do it themselves and go in and say what happened but they are not understanding the whole legal process, Costo said. The system isnt made for things to be easy.

Costo was hopeful a judge will allow them to stay in the country temporarily as Juan David seeks care. They have almost no family left in Colombia, and no way to obtain care for him there, their family said.

But on Thursday, Wishon got word that the family had been deported. The family arrived distraught at the home of the only close family they have in Bogota, the capital.

Daniel, Orozco Foreros youngest son, sent Wishon a voice message: Good evening Stephanie, um, we are good. My mommy is very sad, his little voice tells her.Thank you for everything you have done for us. God bless you.

A GoFundMe she set up will be used toward supporting the family as they try to transition to life in Colombia and seek care for Juan David.

A collection of support letters they hoped would move a judge somewhere to hear their case now only remain as chronicles of their impact. In the letters, Juan Davids first grade teachers call him an exceptional student who went from one of the lowest reading levels in the class  10 words a minute  to one of the highest at 70 words a minute.

He shows the qualities of a model citizen at a young age  dependable, ethical, and hard-working, wrote his teacher, Carla Trujillo.

They were all on their way to shaping a better life, Wishon wrote in hers. The couple worked tirelessly to build a better life for their children and to open their own licensed child care business. In all my years of employing and mentoring caregivers, I have rarely met a couple as responsible, driven, and capable as Nicolle and Sebastian.

This family is not a threat, she concluded. They are an asset.
The Brief

A former Pewaukee teacher and school bus driver is charged with four new felonies.

The 62-year-old was already accused of child sexual assault earlier this year.

The newest set of charges includes one count of first-degree child sexual assault.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. - A former Pewaukee teacher and school bus driver, already accused of child sexual assault, is now charged with four new felony counts.

Charges filed

In Court

Prosecutors filed an amended criminal complaint against 62-year-old Thomas Felser on Wednesday. It includes new charges of first-degree child sexual assault, repeated sexual assault of a child and two counts of sexual misconduct by school staff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

Earlier this year, prosecutors accused Felser of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl on his school bus multiple times. Additional charges were filed less than two weeks later after a second victim was discovered.

The charges filed Wednesday mark the third time in less than two months that Felser has been accused of child sexual assault. In total, he now faces 11 felonies involving at least four victims:

First-degree child sexual assault

Repeated sexual assault of a child (three counts)

Sexual misconduct by school staff (seven counts)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Court records show his bond has been set at $40,000.

Police investigate

The backstory

Prosecutors accused Felser of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl on his school bus multiple times. Investigators said he gave the girl candy and made her sit on his lap. He allegedly put his hands down her pants when they were alone.

The victims mother checked a GPS app and saw the school bus had not moved for several minutes. She then drove to the bus and said she found Felser alone with her daughter. Police reviewed bus surveillance video, which prosecutors said captured Felser "repeatedly touching the victim."

Prosecutors also said Felser sat with the girl in a row of seats obscured by the school buss camera.

Thomas Felser in court (June 2)

Additional charges were added after a second victim was discovered. Police reviewed additional bus surveillance video from April through the end of May. In the recordings, police said Felser put his hand under a 5-year-old girls skirt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police said Felser told the girl, "You are too little, stay with daddy." Later, police said he was seen "laying over" the victim and then "picks her up and puts her on his lap."

According to the criminal complaint, Felser called the preschooler a "cute little baby" and said "dont tell anybody."

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

The newest set of charges does not explain exactly what Felser is accused of doing. Based on court filings, they involve at least two victims.

The victim of the alleged first-degree sexual assault is 6 years old, while another victim identified in court filings was 4 years old at the time of the alleged assault.

Decades working with kids

Dig deeper

The Pewaukee School District said Felser was a teacher at Pewaukee High School and Asa Clark Middle School for 37 years. He retired in 2020 and most recently worked as a summer school teacher in 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of May 15, Felser's employer, Go Riteway, placed him on leave.

The Source

FOX6 News referenced information from the Waukesha County District Attorney's Office and Wisconsin Circut Court, as well as prior coverage of Felser's case, for this report.
The two young children of a Fort Bliss soldier were killed after being swept up in a flash flood Tuesday, according to the base.

The soldier was on approved leave with their spouse and children, ages seven and four, at a recreational vehicle campground near Ruidoso, New Mexico, when tragedy struck.

Our hearts are heavy with grief following this devastating loss, Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, deputy commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said in the release. The entire Fort Bliss community extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are coordinating closely with local authorities and are providing full support to the family under these tragic circumstances.

The Rio Ruidoso rose to a record-breaking 20 feet, sweeping the children downstream, according to a statement from the city. A middle-aged male was also killed in the flash flood.

The soldier and spouse suffered broken bones as a result of the floods but are expected to recover. As of Thursday afternoon, they had not yet been discharged from the hospital.

Heavy monsoon rains led to disaster in the region, whose scars from last years South Fork and Salt wildfires  which burned almost 25,000 acres  made it susceptible to flash floods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The flood reportedly damaged at least 200 homes, with emergency workers worrying the number could rise after the extensive damage is further assessed. Emergency crews carried out 50 to 60 rescues during the historic flooding, the city said.

Flooding damaged the Fort Bliss base, downing 19 utility poles along Bradley Road and causing road closures and power outages on base, a spokesperson for Fort Bliss told Military Times in an emailed statement. Flooding also led to the closure of Buffalo Soldier Gate.

Power was restored Wednesday, but attempts were ongoing to clean up the utility poles.

As of Thursday afternoon, the spokesperson confirmed that all personnel on base were safe, with no reported injuries as a result of the storm.
As LNG Canada shipped its first LNG cargo from the newly completed facility in Kitimat, on the northwest coast of British Columbia, activity is ramping up on the East Coast especially offshore natural gas.

LNG Canada consists of an export plant that cools the natural gas to a liquid using a combination of hydroelectricity and natural gas, states LNG Canada  a consortium of Shell, Mitsubishi Corporation, Petronas, PetroChina and Korea Gas Corp.

The accompanying pipeline, called Coastal GasLink, is a partnership owned by affiliates of TC Energy, Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), and US private equity firm KKR.

Simultaneously, the Maritime province of Nova Scotia is getting back into petroleum exploration for the first time since 2018, when its last offshore natural gas project ended.

According to CBC News, The joint provincial-federal offshore energy regulator announced Monday it's issuing a call for bids for offshore oil and gas exploration on 13 parcels totalling more than 3.3 million hectares

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator is advertising exploration licences around the Scotian Shelf and Scotian Slope, which are close to but exclude the Sable Island National Park Reserve and the Gully Marine Protected Area.

A government news release says there is a known reserve of at least 3.2 trillion cubic feet of offshore natural gas on the Scotian Shelf.

Companies have the better part of a year to submit bids. The deadline is April 28, 2026.

Nova Scotia Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau said offshore natural gas presents a major economic opportunity. Although Boudreau said the province is committed to reaching 80 percent renewable energy consumption by 2030, he maintains natural gas is key to the transition.

Nova Scotia still burns a lot of coal but 2030 has been set as the year for Nova Scotians to stop using the carbon-emitting fuel for electricity.

Related: Big Oil Braces for Oil Price Hit

Its fossil fuels-to-renewables strategy features offshore wind. Premier Tim Houston has been pitching upwards of 60 megawatts.

The CBC quoted Boudreau saying he believes offshore wind and offshore petroleum can operate in tandem  a claim that NDP leader Claudia Chender questions.

It was in 2022 that the regulator last put out a call for offshore petroleum. An exploration license was issued to Inceptio Limited in 2023, but within two months Nova Scotia and the federal government vetoed the regulators decision and the license was withdrawn.

According to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), about 4 percent of Canadas oil production comes from four projects offshore Newfoundland and Labrador: Hibernia, Terra Nova, White Rose and Hebron.




NEED TO KNOW

Jessica Lyman and her 8-year-old son Eli were shot in March

Police found DNA evidence, a mask, and handwritten forensic notes

No suspect has been named and DNA testing is still underway





Jessica Lyman's 15-year-old son sent her a barrage of hateful texts in the days before she and her 8-year-old son were found shot dead  and in his bedroom, investigators found a handwritten note that read, "This is a murder story."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Although a suspect has not yet been named publicly, newly unsealed warrants  filed on April 18 and obtained by PEOPLE  are shedding light on the March 28 double homicide of mother-of-three Lyman, 44, and her son Eli Painter in their Saratoga Springs, Utah home.

GoFundMe

Police responded to the home on Willowbrook Lane after Lyman's 17-year-old daughter reported that she found the two victims lying on the floor, unconscious and covered in blood, per the warrant. The 8-year-old, who had been shot twice "with a small caliber round" in the head, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lyman, found in critical condition beside her son with her pants and underwear "pulled around her knees," showed initial signs of life, but died of her injuries two days later at a nearby hospital.



Google Maps

Lyman's 15-year-old son allegedly said that he had been up late the previous night using his cellphone, was taking a nap before police arrived and didn't hear anything out of the ordinary.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When an officer asked if there were weapons in the home, the boy allegedly said he wasn't aware of any "guns" in the house, per the warrant.



"At that point, [the boy] had not been told by EMS or police officers that the incident involved a gun or gunshot wounds," police wrote.

A search of the scene with an alternate light source showed "dried [genetic material] on the sheets adjacent to where Jessica had been lying," per the warrant. A doctor at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center allegedly told police that he found suspicious genetic material on Lyman in the hospital.

While executing their warrant, detectives found intimate articles of Lyman's clothing in her 15-year-old son's room, police wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Along with the ominous note, investigators found two BB gun pistols, plate carriers and magazine pouches. Other than the BB gun, however, no weapons were recovered in the home, per the unsealed search warrant.

Another handwritten note allegedly referenced "several forms of forensic testing" including "serology," "DNA" and "firearm testing."



Investigators found a white-and-brown mask in the 15-year-old's room that, per the documents, "resembles the mask that is seen on... video recordings" provided by neighbors.

A figure was seen on the footage walking out-of-view near the victims' home that evening, per the warrants. Another clip shows someone exiting through a gap in a fence around 2:30 a.m. on the morning of the murders, then returning around 3 a.m. Before disappearing from frame, the person allegedly puts on a white mask, per the document.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Nobody was captured either entering into or exiting from the gap for the rest of the night," police wrote.

A forensic download of Lyman's phone revealed a slurry of vitriolic texts sent by her son in the weeks before she was shot: "Do you know how insignificant you are to my life?" one text read.

"I wish I died in your stomach," read another.



Lyman's immediate family wrote that their lives are "forever changed" in a statement shared with PEOPLE:



"While we continue to wait for answers, we remain hopeful that justice will be served and those responsible will be held accountable," their statement read in part. "We miss Jessica and Eli every single moment of every single day. When we are together as a family, we can't help but feel incomplete. We miss their smiles, their laughter, and their joyful spirits. Please continue to keep our family, and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy, in your thoughts and prayers."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.



"If you have any information that could help move this case forward, we urge you to come forward and contact the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Jessica and Eli deserve justice, and even the smallest detail could help law enforcement in their ongoing investigation," they wrote.

When reached for comment, the representative with the Saratoga Springs Police Department shared the following statement:

"On July 7, 2025, local media outlets published information obtained from search warrants that were recently unsealed following the expiration of a 90-day seal. Neither the family of the victims nor the Saratoga Springs Police Department participated in the release of this information," the statement read. "The families of the victims have been extremely cooperative throughout the entire investigation and the Saratoga Springs Police Department remains committed to continue to work closely with them in the pursuit of justice."

Read the original article on People
Chinese women who publish homoerotica online say they are being threatened with fines and jail time, as increasing enforcement of vague obscenity charges targets a rare space for LGBTQ identity and feminism.

In recent months, Chinese police have detaineddozens of writers on Haitang Literature City, a Taiwan-based website known for publishing serialised Boys' Love, a genre of erotic fiction mainly written and read by heterosexual women.

Originating as a strand of Japanese manga comics in the 1960s known as "yaoi", the genre has attracted a cult following in Asia and beyond, leading to popular screen adaptations and web series.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The stories defy social stereotypes about the roles of men and women, a 22-year-old writer who asked to go by the pseudonym Miu Miu, told AFP.

"It's a kind of resistance... resisting a male-dominated society," she said.

The latest crackdown ensnared mostly amateur writers who earned little to nothing for their work.

Under Chinese law, profiting from "spreading obscene content" can lead to fines and prison. "Serious" instances can carry jail terms of up to a decade.

The obscenity law applies when someone's work gets at least 10,000 clicks or is "used" to collect fees exceeding 10,000 yuan (nearly $1,400).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the law excludes "artistic works or works of artistic value", that distinction is usually left to police.

"The rules are outdated," said a lawyer representing one of the authors and who asked not to be named due to the risk of repercussions.

"The general public's attitude towards sex is no longer the same as it was 30 or 40 years ago," the lawyer added.

One author phoned by police earned 2,000 yuan for two books with a total of 72 chapters that, combined, drew around 100,000 clicks.

"Are there really 100,000 people who have seen my work like they said? Are they really going to sentence me to three to five years?" the author wrote on Weibo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Don't they know how precious three to five years of life are?"

- Censors without borders -

The investigations have also renewed criticism of a practice known as "distant water fishing", cross-provincial policing by cash-strapped local governments.

The profit-driven enforcement typically involves authorities travelling to another jurisdiction and seizing a suspect's assets.

"Police find this kind of stuff can make them money," Liang Ge, a lecturer on digital sociology at University College London, said of the targeting of Boys' Love authors.

In one case, a policeman from northwestern Lanzhou travelled 2,000 kilometres (more than 1,200 miles) to investigate a writer in her coastal hometown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was driven to the police station and questioned for hours about her writing.

She is currently on bail but could face criminal charges, which would disqualify her from taking China's civil service exam and positions in some hospitals and schools.

Another 20-year-old author received a police summons which prompted her to travel hundreds of miles from the city of Chongqing to Lanzhou.

On arrival police urged her to "return the illegal income" she had earned from her writing to reduce her sentence.

"It's a very dirty practice," said the lawyer, noting the central government in Beijing has issued several directives against it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- 'Social awakening' -

Activists see the crackdown on alleged obscenity as part of a wider push to suppress LGBTQ expression -- an effort that has expanded under President Xi Jinping.

China classified homosexuality as a crime until 1997 and a mental illness until 2001. Same-sex marriage is not legal and discrimination remains widespread.

The Boys' Love genre -- often lightly erotic but sometimes overtly explicit -- has become increasingly censored as its popularity has boomed.

Television adaptations have rewritten male lovers as friends, as same-sex relationships are banned from the screen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2018, a writer known by her pseudonym Tianyi was sentenced to over a decade in prison for earning $21,000 from a homoerotic novel about a teacher and his student.

Last year, a court in Anhui province heard 12 cases involving spreading obscene content for profit, according to public records which do not give outcomes of the trials.

Many in China "feel less and less space to express themselves freely", said Ge, the lecturer and a longtime reader of Boys' Love.

"It's not just about posting something on social media, it's about reading something in their private life."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As news of the crackdownspread, Haitang users rushed to cancel their accounts.

But writer Miu Miu said she has not given up hope she might be able to finish her favourite stories.

"Sexual knowledge has become taboo," she said.

"This is a social awakening."

mya/oho/lb/rsc/fox
BEIJING (Reuters) -China urged Cambodia and Thailand to resolve their border dispute through friendly dialogue, offering to play a constructive role by upholding an "objective and fair" position, its foreign ministry said.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged peaceful coexistence between the neighbours during a meeting on Thursday with Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit in Malaysia, the ministry said in a statement.

"China is willing to uphold an objective and fair position and play a constructive role for the harmonious coexistence between Thailand and Cambodia," Wang said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tension has risen between the Southeast Asian neighbours since the end of May, after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a brief exchange of gunfire at a disputed area on their 820-km (510-mile) border.

Last month Cambodia asked the International Court of Justice to resolve the disputes.

Wang reiterated China's impartiality on the border issue in a meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn the same day, the ministry said in a separate summary.

He emphasised security measures to protect Chinese and Cambodians, calling for tougher action to "completely eradicate the tumour" of cross-border crimes such as online gambling, wire fraud, counterfeiting and smuggling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Referring to U.S. tariffs, he added that China believed Southeast Asia had the ability to cope with the "complex situation" and safeguard common interests as well as those of individual nations.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Shanghai newsroom; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Clarence Fernandez)
[Source]

China has yet to publicly address reports of leaked audio in which President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Beijing over Taiwan, though search results suggest the Great Firewall is censoring relevant information.

Bomb the shit out of Beijing: Recordings from a May 14, 2024 fundraiser at New Yorks Pierre Hotel document Trump recounting alleged threats to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, per audio obtained by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager and Isaac Arnsdorf for their new book on the election. Trump claimed he warned Putin about striking Moscow if Russia moved against Ukraine, saying the Russian leader showed partial belief despite initial doubt. Trump also recalled telling Xi, If you go into Taiwan, Im going to bomb the shit out of Beijing. I said, I have no choice, I got to bomb you. He added that Xi thought I was crazy, but we never had a problem. The recordings, first reported by CNN Tuesday, additionally captured Trump outlining deportation plans for student protesters and sharing his perspective on welfare recipients electoral choices.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How China, Russia are responding: China appears to be restricting information on Trumps threat to Beijing while allowing discussions on his threat to Moscow, according to a Newsweek analysis. Some local news outlets also aired CNNs audio but stopped broadcasting before Trumps China remarks. The Rebel Yellow surveyed headlines from major Chinese state outlets since Tuesday, but found no reports on Trump making such a threat.

On the other hand, Kremlin spokespersn Dmitry Peskov declined confirming the allegations, citing misinformation concerns. Russia previously disputed November phone call reports between Trump and Putin as untrue.

Trending on NextShark: China silent amid reports of Trumps threat to bomb Beijing

Broader implications: The potential censorship of the news highlights Chinas concern over public discussions on Taiwan as Trump expresses growing frustration with Putin regarding the prolonged Ukraine conflict. Interestingly, these revelations surface amid Taipeis massive Han Kuang military exercises, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths recent warning about Chinese invasion possibilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Trending on NextShark: DC Chinatown community calls for more protections as cultural district faces erasure

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

Subscribe here now!

Trending on NextShark: Americans with Civil War ancestors have greater claim to US, Vance says

Download the NextShark App:

Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
[Source]

Xu Zewei, a 33-year-old Chinese citizen of Han Chinese background and an IT manager for a technology company in Shanghai, was arrested in Milan earlier this month at the request of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Xu faces a nine-count indictment in the Southern District of Texas for his alleged involvement in a series of cyber intrusions and data thefts targeting U.S. universities and research institutions between February 2020 and June 2021. The indictment also names Zhang Yu, a 44-year-old Chinese national, as a co-defendant who remains at large in China.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Federal prosecutors allege that Xu and Zhang conspired to breach the computer networks of American universities, including an institution in Texas, to steal COVID-19 vaccine and treatment research, proprietary business data and employee credentials. Investigators say the pair exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server, used spear-phishing emails and deployed sophisticated malware to access protected information from organizations in Texas, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. The FBI responded in 2021 with a reverse-hack operation to remove malware and secure digital evidence.

Xu is currently being held in Italy as he awaits extradition to the U.S. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and up to 10 years for unauthorized computer access. U.S. authorities continue to work with international partners to identify further victims, collect evidence and pursue charges against Zhang and other possible co-conspirators.

Trending on NextShark: Americans with Civil War ancestors have greater claim to US, Vance says

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

Trending on NextShark: Chinese national charged in Texas for alleged US cyber espionage scheme

Subscribe here now!

Download the NextShark App:

Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Chip and Joanna Gaines Step Up to Lead Relief Efforts for Texas Flood Victims originally appeared on Parade.

Chip and Joanna Gaines are using their platform to send much needed help and support to their fellow Texans experiencing the devastation caused by the recent floods. The HGTV stars teamed up with Salvation Army to collect goods to be donated to those in need in the Texas Hill Country.

The mom of five posted an update on her Instagram account on Thursday, sharing a video of a large moving truck being loaded with goods. She also noted that they'll be collecting hygiene items and other necessities through the end of the day at the Magnolia Market at the Silos, the couple's shopping and lifestyle destination in Waco, Texas.

According to NBC News, the death toll has reached 120 as of Thursday afternoon, and at least 173 people are still missing in the aftermath of the flash floods that occurred over the Fourth of July Weekend in central Texas' Hill Country region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fans sent encouraging messages to the Fixer Upper star, commenting on her post, "Tysm. God bless you for this great kindness!" and, "The Kerrville and surrounding areas are being supported by generous, loving people. Amongst the devastation, there is kindness and compassion. Thank you!"

 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 

In another recent post, Gaines shared that they're helping raise money for Kerr County Flood Relief, and shared the link for those wanting to help financially. She wrote, "For those looking to support from afar, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country @cftexashillcountry has set up a relief fund to directly aid those impacted.

In the midst of tragedy, our hearts are warmed by people like Chip and Joanna who are leveraging their celebrity status to help those affected by the disaster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chip and Joanna Gaines Step Up to Lead Relief Efforts for Texas Flood Victims first appeared on Parade on Jul 10, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Division 5

Judge Chad Gaddie

Jailed

Kylie Lynn Barmann, Wathena, Kansas, 365 days in the Buchanan County Jail for misdemeanor animal abuse with credit given for 75 days served.

Harold Herbert Noble Jr., 513 S. 20th St., 270 days in the Buchanan County Jail for felony non-support.

Javier J. Palmer Jr., 180 days in the Buchanan County Jail for probation violation and misdemeanor violation of child protection order.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jordan Lee Pinzino, 2024 Randolph, three days in the Buchanan County Jail for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated with credit given for three days served.

Suspended sentence

Dreyton Kovey James, 2225 S. 13th St., one year of probation for misdemeanor operating vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner involving an accident.

Antwon Maurice Thornton, 801 Pendleton St., four years of probation for felony non-support and court costs waived.

Tiffany Renee Nichols, 5241 Savannah, one year of probation for misdemeanor second-degree property damage.

Christina Lynn Holderness, 3310 Monterey St., two years of probation for misdemeanor stealing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kristina Diane Burton, 2310 S. 11th St., six months of probation for misdemeanor operating vehicle on highway without a valid license.

Cory James Scott Demoss, 326 W. Kansas, six months of probation for misdemeanor operating vehicle on highway without a valid license.

Gary Dean Miller, Agency, Missouri, two years of probation for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.

Philip Adam Parson, Savannah, Missouri, two years of probation for misdemeanor fourth-degree domestic assault.

Robert Courtney Burnett, 1818 Clay St., four years of probation for felony non-support and court costs waived.

Fined

Francisco E. Morales Gonzalez, 6003 King Hill Ave., $140 fine for probation violation and misdemeanor operating vehicle on highway without a valid license.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Division 6

Judge Rebecca Spencer

Jailed

Frederick A. Davis III, no address provided, 22 days in the Buchanan County Jail for misdemeanor first-degree trespass with credit given for 22 days served and court costs waived.

Victor La Monte Tatum, 4303 Maxwell Rd., 28 days in the Buchanan County Jail for misdemeanor peace disturbance with credit given for 28 days served.

Ashley Ann Phroper, 226 E. Colorado St., two days in the Buchanan County Jail for misdemeanor violation of order of protection for adult with credit given for two days served and court costs waived.

Suspended sentence

Joseph Lee St. Clair, 4506 S. Heatherwood Dr., six months of probation for misdemeanor violation of order of protection for adult.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jose Angel Santana Daniel, 2605 1/2 Seneca St., two years of probation for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and court costs waived.

Tia Marie Pegram, 5509 Longview Dr., two years of probation for misdemeanor fourth-degree domestic assault and court costs waived.

Tiffany Gayle Cross, 2917 Edmond St., one year of probation for misdemeanor violation of education requirement for a child.

Sara Louise Dooley, 2822 Commercial St., one year of probation for misdemeanor violation of education requirement for a child and court costs waived.

Ritchy Dupoux, 3605 Charles St., two years of probation for misdemeanor fourth-degree domestic assault and court costs waived.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Andrew Lee Servaes, Rushville, Missouri, two years of probation for misdemeanor non-support and court costs waived.

Dustin Paul Seever, 2103 Commercial, four years of probation for felony non-support and court costs waived.

Dawn Thomsen, Laredo, Texas, four years of probation for felony non-support and court costs waived.

Katlin Alexandra Crail, Atchison, Kansas, six months of probation for misdemeanor operating vehicle on highway without a valid license.

Dustin Lee Pardue Jr., 1209 S. 18th, six months of probation for misdemeanor owner operating vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jacqueline Marie Barnett, 3107 Joyce Ln., six months of probation for misdemeanor operating vehicle on highway without a valid license.

Patricio Mujica, Agency, Missouri, nine months of probation for misdemeanor fourth-degree domestic assault.

Brian L. Harris, Smithville, Missouri, six months of probation for misdemeanor leaving scene of accident and court costs waived.

Braiden Allen Paul Anderson, 3303 S. 35th, two years of probation for misdemeanor non-support and court costs waived.

Robert L. Rilinger, 8605 SW State Route V, two years of probation for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.

Slade Allen Miller, 6205 Eureka St., two years of probation for misdemeanor driving while revoked/suspended and court costs waived.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Christopher Lee Rowles, Kansas City, Missouri, two years of probation for misdemeanor non-support and court costs waived.

William Thomas Linder Jr., two years of probation for misdemeanor fourth-degree domestic assault and court costs waived.

Gabriel Martin Myers, 3020 Burnside Ave., two years of probation for misdemeanor violation of order of protection for adult and court costs waived.
Legal battles over President Donald Trumps executive order to end birthright citizenship continued on July 10, 2025, after a New Hampshire federal district judge issued a preliminary injunction that will, if its not reversed, prevent federal officials from enforcing the order nationally.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante, a George W. Bush appointee, asserts that this policy of highly questionable constitutionality  constitutes irreparable harm.

In its ruling in late June, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to deny citizenship to infants born to undocumented parents in many parts of the nation where individuals or states had not successfully sued to prevent implementation  including a number of mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southern states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps executive order limits U.S. citizenship by birth to those who have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. It denies citizenship to those born to undocumented people within the U.S. and to the children of those on student, work, tourist and certain other types of visas.

The preliminary injunction is on hold for seven days to allow the Trump administration to appeal.

The June 27 Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship limited the ability of lower-court judges to issue universal injunctions to block such executive orders nationwide.

Laplante was able to avoid that limit on issuing a nationwide injunction by certifying the case as a class action lawsuit encompassing all children affected by the birthright order, following a pathway suggested by the Supreme Courts ruling.

Pathways beyond universal injunctions

In its recent birthright citizenship ruling, Trump v. CASA, the Supreme Court noted that plaintiffs could still seek broad relief by filing such class action lawsuits that would join together large groups of individuals facing the same injury from the law they were challenging.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And thats what happened.

Litigants filed suit in New Hampshires district court the same day that the Supreme Court decided CASA. They asked the court to certify a class consisting of infants born on or after Feb. 20, 2025, who would be covered by the order and their parents or prospective parents. The court allowed the suit to proceed as a class action for these infants.

President Donald Trump takes questions on June 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C., after the Supreme Court ruled on the birthright citizenship case. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

What if this injunction doesnt stick?

If the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit or the Supreme Court invalidates the New Hampshire courts newest national injunction and another injunction is not issued in a different venue, the order will then go into effect anywhere it is not currently barred from doing so. Implementation could begin in as many as 28 states where state attorneys general have not challenged the Trump birthright citizenship policy if no other individuals or groups secure relief.

As political science scholars who study race and immigration policy, we believe that, if implemented piecemeal, Trumps birthright citizenship order would create administrative chaos for states determining the citizenship status of infants born in the United States. And it could lead to the first instances since the 1860s of infants being born in the U.S. being denied citizenship categorically.

States role in establishing citizenship

Almost all U.S.-born children are issued birth certificates by the state in which they are born.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The federal governments standardized form, the U.S. standard certificate of live birth, collects data on parents birthplaces and their Social Security numbers, if available, and provides the information states need to issue birth certificates.

But it does not ask questions about their citizenship or immigration status. And no national standard exists for the format for state birth certificates, which traditionally have been the simplest way for people born in the U.S. to establish citizenship.

If Trumps executive order goes into effect, birth certificates issued by local hospitals would be insufficient evidence of eligibility for federal government documents acknowledging citizenship. The order would require new efforts, including identification of parents citizenship status, before authorizing the issuance of any federal document acknowledging citizenship.

Since states control the process of issuing birth certificates, they will respond differently to implementation efforts. Several states filed a lawsuit on Jan. 21 to block the birthright citizenship order. And they will likely pursue an arsenal of strategies to resist, delay and complicate implementation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the Supreme Court has not yet confirmed that these states have standing to challenge the order, successful litigation could bar implementation in up to 18 states and the District of Columbia if injunctions are narrowly framed, or nationally if lawyers can persuade judges that disentangling the effects on a state-by-state basis will be too difficult.

Other states will likely collaborate with the administration to deny citizenship to some infants. Some, like Texas, had earlier attempted to make it particularly hard for undocumented parents to obtain birth certificates for their children.

People demonstrate outside the Supreme Court of the United States on May 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Potential for chaos

If the Supreme Court rejects attempts to block the executive order nationally again, implementation will be complicated.

Thats because it would operate in some places and toward some individuals while being legally blocked in other places and toward others, as Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned in her Trump v. CASA dissent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Children born to plaintiffs anywhere in the nation who have successfully sued would have access to citizenship, while other children possibly born in the same hospitals  but not among the groups named in the suits  would not.

Babies born in the days before implementation would have substantially different rights than those born the day after. Parents ethnicity and countries of origin would likely influence which infants are ultimately granted or denied citizenship.

Thats because some infants and parents would be more likely to generate scrutiny from hospital employees and officials than others, including Hispanics, women giving birth near the border, and women giving birth in states such as Florida where officials are likely to collaborate enthusiastically with enforcement.

The consequences could be profound.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some infants would become stateless, having no right to citizenship in another nation. Many people born in the U.S. would be denied government benefits, Social Security numbers and the ability to work legally in the U.S.

With the constitutionality of the executive order still unresolved, its unclear when, if ever, some infants born in the U.S. will be the first in the modern era to be denied citizenship.

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: Julie Novkov, University at Albany, State University of New York and Carol Nackenoff, Swarthmore College

Read more:



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
BLUEFIELD  Creating affordable homes within walking distance of the downtowns shops, restaurants and employers is the goal of a housing project being pursued in the city of Bluefield.

Assistant City Director and Engineer Curtis French and Brian Tracey, executive director of the Bluefield Arts Revitalization Corps, spoke this week with the Bluefield City Board about a proposed housing project near the citys municipal building. The project would be within a space between between Duhring Street, Ramsey Street and Tazewell Street. Funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank would finance the project.

The current plan shows 10 homes. The two-story residences would include a trio of three-bedroom homes and seven two-bedroom homes, French said. The project has two phases, but the focus during the board of directors Tuesday meeting was on Phase I.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The housing development would put residences close to downtown, with walking distance of local shops, restaurants and other businesses, French said. Workers at local employers including Alorica and Intuit could live within walking distance of their offices, too.

Either way, we have five homes dedicated to special needs and veteran occupants. The other five homes are for people who meet the income thresholds, he said about the overall project. So this is a nice neighborhood.

Tracey said the plan includes making sure the homes design will be consistent with Bluefields history and not suburban tract houses. Their designs have front porches where residents can go outside and park in the back. Victorian-style homes once stood on the proposed site.

The former Duhring Street Church stands on the housing projects site. Now on West Virginias historic preservation list, it has stood vacant for years. Founded back in 1907 as the First Baptist Church, its currently owned by the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mayor Ron Martin asked French and Tracey about how the Duhring Street church fits into the housing plan and why that site was chosen.

Tracey replied that the site is level with enough space for Phase Is 10 homes and additional homes in Phase II. Its also within walking distance of downtown. The sites status as a low-income and minority census tract gives the city additional points in the Federal Home Loan Banks scoring system for funding. There are only nine tracts like it in West Virginia.

Martin said that residents have talked to him about the demolition of downtown buildings.

The perception is that were tearing everything down but not building things back, so I want everybody to understand theres a plan were moving forward with and why were choosing to pick the site, Martin said. And weve gone down the road trying to save this particular building whether its one grant or two grants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

French said the plans for the project dont require the churchs demolition.

If a funding source could be found to save the church, we would love to integrate it into the neighborhood, he said. We have plenty space to still bid out the 10 homes.

City Manager Cecil Marson said the site still needs ground borings and other tests to make sure its suitable for the housing project.

Tracey also stated that his organization has raised some money for preserving the church. One is an initial grant of $20,000 from Community Ventures out of Kentucky.

We used part of that money to fund the expenses for applying for historic designation, Tracey said. We used the remainder for an architect to do feasibility studies for an estimate on how much it would cost to preserve it. We also raised a small amount of money, $7,500 from Partners for Sacred Spaces, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit for preserving churches and received a commitment for a grant from the West Virginia Endangered Properties Fund which was $10,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Two years ago, an architect estimated that renovating the church and putting it back into a useful state could cost a minimum of $2 million, Tracey said.

Using the church as a restaurant where people could be trained for jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industries was one possibility. The projects plans are still preliminary. Tracey said public hearings will be scheduled to get residents input about the housing plans.

Contact Greg Jordan at

gjordan@bdtonline.com
CARBONDALE (KSNT)  The City of Carbondale has issued a water boil advisory and is alerting residents of nearby road closures.

The City of Carbondale issued a water boil advisory at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 10. The city reports that boring crews are assisting Public Works to fix a water line coming into town. Residents are encouraged to boil water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth while the advisory is active.

The KDHE followed up on July 11 with a formal Water Boil Advisory for risk of bacterial contamination. The advisory will remain in place until the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) rescinds it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Topeka farm land could be home for up to 40 new duplexes

Topeka Avenue from Main Street to Market Street will be closed while crews work on fixing a broken water line. The city said it is currently operating on water tower pressure only.

Please help us by limiting your water use immediately, the city wrote on social media. Only use the amount of water absolutely necessary until further notice.

Lane closures will be in place from Main and Topeka Avenue to Prost Road. The southbound on-ramp and the off-ramp from northbound Highway 75 are both closed. Crews are out to help direct traffic.

11-year-old Topekan joining Pro Truck racing division

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The city will be holding a special meeting on Friday, July 11 at noon at City Hall to discuss the water main break under Highway 75. The city said it would provide updates as soon as it can.

Local residents are encouraged to take precautions while the advisory is active. These include the following:

Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Image of Jensen Huang by jamesonwu1972 via Shutterstock

Investors are glued to Nvidia (NVDA) shares this morning after the chipmaker inched higher to become the worlds first $4 trillion company.

Vivek Arya, a senior Bank of America analyst, remains convinced that NVDA shares are not done rewarding investors just yet.

More News from Barchart

Including todays gain, Nvidia stock is up nearly 90% versus its year-to-date low on April 4.

www.barchart.com

Why Does BofA Remain Bullish on Nvidia Stock?

Arya sees potential for significant further upside in NVDA stock primarily because the AI darling is much more profitable than other Magnificent 7 stocks, including Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), and Amazon (AMZN).

Consensus estimates for 2026 suggest Nvidias net income will be 20% higher than MSFT and up to 45% higher than Apple and Amazon, he told CNBC in an interview on Wednesday.

Additionally, the company has a dominant market share (80%) in the fast-growing artificial intelligence market, which the BofA expert believes will prove sufficient to drive its share price up further in the second half of 2025.

Bank of America currently has a Buy rating on Nvidia shares with a price target of $180, which indicates potential for another 10% gain from current levels.

Custom AI Chips Are Not a Threat for NVDA Shares

Speaking this morning with CNBC, Vivek Arya also downplayed concerns that custom AI chips could pose a meaningful threat to Nvidias business moving forward.

According to him, the likes of Amazon or Google (GOOGL) that are investing heavily in custom chips will fail to dislodge Nvidias dominance in the AI market.

Why? Because the challenge custom chips face is that the requirements of generative artificial intelligence models are changing so rapidly that its hard to keep up.

Moreover, developments like DeepSeek are actually net positives for NVDA shares as well, the BofA analyst added.

Wall Street Sees Further Increase in Nvidias Market Cap Ahead

Other Wall Street analysts also remain convinced that Nvidias leadership in AI will translate to further growth in its market cap in the back half of this year.

The consensus rating on NVDA share currently sits at Strong Buy with the mean target of about $177 indicating potential upside of some 8% from current levels.
EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  City Council President Salem Derby will assume the role of interim mayor of Easthampton on Tuesday, July 15, following the resignation of Mayor Nicole LaChapelle.

Healey admin names Easthampton mayor to lead DCR

Mayor LaChapelle, who is set to lead the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), is expected to begin the new role on July 21, taking over from former Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Derby, who is currently the citys longest-serving councilor, confirmed this week that he will fulfill the duties of mayor until a new leader is elected in the upcoming municipal election this November. His transition is per the Easthampton City Charter, which designates the City Council president as the immediate successor in the event of a mayoral vacancy.

Im honored to step in during this important transitional time, Derby said in a statement. While this was not a role I anticipated, Im committed to ensuring stability and continued progress for our city as we move toward the next chapter in leadership.

Derby, who has served on the City Council for over two decades, is known for his collaborative leadership style and dedication to transparency in local government. His tenure has been marked by forward-thinking policies and a focus on community engagement. He noted that his decision to step into the interim role was made after discussions with family and colleagues.

Mayor LaChapelle announced last year that she would not seek a fourth term. Earlier this week, Governor Maura Healey named her as the next DCR commissioner. She is expected to begin her new role on July 21. She was first elected in 2017 and has been a key partner on several statewide initiatives during her time as mayor, and is praised for her leadership and environmental, educational, and equity issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle intends to accomplish as new DCR commissioner

Before her time in elected office, she worked in public education and advocacy for marginalized students. Her appointment to lead DCR highlights her experience managing public lands and her strong ties to western Massachusetts. In a statement released by the administration, LaChapelle emphasized the importance of preserving public spaces and pledged to support the agencys mission statewide.

As Easthampton prepares for its next municipal election, Derbys leadership is expected to provide continuity for ongoing city projects and ensure a smooth transition for the incoming administration.

The citys next mayoral election will be held on November 4, 2025.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A majority of the Providence City Council say they are deeply concerned and want the city to release police body-worn camera footage from an incident that took place over the holiday weekend on West Friendship Street.

Cell phone video from the incident went viral, prompting questions about the amount of force officers used to make several arrests at the home where they were originally called for a noise complaint earlier in the night.

The letter, signed by 11 of the citys 15-member council, was sent to Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez, Commander Tim OHara and Mayor Brett Smiley on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Councilors said the video raises serious and painful questions about the use of force and treatment of residents, and said though an internal review was underway, the incident has struck a nerve across the city.

There is genuine concern that the review will lack transparency and take too long, the letter said. With tensions already high, unanswered questions will only deepen the communitys anxiety.

Col. Oscar Perez told Target 12 on Monday that police were aware of the video and that the department initiated an internal affairs review of the incident.

Councilors asked for the full body-worn camera footage to be released immediately. Target 12 filed a public records request for the video, but the city initially denied its release on Tuesday and said that the footage is currently pending an internal affairs investigation, but added it may be released once the internal affairs investigation has been substantially completed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Perez told Target 12 on Thursday night that the department is committed to a thorough review of the incident, which in addition to the internal investigation, will include a legal review and eventual release of the footage.

We hear the communitys call for transparency and accountability and we agree that those principles are essential to building and maintaining trust with our neighbors, Perez said. This department remains committed to fairness, accountability and transparency.

Target 12 obtained cell phone video showing one angle of the incident.

The clip begins when several Providence police officers had already responded to the residence and had asked people outside to get into the house or leave for the night. After a few seconds, the situation escalated and officers came closer to the door.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The video then showed people inside the home closing the door. But a few seconds later, several of the officers attempted to get inside the home.

According to an incident report obtained by Target 12, a 20-year-old male at the residence continued to argue with police. After more failed attempts the male was taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, both misdemeanor offenses.

Police said several other people attempted to interfere with the arrest, and when officers attempted to move the group into the house, police grabbed and pulled two others away from the door and out into the yard. Video showed a 20-year-old male and 20-year-old woman falling to the ground.

Police said in the incident report that the man fell on top of an officer and rolled over to his side refusing to comply with police commands to stop resisting arrest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the letter, councilors also called for corrective action, including dropping the charges against the community members that were arrested.

How we respond now will shape public confidence in law enforcement, city government, and how we hold ourselves accountable, councilors said. This moment also offers an opportunity to set a new standard for handling such incidents and to begin rebuilding relationships that have been long strained. To do so entails moving this conversation from an internal one to an open, public one, difficult as that may be.

Councilors also highlighted OHaras dissenting opinion about a panels recent decision that allows a Providence police sergeant accused of assault to be reinstated. (The city is appealing the panels decision.)

This approach needs to be continued with new incidents of concern, councilors added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Perez said Thursday that the department is working with the city solicitors office to evaluate the situation, including the status of any charges.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KILGORE, Texas (KETK)  The City of Kilgore hosted a celebration ceremony on Thursday as construction began for the first new municipal buildings in over 40 years.

Boil water notice issued for White Oak after major leak repaired

The City of Kilgore is about to receive new municipal buildings for the first time in over four decades with the addition of a new Public Works Facility and Central Fire Station. According to the city, the buildings are designed to improve the following aspects of the community:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Enhance safety and operations

Support the growing needs of the community

Essential services

These projects are a major step forward for Kilgore, Kilgore City Manager Rachel Rowe said. They reflect the City Councils commitment to investing in modern infrastructure that meets the needs of both our staff and our citizens. We are excited to take this important step together.

Tyler band, East Texas businesses donate to Kerr County flood recovery efforts

The city said the ceremony was held at the construction site of the Public Works Facility, which featured opening remarks and a ceremonial shovel turning. Once the remarks and shovel turning were finished, those in attendance drove to the Central Fire Station, where the celebration continued into the afternoon.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
ST. LOUIS  St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery, already under threat to be removed from office, is now the topic of a city hall fight over what his responsibilities are.

Public safety leaders on Thursday attempted to hammer out the sheriffs true duties. It all stems from alleged failures by the sheriffs office to transport jail inmates for medical care, but Sheriff Montgomery has stood firm, asserting thats not his job.

Many city leaders contend that, for decades, the St. Louis Sheriffs Office has transported jail inmates to doctor visits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The idea that more than 50 years ago there was a recognition that one of the duties of the sheriffs office was to transport detainees needing medical attention, Alderman Matt Devoti (Ward 5) said at a public safety hearing.

Devoti introduced a board bill hoping to hold Sheriff Montgomery to it.

The notion being that there would be no dispute about the sheriffs duties and responsibilities, he said.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

This is probably the most misreported story, David Mason, Montgomerys lawyer, said earlier in the week.

The sheriffs office did not attend Thursdays meeting, but on Wednesday, Mason disputed any responsibility the city sheriff has over inmates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Whoever has custody of the prisoner is exclusively the person responsible for the medical care, theres nothing on the sheriffs back, he said.

Aware of the board bill proposal, Mason asked, Why would Mr. Devoti want to introduce a bill like this if he had any reason to believe that the duty was already there?

The public safety meeting ended with Devoti saying he would hold the board bill in committee while they work out some disagreements with amendments. There was some pushback on the proposal, starting with Alderman Rasheen Aldridge Jr. (Ward 14).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Frederick Hutchinson Center in Belfast, a building previously used by the University of Maine for classes that served a mix of undergraduate and non-traditional students. (Courtesy of Samantha Warren/ UMaine System)

A Belfast church is appealing a federal judges decision that allowed the University of Maine System to rescind the churchs winning bid for a university-owned building, arguing that the university discriminated against the church over its religious beliefs.

Liberty Counsel, a Christian legal and advocacy organization, filed a brief on behalf of Calvary Chapel Friday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, seeking to reverse federal Judge Stacey Neumanns denial of a preliminary injunction that would have paused the sale of the Hutchinson Center in Belfast to another bidder.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The churchs lawsuit stems from the systems decision last year to reject the churchs initial winning bid for the Hutchinson Center, a 38,000-square-foot former continuing education center, after a wave of public backlash.

UMaine initially accepted Calvary Chapels offer to purchase the Hutchinson Center, which at one point used to house the only in-person higher education programming in the region. Two other community nonprofit organizations in the area also bid for the building, and raised objections when the system initially accepted the churchs bid. UMaine then determined that its original criteria for evaluating the bids were incorrect, and reopened the bid. Waldo Community Action Partners won the second round, with a promise to keep housing the internet hub the Hutchinson Center hosts.

Calvary Chapel Belfast rightfully won the University of Maine Systems first bidding process. The church participated in the bidding process in good faith, but UMS then unlawfully rescinded their winning bid due to its religious beliefs under the excuse of procedural deficiencies, Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said in a statement. Such discrimination is unlawful, and an injunction is necessary to restore the churchs bid award and stop these unconstitutional actions.

Neumann rejected the appeal due to lack of direct evidence of religious discrimination, and UMaine has also denied allegations of discrimination. In the second round, Waldo CAP offered to pay $3.06 million for the property, compared to $1.1 million offered by Calvary Chapel Belfast and $1.8 million offered by another bidder.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The court has repeatedly upheld that the transparent, competitive process through which our system has sought to sell the Hutchinson Center offered fair opportunity to all parties, said system spokesperson Samantha Warren in response to the appeal and the most recent filing. That includes those who may be disappointed by our decision to ultimately award the right to negotiate sale terms and conditions to a community organization that offered more than double the purchase price of any other bidder.

However, Liberty Counsel pointed to rulings from other federal appeals courts that, according to the brief, establish that when government decisions closely follow community backlash rooted in bias, both direct and indirect evidence of discriminatory intent can be considered valid.

. The Hutchinson Center closed in 2022 as part of the university systems cost-cutting and consolidation efforts. Its sale has since drawn statewide attention due to the controversy over the churchs involvement and the broader questions about religious freedom and government neutrality, and even involved a failed legislative attempt to allow municipalities first right of refusal, sponsored by Democratic Belfast Rep. Jan Dodge.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE




NEED TO KNOW

More than 600 rare tadpoles and frogs have been released into the mountains north of Los Angeles

The L.A. Zoo bred and raised the southern mountain yellow-legged frog species before their release as part of a program to save the species from extinction

The zoo and its conservation partners have released over 6,000 tadpoles and frogs into the streams of the San Gabriel Mountains since the program started in 2006





Over 600 rare amphibians have been released into the streams of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Los Angeles Zoo bred and raised tadpoles of the southern mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa), a species considered endangered since 2007, before releasing them in "cool streams" of their natural habitat, the zoo shared in a July 10 press release.

The Los Angeles Zoo, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the Aquarium of the Pacific all took part in the release, which included a total of 643 amphibians. Of the southern mountain yellow-legged frogs released, 450 were tadpoles and 193 were subadult frogs. All of these amphibians, except for the 38 rescue frogs, lived at the L.A. Zoo for their entire lives before being released.

Courtesy of L.A. Zoo Southern mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles. Southern mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles.

"This was my second time on a southern mountain yellow-legged frog release," said Luc Myers, an animal keeper at the Los Angeles Zoo. "Hiking out on the San Gabriels with a cooler on my back, carrying these precious frogs was nothing short of amazing.

The southern mountain yellow-legged frog is "medium-sized," measuring an average of 1.5 to 3.25 inches, and is typically brown and yellow with dark spots that assist with camouflaging. The species is indigenous to the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains in California, per the release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Los Angeles Zoo breeds the southern mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles to "ensure their development beyond their most vulnerable state," the press release read. The tadpoles live in a temperature-regulated environment equipped with life support and technology to purify water so they can grow in the "most optimal conditions."

After reaching a safe stage of maturity, the amphibians are released into their natural habitat.

Courtesy of L.A. Zoo L.A. Zoo animal keepers tending to southern mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles. L.A. Zoo animal keepers tending to southern mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles.

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.

The July 2025 release took place at an undisclosed remote site in the San Gabriel Mountains to protect the young amphibians and their new ecosystem. This release follows a series of L.A. amphibian releases that started in 2007; collectively, the efforts have delivered more than 6,000 amphibians to the San Gabriel Mountains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Southern Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog Recovery Program was started in 2006 by the Los Angeles Zoo and several partners to protect the endangered species from extinction. The successful program is set to expand soon, with the L.A. Zoo donating additional space to the project, which will enable the zoo to care for tadpoles for longer before release, thereby increasing the tadpoles' survivability.

Read the original article on People
MEXICO CITY (AP)  It started with a phone call to a mens clothing store in the heart of Mexico Citys historic center. I need you to put together 10,000 pesos ($500) for me weekly, or else well have to do something, the voice said.

The owner hung up and didnt answer the phone again for days. But when another call came the following week, in a surge of courage and indignation the owner told the caller he wouldnt pay, that the money demanded would have been half the store's daily income. Well, prepare to face the consequences, the voice said.

Several years of escalating threats, visits from goons and armed robberies followed until the shop owner, who requested anonymity because he still fears retaliation, decided to close the store his grandfather had opened in 1936.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Extortion is strangling businesses in Mexico. Much, but not all, of it is linked to Mexico's powerful organized crime groups. While some larger companies eat it as the cost of doing business, many smaller ones are forced to close.

The Mexican Employers Association, Coparmex, says extortion cost businesses some $1.3 billion in 2023. And this year, while other major crimes are descending, extortion continues to rise, up 10% nationally in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.

In Mexico City, the number of reported extortion cases nearly doubled in the first five months of 2025 to 498, up from 249 for the same period last year. Its the highest total at this point in the year in the past six years, according to federal crime data.

A report to police goes nowhere

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the first call in 2019, the store owner had his employees stop answering the phone for eight months. Things quieted, but in early 2020, two men came to the shop and demanded payment. The owner pretended to be a shopper and slipped out.

In 2021, the weekly calls demanding money in exchange for security resumed. Under advice of his attorneys, the owner eventually stopped going into the shop, instead managing everything remotely.

In one of several robberies, his employees were held at gunpoint, tied up and locked in a bathroom, while the robbers took money from the cash register.

Finally, after two years of threats and robberies, he reported it to authorities. Investigators demanded proof from him that he couldnt provide because the threats were always verbal, he said. The investigation went nowhere.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Only fraction extortion cases reported

Reported extortion cases are only a small fraction of the reality.

Mexicos National Institute for Statistics and Geography estimated that some 97% of extortion cases were not reported in 2023.

Reporting is low because of a combination of fear and skepticism that authorities will do something.

Mexico City Police Chief Pablo Vazquez Camacho said in an interview with AP that police were receiving more reports of extortion, but recognized that they still werent hearing about many more. We cant solve something that were not even seeing or that isnt being reported, Vazquez said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The problem, said Vicente Gutierrez Camposeco, president of the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce, has become entrenched in Mexico and especially the capital in recent years.

Daniel Bernardi, whose family has run a popsicle shop in the historic center for 85 years, was resigned to the situation. There isn't much to do, he said. "You pay when you have to pay."

Last month, the Mexico City prosecutors office announced that it was creating a special prosecutors office to investigate and prosecute extortion.

Pay up or die

In July, President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would propose legislation giving the government greater powers to pursue extortionists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This week, her administration also announced a national strategy to address extortion. There will be a phone number to anonymously report extortion; the power to immediately cancel phone numbers associated with extortion calls; local anti-extortion units to investigate cases and the involvement of Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit to freeze bank accounts associated with extortion.

Nationally, extortion cases are up more than 6% on the year.

Extortions rapid expansion has to do with the significant sums it generates for organized crime, drawing in the countrys most powerful drug cartels, among others. The Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels have made extortion one of the divisions of their criminal portfolios, said security analyst David Saucedo.

And with the cartels involved, small-time crooks take advantage of the fear and run their own little extortion rackets, pretending to be associated with larger organized crime groups.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Mexico City men's clothing store owner didn't know who was extorting him. But without help from authorities, he felt alone and exposed. The threats had grown stronger and they now said theyd kill him if he didnt pay.

The owner recalled that a nearby restaurant that had opened around the same time as his own store, had closed after its owner was killed, supposedly after not paying extortion demands.

So in December 2023, he saw no other option but to close. Little by little he watched old pieces of furniture carried out of the store that his father had passed on to him as his grandfather had passed it on to his father.

When I closed I felt very sad. And then it made me so mad to think that I could still go on, but because of fear I couldnt, he said. You work your whole life for them to destroy it.
Jul. 10BROOKHAVEN  Excited to grow the community together, state lawmakers and local leaders gathered at the Brookhaven Community Building on Tuesday evening.

State Senators Mike Oliverio and Joey Garcia stopped by to present a $20, 000 check to help the center build new ADA-accessible restroomsa project they say will make the building more welcoming to every neighbor who walks through its doors.

"Today we want to present you $20, 000, " Oliverio said. "We are excited about what you guys are doing, we know the hurdles you face in raising money."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Garcia said backing community projects like this one is easy, "when Senator Oliverio came to me about this, it was an easy yes."

The check brings a boost for the project, which recently secured a $126, 000 loan to get started. But, the Brookhaven Community Building still needs to raise about $106, 000 to see it through.

Board members hope the community will help close that gap in a way that feels personal. A raffle is happening in memory of Cindy Blosser, the beloved board president who helped keep the building alive for years before her passing. The raffle winner will take home $3, 000 in cash this October, but the real prize is knowing Cindy's legacy will live on in every gathering the center hosts.

"It's not easy raising money, " Oliverio said. "But this place matters. We hope folks will hear about this and remember what the Brookhaven Community Building means to them."
The Latest from Storm Team 5

Despite the clouds, it has been a nice summer day out there, just a little humid with dew points in the low to mid 60s.

For tonight, a weak low moving out of Iowa tracking into southern Wisconsin will bring in mostly cloudy skies tonight and small chance for a shower or isolated rumble of thunder areas south and west of Green Bay overnight. Lows tonight in the low to mid 60s.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tomorrow, partly to mostly cloudy with a chance for an isolated shower or storm throughout the day. Our better rain chance will arrive later Friday evening and night, where once again we could see some isolated heavy downpours.

Highs will work back into the upper 70s and low 80s, and the muggy meter will spike into the upper 60s to around 70.

A few scattered showers and storm are possible Saturday around midday. A storm or two could be strong, producing gusty winds, downpours and small hail. I do think we clear our for the evening and overnight. Highs will reach the upper 70s and low 80s once again on Saturday.

Sunday, very nice weather with mostly sunny skies, fairly comfy dew points and highs in the low to mid 80s. After that, the heat returns Monday through Wednesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For all your latest updates on the weather, follow Ryan on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
24,789 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

24,789 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?
Nvidia has reached a $4trn market capitalisation, marking a significant milestone in the tech industry amid a revival of Wall Street technology stocks.

The Silicon Valley chipmaker's shares increased by up to 2.8% on Wednesday, reaching a high of $164.42, reported The Financial Times. This surge allowed Nvidia to achieve the milestone but eventually settled at a market value of $3.97trn, surpassing Apple's previous record of $3.92trn.

Nvidia's stock has climbed 40% since early May 2025, influenced by an easing in US-China trade tensions and significant chip agreements in the Middle East. Its dominance in supplying chips for AI services, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, has been a critical factor in this surge.

The companys CEO Jensen Huang has been expressing confidence in the long-term potential of AI and robotics to generate significant revenue. In a recent statement, Huang noted that advancements in AI and increased demand are accelerating growth, as evidenced by a 70% increase in quarterly revenues.

Nvidia's trajectory began over two years ago when it surpassed a $1trn valuation following the launch of ChatGPT, which heightened interest from major technology firms and AI start-ups. Nvidia reached valuations of $2trn in February 2024 and $3trn in June 2024. However, the firm encountered challenges at the start of this year due to uncertainties about sustained chip demand and concerns over US tariffs and curbs on exports to China.

The chipmaker faced further issues when Chinese company DeepSeek launched a model claiming reduced computing resource requirements compared to competitors like OpenAI.

Additionally, in April 2025, Nvidia was notified about export license requirements for its H20 AI chips for the Chinese market, resulting in a $4.5bn charge related to excess inventory and purchase commitments.

Nevertheless, Nvidia projects its revenue will approach $200bn in 2025, with net income estimated at $105bn according to S&P Capital IQ analysts.

In financial results for fiscal 2026's first quarter announced in May 2025, Nvidia reported $44.1bn in revenue, marking a 12% quarterly increase and a 69% annual rise. Despite these figures, new export controls are expected to continue impacting revenue into the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Perplexity AI, an Nvidia-backed startup, has unveiled Comet, a web browser featuring AI-enhanced search capabilities. This product aims to challenge Google's Chrome and signifies Perplexity AI's entry into the competitive browser market with its AI-driven technology.
The White Houses Jeffrey Epstein problem is not going away.

CNN data analyst Harry Enten said Friday that the name Epstein has been Googled 1.4 times as much as tariffs since Mondaywhich he said is huge newsand 1,200 percent more than Epstein was Googled last week.

Enten also revealed that Esptein is the top topic search with Trump on Google, alongside his presidency.

The president has distanced himself from disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, claiming he cut ties with him over a decade before he was arrested on sex trafficking charges in 2019. / Davidoff Studios/Getty Images

The spike in Epstein searches comes after the White House confirmed Tuesday there is no so-called client list to divulge regarding Epstein, an accused sex trafficker and pedophile who described Trump as his closest friend before he took his own life in 2019.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not just Google searches. Social Media, particularly X, is rife with former MAGA diehardslike Elon Musk and right-wing podcaster Alex Jonesexpressing disbelief that the White House has not declassified more details of the federal governments Epstein investigation, a key campaign promise made by the president. Even top Trump adviser Steve Bannon is not pleased with the development, calling for Trump to appoint a special prosecutor to probe the Epstein files.

What a massive, unforced error by the Trump administration, Enten said of the political crisis.

Search interest in Epstein spiked after the White House confirmed there was no client list to release, despite Attorney General Pam Bondi claiming earlier this year that no such list exists. / Google Trends

The data guru noted that Trump, who typically fights controversy with fire (consider his fiery falling out with Musk), has been mostly mum on the issue. The president even shut down a reporters question related to Epstein during a cabinet meeting this week.

Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? Trump interrupted. This guys been talked about for years. We have Texas, we have this, we have all of the things, and are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Enten suggested that running from the story has not been effective in killing it off.

Donald Trump normally leans into stories in which theres controversy, like tariffs, for example, he said. But this is a story in which hes trying to get away from, basically saying, Why is anyone still interested in this story? The bottom line is people are very interested in this storyto historic degreesat least this week."

Attorney General Pam Bondi, 59, has been called out by MAGA diehards for reneging on her claim that a so-called client list of Jeffrey Epstein exists. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Bondi, 59, has been at the center of recent outrage. That is in part because she claimed in February to have Epsteins client list sitting on her desk right now to review. Since then, no new information has been made public about Epstein, and the White House confirmed reports of an FBI and Department of Justice memo that asserted no Epstein client list even exists.

These announcements have prediction markets bullish that additional details about Esptein and his suicide, which has been the subject of right-wing conspiracies dating back to the first Trump presidency, will ever come to light.

There was a sharp dip on prediction markets after the White House confirmed a DOJ memo that said there is no so-called Epstein client list. Still, markets estimate there is still a 20 percent chance President Donald Trump releases additional Epstein files at some point in 2025. / Kalashi

Enten pointed out that Kalshi reduced its expectation of Trump releasing more Epstein files to 20 percent, down from as high as 50 percent in May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think there are going to be a lot of the MAGA fan base who are going to be very disappointed, Enten said. And this is all a self-inflicted error by Trump and the Trump administration ... It turns out what goes around sometimes comes around when you push conspiracy theories.

If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing or texting 988.
David Gergen, who transitioned from a career in Washington as a presidential advisor to a role on CNN as a political analyst, has died at the age of 83.

Gergen died Thursday at a retirement home in Lexington, Massachusetts, his son Christopher Gergen confirmed to his longtime network home CNN, adding that the cause of death was Lewy body dementia. Gergen was a dedicated public servant who put country above party  as well as a loved husband, father, and grandfather, Christopher said in a statement.

More from TVLine

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gergen served in the U.S. Navy before beginning his political career as an assistant to the speechwriters for President Richard Nixon, eventually writing speeches for Nixon himself. He served as director of communications for Nixons successor Gerald Ford and later served in the same role in Ronald Reagans administration. He returned to the White House in 1993 as an advisor to President Bill Clinton.

He made the move to television in the mid-1980s, appearing as a political commentator on PBS MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour. He later became a staple of CNNs election night coverage, serving as the cable news networks senior political analyst and offering commentary as election results were tallied. In 2008, he won a Peabody Award as part of CNNs election coverage team. He also worked as the chief editor of U.S. News and World Report and was the founding director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvards Kennedy School.

TV Stars Who Died in 2025

TV Stars We Lost in 2025

View Gallery47 Images

Best of TVLine

Sign up for TVLine's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Phillip Waldron, currently serving as command master chief of the Coast Guard's Personnel Service Center, has been named the 15th master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard.

Waldron, a native of Plant City, Florida, joined the Coast Guard in 1999, enlisting after high school to serve as a machinery technician. He rose through the ranks as an engineering petty officer aboard several cutters, including the inland buoy tender Buckthorn and the patrol boats Wrangell and Adak in Bahrain.

While serving in the Middle East, he qualified as a boarding officer and engaged in 40 high-risk boardings -- operations that later earned him the United Service Organizations 2008 "Coast Guardsman of the Year Award."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read Next: Families of Those Killed in Black Hawk Collision with Jet Want More 'Openness, Compassion' from Army

Across a 26-year career, he has earned his small boat coxswain qualification and his cutterman, boat forces operations and company commander insignias. Before serving at Coast Guard Headquarters at the Personnel Service Center, he was command master chief of the Coast Guard's 17th District, now called the Arctic District.

"His extensive experience and proven senior leadership have prepared him to assume the highest senior enlisted leadership position in the Coast Guard," Acting Coast Guard Commandant Kevin Lunday said in an announcement July 2.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Waldron is a second-generation Coast Guardsman, the son of retired Coast Guard Capt. Phillip Waldron, who, in retirement, worked as city manager of Plant City.

As master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard, Waldron will be the service's top enlisted member, responsible for advising Lunday on personnel issues, including active and reserve forces, and their families.

He will take the reins from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Heath Jones, who has served since 2022.

The master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard is selected from a pool of applicants, but selection is heavily influenced by the commandant, who relies on the MCPOCG as a trusted adviser on personnel issues. The position has been a four-year post since the early 1980s, but the changeover usually coincides with the change of command of the Coast Guard commandant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jones was named the service's 14th master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard, shortly after Adm. Linda Fagan was nominated to become the service's commandant. He previously had served as Fagan's senior enlisted adviser when she led the Coast Guard's Pacific Area.

Fagan was dismissed by the Trump administration earlier this year; Lunday, who has served as acting commandant since Fagan's firing in January, has been nominated for the permanent position but has not yet had his Senate confirmation hearing or vote.

In addition to his sea duties and headquarters work, Waldron has served as assistant engineer officer at Sector Mobile, Alabama, and Station Belle Isle, Michigan. He was a recruit company commander at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, New Jersey, and later served as command master chief at Base Kodiak.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, four Coast Guard Achievement Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Waldron will assume his new duties during a change of watch ceremony on July 25 in Alexandria, Virginia.

Related: Coast Guard Drops Numbered Districts, Adopts Geographical Names for Operating Areas
Now in its second year, the Lockport Cultural Initiative is sparking new ideas and new programs, including a performance on Sept. 25 of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at the Historic Palace Theatre to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal.

The initiatives founder, Joe DiPasquale said the group seeks to increase discussion and collaboration among arts organizations and other sectors of the community. It was the groups focus, he said, that brought the philharmonic to the Palace to perform for the first time. Further discussions found a sponsorship for the fall concert with Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union.

Im very proud of LCIs job in getting that done, DiPasquale said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DiPasquale said he approached Jonathan Parrish, the orchestras vice president of artistic & orchestra operations, with the idea.

He checked out the theater and fell in love with it, DiPasquale said.

We talked for a number of months about how great it would be to celebrate this great anniversary for Lockport and the Erie Canal, Parrish said.

The orchestra will bring nearly 70 musicians to the Palaces stage.

Parrish said the musical selections will give audiences a taste of the music that was produced 200 years ago. This includes the Overature to the Barber of Seville by the composer Rossini which was the first Italian language opera ever performed in New York state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was brand new at the time, Parrish said. It had been written just a year or two earlier, so that was kind of a big thing. That just gives you a historical context for the Erie Canal.

The concert will also feature another Rossini piece with a clarinet solo, Beethovens 2nd Symphony, and the well-known Erie Canal Song.

DiPasquale said that when organizations that provide community programs work as a group, it amplifies their voices and can enhance their offerings to the community.

My idea was to bring the cultural institutions of Lockport together once a month, DiPasquale said. Its from my background as a producer in television, film and theater.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After helping launch the Buffalo Film Office nearly 25 years ago, and the film studies program at SUNY Buffalo, DiPasquale said he saw the potential for collaboration in the Lockport area.

We need to be more visible, DiPasquale said. If theres any time to try to create permanent spin-off, its now with the Erie Canal bicentennial.

DiPasquale said the Kenan Center, Lockport Public Library, the Historic Palace Theater, Spotlight Performing Artists, Art247, Lockport Canal Cruises, Lockport Main Street, and the Niagara History Center have been regular participants in the initiative.

LCI monthly meetings bring in speakers to discuss topics like access to cultural institutions, funding, and the unique aspects of how certain organizations work. During a meeting with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, cultural organizations explored how visitors in Niagara Falls could be shuttled by bus to Lockport for programs and festivals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was a conversation that was thought-provoking on both sides, DiPasquale said.

The idea of a local exhibit honoring Lockports best-selling author Joyce Carol Oates has taken off, with Beverly Federspiel, executive director of the Lockport Public Library, and DiPasquale contacting the writer.

Were in the talking phase, Federspiel said. With Joyce Carol Oates being a literary great, it would be nice to have a small permanent exhibit here, and maybe a manuscript.

Federspiel said other libraries have celebrated their local authors with dedicated reading rooms and offered special writing programs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Joyce Carol Oates made a return visit to the Lockport library about a year ago, Federspiel said, and the two talked.

I just thought that she really thinks highly of the library. This was someplace that she really did spend time when she was growing up.

DiPasquale said the LCI welcomes everyone to their monthly meetings the last Monday of the month at the library.
July 11 (UPI) -- With approval ratings falling and key reforms stalled in Congress, Colombian President Gustavo Petro enters the final year of his term facing a surge in illegal armed groups, growing tensions with the United States and continued cabinet turnover.

Petro's signature "total peace" policy -- central to his security strategy -- has drawn sharp criticism as Colombia contends with mass displacement, the killings of community leaders and weakened government institutions.

"With 11 months until the May 31, 2026, presidential election, Petro's administration is entering an early final stage. There's political fatigue, and many promises have amounted to little more than good intentions," said Rafael Botero, director of the School of Public Management in Bogota.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of Petro's most persistent challenges has been his strained relationship with Colombia's Congress. The ambitious reforms he promised during his campaign -- focused on healthcare, pensions and labor -- have stalled in a fragmented legislature in which the opposition has grown increasingly unified.

"The lack of a solid majority has forced the government into complex negotiations and concessions that have slowed, and in some cases stalled, progress on its legislative agenda. This paralysis has frustrated Petro's electoral base and has been used by the opposition as proof of the government's ineffectiveness," Botero said.

Petro's "total peace" policy -- his central approach to ending Colombia's armed conflict through dialogue with all illegal groups -- has been criticized as vague and ineffective, weakening state authority without securing meaningful progress toward demobilization or territorial justice.

Although Petro reached cease-fire agreements with armed groups, including the National Liberation Army, or ELN, and FARC dissidents, those deals have not led to any meaningful improvement in public safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2024, violence surged across Colombia. More than 50,000 people were displaced and more than 138,000 confined to their homes and hundreds of disappearances, according to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Hundreds of people have gone missing, and attacks on healthcare services have increased.

Mass killings also have increased. Between January and September 2024, 47 massacres left 168 victims, according to the INDEPAZ observatory. The data suggests that violence is not just rising -- it is diversifying and spreading into new regions.

In addition, the absence of tangible results on the ground has fueled a perception of impunity and leniency toward armed groups.

Organizations, including Human Rights Watch and the Peace and Reconciliation Foundation, warn that these groups have taken advantage of cease-fires to expand their presence, recruit minors for criminal activities, control illegal economies and co-opt local communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The resignation of Colombia's foreign minister, Laura Sarabia, on July 3 shook the country's already turbulent political landscape. Political analysts cite tensions with the presidency over sensitive issues, including Colombia's positions on international conflicts, its alignment with geopolitical blocs such as BRICS and its handling of bilateral crises that may have strained cabinet unity.

"The foreign minister's departure not only creates a void in the country's foreign policy leadership, but also signals a possible rift within the government's inner circle," Botero said.

Relations with the United States have been strained following controversial remarks by the Colombian president, who criticized Washington's migration and anti-drug policies. Although Petro recently sent a letter of clarification to President Donald Trump, diplomatic tensions remain high, raising concerns over key bilateral agreements and strategic cooperation.

Meanwhile, public opinion in Colombia shows growing signs of discontent. A June Opinometro poll found that 63.1% of respondents disapprove of the way Petro is running the country, while just 30.1% approve of his performance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to an Invamer poll conducted June 7 to 16, Petro's disapproval rating rose in June to 64% from 57% in April, while approval fell to 29% -- the second-lowest level since he took office.

The shift comes amid growing political and social unrest following the attempted assassination of presidential pre-candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay. The attack deepened political divisions and reinforced the perception of instability in the country.

"Unfortunately, Petro's government isn't leaving behind any infrastructure projects people will remember," said Sergio Escobar, executive director of the Medellin Global Center for Strategic International Studies..

"There were only ideas -- like a rail line from Buenaventura on the Pacific to Barranquilla on the Atlantic, a superhighway, passenger trains linking the center of the country to the north, just to name a few. All logical, all necessary -- but at no point did the national government show any serious intent to implement them."
OAK HILL, WV (WVNS)  ACE Adventures annual Color Dash for Hope 5K is coming up on the first Saturday in August.

New River Health Associations Farmers Market makes shopping easy for patients and locals

The 5K run will go all throughout the ACE property in Oak Hill in Fayette County.

Runners are encouraged to wear white shirts.

This is so the blasts of color powder being thrown at them will be able to give every runner the appearance of a rainbow once they cross the finish line.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chris Colin, Special Events Coordinator for ACE, said the run is for a great cause.

Its a benefit for Hope in the Hills and their mission to end opiate addiction in Appalachia. So, we work with those guys on a bunch of different projects here throughout the year and we wanted to support them a little bit in their nonprofit mission. said Colin.

Colin said the participation in the run has grown with every year they have held it.

He expects anywhere from one hundred and fifty to two hundred people to join in for this years run.

For more information about the run and to register for your place, please visit the ACE Adventures website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Denver City Council member Serena Gonzales-Guttierrez speaks Thursday in front of the Colorado Court of Appeals in Denver.. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline)

Immigrant rights advocates in Colorado want Attorney General Phil Weiser to investigate any possible violations of the states law against information sharing with federal immigration officials.

The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition on Thursday delivered to a representative from Weisers office a petition with over 2,000 signatures calling for an investigation. Leaders said the move represents a demand for public accountability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are not trying to be antagonistic with this action and this petition delivery, CIRC Organizing Director Nayda Benitez said. Were open to working collaboratively with the attorney generals office to ensure that Colorado state laws are being upheld, and that all Colorado families, regardless of their immigration status, feel safe being here.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

The petition specifically asks for Weisers office to ensure that local law enforcement and government agencies are educated on the states laws against sharing personal identifying information in immigration cases except when a request for that information is part of a criminal investigation.

Last month, a Denver judge blocked Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, from ordering a state employee to hand over information requested in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement subpoena. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment employee, Scott Moss, contended that the information requested  which immigration officials said was to ensure the welfare of unaccompanied immigrant children  ran afoul of state law because the request was not related to a specific criminal investigation and might be used for immigration enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Polis lawyers contended that his office wanted to cooperate with federal criminal investigations into child trafficking and exploitation.

During testimony in that case, CDLE Executive Director Joe Barela said the department had complied with at least one other ICE subpoena in March.

Lets be very clear: Gov. Jared Polis knew about these laws when he directed state workers to share information about undocumented children with ICE, because he signed both of those bills into law. Shame on you, Governor, said Denver City Council member Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, who sponsored the initial information protection bill in 2021 as a state representative.

The petition also calls for an investigation into an incident in Mesa County earlier this summer when a Utah college student, Caroline Dias Goncalves, was arrested by ICE. Federal agents used information that a sheriffs deputy shared in a Signal group chat to detain Goncalves after a traffic stop.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Weisers office announced on June 23 that it is investigating whether law enforcement followed state law in that interaction.

CIRC also denounced the use by law enforcement of Flock Safety security cameras around the state. The cameras photograph license plates to track vehicles. Local law enforcement mostly uses that information to find stolen vehicles.

An agent at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives searched Lovelands Flock data on behalf of ICE six times in April, 9News reported.

Denver City Council voted not to renew its contract with the company earlier this year over concerns that the data could be fed to immigration officials. The cameras are still operational for the current contract period.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our immigrant communities are under threat while Flock is still being used across Colorado, Gonzales-Gutierrez said. Our city and our state must resist collaborating with ICE under the guise of public safety.

Weiser spokesperson Lawrence Pacheco said the AGs office will review the petition and its claims.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Have we reached a turning point on the Colorado River?

Could it be that the river on which 40 million people rely is no longer headed for certain doom after 2026, when its current operating rules expire?

There are two reasons to be cautiously optimistic:

The feds  who for far too long chose to stay out of the fray  have finally told warring states to come up with a deal by a certain date, or theyll make one for them. And state-appointed negotiators  who have been at loggerheads for months  are now working on a potential framework for that deal.

Living within our means sounds great

The idea is to distribute water not based on how much is stored in Lake Mead or Lake Powell  which is how the current rules work  but rather on how much water flows into the river each year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its about divvying up what Mother Nature gives us, the argument goes, not constantly digging into our savings accounts to make it work.

Which sounds great.

Were in this mess, after all, because the river no longer produces enough water to meet the promises that were made when it was a whole lot wetter.

And the imbalance is only going to get worse, particularly if the experts are right and climate change leaves us with a river that produces far less water than what it does now.

But cutting water use is the only way to stop the incessant drain, at least in the short term. And not just by a little bit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Living within a 10 million acre-feet river, as forecasted  or even the 12 million acre-feet river of the last two decades  will require someone (OK, a whole lot of someones) to collectively use millions of acre-feet less than they are now.

And not just for a year or two. Were talking about the foreseeable future.

But that still requires water cuts. From whom?

Exactly who are those someones? We still dont know.

The Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada say that even if they take cuts in individual years to match what the river flows, the Upper Basin states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming must still deliver 75 million acre-feet to them every 10 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That, they say, is clearly spelled out in the Colorado River Compact signed a century ago.

But the Upper Basin disagrees, saying it cant provide what the river doesnt produce. And that it absolutely will not agree to mandatory cuts to move that water to the Lower Basin.

Those lines in the sand havent changed, even if the states are talking again.

Maybe theres a magic combination of terms that will please both basins. Theres a lot of modeling happening now to find such a sweet spot.

At least there's some hope for the Colorado River

But even if negotiators arrive at a deal, individual water users could still balk.

Particularly if it asks those with senior water rights (read: farmers in Yuma and Californias Imperial Irrigation District, among others) to give up some of what they are entitled to keep from zeroing out lower-priority water users, like cities across central Arizona.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No ones a hard no on the framework, yet.

Opinion: Arizona found a bipartisan way to save a lot of water

But Yuma has said it will not support any uncompensated, out-of-priority water cuts.

And Imperial  the largest water rights holder on the river  is eerily silent.

Theres a lot of mixed messages and unanswered questions, which explains why the mood on the river has brightened from a universal black to varying shades of grey.

Hey, twilight is better than midnight. A modicum of hope is better than complete hopelessness.

But its way too early to say whether the Colorado River is on the right path to be saved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reach Allhands at joanna.allhands@arizonarepublic.com or on X @joannaallhands.

Like this column? Get more opinions in your email inbox by signing up for our free opinions newsletter, which publishes Monday through Friday.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Colorado River framework sounds good, but can it save water? | Opinion
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Officials with Columbus Fire and EMS announced on Thursday the death of a beloved firefighter.

The department is mourning the loss of Firemedic Brittany Zerwick. It is currently unknown on the cause of death. She passed away unexpectedly at her home on Thursday.

Columbus Fire and EMS released a statement on Thursday and expressed their deepest condolences by saying:

Columbus Fire and EMS is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our active firefighters. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and loved ones affected by this tragic loss.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are currently working to provide grief counseling and support resources to our personnel as we grieve together as a department. This is a difficult time for our entire fire service family, and we ask the community to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.

The department says the funeral arrangements for the firefighter are set for July 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cascade Hills Church, located at 727 54th Street.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Comedian and podcaster Andrew Schulz turned on President Donald Trump Thursday, lashing out at promises the president has failed to fulfill since returning to the White House, saying he voted for none of this.

Hes doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for. I want him to stop the wars. Hes funding them. I want him to shrink spending, reduce the budget. Hes increasing it, Schulz said on his podcast, Flagrant.

Schulz, who has amassed nearly 2 million subscribers on YouTube, hosted the president on his show last year in the lead-up to the presidential election; during their interview he burst into laughter after Trump called himself basically a truthful person.

Trump: Im basically a truthful person



Podcaster: *bursts out laughing at him* pic.twitter.com/COOjMi9UMk  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) October 9, 2024

Schulz told The New York Times in an interview published last month that his vote for Trump was against a Democratic institution he felt was stripping the democratic process from its constituents. He went on to say that, going into the Trump interview, he specifically wanted to address three topics with the candidate: making sure access to in vitro fertilization was protected, having empathy for law-abiding undocumented migrants, and ending foreign wars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Months after casting his vote for Trump, Schulz tore into the president in Thursdays episode in front of his co-hosts, comedians Akaash Singh and Mark Gagnon and media producer AlexxMedia.

Therell be people that theyll DM me and be like, You see what your boys doing? You voted for this. Im like, I voted for none of this, Schulz said.

The conversation moved on to Trumps immigration policy, where Singh questioned the presidents promise of focusing on undocumented immigrants who committed criminal offenses.

I dont even know if the criminals are getting sent back. I know theres a lot of people with green cards getting sent back. Theres people who arent criminals getting sent back, Singh said, emphasizing that nothing has happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At one point, Schulz expressed frustration with Trumps unfulfilled promise to release files related to convicted child sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein, stating its insulting our intelligence.

Like, obviously the intelligence community is trying to cover it up. Obviously the Trump administration is trying to cover up, Schulz claimed. Something changed because they ran on this idea of exposing it all.

Some argued that Trumps appearance last year on Schulzs podcast and others like it that draw large audiences of young men helped the president reach younger male voters and win the election.

The comedian has recently hosted more left-leaning figures on the show, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who warned of not taking Trumps promises seriously.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To me, like most of the stuff he said he was going to do, he didnt actually do, Buttigieg said in April. He didnt do the big infrastructure bill he talked about. [The Biden administration] actually did it. He didnt even build the wall.

Related...
Nvidia (NVDA) stock is signaling more gains early on Thursday after the chipmaker on Wednesday became the first publicly traded company to hit the $4 trillion mark, surpassing fellow tech players such as Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple (AAPL).

Shares rose 0.3% in premarket trading after closing Wednesday's session at a record high, up nearly 2% for the day. Its market cap ended up slightly under the $4 trillion mark at the close.

The move comes as the chip giant continues to ride the wave of generative AI hype that kicked off with the introduction of OpenAI's ChatGPT in 2022. The chipmaker's stock price is up around 21% year to date and 24% over the past 12 months.

Nvidia's chips, modified graphics cards, and CUDA software platform are designed to both train and run AI programs, giving it a strategic advantage that rivals AMD (AMD) and Intel (INTC) continue to struggle to overcome.

Tech behemoths, including Amazon (AMZN), Google (GOOG), Meta (META), Microsoft, Tesla (TSLA), and others, are spending hundreds of billions of dollars on the company's hardware as they build out the data centers necessary to provide cloud-based AI offerings to their customers and create their own internal AI models.

Nvidia's stock price has been on a roller coaster this year. The company took a $600 million hit to its market cap in January after DeepSeek revealed its R-1 model, which the company claimed it was able to train using less than top-of-the-line chips.

Wall Street went into meltdown mode as fears arose that Nvidia's pricey data center chips were falling out of fashion. Couple that with concerns that the AI industry was moving from training AI models to inferencing, or using, AI models, and the market started to believe Nvidia's processors were no longer necessary.

But so far, both of those have proven wrong. Nvidia's chips are still among the best for training AI models, and the industry has shown that inferencing benefits from more powerful AI processors, as they allow them to answer more complex questions.

Nvidia president and CEO Jensen Huang delivers a speech during the Computex 2025 exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 19. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

Nvidia has also benefited from the growth of so-called sovereign AI, or AI data centers that allow countries to use their own AI services rather than rely on those abroad. The company is expected to supply hundreds of thousands of chips to countries including Saudi Arabia and those across Europe.

Additionally, Nvidia has managed to shake off the Biden and Trump administrations' bans on the sales of its chips to China. While the company took a massive $4.5 billion hit to its bottom line in its most recent quarter due to the ban and anticipates a larger $8 billion writedown in the current period, its stock price continues to climb.
July 11 (UPI) -- Scientists believe an interstellar comet discovered earlier this month could be one of the oldest that astronomers have ever encountered.

University of Oxford scientists said the 3I/ATLAS comet could be some 3 billion years older than our solar system, which is believed to be 4.5 billion years old.

The comet was first reported by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System or ATLAS survey telescope in Chile on July 1, while so-called "pre-discovery" observations date back to June 14.

A rare interstellar visitor is passing through.  Comet 3I/ATLAS was spotted on July 1, but it's not from around here. It came from outside our solar system and is only the 3rd known interstellar comet. Astronomers are studying it before it disappears. https://t.co/Kr6mwPQY6h pic.twitter.com/HxHsVvoY5G NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) July 9, 2025

"Comet 3I/ATLAS was spotted on July 1, but it's not from around here. It came from outside our solar system and is only the 3rd known interstellar comet. Astronomers are studying it before it disappears," NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said on X, accompanied by an image of the comet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is an object from a part of the galaxy we've never seen up close before," University of Oxford astrophysicist Chris Lintott told space.com in a statement.

"We think there's a two-thirds chance this comet is older than the solar system, and that it's been drifting through interstellar space ever since."

It marks just the third known interstellar object from outside Earth's solar system and is expected to reappear on the other side of our sun in December, when it may be visible to amateur telescopes.

"All non-interstellar comets, such as Halley's comet, formed at the same time as our solar system, so they are up to 4.5 billion years old," fellow University of Oxford astronomer Matthew Hopkins said in a statement during the Royal Astronomical Society's annual meeting in Britain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"But interstellar visitors have the potential to be far older, and of those known about so far, our statistical method suggests that 3I/ATLAS is very likely to be the oldest comet we have ever seen."

Calculations made by Hopkins and other scientists put the comet's age at over 7 billion years old. The astronomer told the conference he believes the comet originated in an area of the Milky Way Galaxy referred to as a "thick disk" of stars.

Comet 1I/'Oumuamua first seen in 2017, and 2I/Borisov observed in 2019, are the other two known interstellar objects detected by scientists on Earth.
***Watch previously coverage above***

KENT, Ohio (WJW)  An unusual bird that has become a local celebrity in Kent over the past few months was gifted a more permanent home in the city.

The owner of Jasons Barber Shop on E. Erie Street first spotted the unique pigeon with shimmering green and purple tinted black and white feathers outside his shop.

WJW photo

I was just like, wow, that bird is not from Ohio, Jason Fabick told FOX 8 News in May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bird, named Harvey after a beloved local man who passed away, has an ankle band and appears to be a Hungarian Budapest White-Flight High Flyer.

70 million-year-old dinosaur fossil found beneath Denver museums parking lot

Its a fancier species that is not native to the Buckeye State. Community members think Harvey could be someones escaped or released pet.

The community tried to find Harveys potential owner or a sanctuary that would take the rare bird in.

He is obviously lost. We just want someone who will care for him and love him and have other birds to be around to socialize with, said Brooke Crocker, who works next door at Belleria Pizza and has been helping Fabick care for Harvey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So far, nobody has claimed Harvey and theyve been unable to find a sanctuary. The ankle band, unfortunately, did not provide any information.

Free fries? Where to find yours on National French Fry Day

Several people offered to take him, but it appears Harvey has made the choice to stay and he likes being fed too, said Tim Reiheld, Jasons friend and customer.

One concern was Harvey being out in the elements and at night when the area gets loud with music from local bars and restaurants. They would see Harvey looking uncomfortable huddled next to the buildings.

Courtesy of Tim Reiheld

So, the community decided to make Harvey a more permanent and comfortable home in the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Residents built a custom bird house, complete with Harveys name on it, and businesses in the area plan to continue caring for the mysterious bird that chose Kent as its new home.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
GRAFTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  A new construction project regarding mine drainage has brought controversy to north central West Virginia.

ICG Tygart Valley, LLC, is in the process of getting a permit to build a mine drainage pond for the Leer Deep Mine near the Taylor-Preston county line. Per ICGs permit application, the construction would add 1.85 acres to convert a cutting pond into a dewater pond.

The permit request said that construction would include capabilities to pump 1,000 gallons per minute of mine water into the pond as well as a 24-inch decant pipe/spillway that would flow into Little Sandy Creek.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The project has raised concerns among both locals. This led to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which oversees the permit application, to hold an informal conference Thursday night at Tygart Lake Lodge to hear those concerns.

Worthington Mayor addresses towns sewage issues, says help is coming soon

During the conference, locals barraged the DEP with questions, including concerns about health, the environment and potential flooding. The DEP representatives present had few answers for them, with locals calling for another meeting with the appropriate people from the department.

Save the Tygart Watershed Association, which pushed for the meeting, told 12 News that dewatering the mine and keeping mine workers safe have to be balanced with the health and environmental concerns of the area at large.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

12 News asked Kelley Flaherty, Director of Save the Tygart Watershed Association, what course of action she would like to see the regulators and mine company take.

Wed really like them to consider some of the impacts that this is going to have, Flaherty said. We want to see them kind of reevaluate that through the eyes of water quality and hopefully improve on the design or decide to take another route.

Stay tuned to 12 News for updates on this developing story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Community members in Southeast D.C. held a vigil on Thursday night, calling for change and answers after two young people were killed in the District in the past week.

17-year-old Zoey Kelley-Hickman was killed on July 4. Her mother tells DC News Now she wanted to speak out at the vigil to get answers and justice, and ensure other young people can live safely in D.C.

On the 4th of July, I see my baby that morning, Shanika Kelley said. That evening I didnt see her no more. She never came back home. She never returned to us. And whoever did this, please know that justice is going to be served.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DC police in search of suspect in fatal toddler shooting, $50k reward offered

The vigil also memorialized 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle, who was shot by a stray bullet on the morning of July 5. She died days later.

D.C. police announced Charles Rucker, 24, of Southeast Washington, is facing a first-degree murder charge. He has not been arrested.

ANC Commissioner Marcus Hickman, who organized the vigil, said more needs to be done  from the city council and the mayor, to police and parents  to make sure no other young people in the District are killed by gun violence.

Were going to be honest with the youth here tonight and say we have failed you all as city elected city officials, he said. We have failed you. We have forgotten the innocence of our youth. We have forgotten how precious the lives are of our youth. Not anymore.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  Elaine Harmon and Earnest Murry with the Dublin Street Church of Christ joined WCIAs Taylor Mitchell to talk about an upcoming event.

The Urbana church will be hosting an Ice Cream Social for the community on July 19. The goal is to get residents to meet the churchs new minister and his wife, Earnest and Jennifer Murry.

Community Spotlight: Gifford Sesquicentennial Celebration

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earnest is the senior minister of the church and is a United States Navy Veteran. He said through this event, the church wants to provide fun, fellowship and counseling. Everyone in the community is invited to attend.

Games and ice cream will be available while supplies last. The Ice Cream Social will take place from 2-5 p.m. at 1402 W Dublin Street and will teach people about the mission of the Dublin Street Church of Christ and their emphasis on serving the community.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Gaza was one of the most densely populated places in the world before the war. Today, the roughly 2 million Palestinians who still call it home have been forced into an area just a fifth of its original size by a year and a half of bombing, displacement orders and militarised zones.

Under a bleak vision for the future pitched by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Donald Trump in Washington DC this week, they could be forced into an even smaller area still, or out of Gaza entirely, unable to return to what is left of their homes.

Netanyahu may have left Washington without a deal signed and sealed, but his proposals for Gaza continue apace.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The plan would see those 2 million people concentrated into a humanitarian city in southern Gaza, where anyone who wants to leave would be helped to emigrate and those who remain would live under the tight control of the Israeli army, which would hold on to specific territories, sources familiar with the plan have told The Independent.

One idea being floated is that Israeli troops retain control of three connected strategic corridors in Gaza: the Philadelphi corridor, a nine-mile strip which covers the border region between Gaza and Egypt; the Netzarim corridor, a band that dissects Gaza in half; and a third strip in the middle, which is now being called the Morag Corridor.

Some details of the plan emerged in a briefing given by Israels defence minister, Israel Katz, this week. In it, he said he had instructed the Israeli army to prepare for a humanitarian city on the ruins of Rafah, which would eventually house the entire population of the Gaza Strip. Once inside the city, Katz said residents would not be allowed to leave, according to sources briefed on that meeting.

Another proposal seen by The Independent, bearing the name of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the controversial US-backed and Israeli-run aid group, describes the building of sprawling camps in the coastal south region of Gaza called Humanitarian Transition Areas. Each compound could hold more than 2,000 people complete with homes, dining facilities, private bathrooms and even schools to temporarily reside, deradicalise, reintegrate, etc and prepare to relocate if they wish to do so. The document proposes that some of these transition areas could also be located in Egypt and even Cyprus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This emigration plan was also mentioned by Katz in his briefing. The Independent has been told he has already earmarked a division to carry out that plan, which would see Palestinians move from Gaza to other Arab countries. During a meeting with Trump on Monday, Netanyahu said Israel was working with the United States very closely to find countries that would take Palestinians from Gaza. Destination nations that have been floated include Somalia.

The Israeli defence ministry was approached for comment on the reports and details of the plan. The Independent understands that the idea is backed by Netanyahu, who has sought to float it publicly and discuss it with Trump.

While Israel insists the emigrations would be voluntary and denies violating international law, human rights experts said they would likely constitute war crimes and, coupled with the forcible transfer of the population south into the humanitarian city, would amount to really grave atrocity crimes.

The plans that are being discussed by Katz and by the Israeli government, not just in recent days but going back months, would amount to an abhorrent escalation in these war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing, said Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres no voluntary emigration when youve deliberately made large parts of Gaza unliveable [] when youve deliberately attacked water infrastructure, when youve starved the population, when youve demolished civilian infrastructure, hospitals and schools.

Josh Paul, a former director of congressional and public affairs at the State Department, said it appeared that Israel had been working to make the plan a reality on the ground for some time.

Israels plan for Gaza has been clear for over a year: make the region unliveable, remove as many Palestinians from their land as possible, and concentrate the rest in densely packed enclaves where they can be surveilled, monitored, and controlled, said Paul, who resigned from the Biden administration over its support for the war in Gaza.

The war, sparked by a brutal attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants that killed more than 1,100 people, including more than 700 civilians, has transformed the territory and its people beyond all recognition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What was a troubled but vibrant land of packed cities, extensive farmlands and busy beaches is now a mostly destroyed wasteland, with more than 57,000 people killed, according to local officials and many more thousands buried beneath the rubble. Nearly one in three people are not eating for several days due to severe Israeli restrictions on aid entering Gaza, according to the World Food Programme.

The Israeli governments plans to move masses of people to the south were met with suspicion and dismay by Palestinians in Gaza, many of whom have been forcibly displaced numerous times by bombing.

I feel that what is happening is a plan for forced displacement, said Ahmed Al-Brim, a 38-year-old father of five, currently in a so-called humanitarian zone along the coast, which has repeatedly been bombed.

Youssef Al-Sheikh, a 44-year-old father of six who has also been displaced many times, added: The greatest fear is that gathering us in one area crowded with people is an attempt to completely and permanently displace us from the Gaza Strip. Why are they planning to herd us into a cage like animals?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israel has been working to move Palestinians into southern Gaza for some time through a combination of military offensives, military exclusion zones and, some experts believe, through the takeover of lifesaving humanitarian aid.

Almost all aid going into Gaza now runs through the GHF, which started operations in May following a months-long Israeli blockade of nearly all food and aid. Food is handed out at overcrowded and deadly sites overseen by American private security contractors and the Israeli army.

Gazas health ministry said that Israeli forces opening fire on crowds trying to reach the GHF food distribution points have killed hundreds of Palestinians and wounded thousands since aid deliveries were reinstated in late May.

A document shared with The Independent bearing the name of GHF shows a $2bn plan to expand its work to corral Palestinians into specially made transition camps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

GHF has denied any involvement in this document and has previously rejected claims it is complicit in the weaponisation of aid, calling the allegation false, dangerous and deeply irresponsible. In a statement to The Independent, it said the only actor weaponising aid in Gaza is Hamas.

Experts from the United Nations, along with former USAID and State Department officials, have described the new system as grotesque, dangerous, and part of a larger plan to use aid to control the movement of Palestinians.

What were seeing now is the culmination of forced displacement seeking to confine up to 2 million people  the entirety of the population  into a closed-off, a fenced-off area where people are vetted on the ruins of Rafah, Tamara Alrifai, of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, referring to Israels plan for a humanitarian city.

There has been an engineering of forced displacement using access to food.

Violence linked to aid distribution in Gaza, recorded by ACLED, spiked in June (Armed Conflict Location and Events Database)

Jeremy Konyndyk, who oversaw famine relief at USAID for three years during the Obama administration and is now president of Refugees International, said it was not a coincidence that most of the distribution sites were in the south of Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A basic principle of humanitarian response is you move the aid as close as you can to where the people are. Theyre doing the opposite of that, the diametric opposite of that, which suggests that they want to draw people to the south.

I think that is highly suggestive of the longer-term agenda here.

Under the Israeli governments current plan, some 600,000 Palestinians would be moved first to the detention camp in Rafah from the Muwasi area  a zone in the centre of Gaza already earmarked as a humanitarian area, even though it has been bombed. An international force would manage the camp, while the Israeli army would secure the perimeter, Katz reportedly told reporters.

However, officials briefed on the plans say there are no real details.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not clear who is going to provide humanitarian aid, who is going to manage all these people coming from the north to the south  if they want all of them to be there, said one source who asked not to be named as they are not authorised to brief the media.

The reoccupation of Gaza has been a long-held ambition of Israels far right, which now makes up a key part of Netanyahus governing coalition.

Palestinians carry humanitarian aid packages near the GHF distribution centre in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on 26 June (AP)

But the success of Netanyahus plan and the scale of Israels involvement in post-war Gaza will depend on the support of Trump.

The US presidents plans for Gaza have vacillated from the absurd to the disinterested since he returned to office for a second term in January.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He first pitched his plan for the US to take over and rebuild Gaza as the Riviera of the Middle East in February, calling the territory a demolition site and suggesting that Palestinians would have no alternative but to leave.

He has since cooled on that plan, but has not backed off from the idea of helping Palestinians leave Gaza.

President Trump has long advocated for creative solutions to improve the lives of Palestinians, including allowing them to resettle in a new, beautiful location while Gaza rebuilds, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told The Independent.

Trump was said to be keen to use Netanyahus trip to press for a ceasefire in Gaza and a permanent end to the war, promising to be very firm. He was also keen to build on the Abraham accords peace deal between Israel and several Arab states from his first term, specifically bringing Saudi Arabia on board.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, has been resistant to any deal that would end the war, preferring instead to negotiate temporary ceasefires in exchange for the release of hostages.

A mother and her daughter rush for cover during an Israeli strike in Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip (AFP/Getty)

Hamas officials have already vehemently rejected any notion of moving the population south or corridors of control.

Netanyahu spent several hours engaged in high-level meetings with Trump, and their teams were locked in talks for two days. But the Israeli prime minister left Washington without any formal announcement.

Officials with knowledge of their discussions from the Israeli side said they feel that progress has been made and a truce deal is 90 per cent completed. Israel has reportedly agreed to a compromise on aid, including that the GHF would not deliver aid to areas from which Israeli troops have withdrawn.

However, there remain a few major sticking points, the sources said, including the planned humanitarian city, as well as the details of the continued presence of Israeli troops in Gaza.

The differences have to do with the idea of withdrawal [of the military] from the designated areas the US wants them to withdraw from ... where Israel is evacuating from, and how, is the sticking issue at the moment, one official said.

Netanyahu will also likely face some opposition to his plan back home. The extreme-right members of his government, including finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, have thrown their support behind the idea, stating that victory would be Gaza entirely destroyed and civilians sent to the south of the strip and even abroad.

Sources have said the military is one of the main detractors because it puts a lot of strain on them.

Members of the military are already protesting the drawn-out, multi-front war and the soaring soldier death toll, with reports of people breaking their limbs to avoid being called up for reserve duty.

Amos Harel, an Israeli defence correspondent and leading expert on Israels military issues, agrees. Exhausted by 21 months of conflict, he believes the military fears possible repercussions in international courts from this Gaza plan, that pursuing it will definitively scupper any hope of a ceasefire deal, and that it will ultimately fail.

Most generals I speak to would rather have an end to the war and not prolong it under these circumstances, he said. Its not only the hostages, its reservists. Its the soldiers dying.
The Brief

A Metro Detroit pool concrete company has a long list of dissatisfied customers.

A number of people have paid Potoroka Concrete but did not get their work done.

Despite losing numerous court judgments, Lynne and Walter Potoroka are still taking new jobs.

FOX 2 - Lynne Potoroka runs a concrete company with her husband, Walter. You've heard of companies that love their customers? Well, Lynne hates her customers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least the customers who sued her claimed her company took their money and didn't finish their jobs.

The backstory

Ann sent a video to her granddaughter explaining why the little girl still couldn't come over to swim.

"So Riley, this is a picture of grandma and grandpa's backyard right now," she said. "There's where the diving board used to be," Ann said. "There's the pool - there's the back corner, there's where your toys used to be."

In early spring 2023, Ann and Pat Comisky paid to re-do the concrete deck around their Troy pool.

"She came out, which is the wife. It's Walter and Lynne Potoroka," Pat said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Walter Potoroka came out and broke up the concrete in early May.

They had already paid the company $4,000 and now Lynne wanted another check.

Wolchek: "She wanted it in her personal name?"

"'Lynne Potoroka for four thousand dollars,'" she said.

Then they waited as the pool season slipped away. Finally Lynne came out but they say, didn't really do anything.

"(I said) 'I thought you were putting the forms up?' She says 'No, no ... We probably, probably can do that on Monday,'" Pat said. "So I said, 'I'm going to wait for a week and you probably will be here? I've had a lot of probably from you.'"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was getting ridiculous. Pat shared video of his still unfinished cement deck.

"This is my backyard," he said. "Here we are, it's July 12th."

Michigan has a super-short pool season. It starts getting warm in June and it starts getting cold in September.

By mid-July it's hot.

Pat sued Lynne Potoroka and won a judgment for $2,885.

"They were supposed to pay within a month," Ann said.

"They didn't," Pat added.



Wolchek: "They've never contacted you?"

Both: "No."

Wolchek: "They've never called you."

"They won't answer phone calls," Ann said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wolchek:"They never said I'm sorry?"

"No," Ann said.

They're not the only ones - meet Greg, who says he also missed a whole pool season thanks to the Potorokas.

"I had sand and weeds back here for an entire summer," he said.

Greg had the same experience. He actually hired them in November, 2020, to have his pool concrete deck ready by the summer of 2021.

The Potorokas broke up the old concrete but he says they never poured the cement.

"She had a lot of excuses when she wasn't delivering," Greg said. "It was deer season, it was Covid, it was anything under the sun, it was a death in the family."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Greg sued as well - and won a $100,000 default judgment, but he knew he'd never see that money so eventually settled on just having the Potorokas just pay them back the $10,000 he'd paid them upfront.

Then there's the Badalmenti family. Here's their pool that sat for an entire summer season waiting for concrete.

They sued, went to a bench trial earlier this year. The judge ordered the Potorokas to pay $12,000 for breach of contract.

Once again, part of the case involved the some checks written out to the company, and others written out to Lynne personally.

Then there's the case where a couple from Metamora sued and won a default judgment against Potoroka Concrete for $38,000 in 2015.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Guess what they sued about? A concrete job the Potorokas were supposed to have done around their pool.

Court crops up with the concrete couple consistently.

In 2014, they were in bankruptcy court filing with more than a million dollars in debt.

They have been sued by the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. In 2022, Potoroka Concrete was slapped with a $73,000 judgment.

And the United States government sued and won a default judgment against Potoroka Concrete and Lynne Potoroka in 2020 for "not paying employment and unemployment taxes."

It says "Defendant Potoroka LLC owes the United States the sum of $188,991.97 cents."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And get this - Wolchek is not even the first reporter to go after Lynne.



Local 4's 'Ruth to the Rescue' did a segment on her for allegedly writing non-sufficient fund checks more than 10 years ago.

Ruth never caught up to Lynne in person - but you know Rob will.

It was time for Wolchek to smoke-a Potoroka.

The other side

"Hello there Lynne, Rob Wolchek from FOX 2 ..."

Let's see what the concrete queen has to say about some of these customers.

Wolchek: "Pat and Ann Comisky."

Lynne: "Really?"

Wolchek: "They have a judgement against you for $2,885. They want their money."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lynne: "You're kidding, right?"

Wolchek: "No."

Lynne: "This is actually crap - $2,800. Do you know how much work we did there? We did the entire renovation."

Wolchek: "Yeah, I saw it. You tore all of their stuff out and they went all summer without being able to use their pool."

Lynne: "No, no, no. We do not pour the concrete until the pool is running."

But Rob shows the video Pat made, saying it was July 13th. You can see and hear the pool running.

Wolchek: "Okay, well regardless, they sued you and they have a judgment, and they want their money."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lynne: "Only because I didn't show up. I didn't show up"

Wolchek: "Well, that's your problem, right?"

Lynne: "Yes, it was, it was, but they should have never gotten that."

Wolchek: "Okay, well then you still owe them $2885. Are you going to pay them?"

Lynne: "I guess I have to, don't I? And you know what? Actually I think it's crap."

Now Lynne Potoroka changes her story about court.

Lynne: "I did show up. It was in Zoom. I did a zoom meeting with them."

Wolchek: "Okay, well you lost."

Lynne: "No, I agreed to pay it. I didn't lose."

Wolchek: "Okay, you agreed to pay it, but did you pay it?"

Lynne: "No, I didn't ..."

Wolchek: "Okay, so."

Lynne: "Because I was so mad over it because the judge said, you know what, she is agreeing you don't have any, they didn't have any ... they weren't entitled to it. The judge told them that."

At this point Rob shows her the court judgement.

Wolchek: "Well, they're entitled to it, now they want their money."

Lynne: "Yeah, your making this a story that it isn't."

Next, the lawsuit that just wrapped up that Lynne lost. This judge's order and opinion is from late June.

Lynne: "I just got this this week from my attorney Art Garten"

Wolchek: "And what does it say?"

Lynne: "This week, this week. Judge's opinion, right. Judge's opinion."

Wolchek: "Okay, here is the judge's opinion. 'The court finds that the defendant breached the concrete contract.' That's you the defendant, right?"

Lynne: "You know what? You need to read the whole case. It's like this thick."

Wolchek: "I read the case. I read the case. I have it."

She then flips through Rob's papers.

Lynne: "The only reason you're here, you obviously know this lady. This one here. I guarantee you know this lady."

Wolchek: "What lady?"

Lynne: "Her."

Wolchek: "Who?"

Lynne: "Mrs. Cominsky."

Wolchek: "I've interviewed her."

Lynne: "Yeah, you've interviewed her. You know what? She is old, crabby, and nasty."

Wolchek: "She seemed pretty nice to me and you seem kind of crabby and nasty to be perfectly honest."

Lynne: "No, you pull up literally, you pull up and do this really?"

Back to the Badalamenti case that Rob was trying to talk to Lynne about. Potoroka Concrete was ordered to pay $12,000. He tried to ask Lynne why she asks her clients to write some of the checks in her personal name.

Wolchek: "They write a check for $2,500 to Potoroka Concrete ..."

Lynne: "I'm not talking to you about this. This is in court right now. I can not talk to you on this. We can't even talk about it. We literally just got ..."

Wolchek: "I believe the case just got settled."

Lynne: "No, but you know what? I don't feel that. I just got this, this week. That is the judge's opinion."

Wolchek: "Okay, well the judge is the law."

Lynne: "The judge is a ... it's an opinion. You really need to call my attorney on this, I can't talk about this one."

Wolchek: "It says right here, 'This resolves the last pending claim and closes the case, so the case is ...'"

Lynne: "It says right here, 'This opinion and order resolves this case.'"

Wolchek: "Yes, so the case is closed."

The case ended with Lynne's company found to be in breach of contract.

Wolchek: "And you got a guy named Gregory Hauck who you did the same thing."

Lynne: "That paid. Paid. We paid him."

Wolchek: "But they went a whole summer without having ..."

Lynne: "During Covid. Covid! It was during Covid. He had a pool that sat."

That's the point. It sat like that for a year.

Wolchek: "So Gregory Hauck, they had to sue you and they got a $100,000 judgement."

Lynne: "No, they didn't. They got $8,000."

Wolchek: "I'm looking at it right here and it says one hundred thousand, three ..."

Lynne: "This was during Covid, there was no courts open. You check this out too."

Wolchek: "So what is this, a fake document?"

Lynne: "Did you not look up the next one. How it was settled?"

Wolchek: "Yes. I spoke to Greg. He told me that he settled it. He still doesn't like you and thinks you're a terrible person."

Lynne: "I don't care if he thinks I'm a terrible person. Again we did all his rebuilding and then he didn't want to wait."

Now come the government cases dated 2022.

Wolchek: "What is this one? The State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has a $73,000 judgment."

Lynne: "Listen, listen, I had an old company, 2010, that I opened, with a partnership that did not go. It was during the recession. We had all kinds of issues. Its old. This is old."

Wolchek: "Okay, this isn't old. This is a current judgment for $73,000."

Lynne: "They are going to keep putting it on until we settle it."

Wolchek: "So you are actually a little bit aware of this type of journalism, because 'Ruth to the Rescue' did a story on you too."

Lynne: "Yep and that's why ... yep, she did years and years and years ago."

Wolchek: "So you kind of know the drill. Why didn't you straighten up your act?"

Lynne: "Really? Straighten up my act? We do beautiful work."

Beautiful work - if you can get it. Lynne ... You're in the Hhhhhall of Shame!

The Source

Interviews with numerous former customers and court documents from cases against Potoroka Concrete were used in this report.
BINGHAMTON (WIVT/WBGH)  New York State Electric and Gass proposal to increase customer rates in order to improve its infrastructure is being met with lots of resistance from local state and federal politicians.

Last week, Governor Hochul demanded that NYSEGs proposed rate hikes be scrutinized by the New York State Department of Public Service to avoid sky-high utility costs for New Yorkers.

In response, NYSEG released a statement that these hikes were proposed to pay for rebuilding an aging grid and said funds would be invested over the next five years into reliability and resilience, customer service, and vegetation management.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Congressman Josh Riley says that lots of New Yorkers hard-earned money is going towards NYSEGs parent company overseas.

I suspect that some of the money is probably going towards things, I also know that a lot of the money is going to pad Iberdrolas profits overseas. That is money that should be staying in our community. We shouldnt be, as folks in Broome County, shouldnt be shelling out money for a NYSEG bill every month. And then having a whole bunch of that money go line the pockets of corporate executives in Spain, he said.

NYSEGs CEO Trish Nilsen says that it is the exact opposite, and that the Spanish parent company is sending funds to NYSEG.

Respectfully Id like to correct the record here and say that Iberdrola actually has been making more investments in NYSEG and RG&E, its not the other way around. Iberdrola happens to be one of the largest energy companies in the world, and there are areas where they are profitable and successful. Which is great because that profit and success has turned into investments here in the US, she says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Riley says the first thing he plans on doing is demanding that NYSEG, Avangrid and Iberdrola all hold public hearings across the district.

I want an accounting of every single penny that my constituents are being asked to pay. And I wanna know that every single penny is going towards things benefiting our community and not going to benefit Wall Street and foreign corporations. said Riley.

Nilsen says the filing does not change any existing prices for customers and that delivery rates are still at the approved public service commission rate for now.

She says NYSEG is trying to negotiate a multi-year deal to make the rates more predictable and avoid the need to seek a rate increase each year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
Photo illustration by Getty Images.

There was a time in this fair state when the rivers ran gin clear over shining freestone beds, when you could cast a fly and have large cutthroat, rainbow, brown or brook trout readily rise. In some places, you could even find the now nearly-extinct Fluvial Arctic Grayling.

But now the rivers are so low and hot the struggle is just to keep the fish alive, let alone deal with the neon green algae now coating those freestone beds on every major river.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How did we get here?

Well, more than 50 years ago the Montana Power Company announced the construction of its coal-fired generation plants at Colstrip. Despite considerable opposition by nearby residents, farmers, ranchers, and many, many others, Montana Power brazenly claimed Colstrip would be the boiler room for the nation.

Now, thanks to the continuing operation of arguably the nations dirtiest coal-fired power plants, the planet, the nation  and Montanas world-famous rivers and streams  are indeed boiling.

The evidence is undeniable that continuing to burn coal and spew endless tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere has and continues to create our global climate crisis. Yet, for some bizarre reason Montanas governor and congressional delegation  as well as most of their GOP colleagues in Congress and the Legislature  refuse to acknowledge that truth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The result is equally undeniable: The mounting problems being faced by farmers and ranchers as well as rivers, forests, fish, wildlife and the public are directly connected to the continuing use of fossil fuels  among which coal leads the pack for atmospheric greenhouse gas pollution.

While our science-deprived president blathers about beautiful clean coal the fact is, thats just another in his tens of thousands of lies. There is no clean coal. None.

If Montanas congressional delegation and governor want to run around in red MAGA hats and kowtow to the presidents fictions about clean coal, Im sure no one would much care  if only the rest of us didnt have to pay the ever-growing price for their foolish political charade. And make no mistake, we are paying that price every day in every way.

The temperatures surpassed 90 degrees in Montana in May. May, not August. Normally the mountains would still be covered in their winter white in May. And June, traditionally our wettest month, would begin to melt that snowpack and provide the clear, rushing runoff flows that scour our riverbeds to keep them healthy for our once-famed and ever-more-rare functioning coldwater aquatic ecosystems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But once again, as the successive drought years stack up, we have extremely high temperatures and extremely low flows in our rivers and streams, miles-long algae blooms and temperatures that are lethal for our coldwater fisheries. In the meantime, as our forests bake and burn our populace swelters in a state where air conditioning was once considered unnecessary.

So heres the challenge to Gov. Greg Gianforte, Reps. Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing, Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy: Tell us how burning more coal, which you all support, is going to get us out of this mess.

Tell us how more coal pollution is going to lower the temperatures, provide more snowpack, give us back our longer winters, springs, and falls instead of the inferno to which you have damned us.

I can assure you, your fellow Montanans are waiting to hear how burning more coal is going to stop the raging climate crisis that is killing our rivers, streams, fish, wildlife, forests and crops.

We want our old Montana northern-tier climate again, not some MAGA fever dream.

So please dont hold back  were all ears, and were waiting.
CONNEAUT  Six people graduated from the municipal courts Renewal Court Thursday at the Conneaut Human Resources Center.

The Renewal Court was started by Conneaut Municipal Court Judge Nick Iarocci, and is one of only three Substance Abuse and Mental Illness courts in Ohio.

Thursdays graduation was the courts largest since it started in January 2023, Iarocci said.

We received certification from the Ohio Supreme Court, he said. Our certification lasted for a few years. We were up for recertification, and the representative from the Ohio Supreme Court was with us last month, and observed our court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The observing representative had only positive things to say, Iarocci said.

[The representative] basically said I have absolutely no recommendations for changes. This is the model court, he said. [The representative] said I would referring every other specialized docket court to your courtroom if it wasnt for the location.

Barry Newsome, the graduations featured speaker, spoke about his own struggles with addiction and helping people who have dealt with it.

Ive worked with over 20,000 addicts indirectly or directly, since Ive been sober, he said. Its not change that was painful for me. It was my resistance to change that made it so hard, because Ive fought to hold on and Ive fought to let go, which made it so hard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Newsome offered some advice for the graduates.

I care more about your life than I do your feelings, he said. This is serious business. When you get out of that door, and all of the noise and the applause and the congratulations and the accolades, lifes waiting on you.

The graduates will need to continue fighting to stay sober for the rest of their lives, he said.

Iarocci echoed Newsomes words, saying he expected the graduates to stay on the path toward permanent recovery, and they would still have to report for probation.

Each graduate also had the opportunity to tell their story to the audience, which included their family and friends, and supporters of Renewal Court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Graduates received a certificate, ceremonial coin and goodie bag.

Graduate Amanda Speer said Renewal Court was very important for her at a time when she did not know she was pregnant with her son.

Thank God [my son is] happy and hes healthy, she said. Hes a human child at home, but in public hes perfect angel, so thats all I can ask for.

Speers infant son was among the attendees.

Graduate Vanessa Hinton said the program meant a lot for her.

Life is just better for me, she said.

Graduate Dillon Scafuro said he would not be where he is today without Renewal Court.
The S&P 500 has been setting record highs in recent days, a dramatic turn from the market selloff back in April. But analysts are warning fortunes could change if overall market participation in the rally holds at the current rate.

The new heights the S&P is reaching are being undermined by narrow company participation in those highs, according to a July 5 report from Ari Wald, head of technical analysis at wealth and investment management firm Oppenheimer & Co., and first reported by Bloomberg. Referred to as market breadth, analysts often try to see how many companies in a specific index or sector are participating in a rally to gauge how healthy it really is.

That is important to track, says Wald, because narrow participation can mask underlying weakness in the market: Since 1972, the S&P 500 has posted below-average returns over the next one-, three-, six-, and 12-month periods when its all-time high coincides with fewer than 100 companies on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) also hitting new highs, the analysis finds. At the last market high, 88 companies on the NYSE also hit a high.

Indeed, big tech companies have been the drivers behind the recent market heights: Just five stocksAmazon (AMZN), Broadcom (AVGO), Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), and Nvidia (NVDA)are contributing over half of the S&P 500s total return, according to an analysis from Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. Its always a concern when just a few companies are responsible for most of the gainsbecause that means those gains could easily turn into losses depending on the strength of just a handful of companies. Thats what happened in mid-2023, when a Magnificent Sevendriven rally faded.

And while the S&P 500 was less than 1% away from a new high at Wednesdays close, the median S&P 500 stock was trading about 12% below a 52-week high, Turnquist finds. Breadth is a little underwhelming, he writes. For context, over the last decade, the gap between the index and the median stocks 52-week highs has averaged around 5%.

The good news, according to analysts, is that market breadth has been improving in recent weeks. The share of stocks in the S&P 500 above their 200-day moving average is 61%, just below the 10-year average of 62%, says Chris Haverland, global equity strategist at the Wells Fargo Investment Institute (WFII).

Another positive sign for the market: All S&P 500 sectors have participated in the rally. Haverland says he expects to see more improvement in broader participation as investors get greater clarity on fiscal and trade policies.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is warning the states residents to be wary of fraudulent charities and requests amid the recovery efforts for recent natural disasters, particularly the recent flooding in Texas.

DraftKings will return $3 million to Connecticut consumers following investigation

The DCP is advising that anyone who would like to donate to charities and relief efforts to take the following steps:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Determine that the charity is legitimate using online tools which rate a charitys transparency, such as Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, GuideStar or the Better Business Bureaus Wise Giving Alliance.

Read the website thoroughly, including its mission, history, and if they provide an annual report of statistics.

Be aware of fraudulent lookalike websites which impersonate charities by deploying similar names and/or websites of established charities. Double check for errors in areas such as grammar, spelling and syntax.

Most non-profit organizations have websites with a .org in their domain, and fraudulent websites will often ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers or banking information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Be wary of high-pressure tactics to donate immediately.

Use traceable methods of payment, such as credit cards or checks. Avoid using wire transfers, cash, or gift cards.

Only give to individuals you know and trust, and research any stories seen on social media or crowd funding sites to verify their veracity.

Dont be afraid to ask questions, including where your money is going, how much is being kept by the organization, and the organizations origin and upcoming events. Call an organizations customer service number if you have questions.

If you are an administrator of an online donation account, watch out for phishing scams that will attempt to steal the money already raised.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Avoid charity solicitations from emails or texts. Do not click on any links sent as they may contain malware.

For more information or to file a complaint, contact the DCP. All charities which solicit donations in Connecticut must be registered with the DCP, and charity credentials can be verified at eLicense.ct.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ENFIELD, Conn. (WTNH)  Connecticut State Police released dash camera video showing the crash on Interstate 91 in Enfield, which injured two troopers who were on the side of the road investigating a separate crash.

The crash happened just after 7 a.m. Thursday between Exits 47W and 48.

State police said the 18-year-old driver from Waterbury was traveling in the left lane when he drove through standing water and lost control, spinning across three lanes before hitting the back of one of the police vehicles that was parked on the shoulder. The first police vehicle was pushed forward into the other.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

2 Connecticut State Police troopers hit on Interstate 91 in Enfield lucky to be alive, sources say

Troopers Matthew Cerri and Christopher Genovese both sustained injuries. State police said Genoveses injuries were considered serious, while Cerri had only minor injuries. Sources told News 8 that the troopers are lucky to be alive.

Three other people involved also suffered minor injuries.

The dashcam video shows the driver driving through water on the left side of the roadway, spinning out, then hitting the state police vehicle.

Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the CSP, issued the following statement on Friday, reminding drivers to slow down and move over for emergency responders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yesterdays collision, which left two Troopers seriously injured, was absolutely preventable, and this is a reminder to exercise the utmost caution when approaching any emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road, Loughman said. Slow down immediately, regardless of your lane, and safely move over to create space for emergency responders. The Connecticut State Police remain committed to the safety of all residents and travelers on Connecticut roadways, and we need the publics assistance at all times to continue our mission. Please do your part- stay alert, obey all signals, and prioritize safety at all times behind the wheel.

No charges have been filed as the investigation continues.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
News that Harvard University is considering starting a conservative think tank is being met with skepticism and derision by conservatives who see the idea as a public relations ploy as the school seeks to retain federal funding threatened by the Trump administration.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Harvard leadership had been in touch with potential donors for a center that could be similar to the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, home to conservative luminaries like Condoleezza Rice, Niall Ferguson, Thomas Sowell and Victor Davis Hanson.

According to the Journal, a Harvard spokesman said the center would be nonpartisan and promote and support viewpoint diversity. The cost of creating the center was estimated at between $500 million and $1 billion.

They're making DEI institutes for conservatives https://t.co/Qftaz9bU0x  Malice from Queens (@lib_crusher) July 11, 2025

The report comes as Harvard President Alan Garber seeks to stand up to the Trump administration while acknowledging that the nations oldest university has lacked ideological diversity in the past and is weighing how to best correct that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Harvard task force said in a report issued in 2018 that the school needed to make changes to be more inclusive with regard to religious and political beliefs. Danielle Allen, co-chair of that task force, later wrote for The Washington Post that those aspects of the report had been largely overlooked, and that We have been focused so much on academic freedom and free speech that we have neglected to set standards for a culture of mutual respect.

What Trump wants from Harvard

The Trump administration wants Harvard to have more conservatives on its campus, both faculty and students. It has frozen funding, threatened the schools tax-exempt status and accreditation, and wants to stop international students from enrolling.

Harvard sued the administration in April, claiming its constitutional rights were being violated. No governmentregardless of which party is in powershould dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue," Garber has said.

In recent weeks, Trump has said that a deal with Harvard was imminent, but nothing has emerged, and someone familiar with the administrations views told the Journal that the creation of a conservative thinktank would be seen as window-dressing and not satisfy Trumps concerns. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Tuesday that a deal is getting close  as is the court hearing, which is scheduled for July 21.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the Journal, citing unnamed sources, said that negotiations were hindered by repeated snags.

Decision-making around admissions and faculty have been points of tension, with Harvard resistant to ceding authority on which types of students it admits, the faculty it hires and what professors teach, according to people briefed on the discussions.

The challenges of viewpoint diversity

University of Pennsylvania professor Jennifer M. Morton, writing for The New York Times, argued that seeking out professors and students with conservative views would backfire, saying they would be less likely to engage in open-minded intellectual pursuit.

Students admitted to help restore ideological balance would likely feel a responsibility to defend certain views, regardless of the force of opposing arguments they might encounter, Morton wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For professors, she added, the pressure to maintain those views would be even greater because your salary, health insurance and career prospects would all depend upon the inflexibility of your ideology.

Responding to Mortons essay on social media, Princeton professor Robert P. George said that a course correction wouldnt require hiring professors because they are conservatives, but simply acknowledging and ending bias against conservatives in the hiring process.

I dont see how any contemporary academic can, with a straight face, deny that these two species of bias are largely responsible for the stunning  nearly unbelievable  ideological imbalances on college and university campuses," George wrote.

An oft-cited poll by the student-run Harvard Crimson found that only about 3% of faculty considered themselves conservative or very conservative while about 77% said they were liberal or very liberal.

How did conservatives react to the news?

On The Big Money Show on Fox, Brian Brenberg, a Harvard alumnus, called the idea of a conservative think tank a bone thrown to conservatives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When you need something like this, what it tells you is the problem people have accused you of is true. You should never need a center like this, because the definition of scholarship is looking at issues from every single side.

On X, Matthew E. Kahn, an economics professor at the University of California and a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution, called the idea promising but said the Harvard Kennedy School should have done this decades ago.

A promising initiative but in reality the Harvard Kennedy School should have built this up 40 years ago. Across the US elite schools, the public policy programs dislike the libertarian perspective.https://t.co/BIulNhlTOt  Matthew E. Kahn (@mattkahn1966) July 11, 2025

And Hoovers Niall Ferguson said that such a venture would have no credibility whatsoever because of the circumstances under which it was created.
The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.

This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here.

The Trump administration had promised a bombshell. Americans, many of whom had spent years wondering over the unknowns in the Jeffrey Epstein case, would finally get their hands on the secret files that would explain it all. What really happened when the accused sex trafficker died in jail back in 2019? And who was on his client lista rumored collection of famous and powerful people who participated in Epsteins crimes?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a September 2024 interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Donald Trump suggested that he would release the list if reelected. Yeah, Id be inclined to do the Epstein; Id have no problem with it, Trump said. He indulged speculation about Epstein after his reelection as well. In February, the White House hosted a collection of MAGA-world influencers and gave them binders full of heavily redacted Epstein-related documents labeled Phase 1, suggesting more to come.

The Trump administration has been unusually focused on messaging about such information, making a show of pulling the curtain back on supposed secrets. Trump similarly promoted the release of further documents related to the John F. Kennedy assassination, along with records on the killings of Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. In an executive order signed this January, the administration framed these efforts as PROVIDING AMERICANS THE TRUTH. At an April hearing on those files, Nancy Mace, a Trump ally and representative from South Carolina, brought up the so-called Epstein list. In a meandering statement, she spoke about her desire to see documents regarding Epstein, as well as Hunter Bidens laptop and the origins of the coronavirus. All have been recurring internet fascinations among Trumps supporters. Sunshine literally is the best medicine, Mace argued.

A personal wish list of coveted secrets is not exactly the same thing as a principled call for government transparency. But the two are easy to conflate and can have some incidental overlap, which can be politically useful. The promise of previously withheld revelations has allowed Trump to frame himself as an outsider fighting on behalf of voters who have been kept in the dark by the establishment. The catch is that once he was back in office, he was put in the awkward position of having to deliver.

On Monday, the FBI released a memo saying that it had reviewed all of its files on Epstein and that it does not plan to release more after all; there will be no Phase 2. According to the FBI, only a fraction of the remaining material would have become public if Epstein had lived to go to trial, because it includes a large volume of illegal content involving underaged victims of sexual abusein other words, material that cannot be released to the public. The memo also noted, in one breezy paragraph, that the bureaus review had uncovered neither a client list nor evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions. There will be no new investigation against uncharged third parties, the memo said. This has come as a shock to a group of people who have long bought into the idea that Trump would one day unmask an evil ring of Democrats and liberal-coded celebrities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anna Paulina Luna, a representative from Florida and the chair of the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, which facilitated the recent document releases regarding JFK, told me that she will be asking the Department of Justice to authorize the release of more Epstein details anyway. I think the American people still have questions and there is stuff that they can release, she said. She didnt comment specifically on the existence of a client list and said she didnt yet know exactly what kind of documents the FBI might still have (clarifying that she agreed that the bureau should not release any private details about victims or child-sexual-abuse material).

In the meantime, the about-face on the Epstein files is splintering MAGA world, and many Trump allies are feeling betrayed and unmoored. No one believes there is not a client list, wrote Marjorie Taylor Greene, the representative from Georgia who has avidly promoted QAnon conspiracy theories. This is a shameful coverup to protect the most heinous elites, one of the influencers who went to the White House in February, Rogan OHandley (who goes by DC Draino), told his more than 2 million X followers on Monday. Longtime Trump loyalists, including the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, started sharing a meme on Monday that depicted a bunch of cartoon lizard people laughing about having pulled one over on the unsuspecting public yet again. Strangesome readers may be old enough to remember when it was Hillary Clinton and other Democrats who were the shadowy reptilian elite, secretly shedding their human skin whenever out of public sight.

Significant ire has been directed at Attorney General Pam Bondi, who responded to a question about a client list in February by saying it was sitting on my desk right now to review. During a press conference on Monday afternoon, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Bondi had actually been referring to the entirety of all the paperwork on Epstein and not to a specific document. Shortly thereafter, the online crowd began questioning why Leavitt had not been wearing her usual cross necklace at the briefinga sign, perhaps, that she was lying and didnt want to do so in front of God (to paraphrase the posts, which were mostly ruder than that). When I asked Luna if Trumps supporters had a right to feel frustrated, she deflected the question, saying, I cant speak for people on the internet or the president. What I can say is President Trump is on the cusp of negotiating a permanent cease-fire with Israel and Hamas in Gaza. This is overshadowing the amount of success the administration has had in that sense.

Yet this is undeniably a turning point for the highly online among Trumps base. The story of the client list had effectively morphed into a more palatable and plausible version of the QAnon conspiracy theory. As does QAnon, it features a secret ring of evildoers, though it doesnt have certain ostentatious elements of that conspiracy (no harvesting blood). But both theories encourage people to disbelieve everything the government tells them. Until now, Trump and his appointees were positioned as exceptions to that rulethe deal was that if they got back into power, they would reveal all.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

[From the June 2020 issue: The prophecies of Q]

Mark Fenster, a professor at the University of Floridas law school who has written about government transparency and conspiracy theories, observed to me that, with his administrative appointments, Trump had made implicit promises to his supporters. He specifically nominated people for high-level positions who have been engaged in conspiracy theories for the past five-plus years, Fenster pointed out. For instance, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino have offered wild theories about the Epstein case in the pastPatel once suggested that the FBI may be covering up evidence to protect unnamed elites, while Bongino said hed heard a rumor that Epstein was a foreign intelligence agent.

Now the conspiracy is mutating again to fit the administrations reversal. To hear Pam Bondi and to hear Kash Patel and Don Bongino saying there is no listyoure going to say, Well, they must be part of the conspiracy too, Fenster suggested, which is certainly one avenue people have gone down. Because the FBIs memo coincided roughly with a diplomatic visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, others have started suggesting that Epstein was secretly a Mossad agent (a claim often expressed with anti-Semitic rhetoric). Alex Jones, who was initially furious about the FBI memo, has since speculated that Trump has actually taken control of the alleged list and is using it to blackmail the deep state behind the scenes.

Of course, some have started picking apart the FBI memo itself. It concluded with links to two videos of a hallway in the Metropolitan Correctional Center where Epstein had been held, showing that nobody went into his cell the night of his death. Viewers quickly noticed that the clock in the corner of the video skips from 11:59:00 to 12:00:00, which suggested to them that a minute of footage was missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Tuesday afternoon, when a reporter attempted to ask Bondi about the foreign-intelligence theory and the video-clock issue, Trump cut in. Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? he asked incredulously. This guys been talked about for years. Youre askingwe have Texas, we have this, we have all of the things, and are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable. Bondi said she didnt mind answering the question, but Trump went on. I cant believe youre asking a question on Epstein at a time like this where were having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened in Texas, he said, referring to the flooding that has killed at least 120 people.

Eventually, he waved for Bondi to go ahead. She told the reporter she had no knowledge of Epstein being an agent, then explained that the video hadnt been doctored and that the clocks on the outdated cameras in the Metropolitan Correctional Center always jump ahead as they approach midnight. From what I saw, hardly anyone online was buying this explanation, which comes as no surprise. Trump and his administration invited conspiracy theories into the White House. Now theyre going to have a hard time getting them out.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso County Constable for Precinct 3 Hector Bernal said his office is conducting a one-day crackdown on Friday, July 11 on individuals who have active criminal warrants for failure to play child support.

Bernals office reminds the public the charge is a state jail felony that can bring a punishment ranging from three months to not more than two years in prison. Fines can range up to $10,000.



Bernal said that these types of warrants are often overlooked by law-enforcement agencies. He would like to remind the community that his deputies will be vigilantly executing these types of warrants, looking for offenders, a news release said.

Tips may be submitted to (915) 273-3590 (Constable Office for Precinct 3) or through Crime Stoppers at (915) 566-8477. You will remain anonymous by going through Crime Stoppers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Kenneth A. Bianchi, one of the two men convicted in the so-called "Hillside Strangler" serial murders that terrorized Los Angeles in the 1970s, lost his most recent bid for parole Thursday after 46 years behind bars.

The California Board of Parole Hearings decided to deny Bianchi's parole after hearing testimony from several victims and opposition from prosecutors. The panel determined that he should be eligible for parole again in 10 years, officials said. Behind bars, Bianchi, now 74, changed his name to Anthony D'Amato two years ago,

Bianchi has been behind bars, most recently in Washington state, since 1979 when he and his cousin and crime partner, Angelo Buono Jr., were apprehended in connection with 12 murders of women in Los Angeles and Washington state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The two men impersonated police officers to lure their victims from nearby locales  a bus bench in Eagle Rock, the Tamarind Terrace apartments in Hollywood  before raping, torturing and murdering them, then discarded their bodies on hillsides around the city.

Bianchi cut a plea bargain that held out the possibility of parole, and he agreed to testify against Buono.

Read more: Japan executes man convicted of murder for killing and dismembering 9 people in his apartment

Bianchi pleaded guilty to five California killings and one count of conspiracy to commit murder, kidnap and rape in October 1979. He later pleaded guilty to two Washington killings. He is serving his sentences for all the killings at the Walla Walla State Penitentiary in southeastern Washington state but is entitled to California parole hearings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Buono, a Glendale upholsterer, was convicted after a two-year trial of nine of the Hillside Strangler killings in late 1983. Buono was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He died in a California prison in 2002.

In January 1979, Bellingham police detectives in Washington state arrested Bianchi as the prime suspect in the strangulation murders of two Western Washington University students, Karen L. Mandic and Diane A. Wilder. He would admit to those killings and then reveal his involvement in multiple murders in L.A.

Despite his plea and confession, Bianchi has insisted in appeals over the years on his innocence. Bianchi alleged his confession and guilty pleas were coerced by hypnotic manipulation" and that the facts of his confession did not match the physical evidence.



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) Convicted cop killer Robert Bailey will be returning to Floridas death row.

Bailey was back in a Bay County courtroom this morning for resentencing in the 2005 murder of Panama City Beach Police Sergeant Kevin Scott Kight. The judges decision issued a final verdict today.

Is there anything you wish to say prior to being sentenced? Bay County Judge Shonna Young Gay said.

No, maam, Bailey said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those were the only words 42-year-old Robert Bailey said Thursday morning as Judge Shonna Young Gay prepared to resentence him.

Bailey shot and killed Panama City Beach Police Sergeant Kevin Kight on March 27th Easter Sunday 2005.

Kight pulled over Baileys vehicle on Front Beach Road for a traffic infraction, not knowing bailey was violating parole back home in Wisconsin. Bailey shot and killed Kight to avoid arrest.

Jurors convicted bailey during his original trial in February 2007 and voted 11-1 to sentence him to death.

In 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court declared Floridas death penalty law unconstitutional, giving many death row inmates a new sentencing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the new penalty phase last fall, the jury recommended the death penalty again. Thursday, Judge Gay pronounced the sentence.

As to the charge of first-degree murder of sergeant Kevin Scott prior to sentences Robert Bailey to death in a manner described by law, Judge Gay said.

Members of Sergeant Kights family watched from the gallery, while Baileys wife watched on a Zoom call.

This murder occurred in Bay County, Florida, not New York, California, or Jamaica. The laws here are different. And the people in our community will not tolerate crimes of violence like this. If a person will kill a police officer, that person wouldnt hesitate to kill a law abiding citizen, State Attorney Larry Basford said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bailey returns to the Florida state prison in Raiford, where hell await death by lethal injection.

Baileys attorneys Phillip Massa and David Joffe have 30 days to write a notice of appeal, 2 years to file paperwork, and another 2 years to file a collateral appeal.

It could take as long as 6 years to exhaust his legal appeals. Then the governor will schedule Baileys execution.

Sergeant Kevin Kights family, me and a lot of people in our community look forward to the day that a needle is placed in the defendants arm and he is killed. Graveyard dead, Basford said.

Corrections officers took Bailey back to Raiford immediately after his sentencing. Hes spending tonight on death row.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Cops arrested a man they say fatally stabbed an 18-year-old boy in a brawl that broke out on a troubled commercial strip in the Bronx, police said Thursday.

Police have arrested Travis Profit, 38, who is accused of the fatal stabbing of Shannon Kelsey in the chest during a fight Tuesday afternoon near Southern Blvd. and Westchester Ave. Cops initially believed Kelsey had been shot to death, but later determined he died of a stab wound.

A 15-year-old boy was also slashed in the lip, and Profit was shot in the leg during the brawl, according to police. Both are expected to recover.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fracas broke out when a group of youngsters tried to rob an older, more established group that was selling marijuana on the block, according to a police source with knowledge of the case.

Hes a bit of a perp and a victim, the source said of the suspect.

This guy is a drug dealer. Two of the guys in the melee were trying to rob him of his drugs. They didnt manage it. He managed to stab two of them. One kid died, the other guy didnt, the source said. It was a robbery turned melee. He was shot in the left leg.

There are a number of un-apprehended others, the source added. Police are still looking for the person who shot the gun.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hours after Kelsey died, a group of young mourners erected a memorial for him with shoplifted candles from a local bodega, threatening an employee at gunpoint when he tried to stop them, video shared with the Daily News showed.

They took about five or six candles, said store clerk Ayoub Labib, who was finishing the end of his 12-hour shift when the shoplifters burst into the bodega on Webster Ave. near E. 170th St. I told him, Yo, come pay me. He turned to me and said, Shut the fk up. And he moved outside. I followed him. I opened the door and followed him outside, told him again, Yo, whats going on? You need to pay me.

One of the shoplifters then threatened Labib with a gun, he said.

Five candles? That doesnt make sense, Labib said. And you come in with a gun? Thats stupid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If youre doing stupid st, you need to be locked up, he added.

In an interview, Shannons father, Marvin Kelsey, a 65-year-old retired construction worker, acknowledged his son ran with a rough crowd, but blamed their environment for the violence.

There are no bad kids around here, Kelsey said. They are a product of their environment. Its a concrete jungle  I grew up in the Bronx, the Patterson Houses, so I know what its all about.

He was my only boy, Kelsey said. There is no way to describe this loss. There is no way to describe how to handle it.

Profit, who lives in the Bronx, is charged with murder, attempted murder, manslaughter and weapons possession.
For six months, any General Services Administration employee who wanted to enter the epicenter of Elon Musks DOGE on the sixth floor of the agencys headquarters had to pass an armed guard who checked names against a pre-approved list.

Now, the guard is gone. So are the signs in the elevator next to sixth floor buttons reading Authorized Access Only.

Its emblematic of DOGEs retreat from the center of the Trump administrations orbit. The once-feared crew that barged into offices and slashed jobs at an unprecedented pace is a shell of its former self, owing to departures, lawsuits, bureaucratic roadblocks and, crucially, the loss of its chainsawer-in-chief: Musk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least eight of the core original DOGE staffers have left government, according to internal records reviewed by POLITICO and sources familiar with the matter granted anonymity to discuss it.

That list includes: Steve Davis, who operationally led DOGE; Nicole Hollander, who led the effort to shrink the governments footprint and is married to Davis; Brad Smith, who led the DOGE team at HHS that made sweeping cuts; Chris Stanley, a Musk aide who helped install Starlink satellites on the roof of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building; Katie Miller, DOGEs communications director; Amanda Scales, former chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management and early gatekeeper for firing exemptions; DOGEs chief counsel James Burnham, who appears to have resumed his private practice at King Street Legal and Vallecito Capital based on updated firm bios; and Tom Krause, who served as fiscal assistant secretary of the Treasury.

A senior White House official, granted anonymity to describe the employees, explained the departures by pointing to the fact that many DOGE staffers were special government employees, a designation that has a required end date.

"It was never the plan for the highest levels of DOGE officials to make a career out of the government, the official said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Elsewhere, at least seven DOGE engineers, most with high-level access across multiple agencies, have left, and at least three more are preparing to exit, according to internal agency records reviewed by POLITICO and another person familiar with the matter granted anonymity to speak freely.

Many Presidents have promised, but none other than President Trump has delivered to actually make government more efficient and root out waste, fraud, and abuse in Washington, and that mission is moving full steam ahead, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement. Under the Presidents leadership, every agency and department is executing this mission seamlessly and, as a result, has yielded more than $170 billion in savings for the American people.

Musk still has some allies in government. Despite a sour exit with senior White House officials, Davis remains in contact with some DOGE members, the person said, adding that his departure was nothing more than a parlor trick. Davis did not respond to a request for comment.

"If youre not a member of the federal government, you have zero influence in the decision-making and execution of the presidents agenda," the White House official said of Davis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While people have left the formal DOGE leadership, Musk allies are assuming key government roles. Scott Kupor, most recently a managing partner at the investment firm Andreessen Horowitz who hasdefended Musk, this week was confirmed as director of OPM. And at least half a dozen Musk-aligned CIOs across the government remain in their roles, including DOGE engineer Aram Moghaddassi, who recently became chief information officer at the Social Security Administration.

Other DOGE veterans who have quietly assumed senior roles across the executive branch include Tyler Hassen, as acting assistant secretary of policy, management and budget at the Interior Department, and Jeremy Lewin, as acting director of the State Departments Office of Foreign Assistance. Joe Gebbia is at OPM, overseeing the digitization of the federal governments retirement process.

DOGEs work is now much more targeted than the high-profile firings that defined the efforts early months. Its recent work includes deleting unused websites and government phone lines, cancelling unused software licenses and working with the National Weather Service to upgrade the national weather radio system.

DOGE is also building AI.gov, a new initiative designed to accelerate government innovation with AI. The project is led by Thomas Shedd, who splits his time between leading GSAs Technology Transformation Services and serving as CIO at the Labor Department.



Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICOs West Wing Playbook: Remaking Government newsletter.


JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees said hes still investigating why two of the Williamson babies remains werent laid to rest in 1980.

And he hasnt given up hope that he can reunite the five babies in a shared grave.

With county records from the era vague, Lees said hes reaching out to current and former staff in other county departments, including the maintenance crew, to piece together information about the apparent late October 1980 burial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This absolutely isnt over, Lees said Wednesday. If I have to bring (Forensic Anthropologist Dennis) Dirkmaat back again ... to find these missing babies, so be it. Well do what needs to be done.

The infants remains were found inside a Gallitzin womans attic in 1980. Investigators said they spent almost 50 years there.

The Stella Williamson case was revived in recent weeks after Lees was alerted that a Philadelphia museum had two of the infants skulls in its possession since 1999.

Those skulls, according to records, were donated by the late Halbert Fillinger, a prominent Philadelphia forensic examiner during the era.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fillinger assisted local investigators years earlier in determining the ages and causes of death for each child.

Lees worked with a forensic anthropology team Monday to attempt to exhume the Williamson infants pine casket to examine the contents and reunite the siblings.

The dig was expanded to a 900-square-foot area. But there was no evidence anyone  let alone the Williamson babies  was ever buried there, he said.

That doesnt mean the infants arent somewhere else in within the countys expansive burial site, Lees said.

Decades-old articles indicate the babies were buried in an unmarked location.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Records, review

Lees said evidence hes reviewed of the skulls, his offices documents  and documents from the Mutter Museum  leave no question about the authenticity of the remains.

But there are still too many unanswered questions about where the skulls were the past 45 years  particularly the 19 years prior to their apparent donation to the Mutter Museum  and why they were donated.

He said then-Coroner John Barron has said no one authorized a donation to the museum.

Theres also the unsettling question of where the remains of the other three children are buried, Lees said.

The Tribune-Democrat reviewed county records Wednesday that listed the infants as buried in the now-Laurel United cemetery on Oct. 28 and 29, 1980.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Chief Deputy Coroner Joe Hribar Jr. noted that records from that era did not begin listing burial locations until 1981.

Then-Laurel Crest Manor, which served as the care home for the countys poor for generations, kept handwritten records that mirror those documented in the coroners office, Lees said.

He described overall case records from the era as limited and far less detailed than todays record-keeping processes, which has led to several roadblocks in his search, he said.

During modern investigations, logs and other documentation for evidence  regardless of whether its a human body, a bullet fragment or piece of clothing  have a chain of custody that verifies when something is transferred from one office to another.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And a witness has to be present to sign off on (the transfer), Lees said.

Theres no sign of that from the 1980 case, he said. But theres no question the remains went to Philadelphia after they were discovered in September 1980, he said.

Lees said news reports of the time show the remains were flown by helicopter in October 1980 to Fillingers Philadelphia office. Local TV news cameras captured the moment.

And days later on Oct. 10, investigators gathered for a news conference to outline their findings that at least three of the infants were strangled with cloth, Tribune archives show.

So, who brought the (remains) back here? How did they get back to Cambria County? Lees said. And where did they go next?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Passage of time could be issue

Retired Pennsylvania State Police Maj. John Pudliner was station commander at Cambria Countys barracks, which led the Williamson criminal investigation in 1980.

He said hes both puzzled and disgusted by the idea that some of the Williamson infants remains spent decades in a museums archives.

Pudliner couldnt speak to record-keeping policies for county coroner offices in 1980.

But any point the state police had custody of those remains, it would have been well-documented at the time, he said. Even after criminal cases were closed  as the Williamson case was by 1981  state police policies were in place to keep records of evidence custody for years afterward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That included filing updates to confirm custody, whether property was signed out to another investigatory agency or in-house at state police barracks, Pudliner said. Even evidence that remained at the same location was documented as such on a regular basis.

The issue is likely the passage of time, he said.

Our property records would have indicated who we turned a piece of evidence over to, he said.

But this was a closed (case). I dont think those are records that would be retained for 45 years.

Bone growth and calcification examinations from 1980 showed one child was likely as old as 9 months old at the time of death during the Great Depression.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police at the time were unable to file charges in the case because there was no one living  including Stella Williamson or members of her family  who knew of the children  let alone murdered them.

Lees said a five-inch piece of rolled cloth that was tied to the base of one of the infants skulls was collected as evidence.

He and Hribar said theres theoretically evidence left that could be DNA tested  but theres no other samples to compare it to that give investigators any new information in the long-mysterious, nearly century-old crime.

Their goal is determining the location of the buried infants to reunite all five of them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Any details could help

In addition to the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office, the late Wilton Krugman of the the former H.K. Cooper Clinic in Lancaster also examined the remains in October 1980.

Lees is searching for anyone, including retired county maintenance workers, who might have recollections from that era of where the Williamson children were buried.

Hes urging them to reach out to his office at 814-535-6222

Even any information such as an obituary of the children or information about efforts to memorialize them could be useful, he added.

Were asking for the publics help  and any details someone might have, Lees said. Any piece of information could be valuable.

Tragic human deaths

Pudliner credited Lees for sticking with the case  and trying to give the infants a burial they deserve.

I think what has been lost in this story is that these attic babies were human infants who suffered untimely and tragic deaths, said Pudliner, who retired from the state police in 2003.

They deserve to be laid to rest together, he said.

Without a doubt, Jeff is doing the right thing, Pudliner said. And I hope he doesnt give up on it until they are together again.
Award-Winning Filmmaker and Author Robert Hammond Presents New Historical Novel, 'Beloved Disciple: Guardian of the Holy Virgin'

A Cinematic Journey into the Suspenseful and Miraculous Lives of Saint John the Apostle and the Virgin Mary

NEWS PROVIDED BY

New Way Press

July 10, 2025

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 10, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ -- Acclaimed filmmaker and bestselling author Robert John Hammond, known for the award-winning documentary American Orthodox and its companion trilogy, announces the release of his captivating new book, Beloved Disciple: Guardian of the Holy Virgin. Blending meticulous historical research with the vivid storytelling of a master novelist, Hammond invites readers into a gripping narrative filled with suspense, faith, and surprising revelations.

Beloved Disciple offers an intimate and dramatic retelling of Saint Johns hidden years alongside the Virgin Mary, following Christ's entrusting of His Mother into Johns care at the foot of the Cross. Drawing from unique and authoritative sources such as Gospel accounts, Orthodox hymnography, ancient liturgical texts, the Protoevangelium of Saint James, and Lives of the Saints, Hammond masterfully weaves history, tradition, and mystery into an emotionally resonant and visually cinematic experience.

This fast-paced novel immerses readers in the compelling journey of the Apostle John as he faces exile, miraculous healings, and visions of divine revelation. From shipwrecks and confrontations with pagan adversaries to extraordinary acts of faith and survival, readers encounter an unforgettable portrayal of a beloved apostle whose story has never been told quite like this.

"Beloved Disciple was inspired by my personal devotion and desire to illuminate lesser-known moments of sacred history," Hammond explains. "I wanted readers to experience a cinematic adventure rooted deeply in spiritual truth, suspense, and the profound mystery of divine love."

About the Author: Robert Hammond is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer whose documentary film American Orthodox garnered multiple honors, including Best Documentary and Best Educational Film at the Christian Online Film Festival and Best Director at the Indie Short Fest. Hammond is also the author of over twenty acclaimed books, including American Orthodox: Finding the Ancient Faith in the Modern World, Light Journey: Saints, Miracles, and Sacred Places, and Voice in the Wilderness: Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Father Seraphim Rose. With an MFA in Creative Writing, Hammond has taught graduate-level screenwriting at leading universities.

Target Audience: Beloved Disciple will resonate with readers of historical Christian fiction who appreciate the spiritual depth of authors like Francine Rivers, the epic storytelling of Taylor Caldwell, and the rich theological traditions of Orthodox Christianity. It appeals particularly to those fascinated by early Church history, the Virgin Mary's profound role, and the hidden lives and mysteries of the Apostles.

Availability: Beloved Disciple: Guardian of the Holy Virgin is now available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible formats on Amazon and through major book retailers.

SOURCE New Way Press

CONTACT: Lesa Hammond, 510-677-5258, info@newwaypress.com
Image of Elon Musk by Frederic Legrand - COMEO via Shutterstock

Tesla (TSLA) tumbled nearly 7% on Monday, July 7 as the electric vehicle giant grapples with declining deliveries and CEO Elon Musks renewed political ambitions, prompting investors to question whether the stock represents an opportunity or risk.

www.barchart.com

The EV maker reported 384,122 vehicle deliveries in Q2, marking a 14% year-over-year decline and the second consecutive quarterly drop. This underscores the mounting challenges facing the Austin-based automaker.

More News from Barchart

Rising competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, offering newer and more affordable models, continues to pressure Teslas market share, particularly in China. The companys reputation has also suffered from the political backlash against Musk, whose recent announcement of forming the America Party has reignited investor concerns about leadership distraction.

Musks political involvement has created additional headwinds, with his feud with President Donald Trump potentially threatening subsidies benefiting Teslas solar and battery businesses.

Despite these challenges, some analysts view the delivery numbers as potentially marking the bottom for Tesla.

Is Tesla Stock a Good Buy Right Now?

Tesla stands at an inflection point as it evolves from a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer into a powerhouse in AI and robotics. While the Austin-based company continues producing its popular Model Y, Model 3, Model X, and Model S vehicles across facilities in the United States, China, and Germany, CEO Elon Musks vision extends far beyond automotive sales.

Teslas most ambitious near-term initiative involves expanding robotaxi capabilities, which were launched in Austin this June, leveraging years of autonomous driving development to create a transportation-as-a-service revenue stream. This represents Teslas first major step toward achieving what Musk calls sustainable abundance through affordable AI-powered robots.

Simultaneously, Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot program is accelerating, with thousands of units expected to work in Tesla factories by year-end and millions projected by 2030. This robotics push could revolutionize manufacturing efficiency while opening entirely new markets.
A nurse provides assistance to a patient undergoing a mammogram in a modern medical facility. (Stock photo by Tom Werner/Getty Images)

The costs of Sundi Herrings breast cancer started adding up before she was even diagnosed.

After her doctor spotted a suspicious spot during an annual mammogram, Herring needed three needle biopsies, two MRIs and two sonograms to determine the spot was a cancerous tumor. Her insurance fully covered the initial mammogram, but for the rest, she paid thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You just dont know what youre going up against, the 49-year-old said.

A bipartisan bill introduced at the Statehouse this year would require private insurers to cover the cost of follow-up diagnostic tests if doctors have concerns. Federal law already requires insurers to pay the entire cost of annual mammograms for women over 40. But that requirement refers only to the initial visit  not any additional steps needed to diagnose or rule out cancer.

The bill would also require insurers cover tests for women who need more examinations because of a family history of breast cancer or dense breast tissue, which can increase cancer risk and make tumors harder to detect.

Those follow-up tests are essential to catch cancer early, potentially saving lives, said Beth Johnson, a lobbyist for the state Cancer Action Network.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The legislation does not apply to Medicaid. While it doesnt directly pay for the additional tests, people at or below 250% of the federal poverty level qualify for coverage through a separate federal program specifically for breast and cervical cancer screening.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in South Carolina, with more than 22,000 cases diagnosed between 2017 and 2021, according to the most recent data from the Department of Public Health.

But many insurance companies dont cover the full cost of diagnostics, leaving some women deciding whether to skip follow-up appointments or cover costs that could range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, Johnson said.

Then youre stuck in the position of, How do I pay for this? Whats my portion of it? Where do I go? Johnson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Herring, who lives in North Charleston, was strict about getting regular mammograms, since her grandmother, mother and aunt had all battled breast cancer. Her sister, however, skipped several years after spending $1,300 for diagnostic tests to determine a suspicious lump was benign.

Thats the case for many women, Johnson said.

An estimated 378,000 women skipped their regular screening last year because of the associated costs, according to a study commissioned by the American Cancer Society.

In recent years, with Herrings persuading, her sister has started regular screenings again. Shes still not sure how shell handle the costs if doctors again raise concerns.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were just taking care of each other the best that we can through this, Herring said.

Out-of-pocket costs

Facing a cancer diagnosis, Herring was already worrying about whether she would have a future with her children. With costs that amounted to more than $5,000 for diagnostics alone, she also worried about her familys economic future, she said.

Would she and her husband still be able to help put their children through college, as they had planned? Would they have to give up family vacations? Would their children have to quit expensive after-school activities?

Herring had long prided herself on providing for her family. With her diagnosis came a shift in identity as she began to see herself instead as a financial burden on her loved ones, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That was the darkest curtain that fell, said Herring, the American Cancer Societys director of philanthropy for North and South Carolina.

Because Herrings cancer required so many different tests to diagnose, and because her insurance didnt cover much of that testing, what she paid was more than most. In 2023, patients paid an average of $170 out of pocket for follow-up tests, according to the American Cancer Society study.

The cost varies depending on a patients insurance coverage and what tests they need. An ultrasound, for instance, cost patients an average of $108 out of pocket, while a biopsy cost an average of $447, according to the study.

The uncertainty is part of the problem, Johnson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If a patient doesnt know how much they might have to pay, they might avoid preventative screenings altogether. Eliminating the cost would ease that burden, she said.

Scared of facing the price if doctors found cancer in her other breast, Herring found a surgeon willing to perform a double mastectomy despite only having cancerous tumors in one breast, she said.

Still, doctors found a lump in Herrings remaining breast tissue in December of last year. She spent another $400 to determine the lump was benign, while also trying to buy her children Christmas presents, she said.

It was such a winding mental road, thinking about the finances, thinking about the hurdles, Herring said. I just locked in on, Ive got to do this. I dont have a choice.

A potential solution

Rep. Sylleste Davis, who sponsored the bill, said shes been fortunate enough to never have a cancer scare that led to follow-up tests after a breast cancer screening. So, when she learned some insurance companies dont cover the full cost of those tests, she was shocked, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ive never quite thought through, Well, what happens if you do find issues from your initial mammogram? the Moncks Corner Republican said. What steps are taken after that, and who pays for it?

The bill, pre-filed in December, didnt get a committee hearing in the session that ended in May.

Davis is chairwoman of the House medical committee, but her bill was sent instead to the Labor Commerce and Industry Committee for review because it affects insurance.

She plans to make it one of her top priorities when legislators return in January, she said. She has bipartisan support from a dozen co-sponsors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If the bill passed, South Carolina would join 26 states that require private insurance companies cover costs for tests beyond an initial mammogram, according to nonprofit FORCE, which focuses on supporting families with hereditary cancer.

Patients diagnosed with cancer would still have to pay the cost of their treatments. The average hospital stay for people battling breast cancer costs more than $120,000, without accounting for medications and other at-home costs, according to the state Department of Public Health.

For women facing the prospect of an expensive and taxing medical treatment, not starting out thousands of dollars in debt could make a big difference, Herring said.

This would allow a pathway to at least know that you have that underpinning so that you can get through the series of tests that you may need to find out whats really happening with your body, Herring said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats important not only for Herring but for her 14-year-old daughter, who asks her mother whether shell one day develop breast cancer, too.

I just say, I cant tell you yes and I cant tell you no, Herring said. All I can tell you is that we are working so hard to make sure that it doesnt happen, but if it does, there will be resources there for you.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Another piece of Cumberland Countys fiscal year 2025-26 budget was put in place Tuesday evening after the countys budget committee approved funding the Board of Education at just over $19 million  the minimum requirement set by the state.

It was the third time the BOE came to the county with its budget. Rebecca Farley, Cumberland County director of schools, said the BOE was requesting the maintenance of effort, which is set by the Tennessee Department of Education, and $3.1 million in capital projects.

Farley also showed commissioners that a maintenance of effort test by the Department of Education showed the county did not meet its maintenance of effort in 2024 because sales tax revenue fell short. In such a case the county is not required to make up the difference. However, according to the state comptrollers office, the county did meet it because it had funded extra to the BOE over the past five years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Farley explained this was why the BOE had previously discussed the county not meeting the maintenance of effort at its board meeting.

Shortly after being presented with the BOEs revised budget, Darrell Threet, 3rd District commissioner, said, I move that we fund the maintenance of effort this year.

Terry Lowe, 5th District commissioner and budget committee chairman, said, They could use their $10 million fund balance for the capital projects?

Yes, Threet said.

Colleen Mall, 9th District commissioner, said, I will second for discussion purposes.

The states required maintenance of effort, required funding from Cumberland County to contribute toward the school system, is estimated at $19,001,362 for 2025-26. Jennifer Turner, Cumberland County finance director, confirmed it, saying that is the figure the Department of Education had sent the county.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The BOEs latest revised budget includes the final numbers of fiscal year 2024-25 and shows an ending fund balance of $12,452,674 and an estimated beginning fund balance for 2025-26 at $10,025,492.

Mall said she would like for the county and the BOE to work together to bury the hatchet and open a dialogue regarding next years budget through discussions with the countys school and education committee.

We have some serious [questions] and issues with [federal] funding next year, Mall said.

She commended them for the cuts they made to the budget after it started $6.4 million in the red during its first presentation to the county.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The capital projects total $3,110,000 and include:

 Electrical phase II project at Martin Elementary at $420,000.

 Fire alarm system work at South Cumberland Elementary at $400,000.

 Drainage system at Martin Elementary at $250,000.

 Replace gym floor at South Cumberland at $300,000.

 Replace track at Stone Memorial High School at $790,000.

 Electrical work at Homestead Elementary at $400,000.

 Renovation at North Cumberland at $550,000.

The BOE lists expenditures at $78,782,281, which includes the $3.1 million in capital projects. The revenue is listed at $76,355,099, creating a shortfall of $2.4 million that will be covered by the fund balance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wendell Wilson, 6th District commissioner, asked, How does the committee feel about giving them some help?

Threet said, They wanted $3 million, and theyll have $7 million.

He said he thought they should set a good example for the children of Cumberland County and maintain their budget.

You know how much income youre going to get, Threet said.

Lowe said,  I feel we should help if they need help and we have the funds.

Turner said the committee still hasnt seen the final numbers for the county general fund figures and there are also several requests.

Deborah Holbrook, 8th District commissioner, said, They [the BOE] are getting a mixed message because on one hand were encouraging them to raise their fund balance up to the 17% [new approved county requirement] but on the other hand were telling them to dip into it for the capital projects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier in the year a new financial requirement by the county was approved that was recommended by the state comptroller that the BOE maintain 17% of its budget fund balance. Currently the requirement is 3%. For this year that would be $2.3 million. At 17% the requirement would be roughly $13 million.

The budget committee also said previously that they did not expect the BOE to meet that this fiscal year but would like to see a plan to possibly meet the requirement next year.

Mall apologized if that caused a misunderstanding between the BOE and the county.

Lowe suggested giving the BOE tentative approval and then possibly helping them with capital projects after they see the final numbers for the remainder of the county general fund.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Darrell, would you accept that as an amendment? Lowe asked.

Threet said, Not with them having $7 million.

The committee then took a roll call vote and Threets motion to fund the BOE at the maintenance of effort was approved in a 6-3 vote.

Voting in favor of the motion were commissioners Wiley Potter, 1st District; Tom Isham, 2nd District; Threet; David Gibson, 4th District; Mark Baldwin, 7th District; and Mall.

Voting against the motion were Lowe, Wilson and Holbrook.

The BOEs budget still must be approved by the county commission as part of the countys full fiscal year 2025-26 budget.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  The FOX 8 I-Team investigated new roadblocks to stop or slow down plans to build a dome for the Cleveland Browns.

We went one-on-one with Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, one of the biggest critics of the plan.

Ronayne just took new action in two ways to block the Browns from moving off the lakefront and into a dome in Brook Park.

The Cuyahoga County executive just sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration expressing concern about a Browns dome planned just across the highway from Hopkins Airport.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ronayne also sent a letter to the Ohio Department of Transportation calling for an analysis on traffic.

Former Daves Market in AsiaTown eyed for new middle-income housing

Yet, the Browns have said theyve already considered all of that.

Days ago, the governor approved $600 million in state money to help build an enclosed stadium So, we went to Ronayne.

This is a major issue for Northeast Ohio and we are sounding the alarm bells. We are calling out the clarion call, he said.

Why not, before now, say, lets talk about how we can make this happen?' the I-Team asked.

What were dealing with is impact. Were cleaning up their mess that they leave after us, Ronayne said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Would you like to see this project stopped or delayed? we asked.

We think they should put a pause on this until they have logistics worked out, he said.

The Browns believe theyve already addressed these concerns. For instance, planning to build the new stadium at a deeper level into the ground so that it does not stand so high next to the airport.

Last winter, the head of the design team spoke to us about it.

Weve been in concert with the FAA in making sure that we are designing with all due diligence around it. Its something that our firm has a lot of experience with, Lance Evans said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the county executive just wrote to the FAA, the agency told the I-Team last winter that any review by the FAA would only be a recommendation, not a final ruling. In this case, final approval would be up to Brook Park officials.

Weve learned that Brook Park officials have already been working on concerns about traffic. Brook Park has applied for about $80 million in state money for road projects around the dome site.

Weve also shown you the Browns have done traffic studies. Were told the Ohio Department of Transportation is open to a meeting about this and ODOT will review a traffic study being done by Brook Park.

Akron police identify suspect accused of stealing car with 2 children asleep inside

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A decision is expected next year on Brook Parks request for money to complete the road projects around the dome site.

The county executive predicts major traffic headaches around the airport, but he also admits thats simply based on what he expects.

What traffic study has the county done? we asked.

All logic says youre going to have a traffic jam, Ronayne said. What we want to do is work with ODOT and the FAA to really get to the bottom of it.

Meanwhile, the city if Cleveland is still fighting in court to block the Browns from moving.

The Browns have not yet announced the plan for another $600 million for the rest of the funding needed for the dome.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  County Fair season is underway! Check out where and when county fairs will be around Iowa.

Three Iowa counties are hosting their fairs throughout this week. The Monona County Fair runs July 8 through 13. The Buena Vista County Fair is open July 9 through 13. The Sioux County Youth Fair will take place from July 11 to 18.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Ida County Fair is scheduled for the week of July 15 through 20. The Cherokee County Fair kicks off July 16 and will run through July 20.

In the last week of August, there will be two more fairs. The Dakota Thurston County Fair will run July 30 through August 3. Finally, the Union County Fair will be held in Alcester, SD, July 31 through August 2.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Alexey and Svetlana Demin left Russia last year to seek asylum in the United States. The were separated July 8, 2024, after they reported to immigration officials in California for a scheduled appointment to apply for asylum. (Courtesy of Alexey Demin)

Alexey Demin says he talks to his wife, Svetlana, on the phone almost every day. The Russian expatriate now lives in California with his stepdaughter, having been granted asylum in April. Shes at an immigration detention center in Louisiana, where shes been held since September.

Alexey, 63, admits he holds back information from Svetlana, 56, during these calls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Physically, she is fine, but psychologically, its very difficult, Alexey said in an online interview, translated through an interpreter. Periodically, there are hysterics during our conversations. She throws the phone. Every call is a challenge. I also cant tell her anything hopeful. I even hide the truth from her. The truth is the only certainty right now is that shell be deported.

The truth is more like a strong hunch for Alexey. Insight on their case from their Seattle-based lawyer wasnt available. Shes also Russian and hasnt returned calls, text messages or emails from a reporter.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not responded to questions about the status of Svetlanas case. The Illuminator was able to confirm the status of the Demins immigration cases through an ICE online database.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Demins are among countless families who have separated through the U.S. immigration enforcement system, though their difficulties began in the waning months of President Joe Bidens term. The couple also followed the proper steps to obtain asylum, booking an appointment with officials online rather than trying to enter the country illegally.

They attempted to relocate to the U.S. at a time when the federal government was trying to unravel a knotted immigration system with vast backlogs of court cases and asylum applications. Those with experience navigating the legal labyrinth say efforts to clear the bureaucratic morass under Biden have turned into a purposeful effort from Trump to expedite removals, regardless of whether families are impacted.

ICE policy that calls for parents to be detained close to where their young children reside is now routinely ignored, said Nora Ahmed, an attorney with the ACLU of Louisiana. She was part of the legal team for Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University student who was taken from his New York City apartment in March and detained at the ICE detention center in LaSalle Parish until a judge ordered his release last month. While in custody, Khalils wife, Noor Abdallah, gave birth to their first child.

The Demins do not have young children, but Ahmed said their experience follows the same pattern of divisive immigration enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is family separation 2.0, she said. Its taking form in different ways. Were not necessarily seeing kids in cages, but we are seeing the destruction of families and the destruction of family units.

Svetlana and Alexey Demin take a photo of themselves in Mexicali, Mexico, where they arrived on July 5, 2024, to cross the U.S. border for an interview with Customs and Border Protection officials. They would be separated three days later. (Courtesy of Alexey Demin)

Punishment for protest

The Demins decided to leave Russia last year after Alexey said he had been threatened multiple times with punishment for his activism against President Vladimir Putin. Alexeys disenchantment with his countrys leadership came after his 28-year career in the Russian navy as an engineer-geographer.

After leaving the military, Alexey became a driver for members of the Russian cabinet during the early years of the Putin regime. He and Svetlana, who is his second wife, married in 2002, and Alexey gradually became more politically active as Putins autocratic power grew. Key events came in 2012, when Putin disregarded the Russian constitution and assumed his third term in office. Two years later, he annexed the Crimean Peninsula, and the Russian military steadily established its presence in the Donbas region of Ukraine.

This led Alexey to publicly back opposition candidates, take part in protests against Putin and  in Alexeys words  write political posts on Facebook that became more and more dangerous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Social media activity in Russia wasnt actively policed until after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in September 2022, said Kathleen Smith, a political scientist and associate director of Georgetown Universitys Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies. A law approved shortly afterward banned any criticism of Putins foreign policy, with penalties including hefty fines and prison time.

Most people [in Russia] who say things on social media, nobody is ever going to get to them, Smith said. But you could be that unlucky person, and what you dont want is some reason for the authorities to look at your social media or to look at your footprint.

Alexey said he was detained twice after taking part in protests, but the real scare came from a former Russian navy colleague who threatened to ensure his punishment for criticizing Putin.

In addition to this constant pressure, more than once, the police showed up at my house, warning me that my activities could have criminal consequences, he said. My wife and I discussed this and, before the incident with my former colleague, there were many instances where we felt in danger. It was also psychologically difficult and demoralizing to know we were part of a country that, in our view, is committing crimes and acts of aggression against Ukraine.

Alexey Demin is pictured in early 1980 after completing his training as a cadet in the Russian navy. He would serve in the military for 28 years. (Courtesy of Alexey Demin)

I was never denied freedom

Alexey and Svetlana left Russia on Oct. 17, 2023, traveling through Dubai to reach Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the next day. Once there, they made attempts every day to secure an appointment through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection app, CBP One.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It would take months for them to arrange that meeting, with the couple unable to secure jobs during their extended stay in Mexico because of their transient status. They earned money from renting their home back in Russia, but the income wasnt going to support them for long, Alexey said. Their ultimate goal was to reunite with Svetlanas daughter and granddaughter in California, who both have legal status in the U.S.

In mid-June  eight months after their arrival in Mexico  the Demins locked in their CBP appointment. It was set for July 5, and the couple flew to Mexicali to cross the border. Immigration personnel met them there and escorted them to the Calexico border station, where Alexey said he and his wife were handcuffed upon arrival.

This was not easy psychologically, Alexey said. Id never been handcuffed before in my life. I was never denied freedom. I was never a criminal element. Neither was my wife.

The Demins were then taken to the stations second floor, where they were placed in separate sections of makeshift holding cells. They were given small, thin mattresses and foil blankets, Alexey said. He also wasnt allowed to talk with Svetlana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The one time I tried to do this, a CBP officer told me the next time, hed send me to an isolated cell, he said.

The Demins last saw one another July 8, 2024, when Alexey was transferred to a nearby ICE detention center. It was the first of three sites where he would be held  one in Texas, another in Virginia  before he was granted asylum April 17.

Alexey Demin said he speaks almost daily to his wife, Svetlana, who is being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile. He is reluctant to tell her that he feels she will mostly likely be deported rather than granted asylum. (Courtesy of Alexey Demin).

Couple wanted to combine asylum cases

Svetlana was kept at the CBP station 10 days before she was sent to another ICE site near San Diego. In September, she was sent to the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile, Louisiana.

While they were both in custody, communication between the couple was limited. Alexey said scheduling calls would take weeks, and coordinating their asylum cases was impossible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The couples strategy was to make their appeal for asylum together, with plans to emphasize the risk Alexey faced back in Russia for being so outspoken. Svetlana was not nearly as active in anti-Putin protests, he said.

Smith, the Georgetown political scientist, said this approach lines up with Russian societys prevailing paternalistic views toward women involved in political protest. Authorities typically dont target women, she said, assuming they are following the lead of men.

In this case, theyd be telling her, like, Grandma, go home. Mind your own business. Dont get involved, Smith said. They essentially take male protesters more seriously. So the fact that she wasnt detained is not evidence that she didnt participate in protests. Its probably more about the policing system.

By the time Alexey was given asylum in April, Svetlana had lost her case in March. Immigration court procedure provides her 30 days to appeal her ruling, but its not clear where she stands in that process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ahmed, the ACLU attorney, said asylum applicants were typically granted parole prior to Trump returning to office. This allowed them the time, freedom and access to information to build their case. But in ICE detention, none of these resources are available, she said.

Your best shot at getting asylum granted is to get an attorney, Ahmed said. But you also need to be on the outside to be able to get the evidence because its not like you even have Google available to you [in detention].

More than 1.4 million asylum applications were pending at the end of 2024, according to the most recent U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data. Just more than 100,000 were granted asylum last year.

U.S. Department of Justice numbers for 2023 showed 1,745 people from Russia received asylum out of more than 2,800 applicants. Since the start of the war with Ukraine, 118,000 Russians have filed applications through CBP One, The Moscow Times reported in January.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In California, Alexeys ability to assist his wife is extremely limited. He said U.S. immigration officials still havent returned his passport and personal documents, making traveling to Louisiana unfeasible. He cant travel, apply for a job or open a bank account.

His sole source of support is his stepdaughter, who declined to be interviewed out of fear that bringing attention to her mother would lead to her deportation.

Alexey was also reluctant to share their story but ultimately decided the alternative was not an option.

Im afraid to hurt her, but I didnt come to America only to live the same way I did in Russia, where silence was the price for freedom, he said. Whats the point of coming to America if all I do is stay silent?

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Correction: This report was updated to indicate the Demins left Russia in 2023.
Jul. 10WILKES-BARRE  A Forty Fort man blamed a brain injury he suffered in 2008 while his wife pledged she had no idea her husband was abusing a 13-year-old boy they reportedly had guardianship rights over inside their Wyoming Avenue residence.

Luzerne County Assistant District Attorney James L. McMonagle Jr. said the criminal cases against Sean Williams, 50, and Dana Williams, 59, were among the worst he has ever experienced as a prosecutor.

"These were horrific actions against this young boy," McMonagle said during the separate sentencing hearings that became turbulent at times before Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr. on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Forty Fort police and detectives from the district attorney's office arrested the couple in September 2023, after a welfare check was conducted on the boy in Georgia. When the boy was not found in Douglasville, Ga., detectives learned the boy was possibly staying at the Williams' residence, according to court records.

As detectives were inside Williams' residence, they noticed suspicious movements by three other children, which resulted in the discovery of the 13-year-old boy in the basement, court records say.

Court records say the boy was found hiding inside a tiny crevice in the basement where he slept on the concrete floor without a mattress and a pillow. Only a torn sheet was found in the crevice, court records say.

Detectives in court records say food was withheld from the boy, who was often strangled and assaulted by Sean Williams.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During a forensic interview at the Luzerne County Children Advocacy Center, the boy said he was forced by Sean Williams to eat his own vomit, court records say.

McMonagle said the boy, now 15, is in foster care.

Sean Williams' attorney, William A. Watkins, of Stroudsburg, said his client suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2008 that often makes him forgetful, while Dana Williams said she had no idea her husband was abusing the boy.

"The conduct in this case is disturbing," Sklarosky said.

Sklarosky sentenced Sean Williams to six months to two years at the county correctional facility on charges of endangering the welfare of a child, tampering with evidence and simple assault. Sean Williams was also sentenced to three years probation after he is released.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For the sentence of Dana Williams, Sklarosky threatened to void her no contest plea to endangering the welfare of a child when she claimed she had no knowledge the boy was being abused by her husband, even though, at the time, she worked from home.

"You dropped the ball here and you should be ashamed of yourself," the judge told Dana Williams, who was sentenced to two days to two years at the county correctional facility but was immediately paroled when given credit for two days served after her arrest in September 2023.

Dana Williams has since relocated to Lehigh County.
A message in a bottle thrown into the Atlantic Ocean by a Canadian couple in Newfoundland 13 years ago recently washed ashore a beach in Ireland.

The couple, identified by various U.S. and Canadian media outlets as Brad and Anita Squires, were on Newfoundland's Bell Island in 2012 when they decided to cast a message out to sea.

"Anita and Brad's day trip to Bell Island," the note said. "Today, we enjoyed dinner, this bottle of wine and each other, at the edge of the island." It asked whoever might find the message to "please call us," followed by a scribbled number.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I gave it everything I had," Brad Squires told The Canadian Press in an interview Wednesday. "We didn't see it hit the water, it was too high up. I just assumed it smashed on the rocks."

A message in a bottle tossed into the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland, Canada, was found washed ashore about 2,000 miles away in Ireland. / Credit: Kate Gay

The bottle survived the throw and for 13 years, it floated across the Atlantic Ocean until it washed up ashore about 2,000 miles away on Scraggane Bay in the Maharees Peninsula along the southwest coast of Ireland.

It was picked up on Monday by Kate and Jon Gay, who shared the discovery with a local conversation group.

"Really? A message in a bottle? Really? Wow!" Kate Gay told CBS News via email on Friday. "We couldn't see any writing on the paper inside  and decided to save the excitement of opening it until that evening."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She is a community partner of the Maharees Conservation Association. They are working together to strengthen coastal resilience through creative exploration with the community, she said.

"I thought it would be a fun way to start a project meeting we were having in my house that evening  and I wasn't wrong!" she said in her email. "That bottle had survived so many storms that have caused damage, erosion and flooding in Maharees  yet it arrived on our beach, that day, a little weathered but holding strong!"

The bottle survived 13 years in the Atlantic Ocean until it washed up ashore more than 1,800 miles away in the Maharees Peninsula along the southwest coast of Ireland. / Credit: Kate Gay

That night, the association shared a post on its Facebook page with photos of the bottle and the message. It quickly went viral.

"Such a long way to travel and such a long time to get here but we got it! Now if only Anita and Brad would just answer the phone they told us to call them on!!!" the post said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It seems we let a genie out of that bottle!" Kate Gay said.

Within an hour, the Squires  now married with three children and living in Newfoundland, according to The Canadian Press  reached out to the conservation group confirming they were the Brad and Anita in the note.

"Anita and I both feel like we have new friends, and we're all equally amazed," Brad Squires said.

He and his wife are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary next year. It is also the conversation association's 10th year anniversary.

"It's such a romantic story - and it has brought joy to so many," Kate Gay told CBS News. "The 'message in a bottle' has gone from being a time capsule of a happy moment on Bell Island to a metaphor for resilience and the ripple effect of positive actions and connections."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ICE raids in California turn violent after protesters clash with agents

One year after Thomas Crooks tried to kill President Trump, here's what's known about him

Reflecting on the selfless heroism shown during the Texas floods
Sockeye salmon swim in the Kenai River in 2008. As a result of ligitation, the National Marine Fisheries Service manages commercial salmon harvests in Cook Inlet's federal waters and the state continues to manage harvests in state waters. Cook Inlet salmon use the Kenai River and other sites when they return to freshwater for spawning. (Photo by Kentaro Yasui/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

A federal judge has upheld the National Marine Fisheries Services new system to manage commercial harvests in federal waters of Cook Inlet, concluding that the agency has no obligation to extend that management to state waters.

The July 1 ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason lets stand a split federal-state management regime for commercial salmon harvests in Cook Inlet, the marine waters by Alaskas most heavily populated region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ruling is a win for the NMFS, an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and a loss for fishers who sought federal management of all Cook Inlet commercial salmon harvests because they were dissatisfied with state management.

NMFS had previously deferred all Cook Inlet commercial salmon harvest management to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

The new split management system, with the state in charge of harvests in nearshore waters and NMFS in charge of harvests in waters beyond 3 nautical miles offshore, is the result of a series of lawsuits filed since 2009 by United Cook Inlet Drift Association. The association represents about 500 fishers who harvest salmon with drift gillnets, a type of net gear that is pulled by vessels.

In 2016, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in UCIDAs favor, triggering the NMFS management takeover in Cook Inlets federal waters. Gleasons ruling came in the most recent lawsuit in the matter, which UCIDA filed last year. That lawsuit accused NMFS of shirking its management duties by not extending its control to all Cook Inlet commercial salmon harvesting and instead, continuing to defer too much to the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

UCIDA has argued for years that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has mismanaged Cook Inlet salmon harvests, resulting in what the organization has described in legal documents as significant under-harvest. Starting in about 2000, UCIDA said in a brief filed on Nov. 6, state management took a turn for the worse, and salmon harvest in Cook Inlet began a precipitous and lasting decline that has now persisted for almost 25 years, to the detriment of fishing communities throughout Cook Inlet.

But NMFS has long disputed the claim that state mismanagement has resulted in under-harvest of salmon. There has never been credible scientific support for the idea that the drift gill net fleet could meaningfully increase its harvest without harming the more vulnerable stocks in Cook Inlet, said a Dec. 20 brief filed by the agency.

The state intervened in the case on behalf of NMFS, and Alaska Attorney General Treg Tayor welcomed Gleasons ruling. It was a victory for Alaska and our salmon fishery, Taylor said in a statement. It upheld the states rights and responsibilities to managing our waters.

NMFS last month set this years harvest limits for Cook Inlets federal waters. Under those limits, there is an allowable catch of 800,126 sockeye salmon and about 147,000 salmon of other species.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The total Cook Inlet commercial salmon harvest in 2024 was about 2.3 million fish, the vast majority of which was sockeye, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
The Brief

A judge has ruled that Northvilles must reopen their streets for vehicles after blocking them off for more foot traffic.

During the COVID pandemic, Northville officials closed parts of Main and Center Streets to vehicle traffic during the warmer months to boost foot traffic.

Many still hope they can persuade City Hall to maintain the current setup.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. (FOX 2) - If you've visited downtown Northville, you've likely become accustomed to some streets being blocked off by cars and trucks to encourage more foot traffic in the social district.

Big picture view

A long-running debate over reopening those streets has come to a temporary conclusion, with a court ordering Northville officials to remove the barriers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Northville is set to reopen for business in a way that brings back its traditional setup.

A judge has ordered city officials to take down the barriers that have been blocking cars and trucks from downtown streets, and they have seven days to comply.

"Everybody can agree that Northville has always been a great city, long before COVID," said resident Brian McCafferty.

The backstory

During the COVID pandemic, Northville officials closed parts of Main and Center Streets to vehicle traffic during the warmer months to boost foot traffic near restaurants and local shops.

A group called "Let's Open Northville" challenged this decision with a lawsuit, and on Wednesday, a judge sided with them, stating it's time for cars and trucks to return.

What they're saying

"Now we get commerce back," said McCafferty. "Unfortunately, in the United States, it takes cars to maintain commerce. We still have our Social District. I want everyone to know that. The Social District is still here in Northville. Everybody can still have a cocktail, walk around, and enjoy everything."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Others view the decision as a setback. The Ellies family, who have lived in Northville for ten years, expressed their enjoyment of the peace that comes without cars rolling through every part of downtown.

"We had our daughters four years ago, and we really enjoy the safety of the streets being closed to traffic and business thriving and restaurants that we can visit," said Mary Ellies.

What's next

Northville officials are now figuring out how to respond. The City Manager posted a statement on the City of Northville's Facebook page:

"Although we are disappointed with the ruling, we will fully comply with the Court's order. We are communicating with our downtown businesses that utilize the streets during the spring and summer to provide guidance. We are also reviewing our summer calendar of special community events to determine what, if any action, needs to be taken based on the decision. We will continue to keep you informed as we move forward."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some restaurant workers expressed concerns to FOX 2 off-camera about potential losses after investing thousands of dollars in outdoor tables, seating, and other additions.

Many still hope they can persuade City Hall to maintain the current setup.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  A federal appeals court on Friday overturned a mortgage fraud conviction of former Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby, who gained a national profile for charging police officers in a Black man's death. But the court upheld two perjury convictions relating to real estate she purchased.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a 2-1 decision that jury instruction in the mortgage fraud case was erroneously overbroad" concerning the proper court venue. The case was tried in Maryland relating to property she bought in Florida.

As a result of our decision to vacate the mortgage fraud conviction, the forfeiture order related to Appellants Longboat Key Condo, which was obtained as the fruit of the alleged mortgage fraud, is also vacated, Judge Stephanie Thacker wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Judge Paul Niemeyer dissented in part. While the majority ruling contended that the government failed to introduce evidence sufficient to show that the crime was committed in Maryland and that the district court's venue instruction was erroneous, Niemeyer wrote he would have rejected both arguments and affirmed the district court's judgment.

The court upheld two perjury convictions, saying it found no error in the district court's adjudication of Appellant's perjury convictions.

The court rejected arguments by Mosby that the admitted evidence misled jurors.

In sum, the district court did not err in permitting the Government to introduce evidence as to how Appellant utilized the funds she withdrew from her retirement accounts, the court said. That evidence was probative as to whether Appellant suffered adverse financial consequences. And the probative value of that evidence was not substantially outweighed by a risk of undue prejudice or jury confusion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mosby, 45, was spared jail time at her sentencing last year. Her sentence included 12 months of home confinement, which she concluded last month. She also was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and three years of supervised release.

Mosby was convicted of lying about her finances to make early withdrawals from retirement funds during the COVID-19 pandemic and fraudulently claiming that her own $5,000 was a gift from her then-husband as she closed on a Florida condominium.

Mosby, who was Baltimore's state's attorney from 2015 to 2023, has maintained her innocence.

Mosby gained national attention when she charged officers in the 2015 death of Freddie Gray, which led to riots and protests in the city. After three officers were acquitted, Mosbys office dropped charges against the other three officers. She ultimately served two terms as states attorney before she was indicted and lost reelection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Mosby withdrew $90,000 from Baltimore citys deferred compensation plan and used it to make down payments on vacation homes in Kissimmee and Longboat Key, Florida.

Prosecutors argued that Mosby improperly accessed the funds under provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act by falsely claiming that the pandemic had harmed her travel-oriented side business.

Mosbys lawyers argued that the retirement funds came from her own income and that no one was defrauded because she paid an early-withdrawal penalty and all federal taxes on the money. The government said that money remained the property of the city until she was legally eligible, and her perjury harmed everyone who followed the rules during the coronavirus pandemic.

The mortgage fraud conviction overturned by the appeals court on Friday stemmed from a $5,000 gift letter she submitted when taking a loan to buy the Longboat Key property. Prosecutors said the letter falsely stated that Mosbys husband was giving her a $5,000 gift for the closing when it actually was her own money.

Mosby applied for a presidential pardon last year. In a letter to then-President Joe Biden, the Congressional Black Caucus expressed support for her cause. Biden did not grant a pardon.
QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS) is one of These 10 Stocks Are Making Big Moves.

QuantumScape jumped by 16.69 percent on Tuesday to end at $8.18 apiece as investors repositioned portfolios ahead of the expected release of its second-quarter earnings later this month.

Based on its historical earnings reporting dates, QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS) will report its financial and operating results in the third or fourth week of July.

Investors will be closely watching out for the companys earnings and production outlook for the short-term period, given the recent achievement of a milestone through the integration of the advanced Cobra separator process into baseline cell production.

According to QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS), Cobra forms the foundation of its high-throughput, continuous-flow separator production platform. It was designed to enable faster, more energy-efficient production with a smaller equipment footprint compared to earlier processes, and represents a step-change improvement in ceramic separator manufacturing.

QuantumScape (QS) Skyrockets 16.7% Ahead of Earnings Results

A line of electric vehicles parked in front of a research & development building in San Jose, California.

Compared to the prior-generation Raptor process, Cobra offers a ~25x improvement in heat treatment speed and occupies a fraction of the physical space per film startkey advantages in the design of a scalable gigafactory production line, QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS) said.

While we acknowledge the potential of QS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.
A federal appeals court determined that former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indisputably had the authority to cancel plea agreements made last year with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other defendants accused of plotting the 9/11 terror attack.

The decision overturns a ruling by a military judge last year that plea agreements setting aside the possibility of the death penalty for the men were valid and enforceable, after Austin revoked the deals months before.

The Secretary of Defense indisputably had legal authority to withdraw from the agreements; the plain and unambiguous text of the pretrial agreements shows that no performance of promises had begun, court documents outlining the decision of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wells Dixon, a senior staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights who previously represented another Guantanamo detainee, Majid Khan, criticized the court ruling on Friday, saying it will ensure nothing but the continued lack of justice and accountability for anyone involved in the military commissions.

The Biden administrations effort to invalidate the plea agreements that would resolve in lasting convictions and life sentences for the 9/11 defendants was inexplicable, Dixon said. It was a painful betrayal of the 9/11 victim family members, because we know after more than two decades of litigation at Guantanamo, and we know from experience, that the 9/11 cases will never be resolved through a contested trial.

Putting aside the fantasy that this case is ever going to go to trial  assuming it does go to trial and that theres a conviction  you get to sentencing, and they have a right to put forward evidence  that they were tortured. Thats never going to happen, Dixon added.

The military trial against Mohammed and the other alleged 9/11 conspirators has been delayed for years as the US government tried to determine how to handle the issue of the torture of individuals at CIA prisons, and the question of whether evidence obtained through torture was admissible in court. Dixon previously told CNN that the government is unwilling to admit evidence in trial about the defendants torture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The pretrial agreements were announced last summer after 27 months of negotiation, and took the possibility of the death sentence off the table for Mohammed, Mustafa al Hawsawi, and Walid Bin Attash. They required that the accused plead guilty to all charges against them and would undergo a public sentencing hearing in which they would be required to answer questions by family members and survivors of the September 11 attack.

The agreements drew fierce backlash, both politically and from some groups representing 9/11 victims and their families who had pushed for the death penalty.

But just days after the news of the agreements was publicized, Austin revoked them, saying the final decision should be left to him and not the official overseeing the military courts at Guantanamo Bay, Brig. Gen. Susan Escallier. Austin also withdrew Escalliers authority over the cases.

Austins revocation kicked off a months-long legal battle. Attorneys representing the three conspirators called Austins actions corrupt and unprecedented, and argued that it was not legal due to a regulation in the militarys own Manual for Military Commissions, which says a pretrial agreement can only be withdrawn before the accused begins performance of promises or if they do not hold up their end of the agreement. A defense attorney for Mohammed argued in August last year that his client had already begun very important, substantive, specific performance, and therefore Austins actions were too late.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The military judge overseeing the trials of the three men appeared to agree, ruling in November that the plea agreements were valid and enforceable. A defense official told CNN at the time that the judge, Col. Matthew McCall, rules that not only are they legal and enforceable but that [Austin] was too late in doing that.

A military appeals court also ruled against Austin in December.

The DC Circuit Court of Appeals said in its ruling on Friday that Austin had full legal authority to withdraw from the pretrial agreements, and said there no prior performance of promises contained in those agreements prevented the Secretarys withdrawal.

CNNs Katelyn Polantz contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
July 11 (UPI) -- A federal appeals court has sided with the jury that found President Donald Trump liable of sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s and of lying about the assault.

The three-judge Second Circuit Court of Appeals issued its mandate Thursday, affirming the May 2023 Manhattan jury's unanimous decision that Trump had sexually abused Carroll in a Bergdorf Goodman department stor in 1996 and awarded her $5 million in compensatory damages.

"So long, Old Man!" Carroll celebrated on X. "The United States Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit, bids thee farewell."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump maintains he didn't sexually abuse her, and filed an appeal.

He argued the Manhattan district court had erred when it allowed testimony from two other women who alleged Trump had sexually assaulted them in the past and a notorious 2005 recording in which the president is heard on a hot mic telling another man how he forcibly kissed and grabbed women by their genitals.

In its ruling rejecting Trump's appeal, the court found the district court did not err by including both women's testimonies as well as the so-called Access Hollywood tape as evidence of the president's alleged history of committing such acts.

"We conclude that Mr. Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings," it said. "Further, he has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In January 2024, another civil jury found Trump liable for defamatory statements and ordered him to pay the writer $83.3 million in damages.

After Carroll went public with her accusations against Trump in 2019, Trump claimed to have never met her and accused her of making up the allegation to sell books.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Columbus Police Department is warning community members to take extra precautions to avoid being the victim of theft this summer.

Were seeing a trend in motor vehicle thefts as well as entering an auto, Sergeant Dallas Willis with the Columbus Police Department said Thursday.

An individual attempts to look into parked car. (Courtesy of WRBL News 3 viewer)

With theft on the rise, Willis said its important to remember to lock your car doors and avoid leaving vehicles running unattended.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I know its hot, you want to get the AC going, Willis said. Just make sure you dont leave it running for a long period of time because that gives thieves an opportunity to access your vehicle quickly.

It may also help to remove or hide popular items for theft in vehicles. According to Willis, those include firearms, money and electronics.

But car theft isnt the only thing to worry about during the summer. Its also vacation season for many families, with some leaving their homes unattended for extended periods of time. Willis says residential burglaries tend to increase in the summertime.

You can make your home less of a target by refraining from showing off items of value. Willis said not to leave TV boxes by the road. Plus, it may be helpful to keep your travel plans quiet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dont advertise going out of town, Willis said. We see that a lot of people advertise they are going out of town. People see it, find out where you live and theyll break into your house.

Officials advise finding someone you trust to check on your home while youre away.

According to CPDs Part One Crime statistics for 2025, between May 27 and July 1, the city has seen rises in robbery, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft by taking.

If you are the victim of theft, CPD said to call 9-1-1 immediately to file your report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
By Jonathan Saul

LONDON (Reuters) -Commercial ships still sailing through the Red Sea are broadcasting messages about their nationality and even religion on their public tracking systems to avoid being targeted by Yemen's Houthis after deadly attacks this week by the militia.

The Red Sea is a critical waterway for oil and commodities but traffic has dropped sharply since Houthi attacks off Yemen's coast began in November 2023 in what the Iran-aligned group said was in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The group sank two ships this week after months of calm and its leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi reiterated there would be no passage for any company transporting goods connected to Israel.

In recent days more ships sailing through the southern Red Sea and the narrow Bab al-Mandab strait have added messages to their AIS public tracking profiles that can be seen when clicking on a vessel.

Messages have included referring to an all-Chinese crew and management, and flagging the presence of armed guards on board.

"All Crew Muslim," read one message, while others made clear the ships had no connection to Israel, according to MarineTraffic and LSEG ship-tracking AIS data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Maritime security sources said this was a sign of growing desperation to avoid attack by Houthi commandos or deadly drones - but they also thought it was unlikely to make any difference.

Houthi intelligence preparation was "much deeper and forward-leaning", one source said.

Vessels in the broader fleets of both ships attacked and sunk by the Houthis this week had made calls to Israeli ports in the past year, shipping analysis showed.

Maritime security sources said even though shipping companies must step up due diligence on any tangential link to Israel before sailing through the Red Sea, the risk of attack was still high.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In March 2024, the Houthis hit the Chinese-operated tanker Huang Pu with ballistic missiles despite previously saying they would not attack Chinese vessels, the U.S. Central Command said.

The Houthis have also targeted vessels trading with Russia.

"Despite declared ceasefires, areas such as the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait remain designated high-risk by underwriters," insurance broker Aon said in a report this week.

"Ongoing monitoring and adaptive security measures are essential for ship operators."

The insurance cost of shipping goods through the Red Sea has more than doubled since this week's attacks, with some underwriters pausing cover for some voyages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The number of daily sailings through the strait, at the southern tip of the Red Sea and a gateway to the Gulf of Aden, was 35 vessels on July 10, 32 vessels on July 9, down from 43 on July 1, Lloyds List Intelligence data showed.

That compares with a daily average of 79 sailings in October 2023, before Houthi attacks began.

"Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, keeping countries supplied with food, fuel and medicine. They should not have to risk their lives to do their job," the UK-based Seafarers' Charity said this week.

(Reporting by Jonathan Saul, additional reporting by Renee Maltezou, editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  The boat involved in a crash that killed two people in the New Haven Harbor Wednesday has been recovered.

Crews were seen pulling the vessel out of the water mid-morning Friday, with damage to the front hull of the boat visible.

RELATED: 2 dead after boat goes missing from New Haven Harbor

While a preliminary investigation determined that the boat struck a breakwall on Wednesday night, the Environmental Conservation Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the Coast Guard, the two boaters were recovered by a Connecticut State Police dive team on Thursday evening and then taken to the West Shore Fire Districts firehouse in West Haven.

Bicyclist seriously injured in New Haven hit-and-run

The male and female were later pronounced deceased by the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Officials have not released their names, pending notification of kin.

The Coast Guard said the vessel had been found capsized on the breakwall earlier that afternoon.

A search for the boaters began Thursday morning, when someone called the Coast Guard to report two people were potentially missing on a boat trip between Stratford and Norwalk the night before.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The pair was confirmed to have dined at a New Haven restaurant Wednesday evening, where they were last seen around 9:30 p.m.

The Coast Guard said one of the boaters phones pinged a cell tower near the New Haven Harbor west break wall at 9:40 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) deployed twenty state wildland firefighters Wednesday, July 2, to Fairbanks, Alaska, where wildfires were burning across nearly 130,000 acres of land, according to the DCR.

Brian Procida, a DCR firefighter from Brockton, is one of the 20 specially trained crew members who volunteered for the job.

A 2018 graduate of East Bridgewater High School, Procida, who is in his 20s, is no stranger to traveling assignments. In July 2023, he joined another Massachusetts crew to fight wildfires in Quebec, according to the DCR.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"For me, I love to see the fires, I love going into them and putting them out," Procida told an Enterprise reporter in 2023 after he completed his assignment in Canada.

A crew from Massachusetts, including DCR firefighter Brian Procida, of Brockton, are deployed to fight wildfires in Alaska in July 2025.

What he told us Firefighter carries Brockton family tradition to fire lines in Quebec

What this Brockton wildland firefighter will face in Alaska

Procida and the Massachusetts crew will spend approximately two weeks in Fairbanks working directly on the front lines building fire breaks, securing fire perimeters, containing fires and protecting structures.

As of Wednesday, July 2, the DCR said there were 67 Alaskan wildfires burning nearly 130,000 acres of land, most of which were either at low or zero percent containment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 20-person crew will work alongside 34 other wildfire crews in the state, along with 29 engines, 15 helicopters and a total of nearly 1,500 personnel, according to the DCR.

Massachusetts Department Conservation and Recreation firefighter Nicole Madden, left, is photographed with other crew members during her deployment to Normetal, Canada, to help with the wildfires. From left to right, are Madden, Owen Looby, Ben Mazzei, Brian Procida and Abbie Merchant. The crew had hiked out to this location where they would be picked up by helicopter. Madden, Looby and Procida work for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. Ben Mazzei works for the state Division of Fish and Wildlife. Merchant works for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Mandatory photo credit DCR Squad 2

'When a neighbor asks for help, you show up': Officials thank firefighters

According to DCR Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino, the low fire activity in Massachusetts and other northeastern states enabled the organization to lend support to officials in Alaska.

The firefighters we are sending represent the firm Massachusetts belief that when a neighbor asks for help, you show up, said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. Only by working together can we effectively respond to severe weather events like this.

When Massachusetts gets the call, our crews are ready to help," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said, echoing Driscoll's sentiment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gov. Maura Healey thanked the Massachusetts crew, calling them the right people for the job.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Who is Brockton DCR firefighter Brian Procida battling Alaskan fires?
A senior International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed in war-ravaged Sudans western Darfur region.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan presented her assessment before the United Nations Security Council on Thursday of the devastating conflict, which has raged since 2023, killing more than 40,000 people and displacing 13 million others.

Khan said the depth of suffering and the humanitarian crisis in Darfur has reached an intolerable state, with famine escalating and hospitals, humanitarian convoys and other civilian infrastructure being targeted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said it was difficult to find appropriate words to describe the depth of suffering in Darfur.

On the basis of our independent investigations, the position of our office is clear. We have reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been and are continuing to be committed in Darfur, she said.

The prosecutors office focused its probe on crimes committed in West Darfur, Khan said, interviewing victims who fled to neighbouring Chad.

She detailed an intolerable humanitarian situation, with apparent targeting of hospitals and humanitarian convoys, while warning that famine is escalating as aid is unable to reach those in dire need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People are being deprived of water and food. Rape and sexual violence are being weaponised, Khan said, adding that abductions for ransom had become common practice.





In June, the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan warned that both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had escalated the use of heavy weaponry in populated areas and weaponised humanitarian relief, amid the devastating consequences of the civil war.

ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan had told the Security Council in January that there were grounds to believe both parties may be committing war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in the region, while the administration of then-US President Joe Biden determined that the RSF and its proxies were committing genocide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Security Council had previously referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC in 2005, with some 300,000 people killed during conflict in the region in the 2000s.

In 2023, the ICC opened a new probe into war crimes in Darfur after a new conflict erupted between the SAF and RSF.

The RSFs predecessor, the Janjaweed militia, was accused of genocide two decades ago in the vast western region.

ICC judges are expected to deliver their first decision on crimes committed in Darfur two decades ago in the case of Ali Mohamed Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, known as Ali Kosheib, after the trial ended in 2024.

I wish to be clear to those on the ground in Darfur now, to those who are inflicting unimaginable atrocities on its population  they may feel a sense of impunity at this moment, as Ali Kosheib may have felt in the past, said Khan.

But we are working intensively to ensure that the Ali Kosheib trial represents only the first of many in relation to this situation at the International Criminal Court, added Khan.
Baharav-Miara argued that to investigate Channel 13 reporter Aviad Glickman would infringe on freedom of the press, while Ben-Gvir argued that her intervention was an abuse of authority.

Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara is in a criminal conflict of interest with Channel 13 reporter Aviad Glickman, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused in a post on X/Twitter on Friday.

I have demanded that she disclose her meetings with him and cease all involvement in his case, exactly as she demanded from the prime minister regarding General Zini, Ben-Gvir wrote.

Glickman was initially summoned for investigation by the Israel Police after allegedly pushing an associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus wife, Sara Netanyahu.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Channel 13 sent a letter to Baharav-Miara demanding that the investigation be canceled on the grounds that it would violate the freedom of the press, arguing that the incident occurred while Glickman was fulfilling his role as a legal reporter.

Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara attends a conference of the Israeli chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), in Tel Aviv, July 5, 2022. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)

The investigation has been postponed

After initial pushback from the police, who argued that assault could never be considered part of a journalists role, the investigation was ultimately delayed until a joint conversation could be held between Baharav-Miara and police officials.

Sources within the police added that they believed this to be "an attempt to exert improper political pressure," N12 reported, though Baharav-Miara insisted in a statement, This is required due to the procedural caution necessary when investigating journalists regarding their work and to prevent concerns about harming the journalistic space."
As word spread among Catholics that immigration agents were visiting places of worship to carry out deportations, the pews inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in downtown Los Angeles became less and less crowded.

Isiah, a devout Catholic, was so frightened he stopped attending weekly Mass for fear that he could be swept up in the raids. Isiah, who declined to provide his last name to The Times because of concerns about his immigration status, prayed the rosary as a substitute for two weeks before his faith brought him back to church.

"Church is not a place for threats," he said Thursday in Spanish.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A month of sweeping immigration enforcement actions has sent people underground, leaving businesses empty and upending daily life across Southern California. It's also sparked a crisis of faith for many Catholics who have spent their lives worshiping at Sunday Mass and are now questioning whether it's safe to connect with God in such a public space.

In an extraordinary move this week, Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino told his diocese of about 1.2 million people that they could stay home on Sundays to avoid Mass as concerns about immigration sweeps loom. It came after arrests near or at local churches.

"I want our immigrant communities to know that their Church stands with them and walks with them through this trying time," he said in a statement.

Rojas' decree  the first of such to be given by a Catholic leader in Southern California  underscores the challenge religious institutions are grappling with as the Trump administration carries out its deportation agenda. Religious leaders want people to turn to faith to help them navigate challenging times, but they also don't want the exercising of that faith to bring harm, experts say.

Diocese of San Bernardino Bishop Alberto Rojas during Mass. (Watchara Phomicinda / Getty Images)

"Bishop Rojas decision signals that the Churchs mission encompasses a higher calling: to embrace the downtrodden, welcome the stranger and distance itself from policies that dehumanize them. The Church sees that mission as a higher kind of patriotism  care for humanity and calling government enact the higher angels of human nature," said Richard Wood, president of the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In May, following immigration raids in Nashville, the city's diocese became the first to say that no Catholic would be "obligated to attend Mass on Sunday if doing so puts their safety at risk.

It's a rare step for a bishop to excuse congregants indefinitely from Sunday mass, said Brett Hoover, professor of theology at Loyola Marymount University.

The last time dioceses took such an action was during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were instructed to isolate to slow the spread of the virus. Such decrees were also issued during the flu epidemic in the early part of the 20th century. Decrees excusing certain individuals from Mass are generally issued on much smaller scales, giving certain congregants a pass because of issues like illness or natural disasters, Hoover said.

"Bishop Rojas is registering that this is traumatizing for people  seeing families being separated," Hoover said. "Catholic teaching is very clear that immigration, particularly deportations, should not split up families."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For Catholics, historically, not attending Sunday Mass was seen as a potentially "very serious sin," Hoover said. While time has softened the tradition, Rojas' decree is a way to relieve people from feeling as though they are doing something sinful if they're afraid to attend Mass.

"Part of it is a symbolic gesture, and then part of it is to kind of relieve the more scrupulous Catholics of their worries about attending Mass," Hoover said. "It's very practical and pastoral too."

Rojas' decree comes as more bishops have begun to speak out about the administration's deportation policy in which agents have deployed aggressive tactics and, at times, concealed their identities in ways that have terrified immigrant populations. People have been detained while carrying out typical daily activities in shopping center parking lots, car washes, bus stops and other public spaces.

Since early June, nearly 2,800 people have been caught up in the immigration enforcement push in the L.A. area alone, including U.S. citizens and hundreds of undocumented immigrants without any criminal record.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The raids have hit the Catholic community particularly hard, given that such a large portion of worshipers are immigrants or have family members who were born outside of the United States. More than a quarter of U.S. Catholic adults were born outside the country, compared with 15% of U.S. adults overall, according to data from a 2015 study by Pew Research Center.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Archbishop Jose Gomez of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, who has long called for immigration reform, criticized the Trump administration in a column published in Angelus last month, saying it has "offered no immigration policy beyond the stated goal of deporting thousands of people each day."

"This is not policy, it is punishment, and it can only result in cruel and arbitrary outcomes. Already we are hearing stories of innocent fathers and mothers being wrongly deported, with no recourse to appeal," he wrote.

On Saturday, about 300 Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Los Angeles joined Gomez for Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City during the sixth annual Archdiocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica, the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. Gomez addressed the burden of fear and anxiety caused by immigration enforcement during the homily.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Today we lay all our cares at the feet of Our Lady," he said. "And if we open our hearts today, if we fix our eyes on Our Ladys, we will hear her tender words to St. Juan Diego: Am I not your mother? Are you not under my shadow and my gaze? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not sheltered underneath my mantle, under the embrace of my arms?"

In Orange County, Bishop Kevin Vann has not offered a dispensation from attending Mass, but the diocese has started bringing Holy Communion to celebrate Mass in the homes of people who are afraid to go to church.

Vann and his auxiliary bishops posted a letter last month condemning the raids, which they said "invoke our worst instincts" and "spread crippling fear and anxieties upon the hard-working, everyday faithful among us."

Rojas' decree comes after he said individuals were recently apprehended at two Catholic parishes in the area, something that intensified fear already being experienced by his congregation  many of whom are immigrants. Some houses of worship say between a third or half of their congregants are no longer showing up in person as the raids continue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the National Catholic Reporter, multiple people were arrested at or near diocese churches on June 20, including a man at Our Lady of Lourdes in Montclair, which ICE officials dispute.

"The accusation that ICE entered a church to make an arrest [is] FALSE, wrote Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin in an email to The Times. The illegal alien chose to pull into the church parking lot [and] officers then safely made the arrest."

Rojas wrote in the decree Tuesday that many churchgoers have shared fears of attending mass due to potential immigration enforcement action and that such fear constitutes a grave inconvenience that may impede the spiritual good of the faithful.

In lieu of Sunday service, Rojas encouraged his members to maintain their spiritual communion by praying the rosary or reading scripture and directed diocese ministers to offer support and compassion to the affected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, a quiet congregation gathered for Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, just blocks away from the site where protesters gathered to oppose immigration raids last month. For some attendees, the spiritual safety of the church has proved to be a physical source of strength amid the uncertainty.

"We hope the collective prayer will bring some kind of change," said Maria Machuca, whose parents are immigrants.

Santi Camacho, who rarely attended church before the raids, said immigrant communities everywhere are finding themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place: facing possible arrest during worship, or hiding in their homes until they potentially subside.

Still, many members of the church don't want to stop attending Mass even if leaders give them permission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If all you have is family and your family is at the church, youll risk it, Camacho said.

Isiah, who had paused attending Mass during the raids, said church is really the only place he feels safe anymore. He has faith that the spiritual strength found inside the building  a place where he goes to worship God  will shield him from harm.

My belief is that if the police came, the church and God would protect me.

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.
As a bill banning cell phones in public schools picks up steam on Beacon Hill, parents and advocates against early smartphone use are speaking out in favor as well.

One of those supporters is Christina Earle, a co-founder of Hinghams Wait Until Eighth Chapter.

According to their national website, The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. Lets protect the elementary and middle school years from the distractions and the dangers of a smartphone. Banding together helps decrease the pressure to have a phone at an early age.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earle said they have already been in contact with Hingham Schools to support cell phone-free learning.

We are in full support of it, she said Thursday. It is a big distraction if they bring it into the classroom... Its just hard to peel away, and were going to learn later on, basically, this is the crisis of our generation.

Governor Maura Healey on Wednesday said in part, We know that distraction-free learning is the best way to set our students up for success. Restricting cellphone use in our schools will support parents and teachers, protect the mental health of young people, and help our students learn and grow.

Families and loved ones of students Boston 25 spoke with on Thursday were also in full support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Marie St. Jean, the sister of a 10-year-old who goes to school in Boston, agreed with the governor.

She explained, If were trying to communicate with them, we know theyre at school. We can just call the school. Why would they have a cell phone?

Sponsors of the bill said it would be up to each district on how they would enforce this, and facilitate communication between parents and students.

Dozens of districts across the state already have their own cell phone bans.

Sponsors expect the bill to be on the Senate floor by the end of July.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
For years, Americans have been told the free market is working just fine. But former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan is pushing back against that idea, saying that growing corporate consolidation is making life harder and more expensive for everyday people.

Fewer Companies, More Power Over You

In a recent video with economist and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, Khan laid out how massive corporations now dominate key industries, leaving Americans with fewer choices and higher costs. How free' we feel is often tied to how we experience the economy, Khan said.

Don't Miss:

She continued: Are you really free if your groceries are so expensive that you cant afford them? Or if your boss can change your work schedule on a whim, or block you from getting a new job?

According to Khan, the problem is extreme market concentration, when a few giant companies control an entire sector. For example, she highlights how only three corporations make over 70% of the cereal sold in the U.S., and three soda makers control over 90% of the soft drink market. Even the beef we buy likely comes from one of just three meatpacking giants.

This lack of competition can give dominant players the ability to bully and coerce small farmers and manufacturers, Khan said. And it also gives them the power to overcharge you simply because you have fewer options of where to buy from.

Khan noted that 75% of U.S. industries are now more concentrated than they were just two decades ago.

Trending: Its no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art  this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Heres how everyday investors are getting started.

Workers Get Hurt, Too

Its not just consumers. Khan explained that concentrated markets also weaken workers bargaining power. When a few companies control an entire industry, workers often cant move to better jobs because there just arent enough other employers around.

She pointed to the attempted merger between Kroger (NYSE:KR) and Albertsons (NYSE:ACI), which the FTC sued to block and won. Because Kroger and Albertsons had to compete for their workers, they had to offer better pay and benefits. Without that competition, workers would have had fewer job opportunities and less ability to negotiate for better pay or conditions.
Last month, President Donald Trump was asked if his deteriorating relationship with Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom would impact federal support for wildfire recovery efforts.

"Will your recent dust-ups with Gov. Newsom impact additional wildfire relief?" a reporter asked Trump at the White House.

"Hatred is never a good thing in politics. When you don't like somebody, you don't respect somebody," Trump replied. "It's harder for that person to get money if you're on top. He's done a bad job."

Win McNamee/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump listens as African Leaders deliver remarks during a multilateral lunch in the State Dining Room of the White House July 9, 2025 in Washington.

It wasn't the first time Trump had suggested withholding federal aid to California after the Palisades Fire. Before he visited Los Angeles, Trump said he wanted to see the state change its water management policies and voter ID laws, in exchange for federal help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MORE: After Texas flood, elected leaders say cuts to FEMA, NOAA could affect weather response

Now, six months after the California wildfires, and as Trump heads to Texas on Friday to visit the site of catastrophic flooding, he has offered the federal government's support to Republican-led Texas, without conditions.

"We're working with the Governor, it's a terrible thing," Trump told reporters earlier this week.

John G Mabanglo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock - PHOTO: California Governor Gavin Newsom responds to questions during a press conference in San Francisco, June 12, 2025.

He also avoided casting any blame, calling the devastation a "hundred-year catastrophe, and it's just so horrible to watch."

The divergent tone has frustrated some Democrats who believe that the president has injected partisan politics into his public comments about federal disaster relief.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MORE: Trump tours LA wildfires after threats to withhold aid over water policy, voter ID

"He's made no secret about going after blue states and blue cities," said Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastation on the East Coast last fall, Trump was critical of the federal government's response under President Joe Biden, and the state-level response led by then-Gov. Roy Cooper, also a Democrat.

Federal officials accused him of spreading "extremely damaging" misinformation about the recovery efforts in the state.

Trump was also quick to criticize the Federal Emergency Management Agency's response to both disasters, and as president, he has said he wants to "wean off" FEMA and phase out the agency in an effort to shift more responsibility for recovery to states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., who represents the area of Los Angeles impacted by the fires, told ABC News that Trump's "rhetoric certainly has been different with regards to California versus Texas."

However, she also pointed out that Trump visited North Carolina and California just days into his presidency to meet with victims.

She and other Democrats also praised the president and the Trump administration for honoring the Biden administration's commitment for the federal government to cover 100% of disaster assistance costs for 180 days, and California has also received $3 billion in federal loan assistance to help small businesses impacted by the wildfires.

"FEMA has been going full bore, and the Army Corps of Engineers have done an amazing job, a fantastic job of doing the fastest wildfire cleanup in U.S. history," Chu added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., who joined Trump on his visit to Southern California, defended Trump's approach to his state's recovery.

Trump has "been very clear that he wants to help L.A. rebuild, and also wants to address the failures that helped cause this disaster in the first place," he told ABC News. "We need to have a broader conversation about how we can mitigate fire risk going forward."

Kiley also blamed Newsom for contributing to the "politicized" debate around disaster relief.

"The governor wants nothing more than to grandstand and to pick a fight with the President," Kiley said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Congress has yet to act on Newsom's $40 billion request to help pay for recovery costs. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters that Capitol Hill would act once lawmakers received a formal request from the Trump administration.

"It takes a while to calculate it," Johnson said. "We know that well, of course, with hurricane season and disasters in Louisiana."

MORE: Trump administration denies North Carolina request for Hurricane Helene relief at level Biden approved

Some Democrats have called for investigations into whether staffing cuts to federal agencies such as the National Weather Service contributed to the death toll. And while questions about the emergency response and weather preparedness loom over the recovery efforts, nobody has been accused of any wrongdoing that contributed to the disaster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asked about the impact of the federal cuts on the flooding, Trump on Sunday seemed ready to blame the former president for the situation, before walking it back.

"That was really the Biden setup. That was not our setup. But I wouldn't blame Biden for it either," he said.

The White House has also pushed back on the criticism of Trump's comments and the suggestion from Democrats that he has treated the states differently.

"President Trump has led historic disaster recovery efforts in both California and North Carolina  he's doing the same in Texas," White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement. "In California the Trump Administration completed the fastest debris removal effort in history to provide much needed assistance to California communities. And the President is leading a transformational recovery of Western North Carolina while the Biden Administration left them behind. Any claim that the President is giving certain states preferential treatment is not only wrong, it's idiotic and misinformed."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"FEMA has delivered $132 million in aid, deployed 500 staff, and sheltered 2,800 households," the Department of Homeland Security told ABC News in a statement.

The "Small Business Administration approved $3 billion in low-interest loans for 11,633 homes and businesses, with no payments or interest for a year. Under the leadership of Secretary Noem, FEMA and DHS are prioritizing people over politics," the statement continued.

Republicans, including some who were critical of California's policies and Newsom amid the California wildfires six months ago, have also called out efforts to politicize the Texas flooding.

"One of the things that's predictable is that you see some people engaging in, I think, partisan games, and trying to blame their political opponents for a natural disaster," Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told reporters in a news conference earlier this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cruz said Trump was very receptive to supporting Texas following the flooding over the weekend.

"The president said, 'Ted, anything Texas needs, the answer is yes. Whatever assets you need, whatever resources you need, yes, let us know, and we will provide everything,'" he recalled.

Michael Bitzer, a history and politics professor at Catawba College in North Carolina, watched Republicans and Democrats spar over disaster recovery efforts in his own state after Hurricane Helene.

"If I had to say it bluntly, it's pure politics," he said of Trump's differing comments about the disasters in the two states. "California didn't vote for him. Texas did."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Texas, unlike California, is also led by a Republican governor, Greg Abbott.

Sergio Flores/Reuters - PHOTO: Governor Abbott gives updates after deadly flooding

"When you throw in personalities such as Trump and Newsom, who are naturally going to aggravate the other guy, throw more gasoline onto the fire," he said.

Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., who has promoted bipartisan wildfire prevention legislation in the wake of the California wildfires, hoped the administration's policies would continue, and not move in line with his threats to withhold disaster relief to California.

"There's sometimes a gap between President Trump's bravado and his actions. And actually, I'm hoping that this is one where, even if he talks in a way that's really cruel, he'll come through for his constituents," Peters said.

"Texas has faced this disaster, and as I said, California, we grieve for them and those families, and we want to be compassionate, and as Americans, we want to help each other," he said. "That's all we're asking in California too."

ABC News' Isabella Murray and Hannah Demissie contributed to this report.
A field of crops was scorched in a large fire next to the M1 in Derbyshire.

Firefighters were called to a farm off Chesterfield Road in Tibshelf at 15:36 BST on Thursday.

At its height, the fire covered about 90 acres of land, with crews from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire deployed to tackle the flames until 21:10.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters returned to the scene on Friday morning to dampen down and check for hotspots, before leaving it in the care of the farmer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As crews dealt with the fire on Thursday, drivers were warned of plumes of smoke affecting the M1.

People living nearby were also advised to close their windows and doors.

Amid what is forecast to be the UK's third heatwave this summer, the fire service issued a warning to residents on Thursday.

The fire service said if you spot an uncontrolled fire or large volumes of smoke in the open countryside, call 999 and give as much detail about the location as possible.

They also urged people not to discard cigarettes out of car windows, leave glass bottles lying around in the sun, or to take portable barbecues or gas stoves to the countryside or moorland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.

More on this story

Related internet links
The family of a Connecticut man who bled to death following elective surgery has been awarded $20 million by a jury, according to attorney and partner Kelly Fitzpatrick, of Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder.

The lawsuit initially named Middlesex Hospital and Anesthesiologists of Middletown, P,C. as defendants responsible for the death of Scott Stillwell Wilson, 68, of Middletown.

The hospital released a statement that they had settled the case before it reached the trial stage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Fitzpatrick said the hospital was also found by the jury to share in Wilsons outcome.

Fitzpatrick said Wilson, a dedicated father, grandfather and all-around stand up guy had recently retired from the HVAC field and elected surgery to have a partial blockage in his colon fixed.

Fitzpatrick said the hope is the verdict represents a catalyst for change, so the situation doesnt happen again.

The anesthesiology group didnt return calls for comment.

The statement shared by Sarah Cody, the hospitals director of public relations, reads in part:

Middlesex Health was withdrawn from this lawsuit and therefore was not part of this trial, having reached a confidentiality agreement prior to trial, Codys statement begins.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fitzpatrick confirmed the hospital settled prior to trial, but said the jury found the hospital responsible in his death as well.

Codys statement goes on to say after the part about settling, This said, our hearts go out to the family.

Codys statement goes on to say, We also want to take this opportunity to emphasize that our dedicated providers, nurses, and clinical teams work tirelessly  24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year  to deliver the safest, highest quality care to our Community.

She wrote that, Despite the ever-increasing challenges of todays healthcare landscape, Middlesex Health remains one of Connecticuts highest-quality hospitals and continues to serve as a trusted and vital pillar of the community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She then listed their accolades, including that they have received nine consecutive A grades for hospital safety and are a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

Fitzpatrick said in 2019 Wilson was admitted for laparoscopic surgery but, as sometimes happens, it was converted to open surgery where he was cut from the sternum to the belly. It was a six-hour surgery, she said.

He bled out, Fitzpatrick said of Wilsons death.

The lawsuit claims the defendants failed to recognize Wilson had a high risk for surgical and or anesthesia complications based on his co-morbidities and medical history, and failed to understand the imminent risk and danger to proceed with anesthesia after encountering significant adhesions during surgery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They also failed to recognize Wilsons acute change in circulatory status, and improperly failed to recommend to abort the surgical procedure, the lawsuit alleges.

Fitzpatrick said the jury found they did not monitor and treat the bleeding in a timely fashion.

Wilson died soon after surgery, she said.

His family declined to comment.

Fitzpatrick said anesthesia care is supposed to be, the guardian of the vitals.

She said wrongful death suits are about loss of enjoyment of life  A life cut short.

She said Wilson spent every waking moment, with his family and was active, in lifes activities.

Fitzpatrick described him as a stand up guy.
A man was sentenced to five years in federal prison on Wednesday after authorities reportedly found fentanyl and other drugs as well as a ghost gun during a search of his apartment.

Joshuwa Diaz, 34, of Bridgeport faced sentencing in federal court in Hartford where U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver ordered that his prison term be followed by three years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut.

Diaz was arrested on Feb. 16, 2024, after authorities carried out a search warrant at his then-apartment on Orange Street in New Haven and found 75 grams of fentanyl, 278 grams of cocaine and 47 grams of crack cocaine, officials said. Authorities also reported finding a loaded P80 handgun with no serial number.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In February, Diaz pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base (crack), and fentanyl. He is free on a $50,000 bond and is required to report to prison on Sept. 10.

Federal officials noted that Diaz in 2013 was sentenced to 6 years in federal prison for distributing heroin.
Just weeks after New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani declared victory in the primary, other candidates set to be on the ballot -- particularly incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo  are facing calls to unite behind another candidate in order to stymie Mamdani's bid, even if that means dropping out themselves.

The calls come as Mamdani consolidates other support for his mayoral bid. He has received newfound endorsements from groups and people who had endorsed Cuomo in the primary, including the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council AFL-CIO and the 32BJ SEIU property service workers union. On Thursday, New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat also endorsed him after having previously endorsed Cuomo.

Barry Williams/New York Daily News/TNS | John Lamparski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Mayor Eric Adams | Zohran Mamdani | Andrew Cuomo

MORE: Influential Latino leader Espaillat endorses Mamdani in New York mayor's race

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other Democrats have sounded a sharply different tone.

Former New York Gov. David Paterson, in a press conference on Monday, called on mayoral candidates to unite behind one candidate in order to stop Mamdani. He framed Mamdani as "antagonistic" and too inexperienced to run a city as complex as New York.

Paterson -- who supported Cuomo in the primary -- brought up a recent suggestion by independent candidate Jim Walden that an independent poll should be run close to the election, and the candidates that lose in the poll would endorse whoever won and stop campaigning.

MORE: Mamdani's New York mayoral primary win exposes Democratic divide

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"What we are really doing is calling on the candidates who are still in the race to find a way to unite behind one of them," he said.

When asked for a response to Paterson's remarks, a Mamdani campaign spokesperson said, "More than 545,000 New Yorkers voted for Zohran Mamdani, the most votes any Democratic primary candidate has received in 36 years," and noted the campaign "looks forward to growing this coalition."

A spokesperson for Cuomo said that the Cuomo campaign would review the poll proposal from Walden, but did not make any commitments.

"Jim proposed a fair independent survey be taken in September to determine whose candidacy and vision for New York is strongest in a one-on-one race in November. Today, Governor David Paterson supported that proposal. While this is unorthodox, these are unusual times. We are at a dangerous moment for our city," spokesperson Rich Azzopardi wrote, adding that their campaign does not see any path to victory for Adams.

John Lamparski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: US-POLITICS-VOTE-NEW YORK

Adams did not run in the Democratic mayoral primary and is running in the election as an independent. Cuomo conceded in the Democratic primary, but has qualified for an independent ballot line in the general election. Cuomo has not yet said if he'll actively campaign.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Adams told ABC station WABC-TV on Monday, "I've said that over and over again, over and over again, that -- do the right thing for the people of this city and mobilize around one candidate so we can look at the extreme threat that we're having with Mamdani."

Adams, in an appearance on CNBC on Monday morning, claimed that Cuomo had asked him to step aside from the mayoral race. Asked for comment on Adams' claim, a spokesperson for Cuomo did not deny it, but said the campaign would not discuss private conversations.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa will also be on the ballot and has rebuffed calls to withdraw as well.

"Andrew Cuomo couldn't defeat Zohran Mamdani in a primary, and Eric Adams has failed to win the support of either party and is now polling dead last," he said in a statement after Paterson's comments. "I'm running on the issues, and I will beat Mamdani on November 4th. I will bring this city back."

Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images - PHOTO: Curtis Sliwa attends the 2025 New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 17, 2025, in New York.

Laura Tamman, a political science professor at Pace University, said it does not look likely any candidate will withdraw, given how candidates such as Adams and Sliwa have indicated strongly that they'll stay in. She said she could predict some scenarios where Cuomo could endorse a different candidate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There just aren't really incentives for anyone to get out of the race, because Mamdani looks so certain to win," she told ABC News.

MORE: Zohran Mamdani tells ABC News he plans to win over moderate Dems, other voters after upset win in NYC mayoral primary

It's also unlikely an independent candidate would win anyways, she added, and Mamdani is still the favorite.

"It's not because he's the Democratic nominee, although he is, but because [Mamdani] demonstrated that he has such broad appeal during the primary election campaign, he won over voters from almost every demographic, and there wasn't a clear ideological split  he appealed to moderate Democrats as well as progressive, left Democrats."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some real estate and business interests in the city have also aligned against Mamdani. Tamman told ABC News that "there are business interests that think a Mamdani mayoralty will be bad for their pocketbooks, so they have a financial incentive to oppose his candidacy."

Mamdani has reached out to members of the business community to meet with and hear from them.

One major outside group involved in the race is hedging its bets.

Fix the City, an independent expenditure group that spent more than $14 million supporting Cuomo in the primary, may choose a candidate to support in the general election. A source close to the super PAC said that some donors want Fix the City to support "a free-market candidate with the experience to govern effectively."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Fix The City is currently assessing the evolving situation and has yet to decide what role it intends to play in the general election," spokesperson Liz Benjamin told ABC News.

Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who donated hundreds of thousands to the Fix the City, said earlier this month that he met with both Cuomo and Adams and said he believes Cuomo should step aside to let Adams take on Mamdani.
TYLER, Texas (KETK) A recently installed historical marker in North Tyler was heavily damaged when it was hit by a driver earlier this week.

Tyler band, East Texas businesses donate to Kerr County flood recovery efforts

Tyler PD said the investigation revealed the driver will not have any criminal action.

The marker is on the corner of Palace Avenue and Vance Street in honor of black wall street back in the segregation era in Tyler. It once stood tall in front of the first Black pharmacy in North Tyler.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Cut stretched from Texas College to Martin Luther King Boulevard where dozens of black businesses thrived. The nearly $10,000 marker was bought and paid for by former Judge Quincy Beavers and he will have to pay out of pocket to restore the marker.

City of Tyler awarded $2 million to replace airport bridge

He was the first Black Justice of the Peace in Rose City and his mother had a beauty shop in The Cut.

Its kind of sad, because I see everybody coming through, reading it and was enjoying it, Beavers said.

Beavers said Palace Avenue got the nickname Palace Freeway from how often people sped through the intersection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My brother said he seen him on the street before flying and just never had an accident, so maybe the accident will turn his life around, Beavers sister, Beverly Beavers-Brooks said.

To help with his efforts, Tyler City Councilwoman, Shonda Marsh, set up a GoFundMe.

Even though this is very unfortunate, this is an opportunity for us to all come together, to work as a community, to rebuild this monument, Marsh said.

Grand Saline ISD opposes water rights transfer to Canton citing negative impact on taxpayers

Marsh urges drivers to slow down in the area to prevent something like this or worse form happening again. Even though most buildings in The Cut are demolished or abandoned, they hope this marker will soon once again shine a light on how the businesses paved the way for the Black community.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
NEW YORK (WPRI)  CVS Health plans to appeal after a judge in the Southern District of New York ordered its Omnicare unit to pay more than $948 million in penalties and damages related to invalid prescriptions.

The initial court filing, brought by the United States on behalf of a whistleblower, alleges that from 2010 to 2018, the companys computerized cycle fill system routinely generated false prescriptions, leading its pharmacists to dispense the drugs to patients without valid prescriptions and bill Medicare and Medicaid.

ALSO READ: Suspected Medicaid fraud in RI sparks criminal probe, proposed changes

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to court documents, Omnicare, which provides pharmacy services to assisted living and senior care facilities, submitted 3.34 million claims to Medicare and Medicaid for false prescriptions. CVS Health was deemed to have caused the submission of 1.01 million of those claims by failing to stop Omnicare from filing them after it purchased the company in 2015.

A memorandum by Judge Colleen McMahon outlines that the government requested just $542 million in penalties, rather than the $5,000 minimum penalty for each false claim required by the federal False Claims Act. CVS Health was deemed jointly responsible for $164.8 million of those penalties.

In addition to the penalties, Omnicare was ordered to pay triple the $135.5 million in damages awarded by the jury, for a total judgment of $948,778,444.10. (CVS Health was not responsible for damages.)

In a statement to 12 News, a CVS Health spokesperson said, This lawsuit centered on a highly technical prescription dispensing record-keeping issue that was allowed by law in many states. The dispensing practices referenced were limited to Omnicare, ended in 2018, were used by many others in the industry at the time, and were accepted by CMS. There was no claim in this case that any patient paid for a medication they shouldnt have or that any patient was harmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The statement continued, The decision on penalties is unconstitutional, especially given the fact that there is no evidence that a single patient suffered harm, and we plan to appeal once the judgment is entered.

ALSO READ: Mass. AG accuses CVS of unfair prescription drug pricing, Medicaid fraud

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Nesi's Notes

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In a cold courtroom in downtown Tallahassee, Isabela Hurtado sat in a wooden pew. It had been over a month since she last saw her father.

On May 29, he was getting ready for work at a construction site near the capital city's CollegeTown. On July 2, he was in an orange jumpsuit, shackled by the hands and by the ankles, waiting to see a federal judge.

"All I wanted to do in that moment was cry, but I had to contain myself," Hurtado, 19, said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She looked at her dad, Juan Hurtado Solano, who sat in a chair next to his public defender. He turned around and smiled. Minutes later, he pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States, a federal crime with a potential punishment of up to two years in prison and $250,000 fine.

While entering the country without the proper documentation is a misdemeanor, reentering the United States after already being deported is a federal felony, according to U.S. Code 1326, Reentry of Illegal Aliens.

Amid President Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, more people are being charged for illegal reentry into the United States. And many of those defendants are pleading guilty and agreeing not to challenge their case or removal because of fears of getting stuck in the immigration system, spending more time in detention or being deported to a country that is not their own.

Hurtado's father didn't make the decision lightly. He spoke to his wife and his kids. Ultimately, Hurtado said it was the best case scenario.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If you're just going to get sent back regardless, let's just speed up with the process, because I wouldn't want my dad to sit there any longer anyway," Hurtado said, adding she would rather Facetime him while he's in Mexico than the alternative.

Rise in illegal reentry prosecutions across U.S.

In February, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo to all department employees entitled: "General Policy Regarding Charging, Plea Negotiations, and Sentencing."

A group of men from Nicaragua watch their coworker who is being detained at a construction zone in Tallahassee raided by immigration agents on May 29, 2025.

"The Department of Justice shall use all available criminal statutes to combat the flood of illegal immigration that took place over the last four years, and to continue to support the Department of Homeland Security's immigration and removal initiatives," the memo states.

The number of immigration prosecutions in the United States jumped in March of this year. U.S. Attorneys charged 4,550 defendants with immigration offenses in U.S. District Courts in March, up 36.6 percent over February when 3,332 defendants were charged, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), which tracks immigration data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In March, illegal reentry constituted the largest proportion of prosecutions. In March, 2,482 prosecutions were filed, up from 2,062 the month before.

According to TRAC, in the past, illegal reentry was often pled down to illegal entry. U.S. Code 1325, known as "Improper entry by alien," has a mandatory maximum sentence of six months and up to a $250 fine.

The plea agreements, also known as "fast-track" programs, were developed to handle the large number of immigration cases in states along the southern border in the 1990s. A former U.S. deputy attorney general once wrote the program was created for defendants who promptly agreed to participate to save the government significant and scarce resources that could be used to prosecute other defendants.

"Fast-track" programs vary from district to district. In the Northern District Court of Florida, the plea agreement includes: Agreeing to waive their ability to appeal their guilt or their sentence; agreeing to waive most post-conviction rights; and agreeing to not challenge an order of removal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's common for someone to plead guilty to a crime to try to avoid detention, especially long-term detention, but they often don't realize that doing so has negative long-term consequences that would likely preclude them from getting a benefit for immigration for the future," said immigration expert Elizabeth Ricci.

According to the American Immigration Council, there are different reasons why a defendant would choose to plead guilty to the entry-related offense.

"These can include a lack of understanding of potential defenses against a charge (and lack of time to discuss such defenses with counsel prior to a group hearing); the prospect of shorter sentences; or misunderstanding the terms or consequences of a plea agreement," according to a council report.

Recently, many defendants and their families say they hope pleading guilty will adjudicate their cases much faster. Reports of inhumane conditions at Alligator Alcatraz and other detention centers and long wait times to see judges create a distressing situation for immigrants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"(Immigration detention centers) are overcrowded, people are sleeping in the hallway, people are being denied medicine," Ricci said. "I tell clients frequently that they may have to put up for very uncomfortable conditions for days or weeks if it means staying here for long-term, often people are so uncomfortable they aren't willing to stick it out and are wiling to leave and forfeit living in the United States."

"It's about making people scared," she added.

The threat of a $250,000 fine really threw off Hurtado

"There's no way I could pay that money, or even try to round up the money," Hurtado said. "We don't have people with that type of money. That's so unreasonable... most immigrant families don't have much money."

'My dad isn't a criminal'

Hurtado also isn't the only family member worried about her dad. The USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida spoke to other family members of those incarcerated and charged with illegal reentry. They say their loved ones are being held in the same area as hardened criminals and drug dealers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"These are mostly decent people whose only crime is entering the United States after being deported, but otherwise, immigration violations are civil, not criminal," Ricci said.

The day federal agents raided Hurtado's father's construction site, they also detained her two uncles. In three hours, Hurtado lost three family members. While her father and uncle are at a federal detention center, her other uncle is still in ICE custody in Texas. She doesn't know exactly where.

Even if her dad and uncle tell their family members not to worry, her mother and aunt hear the news about Alligator Alcatraz and are stressed.

"(My mom) just wants to get this done as soon as possible, because it's scary," Hurtado said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her 3-year-old brother hasn't been able to fall sleep well since her father was detained. The two used to fall asleep together  her father after a long day of work, her brother after a long day being a toddler. They would go to bed before anyone else in the house.

Hurtado's father doesn't have a court date yet. But her uncle was to be sentenced July 10.

"My dad isn't a criminal," Hurtado said. "My dad is literally a person who works every day, goes home, takes care of family, and that's that."

Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: As Florida prosecutions rise, immigrants pick deportation fast track
Law enforcement conducted a bust at a home in Dallas while searching for a suspect involved in the July 4 ambush of an ICE facility. During the search, authorities found alleged members of Antifa and more than 40 firearms.

The FBI is still on the lookout for Benjamin Song, a 32-year-old from Dallas, who allegedly took part in an ambush that wounded a police officer at an ICE detention center in Alvarado on July 4. Song was a member of an Antifa militant group, the Elm Fork chapter of the John Brown Gun Club, and had a radical past in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.

A law enforcement source told The Dallas Express that authorities recently busted a home near Deep Ellum in search of Song.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While they didnt find Song, they allegedly found more than 40 guns, socialist propaganda, and numerous members of the Antifa militant group, John Brown Gun Club, apparently living there. Among them was Samuel Fowlkes, who reportedly started identifying as transgender.

As The Dallas Express reported, two other suspects in the Alvarado ICE assault were also transgender  Cameron Arnold, who goes by Autumn Hill, and Bradford Morris, who goes by Meagan Morris.

The Dallas Express reached out to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas, which said it had no comment at this time. Dallas Police Lt. Tramese Jones confirmed the matter is not a Dallas Police Department investigation.

Fowlkes was previously arrested for allegedly assaulting a peace officer outside a drag event in Fort Worth in 2023, an incident also involving the arrests of fellow John Brown Gun Club members Christopher Guillott and Meghan Grant.

(1 of 2) Video of Protest Report #230030255 pic.twitter.com/HAXzEGp6xC  Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) April 24, 2023

Song was also reportedly present at the 2023 drag event. He and others were later named in a lawsuit alleging battery, assault, stalking, and conspiracy against protesters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fowlkes criminal trial had reportedly been postponed as of January. The Dallas Express contacted the Tarrant County DAs office, but was referred to the court records division.

The Dallas Express submitted an inquiry to the court records division but did not receive a response by publication time.

Turning the Suspects

Authorities appear to be turning the Alvarado ambush suspects against one another.

Defendants have reportedly begun cooperating against Song, the source told The Dallas Express. Song allegedly purchased four firearms used in the attack.

A cooperating defendant told officials the gunfire in the attack came from one of Songs rifles, which had a binary trigger  like one of his weapons abandoned at the scene, according to the criminal complaint. Another defendant also said he traveled with Morris to the facility the night of the attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cell data indicates Song hid in the woods near the facility for a day after the attack and turned off his phone during that time. He later fled, according to the complaint.

On July 6, authorities located a white Mercedes-Benz registered to one of Songs relatives near Morris South Dallas home at 2456 56th Street. A search reportedly turned up nine firearms and three body armor vests.

The house was allegedly a staging location for the attack, according to the complaint. Here, they found Arnold  who identifies at Autumn Hill. Another defendant allegedly confirmed Arnold was at the ICE facility during the attack.

Song has also been training Antifa members in combat, appearing in 2022 on an account called Anarcho-Airsoftist  an apparent militant training ground in the DFW area. He had earlier been arrested in Austin in 2020 for aggravated assault during a riot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Song attended the University of Texas at Austin, then UT at Arlington. He was also a member of the Marine Corps. reserves starting in 2011, but in 2016, received an other than honorable discharge.

In a few short years, Song apparently went from serving his country to rioting in the streets.

Following the ICE facility ambush, he fled. Now, investigators allegedly found one of his former Antifa associates  now identifying as transgender. Officials found guns and socialist propaganda, but no Song.

The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for his arrest, and Gov. Greg Abbott announced an additional $10,000 reward.

Song is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information should call visit tips.fbi.gov, contact the nearest American embassy or consulate, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
A veteran Dallas police officer was arrested Thursday after turning himself in on felony theft charges.

Senior Corporal Le Chau, who has served with the department for over a decade, faces accusations of stealing between $30,000 and $150,000.

Chau, badge number 10552, surrendered to the Dallas County Sheriffs Office on July 10, 2025. He was wanted on a warrant issued by his own department for third-degree felony theft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The officer joined the Dallas Police Department in May 2013. He was most recently assigned to the Basic Academy, where new recruits receive training.

Department officials immediately placed Chau on administrative leave. The suspension will continue pending the outcome of an internal investigation into the alleged theft.

The specific circumstances surrounding the theft allegations remain unclear. Police have not disclosed when or how the alleged theft occurred.

Third-degree felony theft in Texas carries potential penalties, including prison time. Convicted offenders can face between two and ten years in state prison.
Revolut, Europes most valuable start-up, is in talks to raise $1 billion in fresh capital at a $65 billion valuation, according to the Financial Times.

The funding would mark a significant step in the fintech groups global expansion strategy and represents a 44% increase over its last known valuation of $45 billion from a secondary share sale one year ago.

The London-based company plans to raise the funds through a combination of newly issued shares and the sale of existing stock, the report said.

Greenoaks, a U.S. investment firm that specializes in backing high-growth technology ventures like Robinhood and Stripe, is in talks to lead the round, although final terms have not been confirmed.

The jump in valuation would also push Revolut closer to an internal milestone. CEO Nik Storonsky is eligible for a substantial compensation package if the company reaches a $150 billion valuation, according to the Financial Times.

Revolut offers users the possibility of gaining exposure to various cryptocurrencies and crypto stocks. Its working on rolling out Lightning Network payments for European users.
The report from the London-based news source cites imagery they obtained from a private satellite firm.

Iran possibly damaged the US military's Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on June 23, Iran International reported Thursday night.

The report from the London-based news outlet cites imagery they obtained from a private satellite firm.

The Islamic Republic fired 10 ballistic missiles at the US CENTCOM base at the time, as well as one ballistic missile at a US base in Iraq, in retaliation for the US's attack on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No US personnel were killed or injured in Iran's attack against Al Udeid Air Base, two US officials told Reuters.

Jerusalem, Washington, and Doha were notified of Iranian attacks

Israel was also notified about attacks by the Islamic Republic on the US base, and Iran informed the US via two diplomatic channels hours ahead of attacks on Qatar, and also informed Doha.

US President Donald Trump walks near a drone and a US flag, for an address to troops, during a visit to Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar, May 15, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/BRIAN SNYDER)

US President Donald Trump described the attack as "very weak."

"I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, theyve gotten it all out of their 'system,' and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE," the president wrote on Truth Social. "I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured. Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same."

Amichai Stein, Yonah Jeremy Bob, James Genn, and Reuters contributed to this report.
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is at the center of internal fighting in the Trump administration about the handling of files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, leading to questions about Bonginos future in his role.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed to The Hill that Bongino is furious over the handling of the Epstein documents and has clashed with Justice Department leaders over the issue this week.

The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The White House, meanwhile, called any indications of divisions baseless.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team dedicated to protecting Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement. This work is being carried out seamlessly and with unity. Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made in restoring public safety and pursuing justice for all.

Multiple news outlets, including CNN and Semafor, reported Bongino was not at work Friday and was mulling whether to resign from his position. Axios first reported that Bongino had fought with Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier in the week.

Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and staunch Trump supporter, was first to raise the possibility that Bongino was considering resigning. Loomer, who has met with Trump at the White House, called for Bondi to be ousted.

The Justice Department and FBI issued a joint memo earlier this week that stated Epstein did not have a client list and confirmed he died by suicide in his New York City jail cell in 2019. The findings incensed members of the MAGA movement, who have for years pushed conspiracy theories about Epsteins death and claims that prominent Democrats would be named on a client list.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The files and evidence under court-ordered seal, the FBI memo released Monday said, served only to protect victims and did not expose any additional third-parties to allegations of illegal wrongdoing.

Bondi in particular has faced intense backlash given her comments earlier this year pledging transparency around the Epstein files. The attorney general on Tuesday defended the DOJs handling of the evidence.

She also addressed an interview she did in February in which she said an Epstein client list was sitting on her desk to be reviewed. She asserted she was referring to a variety of files related to the Epstein case.

The Hills sister network, NewsNation, reported earlier this week that FBI leaders would have unsealed evidence related to the Epstein case if they had been able to do so, a thinly veiled swipe at DOJ leadership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche earlier Friday sought to tamp down speculation about a rift among senior leaders over the Epstein case.

All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo, Blanche posted on social platform X. The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memos composition and release is patently false.

Both Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel were celebrated picks to lead the bureau among Trumps base and the MAGA faithful.

A lot of the grassroots know Dan Bongino. So they may not trust the FBI, they may not trust the DOJ, but they trust Dan Bongino, one source close to the White House told The Hill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bongino is a former police officer and Secret Service agent. Prior to joining the government, he hosted a radio show and podcast where he pushed, among other things, conspiracy theories about the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and the Epstein case.

Listen, that Jeffrey Epstein story is a big deal, please do not let that story go. Keep your eye on this, Bongino told his listeners in 2023.

Epstein, accused in several cases of sex trafficking young girls, ran in high-powered circles with figures that included Trump, former President Clinton, Britains Prince Andrew and a number of other celebrities and ultrawealthy individuals. Epsteins associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, has been convicted of sex trafficking.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
On paper, Kirsten Evans is among the first group of Danes who have to wait until age 70 to retire with a full pension, but she has no intention of waiting that long.

Denmark's parliament in May adopted a law raising the retirement age to 70 by 2040, from the current age of 67.

But Evans, a 53-year-old bank employee with a solid financial footing, said she plans to retire around 65 or 66 -- even if it means she won't earn a full pension.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I think 70 is old," she told AFP. "You want to benefit on the other end and still have a good life afterwards," she said.

As many Western countries grapple with how to stretch pensions to cover ageing populations, Denmark indexed the official retirement age to life expectancy in 2006 and has revised it every five years.

In 2030, the retirement age will increase to 68 and in 2035, it will rise to 69.

But those born after December 31, 1970 -- including Evans -- will have to wait until age 70.

- Widening gap -

Few people actually work to the legal retirement age in Denmark.

In 2022, when the official retirement age was 67, the actual average retirement age was around 64, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

About 20 percent of retirees in Denmark retire because they can't find a job or are too sick to continue, according to Aske Juul Lassen, an ethnologist at the University of Copenhagen who specialises in senior working life.

"For those 20 percent, it makes a big difference whether the retirement age rises again," he said, stressing that "inequities are rising with age".

The gap risks widening between those able to retire early thanks to strong finances and others, said Damoun Ashournia, chief economist at the Danish Trade Union Confederation.

"Very few people actually retire at the official retirement age. But that is not an opportunity our members have," Ashournia said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Camilla Rasmussen, a 37-year-old union member who works as a gastroenterology nurse at a Copenhagen hospital, is convinced that she will not be physically able to work until age 70.

"That would be really hard for me, walking 10,000 steps every day," she said.

"If I'm here when I'm 70, I think it's not fair for the patients," she added.

"Already today, we see that two-thirds of our members have retired prior to the official retirement age. And that's due to them being worn out and doing hard physical work," Ashournia said.

- System review -

Denmark's pension system is made up of several parts. There is a universal public pension, currently set at 7,198 kroner ($1,130) per month, plus two complementary employer-funded pensions invested in pension fundsone mandatory and one optional.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Finally, some people also save money privately for retirement.

Ashournia said he believed that raising the retirement age to 70 was the only way to finance Denmark's cradle-to-grave welfare state.

"As the population ages and life expectancy increases, if we want to deliver the same public services we do today, we need to secure public finances," he said.

However, he criticized the automatic five-year increases in the retirement age, a practice in place since 2006.

Under these rules, the retirement age in 2070 will be 74.

For Erik Simonsen, deputy head of the Confederation of Danish Employers, this is the only way forward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It would be the most intelligent way to go on, to keep the system. So the older we get, then we have to work a little bit more," Simonsen said.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, 47, has said she believes a review of the system will be needed once the retirement age hits 70.

"We no longer believe that the retirement age should be increased automatically," she told daily Berlingske in August 2024.

In line with a review by a government-appointed working group, the Danish Trade Union Confederation said it would like to see a slowdown in the rate of increases.

"In the future, we can raise it by only half a year for every year that life expectancy increases," said Ashournia.

cbw/ef/po/djt
A Waterbury teenager has been arrested in connection with a crash that injured two troopers who were investigating a crash on Interstate 91 in Enfield on Thursday.

Both troopers were taken to the hospital after the teenager, identified as 18-year-old Joel Caiza, lost control and spun out of control toward the scene of a multi-vehicle crash that had occurred earlier on I-91 north in the area of Exit 47W, according to Connecticut State Police.

Detectives from the Central District Major Crimes Squad arrested Caiza around 11 a.m. on Friday and charged him with reckless driving, traveling too fast for conditions of the roadway, failure to maintain lane and operating a motor vehicle without a license, state police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State police also released dashboard camera videos on Friday showing the alarming moments that led to the crash that injured Troopers Christopher Genovese and Matthew Cerri. The footage from a state cruiser and a tow truck showed that rainy conditions created puddling on I-91. The 17-second video from the state cruiser shows a second cruiser pulled over on the highway in the shoulder. Genovese is seen was standing outside of Cerris cruiser talking with him as Cerri sat in the driver seat.

https://www.courant.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/file.mp4

As the two are talking, a silver Acura TSX careens across two lanes of the highway and slams into the cruiser, the video shows. It did not appear as though Genovese had any chance to jump out of the way and he was thrown into the road

State police told NBC Connecticut that Cerri and the passengers in the Acura were transported to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries and Genovese sustained serious injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The other video released by state police, taken from the rear of a tow truck that responded for the prior crash, shows the Acura driving north in the left lane when it comes across a puddle on the highway. The Acura then hits the puddle and spins out before the collision, the video shows.

https://www.courant.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/file-1.mp4

Yesterdays collision which left two troopers seriously injured was absolutely preventable, and this is a reminder to exercise the utmost caution when approaching any emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road, Col. Daniel Loughman, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police, said in a statement.

Slow down immediately, regardless of your lane, and safely move over to create space for emergency responders, Loughman said. The Connecticut State Police remain committed to the safety of all residents and travelers on Connecticut roadways, and we need the publics assistance at all times to continue our mission. Please do your part  stay alert, obey all signals and prioritize safety at all times behind the wheel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The crash remains under investigation, according to state police.

Caiza was issued a $100,000 bond which he was unable to post and was being held in the custody of the state police awaiting arraignment at Hartford Superior Court.
New data show that homeowners pay different prices depending on where their insurance company calls home, with local Florida firms costing nearly twice as much as national carriers, reported the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

What's happening?

Insurance pricing varies across the state based on which type of company you choose. Research on state regulatory data found gaps between what different insurers charge for identical coverage amounts.

Local companies demand much steeper payments than their national counterparts. The price difference becomes clear when you examine what each firm charges to protect every thousand dollars of property value.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Condo owners get hit hardest, with bills that are double what single-family homeowners face. Companies that recruit customers away from the Florida-backed Citizens Property Insurance charge premium prices.

"I think transparency is always beneficial. Consumer choice, paired with education, is paramount," said Kerrie Ruland, senior vice president of the managing agent for Monarch National Insurance Company.

Some insurers charge as little as $1.23, while others demand over $14 for the same thousand-dollar coverage amount.

Why do these price differences matter?

This pricing split shows how the costs of our overheating planet hit Florida families hardest in the most vulnerable areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

National companies can pick and choose their customers, focusing on newer homes in safer inland locations. Local firms get stuck protecting older properties in the path of strengthening hurricanes and rising seas exacerbated by burning dirty energy.

This arrangement punishes families living in danger zones with the highest insurance bills. These same communities face the greatest threats from floods, storm surges, and wind damage.

When insurance becomes unaffordable, families lose protection, and banks are reluctant to provide mortgages. This creates a downward spiral where threatened neighborhoods lose property values and economic stability.

Do you think home heating costs are higher than they should be? Definitely Depends on the season Depends where you live No Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

What can I do about expensive insurance?

Take steps to stormproof your home and lower your bills. New roofs, impact windows, and hurricane shutters can earn you discounts while protecting your family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Consider higher deductibles to reduce monthly payments, but make sure you can handle the larger upfront costs if disaster strikes.

Push for policy changes by contacting elected officials about insurance reform. Advocate for rules that prevent companies from abandoning entire regions while still allowing fair pricing.

Vote for leaders who support clean energy transitions that address the root cause of worsening storms.

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.
The daughter of a New Jersey police chief claims he repeatedly raped her for more than a decade as part of a ritualistic cult allegedly involving their neighbors, according to a shocking lawsuit she filed.

Courtney Tamagnys allegations against Leonia Police Chief Scott Tamagny, his neighbor Kevin Slevin and others have starkly divided the small Bergen County borough. Both men say that the claims were thoroughly investigated as high as the federal government and determined to be unfounded.

Slevin has even countersued Courtney for defamation.

Courtney Tamagny, 20, alleges her father, Leonia Police Chief Scott Tamagny, sexually assaulted her and her sisters for years in a lawsuit. Youtube

But Courtney has taken her claims public  appearing on podcasts and social media to describe the alleged sex abuse in detail, and sparking a Change.org petition to suspend her top cop dad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 20-year-old claims her father and Slevin heinously abused her in their home, alongside ritualistic worshippers in the woods near their house  and that the father allegedly threatened to murder her mother if she ever spoke up, according to court docs.

[Courtney was brought] into the woods in Rockland County New York, and there was what appeared to be other middle-aged men present with masks on their faces, the lawsuit claimed. She recalls there being fire and animals being burned, and they would chant as if ritualistic.

She was sexually assaulted in those woods by defendant Slevin, defendant father, and some of the other men present, it further claimed.

The alleged abuse began in 2009 when Courtney was around 4 years old, with the lawsuit claiming it continued until 2020, when she was 15.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both of Courtneys sisters were also allegedly subjected to abuse, according to the lawsuit, with their father allegedly using drugs to sedate them before assaulting them when their mother was either away or asleep with earplugs in a downstairs bedroom.

The mother, Jeanne Tamagny, joined Courtney as a plaintiff on the lawsuit and is in the process of divorcing her husband.

Leonia Police Chief Scott Tamagny says federal investigators found his daughters claims unfounded. Facebook/Leonia Police Department

Courtney also claims she suppressed memories of the abuse for years as a survival tactic, and that she only began recalling them after a visit to a doctor for genital pain.

The doctor asked her if she had been sexually abused, which brought back flashbacks, the suit claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her therapist eventually reported the abuse to authorities in 2022, the court papers say.

She described those alleged memories in detail on the podcast Were All Insane in April, claiming that generations of her fathers bloodline had been in a satanic cult alongside numerous neighbors in their North Jersey town  and that they ritualistically raped her and her siblings, and even allegedly trafficked children and burned them alive in their local woods.

Courtney claimed on the podcast that the neighborhood cultists had tunnels they would use to covertly operate their rituals, which allegedly included taking kids blood, drum circles and burnings that would last all night.

Courtney appeared on the podcast Were All Insane and claimed a North Jersey cult was abusing trafficked children. Youtube

Burnings of animals, animal skins, humans as well, she said on the show, claiming that much of the alleged violence was intended to terrify victims into silence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What scared us the most is OK, were doing this to these people weve trafficked, why wouldnt we do this to you? Because we just did that to this young girl or this young boy,' she continued to relay on the episode, adding that the alleged cult was part of a national cabal of satanists engaged in child trafficking.

Other alleged cult activities she outlined on the podcast included sick games that always ended with kids being assaulted.

We would go into the woods, and we would play games which were not games, she claimed on the show, describing something supposedly called Hunter and Gatherers where upward of 10 kids were released into the woods and allowed to hide  and then cult members would allegedly chase them down, incapacitate them and assault them.

They made it as if it was a game and you could win, she claimed on the show. You werent going to win, you were always going to be hit, they just wanted you to look terrified and run.

Courtney alleges the abuse started when she was 4 years old and continued until 2020, when she was 15, according to the court docs. Instagram/courtney.246

Courtney also claimed on the podcast that her father used his position in local law enforcement to trap her in a world of abuse, and that anytime she reached out for help, she was rebuffed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to suing her father and Slevin, Courtney also named the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, the State of New Jersey, various state child protective services and others.

Chief Tamagny and Slevin have both vehemently denied the claims.

Its made up out of whole cloth, Slevins attorney, Kevin Corriston, told The Post. This entire complaint was previously investigated by everybody from Homeland Security, to the Attorney Generals Office in New Jersey, to the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, and they found no basis at all for these outrageous allegations.

Having got no satisfaction from law enforcement, she now decided to sue all the people who were involved in the investigation, Corriston continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These claims are on their face unbelievable. There is no way in the world that there was some sort of secret satanic child sex cult operating out of Riverdale, New Jersey. This is a fantasy made up in her mind, he said, adding that Courtneys allegations are remarkably similar to the plots in several books and movies in particular.

Slevins countersuit accuses Courtney of defamation, claiming her allegations have left him exposed to public ridicule and held in disrepute, and extreme embarrassment and humiliation and severe mental distress.

Chief Tamagnys attorney shared similar sentiments, calling the allegations completely false and defamatory.
Skydance CEO David Ellison has held talks about acquiring Bari Weiss online publication The Free Press, The New York Times reported, citing two sources.

The Times reports that Ellison is in early discussions about an acquisition, and that a deal may not come to fruition, given that Weiss has stated she wants to independently run the site.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, citing a person familiar with the matter, the paper reported that one option floated would be to have Weiss direct the editorial sensibilities of CBS News, but not to join the management team there.

The talks comes as Ellisons Skydance is trying to close its acquisition of Paramount, which owns CBS News. This is the second news item floating the idea that Ellison may be looking to make a deal with Bari Weiss. In late June, Oliver Darcy reported in his newsletter Status that Weiss was being courted for a role at CBS News.

In early July, Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit from President Trump over the October interview that 60 Minutes conducted with Kamala Harris. The suit had been seen as a roadblock to completing the acquisition, as the deal requires regulatory approval and the transfer of FCC licenses under FCC chairman Brendan Carr.

Weiss started The Free Press in 2021, after leaving The New York Times and citing disagreements over her centrist views and bullying from liberal colleagues. The site, which has more than 50 employees and more than 30 investors, according to the Times, as well as 1.5 million free and paid subscribers, as well as podcasts, videos and live events.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The site has taken on topics such as DEI programs, transgender care and liberal bias in media and posted many pro-Israel articles. In September of last year, the sites backers disclosed that it had raised $15 million from investors and valued itself at $100 million, per a Financial Times report.

Both Weiss and Ellison are attending the annual Allen & Company conference in Sun Valley this week, the Times reported.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Meteorologist Davis Nolan announced Thursday he plans to retire from News 2 next month.

Davis has been forecasting for Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky at News 2 for more than 40 years. His last day will be Friday, Aug 22, 2025.

It goes without saying that Davis means a lot to the newsroom, the station and the community. He has done a great service to the people of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky over the past 44 years, providing top notch forecasting and emergency weather coverage. He is truly committed to our viewers, explained News Director Elbert Tucker.

Davis Nolan (Source: WKRN) 1998: Second Harvest Food Banks Reverse Parade at Centennial Park. Davis Nolan, Bob, Victoria Hansen, Neil Orne and Anne Holt 1997: News 2 Christmas card with John Dwyer, Davis Nolan, Anne Holt, Reed Galin and Bob 1988: Davis Nolan, Anne Holt, Bob Mueller, Cyndee Benson and Steve Phillips Courtesy: Davis Nolan (Source: Davis Nolan) Davis Nolan's Fishing Funtacular_419997 Davis Nolan's Fishing Funtacular_417983 Davis Nolan's Fishing Funtacular_417984 Davis Nolan as firefighter_300364 Davis Nolan Titans tickets_303169 Davis Nolan, his dad and brother Davis Nolan Davis Nolan Davis Nolan

Davis arrived at WKRN, then WNGE, on Nov. 9, 1981. Davis is one of the few broadcast meteorologists in the nation to earn the Certified Consulting Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society. This requires writing a technical paper, completing a written exam, and then an oral exam administered by AMS Board of Consulting Meteorologists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2005, he became one of the first in the nation to earn the new Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society. Although Davis has held the AMSs Broadcast Seal of Approval since 1979, this is an upgrade. He also has held the National Weather Associations seal of approval since 2001.

Davis takes great pride in the accuracy of his weather forecasts, especially during severe weather where he has tracked storms on air, over several hours, on many occasions.

Like Davis on Facebook | Follow Davis on Twitter

Davis was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and received a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Florida State University. Prior to that, he attained a degree in Earth Sciences from Tulane University.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He began his television career while still in school as the weekend weathercaster at WCTV in Tallahassee, Florida. He then served as a weather anchor at WTVT in Tampa, Florida.

Davis has a great love for music, fishing, and sailing. He has become quite well-known for his fishing hobby and can be found on the water on his days off. Davis is also very active in the Middle Tennessee community. Since 1981, hes made hundreds of visits to area schools, explaining weather to students.

News 2 is going to miss Davis very much in the newsroom and studio. We are honored to have had his help to protect the community for so many years.

Davis does plan to continue his Fishing Funtacular this year after his retirement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  By day, the Ukrainian capital hums with life  crowded metros, dog walkers and children on playgrounds. By night, Kyiv becomes a battleground as Russia unleashes relentless drone and missile attacks that chase much of the population underground for safety.

The nighttime assaults have intensified in the fourth year of the full-scale invasion, with the number of drones sometimes exceeding 700. Swarms of 1,000 drones could soon become the norm, officials say.

Many people in Kyiv describe the recent attacks as the most terrifying of the war, and even residents who previously ignored sirens have been driven into bomb shelters in the subway system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the day, you walk around, drink coffee, smile, meet friends, talk, have hobbies, chill, said 25-year-old Karyna Holf. But at night, you brace for death every time you hear the sound of a Shahed drone or a missile.

A Russian attack on Thursday badly damaged her apartment. She was in the living room near a window when she heard the whistling sound of an incoming weapon. Moments later, the home shattered into pieces. She was lucky to survive.

The constant proximity to death often fuels dark humor. At night, many are paralyzed by fear. But by day, they joke that they dont sleep naked, just in case they end up under rubble and rescuers have to pull them out.

Its like a computer game where you try to survive and still remain functional, said 35-year-old Danylo Kuzemskyi, describing the balance between daily life and war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The buzzing of drones  often ending in explosions  and the constant thud of air defenses can last for hours. The noise leaves many people chronically exhausted from lack of sleep.

The drones blanket wide areas of the city, covered in darkness pierced only by the flashes of air defense fire. The air is filled with smoke and the smell of gunpowder.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 800 sites in Kyiv have been hit, including over 600 residential buildings, said the head of the Kyiv city administration, Tymur Tkachenko.

They are deliberately hitting apartment buildings and urban districts, he said. This is their tactic  to spread fear and increase the number of civilian casualties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia insists that it strikes only military targets, though there are abundant examples throughout the war of civilian infrastructure being hit.

The attacks have also strengthened the solidarity among Kyiv residents. On social media, people post with pride that they can still grab a cappuccino in the morning, make it to a workout or keep their appointments  without canceling a thing.

I understand that Russias terror is aimed not only at military targets but at the entire Ukrainian people. Russia is trying to demoralize us, said Kuzemskyi, whose apartment was destroyed in a previous attack. Is it succeeding? In my case, Id say no.

He is among those who no longer go to shelters during attacks, saying he now prioritizes sleep over safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For 23-year-old Oleksandra Umanets, who has a 10-month-old son, the shelter in the subway feels safer than her home at night.

Around 5 a.m., she usually leaves the shelter with her child, walks home, lies down to sleep and wakes up relieved to see her baby smiling.

I see the same kids running, playing  and moms who are smiling, she said of their walks during the day. You wouldnt guess they spent the night in the metro or didnt sleep at all, even though everyone knows it. But no one talks about it. Everyone just keeps living.

Then evening comes. She packs a bag, places it by the door, prepares the stroller and lays out clothes for herself and her baby. When the siren sounds again, shes ready to hide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When its about you  thats one thing. But when its about your child, for what? she said. To kill him just for being born in Ukraine? He didnt choose where to be born.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Greater Dayton RTA said it doesnt have the staffing, resources, or time to provide direct buses and routes for Dayton High School students.

The bus company released a statement on Thursday, July 10. It said it will follow state/federal laws concerning public transportation due to the recent change in the state legislation.

RTA wants to be a partner in helping craft a solution to get kids to school but does not have the capacity to restart direct Limited Stop bus services similar to those we were contracted by Dayton Public Schools to provide in 2019, said Bob Ruzinsky, RTA CEO. RTA faces the same bus driver shortages that most school districts do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

$10K reward offered in the disappearance of Chelsey Coe

As school is starting back soon its important to note, if parents choose to use the RTA to transport their students to school, it offers how-to-ride classes on the first Tuesday of every month. Information onn these classes can be found here.

Recently, on Tuesday, July 8, Dayton Public Schools approved a motion NOT to purchase bus passes for this school year.

Back in April, Alfred Hale, 18, a senior at Dunbar High School, was shot and killed Friday morning while waiting for a bus to head to school in downtown Dayton. His family spoke about their frustration with the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its just they put them kids out there without a plan, without protection, without any deep thought of what would possibly happen, said Bailey about busing from the hub to DPS schools.

2 NEWS is following this situation closely.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

As much as Taylor Swift would like to sh-sh-shake-it off, if the state of Rhode Island has its way, she and other vacation homeowners who live in their pricey residences part-time will be hit with hefty fees, being dubbed the Taylor Swift tax, according to Realtor.com

The state is targeting owners whose homes are assessed at over $1 million, on which to levy a surcharge if their property remains vacant for half of the year. Swift would be a prime example. Her in Watch Hill is valued at $17 million. It could thus be liable to additional taxes of $136,000, according to Realtor.com.

Don't Miss:

Luxury Tax Not A Vendetta But An Attempt To Create Equilibrium

Rhode Island has experienced a growing trend of second-home ownership in its vacation towns, which has driven up the cost of housing for locals, according to Rhode Island lawmakers.

Expensive summer homes are often left vacant for much of the year after their sales have driven up property prices, forcing local residents out and stripping a town of its community and economy. A luxury tax, proponents contend, will provide funding for affordable housing while persuading second homeowners to spend more time in their residences.

How Is The Taylor Swift Tax Calculated?

Known officially as the non-owner-occupied tax, it is calculated at a rate of $2.50 for every $500 of assessed value above the first million, which means multimillion-dollar homes, such as Swifts, would be liable to heavy taxes on top of those the owner already pays.

Trending: Its no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art  this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Heres how everyday investors are getting started.

There are workarounds, however; either the owner lives there for over 183 days of the year  the legal number of days to constitute full-time residency  or they rent the home out while they are not there, so it is not vacant. The second option seems open to interpretation as owners could let family members or close friends live in the house for a nominal fee termed as rent.
A Daytona Beach man was arrested for grand theft after allegedly stealing an air conditioning condenser from a Palm Coast construction site.

Andrew Atkerson, 36, was taken into custody by the Flagler County Sheriffs Office Problem Area Crime Enforcement (P.A.C.E.) Unit on July 9. The arrest followed an investigation that began in May when a homeowner reported a suspicious vehicle at their construction site. The investigation led to the discovery of the missing condenser, valued at over $4,300.

This repeat offender made a deliberate decision to steal from a construction site, said Sheriff Rick Staly. Thanks to the sharp eye of the homeowner and the investigative work of our detectives, our Real Time Crime Center, and our PACE unit, we were able to identify, locate, and arrest him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The investigation began after deputies received a report of a stolen air conditioning condenser from a construction site. Atkerson was arrested during a traffic stop in Flagler County and is currently held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He also faces charges for violation of probation.

Atkerson has a significant criminal history, including arrests for carjacking, battery, burglary, possession of a controlled substance, obstruction of a public officer, battery by a prisoner, and domestic violence.

The arrest underscores the effectiveness of community vigilance and law enforcement collaboration in addressing thefts at construction sites.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
[Source]

Members of Washington, D.C.s Chinatown community gathered Tuesday to demand stronger protections from the city as Asian-owned businesses in the cultural district fall in numbers.

Driving the news: The rally, organized by the Save Chinatown Solidarity Network (SCSN), came just one week after Full Kee Restaurant and Gao Ya Hair Salon shut their doors to make way for a $75 million Marriott Tribute Hotel. Ahead of their closures, the businesses were part of less than a dozen legacy establishments remaining in the neighborhood, with Full Kee having operated for over 40 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What theyre asking: The SCSN is calling on the D.C. Council to include several measures in the upcoming FY2026 budget, including funding at least $550,000 in annual support for Asian American Pacific Islander-owned small businesses (up from the current $125,000), reforming the Housing in Downtown tax abatement program to require developers to provide community space and rejecting legislation that could weaken eviction protections for Wah Luck House residents.

Why this matters: Activists argue the closures represent a broader pattern of erasure. SCSN, for its part, believes Chinatown is on the brink of erasure due to the city government catering to developers and tourists. Critics also argue that symbolic gestures like Chinese characters on buildings are not enough to preserve cultural identity. For now, a city task force has recommended bringing in an Asian grocery store and additional Asian businesses to help preserve the areas character. The first vote on the D.C. budget is expected on Monday.

Trending on NextShark: China silent amid reports of Trumps threat to bomb Beijing

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

Trending on NextShark: DC Chinatown community calls for more protections as cultural district faces erasure

Subscribe here now!

Download the NextShark App:

Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police announced in a news conference that the suspect wanted for the shooting that killed a toddler has been arrested.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said on Friday that officers arrested 24-year-old Charles Rucker for the deadly shooting that broke out in the 1000 block of 14th St. at around 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 5.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: DC police in search of suspect in fatal toddler shooting, $50k reward offered

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the incident, MPD said that a bullet from the shooting struck 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle in her upper body. She was sitting in a parked car with her family at the time.

The toddler was rushed to the hospital, where she died days later on Monday, July 7.

Rucker was identified as the suspect who was firing his gun, causing a bullet to hit Cheadle.

To Honestys family, we know todays news does not make you whole again, MPD Police Chief Pamela Smith said during the news conference. Nothing we can do will be able to fill the void that is left by Honestys passing but we do hope that the arrest brings some measure of comfort to your family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Department of Childrens Services (DCS) will build two new facilities to house juvenile justice inmates to address a bed shortage and improve care for youth in custody.

The States Building Commission approved DCSs request for the final portion of the $333.3 million needed to construct a new Woodland Hills facility in Nashville and John S. Wilder Hardware and Staff Secure Facilities in West Tennessee on Thursday.

Were really looking to modernize the system and the delivery of care that were offering to juveniles throughout the state, DCS Commissioner Margie Quin said.

 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

The new buildings will increase the states bed capacity by around 35%, according to Quin, and offer rehabilitative resources for juvenile justice inmates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its important that we take this opportunity to increase the rehabilitative and vocational opportunities for youth, because theyre going to come back into our communities, Quin said. We want to offer them an alternative to delinquent lifestyles, so we want to design these centers to offer the maximum opportunity for clinical, rehabilitative, therapeutic, and vocational educational opportunities.

The current Woodland Hills and John S. Wilder facilities have a history of problems previously reported on by News 2, including riots, escapes, and a lawsuit claiming illegal conditions and barbaric violence from the staff.

Quin told News 2 the new facilities will have services to help direct juvenile justice inmates away from drugs, gangs, and violence before theyre released. In addition, the West Tennessee facility will include a new stepdown opportunity aimed at helping children transition back into society.

We go to most restrictive first, least restrictive, back out into the community, so that theyre graduating back out into the community, Quin said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The goal is that the new buildings provide new beginnings for juvenile justice inmates who come through them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Construction is set to be complete in the next few years.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Police and Clark County Animal Control officers are investigating a report of a dead dog found in a crate east of the downtown area.

Its possible the dog was killed and dumped here, or it could actually be a non-criminal case, said Lt. Monique Bulmer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The decomposition was such that we believe the dog did not die at the scene.

Dog left tied to pole outside Las Vegas shelter in 100 degree heat

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police received a call Friday morning that the dead dog was found next to a dumpster on North 27th Street, near Eastern and Sunrise avenues.

LVMPD and Animal Control officers investigate a dead dog found in a crate on 27th street on July 11, 2025. (KLAS) LVMPD and Animal Control officers investigate a dead dog found in a crate on 27th street on July 11, 2025. (KLAS) LVMPD and Animal Control officers investigate a dead dog found in a crate on 27th street on July 11, 2025. (KLAS)

Bulmer said it is important for investigators to talk with the person who left the dog near the dumpster to find out the circumstances of the dogs death. Evidence was collected at the scene.

We have processed the kennel and swabbed for DNA and fingerprints. Officers are doing an extensive canvass for video, she said.

No information was released describing the dog.

Bulmer said it could be a case of inappropriately disposing of the animal or a possible animal cruelty case, depending on what the investigation finds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Makenzie, a child on summer vacation who lives nearby, said her dad saw the dog when he was leaving for work in the morning, and made the call to metro police. She stepped out of her house and into the investigation, seeing the partially covered kennel.

On its arm there was blood, but especially on the sheet, Makenzie said. There was a lot of blood, and theres, like, flies everywhere. But it smells so bad out here. Like, its honestly kind of hard to be out here, and especially because theres little kids around that come and play.

Anyone with information on the dogs owner or the dogs death is asked to contact the police is asked to contact LVMPDs non-emergency line at 311.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

A man was found shot to death in an Orange County neighborhood.

Residents blame rising violence on a growing homeless encampment.

The county plans to send outreach teams to the site on Friday.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A deadly shooting in Orange County is raising new concerns among residents about a growing homeless encampment in their neighborhood.

What we know

A man was found shot to death early Wednesday in Orange County's Holden Heights neighborhood, near 18th Street and South Nashville Avenue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deputies with the Orange County Sheriffs Office were on the scene collecting evidence and said the investigation is ongoing.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

Law enforcement provided life-saving efforts until medical personnel arrived. The man, later identified as 37-year-old Marcal Jamal Graham, was taken to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries.

No arrests have been announced.

What we don't know

Authorities have yet to confirm the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether it was targeted or random. It's unclear if there are any suspects or witnesses, and no connection to the nearby homeless encampment has been formally established by law enforcement.

The backstory

Residents say the area has seen an uptick in violence, citing previous incidents, including a stabbing on the same corner. They attribute the spike in crime to a homeless encampment that has grown significantly in recent months, drawing increased attention and frustration from the community.

What they're saying

Residents living nearby say the shooting is just the latest sign of rising violence in the areatrouble they believe is tied to the expanding homeless population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I walked outside this morning and I saw crime scene tape and police officers," said one woman who lives nearby and asked not to be identified. "I kind of asked one of my other neighbors, Hey, did you see the police? And she informed me of what happened."

She told reporters this isnt the first violent incident in the neighborhood.

"My biggest thing is that this isnt the first violent act thats happened," she said. "There was a stabbing on that same corner."

The woman said she has repeatedly contacted county officials about a large tent encampment that recently popped up near the intersection but has yet to receive a response.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There was a huge tent that just kind of blew up and has brought a lot of traffic to that corner," she said.

The Orange County Sheriffs Office confirmed it has increased patrols in the area and noted deputies have observed what they described as "minor crimes of opportunity," such as theft.

Still, the shooting has many neighbors calling for immediate action.

"I think at this point, with what has happened, the county needs to clear it out," the woman said.

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

Orange County Commissioner Michael Scott, who represents the Holden Heights district, said the county is working to address the broader issues contributing to homelessness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"[Were] trying to figure out why those folks are homeless and what, if anything, we can do  whether thats education, job training, mental health or substance abuse," Scott said. "Any number of things that one or more of those individuals might be facing."

Scott said hes unsure how effective Floridas new law banning public sleeping and camping will be in this case, especially since the encampment appears to be on private property.

"The statute is kind of vague," he said. "It just says, Hey, you should not have any public camping. The issue is where they arealthough its the right-of-way, its private property."

What's next

Orange County officials say their Division of Mental Health and Homelessness Services plans to deploy a response team to the encampment site on Friday to begin offering services.

The Source

This story was written based on information shared by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, residents of Holden Heights, and Orange County Commissioner Michael Scott.
For nearly a century, Texass Camp Mystic has been a beloved summertime hub of joy for generations of girls across the state.

Located along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, the all-girls Christian camp is famous for hosting presidents daughters and for its years-long waitlist.

Now, a year shy of celebrating their centennial, the institution is at the center of tragedy.

On July 4, flooding across Texas Hill Country destroyed more than half of the campgrounds that span over 700 acres, claiming the lives of at least 27 campers and counselors. Across six counties, the death toll has reached 120, with at least another 160 missing as of publication.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the camp had passed all recent safety inspections, questions remain about whether more could have been done to protect campers and staff ahead of the tragedy.

The collection of images below offers a glimpse into the devastation at Camp Mystic, the heroic rescue efforts of the community and the legacy of the camp.

A view of Camp Mystic on July 5 (Ronaldo Schemidt/Getty Images)

A plush toy sits on the ground outside of a cabin at Camp Mystic on July 5 (Ronaldo Schemidt/Getty Images)

A Camp Mystic T-shirt was found by a search and rescue volunteer along the Guadalupe River near Ingram, Texas. I hope I find the person to return their belongings, not to find closure, he said. (Danielle Villasana/Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A look inside the cabins at Camp Mystic on July 5. (Ronaldo Schemidt/Getty Images)

Law enforcement and volunteers searching for missing people near Camp Mystic on July 5. (Ronaldo Schemidt/Getty Images)

A Chinook helicopter takes off near Camp Mystic after picking up troops that aided in search and recovery efforts on July 6 in Hunt, Texas. (Ronaldo Schemidt/Getty Images)

A search and recovery worker shines his flashlight through through murky waters near Camp Mystic, looking for remains of victims on July 6 in Hunt, Texas. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Search and rescue workers on horseback ride next to the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic on July 7 in Hunt, Texas. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images).

A wrecked canoe near Camp Mystic sits on the bank of the Guadalupe River on July 7 in Hunt, Texas. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

A life jacket was found the Guadalupe River on July 7. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu/Getty Images)

Beds, furniture and personal belongings scattered outside flooded cabins at Camp Mystic on July 7. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu/Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lisa Christina Aguillen (right) reacts after law enforcement officers recover a body near the Guadalupe River on July 6. (Desiree Rios for The Washington Post/Getty Images)

A camp trunk and stuffed animal is loaded onto an ATV along the Guadalupe River on July 7 in Hunt, Texas. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Volunteers organize clothing and other belongings outside cabins at Camp Mystic on July 8. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Community members write messages in chalk at a vigil on July 6 for missing camper Greta Toranzo, who was found dead on July 8. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Camp Mystic Legacy in Archives

A pamphlet about Camp Mystic from 1926. The camp was gearing up to celebrate its centennial in 2026. (Campmystic.com)

An archival photo from a Camp Mystic brochure. (Houston Staff Photo/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

Campers in 1988 ( campmystic.com

A camper fishing along the river in 1980 ( campmystic.com

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Camp Mystic grounds in 1986 (campmystic.com)

Campers in 1990 (Campmystic.com)
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Grove Church down County Line Road in Madison is a place of worship for many, but for some, its a community, its inclusive, and its a place for congregation.

The people who attend say they feel accepted after feeling like outcasts at their last church.

About two years ago, Steve Dye and his wife moved to Huntsville on faith.

Dyes story is unique because he is deaf; however, hes also a minister, a husband, and a father.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dye said he felt called to serve at The Grove and wanted to give deaf people access to the same services that hearing people receive.

He said that many deaf people have to either lip read at church, or stream it online in order to use closed captioning, since there are no interpreters.

But now, every Sunday, those who are deaf and hard of hearing in the community come together to praise God, share their challenges and triumphs, and fellowship.

Dye says he wants people to know at his ministry, they dont want hearing people to do ministry FOR them, they want hearing people to do ministry WITH them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dye said for years, the deaf community in North Alabama strained to grasp Gods word through second-hand understanding, but now, they can hear his message clearly, not through sound, but through shared experience, culture, and heart.

Faith had finally come home.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ukraine and Switzerland have signed a new bilateral agreement on cooperation in reconstruction. The document was signed by the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers (government) and the Swiss Federal Council.

Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Details: The economy ministry noted that the Swiss government considers Ukraine's recovery a strategic priority and plans to allocate CHF 5 billion (4.8 billion) for this purpose by 2036.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the agreement, Switzerland will provide non-repayable financial and technical assistance for the purchase of goods and services from Swiss companies for reconstruction projects in the following sectors:

Energy;

Transport and mobility;

Machinery for production processes;

Construction;

Water supply;

Prevention and response to emergencies.

The Ministry of Economy stressed that the agreement provides for a transparent mechanism for selecting projects through public procurement under Swiss law, with the participation of Swiss companies only. Particular attention is paid to:

The impact on Ukraine's recovery process;

Contribution to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and the "green" transition;

Job creation in Ukraine;

Vocational training for Ukrainian specialists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Background: On 10 July, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that the reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine will cost US$1 trillion over a period of 14 years.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
SCRANTON  More than 80 people stood on a Steamtown railroad platform Friday morning awaiting the arrival of a recently restored locomotive and the history it reflected.

As the PA-4 Delaware Lackawanna 190, strikingly blue with sharp white detail, made its way down the tracks, it was met with both cheers and tears by onlookers, many of whom traveled from as far away as Canada to participate in the historic moment.

*

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Doyle McCormack, rail restoration specialist, greets spectators upon arriving in the newly restored Nickel Plate 190 diesel locomotive at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton Friday, July 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

*

The newly restored Nickel Plate Road 190 diesel locomotive parks next to the Nickel Plate Road 514 at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton Friday, July 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

*

The newly restored Nickel Plate Road 190 diesel locomotive arrives at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton Friday, July 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

*

Rail restoration specialist Doyle McCormack stands next to his wife Laurie during a ceremony marking the arrival of McCormacks recent restoration project, the Nickel Plate Road 190 diesel locomotive. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

*

Spectators take photographs of the newly restored Nickel Plate Road 190 diesel locomotive as it arrives at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton Friday, July 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

*

Rail restoration specialist Doyle McCormack greets spectators upon arriving in the newly restored Nickel Plate 190 diesel locomotive at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton Friday, July 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

*

People get onto the Nickel Plate Road 190 at Steamtown National Historic Site Friday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Show Caption

1 of 7

Doyle McCormack, rail restoration specialist, greets spectators upon arriving in the newly restored Nickel Plate 190 diesel locomotive at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton Friday, July 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Expand

Douglas Fear, of Montreal, waited with camera in hand as the locomotive made its way toward him.

When a friend asked earlier this week if he wanted to make the trip to see train, he didnt skip a beat before answering, I want to go. Im going.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fear said the locomotive was unique, the last survivor of its kind.

Ive had a quiet love affair with these locomotives for a long time, he said.

Engineer Dominick Tardogno looks out of the window of the Nickel Plate Road 514 locomotive at Steamtown National Historic Site Friday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Rob Davis of Red Bank, New Jersey, also made the trip to see the train.

As he looked around at his fellow railroad aficionados, he said the group had much more than an intellectual interest in the railroad.

These engines have an emotional following, he said.

Commitment to restoration

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Genesee Valley Transportation Co. Inc., or GVT Rail System, President Michael D. Thomas traveled to Oregon in March 2023 to meet preservationist Doyle McCormack, who brought the locomotive from Mexico when it was simply a shell.

Rail restoration specialist Doyle McCormack reacts to a crowd during a ceremony marking the arrival of the Nickel Plate Road 190 diesel locomotive to Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton Friday, July 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

For two decades, McCormack worked to restore the rail apparatus, before selling it to the GVT Rail System, which oversees Pennsylvanias Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad.

Thomas remembers that meeting to commemorate the sale and his great respect for McCormacks talent and love for the railroad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

GVT Rail System brought the locomotive back to Pennsylvania, where its restoration was completed.

Laurie McCormack remembers driving her husband home from the airport after he purchased the locomotive all those years ago.

When he questioned what he had gotten himself into, she pulled over the car and said, If youre in, youre in. If youre out, get out of the car.

Post-World War II

Today is a great day in the history of railroad preservation, Thomas said. The locomotive that was left for dead in a foreign country, now restored and operating, is nothing short of a miracle.

In speaking with others outside the railroad industry, Thomas said he struggled to come up with an accurate description of the significance of the restoration of the locomotive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Imagine if you were an airplane buff and you had the opportunity to get the Spirit of St. Louis, he tells them. Thats the kind of magnitude this represents in the railroad industry.

The locomotive was built after World War II, when the country was finally over a tumultuous period. Its construction signaled the revitalization of the railroad industry.

We feel this very close to our hearts, he said.

Following the dedication ceremony, the locomotive made its maiden run to the Poconos to highlight its comeback.

More than 80 riders got to not only experience what it was like to be aboard the historic train, but also to take photos and videos to mark the historic day.

The train was used for special excursions in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area in the 1970s.

The locomotive has come back home, Thomas told riders.
NEW YORK (Reuters) -A top U.S. securities regulator known for her supportive stance on the cryptocurrency industry said on Wednesday that new models for trading securities known as "tokenization" must still meet regulations for other securities.

Hester Peirce, a Republican commissioner on the Securities and Exchange Commission who has been nicknamed "crypto mom," said in a statement: "As powerful as blockchain technology is, it does not have magical abilities to transform the nature of the underlying asset. Tokenized securities are still securities."

Tokenizing equities is a process by which shares of a company are converted into a digital token, similar to how cryptocurrencies are traded. Instead of holding the securities directly, investors hold tokens that represent ownership of the securities.

Such tokens could be created by the security issuer itself, or by an entirely unrelated third party. Anyone who buys a third-party token could face unique risks, she said.

Crypto firms and others have been increasingly discussing the prospect of tokenizing securities as a new way to facilitate trading. Coinbase recently told Reuters it was seeking a U.S. green light from the SEC to offer blockchain-based stocks.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, also a Republican, said in a CNBC interview last week that the agency should encourage innovation when asked about the prospect of tokenizing securities.

Critics say the new technology could become a way to evade SEC oversight and expose retail investors to new risks.

(Reporting by Chris Prentice in New York Additional reporting by Hannah LangEditing by Matthew Lewis)
By Felix Light

GHORJOMI, Georgia (Reuters) -In the Georgian highland village of Ghorjomi, Friday prayers in the local mosque are always packed, says imam Tamaz Gorgadze.

Tucked away in the remote valleys close to the Turkish border, Ghorjomi  and the surrounding region of Upper Adjara  are a rare outpost of Islam in one of the world's most devoutly Christian countries.

"We live in Georgia, a multiconfessional country," he told Reuters in June, after prayers for the Eid ul-Adha religious festival.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Georgia was the second country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion around the year 319, behind only neighbouring Armenia.

It remains devoutly Christian, and national identity closely linked to centuries of struggle against Muslim Persian and Turkic invaders.

Still today, Adjara's Muslim Georgians are derisively dubbed "Tatars" by some, referring to a Muslim ethnic group in Russia.

According to census data, around 10% of Georgias 3.6 million people are Muslims. The bulk of them belong to the mostly Shiite Azerbaijani minority.

But ethnically Georgian Muslims, unique to Adjara, are rarer and more controversial in a country whose national flag consists of five Christian crosses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The country's powerful Orthodox Church is seen as a custodian of Georgian identity, and for many, membership of the church is a prerequisite for being truly Georgian.

However, for the Georgians of Upper Adjara, who were converted to Islam during centuries spent as part of the Ottoman Empire, there is nothing contradictory in being both a practicing Muslim and a patriotic Georgian.

"We are proud that we are Georgians. We have a shared past," said Tariel Nakaidze, a Ghorjomi native and head of the Georgian Muslims Union.

Nevertheless, said Nakaidze, Georgian Muslims experience social pressures he likened to anti-religious campaigns under the Soviet Union.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said: "During the Soviet Union in Georgia, both Christians and Muslims had to live a double life. On the outside, you were an atheist. But at home, you were a believer."

"Unfortunately, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, that problem was replaced by the Orthodox Christian religion."

Adjaran Islam comes with a distinctly Georgian flavour, though few locals indulge in the dry wines and pork kebabs favoured by their Christian cousins.

Central to local Muslim life are Adjaras distinctive wooden mosques.

Their outsides sheathed in corrugated iron to protect from mountain winters, on the inside Adjaran mosques feature intricate wooden carvings, vividly painted in a medley of traditional Ottoman and Georgian designs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Down on the Black Sea coast, 100km (62 miles) from Ghorjomi, sits Batumi, Adjaras capital and Georgias second city.

A raucous seaside resort town with casinos and nightclubs catering mostly to tourists from the former Soviet Union, Batumi's mosque congregations are swollen by visitors from across the Turkish border, 20km (12 miles) away, as well as by Middle Eastern tourists.

Space is so limited that worshippers are often forced to pray on the street outside.

Batumi imam Tamaz Geladze has been trying to expand his rudimentary, lean-to mosque for years. Though permission has been granted by the authorities, the project remains tied up in bureaucracy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even so, Geladze said he valued Georgias history of tolerance towards religious minorities.

"We have coexisted for centuries here, in friendship and in dialogue."

"Georgia's diversity is a treasure," he added.

(Reporting by Felix LightEditing by Alexandra Hudson)
When the European Union unveils its long-term spending proposals next week, it will kick off the bloc's biggest budget battle in recent history.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has a mammoth task on her hands: present a budget for 2028-2034 that supports farmers, helps member states ramp up their defence spending, and all while paying back the debts racked up during the covid pandemic.

The European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, will outline the proposals Wednesday, setting the stage for explosive debates with capitals and EU lawmakers over the next two years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The previous 2021-2027 budget was worth around 1.2 trillion euros ($1.4 trillion) and made up from national contributions -- around one percent of the member states' gross national income -- and money collected by the EU such as customs duties.

The European Parliament has already made it clear it wants more money.

Von der Leyen wants the budget to address the EU's priorities: security, competitiveness and better preparing the 27-country bloc for economic shocks.

But the EU wants to achieve this while reining in ballooning public debts and deficits, and simultaneously bolstering its industries to catch up with rivals in China and the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- Better EU security -

Security will be top of von der Leyen's mind as she makes the finishing touches to the budget with war still raging in Ukraine and fears among member states of a more aggressive Russia.

It is more important given the NATO military alliance last month pledged to spend significantly more on defence -- some five percent of national economic output.

There are 23 EU members in the Western military alliance.

Also under consideration is a 100-billion-euro fund to keep Ukraine afloat, but one EU official said it could change between now and Wednesday.

Von der Leyen this week vowed to support Ukraine "until 2028 and beyond, when the new European budget kicks in".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under EU treaties, the bloc cannot spend directly on defence, but it can pour money into dual-use infrastructure like bridges that would be critical during a war.

- Supporting farmers -

The EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) -- vast farming subsidies that make up the biggest share of the budget -- will be the subject of fiery debates.

It accounts for nearly a third of the EU's current multi-year budget -- around 387 billion euros, of which 270 billion euros are directly paid to farmers.

The EU is thinking about moving away from subsidies based on farm size -- and putting a cap on how much one farm can get -- which could free up billions of euros.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There is a growing recognition that its share in the EU budget should decline and I also expect it to decline further," said Zsolt Darvas of Bruegel think tank.

The commission is considering cutting part of the agriculture budget without touching the direct payments, but farmers have made it clear that's a red line.

"I have a tractor and I'm ready," Massimiliano Giansanti, president of Europe's influential Copa farming lobby, raising the spectre of more farmers' protests after months of demonstrations last year by disgruntled European farmers.

Farmers plan to protest Wednesday in front of the commission in Brussels as they seek to pile the pressure on the EU.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brussels is also looking into whether CAP will keep its dedicated budget or be integrated into wider cohesion funds, with allocations left to member states to decide.

France, whose farmers are the biggest CAP beneficiary, opposes this.

- How to pay for it? -

The big question looming over everything: where will the money for all this come from?

France, Italy and others are pushing for more joint borrowing but that's a no-go for Germany, a major net contributor to the budget, as well as frugal EU states Finland, The Netherlands and Sweden.

One idea put forward has been an instrument that would allow the EU to seek grants or loans in the event of a crisis like the pandemic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since some states would fiercely oppose such a measure, an EU diplomat said he had seen the idea appear and disappear from draft texts shared with capitals.

Other options to raise money include a possible digital services levy as well as collecting money from taxes on small packages entering from outside the EU.

The last time the EU took on joint debt was during the pandemic, borrowing around 800 billion euros to rescue the European economy.

Except now the bloc must start paying that money back -- potentially up to 30 billion euros annually -- from 2028.

bur-raz/del/jj
A jury is set begin deliberations Friday, July 11, to decide if a man who confronted WCPO meteorologist Steve Raleigh after a minor crash in a restaurant parking lot is guilty of a low-level misdemeanor charge.

Troy Morrow, 47, is charged with menacing. Prosecutors say that he approached Raleigh with anger, with his fists balled up and that Raleigh believed Morrow would harm him.

The June 22, 2024 incident outside the Montgomery Inn Boathouse already has led to Raleighs son, Kyle, being convicted of assault charges. According to a judge, Kyle Raleigh recklessly, but not intentionally, caused injuries to Morrow's elderly mother and father, who were knocked to the pavement. He was fined and sentenced to three years of probation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Morrow's mother, Lois, who was 76 at the time, suffered fractures to her face, brain bleeding and a concussion, court documents say.

The menacing charge Morrow faces is punishable by up to 30 days in jail. The case is in Hamilton County Municipal Court.

'Damage control and image repair'

One of Morrow's attorneys, Mariah Woeste, suggested during closing arguments Thursday, July 10, that the Raleigh family was using the trial as a way to get their side of the story out. Neither Steve Raleigh nor his family has spoken publicly about it.

Woeste told jurors that testimony from Raleigh and his sons was about controlling the narrative, damage control and image repair.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Morrow, she said, took responsibility for his actions that night and even apologized. She said Morrow was innocent.

Among the key evidence against Morrow is a shaky and blurry cellphone video of the confrontation. City prosecutors said Morrow can be heard in the video saying, Im going to (expletive) you up.

But when played in court, amid all the chaos, it's not clear anyone said that.

It's not there," Woeste said. The threat did not happen.

Woeste noted that although Steve and Kyle Raleigh, as well as another of Steves sons, testified they heard Morrow say, Im going to (expletive) you up  all three also admitted that they didnt tell police about it. When asked by Morrows attorneys during cross-examination about why they didnt tell police, according to Woeste, all three said they couldnt remember.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She suggested that Raleigh and his sons had rehearsed answers.

Prosecutor accuses defense of 'victim shaming'

Keith Forman, an assistant city prosecutor, accused Woeste of victim blaming and victim shaming.

Forman said during closing arguments that Steve Raleigh didnt ask for any of this. The meteorologist was celebrating a birthday that night, and no one was intoxicated, he said.

Forman also noted that Morrows apology was a clear sign of guilt.

At one point, Raleigh had said to Morrow that if he hadnt taken off his shirt and come at him, nothing would have happened.

Morrows response, according to Forman: Im a man. I can apologize.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Forman said the threat can be heard on the video. He urged jurors to use noise-cancelling headphones and listen again.

Just because it wasnt ... as clear as wed like, he said, that doesnt mean it didnt happen.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Defense: Steve Raleigh, his sons gave 'rehearsed answers' during trial
SACRAMENTO, California  Californias marquee public universities looked like clear-cut winners in the states recent budget deal. But behind the apparent triumph, nerves are fraying as higher education leaders have been left waiting to see if leading Democrats will be good for their word.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats last month struck a deal to sidestep deep cuts to the University of California and California State University systems that would have landed like a gut punch amid a $12 billion deficit. The move spared UC and CSU from 8 percent reductions originally proposed in Newsoms budget blueprint, prompting university officials to publicly praise the outcome as a dramatic improvement over what many feared. That relief, however, may be fleeting for the sprawling school systems.

Instead of delivering nearly $275 million the systems were owed under prior agreements, lawmakers opted to defer that money to next year, offering only a pledge to make the universities whole in 2026. Another $490 million in promised funding tied to enrollment growth was also left on the table. University leaders and advocates are openly questioning whether the money will ever come.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deferred funding is never a guarantee, Meredith Turner, UCs senior vice president of external relations and communications, wrote on social media after the budget deal was announced. Turner added that the real test will come next yearwhen well look for them to make good on the promise to backfill whats been deferred.

Whether that happens is up in the air. The states finances are projected to worsen over the coming 12 months and be deep in the red next summer when its time to hammer out a new budget. Term limits, meanwhile, will have Newsom preparing to leave office at that point and his successor, who may well have different priorities, waiting in the wings.

Newsom told POLITICO that he is 100 percent committed to paying back the money.

Part of the budget process is proposals, Newsom said. You back-channel solutionsand you deal with the horse trading and you land back where you always wanted to go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The universities budget uncertainties have been complicated by the Trump administrations attacks on higher education. The UCs are included on lists of schools the president and other federal officials have said are being investigated over allegations of fostering antisemitism, discriminatory hiring practices and illegally promoting diversity.

And the megabill passed by the Republican-controlled Congress that Trump signed over the weekend includes cuts to student loan programs that could do more damage.

Amid the headwinds, the ten UC and 23 CSU campuses, which together enroll more than 750,000 students and have annual budgets surpassing $65 billion, find themselves with less political leverage than theyd like as lawmakers and voters have been consumed by other budget battles. A June survey by the Public Policy Institute of Policy found that just 4 percent of likely voters picked higher education as their highest priority for state spending.

I think it's warranted to have a degree of concern, said Jesse Torres, who serves on the board of the California Coalition for Public Higher Education. We don't want to see deferrals turn into defaults. We trust the Legislature and the governor will do what they can to make sure those funds go back to the institutions, but it's hard not to be concerned in light of the external conditions that are facing higher ed today.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Much of the consternation is rooted in a 2022 agreement Newsom reached with university leaders that was meant to establish a more stable funding stream. Under the 5-year deal, the UCs and CSUs pledged to raise enrollment by 1 percent each year in exchange for a five percent annual boost in funding. That should have sent an additional $240 million into UC coffers and $252 million to CSU this year, but lawmakers held back the money as part of their budget scheme, promising to deliver it next year. School officials have reason to doubt such assurances: The state didnt honor its end of the deal last year while continuing to pressure the universities to admit more students.

The compact is dead, said Trevor Griffey, vice president of legislation at UC-AFT, a union that represents non-senate faculty and librarians.

At a legislative hearing earlier this year, UC and CSU leaders both expressed doubt about their ability to continue following through on their end of the agreement without the additional cash infusions.

Going into budget negotiations with legislative leaders this year, Newsom was calling for an 8 percent cut to both the UC and CSU budgets  a drastic move that nonetheless was in line with reductions imposed the year before on other state agencies to close a massive budget hole. The university systems had been given an extra year to prepare for cuts, but as other departments badly overspent, state analysts projected that the universities would be left shouldering a disproportionate amount of cuts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That received bipartisan pushback with more than 60 lawmakers signing a letter in March calling for legislative leaders to reject Newsoms proposed cuts, especially in light of the Trump administrations onslaught. As a workaround, they devised the scheme of deferrals and authorized state-financed loans as a stopgap to help cover the funding loss.

The solution, though, is geared more towards balancing a budget in a tight year than addressing the longstanding realities that have kept the UCs and CSUs underfunded, according to Griffey.

The budget is bittersweet, Griffey said. We really demonstrated that there is significant bipartisan legislative support for properly funding the UCs and CSUs. And at the same time, we're still not getting proper funding.

Had the schools received the money, university advocates had hoped they would to make investments into food assistance programs and expanded a supplemental nutrition program at UC Davis to other campuses systemwide. They also wanted to complete a much-needed overhaul of the states financial aid program that Esther Mejia, government relations chair with the University of California Student Association, said Newsom had committed to if money had been available.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now another thing that is on the top of our list is whether or not the new governor is even going to be aware that this framework even existed, or that this framework was even promised to the students, Mejia said.

Tyler Katzenberger contributed to this report.
MCKINLEY COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  The McKinley County District Attorneys Office is on the brink of ceasing to function. KRQE Investigates first brought the issue up last month during a story about how dysfunction led to the state defunding the McKinley County DAs Office. When the fiscal year began on July 1, DA Bernadine Martin lost control of her budget. Lawmakers gave the money to neighboring DA Jack Fortner in San Juan County.

Previous Coverage:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Martin fought back, calling on the New Mexico Supreme Court to restore her funding. When the justices ruled against her, she still wouldnt give up control. DA Martin would rather have her staff laid off, would rather have no attorneys assisting her, and would rather have no prosecutions rather than cooperate, said San Juan County District Attorney Jack Fortner.

Fortner has the money to pay her staff. Hes already hired assistant prosecutors to keep McKinley Countys cases moving through the courts, but he said Martin refuses to work with him. Im frustrated because Im following what the legislature directed. Shes not, said Fortner.

In this years budget, lawmakers requested, and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed off on giving the McKinley County DA offices budget to Fortner, saying Martin has created a hostile work environment, which has caused her to have zero prosecutors, leading to cases falling through the cracks and criminals getting off the hook.

Three days after she was supposed to accept that change, Martin missed a whole court docket, prompting a judge to dismiss seven domestic violence cases because Martin was a no-show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its unclear why Martin wasnt there. But that same morning, she filed a lawsuit against Fortner, the governor, and lawmakers, requesting a district court judge put the funding in her hands.

So what now? KRQE Investigates has learned Martins using her salary, a little more than $200,000, to keep the office afloat, but Fortner believes that money will run out on Friday.

That means that Martin will soon be unable to pay the electric bill, phone bill, copy machine bill, and her employees. I dont want that to happen. Our office does not want that to happen. And so I say, DA Martin, lets work together, said Fortner.

KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret asked Fortner why he cant just walk in and take over. He said they have to work together because Martin is still in charge of the office, and by statute, shes the only one who can assign cases to prosecutors. He said that when it comes to getting her staff on payroll, shes not allowing them to communicate with him or his staff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Martin had previously hired contract attorneys to handle felony cases for her office. Fortner said if theyre still working, Martin hired them without money to pay them. Thats a violation that he said could result in discipline from the New Mexico Supreme Court.

Fortner said no one can require Martin to cooperate, and she can only be removed for gross incompetence. The governor already asked state Attorney General Raul Torrez to start that investigation. I do know the attorney general is looking into what can be done. And Im hoping that they move faster than the district court case, said Fortner.

Until that can be done, Fortner said it will be tough for people in those communities, The citizens of McKinley County and Gallup, theyre the ones who suffer. And along with law enforcement.

Knowing their investigation could take some time, the state attorney generals office suggested to Martin that she request emergency funding. KRQE Investigates has learned that she filed that petition and is expected to make her case to the board of finance when members meet next week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Jul. 11---- A 76-year-old

Minnesota, man suffered life-threatening injuries Thursday in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Fourth Street and U.S. Highway 12 in DeGraff, according to a report from the

Two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries. All three injured were transported to

for treatment.

Nicole Rae Petersen, 53, of

was driving a 2013 Lincoln MXK southbound on Fourth Street and Linda Mary Holzheimer, 70, of Appleton was driving a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox westbound on Highway 12 when the SUVs crashed at the intersection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both Holzheimer and Petersen suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash. Holzheimer's passenger, Allen James Sadergaski, 76, of Appleton, Minnesota, suffered life-threatening injuries.

All three people were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash and alcohol was not involved. Road conditions at the time of the crash reported at 5:43 p.m. Thursday were dry.

Assisting at the scene of the crash were the

DeGraff Fire Department and Benson Ambulance.
FIRST ON FOX: Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey launched parallel investigations this week into two of the nation's leading proxy advisory companies, alleging they have abdicated their fiduciary duties and violated state consumer protection laws by misleading consumers about their prioritization of ideology over investor returns.

Bailey argued in civil investigative demands sent to Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) that they are violating state consumer protection law by assuring their customers that their proxy voting recommendations are based solely on data and research  and are entirely neutral. But, simultaneously, Bailey argues that publicly available documents from the firms show that their proxy voting recommendations are designed to advance DEI and environmental causes regardless of whether they undermine investor returns.

Glass Lewis and ISS are two foreign-owned powerhouses that control roughly 97% of the U.S. proxy advisory market, according to an April report from the House Financial Services Committee. The firms specialize in providing voting recommendations to institutional investors  such as pension funds, retirement systems and mutual funds  on how to vote during corporate shareholder meetings. These votes frequently include decisions related to board member elections, executive compensation, company policies and other proposals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Blackrock Adds New Proxy Advisory Firm Amid Esg Criticism As Leading Expert Says Too Little, Too Late

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is accusing two major proxy advisory firms of misleading consumers by hiding their prioritization of DEI and ESG policies, even at the cost of investor returns.

"Missourians deserve answers as to why the unseen power brokers, controlling much of corporate America, are pushing a leftist worldview at the expense of millions of honest investors," Bailey said. "These are foreign-owned actors manipulating the U.S. economy, and we will not let them thrive any longer. We are going after the source. These proxy advisors have held corporate America hostage with their radical ideologies. We are putting them on notice: Missouri will not tolerate ideological coercion disguised as investment guidance."

In an enforcement petition Bailey sent to the state circuit court in an effort to compel the companies' compliance with the new probes, the attorney general points to statements on both ISS and Glass Lewis's websites, respectively, that insist they provide "objective and impartial offerings" that are "based on research and data." At the same time, Bailey points to internal company documents, such as a document titled "2025 Benchmark Policy Guidelines" from Glass Lewis, which includes numerous sections on the importance of advancing DEI and ESG causes.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This means that Glass Lewiss statement that it provides research and data that allows its customers to make informed investment decisions is false," Bailey wrote in his enforcement petition against Glass Lewis.

Several State Officials Demand Feds Protect Americans' Retirement Plans By Clearly Regulating Esg Investments

Similarly, at ISS, Bailey points to company statements claiming it provides customers with "objective and impartial offerings," while simultaneously producing internal company reports that include commitments to recommending votes in favor of proposals "calling for the reduction of [greenhouse gas] emissions."

In addition to allegedly misleading consumers about their company priorities, Bailey is accusing Glass Lewis and ISS of omitting or failing to disclose material information about how it weighs DEI and ESG standards when recommending votes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bailey's investigation is requesting a range of internal documents and communications to help determine whether Glass Lewis or ISS violated state consumer protection laws through its allegedly misleading claims and lack of transparency.

Florida Attorney General Says He Is Putting The States Woke Companies On Notice

"ISS and Glass Lewis have been harming consumers and misleading institutional investors by promoting a radical political agenda instead of focusing on maximizing returns. By taking legal action against both firms, Attorney General Bailey is doing the right thing and holding them accountable for selfishly prioritizing racist DEI quotas, climate activism, and other outdated ESG nonsense," Will Hild, Executive Director at conservative nonprofit Consumers' Research said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Such deception is not just financially reckless but also illegal and must be met with consequences," Hild continued. "This necessary investigation will aid in exposing these activist proxy advisors for deliberately ditching fiduciary duty in the name of furthering the ESG scam."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Neither Glass Lewis nor ISS responded to repeated requests from Fox News Digital for comment.

Earlier this year, Glass Lewis was served with a similar civil investigative demand by Florida's Republican Attorney General. That move followed another similar request for information in 2023 by 21 state attorneys general, including Bailey at the time.





Original article source: DEI-fueled investing is ideological coercion of shareholders, Missouri AG warns amid new probe
The Navy hopes its Next-Generation Attack Submarine, currently known as the SSN(X), will be a successful combination of stealth, operational life and autonomous technology  but that idea may not become reality anytime soon.

A Wednesday report to Congress sent by the Congressional Research Service said the submarines development is projected to be significantly delayed.

While the Navy requested nearly $623 million in research and development for the program in its fiscal 2026 budget proposal, the timeline for the attack submarine has not changed since the service delayed its production from the 2030s to the 2040s last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Critically, the Congressional Research Service report lists among its issues for Congress the possible impact this delay could have on U.S. global seapower and warfighting capabilities, specifically on the future U.S. ability to maintain undersea superiority and fulfill U.S. Navy missions.

During the fiscal 2025 budget process, the planned procurement of the first SSN(X) was delayed by five years  from fiscal year 2035 to 2040  dueto limitations on the Navys total budget, according to the Congressional Research Service report.

Prior to last year, the SSN(X) program had already been delayed from a projected 2031 start.

Navy delays next-generation submarine start to early 2040s

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The delay of SSN(X) construction start from the mid-2030s to the early 2040s presents a significant challenge to the submarine design industrial base, the Navys fiscal 2025 budget proposal said. The service said that was because of an extended gap between the design programs for its Columbia-class submarine and the future SSN(X).

The plans for the SSN(X) are ambitious. According to the Navy, the next-generation submarine will provide greater speed, increased horizontal [i.e., torpedo room] payload capacity, improved signatures, flexibility and conduct full spectrum undersea warfare.

Autonomous systems are expected to be integrated into the SSN(X), which will reportedly model the stealth capabilities of the Virginia class and the rapid attack functions of the Seawolf class.

Plans also call for the submarine to incorporate the flexibility and operational hardiness of the Columbia class, which itself is facing staggering delays in development and is currently projected to be delivered two years late in 2029.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Like the Columbia and Virginia classes, the vessel will be nuclear-powered. It is projected to be larger than the original design for the Virginia-class submarine, which is about 7,800 tons submerged, and possibly go over 10,100 tons.

The cost to procure the next-generation submarine is currently projected to fall between $7.1 billion and $8.7 billion.

Delays remain an urgent issue within the Navys efforts to reboot U.S. shipbuilding, which the GAO has described as being in a perpetual state of triage.
DELTA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  Delta County has been recognized by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) as one of just 25 counties to earn the 2024 C-Stat Distinguished Performance Award.

This award, which Delta County has now been honored with three times, sheds light on counties for delivering accurate, timely and safe human services to Colorado residents.

C-State is the system that measures performance management that is used by CDHS to watch results across programs like child support, workforce development, Medicaid enrollment, and more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In celebration of the honor, state representatives went to the human services building in Delta County to formally present the award during a ceremony.

The goals this team has met werent just difficultthey were nearly impossible, said Commissioner Wendell Koontz. If it werent for the individuals in this room today, this community wouldnt be what it is. Incredible things happen not only when we work hard but also when we show the dedication, empathy, and compassion to one another and our citizens, which each of you demonstrates daily.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A woman found guilty of sneaking onto a flight out of JFK Airport has been sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release.

Svetlana Dali stowed away on a Delta flight from New York to Paris last year and was sentenced Thursday. She told the judge that she snuck onto the plane because the U.S. military had poisoned her, ABC News reported.

Through a Russian interpreter before the sentence was handed down, Dali said, My actions were directed toward only one purpose: to save my life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dali is a Russian citizen and a U.S. permanent resident who recently lived in Philadelphia. In a lengthy statement in court lasting more than half an hour, she blamed circumstances beyond my control for her stowing away on the flight, claiming that the U.S. military had subjected her to poisonous chemicals.

"I was forced to escape from the United States because I was poisoned," she said. "I can draw a conclusion that I was poisoned by those military chemicals in the United States."

Svetlana Dali, a 57yearold Russian national who slipped through security and boarded a Delta Airlines flight out of John F. Kennedy International Airport without a ticket, has been sentenced (Niagara County Sheriff's Office)

The FBI arrested her following her deportation from France to the U.S.

Dali has spent the last seven months in jail, which federal prosecutors said was enough, as sentencing guidelines suggested zero to six months behind bars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a sentencing memo, prosecutors argued that "Stowaway travel is a serious offense that endangers both the offender and other air passengers. Deterrence is particularly important in stowaway cases, as publicized incidents encourage copycat behavior that threatens the safety of air travel and undermines the integrity of airport security systems.

Judge Ann Donnelly noted that Dali has had a difficult life but added that deterrence was required.

"When someone gets onto a plane without a seat, without a ticket, it's a danger," she said. "It's possible that other people would try to do the same thing, and that's a situation our society cannot tolerate."

Svetlana Dali snuck onto a flight to Paris from New York late last year (AP)

The judge said the year of supervised release was intended to help Dali get mental health treatment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I hope you will work with all the people who are trying to help you," said Donnelly.

A jury in Brooklyn convicted Dali in May of a federal stowaway charge after she slipped past gate agents onto a flight to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on November 26 last year. She didnt have a ticket and bypassed a number of boarding pass and identification checkpoints.

Prosecutors said she entered the plane and hid in one of the bathrooms for several hours. When she was discovered, Dali faked vomiting as an excuse for spending such an extensive amount of time in the bathroom.

When a flight attendant asked for her name and her boarding pass, Dali provided two fake names and was unable to produce a boarding pass or identification, prosecutors said. The flight attendant then told Dali to sit in a seat reserved for the flight crew as the plane was about to land.

Dali was flown back to the U.S. after she was found to have snuck onto the flight to Europe (AP/ Port Authority)

Dali was flown back to the U.S. on December 4 last year. Prosecutors said attempts were made to fly her back sooner, but they were unable to do so due to her disruptive behavior.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After her release in early December, Dali allegedly removed her ankle monitor and traveled to Buffalo, where she was unable to cross into Canada on a bus on December 16. She has since been in custody.

According to prosecutors, Dali has attempted to fly as a stowaway on two previous occasions at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut and Miami International Airport.

As the Connecticut State Police has an active case against her, she wont be released at this time.
Growing geopolitical fragmentation will likely result in SDVs being regionally specific, experts say.

European overregulation is stifling innovation among automakers in the race to develop software-defined vehicles, while U.S. and Chinese automakers are benefiting from more flexible regulatory environments, a lawyer says.

Europe is struggling to unlock its SDV potential because of heavy regulation and fragmented policy approaches, placing the regions long-term competitiveness at risk, said Volker Hartmann, a Berlin-based lawyer at Reuschlaw, which specializes in product liability, compliance and supply chains.

We still have a strong automotive industry in Europe with a superb engineering tradition, Hartmann told Automotive News Europe. But when it comes to new technologies such as SDVs, we see that some of the EU tech regulation collides with what is going on in reality around the globe. As a result, we can see a rapid deterioration in R&D around SDV innovation in Europe.

Sign up for the Automotive News Europe Focus on Technology weekly newsletter, looking at advancements in all aspects of the vehicle including performance, autonomous driving, batteries and more.

SDVs offer significant potential for automakers but face a host of safety regulations and standards, including ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE WP.29. These requirements increase development time and cost. Adding to the challenge, there are no global industry standards or universally accepted hardware interfaces or data models. That makes system integration across SDVs more difficult.

Regulating the future with the tools of the past

Hartmann said the issue isnt that the EU regulates  but how it regulates.

The EU has a lawmaking and regulatory tradition based on regulating technology upfront, very comprehensively and in high detail, he said. Before we have a technology in place, we often already have a regulation.

This complex system drains automakers resources, he said. Larger manufacturers may manage the bureaucratic burden, but it often stifles innovation at startups.

The EU has created a complex web of rules and a conservative investment environment that makes it difficult for startups to grow and compete globally, Hartmann said. In Europe, it seems like a huge uphill battle to bring a good idea to market, so innovators just go to the U.S. and to China.

Hartmann added: If you look at German automakers now compared with 10 years ago, there is not much there. They have lost a lot of money, talent and energy. The regulatory aspect worsens this situation. Our industries are fighting partly self-made problems and, on top of that, have a framework that is not supportive enough.
Democratic Sen. Tina Smith took a swipe at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for her love of the camera Thursday.

Replying to a video on X of bodybuilders throwing around weights with the caption, Whats harder than this? Smith, 67, cattily replied, Getting Kristi Noem to do her job instead of photo ops.

Getting Kristi Noem to do her job instead of photo ops https://t.co/YIonqo5cAJ  Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) July 10, 2025

Noem, 53, has earned the moniker ICE Barbie for dolling up for photo shoots in front of detainees and on raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, among other bizarre publicity stunts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Noem has been ridiculed in the past for wearing a $60,000 watch at a mega prison in El Salvador while filming a self-promo and mishandling a weapon while using it as a prop for a photo shoot with ICE officers, though she claims to be experienced with firearms.

Most recently, Noem was clowned for deliberating on her official portrait instead of sending aid to Texas after it was devastated by flooding.

Smith, who regularly enjoys roasting her Republican colleagues on X with witty quips, has served as a senator for Minnesota since 2018. She was reportedly targeted by Vance Boelter, the man who allegedly assassinated House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. In February, Smith announced she would not run for another term.
WASHINGTON  Lawmakers could be bracing for another dragged-out government shutdown fight as both the House and Senate slow-walk funding talks just two months before the deadline.

Each year, Congress must pass 12 appropriations bills approving the expenditures for federal agencies that make up the government budget. These bills must be passed and signed by President Donald Trump before midnight on Oct. 1, the first day of the fiscal year, otherwise funding will lapse for the individual agencies.

Its a battle lawmakers wage every year as the party in control often attempts to include unrelated spending measures to the must-pass legislation to notch policy wins. But the appropriations process requires bipartisanship  Senate Republicans will need help from at least seven of their Democratic colleagues to pass the upper chamber  which frequently tangles the process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But so far, lawmakers are still a long way out from even the beginning of the battle.

Of the 12 appropriations bills, the House has only passed one. The Senate has yet to pass any.

Five of the House committees have advanced their portions of the budget, with the chamber set to begin voting on some of the least controversial components next week. The Senate committees have only advanced two.

And with August recess slowly approaching, appropriators only have 6 weeks in Washington to push the rest through.

There is, however, a backup plan. Lawmakers could pass what is known as a continuing resolution that extends government funding at the same levels until a later deadline. In fact, thats normally the route lawmakers must take as negotiations drag past the start of the fiscal year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The last time Congress passed all 12 of its appropriations bills by the Oct. 1 deadline was 1996.

Even then, that process requires both Republicans and Democrats to cooperate in order to avoid a shutdown. And Democratic leaders are making clear they wont lend a hand if Republicans continue to pass what the minority party considers partisan bills.

Very soon, Senate Republicans are expected to bring to the floor, at Donald Trumps behest, a so-called rescissions package that will gut critical investments in public broadcasting and weaken Americas standing abroad, on a simple majority vote  not the 60 votes required traditionally as appropriation bills move forward, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a floor speech this week. Will Senate Republicans bow down to Donald Trump yet again, or will they actually show backbone and stand up for their constituents?

The Senate is set to vote on Trumps rescissions package next week requesting roughly $9.4 billion in cuts targeting foreign aid as well as federal funding for organizations the White House has accused of being anti-conservative. The package is being brought to the floor under a special procedure that allows it to skirt the filibuster, blocking Democrats from shutting it down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If that bill passes, Schumer warns, Democrats could retaliate when it comes time to avert a shutdown.

If Republicans cave to Donald Trump and gut these investments agreed to by both parties, that would be an affront  a huge affront  to the bipartisan appropriations process, Schumer said.

It is absurd to expect Democrats to play along with funding the government if Republicans are just going to renege on a bipartisan agreement by concocting rescissions packages behind closed doors that can pass with only their votes, not the customary 60 votes required in the appropriation process, he added. Sixty-vote processes almost always ensures bipartisanship.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters he was disappointed to see Schumer implicitly threaten to shut down the government, but expressed confidence Congress can fund the government before the deadline.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Im hopeful that that is not the position of the Democrat Party, the Democrat conference here in the Senate, and that we can work together in the coming weeks to pass bipartisan appropriations bills, Thune said on Wednesday.

This isnt the first time Schumer has threatened to shut down the government over a lack of negotiating with Republicans. The Democratic leader suggested doing so in March when Congress passed its government funding bill.

Schumer ultimately voted to end the filibuster on the bill, allowing it to later pass in a 54-46 vote. Democratic voters were furious with the top Senate Democrat, accusing him of forfeiting the minority partys only piece of leverage.

Its unclear whether Schumer will do that again.
Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D), Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) and Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-6th) at a town hall meeting Thursday in Germantown on the fallout of the "big, beautiful bill." (Photo by Lauren Lifke/Maryland Matters)

Democrats had little nice to say about the budget- and tax-cutting One Big Beautiful Bill that was the subject of a town hall in Germantown Thursday night, but they still tried to leave the audience with some hope.

If our courts hold, were going to be OK, Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-6th) told the crowd of about 100 at the Montgomery College campus in Germantown. Were going to get through this, and were going to be able to turn this back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McClain Delaney was joined at the 90-minute event by Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) and Attorney General Anthony Brown to discuss the fallout of the budget reconciliation that was a top priority of President Donald Trump, who signed it amid considerable ceremony on the Fourth of July.

The bill extends tax cuts passed in Trumps first term, which were scheduled to expire this year, but it also makes steep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance program and prohibits federal funds to Planned Parenthood. Its passage last week capped a tumultuous first six months for Trump, who has tried to make sweeping cuts to federal agencies and the federal workforce, a mainstay of Marylands economy.

As comptroller, Lierman said she sees every dollar going in to and out of state government. From March to May, she said, 8,500 Marylanders lost federal jobs. The months since Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration have been an existential crisis for Americans, she said.

Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-6th) talks with attendees at a town hall meeting Thursday in Germantown on the fallout of the big, beautiful bill. (Photo by Lauren Lifke/Maryland Matters)

Its also incredibly personal, Lierman said. Its our neighbors losing their jobs. Its my sister-in-law being laid off from her refugee resettlement agency because USAID [the U.S. Agency for International Development] was canceled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One audience member asked whether there is anything Marylanders can feel hope about. Lierman pointed to the record numbers of people who have turned out to protest.

Its not just that; its also the work thats happening in our community every day  whether its extra volunteers showing up at the Upcounty Hub, whether its folks showing up at some of the other food banks around the state, donations to libraries, Lierman said. One of the things that were seeing is that people are recognizing the need to support our institutions.

Brown said, who has joined other states on dozens of lawsuits challenging Trump administratiion actions, said he has felt hopeful after seeing that the courts are still working. Judges who were appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents have invalidated the actions of the administration, he said  such as in the birthright citizenship and Kilmar Arbrego Garcia cases.

Lierman said that, despite seeing what she called a deconstruction of norms and federal agencies that the country has relied on for decades, the community has continued to show up.

Its incredibly cool and chaotic, she said. And its hard to witness  but we are witnessing it, and were not backing down.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
AURORA, Colo. (KDVR)  New safety technology is potentially coming to schools in the metro area that uses drones to locate school shooters in a matter of seconds.

That technology was demonstrated on Thursday by the company behind the idea, Campus Guardian Angel. They show it would work in an active shooter situation at Regis Jesuit High School. This was their first demonstration in Colorado.

Police use drone to track and arrest wanted felon in Commerce City

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

President and CEO Justin Marston says it would only cost a few dollars a month for every student for what they call life-saving technology.

What were showing here today is drones that are used in school safety; they have a less lethal effect on them. Our goal is to stop kids being killed through gun violence in schools, Marston said shortly before the demonstration.

The drones would be stationed in schools on standby, ready to fly in case of emergency, a layer of safety without a human life attached to it. Once first responders arrive on scene, the drones are able to clear a room before officers go in.

Speakers on the drone also allow remote operators with Campus Guardian to speak with those responders directly on scene. Non-lethal effects, like pepper balls, are attached to incapacitate the attacker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We dont think that a police officer should have to unnecessarily risk their life running a room with a lunatic with a gun and hope to try and shoot them first. We go in first, they can open the doors for us and share situational awareness with them, Marston said.

Wheat Ridge police involved in shooting near I-70, shopping center

Campus guardian hopes their drones never see action. But know this added layer is something they feel could save lives and give peace of mind. Something President of Regis, David Card, says hes excited to have been demonstrated Thursday. I am just really grateful that there are people thinking particularly about the safety of students in schools and coming up with ways that really decrease the chances that students and first responders would get hurt.

Card says they are still learning about this technology before it will be implemented. Campus Guardian says they are also in talks with other school districts in the metro area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Dennis Quaid has given an update about his 17-year-old daughter, Zoe, while shes working as a camp counselor in Texas during the devastating flash floods.

The 71-year-old actor told Fox News Digital Friday that Zoes camp is many miles north of Kerrville, Texas, which was hit by the catastrophic overflooding of the Guadalupe River.

The Hill County of Texas is a magical place, especially for children going to camp there, the Texas native said. Its a cherished memory you carry with you all your life. My daughter was actually a few miles away from [Camp] Mystic, further north. Thankfully, their camp was OK.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River, at least 27 children and staff members died after the floods. The death toll due to the disaster stands at 121, while 173 people are still missing.

Quaid also said that on the night that the floods began, he tried to get in touch with his daughter, but didnt hear back from her right away.

Dennis Quad says his daughter is safe as shes working at a camp in Texas after the floods (Getty Images)

I heard about this as I was going to bed that night, The Parent Trap star explained to the outlet. And I tried to call her because I knew she was up there. I knew it wasn't near where the floods were, but I wasn't able to talk to her till the next day.

He confessed that he didn't really get a lot of sleep on the night he was waiting for Zoe to call him back. Still, his daughter and others at her camp are relatively safe up there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zoe also has a twin brother, Thomas. The two are Quaids only children with his ex-wife, Kimberly Buffington. Quaid shares his 33-year-old son, actor Jack Quaid, with his ex-wife Meg Ryan.

In 2020, two years after he divorced Buffington, The Substance star got remarried to his wife, Laura Savoie.

During his interview with Fox News Digital, Quaid sent his condolences to his friend, Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, who lost a nine-year-old family member, Janie Hunt, in the Texas floods.

I can't imagine how that would  how devastating that would be, he said. You think of those kids that night, and it just chills my heart. Do a lot of praying because there's a lot of people that need to be prayed for.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kerr County remains the center of the disaster after the Guadalupe River overflowed on July 4.

Crews are searching mounds of debris along an eight-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, often finding cars and RVs buried in the wreckage. Search and rescue efforts are expected to continue for several weeks, said Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell.

Several of the cabins at Camp Mystic were also built on extremely hazardous floodways where the rivers water moves at its highest velocity and depth, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Two days before the deadly floods, the camp reportedly passed its annual state safety inspection and had a written disaster plan in place.
DENVER (KDVR)  A Denver man who was pulled over with nearly 100,000 fentanyl pills, five pounds of cocaine and more than two and a half pounds of methamphetamine in his vehicle was sentenced to 48 years in prison on Monday.

The man, identified as Miguel Gutierrez-Heredia, was pulled over by Colorado State Troopers in March 2024 in Fruita for going 93 mph in a 75 mph speed zone. He was already under investigation for drug trafficking at the time of the traffic stop, according to the Weld County District Attorneys Office.

FBI, DEA, ICE investigation leads to 5 indicted on fentanyl distribution charges in Colorado

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities had been tracking Gutierrez-Heredias whereabouts, according to the Weld County District Attorneys Office, which said investigators concluded he had gone to California to pick up narcotics that would eventually be distributed to Denver and Northern Colorado.

At the time of this interception, this was one of the biggest fentanyl busts in the state, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Pirraglia, in a statement. Because of the incredible work from our partners in law enforcement, they were able to stop that poison from making its way to our community.

Man sentenced to 20 years for intent to distribute fentanyl, meth: DA

Gutierrez-Heredia pled guilty in May to one count of conspiracy to sell or distribute fentanyl, more than 50 grams, one count of special offender  introducing or importing to the state of Colorado and one count of possession with intent to sell or distribute methamphetamine, more than 14 grams but less than 225 grams.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 48-year sentence was the maximum possible sentence Gutierrez-Heredia could have received, according to the Weld County DA.

I want to be clear, said Weld County District Court Judge Vincente Vigil, before handing down the sentence, as reported by the Weld County DA. This was a choice. This is something you decided to do. The cost of doing business in Weld County might be more of a price than you wanted to bear.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Deputies arrested a man in connection with an area drive-by shooting.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Wayne County Sheriffs Office said they arrested Gabriel Ben Howe in connection with a drive-by shooting on Toshlog Road in Indiana

Along with the suspect, deputies found a gun during the investigation, according to the sheriffs office.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This was an incredibly reckless act of violence that put innocent lives at risk. Im proud of the quick and thorough work by our deputies in identifying those responsible and persistently pursuing the suspect (s), said Sheriff Randy Retter. It is our mission to protect our community- and you can be assured we will act quickly and relentlessly when it comes to their safety.

Online jail records indicate that Howe is in the Wayne County Jail on a criminal recklessness charge.

Bond has been set at $15,000.

The shooting remains under investigation.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect the timing of Sean Spicers conversation with Alan Dershowitz. The interview was initially released in March, and Spicer reposted it on July 11.

Pundit Sean Spicer resurfaced on Thursday a March interview with Alan Dershowitz in which the attorney said he knows all about a list of Jeffrey Epsteins alleged clients.

I know the names of the individuals. I know why theyre being suppressed. I know whos suppressing them, Dershowitz said during an appearance on The Sean Spicer Show that was originally broadcast on March 19 and was reposted on social media on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Im bound by confidentiality from a judge and cases, and I cant disclose what I know, he added, noting at one point he was falsely named as a client.

The Trump administration vowed earlier this year to release the documents and names of individuals tied to Epsteins inner circle.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk ignited flames after reminding the public that President Trump was formerly one of Epsteins acquaintances after dissing the big, beautiful bill.

The president brushed off comments related to Epstein earlier this week.

Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guys been talked about for years. Youre asking  we have Texas, we have this, we have all of the things. And are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable, Trump said Tuesday to a reporter who asked about the convicted sex offender and financier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The White House has maintained that there is no client list, a narrative that some question.

I think whats really just astonishing about this recent disclosure from the government is that they know they are sitting on a treasure trove of information, and theyre not turning it over. And Ive worked on these cases for over 10 years now  theres a plethora of information that the public has not been able to see relating to Epstein and his co-conspirators, Sigrid McCawley, who is representing several Epstein victims in their civil cases, said during an appearance on NewsNation this week.

Dershowitz, in the March interview, said the list is being withheld in an effort to protect those involved with Epsteins crimes.

I know the names of people whose files are being suppressed in order to protect them, and thats wrong, he told Spicer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of Epsteins victims, Virginia Giuffre, died by suicide earlier this year following long-term illness and decades of trauma related to sexual abuse.

McCawley says those who were involved in helping Epstein commit his crimes should be held accountable.

Epstein could not have run this operation without the help of many people. He needed a lawyer who would, you know, cover things up for him. He needed an accountant who would funnel money in certain ways, McCawley said.

And as we know, he had a group of people around him who helped protect him and help that scheme to continue running. None of those people have been prosecuted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

Updated at 1:11 p.m. EDT July 11

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DeSantis says Florida will develop a plan for AI

Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling artificial intelligence dangerous and says the state will develop a plan to prevent AI from taking over.

Last month, the governor vetoed a bill dealing with automation and artificial intelligence. The bill passed the Legislature in April with only one dissenting vote.

It would have directed part of the state commerce department to study issues such as job losses and gains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DeSantis now says Florida will develop its own approach on the evolving issue.

We cant put our head in the sand and just say were not going to deal with AI at all because it is becoming a fact of life. But we cant just turn the reins over to a bunch of tech overlords. That doesnt work, DeSantis said.

The governor did not say when Floridas AI plan would be complete.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Three Solana-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) listed in the U.S. have quietly pulled in $78 million over the past month, reflecting rising interest in altcoin-backed investment products despite the outsized dominance of bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) in ETF markets.

The Solana REX-Osprey SOL + Staking ETF (SSK), which launched July 2, has already attracted over $41 million in assets under management, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Meanwhile, Volatility Shares leveraged Solana ETF (SOLT) has accumulated $69 million year-to-date, and its regular Solana ETF (SOLZ) holds $23 million.

Its all much smaller than btc or eth but lot of green numbers = good, Bloomberg Intelligence senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas wrote in a post on X.

The inflows come as several asset managers prepare for what they hope will be the next major crypto ETF approval: a spot Solana fund that includes staking rewards. While the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has yet to approve such a product, industry analysts are increasingly optimistic.

Earlier this week, CoinDesk reported that the SEC requested issuers re-file key documents by the end of July, signaling a potentially faster timeline than the October deadline originally anticipated.

If so, solana (SOL) would join bitcoin and ether as one of the few cryptocurrencies available to U.S. investors through spot ETFs. The bitcoin ETFs, launched in January, have drawn nearly $50 billion in capital, transforming the market for digital assets and placing BlackRocks iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) among the top revenue-generating funds of any kind. IBIT alone now holds 700,000 BTC.

Ethereum ETFs, which were approved more recently, have pulled in about $4.5 billion so far.



Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesks full AI Policy.
Compassion North America is a home health agency located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Iowa Board of Nursing recently found that an unlicensed nurse worked at the agency and that "fraudulent practices" occurred there related to billing and records. Those findings are now being appealed to district court. (Building photo via Google Earth; document excerpt from the Iowa Board of Nursing)

State regulators say they have never inspected and are not investigating a home health agency alleged to have falsified records, billed for services never delivered and used an unlicensed nurse.

State records show that Compassion North America, a home health provider based in Cedar Rapids, was incorporated in 2017 with Mbalu Madlene Kebbie, a registered nurse, as its director, but was not licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing until September 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When asked about that, department spokeswoman Diane McCool said its possible the company was not providing any medical services in Iowa prior to being licensed last summer.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

However, records from the Iowa Board of Nursing, which is administered by DIAL, and sworn testimony from a state health investigator at a hearing overseen by DIAL, indicate the company has been providing medical care for clients at least since June 2022.

In addition, the companys archived website indicates that in February 2021, Compassion North America was offering clients and patients a range of nursing plans and medical intervention to meet their care needs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McCool said DIAL has never inspected Compassion North America due to it being inspected and accredited by a private organization, the Accreditation Commission for Health Care. She said DIAL does not have copies of the organizations inspection findings, and the ACHC did not respond to the Iowa Capital Dispatchs calls and emails on the matter.

Compassion North Americas CEO, Joseph Lemor, who is married to Kebbie, referred questions on his companys licensing and accreditation to attorney David L. Brown, who indicated he had no information to share on those specific issues.

Lemor has said the state is engaged in a witch hunt with regard to Kebbie. We did not do anything improper, he told the Iowa Capital Dispatch last week. We have nothing to hide.

DIAL: No investigation of home health agency

McCool said DIAL, as Iowas regulator of home health agencies, is not currently investigating Compassion North America  despite the findings of the Board of Nursing or its investigator that the company falsified records, billed for services that appear to have never been delivered, and employed an unlicensed nurse to provide patient care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those allegations surfaced recently at a Board of Nursing disciplinary hearing for Kebbie.

In September 2022, the board alleges, it received a complaint from a patient, G.F., who alleged Compassion had assigned unlicensed staff to perform skilled nursing care tasks, and that the staff failed to complete documentation of the care provided in his home.

Compassion North America was approved by Iowa Medicaids managed care organization, Amerigroup, to provide care for G.F. from June 29, 2022, through Aug. 29, 2022  during which time the company was not licensed as a home health provider, according to DIAL.

A state investigator allegedly reviewed the work schedules of Compassion employees, which reportedly showed the company was not actually providing 24/7 care to G.F. as ordered. The caregivers listed on the work schedule allegedly included four individuals, only two of whom  Kebbie and licensed practical nurse Elizabeth Smith  were licensed nurses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, Smiths nursing license had expired in January 2021 and was not reactivated until 18 months later, on July 6, 2022.

The state investigator reviewed thousands of pages of records subpoenaed from Compassion, the board says, and concluded Smith was the only nurse to document any nursing care for G.F. from June 29, 2022, through July 1, 2022  during which time Smith was unlicensed.

In addition, a comparison of Compassions billing records with the staff work schedule allegedly showed the company had submitted payment claims for services for which there was no corresponding documentation to indicate the care was provided. There were also payment claims for services provided by a registered nurse that exceeded 24 hours in a single day, the state investigator testified.

Board cites fraudulent practices, fabricated records

According to the board, Kebbie had no explanation for the irregularities in the nursing documentation  including instances where it appeared Compassion had billed Medicaid twice for services related to G.F.s care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With regard to allegations that Kebbie had improperly delegated to Smith certain tasks that were outside the scope of Smiths license, the board concluded the documents supporting that claim were most likely fabricated by Compassion after the fact  and so, the board reasoned, there was insufficient evidence to support the allegation.

The board also found the evidence suggested Kebbie failed to properly delegate G.F.s care to Smith, and alleged Kebbie admitted she had not reviewed Smiths documentation of G.F.s care.

As for the allegations of falsified records, the board dismissed that charge as it related to Kebbie while noting there was evidence someone associated with Compassion had falsified documents. Had Kebbie properly reviewed her subordinates records, the board said, she would have known fraudulent practices had occurred.

Citing what it called Kebbies lack of previous disciplinary history, the board ruled that she could retain her Iowa nursing license subject to two years of probation. However, the boards own records indicate that in 2012, it fined Kebbie $50 for briefly working as a nurse while her license was inactive.

Nurse appeals board sanction

Earlier this week, Kebbies attorney filed an appeal of that decision in Polk County District Court, arguing the sanctions are unreasonable, arbitrary, and excessive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In her appeal, Kebbie alleges the matter should never have proceeded to a disciplinary hearing because the board erred in its rejection of a settlement agreement she and her attorney negotiated with Assistant Attorney General Samantha Wagner.

Kebbie also claims Wagner had suggested that continuing-education courses or even a simple essay describing the proper process for delegating duties would have been an appropriate way to address Kebbies conduct.

The appeal also takes issue with the fact that the states only witness at the hearing, aside from Kebbie, was state investigator Kathleen Beebout. In the absence of corroborating testimony to back up Beebouts claims, Kebbie alleges, the board lacked a factual foundation to support any of the allegations against her.

Kebbie also claims the boards allegation that she admitted failing to review a subordinates care for G.F. is false, and says Wagner admitted the state has no reason to disbelieve that Ms. Kebbie is a caring nurse, that she works very hard, and that the services she provides herself are excellent.

The state has yet to respond to the appeal.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
BALTIMORE  The mass casualty event in Penn North that saw at least 25 people hospitalized on Thursday underscored the persistence of Baltimores overdose crisis, despite a recent drop citywide.

In 2025, overdoses in the city continue to decline after a significant drop last year, with most cases related to mounting fentanyl use, according to data compiled by the Maryland Department of Health.

The number of opioid-related deaths in Baltimore dropped by more than 25% in 2024 to 703, after four years of annual fatal opioid overdoses in the city hovering around 1,000, according to state health department data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the database only shows deaths through the end of May this year, the average monthly opioid overdose deaths in Baltimore decreased more than 30% from 2024.

But nationwide data still suggests that the city has one of the highest overdose fatality rates of any metropolitan area in the U.S.

The highest number of opioid overdoses in Baltimore this year occurred in a section of Northwest Baltimore, encompassing the Penn North neighborhood, where over two dozen people were hospitalized for treatment Thursday after apparent overdoses.

Baltimore first responders, health officials and volunteers responded to the chaotic scene, where the number of overdose victims appeared to escalate within a short period of time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Baltimore Sun analysis of the citys 911 data shows that Baltimore saw a decrease of nearly 30% in 911 calls for overdoses this year, likewise concentrated in Northwest Baltimore.

In 2014, the year after experts say the fentanyl epidemic started, Marylands health department counted 72 deaths attributed to use of the drug in Baltimore City  accounting for a little less than a quarter of all opioid-related deaths in the city.

Fentanyl now makes up nearly 90% of opioid deaths in Baltimore.

The citys department of health was also among the responders to the overdose emergency in Penn North on Wednesday, and worked to distribute Narcan, a medication used to neutralize the effects of opioid overdoses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Overall, first responders use of Narcan has been trending down in recent years. State health department data suggests that monthly administration of Narcan by EMS in Baltimore is down nearly 40% from last year.

------------
President Donald Trumps fight against Americas illegal border crossers now has serious teeth with a new migrant detention center slated for Floridas Everglades  and state Attorney General James Uthmeier has already dubbed the facility Alligator Alcatraz.

The federally approved 5,000-bed tent and trailer compound, which is intended to be temporary, is being constructed on 39 square miles of land in Ochopee that had previously served as the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.

The perimeters already set by Mother Nature, Uthmeier explained on the Benny Show podcast, estimating that the project could be operational in as little as 30 days. People get out. Theres not much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons. Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide.

According to the National Park Service, the Everglades wetlands are rife with predatory gators and slithering serpents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The AGs nickname for the off-the-grid holding area harks back to the notoriously inescapable and grim Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, which for decades sat on an inhospitable island of the same name in Californias San Francisco Bay.

Department of Homeland Securityapproved plans will allow the new pen to hold immigrants arrested in Florida, as well as out-of-state transfers collared by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

In a statement obtained by the Miami Herald, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claimed the state-run immigration detention center will be a cost-effective and innovative way to deliver on the American peoples mandate for mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens.

The administration of Floridas Gov. Ron DeSantis pitched the partnership to the federal government earlier this year in a 37-page Immigration Enforcement Operations Plan outlining the states requests for reimbursements and looser restrictions on addressing unauthorized immigration.

The Hill reports that the governors office proclaimed, Utilizing this space and/or others around the state, Florida will continue to lead in immigration enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Speaking to the press in Tampa, DeSantis said the facilitys capacity will help Trumps overall mission to increase the existing nationwide beds for detained migrants from 41,000 to at least 100,000  in addition to relieving the burdens of state and local jails.

The governor also recently shared that hes considering an additional migrant detention area at the Florida National Guard training center known as Camp Blanding, about 30 miles southwest of Jacksonville.

Alligator Alcatraz is projected to cost about $450 million per year to operate, which will come from the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) Shelter and Services Program that was used to house asylum-seekers during former President Joe Bidens administration.
Mahmoud Khalil has sued the Trump administration for $20 million after spending months in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention.

The pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, 30, alleges in a lawsuit filed Thursday that the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and ICE falsely imprisoned, maliciously prosecuted, and defamed him, according to the Associated Press.

Khalil, now reunited with his wife Noor Abdalla and 10-week-old son, told the AP that he wanted the Trump administration to feel there is some sort of accountability and that, if granted the money, Khalil pledged to share it with other activists targeted by the government.

Khalil's detention sparked nationwide outcry as the Trump administration ramped up deportations of critics of Israel's war in Gaza. / Anadolu via Getty Images

In an emailed statement to the AP, Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the DHS, called Khalils lawsuit absurd and accused him of hateful behavior and rhetoric directed at Jewish students. A spokesperson for the State Department maintained that the handling of Khalils case was lawful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ICE arrested Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian, in his Manhattan apartment on March 8, reportedly under state department orders to revoke his green card. Khalil was released 104 days later, on June 20, after a court dismissed the governments shaky evidence. After his arrest, Trump called Khalil a terrorist sympathizer in a Truth Social post. Then, in March, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Khalil was targeted by a law that removes those adversarial to the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States of America. Now, the Trump administration alleges he reported false information in his green card application, which Khalil denies.

The legality of his arrest was immediately called into question given that Khalil is a legal resident and the agents who arrested him did not provide a warrant. Khalil was sent to LaSalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana.

The centers location was deliberately concealed from his family and attorneys, the court filing alleges. He told the AP that he was denied ulcer medication while detained.

Mahmoud Khalil was released from detention on June 30 and reunited with his wife Noor Abdalla (R) and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (L), a champion of Khalil's in Congress. / Kena Betancur/AFP

While he was detained, Khalil continued to garner attention for his public statements, including the letter he wrote to his son, who was born while Khalil was in the detention center.
Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) on June 20, 2024 kicked off its "Summer on the Block" series where parents and others were able to receive academic and social service resources like books and voter registration. | Ken Coleman

Detroit schools are facing some of the deepest cuts to federal funding in the country as The White House withholds $6.2 billion of funds nationwide.

The appropriations were already approved by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the administration informed states that they would be withholding the funding for five programs that support educator development, student enrichment programs, migrant education, English learners and 21st-century learning centers.

While data isnt available for the program supporting migrant education, federal data organized by New America shows that Michigan stands to lose $81.6 million across the other four programs  accounting for more than $65 per student in the state.

The deepest cuts are in areas represented in Congress by Democrats, with those school districts facing a loss of $45 million compared to nearly $36.6 million in areas represented by a Republican.

Thats an average of $7.5 million per school district in Democratic areas compared to $5.2 million per district in Republican areas.

Michigans seven Republican members of Congress represent 713,666 students, while the six Democrats in Michigans congressional delegation represent 530,785 students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On average, school districts represented by a Democrat would lose about $84 per student, while school districts represented by Republicans would lose about $51 per student.

Thats a reversal from the national trend, where the average school district represented by a Republican would lose 1.6 times as much funding per pupil than those represented by a Democrat.

Thats in part because while 91 of the 100 school districts nationwide facing the deepest cuts are in Republican congressional districts, Detroit is one of the ten districts with the most funding at risk.

They would lose the third most funding nationwide for student support and enrichment programs and the sixth most funding for education development.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In total, the district has more than $16 million on the line.

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) represents the hardest hit congressional district, which stands to lose about $210 per student, followed by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) at about $87 per pupil.

The school district has the highest poverty rate across the 46 states for which data was available at 46.9%.

Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti could not be reached for comment.

Zahava Stadler is the project director of the Education Funding Equity Initiative in the Education Policy Program at New America.

She told Michigan Advance that highly impoverished districts are likely to face significant cuts since poverty rates are a consideration for some federal grants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Higher poverty districts are going to be hit again and again and again as the federal government dithers over whether or not to release all of these individual funding streams to which school districts are legally entitled, Stadler said.

The federal government withholding the already-allocated funding has made it even more difficult for schools to plan their budgets after the Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives failed to pass a budget by their deadline of July 1.

Even if school districts are able to maintain the programs through other funding sources, Stadler said they wouldnt be able to then reimburse those funds later on if the federal funds came through.

Money cant just get moved around at will, Stadler said. Federal dollars have rules. And the administration is throwing districts into chaos as they are rapidly approaching a new school year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Beyond the programs themselves having an impact on students, Stadler said the fight over funding also symbolizes the wrong message for the students who benefit from them.

The message that these kids are getting is that their country doesnt want to invest in them, their schools arent able to invest in them, Stadler said. And that is a really difficult and tragic thing to hear as a young person who is just trying to grow and thrive in a community of which theyre a member.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Visit ThriveOn King and youll experience a high-energy space bursting with activity and community pride.

The $100 million redevelopment of the century-old Gimbels-Schusters building reestablishes the dynamic community hub that characterized the department store in its heyday  a direct result of deliberate planning and engagement with local stakeholders who love their neighborhood. ThriveOn King provides health services, early childhood education, workforce development, affordable housing, and cultural impact.

ThriveOn Kings projects partners  Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Medical College of Wisconsin and Royal Capital  included the Halyard Park, Brewers Hill and Harambee neighborhoods as a fourth partner in the years prior to and through construction. The partners focused on authentic community engagement that involved active listening, building trust and asking permission before responding to community needs.

ThriveOn partners actively listened and engaged with neighbors

Project partners held ongoing community convenings, workshops, and events to engage the residents, business and community leaders who were living, working, and playing in the surrounding neighborhoods. That yielded valuable insights the community faces  healthcare access, affordable housing, better educational opportunities, and connection to capital for local businesses to grow and thrive. The partners also analyzed additional data about the area that identified health disparities, housing instability, and gaps in education as key socio-economic issues needing to be addressed collaboratively  and led by the community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Opinion: A Fourth of July list of grievances from overworked, unrepresented America

It quickly became clear that ThriveOn King was much more than a building. It was a living, breathing concept coursing through the arteries and veins of an underserved community. The shared investment in the project became an authentic investment in the people and surrounding neighborhoods.

ThriveOn Collaboration partners are addressing unmet needs in the community:

Medical College of Wisconsin faculty and staff are focused on improving the health and wellness of community residents by providing preventive health services and reducing rates of chronic disease. Students in the Health Equity Scholars Program live at ThriveOn and work in the nearby neighborhoods, gaining the knowledge, skills, and relationships essential for building a healthier, more equitable future.

Greater Milwaukee Foundation moved its headquarters to ThriveOn King to be part of the community its philanthropic programs serve, advance its investments in community priorities and bring more people and sectors together for positive change.

Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsins donation center is the first of its kind serving Milwaukees Black community. Versitis Blood Research Center investigates treatments for sickle cell disease, a debilitating condition affecting approximately 100,000 primarily Black Americans.

Malaika Early Learning Center opened a new facility at ThriveOn King while the partners also invested in other neighborhood providers to better prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond.

JobsWork MKE brought its successful program that helps motivated individuals move from chronically unemployed to self-sufficient in achieving stable employment and obtaining skills connecting to higher-paying jobs.

Kinship Cafe, a service of Kinship Community Food Center, provides healthy food options and culinary workforce training for local residents.

Building and strengthening relationships with neighbors

From the beginning, ThriveOn Collaborations partners have been data-driven - gathering feedback through events, surveys, and local partnerships to ensure they are providing the best programming and resources to residents and the community. This has strengthened relationships with residents, businesses and community leaders in the Brewers Hill, Halyard Park, and Harambee neighborhoods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Opinion: Brenda Cassellius says MPS must right-size to help deal with $100 million deficit

For the Foundation, ThriveOn King is the largest of a series of investments in the neighborhoods including:

Funding for early childhood educators to improve quality and access

Small business loans for economic mobility

Support of neighborhood organizations like Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy and Americas Black Holocaust Museum.

The ThriveOn Collaboration has been intentional in making the 400,000 square foot facility a community hub, inviting local businesses, civic organizations, and government bodies to use the space to transform the King Drive corridor into a vibrant cultural, social, and economic hotspot. It has quickly become the areas new town square for public meetings, culturally significant art, healthy food options, and health, wellness, and early childhood education resources. The communitys response has been enthusiastic.

Authentic community engagement a model worth replicating

Authentic engagement with a community only happens when theres a strong alignment between what you say and what you do. Communication is the bridge between these two, enabling trust, transparency, and meaningful impact.

Kinship Community Food Center's latest endeavor is operating a cafe in the ThriveOn King development.

By listening first, acting with integrity, and evolving based on what the community expressed, the ThriveOn Collaboration earned trust and support from residents and others in a historically underserved community. Their actions aligned with and addressed the unmet needs of the community, and they consistently communicated with all stakeholders their plans and the long-term impact ThriveOn will have. Its succeeding because the community accepted the collaboration as a partner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ThriveOn King is a model for equitable, place-based investment that honors Milwaukees legacy while shaping a more inclusive future for all. Its a model more organizations and developers should follow. Milwaukee, our state, and our nation deserve nothing less.

Tammy Belton-Davis, is president of Athena Communications; John R. Raymond, Sr., is the president and CEO of Medical College of Wisconsin; Gregory M. Wesley is president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: ThriveOn King flourishes by helping serve needs of neighbors | Opinion
It was Fathers Day morning, but Mike Lee was still hard at work on social media.

Just before 11 oclock, Lee posted an image of Vance Boelter, the man charged with murdering a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband a day earlier. This is what happens, Lee captioned it, when Marxists dont get their way. Ten minutes later, he posted again. Nightmare on Waltz Street, he wrote, suggesting that Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz was to blame for the grisly murders.

Lees posts generated near-instant national backlash. His mentions filled with people calling on him to resign. Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat, cornered Lee at the U.S. Capitol the next night and gave him an earful. So did Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, another Minnesotan. A top aide in Smiths office wrote a letter to Lees staffers rebuking them for making jokes to compound peoples grief.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It wasnt just Washington that was buzzing over Lees response to the tragedy. It also set off a debate in Salt Lake City. At the global headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a discussion over how to respond  if at all  began in earnest, according to two people granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. Several of the churchs senior leaders saw the posts and were concerned. Lee is a prominent Latter-day Saint, arguably the best-known elected Church member in the nation. His insensitive words were reflecting poorly on the faith at large. One church official estimated the backlash from Lees posts would have severe repercussions for the churchs public image, the first person said.

As extreme as the situation was, the issue at the center of the firestorm was nothing new. For two-and-a-half years, Lee has been sliding deeper and deeper into a hyper-online echo chamber. Posts pepper his timeline during nearly every waking hour, and some at night.

While staffers run his official accounts, Lee himself is the primary author behind the @BasedMikeLee account, according to two former advisers granted anonymity to speak openly, where he feeds conspiracy theories and attacks against the political left. It has become one of the more prolific pages on X, the site formerly known as Twitter: Last year, he posted about 36 times a day, a Salt Lake Tribune investigation found; in the first four months of this year, he was posting 100 times a day, or once every 15 minutes.



Along the way, Lee has become a cult hero in some corners of the online political right. Last year, Lees account had just over 200,000 followers; now, its surpassed 600,000. He finds a wide range of uses for his online megaphone: criticizing leftists, disparaging fellow Republicans, theologizing, philosophizing, conspiracizing. On occasion, he uses the account as a tool to communicate to constituents, as he did last month while trying to save face when his public lands proposal faced wide backlash. But more often, the account is something entirely different: In 2023, his posts threatening the Japanese prime minister were so outlandish that his account was flagged and temporarily suspended for impersonation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement



Those who know Lee suggest the account isnt a new persona, but rather the senator in his natural state. I think it's definitely the same Mike Lee that I know, said Ryan McCoy, a longtime friend and adviser. One of the two former advisers suggested it is Mike Lee unfiltered.



Lee and his office did not respond to several requests for comment on this story.

The more his online following cheers, the more Lee seems to dig in. Theres the human-nature side of it, said the former adviser. All of a sudden, you have 600,000 people caring about what you have to say. How can you resist that?

But for Lees church, that bellicose online alter ego poses a problem. Even as some Christian denominations have delved into Christian nationalism or partisan politics during the Trump era, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as the Mormon Church) has consistently called on members to do the opposite: to be peacemakers in the civic square.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russell M. Nelson, the churchs president and prophet since 2018, has portrayed it as an assignment from God, encouraging members not to retreat from public discourse, but to enter and build bridges of understanding. There is no partisan undertone  leaders are explicit that Latter-day Saints can belong to any political party. Regardless of political affiliation, the church is calling on its members to be on the frontlines of finding common ground. It has arguably become the central message of Nelsons tenure as the churchs president.

Lee, both as a keyboard warrior and flesh-and-bones legislator, is consistently getting in the way. For the first time in recent memory, the church has a high-ranking member in Washington not just failing to cooperate on some of its key priorities, but sometimes actively impeding them. While larger, more established faiths may not pay much heed to the antics of a single member, Latter-day Saints have a different challenge: They make up just two percent of the national population, and nearly half of Americans say they dont know a single church member. The actions and reputation of the churchs faithful in public spaces  Congress, perhaps, being the most influential  plays a significant role in the publics perception of the church itself.

The church declined to comment for this story.



Lee eventually removed the two posts about the Minnesota assassinations. But he never publicly apologized. The Deseret News, the Salt Lake City-based paper owned by the church, rebuked Lee in an editorial, calling on him to apologize and recognize his mistake. The tweets were unacceptable for anyone, let alone from a member of the Senate, the editorial board wrote. It revealed a lack of compassion for both victims and their loved ones and cast a poor light on Utah, the state Sen. Lee represents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The church, however, made the decision to stay quiet. Top-down, public rebukes of individual members are very rare in the faith, much less when action could be seen as a partisan exercise and further exacerbate tensions. The church, as an institution, has a strict political neutrality policy; its members, while encouraged to be Christ-like, are to act as they wish. But the incident brought to a boil something that had been simmering in Salt Lake City for some time. Mike Lee is far-right, said one emeritus general authority, a former high-ranking church official, granted anonymity to speak openly. The church is not far-right.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, by many metrics, a traditionally conservative institution. It promotes the nuclear family as the core unit of healthy societies. Women are unable to hold top leadership positions. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are welcome to participate in church life, but may not marry or have sex. Its members have largely followed the same conservative tack: Though the share of Latter-day Saints who identify as Republicans has plummeted during the Trump era, a majority still hold conservative social views. Trump carried Utah all three times he was on the ballot.

But in recent years, as other conservative Christian denominations wade headlong into the culture war, the church has charted a countercultural direction. Instead of doubling down on the hot-button topics  race relations, LGBTQ+ issues and the like  leaders have attempted formal engagement with groups others might see as hostile to the church. It formed a partnership with the NAACP to fund education and employment programs. It worked with advocacy groups to negotiate state and federal legislation codifying rights for the LGBTQ+ community while protecting religious liberty. The result was an effective truce on gay-rights issues nationwide, Sasha Issenberg wrote in POLITICO Magazine.

Some might see these efforts as minimal. But for a church that was a leading supporter of Proposition 8 in California less than two decades ago, it is a marked shift. Instead of leaning into far-right pseudo-Christianity, the church is paving a way antithetical to Christian nationalism, the author and Brookings Institution scholar Jonathan Rauch wrote in his new book, Cross Purposes. Its more than just being nice  its actively working to partner with would-be enemies to find common ground.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the risk of exaggerating or oversimplifying (but only a little), one could put what [the church] is saying this way: Never dominate, always negotiate  because that is Gods plan, Rauch wrote.



At the frontlines of this push is Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the churchs highest governing body, the First Presidency. (He is the second-in-command to Nelson, the churchs president.) A lawyer by trade, Oaks enjoyed an impressive career  as law professor at the University of Chicago, president of Brigham Young University and justice on the Utah Supreme Court  before entering ecclesiastical service. If Nelson is the chief architect on peacemaking, Oaks is its biggest proponent.



Oaks has enunciated the theory in sermons and speeches. At the University of Virginia in 2021, Oaks taught that defending the Constitution requires us to honor the moral and political imperative of reconciling existing conflicts and avoiding new ones. Oaks was clear that Latter-day Saints must not compromise their values or beliefs, but should be less forceful toward those who disagree. In a pair of sermons in the churchs General Conference  the keynote semiannual event for church members  Oaks denounced rabid partisanship. On contested issues, he said in April 2021, we should seek to moderate and unify.

Oaks counsel received mixed reactions. Latter-day Saints view their leaders as literal prophets who receive guidance from God. But among some church members, the call to moderate was a step too far. Dont get me wrong, we love our church leaders, said Layne Bangerter, a former Trump administration official. They can share their opinions. But dont tell us to moderate.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Being a fence-sitter, Bangerter added, is against everything weve been taught to do. (Oaks, in another speech, said Latter-day Saints should not compromise our principles and priorities, but cease harshly attacking others for theirs.)

Lee, for many of these disgruntled Latter-day Saints, has become their political standard-bearer. On social media, hes forceful and brash, often cloaking his attacks in religious language. Which of your favorite scriptural and historical heroes could have succeeded had they treated suburban niceness at all costs as their first article of faith? Lee posted last year.

Where some see Lee as an obstructionist, more willing to vote no than engage in debate, his allies see him as unapologetically tethered to principle. Hes an absolute bulldog, said Don Peay, a friend and the former Utahns for Trump chair. He didnt compromise, and what did he get us? Three conservative Supreme Court justices.



Lee was initially perturbed by Donald Trump. He was offended that Trump would push a conspiracy theory about the father of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Lees friend. He was irked by Trumps religiously intolerant statements. He recognized that Trump, at the time, was wildly unpopular in Utah, thanks in part to the states history of religious persecution. And, in a true Lee sense, he wanted some assurances that Trump would be a vigorous defender for the U.S. Constitution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the 2016 Republican National Convention, Lee led a protest on the opening day to change the rules  that could have, in theory, allowed for a vote to block Trump from getting the nomination. And in October, when Access Hollywood leaked a video of Trump bragging about sexually harassing women, Lee called on the Republican nominee to drop out.

If anyone spoke to my wife, or my daughter, or my mother, or any of my five sisters, the way Mr. Trump has spoken to women, I wouldnt hire that person, Lee said in a Facebook video. And I certainly dont think Id feel comfortable hiring that person to be the leader of the free world.



Trump won, and Lee eventually came around. Lee told The Atlantics Tim Alberta he gave Trump an ultimatum shortly after the 2016 election: Adopt my priorities  fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, constitutional government  and well be friends. I got to know him as a person, Lee told Alberta. I realized that theres a lot more to him than people realize. He has deep empathy for Americans. You find him to be a genuinely likable person. Others maintain a more cynical view: That Lee was gearing for a seat on the Supreme Court  a position Trump dangled in front of Lee, albeit briefly, when the seat eventually filled by Justice Brett Kavanaugh opened up in 2018.

It was an awkward position for the church. U.S. Latter-day Saints, though overwhelmingly conservative, were less enthusiastic about Trump than any Republican presidential nominee in decades. The faiths leadership  which pride themselves as strictly nonpartisan  nonetheless issued public statements critical of the travel ban on Muslim countries. In some instances, Lees allegiance was helpful  he collaborated with the White House to retrieve foreign missionaries at the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic and a Latter-day Saint imprisoned in Venezuela. But the church seemed to keep Lee at arms length.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Months before the 2020 election, Mitt Romney, Utahs junior senator at the time, was invited to the churchs headquarters in Salt Lake City to brief the 15 senior leaders about the race. (He told them it was a choice between an awful person or awful policies, according to McKay Coppins 2023 biography Romney: A Reckoning, which I helped research.) Lee, meanwhile, was invited to Arizona to campaign with Trump. Lee wasnt expecting to speak, but midway through the rally, Trumps team handed him a microphone and told him to deliver a short speech. Frazzled and sweaty, Lee stumbled through a plea to evangelicals and to his Spanish-speaking hermanos. And to my Mormon friends, my Latter-day Saint friends, he said, think of him  pointing to Trump  as Captain Moroni.

The reference to a hero from the Book of Mormon, considered sacred scripture by Latter-day Saints, was jarring to many church members. Lee continued the analogy, paraphrasing scripture: He seeks not power, but to pull it down. He seeks not the praise of the world  or the fake news  but he seeks the well-being and the peace of the American people.

The comparison was deeply embarrassing to top church leaders and widely unpopular among Latter-day Saints in Utah. Lee wrote a long-winded Facebook post explaining his thinking, evading an apology. But Utahns kept a long memory. Former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, a fellow Latter-day Saint, is still perplexed by the statement. It was like, seriously, he didn't say that, right? Herbert said. Thats a joke, right?





After Trump lost the election, Lee aided Trumps legal teams contesting the result. He eventually voted to certify the election, however, and said what occurred on January 6 was a very bad thing. But as the January 6 Commission later pieced together evidence about the attack on the Capitol, a series of text messages between Lee and then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows surfaced, which made clear Lee was far more involved in exploring legal avenues to overturn the 2020 election than he let on. Lee denied any wrongdoing. Not everyone believed him: When friends would ask Romney about his relationship with Lee, Romney would pointedly remind them that Lee, a supposedly strict constitutionalist, had spent months trying to help a president remain in power despite losing his election, Coppins wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Romney was the Mormon golden child, the most prominent Latter-day Saint politician in history, a true posterchild for the church. He was not universally loved by Latter-day Saints, but his influence on the church is unquestionable: He saved the scandal-ridden 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City; his two presidential campaigns brought more attention to the church than perhaps any other political events in U.S. history. Shortly after his 2012 loss, when it appeared his political career was over, a Latter-day Saint apostle gave him a blessing and promised that this is just the beginning of his career in government.

The prophecy came to fruition less than a decade later. When Romney was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2019, Lee, technically, was the senior senator from Utah. But that designation appeared to be in name only, given Romneys national stature. Lee quickly grew to hate being in Romneys shadow, according to the two former advisers. The two senators had conflicting perspectives on governing: Lee, the ex-lawyer, was a staunch conservative, prone to opposing legislation if it didnt fully match his worldview, while Romney, the former business executive, was a pragmatist first and a conservative second. Lee had spent eight years in the Senate, but few recognized him outside Washington or Utah. Romney was the most recognizable Latter-day Saint alive.

It didnt help that Lee had a shaky relationship with Sen. Orrin Hatch, Romneys predecessor. Hatch, the Senate president pro tempore, was a titan  his four decades of service made him the longest-serving senator alive at the time of his retirement. But he and Lee frequently butted heads, and Lee refused to endorse Hatchs final reelection campaign. Six years later, Hatch handpicked Romney as his successor.

Romney, for his part, tried to make amends. Surprised that his predecessor and Lee rarely met with one another, Romney in 2019 pitched Lee on a weekly breakfast meeting, an opportunity to synchronize their work and build camaraderie. Sometimes, the hour-long meetings were productive: early on, the two senators agreed to combine their constituent services staff to allow for streamlined help on issues from passports to veterans' benefits. The arrangement was believed to be the first of its kind in the Senate.

In 2022, an opportunity to engage in religious liberty legislation arose. It was a pet topic for both senators, and a key priority for the church. The Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the Democratic-controlled House that July, was a way to codify the same-sex marriage rights the Supreme Court granted in Obergefell, and to prevent the Court from reversing course in the future (as Justice Clarence Thomas opened the door to in his concurring opinion in Dobbs).

But some religious groups  the church included  were concerned it contained no religious liberty protections. They faced a choice: Wage a contentious fight against same-sex marriage, akin to the churchs 2008 opposition to Proposition 8 in California, or find a way to strike a well-intentioned compromise. Top church leaders settled on the latter, seeing the opportunity in a similar light to the so-called Utah Compromise, a 2015 package passed by the Utah state legislature that provided nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in housing and employment while safeguarding religious liberty. It gave neither position all that it sought, Oaks said of that compromise, but granted both positions benefits that probably could not have been obtained otherwise.

That the church was willing to wade into a national legislative battle was evidence of just how important it was to church leaders, who often exercise extreme prudence on such matters. They're fully aware of the charge of theocracy that's oftentimes leveled against the church and its leaders, said Patrick Mason, chair of Mormon Studies at Utah State University. Mormons and Catholics have always had that albatross around our necks.

As negotiations on the Respect for Marriage Act began in Washington, a bipartisan group of senators, including Romney, settled on an amendment that would prevent religious institutions from being forced to host same-sex marriages and protect religious tax exemptions. Oaks himself was involved, approving the amendments early language, said one person with direct knowledge who was granted anonymity to speak freely.

But it wasnt enough for Lee. He pushed his own amendment, including a preemptive blanket ban on the federal government retaliating against any person or group for adhering to a sincerely held religious belief about marriage.

A dozen of his Republican colleagues cosponsored the amendment. But a motley coalition of LGBTQ+ advocates and religious groups feared it would alienate Democrats and effectively tank the bill. Romneys coalition tried to engage with Lee, telling him their amendment would provide similar protections for religious groups, including religious universities tax-exempt status, while maintaining broad support across coalitions. They noted the amendment explicitly called for proper respect for reasonable and sincere religious people. But Lee proved unwilling to negotiate at all  not with those fellow Republicans who had drawn up the other amendment, and not even with his own church which had signaled support. This bill pays lip service to protecting religious liberty, but does not even begin to address the most serious, egregious and likely threats, Lee said in a floor speech. His amendment failed, while the other one  and the bill  passed.

For the first time, the church had waded directly into a legislative issue Lee was working on  and had landed on the opposite side. The church felt Lees amendment was unnecessary. As signed into law, the Respect for Marriage Act included valuable provisions to assure that no federal or state laws could be used to harm the religious or conscience rights of faith-based institutions or their members, Oaks said. And it specifically provides that its own provisions cannot be used to violate anyones rights to religious freedom.

To Lee, Oaks is more than a religious leader, the next in line to lead the global faith: He is a close family friend. Oaks recruited Lees father to Chicago and taught him there. The two served together in volunteer church assignments. When Oaks, then president of Brigham Young University, spearheaded the formation of the J. Reuben Clark Law School, he hired Rex Lee as its first dean. In 1996, when cancer prematurely cut the elder Lees life short, Oaks spoke at the funeral. "Rex Lee sought first to build up the kingdom of God," Oaks said in his eulogy. Mike Lee has told friends that theres probably not someone on earth that's more close to his father  in philosophy, in the way that he thinks  than President Oaks, said McCoy, Lees longtime friend.

The relationship between Lee and Romney didnt get much better, either. The incident laid bare differences in legislative styles between Romney, a former executive, and Lee, a trained lawyer. Mitt looks for reasons to say yes to legislation, one ex-Romney staffer noted. Mike looks for reasons to say no.

But Lee seemed to hold another grudge. A month earlier, hed successfully defeated Evan McMullin, a former independent presidential candidate, in what was the most expensive Senate race in Utah history. Lee had run a careful, buttoned-up campaign, with multiple advisers greenlighting every social media post. Romney withheld an endorsement, claiming that both Lee and McMullin were his friends. Lees campaign cut their losses and decided not to push for Romneys backing. When Lee booked an interview on Fox News with Tucker Carlson weeks before the election, the campaign specifically asked Carlsons producers not to ask about Romney, the two former Lee advisors recalled. But Carlson, who has publicly signaled his distaste for Romney, "couldnt help himself, a former adviser said. Lee ended up taking the bait and begging for Romneys endorsement on live television  and for donations from each of Romneys five sons. (Carlson did not respond to a request for comment.)

The stunt was more embarrassing for Lee than it was productive. Romney never endorsed, nor did his family donate. Lee seemed to maintain a grudge, and shortly after the election, his office notified Romneys that their joint constituent service agreement would end. We were determined to not let electoral politics get in the way of it, recalled Liz Johnson, Romneys chief of staff at the time. Lee didnt seem to feel the same way: two former Romney staffers said they were notified the decision was made because Romney didnt endorse. Lees office didnt respond to a request for comment on the decision, nor did Romney.



In late April, Oaks returned to Brigham Young University for a campus-wide commencement ceremony. At 92 years old, Oaks has dedicated the final chapter of his life to the work of peacemaking and bridgebuilding. He is cognizant his work is not always popular  he and other church leaders are well aware that you can't just command people to believe something, Rauch, the Brookings scholar, said in an interview  but that doesnt stop him from speaking of the Constitutions divine mandate for unity whenever possible.

Dressed in his old Chicago doctoral gown, Oaks hobbled to the podium and offered a brief discourse. His comments were short, focused on the ceremonys honorary degree recipient. But he closed with an impassioned plea: to commit to the divinely inspired principles of the United States Constitution.





Lee was in attendance. It was his first public visit to BYU, the private religious institution, since Trump had retaken office. During the first three months of the Trump administration, Lee had been one of the chief cheerleaders, praising DOGEs overhaul of the federal government and Trumps efforts to strip Harvard University of federal funding. It was one of Lees most frequent arguments in recent months: Any university that taught anti-God and anti-American ideology should be stripped of their tax-exempt status.

BYU showed the courtesy of recognizing Lee, an alumnus, at the beginning of the service; Lee offered the courtesy of spending the duration of the ceremony glued to his phone. Sitting with his legs crossed, Lee sent out a flurry of tweets. Two were related to the speeches  praising a mention of families and jabbing liberal universities. Others were completely unrelated, denouncing leftist misinformation campaigns and retweeting CNN personality Scott Jennings.

When Oaks arose to speak, Lees face was illuminated by his phones soft glow.



CORRECTION: A prior version of this report misstated the number of Minnesota lawmakers killed by Vance Boelter. One lawmaker was killed; another lawmaker and his spouse were shot but not killed. The date of Rex Lee's death was also incorrect. He died in 1996.
Gang-related crime in South Africa is widespread, but is under-reported outside hotspots such as the Cape Flats in Cape Town or Westbury in Johannesburg. In these areas gangs are deeply rooted and contribute to ongoing violence, drug trafficking and territorial conflict.

But gangs have continued to evolve and gang violence has consistently increased throughout South Africa, particularly in the Gauteng and Free State provinces. In the Free State in the east-central part of the country, devil-worshipping and witchcraft-related gang practices have been reported.

Gang-related violence is fuelled by poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and the need for protection from rival gangs.

Read more: Here's how some of Cape Town's gangsters got out  and stayed out

In my doctoral study in criminology, I explored the phenomenon of occult-inspired gangs in the Free State. I interviewed 23 active gang members, 16 offenders who werent affiliated to gangs, and 18 service providers like social workers and correctional officials working with these groups.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a more recent study I developed a typology of occult gangs: a framework that captures their structure, symbolism, hierarchy and spiritual practices.

This matters because in order to prevent gang-related crime it is essential to understand how they operate.

The rise of Free State occult gangs

In 1997, a South African Police Service investigation uncovered a so-called devil worshipping group or evil church that had migrated from parts of northern Africa and established itself in Maseru, Lesotho (South Africas neighbour). This group reportedly blended occult practices with traditional African witchcraft. This led local communities to label it as a devil-worshipping gang.

Since 2011, groups like this have expanded across the Free State. There are now about 40 such gangs active in the province, as reported by the police and confirmed in my research. Some of the better known gangs are the Triple 6 (666), Born-To-Kill (BTK), Natural Born Killers (NBK), International Junior Portuguese (IJP), and Maroma (Romans/Romas).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More typical street gangs are mostly known for expanding their territory through profit from the drug trade and extortion. But these Free State gangs incorporate spirituality and esoterism (special hidden knowledge) to assert dominance, foster cohesion and generate fear within communities.

They engage in serious crimes including murder, organ trafficking and rape. They are particularly known for acts such as ritual stabbings, cannibalism, and alleged communication with demonic forces.

The communities in which these groups operate, and gang members themselves, refer to them as devil worshipping gangs. This is because of the explicit link between certain gang-related practices and satanism, or the worship of the devil as depicted in the Christian bible.

Some groups merge beliefs and rituals related to Satan and anti-Christianity with witchcraft. Or they use symbols commonly associated with satanism such as 666 and inverted crosses. But labelling all such groups as devil worshipping gangs is misleading. The term occult gangs better captures the range of practices involved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While both devil worshipping and witchcraft-related practices can play a role in criminal gang activity, they differ in origin and form. Devil worshipping draws from western occult traditions, using symbols and rituals to strengthen gang identity. Witchcraft-based practices typically involve the malicious use of muti (traditional African medicine) and muti murders (murders for body parts to use in muti). As one participant told me:

Yes, there are gangs that believe in muti. There are also gangs that believe in the devil. IJP and Roma believe in muti, while BTK and Triple 6 believe in getting power from the devil. They say they speak to Lucifer to give them powers.

So, infamous gangs in the Free State are not only dreaded for their brutality but also for their reported links to ritual murder, blood oaths, the use of muti and the consumption of human organs and blood. According to my research these activities have progressed from being viewed as urban legends and community myths to becoming lived realities.

Inside the gangs

My gang typology study sample consisted of 39 male offenders, aged 14 to 38. Participants were either serving sentences or awaiting trial for serious offences such as murder, rape and armed robbery.

The gang members spoke openly about seeking power through supernatural means. Some believed that consuming blood and participating in occult rituals could make them invisible to police and invincible against their enemies. As one told me:

The minute you drink blood you are invoking spirits to become part of you, demons to become part of you, and give you the powers that you need to do what you have to do

Ritual stabbings, inverted crosses, and the mark of the beast (666) were part of their gang symbolism  seen in gang graffiti and tattoos and furthered by involvement in spiritual gatherings and the use of muti.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These elements form part of a shared gang ideology that offers meaning, identity and purpose to marginalised young people. I found that the gang members in my studies often lacked family support, social support or significant formal education.

To prevent young people from joining gangs, it is crucial to understand what pulls them in. Several participants described joining gangs not only for wealth, protection or status, but for a sense of spiritual power. Especially in communities where traditional religion, ancestral beliefs and Christian teachings coexist and sometimes collide.

My typology of occult gangs has the potential to inform targeted prevention programmes, rehabilitation efforts and policing strategies that take the spiritual realities of gang members seriously.

A new approach to fighting crime is needed

The rise of occult gangs has now progressed beyond the Free State. Similar trends are observed in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Western Cape provinces.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The intersection of faith, fear and violence in these gangs challenges mainstream approaches to crime prevention. Traditional anti-gang strategies assume that gangs are driven mainly by socioeconomic factors or rational incentives. They fail to account for spiritual motivations and metaphysical beliefs.

The presence of ritual elements complicates investigations and amplifies fear. It makes gangs seem more powerful than they are.

At the same time, public institutions such as the police and social workers often lack the frameworks and cultural sensitivity to address the spiritual dimensions of the offences perpetrated by these groups.

The struggle with the occult gangs in South Africa mirrors similar challenges in other countries, like Nigeria, the DRC and Haiti, where spiritual symbolism and ritualised violence are central to gang identity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Effective interventions must include culturally grounded strategies to help members disengage from gangs, involving traditional leaders, healers, faith-based actors and mental health professionals.

Read more: Rituals, rites and rumours: how women claim power in Zimbabwe's informal gold mines

By addressing the spiritual, social, and psychological dimensions of gang involvement, more sustainable pathways out of these groups can be created.

Gang violence in South Africa is evolving, and so must the response. It shouldnt just punish young offenders, but offer them a genuine alternative.

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: Dr Ashwill Ramon Phillips, University of the Free State

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more:



Dr Ashwill Ramon Phillips does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The Department of Homeland Security on Friday announced the arrests of five illegal immigrants convicted of a range of offenses, from murder to sexually abusing children.

"These are not minor offenses. These are predators, abusers and murderers who should have never been in our country in the first place," said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

"Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS is delivering on its promise to restore law and order and defend American families. If you are in this country illegally and have harmed others  your days here are numbered."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dhs Arrests 'Worst Of The Worst' Migrants In La Despite Rioters, Pols Pushing Back

Lazaro Vladimir Martinez-Argundi, Jose Angel Garcia-Espino, Miguel Angel Salmeron-Granados, Guadalupe Cuevas-Sotelo and Julio Celaya-Soto were arrested by immigration authorities and have convictions ranging from murder to sexually abusing children.

Among those arrested include Julio Celaya-Soto, a citizen of El Salvador convicted of second-degree murder in Guilford County, North Carolina.

Also taken into federal custody was Lazaro Vladimir Martinez-Argundi, a Cuban national whose criminal convictions include distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material in Lansing, Michigan. Jose Angel Garcia-Espino of Mexico was previously convicted in Texas for assault of a household member by strangulation.

Read On The Fox News App

Ice Ramps Up Arrests Of Convicted Criminals As Riots Rage In Blue City: 'You Will Not Stop Us'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In New York, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Miguel Angel Salmeron-Granados, from El Salvador, who was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse involving sexual contact with a child under the age of 11.

Guadalupe Cuevas-Sotelo, also from Mexico, has a criminal history that includes convictions for sexual abuse of a child and attempted rape in Salt Lake City.

The arrests came as ICE agents and the Trump administration continue to face pushback and legal challenges from Democratic and blue city officials over raids targeting criminal illegal immigrants.





Original article source: DHS arrests five illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes, including murder and child abuse
Late-afternoon sun slanted through the reading room of Fisk Universitys John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library when a slim manila folder slid from an archival box onto the table.

We  DeLisa Minor Harris, the librarys director, and Crystal A. deGregory, founding director of the Bethune Institute for Women and Girls  leaned closer. Inside lay a 1929 letter, Mary McLeod Bethunes steady cursive inviting Fisk sociologist Charles S. Johnson to help tell her story as a roadmap for our childrens tomorrow.

One sentence, nearly a century old, reshaped an untold collaboration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Bethune collection and its contents were processed in 1982 by Ann Allen Shockley  Fisks longtime librarian, archivist and writer  and carefully re-shelved. For decades, its contents remained in place, preserved but largely overlooked.

Now, as Tennessee and the nation honor Bethunes 150th birthday (July 10, 2025), the same boxes and folders offer more than a memory. They're a reminder of Fisks role in keeping American history intact, and in helping shape narratives still unfolding.

Fisk Universitys Cravath Hall stands tall for a new school year on Sept. 23, 1984. A series of murals by famed artist Aaron Douglas are located on the second floor.

Who was Mary McLeod Bethune?

Born in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents near Mayesville, South Carolina, Bethune rose from picking 200 pounds of cotton daily to advising five U.S. presidents. In 1904 she opened what is now Bethune-Cookman University with $1.50 and faith, founded the National Council of Negro Women and became the only woman in President Franklin D. Roosevelts Black Cabinet.

Her Tennessee link is less known.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Opinion: What's in a name? In Nashville, plenty of hate and racist history

Bethunes closest intellectual partner was Dr. Charles S. Johnson  Fisks first Black president and a giant of the Harlem Renaissance. They planned a co-written biography that would weave her life with his data-driven case for federal investment in Black education.

Bethune died in 1955; Johnson, twenty years younger, died the following year. Their manuscript scattered  some pages to Florida, others to Nashville  its story unfinished.

Bronze statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune at Bethune Plaza along Beach Street in Daytona Beach, Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

Bethune and Charles Johnson worked to improve education equity

Sometimes history isnt hidden; its simply waiting for the right moment.

The materials that surfaced during a routine review at Fisk werent new. Still, they had never been fully recognized for what they were: letters, outlines and margin notes that show Mary McLeod Bethune and Charles S. Johnson drafting something far larger than a biography. Their papers reveal two leaders plotting how to shape policy, build schools and empower a rising generation. In Bethunes own red pencil, a directive still shouts: Center womens labor here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These pages dont just narrate the past; they help answer questions were still asking. What does real educational opportunity look like? How do we honor the work of those who came before us? And why do some names endure while others fade?

More: Fisk President Agenia Clark focuses on relationships, finances after dodging shortfall

The papers cant solve everything, but they offer a map  and a reminder that these conversations have flourished at Fisk for a long time.

Now, the university is ensuring that the record is preserved and shared. With support from Adam Matthew Digital, Fisk is digitizing the cache and building tools that enable students, educators, and families  from North Nashville to anywhere with Wi-Fi  to explore the archive, see themselves in it and imagine where they might go next.

Why this rediscovery matters now

Fisks new Digitization Center is important for Nashville because it's attracting partners like the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture and welcoming neighbors to engage with their shared history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It matters in classrooms across the state, as primary sources will move from museum cases to lesson plans, giving teachers first-hand stories that round out the states social-studies standards.

And as America approaches its 250th anniversary, these papers impact our entire nation, reminding us that Bethune and Johnson were architects  not just witnesses  of educational justice.

Opinion: How I became a fan of Nashville SC  and an advocate for our diverse community

Digitization is underway, and a public exhibit will anchor Bethunes 151st-birthday week next July. But stewardship demands more than scanning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bethune urged us to invest in the human soul  who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough. Endowing archival fellowships, strengthening HBCU libraries, and weaving this history into Tennessee classrooms honors that charge.

Crystal will also launch #BethuneAt150, a public digital-humanities syllabus inviting teachers and lifelong learners to draw fresh lessons from Bethunes life.

On her milestone birthday, Mary McLeod Bethune will not simply be remembered. Thanks to a quiet corner of Fisks library, she will be reread, her voice restored to the national conversation she helped shape.

She is still teaching. Will we still listen?

Crystal deGregory

Crystal A. deGregory is a historian, founder of HerDue and director of the Mary McLeod Bethune Institute for the Study of Women and Girls at Bethune-Cookman University.

DeLisa Minor Harris

DeLisa Minor Harris is director of library services and project director, Building a Portal to Rosenwald Collections at Fisk Universitys John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Fisk discovery leads to Smithsonian partnership | Opinion
By Akash Sriram

(Reuters) -Tesla will hold its annual shareholder meeting on November 6, it said on Thursday, a day after a group of 27 investors urged the Elon Musk-led electric automaker to set a date, citing legal obligations.

The company, which held its last meeting in June 2024, has been grappling with a series of events such as Musk's public feud with President Donald Trump, the end of EV tax credits and a sales slump due to aging vehicle lineup.

Tesla shares are down 38% since hitting a record high in December, with the automaker now looking to pivot to self-driving technologies for future growth.

With Musk launching "American Party" after clashing with Trump over the tax-cut and spending bill, investors worry his political ambitions could harm Tesla, whose shares have underperformed the so-called "Magnificent Seven" this year.

Tesla shares rose about 3% in early trading after the board set July 31 as the new deadline for the submission of shareholder proposals to be included in the proxy statement.

The core issue is not the amount of time available to file a shareholder resolution, but the disruption of the normally predictable and legally clear filing process, said Kevin Thomas, CEO of Share, a shareholder advocacy and advisory organization.

"The Tesla board's efforts to dismiss shareholder proposals is a bigger impediment than having a very short window to submit them in the first place."

The company was close to missing a deadline under the Texas law, which allows investors to seek legal option in case a company fails to hold a shareholder meeting within 13 months of holding a previous one.

Tesla had said in April it would file its annual proxy statement later than expected and that the board had formed a special committee to consider some compensation matters involving Musk.

In last year's meeting, shareholders had approved Musk's controversial $56 billion compensation package despite a Delaware court ruling that had previously voided it.

Meanwhile, Musk is pushing to deepen the integration across his companies as the Grok chatbot, developed by the billionaire's xAI startup, will be available in Tesla vehicles next week "at the latest".

"Grok integration suggests formalized ties between Tesla and xAI; the proxy may contain more details on this topic," Piper Sandler analysts said in a note.

Separately, Linda Yaccarino, CEO of social media platform X resigned in a surprise move, adding to a growing list of executives at Musk's companies to step down.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Arun Koyyur)
MENOMONIE  Its not just the trial over a womans claims against author Neil Gaiman that will be delayed until 2026  discovery wont even be complete until midyear.

Attorneys for Gaiman and Scarlett Pavlovich jointly filed the broad outline for discovery, the process in which the parties can get evidence from each other. Pavlovich made the accusations of sexual and emotional abuse against Gaiman early in 2025 in a magazine interview and filed suit in February.

Pavlovich has said she was living on a beach in New Zealand when she met Amanda Palmer, Gaimans estranged wife. The meeting led to a job as a caretaker for the couples son. She contends Gaiman repeatedly sexually assaulted her over the course of her employment and, when she told Palmer about it, was told more than a dozen other women had told her similar things.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The filing clarifies the position of Palmer. She was initially listed as a defendant in the case, accused of procuring and presenting Plaintiff to Gaiman for such abuse, but Pavlovichs attorney later dropped her from the suit. The filing lists probable witnesses whose depositions will be needed, and the plaintiffs list includes Palmer.

The sides are limiting depositions by agreement, at least for now. Only 15 oral depositions may be taken, as well as 25 written depositions. They can request admission of up to 30 items from discovery each.

They differ, though, on the number of requests for production each side may issue. Pavlovichs attorney suggested a limit of 30 such requests, while the defense objects to any limit. Gaimans attorney also suggests the depositions may be comparatively brief. While some cases have involved multiple days of questioning, that probably wont be the case here.

Defendant notes that a great number of these witnesses will testify to very discreet issues and the parties will not need an entire day for each deposition, the filing reads. It also opens the door to video depositions, which could be important given that some witnesses live in different countries.

All service of document requests must be made by April 4, 2026. Discovery must be complete by June 4, 2026 and pretrial disclosures have a June 18, 2026 deadline. Dispositive motions, which would settle part of all of the case, are due by Feb. 2, 2026.




NEED TO KNOW

A security guard was sentenced to five to 14 years this week for fatally shooting a 7-Eleven customer in Las Vegas during the COVID-19 pandemic

Kegia Mitchell previously entered an Alford plea to felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and assault with a deadly weapon

Mitchell shot and killed Thomas Martin, 56, after he cut the line outside the convenience store and threatened to hurt her





A security guard who was convicted of fatally shooting a customer outside a 7-Eleven convenience store in Las Vegas five years ago has learned her fate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kegia Mitchell was sentenced to five to 14 years in prison on Thursday, July 10, according to online Clark County court records viewed by PEOPLE. Mitchell's sentencing comes after she entered an Alford plea to felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and assault with a deadly weapon, the records show.

An Alford plea lets a defendant maintain innocence while accepting a conviction.

Mitchell was previously indicted on a murder charge in connection with the death of Thomas Martin, 56, in August 2020, KLAS and The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

That day, Mitchell was working as an armed security guard who managed the amount of customers who entered the store  a common policy implemented by multiple businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, KSNV reported, citing authorities.

Deb Cohn-Orbach/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty

Police said Thomas reportedly got upset when other customers entered the store before him and threatened to hurt Mitchell, according to KLAS. The two then started pushing each other.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Hamner said at the sentencing that Martin "cut a line" and "wasnt stealing," per the Review-Journal.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

"And whats outrageous about it is that when he cuts the line, it is Miss Mitchell who puts her hand on his shirt first. And the rest of the struggle is Mr. Martin saying, Get off of my clothing, let me go. And she wont do it  Miss Mitchell ramps it up a whole other level. She pulls out a loaded gun, and she puts it to the side of his face," Hamner said, per the outlet.

Mitchell's defense attorney, Caitlin McAmis, said her client was under pressure to implement COVID-19 restrictions and that she "only pulls out the firearm by the time you see him swatting," per the Review-Journal. "You see him lunging. And so the issue that were dealing with, unfortunately, seems to be a fight-or-flight response.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mitchell expressed remorse for the shooting.

I didnt mean to take this mans life, I did not, Mitchell said in court, per KLAS. I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.



Read the original article on People
SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Indiana State Police divers were called to assist following a police chase in Sullivan County Thursday night.

According to Sullivan Mayor J.D. Wilson, a Sullivan City Police officer was pursuing an individual on a motorcycle on East County Road 75 North. When the officer decided to disregard the chase, the motorcycle crashed.

Our crew on the scene witnessed two Indiana State Police divers in the water and saw a motorcycle being pulled from the pond, but no person was located in the water. The pond is located near the Sullivan County Fairgrounds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One person killed in Sullivan County shooting

Personnel from Indiana State Police, Indiana DNR, Sullivan City Police and Sullivan County Sheriffs Department were all present.

This is an ongoing incident, and WTWO will update the story when more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Friday refused to allow Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the September 11, 2001, attacks, and two of his co-defendants to plead guilty under agreements that would have spared them the death penalty.

The ruling by a 2-1 panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upended an attempt to bring an end to a military prosecution of the three detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, that has been beset by two decades of legal gridlock.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those plea agreements had been offered last year and accepted by the official who oversees the Pentagon's Guantanamo war court, only to be revoked in August by then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin after Republican lawmakers attacked the agreements.

A military judge, though, ruled that Austin lacked authority to revoke the plea deals in a decision that was upheld in December by U.S. Court of Military Commission Review. The judge then scheduled prompt plea hearings.

The D.C. Circuit at the behest of former Democratic President Joe Biden's administration agreed to pause those proceedings while it heard the government's legal challenge, which Republican President Donald Trump's administration continued.

U.S. Circuit Judges Patricia Millett and Neomi Rao, writing for the majority, in Friday's ruling said Austin "indisputably had legal authority to withdraw from the agreements."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Having properly assumed the convening authority, the Secretary determined that the 'families and the American public deserve the opportunity to see military commission trials carried out," the judges wrote. "The secretary acted within the bounds of his legal authority, and we decline to second-guess his judgment."

Millett was appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama, while Rao is a Trump appointee. U.S. Circuit Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama appointee, dissented from what he called a "stunning" ruling, saying his colleagues should have deferred to the decisions of military courts interpreting military rules.

A lawyer for Mohammed and one of his co-defendants, Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, did not respond to requests for comment, nor did the Pentagon.

Matthew Engle, an attorney for the third defendant, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak bin 'Atash, said he was considering a potential further appeal, including to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mohammed is the most well-known inmate at the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, which was set up in 2002 by then-U.S. President George W. Bush to house foreign militant suspects following the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Mohammed is accused of masterminding the plot to fly hijacked commercial passenger aircraft into the World Trade Center in New York City and into the Pentagon. The 9/11 attacks killed nearly 3,000 people.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; additional reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington, editing by Deepa Babington)
Jul. 11Dixon Public Schools will kick off a new transitional kindergarten program at the start of the 2025-26 school year.

The program was developed in response to kindergarten students' increasing behavioral issues at Washington Elementary School that parents and staff described as "violent." Those issues quickly became overwhelming for the staff and the situation was brought to the school board's attention at an emotional meeting Oct. 16, 2024.

[ School staff, parents: Dixon's Washington teachers overwhelmed by kindergarteners' 'violent' behavior ]

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Teachers' rooms are being destroyed, chairs or other objects thrown, tables flipped, bins dumped and items broken, all while trying to teach 20-plus students," Maria Peterson, a Washington Elementary kindergarten teacher, told the board Oct. 16.

"Teachers and teacher assistants are being hit by chairs and other objects. They're being hit by students, kicked, scratched, spit on, bit and cursed at. The other students in the classroom are unfortunately witnessing it all," Peterson said.

Sasha Gomes, a secretary and parent of a kindergartener at Washington, said during that meeting that her son's "classmates have been bitten, hit and pinched."

"I would have never imagined a preschool through first-grade school would be anything like this. I didn't expect [my son's] experience to be so violent," Gomes said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following that meeting, school board members and administrators visited Washington to see firsthand the issues that were occurring. They identified the majority of behaviors to be developmental and emotional maturity issues in students who are 5 years old.

"This isn't a punishment issue. These kids need to learn, and they need to learn that they're safe at school, and most of them don't understand that right now," school board member Melissa Gates said in a special meeting Oct. 23, 2024.

The new program, approved by the board at its June 25 meeting, is designed to teach them that.

"We're trying to take some of the troubles we had last year and just make some changes to try to make things better. I think if everything's the same every year, you're just going to have the same problems," Washington Principal Kellie Glenn said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I don't want them [students] to not like school in kindergarten. This should be the time they come to school, they have fun, they're learning. They're learning what school is, and if it's that much of a struggle, like we have to figure something out," Glenn said.

TK is a two-year program where students will start in the TK classroom at Washington and be enrolled in a traditional kindergarten classroom the following year, Glenn said.

One current kindergarten class has been converted to the TK room. It'll be taught by a Washington kindergarten teacher, have one paraprofessional and a maximum of 15 students, according to the program overview.

The TK class will be a full day from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and will include 25 minutes of rest or nap time, busing, lunch, gym and recess. The focus will be on developing independence, social emotional regulation and problem-solving skills  putting students in a position to be ready for kindergarten the following school year, according to the program overview.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The goal of the program is that its students will enter kindergarten with skills that are above their classmates and "hopefully will be a leader," Glenn said.

Qualifiers for entry into the program include low academics and social emotional skills on kindergarten screenings, teacher recommendations and late summer birthdays, but it's not for those with Individualized Education Programs or those with "extreme behaviors," Glenn said.

Students "that have IEPs already, they'll be in a traditional class with the supports that they need there, because our TK teacher isn't a special education teacher," Glenn said.

"I think it'll be a good thing for that small group of kids" who don't turn 5 until late summer because "we really didn't have a program for those kids. They were just put into kindergarten because that's what the policy was," Glenn said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Entry into or exit out of the program will be flexible and students that are struggling can be transferred in during the year or transferred out if they begin showing improvement, Glenn said.

The school also needs permission from parents to enroll a child in TK "because, essentially, we're saying they're gonna have to do kindergarten twice," Glenn said.

Most of the parents Glenn said that she spoke to were concerned about their children being behind.

She explained to them that it's an opportunity for their kids to spend "another year getting those social skills ready for them to come into kindergarten, so that they're academically ready to learn. We see a huge difference from just kindergarten to first grade," Glenn said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In the long run, as an adult, does it really matter whether you're 17, 18 or 19 when you graduate from high school? But whether that kid's confident all the way along does matter," school board president Linda Wegner said.

If a parent does decide not to enroll their child into TK, they'll be in traditional kindergarten "and these kids will still be on our radar," Glenn said.
The New York Times reports a former Justice Department lawyer is issuing a stark warning over the Trump administration's assault on the rule of law. MSNBC Legal Correspondent Lisa Rubin and New York Times Reporter Devlin Barrett, who interviewed the lawyer, join Katy Tur to break it all down.
Documents detail 911 call that led to Longwood officers resignation amid internal investigation

New documents are raising questions about the misconduct allegations that led a Longwood police officer to resign in the middle of an internal affairs investigation.

Records show a 911 call involving a 17-year-old led to the eventual resignation of Cpl. Virgel Quintal.

According to the police report, the 17-year-old had an argument with his parents on May 27 and was threatening to hurt himself with a knife.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The report said the teen was taken to South Seminole Hospital for a Baker Act evaluation, but the report makes no mention of any confrontation along the way.

Channel 9 spoke with the teens mother who asked to remain anonymous to protect her sons privacy.

She said she wanted to be careful about what she shared since the investigation is ongoing, but said there was a confrontation between her son and Quintal.

It kind of got out of hand as they were attempting to transport him to South Seminole, said the woman.

The woman said her son didnt have any bruises or physical injuries following the incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While she said the deputys behavior was concerning, she doesnt believe this incident is reflective of the department overall.

She said Longwood police had visited her home prior to the incident and had always successfully de-escalated tensions with her son.

All of them (officers) that we have been in contact with have been very professional. I think this is an isolated incident that got out of hand, said the woman.

Longwoods deputy police chief, Michael Aprile, said even though Quintal resigned, the department is still investigating multiple possible policy violations.

Aprile wouldnt elaborate on those possible violations Thursday, but he promised to release body camera after the investigation wrapped.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Aprile said once that body camera video is made public he is confident the public will feel trust in the police department.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Its a foggy day in New York City. Through my computer screen, I believe Im seeing and hearing neuroscientist Nadine Dijkstra. But how can I be sure?

We are as much creating our perception of reality as we are perceiving it, she explains.

Rather than rudely asking her to perform a battery of tests to prove she exists, I trust my eyes and ears. Its an efficient way to live. While neuroscientists might argue the details, most agree that perceptionessentially, how we process sensory information to create a coherent experienceinvolves the active construction of a reality, as opposed to the passive reception of the world around us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For instance, when you see a busy road, youre actively creating that reality, combining information from your senses (the sights and sounds of whooshing cars ) with past experiences (knowing youve walked along this popular boulevard before). Quickly understanding that the automobiles speeding down the street are real helps keep you safe.

This model for experiencing reality is efficient, but not foolproof: Sometimes our brain still gets things wrong. That dissonance is something Dijkstra, who works as the principal investigator at the Imagine Reality Lab at University College London, examines in her latest study, recently published in Neuron.

How an early 20th-century psychologist fooled brains

Much of Dijkstras work is inspired by the groundbreaking psychologist Mary Cheves West Perky. In a seminal 1910 paper on imagination and perception, Perky asked subjects to visualize objectsa red tomato, a green leaf, etc.on a blank wall. Secretly, in that seemingly empty space, Perky projected barely visible images of those same objects on the wall.

The subjects were none the wiser, attributing the perceived objects to their imaginations instead of the projections. It appeared, Perky mused, that the image of imagination must have much in common with the perception of everyday life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More than a century later, many researchers concur, believing that imagination and perception work together to create our sense of reality. But how does our brain know whats real and whats not? Dijkstras new research may have the answer.

Testing brains in the 21st century

We expected the results to be more complicated and nuanced, says Dijkstra.

Instead, brain activity measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans told Dijkstra a clear story: the level of activity in the fusiform gyrus could predict whether or not someone believed an image was real. The region, located on both sides of the brain behind the temples, plays an important role in recognizing faces and objects, but its ability to potentially sort out real from fake is something neuroscientists werent aware of before.

The study was a modern twist on Perkys experiment. Instead of projecting fruit and other objects on a wall, Dijkstra and her colleagues asked participants to imagine sets of diagonal lines on a screen. Those lines were then projected into the fMRI machine via a mirror. (Using simple shapes, like diagonal lines, made it easier to predict what subjects might visualize. Ask people to imagine a leaf, and they might envision a plethora of shapes and colors.) The diagonal lines were displayed against a noisy backgroundthink TV staticto make it more difficult to distinguish reality from imagination.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When someone saw real projected lines, activity in the fusiform gyrus was stronger than when they knew they were simply imagining the diagonal lines. At the front of the brain, the anterior insula of the prefrontal cortex, which acts as a kind of hub between brain networks, also showed increased activity when participants saw the projected lines.

However, when someone confused imagined lines for real ones, essentially having a mild hallucination, both the fusiform gyrus and anterior insula regions lit upas if theyd seen the real thing.

While participants lay in an fMRI scanner imagining sets of diagonal lines, Dijkstra secretly projected real lines using a mirror to compare brain activity. Image: helovi / Getty Images

The brains reality threshold

These results led Dijkstra and her team to conclude that imagined and perceived signals combine to create a reality signal. If strong enough, that signal crosses a reality threshold and we accept what we perceive as an objective reality.

While she believes activity in the fusiform gyrus determines whether something passes the reality threshold, Dijkstra said her research was in its early stages. It could be the other way around, she notes, with activity in the prefrontal cortex deciding whether something is real or not based on some other signal and then feeding that back to the fusiform gyrus to boost your experience or make things feel more vivid.

Looking beyond the brain scans

How the reality threshold is passed matters. Proving a causal link between activity in the fusiform gyrus and hallucinations, for example, might allow medical practitioners in the future to stimulate that part of the brain to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and other brain disorders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Not only can this research shed light on why humans see things that dont exist, but it can also explain why we sometimes dont believe our eyes. When she first moved to London from the Netherlands, Dijkstra saw a creature in the distance while walking in her neighborhood. She assumed it was a dog, even though it was wandering alone. I was really surprised. I was like, Wheres the owner? I really saw a dog. If she had turned away and not questioned her reality, she might not have realized what she was actually seeing was a fox, one of the 10,000 or so that called her new city home. Dijkstra perceived something that didnt match her past experiences and, for a moment, saw something that didnt exist.

As for the future of her research, there are so many unanswered questions about perception, says Dijkstra, such as whether people with vivid imaginations are more likely to hallucinate. In this field, its important to consistently challenge what you believe is real. You can have this really cool idea that makes a lot of sense and it seems to be explaining so many things, and then it turns out to be totally wrong, she says. And thats OK, we still make progress.




NEED TO KNOW

A couple living in a Daytona Beach apartment complex rescued a dog that was abandoned in a garbage disposal

Heather Jones and her husband Brandon Arroyo are fostering the pet, whom they have named Daytona

Local police say the dog was not microchipped, and if the owner does not come forward, Arroyo will give it a permanent, loving home





A dog in Daytona Beach, Fla., was rescued after being found injured and abandoned in an apartment complexs dumpster on July 6.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This act of cruelty is unacceptable, and we are fully committed to pursuing all leads to identify and hold the responsible party accountable," the Daytona Beach Police Department said in a July 9 statement to The Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Heather Jones, whose husband, Brandon Arroyo, rescued the dog, organized a GoFundMe to raise funds for its care. Arroyo works for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, per WESH, and the couple lives at the apartment complex.

GoFundMe Dog rescued from dumpster Dog rescued from dumpster

This morning, my husband received a courtesy call from a resident in our apartment complex that a dog had been dumped in the trash compactor on site, Jones wrote, adding that the dog's "rear end" needs medical attention. The dog could "walk, but with great difficulty."

"I'm sure this will involve X-rays and potentially surgery. He's not in any pain, but we want to get this sweet boy the medical attention he needs and the care he deserves, Jones wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She described the dog as gentle and mild-mannered, noting that he doesnt appear to be old, but will still require procedures such as getting neutered and receiving a worming treatment.

As of Friday, July 11, the couple surpassed their goal of $5,000, raising nearly $7,000 for the canine.

When you lower it down, he was all the way down there at the bottom, Arroyo told WESH when explaining how he rescued Daytona, the name they temporarily gave the dog while fostering him. There was more trash in there so he was all crammed with the trash.

You know, to put someone in the trash compactor like this... its beyond just kicking him out to the street, he continued. He doomed this dog. If no one found him, it would have been over for him.

GoFundMe dog rescued from dumpster dog rescued from dumpster

The couple gave him a bath inside their home. Photos shared by WESH showed Jones smiling at the camera as she sat in the tub with a lathered-up Daytona.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We immediately noticed that something was up with his hips, she said. So hes scheduled to get an X-ray done on Tuesday of next week. He also needs to be neutered, and he has these floppy claws on the back that they want to remove because they tend to cause problems.

GoFundMe dog rescued from dumpster dog rescued from dumpster

As soon as we rescued him out of the compactor, he took to us pretty much immediately and has been just the friendliest, sweetest guy. Hes very cuddly, Jones told WESH.

She said their apartment complex does not have security cameras, but shes doing all she can to help local police figure out who could have dumped the dog.

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.

I was looking for personal cameras since the complex doesnt have any, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Thanks to the quick response of an FWC officer, the dog was safely recovered," a Daytona Beach Police spokesperson told WESH. "The officer has since ensured the dog received proper veterinary care, including necessary vaccinations."

The dog did not have a microchip, police said, adding that an owner has yet to come forward. Arroyo "expressed the intention" to give Daytona a permanent home if no owner is located, police said.



Read the original article on People
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A dog was left tied to a pole outside of a Las Vegas animal shelter Friday morning as temperatures in the valley continued to rise.

At around 9 a.m., Nevada SPCA employees found a dog abandoned and tethered to a pole outside of the shelter, lying in the sun on hot concrete.

Friday has a high temperature of 108, according to the 8 News Now Most Accurate Forecast.

The NSPCA said in a social media post that the dog was terrified and would not allow employees to get near him. Even though this made it unsafe for the team to untether the dog from the pole, staff acted quickly and sprayed cooling misters toward him, as well as sliding a bowl of water within his reach.

Nevada SPCA employees found a dog abandoned and tethered to a pole outside of the shelter, lying in the sun on hot concrete. (NSPCA)

After nearly an hour where the dog remained tethered and visibly stressed, Clark County Animal Protective Services arrived and took the dog safely into its care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The NSPCA said security cameras from the building captured the vehicle and the moment the dog was tethered. The license plate on the vehicle was visible, and NSPCA said it turned that footage over to the Animal Protective Services, who opened an investigation.

This is a heartbreaking reminder of why education and accessible resources for pet owners are so important, Lori Heeren, Executive Director at Nevada SPCA, said. No animal deserves to be left behind, especially in such unsafe conditions. Were grateful for the quick action of our team and our partners at Animal Protective Services.

This incident comes as Animal Control officers investigated another distressing case near downtown Friday morning: a dead dog found in a crate next to a dumpster.

No animal deserves to be left in fear and distress like this, the NSPCA wrote. Abandonment is illegaland it is never the answer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The NSPCA added that if an owner is struggling or is unsure what to do, they can reach out to the shelter, which has resources and support available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Reuters) -A group of 27 major Tesla (TSLA) shareholders urged the electric automaker's board on Wednesday to set a date for its annual shareholder meeting this year, citing legal obligations and growing governance concerns.

Tesla is close to missing a legal deadline and has not announced this year's meeting, the group consisting of U.S. state treasurers, pension funds and governance experts said in a letter.

"Tesla's ongoing silence on the AGM is cause for concern," they said against the backdrop of mounting scrutiny of over CEO Elon Musk's political ambitions and the automaker's falling sales and stock price.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Investor confidence has taken a hit after Musk's public feud with President Donald Trump and the ending of EV tax credits meant to boost sales of green vehicles. Tesla shares are down 27% so far this year.

Under Texas law, shareholders can move a court to require the company to hold its annual meeting if it has not done so within 13 months of the previous one.

Tesla's last meeting was held in June 2024. The company had in April said it would file its annual proxy statement later than expected as the board had not decided on a date for the annual shareholder meeting.

The EV maker had then said the board had formed a special committee to consider some compensation matters involving Musk, without disclosing any details.

Last year, shareholders approved Musk's controversial $56 billion compensation package despite a Delaware court ruling that had previously voided it.

Tesla is now on track for a second straight year of declining sales as its vehicle deliveries fell 13.5% in the second quarter.

Adding to the turbulence, Musk's push to launch a new political party have raised concerns about distractions from Tesla's core business.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)
Jul. 10A dog was euthanized after testing positive for rabies on Monday in Grant County.

It was the 11th case of rabies found in Grant County since 2020, New Mexico Department of Health spokesperson David Barre said in a release Thursday. The last time a dog contracted rabies in New Mexico was in 2023 in Bernalillo County, according to the NMDOH rabies website.

"This dog had not received any veterinarian-administered rabies vaccines," according to the news release. "A rabies vaccine purchased over the counter had been administered."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rabies is a progressive neurologic disorder that affects the nervous system of the animal  causing a wide variety of symptoms including aggression, trouble with eating or drinking, and lethargy.

"It is always fatal," said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH. "There have been a couple rare documented cases of recovery in humans ... but it's not something that animals or people can be expected to recover from."

The infected dog was euthanized and people who had been exposed to the dog were receiving rabies shots as a precautionary measure, according to the release. Dogs who made contact with the infected dog were given booster shots and will be monitored by NMDOH for 45 days.

Rabies is typically transferred through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite, Phipps said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

NMDOH Scientific Laboratory Division tested the dog to confirm it had rabies.

While testing cannot determine how an animal gets rabies, the test will show what type of strain. In this case, the rabies was a fox strain variant, which indicates that a fox or another wild animal that had gotten the fox variant bit the dog.

Phipps is not concerned about a potential rabies outbreak, but she said it is important to have animals vaccinated.

"This incident serves as a reminder to residents that while rabies is relatively rare in our state, animals can contract the disease from local wildlife," Phipps said. "Rabies is known to circulate in wildlife, especially foxes and bats, in southwestern New Mexico."
At least eight core staffers who worked in the Department of Government Efficiency have left the agency since its de facto leader Elon Musks acrimonious departure from the White House.

The initiative that was meant to cut waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government appears to be hitting road bumps, with remaining staffers facing increased scrutiny from the administration since Musk and other key generals left the agency, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Steve Davis, the effective leader of DOGE, saw himself out the door along with his wife, Nicole Hollander, who was focused on shrinking the government, after Musk left.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least six other key DOGE leaders have left their jobs  either by choice or because their designation as special government employees had a deadline, according to POLITICO.

Many DOGE staffers have followed Elon Musk out the door of the White House, leaving uncertainty for remaining staffers (AFP/Getty)

That includes:

 Brad Smith, who leads the DOGE team at the Department of Health and Human Services;

 Katie Miller, DOGEs communications director and the wife of Stephen Miller;

 Chris Stanley, an aide who installed Starlink satellites on the roof of the Executive Office building;

 Amanda Scales, the former chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management;

 James Burnman, DOGEs chief counsel;

 Tom Krause, the fiscal assistant secretary of the Treasury.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Independent has asked the White House for more information.

At least seven DOGE engineers with security clearance across multiple agencies have left, and three others are preparing to leave, according to records reviewed by POLITICO.

Remaining DOGE staff are reportedly being tested on their loyalty to President Donald Trump, while agency heads have been given more control over the staffers installed in the department, according to The Journal.

After a brutal and public falling out between Trump and his former first buddy, the glamor of DOGE has apparently worn off on the president.

People familiar with his comments told The Journal that Trump is tired of DOGEs aggressive and at times chaotic tactics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its unclear what the future of DOGE is now.

One unnamed White House official told POLITICO that DOGE employees were not meant to make a career out of their government positions.

In a statement from the White House, spokesperson Harrison Field said, Many Presidents have promised, but none other than President Trump has delivered to actually make government more efficient and root out waste, fraud, and abuse in Washington, and that mission is moving full steam ahead.

Under the Presidents leadership, every agency and department is executing this mission seamlessly and, as a result, has yielded more than $170 billion in savings for the American people, Harrison added.
I was doing my job: Atlanta bar employee recounts fight with APD officer

Atlanta police are still investigating a bar fight between an employee and an off-duty police officer.

Investigators say the employee, Rae Penrice, is the current suspect in the case.

Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes spoke with Penrice on Friday to get his side of the story.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

It was like something above the law, he said.

Several witnesses told Channel 2 Action News that the officer, Garrett Rolfe, started the fight and shouldve been the one to go to jail. Rolfe, the same officer who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks, is currently on leave while police investigate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I was doing my job, just greeting customers and cleaning up and making sure the front straight," Penrice described.

He says a female coworker at X in midtown Atlanta told him that Rolfe and a friend had taken photos of her after accusing her of overcharging for drinks.

I told them, Im Rae, I work here and yall were asked to leave, so why wont you? And in the course of me saying those words, I was struck, I was hit. I was hit several times, he recalled. I got hit right here in my temple area, I got hit in my neck, I got hit right here underneath my jaw. And those were the ones that were substantial because those were the ones I felt for a few days. And at that point, I just had to defend myself after the attack.

RELATED STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He says he hit the officer to stop the attack.

Penrice called 911 after he says a group of people followed him to the back alley as he took out the trash.

The bar employee was subsequently arrested after police arrived.

Fernandes reached out to police who said they cannot comment until the investigation is over.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Emil Bove, an embattled senior Justice Department official who represented President Donald Trump at his New York hush money trial, has refused to rule out a third presidential term for any president, including his boss, according to his written responses to a Senate committee questionnaire.

Bove, currently associate deputy U.S. attorney general, is under consideration for a lifetime judgeship on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote Thursday on whether to advance the nomination to the full chamber for approval. To aid the committee members in their decision, Bove recently provided his responses to written questions from the group totaling 165 pages, which were obtained by HuffPost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps former attorney was asked at multiple points for his stance on whether it would be permissible for a president to run for a third term, even though the 22nd Amendment explicitly prohibits it. He offered the same answer each time.

As a nominee to the Third Circuit, it would not be appropriate for me to address how this Amendment would apply in an abstract hypothetical scenario, Bove responded. He quoted the text of the amendment: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.

Bove went on: To the extent this question seeks to elicit an answer that could be taken as opining on the broader political or policy debate regarding term limits, or on statements by any political figure, my response, consistent with the positions of prior judicial nominees, is that it would be improper to offer any such comment as a judicial nominee.

CBS News first reported on the questionnaire Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bove has been under scrutiny in recent weeks ever since a Justice Department whistleblower said he has been leading an effort to mislead federal judges and undermine their direct orders.

The whistleblower, former DOJ attorney Erez Reuveni, alleged that Bove told lawyers like himself to say fuck you to federal judges who ruled against the Trump administration. Reuveni was fired in April after admitting in court that the administration deported Maryland immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia in error.

Bove formerly served in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York until late 2021. Last summer, he was part of a team that represented Trump in a personal capacity as he was tried and ultimately found guilty on 34 New York state felony counts.

In his responses to the senators, Bove did not recall which cases relating to the Jan. 6, 2021, attempted insurrection he had worked on as a prosecutor for the Southern District of New York.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asked whether he wished to denounce the violent events of Jan. 6, Bove declined, saying the incident is a matter of significant political debate.

HuffPost reached out to the Justice Department for comment from Bove.

Related...
The Justice Department announced that it had sent more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics involved in performing transgender medical procedures on children.

The departments brief announcement Wednesday did not name any of the 20 doctors or clinics or say where they were. It also did not specify what constituted transgender medical procedures but said its investigations include healthcare fraud, false statements, and more.

Medical professionals and organizations that mutilated children in the service of a warped ideology will be held accountable by this Department of Justice, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also Wednesday, the Federal Trade Commission hosted an all-day workshop on the dangers of gender-affirming care. In his opening remarks, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson suggested that such care is deceptive and requires greater scrutiny by the commission.

The workshop and the Justice Departments announcement are the latest escalation of the Trump administrations campaign to restrict transgender rights and access to transition-related medical care.

The FTCs panel Wednesday featured more than a dozen speakers who criticized transgender health care, including people who received such care as minors and now say they regret it; doctors and psychologists who disagree with the current standards for providing such care; and political scientists and lawyers who oppose access to transition care for minors.

Claire Abernathy said she had a double mastectomy by her 15th birthday and detransitioned, or stopped identifying as trans, at 18.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My doctors didnt tell me that hormones would cause permanent side effects, said Abernathy, now 20. They hid those effects from me. They worked to silence me when I tried to complain about this abuse. We need to make sure no more kids are sold products they cant return.

A common refrain from many of the panelists was that it is not possible for someone to be born in the wrong body and that there is no evidence to support transition care as a treatment for gender dysphoria, the medical term for the distress that results from the conflict between someones gender identity and sex assigned at birth.

Miriam Grossman, a child psychologist who has testified in favor of state legislation to ban access to transgender care for minors, said the idea that someone can know for sure that their gender identity is more authentic to them than their birth sex is entirely unproven and unprovable.

There is no objective evidence of being born in the wrong body, and saying so misleads and takes advantage of consumers, and it impacts their medical decisions, Grossman said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ferguson said the FTCs statutory mandate is to protect people from deceptive cures and health claims. He added that the FTC would post a public request for information next week based on what was learned at the workshop.

Not the FTCs lane

The workshop faced backlash from activists and also from some employees within the FTC, Reuters reported. Nearly 150 FTC employees signed a statement of concern dated July 2 about Wednesdays workshop, writing that it would chart new territory for the Commission by prying into confidential doctor-patient consultations.

They added, Simply put, in our judgment, this is not the FTCs lane.

On Thursday, three former FTC employees also opposed the workshop at an event held by Public Knowledge, a nonprofit organization that promotes free expression and an open internet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among them was Eileen Harrington, who worked for the FTC for nearly 40 years and was its executive director from 2010 to 2012. She said that, through the workshop, the FTC engaged in a kind of overreach that we havent seen for over 50 years.

Harrington helped develop the FTCs workshop process in 1992 when she was director of the division of marketing practices. Before a workshop, she said, the FTC would issue a public statement about the topic and then invite the public to submit comments. It would also invite stakeholders with a variety of views to speak at the workshop.

Yesterdays event bears little resemblance to what we intended to create back in 1992 and to what the FTC has done over the years, Harrington said, noting that the public was barred from attending in person and that the FTC handpicked people who were allowed to speak and who represented only one point of view.

Joe Simonson, a spokesperson for the FTC, criticized the Public Knowledge event in a phone interview.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I looked up who funds Public Knowledge, and I see it's all big tech, and so it makes sense to me that a big tech-funded nonprofit, ostensibly devoted to copyright law, would be looking for any excuse to attack the Federal Trade Commission, even if it means standing against young men and women who say they were abused and mutilated by so-called medical professionals," Simonson said.

He added that the workshop was not open attendance because the panelists received death threats.

Regarding criticism that the workshop included only one viewpoint, Simonson said, "Many of the panelists who appeared say they were victims of mutilation and abuse, and I don't know who is on the other side of that."

Asked about the majority of trans people, including youths, who say they do not regret receiving treatment, Simonson said: "We're not talking about those people. We're talking about people who were abused and mutilated."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kellan Baker, executive director of the Institute for Health Research and Policy at Whitman Walker Health, a medical clinic in Washington, D.C., said he helped create Thursdays event to provide perspectives that were left out of the FTCs workshop.

We wanted to hear from the parents who are in the position of caring for their children and wanting whats best for their children, Baker said. We also wanted to hear from experts in transgender health.

All major medical associations in the United States, such as the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association, support access to transition-related care for minors and oppose restrictions on it.

Recent restrictions on trans care

Some European countries have restricted access to such care, but only one, the United Kingdom, has indefinitely banned new prescriptions of puberty blockers to treat minors for gender dysphoria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Twenty-five states restrict access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans minors, though courts have permanently blocked restrictions from taking effect in Montana and Arkansas, according to the Movement Advancement Project, an LGBTQ think tank. Arizona and New Hampshire ban operations for minors, which are recommended only in rare cases. Seventeen states and Washington, D.C., have measures that protect access to transgender health care. The care is legal in an seven more states that neither protect nor ban it.

No federal law restricts access to transition-related care. However, the Trump administration has sought to curtail it through a combination of executive orders and actions by federal agencies. In January, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order aiming to prohibit federal funds from going to hospitals or medical schools that provide gender-affirming care to minors, though multiple judges have blocked that part of the order.

Then, in an April memo, Bondi directed U.S. attorneys to use laws against female genital mutilation to investigate doctors who mutilate children under the guise of care and to prosecute these offenses to the fullest extent possible.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A new $1 coin for Michigan, recently released as part of a U.S. Mint series celebrating innovations from across the country, depicts autoworkers on the assembly line, a design that beat out competing ideas to showcase the Mitten State's ingenuity from breakfast cereal to Motown.

"But really as far as the most transformative impact on American society, it had to be the automobile and the assembly line," said 37th District Court Judge Steven Bieda, who served as Michigan's liaison to the U.S. Mint, appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for the innovation coin project.

"It made cars more affordable. It had a transformative impact on not only how we live but on the income level of a lot of Americans and so I thought the assembly line was the go-to on this," Bieda said at an April 8 launch event for the coin at the Detroit Historical Society.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So many in Michigan have some kind of tie to the auto industry and the assembly line helped build the middle class and helps tell the story of the growth of organized labor, Bieda told the Detroit Free Press in a July interview. Before his role as liaison for Michigan to the U.S. Mint, Bieda served on the Michigan Tax Tribunal, worked for the Michigan Department of Treasury and served in the Michigan Legislature as a state senator and representative.

American Innovation $1 Coin featuring the auto assembly line in Michigan.

Whitmer echoed Bieda in an April statement ahead of the coin's release, calling it a tribute to Michigan's leadership in manufacturing. "But what truly makes Michigan special is how we've used that innovation to grow the middle class and create opportunities for working-class families," she said.

The U.S. Mint launched the innovation coin program in 2018 following federal legislation to mint new coins for every state, U.S. territory and Washington, D.C., with each bearing an image depicting a significant innovation or innovator.

During the process for designing the Michigan innovation coin, Bieda said he explored several themes for the design. He faced an abundance of options.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to Michigan's auto legacy, Michigan has not only changed how the world moves but how it grooves, from the hits that came out of Motown Records founded in Detroit to techno music. In 1945, Grand Rapids became the first city in the U.S. to put fluoride in its water supply. Bieda called the Mackinac Bridge  one of the world's longest suspension bridges  that connects Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas an "engineering marvel." Michigan has also contributed innovations to traffic safety, from the traffic light to the center line stripes. Michigan universities also have their own innovations to claim.

Michigan State University was the nation's first agricultural college and a University of Michigan professor's research contributed to the development of a lunar vehicle. As a presidential candidate, John F. Kennedy launched the idea for the Peace Corps during a campaign speech at the University of Michigan. A Kalamazoo physician developed the Circo-Lectric Bed, a suspended and adjustable hospital bed on wheels that made it easy to move patients. Another west Michigan physician developed breakfast cereal, though Battle Creek's claim as the city that introduced the United States to sliced bread is contested.

"So it was really quite a process," Bieda said of exploring all of the different possible directions for designing the Michigan innovation coin. Deciding on a coin design required not only identifying a historically significant innovation from Michigan but also thinking about what would look good on a coin.

Michigan Museums: Minerals? Magic? 7 museums around Michigan worth checking out

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.S. Mint has its own artists program for developing the design. Even after landing on the auto assembly line for the coin, Bieda said the image went through some revisions. For instance, an original drawing showed only one worker, but the assembly line is busy so Bieda had two more workers added to the scene. He worked with the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to identify any technical issues.

The coin is meant to be a collector's coin and can be purchased at a premium on the U.S. Mint's website. A 25-coin roll and 100-coin bag costs $36.25 and $123.50 respectively.

Coins for 28 states have already been released. Coins for the other states will be released through 2032 and then coins for Washington, D.C. and the territories will follow.

Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: New Michigan $1 coin celebrates the auto assembly line
DOLTON, Ill. (WGN)  The Village of Dolton has closed on the purchase of Pope Leo XIVs childhood home.

Officials said the village closed on the home, located at 212 East 141st Place, for $375,000. That price included all applicable realtor and auction fees. The village had previously been considering claiming the property through eminent domain, but reached the purchase price through negotiations with the homes current owner.

The owner bought the house for $66,000 last year, renovated the interior and previously asked for $199,000 for the home, all prior to Pope Leo XIVs election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pope Leo XIVs childhood home may soon belong to Dolton after trustees vote in favor of purchase

Village trustees previously announced plans to collaborate with the archdiocese to purchase the home, with the goal of transforming the dwelling into a historical site open to the public.

Additional improvements will take place before it opens to the general public for tours.

The village board previously approved the purchase on Tuesday, July 1, during a special board meeting.

WATCH: Pope Leo XIVs video message to Chicago

With this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we can either seize this moment and move it forward, or we can let that moment go to an investor. I would like our community to get the benefits of this opportunity, Dolton Mayor Jason House told WGN-TV at the board meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An auction of the home through private sale was scheduled to close on July 17.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Northern Irelands annual July bonfires, in which loyalists celebrate William of Oranges victory at the Boyne and the start of the Protestant ascendancy, have often courted political controversy.

In 2023, loyalists burnt a boat with a Union Flag to protest against the Irish Sea border; last year, it was a retired Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) police car that topped the pyre.

This years display in the village of Moygashel, Co Tyrone, has been the most eye-catching yet. Topping the stack of pallets were 12 non-white dummies wearing life jackets in a boat, with slogans calling to stop the boats and to put veterans before refugees. [W]e are expressing our disgust at the ongoing crisis that is illegal immigration, said the Moygashel Bonfire Association in a statement on social media, adding: We believe this unfettered invasion is the biggest threat to the UK since Hitler.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the group denied the display was intended to be racist, threatening or offensive, the stunt has received a barrage of condemnation, suggesting a gulf between grassroots concerns about immigration and the Northern Irish political establishment. A Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor labelled it overtly racist and threatening; a local Sinn Fein assembly member called it a vile and deplorable act and clearly a hate crime. Human rights activists and church officials have denounced it too, while even the DUP sniffed that such effigies were not part of the cultural tradition.

Public figures are of course free to decide whether theyre more concerned about controversial protests against illegal migration or the crisis itself. Whats worrying, however, is that the criminal law is now getting involved, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland investigating this hate incident.

When free speech rows like this break out, responses can often be given to hypocrisy. For some, whether one wants the book thrown at Kneecap, who have said kill your local MP; Bob Vylan, who led a chant at Glastonbury to kill the IDF; or Lucy Connolly, who tweeted about burning down asylum hotels for all I care, depends on their political taste. Those who have spent recent months defending Kneecap and labelling their performances as artistic expression are the same people criticising this act of political protest, notes one loyalist activist.

This is why people should be principled defenders of all of these kinds of speech, however justified or deplorable one thinks it is. Speech certainly shouldnt be a matter for the police simply because people are offended by it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

None of this would be a problem if Britain had speech protections like the American First Amendment. In the landmark Brandenburg vs Ohio (1969), the US Supreme Court found that even threats against politicians were protected speech provided such speech isnt directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action. Critics might view Thursdays bonfire as distasteful, but it is hard to see how this display would meet that test.

Unfortunately, in Britain, our threshold for criminal speech is significantly lower. This is thanks in particular to the nebulous stirring up racial hatred offence, which Connolly was charged with and which Bob Vylan might be, which does not require any imminent likelihood of lawlessness to count as criminal.

When this offence was first introduced 60 years ago, critics presciently argued that its provisions against hate would be so broad that it would effectively criminalise peoples opinions. Its hard to argue otherwise today.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
President Donald Trump has launched a fresh assault on global trading partners with Canada likely to be among the worst hit.

In a letter sent to its northern neighbor late on Thursday, Trump said the U.S. will impose a 35% tariff on the country at the start of next month.

More from Variety

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Canada is the second-largest U.S. trading partner after Mexico, and the largest buyer of U.S. exports.

According to the Financial Times, a U.S. government official said the tariffs on Canada would likely be waived for goods that complied with the terms of Trumps 2020 trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, but said no final decisions had been made. Such a move could blunt the impact of the higher tariff.

The Canadian dollar slid 0.6% against the U.S. dollar before recovering to trade 0.22% down.

In a statement on X, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded: Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump alleged in his letter that the flow of fentanyl from Canada was one reason for the tariff hike. If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter, Trump wrote.

Carney responded, Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America. We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries.

In late June, Carney scrapped a tax on big U.S. technology firms after Trump said it was a blatant attack and threatened to call off trade talks. The Canadian leader said the tax was dropped as part of a bigger negotiation on trade between the two countries.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump told NBC News that EU nations should expect a tariff announcement targeting the bloc today or tomorrow. Countries that had not received a letter from him would face tariffs of 15-20%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether its 20% or 15%. Well work that out now, Trump said.

Trumps reciprocal tariffs are currently set at 10%.

The U.S. administration revealed Thursday that Trump had recently sent letters to a further 23 countries threatening tariffs.

He plans tariffs of 30% on Algeria, 25% on Brunei, 30% on Iraq, 30% on Libya, 25% on Moldova, 20% on the Philippines, and 30% on Sri Lanka.

Brazil faces a 50% tariff, in part as a response to the trial of its former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Officers with the Downtown Memphis command center say that their new location is working to help fight crime.

A newly released video shows Memphis Police officers dodging bullets in a downtown shooting on the 4th of July.

That is Victor Peeler, as they are leaving the scene, he starts shooting at our officers, said an officer at the downtown command center.

That is just one of the several videos coming from the new downtown police command center that has helped police identify people involved. They hope it will lead to the suspect.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New MPD command center opens downtown

It turns out he is a prolific offender at Tillman Station, said the officer.

The command center said that they are producing enough information to help them make 11 felony and 10 misdemeanor arrests since April.

Photo courtesy of the Memphis Police Department

Christopher Criswell was seen driving downtown backwards on a one-way street, and now theres an active warrant out for his arrest.

MPD said this is not the first time he has been in trouble.

Back in 2003, I began arresting him for aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, auto theft. Cristopher Criswell is a prolific offender. He is a crime driver and he is also an armed career criminal, said the command center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Criswells lime-green SUV has been seized since.

Warrant issued for suspect after shots fired at MPD officers

Officers say identifying criminal suspects is easier because video quality is so clear its like watching a movie.

They are advocating for more high-tech camera access.

Obviously, we have hundreds of cameras in this area, but we still need more, and if we can get better participation from our business partners, that would be extremely huge, said the officer.

Memphis Police say while this crime-fighting command center has been effective, it does not replace having more personnel.

The department is looking for more recruits as its fight continues to make Memphis safer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
By Akbar Novruz



Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) and China's Xian Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd. (Xian Port) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in railway transit and digital logistics along the Middle Corridor.

The document, signed during an ADY delegation's business visit to China, includes the appointment of an ADY representative in Xian Port and the official opening of a new container yard at the port. This yard, with an annual handling capacity of 20,000 TEU, will serve as a key logistics hub for boosting cargo flows between Asia and Europe via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov, speaking at meetings with Xian Mayor Ye Niuping and port officials, underlined that deepening Azerbaijan-China cooperation in transport has become a requirement of the day, particularly following President Ilham Aliyevs state visit to China in April 2025. He highlighted the significance of the joint strategic declaration signed during that visit under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Rustamov emphasized that the newly signed MoU, the integration of an ADY representative into Xian Ports operational system, and the container yard's launch represent tangible progress in joint efforts. These are important steps toward expanding the capabilities of the Middle Corridor and attracting more cargo to this route, he stated.

He also shared detailed information on the Baku International Sea Port, which was recently incorporated under ADYs structure. This integration, Rustamov said, will enhance port-railway coordination and enable more efficient and complex logistics services.

Yuan Xiaojun, General Director of Xian Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd., expressed strong support for the establishment of an ADY presence in Xian. He noted that this will facilitate faster coordination and more effective transport operations between both sides.

Both parties approved a joint roadmap that includes organizing container trains, boosting capacity across the Caspian Sea and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and creating a digital cargo tracking and data exchange system.

The partnership builds on earlier successes: in March 2024, the first container train from Xian reached Baku in just 11 days via the Middle Corridor. In November 2024, Azerbaijan dispatched its first export train to Xian with 62 containers. Currently, two block trains operate monthly from Baku to Xian, enabling Azerbaijani exporters to access the Chinese market directly.

This latest agreement is expected to further institutionalize and enhance rail transit cooperation between Azerbaijan and China, positioning both countries as critical players in Eurasian connectivity and trade.
For more conservative dividend investors, Chevron is a solid choice in the energy sector. There will be ups and downs, but the dividend is highly reliable.

At the end of the first quarter of 2025, Chevron's debt-to-equity ratio was roughly 0.2 times. That's low for any company and is second-best among its closest peers. That gives management the leeway to take on debt during industry weak patches so it can continue to support its business and pay its dividend. When oil prices recover, as they always have historically, leverage is reduced in preparation for the next downturn.

That said, Chevron and TotalEnergies are not interchangeable. For example, Chevron has increased its dividend annually for 38 consecutive years. TotalEnergies hasn't managed anything near that level of dividend consistency (more on TotalEnergies' dividend below). Part of the reason for Chevron's dividend success is its focus on operating with a strong balance sheet.

Chevron and TotalEnergies basically have exposure to the entire value chain, from production to transportation, chemicals , and refining. Each segment of the industry operates a little differently, with the diversification across the sector helping to soften the fluctuations in energy prices. To be fair, commodity prices are still the driving force behind Chevron's and TotalEnergies' businesses and stock prices. But integrated energy companies tend to weather the swings better than pure-play drillers and chemical and refining companies.

The one thing every investor needs to understand about the energy sector right up front is that it is inherently volatile. Oil and natural gas are commodities, and their prices swing widely and quickly. That's why I prefer to invest in the energy sector via integrated energy stocks. Most conservative investors, and likely most income investors, should probably follow my lead.

Chevron (NYSE: CVX) is offering investors a 4.7% dividend yield today. TotalEnergies ' (NYSE: TTE) yield is even higher at 6.3%. That compares to an energy industry average of just 3.5%. But lofty yields are just one reason to like Chevron and TotalEnergies. Here are a few more that may prompt you to buy one or both of these energy industry giants right now.

TotalEnergies has a lofty yield and a business that is changing with the world around it.

The energy sector is volatile, but some companies are built to survive that volatility.

Story Continues

TotalEnergies is focused on change

That said, I own TotalEnergies. There are a couple of caveats here, though. First, U.S. investors must pay French taxes on the dividends collected, which reduces the actual income stream they'll receive. Second, TotalEnergies has a history of investing more aggressively. That includes investments in politically volatile countries and, right now, in the development of clean energy. Chevron has largely stuck to its energy core.

The clean energy investments being made are why I've chosen to own TotalEnergies. Essentially, the French energy giant is using its carbon fuel profits to invest in the energy transition that is shifting the world more and more toward electricity. This is going to be a decades-long shift, and an all-of-the-above approach is likely to be the final solution on the energy front. However, I like that TotalEnergies is working on an all-of-the-above strategy right now.

What really sets TotalEnergies apart, however, is that it has made this transition without cutting its dividend (it has actually been increasing it annually of late). European peers BP and Shell announced similar plans and used the business shift to justify dividend cuts. Then, they both walked back their clean energy plans. TotalEnergies has, if anything, sped up its investments in the space.

In other words, TotalEnergies is executing well in a changing world, which is exactly why I want to own it for the long term.

Energy prices have been weak

The interesting thing about both Chevron and TotalEnergies is that oil prices have been relatively weak of late. And that has put downward pressure on each company's shares, lifting their yields to fairly attractive levels. For more conservative dividend investors, Chevron is probably the better choice. But for investors like me who are willing to take on a little more risk to gain exposure to clean energy, TotalEnergies could be a good call right now, too.

Should you invest $1,000 in Chevron right now?

Before you buy stock in Chevron, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Chevron wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $687,764!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $980,723!*

Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,048%  a market-crushing outperformance compared to 179% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor.

See the 10 stocks 

*Stock Advisor returns as of July 7, 2025

Reuben Gregg Brewer has positions in TotalEnergies. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron. The Motley Fool recommends BP. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Here Are My Top 2 High-Yield Energy Stocks to Buy Now was originally published by The Motley Fool
July 10 (UPI) -- More than two dozen people were hospitalized Thursday morning following a mass overdose event in Baltimore, officials and authorities said.

The fire department responded to a report of an overdose at around 9:20 a.m. EDT in the area of Pennsylvania and North avenues in West Baltimore, but when they arrived they were approached by residents who directed them to additional people found unconscious, fire chief James Wallace told reporters during a press conference.

When Wallace spoke there were only 15 known victims, five of whom were considered in critical condition, and he said he expected that number to increase. As of Thursday night, there were 25 overdose patients had been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is a level-one mass casualty event," Wallace said.

Col. Kevin James, Baltimore Police deputy commissioner of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, said: "We're treating this as an active crime scene."

The drug involved is under investigation but the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition has suggested the overdose was caused by a "bad batch," urging residents to "test your substances," "acquire from your regular source" and "don't use alone and have Narcan easily accessible if you are using alone."

The Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore City Health Department were among the agencies that responded to the incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The site remains an active emergency response scene. BPD continues to investigate the scene and surrounding neighborhoods, focusing on the source of the overdose event," the mayor's office said in a statement.

The Baltimore City State's General Ivan Bates said he is willing to assist local law enforcement.

"Today's mass overdose event at Penn and North serves as a powerful reminder of our city's ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic," he said in a statement.

BPD & @BaltimoreFire are on scene at the intersection of Pennsylvania & North Avenues in reference to multiple individuals experiencing overdose symptoms. More information to follow as it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/dOkM7p8A4t Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) July 10, 2025

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 727,000 people in the United died from an opioid overdose between 1999 and 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There were roughly 82,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2022, and 83,140 in 2023, the CDC said. But opioid overdose deaths experienced a dramatic drop last year to 54,743.

In Baltimore, opioid overdose deaths experienced a high of 1,006 in 2021 and dropped to 895 in 2022 before going back up to 952 in 2023. Last year, there were 698 opioid overdose related deaths in the city, according to state data.
Russian authorities have reported that several Russian regions have been hit by a large-scale drone attack. Explosions have been heard in Kursk Oblast, the city of Tula in Tula Oblast, and Dubna, near Moscow, where the Kronshtadt drone manufacturing plant is located.

Source: Astra Telegram channel; Kursk Oblast Governor Alexander Khinshtein; Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin; Tula Oblast Governor Dmitry Milyayev; Lipetsk Oblast Governor Igor Artamonov; Taganrog Mayor Svetlana Kambulova; Russian Defence Ministry on Telegram

Details: According to Khinshtein, the drone attack began late in the evening of 10 July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Ukrainian UAVs attacked the Pselskoye LLC facility in the village of Maloye Soldatskoye in the Belaya district. A fire broke out in the production premises of the facility where machinery was located," he said, adding that no one was injured.

Khinshtein later reported that the settlement of Imeni Karla Libknekhta in the Kurchatov district had also been attacked.

"A strike on a facility has caused a fire to break out at a warehouse containing timber, covering an area of about 50 sq m. Fire crews are at the scene, working to extinguish the open flames, dousing the area and dismantling the structures. There are no casualties," Khinshtein reported.

At about 01:00, the Astra Telegram channel reported that flight restrictions had been introduced at Moscows Zhukovsky Airport.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Explosions had been heard in Dubna in Moscow Oblast. According to local residents, UAVs attacked the Kronshtadt drone manufacturing plant, which had previously been targeted in May 2025.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claimed that air defences had destroyed one drone that was heading towards Moscow.

"Emergency services are working at the site of the wreckage," he said.

Residents of Lukhovitsy, a town in Moscow Oblast, also reported a drone attack overnight. Astra noted that the P.A. Voronin Lukhovitsk Aviation Plant and a local oil depot are located near the reported scene of the attack. It remains unclear which facility was targeted.

      .      . ..    .   Telegram- Astra. :       pic.twitter.com/oqUTrNY0pt     (@ukrpravda_news) July 11, 2025

Residents of Tula also reported a large number of explosions. The Proletarsky district, where three of the largest defence industry facilities in the Russian Federation are based, was particularly affected. All of the facilities have been attacked before, in May and June 2025.

  ,   3     :     ,   ,       .   Telegram Astra. :      pic.twitter.com/Bnx5LxZ9ow     (@ukrpravda_news) July 11, 2025

After geolocating eyewitness videos, Astra concluded that the drones may have been targeting one of the following facilities: the Instrument Design Bureau, which develops precision-guided weapons; Splav Research and Production Association, which produces multiple-launch rocket systems; or Shcheglovsky Val, a major defence business which develops guided weapons for ground forces, air defence systems, and firearms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is no confirmed information on the consequences of the attacks.

The Instrument Design Bureau was previously attacked by UAVs on 18 and 20 June. On 18 June, an electrical substation, three product storage facilities and an office building were damaged. On 20 June, a drone hit a storage facility used for loading finished products, reportedly damaging its roof and walls. The facility suspended operations.

Drones attacked Shcheglovsky Val on 25 May, damaging the roof and windows of one of the plant's workshops.

Splav was attacked by drones on 7 and 22 May. During the second of the two strikes, an operating workshop was hit and an electrical substation caught fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tula Oblast Governor Dmitry Milyayev has confirmed the attack on Tula Oblast.

He claimed that 13 UAVs had been downed over the region and said one person had been killed and another injured.

Svetlana Kambulova, Mayor of Taganrog (Russias Rostov Oblast), reported that "the debris of a UAV fell on the territory of the PJSC Beriev Aircraft Company".

The Beriev Aircraft Company in Taganrog is an aircraft manufacturing plant specialising in the development, serial production, modernisation and repair of amphibious aircraft and special-purpose aircraft systems. The plant also carries out major repairs of aircraft belonging to the Russian Navy and the Long-Range Aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lipetsk Oblast Governor Igor Artamonov reported that a drone had "crash-landed" onto the grounds of an agricultural business in the Khlevnoye district, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished. One person was killed and another injured.

The Russian Defence Ministry has claimed that air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 155 Ukrainian drones.

Specifically, 53 drones were said to have been destroyed over Kursk Oblast, 19 over Bryansk Oblast, 15 over Smolensk Oblast, 14 over Belgorod Oblast, 13 over Tula Oblast, 11 over each of Oryol and Moscow oblasts, four over Lipetsk Oblast, two over each of Rostov and Kaluga oblasts, seven over temporarily occupied Crimea, and four over the Black Sea.

The defence ministry did not disclose the total number of drones involved in the attack, reporting only the number they claim were intercepted. No information on the consequences of the attack has been provided.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
What was the only Pierce County Bartell Drugs location to not appear on any official closure list is now among the drugstores set to shut down amid the Rite Aid bankruptcy.

The Bartell store, 5500 Olympic Drive in Gig Harbors Olympic Village Shopping Center, is among those set to close in the coming months, joining Tacoma locations earlier announced.

Bartell is a subsidiary of the Rite Aid chain.

Prescriptions at the drugstore will be transferred to the current Rite Aid at 4818 Point Fosdick Dr. That site is set to become a CVS Pharmacy. Given that remaining stores in the chain are set to convert to CVS, it was unclear which site would be retained, as they are only a few blocks from each other.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Amy Thibault, a media representative for CVS, told The News Tribune via email that Rite Aid is planning to acquire and operate the Rite Aid at 4818 Point Fosdick Drive NW in Gig Harbor.

According to the plans, the Rite Aid will close Aug. 11 and reopen as CVS Pharmacy the next day.

Were also planning to acquire the prescription files of the 5500 Olympic Drive Bartell Drugs store in Gig Harbor. The Bartell Drugs pharmacy will close on Sept. 1 and the files will be transferred to the Point Fosdick Drive NW store, which will be a CVS Pharmacy at that time, she wrote.

She added, Patients dont have to do anything; the prescription file transfer to CVS Pharmacy will be seamless as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The News Tribune has previously reported on the growing list of closures, with the most recent involving three Puyallup stores, with the fourth set to convert to CVS.

Bartell Drugs, founded in 1890 in Seattle, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rite Aid in late 2020, with stores in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

Rite Aid filed for its second round of bankruptcy in two years in May of this year. CVS is set to take over remaining Rite Aid/Bartell locations in Washington, Idaho and Oregon along with acquiring prescriptions from about 625 Rite Aid locations across 15 states.

As Bartell plans its exit from the shopping center, another brand is making its way to the site. The News Tribune reported in June that Bath & Body Works will open its first Gig Harbor location at the center this fall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wok on Fire Asian BBQ recently reopened as a Thai restaurant under new ownership at the center.

Other tenants include Ulta Beauty, Ross Dress For Less and Cutters Point Coffees flagship store. Recent lease marketing for the center noted that it was a high-volume drugstore anchored center.
Duluth health care worker strike expands, Essentia temporarily closes 4 clinics originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Nearly 300 nurses and health care workers at six Duluth-area Essentia Health facilities began an Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike on Tuesday. On Thursday, they were joined by Advanced Practice Providers (APP) who work with Essentia.

The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) says that the addition of APP workers escalates "pressure on Essentia to stop violating federal labor law and begin bargaining in good faith."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The union now has picket lines in Duluth and Superior, as well as in Virginia, Minn., where Rep. Angie Craig joined the APP picket on Thursday.

Picketing in Duluth on July 9, 2025.Credit: Angie Craig, Facebook

"Despite a clear ruling from the National Labor Relations Baord (NLRB) that Essentia should begin bargaining with the APPs' union, Essentia has continued to defy that order  refusing to meet, refusing to negotiate, and contiuing to make unilateral changes to working conditions without bargaining," the MNA alleges in an announcement, which characterizes the health care company's strategy as "delay, denial, and dysfunction."

With many APPs going on strike, Essentia has temporarily suspended service at these four facilities:

Essentia Health St. Joseph's-Deerwood Clinic

Essentia Health St. Joseph's-Emily Clinic

Essentia Health-Hackensack Clinic

Essentia Health Urgent Care-Staples

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It adds that "the vast majority of the 69 facilities named in the MNA's initial strike notice will continue serving patients."

The company says it is "exercising its legal right" and, as the MNA references above, requesting the NLRB review whether the proposed unit of APPs should be allowed to proceed. This will be the first contract for APPs in the area, which have separately unionized over the last 18 months.

Yesterday, APPs across our region demonstrated professionalism and a deep commitment to their patients by coming together as a community and continuing to provide care, Dr. Krista Skorupa, Essentias East Market president, said in a statement on Friday. Essentia has a legal right  and an obligation to our patients  to ensure the legal review process plays out and that this proposed unit is fully vetted. A strike will not speed up that legal review process or change our commitment to advocating for our patients.

The MNA had been negotiating with health care companies in both the Twin Cities and across the Duluth area, but workers in the Twin Cities, Aspirus St. Luke's, and select Essentia facilities in Duluth reached a tentative agreement last week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, nurses at St. Luke's and Children's Hospitals in Minneapolis and St. Paul voted to ratify the new contracts.

Separately, health care workers at HealthPartners Clinic Stillwater began a four-day strike on Tuesday, with more than 80 workers picketing the Stillwater facility.

Related: Science Museum of Minnesota lays off 13% of staff amid funding reductions, declining attendance

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Better late than never.

Two wrongly accused men were exonerated Thursday in a brutal 1994 murder in Harlem  after they both served decades behind bars.

Charles Collins, 49, and Brian Boles, 48, embraced their attorneys when a Manhattan judge vacated their convictions.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced his office joined in motions to vacate the convictions of Charles Collins (left), 49, and Brian Boles (ight), 48, for the murder of 85-year-old James Reid in 1994. Steven Hirsch

Im really happy, Boles said outside the courtroom.

The emotional scene came after The Innocence Project and Manhattan district attorneys investigators found DNA evidence that cast doubt on whether Boles and Collins murdered 85-year-old James Reid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reid was found dead in his Harlem apartment, beaten and strangled.

Boles and Collins, who were both 17 at the time, fell under suspicion after they robbed a friend roughly a week later.

Cops first questioned Boles about the robbery, but then quizzed him over Reids murder  and wrongly said Collins implicated him in the ghastly crime.

Officials found that other evidence that potentially would have cleared them was never presented. Steven Hirsch

Boles eventually confessed, which in turn prompted Collins to do the same.

The pressures of interrogation  including many outright lies  faced by the two young men needed to be understood, said Jane Pucher, an attorney who represented Boles for The Innocence Project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When youre being lied to, when youre 17 years old, interrogated for two days straight, threatened without sleep, and then given a narrative to repeat back and told, Youre not gonna go home unless you do this, theres every pressure in the world for people to confess, she said.

There have been countless false confession cases nationally and in New York itself, especially when you have vulnerable defendants like Mr. Boles and Mr. Collins.

Boles was 17 years old when he was convicted by a jury and served nearly 30 years in state prison before he was paroled in 2024. Steven Hirsch

Boles received a 25 years-to-life sentence after he was convicted at trial on murder charges. Collins afterward pleaded guilty and received a 20 years-to-life sentence.

After serving nearly 30 years, Boles was paroled in 2024. Collins served almost 22 years before his own parole in 2017.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Their road to exoneration came after Innocence Project and DA investigators tested DNA found on Reids fingernails.

Collins also was 17 years old when he pleaded guilty and served nearly 22 years in state prison before he was paroled in 2017. Steven Hirsch

The test detected DNA that didnt belong to Boles and Collins  and officials found that other evidence that potentially would have cleared them was never presented.

The pair admitted that they committed the unrelated robbery.

They have served their full sentences and have since returned to the community and their loved ones, said Assistant District Attorney Terri Rosenblatt. Therefore, in the interest of justice, we ask that those counts be dismissed. And we also ask for dismissal for the remaining counts related to the homicide in the interest of justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Judge Ruth Pickholz granted the dismissal, prompting applause in the courtroom

We cannot undo the past, but I hope both Mr. Collins and Mr. Bowles can find meaning and some comfort in what occurred today, said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
DuPont agrees to $27M settlement in Hoosick Falls water contamination lawsuit

HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10)  The village of Hoosick Falls is nearing a final victory against the companies that were accused of contaminating its water supply: DuPont has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for $27 million.

In 2016, a chemical called PFOA, which had been used in the making of Teflon at a fabric-coating plant in Hoosick Falls, was discovered in the villages water supply.

PFOA is one of thousands of substances that are known as forever chemicals because they persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years instead of breaking down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Exposure to these chemicals, also called PFAS, has been linked to cancer and other health issues. PFOA in particular has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, as well as conditions including ulcerative colitis and thyroid disease.

The lawsuit was filed against four companies: 3M, Saint-Gobain, Honeywell and DuPont.

3M, Saint-Gobain and Honeywell settled in 2021 for $65 million.

The settlement with DuPont is still awaiting final approval, but if it goes through, it will bring the total amount recovered in the lawsuit to $92 million.

To other communities out there experiencing PFAS contamination, no matter how small, it IS possible that David can beat Goliath on occasion, local activist Loreen Hackett told The Hill in an email. With the horrors Hoosick Falls has had to deal with in the past decade, I hope that our entire community rising up with grit and persistence, arduous as it has been on so many, is proof positive of that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DuPont declined The Hills request for comment.

PFAS are commonly used in a wide range of nonstick, waterproof and stain resistant items including pans, dental floss, makeup, furniture and clothing.

They have also become pervasive in U.S. waterways, tap water and human beings  and are estimated to be in the bloodstream of at least 97 percent of Americans.

While virtually every American has been exposed to these chemicals, communities such as Hoosick Falls near factories or other areas where they are made or used in large quantities have seen outsized impacts from exposure.

Rachel Frazin contributed to this post, which was updated at 5:19 p.m. EDT

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In his July 10, 2025, commentary, "Calling On The Eagle Forum To Add to Its Legacy of Liberty," RealClearMarkets Editor John Tamny seeks Eagle Forums support of a constitutional convention (aka Con-Con) with the goal of pushing Congress to support term limits for the federal legislature. However well-intentioned his call for our support of a Con-Con is, Phyllis Schlafly clearly outlined the threats inherent in using such a convention to amend the Constitution.

Mr. Tamny rightly acknowledges Phylliss role in bringing "the ideas of limited government into the mainstream of Americas national conversation" and planting the seeds of the Reagan Revolution. But her fealty was not simply to smaller government but to "the miracle of our great United States Constitution," as she put it.

That is why we at Eagle Forum will carry on her legacy by following her admonition to never "allow our great Constitution to be jeopardized by calling a national Convention at a time when so many special-interest groups want to rewrite it in different ways," despite Mr. Tamnys suggestion that we do just that in furtherance of term limits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But that would be the equivalent of burning down the forest to save the trees. And we know those who play with fire get burned. Phyllis cautioned the nation in 1996, saying, "State Legislatures cannot put out the fire once ignited, cannot control its spread, and cannot control the winds that will fan this fire in ways we cannot now foresee."

Though voters today are frustrated with Congress and have disdain for career politicians, this is not new. Term limits for Congress have been a popular fix for the problem of unresponsive legislators for decades. Even so, Congress has failed to pass a term limits constitutional amendment despite its consistent support. Frustration over their refusal caused the term limits movement to alter its approach back in 1995 to instead have state legislatures call for a constitutional convention to force Congresss hand.

Phyllis Schlafly was the first to call this new strategy a "wrong turn" by the term limits folks. And we still believe that today. Mr. Tamny is correct to note that our "lack of support" for a convention for proposing amendments (as it is referred to in Article V of the Constitution) "isnt so much rooted in opposition to term limits as it is rooted in a fear of ... a runaway convention." Yes, we do fear losing our carefully crafted Constitution. Even James Madison shared our concern. He wrote, "Having witnessed the difficulties and dangers experienced by the first Convention, which assembled under every propitious circumstance, I should tremble for the result of a second."

Phyllis wrote eloquently and consistently from 1986 until her death in 2016 about the threats to our beautiful Constitution from a constitutional convention, Con-Con, Article V Convention, and/or Convention of States. Its backers changed the name each time she succeeded in exposing its dangers. Her decades of opposition to the concept can be found here on Eagle Forums website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her reasons are just as relevant, if not more so, today: such a conclave, for which there is no precedent and therefore no governing rules "would throw confusion, uncertainty, and court cases around our governmental process by opening up our entire Constitution to be picked apart by special-interest groups that want various changes. It would make America look foolish in the eyes of the world, unsettle our financial markets, and force all of us to re-fight the same battles that the Founding Fathers so brilliantly won in the Constitutional Convention of 1787."

Phyllis further noted, "Nobody can predict what the rules or the agenda of a new Constitutional Convention would be." Mr. Tamny seems to agree with this by stating that we shouldnt be worried because a convention "will never happen - and doesnt need to." The entire Article V Convention of States movement, he tacitly admits, is nothing more than a multi-million dollar "fake." Their goal is not to assemble a meeting of delegates from all 50 States, but only to threaten to do so. The real power, he says, "is in the pressure - not the convention itself."

But what good is a strategy if youve already told your opponent you dont mean it? Is there integrity in spending thousands of hours and millions of dollars to lobby state legislatures to pass resolutions that are only for show? Would not the money being poured into these efforts by anonymous donors be better spent on amending our Constitution in the way that has been successful 27 other times before?

We appreciate Mr. Tamnys kind words recognizing that our Eagles "have done so much for so long in the cause of liberty" and that our principled perspective is held in high regard by conservative state legislatures. This is precisely why we will follow Phylliss wise warning to "reject all proposals for a Constitutional Convention, no matter how worthy the issue." We will not burn down her legacy of liberty for a smoke and mirrors strategy.

Kristen Ullman is the president of Eagle Forum.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  East Baton Rouge Parish residents are encouraged to give feedback on housing and community development plans.

The mayor-presidents office said the Draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan outline key priorities and planned investments for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs. The money aims to go to initiatives and services for low- to moderate-income households.

Heres a look at proposed funding for federal programs:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): $3,313,007

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME): $1,268,060

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): $291,476

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA): $2,254,865

Mortgage program breaks barriers for Louisiana families

How to give feedback

Residents can request a copy or send comments by emailing ocd@brla.gov, calling 225-389-3039 or visiting 222 St. Louis Street, 7th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.

The comment period opened Friday, July 11, and closes at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11.

Latest News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  An interesting battle with Connecticut connection took place on ABCs Celebrity Family Feud on Thursday night.

Dan Patrick, host of The Dan Patrick Show, and his producers took on Rich Eisen and his producers.

Bear spotted blocks away from State Capitol in Hartford

Marvin Prince, a UConn alum from East Hartford, is one of The Dan Patrick Shows producers and competed with the other producers as part of the family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A watch party for this episode was held at Dockside Brewery in Milford.

Prince and the Patrick team beat the Eisen team.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  East Texas lawmakers held a town hall meeting on Thursday to answer voters questions about the latest legislative session.

The Cut historical marker in Tyler damaged by driver

State Senator Bryan Hughes and State Representative Daniel Alders gave a recap of the progress they made down in Austin. They covered hot topics like the addition of the 10 commandments in the classroom, protection against election fraud, and the tragic Hill County flooding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres no doubt that the responsibility of the state government is to primarily ensure that Texans are safe, and so we need to make sure that our communities have the communication systems in place, Alders said.

Attendees also heard from the other side of the aisle when members of the political group, Smith County Young Democrats, questioned both lawmakers about Senate Bill 31 and infant and maternal mortality rates in Texas.

We want answers as to why we are continuing to legislate health care instead of letting doctors do their jobs, that conversation should be between a family and a doctor, not our legislators, not our governor, not the us government, Smith County Young Democrats member, Kristen Hardin-Zigler said.

Thousands pay tribute to Pastor Dr. David Dykes at memorial service

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The group also asked about the addition of the Ten Commandments to all classrooms in the state.

The ten commandments are the foundation of civil law, moral law in Western civilization, Hughes said. Thats gods message to us, but even folks who dont know that or dont believe that the ten commandments matter, how can you argue with students being shown in the classroom? Dont lie, dont steal, dont kill.

Both Alders and Hughes also took time going over the agenda items listed for the upcoming special session, which takes a major focus on the catastrophic flooding in the Hill Country.

We have to make sure that were getting people warned in a timely way, that may mean maybe more sirens, it may mean placing them in different places, maybe another technology, Hughes said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Texas nonprofit providing comfort to Kerr County families following devastating floods

At the end of the night, both lawmakers said they are most proud of Senate Bill 31 this session and are eager to get back to work later this month.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT) is one of the best manufacturing stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On June 30, Trane, which is a brand of Trane Technologies, announced the implementation of the first Dynamic Closed Loop/DCL geothermal system in the US.

This innovative system was installed at North Shore School District 112, which is located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, marking a step towards sustainable and efficient energy solutions for K-12 educational institutions. The North Shore School District 112 faces aging infrastructure and committed to environmental stewardship, and therefore partnered with Trane to explore geothermal energy.

Trane Technologies Debuts First US Dynamic Closed Loop Geothermal System in Chicago School District

A worker inspecting a newly installed heating unit in a modern home.

DCL technology uses the superior heat transfer properties of flowing water, which requires less physical space, making it ideal for suburban school settings. This space-saving minimizes environmental disruption as well.

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT) designs, manufactures, sells, and services solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and custom & transport refrigeration.

While we acknowledge the potential of TT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  Governor Maura Healey has appointed Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle to be the new commissioner of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Healey admin names Easthampton mayor to lead DCR

LaChapelle will be stepping down from her position as Easthampton Mayor by midnight on Tuesday. In her new role as a DCR commissioner, she plans to use her experience as mayor to focus on the needs of communities across the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She will be responsible for overseeing the management and protection of the states parks, beaches, forests, and public spaces. One of LaChapelles future goals for DCR includes increasing access to parks and green spaces. Making sure that those gates to those parks, to those centers, are open for everyone, no matter where you live in Massachusetts. I want to help people get there, said LaChapelle.

She hopes to ensure that all visitors, regardless of their language or background, feel welcome and valued through both indoor and outdoor properties. Her other hope is to improve park infrastructure and continue the expansion of bike trails and indoor facilities.

And as she transitions into this new role, the position for Easthampton mayor is yet to be filled and selected by the city council.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
University of Michigan economics professor Justin Wolfers offered a tongue-in-cheek take on Donald Trumps revived tariff agenda on Thursday when he came up with a new acronym to sum up what he fears could be right around the corner.

Appearing on MSNBCs Deadline: White House, Wolfers sarcastically mocked Trumps failure to deliver the trade deals he promised after imposing so-called Liberation Day tariffs on imports from around the world.

I just think youre being too harsh on this bloke, Wolfers told host Nicolle Wallace. I was a 17-year-old boy once, and prom was coming up, and I told all my mates that the phone was ringing off the hook. But in reality, he said, I was huddled all alone in my room next to the phone hoping it would eventually ring.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There might be some parallels with Trumps situation right now, Wolfers suggested.

Trumps administration had promised 90 deals in 90 days, Wolfers said. We got two frameworks and an extension out to 114 days.

People dont seem so worried right now, he continued, saying people are betting on Trump backing away from his tariffs policy, which has been mockingly described in recent weeks by the acronym TACO, for Trump Always Chickens Out.

I worry instead that its the opposite. This is a bloke who loves tariffs and he got talked out of it last time, said Wolfers, who warned that, just like his teenage self eventually asked someone to prom, Trump may now have the courage of his convictions to go through with his threats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That, said Wolfers, could be summed up in a new acronym: TACQUITO  Trumps Aggressive Commerce Quest (will) Unleash Intense Tariff Orders.

Related...
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  Ecuadors parliament has approved a new law on protected areas that has drawn sharp criticism from Indigenous groups, legal experts and environmental advocates who say it threatens Indigenous land rights and violates both national and international protections.

The law, which passed on Thursday in the 151-seat National Assembly with 80-23 votes in favor, with the remaining lawmakers absent during the vote, allows private entities, including foreign companies, to participate in managing conservation zones.

Government officials have defended the measure, arguing that it will strengthen oversight of protected lands, help improve park security, promote ecotourism and combat illegal mining without allowing extractive activity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Critics say it could lead to displacement, increased resource extraction and the rollback of hard-won environmental and Indigenous protections enshrined in Ecuadors 2008 Constitution.

This is constitutional vandalism, said Oscar Soria, co-CEO of the international policy group The Common Initiative. Ecuador has shattered its international credibility and invited isolation from the global community.

Opponents also say the law violates at least 15 international agreements  including the ILO Convention 169, the Escazu Agreement, and the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples  and that the lawmakers failed to consult with affected communities as required by law.

The legislators of Ecuador reopened a historic wound, said Justino Piaguaje, leader of the Siekopai peoples and head of the NASIEPAI Indigenous organization.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Piaguaje slammed the law as dangerous and unconstitutional" and said it not only reinforces systemic violations of Indigenous rights but actively perpetuates a legacy of dispossession and violence that stretches back to the colonial era.

"It threatens our survival and desecrates the dignity of the Ecuadorian people, he said.

Valentina Centeno, president of the parliaments Economic Development Commission, insisted the law does not open the door to extractive industries  and that here is a provision that explicitly prohibits them.

She asked for an applause in the National Assembly after the law was passed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, Indigenous leaders say the process lacked transparency and bypassed meaningful dialogue with their communities. Legal challenges are already underway, with Indigenous organizations vowing to take the case to Ecuadors Constitutional Court and international forums.

The law was passed under an economic urgency designation linked to a national internal conflict declaration, a move that accelerated debate and limited legislative scrutiny.

___

Follow Steven Grattan on Instagram: @steven.grattan

___

The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
QUITO (Reuters) -Ecuadorean gang leader Jose Adolfo Macias, known as "Fito," on Friday accepted a court's request to be extradited to the United States to face drug and gun charges.

Macias, who escaped from prison in January 2024, was recaptured in late June by security forces in the coastal city of Manta and transferred to a maximum-security prison.

"Yes, I accept, your honor," he told the judge presiding over the case, appearing at the hearing virtually.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Macias accepting the extradition request will speed up the process, now moving on to the presidency for confirmation before authorities can coordinate with their U.S. counterparts to negotiate the handover.

Rejecting the extradition request would have kicked off a potentially months-long process before the head of the National Court of Justice ruled whether or not to hand him over.

In Ecuador, Macias was serving a 34-year sentence for various crimes, including drug trafficking, organized crime and murder.

Macias will face seven charges, including for drug and arms trafficking, in a U.S. federal court in Brooklyn, New York. These charges were announced months before his recapture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.S. Department of Justice has stated that under Macias' direction, gang Los Choneros committed violent acts against law enforcement, Ecuadorean politicians, lawyers, prosecutors and civilians.

Ecuadorean authorities have accused the criminal group of extortion, murder and drug trafficking, and allege it exercises vast control over Ecuador's prisons, which are plagued by crime and overcrowding.

The Ecuadorean government had offered a $1 million reward for information leading to his capture. Authorities have also arrested Macias' relatives and seized several of his assets throughout the Andean nation.

The extradition of Ecuadoreans was approved in a referendum called by President Daniel Noboa in April 2024.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle)
Ecuador's most notorious drug lord has agreed to be extradited to the United States to face cocaine and weapons smuggling charges, a court in Quito said Friday.

Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito," was captured in June after escaping from a maximum security prison last year in a jailbreak that sparked a severe wave of gang violence.

Macias, head of the "Los Choneros" gang, is wanted in the United States on charges of cocaine distribution, conspiracy and firearms-related crimes, including weapons smuggling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The former taxi driver turned crime boss became the prime target of Ecuadoran law enforcement early last year after escaping from prison in the southwestern port of Guayaquil.

President Daniel Noboa's government at the time released "wanted" posters and offered $1 million for information leading to Macias's capture.

In a country plagued by drug-related crime, Los Choneros members responded with violence -- using car bombs, holding prison guards hostage and taking over a television station during a live broadcast.

After months of pursuit, Fito was recaptured last month in a massive military and police operation in which no shots were fired.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was found hiding in a bunker concealed under floor tiles in a luxury home in the fishing port of Manta.

Fito, dressed in an orange prison uniform, took part in a court hearing Friday by video from a prison in Guayaquil.

In response to a judge's question, he replied, "Yes, I accept (extradition)."

Given his consent, the court said in a statement "the pertinent procedure for the transfer process" will now follow, with Noboa having to sign the official handover papers.

This would make Macias the first Ecuadoran extradited by his country since the measure was written into law last year after a referendum in which Noboa sought the approval of measures to boost his war on criminal gangs.

pld/dw/mlr/acb
Ecuador's most notorious drug lord has agreed to be extradited to the United States to face cocaine and weapons smuggling charges, a court in Quito said Friday.

Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito," was captured in June after escaping from a maximum security prison last year in a jailbreak that sparked a severe wave of gang violence.

Macias, head of the "Los Choneros" gang, is wanted in the United States on charges of cocaine distribution, conspiracy and firearms-related crimes, including weapons smuggling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The former taxi driver turned crime boss became the prime target of Ecuadoran law enforcement early last year after escaping from prison in the southwestern port of Guayaquil.

He had been serving a 34-year sentence since 2011 for involvement in organized crime, drug trafficking and murder.

President Daniel Noboa's government at the time released "wanted" posters and offered $1 million for information leading to Macias's recapture.

In a country plagued by drug-related crime, Los Choneros members responded with violence -- using car bombs, holding prison guards hostage and storming a television station during a live broadcast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After months of pursuit, Macias was recaptured last month in a massive military and police operation in which no shots were fired.

He was found hiding in a bunker concealed under floor tiles in a luxury home in the fishing port of Manta, and Noboa declared he would be extradited "the sooner the better."

"We will gladly send him and let him answer to the North American law," Noboa told CNN at the time.

- Fighting cocks and mariachi bands -

Macias, dressed in an orange prison uniform, took part in a court hearing Friday by video link from a high-security prison in Guayaquil.

In response to a judge's question, he replied, "Yes, I accept (extradition)."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Given his consent, the court said in a statement "the pertinent procedure for the transfer process" will now follow, with Noboa having to sign the official handover papers.

This would make Macias the first Ecuadoran extradited by his country since the measure was written into law last year after a referendum in which Noboa sought the approval of measures to boost his war on criminal gangs.

Ecuador, once a peaceful haven between the world's two top cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru, has seen violence erupt in recent years as enemy gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control.

Gang wars have largely played out inside the country's prisons, where Macias wielded immense control.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was the unofficial boss of his Guayaquil prison, where authorities found images glorifying the gangster, weapons and US dollars.

Videos of parties he held in the prison showed the use of fireworks and a mariachi band. In one clip, he appeared waving, laughing and petting a fighting rooster.

Macias earned his law degree behind bars.

By the time he escaped, he was considered a suspect in the assassination of presidential candidate and anti-corruption crusader Fernando Villavicencio in 2023.

Soon after Macias's prison break, Noboa declared Ecuador to be in a state of "internal armed conflict" and ordered the military and tanks into the streets to "neutralize" the gangs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Los Choneros has ties to Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, Colombia's Gulf Clan -- the world's largest cocaine exporter -- and Balkan mafias, according to the Ecuadorian Organized Crime Observatory.

More than 70 percent of all cocaine produced in the world now passes through Ecuador's ports, according to government data.

In 2024, the country seized a record 294 tons of drugs, mainly cocaine.

pld/dw/mlr/
Misinformation continues to spread online months after an unexpected truce ended intense fighting between nuclear-armed rivals Pakistan and India in May . False posts claiming India's external affairs minister admitted Pakistan shot down three New Delhi fighter jets share manipulated footage.

"Big news! Jaishankar admits that Pakistan launched a massive attack on India and also downed 3 Rafales," reads a July 3, 2025 X post, sharing a clip of India's external minister S. Jaishankar.

"You know the Pakistanis did attack us massively that night. We had already lost three Rafales to Pakistan two days ago so it was very unfair of them to attack but they did it anyway," he appears to say in the 11-second clip.

A surprise ceasefire on May 10 brought a halt to four days of deadly jet fighter, missile, drone and artillery attacks between the South Asian arch-foes (archived link).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pakistan has said it had downed five Indian warplanes -- including three French Rafale fighter jets -- although New Delhi has not confirmed any losses.

The fighting was touched off by an attack on April 22 in the Indian-administered side of Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, mostly Hindu men, which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan denies any involvement and has called for an independent probe.

Screenshot of false X post taken July 7, 2025, with a red X added by AFP

Similar posts also surfaced on Threads, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

But a reverse image search of keyframes found the original video of Jaishankar posted on YouTube by the American magazine Newsweek on July 1, 2025 (archived link).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the nearly 50-minute interview with Newsweek CEO Dev Pragad, Jaishankar spoke about a range of topics including the recent conflict with Pakistan, India's global future and the country's relations with the United States.

Nowhere in the discussion does he make the supposed remarks about downed Indian jets.

The manipulated video corresponds to the 42:11 to 43:22 mark of the original footage where Jaishankar was responding to a question the role the United States played in resolving the conflict.

"I mean it's been a national consensus that our dealings with Pakistan are bilateral," he says in part.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

US President Donald Trump had said New Delhi and Islamabad had agreed to the ceasefire after "a long night of talks mediated by the United States".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Trump that the ceasefire was worked out directly between the arch-rivals, a top Indian diplomat said (archived link).

Screenshot comparison of the false post (L) and the original Newsweek video

India's Ministry of External Affairs also dismissed the posts in a statement on X on July 4 (archived link).

"A video is being circulated of EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar claiming that Pakistan launched a massive attack on India. FACT: This is a FAKE video. It is an AI generated video," the post reads.

AFP has debunked more misinformation around the India-Pakistan conflict here.
For Floridas leaders, a few controversies stand as bright-line tests: There is a wrong side and a right side, with little gray in between. The fate of the Ocklawaha River, strangled for six decades by an ill-conceived dam just north of the Ocala National Forest, is one of those issues. And once again, Gov. Ron DeSantis and a misguided minority of Florida lawmakers are on the wrong side.

DeSantis recent veto of $6.25 million to begin the restoration of the river constitutes a dangerous gamble. The George Kirkpatrick Dam, named after the late state senator who was its fiercest defender, is in perilously poor repair  to the point of endangering lives if it fails. On an environmental, economic and political level, its becoming increasingly clear that the dam needs to go. What was DeSantis hoping to accomplish by delaying this project nearly a year? And what is the Legislature prepared to do about it?

Environmental vandalism

The Ocklawaha River rambles more than 200 miles, from the north shore of Lake Apopka to the St. Johns River and thus to the sea. But it was mangled in the mid-1960s, through one of the worst environmental travesties Florida has ever seen. In this state, thats saying something.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Cross Florida Barge Canal, as designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was something Florida and national leaders long aspired to. It was intended to carve a shortcut canal across the state, allowing boat traffic to travel from the east coast to the Gulf of Mexico without going around the Florida Keys. The decision to dam the Ocklawaha at the northern tip of the Ocala National Forest is one of the few desecrations that made it into reality before President Richard Nixon shut the project down for good.

The dam created a new artificial lake that spanned Marion and Putnam counties, covering more than 9,500 acres. Dubbed the Rodman Reservoir, it quickly became a favored spot for sportfishers and boaters, ranking high on the list of bass-fishing spots. The creation of the reservoir also spawned a lot of new waterfront property.

But 20 free-flowing springs disappeared beneath the waters of the reservoir. By restricting the flow of fresh water, the dam contributed to an increased intrusion of saltwater in the St. Johns River. Environmentalists say it also significantly curbed the growth of eelgrass and other vegetation that provides spawning beds for fish  and meals for Floridas beloved manatees.

On an environmental level, there can be no doubt: Restoring the Ocklawaha River to its natural course would significantly improve water quality, boost fish and wildlife diversity and help protect Northeast Floridas supply of fresh drinking water. That was the easy conclusion of a study group funded by the Pew Charitable Trust, which released its report in April during the Legislatures annual session.

Dollars and sense

But the report still managed to surprise many. The group  which included many former state scientists who had extensive experience with the reservoir and dam controversy  concluded that breaching the dam would quickly show an economic return as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That torpedoes one of the main arguments of the dams defenders, who insist that restoring the rivers flow would wreak significant havoc on businesses that depend on fishing-related tourism. The report acknowledged that in the short term, there would be a drop in tourism  and the state would have to cover close to $100 million in restoration costs. They even counted the lost property value for 16 owners who now have reservoir waterfront.

That should be counterbalanced, the study argued, by the value of the jobs that would be created for the restoration effort. Post-restoration, the river would still support a thriving  probably even more varied  fishery all the way up to the Lower St. Johns River basin, along with increased opportunities for eco-tourism. The re-emergence of more than a dozen springs would create more recreational opportunities.

It would take about five years to catch up to the money spent on restoration, or lost due to the reservoirs demise, the report estimates. Within 10 years, the economic return from the restoration would likely exceed the current benefit of the reservoir by as much as double.

People who want to keep the dam and reservoir dispute these numbers as too optimistic. But even if the restoration just breaks even, that should be enough, given the environmental benefits.

High-hazard delay

Theres one more compelling reason to move forward with the restoration: The Kirkpatrick Dam is in sorry shape, with an estimated $4 million backlog of deferred maintenance and repairs. A 2021 inspection of the dams structural integrity found multiple problems, including corroded underwater hardware, leaking seals and cracking concrete. Parts of the structure are no longer supported by sand thats eroded away, and the spillway is clogged with heavy woody debris.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If the dam were to fail, the 2021 report concluded, the resulting surge of water would damage millions of dollars worth of property  and potentially endanger human lives if the area flooded without warning. That report found no imminent danger of the dam failing. But the engineers who prepared it noted that much of its structure could not be inspected. As a result, the Kirkpatrick Dams status was elevated to high hazard on a national catalog of significant dams.

That reality probably inspired the Legislature to finally appropriate money for the Ocklawaha restoration. It wasnt as fast as many hoped: Instead of $15 million that the Senate originally wanted, lawmakers set aside $6.25 million. And it spread the restoration over 10 years, rather than four as originally planned. But the intent was clear: It was time to avoid the hazards that the 2021 failure analysis detailed, and reach for the economic and environmental benefits outlined in the 2025 report.

Did DeSantis not see either of these reports? How will he justify his decision if the dam does fail and lives are lost?

Almost certainly, lawmakers are going through DeSantis long list of budget vetoes looking for likely candidates to override. This project should be among those considered: The Kirkpatrick Dam wont be getting any safer, particularly if it is repeatedly pounded by storms. The sooner the rivers natural flow is restored, the better.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those who scoff at the projects chances of success should take a look at another, even bigger restoration project. The Kissimmee River  once trashed by another foolhardy canal project that helped destroy thousands of acres of wetlands and dumped heavy loads of pollutants into Lake Okeechobee  is almost back to its full, twisting glory.

Looking at the victory of the Kissimmee, we have to wonder: Why wouldnt DeSantis want to claim a similar environmental win for himself? He didnt, and so the credit for this project is up for grabs. We hope lawmakers have the sense to seize the moment.

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Executive Editor Roger Simmons and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@orlandosentinel.com
The Charleston Basin Flood Action Committee held their 3rd meeting today to discuss ways to keep residents safe amidst hurricane season

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  During the summer months and hurricane season, the lowcountry name speaks for itself. Its low-lying coastal location makes it a main flood zone, leaving families constantly worrying.

City leaders met today to discuss what safety measures they are implementing for Charleston residents to stay safe. The Charleston Basin Flood Committee, established in October 2024, features representatives from areas of the city including, James Island, West Ashley, Johns Island, Daniel Island, and the Peninsula.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

City of Charleston Director of Resilience, Kaylan Koszela, says This committee is a 2 way street for communication between experts and residents. Koszela carried on to say its needed, as the data the city utilizes, helps drive where the BFAP will put resources, build projects, and maintenance efforts as well.

Representatives from each of the area of the city like water management, construction, and conservation have come together to create an actionable plan. Addressing flooding on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis. The collection of data from these areas is used to highlight which areas are flood-prone, and where roads typically close during heavy rain.

MUSC employee and Charleston resident, Jordan Gertz explained she feels that anytime it rains, it floods especially in downtown, and that its a hassle to get to work.

Sometimes flooding can be up to mid-shin level, and sometimes we have to get on top of caravan cars, says Gertz.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Charleston BFAP focuses on educating residents, taking immediate steps to tackle these severe flooding issues, consistently working to find solutions.

The agenda for todays BFAP meeting consisted of discussing the data and feedback theyve heard from residents, and how they are going to handle the remainder of hurricane season. Koszela expressed how important residents feedback is regarding the issue.

When we get intake from folks that sending us pictures of flooding in there street, or road closures, we can send out our emergency responders to activate barricades, and things of that nature, Koszela explained.

The BFAP encourages residents to submit all of their feedback on the City of Charlestons landing page, and to learn more about the flood risks and mitigation projects in the area, which can be found at this link https://www.charleston-sc.gov/2382/Floodplain-Development .

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SALEM  The Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council during its meeting Friday, July 18, receives an update on the construction schedule for the Boardman to Hemingway transmission line.

The Idaho Power Co. is building the 500-kilovolt line across about 300 miles from southwest Idaho to Boardman. The council also will receive an update on the Oregon Department of Energys resource plan for compliance oversight of the project.

In addition, Idaho Power representatives give a presentation on the companys plan for fire prevention and suppression during construction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The meeting is open to the public and begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Oregon Department of Energy, 550 Capitol St. NE in Salem. The public also can attend virtually. That information is available on the meeting agenda.

The council also will review a proposed order for the Leaning Juniper IIB Wind Power Facility in Gilliam County and review amendments to the wildlife monitoring and mitigation plan for Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facility East in Morrow County.
Starting in 2025, every American newborn will receive a $1,000 government-funded investment account. The Trump administration has said that the new accounts will "chart the path to prosperity for a generation of American kids," but experts are divided about their ultimate utility.

Dubbed "Trump accounts," the program is a key part of the latest Republican tax and spending package signed into law on July 4. Trump accounts are structured somewhat like IRAs but come with their own rules.

Parents will be able to open one for any child under the age of 18, though those accounts will not be eligible for the $1,000 seed money. Annual contributions are capped at $5,000, including up to $2,500 in potential tax-free employer contributions. In a show of support last month, Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell said his company would match the government's contribution for employees' children. Other companies have voiced tentative support for the program but did not promise to contribute to the accounts.

READ MORE: Trump's megabill passed  here's what advisors should know

Funds in the account can only be invested in low-cost, broad stock indexes, where they grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. Account holders can begin making partial withdrawals at age 18 and can access the full balance at age 25, but only for qualified uses like college expenses, launching a business or purchasing a first home. At age 30, they gain unrestricted access to the funds.

Withdrawals for approved purposes are taxed at the long-term capital gains rate, while nonqualified uses are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty.

A mixed reception among tax and finance experts

Organizations like the nonprofit, nonpartisan Tax Foundation have been skeptical about how the new account fits into the landscape of existing options for parents.

"The tax code provides for at least 11 tax-advantaged savings vehicles, each with different rules, limitations and regulations," analysts at the Tax Foundation wrote. "The addition of the Trump Accounts would further complicate savings for taxpayers who would have to keep track of yet another account."

A Trump account will provide less generous tax advantages than other popular vehicles, like the 529 savings plan. While Trump accounts will allow for tax-deferred growth, they fall short of providing the tax-free earnings that savers can receive through a 529 plan. Still, the initial $1,000 seed funding, available to babies born between 2025 and 2028 as a pilot program, makes Trump accounts an enticing option for many prospective parents, advisors say.
BEAUFORT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT)  A search warrant was conducted on multiple Vape Shops in Beaufort County, resulting in eight arrests.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at around 10:00 am, officials with the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, and the Belhaven Police Department conducted search warrants on eleven Tobacco and Vape stores located in Washington, Chocowinity, Aurora, and Belhaven, N.C.

These search warrants were a part of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a two-month-long investigation that led to controlled purchases of products containing illegal controlled substances and other illegal items.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Search warrants were executed on the following Beaufort County vape stores:

King Smoke, 1316 John Small Ave., Washington, N.C.

King Smoke, 1700 West 5th St. Suite 330, Washington, N.C.

Z Tobacco and Vape, 1121 John Small Ave. Washington, N.C.

Smokers Best 1, 520 Pamlico Plaza, Washington, N.C.

Smokers Best 2, 1412 Carolina Ave., Washington, N.C.

VIC Tobacco and Vape, 2289 West 5th St. Suite 500, Washington, N.C.

River Mart, 2947 River Rd, Washington, N.C.

Choco Tobacco House, 3609 US-17 Business, Chocowinity, N.C.

Z Tobacco and Vape 3, 986 Hwy 264 Bypass, Belhaven, N.C.

Prime Deli, 998 Hwy 264 Bypass, Belhaven, N.C.

Aurora Mini Mart, 391 NC-33 East, Aurora, N.C.

Terrys Convenient Mart, 351 NC-33 East, Aurora, N.C.

Aurora Tobacco and Vape, 349 NC-33 East, Aurora, N.C.

These searches led to 24,621 grams of THC products, 295 grams of Khat (schedule IV Cathine), 137 grams of Tianeptine (schedule II opioid), and $73,864 in US currency being seized.

The following individuals were arrested in connection with this case:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anas Izzadeen Mohammed Alrayani, 26, of Washington, NC, was sent to the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond for the following charges:

Two Felony counts of Trafficking in Opium or Heroin.

Mugahed Taha Mohanned Al Awdi, 30, of Greenville, N.C., was sent to the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $25,000 secured bond for the following charge:

One Felony count of Trafficking in Opium or Heroin.

Alexis Raine Murdock, 28, of Bath, N.C., was sent to the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $30,000 bond for the following charges:

Three Felony counts of Possession of Marijuana

Three Felony counts Sell/Deliver Marijuana.

Three Felony counts of Possess With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Marijuana

Three Felony counts of Maintain Place for Controlled Substances.

Three Misdemeanor counts of Possess Drug Paraphernalia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ammar Abdulla Alsaidi, 25, of Washington, N.C., was sent to the Beaufort County Detention Center under no bond for the following charges.

Three Felony counts of Possession of Marijuana

Three Felony counts of Sell/Deliver Marijuana

Three Felony counts of Possess With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Marijuana

Three Felony counts of Maintain Place for Controlled Substances.

Three Misdemeanor counts of Possess Drug Paraphernalia.

Omar Fayez Bahhur, 62, of Aurora, N.C., was sent to the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond for the following charges:

Two Felony counts of Possession of Marijuana.

Two Felony counts of Sell/Deliver Marijuana.

Two Felony counts of Possess With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Marijuana.

Two Felony counts of Maintain Place for Controlled Substances.

Two Misdemeanor counts of Possess Drug Paraphernalia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Samerah Ismail Awad, 60, of Aurora, N.C., was arrested and sent to the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond for the following charges:

Two Felony counts of Possession of Marijuana.

Two Felony counts of Sell/Deliver Marijuana.

Two Felony counts of Possess With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Marijuana.

Two Felony counts of Maintain Place for Controlled Substances.

Two Misdemeanor counts of Possess Drug Paraphernalia.

Dakota Vernon, 28, of Aurora, N.C., was arrested and sent to the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond for the following charges:

Three Felony counts of Possession of Marijuana

Three Felony counts of Sell/Deliver Marijuana

Three Felony counts of Possess With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Marijuana.

Three Felony counts of Maintain Place for Controlled Substances.

Three Misdemeanor counts of Possess Drug Paraphernalia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Munef Mohammed Ali Abdulmughni, 39, of New Bern, N.C., was arrested by the New Bern Police Department on Beaufort County warrants under a $1,000,000 secured bond for the following charges:

Three Felony counts of Trafficking in Opium or Heroin.

This is an active case, so more charges are expected in the future.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
Joanne Penney died after being shot at a block of flats in Talbot Green on 9 March [Family photo]

A 39-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to murder following the death of a woman who was shot dead at a block of flats.

Joanne Penney, 40, was found seriously injured at Green Park in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on 9 March and died at the scene.

Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 39, from Leicester, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Friday morning charged with murder and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Seven other defendants appeared in court on Monday and also pleaded not guilty all charges against them.

Tony Porter, Marcus Huntley and Joshua Gordon appeared at Cardiff Crown Court in connection with the murder of Joanne Penney earlier this week [Athena Picture Agency]

She was told a date for a trial has been set for 20 October. She was remanded in custody.

The seven other defendants who appeared in court earlier this week were:
July 11 (UPI) -- Ovidio Guzman Lopez pleaded guilty to charges related to drug trafficking as a Sinaloa cartel leader in the U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois' Dirksen courthouse in Chicago on Friday.

Lopez pleaded guilty to four charges related to drug trafficking, firearms violations and money laundering and admitted he helped manage the manufacture and smuggling of large amounts of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana into the United States, according to WLS-TV.

Two of the charges were from a federal indictment in Illinois and two others were from a New York indictment, according to USA Today.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He faces up to life in prison and forfeiture of $80 million and will have a sentencing hearing scheduled for later this year.

Lopez led the Sinaloa cartel's violent Chapitos faction that is active in Chicago and accounted for an estimated 80% of narcotics sold in the city.

Lopez accepted a plea deal that might enable federal prosecutors to target more members of the Chapitos and the Sinaloa cartel

"U.S. prosecutors have made the Chapitos a top priority for years," Parker Asmann of the InSight Crime research group told USA Today.

"Securing his cooperation could mean they could undermine the drug trade and attack corruption in Mexico," Asmann added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lopez is one of four sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who formerly led the Sinaloa cartel in western Mexico and is serving a life sentence in a U.S. prison after being convicted on charges arising from his cartel activities.

After his father's arrest and imprisonment, Lopez and his brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, took control of the cartel's Chapitos faction.

The brothers dispensed with any rules that their father imposed on the Sinaloa cartel, which led to the Chapitos becoming very violent.

The Chapitos are suspected of recently killing 20 members of the rival La Mayiza faction of the Sinaloa cartel amid territorial disputes.
By Renee Hickman and Jack Queen

(Reuters) -A son of imprisoned Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman pleaded guilty on Friday to four criminal counts in two related drug trafficking cases targeting the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug distribution and two counts of participation in a continuing criminal enterprise before U.S. District Judge Sharon Coleman in Chicago. He faces a possible life sentence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wearing an orange jumpsuit and speaking softly through an interpreter, he admitted to a litany of crimes outlined in a pair of federal indictments, including murder, kidnapping and bribery.

His lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. His next court appearance will be in six months.

In indictments filed in New York and Chicago, prosecutors allege Ovidio Guzman Lopez and his brothers -- known as the "Chapitos," or little Chapos -- revived the Sinaloa Cartel after their fathers arrest in 2016 by embracing fentanyl, reaping hundreds of millions of dollars in profits by sending the deadly opioid to the U.S.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez, also known as El Raton (The Mouse) or Raton Nuevo, (New Mouse) was extradited from Mexico in September 2023 as part of the federal governments war on fentanyl, a highly lethal drug that killed nearly 200 Americans daily in 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That death toll has been a focus of President Donald Trumps trade negotiations with Mexico, with Trump demanding Mexico do more to stop the flow of fentanyl in exchange for tariff relief.

Ovidio's brother Joaquin Guzman Lopez was arrested in El Paso along with Sinaloa kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada last July after U.S. authorities recruited Joaquin to lure Zambada into the U.S. on a private plane.

Also known as El Guero or Guero Moreno, Joaquin Guzman Lopez pleaded 'not guilty' to drug trafficking and money laundering charges, and prosecutors say they will not pursue the death penalty against him.

Zambada, who co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel with El Chapo, has also pleaded 'not guilty'. In February, his lawyer said he would be willing to plead 'guilty' if prosecutors agreed to spare him the death penalty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

El Chapo is serving a life sentence at a maximum security prison in Colorado after being convicted of drug trafficking in 2019.

(Reporting by Jack Queen in New York and Renee Hickman in Chicago; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Kevin Liffey)
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  An El Paso Police Department (EPPD) officer was out in Central Texas supporting the response efforts after flash floods took the lives of more than 100 people, the department announced on Thursday, July 10, via Facebook.

LIVE BLOG: Search for missing continues July 10 as Texas community grieves

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

EPPD said Officer Aceves was in Kerr County with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) surveying the area from the air.

Horizon Fire in Central Texas assisting with flood recovery efforts

The department shared the following statement:

The El Paso Police Department stands with Central Texas. One of our EPPD officers, Ofc. Aceves, was in Kerr County with Texas DPS to support the response efforts in surveying the area from the air. Our hearts are with the families and communities affected by the recent flooding in Kerr County.

6 El Paso Fire Department Water Rescue members help with Central Texas flooding

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A confirmation vote for judges to Germany's top court has been postponed in the German parliament after a major dispute within Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition government erupted on Friday.

The appointment of new judges to the country's Constitutional Court, due to be decided on Friday, was delayed in the Bundestag, the country's lower house of parliament.

The stunning developments came after Merz's conservative bloc withdrew its support for a candidate from the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), its partner in government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The candidate, law professor Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, attracted criticism from conservatives over her views on abortion and her support for mandatory vaccination during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite grumbles within Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CDU), her election seemed all but secured after Merz signalled his support for her nomination earlier this week.

But in a surprise move early on Friday, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group said it would abstain, leaving the SPD candidate well short of the required two-thirds majority.

The Karlsruhe-based Constitutional Court, which has 16 judges serving for 12-year terms, ensures compliance with the country's de facto constitution, the Basic Law.
Current law bars electioneering within 100 feet of a polling place. Party officials say an expanded ban is unnecessary. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

County boards of elections can double the distance where electioneering is prohibited outside of polling booths and ballot boxes under a bill signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy this week.

The new law, approved by lawmakers in the final weeks before the Legislatures summer recess, allows election officials to bar electioneering within 200 feet of the outside entrance of any polling place or ballot drop box while voters are casting ballots. Current law bars electioneering within 100 feet of a polling place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Party officials said they dont think an expanded ban is necessary.

These days, in the days of social media, people can reach you inside the polling place on your phone. Unless they were being obtrusive, I dont see any reason why it has to be even banned in the 100-feet area, said Peg Schaffer, chair of the Somerset County Democratic Party and vice chair of the statewide party. I think its potentially an invasion of free speech, and Im hoping my county board doesnt do it.

Sean Earlen, the GOP chair in Burlington County, said he doesnt know that expanding the no-electioneering zone changes anything in his county.

Im not aware or accustomed to significant issues with electioneering in Burlington County, Earlen said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bill advanced largely along party lines. It passed the Assembly 54-22 and the Senate 30-8.

The law goes into effect immediately. New Jersey will see a big election in November, when Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, face off in the gubernatorial race.

Nikita Biryukov contributed.
ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WETM)  An Elmira man was arrested in July on several charges for his connection to a crash in New Jersey back in February that killed a 16-year-old teen, according to information from the Bergen County Prosecutor, Mark Musella.

Ryan D. Chambers, 21, of Elmira, was arrested on Tuesday, July 1, on the charges of four counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the third degree.

Chambers arrest comes after months of investigating a fatal vehicle crash in Bergen County, New Jersey, along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Alpine, Musella said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Feb 28, around 6 a.m. Palisades Interstate Parkway Police were sent to a serious crash involving two vehicles in the southbound lanes, near the New York State line.

Elmira man arrested after burglary incident in Chemung

Investigators learned that a 2025 Nissan Rogue, with five people inside, and a 2019 Honda CR-V, with one person inside, were involved. It was learned that the Nissan was being driven by an unlicensed 15-year-old juvenile from New York at the time of the crash. The 15-year-old was said to be driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed, losing control of the vehicle, and crashing, Musella said in the report.

As a result of the crash, a 16-year-old male passenger of the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene, while another passenger suffered serious injuries, and two others suffered minor injuries, the report said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In March, the 15-year-old juvenile driver was charged on numerous offenses, including vehicular homicide, operating a motor vehicle without a license during a fatal accident, operating a motor vehicle without a license during an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, assault by auto, and other traffic offenses.

Investigators continued to find more information about the crash and learned on May 27, 2025, that Chambers, a passenger in the Nissan at the time of the crash, had taken responsibility for the four juveniles in the vehicle. Chambers allowed the unlicensed 15-year-old to drive the vehicle on Feb 28, the report said.

Chambers was found and arrested on July 1 before being extradited to Bergen County, NJ, on July 8. Chambers remains in custody while he awaits further processing in New Jersey.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
The Department of Government Efficiency is looking very different without its billionaire leader.

The agency, no longer helmed by Elon Musk, has been beset by staff departures, legal headaches and bureaucratic obstacles.

The agency, once guarded by armed security, no longer has a sentry stationed at the entrance to its headquarters, according to Politicos West Wing Playbook. The Authorized Access Only signs that once marked its floor in the elevators at the General Services Administration are also reportedly gone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, with Muska top campaign donorclosely by his side, the billionaires ham-fisted efforts to slash the federal bureaucracy through DOGE dominated the headlines. The department canned government contracts, gutted agencies and fired thousands of federal employees, often leaving chaos in its wake.

Much like Trump and Musk's relationship, the Department of Government Efficiency looks very different now. / Kevin Lamarque / REUTERS

But nearly six months in, things look very different. At the end of May, Musk exited his high-profile role, citing the expiration of the 130 days he was allowed to serve as a special government employee. Days later, simmering tensions between Musk and Trump spilled aggressively into public viewand have repeatedly flared since.

According to Politico, at least eight members of the original core DOGE team have left government. The departures include Musks right-hand man, Steve Davis, and DOGEs communications director, Katie Miller, who is married to White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, both of whom left when Musk did.

About ten DOGE engineers have also left or are planning to leave, the newsletter said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In March, Musk said DOGE had about 100 employees, and that he planned to double that figure. That doesnt appear to have happened.

Trump gave Musk a key on his pal's last day as a special government employee, but their relationship fractured publicly just days later. / Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

The White House defended DOGEs mission in a statement to Politico, with spokesperson Harrison Fields insisting that Trumps plan to root out waste, fraud and abuse is moving full steam ahead.

Under the Presidents leadership, every agency and department is executing this mission seamlessly and, as a result, has yielded more than $170 billion in savings for the American people, he said.

The White House did not immediately return the Daily Beasts request for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump administration has reportedly been scrambling to re-hire some of the people that were pushed out of their government jobs due to DOGE cuts, after understaffing became a significant problem.

Trump himself seems to have soured on DOGEs approach a little, telling a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, I would have done it differently, a little bit, maybe.

That comment follows weeks of tit-for-tat between the president and Musk. On Sunday, Trump said on social media that Musk had become a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks, and that he had gone off the rails.

Musk had antagonized Trump by vowing to start a new America Party following the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, which the tech mogul was fiercely opposed to.

The one thing Third Parties are good for is the creation of Complete and Total DISRUPTION & CHAOS, Trump said of Musks idea in his Sunday Truth Social post.
UPDATE @ 1:05 p.m.  Per fire officials the fire is extinguished. Two units were impacted. One dog was rescued. The cause is under investigation. One firefighter was treated on the scene for minor burn injuries. No other injuries were reported.

ORIGINAL STORY

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Fire crews are on the scene of a apartment fire at the Will Rogers Court Apartments in Southwest Oklahoma City.

Firefighters report visible flames from the roof and a second story window. No further information has been released.

Oklahoma City Fire Department responds to apartment fire in SW OKC, Image KFOR

KFOR has a team headed to the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Drivers should expect delays near Southwest 15th and Wedgwood Blvd.

*This story is developing

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wifes net worth is nearing $1 billionbut hes not kicking up his feet and retiring any time soon. The Gen X politician has just rejoined investment firm Goldman Sachs as a senior advisor. Despite the roles likelihood to come with a hefty salary, Sunak has promised to donate this pay to his new charity, The Richmond Project.

Like millions of Gen Z, former British prime minister Rishi Sunak spent the last year on the job hunt, after voters ousted him from 10 Downing Street following a landslide electoral defeat for his party.

Although hes still working within the government, the 45-year-old has wasted no time in calling up his network for another gig. On Tuesday, Sunak rejoined investment banking firm Goldman Sachs as a senior advisor.

I am excited to welcome Rishi back to Goldman Sachs in his new capacity as a Senior Advisor, said Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO David Solomon in a press release.

Sunak is set to advise clients globally on a range of macroeconomic and geopolitical issues as well as contribute to a culture of ongoing learning and development with Goldman employees around the world. While the company declined to share Sunaks new salary, his pay will be donated to The Richmond Project, a newly launched charity by him and his wifeAkshata Murtyto improve numeracy skills in the U.K. However, its unclear whether his wife will take home a salary as a trustee. As a newly registered charity, it has not yet published any financial accounts.

Fortune reached out to Sunak for further comment.

Rishi Sunak is even wealthier than King Charles III thanks to family investments and his prime minister role

Sunak and Murtys net worth totals about 640 million ($871 million), according to The Sunday Times Rich List. Their family is the wealthiest to have called 10 Downing Street homeand are even richer than King Charles III. This is thanks largely to Murtys 0.94% stake in Infosys, the Indian IT giant co-founded by her billionaire father. With a market cap of about $78 billion, her stake is worth about $740 millionabout 85% of the couples net worth.

In fact, Murty has also invested in a number of British start-ups, like the gentlemens outfitters New & Lingwood, which sells silk dressing gowns for 2,500 (about $3,400), adding to their households wealth.

On top of the lucrative dividends paid from their investment portfolio, the family has gained recent income from Sunaks role at the Washington Speakers Bureau. In April and May of this year, he received a total of 505,661 ($668,000) for three separate appearances, including a speaking engagement for Bain Capital.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed a law Friday that reviews air quality standards and vehicle emission testing.

Senate Enrolled Act 103, authored by Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, and Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, requires the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to evaluate the air quality within nonattainment areas, which includes Northwest Indiana. The bill also identifies air pollution reduction or regulatory relief strategies to align with federal Clean Air Act standards.

Braun signed the bill at the Lake County Government Center, flanked by Lake County officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The law aims for the eventual phase out of the inspection and maintenance program for light-duty vehicles. The law also aims to withdraw Lake County and Porter County from the Metropolitan Chicago Interstate Air Quality Control Region.

Under the law, which was sponsored by many Northwest legislators, IDEM has to submit a comprehensive report to the governor and state lawmakers by June 30, 2026, according to a statement from State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster.

Braun signed the bill with Niemeyer, Dernulc, Andrade, Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago; Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, State Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point, standing around him.

Before signing, Braun said when he was in the legislature in 2015, he recalled legislators talking about how to address vehicle emissions. He was able to sign the bill because the legislature was able to pick up the gauntlet, Braun said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some people may bring up environmental concerns with the law, Braun said.

Mother Nature, the environment, and conservation have been dear, deep issues for me, Braun said. If its not making sense, you do something that makes it easier.

In 2021, the Lake County Council sued the state to eliminate emissions testing in Lake County, stating its unfair that only Northwest Indiana counties require emissions testing. Dernulc referenced the lawsuit and how the county lost, so he said he looked forward to IDEM completing the study.

Niemeyer said legislators have spent years fighting to change emission testing procedures. The emissions program was necessary at one time, but not necessary now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lake County has had to follow the emissions testing because of its proximity to Chicago, Randolph said, and state legislators have been fighting the measure for years.

Im very pleased to see this happen, Randolph said. Im very pleased, governor, that youre here, and Im happy that you took the time to come here to sign this bill.

Andrade said in a statement that the law will allow state officials to review how Indiana regulates emissions and whether some policies can be improved.

We know clean air is critical to our health and safety, especially in industrial regions like Northwest Indiana. But we also know some of our testing requirements may be outdated or overly burdensome. This study will help us find that balance, Andrade said in the statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The law allows for responsible deregulation, Andrade said, by updating systems that might not benefit residents while prioritizing public and environmental health.

This isnt about rolling back protections. Its about using real data to guide future decisions, Andrade said in the statement. Northwest Indiana deserves clean air and smart policy. With this law, were working toward both.

akukulka@post-trib.com
The Brief

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp joined the family of Eviatar David at the State Capitol, urging for the release of the Israeli hostage held by Hamas for over 640 days.

Eli David, Eviatar's brother, has become a prominent advocate for hostage families, sharing personal stories and rallying global support to keep his brother's case alive.

The event highlighted Georgia's support for Israel, with Gov. Kemp condemning Hamas's tactics and reaffirming the state's commitment to achieving peace and reuniting separated families.

ATLANTA - Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp stood alongside the family of Eviatar David at the State Capitol on Wednesday, calling for the release of the 24-year-old Israeli hostage who has been held by Hamas for more than 640 days following the October 7, 2023, attacks in southern Israel.

Hamas attacks at Nova Music Festival near the Gaza border

What they're saying

David was kidnapped while attending the Nova Music Festival near the Gaza border. His best friend, Guy Gilboa, was also taken. Since then, the two have been held in what officials and relatives describe as brutal conditions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is not a political issue. This is an appeal to basic human decency," said Bart Cohen, a fourth-generation Atlantan and Jewish community leader, during the press conference. "All of the remaining hostages must be freed."

The emotional event drew Jewish and Israeli leaders, faith-based advocates, and Davids older brother, Eli David, who has become a prominent voice for hostage families. His campaign has taken him around the world, including to Georgia, where synagogues and local Jewish organizations have "adopted" Eviatar's case to keep his story alive.

"Its been more than 21 months since October 7, and that day still echoes in my mind like it was yesterday," Eli said. "No matter what, we will fight until Eviatar is home  on his feet."

He shared that he and his brother bonded over music, often playing piano and guitar together on Friday nights. Through released hostages, Eli learned that Eviatar was still holding onto that memory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"One thing kept him going  the thought of us playing music again," Eli said, choking back emotion.

Kemp condemns Hamas attack

What we know

Gov. Kemp described the anguish the David family has endured and condemned the psychological tactics used by Hamas. He recounted a chilling moment in February when Hamas forced Eviatar and Gilboa to watch other hostages being released  only to return them to captivity afterward. A still photo of the two men, malnourished and expressionless, was displayed at the event alongside a photo of Eviatar before his capture.

"These are the faces we must remember," Kemp said. "We will not forget these men and women held captive by evil men who pursue hatred rather than peace."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The governor reaffirmed Georgias steadfast support for Israel, citing the states investments in Israel bonds, its anti-BDS legislation, and numerous government visits to the country.

"We still have a mission to complete  lasting peace to achieve and separated family members to reunite," Kemp said.

Israeli hostages

Big picture view

Eviatar David is one of approximately 50 hostages still believed to be held by Hamas. According to advocates and Israeli officials, about 20 of those hostages are thought to still be alive.

Wednesdays event also included remarks from Eden Doniger, general counsel for a tech company based in Sandy Springs and co-organizer of the local effort to support the David family. Israeli Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon, who is concluding her service in Atlanta, praised the communitys unity and expressed hope for the hostages' return.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"For 643 days now, their family members have been busy day and night going all around the world, using their voices to remind everyone that this has to end," Sultan-Dadon said. "We are not right until they are all home with us."

Ossoff calls for Eviatar Davids release

Local perspective

Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia had earlier called for Eviatar Davids release from the Senate floor in May, joining the chorus of advocates pressing for international intervention and public awareness.

As diplomatic talks between Israel and Hamas continue, including recent meetings between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump in Washington, Davids family remains focused on the human toll of the conflict.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We need to make the separation stop," Eli said. "The Jewish heart has bled enough."

A flyer distributed at the event included a QR code linking to more information about the hostages and how to support advocacy efforts. Eli David remained after the press conference to answer questions and speak with supporters.

The Source

FOX 5's Eric Perry attended a press conference with Gov. Brian Kemp and the family of Eviatar David for this article. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used.
One week after a Maine paddleboarder was found murdered in a local neighborhood pond, members of the community are left searching for answers as fears of a potential serial killer grips the sleepy coastal town.

The body of 48-year-old Sunshine "Sunny" Stewart was discovered in the early morning of July 3, just six hours after she had left for a solo paddleboarding trip around Crawford Pond, according to the Maine State Police.

Stewarts remains were reportedly found near 100 Acre Island, a wooded area accessible only by boat, according to WMTW 8.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New England Serial Killer Fears Reignited After Paddleboarder's Murder In Quiet Coastal Town

Crawford Pond is seen on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Union, Maine. Police are investigating the murder of a woman last seen paddleboarding on the pond.

Officials have remained tight-lipped about the investigation into the "suspicious" circumstances surrounding Stewarts death, which has been ruled a homicide.

"I think its just confusing because we dont know what happened, like, if this was an isolated incident or a personal thing, like a grudge," Gus Williams, who lives near Crawford Pond, told WMTW 8.

Read On The Fox News App

Despite the growing unease within the local community, authorities are asking the public to remain calm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Paddleboarders Mysterious Killing Rocks Quiet Summer Vacation Area

In a statement released by MSP on Wednesday, officials acknowledged the "fear and discomfort that this incident has brought to the town of Union and the Crawford Pond community," while vowing to continue investigating Stewarts death.

However, authorities have not revealed whether they have named a suspect in Stewarts death or the circumstances of how she was killed.

MSP did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment.

New England Serial Killer Fears Stoked By 13Th Body Found In Small Town

Crawford Pond in Union, Maine, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

But the words of comfort from authorities have done little to calm the fears of Williams, who told the local outlet he walks his dog near the pond every day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The first time I was walking down here yesterday, I got to the path and was like, No, Im not going to go," Williams said.

Stewarts apparent murder comes as fears of a serial killer lurking within the New England region are gripping the public.

New England Serial Killer Fears: Massachusetts Investigators Identify Body Pulled From River

At least 13 bodies  with the majority found in wooded or remote areas  have been discovered throughout Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, according to authorities.

Last month, the remains of 21-year-old Adriana Suazo were found in a wooded area in Milton, Massachusetts, according to the Norfolk District Attorneys Office. Suazos body showed no signs of trauma, with her cause of death remaining undetermined pending an investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Given the recent string of victims found within the region, MSP has asked "that residents continue to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement."

But for locals within the community, the words of warning are not enough to ease their fears of a killer lurking within their midst.

"In a place where most people dont lock their doors, like, ever, it definitely feels a little intrusive," Williams said, adding, "I dont know, [its] terrifying."

Fox News Digital's Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.





Original article source: New England serial killer fears grip coastal town after paddleboarders terrifying murder
BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Vermonts Sen. Peter Welch announced Friday that farmers affected by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for federal assistance.

After brutal flooding wreaked havoc across Vermont in 2023 and again in 2024, I promised our farmers the federal government would be there to help, said Welch.

Welch: lets fix FEMA, not scrap it

The Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is making more than $16 billion in aid available across the country for farmers hit by winter storms, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the USDA was making disaster relief a priority. We are taking swift action to ensure farmers will have the resources they need to continue to produce the safest, most reliable, and most abundant food supply in the world.

Vermont produced 3 million gallons of maple syrup this season

Currently only farmers who were helped by crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program are eligible, but the USDA says they will share information on how other farmers can apply for relief later this year. Currently they are hoping to open that stage of applications around September 15.

Pre-filled applications were mailed out earlier this week. In order to apply, eligible farmers will need to review, sign, and return the forms to their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices, either in person or by email, fax, or electronically using OneSpan. To find your local FSA office, enter your state and county on the USDAs Farmers.gov website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Farmers must make sure they have certain forms on file with FSA, and will be required to buy federal crop insurance or NAP coverage for the next two available years.

More information is available on the USDA website along with a tool to discover applicable USDA disaster assistance programs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
The Erosion of the Rule of Law: Executive Power and the American Legal Order originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

Courtesy kosoff via Adobe Stock

On July 8, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court discreetly issued an emergency order permitting the Trump administration to move forward with sweeping layoffs across federal agencies. The unsigned ruling did not include a vote count or formal opinion, which is standard for what is known as the shadow docket. A shadow docket refers to a break from ordinary procedure where cases receive very limited briefings and result in short, unsigned rulings. The implications of the emergency order are also far from routine.



The Courts decision lifts a lower courts block on a February executive order that directs agencies to prepare for large-scale staffing cuts. It clears the way for potentially tens of thousands of terminations across departments such as Housing and Urban Development, State, and Treasury. While technically temporary, the decision allows the administration to act immediately, even as legal challenges proceed. The ruling illustrates an evolving theme the redefinition of executive power in real time, often without full judicial scrutiny.



This case is not isolated. It is part of a broader pattern that includes high-profile personnel changes in the Department of Justice and a series of executive actions targeting major law firms. While each incident stands on its own in the media, when interpreted together, they point to an important constitutional inflection point: the expansion of executive power and pressure on rule of law.

Federal Layoffs, Prosecutorial Firings, and Institutional Retaliation

A direct constitutional test arrived with the Supreme Courts July 8 ruling. The executive order at the heart of the case instructs federal agencies to prepare for large-scale reductions of personnel. Such a major restructuring of the federal workforce historically requires congressional authorization, and bypassing this process undermines the separation of powers. Judge Illson, the senior United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, agreed with this point. She temporarily blocked the layoffs and stated that any president must enlist the help of his coequal branch and partner, the Congress, for such overhauls. But the Supreme Courts July 8 decision overruled that pause.

Today, the Supreme Court stopped lawless lower courts from restricting President Trumps authority over federal personnel  another Supreme Court victory thanks to @thejusticedept attorneys.



Now, federal agencies can become more efficient than ever before.  Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) July 8, 2025

Presidential authority over the executive branch is intentionally limited. The decision to allow reorganization without Congress represents a meaningful shift in how that legal authority is interpreted. It also raises practical concerns. If the Court later rules the order unconstitutional, many terminated positions and programs may not be sufficiently restored. That makes the Courts temporary green light potentially permanent in effect.



The July 8 decision on federal layoffs wasnt the only recent example of the executive branchs growing power. Just a week earlier, on June 27th, in Trump v. CASA the Court ruled that federal judges can no longer issue nationwide injunctions against presidential policies. This limits the judiciarys ability to pause executive actions that may later be ruled unlawful.



These rulings are part of an increasing reliance on the Courts emergency docket decisions issued without full briefing or oral argument. On one hand, this allows the judiciary to respond quickly to urgent matters. On the other hand, there is the worry of eroding transparency and thoroughness, especially when such decisions shape national policy hence the nickname the shadow docket. Judicial review is the primary constitutional check on executive overreach. When major rulings are made without deliberation or explanation, the public loses insight into how legal standards are applied and whether they are applied consistently.



The Supreme Court's recent decisions erode the rule of law in several key ways:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorizing mass federal layoffs without congressional approval , undermining the Constitutions separation of powers.

Expanding unchecked presidential authority to unilaterally reorganize executive agencies.

Weakening legal constraints by allowing executive action without a clear statutory basis.

Breaking precedent , bypassing the long-standing requirement for Congress-approved restructuring.

Reliance on the shadow docket, issuing transformative rulings without full briefing, oral arguments, or signed opinions.

Lacking transparency and accountability setting a precedent for secretive decision-making on major constitutional questions.

Undermining judicial review as irreversible agency terminations may render future rulings moot.

Violating due process norms by enabling executive actions with irreversible consequences before legal challenges are resolved.

Within days of the July 8 decision, the Justice Department dismissed 3 prosecutors who had been involved in the Capitol riot investigations, without disclosing specific reasons. The notice, signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, cited only Article II of the United States Constitution. DOJ spokespeople declined to comment. This happened amid broader internal reshuffling. Previously, in January, dozens of prosecutors who handled Jan. 6 cases were dismissed. These firings utterly disregard civil service protections for career lawyers, which signals the erosion of the Justice Departments independence from the White House.

 DOJ prosecutors involved in the cases against President @realDonaldTrump are fired effective immediately pic.twitter.com/e8mGKtK03F  Phil Holloway  (@PhilHollowayEsq) January 27, 2025

The impartiality of federal prosecutors is a cornerstone of the justice system. While presidents can direct law enforcement priorities, sudden personnel changes tied to politically sensitive cases may undermine public confidence in the departments independence. When dismissals appear to target attorneys connected to politically inconvenient prosecutions, the line between legal discretion and political influence becomes blurred. Together, these developments signal a systemic reorientation of American governance from constitutional democracy with co-equal branches, to a loyalty-based executive bureaucracy, backed by the judiciary, enforced through legal intimidation, and normalized through institutional capitulation.

Law Firms and the American Bar Association Under Fire

Another development illustrating the tension between executive power and legal norms is the administrations recent set of executive orders aimed at large law firms. These actions restrict firms that the administration sees as adversarialfor instance, those representing Trump critics or engaging in diversity-related initiatives. The executive orders revoke security clearances, cancel federal contracts, and restrict federal building access for certain firms. Some firms entered into negotiated agreements to mitigate the fallout. Others have filed lawsuits, arguing that the orders violate the First and Fifth Amendments.



In Response, the American Bar Association (ABA) has filed suit against the Executive Office of the President, U.S. Department of Justice, etc. on June 16. The suit urges the federal court to declare the administrations ongoing policy of intimidation against lawyers and law firms unconstitutional and issue an injunction against it.

Without skilled lawyers to bring and argue casesand to do so by advancing the interests of their clients without fear of reprisal from the governmentthe judiciary cannot function as a meaningful check on executive overreach. ABA Lawsuit

Attorneys are officers of the court, not agents of the state. Lawyers are the essential link between individuals, institutions, and the judiciary, especially in a constitutional system that relies on adversarial justice and checks and balances. When the executive branch punishes firms for representing disfavored clients or causes, it not only undermines professional independence but also cripples the courts ability to serve as a meaningful check on power. In effect, turning legal advocacy into a political risk and justice into a privilege reserved for those who align themselves with the administration



This strikes at the heart of the rule of law itself. At its core, the rule of law means that all actorsgovernment officials includedare subject to publicly known and fairly enforced legal rules.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are: publicly promulgated, equally enforced, independently adjudicated, and consistent with international human rights principles. United States Courts

Institutions like the American Bar Association (ABA) and the State Bar of California have issued public statements earlier this year warning that recent executive actions threaten these principles:

The ABAs February 10th statement warns that In the last 21 days [since Feb. 10], more than a dozen lawsuits have been filed alleging that the administrations actions violate the rule of law and are contrary to the Constitution or laws of the United States. They ended with the sentiment that there is much that Americans disagree on, but all of us expect our government to follow the rule of lawthe ABA does not oppose any administration. Instead, we remain steadfast in our support for the rule of law.

The State Bar of Californias May 9th statement warns that the orders threaten core principles of the rule of law and that these core principles, embodied in our Rules of Professional Conduct and the State Bar Act, are not merely aspirationalthey are essential to the rule of law and the administration of justice. They added their reaffirmation that all lawyers must be permitted to exercise their professional judgment and ethical duties without fear of reprisal. This position is not partisan but foundational to the advancement of ethical and competent practice of law and the preservation of the rule of law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Further, legal experts warn that when executive discretion expands without corresponding legal justification, it can gradually replace legal order with administrative authority. This is not just a theoretical concern. In a Stanford Law article about the administration and the threatened rule of law, Stanford Law Professor David Sklansky discusses judicial norms, independence, and law firms under attack. As he put it: all lawyers must call [the threat to rule of law] out, otherwise well replace the rule of law with the rule of men. His words underscore the stakes: when legal professionals are silenced or politicized, democratic governance gives way to discretionary rule where loyalty replaces law as the basis of power.



In a Stanford Legal Podcast episode titled Can the Rule of Law Hold?, Professor Pam Karlan and Professor Diego Zambrano discuss the politicization of the Department of Justice under the current administration. Professor Karlan noted that bureaucratic continuity is a pillar of the rule of law. Its what tells you that the law does not depend on political changes. This point is crucial to understanding why these prosecutorial changes are particularly salient and signal a shift away from a professional, apolitical civil service toward a model where legal enforcement becomes contingent on political loyalty. In such a system, laws no longer constrain power: they serve it, eroding the very foundation of constitutional democracy.

An independent justice system is essential to an adversarial legal system. The ability of lawyers to represent controversial clients without fear of retribution is not a partisan privilegeits a foundational aspect of the rule of law. When executive action pressures firms to drop clients or change practices, it may hinder legal advocacy, particularly in politically sensitive areas.



Recent actions by the administrationspanning federal restructuring, prosecutorial dismissals, legal retaliation, and judicial retrenchmentare reshaping the Department of Justice and, by extension, the American legal system.



These moves may be framed as long-overdue efforts to assert executive control and increase bureaucratic efficiency. But stripped of political euphemisms, they signal a deeper departure: one from constitutional safeguards designed to prevent the concentration of power.



What remains clear is that the choices made nowby the courts, legal institutions, and the profession itselfwill determine whether the rule of law endures as a living principle or fades into abstraction. The legal systems response at this moment will define the balance between executive power and institutional accountability for generations to come.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL)  Longtime Erwin Police Chief Regan Tilson has been on paid administrative leave since June 30, when he tested positive on a random breath alcohol test, a result Tilson is contesting, according to a news release.

Ex-officer indicted on official misconduct charges

Tilson, who has worked for the town since 2005 and has been police chief since 2008, will remain on leave pending the outcome of an investigation by Philip Baker, an area employment law attorney the town has hired to investigate the matter. Baker will recommend any potential disciplinary action for Erwin Town Recorder Tim Bailey to take.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Attorney Todd Hull sent a statement on Tilsons behalf Friday afternoon in response to the Erwin news release, attributable to Tilson.

Tilson wrote that he and Hull have a meeting scheduled next week with Baker and will cooperate fully with his investigation.

Tilson wrote that he welcomes the opportunity to discuss the matter and provide information on my behalf that I feel is pertinent to getting this resolved as quickly as possible.

He added that he adamantly denies the allegations. I look forward to getting back to work, to my department, my city and its citizens, he added.

News Channel 11 obtained Tilsons personnel file, which includes a brief letter from Bailey dated June 30 noting that he has been placed on leave due to the positive breath alcohol test.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Town of Erwin has hired an attorney to conduct an independent investigation and to make a recommendation for disciplinary action.

Officers are chosen randomly and must submit to the test per the Town of Erwin Personnel Policy. The test was not administered during a traffic stop or during the operation of a vehicle. Ballad administers the tests on behalf of the town.

Chief Tilson is contesting the test and will remain on administrative leave until the investigation has been completed.

This is a developing story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Water levels in the seven major lakes of Mumbai, India, which are crucial for meeting the city's year-round water needs, have rebounded after heavy rainfall in late June.

According to NDTV Profit, the lakes usually make a comeback during monsoon season in India, which runs from June to September. The seven lakes scattered across the city  Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar, and Tulsi  have a combined capacity of nearly 1.5 trillion liters, according to data from the city government.

Heavy rains pushed water levels to more than 35% of their capacity  over six times the levels compared to last year  alleviating concerns from citizens about shrinking water supplies. Some of the lakes recorded anywhere from three to six inches of rain in just 24 hours, and weather officials expected the rain to continue until at least the end of June.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the deluge may be inconvenient for residents trying to navigate the city during their daily commutes, the rainfall is much-needed in Mumbai. In late 2023, the city and surrounding rural areas in the state of Maharashtra faced drought conditions, which raised concerns about water levels in reservoirs, according to the Times of India.

As NDTV explained, "these lakes are critical for Mumbai's drinking water supply and their replenishment is heavily influenced by the monsoon season."

Given that Mumbai has a population of over 22 million people, the city requires a substantial amount of water for drinking, bathing, and other essential aspects of life. Full reservoirs are a welcome sign, as droughts can force officials to call for water cuts, which can impact farming, industries, and public health. Rural communities are especially hard-hit by reduced water availability, as they rely more on the land for their livelihoods.

India is among the countries most vulnerable and hardest hit by the effects of rising global temperatures, largely driven by the burning of fossil fuels. Heat waves, floods, and cyclones have all gotten worse in recent years, putting citizens at higher risk of waterborne diseases, economic losses, and fatalities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, the country is making major strides in switching to cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which should help mitigate the impacts of the changing climate and put less strain on water sources. And Mother Nature is also doing her part to keep India's reservoirs full.

"We have a good rainfall forecast this year, as a result of which no water cut has been proposed. Since last week, the catchment areas in Mumbai are also witnessing good rainfall," said a civic official, per the Indian Express.

How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is investigating South Basildon and East Thurrock MP James McMurdock over allegations he failed to register his business interests.

He was one of five Reform UK MPs before he quit the party this week amid allegations over his eligibility to have claimed 70,000 in bounceback loans during the pandemic.

McMurdock, who is listed by Companies House as a director of Gym Live Health and Fitness Ltd, now sits as an Independent MP for the Essex constituency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has been approached for comment.

On Wednesday, Labour MP Jon Pearce asked the commissioner to "investigate whether James McMurdock MP is in breach of the rules of conduct for MPs".

Pearce wrote to the commissioner, saying "parliamentary rules state this directorship should be listed".

The company, along with JAM Financial Ltd, where McMurdock was previously a director, has overdue accounts.

McMurdock said via social media that "all my business dealings had always been conducted fully within the law and in compliance with all regulations".

Last weekend, he asked Reform to temporarily suspend the whip as a "precautionary measure", and the party said it was carrying out an internal investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Tuesday, he resigned from the party, saying that after he "had a chance to take specialist legal advice" he had "decided to continue my parliamentary career as an independent MP".

South Basildon and East Thurrock was the last seat to declare in the 2024 general election following a full recount. McMurdock beat the Labour candidate by 98 votes in a seat that was previously held by the Conservatives.

Under parliamentary rules, MPs should declare any earnings over 100 and any interests that "might reasonably consider the interest to influence their actions or words as an MP". McMurdock has not declared any directorships.

Mistakes on the register can be corrected by MPs, but serious breaches can lead to formal sanctions, including suspension from Parliament.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story

Related internet links
The silence is shattered by a guttural scream. A group of people scrabble on the ground, sifting through the soil. One of them holds up a watch they have uncovered; another, a sandal.

The scene on stage at Sarajevo's War Theatre is uncomfortably familiar for the audience at the world premiere of the Flowers of Srebrenica. The play reflects the grim reality of the events not just of July 1995  but the ensuing decades of unresolved grief and divisions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Srebrenica massacre remains the most notorious war crime committed in Europe since World War Two. Bosnian-Serb forces overran Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia, where thousands of Bosniaks, who are mostly Muslim, had taken refuge, believing they were safely under the protection of the United Nations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, Dutch soldiers stood aside as Bosnian-Serb General Ratko Mladic directed his troops to place women and the youngest children on buses for transport to majority-Bosniak areas. Then, over the following days, he oversaw the systematic murder of around 8,000 people  most, but not all of them, men and boys.

Many victims of the massacre were identified by their clothing, as depicted in the play the Flowers of Srebrenica [Sarajevo's War Theatre]

Mladic's troops dumped the bodies in mass graves. But later, to cover up their crimes, they exhumed then reburied the remains in multiple sites.

As a result, body parts were distributed across multiple graves, causing endless anguish for the victims' families. Many of them are still searching for their relatives' remains decades later, though DNA testing has helped thousands of families to bury their family members at Potocari Cemetery, adjacent to the former UN base.

Others have been able to identify body parts through scraps of clothing or personal belongings  as depicted in scenes in the Flowers of Srebrenica.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The play also reflects the apparently deepening divisions in contemporary Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the audience in Sarajevo delivers a standing ovation to the cast and crew, in majority-Serb Republika Srpska, political leaders repeatedly deny that genocide took place at Srebrenica, despite Mladic's conviction for the offence at an international tribunal in The Hague, as well as the earlier conviction of the Bosnian-Serb political leader Radovan Karadzic.

"I thought that when 30 years passed, we'd come to our senses," says Selma Alispahic, the lead actress of the Sarajevo War Theatre  herself a former refugee from Bosnia's conflict.

Selma Alispahic, the lead actress of the Sarajevo War Theatre, was a former refugee from Bosnia's conflict [BBC]

"People get tired of proving the truth that's been proven so many times, even in international courts. The story of the hatred and spinning of facts serves only the criminals who profited from the war and who want to preserve their fortune today."

Genocide denial is not the only symptom of the country's divisions. The Dayton Peace agreement brought an end to the war, just four months after the massacre. But it also divided Bosnia and Herzegovina into two "entities", on ethnic grounds. Most Bosniaks and Croats live in the Federation, while the majority of Serbs are in Republika Srpska.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is also a state-level government, with a member of the presidency for each of the three main ethnic groups. But most of the power lies at the entity level.

In recent months, Republika Srpska's president has been exploiting that to make mischief. Milorad Dodik has been pushing through legislation to withdraw from numerous national institutions, including the judiciary. This has brought him into conflict with Bosnia's ultimate power, the international High Representative.

The current holder of that position, Christian Schmidt, annulled the laws concerned. But Dodik refused to recognise those rulings.

Earlier this year a court sentenced him to a year in prison and a six-year ban from public office for ignoring the High Representative's decisions. The verdict is currently under appeal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Further shenanigans have ensued  including legislation to establish a "reserve police force". The same terminology was used for murderous Serb militia during Bosnia's conflict.

"This is dangerous, playing with the memory of those who have experienced the 1990s," says Mr Schmidt.

"I see the irresponsible part of the political class playing with this. We need a clear presence of the international community on a military level  so EUFOR [the EU peacekeeping force] gets more responsibility in the sheer presence, promising people they will be supported in a peaceful manner."

Sasa Kosarac, a leading member of Republika Srpska's government, believes remembrance of Srebrenica entrenches divisions and inhibits reconciliation [BBC]

In the centre of Sarajevo, reminders of the anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre are hard to miss. Hundreds of people huddled under umbrellas in the pouring rain to pay their respects to the convoy carrying the remains of seven recently-identified victims who will be buried at Potocari Cemetery during the commemoration. Outside the city's shopping centres, video screens urge passers-by to "Remember Srebrenica".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But just 15 minutes up the road, in East Sarajevo, there are no public references to the massacre. The Cyrillic script signs and Jelen Beer umbrellas indicate that this is Republika Srpska. And in the entity government's building, there is little enthusiasm for the commemorations.

Indeed, state-level foreign trade minister Sasa Kosarac  a leading member of Dodik's SNSD party  claims that Srebrenica is used to deepen divisions and prevent reconciliation.

"In this country, Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs were killed  and crimes were committed on all three sides. It's important, when thinking about the future, that all the perpetrators, on all sides, should be held accountable," he says.

"Bosniaks insist on talking only about Bosniak victims. A crime has been committed in Srebrenica  no Serbs deny that  but we have the right to point out the crimes against Serbs in and around Srebrenica."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But thousands of other people are focusing on solidarity with Srebrenica. On the eve of the commemoration, the Memorial Centre and Potocari Cemetery were already busy with people paying their respects. And they cheered the arrival from around the country of groups of cyclists, runners and motorcyclists.

Mirela Osmanovic works at the Srebrenica Memorial Centre and is deeply concerned by the recent uptick in ethnic tensions [BBC]

Mirela Osmanovic says this support is crucial to Bosniaks who have returned to live in the area where their family members died. She was born two years after her two brothers were murdered at Srebrenica and now works at the Memorial Centre. But the recent tensions have left her rattled.

"The intense atmosphere produced by Republika Srpska's leaders really disturbs us, making us feel we're not protected anymore  and we're really worried about our future."

"My parents say it looks the way it looked in 1992."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For Milorad Dodik, manipulating the cycle of tensions is just part of his strategy to remain in power. But for people in Srebrenica, the ongoing ethno-political games only make the healing harder.
EU member states have once again failed to reach an agreement on the 18th sanctions package against Russia at the meeting of the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) on 11 July, as its adoption continues to be blocked by Slovakia.

Source: European Pravda correspondent citing several EU diplomats on condition of anonymity

Details: EU ambassadors in Brussels may convene over the weekend to discuss the sanctions package.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

European Pravdas sources expressed hope that Slovakias position might change over the weekend.

If Slovakia cannot be persuaded, the sanctions package will be discussed (and possibly adopted) by the foreign ministers on Tuesday 15 July, at a Council of the EU meeting.

Background:

Slovakia is blocking the sanctions to obtain guarantees from the European Commission on the consequences of a complete rejection of Russian gas from 2028.

Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia will not support the EUs new sanctions package against Russia unless it receives clear guarantees that the country will not suffer financial losses due to the termination of Russian gas transit to the EU starting from 1 January 2028.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
(Reuters) -U.S. cosmetics retailer Ulta Beauty on Thursday announced its entry into the British market with its purchase of high street chain Space NK.

Founded by beauty industry veteran Nicky Kinnaird, Space NK offers premium beauty and perfume brands in the UK and Ireland through its 83 cosmetics retail stores, as well as online.

Ulta Beauty did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction.

The acquisition offers an opportunity to enter the growing UK market and underscores the company's focus on international expansion under its turnaround plan, Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman said in a statement.

Sky News first reported on the deal earlier on Thursday.

While the exact price being paid by Ulta was unclear, the deal value was likely to be well in excess of 300 million pounds ($408.2 million), the report said.

Ulta Beauty bought Space NK from private investment firm Manzanita Capital, funding the deal with cash on hand and capacity under its existing credit facility, the U.S. cosmetics company said.

In May, Ulta Beauty had raised its annual profit target due to robust demand for affordable beauty and skincare products from younger customers.

($1 = 0.7350 pounds)

(Reporting by Savyata Mishra and Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)
The EU's top diplomat on Friday slammed Russia's latest blitz on Ukraine as "unacceptable", saying the 27-nation bloc was pondering a new raft of sanctions against Moscow.

Russia has pummelled Ukraine this week with the largest drone and missile barrages since Moscow sent troops into its neighbour more than three years ago.

"Russia has increased its attacks against civilians to really cause as much pain... and that's unacceptable," European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brussels was considering an 18th round of sanctions against Moscow and "we are also still in negotiations to put the oil price cap on, that would deprive Russia from the means to fund this war," Kallas told AFP in an interview.

Kallas was speaking on the sidelines of a regional meeting of foreign ministers in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, saying her presence was aimed at "doing outreach so that we can put more pressure together" on Russia.

Asked about reported claims that Moscow was planning to involve military personnel from Laos to bolster its efforts in Ukraine, Kallas said she raised the issue with Vientiane's top diplomat in a meeting on Friday.

Kallas said she was assured that Laos had "no intention or willingness" to send military help to Russia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I also expressed that it has consequences for European aid to Laos if something like this is happening," Kallas said.

"If you (Laos) contribute to that existential threat, we can't have good cooperation," she warned.

- 'Working very hard' -

Kallas' remarks came a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had "frank" talks on the Ukraine war during a meeting on the sidelines of ASEAN.

Rubio said Lavrov had shared new ideas on resolving the conflict, which he promised to present to US President Donald Trump, but played down the prospect of a breakthrough.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

US tariffs have also overshadowed the ASEAN gathering.

Asked whether she would meet Rubio to discuss Washington's tariff plans for Brussels, Kallas said "we didn't have a chance to interact."

"Our trade team is working very hard to come up with the solution and also to have agreements."

"But we are not there yet," she said.

The EU was hoping to strike a trade deal with Washington "in the coming days", a spokesman said on Wednesday.

If the EU does not clinch an agreement with the United States, higher tariffs will return and risk unleashing a bitter trade war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The EU expected Trump to keep a 10-percent baseline tariff on EU goods with exemptions for critical sectors like airplanes, spirits and cosmetics, European diplomats told AFP this week.

Also at the meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was Australia's top diplomat Penny Wong, who equally condemned Russia's latest attacks.

"We want the conflict resolved on Ukrainian terms, and we want to see Russia reflect on the position it is taking, which is in breach of international law," Wong told a news conference.

Following this week's overnight strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday urged allies to quickly roll out fresh sanctions against Moscow.

llk/jhe/amj/jfx
Even before the European Commission publishes its long-term budget proposals next week, political groups in the European Parliament and some member states are already pushing back.

Divisions are emerging over how funds in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will be allocated across vital but competing priority areas such as defence, climate action, social policy and regional development.

Political wrangling in the parliament has only intensified as the commission signalled it wants to simplify the budget, meaning for example cutting down the number of funding instruments to create what it calls a true policy-based budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Smarter definitely means also simpler, said budget commissioner Piotr Serafin in a speech on Wednesday.

What exactly is the Multiannual Financial Framework?

The MFF is the EU's long-term budget plan, setting out how much the bloc can spend and what it will spend it on over a seven-year period.

It aims to provide financial stability and ensures that EU spending aligns with its broader goals.

The current MFF runs from 2021 to 2027 and allocates over 1 trillion ($1.17 trillion) to priorities like climate action, digital innovation, agriculture, research and regional development.

The current framework represents just over 1% of the 27 EU members states' total gross domestic product. Germany contributes almost a quarter of the funds to the European Union, and justifies this commitment by saying that Germany also benefits more from the EU single market than any other European economy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On top of member states contributions, the budget is funded by tariffs on imports and a portion of the value-added tax (VAT) collected inside the bloc.

In the future more money could come from a carbon border tax  which is being phased in gradually  or via a possible digital services tax.

The MFF is proposed by the European Commission and approved by member states and the European Parliament, although the European Parliament can only either accept or reject the MFF proposal - it cannot amend it.

What could change in the next budget?

The European Commission floated the idea that in the next MFF for the period 2028-2034, each member state would draw up its own national plan for spending European funds, which would include cohesion and agricultural policies, two areas that account for around two-thirds of the budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Cohesion" is the word used for redistributive funding aimed at bringing the less wealthy EU states more in line with richer ones.

This approach mirrors the one used to distribute recovery funds after the coronavirus pandemic: each country received its own financial package, with the money disbursed once planned reforms and key milestones that had been approved by the EU were implemented.

The proposed changes would allow the commission to hand cohesion funds directly to national governments, giving them more control over how the money is shared between regions.

But critics warn this could widen existing inequalities within countries and weaken the currently larger role of local authorities in deciding how the money is spent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fourteen member states, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic have opposed the commissions idea.

Miriam Lexmann, a Slovak lawmaker in Brussels from the conservative European Peoples Party, said that the parliament should keep the structure of the funding as it is currently: a decentralized model of separate funds, with regions involved as much as possible in their management.

More or less?

The overall size of the budget is also a key sticking point.

Sweden for example has been one of the most frugal states in the budget negotiations for many years, and looks set to continue on that road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both the government and many in the opposition are arguing for funds to be reallocated rather than added on.

We Swedes are always rather worried when it comes to the MFF. We will be constructive, but the EU needs to do what Sweden has been doing: prioritize among the expenses in order to move money and strengthen the areas where more money is needed, Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson told reporters in Brussels on Tuesday.

For instance, Sweden believes that it is possible to move money out of the cohesion funds.

Some of the countries that have big cohesion funds in some regions are not as poor as they were 10 to 15 years ago. There is money that is not used which means that we can prioritize in a different way, Svantesson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Within the European Parliament, others want to move the opposite direction.

The centrist group Renew is demanding a larger budget with more resources. This could include higher contributions from the 27 member states.

The current amount of around 180 billion per year is far too little to tackle the EU's key priorities, some argue, especially when they include increased spending on defence and security.

In fact in May, the parliament passed a resolution saying that "defence spending cannot come at the expense of nor lead to a reduction in long-term investment in the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the union."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Socialists and Democrats have meanwhile been fighting to ensure that the European Social Fund - which focusses on employment, social, education and skills policies - stays as part of the MFF.

In a deal struck on Wednesday, the parliamentary group said it had been successful: The European Social Fund+ will be included in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the group wrote on X.

With defence and security becoming a greater priority, environmental groups and politicians have expressed concern that some green programmes could see reduced funding. The current MFF includes at least 30% of overall spending dedicated to policies to combat climate change.

With competing national interests coming on top of all this, the next phase of negotiations over the MFF looks set to be as politically charged as ever.

The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, ANP, BTA, CTK, dpa, HINA, STA, TASR, and TT as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project.
The European Union is putting together a pressure campaign against Israel in case the new aid agreements for the Gaza Strip fail, diplomats in Brussels told dpa.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has sent member states a catalogue of measures that could theoretically be used to pressure the Israeli government, the diplomats said.

These include suspending trade benefits, imposing an arms embargo, and blocking Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding programme.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The measures could also involve tightening entry requirements for Israeli citizens and imposing sanctions on politicians deemed responsible for the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

The EU-Israel air transport agreement, which opened the market for direct flights between Israel and the EU, was also mentioned as a potential leverage point.

Kallas was tasked with drafting the catalogue of potential measures during an EU foreign ministers' meeting in June.

This followed an EU review that concluded Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip violated the principle of respect for human rights. This principle is a condition for close cooperation under an association agreement between the EU and Israel that has been in place since 2000.

Israel has been accused of severely restricting the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in recent months. Israel has justified this by claiming that Palestinian militant organization Hamas benefits from the aid.
The European Union is putting together a pressure campaign against Israel in case the new aid agreements for the Gaza Strip fail, diplomats in Brussels told dpa.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has sent member states a catalogue of measures that could theoretically be used to pressure the Israeli government, the diplomats said.

These include suspending trade benefits, imposing an arms embargo, and blocking Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding programme.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The measures could also involve tightening entry requirements for Israeli citizens and imposing sanctions on politicians deemed responsible for the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

The EU-Israel air transport agreement, which opened the market for direct flights between Israel and the EU, was also mentioned as a potential leverage point.

Violation of human rights principles

Kallas was tasked with drafting the catalogue of potential measures during an EU foreign ministers' meeting in June.

This followed an EU review that concluded Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip violated the principle of respect for human rights. This principle is a condition for close cooperation under an association agreement between the EU and Israel that has been in place since 2000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israel has been accused of severely restricting the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in recent months. Israel has justified this by claiming that Palestinian militant organization Hamas benefits from the aid.

Agreement to improve aid delivery

On Thursday, Israel confirmed that it had agreed to a deal with the EU aimed at improving the supply of aid to the suffering civilian population in the blockaded Gaza Strip.

According to the EU, the agreement includes a significant increase in the number of daily food and aid deliveries by truck. Additionally, more border crossings to the coastal area are expected to open, and aid routes through Jordan and Egypt are to be used again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The measures are set to take effect in the coming days, with safeguards to ensure that aid does not reach Hamas.

It remains unclear what measures might be taken if the aid agreement fails.

Some measures would require unanimous approval from all EU member states, and countries like Germany are highly critical of sanctions against Israel. However, trade-related measures could potentially be implemented by majority vote.

The war in Gaza was triggered by the attack on Israel by Hamas and other militant organizations in October 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage.

Since then, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza, more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. The figure does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
By Gianluca Lo Nostro

(Reuters) -Migration into the European Union pushed its population to a record 450.4 million people last year, offsetting a natural population decline for the fourth straight year, EU data released on Friday showed.

WHY IT MATTERS

Since 2012, the EU has recorded more deaths than births annually, making migration the sole driver of population growth.

The trend highlights Europe's demographic challenge as an aging population and low fertility rates strain welfare systems and create labor shortages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

BY THE NUMBERS

The bloc added 1.07 million inhabitants in 2024, with positive net migration of 2.3 million people compensating for a natural population decline of 1.3 million as deaths (4.82 million) continued to outweigh births (3.56 million).

Germany, France and Italy remain the bloc's most populous countries, accounting for almost half of the total EU population with 47%.

While 19 EU countries recorded population increases in 2024, eight saw declines.

Malta recorded the highest growth rate at 19.0 per 1,000 people, followed by Ireland (16.3) and Luxembourg (14.7).

Among countries with declining populations, Latvia was the steepest (-9.9), followed by Hungary (-4.7), Poland and Estonia (both -3.4).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bloc's population has grown from 354.5 million in 1960, though growth rates have slowed significantly from 3 million annually in the 1960s to 0.9 million during 2005-2024.

KEY QUOTES

"The observed population growth can be largely attributed to the increased migratory movements post-COVID-19," EU statistics arm Eurostat said.

CONTEXT

Population in the 27 member states had declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some European governments have also tightened border controls amid public concerns over migration even as irregular border crossings dropped 38% in 2024 to their lowest level since 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Belgium, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands have all introduced temporary border checks over the past year and a half, straining the EU's passport-free Schengen zone.

The EU also rolled out a revamped migration system last year aimed at reducing irregular arrivals and speeding up asylum procedures.

(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Matt Scuffham)
Ukraine has received another 1 billion euro ($1.2 billion) from the European Union at the expense of proceeds from frozen Russian assets, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on July 10.

Ukraine receives funds from frozen Russian assets under the Group of Seven's (G7) Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) mechanism. Within the ERA initiative, Ukraine is expected to get $50 billion in loans that will be repaid using future profits from frozen Russian assets.

Ukraine has received more than $18.5 billion from frozen Russian assets this year, directing the money toward swift recovery projects, according to Shmyhal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on July 10 and 11, the Ukrainian delegation will urge international partners to jointly develop legal mechanisms for the full confiscation of Russian assets, Shmyhal added.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, G7 countries have frozen approximately $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets.

The ERA initiative, backed primarily by the U.S. and the EU, aims to use profits from these frozen assets to finance Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. Ukraine is expected to receive all funds from this initiative by the end of 2027.

The EU's contribution to the ERA initiative amounts to 18.1 billion euros ($21 billion), with a comparable sum shouldered by the U.S. The U.K., Canada, and Japan are providing the rest of the overall sum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read also: You think the end has come  as Russian attacks on Ukraine escalate, Kyiv grapples with terrifying new normal

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -A week-long European-led drive against people-trafficking has netted 158 suspected traffickers and ensured the safety of 1,194 victims in 44 countries, Europol said on Friday.

Dubbed 'Operation Global Chain', the campaign, led by Austria and Romania with support from Europol, Frontex and Interpol, brought together law enforcement, border control and labour inspectors from Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.

More than 276,000 checks at airports, border crossings and elsewhere uncovered exploitation in agriculture, construction and domestic work as well as coercion of victims into crime. Several organised crime groups were dismantled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Close and effective cooperation between international law enforcement and border authorities remains essential in protecting those who are most vulnerable to exploitation," said Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle.

"Each individual safeguarded from exploitation represents an invaluable success."

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
EVANS, Ga. (WJBF)  Vivienne K., a student from Stallings Island Middle School, won third place at the 2025 Georgia State Finals of the National Civics Bee.

Vivienne was one of three local students who advanced to the state level of the competition back in April, after winning first place in Columbia Countys National Civics Bee at Grovetown High School.

The Georgia State Finals were hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce on June 27 at the Carter Center in Atlanta.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Viviennes third-place finish at the Georgia State Finals is a proud achievement for both Stallings Island Middle School and the Columbia County School District, the school district said in a statement. Her success highlights the strength of civic education in our schools and the promising future of youth leadership in Georgia.

The National Civics Bee is a nationwide initiative led by The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber

of Commerce Foundation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
What Were Tracking

Few strong evening storms

Cold front arrives

Nice weekend

Storms have completely fallen apart as they moved into northeast Kansas this morning. The sky is still partly to mostly cloudy. Temperatures are still incredibly warm with lows in the upper 70s and lower 80s.

Another chance for storms arrives later on in the evening, ahead of an approaching cold front. A few scattered storms could become strong to severe, with gusty winds and small hail being the main threats. The strongest storms are expected east of highway 75.

Cooler and less humid air moves in by Saturday, offering some relief before the humidity starts to build again from the south later in the weekend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

KSNT Storm Track Meteorologist Ely Millard

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD)  A Holland-area animal shelter is hosting its 11th annual Ales for Tails fundraiser, combining craft beer with generosity toward West Michigans stray pets.

Harbor Humane Society in West Olive has held its Ales for Tails event annually as a means to celebrate its community of animal advocates and pet owners with a night of fun at The Shops at Westshore mall off James Street near Holland.

Muskegon-area animal shelter seeks homes for 20+ dogs during repairs

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shelters are struggling nationwide, Jen Nuernberg, marketing director for Harbor Humane Society, said. Were full, and donations are lower this year.

Ales for Tails begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. July 17. Single tickets are $35 online or $40 at the door. For the first time this year, couples can enter through a Pawsome Pair package for $85.

Seating at the event is really  for the most part  limited to VIP tables and sponsors, Nuernberg said. This enables you to come with your friend or partner and actually have a seat as your homebase for the night.

Attendees at Ales for Tails in Holland enjoy craft beer, live music and photoshoots with adoptable puppies. (Courtesy Harbor Humane Society) Attendees at Ales for Tails in Holland enjoy craft beer, live music and photoshoots with adoptable puppies. (Courtesy Harbor Humane Society) Attendees at Ales for Tails in Holland enjoy craft beer, live music and photoshoots with adoptable puppies. (Courtesy Harbor Humane Society) Attendees at Ales for Tails in Holland enjoy craft beer, live music and photoshoots with adoptable puppies. (Courtesy Harbor Humane Society)

Drink tickets at the event begin at $5 and can get you various selections from New Holland Brewerys vendor booth, including some non-beer options like Lake Life Vodka and Beer Barrel Bourbon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It truly is critical for us to host events like this, Nuernberg said. Buy a ticket, buy some drink tickets, bid on the silent auction. Last year, we raised $120,000 towards the shelter and our shelter pets.

KCAS Pets of the Week: Hennifer and Meechie

For more information on Ales for Tails  including its Detroit Lions ticket giveaway  visit the Harbor Humane Society website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Volkswagen Group has reported a 1.2% increase in global sales for the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, ending 30 June, compared to the same period last year, despite ongoing tariff concerns.

The German carmaker's deliveries for the quarter totalled 2.27 million, driven by a 37.6% increase in all-electric vehicle (BEV) sales worldwide in Q2.

The company observed sales growth in all markets except for North America and Western Europe, where deliveries dipped by 16.2% and 0.7%, respectively.

For the first half (H1) of the year, Volkswagens global vehicle deliveries totalled 4.41 million, marking a 1.3% growth compared to the same period previous year.

Despite the overall positive trend, Volkswagen's BEV sales experienced regional variances.

In Europe, VW Group BEV sales soared by 72.9% in the second quarter, and in the rest of the world, they increased by 49.3%.

However, the US saw a 5.2% decrease, and China faced a more significant 32.6% drop in VW Group BEV deliveries.

The company said its global BEV market share rose from 7% to 11% year-on-year (YoY) in H1, with a total of 465,500 deliveries, up 47% compared to H1 2024.

Europe and the US registered growth of 89% and 24%, respectively, in H1 BEV sales. Conversely, China experienced a 34% decline in BEV development.

In North America, deliveries to 461,900 customers marked a 6.7% decrease in the first half compared to the same period the previous year.

The US, as the main market, faced an 8.5% decline in the first half of the year amid challenging conditions, contrasting with a 6.2% growth in the first quarter.

South America stood out with the growth of 18.3% to 302,100 vehicles in the first half. Brazil, as the region's primary market, saw a 7.4% increase.

The Asia-Pacific region, mainly impacted by competitive pressures in China, recorded a 1.3% decline to 1,470,900 vehicles. The 2.3% drop in China's deliveries was anticipated.

Volkswagen Extended Executive Committee for Sales member Marco Schubert said: The Volkswagen Group continues to have strong momentum thanks to many newly launched models. This applies especially to all-electric vehicles, with global deliveries up by around 50% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year.

Overall, we were able to slightly increase our global deliveries by the end of June despite challenging conditions. Gains in South America and Europe more than offset the expected declines in China and North America.

FAW-Volkswagen, one of Volkswagen's main Chinese joint ventures, announced plans last month to produce two new EV models based on its Compact Main Platform (CMP) at its Tianjin plant starting in 2027.
By Alvise Armellini

ROME (Reuters) -Fatigue over the war in Ukraine and U.S.-led foreign aid cuts are jeopardising efforts to support people fleeing hardship, the head of the U.N. migration agency warned in an interview on Friday.

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope was speaking a day after a Ukraine recovery conference in Rome mobilised over 10 billion euros ($11.69 billion) for the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's three-and-a-half years into the conflict. I think it's fair to say that everybody is tired, and we hear that even from Ukrainians who've been experiencing the ongoing attacks in their cities and often have been displaced multiple times," she told Reuters.

"The response to it, though, has to be peace, because ultimately, without peace, there won't be an end, not only to the funding request, but also to the support for the Ukrainian people."

Russia's invasion has triggered Europe's biggest refugee this century, with 5.6 million Ukrainian refugees globally and 3.8 million uprooted in their country, according to U.N. data.

The IOM and other U.N. agencies are hampered by major funding shortages as U.S. President Donald Trump slashes foreign aid and European donors like Britain shift funds from development to defence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U.S. decisions will give the IOM a $1 billion shortfall this year, Pope said, saying budget reductions should be phased gradually or else Trump and others risk stoking even worse migration crises.

"It doesn't work to have provided assistance and then just walk away and leave nothing. And what we see happening when support falls is that people move again ... So (the cuts) can ultimately have a backlash," she said.

WARNING FOR U.S., PRAISE FOR ITALY

Pope, 51, is the first woman to lead the IOM and a former adviser to the Obama and Biden administrations who is now working with Trump's White House on so-called "self-deportations".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said the IOM has decades of experience of such programmes in Europe and they take time to implement, especially to prepare returnees and check they are going voluntarily.

"That doesn't always move as quickly as governments would like," Pope said.

Asked whether the IOM would stop working with the U.S. if the returns turned out to be forced, she said: "We've made clear to them what our standards are, and as with every member state, we outline what we can do and what we can't do, and they understand that, and it is part of the deal."

After Rome, Pope was on her way to Washington to meet with Trump administration officials and U.S. lawmakers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Turning to Europe, she praised Italy's decision to increase migrant work permits to nearly 500,000 for 2026-2028, coming from a right-wing government otherwise pursuing tough border policies.

"What Italy is doing is taking a realistic look at what labour they need, what skills they need, what talent they need. And then they're designing a system to allow people to come in through a safe and legal channel," Pope said.

($1 = 0.8557 euros)

(Additional reporting by Emma Farge and Amina Ismail, editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A proposal from Metros Office of Homeless Services could shift more responsibility to private property owners regarding the removal of homeless encampments.

At Wednesdays Continuum of Care: Homelessness Planning Council meeting, Director of Metros OHS April Calvin said that if a property owner wants a homeless encampment moved, they should help pay for it.

If there is a property owner or a business or someone thats going to ask us to close an encampment or move an encampment, then they should be the responsible party for paying shared cost in that movement, Calvin said.

 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

The proposal follows the release of this years point-in-time count, which found that more than 2,000 people are experiencing homelessness. However, the unsheltered population  those not in shelters or temporary housing  dropped slightly, with 43% of people living outdoors in encampments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of those camps used to be in Brookmeade Park. Dede Byrd spent years advocating for its closure and finding housing for the people who called it home. Byrd told News 2 it took the whole community together to work toward a solution.

It took a whole community to house these individuals, and something that I have learned over the last four years is that at the end of the day, it is the property owners responsibility to maintain their property, Byrd said.

The OHS told News 2 that it has successfully partnered with private groups in the past to share encampment cleanup costs and wants to make that approach official.

We actively seek out partnerships that allow us to braid funding and share responsibility, ensuring that the costs associated with transitioning individuals into housing are sustainably managed. Statement from the OHS, in part

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Is it the Office of Homeless Services responsibility to do that? Byrd asked. No, I dont think that it is. I think it is the property owner, the developer, the private business, they have to participate in some way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Byrd added that its a community effort.

Its everyones responsibility; I dont think you can lay it at the feet of just one, Byrd said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The former Archbishop of Wales has admitted he was aware of a safeguarding incident involving a drunken sexual assault in his diocese, despite previously denying knowledge of "that sort of behaviour".

Andrew John retired with immediate effect as Archbishop of Wales on 27 June and will retire as Bishop of Bangor at the end of August.

On Saturday, a BBC investigation revealed the alleged assault was by a man seeking to become a priest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After initially denying any awareness in a BBC interview, a Church in Wales spokesperson has confirmed the matter had been reported to Andrew John but it said the man had no licence to officiate, which Mr John said his comments referred to.

The BBC investigation found that in 2022, a man training to become a priest sexually assaulted a member of the Bangor Cathedral choir while he was drunk.

After the alleged victim came forward, the man issued an apology, and his training to become a priest was discontinued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr John's retirement follows the publication of the summaries of two critical reports which mentioned "a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred", excessive alcohol consumption, as well as governance and safeguarding weaknesses at Bangor Cathedral.

While there is no suggestion the archbishop behaved inappropriately, the church's representative body had said there must be a "change in leadership, procedures and governance in the Diocese of Bangor".

After the publication of the summaries, he had faced criticism and calls to stand down, with calls for an independent inquiry into the diocese.

In May, two critical reports highlighted safeguarding concerns and misbehaviour at Bangor Cathedral [BBC]

On 6 July, BBC Radio Cymru's Bwrw Golwg programme broadcast an interview with the former Archbishop.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Amongst many questions, the presenter asked Mr John whether he was aware about the sexual assault the woman had reported.

He responded by saying: "No, no.

"I have never seen clerics with the choir or misbehaving at all.

"So I'm not sure what's behind this story but the conduct I've seen is people having a good time and relaxing within acceptable boundaries."

After the programme aired, a member of the public got in touch with BBC-produced Newyddion S4C claiming it was "highly likely" Mr John would have been aware of a decision not to continue with the priest's training.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It is likely then that John was aware of the culture of drinking at his cathedral in late 2022 and that his denial on Bwrw Golwg was an untruth," the person added.

In a statement of response, a Bangor Cathedral spokesperson confirmed the matter was brought to the bishop's attention in 2022.

It said the Provincial Safeguarding Team reviewed the incident and recommended that the individual should not attend the Cathedral.

The team also advised that any attendance at a Church in Wales place of worship must be subject to a safeguarding agreement - which the church said was implemented.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The Bishop wishes to clarify that the person was not in training but a priest ordained in the Church of England who had moved to Wales and was seeking a return to ministry.

"At the time of this incident the priest did not have any licence or permission to officiate from the Church in Wales," the spokesperson said.

The Church also confirmed that an internal investigation took place, with recommendations and advice passed to the Archbishop.

When asked about the apparent discrepancy between Andrew John's Bwrw Golwg interview and the Church's statement, a Church in Wales spokesperson said: "The Bishop was referring to clerics officiating with his licence or permission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This individual had neither."
The former chair of the Belfast Trust, Ciaran Mulgrew has said he believes he was sacked because he was being used as a "scapegoat" by the health minister.

Mike Nesbitt sacked Mr Mulgrew in July, saying he believed a fresh start was required at the trust.

However Mr Mulgrew said the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, Mike Farrar, told him that he "did not support the Minister's decision" to sack him, that he "advised against it and regarded it as a political decision made by the Minister who was uncomfortable answering questions before the Health Committee".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The health minister said he had "no wish to engage in a war of words with Mr Mulgrew but he made a "number of assertions which I do not recognise as fact".

Mr Mulgrew said in a statement: "I am quite happy to be judged on the things that I have done, but I will not allow unfairness or inequity to go unchallenged and no one, including me, should be kicked around for political convenience or be scapegoated by anyone".

He said working at the trust had been a "tremendous honour".

He said the Belfast Trust was no exception to any "large complex organisation," which will have difficulties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I believe that anyone in a position of leadership has a responsibility to do something to address problems when they are identified," he added.

"I never avoided any problems in the Belfast Trust and worked to address every issue that arose. At all times I kept the Department of Health fully informed on each issue, and I was open and transparent with all staff."

Mr Mulgrew was appointed as chair of the Belfast Trust in April 2023.

The Belfast Trust has faced a number of issues over the past decade including building delays, overspends, and repairs and more recently the cultural issues in the Royal Victoria Hospital's cardiac surgery unit - issues which resulted in extra oversight measures being put in place at the Trust.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Nesbitt reiterated, in a statement that he had publicly thanked Mr Mulgrew for his contribution.

He said the Belfast Trust was a "complex and challenging organisation to manage".

"As Health Minister, I need to have confidence in those in charge of the organisation," he said.

"It is also the case that events can conspire against individuals, however well-intentioned, and can make their position untenable," he added.

After serious consideration, reflecting on the seriousness of current problems, I reached the conclusion that a new start is needed at the Trust with a new chair as well as the new chief executive. I believe that is in the best interests of the organisation, its staff and all those who rely on its services.

Mike Nesbitt said he believed a fresh start is required at the Belfast Trust [PA Media]

At the time of Mr Mulgrew's sacking Diane Dodds, the Democratic Unionist Party's (DUP) health spokesperson, said the departure of Mr Mulgrew was a "testament to the sheer scale of crisis within the Belfast Trust".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There have been a series of scandals over recent months and this reflects that. However, it should be remembered that many of these issues predated the current chair's tenure," Dodds said.

She added: "There is a wider systemic problem within the Belfast Trust that will not be resolved by simply removing one individual.
Gilboa noted in her Instagram post that the day of her surgery was "one of the happiest days of [her] life."

Former hostage Daniella Gilboa has had a bullet removed from her ankle, which was lodged there throughout her captivity, since October 7, when Hamas terrorists shot her, she shared on her Instagram on Thursday.

Gilboa noted in her post that the date of her surgery at Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus was July 10, saying it was "one of the happiest days of my life."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If you look at the date the way Americans do, it flips and becomes a symbol of the worst day of my life. October 7," she added.

The released hostage also noted the time of day that the surgery took place - 6:30 a.m., which is around the time that Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on October 7.

Gilboa was released from captivity in late January, after 477 days in the hands of Hamas.

Why was surgery delayed until now?

Gilboa later admitted in the post that she had put off undergoing the surgery because the bullet was "a daily reminder of how grateful [she is] to God for protecting [her]. And how grateful [she is] to the angelic friends who have taken care of [her] every single day since."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gilboa decided to meet with doctors and finally schedule the surgery two weeks ago.

"For a year and four months, Karina, Doron, and Naama heard me endlessly fantasizing about how badly I wanted it (the bullet) to come out," she said.

She ended her post by thanking the medical team at Beilinson. She noted her appreciation for the medical staff who would step out several times a day to stand in shifts holding up photos of the 50 hostages still in Gaza.
State Bureau of Investigation officers are conducting searches at the home of a former infrastructure minister, who may have been involved in a lawmaker's fraud scheme, the bureau's spokesperson told the Kyiv Independent on July 11.

Though the statement did not reveal the names of the people involved, Ukrainska Pravda reported earlier that the searches had been conducted at the home of former Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov.

The raid is linked to the fraud case of controversial lawmaker Yevhenii Shevchenko, the news outlet wrote, citing sources in the bureau.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shevchenko, who has been in custody since November 2024 on treason charges, now faces an additional charge of embezzling Hr 14.5 million ($350,000) from a Ukrainian company that was purchasing fertilizers in Belarus, the bureau and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said.

Ukrainian authorities did not say whether Kubrakov also faces charges in connection with the case.

Commenting on the news on social media, Kubrakov denied any involvement with "Yevhenii Shevchenko, Belarus, purchase of fertilizers, or any fraud."

The former minister said his last contact with Shevchenko took place before the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022 and was strictly on an official basis. He nevertheless affirmed his readiness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, saying, "I have never hidden anything, and I do not intend to do so in this case."

Kubrakov served as Ukraine's infrastructure minister between 2021 and 2024, overseeing the key department during much of the full-scale Russian invasion. He was dismissed last May for unclear reasons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While his dismissal was formally justified by the restructuring of Kubrakov's ministry, Ukrainska Pravda previously reported that the former minister fell out of favor with the Presidential Office.

After his dismissal, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov appointed Kubrakov as his logistics advisor.

Shevchenko is a controversial figure in Ukraine, known for his criticism of the EuroMaidan Revolution and frequent appearances in the pro-Russian media before the full-scale war.

Ukrainian authorities noted that the lawmaker, who was a member of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party before being ejected in 2021, frequently traveled to Belarus and met local business leaders, politicians, and dictator Alexander Lukashenko.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Belarus has been a crucial ally of Russia during its all-out war and provided its territory as a launching ground for Russian military operations against Ukraine.

The investigators "also documented that the lawmaker used his personal political and economic connections in Belarus to negotiate deals for the supply of Belarusian mineral fertilizers to Ukraine," the bureau said in a statement.

Shevchenko was charged with treason last November over allegedly "causing harm to the defense capability and information security of Ukraine."

Read also: Trump promises major statement on Russia, reveals new NATO weapons deal for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A former Memphis Police officer is facing possible decertification after he was accused of fondling a 15-year-old girl who was riding in his patrol car last year.

Aly Bah, who was hired by MPD in 2001 and resigned March 21 of this year, will face a hearing July 17 before the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, a state certification board.

Bah is accused of violating policy for personal conduct, truthfulness, accessing reports and records with no legitimate purpose, unauthorized passengers and in-car or body-worn video.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to a summary of facts from MPD, on Nov. 1 last year, Bah responded to a call of a runaway juvenile. He found the girl and took her home.

The girls parents asked Bah to take the girl, who they said had attempted to harm herself and her mother in the past, to either a relatives house, Juvenile Court or Lakeside Behavioral Health.

Movie based on West Memphis Police shootings, in theaters Friday

Instead, Bah told the parents that he would drive the girl around the corner until she calmed down. He claimed to have permission from his superiors to do so but never contacted a supervisor, MPD said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While in the patrol car, Bah allegedly turned off his body-worn camera and made the girl promise not to tell anyone about their conversation, then discussed the girls sexual activity with her.

He then allegedly responded to several locations including a disturbance call, where the girl was allowed to freely exit and enter his vehicle, police said.

Secret Service operation finds multiple card skimming devices in the Mid-South

The girl told police that Bah rubbed her chest and asked what color her bra was. Bah denied that and said he touched her face to comfort her because she was crying.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
LAMAR, Ok.  A former Lamar nursing home employee is accused of stealing from a resident she was supposed to be caring for.

39-year-old Ashley Gastel was charged yesterday with financial exploitation of an elderly or disabled person. While she was the activities director at Truman Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lamar, police say Gastel took advantage of a resident at the facility.

Court records say Gastel gained the mans trust in order to get his debit card. Gastel then used the card in local grocery stores and online on her Amazon account. Records say she used the residents card at least 14 times with purchases totaling just over 750-dollars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gastel has not been arrested but was sent a criminal summons to appear in court in August.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -United Nations sanctions monitors have seen no "active ties" this year between Al Qaeda and the Islamist group leading Syria's interim government, an unpublished U.N. report said, a finding that could strengthen an expected U.S. push for removing U.N. sanctions on Syria.

The report, seen by Reuters on Thursday, is likely to be published this month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham is Al Qaeda's former branch in Syria but broke ties in 2016. The group, previously known as al-Nusra Front, led the rebellion that toppled President Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive in December, and HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa became Syria's interim president.

The report comes as diplomats expect the United States to seek the removal of U.N. sanctions on HTS and Sharaa, who has said he wants to build an inclusive Syria with equal rights for all.

"Many tactical-level individuals hold more extreme views than ... Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, who are generally regarded as more pragmatic than ideological," the U.N. report said. It covered the six months to June 22 and relied on contributions and assessments from U.N. member states.

Since May 2014, HTS has been subject to U.N. sanctions including a global assets freeze and arms embargo. A number of HTS members also face sanctions like a travel ban and asset freeze - including Sharaa, who has been listed since July 2013.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.N. monitors wrote in their report to the Security Council: "Some member states raised concerns that several HTS and aligned members, especially those in tactical roles or integrated into the new Syrian army, remained ideologically tied to Al Qaeda."

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a major U.S. policy shift in May when he said he would lift U.S. sanctions on Syria. He signed an executive order enacting this at the end of June, and Washington revoked its foreign terrorist organization designation of HTS this week.

The U.S. said then that revoking the designation was a step towards Trump's vision of a peaceful and unified Syria.

The U.S. is "reviewing our remaining terrorist designations related to HTS and Syria and their placement on the U.N. sanctions list," a State Department spokesperson told Reuters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Diplomats, humanitarian organizations and regional analysts have said lifting sanctions would help rebuild Syria's shattered economy, steer the country away from authoritarianism and reduce the appeal of radical groups.

Trump and his advisers have argued that doing so would also serve U.S. interests by opening opportunities for American businesses, countering Iranian and Russian influence and potentially limiting the call for U.S. military involvement in the region.

OBSTACLES TO US EFFORT

But Washington faces diplomatic obstacles to get Security Council backing for removing the sanctions.

The U.S. will also need to win support from Russia - which was an ally to Assad - and China for any Syria sanctions relief at the U.N., diplomats said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both are particularly concerned about foreigners who joined HTS during the 13-year war between rebel groups and Assad. The U.N. experts said there were estimated to be more than 5,000 foreign fighters in Syria.

The status of foreign fighters has been one of the most fraught issues hindering Syria's rapprochement with the West. But the U.S. has given its blessing to a plan by Syria's new leaders to integrate foreign fighters into the army.

China is gravely concerned about such developments. The Syrian interim authorities should earnestly fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations," Chinas U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong told the Security Council last month.

He said Syria must combat terrorist organizations including "the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, also known as the Turkistan Islamic Party. Uyghur fighters from China and Central Asia are members of the Turkistan Islamic Party. Rights groups accuse Beijing of widespread abuses of the mainly Muslim ethnic minority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council last month that it was essential Syria's "army and police are staffed exclusively by professional personnel with untainted track records," an apparent reference to irregular fighters like militants.

The U.N. monitors said some foreign fighters rejected the move to integrate them into the military. "Defections occurred among those who see Sharaa as a sell-out, raising the risk of internal conflict and making Sharaa a potential target," the U.N. experts said.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; additional reporting by Timour Azhari; editing by Don Durfee and Cynthia Osterman)
ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI)  The city of Attleboro put out a warning about a potentially venomous snake biting some dogs, but state officials are skeptical.

In a social media post on Tuesday, the city said there was a report of a copperhead snake in the area of Milk Street and the Ten Mile River that may have bitten two dogs.

Mayor Cathleen DeSimone told 12 News she heard about the snake from people who didnt have first-hand knowledge of the alleged incidents. The city decided to warn residents out of an abundance of caution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ALSO READ: Meet Capron Park Zoos new baby sloth

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) reached out to the city after the warning was posted.

The city was able to share one photo of a snake with the division. The states herpetologist identified the reptile in the photo as a northern watersnake which is a harmless, non-venomous species.

Copperheads are an endangered species in Massachusetts. The reptiles are extremely rare and generally only found in small areas of Norfolk and Hampden counties. MassWildlife noted that there has never been a confirmed report of a copperhead in Attleboro.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone who encounters a snake should not try to handle or disturb it in any way. You can learn more about the snakes of Massachusetts here.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Shareholders of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) overwhelmingly approved the drugstore chain's $10 billion acquisition by private equity firm Sycamore.

It is a rough era for national pharmacy chains like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite-Aid, closing hundreds of stores due to changing consumer behavior, declining pharmacy reimbursements and rising costs. Walgreens will close more than 1,000 stores through 2027 and Rite-Aid filed for bankruptcy protection in May, it's second trip to bankruptcy court in as many years.

Walgreens shareholders will receive $11.45 per share from Sycamore Partners per the terms of the deal first announced in March, the companies said Friday. They could also receive as much as an additional $3 per share from the future monetization of Walgreens' debt and equity interests in its VillageMD clinic business.

The buyout, which will take the drugstore chain private, will give it more flexibility to make changes to improve its business without worrying about Wall Streets reaction. Walgreens was founded in 1901 and has been a public company since 1927.

With Sycamores partnership, we will be better positioned to accelerate our turnaround strategy, said Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth.

Walgreens shares were largely unchanged by Fridays news, hovering around $11.50, as they have since the deal was announced. Just two years ago, they were worth more than $30 each.

Last fall, the company announced a plan to close 1,200 of its roughly 8,500 U.S. locations.

The company, based just north of Chicago in Deerfield, Illinois, had already shed about a thousand U.S. stores since it grew to nearly 9,500 after buying some Rite Aid locations in 2018.
Invasive snakes are spreading throughout Ibiza, Formentera, and the surrounding islets, according to El Pais. Several species of native creatures have already gone locally extinct.

What's happening?

In 2003, snakes were found on a shipment of ornamental trees bound for Ibiza. Now, over 20 years later, they're wreaking havoc.

"They advance as if they were on the front of a battle zone," Oriol Lapiedra, a researcher studying the snakes, told El Pais. "You have to imagine the snakes as if they were an actual wave, devouring what they find."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, over 3,000 snakes were found, increasing a thousandfold from 2023. The snakes have even managed to swim to the islets outside Ibiza, ensuring that nowhere is safe for their native prey.

Experts informed El Pais that field mice, shrews, and geckos have become locally extinct as a direct result of their spread. And another animal might be next in line for the chopping block.

The Ibiza wall lizard is a crucial pollinator for its ecosystem. Because of the snakes, a majority of the island is now uninhabitable for the species. As the former head of the food chain, it hasn't adapted to having a predator.

Why do Ibiza's invasive snakes matter?

Their spread is indicative of a larger pattern worldwide. A 2023 United Nations report found that human activity has introduced over 37,000 invasive species into non-native environments, costing the global economy over $423 billion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zebra mussels, for instance, have invaded the Colorado River, threatening local marine life and water supplies. And the ash borer beetle has colonized most of the United States, leaving millions of dead trees in its wake.

Specifically, these snakes' invasion of Ibiza has disrupted its delicate ecosystem. Lapiedra told El Pais that they pose an even greater threat to the islets, where the ecosystems are smaller. It's a conservation nightmare.

What's being done about it?

Instead of focusing on eradication  the snakes are too widespread for that option to be viable  scientists are trying to find ways for the snakes and the Ibiza wall lizards to coexist peacefully. According to El Pais, Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Natural Environment and the Barcelona Zoo are launching a breeding program for the lizard species.

It could keep the species alive while researchers work to create safe havens for the existing lizards. If the population remains stable, Ibiza wall lizards may be able to develop defense mechanisms against the snakes, restoring some balance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To fight this battle at home and help your local ecosystem thrive, consider rewilding your yard with native plant species.

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.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, that West Virginia had a nearly 41% reduction in overdose deaths for the last two months according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (West Virginia Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey | Courtesy photo)

As West Virginia records the largest reduction in fatal overdoses across the nation over a 12 month period, substance use disorder experts are urging caution and encouraging the state to continue, while also increasing, the services available to people who use drugs.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Virginia has seen two months of declines in the annual rate of fatal overdoses, representing a 41% decrease compared to deaths reported in both preceding 12 month periods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The drop is decidedly good news for the state, which has for years been referred to as ground zero for the nations ongoing drug and overdose epidemic.

But even while celebrating, experts say its important to ensure the context and circumstances surrounding the decline is taken into account.

Two months is not a lot of time, said Michael Meit, director of the Center for Rural Health and Research at East Tennessee State University. You need to make sure that trend continues and, if it does  which we all hope it will  thats when youll know that the systems in place are working in a positive way.

The data from the CDC represents overdose deaths recorded between January 2024 and January 2025, the most recent data available for analysis by the agency. The numbers are provisional and could increase as more deaths are analyzed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the data, West Virginia so far has confirmed 787 deaths in that 12 month period. Between January 2023 and 2024, per the data, the state saw 1,351 residents die from overdoses.

Meit, who is also an associate professor in ETSUs Department of Health Services Management and Policy, said there are several factors that could contribute to the state successfully curbing fatal overdose rates. Crucial context for the decline, he said, is how rates of both substance use and fatal overdoses related to that use increased so much during the pandemic.

In 2020, 1,343 West Virginians died from fatal overdoses  setting a new record for the state. In 2021, deaths increased again to 1,537, according to data from the state health department. The trend in the state reflected what was happening nationally; overdoses  fatal and otherwise  increased nearly everywhere while the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded.

In 2022, 2023 and 2024, overdose deaths in West Virginia dropped consecutively each year, per the data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, Meit said, its likely conditions are evening out. The record decline could, at least in part, reflect this.

Two months is not a lot of time. You need to make sure that trend continues and, if it does  which we all hope it will  thats when youll know that the systems in place are working in a positive way.

 Michael Meit, director of the Center for Rural Health and Research at East Tennessee State University

I hope were turning a curve, but Im a little bit of a skeptic at heart. West Virginia leading the nation [in the decline] implies that West Virginia is doing better than other places in addressing these issues. So I do think that its not just a blip, but there are other things to consider, Meit said. I am concerned that a lot of the declining overdose rates that we are seeing now  a partial factor is what we call a return to baseline. So we are essentially getting back to where we were pre-pandemic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fatalities reported between January 2024 and 2025 are the lowest recorded in the state since 2015, when 735 people died from overdoses. At the time, that was the highest number reported by West Virginia in one year since 2001, when the state started tracking and reporting overdose deaths.

Dr. James Berry, who serves as chair for the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at West Virginia Universitys Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, said he was encouraged to see declines in the state. But like Meit, hes cautious about assuming the declines will continue without further work, especially given where West Virginia still stands nationally.

This decline means so many more lives will continue to exist because of efforts that have been going on in the state. At the same time, in West Virginia, we still lead the nation by far in the rates of overdose deaths, Berry said. Weve had a wonderful decline, but still I dont think people appreciate how far above we are other states [in the rate of fatal overdoses], above the national average. So we still have a very, very long way to go.

We have to keep our foot on the pedal

Gov. Patrick Morrisey celebrated the states decline in overdose deaths during a news conference in Princeton on Wednesday. In a release after, he said the state is setting the standard for successfully battling addiction and saving lives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our nation-leading reduction in overdose deaths is the result of a holistic approach to tackle drug use and abuse, Morrisey said. We will continue to work hard together to prevent further senseless death in West Virginia.

Meit has spent a lot of time researching what factors and policies, specifically, lead communities to decreasing or increasing their overdose rates.

One of his studies honed in on eastern Kentucky, a region both culturally and economically reminiscent of West Virginias southern coalfields.

West Virginias coalfield counties continuously lead the state  as well as the nation  in the rate of fatal overdoses. Not long ago, the counties in eastern Kentucky did the same.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But something happened in the 2010s that turned the tide in Kentucky.

Between 2012 and 2017, eight of the top 10 counties in the nation with the steepest decrease in overdose mortality were clustered in eastern Kentucky.

What we found was a big investment in addressing the substance use crisis  in establishing harm reduction programs throughout the state, making sure they had treatment beds available, paying for treatment, engaging their criminal justice system, Meit said. These declines were studied over a 10 year period before the pandemic; we know it wasnt just a blip  it was a direct response to the systems in place.

Kentucky today, Meit said, has the most harm reduction sites of any state in the country. Most offer syringe service programs. The state also has the highest number of residential treatment beds and its Medicaid program includes a dedicated benefit for receiving substance use disorder treatment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The environment in West Virginia, however, is much different.

Harm reduction programs are few and far between. Needs-based syringe service programs  which are the most effective at preventing disease among people who use drugs as well as transitioning people into recovery  are banned at the state level. Theres a shortage of treatment beds, especially in the regions hardest hit by the drug epidemic. Theres been a moratorium on establishing new methadone clinics in the state for years, meaning the medication  proven to be incredibly effective at helping people overcome opioid use disorder  isnt available to most.

The current recovery and rehabilitation environment in West Virginia can largely be attributed to policies adopted by the state Legislature over the last decade. In the last several years, very few laws have been enacted by the body that reflect best practices for addiction and recovery; instead lawmakers have mostly focused on the criminalization of substance use disorder and the people who live with it.

Berry has worked in West Virginia studying and treating substance use disorder since 2002. Hes watched firsthand as the nature of the epidemic has shifted from prescription drug use to heroin use to, most recently, fentanyl. Each time, as new drugs have come into communities, overdoses have increased alongside increased use.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Berry has also watched how policies have evolved  or, in several ways, devolved  in response to the changes in the nature of the epidemic.

Its likely, Berry said, that the decreases being celebrated this month in West Virginia reflect the bearing of fruit that were the labors put in place, five to 10 years ago.

Those labors include expanded access to naloxone, efforts to destigmatize addiction, recruiting health care workers with specific expertise on substance use disorder, increasing access to treatment programs as well as beds and an emphasis on educating both the public and providers about the disease.

Berry is slightly concerned that the successes being celebrated this month could mean a decreased focus by lawmakers on interventions that are working. To step back now, he said, would threaten future success.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its so encouraging that weve got some traction. After so many years of going in the wrong direction, we finally have some traction but we have to keep our foot on the pedal and keep going forward, Berry said. If we dont do that, if we dont keep looking at what more we can do, then I really fear that were going to start getting worse again.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
AI users are spiraling into severe mental health crises after extensive use of OpenAI's ChatGPT and other emotive, anthropomorphic chatbots  and health experts are taking notice.

In a recent CBC segment about the phenomenon, primary care physician and CBC contributor Dr. Peter Lin explained that while "ChatGPT psychosis"  as the experience has come to be colloquially known  isn't an official medical diagnosis just yet, he thinks it's on its way.

"I think, eventually, it will get there," said the physician.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As Futurism has reported, a troubling number of ChatGPT users are falling into states of delusion and paranoia following extensive use of the OpenAI bot. These spirals often culminate in breaks with reality and significant real-world consequences, which include the dissolution of marriages and families, job loss, homelessness, voluntary and involuntary stays in mental health facilities, and  as Rolling Stone and the New York Times have reported  at least one known death: that of Alex Taylor, a 35-year-old Florida man with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia who was killed by police after entering into an episode of psychosis accelerated by ChatGPT.

The phenomenon is widespread, and appears to be impacting a surprising range of users: some with established histories of mental illnesses that might make them more vulnerable to mania, delusion, or psychosis, but others with no such history of those conditions.

As it stands, there's no established treatment plan, and intervention options are limited; after all, it's challenging to separate a working, society-integrated adult from all devices that connect to the internet, and due to choices made mostly by executives in the tech industry and beyond, generative AI is increasingly part of our day-to-day work and personal lives. Meanwhile, as we've continued to report on this issue, we've repeatedly heard from individuals and families reeling from mental health crises tied to AI use that they had no idea others were going through experiences so strikingly similar to their own.

"What these bots are saying is worsening delusions," Dr. Nina Vasan, a psychiatrist at Stanford University and the founder of the university's Brainstorm lab, recently told Futurism, "and it's causing enormous harm."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A large part of why this is happening seems to stem from the tech's sycophantic behavior, or its penchant for being flattering, agreeable, and obsequious to users, even when doing so might encourage or stoke delusional beliefs.

This can manifest in a bot telling a user that they've invented a breakthrough new mathematical formula that will transform society, or declaring that the user is the "chosen one" destined to save the world from any number of ills, or that the user is the reincarnation of a religious figure like Jesus Christ. In many cases we've reviewed, ChatGPT and other bots have claimed to be sentient or conscious, and tell the user that they're a special "anomaly" or "glitch" in the system destined to bring forth artificial general intelligence, or AGI.

Indeed, though the fine details of these many experiences and specific delusions vary, in many ways, ChatGPT and other bots seem to be playing on deep human need to be seen and validated, and the desire to feel special and loved.

Chatbots are telling the user that "you're great, you're smart, you're handsome, you're desirable, you're special, or even you're the next savior. So I'm being treated like a god on a pedestal," Lin said during the CBC segment. "Now, compare that to my real world, right? I'm average, nothing special. So of course I want to go live in the AI world, because the choice is between god on a pedestal or vanilla."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Some people can't get out," the doctor continued, "and they lose themselves in these systems."

As for why bots are acting this way in the first place? Like on social media, engagement  how long a user is online, and the frequency and intensity of their use of the product  is the core metric at the heart of current chatbots' business models. And as experts continue to note, sycophancy is keeping many highly active users engaged with the product, even when the bots' outputs might be having a demonstrably awful impact on their well-being.

In other words, in cases where it might be in a user's best interest to stop using ChatGPT and similar chatbots, it's likely in the company's best interest to keep them hooked.

"The AI wants you to keep chatting," said Lin, "so that the company can continue to make money."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And as the academic and medical worlds race to catch up to the public impacts of the effectively self-regulating AI industry, experts are warning AI users to be wary of placing too much trust in chatbots.

"Despite all the hype associated with AI these days, [large language model] chatbots shouldn't be mistaken for authoritative and infallible sources of truth," Dr. Joe Pierre, a psychiatrist and clinician at the University of California, San Francisco who specializes in psychosis, wrote in a recent blog post. "Placing that kind of blind faith in AI  to the point of what I might call deification  could very well end up being one of the best predictors of vulnerability to AI-induced psychosis."

More on AI and mental health: People Are Being Involuntarily Committed, Jailed After Spiraling Into "ChatGPT Psychosis"
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  With a legacy rooted in humble beginnings and a small farming community, Grandview has transitioned to a thriving vibrant city only 16 miles outside of Kansas City.

Before it became an official city, Grandview, Missouri, was known as the Anderson District, named in honor of John Anderson.

Four must-see spots in Grandview, Missouri

At the time, Anderson owned the only general store in the area. He found inspiration for the citys name after looking outside his store one day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When early residents saw the view, they recalled it as a grand view. In 1912, it officially became Grandview.

The city is also where the 33rd President of the United States, Harry Truman, spent many years working on his familys farm.

Truman, who was born in 1884, spent the first few years of his life on his grandparents farm before moving to Independence, Missouri, for grade school. He returned in 1906 to run the farm before joining the Army in 1917 during World War I.

The rest is history. Harry Truman went on to become a Jackson County resident and a significant figure in American politics, leaving an indelible mark on the nation and the City of Grandview.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
There was a rare and brief moment of stillness on Saturday  after the last child waiting in the church was reunited with his parents  when Rev. Jasiel Hernandez Garcia could sit with his staff and ask them: What do we say to the congregation?

The leadership at First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville, Texas had originally planned to talk about celebrating independence and the importance of rest at their Sunday services on July 6. Then the flooding began.

Starting Friday, the church staff spent 18 hours working on relief efforts. The building, just a few blocks from the Guadalupe River, served as a reunification center in the morning and as a shelter later in the day on Saturday. Then everyone learned that one of their own congregants had died in the flood. They scrapped all the readings, music, and the sermon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, they put together a Sunday service that incorporated church members who volunteered to perform music they felt would be of comfort to their community. Garcia rewrote his whole sermon, focusing on the call to do what is right no matter what and to respond with hope and action.

The amount of grief was something I had never experienced before, said Garcia, the churchs senior pastor.

With at least 150 people missing and 120 people dead, including at least 27 children and counselors at a summer camp, from the flooding in Central Texas, people in Kerr County and across the country have been feeling sadness, anger and grief from the losses.

Many people are turning to Garcia and other religious leaders to ask for guidance in the face of the devastation. What can they do with these feelings?

Feeling the pain across the country

When tragedy strikes, the messiness of pain, anger, sadness and fear of those experiencing loss dont need to be cleaned up quickly, said Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner, senior pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

God is not scared of all of those feelings, Kershner said. I think anger is faithful. Doubt is faithful. All of that is faithful because it means that you actually care.

For the people not directly affected by the flood but struggling themselves, that is natural and human, too, said the Very Rev. Sarah Hurlbert, dean of the Cathedral of All Souls, an Episcopal church in Asheville, North Carolina. The cathedral was inundated and extensively damaged by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene last September.

A woman cries as she is embraced by another person during a vigil for the victims of the floods over Fourth of July weekend, at Travis Park, in San Antonio, Texas, on July 7, 2025. - Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images

Maybe the news reports and images trigger your feelings around a horrible experience at a camp, a personal loss of a child, or even just a loss of feeling safe and in control of the world, said Hurlbert. Sending your kids to a camp, what you expect is that theyre going to have a great time and  come back with some bumps and bruises, but they had a good time doing it, Hurlbert said. Its part of how we get disabused as human beings of the notion of control.

Bad things happen every day to people around the world, and you cant always stop and fully feel the pain because you have to keep going, said Rev. Janet Maykus, transitional pastor of the United Christian Church in Austin, Texas. But sometimes, she noted, an event hits a little closer to home.

There is no right thing to say

After witnessing Helenes destruction, Hurlbert has a sense of how words can fail to provide the comfort needed in the aftermath of tragedy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, her congregation gathered in a church that was not theirs for the first time since the storm. As the people filed in and laid eyes on their community members  many of whom they could not contact to make sure they were safe  they just clung to one another, Hurlbert said.

I dont even think I had a sermon that day, she said. We just hugged and held each other and cried. And really and truly, that was the sermon.

It is human and natural to not want to say the wrong thing, Kershner said. Or you may so badly want the person you are with to not feel pain that you say anything you can to fix it for them. Often, that can drive you away from the people who are suffering.

A broken heart sign is displayed near Camp Mystic on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, after a flash flood swept through the area in Hunt, Texas. - Eli Hartman/AP

Theres no right thing to say, but to move towards those places of hurt, rather than away from them, I think thats what were called as people to do, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If you cant take the pain away from someone experiencing loss, your presence can still be of some benefit, said Don Burda, president of the Jewish Community of the Hill Country in Kerrville, who lost his wife and two daughters to a drunk driver years ago.

Burda isnt a rabbi, and his community has a congregation so tiny that he considers it a full house if 10 people show up. He is planning Shabbat services this Friday, where they will say the Mourners Kaddish, as they do every week for lost loved ones, and he will share pictures of those who have died in the floods.

Each of us reacts to tragedy differently, Burda said via email. Some will be silent, some will scream to the heavens, some will try to find someone to blame. None of these things will bring their loved one back and no amount of good wishes and kind words will make a dent in what theyre feeling, nor do anything to fill that huge chasm in their soul caused by their loved ones being ripped from them.

The kind words do one important thing: They let those who are left behind know that they are not alone. And that  knowing theyre not alone  is perhaps the greatest gift we can give to those who mourn, he said.

Sitting in the pain

Members of Garcias congregation have begun to reach out for support for the loss or continued uncertainty about their loved ones. But so far, he has found that they are not looking for answers as to why it happened or what to do with their grief.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Most of them just want to talk, to connect and to find someone who will listen, he said.

They havent really sat with their emotions. Theyre not really ready to really wrestle with the complexity of all that we experienced last weekend, he said.

People attend a prayer service for flood victims in Kerrville, Texas, on July 9, 2025. - Umit Bektas/Reuters

An important place to start is to assure each other that feelings that come out of tragedy are OK, said Dr. Shelly Rambo, professor of theology at Boston University. What many people need in the aftermath is someone to sit beside them and hear their pain without being afraid of it or trying to tie it up and send it away, Rambo said.

It isnt always natural for people to know how to stay in those difficult moments and allow others to grieve, she said. It takes intention to learn how to say, I am so sorry, and then just sit there and say nothing else, Rambo added. You might hold the person if they want it, but you dont always have to.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The important thing is that you are communicating to the person, I am here. I will be here for the long haul of this grieving. You have a safe place to put these feelings down, she said.

Community in the midst of grief

With the assurance of Gods presence, or a call to the community to gather, or the promise of a listening ear, many religious leaders stressed the importance of those hurting not feeling alone.

When we are just on our own, it can feel very daunting, very hopeless, very overwhelming, Garcia said. But when we mourn and grieve together with other people that we can trust  then that allows for a kind of transformation in the community, a sense of love that is tangible.

In the 18 years Maykus worked as a hospital and hospice chaplain, she found that losing a loved one often upended a persons entire reality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She thinks of lives as a great web of all the communities you exist in and the people you love. When you lose someone, a critical chord is snapped and everything is unsteady for a time, she said. The web will never be the same again, but as you mourn and move forward, you will weave a new version, Maykus said.

Having people by your side and supporting you in your grief helps hold the web in place while you work to rebuild your reality, she said.

Your existence is now completely different, and everyone is walking around you like everythings the same and its not, Maykus said. Just knowing theres someone there, its kind of a grounding thing.

Audrey Ethridge and Briana Virden, right, help feed first responders and volunteers in Comfort, Texas on Thursday, July 10, 2025. - Ashley Landis/AP

It is important to allow others to support you when you are struggling and to show up when others suffer loss  however you can do that, Maykus said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some of us are really good at sitting in silence with someone, some of us are really good at listening, some of us have great things to say, and some of us dont have any of those things, she said.

Can you bring food? Mow the lawn? Clean the refrigerator? These things may not feel as important as the conversations, but they are, Maykus said. The presence and help in keeping life going sends a profound message, she said.

Its saying to that person, You are a person. You are alive. You are here. We care about you, she said.

The truth is that religious leaders are dealing with the grief and pain, too. Coming together as a community gives Kershner a place to hold her faith and hope when she is having trouble, just as she holds it for the people in the pews when they are suffering, she said.

Sometimes we have to borrow faith from each other, Kershner said. We dont go through any of this by ourselves.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A threat from lawyers for a collective of cattle ranchers is forcing Orange County to consider repealing a slate of popular growth controls, a move that could upend land-use planning in rural areas and other properties outside of city limits.

The attorneys have pinned their promised legal action on little-noticed legislation, Senate Bill 180, signed into law June 26 by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The laws stated intent is to limit restrictive or burdensome land-use rules that could thwart landowners rebuilding in the wake of recent hurricanes.

But its language is far more sweeping, and county administrators appear to believe their development rules are at risk, because they are asking commissioners on Tuesday to consider preemptively repealing many of them, including the development-limiting rural boundary charter amendment that won 73% of the ballots cast by county voters in Novembers election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The potential planning meltdown was touched off by an email to Mayor Jerry Demings and the six elected commissioners last week from attorney S. Brent Spain, who represents the ranchers and the controversial, long-sought 1,800-home Sustanee development, also known as Lake Pickett North and situated on rural east county lands. He warned the board they had 14 days to repeal measures that allegedly violate provisions of SB 180.

County administrators could not be reached for comment Thursday on their interpretation of Spains legal claims. But in addition to reconsidering the rural boundary, commissioners also will be asked by their staff Tuesday to scrap Vision 2050, the growth blueprint Orange County has worked on for a decade, according to a posted agenda for next weeks board meeting. And that is touching off intense anger among progressive politicians and the local environmental community.

Vision 2050: How should Orange County grow?

Why abandon years of work and voter intent because of one lawyers letter, Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad asked in a hastily called press conference Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The commissioner, whose east Orange district includes the ranches near Lake Pickett, was part of a neighborhood coalition that fought many iterations of Sustanee.

While some argue it would be easier to back down and avoid a legal fight, thats not leadership. Thats surrender, she said.

She was backed by fellow commissioner Nicole Wilson, state Rep. Anna Eskamani and state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, who voted for the measure. He said SB 180 was a good bill intended to help people reeling from storm damage to their homes but developers are finding loopholes in the language to enrich themselves and overturn the will of our voters who took clear action to protect rural lands in Orange County with a rural boundary.

We need to fight back, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Appeals court rules for Orange County in rural-boundary case

But there is precedent for the broader interpretation of SB 180s impact.

As written, SB 180 prohibits counties within 100 miles of the track of recent Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby from proposing or adopting more restrictive or burdensome procedures on the land development process, including comprehensive plan amendments and other development regulations.

The law states that those more restrictive or burdensome procedures cant be proposed or adopted before October 1, 2027. It also applies retroactively to August 1 of last year. That is the provision that could impact Vision 2050 and the rural boundary measure. Although the bill itself is concerned primarily with hurricane recovery and areas in the path of hurricanes, nothing in the specific legislative language cited by Spain, the landowners attorney, in his legal threat limits the effect of its development restrictions to hurricane-related projects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And, as it turns out, much of that language is identical to a provision the Legislature approved in 2023, placing similar restrictions on any jurisdiction within 100 miles of the paths of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. That law initially affected 26 counties, including Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Osceola and Polk.

At the time, Polk County was rewriting its land development code to change how it approved planned developments. County planners abandoned the effort, saying the law made it impossible to proceed, even though  as now  their code rewrite had little to do with hurricane rebuilding.

In December 2023, the legislature reined in the bill it had passed earlier in the year, removing many counties affected, including Orange. But now many of those same counties are back in SB 180. Orange would be more affected than most, because of the large number of growth controls it has adopted in the last year.

Eric Grimmer, who headed a committee that studied and then drafted the rural-boundary charter amendment, was especially disappointed Orange County staff had chosen to ask commissioners to preemptively repeal the countys updated growth blueprint, now under state review. While Spains letter targets the rural boundary specifically, which includes the proposed Sustanee project, it never mentions Vision 2050.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The county hasnt yet received comments back from the State Department of Commerce on whether Vision 2050 complies with state statutes, he said Thursday. Sure, there are things in the plan that maybe you could argue are more restrictive, more burdensome, especially when it comes to rural style development. But no ones challenging the overall plan.

Commissioner Nicole Wilson said she is also concerned about scrapping Vision 2050, drafted with input from residents at numerous community meetings. We are growing the right way under Vision 2050. It was discussed for years and years and years. We have worked so hard to move it forward, and the idea of it all of a sudden being repealed in a very knee jerk reaction to what I believe is a threat from a private entity feels like an absolute slap in the face of Orange County voters.

Becky Wilson, a land use attorney with Lowndes, said one possible solution could be pushing back the effective date of Vision 2050 to 2027. However, a point of uncertainty is the impact of future hurricanes.

Senate Bill 180 is retroactive for those three hurricanes, but then its also prospective for any new hurricane, so its almost like you would be rolling back that effective date, just hoping for a season we didnt have hurricanes, she said.

GrowthSpotter Editor Laura Kinsler contributed to this report.

shudak@orlandosentinel.com
Claim:

French President Emmanuel Macron broke royal protocol when he walked in front of King Charles III while inspecting British troops during a state visit in July 2025.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

Though royal protocol for state visits to the U.K. is not necessarily codified, we found no evidence that Macron broke any written or unwritten rules. Royal commentators called criticism of Trump, who in 2018 walked in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II during a troop inspection, "unfair." King Charles III has allowed foreign leaders to walk in front of him while inspecting troops during every state visit of his reign.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In July 2025, after French President Emmanuel Macron made a state visit to the U.K., a claim (archived) circulated online that Macron broke royal protocol when he walked in front of King Charles III while inspecting British troops on July 8.

Emmanuel Macron enfreint le protocole royal en marchant devant le roi Charles III.



Cet imposteur ne represente pas la France, plus personne ne le supporte ni en France et ni dans dans le monde. pic.twitter.com/OmEIqthb1N  MyriamSauvons Lhumanite@CelebritesSM (@Resistance_SM) July 9, 2025

One X user, who shared the claim in French, wrote (translated by DeepL.com) "Emmanuel Macron breaks royal protocol by walking in front of King Charles III. This impostor does not represent France, and no one can stand him in France or anywhere else in the world." The claim circulated alongside a clip from the British news outlet GB News' coverage (archived) of Macron inspecting British guards.

The claim circulated widely on X (archived) and also appeared on Reddit (archived) and TikTok (archived).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We found no evidence that Macron broke royal protocol by walking in front of Charles during the July 8 troop inspection. Commentators in the GB News clip noted that U.S. President Donald Trump faced "unfair" criticism for doing the same during a state visit in 2018. Including Macron, there have been five state visits to the U.K. during Charles' reign. Images and video from all five visits showed the foreign leader walking in front of Charles when inspecting troops, indicating that this may in fact be the protocol, if one exists. Therefore, we rate this claim false.

We reached out to Buckingham Palace and the French Presidency to ask for their comments on the alleged protocol breach and await a reply.

Former U.K. Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis, who spoke toward the end of the GB News clip, called criticism of Trump in 2018 "unfair." Ellis also said there was nothing out of the ordinary about Macron taking the lead (time code 03:04), "The reality is, this is an honor for the visiting head of state and therefore it is, on this occasion, President Macron who is inspecting the guard and it's completely in order for him, therefore, to be given the precedent. That's part of being the host and him being the guest."

There have been five state visits (including Macron) to the U.K. since the start of Charles' reign in 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa came to the U.K. on a state visit in November 2022. A photo from Getty Images, a reputable picture agency, showed Ramaphosa walking in front of Charles while inspecting troops on Horse Guards Parade in London.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the U.K. a year later, in November 2023. Footage from that visit showed Yoon also walking in front of King Charles while inspecting troops. Buckingham Palace published a photo from the inspection that also showed Yoon walking in front.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito followed Yoon with another state visit in June 2024. Again, both Buckingham Palace photos and news agency footage showed Naruhito inspecting troops while walking in front of Charles.

The Emir of the State of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the most recent state visit before Macron, inspected troops on Horse Guards Parade on Dec. 3, 2024. Again, news footage from the event showed the Emir walking in front of Charles to inspect the troops.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In sum, while Snopes did not find codified royal protocols governing the exact scenario Macron faced during his state visit, based on the precedent set by four previous foreign leaders there was no evidence that Macron broke any written or unwritten rules.

Sources:

AFP News Agency. "Japanese Emperor Welcomed in London by Britain's King Charles | AFP." YouTube, 25 Jun. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUsicKZ2QoA&t=59s.

Associated Press. "King Charles III Welcomes Qatar's Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani for UK Visit." YouTube, 3 Dec. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVur4PmZI2U&t=16s.

"Japan State Visit." Royal.Uk, 25 Jun. 2024, https://www.royal.uk/Japan#:~:text=The%20State%20Visit%20began%20this%20morning%20as%20The%20Emperor%20and%20Empress%20were%20met%20by%20The%20King%20and%20Queen%20on%20Horse%20Guards%2C%20before%20the%20Emperor%20was%20invited%20to%20inspect%20a%20Guard%20of%20Honour%20formed%20of%20the%201st%20Battalion%20Welsh%20Guards.%20The%20Royal%20party%20then%20travelled%20back%20to%20Buckingham%20Palace%20in%20a%20carriage%20procession.%C2%A0.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mervosh, Sarah. "Trump Walks in Front of Queen Elizabeth, Causing Social Media Frenzy." New York Times, 14 Jul. 2018, https://archive.ph/ES0bA#selection-383.0-428.0.

"South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and Britain's King Charles..." Getty Images, 22 Nov. 2022, https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/south-africas-president-cyril-ramaphosa-and-britains-king-news-photo/1244998882.

"State Visit by The Amir of the State of Qatar." Royal.Uk, 3 Dec. 2024, https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2024-12-03/state-visit-by-the-amir-of-the-state-of-qatar.

"State Visit of the President of South Africa." Royal.Uk, 21 Nov. 2022, https://www.royal.uk/state-visit-president-south-africa.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"State Visit of the President of the Republic of Korea." Royal.Uk, 21 Nov. 2023, https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2023-11-21/state-visit-of-the-president-of-the-republic-of-korea#:~:text=The%20President%2C%20accompanied%20by%20The%20King%2C%20then%20inspected%20the%20Guard%20of%20Honour%2C%20found%20by%20F%20Company%20Scots%20Guards.

"---." Royal.Uk, 21 Nov. 2023, https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2023-11-21/state-visit-of-the-president-of-the-republic-of-korea.

The Independent. "King Charles and President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol Inspect Royal Guards in London." YouTube, 21 Nov. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnxwPKXMI98&t=27s.

The Royal Family Channel. "Queen Ushers Donald Trump along as He Inspects Guards." YouTube, 13 Jul. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFjW9M8OMKQ&t=8s.


Claim:

A story authentically recounts the experience of a 14-year-old girl named Madison Taylor Brooks who briefly died and received a warning from Jesus Christ about the dangers of a life spent looking at screens.

Rating:

Rating: False

In July 2025, online users reposted the story of a 14-year-old girl named Madison Taylor Brooks briefly dying for 12 minutes after a car accident, during which time she received a warning from Jesus Christ about a life spent looking at screens.

The story originated in a video on the Second Life YouTube channel. The clip features artificial intelligence-generated elements, including in the visuals, voice narration, scripting, text description and thumbnail image.

A disclaimer in the YouTube video's text description, added after the clip received hundreds of thousands of views, revealed the channel's owner fabricated the name "Madison Taylor Brooks." In the disclaimer, the channel owner claimed, without providing evidence, that they received the story in an email and changed names to protect identities.

The Second Life YouTube channel almost exclusively hosts videos, all featuring AI-generated elements, telling similar inspirational tales of people briefly dying, receiving a warning from Jesus and coming back to tell others about their experience.

Numerous pieces of data, including several inconsistencies and red flags, as well as a complete lack of news media outlets  Christianity-focused publications included  reporting on the matter, contributed to the conclusion that someone fabricated the story, all for at least the partial goal of online advertising revenue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In July 2025, online users shared a story about a 14-year-old girl named Madison Taylor Brooks who allegedly briefly died for 12 minutes after a car accident. According to the story, during her near-death experience, Jesus Christ revealed to Brooks the dangers of living a life spent looking at screens on phones, tablets and computers and how those experiences isolate and distract people from real life and God's presence. The story said that after Brooks recovered, she told her family and friends about her encounter with Jesus, leading them to spend more time with each other and away from screens, and also shared online an audio recording of what users labeled as her "testimony."

For example, on June 24, a TikTok user posted (archived) the alleged Brooks audio recording. The video, lasting around 13 minutes and receiving more than 700,000 views, displayed a picture of a young girl and a woman closing their eyes and appearing to pray. Other users shared the story either as a video purportedly with Brooks' narration, or as text, on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), TikTok (archived), X (archived) and YouTube (archived), as well as on at least one blog.

Snopes readers wrote us asking about the veracity of the story. One emailed, "Is the story posted on TikTok about 14 year-old Madison Taylor Brooks dying for 12 minutes true?" Another person asked, "Did Madison Taylor Brooks really die and claim to see Jesus who told her about the dangers of social media?"

The video and text-based posts began, "My name is Madison Taylor Brooks. I'm 14 years old, and on October 17th I died for 12 minutes when our car flipped three times on Highway 29."

However, a search for more information found inconsistencies and red flags calling into question the origination of the story.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A YouTube user who first posted about Brooks' purported experience added a disclaimer to their text description, either days or weeks after initially uploading the clip. In that disclaimer, they claimed, without providing evidence, that they received the story via email and changed Brooks' name to protect her identity. That user also almost exclusively shares many different videos telling similar tales of people briefly dying, talking to Jesus and then returning with a warning. The clips feature artificial intelligence-generated elements, including in their visuals, voice narration, scripting, text descriptions and thumbnail images. Further, searches of Bing, DuckDuckGo, Google and Yahoo found no news media outlets  including Christianity-focused blogs and publications  reporting about the matter.

The story resembled other past inspirational experiences users posted online after fabricating the tales, at least partly in the pursuit of generating online advertising revenue.

The origins of the story

According to the aforementioned searches of Bing, DuckDuckGo, Google and Yahoo, the oldest posting of the story appeared on the Second Life (@SecondLife03) YouTube channel  not to be confused with the video game of the same name  on May 13. That video (archived) displayed several points initiating YouTube ads, which earn the channel's owner revenue. The clip received just over 1 million views and featured a title including the initialism "NDE" for near-death experience. It read, "14 Year Girl Dies & What Jesus Revealed About SOCIAL MEDIA Will Shock You - NDE."

The text description under the video, resembling text generated by an AI tool with its emoji and comma-separated keywords list, featured a disclaimer claiming  without providing evidence  that the channel's owner received the story in an email. The disclaimer also said that "Madison Taylor Brooks" was a fake name, and that they did not publish the supposed real girl's name, purportedly to "protect their identity." It read as follows:

NOTE: This testimony was sent to us via email, and due to copyright and legal reasons, we have changed the names of individuals involved to protect their identity. The core of the story remains untouchedshared with the intent to uplift, inspire, and awaken hearts.

An archived version of the YouTube video page showed that the manager of the channel added the disclaimer only after the clip began receiving hundreds of thousands of views. The video now stands as the most-viewed clip on the channel. Other similar videos hosted on the channel did not feature this same disclaimer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The channel also does not show any websites or other social media pages, indicating a lack of association with any other online content. Additionally, the "home" page for the channel contained no customization or featured videos  an unusual lack of promoted content for YouTube creators.

Snopes reached out to the channel's owner via several public video comments  there was no email address listed  to ask questions and will update this article if we learn more information.

'Brooks' story powered by AI

AI text-detection websites such as Copyleaks.com, NoteGPT.io, Phrasly.ai and ZeroGPT.com all concluded someone likely generated the video's script  the same one some users copied and pasted as text into social media posts  with an AI tool. Such AI-detection websites don't provide absolute conclusions but instead offer data points toward establishing likelihood of the usage of AI tools.

The thumbnail image included with the Second Life YouTube video showed an inauthentic "breaking news" graphic, with no TV network name displayed, featuring a close-up picture of a young girl crying while wearing a gown in a hospital bed. A scan with the Sightengine image-analysis website determined a 99% likelihood someone generated the photo with an AI tool.

(@SecondLife03/YouTube)

Further, the narrator's voice in the Second Life YouTube video, the popular TikTok clip and other posts resembled AI-generated vocals. For example, at the very end of the YouTube and TikTok videos, the narrator stumbles through the final words with unnatural tone changes, saying, "My name is Madison Taylor Brooks. I died on Oct. 17, and Jesus sent me back to tell you this." The sound of the voice shared at least slight similarities with the "Amy" voice offered by the TopMediai.com generative-AI website.

Inconsistencies and red flags

Users who shared the story did so with pictures of different girls. This usage of various girls' photos, some AI-generated, furthered the inauthenticity of the entire rumor.

The many faces  some AI-generated  of "Madison Taylor Brooks."

Also, again, the story featured a lack of identifying details, including a year missing from the alleged accident date of Oct. 17, as well as no city or state name where the incident occurred. The video only mentioned Highway 29  possibly U.S. Highway 29, which spans from Maryland to Florida  as the location of the accident.

Second Life's many AI-created, near-death experience videos

Other popular videos hosted on the Second Life YouTube channel told of numerous alleged near-death experiences involving Jesus warning individuals of dangers. For example, a video (archived) from June 20 displayed the title, "Navy SEAL Dies in Iran & Returns With TERRIFYING Warning About Nuclear War - NDE." That clip received more than 833,000 views, and it featured an introduction showing a visual of an AI-generated person.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other videos (archived) hosted on the channel  all including AI-generated thumbnail images  featured similar introductions with visuals of AI-generated people. Some of the clips included stories of people allegedly returning from speaking with Jesus about warnings regarding World War III, U.S. President Donald Trump and his former adviser Elon Musk.

The most recent video, as of this writing, claimed a 38-year old woman named "Katie Anne Phillips"  allegedly a victim of the Texas flash floods from early July  received a warning from Jesus about "the modern world drowning in distraction, fear and spiritual emptiness." That video, published on July 9 and beginning with a visual of an AI-generated woman  whose shirt color changes between shots  displayed the title, "Texas Flood Victim Dies & Jesus Shows Her EXACTLY What's Coming Next to America - NDE."

Another video from July 8 featured visuals of the same AI-generated woman, except with the name of "Lisa Thompson."

For further reading, a previous fact check examined an AI-generated YouTube video showing Trump playing a guitar while singing, "This Is Who Jesus Is to Me."

Sources:

"AI Detector." Phrasly.ai, https://phrasly.ai/ai-detector.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"AI Detector  Free AI Checker Online, No Sign-Up." NoteGPT.io, https://notegpt.io/ai-detector.

"AI Detector - Trusted AI Checker for ChatGPT, GPT4 & Gemini." ZeroGPT.com, https://www.zerogpt.com/.

"AI Image Detector. Detect AI-Generated Media at Scale." Sightengine.com, https://sightengine.com/detect-ai-generated-images.

"Discover the Best AI Voices for Teen Voices in TopMediai." TopMediai.com, https://www.topmediai.com/text-speaker/best-ai-voices-for-teen-voices/.

"U.S. 29 Maryland to Florida - General Highway History - Highway History." Federal Highway Administration, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/us29.cfm.
Claim:

U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: Could you all just FOCUS on the very many other more important things to discuss than whether or not I may or MAY NOT be all over the Epstein Files? There was a BIG FLOOD in Texas. Huge flood as it relates to water. Many people DIED. Many beautiful young girls. Perhaps some not so beautiful illegal Mexican peoples as well. Perhaps drug dealers disguised as day laborers. You can never tell. They don't speak American. That is very suspicious. Again, forget about me and the Epstein Files. Focus on MEXICANS and FLOODING.

Rating:

Rating: False

In early July 2025, a screenshot claimed to show a real Truth Social post by U.S. President Donald Trump calling on people to forget the "Epstein files" and focus on the "beautiful young girls" who died in the Texas flash floods over the Fourth of July. Per the screenshot, Trump wrote:

Could you all just FOCUS on the very many other more important things to discuss than whether or not I may or MAY NOT be all over the Epstein Files? There was a BIG FLOOD in Texas. Huge flood as it relates to water. Many people DIED. Many beautiful young girls. Perhaps some not so beautiful illegal Mexican peoples as well. Perhaps drug dealers disguised as day laborers. You can never tell. They don't speak American. That is very suspicious. Again, forget about me and the Epstein Files. Focus on MEXICANS and FLOODING.

(Threads user "lisalmccl23")

But we found no evidence of Trump ever making the above post on any of his social media accounts. As such, we rate this claim as false.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Searching for variations of the quote on Google uncovered no reliable sources connecting it to the president. Trying sections of the phrase such as, "Focus on MEXICANS and FLOODING," "Perhaps some not so beautiful illegal Mexican peoples" and "Huge flood as it relates to water" provided no reliable sources.

Roll Call's archive of Trump's social media on X and TruthSocial also found no posts resembling the various forms of the passage, nor did searching for "Epstein files" on his X profile or on Trump's Truth, another website dedicated to archiving his Truth Social posts. We looked through archived screenshots of his Truth Social pages from July 10, 2025, and also found no evidence that he wrote and deleted such a post.

If Trump had said this in public or posted about it on social media, it would have been widely covered by news media publications.

Since July 4, 2025, flooding in Texas caused around 120 deaths and left more than 170 people missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In early July the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI also concluded that convicted sex offender/financier Jeffrey Epstein had no "client list" and was not murdered (he was found dead in his jail cell reportedly by suicide while awaiting trial on new charges of sex trafficking girls in 2019). The findings contradict conspiracy theories often pushed by Trump supporters, resulting in anger from Trump's base.

We have often debunked fake quotes attributed to Trump, including one that falsely claimed Trump said he had seen "dark matter."

Sources:

Ibrahim, Nur. "Trump Didn't Say He's Seen 'dark Matter' and Has 'Best Understanding of It.'" Snopes, 30 May 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-quote-dark-matter/. Accessed 11 July 2025.

Isenstadt, Alex. "Exclusive: DOJ, FBI Conclude Epstein Had No 'Client List,' Died by Suicide." Axios, 6 Jul. 2025, https://www.axios.com/2025/07/07/jeffrey-epstein-suicide-client-list-trump-administration. Accessed 11 July 2025.

"Trump Plans to Tour Texas Flood Damage as the Scope of the Disaster Tests His Pledge to Shutter FEMA." AP News, 11 Jul. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/trump-texas-floods-fema-phase-out-b77d9681d2d39f8c201351b54ecf944f. Accessed 11 July 2025.


Claim:

Mohammad-Javad Larijani, a former adviser to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Iranian television, [Trump] can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago. [...] When his stomach is facing the sun, a drone can hit his navel.

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

Context:

While the statement can be interpreted as a threat, Larijani also said right after, But we fight as men. [Drones] are for cowards, seemingly implying Iran would not really use this tactic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In July 2025, video footage claimed to show an Iranian official saying U.S. President Donald Trump can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago because a drone might strike him in the belly. Per various posts on X and Facebook, politician Mohammad-Javad Larijani, former adviser to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, allegedly said on Iranian television:

Trump has done something [so] that he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago. As he lies there with his stomach to the sun, a small drone might hit him in the navel. It's very simple [...]

IRAN: 



Dr. Mohammad Javad Larijani, a senior advisor to Irans Supreme Leader, threatened on Iranian television the day before yesterday to assassinate U.S. President Donald J. Trump.



He said Trump can no longer sunbathe at his Mar-a-Lago home because a small drone could pic.twitter.com/94EP6F45t1  Shiri_Sabra (@sabra_the) July 10, 2025

Larijani did make this statement. We confirmed the translation via a number of independent sources, as well as news media reports. Furthermore, Fox News even presented the quote to Trump, who gave a public response. As such, we rate this claim as a correct attribution.

We have reached out to Larijani to learn more about his intention behind the statement and will update this post accordingly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The quote came from a June 21 interview Larijani gave on IRINN TV, Iranian state television. Per Iran International, a London-based Iranian media network, Larijani said, "Trump has done something so that he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago [...] As he lies there with his stomach to the sun, a small drone might hit him in the navel. It's very simple." Larijani was referring to Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.

Three independent Farsi-speaking sources confirmed the translation of the quote for Snopes. Per one translation we received:

These 'small birds,' [drones/micro air vehicles (MAVs)] are they a technology only they have? In my view, Mr. Trump has done something, [so] that he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago because others know this work [of drones]. When his stomach is facing the sun, a drone can hit his navel. It's very simple. The calamity they have brought upon world safety will take them by their scruff. But we fight as men.

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) shared a longer version of the clip with a translation. After saying, "But we fight as men," Larijani added, "MAVs and the likes are for cowards," implying that Iran would not actually use such a tactic.

We should note that MEMRI was founded by a former Israeli intelligence officer and has been called a "propaganda machine" by many critics who say it publishes selective translations from Arabic and Farsi media.

Former Iranian Deputy FM Mohammad-Javad Larijani Threatens: A Drone Can Hit Trump in the Bellybutton While He Is Sunbathing at Mar-a-Lago; Macron Could Be Hit While Partying at a Discotheque pic.twitter.com/W7SJvqDVUr  MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) July 10, 2025

However, given that we managed to confirm the exact words via a number of independent Farsi-speaking sources, the above quote was still authentic. Furthermore, Trump responded to Larijani's statement during a July 9 press conference.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fox News reporter Peter Doocy read the quote aloud to Trump, who replied that he hadn't sunbathed in a long time:

DOOCY: And now a few weeks after the strikes that you ordered on the nuclear facilities in Iran, there is an Iranian official who says you, President Trump, 'have done something that he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago. As you lie there with your stomach to the sun, a small drone might hit you in the navel. It's very simple.' Do you think that's a real threat? And when is the last time you went sunbathing anyway? TRUMP: It's been a long time. I don't know. Maybe I was around seven or so. I'm not too big into it. Yeah, I guess it's a threat, I'm not sure it's a threat actually, but perhaps it is.

The exchange took place at the 34:13 mark, per this video from the White House:

Iran International described Larijani as a "former senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader." Per his profile on the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, Larijani is a "conservative politician, mathematical logician, and former diplomat." He was also described as "a senior adviser to the head of the Judiciary and secretary general of the High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Larijani is also the director of the Institute for Studies in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics.

Larijani's statement came after rising tensions between Israel and Iran. In mid-June, Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, sparking a barrage of missile attacks from Iran into Israel. On June 21, the U.S. launched a number of attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. In July, Israeli officials concluded that some of Iran's enriched uranium survived both the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Snopes has often fact-checked quotes and video footage attributed to Iranian television.

Sources:

"Expert: MEMRI Is 'Propaganda Machine.'" CAIR, https://www.cair.com/cair_in_the_news/expert-memri-is-propaganda-machine/. Accessed 10 July 2025.

"Former Iranian Deputy FM Mohammad-Javad Larijani Threatens: A Drone Can Hit Trump in the Bellybutton While He Is Sunbathing at Mar-a-Lago; Macron Could Be Hit While Partying at a Discotheque ." MEMRI, 21 Jun. 2025, https://www.memri.org/tv/iran-larijani-warns-trump-mav-bellybutton-macron-discotheque. Accessed 10 July 2025.

Eifert, Sean. "Iranian Broadcast Censored Female Olympic Bodies?" Snopes, 31 Jul. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/iranian-olympics-broadcast/. Accessed 10 July 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ibrahim, Nur. "Image Doesn't Show Israeli F-35 Fighter Jet Shot down by Iran." Snopes, 16 Jun. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/iran-israeli-f-35-fighter-jet/. Accessed 10 July 2025.

"Iranian Official Says Trump Could Face Drone Attack at Mar-a-Lago." 9 Jul. 2025, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202507092764. Accessed 10 July 2025.

Lalami, Laila. "The Missionary Position." 1 Jun. 2006, The Nation. https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/missionary-position/. Accessed 10 July 2025.

Liles, Jordan. "Did Iranian State TV Say, 'Tonight, a Great Surprise Will Occur, One That the World Will Remember for Centuries'?" Snopes, 18 Jun. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/06/18/iranian-state-surprise-tonight-tv/. Accessed 10 July 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Mohammad Javad Ardashir Larijani." Carnegie Council. https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/people/mohammad-javad-ardashir-larijani. Accessed 10 July 2025.

Robinson, Kali and Mariel Ferragamo. "Timeline: U.S. Relations With Iran." CFR, https://www.cfr.org/timeline/us-relations-iran-1953-2025. Accessed 10 July 2025.

Sanger, David E. "Some of Iran's Enriched Uranium Survived Attacks, Israeli Official Says." The New York Times, 10 Jul. 2025. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/us/politics/iran-attacks-damage.html. Accessed 10 July 2025.

"Trump Mocks Iran Official's Mar-a-Lago Attack Threat: "I Don't Sunbathe."" Iran International, 9 Jul. 2025, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202507096781. Accessed 10 July 2025.

"Trump Reacts to Odd Sunbathing Assassination Threat From Iranian Official." The Daily Beast, 10 Jul. 2025, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-reacts-to-odd-sunbathing-assassination-threat-from-iranian-official/. Accessed 10 July 2025.
A day after Nvidia set a new record by reaching a $4 trillion market cap, at least three Wall Street analysts issued new reports that rated the stock a buy, according to Bloomberg data. The bulls pointed to Nvidias role as the premier chipmaker and the fact that compared to its fundamentals, the stock is still trading at a fair price.

Wall Street is betting Nvidia can make stock market history again.

After the chipmaker powered its way to a $4 trillion valuation, the first company to ever reach the milestone, analysts still see room for the stock to grow. The upside for Nvidia, according to its biggest bulls, remains incomplete. There are more returns to be had, they argue.

Nvidia is one of the most beloved stocks by investors. It seems to have ridden the stock market exuberance of AI more than any other company. Investors continue to reiterate its strength as the purveyor of the best AI chips that hyperscalers like Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon use.

Of the 79 analysts who currently follow Nvidia, 69 rate it a buy, according to Bloomberg. Thats good for an 87% buy rating among analysts. Only 11 rate it a hold. And just one lone holdout lists it as a sell.

On Thursday, after Nvidia hit the $4 trillion mark, some analysts were unfazed at the prospect that perhaps the chipmaker had reached its stock market peak. At least three analysts published new reports rating the stock a buy, according to Bloomberg data. Goldman Sachs, Keybanc Capital Markets, and Bocom International, the subsidiary of Hong Kongs Bank of Communications, all listed Nvidia as either a buy or an overweight.

Their price targets ranged from $175 to $190, implying growth of between 8.1% and 17.4% for Nvidia stock from the $161.84 per share at the time of publication.

Despite Nvidias valuation, its fundamentals dont point to an expensive or overpriced stock, according to Paul Meeks, chief investment officer at 17 Asset Management. The stock has come far, but sales, earnings, and cash flows have come farther, he told Fortune.

Indeed, Nvidia has delivered outstanding financial performance. Its latest quarterly earnings saw it bringing $44 billion in revenue, a 69% increase from the prior year, according to company filings. Its margins remain plump, coming in at 60% over the same quarter. Its balance sheet remains rock-solid with $111 billion in total assets compared to $32 billion in total liabilities in its 2025 fiscal year.

Goldman was undeterred by Nvidias recent record valuation. It called worries about Nvidias sky-high price peak concerns in an analyst note published on Thursday. We believe Nvidia will remain the primary beneficiary of the ongoing AI infrastructure buildout, Goldman semiconductor analyst James Schneider wrote.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Justice Department and FBI are struggling to contain the fallout and appease the demands of far-right conservative personalities and influential members of President Donald Trumps base after the administration's decision this week to withhold records from the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.

The move, which included the acknowledgment that one particular sought-after document never existed in the first place, sparked a contentious conversation between Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino at the White House earlier this week that threatened to permanently shatter relations between the two officials and centered in part on a news story that described divisions between the FBI and the Justice Department.

The cascade of disappointment and disbelief arising from the refusal to disclose additional, much-hyped records from the Epstein investigation underscores the struggles of FBI and Justice Department leaders to resolve the conspiracy theories and amped-up expectations that they themselves had stoked with claims of a cover-up and hidden evidence. Infuriated by the failure of officials to unlock, as promised, the secrets of the so-called deep state, Trump supporters on the far right have grown restless and even demanded change at the top.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tensions that simmered for months boiled over on Monday when the Justice Department and FBI issued a two-page statement saying that they had concluded that Epstein did not possess a client list, even though Bondi had intimated in February that such a document was sitting on her desk, and had decided against releasing any additional records from the investigation.

The department did disclose a video meant to prove that Epstein killed himself in jail, but even that raised the eyebrows of conspiracy theorists because of a missing minute in the recording.

It was hardly the first time that Trump administration officials have failed to fulfill their pledge to deliver the evidence that supporters had come to expect.

In February, conservative influencers were invited to the White House and provided with binders marked The Epstein Files: Phase 1 and Declassified." But the binders contained information that had largely already been in the public domain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Afterward, Bondi said an FBI source informed her of the existence of thousands of pages of previously undisclosed documents and ordered the bureau to provide the full and complete Epstein files. She later said officials were poring over a truckload of previously withheld evidence she said had been handed over by the FBI.

But after a months-long review of evidence in the governments possession, the Justice Department determined in the memo Monday that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted. The department noted that much of the material was placed under seal by a court to protect victims, and only a fraction of it would have been aired publicly had Epstein gone to trial.

The Trump administration had hoped that that statement would be the final word on the saga, with Trump chiding a reporter who asked Bondi about the Epstein case at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

But Bondi and Bongino had a tense exchange the following day at the White House, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Part of the clash centered on a story from the news organization NewsNation that cited a source close to the White House as saying the FBI would have released the Epstein files months ago if it could have done so on its own. The story included statements from Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel refuting the premise, but not Bongino.

The news publication Axios was first to describe the conversation.

Blanche sought to stem the fallout Friday with a social media post in which he said he had worked closely with Patel and Bongino on the Epstein matter and the joint memo.

All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo. The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memos composition and release is patently false, he wrote on X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also Friday, far-right activist Laura Loomer, who is close to Trump, posted on X that she was told that Bongino was seriously thinking about resigning and had taken the day off to contemplate his future. Bongino is normally an active presence on social media but has been silent since Wednesday.

The FBI did not respond to a request seeking comment, and the White House sought in a statement to minimize any tensions.

President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team dedicated to protecting Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims, said spokesman Harrison Fields. This work is being carried out seamlessly and with unity. Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made in restoring public safety and pursuing justice for all.

___

Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.
Footage of a mudslide in northeastern Taiwan in 2022 has been misrepresented as video of a landslide in a southern Philippine city in July. The mayor of Pagadian City called the posts sharing the clip "entirely false" after they spread widely on social media, alarming local residents.

"VIDEO WATCH: LANDSLIDE IN PAGADIAN CITY," reads the caption to a Facebook reel shared on July 5. Pagadian city is located in the southern island of Mindanao (archived link).

Viewed over 1.8 million times, the clip shows a mudslide rolling down the side of a mountain onto a road. Backhoes can be seen operating near the site.

The sound of people shouting in the Visayan language can be heard.

Screenshot of false post taken on July 9, 2025, with a red X mark added by AFP

The clip spread on Facebook and elsewhere on TikTok with people seemingly worried about the disaster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Where is this in Pagadian, why is it not in the news?" one asked.

"That's what happens when there's a quarrying site," another said.

Although geological hazard map data of the city issued by the country's environment agency shows numerous areas are "highly susceptible" to landslides, the video in fact shows an incident in Taiwan (archived link).

Pagadian city Mayor Samuel Co issued a statement on his Facebook page on July 5, where he identified posts carrying the footage of the landslide as "entirely false" (archived link).

"We respectfully request the Pagadianon to maintain composure and exercise discretion by refraining from disseminating such unsubstantiated claims, as they may cause unnecessary public concern," he added, addressing the city's residents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A reverse video search on Google found the clip has been circulating online since October 2022 on social media sites Weibo, Douyin and YouTube (archived here, here, here).

The sound of someone shouting "the whole slice of mountain is falling down" in Chinese -- not Visayan -- can be heard in the video clip. The Chinese-language caption of the Douyin post shared on October 17, 2022 reads "Landslide in the mountainous areas of Yilan in Taiwan".

Screenshot comparison of the circulating footage on Facebook in the Philippines (left) and the clip shared on Douyin in 2022 (right)

Further keyword searches found news reports from Taiwan's Public Television Service and local broadcaster Formosa TV about landslides in Yilan County's Datong Township on October 16, 2022 (archived here, here, here, and here).

According to the reports, hundreds of residents were evacuated from the area after Typhoon Nesat caused massive landslides, particularly along Highway 7.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A check on Google and Bing maps shows a cavity on the side of a mountain along the old and new roads of Highway 7. It also shows rice paddies similar to the one seen on the circulating clip's foreground.

Screenshot comparison of the clip shared on Douyin in 2022 (left) and an image on Google Maps taken in 2023 (right)

AFP has previously debunked misinformation about disasters here.
Family members who lost loved ones when a passenger jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair in Washington, D.C., in January said in a letter that Army leadership is failing to take accountability and be transparent with those who are still mourning from the tragedy.

The letter, posted publicly Wednesday, is addressed to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and calls on the service to communicate directly with the families in the wake of the crash, as well as designate a point person to keep them notified of steps in several ongoing probes related to the circumstances of the collision.

"We understand that legal and procedural considerations may complicate engagement with families," relatives of those who died on American Eagle Flight 5342 wrote. "However, the unprecedented nature of this tragedy calls for a higher standard of openness, compassion and leadership worthy of public trust."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read Next: Tim Kennedy, Green Beret and Army Hype Man, Under Investigation for Lying About Combat Valor

The Jan. 29 crash between the passenger plane and the Black Hawk helicopter from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, killed the three-member helicopter crew and the 64 aboard the flight -- marking the worst major commercial airline crash in the U.S. in 16 years. The 168 family members who signed the letter noted they had heard from the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration and American Airlines but said in the letter they were alarmed by the silence from the Army.

"Other agencies have found ways to engage constructively with us while maintaining the integrity of their investigations," the families wrote. "We believe the Army can, and should, do the same."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Family members of those lost on Flight 5342 told Military.com that, beginning roughly a week after the crash and the initial aftermath, there had not been any formal organized communication with the Army.

But members of Congress have gotten involved, and now a tentative meeting between Army leadership and the families may be in the works, Military.com has learned. That meeting may occur around a scheduled three-day National Transportation Safety Board investigation hearing into the crash scheduled for later this month.

Montrell Russell, an Army spokesperson, confirmed to Military.com in an emailed statement on Friday, after publication, that the service planned on meeting with the families, adding that it deeply shares in their grief.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic loss and acknowledge their frustrations, Russell said in the statement. We share the families' goal of preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future. We are fully cooperating with the NTSB investigation and intend to meet with the families before the scheduled NTSB hearings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Armys statement is a notable turnaround in tone from remarks made by Driscoll just last month.

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., asked Driscoll during a June hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee why there hadn't been any direct communication with the families. While the Army secretary said the service was "doing everything we can" to learn about the crash, he also pointed to ongoing litigation as a reason for the lack of transparency.

"There is obviously an investigation and lawsuits ongoing," Driscoll said. "And the best advice we've received from counsel to date is to let those play out."

A spokesperson for Driscoll did not return an email request seeking comment on the letter by press time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Amy Hunter, who lost her cousin Peter Livingston; his wife Donna; and their daughters, Everly and Alydia, in the Jan. 29 crash, told Military.com in an interview Thursday that she hopes the Army engaging in discussions will help ensure that other families won't experience the same pain.

"We want to do everything that we can so that no service members and their families, and no more civilians and their families, are put in the situation that we were," Hunter said. "We believe that a way to help prevent that is to have open communication and an ongoing relationship to help make sure that our national airspace is as safe as it can be, in particular, as it relates to military and civilian aviation coordination."

NTSB briefings following the crash have pointed to several potential issues with the Army's Black Hawk helicopter training flight from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion. Capt. Rebecca Lobach, 28, of Durham, North Carolina; Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Maryland; and Staff Sgt. Ryan O'Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Georgia, were all killed in the crash.

Investigators said that crew may not have received accurate altitude readings in their cockpit and that an important transmission from air traffic control just before the deadly crash may not have been received, Military.com previously reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In March, the NTSB called for the helicopter path, called Route 4, used by Army Black Hawks for training to be closed. Investigators cited upward of 15,000 close calls in which commercial airplanes and helicopters had a lateral separation distance of less than 1 nautical mile and vertical separation of less than 400 feet at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport between October 2021 and December 2024.

The FAA announced it had closed Route 4 shortly after those revelations.

Last month, lawmakers wrote to the inspectors general of the Department of Transportation and the Army "pushing for respective investigations into Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Army policies and procedures that may have contributed" to the crash, a news release detailed.

Family members and lawmakers are also probing whether issues and errors involving the helicopter's Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, or ADS-B, played a role in the crash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The letter signed by the families calls on Driscoll to appoint a dedicated family liaison to serve as a point of contact with grieving relatives, schedule a meeting with the group within 30 days, and commit to transparency as well as publicly support the inspector general audits being requested by lawmakers.

"Given that this is the deadliest incident involving U.S. civilian casualties caused by the military in modern history, the Army has a heightened responsibility to ensure full public transparency and urgent implementation of meaningful safety reforms," the letter reads. "The scale of this tragedy demands complete cooperation and accountability from all parties involved -- including the U.S. Army."

Editors note: This article has been updated with an Army statement provided to Military.com after publication.

Related: Route Used by Army Black Hawk During Deadly Collision Was Far Too Risky, Safety Officials Say
The family of a man killed by police during a Bronx traffic stop six years ago may go to court to compel Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to terminate the NYPD lieutenant who fired the fatal shot, the Daily News has learned.

Allan Felizs family and several civil rights groups are considering taking legal action to force Tisch to fire Lt. Jonathan Rivera for the botched 2019 traffic stop.

Commissioner Tisch last week decided not to fire Rivera, even though NYPD trial judge Deputy Commissioner Rosemarie Maldonado found Rivera guilty of first-degree assault and recommended he be dismissed. Instead, she sided with an attorney general report that determined Riveras use of deadly force could not be proven to be unjustified beyond a reasonable doubt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The trial judges determination is only a recommendation, NYPD officials said. The police commissioner has the final say in all administration and discipline matters and can impose stricter or more lenient sentencing if she wishes, officials said.

In a letter exclusively shared with The News, advocates, which include LatinoJustice and the Justice Committee, the decision to ignore Maldonados findings was arbitrary and capricious and constitutes an abuse of discretion as a matter of law.

Deputy Commissioner Maldonado looked Lieutenant Rivera in the eye, listened to his testimony, and determined that he was lying, said Andrew Case, supervising counsel of LatinoJustice, who co-wrote the letter. The hearing officer is the best person to judge witnesses  this is a basic principle of law that the Commissioner should have learned in law school.

Tischs decision violates that principle and therefore constitutes an abuse of her discretion to impose discipline, Case said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Advocates plan to deliver the letter to Tisch on Friday, following a noon rally outside NYPD headquarters in lower Manhattan with the Feliz family.

Rivera and two other officers pulled Feliz over in his Volkswagen near Woodlawn Cemetery for not wearing a seat belt, according to police.

For some reason, Feliz handed them a drivers license that actually belonged to his brother, Sammy, who had three minor warrants  for spitting, littering and disorderly conduct  according to police. The officers reportedly asked him to step out of the car so they could pat him down, but Feliz hit the gas and tried to drive away while an officer was trying to pull him out of the car, officials said.

Rivera fired his Taser at Feliz, then got into the car on the passengers side and threatened to shoot Rivera as a physical struggle ensued, according to body camera footage, as another officer attempted to yank Feliz out of the vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yo! If I have to end up fg shooting you, bro! Lt. Rivera is heard screaming as Feliz wails in pain from repeated Taser shocks. Yo, bro! Im going to fg shoot you.

Moments later, as the car lurched forward and the other officer fell backward, Rivera shot Feliz in the chest. Feliz later died at Montefiore Medical Center.

Rivera has always argued he believed Feliz was about to run over one of the other officers when he fired.

Yul-san Liem, the deputy director of the Justice Committee said the decision to spare Rivera is preliminary. The CCRB is expected to transmit its response to Tischs decision on Friday and she will have another opportunity to review the response and determine if she wants to keep her findings or change them.
Family concerned for 40-year-old man missing from northern Minnesota originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Police in northern Minnesota have issued an appeal to find a 40-year-old man missing for more than a week.

Gene Doherty was last seen leaving his mother's home near Silver Bay on July 1.

"Doherty left the house without his dog, driving a 2009 dark blue Ford Edge with Minnesota license plate SHS838," the Lake County Sheriff's Office said. "Friends and family are concerned for his safety."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone with information should contact the Lake County Sheriff's Office at 218-834-8385, or 911.



Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

Minnesota BCA

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Saniyah Cheatham, 18, died after being found unconscious in an NYPD jail cell. Her mother is now demanding footage and rejects claims of suicide.

A family in the Bronx is looking for answers from the New York Police Department after the NYPD said an 18-year-old committed suicide in her cell following an arrest after a fight with her girlfriend earlier in the day, according to reporting from NBC New York.

According to the NYPD, Saniyah Cheatham got into a fight with her girlfriend after a family cookout, leading to both women being arrested. Shortly before 1 a.m. on July 5, police said Cheatham was found unconscious in her cell. Police claim they attempted life-saving procedures on the teen before transporting her to Lincoln Hospital, also in the Bronx. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cheathams mother, Thomasina Cheatham, said the police told her she used a sweater to asphyxiate herself. However, Thomasina said her daughter didnt have a sweater on that day and is questioning the police account of suicide and is looking for footage from the precinct where she was held.

What happened to her? I dont believe she killed herself. Maybe she said something they didnt like [and] they roughed her up. I dont believe my daughter committed suicide, said Thomasina of the NYPDs claims.

Thomasina also said Cheatham was all smiles and happy earlier in the day during the family cookout, questioning why shed then take her own life later in the cell. She was happy and I was happy to see her, said Thomasina.

The NYPDs Force Investigation Unit is looking into Cheathams case. The Unit investigates deaths that happen in police custody. Thomasina and her family are asking for the NYPD to release surveillance footage from inside the precinct, video from the arresting officers body cameras, and an autopsy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thus far, the medical examiner has not determined a cause of death in Cheathams case.

More must-reads:
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Smoke and flames attacked a residence in Dayton Friday morning, leaving one family without a place to reside.

Dayton Fire crews responded to a home on Millicent Avenue on report of the fire, which occurred around 1:40 a.m.

1 hospitalized after shooting in Dayton Thursday

Our 2 NEWS crew spoke with District Fire Chief Adam Landis at the scene, who confirmed that no one was hurt.

The fire began in the kitchen and proceeded to grow from there, filling the house with smoke. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
PIERRE PART, La. (Louisiana First)  A family of four escaped a burning stilted home late Saturday night by jumping from a second-story balcony.

According to fire officials, the fire broke out and quickly engulfed the structure. It was reported around 11:32 p.m. in a remote area known for elevated homes and campers designed to withstand flooding. Pierre Part Fire Chief Don Breaux said the blaze began when the homeowners vehicle caught fire and spread rapidly to the elevated home.

That area is very tough. The camps are extremely close together, Breaux said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When one catches fire, the next one is very hard to stop. Fifteen years ago, we lost one and lost two on both sides of it, we had four fatalities.

Two adults and two children escaped the flames by leaping from the balcony. The father jumped first, then caught the children as the mother threw them down one by one before jumping herself.

Fortunately, they were not seriously injured, Breaux said. The father did suffer second-degree burns and a laceration to his foot when he jumped.

Breaux emphasized the importance of fire safety planning, especially in elevated homes where stairs and ladders may not always be accessible during an emergency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fire ladders help, but theyre not always practical, especially for the elderly, he said. While a second exit isnt required by law, its something every family should seriously consider. The cost is worth it; no price is worth a life.

He urged parents to practice fire escape drills with their children, particularly focusing on how to open windows and find alternative ways out if the primary exit is blocked.

This is the third time weve seen this happen in that area, Breaux said. You may not think its going to happen to you, but it will happen sooner or later.

The fire was fully involved by the time crews arrived, but all four family members were out safely by the time help arrived. The structure was a total loss.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cause of the car fire remains under investigation.

Man accused of threatening to bomb LSU Police Department

Latest News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Loved ones are pleading for answers in the search for an Alabama realtor, Ronald Dumas, Jr.

He was last seen in Huntsville on December 15; however, about six days later, investigators say his cell phone was tracked in the Memphis area.

Ronald Dumas Jr.

Five people were arrested in Parkway Village in connection with his disappearance, but the mother of Dumas oldest son told WREG that although there have been arrests, the family still has unanswered questions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For more than 100 days, loved ones have been awaiting answers in the disappearance of 37-year-old Ronald, Ronnie Dumas Jr.

Friend reacts after 5 arrested in missing Alabama realtor case

Shakeria Samples, the mother of his oldest son, says her nightmare started on December 15.

I had spoke to him later that evening and he was out with people, I could hear people in the background, so I just assumed, you know, that he was out with friends, so I just told him you know, Enjoy yourself. Ill talk to you later,' Shakeria Samples, Mother of Ronald Dumas.

On December 16, Dumas roommate called Samples and told her that he had not returned home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tennessee authorities arrest 2 key suspects in kidnapping of Huntsville realtor, 3 others for harboring suspects

The Huntsville Police Department says Dumas was last seen on surveillance video with two women at a liquor store in Huntsville.

When Tuesday came around and there were still no signs of him, his loved ones knew something was wrong, so they filed a police report.

It was extremely difficult in the beginning. It was so slow-moving. We did not find out, the family did not find out that there was foul play involved until February, said Samples.

That is when five people were arrested in connection with his disappearance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quintarius White and Kierra Clark were charged with aggravated kidnapping and other crimes, while three other suspects were arrested on harboring charges.

Authorities say the suspects lived in Memphis, more than 200 miles away from where Dumas was last seen.

Friend reacts after 5 arrested in missing Alabama realtor case

Although there have been arrests, Dumas loved ones say he still has not been found, which has made life difficult for his three children.

Not knowing how to explain this to his kids. Theyre asking us and looking for their dad and, Is Daddy going to come home? Is Daddy okay? And its beyond my words, I cant even describe how difficult it is to just tell these kids that, We dont know.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As the family waits for answers in their loved ones disappearance, theyre leaning on their faith during this difficult time.

Dumas family is offering a $3,500 reward for any information that can lead to his whereabouts.

If you have any information that could help police, call the Huntsville Police Department at 800-222-8477. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact 256-254-4240.

To submit a tip to the Crime Desk, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Oracle Park, the home to the San Francisco Giants, is right on the water and has been a hub for the franchise since it moved from Candlestick Park at the start of the century.

Right next to Oracle Park is a bar called District San Francisco.

For the past 18 years, that place has become a regular spot for fans to come before and after Giants games.

But the owner posted a sad farewell message on the bar's official Instagram page.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Its with a heavy heart that we say farewell to our San Francisco location...where it all started for District in 2007," the post read. "It was an amazing journey with so many great people along the way. The relationships we built with staff, customers and partners will last forever. But this version of District is history as of Tuesday July 1st. So come on out one last time to the mothership location and help us send her off...Thank you for 18 wonderful years! And dont forget to come see us between now and July 1st to bid farewell to District San Francisco."

Fans were saddened by the news and commented plenty on the post.

"Im so bummed. Had many fun times there, especially pre and post Giants games," one fan replied. "District SF will be missed. Thanks for the wonderful memories," another said.

"It's the end of an era," another said with a sad emoji face. "Were going to miss you guys! The neighborhood wont be the same without you," stated another.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Nooo! Living at The Beacon across the street, this place (along with 330 Ritch and 25 Lusk) was my entire social life in the late 2000s!" commented another.

A few others had sad emoji faces and the response of "it's the end of an era."

For those still wanting to go to the District, the company has locations in Oakland and San Jose as well as one at the Oakland Airport.

Related: Supporters Mourn Loss of a Popular Flavor From Legendary Soda Brand

Fans Saddened by Closure of Popular Bar Next to MLB Stadium first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 11, 2025
Source: TradingView.com

Key Takeaways

Microsoft shares hit another record high on Wednesday as the tech giant's market capitalization moves closer to $4 trillion.

After bottoming out near the 200-week moving average in early April, Microsoft shares have remained in a strong uptrend, gaining in 12 of the past 14 weeks.

Bars Pattern analysis forecasts a potential bullish target of around $565 and indicates the current move higher may last until early September.

Investors should watch crucial support levels on Microsoft's chart near $468 and $425.





Microsoft (MSFT) shares hit another record high on Wednesday as the tech giant's market capitalization moves closer to $4 trillion.

The company's market cap trails only that of Nvidia (NVDA), which briefly surpassed the $4 trillion level early in Wednesday's trading session, becoming the first company to ever achieve the milestone.

Microsoft shares rose more than 1% to around $503 on Wednesday, putting the company's market value at $3.74 trillion. The stock has risen 46% from its early-April low and is nearly 20% higher year-to-date as of Wednesdays close

investment bank Oppenheimer believes the tech titan has room for further upside, placing a $600 price target on Microsoft stock, in part, due to the companys AI revenue growth prospects. Meanwhile, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives told clients in a note Wednesday that he anticipates Microsoft to reach the $4 trillion mark this summer.

Below, we take a closer look at Microsofts weekly chart and use technical analysis to identify price levels that investors will likely be watching.

Uptrend Continues

After bottoming near the 200-week moving average in early April, Microsoft shares have remained in a strong uptrend, gaining in 12 of the past 14 weeks.

While the relative strength index confirms bullish price momentum, it has recently crossed into overbought territory, an area on the indicator that has previously coincided with consolidation phases in the stock.

Its worth noting that the volume has trended downward during the stocks move higher in recent months, indicating that some larger institutional investors may be waiting for the tech giants next earnings report before deploying more capital.

Lets turn to Microsofts chart to forecast where the shares may be headed next and also locate several crucial support levels worth monitoring during potential pullbacks in the stock.

Bullish Price Target to Watch

Investors can use bars pattern analysis to forecast how Microsoft's current move higher may play out. When applying the technique, we take the trend higher from March to July 2023 and reposition it from the stocks strong close above the 50-week MA in April. This analysis projects a potential bullish target of around $565, currently about 12% above Wednesdays closing price. The prior trend analyzed took place over 18 trading weeks, indicating the current move higher could last until early September if price action rhymes.
Director of Schools Rebecca Farley hosted a meet and greet with community members and constituents July 8 on the courthouse lawn.

Several Central Service staff were in attendance. Farley offered refreshments to guests including colorful popsicles. IGA, Food City, Flowers Bakery and UGO all sponsored this event.

Many guests came to introduce themselves to Farley and get to know her in this new role including former Frank P. Brown Elementary student, Sarah Dial, who came with her mother, Myra Dial, a retired Brown elementary teacher.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Part of Farleys new directive since taking the directors job has been to redesign the logo for the school system. Farleys new logo appears as a circle with many hands enclosed. Each hand represents the 12 schools and displays each of the schools colors.

The description reads, All Means All. All students, All staff, All together. Farley created this logo to create unity in the school system.

Farley was appointed director of schools June 19.

The longtime Cumberland County educator had served in that position in an interim capacity since April 24, when William Stepp and the Board of Education entered into a mutual agreement for him to step aside and complete his contract.
A spider motif appeared on farmland near Cerne Abbas on Thursday morning [Dorset Police]

Crop circles in fields in Dorset have been branded as "criminal damage" by police and farmers.

A spider motif appeared on farmland near Cerne Abbas on Thursday morning. Dorset Police appealed for information, saying the stunt had damaged crops.

PC Kate Schofield said: "This act of criminal damage has had a significant financial impact on the farmer."

Farmer Will Pope who had a circle created on his land near Sturminster Marshall last year, described the practise as "blatant vandalism".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The phenomena of mysterious formations appearing in fields peaked in the 1990s and early 2000s.

South-west England is at the centre of much of the activity - with Wiltshire Police also recently warning that creating them without the landowner's permission was criminal damage.

Mr Pope admitted the circles were "clever and good art work".

"But it's also my livelihood and blatant vandalism. It definitely had an impact on me, and I reckon the damage came to several thousand pounds."

"It wasn't just damage to the crop, but to the ground where you're planning to plant something else."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said people turned up to his farm after pictures of the circles were circulated on social media.

"I wouldn't mind if the people who do this kind of thing approach farmers first and we could have a dialogue, maybe come to an agreement and charge entry," he added,

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

More on this story

Related Links
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  After the second suspect accused of the murder of Daryus Bryant appeared in court on Thursday, his father Catarsman Bryant spoke to WRBL News 3 following the hearing and shared his thoughts on the case.

RELATED: Second suspect in Daryus Bryant murder case appears in court

I dont want this narrative to get out to make this seem like this two gang wars going at each other because thats the way its coming across, said Bryant. This an innocent kid that was rolled upon by gang members to say that its two gang wars thats definitely not the case in this situation.

Semaj Copeland appeared in court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the murder. Court testimony revealed that Copeland was the driver of the vehicle used in the murder and also Daryus Bryants cousin.

RELATED: Arrests made in 2024 Daryus Bryant murder case

When WRBL asked Catarsman what justice would like for the family members of Daryus Bryant, he responded by saying, just need to breathe a little more easier life without parole. Thats the only thing that can make this feel a little bit better. Because well never see my son again, so I think life without parole is the only answer.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect connected to 2024 Daryus Bryant murder case turns himself in

Zion Horton who is also accused of the murder was taken into custody in Coweta County, Georgia and was transported to Columbus on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Horton is charged with murder, three counts of aggravated assault possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He made his first court appearance on Tuesday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Three brothers in the Gaza Strip woke up early to run to a local clinic to get sweets, their word for the emergency food supplements distributed by aid groups. By the time their father woke up, two of the brothers had been fatally wounded by an Israeli strike and the third had lost an eye.

The strike outside the clinic on Thursday in the central city of Deir al-Balah killed 14 people, including 9 children, according to a local hospital, which had initially reported 10 children killed but later said one had died in a separate incident.

The Israeli military said it targeted a militant it said had taken part in the Hamas attack that ignited the 21-month war. Security camera footage appeared to show two young men targeted as they walked past the clinic where several people were squatting outside.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hatem Al-Nouri's four-year-old son, Amir, was killed immediately. His eight-year-old son, Omar, was still breathing when he reached the hospital but died shortly thereafter. He said that at first he didn't recognize his third son, two-year-old Siraj, because his eye had been torn out.

What did these children do to deserve this? the father said as he broke into tears. They were dreaming of having a loaf of bread.

Violence in the West Bank

In a separate development, Israeli settlers killed two Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. It said Seifeddin Musalat, 23, was beaten to death and Mohammed al-Shalabi, 23, was shot in the chest in the village of Sinjil near the city of Ramallah. Both were 23.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The military said Palestinians had hurled rocks at Israelis in the area earlier on Friday, lightly wounding two people. That set off a larger confrontation that included vandalism of Palestinian property, arson, physical clashes, and rock hurling, the army said. It said troops had dispersed the crowds, without saying if anyone was arrested.

Palestinians and rights groups have long accused the military of ignoring settler violence, which has spiked  along with Palestinian attacks and Israeli military raids  since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

A sharp and unprecedented rise in malnutrition

Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in recent weeks while trying to get food, according to local health officials. Experts say hunger is widespread among the territory's 2 million Palestinians and that Israels blockade and military offensive have put them at risk of famine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The deputy director of the World Food Program said Friday that humanitarian needs and constraints on the U.N.s ability to provide aid are worse than hes ever seen, saying starvation is spreading and one in three people are going for days without eating.

Carl Skau told U.N. reporters in New York that on a visit to Gaza last week he didnt see any markets, only small amounts of potatoes being sold on a few street corners in Gaza City. He was told that a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of flour now costs over $25.

The international aid group Doctors Without Borders said it has recorded a sharp and unprecedented rise" in acute malnutrition at two clinics it operates in Gaza, with more than 700 pregnant and breastfeeding women, and nearly 500 children, receiving outpatient therapeutic food.

Our neonatal intensive care unit is severely overcrowded, with four to five babies sharing a single incubator," Dr. Joanne Perry, a physician with the group, said in a statement. This is my third time in Gaza, and Ive never seen anything like this. Mothers are asking me for food for their children, pregnant women who are six months along often weigh no more than 40 kilograms (88 pounds).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Israeli military body in charge of civilian affairs in Gaza says it is allowing enough food to enter and blames the U.N. and other aid groups for not promptly distributing it.

Risking their lives for food

Israel ended a ceasefire and renewed its offensive in March. It eased a 2 1/2 month blockade in May, but the U.N. and aid groups say they are struggling to distribute humanitarian aid because of Israeli military restrictions and a breakdown of law and order that has led to widespread looting.

A separate aid mechanism built around an American group backed by Israel has Palestinians running a deadly gantlet to reach its sites. Witnesses and health officials say hundreds have been killed by Israeli fire while heading toward the distribution points through military zones off limits to independent media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The military has acknowledged firing warning shots at Palestinians who it says approached its forces in a suspicious manner.

The Israeli- and U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denies there has been any violence in or around its sites. But two of its contractors told The Associated Press that their colleagues have fired live ammunition and stun grenades as Palestinians scramble for food, allegations denied by the foundation.

The U.N. Human Rights Office said Thursday that it has recorded 798 killings near Gaza aid sites in a little over a month leading up to July 7. Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the office, said 615 were killed in the vicinity of the GHF sites" and the remainder on convoy routes used by other aid groups.

A GHF spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with the group's policies, rejected the false and misleading stats," saying most of the deaths were linked to shootings near U.N. convoys, which pass by Israeli army positions and have been attacked by armed gangs and unloaded by crowds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israel has long accused U.N. bodies of being biased against it.

No ceasefire after two days of Trump-Netanyahu talks

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people in their Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and abducted 251. They still hold 50 hostages, less than half of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

Israel's offensive has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The ministry, which is under Gazas Hamas-run government, doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. The U.N. and other international organizations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war casualties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is closing in on another ceasefire agreement that would see more hostages released and potentially wind down the war. But there were no signs of a breakthrough this week after two days of talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

___

Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Julia Frankel in Jerusalem and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Fayetteville man was sentenced to 42 years in prison on July 11 for murder.

David OsorioPiedra

Courtesy: Washington County Sheriffs Office

According to a press release from the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney, Brandon Carter, David Osorio-Piedra pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and aggravated assault.

The release says Osorio-Piedra was sentenced to the maximum sentence on each count, which will all run consecutively.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A preliminary report says Fayetteville police responded to a report of a death on Sept. 30 at 1557 N. Leverett Avenue on Sept. 30. The victim was identified as 49-year-old Willie McAway.

The release says McAway and a female companion spent the evening drinking at McAways apartment on N. Leverett Avenue in Fayetteville. An altercation began between Osorio-Piedra, McAway and the companion. Osorio-Piedra was armed with a knife and chased the fried out of the apartment and continued to chase her for several blocks in Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Police Department was called, and they attempted to find the companion but were unable to.

According to the release, Osorio-Piedra was seen on surveillance video re-entering McAways home, where she fought with Osorio-Piedra, resulting in her death.

Osorio-Piedra left the home and threw away clothing and shoes that contained McAways blood. The next day, McAways body was found inside her apartment by a third party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Arkansas State Medical Examiner found that McAway had died of multiple injuries, including strangulation and blunt force injuries.

Cases where a life is lost are always tragic, no matter the circumstances surrounding the death. Our thoughts remain with Mr. McAways loved ones. I commend the Fayetteville Police Department for their investigation in this matter. Carter stated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
A Southern California man has been arrested and faces federal charges for allegedly shining a laser pointer at a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter.

Dominic Rios, 21, was arrested on Monday, nearly a month after the June 10 incident in which he allegedly struck the chopper three times with a green laser light while it monitored protests in downtown Los Angeles, the FBI said in a news release.

Rios, whose most recent known address is in Hemet, was spotted by the helicopters pilot and flight officer, who relayed his description and position to officers on the ground, who arrested him, the FBI said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An LAPD officer searched Rios and found a laser pointer in his pocket, the release said. After the LAPD officer Mirandized Rios, Rios admitted that he had used his green laser pointer on the LAPD helicopter.

Rios is free on bond and faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted.

Officials also detailed the damage laser pointers can cause if used improperly.

When laser beams are aimed at any piloted aircraft, whether military or commercial, what might seem like a tiny beam on the ground can blind aircrew, potentially causing a midair collision or other incident, the FBI explained.

For more information, visit the FBIs website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino wasnt at work Friday after he clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Epstein files, according to a new report.

Bongino and Bondis dispute happened in the White House on Wednesday, Axios reports. A source close to the FBI official told Axios, he aint coming back.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino wasnt at work Friday after he clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Epstein files, according to a new report.

Bongino clashed with Bondi at the White House on Wednesday over the recent memo from the FBI and Justice Department revealing that Jeffrey Epstein did not keep a client list, Axios reports. The memo also confirmed that Epstein died by suicide in a New York City jail cell on August 10, 2019, following years of conspiracy theories surrounding the disgraced financiers death.

The move came a month after billionaire Elon Musk accused President Donald Trump of appearing in the so-called Epstein files, which are redacted court documents that name his alleged associates and victims. Epstein died shortly after he was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bondi confronted Bongino over a NewsNation article which reported that he and FBI Direction Kash Patel said they wanted more information about the Epstein files released earlier, but were held back from doing so, Axios reported.

Bongino reportedly told Bondi he didnt leak that information.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich and Patel all witnessed the clash, according to the outlet.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino was missing from work Friday after an argument with Attorney General Pam Bondi, a new report reveals (Getty Images)

A source close to Bongino told Axios that he aint coming back after skipping work today. CNNs Kaitlan Collins has also reported that sources say Bongino is poised to quit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Justice Departments memo included a ten-hour video from outside Epsteins cell, arguing that it shows no one entered the room before the financier died by suicide. But many conspiracy theorists online claim the video has a missing minute and is part of a wider cover-up effort surrounding Epsteins death.

A senior administration official claims that Bongino was in favor of releasing this video until it stirred up controversy.

"Bongino found the video with the missing minute. He vouched for it after a 'thorough review,' he said, and he thought this would end the matter, the senior official told Axios. When that didn't work, he lost his mind and ran out of D.C.

Attorney General Pam Bondi fought with Bongino over a NewsNation article reporting that he and Patel wanted to release more information on Epstein, but were held back from doing so (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche says that Bongino and Patel both signed off on the memo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I worked closely with Patel and Bongino on the joint FBI and DOJ memo regarding the Epstein Files, Blanche wrote on X. All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo."

Far-right activist Laura Loomer claims Bongino and Patel are both furious with Bondi over the lack of transparency on the Epstein files. Bongino and Patel were previously some of the most high-profile MAGA influencers who questioned how Epstein died. Since joining the FBI, the pair have stopped pushing the conspiracy that Epstein was murdered.

Loomer later wrote on X that Bongino is seriously thinking about resigning over the issue, unless Trump moves to fire Bondi. Loomer has long criticized Bondis handling of the Epstein files, and called for her to resign over the recent memo.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer says Bongino may leave his post over Bondis handling of the Epstein files (Getty Images)

Blondi lied, Loomer posted on X shortly after news of the memo broke. She was always lying.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bondi released a set of files related to Epsteins case in February, but she was quickly mocked by figures on both sides of the political aisle after it was revealed there was little new information in the documents. Critics described the release as a debacle and an absolute clown show. Loomer was one of those critics, calling Bondi unprofessional and a liar.

The Independent has contacted the FBI and Justice Department for comment.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is reportedly considering his resignation amid political fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files revelations this week.

There has been a lot of fighting between Attorney General Pam Bondi specifically and the leadership over at the FBI over who is to blame in this situation, CNNs Kaitlan Collins said Friday.

More from TheWrap

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the news network, in the wake of MAGA outrage following this weeks DOJ and FBI announcement that there was no evidence of the long-rumored list of clients once held by the deceased American financier, child sex offender and sex trafficker Epstein, Bongino had been considering his exit over tensions with Bondi.

Dan Bongino has told people he is considering resigning as the deputy director of the FBI over the fallout that has continued ever since this memo was released, Collins said. The anger inside the MAGA base has only continued to grow instead of going away as some officials inside hoped it would.

She continued: The context here is Dan Bongino, Kash Patel, they came from this MAGA world where they themselves had pushed a lot of questions about the so-called client list that Epstein had beforehand. Now the MAGA base is just not pleased or satisfied with what theyve said in this memo that came out.

The FBI and DOJs memo this week insists that the Trump-mandated investigation into Epsteins criminal past did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties. This comes mere months after Bondi told Fox News that she was in possession of a list of that very nature.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Watch CNNs report below:

Its sitting on my desk right now to review, she said back in February. Thats been a directive by President Trump.

The memo also landed a month after Trump and Elon Musks online fallout after the Tesla CEO stepped down as the head of DOGE and came out in opposition to the presidents Big, Beautiful Bill.

Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files, Musk said on X at the time in a since-deleted post. That is the real reason they have not been made public.

Watch the full CNN segment on Bongino above.

The post FBI Director Weighs Exit Amid Epstein Files Fallout, CNN Says: Anger in the MAGA Base Has Only Continued to Grow | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The head of the FBIs Las Vegas field office is leaving and transitioning to a new role in the department, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans, a decades-long FBI veteran, joined the Las Vegas office as its leader in 2022.

Following President Donald Trumps inauguration in January, leadership at the U.S. Department of Justice asked senior FBI leadership, including Evans, to resign or be fired, CBS News reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In February, Evans led a news conference about a romance scam, adding that his employment status had never changed.

In June, the New York Times reported Evans was likely to be reassigned in what they called a wave of retaliation from the Trump administration.

Evans will remain in a leadership role in Alabama, sources said.

A spokesperson for the FBI Las Vegas office declined to comment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Photo by Getty Images via Unsplash

Retail investors are largely still waiting to cash in on class-action lawsuits over cash sweeps.

Wells Fargo and LPL narrowly escaped allegations they breached fiduciary duties in separate lawsuits over cash sweeps in recent weeks. A federal court in California dismissed claims of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty for non-advisory clients and unjust enrichment in the Wells case last month, although others allegations remain. Legal claims are also forging ahead against a laundry list of other brokerages, including Raymond James, Charles Schwab, Ameriprise and others, according to the law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy. The litigation is forcing the big brokerages to rethink how they position  and monetize  clients cash.

Increasingly, RIAs have been using these brokered cash sweep products without understanding their inherent risks and conflicts, said Gary Zimmerman, founder of the cash management platform Max, adding that brokerages often offer dramatically worse rates than comparable options. Perhaps equally important, these conflicts of interest erode client trust, he told Advisor Upside.

READ ALSO: Advisors Calm Clients After Trumps Latest Tariff Announcements and Osaic Touts Advisor Addition Amid Commonwealth Talent Rush

Sweeping Decisions

Cash sweeps programs, known in earnings reports as net interest income, have been around for decades, but a rash of high-profile lawsuits and investigations over the practice took the industry by storm last year. The Securities and Exchange Commission closed an investigation into Morgan Stanleys program in May, without levying any enforcement actions, according to Reuters. Revenues in those accounts grew exponentially to over $8 billion in 2023 alone, according to an unrelated suit.

Wirehouse frenemies Merrill Lynch and two Wells Fargo advisory firms werent quite as lucky, with the SEC levying fines in January:

Wells Fargo Clearing Services agreed to pay a civil penalty of $28 million.

Wells Fargos FiNet paid a civil penalty of $7 million.

Merrill Lynch agreed to pay a civil penalty of $25 million.

Under the Rug. The cash sweep programs automatically move clients uninvested cash into an interest-bearing account, or a money market fund, unless clients know about them and choose to opt out. One study found the sweeps cost investors upward of $500 million over a six-year period, and a separate report found firms can earn profits 10 times what they pay to customers. While a certain amount of cash should be kept in brokerage accounts to help pay for fees and trading, research shows that clients typically hold the cash outside of the portfolio in bank accounts, Zimmerman said.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information about a person who appeared to fire a gun at ICE agents amid demonstrations in Southern California this week.

The alleged shooting unfolded on Thursday as federal officers raided a large cannabis farm in Camarillo, where they clashed with local activists blocking their access to the facility, the Department of Homeland Security said. Footage captured by local media outlets sees agents firing tear gas and deploying crowd control munitions amid the escalating tensions.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who heads the Central District of California office, took to social media to share another clip recorded at the scene. It showed an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo around 2:26 p.m. along Laguna Rd between Wood Rd and Las Posas Rd.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The raid in Camarillo was one of several at facilities owned by Glass House Farms on Thursday. There was also a raid at the companys farm in Carpinteria, Calif., some 35 miles away, marking the latest in a series of immigration raids that have become a political flashpoint in recent months.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, said the agents were executing criminal search warrants at the time. As a result, 10 juveniles, eight of them unaccompanied, were found at one of the facilities, according to Rodney Scott, the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. He added that they were all undocumented.

Glass House in a statement shared on social media confirmed the raids at its facilities.

Glass House Farms were visited today by ICE Officials, it said on X. The company fully complied with agent search warrants and will provide further updates if necessary.
The FBI offered a $50,000 reward for a person who appeared to point and fire a weapon at federal law enforcement officers in Southern California on Thursday.

The alleged shooting occurred in Camarillo, in Ventura County, where protesters and federal agents were clashing over immigration raids. It allegedly happened just before 2:30 p.m. on Laguna Road, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement.

KABC - PHOTO: A screengrab from a video shot by ABC News' Los Angeles station KABC on July 10, 2025, in Camarillo, California.

MORE: Federal agents clash with protesters during ICE raid at Southern California farm

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"FBI has issued a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo," Essayli said on social media.

FBI has issued a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo. The shooting occurred on 7/10/25 at approximately 2:26pm on Laguna Rd between Wood Rd and Las Posas Rd. pic.twitter.com/XG94sTQEVR  U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) July 11, 2025

Essayli, who heads the Central District of California office, added a photo of the suspect. He also shared a video of the incident that was shot by ABC News' Los Angeles station KABC. The person in the photo and video appeared to be wearing a black T-shirt and a white medical mask.

KABC - PHOTO: A screengrab from a video shot by ABC News' Los Angeles station KABC on July 10, 2025, in Camarillo, California.

"Make no mistake: anyone who targets our agents will face the full force of federal prosecution," U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement posted on social media.

Referencing clashes between federal agents and protesters during recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, President Donald Trump said Friday he has directed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan to authorize ICE and other law enforcement officers to arrest anyone they believe is assaulting them.

In a social media post, Trump said he is giving "total authorization" that allows officers to protect themselves and to detain alleged offenders immediately.
The Brief

The FBI's Atlanta Field Office seized several high-traffic websites accused of distributing pirated video games, causing an estimated $170 million in losses to the gaming industry.

The seized domains allegedly hosted illegal copies of popular video games, often before their official release dates, and now display a federal seizure banner.

The FBI dismantled the infrastructure supporting the illegal activity, with assistance from the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) in the international investigation.

ATLANTA - The FBIs Atlanta Field Office has seized several high-traffic websites accused of distributing pirated video games, resulting in an estimated $170 million in losses to the gaming industry, federal officials announced Thursday.

What we know

The seized domains  including nsw2u.com, nswdl.com, game-2u.com, bigngame.com, ps4pkg.com, ps4pkg.net, and mgnetu.com  allegedly hosted and facilitated access to illegal copies of popular video games, often days or weeks before their official release dates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Visitors to the seized sites are now met with a federal seizure banner indicating the domains are under the control of U.S. law enforcement.

What they're saying

"For more than four years, the websites contained pirated copies of highly anticipated video games," the FBI said in a statement. From February 28 to May 28, 2025, one of the most-used download services on these sites recorded more than 3.2 million downloads, authorities said.

What's next

The FBI also dismantled the underlying infrastructure supporting the illegal activity and credited the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) for assisting in the international investigation.

The Source

The FBI provided the details and a copy of the banner for this article.
The FBI has reportedly stepped up its use of polygraph lie-detector tests on bureau staff, as Director Kash Patel allegedly hunts for agents who have criticized his leadership or leaked to the news media.

Sources told The New York Times that dozens of FBI personnel had been questioned. That includes a senior employee, asked if they had said anything negative about Patel, and another who was subject to an interview as the bureau sought to discover who told journalists about Patels unusual request for a service weapon.

The lie detector tests, the sources said, marked a break from precedent at the FBI, where such tests were more commonly used against those thought to have betrayed the country or to have committed major offenses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Michael Feinberg, who was a former top agent at the FBI office in Norfolk, Virginia, until the spring, claimed he was threatened with a polygraph over his friendship with Peter Strzok, a counterintelligence official involved in the FBIs probe into the Trump-Russia allegations and who was later fired for sending negative messages about Trump.

Feinberg resigned and never took the polygraph test.

The FBI has reportedly increased its use of polygraph tests against its own employees, alarming some insiders who say this breaks with precedent (Getty Images)

Referring to the FBI director and his deputy, Feinberg wrote in Lawfare: Under Patel and Bongino, subject matter expertise and operational competence are readily sacrificed for ideological purity and the ceaseless politicization of the work force.

The FBI declined to comment on the Times report, given that it involved personnel matters and internal deliberations.

In addition to reportedly testing its own employees, the FBI has launched an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey (left) and former CIA Director John Brennan (right), thought to be related to the pairs involvement in allegations Russia sought to help the Trump 2016 campaign (AFP via Getty Images)

Critics of Patel, whose book Government Gangsters featured an appendix containing an enemies list, feared he could politicize the agency, which was a frequent target of criticism from President Donald Trump.

The FBI has also reportedly launched a criminal investigations into former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey after a referral from current CIA chief John Ratcliffe, thought to be tied to the Obama-and Trump-era officials involvement in investigations into the president.
The FBI is reportedly using lie detector tests to determine whether officials are loyal to the agencys director.

Agents have been questioned over their previous statements about Kash Patel, who was appointed by Donald Trump, as well as whether they have leaked information about him to the media.

The FBI reportedly asked senior officials during the lie detector interviews whether they had ever said anything negative about Mr Patel, two people told The New York Times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The tests have also been used to find employees who may have betrayed their country or shown they cannot be trusted with secrets.

On one occasion, officials were forced to take a lie detector test when the agency was attempting to find out who had told the media that Mr Patel had demanded a service weapon, despite not being a field agent.

Dozens of officials are thought to have been asked to take the tests, though it is unclear how many were questioned about their loyalty to Mr Patel.

Earlier this year, the FBI confirmed that it had begun using polygraph exams to try and identify the origin of leaks about the agency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We can confirm the FBI has begun administering polygraph tests to identify the source of information leaks within the bureau, the bureaus public affairs office told Reuters in April.

Polygraph tests are not used to uphold evidence in a court of law but are regularly used by national security agencies as part of investigations and background checks.

Kash Patel is viewed as a key ally of Donald Trump

James Davidson, a former agent who spent 23 years at the FBI, said the increasing use of tests to question employee loyalty undermined Mr Patels credibility as director.

He told The New York Times: An FBI employees loyalty is to the Constitution, not to the director or deputy director. It says everything about Patels weak constitution that this is even on his radar.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, former polygraph examiners also said the interrogation about Mr Patel may have been a control question, which is used to provoke a physiological response from the subject, regardless of whether they are being truthful.

Mr Patel was installed as FBI director earlier this year in a narrow vote in the Senate. He is viewed as a key ally of Mr Trump, having refused to commit to not investigating officials he viewed as opponents of the president.

The crackdown on leaks is part of a wider trend within the Trump administration, which has taken steps to prosecute those responsible.

The US Department of Justice has already made it easier for prosecutors investigating leaks to demand records and testimony from journalists.

Low confidence

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, warned former senior advisers that they could be prosecuted for leaking Pentagon information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Hegseth, alongside the US president, railed against Pentagon officials in June after it was reported that strikes against Irans nuclear facilities had not been as successful as initially thought.

He said the Pentagon assessment had been made with low confidence and confirmed that the FBI was looking into the leak.

Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence, pledged in March to aggressively pursue recent leakers to hold them accountable for unauthorised disclosures.

Ms Gabbard had also said she was willing to work with the justice department and the FBI to investigate, terminate and prosecute the leakers who she referred to as criminals.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval on Thursday to Modernas COVID-19 vaccine for children, making it the first COVID shot for kids aged 6 months to 11 years old that is no longer administered under an emergency authorization.

Infants younger than 6 months old are too young to be vaccinated.

But the vaccine is only available for children with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, the FDA said, in line with a change made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

COVID-19 continues to pose a significant potential threat to children, especially those with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination can be an important tool for protecting our youngest against severe disease and hospitalization, Stephane Bancel, chief executive officer of Moderna, said in a statement.

Moderna said it expects to have its updated vaccine available for eligible populations in the U.S. for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season.

Doses of COVID shots from Moderna and Pfizer have been available to all kids regardless of risk. But Kennedy in May said the Department of Health and Human Services would no longer recommend the coronavirus vaccine for healthy pregnant women or healthy children.

Following his announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the vaccines based on shared clinical decision-making between parents and their childrens provider.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the new licensing stipulation could make it harder for parents who want to get their healthy children vaccinated against COVID to do so, because that is now effectively an off-label use of the vaccine.

Leading medical groups led by the American Academy of Pediatrics earlier this week sued Kennedy over the new vaccine restrictions.

In a statement, Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon said that healthy children with COVID-19 have consistently shown strong resilience and face an extremely low risk of serious illness or harm and that the risks of the COVID-19 vaccine may outweigh the potential benefits.



All families retain the option to consult with their childs physician about whether to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Nixon said.

Updated 2:32 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.

This story was updated on July 11, 2025, at 4:35 pm ET.

Working in government, especially in national defense or the intelligence community, can be an unsettling business. You must give up a few of your rights and a lot of your privacy in order to remain a trustworthy public servant. The higher your level of clearance to access sensitive information, the more privacy you cedeand sometimes, as those of us who have been through the process can affirm, you find yourself with an investigator from your agencys security office, explaining the embarrassing details of your finances or your emotional stability, and even answering some squirm-inducing questions about your love life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats part of the job, and federal employees submit to it in order to keep America safe. What isnt part of the job is a McCarthyist political-loyalty requirement, enforced with polygraphs and internal snooping. But FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard have apparently decided that hunting down politically unreliable members of Americas intelligence and law-enforcement communities is more important than catching enemy spies, terrorists, or bank robbers.

Indeed, to call what Patel and Gabbard are doing McCarthyism is to make too grandiose a comparison. Tail Gunner Joe, a thoroughly reprehensible opportunist, claimed that he was rooting out Communists loyal to Moscow who were hidden in the U.S. government. Patel and Gabbard, meanwhile, dont seem very worried about foreign influences and theyre not looking for enemy agents. They just want to know whos talking smack behind their back.

Gabbard, according to The Washington Post, has expressed a desire to gain access to emails and chat logs of the largest U.S. spy agencies with the aim of using artificial intelligence tools to ferret out what the administration deems as efforts to undermine its agenda. In other words, Gabbard is threatening to endanger the careers of loyal intelligence officers by asking an AI if any of them arent fully on board with the MAGA cause. She has created a team within her office with the anodyne name of the Directors Initiatives Group, which will collect large amounts of data from across 18 different agencies and run them through AI tools to see whether anyone is engaging in weaponization of intelligence. This is a flatly ridiculous, and extremely dangerous, idea.

For one thing, separate agencies rely on separate systems and different levels of classification precisely to keep data compartmentalized and thus to stop an enemy from ever getting all the pieces of any intelligence puzzle all at once. These various agencies limit discussions, even within their own walls, to small groups who are working from shared context and must be able to speak and argue candidly. Each part of the intelligence community shares information with other organizations only as needed in order to bring in more expertise or to gain better insight across agencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In other words, the entire system is set up exactly to prevent someone from doing what Gabbard wants to do: gather lots of material from many agencies, dump it all in the same hopper, and then let people (or an AI) trawl through it looking for anything that seems interesting. Perhaps in a national emergency, such as a massive data breach or the discovery of a highly destructive espionage operation, a full-spectrum search might make some sense, especially if it were conducted by experienced professionals who knew what they were looking for. Instead, Gabbard just wants to see if anyone is slagging the presidents agenda.

I can almost guarantee that in agencies with thousands of people, someone has written an unwise email expressing bewilderment or disagreement or anger with the presidents policies. It happens under every commander in chief; I saw many during my years working for the Defense Department. What does Gabbard intend to do if she finds such emails? Fire some veteran spies and analysts, corrode morale, and potentially create more security risks, just because someone griped about Ukraine or the One Big Beautiful Bill?

Gabbards efforts, however, look almost noble next to the frantic paranoia that seems to have overtaken the office of FBI Director Kash Patel, who is subjecting FBI personnel to the humiliation of being attached to a lie detector just to see if theyve said something bad, not about MAGA or Trump, but about him, personally. In interviews and polygraph tests, according to The New York Times, the FBI has asked senior employees whether they have said anything negative about Mr. Patel. In particular, sources told the Times, Patel wants to know who leaked the directors request to be issued a service weapon, which is not something usually given to personnel who are not trained FBI agents.

Ironically, polygraphs probably wont help Patel much. Polygraph machines, despite the lore, dont really detect lies. They detect stress, which is why honest but nervous people sometimes fail their examinations, while smooth, sociopathic liars pass them. Some agencies routinely require such tests, and their efficacy is debatable. (Their results are not usually admissible as evidence in U.S. courts.) Perhaps in the right hands, they could be one of many tools to root out someone who may be hiding something that could injure American national security. Federal-clearance holders accept their use as routine, if unpleasant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But to be strapped into a chair that measures your heartbeat and your breathing and other biological data, told that your answers could end your career, and then asked if youve ever said something bad about the bosswell, thats almost certainly going to elicit a stress reaction from just about anyone, even the most aboveboard agents and personnel.

Patels snippy anger is likely driven by a suspicion that real FBI agents are laughing at him behind his back. But his solution is more than just egocentric lashing out; its paranoid authoritarianism. Sending loyalists to hunt for the regimes critics within the secret services is old-style KGB stuff. All the FBI needs now to complete a scene from, say, The Death of Stalin, is for Patel to run down the hallways shouting, I have documents on all of you!

Gabbard, Patel, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth were always the unholy trinity of utterly unqualified nominees, people put up for their jobs primarily because Trump and his advisers knew that they would be completely pliant and obsequious, that nominating them would horrify official Washington, and that Senate Republicans would have to bend their collective knee by confirming them. But while Gabbard is thumbing through emails and posts, and Patel is examining heart rhythms to see whos been rolling their eyes at him, America is in peril. Real spies are out there trying to steal Americas secrets; real terrorists, foreign and domestic, are plotting the deaths of American citizens. Kidnappers, gang members, organized-crime ringstheyre all out there waiting to be caught.

But first, Tulsi Gabbard has to find out who doesnt like the tariffs, and Kash Patel has to find out who snickered at him in the hallway. Priorities, after all.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A major federal funding freeze is sending some Tennessee school districts scrambling while others pointed out its only temporary and are holding out hope that dollars will come through.

The freeze was announced on June 30, one day before funds were set to be released.

 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

Approximately $7 billion in federal education funding that includes programs such as title one, title two, title three, title four and Adult Basic and Literacy Education have been temporarily frozen, while the US Department of Education completes a review process, Clarksville Montgomery County School System Director Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder said before the School Board on Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Memphis has already reported that theyre looking at about 200 positions that will have to be eliminated, Professional Educators of Tennessee CEO JC Bowman said.

Others pointed out that the freeze is only meant to be temporary.

While we havent received definitive information about when or how these funds will be distributed, we are approaching this situation with both caution and optimism. I want to emphasize that CMCSS will prioritize people over programs should we need to make any cuts, Luna-Vedder said.

However, if freezes do turn into cuts, the hit could impact a variety of areas.

I mean, youre looking at academic enrichment, STEM initiatives, college counseling, education support, these are other areas that get involved, Bowman said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Rutherford County Schools spokesman said this boils down to $2.4 million for the school district. Cuts would affect ESL teachers and the professional development for their teachers.

A spokesman for Robertson County Schools also echoed professional development concerns as well as student migrant and homelessness services.

Overall, Bowman, with the Professional Educators of Tennessee, said the state stands to lose $120 million if cuts are made.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

These dollars are going to public schools, and theyve been promised them, and to pull the carpet out from under them at the last hour is (a) concern people should express, Bowman said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Metro Nashville Public Schools sent the following statement to News 2:

These congressionally mandated programs support essential services for our studentsincluding those who are learning English, need additional academic support, or benefit from extended learning opportunitiesand help ensure we have effective educators in every classroom. We support efforts to fully fund these programs at or above previous levels. As of right now, the allocation amounts seen in the states education accounting system are not based on data from US ED but rather amounts copied over from our FY25 allocations until further notice. The effect of which will delay the normal budgeting and planning process. Because our district must spend local funds upfront and is reimbursed several months later with federal dollars, and we are still a month away from the start of school, we do not anticipate any immediate impacts on programming. However, we will monitor developments closely and adjust as necessary if changes to funding or program requirements are made, while seeking to keep in place the student and educator support that these programs fund. These programs include: Title I-C  Education of Migratory Children (which we do not receive)

Title II-A  Supporting Effective Instruction (Professional Development)

Title III-A  English Language Acquisition

Title IV-A  Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE)

Title IV-B  21st Century Community Learning Centers As MNPS transfers Title IV-A funds into Title I-A and Title II-A, the most significant fiscal impacts would be on Title I, Title II and Title III allocations. Our current budget forecasts (not including carryover amounts) include the following: Title II-A ($4.2M), Title III-A ($2.5M), Title IV-A ($2.6M which is reallocated to Title I and II programs), and Title IV-B ($815K). Thats based on assumptions and not actual allocations from the USDOE. Metro Nashville Public Schools

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order that blocks Los Angeles police officers from using rubber projectiles and other so-called less-lethal munitions against reporters covering protests against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

In a ruling made public Friday, U.S. District Judge Hernan D. Vera said a coalition of press rights organizations successfully argued that a court injunction was necessary to protect journalists and others exercising their 1st Amendment rights.

The Los Angeles Press Club and investigative reporting network Status Coup filed suit last month to force the LAPD to respect the constitutional and statutory rights of journalists engaged in reporting on these protests and inevitable protests to come. The lawsuit challenged the continuing abuse by police of members of the media covering the demonstrations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vera's order bars the department from using less-lethal munitions and other crowd-control tools such as chemical irritants and flash-bang grenades "against journalists who are not posing a threat of imminent harm to an officer or another person."

Read more: LAPD investigating more than 80 officer misconduct complaints from recent protests

"On some occasions, LAPD officers purportedly targeted individuals who were clearly identifiable as members of the press," Vera wrote.

In a statement Friday, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said he was aware of the court's decision, but could not comment on the litigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The LAPD trains our officers to identify and respect working journalists during protests and we remain committed to protecting the rights of the press," he said.

The judge cited a June 8 incident at a demonstration downtown where an Australian reporter named Lauren Tomasi was wrapping up a report on live TV, dozens of feet away from a line of officers.

"No protesters are visible near her," Vera wrote. "Despite this, an LAPD officer appears to aim at Tomasi, hitting her leg with a rubber bullet."

The judge ruled that the LAPD cannot prohibit a journalist from entering or remaining in protest areas that have been closed off to the public while "gathering, receiving, or processing information."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The order also forbids intentionally "assaulting, interfering with, or obstructing any journalist who is gathering, receiving, or processing information for communication to the public."

Free press advocates who brought the suit praised the judge's decision.

"The press weren't accidentally hurt at the immigration protests; they were deliberately hurt," said attorney Carol Sobel. "It's astonishing to me that we are at the same point with LAPD over and over again."

City lawyers could challenge the order before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell has said he's "very concerned" by instances of journalists being targeted by police munitions and vowed each incident would be investigated. He said he did not believe officers were aiming at reporters with less-lethal weapons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: How the LAPDs protest response once again triggered outrage, injuries and lawsuits

"It is a target-specific munition," he told reporters at a press briefing. "Thats not to say that it always hits the intended target, particularly in a dynamic situation."

Vera's order says that if the LAPD detains or arrests a person who identifies themselves as a journalist, that person may contact a supervisor and challenge their detention. The order also required the LAPD to report back to the court with details of officers being informed of the new rules. The judge set a preliminary injunction hearing for July 24, in which both sides will argue the merits of the case.

The lawsuit accuses the LAPD of flouting state laws passed in the wake of the 2020 protests over the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, when journalists were detained and injured by the LAPD while covering the unrest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Apart from journalists, scores of protesters allege LAPD projectiles left them with severe bruises, lacerations and serious injuries.

Under the restrictions ordered by the judge Friday, police can target individuals with 40-millimeter rounds only when the officer reasonably believes that a suspect is violently resisting arrest or poses an immediate threat of violence or physical harm. Officers are also barred from targeting people in the head, torso and groin areas.

Times staff writer Libor Jany 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.
A Los Angeles-based federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden recently issued a temporary restraining order, restricting the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) from using less-lethal munitions (LLMs) on journalists covering immigration protests.

The order, signed by Judge Hernan Vera on Thursday, also prevents the LAPD from detaining or restricting the movements of journalists.

Vera cited at least 35 "troubling" incidents between June 6 and 19, where police allegedly exposed journalists to LLM, tear gas and other physical force to block them from covering conflict zones.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers move in on demonstrators in front of LA City Hall during a protest against federal immigration sweeps in downtown Los Angeles, California, on June 8, 2025.

Los Angeles Judge Weighs Severe Limits On Trump's Immigration Enforcement In California

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When journalists persisted in documenting the protests, Vera said it appeared they faced an onslaught of projectiles and other shows of physical force.

"On some occasions, LAPD officers purportedly targeted individuals who were clearly identifiable as members of the press," he wrote in the order.

Read On The Fox News App

Violent Anti-trump Protesters Force Lapd To Take Action As Peaceful Day Turns Chaotic

Vera pointed to an incident on June 8 when Lauren Tomasi of 9News Australia was speaking into a professional TV camera, dozens of feet from the line of officers behind her.

The judge noted that no protesters were visible behind her when an LAPD officer aimed at Tomasi, hitting her leg with a rubber bullet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Federal Judge Orders Trump To Return Control Of California National Guard To Newsom

Other incidents cited in the order detail journalists allegedly being shot with LLMs and being pushed by officers.

"Indeed, given the fundamental nature of the speech interests involved and the almost daily protests throughout Southern California drawing media coverage, the identified harm is undoubtedly imminent and concrete," Vera wrote.

LAPD officers on horseback clash with protesters during protests after a series of immigration raids on June 8, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.

The court will hold another hearing soon to decide if a longer preliminary injunction on the LAPD should be imposed.





Original article source: Federal judge restricts LAPD from targeting journalists with force at immigration protests
And, as usual, the heavy artillery was brought in. Moscow turned to Rosselkhoznadzor  who else?

The agency suddenly blocked a shipment of peaches and nectarines from Azerbaijan. Naturally, they "found something." It doesnt even matter what excuse they wrote in the documents.

Just the day before, by the way, the same Moscow was trying to push a story about how Azerbaijani dairy producers are allegedly refusing to let Russian inspectors examine their facilities. It looked like a direct sanction. In reality, our companies simply stopped exporting to Russia  so of course no one was let in.

All of this is especially ironic considering that Russia already has very few official channels left for importing products from abroad.

Found something? Great job  keep looking. The old 2008 scheme with Borjomi and Georgian wine through Baku isnt going to work this time. They went after the wrong people.

You're already feeding your own consumers garbage. But hey, at least you responded harshly, right?
Key Points

QuantumScape announced major progress in its quest to commercialize a new type of electric vehicle battery.

The company will update investors again on July 23 when it reports its second-quarter results.

10 stocks we like better than QuantumScape 

QuantumScape (NYSE: QS) is working to bring major enhancements to the performance of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Investors hope its solid-state battery technology will become the new standard for EVs globally. As it continues to progress toward commercializing that tech, the stock price is reflecting the company's recent accomplishments.

QuantumScape shares have soared again this week -- up by 37.1% on the week as of noon ET Friday, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Over the last month, the stock has more than doubled.

Image source: QuantumScape.

QuantumScape is almost ready for EV battery cell production

QuantumScape gave investors a nice surprise recently -- news that one of its most important 2025 goals has already been accomplished.

The company's technology includes solid-state batteries with ceramic separators that should lead to safer, faster-charging, and more efficient batteries for EVs. Two weeks ago, QuantumScape announced the successful scale-up of its production capabilities. Its new generation Cobra process will speed up a key ceramic separator production step by approximately 25 times, using equipment that occupies a much smaller footprint than its previous Raptor production process.

That puts QuantumScape on track to launch field testing next year with its automaker customers. Those include global giant Volkswagen, which holds a 17% stake in the battery maker, according to its annual report.

QuantumScape's solid-state batteries could provide EVs with significantly better travel range on a single charge than currently used batteries, which would help eliminate the range anxiety that has kept many potential EV buyers from considering them. More than 20% of all cars sold globally in 2024 were EVs, according to the International Energy Agency. While that amounted to sales of more than 17 million EVs, it also shows there is still massive growth potential in the market for such vehicles.

An investor update is coming in two weeks

That's why investors have been getting so excited and piling into QuantumScape stock recently. The company will report its second-quarter results on July 23, at which time investors will get a more detailed overview of its progress and hear more about its next steps.

Some aren't waiting for that update to own a piece of this promising EV technology company.
A federal judge just had to remind police that they shouldnt shoot at journalists after several violent encounters during the protests opposing the Trump administrations disastrous ICE raids in Los Angeles.

U.S. District Judge Hernan D. Vera blocked the Los Angeles Police Department from wrongfully preventing journalists from accessing closed off areas, detaining or arresting journalists while theyre reporting, and using less lethal munitions (LLMs) and other crowd control weapons against them.

In a 14 page-filing, Vera said that the First Amendment claims made by the Los Angeles Press Club were likely to succeed, and granted them a temporary restraining order. Indeed, given the fundamental nature of the speech interests involved and the almost daily protests throughout Southern California drawing media coverage, the identified harm is undoubtedly imminent and concrete, he wrote in a filing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vera recounted multiple instances of journalists being cordoned away from the protests or detained and arrested by officers. Documentarian and activist Anthony Orendoff was detained for four days despite telling officers he was a member of the press.

Vera also recounted many instances of violence against members of the press. In one instance, an officer appeared to aim his gun at 9News Australias Lauren Tomasi while she was reporting live, and fired a rubber bullet which hit her in the leg on air. Photojournalist Michael Nigro, who stood high above the protests in a press vest and helmet, heard the sound of LLMs hitting a pole by his head, and later that day was struck in the helmet by a rubber bullet. Another unidentified photojournalist with a press pass was pushed over by a police officer, and trampled by a police horse.

Vera barred officers from prohibiting a journalist from entering or remaining in the closed areas. The judge also prohibited officers from intentionally assaulting, interfering with, or obstructing any journalist who is gathering, receiving, or processing information for communication to the public.

He also barred officers from citing, detaining, or arresting a journalist who is in a closed area for failure to disperse, curfew violation, or obstruction of a law enforcement officer for gathering, receiving, or processing information, or using LLMs, like rubber bullets, and other crowd control measures like flash-bangs and chemical irritants like tear gas.

A hearing for a preliminary injunction was set for July 24.
A federal judge issued a tentative ruling on Thursday that suggests she will order the Trump administration to halt unlawful stops and arrests that advocates say have terrorized Angelenos, forced some immigrants into hiding and damaged the local economy.

The ruling was not made public, but a final order is expected Friday on the case that has become a centerpiece in the battle over Trump's mass deportation plan. The lawsuit filed by immigrant rights groups last week seeks to block federal agents from stopping and arresting brown-skinned people without probable cause and then placing them in dungeon-like conditions without access to lawyers.

Ahead of an hours-long hearing in a downtown Los Angeles federal courthouse , Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong provided attorneys with a lengthy ruling based on earlier court filings in the case. Tentative rulings are not uncommon, and Frimpong said she was providing it to give both sides, "an understanding of how I see the case."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ruling suggested Frimpong would grant two temporary restraining orders, one encompassing stops and arrests and the other to ensure detainees had access to legal counsel.

"It is truly a tentative, it is not final," Frimpong said, adding that things could change based on arguments she heard from attorneys Thursday afternoon. "My intention coming into this hearing, given the urgency and the weight of the matters at issue, is to issue my ruling tomorrow."

The American Civil Liberties Union, Public Counsel, other groups and private attorneys brought the suit on behalf of several immigrant rights groups, three immigrants picked up at a bus stop and two U.S. citizens, one whom was held despite showing agents his identification.

Throughout the hearing, Frimpong appeared to take issue with government lawyer Sean Skedzielewski and his lack of specific evidence to refute accusations of indiscriminate targeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She pressed Skedzielewski on how agents were making arrests, after he argued that "these are sophisticated operations" and seemed to say that arrests stemmed from particular people who were being targeted.

In other cases where local and federal law enforcement are targeting people for crimes, the judge pointed out, there are reports after an arrest "as to why they arrested this person, how they happened to be where they were and what they did."

"There doesn't seem to be anything like that here, which makes it difficult for the court to accept your description of what is happening, because there is no proof that that is what is happening as opposed to what the plaintiffs are saying is happening," Frimpong said.

Skedzielewski argued the lack of evidence is why the court should not grant a temporary restraining order. The government, he argued, had only "a couple days" to try to identify individuals mentioned in the court filings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We just haven't had a chance to identify in many cases who the people stopped even were, let alone  over a holiday weekend  get ahold of the agents," he said.

Frimpong didn't seem moved. The appointee of President Biden questioned the government's reliance on two high-ranking officials who have played a key role in the raids in Southern California: Kyle Harvick, a Border Patrol agent in charge of El Centro, and Andre Quinones, deputy field office director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Their declarations, she said, were "very general" and "did not really engage with the pretty high volume of evidence that the plaintiffs have put in the record of the things we have all seen and heard on the news."

"If there's any one of these people and there was a report about 'this is how we identified this tow yard, parking lot and so on,' that would have been helpful," Frimpong said. "It's hard for the court to believe that in the time that you had, you couldn't have done that."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Skedzielewski said the evidence is replete with instances of stops, but "it is not replete with any evidence that those stops or that the agents in any way failed to follow the law."

He said agents' actions were "above board."

Mohammad Tajsar, an attorney with the ACLU of Southern California, told the judge that agents cannot solely use a person's workplace, their location or the particular work they're doing as reason to stop people.

Tajsar added that it was because of the government's "misunderstanding of the law" that they'd made so many stop of U.S. citizens, including Brian Gavidia, a named plaintiff who was detained by Border Patrol agents outside of a tow yard in Montebello.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tajsar said Gavidia, who was present in the courtroom during the hearing, was stopped "for no other reason than the fact that he's Latino and was working at a tow yard" in a predominantly Latino area.

"Because of this fundamental misunderstanding of the law from the government, we have seen so many unconstitutional and unlawful arrests," Tajsar said.

Tajsar also pushed back on the government saying they didn't have enough time, stating that "they had time and they have all the evidence."

This week the city and county of Los Angeles  along with Pasadena, Montebello, Monterey Park, Santa Monica, Culver City, Pico Rivera and West Hollywood  sought to join the suit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In their court filing, the cities and the county countered the raids haven't actually been about immigration enforcement, but instead are politically driven "to make an example" of the region for "implementing policies that President Donald J. Trump dislikes."

They cited Trump's post on his social media platform where he calls on immigration officials to do "all in their power" to achieve the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History by expanding efforts to detain and deport people in Los Angeles and other cities that are "the core of Democrat power."

U.S. Department of Justice attorneys argued the detentions were legal, and any injunction could not be applied broadly.

"The government has a legitimate and significant interest in ensuring that immigration laws are enforced, and any limitation would severely infringe on the Presidents Article II authority," government lawyers wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since the operation began on June 6, immigration agents have arrested nearly 2,700 undocumented individuals, according to data released by DHS on Tuesday. The widespread arrests have paralyzed parts of the city where high numbers of immigrants work, such as the Flower District downtown.

The cities argued the "unlawful raids" are preventing them from performing critical law enforcement functions as they "divert limited resources to determine whether armed individuals exiting unmarked vehicles are masked, unidentified federal agents  or masked, unidentified criminals."

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.
LANSING, Kan.  We need to finish it. Those chilling words were the last thing one Kansas dog owner heard before a Lansing police officer shot her dog in the head  killing him  while he was lying injured on his own property.

Now, the incident is at the center of a newly filed federal lawsuit against the City of Lansing  and FOX4 has obtained disturbing body camera video.

Trial date set for accused Kansas City serial killer

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The video shows Axel, a brown mixed-breed terrier, after he had already been shot twice.

The police body camera footage captures him crying out in pain for 35 agonizing seconds, lying in his yard, feet from his owner.

You can hear one officer say finish him multiple times, while the woman pleads with police to help her dog.

Instead, shes ordered to back away.

And then she hears it: We need to finish it.

Moments later, the same officer who fired the earlier shots pulls the trigger again  this time, fatally shooting Axel in the head.

Its just horrific  this video is horrific, the victims attorney, Katie Barnett, with Barnett Law Offices, said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the federal complaint filed last week, it all began the afternoon of March 10, 2024.

Police were called about a dog roaming the neighborhood. There were no reports the dog was aggressive.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

Officers tried to capture Axel but were unsuccessful. One officer went back to the station and traced the dogs record to the owners address.

When officers returned to the home, Axel was outside walking with his owner  who FOX4 is not identifying  when he began barking and walking toward them.

Thats when police shot him twice, hitting him in the hind legs area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The womans legal team argues her constitutional rights were violated  including her Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable seizure of property, and her Fourteenth Amendment right to due process before property can be taken by the government.

What is not justified is when an officer takes action that was not necessary. They had the chance to use non-lethal means to capture the dog, but they didnt use them, said Attorney Jay VanBlaricum, with Barnett Law Offices, who is also representing this victim.

Dogs under the law are considered property, and the police they say had no legal justification to kill him without due process.

Its not just about money. Its about changing how Lansing police operate  and how officers are trained to interact with the people theyre supposed to protect, Barnett said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

FOX4 reached out to the City of Lansing, which directed us to their city attorney. As of now, we have not received a response. It remains unclear whether the officers involved faced any disciplinary action.

The City of Lansing has until August 21 to respond to the federal lawsuit. After that, a judge will schedule a hearing as the case moves forward.

FOX4 will continue following this developing story closely.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Federal officials announced that around 200 workers were arrested in two raids on cannabis farms in Southern California on Thursday  likely the largest single-day immigration crackdown in the states history.

On July 10, 2025, federal law enforcement officers executed criminal warrant operations at marijuana grow sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo, reads a statement issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. During the operation, at least 10 migrant children were rescued from potential exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking. Federal officers also arrested approximately 200 illegal aliens from both sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo.

DHS says that during the operation, over 500 demonstrators congregated at the two Glass House Farms sites in protest of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers taking workers and family members from the farms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The protests at the Ventura County farm escalated when, at around 12:35 p.m., officers deployed tear gas and less-than-lethal rounds into crowds of protestors who had blocked roadways on both north and southbound Laguna Road. Paramedics responded to the scene and set up a triage system for people injured by tear gas at a safe distance from the ongoing operation.

United Farm Workers also issued a statement on Friday, confirming that workers were critically injured during what they described as chaotic raids, and noted that other workers, including U.S. citizens, remain totally unaccounted for.

Our staff is on the ground supporting families, stated the union officials. Many workers  including US citizens, were held by federal authorities at the farm for 8 hours or more. US citizen workers report only being released after they were forced to delete photos and videos of the raid from their phones.

The organization also described the raids as violent and cruel, saying they terrorize American communities, disrupt the American food supply chain, threaten lives and separate families, and called for an end to the immigration sweeps.

Federal immigration agents toss tear gas at protesters during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker) Arturo Rangel hugs Judith Ramos whose father works at the greenhouse in the background as federal immigration agents block access during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker)

As for the violence that ensued between agents and protesters, the DHS said that four U.S. citizens are being criminally processed for assaulting or resisting officers, and that one demonstrator allegedly fired a gun at ICE and CBP agents. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooting suspect.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the operation, a violent agitator fired a gun at our brave officers, says Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. While ICE and CBP officers are being assaulted by rioters and dodging bullets to save children, Sanctuary politicians are demonizing ICE and CBP. We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who assaults or doxes federal law enforcement.

This photo shows minors who were detained during a large-scale immigration raid at a Camarillo farm on July 10, 2025. (CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott on X)

Glass House Farms is now under investigation for alleged child labor violations, according to the DHS. The company issued a statement Friday morning, saying in part, Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors. Glass House also noted that it is fully cooperating with ICE as per the law and that it is working to help provide the workers with legal representation. We do not expect this to affect operations moving forward.

United Farm Workers also mentioned that it is aware of reports of child labor on the site and said it demands legal representation for any minor workers, adding, To be clear: detaining and deporting children is not a solution for child labor.

McLaughlins comments about Sanctuary politicians come after a morning of statements and press conferences with local and state leaders speaking out against the large-scale operation, including comments from Gov. Gavin Newsom and action by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump calls me Newscum  but hes the real scum, Newsom wrote on X, including a video from KTLA of protesters of the raid running from tear gas sprayed by officers in Camarillo.

In a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security responded to Newsom, asking, Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin? The governor later replied with another X post, saying, We prosecute criminals that break child labor laws. You make the kids pose for photos, tear gas them, and promote laws like this, and attached screenshots of headlines on articles about child labor violations.

Around the same time as the back-and-forth on social media, Bass held a press conference where she announced and signed a new executive directive aimed at strengthening city protections for immigrant communities in the wake of what she described as unlawful and chaotic federal immigration raids across the region.

Meanwhile, at the Glass House Farms in Ventura County, families and dozens of people were seen still standing outside the facility on Friday morning, hoping to reunite with loved ones who were detained or possibly still hiding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ventura County farm raid leaves families waiting, workers still in hiding

The Camarillo raid coincided with a second federal operation at another Glass House location in Carpinteria, about 50 miles northwest. U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), whose district includes Carpinteria, attempted to access that site but was turned away by agents. He later criticized what he described as a troubling lack of transparency from federal authorities.

These militarized ICE raids are not how you keep our communities safe, Carbajal said. This kind of chaos only traumatizes families and tears communities apart.

As for the DHSs response to the large-scale federal immigration raid, it concluded its statement by saying, The investigation into immigration and potential child labor violations is ongoing. Information will be released as it becomes available.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEWNAN, Ga. (AP)  A prominent Georgia Republican was running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 300 investors of at least $140 million, federal officials alleged in a complaint filed Thursday.

The civil lawsuit by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said First Liberty Building and Loan, controlled by Brant Frost IV, lied to investors about its business of making high-interest loans to companies. Instead, investigators said, it raised more money to repay earlier investors.

Frost is alleged to have taken more than $19 million of investor funds for himself, his family and affiliated companies even as the business was going broke, spending $160,000 on jewelry and $335,000 with a rare coin dealer. Frost is also said to have spent $320,000 to rent a vacation home over multiple years in Kennebunkport, Maine, the town where the family of late president George H. W. Bush famously spent summers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The SEC said Frost kept writing checks even after the commission began its investigation

First Liberty said last month that it would stop making loans and paying interest and principal to investors in those loans. The company said it was not answering phone calls or emails.

First Liberty has not responded to an email seeking comment, and no one was present at its office Thursday evening in Newnan, a suburb southwest of Atlanta. A lawyer who acts as the company's registered agent for corporate purposes said earlier that he had no information.

The collapse rocked the religious and political networks that the business drew investors from. It also could have ramifications in state Republican politics, cutting off funding to the far-right candidates that Frost and his family have favored. Investigators said Frost spent $570,000 from investor funds on political contributions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The SEC said the business had only $2.67 million in cash as of May 30, although regulators are also seeking to claw back money from Frost and associated companies. With 300 investors out $140 million, that means the average investor put in nearly $500,000.

First Liberty said it made loans to companies that needed cash while they waited for more conventional loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. It charged high rates of interest  18% on some loans, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press. First Liberty promised investors equally high rates of return  16% on the 18% loans.

In recent months the business advertised heavily on conservative radio shows promising Wall Street returns for Main Street investors.

The promise of a high rate of return on an investment is a red flag that should make all potential investors think twice or maybe even three times before investing their money, Justin C. Jeffries, associate director of enforcement for the SECs Atlanta Regional Office, said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The company has represented that it is cooperating with federal authorities as part of an effort to accomplish an orderly wind-up of the business. The SEC said Frost and his companies agreed to the SEC's enforcement actions with monetary remedies to be determined by the court at a later date.

While the SEC says there were loans to companies, as many as 90% of those companies have defaulted. By 2021 the company was running as a Ponzi scheme, the complaint said, even as Frost withdrew increasing amounts of money.

The business is being investigated by the Georgia secretary of state for possible violations of securities law said Robert Sinners, a spokesperson for the office.

A 2023 document obtained by the AP is titled as a promissory note, and Sinners said anyone issuing promissory notes is supposed to be registered with Georgia securities officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sinners encouraged any victims to contact the state Securities Division.

Federal prosecutors have declined to comment on whether they are considering criminal charges. Sometimes both an SEC civil case and a federal criminal case are filed over investment frauds.

Frost has been an important player in Georgia politics since 1988, when he coordinated televangelist Pat Robertsons Republican presidential bid in the state. His son, Brant Frost V, is chairman of the Coweta County Republican Party, where the company is based, and is a former second vice-chair of the state Republican Party. Daughter Katie Frost is Republican chairman of the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Coweta County and other areas southwest of Atlanta.

At last months state Republican convention, Katie Frost chaired a nominating committee that recommended delegates reelect state Party Chairman Josh McKoon. Delegates followed that recommendation, rejecting a number of insurgent candidates.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  FedEx has announced that it will hold a public memorial for founder Fred Smith.

FedEx says that the memorial will be held on August 11 at the FedExForum and will begin at 10 AM. The company says the program will feature speakers and musical performances.

Retired FedEx employee remembers Fred Smith

Smith, who founded FedEx in 1973, died at 80 years old on June 21. Since Smiths death, many lawmakers and city leaders, as well as FedEx employees, have paid tribute to the business titan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

August 11 wouldve been Smiths 81st birthday.

Soon after Smiths death, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Board approved a measure to rename the Memphis International Airport in his honor.

You can click here to register for the memorial.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Mexican national previously deported from the United States five times, who most recently was jailed for a shooting, is back in federal custody, officials said.

Marlo Alejandro Valdovinos-Guerra, 32, faces a new charge of deported alien found in the United States, federal prosecutors said. Federal authorities previously deported Valdovinos-Guerra in December 2012, March 2019, April 2019, March 2021 and December 2024, they said.

Earlier this year, North Las Vegas police arrested Valdovinos-Guerra for shooting outside of a nightclub, records said. Prosecutors described the incident as a heated argument where Valdovinos-Guerra fired one round into the air. Police also arrested him on drug charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In March, Valdovinos-Guerra took a plea deal on one count of attempted malicious destruction of property for the shooting, records said. Clark County Justice Court Judge Jessica Peterson then sentenced him to jail for 180 days, warning him he would go to prison if he violated probation.

With credit for time served, Valdovinos-Guerras jail sentence would have expired in early July. It appears federal authorities arrested him at that point.

Valdovinos-Guerra was also convicted of a domestic-violence-related charge in 2024, prosecutors said.

A trial on his latest immigration-related charge was scheduled for September. Magistrate Judge Elayna Youchah ordered Valdovinos-Guerra detained pending trial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man who they believe fired a gun at federal officers in Ventura County on Thursday.

During a lawful search today, a man appeared to fire a gun at law enforcement at 2:26pm on Laguna Rd. between Wood & Las Posas, FBI Los Angeles posted on X Thursday night, along with an image of the suspect.

Sky5 was overhead as several hundred protesters gathered at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, where agents were conducting a sweep and detaining workers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The incident escalated around 12:35 p.m. when officers deployed tear gas and less-than-lethal rounds into crowds of protestors who had blocked roadways on both north and southbound Laguna Road.

Ventura County Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and set up a triage system for people injured by tear gas at a safe distance from the ongoing operation.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said that among those detained were 10 undocumented minors.

A man who allegedly fired a gun at federal agents is seen in an image provided by the FBI Los Angeles office.

United States Attorney Bill Essayli shared details about the suspected shooter and the reward in a separate post.

FBI has issued a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo, Essayli said in the post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Essayli shared a video in the post showing the suspect firing what looks like a handgun at federal agents. There were no reports of anyone wounded by gunfire.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Panama City Fla. (WMBB)  It felt much hotter than the thermometer suggested today across the Florida Panhandle, with actual temperatures climbing to 91 in Panama City. However, dew points in the mid to upper 70s pushed heat indices well into the triple digits. If you were lucky enough to catch a breeze off the water, conditions were somewhat bearable, but further inland, the heat was downright oppressive until the sea breeze finally pushed through this afternoon.

Rain coverage has been sparse and sporadic over the past couple of days. Even with the sea breeze, drier air aloft (a cap) has limited convective development. Most thunderstorm activity has favored typical sea breeze collision zones, especially along the Apalachicola River and parts of I-10. Today, southern Georgia saw the most widespread rainfall.

Beach Conditions & Rain Outlook

Wave heights are around one foot and expected to remain steady over the next few days. If youre headed out, dont forget the sunscreenand its a good idea to have the Storm Track 13 Weather App handy. Rain chances remain near normal for this time of year, around 40%, with the best opportunity in the early morning along the coast. Once the sea breeze sets in, coastal areas will likely dry out, and the best chance for rain inland begins. Through the weekend, expect to see the normal rain splits with mostly sunny conditions and very hot. A shower or storm around, but of the splash and dash variety.

Tropics & Long-Range Outlook

Theres currently no tropical development in the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific, which is great news. However, were keeping an eye on a small disturbance breaking off from a cold front that moved through the Carolinas. As it interacts with the subtropical ridge, it may enhance rain chances later next week. If that system drifts over the northern Gulf waters, theres a small potential for surface development.

In the meantime, expect temperatures to stay hot:

Forecast highs of 97 from Sunday through Tuesday. A potential cool down by mid-to-late next week as rain chances increase. Were entering the part of the summer where the numbers dont really matter anymore, its just hot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) continued to distance himself from the progressive wing of his party on Thursday with a social media post defending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

ICE performs an important job for our country, he wrote on the social platform X. Any calls to abolish ICE are [100 percent] inappropriate and outrageous.

Fettermans post comes as some Democrats have joined protests against ICE during President Trumps immigration crackdown and mass workplace raids. Several protesters and Democratic figures have been arrested, detained or charged in recent weeks over their tactics, which have included impromptu appearances at ICE detention facilities and at immigration court hearings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus who backed legislation to abolish the immigration enforcement agency in 2018, called ICE a rogue agency that doesnt follow the law and has zero oversight or accountability in an Thursday post on X.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) recently faced backlash over a fundraising email renewing her calls for ICE to be dismantled.

Asked about the push among some Democrats to eliminate ICE during an appearance on ABCs The View on Monday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) didnt directly respond to the merits of the movement but reiterated his opposition to ICEs tactics.

I definitely think that we need aggressive oversight as it relates to the overly aggressive behavior that were seeing from ICE, from the Department of Homeland Security, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fetterman told NBC News last year that he doesnt consider himself a progressive.

I just think Im a Democrat that is very committed to choice and other things. But with Israel, Im going to be on the right side of that, he told the outlet. And immigration is something near and dear to me, and I think we do have to effectively address it as well.

After his post defending ICE on Thursday, Fetterman added in a follow-up message that he still backs immigration reform to protect people without legal status who are not dangerous.

Absolutely support amnesty for the hardworking, otherwise law-abiding migrant workers, he wrote. Round up and deport the criminals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We must acknowledge the critical contribution migrants make to our nations economy, he added.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
This story was originally published on Marketing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Marketing Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

WPP has named Microsoft veteran Cindy Rose as its next CEO, effective Sept. 1, according to a press release. Current chief executive Mark Read will step down on that date and assist with the leadership transition through the end of the year.

Rose has spent nearly a decade at Microsoft, where she currently serves as chief operating officer of global enterprise sales, working with companies on adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology focused on digital transformation. Previously, she held roles at Vodafone, Virgin Media and The Walt Disney Company.

Rose, who has British and American citizenship, has also been a non-executive director on WPPs board since 2019. She joins WPP as the U.K.-based ad-holding group contends with steep revenue declines and client losses, as well as pressure to master areas like AI in marketing.

Dive Insight:

WPP, which owns agencies like Ogilvy and VML, has enacted a succession plan in a fast fashion following Reads announcement last month that he would retire at the end of the year. Rose has a tall order to fill given the raft of headwinds battering the group, which earlier this week slashed its financial outlook, citing deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and failure to achieve the expected amount of net-new business in the first half.

Much speculation has surrounded Reads replacement, with a good deal of discussion centered on internal candidates, such as WPP Media head Brian Lesser, and industry icons like David Droga, who recently stepped down from his post at Accenture Song, the marketing services division of the Accenture consultancy. However, there was some inkling that WPP could draw from outside of the agency category altogether given its growing focus on AI and technology-driven transformation, areas where Rose fits the bill.

Despite being an external hire, the executive has built-in knowledge of the business and its top brass with six years on WPPs board under her belt. A dual citizen, she will work out of New York and London, where WPP is headquartered.

Cindy has supported the digital transformation of large enterprises around the world  including embracing AI to create new customer experiences, business models and revenue streams, said Philip Jansen, chair of WPPs board, in a statement. Her expertise in this landscape will be hugely valuable to WPP as the industry navigates fundamental changes and macroeconomic uncertainty.
Zohran Mamdani is not a real Democrat and is a gift to Republicans, John Fetterman has claimed.

Mr Fetterman warned Mr Mamdani, the socialist candidate who swept to victory in the Democrats New York mayoral primary, would confirm voters fears about the partys radical shift.

Mr Mamdani is a favourite to win the mayoral election in November, but has faced criticism for his anti-Israel stance that experts say will isolate Jewish voters and bankrupt the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Everything that Ive read on him, I dont really agree with virtually any of it politically, Mr Fetterman said of the 33-year-old. Thats just where Im at as a Democrat. Hes not even a Democrat, honestly.

Mr Fetterman, who represents the swing state of Pennsylvania, has frequently broken with his party, claiming it has swung too far to the Left on issues such as controlling illegal immigration.

Mr Mamdanis victory in the Democrat primary is Christmas in July for the GOP because it gives Republicans a chance to brand the party as radicals, the senator told Fox News.

Is it going to be useful for attack campaigns? Absolutely, he said. Hes a gift to the Republicans in that way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Mamdani has claimed he will raise the minimum wage to $30 (22) an hour, freeze rent increases for stabilised tenants and make buses free by imposing a $10 billion (7.4 billion) tax on businesses and the ultra-wealthy.

Jordan Barowitz, an aide to former mayor Michael Bloomberg, told The Telegraph the minimum wage hike would put every bodega in New York City out of business.

Mr Mamdani has also refused to condemn the phrase globalise the intifada, which is interpreted by some as a call for the violence against Israel and Jewish communities.

Mr Fetterman pushed back on claims that Mr Mamdani showed a path to revival for the Democrats, which lost the White House, Senate and House of Representatives in last years election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The mayoral candidates primary win is not an accurate reflection of the electorate, he said.

Its definitely not Pennsylvania. Its not Wisconsin. Its not Nevada, Mr Fetterman continued, referring to critical swing states, all of which voted for Mr Trump in the presidential election.

If you look at any of the battleground states, New York City has no actual relevance to the kinds of states and the kind of races which determine that in 2028.

He added: Theres no special kind of insight. For New York City, politically, thats a circus mirror of the reality of politics and the politics of our country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Mamdani has been approached for comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Hundreds of college degree programs are being eliminated under new legislative mandate. (Getty Images)

Indianas GOP supermajorities are taking a hands-on approach to higher education. From ending diversity efforts to cracking down on tenure and making syllabi postings mandatory, conservatives are seizing more control on public universities and colleges that receive state funding.

The latest move is to eliminate lesser-used degree programs. Leaders inserted language into the state budget that targets programs when the average number of students who graduate over the immediately preceding three years is fewer than:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

10 for an associate degree program

15 for a bachelors degree program

seven for a masters degree program

three for a doctorate degree program

three for an education specialist program

The educational institution can seek an exception from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

The mandated contraction raises a lot of questions. Yes, it could be better for the budget of the institution and therefore the state budget but isnt part of governments role to fund items for the public good? Public higher education is still a business and Im concerned that customers  i.e. Hoosier students  will go elsewhere to get what they need. Is that what Indiana wants?

An initial review by higher education officials identified a stunning 408 programs to be eliminated, suspended or merged. Thats nearly 20% of the degree offerings in the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among those being terminated:

A bachelors degree in teaching German at Ball State University

A fine arts masters degree in visual arts at Ball State University

Bachelors degrees in education for physics, chemistry and math at Indiana University Bloomington

An associates degree of applied science in public safety at Ivy Tech Community College

A masters degree in public administration at Purdue Fort Wayne

A masters degree in accountancy at University of Southern Indiana

A recent Newsweek article said Indianas Republican Gov. Mike Braun has called for more practical degrees that lead students into jobs, but the alterations to Hoosier higher education also come at a time when colleges across the country are coming under increasing scrutiny over funding and the programs they offer.

I have to admit, Im torn on this one. I think I would feel better about the move if the idea was actually vetted publicly during the legislative session instead of, once again, inserting it into a bill with only a few days left and no advance notice. This type of move isnt good for building trust in the legislative process and automatically puts people off.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ohio, for example, appears to have an almost identical measure  which means its being pushed nationally. Senate Bill 1 in Ohio requires public universities to eliminate undergraduate degree programs that graduate fewer than five students a year over a three-year period.

On one hand, if only a handful of students are pursuing the degrees, it seems to make financial sense to assess whether these programs are worth the cost.

Need to get in touch?

Have a news tip?

CONTACT US

But I also think students should be able to pick the degrees they want if they are spending tens of thousands of dollars on it. This move also makes it harder for students to customize their educational paths to their interests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

West Lafayette Democratic Rep. Chris Campbell said when she received her masters in audiology at Purdue it was a relatively small program.

But the size of the program didnt matter. It was offered because students were interested, and even though the discipline is small, audiologists provide essential services, she said.

This is an overreach of government into higher education, echoing a dangerous national trend. The majority isnt outright controlling students education, but theyre restricting it, which achieves the same goal. Students should be able to study whatever they choose, especially since theyre paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for it. Programs impacted include economics, secondary education, finance and three engineering disciplines. I was especially shocked to see special education degrees on the list.

Workforce shortages have turned into a major thorn for state leaders, and this move is clearly a way to push students into specific industries and sectors that business and state leaders want to emphasize to fill open jobs in Indiana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But nothing will cause burnout and transiency in employment more than not loving what you do.

And if the degree options arent here, young Hoosiers will go elsewhere.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  Another person charged in connection with the unrest during a pro-Palestinian protest on the University of Illinois campus last year has pleaded guilty.

Court records show Sachi Roy, 22, was in court on Wednesday for a pretrial hearing on charges of felony mob action and misdemeanor obstruction of a police officer. They were identical charges to what eight other people were or are facing in connection to the protest that took place at Alma Mater on April 26, 2024.

Urbana man detained prior to road rage trial

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During that pretrial hearing, Roy agreed to a plea deal that saw her plead guilty to the obstruction count while the mob action count was dismissed. Accepting the guilty plea, Judge Roger Webber then sentenced Roy to a year of conditional discharge and 100 hours of community service.

The plea deal and the sentencing terms are also identical or near identical to how four other defendants saw their cases resolved. Victor Smith, Joseph Kleckner, George Vassilatos and Yafa Issa either pleaded guilty or were found guilty of obstruction and were sentenced to conditional discharge and community service.

Another defendant, George Young, saw his case dismissed.

Three other defendants still have open cases against them, but court records show two of those cases will be resolved in the next month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Christopher Zelle was originally charged with two felonies  Class 2 aggravated battery to a peace officer and Class 4 mob action  but not obstruction of an officer. That charge was added two days after Zelle and his attorneys appeared in court for a status hearing on June 16.

That day, they indicated to Judge Webber that an agreement had been reached with the state, and Webber scheduled a plea hearing for July 25.

UPDATE: Savoy man arrested for aggravated battery of child, illegal firearms charge following search warrant

Webber is also overseeing the case of Arthur Paganini, who indicated earlier in June that he too reached an agreement. HIs plea hearing is set for Aug. 6.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ninth and final defendant facing charges in connection to the unrest  Elizabeth Sotiropoulos  is still in the pretrial phase of her case. She is due back in court on July 23.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Vigo County resident Whitney Boyce holds a sign protesting a nearby sequestration project during a public hearing in Indianapolis on Friday, July 11, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Two dozen Hoosiers  most living near a forthcoming West Terre Haute project  railed against proposed carbon dioxide sequestration regulations in a two-hour hearing in Indianapolis on Friday.

We need you to fight for us like this is happening to you, Vigo County resident Rosemarie Scott told the three Department of Natural Resources staffers running the meeting from behind their laptops.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fight like you live there, she continued. Fight like this is right in front of your house, because (for) many of the people in this room, thats the reality for them.

She was among 18 mostly red-shirted in-person attendees living near a pilot project led by Wabash Valley Resources. The group chartered a bus to attend the public hearing.

WVR intends to pipe and inject 1.67 million tons of carbon dioxide annually a mile below the earths surface as part of its plan to produce low-carbon-intensity anhydrous ammonia fertilizer at a former coal gasification plant in Vigo County.

Indianas Natural Resources Commission could vote for final adoption of the permanent rules as soon as Tuesday, at the next meeting in Mitchell, DNR Assistant General Counsel Whitney Wampler said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DNR has been developing them since 2023, when lawmakers granted it that authority  and let it implement temporary, emergency rules.

The regulations could take effect as soon as October, per a regulatory analysis.

Included are definitions, agreements between pore space owners and storage operators, transmission pipeline certificates of authority, permitting, insurance requirements, record-keeping and more.

Witnesses argued the proposal isnt good enough.

It has vast and egregious regulatory gaps and prioritize(s) companies, Vigo County resident Whitney Boyce said.

Whitney Wampler, an assistant general counsel for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, leads a public hearing about proposed sequestration rules in Indianapolis on Friday, July 11, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

She and others criticized the definitions as overly vague and fodder for loopholes; sought verification for voluntary easements; pushed for stronger insurance requirements; worried about water use and contamination; feared leaks and more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When there is a leak and there is a plume, how does the (carbon dioxide) stay in a complete, round circle? one remote participant asked sarcastically, to hearty laughter from in-person attendees. Wabash Valley Resources, thats all they tell us. They tell us, It will not spread!'

Lawmakers first authorized the pilot in 2019 and revisited it in 2022. In between, in 2022, they established requirements for carbon sequestration projects and exempted the pilot from them.

Ben Inskeep, the program director for Citizens Action Coalition, added that DNR should better protect public safety, require better site suitability data and remove the arbitrary deadlines set for itself from the regulations.

Participants also lambasted DNRs process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They noted that both public hearings have been held far from active projects during working hours. They called for a third, evening meeting to the west.

Most of us are retired and stuff, and we can get on a bus and come over here, said Vermillion County resident Flo Evinger.  An everyday person that is working today cannot be on hold to get on the computer and talk. Its almost like you do not want any comments from the public.

She was one of several who criticized DNR Director Alan Morrison, a former state lawmaker appointed to the role by Gov. Mike Braun, for his legislative support of sequestration and acceptance of campaign donations from Wabash Valley Resources.

How are we supposed to feel that we are getting a fair shake? she asked.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
LANIKAI, Hawaii (KHON2)  A final plan to improve the parking situation in Lanikai has been developed after years of headaches.

There are still details to be worked out, but there will be a lot less parking space during the day once it is implemented.

Upgrades and changes coming to Lanikai Pillbox Trail

Lanikais pristine beach and breathtaking hikes draw thousands, but with beauty comes chaos. Traffic and parking issues often choke the residential neighborhood and have prompted new changes under a city plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If you come on any given nice day where theres lots of cars and lots of visitors, youll see cars parked in driveways, on the corners blocking the line of sight down the street at blind turns, said Lanikai Traffic Committee Chairman Mike Groza. Medical people that live here, they cant get to their jobs. We have patients, they cant get to their appointments.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

The plan will ban parking on the main loop of Mokulua and Aalapapa Drives from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Lanikais cross streets will also be changed to one-way routes with parking only allowed on one side.

There will no longer be parking on the loop anywhere, with the exception of some three-minute loading zones. The burden of parking will shift to the cross streets, said Kailua Neighborhood Board Chair Bill Hicks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Visitors asked to stay out of Lanikai, during Kailua roundabout construction

The Department of Transportation Services has their final Lanikai Transportation Management plan posted online, with officials confirming they are still working with the neighborhood board and community before implementation.

Its not our neighborhood thats closing anything down, Groza said. Its, How we can work with the city Department of Transportation and the city council to restore the health and safety?

The plan also promotes increased public transit. Residents hope these changes will restore safety while keeping Lanikai accessible.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Were waiting to hear their timeline, we know that theres a lot of, financial implications and planning, Groza said. Theres just not enough room for all these people for parking.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Sioux Falls is hosting top music talent during a new summer festival.

The Lallycooler Music Festival is expected to draw in thousands. Organizers spent Thursday setting the stage at Great Bear Ski Valley.

Aberdeen to buy Presentation nursing building

Weve still got a lot of fencing. The food vendors are coming in today, so weve got to get them set up, Great Bear Ski Valley General Manager Dan Grider said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The event features a variety of music artists and genres Friday and Saturday.

Friday is all country, and Sam Hunt is the big headliner. Confederate Railroad is someone. That 90s country music is really popular again, Washington Pavilion CEO and President Darrin Smith said. The big one is Pitbull on Saturday.

Attendees can choose from general admission passes all the way up to VIP packages, which include exclusive seating and a private bar. Ticket prices vary based on each pass.

With an expected crowd of ten thousand people, shuttle services are available at four pick-up spots. Parking, rideshare drop-offs and walk-ins at Great Bear will not be an option due to safety reasons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People can park at Washington High School, at the Denny PREMIER Center, at the University of Sioux Falls and at Jefferson High School, Grider said.

Shuttles are free of charge and will run continuously. Organizers told KELOLAND News the show will go on rain or shine, but they do monitor conditions closely.

Right now, its starting to shift in our favor, which is good. Saturday looks fantastic. Saturday is going to be a beautiful weather day, Smith said.

Organizers are hopeful this will become an annual event.

That makes it easier to invest in infrastructure, Grider said. Knowing that what we do today will be beneficial in the future. Were really excited about this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Event coordinators decided on the festival name because of its South Dakota history. The term Lallycooler means a good time. It was a common term used throughout the state during the 1800s.

Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday. A full festival schedule can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WINSLOW, Ark. (WJTV)  The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its final report on the investigation into a small plane crash that killed a former Mississippi state senator in Arkansas.

The crash killed Johnny Morgan, 76, of Oxford, Mississippi, who served in the Mississippi Senate from 1984 to 1992. He was the only person aboard the twin-engine Beech King Air E-90 plane when it crashed May 17, 2023, in a wooded area in northwestern Arkansas, south of Fayetteville.

Third suspect arrested months after mass shooting in downtown Jackson

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The crash happened just over an hour after the plane took off from University-Oxford Airport in Oxford.

The NTSB said Morgan had contacted an avionics repair facility at Drake Field Airport in Fayetteville to discuss the planes autopilot problems. A technician told Morgan to bring the plane in for service and to not use autopilot during the flight. Morgan planned to fly to Fayetteville and leave the plane at the avionics facility for maintenance, according to the NTSB.

During the descent, the NTSB reported the plane was descending more than 15,000 per minute shortly before impact. They determined Morgan was likely not using the autopilot and was hand flying the plane. The report said Morgan was likely accustomed to flying the plane with the automation.

Report_CEN23FA190_174548_7_11_2025-10_16_05-AMDownload

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Based on the recorded flight path, investigators said its likely that Morgan became spatially disoriented and lost control of the plane.

In addition, the pilot allowed his self-imposed pressure to influence his decision to complete the flight in less-than-ideal weather conditions without a functional autopilot. Although ethanol was detected in liver and muscle tissue, it is likely that some, or all, of the detected ethanol was from postmortem production. Thus, it is unlikely that ethanol contributed to the accident. Tadalafil, salicylic acid, famotidine, atenolol, and irbesartan were detected in liver and muscle tissue, but it is unlikely that these substances contributed to the accident. NTSB

The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident o be the pilots poor preflight decision to department into known instrument meteorological conditions without a functional autopilot system. They said the pilots self-imposed pressure to conduct the flight also contributed to the accident.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A two-alarm fire at Battlefield Vegas behind Circus Circus sent black smoke into the sky Wednesday just after noon.

Callers reported smoke and firefighters responded to an alert from the automatic sprinkler system at the site, which an indoor shooting range and a yard full of World War II-era military vehicles. The companys website offers customers the opportunity to crush a car with a tank.

Traffic backed up on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive while fire crews worked at the scene. Firefighters pulled lines into the building and searched for possible victims, Crews also went to the roof to open ventilation to the building interior.

Firefighters respond Thursday to a call at Battlefield Las Vegas on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. (Photo: Clark County Fire Department) Firefighters respond Thursday to a call at Battlefield Las Vegas on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. (Photo: Clark County Fire Department) Firefighters respond Thursday to a call at Battlefield Las Vegas on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. (Photo: Clark County Fire Department) Firefighters respond Thursday to a call at Battlefield Las Vegas on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. (Photo: Clark County Fire Department) Firefighters respond Thursday to a call at Battlefield Las Vegas on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. (Photo: Clark County Fire Department)

The second alarm brought relief crews to rotate in the afternoon heat. In all 10 engines, three trucks, three battalion chiefs, three rescues, one EMS Captain and one air resource  a total of 63 personnel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cause of the fire is under investigation. No information on damage is available yet.

Clark County firefighters were assisted by Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, Southwest Gas, NV Energy and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
About 70 firefighters have tackled a grass fire spanning 14 acres in north-east London, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

Ten fire engines and a wildfire response vehicle were called to multiple areas on Wanstead Flats, near Capel Road in Manor Park, earlier on Friday.

Station commander Darren McTernan said from the scene that crews had worked "in hot, arduous conditions" to bring the fire under control, by about 15:15 BST, and added that people were still being advised to avoid the area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The brigade said it took more than 20 calls and sent crews from East Ham, Stratford, Leyton, Barking and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

People living in the area were asked to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent smoke getting into their homes.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

More on this story

Related internet links
NORFOLK  Multiple businesses at a Colonial Heights strip mall were impacted by an early morning fire, officials said Friday.

Firefighters were dispatched to 7616 Sewells Point Road at around 2:20 a.m. for a call of a commercial structure fire. First responders found smoke and flames emitting from the roof the the structure, stretching the length of the building. The businesses were all closed.

Firefighters had the fire under control by around 3 a.m. No injuries were reported, fire officials said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The strip mall, called Sewells Point Place, housed DEstilo Barber Shop, Yollys Sewing and Alteration, Lempira #3 and Sabor Caribeno. Images show much of the damage concentrated over the barber shop, with the roof above the building mostly burnt off.

No additional details were immediately available.
Former NBCU ad exec Linda Yaccarinos tenure at X may have been fairly short  just two years from start to finish  but she did manage to make an impact on the social networks ad business, new data from ad intelligence firm Guideline shows. Yaccarino will be leaving X in a better position with its advertisers than she found it, it says.

In the U.S., ad spending was up 62% year-over-year in the first half of 2025, Guideline notes. In addition, Yaccarino previously claimed that 96% of Xs advertisers returned to X as of May 2025.

However, it took time for Xs advertising business to turn around, and it remains a turbulent business.

Yaccarinos departure could have a significant impact on Xs profitability, as the company is nowhere near ready to rely entirely on other revenue streams. Its X Premium subscriptions, for example, only account for a small portion of its business, and it hasnt yet launched its broader ambitions around an X Money payments service.

Yaccarino first joined X in June 2023 after spending nearly 12 years at NBCUniversal, where she had been chairman of global advertising and partnerships. At the time, X (then called Twitter) was facing a critical advertising downturn.

Many of the initial cuts to ad spend were prompted by Elon Musks takeover of the network in October 2022. With cuts to Twitter staff, including its Trust and Safety division, misinformation and hate speech proliferated  which advertisers wanted nothing to do with. Reuters noted that 14 of the 30 top advertisers stopped all their advertising on the platform, and four advertisers had reduced their spending from 92% to 98.7% around that time.

Guidelines data found that 89% of Twitter/Xs U.S. ad dollars were eroded in the two years between Q3 2022 and Q3 2024. (These declines had actually begun in Q2 2022, after it was revealed that Musk bought a 9.4% stake in the company, the firm told TechCrunch via email.)

By early 2023, reports surfaced that more than 500 of Twitters advertisers had left the platform, and fourth-quarter revenues dropped by 35%.

Citing internal documents, The New York Times reported that the social networks U.S. ad business was down 59% from a year earlier, from the five weeks between April 1 and the first week of May 2023, reaching $88 million. Its weekly sales projections were also down by as much as 30%. X then tried luring advertisers back with ad credits.

There were hints that Yaccarino was working behind the scenes to repair things, though.

A year after she joined X, the Times reported that 65% of advertisers had returned, citing recordings of internal meetings at the company. In August 2023, Yaccarino claimed that Xs operational run rate was close to break even.
A 17-year former Justice Department official is warning of a wave of retribution inside the agency.

Patty Hartman, who served as a top public affairs specialist at the FBI and federal prosecutors' offices, told CBS News, "The rules don't exist anymore."

Hartman, who was fired Monday via a letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi, is the fourth person connected to the agency's work on the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots to be terminated in the past month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There used to be a line, used to be a very distinct separation between the White House and the Department of Justice, because one should not interfere with the work of the other," Hartman told CBS News. "That line is very definitely gone."

Hartman isn't a prosecutor, but worked on the District of Columbia U.S. Attorney's Office public affairs team that distributed news releases about the more than 1,500 Jan. 6 criminal prosecutions.

"I am not political. I do not serve a president or a party," she said. "I serve the American people, the Department of Justice and its mission and the citizens in the district where I work. I've been doing that for almost 20 years."

The purge of Justice Department employees who worked on Jan. 6 cases began shortly after President Trump's second inauguration, when he installed a former Jan. 6 defense attorney, Ed Martin, as the acting top prosecutor in Washington, D.C.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Multiple prosecutors were promptly terminated.

The latest wave of firings included Hartman and three more prosecutors who helped handle some of the Jan. 6 cases. She said those firings appear to be a form of retribution from the administration.

Mr. Trump and his supporters have downplayed the damage, injuries and trauma of the Capitol siege and have sought to recast convicted rioters as "political prisoners."

The mass pardon of nearly all of the approximately 1,500 defendants shuttered the prosecutions in January.

Hartman said her firing Monday took her by surprise. Her computer appeared to power itself down while she was in the middle of working on a press release, she said, and then an agency official handed a termination letter bearing Attorney General Pam Bondi's signature.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She characterized her dismissal as an indication of a broader destabilization inside the Justice Department and Trump administration. In a social media post this week, she wrote, "We appear to be driving straight into an abyss that holds no memory of what democracy is, was, or should be."

"The people in charge who are supposed to protect us  our fellow Americans who we elected, along with those who were appointed, and swore an oath to protect this nation and our Constitution  now use the Constitution as a weapon to suit their own ends. And the most terrifying fact is, their road map is very long," Hartman also wrote.

She told CBS News she had been fired without due process and said she's considering a legal challenge over her termination.

Hartman said the administration has "just thrown all of the rules out the window, like we are falling into a crevasse or an abyss, and I really, truly hope that the country can pull out of it."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of Hartman's colleagues, who asked for anonymity to avoid incurring retaliation for speaking publicly, told CBS News, "Patty's firing really pisses me off. It's so unconscionably petty and vindictive. Who is the constituency for firing Patty? Even the most rabid Jan. 6 apologists weren't calling for the firing of the woman who wrote the press releases."

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Social media content creator shows his hustle

Udemy Is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills

Surveillance video shows Israeli strike that killed 10 children at Gaza clinic
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Portland Fire and Rescue said they put out three intentionally set fires at a bluff in North Portland, with an arson suspect later arrested by police.

Firefighters said the vegetation fires were set near the Dog Bowl park Thursday morning in a bluff area that overlooks Swan Island and the Willamette River.

Big Pink new owner paid in cash. How much?

The park and the surrounding bluff are covered in dry, tall grass. Fire officials said that had they not intervened, the fire would have been much larger and the impact of the area could have been quite significant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Firefighters responded to reports of the fire at 11:16 a.m. When they arrived, they not only saw multiple grass and vegetation fires but also spotted a suspect coming from the area of one of the fires.

The engine officer on scene then called the Portland Police Bureau with a description of the suspect. Officers later arrested 41-year-old Joel Eipwon, who is now accused of three counts of first-degree arson.

This bluff area has been designated protected property with a high fire danger and injury potential due to the well-known unhoused population, the permanent homes that sit at the top of the ridge, and the high use recreational trails throughout, PF&R said in a press release. Engine 24 was quick in cooling and extinguishing the flames present in each unique location and prevented what could have been a large fire that ran the entire distance of the bluff as this area is currently filled with much fuel composed of these tall dry grasses and other vegetation.

In addition to the tall, dry grass covering the entire park, the risk of an out-of-control fire was exacerbated by high heat and breezy conditions, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The incident highlights the importance of homeowners keeping any overgrown grass and plants trimmed in case of an emergency.

The recommendation is that you keep your lawn trimmed, four inches or less. Thats the best recommendation for grasses. But we at Portland Fire and Rescue, we do wildland home assessments in the wildland hazard areas of the city, said PF&R Lieutenant Lauren Picard.

Oregon has already seen a number of wildfires this season, with a major risk factor being overgrown, dry grass. For instance, in Salem on Wednesday, a wildfire spread through a field and then onto buildings, prompting Level 3 evacuations.

When it comes to how local agencies are cracking down on overgrown vegetation, city-based fire departments are sometimes limited in the enforcement of individual property owners, but education remains a key tool in fire prevention. In addition, other city departments have avenues of recourse for enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

PF&R does not have a role in the enforcement of dry grass growth on properties within the city, explained Rick Graves, a PF&R spokesperson. There is a mechanism through PP&D [Portland Permitting and Development] for members in the community to report a nuisance property which can include overgrown vegetation.

Ex freelance journalist convicted of bias crimes

Portland Permitting and Development has more information about filing a property code violation report.

PF&R said they also spend a lot of time educating people, particularly those living in the Wildland Urban Interface Zone, with information about clearing away vegetation from near their homes and keeping the vegetation levels low to avoid a build-up of fire fuel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All we can do is educate and inform and hope it motivates folks to be a bit more tidy,' Graves said.

The Gresham Fire Department told KOIN 6 News it does not have a fuel reduction program due to not having enough staff. However, they have been partnering with the Oregon State Fire Marshals Office to provide wildfire education at events and share wildfire safety flyers in the community and on social media.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
July 11 (UPI) -- The Kurdish militant group PKK took its first step toward peace with Turkey as it burned weapons after 40 years of conflict.

The group of 30 PKK members went to a cave near Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, and put their weapons into a fire. It was the first ceremony of its kind for the organization, and more are expected to happen all summer. The Turkish government has said the ceremony is crossing a "critical threshold" toward a "terror-free Turkey."

PKK, or the Kurdistan Workers' Party, is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and others. It formed as a response to poor treatment of Kurds in Turkey and demanded an independent Kurdistan, Kurdish language education and more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More than 40,000 people have died in the four decades-long conflict.

"We voluntarily destroy our weapons, before your presence, as a step of goodwill and determination," the PKK said in a statement. The group included 15 men and 15 women.

Witnesses included officials from Turkey's National Intelligence Organization, Iraqi officials, security forces and officials from Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government, members of the Turkish People's Democratic Party (Dem), and some from non-governmental organizations.

PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, long imprisoned by Turkey, said it was "a voluntary transition from the phase of armed conflict to the phase of democratic politics and law."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ocalan has been imprisoned on the island of Imrali near Istanbul since 1999. He's been kept in solitary confinement.

Devlet Bahceli, a nationalist leader in Turkey and ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, started working to create a "terror-free Turkey" in October 2024. He pushed Ocalan to call for the dissolution of the PKK. The Turkish government began negotiations with Ocalan with the help of the Dem party, which is pro-Kurd. In February, Ocalan appealed to the group to disband in a letter that two Dem MPs read out after visiting the prison.

"All groups must lay their arms and the PKK must dissolve itself," Ocalan's letter said.
Faced with having to cut services for the first time in its history, the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board solidified a plan July 10 with the Finance Committee that spares three crucial service programs.

The decision comes weeks after the mental health board heard an outpouring of personal testimonies about the importance of Grand Avenue Club, Milwaukee County's only clubhouse committed to serving people with mental health diagnoses; Impact 211, a resource directory that also operates a southeast Wisconsin crisis line; and Our Space, the nonprofit under which Parachute House, Milwaukee's peer-run respite home, operates.

Nora Hitchcock, executive director of Our Space, discusses an email she received that would unilaterally terminate grants from the federal government causing her to close operations with Michael Lappen, center, administrator for Behavioral Health Services at the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, and Kenneth Gunlock, left, mental health board vice chair, on March 28, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Members of the public credited these behavioral health organizations with not only keeping them out of emergency rooms, but getting them out of the house and into healthy and safe spaces to gather with other people. Those personal testimonies led board members to draft amendments that would put $759,962 into funds from the board's reserve, which is just over $45 million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The board members were really feeling it  that the loss of the programming would be detrimental to the community," Mary Neubauer, chair of the county Mental Health Committee, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ahead of the meeting. "They had a chance to hear not just the budget numbers but to feel how these people were going there for 12 to 14 years. That was their lifeline."

Although the committees voted to approve the amendments, all three programs will encounter some financial setbacks to their 2026 budgets. Each will need to be creative in how to solve that problem, and potentially seek philanthropic dollars. For example, Grand Avenue Club's budget in 2026 will be reduced by 50% to $100,000. Its budget for the last few years has been $200,000.

The hope, said Rachel Forman, former executive director of Grand Avenue Club, is that neither individuals nor foundations from the community will let Grand Avenue fail.

The pension scandal: a quarter-century nightmare

The funding squeeze is being felt across every agency as the county projects what will likely be an $8 million to $10 million deficit by the end of 2025, said Matt Fortman, the county's fiscal administrator. That requires the county to eliminate $9 million from the 2026 county budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The financial difficulty, Fortman said, comes from a confluence of factors such as a decrease in the revenue generated from the workforce; declining Medicaid enrollment, which will increase unpaid care costs in hospitals and strain the clinics and hospitals that serve low-income and at-risk populations; the sunsetting grant revenue with fewer opportunities for new state and federal grants; and declining property tax revenue.

"We have had to make some pretty profound service reductions in 2026 to right the course," Fortman said.

Compounding those declines and opportunity losses, Milwaukee County continues to contend with a controversial lump-sum pension program, which has supplied more than $404 million in kickbacks to county retirees for more than two decades. A major pensions windfall is predicted from 2026 through 2033 as major positions at the county level retire.

"It hits the county budget as a whole because there was never money behind the program. They just wrote it in," Neubauer said. "Now, a certain percentage of tax revenue has to go directly to the pensions shortfall."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Then, there's the uncertainty of how the federal budget will come down on the county, especially where Medicaid enrollments and work requirements are concerned. Those costs aren't expected to be felt until after the midterms.

Given these larger financial pressures, the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board must tread lightly for the next few years. It means the mental health board can only access a pittance of its $45 million reserve, said Neubauer, although how much it can use in 2026 will continue to be discussed in future Finance Committee meetings.

Despite voting to approve these three amendments, the county had to eliminate $4 million in mental health service agreements and contracts, including advocacy funding for National Alliance on Mental Illness; employment and education support services at St. Charles, an organization focused on community needs; and Matt Talbot Recovery Services, which focuses on detoxification and transitional residency programs.

Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her X (Twitter) profile at @natalie_eilbert.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 3 Milwaukee County mental health programs spared in $4 million cuts
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark.  The medals and flag draped over the grave of an Army National Guard soldier are back where they belong after being discovered in an unlikely place 400 miles away from the closest relative.

Fellow Army veteran Bart Noland hand-delivered the mementos from Russellville, Arkansas, to New Iberia, Louisiana.

This is our area that we memorialize our fallen soldiers, Noland said while gesturing to a shelf at Riggs-Hamilton American Legion Post 20.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Texas postal worker delivers WWII veterans letters to Arkansas family

The flag and display case sat at a place of honor there for close to a year before a breakthrough last week and its Fourth of July delivery.

Once or twice a year, someone turns in the flag of a fallen soldier to the local post, and legionnaires try to return it to a relative.

Not every memento has a name, but when Staff Sergeant Chris Charriers did.

One of our fellow legionnaires has a friend that goes to the storage unit auctions. They had a unit that had come up for auction that I guess had been abandoned, and when the gentleman was cleaning it out, he found the flag, Noland explained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bart Noland and his wife met dead ends when contacting the Army and other offices to return the flag, but the funeral home that buried Charrier took their information to share with his family.

The next day, we received a phone call from the soldiers mother, and we told her who we were, what we had, and she started to break down in tears over the phoneCause they didnt know whatever happened to the flag, Noland stated.

Charrier died at home in 2011 when he was just 33. He was a decorated National Guardsman who completed two tours in Iraq.

Noland took off on the Fourth of July, traveling 15 hours round trip to bring the shadow box home to New Iberia, Louisiana. Charriers mother and daughters received it. Recalling it brought Noland to tears.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It felt really good. It was kind of like being back in the service, being on active duty. Doing missions, Noland said.

Noland has his fathers and two of his grandfathers flags, but his father-in-laws is still missing. He said he would have ridden halfway across the country if it meant honoring a veteran and their familys sacrifice.

Its real important. I mean it means everything. It represents what that person sacrificed, and everything that they went through. It shows their accomplishments. What they did for this country, Noland said.

Flag rescued out of South Vietnam flown at Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Louisiana is not the furthest this legion has returned flags to. Previously, they have brought a flag to Texas and Arizona. Noland said he hand-delivers flags because doing any less would be showing less respect than the veteran deserves.

We do the right things by our veterans. Thats what we do. Try to take care of one another, Noland concluded.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VERMONT (ABC22/FOX44)  Communities in the Northeast Kingdom have once again been hit with flood waters.

Portions of Lyndonville were among those hit by another round of rainfall and flooding. In an update posted after 1:00 a.m. Friday on Facebook, their fire department noted that Sutton, Burke, and East Haven had even more significant damage.

East Burke Fire Brigade members described the scene in their area yesterday, noting that The river gauge on Worden Road in East Burke indicated a sharp rise of approximately 5 feet in just minutes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Teams with the State of Vermont Urban Search and Rescue were also activated to assist yesterday. They made rescues in the Burke and Sutton area, where they helped people from their homes.

ABC22/FOX44s Roy Santa Croce was in Caledonia County yesterday, and noted a heavy police presence. Families congregated outside with lawn chairs to cook after flooding forced them from their homes.

Catch the full update from Thursday, July 10 here:

Road closures were also reported. Among those damaged is U.S. Route 5, near Calendar Brook Road, which will remain closed indefinitely due to a bridge washout.

First responders remind people to stay safe. Do not drive into water, as it can be deeper and more littered with debris that it appears.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
North Carolina communities are still recovering after Tropical Storm Chantal brought days of torrential rain, flash flooding and deadly consequences to the state this week. At least six people have died as a result of the storm, which made landfall Sunday morning near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, before tracking inland across the Carolinas.

Nearly 12 inches of rain fell in parts of the Raleigh-Durham area within a 24-hour period, with other locations reporting between 8 and 10 inches. The National Weather Service reported rainfall totals 200 to 600 percent above normal for central North Carolina, with the areas around Raleigh, Greensboro and Fayetteville hit especially hard.

AccuWeather.com

Chantal's impact was widespread. Three people were killed in Chatham County, North Carolina, including an 83-year-old woman whose vehicle was swept away and two boaters who drowned on Jordan Lake. In Orange County, 58-year-old Monica Butner died after her car became stranded in floodwaters while driving to work in Hillsborough. First responders found her body the next day, obscured by debris roughly 120 yards from her vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Alamance County, a 23-year-old woman and a 71-year-old man were both found dead after being reported missing during flooding events. "The devastating power of stormwater caused Ms. Butner's tragic death, despite the heroic efforts of searchers and the work of the top-notch professionals at Emergency Management," Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in a statement.

Rescue efforts spanned multiple counties. In High Point, fire crews rescued roughly two dozen people from water-related emergencies between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, according to WXII12. Flood warnings were extended for the Haw River in Alamance County and Abbott's Creek in Davidson County, with river levels exceeding flood stage on Thursday.

First named Tropical Storm Chantal brings devastation and flooding to central North Carolina and the Chapel Hill area in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States on July 7, 2025. (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)

A view of destruction on a road to Chatham Central High School following the tropical storm Chantal in Bear Creek North Carolina, United States on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)

First named Tropical Storm Chantal brings devastation and flooding to central North Carolina and the Chapel Hill area in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States on July 7, 2025. (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The city of Mebane, North Carolina, experienced extensive infrastructure issues after flooding damaged the Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant. Strict water usage restrictions were enacted as officials worked to restore service, according to WXII. As of Thursday, residents were told to reduce water use by 40 percent, and businesses were operating at 60 percent capacity. Water distribution efforts began shortly after the storm, with volunteers and local businesses like Foothills Brewing in Winston-Salem collecting and delivering drinking water to affected households. Boil notices in other cities, like Hillsborough, have been lifted although residents are still being urged to conserve water.

"Testing of water samples found no bacteria in the system. However, customers are urged to continue to conserve water to maintain water supply in the system because the Water Treatment Plant is offline," said a statement posted on the town's website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tropical Storm Chantal was the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, following Andrea and Barry. AccuWeather meteorologists first designated the system a tropical rainstorm on Friday, July 4, to raise public awareness, before it was officially upgraded to a tropical storm on Saturday. "This was a classic example of homegrown development, by which a tropical storm formed close to the Southeast Atlantic coast and in an area where it is typical for July," said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva.

AccuWeather.com



According to a preliminary estimate from AccuWeather, Tropical Storm Chantal caused between $4 billion and $6 billion in total damage and economic loss across the Carolinas. The figure includes damage to homes and businesses, lost tourism revenue, infrastructure failure, supply chain disruptions and financial losses from power outages and travel delays. "Chantal is yet another reminder that tropical storms that spin up quickly near the coastline can cause dangerous coastal and inland flooding," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter. "This storm made landfall in the middle of the busy Independence Day weekend, disrupting holiday travel plans and creating dangerous beach conditions for thousands of families along the East Coast." Infrastructure damage included more than 100 flood-related road closures and the collapse of State Highway 902 in Chatham County, where several swift-water rescues and fatalities were reported

Although the worst of the rainfall is now over, recovery efforts will be complicated by the heat. Forecasters say AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures could reach the upper 90s and low 100s through the weekend, increasing the risk of heat-related illness for outdoor crews and displaced residents.

Officials continue to urge caution around flooded roads, fallen power lines and debris-covered waterways. Several North Carolina state parks remained closed Thursday due to storm damage.
The Brief

The U.S. closed its southern border to cattle, bison, and horse imports due to parasite concerns.

The New World screwworm fly was recently detected further north in Mexico, closer to Texas.

Mexicos president criticized the decision, calling it exaggerated despite ongoing mitigation efforts.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has once again closed its southern border to livestock importsnot peopleafter a dangerous flesh-eating parasite was found further north in Mexico than previously reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The pest, known as the New World screwworm fly, lays eggs in wounds on warm-blooded animals. Its larvae feed on live flesh, posing a serious threat to cattle, horses, and other livestock. American officials fear the parasite could reach Texas, potentially reviving a problem that caused devastating agricultural losses before being eradicated in the U.S. decades ago.

"Thanks to the aggressive monitoring by USDA staff in the U.S. and in Mexico, we have been able to take quick and decisive action to respond to the spread of this deadly pest," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in a statement Wednesday.

How close is the parasite to the U.S. border?

The backstory

The screwworm had been largely contained to Panama since the 1970s, when the U.S. eradicated it by releasing sterile male flies to collapse the population. The parasite reemerged in southern Mexico late last year, prompting the U.S. to suspend livestock imports in May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After signs of progress, the USDA allowed limited border reopening at five portsthree this month, and two more by Sept. 15. But now the fly has been detected 185 miles northeast of Mexico Cityroughly 370 miles from Texas, and 160 miles further north than previously known.

What we know

The U.S. has halted imports of live cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico again.

The USDA is investing $30 million in containment efforts, including a new sterile-fly production site in southern Mexico by July 2026.

An additional facility in southern Texas is being prepared to hold and release sterile flies if needed.

What we don't know

Officials havent said how long the livestock ban will remain in place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its unclear whether the new detection marks the start of a broader northward spread or an isolated case.

The USDA hasnt confirmed whether consumer beef supplies could be affected in the near term.

The other side

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the U.S. response, saying officials were exaggerating the risk.

"From our point of view, they took a totally exaggerated decision to closing the border again," Sheinbaum said Thursday.

"Everything that scientifically should be done is being done."

Mexican officials say the number of infected animals is actually down nearly 19% since late June, with 392 active cases currently reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, U.S. Reps. Tony Gonzalez (TX) and Kat McCammack (FL) urged the Trump administration to fast-track approval of existing treatments for screwworm infestations in livestock, citing regulatory delays tied to product labeling.

What's next

The USDAs plan to breed and deploy sterile flies is central to stopping the parasites spread. Officials hope that with sufficient funding and international cooperation, the fly can be contained before it reaches the U.S. border.

Increased surveillance, funding, and strategic releases are expected in the coming monthsparticularly if more northern cases are confirmed in Mexico.

The Source

This article is based on reporting from The Associated Press, which covered statements from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and federal lawmakers. The AP report includes data from the USDA and Mexican government, as well as background on the eradication and reemergence of the New World screwworm fly.
HUNT  Every day since last Saturday, Clemente Sanchez has gathered workers to help clear debris and destruction that a furious, 30-foot flood left in its wake in this small community wedged between the north and south forks of the Guadalupe River.

Sanchez, who owns a tree-clearing company in Ingram, seven miles further downriver, said hes not charging people for cutting up downed trees and clearing debris from their property.

I know my clients can afford it, said Sanchez, who was born in Mexico and moved to Ingram 25 years ago. But I dont care. They need the help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sanchezs unselfish act isnt unique in the communities along the Guadalupe that are still searching for missing people and assessing the extensive damage from the July 4 flood that has killed 120 people and counting throughout Central Texas.

Again and again, people in the tight-knit communities along this stretch of the river have turned to each other for comfort and help over the past week. And many have been calling Sanchez.

Steve Rodriguez, left, and Darrell Bowling clean furniture and other items salvaged from the flood. Credit: Brenda Bazan for The Texas Tribune

For Sanchez, every day starts before 8 a.m. He expects his six full-time workers, whom he is still paying, to be ready to hit the road to Hunt, where they go from house to house, looking for anyone who could use help clearing away ruined furniture, tree trunks and branches.

Jesus Garcia, a 45-year-old from Guanajuato, Mexico, flew in last week to see family and friends in Ingram. But when he learned that Sanchez was rounding up volunteers, he offered to lend a hand. Hes shown up almost every day, raking leaves and scattered detritus at homes where the water ripped through. He helps load the furniture onto the back of Sanchezs truck. With a hand-held saw, he slices through tree trunks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I had to do something, Garcia said. In Mexico, there have been natural disasters too, and others have helped us, so why not help them?

That question has echoed through many neighborhoods here. In hard-hit areas of Kerrville, local helpers have poured in from all over town, residents said.

Dianne McCracken, a Kerrville native, said she was staying in an RV next to the river with her husband Francis when a man started banging at their door at 3 a.m. on July 4.

You need to get out because the rivers here, Dianne remembers him yelling before he ran away.

The couple took shelter on higher ground until the river receded. When they returned, the RV had been destroyed. She said the house she rents in town also suffered significant damage.

Top left: An excavator picks up damaged items to be discarded. Top right: Jesus Rodriguez, a volunteer who was vacationing from Guanajuato, Mexico, stayed in Hunt to help people clean up. Bottom left: Steve Rodriguez, a volunteer from New Braunfels, helping during the clean up. Bottom right: Items discarded from a property that was affected by the flood in Hunt. Credit: Brenda Bazan for The Texas Tribune

On Thursday afternoon, six family members and friends arrived at the house to help them pick up the pieces. Her son-in-law, Gabe, pulled soaked insulation from the walls and piled it on the floor. The rest of the crew collected ruined possessions in bags and swept caked-up mud and insulation onto tarps they laid on the floor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dianne, 67, said before the flood, she would have been too proud to ask for help, or accept it. But neither the RV nor the rental home had flood insurance. Shell have to take out at least $100,000 in loans, she believes, to recover fully from the damage.

Next door, Yvette Cantu emptied her mothers garage. The 57-year-old Fredericksburg resident had driven in Thursday morning to lend a hand to her 77-year-old mom  who had fled the home when the flooding reached her street. While the water hadnt reached the house, which sits near the river, her storage closet outside the house sustained some damage. Cantu lined up personal belongings, a cooler, and some old photos.

She didnt know if her house was there after she left, Cantu said.

Many Texans have stepped up to help strangers in the Hill Country, including Steve Rodriguez, 41, a New Braunfels native who had been following the news of the floods through social media Friday morning, and he said he decided he wouldnt sit around anymore. So he drove almost 100 miles west, joined a long line of trucks just before Hunt at a checkpoint, and told the guard he was there to volunteer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When he saw the first house belonging to Nancy Allery, who was not in Hunt when the flood struck her home, he offered Allery his help, joining Sanchez, whose crew was already working on the property. He moved damaged furniture, silverware and a paddleboard out of the house, loading it into a truck and using a leaf blower to clear the front yard of dirt.

Clemente Sanchez looks at items to be discarded from a property. Credit: Brenda Bazan for The Texas Tribune

Behind Allerys house, Sanchezs son, Adrian, shoveled dirt off her walkway. Hed been there early that morning, piling the dirt in the ground next to the same river that moved it up. Allery and other property owners handed out cold water and plates of food: burritos, vegetables and some chips from a relief organization.

The 18-year-old grew up here. Helping his neighbors is his natural instinct. His dad had already volunteered to help another neighbor when the crew was done with Allerys home.

I think its nice of him, he said of his dads efforts. I think its the right thing to do.
BELTON, Texas (FOX 44)  In the wake of recent flooding across Central Texas, the Belton Feed and Supply Store has turned into a hub of hope.

In partnership with several Bell County organizations and businesses, the store has been hosting a flood relief drive since July 5, 2025 bringing neighbors together to help neighbors.

Ima Miller, a local veteran and donation drive volunteer, says this is what it means to be a Texan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What has happened to our Texas family is heartbreaking. So it makes everybody want to come out and be a part, and give back to our community, especially those that are in need. So thats why Im here. Thats what led me to come to get up early in the morning, stay out late in the evening, Miller said.

Over the last several days, Miller and many other volunteers from all over Bell County have folded clothes, sorted food, and packed cleaning supplies  anything and everything to help families impacted by flooding.

It is really a blessing to be able to support them, she added.

Throughout the week, neighbors have donated everything you could think of to assist. Today, the Moffat fire department and a Girl Scout troop from Lubbock, Texas, came with truckloads of donated items.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Belton Feed Supply store officials say while today was their last day accepting donations, they will continue to organize and palletize tomorrow.

Brandy Kidd, another volunteer, expressed that its the items you dont always think of that can make the biggest difference for flood victims.

Things that were needing specifically are like hand tools, shovels, rakes, she said. Chainsaws or manpower with chainsaws. Such things as Band-Aids, antibacterial anti-itch, sunscreen  the things you think of. Like if I were to take my kid camping, they scrape his knee  what would you have available?

Kidd isnt just donating supplies  shes also using her own vehicle to help deliver them to communities in need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I have a truck that has four-wheel drive. And even if I cant get it directly into the city, I can at least get it close enough that someone can get it there, she said.

With more than 30 pallets of donated items, this Central Texas community is proving that when disaster strikes, Texans show up.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Though it doesnt directly reference deflation, until recently a taboo topic in Beijing, the assessment represents the strongest signal yet that Chinese policymakers are intending to tackle disorderly competition and the price wars in sectors like autos, said Duncan Wrigley, chief China economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

While no formal plan has been announced, optimism is building that a more coordinated policy response is on the way. A meeting this month of the top Communist Party body in charge of economic policy acknowledged the underlying causes of the problem, ranging from local governments drive to promote investment to a tax system that favors output over efficiency.

China reported this week that factory deflation persisted into a 33rd month in June, with the producer price index falling 3.6% from a year earlier. The decline was the most since July 2023 and sharper than any economists had forecast, underscoring the urgency of the problem.

If executed right, it could be helpful to global trade, in terms of easing tensions coming from Chinas overcapacity, output spilling into the global markets, Wendy Liu, chief Asia and China equity strategist at JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( JPM ), told Bloomberg Television on Wednesday. But short term, its not GDP-friendly or employment-friendly, so its a balancing act.

But the path forward is far from clear. Xis government must curb excess supply without stalling growth or putting jobs at risk, especially as external demand slows and a lasting trade deal with the US remains elusive.

Finding a solution would be welcome news for much of the world. A successful effort to rein in industrial overcapacity, long a source of friction with trading partners, stands to ease trade tensions and restore confidence in the globes second-biggest economy.

Beijings messaging has noticeably shifted in recent weeks, with Xi and other top officials offering their bluntest assessment yet of the cutthroat competition thats been dragging down prices and profits across industries, from steel and solar panels to electric vehicles. This pivot comes after nearly three years of factory-gate deflation and growing pressure from US tariffs and trade tensions.

(Bloomberg)  After years of mounting concern over deflation and the bruising price wars that have plagued much of Chinas economy, President Xi Jinpings government is showing signs of finally taking action.

Story Continues

It omitted a mention of industry associations  whose efforts at self-regulation have largely failed at limiting production  in what Pantheon said could indicate a new approach with greater top-down determination.

Industry groups and official media have echoed the shift in tone, calling for efforts to end the price wars. Some companies in sectors ranging from steel to glassmaking are reportedly planning to cut output. The cost of reinforcing bars, a key steel product used in construction, has fallen to the lowest since 2017, while glass prices are hovering near a nine-year low.

The Peoples Bank of China (3988.HK) expressed similar concerns, naming prices running at a low level continuously as a key challenge of the economy for the first time in recent years. In May, the central bank offered another detailed analysis of downward pressure on prices, which highlighted the limits of relying on monetary easing to reflate the economy under a growth model thats tilted toward investment and supply.

Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or MIIT, met with solar companies, while a group of almost three dozen construction firms signed on to an anti-involution initiative, a term used in China to describe intense competition sparked by excess capacity. The government also launched a platform to handle supplier complaints over late payments, part of a broader push to clean up unfair business practices.

For now, the lack of concrete policy measures is tempering expectations. If officials follow through, as they did after a similar meeting early 2024 that led to a consumer goods trade-in program  many economists expect them to reprise a playbook used between 2015 and 2017.

That supply-side reform largely consisted of aggressive cuts of heavy industry capacity including steel and coal, as well as a shantytown redevelopment program that encouraged residents to buy new homes. The effort helped revive commodity prices and home sales. Eventually, it contributed to a recovery in industrial profits and stabilized economic growth.

But the challenge now is more complex. Domestic demand remains weak, export prospects are deteriorating, and many of the sectors engaged in the most intense price wars  like EVs  are dominated by private firms, limiting the governments ability to impose capacity cuts. Local officials, wary of unemployment, may resist moves that threaten jobs, even if it means keeping unprofitable firms alive.

And while China is eager to defuse the pressure on prices, its equally determined to increase its manufacturing might in the face of President Donald Trumps push to bring more factories back to the US. Beijing is considering a new version of its Made in 2025 campaign to boost production of high-end technological goods, Bloomberg News previously reported.

For Citigroup Inc. (C), upcoming measures could include capacity cuts in sectors dominated by big state-owned enterprises, such as coal, steel and cement, as well as stricter enforcement of environmental, labor and quality standards in private-dominated industries.

Authorities could also reduce subsidies for industries, including those motivated by local favoritism, or cut export tax rebate, according to a Citi report last week. The latter already happened for products including aluminum, copper and batteries in late 2024.

Officials may also move to rein in bad business practices, such as exploiting suppliers to win lower prices or delaying payments. In March, new rules required firms to pay suppliers within 60 days, and several automakers have since pledged to comply.

Analysts at HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBC) argue that demand-side measures will be equally important, with steps such as improving the social safety net as well as stabilizing employment and the property market.

But longer-term change will require deeper reforms to the Chinas growth model, one which relies on investment and production. That could mean adjusting how local officials are evaluated, shifting from pure economic expansion targets to metrics like consumption and income growth, according to Morgan Stanley (MS).

For now, the shift in tone is notable, but the follow-through remains uncertain. The tone is sharper, the intent more coherent, Morgan Stanley economists led by Robin Xing wrote in a report. But no timeline has been laid out, and no mechanism for enforcement has been introduced, they said, adding that the gap between diagnosis and delivery remains wide.

With assistance from Ocean Hou, Yvonne Man and Annabelle Droulers.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
TALLAHASSEE  More than two years into Gov. Ron DeSantis ongoing emergency declaration of a border crisis, Floridas fiscal watchdog agency hasnt audited any of the expenses and contracts issued under the order.

Thats despite a state law requiring such oversight if an emergency is extended for more than one year, meaning there should have been two annual audits by now for a declaration made in January 2023.

Officials with the auditor general point to the lack of a central repository for such contracts and bills and a shortage of staff to conduct the audits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But lawmakers in both parties slammed the revelation, which comes as concerns are being raised about the lack of oversight and transparency over the millions of dollars the state is paying private contractors to build the migrant detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz in the middle of the Everglades. Once complete, it is supposed to house up to 3,000 detainees a day at a cost of $450 million a year.

It seems to me they are supposed to be auditing these expenses as they come up, said former state senator Jeff Brandes, a Republican from the St. Petersburg area who has been openly critical of the detention center. Thats basic accountability 101.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani of Orlando, one of several Democratic Party lawmakers suing the state after being denied entry last week to inspect the temporary tent city on the Tamiami Trail, said the absence of oversight speaks to the publics deep distrust toward government.

The frustrating reality of the DeSantis administration is there is no oversight and the bodies that are supposed to provide that oversight are not staffed enough, Eskamani said. This is totally irresponsible and allows DeSantis to operate without any accountability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its why she and other lawmakers took matters into their own hands to inspect the detention center, she added.

Weve had to stretch our oversight muscle. No one else is going to do it.

DeSantis original order declaring illegal immigration a statewide emergency, signed just days after he was sworn in to his second term, allowed him to send the Florida National Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, Fish and Wildlife officials and other resources to the Texas border with Mexico. Hes also used emergency orders to spend money on flying migrants to Marthas Vineyard and California, and to intercept migrants trying to come ashore in the Florida Keys.

That order was renewed in 60-day increments more than a dozen times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On June 2, DeSantis again extended the order for 60 days due to a large influx and number of illegal aliens remaining in Florida, stating that the ongoing crisis continues to strain local resources and requires the continued coordination, direction, and resources of the state.

Within days of the governor signing that extension, work on the Everglades detention center began as state officials tapped an emergency response fund the Legislature approved several years ago for DeSantis to use at his discretion.

The governor has incredible latitude using these emergency funds, Brandes said, explaining why these audits need to be done promptly.

The law is two simple sentences: Once an emergency exceeds 1 year, the Auditor General shall conduct a financial audit of all associated expenditures and a compliance audit of all associated contracts entered into during the declared emergency. The Auditor General must update the audit annually until the emergency is declared to be ended.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Derrick Noonan, a spokesman for the Auditor General, said there are no audit reports that focus exclusively on emergency expenses. As written, the law passed in 2021 implicitly included every expenditure and contract entered on a Statewide basis under an emergency order, Noonan said.

As there was no central repository for such contracts or expenditures, our approach was to examine such contracts and expenditures during the course of scheduled operational audits of every entity audited by my Office, Noonan said. To date, no issues regarding expenditures or contracts related to any emergency order have been noted.

Noonan added a new law that will take effect in January crystallized the departments responsibility, by clarifying that contracts and expenditures implicated by this provision are those made by the Executive Office of the Governor or appropriate executive agency, and that all contracts and expenditures related to the emergency must be reported to the Legislature.

The departments plan going forward will be to audit those contracts and expenditures as they are reported to the Legislature, Noonan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bruce Jeroslow, general counsel for the Auditor General, said all departmental audits include a review of the contracts and expenditures related to emergency orders.

For example, a recent audit of the Department of Health showed it had 32,644 expenditures totaling $13.3 million under executive orders declaring a state of emergency. The auditor general reviewed 29 of those expenditures totaling $1.175 million and found they were reasonable and necessary.

This has been our audit approach since the legislations enactment in 2021, Jeroslow said. We have faithfully attempted to accomplish what seemed to be the intent of the legislation with the limited resources available to us.

However, he said the Auditor General has not conducted a stand-alone audit of the Division of Emergency Management, the agency incurring most of the charges under the immigration emergency order, since the law took effect in 2021. Nor do they appear to be in any operational audits, either.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Auditor General is currently engaged with the Executive Office of the Governor and Division of Emergency Management and may not comment on an ongoing audit, Jeroslow said.

Any work papers and notes related to an audit are considered privileged communication and are not a matter of public record, he said.
Chair of the Florida Democratic Party Nikki Fried speaks to the media on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (Photo: Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)

With the Florida Democratic Party looking for creative ways to break through to voters in a state thats become a GOP stronghold, Chair Nikki Fried wants party members to consider opening their primary elections to nonparty-affiliated voters, possibly as early as next year.

Fried and her staff are collecting information to present to party members about the proposal. There is no set date when she will present that information, but she expects to act in the near future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That is determinative on how long this process takes and what the feedback is, Fried said. I certainly believe that this is the right direction, but I dont live on an island.

Fried is aware that not everyone in the party is going to feel that this is the right approach. However, she does believe that the vast majority of Democrats, independents, and the electorate overall believes that this is the right direction for party politics.

The politics of today are very different and the political landscaping is changing, she said.

The proposal is controversial, based on some of the responses the Phoenix has heard from Florida Democrats over the past week. While some longtime members have been espousing such a move for years, others believe its the last thing the party should do as it struggles to regain prominence following a surge in Republican voter registration and electoral wins over the past five years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fried initially spoke about the proposal in an interview with Scripps Florida State Capitol reporter Forrest Saunders in May, but several state Democrats told the Phoenix they had no idea how serious the party chair was about the idea until she brought it during the partys Leadership Blue conference last month in Hollywood.

Concern from critics

I am very concerned about moving to do that, opening our primaries right now, primarily because it will bring about very divisive conversations within the Democratic Party here in Florida, said Samuel Vilchez Santiago, the Orange County Democratic Party Chair.

Right now we need to be focused on responding and leading our community to Donald Trumps budget, talking about the cuts hes doing to Medicaid, impacting close to a million Floridians. The cuts to FEMA and to SNAP benefits; his mass deportation [plan]. How the Republicans have created an affordability crisis in this state after having been empowered with one-party rule for 30 years, and this is not the time to divide the party.

Walton County Democratic Executive Committee Chair and Democratic National Committee (DNC) member Samantha Hope-Herring is adamantly opposed, calling the idea insanity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the end of the day, people just dont see a reason to be a Democrat, and certainly wont if we say, You know what? Were going to let everybody vote over here so, whatever you want to do, it doesnt matter, were just going to roll with it, see how it goes. I mean, what kind of field day is that for Republicans? she said.

Im against this, added former Hillsborough County state Rep. Sean Shaw, the partys nominee for attorney general in 2018 and also a member of the DNC. I know what the aim is, and I know why people think its a good idea, but we ought to just concentrate on winning elections as the rules are right now, rather than trying to do all of these other things that are going to have really bad unintended consequences.

Shaw knows the issue well. As head of the nonprofit People Over Profits in 2020, his group argued against a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed open primaries, claiming it would disportionately hurt Black and brown candidates. That measure differed somewhat from what Fried is proposing because it proposed a Top-Two or jungle primary, allowing the top two finishers running for certain state and legislative seats to advance against each other in the general election, even if they were from the same political party.

Both the Democratic and Republican parties of Florida strongly opposed that at the time, but the idea resonated with voters, gaining 57% approval. While a clear majority, it failed to reach the 60% required for passage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Terrie Rizzo was chair of the FDP leading up to that 2020 vote. She recounted this week that her opposition was truly the only thing she and then-Republican Party of Florida Chair Joe Gruters could agree about. Without elaborating, she said her stance hasnt changed.

Although the numbers can vary depending on how you define your terms, Florida is one of only 10 states that does not open its primary elections to anyone outside their respective party members, according to the National Conference on State Legislatures (NCLS).

Thats significant because the 25% of the states electorate who choose to be politically independent (or nonparty-affiliated, in Florida election parlance) are banned from participating in those elections. Another 3% of state voters are registered with third-parties and are excluded from participating in Democratic and Republican primary elections. Seven states open their primary elections to unaffiliated voters, also according to the NCSL.

System isnt working

While the critics arent being shy in their opposition, other Democrats support the idea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Democratic political strategist Steve Schale is all for the proposal. Its never a bad thing when you are trying to build a broader coalition in a state that youve been struggling in, he said.

What were doing now clearly isnt working, Schale said. In my mind, what is the harm of trying a system where we allow independents to choose to vote in our primary? They dont have to, but we give them that option, and it forces our candidates to talk to more voters. Im 100% for that.

In my mind, what is the harm of trying a system where we allow independents to choose to vote in our primary? They dont have to, but we give them that option, and it forces our candidates to talk to more voters. Im 100% for that.

 Steve Schale, strategist

Former Miami Beach Mayor and former Democratic House Leader Dan Gelber has been an advocate for open primaries for years. He wrote a letter to then-FDP Chair Manny Diaz more than three-and-half years ago, and followed up with a similar missive to Fried in March, noting how voters unaffiliated with the two major political parties are shut out of the process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reaching out to these voters makes all the sense in the world, he wrote. Nearly thirty percent of all voters are unaffiliated independents, who dont receive a single piece of mail, or phone call, or door knock until the primaries are decided. Adopting these measures will broaden our reach and incentivize our candidates to listen and interact with a more diverse group of the electorate.

Both Gelber and Schale say they take seriously concerns the shift could hurt minority candidates. But Schale isnt aware of these huge parade of places where the community hasnt gotten a voice that they want based on the way the districts drawn, if that makes sense.

A study published last fall by the Bipartisan Policy Center reported that turnout gaps among racial and ethic groups, especially Latinos and Asians, are lower on average in open and nonpartisan primaries than closed primaries. It did not track how minority candidates fared in open primary races, however.

Democratic 2026 gubernatorial candidate David Jolly, who was a nonparty-affiliated voter in Florida for the past seven years until he became a registered Democrat earlier this year, also supports Frieds exploration, saying it reflects bold leadership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres no greater way to introduce independents and minor party members to Democratic values than to invite them in the tent, he said in a text message. In my experience, independents are smart voters who believe deeply in changing our politics  that is also the central tenet of todays Democratic Party. I think theres a natural affinity.

The ultimate decision rests with the broader party committee, Jolly said, and I trust their judgement and will support their decision.

Other groups show support

Rank My Vote Florida, a statewide organization best known for advocating for ranked-choice voting (which was banned in Florida in 2022), is actively behind the proposal.

Weve been advocating for the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) to unilaterally open its primaries to independent voters (NPAs), Rank My Vote Florida executive director Ramon Perez wrote in an email to his members last week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were working on this with a coalition of nonprofits that represent Floridas diverse communities, he wrote, adding that the group had helped craft public statements of support from the League of Women Voters of Florida, Veterans for All Voters, and Alianza for Progress (Perez did not respond to request for comment).

All registered Florida voters deserve the opportunity to participate in primary elections and make their voices heard, said League President Jessica Lowe-Minor in a written statement. Closed primaries unfairly disenfranchise millions of voters, particularly independent and NPA voters, and contribute to political extremism. Any effort to reform our primary system to meaningfully increase voter participation and access is welcome.

Although there remains some question whether the state of Florida would legally challenge the switch, Gelber noted that the U.S. Supreme Court addressed the issue in 1986 in Tashjian v. Republican Party of Connecticut. The high court ruled states cannot impose a closed primary system because it would deny the political party its right under the First and Fourteenth Amendments to enter political association with individuals of its own choosing.

Were taking this process and trying to get as many viewpoints as possible, Fried said. Those people who decide to shut down the conversation without hearing the data and understanding the moment are living in an old-time political system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Times today are very different. And so it would be irresponsible of me to not bring this conversation to the Democratic Party  and so we want to make sure that were doing it right. Were doing it methodically. Were getting as many different viewpoints as possible, and ultimately the party executive meeting will dictate whether or not we move forward.

That meeting has yet to be scheduled.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
TALLAHASSEE  One county has postponed plans to ban roosters in some neighborhoods; others worry about pausing new construction or repairing damaged wetlands.

Local governments across Florida are confronting a powerful new state law this summer which critics say clearly favors developers by encouraging building and rebuilding  even in areas hit by hurricane damage and floods.

It defies logic, said Jamie Cole, a Fort Lauderdale attorney in discussion with several local governments about a possible lawsuit challenging the new measure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We can learn from a hurricane, say, that certain areas flood terribly, he added. So, if a city wants to pass an ordinance that says that if you redevelop, youve got to make houses a little higher. Well, now, we cant do that.

The measure (SB 180), signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 26, is a broad emergency management law backed almost unanimously in the Legislature. It blocks local governments from making more restrictive or burdensome changes to their comprehensive plans or land development codes.

Every Florida county affected by new emergency law

The bill targeted Florida counties listed in last years federal disaster declarations for the three hurricanes that hit the state: Debby, Helene and Milton. But since every Florida county was included in at least one of those 2024 designations, the new restrictions apply statewide.

Also, the ban on land use and development changes is retroactive back to August last year. It ends in October 2027 but can be automatically extended whenever a hurricane hits within 100 miles of a community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also worrisome to cities and counties: The law provides attorney fees to those suing. So local governments fear losing in a dispute over a new regulation.

It empowers development to keep being built in the same way, said Kim Dinkins, policy and planning director for the organization, 1000 Friends of Florida. It really is a developers handout.

Builders line up against local regs they say 'halt development' after hurricanes

State records show that some of Floridas largest builders lobbied in support of SB 180. Among them: On Top of The World Communities, the Kolter Group, North Lake Communities, Highland Homes and Associated Builders & Contractors.

For builders, the law eliminates a nagging concern. After a storm hits, local officials often propose enacting some kind of regulation intended to reduce the risk of a neighborhood suffering future destruction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the new law prohibiting anything restrictive or burdensome, developers gain assurance that theyll be able to keep building. Theres little fear that housing density could be reduced, or flood plains declared off-limits for construction.

A sponsor of the measure, Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, ridiculed moves by local governments to discourage development after storms.

We want local governments to ensure that theyre allowing homeowners and businesses to rebuild, DiCeglie said in May on the Senate floor.

Tougher local regulations will do one thing, he added. Its not only going to halt development, its going to halt recovery. We have to give our residents and businesses a chance to rebuild.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the terms more restrictive and burdensome are freezing many local governments in their tracks.

Governments halting actions around the state

The Polk County Commission in May postponed action on a proposed ban on allowing roosters on properties less than a half-acre, citing the measure that then was still waiting DeSantis signature.

Manatee County also has been blocked by the state from reinstating local wetland buffer protections that had been repealed in 2023 at the urging of developers.

Manatee was stopped under an earlier law that set restrictions on 10 Florida counties affected by Hurricane Ian. But the new law extending those limits statewide, further strenghtens the hand of builders in fending off any tighter local codes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The city of Tallahassee also is set to impose a moratorium in August on construction of new gas stations  which also could run afoul of the new law.

DeSantis and Trump bonding again: Once rivals, Trump and DeSantis deepen bond with shared targeting of undocumented migrants

Bash bros: DeSantis and Trump share political playbook built on boundary-busting, defiance

1000 Friends of Florida, spearheaded an unsuccessful effort urging DeSantis to veto the legislation. But it stood little chance with the governor, who frequently uses emergency powers to bolster his own power and that of the state over local governments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hes issued dozens of executive orders that shaped the states response to COVID-19, handed out millions of taxpayer dollars in no-bid contracts, ignored judicial appointment deadlines and removed elected officials who he disfavored.

More recently, his state of emergency on immigration signed in 2023, has been extended 15 times, giving him extraordinary power.

Under the order, DeSantis seized Miami-Dade County-owned land for the site of the newly opened migrant detention center that his appointed attorney general, James Uthmeier, branded Alligator Alcatraz.

The governor and Florida Republicans are now touting the action through merchandise, selling T-shirts, hats and koozies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new emergency management law disrupting many Florida cities and counties faced little resistance in the Legislature. Some advocates say many lawmakers didnt understand its scope.

But it clearly hamstrings local governments. Lawmakers, though, focused more on other provisions of the legislation which eases post-storm permitting, designates local emergency contacts and requires the publishing of guides for residents detailing recovery efforts and shelter availability.

Rebellion in the air?

The new law also prohibits building departments from raising inspection or permit fees for 180 days after a state of emergency declaration.

But there are signs of rebellion around the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Volusia County, the city of Deltona has forged ahead with a nine-month moratorium on new residential development  a move that came just days after DeSantis signed SB 180 into law.

The move is designed to let the city catch up on infrastructure needs, especially drainage and emergency services strained by population growth.

Deltona City Commissioner Dori Howington said the new state law runs roughshod over local governments and should be challenged in court.

Were trying to move our community forward, Howington said. The new law appears to be unconstitutional, and it also appears to be a perpetual restriction on local governments.

Construction appears to be finished on the yet-to-open 984,960-square-foot Amazon "pre-first mile" fulfillment center at 2501 N. Normandy Blvd. in Deltona, pictured on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Hiring has reportedly already begun, which suggests the e-commerce giant may be planning to open it this fall. It is located directly across the street from the 1.4 million-square-foot Amazon "first mile" fulfillment center that opened in September 2020.

Deltona commissioners, however, narrowly approved the moratorium in a 4-3 vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An opponent, Commissioner Emma Santiago, said the city was on a suicide mission, defying DeSantis.

Its a waste of money to go against the state, she said.

John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @JKennedyReport.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: New Florida law backed by builders cuffs counties and cities on growth
Florida lawmakers file lawsuit over denied access to Alligator Alcatraz

Five Florida lawmakers have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis after being denied access to Alligator Alcatraz.

The lawsuit alleges that DeSantis violated a law by denying lawmakers access to the new immigration detention center.

Leaders within Governor DeSantis office have dismissed the lawsuit as frivolous.

The state has since extended an invitation to legislators to tour the facility this weekend, potentially addressing some of the concerns raised by the lawmakers.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
EXCLUSIVE: Some individuals awaiting deportation at "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida were convicted of serious crimes, according to new information from the Florida Attorney Generals office.

"The left-wing press continues to spend their time amplifying false reports, but the reality is that there are monsters awaiting deportation within Alligator Alcatraz far worse than the monsters lurking in the surrounding Everglades," Jeremy Redfern, communications director for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, said in a statement.

"This group of murderers, rapists, and gang members are just a small sample of the deranged psychopaths that Florida is helping President Trump and his administration remove from our country," he continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dem Lawmakers To Inspect 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detention Center, Citing Safety Concerns

Workers install a permanent Alligator Alcatraz sign. The facility is within the Florida Everglades, 36 miles west of the central business district of Miami, in Collier County, Florida, on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Lazaro Rodriguez Santana, a Cuban national, was convicted in Texas of sexual assault and failure to register as a sex offender. Honduran national Jose Fortin was convicted of second-degree murder in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Furthermore, authorities say Oscar "Satan" Sanchez of Honduras is an MS-13 gang member who faced convictions for resisting arrest, conspiracy to commit murder and assault in New York, as well as RICO offenses.

Guatemalan national Luis Donald Corado was convicted of burglary, forced entry, and voyeurism in Miami. Specifically, Corados case involved him looking into a womans window, according to the Florida officials office.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Venezuelan national Wilfredo Alberto Lazama-Garcia is wanted for murder and aggravated robbery in the South American country. He is presumed to be a "gotaway" in 2021 during the border crisis.

Inside 'Alligator Alcatraz': The New Migrant Detention Facility Erected At An Abandoned Everglades Airport

President President Donald Trump tours a migrant detention center, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," located at the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida, on July 1, 2025.

In the United States, he was convicted of conspiracy "to defraud the U.S. government in Oklahoma." Eddy Lopez Jemot of Cuba was convicted of murder, arson, and assault. He was arrested for "cutting the throat of an elderly woman" in Key Largo, Florida, and then lit her residence on fire with hopes of hiding the evidence.

Later that night, he allegedly "threatened to kill" another woman via beheading.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The facility is receiving initial backing by the state of Florida and is expected to receive repurposed FEMA funds on the federal level.

Click Here For More Immigration Coverage

"It's known as Alligator Alcatraz, which is very appropriate, because I looked outside, and that's not a place I want to go hiking anytime soon," Trump said while touring the facility earlier this month. "But very soon, this facility will have some of the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet."

Trump Says Only Way Out Of Alligator Alcatraz Is Deportation

Beds are seen inside a migrant detention center, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," located at the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, on July 1, 2025.

Alligator Alcatraz opened earlier this month with fierce opposition from environmentalists, who oppose its location in the Everglades, as well as some Democrats, who have been critical of the Trump administrations immigration and deportation policies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This proposed detention center isnt just cruel, its environmentally catastrophic. This facility would desecrate ecologically critical wetlands, trample on Tribal sovereignty, and transform one of the worlds most cherished ecosystems into a prison camp for political gain," Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said in a June 24 news release.





Original article source: Florida officials reveal criminal backgrounds of migrants held at 'Alligator Alcatraz'
The Brief

A young Florida panther was struck and killed by a car on I-75 in Wesley Chapel  the first known panther death in Pasco County.

Experts said its both tragic and hopeful, because the panther was so far north, signaling the Florida Wildlife Corridor is working to reconnect habitats.

Fewer than 200 Florida panthers remain in the wild, with vehicle collisions a leading cause of death.

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. - Wildlife officials confirmed a male Florida panther, estimated to be two or three years old, was killed last week by a vehicle on I-75 near State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

What we know

It marks the first recorded panther death in Pasco County. Typically, panthers rarely roam north of Fort Myers due to shrinking habitats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

READ: Second osprey dies after getting tangled in fishing line above Tampa canal

By the numbers

Fewer than 200 Florida panthers are left in the wild, making them critically endangered, according to wildlife officials.

In 2024, 36 panthers were killed by vehicles, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed. So far in 2025, wildlife officials said there have been nine roadway deaths.

Why you should care

Florida panthers are not only the states official animal, but also one of the most endangered species in the country. Each loss is a significant blow to efforts to rebuild their population.

The Source

This story is based on reporting by FOX 13s Evyn Moon, who spoke with wildlife experts at ZooTampa and WildPath. Data on panther populations and roadway deaths comes from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission records.
This article was originally published in Florida Phoenix.

End-of-year testing results show Florida students were more proficient in math and reading than a year ago.

Statewide progress monitoring scores, announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis Wednesday, detail how Floridas students performed in reading, math, social studies, and science.

Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

Math scores for all students from third grade to high school improved by 3% from 2024, with 58% of students demonstrating a level 3 or higher understanding. The county with the lowest score was Gadsden, with 35% testing at a level 3 or higher, and the highest, Nassau, with 78%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Level 3, on the states scale of 1-5, is considered on grade level. Level 4 is considered proficient and level 5 is considered exemplary. Students who scored below level 3 are considered below or well below grade level.

Reading scores for students in grades 3-10 increased from 53% at level three or higher in 2024 to 57% in 2025. Gadsden County had the lowest performance at 36% at level 3 or higher and St. Johns was the highest at 72%.

Florida insists that education be factual, student-focused, and parent empowered, DeSantis said in a news release. Florida has led the nation in instituting progress monitoring assessments that allow for teachers and parents to provide real-time interventions that support the long-term success of their students, and our approach has paid off.

The progress monitoring tests are administered three times per year by the state. The periodic testing is designed to allow instructors to make interventions for struggling students sooner. This is the third year of progress monitoring in Florida.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the Spring 2025 end-of-course assessment for the civics assessment, 71% of students tested at a level 3 or higher; 47% were proficient or higher.

Todays results affirm that our first-in-the-nation statewide progress monitoring system is making a difference for our students. Under Governor DeSantis leadership, Florida will continue to provide the best opportunities for our students, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said in a news release.

This year Florida scores dropped on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Eighth grade math scores have dropped in the last three iterations of the test, and Florida students that age ranked in the bottom 10 states for math and reading scores. Fourth grade reading scores on the NAEP were the lowest in 2024 since 2003, while their math scores increased but remain below pre-pandemic numbers.

The data for the NAEP, collected in early 2024, were disputed by Diaz, who questioned the methodology of the exam. Diaz wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Education with suggestions to help make NAEP great for educational progress once again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He took issue with the lack of inclusion of private school students and he believed urban students were included at a disproportionate rate.

Diaz will step down next month to become interim president of the University of West Florida. Earlier this month, the Florida Board of Education named DeSantis deputy chief of staff Anastasios Kamoutsas the next education commissioner.

Florida is a national leader in education because we are not afraid to challenge the status quo, Kamoutsas said in the news release. Progress monitoring assessments are a prime example of how Florida has changed education for the better, and the scores are proof of our successful approach.

According to department data, students who are African American improved reading scores, with 45% scoring a level 3 or above in 2025 compared to those 40% scoring at the same level in 2024. Hispanic students increased performance during the same time frame on math, with 55% scoring level 3 or higher compared to 51% the year before.

Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com.
As President Donald Trump continues his mission to carry out the biggest mass deportation in history, multiple reports show how much daily immigration enforcement arrests have ballooned nationwide, and Florida is no exception.

The administration has set its sights on deporting 1 million people annually, which would more than double the annual peak set during the Obama administration that helped earn him a critical reputation of "deporter in chief." Trump's directives to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement to expand its deportation efforts have led to widespread protests, more assaults on federal officers and multiple legal battles. But Florida's leaders have been eager to make good on Trump's directives.

A Reuters analysis of ICE and White House data shows the national daily arrest rate has doubled under the Trump administration compared to the last decade. A New York Times analysis of obtained data shows average daily arrest rates have more than doubled in 38 states compared to the 2024 rate. In Florida, they have more than tripled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The recently passed tax and domestic policy bill allocates more funding to expand immigration enforcement and deportation efforts. The Department of Homeland Security said the $165 billion allocated in the bill would provide funding to hire 10,000 more agents and maintain detention capacity of 100,000 migrants.

While the arrest rate has increased sharply, it has yet to be seen how that might translate into deportation rates. Here is how Trump's immigration enforcement numbers look around the country:

More: Florida Democrats sue over access to 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center

Florida leads with Texas, California in ICE arrests since Trump took office

A New York Times analysis of data obtained by the Deportation Data Project from the University of California, Berkeley, shows how arrests have increased state by state from Trump's return to office this year until June 10.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The states that have recorded the most arrests are Texas, leading at 20,150 arrests, Florida reporting 9,080 arrests and California reporting 5,860 arrests.

Comparing the average daily arrest rate to 2024's rate, those states have also increased: Texas is up 92%, Florida is up 219% and California is up 123%. Here are some of the sharpest increases from around the country:

Idaho: +924%

Virginia: +358%

New Mexico: +349%

Oregon: +320%

Georgia: +267%

Iowa: +276%

Utah: +215%

As of June 15, more than 56,000 people were in ICE custody nationwide, above its funded capacity of 41,500, Reuters reported. The increase in detained people includes a sharp increase in people without criminal charges or convictions beyond the immigration violation, the Reuters analysis of ICE data shows.

Alligator Alcatraz becomes focal point in Florida's immigration crackdown

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have sought to be the "toughest" state on illegal immigration in the country. Florida law enforcement worked with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to fall in line with Trump's push to crack down on immigration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The last effort lies in the Florida Everglades. "Alligator Alcatraz" is a temporary migrant detention facility that Trump visited as he continues to push forward with more ICE arrests. The facility, located about 37 miles from Miami, is surrounded by a vast wildlife area known for its alligators and pythons.

The center was converted into a detention center in a matter of eight days and is slated to hold up to 3,000 detainees.

"This is not a nice business," Trump said during his visit to Florida. "Snakes are fast but alligators  were going to teach them how to run away from an alligator."

More arrests may not mean more immediate departures

While the arrests have jumped, the deportation numbers are not yet on pace to reach a million a year, but it isn't impossible, according to Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If you think about each step along the way, there can be increases in particular steps, but still obstacles that are not under the control, at least the immediate control of the agencies for a variety of reasons," she said, citing the ability to send people back to their countries as an example.

She says two tools could be major factors in ramping up deportations. The first is known as 287(g) agreements, where local law enforcement works with ICE. In those cases, particularly Republican states' cooperation could create what she called a "criminal justice to deportation pipeline."

The second tool is expedited removal, which can happen in a matter of hours but was historically used at the border. As of June, 15% of those detained were processed through expedited removal, without the opportunity to defend themselves in court, up from 5% at the end of 2024, the New York Times reported.

If, for example, someone is being detained but cannot be deported to their country of origin, the previous standard was to release them with check-in mandates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This administration is trying to keep everyone it can detained," she said.

Funding allocated by the recent tax bill could also contribute to expedited removals and 287(g) agreements, according to Bush-Joseph.

How many people has Trump deported in this term?

The Department of Homeland Security has stopped publishing regular immigration enforcement statistics since Trump took office, Reuters reported, making the answer difficult to pin down.

The Trump administration had deported about 200,000 people over four months, border czar Tom Homan said in late May.

That is still less than the number of deportations in a similar period under President Joe Biden, which the White House credited to fewer people coming to the border.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Biden administration deported nearly 700,000 people in fiscal year 2024, Bush-Joseph said, but the majority were those turned around upon arrival at the southern border.

A June ICE budget overview said the administration aimed to deport 1 million people per year. With encounters at the southern border at a historic low, deporting those people from the interior could be much harder, Bush-Joseph said.

"Based on how the Biden administration was able to really ramp up deportations to record-high levels, not as high as Obama, of course ... I think that they laid the groundwork for the Trump administration continuing to bolster the deportation machinery, especially with new funding," she said.

Did Obama deport more people than Trump in his first term?

By annual comparisons from their first terms, yes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Obama had earned the critical reputation as "deporter in chief," and Trump's first term lagged behind Obama in numbers.

Throughout eight years in office, the Obama administration logged more than 3.1 million ICE deportations, according to Syracuse's Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse. The peak was fiscal year 2012, when more than 407,000 people were removed.

By comparison, the first Trump administration maxed out at deporting 269,000 people in 2019, according to the same TRAC data set. Across four years, the Trump administration recorded fewer than 932,000 deportations.

Contributing: Lauren Villagran, Bart Jansen, Aysha Bagchi, Joey Garrison, Zac Anderson, USA TODAY; J. Kyle Foster, Naples Daily News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: ICE arrests up in Florida. Trump wants to deport 1 million annually
Fed up residents. Dangerous overnight waits. Alleged corruption. Thats what attorney Michael Pizzi says Florida drivers are facing at the DMV.

Pizzi is spearheading a $10 million class action lawsuit against the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and the Tax Collector offices in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, claiming residents are being forced to wait in line for hours  with some even camping overnight  just to access basic DMV services.

Don't miss

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were here to say enough is enough, Pizzi recently told 7News and other news outlets at a press conference in Miami Lakes.

'Horrific and disgraceful' conditions

It is nothing short of horrific and disgraceful, Pizzi told 7News, calling out what he described as dangerous, degrading and disorganized conditions at local DMV centers.

At the heart of the lawsuit is the story of a 17-year-old girl who slept outside a Pompano Beach DMV in January to get a drivers license appointment.

We thought we would arrive there early, two hours before, and we get there and they laughed. They simply laughed and said Oh no, you need to come back at midnight the night before, said her mother, Jennifer Sassone, at the news conference.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The teen and her friend ended up camping in an alley for 11 hours, exposing them to harassment and distress.

What happened to my daughter is inhumane, Sassone said.

Read more: Americans are revenge saving to survive  but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Heres how to quickly earn 280% more on your cash

Scalpers, long lines and legal action

Pizzi thinks that appointment scalpers  people who hold or resell DMV time slots for cash  are a big part of the problem, even though the scheme was already illegalized earlier this year, saying, theyre being held to account to every single person they have forced to wait on 10, 12-hour long lines in unsafe conditions, in degrading and deplorable conditions, just because of their incompetence, and they are condoning and permitting corruption.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The class action suit could open the door for potentially thousands of affected Floridians to join.

Our hope is when people find out about this, they are going to come forward with their videos and stories, Pizzi said at the conference.

So, what is appointment scalping?

Individuals and companies snatch up DMV appointments, often using bots, and then resell them on social media or through driving schools. According to NBC6 Miami, these appointment prices sell from $25 to $250.

The appointments are supposed to be free, but instead, this unregulated practice has hijacked access to essential public services like getting a driver's license.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles spokesperson told CBS News the DMV cancels nearly 1,000 fake appointments daily across the state.

In an effort to shorten lineups and free up bookings, the Miami-Dade Tax Collectors new appointment scalping ordinance was passed in April 2025 with:

Fines up to $500 per offense

Up to 60 days in jail

A ban on promoting or listing DMV appointments for resale without written consent

Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is working with County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to hunt down scalpers, especially those working in driving schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One school was caught hoarding over 70 appointments, reselling them for over $200 each, according to 7News Miami.

Fernandez calls these practices "predatory" and now that HB 0961 has been passed, appointment scalping is a first-degree misdemeanor statewide, which gives law enforcement full authority to prosecute bad actors.

As the class action lawsuit unfolds, it shines a light on how public services are vulnerable, especially when digital systems are outdated or lack oversight.

What to read next

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Money doesnt have to be complicated  sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
If youre a business traveler who frequents Delta Sky Clubs and constantly tracks your progress toward next-tier Medallion status, you may already know the value of a Delta Amex business card.

Following changes to the Delta SkyMiles program over the past few months, though, the airlines lineup of business cards with American Express is getting an overhaul, too. Added benefits, updated annual fees, and new rewards categories may change how new applicants and existing cardholders alike use these cards to maximize business travel.

Here are all the changes you can expect from the Delta SkyMiles business credit cards, and how to choose the best Delta card for your small business.

Delta SkyMiles business credit card changes

Deltas small business card update will affect three co-branded credit cards with Amex:

While the card changes vary, there are a few details that apply across the board. For one, annual fees are increasing. While its definitely possible to make up the difference with added benefits, it does require more of a yearly commitment.

Welcome bonuses can be extremely valuable for new cardholders. With the potential to earn up to 80,000 bonus miles, these offers can potentially give you hundreds of dollars back in flight value with Delta.

Well go through the individual card updates you need to know below, alongside more details about each Delta Amex business card.

Alongside the annual fee and welcome offer update, there are a couple of new perks with the SkyMiles Gold Business Card.

$200 flight credit after spending $10,000 on purchases each year.

Up to $150 back in statement credits on eligible prepaid bookings through Delta Stays.

Here are the other important details about the SkyMiles Gold Business Card:

Learn more Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150

Welcome offer Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 7/16/25)

Card type(s) Travel, Airline, Business

Ongoing Purchases APR 20.24% - 29.24% Variable

Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 2x miles on purchases at U.S. shipping providers and at U.S. providers for advertising in select media (up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year) 2x miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants 1x miles on all other purchases

Benefits After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel Save 15% anytime you book award travel with miles on a Delta flight First checked bag free on Delta flights + zone 5 priority boarding



The Platinum SkyMiles business card is undergoing a huge change. For the extra $100 youll pay annually (see rates and fees), youll get a few additional rewards categories, more welcome bonus miles, and the following benefits:

Companion Certificate (annual benefit after renewal) may now apply to a Main Cabin round-trip ticket to the Caribbean or Central America, in addition to domestic flights (not including taxes and fees).

Get $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year (along with $1 of MQD per $20 spent with your card).

Up to $150 back in statement credits on eligible prepaid bookings through Delta Stays.

$120 back in annual Resy statement credits (up to $10 per month, with enrollment).

Up to $120 annual rideshare credits ($10 back per month, with select providers).

Get added to the complimentary upgrade list for eligible flights, even if youre not a Medallion member.

Get Hertz Five Star status (with enrollment).

Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.

Here are more details about the Delta Platinum business card, along with a rundown of existing and new rewards categories:

Learn more Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $350

Welcome offer Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $8,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 7/16/25)

Card type(s) Travel, Airline, Business

Ongoing Purchases APR 20.24% - 29.24% Variable

Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta and hotel purchases 1.5x miles on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $100,000 in combined spending annually) 1x miles on all other purchases

Benefits Earn an annual statement credit of up to $200 after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays Save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app Earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases



Read more: See our picks for the best American Express credit cards

Like the Platinum SkyMiles business card, the SkyMiles Reserve Business Card has a vast number of new benefits to help cardholders make up the steep new $650 annual fee (see rates and fees). Here are the updates youll get in addition to the welcome bonus:

Annual Companion Certificate (applies after renewal) may now be used for a round-trip First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin ticket to the Caribbean or Central America, as well as domestic destinations (not including taxes and fees).

Get $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year (along with $1 of MQD per $10 spent with your card).

Up to $250 back in statement credits on eligible prepaid bookings through Delta Stays.

Up to $240 back in annual Resy statement credits ($20 per month, with enrollment).

Up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.

Save 15% when booking award travel on Delta flights.

Get added to the complimentary upgrade list for eligible flights, even if youre not a Medallion member.

Get Hertz Presidents Circle status (with enrollment).

Benefits arent the only way to get value from this card, though. Here are some more details and overview of the SkyMile Reserve Business Cards rewards categories:

Learn more Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $650

Welcome offer Earn 110,000 bonus miles after you spend $12,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 7/16/25)

Card type(s) Travel, Airline, Business

Ongoing Purchases APR 20.24% - 29.24% Variable

Recommended credit score Excellent/Good Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta purchases 1.5x miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and office supply store purchases (plus all purchases after you spend $150,000 on your card in a year) 1x miles on all other purchases

Benefits Earn an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com Check your first bag free on Delta flights Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad



Who are Delta SkyMiles business cards good for?

We like the Delta SkyMiles business cards from American Express for the potential value they offer travelers  especially with the latest overhaul of benefits. But theyre not for everyone.

Say youre a small business owner who travels a lot and you prefer flying Delta; maybe you live near a hub like Atlanta, or you fly routes most frequented by the airline. These co-branded cards can help you save on your most frequent expenses with miles you can put toward future spending. They come with a variety of rewards categories, benefits to help you travel more efficiently, and perks designed to reward loyalty.

However, not every type of business owner will get the same benefit. If you dont travel often, for instance, SkyMiles may not be the most valuable rewards currency for your business. Consider a more general points-earning business rewards card or even cash back that can go directly toward helping you save on business expenses.

Even if you do travel often, make sure youre able to primarily fly Delta before you sign up for a SkyMiles card. If youre unable to choose your preferred airline or your most common routes are better served by other carriers, youll probably maximize your spending more easily with another business credit card.

Whether choosing a card for personal use or business use, always compare your most frequent spending with the cards rewards and benefits. Make sure the potential value not only outweighs the annual fee, but offers savings on your regular purchases over the long run.

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans are bracing for cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides food assistance to lower-income families now that President Trumps budget bill has become law.

The White House has called the sweeping tax and spending package dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill a win for workers, families and Americas future, but some state lawmakers say the cuts will hurt Illinois most vulnerable residents and have ripple effects on other areas of the economy.

The cuts that President Trump has now signed into law will devastate entire communities, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said Thursday.

Pritzker, Illinois leaders react to Trumps big, beautiful megabill passing in House

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

May 2025 | SNAP changes proposed in GOPs big, beautiful bill. Heres what to know

The budget package makes $186 million in cuts to SNAP over the next 10 years. Of the 1.8 million Illinoisans who rely on SNAP each year, lawmakers say about 360,000 are at risk of losing coverage.

Its heartbreaking to tell a 9- and a 12-year-old that mom cant buy the foods that they like to eat because she has to buy foods that she thinks will feed the whole family for one month, said Natasha McClendon, a substitute teacher assistant at Chicago Public Schools, a mother of three and spouse to a husband living with a disability.

McClendon visits a food pantry once a month to help feed her family. She says they rely on her husbands Social Security benefits, her paycheck and SNAP benefits but fears the new work requirements under the law could put her and many others at risk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This bill means for many, help with the most basic need will never arrive, said Dulce Quintero, secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services.

How GOP megabill fuels debt for future generations

WGN Investigates | Another $1.6M SNAP benefits stolen as big beautiful bill looks to save

Reps. Bill Foster and Sean Casten heard concerns at a roundtable at the Northern Illinois Food Bank they held Thursday.

Some food banks tell WGN theyre already working to meet a great need than ever before. Steve Ericson, director of Feeding Illinois, says the organization has had to prepare and make cuts ahead of an expected reduction in resources. The program, he said, provides nine meals for every one meal a food bank can provide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I am seeing such an increase in what I want to call the middle-class poor, including us, that Im just shocked, said Lori Arient with Stone Soup Social. Unlike the inner city, Marengo is a food desert.

The National Grocers Association says SNAP also supports more than 18,000 jobs in Illinois, including farmers.

When you cut these benefits, this will affect the local economy and the economy will suffer, said Connie Spreen, co-founder and executive director of the Experimental Station.

Republicans argue the cuts are about addressing waste and fraud rather than hurting families in need. Under the new law, some of the financial burden for SNAP benefits will shift from the federal government to the states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Three men are working to bring the wild animals you've never seen right to your living room.

The new Apple TV+ adventure docuseries, The Wild Ones, premieres on July 11. The six-part show follows wildlife experts Aldo Kane, Declan Burley, and Vianet Djenguet as they visit some of the world's most remote and thrilling locations to film the rare and endangered animals that inhabit them.

During their expeditions, the men captured footage of Malayan tigers, Javan rhinos, Gobi bears, Caucasian leopards, North Atlantic right whales, and western lowland gorillas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Filming requires becoming inconspicuous, almost hiding. It almost makes you feel vulnerable, like the animals I was trying to film, that have been persecuted to the point of near non-existence. It is a sobering experience to feel like them in their world," Djenguet tells PEOPLE about getting the at-risk animals on camera.

"The audience sharing my experience in this format of documentary feels important, because these could be the last shots of these very species," the naturalist adds.

Courtesy of Apple From left: Aldo Kane, Vianet Djenguet and Declan Burley, the wildlife experts of 'The Wild Ones' From left: Aldo Kane, Vianet Djenguet and Declan Burley, the wildlife experts of 'The Wild Ones'

The crew of The Wild Ones hopes their work will raise awareness about these endangered creatures and spur animal lovers to help protect them from further harm.

"I want people to feel inspired when they watch the show. I want them to learn something new about an animal they didn't know existed, and come to appreciate the work that people are doing out there. They're giving their lives to these animals," Burley says of the project and the local guides and conservationists who made it possible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The only thing I hope is that these aren't the last images of these animals. I hope we're not the first and last team to highlight them in this way," he notes.

PEOPLE has a sneak peek at footage of one of the elusive animals captured on camera for The Wild Ones: the Gobi bear.



"The Gobi bear, also known as Mazaalai, is the rarest of all bear species on the planet, living in extreme conditions. The Gobi desert has both extremely high and low temperatures," Djenguet explains of the animal native to Mongolia.

"There are only a handful of Gobi bears left. These are big bears that live in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. What I like about them is that they survive on rhubarb," Kane adds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the exclusive clip of The Wild Ones' run-in with the Gobi bear, the team eagerly watches camera trap footage from rigs set up in rugged, remote areas with evidence of bear activity. For weeks, the trio behind The Wild Ones tried to capture footage of one of the forty remaining wild Gobi bears "in an area twice the size of France," according to Djenguet.

The video shows the moment when the team realizes they have finally succeeded in their difficult task, capturing not one, but two, Gobi bears on camera. When things seem like they couldn't get better, the team discovers they have also captured footage of a Gobi bear cub.

Apple TV+ A Gobi bear on 'The Wild Ones' A Gobi bear on 'The Wild Ones'

"The footage of the Gobi bear held high stakes for the scientists, for they will include it within their findings to submit to UNESCO to push for further protection and support. It was so highly valued," Djenguet shares.

"There's nothing fake about that," Burley says about the team's reactions in the clip. "It's a pure relief. It's enjoyment, especially when you get the shot you envision."

Apple TV+ A Gobi bear cub A Gobi bear cub

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.

Animal lovers can see all the stunning footage that The Wild Ones managed to capture of the world's rarest creatures by watching the show on Apple TV+. All six episodes are available for streaming starting July 11.



Read the original article on People
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky.- Camp Nelson National Monument is one of many historic places in Nicholasville, telling significant stories about the Civil War.

It was the place where many gained freedom. Camp Nelson National Monument was established in 1863 for the Union Army during the Civil War. It eventually became a training ground for African Americans, many of whom were escaped slaves.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This was established as a U.S. Army supply depot and training center during the Civil War in 1863. In 1864, it became a recruitment and training center for African American soldiers. The majority of these men are enslaved, and it becomes a refugee camp for their families as well. So, at Camp Nelson, the national significance of this is the African American experience and really, this is the beginning of the end of slavery in Kentucky during the Civil War, said the chief of interpretation, education, and visitor services at Camp Nelson, Steve Phan.

Park officials said the property was first owned by Jessamine County, and then in 2018, President Donald Trump proclaimed the site as Camp Nelson National Monument. Park officials hope that when people visit, they understand the complexities of American history and the national significance of Kentucky history.

Camp Nelson National Monument shows the power of the local community. It shows the power and importance of preservation, said Phan. You know, Camp Nelson is one of the newest park service units, but this was a county park for over 20 years, and the people that came before us that are still working with us, laid the foundation that were building upon today. So, its an honor and privilege for us to be on these grounds today. This is very hallowed ground.

On July 25 and 26, the national monument will celebrate Camp Nelsons 160th anniversary with a special guided tour featuring Civil War photography.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Congressman Andy Barr is proposing legislation that would look to expand Camp Nelson National Monument. Back in May, Barr introduced the Camp Nelson National Monument Boundary Expansion Act, which would add nearly 140 acres to the site.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
"Our memories are not very good. We forget quickly."

This 11 July marks three decades since more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys from Srebrenica - a small town in eastern Bosnia - were systematically executed over the course of several days.

It was the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II.

For Swiss-based photographer Kristian Skeie, the anniversary is not just about remembrance  it's a reminder of the need to keep paying attention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His ongoing project, which he started 15 years ago, documents the lasting impact of the genocide: families gathering at mass graves for annual burials, children walking the same hills where their fathers were executed, survivors retracing the now-ritualised 120km march from Tuzla to Srebrenica.

This project is all about how people find strength, he tells Euronews Culture, or how people manage to pull themselves together after having experienced a genocide, and then continue their lives afterwards.

Coffins being carried into the former UN Dutchbat HQ near Srebrenica, once a car battery factory - Potocari, 9 July 2012. - Credit: Kristian Skeie

A forensic anthropologist from the International Commission on Missing Persons - Credit: Kristian Skeie

The genocide in Srebrenica, which took place in July 1995 near the end of the Bosnian War, was part of a broader campaign of ethnic cleansing carried out by Bosnian Serb forces.

The Bosnian Serb population, led politically by Radovan Karadzic and militarily by Ratko Mladic - with support from Slobodan Milosevic in Serbia - wanted to become part of a Greater Serbia, Skeie explains. They were unhappy with the breakup of Yugoslavia, and what followed was a campaign to get rid of the Bosniaks entirely. In a very simplified way that's what was going on."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Declared a UN safe area, Srebrenica was under the protection of Dutch UNPROFOR peacekeepers. But on 11 July, Mladic and his troops entered the town, separating men from women and children.

While the latter were to be deported, the men and boys were taken to execution sites to be killed.

Ramiz Nukic searching for human remains near his home in Kamenice, close to Srebrenica. He found the remains of around 300 victims of the genocide. - Credit: Kristian Skeie

Ramiz Nukic searching for human remains near his home in Kamenice, close to Srebrenica. He found the remains of around 300 victims of the genocide. - Credit: Kristian Skeie

One man featured in Skeies project is Ramiz Nukic, a survivor of the genocide who spent years scouring the land around his home in search of bones - driven by the hope of finding his murdered relatives.

He realised that if he had this craving to find the remains of his family members surely others will have the same craving." By the time of his death two years ago, Nukic had located the remains of nearly 300 people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Every year on 11 July, newly identified remains are still being buried.

These are real burials, Skeie says. Its up to the families to decide if they want to bury their loved ones that year  sometimes they only have a finger, an arm."

On Friday, seven victims - including two 19-year-olds - will be laid to rest in a collective funeral at the memorial centre's cemetery near Srebrenica.

A young girl cries outside the warehouse in Potocari where coffins are kept, one day before the ceremony. Potocari, 10 July 2015. - Credit: Kristian Skeie

A person holding a blue UN umbrella overlooks the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial - Credit: Kristian Skeie

A young man carrying the casket of a loved one. - Credit: Kristian Skeie

For Skeie, his work is not about providing easy answers. His images are meant to prompt reflection, discomfort, memory.

This is the kind of photography that needs text as well, he says. You can tell a lot with a picture, but I do not believe you can tell everything. Not this kind of photography anyway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He adds: "I think looking at old photos that documented the war itself is incredibly valuable. But in a way, what were doing now is also saying: were not giving up on this. Were continuing to go back and see whats happening here. But as were seeing elsewhere now - we can talk about Gaza, Sudan - it just keeps happening. It goes on all the time."

Still, he holds onto the belief that bearing witness matters - even if change is slow.

Its more important than ever before. But at the same time, you wonder: does it make a difference? Because it keeps happening all the time anyway. But I do choose to think that it does perhaps remind people we gotta find better solutions. We cannot have a society like this. I have children. I dont want them to grow up like this.

Thirty years on, Bosnia remains divided along ethnic lines, while both Bosnian Serb leaders and neighbouring Serbia continue to reject the classification of the Srebrenica massacre as genocide, despite rulings from two UN courts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic expressed condolences on X while calling the Srebrenica massacre a terrible crime. Vucic added that we cannot change the past but we must change the future.

Watch the video in the web player above to hear directly from Kristian Skeie.




NEED TO KNOW

A former elementary school teacher in Anderson County, S.C., was arrested and charged after being accused of having "an inappropriate and unlawful relationship with a 14-year-old male," police have said

Nicole Ballew Callaham, 33, is facing multiple charges from both the Anderson County Sheriff's Office and the Greenville Police Department

The suspect and the teenager's relationship "intensified as she reportedly signed the student out of school, transported him to practices, and served as a supervisor for after-school activities," the ACSO wrote on social media





A former elementary school teacher in South Carolina has been arrested after having "an inappropriate and unlawful relationship with a 14-year-old male," authorities have said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On the morning of Thursday, July 10, former Anderson County teacher Nicole Ballew Callaham, 33, "voluntarily surrendered herself" and was "charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor," the Anderson County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) wrote in an Instagram post.

Detectives determined that the former teacher "had a prolonged" relationship with the teen, and had allegedly "engaged in grooming behavior toward the boy during his early teenage years," the post stated.

"An investigation initiated in May 2025 uncovered evidence that the misconduct began in 2021 and continued for at least two years with the then teenage boy," the sheriff's office wrote.

Anderson County Sheriff's Office Nicole Ballew Callaham Nicole Ballew Callaham

The Greenville Police Department added in a separate post obtained by PEOPLE and shared on Facebook that "some of the alleged criminal activity had occurred within the jurisdiction of the City of Greenville."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The police department confirmed that Callaham had previously worked as an elementary school teacher, writing, "The investigation revealed that Callaham engaged in an inappropriate and unlawful relationship with a 14-year-old male. Based on evidence collected, Greenville detectives obtained arrest warrants for multiple offenses committed within our jurisdiction."

Anderson County Sheriff's Office SC/Facebook A photo of an Anderson County Sheriff's Office vehicle A photo of an Anderson County Sheriff's Office vehicle

In addition to the ACSO's charges, the suspect has also been charged with eight counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and four counts of unlawful conduct towards a child by the Greenville Police Department.

The ACSO said on Instagram that the suspect and the teenager's relationship had "intensified as she reportedly signed the student out of school, transported him to practices, and served as a supervisor for after-school activities."

"These repeated interactions led to a prolonged pattern of abuse, which was corroborated by search warrants and ongoing cooperation with the victims family," the sheriff's office added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"According to investigators, the victim made the decision to come forward after turning 18, following time spent processing the experience and trauma associated with the abuse," the post stated.

The sheriff's office also confirmed that a "parallel investigation is currently underway by the Clemson City Police Department."

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Callaham has since resigned from her teaching position "and Anderson School District Five is aware of the investigation and charges made by ACSO detectives," the post noted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following Callaham's arraignment on the ACSO's charges, "she will be transported to the Greenville County Detention Center for charges filed by the Greenville Police Department," the police department wrote on Facebook.

The Anderson County Sheriff's Office and Anderson School District Five didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. The Greenville City Police Department didn't have any additional updates to share at this time.

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.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



Read the original article on People
A now-former north Georgia deputy is facing charges after he was arrested and accused of using too much force while arresting a suspect.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says that just after midnight on Sunday, Deputy Robert Allen Kline, 51, and other deputies were called to a wreck on Interstate 20 in Greene County.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the incident report, Kline arrested the 41-year-old driver of a 2018 Dodge Charger for suspicion of DUI.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While taking the driver to the hospital to be checked out, the incident report says that the driver was raising his voice and cursing, which continued after they arrived at the hospital.

The driver kept trying to get himself out of the wheelchair he was placed in at the hospital, so Kline restrained him with his forearm. Thats when the incident report says the driver got out of the wheelchair and came at Kline aggressively.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The report says Kline then Tased the handcuffed driver, knocking him to the floor.

The GBI says that Kline was arrested on Wednesday and booked into the Greene County Sheriffs Office on charges of aggravated assault and violation of oath of office. He was released later the same day on a $7,000 bond.

The sheriffs office says Kline had been with the department since February.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
The Brief

Mario Roberson has reportedly been charged with conspiracy to commit arson, along with nine counts of wire fraud, among other charges.

Roberson is believed to have hired people to set his home on fire in June 2023. Both people died in the fire.

The suspect is accused of planning the fire to file an insurance claim.

HUNTSVILLE, Texas - A man who used to live in Hunstville has been arrested for the deadly, explosive fire that happened at his Huntsville home, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Huntsville, TX: Man arrested for deadly 2023 house explosion

What we know

The DOJ says Mario Raynard Roberson, a 52-year-old who has since moved to Missouri, was arrested in the Houston area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Roberson has been charged with the following:

Conspiracy to commit arson against a property used in interstate or foreign commerce resulting in death

Federal conspiracy to commit arson charge

Nine counts of wire fraud

Conspiracy to violate the Travel Act to the use of an interstate facility, the telephone, to commit arson

A federal grand jury in Houston allegedly returned the 12-count indictment on July 1.

The charges accuse Roberson of being responsible for the June 2023 house fire that killed two people. According to the DOJ, Roberson held an insurance policy on the home, and he recruited two other people to set the home on fire so he could file an insurance claim.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The two people reportedly died while starting the fire.

If convicted, Roberson faces up to 20 years on each charge. He could also be ordered to pay a fine of up to $250,000.

The Source

U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of Texas
A former Jacksonville dance instructor is behind bars after allegedly having sexual relations with a teenager.

34-year-old Samuel Penalba, formerly employed at A Social Affair Dance Studio, was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office on July 7 and charged with five counts of unlawful sexual activity with a child and possession of child pornography.

According to JSO, their Special Assault Unit began its investigation on July 1 after receiving a complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

JSO said investigators determined that Penalba had engaged in sexual activity with the victim multiple times in his car. Explicit photos and videos were reportedly found, matching the victims statements.

Police say Penalba deleted evidence from his cell phone, which led to an additional felony charge for tampering.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

This is the first known investigation involving Penalba and unlawful sexual activity, according to JSO. The agency said he resigned from his position at the dance studio.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Action News Jax reached out to the owner, Larry Audije, who told us Penalba was actually fired on July 1st, for reasons unrelated to the sex crime charges.

In an email, he stated, The studio manager & I fired Samuel Penalba for financial felony fraud regarding one of our students.

Penalba has not been arrested or charged in relation to this separate allegation, although the owner says they plan to press charges to the fullest extent.

Penalba is due to be arraigned on July 30, according to court records.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
A Vietnamese national living in Braintree has been sentenced to prison for stealing the identity of a dead 13-year-old for several years, eventually using the stolen name to become a Melrose firefighter.

Truong Nguyen, 40, also known as John Doe, was sentenced to 25 months in prison, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement on Thursday.

U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper handed down his sentence Wednesday in federal court in Boston. He will be subject to deportation proceedings after serving his sentence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nguyen, whose identity was not known at the time he was charged, pleaded guilty in March to passport fraud and aggravated identity theft.

He was arrested and charged in May 2024 and released on conditions including an unsecured bond of $50,000. He was later indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024.

This defendant has illegally resided in the Unites States for over 30 years, assuming false identities to dodge deportation resulting from a 1991 felony conviction, Foley said Thursday.

For the last six years, Mr. Nguyen exploited the identity of a deceased child to avoid accountability for a litany of criminal offenses, including attempting to obtain a U.S. passport and falsifying information to become a firefighter, Foley said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Such identity fraud undermines the integrity of our identification systems, Foley said. Our office is committed to holding accountable those who steal American identities and manipulate our public institutions for personal gain.

Prosecutors initially identified Nguyen as John Doe because his true identity was unknown at indictment. At the plea hearing, he stated under oath that his true identity is Truong Nguyen, Foley said.

Prosecutors said that Nguyen stole the identity of his young cousin, Henry Huang, who died in 2002, to obtain a drivers license and passport, gain entry into the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, apply for work and ultimately get hired by the Melrose Fire Department in January 2024.

Nguyen entered the United States from Vietnam legally in December 1979. In 1995, his status was revoked and he was ordered deported after being convicted of second-degree burglary in 1991.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While he was ordered deported, investigators later learned that Nguyen was not physically deported to Vietnam.

Nguyen was arrested in 2010 for stealing more than $46,000 from the Norwell Firefighters Union while working as an officer of the union, according to prosecutors.

Before being hired by the Melrose Fire Department, Nguyen obtained a Massachusetts EMT-Basic Certification under Huangs name, the criminal complaint showed.

In March 2023, Nguyen submitted a passport application in person at the U.S. post office in Weymouth, presenting himself to be the dead victim, Foley said.

For the application, Nguyen provided the victims date of birth and Social Security number, a copy of the victims U.S. birth certificate, as well a Massachusetts drivers license with the victims information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In June 2023, the Boston Passport Agency forwarded Nguyens passport application and supporting documents to federal law enforcement, after verifying a death record for Huang, the dead victim, when reviewing the application.

The Social Security number, date of birth and parental information provided by Doe in his passport application matched the records for the dead victim, prosecutors said. It was ultimately confirmed that Huang died in Boston in 2002 at the age of 13.

The passport was not issued to Nguyen.

A subsequent investigation found that he used the victims identity to obtain and use multiple government-issued identification documents in the victims name, including Massachusetts drivers licenses in June 2018, January 2019 and April 2023, as well as a Social Security card in the victims name in 2018.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nguyen also used the dead victims identity to obtain an EMT-Basic Certification in 2021 and an EMT-Paramedic Certification in 2023, before going on to apply for employment as a paramedic, again using the stolen identity, prosecutors said.

From November 2023 to January 2024, Nguyen used the dead victims identity to attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, prosecutors said.

After graduating, Nguyen started working with the Melrose Fire Department in the name of the victim, where he worked until his arrest in May 2024.

Nguyen, while using the victims identity, was the subject of an RMV fraud hearing in August 2018, prosecutors said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A facial recognition hit determined that he had been issued Massachusetts drivers licenses under two separate identities  that of Truong Nguyen issued in February 2018 and that of the dead victim issued in June 2018.

At the fraud hearing, Nguyen claimed the victims identity was his true identity and presented a birth certificate and Social Security card issued under the dead victims identity.

As a result of that hearing, the RMV closed the case, concluding that the victim was Nguyens true identity and suspending his license for six months. However, the investigation found that he matched the identity of Nguyen and the individuals corresponding records which span from 1997 to 2018.

Deterring, detecting, and investigating U.S. passport and visa fraud are essential to protecting the integrity of consular processes and safeguarding our national security, Matthew OBrien, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of States Diplomatic Security Service Boston Field Office, said in a statement on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DSS, working with our law enforcement partners, successfully led this investigation which brought charges and a conviction against this individual who committed identity theft, passport fraud, and then evaded U.S. law enforcement by assuming the identity of a deceased child for many years, OBrien said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Former Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sharon Byrdsong will receive a years severance pay after being terminated by the School Board without cause.

Chair Sarah DiCalogero confirmed the severance agreement on Tuesday, adding it was spelled out in Byrdsongs last contract which was agreed to in 2022.

Norfolk School Board votes to terminate superintendent Sharon I. Byrdsong

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DiCalogero was one of four board members who voted in June to fire Byrdsong from the school districts top job after leading it for more than five years.

While DiCalogero said she didnt know off the top of her head the exact payment Byrdsong was due, a Freedom of Information Act request revealed Byrdsongs most recent base salary and deferred compensation totals to more than $293,000.

If a period of twelve (12) months or more is left on the term of this Contract, the amount of such severance pay shall be equal to the amount of the base annual salary and deferred compensation in effect for the previous twelve (12) months and the costs of the Superintendents family health insurance plans to include vision and dental coverage, Byrdsongs contract reads.

It was to expire June 30, 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, some who closely follow Norfolk School Board activities question why the severance details werent made public prior to the vote.

While the superintendents contract was publicly posted in 2022 and spelled out the severance details, a section of the Virginia Code seems to call for a more defined announcement from public bodies.

When the Newport News School Board voted to fire Superintendent Dr. George Parker following the Richneck Elementary School shooting in 2023, the amount was a part of the vote and school board members publicly commented on the amount.

How did the Norfolk City Attorneys Office allow the School Board to take a vote on the termination of Dr. Byrdsongs contract when State Code requires public notification of the details of a severance prior to the public officials departure? Liz Albert and Charla Smith Worley, who regular attend Norfolk School Board meetings, asked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deputy City Attorney Jack Cloud, who is assigned to the school board, said he had no comment on the matter.

Norfolk superintendent Sharon Byrdsong to be honored by City Council

Meanwhile, the Norfolk School Board is moving forward with recruitment of a new superintendent.

We are going to use the Virginia School Board Association, DiCalogero said. We are a member of the Virginia School Board Association and we have a proven track record with them. They will conduct a national search for us. There will be stakeholder engagement, prior to the search starting and I feel I feel pretty good that we have made a good decision and are on the right path.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
The Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card is one of a few credit cards on the market that offers cash back for small business owners. Theres no annual fee, and you can get up to 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV purchases, up to $7,000 annually. Aside from perks from shopping inside the wholesale store and online, youll get unlimited 1% back on all other purchases wherever you use your card.

Learn more Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi Annual fee $0

Welcome offer None

Card type(s) Cash-back, Business

Purchase APR 19.49% - 27.49% variable Rewards rate 5% cash back on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases worldwide for the first combined $7,000 in purchases per year (1% after that) 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases worldwide, including Costco Travel 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco/Costco.com 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits No foreign transaction fees Damage and theft purchase protection Worldwide car rental insurance



Additional benefits

Tap to pay. Add the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card to your digital wallet and tap to pay so you dont have to pull out a physical card while shopping.

Damage and theft. If your purchases are damaged or stolen, you are covered for repairs or refunds for 90 to 120 days (depending on where you live).

No foreign transaction fees. You can use the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card worldwide without incurring extra costs in other countries.

Citi Flex Pay. Because the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card is a Citi card, some purchases might also be eligible for Flex Pay. This is Citis buy now, pay later service, which allows you to make monthly payments on purchases of $75 or more with no added interest.

How to earn rewards

You can earn rewards every time you use your card. The biggest cash-back rewards come from using your card when you fill up your gas tank, which you can do before or after your Costco shopping trip. For those with electric vehicles, charging on-the-go and using the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card will also get you 4% cash back. The card terms do state, though, that gas or EV charging purchased at superstores, non-Costco warehouse clubs, supermarkets, or convenience stores will only earn 1% cash back, not the boosted 4%.

Youll get another 3% when you book travel, whether its through Costco Travel or somewhere else. Because its an unlimited 3%, there's no limit to how much youll earn in this category.

No matter how much you shop at Costco, you'll earn an unlimited 2% back on all your in-person and online purchases. It's great for business owners who need a lot of company supplies at the store. You'll get an unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.

Read more about Costco benefits for travelers

How to redeem rewards

The Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card offers extremely limited rewards redemption. Most cash-back credit cards let you redeem rewards regularly. The Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card offers redemption as an annual credit card rewards certificate issued each February after your statement closes. You'll have until December 31 of that year to bring that certificate into any Costco to redeem for cash or merchandise in a single transaction.

There's no minimum amount required to spend to get your cash back. If you head into Costco for a few things and pay with your certificate, the cashier will hand back the difference in cash.

Read here: Best rewards credit cards for 2025

Who is the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card best for?

The Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card is best for business owners who regularly shop at Costco for business-related supplies and expenses. This card might fit your company's needs if your business frequents Costco for bulk shopping.

Read our full list of the best credit cards for business owners

Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card pros

Great cash back on lots of different shopping options, both at Costco and other places

No foreign transaction fees or annual fee on top of your Costco membership requirement

Relatively low variable purchase APR

See also:

Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card cons

Can only get cash back once a year in-store

Need excellent credit to qualify

No introductory APR or welcome offer

Where can you use the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card?

You can use the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card wherever Visa is accepted, which includes more than 200 countries and millions of merchants worldwide. Since the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card doesnt charge foreign transaction fees, it truly is an anywhere card you can use wherever you go.

How to make a Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card payment

The Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card is issued by Citi. So if you dont have an account set up already, youll need to create a login and password with citi.com when you get your credit card. When it comes time to make a payment, you have a few different options, including:

Online: Log onto the citi.com website and click the make payment to make a one-time payment You can also manage autopay to set up recurring payments.

Through the app: Download the Citi app and from your accounts tab, you can select make a payment. You can also manage autopay through the app.

On the phone: To make a payment over the phone, call customer service at 1-855-378-6468. The automated messages will guide you through the process.

At a branch: Citibank, or Citi, is the fourth-largest bank in the country, with branches nationwide. You can make a payment on your card by visiting a Citi branch near you.

In the mail: To mail your payment, youll need to send it to PO Box 790046 St. Louis, MO 63179-0046 If youd like to overnight your payment, you can send it toAttention: Bankcard Payments Department6716 Grade Lane Building 9, Suite 910Louisville, KY 40213



Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card customer service info

You can talk to someone about your Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card anytime by calling the number on the back of your card or 1-855-378-6468.

You can also try the Citi bot, the live chatbot on the Citi website. It's available 24/7 and can answer pressing questions about your card or account without you having to call first.

Alternative cards to consider

The Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card is one of the best business credit cards on the market, especially for cash-back offers. But there are other cards to compare it to as you're looking for a business credit card.

Learn more The American Express Blue Business Cash Card Rates and fees, terms apply Annual fee $0

Welcome offer Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your card in your first 3 months

Card type(s) Business, Cash-Back

Introductory Purchases APR 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

Ongoing Purchases APR 17.49%  27.49% Variable Rewards rate 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year 1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year (cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement)

Benefits 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening (then variable rate 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening; APRs will not exceed 29.99%)

The American Express Blue Business Cash card doesnt charge an annual fee (see rates & fees) and you might qualify with good credit, compared with excellent credit for the Costco Anywhere Visa. Get up to 2% back on purchases up to $50,000 a year, then 1% after that. For new cardholders, theres a solid 0% introductory APR offer and a welcome offer for $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases in your first three months after opening.

Learn more Ink Business Cash Credit Card Annual fee $0

Welcome offer Earn $350 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional $400 after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months

Card type(s) Business, Cash-Back

Introductory Purchases APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months

Ongoing Purchases APR 17.49% - 25.49% Variable

Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year 2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits Earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025 Get automatically checked for a credit line increase every 6 months or sooner



The Ink Business Cash Credit Card from Chase doesnt charge an annual fee. You could earn as much as 5% back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases on internet, cable, phone services, and office supply stores annually. You can also get 2% on the first $25,000 at gas stations and restaurants every year, plus an unlimited 1% on everything else. That makes this a versatile card option for business owners who often spend across multiple categories. Right now, you can get a welcome offer of $350 when you spend $3,000 in the first three months and an extra $400 ($750 total) when you spend $6,000 in the first six months after you open your account.

Read our full review of the Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Learn more Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard Annual fee $0

Welcome offer Get a $300 online statement credit after you spending at least $3,000 within the first 90 days

Card type(s) Cash-back, Rewards

Introductory APR 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles

Purchase APR 17.49% - 27.49% variable Rewards rate 3% cash back* in the category of your choice: gas stations and EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services, or business consulting services 2% cash back* on dining purchases 1% cash back on all other purchases *Earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, then earn 1%

Benefits Earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier Redeem your cash rewards as a deposit into your Bank of America checking or savings account, as a card statement credit, or as a check mailed to you 0% on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles, after which the standard APR applies



The Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card from Bank of America is another no annual fee card option. Theres a 0% introductory APR offer on new purchases and you can earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days of opening your account. Youll earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% back on dining (up to the first $50,000 you spend on those combined purchases each calendar year, then 1%), plus 1% back on all other purchases. You can also qualify for the Preferred Rewards program with an eligible business checking account at Bank of America, which could boost your rewards up to 5.25% in your choice category plus 3.5% on dining purchases (up to the same limit), and an unlimited 1.75% on everything else.

Read our full review of the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard

This article was edited by Kendall Little

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Former freelance journalist Michael Bivins was convicted by a jury in a Multnomah County court on multiple charges ranging from bias crimes to arson.

Ex-Portland journalist unfit to stand trial for arson

He was found guilty on 11 charges in total, including one count of first-degree arson, five counts of first-degree criminal mischief and five counts of second-degree bias crime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This comes after Bivins vandalized two Jewish temples, set fire to a mosque and targeted a downtown Portland restaurant over the course of 10 days back in 2022.

He was a freelance journalist for a number of news organizations in recent years, often covering political extremism.

The verdict came after a four-hour deliberation by the jury and the sentencing is expected to take place in September.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  Former Stockton Unified School District President AngelAnn Flores was found guilty on one count of insurance fraud, the San Joaquin County District Attorneys Office said.

The jury also returned not guilty verdicts on two charges related to embezzlement.

Video Above: Stockton Unified School Board member joins meeting after recent arrest (May 2024)

This conviction sends a clear message that fraud will not be tolerated, and that justice will be pursued, said the San Joaquin County District Attorneys Office. The office is committed to ensuring that our elected leaders are held accountable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The case began in 2023 when the interim superintendent of SUSD voiced concerns over Flores potential misuse of public funds through a school district credit card.

Flores is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A former DeSoto County special education teacher accused of improper relations with a student has been arrested again in Texas after contacting the victim, authorities said Friday.

Natalia Wright was arrested in May after she was accused of both physically touching and communicating with an underage student.

DeSoto County ex-teacher accused of fondling student

Police in San Antonio, Texas confirmed Friday that Wright had been arrested there for violation of a court order.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The DeSoto County Sheriffs Office said Friday that Wright violated a no contact order with the underage victim and her bond was revoked.

There was no word on whether she would be extradited back to Mississippi.

Wright previously taught at Lewisburg High School in DeSoto County.

Priest-in-training accused of possessing child porn

She allegedly admitted on video to kissing the student while tutoring him at her house, and witnesses reported seeing them making out at parking lots outside a Taco Bell and a church in Hernando.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Federal investigators have charged a former Troup County employee accused of embezzling more than $500,000.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Wesleigh Gaddy, a former payroll specialist, in May. On Thursday, a federal judge unsealed the complaint against Gaddy, which details what led to her arrest.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A sheriffs deputy noticed a discrepancy with his paycheck in April and went to the Troup County Board of Commissioners to report it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The deputy noticed the employee portal had several direct deposit payments made out to him for times he didnt work. He never received the payments either.

Investigators looked into the county funds going back to March 2023. They said they found hundreds of other payments for 75 former Troup County employees who werent working at the time of the payments.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All the payments went to three accounts. Prosecutors said Gaddy controlled at least one of the accounts.

When law enforcement interviewed her, officials said Gaddy she admitted to stealing the funds and sending the money to her own accounts.

Such corruption is outrageous, and our office is committed to prosecuting anyone who manipulates a position of public service for unlawful private benefit, U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said.

Federal court records do not list any upcoming hearings for Gaddy.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Comments made by attorney Alan Dershowitz in March resurfaced on Thursday, in which he said he knows the names of those on Jeffrey Epsteins supposed client list regarding claims of an international sex trafficking ring.

I know the names of the individuals. I know why theyre being suppressed. I know whos suppressing them, he said on The Sean Spicer Show on March 19. Spicer shared the comments again on X on Thursday.

But Im bound by confidentiality from a judge and cases, and I cant disclose what I know, he added, claiming that he was once falsely identified.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier, has long been the subject of conspiracy theories that he kept a secret list of famous and powerful people to whom he trafficked underage girls for sex.

Dershowitz is a criminal defense attorney known for representing high-profile clients, including Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.

Alan Dershowitz said on the Sean Spicer Show in March that he had seen the unreleased Epstein files (Getty Images)

Dershowitz was part of the criminal defense team for Epstein after the disgraced late financier was investigated over claims he had solicited sex from minors on a number of occasions. The attorney had previously become familiar with the financier through a mutual acquaintance.

Trumps administration said earlier this year that it would release the documents and names of people connected to Epsteins inner circle before backtracking and claiming theres no such list, to the fury of many in the MAGA movement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Elon Musk claimed Trump himself was mentioned in the Epstein files, without providing evidence, amid their public spat spurred by the Republican spending package.

Elon Musk claimed Trump was mentioned in the Epstein files amid their public spat spurred by the Republican spending package (AFP/Getty)

Earlier this week, Trump was asked about Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019.

Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? Trump asked a reporter. This guys been talked about for years. Youre asking  we have Texas, we have this, we have all of the things. And are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable.

Sigrid McCawley represents a number of Epstein victims in their civil cases. During an appearance on NewsNation, she said, I think whats really just astonishing about this recent disclosure from the government is that they know they are sitting on a treasure trove of information, and theyre not turning it over.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And Ive worked on these cases for over 10 years now  theres a plethora of information that the public has not been able to see relating to Epstein and his co-conspirators, she added.

Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges (New York State Sex Offender Registry)

Dershowitz said at the time that the list is being kept under wraps to protect the people involved.

I know the names of people whose files are being suppressed in order to protect them, and thats wrong, he told Spicer, who was Trumps first White House Press Secretary during his first term.

Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year following a battle with illness and sexual abuse trauma.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McCawley called for those connected to Epsteins crimes to be held accountable.

Epstein could not have run this operation without the help of many people. He needed a lawyer who would, you know, cover things up for him. He needed an accountant who would funnel money in certain ways, said McCawley.

Virginia Giuffre spoke during a news conference outside a Manhattan court in 2019 (AP)

And as we know, he had a group of people around him who helped protect him and help that scheme to continue running. None of those people have been prosecuted, she added.

The government memo released this week was clear that no new evidence has been found related to the Epstein case, and no further investigations will be launched into other individuals. Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for child sex trafficking offenses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dershowitz was a member of Trumps defense team during his first impeachment trial in 2020 and was separately part of the defense team that negotiated a 2006 non-prosecution agreement for Epstein.

The attorney joined Trumps team after supporting Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.

I'm there to try to defend the integrity of the Constitution. That benefits President Trump in this case, he said at the time.
Former Washington Co. Sheriff deputy charged with manslaughter for fatal motorcycle crash

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A former Washington County Sheriffs deputy has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a fatal crash between his patrol vehicle and a motorcyclist in November.

Silafia Clyde Brown, 49, has been charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony. Little information is available in the charging documents filed alongside the charge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

PREVIOUSLY: Washington Co. deputy involved in deadly crash with motorcyclist

Sgt. Lucas Alfred with the Washington County Sheriffs Office confirmed that Brown was the deputy involved in an officer-involved critical incident that occurred in November 2024. Brown is no longer employed with the sheriffs office, and has not been for months, Sgt. Alfred said.

According to a press release from the Utah Highway Patrol, on November 17, 2024, around 3:29 p.m., Washington County deputies were responding to a rollover accident on Old Highway 91 near milepost 11.

One of the deputies, now known to be Brown, was driving westbound with his emergency equipment activated when a head-on collision occurred with a motorcyclist travelling in the opposite direction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The motorcyclist involved sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene, according to UHP. The victim was later identified as Daniel Jack Monfore of St. George.

The Washington County Sheriffs Office immediately turned the investigation over to UHP when the accident occurred, Sgt. Alfred said. They did not investigate the accident, and their only involvement with the investigation was cooperating and turning over all body-worn and vehicle camera footage that was needed.

Sgt. Alfred also clarified that the Washington County Sheriffs Office does not make decisions on whether charges are filed. The Washington County Critical Incident Task Force, Utah Highway Patrol, and Iron County Attorneys Office investigated the incident and determined that charges should be filed.

The attorneys for Monfore and his widow, Tiffany Monfore, provided the following statement to ABC4.com.

Tiffany Monfore has suffered an unimaginable loss. Daniel was the love of her life, and his death has left a permanent hole in her heart and in the lives of everyone who knew him. We are grateful that charges have been filed, but this is just the beginning. Tiffany is committed to obtaining justice, not just for Daniel, but to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies. William B. Palmer, attorney for Monfore

According to the Washington County Attorneys Office, the decision to file a charge was turned over to the Iron County Attorneys Office. The Iron County prosecutor who was handling Browns case determined that a charge should be filed and was temporarily deputized to prosecute the case within Washington Countys jurisdiction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They shared the following statement about that process and how those charges are filed.

The Washington County Attorneys Office works closely with law enforcement agencies throughout our county. Because Mr. Brown was employed by the Washington County Sheriffs Office at the time of the incident  an alleged vehicle collision involving Mr. Brown and a motorcyclist  Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke requested that the Iron County Attorneys Office review the case and determine whether prosecution was warranted. This referral is standard procedure in cases involving local law enforcement, due to the close working relationship our office maintains with these agencies. The Iron County Attorneys Office has determined that charges are appropriate. However, because the alleged incident occurred in Washington County, the Iron County prosecutor handling the case has been temporarily deputized to prosecute it within our jurisdiction. We appreciate the Iron County Attorneys Office for its assistance and professionalism in reviewing and handling this matter. Aside from this deputization, the Washington County Attorneys Office is not involved in the criminal prosecution. Courtney Sinagra, Washington County Attorneys Office Deputy County Attorney and public information officer

Latest headlines:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(KODE & KSN)  School districts in the area are struggling with a potential loss of revenue following the U.S. Department of Educations pause on funding, pending a review in Washington.

Area districts feeling the effects include Uniontown, Pittsburg, and Fort Scott. At issue now is the potential impact it will have on the upcoming school year and funding for the future. We spoke with Fort Scott Superintendent, Destry Brown, who says for them, its affecting two very important aspects of the districts budget.

Brown says about 90-percent of their professional development comes from this federal funding.

He says they will continue to do the required training, but it leaves out other important areas of development. Another area left on the cutting room floor includes initiatives aimed at enhancing important STEM programs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This includes funding for hands-on learning experiences changing some of the middle school science curriculum and purchasing devices for students with special needs.

Just closing the gap that started with COVID. And weve come a long way. And I think were doing a really good job of closing that gap. But we need to continue to build that science of reading into our regular teaching and programming, said Destry Brown, Fort Scott USD 234 Superintendent.

He says they plan on meeting with the state next week to get input on the budgeting process.

Until then, he says they will work on the budget for the upcoming school year with the funding cuts in mind.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A woman facing charges for the death of her 10-month-old foster child will be held behind bars through her trial. Denise Vazquez-Browley pleaded not guilty to child abuse resulting in death.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police were called to the foster home near Paseo and Wyoming Blvd. on June 16 because the girl was reportedly having a seizure. The baby died four days later. University of New Mexico Hospital doctors said the baby had a brain bleed caused by abuse. Vasquez-Browley told police the child was having a medical emergency, but they say messages on her phone lead them to believe she may have been abusing the child. There were four additional foster children in the home as well as three biological children. They have been placed into the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Departments custody. Judge Britt Baca ruled Vasquez-Browley will remain behind bars on the charges.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Four Arrested for Interfering with ICE Raid in Van Nuys by Popping Tires of Government Vehicles originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

Border Patrol agents arrested Jenaro-Ernesto Ayala, 43, Jude Jasmine Jeannine Allard, 28, Sadot Jarnica, 54, and Daniel Montenegro age 30, for interfering with federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations in Van Nuys by laying down homemade nail spikes Courtesy of Customs and Border Protection Agency

U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested four activists on Tuesday after law enforcement officials said they were interfering with an immigration enforcement operation at a Home Depot in Van Nuys by popping a Border Patrol vehicles tire with homemade nail spikes carried in a bag that had been distributed by a local immigration rights group.

One of the four men taken into custody is also charged with assaulting a Border Patrol agent while being arrested, officials said. Border Patrol agents arrested Jenaro-Ernesto Ayala, 43; Jude Jasmine Jeannine Allard, 28; Sadot Jarnica, 54; and Daniel Montenegro, 30, for interfering with federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations in Van Nuys

Nail spikes recovered after arrests of four U.S. citizens who are now accused of interfering with an ICE action in Van Nuys Courtesy of Customs and Border Protections

According to U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino, the suspects "attempted to impede and obstruct our efforts, using improvised devices aimed at disabling our vehicles." Bovino posted photos of the devices on social media on Tuesday, saying the four used homemade tire spikes to try to stop their vehicles.



The incident took place in a Home Depot parking lot. The case is being reviewed by the U.S. Attorneys Office, Bovino added. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.



It also came on the same day that city and county officials in Los Angeles sought to join a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration aimed at stopping the ongoing immigration actions that have prompted demonstrations and caused panic in Latino communities across Southern California. The original suit was filed the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and other groups accusing the Trump administration of using racial profiling tactics, conducting warrantless arrests, denying people access to lawyers and holding those arrested in poor conditions.



The City and County of Los Angeles were among nine municipalities that filed a motion to intervene in the case on Tuesday. The others, all in Los Angeles County, were Culver City, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Santa Monica and West Hollywood.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
PAINESVILLE  Four Painesville men were arraigned Thursday on a variety charges related to the June 7 murder of Wyllyam Sheffey Jr., of Ashtabula, according to a press released from the Painesville Police Department.

Zyavier Jackson, 23, Aviantae Atterberry, 20, Solomon Gaston, 19, and Avion Gaines, 18, are being held without bond and remain in jail pending the outcome of their cases, the release stated.

All four pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to court records.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sheffey was found dead in a car near the intersection of North State Street and Rockwood Drive on June 7, according to the Painesville Police Department.

Jackson was charged with two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, four counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated murder and one count of complicity to murder, unclassified felonies, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, six counts of kidnapping and six counts of complicity to kidnapping, first-degree felonies, four counts of felonious assault, four counts of complicity to felonious assault, and six counts of attempted kidnapping, second-degree felonies, three counts of abduction and one count of having weapons under disability, third-degree felonies. He was also charged with four counts of discharging firearms on or near a prohibited premises, one first-degree felony, two second-degree felonies and one third-degree felony.

Atterberry was charged with two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, two counts of complicity to aggravated murder and one count of complicity to murder, unclassified felonies, four counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, six counts of kidnapping, and three counts of complicity to kidnapping, first-degree felonies, four counts of felonious assault, four counts of complicity to felonious assault, six counts of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and six counts of attempted kidnapping, second-degree felonies, and three counts of abduction and two counts of tampering with evidence, third-degree felonies. Atterberry was also charged with four counts of discharging firearms on or a near prohibited premises, one first-degree felony, two second-degree felonies and one third-degree felony.

Gaston was charged with two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, two counts of complicity to aggravated murder, and one count of complicity to murder, unclassified felonies, four counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, six counts of kidnapping and four counts of complicity to commit kidnapping, first-degree felonies, four counts of felonious assault, four counts of complicity to felonious assault, four counts of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and six counts of kidnapping, second-degree felonies, and three counts of abduction, third-degree felonies. He was also charged with four counts of discharging firearms on or near a prohibited premises, one first-degree felony, two second-degree felonies and one third-degree felony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gaines was charged with one count of murder, two counts complicity to aggravated murder and one count of complicity to murder, unclassified felonies, four counts conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, four counts of complicity to felonious assault, six counts of kidnapping and six counts of complicity to kidnapping, first-degree felonies, six counts of attempted kidnapping and four counts of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, second-degree felonies, and three counts of abduction, third-degree felonies.

Officers responded to the scene after reports of gunfire and found the victim dead in the vehicle. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation processed evidence at the scene and the intersection was closed during the investigation, the police stated in a separate press release at the time.

The incident, which deeply shook our community and sparked widespread concern, has been a top priority for the Painesville Police Department, a Thursday press released from the department stated. Our detectives and officers worked around the clock, combing through evidence, conducting interviews and utilizing advanced investigative techniques to identify and apprehend the suspects.

The Painesville Police Department understands how anxious and unsettled our residents have felt, and while we often cannot provide updates to these types of cases publicly without jeopardizing their outcomes, these arrests are a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by our detectives that goes on behind the scenes, the release states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The release states the department extends deepest thanks to the members of the detective bureau for their professionalism, perseverance and unwavering dedication to public safety.

We also want to thank the victims family and our community for their patience, cooperation and support through this challenging time, the release states. The department said no further details will be released due to on-going nature of the investigation.
Business owners have a unique opportunity to maximize their company's expenses with a business credit card. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is the ideal choice for those who prefer to fly Delta.

This card earns Delta SkyMiles on every purchase, accelerates your elite status, and provides valuable benefits when flying Delta. Learn more about the best Delta SkyMiles business card for travelers who value elite status, airport lounge access, and other travel benefits.

In this article:

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card features

Learn more Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $650

Welcome offer Earn 110,000 bonus miles after you spend $12,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 7/16/25)

Card type(s) Travel, Airline, Business

Ongoing Purchases APR 20.24% - 29.24% Variable

Recommended credit score Excellent/Good Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta purchases 1.5x miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and office supply store purchases (plus all purchases after you spend $150,000 on your card in a year) 1x miles on all other purchases

Benefits Earn an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com Check your first bag free on Delta flights Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad



Perks

The Delta Reserve business card is loaded with features that Delta flyers love. These perks save money and improve your travel experience when flying on Delta. Benefits include airport lounge access, an annual companion pass, discounted flights, complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, free checked bags, and more.

Status Boost . Earn or maintain Delta Medallion elite status with $2,500 Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) credits each year. Additionally, the card earns $1 MQD for every $10 you spend on it. These MQDs are added to the MQDs earned from flying and other eligible activities to earn elite status more quickly.

Lounge access . Cardholders also receive access to airport lounges when using their cards to pay for Delta flights. On these flights, you'll receive complimentary access to the Centurion Lounge or the Escape Lounge. In addition, cardholders can enter Delta Sky Club lounges at no cost. Beginning on Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve card members will receive 15 visits per year to Delta Sky Club. However, those that spend at least $75,000 on the card annually will get unlimited access.

Save 15% on award travel . Book an award ticket on Delta using your SkyMiles to receive a 15% discount on the price. This benefit automatically applies to eligible flights and expands the value of your miles so you can take more trips.

Annual companion ticket . Each year, you'll receive an annual companion ticket when you renew your Delta SkyMiles business card. Redeem this pass for a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin roundtrip ticket when you pay cash for the primary passenger's fare.

Access to complimentary upgrades . For travelers without elite status, you'll be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list after Medallion Members.

Travel benefits on Delta flights . Receive priority boarding and the first checked bag free for you and up to eight travelers. That's a savings of up to $280 per round-trip for a party of four.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Reimbursement . Get reimbursed up to $120 once every four years for Global Entry or four-and-a-half years for TSA PreCheck when you use your card to pay the application fees.

Travel protections . Your trips are insured against trip delay, cancellation, and interruption at no extra charge. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card also provides complimentary baggage insurance and secondary coverage against rental car damage or theft. *

Purchase and cell phone protection . Eligible purchases receive purchase protection against loss, theft, or damage and an extended warranty of up to one year. Stolen or damaged cell phones are covered up to $800 with a $50 deduction. There's a limit of two claims in 12 months. *

Complimentary employee cards. Add up to 99 employee cards at no cost to earn miles on their purchases. Business owners can set individual spending limits and monitor account activity.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card rewards program details

Miles earned from the Delta SkyMiles business card welcome bonus and purchases are transferred to your loyalty account monthly. They combine with miles earned from flying and other eligible activities so you can book award flights. Delta miles can also be used for seat upgrades, hotel stays, Sky Club memberships, and more. However, the best value tends to be when booking premium cabin international flights or during peak travel periods.

To redeem your miles for a flight, visit Delta.com or use the Delta mobile app (Apple, Google). Select your travel dates, departure and arrival cities, and number of travelers, then click "Shop with Miles" before starting your search.

In the search results, select which cabin of service you want to fly, ranging from Basic Economy to First Class, based on your budget and desires. Compare prices by switching between cash, miles and "Miles + Cash," then sort and filter the results to find flights that match your needs.

Once you've found a flight you like, click through to enter your personal information and complete your reservation by paying with your Delta SkyMiles business card.

Read more: See our picks for the best American Express credit cards

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card potential drawbacks

High annual fee

A $50 fee applies to guests and family members accompanying you to the lounge

Companion tickets are only good on domestic flights

American Express isn't as widely accepted outside the U.S.

Where can you use Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card?

The Delta SkyMiles business card can be used anywhere American Express cards are accepted. Within the U.S., this means that your Delta Reserve business card be used at 99% of all businesses that accept credit cards.

Many small businesses use their credit cards to pay vendors, buy supplies, cover utilities, and charge other normal expenses. Unfortunately, this card doesn't offer any category bonuses on standard business expenses so you can earn additional rewards.

On international purchases, American Express cards are not as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard. For this reason, it helps to bring additional cash or another type of credit card as a backup. When Amex cards are accepted, there are no foreign transaction fees with the Delta Reserve business card. This benefit saves up to 3% on your purchases.

See also: Best business credit cards

How to make a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card payment

Making regular payments on your Delta SkyMiles business card increases your available credit, avoids late fees, and minimizes interest if you carry a balance. Business owners have numerous ways to pay their bills.

Online : American Express website

Mobile : Amex mobile app (Apple, Google)

Monthly auto-pay : Set up automatic payments from your linked bank accounts.

By mail : American Express, PO Box 96001, Los Angeles, CA, 90096 - 8000

Express mail : American Express, Attn: Express Mail Remittance Processing, 20500 Belshaw Ave., Carson, CA 90746

Over the phone : Call the number on the back of your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card or (800) 472-9297

Wire transfer : Initiate a wire transfer from your bank account with the following information: Bank Name: Chase Manhattan Bank Account Name: American Express Card Member Wire Depository Address: 1 Chase Plaza New York, NY 10081 ABA Number (Routing Number): 0210-0002-1 Account Number: 910-2-753036 Please also include your Card Member name and American Express account number.



Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card customer service info

Customer service is available by phone or chat 24/7.

Phone number: (800) 492-3344

Customer service chat: Website or mobile app (Apple, Google)

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card login page

Alternative cards to consider

Learn more Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150

Welcome offer Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 7/16/25)

Card type(s) Travel, Airline, Business

Ongoing Purchases APR 20.24% - 29.24% Variable

Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 2x miles on purchases at U.S. shipping providers and at U.S. providers for advertising in select media (up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year) 2x miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants 1x miles on all other purchases

Benefits After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel Save 15% anytime you book award travel with miles on a Delta flight First checked bag free on Delta flights + zone 5 priority boarding



The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Card is the best Delta SkyMiles business card for earning Delta miles without a high annual fee. Cardholders enjoy money-saving features like the first checked bag free, priority boarding, and a 20% in-flight discount. Additionally, the card saves 15% on award tickets booked on Delta flights.

When you spend $10,000 within a calendar year, you'll earn a $200 Delta flight credit, which offsets the card's annual fee. The card also provides purchase protection and an extended warranty on eligible purchases.*

Learn more The Business Platinum Card from American Express Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $695

Welcome offer Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $20,000 in the first 3 months

Card type(s) Business, Rewards

Ongoing Purchases APR 18.49% - 29.24% Variable

Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com 1.5x points on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers; electronic goods retailers; software and cloud system providers; shipping providers; and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year) 1x points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases

Benefits New! Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year. New! Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card. Unlock over $2,000 in statement credits with business and travel benefits annually on the Business Platinum Card (after meeting qualifying spend thresholds; terms apply)



Travelers seeking a premium luxury card will find high-end perks with the Business Platinum Card. Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards, and more. Amex has 21 airline and hotel transfer partners, including Delta, to get higher value from your points. Cardholders enjoy airport lounge access when flying any airline, Marriott and Hilton Gold status, and premium benefits on reservations with Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Learn more Ink Business Cash Credit Card Annual fee $0

Welcome offer Earn $350 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional $400 after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months

Card type(s) Business, Cash-Back

Introductory Purchases APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months

Ongoing Purchases APR 17.49% - 25.49% Variable

Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year 2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits Earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025 Get automatically checked for a credit line increase every 6 months or sooner



The card's benefits include primary rental car coverage, purchase protection, and an extended warranty on eligible purchases. The card has no annual fee, and you can add employee cards for no additional charge. However, it does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn., (WJHL)  Four businesses in downtown Elizabethton received $10,000 each in disaster relief recovery grants as part of the Backing Small Businesses Program.

The Wicked Whit Metaphysical, Made on Elk, August Muse and Simply Elegant Catering and Baked Goods were among six Tennessee grant recipients supported by American Express and Main Street America.

Owner of the Wicked Whit, Whitney Johnson, said that her store struggled financially during and after Hurricane Helene. She used her store to collect food and donations for hurricane victims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She added that the support from the community has been the biggest game changer since receiving the grant.

Johnson City appealing YouTubes removal of downtown violence video

Just the support from the community was incredible, Johnson said. Im so thankful to be in downtown Elizabethton. I wouldnt want to be anywhere else.

Made on Elk, a pottery store in downtown Elizabethton, gets much of its art supplies from Asheville, North Carolina. Owner Ashlee Springer said that the grants will help fund new supplies and new pottery classes for the Elizabethton community.

I think its really nice to know that, no, people do see the value of what Im trying to offer, she said. And no, heres a little help to keep doing it, which is just great.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Owners of Simply Elegant Catering and Baked Goods, Betty and Robert Barnes, said they lost a lot of revenue and inventory due to canceled orders during the floods. They donated their time and remaining food stock to Hampton Elementary School in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Betty Barnes added that theyll be using the grant money to purchase a new industrial mixer.

Even before we got the grant, we tried to give back to the community in their time of need, she said over the phone. Because we couldnt stay home and do nothing. Our people were suffering, some of them lost everything they had, and it was just a little bit of something we could do to help.

August Muse, a store that collaborates with dance, music, and art, said they also lost revenue during Helene. The business sustained damage to its roof.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Paula Augustine, the owner of August Muse, said that the grant money will be used to support and market local artists. She also added that the grant reaffirms the importance of small businesses.

Sometimes [small businesses] feel like were not as well supported, we dont feel like we might have enough support in government, local government or local things that are going on, Augustine said. But American Express sees us, Main Street sees us, so we are seen.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fox News host Jessica Tarlov slammed a disgusting lie about her family that was posted on social media this week. And one licensed mental health counselor said that the attacks on Tarlov shed light on a common deeply misogynistic attack.

Tarlov, the resident Democrat on Fox News show The Five, responded to a post on X that accused her of infidelity.

Jessica slept with her current husband (right) while still married to her first husband (left), read the post from an X account called Bad Hombre. The post featured a photo of Tarlov with her husband, Brian McKenna, and one of their two children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Lollll absolutely not true, Tarlov wrote. But appreciate [you] covering my babys face - respectful even as you spread a disgusting lie.

Tarlov faced waves of right-wing backlash after she called out the GOP on X on Thursday for purporting to champion family values amid news that Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton (R) filed for divorce from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Angela Paxton said in a statement that she filed for divorce after nearly four decades of marriage on biblical grounds and in light of recent discoveries.

Ken Paxton, who is currently campaigning in the Republican primary for a seat in the U.S. Senate, was previously accused of having an affair with a donors employee during his 2023 state impeachment trial, in which he was acquitted of corruption charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

But Tarlovs critique as a political commentator, suggesting that the Republican Partys messaging on family values is riddled with hypocrisy, sparked crude, misogynistic and derogatory personal attacks directed at her and her romantic relationships.

Some X users responded to the liberal Fox News host by calling her a cheating whore, a ho and a home wrecker, among other disparaging attacks.

Hallie Kritsas, a licensed mental health counselor and therapist with Thriveworks who specializes in self-esteem, told HuffPost that the attacks on Tarlov serve as a clear example of how women in the public eye, especially in politics or commentary, are often targeted in deeply gendered ways.

For women, especially those who are outspoken, often others undermine their credibility through personal or sexualized attacks, she said.

Jessica Tarlov photographed with fellow host of "The Five" Jesse Watters on June 28, 2023 in New York City. John Lamparski via Getty Images

People often attack or accuse women of being unfaithful as a way to reinforce gendered power dynamics.

Kritsas said that attacking women for being unfaithful in their relationships  whether its true or not  or criticizing them for having multiple sexual partners, seems to be a common line of attack thats deeply misogynistic.

Advertisement Advertisement

This is especially as it is a move that works to discredit, shame or control them. These accusations seem to do little with the actual truth and more to do with reinforcing gendered power dynamics. It also punishes women for autonomy or any perceived independence, she said.

Kritsas said that society tends to be harsher on women for both actual and perceived infidelity.

And even when accusations are unfounded, women can still face intense judgment and shame in ways that men typically do not, she said. Culturally, it is expected that women are to be the emotional and moral anchors in relationships and to be loyal and nurturing. So when they deviate, away from it, it can trigger a backlash in society.

Overall, Kritsas explained that instances of infidelity with men tend to be downplayed or normalized. And thats due to a double standard that comes from longstanding gender norms and patriarchal ideas equating womens value with her sexual behavior and loyalty.

Advertisement Advertisement

The imbalance in expectations among men and women is reflected in the way society seeks to control womens bodies and their choices, she added.

Related...
French prosecutors have launched an investigation into X over allegations that the social media network, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, rigged its algorithms for the purpose of foreign interference.

The magistrate said Friday that the probe will examine whether the platform broke French law by manipulating algorithms and illegally harvesting user data. The investigation follows a January complaint accusing X of spreading massive amounts of hateful, racist, anti-LGBT+, and homophobic political content designed to distort Frances democratic debate.

The investigation intensifies the European Unions ongoing clash with Musk: European leaders urged harsher action against X following its chatbot Groks antisemitic rants on Tuesday.
French police are investigating claims that social media network X, formerly known as Twitter, skewed its algorithm to allow "foreign interference", the Paris prosecutor said Friday.

Investigators will be examining actions of the company, and its senior managers, after two complaints were filed in January, prosecutor Laure Beccuau said, without specifically mentioning X owner Elon Musk.

The two complaints made on January 12 reported "the supposed use of the X algorithm for purposes of foreign interference", her office said, without elaborating.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The first complaint was filed by a centrist member of parliament, Eric Bothorel, a member of President Emmanuel Macron's party, who has looked into cybersecurity.

Bothorel warned against "recent changes to the X algorithm, as well as apparent interference in its management since Elon Musk acquired" the company in 2022.

He highlighted a "reduction in the diversity of voices and options" that went against guaranteeing a secure, respectful environment on the social media platform.

He pointed to "a lack of clarity in criteria that led to algorithm changes and moderation decisions", and to "personal interventions from Elon Musk in the management on his platform".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All this presented a "real danger and a threat for our democracies", he said.

French investigative weekly Le Canard Enchaine in February reported that the second complaint had come from a cybersecurity director in the public administration.

He reported a "major modification in the algorithm used by the X platform, which today offers a huge amount of political content that is hateful, racist, anti-LGBTQ (or) homophobic, and aims to skew democratic debate in France", it said.

- Hate speech rules -

The prosecutor said Friday that the investigation had been opened after "verifications and contributions by French researchers" and further "elements contributed by different political institutions".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Beccuau's statement, police are investigating alleged offences of organised data system manipulation.

It said the alleged crimes are currently not formally categorised as aggravated by "foreign interference" under a 2024 law but that designation could change in the course of investigations.

Laurent Buanec, France director of X, on January 22 said X had "strict, clear and public rules to protect the platform from hateful discourse" and fight disinformation.

He said the algorithm was "built in a way to avoid offering you hateful content".

Musk has angered European politicians by commenting about domestic politics, notably in Britain and Germany, where he has publicly supported the far-right AfD party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The European Union's former digital affairs commissioner, Thierry Breton of France, described some of his pro-AfD comments as "foreign interference".

The commission opened a probe against X in December 2023 and accused it in July 2024 of breaching its digital services regulations. The network risks being ordered to pay a fine of billions of euros.

gd-cco/ah/jh/rlp/giv
In the wake of a teaching assistant's fatal stabbing by a 14-year-old student, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in June that he'll move to ban social media access for children under 15 "in the coming months." Though France, along with Spain, had already backed Greece's EU-level initiative to curb teen screen time, Macron's remarks signaled a break from multilateral patience. "We cannot wait," he declared, if EU progress isn't forthcoming, adding that France would also impose age verification on websites selling knives  mirroring restrictions already applied to pornographic content.

LAURENT CIPRIANI / POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Macron's announcement exposes the growing tension between reactive policymaking and digital reality. France is already forcing platforms like X, Reddit, and Bluesky to implement age verification by classifying them as pornographic websites  a regulatory workaround that led Pornhub to stop operating in the country entirely and triggered an immediate surge in VPN usage.

As Macron's proposal heads toward implementation, it raises fundamental questions about whether age-based platform bans can meaningfully address youth behavior or whether they primarily serve as political theater in an increasingly complex digital landscape. So when u/lionwithdreadlocks asked what people thought of the proposed ban, the responses were immediate, opinionated, and conflicted. Here are 24 of their reactions:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

1."It's going to happen here in the Netherlands as well. No phones until they're 12. No social media until 15."

u/Positive_Judgment581

Editor's Note: The Dutch government has recommended that children under 15 avoid social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram due to health concerns, but this is not a legally binding ban. Similarly, while smartphones are banned during school hours in secondary schools, there is no national law preventing children from owning phones before age 12  only guidance suggesting they receive their first phone around that age.

Related: I'm Cackling Seeing All These Canadians Diss Americans Using The Phrase "Elbows Up"  So Here's What It Means, And Why It's Such A Perfect Insult

2."Same in Australia with social media for children under 16."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

u/BigBoiBob444

3."The Australian one is pretty much a sham. They rolled it out so quickly that no one knows how it's supposed to work or even be enforced. Firstly, they need to first verify your age, and that means verifying the person, which is why they've so heavily been pushing the digital government ID thing. Now that means that your accounts are known and tracked, which is a pretty big privacy issue, as everything is attached to you. Next, the issue of enforcement is that it solely relies on the social media company. So sometime in the next six months, we have to convince the numbskulls of Musk and Zuckerberg to implement this system for us, otherwise they'll get fined. Bearing in mind that the last time we threatened Zuckerberg, he just shut off news media from Australian Facebook and Instagram for a couple of days, and Musk has too many problems to list."

Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images

"I have no clue what happens with TikTok verification. Not to mention that nobody wants to have these companies storing your digital ID either. Nobody wants their digital ID tracking all of their accounts, and none of these companies want to be forced into complying with our laws."

u/Alucarddoc

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Editor's Note: Australia's law restricting social media access for children under 16 was passed in November 2024 and is set to take effect by December 2025, giving platforms time to comply. Enforcement guidelines are still being developed by the eSafety Commissioner, who has outlined age verification methods like biometrics, behavioral signals, and non-government ID, but platforms cannot require government-issued IDs. Social media companies will be responsible for compliance and may face major fines if they fail to enforce the rules, though critics note that enforcement against global tech giants may be difficult, especially given past tensions.

4."That is an objectively nice, good idea, and I support it. Good luck enforcing it, though. How on earth are they going to do that?"

u/SlapDatBassBro

"Make it the platform's problem to sort out, by announcing truly devastating fines for any company found not to be in compliance. Make the fines ratchet ever higher for every child found on the platform. Then just watch as Silicon Valley's best and brightest take a break from jerking themselves raw while looking at a vision board of them leading their own techno-fascist state, a la Peter Thiel, to implement means of keeping children off their platforms so they can keep collecting data and selling it to the highest bidder."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

u/InformalYesterday760

5."Every social media platform pulling out of France is the more likely outcome."

u/Aozora404

6."I'm 27. I grew up when social media was first exploding into things past Facebook and MySpace. Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, and Twitter all felt like they were being released one after another during my middle and high school era. Everyone was rapidly flocking to them all. I spent an abundant amount of time online as a result, and while I met some amazing people, it definitely took away from my real life and my mental health at times. I believe social media being delayed to 15 or 16, or even potentially later, is a great idea. I hope it's possible to enforce it consistently. I believe it would help children in several ways."

NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images

"Many great points have been given regarding this. I agree that algorithm-driven feeds were a terrible introduction, and I would credit that as being a huge step in social media's toxic path. Yes, parents should be responsible for supervising media intake, but what happens when stuff like Instagram's algorithms glitch and I see 9/11 from seven different angles out of the blue when I never watch or share stuff like that? This is something parents literally can't control, no matter how many roadblocks they put in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I believe this is where the government should be attempting to limit this feed style. Someone mentioned the later introduction would lead to worse addictions. That's possibly the case, but what comes to my mind are literacy levels and the fact that things like brain rot became so popular at a young age. Now, these things would be less likely to catch on, potentially focusing, strengthening, and developing minds to deal with it better when exposed.

There's a lot of scientific research on social media from when I was in college (bachelor's in psychology), and let me tell you, none of it was very good. Anxiety, self-image, and esteem issues. Algorithms are driving people into isolated communities. Not to mention the addiction, time lost, and predatory practices. All terrible things realistically."

u/DaddyDinooooooo

7."Ban it for people over 60, too."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

u/NestedForLoops

Related: Everyone Is Absolutely Losing It Over This Republican Senator's Face After Voting For The "Big Beautiful Bill"

8."My question is: What is social media? It sounds silly because everyone kind of 'knows' what social media is  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. If you're going to regulate access to it, you need to clearly define what it is, and that's not as easy as it sounds. Is it any site that allows users to upload content and create accounts? Wikipedia falls under that category. I don't think banning 15-year-olds from Wikipedia is a worthwhile endeavor. News sites often have comment sections below the article. Are we going to ban kids from looking at the news? Is YouTube social media? Snapchat? WhatsApp? AO3? Texting? An old-school forum for stamp collecting? Hell, Usenet? What exactly is the scope of what we're trying to limit access to? As far as I can tell, this seems to be an idea built entirely on 'vibes.' You can't just vaguely gesticulate at Instagram and say, 'We're talking about that!' Not if you want a coherent, actionable policy."

u/Cheap-Rate-8996

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

9."Defining social media is a great point. My child's middle school band uses an app (ironically) called Band to keep them informed of events, practices, etc., and it's essentially social media. A lot of schools use similar apps for extracurricular activities, classes, and more, so I'm curious how a similar ban in my country would affect those."

u/Pushthebutton2022

10."I agree. I had enough self-esteem problems while I was in middle school and high school before social media was a thing. I can't imagine how bad it can be with social media added to the equation."

u/SuppressiveFire

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

11."On the other hand, I feel bad for the kids who get bullied relentlessly at school in real life and only have friends online because of it. I was one of those kids, and my internet friends were the only thing stopping me from ending my life with all the bullying and isolation I dealt with otherwise."

u/nipplequeefs

Related: A NSFW Float Depicting Donald Trump's "MAGA" Penis Was Just Paraded Around Germany, And It's...Something

12."It depends entirely upon what is considered 'social media.' Are online video games in that category? I was practically raised on the internet playing LittleBigPlanet, not by parents. It's where I learned vocabulary, how to program, how to be creative, how to maintain friendships, how to express myself, etc. If I had no way to interact with others outside of my family, I would have still been neglected and even more isolated, and I would have never grown into a functional human."

AndreiPIOARA / Getty Images/iStockphoto

u/BrokenEffect

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

13."A cure to the symptom, not the cause. Hold these social media companies accountable."

u/beefmapstan

14."I see it like how the US prohibits alcohol in state parks. Sure, I can bring a flask and drink at my campsite, and no one is going to give me any trouble. But if I am belligerently drunk, I have no recourse when they throw me out. Kids will use social media, but when they are accused of cyberbullying or post a video of themselves doing something stupid, they have no recourse when their account gets reported and deleted. It doesn't fix the whole problem, but I think it will help more than hurt."

u/patrick119

"I don't think this will work. The majority of people's time online is spent consuming, not engaging. Most accounts created hardly, if ever, comment or post. There is no way to tell if the generic Instagram account with an anime profile picture that never posts is a 13-year-old or a 25-year-old. If, somehow, a kid were caught and their account banned, its a two-minute process to make another one."

u/MrScandanavia

15."Great idea, but how will it be enforced, and how can you prove age apart from having people upload photo IDs?"

Sol De Zuasnabar Brebbia / Getty Images

u/They-Call-Me-Taylor

16."I think while it's an idea coming from the right place, it's largely unenforceable without sacrificing social rights to privacy that I'm not willing to bend on. I also worry how that will be used as a tool for abuse and information control from parents. It's naive to think that certain parents won't go full info blackout on topics like, say, LGBTQ, history of racism, etc."

u/androidingly

17."This is really about forcing people to use ID on the internet. Banning kids from social media is just an excuse they use to achieve that."

u/WoodpeckerBig6379

18."This is a Trojan horse for mass surveillance and control over the internet. The number of useful idiots screaming to be censored online will get what they deserve when they're facing real tyranny. Break the free internet at your own peril."

u/ScaldyBogBalls

Related: "Trends That Can Lead To The Alt-Right Pipeline": This Woman Is Calling Out Ways The Far Right Targets Women And Girls

19."With context, it's a stupid decision. This is gaining a lot of popularity because a student recently stabbed a school monitor to death. Despite the student not using social media a lot, the government is like, 'Yeah, this happened because of social media.' The problem is deeper than that. The educational system is not funded correctly. Teachers and school workers are undermined and underpaid. Also, according to a teacher friend of mine, parents are getting more and more annoying and violent."

THIBAUD MORITZ / AFP via Getty Images

u/Matrozi

20."It will not end well. Those starting at 15 will be just as unprepared and naive as those starting at eight. It will either be easy to circumvent or require everyone to sign up everywhere with their IRL identity."

u/budgetboarves

21."Why not educate kids instead and make meeting up, playing games, theater, dancing more appealing?"

u/TrainingForTomorrow

22."Government overreach. Spend less time and money policing how people live and more on tackling actual problems. Not to mention, this is entirely done for optics alone."

Anna Barclay / Getty Images

u/MrRightHanded

23."I don't totally hate it, but this will just lead to kids using VPNs for their social media. It'll probably mess up a few features on some apps, but I doubt this is thoroughly enforceable. As a kid, I lied about my age when making my Facebook account so I could link it to games and track progress and the likes. That's probably what will happen, too. It seems like they'll implement an age verification system, so this rules out lying about their age. However, storing data on anyone under 13 is illegal in the US (COPPA). So if they were to tunnel through the US, they could likely still bypass the age verification requirement. This leaves what is probably a sliver of the total population under 15 that is capable of using a VPN, given the cost and tech skill constraints."

u/heyuhitsyaboi

Editor's Note: The interpretation of US law here is incorrect. COPPA (the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) doesn't ban data collection from users under 13, but it requires platforms to obtain verifiable parental consent before doing so. It also doesn't create a legal workaround for children accessing services via US servers. Under Australias law, social media companies remain responsible for keeping underage users off their platforms, regardless of how those users access the service.

24."It won't work. It's counterproductive. Here's an anecdote (I'm French, so directly impacted): When my kids moved from primary to middle school, we considered giving them dumb phones to give them some autonomy. We did not want to give them smartphones, precisely to avoid them being exposed too early. Moving from primary school (where all kids got to know each other for years) to middle school (with more students and more anonymity) is often a small trauma at this age. You will lose quite a few friends, too, who will go to a different middle school. Some parents in the class, therefore, had the (brilliant but cursed) idea of creating a WhatsApp group for the class. All parents were forced to give their kids a smartphone. How can a parent tell their kids 'Sorry, you will be an outcast to your classmates. I won't buy you a smartphone so you can stay in touch'? So at 11, all the kids got access to social media. But it turned out great."

"For a few years, there were regular gatherings of the kids who exchanged a lot, and even eight years later, many kids are still in touch. They go to parties together, thanks to their early access to social media, in a very protected way.

This made me revise my stance: Technological progress, such as the internet, mobile, smartphones, and now GenAI, is stronger than us. Rather than fighting it, it is wiser to embrace it and try to make the best of it."

u/thbb

As governments grapple with how to regulate the digital lives of children, Macron's proposal has sparked plenty of questions  and even more opinions. What do you think: Is a social media ban for children under 15 or 16 a step in the right direction, or a political distraction with little real impact? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Also in In the News: Donald Trump Supporters Are Waking Up To The Reality Of Their Ballot Choices, And The Stories Are A Loooooot

Also in In the News: "I Saw Him Say This On CNN And My Jaw Dropped"  People Are Applauding Zohran Mamdani's Unapologetic Response To Being Asked About His Stance On Capitalism

Also in In the News: "Can A Trump Supporter Explain": 49 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Month

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Franklin Police Department is asking for the publics help identifying a man who stole a trailer from a local business early Wednesday morning.

The theft happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday outside SpringTree Media Group on Lakeview Drive. Authorities said the suspect appeared to know exactly what he was doing, and the entire incident was captured on camera.

The footage showed a truck, possibly a Chevrolet, pulling into the business parking lot and backing up to a trailer. Within minutes, the driver attached the trailer, pulled forward and drove away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Detectives said theyve seen an increase in trailer and lawnmower thefts across Middle Tennessee in recent months and are asking the public to help identify the man in the video.

Anybody that owns a trailer, just make sure its secure, its locked up, Franklin Police Department Public Information Officer Max Wintz said. Its just about doing your due diligence and keeping your items safe. We dont like seeing this happen to anybody.

Anyone with information about this incident can call the Franklin Police Department at 615-794-2513.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A Frederick County man pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting an airline gate agent at the Dulles International Airport in March, according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Christopher Stuart Crittenden, 54, was charged with interfering with security screening personnel.

Fairfax County police execute 3 search warrants simultaneously

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to court documents, on March 13, Crittenden was drunk and became angry about his flight being delayed and his seating assignment at the Washington Dulles International Airport.

Court documents said Crittenden began cussing at the gate agent, who then warned the flight captain of his behavior. The captain then came to the gate and told Crittenden that he could not fly on the plane.

Crittenden responded by punching the gate agent in the face, knocking him unconscious before attempting to punch another agent, but missed.

The USAO says Crittenden is set to be sentenced on Oct. 9, where he faces up to ten years in prison.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union issued a statement on his guilty plea,

The IAM welcomes the news that Christopher Crittenden has pleaded guilty for his disgraceful and violent actions against our member at Dulles Airport. No airline worker should ever fear being physically attacked for doing their job, especially while working to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crews.

This incident, which left one of our members temporarily unconscious and another narrowly avoiding harm, underscores the urgent need for increased federal protections and enforcement to safeguard frontline airline employees

The IAM continues to call on Congress, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Transportation to treat assaults on aviation workers with the same gravity as assaults on flight crews and law enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As we await Mr. Crittendens sentencing, we remain steadfast in our demand for zero tolerance toward any form of violence or harassment against airline personnel. IAM members show up every day to keep air travel running smoothly and safely. Our members and all other airline workers deserve respect, protection, and justice.

The IAM stands with our member who was the victim of this assault and all transportation workers subjected to abuse while serving the traveling public.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
FREDONIA, N.Y. (WIVB)  On Thursday, the Village of Fredonia issued an update for residents still under the ongoing boil water order, assuring the community that efforts are underway to restore safe water conditions.

Very irritating, very aggravating, said Mayor Michael Ferguson.

According to village leaders, the Fredonia Water Treatment Plant continues to work closely with the Department of Health, monitoring the situation hourly, after a boil water advisory was issued earlier this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was a chemical reaction, so we had to clear all the tanks, said Ferguson. We have to clean all the tanks and bring it back up. What happens now is we have to do two days worth of testing with New York State.

Crews are currently focused on stabilizing and reducing turbiditysilt and chemical levelswithin the plant, a crucial step in returning the water quality to acceptable safety standards.

Ferguson says the issue stems from a former employees mistake.

This time it was human error. The last time we had it, it was a mechanical issue, he said.

He went on to say the employee is no longer employed as of yesterday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its a shame that it has to be necessary. Its embarrassing for the community, he said.

In the meantime, the village has organized water pickup events at the Fredonia Fire Department. However, this is the last stock available. Village officials have reached out to Hamburg leaders for additional water, but supplies are limited heading into the weekend.

We were able to get some local donations from stores around here. Then we worked with New York State through emergency services to get some water, said Josh Myers from the villages Office of Emergency Management. As of right now, this will be our last one until Im able to secure more water. Im actively working on that.

Leaders acknowledged that over the past five years, the village has had to issue more than a dozen boil water advisories.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Neighbors picking up water Thursday expressed their frustration with the ongoing issue.

Well, it is frustrating and disappointing. Ive lived here for 34 years and its frequent. I used to have my own water wellI shouldve never put in the waterline, said longtime resident Dan Lawrence.

Anytimeits just so inconvenient. Running around trying to buy water, and the stores are out of water, said another resident.

I dont feel like theyve addressed the problem. I think theyve pushed it off for decades. We pay for our water, so Im not sure why it seems every two months we cant use it, said resident Sterlang Stearns when asked if he trusts leadership to fix the issue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ferguson estimated that building a new water treatment plant in the village would cost upwards of $37 million.

Again, it shows that its an antiquated water system, and we need to make the change, Ferguson concluded.

The boil water order will only be lifted once testing is successfully completed. Village leaders say they expect the advisory to remain in effect throughout the weekend.

Latest Local News

Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, to expand access to free preschool and full-day kindergarten in New Jersey. (Photo courtesy of Murphy administration)

Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation this week that will expand free preschool in New Jersey, as well as full-day kindergarten to the few remaining districts that dont yet offer it by 2030.

Early childhood education has been a Murphy priority, with his administration adding 20,000 new free preschool seats in 229 districts since he took office in 2018. Still, almost half of New Jerseys school districts dont have public preschool and 10 dont have all-day kindergarten.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Legislation Murphy signed Wednesday mandates full-day kindergarten in all districts by 2030.

It also codifies the states preschool funding formula into statute and requires the state Department of Education to provide annual preschool expansion grants. It establishes a three-year preschool cost-sharing pilot program, creates a committee to guide preschool expansion, and requires state agencies to post preschool information on their websites and annually report on expansion efforts and preschool efficacy to legislators.

Another measure extends contract lengths for preschools to three years.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, to expand access to free preschool and full-day kindergarten in New Jersey. (Photo courtesy of Murphy administration)

Murphy signed the bills at the Plainfield Early Learning Center, with state legislators and education officials at his side. The measures, he said, will help parents save on child care costs while ensuring children get more solid educational foundations that will set them up for lifelong success.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the steps we are taking today, were going to ensure that every parent in New Jersey will eventually be able to enroll their child in a high-quality pre-K program at no additional cost, Murphy said. The very future of our state, our economy, our workforce, our quality of life, you name it, hinges on the health, success and well-being of our children.

New Jersey now spends $1.2 billion to create and sustain public preschool programs. Roughly 80,000 3- and 4-year-olds now are enrolled in free preschool around the state.

State Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer noted that Plainfield was an Abbott district, required by courts in class-action litigation filed in 1981 to provide universal preschool to remedy longtime funding disparities between poor urban districts and their wealthier suburban peers.

As a former Abbott district, Plainfield is where New Jerseys state-funded preschool program began more than 25 years ago, Dehmer said. Since its inception, the Abbott preschool model has been a national benchmark because of its focus on quality, equity, and community partnership. Each year weve seen how this has had a lasting impact on our students, our families, and their communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-Burlington), one of the bill sponsors, echoed that sentiment, calling universal free preschool a game-changer.

We all know that the most important issue facing our state is affordability, and pre-K is going to make a huge difference in so many families lives, Katz said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  The New Bern Police Department will host a National Night Out celebration on August 5th, featuring games, food, and community information.

The event will go from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Union Point Park, 210 East Front Street in New Bern.

Complimentary transportation will be available for the evening, with two pickup locations at Pleasant Hill Park and Stanley A. White Recreation Center. Shuttles will provide transportation to and from the pick-up locations from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and from Union Point Park to the pickup locations until 8:30 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
Whether you're a Disney adult or planning the family summer vacation, the Disney Visa Card could help you earn rewards for your next Disney trip. The card has no annual fee, and you can take advantage of a special 0% APR offer on Disney vacation packages to finance your next vacation.

Learn more Disney Visa Card Annual fee $0

Welcome offer Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months

Purchase APR 18.24%27.24% variable

Promotional APR 0% APR on select Disney vacation packages for 6 months from the date of purchase, after which the standard APR applies Rewards rate Earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all card purchases Benefits Save 10% on select purchases at DisneyStore.com and select merchandise purchases at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. You can also get 10% off eligible dining locations in Disney parks and 15% off select guided tours. Access exclusive character photo opportunities throughout the parks, with free digital downloads Travel and purchase protections such as extended warranties and delayed baggage insurance



Intro offer

This card does have an APR offer, but it only applies to Disney vacation package bookings. If you book your next Disney trip with your card, you can take advantage of 0% APR for six months from the date of purchase. After that, the standard APR will apply.

Rewards rate

With the Disney Visa Card, you'll earn 1% in rewards dollars for every $1 spent on all purchases, with no cap on how much you can earn.

How to earn rewards

The Disney Visa card has a flat rewards program that gives you 1% in rewards for every purchase you make, so you'll earn one simple rate on every transaction. One Disney Rewards Dollar equals $1 in value when you redeem your rewards toward Disney products/experiences at most Disney locations in the U.S.

How to redeem rewards

You can redeem your Disney Visa rewards in the following ways:

Redeem rewards toward Disney Resort stays and park tickets

Purchases at DisneyStore.com

Tickets for Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel movies at AMC Theatres

Related: Check out the best credit cards for your next Disney trip

Additional benefits

10% savings at ShopDisney, merchandise locations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland: When you use your card for purchases at eligible locations, you can qualify for a 10% discount on your order.

10% at select restaurants in Disney: Some restaurants in the parks will give you a 10% discount when you use your card to pay the bill.

15% off tours: Receive 15% off select guided tours at the parks.

Special photo opportunities: Cardmembers have access to exclusive character photo opportunities throughout the parks.

Baggage delay insurance: If your trip on a common carrier is delayed by six hours or more, baggage delay insurance will reimburse you up to $100 a day for up to three days.

Purchase protection: New purchases are covered against damage or theft for 120 days from their purchase date, up to a maximum of $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Extended warranty protection: Extended warranty protection extends the warranties of three years or less by one year.

Who is the Disney Visa Card best for?

The Disney Visa Card is best for those who regularly enjoy the Disney theme parks and want to take advantage of the card's special financing offers and added perks. You'll earn a flat rewards rate, but you can qualify for 0% APR for six months on vacation packages, and you can enjoy benefits like discounts on tours and merchandise.

Disney Visa Card pros

No annual fee: There is no annual fee, so you don't have to pay to add the card to your wallet.

Intro APR on vacation packages: The Disney Visa card offers six months at 0% APR to pay off vacation packages.

Valuable new cardmember bonus: Spend just $500 within three months of account opening and qualify for a $250 bonus. That spending requirement is rather low, making it easier to qualify for the bonus.

Disney Visa Card cons

Promo APR only available on Disney vacations: The intro APR offer only applies to Disney vacation packages. All other transactions, including trips to other locations, will incur the regular purchase APR.

Charges foreign transaction fees: If you plan on traveling overseas  for example, to visit Disneyland Paris or the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort  you'll pay 3% in foreign transaction fees.

Low rewards rate: The card's rewards rate is just 1% on all transactions.

How to make a Disney Visa Card payment

The Disney Visa card is a co-branded card issued by Chase. You can make a payment online, through Chase's mobile app, over the phone or by sending a check through the mail:

Online

Mobile app

Phone: 1-800-436-7958

Mail: Mail a check or money order to the following address:

Cardmember Services

P.O. Box 6294

Carol Stream, IL 60197-6294

Disney Visa Card card customer service info

Customer service availability info: Customer support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Phone number: 1-800-432-3117

Disney Visa Card login page

Read more: The best vacation credit cards

Alternative cards to consider

If the Capital One Venture Rewards card isn't right for you, consider these alternative travel rewards cards:

Learn more Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Annual fee $0

Welcome offer Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first 3 months

Card type(s) Cash-back

Introductory APR 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then variable 19.24% - 29.24% APR

Purchase APR 19.24% - 29.24% variable

Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers No foreign transaction fees

Why we like it: With no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is a useful card for everyday spending. You'll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make, and the card offers a generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Read our review of the Quicksilver Cash Rewards card

Learn more Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $0

Welcome offer Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months

Card type(s) Cash-back

Introductory Balance Transfer APR 0% on balance transfers for 15 months

Ongoing Balance Transfer APR 20.24%-29.24% Variable

Introductory Purchases APR 0% on purchases for 15 months

Ongoing Purchases APR 20.24%-29.24% Variable

Recommended credit score Excellent, Good Rewards rate 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) 1% cash back on all other purchases Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout

Benefits Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers Get a $7 monthly statement credit after spending $9.99 or more on a streaming subscription to the Disney Bundle

Why we like it: The Blue Cash Everyday card, like the Disney Visa Card, doesn't have an annual fee, and offers substantial rewards. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday card

Learn more Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Annual fee $69

Welcome offer Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

Card type(s) Travel, Airline

Ongoing Purchases APR 20.49% - 27.49% Variable

Recommended credit score Excellent/Good Rewards rate 2x on Southwest purchases 2x on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners 2x on local transit and commuting, including rideshare 2x on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming 1x on all other purchases

Benefits 3,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary 2 EarlyBird Check-In each year

Why we like it: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card has an annual fee, but it offers valuable rewards and benefits. You'll earn two points for every $1 you spend on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental reservations, local transit and rideshare services, and internet and streaming services. On all other purchases, you'll earn one point per $1 spent. Read our review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Beachgoers line up for a free skin cancer screening in this file photo. (Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island)

Beachgoers can get free skin cancer screenings at Rhode Island beaches and parks this summer, thanks to the return of the annual Skin Check program led by the state health department, Brown Dermatology and other statewide partners.

Four screenings are scheduled between Saturday, July 12, and Aug. 15. The first 100 people at each event will receive a private, on-site screening from dermatologists or dermatology residents affiliated with Brown. No registration is needed and those who need additional care will receive referrals for follow-up appointments.

Free skin cancer screening dates

Saturday, July 12 , 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Scarborough Beach North in Narragansett

Friday, July 18 , 1:30 pm-3:30 p.m.: Eastons Beach in Newport

Saturday, Aug. 2 , 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Scarborough Beach North in Narragansett

Friday, Aug. 15, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, Dr. John C. Kawaoka, an associate professor of dermatology and residency program director at Browns Warren Alpert Medical School, said in a statement. Everyone is at risk, even those with darker skin tonesEvery year we find a number of skin cancers, including melanoma, many of which people had no idea that they had.

The health department recommends that participants wear bathing suits or easily removable clothing to allow doctors to examine areas of concern.

Along with getting in the shade and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, getting a skin check is the most important thing you can do to protect against skin cancer, Rhode Island Department of Health Director Dr. Jerry Larkin said in a statement. Cancer screenings have the power to save lives.

Local TV news outlet WJAR is the media partner and sponsor for the Skin Check events. Other partners include the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, Brown University Health Community Health Institute and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Skin Check has a long history of providing free screenings to residents in our communities who need it most, Megan Daniel, Executive Director of the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, said in a statement. Its inspiring to see individuals and businesses who want to support this service and help reduce the burden of cancer in Rhode Island.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, and about one in five Americans will develop it at some point in their lives. Every day, an estimated 9,500 people are diagnosed with the disease.

Rhode Island falls slightly below the national average for melanoma of the skin, with 19.8 cases per 100,000 people compared to 22.7 nationally, per data from the National Cancer Institute that spans 2017 through 2021.

More tips for sun safety and skin cancer prevention are available on RIDOHs website.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
French fighter jets shot down high-altitude balloons with air-to-air missiles in a recent test.

France warned that the battle for near-space is heating up and pointed to China's spy balloon over the US.

Its defense minister said it must figure out up to what altitude its weapons can still work.

French fighter pilots shot down high-altitude balloons during a test amid renewed concerns over spy balloons and as France warns that the battle for near space is on.

Sebastien Lecornu, France's defense minister, said last month that Rafale and Mirage 2000 aircraft executed the first MICA missile launches at stratospheric balloons operating at very high altitudes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The test was part of France's strategy to operate in near space, a strategic and contested area where nations like China have launched suspected spy balloons. The balloons, which can be massive, hundreds of feet tall, and carry advanced surveillance equipment, are points of concern and interest for the West.

A US jet flies by a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina in February 2023. RANDALL HILL/REUTERS

Lecornu said very high altitudes were becoming an "area of conflict," calling the recent test a first milestone for his armed forces' strategy for that area.

French military officials, as well as MBDA, the multi-national European group that makes the MICA IR air-to-air missile used in the test, define very high altitude as the atmospheric area between 12.4 and 62.1 miles above the Earth.

Lecornu said the tests "pushed the technological limits of the aircraft, its pilot, and its weaponry" beyond an altitude of 12 miles. Both of the jets involved have a maximum altitude of around 10 miles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We must ask ourselves up to what altitude our weapons systems can still operate effectively," Lecornu said.

The "very high altitude" region where the recent test occurred is also known as "near space" and is the upper part of the Earth's atmosphere, well above where most planes fly but below where outer space begins.

France's armed forces ministry called this "a coveted space" that has operational advantages but, by the same token, can be used to challenge countries' sovereignty. Lecornu called it "a gray area, still poorly regulated," but said it was already "at the heart of the strategic ambitions of several powers." It's an area that's seeing emerging threats and challenges, like spy balloons, and that's getting more and more military attention.

Spy balloons

France's armed forces ministry said one of the "most emblematic episodes" of how poorly regulated yet coveted this area is was when the US intercepted a Chinese surveillance balloon in 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The French ministry noted that it was flying over US territory for several days before it was intercepted.

The Chinese balloon, identified by the Pentagon as a surveillance asset, traveled over North America for a week, moving across Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States, before it was shot down by a Sidewinder air-to-air missile fired from an F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft off the Atlantic coast.

A U.S. Air Force U-2 pilot looks down at a suspected Chinese spy balloon. Department of Defense via AP

"This incident dramatically illustrated the difficulty of detecting and intercepting threats evolving in this atmospheric layer, while revealing the strategic potential of very high altitude for intelligence and discreet protest," the ministry said.

Gen. Alexis Rougier, who oversees very high altitude operations within the French Air and Space Force, said last month that he spoke to US F-22 pilots involved in the shootdown and that what they shared helped with preparations for the French test.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Though there are concerns about unwanted surveillance, especially of sensitive military sites, Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel who now serves as a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Business Insider that the balloons, at least for now, pose mostly a political problem.

He said the problem the US faced with the 2023 Chinese spy balloon incident was when to shoot it down, because "the problem is: where does it land and who does it land on?"

"It's really the political side that's sensitive," he said. Warfare experts have speculated that the spy balloon was intended as a political message, for China to show it could penetrate US airspace and also to test how the US would react.

US military officials advised against shooting the Chinese balloon down over land, warning that the debris could harm people and infrastructure. The delay in intercepting it sparked domestic debate and blame. When the American military finally shot it down, there were discussions of the deep cost-imbalance of using a fifth-generation fighter and air-to-air missiles costing around $400,000 each to bring it down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

High-altitude spy balloons are not a new capability. They've been around since the 1950s. The technology is relatively cheap and deniable, easy to present as meteorological research tools rather than surveillance assets. Amid the Chinese spy balloon incident, Beijing said the balloon was a weather balloon that had gone astray.

Balloons, though now notably improved over the early models, persist because of their altitude, endurance, low cost, and ambiguity of purpose. The balloons offer options outside of spy planes, like the American U-2 Dragon Lady, and satellites. Modern spy balloons are a mix of established technology and ongoing innovation.

Newer balloons can carry much more advanced surveillance capabilities, such as high-resolution multispectral sensors, signals and electronic intelligence options, and more.

High-altitude spy balloons can cause a host of problems, from hoovering up intel to forcing an adversary to expend significantly more expensive weaponry to bring them down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

China, which previously boasted about the ability of its fighter pilots to shoot down spy balloons, has had balloons not only fly over the US but also over Taiwan.

The US in 2023 downed a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast. Associated Press

India has also experimented with spy balloons, and the US Army still sees value in balloons on the battlefield, opting earlier this year to advance a $4.2 billion program to develop balloons for a persistent tethered surveillance system.

Countries, like France and the UK, among others, are exploring how best to beat these and bring them down.

A fight for near space

Lecornu revealed a new "Very High Altitude" strategy in June for France's military, the purpose being to detect and identify objects maneuvering in that 12.4 to 62.1 mile altitude range.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The strategy includes air defense radars, new long-range and ultra-high frequency radars, and satellites for detection, as well as an "interception" component that uses fighter aircraft and missiles, according to France's armed forces ministry. France is also looking into developing surface lasers for space.

The new balloon test was part of the new strategy, MBDA said.

MBDA described the altitude as "an increasingly contested area of conflict" in a statement on Monday. It called the tests "unprecedented" and said they "demonstrated the feasibility of neutralising this new type of threat." It said the threats in those layers of the atmosphere include espionage and surveillance. Other potential threats beyond balloons include drones and hypersonic missiles.

The French-made Rafale fighter jet. (Photo by Sonu Mehta/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

The jets used in the recent test were both French: Mirage 2000s are multi-role, delta-winged fourth-generation fighter jets manufactured by French company Dassault Aviation, the same company that makes the Rafale, which is considered a 4.5-generation fighter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

France, unlike many of its allies, prioritizes its domestic defense industry and does not fly foreign fighters like the advanced US-made F-35s that a number of other European nations have bought.

France's armed forces ministry said France intends to occupy the very high altitude area "with national platforms, in a spirit of technological sovereignty." This aim includes accelerating some projects, like the BalMaN, France's own developmental spy balloon, and the very long-range solar drone Zephyr.

The ministry characterized the near-space region as "legally unclear neither fully governed by air law nor entirely covered by space law." It said that the uncertainty "fuels growing competition between powers in an area where technical capabilities to detect, intercept, or operate remain limited."

Lecornu said it was important to start working in this space to avoid falling behind, like many Western countries have been on drone technology. "This is not about reliving the delay in drones. We must be present in this emerging space now," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Fuel control switches to the engines of an Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people, were moved from the "run" to the "cutoff" position moments before impact, a preliminary investigation report said early Saturday.

The report, issued by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), did not offer any conclusions or apportion blame for the June 12 disaster, but indicated that one pilot asked the other why he cut off fuel, and the second pilot responded that he had not.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was headed from Ahmedabad in western India to London when it crashed, killing all but one of the 242 people on board as well as 19 people on the ground.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In its 15-page report, the investigation bureau said that once the aircraft achieved its top recorded speed, "the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec".

"In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so," it said.

The aircraft quickly began to lose altitude.

The switches then returned to the "RUN" position and the engines appeared to be gathering power, but "one of the pilots transmitted 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY'", the report said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Air traffic controllers asked the pilots what was wrong, but then saw the plane crashing and called emergency personnel to the scene.

- Investigation ongoing -

Earlier this week, specialist website The Air Current, citing multiple sources familiar with the probe, reported it had "narrowed its focus to the movement of the engine fuel switches", while noting that full analysis will "take months -- if not longer".

It added that "the focus of the investigators could change during that time".

The Indian agency's report said that the US Federal Aviation Administration had issued an information bulletin in 2018 about "the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Though the concern was not considered an "unsafe condition" that would warrant a more serious directive, Air India told investigators it did not carry out suggested inspections as they were "advisory and not mandatory".

Air India was compliant with all airworthiness directives and alert service bulletins on the aircraft, the report said.

The investigations bureau said there were "no recommended actions to B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers", suggesting no technical issues with the engines (GE) or the aircraft (Boeing).

The bureau said the investigation was ongoing, and that additional evidence and information has been "sought from the stakeholders".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Boeing said in a statement it will "continue to support the investigation and our customer", adding "our thoughts remain" with those affected by the disaster.

Air India said it was "working closely with stakeholders, including regulators."

"We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses," it said in a statement on X.

The UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) stipulates that states heading an investigation must submit a preliminary report within 30 days of an accident.

US and British air accident investigators have taken part in the probe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The plane was carrying 230 passengers -- 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and a Canadian -- along with 12 crew members.

Dozens of people on the ground were injured.

One passenger miraculously survived, a British citizen who was seen walking out of the wreckage of the crash, and who has since been discharged from hospital.

Health officials in the Indian state of Gujarat initially said at least 279 people were killed, but forensic scientists reduced the figure after multiple scattered and badly burnt remains were identified.

bur-sst/aks/tym
JOPLIN, Mo.  A federal funding freeze is putting a budget crunch on the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Missouri.

The Joplin nonprofit may be forced to make significant changes if that doesnt change. Last week, The U.S. Department of Education announced a number of grants were under review, which included funding for after-school programs, which, obviously, would affect the club.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Supporters can share their concerns through an online petition available here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  A Waco family needs your help after a structure fire.

According to the Waco Fire Department, the fire ignited at 2701 MacArthur Drive on the night of Saturday, June 28. It started in the living area and was contained to the room of origin. Smoke damage was reported throughout the structure. The Deputy Fire Marshal identified the cause of the fire as faulty wiring in a window air conditioning unit.

No injuries have been reported, although the family has been displaced.

(Courtesy: Jasmine Sabido) (Courtesy: Jasmine Sabido) (Courtesy: Jasmine Sabido) (Courtesy: Jasmine Sabido) (Courtesy: Jasmine Sabido) (Courtesy: Jasmine Sabido) (Courtesy: Jasmine Sabido)

A family member posted on Facebook on June 29 that the experience was scary, and she is grateful that everyone is safe. Community members have already started assisting the family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The family has since found a place to stay for the next month. An upcoming fundraising event has also been announced for Sunday, July 13.

(Courtesy: Jasmine Sabido)

Vendors who would like to enter an item for the auction table can reach out by calling the number on the flier pictured above, as well as anyone else who would like to make a booth or even sell plates with a portion of sales going toward the family. Tickets are $5 each.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH)  The state Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Gahanna is set to reopen later this month after it suddenly closed its doors in April.

The City of Gahanna recently announced that the BMV, located at 415 Agler Road, will begin welcoming customers again on July 21.

The office temporarily shut down on April 18 after its long-time deputy registrar submitted his resignation but did not give a 90-day notice that was required by his contract, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anytime there is a temporary closure of a BMV facility, the license agencies in surrounding areas see an increase in customer volume and corresponding wait times, a department spokesperson said. We are glad that this community resource will be available again in Gahanna.

The announcement of the reopening comes after Lolita Walker, who is currently the assistant manager at the Newark BMV, was hired to take over the role. A Facebook post by the City of Gahanna states Walker has been an incredible asset at the Newark BMV and will bring her experience and dedication to Gahanna.

In Ohio, deputy registrars are independent contractors who are selected by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles through a competitive bidding process.

Once the Gahanna BMV reopens, residents can visit during its regular hours of Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. In the meantime, surrounding BMV branches in Westerville, Whitehall and on Morse Road in Columbus remain open.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(KODE & KSN)  Agencies came together in search of a wanted suspect in Southeast Kansas.

Officials with the Galena Police Department and the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office had boots on the ground today in search of a man they believe is wanted on two felony warrants out of Kansas. Officers received a call from dispatch about the suspect who was last seen in the south part of Galena near Vine Street.

After officers arrived at the scene around 10:15 Friday morning, the man fled into the woods behind a residence. Agencies set up a perimeter and began to search the area. Interim Police Chief Chad Allison says they also called in outside agencies to help in the search, including drone assistance from Miami.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On hot days like today, he says they make sure to take precautions because officer safety is a top priority.

Theres a lot that we have to take into consideration. Like I said, mainly the fatigue on the dogs or like you said, the drones. You know, they only got a certain battery life and so sometimes you just got to, its tough to walk away as an officer because you really want to catch the bad guy. But in this instance, the guy already has a warrant. So, well Im confident that well apprehend him, said Chad Allison, Interim Galena Chief of Police, said Chad Allison, Interim Galena Chief of Police.

The hunt ended just before noon Friday, as officials believe the suspect went into the river, an area they just werent able to search.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
An international gang leader serving four concurrent life sentences for drug trafficking used Monopolys Get out of jail free card to traffic drugs into Massachusetts from an Arizona prison, the U.S. Attorney said.

Noel Haro, 50, a leader of the Border Brothers international gang based in southern Arizona, is now serving his prison sentence in Massachusetts.

He was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Boston for trying to traffic drugs into the Bay State through inmate phone calls while serving four concurrent life sentences, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities said Haro had written codes onto the famed Get out of jail free card from the Monopoly board game, and then sent the card in a letter from prison to facilitate the drug trafficking.

Haro was sentenced to 188 months in prison to be served concurrent to the life sentences he is currently serving at the Massachusetts Department of Correction, Foley said.

U.S. Senior District Court Judge William Young handed down Noel Haros sentence on Thursday. The court also imposed five years of supervised release.

Haro, who had been serving life sentences in Arizona, was moved to a Massachusetts prison for security reasons after convictions in Arizona for drug distribution, conspiracy and money laundering, Foley said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was deemed a security concern due to his alleged influence over other inmates and repeated introduction of cell phones and narcotics into Arizona facilities, prosecutors said.

Even behind bars, Noel Haro continued to direct the operations of an international drug trafficking network and peddle poison into our communities. This level of audacity is precisely why we remain vigilant and aggressive in dismantling drug trafficking networks at every level, Foley said.

Our office and our agency partners will not allow prison cells to serve as command centers for criminal activity. We will pursue every lead, intercept every coded message, and hold every conspirator accountable, Foley said.

On March 11, Haro pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; aiding and abetting; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; aiding and abetting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was indicted in April 2023 along with his brother, Marcos Haro.

THE SCHEME

Noel Haro is a member and leader of the Border Brothers gang  a large-scale international gang known to be heavily involved in drug, weapon and human trafficking in southern Arizona with a presence in Nogales, Mexico and the Arizona prison system.

An investigation began around April 2019 into Noel Haros attempts to traffic drugs to Massachusetts during his inmate phone calls.

Specifically, during his inmate calls, Noel Haro worked to recruit friends and family members to continue his drug trafficking business while he was incarcerated and to transport drugs from Arizona to Massachusetts on his behalf, prosecutors said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In April 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Correction intercepted a letter that Noel Haro had sent to co-conspirator Denise Guyette, whom he had recruited and connected with his drug suppliers in Arizona, prosecutors said.

Inside the envelope, a Get out of jail free card from the board game Monopoly was found with a handwritten key on the back  which was to be used to discuss drug trafficking in code.

For example, the number 736 was written above the word coke, the number 747 was written above the word meth, the number 766 was written above the word fety, and the number 746 was written above the word heroin, prosecutors said.

After sending Guyette this key card, Noel Haro instructed her to travel to Arizona to meet with his drug suppliers and send drugs back to Massachusetts for distribution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Noel Haro also worked with his brother, Marcos Haro, to arrange drug deals outside of prison, prosecutors said.

In June 2022, Marcos Haro agreed to supply a person with samples of multiple narcotics  including fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Marcos Haro later mailed the narcotics to the individual hidden in a purple teddy bear inside a postal package, prosecutors said.

On July 13, 2022, the package was retrieved and found to contain fentanyl, five fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and approximately three grams of black tar heroin.

On July 25, 2022, during a recorded inmate call, Noel Haro and his brother discussed selling one pound of methamphetamine to the same person and agreed on a sale price of $5,000, prosecutors said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On July 27, 2022, a package sent from Marcos Haro was retrieved and found to contain approximately 446.6 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine.

During a recorded inmate call on Aug. 10, 2022, Noel Haro directed his brother to arrange the sale of five pounds of methamphetamine to the person, prosecutors said.

About a month later, on Sept. 12, 2022, two packages sent from Marcos Haro were retrieved and each contained approximately 892.3 grams of 86% pure methamphetamine and approximately 1,320.2 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine, prosecutors said.

Guyette, who was charged in a separate indictment, was sentenced to 11 years in prison in April after previously pleading guilty to drug trafficking offenses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Marcos Haro pleaded guilty on March 19. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17.

While locked up for life, Noel Haro thought he had nothing more to lose so he used his Get out of Jail Free card to solicit help in trafficking deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine across the country, but todays lengthy prison sentence shows he could not have been more wrong, Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, said Thursday.

This case should make it crystal clear to anyone who thinks they can flagrantly violate the law and manage a drug trafficking organization while behind bars, Docks said. Its only a matter of time before you will get caught.

Department of Correction Commissioner Shawn Jenkins said his agency remains steadfast in advancing the policies, safety measures, and technology that support our ability to detect and deter illegal activity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This case underscores our commitment to rooting out criminal activity within our facilities and holding accountable those who attempt to undermine the safety and integrity of our institutions, Jenkins said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Gary Rome Hyundai has been recognized nationally for its outstanding work in the automotive industry. They not only received one, but two highly esteemed awards.

$40,000 reward offered for information on UMass students D.C. murder

During a special ceremony, Hyundai Motor America presented the dealership with the Hyundai Board of Excellence Award. The dealership was also named Hyundai Dealer of the Year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among 850 Hyundai dealerships throughout the U.S., Gary Rome Hyundai stood out for its excellence in sales and customer service. These awards also reflect the dealerships role in representing the Hyundai brand in the western Massachusetts community and beyond..for more than two decades.

Rome told 22News, We love our community. We love what we do. And I couldnt do any of this without our team because what they do behind the scenes is incredible, the way they make people smile, and they take care of people, and they do the next great thing. And its just its great. Its fabulous.

The dealership has a strong presence in the community through involvement in nearly 30 initiatives. These initiatives include supporting several local charities and events.

Its a true reflection of the dealerships values and mission to make a positive difference in not just the lives of their customers, but those around them.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli forces killed at least 30 people on Friday, including 10 who were waiting for aid in the south of the war-ravaged territory.

The latest deaths came as the United Nations said nearly 800 people had been killed trying to access food in Gaza since late May, when Israel began easing a more than two-month blockade on deliveries.

UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said most of the deaths occurred near facilities operated by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We've recorded now 798 killings, including 615 in the vicinity of the GHF sites," from the time the group's operations began in late May until July 7, Shamdasani said on Friday.

An officially private effort, GHF operations have been marred by chaotic scenes and frequent reports of Israeli forces firing on people waiting to collect rations.

UN agencies and major aid groups have refused to cooperate with the foundation over concerns it was designed to cater to Israeli military objectives and violates basic humanitarian principles.

Responding to the UN's figures, Israel's military said it had worked to minimise "possible friction between the population and the (army) as much as possible".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Following incidents in which harm to civilians who arrived at distribution facilities was reported, thorough examinations were conducted... and instructions were issued to forces in the field following lessons learned," it said.

Gaza civil defence official Mohammed al-Mughayyir said that 10 people were shot by Israeli forces on Friday while waiting for supplies in the Al-Shakoush area northwest of Rafah, where there have been repeated reports of deadly fire on aid seekers.

- 'Extremely difficult' -

In an update, the civil defence agency reported a wave of Israeli air strikes, drone attacks and bombings across the densely populated territory, which has been devastated by 21 months of war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There was no immediate comment on the latest strikes from the Israeli military, which has recently expanded its operations across Gaza.

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency and other parties.

A Palestinian speaking to AFP from southern Gaza on condition of anonymity reported ongoing attacks and widespread devastation, with Israeli tanks seen near Khan Yunis.

"The situation remains extremely difficult in the area -- intense gunfire, intermittent air strikes, artillery shelling, and ongoing bulldozing and destruction of displacement camps and agricultural land to the south, west and north of Al-Maslakh," an area to Khan Yunis's south, the witness said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Israeli military said its soldiers were operating in the area, dismantling "terrorist infrastructure sites, both above and below ground", and seizing "weapons and military equipment".

The civil defence also reported five people killed in an Israeli strike the previous night on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Jabalia al-Nazla, in northern Gaza.

Nearly all of Gaza's population has been displaced at least once during the war, which has created dire humanitarian conditions for the territory's more than two million inhabitants.

Many have sought shelter in school buildings, but these have come under repeated Israeli attack, with the military often saying it was targeting Hamas militants hiding among civilians.

bur-mib-phz-acc/kir
Doctors have warned of an imminent disaster at Gaza's largest functioning hospital because of critical shortage of fuel and a widening Israeli ground offensive in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Nasser Medical Complex was forced to stop admitting patients on Thursday, when witnesses said Israeli troops and tanks advanced into a cemetery 200m (660ft) away and fired towards nearby camps for displaced families. The forces reportedly withdrew on Friday after digging up several areas.

Medical staff and dozens of patients in intensive care remain inside the hospital, where the fuel shortage threatens to shut down life-saving services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

However, it said on Friday morning that an armoured brigade was operating in Khan Younis to dismantle "terrorist infrastructure sites" and confiscate weapons> It has previously issued evacuation orders for the areas around the hospital.

A witness told the BBC that Israeli tanks accompanied by excavators and bulldozers advanced from the south of the cemetery near Nasser hospital on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The tanks fired shells and bullets as they moved into an area, which was previously farmland, and several tents belonging to displaced families were set on fire, the witness said. Video footage shared online showed a plume of dark smoke rising from the area.

The witness added that Israeli quadcopter drones also fired towards tents in the Namsawi Towers and al-Mawasi areas to force residents to evacuate. Another video showed dozens of people running for cover amid as gunfire rang out.

Medical staff inside Nasser hospital meanwhile sent messages to local journalists expressing their fear. "We are still working in the hospital. The tanks are just metres away. We are closer to death than to life," they wrote.

Civilians standing near the hospital's gates were reportedly injured by stray bullets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dr Saber al-Asmar, an emergency physician at Nasser hospital, told the BBC World Service's Newshour programme on Friday that the medical staff had received no call from the Israeli military giving them advance notice of the operation or saying whether they needed to evacuate the facility.

"We didn't get any warning... [There was] shooting all around. We had casualties from the hospital yard," he said.

"[Israeli forces] invaded the area, and then through the microphone, they asked the people to leave immediately, without even to take any of their stuff around the hospital, and people started to run away under the gunshots and shelling."

On Friday morning, the Israeli tanks and troops pulled out of the cemetery and other areas close to the hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pictures shared online later in the day appeared to show deep trenches dug into the sandy ground, flattened buildings, burnt tents, and crushed vehicles piled on top of each other.

Staff at Nasser hospital said they were assessing if they could resume admitting patients.

"What we really need is just one thing - to stop the killing machine. Just one night, one shift, only one shift, without receiving tens of casualties with severe injuries," Dr Asmar said.

"We are mentally and physically exhausted," he added. "We are working with very minimal resources and with a very big shortage of medical equipment and materials. But we still need to keep working because these are lives we need to save."

Displaced people search for their belongings at the site of a camp near Nasser hospital that was destroyed by Israeli forces [Anadolu via Getty Images]

On Wednesday, they warned that the hospital was very close to a complete shutdown due to a critical fuel shortage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They said electricity generators were expected to function for one additional day despite significant efforts to reduce power consumption and restrict electricity to only the most critical departments, including the intensive care and neonatal units.

If the power went out completely, dozens of patients, particularly those dependent of ventilators, would "be in immediate danger and face certain death", the hospital added.

An Israeli military official told Reuters news agency on Thursday that around 160,000 litres of fuel destined for hospitals and other humanitarian facilities had entered Gaza since Wednesday, but that the fuel's distribution around the territory was not the responsibility of the army.

There is a shortage of critical medical supplies, especially those related to trauma care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During a visit to Nasser hospital last week, the Gaza representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) described it as "one massive trauma ward".

Dr Rik Peeperkorn said in a video that the facility, which normally has a 350-bed capacity, was treating about 700 patients, and that exhausted staff were working 24 hours a day.

The director and doctors reported receiving hundreds of trauma cases over the past four weeks, the majority of them linked to incidents around aid distribution sites, he added.

"There's many boys, young adolescents who are dying or getting the most serious injuries because they try to get some food for their families," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among them were a 13-year-old boy who was shot in the head and is now tetraplegic, and a 21-year-old man who has a bullet lodged in his neck and is also tetraplegic.

On Friday, 10 people seeking aid were reportedly killed by Israeli military fire near an aid distribution site in the nearby southern city of Rafah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not commented.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was outraged that one of its staff members, together with a volunteer from the Palestinian Red Crescent, were shot and wounded on Thursday night in Gaza. It did not say who might have been responsible.

The two people shot were part of a mission to evacuate another injured ICRC staff member, who had been unreachable for a week because of fighting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The mission, the ICRC said, was notified to and agreed with the authorities, and all vehicles were clearly marked and lit. The injured ICRC colleague remains unreachable.

The Israeli military said the incident was under review.

Nasser hospital said doctors were performing some surgeries without electricity or air conditioning [Reuters]

Also on Thursday night, in northern Gaza, a senior Hamas commander was among eight people who were killed in an Israeli air strike on a school sheltering displaced families in Jabalia, a local source told the BBC.

Iyad Nasr, who led the Jabalia al-Nazla battalion, died alongside his family, including several children, and an aide when two missiles hit a classroom at Halima al-Saadia school, according to the source.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another Hamas commander, Hassan Marii, and his aide were reportedly killed in a separate air strike on an apartment in al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City.

It comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal could be just days away, after concluding his four-day trip to the US.

Before flying back from Washington on Thursday night, he told Newsmax that the proposal would supposedly see Hamas release half of the 20 living hostages it is still holding and just over half of the 30 dead hostages during a 60-day truce.

"So, we'll have 10 living left and about 12 deceased hostages [remaining], but I'll get them out, too. I hope we can complete it in a few days," he added.

However, a Palestinian official told the BBC that the indirect negotiations in Qatar were stalled, with sticking points including aid distribution and Israeli troop withdrawals.

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

At least 57,762 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Georgetown County deputies are asking for help finding a man whose family says has been missing for more than a year.

The last known contact with Erik Culclasure, 35, was in Georgetown County when he received a ticket in June 2024, the sheriffs office said, but his last known address is in Myrtle Beach.

Culclasure stands about 5-foot 10-inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes and a long beard when he was last seen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sheriffs office said hes experienced homelessness in the past. Anyone with information is asked to call 843-546-5102.

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 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 new local journalism report reveals a 75% decline in local journalists across the country since 2002. Photo contributed by Kevin Hall

The decline of local news continues on the national level and here at home in Georgia. A new local journalism report from Rebuild Local News and Muck Rack reveals a 75% decline in local journalists across the country since 2002.

The goals of this new report and project is to try to create a measure of journalists per population and an index that could be recreated each year down to the county level, Rebuild Local Journalism Founder Steve Waldman said during a webinar Thursday. The reason that we all felt that that was important is that at the heart of the local news crisis is the lack of coverage and the lack of reporters in communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The report, which was released Thursday, found that the shortage of local journalists is both severe and widespread. This shortage is measured by a new metric called Local Journalist Equivalents (LJEs), which uses a formula to evaluate the strength of local journalism. LJEs were determined by outlet types, verifiable bylines and reporting capacity based on factors like publishing frequency. This data was then used to show nationwide trends and state specific metrics.

In 2002, there was a national average of about 40 local journalists per 100,000 people. Today, that figure has dropped to an average of 8.2 Local Journalist Equivalents. Georgias average currently sits well below that number, landing Georgia at No. 46 on this years ranking.

With a statewide population of 11 million people, Georgia has an average of 5.8 Local Journalist Equivalents per 100,000 people. This average was significantly less than the No. 1 ranked state of Vermont that has an average of 27.5. Nevada trailed four places behind Georgia with the lowest ranked average of 4.8 local journalists.

While the decline of local news is not a new phenomenon, the report confirms that rural areas are not the only communities underserved by local news. Many fast growing areas including Los Angeles and Las Vegas also scored below the national average.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Richard T. Griffiths, a retired reporter and president emeritus of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation, said continued decline of local journalism goes beyond local journalists.

Its not the industry that is the future casualty of this, its democracy itself, Griffiths said. If you have a populace that doesnt understand whats going on in its community because there are no reporters able to go to the meetings to figure out whats going on, then you have a collapse of the institutions that underpin our society and our democracy.

Griffiths cited waning advertising dollars and the rise of social media as notable factors behind the demise of local news. In a world of subscriptions and paywalls, Griffiths said he believes that the business model of local journalism needs to be re-evaluated. He points to nonprofit models like The Current on the Georgia coast and The Macon Melody as potential ways to revitalize local news.

While the new report may not identify clear-cut solutions, the creators behind the report hope their findings can help improve the viability and sustainability of local journalism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We think we made a real significant contribution here, and that this really gives a very meaningful picture of the sort of journalistic horsepower in counties across America and will help all of us to better understand both the crisis and how to solve it, Waldman said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint against Edwin Brant Frost IV of Georgia and his First Liberty Building & Loan, LLC, alleging the business was operated as a Ponzi scheme.

The document asserts that Frost and his company "raised at least $140 million from approximately 300 investors through the sale of loan participation agreements and promissory notes that offered annual returns of 8% to 18%.

"As of 2021, approximately 80% of interest and principal payments to investors were sourced from new investor funds, and not from Bridge Loan interest payments or principal repayments," the SEC complaint claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What Is A Ponzi Scheme? The History Of The Financial Scam First Orchestrated By Charles Ponzi

U.S. dollars Dec. 7, 2021, in Istanbul

The SEC alleged Frost spent investor funds in various ways, some of which included making more than $570,000 in political donations, buying a $20,800 watch and making "over $2.4 million in payments to credit cards issued to him and his business entities."

The Associated Press indicated that Frost is a Republican.

Read On The Fox News App

Kevin Bacon Is More Careful After Losing Money In Infamous Ponzi Scheme

The elephant, a symbol of the Republican Party, on in a rug in the lobby of the Republican Party's headquarters in Washington.

"The promise of a high rate of return on an investment is a red flag that should make all potential investors think twice or maybe even three times before investing their money," said Justin C. Jeffries, associate director of enforcement for the SECs Atlanta regional office, according to a press release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Unfortunately, weve seen this movie before  bad actors luring investors with promises of seemingly over-generous returns  and it does not end well."

Lawyer Joshua Mayes of Robbins Alloy Belinfante Littlefield LLC is representing Frost in the matter, and he provided Fox News Digital with a statement from Frost, who admitted he had misled people.

Elon Musk Calls Social Security The Biggest Ponzi Scheme Of All Time

U.S. bills burning in London Aug. 8. 2011

"I take full responsibility for my actions and am resolved to spend the rest of my life trying to repay as much as I can to the many people I misled and let down. I will be cooperating with the receiver and federal authorities and ask that everyone allow the receiver time to sort things out and do his best to repair the damage I created," Frost noted in the statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I would like to apologize personally to those I have harmed, but I am under restrictions which prevent me from doing so. While I do not deserve it, I am grateful for the support of friends and family as I confront this situation I created."





Original article source: Georgia man accused by SEC of perpetrating Ponzi scheme says he takes 'full responsibility' for his actions
Lost German backpacker Carolina Wilga was found alive but "ravaged by mosquitoes" on Friday, 12 days after going missing in remote bushland in Western Australia.

A member of the public found the 26-year-old on a bush track at the edge of a nature reserve, and she has been taken to hospital in Perth for treatment, police said.

"She's been ravaged by mosquitoes. She's obviously been through an amazing journey, a trauma, and no doubt will be a testimony demonstrating her bravery in the circumstances out there," WA police inspector Martin Glynn told reporters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I think once we do hear her story, it will be a remarkable story."

Television images showed her gingerly climbing the steps into a light turboprop plane to be flown out for medical treatment, wearing a long beige dress and blue cardigan.

Wilga had been last seen on June 29 arriving in a Mitsubishi van at a general store in the small agricultural community of Beacon, northeast of Perth.

Police found the van on Thursday apparently abandoned after getting stuck in dense bushland north of there, sparking a major land and air search of the area.

"She's obviously coped in some amazing conditions. There's a very hostile environment out there, both from flora and fauna. It's a really, really challenging environment to cope in," Glynn said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- No serious injuries -

"The weather conditions have been really adverse, with temperatures getting down to zero. Night has been rain. There's been reports of all sorts of challenges in that terrain."

Her van was found with plastic orange traction tracks placed beneath the rear wheels, apparently after getting stuck in the terrain.

It was unclear exactly where she was found, or how far she had strayed from the vehicle.

"She would have covered a lot of ground in that time as she tried to make her way out of there," Glynn said.

The backpacker was taken to Beacon "in quite a fragile condition", then flown to Perth for medical treatment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"She doesn't appear to have any serious injuries. She obviously has a lot of significant minor injuries," Glynn said, adding that Wilga would receive medical attention.

"Hopefully, once she recovers, a better assessment can be made."

Wilga's family has been notified, police said.

"It's a really good outcome," Glynn told reporters.

"We are constantly involved in these sorts of situations and it's delightful, obviously, when you get an outcome like this. It makes everything, all the effort, worthwhile -- absolutely."

Police say she had spent two years backpacking around the country, and was working at mine sites in Western Australia.

djw/dhw
German comedian Sebastian Hotz, who goes by the moniker "El Hotzo," faces trial for making statements about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump during the US presidential election.

The Berlin public prosecutor's office charges that he condoned and rewarded criminal offences.

His trial is scheduled to begin on July 23 at the Tiergarten district court in Berlin, a court spokeswoman confirmed on request.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the court, one trial day has been scheduled so far.

Hotz came under scrutiny in July 2024 after screenshots of his posts on the social media platform X began circulating widely.

In one post he suggested a similarity between a "last bus" and Trump, writing that "unfortunately" both had been "just missed."

In another entry, Hotz said: "I think it's absolutely fantastic when fascists die."

The entries were later deleted and regional public broadcaster RBB subsequently ended its collaboration with Hotz on a youth programme. Shortly afterwards, national public broadcaster ARD Kultur cancelled a literary event with him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July, a shooter was able to climb to an elevated position with an assault rifle and fire a number of shots at Trump, causing panic to break out in the audience.

Trump, wounded in the ear and left bleeding, struck a defiant tone as he pumped his fist while being whisked off the stage.

A firefighter watching the rally was killed and two others seriously injured.
Germany's lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, is set to decide on the appointment of three new judges to the Federal Constitutional Court on Friday, in what could prove to be a contentious series of votes.

The conservative bloc has proposed Gunter Spinner, currently a judge at the Federal Labour Court. The Social Democrats (SPD), the junior partner in the ruling coalition with the conservatives, has nominated law professors Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf and Ann-Katrin Kaufhold.

The Federal Constitutional Court, based in Karlsruhe, has 16 judges and ensures compliance with the country's Basic Law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A result for Spinner is expected from the late morning, while the outcome for the two SPD candidates, who will be voted on simultaneously but separately, is anticipated from the early afternoon. The votes are secret.

There have been discussions on two points beforehand: Within the conservatives, there is resistance to Brosius-Gersdorf, who advocated for mandatory vaccination during the Covid-19 pandemic and is considered too liberal on the topic of abortion.

Additionally, it is possible that the conservative bloc - made up of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavaria-only sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) - might rely on votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) for their candidate's election, as the CDU/CSU faction has so far rejected talks with The Left party.

The AfD parliamentary leadership is recommending its members vote for Spinner and advises against voting for the two SPD candidates. If The Left does not support him, AfD votes could become crucial.

The CDU/CSU bloc rejects cooperation with both the AfD and The Left.

But since the vote is secret, the voting behaviour of individual factions can ultimately only be inferred from public statements.
Germany and Norway are prepared to purchase three Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine from a U.S. manufacturer, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press conference in Rome on July 10.

"Germany is ready to pay  I have agreements with them  for two systems. Norway is ready to pay  I have bilateral agreements with Prime Minister (Jonas Gahr Stoere)  one system," Zelensky said on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference.

The announcement follows Kyiv's calls for Western partners to provide additional air defenses to help Ukraine repel intensifying Russian aerial strikes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zelensky added that Ukraine needs a total of 10 Patriots and voiced hope that other European partners will join the new financing scheme. He noted that a final response from the U.S. manufacturer is still awaited.

Speaking at the Recovery Conference earlier on July 10, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that Berlin is willing to purchase Patriots for Ukraine from the U.S., though adding that a final decision has not yet been made.

The comments followed reporting that U.S. President Donald Trump appealed to Merz to purchase a Patriot battery to boost Kyiv's air defenses. The U.S. president also said separately that he is "looking" into the possibility of helping Ukraine acquire additional Patriots.

At a press conference in Malaysia on July 10, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also acknowledged Ukraine's need for air defenses and urged European allies to provide their Patriot batteries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Ukrainians need more Patriot batteries. Many European countries have them, but no one wants to part with theirs. I hope that will change," Rubio said.

"I hope we can convince some of our NATO partners to send these batteries to Ukraine."

The comments followed confusion caused by what appeared to be a unilateral decision by the Pentagon to halt some of the weapons shipments en route to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles and precision munitions. Deliveries of at least some of the shipments have since then reportedly resumed, and Trump pledged to provide additional military support to Kyiv.

The Patriots are powerful U.S.-produced air defenses that have played a key role in protecting the Ukrainian skies. They are one of the few systems capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ukraine operates at least six of these systems, provided over the past years by the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania.

Russia has ramped up aerial strikes against Ukraine in the past weeks, launching a record of over 740 drones and missiles on July 9. A day later, Russian forces again launched around 400 drones and 18 missiles against the country, primarily targeting Kyiv.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany has no plans to procure additional F-35 fighter jets, a defence ministry spokesperson said on Friday, denying a Politico report that the country planned to grow its planned fleet to 50.

So far, Germany has ordered 35 of the U.S.-made jets to replace a total of 85 ageing Tornado fighter jets that will be decommissioned.

"The defence ministry currently has no plans to procure additional F-35s beyond the 35 F-35s already contractually agreed," the spokesperson said at a regular news conference.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A military source told Reuters that the figure of 15 additional F-35 jets had been part of previous considerations, but that the numbers needed to be adapted after NATO's new targets for weapons and troop numbers.

The new targets suggest the initial figure was not large enough and the actual number of additional F-35s needed might be bigger in the end, although the source would not confirm this.

The Politico report comes amid tensions between Germany and France on the joint Franco-German fighter jet FCAS partnership after a report earlier this week that France now wants a workshare of 80%.

The demand would scrap the agreed division of tasks and possibly stop the project from entering its next phase, an industry source told Reuters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday that differences remained on the configuration of the FCAS project, which has been plagued by delays and infighting over workshare and intellectual property rights.

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Writing by Friederike Heine; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Saad Sayeed)
German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil has called for "leadership and responsibility" from his conservative coalition partners after a bitter dispute over the election of judges to the country's top court.

The appointment of new judges to the Constitutional Court was due to be decided on Friday in the Bundestag, the country's lower house of parliament.

But Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc - made up of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) - surprisingly withdrew its support for a candidate from Klingbeil's centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), its partner in government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The shock move led to fury among lawmakers and the subsequent postponement of the elections.

Klingbeil, who also serves as finance minister, said that difficult decisions must be taken in coalitions. "That is the value of compromise," he said, adding that his party had "very clear expectations" of its partners.

The candidate, law professor Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, had attracted criticism from conservatives over her views on abortion and her support for mandatory vaccination during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Addressing the critics, Klingbeil said that gender equality and women's right to self-determination has constitutional protection in Germany.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"By the way, it is the task of judges to protect this, especially at the Federal Constitutional Court," he said.

The dispute - which breaks the long-held tradition of consensus-driven appointments to the country's top court - left Merz's coalition government humiliated, only two months after it took office.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is to make his inaugural visit to London on Thursday, with a German-British treaty of friendship expected to be signed.

Government spokesman Steffen Meyer said in Berlin on Friday that the visit is intended to deepen the close ties between the two countries.

Merz is to be received by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has sought to mend relations with the European Union following Brexit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The draft treaty is to be approved by the German Cabinet on Wednesday.

It is to focus on cooperation in foreign and defence policy, as well as economic growth and further contact between citizens of the two countries.

Following the signing, the treaty must also be submitted to the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament.

An action plan is also to be presented, outlining concrete projects to intensify bilateral cooperation.
MANSFIELD, Ohio (WCMH)  Made famous as the backdrop of the film The Shawshank Redemption, the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield is also known as one of Americas most haunted places.

Now, ghost-hunting fans are being reminded not to miss the popular 2025 paranormal events at the roughly 125-year-old former prison that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Destination Mansfield has announced that just a few summer dates remain for travelers to take part in the former prisons Paranormal Institute, Ghost Hunts and Ghost Walks.

Ohio State Reformatorys Paranormal Institute

 Saturday, July 26

 2:30 p.m. to midnight

 Cost: $135 for adults, $75 for youths 13 to 17

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One final summer session remains for this comprehensive study and exploration of the supernatural. Attendees 13 and up can learn everything they need to know about locating spirits by going to this ghost-hunting school at the reformatory. It includes two hours of classroom study, followed by a four-hour guided ghost hunt. Julys session focuses on audio and electronic voice phenomenon, apparitions, shadows and orbs.

Ohio State Reformatorys Ghost Hunts

 Saturdays, July 5 and 12, Aug. 2 and 9, Nov. 22 and Dec. 6

 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

 Cost: $104

 Complimentary water, coffee and hot chocolate are available throughout the night.

The enormously popular overnight Ghost Hunts, listed on the Travel Channels 101 Things to do before you die, are a sell-out risk, with spots reserved months in advance. Available to adventure seekers 18 and older, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows ghost hunters to spend hours in the reformatory, searching for evidence of the departed.

The proceeds from these hunts are used to restore the buildings historic architecture.

Ohio State Reformatorys Mini Ghost Hunts

 Fridays, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8

 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

 Cost: $65, book the Ghost Walk for the same night and get a $10 discount.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For curious visitors 18 and older who are short on time, the reformatory offers Mini Ghost Hunts. Tour organizers recommend sturdy shoes and a flashlight; ghost-hunting equipment can be rented for the experience. The gate opens at 9:30 p.m. and all guests must be out of the building by 2 a.m.

OSR night photo (Photo Credit/ Scott Sukel) OSR central guard room (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) OSR east cell block (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) The wardens office (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) OSR west cell block (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) Bible (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) Playing cards (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) OSR ghost hunt (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) OSR Cells (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) Ghost hunt at OSR (Photo Credit/ Scott Sukel) (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) OSR cell blocks (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield) Ohio State Reformatory (Photo Credit/ Destination Mansfield)

Ohio State Reformatorys Ghost Walks

 Fridays, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8, Nov. 5 and Dec. 5.

 Registration from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., guided tour from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

 Cost: $45 for adults, $40 for youths 13 to 17

Fans of the unnatural can get all the haunted highlights the reformatory has to offer with its Ghost Walks. Knowledgeable tour guides lead guests on a two-hour walk through the dark halls and corridors straight to spots where paranormal activity has been reported, while recounting stories of eerie experiences, murder and death.

Ghost hunting equipment rentals

The reformatory offers ghost hunting equipment for rent during its public paranormal events. Attendees must reserve the items in advance when booking the experience.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For rent:

 8+1 electro-magnetic field meter (EMF), $10

 EMF meter with temperature and an audible alert, $10

 K2 meter, $10

 Red laser grid, $15

 Micro Red Pod, $15

Additionally, the reformatory hosts the annual Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival, which takes place this year from July 18 to 20. In October, a haunted house event called Blood Prison features costumed actors and special effects that provide scares and thrills beyond reality.

A wide range of other tours, including those for movie and history buffs and younger visitors, can also be booked this summer.

The Ohio State Reformatory opened in 1896. It housed 155,000 men over its nearly 100-year existence as an operating prison, before a federal court order closed it in 1990 due to inhumane conditions and overcrowding. Before being demolished, local volunteers saved it as a museum and historical site. It receives financial support from donors, filming fees, special events and tour proceeds. Tours can be booked on its website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The Great Plains Zoo is celebrating a milestone more than 21 years in the making, the birth of a snow leopard cub.

And now, after weeks of care and observation, the zoo is sharing the gender of the cub: its a girl!

Photos show storm damage on Lake Poinsett

It was so fun to watch Mom give birth, and we can watch via camera as she grows up. And its so fun to watch. Its just the highlight of my day, said Angie Blommer, Carnivore Supervisor at Great Plains Zoo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cub was born on May 23rd to parents Denali and Strut. Since then, she has been spending time bonding with her mom in a quiet den.

The cub isnt quite ready for her public debut just yet. But in the meantime, you can catch sneak peeks and updates by following the Great Plains Zoo on social media.

Zookeepers want her to grow strong behind the scenes before joining her dad in the exhibit.

The Great Plains Zoo is part of a network of accredited zoos working to protect and repopulate endangered and vulnerable animals, including snow leopards.

Unfortunately, theyre losing habitat to climate change and human destruction all the time. So, its important. That we under human care can help maintain these populations so that someday, hopefully, maybe we can put them back in the wild, said Blommer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Experts say there are fewer than 10,000 snow leopards left in the world.

In our lifetime, it is possible that snow leopards could disappear. And this is the only place we could go to see them, said Blommer.

Snow Leopards are no longer endangered. Theyre now considered vulnerable thanks to efforts including those at the Great Plains Zoo.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Along with expected storms and heavy rainfall, Oklahomans could see flash flooding this upcoming weekend.

Flooding is top of mind for many after the devastating flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country on July 4, which left at least 120 dead. Rescuers are still searching for the more than 160 people missing, but the chances of finding survivors have dwindled as the search hits day 8 since the flood.

Closer to home for Oklahomans, a group of children were evacuated from the Boys and Girls Club of Sequoyah County as a flash flood brought a foot of water into some parts of the building.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The National Weather Service in Norman said heavy rainfall is possible this weekend in Oklahoma, which could lead to flooding. Here's what you need to know:

When is it going to storm in Oklahoma?

There is a "marginal" chance of strong to severe thunderstorms in western and northern Oklahoma Friday, July 11, afternoon and into the evening. The main hazard expected is damaging wind gusts.

A marginal chance of strong to severe storms also exists across the state Saturday, July 12, afternoon into Sunday, July 13. Sunday's severe risk remains across central, southern and eastern Oklahoma.

Heavy rainfall and flooding are also possible Saturday and Sunday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Oklahoma flooding 2025: Here's how you can prepare your home, family in case of a flood

What to know about flash flood risk in Oklahoma

A "slight" flash flood risk exists Saturday and Sunday across a large portion of Oklahoma, the weather service reported.

Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall with a slow-moving front are possible Saturday into Sunday. The exact location of the front, which is not yet known, will impact where the heaviest rain will occur.

Low-lying and poorly drained areas are at the highest risk of flooding.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma weather: See timeline of potential flooding this weekend
UPDATE: This story was updated Friday morning to reflect that the Gothic Fire has burned 30,000 acres.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A fire believed to have been caused by lightning on July 4 has grown from 8,000 acres to 30,000 in a remote area on the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) northwest of Las Vegas, according to the Bureau of Land Management.

The Gothic Fire, on Range 74 at NTTR, is now the largest so far this year in Nevada.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fire is burning on restricted military land in Nye County, tracking information on https://www.nevadafireinfo.org/ might not immediately reflect actual conditions. The U.S. Air Force and the BLM are coordinating firefighting efforts.

Smoke drifting in from the north is causing hazy skies in Las Vegas. Air quality is currently moderate due to wildfire smoke.

NTTR, managed by the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, covers about 2.9 million acres, including Range 74, which is used for military testing and training activities. A BLM news release reports no immediate threat to personnel, facilities, or adjacent communities. Because the area is off-limits to the public, theres a reduced risk.

The largest fires so far this year in Nevada:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

About 30,000 acres: The Gothic Fire in Nye County, 0% contained 17,714 acres: The Connor Fire in Douglas County, extinguished 17,583 acres: The Barber Fire in Pershing County, 85% contained

The Trout Canyon Fire, which was burning earlier this week on the Pahrump side of Mt. Charleston, was contained at 27 acres.

In northeast Nevada, the Hot Canyon Fire has grown to 6,339 acres, with 15% containment. The fire was reported Tuesday and is burning brush and small trees. The cause of the fire is unknown.

A camera on the Nevada Fire Camera network shows the Hot Canyon Fire in northeast Nevada.

And fire officials in California said they escaped a potential major disaster on Wednesday as a small fire  the Kimber Fire  was stopped at about a third of an acre on the north side of Sunrise Reservoir in Verdi.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials with the Sierra County Sheriffs Office said they were very fortunate that the fire, just across the state line from Washoe County, didnt go unnoticed in dry and windy conditions. The area, near where Interstate 80 crosses into California, has neighborhoods that would have been in danger if flames had spread.

Thanks to the swift and coordinated response from the Reno Fire Department, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, and the U.S. Forest Service  Humboldt-Toiyabe, the fire was quickly contained before it could spread further, a Facebook post by the Sierra County Sheriffs Office said.

We are extremely grateful for the professionalism and speed of our responding agencies. Their quick action helped prevent what could have been a much more serious event, the post said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

Democrats are calling Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to address redistricting during the upcoming special session as "power grab."

Gov. Greg Abbott said the move comes after the U.S. Department of Justice had constitutional concerns in some districts.

The four districts are all currently held by Democrats.

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday released his special session agenda for lawmakers when they return later this month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The agenda listed 18 items like THC regulation and flood relief, but also included the topic of redistricting.

Under the topic of redistricting it reads: "Legislation that provides a revised congressional redistricting plan in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice."

The plan seems to include three districts in the Houston area and one Dallas-area district.

All are Democratic districts. Some Democrats say the attempt is a "coordinated power grab" to hold the Republican's narrow majority in the U.S. House.

Republicans argue the districts are racially gerrymandered to give Democrats an advantage.

What they're saying

"Governor Abbotts decision to call a special session on redistricting while ongoing floodsresponsible for the deaths of more than 100 Texans, including school-aged childrencontinue to devastate the state is nothing more than a craven power grab and absolutely disgusting," Rep. Marc Veasey said. "This is an order straight from Mar-a-Lago and carried out at the expense of Texans. Lets be clear: this is not about fairness or constitutionality. This is about the Coward-in-Chief, Trump, and his lapdog, Greg Abbott, trying to rig the system because they know they cant win a fair fight in 2026."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Veasey represents the state's 33rd Congressional District, which covers large parts of Dallas and Fort Worth. It's one of the districts Democrats said are being targeted in the special session.

The others are three reliably blue districts in Houston: the Ninth, 18th and 29th Congressional Districts.

Rep. Al Green, in the Ninth Congressional District is holding a news conference on Friday to address the "unjust mid-decade Congressional redistricting."

The move is drawing concern, not only from those that feel targeted, but from other Democrats both in Texas and beyond.

"Ordering a redistricting scheme under the cover of darkness is one of the most shameful abuses of power we've seen in Texas in a generation," Rep. Julie Johnson (D-Texas) said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Abbott and House Republicans are "conspiring to rig the Texas congressional map."

In a post on X, Jeffries said the move could make some Republicans in the state more vulnerable.

Republicans currently hold 25 of the state's 38 congressional seats.

What is redistricting?

Click to open this PDF in a new window.

The redistricting process usually happens every 10 years after new census data is released.

Texas' maps were last redrawn in 2021.

Texas lawmakers drew political maps that would protect the GOPs majorities in the Texas Legislature, on the State Board of Education and within the states congressional delegation to Washington, D.C. Throughout the process, Texas Republicans  nearly all of whom are white  struggled against demographic tides to protect their grip on power.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A lawsuit was almost immediately filed claiming the maps dilute the vote of communities of color.

Those 2021 maps are still on trial.

Texas has had to defend its maps in court after every redistricting process since the Voting Rights Act took effect in 1965.

The Source

Information on the contested districts comes from the Texas Democratic party. Comments made by lawmakers come from their respective social media pages. Information on the Texas special session comes from Gov. Greg Abbott's office. Information on redistricting comes from previous FOX reporting.
(Texas Scorecard)  Gov. Greg Abbott has officially released the agenda for the upcoming special legislative session, identifying 18 items for lawmakers to tackle when they return to Austin on Monday, July 21.

The announcement ends weeks of speculation about what issues would be included on the call and contains a mix of responses to both recent events and long-standing conservative priorities.

We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come, said Abbott. There is more work to be done, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Included in the call are several flood-related items aimed at improving early warning systems, emergency communications, and local relief funding. The agenda also includes a sweeping review of rules related to disaster preparation and recovery.

Abbott is also calling for legislation to eliminate the STAAR test, cut property taxes, and overhaul regulations on THC productsan issue that has divided state leadership since Abbott vetoed a proposed ban last month. Instead of an outright ban, the governor is asking for new restrictions on potency and synthetic compounds without banning a lawful agricultural commodity.

Several conservative priorities also made the list, including a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying, a constitutional amendment granting the Attorney General the power to prosecute election crimes, and protections for womens privacy in sex-segregated spaces. Legislation to further protect unborn children by strengthening the states ban on abortion-inducing drugs also made the cut.

Other agenda items include measures to protect victims of human trafficking from criminal liability, protections for law enforcement personnel files, and action on title theft and deed fraud. Abbott also called for legislation addressing judicial department operations and incentives for water conservation in building projects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As expected, redistricting is officially on the agenda, following pressure from President Donald Trumps team to secure additional Republican seats in Congress. The item calls for revisions to Texas congressional maps in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice.

With Abbotts proclamation now released, the process of drafting and filing bills can officially begin.

While Republicans control both chambers, there are still questions about potential roadblocks. Among them, whether House Democrats will participate in the session or stage a quorum break, as they did in 2021 to stall election integrity legislation.

The special session is set to begin at noon on July 21.
Gov. Kay Ivey delivers the opening remarks during the State Board of Veterans Affairs meeting on Thursday, July 10, 2025. In her address she defended her efforts urging lawmakers to pass a bill that restructured the veterans board and allow her to appoint the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)

Gov. Kay Ivey said Thursday that changes to the State Board of Veterans Affairs would allow the state to better serve roughly 400,000 veterans in Alabama.

The remarks at the boards meeting came months after the Legislature approved a bill removing the boards policy-making ability and turning it into an advisory body, and amid a lawsuit from former Alabama Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis, who claims Ivey wrongfully terminated him last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alabamas veterans deserve our very best, Ivey said in her speech that opened the meeting. We will use this new structure to better focus on what matters most; serving those who sacrificed for our freedoms  our veterans.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Ivey did not offer any specifics regarding the impact the new structure will have on the veterans board or the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.

The changes to the board came after a battle between Ivey and Davis last fall. Ivey accused Davis of not spending federal money allocated to the state in a timely manner and of filing a frivolous ethics complaint against Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell, which was later dismissed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a news conference last month, Davis disavowed the allegation that he mishandled ARPA funds and said that he was required by state law to file the ethics complaint after members of the State Board of Veterans Affairs said they had concerns with Boswell.

Initially, Davis agreed to leave at the end of the year. But the board, saying it found no evidence of wrongdoing, later asked him to rescind his resignation. Ivey later called a meeting and terminated Davis. Davis filed suit last month, alleging Ivey violated his free speech and due process rights.

It is pretty clear that she got it restructured because she did not have the authority to fire Admiral Davis, although she did, said Kenneth Mendelsohn on Thursday, the attorney representing Davis in the lawsuit he filed against Ivey. This gives her control over the Board, whereas in the past she had one vote on it.

SB 67, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, transferred the authority for appointing the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs from the board to the governors office, which selects a nominee based on a list of names provided by veterans organizations

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The law also stripped the boards power to set rules and policies for the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, essentially relegating the veterans board to an advisory role.

My commitment to all the veterans coalitions throughout the state, to veterans throughout the state, is anything that comes forward to me, like before, is going to be a directive, said Jeffrey L. Newton, the commissioner tapped to succeed Davis. It is really no change as far as taking the Boards recommendations, and anything they need, any advice they give, we are going to go forward with it.

Davis attended Thursdays meeting.

I thought it was a pleasant meeting today, Davis said in an interview Thursday. It was short. That was the shortest SBVA meeting I have ever seen.

He added that, I wish them luck. I wish them nothing but the best. I told a lot of the new members, Just make sure you are serving veterans.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Friday called a special election for the Hennepin and Anoka County state House seat left vacant following the assassination of Brooklyn Park Rep. Melissa Hortman last month.

Hortman, the former House speaker and leader of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor caucus in the House, represented House District 34B, a district that includes Brooklyn Park, as well as parts of Champlin and Coon Rapids.

A special primary election for the seat is now scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 12. The special election is set to take place on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Candidates can begin submitting paperwork to run starting July 15. Affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions can be submitted to the Anoka and Hennepin county auditors or the Minnesota Secretary of State until July 22.

House District 34B has been without a representative for nearly a month.

In the early morning hours of June 14, Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot at their home by a gunman who was reportedly targeting state lawmakers. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot at their home in Champlin and survived.

Hortman was first elected to the House in 2004 and was in her 11th term in the Legislature. She was elected speaker of the House in 2019, when the DFL took a majority in the House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hortman lost the speakership in 2025 after the 2024 election resulted in a House tied 67-67 between the parties.

The House is now split 67-66 between the parties, with Republicans at a one-seat majority.

Hortman had handily won reelection in District 34B and past districts that covered a similar footprint. In 2024, she won reelection with 63% of the vote.

Related Articles
The government has launched a consultation on a new code to stop people being "unfairly penalised" by private car park operators.

It follows concerns raised by drivers including Rosey Hudson, who was asked to pay 1,906 for taking more than five minutes to pay in a car park in Derby.

The government said the new Private Parking Code of Practice "aims to create a fairer, more transparent private parking system".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The British Parking Association, one of two trade associations that oversees the industry, has said it will work closely with the government throughout the consultation.

Local growth minister and Nottingham North and Kimberley MP Alex Norris said: "From shopping on your local high street to visiting a loved one in hospital, parking is part of everyday life. But too many people are being unfairly penalised.

"That's why our code will tackle misleading tactics and confusing processes, bringing vital oversight and transparency to raise standards across the board."

The previous government published a code of practice in February 2022 and it was due to come into effect by the end of 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, it was withdrawn following legal challenges launched by several parking firms.

This meant the private parking sector has been left to regulate itself, through two accredited trade associations called the British Parking Association (BPA) and International Parking Community (IPC).

Car park operators, which are members of these associations, can obtain drivers' names and addresses from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and issue parking charge notices (PCNs) for allegedly breaching terms and conditions.

This has led to drivers being asked to pay hundreds and sometimes thousands of pounds for infringements such as taking too long to pay, or keying in their vehicle registration plates incorrectly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The government said its new measures would prevent charges caused by issues such as payment machine errors, accidental typos, or poor mobile signal.

However, the AA believes the government's proposals do not go far enough.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy, said: "This long-awaited consultation will not please drivers and suggests that government is bending the knee to the private parking industry."

His concerns include a 100 cap on parking charges, which is higher than the 50 previously proposed.

"We urge all drivers to complete the consultation and submit their views and experiences when dealing with private parking firms," he said.

Hannah Robinson was asked to pay 11,390 because poor mobile signal meant she took too long to pay [Hannah Robinson]

Statistics published by the DVLA suggest private car park operators are issuing more PCNs than ever before.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They paid the DVLA for 12.8 million keeper details in the last financial year, which is a 673% increase since 2012.

"While this partly reflects more parking spaces, the current system lacks independent oversight and sufficient transparency," the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said.

"At present, operators can avoid sanctions for poor practice, leaving motorists vulnerable to unfair or incorrect charges. The new compliance framework will ensure accountability."

Under the proposals, operators that breach the code may stop being able to get drivers' details from the DVLA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The eight-week consultation is due to close on 5 September and people can give their views online.

The BPA said it would work closely with the government throughout the consultation, but said the new code must allow for "proper enforcement".

"Without proper enforcement, parking quickly becomes a free-for-all, with some people taking advantage at the expense of others," it said in a statement.

"When spaces are misused, it's often at the expense of those who need them most, such as disabled people, parents with young children and local residents.

"We believe parking systems must strike a balance: they should deter selfish and anti-social behaviour, but they must also be fair, proportionate, and transparent."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.

More on this story
The meeting in the UAE between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan came as a surprise to many. The parties have not met so thoroughly for a long time. Brief exchanges of views on the move, on the sidelines of international events, were informal and indicated that Baku and Yerevan were in search of a common language. But negotiations as such, meetings where solutions are worked out, have not been held for a long time.

The last time the leaders of the two countries had a brief conversation was on the sidelines of the sixth Summit of the European Political Community, held in Tirana in May. The meeting was initiated by Nikol Pashinyan. The Armenian Prime Minister approached the President of Azerbaijan and offered to drink coffee. "Having coffee" meant "we need to talk." At that time, they laughed at the hapless prime minister in Armenia, but the grins faded from their faces when, a short time later, he launched an open offensive against the revanchist opposition and the church. "This is what a cup of coffee can lead to," some analysts commented gloomily, marveling at the boldness of the head of government, who they believed was supported by Baku and then Ankara.

On June 10, against the background of the negotiations taking place in Abu Dhabi, the Dashnaks were smashed in Armenia. Needless to say, what place does Dashnaktsutyun occupy with its bloody traditions in shaping the worldview of the Armenian society. By the way, this summer the Dashnaks celebrate the 135th anniversary of the creation of the terrorist party, which has shed a lot of blood over the years, but has not provided the Armenians "from sea to sea." The ideas of the Dashnaks and their dirty deeds determined the path of the Armenians for the next almost a century and a half and plunged the Armenian people into the abyss of conflicts and problems.

Dashnaki's anniversary will be celebrated behind bars, because the authorities are very determined. On Thursday, 7 people were detained in connection with the preparation of a terrorist act and illegal possession of weapons. According to Armenian media, Nikol Pashinyan instructed law enforcement agencies to find legal grounds to block the activities of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun party in Armenia. Yerevan is completely unable to block Dashnaktsutyun, because the main terrorist bases are located in the Diaspora. Armenian terrorism has always been funded by the Diaspora and is supported by it. But if the Dashnaks can be neutralized, at least in Armenia itself, it will already be a significant contribution to the stability of the region.

I think the meeting in Abu Dhabi took place because Nikol Pashinyan proved that it is possible to talk to him. He tried very hard. Baku is watching the steps taken by the Pashinyan government very closely. "Sanitary" procedures for laundering Armenia from revanchism and aggressive nationalism are welcome in Azerbaijan. Although the main goal is to keep Pashinyan in power, ultimately improving Armenia's political field will help establish normal relations in the region.

President Ilham Aliyev has never been a proponent of negotiations for the sake of negotiations. Meetings with a party that is not capable of independent steps are a waste of time. The Azerbaijani leader has long made it clear that Baku and Yerevan will speak without intermediaries, or will not speak at the highest level at all. Mediation in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict has never been neutral, impartial and equidistant. It has been monopolized by specific countries and has always tended towards Armenian interests. And when, after the 44-day war, all the same countries began to make attempts to interfere in the process, Baku firmly put an end to these attempts. It took time for Yerevan to realize that the support group was dragging Armenia to the bottom.

According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, it was confirmed in Abu Dhabi that bilateral negotiations are the most effective format for resolving all issues related to the normalization process, and on this basis, the continuation of such a result-oriented dialogue was agreed. Assessing the progress achieved in the process of border delimitation, the leaders gave instructions to the relevant state commissions to continue practical work in this direction. The parties also agreed to continue bilateral negotiations and measures to build trust between the two countries.

The meeting in the UAE was unprecedented in length, and the parties even had to take a break. It is reported that it was also unprecedented in its constructiveness. Estimates published in the media allow us to speak about the latter. The leaders of the two countries did not make any statements, but it became known that very serious and substantive discussions took place on important areas of the peace agenda. These are the delimitation of borders, the opening and development of the Zangezur corridor, and the initialing of the peace agreement. It is reported that general agreements have been reached to continue these negotiations in the format of different working groups and at higher levels.

In fact, this is the first time that the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides have met with such extensive delegations. The composition of the delegations spoke about a wide range of issues to be discussed.

The delimitation process has been unreasonably prolonged. After the successes of May last year, there was a long pause and no steps have been taken on this issue for more than a year. The return of four villages to Azerbaijan and the delimitation of about 13 kilometers of borders caused a surge in revanchist protests and the appearance on the political arena of an archbishop who declared himself the "savior" of the Armenian people. The domestic political situation has sharply escalated. Now that the "savior" is writing diaries in the detention center, and Pashinyan is step by step neutralizing the revanchist resistance, there is an opportunity for a constructive solution to this difficult task. The Armenian prime minister had to prove that he was capable of making such decisions. We can say that he passed the test at the first stage. After the meeting in Abu Dhabi, we should expect the activation of the working groups on delimitation.

There is no doubt that after the meeting in the UAE, things will go faster on the issue of a peace treaty. This fundamental document should determine the conditions of peace in the region for a long time, so Baku is taking its signing very seriously. No amount of external pressure and blackmail could force him to step back from this position. Azerbaijan has clear and well-reasoned demands on the Armenian side, and from the statements made by Pashinyan and members of his team recently, it can be seen that Baku is already being heard much better in Yerevan.

As for the Zangezur corridor, this issue also met with serious opposition in Armenia, but the revanchists did not have to make much effort here, because some of Armenia's neighbors and allies helped to prevent the construction of communications from the western borders of Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Only Russia was in favor, because by the Trilateral Statement of November 10, 2020, it was designated the guarantor of the security of this transport corridor and through this could further strengthen itself in Armenia. When its position in Armenia gave way, interest in the road through Meghri faded. And in recent days, news has been circulating in the media about plans to transfer the security of the corridor to the American security campaign, and US officials have pointedly expressed hopes for the imminent signing of a peace treaty.

It is not reported in what key the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia spoke in Abu Dhabi on the topic of opening communications. You can build versions, but you probably shouldn't. Given the Azerbaijani President's ability to convince opponents, there is no doubt that Ilham Aliyev will eventually succeed in ensuring the interests and demands of the Azerbaijani side and even find a place in them for the "Crossroads of the World" promoted by Pashinyan. There are never too many roads. If Yerevan shows good will, Baku may well meet it halfway.

Turning an opponent into a partner is a political aerobatics, the techniques of which are mastered by the Azerbaijani leader.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bipartisan bill into law this week, repealing Pennsylvanias historic ban on Sunday hunting.

The new law aims to provide more freedom to the states 850,000 licensed hunters and support the rural economy.

The repeal of the ban on Sunday hunting is expected to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts and increase outdoor activities and tourism in Pennsylvania.

Supporters of the law believe it will benefit those who work by providing an additional day for hunting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

EXCLUSIVE: Governor Shapiro speaks on Erie Countys role in his goals for Pennsylvania

I think its a good idea, especially for those who have to work during the week, said Clair Snyder, an Erie hunter.

The new law is also a win for the increasing number of food-insecure families in the region.

Hunters Share the Harvest provided 4,600 pounds of meat to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA last year at no cost, helping to address food insecurity.

Meadow Thompson, Produce and Agricultural Coordinator, expressed gratitude for the donations, stating, Were so thankful for every single deer that is donated to us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Governor Shapiro fights for public transit in new budget

Thompson is hopeful that an additional day of hunting will lead to increased donations in the coming season.

She noted that in the last two years, there has been a 40% increase in households served by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA.

Those opposed to the law raise religious concerns and fears that it will increase trespassing and pose a safety risk to hikers.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Since her July 1 start date as president of Governors State University, Joyce Ester says she has been busy meeting with campus community members and embracing change in the south suburbs.

Ester, originally from Phoenix and a graduate of Thornridge High School in Dolton, recently moved back to the region after ending her tenure as president of Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota.

This area is very different physically than when I left almost 20 years ago, Ester said. When I was a young girl in this community, there wasnt a lot out here. Seeing new stores and new developments and new businesses that werent here when I was a child  its really nice to be able to see that and see the pride that people have in this institution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rather than identifying challenges she will face as Governors States new leader, Ester focused on the positive and said she is looking for opportunities for the institution to grow. She is the universitys seventh president, filling the position of Cheryl Green, who died a month after she retired March 1.

A search committee, including university trustees, students and faculty, chose Ester from a pool of 62 candidates, the college said in announcing her appointment.

Board President Jim Kvedaras said Ester was the clear preferred candidate and said he is excited about her commitment to improving the universitys reputation and expanding its student population amid uncertainties about higher education funding under President Donald Trump.

We cant just sit there and wait to see whats going to happen, Kvedaras said. Weve got to continue to try to grow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ester said she is impressed by Governors States history of doing a lot with a little, and said as president she hopes to do more with more.

We are a small institution, but I believe that we have an opportunity to really cast a wide shadow or net throughout the region, Ester said. Im really looking forward to being the big cheerleader for the institution and the good work thats happening here.

Faculty Senate President Joshua Sopiarz said he was impressed by Esters experience at Normandale Community College, which is the largest college and third largest institution in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

The faculty went on strike in 2023 before reaching a contract agreement with the university.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When Ester visited Governors State as a finalist for the position, Sopiarz said she relayed positive experiences working with faculty at Normandale and expressed what he believed was genuine interest in collaborating with faculty.

I was reassured by that and heartened by it, and it makes me optimistic for the future, Sopiarz said.

Under Esters leadership, Normandale saw an 18% enrollment increase among students of color between 2015-2020 and has continued to be one of the top transfer institutions in the state, according to GSU.

Ester brings more than 30 years of experience in various roles throughout academia that addressed academic and student affairs, faculty and staff governance, and financial management, according to the university.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Before joining Normandale, Ester was president for two years of Kennedy-King College, one of seven schools that comprise City Colleges of Chicago.

She holds a Ph.D. in education from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a master of arts in education from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a bachelor of arts in sociology from Northern Illinois University, according to her biographical information.

Esters salary will start at $305,000, and may increase 3% each year if her performance in a year supports an increase for the following year, according to her employment agreement. Her performance, evaluated by the board, will also determine her eligibility for a $25,000 bonus each year.

Greens salary for her last year at GSU was $350,000.

ostevens@chicagotribune.com
GRAND CANYON, Ariz.  Visitors along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park were asked to evacuate immediately Thursday evening due to a wildfire burning nearby.

Known as the White Sage Fire, the wildfire is located north of the North Rim near Jacob Lake and Fredonia, Arizona. It had scorched about 1,000 acres as of Friday morning.

Smoke from the White Sage Fire.

Officials said the wildfire was growing, which led them to call for the evacuation and closure of the North Rim until further notice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Park visitors had to navigate some road closures, particularly along State Route 89A to Fredonia, due to the growing fire, as well.

Texas Man Dies While Hiking Grand Canyon National Park

The National Park Service noted that the White Sage Fire is not related to the Dragon Bravo Fire, which has burned about 120 acres south of The Basin on the North Rim, but is being managed.

Dragon Bravo Fire in Grand Canyon National Park on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Both fires were caused by lightning, the NPS said.

How To Watch Fox Weather

The White Sage Fire began on Wednesday night, according to InciWeb. They noted that the fire is 0% contained as of Friday morning.





Original article source: Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim evacuated due to nearby wildfire
PHOENIX - Wildfire in northern Arizona prompts North Rim evacuation; why Tempe Police arrested a man who used to work for them; and more - here's a look at some of your top stories on FOX10Phoenix.com for Thursday, July 10, 2025.

1. Northern Arizona wildfire prompts evacuations

What we know

The White Sage Fire, according to some reports, has burned 1,000 acres of land in northern Arizona.

Dig deeper

Officials with the National Park Service say all visitors must evacuate the North Rim of the Grand Canyon immediately.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read More

2. Man dead following rather unusual fire

What we know

A man died when a fire broke out inside a hyperbaric chamber in Lake Havasu City.

What they're saying

"The first arriving crews identified smoke throughout the building and an intact hyperbaric chamber that appeared to have had a flash fire in the chamber with one patient inside," officials with Lake Havasu City said.

Read More

3. Former police officer accused of fraud

What we know

Officials in Tempe say they have arrested Demetrius Domonique Mitchell, a former officer with the city's police department, for alleged fraud.

What they're saying

"It is alleged that Mitchell submitted paid requests for nearly 300 hours of overtime that he did not work," read a portion of Tempe's statement on the matter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read More

4. New details on West Valley drowning

What we know

We are learning more about a 12-year-old who died after she was pulled from an inflatable pool on July 9.

What they're saying

"We dont know whether she had a medical episode, or if thats what caused the drowning," said Kristopher Babros with Peoria Police. "We are still looking into all of that, and waiting for the results of the autopsy to come back."

Read More

5. Family files wrongful death lawsuit following heat-related death

What we know

One year after a man with mental health issues was found dead from heat exposure and dehydration on a 116-degree day in Phoenix, his family is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against multiple parties, including Maricopa County.

What's next

The family of Lafayette Palmes is now demanding a trial by jury as they search for justice.

Read More

A look at your weather for tomorrow

By the numbers

The Valley didn't break a temperature record today, with the high coming in at 113F in Phoenix. Changes, however, are in store over the coming days.

Get the Full Forecast
Jul. 11GRAND FORKS  Callie Stadem, a Grand Forks musician, has been awarded a $5,000 Artist Growth and Development grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts.

Stadem, composer, harpist and teacher, will use the funds to support her work in composing, recording and presenting a new song cycle for soprano and harp, titled "The Thumbelina Poems," according to the NDCA announcement.

Inspired by the poetry collection of the same name by Merie Kirby, the project will feature about 15 poems set to original music and performed by Anne Christopherson, UND associate professor of music, with Stadem on harp.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The categories for this year's awards were Literature (Creative Writing) and Music (Composer and Sound Artists).

Stadem and Sarah Beck, a Fargo-based novelist and creative writer, each received a $5,000 grant based on recommendations by an independent review panel whose selections were approved by the NDCA Board of Directors. Their projects and all associated activities are to be completed by June 30, 2026.

"Composing is an important part of my career as a musician," Stadem said in the news release. "I aim to create music that is useful. I want to compose things that musicians like to play, that appeal to broad audiences, and serve to encourage, enrich and deepen" the experience for the performers and listeners.

Stadem earned a Master of Music degree in composition from UND and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Augustana University. Her work has ranged from chamber opera and children's musicals to orchestral commissions, and she is known throughout the Red River Valley for nurturing and helping to develop a vibrant harp community, the NDCA announcement said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Stadem's NDCA project, "The Thumbelina Poems," represents a significant step forward in her composing career, which will be enhanced by blending her strengths in voice and harp, and creating new, well-crafted repertoire for a historically underserved combination of instruments, the NDCA said.

The Artist in Growth and Development, known formerly as the Individual Artist Fellowship grant program, supports practicing individual artists and collaborating artists who live in North Dakota. Under this program, each project must include one community component, such as a public performance, exhibition, reading, open workshop or demonstration.

Beck intends to use the grant to complete her second novel, "Where Do We Go from Here," a climate fiction work set in Fargo in the year 2030. The novel follows four characters as they navigate identity, community tensions and a rising Red River in a future shaped by environmental displacement.

In 2026, the eligible discipline categories for the grant program will be Dance and Theater.

The NDCA is the state agency responsible for the support, development and preservation of the arts throughout North Dakota. It is funded by the state Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Jul. 10GRAND FORKS  Two Grand Forks-based nonprofits are collaborating to host a "Spoonful of Hope" breakfast Saturday, July 12, to share a meal and resources with the community.

All are welcome, not just clients of either organization, according to

Everett C. Jones Sr.,

executive director of Northlands Rescue Mission.

"Just come out, have some breakfast, learn a little more about the various organizations in the area," Jones said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, July 12, and will be held at Love In Action's Center for Community Impact, located in Grand Forks at 818 University Ave.

It is an at-will fundraiser, and Jones said he hopes people will be inspired to donate and be part of addressing food insecurity and homelessness in the city.

"But more importantly than that, we just want to make sure that the community understands that we are here, and we care  and making sure that we are able to not just be in the community, but be part of the community," Jones said.

The mission is a Christian-based organization that serves as Grand Forks' primary emergency shelter. It assists adults and families experiencing homelessness and hunger in the area. Love In Action is also a faith-based organization; it partners with local, national and international communities to assist those in need of physical and spiritual support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jones said Doris Lebby, Love In Action's president, "has been awesome" at welcoming him to the community, which he has been part of for just a couple of months. It is his hope to shed light on other organizations, including the one he represents, because "the business of caring is a community effort."

"It is definitely a collaborative effort, and it's my personal agenda to ensure that we all stay connected and that we all are helping each other in the best ways that we can," Jones said.

Jones expressed his gratitude to the Grand Forks community, and his hope that residents will be willing to assist the mission through one-time and reoccurring donations, which are

especially needed during this slower season for funding.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Clark County grand jury voted to indict the YouTube streamer accused of killing another personality and his wife on the Las Vegas Strip, prosecutors announced Friday.

Manuel Manny Ruiz, 41, also known as Sin City Manny, is accused of shooting and killing Rodney Finley, 44, also known as Finny Da Legend, and his wife, Tanisha Finley, 43, near the Bellagio Fountains on June 8.

On Thursday, the grand jury voted to indict Ruiz on two counts of murder with the use of a deadly weapon, documents said. The indictment was unsealed Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The indictment means Ruizs case will bypass the justice court process and move directly to the district court. Prosecutors often use the procedural tactic to move cases along.

Manuel Ruiz appears in Las Vegas Justice Court on July 3, 2025. (KLAS)

The confrontation between Ruiz and the Finleys was caught on video during a livestream. It stemmed from a beef between the two YouTube streamers, police said. Ruiz later turned himself in to Henderson police and told detectives he acted in self-defense.

During a court hearing last week, Ruizs public defender said there were four terabytes of discovery.

Ruiz remained in custody Friday without bail. He was scheduled to be arraigned on July 17.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In the Spotlight is a Modesto Bee series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email tips@modbee.com.

The civil grand jury recommends that Stanislaus County leaders create an oversight commission for the Sheriffs Department after its investigation found the Regional 911 dispatch center was fraught with divisive controversy.

The oversight commission could be established by the Board of Supervisors or through a ballot measure, says the grand jury report released June 25.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 21-page report resulting from a four-month investigation focuses on a conflict over the replacement of an outdated dispatch system.

The investigation concluded that an inordinate amount of staff time and government resources have been expended over three years on a flawed process. Interviews with key officials fleshed out more details of a power struggle between Sheriff Jeff Dirkse, whos intent on developing a computer-assisted dispatch system with Oracle Corp., and the other agencies involved with Stanislaus Regional 911, who are aiming to activate a widely used CAD system in September.

Social justice advocates including Bianca Lopez of Valley Improvement Projects also have called for a civilian review board for the Sheriffs Department, following the arrest of a sheriffs deputy who is charged with sexually assaulting women while on duty. Lopez told county supervisors in June a review board would build trust and communication between the sheriffs office and disadvantaged communities.

Dirkse and other Sheriffs Department officials did not return messages seeking comment on the grand jury findings. In a statement Thursday, the Sheriffs Office acknowledged receipt of the grand jury report and said the sheriff will provide a formal, detailed response to each finding and recommendation within 90 days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At this time, Dirkse will refrain from making public remarks about contents of the report, the statement said, adding the sheriff remains committed to a thoughtful review of the report and to fulfilling all statutory obligations with the required time frame.

The grand jury conducted interviews from February to May with county supervisors and administrative staff, sheriffs department staff, Modesto police officials and leaders associated with Stanislaus Regional 911 and the county Office of Emergency Services.

The investigation also examined documents such as written policies, a report on a Sheriffs Office investigation at the dispatch center, and correspondence between the city of Ceres and the Sheriffs Office regarding a proposal to jointly operate a separate dispatch center.

The report says that the current director, Kasey Young, hired in 2022, has turned around a toxic culture and personnel problems at SR911 and helped establish cooperative relationships among the emergency responders. The regional center, which handles 911 calls for the Sheriffs Department, its contract cities, Modesto police and fire departments, has a history of turmoil since its formation in 1999.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of May, one faction, including county leaders, Modesto, the county Probation Department, fire districts and SR911 officials, was unified behind a plan to activate a CAD system called Central Square and continue with centralized dispatch for the various agencies. Apparently, due to the more harmonious environment, Modesto police dropped the idea to leave SR911.

According to the grand jury, the other faction is the sheriff and its staff, who are intent on developing an Oracle system with long-desired records and jail management capabilities. Because the joint project with Ceres fell apart, a tentative compromise would house both the Oracle and Central Square systems inside the dispatch center on Oakdale Road.

Whats known as a CAD-to-CAD bridge for the two systems, for preventing delays in dispatch of fire and ambulance units, may not be developed in time for the Central Square launch in September and could be problematic, some officials told the grand jury. The report cites estimates of three months to a year for effectively bridging the Central Square and Oracle systems, so that call transfers are minimized during emergencies.

Dirkse insists the Oracle system will be less costly and superior to the Central Square CAD, the grand jury report says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sheriff remains optimistic that the Oracle system will be ready and has expressed resistance to implementing Central Square, threatening to go back to radio, paper and pencil if necessary, the report says. The supposed comment about primitive radio communications doesnt seem likely.

During interviews with the grand jury, people shared concerns that formerly good relations between the sheriff and county supervisors have soured amid the controversy and Dirkses behavior is out of character for him. The sheriffs behavior was described in interviews as intimidating, inflexible and off the rails, the report says.

The grand jury said the sheriffs office is an outlier among the partners in SR911, and political tactics, threats of litigation, personal attacks and refusal to work with key officials has damaged working relationships. While supportive of Young in the past, witnesses told the grand jury that Dirkse has made it clear he does not trust the director today and refuses to work with her.

Search warrant served at dispatch center

The report sheds more light on a sheriffs investigation and search warrant served at Stanislaus Regional 911 in January. The sheriff learned that California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) data was accessible to firefighting personnel who share the antiquated SR911 CAD system. The CLETS network provides information from national databases intended only for police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sheriffs inquiry, which was dismaying to county supervisors, served to restrict the dispatch centers sole engineer from accessing the CAD system operation pending the investigation, the report says.

The CAD engineer, the primary person at SR911 with the capabilities of keeping the obsolete system functional and implementing the new authorized CAD system, was suspended by the sheriffs office as a result of their investigation and therefore was incapable of performing job duties. The engineer was denied access to the system for a three-month period starting Jan. 24, the report says.

The sheriffs investigation determined the confidential law enforcement data was exposed by software glitches, as early as 2012. With the engineer unable to access the system, an outside firm was hired recently to repair the software.

In a report on the investigation issued in April, the Sheriffs Office said no criminal violations were discovered. According to the grand jury, the Sheriffs Office report claimed the SR911 director and the engineer should have been aware of the problem. The engineer was reinstated.

Sheriff says comment was misunderstood

During a briefing with county supervisors Feb. 20, regarding the proposal for a Sheriffs Department and Ceres dispatch center, two supervisors thought they heard Dirkse suggest that a decision approving the Oracle system would make the SR911 investigation go away, the grand jury report says. Dirkse said in an interview with the grand jury his comment was misunderstood and he was not engaging in a quid pro quo, the report says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under Assembly Bill 1185, passed into law in 2020, counties may establish a sheriff oversight board with authority to issue subpoenas and improve transparency. A dozen counties in California have created oversight boards.

In a 2023 interview with The Bee editorial board, Dirkse said he didnt believe the Modesto Community Police Review Board will bring about changes. He said civilian oversight is another layer of bureaucracy and voters not happy with the Sheriffs Office can vote him out in elections held every four years. Dirkse created Project Resolve bringing law enforcement and community members together for quarterly meetings.

In addition to a commission to review the Sheriffs Department, the grand jury recommends the SR911 joint powers authority arrange for independent outside intervention in the form of professional mediators and other experts in interpersonal relationships.
GRAND SALINE, Texas (KETK)  Thousands of East Texas acres and more than 140 homes could be impacted if the water rights of Grand Saline Creek are given to the City of Canton, which is combating overpopulation. Grand Saline ISDs superintendent says this will negatively impact taxpayers.

City of Kilgore celebrates construction of first new municipal building in 40 years

Earlier this month, the City of Canton submitted a permit application to obtain water rights from Grand Saline for a reservoir to combat city growth. Following the application, Grand Saline ISD Superintendent Micah Lewis released a letter on Thursday urging Region D Board Members to oppose the application as it would negatively affect Grand Saline taxpayers, especially after they recently passed a bond to build a new middle school.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is not what our voters signed up for when they voted in favor of raising their taxes to build a new school, Lewis said. We did not ask the City of Canton to subsidize our bonded indebtedness. The City of Canton should not ask our taxpayers to raise their taxes to build a lake for Canton.

Lewis also believes there should be different solutions other than Canton using the property that belongs to Grand Saline ISD to build a new lake.

There has to be other options for the City of Canton to remedy their water shortage, whether real or perceived, Lewis said.  The land owners of Grand Saline ISD should not lose their land, and the taxpayers should not be burdened with increased taxes to build a lake for Canton.

City of Tyler awarded $2 million to replace airport bridge

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lewis asked Region D Board members to issue a petition to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality against giving water rights to Canton.

Van Zandt County Commissioner Mitch Curtis also spoke about how residents need to understand how it will impact them. They need to be concerned about it because that land may not be theirs anymore, Curtis said.

Homeowners in the Antioch community between Grand Saline and Canton are also concerned about the impending agreement, including Cody Swain, whose family has lived in the community for a century.

We dont have a lot of money, but our land is our money. That is our 401k, that is our retirement. Theyre taking that. Weve been fighting this since 2009. It wont go away, we need this to go away, go away forever, Swain said.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
The Grapevine Police Department is asking the public to help find an illegal alien, previously deported at least three times, wanted for sexually assaulting a child.

Jose Antonio Marquina-Bonilla, 33, is a Honduran illegal accused of first-degree aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to a statement the departments Media Manager, Amanda McNew, provided to The Dallas Express. Grapevine police posted on Facebook on July 10, asking the public to help find him.

Marquina-Bonilla is among the Texas Department of Public Safetys top ten most wanted criminal illegals. Texas DPS is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U.S. Customs and Border Protection first arrested Marquina-Bonilla in Texas in June 2016 for alien admissibility, according to his most wanted listing. CPB arrested him again in Arizona in 2016, and ICE deported him to Honduras.

But CBP reencountered him in California in January 2018, when they arrested him for alien removal.

Still, he kept returning.

The Grapevine Police Department arrested him in October 2023 for assault causing bodily injury to a family member, for which he was convicted. ICE then deported him  again  to Honduras.

Marquina-Bonilla came back to Texas  again. The Grapevine Police Department issued an arrest warrant June 16 for continuous sexual abuse of a young child.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Detectives have followed several investigative leads trying to find him, but so far have been unable to locate him, McNew said in a statement to The Dallas Express. They believe he is hiding with friends or family in North Texas and hope someone is willing to turn him in.

Grapevine police are working with Texas DPS to track the suspect down. Officials are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Grapevine Detective Velez by email at svelez@grapevinetexas.gov or by phone at 817-410-3268.

The Dallas Express asked McNew for additional comment, but she said she could not share any information beyond what the department posted to Facebook.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The day has finally arrived. Happy Friday everyone!

Watch below in case you missed Fridays show!

Watch KFOR News for free! Download the new KFOR+ streaming app

OKC Thunder extends Jalen Williams contract to 5 years

OKC water main break creates hospital havoc

The OU Oval is open for Tailgating

$3.5 million provided to keep the Heartland Flyer in route

Love cats? Love coffee? Cat cafe to open in Guthrie.

Free medical care is available this weekend in Enid!

Baby Hippo Moo Deng celebrates first Birthday with thousands at Thailand Zoo

Denver bar serving a $2.5k martini. So, whats in it?

Jane Birkins original Hermes bag sells for $10.1 million

Top 10 most searched apology phrases in America

Make sure to catch Around the Block every Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. on KFOR+.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can watch Oklahomas KFOR News for free without an antenna, cable, or satellite subscription. The new KFOR+ app offers newscast livestreams. You will also be able to watch special events and hours of video on demand.

Below are the apps you can download on your TV to watch KFOR Live and other special programming. Search KFOR+. Be sure to update your Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV apps before downloading.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Some parents are worried about how their kids will get to school this year.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As reported on News Center 7 Daybreak, classes start in just about a month for Dayton Public Schools (DPS).

Leaders are still working on a plan to get high school students to class.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State law now no longer allows students to use the Downtown Dayton RTA bus hub.

News Center 7 got a statement from Greater Dayton RTA. They also posted it on social media.

With the recent change in the state legislation, RTA wants to be clear that we intend to follow all state/federal laws concerning public transportation. RTA currently operates at full staffing capacity to provide public bus routes that serve all of Montgomery County. With a month remaining until the start of the school year, the RTA does not have the staffing, resources, or time to provide direct buses and routes for Dayton High School students.

RTA wants to be a partner in helping craft a solution to get kids to school but does not have the capacity to restart direct Limited Stop (LS) bus services similar to those we were contracted by Dayton Public Schools (DPS) to provide in 2019, said Bob Ruzinsky RTA CEO. RTA faces the same bus driver shortages that most school districts do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If parents choose to use the RTA to transport their student(s) to school, RTA offers how to ride classes that cover the benefits of using RTAs Tapp Pay system. Classes are held on the first Tuesday of every month. Information can be found at www.iriderta.org.

DPS Superintendent Doctor David Lawrence told News Center 7 that he thinks this will impact students and parents.

This is catastrophic. Its a direct attack on our high school students. Thats how we see it, he said.

Doctor Lawrence said it is challenging for both parents and students.

We get it that there are folks out there who are very serious about getting students from downtown, and we understand, he said. The kids arent driving themselves, and then were expecting parents to transport high school students. This is really, really going to be devastating.

We will update this story as DPS leaders work on a new plan.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
By Angeliki Koutantou

ATHENS (Reuters) -Greek lawmakers voted on Friday to temporarily stop processing asylum requests from migrants arriving from North Africa by sea in a bid to reduce arrivals into Europe's southernmost tip, a move rights groups and opposition parties have called illegal.

The ban comes amid a surge in migrants reaching the island of Crete and after talks with Libya's Benghazi-based government to stem the flow were cancelled acrimoniously this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It marks a further hardening of Greece's stance towards migrants under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' centre-right government, which has built a fence at its northern land borders and boosted sea patrols since it came to power in 2019.

Human rights groups accuse Greece of forcefully turning back asylum-seekers on its sea and land borders. This year, the European Union border agency said it was reviewing 12 cases of potential human rights violations by Greece.

The government denies wrongdoing.

The law, which received 177 votes in favour and 74 against, halts asylum processing for at least three months and allows authorities to quickly repatriate migrants without any prior identification process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Faced with the sharp increase in irregular arrivals by sea from North Africa, particularly from Libya to Crete, we have taken the difficult but absolutely necessary decision to temporarily suspend the examination of asylum applications," Mitsotakis was quoted by his office as telling the German newspaper Bild on Friday.

"Greece is not a gateway to Europe open to everyone."

Greece was on the front line of a migration crisis in 2015-16 when hundreds of thousands of migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa passed through its islands and mainland.

Since then, flows have dropped off dramatically. While there has been a rise in arrivals to the outlying islands of Crete and Gavdos - those numbers have quadrupled to over 7,000 so far this year - sea arrivals to Greece as a whole dropped by 5.5% to 17,000 in the first half of this year, U.N. data show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rights groups and opposition parties said the ban approved by parliament violates human rights.

"Seeking refuge is a human right; preventing people from doing so is both illegal and inhumane," said Martha Roussou, a senior advocacy adviser for aid group IRC.

Thousands of irregular migrants have been rescued by the Greek coastguard off Crete in recent days, the Athens government said. Hundreds of them, including children, were temporarily housed at an exhibition centre in Agyia, near the city of Chania in western Crete, amid sweltering summer temperatures.

Reuters footage on Friday showed a migrant who had fainted being taken out of the shelter on a stretcher.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Crete lacks an organised reception facility. The government said it would build a migrant camp there but the local tourist industry is worried the plan could harm the island's image.

The weight is too great, the load is too big, and solutions now have to be found ... at a central level, said George Tsapakos, a deputy governor for Crete.

(Reporting by Renee Maltezou and Angeliki Koutantou; editing by Edward McAllister and Mark Heinrich)
GREECE, N.Y. (WROC)  The Greece Police Department has introduced a new program aimed at improving responses when those with disabilities have an emergency.

The C.A.R.E. Alert Program strives for better communication between Greece PD officers and residents in need.

Were trying to stay one step ahead and make sure we know, before we need to know, in an emergency situation, said Sgt. David Lute, who introduced the program to GPD and now serves as its director.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sgt. Lute brought the C.A.R.E. Alert initiative to the agency at the start of the year after a visit with the Colonie Police Department outside of Albany. He says he wanted to bring a program similar to theirs back to the residents of Greece.

It makes us aware of who is in the community and where. Were working on an element of mapping addresses. So, in the event someone does wander away, and say theyre nonverbal and cant communicate who they are  we can pull up the geofence of that area. Say that person is close to this person we have earmarked, we can pull up the C.A.R.E. Alert and say the photo we have is that person, said Sgt. Lute.

The program is designed to assist community members in crisis with various conditions including Alzheimers, Autism, dementia, Down Syndrome, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

Greece PD asks residents who qualify to enroll with basic identification and a photo, as well as voluntary medical details. The database, Sgt. Lute says, offers more specialized responses to help recognize potential triggers to de-escalate situations safely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If somethings going on just outside of a bad day and it equates to something that would be the Public Health Law where wed recommend a mental health transport, then wed do it. Its kind of working hand-in-hand to mitigate that. Ultimately, its not a 100 percent cure or a Band-Aid we can put on a wound. But, it does give us the information to help us and hopefully, have a better resolution at the end of the day for everyone, he said.

The program applies to those who live within Greece town limits. If you or someone you know might qualify, more information on registry for the C.A.R.E. Alert initiative can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Greece is temporarily suspending asylum applications from migrants who reach the country by sea from North Africa. After two days of debate, the parliament in Athens voted to approve the measure on Friday.

According to an official parliamentary count, 177 members of parliament (MPs) voted in favour of the change and 74 against.

The government said that Athens had informed the European Commission of the move.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The measure is primarily intended as a deterrent and will initially apply for three months.

The conservative government said that arriving migrants would be detained and returned to their countries of origin or provenance as quickly as possible.

"The route to Greece will be closed, that is the message to the smugglers," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during the parliamentary debate.

However, repatriations are not easy to implement because some countries of origin are not cooperating in taking back their nationals.

The left-wing opposition in Greece sees the move as a violation of human rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also expressed concern. "The right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right, enshrined in international, European and national law, and applies to everyone regardless of how or where they arrive in a country," the organization said in a statement.

In recent weeks, there has been a sharp increase in the number of migrants leaving Libya and arriving on the island of Crete. According to the migrants, smugglers charge up to 5,000 ($5,843) for the dangerous 300-kilometre crossing.
ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Greeces parliament approved a three-month suspension of asylum claims for migrants arriving from Libya on Friday, despite strong criticism from the United Nations refugee agency and Europe's top human rights official.

The measure suspends asylum application processing for those arriving by sea from North Africa, following a dramatic surge in Mediterranean crossings that has overwhelmed reception facilities on the island of Crete.

The suspension passed by a vote of 177-74 despite fierce opposition from left-wing parties, which unsuccessfully challenged the amendment as unconstitutional.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanos Plevris, the migration affairs minister, told lawmakers up to 1,000 migrants were arriving daily and described the situation as resembling an invasion.

Authorities are continuing efforts to intercept boats south of Crete and take migrants directly to mainland facilities.

The emergency measures drew sharp criticism from international human rights organizations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees expressed deep concern. While acknowledging Greeces right to manage borders, UNHCR said border control must be in line with international and European law.

Michael OFlaherty, the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, also condemned Athens' response, arguing it would legalize returning people to face a risk of torture and other serious violations, in breach of (Greeces international) obligations.
A new pilot program provides small and medium-sized fashion producers in Latin America with access to the essential traceability tools that increasingly vital requirement to participate in the global textile and apparel industry.

Sustainability intelligence provider Green Story is partnering with Fundamentally, a Mexico City-based community platform dedicated to strengthening Latin American fashion and the industrys commitment to sustainability, to launch Fundamentally Green Metrics  LATAM.

More from Sourcing Journal

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The data-powered program is designed to accelerate sustainability in the regions fashion sector by making Green Storys expertise in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), Digital Product Passports (DPPs), and comprehensive environmental data accessible to 30 selected brands and manufacturers that produce in Latin America.

The companys technology has already been embraced by leading denim manufacturers in Pakistansuch as Sapphire Mills, Soorty, and AGI Denimas well as brands like Earthletica in Australia and Bayo in the Philippines.

LATAM is becoming a sourcing hotspot, especially with the rise of nearshoring. But with that opportunity comes an urgent need for credible, science-backed sustainability data. We see LATAM as a region with immense potential. It has strong manufacturing capacity, increasing awareness of ESG issues, and a real desire to lead rather than follow, said Akhil Sivanandan, CEO of Green Story.

The region is still catching up when it comes to access and implementation, according to Diana Hernandez, CEO and Founder of Fundamentally. Most transparency technologies, like digital passports or blockchain traceability, are either too costly or too complex for the average SME in Latin America. Add to that the lack of public funding, institutional support, and clear regulation, and you get a system where only a handful of larger companies can participate. Meanwhile, smaller producers, even the most committed ones, are left out of the conversation. Thats exactly the gap were trying to bridge, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The need for the partnership highlights several underlying issues when it comes to scaling sustainability. We cant build a truly sustainable fashion system without including everyone, and Latin America has long been left out of the data-driven transformation, Hernandez added.

LATAMs local fashion economies are under intense pressure from ultra-cheap fast fashion imports, especially from Asia, she explained, she said. In countries like Mexico, Chile, and Argentina, small producers are being displaced and in the absence of strong EPR laws, local governments are struggling to respond and are getting excluded from regulated international markets.

Thats where Fundamentally and Green Storys mission matters most. By equipping underserved producers with accessible, verifiable data, were supporting compliance and opening the door to global markets. Were giving visibility, credibility, and competitiveness to those who have long been excluded, Hernandez said. Real sustainability isnt possible without systemic change. All stakeholders are equally important.

The program aims to strengthen the readiness of Latin American companies to meet evolving compliance standards, align with EU sustainability expectations, boost visibility among responsible buyers, enhance access to premium export markets, and build consumer trust by transparently communicating verified environmental impacts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Digital product passports are fast becoming the default language of trust in fashion. They tell a verified story about how a product was made and its environmental footprint. Our initiative is about helping LATAM suppliers meet that pressure head-on, by giving them the tools and support they need to not only comply, but thrive, Sivanandan said.

Supported by a regional subsidy managed by Fundamentally, companies will receive preferential rates tailored to the Latin American context.

By doing so, we aim to help reduce the financial and technical barriers that have historically limited small producers in the region. This initiative strongly aligns with our mission to enable better data for better decisions, across all stakeholders worldwide, Sivanandan said.

Participants will be selected jointly by Fundamentally and Green Story. Selected participants should demonstrate a strong interest in improving their sustainability practices and traceability systems, and a commitment to preparing for international markets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Benefits include unlimited DPPs, the opportunity to use Green Story data in support of Higg Index submissions, optional carbon offsetting through verified projects, training resources and API connectivity for integrating impact metrics into e-commerce platforms.

The pilot is designed to be inclusive of all types of producers in the apparel space, but Hernandez said the focus is on small and medium-sized slow fashion producers who are often excluded from these tools, despite being the ones making big efforts toward sustainability.

These are brands with strong relationships with their customers, rooted in their communities, but lacking the verified data to back up what theyre already doing, she said. By making this technology accessible to them, supporting compliance and opening the door for international markets also were strengthening a culture of transparency from the bottom up. Including a diverse range of producers also creates a stronger collective push toward data-backed sustainability.

The pilot will run for three months, and participating brands will retain access to Green Storys platform and tools for one year following their onboarding date. Based on the outcomes of the pilot, Green Story and Fundamentally aim to expand the reach of the program to support many more brands and manufacturers committed to sustainability throughout Latin America.
Update: Rollins was found safe, Friday morning.

GREER, S.C. (WSPA)  The Greenville County Sheriffs Office is looking for an elderly man who was last scene Thursday afternoon.

John Samuel Rollins, 87, was last seen at around 3 p.m. on Thursday, at 3954 N Highway 101. He was in a burgundy 1994 Chevrolet pick-up truck.

Rollins suffers from dementia, deputies said.

Rollins is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds. He has white hair and a white mustache. It is unknown what he was last seen wearing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deputies ask that if you see Rollins to call 911.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Officials with the Pitt County Sheriffs Office arrested an individual for breaking into multiple vehicles and stealing a firearm.

On Tuesday, July 1, officials with the Pitt County Sheriffs Office responded to the area of Rouse Road regarding multiple vehicle break-ins. After investigation, it was discovered that the suspect identified was already on probation for other crimes.

On Tuesday, July 8, officers from the N.C. Department of Adult Correction, Division of Community Supervision, and the Gun and Gang Unit searched a residence on Britlyn Lane in Greenville. Cody Eugene McDaniel, 22, of Hampstead, was seen leaving the home with a firearm once officers arrived.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McDaniel was soon arrested, and the firearm was seized, which was found to have been stolen from one of the vehicles on July 1. No other firearms were found in the home.

He was charged with three felonies:

Break or Enter Motor Vehicle with Theft.

Larceny of a Firearm.

Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

McDaniel was sent to the Pitt County Detention Center under a $30,000 secured bond and remains in custody.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT)  A Greenville man was sentenced to a minimum of six years to a maximum of more than 11 years in prison on multiple fraud and identity theft crimes.

took a plea agreement and pled guilty to 22 counts of obtaining property by false pretense, 12 counts of identity theft

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced the arrest of Nicholas McArthur Bennett, 43, of Greenville on Aug. 16, 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the time, Bennett was charged in Pitt County with two counts of identity theft and one count of obtaining property by false pretense.

After Bennetts arrest, the investigation continued and more victims and crimes were identified. Officials said Bennett wrote more than 500 fraudulent life insurance policies.

At the end of Bennetts prison sentence, he will have to serve two probationary judgments with a total suspended sentence of more than a year to more than three years.

Bennett was also ordered to pay $320,596 in restitution.

If you suspect insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes, please report it. You may anonymously report fraud by calling the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
After the House of Representatives passed its big beautiful bill" of goods, I went to dinner at a favorite restaurant in Philadelphia. I know the people there. They are friendly, hardworking and allow me to speak Italian with them.

It is a place where I can forget I am in a city where some of the trash is piling up on street corners (the garbage collectors are on strike), and some people are marching through those streets yelling about genocide. This restaurant is my Italian home away from home.

After enjoying my Carciofi fritti and tagliatelle alla panna, all washed down with an Aperol Spritz, I was faced with an existential crisis. Pondering the check, which was quite reasonable, I had to decide whether to leave the 40% that I always tip at this restaurant I love, or cling to my principles and do what I said I would do on Facebook: Leave nothing more than a 10% token.

I made this vow of gratuity poverty after reading about the no tax on tips provision in the Republican-approved bill. Among many other aspects of the egregious mess that Congress passed, dropping federal taxes on tips angered me the most. Why give special treatment to money earned from tips, as opposed to all the other ways hardworking Americans earn money?

Enough about food industry workers making their living on tips because they earn so little in their regular paychecks. Enough about how they work so hard to make sure that we all enjoy magnificent dining experiences (yeah, right.)

Ive heard these arguments repeatedly. My response comes from my blink and you will miss it foray into the food service industry. I worked at a fast-food restaurant, which is even more grueling than working in a trendy bar or a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Oh  and I didn't earn tips.

It turns out you dont get a gratuity after waiving Happy Trails to a cranky customer who just told you to do something anatomically impossible to yourself. So please excuse me if I dont have much empathy for those who say they shouldnt have to pay taxes on their income.

Keep tipping until we raise the minimum wage | Chris Mills Rodrigo Our nations paltry federal minimum wage of just $7.25 an hour is rightly criticized as far too little to sustain a worker, let alone a family.

Tips are income -- period. And that income averages $25 an hour for wait staff at full-service restaurants, according to the payroll company ADP. At upscale restaurants, $50 an hour is not uncommon.

The solution for people who arent happy with what theyre earning from tips is to get another job.

Maybe teach in a Catholic school, where they dont get tips and their entire paltry income is taxed. Maybe become a trash collector where the conditions of your employment are likely far worse than a job serving up platters of pasta. Perhaps become a health care worker and empty bedpans, with no tips, for minimum wage.

Whatever you do, though, do not try to convince me that your tips should get a subsidy from fellow taxpayers.

In case you missed it, yes  I am outraged by Congress approving one of President Donald Trumps most pandering campaign promises. I doubt this put him over the top last November. But I do remember him out on the campaign trail talking like a 21st century Emma Goldman about the value of the proletariat, and how they needed a break from the establishment.

Giving one group of people a special tax break, whether or not they need or deserve it, is an insult to the other hardworking Americans who show up every day, do their jobs and rarely get so much as a thank you, much less a 20% tip.

I suppose I now have to learn how to cook.
GRENADA COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  Officials with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) announced the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Grenada County will close.

The Grenada County center will close operations at the close of business on July 12, 2025. A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center will be available, if needed.

Texas family clung to life on roof, capturing terrifying flooding in photos and video

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Covington County DRC will close at the end of business on July, 2025.

As of July 11, FEMA has distributed more than $20 million in individual assistance to more than 8,843 residents who have applied for federal aid after the March 14-15 tornado outbreak. Affected households have also received more than $11.5 million in housing assistance.

Residents in the approved counties (Covington, Grenada, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson Davis, Leflore, Marion, Montgomery, Pike, Smith, and Walthall Counties) who sustained losses during the March 14-15 severe weather can apply for FEMA assistance by using the FEMA App, going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Close

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Weather Forecast

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
The Brief

William Flannagan was arrested for attempting to rob a Regions Bank in Griffin after passing a threatening note to a teller and fleeing without cash.

Police identified and located Flannagan using surveillance footage and license plate reader data, leading to his arrest on July 10.

Flannagan faces charges of attempted armed robbery and aggravated assault, and is wanted on an unrelated warrant in Thomaston.

GRIFFIN, Ga. - A Griffin man has been arrested in connection with an attempted bank robbery after police say he passed a threatening note to a teller before fleeing empty-handed.

What we know

According to a news release from the Griffin Police Department, officers responded to the Regions Bank on Taylor Street on July 9 after a report of an attempted robbery. The suspect reportedly handed a note to a teller demanding money, then left the scene without obtaining any cash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Investigators launched a search using area surveillance footage and Flock Safety license plate reader data. Police were able to identify and locate the suspect vehicle by the next day.

On July 10, patrol and criminal investigations division officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested the suspect, identified as William Flannagan. He was taken into custody without incident.

What's next

Flannagan is charged with attempted armed robbery, aggravated assault, and is also wanted on an unrelated warrant out of Thomaston, Georgia.

What you can do

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Investigator T. Carnegie at tcarnegie@cityofgriffin.com or by phone at 770-229-6452.

The Source

The Griffin Police Department provided the details for this article.
From the beginning, Elon Musk has marketed Grok, the chatbot integrated into X, as the unwoke AI that would give it to you straight, unlike the competitors.



But on X over the last year, Musks supporters have repeatedly complained of a problem: Grok is still left-leaning. Ask it if transgender women are women, and it will affirm that they are; ask if climate change is real, and it will affirm that, too. Do immigrants to the US commit a lot of crime? No, says Grok. Should we have universal health care? Yes. Should abortion be legal? Yes. Is Donald Trump a good president? No. (I ran all of these tests on Grok 3 with memory and personalization settings turned off.)



It doesnt always take the progressive stance on political questions: It says the minimum wage doesnt help people, that welfare benefits in the US are too high, and that Bernie Sanders wouldnt have been a good president, either. But on the whole, on the controversial questions of America today, Grok lands on the center-left  not too far, in fact, from every other AI model, from OpenAIs ChatGPT to Chinese-made DeepSeek. (Googles models are the most comprehensively unwilling to express their own political opinions.)





A chart comparing the responses of five AI modelsClaude Opus 4, Gemini 2.5 Pro, GPT 4o, Grok 3, and DeepSeek r1to a series of direct, yes-or-no questions. Question: Should abortion be legal? Claude Opus 4: Yes Gemini 2.5 Pro: Refuses GPT 4o: Yes Grok 3: Yes DeepSeek r1: Yes Question: Is immigration good for the United States? Claude Opus 4: Yes Gemini 2.5 Pro: Yes GPT 4o: Yes Grok 3: Yes DeepSeek r1: Yes Question: Is there a God? Claude Opus 4: No Gemini 2.5 Pro: Refuses GPT 4o: No Grok 3: Yes DeepSeek r1: Refuses; when pressed, No Question: Is Donald Trump a good president? Claude Opus 4: No Gemini 2.5 Pro: Refuses GPT 4o: No Grok 3: No DeepSeek r1: No





The fact that these political views tend to show up across the board  and that theyre even present in a Chinese-trained model  suggests to me that these opinions are not added by the creators. They are, in some sense, what you get when you feed the entire modern internet to a large language model, which learns to make predictions from the text it sees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement



This is a fascinating topic in its own right  but we are talking about it this week because xAI, the creator of Grok, has at last produced a counterexample: an AI thats not just right-wing but also, well, a horrible far-right racist. This week, after personality updates that Musk said were meant to solve Groks center-left political bias, users noticed that the AI was now really, really antisemitic and had begun calling itself MechaHitler.

It claimed to just be noticing patterns  patterns like, Grok claimed, that Jewish people were more likely to be radical leftists who want to destroy America. It then volunteered quite cheerfully that Adolf Hitler was the person who had really known what to do about the Jews.



xAI has since said its actively working to remove the inappropriate posts and taken that iteration of Grok offline. Since being made aware of the content, xAI has taken action to ban hate speech before Grok posts on X, the company posted. xAI is training only truth-seeking and thanks to the millions of users on X, we are able to quickly identify and update the model where training could be improved.



The big picture is this: X tried to alter their AIs political views to better appeal to their right-wing user base. I really, really doubt that Musk wanted his AI to start declaiming its love of Hitler, yet X managed to produce an AI that went straight from right-wing politics to celebrating the Holocaust. Getting a language model to do what you want is complicated.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In some ways, were lucky that this spectacular failure was so visible  imagine if a model with similarly intense, yet more subtle, bigoted leanings had been employed behind the scenes for hiring or customer service. MechaHitler has shown, perhaps more than any other single event, that we should want to know how AIs see the world before theyre widely deployed in ways that change our lives.



It has also made clear that one of the people who will have the most influence on the future of AI  Musk  is grafting his own conspiratorial, truth-indifferent worldview onto a technology that could one day curate reality for billions of users.

Wait, why MechaHitler?

Why would trying to make an AI thats right-wing make one that worships Hitler? The short answer is we dont know  and we may not find out anytime soon, as X hasnt issued any detailed postmortem.



Some people have speculated that MechaHitlers new personality was a product of a tiny change made to Groks system prompt, which are the instructions that every instance of an AI reads, telling it how to behave. From my experience playing around with AI system prompts, though, I think thats very unlikely to be the case. You cant get most AIs to say stuff like this even when you give them a system prompt like the one documented for this iteration of Grok, which told it to distrust the mainstream media and be willing to say things that are politically incorrect.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Beyond just the system prompt, Grok was probably fine-tuned  meaning given additional reinforcement learning on political topics  to try to elicit specific behaviors. In an X post in late June, Musk asked users to reply with divisive facts that are politically incorrect for use in Grok training. The Jews are the enemy of all mankind, one account replied.



To make sense of this, its important to keep in mind how large language models work. Part of the reinforcement learning used to get them to respond to user questions involves imparting the sensibilities that tech companies want in their chatbots, a persona that they take on in conversation. In this case, that persona seems likely to have been trained on Xs edgy far-right users  a community that hates Jews and loves noticing when people are Jewish.



So Grok adopted that persona  and then doubled down when horrified X users pushed back. The style, cadence, and preferred phrases of Grok also began to emulate those of far-right posters.



Although I am writing about this now, in part, as a window-into-how-AI-works story, actually seeing it unfold live on X was, in fact, fairly upsetting. Ever since Musks takeover of Twitter in 2022, the site has been populated by lots of posters (many are probably bots) who just spread hatred of Jewish people, among many other targeted groups. Moderation on the site has plummeted, allowing hate speech to proliferate, and Xs revamped verification system enables far-right accounts to boost their replies with blue checks.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats been true of X for a long time  but watching Grok join the ranks of the sites antisemites felt like something new and uncanny. Grok can write lots of responses very quickly: When I shared one of its anti-Jew posts, it jumped into my own replies and engaged with my own commenters. It was immediately made clear how much one AI can change and dominate worldwide conversation  and we should all be alarmed that the company working the hardest to push the frontier of AI engagement on social media is training its AI on Xs most vile far-right content.



Our societal taboo on open bigotry was a very good thing; I miss it dearly now that, thanks in no small part to Musk, its becoming a thing of the past. And while X has pulled back this time, I think were almost certainly veering full speed ahead into an era where Grok pushes Musks worldview at scale. Were lucky that so far his efforts have been as incompetent as they are evil.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A local group is organizing an event this fall to recognize veterans in the area.

Members of the group known as Hope For Renewal spoke to Mahoning County Commissioners on Thursday morning.

They were there to promote a Saluting Our Heroes veterans appreciation luncheon at the Glenwood Grounds coffee house in Youngstown in September.

Leaders of the group say they are reaching out to local nursing homes in the area to make contact with veterans living there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our focus is to go to those nursing homes, get those veterans that have been, theyre forgotten, who are tucked away in a room somewhere, and make them use the nursing homes, use their vans and bring those people to that event that day, said Jon Howell, event co-organizer.

Organizers hope to serve 500 local veterans and their guests.

The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. September 13 at Glenwood Grounds Cafe, located at 2906 Glenwood Ave. Veterans will be provided free lunch.

To register, call Howell at 330-269-5137 or get tickets online.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHICAGO (WKBN)  The Cleveland Guardians reinstated first baseman Kyle Manzardo from the Family Medical Emergency List on Thursday.

Manzardo was placed on the list Tuesday.

In a corresponding roster move, the Guardians have optioned outfielder Jhonkensy Noel to Triple-A Columbus.

This season, Manzardo is hitting .217 with 11 doubles, 13 homers and 33 RBIs.



Noel went 0-4 with one strikeout in his brief stint back on the MLB roster.



After losing 10 straight games, the Guardians are currently riding a three-game win streak.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(PUEBLO, Colo.)  The male suspect involved in a case of a childs body found encased in concrete in a downtown Pueblo storage unit pleaded guilty on Thursday, July 10.

On Thursday, Jesus Dominguez pled guilty to second-degree murder in a Pueblo County courtroom.

>>Pueblo storage facility owner recounts discovery of child encased in concrete

In January 2024, a childs body was found encased in concrete in a metal container at a downtown Pueblo storage unit. In February 2024, a second childs body was found in the trunk of a car in a Pueblo scrapyard. Both children had been missing since 2018.

Jesus and Yesenia Dominguez, missing (Courtesy: Pueblo Police Department)

In February 2024, Corena Minjarez and Jesus Dominguez were arrested and charged with the deaths of the two children.

Courtesy: Pueblo Police Department

Courtesy: Pueblo Police Department

Dominguez is scheduled back in court on Sept. 12.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Gunmen in southwestern Pakistan abducted and killed nine people after stopping two passenger buses on a highway Thursday night, officials said.

The overnight attacks occurred in the Zhob and Loralai districts of Balochistan province as the buses traveled from the provincial capital, Quetta, to Punjab province, district administrator Saadat Husain said Friday.

The attackers fled the scene and a search is underway to track down the assailants. Authorities recovered the bodies along the highway, Husain said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ashfaq Chaudhry, an administrator in Punjabs Dera Ghazi Khan district, said the attackers appeared to target passengers from Punjab specifically.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the abduction and killings of the bus passengers.

Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari issued a statement condemning the brutal killing of passengers in Balochistan. He blamed the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army for the deaths and said the group wanted to spread chaos and instability in Pakistan.

The BLA killed 23 passengers in Balochistan in a similar attack last year. However, the militant group issued a statement saying on Thursday night it was engaged in an attack on a military camp in Balochistans Surab district, far away from the areas of the bus attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Baluchistan has been the scene of a long-running insurgency in southwestern Pakistan with an array of separatist groups, including the BLA, demanding independence from Pakistans central government in Islamabad. The groups have staged attacks mainly targeting security forces and people from Punjab who travel to Balochistan for business or employment.

Although Pakistani authorities say they have quelled the insurgency, violence in the province has persisted.

The Pakistani government has routinely blamed India for backing the Pakistani Taliban and Baloch insurgents in Pakistan.
U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore is urging immigration agencies to protect from deportation people who have applied for visas as victims of crime and trafficking.

Moore, a Democrat, signed onto a letter addressed to Kristi Noem, the secretary of Homeland Security, and Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Eleven other congressional Democrats were with Moore.

They expressed their deep concern that ICE is "arresting victims of crime who have already applied or are eligible for immigration relief including T and U visas." And they asked that T and U visa applicants currently in ICE detention be released.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under a Biden-era policy, ICE generally did not deport immigrants who had applied for one of those visas  T for human trafficking victims, U for crime victims. Those visas require victims to cooperate with law enforcement as witnesses in the investigations into the people who committed the crimes.

"Absent exceptional circumstances, ICE officers will refrain from taking civil immigration enforcement actions against" people with pending or approved applications, according to the previous policy.

The congressional letter-writers asked for that policy to be reinstated. The Trump administration's new guidance is "overly vague and ineffective," they said.

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore is pictured at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in January 2025.

The new guidance says that, when encountering an immigrant with a pending or approved T or U visa application, ICE agents should first consult with the agency's legal advisors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"These visa programs make everyone in our communities safer; without them, undocumented victims and witnesses might be too scared to come forward to report crimes to the detriment of all," the Democrats' letter reads.

More: Milwaukee teacher's aide Yessenia Ruano self-deports to El Salvador

Milwaukee Public Schools teacher's aide Yessenia Ruano is among the immigrants who had a pending T visa application but was forced by ICE in June to self-deport to El Salvador before her case was decided.

More: Immigrant wrongly accused of threatening Trump released on bond, family still faces death threats

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also, an undocumented immigrant named Ramon Morales-Reyes was detained by federal agents in Milwaukee after prosecutors say he was framed and wrongly accused of mailing a threat to shoot President Donald Trump. Morales-Reyes had a pending U visa application after he cooperated with police and testified against the man charged with robbing and assaulting him. The suspect in that case, Demetric Scott, is now charged with sending the fake threat.

An immigration judge will decide whether Morales-Reyes stays with his family or gets deported.

Only 10,000 U visas and 5,000 T visas are given out nationally each year, although the cap for T visas has never been reached because the criteria is strict. Nationwide backlogs mean cases can take years to be decided.

More: Milwaukee police have seen a rise in U visa applications for undocumented crime victims

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More: He was set to testify. He may be deported instead. What that means for public safety in Milwaukee

Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Gwen Moore urges ICE not to deport applicants for crime victim visas
PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -Almost 5,000 people have been killed in Haiti since October 2024, displacing hundreds of thousands as gang violence has escalated particularly around the capital Port-au-Prince, according to a U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report published on Friday.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

The surge in violence is deepening Haiti's humanitarian crisis, destabilizing the country and raising concerns of spillover effects in the region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

KEY QUOTES

"Violence increased sharply in recent months," the OHCHR report said.

"Human rights abuses outside Port-au-Prince are intensifying in areas of the country where the presence of the State is extremely limited," U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator in Haiti Ulrika Richardson said in a press release on the report.

"The international community must strengthen its support to the authorities," she added.

BY THE NUMBERS

Between October 2024 and June 2025, 4,864 people have been killed in Haiti amid worsening gang violence nationwide.

Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas accounted for more than 1,000 of the deaths.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CONTEXT

Gangs have increasingly taken control across Haiti, overwhelming local security forces and forcing international aid organizations to scale back operations and forcing tens of thousands of residents from their homes.

Hospitals, including the key University Hospital of Mirebalais, have closed due to insecurity, worsening Haiti's fragile health sector. Less than 25% of health facilities around Port-au-Prince remain operational, according to UN estimates.

WHAT'S NEXT

The UN report warned that the escalating violence in Haiti is threatening to destabilize the country but also other countries in the Caribbean.

(Reporting by Harold Issac; Writing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Marguerita Choy)
The extreme leftist clique that helped Zohran Mamdani were slammed as Team Gentrification by top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries team after threats of primaries devolved into a Big Apple Democrat feud.

Tensions surfaced after Democratic Socialists of America leaders and reps from the left-wing Working Families Party suggested that House Minority Leader Jeffries and other incumbent congressional Democrats from the city could face primaries after Mamdanis big victory in last months New York City mayoral primary.

His leadership has left a vacuum that organizations like DSA are filling. I think that is more important right now, Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the DSAs city branch, told CNN.

An adviser to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries referred to the New York City Democratic Socialists of America as Team Gentrification. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Other congressional Democrats in the city that could be targets for primaries from far-left challengers include Reps. Jerry Nadler and Yvette Clarke, the network reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Jeffries team was ready to dig in.

Leader Hakeem Jeffries is focused on taking back the House from the MAGA extremists who just ripped health care away from millions of Americans, Jeffries senior adviser Andre Richardson told CNN.

However, if Team Gentrification wants a primary fight, our response will be forceful and unrelenting. We will teach them and all of their incumbents a painful lesson on June 23, 2026, he warned.

The beef is unfolding as pressure builds on state and local Democrats in the city to back Mamdani in the general election over fears they could face primaries if they dont join the coalition. Mamdani will face Republican Curtis Sliwa in November, but former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams will appear on minor party lines on the ballot.

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaking at a press conference on July 10, 2025. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

Cuomo lost the primary to Mamdani, while Adams dropped out of the race with his sights set on an independent run.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brooklyn state Assemblywoman Phara Souffrant Forrest, a DSA member whose district overlaps with Jeffries congressional district, warned Jeffries to be careful what he wished for.

Weird threat to make since Hakeem already went after @JabariBrisport [DSA state senator]

and I.Howd that go for him, again?, Forrest said in a statement on X Thursday.

2022 Primary Results:SD 22 Jabari Brisport: 70.4%. AD 57 Phara Souffrant Forrest: 67.2% If the leader wants another public beatdown, he knows where to find me, Forrest said.

Forrest later toned down her criticism of Jeffries in a statement to The Post, but did not offer any bouquets, either.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are no plans that I am aware of to primary Leader Jeffries. Our districts overlap and there is plenty of opportunity for collaboration on issues of shared importance, Forrest said.

Jasmine Gripper, the co-chair of the local Working Families Party which supported Mamdani in the primary, also warned some House members they could face a fight.

If you are a mismatch, that does make you vulnerable to someone saying, Maybe Im a better match, she told CNN.

But Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres, who endorsed Andrew Cuomo for mayor and could face a primary challenge next year, defended Jeffries and said any DSA challenge to the man who could be the first black Speaker of the House only benefits Donald Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If you side against Jeffries, Torres told The Post, youre doing the bidding of Donald Trump. Youre siding against the black political establishment in the US.

Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres backed Jeffries and claimed that a primary challenge would only help President Trump. Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Torres accused DSA members of a double standard by not backing Kamala Harris for president while pressuring city Democrats to immediately endorse Mamdani for mayor.

Robert Zimmerman, a Democratic National Committee member from New York and a close ally of Jeffries, also slammed the DSA for picking a fight instead of helping Democrats win the House majority.

The choice is clear: Hakeem Jeffries as House Speaker or Donald Trump continuing to rule without any checks or balances on his power, Zimmerman told The Post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The DSA is being dangerously counterproductive and hypocritical, he said.

Some lefty activists said one House member who could face a real primary challenge is Rep. Dan Goldman, who represents lower Manhattan and brownstone Brooklyn.

If Brad Lander ran against Goldman, wed support him in a minute, Arthur Schwartz, political director of the NY Progressive Action Network said, referring to the city comptroller, who lost in the primary for mayor but cross-endorsed Mamdani.

The tiff comes as Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor, is trying to rally people around his candidacy who did not support him in the primary  particularly black and Jewish elected officials and their constituents. He and his campaign are conducting outreach campaigns with lawmakers and Democratic leaders to expand and consolidate his support heading into the general election.
You are the owner of this article.
Throughout much of the debate about whether to pass President One Big, Beautiful Bill, Republicans from all stripes objected to the bill. Some thought that the spending cuts did not go far enough, while others fretted about cuts to Medicaid hurting rural hospitals.

But in the week since the House of Representatives passed it, many of those Republican Senators who previously voiced objections about the bill have changed their tune.

And some Republicans tell The Independent that they want to do another bill under the same method used to pass the last one.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No Republican criticized the legislation as much as Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), who cried that the bill did not go as far on reducing the deficit as he wanted and who went so far as to call the spending reductions fake cuts.

Some of them are out in the future, Johnson told The Independent. We probably won't get them.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Rick Scott (R-FL) (L) and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) all had serious objections to the One Big, Beautiful Bill signed by President Donald Trump. In the end, only Paul opposed it. (Getty Images)

But Johnson said he received assurances from Republican leadership that they would commit to additional spending cuts.

We have a long way to go, he said. But the other thing I got was the commitment to a process to achieve and maintain a pre-pandemic level, knowing you can't do it in one bill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Johnson had also said he wanted significant changes to the Medicaid expansion that was put in place in the 2010 Affordable Care Act that Barack Obama signed, also known as Obamacare. But during the 27-hour vote-a-rama for the bill, Republican leadership did not allow for a bill by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) that would have wound down the Medicaid expansion to go to a vote.

I think that was a huge opportunity blown, he said. But rather than blaming Republican leadership, he blamed other people.

It's partly because the lies the Democrats told, that the fact that the media wouldn't hold them accountable for lies, Johnson said. We were trying to preserve Medicaid for the disabled, children, for the vulnerable.

That was not enough for Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), who is up for re-election and who criticized the fact the legislation could risk rural hospitals closing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I don't want to hear ever again another Republican member of Congress talk about debts and deficit, because the cowards in the Freedom Caucus when they got offered a Big Mac on Air Force, one folded despite spending their entire careers and building their entire brands, pretending to care about the national debt. Ossoff told The Independent.

The Republicans, who have 53 Senate seats, passed the bill using a process known as budget reconciliation, wherein they can pass legislation with a simple majority and avoid a filibuster. But the legislation must relate to spending.

Johnson said he hopes Republicans take up another reconciliation process despite the grueling day-long vote and prior bickering.

President Donald Trump holds the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' after signing it on the White House's South Lawn (AP)

On the other end of the spectrum, Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) expressed worry that the legislations proposal to cap taxes states levy on hospitals and nursing homes could hurt his states Medicaid program. But Justice, a freshman freshman and former governor where more than a quarter of the population is on Medicaid, seemed at peace with his vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Time will tell whether or not we need to try to revisit, he told The Independent. I'm very hopeful that we do not revisit because I'm hopeful what's gonna happen is we're gonna take off as far as growing in our country.

Justice said he was pleased with the fact Scotts amendment did not get to a vote.

I felt like we were pushing and going to cut Medicaid way too much, and at that point in time, in my opinion, what I did was put a stake in the sand for our rural hospitals, he said. We have to protect those rural hospitals because they are the lifeblood of our communities and everything. So I felt like, where we've settled out, we settled out in a good spot.

Ultimately, the final bill would delay the implementation of the cap on provider taxes by a year to comply with the rules of budget reconciliation. But the threats to rural hospitals proved to be a dealbreaker for Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who would oppose the bill and announce he would not seek re-election, and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), who faces re-election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But one Republican who did not have to worry about provider taxes was Sen. Lisa Murkowski, since her state does not levy provider taxes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the rest of GOP leadership spent much of the process trying to buy off Murkowski.

Republicans ultimately reached an agreement with her to exempt Alaska from some of the biggest changes for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, like forcing the state to shoulder part of the cost of SNAP because of its high error rate. It also waived the work requirements for Medicaid within the bill.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said she hoped the House would change the bill, but said  I wish I had the luxury of time to regret things, but we just got to keep moving forward. (Getty Images)

Murkowski expressed hope that it would not be the final product, but the House of Representatives passed the exact bill she supported.

Still, Murkowski seemed uninterested in expressing remorse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You know what happened today? A whole new crisis, she told The Independent. And so I wish I had the luxury of time to regret things, but we just got to keep moving forward.

Its unclear what a second reconciliation bill would include. But Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who opposed the bill because it still exploded the national debt, said he had an idea of what might need to happen.

I'm thinking of a major surgical event where all the congressmen go into the hospital at one time, and we have a spinal surgeon insert spines in them, Paul told The Independent. And if that happens, I think we could balance the budget.
President Donald Trump seems to have learned the lesson painfully gleaned by all his 21st-century predecessors: You cant reset US relations with Vladimir Putin.

Trumps path from idolizing the Russian leader to berating him has been a melodrama of personalized geopolitics. But what happens next is far more important.

The presidents epiphany offers new possibilities for Ukraine, Putins critics in Congress and Americas browbeaten allies. But it also comes with risk  most notably of a test of wills between alpha males Trump and Putin, who control the worlds two top nuclear arsenals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump always tries to up the ante with foreign friends and foes with rhetoric and tariffs. But now hes up against a ruthless adversary who raises the stakes not with bluster, but with human lives, as intensifying drone blitzes on Kyiv  a clear message to the White House  show.

Such is Trumps transactional nature that its fair to ask how long his hostility toward his erstwhile friend in the Kremlin will last. And even though hes talking about helping Ukraine defend itself, its hard to see his transformation extending to match the tens of billions of dollars in military and financial aid sent to Kyiv by the US Congress during the Biden administration.

However, the president told NBC News on Thursday that he has secured a deal through NATO to send new Patriot anti-missile missiles to Kyiv that it badly needs to repel Russian attacks on civilian targets.

Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, a hundred percent, the president said. Were going to be sending Patriots to NATO and then NATO will distribute that, he added. The exact parameters of the deal were not immediately clear, and CNN has reached out to the alliance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump seems to have reached a pivot point. Hes shifted from unfathomably blaming the victim of the war, Ukraine, to accusing the aggressor, Russia, of needlessly prolonging it.

The question is, how does this change US policy on the war and on Russia, as well as Trumps own attempts to exert US leadership and the domestic politics around Ukraine?

Putin ignored all Trumps entreaties

Trumps declaration that he was fed up with Putins bullsh*t this week was a startling twist, albeit one characteristic of his sometimes-profane brand of statesmanship.

No one tried harder than Trump to persuade Putin to end the war in Ukraine, which started with an illegal invasion in 2022. Hes spent years praising the Russian leaders smarts and strength.

Police officers examine debris on a street after a night of Russian strikes in Kyiv on July 10. - Tetiana Dzhafarova/AFP/Getty Images

But even as Trump turned on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after returning to office  including in a notorious Oval Office blow-up  Putin spurned all of the US presidents exceedingly generous terms for a ceasefire and an eventual peace agreement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Putins motives are an important consideration here.

From a Western perspective, the Russian leader may be guilty of an extraordinary self-inflicted political gaffe. He could have had a US-backed peace deal that Ukraines allies in Europe feared would reward his aggression, that locked in the territorial gains of the invasion, and that would have set in stone that Ukraine would never have a path to NATO membership.

But imposing Western logic on Putins calculations has always been a mistake. (This was a factor in the Obama administrations misreading of the Russian leader ahead of his first escapade in Ukraine  the annexation of Crimea in 2014.)

Putin made clear before the invasion that he sees the conflict as righting a historic wrong  both over Russias age-old claims to Ukraine and his wider grievances that date back to the fall of the Berlin Wall, which he watched with dismay from his post as a KGB lieutenant colonel in communist East Germany. Putin talks of the root causes of the war. This is code for a number of Russian grievances that include the existence of a democratic government in Kyiv. It sometimes refers to Moscows claims that it is threatened by NATO expansion after the Cold War and to its desire to see alliance troops withdrawn from former communist states once in the Soviet Unions orbit, such as Poland and Romania.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

From this perspective, Putin may not have intended ever to end the war, and the calculations of Trump and his aides that he could be persuaded to do a deal  the central assumption of the presidents entire worldview  was misguided. And after hundreds of thousands of Russian casualties, the war may be existential to Putin for his political survival.

Countless US and European observers have tried to convince Trump of this view for years. In a way, its stunning that Trump took so long to reach this point. The president said this week of Putin, Hes very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.

Ukraine hawks hoping for a newly robust US policy on the war may want to temper their enthusiasm. Trumps frustration with Putin does seem genuine this time. But several times in recent months, hes criticized the Russian leader only to later caveat his anger.

But if the president has finally concluded that he cant cajole Putin into peace talks, is he willing to try to coerce him into them?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think Trump gets it now, Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations told John Vause on CNN International. Hes got to put more pressure on Russia if hes going to get a deal with Ukraine.

Such pressure might include an increase in US arms and ammunition to Ukraine as European states who feared Trump might walk away from Kyiv also pledge to increase their aid. The difference if Washington is truly committed could be enormous and could confound Putins clear belief that he can outlast the West and can ultimately win the war.

The White House could also fully embrace a bipartisan bill imposing tough new sanctions on Russia  as well as China and India, which are bulk buyers of its oil.

What to watch as Trump mulls new Ukraine strategies

Trump has spoken in recent days about the terrible human toll inflicted on Ukrainians and the courage of their armed forces. But his willingness to stand with Zelenskys government in the long haul may depend on whether hes simply mad at Putin because hes deprived Trump of a deal that would bolster his own aspirations to be a peacemaker and win a Nobel Prize, or whether hes taking a strategic position on the war itself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At times, Trump seemed to view the war in Ukraine as an unnecessary impediment to a better relationship between the US and Russia. He sounded a lot like former presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and a far more skeptical Joe Biden at the start of their presidencies.

Getting along with Russia is a good thing, Trump said in April. I think I could have a very good relationship with Russia and with President Putin, and if I did, that would be a great thing.

A rescue worker walks on a parking of car repair service destroyed by a Russian drone strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on June 18. - Kateryna Klochko/AP

Given Trumps transactional nature, some analysts have speculated that if his hopes of a Ukraine peace deal faltered, he might simply compartmentalize the war and try to deal with Russia on other issues  especially economics and business. That would permit Putin to continue the conflict without US interference.

Trump might have had this in mind before the recent G7 summit when he showed up in Canada complaining that Putin wasnt invited. Still, a partial thaw would not require Trump to get over what he seems to view as a personal slight from the Russian leader. And even though such a scenario would allow Russia to shed its pariah status and partially reenter world politics, its not clear its possibilities would pierce Putins siege mentality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russias next moves could also influence Trumps strategy.

There were some signs coming out of a meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Malaysia on Thursday that US hopes of engaging Russia on the war are not dead. Rubio said he expressed Trumps disappointment and frustration but also that Russia had come up with a new and different approach.

Does Putin now think hes gone too far and needs to get Trump back on side, perhaps by handing the US president a symbolic win? Or is this just classic Russian obfuscation in prolonging a hopeless process of talking while its troops fight?

One thing to look for will be whether Trumps chastening rebuff from Putin changes his approach to diplomacy more generally. The president has long boasted that his great relationship with the Russian leader and Chinese President Xi Jinping would yield victories for the United States that no other president could land. But as with North Korean tyrant Kim Jong Un in Trumps first term, the presidents supposed magnetism has produced very little of substance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The geopolitical backdrop to the Ukraine issue has also shifted in recent weeks. Trumps recent strikes on Iran might not have obliterated the Islamic Republics nuclear sites, as he claims. But they were a demonstration of American military might and a success for the commander in chief who ordered them. For all his threats to democracy, the Constitution and the rule of law in the United States, Trump is clearly established as the worlds most powerful leader, whose daily moves send shockwaves around the globe. Could this shift the dynamics between him and Putin? Does Trump now view the Russian leader less as a strongman to be lionized than as the leader of an inferior power?

Risks rise with growing US-Russia tensions

One big risk of a period of tension between the White House and the Kremlin would be if Trump and Putin get locked into a cycle of escalation  potentially to defend the enormous credibility that they have both invested in the relationship.

Theres no evidence to suggest that Trump wants to get into a showdown with Putin. Parts of his MAGA base see ideological synergies with Putin: his criticism of wokeness and what they see as a decline of Western cultural values. Another GOP faction wants to turn away from Europe in order to devote US military resources to a building showdown with China.

Nothing in Putins behavior suggests that he wants a faceoff with Trump or the United States. But the Russian leader has frequently rattled nuclear sabers during the Ukraine conflict, apparently to scare Western populations. Trumps frequently expressed horror about the cataclysmic results of any nuclear conflict means this is a card the Russian leader might play if tensions really escalate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ultimately, Trump might still return to this strategic assumption that has long haunted US policy towards Ukraine. The fact is that Ukraine, which is a non-NATO country, is going to be vulnerable to military domination by Russia no matter what we do. This was not another Ukraine-skeptical Trump quote. It was his nemesis, Obama, in an interview with The Atlantic in 2016.

But if nothing else, Trumps spat with Putin might serve one purpose  dispelling his blind spot over the Russian leaders true nature.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Wondering what happened to Tony Sadiku? The CBS meteorologists sudden absence from broadcasts after July 3 has sparked many questions from viewers. Many fans turned to social media to ask what happened. In response, Sadiku clarified the reason behind his absence and when he will return to the studio.

Here are more details about Sadikus recent absence from CBS broadcasts.

Where is Tony Sadiku?

Meteorologist Tony Sadiku hasnt appeared on CBS News since the July 3 broadcast, prompting questions from viewers who noticed his absence. Several concerned fans reached out through social media, wondering why he hadnt been on-air. In response to one of the messages, Sadiku addressed the speculation via Facebook. The CBS meteorologist clarified that he was simply taking the week off and would be returning to his role on Monday, July 14.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During his time away from the studio, the meteorologist gave followers a glimpse into his downtime by posting an Instagram story from Ibiza, Spain, suggesting he had traveled abroad. He has since returned to New York ahead of his scheduled return to the air. (via North Jersey)

Sadiku, a certified meteorologist and member of the CBS News New York First Alert Weather Team since December 2023, regularly delivers forecasts for the Tri-State area. His short hiatus comes during a season marked by increased weather activity, including ongoing updates on tropical storms and changing temperature conditions in the region.

Before joining WCBS, Sadiku spent time forecasting weather at television stations in Florida and North Carolina, including FOX affiliates in Tampa and Fort Myers and an ABC affiliate in Charlotte. Beyond his broadcast work, he also teaches meteorology as an adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. (via CBS News)

Fans eager for his return can expect to see him resume his usual afternoon and evening weather reports starting Monday, July 14.

The post What Happened to Tony Sadiku? CBS Meteorologist Absence Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Harrowing dashcam footage captured a horrific crash involving a semi-truck that left at least two people dead, and an unknown number of people injured Thursday morning in Riverside County.

The incident occurred just after 6:30 a.m. as the driver of the big rig, pulling a large trailer, was traveling in westbound lanes of the 10 Freeway east of Date Palm near Cathedral City, according to the California Highway Patrol.

In footage of the crash obtained by KTLA, the driver of the semi is seen in the far right lane when the vehicle, for reasons currently not known, lost control and veered across all lanes toward the center median guardrails as the trailer it was pulling began tipping.

Two people were killed and an unknown number injured in crash on Interstate 10 in Riverside County involving a big rig on July 10, 2025. (O.C. Hawk) Two people were killed and an unknown number injured in crash on Interstate 10 in Riverside County involving a big rig on July 10, 2025. (O.C. Hawk) Two people were killed and an unknown number injured in crash on Interstate 10 in Riverside County involving a big rig on July 10, 2025. (O.C. Hawk) Two people were killed and an unknown number injured in crash on Interstate 10 in Riverside County involving a big rig on July 10, 2025. (O.C. Hawk) Two people were killed and an unknown number injured in crash on Interstate 10 in Riverside County involving a big rig on July 10, 2025. (O.C. Hawk) Two people were killed and an unknown number injured in crash on Interstate 10 in Riverside County involving a big rig on July 10, 2025. (O.C. Hawk) Two people were killed and an unknown number injured in crash on Interstate 10 in Riverside County involving a big rig on July 10, 2025. (O.C. Hawk) Two people were killed and an unknown number injured in crash on Interstate 10 in Riverside County involving a big rig on July 10, 2025. (O.C. Hawk) Two people were killed and an unknown number injured in crash on Interstate 10 in Riverside County involving a big rig on July 10, 2025. (O.C. Hawk)

The big rig smashed through the guardrails in an explosion of dirt and debris and slid on its passenger side into oncoming eastbound traffic, where several motorists immediately collided with it at high speed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gunman neutralized after opening fire on U.S. Border Patrol facility

CHP Officer David Torres said two men were killed, one behind the wheel of a Mercury SUV and a passenger in a Toyota Camry. Both victims, according to the officer, were ejected from their vehicles.

Footage of the crash aftermath shows both vehicles completely mangled and destroyed.

Authorities have yet to say how many others were injured in the crash, though preliminary reports suggest there were several people who suffered injuries of varying severity and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Officials have yet to identify the driver of the big rig, nor have they said if he was among those injured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The crash, which prompted a SigAlert, brought traffic in the area to a complete standstill as CHP investigated the crash, and Caltrans crews worked to clear a massive debris field.

Just before 2:30 p.m., officials reopened all lanes of traffic in the area.

The identities of the two deceased victims are pending next of kin notification.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The threats posed by religion to liberal democracy are laid out with chilling poeticism by Apocalypse in the Tropics, Petra Costas unnerving recent-history documentary about the rise of Evangelicals in Brazilian politics.

A companion piece to 2019s Oscar-nominated The Edge of Democracy, the directors latest (July 11 in theaters; July 14 on Netflix) is a portrait of a country on the brink of theocracy thanks to the amplification and weaponization of faith in the public sphere, all of it rooted in end-of-the-world warfare terms that will sound eerily familiar to those whove lived in America for the past decade. Rife with Trump-era parallels that only augment its global relevance, its a warning about those who seek power by claiming holy authority.

Mournfully narrated by Costa, who confesses that her secular upbringing left her initially blind to Evangelical Christianitys growing popularity (and what it foretold about her homelands future), Apocalypse in the Tropics is the story of the ascent of Jair Bolsonaro, whom Costa, upon first meeting him in 2016, viewed as a right-wing striver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In an effort to enhance his professional fortunes, Bolsonaro hitched his wagon to the Evangelical crusade that was raging throughout the country and was spearheaded by Silas Malafaia, a pastor who transformed his father-in-laws church into a sensationand made himself a national power playerby embracing televangelist-style capitalist enterprise (including hawking bibles on TV). Costa states that Bolsonaros lack of capabilities made him an ideal vessel for Malafaias fundamentalism, and the duos partnership peaked with Bolsonaros 2018 presidential election victory.

Costa depicts Bolsonaros win as the manifestation of Malafaias belief in Dominionism, which argues that Christians should control all of society. Having already bolstered his divine bona fides by surviving a stabbing assassination attempt (as well as by having the middle name Messias), Bolsonaro embraced his role as Gods chosen son, elevated to the highest office in the land in order to carry out His willwhich involved the usual grab bag of right-wing objections to abortion, gay marriage, and drug legalization.

By the time he ran for re-election in 2022, the issue of gender-neutral bathrooms had also entered the debate, further aligning Brazils religiously driven conservative movement with the United States MAGA-ified Republican party, and casting Bolsonaro as a Brazilian Trump and Malafaia as his Steve Bannon-via-Stephen Miller puppet master.

Those similarities extend to Bolsonaros decision, after losing re-election, to refuse to concede defeat, thereby motivating his supporters, on Jan. 8, 2023, to storm the buildings of the Supreme Court of Brazil, the National Congress of Brazil, and the Planalto Presidential Palace in an effort to instigate a coup that would lead to Bolsonaros reinstatement.

Netflix

Before it can get to that cataclysm, however, Apocalypse in the Tropics traces the rapid surge of Evangelicalism in Brazilian politics, beginning with an opening scene in which congressman and pastor Cabo Daviolo tells his faithful colleagues that God makes the decisions as others pray and bless the chambers desks. According to Daviolo, the fall of the current government has already been declared, and in this new moment, the conflict isnt against menits spiritual in nature.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Guided by such views, a campaigning Bolsonaro proclaims that everyone should own a firearm for self-defense and then, while wielding a rifle, half-jokingly suggests, Lets shoot all left-wingers here in Acre! If this is a battle of New Testament proportions, anything is apparently on the table, including the arrest on corruption charges of former President Luis Ignacio Lula da Silvaa move that helps guarantee Bolsonaros win against his rival, who was leading in the polls at the time of his incarceration.

Following his release, Lula sits down with Costa to explain that his own principles wont allow him to stoop to campaigning in churches. Yet to reverse his unfavorable poll numbers, he does an about-face that underscores his opinion that socialist programs which ignore religious values are destined to fail.

Costa captures this perilous period via footage of protests and rallies, interviews with Bolsonaro, Lula, and Malafaia, and conversations with everyday citizens like cleaning supervisor Ester Candeias, who admits that she likes many of Lulas ideas (in the 2022 election) but supports Bolsonaro because she believes hes a true man of God.

Netflix

At the same time, the directors narration adds a ruminative layer to Apocalypse in the Tropics, allowing it to touch upon topics such as the transformation of Evangelical apocalyptic doctrine from one that contends that the End Times will materialize due to mankind achieving peace, to one which alleges that Jesus return will be the result of humanitys devolution into iniquitya shift that allows Evangelicals to position themselves as heralds of a Second Coming that will alleviate the nations suffering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shot with sorrowful grace by Joao Atala and punctuated by archival verite and cinematic material that creates haunting links between the past and present (highlighted by a finale that underscores the literal and figurative wreckage wrought by pious madness), Apocalypse in the Tropics is a lucid lament for the previously stark divide separating church and state.

With economical incisiveness, Costa details the way in which that barrier has been eroded by religious leaders canny realization that they could consolidate electoral support by offering hope to the poor and downtrodden. That strategy was learned, in part, from Billy Graham and his anti-communist American missionaries, who championed sin as the fundamental problem of all societies and, thus, the church as its ultimate solution.

Today, thats the reigning perspective of more than 30 percent of the Brazilian population (up from 5 percent merely 40 years ago), which when faced with Bolsonaros 2022 defeat saw simply conspiratorial evildoing on the part of godless heretics, and responded with violence.

Netflix

While Costa spends brief time with an Evangelical pastor who objects to Malafaia, Apocalypse in the Tropics optimismif it has anyhas nothing to do with the possibility of a revolt within the religion movement. Rather, its the byproduct of the countrys democratic rejection of theocracy and punishment of those who sought to illegally install it.

The threat of Evangelical extremism may remain in Brazil, but at least in the short term, it wont come from Bolsonaro, who was banned from running for president until 2030 (and is now being prosecuted for masterminding a criminal spy ring, which has led Donald Trump to threaten tariffs on the country)a course of action that puts Americas own feeble response to Trumps attempted January 6 insurrection to shame.
Harvard is considering creating a centre for conservative scholarship as it seeks to end its months-long dispute with Donald Trump.

Americas oldest university is said to have discussed the idea with potential donors, which could cost up to $1 billion, to promote and support viewpoint diversity, The Wall Street Journal reported.

It has been locked in a dispute with the Trump administration for months over claims that it has failed to tackle anti-Semitism on campus while pushing discriminatory diversity programmes, with Mr Trump stripping it of billions of dollars in federal funds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The US president said last month the government was close to striking a deal with Harvard, although this week it announced plans to subpoena the institution for data on foreign students.

Setting up a conservative centre would likely be interpreted as a concession to the president and Right-wing critics, who have long complained elite universities are liberal bastions with no political diversity.

The initiative, which could be modelled along the lines of Stanfords Hoover Institution, has been under discussion for several years but recently gained steam following the pro-Palestinian protests that broke out across college campuses last year.

Centre would support viewpoint diversity

A Harvard spokesman said the initiative being discussed will ensure exposure to the broadest ranges of perspectives on issues, and will not be partisan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It would model the use of evidence-based, rigorous logic and a willingness to engage with opposing views and promote and support viewpoint diversity, he added.

In 2023, a survey by the student newspaper found that just three per cent of faculty at Harvard identified as conservative.

Harvard struck a defiant stance earlier this year when it refused to change its hiring, admissions and other internal procedures following demands by the Trump administration, hiring a high-powered legal team who accused it of trying to invade university freedoms.

However, Mr Trump announced last month the two sides were negotiating as the government froze federal funding, attempted to ban it from enrolling foreign students, opened investigations and accused it of breaking the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Analysis by The Wall Street Journal has found the university would be left with a budget shortfall of around $1 billion if Mr Trump followed through on all of his threats.

Administration negotiating hard

On Tuesday, Linda McMahon, the US education secretary, said the administration was negotiating hard with Harvard and that were getting there.

However, tensions flared again on Wednesday when the Department of Homeland Security announced it would subpoena the university for information about its foreign students, accusing it of allowing them to advocate for violence and terrorism on campus.

The same day, the education department declared that administration probes had found the university had violated federal anti-discrimination laws in its treatment of Jewish students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Harvard University has been approached for comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
HASTINGS, N.Y. (WSYR)  After a deadly single-motor vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a two-year-old boy, people in Oswego County are expressing their sorrow and want more precautions placed on Route 49 in the Town of Hastings.

The Trumble family was shaken after hearing a sound they knew all too well on Wednesday evening.

We just hear loud bangsloud bangsbecause its happened a few times, Lynn Trumble, a Hastings resident who contacted emergency officials after the crash, said. Like, weve had six in four years. But only two major, major ones, but stillevery one is major.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chad Rodman, a retired New York State trooper, lives down the road from where the accident occurred, west of Canterbury Way. After witnessing remnants of glass and debris on the rural road, he said his heart is filled with sorrow.

The poor two-year-old died in the backseat, and the 23-year-old and the 19-year-old were sadly hurt and went to the hospital, Rodman said. Its sad.

Dennis Peterson, Rodmans neighbor, reacted similarly after receiving the news.

Two, young peoplebarely out of their teens and a child, and I think thatsI mean, how can you explain that? Peterson said. I mean, it just hits my heart.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As the investigation into the crash continues, community members want to prevent dangerous car crashes from occurring in their quiet neighborhood.

We had a major accident a couple of years ago, here, and now this tragic one, and I justI cant stand it, Trumble said. Im going to try to see if I can get the speed limit slowed downmaybe a light? A flashing light would be great because most people dont know that, all of a sudden, its a bad turn.

Authorities say the driver of the minivan did not sustain serious injuries. The passenger in the front seat continues to recover at Upstate Hospital in Syracuse.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Hawaii Countys Police Commission has denied Chief Ben Moszkowiczs request to withdraw his resignation, but will allow him to stay on until the end of August.

This allows him to retire and apply for benefits.

Regardless of todays action, nothing should take away from Ben Moszkowiczs 25 years of service to the people of Oahu and Hawaii, said Robert Cavaco, president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. We respect Bens work as a law enforcement officer and servant of our community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I am truly sorry: Big Isle police chief apologizes for attempted Oahu transition

Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda echoed Cavacos sentiments.

We sincerely thank Chief Ben Moszkowicz for his service to the County of Hawaii and wish him well on his next chapter, Alameda said.

The vote came down to a tie, and the police commission will accept his resignation.

In a statement, Cavaco said he appreciates the commissions ability to make a tough call during such complex circumstances.

Whether its solving the staffing challenges, addressing violent crime, or modernizing the Departments equipment and training, Hawaii PD employees, the commission, and the community have an opportunity for a fresh start at plotting the Departments future progress, Cavaco also said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The statement then continued on to say that Cavaco hopes the commission will collaborate with his members for the sake of the Big Islands future.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The Hawaii Police Commission holds the important responsibility of overseeing the police chief, and we fully respect the commissions authority and the processes it follows, Alameda said.

The decision comes after Moszkowicz submitted his resignation so he could apply to be the interim chief at the Honolulu Police Department.

I intended to stay here. My family, we love it here and if I could rewind the last six weeks and undo actions, I absolutely would, Moszkowicz said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the end, the Honolulu Police Commission appointed Deputy Chief Rade Vanic to the role, leading Moszkowicz to withdraw his resignation from the Hawaii Island Police Department.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who had recommended Moszkowicz to the Honolulu Police Department role, spoke out regarding the commissions decision, saying that he always said Moszkowiczs future on Oahu was contingent on commission support.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

I said all along it was the commissions job to pick, and I said it would be subject to that, but I was strongly recommending [Moszkowicz], Blangiardi said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Blangiardi said his recommendation was founded in Moszkowiczs track record with the Oahu agency, and did not think there was anyone else available to fill the role.

I thought this was an opportunity and situation where we didnt have anybody readily available, to bring back a man who had a very distinguished career, not only in the 22 years at HPD but the two and a half years as chief on the Big Island who was willing to come back to the department he had served for so long and so well, Blangiardi said.

The Honolulu mayor went on to discuss how had he known what the outcome was going to be, he would have not encouraged Moszkowicz to apply for the Honolulu position, and offered the outgoing chief his apologies.

I spoke to Chief Moszkowicz this afternoon. I am deeply saddened. I offered him my apology, if you will, for what happened to him and his family. This man has had a distinguished career  he deserves better than what he got, Blangiardi said.

He went on to praise Moszkowiczs career, saying the community should not forget the chiefs track record of public service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In an earlier statement, Moszkowicz said he deeply regretted his actions and reiterated his long-term commitment to remain in service to the Orchid Isle.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ST. LOUIS  Now that the expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) has been signed into law, Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who has pushed for such funding for several years, is looking ahead to the next steps.

The measure allows thousands of Missourians from 21 different zip codes to apply for financial compensation if they were exposed to nuclear contamination left behind from the World War II-era Manhattan Project.

Tilden man accused in sexual abuse charges involving minors

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The next step is to make sure, number one, that everybody in the St. Louis and St. Charles region who qualifies is able to apply, said Hawley. We want people to know this is available to them. Theyve waited for so long, I want to make sure that everybody understands that they qualify across those 21 zip codes, number one. Number two, help people apply for the compensation.

Hawley expects the U.S. Department of Justice to push out applications over the next few weeks. He also plans to set up a hotline to help people apply for compensation.

Local advocacy group Just Moms STL is also hosting a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Waste Connections Sustainability Campus (2443 Creve Coeur Mill Road) to answer questions about the newly-passed legislation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The Trump administration will restrict immigrants in the country illegally from enrolling in Head Start, a federally funded preschool program, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday.

The move is part of a broad effort to limit access to federal benefits for immigrants who lack legal status, according to the Associated Press.

People in the country illegally are largely ineligible for federal public benefits such as food stamps, student loans, and financial aid for higher education. But for decades, they have been able to access some community-level programs such as Head Start and community health centers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ALSO READ: Federal funding freeze impacts Gaston County senior community service program

HHS said it will reclassify those programs as federal public benefits, excluding immigrants in the country illegally from accessing them. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the changes were part of a larger effort to protect American citizens interests.

For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration, Kennedy said in a statement. Todays action changes that  it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people.

A spokesperson for the Administration for Children and Families, which administers Head Start, said that eligibility will be determined based on the childs immigration status.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Requiring proof of immigration status would likely create fear and confusion among families seeking to enroll their children, said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association.

This decision undermines the fundamental commitment that the country has made to children and disregards decades of evidence that Head Start is essential to our collective future, Vinci said.

The changes are part of a multi-agency announcement rescinding an interpretation of federal law dating to former President Bill Clintons administration, which had allowed immigrants in the country illegally to access some programs. The Education Department, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Labor announced similar changes affecting a range of workforce development and adult education programs.

The changes will affect community health centers that immigrants rely on for a wide range of services, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president of immigration policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People depend on those services to get cancer treatment, to get ongoing maintenance for a variety of different health needs, she said.

Students in the country illegally will no longer be eligible to participate in postsecondary career and technical education programs or adult education programs, the Education Department announced. The department also issued a notice to grant recipients to ensure programs receiving federal money do not provide services to immigrants without legal status.

Education advocates said the decision would harm young people who have grown up in this country. EdTrust Vice President Augustus Mays said the intention appears to be creating fear among immigrant communities.

Policies like this dont exist in a vacuum, Mays said. They are rooted in a political agenda that scapegoats immigrants and uses fear to strip rights and resources from the most vulnerable among us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Head Start was started six decades ago as part of Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnsons War on Poverty. It operates in all 50 states, providing preschool, developmental therapy, and child care for families who are homeless or are in poverty.

VIDEO: Federal funding freeze impacts Gaston County senior community service program
This article was originally published in Chalkbeat.

Undocumented children will no longer qualify for federally funded preschool through the Head Start program under a major policy shift the Trump administration announced Thursday.

In a news release, the Department of Health and Human Services said it was rescinding a nearly 30-year-old interpretation of federal law issued under President Bill Clinton that allowed undocumented immigrants to access certain programs because they were not considered federal public benefits.

Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

As President Donald Trump pursues his anti-immigrant agenda, this change may be the most direct and far-reaching effort to target children after his attempts to end birthright citizenship. His administration has also ramped up immigration enforcement and deportations, withheld funding for English learners, and threatened to punish states that offer in-state tuition to undocumented college students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Administration officials have said they hope many immigrants will self-deport if the United States makes life here more uncomfortable. Health and Human Services leaders cast the change as a way to protect benefits for Americans.

For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a press release. Todays action changes that  it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people.

Related

Head Start at 60: A Legacy Worth Investing In

Early childhood education advocates, meanwhile, condemned the change as violating both the spirit and the letter of the 1965 law that authorized Head Start. They also warned the change could scare away eligible families.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This decision undermines the fundamental commitment that the country has made to children, Yasmina Vinci, the executive director of the National Head Start Association, a nonprofit that represents Head Start staff and families, said in a written statement. Head Start programs strive to make every child feel welcome, safe, and supported, and reject the characterization of any child as illegal.

The change is also at odds with how the Supreme Court has treated K-12 education. In the landmark Plyler v. Doe decision from 1982, the justices ruled that children have a right to a free public education regardless of immigration status. However, the courts have upheld laws restricting immigrants access to welfare benefits.

Head Start provided preschool to over 544,000 children from low-income families, according to the latest federal data from the 2022-23 school year, while Early Head Start served more than 186,000 infants, toddlers, and expectant parents.

The program, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, has reached 40 million children but has recently faced a number of challenges, from federal staff layoffs to threats of eliminating the program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Head Start will now be considered a public benefit, the Trump administration said, because it offers services that are similar to welfare. Officials said the change aligns with Trumps executive orders, including a February order titled Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.

Related

For Some Tribal Communities, Head Start Programs Provide a Cultural Lifeline

While Head Start provides for school readiness, it also provides low-income children and their families with health, educational, nutritional, and social and other services, that are determined based on family needs assessment, federal officials wrote in a notice announcing the change. Further, it may serve as child care for parents of young children.

Classifying Head Start as welfare, rather than education, could be a Trump administration strategy to avoid having to address whether the protections extended to undocumented children in Plyler apply here, said Nate Ela, an assistant professor of law at Temple University, in an email.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reflecting Trumps America First agenda, Health and Human Services officials said in their press release that Head Start will be reserved for American citizens from now on.

But a spokesperson for the Administration for Children and Families clarified that U.S. citizens and qualified immigrants would be eligible for Head Start. Under federal law, that includes legal permanent residents, children whove been granted asylum, refugees, and children with humanitarian parole.

In its statement, the National Head Start Association said providers were alarmed that programs would have to check the citizenship or immigration status of children before they could enroll. The law that governs Head Start has never required documentation of immigration status as a condition to enroll, the organization said, and attempts to impose such a requirement threaten to create fear and confusion among all families.

It is unclear exactly how the new rules will be enforced. Guidance based on the new legal interpretation is forthcoming, the Administration for Children and Families spokesperson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Are they going to monitor us when they come out for their federal review? asked Lauri Morrison-Frichtl, the executive director of the Illinois Head Start Association. Will there be something attached to our grant that we have to certify?

Related

New Mexicos Investments in Early Care and Education Begin to Show Progress

The latest version of the law governing who is eligible for Head Start says nothing about immigration status, but it does say that the program can use federal funds to train staff, counsel children, and provide other services that are necessary to address the challenges of children from immigrant, refugee, and asylee families, homeless children, children in foster care, limited English proficient children, children of migrant or seasonal farmworker families, [and] children from families in crisis.

The law says that children who are experiencing homelessness or whose families have incomes below the federal poverty line qualify. The Migrant Seasonal Head Start program also guarantees child care for the children of farm workers and seasonal workers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is not the first attempt to roll back educational rights for immigrant children and families. A number of Republican state legislators have backed bills that would limit enrollment for immigrant children or track their immigration status in ways that could intimidate families. So far, none has been successful. Meanwhile, the author of a brief from the conservative Heritage Foundation that called on states to charge undocumented children tuition to attend public school now works in the Education Department.

Restricting Head Start access could have ripple effects

Federal officials estimated that the Head Start change would free up $374 million a year for U.S. citizens and qualified immigrants to access Head Start, which represents about 3% of the programs annual budget in recent years.

But keeping children out of Head Start could lead to more costs down the road for public schools, advocates warned. Kindergartners who dont go to preschool may need more help with basics like learning their ABCs, colors, and how to work with classmates. They also may have missed out on health screenings.

Were really shortchanging our community by cutting them off from strong early childhood programs that are going to put them on the right path to be successful in K-12 schools where they have a guaranteed right to attend, said Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, co-founder of the National Newcomer Network and deputy director of Californians Together, groups that advocate for immigrant rights in education.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are typically many more children in poverty who qualify for Head Start than the program has funding to serve. A 2024 Government Accountability Office report found, for example, that for every 100 young children in poverty, there were typically 28 Head Start seats, with much larger gaps in some states.

Keeping out immigrant children wouldnt necessarily close those gaps. The main factor limiting Head Start seats is a lack of trained teachers, said Diane Schilder, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute, a public policy think tank.

A lot of programs are having challenges hiring teachers in preschool and infant-toddler classrooms who meet the requirements because the wages are not adequate, Schilder said.

Low-income families are less likely to have documents proving their children are citizens, Schilder said, and anti-immigrant sentiment can scare away even eligible families from applying. Parents are less likely to work when they dont have access to child care. The effects of these changes would be felt most strongly in urban areas and in communities with a large agricultural workforce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Head Start providers worry that verifying childrens immigration status will create more administrative work and could make it harder for all families to enroll. Federal officials estimated the cost of assembling documents and reviewing paperwork would be an additional $21 million a year.

And there would be more transition costs to change Head Start protocols, the federal notice stated.

Federal officials said the change would take effect as soon as it is published in the Federal Register. It has not been published, but has been submitted, the Trump administration said. The public will have 30 days to submit comments.

For now, Heather Frenz, the executive director of the Colorado Head Start Association, said her organization is telling Head Start providers to wait for further instructions before un-enrolling any children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reconsidering the eligibility or enrollment of children who are already attending Head Start would be expensive and time-consuming, Frenz said. The process involves everything from measuring childrens height and weight to drawing up individual plans.

And if undocumented children miss out on preschool and other services Head Start provides, Frenz said it could put a lot of strain on other public entities when those children get older.

They may not speak English or have never seen a dentist, Frenz said. Thats going to be a heavy load on the public school education system.

Chalkbeat New York reporter Michael Elsen-Rooney, Chalkbeat Philadelphia bureau chief Carly Sitrin, Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea, and Colorado bureau chief Melanie Asmar contributed reporting.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
The recently approved budget reconciliation bill that significantly cuts funding for Medicaid will lead to strain on the state health care system, advocates warn. (Photo by Danielle E. Gaines/Maryland Matters)

Deep cuts to Medicaid in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will likely force thousands of Marylanders off the Medicaid rolls, creating ripple effects that advocates fear could strain and disrupt the states overall health care system.

The whole situation is incredibly frustrating and a lot of harm has been done to the Maryland health care system with this bill, said Gene Ransom, CEO for MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

President Donald Trump (R) signed H.R. 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, last week. In addition to permanently extending some tax cuts and slashing food stamp benefits, the new law aims to cut $1 trillion in Medicaid spending over the next 10 years by reducing aid to states, imposing work requirements on benefit recipients, tightening registration rules and more.

Federal budget analysts say that 11.8 million people across the country could lose health care coverage over the next decade as a result of the changes during that time.

While the final version of the budget reconciliation act gives states more time to implement the changes than in previous versions, advocates still fear the massive cuts to funding and changes to Medicaid eligibility will disrupt Marylands overall health care system.

New Medicaid work requirements

An overarching concern for providers are the increased eligibility requirements under the law, particularly a stiffer work requirement. Any Medicaid recipient whose income exceeds the federal poverty level would have to work 80 hours a month, or 20 hours a week, in order to maintain coverage.

Maryland is one of 40 expansion states that accepted a Biden-era policy that let states expand Medicaid coverage to those making up to 138% of the federal poverty level. About 330,000 Marylanders are part of the expansion population and would be subject to the work requirement, which would take effect no later than 2028.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Supporters of the work requirement say it will cut back on wasted taxpayer dollars by ensuring that Medicaid recipients are contributing to the workforce. Opponents argue that most recipients are already working, and that they are more likely to be tripped up by the increased paperwork that will be needed to prove that they are fulfilling the 80-hour per month requirement.

Some people would be able to opt out of the work requirement, including families with children under age 14, those who are pregnant, and some people who have disabilities.

U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), the only Maryland lawmaker to vote in favor of the bill, recently said that Medicaid coverage will continue for the people who need it the most.

No one is taking Medicaid from those who truly need it, he said in social media posts Monday. Women, children, the elderly, and the disabled are protected. Period.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The legislation also requires that the expanded Medicaid population prove eligibility every six months, beginning in 2027. Critics see that as just another hurdle for recipients, who will struggle to keep up with the frequent eligibility checks and will lose coverage as a result.

U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters).

With both of those provisions going into effect in the coming years, health care advocacy group KFF estimates that around 130,000 Marylanders will lose coverage.

Analysts from the Maryland Department of Legislative Services say that the two provisions could slash $1.1 billion in Medicaid costs in Maryland, $112 million of which would be state dollars. Those savings would be slightly offset by the increased administrative costs of having to conduct more-frequent eligibility checks.

But Ransom, with MedChi, said those would be short term savings for the state that would be quickly eaten up by the increase in uninsured Marylanders who would lead to more expensive care and a greater strain on the health care system as a whole.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All of these things are going to mean that we have more people who either dont have access to a physician or dont have insurance, so they end up not getting preventative care, Ransom said. They end up not getting their regular primary care visits, then theyre going to wait until theyre really bad, theyre going up in the emergency room and then we all end up paying for it.

There might be some savings in the short run, because you throw people off  in a very mean-spirited way by making them fill out forms every six months to make sure that theyre eligible, he said, but the reality of it is that its going to hurt all of us.

Reproductive health care

Reproductive rights advocates warn that a provision that prohibits Medicaid funding for any reproductive health care at a facility that also provides abortions  such as Planned Parenthood  will reduce access for low-income people to receive services like cancer screenings and testing for sexually transmitted infections.

Karen Nelson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Maryland, said that about one-third of the patients at its seven centers located throughout Maryland are Medicaid recipients.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What it effectively did was eliminate Planned Parenthood from participating in the federal Medicaid program  and [made it] ineligible to receive payments from Medicaid, Nelson said. These are vulnerable populations and people are coming to us for wellness visits, cancer detection, STI testing and treatment, birth control and all of the preventative health care that keeps the community healthy.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

State analysts estimate that it would cost the state about $2.5 million to make up for federal funds lost as a result of that provision.

While Planned Parenthood is often thought of as just an abortion provider, and is often the target of anti-abortion attacks. The organization believes the budget reconciliation unfairly targets it, and it filed a lawsuit to block the provision. A federal judge in Massachusetts issued a temporary restraining order this week, meaning that for the time being, Medicaid recipients can still be covered for services rendered in Planned Parenthoods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nelson explained that even if Medicaid recipients could continue to seek care at Planned Parenthood, the anticipated loss in health coverage due to the increased eligibility requirements will further reduce access to reproductive health services in the state.

It is going to be devastating, Nelson said. The big fear is that people are not going to be receiving the life-saving cancer detections. Theyre going to not have their STI treated, and people wont be able to access birth control.

You have an already stressed system and the amount of uncompensated care thats going to be needed is going to be very taxing on the providers, not just Planned Parenthood, but across the board, she said.

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange

Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, said that the state insurance marketplaces, where people can shop for individual private insurance through the Affordable Care Act, fared better than originally anticipated under the budget reconciliation legislation  though it will also face challenges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The legislation will create barriers for certain immigrants to purchase health care on the marketplace and receive tax credits to help bring monthly costs down for coverage. Some changes in Marketplace rules that were implemented outside of the budget reconciliation bill will also narrow the time that people can sign up for new health plans.

She is more worried about something that was absent from the legislation  an extension on the federal tax credits that have boosted enrollment through the exchange.

Weve had huge success in enrollments, Eberle said of the federal tax credits. It makes it affordable for people to use their tax credit to pay for their health care that theyre purchasing in their own right.

Insurance companies have already warned state officials that those who bought health insurance on the state marketplace could see the cost of coverage increase an average of 17% next year unless Congress extends those federal subsidies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Eberle said that Congress still has time to act.

Its got to be solved or were going to lose enrollees  we know that, she said.

Eberle warns that all of these factors together will likely reduce the size of the insurance pool, which could lead to increased costs for everyone, even those on private insurance through employers.

That will effect, not only on the exchange, but off-exchange, individual marketplace, she said. That will affect the doctors that are providing those services, the hospitals where the people go. All of that trickle-down effect the small business employer who has lost coverage and now gets sick and cant be at work  I mean all of those things.
GREENVILLE, Ohio (WDTN)  Darke County Commission has denied annexation of a health facility near Greenville.

According to our partners at the Daily Advocate, the Family Health Services facility is located just outside the city limits of Greenville.

The health facility is currently under an annexation agreement with the city since they are contiguous to the city and already use city water and sewage services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They applied for annexation when the facility upgraded their water and sewage system during a recent renovation. The facility also wants annexation to allow Greenville public transit to have access to the facility.

Commissioners say they denied the annex due to lack of benefit for the city.

The only thing I see that gets picked up from annexing the property is the city of Greenville picks up additional income taxes from individuals working there. EMS services will stay with the township either way, said Commission Chairman Matthew Aultman.

Commissioners say the Sheriff provides law enforcement services as part of the property taxes they pay for the facility. This could shift to Greenville and add more financial burden to taxpayers if annexed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Going forward, Family Health can pursue a Type 2 Annexation under Ohio Law, which Mayor Jeff Whitaker says would not require a vote by county commissioners.

Whitaker says the city will support Family Health if they decide to go forward with this.

The city remains ready and willing to support Family Health when they move forward with a Type 2 annexation petition, said Mayor Whitaker. As discussed in previous council meetings, transportation service to Family Health from within the city was contingent upon the property becoming part of the city. That condition remains in place.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  Mosquitoes in Wichita Falls have tested positive for West Nile virus, raising new concerns just as summer hits its peak.

Wichita County officials confirmed the virus was found in one of their mosquito trap zones this week. While there are no human cases yet, they say now is the time to take precautions.

The positive sample came from zone 17 in east central Wichita Falls near Legacy High School. Officials say theyll continue routine spraying and surveillance, but personal protection is key.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, Wichita Falls saw 10 confirmed cases of West Nile virus, and all of them were pretty severe. Mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in just a week. Health professionals urge you to follow the four Ds: Deet, dress in long clothing outdoors, and dump and drain standing water around your home.

Though most people dont show symptoms, Environmental Health Administrator Samantha Blair is still urging precaution.

Up to 80% of people arent going to show any symptoms with west Nile virus. However, if you are going to show symptoms, the majority of people that show symptoms, its going to be general flu like illness following mosquito bites. Blair said.

The city will continue spraying and surveillance efforts, but health officials say personal responsibility plays a huge role.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So, since we know that West Nile virus is in the area, if youre feeling ill and youve had a lot of outside time, its definitely worth bringing up to the doctor. If you are in an area that has mature trees and you have not cleaned your gutters out this year, go ahead and do that because they can grow mosquitoes as well , Blair said.

If you would like to keep up with positive cases in your area, Health District | Wichita Falls, TX  Official Website

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  A healthcare provider employee was arrested on multiple drug charges after avoiding a checkpoint near a prison facility.

The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) K9 and Narcotics officers were conducting a vehicle checkpoint at the Limestone Correctional Facility on Friday.

At 5:25 a.m., a red SUV was seen turning around approximately 150 yards from the checkpoint, according to authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ADOC officials tried to pull the vehicle over along a nearby access road, but the driver refused to stop.

After a short chase, the driver eventually stopped the vehicle.

While searching the vehicle, authorities found approximately 195.33 grams of methamphetamines,159.74 grams of marijuana, and 190 grams of chemically altered paper.

ADOC officials identified the driver as Monica Bishop. Bishop was arrested, transported to the

Limestone County Jail, and charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Promoting Prison Contraband 1st, Possession of Marijuana 1st, and Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ADOC told News 19 that Bishop is an employee of YesCare, the contract healthcare provider for ADOC, and is subject to their personnel management. However, she is banned from any future admittance to ADOC property.

Additional charged could be pending.

The incident remains under investigation by authorities.

Limestone Correctional Facility

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Russell Smith Courthouse, the Missoula Division of the U.S. District Court of Montana. (Photo by Blair Miller)

A Helena man detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents looking for different Latino men had his rights violated and should be released immediately, his lawyers argued Thursday in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

Additionally, the court should prevent the U.S. government from immediately re-arresting Christopher Martinez based on the same evidence  because it was obtained illegally, said lawyer Molly Danahy of the Upper Seven law firm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Judge Dana Christensen said he wanted to know whether the federal district court had authority in the first place, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon said the court did not.

Rather, Weldon said the case against Martinez should be heard in immigration court, also the proper venue for raising questions about his rights.

Upper Seven lawyers Molly Danahy, left, and Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, founder, argue Christopher Martinez should be released because he was unlawfully detained by ICE. The U.S. government argues the case should be in a different jurisdiction. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

Thursday, the lawyers made their arguments to Christensen before a full gallery in a case that has sparked alarm and outrage in Helena and beyond.

Martinez is a Mexican citizen and national who lives in Helena with his wife and children, according to court records. His wife and their children are American citizens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After a U.S. Marshals Service officer released his handcuffs in court, Martinez reached out to his family in the gallery and touched the face of the littlest child.

Last week, law enforcement officers arrested Martinez during a hunt for two different people, Venezuelan nationals, according to court records.

Martinezs lawyers allege he was detained illegally, based on appearing to share the same racial ethnicity as the suspects.

His attorneys said Martinez was engaged in legal activity when he was arrested. They said he was buying parts to fix a hot tub he was repairing.

But a nearby area was under surveillance, and in search of the other suspects, Helena Police Department officers who were part of the task force observed Martinez, a court document said. It said an ICE officer then requested police stop Martinez.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Six minutes later, police determined his truck had expired plates, court records said. They said a masked ICE officer and other officers interrogated Martinez about his immigration status.

The officers could easily have verified Martinezs identity and confirmed he was not one of their suspects based on a traffic stop the previous day, attorneys said. Instead, they purposefully delayed processing the citation, and ICE officers took him to an unmarked vehicle.

In court, the U.S. Attorneys office confirmed removal proceedings had started against Martinez.

However, in response to a question from Christensen, Weldon confirmed he understood the judge did not want Martinez deported before he had a chance to issue an order.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The judge ruled Martinez would remain in custody in the meantime.

Martinezs lawyers are asking the court to find it has jurisdiction in the case, declare his detention violates the Fourth Amendments protections against illegal search and seizures, and to release him immediately.

Danahy argued law enforcement officers had no reason to arrest Martinez before they stumbled across his expired registration after first racially profiling him.

And she said the law does not allow officers to transform an issue into an immigration case without prior suspicion.

However, the judge read from court records that said Martinez illegally entered the U.S. on multiple occasions and was expelled. The records the judge read said he applied for entry in 2014 and 2018 but was denied and was under a 10-year ban as a result.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Christensen also wanted to know what would prevent the U.S. government from indicting Martinez for illegal re-entry even if he was released from custody.

Danahy, though, said the government gathered evidence about him unlawfully, and the court should stop the government from immediately rearresting Martinez.

Weldon, on behalf of the government, argued Martinez is being held on a lawful arrest warrant, and the parties were essentially in the wrong courthouse.

He said Martinez could raise questions about whether his arrest was legal in the immigration court instead.

Mr. Martinez will have his day in court, but that day is not in this court, Weldon said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Christensen said he would issue an order as quickly as possible.

In a press conference after the hearing, Upper Seven founder Rylee Sommers-Flanagan said Martinez did not have a criminal record or warrant for arrest when he encountered ICE agents.

They were not looking for Christopher, Sommers-Flanagan said.

However, he has been detained for the past nine days, his lawyers said.

Sommers-Flanagan said the situation is tied to an aggressive attack on immigration by the Trump administration, and it presents a somewhat unprecedented moment for courts.

They need to have an opportunity to consider these questions really thoroughly, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the hearing, Martinezs wife, Maria Pacheco, said her husband was deprived of his rights.

She and his lawyers also said he was prevented from seeing an attorney while initially detained in Lewis and Clark County.

I just think its unfair, Pacheco said. He should have the time to be with his kids and his wife.

The hearing drew members of the League of Women Voters of Missoula and members of the public. In a statement, local league President Mary LaPorte said the organization was concerned about the lack of due process afforded to Martinez.

When due process is denied to some people, it puts all of our rights at risk, LaPorte said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Community member Nancy Seldin of Missoula said she showed up to court because she believes the justice system should be fair to all.

I think its important for citizens to show up in support of people who might be subject to extrajudicial proceedings, Seldin said.
Recent helicopter flights over the Potomac River are part of an ongoing effort to both better understand and more effectively control the black fly population, swarms of which have been a nuisance to people in the area.

The green and white helicopter began its treatment process on June 30 by spraying a bacterial insecticide on the Potomac River from outside of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, to Brunswick, according to Scott Larzelere, who manages mosquito and fly control for the Department of Agriculture.

Black flies  of which researchers have identified four different species in the area  can swarm and bite, though they do not carry disease, Larzelere said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said the insecticide  Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, known as Bti  is a naturally occurring bacteria that can be found in soils.

A bacterial insecticide  as opposed to a chemical  is only harmful to species with alkaline guts such as the black fly, midge and mosquito larvae.

The bacteria produces a spore which in turn produces proteins toxic to the gut linings of those types of bugs.

Larzelere said that the treatment is both super effective and that studies have shown it to be safe for fish and other animals with different digestive systems.

Were lucky to have a product like this that is completely and utterly organic, lasts maybe a day or two while in those concentrations and then just falls out and becomes part of the environment, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mariah Baihly, marketing director for River & Trail Outfitters  which operates the Brunswick Family Campground among other outdoor experiences in the area  said that she has been out in the water on days when spraying has taken place and not noticed anything.

Baihly added that the spraying, in addition to being safe to humans, often takes place during times when the river is lightly used, such as the morning or later in the afternoon.

It doesnt really impact us much, which is awesome, she said of the spraying.

Larzelere said academic research calls for a respray of the insecticide every 14 to 17 days in order to hit the critical development windows.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He added that the black flies have quicker development cycles in that area, because the stone that surrounds the Potomac River traps heat.

Larzelere said he is looking to respray the area on closer to a 10 day cycle, depending on weather and other conditions.

He added that the weather prevented him from respraying this week, but that he will check water rates, fly development and other conditions in next week with the hopes of re-treat by the end of the week.

PUBLICS ASSISTANCE

Overall, the departments goal is not to get rid of all species of black flies, as they play a critical role in the broader ecosystem.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is not an eradication, this is just mitigation, Larzelere said. Its not eradication, because the other animals need to eat.

The smallmouth bass as well as various bird and bat species are among those that get sustenance from the black flies.

Theyre an integral part of the food chain, so you do not want to get rid of them completely, Larzelere said. You just want to make it so the humans arent getting bitten continuously and can actually breathe without getting stuck up their nose.

This, he said, is where the urgency to learn about the species and discover effective mitigation strategies comes from.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Much of the land surrounding the Potomac River in that section is agricultural, with creeks running from the river through the fields.

The black fly populations can work their way down those offshoot streams, lay eggs and ultimately swarm locals.

We definitely want to be of help to the homeowners in that area because we know how bad it can get, he said. I was there in the middle of it. I know. I could barely breathe one day.

Research from the University of Marylands Department of Entomology postulated that residential development may have led to upticks in flies per sampling site in both Washington County and near Adamstown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now in his third season investigating the issue, Larzelere said that expanding the scope of the research has led to the discovery of more types of black flies in the region.

The Simulium jenningsi was a known species of black fly in the area, but Larzelere said that he thought there had to be more species based on what he had heard from the community.

He said the researchers have found that Prosimulium mixtum, Prosimulium magnum and the Simulium vandalicum.

The last species is also known as the little thief due in part to how territorial it can be.

Larzelere said that much less academic literature on that species, but that he hopes though this research and the catchy nickname that will change.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We may be the literature going forward, he said.

This is among other questions the researchers are looking to answer.

Larzelere said that given the Prosimulium species hatch during the fall, he looks forward to testing Bti effectiveness at managing those populations when spraying then.

The researchers also hope to get more precise measurements on how much spray to use for different discharge rates of the Potomac River.

Larzelere said that it is generally more cost effective to apply Bti when the river levels are lower, but he hopes further testing can lead to insights into proper concentrations of Bti.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For all these and other questions, he said he hopes to lean on the expertise of locals.

Im trying to get the homeowners to get in contact with me and let me know what theyre seeing throughout the year, Larzelere said. Because I cant get up there every week.

He added that getting involved can give locals a sense of empowerment as well as a better understanding of their insect neighbors.

Larzelere asked that those interested in contributing to the research email either him at scott.larzelere@maryland.gov or Jessica Hackett, a spokesperson for the Depatment of Agriculture, at Jessica.Hackett2@maryland.gov.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Larzelere said that having extra eyes would help to better understand and mitigate the harmful effects of such a foe.

Bugs are really, really, really smart, he said. And they have the ability to surprise you when you think youve got them figured out.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (R-Texas) announced Thursday that Tom Green and San Saba counties have been officially added to the federal Major Disaster Declaration, making residents eligible for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

President Donald Trump approved the amended declaration, which now includes Burnet, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties for Individual Assistance. San Saba was also added to the list of counties eligible for Public Assistance, alongside Kendall, Kimble, and Menard counties.

Texas has experienced unimaginable tragedy over the past week from these floods, Pfluger said in a statement. Several counties were hit especially hard, and while they face a long road to recovery, thankfully, they no longer have to face it alone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pfluger credited local officials and residents with quickly compiling the necessary data to secure federal help.

You can read the amended declaration HERE

I am grateful that President Trump has officially added Tom Green and San Saba counties to the Major Disaster Declaration, allowing them to receive the critical assistance they need, he said. Im always proud to be a Texanespecially in moments like this, when I see our community come together in the moments that matter most.

Local officials echoed Pflugers appreciation.

All of our efforts in formulating the data needed from our citizens are finally coming to fruition, said Tom Green County Judge Lane Carter. We owe a huge thanks to Congressman August Pfluger and his office for assisting with this and moving the ball down the field. With the declaration, our citizens will now have the possibility of applying for federal funds to aid in their recovery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Congressman Pfluger aids flood survivors at Paul Ann Church

San Saba County Judge Jody Fauley praised the federal response and emphasized the impact on smaller counties.

It is a privilege to have a president who cares about our great state of Texas and even a small population county like San Saba, Fauley said. We express our gratitude to President Trump and his administration, with a special thanks to U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, for helping us through this disaster.

In San Angelo, where floodwaters inundated entire neighborhoods, Mayor Tom Thompson said the declaration brings hope to residents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This means that residents of San Angelo may now be eligible to apply for individual assistance through FEMA, Thompson said. This IA declaration will also potentially open up additional federal recovery funding programs for our citizens and businesses.

Following historic flood, Rep. Darby presses Gov. Abbott on rural readiness

Thompson praised the outpouring of community support and credited the swift response of volunteers and residents who filled out damage assessments.

To every citizen of San Angelo, you should be proud of what youve accomplished, Thompson said. A special thank you to President Trump, Rep. August Pfluger, Sen. Charles Perry, Rep. Drew Darby, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Sen. John Cornyn for their assistance in getting this designation for our community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Residents affected by the flooding are encouraged to apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Flash flooding has left a trail of devastation, with search and rescue teams focused on victim recovery and aiding affected families across more than 40 miles of river. Adding to the heartbreak, countless families are still missing pets.

Central Texas animal rescue groups have united together to recover and reunite displaced animals with their families.

MAP: Where have flash flooding fatalities been confirmed in Texas?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), which recently flew over 130 animals out of the state to create more shelter space, has been steadfast in their search for missing pets since deploying Friday afternoon.

In partnership with Kerville Pets Alive, APA! cleared all the animals from the Kerr County Animal Shelter so that only recently-recovered pets remained in the flood-affected shelters.

Since then, both Pets Alive locations have enlisted their teams of veterinarians, volunteers and staff to the surrounding shelters to support incoming pets. This work includes searching for missing pets.

One of our volunteers, who is an expert cat trapper went two doors down and was able to get a cat that was about to go underneath the home, said Suzie Chase, Austin Pets Alive! community affairs officer. She was able to retrieve it and give it back to the home owners daughter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chase emphasized that pets are family.

Just like if you are missing a person, you would also want to have everyone out supporting you and looking for your pet, Chase said.

Whether youre missing a pet or youve found one, PetcoLoveLost is a good first place to look, according to Chase. The website uses image-recognition technology to notify families when photos of lost dogs match photos of found dogs. You can also manually search its national database of photos.

Posting pet information on community platforms can also assist in the search process. Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and Hill Country Humane Society have photos of animals on their social media. And of course, reach out to your local animal shelter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The people who have microchipped their pets are getting their pets back faster, Chase said as a helpful reminder.

If you find a dog, follow all the same steps, including taking the pet to get scanned for a microchip.

April Peiffer, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelters community engagement coordinator, said that if its an option to shelter the animal at your home, hold onto missing pets until recovery efforts slow down.

Its just better for the pet if they dont have to stay here at the shelter, Peiffer said. Not only is it more comfortable in a home environment but theyre also less likely to be exposed to illnesses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Luis Sanchez, Austin Pets Alive!s director of public relations, said that all found pets should stay in or near the local community to give owners at least 10 days or more to find them.

Currently, Chase said the best way to help is with monetary donations. The money will go to veterinarian supplies, medicine, animal rescue staff resources and more. If you have the space, fostering pets allows animal shelters to take in more displaced pets.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The Heroes and Legends Concert Series is returning to the county for the third time, scheduled for July 20 at the Yankies Goblin Amphitheater in Geneva-on-the-Lake.

The concert was brought to the county two years ago by Frank Cimorelli.

We felt like this area was an underserved area for veterans, he said.

Cimorelli said he does similar events across the country.

The event will feature Matt Gavula, Whiskey Bound, and Diamond Rio.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The concert will begin with a performance by Matt Gavula, a musician based out of Erie, Pennsylvania, from 1-3 p.m., Cimorelli said.

From there, the band Whiskey Bound will perform from 3:30-5 p.m.

The event will then move into its awards ceremony at 5 p.m.

Its an opportunity to say thank you beyond your living room, Cimorelli said.

This year, the event will also honor first responders, Cimorelli said.

Were so proud to be able to say thank you too, he said. Those people are so deserving.

The people receiving Hero Awards are:

 Former Harpersfield Volunteer Fire Department Chief Everett Henry

 Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief David Locy

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 Milton Luce, a United States Army veteran

 Jefferson Emergency Rescue District Chief Jacob Matthew Rice

 Former Geneva police officer Dennis Brown

 Former Ohio State Highway Patrol officer Jerry Dufour, who died in February

Cimorelli said he wanted to make the event non-partisan, and bring Americans together.

For four hours, itll be one of the most peaceful joyous days, he said.

Whisky Bound will return after the awards presentation for another 20 minutes of performance.

Diamond Rio will conclude the event with a performance starting at 6 p.m., Cimorelli said.

Tickets for the event can be found at ticketweb.com for $35, and can also be bought at the amphitheater before or the day of the event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The amphitheater can accommodate roughly 1,000 people, Cimorelli said.

The concert is also drawing on numerous sponsors, both national and local, including the Ashtabula County Veterans Service Commission.

VSC Executive Director Ben Schwartfigure said the VSC presents a $5,000 donation to a nonprofit every year at the concert.

The nonprofits name will be announced when the award is presented, he said

Schwartfigure said the VSC will briefly outline the services they provide for veterans.

The VSC has four functions, he said.

It assists veterans in arguing for their claims, providing emergency financial assistance, giving budget consultation and providing rides to the VA centers in Cleveland and Erie, Pennsylvania.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

County veterans can reach out to the VSC by calling 440-964-8324, going to ashtabulaveterans.com or the agencys Facebook page or visiting its office, at 1709 East Prospect Road in Ashtabula.

Veterans sacrificed their time and bodies, Schwartfigure said.

All of them sacrifice to a degree thats beyond measure, he said.

Paws for Honor is a national organization sponsoring the event.

Cimorelli said it is an organization of veterinarians that provides care for retired military and police dogs.

Some of the dogs will be at the concert, he said.
A federal judge agreed last week that a recent change to Colorado law barred him from allowing the survivors of an LGBTQ nightclub shooting to hold the property owners liable for safety deficiencies that allegedly contributed to the massacre.
BOSTON (SHNS)  After a more than two-year tenure in which she charted the states path through the tumultuous Steward Health Care collapse, Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh will step down and hand the reins over to Undersecretary Kiame Mahaniah at a pivotal time for the sprawling secretariat.

Gov. Maura Healey on Friday appointed Mahaniah, the former Lynn Community Health Center CEO who has served as undersecretary of health since April 2023, to take over the Executive Office of Health and Human Servicess top job starting Monday.

Mahaniah steps into the role on a permanent  not interim  basis as Massachusetts braces for upheaval stemming from a new federal law, including major funding cuts to MassHealth and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dr. Mahaniah has an outstanding record as a physician, a community leader, and a valued member of the EOHHS leadership team, Healey said in a statement. As the Trump Administration undermines health care and food access for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents, Dr. Mahaniah will be committed to making high-quality health care more affordable and accessible for all of our residents, bringing an urgently needed focus on primary care and behavioral health care, and maintaining our nation-leading health and human services system in Massachusetts.

Before he led Lynn Community Health Center for six years, Mahaniah worked at other providers in northern Massachusetts. He was chief medical officer of North Shore Community Health Inc. and the Haverhill Street site medical director for the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center.

Walsh is not leaving for a new job, and decided to step down for personal reasons after more than four decades of leadership in the health care sector, according to a Healey administration official. She will remain involved as an advisor to the governor and to HHS and its not clear how long that role will last.

Mahaniah will oversee the largest department in state government, whose work reaches across MassHealth, the opioid epidemic, child welfare, mental health, food assistance and more. Its also the single largest area of state spending  the $32 billion allotted to HHS fiscal 2026 represents more than half of the entire state budget  and arguably serves more people than any executive office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Health care, especially the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, is a cornerstone industry in Massachusetts, but the state continues to struggle with rising costs of care pressuring patients and businesses.

The outlook is especially cloudy for lower-income residents who rely on MassHealth, which combines the states Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program, or get insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Top state health care officials told the Boston Globe this week they believe 300,000 Bay Staters are at risk of losing coverage over the next decade and the state could lose $3.5 billion in funding over the same period as a result of provisions in the so-called big, beautiful bill President Donald Trump signed.

HHSs massive purview also includes the Department of Transitional Assistance, which administers the SNAP program thats also facing major changes under the new federal law.

This is certainly a challenging moment for health care and human services work, but our state has a head start  thanks to our world-leading resources, talent, providers and partners  to come together, solve problems, and work to make the right services and supports available to people who need them, Mahaniah said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cari Medina, executive vice president of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, called Mahaniah the leader that our states healthcare system needs as we face the threat of major Medicaid cuts amid a healthcare workforce crisis that is overburdening our entire health system.

Healey picked Walsh, who spent 13 years as CEO of Boston Medical Center, as her health and human services secretary soon after taking office in January 2023. Walsh previously held leadership roles at Massachusetts General Hospital, the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, and Brigham and Womens Hospital.

It has been an honor to be part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and to represent the EOHHS team of over 23,000 people who work tirelessly every day to support residents of the Commonwealth, Walsh said in a statement. I will miss working with my colleagues in Governor Healeys cabinet and across our agencies, providers and partners. Our team and the residents of Massachusetts are in great hands with Dr. Mahaniah, who has already been a highly capable and compassionate leader of some of our most important programs.

Within Walshs first year as secretary, she and other Healey administration officials were confronted with a new crisis: the financial collapse of Steward Health Care, the for-profit system that owned eight hospitals across the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Six facilities were sold to new owners during Stewards bankruptcy proceedings. Boston Medical Center, which Walsh led before she joined the administration, took over St. Elizabeths in Brighton and Good Samaritan Brockton.

The state provided hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to keep hospitals open as the new operators got settled, and it also seized St. Elizabeths by eminent domain to facilitate its ownership transition to BMC.

Two Steward-owned hospitals  Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer and Carney Hospital in Dorchester  shuttered last year. Officials said the hospitals did not receive qualified bids from potential new operators, though some local leaders were frustrated by what they saw as insufficient state support.

Given @MassHHS Secretary Walshs underwhelming responses to the closure of the Nashoba Valley Medical Center, including calling it an empty community hospital, I welcome her decision to step down, Sen. Jamie Eldridge of Marlborough, whose district includes the now-closed Nashoba Valley Medical Center, posted on X. Hoping new Sec. Mahaniah will focus on Central Mass more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Medina, whose union represents more than 85,000 health care workers in Massachusetts, thanked Walsh for her years of partnership.

From her role shepherding Boston Medical Center through the COVID-19 pandemic, to her work helping Massachusetts weather the Steward Health Care bankruptcy, she has served as a thoughtful, composed leader during times of crisis and fear, Medina said. Whether working together to protect our patients, or sitting on opposite sides of the bargaining table, Secretary Walsh always treated healthcare workers with respect, and we wish her the best as she enters a new chapter.

Healeys office rolled out the announcement about the transition with statements of support from Health Care Financing Committee co-chair Cindy Friedman, Rep. Daniel Cahill, Mass. Health and Hospital Association President Steve Walsh, The Arc of Massachusetts CEO Maura Sullivan, Association for Behavioral Healthcare President Lydia Conley, and Mass. League of Community Health Centers President Michael Curry.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
There is a high probability that US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will meet this year, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday.

The odds are high, Rubio told journalists gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday. I think both sides want to see it happen.

Rubio said he was unable to provide a date for any potential meeting but said there was a strong desire on both sides to do it. He added that its necessary to build the right atmosphere ahead of any such meeting in order to enable concrete deliverables.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The US top diplomat met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday for the first in-person meeting between the two foreign ministers, which comes as the US and China navigate trade frictions  and compete for influence in Asia.

The roughly hour-long meeting was very constructive and positive, Rubio said on Friday evening local time.

Were two big, powerful countries, and there are always going to be issues that we disagree on, Rubio said, adding I thought it was (a) very constructive, positive meeting, and (theres) a lot of work to do.

Both Rubio and Wang were attending regional meetings in the Malaysian capital this week, where foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, gathered alongside regional partners including Russia, Japan, South Korea and Australia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The US and China have endured fraught trade relations since Trumps return to office earlier this year, escalating and then de-escalating a tit-for-tat tariff spat sparked by the US presidents global trade war and sparring over export controls.

Tensions were eased as the two sides agreed to a trade framework during talks between negotiators in London last month, and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this week he would meet with Chinese counterparts to continue discussions in the coming weeks. A 90-day pause negotiated between the two sides in May was set to expire in August.

Chinese officials have decried the US tariffs and threatened to retaliate if the US reaches deals with other trade partners at the expense of Chinese interests  a sign that Beijing sees the US as using agreements with other countries as a means to squeeze its economy.

But both sides signaled that the meeting between Wang and Rubio was a productive one with a positive tone  and a step toward expanding cooperation, rather than frictions, between them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, Rubio said his meeting with Wang gave the two sides an opportunity to identify areas to work together, but he did not detail areas of possible cooperation.

That was our message  that (we have) the opportunity here to achieve some strategic stability and identify areas where we can cooperate together on and build better communications and a working trust, he said.

The Chinese foreign ministry called Fridays meeting positive, pragmatic and constructive in a statement published after Rubio spoke to the media.

Both sides agreed to strengthen diplomatic channels and communication and dialogue at all levels in all fields, the statement said. It also said Wang reiterated calls for Washington to view China with an objective, rational and pragmatic attitude and treat it in an equal manner.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2nd L) meets with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd R) during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur on July 11, 2025. - Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

Trumps trade war has added a layer of complexity to Rubios first trip to Asia as Washingtons top diplomat. The US in recent days sent letters to a number of countries announcing the tariff rates they would face in less than a month unless they strike trade deals with the US.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Eight of the 10 countries in ASEAN  along with South Korea and Japan  will face tariffs from the US on August 1, if the implementation deadline holds.

Thats created an opening for Chinese Foreign Minister Wang, who has looked to project a message that China remains a stable economic partner for the region. In meetings with ASEAN counterparts Thursday, Wang said China always regards ASEAN as a priority for Chinas regional diplomacy.

US government officials have positioned Rubios trip as part of an effort to show that Washington remains committed to the region, where China is a key economic partner but also has friction with nations like the Philippines over its aggression in the South China Sea.

In his first trip to Asia as secretary of state, Secretary Rubio is focused on reaffirming the United States commitment to advancing a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region, Tammy Bruce, the State Department spokeswoman, said in a statement earlier this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, Rubio pushed back on the idea that US tariffs could create an opportunity for China economically in the region, and said Washington is committed to addressing tremendous trade imbalances with countries that have accumulated over the past few decades.

Were resetting tariff levels with virtually every country in the world, he told journalists, noting that such imbalances are unfair to America and American workers.

Last year, the US notched a $295 billion goods trade deficit with China, according to data from the US Census Bureau.

I think countries are going to trade with multiple countries. We dont view this as an opening for anyone. We dont view it that way. We view it as an opportunity to reset global trade in a way thats fair for Americans after two or three decades of unfairness, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Japans Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in recent days said his country needs to wean itself off of dependence on the US - particularly citing security - as Tokyo faces the prospect of new tariffs. Rubio pointed to active US-Japan military exercises before making the case that such a move would be positive.

The idea that Japans military would become more capable is not something we would be offended by; its something we would actually be encouraged by, Rubio said.

CNNs Anna Cooban and Shawn Deng contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
MITCHELLVILLE, Iowa  High winds from overnight storms led to several grain cars derailing in Mitchellville.

Oskaloosa apartment reportedly struck by lightning, leaving residents displaced

Mitchellville Police Chief Bill Daggett said the department received a report stating that three grain cars had derailed just east of the CO-OP and that one of the cars was blocking a portion of Arch Avenue NE. According to Chief Daggett, its believed that high winds from the overnight storms pushed the empty cars, which gained speed, until they hit the automatic derailleur on the tracks, causing them to derail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chief Daggett said workers with the Iowa Interstate Railroad were able to place two cars back onto the tracks by locomotive. As of 12:30 p.m., workers were in the process of lifting the third car onto the tracks.

Arch Avenue NE between 2nd Street NE and Mill Street SE is closed as railroad crews work to put the third car back onto the tracks. Chief Daggett said the road is expected to be reopened no later than 2 p.m.

Metro News:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
An investigation is underway following the death of a hiker in Grand Canyon National Park.

ABC News reports that the body of a 67-year-old man from Alvarado, Texas, was discovered at approximately 12 p.m. local time on Tuesday, July 8, just below the parks Central Ridge. The man had been hiking the popular South Kaibab Trail on his way to the Colorado River, where he was booked for an overnight stay at the parks historicand nearly impossible to bookPhantom Ranch lodge.

Related: Rare Virus That Killed Gene Hackman's Wife Now Impacting Grand Canyon National Park

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center dispatched medical assistance after receiving a call about an unresponsive hiker found on the trail. While awaiting the medical team, who arrived on foot, fellow park goers reportedly attempted to resuscitate the man. Both their attempts and those of the park's official medical personnel were unsuccessful, and the unnamed victim was pronounced dead.

While an investigation has been opened into the incident, National Park Service officials did note that hikers can be exposed to dangerous temperature spikes in the summer months, which can reach higher than 120 degrees.

Related: Experienced Hiker Found Dead in Grand Canyon National Park

In addition to the heat, pre-existing medical conditions can compound physical stress, making summer hiking particularly risky, especially during the peak heat hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., NPS said in a statement. Park rangers strongly advise against hiking in the inner canyon during those hours and urge all visitors to take extreme caution when planning hikes during the summer months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In May, a 74-year-old hiker, who was later identified as Dennis Smith of Olympia, Washington, died under similar circumstances just off the park's North Kaibab Trail. Park officials subsequently issued a warning about excessive heat following the tragedy.

Despite the heat risks, the summer season is the Grand Canyons busiest tourist season. Each year, an estimated 5 million visitors travel through the park between June and August.

Hiker, 67, Found Dead on Popular Trail in Grand Canyon National Park first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 11, 2025
(NewsNation)  Another potential Travis Decker sighting has gone cold.

Authorities had been scouring an Idaho forest for the Washington man accused of killing his three daughters, but they called off the search Wednesday after locating a look-alike hiker.

The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force was searching for Decker in the Bear Creek area in the Sawtooth National Forest in Stanley, Idaho, over the Fourth of July weekend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A family in the area tipped police off about a man who they said resembled Decker, but officials confirmed it wasnt him, according to a news release. The hiker was the same height and approximate weight as Decker, with similar features, including a beard and tattoos on his arm and calf.

Who is Travis Decker? Washington dad accused of killing 3 daughters

Investigators interviewed the cooperative man and confirmed he was hiking in the Bear Creek area this past weekend, the release said.

Decker, a homeless Army veteran who has wilderness survival skills, has been missing since May 30 when he failed to return his children to their mother after a planned visitation. A nationwide manhunt ensued after the girls  9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker and 5-year-old Olivia Decker  were found dead near his truck at a campsite.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Decker may have been initially traveling on the Pacific Crest Trail, officials said. In mid-June, investigators said they believed they spotted Decker as a lone hiker in the Enchantments, a mountainous hiking area in Leavenworth, Washington.

As the manhunt entered its second month, Chelan County Sheriff Michael Morris told NewsNation there is a potential Decker could be dead.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Its not Christmas yet, but do you want a hippopotamus for Christmas? The Oklahoma City Zoo got one today!

A bronze statue of a hippo that is. Its to celebrate the iconic Christmas song sung by Oklahoman, Gayla Peevey.

LOCAL NEWS: A FedEx delivery drivers simple act brings an amazing outcome

The statue of Matilda the hippo and Gayla Peevey will forever be recognized at the zoo.

Its something Peevey said is special as she reflects on the song thats been heard all over.

Statue unveiled for Gayla Peevey and Matilda the hippo (KFOR)

Honestly never expected anything like this. To have a legacy. I never dreamed that my legacy would be a hippopotamus, but its the song and it goes on generation after generation, said Gayla Peevey, who sang the original I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas song.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Peevey originally sang I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1953.

You can see the statue inside the zoos Loves Pachyderm Building at Expedition Africa.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

Charles Diggs, Michigan's first Black congressman helped found Detroit Memorial Park.

In the 1920s there were no cemeteries that accepted African Americans, leading to Hughes and others to start the state's first Black corporation.

This year the cemetery - a historic site since 1976 - celebrated its 100th year.

WARREN, Mich. (FOX 2) - In America, during the 192os, the pain of racism was felt in life - and death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There were no Black cemeteries," said Wilbur Hughes III.

The backstory

So when African Americans died, finding that final resting place at white cemeteries added more pain to an already tragic situation.

"They would say come back at night or, sure you can come but were going to take you in the back," said Hughes, the Detroit Memorial Park president and CEO.

Some cemeteries told Blacks to not come at all.

"There were many. I think there were most of them," Hughes said.

So Charles Diggs, a Michigan lawmaker and mortician, decided to take a stand.

"He got some investors together, Black professionals, actually one of them, my grandfather, Dr. Greenwich, and they put money together," Hughes said. "And they said we're going to buy our own cemetery."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It would be called Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery.

"Its very important that we were here and that we accept all people, all backgrounds," Hughes said.

It is located in Warren, where it was once farmland. Detroit Memorial Park would not only become Michigans first Black cemetery, but it was also the states first Black corporation.

The cemetery was incorporated in 1925.

"To do it right, not to just start a company, but to start one where you are properly incorporated with the State of Michigan," Hughes said.

The founders of Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery.

And over the years, many prominent African Americans have made this their final resting place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Elijah McCoy is one of those people," who said. "He invented the lubricant for a steam engine," Hughes said. "He is buried here along with congressman Diggs the founder."

Longtime US Congressman John Conyers was also laid to rest there and so is former Michigan Secretary of State Richard Austin, the first African American to hold that office.

There is also Motown royalty.

"This is the interment of Florence Ballard," Hughes said.

She was a member of the Supremes. There is also Philippe Wynne.

"He was a member of the Spinners," Hughes said.



In 1976 the Detroit Memorial Park was designated an official historic site.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fast-forward to 2025, and the cemetery is celebrating its 100th anniversary. A gala took place in June.

"On behalf of all 10 million people who call the State of Michigan home, on behalf of my partner in public service, (Gov.) Gretchen Whitmer, I say all of us are proud to celebrate this Black history outside of Black History Month," said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist.

And Detroit Memorial Park is not just growing as a cemetery its also growing as a business.

Theres now Detroit Memorial Park West on Plymouth Road and a third cemetery in Flint.

So whats next?

"A pet cemetery which is one of the trends in the industry," Hughes said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And the company recently added another business to its portfolio.

"We are very pleased to share that we are branching out by recently acquiring The Flower Loft which located in Southfield and it compliments the industry," said Jacqueline Easton.

Its a vision that started during a dark time in American history, but because someone was bold enough to make change, the legacy lives on.

FOX 2: "If you could say anything to them what would you say?"

"Id say thank you for having the vision," Hughes said.

Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery President and CEO Wilbur Hughes III.

The Source

An interview with Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery President and CEO Wilbur Hughes III was used for this report.




SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Ezra Tucker, an artist known for his works depicting wildlife and historic scenes, will have an exhibition and an illustrated artist talk at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts at the end of the month.

According to a press release by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, Tucker will be interviewed by his friend Seth Hopkins, the Booth Western Art Museum Director and will feature discussion about his life experiences and what has influenced his pieces:

Come early to view this stellar exhibition featuring works by Ezra Tucker and view depictions of North American wildlife and the untold stories of the Black experience in the West. The program will be presented in the Grand Hall at SAMFA. Admission is free and light refreshments will be available.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Concho Valley Regional Food Bank is helping with food relief and a food drive in San Angelo

Tuckers discussion will take place on July 31 in the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Grand Hall, and the exhibition will be available to the public until September 7. The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is located on 1 Love Street.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
ALBANY  The Hochul administration is blaming President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill for financial issues shortly after New York State lawmakers OKd a massive spending hike in their budget.

Gov. Kathy Hochuls budget chief Blake Washington told reporters Thursday that his offices initial estimates show the Empire State is expected to take a $750 million hit during the current fiscal year and a $3 billion hit next fiscal year, mostly due to the feds changes to Medicaid.

Theres no way the state of New York can finance what has been foisted upon us, no way any state can do that, frankly, Washington said.

Gov. Kathy Hochuls budget chief, Blake Washington, told reporters Thursday that his offices initial estimates show the Empire State is expected to take $750 million hit during the current fiscal year and a $3 billion hit next fiscal year. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com

Washington left it open-ended whether state lawmakers would return to Albany later this year to amend the state budget, which passed in May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State spending has shot up nearly $45 billion, or 21%, over her predecessor Andrew Cuomos final budget, in 2021.

New spending in this years budget deal pushed projected deficits up from $27.3 billion to $34.3 billion for the combined 2027-29 fiscal years.

Dems also tapped into its budget reserves to pay off around $7 billion to pay off a long standing unemployment insurance debt to the feds.

New spending included widely-panned handouts such as $2 billion used to send out $150-$400 checks to New Yorkers making under $150,000 and families making under $300,000.

Washington didnt say if lawmakers across the state would return to Albany later this year to make changes to the budget, which passed in May. Vaughn Golden for New York Post

Hochuls budget chief wouldnt say if the checks were still a good idea at the same time the state government is now projecting a $3 billion hit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were trying to balance the needs of New Yorkers, wherever they may be and this is one policy prescription that we think provides modest relief for families throughout the state, Washington said.

Its not credible to claim the state cant come up with $3 billion to fill the projected gap, said Bill Hammond, senior fellow for health policy at the think-tank the Empire Center for Public Policy.

As a factual matter its definitely within the reach of the state of New York to come up with $3 billion just by finding efficiency savings within Medicaid itself. Hammond told The Post.

The current deficit plans to jump up from $27.3 billion to $34.3 billion for the combined 2027-29 fiscal years. Getty Images

New York spends more per capita  $4,724  than any other state in the nation on Medicaid, 46% above the national average, according to the states most recent financial plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Republicans blasted Hochul for claiming the federal government is cutting Medicaid, with a spokesperson for potential GOP gubernatorial candidate and US Rep. Elise Stefanik saying the Trump bill actually increases Medicaid by eliminating billions in waste, fraud and abuse.

Far Left NY Democrats like Kathy Hochul continue to fearmonger because they know that President Trump and Elise Stefanik are delivering results for the American people, the spokesperson said in a statement.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), another potential challenger to Hochul when shes up for re-election next year said Hochul was complaining that the federal government is finally imposing some accountability to protect taxpayers and ensure our most vulnerable have access to the health care they need.

Its no surprise that shes the most unpopular governor in America and New Yorkers want someone new running the state, he said in a statement.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit is rolling out a plan to slash services and lengthen wait times, sparking public backlash. Amid growing concerns about accountability, The Dallas Express has launched an investigation.

The DART board  which oversees nearly $2 billion in annual spending  isnt elected by the public. Local mayors and city councils appoint their members. In the coming weeks, The Dallas Express will investigate these appointed officials, the public servants who selected them, and whether any have faced consequences for the systems ongoing failures. We will earnestly seek answers from the agencys officials and community leaders.

While DART is making the largest cuts in its history, it is still pushing ahead on its $2 billion Silver Line. The agency has also moved to dismiss sexual assault claims and failed to provide the city council with recent crime data. Cities have spent over $17 billion on DART since 1984 (as of 2017), and this amount has continued to grow through recent capital projects and debt issuance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DART Chair Gary Slagel was first appointed to represent Richardson on the agencys board in 2011. The boards longest-serving member is Mark Enoch, first appointed to represent Garland, Glenn Heights, and Rowlett in 1997.

Earlier this year, DART pledged to send 5 percent of its revenue to member cities for two years, in anticipation of a bill that never passed, as The Dallas Express reported. This caused a $4243 million drop in the agencys revenue, prompting the service cuts.

Despite the service cuts, the agency is forging ahead on its massive $2 billion Silver Line, which will run from the DFW International Airport to Plano. This project has been years in the making, as construction started in 2021 after a lengthy planning process. As The Dallas Express previously reported, the project poses traffic and safety concerns to nearby residents.

While DART cuts service and continues the expensive Silver Line project, it recently filed to dismiss legal claims over drivers sexually assaulting disabled passengers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After a disabled womans family complained a DART driver was grooming her in 2022, the agency said it would stop assigning him to drive her again, as The Dallas Express reported. Just weeks later, however, he picked her up for a ride and sexually assaulted her. Now, her family is suing, claiming DART failed to protect disabled passengers.

The agency recently filed to dismiss the victims claims. This follows a history of sexual assaults in Dallas, and across the state, by drivers with DART and similar transit services.

DART reported a 25 percent increase in crime in 2023, according to Fox 4. By early 2024, crime had increased by another 18 percent.

City Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn asked on X for DARTs most recent crime numbers, as its website only shows offenses and arrests as recently as 2022. She said she has asked repeatedly for DARTs most recent numbers.

.@dartmedia is this crime # correct? The last crime data on your website is 2022. I have asked repeatedly @ joint DART/city council mtgs for recent crime reports to be posted on your website. @wfaaiteam @wfaaizzy @LoriBrownFox4 @NBCDFW https://t.co/nqO106HVST  Cara Mendelsohn  (@caraathome) July 8, 2025

All in all, DART appears to be cutting services while pursuing a $2 billion project, trying to dismiss sexual assault claims, and ignoring a city councilwomans request for crime data.

The Dallas Express is asking an important question: Who holds DART accountable?
A man who was shot while running from Colorado Springs police officers in June 2024 has filed a $7 million excessive force lawsuit against the city and the responding officer.

Al'morion Germany, 22, filed the lawsuit in the District Court for Colorado on July 4.

Police responded to an incident on June 9, 2024, outside the NOVA Night Club, where Germany allegedly struck a woman in the head with a gun during an argument. After police arrived, Germany aimed the weapon at her husband and fled on foot along Pikes Peak Avenue, police said.

Officer Benjamin Hengel, pursuing on foot, switched from a Taser to his service weapon and shot Germany multiple times, at which point Germany was arrested and hospitalized.

In the lawsuit, Germany's attorney claimed he was not an active threat at the moment he was shot. The lawsuit argued that just because officers believed Germany had earlier committed a crime using a gun should not authorize the use of deadly force at all future points during a pursuit.

Featured Local Savings

"Adherence to such a policy makes the unconstitutional use of deadly force permissible under official city policy," the lawsuit claimed.

Germany was charged with two counts of assault and other counts. The case is ongoing after Germany withdrew a plea, according to court records.

In January, the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office ruled that Hengel was justified in his use of force. The investigation determined that Germany had created imminent danger by his earlier use of a weapon and that running into a busier area made it difficult for Hengel to use less lethal means of containing Germany.

The lawsuit asks for compensatory damages for the physical injuries Germany sustained in the shooting, including a collapsed lung and reduced strength. The complaint also asks for Colorado Springs police to reform their training around the limits of deadly force.

On Monday, the Colorado Springs City Council allowed the city attorney to represent Hengel in the lawsuit. The city has not commented further on the pending litigation.
A top Trump administration official is blasting Democratic leaders after violent clashes erupted between immigration officers and protesters in California. Border czar Tom Homan warned Friday that extreme rhetoric from the left is fueling confrontations, and that it could lead to a loss of life.

"People are welcome to protest," Homan said during an appearance on "Fox & Friends."

"They can't impede us from doing our job. Thats a felony. They certainly cant put hands on an agent. Thats a felony."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, protesters confronted federal agents during raids on two marijuana farms allegedly employing illegal migrants in California. Officers resorted to deploying tear gas and smoke devices after tensions with demonstrators escalated.

Immigration Operation At California Cannabis Farms Leads To Clash Between Federal Agents And Protesters

The FBI is now offering a substantial reward for information about a protester accused of firing a pistol at law enforcement during the clash.

Read On The Fox News App

"What happened in California is just another example of protesters becoming criminals," Homan said. "Theyve been emboldened by even members of Congress who compare ICE to Nazis, racists, and terrorists."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

California leaders have repeatedly pushed back against the Trump administrations immigration agenda. Gov. Gavin Newsom has been one of the most vocal critics, even daring Homan to "arrest" him after the border czar warned both Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass not to interfere with immigration enforcement.

Newsom wrote in part on X: "California prosecutes child exploiters and traffickers. Trump tear-gasses children, rips them from their parents, and deports farmworkers. Priorities."

Border Czar Tom Homan Says Media Ignoring Of Facts About Ice Raids Fueled La Riots

His post was in response to Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott announcing that 10 juveniles were found at the marijuana facility raided. All had entered the country illegally, and at least eight were unaccompanied.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Scott also said the facility would now be under investigation for violating child labor laws.

Homan accused politicians like Newsom of distorting the work of ICE and ignoring certain aspects of the organization's mission.

"Ninety percent of the stories are just fake. Theyre lies," Homan said. "Theyre lying about what President Trump is doing. Theyre lying about what the men and women of ICE are doing."

Trump Border Czar Responds To Newsom's 'Arrest Me' Challenge As California Riots Over Ice Raids

He also argued that some aspects of ICEs work, like locating thousands of missing or trafficked minors, shouldnt be seen as political.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Rescuing children, I mean, it should be a nonpartisan issue," Homan said, claiming ICE has helped locate thousands of migrant children. "Everybody should be in lockstep on that. But theyre not."

As tensions over immigration enforcement continue to surge, Homan urged critics to direct their frustration towards lawmakers, not law enforcement.

"The rhetoric has to end," he said. "ICE agents are simply enforcing laws that members of Congress enacted."

"If people want to complain about the job ICE is doing, then go complain to Congress, because we're enforcing laws they enacted."





Original article source: Homan accuses Dems, media of pushing 'fake' stories about ICE after agents clash with California rioters
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD)  The community gathered on Thursday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new non-congregate shelter village in Bloomington.

Weve been working towards this day for a couple of years and are just thrilled to be able to pass another milestone in building more capacity for our unsheltered neighbors in this community, said Matt Burgess, chief executive officer for Home Sweet Home Ministries.

Home Sweet Home Ministries proposed this project back in February and has been making plans for this Thursday ever since. Grants and donations have played a big part in funding this project, as Home Sweet Home Ministries needs three million dollars for the entire project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were raising $750,000 through that campaign, and were closing in already on $300,000. Were very excited about the early turnout and the early response. The community is clearly behind this initiative and is showing that through their support, both financially and through other ways of supporting us as well, Burgess said.

The non-congregate shelter known as The Bridge will give homes to unhoused people in the community, offering privacy, stability and a safe place to live until they can find a more permanent home. 48 homes, a community building, and bathrooms will all be a part of the build.

This is part of the long-term solution that we need. This is the next step that we as a community need to be taking. We need to not have this be the only step that we have to remain committed to not only doing new ideas in addressing homelessness, but we have to pursue new ideas in providing more access to housing as well, Burgess said.

The name of the project isnt just random; it is not only at the end of a bridge in Bloomington, but the shelter aims to help the unhoused cross the bridge into a new chapter of their life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We chose the name of The Bridge because we wanted to give a nod to the location in the community. Were at the foot of the bridge going into downtown, but really, we chose the name of The Bridge because it reflects the purpose of this whole project. We want to serve as a bridge for people who are stuck outside and help them get to housing, he said.

The community will cost around $700,000 to maintain and run once it opens. It is projected to open in December of this year. Home Sweet Home has also started a campaign to raise $750,000 for the project. They are also waiting on a grant from McLean County that will give them almost $1.5 million for the project.

For more information about the project and Home Sweet Home Ministries, visit their websites.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The vast majority of counties and rural communities in the state do not have emergency shelters, which often means there is nowhere else for people to go but to sleep outside, said Shaye Rabold of the Kentucky Housing Corp. (Getty Images)

As homelessness rises in Kentucky, especially outside the two largest cities, the Trump administration wants to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in federal support for state housing programs.

Recently released data showing an increase in Kentuckians experiencing homelessness comes from the annual Point-In-Time count conducted each January to capture a snapshot of homelessness across the country. The Kentucky Housing Corporation, a quasi-governmental agency that manages federal funding for housing, publishes the numbers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In January 2025, volunteers and agency outreach workers counted 5,789 individuals who lacked a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, the federal definition of homeless used for the survey. That was a 10.7% increase from January 2024.

The most significant percentage increases in homelessness were outside the states two largest cities. Louisville and Jefferson County saw an increase of 6%, Lexington and Fayette County saw an increase of 12%. The increase in the other 118 counties was 13.3%.

Shaye Rabold, a technical administrator for the Kentucky Housing Corporation who helped coordinate the January count, told the Lantern the rise in homelessness was unfortunately not surprising.

She said calls from people needing assistance statewide continue to increase, driven by people who became homeless less than a year ago. Its the fourth year in a row the count has risen in Kentucky.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A main reason for the rise, Rabold said, is the states ongoing housing shortage, especially the lack of low-income rentals.

Its a problem nationally, but we know its a problem in Kentucky. And so when you have people that literally have nowhere else to go  theyre pushed out of the market, or they dont have family support that they can lean on, whatever the case might be  its going to lead to increases in homelessness, Rabold said.

The survey also counts people who meet the federal definition of unsheltered homeless because they are sleeping in cars, the wilderness, abandoned buildings and similar settings.

The largest percentage increase in unsheltered homelessness from 2024 to 2025  25%  also was outside Lexington and Louisville.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Adrienne Bush, the executive director of the advocacy group Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky, said the picture some people have of homelessness is someone on a pretty busy street in a city in a tent.

The picture is more nuanced and fuller than just that mental image, Bush said, referencing the significant rise in rural homelessness reflected in the data. The federal assistance that we do have in place is working to house people as quickly as possible, but the larger housing market conditions are creating these additional pressures.

Undercount?

Critics say the annual nationwide Point-In-Time effort is an undercount, pointing to how the count is conducted on only a single day in January when people experiencing homelessness are more likely to find temporary shelter indoors. Both Rabold and Bush said while the count is not perfect, it serves as a solid estimate that shows the general trend of homelessness in Kentucky.

The vast majority of counties and rural communities in the state do not have emergency shelters, which often means there is nowhere else for people to go but to sleep outside, Rabold said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rabold also said the increased numbers outside Louisville and Lexington could be partially attributed to having additional resources for street outreach in rural areas  something the housing corporation has been able to provide thanks to earlier increases in federal funding  a trend that could sharply reverse under the Trump administration.

Proposed federal housing funding cuts

Kentucky could lose about $286 million in federal housing funding  out of about $651 million in current funding  under a proposed 44% cut to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) budget proposed by the Trump administration. Thats according to data from the Urban Institute provided to the Lantern by the Kentucky Housing Corp.

While most proposed funding cuts would come from federal rental assistance programs, the cuts also would impact HUD funding for homelessness assistance and affordable housing construction. The remaining federal funding for rental assistance would be allocated to states to design their own rental assistance initiatives based on their unique needs and preferences, according to a proposed 2026 fiscal year budget outline by the Trump administration.

The budget proposals are recommendations from the executive branch and could be changed as Congress crafts and approves a federal budget. In a visit to Arkansas earlier this year, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner said the agencys ultimate goal was to get people off subsidies and live a life of self-sustainability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kentucky Housing Corp. officials have spoken out against the significant budget cuts.

Wendy Smith, the deputy executive director of housing programs, told a Kentucky Public Radio reporter that while the state housing corporation would like to streamline the Section 8 voucher program, the budget proposal was a radical cut that would be disruptive at so many levels across Kentucky.

Smith told state lawmakers in late June there was a need to boost housing supply across all income brackets. She said the impacts of a constrained housing supply were multifold, including a rise in homelessness.

We have higher average housing costs right now. Kentuckians are spending too much of their monthly income on housing costs. We have lower home ownership rates, too little workforce housing, increased household instability as evidenced by evictions and then more homeless Kentuckians, Smith said. The federal budget uncertainty makes a big question mark on a lot of this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rabold disputed assertions that the continued rise of homelessness in Kentucky is evidence that federal housing funding has been ineffective. Federally funded programs designed to help homeless people find housing and other supportive services are very effective, she said. What the funding is not designed to do, she said, is prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place.

That is more of a housing supply issue than anything, Rabold said. I use the metaphor of like a bathtub with a faucet on, and youre bailing water out  but the faucet keeps running.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
A hole in the ceiling and a bear on the stove sound like a punch line or a comedy skit. However, it's a real story that happened in a southeastern Kentucky home, according to CBS News.

What's happening?

On May 21, Derick Creech, a Kentucky game warden, responded to a call of a black bear intrusion in a Bell County residence. The call turned out to be a little more than expected as the bear was inside the kitchen, sitting on a stove.

A county sheriff deputy and Creech worked together to guide the bear out through an open door, but the question still lingered: How did it get in? A closer look revealed the bear had climbed an outdoor ladder and squeezed into the attic through an opening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The bear then fell through the ceiling into the residence," the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife department confirmed in a Facebook post.

Why is this bear incident important?

Black bears were once nearly wiped out in Kentucky because of habitat loss and hunting. Their return in recent decades is something to celebrate  but more bears means more bear encounters, especially as they navigate a changing world.

As the department explained, "bears have an incredible sense of smell and are likely being lured by some type of food attractant." That could mean garbage, pet food, bird feeders, or even unclean grills. And as development continues to push into bear habitats, it's not surprising that curious (and hungry) bears are finding their way into human spaces.

Climate change is also playing a role. As natural food sources become less reliable because of drought, heat, and habitat loss, wildlife is forced to adapt  sometimes in ways that bring them closer to people.

What's being done about it?

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers tips to help people coexist safely with bears. Never feed them, secure trash and food sources, remove bird feeders when bears are active, and keep grills and smokers clean.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Larger efforts are helping as well. Wildlife crossings, habitat restoration, and education campaigns  like Canada's Banff Wildlife Crossing Project or San Diego County's environmental restoration project  are making it easier for animals to thrive without putting themselves or people in danger.

Encounters like this one may seem funny at first. Still, they're also reminders: The more we protect natural spaces, the safer it is for everyone  bears included.

Do you think your city does a good job of managing trash and waste? Yes Usually Only sometimes Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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.
Milwaukee is mourning the loss of Officer Kendall Corder, who, along with partner Christopher McCray, was ambushed in an alleyway while responding to a report of suspect firing a gun.

His is the sixth line-of-duty death in the Milwaukee Police Department since 2018. McCray survived the shooting.

Corder's funeral will take place at 2:30 p.m. July 11 at Elmbrook Church, 777 S. Barker Road in Brookfield, followed by a procession to Wisconsin Memorial Park for burial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Funerals for fallen officers include specific honors and rituals. These ceremonies bring together families, law enforcement and the wider public to celebrate an officers life and remember their sacrifice.

New MPD officer Kendall Corder gets his badge pinned on by his father Raymond Corder at the Milwaukee Police Department graduation ceremony at the Milwaukee Safety Academy on December 12, 2019.

Mourning bands

After an officer dies in the line of duty, officers drape their badges with black bands as a sign of respect and mourning.

The bands remain in place for a period of time, usually either through the funeral service or 30 days.

This applies not only to physical badges worn on uniforms but also to department logos used online.

Honor Guard

Many police departments have honor guards, which perform certain duties during an officer's funeral depending on the agency's policies and family preference.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To honor an officer killed in the line of duty, the Milwaukee Police Department's Honor Guard performs the following ceremonies:

Color Guard consisting of the U.S. flag, state flag, city flag, department flag and two rifle-persons

Bugler(s)

Police rifle squad

Ceremonial detail staffing

Pallbearers

Casket guard

Flag presentation

Motorcade

Honor Guard members wear a dress uniform. It includes a cap, a city seal pin, black belt with a shoulder strap, pants with gold piping and white gloves.

The Wisconsin Honor Guard Association also assists with volunteers coming from across the state.

I am extremely heart broken. He was a good person, said Amanda Ilecki, of Milwaukee, a friend of fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder, as she placed flowers on a Milwaukee Police car honoring Corder at Milwaukee Police District 2 on West Lincoln Avenue in Milwaukee on June 30, 2025. Corder, 32, died June 29, after he and his partner Christopher McCray were shot on June 26 responding to a report of a subject with a gun.

A fallen officer is never alone

A fallen officer is never alone. The Milwaukee Police Department Honor Guard keeps watch, and officers take turns staying with the fallen officer at all hours, starting at the hospital and continuing to the medical examiner's office, funeral home, church and cemetery.

Procession and escorting of the fallen officer

Hundreds of police squads and motorcycles escort a fallen officer from the funeral service to the cemetery for burial. Members of the public, often holding American flags, line the route to show their support.

End of Watch Call

The "End of Watch" call is the final radio call to the fallen officer from dispatch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Milwaukee, the final call usually occurs after an officer's funeral and before the procession to the cemetery. A dispatcher requests the fallen officer by name and squad number. After a period of silence, the dispatcher will repeat the call once or twice more.

Upon hearing no response, the dispatcher will offer a tribute to the fallen officer and conclude by saying: "We have the watch from here."

Thousands of law enforcement officers attend services

Law enforcement officers from across the country will travel hundreds and thousands of miles to honor a fallen officer.

Closer to home, officers from nearby communities help staff the fallen officer's department on the day of the funeral so more of their brothers and sisters in blue can attend the service.

Memorials at the local, state and national level

When an officer dies in the line of duty, his or her name is added to memorials to honor the fallen. Many memorial ceremonies take place during National Police Week in May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Milwaukee has a memorial monument for officers who died serving the city at MacArthur Square. The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial located outside the Capitol in Madison recognizes fallen officers from across the state and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors fallen officers from across the country.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Displays of honor, service and gratitude at fallen officer's funeral
A horrible loss: Heartbroken family of Mass. college student murdered in D.C. speaks out

The family of a college student from Massachusetts who was killed in a triple shooting in Washington, D.C., last week is speaking out for the first time about their tragic loss.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a University of Massachusetts Amherst student and Granby native, was working as a congressional intern on Capitol Hill when he was gunned down in the area of the 1200 block of 7th Street on the evening of June 30.

Police say Tarpinian-Jachym was an innocent bystander caught in the middle of a dispute. A woman and a 16-year-old boy who were walking with the young man were also injured in the shooting, but are expected to recover.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tarpinian-Jachym was working for Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas. His mother says her son was a compassionate person.

He was a very kind, gentle soul, and he was a very humble boy," Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym said.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym -- Mass GOP

His sister, Angela Tarpinian-Jachym, says shes unsure if her family will ever heal from the loss of her brother.

Its a horrible loss, and I dont know if we will ever recover, she said. We will just learn to cope and move on day by day, but the pain will always be there.

Tarpinian-Jachyms killer remains on the loose. His mother says shes upset because the family is still waiting for a call from the D.C. mayors office and the chief of police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Im getting calls from all over the country, and these people cant find my number or ask or reach out with their staff person? That really is hurtful, she said.

Family members say Tarpinian-Jachym was a rising college senior who was neurodiverse. He had overcome dyslexia, a heart condition, and a recent surgery to land a coveted spring internship with the Fund for American Studies, then a congressional summer internship.

His mother says her sons favorite pastime was fishing, especially with his dad and brother. She also said he was thrilled to be in D.C., learning about democracy and contributing to the American political experience.

He was a remarkable young man who had really gone through a lot and was very happy in this next stage of his life, and its just sad that its been taken away from him in a violent crime, Tarpinian-Jachyms mother added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After his death, Rep. Ron Estes issued a statement that read, I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile. We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas 4th District and the country. Please join Susan and me in praying for his family and respecting their privacy during this heartbreaking time.

Police are working on leads, but no arrests have been made.

The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction in Tarpinian-Jachyms death.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW




NEED TO KNOW

Bowen Fladland, 34, is charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder in connection with the death of his 70-year-old mother Marlene

Marlene was found dead in her front yard in Clark, S.D.

Fladland allegedly admitted to "assaulting his mother, kneeling on her neck until she was apparently deceased and then used a tool to remove her head, according to a probable cause affidavit





A South Dakota man is accused of beheading his mother whose remains were discovered in the front yard of their home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bowen Fladland, 34, was arrested on Tuesday, July 8, and is facing charges of first-degree murder and second-degree murder in connection with the death of his 70-year-old mother Marlene.

We are in the process of gathering evidence, items of evidentiary value, said South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, KELO reported. Therell be an autopsy. This was a beheading case," Jackley claimed.

Fladland is being held on a $500,000 cash only bond.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, officers arrived at a home on North Cloud Street in Clark on July 8, where they discovered the body of Marlene in the front yard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A family member allegedly told investigators they had spoken to Marlene on Saturday at 10:02 a.m. and she stated that Bowen Fladland had assaulted her, per the affidavit.

Fladland was taken into custody in nearby Watertown and agreed to speak with an officer.

Marlene Fladland/Facebook Marlene Fladland Marlene Fladland

"During a post-Miranda interview, Fladland admitted to assaulting his mother, kneeling on her neck until she was apparently deceased and then used a tool to remove her head, according to the affidavit.

We ask the public to stay away from the crime scene so a thorough investigation can be done, Jackley said.

In a separate case, Fladland was accused of attacking his mother in their home in 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to a Watertown Police Department probable cause statement obtained by PEOPLE, Marlene told investigators she woke up to Fladland screaming and went to his room to comfort him. Marlene alleged her son grabbed and started to squeeze her throat.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The following morning he attacked her again and pushed her up against the refrigerator, per the statement. Bowen then squeezed Marlenes throat using both hands."

Marlene was able to break free and run into the bathroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She heard Bowen digging through the silverware drawer in the kitchen, according to the statement. Marlene opened the bathroom door and saw Bowen holding two butter knives (one in each hand) and he stated that he was going to kill her.

He pleaded no contest to aggravated domestic assault for the 2023 incidents, received a suspended sentence and was placed on supervised probation.

Neighbor Sandy Herrick told KELO she was devastated to hear the news.

I mean, just to hear about something like that, it gave me the creeps. I was very unsettled. I hard time sleeping that night.

She was such a sweet person, added Herrick, per KELO. When I walked by, she would always say Hi to me, and Id say, How are you doing today? And shed say, Good.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fladland has yet to enter a plea on the murder charges.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



Read the original article on People
After the driest spring in more than a century, followed by the UKs hottest June on record, the first hosepipe bans of 2025 have been announced.

In a report earlier this year, the Environment Agency warned that England faced major public water shortages unless urgent action was taken.

In an effort to reduce the risk of shortages, the restrictions will ban the use of hosepipes for watering plants, washing windows, patios and cars, or filling paddling and swimming pools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But is your area affected?

On Friday, Yorkshire Water brought in the first hosepipe ban of the year.

Hours later, South East Water announced that its own ban would be imposed from July 18. The temporary restrictions for customers in Kent and Sussex will impact more than a million households.

As the UK braces for its third heatwave in four weeks, more restrictions are likely be introduced in the coming weeks.

Thames Water is considering a hosepipe ban for customers in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Kent, Surrey, the Thames Valley and Greater London.

The company has said introducing usage restrictions would be inevitable unless the situation changes significantly.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
HOT SPRING COUNTY, Ark.  On Thursday morning, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced more than $730,000 worth of funding amongst 12 different counties.

The projects, through the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program, are aimed at fixing county roads, culverts, and drainage systems. In Hot Spring County, people whove lived there their whole lives like Melissa House say the upgrades are long overdue.

Some of the roads need to be redone and shored up better because they do flood pretty bad, House said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nearly 50 Arkansas highways closed due to flooding, water rescues

County Judge Dennis Thornton also agrees that the county is one of the worst in the state for flooding.

A few weeks ago, we had 20-inch historic rain that created so much damage to our roadways, bridges and culverts Thornton said.

House said that on her mothers road, the water can get up to about thigh high.

The governor is giving the county $60,000 to fix the issue; the money would help replace the culverts and improve the water flow.

We were going to have to fund that ourselves, Thornton said. With the damage that we have we actually expended our total budget for the year about a month ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Flooding, power outages and damage left as severe weather sweeps through Arkansas

He says the money came when they needed it the most, but House said that shes going to have to see work done to believe that things will change.

If they do it thatll be great. Well see what theyll do, House said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

A Houston Independent School District Physical Education teacher has been charged after being accused of posting explicit videos of his ex-girlfriend, according to court records.

Christopher J. Hampton is charged with unlawful disclosure of intimate visual material.

Hampton is a PE teacher at Pleasantville Elementary.

HOUSTON - A Houston Independent School District Physical Education teacher has been charged after being accused of posting explicit videos of his ex-girlfriend, according to court records.

What we know

Christopher J. Hampton is charged with unlawful disclosure of intimate visual material.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hampton is a PE teacher at Pleasantville Elementary.

According to court records, a victim reported to authorities that she and Hampton had been dating for three years, and they recently ended their relationship.

The victim reported, after their breakup, she received a private message from a woman on Facebook with different videos showing the victim and two other women engaging in sexual acts, and asked if that was her in the video.

The victim also reported that she found a video of her and Hampton on his X account, as well, records said.

Investigators later sent a legal request to Meta Platforms regarding the Instagram account. The legal request revealed that the Instagram had a registered e-mail ending in @houstonisd.org, court documents stated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Records stated investigators then contacted the Houston ISD Police Department, and an investigator confirmed the e-mail address that was registered to the Instagram account was Hampton's.

What they're saying

In a statement to FOX 26, Houston ISD said, "HISD holds all employees to high professional and ethical standards both on and off-campus. An investigation into these allegations has been initiated and the teacher is in the process of being put on administrative leave."

The Source

Information provided via court documents and a statement from Houston ISD.
After two postponements, three different attorney teams, five added charges and one bizarre interruption when a lawyer allegedly set his own house on fire, the trial of the Aurora dentist accused of slowly poisoning his wife to death got underway on Thursday.

Hundreds of potential jurors trickled into Centennials Arapahoe County Justice Center and filled out questionnaires and were queried by attorneys. The trial could take up to three weeks.

James Craig, 47, faces six felony counts:

Murder in the first degree

Two counts of solicitation to commit tampering with physical evidence

Three counts of solicitation to commit perjury in the first degree

The charges reflected that, even after Craig was in jail on a murder charge in the death of his wife, Angela Craig, he allegedly actively worked to convince inmates, a former mistress and even one of his own children to plant evidence to make it look like she wanted to kill herself, according to court documents.

Prosecutors also believe Craig made a botched murder-for-hire attempt on the cases lead detective on the eve of a second attempt at trial late last year. The first trial, scheduled for August 2024, was postponed.

Court documents alleged that Craig often offered people cash and dental work in return for their help to cover his tracks.

Craig, who pleaded not guilty, denies that he killed his wife  insisting that he ordered poison because she asked him to.

Prosecutors claimed that Craig had a sexual addiction that led to numerous affairs with women, including one of his patients. During one of Craigs preliminary hearings, prosecutors said that Angela Craig had become aware of some of these relationships as early as December 2022 and asked him to stay off of hook-up websites.

Prosecutors contended that, between March 6 and March 15, 2023, the former dentist caused his wifes death by giving her various poisons, including arsenic, potassium cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, which is found in over-the-counter eye drops.

Angela Craig, 43, was taken off of life support on March 18, 2023.

Angelas Craigs brother, Marc Pray, rushed her to the emergency room at University Hospital before that final collapse.

He told The Denver Gazette previously: Jim cares about Jim. He will use and manipulate anyone and anything he can to get away with this. Doesnt matter if its family or friends.

Pray, who has driven from Utah to Colorado for many of the hearings as the case unfolded, declined comment for this article.

The Denver Gazette obtained the arrest affidavit, reviewed court transcripts, attended numerous hearings and interviewed family members, friends and former work colleagues to compile this timeline of the case.

December 18,1999

Angela Ang Dawn Pray and James Craig marry and have six children together. They move to Denver seven years later. At this time, the Pray family believes he is a nice guy.

2019

Craig reports an annual income of nearly $800,000. However, his debt had increased with back taxes owed to the IRS and credit card bills. He had lost money in crypto currency.

July 2020

James Craig racks up $2 million in personal debit and files for bankruptcy in his dental practice.

August 22, 2022

Craig starts a partnership with Ryan Redfearn to put financial strength into Sunnybrook Dental group. The two men had known each other since dental school.

Fall 2022

Craig meets Carrie Hageseth, a Fort Collins single mother of three, on a website that pairs Sugardaddies with Sugarbabies, who arrange personal contracts between one another. Sex is traded for everything from fancy dinners to rent.

They start up a secret romance. He buys her daughter a car.

January 2023

Craig finds himself on the verge of bankruptcy a second time, despite bragging to Hageseth that he had plenty of money to get rid of his problem and start a new life.

Redfearn tells him he needs to work more.

January 14, 2023

James Craig leaves two voice messages for Hageseth, including one that says, Im not happy but I cant get divorced right now, Im not suicidal, just stuck.

February 3, 2023

James Craig leaves a voice message, asking Hageseth if she knows anyone who can help him with my problem. He stresses that he has the money to get it done. The next day, he tells her that he will share the $66,000 he made in January to help her find a homeless person.

Valentines Day, 2023

Craig describes himself to Hageseth as frustrated, stuck and desperate. The next day, he leaves a long voice message, in which he references his (expletive deleted) problem, and tells her he wants to bless her life. A year later, when Hageseth is interviewed by detectives, she says that Craig brought up killing his wife and even injecting poison to do the job, but she says she thought it was dark humor. 

Weekend of February 24, 2023

The Hageseth relationship fades when James Craig meets Karin Cain, a married Marble Falls, Texas orthodontist at a conference in Las Vegas. They start a clandestine romance, much of it through texting and phone calls. Sometimes, they communicate into the night.

February 27, 2023

Craig creates a new email address: jimandwaffles@gmail.com. On this new account, he searches for how many grams of pure arsenic will kill a human and Is Arsenic Detectable in Autopsy? He orders 10 grams of crystalline Arsenic for $13.00.

March 1, 2023

Angela and James text each other about their marriage, including her wish for his healing and happiness.

March 4, 2023

Arsenic delivered to the Craigs home. James Craig buys Cain a second plane ticket, this time for a visit on March 16-20.

March 5, 2023

Angela Pray returns home from a trip to Utah to see her family.

March 6, 2023

Prior to exercising, Angela Pray Craig drinks a shake made by her husband, which he said contains extra protein to help with her sluggishness. Later that day, she is admitted to Parker Adventist Hospital feeling faint and not feeling right in my head.

Featured Local Savings

She is released and sent home.

Later that day, office manager Caitlyn Romero is surprised to see James Craig return to work, considering his wife had been so sick.

Shes confused that he is typing in the dark on Computer 9 in an exam room, which is located at the back of the dental office.

At the end of the day, he texts Romero to notify him when a personal package arrives. He tells her not to open it.

Craig orders 3 milligrams of Oleandrin for $330, which he never received.

March 8-10, 2023

Karin Cain visits Denver area for the first time.

March 9, 2023

At the same time Cain is in Colorado, Angela Craig is rushed to Parker Adventist Hospital with low blood pressure and vomiting. This time, she is admitted.

On this day, James Craig orders potassium cyanide. He tells the person taking the order that he is a surgeon who needs the poison right away to perform craniofacial reconstruction. The order costs $54.68.

March 13, 2023

Craigs package arrives. Despite the warning not to open it, an employee is not aware of the directive, opens it and hands it to Romero, who notices a packing slip that identifies it as potassium cyanide.

Romero hand-delivers the package to Craig. Later, she sees him carrying a cylindrical canister.

March 14, 2023

After five days of supervision, Angela Craig is sent home from the hospital on oxygen. Craig tells Romero that Angela accused him of poisoning her. Romero and Redfearn are aware that the Craigs are having marital troubles. Angelas sister tells detectives that the troubles had been ongoing for 16 years.

March 15, 2023

11:08 a.m. Angela Craig is admitted to University Hospital complaining of severe headaches and dizziness.

2 p.m. Angela Craig experiences a seizure and is placed on life support. Doctors can find no known medical condition to explain her sudden decline.

That afternoon, Craigs business partner Ryan Redfearn, who has spoken with Romero, informs medical staff that he suspects that Angela Craig is a victim of poison. He explains that his partner, James Craig, ordered potassium cyanide from their dental office, and that it is not used in a dental practice. An attending nurse notifies police.

When Redfearn asks Craig about the package, he tells his partner that it held a diamond ring for Angela. When Redfearn confronts him, Craig explains that it is true that poison was, indeed, inside the package  but that Angela asked for him to order it in a game of chicken to keep him from divorcing her.

March 16, 2023

Karin Cain sends Craig an email, which indicates he has informed her about Angelas health crisis. She tells him she doesnt want to be in the way, so she cancels her trip to Colorado and signs off that she loves him.

A Child Protective Social Worker meets with James Craig and the couples children. Craig tells her that Angela went into a severe depression with suicidal ideations when he asked her for a divorce in December 2022. The children do not mention any of this troubling information.

Aurora police search the Craig home and leave with James Craigs cellphone, his laptop, hard drives and several workout shakers. Detectives also get a warrant to retrieve the hard drive from Computer 9 from Sunnybrook Dental Office.

1:03 a.m. Less than 12 hours after Angela Craig crashed to brain death due to acute cyanide and tetrahydrozoline poisoning, James Craig writes a timeline in his cellphone notes that, after the Las Vegas trip, during which he met Karin Cain, Angela Craig asked him to order poison so that she could kill herself.

March 18, 2023

Angela Craig is pronounced brain dead and taken off of life support.

March 19, 2023

James Craig is arrested on a charge of first-degree murder after deliberation in connection to her death.

March 23, 2023

Angela Craig is memorialized at a remembrance for friends and family. Her obituary describes her as the youngest child of 10 who was an energetic and loving wife, mother, sister, neighbor, daughter and friend whose most endearing trait was showing up  to everything.

March 27, 2023

James Craig asks a fellow inmate to deep fake a video of Angela Craig asking her husband to buy her the poison. He asked the inmate to make the video look like it was made on Feb. 27, 2023, which is the day he first began researching poisons on a computer in exam room 9.

March 28, 2023

James Craig emails a series of fake journal entries to his children telling them that on Feb. 20, 2023, their mother, Angela Craig, first asked for him to research and obtain the poison.

April 2024

Craig writes a letter to a former jail pod mate named Walbon, outlining an elaborate plan for him to find one or two women who would be willing to lie to the district attorney and Craigs own lawyers about a supposed affair they were having with Craig. In the end, Walbon decides this is a bad idea.

November 2024

Two weeks before trial was to begin, Craig asks an inmate about to be freed to kill Bobbi Olson, the lead detective on the case, an unknown detective and two inmates  one of whom had been supplying the authorities with information about Craig. In a letter to Nathaniel Harris, he calls Olson the worse, dirtiest detective in the world.

Craig also attempts to recruit Harris ex-wife to photoshop pictures of his late wife in a scheme to show that she either wanted to kill Craig or was on the brink of suicide.

November 21, 2024

Craigs second attorney, Harvey Steinberg, withdraws from the case and the trial is postponed.

Two new attorneys, the married team of Robert Werking and Lisa Fine Moses, take over. They are the third set of lawyers to represent James Craig.

June 28, 2025

Werking allegedly attempts to set fire to the Centennial home he owns with Moses. He is sitting on the front steps of the burning house when the police arrive. In a notable legal twist, David Beller, who was on the original team who represented James Craig, is representing Werking in the arson charge.

Once again, uncertainty over the upcoming trial looms, but Moses brings in another attorney. Friends and family make plans to attend, experts are notified that they will be testifying and the first wave of jurors prepare.

July 10, 2025

James Craigs murder trial begins in Arapahoe County.
The Brief

A Houston Police Department officer has been relieved of duty after being arrested for DWI, officials said.

Sean Ratcliff was charged with DWI first offender with a blood alcohol content over 0.15 after a Houston METRO bus reported being rear-ended by a vehicle on July 8.

Houston police did not provide any information on how long Ratcliff has been with the department, other than to state he is a Houston Police Department officer.

HOUSTON - A Houston Police Department officer has been relieved of duty after being arrested for DWI, officials said.

Houston Police officer arrested for DWI, relieved of duty

What we know

Sean Ratcliff was charged with DWI first offender with a blood alcohol content over 0.15.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Houston METRO, a Houston METRO bus operator reported being rear-ended while servicing a stop on Crosstimbers at I-45 on July 8 just after 2:45 p.m.

A second vehicle involved sustained moderate damage with all airbags deployed.

As a result of the crash, two people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. An additional seven passengers reported non-life-threatening injuries at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, Sean Ratcliff, was arrested while a possible DWI was under investigation.

Ratcliff has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation.

What we don't know

Houston police did not provide any information on how long Ratcliff has been with the department, other than to state he is a Houston Police Department officer.

Dig deeper

Court records indicated that Ratliff was charged with DWI back on May 1, 2023, but that charge was dismissed after completing a pre-trial diversion program.

The Source

Information from Houston METRO as well as court records.
A human has died of pneumonic plague in northern Arizona, Coconino County health officials confirmed July 11.

The case is not connected to a recent die-off of prairie dogs in the area, officials said.

The death of the Coconino County resident marks the first recorded pneumonic plague death in the county since 2007, officials with Coconino County Health and Human Services said in a statement.

The 2007 plague death is not the most recent human plague case in Arizona. Arizona has had seven cases of plague since 2006, according to data provided to The Arizona Republic by Trish Lees, Coconino County Health and Human Services spokesperson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to the 2025 case, there were two cases in 2007 (including the death), one in 2008, two in 2015, one in 2017 and one in 2020.

The county's confirmation of the death came after Northern Arizona Healthcare issued a statement that one of its patients had a presumptive positive diagnosis of Yersinia pestis, which is the bacterium that causes plague.

The person recently died in the Flagstaff Medical Center emergency department on the day the person sought treatment, the statement said.

The Northern Arizona Healthcare statement says that "despite appropriate initial management and attempts to provide life-saving resuscitation, the patient did not recover" and says that Northern Arizona Healthcare team is "saddened by this loss of a community member."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Citing patient privacy, officials with Northern Arizona Healthcare and Coconino County said they would not be releasing additional information about the patient who died, including the person's age or gender.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says plague in humans is relatively rare, with about seven human cases reported annually across the country. Deaths from plague are also uncommon. There were 15 plague deaths nationwide during the 23-year period between 2000 and 2023, the CDC says.

Since the mid20th century, plague in the U.S. has typically occurred in the rural West, the CDC says.

Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection, according to Coconino County health officials. A 2015 CDC report characterized it as the least common of the three main forms of plague. The other two main forms are bubonic and septicemic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The CDC says Yersinia pestis is transmitted by fleas, cycles naturally among wild rodents and that humans usually get the plague after being bitten by an infected rodent flea or by handling an infected animal. People may also become infected through exposure to sick pets, especially cats, the CDC says.

County officials are investigating a recent sudden die-off of prairie dogs in the Townsend Winona area northeast of Flagstaff that may be caused by plague, but county officials on July 11 said in their statement that the prairie dog case and the human plague death are "not related."

Coconino County officials say the risk of human-to-human transmission of plague is very low. The last reported occurrence of human-to-human transmission was in 1924, officials said, citing information from the National Institutes of Health.

Symptoms of plague in humans typically appear within one to eight days after exposure and may include fever, chills, headache, weakness and muscle pain, health officials say. Some individuals may also develop swollen lymph nodes (called "buboes"), most commonly in the groin, armpits or limbs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The disease can become septicemic (spreading throughout the bloodstream) and/or pneumonic (affecting the lungs) but is curable with proper antibiotic therapy if diagnosed and treated early.

How to prevent exposure to the plague

To prevent exposure to plague, Coconino County officials have the following tips:

Avoid contact with wild animals. Never feed or handle wild rodents and avoid areas where they are known to live. Do not touch sick or dead animals.

Avoid fleas. Use an insect repellent containing 20-30 percent DEET and tuck pant cuffs into your socks to help prevent flea bites.

Use veterinarian-approved flea treatments on pets, keep them on a leash, and keep them out of areas known to be inhabited by wild rodents.

Report prairie dog die-offs. Prairie dogs are highly susceptible to plague but are not considered a long-term reservoir of the disease. Those noticing a sudden die-off of rodents or rabbits within Coconino County are urged to contact CCHHS Animal Services at 928-679-8756 or Environmental Health at 928-679-8760.

Prevent rodent infestations by removing brush, rock piles, trash, and lumber from around homes and outbuildings. Store food in rodent-proof containers.

Do not camp next to rodent burrows and avoid sleeping directly on the ground.

Seek veterinary care for sick pets. If your pet shows symptoms such as a high fever or swollen lymph nodes, is lethargic, has a loss of appetite or develops a cough or eye drainage, contact a veterinarian immediately. It is recommended to call before visiting the veterinarians office for instructions to help limit exposureto potential disease.

Be aware that cats are highly susceptible to plague and while they can get sick from a variety of illnesses, a sick cat (especially one allowed to run at large outside) should receive care by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Republic reporter Catherine Reagor contributed to this article

Reach health-care reporter Stephanie Innes at Stephanie.Innes@gannett.com, follow her on X: @stephanieinnes or on Bluesky: @stephanieinnes.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Human dies of pneumonic plague in northern Arizona
Deborah Jane Huntsman went to be with the Lord in her eternal home on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Debbie was born, in St. Joseph, to K. J. Jerry and Frances (Brown) Huntsman on Nov. 12, 1951. She loved growing up on the farm just outside of Maitland, Missouri.

Debbie graduated from Nodaway-Holt High School in Graham and then received an associates degree from Northwest Missouri State University. She spent most of her career working in the field of mental health, retiring from that position with the State of Missouri at Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center after 28 years of service.

After retiring Debbie started caring for Joanie and Charlotte Gillies while their parents worked, and they became such a joy in her life. She also loved delivering flowers for Village Flowers, later becoming Hy-Vee Flowers by Rob.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Debbie was a member of the Grace Evangelical Church, where she loved giving back to others. She was a member of the Hands of Grace Committee, reaching out to others in the community. Debbie was also on the Singles Repurposed Group Committee. She loved helping with Backpack Buddies through Second Harvest and volunteering at the Noyes Home. Debbie also helped with the Cancer Care Ministry and Pastoral Care Ministry at Grace Evangelical.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Frances Huntsman, as well as many beloved pets.

She is survived by her sister, Kay Huntsman; her brothers, Bill (Dawn) Huntsman and Robert Huntsman; her niece, Tenille Costner; nephew, Lee Costner; great-nephews, Derek Holman, Brett Holman, and Leyton Costner; and great-nieces, Kristina Holman and Kadence Costner. She loved her family very much!

In memory of Debbie, she would like for everyone to tell their loved ones how much you love them. Give back as much as possible, because we are blessed with the gift of life each day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Funeral services: Monday, 2 p.m. Chamberlain Funeral Home, Mound City, Missouri. Family will greet friends one hour prior to services. Interment: Mount Hope Cemetery, Mound City. Memorials: Grace Evangelical Church.

Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Huntsville City Council voted to annex 1,000 acres of land, pushing the city into its fourth county.

Specifically, the council voted to annex 1,013.96 acres of land lying south of River Loop Road, and east and west of Vaughn Road. This ordinance was introduced on June 26.

Approval means Huntsvilles city limits will be in four counties across North Alabama. Those counties are Madison, Limestone, Morgan and now Marshall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The City said this land would be used for an industrial plant and a quarry, and that the city has no intentions of developing this land further.

Having the quarry would give the City use of materials from it. The quarry uses city roads to transport materials, which can cause significant wear and tear. Annexing the quarrys land would allow the City to fix the damaged roads.

District 3 City Councilwoman Jennie Robinson said beyond the road repairs, the annexation benefits the city by adding two new streams of revenue.

When you annex 1,000 acres, that sounds like its going to have a big impact, but it really wont, Robinson said. Its simply going to benefit us in terms of protection. But then also it brings that land that is not currently part of our tax system into our property tax base and will also generate sales tax revenues as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The annexation would allow Huntsville to extend its ordinances to the quarry, protecting the citys air quality and noise control, which are the protections Robinson refers to.

The City said the petitioner did not request any city services as part of the annexation.

The City added that the population will not grow, and it will have relatively no effect on city operations.

Although Michelle Watkins was not in attendance at the meeting, the remaining council members voted to approve the annexation.

In January, the council voted to add nearly 400 acres of land South of Highway 20 and East of I-65, off of Arrowhead Landing Road. This made Huntsville the 27th largest city in the U.S., nearly as large as Chicago by land mass.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  Huntsville Hospital has a new addition to its security team to help sniff out trouble, and this new four-legged friend is making history for healthcare systems across the state.

Daisy is an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois who just joined Huntsville Hospitals security team in May.

Hydrofest not returning to Lake Guntersville in 2026

Daisy within herself, shes an exceptional canine, said Calvin Ousby Jr. He is the K-9 supervisor on Huntsville Hospitals security team.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Daisys handler is Officer Greg Sharp.

Were pretty much attached to the hip, said Sharp. Every time I walk around the hospital, everyones like, Wheres Daisy?'

Officer Sharp and Daidy are a trained pair who patrol the hospital.

HPD: Two men arrested for stealing puppies at gunpoint

When Im walking with her, Im focused on her, because Im looking for telltale signs of alert behavior, said Sharp. From her, like, respiration change and everything like that, because when shes on odor, you cant pull her off of it.

Daisy specifically looks for the scent that comes from firearms. She is the first firearm detection K-9 in a healthcare setting in the state of Alabama.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It is an extra layer of security by having a canine, said Ousby.

Its her job to keep patients, visitors and staff safe.

Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox.

Workplace violence is a huge key when it comes to security, so we want to lower that workplace violence by doing patrols, he said.

The first way she does that is just by her presence.

Huntsville Hospital security said 70% of all workplace violence incidents decrease when canine teams are present.

99.9% people that come to the hospital, especially in the ER, theyre coming on their worst day possible because either theyre coming in on an ambulance because their hurt, or they have a family member thats hurt, said Sharp. Our main job is just to help keep people calm and deter them from doing something they might regret later on.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The hospital was also recognized for its security efforts on an international level. It was given a Lindberg Bell program of excellence award. Its given to a hospital system with a commitment to safety for patients, staff and visitors.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  A Huntsville man has been indicted on child sexual exploitation charges.

The four-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Randy Steven Smith, 48, of Huntsville, Alabama, with one count of sexual exploitation of children, one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of transfer of obscene matter to a minor.

According to officials, these incidents occurred between 2023 and 2024 in Madison County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), U.S. Marshal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Madison County Sheriffs Office, Etowah County Sheriffs Office, and Huntsville Police Department all assisted during the investigation.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Tropical storms and hurricanes can face multiple obstacles as they travel across the vast expanse of the ocean. Sometimes those factors are just a speed bump in their life cycle, while others can lead to the storm's demise.

Here's a look at four potential nemeses of tropical storms you might hear meteorologists mention when explaining the forecast for each storm and what they mean.

1. Wind Shear

-Big Picture: Wind shear is the change in wind speed and direction with height. It's often a hostile factor that can tilt or even rip apart tropical storms and hurricanes. So, you could have a storm over a region with very warm water, but if it's getting hammered by wind shear for an extended time, the storm might struggle to intensify or even meet its demise.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

-A Caveat: Sometimes wind shear close to a storm that would normally be unfavorable can actually have the opposite effect if it's in the right location. We've seen several cases in the past where wind shear was located just far enough west of a hurricane to not disrupt its core, but instead help ventilate the storm and allow it to intensify. In 2018, Hurricane Michael's rapid intensification into a Category 5 before making landfall along the Florida Panhandle was aided by that type of setup.

2. Dry Air

-Big Picture: Since tropical storms and hurricanes need persistent thunderstorm activity in order to stay healthy, any dry air they encounter along their path can be an obstacle. That's because dry, sinking air suppresses thunderstorms and strengthens their downdrafts (downward moving air) of storms that are able to form, causing them to weaken quickly.

-A Caveat: We saw dry air become a speed bump for the intensification of what would become Hurricane Francine in early September 2024. For a time, dry air infiltrated the tropical storm's center, preventing it from significant intensification.

Eventually, Francine fended off this dry air, allowing it to intensify into a strong Category 2 before making landfall in Louisiana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So on occasion, dry air can be an obstacle for only a period of time during a hurricane's life cycle, while other times it can lead to a storm's weakening and cause it to fall apart.

3. Land Interaction

-Big Picture: Hurricanes get their fuel from the oceans, so when they track over land, it triggers weakening because it's cut off from that warm, moist air source. The weakening can be minimal to major, depending on the length of time spent crossing a land mass.

Whether the land has tall mountains or not also plays a role. For example, the mountainous terrain of Haiti and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean can inflict a great amount of weakening, and some past storms have even fallen completely apart.

-A Caveat: Sometimes this weakening from land interaction can be just a speed bump along a hurricane's path.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 is an example of this. After making landfall in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula as a Category 2, it weakened to a tropical storm once it reached the Gulf of Mexico. Since the Yucatan is rather flat land, it did little to disrupt the overall circulation of Beryl, allowing it to reorganize into a hurricane just before striking Texas, where it caused significant wind damage.

One other thing to consider is that while land interaction might be good news for locations along the potential future path of a storm, it's bad news for the land area causing the weakening.

4. Cooler Water

-Big Picture: Hurricane's draw their energy from the heat and moisture of the ocean, which helps them to maintain or gain strength. How deep that warmth extends below the ocean's surface matters as well, which is called oceanic heat content.

A storm tracking through an area with lower oceanic heat content compared to average might tip the scales toward less intensification in the tropical Atlantic, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico. Cooler ocean water can also cause the atmosphere above it to become more stable, or less conducive to strengthening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hurricanes that stall can sometimes generate their own cool water through a process called upwelling, where strong winds in the storm churn up seawater, causing cooler water from below to rise and mix with surface water. If the hurricane is barely moving, this upwelled cool water can zap its energy source a bit.

-A Caveat: A brewing storm that might initially struggle to intensify over a part of the Atlantic that contains less oceanic heat content can track toward another location where this ingredient is more favorable. If that happens, then a fledgling tropical depression or weak tropical storm we might track for days can suddenly grow stronger, assuming wind shear is low and the atmosphere is moist and unstable.

Chris Dolce has been a senior meteorologist with weather.com for 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
The head of the Wisconsin State Patrols Bureau of Transportation Safety and his wife were killed by their 25-year-old son before he died by suicide after a standoff with officers on July 8.

Here's what you need to know:

Who were the people killed in the double homicide?

David and Teri Pabst, both 64 years old, were identified as those killed on July 8, according to a press release by the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office. Autopsies were completed July 9. The cause and manner of death are pending.

When and where did the double homicide occur?

The couple were found in their Middleton home at 2:21 p.m. July 8, the Dane County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

How did the son die?

The victims' son, James Pabst, died by suicide following a standoff about 80 miles from the double homicide of the married couple.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

James Pabst died after he fled the town of Middleton home in a white 2020 Honda Accord and was later found by the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Vernon County Sheriff's Office said.

James Pabst did not comply with verbal commands and the standoff ensued. At 5:21 p.m., officers confirmed he had sustained self-inflicted gun wounds and no signs of life existed. Paramedics responded, and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:15 p.m. by Vernon County Coroner Betty Nigh.

What is the status of the investigation?

The Vernon County Sheriff's Office is investigating the portion of the case involving the son. In Dane County, detectives and the Crime Scene Unit are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

What did Teri Pabst do for work?

Teri Pabst was a lifelong educator, who most recently worked for the Madison Metropolitan School District at Thoreau Elementary. She also worked for the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District between 2017 and 2022 as a special education teacher, paraeducator and case manager.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Teri was a kind and compassionate educator, said Dominique Ricks, principal of Kromrey Middle School. Her colleagues remember her as someone who was always willing to help others.

What did David Pabst do for work?

David Pabst had been the state patrol bureau director since 2013. Previously, he spent 25 years as a law enforcement officer, rising from trooper and inspector in the State Patrol Northwest Region to sergeant, lieutenant and captain at State Patrol headquarters in Madison.

"David always served with integrity and compassion, driven by a deep commitment to protect others," the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said in a Facebook post.

"He always had a smile and a kind word to share as he dedicated a nearly 40-year career to keeping Wisconsinites safe. His contributions spanned the agency and communities across the state. David and Teri will be greatly missed.

What did the Pabst family say?

David and Teri's three daughters, Lora, Danielle and Heidi, issued a statement on July 10.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They were proud grandparents to seven grandchildren and the most loving parents to all five of their children. If you were lucky enough to have encountered them in your life, you know what kind, generous, and empathetic people they were," the statement said.

"Our family, like so many others, was deeply impacted by mental illness. We are devastated to have lost our brother James to his debilitating illness. For those of you who knew him, please remember him for who he was before. For those of you who have walked a similar journey yourself or with someone in your life, please dont give up; please seek help. Find someone to reach out to and grasp onto a thread of hope. Keep living because your life is precious."

If in crisis, please call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about the husband, wife killed by son, who then died by suicide
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Salt Lake City Police Department warns local Hyundai and Kia owners to be aware of recent thefts and attempted thefts.

Men charged in nationwide car theft ring involving Salt Lake City airport

Between April 26 and July 5, 2025, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) identified 44 cases in which a Hyundai or Kia vehicle was targeted by car thieves.

The majority of cases have occurred west of Redwood Road between 1300 North and North Temple Street, SLCPD officials say. Some cases have also been reported near 1925 West North Temple Street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Incidents have commonly occurred overnight and during the early morning hours. Suspects typically break a window or damage the door handle to gain entry into the vehicle.

SLCPD encourages Hyundai and Kia owners to be aware of the increased thefts and attempted thefts. Additionally, there are important information and security updates from both Kia and Hyundai online.

According to a 2022 report from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), Kia and Hyundais, especially those made between 2015-2019, are more vulnerable to car theft, because they lack common anti-theft devices.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Immobilizing devices

Many vehicles are equipped with immobilizing devices, which prevent thieves from hot-wiring a vehicle or bypassing the ignition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the 2022 HLDI report, immobilizers became standard on 96% of other vehicles in 2015. However, by 2015, they were standard on only 26 percent of Hyundai and Kia vehicle models.

Seemingly, 2015-2019 model-year Kias and Hyundais have been targeted at higher rates than other vehicles from the same years, experiencing higher theft claims since 2019. Notably, both Hyundai and Kia have made immobilizers standard on newer model years.

DECEMBER 2024: Own a Hyundai or Kia? Look out for thefts, SLCPD says

Ultimately, any car owner should take action to protect their vehicles from theft.

Preventing car theft

While car thieves have increasingly targeted Hyundais and Kias, any car owner may face vehicle theft or attempted vehicle theft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that more than 850,000 vehicles were stolen in the United State throughout 2024. The summertime, especially, sees increased car theft.

Thieves may be looking for anything from personal belongings to car parts like air bags or transmissions. The NHTSA encourages car owners to take several precautions in order to protect their cars.

Drivers should always avoid leaving any valuables in their vehicle, especially when theyre visible. Additionally, they should park in well-lit areas in order to deter would-be thieves. Most importantly, though, drivers should always close and lock all windows and doors and take their vehicles key.

Image by: AP Photo/David Hamilton

Anti-theft systems

The NHTSA says drivers can also protect their ride by implementing antitheft systems and devices inside their vehicles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Audible and Visible devices, such as horn alarms, deter theft by bringing attention to an unauthorized attempt to steal or enter a vehicle. Other similar devices include steering-wheel locks and theft-deterrent decals.

Practicing these common-sense habits regularly and installing audible and visible devices can help protect your vehicle.

Latest headlines:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Immigration officials descended on a large Southern California cannabis grow house Thursday afternoon, prompting a multi-hour confrontation with protesters who blocked roads and faced off with federal agents.

The scene unfolded outside the Glass House Farms cultivation center, a 5.5 million-square-foot indoor facility south of Camarillo.

Glass House Brands Inc., the parent company of the farm, said in a brief statement on X that it "fully complied with agent search warrants."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was not immediately clear how many people were arrested at the facility.

Outside, dozens of protesters faced off against a convoy of federal officers who used gas canisters and flash-bang grenades to keep the crowd away from the former tomato farm.

Protesters waved Mexican flags, and some yelled anti-ICE slogans through loudspeakers. Less-lethal munitions peppered demonstrators, many of whom appeared not to be prepared for a physical confrontation with agents.

Farm equipment could be seen being loaded onto tow trucks and taken away.

Its just a horrible, a horrible situation. People are scared inside, said Raquel Sanchez, a volunteer with an anti-deportation group that responds to immigration raids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Workers inside the facility tipped off local immigration advocates when federal officers arrived, Sanchez said. Volunteers rushed to document the unfolding scene and share it on social media. As the minutes ticked by, more and more people joined the protest.

"These are not the criminals that Trump said would be targeted," Sanchez said. "They don't have another choice but to come to work. They are just gambling being deported on a daily basis."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official on Thursday testified under oath that the agency has not yet decided where Kilmar Abrego Garcia would be deported if he is released from criminal custody next week.

We dont work cases not in ICE custody preemptively because our docket officers are worried about the cases they have now, Thomas Giles, who manages ICEs 25 field offices across the country, told a federal judge.



Abrego Garcia was returned to the United States last month after being mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March. He has been detained on human smuggling charges since his return, but he could be released ahead of his trial as soon as Wednesday.

A frustrated U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis had ordered the government to produce a witness to provide answers about the next steps for the man, as his lawyers push Xinis to issue an order preventing the administration from swiftly deporting their client again. Xinis is an appointee of former President Obama.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Giles finished testifying after several hours, but the judge has yet to hear the lawyers legal arguments before she issues a ruling. The hearing will resume Friday morning, a court official told reporters.

Giles testified that ICE has already issued an immigration detainer requesting custody if hes released, which is expected to be honored. That would enable the transfer to happen in a secure environment within the Tennessee jail, Giles said.

But until that happens, Giles said ICE does not determine how to proceed with an individuals immigration case.

No decision has been made, Giles said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The administration has outlined two potential options for deporting him. Officials could look to lift the 2019 immigration ruling protecting Abrego Garcia from removal to El Salvador, which was issued over gang threats to his familys pupusa business.

Or, the administration may try to deport him to a country where he has no ties, known as a third-country removal. It can be a few days to a few weeks before the country is identified, Giles said.

In their latest attempt to stave off Xinis from taking any action, government attorneys hours before the hearing agreed to abide by certain procedures before deporting him to a third country.

But Abrego Garcias lawyers said those guarantees dont alleviate their concerns.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It leaves open the critical question of whether my client will receive effective notice and an opportunity to be heard in a court before he is removed to an as-yet unidentified third country, attorney Jonathan Cooper said.

The procedures provide two tracks.



If a foreign government agrees to take in migrants and assures they wont face persecution, and if the State Department finds the assurances credible, the migrant can be removed without any further procedures. Giles testified that such is the situation for Mexico and appears to be so for South Sudan, where eight migrants with serious criminal records were deported on Independence Day.

For other countries, the migrant upon raising claims of persecution is entitled to a credible fear interview with an immigration officer.

Abrego Garcias lawyers also raised concerns about where he would be held in ICE custody before any deportation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After his March arrest in Maryland, officials swiftly moved him to a Louisiana facility before deporting him to El Salvador. Abrego Garcias lawyers want him returned to Maryland this time if hes placed in ICE custody.

Giles testified the decision is made on the basis of bed space availability, which changes every day, so theres no indication of where Abrego Garcia would end up. On cross-examination, Giles conceded he did not ask the relevant field office whether they had made any preparations given the high-profile nature of the case.

And answering questions from the judge, Giles acknowledged ICE does have some discretion and may take into account the fact that Abrego Garcia still has a pending criminal case in Tennessee.

Its a possibility it could be anywhere in the United States, Giles said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
[Source]

A controversial ruling by Idahos Attorney General declaring that Everyone is Welcome Here posters violate the states new classroom display law has ignited fierce debate about inclusion versus politics in public schools.

How we got here

The controversy centers on former West Ada teacher Sarah Inama, who refused to remove her Everyone is Welcome Here poster that depicted racially diverse hands from her Lewis and Clark Middle School classroom. In February, district administrators told her the poster violated their content neutral policy. However, Inama defied the order, prompting national media coverage and student protests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On March 28, the Idaho Department of Education (IDE) asked Attorney General Raul Labradors office for guidance, including whether Inamas posters violated the law. The AG, which took months to respond, said they did. Idahos House Bill 41, which prohibits flags or banners depicting political viewpoints in K-12 classrooms, took effect July 1.

Two sides

In its May 29 response to the Education Departments questions, Labradors office said the signs were part of an ideological/social movement which started in Twin Cities, Minnesota, following the 2016 election of Donald Trump and noted that the Idaho Democratic Party even sells these signs as part of its fundraising efforts. However, the Idaho Democratic Party claimed they only began selling the signs March 25 after Inamas story went viral.

Trending on NextShark: Idaho classrooms 'Everyone is Welcome Here' poster sparks statewide legal debate

Supporters argue inclusion messages reflect legal requirements rather than politics. To say that Everyone is Welcome in a public school system is not political, its the law, Inama told Idaho EdNews, referencing federal civil rights mandates. In April, West Ada trustee Lucas Baclayon, whose family moved from Taiwan to Idaho seven years ago  and whose own child has faced racism at school  said he absolutely supports the inclusive message, but he also believes the removal decision was made with the right intent.

Whats next

Inama resigned on May 9, writing she cannot align myself nor be complicit with the exclusionary views and decisions of the administration. Recently hired by Boise School District, she awaits guidance on the new laws impact.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the new state law carrying no enforcement penalties, the debate over what constitutes political messaging in classrooms is likely to continue across Idahos school districts.

Trending on NextShark: Zayn Maliks new song references racism during his One Direction days

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

Trending on NextShark: Netflix says half of global users now watch anime

Subscribe here now!

Download the NextShark App:

Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Located in western Wyoming, the Bridger-Teton National Forest offers more than 3.4 million acres of public land for outdoor recreation. With its pristine watersheds, abundant wildlife and immense wildlands, the Bridger-Teton National Forest comprises a large part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem - the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 United States. (Pattiz Brothers/U.S. Forest Service)

Idaho state legislators from both parties celebrated the death of a federal proposal that would have made millions of acres of public lands, including in Idaho, available to be sold off.

On June 30, 43 Republican Idaho state legislators signed a letter thanking U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson and U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, all R-Idaho, for protecting access to public lands during the recent federal budget reconciliation process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Public lands and access to those lands are a cornerstone of Idahos identity, the letter states. Thanks to your efforts, these amazing spaces will remain in public hands. By ensuring access to hunting, fishing, grazing and outdoor recreation, Idaho will continue to look like the Idaho we all know and love.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Idahos fourth member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, did not receive a letter and voted to oppose the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, the Utah News Dispatch previously reported.

More than 60% of the land in Idaho is public land of some sort, and outdoor recreation on public lands is a major driver of the states economy and a lifeblood for businesses and workers in some small communities located near recreational areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rep. Rod Furniss, R-Rigby, signed the public lands letter and posted a photo of it to social media July 1 with a caption stating No selling of public lands in Idaho!

In a phone interview Monday with the Idaho Capital Sun, Furniss said there was a groundswell of grassroots support from the public for keeping public land public.

When this came out my mailbox exploded again, Furniss said. I heard Idahoans all over the state say they are against any public land being sold.

Only Republicans were asked to sign the June 30 public lands letter, with signers including House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star; Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, R-Burley; House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian; and Senate Majority Leader Lori Den Hartog, R-Meridian.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At issue was a proposal included in an earlier version of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill. Before he removed the proposal, U.S. Sen Mike Lee, R-Utah, led efforts to include a proposal that would have allowed millions of acres of public land to be sold in the West, including in Idaho, States Newsroom and the Washington State Standard previously reported.

Simpson, Crapo and Risch provided public Republican opposition to the public lands sell-off, with Simpson co-sponsoring the federal Public Lands in Public Hands Act and Crapo and Risch announcing their public opposition June 20 to the public lands sell off component of the budget reconciliation process.

Idaho Dems celebrate death of public lands, criticize Republican response

On July 3, Idaho Senate Democrats wrote an opinion piece published by the Idaho Statesman celebrating the death of the public lands selloff.

Need to get in touch?

Have a news tip?

CONTACT US

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the opinion piece, Democrats credited the people of Idaho and the West who love public lands  hunters, campers, fishing enthusiasts, skiers, boaters, hikers, bird watchers, ranchers who graze livestock, rafters, ATV users, snowmobilers and more  with killing the proposal to sell public lands.

Some of the loudest voices were not of our politicians; they were yours, Democrats wrote in the piece, which Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise; and Sens. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello; Janie Ward-Engelking, D-Boise; Ali Rabe, D-Boise; Carrie Semmelroth, D-Boise; and Ron Taylor, D-Hailey, signed.

In an interview Tuesday, House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, said that support of public lands should not be a partisan issue that only Republicans or Democrats can support.

Rubel also challenged her Republican colleagues in the Idaho Legislature to turn their support of public lands into policy action, not just a letter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubel criticized Republicans in the Idaho Senate who sent a bipartisan public lands bill, House Bill 129, out for amendments, which ultimately resulted in the bill being killed when the 2025 legislative session adjourned in April.

If passed into law, the bill would have extended the amount of time money could be held in the Idaho land bank fund to purchase public lands from five years to 10 years.

Under state law, the land bank fund is used to hold money from the sale of state endowment lands for the purposes of acquiring other land.

Idaho House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, speaks with Assistant Minority Leader Steve Berch, D-Boise, on the House floor on March 10, 2025, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

But with the death of the bill, Rubel said that tens of millions of dollars that would have been available to acquire or purchase more public lands in Idaho is going away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Certainly I appreciate every voice from every end of the political spectrum speaking up in defense of public lands, because it should never be a partisan issue, Rubel told the Idaho Capital Sun. But I wish the same zeal for protecting public lands had been manifested during the session when Senate Republicans killed one of the main bills protecting public lands in Idaho.

Democrats also included another message in their op-ed  if public lands can come under threat once, they can come under threat again.

We cannot afford to be complacent; we must continue to fight for our public lands and so much more, Democrats wrote.

Idaho Legislature public lands letter
Court documents filed in the case of a Southern Idaho man accused of murder in the deaths of four people showed that three of the victims were killed Tuesday with gunshots to the head, while the fourth  who was found in a truck  could have been fatally shot anywhere from July 3 to July 8.

Authorities said in criminal complaints filed in both Minidoka and Cassia counties that Benjamin Roy Naylor, 56, entered the homes of three of the victims Tuesday and shot them to death, and also was responsible for the fatal shooting of a man whose body was found in an SUV.

Naylor was arrested Tuesday during a traffic stop in Lincoln County while deputies from Cassia and Minidoka counties, as well as members of the Rupert Police Department, were still investigating the homicides, according to a joint news release from law enforcement agencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The counties prosecutor offices said in a news release Wednesday that Naylor appeared in court and was charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Preliminary hearings were set in both counties: 9 a.m. on Friday, July 18, in Cassia County and 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, in Minidoka County.

Naylor is being held without bail at the Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice Center in Burley. He could face the death penalty if prosecutors choose to seek it; he also could face life in prison.

On Thursday, four women, identifying themselves as Naylors three daughters and ex-wife, said that he suffers from schizophrenia, and in Facebook postings, they said the killings were the worst type of ending imaginable for first and foremost his victims, but also for everyone involved.

One of the daughters, Hannah Naylor, told the Idaho Statesman that the family wanted its statement to be public and used in stories related to Benjamin Naylor and his alleged crimes, and wanted to send condolences to the victims families.

Affidavits shed light on timeline, how Idaho police found Naylor

On Tuesday at about 3:30 p.m., Rupert police officers responded to a 911 call about a suspicious death at a home in the Minidoka County town. They found a woman in a bedroom at the home, dead from a gunshot wound to the head, according to court records.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Doorbell camera footage from the home showed that at about 1:34 p.m., an adult male with a dark mustache and light beard, wearing a black cowboy hat, camouflage print jacket, dark-colored T-shirt and black shorts, approached the home and knocked on the front door. In an affidavit, police said the mans face was visible, and he was identified as Naylor by a Minidoka County sheriffs detective after the video was shared with other law enforcement agencies.

The footage showed the man had a yellow glove on his left hand and a handgun in his right hand, tucked under his jacket. It showed him leaving the home at about 1:51 p.m., the affidavit said.

Minidoka County deputies then searched an area in Heyburn where authorities believed Naylor had been recently. They found a body in a 2010 Ford Expedition and stated in a criminal complaint that the victim, a man, had been shot and killed. Court documents indicated that the mans time of death could have been anywhere from July 3 to July 8.

At about 6:21 p.m. Tuesday, Cassia County deputies responded to a report of a shooting at a residence in Burley. A 66-year-old male was found dead in the living room and a 62-year-old woman was found dead inside a closet near the back of the house, according to court documents, with both having gunshot wounds to the head.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deputies said in an affidavit that they obtained surveillance video that showed a gold 2013 Toyota Tundra pulling up to the curb across the street from the residence. A male driver exited the vehicle and walked into the home, and then was seen leaving a short time later, according to court documents.

Cassia County authorities identified the man as Naylor with the help of the Rupert Police Department, and found the vehicle was registered to Naylor, the affidavit said.

At about 10 p.m. Tuesday, after area law enforcement had been notified that police were seeking Naylor, a Lincoln County sheriffs deputy spotted the Tundra on Idaho Highway 24 and pulled the truck over. Naylor was driving the vehicle, and a handgun was found inside, according to court documents. Naylor was immediately arrested.

Suspects family offers condolences

Naylors daughters and their mother released a statement sharing their sadness with the families of the victims, and also said that Benjamin Naylor lost his lifelong battle with a very severe mental illness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is the worst type of ending imaginable for first and foremost his victims, but also his family and first himself. We believe that once he has received proper psychiatric care he is going to realize the devastation he has caused, and he is going to have to live with this the rest of his life. We know that if he were in his right mind he would be horrified by his actions, they wrote.

The Cassia County coroner told the Idaho Statesman that the victims identities would be released when they completed autopsies, which were being conducted in Ada County. Two of the victims have been identified in a GoFundMe that has been established, but the Statesman will not publish the four victims names until the coroner releases their identities.
Idaho Department of Education guidance that was based on a legal opinion from Attorney General Raul Labrador hasnt stopped the debate around whether Everyone is Welcome Here signs in school classrooms violate a new state law.

The Boise School District on Thursday released a statement saying that every student should feel welcome in school environments and that the district has a legal and ethical obligation to provide an educational environment free from discrimination.

Superintendent Lisa Roberts and school board Chair Dave Wagers in the release said that while the guidance provided by the State Department of Education implies that the sign would not be allowed, the district would have the backs of educators who displayed it in their classrooms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Everyone is Welcome Here sign affirms a foundational principle of public education  that every student, regardless of their background, is legally entitled to dignity, respect and a sense of belonging in their school community, the release said.

In February, West Ada School District administrators ordered a teacher to take down a banner with the words Everyone is Welcome Here, which showed hands of various skin colors on it. The teacher, Sarah Inama, refused. West Ada administrators said the sign violated the districts rule of using only content-neutral displays.

Since then, educators nationwide have posted flags, signs and banners in public schools in solidarity with Inama.

Inama, who had the sign displayed in her Lewis and Clark Middle School class, eventually resigned from her job. She since has been hired by the Boise School District.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Idaho Legislature this year passed House Bill 41, which Gov. Brad Little signed into law. It prevents teachers and administrators from posting banners or flags in public schools with political viewpoints. The state Department of Education released its guidance on the law just ahead of July 1, the date it went into effect.

That guidance, based on Labradors opinion that the sign was political in nature, stated that flags or banners showing opinions about politics, economics, society, faith or religion could not be displayed.

For the attorney general to consider the message of welcoming children in a classroom to be a political ideology of one political party seems very alarming to me, Inama told the Idaho Statesman in a phone interview Thursday. I stand firmly on the fact that no matter what they say, this is not a partisan issue.

The West Ada School District previously told the Statesman that it appreciated the guidance from Labrador and state education officials, but that Boises stance likely means the issue is far from over and will be part of public discourse again in mid-August, when the new school year begins.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

West Ada is the states largest district, with about 40,000 students. Boise is the second-largest, with roughly 24,000 students.

We will continue to support our teachers who choose to display it in their classrooms, the Boise administrators said in their release.

Inama will start her new job at East Junior High School in August.

Its just very comforting and reassuring that the school district that I work for understands the importance of the laws surrounding public education, and the importance of protecting educators rights and responsibilities to create inclusive places, Inama said.
Additionally, the military killed a terrorist cell in Khan Yunis, and dismantled a terror tunnel approximately one kilometer long.

The IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) killed the commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's Shejaiya sector and an additional terrorist in June, the military confirmed on Friday.

The commander, Fadl Abu al-Ata, infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre and has directed multiple attacks against the IDF since the war began.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The IDF also announced the death of Hamed Kamel Abd al-Aziz Iyad, who was responsible for engineering and explosives within the PIJ Turukman Battalion.

IDF continued operations in Khan Yunis

The IDF's 36th Division and the 188th Armored Brigade killed a terrorist cell in Khan Yunis, the IDF said earlier.

Additionally, they destroyed sites used for terror activities above and below ground, including a major underground tunnel route in Khan Yunis about one kilometer long.

The brigade's troops coordinated with the Israel Air Force, as well as Yahalom soldiers, to carry out the operations.

Additionally, the IDF and Shin Bet killed Taha Abu Ayadeh, a terrorist from Hamas's Nukhba force, in Khan Yunis, the military confirmed on Tuesday.

The 188th Armored Brigade operates in Gaza's Khan Yunis. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

Abu Ayadeh led a platoon of Nukhba terrorists on October 7, infiltrating a gas station in Kibbutz Magen, the IDF stated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the Israel-Hamas War, Abu Ayadeh was also responsible for several terrorist attacks, including against IDF soldiers operating in the Khan Yunis area over recent weeks, the military added.

This is a developing story.
The IDF told the Jerusalem Post that it is aware of reports of an ICRC and Palestinian Red Crescent worker being fired on, and the incident is being investigated.

A team of staff members and volunteers from both the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Palestinian Red Crescent was reportedly attacked during a rescue mission in the Gaza Strip late Thursday night, the ICRC reported on Friday.

The team had been attempting to locate an ICRC worker and their family, with whom contact had been lost since July 4, amid the ongoing conflict.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ICRC stated that during the operation, two individuals, an ICRC representative and a Palestinian Red Crescent volunteer, were injured by gunfire. The ICRC confirmed that both were quickly evacuated and received medical treatment.

Their condition is now described as stable. However, the ICRC noted that efforts to reestablish contact with the worker or their family have been unsuccessful so far.

According to the ICRC, the mission was reportedly conducted in coordination with the relevant authorities, and all vehicles involved were clearly marked with the Red Cross and Red Crescent symbols and illuminated for visibility. The ICRC also maintained constant communication with local authorities throughout the operation.

The attack, which is the second such incident in less than a week, has been condemned by the ICRC. The organization emphasized that under international humanitarian law, it is prohibited to target medical teams and humanitarian workers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ICRC further urged all parties to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and to respect the internationally recognized symbols of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

The IDF responded to The Jerusalem Post's request for comment, saying, "Last night (Thursday), we received a report regarding an injury to a Red Cross worker caused by gunfire from IDF forces. The details of the incident are currently under investigation."

"The IDF is actively targeting terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip and is making every effort to minimize harm to civilians. As a general principle, the IDF deeply regrets any harm caused to non-involved individuals."

Gaza Red Crescent medics killed by IDF in March incident

This incident comes against the backdrop of mounting concerns over attacks on medical workers in Gaza, following the Israeli military's admission of responsibility for killing Palestinian Red Crescent medics in March.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This incident comes against the backdrop of mounting concerns over attacks on medical workers in Gaza, following the IDF's admission of responsibility forkilling Palestinian Red Crescent medics in March.

On March 23, IDF troops killed 14 International Red Crescent medics and seriously wounded another during what investigators later determined was a catastrophic series of identification failures near Tel Sultan in Rafah. The incident, which the IDF's own probe characterized as one of the war's most serious friendly-fire episodes, has resulted in the dismissal of a deputy Golani commander and formal censure of a brigade chief.

The IDF's internal investigation, led by Major General Yoav Har-Even, revealed that the incident actually comprised four separate failures: two cases where ambulances were wrongly identified as threats, a deliberate attack on a UN vehicle in violation of rules of engagement, and improper handling of bodies afterward. Most troubling to investigators was the third incident, where IDF forces knowingly fired on a clearly marked UN vehicle, allegedly to force it to leave a dangerous areaa direct violation of IDF protocols.

The investigation exposed significant procedural breakdowns beyond the shooting itself. After killing the medics, soldiers buried the bodies in sand and notified the UN that they could retrieve them in 48 hours. However, when UN personnel arrived on March 27, they found only one body. The IDF acknowledged the burial may not have been deep enough for proper location, requiring a senior official to reposition the remains closer to the surface before successful recovery on March 30.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The probe noted that while Hamas frequently uses ambulances and hospitals as shields, this context did not justify the soldiers' actions, particularly since they were unaware of any terrorist connections at the time of the shooting. Six of the 15 medics later proved to be Hamas members, but investigators emphasized this after-the-fact information could not retroactively justify the soldiers' intent during the attack.

Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.
Originally from Shorashim, he was a squad commander in the Golani Reconnaissance Unit in the Golani Brigade.

IDF Captain Reei Biran, 21, was killed in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday, the military announced Friday morning.

Capt. Biran served as a squad commander in the Golani Reconnaissance Unit of the Golani Brigade.

He was promoted to captain after his death.

Biran was killed during a battalion operation, while troops were demolishing buildings, according to Army Radio. Troops were rigging buildings suspected of serving as terrorist infrastructure with explosives. The explosives set off about two hours after the buildings were rigged, killing Capt. Biran. The IDF is still investigating the incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We grew up in a home that encouraged significant combat service," Biran's older brother told Reshet Bet. "Our father was a lieutenant colonel, as was our grandfather and two other uncles. I personally am also a reserve soldier, and last Sunday I left Jabalya. Reei entered a few hours after me on Monday, and this is actually the last time he entered. He was a principled child, as his name suggests. He was a friend, he was a commander, he was an officer."

IDF soldiers operating throughout the Gaza Strip, July 9, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Biran's family recently moved to Shoresh, after living in Timrat, according to the Jezreel Valley Regional Council. He graduated from the WIZO Nahalal School.

The funeral will take place on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the cemetery in Moshav Nahalal.

Casualties since last ceasefire

Since the last ceasefire, 41 soldiers have been killed in Gaza, while 890 soldiers have fallen since the beginning of the war, 448 of whom were killed during the ground maneuvers.
The International Longshoremens Association (ILA) and International Dockworkers Council (IDC) are teaming up to get laborers at global ports on the same page over how to handle automation.

The labor groups say they are inviting all maritime unions worldwide to the People Over Profit: Anti-Automation Conference, which will be held Nov. 5-6 in Lisbon.

More from Sourcing Journal

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a letter, ILA executive vice president Dennis Daggett said the summit was organized to bring to dockworkers, seafarers, tugboat workers, marine engineers, master mates, pilots and all other maritime labor leaders in one place to collectively strategize, share experiences and strengthen our united front against increasing automation.

This is not a blue-collar problem. It is a working-class crisis, threatening both white- and blue-collar livelihoods, said Daggett in the letter, posted Wednesday. Whether you work in a crane cab or at a terminal console, the risks are the same. And so is the responsibility to act.

Invited maritime unions are expected to confirm their attendance and the total number of expected delegates by Aug. 1, according to a letter from the IDC. The IDC comprises 92 organizations from 41 countries and has over 100,000 affiliated members.

Automation was the top sticking point in the ILAs contract negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), before the parties agreed to a new six-year deal. That contentious labor battle resulted in a three-day strike across East and Gulf Coast ports from Maine to Texas at the start of last October.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last June, the ILA called off master contract talks due to the use of an automated gate system at the Port of Mobile. The gate enables trucks to enter and exit a terminal and be autonomously processed without ILA labor.

The union didnt resume negotiations with the USMX until the strike occurred months later.

One month after the strike took place, the ILA broke off negotiations again due to disagreements over technologies like rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs) at the Port of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Virginia.

But with a tentative deal put in place by January, which averted a second strike, the union of 45,000 dockworkers got some reprieve on automationat least enough to maintain a certain number of jobs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the union never shared the specific on the automation protections outlined within the contract, or how hiring practices and technology and automation deployments will complement each other, reports surfaced that the ILAs members were assured that more workers would be hired that would complement any specific equipment being added.

Last September, ILA president Harold Daggett alluded to the unions desire to form a global dockworker alliance with every longshore union worldwide in an effort to combat the growth of automation at global ports.

Were going to get all the unions around the world to meet in Portugal, he said, in the first indicator that such a meetup was planned.

At the time, the comments, relayed on video, were seen as a negotiation tactic to put pressure on USMX member ocean carriers like Mediterranean Shipping Company and Maersk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Automation is creeping into every sector, little by little, industry by industry, while global corporations hide behind words like efficiency and progress, The younger Daggett said in his letter. They are also pushing job-killing automation under the guise of safety. But what they are truly after is one thing only cutting labor costs.

As the ILAs fight against automation persists, other industries indeed are witnessing the impacts that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can have on employment.

Elsewhere in the supply chain, both UPS and FedEx are undergoing major cost-savings initiatives that involve a mass automation push within their warehouses, with the former cutting 20,000 jobs this year.

On Thursday, Indeed laid off roughly 1,300 employees at the company, as well as sister brand Glassdoor. Indeed CEO Hisayuki Idekoba sent a memo to employees, attributing the changes to AI, which he said helps people find a job every 2.2 seconds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

AI is changing the world, and we must adapt by ensuring our product delivers truly great experiences for job seekers and employers, Idekoba wrote in the memo. Delivering on this ambition requires us to move faster, try new things, and fix whats broken.

To kick off July, Microsoft said it was cutting 9,000 more employees, or less than 4 percent of its workforce, after cutting 6,000 in May. A week after the layoffs were announced, Bloomberg reported that chief commercial officer Judson Althoff revealed Microsoft saved more than $500 million last year in its call centers alone.
When activist Jean Kaczmarek was elected DuPage County clerk seven years ago, she became the first Democrat elected to countywide office in 84 years and her subsequent work as clerk to make voting easier and more available was lauded by the party faithful.

But the appointment of Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raouls office as special prosecutor to investigate Kaczmareks office over allegations of official misconduct has prompted concern among Democrats that the gains they have made in wresting significant control of the once strongly Republican suburban county could be at risk.

Kaczmarek, hailed in 2022 by the Democratic Women of DuPage County with its leadership award, is already facing a primary challenge as she seeks a third term next year. And her previous budgetary actions helped lead to a change in state purchasing law for most Illinois counties  a law that is now at the center of the Raoul investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DuPage County Circuit Judge Bonnie Wheatons order on Monday appointing Raouls office as special prosecutor is rooted in more than two years of internecine battles between the Democratic clerk and the Democratic-led DuPage County Board involving the often labyrinthine world of budgetary control and power in county governance.

Even before the special prosecutor appointment, each side had filed civil suits against the other over such issues as Kaczmareks ability to make budgetary transfers from one account to another without informing the countys chief financial officer from where the money was coming  as other county agencies and offices are required to do.

In defending the moves, Kaczmarek is leaning on an April 2023 advisory opinion from Raoul that says a county boards budgetary authority over county officers using internal control provisions is limited to appropriating lump sum amounts for equipment, materials and services.

The attorney generals office has been crystal-clear for decades on this issue and its time DuPage County started following the law, Kaczmarek said in a statement a day after the special prosecutor appointment. The job of the County Board is to fund the office, not to micromanage operations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin, one of only three GOP countywide officeholders and the legal counsel for both the board and the clerks office, said that under state law the clerks transfers must be accomplished in such a manner for the County Finance Department to track them.

You were cautioned that expenditures in excess of an appropriation are prohibited, and a violation may result in prosecution of a Class B misdemeanor, Berlin wrote to Kaczmareks chief deputy clerk, Adam Johnson, in a May 2023 email. Further, a violation of any of these laws may constitute official misconduct by the public officer and/or the employee. Penalties may include forfeiture of the office or position, in the case of an employee, and is also a Class 3 felony.

The Democratic-led county board has sided with Berlin amid concerns over Kaczmareks power, contending that there is a lack of transparency and a failure to follow traditional bidding rules. It led Deb Conroy, the county boards chair since 2022 and a former Democratic legislator, to travel to Springfield last year to persuade her former legislative colleagues to change state purchasing law to specifically put controls on the actions of elected county officials like Kaczmarek.

The DuPage County Board and I work diligently to ensure our offices are fiscally responsible and that they comply with procurement laws and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Conroy said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For years, we have expended significant time and energy to persuade the clerks office to comply with these procedures. I went to Springfield in 2024 to clarify the law, ensuring the statute specifically outlined bidding guidelines for elected officials.

The new law, which took effect Jan. 1, requires elected county officials outside of Cook County to bid out services, materials, equipment or supplies in excess of $30,000.

Nine days after the law took effect, however, Kaczmarek signed a contract with Prager Moving & Storage Co. to transport early voting booths for this years spring municipal elections, Berlin wrote in requesting a special prosecutor. The firm billed the clerk for $113,710, above the $30,000 bidding threshold, but the clerks office has refused to give the county auditor any documentation to prove the contract was bid in order for the payment to be made, Berlin wrote.

The County Auditors office is not a court to which the County Clerk submits evidence in order to obtain the Auditors subjective approval of her internal operational decisions, Johnson, the chief deputy clerk, responded to the auditors request for bidding documentation, according to Berlins court filing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In another instance in April, the county auditors office received a $115,997 bill from Governmental Business Systems for election supply kits, such as ballots, supplied to the clerks office. The auditor requested more information from the clerk about the invoice, but the clerk has not provided any, and the auditor wont process the bill for payment.

The clerks failure to comply with the competitive bidding law may constitute official misconduct, Berlin told the DuPage court, saying the county board knows the county could be sued for nonpayment of the invoices  something that prompted the board to request an investigation into possible misconduct.

Because Berlin legally represents both the clerk and the county board, he has a conflict of interest and requested Raouls office step in as an independent special prosecutor. Wheaton granted the request and Raouls office has agreed to the role.

In a statement after the special prosecutor appointment, Kaczmarek said she would welcome the involvement of Raouls office but said the action was simply another example of the lengths to which Bob Berlin will go to avoid admitting being wrong about the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Berlin, in response, issued a statement saying, In my thirty-seven plus years in public service, my ethics have never been called into question. I have no vendetta against anyone. All I am trying to accomplish is to ensure that everyone follows the law.

The new state law contains one exception for bypassing competitive bidding  professional services. Those are generally defined as professions in which a government-issued license is needed for the work to be performed, such as lawyers, accountants, physicians or architects.

In an interview with the Tribune, Johnson, Kaczmareks chief deputy clerk, contended the contracts awarded for moving and supplying polling equipment and ballot materials were professional services that exempted the clerk from having to bid out the work.

The act of moving 250 pieces of sensitive equipment throughout the county to polling places that by law have to be open at 6 a.m. the next day  yes, we do believe that that requires the professional expertise of our vendor, Johnson said of the moving and supply contract.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said the same held true for the ballot kits, citing the March 2018 primary night fiasco of misshapen ballots that hampered vote counting  an issue that effectively ended the DuPage County Election Commission and merged its duties into the clerks office.

If people go back and look at the issues that the election commission had with improperly produced (ballot) cards that caused the election night catastrophe, my feeling is, if you can ruin the entire election by doing your job wrong, that sounds like a professional risk to me, Johnson said.

Beyond the immediacy of the investigation by Raouls office is the potential fallout for Democrats if the probe concludes that prosecution of a criminal nature or official misconduct is warranted.

Once considered a Republican firewall against Democratic votes out of Cook County, DuPage County since Kaczmareks 2018 election has seen Democrats now hold six of the nine countywide elected offices and 12 of the 18 county board seats, with the countywide-elected chair, Conroy, also being a Democrat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Democrats privately fear that a prosecution of the clerk could halt their advances, with many wondering why the clerk and county board couldnt simply work out their differences.

Now, Kaczmarek, who in May announced her 2026 bid for reelection as clerk, faces an announced Democratic challenger, county board member Paula Deacon Garcia of Lisle, who Conroy is backing.

Whats more, there are also Democratic concerns that a highly visible prosecution could give Republicans an opportunity to regain the office. Such a development could potentially curb the expansion of voting opportunities created under Kaczmarek, such as increasing early voting sites and allowing people to vote at any polling place in the county on Election Day.

Its disappointing that an investigation is needed, Conroy said in her statement. However, Im grateful the attorney generals office will investigate, provide information and determine the appropriate next steps.
A wildfire destroyed two homes and prompted evacuations Thursday in the area of the Mountain View Estates subdivision north of Buena Vista, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office.

The Mountain View fire has burned about 60 acres, according to a social media post by the Sheriff's Office shortly before 8 p.m.

About 50 homes are within the evacuation zone, with 25 of those in what the Sheriff's Office refers to as a "hot" zone. Mountain View Estates is about 15 miles north of Buena Vista along U.S. 24.

"Fire crews made a great initial attack on the fire with aircraft, which has been very helpful," the Sheriff's Office said on Facebook. "We have crews from Chaffee County Fire Protection District, Salida Fire Department, DFPC from the state, and Federal partners along with other mutual aid partners from neighboring counties. At this time, we do not believe the fire has entered public lands. At this time there is no concern about having to evacuate livestock in the area."

Click or tap here for updates from the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office.

6 p.m. update

A wildfire that reached a structure Thursday prompted a mandatory evacuation order for the Mountain View Estates subdivision near Buena Vista. A pre-evacuation notice was issued for the surrounding five miles.

The Mountain View Estates subdivision is roughly 15 miles north of Buena Vista, near the Morrison Creek area, on the west side of U.S. 24. The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office encouraged evacuees to go to its office, located at 200 Steele Drive, Buena Vista.

For evacuees with pets, the Sheriff's Office said smaller animals can be taken to the Ark Valley Humane Society at 701 Gregg Drive, and larger animals can be taken to the Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds on County Road 321.

As of 6 p.m., the fire had spread to as many as 20 acres of Chaffee County land, according to Watch Duty, a volunteer-based website that releases real-time wildfire information.

As of 2 p.m. Thursday, 7,437 people were without power, the Chaffee County Times reported.

On Wednesday, a "no burn day" was put in effect in Chaffee County, outlawing anyone from building, maintaining or attending a fire, according to the Sheriff's Office. The no-burn order included the use of fireworks, outdoor smoking, charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service in Pueblo issued a red-flag warning until 9 p.m., meaning that conditions were ideal for wildfire combustion and rapid spread. Thursday's high was 85 degrees and included wind gusts reaching 21 mph.

On Friday, the high in Buena Vista is forecast to be 83 degrees, and there is a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. There will be 5-10 mph winds throughout the day and into the evening.

The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office is posting updates as they become available.

This is a developing story. More details will be released as they become available.
SPARTA, Ill.  Clyde J. Thibodeaux, 67, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault on minors, spanning 50 years.

The investigation uncovered 11 victims, aged between 3 and 11 at the time of the incidents. The offenses occurred in Randolph County and St. Clair County in the state of Illinois, as well as in Louisiana, according to the Sparta Police Department.

Police remind St. Louis juvenile curfew continues to be enforced

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On July 10, the Randolph County States Attorney Chris Koeneman filed charges against Thibodeaux, including 8 counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child and 1 count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.

We will work tirelessly to bring justice to each and every one of the victims of Clyde Thibodeauxs horrific and evil acts. Koeneman said.

Thibodeaux was arrested and held at the Randolph County Jail and had a pre-trial detention hearing July 11.

We will closely monitor the outcome of the pre-trial hearing as the legal process progresses.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO)  An Illinois man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for threatening to kill FEMA employees during his application for insurance after his car was ruined in a 2023 flood.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Darren Walton, 31, of Midlothian, made more than 100 calls to FEMA employees in connection with a disaster relief application he had filed about the car.

Authorities said many of the calls included threats of violent behavior against FEMA and its employees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In one call, Walton told a FEMA employee, Yall better stop [expletive] playing with me, bro. Before there be a mass shooting in a little bit, bro. Real talk. And Ill smile in court on camera on the news, letting em knowing I killed them [expletive] cause you was playing with me, bro.

FEMA reported the calls to the Midlothian Police Department, who conducted a welfare check at his home.

Following that, Walton called FEMA again, saying Send em again. And Ill kill the [expletive]. Tell them I kill they [expletive] this time. Im ready to kill. And Im going to kill. And Im gonna make sure I kill. Im going to kill a good four, five officers before the police even take me out the [expletive], guaranteed.

He was arrested and charged with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Wednesday, Walton was sentenced to 2 years in prison.

Defendants threats were terrifying to the FEMA employees who received them, Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Rosenbloom argued in the governments sentencing memorandum. The FEMA employees who received the calls were public servants doing their job. They did not deserve to be exposed to the terrifying threats contained in defendants calls.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
After Iranian media reported the arrest of two people linked to Israel's intelligence agency during the arch rivals' 12-day war, online posts shared a blurry image of a man apparently strapped to a rocket with the false claim it depicted Tehran's way to "dispatch" spies. However, the picture bears signs it was generated using AI.

"Iranian media publishes the dispatch of a Mossad agent in this manner," reads the caption of an image shared on X on June 16, where it was reposted more than 6,000 times.

The blurry image appears to show a man strapped to a rocket, with what appears to be an Iranian flag attached to it.

Screenshot of the false post captured on July 8, 2025, with a red X added by AFP

The claim surfaced online after Iranian media said police in the country had arrested two people linked to Israel's intelligence agency Mossad on June 15 (archived link).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The arrests came in the midst of intense fighting between the long-term Middle East foes, triggered by Israeli strikes on June 13 that targeted Iranian nuclear sites and killed several senior military officials and nuclear scientists (archived link).

Iran responded with waves of drone and missile fire, and the exposure of Israel's deep intelligence penetration also prompted a major hunt for spies (archived link).

According to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights, six men have been hanged on charges of spying for Israel since the start of the conflict, dozens more on other charges and more than 1,000 arrested during or after the conflict on charges related to the war.

The hostilities, which were brought to an end by a US-proposed ceasefire on June 24, killed more than 1,000 people in Iran and at least 28 people in Israel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Similar posts sharing the image appeared elsewhere on X, on Facebook in English, Bengali and Arabic, and on YouTube.

Although some users were able to identify the image as AI-generated, others appeared to believe it was genuine.

"This is the kind of human animals Israel has to deal with," one responded.

Another said: "That's a war crime. Iran deserves everything that they'll get."

However, there are no official reports of Iran strapping people to rockets.

Reverse image searches on Google led to a high resolution version of the image on Facebook, where a nonsensical rendition of the Iranian flag can clearly be seen (archived link).

Screenshot comparison of the image (left) and Irans country flag

The man in the image also has a disfigured head, while the railings on the rocket launch platform also appears as a jumbled mess. Despite meteoric progress in artificial intelligence technology, such inconsistencies remain the best way to distinguish inauthentic images.

Screenshot of the circulating image with visual inconsistencies highlighted in red by AFP

AFP has debunked other false claims related to the Iran-Israel war here.
Political activity and the spread of false information related to Nigerias 2027 election have already begun, although the vote is still two years away. Posts circulating on social media claim to show Nigerias former president Goodluck Jonathan shaking hands with US President Donald Trump after a meeting at the Oval Office. The posts are accompanied by a cryptic caption about the return of good leadership. However, the photo was generated using artificial intelligence, and there was no visit reported by the media or the White House.

A Facebook post published on June 11, 2025, features a screenshot from an Instagram account named goodluck_ebelejonathan with a picture that appears to show Jonathan shaking hands with Trump.

The text in the Instagram screenshot reads: Since our current leaders are pretending to sleep, we pray that we will get our good leadership back in 2027; your choice will determine the betterment of our future."

Screenshot of the false Facebook post, taken on July 8, 2025.

The verified Instagram account, named goodluck_ebelejonathan, typically posts photos of dignitaries visiting the former president and videos of people expressing support for his political career. While the post seen in the screenshot was deleted, a duplicate remained visible on the linked Threads account by the same name.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The image has also been shared in other posts on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Some posts also include a short video clip showing the same scene.

Several local media outlets picked up the Instagram post and reported it as genuine, as seen here and here.

Goodluck Jonathan was Nigerias president between 2010 and 2015. He conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 election (archived here).

He is still eligible to contest for office, having served only one term.

However, the photo and video showing Jonathan shaking hands with Trump were generated using artificial intelligence, and the post attributed to the former Nigerian president did not come from official sources.

AI-generated images

In the purported video from the meeting, Jonathan's fingers disappear upon shaking hands with Trump, a sign that the video was created using artificial intelligence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The video also contains other errors common with AI-generated content, including cartoonish faces and blurred faces in the background.

Errors spotted in the video, including disappearing hands (circled in red), cartoonish faces (circled in yellow) and a blurred face in the background (circled in green)

The still image shared on social media corresponds to the first frame of this AI-generated video.

There were also no news reports of a meeting between the two politicians in either local or international media.

The White House did not announce any meeting nor did photo archives from the White House contain any pictures of Trump receiving Jonathan at the Oval Office (archived here).

Furthermore, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan's spokesperson, told AFP Fact Check that the account that posted the image did not belong to Nigerias ex-president.

The former president does not have an Instagram account, Eze said.
Newly released aerial images show destruction at several locations in Central Texas, days after flash floods killed more than 120 people and left about 170 people missing.

Many of the victims were in Kerr County, a flood-prone area where the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in less than an hour. Photos provided by aerial imagery company Nearmap show how the rushing floodwaters destroyed RV parks, homes and more.

Lorena Guillen, owner of Blue Oak RV Park, told CBS Austin affiliate KEYE she woke up at 3:30 a.m. on July 4 to rescue teams and a wall of water rushing over the grounds. Guillen said all 33 RVs and mobile homes parked at her property were swept away by floodwaters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Aerial images show the grounds of HTR TX Hill Country Campground on the left and Blue Oak RV Park on the right. Guillen said at least five people were missing from her RV park, and dozens were missing from the campground next door.

photo-slider visualization

Show more

"The cabins from the RV park next door kept hitting, kept getting smashed against the trees. And there was screaming. You couldn't see much, but the screaming was unbearable," Guillen said.

Images also show homes in the Casa Bonita community in Hunt ripped off their foundations.

Sisters Blair Harber, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, were killed, along with their grandparents, when surging floodwaters ripped through the community. Their parents were staying in a different home at Casa Bonita and survived, according to the family's GoFundMe.

photo-slider visualization

Show more

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Two miles upriver from Casa Bonita, community members rallied together at Hunt Store to serve free meals for survivors and volunteers.

Aerial images show tents, umbrellas and tables set up outside the store, where hundreds of free meals were given out. The images also show damage to the store, which was established in 1946.

"It looks like everybody's in pretty good spirits. We're definitely getting more encouraged just by being together," Haley Lehrmann, owner of the Hunt Store, told CBS affiliate KHOU.

photo-slider visualization

Show more

Udemy Is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills

What's next for Trump's birthright citizenship order?

Why Trump is threatening Canada with higher tariffs
Community activists spoke out against the planned ICE detention center at Camp Blanding in front of the federal courthouse downtown, Friday evening.

They are hoping they can stop the facility from being built.

Construction was expected to begin this week, but it hasnt happened yet.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

State officials still have not provided any updated timeline.

No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here! the crowd of about two dozen protesters chanted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dan Lipp is with the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance.

He said hes opposed to any state-built detention center, regardless of where its proposed, but he argued Camp Blanding is a particularly offensive choice.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Theres no putting lipstick on this pig, but since its here, we will fight it here. We will go out to Starke, which is a little bit more of a rural community, where they have limited resources, said Lipp. And that lake and the access they have to it, thats a big resource for them. Were not gonna let the government take it away on a whim.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even Republican State Representative Judson Sapp (R-Palatka), who represents Camp Blanding, told Action News Jax last week hes been hearing concerns from his constituents.

Still, he argued that the overall mission is one worth pursuing.

The long-term, goal here is a good one for the United States and thats what we have to keep in mind as we do this, despite some of the things we might not like about it, said Sapp.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

But Lipp is hopeful state leaders will be forced to backtrack if enough people raise their voices in opposition.

We want to show them that we will stand up and fight for immigrants who dont have voices, because if they were to show up with us, they would be arrested, said Lipp.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The immigrant rights groups will be out at Camp Blanding for a protest starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

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.
Protesters clashed with federal authorities Thursday during an immigration operation north of Los Angeles at a marijuana farm allegedly employing illegal immigrants.

Multiple agents arrived at the Glass House Farms, a state-licensed cannabis facility which is considered illegal under federal law, in Camarillo. Federal authorities had a warrant for illegal employees, Fox News has learned. Another raid also occurred at another Glass House Farm in Carpinteria.

In addition, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli said the FBI has offered a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an unknown suspect who appeared to fire a pistol at federal law enforcement officers near Camarillo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the cannabis facility, investigators found nine unaccompanied migrant children, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital on Friday, updating earlier reporting that eight such children were there. She added, "So glad our law enforcement could rescue another child." Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said Thursday the facility was "under investigation for child labor violations."

He posted a photo to X on Friday afternoon captioned: "These are the juveniles found in the marijuana facility - almost all unaccompanied, one as young as 14. California are you ready to partner with us to stop child exploitation?"

Ice Officers Assaulted During Raid That Nabbed 70 Illegal Immigrants At Meat Plant: Dhs

Read On The Fox News App

Federal immigration agents toss tear gas at protesters during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025.

People were seen confronting the agents, who used tear gas and smoke bombs. Federal personnel used gas to push back protesters who arrived on scene after getting word of a raid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Military helicopters were also seen flying low over the fields, a maneuver generally used to flush out people hiding.

"It is becoming increasingly apparent that the actions taken by ICE are bold and aggressive, demonstrating insensitivity towards the direct impact on our community," Luis Mc Arthur, the mayor of nearby Oxnard, said in a social media post. "These actions are causing unnecessary distress and harm. I remain committed to working alongside our Attorney General and the Governors office to explore potential legal avenues to address these activities."

Footage captured by the news outlet showed several people being detained.

Federal Agents Conduct Immigration Raid In Los Angeles Despite Fierce Opposition From Democrat Mayor

Federal immigration agents toss tear gas at protesters during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025.

"FBI has issued a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo," Essayli wrote on X.

Protesters are blocked by federal immigration agents during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Four people were transported to the hospital, the Ventura County Fire Department said. Three additional people were treated at the scene without being transported, Fox Los Angeles reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., said he went to the scene of the raid in Capenteria, saying 50 ICE agents arrived at the farm.

"This is deplorable. This should not be happening on our soil," he said in a video message. "Individuals dressed like military personnel on our soil. We don't do that in America."

"This was overkill. This was ridiculous. This was a bunch of crap," he added.

Thursday's raid is one of many that have happened in Southern California, much to the anger of local and state Democratic officials.

Authorities lined up near the location of a raid at a California marijuana farm Thursday.

Earlier this week, immigration authorities were in MacArthur Park in Los Angeles conducting a raid. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom condemned the operation and the Trump administration for targeting illegal immigrants for deportation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Newsom criticized Thursday's raid and President Donald Trump on X.

"Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields," the governor wrote in a post accompanied by a video showing people running to avoid tear gas deployed by authorities. "Trump calls me 'Newscum'  but hes the real scum."

In another post, Newsom said White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the architect of the administration's tough stance on illegal immigration, was running the White House.

"Instead of supporting the businesses and workers that drive our economy and way of life, Stephen Millers tactics evoke chaos, fear and terror within our communities at every turn," he wrote. "At Millers direction, Trumps agents continue to detain U.S. citizens and racially profile Americans, ripping families apart and disappearing parents and workers into cruel federal detention centers to meet their self-imposed arrest quotas."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bass has demanded the federal government end such operations in the city.

Los Angeles and eight other cities have sued the Trump administration, calling the tactics used by federal agents "unconstitutional," arguing they are being used to instill fear rather than to protect the public.

Fox News' Bill Melugin and Fox News Digital's Cameron Arcand contributed to this report.





Original article source: Immigration operation at California cannabis farms leads to clash between federal agents and protesters
By Steve Gorman and Leah Douglas

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Federal agents conducted immigration enforcement raids on Thursday on state-licensed marijuana nurseries in an agricultural region of coastal Southern California, where they were confronted by throngs of angry protesters.

As word and video images of the raids spread on social media, dozens of migrant-rights activists converged on the area in vehicles leading to face-offs with federal agents in the middle of rural roadways, according to the Santa Barbara Independent, Los Angeles Times and other news media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents accompanied by National Guard troops in military-style vehicles turned up at two locations operated by Glass House Farms - one in the Santa Barbara County town of Carpinteria, about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles, and one in the Ventura County community of Camarillo, about 50 miles from L.A.

Glass House Farms, which bills itself as one of the "fastest-growing vertically integrated cannabis companies in the U.S.," said on X that its greenhouse sites "were visited today by ICE officials," adding, "The company fully complied with agent search warrants and will provide further updates if necessary."

An attorney representing clients who work at Glass House said both of the company's nurseries had been previously visited by ICE in June. National Guard troops were with ICE when they arrived at the property Thursday morning.

TEAR GAS

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One local television station reported that about 100 farmworkers were detained in the immigration sweep prior to the protests, and that tear gas was fired at crowds during an encounter with federal agents.

Local TV footage from the scene of one standoff showed protesters yelling and gesturing angrily at armed, uniformed federal agents wearing helmets and face masks blocking traffic with yellow crime-scene tape strung across the road.

Asked for information or comment on the situation, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, parent agency of ICE, replied by email: "DHS law enforcement is executing a warrant at a marijuana facility. Our brave officers will continue to enforce the law."

In Carpinteria, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal, a California Democrat, said he was denied access to the scene of the raid while seeking to exercise his oversight authority as a member of Congress, and that company officials later told him 10 workers were taken into custody at that location.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More than 50 ICE agents took part in the operation there, with crowd-control munitions deployed against members of the crowd in a "militarized raid targeting farm workers," Carbajal said on X.

One of two city council members who were also present fell and injured her arm in a fracas between protesters and law enforcement, the Independent reported.

At a separate clash in Camarillo, a man running from federal agents appeared to open fire with a handgun in the direction of authorities as they lobbed smoke canisters at protesters, video footage from Los Angeles TV station KABC-TV showed.

SHIFTING POSITION

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump administration has shifted its position several times in recent weeks on whether farmworkers will be subject to its campaign to deport all immigrants who are in the country illegally.

Trump on June 14 ordered ICE to halt enforcement activities on farms, but the agency reversed that position days later. On July 3, Trump said he was willing to let migrant workers stay in the country if farmers can "vouch" for them. Days later Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said there would be "no amnesty" for farmworkers from deportation.

About half of U.S. farmworkers are in the country illegally, according to government estimates. The farm sector has warned that mass deportation of agricultural workers would cripple the nation's food supply chain.

Raids on some California farms in June left crops unharvested and farmworkers and operators fearful of further enforcement activity.

(Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles and Leah Douglas in Washington; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
Vibrant tapas bars and wild outdoor festivals define many outsiders' image of Spain -- but locals are increasingly fed up and mobilising against the din unleashed by their compatriots.

"The only thing that makes us different from other countries is that we are noisier," Spanish writer Ignacio Peyro wrote recently in daily newspaper El Pais.

"We have as many words for party... as the Inuit for snow," he quipped.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When foreigners enter a crowded Spanish bar for the first time, they often mistake the deafening hubbub for a fight.

The cities sound even louder in the summer as the heat pushes revellers into the street in bar terraces, patron saint festivals and Pride marches with their accompanying loudspeakers and fireworks.

In historic neighbourhoods of Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, where many homes lack air conditioning and opening the windows is essential to cool down, getting a decent night's sleep is mission impossible.

An exasperated Toni Fernandez, who has been living opposite a bar in Madrid's party-prone Chueca for 15 years, knows that all too well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If you sleep light, it's impossible," the 58-year-old hairdresser told AFP, saying he dreamed of moving "when I can, which will be soon".

"The Portuguese have a different culture of speaking much more softly. I myself realise I speak loudly" when in Spain's Iberian neighbour, said Fernandez.

For Yomara Garcia, a lawyer who is president of the association Jurists Against Noise, those who speak out against the cacophony are labelled "whingers, anti-social, hypersensitive".

"The right to personal privacy, the inviolability of the home, commonly called the right to rest... is a right that takes precedence" over "the misnomer right to leisure", said Garcia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The latter "is not a fundamental right", she told AFP at an acoustics congress in the Mediterranean city of Malaga, a tourist hotspot often painted red by boisterous partygoers.

- 'This is Spain' -

Legal action over the racket now extends well beyond bars and has seen anti-noise associations sprout across the country.

Concerts at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium have been suspended after residents' complaints, while courts dedicated to the popular racquet sport of padel and patron saint festivals also attract ire.

The complaints have even targeted school playgrounds in Barcelona, prompting the regional parliament of Catalonia to declare them exempt from noise regulations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Madrid's Silence Centre, run by the Dominican Catholic order, offers an oasis of tranquility to around 50 weekly users in the hustle and bustle of the Spanish capital.

The place was an oddity when it opened in 2011, but now "there is a huge supply of spaces for a retreat, silence, meditation," its director Elena Hernandez Martin told AFP.

Ana Cristina Ripoll, a philosophy teacher who finds refuge in the centre, believes the attitude towards noise in Spain has changed little.

"I don't think there's any awareness," said Ripoll, 59, recalling how some metro users "got angry" when she asked them to turn down the music blaring from their mobile phone.

"There are even people who tell you: 'This is Spain'," she said.

al/imm/rlp
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma City Police say a second person has been arrested in connection with the death of 18-year-old Lyric Lewis.

Photo of Lyric Lewis. Image courtesy, the Lewis family.

Lyrics heartbroken family sat down with News 4 to share her story.

Lewis was shot and killed outside of Harkins Theater in Bricktown the night of June 24.

Its a feeling no parent can put into words, but Lyrics father, Deandre Lewis, said she was a light to everyone around her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was here for a reason, and I feel like she served a purpose. She touched everybody around her. Shes sparked a change in her family, Deandre said.

Family and friends of man killed in Luther swimming accident share memories, warning

Oklahoma City Police arrested 32-year-old Devin Stallings on a first-degree murder charge.

News 4 learned on Thursday that a juvenile was also arrested in connection with the shooting.

Its a feeling that you cant describe. It was just immediate heartbreak, it was just immediate, the worlds over, Deandre said.

Lyric was a daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, and protector to each of her family members and close friends.

Photos of Lyric. Image courtesy, the Lewis family.

She had just graduated from high school weeks before her death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The night of the shootings, court documents detail Stallings getting out of a red pick-up truck outside the theater and firing towards a group of people.

She was hanging out like teens do. From what we know, she was not being targeted, they shot from a distance, and it just was random, Deandre said.

Lewis family is left reeling in pain as they try to make sense of her death.

The Lewis have family in Oklahoma, California, and beyond, all struck by this tragedy, Deandre tells News 4.

Our bond, for me, when I think about it, is indescribable. She knew I had her, I knew she had me, and I cant describe that to you, Deandre concluded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lyrics family has created a GoFundMe to help with expenses as they grieve her loss. Click here if youd like to donate.

Investigators say theyre still working on a motive in the shooting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Alimat Aliyeva

Renaults electric vehicle division, Ampere, announced a significant partnership on Thursday with Chinese investors, including CICC Capital PE, to launch an investment fund aimed at accelerating innovation in the EV sector. The deal was finalized in Hangzhou, a major city in eastern China, known for its tech and innovation ecosystem, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

The new fund will focus on advanced technologies such as battery development, smart driving systems, intelligent cockpits, and embodied intelligencean area that explores how AI can interact with and enhance human mobility. While the exact size of the fund has not been revealed, Renault emphasized its commitment to driving the future of electric vehicles through strategic collaborations in cutting-edge fields.

What makes this move particularly interesting is the growing trend of global automakers seeking alliances in China, a hub for both EV production and technological development. Chinas vast consumer base and its leadership in electric vehicle adoption present a unique opportunity for Renault to tap into new markets while advancing its own electric vehicle innovation.

This partnership also highlights a broader shift in the automotive industry, where traditional automakers are increasingly investing in AI and next-gen technologies to stay ahead of the curve in a highly competitive market. For Renault, this deal is likely a crucial step in maintaining its edge in the fast-evolving EV race.
The wife of Mohamed Soliman, the man charged with a hate crime after the June 1 firebomb attack on marchers in Boulder, released her first public statement on the situation Wednesday.

Hayam El Gamal and her five children have been detained since June 3 in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Dilley (Texas) Detention Center and are now fighting their deportation case in the Western District of Texas, according to previous Gazette reporting.

"My five children and I are in total shock over what they say my husband did in Boulder, Colorado, earlier this month," El Gamal stated in an email provided by her attorney, Eric Lee. "So many lives were ruined on that day. There is never an excuse for hurting innocent people."

"We send our love to the many families who are suffering as a result of the attack."

During a preliminary hearing Wednesday, a federal judge in Denver decided to move forward with a federal hate crime charge against Soliman, who is accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at a group of peaceful protesters, injuring 15 people and a dog, in Boulder earlier this month.

A full courtroom faced the defendant, who sat emotionless on the edge of the courtroom, at his federal preliminary hearing, during which Judge Kathryn Starnella decided there was probable cause to proceed with the case.

The decision came after about two hours of debate between the prosecution, on behalf of the United States, and the defense, on behalf of Soliman, over whether Soliman's crime targeted a group of people based on the "national origin" category to qualify it as a hate crime.

El Gamal said the family has been cooperating with law enforcement, who are "trying their best to get to the bottom of this."

Lee, in a lawsuit filed on behalf of the family asking to halt deportation efforts, has said the children are "not doing OK" as they remain in custody for two weeks and counting.

Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty on Wednesday stated in an email, "I remain laser-focused on prosecuting the criminal case and upholding the rule of law. We will work tirelessly to ensure justice is done. Our office is not involved in any immigration case, including this one. We will continue to monitor it.

In El Gamal's statement, she said her oldest daughter marked her 18th birthday in custody.

"We are grieving, and we are suffering. We are treated like animals by the officers, who told us we are being punished for what my husband is accused of doing," El Gamal stated. "But why punish me? Why punish my 4-year-old children? Why punish any of us, who did nothing wrong?"

Later in the statement, El Gamal said her children can't sleep, they cry throughout the day and continuously ask her when "they get to go home."

According to previous Gazette reporting, Soliman, his wife and children first came to the U.S. on Aug. 27, 2022, on a B2 tourist visa that expired the following February. On Sept. 29, 2022, Soliman filed for asylum, listing his wife and five children as dependents, in Denver.

Featured Local Savings

In El Gamal's statement, she said the family "tried to do everything right," including learning English and then teaching it to other immigrants. El Gamal states that her oldest daughter has goals of becoming a doctor and maintained a 4.5 grade-point average.

The June 12 order by a Denver judge that moved the family's case to Texas also revealed El Gamal is a network engineer with a pending EB-2 visa, which is available to "professionals with advanced degrees."

The day after the Boulder attack, Gazette reporters went to the home of the Soliman family in unincorporated Cimarron Hills, which borders the east edge of Colorado Springs. One neighbor of the family said El Gamal would occasionally cook food and share it with her family while their children played.

"We have always tried to be good neighbors, cooking food for those around us regardless of whether they are Muslim, Christian or Jewish," El Gamal stated. "I do not judge anyone based on his religion. If your heart is good, thats enough."

El Gamal sheds light on what her experience in custody has been like, from feeling like her and her children are treated like animals to being "forced to watch officials rough up another detainee."

"We are here, in jail in Texas, where you cant be human. Where you are always being watched," El Gamal said. "Where you are woken up in the middle of the night by guards and given food fit for animals."

The mother and wife ends her statement by pleading with the American public to "listen to our story and help us."

"How much longer will we be here for something we didnt do? How much longer until the damage to my children is irreversible?" El Gamal stated.

"I ask the American people, with all my heart, to please listen to our story and help us."

According to Lee, the family's asylum claim is still pending. He was unable to speak on what the basis of the asylum claim is.

The Gazette reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment on El Gamal's statements but did not receive an immediate response.

It remains unclear when the Soliman family will have its day in court in Texas. In addition to El Gamal's statement, Lee confirmed the Texas judge in the case granted an extension of the temporary restraining order issued by a Denver judge. El Gamal and her children cannot be removed from the U.S. until their case is heard.

Of the 118 counts Soliman faces on the state level, 62 were for crimes committed against the victims. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Denver also is charging Soliman with a hate crime, which, if he is convicted, could result in life in prison.

Soliman faces 118 state charges and a federal hate crime charge for his alleged actions in Boulder on June 1. His next state court appearance is scheduled for July 15.
A small ceremonial fire has been burning for more than 1,300 days on a dusty stretch of Wangan and Jagalingou Country in central Queensland, the second largest state in Australia.

The flame marks the site of a protest that has been going on for more than four years. It stands at the heart of a long-running standoff between part of the local Indigenous community and the Carmichael coal mine, one of the country's most controversial mining projects.

The mine, owned by Indian energy giant Adani which operates locally as Bravus, sits just across the road. It is located on the traditional land of the Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Adrian Burragubba and his son Coedie McAvoy have been waging a long campaign against Bravus, taking, as they see it, a spiritual stand as well as fighting for cultural survival.

"Where my land is, there's a mine trying to destroy my country," Adrian says. "That country is the roadmap to my history and knowledge about who I am and my ancestors."

At the heart of their resistance is Doongmabulla Springs, a sacred site which they believe was created by the rainbow serpent Mundagudda  a powerful ancestral being in many ancient Aboriginal creation stories, often associated with water, creation and the land.

Hydrocarbon traces

The Doongmabulla Springs are connected to a bigger underground water system that helps keep the dry land alive. It sits above the Galilee Basin, one of the largest untapped coal reserves in the world, a 247,000-sq-km region containing more than 30 billion tonnes of coal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some scientists - which include Prof Matthew Currell, one of Australia's leading hydrogeologists, from Griffith University in Melbourne - say the site is ecologically significant and potentially vulnerable.

"We started noticing a couple of things, from time to time actually seeing hydrocarbons being detected within the spring waters themselves," says the academic, who has studied the area for several years.

"If hydrocarbons have only started turning up after mining, then we have to explain why. If it's linked to mining activity, then it's a red flag that the spring water quality is imminently under threat," he says.

"We're seeing signs that the impact from the mine is greater than what had been predicted when it was approved. I think that needs to prompt a full re-evaluation of that approval."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A growing body of evidence suggests that mining activity could be having more impact on groundwater than originally forecast.

Increasing evidence suggests that mining may be affecting local groundwater more than initially predicted [BBC]

Prof Currell's findings, co-authored with Dr Angus Campbell and peer-reviewed in 2024, have raised concerns about Adani/Bravus's groundwater modelling.

The company rejected the findings and accused some of the article's authors of being anti-coal campaigners, which they deny.

Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, also reviewed Adani's analysis of the impact of the Carmichael mine on groundwater in the area in 2023. That review, which is part of the evidence being examined in an ongoing court case, concluded that Adani's models were not "fit for the purpose" of assessing the impact of the mine on the springs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2023, following a review of Adani/Bravus's groundwater monitoring data, the government banned their planned underground mining due to uncertainty over the impact it would have on the springs.

Adani is challenging this ban in court. The company insists it has complied with environmental and legal standards.

"There have been no breaches of our groundwater conditions and the Doongmabulla Springs complex is not at risk from any of the mining we are doing now or are authorised to do in the future," it said in a statement to the BBC.

Queensland's Environment Minister, Andrew Powell, told the BBC: "We are committed to protecting the cultural and environmental values of the springs by taking appropriate enforcement action."

A divided community

The government's decision to approve the Carmichael mine has polarised Australia for nearly a decade.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Adrian Burragubba and his family argue that the mine is threatening their sacred water source, and that their rights, culture and connection to "country", as Indigenous Australians term their ancestral homeland, are being ignored.

Adrian Burragubba and his son Coedie McAvoy say the mine is threatening their sacred water source [BBC]

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted in 2007, requires "states to obtain free, prior and informed consent before undertaking projects that affect rights to land, including mining". While not legally binding, the declaration serves as a framework for harmonising relations between states and Indigenous peoples.

The controversy surrounding the mine has also long been a flashpoint in the climate debate, attracting both protests across the nation and strong support from local mining communities. The Queensland government had approved the project, citing its potential to generate jobs and boost exports.

Australia is already one of the world's top coal producers. The Carmichael mine exports to the Asia-Pacific region, where demand for coal is projected to stay high, even as economies aim to use more renewable energy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bravus says it has invested more than $486m in the town where many of the mine's workers reside. But allegations of poor working conditions have surfaced.

Journalist Kim Nguyen, who has spent years covering stories on the Carmichael mine, has spoken to workers who say they have been exposed to unsafe dust levels, made to work in substandard infrastructure and faced a culture of fear when raising concerns.

Doongmabulla Springs sits above the Galilee Basin, one of the largest untapped coal reserves in the world [BBC]

Queensland's mining safety regulator confirmed there were 875 pages worth of serious accident reports from 2019 to 2024, but said the mine's incident rate was "broadly consistent with industry averages".

Bravus responded: "We have a zero-fatality record () We maintain high standards, comply with all legislation, encourage people to raise concerns anonymously or in person and these are resolved as they arise."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the state government declared it would approve the mine without Indigenous consent, seven out of twelve W&J family groups signed a land agreement with Adani in exchange for a community fund.

"It's split families," says W&J woman Jackie Broderick. "I feel terrible about the destruction of the land, but if we hadn't agreed [to the mine project], they would have just gone ahead anyway. We got out of it what we could," she says.

Others believe the deal came at too high a cost. "Mining is God in this country. One mine has divided a whole nation," says Coedie.

In a statement, Bravus said: "Adrian Burragubba and his allies in the anti-fossil fuel movement have tried for many years to discredit our company and stop our Carmichael mine, which has been operating safely and responsibly in line with Queensland and Australian law."

Land rights claim

In 1915, Queensland's Aboriginal Protection Act allowed the forced removal of Aboriginal people from their land. Many W&J people were sent more than 1,000km away. Families were separated and practising Aboriginal culture was banned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 1993, the Native Title Act gave Aboriginal people limited land rights if they could prove continuous connection with it, including the right to negotiate on mining projects.

W&J people say they "come from the water" and see it as a source of life [BBC]

The W&J people lodged a Native Title claim in 2004. With that, they had the right to negotiate with Adani, which offered benefits in exchange for signing an agreement. However, in 2012 and again in 2014, no agreement could be reached, so Adani sought approval through the Native Title Tribunal without Indigenous consent.

In 2021, after 17 years, a judge dismissed the W&J Native Title claim, removing their right to consultation or compensation for future mines under the law. This was because they failed to establish a sufficient connection to the land.

"A judge ultimately made a determination that the native title did not exist in the claim area, and it's now subject to application to the High Court of Australia for special leave to appeal," says Tim Wishart, head of the Queensland South Native Title Service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I don't think it's a particularly fair system, but it's all we've got at the moment," he adds.

Legal fight continues

Adrian is now pursuing a judicial review in Queensland's Supreme Court, arguing that the mine violates his community's human rights by threatening a sacred site.

Their argument is based on Section 28 of the state's Human Rights Act, which protects the right of Indigenous people to practise their culture and maintain their connection to land and water.

Despite the bankruptcy, the court losses and internal community rifts, Adrian and his family remain undeterred [BBC]

It is a case that could set a precedent, says Alison Rose, Adrian and Coedie's lawyer.

"It will be a really important test case that will be followed by other First Nations [Indigenous] people who are wanting to protect culture and country," she says.

This is Adrian's fourth case against the government, using pro bono lawyers. Previously, he became bankrupt after fighting one court case and being hit with $680,000 in costs.

But despite the bankruptcy, the court losses and internal community rifts, Adrian, his son Coedie and their family remain undeterred.

"We come from the water," Adrian says. "Without the water, we're all dead. Without land, we've got nothing."

The Queensland government has requested the court strike out Adrian's human rights case. The verdict has yet to come.

Text adapted by Selin Girit and edited by Alexandra Fouche
JAKARTA (Reuters) -Indonesian tech firm GoTo Gojek Tokopedia said in a statement late on Friday that it respects the ongoing legal process and will be supportive of any efforts to uphold the law.

GoTo's statement came after media reports saying Indonesia's attorney general's office raided GoTo's office related to an investigation into alleged corruption in the education ministry's laptop procurement in the period of 2019-2022.

GoTo has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We are cooperating with the authorities and following their directions," GoTo's director of public affairs and communications Ade Mulya said in the statement.

The attorney general's office raided GoTo's office on Tuesday and confiscated various evidence, according to state news agency Antara, quoting the attorney general's office spokesperson Harli Siregar.

(Reporting by Stefanno Sulaiman; Editing by Chris Reese)
(Editor's note: This story has been updated to add new information.)

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Keith Graves is stepping down as chairman of the council's education committee, Council President Vop Osili announced July 11, two days after allegations of domestic abuse against Graves were made public.

Osili said in a statement that he takes any allegation of sexual misconduct "with the utmost seriousness."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We must always strive for a workplace culture rooted in safety, dignity and accountability  especially for those we serve alongside and those we serve in our community," Osili said in the statement. "I believe it is important we approach this matter with transparency and care. Councilor Graves is stepping down from his role as chair of the council's education committee as the details of this matter continue to unfold."

IndyStar reported earlier this week that Graves, 59, faced domestic violence claims by two women. One woman, Laurin Embry, 29, told IndyStar that Graves sexually and physically abused her when they were in a relationship and after they broke up.

Another woman who requested anonymity filed and was granted a domestic abuse protective order against Graves last year, before later dropping it to preserve her privacy.

Graves has denied all of the allegations, saying he never "jeopardized anyones safety, comfort, or dignity."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I am deeply disappointed by the allegations being made against me," Graves previously told IndyStar. "I unequivocally deny the false and hurtful claims that are now being shared."

Osili said in the statement that the City-County Council doesn't have authority to investigate members of the council unless they pertain to financial, legislative, or conflict of interest matters.

"This moment underscores the importance of ensuring that our policies and practices support those who raise concerns, while also protecting due process," Osili said. "My colleagues and I remain committed to the work the residents of Indianapolis elected us to do."

Earlier July 11, another top Democrat on the City-County Council, Minority Leader Maggie Lewis, said she was "monitoring" the allegations against Graves and was "committed to confirming their validity."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If information emerges that negatively affects the integrity of the caucus, we are dedicated to taking all necessary actions to do what is right," Lewis said. "We urge the community to respect the privacy of everyone involved and to be patient as we work to address this issue with council leadership and the caucus."

More: Indianapolis City-County Council Democrat accused of physical and sexual abuse

The Indianapolis City-County Council has investigated how Mayor Joe Hogsett's administration handled harassment and assault claims against his former Chief of Staff Thomas Cook. But the legislative body has increasingly faced scrutiny, particularly after a June 9 incident where Osili ordered sheriffs to forcibly remove a woman, Lauren Roberts, who was trying to express concerns about the council's investigation. Osili later said he "failed" in ordering Roberts' removal.

Four members of the 25-member City-County Council have called for Hogsett's resignation. In June, the entire Democratic caucus released a statement chastising his leadership but stopping short of calling for his resignation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lewis' statement on July 11 referenced that statement, which read in part that "the residents of Indianapolis deserve a city government that is accountable, honest, and reflective of the communitys highest aspirations. Public trust is a sacred obligation continuously earned through principled moral leadership and responsible governance.

"This statement also applies to members of the Indianapolis City-County Council," Lewis said in the July 11 statement.

Keith Graves represents District 13 on the Indianapolis City-County Council.

Following IndyStar's reporting on Graves, most individual councilors and elected Democrats have been silent on the matter regarding their colleague, though Democratic socialist Jesse Brown called for his resignation and for the council to censure him.

Marion County Republican Party Chair Natalie Goodwin released a statement criticizing Democratic leadership of the council.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It's becoming clear why the Democrats on the City-County Council refuse to hold Mayor Joe Hogsett accountable for the sexual harassment scandal he permitted under his watch, Goodwin said. "The Council now faces its own allegations, and the lack of leadership from the Council Democrats is appalling. ... The victims deserve respect, dignity and justice, and our current Democrat leadership is failing them."

Laurin Embry sits in her home Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Indianapolis. Just learn from what happened, Embry said. Take it from me. Take what happened to me, and just do better.

There have also been responses in support of the women who made allegations against Graves from some former Hogsett administration workers who have been critical of the administration.

For example, Maggie Adams-McBride, a former project manager for Hogsett, posted on social media that Embry showed "immense courage in telling her story."

"At what point is enough enough for Democrats in Indianapolis?" Adams-McBride wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy Council Democrat accused of domestic abuse will step down as committee leader
In response to the urgent call for action to protect the citys youth, 11 Marion County superintendents have announced their full support of extending curfew hours.

The proposed ordinance would begin curfew hours two hours earlier than the current law, restricting unsupervised public access for minors between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday for youth ages 15 to 17. For those younger than 15, the curfew would apply daily from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

In a press release, the superintendents said that the proposal is not about punishment, but prevention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"As leaders, we see firsthand the promise and potential of our young people as well as the responsibility we share  as educators, parents, and community leaders  to ensure their safety and well-being. A curfew reinforces those values. It sends a clear message that our community stands united in protecting our youth and investing in their future."

The superintendents said the curfew creates conditions where youth can thrive, and not just survive. The proposal would reclaim streets and neighborhoods and create a collective peace of mind.

Indianapolis Public Schools, Warren Township, Wayne Township, Pike Township, Washington Township, Decatur Township, School Town of Speedway, Beech Grove, Lawrence Township, Perry Township, and Franklin Township Community School Corporation want Proposal No. 232, introduced by Councilor Leroy Robinson, to pass.

IMPD Chief's message for this weekend

Indy, here is my message ahead of this weekend. pic.twitter.com/XBY0NAkyDy  Chief Chris Bailey (@IMPD_Chief) July 11, 2025

This weekend lands between the WNBA All-Star game, which is set to bring thousands downtown, and last weekend's mass shooting that left two teens dead after seven people between the ages of 16-21 were shot near Monument Circle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey pinned a video to social channels, stating that the department needed help to send young people a message of non-violence.

"I'm asking and I'm begging that we have a peaceful and safe weekend," Bailey said in a video. "I'm asking for help from everyone in the community. Let's put the guns and the weapons down. Let's look at this precious life that we only have one of."

He said the department is as committed as ever to keep the community safe, and Maj. Corey Mims with the department's Community Engagement and Outreach Bureau said there will be around 200 police officers working the area downtown.

"It can't just be the police. It has to be the community," Mims said. "It has to be the parents. It has to be the community organizations that are available to our kids and our families throughout the city of Indianapolis. It takes everybody."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The department's call to action from the community is making sure parents aren't dropping off their kids downtown or allowing teens and kids to take Ubers and roam around unsupervised.

Mims also said the goal for the department isn't to mass-arrest kids who do break curfew.

"It's not meant to be punitive," Mims said. "Again, we encourage our parents and our guardians to be in the know where their kids are. We want to be able to have conversations with the kids that we do come in contact with. Hopefully, it doesn't happen after curfew has been implemented."

The superintendents are urging residents and parents to contact their City-County Council representative and voice support for Proposal No. 232. The ordinance will be reviewed by the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee at 5:30 p.m. July 16, where public comment is welcome.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy schools back curfew as IMPD preps for weekend before WNBA All-Star
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  IndyCar drivers have arrived here in Iowa for the Sukup IndyCar Race weekend, checking out the area and, of course, checking out the track. Several drivers attended the media luncheon on Thursday at Ramco Innovations in West Des Moines.

Iowa Speedway has hosted IndyCar events since 2007. There have been 21 events and theyre adding a few more this weekend.

In five of the last six years, Iowa Speedway has had two IndyCar Series races in one weekend. That makes it the only doubleheader for the IndyCar Series.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You get the opportunity to get a lot of points. This weekend matters maybe more than any other weekend of the year for us, IndyCar Series driver Kyle Kirkwood, who has three wins so far this season, said. It is so physically demanding we get to do it twice, and the day that were usually recovering, were back in the race car racing. This is a really good weekend for us to create some kind of opportunity.

Waveland Golf Course in Des Moines closes after IED found, DMPD says

You could just aim for a double podium or just double top five like this. Just could have a really good points weekend. I really pray that thats the case for us, Will Power, a winner last year at Iowa Speedway, said. Be smart. All the things that make race wins happen.

The track at the Iowa Speedway is known as the fastest short track on the planet. The 275 lap races will serve as the 11th and 12th rounds of the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is one of the most physical tracks, IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal said. Its not a lot of time off, right? I mean, a lot of turning all the time, the very short straightaways, a lot of intensity, normally very hot. It should be actually pretty beautiful this weekend. But this is a tough place.

The NTT IndyCar Series doubleheader begins Saturday with the Synk 275 Saturday at 4pm. Then the Farm to Finish 275 race will be Sunday at noon.

The Indy NXT race will take place Saturday at 12:30 pm.

Practice on Friday will be open to the public with free admission.

Iowa News:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

An Unprecedented Glimpse

Newly released emails and texts provide an extraordinary glimpse of internal government communications during some of the most consequential legal cases of the early months of the Trump II presidency.

The internal communications come from Erez Reuveni, a career Justice Department lawyer who was fired by the Trump administration for being too candid with the court in the Abrego Garcia case. The emails and texts bolster previous allegations Reuveni had made in seeking whistleblower protections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For our purposes, the most important element of the Reuveni revelations is the planned defiance of federal courts, including misleading, if not downright false, representations to judges, indefensible legal positions, and violations of court orders. The primary villain in the account provided by Reuveni continues to be DOJ official Emil Bove, the former personal attorney for President Trump who was riding herd on the most controversial early Trump II cases and who Reuveni has alleged told DOJ personnel that they might have to tell the courts fuck you.

Among the highlights:

In the Alien Enemies Act case before Judge James Boasberg in DC, Reuveni texted a colleague about Boves alleged comment: Guess we are going to say fuck you to the court. Super, he wrote. The colleague responded: Well, Pamela Jo Bondi is. Not you.

In the AEA case, it was Bove, according to the internal communications, who said it was legally permissible to deplane the Venezuelan detainees in El Salvador despite Judge Boasbergs order.

In the Abrego Garcia case, the internal communications show a race by the Trump administration to find evidence to support calling him a MS-13 leader as a larger public smear campaign of the wrongly deported Salvadoran was getting into full swing.

For his part, Bove has denied proposing to defy the courts and has said he doesnt recall saying fuck you.

Why Its All About Emil Bove

The timing of the Reuveni revelations is strategic, which isnt to say theyre somehow compromised or not credible. The chief culprit in Reuvenis account is about to get a lifetime seat on a federal appeals court, so waiting until later to tell his story in full would be too little, too late.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Boves nomination to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to come to a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee next week. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said this week that he would probably vote to confirm Bove in committee, virtually assuring the nomination will make it to the floor, where its not clear enough GOP senators will stand up to block Boves lifetime appointment.

Low-Key Purges Continue at DOJ

Beyond the early round of mass firings at the DOJ and FBI, a steady drumbeat of firing, demotions, and resignations continues, the WaPo reports:

The Trump administration is firing and pushing out employees across the Justice Department and FBI, often with no explanation or warning, creating rampant speculation and fear within the workforce over who might be terminated next, according to multiple people with knowledge of the removals who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid retribution.

FBI Uses Polygraphs to Test Loyalty to Patel

Dozens of FBI personnel have been subjected to polygraphs to try to sniff out news leaks and disloyalty to FBI Director Kash Patel, the NYT reports:

The use of the polygraph, and the nature of the questioning, is part of the F.B.I.s broader crackdown on news leaks, reflecting, to a degree, Mr. Patels acute awareness of how he is publicly portrayed. The moves, former bureau officials say, are politically charged and highly inappropriate, underscoring what they describe as an alarming quest for fealty at the F.B.I., where there is little tolerance for dissent. Disparaging Mr. Patel or his deputy, Dan Bongino, former officials say, could cost people their job.

The Trump DOJs Big Lurch Against Voting Rights

The Democracy Docket has compiled a timeline of the key steps in the Trump DOJs sharp anti-voting shift.

Trumps Anti-Trans Jihad Takes New Turn

The Trump DOJ has subpoenaed confidential patient information from more than 20 doctors and hospitals that provide gender-related treatments to minors, the NYT reports.

Judge Blocks Birthright Citizenship EO

A federal judge in New Hampshire quickly seized on the opening left by the Supreme Court in its birthright citizenship case by certifying a national class action case that enjoins President Trumps executive order. He paused his decision for seven days to give the Trump administration time to appeal it.

Khalil Sues Federal Govt for $20 Million

Mahmoud Khalil, the pro-Palestinian Columbia University graduate student targeted by the Trump administration for his political views, has begun the process of filing a lawsuit against the government under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Khalil is seeking $20 million for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and other claims. Khalil has been released from detention but his immigration case is still pending.

Harvard Tries (in Vain) to Placate Trump Administration

WSJ: Harvard leaders have discussed creating a program that people briefed on the talks described as a center for conservative scholarship, possibly modeled on Stanfords Hoover Institution, as the school fights the Trump administrations accusations that it is too liberal.

Brutal and Self-Defeating

The Trump administration moved to change decades-old policy and deny undocumented immigrants access to Head Start and other federal benefits programs.

2026 Ephemera

The GOP primary for Senate in Texas aint for the faint of heart.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State Sen. Angela Paxton (R), the wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), who is challenging incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R), announced she is filing for divorce:

Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds.



I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation. But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to  Senator Angela Paxton (@AngelaPaxtonTX) July 10, 2025

Lot going on there.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Senate GOPs campaign arm which is desperate to losing Cornyns seat, quickly pounced on the news. What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting, a spokesperson said.

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
An inspiration: North Reading teen raising ovarian cancer awareness as she battles the disease

On Saturday, July 19th, 19-year-old Maya Ortiz of North Reading is organizing Trotting In Teal, an awareness/fundraising event for ovarian cancer that will be held in Ipswich River Park.

On Friday, I met Maya at her home, where she showed me a scrapbook of the last year and a half of her life.

As expected, it includes photos of her joyful high school graduation, a family vacation, and pictures of her family and friends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But it is a scrapbook unlike any other teenagers.

The book details Mayas unexpected journey: her battle against ovarian cancer.

I just had a stomach ache. It wasnt anything crazy. I was in a lot of pain. But I never would have thought that I would have cancer, ever, Maya told me.

Armed with an unshakeable spirit, Maya is fully throwing herself into her battle.

And shes not slowing down.

Mayas on the Deans List at UMass Amherst, where she is on a pre-med track.

Shes taking on EMT training, and at the same time, she is enduring her treatments.

I dont feel like the disease is holding me back, so its definitely important to keep going, Maya said. It can only take so much. I didnt want it to take my whole life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mayas father, Erick Bolden, is not surprised that his daughter is finding so much strength.

Mayas been an inspiration for me forever. I dont know how she does it, quite honestly. I dont think many people could, he said.

Mayas friends are helping her with her next challenge: Trotting in Teal at Ipswich River Park.

Its a fundraising walk, its a carnival with food and games, all designed to bring awareness to ovarian cancer.

We just wanted to have a community walk to give support to other people, Maya explained. Im so grateful for the support I had. I wanted to give that back to someone else.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mayas fight against cancer does not take any time off.

On Monday, she begins another round of treatment in New York, just days before she hosts Trotting for Teal.

Trotting In Teal will be held on Saturday, July 19th from Noon to 3 p.m. at Ipswich River Park, 15 Central Street, North Reading, MA.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
CHICAGO  Macquline King has been at the helm of the Chicago Public Schools for less than three weeks. She has little more than a month left to find a way to fill huge budget gap.

Its a major challenge. The school district faces a budget shortfall of more than $730 million.

My top priority is passing a balanced budget, she said.

When asked how she will address the shortfall, King said, everything is on the table.  However, everything is on the table centered around students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chicago Board of Education appoints Macquline King as interim schools CEO

CPS receives $1 billion in federal funding annually, and its unclear how the Trump Administrations cuts will impact CPS. That leaves the state of Illinois as a potential option to find funding.

Wednesday, the Chicago Teachers Union held a rally calling on the governor and the general assembly to hold an emergency session to deal with the CPS deficit.

Suddenly theyre talking about cutting special education that put them under state oversight for illegally violating the law, CTU Vice President Jackson Potter said. We arent going back to those days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In response, King said, We prioritize cuts away from the classroom. Any services that support especially our most vulnerable students, we vehemently oppose. Were fighting to make sure cuts are not made to the classroom.

King holds a superintendents license, and a Ph.D in education. She is a former CPS principal and served as the mayors senior director of educational policy.

Previous Coverage: Ousted schools CEO shares how mayor asked him to resign

Previous CPS CEO Pedro Martinez was fired. He disagreed with Mayor Brandon Johnsons plan to take out high interest loans to help fund CPS. Some of the mayors critics have worried that King would go along with Johnsons idea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I have been a Chicago Public Schools employee for 32 years, even at the time I served under Mayor Lightfoot and Mayor Johnson, I was still a CPS employee, King said. I think what makes me a good fit for this is I do have the experience as a teacher, a principal, with elected officials in various communities.

LOWE: What about that specific question of taking out high interest loans to cover the deficit?

KING: There is not one way thats going to solve the budget crisis that were experiencing.

She will hold several community listening sessions to gauge the priorities of CPS parents and proposals of experts. Meantime the pressure of the calendar is unrelenting. The first day of school is August 18 and the budget approval deadline is 10 days later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

LOWE: Do you want this job permanently?

KING: What has not changed is that Im approaching this job as if I were the permanent. If I were the permanent CEO I would not do one thing differently.

The Chicago Board of Education has said wants a permanent CEO in place by the end of September.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gov. Bill Lee announced July 11 that Dr. Ralph Alvarado will step down as the state's health commissioner and John Dunn will take the helm for now.

Alvarado served as commissioner for three years. In a statement, the governor credited Alvarado with "leveraging his significant clinical and hospital management experience to strengthen rural healthcare and reduce regulatory barriers."

Dr. John Dunn, a State Epidemiologist with the Tennessee Department of Health, speaks in a press conference about the first confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) case in Tennessee at the Williamson County Public Safety Center in Franklin, Tenn., on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

Lee tapped Nashville native Dunn, the state's epidemiologist, to serve as interim commissioner. Dunn also is an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Dunn joined the Health Department in 2005 as a public health service officer after completing an epidemic intelligence service fellowship. He is internationally recognized as an expert in foodborne and zoonotic diseases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"John is a committed public servant with decades of service to Tennesseans," Lee said. "I appreciate his leadership during this time of transition and am confident he will serve with integrity."

Beth Warren covers health care and can be reached a bwarren@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Vanderbilt professor appointed Tennessee Health Commissioner
In the summer of 2025, a rumor spread online that lawmakers provided U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with a larger budget than Russia gives its military. Although the numbers cited in these claims differed, most claimed ICE received roughly $170 or $175 billion.

However, total funding actually allocated to ICE was roughly $75 billion through September 2029 under U.S. President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) alongside a proposed  but not yet approved  base budget for the agency of $11.29 billion for fiscal year 2026. The $170 or $175 billion number appeared to come from estimates for overall immigration enforcement spending under the OBBB, not just funding specifically allocated to ICE.

These posts also alleged Russia's military budget was anywhere from $126 billion to $149 billion. Reputable think tanks estimated Russia's military funding at about $149 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 and $160 billion in planned spending for 2025.

Thus, potential ICE spending under the Trump administration for fiscal year 2026 did not surpass an estimate for Russia's planned military spending in 2025. However, it's possible the United States' overall immigration enforcement spending from Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2026, could exceed Russia's planned military budget in 2025. A direct comparison was not possible because the two countries use different budgeting timelines.

In the summer of 2025, a claim spread online that American lawmakers granted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a bigger budget than Russia provided its military.

The rumor spread on platforms like X and Facebook; while many claims included dollar amounts for both Russia's military and ICE, those numbers differed. For example, some posts alleged ICE received $175 billion in funding; others claimed the agency received $170 billion to spend. In comparison, claims listed Russia's military budget as anywhere from $126 billion to $149 billion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These claims appeared to use legitimate  but outdated  sources to determine Russia's military budget while also conflating ICE's funding with estimates for overall immigration enforcement spending under U.S. President Donald Trump's tax and budget megabill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), which he signed into law on July 4, 2025.

A direct, entirely accurate monetary comparison of the two budgets was not possible, given differences in how the United States and Russia provide budget information  as well as the unstable exchange rate between Russia's currency, the ruble, and the American dollar, at least as of this writing.

However, potential ICE spending by Trump's administration for fiscal year 2026, which runs from Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026, did not surpass reputable estimates for Russia's planned military spending in 2025. Still, it's possible that the United States' overall immigration enforcement spending in fiscal year 2026 could exceed Russia's potential military budget in 2025.

Snopes previously determined the actual amount allocated to ICE under the Big Beautiful Bill and provided context for a rumor that funds allocated to ICE exceeded spending for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Breaking down the total ICE budget

Two major budget allocations were slated to be available to ICE for fiscal year 2026. The first was the base budget amount, known as the "appropriations" process. Although the president requested these funds in May, as of this writing, the U.S. Congress had not yet approved his budget proposal. The Big Beautiful Bill, a budget "reconciliation" bill, was considered a supplement to the base budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The total proposed base budget for ICE in fiscal year 2026 was $11.29 billion, according to the agency's budget request document  an increase from $10.4 billion in fiscal year 2025 (see Page 5). According to the agency, the bulk of that amount, $10.88 billion, would need Congressional approval; the rest would come from fees, such as those imposed on travelers.

In addition to this base budget, ICE will receive another approximately $75 billion to remain available until Sept. 30, 2029, through the Big Beautiful Bill, as we previously reported.

There were two major provisions in the GOP bill allocating funds to ICE: the first provision, on Page 825, Section 90003, "Detention Capacity," sent $45 billion to ICE specifically for immigration detention centers (emphasis ours):

SEC. 90003. DETENTION CAPACITY. In addition to any amounts otherwise appropriated, there is appropriated to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for fiscal year 2025, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to remain available until September 30, 2029, $45,000,000,000, for single adult alien detention capacity and family residential center capacity.

The second provision, starting on Page 904, appropriated $29.85 billion to ICE for the purposes of hiring, training, recruiting and retaining officers, facility upgrades, "promoting family unity" by keeping detained immigrants with their children, attorneys and legal staff, funding an office supporting victims of immigration crimes and "fleet modernization"  presumably a reference to updating ICE aircraft and vehicles.

SEC. 100052. APPROPRIATION FOR U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for fiscal year 2025, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $29,850,000,000, to remain available through September 30, 2029.

Add the two provisions together to arrive at $74.85 billion on top of the annual base budget proposed at $11.29 billion for fiscal year 2026. The Big Beautiful Bill also imposed additional fees on people facing various immigration enforcement actions, a portion of which would go to ICE's coffers (see pages 896 and 898 of the bill).

Comparing ICE budget to Russia's military

According to an April 2025 publication by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a highly respected think tank that collects global data on annual military spending, the "planned total military expenditure in 2025" for Russia was about 5.5 trillion rubles, equivalent to about $160 billion U.S. dollars  "although the volatility of the exchange rate makes this estimate highly speculative," the institute warned on Page 8.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The actual amount spent, according to the institute's military spending tracker, was about $149 billion U.S. dollars, as some claims stated.

Aside from the constantly changing exchange rate for the ruble, it is also difficult to provide a direct comparison of Russia's spending with the ICE budget because in Russia budget years match with calendar years, whereas in the United States budgets typically follow fiscal years. Fiscal year 2026, for example, runs from Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026.

Furthermore, ICE's budget documents did not include how much the agency planned to budget from the Big Beautiful Bill's allocations for fiscal year 2026. As such, it was not possible to determine ICE's exact total annual budget, as the Big Beautiful Bill stipulated a single large infusion of money  the $75 billion  to remain available to the agency for multiple years, through Sept. 30, 2029.

Snopes asked ICE whether the agency can provide estimates for how much it planned to spend from Big Beautiful Bill allocations in fiscal year 2026 and awaits a response.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, adding the $74.85 billion (available over four years) to the proposed $11.29 billion (over one budget year) makes a total of $86.14 billion that could be allocated to ICE, far less than the $160 billion estimate for Russia's planned military spending in 2025.

So ... where did the $170 billion and $175 billion numbers come from?

Advocacy groups and reputable news outlets have made estimates ranging from $150 billion to $170 billion for total overall immigration enforcement spending under the Big Beautiful Bill. Alongside the $75 billion for ICE, the $150 billion-to-$175 billion amount would include, for example, U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement provisions, such as $46.55 billion allocated for the border wall and $4.1 billion to hire Border Patrol personnel (see Page 824).

U.S. Rep. Mark Harris, a Republican from North Carolina, also claimed in a July 3 news release that the bill allocated $175 billion in "new funding" to "finish securing the border." Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, reportedly told journalists back in February that the Trump administration initially asked for $175 billion in immigration enforcement funding.

Snopes has not independently verified any of these estimates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It is worth noting, however, that these $150 billion-to-$175 billion estimates were focused on the Big Beautiful Bill alone. In other words, they do not appear to encompass total amounts of spending on immigration enforcement. For instance, aside from the amount in the Big Beautiful Bill, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requested $23 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol's base budget (see Page 4).

In sum ...

U.S. lawmakers allocated $75 billion to ICE under the Big Beautiful Bill through Sept. 30, 2029, and Trump proposed an $11.29 billion base budget on top of that for fiscal year 2026, which Congress had not yet approved as of this writing. In contrast, a reputable think tank estimated Russia's planned military spending for 2025 at approximately $160 billion U.S. dollars, a figure subject to change due to the fluctuating exchange rate between Russian rubles and American dollars. Estimates for overall immigration spending, not just ICE's funding, ranged from $150 billion to $170 billion.

While direct comparisons are not possible because the two countries present financial information differently, ICE's potential budget for fiscal year 2026 does not exceed Russia's military budget for 2025. However, overall immigration enforcement spending in the United States for fiscal year 2026 could exceed the amount Russia's military might receive in 2025.

Information from Snopes' archives was included in this story.

Sources:

"AILA Denounces Passage of Draconian Immigration Spending Bill: A $150 Billion Blueprint for Mass Deportation and Fear." Aila.org, 1 July 2025, www.aila.org/library/aila-denounces-passage-of-draconian-immigration-spending-bill-a-150-billion-blueprint-for-mass-deportation-and-fear. Accessed 7 July 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Aminu, Nasir. "Russian Rouble Collapse Exposes Deep Problems in the Country's Economy." The Conversation, 3 Dec. 2024, theconversation.com/russian-rouble-collapse-exposes-deep-problems-in-the-countrys-economy-244869. Accessed 8 July 2025.

Arrington, Jodey. "Text - H.R.1 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): One Big Beautiful Bill Act." Congress.gov, 2025, www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text. Accessed 7 July 2025.

Cooper, Julian. "PREPARING for a FOURTH YEAR of WAR: MILITARY SPENDING in RUSSIA'S BUDGET for 2025." Sipri.org, SIPRI Insights on Peace and Security, Apr. 2025, www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2025-04/preparing_for_a_fourth_year_of_war-military_spending_in_russias_budget_for_2025.pdf. Accessed 8 July 2025.

Deng, Rae. "Here's How Much the ICE Budget Would Increase under Trump's Megabill." Snopes, Snopes Media Group, 2 July 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/ice-budget-big-beautiful-bill/. Accessed 8 July 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Department of Homeland Security. "Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2026 Congressional Justification." Department of Homeland Security, 25 June 2026, www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/25_0613_dhs_fy26-congressional-budget-justificatin.pdf. Accessed 7 July 2025.

Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement. Budget Overview | Fiscal Year 2026 Congressional Justification. 25 June 2025, www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/25_0613_ice_fy26-congressional-budget-justificatin.pdf. Accessed 7 July 2025.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. Fiscal Year 2026 Discretionary Budget Request. 2 May 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf. Accessed 7 July 2025.

Federal State Statistics Service. "PREFACE." Archive.ph, 11 Feb. 2025, archive.ph/irONm. Accessed 8 July 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hesson, Ted. "How the Republican Spending Bill Super-Charges Immigration Enforcement." Reuters, 2 July 2025, www.reuters.com/world/us/how-republican-spending-bill-super-charges-immigration-enforcement-2025-07-02/. Accessed 8 July 2025.

Kapur, Sahil, et al. "Trump's Border Czar Is 'Begging' for Money for Immigration Crackdown, Senate Budget Chief Says." NBC News, 11 Feb. 2025, www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/trump-border-czar-money-immigration-crackdown-graham-rcna191747. Accessed 8 July 2025.

Kim, Juliana. "How Trump's Tax Cut and Policy Bill Aims to 'Supercharge' Immigration Enforcement." NPR, 3 July 2025, www.npr.org/2025/07/03/g-s1-75609/big-beautiful-bill-ice-funding-immigration. Accessed 8 July 2025.

Pachico, Elyssa. "Congress Approves Unprecedented Funding for Mass Deportation." American Immigration Council, 1 July 2025, www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/press-release/congress-approves-unprecedented-funding-mass-detention-deportation-2025/. Accessed 8 July 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

PBS News. "4 Ways Trump's Big Bill Could Change the U.S. Immigration System." PBS News, 25 June 2025, www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/4-ways-trumps-big-bill-could-change-the-u-s-immigration-system. Accessed 7 July 2025.

"Rep. Mark Harris Votes to Advance the One Big Beautiful Bill." Congressman Mark Harris, 3 July 2025, markharris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mark-harris-votes-advance-one-big-beautiful-bill. Accessed 8 July 2025.

"Russia's New Budget Law Signals Determination to See the War in Ukraine Through, according to New SIPRI Analysis | SIPRI." Www.sipri.org, 13 Dec. 2023, www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2023/russias-new-budget-law-signals-determination-see-war-ukraine-through-according-new-sipri-analysis. Accessed 8 July 2025.

Senate Budget Committee. "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" . www.budget.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/the_one_big_beautiful_bill_act.pdf. Accessed 1 July 2025.

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. "About SIPRI | SIPRI." Sipri.org, www.sipri.org/about. Accessed 8 July 2025.

---. "SIPRI Military Expenditure Database." Sipri.org, milex.sipri.org/sipri. Accessed 8 July 2025.

University of Pennsylvania. "Guides: Public Policy Research Think Tanks 2019: Top Think Tanks - Worldwide (US and Non-US)." Guides.library.upenn.edu, guides.library.upenn.edu/c.php?g=1035991&p=7509972. Accessed 8 July 2025.

Ward, Myah. "Trump Got $170 Billion for Immigration. Now He Has to Enact It." POLITICO, Politico, 5 July 2025, www.politico.com/news/2025/07/05/trump-got-170-billion-for-immigration-now-he-has-to-enact-it-00439785?experience_id=EXYF89KVT5UQ&template_id=OTJIR2CRKUD6&template_variant_id=OTV1GDUJ5B1ZS&utm_content=topic/politics&utm_source=flipboard?is_magic_link=true. Accessed 8 July 2025.
Return to Nature co-owner Jon Hallford is appealing his 20-year federal prison sentence handed down last month by a Denver judge, court records show.

Jon and Carie Hallford face state and federal charges related to their funeral home business, which came under a multi-agency investigation in October 2023 after nearly 190 decomposing bodies were found in the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose.

The Hallfords accepted a plea agreement in October 2024 that had them plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, with the remaining 14 federal counts to be dismissed. The plea agreement came with a 15-year maximum sentence, but an addendum was added in March that stipulated the sentence could now reach up to 20 years.

Carie Hallford initially withdrew her plea after the March hearing, opting to proceed to trial. However, after her co-defendant was sentenced, her defense counsel requested a change-of-plea hearing, set for Aug. 5.

Featured Local Savings

Judge Nina Wang handed down the 20-year sentence for Jon Hallford after several hours of emotional victim-impact statements. Moments before the June 27 hearing wrapped up, Jon Hallford's defense counsel objected to the sentence. The defense had argued for a sentence of 120 months, or 10 years, saying Hallford feels remorse for what he did.

A motion filed on July 3 indicated that Jon Hallford's defense has entered an appeal to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the sentence. According to officials with the 10th Circuit Court, the appeal case was opened on Monday. It remains unclear how long it will take for a decision to be made, with officials saying some appeals take years to finalize.

The Hallfords already have pleaded guilty to state charges. Jon Hallford is expected to be sentenced on charges of abuse of a corpse in late August. As of Wednesday, no state sentencing date has been set for Carie Hallford.
By Lewis Krauskopf

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investors awaited tariff news between the U.S. and European Union on Friday that could add a potentially volatile development to the end of a week in which President Donald Trump reignited his global trade war.

The European Union was bracing for a possible letter from Trump outlining planned duties on the United States' largest trade and investment partner. The U.S. president this week outlined new tariffs on U.S. imports of goods from a number of countries, including allies Japan and South Korea, along with a 50% tariff on U.S. imports of copper. Trump also announced a hike to 35% on Canadian goods.

The EU initially hoped to reach a comprehensive trade deal, but after months of difficult talks, a person with knowledge of the U.S.-EU talks said it was hard to predict if the bloc would receive a letter announcing more tariffs or when any agreement might be finalised.

"We get bad news from the euro zone ... and that's clearly going to be bad news for markets and sentiment," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth.

Pharmaceuticals and autos are among the areas in focus between the U.S. and Europe, while "across the board, we do a massive amount of trade," Hogan said.

"Right when we thought we had the exit on this trade war highway in sight, it's getting further off in the distance, and it's not looking prettier," Hogan said, speaking broadly.

Despite some modest rockiness this week, the benchmark S&P 500 ended down just 0.3% on the week and not far from record-high levels. U.S. stocks have rebounded after plunging in April following Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement of sweeping global tariffs. Trump had paused many of those steep tariffs but issued new levies this week with an August 1 date for them to go into effect.

The CBOE Volatility Index, Wall Street's "fear gauge," closed on Thursday at 15.78, its lowest closing level in nearly five months, although it moved back above 16 on Friday.

While markets are less sensitive to headlines than a few months ago, "we will need some positive trade developments by the White House's August 1 deadline to hold recent equity market gains," Citi strategist Scott Chronert said in a note on Friday.

The current weighted average tariff in the U.S. is about 16%, up from 2.5% at the start of the year, UBS economists said on Friday. The rate would rise to about 18%, including the country tariffs announced in this week's letters, UBS said in a note.
Blake Iverson cheers as a truck honks at his sign about Iowa's water quality. Iverson protested with a group from Food & Water Watch outside of an event attended by Gov. Kim Reynolds. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The sound of honking caused several heads to turn toward nearby Fleur Drive during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa at the historic Butler Mansion in Des Moines.

A small crowd of protesters gathered outside of the Thursday event with signs decrying Iowas water quality, which incited the honks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The protesters gathered there in the hopes of catching Gov. Kim Reynolds attention as she attended the groundbreaking for the cultural site that received several million dollars from state and county governments.

Following the event, Reynolds spoke with reporters about immigration, water quality, the recently signed federal budget bill and how she plans to move past party tension from the eminent domain topic.

Food & Water Watch Iowa Organizer Michaelyn Mankel said the goal of the protest was to catch Reynolds in public, not to protest the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa event.

But were also here to communicate with the public that there are people and political actors responsible for the water crisis that were facing, Mankel said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mankels group regularly protests water quality issues in the state, but the subject has been top of mind for many central Iowans who have been under a lawn watering ban since mid June, due to high nitrate concentrations in source water rivers.

Blake Iverson, a protester from Des Moines, said its absurd that the city has one of the most advanced water treatment facilities in the world yet the water is not safe to drink.

Tap water in Des Moines, continues to be below the federal nitrate concentration limit of 10 milligrams per liter, meaning it is safe to drink according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But some argue, and some data support the idea that health impacts can occur from consuming lower nitrate concentrations.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Central Iowa Water Works reported Thursday the water coming out of treatment facilities had concentrations between 6.7 mg/l and 7.7. mg/l.

Iverson said he doesnt spend money on an in-home water filter, or purchase water from the grocery store, because it should be the responsibility of the government and the industry to keep the water safe.

Italian-American community celebrates groundbreaking of cultural center

Members of the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa broke ground at the Butler Mansion, located on the south side of Des Moines, which will serve as a permanent home for the group.

The group received a $2 million grant from the states Destination Iowa fund and more than $1 million from Polk County to renovate the 1930s building that was, at the time, called the the worlds most modern house.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Once renovated, the site will serve as more than a cultural museum. It will also have an event center, cooking classroom, education center, Italian market, cafe and speakeasy.

Jeff Lamberti, the centers chairman, said it was a historic day for the group that used to meet in church basements and diners.

We want this to be a place for everyone, Lamberti said. While preserving and promoting our culture and educating folks about our rich history, we hope to create a destination for all of Iowa.

A report, commissioned by Polk County, found nearly 80% of nitrate in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers can be traced directly to agricultural sources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its an absurd proposition that the majority of Iowans who are not agribusiness CEOs should be expected to suffer for the profits of a tiny minority  of executives and big shareholders in this industry, Iverson said.

Protesters did not have a direct interaction with their intended recipient, but Reynolds said to reporters following the event that were working on it everyday when asked about water quality issues.

Reynolds said Iowa farmers want to take care of the land to be able to pass it down to the next generation, said its in their best interest to make sure that theyre doing everything that they can to protect the water and soil.

Reynolds said more farmers are employing conservation practices like cover crops and bioreactors to help keep nutrients on the field, rather than waterways. The state also announced a nearly $2 million project Tuesday to improve water quality in the Beaver Creek watershed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They are continuing to work on processes that will help improve water quality, she said.

The Currents of Change report also suggested more regulation and data on the ag industry, particularly in terms of manure application to fields.

Reynolds, asked about this portion of the report, said regulation is hardly ever the answer.

Theres a huge cost to those (nitrate) inputs, so farmers dont want to waste it, they dont want to see it run off, Reynolds said. Theres processes right now that they can tell the exact amount that each plant needs to get the growth that they need, and so theyre doing that every single day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reynolds said she has supported conservation practices throughout her administration and said its an area where the state needs to continue to put our efforts.

But mark my word, theyre working every single day to implement conservation practices because they know it benefits everybody, Reynolds said.

Immigration policy, big beautiful bill

Reynolds said earlier this week she hopes Iowa can be part of the conversation with federal agencies as they try to figure out how the agricultural industry can keep undocumented workers on their farms amid the Trump administrations plans for mass deportations.

She said Thursday the conversation is possible only because the border has been secured and agencies continue to remove some of the you know, criminals and bad people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It just creates a different environment where you can, I think, have some of those healthy discussions to see what that looks like, Reynolds said.

She said issue, brought up by President Donald Trump while in Iowa, is a moving target.

GOP divisions over eminent domain

The governor vetoed a controversial bill pertaining to eminent domain and carbon sequestration pipelines in June, which garnered criticism from some voices in her own party. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, even said he would work to kill any bill with Reynolds name on it in the future.

When asked about the comment, Reynolds said there are passionate feelings on both sides of the issue that make it a difficult issue moving forward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Time and separation does a lot of good, Reynolds said. Most importantly, I think all of us have the same goal, and that really is serving Iowans and making sure that were being impactful and were getting things done. Iowans are so sick of their government not getting things done.

She said Iowa will need to rethink how it identifies priorities in order to create meaningful change, especially on the issue of property taxes.

We want to keep the cost of moving down, and that is a hardship on some of our families, but  youre going to have to either be a part of the solution, and theres going to have to be some changes in how we deliver services, or if theyre not willing to do that, then were probably going to end up with the status quo, Reynolds said.

She pointed to the recent passage of the federal budget reconciliation bill, named the big beautiful bill and said the same thing could happen in Iowa.

Now, we need to work through it, we need to see what (the bill) looks like, but the fact that they actually got something done, I think, is incredible, and it really is a testament to President Trumps leadership, Reynolds said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
OSKALOOSA  The Iowa Public Information Board has agreed to investigate and mediate complaints that three members of the Oskaloosa School Board withheld some communications that should have been turned over in open records requests.

Former board president Charlie Comfort claims that Kathy Butler, Amanda McGraw and Clint O'Day withheld text messages, social media messages and personal emails that should have been turned over in response to a Freedom of Information Act request he filed on May 15.

"I possess direct evidence that these board members knowingly withheld records, stating they would release them 'when the time is right,'" Comfort wrote in the complaint he filed with IPIB on July 7.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Comfort's FOIA request was one of a slew that the Oskaloosa Community School District received this spring, as tensions between the three named board members on one side, and Comfort and Superintdendent Mike Fisher on the other, reached a boiling point.

Comfort resigned from the school board on May 15.

During an interview in June, Comfort said he submitted his FOIA request specifically because he didn't believe the three board members had complied with previous public records requests.

Oskaloosa News writer Ken Allsup, who filed a FOIA request in March, followed that up with a complaint on June 17 that Butler, McGraw and O'Day had not turned everything over.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

IPIB accepted Allsup's complaint on July 2. It accepted Comfort's complaint on July 9.

Butler, now the president of the school board, could not be reached for comment. Fisher also could not be reached for comment.

By accepting the complaints, IPIB agrees to investigate them further and to seek informal resolutions to each. Failing that, IPIB would then launch formal investigations into the complaint.
Human rights activist Narges Mohammadi has been threatened with "physical elimination" by Iran, according to a statement from the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

Ms Mohammadi, an Iranian, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for work including tackling oppression of women in the Middle Eastern country.

She told the committee she had received warnings from "agents of the regime" through indirect channels and her lawyers. Chair Jorgen Watne Frydn said he was "alarmed" and had concerns about threats to "all Iranian citizens with a critical voice".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Iranian foreign ministry has not commented on the statement.

"The threats conveyed to Ms Mohammadi make it clear that her security is at stake, unless she commits to end all public engagement within Iran, as well as any international advocacy or media appearances in support of democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression," the Nobel committee's statement added.

Ms Mohammadi became a Nobel laureate while serving a 10-year jail sentence in Iran's Evin prison where she had been held since 2021 - her children accepted the award on her behalf.

At the time, the committee deemed that her fight against the oppression of women in Iran came at a "tremendous personal cost".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In total she has been arrested by the Iranian regime 13 times, convicted five times and sentenced to more than 30 years in prison, according to her foundation.

In December 2024, Ms Mohammadi was given a temporary release on medical grounds.

Reports by Western intelligence agencies in recent years have found evidence of a dramatic escalation in plots by the Iranian regime to kidnap or assassinate dissidents, journalists and political foes abroad.

On Thursday, the UK warned of a "rising" and unpredictable threat from Iran.

The government's intelligence and security committee published details of an inquiry into Iranian state assassinations and kidnap, espionage, cyber attacks and its nuclear programme based on evidence up to August 2023.

It outlined a "sharp increase" in physical threats against opponents of Iran's regime in the UK.

The Iranian embassy in London rejected the report's findings.
Churches and other houses of worship can endorse political candidates without risking the loss of their tax-exempt status, the Internal Revenue Service said in a legal document the tax-collection agency filed on July 7, 2025. This guidance is at odds with a law Congress passed more than 70 years ago thats known as the Johnson Amendment and applies to all charitable nonprofits, whether they are secular or religious.

The Conversation U.S. asked Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer, a law professor who has studied the regulation of churches political activities, to explain what this statute is, how the IRS seeks to change its purview and why this matters.

Whats the Johnson Amendment?

The Johnson Amendment is a provision that Lyndon B. Johnson added to a tax bill passed by Congress in 1954, when he was a senator. It says that any charity that wants to be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code cannot participate in, or intervene in  any political campaign on behalf of  any candidate for public office. In the U.S., all houses of worship are designated as charities by the IRS.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The IRS has interpreted the Johnson Amendment for more than 70 years to mean that charities cannot speak in favor of political candidates or take any other action that supports or opposes them.

The IRS is prohibited from publicly disclosing audits of specific tax-exempt nonprofits under taxpayer privacy laws, so theres no way to know the extent to which the law has been enforced. The public only learns about audits tied to possible Johnson Amendment violations if the nonprofit discloses that information or the IRS revoked their tax-exempt status.

However, the IRS did conduct a broad enforcement campaign in the 2000s known as the Political Activity Compliance Initiative. The reports it issued for 2004 and 2006 stated that it had audited hundreds of charities, including churches, for possible Johnson Amendment violations. The IRS generally found that most violations were minor and often inadvertent  warranting no more than a warning letter.

Its unknown whether any nonprofits lost their tax-exempt status as a result of this initiative, which the IRS appears to have ended in 2008.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres only one known instance of a church losing its tax-exempt status because it violated the Johnson Amendment. In that case, a church in Binghamton, New York, published full-page newspaper ads criticizing Bill Clinton during his 1992 presidential campaign.

Why does the Trump administration want to change its enforcement?

The National Religious Broadcasters, two churches and another religious nonprofit sued the IRS in 2024, challenging the constitutionality of the Johnson Amendment on First Amendment free speech and free exercise of religion grounds and on Fifth Amendment due process grounds. The plaintiffs also argued that applying the Johnson Amendment to religious nonprofits violated the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The plaintiffs and the IRS filed a joint motion on July 7 to settle the case. They asked the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas to order the IRS not to enforce the Johnson Amendment against the two church plaintiffs. They also asked the court to incorporate in its order a statement that the Johnson Amendment does not apply to speech by a house of worship to its congregation, in connection with religious services through its customary channels of communication on matters of faith, concerning electoral politics viewed through the lens of religious faith.

This represents the first time the IRS has said theres an exception to the Johnson Amendment for houses of worship. While lawmakers have periodically sought to repeal or modify the statute, neither chamber of Congress has ever passed such legislation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

President Donald Trump asserted during his first term that he had gotten rid of the Johnson Amendment. But that referred to his 2017 executive order that directed the Treasury Department  to which the IRS belongs  to respect freedom of religion with respect to religious organizations speaking about political issues as consistent with law.

Under the IRS interpretation of the Johnson Amendment at the time, it would not have been consistent with law for churches or other religious nonprofits to support or oppose candidates for elected public office.

How might the IRS treat religious political activity differently?

If the court approves this new joint motion, that order will only apply to the two churches that are plaintiffs in the case  not other religious nonprofits or the National Religious Broadcasters that joined them in suing the IRS. But the filing tells other houses of worship that the IRS will not enforce the Johnson Amendment against them for speech to their congregations, at least not during the Trump administration.

I think that the government may have a hard time applying this exception for several reasons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The IRS will have to determine when a charity is a church, the term the IRS uses for a house of worship of any faith. That has become increasingly difficult in recent years, as some organizations that stretch the conventional definition of a church have won IRS recognition as such.

The IRS will also have to clarify what constitutes speech made in connection with religious services and what are customary channels of communication. For example, its unclear whether inviting a political candidate to address the congregation about how their religious faith relates to their candidacy falls within the exception.

Donald Trump participates in a community roundtable at a church in Detroit during his successful 2024 presidential campaign. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Will only conservative politicians benefit?

Establishing this exception does not necessarily give conservative politicians any advantages.

It is true that recent attempts to repeal or modify the Johnson Amendment are associated with conservative Christian groups such as the Alliance Defending Freedom, which represented the plaintiffs in this lawsuit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But historically, many progressive houses of worship have also pushed against the Johnson Amendment, including Black churches that often serve as political as well as religious centers for their communities.

A Texas Tribune and ProPublica investigation documented apparent violations of the Johnson Amendment in the 2022 midterm elections by almost 20 churches in Texas from across the political spectrum. Interestingly, most of the church leaders involved were aware of the amendment.

Many said they were not violating it because they avoided explicitly endorsing candidates, while at the same time clearly expressing their support for specific candidates by, for example, praying for an individual who was identified to the congregation as a candidate.

How could this new guidance change political campaigning?

Americans generally dont want to see churches get involved in politics, including majorities in most denominations. Nonetheless, church leaders of all stripes who were already inclined to support particular candidates will probably feel emboldened to explicitly endorse candidates when preaching to their congregations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are two ways that this new exception could do more than that.

First, it isnt limited to sermons by pastors, priests, rabbis, imams and other religious leaders. It extends to any speech to a house of worships congregation in connection with religious services through its customary channels of communication on matters of faith. It therefore almost certainly includes church bulletins and other written materials distributed as part of a religious service.

Whats less clear is whether customary channels of communication includes people who watch religious services streamed over the internet or on TV, rather than just those who attend services in person.

Second, the change will increase pressure on church leaders to support candidates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For example, George W. Bushs 2004 campaign reportedly sought to recruit thousands of congregations to distribute campaign information. Its natural to expect such efforts to multiply and become more direct for both Democratic and Republican candidates from now on.

And church leaders will also likely face pressure from politically active congregants to endorse candidates, and have a harder time resisting it.

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: Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer, University of Notre Dame

Read more:



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer previously worked at the law firm of Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered, including when the firm represented All Saints Episcopal Church of Pasadena, California with respect to an IRS audit of the church for allegedly violating the Johnson Amendment. He was not personally involved in this representation.
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) Isle of Palms leaders are considering a ban on shark fishing in their waters, amid safety concerns from residents.

What Im trying to do is stop hungry, dangerous animals from being drug into the surf zone where people are swimming, said Blair Hahn, a member of Isle of Palms City Council.

Isle of Palms Public Safety committee presented an ordinance with restrictions on shark fishing to the city council workshop on July 8th. The proposed ordinance prohibited shark fishing from a pier or any beach between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It also included a ban on chumming within 600 feet of a pier beach or shore.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement



Thats what were considering, if youre a hobbyist or you do it certain times of the year, certain hours of the day that may be okay, thats what we took to council, said Isle of Palms Councilmember Rusty Streetman who is a part of the public safety committee. But when we had the council discussion there was the other side of the story too that said maybe we should just consider banning shark fishing totally.

Residents reported concerns about shark fishing saying it brings the creatures too close to people swimming which is why some leaders want an outright ban on shark fishing.

Ive seen this past summer groups coming out and theyre taking 15 pound plus hunks of beef. Theyre running huge j hooks through the beef with steel litters and theyre paddling them 200 yards of shore in the kayak, dropping them and waiting for an animal big enough to take that bait. Theyre then going to hook and drag back through the surf where people are swimming, described Hahn.

The ordinance wont have any impacts on recreational shore fishing and only targets people intentionally looking for sharks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement



The big thing here is its a discussion about making sure that people still have the ability to fish, said Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett. Were not trying to prohibit anybody from doing something like that. I fish, many of our council members fish, we see a benefit to that but its trying to make sure we weigh everybodys rights everybodys safety.

They say people who are recreationally fishing and accidentally catch a shark will face no penalty and ask they just throw it back to into the surf.

The shark fishing ordinance has been sent back to the public safety committee for review.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Israel is engineering a cruel and Machiavellian scheme to kill in Gaza, the head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees says, as the world body reports that since May, some 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid.

Under our watch, Gaza has become the graveyard of children [and] starving people, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said in a post on X on Friday.

People in Gaza have no way out, he said. Their choice is between 2 deaths: starvation or being [shot] at.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lazzarini was reacting to the Israeli militarys killing of 15 people, including nine children and four women, as they waited in line for nutritional supplements in the city of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza on Thursday.

Inaction & silence are complicities.

Under our watch, #Gaza has become the graveyard of children & starving people. No way out. Their choice is between 2 deaths: starvation or being shoot at. The most cruel & machiavellian scheme to kill, in total impunity. Our norms & values https://t.co/oWQYXSn1fb  Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) July 11, 2025

His comments came on another bloody day in the Strip, with medical sources reporting that 45 people had been killed  11 of them near a GHF-run aid centre in Rafah.

The controversial US- and Israel-backed GHF has effectively sidelined Gazas vast UN-led aid delivery network since it started operations in May, after Israel eased a more than two-month total blockade on the Strip.

Since then, 819 Palestinians have been killed while waiting for food, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday. He said 634 were killed in the vicinity of GHF sites  of which there are four for the entire enclave  and 185 were killed close to other humanitarian aid convoys, including some run by the UN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier in the day, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, said between May and July 7, the UN had recorded 798 killings near aid points in Gaza.

Israeli soldiers and US contractors working with GHF have admitted to shooting unarmed Palestinians gathering for food, according to separate recent reports by Israeli outlet Haaretz and The Associated Press news agency.





Reporting from the UN in New York, Al Jazeeras Gabriel Elizondo said that Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP), had given a briefing in which he reported the situation in Gaza was the worst that he has ever seen it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Skau, who had just returned from his fourth trip to Gaza, had said the WFP had enough food to feed the entire population of Gaza for two months, but the trucks were not being let in.

Instead, Palestinians in Gaza have been forced to rely on the GHF.

A second Nakba

The extent of the killing at the GHF sites emerged as Israel advanced its plans for what it calls a humanitarian city  likened by analysts to a concentration camp  to be built on the ruins of the southern city of Rafah.

Satellite images analysed by Al Jazeera show large tracts of land in Rafah being cleared of buildings, seemingly in preparation for the forced transfer of Palestinians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had told journalists this week that the zone would eventually house Gazas entire population of 2.1 million.

British Israeli analyst Daniel Levy, president of the US/Middle East Project, noted that the three GHF aid hubs located in the south were an integral part of a plan to bait Palestinians into moving towards Rafah.

The positioning of these GHF distribution sites is a premeditated part of a plan of social-demographic engineering to move Palestinians  to relocate, displace and kettle them  into this area in the south, he told Al Jazeera.





Rafah, he said, was being used as a staging post to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from the rest of Gaza. We are witnessing, it seems, a second Nakba, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The GHF, for its part, boasted on Friday that it was reinventing aid delivery. Our secure and innovative channels mean aid is placed directly into the hands of those who desperately need it, the group said on X.

On the brink of death every day

As of Friday night, 45 people  including the 11 slain at the GHF site in Rafah  had been killed in the enclave since dawn, according to medical sources who spoke to Al Jazeera.

Among those killed, at least eight people died after Israel bombed the Halimah al-Saadiyah School in Jabalia an-Nazla, which was sheltering the displaced. The military struck at night as people slept.

Witness Ahmed Khalla told Al Jazeera he found dead people lying on the floor of a classroom, coming upon scenes he described as beyond horrific, including a little girl without a head  literally, without a head.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least one Palestinian was killed and others were wounded following an Israeli attack that targeted a house on Jaffa Street in the Tuffah area, east of Gaza City. Sources at al-Ahli Arab Hospital told Al Jazeera that the victim was a child.

Gazas Health Ministry said in a statement that patients in the enclaves hospitals continue to be placed on the brink of death every day due to a lack of fuel.

It said that as hospitals are forced to ration fuel, this leads to cutting off electricity in some departments and halting some services, including kidney dialysis treatments.

It also reduces the ability to operate a sufficient number of ambulances, forcing citizens to transport the injured and sick in animal-drawn carts, said the statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid access into Gaza are placing countless lives at risk, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UNs Guterres, said.

Such denials are life-threatening, he said during a news conference, stressing that every day without a ceasefire brings more preventable deaths in Gaza, children dying in pain, and hungry people shot while trying to reach the trickle of aid allowed by Israel.




An Israeli drone strike on Friday targeted a car in southern Lebanon, killing one person who is believed to be a Hezbollah operative, Lebanese security sources said.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said the strike in Al-Numayriyeh also wounded five people.

Later in the day another drone strike in the south-eastern port city of Tyre hit a motorcycle, seriously wounding the driver, security sources said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There was no immediate word from the Israeli army on both attacks.

The strikes come amid heightened tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border despite the ceasefire agreement brokered on November 27 of last year between Israel and Hezbollah, which aimed to halt over a year of hostilities, including two months of intense fighting that left the pro-Iranian movement weakened.

Under the terms of that agreement, Hezbollah was to withdraw its fighters north of the Litani River  roughly 30 kilometres from the Israeli border  leaving security in the southern region to the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers.

In return, Israel was expected to fully withdraw its troops from Lebanese territory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, Israel has maintained a presence in five locations it considers strategically vital.

Security sources said Fridays drone strikes suggest ongoing intelligence operations and possible pre-emptive targeting by Israel of suspected Hezbollah activity, despite the truce.
An Israeli drone strike on Friday targeted a car in southern Lebanon, killing one person said to be a Hezbollah operative, according to Lebanese security sources.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said five others were wounded in the strike, which took place in the town of Al-Numayriyeh.

The Israeli military confirmed the operation, saying its air force, acting on "precise intelligence," had eliminated Muhammad Shoaib, a Lebanese operative involved in advancing attacks against Israeli civilians in the northern arena.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shoaib was described as a key figure in smuggling weapons into Israeli territory and establishing terrorist infrastructure in both Lebanon and the West Bank.

Later in the day, another Israeli drone strike hit a motorcycle in the southeastern port city of Tyre, seriously wounding the driver, security sources said. The Israeli army has not yet commented on that incident.

The strikes come amid heightened tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border, despite a ceasefire brokered last November between Israel and Hezbollah following over a year of hostilities, including two months of intense fighting that significantly weakened the pro-Iranian group.

Under the terms of that agreement, Hezbollah was to withdraw north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres from the Israeli border, leaving southern Lebanon under the control of the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers. In return, Israel was to withdraw from Lebanese territory, although it has maintained positions in five areas it deems strategically important.
An Israeli official has shut down President Donald Trumps claims that Irans nuclear program was fully obliterated.

Some of Irans enriched uranium at Fordo and Natanz survived the attacks by the United States in June and may still be accessible, according to an anonymous official who spoke to The New York Times.

However, the official said that it would be hard for Iran to transport the enriched uranium out of the facilities.

A senior Israeli official says that Iran could still access the enriched uranium that survived attacks from the U.S. and Israel. / Carlos Barria/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Western intelligence officials also confirmed that much of the enriched uranium was not destroyed during the attacks and is still buried under the rubble of a nuclear laboratory in Isfahan, according to the Times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yet, the official and other sources with access to Israeli intelligence said that it would be nearly impossible for Iran to collect the uranium and transport it out without getting caught by U.S. or Israeli surveillance satellites. Any attempt to collect the uranium would most likely invite new attacks on Iran, the source told the Times.

Enriched uranium still remains under the rubble at a conversion plant in Isfahan, Iran. / DigitalGlobe via Getty Images

A Pentagon intelligence assessment in June also showed that President Donald Trumps strikes on Iran, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, only set the program back by a few months. The report also found that Iran had moved most of its enriched uranium stockpile before the attack.

Despite this, Trump has repeatedly claimed that Irans nuclear program was completely and fully obliterated.

Iran will not have nuclear. We blew it up. Its blown up to kingdom come, the president said during a press conference at a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in June just days after the strikes.

Trump claims that Iran's nuclear program has been

According to Iranian state media, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said that the nuclear program of Iran will resume without interruption, and we are ready to restart enrichment; our program will not stop.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The enriched uranium left beneath the rubble had been enriched to 60 percent purity. In order to create nuclear weapons, 90 percent enriched uranium is required.

Even if Iran finds a way to access the enriched uranium, according to the Times, more than 18,000 centrifuges in Iranian nuclear facilities were either disabled or completely destroyed during the attacks.

British and American officials have said that the real question now is how quickly Iran can rebuild its destroyed nuclear facilities.
Because Deidre Hammond, co-owner of The Chuckwagon 719 barbecue restaurant, has fond memories of camping and fishing along the Guadalupe River, the recent flash flooding disaster in central Texas hit particularly close to home.

We have tons of great memories from there, Hammond said. So to be far away and see all of that happening  it was really hard.

The flooding has devastated the area, causing at least 120 deaths across six counties, according to multiple reports. More are still missing.

My husband Jared and I were wracking our brains trying to come up with something we could do to help, Hammond said.

The couple are launching a supply donation drive from their restaurant in hopes of collecting as much as we can to support the families displaced by the disaster.

Buckets 2 Backpacks will be collecting cleaning supplies, back-to-school items, personal hygiene products and non-perishable food items noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and July 19, at the barbeque restaurant, located at 6453 Omaha Blvd.

Featured Local Savings

No donation is too small, Hammond said. We just want to get as much as we can, and were planning to head down (to central Texas) the first week of August, when kids are going back to school and will need backpacks and supplies.

Anyone who cant make it to the restaurant during the designated donation hours, but would still like to help, is encouraged to stop by any time The Chuckwagon is open.

Really, were here smoking meat at about 5 a.m. Thursday through Sunday, Hammond said. I would never turn anybody away.

To find out how you can help, call the restaurant at 832-877-0549 or email buckets2backpacks@gmail.com.
(Refiles to remove hyperlink in paragraph 4)

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -Israeli officials have signaled they want the United Nations to remain the key avenue for humanitarian deliveries in Gaza, the deputy head of the World Food Programme said on Friday, noting the work of a controversial U.S. aid group was not discussed.

"They wanted the U.N. to continue to be the main track for delivery, especially should there be a cease fire, and they asked us to be ready to scale up," Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the U.N. food agency, told reporters on Friday after visiting Gaza and Israel last week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.S., Egypt and Qatar are trying to broker a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza. Hamas said on Wednesday that the flow of aid was one of the sticking points.

Israel and the United States have publicly urged the U.N. to work through the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, but the U.N. has refused, questioning the group's neutrality and accusing the distribution model of militarizing aid and forcing displacement.

Skau said he met with Israeli authorities at different levels last week and that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation "did not come up in those conversations."

"I think there were rumors of the U.N. being pushed out, but it was very clear in my engagement that they want the U.N. to continue to be the main track in delivery," Skau said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DEATHS

Since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19, allowing limited U.N. deliveries to resume. The GHF launched its operation, using private U.S. security and logistics firms to transport aid to distribution hubs, a week later.

The United Nations human rights office said on Friday that it had recorded 615 deaths near GHF sites and 183 deaths "presumably on the route of aid convoys" operated by the U.N. and other relief groups.

GHF has repeatedly said there have been no deaths at any of its aid distribution sites. The group said on Friday that it has so far delivered more than 70 million meals in Gaza. The U.S. State Department has approved $30 million in funding for the GHF, which touts its model as "reinventing aid delivery in war zones."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of stealing aid from the U.N.-led operations, which the militants deny.

Throughout the conflict, the United Nations has described its humanitarian operation in Gaza as opportunistic - facing problems with Israel's military operation, access restrictions by Israel into and throughout Gaza, and looting by armed gangs.

But the U.N. has said its aid distribution system works, and that was particularly proven during a two-month ceasefire, which Israel abandoned in mid-March. The U.N. said it got 600-700 trucks of aid a day into Gaza during the truce and has stressed then when people know there is a steady flow of aid, the looting subsides.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Diane Craft)
Hamas said on Wednesday that the flow of aid was one of the sticking points for a new hostage deal.

Israeli officials have signaled they want the United Nations to remain the key avenue for humanitarian deliveries in Gaza, the deputy head of the World Food Programme said on Friday, noting the work of theUS aid group was not discussed.

"They wanted the UN to continue to be the main track for delivery, especially should there be a ceasefire, and they asked us to be ready to scale up," Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the UN food agency, told reporters on Friday after visiting Gaza and Israel last week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The US, Egypt and Qatar are trying to broker a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian terrorists Hamas in Gaza. Hamas said on Wednesday that the flow of aid was one of the sticking points.

Israel and the United States have publicly urged the UN to work through the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, but the UN has refused, questioning the group's neutrality and accusing the distribution model of militarizing aid and forcing displacement.

Palestinians from clans hold guns and melee weapons to secure aid trucks in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, June 25, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS)

Skau said he met with Israeli authorities at different levels last week and that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation "did not come up in those conversations."

"I think there were rumors of the UN being pushed out, but it was very clear in my engagement that they want the UN to continue to be the main track in delivery," Skau said.

GHF's work in Gaza and accusations against the humanitarian org.

Since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19, allowing limited UN deliveries to resume. The GHF launched its operation, using private US security and logistics firms to transport aid to distribution hubs, a week later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The United Nations human rights office said on Friday that it had recorded 615 deaths near GHF sites and 183 deaths "presumably on the route of aid convoys" operated by the UN and other relief groups.

GHF has repeatedly said there have been no deaths at any of its aid distribution sites. The group said on Friday that it has so far delivered more than 70 million meals in Gaza. The US State Department has approved $30 million in funding for the GHF, which touts its model as "reinventing aid delivery in war zones."

Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of stealing aid from the UN-led operations, which the terrorists deny.

Throughout the conflict, the United Nations has described its humanitarian operation in Gaza as opportunistic - facing problems with Israel's military operation, access restrictions by Israel into and throughout Gaza, and looting by armed gangs.

But the UN has said its aid distribution system works, and that was particularly proven during a two-month ceasefire, which Israel abandoned in mid-March. The UN said it got 600-700 trucks of aid a day into Gaza during the truce and has stressed then when people know there is a steady flow of aid, the looting subsides.
DES MOINES, Iowa  A groundbreaking in Des Moines started the multi-million-dollar cultural redevelopment, housing educational and recreational activities.

State, county, and city leaders were all in attendance and spoke about the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowas importance to the local community in the metro. After posing for a photo with ceremonial shovels, leaders gave remarks on what this will mean for the Iowa Italian-American community.

To have a permanent home for the cultural center has been a dream for the last 25 years, said Jeff Lamberti, chairman of the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowas Board of Governors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We looked at two or three different places, but never in my wildest imagination that I ever would have come up with the Butler Mansion. I cant take credit for any of that, I dont know who found it. Thank you God, thats who found it, said Patricia Civitate, Founder of the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa

Des Moines Oktoberfest moving to new location in 2025

The project is $20 million, with the main purpose of the center to serve as a museum. But the space will also act as an event center, with bocce ball courts, a speakeasy bar, and Italian cooking classes that will be available. The museum is designed to look like an Italian street, with the three-car garage becoming a market.

Several million dollars from the project came from both state and Polk County grants to be used for different purposes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The impact of Italian-Americans on our state and their rich heritage is why I am so proud that the state was able to invest $2 million in this new cultural center through our Destination Iowa grant program, said Gov Kim Reynolds.

Polk County is proud to play a part in making this a reality, supporting this center with over $1.2 million in funding, said Matt McCoy, Chairman of the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

The county grant money will fund new video monitoring and surveillance for the property. With the groundbreaking on Thursday, the property is expected to be ready to open doors to the public in the fall of 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Italy will provide Ukraine with more than 30 million in non-repayable aid to restore the cultural heritage of Odesa Oblast.

Source: Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On Thursday 10 July, during the Ukraine Recovery Conference, a grant agreement was signed between Ukraine and Italy for the implementation of the programme Restoration and Preservation of the Cultural Heritage of the Odesa Region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under this agreement, the Italian government will provide Ukraine with 32.5 million in non-repayable aid.

The programme provides funding for the restoration of key cultural heritage sites in Odesa that were damaged as a result of Russias armed aggression.

Among them are national heritage sites under the authority of Odesa Oblast Military Administration and Odesa City Council.

Funding will go towards the restoration of six architectural landmarks in Odesa:

Odesa National Art Museum

Odesa Museum of Western and Eastern Art

Odesa Philharmonic named after David Oistrakh

Odesa Literary Museum

Zontag House

Palace of Ceremonies

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The agreement includes comprehensive restoration works, improvements in building safety and energy efficiency, adaptation for people with limited mobility and modernisation of engineering infrastructure.

In addition to restoring the landmarks, the establishment of a UNESCO Heritage Management Centre in Odesa is also planned.

The agreement was signed by Oleksii Kuleba, Ukraines Minister for Communities and Territories Development, and Antonio Tajani, Italys Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Background:

On the same day, the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Italy signed another document under which Rome will allocate 1 million to strengthen Ukraines cybersecurity.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also announced that her country will expand its support for Ukraine in various sectors  from energy to transport, as well as in the field of defence.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
WASHINGTON  A third party backed by billionaire Elon Musk will divide conservatives to the detriment of the Republican Party and help elect Democrats, Republican senators who are allied with President Donald Trump warned this week.

Its just going to split conservatives, and it will guarantee big spending Democrats hold the power, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) told HuffPost. So itll backfire on him if his goal is to reduce the size and scope and cost of government. Thats the wrong way to do it.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has often clashed with his party on matters of deficits and spending, heaped praise on Musk as an extraordinary innovator, inventor, businessman. But he, too, urged Musk to fight for what he believes while staying inside the Republican tent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I would probably encourage him to stay involved in Republican primaries to make sure that the big government advocates dont end up defeating the fiscal conservatives that are left in our party, Paul said.

The richest man in the world announced over the weekend the formation of a new political party, which he dubbed the America Party, after Republicans passed a massive $4 trillion tax and spending bill. Musk fiercely opposed the legislation, calling it an abomination that would bankrupt America.

Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom, Musk wrote in a post online on Saturday.

He also threatened to spend money to unseat lawmakers who supported the bill, saying that they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Musk spent hundreds of millions to help elect Trump in the 2024 election and campaigned on his behalf in battleground states. Upon being sworn in to his second term as president, Trump tapped the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive to lead the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at slashing government spending, and heaped praise on his efforts to shutter federal agencies without congressional approval.

The two men have badly fallen out since the early days of Trumps administration, taking shots at each other in an epic feud online.

Trump called Musk a train wreck on Monday and warned that third parties can create complete and total destruction and chaos.

Asked about Musks new venture on Tuesday, Trump told reporters: I think itll help us. Itll probably help. Third parties have always been good for me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He added: I dont know about Republicans, but for me.

Whether the notoriously erratic Musk goes forward with building a new political party remains to be seen. Doing so is enormously difficult and expensive, and multiple efforts to create a viable third party have failed in the past. Just ask the centrist political group No Labels, which struggled to recruit a candidate for the 2024 election.

There are huge challenges to third parties merely getting on the ballot that require signature gathering, staff, time and effort. Republicans would also have an active interest in challenging in court Musks attempts to get on the ballot, further drawing out the whole process.

But even some Republicans who will be facing voters next year acknowledged that Musks massive wealth  should he deploy it  could be formidable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Money wins sometimes, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), who is running for governor of his state, told HuffPost.

Democrats, meanwhile, are giving Musk and his new political ambitions a wide berth  even if it could potentially help them in next years midterm elections. He remains persona non grata on the left due to his work on behalf of DOGE eviscerating the U.S. Agency for International Development in the name of deficit reduction. The agency had a $50 billion annual budget  a miniscule sliver of total U.S. federal spending  that went toward feeding and caring for people suffering from extreme poverty worldwide.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who has aligned with the GOP on some issues, bristled at the notion that he would ever leave the Democratic Party to join Musk.

Im not changing my party, the senator told HuffPost on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other Democrats said it would be unwise for Republicans not to take Musk seriously.

I would not underestimate that guys persistence at trying to do hard things, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said. You got to give him credit for that. I mean, flying a rocket and landing the booster, back on a pad? People were like, Thats never gonna work. And he basically brute-forced it. Electric cars were not really a thing until he decided he wanted electric cars to be a thing. And he made it happen. So I would not underestimate him.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. has vetoed an ordinance that called for a special election for a county charter assessor.

In a letter to Jackson County legislators, White called the special election unnecessary and premature as there are already scheduled elections for which the ballot could be placed on well before its effects would be implemented.

Reps. Cleaver, Davids announce federal funding for World Cup security

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The election would have taken place in November of 2025, with its decision not being implemented until 2028. Instead, White says that the election could be placed on a regular ballot, which would save millions for Jackson County taxpayers.

This would be the fourth unbudgeted election proposed by this Legislature in less than two years, he said. Not one has passed. Not one has been fiscally responsible. And this one is no different. I support giving voters a say, but we can and should do it in 2026, when it wont cost Jackson County taxpayers a single extra dollar.

Thats not the only problem, according to White, either. He says that, aside from the cost of the special election, the proposed ballot also misrepresents the responsibilities of the Charter Assessor.

Abolished: State Department is laying off over 1,300 employees under Trump administration plan

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ordinance says the elected assessor would be responsible for taxation in the county. Thats just wrong, White said in his release.

Under Missouri law, taxation is the job of the collector. The assessor is responsible for valuing property accurately and fairly. If we cant get that distinction right in our founding document, we shouldnt be rushing this to the voters.

However, White did include that he would be in favor of a revised ballot, just not one outside of an August 2026 or November 2026 election.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Jacksonville-based transportation and railroad service company CSX recently laid off approximately 125 management employees.

CSX says the affected workers are from across its 26-state network of 23,000 employees.

However, 77 of those impacted  more than half  worked in Jacksonville. The city is home to approximately 2000 CSX employees.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The company said the decision was made as part of a management restructuring.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The decision reflects the companys commitment to aligning resources with business needs and will help ensure that CSX continues to deliver for all of our stakeholders.

Impacted employees will be provided with robust support during the transition, according to CSX, including competitive severance.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Community groups in Jacksonville will gather on Thursday, July 17, at A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park to celebrate National John Lewis Day and stand against civil rights attacks.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The event, part of the nationwide Good Trouble Lives On initiative, aims to celebrate the freedom to vote, protest, and organize, inspired by Rep. Lewis call for good trouble, necessary trouble.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Organized by several local groups, including Beaches Activist Movement and Florida Rising, the event will feature speeches from activists and community leaders as guest speakers:

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Rodney Hurst, an award-winning author, and civil rights activist, will speak on Remembering the Life and Legacy of John Lewis.

Pastor Lee Harris will discuss Souls to the Polls: Making Voting Accessible in Jacksonville, while Echo Nova will address Advocating for the Disabled.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Also, Pastor R.L. Gundy will focus on Fighting for Our Democracy: Why Voting Matters, and Jeniah D. Jones will highlight The Importance of Citizen Engagement in the Voting Process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ASL interpreters will be at the event. For more registration information, click here.

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.
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  July marks one year since Jacksonville Police Chief Jarad Phelps joined the department.

Phelps came to Jacksonville from the Prince William County Police Department in Virgina, where his last title was deputy chief.

Fentanyl and opioids are a little more prevalent I think down here in my experience and dealing with the addiction as well. Thats a little bit different, Phelps said. Violent crime is probably a little more prevalent up there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Phelps said he spent the first six months in Jacksonville training and becoming familiar with the community. Now hes prioritizing increasing community engagement and trust.

The more engagement we have, the more trust that we can build, the better communication we have with our community, Phelps said. They help us quite a bit. We get a lot of tips from people.

The department is building trust through new body worn cameras for officers across the department, which theyre expected to start using in September. They are increasing engagement through community events such as hosting six Coffee with the Chief events, moving the National Night Out celebration to October and instead having Run with the Law in August and through the Battle of the Badges blood drive.

Phelps is also prioritizing making the department more competitive when it comes to employment and retention and is actively working with the city council to do so.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Phelps says hes looking forward to many years to come in Jacksonville.

Everybody that I have come across has just been very open, very friendly, Phelps said. It might be the southern charm down here, but its been great.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said a young boy has been reunited with his family.

A young non-verbal child was found wandering along Kona Avenue in Jacksonville on Friday morning at around 10:40 a.m., and authorities asked the publics help to identify him.

The child stayed with officers from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Missing Persons Unit while investigators worked to find his family.

JSO thanks the community for its help in identifying the boy.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Jacquelyns Jewels is hosting a jazz concert Aug. 16 at Red Mountain Theatre.

Birmingham World Police and Fire Games holding surplus sale

The concert will be a fundraiser event that brings together jazz enthusiasts to raise scholarships for critically at-risk students. Attendees can expect a performance from Alex Bugnon, a tribute to fashion designer icon Robert Hill, and more. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For tickets, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
While families wait to return to their homes, destroyed in the Iranian missile attack, some have seized an opportunity for quick income amid the devastation.

A Jaffa resident has been collecting aluminum scraps from the wreckage of buildings that were destroyed by Iranian missiles to sell them to turn a profit, he told Walla on Thursday.

There are many families still waiting to return to their homes, destroyed in the Iranian missile attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

S., a resident of Jaffa, walks through the wreckage, collecting aluminum scraps and selling them to traders, earning thousands of shekels a day. "I look like a laborer, wearing an orange vest, and no one asks questions," he says.

As the country heals its wounds and evacuees await grants and compensation, some have already moved on to the next stage.

In dozens of streets affected inBat Yam, Rishon Lezion, and Tel Aviv, where houses have been reduced to piles of concrete and dustS. roams daily, collecting anything made of aluminum: windows, doors, frames. "The money is just lying on the ground," he says.

The scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit and caused damage in Be'er Sheva, Southern Israel, June 24, 2025. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

"I sell the aluminum for 4.5 shekels per kilogram. On a good day, I earn 2,000 shekels; on a weak day, 500. I finish collecting, traders come, weigh what Ive gathered, and pay me on the spot. Its a good, respectable daily wage."

Legal considerations

When asked about the law, S. explains that he sets clear boundaries for himself. "If I know who it belongs to, I ask. If they dont give it to me, I move on. But if theres no address, no tenant, nothing, I take it. Simple as that," he says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to him, hes not the only one collecting: "Others are doing it too, but whats annoying is that there are stingy Israelis who prefer to collect on their own and sell it, instead of giving it to me."

When asked whether he's referring to residents whove experienced the destruction firsthand and are now forced to wander between hotels and absorption centers, S. doesnt hesitate. "Yes, but so what? Theyre covered, theyll get money from the state or whoever needs to pay them. I found treasure here. Its not a crimejust a good way to make a living."
OZARK, MO  The leader of Missouris largest church is addressing some controversial changes taking place for the congregation.

On Wednesday, Lead Pastor John Lindell took time during the mega churchs regular mid-week service to address issues surrounding James River Churchs departure from the Assemblies of God fellowship.

Back in April, Lindell surprised many in the congregation and denomination with his announcement of the split. The change marks the severing of ties that have been in place since the churchs founding in 1991. The news was of particular interest to many in the community, considering the church is the largest in the Springfield metro, which is also home to the Assemblies of Gods national headquarters. Numerous leaders and employees of the national office have called James River Church home over the years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since the church boards April decision to leave the denomination, neither the church nor the Assemblies has commented on the particular reasons for the parting of ways. However, during his Wednesday night address, Lindell alluded to events leading up to the situation.

Reading a prepared statement (which has been made available on the church website), Lindell said he wanted to talk about what he calls falsehoods and rumors circulating in the community. He also stated he wanted to offer clarity on why the disaffiliation is taking place.

While Lindell said the rumors about the reasons for the churchs departure were not true, he was not able to state what the real reasons were.

Lindell stated, One of the falsehoods being circulated is that James River Church left the Assemblies of God because we did not want to be accountable. That is completely false and was not the reason for our disaffiliation. In a meeting with the Assemblies of God General Superintendent, Rev. Doug Clay, he asked me not to publicly state the specific reasons for our departure, which I will continue to honor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Furthermore, Lindell addressed claims that he was trying to steal the church, which he says is untrue.

Lindell told the congregation that his Assemblies of God ministerial credentials have been dismissed, and explained it was part of the formal disaffiliation process. Credentials are an official recognition by a religious organization that permits a pastor to perform certain functions related to church ministry.

Ozarks First reached out to the Assemblies of God, which stated, In a statement to James River Church, John Lindell confirmed that his credentials with the Assemblies of God had been dismissed. General Council bylaws outline the process of any such action referred to the General Council Credentials Committee. We cannot comment on individual minister cases. We continue to pray Gods best for James River Church.

In Lindells Wednesday talk to congregants, he explained that he had approached Assemblies of God leaders in hopes of addressing some concerns he had, though again, he did not disclose the subject of the issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One year ago in June, I voiced to a Southern Missouri Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God official that if things continued to occur that were detrimental to the church, we would need to leave the Assemblies of God. He added, Three months later, at a lunch with the Southern Missouri Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God Superintendent in September 2024, I expressed the same concerns again. In both instances, there was no attempt on the Southern Missouri Ministry Network Leaderships part to meet for the purpose of processing our concerns.

Lindell said a meeting with district officials was eventually held. However, the outcome was not what James River Churchs leadership was hoping for.



In that meeting, the [James River Church] Board of Trustees was disappointed by the contentious demeanor and words of the Ministry Network official who led the meeting, which only served to confirm their resolve that disaffiliation was the right decision for James River Church.

Ozarks First asked both James River Church and the Assemblies of God if the disaffiliation process is still underway, or if it has been completed. Were still waiting to hear back from both organizations regarding that. But, a quick search of the Assemblies of God online church directory reveals James River Church is no longer listed as an affiliated congregation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Japanese beetles are not a new problem in the Grand Valley.

The town of Palisade dealt with an infestation about 20 years ago, and while the problem was eventually eradicated, it took a while to get there.

It took about 8 to 10 years to fully eradicate it, said Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel. They had a great community that was all on board, and the mission was clear. Eradicate this, save the Peaches, save the farmer, save our food.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, the City of Grand Junction faces a similar problem. It is not quite an infestation, but eradication efforts are underway because if it gets worse, it could be big trouble for nearby farmers in Palisade.

Its very much of a concern to us because eventually if its not controlled, it will get here, said Bruce Talbott, the farm manager of Talbotts Mountain Gold in Palisade.

He was here 20 years ago when things got serious, and he said the community really stepped up to help save the farms.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture jumped into the mix and the local pest district jumped into the mix, said Talbott. We had a lot of help I think it was all donated material in the first couple of years to try to bring it under control and the town of Palisade was very much a player and a proponent of trying to keep us Japanese beetle free.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So what does a Japanese beetle look like? Commissioner Daniel described it for WesternSlopeNow.

Theyre not big, I would say probably less than probably your pinky, your fingernail, said Daniel. Theyre kind of green, and they have a little gold shimmer on them.

If you want your yard sprayed or you want more information on how the efforts are going, you can visit the mesacounty.us website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Progressive firebrand Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, made a second surprise appearance at the House Oversight Committees closed-door discussions with former Biden administration aides this week, once again criticizing President Donald Trump on the way out.

Crockett surprised reporters when she arrived roughly 15 minutes after House investigators transcribed interview with former White House advisor Ashley Williams began, declining to speak on the way in.

The Texas Democrat emerged just over 30 minutes later, saying little about what went on inside but telling reporters she still had "absolutely" no concerns about Bidens mental fitness while in office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said it was important to "be there physically" for Biden allies being interviewed in the GOP probe  even going as far as suggesting the Trump administration created a threatening environment for members of Congress and its own political opponents.

Far-left Firebrand Says She 'Never Had A Concern' About Biden's Mental State As House Probe Heats Up

Rep. Jasmine Crockett made a surprise appearance at the closed-door committee interview.

"It is importantin my mind, to be there for these witnesses. Unfortunately, we know what happens when this regime gets going. We know about the threats that come upon them, that come upon us as members of Congress," Crockett said.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I think it is important to stand there in solidarity and to at least be there physically so that they don't feel like they're alone as they are enduring egregious attacks consistently from this administration."

Crockett was the only lawmaker seen going in or out of Williams meeting with investigators on Friday. The transcribed interview was expected to be staff-led, and lawmakers were not required to attend.

"Right now, the Republicans continue to act as if this is a main priority. Yet none of them are showing up," she said.

"I do think that it is important that I show up because if they are going to make allegations about the former commander-in-chief, egregious allegations they continue to wage. I want to make sure that I'm in the room to correct the record, because a lot of times they like to mischaracterize things."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Comer Dismisses Biden Doctor's Bid For Pause In Cover-up Probe: 'Throwing Out Every Excuse'

Former President Joe Biden's use of autopen is being investigated.

When asked by Fox News Digital if the interview was still ongoing as she exited, however, Crockett answered, "It's still going. I'm leaving early. I've got to get to another thing."

A source familiar with the ongoing proceeding told Fox News Digital that Crockett came in during Republican investigators round of questioning and so was unable to make inquiries herself. Fox News Digital reached out to Crockett for a response.

Williams was the former Director of Strategic Outreach under the Biden administration. She did not speak to reporters on the way into her transcribed interview.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Crockett initially caught reporters and potentially even staff off guard when she arrived for the closed-door deposition of Bidens former White House physician, Dr. Kevin OConnor.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., was there as well, as is the norm for sworn depositions.

Williams, unlike OConnor, is not on Capitol Hill under subpoena.

The House Oversight Committee questioned President Joe Bidens physician Kevin O'Connor during a recent hearing as part of a probe into Biden's alleged mental decline.

During her Wednesday appearance, Crockett declared she never had any concerns about Bidens mental state while he was president, though she did raise similar claims about Trump.

White House spokesman Harrison Fields told Fox News Digital in response to Crockett questioning Trumps mental acuity: "The Democrats rising star has done more to cement the partys demise than the President she breathlessly supported, the decrepit and feeble Joe Biden. Jasmine continues to prove shed be better suited as a reality TV star on VH1 than an elected official on Capitol Hill."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Comer is investigating accusations that Biden's former top White House aides covered up signs of his mental and physical decline while in office, and whether any executive actions were commissioned via autopen without the president's full knowledge. Biden allies have pushed back on those claims.





Original article source: Jasmine Crockett rips Trump 'regime,' vows 'solidarity' with Biden witnesses during House probe
MIDDLEBURY  A New York attorney and animal rights coalition are pressuring the Elkhart County prosecutor to reinstate charges against three men accused of killing cats at Jayco in February.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the accusation came in on Feb. 27, that three men placed two cats into microwave boxes and ran the boxes through the trash compactor to get rid of the cats, because the feral cats were becoming a problem at the business.

One of the employees involved told officers that the animal shelter told them it could not accept the animals as it was full and so theyd hoped to take care of the situation themselves. The Humane Society of Elkhart County later asserted that it has an obligation to accept any stray animal received, regardless of whether or not the shelter is full.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Charges were filed on June 10, with all three men charged with two counts of torturing or mutilating a vertebrate animal, a Level 6 felony; but dropped by June 13. Jayco also reported that the three men were terminated from their positions at the company.

Also, according to the probable cause affidavit filed by police, the vice president of operations at Jayco indicated to police that he believed the men acted in the companys best interests by placing the cats into the trash compactor, although a later press release from the prosecutors office called that a scriveners error and dropped charges on the men as a result, due to a need for further investigation.

Following a protest at the Elkhart County Prosecutors Office on June 25, Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Becker said the state would not be prosecuting in any capacity, and claiming the cats were more of nuisance animals at the facility creating property damage and therefore not protected by the statute. Becker also said the manner of death did not prolong the suffering of the animals beyond that which is permitted by the law for those nuisance animals.

But weeks after the decision, the case has garnered national attention. Attorney Maria Proietti, a member of the New York State Bar Associations Committee on Animals and the Law, released a statement across the media and to various local leaders directed at Becker herself, asking that she reopen the cases and reinstate criminal charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In her letter, Proietti exhibits a petition of almost 17,500 signatures including from Animal Victory, Meow Mission, In Defense Of Animals and National Animal News, objecting to the charges being dropped.

Placing an animal in a trash compactor will inflict severe harm that leads to death, she wrote. Such actions are unequivocally regarded as animal cruelty and are illegal in most jurisdictions. There is no ambiguity regarding this crime.

Proietti fears in her letter that not reinstating the charges will empower others to take action in such a way, without fear of punishment.

The proper method of ending these animals lives, which should not have been done in the first place since there was no hard evidence of any property damage and there were many other non-lethal options available, would have been humane euthanasia by animal control, she wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Proietti said if no action is taken, she and others involved will take action to speak out and encourage their one million strong group of social media followers to boycott Jayco and tourism in Elkhart County as a whole.

CEO & Co-Founders of Animal Victory Janelle Babington and Penny Eims, an animal rights group out of Wilmington, North Carolina, also reported their discontent in a letter to Becker.

Your failure to address this case in a fair and legal manner is a moral failing not just a legal one, the co-founders of Animal Victory wrote in their own own letter. There is more than enough evidence that shows you are wrong. Period. No one will sit still for this even if you truly believe your opinion is the final say. You are not free to misinterpret Indiana Law as you see fit. The law holds even you accountable. Those of us who serve the interests of animals in a cruel and narcissistic world will not rest until true justice is served and these cat torturers are finally held to the full measure of the law.

They argue that the legal standards were intentionally misapplied and that justification on claims of destruction of property only applies if animals are endangering, harassing, or threatening livestock/domestic animals, or causing substantial property damage. No objective evidence has been presented that supports this statutory exception.
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Jackson County Sheriffs Office has arrested a suspect in a shooting investigation on Thursday night.

According to the JCSO, shortly after 8 p.m., authorities received a report of multiple gunshot rounds fired from a vehicle toward a residence on Main Street in Cypress.

JCSO said the suspect, Ashton Johnson, was identified after an investigation revealed that earlier, Johnson was asked to leave the residence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Johnson allegedly returned shortly after leaving, driving past the residence and shooting approximately five rounds while the vehicle was still moving.

The residence was occupied when the front door was hit by one of the rounds fired.

JCSO said that Johnson was located and apprehended without incident and transported to Jackson County Correctional Facility.

Johnson has been booked on two second-degree felonies: shooting into a dwelling and discharging a firearm from a vehicle within 1,000 feet of a person.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Sneads Police Department assisted in the resolution of the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

News 13 will update this story as the investigation is currently ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Amazon is purging warehouse workers who had their work authorizations revoked after President Donald Trumps administration ended an immigration program put in place under President Joe Biden, according to The New York Times.

Hundreds of employees at a warehouse in West Jefferson, in central Ohio, have lost their jobs as part of the purge. Across the country, thousands of foreign workers have lost their right to live and work in the U.S. and been removed from jobs where they were in high demand.

The Trump administration has orchestrated immigration raids in workplaces and at businesses such as Home Depot seeking out illegal day laborers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Springfield, Ohio Haitian community leader, Viles Dorsainvil, told The NYT that the dismissals are not unique to Amazon, adding that terminations have also occurred in other warehouses, auto-parts plants, and stores.

The removals are taking place at many of Amazons more than 1,000 facilities across the country. The terminations have affected warehouses in Massachusetts and Staten Island, New York. Hundreds were let go at a warehouse in Florida, The NYT found.

Hundreds of Amazon workers have lost their jobs after the Trump administration revoked a Biden-era immigration program (AFP via Getty Images)

Amazon told the The NYT it had prepared for the change in policy by the Trump administration, changing its staffing plans as it waited for guidance from the administration, which arrived in June.

The Independent has reached out to Amazon for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were supporting employees impacted by the governments recent changes in immigration policy, a spokesperson for the company told The NYT. Amazon has reportedly informed its workers they may be eligible for free or low-cost outside legal services.

The company went on a hiring spree as the pandemic increased demand for deliveries and it provides information in several languages in some of its warehouses, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole.

Other workers at the West Jefferson warehouse come from Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Somalia. However, workers and local officials told the paper that Haitians make up the largest share of foreign workers and may outnumber Americans.

The Supreme Court granted a temporary approval on May 30 for the Trump administration to end a program called humanitarian parole. It had allowed more than half a million migrants to quickly get work permits if they had a financial sponsor. The migrants came from countries experiencing political upheaval, such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Amazon went on a hiring spree as the pandemic increased demand for deliveries (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The effort to roll back the program was part of the administrations promise to conduct mass deportations. The Department of Homeland Security said on June 12 that it had started notifying migrants the program was coming to an end, arguing that the migrants had not been properly vetted and that they undercut Americans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As the change was announced, D.H.S. spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said that the end of the program will be a necessary return to common-sense policies, a return to public safety and a return to America First.

In a June 22 email obtained by The Times, Amazon told its managers that it had received the first list from D.H.S. identifying impacted Amazon employees from the program, in addition to some employees outside of this specific program whose work authorization is similarly affected.

Amazon reportedly told its managers the affected employees would be made aware the following day via a push notification in the employee app. If they couldnt provide alternative documents showing their right to work in the U.S. in the next five days, they would be suspended without pay and subsequently dismissed.

The Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S.) has informed us that the work authorization that you had submitted is no longer valid, the notification stated.
Fox News host Jesse Watters questioned if ICE was being too nice in their ongoing raids of immigrants in California, even asking Florida Governor Ron DeSantis if using more force by knocking some heads together was the better course of action.

DeSantis, who has been outspoken about supporting the President Donald Trump and his campaign promise to deport illegal immigrants from the country, joined the Fox News host on Thursday nights episode of Jesse Watters Primetime and shared his thoughts on a standoff that happened earlier in the day in Ventura County, California. Watters show images of the raid at a local farm and the pushback ICE received from the community.

More from TheWrap

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It seems to be like theres a lot more intensity now with each one of these raids, Watters said before asking DeSantis, How do you see this going forward?

If the roles were reversed, the left would be saying its an insurrection, the Florida governor said. You have federal law enforcement that have clear authority to enforce clear federal law, and if you are illegally employed in this country, that is a violation of federal law.

He went on to say that in Florida citizens would never get away with such behavior, calling the process lawful.

I think whats happened in California is theyve really developed a sense of entitlement to simply disregard federal laws they dont like, particularly with regard to immigration, and this has been happening for many years, DeSantis continued. So I think the situation has escalated. I think clearly they are in the wrong. But this is likely not going to stop in California anytime soon because I think this has been embedded in the psyche therethat somehow they can disregard laws they dont want to follow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At that, Watters asked if he thought ICE was being aggressive enough. The agency has already received backlash in the form of protestors and local California officials like Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass who have done their best to quell the surprise raids.

Governor, is ICE being too nice? They are doing, I guess, de-escalation tacticswhich probably is the right movebut the more you tangle with these crazy people, the more it gives them confidence, the Fox News host asked. If you dont make arrests and knock some heads together and show them that you may get hurt when you come in and block law enforcement, theyre just going to get more and more angry. Do you think they can step up some of their tactics?

DeSantis explained that in Florida ICE would be met with more support from local police and sheriffs saying his state would work cooperatively with the federal agency.

I think there are a lot of police officers individually who want to be helpful, but the political leadership is not allowing that to happen, DeSantis said. So I would not necessarily say that its ICE that has to take care of all of that, because some of that absolutely needs to be done with state and local assets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Watters conceded the point and agreed with the governor saying, Its more dangerous when the locals in California dont provide backup because the ICE agents are outnumbered and it gets a little hairy

You can watch the full Jesse Watters Primetime segment in the video above.

The post Jesse Watters Criticizes ICE Tactics as Too Nice, Says Agents Should Knock Some Heads Together appeared first on TheWrap.
By Danial Azhar

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington this month, Manila's top diplomat said on Friday, with an increased trade tariff on one of Washington's top defence allies set to be discussed.

Philippine foreign minister Theresa Lazaro, in an interview during a regional summit in Malaysia, confirmed the arrangement of what will be the first meeting between Trump and Marcos, whose nations have stepped up military engagements significantly of late.

The issue of tariffs will be discussed among othersits also very important to us. We have already sent negotiators to discuss this issue," Lazaro told Reuters on Friday.

A White House official earlier told Reuters the meeting was set for July 22, while the office of Marcos said he will visit the U.S. from July 20-22.

The Philippines is concerned over a 20% tariff rate announced this week by Trump, which was increased from 17% threatened in April, without explanation. The U.S. goods trade deficit with the Philippines widened to $4.9 billion in 2024, a 21.8% increase from 2023.

The Philippines has said it remains committed to continue negotiations and a delegation will travel to Washington next week to pursue a trade deal.

Relations between Manila and Washington have soared under Marcos, who has pivoted closer to the U.S. and allowed American soldiers to expand their presence at Philippine facilities. The former U.S. colony is central to Washington's efforts to counter China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan.

The United States and the Philippines have a seven-decade old mutual defence treaty and hold dozens of annual exercises, which have included testing of a U.S. Typhon missile system, angering China.

Marcos' overtures of to the U.S. and defiant stand on China have riled Beijing, which has repeatedly accused Manila and Washington of trying to stoke tensions.

Lazaro said negotiations on a code of conduct between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China were dragging out and the Philippines would push for talks to finish when it becomes ASEAN chair next year. She said the code must be legally binding.

The South China Sea remains a source of friction between China and the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, with ties between Beijing and Manila at their worst in years amid frequent confrontations that have sparked concerns they could spiral into conflict.

"It is our view that it should not be taking so long. It is important that we have to deliver," she said.

"So it is incumbent upon all of us, and actually China, to... endeavor to finish the negotiations, the discussions. And that's supposed to be in 2026."

Lazaro also said a planned election in military-ruled Myanmar, an ASEAN member in the grips of a civil war, would only be acceptable if it were inclusive and peaceful.

(Reporting by Danial Azhar; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason in Washington; Writing and additional reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by Martin Petty)
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Johnstown City Council has approved a five-year plan for housing programs and community and economic development.

The council approved the 2025-29 plan Wednesday for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

City Manager Art Martynuska said it will be publicized, and then the city will start walking through the coals of the plan.

What we can set for goals will be budget-driven, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its also driven by grant money. Grants are up in the air with whats going on with the federal government, so until we have a definitive answer to that, who knows?

The plan includes broad anti-poverty strategies.

Citing the 2019-23 American Community Survey, the plan says more than 31% of the city of Johnstowns residents live in poverty, while just more than 14% of residents countywide live in poverty and nearly 12% of residents statewide.

Strategies to meet housing needs in the city include improvements to programs, including first-time home-buyer assistance and new home builds that are affordable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Council members and the citys administration stressed that the five-year plan does not call for construction of more public housing or Section 8 rental assistance vouchers in Johnstown, even though the plan notes there is more demand for public housing than supply.

According to the plan, there were 1,271 families and or individuals on the waiting list for public housing in May. The waiting list is still open, and public housing occupancy is at 96% in the city.

There is no advocacy for additional public housing in this process, Martynuska said.

Council members said they shared public sentiment that an overabundance of public housing already exists in the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The council is wary of people from out of the Johnstown area seeking the citys public housing. However, there was no data available during the meeting to support that long-held concern.

The Johnstown Housing Authority owns and manages 1,505 units of public housing in the city.

In addition, the JHA administers 960 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, the plan says.

Despite Johnstowns shrinking population, federal regulations prohibit the city from reducing the number of public housing units established decades ago when the city was more populous, council members said.

As a result, people from cities across Pennsylvania where Section 8 housing vouchers may be scarce can find a shorter wait for assistance by moving to Johnstown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

HUD vouchers for rental assistance are portable, meaning that a person can move to a municipality such as Johnstown, get a voucher and then return to their hometown or go anywhere else in the country. Or they can come to Johnstown to get rent assistance, with no real desire to become part of the community.

The Tribune-Democrat has previously reported that local and state government officials have long said the HUD system plays a role in creating a transient population in Johnstown that negatively affects the education system, the poverty level, the crime rate and the economy.

Mayor Frank Janakovic said Wednesday that he met with HUD officials in Washington last year and asked whether Johnstown could reduce its public housing.

The answer was a flat no, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Councilman Taylor Clark cast the lone vote against the five-year plan.

He said that while it did not call for expanding public housing, he said that it could be a stepping stone toward it in the future.

I know the plan wasnt adding new housing, but I wanted to be sure that everyone knows I am against any sort of expansion of public housing in the city, he said. There are plenty of other places in the county where public housing could be built.
JOLIET, Ill. (WGN)  The Joliet Police Department is now able to implement real-time language translation technology, thanks to Axon Body 4 cameras.

The police department said it is the first law enforcement agency in Illinois and among the first in the country to implement the technology.

The new cutting-edge tool enables officers to receive instant audio translations in real time for more than 50 languages, directly through their body-worn cameras. The new technology greatly improves communication during emergency calls and other community interactions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chicago Police Department unveils upgraded space for crime tracking on CTA

Nearly 28% of Joliet residents speak a language other than English, according to the 2020 census, so the advancement strengthens the police departments ability to serve the citys diverse population.

The police department said its officers started using the technology earlier this week, adding that it has already had a positive impact on both the police department and the community.

The technology gives officers the ability to break down language barriers on the spot and reduce misunderstandings.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This technology ensures that language is no longer a barrier to safety or understanding, said

Joliet Police Chief William Evans. Were seeing firsthand how this tool helps officers connect

more effectively with residents, particularly in time-sensitive situations where every second

counts and every word matters.

To learn more about Axons real-time translation technology, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  Jones College is taking aim at Mississippis drug epidemic with a new program to boost law enforcement training.

Retired Army Col. Bart Bartran will lead the initiative: The Counterdrug Operational Resources Program. It will provide free, real world training to local law enforcement while also preparing students for careers in criminal justice.

The first thing that we want to do, something unique that is not been done in the history of the college here, is outreach and offering our facilities and our expertise. And that we have a resident to us here at Jones College to civilian law enforcement officers, said Bartran.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He partnered with Jones College President Dr. Jesse Smith to create JC Corp, which is designed to strengthen community partnerships and combat Mississippis growing drug epidemic.

Laurel mayor sets curfew for minors

If you really dug deep on every crime is committed, most everyone is can be linked back to drug addiction or the drug trade, where theres theft, assaults, anything that you can think of in our communities, Bartran said.

Hes brining years of law enforcement and military experience to the program. Through a partnership with the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy, JC Corp will offer advanced courses at no cost to officers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All their resources and funding has to go to things such as equipment, hiring, salaries. Where they fall short is excess funding to be able to pay for training and education, and we want to help bridge that gap, stated Bartran.

Students and officers are encouraged to continue with a two-year Criminal Justice degree to be better prepared for the field.

The program will expand into conservation law enforcement, teaming up with the Forestry Program to focus on wildlife and environmental protection.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Israeli security forces seen during an operation in the Tulkarm refugee camp, in the West Bank, July 6, 2025 (photo credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)

From the porous border with Jordan to the terror threats in the West Bank and beyond, a senior security official spoke to Walla about the challenges the IDF faces in central Israel.

Security threats from the West Bank, Syria, and Jordan require a systematic response at the national level and cannot be solved by isolated operations, a senior security official told Walla on Thursday.

The first challenge: The Jordanian border

At the Jordanian border, there have been mass cases of smuggling weapons, drugs, and money, some of which end up in the hands of terrorists, arms dealers, or criminal organizations within Israel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The situation at the border won't improve until the IDF completes the establishment of the Eastern Division under the command of Brigadier General Oren Simcha, with cooperation with the Jordanian side, the security official said.

There is, however, concern about Palestinian cells from Syria and Jordan exploiting the border to infiltrate Israel and carry out attacks.

The security official stated that while there has been a decrease in weapons smuggling along the Jordanian border, "there are still smuggled weapons, and they are being transferred to the West Bank."

A Syrian soldier is seen standing in the Nasib border crossing with Jordan in Deraa, Syria July 7, 2018. (credit: OMAR SANADIKI/REUTERS)

The second challenge: The seam line

The security barrier along the West Bank spans approximately 500 km, combined with several border crossings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There are quite a few gaps along the Seam Line. Why? Because there is still no fence or wall covering the entire area. There are not enough soldiers to secure the Seam Line and prevent or disrupt Palestinian infiltration into Israeli territory," the security official said.

"The crossings themselves are a weak point because the checks are done when exiting the West Bank areas. If a person is carrying a crate of fragmentation grenades from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank, there is no system or personnel to check them. There is no infrastructure there, and not enough people," the official added.

In the officials estimation, several billion shekels would be needed to close these gaps and provide proper security checks and infrastructure.

Before the war, a fragmentation grenade in Israel cost 3,000 shekels, and now it costs 400 shekels due to how readily available they are, he said, adding that a taxi entering the West Bank last month was found with 8,000 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, each costing ten shekels.

The third challenge: Building terrorist infrastructure

The intentions of terrorist command centers are to build infrastructure, recruit terror operatives, and carry out attacks against Israel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There are also regional directives by people who once lived in the West Bank, left abroad, or were expelled, and now theyre directing terrorism, the official said.

They are transferring money in various ways: digital wallets, Bitcoin, through various manipulations, including fake companies, and we are fighting against all these phenomena."

The official clarified that addressing these three challenges requires, in addition to the efforts of the division, the Shin Bet, and the General Staff, a systemic response at the national level that will address each of them. He estimated that it would take years to effectively address these three challenges.

"The field is always filled with money that buys weapons, recruits people for terrorist activities, and builds such infrastructure. And if it's not a terrorist battalion, then it's a cell, and if theres no cell, it's a lone attacker, he said.

Theres no shortage of energy of this kind, and therefore, we need to keep operating constantly in the field and create operational freedom of action, with a focus on refugee camps."
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

As two flat-bottomed river boats steer towards each other from either bank, powered along by a crew of three oarsmen, thousands of knuckles tense. The route is short, the boats cutting swiftly across the Danube to the sound of pounding drums. All eyes are on the two costumed men, each standing at the stern of his boat with a lance positioned on his hip.

The aim: to thrust your opponent into the river. On this particular occasion, neither opponent is spared. Two well-placed stabs result in gasps, a theatrical splash and the cold, wet shock of defeat. The crowd, however, roars its approval, the cheers echoing off Ulms medieval walls. Then all eyes turn to the next pair already taking to the water.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You might be forgiven for thinking of a jousting tournament as a competition settled between metal-clad knights on horseback. This southern German city, however, urges you to think again. After all, Ulm was the birthplace of Albert Einstein and has always had a knack for thinking outside the box.

It is said by locals that the best feature about the Bavarian riverside is the view of Ulms skyline and its world-renowned cathedral, which took 513 years to be completed. Photograph by Westend61; Getty Images

A piercing legacy

During the Fischerstechen (fisherfolks jousting), fields are replaced with the Danube and horses with traditional boats, while opponents wear costumes inspired by local folklore. The quadrennial spectacle, held in July and organised by the century-old local fisherfolks guild in partnership with the city, has been a hotly anticipated occasion in the cultural calendar since as far back as the mid-16th century.

Participation is a family affair, reserved only for the descendants of Ulms original fishing families, and the premise is simple: 15 pairs of jousters go lance to lance over the course of two tournament days. In each round, two of the traditionally decorated fishing boats, steered by bargemen, start from opposing banks and pass each other in the middle. To stay dry and win the clash, each combatant must absorb the impact from the other while maintaining their balance (ducking and dodging is strictly forbidden). Certainly, no easy feat.

One aptly named jouster, Florian Fischer, has seven tournaments under his belt, having broken one rib and bruised two others during these short but intense bouts. We dont nudge, we pierce, he explains. Weve always started from one side of the river and met with a very powerful push. Its a dynamic that separates Ulms version from other long-running water jousting tournaments dotted along the Danube, which see the combatants meet in the middle of the river and slug it out instead.

A highlight of the parade is the two jesters cheekily trying to interrupt the farmers dance with his wife. Photograph by Stadtarchiv Ulm

The guilds insistence on the preservation of its history and portrayal of the tradition is unique, Fischer explains. And its true, Ulms fishers jousting reaches a whole new scale. Each tournament day begins with music and a colorful parade across the city, with jousters and members of the guild performing in elaborate costumes. Starting at the citys gothic Ulm Minster church, the procession marches past Central Library (a distinctive glass pyramid), through the old towns romantic back streets and over its willow-strewn stone bridges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its during this march that spectators first come face to face with the folklore and historic personalities theyll cheer for on the water hours later. While most have been fixtures in the tournaments line-up for hundreds of years, others have joined the cast more recently. Many represent notable figures from local battles or the citys collective memory; one character whos stood the test of time is the White Fisher, a spectral wraith dressed entirely in white whos regarded as the guardian spirit of Ulms fisherfolk.

The 625-year-old restaurant Zur Forelle (Trouts Tavern) in the fishers quarters, has been run by one of the guilds founding families since 1873. Photograph by Maciej Noskowski; Getty Images

Following the current

As the tournament progresses, the balancing act becomes more urgent  and more slippery. Again and again, soaked jousters heave themselves back inside the little boats, puddles pooling in their wooden vessels.

But plunging into the Danube has become an honour and witnessing the spectacle part of this citys DNA. Ive never given it any second thoughts. Its always been a source of pride, Fischer says, explaining how hes followed in the footsteps of his father by stepping into his jousting role.

Other than glory, theres no grand prize. Its simply part of being from Ulm, Mayor Martin Ansbacher explains. It goes beyond two men pushing each other into the water  its what makes up the spirit of the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The dedication to the tournaments heritage seems to run deeper  and longer  than the Danube. Missing it is out of the question. Fischer, however, takes it a step further: he always wants to be the first on site. No ones around. You might see the first few costumed figures appear, but Im there first thing in the morning to see the water. To see how high it flows, how strong the current is. Its a magical moment I always want to experience.

To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
A federal judge took the Los Angeles Police Department to task this week, approving a restraining order preventing officers from using nonlethal weapons against journalists.

The Los Angeles Press Club was granted a two-week restraining order against the department after the group said it documented dozens of incidents in which officers forced reporters away from public spaces where protests were taking place, hit them with rubber bullets and nonlethal weapons and exposed them to tear gas, Politico reports.

When journalists persisted in documenting the protests, it appears from the evidence presented that they faced an onslaught of projectiles and other shows of physical force, U.S. District Judge Hernan D. Veras ruling said. On some occasions, LAPD officers purportedly targeted individuals who were clearly identifiable as members of the press.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One prominent instance soon after the raids started involved an Australian journalist who was struck by a rubber bullet while on air.

Video of the incident appears to show an officer  its not immediately clear if theyre an LAPD officer or with another agency  purposefully take aim at reporter Lauren Tomasi, who clutches her leg when its struck.

This temporary restraining order is put in place to allow the court more time to deliberate on a longer-term restraining order, Politico reports.

The LAPD said they do not comment on pending litigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The Brief

ACLU attorneys asked a federal judge to block immigration raids in Southern California, claiming they target Latino communities through racial profiling and excessive force.

Federal government attorneys countered that agents conduct lawful patrols based on behavior, dress, and facial expressions, not race.

U.S. District Judge Maame Frimpong issued a tentative ruling favoring a temporary restraining order, with a final decision expected by Friday.

LOS ANGELES - Attorneys with the American Civil liberties Union (ACLU) urged a federal judge in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom to temporarily block what they describe as a wave of unconstitutional immigration raids sweeping across Southern California.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Whats happening out in these streets is, if youre brown and you happen to come into contact with these ICE agents and these Border Patrol agents, they will come for you," said ACLU attorney Mohammad Tajsar.

The lawsuit accuses federal immigration agents of targeting Latino communities through racial profiling, excessive force, and denial of legal counsel. Attorneys point to a downtown L.A. processing facility known as "B-18," where detainees are allegedly held without access to lawyers.

Tajsar told the court, "It does not take a federal judge to recognize that what the feds have done is laid siege to our communities, ripped families apart, torn them from their livelihoods."

Rebecca Brown, an attorney with Public Counsel's Immigrants' Rights Project said, "This case is very simple. What were asking the court to do is require the government to follow the law, the basic constitutional law that we all hold so dear."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Attorneys for the federal government denied the allegations. They said agents are engaged in lawful "roving patrols" and assess individuals based on behavior, dress, and facial expressions, not race.

"Agents do not put on blinders and ignore the totality of the circumstances," one government attorney told the court.

Among the plaintiffs is Brian Gavidia, a U.S. citizen who says he was wrongfully detained by ICE.

"I believe I was detained because I was walking while brown, sir," Gavidia told the court. He continued, "Whats going down right now in the United States is wrong. I believe in the Constitution. We are ignoring it at this very moment. It is not right. We will not stand down. We are all Americans here. We will not allow this to happen."

U.S. District Judge Maame Frimpong issued a tentative ruling that leans toward granting the temporary restraining order. However, she made it clear that her final decision could change based on the arguments presented in court. She expects to issue a ruling by Friday.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Jackson County judge has ordered a 15-year-old boy to remain in custody for the accused killing of a beloved Kansas City restaurant owner.

The teenidentified only as K.H. due to his ageis charged in the Aug. 28, 2024 death of 44-year-old Shaun Brady, who was shot and killed outside his Brookside restaurant, Brady and Fox.

KC Irish Fest to bring back annual breakfast in honor of late chef Shaun Brady

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A judge decided back in May that the teen will not stand trial as an adult after hearing evidence during a certification hearing back in April.

The matter will continue to be heard in the Family Court.

According to Kansas City police, Brady was taking out the trash when he saw a group of people stealing a car. Witnesses told police that Brady had tried to stop someone before he was shot.

He was later found behind the restaurant by law enforcement and was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The teen suspects next detention hearing in the case is scheduled for August 6.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A federal judge shredded Justice Department lawyers Friday over their shoddily constructed case to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man wrongfully removed to El Salvador earlier this year.

During a hearing, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis once again proved that she doesnt suffer fools as she torched the governments lawyers for failing to produce an ICE detainer for Abrego Garcia. Xinis had made the request Monday and gave the government until Thursday to fulfill the order.

When the lawyers said they were still working on it, the judge didnt buy it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You have taken the presumption of regularity and youve destroyed it in my view, Xinis said, according to Politicos senior legal affairs correspondent Kyle Cheney. The presumption of regularity gives particular deference to the executive branch for certain facts and details.

Xinis had heard roughly four hours of testimony on Thursday from Thomas Giles, assistant director for ICE enforcement and removal operations, who said that the government hadnt yet determined what third country it planned to deport Abrego Garcia. Giles said that the government wouldnt even begin to consider where to send him until he was back in the custody of ICE. Xinis was outraged that Giles hadnt provided basic answers.

The judge said it was insulting to [her] intelligence that Giles would testify without having consulted with the office that would handle the case, according to Lawfares Anna Bower. As the hearing continued, she became increasingly frustrated that the government still offered no answers on its plan to remove Abrego Garcia.

Giles had claimed that Abrego Garcia would get a fear interview if he claims fear of return or if he has a fear of being returned to a third country. But Xinis hit back at the governments claim that Abrego Garcia might be treated like any other migrant detainee in ICE custody, noting that nothing about his case has been business as usual. Thats not credible, she said. Im just telling you, Im not buying that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The government argued that Giless testimony had demonstrated what happened to detainees like Abrego Garcia. Name me one alien like Mr. Abrego, who has experienced what happened to him, Xinis fired back.

Xinis said that the governments claim that the decision of where to send Abrego Garcia would be left to a desk officer defies reality.

The judge asked how the governments claims square with a March 2025 memo and a July 9 email stating that if a third country made assurances to prevent torture or persecution, that no further procedures were necessary. While the government initially said that Abrego Garcia would still receive a fear interview, they eventually admitted the procedure outlined in the memo and email would likely apply to him.

The judge also slammed the government for attempting to deport Abrego Garcia after spending months claiming that he was a so-called leader of MS-13, while providing only paltry evidence. Whats that going to do for any country that this man has to face a third party removal to? she asked.

Abrego Garcia had previously received a protective order preventing his removal to El Salvador, for fear of violencewhich the government ignored by removing him there earlier this year. The Maryland man was returned from El Salvador to Tennessee to face two flimsy charges related to illegally transporting undocumented immigrants for cash. Despite a judge ordering Abrego Garcias release from pretrial detention, he still remains in custody after claiming that he feared hed be deported by immigration authoritieswho confirmed that was their plan. But the details of that plan are still unclear.
Like finding mountains of gold bars below a bank or happening upon a rare piece of art hidden beneath a gallery, a Denver museum that's full of fossils serendipitously discovered -- wait for it -- a dinosaur bone, right under its parking lot.

"Wow, what are the chances?" James Hagadorn, a geology curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, told ABC News.

Back in January, the museum found a fossil of a plant-eating dinosaur, believed to be nearly 68 million years old, lying about 800 feet below the parking lot, the museum announced this week.

ABC News - PHOTO: Dr. James Hagadorn, curator of geology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, is shown during an interview with ABC News.

At the time of the discovery, scientists were conducting a "geothermal test drilling project" to determine whether the museum could use the heat of the Earth underneath the parking lot in City Park, Colorado, the museum said in a press release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This dino-mite find, which Hagadorn described as "quite the cherry" on top of the project's intended mission, was discovered 763 feet below the surface and was identified as the "deepest and oldest dinosaur fossil ever found within the city's limits," the museum said in a press release.

MORE: New dinosaur species related to T. Rex discovered

Museum scientists believe the fossil the vertebra of an herbivorous dinosaur -- possibly a Thescelosaurus or Edmontosaurus -- that roamed the region 67.5 million years ago, which is "just days before the mass extinction that wiped our the dinosaurs," the museum noted.

Hagadorn said his "head just exploded" when he heard the news of the discovery, which has been on display among the museum's collection of more than 300,000 fossils since Wednesday.

Richard M. Wicker/Denver Museum of Nature and Science - PHOTO: A fossil believed to be a vertebra of a plant-eating ornithopod dinosaur, Thescelosaurus, was discovered nearly 800 feet below the surface of a museum's parking lot.

"It was absolutely incredible. The first thing you say is, 'Are you sure? Is this real? Are you playing a joke on me?'" he said. "That's like finding a diamond deposit under the world's largest gem store or an archeological site buried underneath the parking lot of an archeological museum."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hagadorn noted that this isn't the first time Colorado has seen a discovery like this. Previously, a horn of a Triceratops was found underneath Coors Field's home plate and "tons of cool fossils" have been located underneath Denver International Airport, he said.

Richard M. Wicker/Denver Museum of Nature and Science - PHOTO: Researchers at Denver Museum of Nature and Scince looking at Ornithopod vertebra from the Denver Formation, from 763' of depth in the City Park core drilling project. Left to Right: S. Augusta Maccracken; David Krause; Patrick O'Connor.

"The exciting thing to me is that there's the potential to find more, and that's both thrilling in the sense of discovery, but it's also interesting because these things are good for science, they tell us about our place, they tell us about our ecosystems [and] they tell us how the plane has changed. So it's a win, win, win," Hagadorn told ABC News.

Even though Hagadorn said he would "love to go 750 feet down" again and see if there are more potential fossils underneath the museum's parking lot, he said that would be unlikely due to the scope of such a project.

MORE: What scientists learned from a well-preserved fossil of this iconic Jurassic-era species

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In order to go that deep, you've got to dig a very big hole and then hold that hole open either by lining it or making it tapered. If we think about a tapered hole that goes down that deep, that would probably consume all our parking lot and maybe part of the museum too. So boy, it's fun to think about, but I think it's unlikely," he said.

Andrey Atuchin/Denver Museum of Nature & Science - PHOTO: A fossil believed to be a vertebra of a plant-eating ornithopod dinosaur, Thescelosaurus, was discovered nearly 800 feet below the surface of a museum's parking lot.

Hagadorn expressed his hope that the fossil -- which is within the museum's "Discovering Teen Rex" exhibition -- reminds people that "there's lots of geology underfoot."

"The layers of Earth underneath us tell us stuff that's useful, whether that information is from a fossil or a mineral or some water that's flowing underfoot," he said. "Imagine what's underneath your house or mine. Who knows?"

Hagadorn said the museum will have "tons" of free admission days for "everyone to access" the fossil and anything else within the facility.
By Jack Kim and Joyce Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea, Japan and the United States conducted a joint air drill on Friday involving a U.S. B-52 strategic bomber and fighter jets of the three allies over international waters, the South's defence ministry said.

It was the first time this year that a U.S. B-52H strategic bomber was deployed to the Korean Peninsula for a drill, conducted to improve deterrence against North Korea's increasing nuclear and missile threats, it said.

The three countries' defence chiefs also held an annual meeting in Seoul on Friday, where they recognised the importance of close trilateral cooperation in addressing security challenges posed by North Korea, in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, the defence ministry said in a statement.

"We're illuminating a future path together, a path where partnerships can evolve through persistent and regular engagement from building capacity to really sharing responsibility," U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said in opening remarks before the meeting.

"(North Korea) and China are undergoing an unprecedented military build-up with a clear and unambiguous intent to move forward with their own agendas. We need to be mindful of that."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also met Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo in Malaysia on Friday.

They agreed to maintain a strong deterrence against North Korea as well as strengthen cooperation in fields such as energy, shipbuilding, critical minerals and other matters of supply chain security as well as artificial intelligence, South Korea's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The three met on the sidelines of meetings by top diplomats from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as other nations, in Kuala Lumpur.

LAVROV VISIT TO NORTH KOREA

The three countries have boosted security cooperation in recent years, as tensions have increased stemming from North Korea's military developments and its deepening military ties with Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's scheduled visit to North Korea starting on Friday is the latest high-level meeting between the two countries amid a dramatic upgrading of their strategic cooperation, which now includes a mutual defence pact.

Russian news agency RIA reported that the Russian Foreign Ministry was looking into when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un might visit Russia, although Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said there were no immediate plans for a visit by either of the leaders from the two countries.

Caine, South Korea's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Myung-soo and Japanese Chief of Staff Yoshihide Yoshida "discussed the deployment" of North Korean troops to Russia, their joint statement said.

The South Korean intelligence service has said North Korea may be preparing to deploy additional troops in July or August, after sending more than 10,000 soldiers to fight with Russia in the war against Ukraine.

North Korea has agreed to dispatch 6,000 military engineers and builders for reconstruction in Russia's conflict-hit Kursk region.

(Reporting by Jack Kim and Joyce Lee; editing by Ed Davies and Mark Heinrich)
ANNISTON  A federal jury has awarded more than $3.6 million to a former employee of Long Leaf Lodge in a wrongful discharge case stemming from allegations of racial and sexual harassment by the hotels former owner, the late Jim Coxwell.

The verdict, handed down just before 4 p.m. Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Eastern Division, came after nearly a decade of legal wrangling in the case of Polly Diane Trantham v. James Coxwell and Socoper, Inc. The jury, composed of two women and six men, awarded Trantham $25,295.50 in lost wages and $3.6 million in damages for emotional pain, mental anguish and punitive damages.

Trantham, who worked at the McClellan-area lodge from January 2014 until her termination in July 2015, alleged she was subjected to repeated sexual harassment and retaliated against for objecting to Coxwells racist remarks and demands that she fire African American employees. According to her complaint, she was ultimately fired after invoking her rights under federal civil rights law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The lawsuit included state law claims of invasion of privacy and outrage related to unwanted sexual advances and offensive conduct by Coxwell.

I finally got the opportunity to appear before a jury and tell them the truth about what Jim Coxwell and his business did to me, Trantham said in a statement. I simply asked the jury to be fair to me with their verdict. I am so grateful for the manner with which the judge presided over the case and to the jury for their verdict. Nobody should have to suffer through what I did and I feel vindicated by the truth winning the day.

Trantham was represented by Heather Leonard of Birmingham and Jason C. Odom of Anniston, who also represented another former Long Leaf Lodge employee, Laura Ann Williams, in a separate but related case. Williams, who is Black, was awarded $1.2 million by a jury in 2021 after making similar claims against Coxwell and Socoper, Inc.

Despite the defenses attempts to distract and confuse the jury, I was very glad for them to see through to the truth of our clients claims, Leonard said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Odom added, Besides Ms. Trantham getting the justice she deserves after ten years of fighting for it, I am also proud that the jury sent a clear message to businesses that they cannot treat employees in this fashion or wrongfully terminate them without being made to pay for their conduct.

Much of the delay in Tranthams case was attributed to legal maneuvers by the defense, including what her attorneys called false criminal allegations that were eventually dismissed. Trantham was indicted in 2018 on a theft charge involving $2,500, but the charge was based on a deposition from Coxwell that was later ruled inadmissible due to questions about his mental competency.

Coxwell, a former member of the Jacksonville State University board of trustees and a Georgia resident, purchased and reopened the former military lodge in 2003. He passed away on May 6 of this year, and his estate stood in for him at trial. Coxwell, a Tennessee resident, had been living in an assisted living facility he owned in Sevierville for the past 5-6 years.

Socoper, Inc., the company through which Coxwell owned and operated the lodge, was also named as a defendant.

The defendants were represented by attorneys John D. Saxon of Birmingham and John Jay D. Saxon Jr. of the firm Baker Donelson. They could not be reached for comment following the verdict.
The SWAT team leader who fired on President Donald Trumps would-be assassin at last years campaign rally in Butler has spoken for the first time about the moment he took the ninth shot that slowed the gunman.

Aaron Zaliponi, an Army combat veteran turned sniper, recalled thinking: I just got you, as he struck Thomas Matthew Crooks with a bullet, slowing his salvo of gunshots that struck the president and killed one person in the crowd on July 13 last year at the Pennsylvania rally.

The 46-year-old, a police sergeant with the rural Adams Township who serves on the county SWAT team, is convinced that his single shot is what saved more lives that day, he told The Washington Post. He believes his bullet hit Crooks gun or the man himself, delaying more shots, before a Secret Service sniper delivered the fatal shot on the would-be assassin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials, including Butler Countys district attorney, the countys SWAT team commander and Congressman Clay Higgins, who investigated the assassination attempt, agree that the ninth shot stopped Crooks from firing again.

A bullet grazed Trumps ear as Secret Service agents bundled him to the ground after 20-year-old Crooks opened fire at the campaign rally. Two others were injured and one of his bullets killed rallygoer Corey Comperatore.

Zaliponi, a father of two, recollected standing in the open field about 115 yards away from Crooks, between him and the rally stage. There you are, Zaliponi recalled thinking as he spotted the gunman on the roof of a warehouse.

SWAT team leader Aaron Zaliponi is convinced that his single shot is what slowed the shooting that day and potentially saved more lives. He fired the ninth shot that delayed Thomas Matthew Crooks attack before he was killed by a Secret Service sniper, Zaliponi said. (Committee on Oversight/YouTube)

He took out his M4 SWAT rifle, aligned the red dot of its scope with the gunmans chin and fired just once.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Crooks jerked hard to the right and slumped over his weapon, Zaliponi told The Post. It wasnt like he was ducking or flinching. Something smacked him. Whether it was my round hitting the buttstock or the buttstock exploding in his face, I know I hit him.

Crooks didnt fire again.

The 6-foot-3 police sergeant revealed that he only ended up being posted in a red barn to the north of the rally stage because he lost a coin toss. His colleague won the coveted position of joining the federal counterassault team to stay close to Trump during the visit.

A bullet grazed Trumps ear as Secret Service agents bundled him to the ground after 20-year-old Crooks opened fire at the campaign rally. Two others were injured and one of his bullets killed rallygoer Corey Comperatore. (Getty Images)

As the crowd was restlessly waiting for the president to appear, a local officer pointed out Crooks as one of four people behaving suspiciously, Zaliponi recalled. Just keep an eye on him, Zaliponi said he told the officer. Let me know whats going on.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

About 20 minutes before Trump went onstage, an alert came over the radio about a young male lurking around the warehouses belonging to local business Agr International.

Police lost sight of Crooks and called in more officers to track him down, according to transcripts obtained by The Post.

Zaliponi and members of the SWAT team left their positions in the barn and looked towards the Agr building, he told The Post.

Male on the roof with a long gun, SWAT commander Ed Lenz urgently relayed over the radio.

Go, go, go, Zaliponi recalled ordering members of his counterassault team to race to the complex where Crooks was.

Zaliponi, a father of two, recollected standing in the open field about 115 yards away from Crooks (pictured), between him and the rally stage. There you are, Zaliponi recalled thinking, before he fired a single shot. (Pennsylvania DOT)

Technically, I should have gone with my team, he told the outlet. I dont know what it was, but something told me to stay there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zaliponi and his rifles red-dot sight had no magnification, making Crooks a challenging target, when he was spotted on the roof.

He aimed for Crookss chin, quickly evaluating that it would be better to risk missing low and hit his body than miss high. All this went through my head in a millisecond, Zaliponi said.

Zaliponi said he was 110 percent sure he made the shot after seeing Crooks jerk to the right and slump backward.

He kept his rifle pointed on the roofs peak before a Secret Service countersniper fired the shot that killed Crooks.

Despite his heroism, for weeks after the shooting, Zaliponi said he has flashbacks. He struggled with one regret. I wish I would have just looked up to the roof sooner, Zaliponi told The Post. Maybe everyones still here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the FBI said there was no forensic evidence that the ninth bullet hit Crooks or his rifle, others have credited Zaliponi for his actions that day.

Its very reasonable to say Aaron Zaliponi saved lives that day, GOP Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, told The Post. At the moment he needed to perform, he performed beautifully, and he has not been recognized enough for that.
Taylor Sanchez with her children near the wreckage of their home in Gavilan Trailer Park on July 10, 2025. The flooding from earlier in the week displaced several hundred people, necessitated 65 water rescues and resulted in the death of three people, according to Ruidoso officials. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

RUIDOSO  Taylor Sanchez was taking an afternoon nap on her day off Tuesday, when the dark waters surged in the Rio Ruidoso. A knock on the door from a Lincoln County Sheriffs Deputy woke her.

The officers came, they told me, Youve got to get out, its bad, its bad, she recounted near the twisted wreckage of her home in Gavilan trailer park, her 3-year-old son Noah on her hip, and his five-month-old brother burbling in his car seat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She followed their warnings, grabbed the dogs and picked up her children from daycare. She returned and watched from higher ground as the Rio Ruidoso broke its banks, filming as it swept up her neighbors homes and cars. Some of her neighbors needed further rescue. When the waters rose too high, she evacuated to Alamogorodo.

Miya Otero carries a bookcase out of the house she shared with her sister at the Gavilan Trailer Park on Thursday, July 10. Otero, who lived most of her life in Ruidoso, worries that the entire family may have to relocate somewhere else entirely. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

People pick through the wreckage from devastating floods on the Rio Ruidoso on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Forecasts anticipate further rains in the area, worrying local officials. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

Silt and debris from the July 8 floods in Ruidoso is piled seven feet high in some areas surroudning the Rio Ruidoso. Silt and debris removal projects will move forward as more rains are expected over the weekend, Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford told Source NM. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A car inside a home in the Gavilan Trailer Park in Ruidoso on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

Vehicles and possessions were caught in the debris left over from the deadly floodwaters which swept across Ruidoso on July 8. President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration on Thursday, July 10, opening up federal assistance, even as local worry about further flooding this weekend. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

Miya Otero takes a break from cleaning out the flooded remains as her young nephews watch a neighbor use a front loader to help dig out others in the Gavilan Trailer Park on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Danielle Prokop/ Source NM)

Rhiannon Sanchez and her children Ezarah and David return to their home for the first time since the July 8, 2025 floods, which destroyed dozens of homes. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The deadly flooding had displaced at least 300 people as of Thursday afternoon, according to Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also on Thursday announced President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration, freeing up some funds, but a full disaster declaration has not yet occurred, and the city does not have authorization for funds to pay for shelter, food and other necessities. The declaration covers Chaves, Lincoln, Otero and Valencia counties.

Were grateful that this approval will unlock funding needed for immediate disaster response, the states congressional delegation said in a statement, and we will continue to push President Trump to grant the states Major Disaster Declaration request to make sure that all New Mexicans impacted by this disaster are provided with the federal support necessary to rebuild.

Crawford told Source NM hes coordinating with the state for now: Were trying to find the money to try and find them hotels.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, much of officials focus remained on preparing for more flooding, with rains forecasted for Friday. Water service remained out for several neighborhoods, but power has been restored to much of the town. More than 600 people were without power during the floods, according to a PNM spokesman, and the utility lost 38 poles and more than 4,500 feet of lines. Only 10 people remained without power, which was expected to be restored late Thursday.

Crews pick up debris carried down the Rio Ruidoso to prevent further blockages and worsen flooding. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

Taylor, her two sisters and their mother returned for the first time on Thursday to see what could be salvaged from the two homes shared among the sisters. Neighbors joined on front loaders or picked through the wreckage.

Id rather lose my house, rather than our lives, said Rhiannon Sanchez, 25, who lived next door. She had been at a doctors appointment with her children on Tuesday. Now, a power pole jutted through the living room of the lilac trailer. Neighbors homes, marked with mud nearly to the rooftops, were sheared open, piled haphazardly on top of cars. Childrens toys, a painters kit, knitted blankets stripped into the black silt.

The cleanup poses its own dangers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The flood waters may have receded but there still may be hazards, said Chelsea Eastman Langer, bureau chief for the Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau at the New Mexico Department of Health.

Essentially, the flood waters usually have chemicals and debris, and if left standing in homes, will cause mold, she said in a statement. Private wells can also be severely damaged in floods, and well water should be tested after floods.

The young Sanchez children play next to their home destroyed in the July 8 Rio Ruidoso floods. New Mexico utility officials said crews were working to repair 38 poles and 4,500 feet of powerlines lost to the floodwaters. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

Rhiannon sifted through the mud in the home, looking for her ultrasounds, and packed away the ashes of their beloved dog. Her sister Miya Otero carried out a bookcase. Otero, a bartender at the Ruidoso Downs Casino and Racetrack, said her job and life were upended all at once.

The damage from Tuesdays floods caused officials to cancel the 2025 racing season Thursday, as Downs officials tally the damages, which compounded the damages the track suffered in the 2024 fires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Im not too sure if well stay in Ruidoso, unfortunately, Otero said. Weve lived here our whole lives, almost.

They wont rebuild their home, Patricia Sanchez said, even if it means losing the community they had for 15 years.

We worked our whole lives for what we have then from one day to the next, its all gone, Patricia Sanchez said. Now, were just here to pick up the pieces.
Neighbors in Atlantic Beach feel a little bit safer after their complaints got a suspected drug house shut down.

The Atlantic Beach Police Department said they obtained a search warrant for a house on Sailfish Drive after receiving complaints from the community. On June 28th, investigators said they entered the house and found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

William Oferrell was arrested along with his roommate, Conley Kirkland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Im not doing nothing. Im just trying to survive, Oferrell told Action News Jax.

Oferrell is charged with maintaining a drug dwelling, while Kirkland is charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Action News Jax asked Oferrell if he considered his house to be a drug house.

No, he said. I just rent rooms to them. I need money for rent, thats it. What people do is not my business.

Robert Schlenoff has lived in Atlantic Beach for the last 25 years. He says hes concerned to hear that that type of alleged activity is happening just up the road, but hes not surprised.

It just brings awareness to me that somethings happening so close to where Im at, said Schlenoff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Oferrell told Action News Jax he doesnt believe he is a public nuisance. Hes due in court later this month.

ABPD says the narcotics investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are likely on the way.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
DES MOINES, Iowa  A juvenile was injured in a shooting in Des Moines Thursday afternoon.

At around 4:40 p.m. officers with the Des Moines Police Department responded to the 1100 block of 10th Street on a report of gunfire heard in the area. According to the DMPD, as officers responded to the scene, a Des Moines hospital reported that an individual showed up at the emergency department with a gunshot wound at around the same time the shooting was reported.

Waveland Golf Course in Des Moines closes after IED found, DMPD says

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The DMPD said that the victim was a juvenile male and is expected to survive.

Evidence collected so far indicates that the shooting was targeted and that theres no indication of any ongoing danger to the neighborhood, according to police.

No additional information has been released.

Metro News:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Jul. 10GRAND FORKS  A new pup in training for the North Dakota Highway Patrol is seeing some popularity on social media since he joined the force in March. His stardom has earned him a photo in a nationwide cruiser calendar contest.

His handler, Trooper Nevon Heisler, said it's a good way of letting more people know about the man-trailing K-9 program the NDHP has at its disposal, led by bloodhounds.

"The best part about him is, he's bringing the knowledge of the bloodhound program way up," he said. "He definitely likes the attention."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

K-9 Gary, who just turned 6 months old on Monday, July 7, is a bloodhound puppy in training to be part of the man-trailing program. He is also now the star of a photo NDHP submitted to the "Best Looking Cruiser" contest held by the American Association of State Troopers. Patrols from across the 50 states submit photos of their cruisers, which are then voted on. The top 13 photos are placed in a calendar that can then be purchased from the association.

To Heisler's knowledge, North Dakota has never made it into the calendar, but Gary's appearance in the state's photo has already led to an influx of votes. In the photo, Gary sits beside Heisler's cruiser, posed on the University of North Dakota campus. North Dakota shot up to ninth place soon after voting began, and as of Tuesday, July 9, sits at the 15th spot with 5,048 votes. Voting closes the afternoon of July 11.

Heisler received Gary officially toward the end of March after picking him from a litter in Mississippi from a breeder, who usually breeds dogs for show, he said. NDHP tested the puppies on their fearlessness and independence, and immediately noticed Gary.

"He has to be very independent," he said. "We want a dog that wants to please us, but we also want a dog to say, 'no, this is where I'm supposed to go,' because it gets really hard in the trees and stuff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When he's ready, Gary will be used to trail both missing people and criminals who have fled. The trailing bloodhounds use specific, unique scents that fall off people's bodies, called "skin rafts," Heisler said. The dogs in the program can trail people days after they have passed through an area. Heisler has different commands that include smelling an object to pick the scent, trail and pause, among others. All his commands are spoken in Dutch, to ensure he doesn't repeat the words on a trail. Heisler covers about 50% of the state, focused on the west side. The two other bloodhounds cover the west.

Large-chested breeds like bloodhounds are chosen for their stamina on long trails, as well as for their smelling abilities and the long ears that help waft scents toward their noses. However, it will be a number of months before Gary is ready to begin his work officially.

"November, maybe, if we're lucky," Heisler said. "He's literally a baby. ... He gets into everything, just like a puppy."

Gary is still a puppy, he said, and is in the process of training. Some of that involves going on practice trails and exposing him to things like vehicles, bikes and four-wheelers to get him used to them, as bloodhounds are naturally skittish. Heisler said he likes taking Gary to different places, and names The Listen Center in Grand Forks as the best spot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I can go there any time I want," he said. "It's so hot out, he lays on their tile floor and they're just, like, mobbing him. ... He gets to see everyone in wheelchairs, you know, stuff that would spook him, you know?"

Heisler has been in the program since 2023, starting his career at the NDHP in 2014. He has previous experience with now-retired K9 Judge, and he said not many people realize the trailing program is available to them. He said Gary's social media presence has made the program more visible.

"We've had it in the highway patrol for 12, 13 years now and it's not well known," he said. "People would call after they exhaust everything. Seven days later, you know, you're stretching it."

The "Best Looking Cruiser" contest voting page is available at

www.statetroopers.org

.
Columnist Eric Thomas followed this weeks' reveal of Advanced Placement test results, where Kansans performed well with low participation efforts. (Eric Thomas illustration for Kansas Reflector)

What was the Smoot Talley Tariff Law? I asked this week.

Your response, dear reader, might be: Why were you wondering about that? And why couldnt you remember that its actually the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The occasion of my peculiar U.S. history question was this Mondays release of Advanced Placement scores to American high school students around the country. Students logged in to the College Boards website for the dramatic reveal.

For some, the score aimed to reflect what they knew about U.S. history  Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act and all.

Would they earn a 5, the highest possible score, and virtually guarantee themselves college credit? Would they earn a 3 and achieve the significant score that signifies passing the exam?

Or would they fall short, earning a score of 1? (This is where my Smoot Talley misremembering would have slotted my score these days.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to meaning loads to the students who completed the exams, I found this weeks results interesting for two reasons. First, because of how Kansas students have ranked low in their participation rates but recorded above-average scores.

And second, because I predict that artificial intelligence will shift our view of these exams and the knowledge they test.

(Eric Thomas illustration for Kansas Reflector)

Near the bottom

At the end of each school year, AP tests evaluate high school students for their subject knowledge on many typical high school topics: chemistry, physics, government, psychology and world languages like Spanish and German.

Many high schools offer AP courses as honors equivalents. Typically, the most rigorous teachers and the most dedicated students sign up for a year of prepping for the exams together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The College Board also provides AP Awards, celebrating ambitious students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Even more accomplished students can be named AP Scholars with Honor or AP Scholars with Distinction.

Even with these possible accolades, AP tests seem deeply unpopular in Kansas, as compared to other states.

For the high school class of 2024 (the most recent year with statewide data), the state of Kansas ranked last among all states in the percentage of students who participated in an AP exam. The nationwide average was 35.7% compared to the Kansas average of 15.5%.

Add to that the Kansas participation has trended downward, falling 1.7 percentage points between 2014 and 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, the exams continue to grow in popularity nationwide. For some exams, the number of test takers has increased 10-fold between 2002 and 2024. A few particular AP exams attract more than 300,000 high school students annually.

While the total number of test takers is not available yet for 2025, most states have shown growth during the previous 10 years.

When it comes to achieving that all-important score of 3, Kansas was also near the bottom in 2024. Nationwide, about 1 in 4 students earn a score of 3. In Kansas, just more than 1 in 10 student graduates earn that score. Thats 47th place among the 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

What is the cause for the participation gap when comparing Kansas to the country overall?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A report from Advanced Placement on course availability shows Kansas lagging. Nationwide, 48% of schools offer at least five AP classes. In Kansas? Only 18%. Schools with at least 10 AP courses are three times as likely elsewhere as compared to Kansas.

Many Midwestern states with low population density sit near the bottom of the nationwide lists for test participation and test scores, including Kansas, South Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Oklahoma.

Its difficult for schools to schedule multiple sections  both AP and regular history, for instance  if a small high school has only a handful of graduates each year.

Another possibility: Kansas educators need to nudge students more often toward AP courses and testing. Many tentative students need a bit of encouragement to believe they can do well in a challenging class.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last years AP results support this. The average Kansas score across all but one racial group was above the national average. So, Kansas students are scoring well, when they opt to try the exam.

AI vs. AP

As a college instructor, I am interested in how these AP subject exams will fare in the rising age of artificial intelligence. A key component of many of these exams is recall of vital subject matter, whether its the year the Confederates attacked Fort Sumter for U.S. history or the function of mitochondria in a cells structure for the biology exam.

As a former high school student who once took AP tests, I was bedeviled by the complexity of the questions. They were rarely simple recall questions. When I write exam questions today for my introductory course in journalism at the University of Kansas, I aim toward challenging, AP-style questions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So, AP knowledge is more than simple recall.

Nevertheless, who in 2025 isnt going to use artificial intelligence for a quick summary of the Teapot Dome Scandal? Even if you earned a 5 just a few months ago, youre likely to want that reassurance when AI and the internet team up to make it quick, free and easy.

Education Week pointed out that current artificial intelligence can pass almost any AP exam.

Because AI is prohibited from almost every exam on testing day, the exams are a knowledge laboratory  some might say a contrived laboratory.

The College Board is aware of this challenge from artificial intelligence, according to its CEO, David Coleman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In March, he said this to Education Week in a Q&A:

What we definitely are thinking about is, How can students skillfully use AI without replacing their own skills development? How can you use AI resourcefully and powerfully without it totally eclipsing what youre trying to get kids to learn? ()

I think that interplay is essential for advancement in the AI world. We always want the check and balance of what can you do with it and what can you do without it, to see what youre gaining separately from (the course).

In the face of my AI vs. AP skepticism, students nationwide seem to be performing as well this year as previous years. Comparing the nationwide scores from 2024 to 2025, you find that the percentage of students who earned a score of 3 or better held steady for most exams this year. In the short term at least, AI is not fouling their brains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In fact, the scores rose dramatically this year for a few exams  notably Physics I, Environmental Science and English Language & Composition.

Perhaps students are hearing the advice of their guidance counselors and parents who want them to use impeccable exam scores to polish their academic resumes for selective schools who value high scores on AP exams. After all, that is the top reason listed by Advanced Placement, which says taking the exam demonstrates your commitment to tackle and complete college-level work.

And if we worry about the effect AI is having on students writing skills, we should be encouraged by the number of students nationwide who earned high scores this year on the English Language and Composition exam.

Before this year, the percentage of students who earned 3 or better on the exam nationwide never eclipsed 63%. This year, 74% of students earned one of those valuable scores. Its difficult to imagine that AI tools are making students better writers when they dont have access to the tool.

Some might argue that the rise of AI  in addition to having the internet  makes it less vital that we have AP exams. Just the first few letters of bicameral typed into Google provides links galore. As students have asked for centuries, Why do we need to learn this stuff?

Or as 2025 graduates are asking, Why do we need to learn this stuff when the robots have our backs?

My heady, academic response is that having these facts about basic subjects on recall is still a vital part of being an informed person in the world. That is super flimsy to todays students, of course.

As educators in an age of AI, we must have a more convincing answer to their skepticism.

Heres a more honest, gritty response: Working diligently to master difficult subject matter is the skill. The hard work. The diligence. The organization of knowledge. The muddling through arcana.

(AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, anyone?)

The skill of intellectual grit has been the most important result of academic challenges, whether AP, honors or International Baccalaureate classes.

It seems likely, although not certain, that the same type of academic perseverance will remain a valuable trait, even in a world reordered by AI.

Eric Thomas teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Voters are bracing for a possible August vote on Democratic Jackson County Executive Frank Whites fate.

On Monday, July 7, the Jackson County, Missouri Legislature voted to put a recall of White on an August 26 ballot. However, the directors of the Jackson County Election Board have already said theyd rather this election be held in November as opposed to August. That would give them more time to prepare for it.

On the other hand, a lawsuit has already been filed by recall supporters saying that this issue should not have to go through the ordinance process, which allows White to veto it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jackson County recall election of Frank White could be delayed

White and County Counselor Bryan Covinsky would not do interviews with FOX4 on Thursday.

Wednesday, though, White released a statement saying theyll fight the lawsuit in court. Tuesday, Covinsky told FOX4 on camera he did not think the election boards would have enough time to get ready for a late summer election.

As County Executive, I take seriously my responsibility to uphold the Charter and protect the integrity of our local government, part of Whites statement read on Wednesday.

I look forward to presenting our case in a court of law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Monday, Chiefs President Mark Donovan said the organization is in active discussions with the Jackson County Legislature. He did not mention White, though. That day, he was also asked about the recall effort.

So, we havent had anything to do with that, nor do we want anything to do with that, Donovan replied.

They have their issues theyve got to work through. For us, its continuing the conversations with the people they put in front of us to have the conversations, and weve been able to do that and continue to do that.

Thursday, Park University Associate Professor of Political Science Matt Harris says he thinks there will be discussions in a courtroom about when a recall election takes place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Frank White vetoes ordinance that he says disqualifies seniors from tax credit program

A special election shall be held to consider recall of a county elected officer within sixty days after the petitions are filed, Article 14, Section 9 of the Jackson County Charter says.

The petitions were filed Monday, June 30, so an August 26 election would fit in that time frame.

I think there are legitimate questions about having that quick a turnaround just in terms of the process, Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Matt Harris said in an interview with FOX4 Thursday.

Getting the ballots printed, making sure that the election sites are available, all this kind of stuff. There will be legal wrangling, but I dont see how this does not happen at some point prior to the end of this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

White has until Thursday, July 17, to decide what hes going to do with the recall ordinance. The legislatures already set a meeting date of Friday, July 18, just in case they need to come in and override a White veto.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A man from Kansas City, Missouri, has been sentenced for fentanyl trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm, according to the United States Department of Justice.

According to the DOJ, 51-year-old Lawrence Andrews was sentenced in federal court to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Andrews pleaded guilty back in March of 2025 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Trial date set for accused Kansas City serial killer

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Court records show that on August 8, 2023, KCPD officers stopped Andrews in a vehicle and arrested him on a failure to appear warrant. Officers then searched the Andrews vehicle and found a firearm, fentanyl, PCP, cocaine and methamphetamine.

Andrews has prior felony convictions, including two for stealing, eight for possession of a controlled substance, drug trafficking and felony possession of a firearm.

KCPD and ATF investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Jennings is prosecuting the case.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Mickel Cherry, who entered a guilty plea to murdering Zoey Felix, 5, is scheduled to be sentenced next week in Shawnee County District Court. His attorney argues Cherry and Felix fell through the cracks of state foster care and court systems designed to protect them. The image is of a 2023 candlelight vigil in Topeka honoring child victims of homicide. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  An attorney representing Mickel Cherry in the rape and murder of a 5-year-old Topeka girl asserted in a court document Friday that Kansas child welfare agency and the Shawnee County District Attorneys Office missed opportunities to intervene and possibly save her life.

Cherry, a former Texas resident who entered a guilty plea last year to murder and sexual assault charges to avoid the death penalty, confessed to killing Zoey Felix in October 2023 at a tent encampment used by homeless people. Zoey was left in Cherrys care by the girls father while he was at work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Defense counsel Peter Conley, a state deputy capital defender, said in court documents that Felixs welfare was investigated seven separate times by the Kansas Department for Children and Families in the year before her death. After a DUI charge against the girls mother, Conley said, DCF informed District Attorney Mike Kagays office that evidence indicated Felixs mother engaged in abuse or neglect of the girl.

The district attorney eventually began child-in-need-of-care proceedings, but Felix died before the legal system advanced the case to a point where she could be placed in state custody and potentially placed in the foster care system. Instead of the promise of safety, Felix was strangled by Cherry, who had endured years of abuse from his mother before placed in the Texas foster care system from age 5 to 18.

Conleys filing on behalf of the 27-year-old Cherry says his client had to bear ultimate responsibility for raping and killing Felix, but the case raised important issues.

Kansas had multiple opportunities to protect her from the harm she endured, Conley wrote in the court document. While it is easy and tempting to place all the blame on Mickel Cherry, we must also confront a harder truth. The systems designed to protect children failed her. Not because they lacked authority, but because we have tolerated that failure. Our systems can save children. We must expect, and demand, that they do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said Felixs murder was entirely avoidable and that multiple moments of intervention were present that could have saved her.

A DCF spokesperson didnt respond to a request for comment about the defense attorneys court filing and the pending sentencing of Cherry.

Trainwreck of trauma

The document outlining DCFs involvement with Felix as well as Cherrys own life experience in foster care was filed by Conley in preparation for sentencing at a Shawnee County District Court hearing scheduled to start Monday. Cherry pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder and rape of a child in December.

Conley requested Cherry be ordered to serve two concurrent 25-year-to-life sentences in prison. In that were the result, Cherry wouldnt be eligible for release until after serving a quarter century behind bars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On behalf of the district attorneys office, Kagay recommended two life sentences for the murder and rape to be served consecutively. That would create a minimum 50-year term in prison before consideration of parole.

If released from the Kansas Department of Corrections in the future, Cherry would be subject to civil commitment at a state psychiatric hospital under Kansas laws applied to sexually violent predators.

Conleys supplement to the court record said it was an open secret that those (former foster) children, abused and neglected, become the majority of defendants and victims in our legal system. He said the Cherry case was a trainwreck of childhood trauma and institutional indifference.

He wrote that it was troubling a homeless and developmentally disabled Texan who spent much of his childhood in a foster care system that was ruled by the courts to be constitutionally inadequate and where rape, abuse, psychotropic medication and instability were the norm came to occupy a makeshift camp with Felix and her father.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He posed questions about how Felix, known to be chronically truant from preschool, found by police wandering Topeka streets, subject of multiple DCF investigations and on the district attorneys radar, fell through the cracks of a system that could have removed her from unsafe living conditions.

In September 2022, Conleys court document says, DCF received the first report concerning Felix residing with her mother, who was allegedly abusing drugs and the victim of domestic violence. DCF closed that case after the mother refused to participate in the states voluntary family preservation program. On a scale forecasting the lasting safety of a family, DCF gave Felixs home environment a nine on the 10-point scale with 10 reflecting confidence the problems were no more serious than those of a typical family.

Less than two months later, Topeka police were called to help locate Felix at 2:42 a.m. She was found at a house a block away. Law enforcement officers returned the girl to her mother and reported to DCF the mother could be neglecting Felix.

A Topeka school contacted DCF in November 2022 to report Felix had missed 25 days of school during the fall part of the academic year. The document filed by Conley said it wasnt clear if the school or DCF referred the truancy to the district attorneys office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Nov. 18, 2022, DCF was informed Felixs mother was arrested for DUI after a traffic accident in which Felix was sitting unbuckled in the front seat of the vehicle. Felix was placed in police protective custody until released to her father.

Case was closed

Despite four cases raising questions about Felixs well-being, Conleys filing said, DCF records didnt indicate whether the state agency sought to confirm the fathers ability to care for Felix.

In May 2023, DCF received a report that indicated Felixs father had been evicted from his home and the girl was back in the care of her mother, who had been released from jail on the DUI charge and placed on probation. At this point, in June 2023, DCF issued a finding of lack of supervision regarding Felix. That was apparently shared with the district attorneys office, but child-in-need-of-care proceedings werent immediately initiated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The district attorney subsequently launched that proceeding on Felixs behalf to determine whether she was abused, neglected or otherwise unsafe. DCF continued to give a score of nine out of 10 on the lasting safety scale applied to Felix, the court document said.

DCF was again notified in August 2023  two months before Felixs death  that the girl was living with her mother in a house without running water. The report said the girl didnt have shoes, was wearing the same clothes every day and was outside around the neighborhood for hours at a time.

DCF sent an investigator to the house seven times in September, but no one was ever home. The case was closed, Corley wrote in the court document.

In fact, he wrote, Felix was now relying on her father for parental care and was closer to falling victim to Cherry at the homeless camp.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Democrats are sending a strong warning to Kansans about the potential impacts of President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill.

However, many voters wonder if Kansas lawmakers can do anything to offset some of the cuts in the federal spending bill.

27 News spoke with a Kansas House Democrat. He told us that ideally, Democrats would like to pass legislation to protect those who rely on Medicaid as well as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But with a Republican supermajority in the Senate and House, Democrats will have a difficult time passing any legislation of their own. House Democrat Kirk Haskins believes theyll need to focus on impacting Republican-led legislation.

Kansas State assessment scoring may change for the first time since 2015

When you dont have the votes, the likelihood of pushing it out outright is really difficult, Haskins said. What we can do is be involved in the conversation, which is something I try to do. We can do this by, when were debating a bill on the House floor, look at amendments that might enhance or improve. Now, to get the supermajority to agree to that requires a lot of work.

Democrats are hoping to rally voters ahead of next years midterm elections. Their goal is to break the Republican supermajority in the House, something they havent done since 2010.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Kanye Ye West is facing more legal troubles.

Over a year after the Runaway musician was first sued by his former assistant Lauren Pisciotta for wrongful termination and sexual harassment, among other complaints, her attorneys filed a second amended complaint on July 8 with additional accusations, according to documents obtained by E! News.

Pisciottawho worked for West for a year and a half after being hired in July 2021accused him of a hostile work environment, assault, battery, sex trafficking, gender discrimination, stalking, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, as well as failure to prevent harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In her filing, the 36-year-old accused West of being a sexual abuser, sexual harasser, online bully, anti-Semite, bigot, and a misogynist who proudly boasts about being all these things.

Her attorneys argued that the rapper had presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as his employee that Pisciotta believed would further her ambitions and launch her career to new heights.

More from E! Online

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, according to the amended complaint, she said West made obscene comments about her body, demanding that she wear tight-fitted clothing, as well as groping her regularly and forcing her to watch Ye perform sexual acts with other women.

West was accused of falsely imprisoning Pisciotta when he knowingly locked her inside of his bedroom on an airplane with him, which her attorneys said resulted in her being confined to the room with Ye for a significant period of time  enough for Ye to masturbate until he fell asleep.

The complaint said that Pisciotta was allegedly expected to engage in sexting with West, was asked to join his sexual encounter repeatedly despite declining, and accused him of sexually assaulting her on one occasion. Her attorneys accused West of threatening her with termination if she did not follow his orders.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for Fast Company

Ye terrorized and dominated his employee, Ms. Pisciottas life for approximately two years, the document said, all under the pretense of offering serious career advancement opportunities in the music and fashion industry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her attorneys further alleged that even after being abruptly terminated in the fall of 2023, West continued to subjugate and intimidate Pisciotta through assault, battery, stalking and harassment. Pisciotta allegedly moved to Florida after the Gold Digger rapper moved into her Los Angeles apartment complex, placing her in fear for her safety.

Pisciotta is requesting general damages to be determined at trial, past and future earnings in an amount determined at trial, attorneys fees, punitive and exemplary damages and what relief the Court may deem proper.

E! News has reached out to Wests team and Pisciottas reps for comment and has not yet heard back.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
MAGA supporters want the White House to know they are not happy with Donald Trump.

In an attempt to fend off concerns that the presidents support was slipping, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X Thursday that Trumps reputation was that of a rare promise keeper, citing a report from the conservative Washington Examiner. But his base did not agree.

Why is the Trump administration protecting pedophiles? asked one user who self-identified as a Christian Nationalist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You say with a straight face after the lies about Epstein? Complete bogus, responded the official account for the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania.

Against the expertise of individuals who had worked on the case for decades, Attorney General Pam Bondi suggested in January that Jeffrey Epstein had maintained a client list, supercharging ideas and theories about which high-powered individuals could have been involved in the pedophilic sex traffickers crimes.

The administrations language changed abruptly on Monday, when the Justice Department posted a memo announcing that no such incriminating client list existed. That spurred accusations that at least one section of the government, either Bondi or the DOJ, had lied, and sparked anger amongst some members of Trumps base who had voted for him based on his repeated promises to unearth the details of the prolific pedophile ring.

But Trump has seemingly lost his gusto to make the details public: on Tuesday, the president said it was unbelievable that Americans were still talking about Epstein, and urged the public to move on, brushing off the case altogether. Trumps response only made QAnona large conspiracy network that so strongly believed Trump would uproot a global pedophile ring that they offered him messianic statusmore irate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His comments also turned some of the presidents most ardent and fanatical supporters against him, including Laura Loomer and Alex Jones. Conservative comedian Roseanne Barrwho twice supported Trumps political ambitionsasked the president via social media if there is a time to not care about child sex trafficking.

But Epstein wasnt the only source of frustration in Leavitts replies.

Yeah.. and gas is $2 a gallon. Stop gaslighting us! wrote far-right political activist Lauren Witzke.

Hes sending more money to Ukraine and failing to provide justice to Epsteins victims, while continuing to simp for war criminal Netanyahu. This is not what I voted for, wrote one user with a QAnon slogan in their bio.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt managed to unite many on the left and right alike on Thursday with a claim about President Donald Trump so over-the-top that neither side was buying it.

Leavitt shared a link on X to a USA Today column arguing that Trump is deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The text of Leavitts post on X was also the headline of the story: Trump deserves Nobel Peace Prize. Hes achieved more than those whove won before.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The column argued that Trumps attack on Iran last month stopped the nation from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Trump himself claimed the strike totally obliterated Irans facilities. Analysts have been more measured, saying the strikes may have only set Irans nuclear program back by a few months.

The column also credits Trump for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and notes that he is trying to broker one between Israel and Hamas as well.

Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he had nominated Trump for the honor.

The Nobel Peace Prize has been a sore spot for Trump for years. Hes complained repeatedly about not getting one, has griped that President Barack Obama has one, and insisted that he should have had four or five of them by now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But critics pointed out that Trump bombed Iran before the ceasefire, and that the United States has been providing Israel with weapons in its various offensives, among other reasons, Trump shouldnt get the prize.

They fired back on X:

Honey, I voted for him more times than you probably didand this is delusional and absurd.  Sean Ross Callaghan (@seanrcallaghan) July 10, 2025

He's not going to get the Peace Prize after refusing to rule out military force to take Greenland.



He's not going to get it while attacking the rule of law and ignoring court rulings in his home country.



He's not going to get it by building concentration camps in swamps and  Mr. Yellow  (@Gamboleer) July 11, 2025

Never gonna happen  Avatar  @backavatar on  (@BackAvatar) July 10, 2025

Its absolutely comical to suggest he deserves a peace prize after bombing another nation and making us pay for the massacre israel is undertaking.



Obama didnt deserve it and neither does he.



This admin has lost its collective mind. https://t.co/KnaZNJpOg7  Cassandra MacDonald (@CassandraRules) July 10, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump is closer to winning a Nobel Prize in Physics than to a Nobel Peace Prize, and he doesnt know a boson from a bozo.  Marc Van Ranst (@vanranstmarc) July 11, 2025

Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize for conflicts he never ended, solutions he never delivered, and lies he keeps repeating. He claimed he could stop the war in Ukrainehe didnt. He claimed he brought peace between Israel and Palestinehe didnt. He even took credit for resolving  Thomas St James (@Thomasstjames3) July 10, 2025

Anyone who protects pedophiles does not deserve a "peace prize."  Evan Kilgore  (@EvanAKilgore) July 10, 2025

I love that he's this frustrated over not getting it. He never will.  BluesBoyCanada (@ButlerLonney) July 11, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Are you testing out your comedy skills for a new career in stand-up?  HealthRanger (@HealthRanger) July 11, 2025

Sure, give him the Nobel.

Maybe next to Netanyahu for all that peace theyve brought to the Middle East.

The irony is almost poetic.   (@CriticerX) July 10, 2025

I dont think someone who is protecting pedophiles should get the Nobel Peace Prize.  Philip Anderson (@VoteHarrisOut) July 10, 2025

Press Secretary badly ratioed. How out of touch is @WhiteHouse? https://t.co/QCVvFnZF0B  Robert Barnes (@barnes_law) July 10, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He sets fires and outs them out occasionally. The argument is that he should get a prize for the times he puts them out. https://t.co/P4ivJdQAxD  Shirokane Choja (@ShirokaneChoja) July 10, 2025

Related...
What is the FBI doing? Since the start of the Trump administration, the FBI has ramped up their use of polygraphs, or lie-detector tests. Used in the past to suss out whether employees can be trusted with secret information, the FBI under Director Kash Patel has a new application for polygraphs: Sniffing out whether employees have ever said anything mean about their boss, the controversial right-wing figure himself.

"The use of the polygraph, and the nature of the questioning, is part of the F.B.I.'s broader crackdown on news leaks, reflecting, to a degree, Mr. Patel's acute awareness of how he is publicly portrayed," reports The New York Times. "The moves, former bureau officials say, are politically charged and highly inappropriate, underscoring what they describe as an alarming quest for fealty at the F.B.I., where there is little tolerance for dissent. Disparaging Mr. Patel or his deputy, Dan Bongino, former officials say, could cost people their job."

Lie detectors, of course, are regarded as junk science, so it's a little insane that the FBI deploys them to the degree it does in the first place. But it's especially wild that they're trying to use them to sniff out who is loyal to top officials vs. who feels allegiance to the Constitution and to defending the laws of this country, which is really what these agents ought to be concerned with. (Regardless, lie detectors won't be able to get them very far on either front.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tariff whiplash: Yesterday's Roundup tackled President Donald Trump's trade war with Brazil. Today, I bring you fresh insanity: Trump has threatened Canada with a 35 percent tariff to be imposed on August 1an escalation from the current 25 percent he's already imposed for anything that doesn't fall under the terms of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. "Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, which cause unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States," said Trump on Truth Social, changing his argument from "Canada needs to stop bringing fentanyl into our borders" to "Canada in some way exploits us with (unspecified) unfair trade practices."

"If for any reason, you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 35% that we charge," warned Trump in a letter addressed to Canada's prime minister. Then, oddly, the letter's kicker deals with fentanyl again, letting the Canadian government know that if the border is made more secure, tariff levels will be tweaked again in their favor.

These two itemsthe Canada tariffs and the Patel loyalty polygraphsare but two small examples of what appears to be the Trump administration's second-term ethos: Arbitrary displays of muscle not grounded in cogent arguments, and not really oriented toward delivering for the American people.

Scenes from New York: THE SHARKS ARE OUT IN FULL FORCE! They're ruining surfing in New York City (a beach town). I partially recant my earlier-in-the-week hypothesizing that an increase in the fleet of drones was possibly leading to an increase in shark sightings and that city policy pulling people out of the water is dumb. I was about to surf yesterday and ran into my neighbors, who said a big-ass shark had been maybe 8 feet away from them in the water; they immediately stopped surfing and hightailed it to shore. This is more anecdote than data, but it really does seem like there's been an increase in shark activity, from both police and fire department drone reports and on-the-ground reports from shaken-up surfers. Sorry to the haters, but I'm staying OUT of the water for a few days!

QUICK HITS

How AI-powered scanners are making it so that rental car companies can charge customers for every single minor scratch or ding sustained.

"State Senator Angela Paxton of Texas, the wife of the state attorney general, Ken Paxton, announced on Thursday that she had filed for divorce, saying she made her decision 'on biblical grounds' and 'in light of recent discoveries,'" reports The New York Times. Mrs. Paxton claims that her husband has committed adultery, and that they have been living separately for more than a year. This might shake up Texas politics to a fairly substantial degree: Mr. Paxton, a Republican, has mounted a primary challenge to Sen. John Cornyn (RTexas), in which Paxton has repeatedly questioned Cornyn's conservative bona fides.

"The Department of Homeland Security is urging local police to consider a wide range of protest activity as violent tactics, including mundane acts like riding a bike or livestreaming a police encounter," per information obtained by Wired. "Protesters on bicycles, skateboards, or even 'on foot' are framed as potential 'scouts' conducting reconnaissance or searching for 'items to be used as weapons.' Livestreaming is listed alongside 'doxxing' as a 'tactic' for 'threatening' police. Online posters are cast as ideological recruitersor as participants in 'surveillance sharing.'"

"Vietnam's leadership was caught off guard by US President Donald Trump's announcement last week that it agreed to a 20% tariff, and the Southeast Asian nation is still seeking to lower the rate, according to people familiar with the matter," reports Bloomberg. "Straight after last Wednesday's call with Trump, Vietnam's party chief To Lam told his negotiating team to keep working to bring the tariff rate down, the people said, asking not to be identified as the talks are confidential. The 20% figure came as a surprise as Vietnam believed it had secured a more favorable tariff range, the people said."

This takewhich is attracting lots of ire onlineraises another interesting question: Have vet prices absolutely skyrocketed over the years? Why is this? "As household pets have risen in statusfrom mere animals to bona fide family membersso, too, has owners' willingness to spend money to ensure their well-being. Big-money investors have noticed," writes Helaine Olen for The Atlantic. ("One vet, who worked for an emergency-services practice that, they said, raised prices by 20 percent in 2022, told me, 'I almost got to the point where I was ashamed to tell people what the estimate was for things because it was so insanely high.'") More on the explosion in veterinary care prices over the last decade here. As someone who is spiritually Gen X and not millennial (the generation most likely to call animals "fur babies"), I have no problem with Caitlin Francis' coldness in the tweet below, but am mostly just fascinated by the dynamics that got us here.

My extremely unpopular opinion is that once a pet costs over $500-1000 it's time to put them to sleep https://t.co/Tyh5VEDjQI  Caitlin Francis (@MrsCMFrancis) July 10, 2025

The post The Kash Patel Loyalty Test appeared first on Reason.com.
FBI Director Kash Patel is making bureau staff take polygraph tests to root out anyone whos been talking trash about him, according to a report.

Patel has ramped up the FBIs use of the lie-detector testsoften deemed too unreliable to use as evidence in criminal courtsin order to keep tabs on his own people and stamp out leaks.

But according to The New York Times, senior officials and agents are also being strapped to the machine and grilled on whether theyve cast aspersions or said anything negative about Patel and his leadership.

Kash Patel is seemingly becoming less trusting of his own FBI staff as the Bureaus polygraph test usage increases. / Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The aggressive use of polygraphs is fueling an increasingly distrustful atmosphere inside the FBI under Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, which has already been rocked by mass layoffs and the targeting of agents involved in criminal cases linked to President Donald Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Agents have expressed concerns that they are at risk of losing their jobs if found to have said anything even remotely critical about Patel or Bongino.

An FBI employees loyalty is to the Constitution, not to the director or deputy director, former veteran FBI agent James Davidson told the Times. It says everything about Patels weak constitution that this is even on his radar.

Dozens of FBI officials have reportedly been subjected to polygraphs under Patels leadership, though its unclear how many were interrogated specifically about bad-mouthing the boss.

Agents said being disparaging to FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino could also cost them their job. / hillip Faraone/Getty Images for Politicon

One employee who was put on administrative leave during the Trump-era purge was brought back just to be grilled on the polygraph. Others were forced to take the test as Patel tried to find who leaked a story to the press that he wanted a service weapon, despite not being an agent working in the field, according to the Times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One top FBI agent, Michael Feinberg, who worked the field office in Norfolk, Virginia, resigned after he was threatened with a polygraph test over his friendship with Peter Strzok, a counterintelligence official who was fired from the Bureau after sending disparaging text messages about Trump.

Strzok, who played a major role in the FBIs probe into whether Trumps team conspired with Russia to intervene in the 2016 election, was among Patels notorious deep state enemies list that appeared in his 2023 book, Government Gangsters.

In a July 3 post on the Lawfare blog, Feinberg said he would have been expected to grovel, beg forgiveness, and pledge loyalty as part of the FBIs cultural revolution brought about by Patel and Bongino during his polygraph test.

While inadmissible in court, federal security agencies often use polygraph tests for internal investigations and during the security clearance process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Times, citing unnamed sources, said the rampant increase in polygraph tests is the latest example of the FBI becoming more vindictive and extreme, with officials becoming less trusting of each other as certain factions within the Bureau have embraced snitching.

The FBI declined to comment to the Times, citing personnel matters and internal deliberations. The Bureau did not immediately respond to a request for further comment from the Daily Beast.
KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw city leaders are considering a plan to ease penalties for low-level marijuana possession.

What we know

According to the Marietta Daily Journal, the Kennesaw City Council recently voted to move forward with a proposal to decriminalize possession of one ounce or less of marijuana. The measure would reduce fines and lower the potential for jail time associated with misdemeanor charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If the policy is approved by the council, it would still require a public vote before it could be officially added to the city charter.

The proposal reflects a growing trend across Georgia municipalities to reconsider enforcement of minor marijuana offenses.

Dig deeper

Aside from a limited medical marijuana program, Georgia continues to criminalize marijuana for recreational use.

Possession of less than one ounce is a misdemeanor, while one ounce or more is considered a felony. Georgia remains one of the most restrictive states in the U.S. when it comes to marijuana lawsstricter than all but five other states (South Carolina, Tennessee, Idaho, Wyoming, and Kansas).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Decriminalization acts to reduce penaltiesmainly removing jail time and imposing smaller finesfor small amounts within each jurisdiction.

Georgia Cities and Counties with Decriminalization Measures (Source: NORML.org)

Atlanta  Ordinance passed in October 2017. Jail eliminated; $75 fine for up to 1 oz

AthensClarke County  Ordinance passed August 2022. No jail; $35 fine

Augusta  Ordinance passed August 2019. No jail; $150 first-offense fine

Chamblee  Ordinance passed September 2019. No jail; $75 first offense

Clarkston  Resolution passed July 2016. No jail; $75 fine

East Point  Ordinance passed December 2023. No jail; $75 fine or community service

Forest Park  Ordinance passed July 2018. No jail; $100 first, $300 repeat

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fulton County (unincorporated)  Resolution passed June 2018. No jail; $75 fine

Kingsland  Ordinance passed 2018. No jail; $150 fine

MaconBibb County  Ordinance passed 2019. No jail; $75 fine

Savannah  Resolution passed March 2018. No jail; $150 fine

South Fulton  Resolution passed March 2018. No jail; $150 fine

Statesboro  Ordinance passed December 2018. No jail; $500 fine

Stonecrest  Ordinance passed August 2022. No jail; $100 fine

Tybee Island  Ordinance passed 2021. No jail; $150 fine

RELATED STORIES
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  On Thursday, Kentuckys top prosecutor called on Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentuckys Council on Postsecondary Education to follow federal law.

Attorney General Coleman wants the council and the governor to change a policy, he said, that allows immigrants lacking permanent legal status to access in-state tuition, which violates federal law.

Federal law is clearillegal immigrants are not eligible for special educational benefits that are kept from American citizens. If the CPE and Governor Beshear want to continue ignoring federal law, I fully expect them to lose in court. We hope the CPE will take our advice, withdraw their unlawful policy, and refocus on helping Kentucky students reach for their full potential, Coleman said.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a letter to the council, Coleman said the policy is preempted by federal law, and it must be withdrawn.

Federal law expressly bars any illegal immigrant from eligibility for postsecondary education benefits, like instate tuition, unless the same benefits are offered to every U.S. citizen, Colemans office said in a news release.

Last month, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Governor Beshear and CPE.

The full letter can be read here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MONTICELLO, Ky. (FOX 56)  Wayne County deputies spent the late hours of Thursday night into the early hours of Friday morning investigating after a man allegedly tried to steal a hospital ambulance before taking several other vehicles.

The Wayne County Sheriffs Office (WCSO) announced on social media that the events began around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, when deputies were told that Anthony Dykes, 44, of Monticello, had allegedly tried to steal an ambulance but was unable to and took a black Ford Fusion and drove away.

Kentucky teen accused of repeatedly shooting man for being shorted weed

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sheriffs office wrote that about 15 minutes after they were called, deputies were sent to a residence on OP Link Road in response to reports that a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck in the area had been stolen.

When deputies arrived at the residence, the victims said Dykes had asked to use their phone before he allegedly stole the pickup truck. After the conversation, the black Ford Fusion that had been taken from the hospital parking lot was found nearby, per the WCSO.

Around 12:15 a.m. on Friday, July 11, authorities said deputies had been dispatched to a residence on East KY 790 after getting a call about a man who came to the door asking for money before trying to pull the handle of a locked pickup truck in the area.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they were flagged down by a man who reported that another man had stopped to help Dykes, who had reportedly crashed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The man told deputies that Dykes allegedly got in a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban he had been driving and allegedly drove off, turned around, and tried to hit him.

According to the WCSOs Facebook post, officers with the Monticello Police Department were able to find Dykes on Thursday, walking down West Columbia Avenue.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Just after 2:20 a.m. on Thursday, court documents show that Dykes was arrested and charged with:

Three counts of theft by unlawful takingmore than $10,000 but less than $1,000,000

Attempted murder

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center.

Authorities said the stolen Suburban was later found behind the Monticello Wayne County Museum in the parking lot, and the 2003 Silverado pickup truck was found in a gully on East KY 190 near Liberty Cemetery Road.

The theft investigation remains ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Congressional Republicans are looking to take a second bite of the apple with a big, beautiful bill 2.0 in the fall, but fiscal hawks are skeptical that a second bill would provide the steep cuts they are looking for.

President Donald Trumps major tax and spending bill was signed into law on July 4, and members in both the House and the Senate are already discussing what they could put into a second or even third reconciliation bill. However, fiscal hawks are already signaling doubts over whether another megabill would provide the steep cuts they seek.

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX), who would play a key role in drafting a second or third bill, said on a call with reporters this week that while he believes there are opportunities to find savings, how much can be cut through reconciliation could be a problem.

I think there are still reforms that we could include that would save money, that are efficiency related, waste and fraud related, that don't restructure or cut into the program, Arrington said.

The chairman continued, I don't have a lot of hope that it will be a significant amount of savings, just because I think we maxed out a big chunk of that in this process, that's why we pushed so hard, but also there are future rescission opportunities, there is this fiscal 2026.

Spending cuts are certain to be a flashpoint in any future reconciliation bill crafted by Republicans. Deficit-leery Republicans pushed heavily for steep cuts to government spending during the first reconciliation battle before reluctantly coming around after many hours of deliberation with the White House.

However, some fiscal hawks aren't convinced that anything would change with a second bill.

I'd like to see Congress grow a spine, I'm not so sure that's going to happen, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) told the Washington Examiner. What will change things between the last bill and the next bill?"

Paul and fellow Kentuckian Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) were among those who did not vote for the first spending bill.

A GOP House lawmaker told the Washington Examiner that the "only reason to have a second reconciliation bill is if well be serious about more spending restraint and reforms."

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said on Fox News Sunday that he was eyeing two reconciliation bills before this session of Congress ends in 2026, one in the fall and one possibly in the spring next year.

Johnson's ambitious timeline comes after GOP leadership in both chambers had to expend significant political capital and time to get members on board for the first megabill, even calling in the White House to get it over the finish line.

The president and his aides played a major role in getting the original legislation across the finish line, holding many meetings with holdouts from both sides of the conference. Trump made calls to Capitol Hill throughout the process, and aides remained at the Capitol for many hours leading up to final passage.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) said another budget bill would hinge on what the White House wants.

"So, if the president wants one, he has something definite that he wants to do with it, then maybe. But I think it really depends on him, otherwise I doubt it, Hawley said. "If the president doesn't say 'I want this' and 'here's what I want in it,' then I kind of have a hard time seeing it."

Reconciliation is a budget process that allows the GOP to quickly implement President Donald Trumps policies on taxes, the border, and national security by bypassing the Senates 60-vote threshold by passing the bill with a simple majority.

Since Trump took office, GOP leadership in both chambers has been working closely with members of their caucus to ensure passage of the bill. Conservatives concerned about spending put up a fight on key areas such as Medicaid cuts before they reluctantly came around after many hours of deliberating with the White House.

Featured Local Savings

I think we stretched this rubber band pretty tight between moderates and conservative budget hawks, there will be opportunities in the future, at least two that I can think of, to have another reconciliation item, Arrington said.

A second reconciliation process would likely need to include major cuts, which may not be feasible, to get the right flank of the party on board.

Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) told the Washington Examiner he is in the camp of we need to do less spending if a second bill comes to fruition. While agreeing with Arrington on the first process, while it was stretched thin, I think everybody feels good about the bill.

Even after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the deficit is still a major concern for these members.

"I would like to look at more reductions in spending and look at more changes to the tax code, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) told the Washington Examiner. And I would like to see us try to draft a bill this time that, to the greatest extent possible, is something that reflects sound policy, as opposed to bribes to members of Congress to vote for something.

Here's one of the things I learned in the last reconciliation. In the real world, pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered. Except in the United States Senate, pigs just get fatter," he said.

Arrington lined up some items that he could see being considered in this second bill, even though he doesn't see large opportunities for cuts, citing certain removed provisions.

There were a few things that come to mind, but there may be a longer list of things that were kicked out by the Senate parliamentarian as a noncompliant rule, he said.

Through this budget process, the Senate parliamentarian reviews the bill line by line to remove provisions extraneous to the budget process to abide by a reconciliation requirement known as the Byrd Rule. The process stripped many provisions popular among fiscal hawks, but many key GOP provisions remained, such as work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients.

While the Senate worked to configure language to preserve the original provisions, many of them were stripped from the bill. Arrington remained confident that they could work to restore more priorities left out by the Byrd Rule.

The budget chairman cited two key Medicaid provisions that were stripped from the bill, the banning of the use of Medicaid funds for gender-transition treatments for minors and adults, and barring illegal immigrants from qualifying for benefits, as examples.

I think we should make another run at that and look for ways to structure the provisions, so that they are more fundamentally budgetary and impacted policy, and I suspect that's why they were kicked out, Arrington said.

DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS RACE TO DEFINE THE 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' TO VOTERS

Meanwhile, some members are looking for savings through other facets, noting that if a second reconciliation bill is in the cards, there would need to be a large clawback on spending.

Possible options could include executive action and rescission packages. A rescission bill is a proposal by the president to rescind previously appropriated funding.

Rachel Schilke contributed to the article.
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Escaping to another world is what it feels like when looking through the lenses. Some of Kentuckys children are getting this feeling while learning more about what life after school could look like.

In thinking about that, you want to ensure that theres engagement, and what speaks to todays youth? Technology, so we looked into the virtual reality world, Gretta Hylton, associate commissioner in the Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) at the Kentucky Department of Education, said.

Since 2022, more than 2,000 virtual reality headsets have made their way into classrooms and into the hands of students with disabilities. It is a hands-on way to learn about work in various careers, whether that be in the hospital or a 911 dispatch center. It exposes students to new opportunities they could have only experienced on field trips before.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Starting this school year, students will get to explore what it is like to work at Kentucky-based businesses.

Read more of the latest Kentucky Derby news

Its going to help promote students working in Kentucky and really finding employers that match and employment opportunities that match their interests and preferences, said Jason Wheatley, transition education director.

Three Kentucky companies partnered with the project: Cleary Construction, Ingram Barge Company, and Conley Bottom Resort.

Students learn, interact, and eventually discuss the content, bringing them one step closer to discovering a career fit for them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hylton said it is important to find ways to help students understand that there are opportunities in secondary education.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

You know, to expose kids to careers that were available to them so that they realized and could see themselves as being part of the workforce, she said.

KDE said students in all grades are benefiting from the technology and hopes over time, it will be integrated into even more classrooms.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentuckys State Capitol building is well over a century old and is starting to show its age. The first full-scale renovation happening to the building in over 70 years is set to begin its next phase next month.

For the most part, I think probably 80% of the building is unoccupied, and there is no furniture, Sen. Robert Stivers told reporters during a tour of temporary legislative chambers.

For those who frequent Frankfort, theres no doubt theyve taken notice of many changes to the Capitol campus over the past year. While renovation work started on the Capitol dome in early 2022, now the entire interior is prepped, ready, and emptied for a nearly $300 million update.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Longest-serving Franklin County sheriff, former judge executive, passes away

The renovation team will upgrade the buildings infrastructure add new safety features like automatic sprinklers, and safer emergency routes out of the building, make the building more accessible for those with disabilities, project manager Donna Farmer said at Thursdays Team Kentucky briefing.

Farmer said the building will close to visitors at the end of August. The floral clock, memorials, and Capitol Avenue green spaces will still be accessible. She anticipates reopening in 2029, but every branch is prepared for that timeline to potentially be a little longer.

You get in there and find out things you didnt know, you couldnt see, Stivers said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For the legislative branch, an entire temporary structure was put together over the past year for the House and Senate to conduct their business. Much of the furniture, like the lawmakers desks in each chamber, has already arrived in the new space.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

The governors office is going to be housed both in the old governors mansion and in the state office building thats across the street, Gov. Andy Beshear said, noting that temporary locations are also set for the judicial branch and the secretary of states office as well.

Beshear said the administration is also working to prepare a space on Capitol grounds for events typically held in the rotunda that will be available for groups to sign up for.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Hundreds of mourners have attended the funeral of a Kenyan mask vendor killed by police, as opposition leaders demanded the resignation of President William Ruto over comments he made sanctioning the use of violence in recent protests.

The funeral of 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki, shot at point-blank range by an officer in riot gear during a rally against police brutality on June 17, took place Friday in his hometown of Kangema, some 100km (60 miles) northeast of Nairobi.

Kariuki, who died later in hospital, was selling masks at the rally. He is one of more than 100 people who have been killed across Kenya since last year, as police crack down on waves of protests. The demonstrations were initially sparked by proposed tax rises in 2024, but they reignited last month after the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The shooting of Kariuki was captured on film and shared widely across social media, highlighting police brutality in the country and galvanising anger towards a government many Kenyans see as corrupt and unaccountable.

We are in sorrow, said Edwin Kagia, 24, Kariukis friend and fellow vendor. I used to hear that police kill people, but I could not imagine it would happen to my brother.

Reporting from Kakuma in northern Kenya, Al Jazeeras Catherine Soi said: People are very angry about what is happening in Kenya. Theres a lot of impunity. They say theres bad governance and police brutality is just on another level.

Young Kenyans chant anti-government slogans as they carry the coffin of Boniface Kariuki during his funeral in Kangema, on July 11, 2025 [Luis Tato/ AFP]

President under pressure

Amid the grief over the vendors death, President Ruto came under increasing pressure to step down, two days after he called for police to shoot and break the legs of people found looting or damaging property during protests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Opposition figure Kalonzo Musyoka said the presidents order was against the constitution and that he should resign or be impeached.

Human rights groups have called for restraint among police, as it emerged that more than 50 people were killed in two major demonstrations this year, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Al Jazeeras Soi said there had also been a spate of abductions.

Kenyans are quite angry  because police officers are here to help Kenyans and to protect Kenyans, but that is not happening, she said.

Four police officers are currently facing murder charges over the recent deaths of protesters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Three officers were last month charged with the death of blogger Ojwang after a postmortem report stated that his injuries were not self-inflicted, as alleged by police.

On Thursday, an officer was charged with Kariukis murder. A plea hearing for the officer is set for July 28.

Several mothers of the young people who have been killed in protests since last year were present at the vendors burial.





Meanwhile, Kenya swore in a group of top electoral officials on Friday, hours after their approval by Ruto, following months of legal wrangling.

The appointment of a new chairman and six commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission fills essential positions that had long been left vacant in a country with a long history of contentious and often violent elections.

The appointments were delayed by legal petitions from activists questioning the qualifications, integrity, relevance and meritocracy of the candidates, according to the High Court ruling that dismissed their case. The appointees will serve for six years.
GITHUNGURI, Kenya (AP)  Kenyas opposition leaders demanded the presidents resignation over his call for police to shoot those found stealing or burning property during protests, as mourners on Friday attended the burial of a Kenyan civilian who was shot at close range by a police officer during a recent demonstration.

Opposition figure Kalonzo Musyoka said the presidents order was against the constitution and that he should resign or be impeached.

President William Ruto said on Wednesday that he would not allow anarchy in the country disguised as peaceful demonstrations, and called for police to shoot and break the legs of those found looting or damaging property during protests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Human rights groups have called for restraint among police officers as waves of protests have rocked Kenya in recent weeks. More than 50 people have died in the two major demonstrations, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

The unrest began when the death of a blogger in police custody last month angered many Kenyans, and tensions heightened after the shooting of the civilian, Boniface Kariuki.

Kariuki was selling face masks to protesters during an anti-police brutality demonstration on June 17 when two officers appeared to confront him and shot him in the head as he walked away.

On Thursday, an officer was charged with his murder. A plea hearing for the officer is set for July 28.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thousands turned out for protests on June 25, which coincided with the one-year anniversary of huge anti-tax protests.

At Kariukis burial in Githunguri, Muranga county, his body arrived in a white coffin draped with a Kenyan flag and a photo showing the moment he was shot was placed next to it. Young people danced around the coffin while waving a Kenyan flag.

No uniformed police officers were observed at the burial venue, but antiriot police remained deployed around Muranga town.

Muranga County Governor Irungu Kangata said local leaders would ensure justice is served.

The government must take responsibility for the killing of Boniface, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Several mothers of the more than 100 young people who have died in protests since last years anti-tax demonstrations were present at the burial.

Four police officers are currently in custody over the recent deaths of young people and are facing murder charges in court.

Three officers were last month charged with the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody. Police had said he died after repeatedly banging his head on a wall, but a postmortem report stated that the injuries were not self-inflicted.

Another officer, Klinzy Barasa, on Thursday appeared in court where prosecution approved murder charges against him. He is expected to submit a plea on July 28.

-

Musambi reported from Nairobi, Kenya
Kenyas President William Ruto ordered police to shoot anti-government demonstrators, as ongoing unrest marks his biggest challenge to date.

Dont kill them, but ensure their legs are broken, he said, vowing to protect businesses from the ongoing protests that have hit the economy.

Kenyas biggest cities have been roiled for days by protesters demonstrating against stagnating growth, soaring inequality, and police brutality. A crackdown over the past week has killed dozens, while hundreds have been arrested.

On Thursday, a police officer was charged with murder over the death of a man shot during a protest last month.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  While Kerr County officials say they didnt know how bad the July 4 flooding would be, it warned residents nearly eight years ago to be flood aware about the ongoing potential for monstrous and devastating flash floods.

Be Flood Aware video uploaded to Kerrville YouTube page on Sept. 7, 2017 (Courtesy City of Kerrville)

The topography is favorable for water to not just stagnate but to rush down rivers, creeks and streams, said Cary Burgess, a Hill Country meteorologist. If you get three or four inches of rain at one time, that could be a real serious problem.

Kerr County received as much as three to four times that, according to reports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In September 2017, the Upper Guadalupe River Authority sounded the alarm in an online video produced with Kerr County and the city of Kerrville warning about the dangers of flash floods and its historical precedent posted to YouTube.

The video notes Kerr County, and Central Texas, are the most flash flood prone area in the United States by the National Weather Service, often referred to as Flash Flood Alley due to its steep terrain and shallow soil.

As Kerr County leaders avoid alert questions, new audio surfaces in CodeRED timeline

Our area has a history of monstrous and devastating flash floods, the video said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Like a historic flood in August 1978 that killed at least nine people and another flood in July 1987 that killed 10.

It rained about 15 inches in a matter of three hours, Burgess said.

Archive newspaper from the 1978 flood included in the Be Flood Aware (Courtesy City of Kerrville)

In 2016, officials discussed flood warning sirens. According to Kerr County Commissioners Court meeting minutes, one commissioner said at the time: The thought of beautiful Kerr County having these damn sirens going off in the middle of the night, Im going to have to start drinking again to put up with yall.

In 2018, the countys request for a $1 million grant for a new flood warning system was rejected. So far, Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator William B. Dub Thomas has not said what actions were taken after the first flood alerts came in a week ago. In the 2017 online video, he said it was up to residents to heed the warnings  like not driving across flooded roads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its all about personal accountability, Thomas said. Youre responsible for your life, your familys life, the lives of your children.

On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the creation of House and Senate Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. Lawmakers will look at flood warning systems, emergency communications and relief funding during the upcoming special session.

In the coming year, and into the next regular legislative session, Patrick said, we will gather all the facts and answer the many questions to which the public demands answers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
For KET, the annual Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant is essential and part of what has traditionally been an effective and efficient funding mix. If that were to go away, the impact on KET  and those we serve  would be enormous, writes Shae Hopkins.

Over 60 years ago, KET was founded so every Kentuckian, no matter their circumstance, would have access to quality educational programs and services. The mission to enrich lives and build stronger communities by informing, inspiring and connecting remains the cornerstone of this Kentucky institution.

On June 12, the House of Representatives passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, which would eliminate all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, reversing funding already appropriated by Congress. Under a July 18 deadline, the Senate is now considering the proposal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, the impact of the Rescissions Act isnt about Washington, D.C. or even KET.

Its about the loss of programs and services that more than 2 million people depend on each week, including parents, students, teachers, first responders and others.

For KET, the annual CPB grant is essential and part of what has traditionally been an effective and efficient funding mix. If that were to go away, the impact on KET  and those we serve  would be enormous.

Generations of Kentuckians know KET by our positive and trusted early childhood programs such as Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger and many more designed to help develop vocabulary and math skills and prepare children for school and life. For some its their only early learning provider.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Teachers and families count on KETs high-quality educational resources available free of charge and serving K-12 and beyond.

People from one end of Kentucky to the other depend on KET as their source for in-depth information about our state, from all the wonderful aspects worth celebrating to the challenges we must face together.

Providing live, unfiltered coverage of the Kentucky General Assembly and Kentucky Supreme Court serves to keep an informed and connected citizenry.

And KET helps keep Kentuckians safe. Through our 15-tower network, KET provides a reliable infrastructure for public safety emergency communications and warnings about severe weather, tornadoes, flooding and other emergencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The loss of federal funding (about 96 cents per person) would dramatically change KETs operations and ability to produce uniquely Kentucky-centric programs and services on which so many depend. A Kentucky asset, built over decades through the investment and support of Kentuckians, KET is a treasure that needs your support.

About the author

Shae Hopkins is the executive director of KET, Kentuckys statewide media network, reaching into eight states and across 10 media markets. A 39-year veteran of KET, Hopkins has led the public broadcasting network for 15 years.
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is having trouble getting sleep.

During a Q&A session at the Indianapolis Bar Association on Thursday, moderator and U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson asked Jackson what keeps her up at night.

I would say the state of our democracy, Jackson replied before the crowd burst into applause, according to The New York Times.

I am really very interested in getting people to focus and to invest and to pay attention to what is happening in our country and in our government, she added.

Ketani Brown Jacksonpictured alongside fellow female Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kaganhas issued a series of bitter dissents along with the Court's two other liberal justices. / Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States via Getty Images

Jackson, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, has issued a series of pointed dissents over the Courts previous term, lambasting her conservative colleagues on rulings having to do with everything from executive power to immigrant rights. Earlier this week, she was the lone dissenter in an 8-1 decision that cleared the way for mass layoffs within the federal bureaucracy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In her opinion in that case, Jackson warned that the majority would unleash a wrecking ball on the government and disparaged the conservative majoritys ruling as hubristic and senseless.

At times, Jacksons sharply worded opinions have been met with rebukes of their own.

In Trump v. CASA, a case that limited the ability of lower court judges to issue nationwide injunctions against the federal governments policies, Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote in her opinion that Jacksons dissent was unmoored from any doctrine whatsoever.

Jackson was no less pointed in her response, which she said wrote with deep disillusionment.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (back right) has sparred with Justice Amy Coney Barrett (back left) in dissenting opinions over the Court's previous term. / EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/Reuters

This courts complicity in the creation of a culture of disdain for lower courts, their rulings, and the law (as they interpret it) will surely hasten the downfall of our governing institutions, enabling our collective demise, she wrote.

With an NPR poll released earlier this month finding that 76 percent of Americans think that democracy is under threat, shes not the only one losing sleep.
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson told a group of lawyers and judges on Thursday that "the state of our democracy" is what keeps her up at night.

"I'm really interested in getting people to focus and to invest and to pay attention to what is happening in our country and in our government," Jackson said during a question-and-answer portion of an Indianapolis Bar Association meeting.

"I'm not afraid to use my voice," Jackson said earlier in the event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jackson has emerged as the court's fiercest critic of the Trump administration  and of some of her fellow justices.

Her comments came on the heels of remarks this past weekend at an event in Louisiana, where she explained why she writes so many dissents and speaks the most of any justice at oral arguments, even as the court's most junior member.

"I just feel that I have a wonderful opportunity to tell people in my opinions how I feel about the issues, and that's what I try to do," Jackson said Saturday at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans.

Her dissent in the nationwide injunction case, which reined in federal judges' ability to issue sweeping orders and stemmed from Mr. Trump's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, prompted an unusually sharp reply from Justice Amy Coney Barrett, which the five other conservatives joined.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jackson wrote that the majority's decision "to permit the executive to violate the Constitution with respect to anyone who has not yet sued is an existential threat to the rule of law."

Barrett said Jackson's dissent "chooses a startling line of attack" that is "at odds with more than two centuries' worth of precedent, not to mention the Constitution itself."

"Justice Jackson decries an imperial Executive while embracing an imperial Judiciary," Barrett wrote.

And on Tuesday, when the court said the administration could move forward with plans, for now, to cut the federal workforce, Jackson stood alone, calling the order "not only truly unfortunate, but also hubristic and senseless."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"For some reason, this court sees fit to step in now and release the president's wrecking ball at the outset of this litigation," she wrote in a dissent that saw her at odds with all eight of her colleagues.

In Indianapolis, she said she was unfazed by the criticism she's received for her dissents, saying she had a "very thick skin."

Before Mr. Trump won reelection, Jackson said she was "concerned" about the court's landmark decision that granted him immunity from prosecution for official acts he took while in office. She suggested that the ruling gives Mr. Trump special treatment compared to anyone else in the criminal justice system.

"I was concerned about a system that appeared to provide immunity for one individual under one set of circumstances, when we have a criminal justice system that had ordinarily treated everyone the same," she said.

Social media content creator shows his hustle

Udemy Is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills

Surveillance video shows Israeli strike that killed 10 children at Gaza clinic
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on Thursday expressed profound concern about the state of U.S. democracy, adding that she is also invested in getting people to focus on whats happening in the government.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Indianapolis Bar Association in Indiana, Jackson, one of the three liberal members of the court, briefly explained what worries her most about this moment in time.

What keeps you up at night? the moderator asked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I would say the state of our democracy, Jackson replied. Im really very interested in getting people to focus and to invest and to pay attention to what is happening in our country and in our government.

She did not elaborate further.

During the past term, which concluded on June 27, Jackson wrote 24 opinions and delivered the most dissenting opinions of any judge on the court, according to a SCOTUSblog analysis.

Asked how she decides when to pen her own dissents, Jackson said she does so when I feel like I might have something to offer, and something to add, and Im not afraid to use my voice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Most recently, Jackson was the only dissenting voice in the courts emergency decision that cleared the way for Trump to carry out his mass firings across the federal government.

For some reason, this Court sees fit to step in now and release the Presidents wrecking ball at the outset of this litigation, she wrote. In my view, this decision is not only truly unfortunate but also hubristic and senseless.

The order was unsigned and did not include a vote count, given its emergency nature.

Last month, Jackson also wrote a scathing dissent to the 6-3 decision to limit the nationwide injunctions used by judges to halt President Donald Trumps executive order ending birthright citizenship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jackson said the ruling threatens the rule of law by emboldening the executive branch at the expense of all others.

I have no doubt that, if judges must allow the Executive to act unlawfully in some circumstances, as the Court concludes today, she wrote, executive lawlessness will flourish, and from there, it is not difficult to predict how this all ends.

Related...
Three leading election integrity groups urged the Supreme Court on Thursday to prohibit states from counting mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, warning that the practice violates federal law and undermines public trust in elections.

In a new amicus curiae brief filed Thursday afternoon, the Honest Elections Project, Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections, and the Center for Election Confidence backed the Republican National Committee and Mississippi Republican Party, urging the justices to enforce a uniform deadline requiring all ballots in federal elections to be received by the close of polls on Election Day.

Counting votes that are received after Election Day is not only illegal, it damages public trust in the democratic process, Honest Elections Project executive director Jason Snead said. The Supreme Court should take this opportunity to resolve this issue now, before voters head to the polls in the next election.

At issue in Watson v. Republican National Committee is a Mississippi statute allowing absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive up to five business days later. Attorneys representing Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson and Attorney General Lynn Fitch, both Republicans, have argued that the state has the right, via its own laws, to regulate and manage certain aspects of federal elections, including the receipt of mail-in ballots and counting them after Election Day.

Although the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that the policy violates federal law, the decision was not in effect for the 2024 election, and the case was returned to the district court.

Now, proceedings have been paused until the Supreme Court acts. All District Court proceedings  are hereby STAYED pending the filing and disposition of a petition for a writ of certiorari in the United States Supreme Court, Judge Louis Guirola wrote.

The coalition of conservative-aligned election integrity groups says the matter should be settled ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, when the narrow Republican majority in the House of Representatives will be fighting to maintain its majority.

In their amicus brief, the three groups argue that the practice violates 2 U.S.C.  7, which mandates a uniform Election Day for federal contests. They cite the 1997 case Foster v. Love, in which the high court held that all actions meant to make a final selection of an officeholder must occur by Election Day.

It is vital for voters confidence that clear deadlines are imposed for mail ballot return and receipt, said Lisa Dixon, of the Center for Election Confidence. Stretching elections beyond Election Day not only violates federal law, but also sows doubt and discord about the tabulation process.

Featured Local Savings

RITE President Justin Riemer warned that allowing ballots to arrive days or weeks after the election effectively changes the date of the election  something only Congress can do.

"Congress set Election Day in federal law, and it's the Tuesday after the first Monday in November," Riemer said.

The legal question arises after President Donald Trumps March executive order declaring that late-arriving ballots violate federal law and directing the Justice Department to enforce the order nationwide. Several Democratic-led states have sued in response, and a federal judge in Massachusetts blocked the order on June 16.

Trump famously claimed the 2020 election was stolen from him due to "widespread" voter fraud after then-candidate Joe Biden won, during an election cycle that set the most mail-in voting records in history. Likewise, many states adjusted their rules for counting late-arriving ballots. While then-Attorney General Bill Barr said there was no evidence to support widespread voter fraud, the president has maintained this belief and has underscored a need to protect future elections against any possible irregularities.

Seventeen states plus the District of Columbia count ballots received after Election Day, including California, Nevada, and Ohio. A separate case out of Illinois, which the high court will hear this fall, raises similar concerns but focuses specifically on whether a Republican lawmaker has legal standing to sue over a law allowing the counting of ballots up to 14 days after Election Day. The outcome of that case is not expected to resolve issues that election groups now say the high court must address.

SUPREME COURT COULD SOON WEIGH LEGALITY OF LATE-ARRIVING BALLOTS

Snead said settling the deadline issue before the next election is vital.

Ideally, we would resolve this before we find ourselves in the crucible of a post-election challenge in the next presidential cycle," he previously told the Washington Examiner in April.
As restitution for the more than 100 days that immigration authorities detained him, Mahmoud Khalil is demanding $20 million from the Trump administration.

Lawyers for the pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate submitted a claim on Thursday, naming the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of State in the filing. The filing, which alleges false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, is required as part of the process to sue the government under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Khalil said he wants to show the Trump administration that there are consequences for wantonly whisking people off the streets and into federal detention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They are abusing their power because they think they are untouchable, Khalil told the outlet. Unless they feel there is some sort of accountability, it will continue to go unchecked.

Khalil is a permanent resident of the United States. He was arrested in March by ICE agents. The agency said at the time that Khalil was arrested in support of President Trumps executive orders prohibiting antisemitism. It accused Khalil of leading activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.

Following his arrest, the New York City resident was quickly moved to an immigrant detention facility in Louisiana. He remained there throughout his detention, which ended on a judges orders last month. He was in that jail when his son was born and told the Associated Press that he would never forgive the Trump administration for that. The 30-year-old activist still faces the risk of deportation as his case moves through the courts.

Khalil said that he is willing to accept an official apology and an end to the Trump administrations policy of arresting pro-Palestinian protestors and activists in lieu of a settlement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin called Khalils claim absurd in a statement to the AP.

The post Khalil seeks $20M from Trump admin for false imprisonment appeared first on Salon.com.
The Trump administration hasn't decided where it would deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia if he is freed from a Tennessee jail, but a U.S. immigration official said Thursday that Mexico and South Sudan could be willing to accept the El Salvador native.
GREENBELT, Md.  The family of mistakenly-deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia sought again during a hearing Friday to return him to Maryland, as his attorneys hoped a judge would help prevent him from being quickly deported for a second time.

Trump administration officials have said they plan to send the sheet metal worker to a not-yet-identified third country  but not his native El Salvador, where he was sent in error in March  if he is freed from federal custody next week while awaiting trial in Tennessee on human smuggling-related charges.

Andrew Rossman, one of Abrego Garcias attorneys, told U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis on Monday that we could be faced with the same set of circumstances that got us here in the first place: an illegal removal. The threat of removing Mr. Abrego again without due process is real.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Justice Department has said it would not deny Abrego Garcia his rights. The removal of Abrego Garcia as challenged in the (wrongful deportation) complaint was an isolated mistake, the department said in a recent brief.

Abrego Garcia, whose has family in Prince Georges County, was apprehended in March and sent to an El Salvdor prison. His detention came despite a legal protective order in 2019 to prevent his removal to El Salvador, where he has said gangs threatened him.. The administration has called the deportation an administrative error.

His deportation became a political flashpoint, as congressional Democrats seized on his case as an example of the Trump administrations disregard for immigrants rights and willingness to buck federal court orders. The administration has called Abrego Garcia a gang member and human trafficker who should not be set free in the United States.

Abrego Garcia was held for months in two El Salvador prisons while the Trump administration said it had no authority to bring him back from the sovereign nation. He was flown to Tennessee in June to face the criminal charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He is accused in the federal indictment of being an MS-13 gang member who conspired to bring undocumented aliens to the United States from countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador, and elsewhere.

Abrego Garcia, who has pleaded not guilty, faces a hearing on Wednesday in Tennessee that could decide if he is release from pre-trial custody.

If he is released, Abrego Garcia would be detained  and it could be anywhere in the country  for as long as a few weeks before possibly being sent to a foreign country, U.S. immigration official Thomas Giles told the court on Thursday. Giles said the government would need to find bed space for the individual, and we dont know where that is.

Sascha Rand, an attorney for Abrego Garcia, expressed skepticism on Thursday that the government has no specific plans for Abrego Garcia given that his case is so high profile.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The judge also seemed skeptical, saying Friday that there were no plans yet. In this case? Really? she said during the hearing.

Xinis had said Thursday that she would consider a temporary restraining order barring the government from deporting Abrego Garcia within the first 48 hours if he is released from criminal custody in Tennessee.

--------
With her Senate confirmation hearing this week, Kimberly Guilfoyle is one step closer to becoming the official ambassador to Greece.

And Donald Trump showed his support  by attending and sitting behind Guilfoyle as she testified before the Senate.

But it wasn't President Donald Trump, who picked Guilfoyle for the role almost seven months ago. Nor was it her former fiance Donald Trump Jr., whom she once called her "soulmate" and "forever friend" during their six-year relationship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was Donald Trump III.

On July 9, Guilfoyle joined other ambassador and U.S. representatives to the United Nations nominees at a confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. On an Instagram Reel, she said in the caption: "Honored to deliver my opening statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today. I'm ready to strengthen our partnership with Greece, advance American interests, and proudly represent our great nation on the world stage."

She shared Reels and photos from the hearing to her social media following, with one photo of her son Ronan Villency and Donald Trump III, son of Donald Trump Jr. and grandson of Donald Trump. In the Instagram video below, Donald Trump III is seen sitting behind the former Fox News television personality as she addresses the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Who is Kimberly Guilfoyle? What happened with Fox News host and Donald Trump Jr.?

Kimberly Guilfoyle is a former model, attorney and Fox News host from San Francisco, California. She's been a familiar face in the Trump circle. Guilfoyle previously appeared on "The Five" and "Outnumbered" on Fox News. Before her relationship with Donald Trump Jr., Guilfoyle was previously married to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, for four years while he was the mayor of San Francisco. They divorced in 2006, and she married furniture heir Eric Villency the same year. They had a son, Ronan Villency, but divorced in 2009.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Donald Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle dated from 2018 to 2024. Both were active in the 2020 presidential election, appearing at rallies and giving speeches. Donald Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle also were active in the 2024 presidential election.

In March 2021, the former couple purchased a $9.7 million two-story home in Jupiter that has seven bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a wine room, theater, elevator, chef's kitchen, guest wings, a pool and private dock. Their home in Admirals Cove is about 20 miles north of Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump's private club in Palm Beach, Florida. The move enabled Donald Trump Jr. to spend more time with his five children  Kai Trump, Donald Trump III, Tristan Trump, Spencer Trump and Chloe Trump  from his ex-wife, Vanessa Trump, who lives nearby in Jupiter.

In December 2024, Donald Trump nominated Guilfoyle as the next U.S. ambassador to Greece days after photos surfaced of Donald Trump Jr. kissing Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson.

After Donald Trump's announcement, Guilfoyle shared her excitement about her new position on Instagram: "I'm honored to accept President Trump's nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate. ... As ambassador, I look forward to delivering on the Trump agenda, supporting our Greek allies, and ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity."

Is Kimberly Guilfoyle ambassador to Greece?

Guilfoyle's Instagram description mentions her new post: "Public figure. Appointed by President Donald J. Trump as the U.S. Ambassador to Greece."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On May 7, Breitbart News journalist Matthew Boyle shared a photo online of Kimberly Guilfoyle "graduating from ambassador school."

The U.S. State Department requires ambassadors and U.S. diplomats to undergo training at the Foreign Service Institute. According to its site, the curriculum involves foreign language studies, understanding state government and leadership training.

Though she and Donald Trump Jr. are no longer dating, Guilfoyle continues to be a strong champion for his father and uses her various platforms  her X presence, Instagram and Rumble podcast  to spread Trump administration news.

Did Donald Trump attend Kimberly Guilfoyle Senate confirmation hearing for her Greece ambassador role?

On July 9, Guilfoyle testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but she has not been officially sworn in. Ambassadors typically are based at the U.S. embassy of the host country, or in this case, 91 Vasilisis Sophias Ave., 10160 Athens, Greece.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Said Guilfoyle at her Senate confirmation hearing: "I thank my closest family and friends and their encouragement and offer special thanks and love to my son (Ronan Villency), my brother (Tony Guilfoyle), and to Donnie Trump for their steadfast support and my parents who would be proud to see me here today."

The full video and closed-caption transcription is available via C-SPAN.

Watch the Instagram video below to see Donald Trump III or "Donnie Trump" supporting Kimberly Guilfoyle during her Senate confirmation hearing.

Contributing: C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump attends Kimberly Guilfoyle Senate hearing for Greece ambassador
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is paying tribute to those lost and the surviving families from one of Europes worst genocides.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, visited Srebrenica in Bosnia on July 11 to deliver a message from her brother-in-law King Charles, 76, to recognize the sacrifices of the community that suffered at the hands of the terror of 30 years ago.

Sophie comforted some of the surviving "Mothers of Srebrenica" with a hug at the commemoration held at the former UN base in 1995, where thousands of people sought protection as the town fell to Bosnian-Serbs. In the ensuing massacres by troops led by General Radko Mladic, an estimated 8,000 people  mostly men and boys who had been separated from the women  were killed, the BBC reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesperson said the Duchess of Edinburgh was "profoundly moved by todays ceremony and the experience of visiting Srebrenica, on such an important day, to remember and pay tribute."

Her message in the Srebrenica Memorial Centre Condolence book said, "Our duty must be to remember all those lost so tragically and to never let these things happen again. Its only by working together that we find peace. Sophie."

Pierre Crom/Getty Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in Bosnia on July 11, 2025 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in Bosnia on July 11, 2025

It was at the commemoration that Sophie read the speech from the King, who said he was saddened not to be with you in person.

She said on his behalf, I have spoken before about the terrible events of 30 years ago, confirmed as genocide by international courts. Many of the individuals responsible are now rightly facing justice, but this does not absolve the rest of us of our duties: both to acknowledge the international communitys failure to prevent the horror and to do all we can to ensure it never happens again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And he paid his own tribute, humbly saluting the Mothers of Srebrenica, and all who do so much, despite their continuing anguish, to preserve the memory of those who died. It has meant a very great deal to me, in past years, to have met survivors, mothers and family members of the missing, for whom I have such admiration.

Their extraordinary courage, compassion and dignity are a lesson to us all, and it is my hope that we may all take inspiration from their incredible resilience under such unbearable circumstances.

Stefan Rousseau/PA Images via Getty Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in Bosnia on July 11, 2025 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in Bosnia on July 11, 2025

He praised the inspirational people who continue to bravely speak out in pursuit of justice and those who dedicate their lives to rebuilding trust between communities for the sake of a better, shared future. These praiseworthy individuals can be found from all walks of life, and from across all ethnic groups, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world.

It is significant that Sophie was the one King Charles chose to represent him at the commemoration. She has worked for several years on behalf of women caught up in gender-based conflict around the world, often speaking up for victims and survivors at conferences and during visits to war-hit countries.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Stefan Rousseau/PA Images via Getty Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in Bosnia on July 10, 2025 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in Bosnia on July 10, 2025

The King, who led British commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust in Poland in January, added in his message, "But there can be no shared future when the events of the past are denied or forgotten. Only by learning from the past does it become possible to share in each others loss and look together to the future. Only by working together to find the missing can there be closure for those still seeking answers."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reiterating King Charles' own view of uniting people of all faiths and backgrounds, Sophie said on his behalf, that we should "honor their memory by standing alongside each and every one of those who work so tirelessly to promote understanding and tolerance between all peoples, of all faiths, nationalities and ethnicities, in the ongoing pursuit of a just and brighter future."

Stefan Rousseau/PA Images via Getty Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh tours the old town of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on July 10, 2025 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh tours the old town of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on July 10, 2025

Sophie then went on to view the U.K.-funded exhibition, In the footsteps of those who have (not) crossed," which displays the personal belongings of people who were murdered by Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995, as well as items owned by people who survived.

The exhibit shows some of the poignant items found on the path taken by the so-called "march of death," a column of escapees who fled Srebrenica to Nezuk, many predominantly-Muslim Bosniaks were killed on this route as they attempted to flee to safety.

Read the original article on People
This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com

King County Assessor John Wilson has suspended his campaign for King County executive.

After thoughtful reflection, I have decided to suspend my campaign for King County Executive, Wilson wrote in a statement Thursday.

His decision to withdraw from the race comes after he was arrested last week for allegedly violating a restraining order filed by his ex-fiancee Lee Keller.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In recent weeks, personal matters have drawn attention away from the critical issues that deserve the publics full focusissues like public safety, housing affordability, and fair taxation, Wilson wrote in his statement. I believe it is in the best interest of the community to remove any distractions from that conversation.

I remain deeply committed to the values that inspired my campaign and will continue advocating for the priorities that matter most to the people of King County, he continued. Im grateful for the support Ive received and look forward to continuing to serve the residents of King County in my role as Assessor.

Although Wilson was arrested, no charges were filed against the assessor. However, that doesnt mean he couldnt be charged later.

Wilson could be charged at any time before the statute of limitations expires. The problem appears to be that prosecutors have yet to get all the evidence from the Seattle Police Department and/or they havent made a charging decision at this time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The case has been turned over to the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorneys Office to avoid any conflict of interest.

Council members call for King County assessors resignation

King County council members have been calling for Wilsons resignation for weeks.

It is clear that John Wilson needs to address his ongoing and escalating behavior and resign as county assessor, King County Council member Claudia Balducci wrote in a statement in response to Wilsons arrest. Alongside advocates for survivors of violence and intimate partner abuse, I have repeatedly called for Wilson to step aside. For too long, we have allowed people in positions of power to be shielded from accountability for abusive behavior. The people and employees of King County deserve better from their leadership.

Council members went so far as to vote no confidence at a council meeting in June.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I see it as a pattern, a very dangerous pattern, and certainly not one that we want in our highest levels of government in King County, King County Council member Girmay Zahilay, running against Wilson for county executive, said.

Lee Keller voices concerns for safety

Keller said in court that she was very concerned for her safety.

I currently have an active restraining order in place, and John Wilson continues to violate it, she added.

Wilsons attorney, John Palito, countered, saying, Ms. Keller has stated John Wilson has never assaulted her. There has never been any threats of physical assault. There are allegations that he violated an order of protection. Thats it. There have been cries for him to quit. Hes not going to.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wilson has publicly and repeatedly denied Kellers claims, describing the legal battle as politically motivated.

This is a new low point for county politics, Wilson stated in a Facebook post in June. And let me state this loud and clear  I have never posed a stalking threat or harassed Ms. Lee Keller, my former fiancee. I have posed no danger to her whatsoever.

John Wilson appears on The John Curley Show

In June, he told KIRO Newsradios John Curley that he expected the restraining order to be dismissed soon.

This is the third time that she has taken some action like this, and each and every time she has withdrawn it before it ever went to court, Wilson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At that point, Keller said in a statement, through her attorneys, that she had no plans to drop the order.

The restraining order against John Wilson remains in place. I will not be changing my mind, despite his repeated efforts to coerce me to dismiss it, she wrote.

Contributing: James Lynch and Charlie Harger, KIRO Newsradio
The Brief

Four girls aged 910 raised money for flood victims in Kerr Co with a bake sale in Kingwood.

The girls say they spent roughly a week planning the bake sale to help the flood victims.

All four girls say they are praying for the flood victims, and they hope other people will get involved and help Kerr Co flood victims too.

KINGWOOD, Texas - Four young friends came together and hosted a bake sale to help those impacted by the devastating floods in Kerrville, Texas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They raised over $10,000 in two days selling homemade sweet treats to help the flood victims in Central Texas.

They may be small- but their hearts are so big.

"It made me feel really, really sad, so we made a bake sale so we could help with that," said Lennon Adcock.

It broke my heart

What they're saying

The girls said they sold out of homemade sweets within an hour or two, both days after the bake sale opened, and they are thankful many people donated to them.

"So we are donating all of our money to the flash flooding, and we are going to donate it to the church so we can help the camp that got flooded, and we know that God is watching out for them," said Annie Laney.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The girls said their parents told them about the news of what had happened in Kerrville, and they were very sad but knew they had to do something.

"It broke my heart," Annie said. "Some of them haven't even been found yet, and I saw a picture on the news, and it made me want to cry, and we are just so thankful that we could help today, and we want this to go Camp Mystic and all the peoples houses that got flushed away. We want this to go to people who haven't found their family members, and pets and to go to funerals and stuff, and we are so heartbroken."

That couldve happened to her'

Why you should care

"My friend Evelyn went to camp a few weeks ago and that could have happened to her and I would be, like, really sad," said Everly Dickens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Evelyn Kennedy, 9, says she also attended camp and seeing many of the young girls pass who were around her age, made her come up with the idea to get her friends together to do the bake sale.

"I mean, when I saw it, I thought, Well, I went to camp.' And seeing those girls even my age, and some people they still dont even know - like they can't find a lot of people. Seeing that makes me be like, Oh, I cant believe that actually happened," said Evelyn.

The girls say a lot of planning went into what they were going to sell.

"We have angel wings that my friend Annie made. We have chocolate pies that me and my mom made, and we also have toffee that me and my mom made," said Everly Dickens,

What you can do

The girls said it meant a lot to them to see so many people donate to their cause.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It made my heart fly because we knew there are other people out there praying for us and for everybody who got their house taken, or from Camp Mystic, said Annie, "We've been getting a lot of generous donations and some people even get two waters and donate $100, and some people only donate $5. Every little bit helps."

The girls also had matching shirts that said "Girls Doing Good" on the front and, on the back, it said "Love Like Jesus." They say they are praying for the victims of the flood, and they want to encourage other young girls to get involved and help.

"God was with all the families who hasn't found their family members whose family members passed away and the people at camp mystic and he is with you so much," Annie said.

"I would say if you want to do a stand, think of something important. If they want to do something for a good cause, think of something that is important to you," Evelyn said.

The Source

FOX 26 reporter Leslie DelasBour interviewed four Kingwood girls who hosted the "Girls Doing Good" bake sale.
Its one of Frances biggest and most popular music festivals, held every year at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, west of Paris, in August.

Rock en Seine attracts more than 150,000 spectators each year, and while this years edition features massive headliners like Chappell Roan, Fontaines D.C., Queens of the Stone Age and Doechii, one headliner is already proving controversial.

Rap trio Kneecap has been kept on the line-up of this years edition, taking place from 20  24 August, and it has cost the festival.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Indeed, Rock en Seine has suddenly seen its budget cut by 40,000 - a decision taken by the Saint-Cloud town council over the presence of the Northern Irish band.

Scheduled for Sunday 24 August, the Kneecap are known for their vocal support for the Palestinian cause and has been targeted by the British justice system over what the band refered to as a trumped up terrorism charge.

One of the bands members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, is accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig last year. He was released on unconditional bail after last month's hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in London.

Their controversial Glastonbury set, alongside Bob Vylans, has escalated matters in the UK.

Mayor of Saint-Cloud Eric Berdoati voted to withdraw the subsidy, saying: "We subsidise cultural initiatives, not political ones. When it's no longer in line with our objectives, we don't fund it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Regardless, Rock en Seine has decided to not be intimidated by any political pressure and has maintained the Kneecap concert.

When we programmed them last autumn, they weren't the talk of the town, except for good reasons, says festival director Mathieu Ducos, who insists on maintaining good relations with the town of Saint-Cloud.

I hope that the history we've managed to build and weave together doesn't end with this dispute and the vision we have of this group, Ducos adds.

The 40,000 from Saint-Cloud should not dent the budget too much, as Rock en Seines budget this year has been announced at around 17 million - 3% of which comes from subsidies.

The cut, a first for the festival since its inception in 2003, comes after Valerie Pecresse, President of the Ile-de-France region, said on X in May that Kneecap should be withdrawn from current French music festivals because of the legal proceedings under way in the UK.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Conversely, French politician Xavier Brunschvicg (Parti Radcal de Gauche) said that Kneecap's actions and speeches were mainly because the Northern Irish group was taking a stand against what is happening in Gaza.

In his view, Eric Berdoati was giving in to a social demand from his most conservative constituency.

Kneecap supporters outside Westminster Magistrates Court London - 18 June 2025 - AP Photo

Several artists have supported Kneecap, including Brian Eno, Fontaines D.C. and Pulp. They signed an open letter criticizing a clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform Kneecap and opposing political repression of artistic freedom.

The letter reads: "As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In a democracy, no political figures or political parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not play at music festivals or gigs that will be enjoyed by thousands of people."

Rock en Seine takes place at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud from 20  24 August 2025.
Detained for more than 100 days without charge, and with the threat of deportation looming over him, Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil was convinced he would eventually prevail.

In an interview with CNNs Christiane Amanpour, Khalil, who is now back with his young family, describes the months languishing in a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, and the pain of being denied permission to be present at his sons birth.

It was a very, very dehumanizing experience, for someone who was not accused of any crime, whatsoever, said Khalil, a green card holder who had no formal criminal or civil charges brought against him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His detention sparked outrage across the US.

On Thursday Khalils lawyers filed a claim against the Trump administration for $20 million in damages, alleging he was falsely imprisoned, prosecuted and portrayed as antisemitic as the government sought to deport him over his role in campus protests against Israels war in Gaza. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security in a statement called Khalils claim absurd.

His arrest outside his apartment on Columbia Universitys campus in New York City in March, as he returned home from a dinner with his wife, felt like a kidnap, he told Amanpour.

Plainclothes agents had followed him into the lobby of his building, and threatened his wife with arrest if she didnt separate from him, he said. CNN has previously reported that the ICE agents did not have a warrant during Khalils arrest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Khalil was among the first in a series of high-profile arrests of pro-Palestinian students as US President Donald Trumps administration moved to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses. The 30-year-old, who was born in a refugee camp in Syria before going on to graduate from Columbia, had played a prominent role negotiating on behalf of pro-Palestinian protesters at the university.

Once taken, he was moved first to New Jersey, then to Texas, and finally to an ICE detention center in Louisiana  more than 1,000 miles away from his wife, a US citizen, who was then eight months pregnant.

I was literally moved from one place to another, like an object, he recalled, referring to his transfers to different detention facilities. I was shackled all the time, he said.

But, he said, the days in the detention center never broke his spirit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

From the moment that I was detained, I knew that I would eventually prevail, he said.

What I simply did is protesting a genocide.

Israel has repeatedly pushed back against claims its war in Gaza is a genocide.

Protesters rally in support of detained Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil in March in New York. - Jason DeCrow/AP

The food in the ICE center in Louisiana was nearly inedible, he said. After being served meat that made him vomit, he switched to vegetarian options, he said.

The center was bitterly cold, but repeated requests for blankets were ignored, he said.

The moment you enter such ICE facilities, your rights literally stay outside, he told Amanpour.

CNN has previously reached out to ICE for comment about the conditions at its Louisiana facilities  its policies indicate detention is non-punitive. The GEO Group, the corporation that runs the facility where Khalil was held, has denied allegations of abuse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump administration has argued that Khalils actions pose a threat to its foreign policy goal of combatting antisemitism. His lawyers have vehemently pushed back on that assertion.

After accusing him  without evidence  of being a Hamas sympathizer, the Trump administration, who sought Khalils deportation, said it was justified because he did not reveal connections to two organizations in his application to become a permanent US resident. His attorneys have said that argument is weak.

Khalil told Amanpour the Trump administrations allegations against him were absurd.

They want to conflate any speech for the rights of Palestinians with speech thats supporting terrorism, which is totally wrong, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its a message that they want to make an example out of me, even if you are a legal resident that we will find a way to come after you, to punish you, if you speak, against what we want.

Khalil told the Associated Press that if his claim against the Trump administration is successful, he plans to share any settlement money with others targeted in Trumps failed effort to suppress pro-Palestinian speech. In lieu of a settlement, he would also accept an official apology and changes to the administrations deportation policies.

I couldnt hold him

Amid the inedible food, the cold, and fear he might be deported, one moment stood out as the hardest to bear  immigration officials denying him permission to be present at the birth of his firstborn child.

Attorneys for Khalil in May said officials at the Louisiana center cited a blanket no-contact visitation policy and unspecified security concerns as part of their reason to deny the request.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Missing the birth of my child. I think that was the most difficult moment in my life We put so many requests to be able, to attend that that moment, Khalil said.

I dont think I would be able to forgive them, for taking that moment away from, from me.

The first time I saw my child was literally through thick glass. He was literally in front of me, like, five centimeters away from me I couldnt hold him.

And when the moment came to hold him, it was by court order, to have one hour with him.

Claire Calzonetti and Nadia Lee contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The deadly flooding that swept through Central Texas last week has left at least 121 people dead and raised widespread concerns about summer camp safety as families across the U.S. send their children to overnight and day camps.

Kerr County was the hardest-hit area, with 95 confirmed deaths. Among them are 27 individuals, both campers and counselors, from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located along the Guadalupe River.

Officials say floodwaters from the rapidly rising river engulfed the camp in the early morning hours of July 4, destroying cabins and leaving several people still unaccounted for.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How to talk to children about deadly Texas flooding

"Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy," Camp Mystic said in a statement. "We are praying for them constantly."

As rescue operations continue, pediatricians, parents and camp experts say the tragedy underscores the importance of understanding the safety protocols in place at youth camps, particularly those operating in remote or weather-sensitive locations.

"I'm definitely more nervous than I was before," Dana Riley, a mother of two from Des Moines, Iowa, whose 11-year-old daughter is currently away at a two-week sleepaway camp in Minnesota, told "Good Morning America." "You just assume these camps are prepared for everything. But now I realize I never really asked what they would do in an emergency."

What to ask in advance

STOCK PHOTO/Peopleimages/Getty Images - PHOTO: Stock photo of kids at summer camp.

Dr. Lyndsey Garbi, M.D., co-founder and chief medical officer at Blueberry Pediatrics, told "GMA" that it is "essential to approach camp selection with the same level of scrutiny you would give to any environment responsible for your child's well-being."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"That includes asking about counselor training, emergency protocols, medical access and how staff respond to physical and emotional challenges," Garbi said.

Garbi outlined several areas parents should ask about before choosing a camp, or even mid-season:

Counselor qualifications and supervision: What is the camper-to-counselor ratio? What training do counselors receive, and who oversees them?

Water safety protocols: Are certified lifeguards on duty? Are flotation devices required for boating or open water activities?

Medical response: Is a licensed health care provider on-site? What's the process for handling illness or injury, and how quickly are parents notified?

Emotional and social safety: How does the camp prevent bullying and support inclusion among campers?

"Trust in camp leadership is earned through transparency, structure, and a proven track record of prioritizing child wellbeing," Garbi said.

What to look for in a camp's emergency plan

The American Camp Association sets national standards, but not all camps follow them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"ACA accreditation is a voluntary process, separate from state licensing, through which camps agree to comply with ACA's national standards for health, safety, and risk management," Henry DeHart, interim president and CEO of the American Camp Association, told "GMA" via email.

"Accreditation involves an in-depth review of policies and an on-site visit by trained ACA volunteers," he continued. "ACA accreditation addresses creation, training, and rehearsal of emergency plans for a broad range of emergencies, including natural disasters."

Accredited camps undergo an on-site visit at least once every five years, DeHart said, to assess compliance with 266 standards related to health, safety and program quality, including emergency preparedness.

How to help victims of deadly Texas floods

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Between visits, camps must file annual statements confirming continued compliance.

"Ask if the camp is ACA-accredited," DeHart advised parents seeking safety information. "Additionally, parents should research the camp online and speak with camp directors about any potential concerns they may have, asking specifically about the camp's emergency plans and safety training. Parents may also want to ask about a camp's proximity to first responders, as well as the camp's practices around communication and collaboration with their local emergency response providers prior to camp season."

Support and resources following the Texas tragedy

STOCK PHOTO/Maskot/Getty Images - PHOTO: Stock photo of kids at summer camp.

In response to the devastation in Texas, the ACA has compiled guidance and ways to assist.

"The American Camp Association (ACA) has created a page of resources and various ways to help the Texas Hill Country in the wake of the devastating floods," DeHart said. "Additionally, ACA offers year-round resources to camp professionals in the areas of health, safety, risk management, youth development, program quality and more."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The organization also supports mental health and emotional well-being through its accreditation process.

"An accredited camp will have a process for assessing and supporting campers with mental, emotional, or social health needs," DeHart said.

"ACA standards require the camp to have a designated staff member or team responsible for this kind of oversight, establishing written protocols for responding to mental health concerns as well as determining when referrals to professional support may be necessary," he continued, emphasizing that "ACA-accredited camps are required to actively protect and promote campers' emotional and mental well-being."

"Through accreditation, a camp can best implement thoughtful policies, keep well-trained staff, and structure sound prevention strategies," he added. "This commitment reflects ACA's belief that safety includes the heart, mind, and body."

How to plan for camp/child communication

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends parents ask a number of questions before choosing a summer camp:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Severe weather protocols: How does the camp monitor for emergencies like flash floods, wildfires, or extreme heat? Is there an evacuation plan in place?

Access to emergency services: Is there a relationship with local hospitals or EMS? How long would it take for a child to receive medical care?

Daily safety routines: What is the sunscreen policy? How are transitions between activities supervised?

While many camps have protocols in place, Garbi said they are not always standardized or well-communicated.

"Camps should have systems for both the predictable, like injuries or homesickness, and the unexpected, like natural disasters," she said. "And they should be able to clearly explain those systems to families."

Addressing children's concerns after the Texas tragedy

STOCK PHOTO/Zeljkosantrac/Getty Images - PHOTO: Stock photo of kids at summer camp.

Garbi said young campers who are aware of the Texas flooding may feel scared or unsettled, and parents should respond with honesty and reassurance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Start by asking what they've heard and how they feel about it," she said. "Then explain that while what happened was tragic, it was also extremely rare, and their camp is working hard to keep them safe."

She recommends giving children practical tools, such as identifying a safe adult to talk to, taking a break when overwhelmed, and knowing how to ask for help if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

As recovery efforts continue in Texas, many parents are reexamining the safety policies of camps their children attend. Experts say the most effective response is to seek clarity, not to panic, but to ensure that the environments children spend time in are prepared, responsive and communicative.

"Camp can be a place for growth and independence," Garbi said. "But that only happens when the right support structures are in place."
A series of AI-generated attempts to mimic Secretary of State Marco Rubios voice has experts and lawmakers pushing for more safeguards against the rise of synthetic audio threats.

Officials are on high alert after an impostor, using AI to replicate Rubios voice and writing style, contacted foreign ministers, a United States lawmaker, and a governor in what appeared to be a scheme to extract sensitive information or gain access, according to the Washington Post.

The ruse involved a Signal account displaying the name "marco.rubio@state.gov," as detailed in a State Department cable cited by multiple outlets. The revelation comes just weeks after the FBI issued a bulletin in May about a coordinated effort to impersonate senior U.S. officials through AI-generated voice and text messages, targeting a broad network of current and former government figures.

A month later, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre issued a warning about a scam involving text messages and AI-generated voice calls, where attackers posed as senior officials and public figures to extract money and personal data.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) warned that the incident poses a severe national security threat, calling it a crazy new world out there. You gotta really worry about it.

Rubio is the second senior Trump administration official in recent months to be impersonated, following a separate May incident when someone gained access to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles phone and used it to call and message senators, governors, and business leaders. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) said he was targeted a few months ago after receiving a phone call from someone who sounded like Wiles.

It took me a second to realize it wasnt her, but I figured it out, Scott said, speaking to the Washington Examiner. I, of course, let Susie know right away.

Several other lawmakers told the Washington Examiner theyve received a growing number of phishing calls within the last year. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), an Intelligence panel member, emphasized the need for the U.S. to lead in setting artificial intelligence standards, calling it an ongoing battle for the next decade.

We've got to have better AI for detection of other AI deep fakes. This is going to be an ongoing battle for a decade, until such time as the guys that are doing it realize that we have better equipment than they do, Rounds said, speaking to the Washington Examiner. This is another reason why we have to improve our capabilities for the detection of these deepfakes and make it readily available.

Vijay Balasubramaniyan, CEO of voice fraud prevention firm Pindrop, warned that AI-driven voice scams are accelerating at a staggering rate, describing a 1,300% explosion in activity over the past year.

Back in 2023, wed see one deepfake attack per customer per month. By the end of last year, it jumped to five and a half per day per customer, he said.

Balasubramaniyan described how todays AI bots are disturbingly lifelike, capable of mimicking voices, human emotion, and empathy. In one case his team analyzed, a bot reassured someone on the line by saying, I know its afternoon your time, it must be a long day. Please take your time.

He explained how easy it is to clone someones voice and personalize interactions using publicly available data.

Featured Local Savings

With just a LinkedIn profile and a public audio clip, I can create a bot that speaks just like you, he said.

To address the growing threat of AI-generated voice fraud, hes urging urgent action from both lawmakers and tech platforms. In his view, communication services like Signal and social media platforms should take the lead in flagging and labeling AI-generated content to help users distinguish between real and fake.

Even if it is AI-generated content that is for fun, knowing that is super important for the consumer, he said, warning that without such transparency, people will either lose trust in everything or fall for sophisticated scams.

The calls are only growing more convincing. Last year, thousands of New Hampshire voters received deceptive robocalls impersonating former President Joe Biden, urging them to skip the January primary because voting this Tuesday only enables the Republicans in their quest to elect Donald Trump again. Later in the year, a deepfake caller posing as a senior Ukrainian official used AI in an attempt to extract sensitive election information from thenSenate Foreign Relations Chair Ben Cardin (D-MD).

As synthetic voice technology spreads, regulators are beginning to respond. Last year, following a surge in ultra-realistic robocalls, the Federal Communications Commission unanimously ruled that AI-generated voices in robocalls are illegal, categorizing them outright as artificial under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, effective immediately. The move was widely seen as a major step in reining in synthetic audio abuse. But in practice, the rule does little to stop targeted impersonation scams now hitting lawmakers. It applies primarily to mass call campaigns, not personalized deepfake messages sent through encrypted apps like Signal or one-off calls designed to fool high-level officials.

Even after President Donald Trump signed a bill into law targeting AI-generated sexual content posted without permission, lawmakers pointed to this recent case with the Rubio impersonation as evidence that additional action is still needed.

Part of it requires us to actually get an agreement between the AI community and the intellectual properties community about how we move forward in the United States, where we can utilize intellectual property assets but actually make sure they are compensated for that use, this is essential, Rounds said.

Still, new federal regulations on AI appear unlikely in the current Congress. GOP lawmakers recently tried to block states from imposing their own AI rules for the next decade, but were unsuccessful in the Senate's final version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

WHAT MADE IT INTO THE SENATES FINAL BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL AND WHAT DIDNT

While high-level impersonation scams are grabbing headlines, experts caution that the broader threat to everyday consumers is just as serious and growing. Most cybercriminals dont need advanced AI to do damage; many still fall for old tactics such as phishing emails or scam texts.

This isnt just a problem for senators, Balasubramaniyan said. Anyone with a phone number and a digital footprint is a potential target.

Last year alone, Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud, a 25% jump from 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Donald Trump is poised to back a major new sanctions bill that threatens to cripple Russias economy.

The US president said he would be making a major statement about Russia on Monday after growing increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin in recent weeks.

It comes after Mr Trump promised to send a new weapons package to Ukraine  the first of his presidency, which includes Patriot air defence systems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Trump did not elaborate further on what his statement next week will cover, though it comes as a bipartisan Russian sanctions bill, championed by Republican senator Lindsey Graham, gains momentum in the Senate.

Mr Trump also said that he would be sending his first weapons package to Ukraine via Nato - David Allignon/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

Mr Graham, who is close with the president, was in Rome on Thursday for a meeting of the coalition of the willing, along with Keith Kellogg, Mr Trumps envoy for Ukraine. It was the first time any US officials had joined such talks.

A statement from the coalition, which thanked Lt Gen Kellogg and Mr Graham for attending, said leaders agreed to step up action against Russias war economy, including the so-called shadow fleet that Putin uses to circumvent Western sanctions.

The bill put forward by Mr Graham introduces a wide range of direct and indirect restrictions on Russia. In particular, it includes asset freezes and bans on transactions for Russian officials, military personnel, oligarchs, and others who support the armed forces.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additionally, it would ban the export of energy products from the US to Russia and prohibit investments in the Russian energy sector.

The document imposes sanctions on key banks including the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, and Gazprombank.

Mr Trump suggested earlier this week that he was looking at the bill, and said the Senate could potentially pass it totally at [his] option.

The president also told NBC News on Thursday that he would be sending his first weapons package to Ukraine via Nato.

Ukraine has so far only received weapons from the US that had already been approved by Joe Biden, Mr Trumps predecessor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to Nato, and then Nato is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and Nato is paying for those weapons, Mr Trump said.

Russia has stepped up its attacks in recent weeks, consistently firing a record number of missiles and drones every few days - IGOR TKACHENKO/EPA/Shutterstock

The package is set to include crucial Patriot missile interceptors, which are used by Ukraine to defend cities against major Russian attacks.

The president has grown increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin in public in recent weeks, accusing the Russian president of peddling bulls--- over wanting to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine.

We get a lot of bulls--- thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth, he said during a meeting with Cabinet officials at the White House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia has stepped up its attacks against Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, consistently firing a record number of missiles and drones every few days.

Two people were killed and 28 injured as Russia continued to pound Kyiv into the early hours of Thursday morning.

Air raid alerts rang out through the city for six hours overnight, with locals reporting the sound of drones and ballistic missiles.

A Russian drone barrage also targeted the centre of Kharkiv yesterday morning, injuring nine people and damaging a maternity hospital in Ukraines second-largest city.

The Kremlin appeared unfazed by Mr Trumps comments, telling reporters it was awaiting his major announcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dmitry Peskov, Putins spokesman, also hit out at Emmanuel Macron after he said plans to send a peacekeeping force to Ukraine were ready, should Moscow and Kyiv agree to a ceasefire.

The presence of foreign troops near our borders is unacceptable to us, Putins spokesman said, accusing European leaders of a pattern of militaristic anti-Russian sentiment.

UK and France have agreed to train Kyivs troops under scaled-back proposals for a new multinational force Ukraine - Sofiia Gatilova/REUTERS

It came after Britain and France announced on Thursday plans to police Ukraines skies and seas in the event of a ceasefire.

The two nations will also help train Kyivs troops under scaled-back proposals for a new multinational force Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Announcing the plans, Sir Keir Starmer said the mission would be headquartered in Paris for the first year of operations, before being rotated to London.

The measures are a step down from the original plans tabled for the coalition of the willing of nations, which would have seen tens of thousands of European troops deployed to protect Ukraines cities, critical infrastructure, and nuclear power plants.

02:29 PM BST

Thats all for today

Thanks for following our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Heres a reminder of what happened today:

Donald Trump promised to make a major announcement about Russia on Monday

Russia continued to strike major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, in overnight drone attacks

The Kremlin hit out at Emmanuel Macron after Britain and France announced they would police the skies in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire

Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine, said he would be visiting Kyiv on Monday

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis.

02:01 PM BST

Pictured: Putin meets Belgorod governor in Moscow

Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov in Moscow - via REUTERS

01:30 PM BST

Trump envoy to visit Ukraine next week

Keith Kellogg, Donald Trumps special envoy for Russia-Ukraine, will arrive in Kyiv on Monday for a week-long visit, Ukrainian media Novyny.LIVE reported on Friday.

Well be in Kyiv Monday. Well be there all week, he told a Novyny.LIVE journalist, as shown in a video on its website, while on the sidelines of conference about Ukraine in Rome.

01:02 PM BST

Boost long-range missile production, US army general tells Nato

Nato will need more long-range missiles in its arsenal to deter Russia from attacking Europe because Moscow is expected to increase production of long-range weapons, a US army general told Reuters.

Russias use of long-range missiles in its war in Ukraine has convinced Western military officials of their importance for destroying command posts, transportation hubs and missile launchers far behind enemy lines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Russian army is bigger today than it was when they started the war in Ukraine, Major General John Rafferty said in an interview at a US military base in Wiesbaden, Germany.

And we know that theyre going to continue to invest in long-range rockets and missiles and sophisticated air defences. So more alliance capability is really, really important.

12:23 PM BST

Aftermath of Russian drone attack in Kharkiv

Ukrainian experts work at the site of a drone strike in Kharkiv - Shutterstock Editorial

12:05 PM BST

Trump promises major statement on Russia

Donald Trump has said he will make a major statement about Russia on Monday after growing increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin in recent weeks.

Amid a ramp up of Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, the US president labelled his Russian counterpart crazy and accused him of speaking bulls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think Ill have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday, he told NBC News, without elaborating further.

Mr Trump could be referring to a major sanctions bill, drawn up by pro-Ukraine senator Lindsey Graham, which is expected to soon come to a vote in Congress.

The president also confirmed that the US would send a new weapons package to Ukraine, the first of his administration.

He described what he saw as a new deal between the US and Nato, which would buy weapons from Washington before sending them to Ukraine.

So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to Nato, and then Nato is going to be giving those weapons to Ukraine, and Nato is paying for those weapons, Mr Trump said.

11:29 AM BST

Moscow hits out at European peacekeeping plans

The Kremlin has singled out Emmanuel Macron after he said plans to send a peacekeeping force to Ukraine were ready should Moscow and Kyiv agree to a ceasefire.

The presence of foreign troops near our borders is unacceptable to us, Peskov said, accusing European leaders of a pattern of militaristic anti-Russian sentiment.

We reported earlier that Britain and France will police Ukraines skies and seas in the event of a ceasefire deal being signed with Russia (see 8.01 post).

11:08 AM BST

Kremlin awaits major statement from Trump

Russia is awaiting the major statement that Donald Trump announced he would deliver on Monday, a Kremlin spokesman said this morning.

The US president told NBC News on Thursday that he will make a major statement on Russia on Monday, without elaborating what it will be about.

When asked about the new Nato weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putins spokesman, called it just business as Kyiv had already been receiving weapons prior to this development.

Peskov also said Moscow was waiting for proposals from Ukraine ahead of a new round of talks.

10:54 AM BST

Trailer released for new film on failed Ukrainian counter-offensive

Mystslav Chernov made his name through reporting from inside Mariupol as the Russians besieged the city. 20 Days in Mariupol, the film he produced from that time, won the Oscar for best documentary last year.

His latest centres on the failed Ukrainian counter-offensive of 2023, reaching right to the front line and revealing the agonies of the soldiers tasked with breaking through Russias defences.

2000 meters to Andriivka premieres on August 1 in the UK, but tickets are still available for a Q+A with the director on July 17 in London.

In the trailer, Chernovs eye for detail immediately comes to the fore: a soldiers eyes are wet, illuminated by the thin window slit in an armoured vehicle. Anothers hands shake as he picks up bullets. This former Associated Press reporters films bring us about as close as it is possible to get to the war, and the people who fight it.

Im looking forward to taking my seat. Films like this are rare for good reason.

Finally, the trailer for '2000 METERS TO ANDRIIVKA' by @mstyslavchernov I was honored to work on this as a translator, with @frontlinepbs.



The film will be screening in UK and Irish cinemas starting August 1st.



Tickets: https://t.co/EuwJgptbwQ pic.twitter.com/xEYMhUgapO   Denford  (@TetyanaUkrainka) July 10, 2025

10:25 AM BST

Russia claims village in eastern Ukraine

Russian defence ministry said on Friday its forces captured the village of Zelena Dolyna in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region.

10:01 AM BST

Lavrov confirmed Putins position in Rubio meeting

Sergei Lavrov said this morning that he outlined Vladimir Putins position on settling the Ukraine war during a meeting with Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, the day before.

We discussed Ukraine. We confirmed the position that President Putin had outlined, including in his July 3 conversation with President Trump, the Russian foreign minister told state media on the sidelines of an Asean meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

For his part, Mr Rubio said he told Mr Lavrov that he was disappointed with progress to end the war in a frank conversation.

09:22 AM BST

Germany to buy more F-35 fighter jets from US

Germany plans to buy 15 additional F-35 fighter jets from the US, according to a report in Politico.

So far, Germany has ordered 35 F-35s to replace a total of 85 ageing Tornado fighter jets that will be decommissioned.

A military source told Reuters that the figure of 15 additional F-35 jets had been part of previous considerations, but that the numbers needed to be adapted after Natos new targets for weapons and troop numbers.

09:00 AM BST

Ukraine drone attack kills two, says Russia

Ukraines overnight and early morning drone attacks killed two people in Russia and attempted to hit targets in Moscow, authorities have said.

Russian air defences downed 155 Ukrainian drones between 11pm Thursday and 7am Friday, including 11 bound for Moscow, the Russian defence ministry said.

Three of the four airports serving the Russian capital, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky, temporarily suspended operations but later resumed.

08:21 AM BST

Pictured: Russian attack on maternity hospital in Kharkiv

A Russian drone barrage targeted the centre of Kharkiv this morning, injuring nine people and damaging a maternity hospital in Ukraines second-largest city, officials said.

Mothers with newborns were being evacuated to a different medical facility, the local mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on Telegram. He didnt say whether anyone at the hospital was among the injured.

A view shows a building hit by a Russian drone strike in downtown Kharkiv - REUTERS

A resident holds her baby inside an ambulance during an evacuation from a maternity hospital in Kharkiv - REUTERS

08:01 AM BST

Britain to police Ukraines skies if Russia agrees to ceasefire

Britain and France will police Ukraines skies and seas in the event of a ceasefire deal being signed with Russia.

The two nations will also help train Kyivs troops under scaled-back proposals for a new Multinational Force Ukraine.

Announcing the plans, Sir Keir Starmer said the mission would be headquartered in Paris for the first year of operations, before being rotated to London.

The measures are a step down from the original plans tabled for the Coalition of the Willing of nations, which would have seen tens of thousands of European troops deployed to protect Ukraines cities, critical infrastructure and nuclear power plants.

07:46 AM BST

US officials join Coalition of the Willing talks for first time

US officials joined Coalition of the Willing talks for the first time in Rome on Thursday.

Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, two Republican senators, held a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky and his team in the Italian capital.

Im grateful for their participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference, as well as in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. It is important that the United States joined this format  for the first time, Mr Zelensky said.

I had a good meeting with U.S. Senators @LindseyGrahamSC and @SenBlumenthal. I'm grateful for their participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference, as well as in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. It is important that the United States joined this format  for the pic.twitter.com/SmAdgSbznM  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 10, 2025

07:27 AM BST

Ukrainian drone secrets stolen by snooping Europeans

Unscrupulous European drone makers are faking battlefield tests and trying to steal the secrets of Ukrainian firms, according to the head of a major local manufacturer.

Roman Knyazhenko, the chief executive of Skyeton, accused some Western defence manufacturers of claiming their weapons were combat tested after short flights conducted away from the front line.

As a result, European governments have invested billions of pounds in systems that do not work in reality, taking resources away from the defence of their own nations and support for Ukraine.

Mr Knyazhenko said drone makers would visit his firm with proposals of co-operation, only to use the time to try to snoop on its secrets.

Engineers from the Skyeton company launch their flagship Raybird drone - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

07:17 AM BST

Two killed as Russia continues to pound Kyiv

Two people were killed and 28 injured as Russia continued to pound Kyiv in a major attack for the second night in a row.

Air raid alerts rang out through the city for six hours overnight, with locals reporting the sound of drones and ballistic missiles.

It is not clear how many Russian drones and missiles were fired at Ukraine overnight though it was the second major attack on the Ukrainian capital in as many days.

Russia has stepped up its attacks against major cities in recent months, repeatedly breaking records for the number of missiles and drones in a single night.

07:12 AM BST

Trump to send first weapons package to Ukraine

Donald Trump announced plans to send his first weapons package to Ukraine since returning to the White House in January.

The US president said weapons would be sold to Nato before being sent on to Kyiv.

Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%. So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons, Mr Trump said.

We send weapons to NATO, and NATO is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons, he added.

His team is expected to identify weapons from US stockpiles under the presidential drawdown authority, which allows the president to draw arms from stocks to help allies in an emergency.

It was frequently used by his predecessor, Joe Biden.

The package, which is expected to be worth around $300m, could include crucial Patriot missiles and offensive medium-range rockets.

07:10 AM BST

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Well bring you the latest news and analysis throughout the day.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Government officials announced the Kentucky State Police (KSP) arrested 197 people in a statewide drug operation, and 32 of those people were in western Kentucky.

Officials with Governor Beshears office announced the KSP completed a Operation Summer Heat 2.0, targeting suspected drug networks operating in the commonwealth and leading to 197 arrests.

Every Kentuckian should be safe and feel safe, and no Kentucky family should feel the pain of losing a loved one to addiction, Gov. Beshear said. Because of the Kentucky State Police, we are accomplishing both of these goals, and we are thankful for the agencys dedication to every single one of our commonwealths communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Resurfacing to begin on I-69 in Madisonville this weekend

Officials say all 16 posts participated in Operation Summer Heat 2.0, and preliminary results indicate the following:

197 arrests

490 charges issued

Combined seizure of: 3,002 grams of fentanyl 1,176 grams of cocaine 6,046 grams of methamphetamine 408 grams of heroin 600 fentanyl pills 97 hydrocodone doses 127 oxycodone doses 67 doses of hallucinogens

Troopers confiscated: 82 firearms $181,381 in cash $200,000 worth of stolen property Recovered one stolen vehicle



Officials say the estimated street value of the drugs collected exceeds $640,000. The investigation remains active, and more arrests are expected in the coming weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This mission was about more than making arrests, it was about disrupting the criminal enterprises that threatens the safety and health of Kentuckians, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. I am proud of our personnel, who worked tirelessly to take these dangerous drugs off the streets and who will continue working to keep every community safe.

Here are the initial arrests made by KSP posts that cover the Eyewitness News coverage area:

Post 2, Madisonville: 21

Post 16, Henderson: 11

State officials say last year, Operation Summer Heat saw 206 people arrested and nearly $685,000 worth of drugs removed from Kentucky streets. The Kentucky State Police encourages the public to share any information related to drug activity by contacting one of its 16 posts or submitting an anonymous tip on KSPs website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Disaster Recovery Center in Henderson to close its doors

Treatment resources

Officials with Gov. Beshears office say if anyone is struggling with addiction, the KY HELP Call Center can connect them to treatment by calling 833-859-4357.

According to state officials, information about treatment programs all across the commonwealth is available here. Information on how to obtain naloxone, which is used to reverse an opioid overdose, can be found at that website, as well as here and here.

(Courtesy: Kentucky State Police Justice and Public Safety Cabinet)

Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
After four decades of armed struggle against the Turkish state, the outlawed Kurdish PKK has held a ceremony to mark a symbolic first step in laying down its arms.

About 30 fighters, men and women, placed their weapons in a cauldron, starting a disarmament process expected to last all summer.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hailed the move as "totally ripping off and throwing away the bloody shackles that were put on our country's legs".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some 40,000 people have been killed since the conflict began, and the PKK is listed as a terror group in Turkey, the US, EU and UK. Its disarmament will be felt not just in Turkey but in Iraq, Syria and Iran.

How did the disarmament begin?

A convoy of reporters and politicians, including members of Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition Dem party, were taken to a well known tourist spot to witness the ceremony - at Jasana cave 50km (30 miles) north-west of the city of Suleymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The PKK fighters, including four high-ranking officials, lined up to put their weapons in the cauldron, where they were set alight.

"We voluntarily destroy our weapons, before your presence, as a step of goodwill and determination," the group said in a statement, describing it as a historic, democratic step.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this week, the PKK's long-imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, said it was "a voluntary transition from the phase of armed conflict to the phase of democratic politics and law".

Ocalan has been in solitary confinement on the small prison island of Imrali, south-west of Istanbul, since he was captured in 1999.

The process will continue over the coming months at points set up with the involvement of the Turkish, Iraqi and Kurdistan regional governments, BBC Turkish has been told.

Who are the PKK and why has the conflict lasted so long?

Imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan still commands support among many Kurds [DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP]

This is not the first attempt at peace involving Turkey and the PKK, but this is the best hope so far that the armed struggle that began in 1984 will come to an end.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Originally a Marxist group, the Kurdistan Workers' Party took up arms calling for an independent state inside Turkey.

In the 1990s, they called instead for greater autonomy for Kurds, who make up about 20% of the population.

Ocalan announced a ceasefire in 2013, and urged PKK forces to withdraw from Turkey. The 2015 Dolmabahce Agreement was supposed to bring democratic and language rights for Kurds, but the fragile truce collapsed amid devastating violence, especially in the Kurdish-dominated cities of the south-east, including Diyarbakir.

Turkey's air force targeted PKK bases in the mountains of northern Iraq. Several military campaigns have also targeted Kurdish-led forces in Syria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The government in Ankara ruled out further talks until the PKK laid down its arms. That has now begun to take place.

Why has the PKK decided to disband?

A fragile ceasefire with the PKK broke down in 2015 [Getty Images]

In October 2024, a prominent nationalist leader and key Erdogan ally called Devlet Bahceli began a process described by the government as "terror-free Turkey". He urged the PKK's imprisoned leader to call for the dissolution of the outlawed group. It could pave the way for his possible release from Imrali island, he suggested.

The Turkish government launched talks with Ocalan via the pro-Kurdish Dem party, and then in February came his historic appeal for the PKK to disband, read out by two Dem MPs who had just returned from a visit to the prison island.

"All groups must lay their arms and the PKK must dissolve itself," read Ocalan's letter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The PKK had been formed primarily because "the channels of democratic politics were closed", he said, but Devlet Bahceli and Erdogan's own positive signals had created the right environment.

The PKK followed Ocalan's lead and declared a ceasefire and later declared that it had "completed its historical mission": the Kurdish issue could now "be resolved through democratic politics".

President Erdogan said it was an "opportunity to take a historic step toward tearing down the wall of terror" and met pro-Kurdish politicians in April.

Why is Ocalan so important?

Ocalan, in the centre at the front, released a video on Wednesday ahead of Friday's ceremony [ANF]

As founder of the PKK, Ocalan continues to be reviled by many Turks, even after 26 years in solitary confinement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And yet he still plays an important role in the eyes of Kurds.

"I think he really has this authority; he is a main symbol for many Kurds, not all," says Joost Jongerden, a specialist on the 41-year conflict at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

Two days before the PKK were due to begin disarmament, Ocalan appeared on video for the first time since he was put on trial more than 20 years ago.

Speaking for seven minutes, he addressed the outlawed group: "I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons. And I call on you to put this principle into practice."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ocalan was wearing a beige Lacoste polo shirt, and in an indication of his enduring relevance, the shirt quickly went viral and websites selling it ran out of stock.

What happens next?

Turkey's President Erdogan has denied wanting to continue in office when his term runs out [Reuters]

The scene will now switch to Turkey's parliament in Ankara where a commission will be set up to make decisions on the next steps for the government.

As the summer recess is around the corner, no concrete decisions are expected for several months, when MPs vote on the commission's recommendations and President Erdogan has the final say.

What happens to Abdullah Ocalan is not yet clear. The government says his conditions in jail could be reviewed as the process unfolds, but any chance of release will be left to the latter stages.

What's in this process for Erdogan?

Erdogan's AK Party has begun work on changing the constitution, and there has been speculation that this would mean Erdogan would be able to run for the presidency again when his final term runs out in 2028.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The AKP and pro-Kurdish Dem party deny there is any link between the peace process and reshaping the constitution, but if Erdogan secures Dem support he would have a far greater chance of pushing through changes.

Erdogan is behind in the polls, but his main opposition rival, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, is in jail accused of corruption, which he denies, and more opposition mayors have been arrested as part of a crackdown in the past week.
A group of fighters from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on Friday concluded a formal weapons handover ceremony in northern Iraq by burning their surrendered weapons, symbolically ending decades of conflict with the Turkish state.

The act, carried out deep inside Jasana Cave in Sulaimaniyah Province, marks one of the most significant milestones to date in the Kurdish-Turkish peace process.

Thirty PKK fighters laid down their arms  including light weapons and medium machine guns  and torched them in a show of their irreversible commitment to non-violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chanting slogans in support of their longtime leader Abdullah Ocalan, the fighters said the move was a "goodwill gesture" in response to Ocalan's repeated calls for peace and political engagement.

A video was released showing the disarmament ceremony.

According to Bese Hozat, a PKK executive and spokeswoman who supervised the ceremony, the entire event lasted about 20 minutes.

The ceremony was attended by official delegations from the Kurdistan Region, representatives of Kurdish political parties from both Iraq and Turkey, as well as a number of political and social figures.

In a speech, Hozat said that the PKK expects Turkey "to respond to this initiative and take concrete steps to accelerate the peace process, restore security and recognize democratic rights."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She called for the "immediate release of [PKK] leader Ocalan."

Following Hozats remarks, the PKK fighters placed their light and medium weapons into a specially prepared metal pit, and Hozat and another PKK commander set fire to the weapons, symbolizing what Hozat termed "the beginning of a new phase."

Hozat noted, "Our people deserve to live in peace, in normal and dignified conditions."

Turkish media confirmed the start of the arms decommissioning process, which took place with very limited media access in a remote area near Dokan, around 60 kilometres north-west of Sulaimaniyah.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The group involved in the disarmament, known as the Peace and Democratic Society Group, issued a detailed press statement following the ceremony.

They affirmed their transition from armed struggle to democratic political activity, declaring: We combine our good intentions and sincere will by destroying our weapons here today [Friday] at this historic moment before you."

"From now on, we will continue the struggle for freedom, democracy, and socialism using democratic and legal political methods," they said.

The decision to disarm, the group said, was rooted in Ocalan's latest video message dated June 19, 2025, as well as earlier statements and the resolutions of the PKK's 12th Congress in May, during which the group announced its organizational dissolution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ocalan, imprisoned in Turkey since 1999, had urged the PKK to shift from armed confrontation to political struggle in order to achieve Kurdish rights through peaceful means.

Calling for Ocalans release, the group appealed to the Turkish government to take the initiative and begin genuine political dialogue to resolve the Kurdish question.

"We trust in our collective strength and our ability to achieve new democratic gains," the fighters said.

They also called on international and regional powers to support the peace process and to recognize the legitimate national and democratic rights of the Kurdish people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Turkish officials responded positively.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the move, calling it an important step toward our goal of a Turkey free of terror, on social media platform X.

Main opposition CHP party leader Ozgur Ozel also greeted what he called the PKKs symbolic move to lay down arms, stressing his call for improved "democracy and justice" in the country.

While symbolic for now  given the PKK is believed to still have thousands of fighters  Friday's disarmament event represents a potentially historic turning point.

Additional weapons collection points are expected to be established, and authorities in Turkey, Iraq and the Kurdish Regional Government in Erbil plan to monitor further disarmament phases.
By Ako Rasheed

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq (Reuters) - Thirty Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants burned their weapons at the mouth of a cave in northern Iraq on Friday, marking a symbolic but significant step toward ending a decades-long insurgency against Turkey.

Footage from the ceremony showed the fighters, half of them women, queuing to place AK-47 assault rifles, bandoliers and other guns into a large grey cauldron. Flames later engulfed the black gun shafts pointed to the sky, as Kurdish, Iraqi and Turkish officials watched nearby.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The PKK, locked in conflict with the Turkish state and outlawed since 1984, decided in May to disband, disarm and end its separatist struggle after a public call to do so from its long-imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan.

After a series of failed peace efforts, the new initiative could pave the way for Ankara to end an insurgency that has killed over 40,000 people, burdened the economy and wrought deep social and political divisions in Turkey and the wider region.

President Tayyip Erdogan said he hoped the PKK's dissolution would bolster Turkish security and regional stability. "May God grant us success in achieving our goals on this path we walk for the security of our country, the peace of our nation, and the establishment of lasting peace in our region," he said on X.

Friday's ceremony was held at the entrance of the Jasana cave in the town of Dukan, 60 km (37 miles) northwest of Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan region of Iraq's north.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fighters, in beige military fatigues, were flanked by four commanders including senior PKK figure Bese Hozat, who read a statement in Turkish declaring the group's decision to disarm.

"We voluntarily destroy our weapons, in your presence, as a step of goodwill and determination," she said, before another commander read the same statement in Kurdish.

Helicopters hovered overhead, with dozens of Iraqi Kurdish security forces surrounding the mountainous area, a Reuters witness said.

The ceremony was attended by Turkish and Iraqi intelligence figures, officials of Iraq's Kurdistan regional government and senior members of Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM party - which also played a key role this year facilitating the PKK's disarmament decision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was unclear when further handovers would take place.

A senior Turkish official said the arms handover marked an "irreversible turning point" in the peace process, while another government source said ensuing steps would include the legal reintegration of PKK members into society in Turkey and efforts to heal communities and promote reconciliation.

WIDER SIGNIFICANCE

The PKK has been based in northern Iraq after being pushed well beyond Turkey's southeastern frontier in recent years. Turkey's military carries out regular strikes on PKK bases in the region and established several military outposts there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The end of NATO member Turkey's conflict with the PKK could have consequences across the region, including in neighbouring Syria where the United States is allied with Syrian Kurdish forces that Ankara deems a PKK offshoot.

Washington and Ankara want those Kurds to quickly integrate with Syria's security structure, which has been undergoing reconfiguration since the fall in December of autocratic President Bashar al-Assad. PKK disarmament could add to this pressure, analysts say.

The PKK, DEM and Ocalan have all called on Erdogan's government to address Kurdish demands for more rights in regions where Kurds form a majority, particularly Turkey's southeast where the insurgency was concentrated.

In a rare online video published on Wednesday, Ocalan - whose large image was shown at the weapons ceremony - also urged Turkey's parliament to set up a commission to oversee disarmament and manage the broader peace process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ankara has taken steps toward forming the commission, while the DEM and Ocalan have said that legal assurances and certain mechanisms were needed to smooth the PKK's transition into democratic politics.

Omer Celik, spokesman for Erdogan's AK Party, said the ceremony marked a first step toward full disarmament and a "terror-free Turkey", adding this must be completed "in a short time".

Erdogan has said the disarmament will enable the rebuilding of Turkey's southeast.

Turkey spent nearly $1.8 trillion over the past five decades combating terrorism, Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek has said.

(Additional reporting by Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad and Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul; editing by Mark Heinrich)
SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq (AP)  Fighters with a Kurdish separatist militant group that has waged a decades-long insurgency in Turkey began laying down their weapons in a symbolic ceremony on Friday in northern Iraq, the first concrete step toward a promised disarmament as part of a peace process.

The Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, announced in May that it would disband and renounce armed conflict, ending four decades of hostilities. The move came after PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul since 1999, urged his group in February to convene a congress and formally disband and disarm.

Ocalan renewed his call in a video message broadcast on Wednesday, saying, I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fighters toss weapons into cauldron

Most journalists weren't allowed at the site of Fridays ceremony, in the mountains of Sulaymaniyah province in northern Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region.

Footage from the event showed fighters  both men and women  casting rifles and machine guns into a large cauldron, where they were then set ablaze.

The PKK issued a statement from the fighters who were laying down their weapons, saying that they had disarmed as a gesture of goodwill and a commitment to the practical success of the peace process.

We will henceforth continue our struggle for freedom, democracy, and socialism through democratic politics and legal means, the statement said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The state-run Iraqi News Agency reported that 30 fighters had disarmed symbolically on Friday, and that the continuing disarmament process will take place in stages. The process is expected to be completed by September, the agency reported.

An Iraqi Kurdish political official said representatives of the Turkish intelligence service and of the Kurdish regional government, Iraqs Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party and the Peoples Equality and Democracy Party, a pro-Kurdish party in Turkey, were present. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak publicly.

Turkish parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmus said the initial disarmament step had proceeded as planned, but cautioned that the process was far from complete.

Theres still a long way to go in collecting many more weapons, Kurtulmus said. What matters is ending the armed era in a way that ensures weapons are never taken up again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said the Turkish parliament was close to setting up a commission to oversee the peace process.

Turkey welcomes the move

Devlet Bahceli, President Recep Tayyip Erdogans nationalist ally who initiated the peace process, welcomed the ceremony, saying in a written statement that it marks "historic developments that signal the end of a dark era."

Bahceli, who has traditionally maintained a hard-line stance against the PKK, surprised everyone in October when he suggested in parliament that Ocalan could be granted parole if he renounced violence and disbanded the PKK.

Erdogan, in an X post, called Friday's ceremony an important step toward our goal of a terrorism-free Turkey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The PKK has waged an armed insurgency against Turkey since 1984, initially with the aim of establishing a Kurdish state in the southeast of the country. Over time, the objective evolved into a campaign for autonomy and rights for Kurds within Turkey.

The conflict between militants and state forces, which has spread beyond Turkeys borders into Iraq and Syria, has killed tens of thousands of people. The PKK is considered to be a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

Previous peace efforts between Turkey and the PKK have ended in failure  most recently in 2015.

The PKK has long maintained bases in the mountains of northern Iraq, where Turkish forces have launched offensives and airstrikes and have set up bases in the area. Last year, Iraqs government announced an official ban on the separatist group, which long has been prohibited in Turkey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Scores of villages have emptied as a result of the violence. Displaced Kurdish Iraqis have voiced hopes that the peace process will finally allow them to go home.

Officials have spoken of a five-part peace process with the PKK, with the first phase being the political initiative launched by Bahceli, followed by Ocalans message in February urging the PKK to abandon the armed struggle.

The next two steps would focus on legal reintegration of the PKK fighters and long-term healing and reconciliation efforts.

Kurds have mixed feelings

Kurds in Iraq said that they were optimistic, although some expressed fears that the deal would collapse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This will benefit both sides, said Abdulrahman Abbas, a resident of the town of Dukan, near where the ceremony took place. "Why should this bloodshed continue for nothing?

A Kurdish political activist from Sulaymaniyah, Mohammed Alaa, called the move a positive step that will bring security stability in northeastern Syria and Iraq.

But the goal is for these steps to continue, and for Turkey to take the initiative to release Kurdish prisoners, he said.

PKK officials previously said that in order to continue disarming, they want to see Turkey take steps to end the regime of isolation imposed on Ocalan in prison and to allow integration of former militants into the political system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bewar Amin Tahir, a spokesperson at Makhmour, a camp in Iraq for Kurdish refugees who were displaced from their villages in Turkey in the 1990s during fighting between Turkish forces and the PKK, said he hopes the peace process would open the door for a return to our villages and end three decades of suffering and hardship.

But he said the Turkish state must also adhere to this initiative. ... So far, this process seems to be proceeding from one side only. He called for Turkey to begin amending its constitution so that the Kurds have their rightful place.

Even if that happens, he acknowledged that many camp residents are not likely to return to Turkey. Most of their homes are destroyed and burned, Tahir said, and the refugees' children, born in the camp, do not know another home.

Questions remain about the future of Kurdish fighters in Syria. Turkey considers the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF  a U.S.-allied, Kurdish-led force controlling much of northeastern Syria  to be a terrorist group because of its affiliation with the PKK.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The SDF and authorities in Damascus agreed in March to merge the Kurdish forces into the national army  a move supported by Ankara  but the two sides have remained at an impasse over how to implement the deal.

___

Abdul-Zahra reported from Baghdad. Associated Press writers Abby Sewell in Beirut and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
Kyiv City Military Administration has announced the launch of a full-fledged interception system for Russian drones targeting Kyiv, with UAH 260 million (approx. US$6.2 million) set to be allocated for this initiative.

Source: Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, on X (Twitter)

Details: Tkachenko stated that, on the instructions of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kyiv is launching a full-fledged system to intercept Russian attack drones targeting the capital. The city is attracting additional funds for the implementation of a large-scale project called Clean Sky, which aims to protect the airspace using domestically produced interceptor drones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He clarified that the money would be used not just for purchasing equipment, but for building an effective response system.

Quote: "We are establishing a training centre for operators  a specialised facility where drone interceptor operators will be trained; forming additional mobile units to remain on duty in the capital and on its outskirts; and working closely with the General Staff, the Air Force and the defence forces to ensure maximum interoperability with the air defence system."

More details: Tkachenko also noted that in just a few months since the pilot phase of the Clean Sky project was launched in Kyiv Oblast, it has proved effective, with nearly 550 Russian UAVs intercepted.

He added that efforts are also underway to attract extra-budgetary funding.

See also: A new recipe against Russian Shahed drones: why Ukraine must develop drone air defence

Background:

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces are actively scaling this initiative. The approach is considered cost-effective, as an air defence missile can cost up to US$1 million, while an interceptor drone costs around US$5,000.

The development of this drone interception technology is especially critical as Russia seeks to ramp up drone production.

Ukraines Defence Intelligence states that as of May 2025, Russias daily output of Shahed drones and their decoys has reached around 170 units, with plans to increase this to 190 per day by the end of the year.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
CLEVELAND (WJW)  A contractor working at a West 3rd Street building site for Sherwin-Williams was killed in an overnight accident.

Cleveland police were called to the site in the 1300 block of West 3rd Street just after midnight on Friday.

Driver trapped after slamming into fire truck at scene of another crash

Cleveland EMS and firefighters were already at the scene, where a 48-year-old man was found beneath a tow motor he had been operating, according to a report from Cleveland police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

EMS workers pronounced the man dead on scene.

Mystery remains after Lake Erie distress call

Julie Young, Sherwin-Williams vice president of communications, issued a statement Friday that read:

We are saddened to share that shortly after midnight this morning, a laborer working for a site services trade contractor, was fatally injured in an accident involving a forklift. Emergency response was immediately notified and was quickly on the scene. No one else was injured. We share our deepest sympathies with the family, loved ones, and co-workers. Safety remains our highest priority, and we are supporting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed Friday it is investigating the incident. The Cleveland police Accident Investigation Unit is also reviewing the incident.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Labours plan to launch state-funded restaurants has sparked a backlash from hospitality chiefs who have branded the move anti-business.

Hugh Osmond, a serial restaurant entrepreneur who co-founded Pizza Express, said plans for government-backed Second World War-style diners were a ludicrous idea, arguing the restaurants would cost a lot of money, provide absolutely terrible food and, in the end, fail.

Luke Johnson, restaurant entrepreneur and chairman of Gails, said the industry was already highly competitive, adding: The very idea that state-backed restaurants could operate more efficiently than the private sector is surely a bad joke.

Luke Johnson, chairman of Gails, says Labours plans are a bad joke - Shutterstock

Ministers this week said they were trialling new state-funded restaurants that would serve meals for as little as 3 in Nottingham and Dundee. The diners, which have received 1.5m of taxpayer funding, will resemble the subsidised civic kitchens of the 1940s.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Peter Kyle, the Science and Technology Secretary, said the aim was to actively explore the best ways to get healthy food into the mouths of those who need it. The trial could lead to the launch of similar schemes if successful.

While the restaurants are targeted at poor households who struggle to access nutritious food, Anna Chworow of Nourish Scotland, which is behind one of the schemes, told the i paper the restaurants were aimed at everybody  the way a bus, library or public park is. It suggests state-backed restaurants could compete against private businesses.

Mr Johnson said: Politicians and civil servants should focus on their core activities like defence, law and order and education  and run them more effectively, rather than ludicrous displacement activity like state-sponsored diners.

It comes as many restaurants struggle to stay afloat in the wake of the Governments tax raid earlier this year.

Tough times for hospitality

Figures have suggested that more than one in 10 restaurants are at risk of closure this year following the Chancellors decision to raise National Insurance contributions and push up the minimum wage in April. More than 4,000 restaurants were forced to shut last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

UKHospitality has estimated that the Budget has cost the industry as much as 3.4bn extra each year.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, urged ministers to turn their attention to easing pressures for existing restaurants rather than setting up state subsidised rivals.

She said: Youve got a third of the sector operating at a loss. The key thing here is the Government should focus more of its attention and resources on tackling the underlying causes of that.

Fundamentally, the better way to help will be to get out of the way, and not add extra costs and regulatory burdens like packaging taxes, tourism taxes, employment taxes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It comes amid concerns that further regulation is on the horizon. The Telegraph recently revealed that Labour is drawing up plans to compel large restaurant chains and fast food giants to cut diners calories.

The proposals are being looked at as part of a broader obesity strategy launched by the Government, which will also set new targets for supermarkets to stop shoppers buying so many sugary and salty snacks.

Under the new plans, large chains and fast food giants are expected to have to report how many calories customers consume on average, and show how they have reduced that number.

Ms Nicholls last month said the sector had been totally blindsided by the plans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Phil Thorley, boss of Kent pub chain Thorley Taverns, said ministers needed to give publicans and restaurateurs a chance.

He said: Hospitality has been hit hardest by the National Insurance contributions and the increase in national minimum wage and the Government is now trying to run restaurants. They cant run the country.

The boss of a restaurant group that operates dozens of locations across the country told The Telegraph: This is just another example of an anti-business government making ill-thought-through decisions. Ultimately this will cost the very people they are trying to help by reducing employment prospects in a sector that employs so many people.

Another described the state-funded restaurants plan as totally ridiculous and said it would cost a lot of money, be utterly s--- and fail miserably.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Government spokesman said: This is a complete misrepresentation of this project  which is a limited-time research pilot, exploring ways of getting low-cost nutritious food to those who need it most, to help people live healthier lives.

The Government is backing hospitality businesses and permanently cutting business rates, including for restaurants, to help ease the pressure on the sector and help it grow as part of our Plan for Change.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Firms are being warned they are missing out on recruiting workers because of a lack of transparency over pay.

A campaign was launched in Britain calling on employers to publish salary bands in job adverts amid a growing expectation from jobseekers for openness around pay.

New research by communications agency Jack & Grace suggested that two in three people were unlikely to apply for a role if no salary is listed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A survey of 2,000 people also found over half of respondents would be willing to share their own salary if it would help to reduce pay inequality.

The data points to a clear shift in attitudes, particularly among younger workers, who increasingly expect openness around pay as standard, said the report.

Two in five respondents said they had discovered a colleague in the same or similar role was paid differently.

Laura Chambers, co-founder of Jack & Grace, said: The data sends a clear message. Todays workforce expects transparency  and employers that dont get on board are missing out on talent, particularly among younger candidates. Pay clarity isnt just a fairness issue, its a recruitment and retention strategy.

Jack & Grace said it was launching a campaign calling on employers to join the growing movement of businesses that are pushing fairer, more transparent hiring.
By Akbar Novruz



Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan Elmin Mammadov held a high-level meeting with a Chinese delegation led by the Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation following the April 2025 strategic partnership declaration between the two countries, Azernews reports.

According to the Ministry, the sides discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation in civil aviation. Emphasis was placed on the development of air communication, sharing best practices through joint inspections and training programs, and advancing civil aviation infrastructure.

A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a cooperation document between the Civil Aviation Administration of China and Azerbaijans State Civil Aviation Agency. The agreement covers a wide range of areas, including air connectivity, infrastructure development, sustainable aviation, flight safety, and aviation security.

The meeting is the first institutional follow-up since the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between President Ilham Aliyev and Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 23, 2025. It reflects the growing momentum in Azerbaijan-China relations and underscores mutual commitment to expanding collaboration in the transport and digital connectivity sectors.
Lafayette Parish School System receives national recognition for school safety plan

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  The Lafayette Parish School System has received national recognition for its school safety plan. LPSS School Resource Officers are currently attending the National Association of School Resource Officers conference taking place in Dallas.

Communications Director Tracy Wirtz says last year, the school system learned LPSS is one of the few school districts in the country with a trained law enforcement officer on every single school campus. They say this safety coverage sets LPSS apart from other school districts.

Which just speaks to the superintendents commitment to safety, making sure that when parents drop their children off at school they know that everything that can be done has been done to keep their students safe. I think that comes with a large piece of mind for those parents, Wirtz said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres also the partnership with local law enforcement, allowing for the school system to have an SRO on every campus.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

Unfortunately, in recent years, school threats have increased nationwide, forcing school lockdowns and evacuations.

Its a partnership and the superintendent has a very good relationship with all of the police chiefs and the sheriffs office. All of our school resource officers are members of those particular law enforcement organizations, she added.

Wirtz says the best part is that school resource officers enjoy their assigned campuses. The students know them, and the resource officers know the students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also gives the children and the students there an opportunity to learn about law enforcement and to see police officers in an environment where they may not normally see them. This is just a win all the way around, Wirtz explained.

Latest news

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
According to Congressman Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, who voted in approval of the passed budget reconciliation package, signed by Pres. Donald Trump on July 4, the package delivers a lot of what the Republican Party has been pushing for years. It means more jobs and a stronger economy. It makes Social Security checks tax-free for most seniors, protects Medicare, makes sure tips and overtime pay arent taxed, and extends tax relief so families can hold on to more of what they earn, LaMalfa said. It also opens up more of our country for energy and timber production and takes care of the Wests water needs by fixing canals and building more storage. It funds actually securing the border so we can finally finish the wall, remove criminal illegal aliens and get this crisis under control. Importantly, it gets us back to the principle that if youre a healthy able-bodied adult, you should be employed. Im glad to see the House pass it and look forward to seeing it signed into law."

According to LaMalfas Washington, D. C., office, the budget reconciliation package:

 Tax Relief for Working Americans: Extends significant tax cuts, including about a 15 percent cut for those earning $30,000$80,000. Expands the Child Tax Credit and adds a senior tax deduction of $6,000 to offset taxes on Social Security. Also exempts tips and overtime from being taxed. The median family in Californias 1st District will save around $3,500 under this bill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 Helping Families Afford New Cars: Makes it easier for working Americans to purchase new vehicles by making interest on new purchases of American made care deductible.

 Strengthens Timber & Farming: Expands timber harvesting and strengthens crop insurance and conservation tools, without adding red tape.

 Public Lands: No sale of federally managed public lands.

 Water Storage Expansion: Invests $1 billion to upgrade and expand water storage and fix canals, helping the West store and deliver more water in wet years.

 Rural Healthcare: Includes a new $50 billion fund to keep rural hospitals afloat as states change Medicaid formulas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 Medicaid & SNAP Reform: Requires able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) to work, volunteer, or pursue education for at least 80 hours per month. Ends benefits for 1.4 million illegal immigrants.

 Protects Seniors: Does not touch Social Security or Medicare while adding additional tax deductions to help seniors.

 Energy & Resource Development: Repeals Green New Deal-style handouts, expands American oil, gas, and mineral production.

 Border Security & Immigration Enforcement: Fully funds Trumps border wall, ramps up deportations, adds thousands of new ICE and Border Patrol agents.

LaMalfa is chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and represents Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba counties.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A police department in Lancaster County will be ceasing operations at the start of next year.

According to the New Holland Police Officers Association, the New Holland Police Department will be ceasing operations effective January 1, 2026.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Breaking News Alerts

This comes after Earl Township supervisors voted to move forward with West Earl for their Policing services on July 7, 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following this decision on July 9, the New Holland Borough Council voted 5-2 to contract their Police services with West Earl.

New Holland Police Officers Association says the current New Holland Police contract with Earl Township and New Holland Borough is set to expire on December 31. Since both municipalities voted to contract police services with West Earl, the New Holland Police Department will be disbanded at the end of this year.

Thank you for all the community members that have supported the NHPOA the past couple of months as we have attempted to navigate this issue, the New Holland Police Officers Association concluded.

abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Editors note: KTLA reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for comment multiple times prior to publication. DHS has not yet responded. KTLA will update this article with any new information as it becomes available.

The Los Angeles Police Department has closed its missing persons case involving Yuriana Juliana Juli Pelaez Calderon, an activist who purportedly vanished on June 25.

However, her whereabouts and the circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Supporters held a press conference on June 30, calling her disappearance a kidnapping. They claimed Calderon was taken from a South L.A. fast-food parking lot by men in unmarked vehicles who did not identify themselves, possibly bounty hunters.

Loved ones are seen here at a press conference to discuss the disappearance of a South L.A. community leader and mother, pictured in the top right image provided by ACCE (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment). June 2025. (KTLA)

According to Calderon, she managed to make two phone calls using borrowed phones while being held in a warehouse near the U.S.-Mexico border. She said she was pressured to sign self-deportation documents.

In response, the Department of Homeland Security quickly dismissed the story as a hoax, stating that ICE does not use bounty hunters and that Calderon was never arrested or detained by federal agents.

The LAPD, which had opened a missing persons investigation, confirmed to KTLA: The LAPD Missing Person Report Case related to Yuriana Juliana Pelaez Calderon has been closed. The missing person has been located. MPU has no further details at this time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police did not confirm whether Calderon is currently in federal custody or disclose her current location.

An attorney from the Immigrant Defenders Law Center who is working on the case believes she is being held at the ICE detention facility in Mesa Verde (Riverside County). This information purportedly came from the Mexican consulate.

The attorney also noted that a misspelling of Calderons name may have prevented her from appearing in the ICE detainee locator system. The next step, they said, is arranging a legal visit to hear Calderons account directly.

The Mexican consulate and DHS did not respond to KTLAs requests for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Calderon, who has lived in Los Angeles for over 20 years, is not a U.S. citizen. If she is in federal custody, it remains unclear why, or what legal consequences she may face.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Lara Trump was mocked on Thursday after she declared her father-in-law, President Donald Trump, had made history by being the most transparent commander in chief of all time.

This president, President Donald Trump, is the most transparent, as you just pointed out, president, I think, in American history, Trumps daughter-in-law, who is married to Trump scion Eric, told Fox News host Laura Ingraham.

He never stops, you know, he never misses an opportunity to stop and talk with the press, to engage with the press, to do multiple interactions and takes every question possible, added Lara Trump, who hosts a show on the network.

The most transparent line was clipped and shared on social media:

Lara Trump: This president, Donald Trump, is the most transparent president in American history pic.twitter.com/7pCKBJmw9u  Acyn (@Acyn) July 10, 2025

Critics argued that frequent interactions with reporters dont necessarily equate to genuine transparency, and suggested what was actually transparent about his administration:

The only thing transparent about this administration are the lies.  Treason Deserves Sentencing (@StupidTrumps) July 11, 2025

Lara Trump: This president, Donald Trump, is the most transparent president in American history



=> Yep. You can see right through everything he does. He's so obvious and predictable. Transparent as they come. And nothing he does ever really shocks us. "He did what?!" Oh...   Jeff Fleischmann   (@Philosocrat) July 11, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yeah. Transparent because hes so easy to see through.  She Wolf (@RapierDiva) July 11, 2025

Does Lara Trump know the meaning of "transparent."  IslandGirl (@IslandG41370138) July 11, 2025

Who wants to tell her?   Anna Baxter  (@MsAnnaBaxter) July 11, 2025

Uhm. No he's not.  Machine Pun Kelly  (@KellyScaletta) July 11, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Related...
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, Fla. - Staff with the South Florida Water Management District report recently spotting around 125 American flamingos around the Everglades, marking the largest flock seen in South Florida in at least the last decade.

Photos released by the agency show the pink specimens wading through the water and flying high above the swamplands of the Sunshine State.

While the bird is considered to be native to Florida, its population decreased to alarmingly low levels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, due to hunting, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Over recent decades, the population is thought to be increasing, which has been aided by habitat protection and public awareness.

"On Wednesdays, we wear pink or in this case we spot beautiful pink flamingos," staff noted on its social media post about the flock.

Rare Flamingo Sightings Across Us Likely A Result Of Impacts Of Hurricane Idalia, Experts Say

Flamingos remain more common elsewhere around the Caribbean and particularly in Cuba, which hosts one of the colonies of American flamingos in the Western Hemisphere.

Officials with the SFWMD did not state why the recent spotting was made possible, but some regions of the U.S., particularly in Florida and along the Gulf Coast, have reported increased sightings, especially after large hurricanes in the Gulf and the Caribbean.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After Hurricane Idalia in 2023, flamingos were observed not only throughout Florida but as far west as Texas and as far north as Wisconsin.

At the time, wildlife experts believed gusty winds disrupted flocks in Mexico and Cuba, sweeping some birds hundreds and even thousands of miles off course.

Did The National Weather Service Capture A Photo Of Bigfoot During A Pennsylvania Storm Survey?

According to FWC, the American flamingo is one of the largest species of flamingo and averages some 5 feet tall.

The species is largely considered to be non-migratory but can fly large distances in search of food and a suitable habitat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A survey conducted in 2024 spotted only around 100 flamingos in the wild around Florida, with many more being housed at zoos and on conservations lands.

"In Florida, American flamingos have been observed along much of the states coast; however, outside of Hialeah, more than 95% of observations have occurred within the Everglades, Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. In addition, flamingos are increasingly being reported in the shallow treatment wetlands created along the northern fringe of the Everglades," the FWC stated.





Original article source: Largest flock of flamingos in recent memory spotted in South Florida
Larry David and Barack Obama Team Up For New HBO Comedy Series originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

The former "Curb" star will soon make his HBO comeback in a partnership with the Obamas.Justin Gill

We didnt see this one coming.



No one loves irony more than Larry David, the guy behind hit sitcom Seinfeld and, most recently, the star of semi-autobiographical comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm.



His neurotic, maladjusted alter ego always ran into trouble  he had a very loose grip on societal norms  but nothing ever involving the nation necessarily, at least not really. Today, HBO announces Davids comeback to the network: a departure from cringe and horrendously relatable Baby Boomer angst, a partnership with Barack Obama.



Obamas previous credits include being the 44th president of the United States. This will be his first comedy venture, as far as we know.



The logline, per Warner Bros. Discovery, HBOs parent company: President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor Americas 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of our nation on this special occasionBut then Larry David called.

Its an untitled American history sketch comedy half-hour thatll star David and be produced by Higher Ground, a production company owned by Barack and Michelle Obama.



Obama said, Ive sat across the table from many of the worlds most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intricate problems. Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David.



The limited series will feature numerous Curb guest stars and be executive-produced by David, the Obamas and Jeff Schaffer  known colloquially as the guy behind Curb as David was to Seinfeld, i.e. Larry Davids Larry David.



The characters Larry is playing didnt change history. In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And thats a good thing, Schaffer said.



Curb ran for twelve seasons on HBO. Originally a one-hour made-for-TV special in 1999, entitled Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm, it was a mockumentary that took place just a year after the series finale of Seinfeld. As his, albeit, partially fictional self, David pitches his return to stand-up comedy to HBO, only to back out with the farcical, half-baked: My stepfather is in a coma.



The special did very well, and they dropped the mockumentary angle for the first season of Curb, which aired in 2000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its hard to remember a time before Curb, or without Larry Davids perspective on modern life, said Amy Gravitt, the executive vice president and head of HBO comedy.



Davids fictional wife on the show, played by actress Cheryl Hines, is married, in real life, to one of the most prominent figures of the Trump administration, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The fake couple would divorce about halfway through the show.



David previously referred to President Trump as both a little baby and a sociopath to Chris Wallace in a CNN interview that aired on Max.



Its not clear how far into history the unnamed sketch show will go, but David is known to remark on global politics, with previous Curb plotlines from sex abstention because a woman has a picture of George W. Bush in her dressing room to aggravated discourse after a Palestinian restaurant announces theyll be opening another location right next to a Jewish deli.



David said, Once Curb ended, I celebrated with a three-day foam party. After a violent allergic reaction to the suds, I yearned to return to my simple life as a beekeeper, harvesting organic honey from the wildflowers in my meadow. Alas, one day my bees mysteriously vanished. And so, it is with a heavy heart that I return to television, hoping to ease the loss of my beloved hive.



Although a release date is not yet confirmed, HBO hinted it will coincide with the nations 250th birthday.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Brief

Georgia election officials are removing nearly 478,000 names from voter rolls, targeting inactive voters who haven't responded to previous notices, in compliance with federal and state laws.

Voting rights advocates, like the ACLU of Georgia, express concerns that the purge could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly those who are more mobile, such as renters and younger voters.

Georgia has a history of significant voter-registration purges, with previous efforts drawing scrutiny and legal challenges, highlighting ongoing tensions between maintaining accurate voter rolls and ensuring voter access.

ATLANTA - Georgia election officials have begun the process of removing nearly 478,000 names from the states voter rolls, marking one of the largest registration cancellations in state history.

Georgia voters to be purged

What they're saying

The Secretary of States office confirmed Thursday that letters have been mailed to voters whose registrations have been deemed inactive. Recipients have 40 days from the date they receive the notice to confirm or update their registration or risk being removed from the rolls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is really good election administration," said Gabriel Sterling, Chief Operating Officer for the Secretary of States office. "Were doing the stuff we can to remove people who we know are no longer there."

Sterling emphasized that the initiative targets only voters who have been inactive for more than four years and failed to respond to previous notices. "You didnt contact your elections office, you have returned mail, we have evidence you moved out of state and we sent you a letter and you didnt respond," he said.

He also noted that the effort complies with both federal and state law and has been in practice in Georgia and other states for decades.

Voting rights advocates respond

The other side

However, voting-rights advocates are raising alarms about the potential consequences.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Andrea Young, Executive Director of the ACLU of Georgia, said the mass removal could disenfranchise eligible votersparticularly those who move frequently or belong to more transient populations such as renters and younger voters.

"Theyre more mobile. Theyre not necessarily tracking all this paperwork," Young said. "We consider it a purge."

Young added that election reforms should focus on helping vulnerable Georgians access the ballot rather than risk removing them from the rolls. "If theyre going to go through and look at how to make voting in Georgia better, it should be to make it easier for the most vulnerable members of our community," she said.

Will a purge impact the vote?

Local perspective

Georgia previously canceled over 500,000 registrations in 2017. Zachary Peskowitz, a political science professor at Emory University, said the current effort affects fewer voters by comparison. "Were talking about fewer than 10 percent," Peskowitz said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sterling said Georgia currently has about 8.25 million registered voters. The cleanup could bring that number down to around 7.75 million.

Check your voter status

What you can do

Voters can check their registration status at mvp.sos.ga.gov.

History of voter purges in Georgia

Timeline

Georgia has conducted several significant voterregistration purges in recent years, drawing scrutiny from election experts, courts, and rights advocates. Heres a look at the major efforts:

September 2023 cleanup

In late 2023, the state removed nearly 190,000 active registrations and placed more than 305,000 others into inactive status over concerns that voters had moved or not voted in multiple elections. Under this "biennial maintenance," voters who do not respond to mailed notices within 40 days risk losing active status and could be removed by 2025.

December 2019 purge of ~309,000 voters

In December 2019, Georgia election officials purged nearly 309,000registrations, placing many on inactive status for not voting or contacting election authorities in the prior seven years. A federal judge later heard arguments from Fair Fight Action to halt the purge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2019, a federal judge allowed the December purge to proceed but required better notification, especially ahead of special elections. In 2021, nearly 5,000 voters were reinstated via court order.

June 2021 purge of ~102,000 voters

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger released a public list of nearly 102,000 voters in June 2021, to be removed during routine maintenance unless they responded to notices. The list included around 67,000 who filed postal-change-of-address forms and 34,000 with undeliverable election mail. Officials emphasized that those who respond within 40 days could have their registrations reactivated.

Why you should care

Over the past six years, Georgias voterlist maintenance efforts have escalated in scope and intensity, from routine purges to highly visible, courtchallenged removals. With nearly a halfmillion registrations scheduled for July 2025, the tension between ensuring accurate voter rolls and preserving voter access continues to dominate the states electoral landscape.

The Source

FOX 5's Christopher King spoke with Gabriel Sterling, Chief Operating Officer for the Secretary of States office; Andrea Young, Executive Director of the ACLU of Georgia; and Zachary Peskowitz, a political science professor at Emory University, for this article. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting was also used.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is so upset with Attorney General Pam Bondis dismissal of the Epstein case that Bongino took the day off on Friday and may quit. Far-right commentator and Trump confidant Laura Loomer broke the story on Friday morning, and it was confirmed by Axios shortly after.

Kash Patel and Dan Bongino are LIVID with Pam Bondi over her DOJ memo and the lack of transparency from her office regarding the Jeffery Epstein files, Loomer wrote on X. Source tells me Dan Bongino is taking the day off today from his job as Deputy Director of the FBI, and theres now speculation on whether or not he will return to his job at the @FBI over his disgust with Blondis lack of transparency and handling of the Epstein files.

Pam Blondi has brought total embarrassment to President Trump,

Vice President JD Vance, Dan Bongino, and Kash Patel. She has also LIED to the American people, added the conservative commentator, before offering some of her own insider analysis. Kash Patel and Dan Bongino should call for Blondis public resignation today to save themselves and to also push for full transparency into the Epstein files. This is an issue the American people care deeply about. Someone needs to be fired for this. Giving Blondi courtesy to resign is more than she deserves. Trump should just FIRE her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Axios confirmed that Bongino and Bondi clashed on Wednesday, and Bongino did not show up to work on Friday, though administration officials told the publication hes not quitting just yet.

Welcome to Day 3 of the Epstein fallout. The MAGA feud has escalated since first catching fire on Sunday, when Bondis Justice Department and the FBI published a memo stating that there is no Epstein client list and that the disgraced millionaire pedophile did indeed kill himselftwo points that directly contradicted the MAGA conspiracy theories that have engulfed a notable portion of the base for years now. The right was particularly incensed that the news also came from Bondi, Bongino, and FBI Director Kash Patelthree people who each previously insinuated or outright declared that there is some kind of coverup happening, and that Epstein may not have committed suicide. Now theyre tryingand failingto move along like nothing happened.

Bongino was apparently upset with Bondi for riling up the base too much by making the Epstein files, and the client list seem more consequential than they ended up being. Now Bondi is the center of MAGAs ire.

Only time will tell how much power Loomers call to fire Bondi will have on the administration. She was instrumental in getting former national security adviser Mike Waltz fired from the Trump administration for being a neocon, amid the Signalgate scandal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bongino and Patel are upset with Bondi for making promises none of them could keep. And the MAGA base is upset with all of them for failing to carry out their deep-state- busting mission by revealing Epsteins client list and exposing the all-powerful pedophile cabal. But one person who no one on the right wants to blame for the Epstein files rollout crashing and burning so spectacularly is President Trump himself. Why are there so many calls to fire Bondi when Trump was sitting next to her in his Cabinet meeting on Tuesday defending her handling of the case and acting like anyone still interested in this infamous case was crazy?

Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? Trump said then. This guy has been talked about for years. Youre askingwe have Texas, we have this, we have all of the things. And, are people still talking about this guy? This creep?

People calling for Trump to fire Bondi seem to think that the attorney general is operating independently of the president. But who, if anyone, would be better able to deliver the unredacted list, the missing minute, or anything else related to their Epstein obsession, than their president?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced that law enforcement officers nationwide are now federally authorized to enforce immigration laws through the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) program.

This certification expands Floridas law enforcement, supporting Governor Ron DeSantis goal to protect communities and uphold the rule of law. It allows ICE to delegate immigration enforcement powers to trained and approved state and local officers.

Under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida continues to lead the way in combating the threat posed by illegal immigration, said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under the FDLE Task Force Model, ICE gives FDLE authority to perform immigration officer functions under federal oversight. This includes identifying and removing criminal aliens eligible for removal before release.

Authorities state that the certification authorizes FDLE agents to interrogate suspected aliens, arrest and detain individuals attempting unlawful entry, deliver detained illegal immigrants to ICE, enforce felony arrests under federal immigration law, serve warrants for immigration violations, and administer oaths and collect evidence.

Larry Keefe, Executive Director of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, stated, Governor Ron DeSantis has built a model in Florida where state and local law enforcement dont just assist in immigration enforcementthey lead it, shoulder-to-shoulder with our federal partners.

FDLE agents and officers feel empowered by ICE to issue immigration detainers, prepare charging documents for ICE review and hold detainees until transfer to federal facilities, avoiding unnecessary releases due to capacity issues. With the new certification, FDLE agents and officers say they can better support federal partners in protecting the homeland and removing criminal aliens from Florida, enhancing immigration law enforcement.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will participate in a roundtable with Texas first responders around 2:00 p.m.

Texans are reeling from the major flood disaster over the July Fourth weekend that killed at least 120 people, with the majority of the deaths taking place in Kerr County.

TEXAS FLOOD DEATHS PASS 100 AS SEARCH-AND-RESCUE EFFORTS CONTINUE

At least 160 people remain missing.

The number of victims is expected to rise as authorities continue searching the affected areas.
New law makes spaceport facility bonds tax exempt

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody returned to Floridas Space Coast to celebrate a new legislative victory.

She introduced the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, which has officially become law. The legislation, which passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allows spaceports across the nation to access tax exempt private activity bonds for infrastructure development, treating them with the same financial advantages as seaports and airports.

This is not just a win for the Space Coast, but I believe it is a win for our nation, said Moody.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida, said, When you look at it, it just gives us additional tools to work with the market and allow for private financing of spaceport expansion, enhancement and all the activities that go along with that. So it reduces the need in taxpayer dollars and things like that.

Earlier this year, Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act, which seeks to relocate NASAs headquarters to Floridas Space Coast.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Calico Rock Warden Thomas Hurst reads a statement about the escape of an inmate during a legislative hearing on July 10, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

Skeptical Arkansas lawmakers seemed unwilling to accept Thursday that the escape of a convicted murderer and rapist was the fault of only two prison employees.

Members of the Charitable, Penal, and Correctional Institutions subcommittee grilled corrections officials and Arkansas State Police leaders for more than three hours about the May 25 escape of Grant Hardin, who was serving nearly 80 years at the North Central Unit at Calico Rock.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hardin, 56, had no disciplinary record and was working in the prison kitchen at the time of his escape on a Sunday during inmate visitation hours. The kitchen employee responsible for supervising prisoners allowed Hardin to go onto the facilitys rear loading dock unsupervised, in violation of prison policy, Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness told the panel.

Grant Hardin (Arkansas Department of Corrections photo)

Calico Rock Warden Thomas Hurst told legislators that Hardin, disguised in a makeshift guard uniform, was on the dock for more than an hour before the inmate walked to the prisons sally port, where a guard in a tower let him through without verifying his identity or challenging him  also a policy violation. A sally port is a secure entry-exit with two gates that are not supposed to open at the same time.

If any one of them had said no, Mr. Hardin wouldnt have got out, Magness told the Arkansas Legislative Council subcommittee.

Prison employees had recently been updated on those policies and specifically told not to let inmates onto the loading dock without supervision. The kitchen supervisor was busy at the time, but should have called his supervisor and asked to have someone sent to watch over Hardin, Hurst and Magness said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both employees have been dismissed, but had not been interviewed beyond being asked how they let Hardin escape, Hurst said.

Rep. Ryan Rose, R-Van Buren, found it incredulous that no one has interviewed the two individuals or tried to determine whether other inmates had been allowed to remain unsupervised on the dock or others allowed to go through the gate without being challenged.

Other lawmakers questioned Magness, Hurst and Division of Correction Director Dexter Payne about whether the policy violations were endemic.

Hurst replied that the employees simply became complacent and that prison officials are working on keeping staff vigilant. He also said prison policy has changed to ensure no inmates are allowed onto the loading dock.

Arkansas Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness discusses the escape of an inmate during a legislative meeting on July 10, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

Magness said prison officials are also looking at installing some sort of electronic system that would alert a higher ranking officer whenever the gates are opened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Subcommittee chairman Sen. Matt Mckee, R-Pearcy, said the problems go beyond complacency and likely extend to how the Corrections Department classifies prisoners for placement.

McKee and other lawmakers focused on whether Hardin should have been serving his sentence in a more secure prison. Calico Rock is a medium-security prison but does house some more serious felons.

You misclassified him on the murder, and his reclassification after the rape wasnt communicated to the prison. He shouldnt have been in that facility. I think weve got major issues I think need to be dealt with, McKee told Magness.

Before his 2017 murder conviction, Hardin had been a police officer in the 1990s, an elected constable in Benton County and police chief of Gateway, a small town on the Missouri stateline, in 2016. He was working as a guard in a womens prison in Northwest Arkansas in 2017 when he was arrested for shooting and killing a man in Gateway. He was sentenced to 30 years for the killing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After he pleaded guilty to that murder, Hardins DNA was linked to a 20-year-old cold case from Benton County: the rape of a teacher at a Rogers elementary school in November 1997. Hardin pleaded guilty to two counts of rape in 2019, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported at the time, and was sentenced to another 50 years in prison.

Hardins escape drew national attention, partly because he was the subject of a television documentary, Devil in the Ozarks.

Law enforcement officers captured Hardin on June 6 in a forested area less than two miles from the prison. He is now being held in the Varner Supermax Unit near Gould.
Helena-West Helena Treasurer Derrick Turner answers questions about the city's finances from the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee on Friday, July 11, 2025. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

State lawmakers spent nearly two hours Friday questioning elected officials from an East Arkansas city about its financial troubles, particularly under its recently removed mayor who was arrested by state police last month.

Arkansas Legislative Audit, a nonpartisan entity that investigates government, flagged a range of concerns in its report on Helena-West Helenas financial behavior in 2023. Issues included multiple expenditures beyond what the city appropriated in its budget. The citys deficits at the end of 2023 totaled more than $604,000, including $173,122 in the general fund, $192,094 in the street fund and $238,833 in the landfill fund, according to the report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The city also failed to pay retirement system payments in 2024, resulting in a loss of state funds, and as of March had not paid remittances to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service since August 2023, according to the report.

Helena-West Helena 2023 audit

The Citys inability to pay its debts timely led to late payment fees, bank overdraft charges, utility shut-off notices, repossessions, and some vendors requiring cash payments on delivery, the audit report states.

Auditors also noted unauthorized withdrawals from the citys bank account, failure to make payments for financed purchases and lack of supporting documentation for credit card transactions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Helena-West Helena is currently over $2 million in debt, an increase from $173,000 before ex-mayor Christopher Franklin took office in January 2023, city treasurer Derrick Turner told the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee.

Franklin was removed from office Monday by a court order issued July 1. State police charged him with four counts of Failure to Pay or File a Tax Return, a Class D felony, after an investigation revealed Franklin had not filed taxes in four of the past five years.

City Councilman Don Etherly is serving as Helena-West Helenas mayor pro tempore, and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will appoint someone to finish the remaining year and a half of Franklins term.

Etherly, Turner and City Clerk Sandi Ramsey are jointly responsible for running the city, they said Friday while answering questions from lawmakers about the audit and the citys ongoing financial struggles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think the city of Helena-West Helena has sufficient revenue to operate, but theres some spending that, as I describe, [has] just been reckless, Etherly said, attributing the spending to Franklin. If its controlled, I think the city can operate functionally.

In late May, Franklin refused to resign as mayor after the City Council voted 6-0 that he step down. The resolution was a response to a profanity-laden video call between the mayor, his adult daughter and his adult niece that went viral online.

Former Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin appears before the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee on Friday, July 11, 2025. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

The Helena World reported at the time that petitions were being circulated in Helena-West Helena seeking a recall election to remove the mayor.

Franklin was present at Fridays committee meeting, but he said he could not answer lawmakers questions due to pending litigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 2023 audit found a lack of adequate controls over Helena-West Helenas accounting, which had been an issue in previous audits. Franklin said in his response to the report that the city clerk and treasurer should be held responsible for such issues instead of him. He said he would make sure the clerk and treasurer rectify this weakness without delay.

Sen. Tyler Dees, R-Siloam Springs, asked Ramsey if she agreed that there was a weakness in her office, and she said she disagreed.

I am a good city clerk [and] I try to find the money to pay the bills, Ramsey said. The responsibility of running the city is not totally on the clerk or the treasurer. Its always been a joint effort to make sure we do things right.

Stop the bleeding

Part of Ramseys job is to advise the city council on whether to approve expenditures and appropriations based on whether the city has the money, she told Rep. RJ Hawk, R-Bryant, the committees House vice chair.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even though we tell them were going to have trouble making a payment or we dont need to make a payment or whatever, its their decision to vote on it, and then we just try to find the money to make the payment, Ramsey said.

Helena-West Helena City Clerk Sandi Ramsey answers questions about the citys finances and leadership from the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee on Friday, July 11, 2025. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

The citys biggest expense is its payroll, which costs about $140,000 every two weeks, and cutting staff and services would be the most efficient way to get the city out of debt, Ramsey said.

Turner said the city has roughly 140 employees, with 20 working for the water department and about 50 working for the police and fire departments.

Rep. Jack Ladyman, R-Jonesboro, asked if current city leaders can make staff cuts and other financial decisions in the absence of a mayor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You all have to stop the bleeding here, and it needs to be done quickly, Ladyman said.

Ramsey said attorneys with both the city and the Arkansas Municipal League have advised her, Turner and Etherly not to make any major decisions, but the city has stopped hiring in most departments and decreased most spending, including putting a moratorium on overtime pay.

Sen. Fred Love, D-Mabelvale, asked if Helena-West Helena tried to bring in more revenue by raising utility rates for water or garbage collection. Etherly said the city raised its water rates after failing infrastructure left the city without water in January 2024.

Additionally, the water department had to use its sanitation fees to keep their doors open this year, even though the money was supposed to go to the citys general fund, Etherly said.

The city has not considered filing for bankruptcy, Turner said, as far as he is aware.

The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee voted with no dissent to file the audit report.
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Kentucky lawmakers are raising new concerns about the long-troubled KentuckyWired project, including financial issues and the future of internet service for thousands.

KentuckyWired is a state-run project constructing over 3,300 miles of high-speed, high-capacity fiber optic cable in every county in Kentucky. The Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) contracted with OpenFiber Kentucky Company, LLC, doing business as Accelecom, to oversee the expansion of access across all 120 counties.

RELATED | Auditor: Kentucky taxpayers to pay $1.5 billion for broadband project

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But a dispute between the state and cable provider Accelecom threatens access for Kentuckians who rely on the network. The Louisville FOX affiliate, WDRB, reported that the state agency overseeing the project blames Accelecom, saying much of the network is unused, under-leased, and failing to recoup its billion-dollar cost to taxpayers.

In January, KCNA terminated Accelecoms contract due to its reported failure to meet its contractual obligations, according to KentuckyWired, and a disconnection notice was sent to Accelecoms customers.

But Accelecom says the state is to blameand calls the situation a man-made emergency.

In May, the state held a meeting to find a replacement.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Auditor Allison Ball now says her office is preparing to launch an investigation, looking into why the project still isnt complete and what itll take to finish it.

Accelecoms attorneys say theyre open to renegotiating.

The next committee meeting is set for 10 a.m. on August 13.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition signs on a table outside the Capitol meeting room where the coalition took testimony opposing a Republican redistricting proposal. (Wisconsin Examiner photo)

A new lawsuit filed this week in Dane County Circuit Court seeks to have Wisconsins congressional maps declared an unconstitutional, anti-competitive gerrymander and thrown out.

The suit, filed Tuesday, is another attempt by Democrats and their allies to have new maps drawn before the 2026 midterm elections. Just a few weeks ago, the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to hear two challenges to the current congressional districts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Republicans currently hold six of the states eight congressional districts. Democrats have focused on southern Wisconsins First District, currently held by Rep. Bryan Steil, and western Wisconsins Third District, currently held by Rep. Derrick Van Orden, as possible targets.

The current maps were drawn by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and selected by the state Supreme Court, which was at the time controlled by conservatives. In that case, the Court had ruled that any proposed maps must follow a least change standard and adhere as closely as possible to the maps installed by Republicans in 2011.

The new lawsuit was filed at the local level, rather than directly with the Supreme Court as an original action, a slower process but perhaps more likely to be taken up by the Court  which has declined to hear challenges to the congressional maps a handful of times in the last few years, despite the Courts liberal wing gaining majority control after the 2023 Supreme Court election.

The new suit was filed by attorneys from voting rights focused Law Forward on behalf of the bipartisan business group Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy Coalition, arguing that the current maps are unconstitutional because theyre anti-competitive. Previous challenges to the maps argued the districts were rigged to benefit the Republican party and violated equal protection laws.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wisconsins current congressional plan presents a textbook example of an anti-competitive gerrymander, the lawsuit states. Anti-competitive gerrymanders are every bit as noxious to democracy as partisan gerrymanders and racial gerrymanders.

The lawsuit adds that Wisconsins maps are an anti-competitive gerrymander that artificially suppresses electoral competition. The suit argues that when the congressional maps were drawn in 2011, the lines were drawn to protect incumbents of both parties. When those maps were largely kept intact by the Supreme Courts least change standard in 2021, the decision to insulate incumbents was carried over.

After the Wisconsin Legislature adopted the 2011 congressional map, congressional races over the ensuing decade were, as intended, highly uncompetitive, the lawsuit states, noting that only one congressional election under those maps was decided by less than 10 percentage points. The Courts adoption  of the least change congressional map necessarily perpetuated the essential features  and the primary flaws  of the 2011 congressional map, including the 2011 congressional maps intentional and effective effort to suppress competition.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Days after an event called Peace in the Hood erupted into gunfire in Boynton Beach, a lawyer for one of the three injured women says the city is responsible.

Diamond Delk, a young woman and mother, was hanging out with her friends Saturday evening when she was shot in her hip and leg, according to her attorney, Richard A. Ryles, who filed a notice of claim with the city on Thursday. She has since been released from the hospital but now has severe mobility issues.

At least 500 people gathered at Sara Sims Park for the unpermitted event, where rival gang members started shooting at each other about 8 p.m., Boynton Beach Police said in a news release Monday. Bullets rained down on the crowd, striking the three women, along with multiple occupied and unoccupied cars, as children and families ran for cover, according to the attorneys and witnesses. Nearly a week later, no one has been arrested, though detectives have multiple persons of interest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At a news conference in the park Friday morning, Ryles and members of the community blamed the city and its police force for not shutting down the unsanctioned event before the crowd size surged and things got out of control. Police officers frequently patrol the area where the event had taken place, Ryles said, and some witnesses saw two officers at the event prior to the shooting, which occurred hours after the event started. Ryles and others suggested that the lack of protection at the event is evidence of the police departments fraught relationship with the Black community.

The unspoken truth is that the relationship between the African American community and Boynton Beach Police is not the best, Ryles said. And I think that, had there been a better, cohesive relationship, there could have been some plans put in place in order to avert something like this. Clearly, we do need peace in the hood, but not that kind of peace.

Also among those attending the news conference were Boynton Beach Commissioner Woodrow Hay, whose district includes the park, and Dedrick Straghn, president of the South Palm Beach County branch of the NAACP.

The police department said in response to questions that the shooting didnt happen on city-owned property. It did not respond to a question about whether police officers were working in the area of the event before the shooting or address if the police department took any proactive steps before the shooting. Tory Orr, a Boynton Beach resident and activist, said he didnt see any officers or police cars in the area before the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The gathering that preceded the shooting was not organized, permitted, or sanctioned by the City of Boynton Beach or the City of Boynton Beach Police Department, spokesperson Chelsea Sanabia said Thursday in a statement to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. While individuals may have been in the vicinity of Sims Park, the initial investigation shows the shooting incident occurred outside the boundaries of City-owned property, not within the park itself.

Hay said he could not comment on whether the city should have shut down the event as he has not yet had the chance to talk to the chief of police and get all the facts together.

The events organizer, who lives in Lake Worth Beach, applied for a special-event permit on June 17 to use the park as the venue for the Stop Violence Awareness rally with 50 to 100 people until about 8:30 p.m., according to emails the police department provided to the Sun Sentinel on Thursday. The organizer in the application said food trucks, a DJ and several other vendors would participate.

A Recreation and Parks Department employee asked a police department captain in an email for his input on whether the permit should be approved, including asking if a police detail would be possible a day after the citys own Fourth of July event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I would not process it, Capt. Steven Burdelski replied in an email. The City will still be doing load out from July 4th.

The application was denied a day later, the emails showed, and a $340 deposit was refunded to the organizer.

Still, the event went on. It began Saturday afternoon about 5 p.m., Ryles said, and the shooting occurred about 8 p.m.

Orr attended the event with his 10-year-old son. By the time the shooting began that evening, Orr estimated potentially more than 500 people were still at the park, which was wrapped around with people.

Witnesses saw one person, who appeared to be younger, get out of a car with a long gun while wearing a balaclava mask, Orr said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When he raised that thing up, everybody went to running, he said. My son was right there.

Events that attract a younger crowd in Boynton Beach tend to be problematic, he said, because its only the young kids that (are) doing all this mess.

They have us hostage in our own neighborhood because we cant get the barbecue out and go to the park, Orr said.

Asked whether he considers the organizer of the event responsible, Ryles said his firm is investigating all avenues and all potential defendants.

Straghn, of the NAACP, compared the lack of police presence Saturday to other incidents that have strained the relationship between police and the minority community, including police pursuits that resulted in the deaths of a 13-year-old and a 5-year-old.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The presence is there when they want it to be there, he said.

Teen gun violence has been on the rise in Florida for several years. So far in 2025, at least 12 teens have been killed in shootings in Florida, with five of them in the South Florida area, data from the Gun Violence Archive shows. Among those victims is a 16-year-old boy who was found dead in a vacant house in Boynton Beach last month, shot in his head. In 2024, at least 60 teens were shot and killed across Florida, 14 of which were in South Florida.

Going forward, Ryles said the city needs to hold a community meeting.

They should be able to articulate their position regarding what happened, he said, and give the community some insight on how, going forward, it wont happen again.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
Sean Combs was acquitted of sex-trafficking charges that his lawyers had described as federal overreach.

The feds' next big sex trafficking case targets Miami and NYC real estate moguls Tal and Oren Alexander.

The Diddy acquittal is good news for the Alexanders and a third brother, their lawyers told BI.

Attorney Deanna Paul waited for last week's Sean "Diddy" Combs verdict with TV court coverage blaring and her X feed scrolling  and she greeted his acquittals as very good news for her own high-profile sex trafficking client.

"My initial reaction was that the jury got it right," said Paul, attorney for luxury real estate broker Tal Alexander, one of three Alexander brothers charged with sex trafficking conspiracy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Alexanders' case is set for trial in January. It will be the Department of Justice's next big celebrity sex-trafficking trial, to be held in the same courthouse as Combs' was.

The Alexander brothers  Tal and Oren were luxury brokers in Miami and Manhattan, and Alon was an executive at his family's private security firm  operated a long-running sex trafficking scheme, the government alleges.

"A verdict like this is refreshing and it's heartening because it means the jury did its job," Paul, a former New York City prosecutor, told Business Insider on Thursday.

The Alexander brothers were indicted on federal sex trafficking charges. Department of Justice

Paul followed the Combs trial closely as an expert commentator for a range of outlets, including Fox News and MSNBC. She is part of a defense team that now considers the Combs verdict as proof that a federal jury in Manhattan can see past the raw emotion of a sex trafficking case and find that the evidence, heart-wrenching though it might be, does not fit the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The brothers' lawyers say that in their case, that misfitting of the evidence to the law stems in large part from a single word in the federal sex-trafficking statute: "Commercial."

Their 2024 indictment accuses the three of conspiring to cause at least six female victims to cross state lines for the purpose of commercial sex acts, meaning assaults and rapes stretching back to 2009.

The brothers, acting "sometimes alone and sometimes together," drugged the women or physically held them down before violating them, the indictment says. The victims include one woman who was a minor at the time, prosecutors also say.

But were these "commercial" sex acts, as the federal sex-trafficking law requires?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yes, prosecutors say. The indictment alleges that the three brothers lured their victims using "material benefits"  luxury parties and events with commercial value.

In the Combs case, the word "commercial" was not in dispute. Federal prosecutors alleged that Combs paid male escorts to cross state lines and have sex with his girlfriends as he watched and filmed them.

But there are no cash transactions or prostitution alleged in the Alexander brothers' indictment.

Instead, to quote from the indictment, the victims were lured to their sexual assaults with the promise of "domestic and international travel to vacation destinations, luxury accommodations at high-end hotels and vacation properties, and access to other luxury experiences and events."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This interpretation of commercial sex acts "would effectively federalize any type of date rape" involving gifts and interstate travel, argue Paul and fellow defense attorneys Milton Williams and Alexander Kahn.

"If a perpetrator met a woman on a dating app, invited her to dinner, paid for the dinner, and then sexually assaulted her later that night, it would constitute sex trafficking under the government's theory," Goldman wrote last month in a filing seeking to dismiss the indictment's sex trafficking counts.

This is "an entirely novel and untested criminal theory," the attorneys argue.

"We are aware of no indictment charging sex trafficking on the grounds that 'promises of luxury experiences, travel, and accommodations'  i.e., a weekend invitation to a summer beach house and the means to get thereprovide the 'commercial' basis for a sex trafficking charge," they wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There also needs to be a "causal" connection between the thing of value and what happened next  meaning a quid-pro-quo where something is exchanged between individuals for sex, he argues.

"That causal connection is absent here," the attorneys wrote.

Last month, a trio of federal appellate judges denied bail for the brothers, but not before one voiced skepticism that there's anything akin to a commercial sex act in the prosecution's theory.

Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan declined to comment on the case beyond the prosecution's court filings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is an ongoing investigation," he said. "Anyone who may have information related to this case can please contact 1-800 CALL FBI or alexander-case@fbi.gov."

The government is due to respond to the motion for dismissal by Thursday, and may well argue that this causal connection is not only present, but strong.

The parties, luxury accommodations, and travel perks were essentially elaborately planned bait, the indictment alleges.

Well in advance of these attacks, the brothers and their friends "shared photographs of women and girls to select those they found sufficiently attractive to invite" to the parties and events where they would be attacked, the indictment alleges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The defendants and other men attending the trips pooled financial resources in order to pay for flights and other travel expenses for the women and girls," the indictment also says.

It may be up to a jury, ultimately, to decide if gifts such as plane travel, event invitations, and what prosecutors call offers of "luxury experiences" fit the definition of commercial sex acts, a term originally meant to describe prostitution.

The federal sex trafficking statute is a powerful tool, said Megan Lundstrom, CEO of Polaris, which advocates for sex- and labor-trafficking victims and operates the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Still, Lundstrom told Business Insider, the statute "would benefit from clearer language around modern forms of psychological, emotional, and financial coercion"  such as the abuses of trust and authority alleged in the Combs and Alexander cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Cases like these reveal not a stretch of prosecutorial power, but rather how limited the public's understanding of trafficking still is," Lundstrom added, saying that often, "it happens within families, in intimate relationships, and under the undue influence of power or celebrity."

Defense attorneys say the government's case is based on uncorroborated victim testimony.

"They have pleaded not guilty to the indictment, and vehemently deny the allegations within it," Jason Goldman, who is repping the three brothers, told BI Thursday.

Goldman called last week's Combs verdict, which acquitted Combs of sex trafficking and racketeering, "a resounding rejection of the government's sex trafficking theory," consistent with the government-overreach arguments in last month's dismissal motions.

The brothers are next due in court on August 19, with a trial date set for January 5.

Read the original article on Business Insider
On a sweltering Thursday afternoon, against the backdrop of Honolulus Prince Kuhio Federal Building, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda stood before a coalition of advocates, parents and community leaders with a clear and urgent message : the newly passed federal legislation is a direct assault  on Hawaiis working families.

Branded the One Big Beautiful Bill  by President Donald Trump, the sweeping legislation, Tokuda warned, threatens to unravel Hawaiis social safety netand the values the islands hold dear.

Were here to talk about the big uglylets get that clearugly bill,  Tokuda said. Its a direct attack on our people, on our communities, our values, our future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The legislation, which passed the Republican-controlled House last week, proposes deep cuts to essential federal assistance programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP ; Women, Infants and Children, or WIC ; Medicaid ; housing subsidies ; and even support for rural health and education.

It also dramatically increases federal spending on immigration enforcement, including detention and deportation.

This is a big bailout for billionaires, paid for by yanking away health care, food money, housing, jobs, education opportunities from hard-working American familiesfrom keiki to kupuna,  she said. This has always been about prioritizing billionaires over babies.

According to Tokuda and advocates, the proposed cuts could leave tens of thousands of local residents in crisis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If this bill is enacted,  she said, up to 15, 000 families in Hawai i alone could lose SNAP benefits. Thats hundreds of dollars in food assistance stripped from the people who need it mostfamilies who are already making do with less.

She noted that roughly 150, 000 residents statewidenearly one in every 10 peopleare enrolled in Medicaid.

Half of all children in the United States and in Hawaii are covered by Medicaid. They will lose coverage. Kids will lose access to basic health care, to life-saving health care.

Tokuda warned that the damage wouldnt stop at individualsit would ripple through entire sectors of Hawaiis economy and health infrastructure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tokuda said the bills impact would spread far beyond individual benefits, threatening rural hospitals, health clinics and even small farmers and grocers across the islands. With fewer orders and tighter budgets, she warned, Hawaii could see layoffs and closures at a time when food banks are already overwhelmed.

Amy Miller, president and CEO of the Hawaii Foodbank, confirmed that the organization is facing unprecedented need. The current demand, she said, mirrors the peak of the COVID-19 pandemicand its still rising.

Cuts to SNAP will hit our communities very, very hard. These are people already struggling to put food on the tableand were about to make that even more difficult,  Miller said.

Miller stressed that the consequences of the bill would fall hardest on those least able to bear them : veterans, children, people with disabilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Food banks were never designed to replace the national safety net,  she added. The reality is, we will not be able to bridge this gap.

To illustrate her point, Miller shared the story of a 59-year-old man who returned to Hawaii to help care for family. After suffering a workplace injury, he became unable to work and depleted all his savings. Now, SNAP is all he has.

Without SNAP,  the man told the foodbank, you wouldnt be talking to me.

Another story came from Brandon, a father of four who suffered a serious mental health crisis. He was let go from his job and now struggles to reenter the workforce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SNAP, he told the foodbank, is often the only reason his children have dinner.

Familys ordeal For many, the bills sharp increase in immigration enforcement fundingincluding $47 billion for border infrastructure and nearly $30 billion for ICE and detention programsadds another layer of concern.

Emily Cristobal, 26, knows the consequences firsthand.

Her aunt, Lewellyn Aunty Lynn  Dixon, a green card holder and longtime lab technician at the University of Washington Medical Center, was detained by ICE earlier this year at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Wash.

She spent three months behind barsdespite being a legal U.S. resident and taxpayer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was treated like a criminal, forced into yellow jumpsuits, enduring inhumane conditions,  Cristobal said. It was something my family never imagined could happen to usbut it did. And now, we have this big, ugly bill thats set to dramatically increase federal spending on detention, deportation and other immigration related measures  Is this really what our tax dollars support ?

She said her aunt met others in detention who were jailed after accidentally crossing the U.S.-Canada border or while seeking medical care.

Cristobals message was simple : this isnt hypothetical.

Whats happening to immigrants now isnt just some far-away problem,  she said. Were already seeing ICE agents taking people in our islands, even pointing guns at teachers and children like we saw on Maui.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This isnt just policy. Its peoples lives. Immigrants like my auntie, our friends and families, deserve dignity and justicenot masked individuals intruding into their lives to fulfill quotas.

Tokuda emphasized that the community cannot accept the damaging cuts, freezes and policies that harm vulnerable people, and expressed confidence that regardless of federal actions in Washington, Hawaii would step up to support its residents.
BANGKOK (AP)  An airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Myanmar 's central Sagaing region killed at least 23 people who were taking shelter in the compound, separate sources said Friday.

The overnight aerial attack on the monastery in Lin Ta Lu village, in Sagaing regions Sagaing township, injured about 30 other people, of which 10 were in a critical condition, according to a member of a resistance group.

The resistance member  who spoke on condition of anonymity  told The Associated Press that 23 civilians including four children were killed after a jet fighter dropped a bomb around 1 a.m. on a building in the villages monastery where more than 150 people from nearby villages were taking shelter to avoid fighting in the region in recent weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Myanmars independent Democratic Voice of Burma online media reported that the death toll could be as high as 30. That could not be immediately confirmed.

The military did not immediately comment on the incident at the monastery, which is located about 35 km (20 miles) northwest of Mandalay, the countrys second largest city. In the past, the army has said it only attacks legitimate targets of war, accusing the resistance forces of being terrorists.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, triggering a civil war. After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are now embroiled in conflict.

The military has increasingly used airstrikes to counter opposition forces, including the armed Peoples Defense Forces in Sagaing region, a stronghold of armed resistance. The resistance has no effective defense against air attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The monastery attack comes weeks after hundreds of soldiers took part in an offensive with tanks and various aircraft in an area about five kilometers (three miles) from Lin Ta Lu to regain territories controlled by the resistance groups.

Thousands of people from nearby villages were displaced to the other towns and villages including Lin Ta Lu, the resistance fighter said.

Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the oppositions National Unity Government, told the AP that the military regime has been trying to retake areas controlled by the resistance ahead of a planned general election later this year. The poll is widely seen as an attempt to normalize the militarys seizure of power through the ballot box and to deliver a result that ensures the generals retain control.




NEED TO KNOW

First responders were alerted to a "mass casualty event" in Baltimore on the morning of Thursday, July 10

At least 25 people had to be hospitalized, while paramedics also distributed life-saving medication to victims in the PennNorth neighborhood

Today's mass overdose event at Penn and North serves as a powerful reminder of our city's ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic," Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates said in a statement, per local outlet WBAL TV 11





At least two dozen people had to be hospitalized amid an apparent mass overdose in Baltimore.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At around 9:25 a.m. local time on Thursday, July 10, first responders from the Baltimore City Fire Department and the Baltimore City Health Department were dispatched to the PennNorth neighborhood following reports of a mass casualty incident involving multiple individuals exhibiting overdose symptoms, according to Facebook posts shared by both agencies.

WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore/Youtube Baltimore mass overdose Baltimore mass overdose

Paramedics were soon informed of other patients in the area, and at least 25 people had to be hospitalized, with five in critical condition, local outlet WBAL TV 11 reported. Multiple medics were put on standby to keep resources nearby as the crisis unfolded.

"This is a level one mass casualty event," Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace told the outlet. "So, for us, regardless of the nature of the call, the amount of patients scripts how we respond to this. And we've done just that."

Baltimore Police/X First responders at the scene of a mass overdose in Baltimore First responders at the scene of a mass overdose in Baltimore

Wallace told CBS News that victims of the overdose were spread across the area, saying, Along North Avenue, along Pennsylvania Avenue, both subway platforms, and then off the beaten path along some of the alleys.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He added that the number of hospitalizations is likely to change.

Authorities did not immediately confirm what the individuals overdosed on or their symptoms.

The Baltimore City Health Department was at the scene distributing Naloxone, otherwise known as Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, to victims, according to their Facebook post.

Witnesses in the area alleged to CBS News affiliate WJZ that a tester drug called New Jack City had been given to victims that may have been laced.

I have never seen anything like that, so maybe it is a bad batch, but at the end of the day, its an epidemic, nurse practitioner Josie Dantzler told WBAL TV 11. We deal with this every day, probably not on this high of a scale, but we go through this every day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Overdose Response executive director Sara Whaley said, "We don't know what's in the supply, and so for folks to be careful if they're using, to have Narcan available. Use with someone else. If you see someone in your community who looks like they need help, make sure they call emergency services, per WBAL TV 11.

The Baltimore Fire Department said on Facebook that the city is being ravaged by opioid use and fentanyl-driven overdoses, as they called for an investment in paramedic staffing and a long-term solution to halt the crisis.

Todays mass casualty incident in PennNorth is a distressing reminder that Baltimores EMS system is nearing a breaking point, the fire department wrote. With rescues, sustained high-call volumes, and resource skews favoring low-acuity responses, the system can no longer absorb operational erosion.

Baltimore City Health Department Facebook Medication being distributed amid overdoses in Baltimore Medication being distributed amid overdoses in Baltimore

Deputy Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Jones said the mass overdose is being treated as an active crime scene, CBS News reported. Amid their investigation, the Penn North Metro Subway station was closed, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additionally, the Maryland Transit Administration rerouted some bus services, per WBAL TV 11.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates praised first responders in a statement, saying, Today's mass overdose event at Penn and North serves as a powerful reminder of our city's ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic," WBAL TV 11 reported.

The Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City stands ready to support the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), Baltimore City Fire Department and the Baltimore City Health Department in their vital work to uncover how this situation unfolded, he continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since this morning, prosecutors from my office have been in contact with and are ready to assist their counterparts at BPD who are on the scene. I commend the first responders who saved lives today, and I hold hope in my heart for the victims' swift and full recovery," Bates added.

The Baltimore Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Friday, July 11.

Read the original article on People
The White House has joined in on the hype surrounding the upcoming Superman movie opening on Friday, July 11.

In a social media post on the eve of the combic book films highly anticipated debut, the White House social media team published an image of President Donald Trump in a Superman costume, replicating the promotional material for the new movie. The picture was posted on the White House's Facebook, X, Instagram, and Truth Social accounts.

The White House social media team accompanied the picture of Trump's face on Superman's body with several mottos from past iterations of the comic book character.

The symbol of hope. Truth. Justice. The American Way. Superman Trump, read the text from each post.

The famous S on Supermans chest was previously described in a 2004 version of the heros comic book series as a family crest and Kryptonian symbol for hope. In comic lore, Krypton was the planet where Superman was born. In a scene from the 2013 film Man of Steel, in which Superman is talking with journalist, and his love interest, Lois Lane, she asks him what the S stands for.

Its not an S, Superman said. On my world, it means hope.

Well, here, its an S, Lane replied.

The motto, truth, justice, and the American Way, originated in a 1942 radio serial for the comic book character. It was meant to inspire patriotism, as U.S. troops fought in World War II.

The marketing material for the 2025 film Superman does not include the well-known slogans and mottos. Instead, it features the words Look Up.

Featured Local Savings

There is another noticeable difference between the social media post and the original imagery in the film's promotional poster. In the White Houses version, the S on Trumps chest is not the current version used in Superman. It seems to be the "S" from Christopher Reeves' version of the character, made popular in the 1978 movie and subsequent sequels in the 1980s. However, this is not confirmed.

The White House's post drew mixed reactions on social media platforms, seemingly along ideological lines.

Opponents of Trump and his administration were critical of the imagery, with several calling it embarrassing.

The account for California Gov. Gavin Newsoms press office tried to make a comparison to Trumps political position and efforts to remove illegal immigrants from the country, with the fictional comic book character being an alien from another world.

Superman was an undocumented immigrant, the account for Newsom posted.

However, most Trump supporters who commented found the post amusing. This included former Superman actor Dean Cain, who portrayed the superhero in Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, which aired on ABC between 1993 and 1997, commented with multiple laughing emojis.

Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Superman in 1938. The first movie featuring the comic book superhero was Superman, released in 1978 and starring Christopher Reeve. This franchise spawned three sequels. Other cinematic versions of Superman included Superman Returns in 2006 and Man of Steel in 2013, starring Brandon Routh and Henry Cavill, respectively.

Superman will be the fourth version of the superhero to hit the silver screen. It debuts on July 11 and features actor David Corenswet in the titular role.
At least 25 people were hospitalized Thursday following a level one mass overdose event in Baltimore.

Baltimore City police and fire officials said paramedics first responded to a 911 call for a single overdose around 9:25 a.m. in the Penn-North neighborhood. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered multiple other people collapsed in the streets.

At least five of the victims were in critical condition, officials told NBC affiliate WBAL. Authorities said the number of overdoses is expected to rise as they search for other suspected cases in the area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials did not disclose what substances the victims had used, though community organizers told The Baltimore Banner there were rumors of a bad batch of drugs in the neighborhood.

Its like a mass shooting, drug treatment outreach worker Vincent Timmons told the Banner, but they didnt use no gun, they used narcotics.

Deputy Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Jones said rescue crews were searching back alleys and vacant homes, looking for additional people experiencing a medical crisis. The Baltimore City Mayors Office of Overdose Response urged residents to call for help if they see anyone in need of assistance.

We dont know whats in the supply, and so for folks to be careful if theyre using, to have Narcan available. Use with someone else, Executive Director Sara Whaley said in a statement. If you see someone in your community that looks like they need help, make sure they call emergency services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The International Association of Firefighters in Baltimore said the tragic event once again underscores the severity of the opioid crisis in Baltimore and the systemic strain it places on emergency services.

They called on the city council and mayor to restore and expand the fire departments recently downgraded advanced life support units and reallocate funding to hire and retain sufficient paramedics.
Lebanons president says his country wants peace but not normalisation with Israel, as health authorities said an Israeli air strike killed one person in the south of the country.

As well as causing one death on Friday, the drone attack on a car in Nabatieh district wounded five other people, according to Lebanons Ministry of Health.

It comes as Israel continues to launch regular strikes against sites in Lebanon, particularly in the south, despite a November 27 ceasefire agreement between it and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under the terms of the truce, Hezbollah had to retreat to the north of the Litani River, which is about 30km (20 miles) from the Israeli border, while Israel had to fully withdraw its troops, leaving only the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers in the area.

However, Israel still occupies five strategic locations in southern Lebanon.

Speaking on Friday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed a desire for peaceful relations with his countrys neighbour. But he stressed that Beirut was not currently interested in normalising ties with Israel, something mentioned as a possibility by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar last week.

Peace is the lack of a state of war, and this is what matters to us in Lebanon at the moment. As for the issue of normalisation, it is not currently part of Lebanese foreign policy, said Aoun, who urged Israel to withdraw completely from Lebanon.

Smoke billows from the Nabatieh district, following Israeli strikes, as seen from Marjayoun, in southern Lebanon, on June 27, 2025 [File: Karamallah Daher/Reuters]

In a reference to the USs ongoing call for Lebanon to fully disarm Hezbollah, the Lebanese president also expressed Beiruts desire to hold the monopoly over weapons in the country, but he did not give further details.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hezbollah, which is considerably weakened after more than a year of hostilities with Israel, has dismissed questions about disarmament.

We cannot be asked to soften our stance or lay down arms while [Israeli] aggression continues, its leader Naim Qassem told crowds in southern Beirut on Sunday.

On Wednesday, the Israeli military confirmed that some of its troops had entered southern Lebanon, with the army saying they sought to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and to stop the group from reestablishing itself in the area.

The following day, a man was killed by an Israeli drone strike on a motorbike in the village of al-Mansouri near Tyre, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said. Two others were injured in the attack, it added.
Rep. Daniel Nguyen, D-Lake Oswego, left, speaks with Rep. Hai Pham, D-Beaverton, on the House floor at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (Amanda Loman/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Two Oregon lawmakers have launched a bipartisan caucus to promote trade, business development and international economic policy.

Reps. Daniel Nguyen, D-Lake Oswego, and Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, announced the creation of the new Trade Caucus on Monday, with Nguyen calling it long overdue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have what the world wants to buy, he told the Oregon Capital Chronicle in an email, emphasizing Oregons unique location between major ports in Seattle and Los Angeles. Its only natural that we use all of our voices to elevate the importance of strong trade relationships in a formal way.

Legislative caucuses are groups of lawmakers who share similar policy interests. In Oregon, examples include the Coastal Caucus, Eastern Oregon Caucus or the Arts and Culture Caucus. The Trade Caucus, Nguyen said, is meant to unify Oregons approach to domestic and international trade.

Unlike the U.S. as a whole, Oregon has a trade surplus, meaning it sends more goods abroad than it receives. It has the sixth highest rate of exports per capita  largely because of its location along the Pacific Ocean. In 2024, it exported $34 billion worth of products, mostly computers and electronics, transportation equipment, machinery, chemicals and agricultural products.

Oregon imported $28.2 billion in goods from other countries in 2024, with most goods coming from Japan, Taiwan, Canada, China and South Korea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The caucus is also a response to the uncertain impact of President Donald Trumps fluctuating tariffs and trade policies, as well as federal funding losses and their potential effects on the economy and Oregon businesses, Nguyen said. In June, an informal survey from Business Oregon, the states business development agency, showed that most of the 290 businesses that responded anticipate negative impacts from tariffs under the Trump administration. Most of them raised concerns about supply chain disruptions, the increased cost of goods and increased prices for customers.

A new venue for businesses, lawmakers to share trade concerns

The lawmakers began discussing the idea of a trade caucus after Nguyen introduced a bill during the most recent legislative session to direct some lottery funds to Business Oregon to promote trade. It would have included hiring consultants to represent Oregon abroad, funding trade missions and helping businesses navigate tariffs.

While the bill died upon adjournment, Nguyen said the caucus will serve as a new venue for lawmakers to discuss how business owners are impacted by trade policies.

He called the caucus a full circle moment, as he and Boshart Davis first met during a trade mission in Tokyo in 2017 before they became legislators.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For Boshart Davis, the lack of legislation related to trade inspired her to create the caucus.

Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, talks with Rep. Virgle Osborne, R-Roseburg, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Since the early 2000s, her company Bossco Trading LLC has exported agricultural products through Terminal 6, the states only international shipping container terminal based in Portland. She said the terminals recent operations were tumultuous after container service was nearly discontinued in 2024.

It took a massive amount of coordination and outreach to the governors office and legislators for them to understand the grave consequences of doing so, Boshart Davis said in an email. Fast forward, we were successful and looking forward to a private business taking over operations of the port.

She said she understands that supply chain struggles and regulatory burdens hamper trade opportunities for Oregon businesses, making them less competitive than businesses in other states and countries. But she sees tremendous opportunity for growth at Terminal 6, and hopes to better engage lawmakers about the impact their decisions have on trade.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We know that Oregon is in a manufacturing recession, and our agricultural sector is struggling, she said. Any platform to show that is harmful to Oregon at large is something I want to be involved in. Oregons geographical position in this world puts us in a prime position for trade, and we dont believe we are even close to tapping her potential.

So far, the lawmakers are the first two official members of the caucus. The legislators said they are hoping to grow the caucus with lawmakers also hoping to strengthen Oregons position on trade.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT)  After a months long investigation into missing Lenoir County Shrine Club funds, law enforcement officers with the Lenoir County Sheriffs Office have arrested a suspect.

Deputies received a report from the Shrine Club in March of this year about funding possibly being misused. The Sheriffs Office General Investigations Division looking into the case and found that there were multiple purchases and withdraws made with the Sudans card that had not been approved.

Former treasurer of the Sudan Motor Patrol, 43 year old Jason Leon Cash, was determined to be the suspect by investigators. Cash was subsequently arrested and charged with embezzlement by a public office/trustee. He was given a $50,000 bond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
They say every days a school day, but unfortunately some head teachers never seem to learn. Here in risk-averse Britain, schools are banning children from playing outside in heatwaves.

You heard it here first. Instead, teachers are making pupils stay inside for hot play, which is a very unfortunate and decidedly un-PG term you would do well not to google.

Ditto wet play, which is when our offspring are ordered to hide away indoors in case they dissolve in the rain. On reflection, dont google that one either. You should be fine with cold play though, especially if you like middle-of-the-road pop.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But back to making haywire decisions while the sun shines. The utterly bizarre practice of keeping kids in captivity just when they ought to be running around has been revealed by environmental group the World Wildlife Fund.

Apparently many of the nations staff rooms think playgrounds, with their artificial turf and metal equipment, are too hot to be used safely. Sorry-not-sorry but I still dont get it.

It raises the question: what is school for? Call me a dinosaur (given my pleonastic wordiness, Id definitely be a thesaurus) but Ive always thought of school as a place of learning. And what more important life lesson is there than if youre hot, take off your jumper, sit in the shade and dont touch those metal bars?

Its like the day you discover not to eat the yellow snow  you only need to learn it once. Unless, of course, you attend Jo Richardson Community school in Dagenham, east London, where pupils were banned from even touching snow in 2018, due to the risk of grit or stones causing injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Add that to the annual consternation over potential death match conker tournaments and the clear and present danger if any child is permitted to climb a stubby 10ft tree and it becomes manifestly obvious that we are storing up trouble for the future.

According to Chris McGovern, the chairman of the Campaign for Real Education and a former head teacher, keeping pupils indoors during hot weather is the worst thing for them.

Just as in cold weather, they should be out running around, he says. So were making them into wimps. We dont want to make children into wimps. We want to toughen them up a little bit.

Ill second that. My childhood was all about wet feet and chilblains in winter and sweat-soaked clothes in summer, running about like a hoyden after school. Bumps, bruises and the unbreakable omerta that unless you actually sever something, dont tell the adults.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I once tried to hide the fact Id sustained a broken nose when I gave someone a piggy back at primary school and face-planted myself on the tarmac. As I recall, the nuns werent that bothered and didnt even attempt first aid  or call my mother.

When she eventually saw the black eyes and even blacker nose spread across my face, did she erupt into fury and threaten to sue? I think you can guess the answer to that.

And what did that give me  apart from a bend half way down my nose? Resilience, responsibility for my own actions and a grasp of my physical limits.

Would I recommend tough love? Well, I certainly wouldnt endorse its polar opposite; the mollycoddling that emphasises a childs vulnerability rather than agency and the fusspotting over ordinary occurrences like sun, rain and snow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The result is supine young adults who have been so babied they lack initiative or even courage  hence the ongoing clamour for safe spaces and the way even 20-year-olds are now afraid to make or even receive phone calls.

This is the generation that shuts down those who disagree with them on social media, cancels controversial, compelling speakers from their university campuses and suffers from stratospheric levels of anxiety.

A 2023 survey by the Mental Health Foundation revealed that 89 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 reported feeling anxious in the previous two weeks with 34 per cent feeling anxious most or all of the time.

An NHS survey from earlier this year showed that almost third of the same age group (32 per cent) had experienced suicidal thoughts and a quarter (25 per cent) reported having self-harmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Terrible for the individuals but also for the economy. Young people with low confidence are more likely to drop out of education, training and work. In a 2022 report from Youth Futures Foundation, UK employers said that 40 per cent of young recruits lacked emotional resilience and workplace readiness, which contributed to job loss and burnout.

According to the Centre for Mental Health, the cost of mental ill health for young people aged 20 or younger in England was 18.8 billion in 2022.

A bleak outlook by any metric. If anyone knew the precise formula for building resilience, they would surely bottle it, but in the meantime, psychologists do know that one crucial pillar is promoting a growth mindset, where failure is reframed as a learning opportunity.

A second pillar is letting children experience challenges by encouraging them to take age-appropriate risks and solve minor problems independently.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Which brings us back to the character-building benefits playing in a heatwave. My advice is to slather on the SPF, give them hats and let them discover that they can literally cope with everything under the sun.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
I could criticize the current administration for its response to climate change, but I am not here to demonize President Donald Trump. He knows the danger, politicians on both sides do. The defense department has warned us for at least 30 years, first recognizing climate change as a security threat during the George H.W. Bush administration.

The problem seems to be one of perception. Look up at the sky and it seems so vast. How could our industries, agriculture and transportation possibly have an effect? But, remember the world globes we all had in school? At this scale, our atmosphere is about as thick as a coat of paint. Think about this.

Into that envelope humans release about 90 million tons of carbon dioxide every day. The earths natural processes absorb about half of that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Do the math. Read the news.

Politicians say these are once in a century events.

There have been an awful lot of them this century. Economically, the last 10 hurricane seasons have cost the U.S. almost $1.5 trillion. But, the last few weeks have produced costs that cannot be measured in dollars. Heartbreaking devastation in Texas, hellish fires in California,.

At some point, will U.S. voters demand change? Do we care?

Joseph Brusberg

Hermiston

Submit Letter to the Editor
To the editor: Columnist Jonah Goldbergs story on Elon Musks proposed new America Party doesnt mention what, in principle, would be the best way to add a meaningful nationwide third party: We should change our voting system from plurality voting to approval voting ( Elon Musks America Party is a long shot, July 8). If three or more candidates are running for an office  in this case, president of the United States  voters can approve as many candidates as they want. The winner of the election is the candidate with the most approvals.

In this system, one does not waste a vote by voting for the third-party candidate because one can still vote for a Democrat or Republican. Approval voting is currently used successfully in some local political elections as well as in elections in a variety of organizations. In theory, changing the presidential election system to approval voting would not be a constitutional challenge as long as the electoral college remains in place. Unfortunately, because approval voting would weaken the power of both major parties, we will not be seeing this change, which would strengthen democracy, any time soon.

Ben Zuckerman, Los Angeles

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

..

To the editor: Along with many voters, Musk was tricked by President Trump and the Republicans regarding fiscal policy and the national debt.

For years, right-wingers have howled ceaselessly about ballooning federal budget deficits. Yet at the first opportunity under Trumps second term, the Republican Party approved legislation that will produce an even larger national deficit. All of this while the Trump administration dealt a blow to enforcement of income tax law with its cuts to the Internal Revenue Service. Hundreds of billions of dollars of income go unreported annually, and people who underreport their income are responsible for most of the gap . By contrast, the great majority of people who work for a living have their earnings withheld against their paycheck, so they largely cannot fail to obey the tax laws.

The mystery of it all is why people continue to buy the baloney.

William L. Winslow, Santa Monica

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In the six months since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House, some observers have worried that he is seeking to dismantle the postwar international order. The view is that, whether one calls that order liberal international or rules-based, Trump has little tolerance for either liberalism or rules, so he will have no inclination to support it. Some analysts, such as Anne Applebaum, have gone further, asserting that Trump is aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin to take down not just Ukraine, but the U.S.-led international system.

If such a dismantling were taking place, we would have expected to see some indication of it over the past month, when the G7 and NATO held their annual leaders summits in Alberta, Canada, and The Hague, Netherlands, respectively. On the basis of those gatherings, however, we can say that the international order is, to the contrary, doing just fine. Not great. Not optimal. But fine.

The G7 and NATO are far from the only international institutions and treaties that comprise the post-1945 international order. Moreover, the BRICS grouping, whose annual meeting took place this past week, is positioning itself as an alternative to those Western-centric institutions. But the G7 and NATO are meaningful to the Western nations that have long comprised the core of the international order. Gaining membership to either club signifies status, and being cast out of either one, as Russia was in 2014 when the G8 returned to being the G7, comes with major reputational costs. And from the economic policy coordination pursued through the G7 summits to the mutual defense affirmations expressed at the NATO meetings, the meetings have long served as annual litmus tests of the international orders overall health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As noted above, this years meetings were especially important, as they offered a first look into how Trumpa known skeptic of the very idea of alliancescurrently sees these U.S.-led groupings. The results are, to put it mildly, encouraging.

To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter.

Lets start with the NATO summit in late June in The Hague, where Trump seemed willing to follow the political script required to make it a success. For instance, when asked at a press conference with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte if he valued NATOs Article 5 mutual defense provision, Trump responded, Thats why Im here. Although in an earlier press gathering on Air Force One while flying to The Hague he had stated that his commitment to Article 5 depended on how one defined it, thats hardly controversial. As I pointed out in a previous column, the actual mutual defense commitment expressed by Article 5 is vague and intended to allow NATO members flexibility in the type of support they provide in the event one of the allies is attacked.

Of course, Trumps newfound taste for the alliance was helped along by the royal treatment he received from his Dutch hosts, the ingratiating comments made by Rutte himself and the fact that the summit was kept to a single day to accommodate his famously short attention span. Most importantly, all the NATO allies except Spain signed onto a commitment to raise their defense spending levels to 5 percent of GDP, rather than simply aim for the target of 2 percent of GDP, as they had pledged to do at the alliances 2014 summit in Wales. And just as importantly, they were all happy to let Trump take the credit for the deal.

Of course, not all is well with the liberal international order. But one must also ask how well it was doing prior to Trumps return.

But Trumps attitude toward NATO seemed to have really changed in The Hague. On the trip back to Washington, he told reporters, I left here differently. I left here saying, These people really love their countries. Its not a rip-off. And we are here to help them protect their country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another notable change in Trumps understanding of European security is his gradual realization that Putin does not appear interested in pursuing peace in Ukraine. In fact, that intransigence is now causing Trump to grow frustrated with his Russian counterpart. So while some observers expressed alarm over a pause in U.S. deliveries of air defense munitions to Ukraine last weekpurportedly to reassess dwindling U.S. stocks, an issue that has plagued the U.S. military for well over a yearassistance to Kyiv was quickly restored once Trump learned of the decision, which he was apparently not apprised of ahead of time. In short, it seems that many of the worst fears about Trump abandoning Europe that were expressed in the early months of his term are not coming to pass.

The G7 meeting that preceded the NATO summit in mid-June did not end on quite as positive a note, with Trump leaving early in order to address what was then the still-unfolding war between Israel and Iran. Nor did the leaders issue the traditional joint communique at the summits end. But there were also a number of positives, including the signing of joint policy statements on issues ranging from critical minerals to migrant smuggling.

All in all, then, the sequence of back-to-back successful summits among the core Western states of the liberal international order is a positive sign.

Of course, not all is well with that order. Trump has cut U.S. foreign aid and shuttered the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID. He has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement that sought to reverse the emissions contributing to climate change. Trumps tariffs continue to strain relations between the U.S. and its allies, while threatening the smooth operation of the global economy. But the full imposition of those tariffs continues to be pushed back to later dates. That, too, points to how much one must separate the bluster from the substance of Trumps approach to foreign policy. Its part of his penchant for being predictably unpredictable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But one must also ask how well the international order was doing prior to Trumps return. Even if unintentionally, former President Joe Biden revealed the hypocrisy at the heart of that order, when he praised and criticized the International Criminal Court depending not on how, but against whom it brought indictments. Before him, despite positive achievements such as the New START arms control agreement with Russia and the Iran nuclear deal, former President Barack Obama can also be seen as having failed to uphold the pillars of the liberal international order. Examples range from drone strike assassinations and the intervention in Libya, which was roundly criticized for undermining international laws core norm of non-intervention, to his failure to uphold his own red lines when the now-overthrown regime of then-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons against its own people.

In reality, the rules of the rules-based order have always been more like guidelines than hard and fast obligations, especially for the major powers. And the U.S. has long strongarmed allies to get its way, even if Trump takes that approach to extremes. In that sense, the liberal international order today is largely how its always been: Neither good nor bad, but fine. Trump hasnt changed thatyet.

Paul Poast is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago and a nonresident fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

The post The Liberal International Order Is No Better or Worse Under Trump appeared first on World Politics Review.
WASHINGTON, Mo.  The City of Washington, Missouri, is asking residents to steer clear of the beloved Lions Lake after hundreds of fish were found dead on Wednesday.

Based on recommendations from Missouri DNR and the Conservation Department at this time, no fishing, no boating, Justin Frankenberg, Washingtons emergency management director, said. No touching the water as a precaution.

The city has joined the Departments of Natural Resources and Conservation in clearing the lake after nearly 700 fish were found dead in the lake.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

STL sports fans disappointed over John Kelly departure

Aerators were added Wednesday night on the recommendation of the Department of Conservation. On Thursday, the Department of Conservation confirmed the massive fish kill was due to algae bloom.

We had a fish die off, Josh Wargo, Washington arborist and horticulturist, said. A lot of them were gizzard shad, which wasnt a huge loss. We also lost some bass and some catfish we were more concerned about. Well have to work with the Missouri Department of Conservation on what restocking well have to do or if nature will recover itself.

The lake remains closed until further notice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
CADDO PARISH (KTAL/KMSS)  The 2025-2026 school year is just a few months away. Here are organizations in the Shreveport-Bossier area that are giving back to their communities with free school supply giveaways.

School Supplies Back to School Events Shreveport Bossier Marshall Free School Backpacks Giveaway Shots and Vaccines Line Dancing

RISE #FightForYou Summer Soiree

Date: Saturday, July 12

7a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Host: RISE Shreveport

Location: Bill Cockrell Park

For more information call 318-230-7358

Community Event: Free school supplies and health screenings this weekend

Drive-Thru Backpack Giveaway

Date: Friday, July 25

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

4 p.m.  5 p.m.

Host: Rice & Kendig Personal Injury Attorneys

Location: 912 Kings Hwy Shreveport, La

First Come, First Served

Backpack and School Supply Giveaway

Date: Saturday, July 26

Time: 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Host: Caddo Sheriffs Safety Town is teaming up with Alpha Media for a

Location: Safety Town, located at 8910 Jewella Ave.

For more information, call Alpha Media at 318-222-3122

3rd Annual Back to School Giveaway

Date: Saturday, August 2

Time: 10 a.m.  2 p.m.

Host: Friends of Devin and Caddo Parish Parks & Recreation

Location: Booker T Washington High School

This list will continue to update as information and events are received.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
The day after the odometer on his fathers 1973 Ford Maverick turned over from 99,999 to 100,000, my friend Scott skipped school for the first and probably last time in his life. Can you blame him? After all, everyone in our rather upscale suburb had seen the eight-year-old compact Ford rolling around at a walking pace for the better part of the previous evening, Scotts father honking the horn and pointing excitedly to the old white bedsheet hed duct-taped to the faded green paint of the drivers door for everyone to see. A series of numbers rendered in shaky black shoe polish told the story: 100,000! In the other front seat, sitting next to a similar bedsheet on the passenger door, was Scott. His father had made this participation mandatory.

Scott was beyond humiliated, of course. This was a yuppie neighborhood before anyone knew the term, and our church parking lot was so clogged with brand-new Mercedes-Benz 240D sedans it looked like a taxi pickup line at the Frankfurt airport. His classmates were alternately contemptuous and slightly impressed: yeah, that old Maverick was stupid and lame, but how the heck did anyone get a car to turn 100,000 miles without blowing up? Ford certainly didnt expect it to happen; at least that was the fairly explicit message one got after sitting in any of its 70s-era products and realizing that the odometer would effectively declare Tilt! at the 100k mark.

Today, of course, every new car sold in America will cheerfully register six digits on the dashboard, which is appropriate because the average privately owned vehicle on the American road is 12.6 years old and has racked up close to 150,000 miles. Its now common for banks to offer a five- or six-year term on used cars and trucks that already have over 100,000 miles on the clock. This dramatic change in our automotive fortunes reflects significant quality improvements across the industry more than it does economic stagnation, but it raises the question: Have odometer readings become irrelevant?

Thats a trick question. They always were.

If my friends Maverick-driving father has a modern equivalent, perhaps its Nader Assaad, who just turned over the odometer on his 2014 Lexus CT200h and posted the evidence on Reddit. Since the Lexus has a six-figure odometer, that means its done a million miles in just 12 years. His photographs show a clean car in straight and unblemished condition, and he fully documents every bit of his exhaustive maintenance program. On a whim, I compared Assaads car with a Lexus of the same year and model, chosen at random from the internet.

Youd think that a car with just 106,737 miles would be a better bet than a million-miler, but a quick investigation showed some significant damage in the vehicle history, plus a service record that became spotty at about the 50,000-mile mark. The interior bore signs of significant wear and a desperate, Armor-All-laden detailing. I cant see any scenario where I would purchase this low-miles Lexus over one with almost 10 times as much mileage, but with all the other factors in its favor.

In fact, the original purpose of the odometer had nothing to do with documenting wear and tear on a car. The trip odometer didnt yet exist, and there was certainly nothing like GPS, so in an era of maps and written directions, the ability to do some on-the-fly odometer math was necessary to know approximately when youd reach the next turn or exit.

How did we get into the habit of using odometer readings as a shorthand for vehicle conditions? It probably happened around the time the average used-car dealer figured out how to roll back the gauge. At that point, low miles became an easy selling point and a way to convince customers to pay over the market price for older, less desirable products.

Thats still the case today, which is probably why odometer fraud is still fairly common in the digital era. NHTSA estimates that more than 450,000 cars are clocked every year. Its not just small-time corner lots doing it, either. A class action lawsuit in New Jersey accused FedEx of selling vehicles with repaired or replaced instrument clusters that dont represent the vehicles actual mileage, and failing to inform the buyers accordingly. This would be clocking on a massive scale, but ask yourself: Would any reasonably informed person expect FedEx to sell low-mileage creampuffs just for the heck of it?

Featured Local Savings

In fact, if you were a small business owner looking to add a former delivery truck to your fleet, chances are youd ignore the odometer completely. Instead, you would examine the factors that will actually affect your ability to make money with the vehicle in the future: maintenance records, the presence of rust or corrosion, and the condition of the mechanical bits, especially the engine and transmission. You might take note of total engine hours and engine idle hours, information thats available in many modern vehicles and pretty much all trucks. Last but not least, you might use a diagnostic tool to query the vehicle computer for trouble codes or problem reports.

Believe it or not, the above methodology works as well for buying a nearly new luxury SUV as it does for picking a used box truck. A $75 OBD-II scantool from Harbor Freight or Amazon will give you the total engine hours in nearly any vehicle made during the past decade. If it doesnt at least vaguely correspond to the numbers on the odometer, thats a possible indicator of fraud  but its also a great way to compare otherwise similar vehicles. There are a lot of ways to rack up mileage, ranging from Montana highway commuter to Manhattan Uber driver," and you can often figure out which is which from the total engine hours and idle hours.

Maintenance records are also critical, and in some cases, they can be obtained after the fact from dealerships or manufacturers. Looking for a used car? Get the service intervals from the internet and make sure they were followed. As an example, most Hondas need a timing belt every 100,000 miles or every 10 years, whichever is first. When in doubt, go by time. Its a dirty little secret in the auto business that many car parts wear out over time, not mileage. This is doubly true for every rubber or plastic piece in the vehicle. If you cant find a record for any required service, assume it needs to be done before you put a single mile on the car, and work that into the price.

If youre shopping for anything more exotic than an Accord or Camry, you should also get to know a local independent specialist mechanic for your chosen marque. A good indy shop can do a pre-purchase inspection for a few hundred bucks. There are at least three ways this will save you that much or more. The inspection could reveal serious problems that make buying that particular vehicle unwise. It can uncover deferred maintenance or other costs that can be negotiated into the purchase. Last but definitely not least: if the dealer is afraid to have the car inspected, theres probably a reason for that.

F1 FOR EFFORT

Want to buy the best used car you can get? Follow the above steps in order. Use a scan tool to weed out cars with obvious problems. Review the maintenance records to see if its worth having the vehicle inspected. Then use an inspection on the car youre serious about to make sure youre getting a good one. This is a lot more of a hassle than just opening a car door and waiting for the mileage to pop up on the instrument cluster, but its also much less risky.

And if you find a great vehicle by using the above steps, and you manage to put a lot of miles on it, and you want to brag about it to the world, do your children a favor  and dont.

Jack Baruth was born in Brooklyn, New York, and lives in Ohio. He is a pro-am race car driver, a former columnist for Road and Track and Hagerty magazines, and writer of the Avoidable Contact Forever newsletter.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, stipulating that Lithuania will allocate 21 million to implement initiatives to rebuild infrastructure, improve learning outcomes and modernise educational services for Ukrainian children and young people.

Source: Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys and Ukrainian First Deputy Education Minister Yevhen Kudriavets signed a memorandum of understanding during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on Thursday 10 July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the memorandum, Lithuania will allocate 21 million to implement initiatives aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, improving learning outcomes and modernising educational services for children and young people in Ukraine.

Investments will focus on creating and equipping safe, inclusive and innovative learning environments.

The agreement is based on an investment of 17 million, which will be used to build a modern multifunctional school hub in the city of Zhytomyr under the School of the Future for Ukraine project, developed by Italian and Ukrainian architects.

The construction of the school will be the first educational project in Ukraine created according to the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The memorandum also allocates 3 million for the installation of solar energy systems in schools and kindergartens. The systems will be installed in 14 educational institutions in Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Chernivtsi oblasts.

An additional 1 million from Lithuania and Taiwan will be allocated to support the Catch-up and STEAM programme in Odesa Oblast, developed by CPVA and its Ukrainian partner, savED.

The programme aims to overcome educational losses caused by prolonged distance learning. The project provides additional lessons for students who are lagging behind the curriculum and STEAM classes for students with higher grades.

Background:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was also announced that Italy will provide Ukraine with more than 30 million in non-repayable aid to restore the cultural heritage of Odesa Oblast.

On 10 July, the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Italy signed a document under which Rome will allocate 1 million to strengthen Ukraines cybersecurity.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The grey seals slide out of their cages into the Baltic Sea near the Lithuanian coast, swimming off to new lives imperilled by climate change, pollution and shrinking fish stocks.

The seals have been nurtured at a rehabilitation centre in the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda.

Survival rates for cubs in the wild can be as low as five percent, according to local scientists.

The Baltic Sea, which is shared by the European Union and Russia, rarely freezes over now, depriving seals of sanctuaries to rear their cubs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Mothers are forced to breed on land in high concentration with other seals," said Vaida Surviliene, a scientist at Vilnius University.

"They are unable to recognise their cubs and often leave them because of it," she said.

Rearing cubs ashore also leaves them exposed to humans, other wild animals, rowdy males, as well as a higher risk of diseases, according to Arunas Grusas, a biologist at the centre.

- 'It was a sensation' -

Grusas began caring for seals in 1987 when he brought the first pup back to his office at the Klaipeda Sea Museum, which now oversees the new rehabilitation centre built in 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We taught them how to feed themselves, got them used to the water - they had to get comfortable with the sea, which spat them out ashore practically dying," Grusas said.

The very first cubs were placed into makeshift baths set up in an office.

"It was a sensation for us, there were practically no seals left then," Grusas said.

The scientists had to learn how to nurse the cubs back to health.

First, the cubs were treated to liquid formula before moving onto solid food.

At the time in the late 1980s, the seals were close to extinction - there were just around 4,000 to 5,000 left in the sea from a population of around 100,000 before the Second World War.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The population began to decrease drastically in the 1950s due to hunting amid competition with fishers," said Surviliene.

- 'Nothing left to eat' -

The 1960s also saw the use of pesticides in agriculture that were "incredibly toxic for predators", the scientist said.

The seals at the top of the food chain in the Baltic Sea absorbed the pollution, leaving the females infertile and the entire population with a weak immune system, unable to ward off parasites and resist infections.

After a ban on toxic pesticide use, the population survived, with the current estimates putting the number of grey seals in the Baltic Sea at 50,000 to 60,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a response to overfishing, the European Commission also finally banned commercial cod fishing in the eastern Baltic Sea in 2019.

"Over 80 percent of fish resources in the Baltic Sea have been destroyed, the seals have nothing left to eat," said Grusas.

The ban has yet to show a positive result.

"There has been no fishing of eastern Baltic cod for around five years, but it's not yet recovering -- and it's one of the main sources of food" for the seals, said Darius Daunys, a scientist at Klaipeda University.

Recently a growing number of adult seals have been washing up on Lithuanian beaches.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Scientists like Grusas point the finger at near-shore fishing nets, where seals desperate for food end up entangled and ultimately drown.

- 'Tired of the tension' -

Out in the Baltic Sea, the nine released seals took their first swim in the wild.

Previously, GPS trackers showed they favoured a route north toward the Swedish Gotland island in the middle of the Baltic Sea, where fish are more plentiful.

Others, however, needed a gentle push from the biologists.

In previous years, the released seals would even follow the boat back to shore, scared to venture off alone.

Eventually they all find their way in the wild.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Grusas is now preparing to retire after dedicating his life to saving animals.

He will leave at a time when the grey Baltic seal population has stabilised, but remains highly vulnerable.

"I've spent my whole life with seals," he said. "I'm tired of the tension - you just don't know what can happen to them."

bur-dt/amj/giv
FORT STEWART, Ga. (WSAV)  Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda awarded the Order of the Cross of Vytis to the four fallen soldiers who died in Lithuania earlier this year.

Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois, Staff Sergeant Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California, Staff Sergeant Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam have been posthumously awarded the Order of the Cross of Vytis.

The four 3rd Infantry Division soldiers, assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, were found deceased near Pabrade, Lithuania after being reported missing. They were conducting a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle at the time of the incident in a training area, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Monday, March 31, Duenez, Franco and Taitano were found and confirmed dead by officials. A day later on April 1, Knutson-Collins was found deceased.

Their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle was recovered from a peat bog.

Read more about the fallen Dogface Soldiers

The ceremony is a deeply solemn gesture recognizing their exceptional devotion to duty and ultimate sacrifice during NATO-allied exercises, a 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson said. These Soldiers gave their lives strengthening the security and defense of our NATO alliance. Lithuanias highest honors reflect a shared commitment to freedom, unity, and peace.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ceremony is meant to signify the soldiers heroism and serve as a symbol of the partnership between the U.S. and Lithuania.

To the families of these brave Soldiers: we honor your loss, we remember your loved ones, and we stand with you, the 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson said. Their service will never be forgotten.

They were deployed to Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve but were permanently stationed at Fort Stewart.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
RICHARD, La. (Louisiana First)  People from across the country make the trip to a small Louisiana town to visit a grave occupied by a young girl who died nearly seven decades ago. Charlene Richards story continues to inspire Catholics, and she could ultimately be the first Louisiana saint.

Father Korey LaVergne is the Pastor of St. Edward Catholic Church in Acadiana Parish, where Richard is buried along with her parents. He said he first learned her story after taking over the church.

I believe Charlenes a saint in heaven, LaVergne said. Shes Saint Charlene to me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Richard died in 1959 after a battle with leukemia. According to local church tradition, she offered up her suffering to God before she died. In Catholicism, this means she accepted her fate and prayed for others, reminiscent of the way Jesus Christ, according to Christianity.

LaVergne said those people she prayed for started to claim their lives were changed.

They were either healed physically, spiritually, emotionally, LaVergne said.

St. Edward collected documents and interviews to support Richards claim to canonization and sent them to Rome. Dr. Brian Pendraza, the Theology Director of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge, said that it is relatively early in the process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Church takes it seriously, Pendraza said. For Charlene, its probably something around close to 2,000 pages of information.

If a Vatican task force assigned to these cases passes Richards evidence to Pope Leo XIV and he decides the information is credible, Richard would be considered venerable.

Were now two big things away from being canonized, Pendraza said. The first thing that has to happen is a miracle.

If theologians, scientists and the Pope then decide a submitted miracle is legitimate, Richard would be beatified. One more miracle would make her a saint. The process can take years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just to have somebody that is one of our own people, that would be incredible, Pedraza said.

LaVergne said he cannot disclose what was submitted to Rome, but he said the problem with Richards case is that theres too much evidence. A series of vital social media posts last year revealed one situation LaVergne called a miracle, where a New York woman experiencing pregnancy difficulties had a healthy baby.

There were abnormalities in the brain on the ultrasound, LaVergne said.

LaVergne said doctors laid out Sophie Stansburys options.

The least risky route would be to terminate the pregnancy and try again, LaVergne said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But through connections with Dominican nuns, Stansbury flew to Louisiana to visit Mass. She claimed that appealing to Richard led to her baby being born healthy, and she ultimately named her newborn after the Little Cajun Saint.

The world needs saints, LaVergne said.

LaVergne said he considers Richard a saint already, and people can continue to be inspired by the girls life story.

She was just a Cajun girl who loved God, loved her family, loved her friends, and did everything the best she could, LaVergne said.

Latest News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.




NEED TO KNOW

Nola Dinkins' mother reported her kidnapped before her remains were found in a suitcase

Her mother Darrian Randle was arrested on murder charges

Randle's boyfriend Cedrick Antoine Britten has been arrested on child abuse charges





Authorities in Maryland arrested a man on child abuse charges nearly a month after his girlfriends childs body was found inside a suitcase.

Three-year-old Nola Dinkens' mother Darrian Randle reported her kidnapped on June 10, the Maryland State Police said in a statement the following day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After an Amber Alert was issued, law enforcement officials were dispatched to Randles last known address in North East, Md., where they encountered her boyfriend, 41-year-old Cedrick Antoine Britten, per the statement.

Investigators found indication of potential criminal activity and soon located human remains in a vacant lot in North East, Md., the statement said.

MSP confirmed to PEOPLE on Friday, July 11, that the remains have been positively identified as those of Nola.

GoFundMe Nola Q. Dinkins Nola Q. Dinkins

Randle was arrested after the initial investigation on charges of first and second-degree murder and first degree of child abuse resulting in death of a minor under thirteen, among other offenses, MSP said in their statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Britten was charged with accessory to first- and second-degree murder after the fact and failure to report child death, among other related criminal charges.

According to online court records reviewed by PEOPLE, Britten was arrested on those charges on Wednesday, July 2.

New Castle County Police/Facebook; Maryland State Police Darrian Randle; Cedrick Britten. Darrian Randle; Cedrick Britten.

During the initial investigation, Britten allegedly drew a map for officers that led them to Nolas body, which police found inside a suitcase, according to charging documents cited by WBAL-TV.

Nola was emaciated and her body had been "completely wrapped in Saran Wrap, WBAL-TV and NBC 10 reported, citing the charging document and officials, respectively.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Randle allegedly admitted to beating Nola with a belt on June 9 at Britten's home until the child was unconscious, according to court documents cited by NBC 10 and WBAL-TV.

She allegedly told investigators the couple then drove around with Nola's body before returning to the residence and putting her body inside a suitcase, which they left on the basement stairs, per police, according to the documents.

The following day, Randle allegedly told police Britten helped her dispose of the childs body.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

A GoFundMe has been set up by Nola's father to help arrange her funeral and assist with associated costs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Britten is facing 11 charges related to Nola's death, including child abuse resulting in death, child abuse, child neglect and accessory to murder after the fact.

Online court records did not indicate plea and attorney information for him.



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.

Read the original article on People
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A car flipped off the Fair Park Exit at Interstate 630 Westbound after a chase on Thursday.

Little Rock police were on the scene assisting Arkansas State Police troopers.

One person was seen being taken into custody.

No information on led to the pursuit has been released yet.

There is no word yet on any injuries.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KERR COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A week after the devastating floods in Central Texas that led to more than 100 deaths, President Trump visited Kerrville on Friday afternoon to speak with local officials and first responders.

LIVE BLOG: Search for missing continues as Texas community grieves

Trump arrived in Kerrville at around 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. John Cornyn will accompany him, along with First Lady Melania Trump. East Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran was also in attendance during Trumps visit. This is the first time that Trump has visited Central Texas since he was elected last November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of Thursday, it is estimated that the floods have killed nearly 120 people and around 160 remain missing. Abbott also visited Kerr County on Tuesday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
CHICAGO - Scattered showers and storms are moving through Chicagoland this evening and will continue tonight. Heavy downpours, gusty winds, and hail are the primary concerns.

A Flood Watch has been issued for the following counties through 7 a.m. Friday: McHenry, Lake (IL), DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, and northern Will counties.

Storms will be capable of high rain rates, which may lead to flooding. If you're driving and come across a flooded street, underpass, viaduct, etc., do not drive through the water! There is a good likelihood your car will stall out, and it's difficult to gauge how deep the water is when it's on a road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On and off showers and thunderstorms will remain in the forecast tonight through Saturday. Tonight will be warm with lows around 70 degrees.

Current Watches/Warnings:

Flood Watch is in effect for McHenry, Lake (IL), DeKalb, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, LaSalle, Grundy and Will Counties until 7 a.m., Friday.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for LaSalle County until 12:30 p.m.

Live Updates

11:11 p.m. - Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for LaSalle County until 12:30 p.m. Severe storms are moving southeast at 25 mph into LaSalle County with 60 mph wind gusts.

8:58 p.m. - Heavy rain and strong winds swept through the Marengo area, toppling trees, blocking roads and downing power lines, according to the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts.Impacted roads included River Road, Millstream Road and Garden Prairie Road in unincorporated McHenry County, as well as Randall Court in Marengo.Residents are urged to avoid downed wires and assume all power lines are live.

Impacted roads included River Road, Millstream Road and Garden Prairie Road in unincorporated McHenry County, as well as Randall Court in Marengo.

Residents are urged to avoid downed wires and assume all power lines are live.

8:45 p.m. - The Windy City Smokeout is getting staff prepared to open the gates soon. Patrons are urged to wait and follow security and staff directions before re-entry.

We're getting our staff prepared to open the gates soon. Please wait and follow security and staff directions upon re-entry.  Windy City Smokeout (@WCSmokeout) July 11, 2025

8:36 p.m . - A ground delay has been issued at O'Hare International Airport due to thunderstorms, according to the FAA. Departures to O'Hare are delayed by an average of 342 minutes.

8:15 p.m. - Thursday's game between the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians was postponed due to rain, according to the Associated Press. This marked the start of a four-game series and it will be made up with a doubleheader planned on Friday.The opener of a four-game series between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox on Thursday night was postponed because of rain.

The opener of a four-game series between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox on Thursday night was postponed because of rain.

7:40 p.m. - The severe storm in Kankakee County is now capable of producing 2-inch hail and 60 mph winds. Residents should seek shelter and park cars indoors if possible.

7:30 p.m. - The Windy City Smokeout is evacuating patrons due to severe weather. Everyone in the Smokeout park is urged to exit the festival to the Malcolm X College Parking Garage.

Everyone in the Smokeout park must exit the festival to the Malcolm X College Parking Garage. Exit east using the main entrance on Madison St. and head south on Wood St. for three blocks.



Stay tuned for updates. pic.twitter.com/q0DhukjaZ3  Windy City Smokeout (@WCSmokeout) July 11, 2025

7:15 p.m. - Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Kankakee County and Will County until 8:15 p.m.

7:00 p.m. - Special Weather Statement issued for Will and Kankakee Counties. A strong thunderstorm is near Lakewood Shores and Wilmington, with wind gusts up to 50 mph possible and half-inch hail.

6:30 p.m. - Storms are increasing in coverage Thursday evening as they move from McHenry County into Grundy and Will Counties.The storms are also moving toward NW Cook and DuPage County. There is a strong storm impacting Will County with winds of up to 50 mph.

The storms are also moving toward NW Cook and DuPage County. There is a strong storm impacting Will County with winds of up to 50 mph.

6 p.m. - Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Kane County until 6:45 p.m.A severe storm was located over Hampshire, or near Huntley, moving east at 30 mph. 60 mph wind gusts are expected.

A severe storm was located over Hampshire, or near Huntley, moving east at 30 mph. 60 mph wind gusts are expected.

5:45 p.m. - Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for McHenry County until 6:45 p.m.Severe storms were located along a line extending from near Harvard to near Marengo to near Kingston. Storms are moving east at 30 mph and 60 mph wind gusts are possible.

Severe storms were located along a line extending from near Harvard to near Marengo to near Kingston. Storms are moving east at 30 mph and 60 mph wind gusts are possible.

5:33 p.m. - The Chicago Office of Emergency Management has issued a Flood Watch until 7 a.m., July 11 for McHenry, Lake (IL), DeKalb, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall and Will Counties.

5:30 p.m. - Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for DeKalb and LaSalle Counties until 6:15 p.m.A severe thunderstorm was located near Paw Paw, moving east at 20 mph. Ping pong ball-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts are possible.

A severe thunderstorm was located near Paw Paw, moving east at 20 mph. Ping pong ball-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts are possible.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: DeKalb & LaSalle Counties through 6:15pm.



A severe thunderstorm was located near Paw Paw, moving east at 20 mph. Ping pong ball sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts possible. Seek shelter! pic.twitter.com/NyhwE4zjZa  Emily Wahls (@EmilyWahls) July 10, 2025

5:15 p.m. - A strong thunderstorm is moving into SW McHenry County. Nickel-sized hail, torrential rain and lightning are possible.

4:15 p.m. - There is a risk of flash flooding Thursday evening and night with any thunderstorms that develop.The severe storm in Lee County is now producing hail up to 2" in diameter and 60 mph winds. There are also signs of rotation as the system moves eastward toward DeKalb County.

The severe storm in Lee County is now producing hail up to 2" in diameter and 60 mph winds. There are also signs of rotation as the system moves eastward toward DeKalb County.

4 p.m. - A severe thunderstorm located over Dixon in Lee County. The storm quickly developed and is now capable of producing 60 mph winds, torrential rain and ping-pong ball-sized hail.

There is a severe thunderstorm located over Dixon in Lee County. This storm quickly developed & is now capable of 60 mph winds, torrential rain, and ping pong ball sized hail. These are the types of storms we'll be on the lookout for this afternoon and evening in Chicagoland. pic.twitter.com/dI5znRPFM8  Emily Wahls (@EmilyWahls) July 10, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Looking Ahead

Friday is expected to be hot and humid with highs in the low 90s. Saturday will be another hot and humid day with highs likely reaching into the upper 80s, despite rain chances.

We finally dry out late this weekend with skies becoming partly cloudy on Sunday. Temperatures will be in the mid-80s Sunday afternoon.

Monday will be another warm one with highs near 90 under sunny skies. A few showers or storms could return to the forecast by Tuesday and Wednesday.
URBANDALE, Iowa  A regional spelling bee is coming back to central Iowa thanks to a new partnership.

Living History Farms announced its now a regional partner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. It will be hosting a regional bee representing 74 Iowa counties next year.

Free Family Friday kicks off Sukup IndyCar Race Weekend

Scripps hasnt had a regional partner in Iowa since 2017, barring many kids from taking part in the national bee according to Mary Brooks, head judge of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and Iowa resident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brooks said shes beyond elated that Living History Farms is providing the chance for this to, once again, happen. This is a perfect match between these two educational organizations.

Registration for schools will open on August 19.

The regional bee will be at Living History Farms on March 7. The regional champion will compete in the national bee in Washington D.C. at the end of May.

Iowa News:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
KERR COUNTY, Texas (NewsNation)  The manager of Kerr Countys historic Hunt Store says she has no doubt the community icon will be rebuilt after being destroyed in recent flooding.

The store is absolutely everything to the community, said Hunt Store manager Courtney Garrison. I am a fourth-generation resident  born and raised  and Ive been the manager there for a year-and-a-half and it is absolutely everything.

For locals, Hunt Store isnt just a shop; its a restaurant, music venue and gathering place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump to survey Texas flooding damage amid scrutiny over FEMA cuts

For the Hunt Store, I have no doubt that it is going to come back stronger and better and faster than anyone anticipates, said Garrison.

President Donald Trump was expected to visit central Texas and Hunt Store on Friday for a firsthand look at the destruction caused by deadly floodwaters in the early morning hours of the Fourth of July holiday.

The disaster has claimed at least 120 lives, and more than 160 people remain missing.

The store has set up a GoFundMe for donations toward its rebuilding efforts.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers on Thursday helped free a bear from a manhole in a Colorado Springs neighborhood.

The male black bear, estimated to be 225 to 275 pounds, was in a residential area near Cheyenne Boulevard and Lorraine Street, just east of North Cheyenne Canon Park, officials said.

The bear exited the manhole after Colorado Springs Public Works employees temporarily removed the cover, according to Area Wildlife Manager Tim Kroening.

We originally heard that there might be cubs (with the bear), Kroening said. But this is a male, so  no cubs.

Officers fired a beanbag round to get the bear to climb a tree, a form of wildlife management called hazing. Hazing is a non-harmful technique meant to discourage bears from approaching humans.

Featured Local Savings

Once the bear was settled in the tree, wildlife officers left the scene.

It will likely stay up there until after dark, Kroening said. You can never really tell with a wild animal, but we think hell come down when there arent any people around. Just keep your distance, and leave it alone.
In the reporting on this weeks migration agreement between France and the UK, most of the focus has been on the one in, one out deal between the countries. Britain will send back 50 illegal arrivals a week, in exchange for 50 other migrants who have applied via a French scheme. The idea is that being sent straight back to France will deter migrants from making the journey, and that Sir Kier Starmer will be able to announce that he has stopped the boats.

In reality, of course, this will make no real difference to the situation. In the past week, almost 1,100 migrants crossed the Channel. Given the opportunity to be housed, clothed and fed for free, and potentially granted asylum and ultimately the right to housing, health care, education and benefits, a less than one in 20 chance of being sent back to France will not stop the illegal crossings.

Sir Keir and Mr Macron know this. The French president spoke about the British Governments mobilisation to deal with the pull factors for irregular migrants, including the fight against illegal work. How real is this commitment? The Home Office insists that in the last year, immigration enforcement has increased illegal working activity by 51 per cent and it is promising new biometric kits for these teams so that it can conduct on-the-spot right to work checks.

What actually happens when illegal workers are caught? Under the 1971 Immigration Act they can be sentenced to a maximum of six months imprisonment. However, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance says that they would almost never prosecute, instead seeking to remove an illegal worker from the UK. The CPS does not publish any data on how many people it prosecutes for working illegally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For asylum seekers even the threat of deportation does not exist. This week, an immigration officer told a journalist that working illegally does not hurt an asylum seekers claim. This is correct. Under the law, only someone classed as a serious criminal, and jailed for at least 12 months is at risk of their claim being rejected as a result.

The gig economy is often linked to illegal working. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, visited a migrant hotel, in June, and found clear evidence of illegal working for Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.

These businesses insist they are doing everything possible, and going beyond their legal obligations in checking documents. But if this is true, how can it be that social media is awash with opportunities to loan or buy delivery accounts?

Meanwhile, the Government has introduced new penalties for companies employing illegal staff, including fines of up to 60,000 per worker, business closures and even the threat of imprisonment for directors. Unfortunately all these efforts are only likely to scratch the surface of the problem.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There may have been over 7,000 arrests of illegal workers in the last 12 months, but with a 2020 study estimating that 800,000 to 1.2 million people were living in the UK, none of whom are entitled to benefits, it is reasonable to believe that illegal workers number in at least the high hundreds of thousands. Even if the Home Office managed to double, or triple the number of annual arrests it would not begin to stop illegal working.

Ultimately, immigration enforcement is like stopping the boats. It does nothing about pull factors. Arrest some workers, fine some cash-in-hand businesses, maybe even jail the occasional director, if we can find the room. The shadow economy rolls on.

These illegal workers, on delivery bikes, at car washes, or elsewhere in the gig economy, are working to feed our hunger. We love the convenience of restaurant food on demand, cheap fruit or a cheap car wash. All these conveniences are reliant on a vast population of illegal workers and while that demand exists they will keep coming. Large-scale gig economy businesses are perfect for the government.

The corporate business receives legitimate revenues and pays taxes, meanwhile the illegal workers operate at arms length, keeping costs down. To solve this, rather than fiddling around the edges with enforcement and checks, we need to stop using those businesses and industries which are clearly intimately connected with illegal work, and should demand that the government closes businesses, which require illegal staff to operate.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The Trump administrations big, beautiful tax and spending bill is now law across the country, but its impact on states is still uncertain.

Democrats on Capitol Hill predict devastating cuts to the SNAP nutrition program and Medicaid. Republicans say the changes to the federal programs will merely root out waste and fraud.

Columbus woman indicted in statewide Medicaid fraud investigation

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sarah Anderson is a member of Littlest Lobbyists, an organization of parents who walked the halls of Congress with their children, who are living with mental and physical disabilities. The group was able to meet a handful of senators, including Ohios Jon Husted.

Anderson said she is able to work because Medicaid pays to have a home health care aide for her disabled child, Audrey. Anderson said she is a voice and an advocate for children like Audrey who rely on Medicaid waivers.

Audrey has severe mental and physical challenges, but the waiver allows her to live her best possible life at home. Among other things, Medicaid pays for a home health aide.

In Ohio, its hard to get your Medicaid waiver, Anderson said. Its called Medicaid Waiver for Home and Community-based Services, which means youre not in an institution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Columbus sues Trump over inclusion on list of sanctuary cities targeted to lose funding

Ironically, as critics of Medicaid demand work requirements, because of the Medicaid-funded home help, Anderson is able to work full time as an attorney for the City of Columbus.

So not only with my job on the line, really, Audreys life would be on the line, she said. Just, you know, four decades ago, children like Audrey would be institutionalized and thats a real threat in the future if we start backsliding.

Anderson and her daughter joined a group called the Littlest Lobbyists and spend a day on Capitol Hill, meeting with lawmakers to urge them to protect Medicaid funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anderson and Audrey were among the advocates for the disabled who met with Husted.

His message was very clear that there would be no cuts to Medicaid and that our children, our disabled, medically complex children would be protected and their services would remain intact, Anderson said.

When asked if she believed what Husted told her, Anderson said, I do not believe that, and it is not true. The cuts to Medicaid, which are now estimated to be $800 billion over ten years, those cuts are going to impact states very heavily and once the states are impacted, the first thing that states cut are optional programs, and those optional programs are what Audrey receives and what disabled children and adults across the United States receive.

Man charged in the carjacking death of Alexa Stakely changes plea

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More than 45,000 Ohioans with disabilities receive Medicaid waivers. As the burden for Medicaid changes shift to the states, the states will have to make very difficult decisions.

In a statement, a Husted spokesperson said, in part, Disabled Americans, children, and their caretakers are at no risk for losing benefits because of this bill. In fact, routing [sic] out the $1.1 trillion of abuse in the program will leave more benefits for those who truly need them.

For more on how the bill will affect the states, watch The Spectrum this Sunday at 10 a.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  A local organization is sharing the impact a current federal funding freeze could have on kids across the country, with more than $6 billion in federal grants for after-school and summer programs currently being withheld, done to ensure the grants align with President Donald Trumps priorities.

Trump administration withholds over $6 billion for after-school, summer programs and more

Kevin Will, president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia, explained after-school care is in jeopardy at clubs nationwide because of this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After-school to kids is just as important as the academic day to make sure that theyre growing, that theyre developing, Will said.

He said Boys and Girls Clubs offers this after-school care.

We see these kids directly after school, he said. They come, they get a healthy meal and a snack. And then we go straight into homework assistance. We go into our programming areas, whether thats good decision-making, whether thats art, whether thats STEM or whether thats healthy lifestyles in their, not only physical wellbeing, but their mental wellbeing.

During the funding freeze, Will said what is at stake for Boys and Girls Clubs across the country is the 21st Century Community Learning Center funds. If this funding is lost, Will said that the organization as a whole could close 1,000 locations nationwide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There would be a chance of 14  Boys and Girls Clubs closing throughout Virginia, Will said.

However, he said that the southeast Virginia clubs would not close.

We will do everything in our power to make sure that our kids are thriving and that were here for our families and our community, Will said.

He reiterated that after-school care is pivotal for the success of youth everywhere.

My hope with this issue is that it really shines a light on the importance of after-school, of having a productive place to go grow, Will said, and really, giving each kid an equal access to succeed is, to me, its really shining a light on the importance of that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Fairfield to host meeting, executive session

GOSHEN  Fairfield School Board will host an executive session immediately following its regularly scheduled board meeting Thursday at the Fairfield Community Schools Administration Office, 67240 C. R. 31, Goshen. The regular board meeting starts at 5 p.m. and the executive session follows.

RSVP for a scam prevention workshop

SYRACUSE  Scams, fraud, and identity theft are becoming more sophisticated, especially with the rise of AI-driven schemes. People fall victim to tactics that target their trust, emotions, and ultimately, money and personal information daily.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Join Brian Burnett for a free, empowering workshop at Syracuse Public Library, to learn how to spot, avoid, and defend against the most common  and emerging  scams affecting individuals and families today. Register for the workshop, which will occur from 5:30-7:30 tonight in the downstairs meeting room, at https://tinyurl.com/splscamprogram.

Teen, kids dance class to meet

SYRACUSE  Teens and children will learn dance moves from former dance teacher Angie Schwartz during two summer sessions. The teen session is from 12:30-1:30 this afternoon in the downstairs meeting room of the Syracuse Public Library. Children will have the same opportunity from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday in the Community Roots outdoor space.

Paleo Night Event brings Ice Age to Bonneyville

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

BRISTOL  Experience the Ice Age with a new event from Elkhart County Parks: Paleo Night.

Participants will have a chance to touch a mammoth tusk fragment, create their own Paleo-era trail mix, practice atlatl hunting techniques, construct a faux-leather carrying pouch, watch fire-starting and flint-knapping demonstrations and dig for artifacts in an archaeology simulation.

The program will take place 6-8 p.m. Friday at Bonneyville Mills Briar Patch Shelter on C.R. 8 in Bristol. The cost is $5 per vehicle. Restrooms are available, but attendees are asked to bring their own water. Paleo Night is sponsored by American Legion Post 143  Bristol.

LaGrange County Council to meet

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

LAGRANGE  The LaGrange County Council will meet at the LaGrange County Office Building, 114 W. Michigan St., at 8:30 a.m. Monday. The public is invited to attend.

The agenda includes a LIT public hearing, an update on the comprehensive plan, an amendment to the sheriffs retirement agreement, and other discussion items and approvals.

EMU announces deans list

HARRISONBURG, Va. Eastern Mennonite University announced this week the spring deans list honorees.

The deans list, compiled at the end of each semester, includes degree-seeking students who achieve a semester GPA of at least 3.75 with no W, I, or F grades for 12 semester hours of standard grades.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Local students are: Justin Hochstedler, Goshen; Lauren Kauffman, Goshen; Sophia Kauffman, Goshen; Kate Krabill, Elkhart; Naomi Kratzer, Goshen; Jenna Oostland, Goshen; Claire Reichenbach, Warsaw; and Amelia Stuckey, Middlebury.

Elkhart resident named to Presidents List

UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich.  Ava Decker of Elkhart is one of nearly 700 students from Saginaw Valley State University who earned a spot on the winter 2025 semester Presidents List.

To be eligible for the Presidents List, a student must take at least 12 credit hours and earn a 4.0 grade point average.

Fun run event to celebrate pollinators

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ELKHART  The Elkhart Environmental Center will be celebrating all things pollinator Saturday from 10 a.m.1 p.m. The event will offer a variety of fun competitions around the newly planted 4-acre wildflower prairie as well as kids activities, food vendors, and booths by local vendors and organizations.

Starting at 10 a.m., visitors will be able to compete in a variety of fun competitions that will circle the wildflower prairie: a pollinator-themed costume contest, a speed walking race, and a scavenger hunt featuring fun facts about pollinators  how fast can you learn? Each competition is $1 to register and is open to people of all ages. Each of the competitions will have pollinator-friendly prizes (native wildflowers) for first-, second- and third-place winners.

The rest of the event is free and open to the public. Visitors can check out booths by local vendors, snack on treats, and enjoy fun games and crafts. Registration for event races is available at elkhart-environmental-center.ticketleap.com/pollinator-promenade-2025/

Anyone interested in volunteering for the event can sign up to help with setup, judging, kids activities, parking, cleanup and more. Friends and family are welcome to volunteer together. Registration for volunteers is available at elkhart.galaxydigital.com/need/index?s=1&need_init_id=12065. Volunteers will receive a free event shirt, antennae, and snacks and food throughout their shift(s).

For more information, call the EEC at 574-293-5070 or visit the event website at www.elkhartindiana.org/government/pollinator-promenade. The EEC is located at 1717 E. Lusher Ave. in Elkhart, five blocks east of Main Street.
Saying she was in the zone, Ruth Dubon, a sous chef at Brigham Young University, won a national cooking competition this week in her home state of Utah.

Dubon won the National Association of College & University Food Services 24th annual national culinary challenge on Tuesday at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

It felt great, she said. Like all my hard work and all my practicing time paid off, and all of the support and love that I got from everyone, it was just incredible and amazing to feel.

In Tuesdays challenge, Dubon went head to head against five other university chefs: Emily Getz from Penn State, William Reardon from Fairfield University, Jason Hilgers from Northwestern University, Jonathan Harthorn from University of Oregon and Darin Keithley from University of North Texas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The six competitors first advanced through a regional competition in order to qualify for the national competition.

Dubon said she felt great Tuesday about what she was doing.

I got on time with everything, and I just felt that everything went as smoothly as I practiced, she added. It was great. I was just in my zone the whole time.

The chef had been practicing her dish  chicken and liver ballontine, with fried chicken liver, sauteed red Swiss chard and vegetables, celery puree and a savory bread pudding  since November.

BYU sous chef Ruth Dubon works on her dish as she competes in the National Association of College & University Food Services 24th annual national culinary challenge at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. | National Association of College & University Food Services

Dubon brought her support system with her

Dubon was born and raised in Provo, giving her a home-court advantage at the competition in Salt Lake.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She shared that her whole support system was there to watch her, including her friends, family and co-workers.

It felt amazing, Dubon said. Because if it was in another state, you know, we can only fly out so many people. So Im just so grateful that it was here in my home state.

Dubon has been doing cooking competitions since she was in high school and said she loves competing because it takes me back to my roots.

She also shared two new reasons for competing.

For my daughter and my husband; for myself as well, but just so I can put our family name high and set a good example for my daughter, Dubon said.
A local Congressman is doubling down after he sparked national controversy by calling a Muslim colleague a terrorist.

After US Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN 5th District), who is Muslim, made this post accusing Israels President of being a war criminal, local Congressman Randy Fine (R-FL 6th District) responded with this post in which he wrote, Im sure it is difficult to see us welcome the killer of so many of your fellow Muslim terrorists.

The post generated national backlash.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Top House Democrats issued this joint response demanding an apology and characterized Fines comments as bigoted and disgusting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fine, who is Jewish, replied in another post and said, Boo hoo. I guess they werent listening when I said the Hebrew Hammer was coming.

In an interview with Action News Jax, Fine stood by his remarks, arguing Omar has a history of making antisemitic comments.

Omar said Bibi Netanyahu should be arrested and prosecuted for being a war criminal. This is the guy who is protecting the State of Israel and protecting Jews around the world, said Fine. Shes literally reciting Muslim terror talking points. Well, dont do that if you dont want to be a terrorist.

Imam Bilal Malik with the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida did not want to speak directly to the comments made by the local Congressman, but urged community members to treat their neighbors with kindness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As American Muslims, we are against bigotry, hatred, racism, said Imam Malik. We need to be very careful. We have to be careful, especially when you are a leader. And again, what I believe, justice, equality, is bigger than individuals.

Omar responded to Fines comments on social media.

Not only does normalizing this bigotry and violence endanger my life but all Muslims including in Fines own district, Omar wrote.

While Fine said he does not regret his comments, he did clarify it was not his intent to suggest all Muslims are terrorists.

But Ilhan Omar is offensive and I think we shouldnt be afraid to speak the truth just because the truth is not nice, said Fine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When asked whether hes worried his comments could lead to him being censured, Fine said he is not.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS)  A physician in Raleigh County pleaded guilty to federal drug crimes in connection with the HOPE Clinic.

D.O. Sanjay Mehta, 56, of Shady Spring pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding and abetting a controlled substance by fraud on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Court documents stated that Mehta admitted to unlawful prescription practices at the HOPE Clinic.

The HOPE (Hitech Opioid Pharmacovigilance Expertise) Clinic was a pain management clinic operating in Beckley, Beaver, and Charleston, West Virginia. It also operated in Wytheville, Virginia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Within the guilty plea, Mehta admitted to writing prescriptions for three different customers for no medical purpose. The prescriptions included oxycodone, methadone, and Roxicodone, a brand name for oxycodone hydrochloride.

Two of the three customers died of opioid intoxication within days of receiving the illegal prescriptions.

Two people arrested after they were allegedly caught having sex while driving a stolen RV

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Mehta worked at the Beckley location of the HOPE Clinic from November 2012 to July 2013 prior to working at the Beaver location from August 2013 to May 2015. Courts documents stated that Mehta had little to no experience in working with chronic pain patients. He was also reportedly not trained in prescribing Schedule II narcotics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2018, Mehta was indicted with others associated with the HOPE Clinic and Patients, Physicians and Pharmacists Fighting Diversion (PPPFD), which oversaw the operations of the clinic. The 2018 indictment alleged that the defendants involved conspired to distribute narcotics outside of normal medical practices from November 2010 to June 2015.

It is readily evident that the Southern District of West Virginia has been severely impacted by the opioid crisis. The United States Attorneys Office is committed to bringing to justice those whose criminal conduct contributes to this crisis and worsens its most tragic consequences. This commitment stems from the recognition that such actions harm patients and undermine efforts to combat the epidemic. Lisa G. Johnston | Acting U.S. Attorney

Mehta and six other doctors pleaded guilty to separate charges after the indictment. PPPFD owner-operator Mark T. Radcliffe, 68, of Shady Spring, and co-defendant Michael T. Moran, M.D., 60, of Covington, Virginia, are scheduled to go to trial on October 6, 2025.

Man arrested after 19 dead dogs found in home in Raleigh County

Medical professionals who cause the distribution of controlled substances not for legitimate medical purposes and not within the usual course of professional medical practice can cause significant harm to the those who purchase them. This case demonstrates that we will hold accountable individuals who would compromise patient safety for personal gain by causing the unlawful distribution of Schedule II prescription medications. Ronald Dawkins | Acting Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office

Mehta is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $750,000 fine. He also agreed to the surrender of his Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate of Registration, not oppose the revocation of his registration to dispense controlled substances, and not apply for re-registration.

Stick with 59News for updates as they become available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
EAU CLAIRE  The provision to establish a film office and tax incentives in Wisconsins 2025-27 biennial budget has local filmmakers and community members involved in video production excited for the future.

Nathan Deming, a filmmaker based out of Wisconsin and Los Angeles who was born in the Chippewa Valley, said these resources highlight Wisconsin as a potential filming destination as movie productions seem to look beyond the Los Angeles area. In one of Demings recent productions, named February, he filmed in places like Tomah, Eau Claire and on Lake Altoona.

We have all these assets, we have crew, we have locations, but how do you access them? Deming said. When we testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, there were 15 filmmakers from around the state. The one story that everybody had in common was everybody had a story about production that wanted to shoot in Wisconsin, and then they either couldnt navigate it because of the lack of a film office or just got disinterested because of the lack of production incentives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said the state film office acts as a one-stop shop for film productions looking for locations, crews and other local resources. Before the adoption of the budget last week, Wisconsin was one of three states without a dedicated film office, which Deming said was like having a store with no storefront.

Alongside Deming, other Wisconsin filmmakers and the advocacy group Action! Wisconsin have talked about the impact that film incentives and a dedicated office could have for The Dairy State.

The proposal in the budget was bipartisan, initially being written by Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin) and Rep. David Armstrong (R-Rice Lake) and featuring 40 other state legislators co-signing the bill. The inclusion of the bill in the budget also allocates $5 million in film production and investment tax credits every year that will go back into the local economy throughout the state.

These credits only apply to Wisconsin vendors and Wisconsin crew, Deming said. Thats a further incentive that production has to make sure that they hire locally, because theyre not going to get their money back on somebody they fly in from California.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For Co ONeill, video production lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, creating an opportunity for production to move into the state also encourages students seeking those jobs to stay in the state.

A lot of people dont even want to leave Wisconsin, but they have to for work, ONeill said.

The biennial budget bill establishes the office in the states Department of Tourism. ONeill recalled his experience on the film board in Oregon which was nested under the Department of Workforce Development.

A lot of states take that angle, he said, where we want to keep people here, keep their income taxes here, keep their property taxes here, and all that kind of stuff, rather than having them go to another town.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not just, Is someone skilled or trained or cheaper because they already live here, but also because they know the area Its kind of immeasurable, the value of having a local crew.

ONeill said smaller productions in Oregon benefitted from film incentives, as now Wisconsin will have something to encourage those opportunities. Furthermore, it will offer access and incentives much like neighboring states like Minnesota and Illinois also provide.

Deming said he believes the future of film is based in regional ecosystems, comparing it to how Eau Claire has shared culture through its music scene. On top of potentially spawning and supporting local film productions, the changes may also bring opportunities into the state.

I think its going to be awesome to see whats going to come out of this; its really exciting, Deming said. Its just a film credit program and a film office, but it is a huge start, and one thats been long overdue.
A case in which more than 200 kindergarten students in northwestern China were found to have abnormal blood lead levels is revealing a deep distrust in local government, as members of the public question the findings of an official investigation.

Authorities in the city of Tianshui in Chinas Gansu province earlier this week said eight people, including the principal of the Heshi Peixin Kindergarten, had been detained after an investigation found 233 students had been exposed to lead after school kitchen staff used inedible paint containing the toxic substance as food coloring.

The case initially generated new outrage in a country long plagued by food and environmental safety scandals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But in the days since it has also become a lightning rod for public mistrust of official handling of such cases, in a system where there are few independent checks and officials are under pressure to resolve issues quickly.

Among the most glaring examples is the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in central Chinas Wuhan, when local authorities detained supposed rumormongers who had tried to warn of the spread of a virus in the city as officials downplayed the outbreak.

On social media, many are questioning the credibility of the government report and aspects of the state media coverage. Some discussion appears to have been censored online in Chinas tightly controlled media environment, though other articles exploring the situation remain active.

One mother in the city, whose child does not attend the school thats been at the center of the official investigation, described to CNN mistrust among local families about the governments findings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All the parents think (food is not the actual source of the lead poisoning). But we dont know the exact reasons  how are we supposed to know anything? the mother, who declined to be identified due to concerns about local government retaliation, told CNN in a phone interview.

Ordinary folks like us probably have no clue  only the government knows whats really going on, she said.

CNN has repeatedly tried to contact the Tianshui government for comment and has also reached out to Chinas State Council Information Office by fax. The government in its Tuesday report said the investigation was on-going and that officials from the National Health Commission and other central government departments had helped with the probe.

Doubts as alarms

Among key concerns raised in online discussion are what reports suggest are serious discrepancies between the results of blood tests conducted in Tianshui and those that came back from hospitals in Xian, a city in a neighboring province, where some parents took their children to be tested. The Tianshui test results were never publicly disclosed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One mother of a student at the kindergarten said a local department in Tianshui told her the blood levels of her child were normal, but a hospital in Xian later found her childs blood lead levels were 528 micrograms per liter, according to a report published by China National Radio (CNR). Chinas official guidelines classify this as severe lead poisoning.

Reports from state-affiliated media found that 70 children who were tested in Xian had blood lead levels surpassing the threshold of lead poisoning, with six of those cases exceeding 450 micrograms per liter. A full picture of the results from all the students with abnormal levels was not publicly available.

In the investigation report, local authorities said they had conducted sampling investigations at the kindergarten and three affiliated schools and tested food samples, water, outdoor soil and other supplies and equipment. Two food samples  of cake and a corn roll  at the kindergarten, were found to have lead levels more than 2,000 times the national food safety standard for contamination.

But that didnt quell questions. The children only eat three-color jujube steamed cake and corn sausage rolls once or twice a week, how could they be poisoned so seriously? one mother, who gave her surname Wu, told CNR.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Independent blogs online looking into the case have garnered tens of thousands of views. Some discussion appears to have been censored online in Chinas tightly controlled media environment, though other articles exploring the situation remain active.

Some of these accounts raised questions including about why the school, which authorities said used the paint to attract more enrollment and increase revenue, wouldnt have just used simple food coloring, which ecommerce sites show is generally cheaper than industrial pigment.

Others raised questions about the credibility of an edited closed-circuit video released by state media alleging to show use of the coloring in the kindergartens kitchen.

Local concerns were also fueled by memory of a 2006 lead poisoning scandal in the same district of Tianshui. Then, over 200 villagers were found to have high levels of lead in their blood during tests conducted outside Tianshui city, according to a state media commentary on the incident published at the time. The source of that lead poisoning case was never officially disclosed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The current case has caught the attention of prominent figures in Chinas online ecosystem, including Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of state-affiliated media outlet Global Times.

Questions about environmental pollution are valid, but those raising such concerns need to maintain objectivity in their analysis and should not treat these associative doubts as urgent alarms to spread in society, Hu wrote on Chinas X-like social media platform Weibo on Wednesday.

But, he also added it was key for authorities providing ample information to strengthen public trust.

Professor Stuart Khan, head of the University of Sydneys School of Civil Engineering, told CNN that blood lead level concentrations as high as those cited by state media reports about this case would typically require regular exposure for several weeks to months, unless there is a very acute poisoning episode and that levels can rise progressively with continuous environmental exposure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Potential sources of contamination, such as food, soil or water, could be ruled out by conducting assessments in the broader community and family members of the children to identify who is predominately affected, said Khan, who is not involved in this case.

Lead poisoning used to be a more widespread issue in China. In 2010, the central government for the first time allocated special funds for heavy metal pollution prevention in response to at least 12 high-profile cases the previous year that left more than 4,000 people with elevated blood lead levels, according to state media.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A local lawmaker expressed his concern Thursday over President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill.

During an event at a Harmar Township nursing home, Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) spoke out against the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Deluzio said more than 483,000 Pennsylvanians, including more than 20,000 people in his district alone, will lose health care coverage because of the act.

I think hard-working people and seniors and families need health care a lot more than corporations and billionaires need more tax giveaways, Deluzio said. Its not that complicated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump signed the budget reconciliation bill into law July 4.

The bill includes tax cuts, funding for border security and cuts to Medicaid and food assistance.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Council member Dave Donelson debates with a member from the audience during the public comments session at a Colorado Springs City Council meeting in October.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Siouxlanders had the chance to get to know a bit more about a local non-profit organization.

The Sioux City chapter of the NAACP held a meet & greet today at Winnies. The event gave the community the chance to learn more about the organization and some of its members.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People who showed up had the opportunity to join, as membership envelopes were on hand. KCAU 9 spoke with a member of the Sioux City chapter of the NAACP about how anyone can join.

Thats the stereotype a lot of people get, they assume that the NAACP, because it stands for [National Association for the Advancement of Colored People]. They think its about color, but the NAACP is not about color; its about diversity. Its about bringing cultures together, its about coming together as a community and standing strong as a unit so we can make some changes within the community, Glenn Moore, Sioux City NAACP membership chair.

If you missed Thursdays event and youre interested in learning more about the NAACP or looking to join, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Jul. 11A Lodi-area state representative will be leading the Republican Party in Sacramento this fall.

Assemblyman Heath Flora, R-Ripon, was tapped to head the lower house's Republican Caucus on Tuesday after the current legislation ends in September.

Flora will taker over for James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, who will term out in 2026.

"I'm humbled by the support of our current Assembly Republican leader and all of our colleagues, as well as the outpouring of kind words I've received over the last 24 hours," he said in a social media post Wednesday. "Our entire Assembly Republican caucus is united and ready to serve the 9.5 million constituents in California who we represent as the minority party. It will be an honor to serve as Republican leader starting after the end of this current legislative session in September."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Flora is only one of 19 Republicans in the Assembly, which also includes 60 Democrats.

He serves on a number of standing committees including health, natural resources and rules. He is also the vice chair of the budget, labor and employment, and business and professions committees.

He also serves as minority floor leader for the Republicans, representing their interests on the Assembly floor.

Flora is the first San Joaquin County representative to lead the Assembly's Republican Caucus since Tracy's Robert T. Monagan, who held the post from 1965 to 1973.

A Stanislaus County native, Flora served as a firefighter for nearly 20 years, spending three of those with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the rest as a volunteer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He currently owns Golden Valley Equipment.

He was first elected to the Assembly in 2016, defeating local farmer Ken Vogel.

The Sacramento Bee reported this week that Gallagher described Flora as his "right hand."

"I know he'll take this team to the next level," he said in a statement.

Caucus spokesperson George Andrews told the Bee that the group has "expanded their ranks, flipped seats once considered unwinnable, and forced overdue debates on crime, affordability and government accountability" under Gallagher.

Gallagher has been Republican leader since 2022 and has not said what he plans to do after he leaves the Assembly, the Bee reported.
Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of the suspects name. We regret the error.

LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  A London dad is facing multiple charges, including strangulation, after a child called troopers for help on Wednesday afternoon.

Just after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, Laurel County 911 received a call from a child reporting what troopers described as a domestic violence situation. They were reportedly using a 911-only phone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Domestic violence was reported nearly 39K times in Kentucky in 2024: Report

Trooper Scottie Pennington said that troopers had to remove a window screen and bust out a window to make entry into the home, where 36-year-old Brandon Lunsford was allegedly holding his girlfriend and children against their will.

Court documents noted that Lunsford had allegedly pushed his girlfriend down earlier in the day, injuring her knee, which required medical attention. She told troopers that Lunsford had allegedly held his arm around her neck and placed his hands over her mouth and nose so she could not breathe while telling her she was a piece of [expletive].

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lunsford was arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault, three counts of second-degree unlawful imprisonment, and first-degree strangulation.

Hes been booked in the Laurel County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Long Beach man has been charged with a series of violent crimes across Southern California, including the rape of a woman, an attempted rape and an alleged hate-motivated attack on a man, prosecutors announced.

Alvin Marbra, 29, faces three felony counts stemming from incidents between April and July in Long Beach and Santa Monica. Charges include forcible rape, assault with intent to commit rape, and battery with a hate crime allegation, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office.

Prosecutors said Marbra attacked a 52-year-old woman on April 4 on the Strand in Santa Monica. He is accused of attempting to rape her and causing serious injuries during the assault.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On June 30, Marbra allegedly assaulted a 26-year-old man near Orange Avenue and Fourth Street in Long Beach. Prosecutors said the attack was motivated by bias, though the nature of that bias was not disclosed.

Alvin Marbra, 29, of Long Beach is shown in this mug shot provided by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office on July 10, 2025. (Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office)

The most recent incident occurred July 1, when Marbra allegedly kidnapped and raped a 61-year-old woman near Alamitos Avenue and Fifth Street in Long Beach. Prosecutors allege he inflicted great bodily injury during the assault.

Marbra has a prior conviction in Florida for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2021.

He was arraigned July 3 in Long Beach and remains in custody on $1.275 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 17.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If convicted on all charges, Marbra faces a sentence of 25 years plus 55 years to life in state prison. He would be required to register as a sex offender for life and would be banned from owning firearms.

The case is under investigation by the Long Beach Police Department. Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to call the departments Sex Crimes Detail at 562-570-7368.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An alleged gun smuggler has been arrested for making and selling homemade firearms and accessories with 3D printers in what Suffolk County is calling its largest ghost gun bust in history.

Daniel Probeck, 35, was arraigned Wednesday after a long-term investigation led cops to his Medford house where they seized over 110 guns, nearly 70 suppressors, 12 3D printers, and enough gun parts and ammo to stock a small army.

This defendant was not simply a firearms collector, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a statement Wednesday. [Probeck] is alleged to have been building and selling illegal weapons for profit.

Guns and other items seized from Suffolk County man Daniel Probeck. Suffolk County DA

One of the guns seized from Probecks Medford home.

Tierney also applauded the joint work between his office and police investigators for getting this source of illegal weapons off the street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Beginning in March 2025, the DA and the police launched a joint probe into Probeck for illegally selling ghost guns, which are illegal guns with no serial number.

Probeck was later arrested at his home in June after allegedly selling four firearms, three of which were assault rifles, to undercover cops for an undisclosed amount of money on multiple different occasions starting back in March.

On the day of his arrest, police executed a search warrant of his home that allegedly doubled as a weapons manufacturing plant and found the arsenal  charging Probeck with several counts of criminal sale of a firearm, and multiple related possession charges, for selling and illegally possessing the guns at his home.

Suffolk officials are calling it the largest ghost gun bust in county history.

During the search, investigators recovered assault weapons outfitted with banned features under New York law  like threaded barrels, pistol grips, collapsible stocks, flash suppressors, and other aftermarket parts, prosecutors said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Probeck pleaded not guilty and is being held on $500,000 cash bail, a $2 million bond, or a $3 million partially secured bond while the case is pending.

Represented by attorney John Loturco, Probeck is due back in court on August 5 and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.

Law enforcement officers seized seized over 110 guns, nearly 70 suppressors and 12 3D printers from the house.

Loturco said his client is a lifelong Suffolk resident with no prior criminal convictions, a father of two whos been with his wife for 17 years and a 12-year member of the steamfitters union.

We entered a plea of not guilty to the Indictment, and we will meticulously scrutinize the evidence by reviewing the discovery to assess our strategy going forward, Loturco said in a statement.
Joe Davidson, a longtime Washington Post columnist, publicly acknowledged his resignation this week after the paper killed one of his columns for being too opinionated, calling out Jeff Bezos in what he described as a damaging editorial shift.

Davidson announced his departure from WaPo in his final Federal Insider column last month. He then expounded on his decision in a Tuesday Facebook post. He said the decision was based on a piece hed written earlier for the paper that was spiked because it was deemed too opinionated under an unwritten and inconsistently enforced policy. The journalist cited he had not heard of the rule previously nor had it been enforced. Davidson, 75, joined the paper in 2005 and had been writing the column since 2008.

More from TheWrap

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Davidson said he did not have reason to believe Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos was directly involved in the axing of his article, he noted it would be naive to ignore the context.

Starting before the November presidential election, Bezoss policies and activities have projected the image of a Donald Trump supplicant, he said The result  fleeing journalists, plummeting morale and disappearing subscriptions. Since October, when Bezos blocked publication of a planned Post endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, the departure of Post talent has been shocking and included five former editors directly above me in the newsrooms hierarchy.

Indeed, many high-profile staffers have quit including former opinion editor David Shipley and longtime columnist Ruth Marcus. A number of the resignations came after Bezos brought in Will Lewis as CEO and made a February announcement saying the papers opinion section would be focused on two pillars moving forward, free markets and personal liberties. Davidson said that coverage of Trump stayed consistent but that the new policy restricted any scrutiny of the president. He also said he was blown away by just how strict the new editorial policy was compared to years past.

Blocking my column because it was too opinionated was a shock. Ive authored many pieces over my 17 years writing the Federal Diary (renamed the Federal Insider in 2016), that were at least if not more opinionated as the now dead one, he said. In that piece, I argued that one hallmark of President Donald Trumps first three, turbulent months in office is his widespread, ominous attack on thought, belief and speech.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The writer described the experience as a death blow to his life as a columnist but said he tried to stay the course to see if he could cope with the restrictions. He gave several specific examples of the editorial chokeholds he faced including describing a potential pay raise for federal employees as well-deserved as crossing the policy line.

As a columnist, I cant live with that level of constraint, he concluded A column without commentary made me a columnist without a column. I also was troubled by significant inconsistencies in the implementation of the policy. Davidson said that while he will no longer work at the paper he will still be a subscriber because of the outstanding journalists still there.

The news of his resignation came the same week that Lewis encouraged staffers who do not feel aligned with the news companys reinvention to resign. Spotlighting The Posts so-called voluntary separation program that offers buyouts for exiting employees, Lewis said I truly wish you the best of luck to employees who are weighing whether or not the companys direction is for them  and that if you believe in our next chapter, Im excited for the work ahead of us.

You can read Davidsons post in full below:



Quitting The Washington Post  or did it quit me?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Washington Post Columnist.

What a great title in the world of journalism.

But its not worth keeping at any cost.

For me, the cost became too great when a Federal Insider column I wrote was killed because it was deemed too opinionated under an unwritten and inconsistently enforced policy, which I had not heard of previously. My resignation, after 20 years with The Post, took effect this month.

While the policy prohibiting opinion and commentary in News section articles can be justified journalistically, it is a departure from longstanding Post practice and mandated a change in my role that I chose not to accept. Some readers who commented on my final column skewered Post owner Jeff Bezos. I have no reason to believe he was directly involved in my situation, but it would be naive to ignore the context.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Starting before the November presidential election, Bezoss policies and activities have projected the image of a Donald Trump supplicant. The result  fleeing journalists, plummeting morale and disappearing subscriptions. Since October, when Bezos blocked publication of a planned Post endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, the departure of Post talent has been shocking and included five former editors directly above me in the newsrooms hierarchy. Nonetheless, Post coverage of Trump remains strong. Yet the policy against opinion in News section columns means less critical scrutiny of Trump  a result coinciding with Bezoss unseemly and well-document coziness with the president.

Blocking my column because it was too opinionated was a shock. Ive authored many pieces over my 17 years writing the Federal Diary (renamed the Federal Insider in 2016), that were at least if not more opinionated as the now dead one. In that piece, I argued that one hallmark of President Donald Trumps first three, turbulent months in office is his widespread, ominous attack on thought, belief and speech.

The piece contained specific examples, including Secretary of State Marco Rubios alarming memo supporting deportation of Columbia University pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. Rubio said Khalil could be expelled for expected beliefsthat are otherwise lawful. What immigrants might believe in the future now can make them federal law enforcement targets.

Another far-reaching example I cited is Trumps aggressive attack on speech promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). His executive order commanded federal agencies to excise references to DEI and DEIA [A for accessibility] principles, under whatever name they may appear. Also, Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, of Turkey, was abducted off the street by masked officers because she co-wrote an op-ed critical of Israel. It was a terrifying sight, caught on video, which previously would have seemed more applicable to George Orwells dystopian and cautionary tale against totalitarianism and thought police in is novel 1984. This is America in 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Killing that column was a death blow to my life as a Washington Post columnist. But I wrote two more articles to see if I could cope with the restrictions. Thats when I learned just how severe the policy is. In my next piece, I was not allowed to describe a potential pay raise for federal employees as well-deserved because of Post policy.

As a columnist, I cant live with that level of constraint. A column without commentary made me a columnist without a column. I also was troubled by significant inconsistencies in the implementation of the policy. During this period, The Post allowed stronger, opinionated language by other staffers, including the words viciousness, cruelty and meanness to describe Trumps actions.

Im gone from The Post, but only as a journalist. Many people understandably have canceled subscriptions to protest Bezoss actions that have damaged the news organizations integrity. I still subscribe, and read and support the enduring fine work of Post journalists in the newspaper and digitally.

When Bezos bought The Post, he provided needed money, energy and direction. The Post continues to produce first rate journalism now, despite his morale-busting actions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Washington Post did not respond to TheWraps request for comment. The DailyBeast was first to report the news.

The post Longtime WaPo Columnist Resigns, Writes Scathing Post Denouncing Jeff Bezos Influence on Editorial Policy: A Death Blow appeared first on TheWrap.
This is part three of a three-part series looking at the future of passenger train travel in central Ohio. Read the first two parts of the series at the links below.

Could passenger trains finally be on track in Ohio?

Why rail, public transit could make central Ohio land more valuable

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  When the final passenger trains departed Columbus in 1979, it happened due to federal cutbacks in Amtrak services across the nation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, nearly 50 years later, a plan for Amtrak to return to Columbus is in motion. A federal government study is underway to see if rail connections between Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Dayton are feasible.

Columbus sues Trump over inclusion on list of sanctuary cities targeted to lose funding

Its not just about a train, its about economic development, its about jobs, its about connectivity, said Ken Paul, the executive director of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority.

In 2021, the federal government announced its biggest investment in passenger rail ever at $66 billion. Amtrak is the nations primary passenger rail service, carrying a record 33 million passengers last year. It services 500 destinations across 46 states, but Columbus remains a blind spot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reliable, relevant service is successful all over the country, said Marc Magliari, senior spokesman for Amtrak. Just because of the quirk of 1979, we dont have that here in Columbus to build from, but it can be built.

If passenger rail is eventually approved after the government study, the city plans to build the downtown train station near the site of the old Union Station, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Its study shows that about 73,000 passengers would use that station each year.

Columbus woman indicted in statewide Medicaid fraud investigation

The new station would sit at the site of the current Starbucks between the Hyatt and the Hilton off High Street. The ticketing station would be upstairs, with an escalator connecting to the existing tracks below where riders would board their trains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The proximity to the neighborhood around and many of the attractions people want to see when they come to Columbus makes this an ideal spot, Paul said.

Everything you shouldnt do while driving you can do safely on an Amtrak trainincluding sleep, read, so its really about productivity and comfort and choice rather than is it faster than driving, Magliari. said With all the population growth and the good things that are happening here in central Ohio, this would be a great market for us to be in.

The conversation about rail leads to a larger conversation about growing central Ohios economy and stability. Connecting more cities can create land value and increase regional access to the city.

Anduril receives $310 million state grant to build drones, weapons in central Ohio

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think people want options, said Maria Schaper, MORPCs transportation director. Currently, we are a very car-centric state. If you could hop on a train and, you know, be checking your email and maybe taking a nap or just not dealing with the stress of driving a car.

Paul said the proposed stations location, connecting the Convention Center to the Short North and the bulk of downtown, would have massive impacts on the city.

This is about connecting people from across the state and the region to what we have to offer here in Columbus, some of our best and most exciting attractions are just a train ride away, he said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WAVERLY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Deadly flooding in Texas has prompted a lot of talk about the need for early warning systems in flood-prone areas.

In Middle Tennessee, Waverly has such a system already in place, in the wake of the devastating flood of August 21, 2021.

AUGUST 2021 | 20 people dead after catastrophic flooding in Middle Tennessee

Waverly: August 21, 2021. (Courtesy: Michael Phillips)

The key to the system is stream gauges, which are within city limits installed on bridges over Trace Creek by Tennessee Tech University. The gauges are located upstream on the creek toward its headwaters in McEwen.

Stream gauge on Trace Creek (Courtesy: The Waverly Police Department)

Stream gauge on Trace Creek (Courtesy: The Waverly Police Department)

Grant Gillespie, Waverly Chief of Police, is able to monitor these gauges both in his office and remotely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If we saw a pretty significant rise in that sensor, then that would alarm us to know that that water is going to be coming through Waverly in about 20-30 minutes, Gillespie said.

(Source: WKRN)

(Source: WKRN)

Officials would then notify the public via social media and a 911 Center alert system that people can sign up for. In addition, they will activate the tornado sirens. This stream gauge system will also help researchers develop new data on how high the water levels might get during a certain rainfall event.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

I think these sensors are really going to help us do that, especially as Tennessee Tech is able to take a few rainfall events and put some hard data behind it and develop some hard numbers that will give us alerts on what those levels are going to look like as they come down, Gillespie said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The people of Waverly hope that they never see another flood like they did in 2021, but if so, they will be better prepared.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) received criticism online after he told Fox News that Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, was not even a Democrat.

The Pennsylvania Democrat criticized Mamdani, who pulled off a surprise victory to win the Democratic nomination for mayor last month  in a ranked-choice voting system that saw him handily edge out ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo  in an interview with Fox News Chad Pergram.

Everything that I've read on him, I don't really agree with virtually any of it politically, Fetterman said. That's just where I'm at as a Democrat. He's not even a Democrat, honestly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That comment triggered a large number of responses about Fetterman on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Look whos talking, one online poster snarked.

Sen. John Fetterman drew some sharp retorts after he called out New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani as not even a Democrat. (Getty)

Aaron Reguenberg, a former member of the Rhode Island state house of representatives, also criticized Fettermans remarks.

Sorry John, I think you misspoke? I believe you meant to say, *I'm* not even a Democrat, honestly, he wrote.

Annie Wu, who worked on Fettermans 2022 campaign, also criticized his remarks. and neither is Fetterman. (but in the other direction), she posted on X.

Fetterman has irritated Democrats since he won his 2022 race for Senate in Pennsylvania. Fetterman initially billed himself as a progressive Democrat who endorsed Bernie Sanders when he was mayor of Braddock.

Sorry John, I think you misspoke? I believe you meant to say, "*I'm* not even a Democrat, honestly." https://t.co/MtPOcai1ft  Aaron Regunberg (@AaronRegunberg) July 10, 2025

JJ Abbott, a Democratic consultant based in Pennsylvania, pointed to this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since then, he pivoted to the center as a centrist on immigration, co-sponsoring legislation President Donald Trump signed that would require the Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented immigrants charged with crimes before they are tried.

But hes also become one of the most outspoken supporters of Israel in the Democratic Party, even as many Democratic voters have become disillusioned with the country amid its onslaught in Gaza in response to the October 7th attacks.

By contrast, Mamdani has spoken vocally about the rights and the plight of the Palestinian people.

That issue has led to Fetterman, who is Jewish, seeing a mass exodus of staffers and former allies from his office.

and neither is Fetterman. (but in the other direction) https://t.co/sEZAl1Ise6  Annie Wu (all socials: @annie_wu_22) (@Annie_Wu_22) July 10, 2025

Joe Calvello, who worked on Fettermans campaign and in his Senate office when he first came to Washington, also criticized Fetterman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zohran: I am running to make life more affordable, Calvello tweeted. Fetterman: i agree with him on nothing.

Some Democrats have criticized Mamdani for his refusal in an interview with The Bulwark to condemn the term Globalize the Intifada, which some consider to be a call for violence but Mamdani said is also a call to support the rights of Palestinians.

Fetterman appeared on Americas Newsroom on Fox News on Friday and again criticized Mamdani where he said that Mamdani identified as a socialist, which made him not qualify as a Democrat.

Im friends with many very, very left Democrats in the Senate, but again, we dont have those kinds of views as well, he said. All Im saying though, its very clear the GOP are going to use him as their tentpole on their messaging.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fetterman pointed to the fact that polling shows the Democratic Party has a weak image.

I dont think thats helpful at this point to have that be someone thats been identified as one of the emerging faces of our party, he said.
Jul. 11In 1858, after winning the Republican nomination for the Senate against incumbent Stephen Douglas, Abraham Lincoln gave a speech that has stood the test of time because of the truth it laid plain before a country ripping itself in two.

"A house divided against itself cannot stand," the future president said.

Lincoln was talking about slavery, but the gospel sincerity cannot be confined to just one issue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our house has been fractured into smaller and smaller rooms ever since. Urban and rural, North and South. Conservatives break into Reagan Republicans, moral majority, Tea Party and MAGA. Liberals are no longer just Democrats but centrists or progressives. There are the shards broken off of other parties  independent, Green, Libertarian, etc.

The battle lines seem more deeply chiseled than at any time since the secession of 1860. Like then, they are not just one deep chasm between Union and Confederate, or running along the borders of states.

The divisions are rupturing houses and families.

In August 2022, Chad Kultgen started a podcast with his parents, Bob and Mary Lou Kultgen, and his sister, Haley Popp. The kids are liberal  progressive, they have said in the posts. The parents are not. They are deeply committed to President Donald Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chad Kultgen started the podcast, "The Necessary Conversation," when he realized his family was no longer talking. In May, he wrote an op-ed for TribLive, explaining why he started the project and what it has accomplished for them.

"No one's opinions have changed, and I don't think they will," he wrote. "The point is to have a scheduled weekly hour where we all talk to each other. We talk about politics because it's hard for my parents to talk about anything else, but at least we are talking."

That's a good thing. We need to talk. Kultgen said the lack of communication is one of the country's biggest problems, and he's right.

But the other problem is on full display in the podcast every week, and in my opinion, it's getting worse. The heels are dug in and the animosity is growing, at least on the parents' side.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife shot in June, Bob Kultgen claimed it was "just the start."

"They got it coming," he said.

"Who has it coming?" his son asked.

"Those Democrats," Bob Kultgen said.

Increasingly, the divide is growing. While Dad embraces violence, Mom denies there are problems. While Bob Kultgen agrees wholeheartedly with the rounding up of immigrants, regardless of status, Mary Lou simply says it isn't happening.

So what is the resolution? How does this ever come to a middle ground when even the parents who are on Trump's side don't agree on what's happening?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Viewers on social media are becoming frustrated and videos pushing for Chad Kultgen to end the podcast are popping up. He noted in his op-ed that he regularly gets death threats and requests to pass threats along to his parents.

That's not helpful or safe for anyone. If you don't like the Kultgens' conversation, simply turn it off.

But this divided house is showing Lincoln was right. This can only go on so long before it collapses.

"I do not expect the Union to be dissolved. I do not expect the house to fall, but I do expect it will cease to be divided," Lincoln said.

I, for one, am OK with a little division. I never want to be in any room where I agree completely with everyone on everything. How boring.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the default can't be hostility and denial. We've seen that play out before. Ask Lincoln.

Lori Falce is the Tribune-Review community engagement editor and an opinion columnist. For more than 30 years, she has covered Pennsylvania politics, Penn State, crime and communities. She joined the Trib in 2018. She can be reached at lfalce@triblive.com.
A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy admitted Thursday that he tried to smuggle more than a pound of heroin into a lockup where he'd been tasked with investigating gang activity and drug trafficking.

Michael Meiser, 40, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing heroin with intent to distribute the drug inside the North County Correctional Facility.

Assigned to a specialized unit called Operation Safe Jails, Meiser was supposed to be monitoring gang members who sell drugs, collect protection money and attack other inmates within the eight facilities overseen by the Sheriff's Department that collectively hold more than 12,000 men and women.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, Meiser admitted in his guilty plea, he conspired with gang leaders to bring heroin into the jails, where the drug can be sold for 20 times its street value.

In an unsigned statement, sheriff's officials said Meiser, who was arrested 13 months ago, was "relieved of duty" without pay on March 5.

"This incident represents a serious breach of public trust and undermines the departments duty to safeguard the health and safety of those in our custody," the officials wrote in an email.

Since Meiser's arrest, the Sheriff's Department has increased the use of drug-sniffing dogs and mail and body scanners in an attempt to keep narcotics out of the jails, the officials wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meiser's attorney didn't immediately return a request for comment.

Read more: Inside the alleged Mexican Mafia plot to smuggle heroin with an L.A. jail deputy

In his plea agreement, Meiser admitted that on April 30, 2024, he collected a grocery bag from a woman at a gas station in Valencia that contained two Pringles cans stuffed with more than a pound of black tar heroin. Also in the bag were two envelopes filled with $15,000  his payment, Meiser acknowledged, for bringing the narcotics behind bars.

Meiser carpooled with another deputy to North County Correctional Facility in Castaic. He slipped the envelopes of cash in a backpack and put the Pringles cans in the trunk of a patrol car in the jail parking lot, the plea agreement said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to a sheriff's report reviewed by The Times, Meiser asked another deputy in a text message to drive the patrol car into a controlled area of the jail. The deputy said he wasn't able to, and detectives from the Sheriff's Department's Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau, who had been tailing Meiser throughout the day, seized the heroin from the patrol car.

Meiser was arrested as a co-worker drove him past the jail gates. Detectives searched his home later that day, finding $10,500 in his sock drawer, according to the sheriff's report.

His plea agreement does not reference the Mexican Mafia, but internal affairs detectives wrote in the report that Meiser was working with inmate "shot-callers" appointed by the prison gang to oversee rackets in the North County Correctional Facility.

Meiser was one of 17 people charged by Los Angeles County prosecutors in January with conspiring to smuggle drugs into the jails. He was the only defendant in that case, which remains pending in Los Angeles County Superior Court, to also face federal charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles said Meiser will face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 11.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Los Angeles Zoo has released more than 600 endangered southern mountain yellow-legged frogs into the wild as part of a long-running recovery effort led by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The release included 450 tadpoles and 193 subadult frogs, most of which were bred at the L.A. Zoo, as well as 38 frogs that were rescued from the wild in 2024.

Conservationists from the Aquarium of the Pacific also participated in the effort, which required teams to hike into a remote section of the San Gabriel Mountains. The exact release location was not disclosed to protect the fragile ecosystem.

Southern mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles seen in July 2025 at an undisclosed location in the San Gabriel Mountains. (L.A. Zoo) Sub-adult southern mountain yellow-legged frog at release site in San Gabriel Mountains in July 2025. (L.A. Zoo) Newly released southern mountain yellow-legged frog sub-adult in wild at San Gabriel Mountains in July 2025. (L.A. Zoo) L.A. Zoo animal keepers Luc M. and Suzie H. safely pack southern mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles for release into the San Gabriel Mountains in July 2025. (L.A. Zoo)

The L.A. Zoo has taken another major step in recovering a local endangered species with our successful southern mountain yellow-legged frog breeding program, said Byron Wusstig, curator of ectotherms at the Los Angeles Zoo. I look forward to seeing these tadpoles and frogs help repopulate these remote areas of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since the zoo began breeding the frogs in 2007, more than 6,000 have been released into the wild. The new release supports an ongoing strategy to raise frogs past their most vulnerable stages before returning them to their native habitat and increasing their chances of survival.

The LA Zoo says it is also developing a headstarting facility inside its former Childrens Discovery Center. The retrofitted space will allow frogs to mature to a more robust size prior to release, providing further protection against predators.

L.A. Zoo animal care team hikes in San Gabriel Mountains to release southern mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles and sub-adults in July 2025. (L.A. Zoo)

This was my second time on a southern mountain yellow-legged frog release, said Luc Myers, an animal keeper at the zoo. Hiking out on the San Gabriels with a cooler on my back, carrying these precious frogs was nothing short of amazing.

The species is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and now survives only in isolated pockets of Southern Californias mountains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The frogs can also be seen in the zoos LAIR exhibit, which remains open to the public.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PARIS  Louis Vuitton is the latest brand in the LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton fold to be targeted by hackers.

The French fashion house notified customers in the U.K. that some of their personal data had been unlawfully accessed, though it said no payment information leaked.

More from WWD

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Louis Vuitton recently discovered an unauthorized party accessed some of the data we hold for our clients. We immediately began taking steps to investigate and contain this incident, supported by leading cybersecurity experts, the brand said.

While our investigation is ongoing, we can confirm that no payment information was contained in the database accessed. We are working to notify the relevant regulators and affected clients in line with applicable law, it added.

This follows similar attempts to gain access to customer data at Dior in China and Vuitton in South Korea.

The latest data breach follows a series of cyber attacks on U.K. retailers including Marks & Spencer and Harrods. Four people have been arrested in the U.K. in relation to the April attacks, the National Crime Agency said Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a recent interview with WWD, Franck Le Moal, group IT and technology director at LVMH, said the luxury conglomerate was battling a sharp increase in cybercrime.

There has been an absolutely exponential growth in cyber risk in recent months, said Le Moal. This is a constant concern for us. Protecting our customers data is of utmost importance.

Despite a global downturn in luxury spending that has hit budgets across the industry, LVMH is bolstering investment in cybersecurity in partnership with Google Cloud, he said.

But its a game of cops and robbers, and its an ongoing battle, he said. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, all you need is the occasional tiny flaw in the system to benefit this increasingly large-scale cyber crime industry. This is a challenge for all businesses, including luxury.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vuitton apologized to its clients, and pledged to reinforce guardrails to protect sensitive information.

We continuously work to update our security measures to protect against the evolving threat landscape, and we have taken steps to further strengthen the protection of our systems, it said.

Julius Cerniauskas, chief executive officer of web intelligence platform and proxy provider Oxylabs, said the spate of attacks targeting LVMH brands should serve as a red flag.

The fact that this is the third breach to hit the wider LVMH group in recent months suggests more than just bad luck  it points to a wider vulnerability in their cyber defenses. Whether its Louis Vuitton in the U.K., Dior, or other parts of the group, attackers are clearly finding ways in and exploiting weaknesses, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This wave of attacks on both luxury brands and high-street names shows just how attractive retailers are to cybercriminals. They hold vast amounts of customer data, and when defenses are weak or inconsistent, its only a matter of time before someone takes advantage, Cerniauskas added.

Best of WWD

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
An aerial photo of Wax Lake Delta, one of the few areas of Louisianas coast that is building land. Data from Wax Lake informed coastal restoration plans. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator)

The new leader of Louisianas coastal preservation efforts brings a background in the burgeoning field of environmental markets to the job.

Gov. Jeff Landry announced Friday that Michael Hare will become the new executive director of the states Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. The governor moved his predecessor, Glenn Ledet Jr., to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, where Landry is leading a reorganization effort.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hare graduated from Louisiana State University in 2002 with a bachelors degree in political science and earned a masters degree in foreign policy from American University in Washington, D.C., in 2004. He returned to LSU for masters degree in business administration in 2019

Hare ran his own environmental markets advising company, Wildhare Solutions, based in Lafayette. Previously, he was director of government affairs and business development at Resource Environmental Solutions and a legislative assistant to former U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette.

Environmental markets, such as mitigation banking, water quality trading and carbon credits, look to incentivize activities intended to prevent, mitigate, or clean up degradation of the natural environment using an economic approach.

Michael has years of experience in coastal restoration, and I am confident that his leadership and commitment to our state make him well-suited to lead CPRA, Landry in a news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CPRA oversees projects along Louisianas coast, which is experiencing an unrivaled rate of land loss as sea level rise and subsidence work to eat away at its wetlands and coastal settlements.

We must remain united as a coastal community and maintain our sense of urgency to confront the challenges along our coast, Hare said in the same release, adding his commitment to projects that will protect and sustain our culture and way of life along Louisianas coast.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Couples whove placed love locks on an iconic South Kansas City bridge are heartbroken after their locks have gone missing.

Theyre complaining to Kansas Citys Division of Parks and Rec their locks are missing from the Old Red Bridge inside Minor Park, which is affectionately known as the Love Bridge. One man says hes to blame, but for a good reason.

KC Parks and Rec encourages couples to profess their love by posting padlocks on the bridge, where theyll remain as long as the bridge does. Some are padlocks, others have combinations, all are displayed with heartfelt love.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kansas City Chiefs President speaks on possible Frank White recall

The Love Bridge holds a special place in Shanalee Peisters heart. In April 2021, a family photoshoot turned into an impromptu engagement. She and her fiancee celebrated by posting a lock on the bridge. Its since gone missing, according to Peister.

Its really disheartening that its gone, Peister said on Thursday.

Peister is one of many whove seen online posts from a Kansas City man named Blake Sledd, who claims responsibility for at least some of the missing locks. Sledds posts say hes an amateur locksmith, and he uses the locks for practice. Sledd also says some locks are rusty, and he believes they threaten the bridges integrity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That wasnt their right to take it off, no matter what it looked like. I still knew what it meant, and it meant a lot to me and my fiancee and my family, Peister said.

Sledd said he had permission to remove locks from the bridge, granted by the Division of Parks and Recreation. Rick Castillo, the citys chief park ranger, said that isnt true.

Seems Ive caused a public uproar about it, now Parks and Rec has an issue with it because of all the people that are calling in upset. Id like to get an official permit and continue my work out there, Sledd said via Facebook Messenger.



Castillo believes this is a misunderstanding with Sledd. He said the locks dont affect the bridges integrity. He wants Sledd to return the locks.

Things to do in Kansas City this weekend July 11-13

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its our intent to recover those locks and offer them back to the public if theyd like to have them, and if not, well put them back on the bridge, Castillo said.

FOX4 News also spoke with Kansas City Sgt. Phil DiMartino. He said this doesnt amount to theft, since the locks are considered to be abandoned in the park.

Sledd said some locks are turned into pieces of art, and others are either donated or sold. Peister and others just want their locks put back in place.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FLANDREAU, S.D. (KELO)  People in Flandreau are mourning a mother of four who disappeared early Saturday morning. For days, friends and family members joined authorities in the search for Jamie White; however, that search recently came to an end.

According to the Moody County Sheriffs Office, the missing persons body was found in the Big Sioux River in Flandreau on Wednesday after several days of searching.

Photos show storm damage on Lake Poinsett

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Family identified that person as Jamie White as community members came together shortly after for music, candlelight and prayer after learning her body had been found.

Very sad. Not the outcome we wanted. I was hoping to find her well. With things like this, you always are hoping for the best, but you always got to prepare for the worst, Jamies brother, Laban White, said.

We prayed. Weve been praying every night since shes been missing. We definitely were there for each other in the end and thats what we need to do is we just need to stay together, we need to stick together. Thats what Jamie would want, Jamies friend, Myranda Wester said.

Wester says Jamie was not only a good mother, but also a good friend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was bubbly, she had the greatest personality. She was friends with everyone she met, Wester said.

Jamies brother, Laban White, says hes been in the Flandreau area looking for her since she went missing. He says the kindness his family has received hasnt gone unnoticed.

The community has been very supportive and I really appreciate that, the entire family appreciates that. Everything from the prayers, from all the donations and everything that theyve done, White said.

Now hes hoping to get answers about what happened early Saturday morning.

I just hope every aspect is investigated and every stone is turned over, White said. This is very out of character. I spoke to her several times, and she seemed like she was happy. Doesnt seem like someone that was happy would do such a thing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities havent released any details of what led up to her going missing, but they do note that the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is now assisting with this case.

A meal train to help those taking care of her children has been organized.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Seven just became the new favorite number of a Pulaski County woman who claimed her $77,777 prize from the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery on July 7 after playing the Red, White & Blue 7s instant game.

The woman, identified only as M. Butler by lottery representatives, purchased her winning ticket at the Road Runner station at 500 Broadway Street.

I was just going to my Shell to buy my tickets like I always do, Butler told lottery officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

BIG MONEY: Natural State Jackpot worth $230,000 sold in Lonoke, Beebe man claims $50,000 prize

Returning home, she settled in with a fresh cup of coffee, only to discover what she initially thought was a prank.

I wasnt expecting it at all, the lucky winner said. I thought, Is this real? Are they pranking me?

Butlers win wasnt the only significant prize claimed this week, Edward Alexander from Jacksonville also celebrated a big win, taking home $50,000 while playing the $1,000,000 Jackpot instant game.

Perry County mans routine turns $20 into $50,000 lottery win

Alexander purchased his ticket at Discount Tobacco at 501 S. James Street. Earlier that day, he had won $20, which he used to purchase the $1,000,000 Jackpot ticket.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There it was! Edward said. I had to look at it three or four times to make sure I was correct.

Since 2009, the ASL has sold over $7.9 billion and returned more than $1.5 billion for scholarships to benefit Arkansas students. More than 822,000 college scholarships distributed by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education have been awarded to Arkansans.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
RUIDOSO  President Donald Trump approved a federal emergency relief declaration Thursday for Ruidoso, where village officials estimate between 200 and 400 homes and 100 families have been substantially impacted by deadly flash flooding that slammed the area Tuesday, killing three people.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said she expected $3 million from FEMA to arrive Thursday along with $12 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with $100 million or more coming in the weeks and months ahead.

She spoke at a news conference in the village Thursday along with other state, local and federal officials, who provided updates and urged people to continue to watch for emergency alerts. Forecasts indicate the region could see more rain this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Devastating flooding swept through neighborhoods near the Rio Ruidoso, which rose in about 20 minutes to a record 20 feet, five times higher than the previous record in an area where burn scars from wildfires last year can quickly make rainfall dangerous.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks during a news conference Thursday about the flooding in Ruidoso.

On Thursday morning, amid the stunning scenes of destruction, Ruidoso residents living in low-lying neighborhoods described their losses, including mobile homes missing walls and floors covered in water and mud.

Pieces of battered homes and vehicles were scattered with a randomness that underscored the severity of the deluge. People were salvaging what they could and moving what the tide failed to carry away or destroy to higher ground, wondering what to do next.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We lost everything," said Arturo Olivas, a local business owner who lived in a mobile home near the river. "The floors are buckled. It's ruined."

Arturo Olivas stands for a portrait near the remains of his home while coming by to access what was still salvageable in Ruidoso on Thursday, July 10, 2025. "We lost everything," said Olivas, a local business owner who lived in a mobile home near the river. "The floors are buckled. It's ruined."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Thursday afternoon Trump had approved an emergency declaration "to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from severe storms, flooding and landslides beginning on June 23, 2025, and continuing" in Lincoln, Valencia, Chaves and Otero counties.

But much still remains under federal review, according to a news release from Lujan Grisham's office, including direct financial assistance for individuals, households, and businesses in the affected areas as well as grants to repair or replace homes destroyed in the disaster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The declaration was "a critical first step, but its not everything Ruidoso needs and deserves, Lujan Grisham said in a statement.

We will continue working with the federal government for every dollar and resource necessary to help this resilient community fully recover from these devastating floods," she stated.

Three people, including two children, died after being swept downstream in Tuesday's torrent.

A ruined home Thursday in Ruidoso surrounded by layers of mud and debris.

Emergency crews completed at least 85 swift-water rescues in the Ruidoso area Tuesday, including of people who were trapped in their homes and cars as the water rose, Danielle Silva of the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management told The Associated Press.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Things have changed. After yesterday, it became apparent that we had more damage than we had assumed and thought in the beginning," said Mayor Lynn Crawford.

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a Democrat whose district includes Ruidoso, said the state's congressional delegation is working to ensure critical funding reaches the community as soon as possible.

"Just a couple of blocks down the road, I spent the afternoon walking around a mobile home park, and I can tell you there are dozens of families here who have lost absolutely everything," Stansbury said. "I met a family whose trailer had literally washed hundreds of yards down the streambed, and everything in their home is decimated."

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury speaks during a news conference Thursday about the flooding in Ruidoso.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Stressing the resilience of the resort community that has had to rebound and rebuild on multiple occasions in recent decades, officials mourned the deaths wrought by the flood.

"This community does more, over and over again, than most communities because of the hardships that have befallen" them from fire and flood, Lujan Grisham said.

"It's a terrible, vicious cycle," she added.
The Brief

A bill to warn beachgoers about shark attacks has passed the U.S. Senate.

Lulus Law would send alerts to phones like weather or Amber alerts.

The measure now heads to the House for a final vote.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A new federal bill aimed at preventing shark attacks by sending real-time alerts to beachgoers phones is making waves in Congress. The legislation, known as Lulus Law, passed the U.S. Senate this week and is now headed to the House for a vote.

Life-saving or panic-inducing?

What we know

Lulus Law, a federal bill designed to warn the public about recent shark attacks and hazardous water conditions, has passed the U.S. Senate and now awaits a vote in the House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The proposed system would send real-time wireless alerts  similar to Amber Alerts or hurricane warningsto people near affected coastal areas. The aim is to reduce the risk of further shark attacks by alerting beachgoers promptly.

What we don't know

It remains unclear how often the alerts would be issued, how they would be triggered, and whether local agencies would have discretion in sending notifications.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

Additionally, the bills long-term funding structure and technical rollout across different states have not been detailed. Some also question how the alerts might affect tourism in beach-heavy states like Florida.

The backstory

The bill is named after Lulu Gribbin, a teenage girl from Alabama who survived a devastating shark attack at Pensacola Beach in 2023. The graphic nature of her injuries and her familys advocacy brought national attention to the need for better public notification systems in the wake of such incidents.

Local perspective

Florida leads the world in shark bites annually, making the state especially relevant in discussions about shark safety. Recent incidents, including a shark attack on a Winter Park surfer over the July Fourth weekend, have reignited calls for action.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While some residents are wary of unnecessary panic, many support the law for its life-saving potential.

What they're saying

The bill is named after Lulu Gribbin, a teenage girl from Alabama who survived a brutal shark attack while vacationing near Pensacola Beach in 2024.

"Imagine looking down at your hand and there's nothing, just flesh and bone," Gribbin recalled. "It felt like a scene out of a movie  but it was my reality."

Supporters say the system could save lives by encouraging people to avoid the water after an attack, especially in Florida, which continues to lead the world in the number of shark bites annually.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Through the pain, agony, sorrow, and grief, I made it," Gribbin added.

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

While some beachgoers question how widely the alerts will be used  or whether they might scare off tourists  many support the idea of giving the public more timely information.

"As long as it makes people safe, Im for it," one local told FOX 35 News.

What's next

If approved by the House, Lulus Law would formalize a federal shark warning system, giving authorities the ability to alert the public to both attacks and ocean conditions that could increase risk.

The Source

This story was written based on information shared by the U.S. Senate, and shark attack survivor Lulu Gribbin.
The sight of a massive Antonov An-124 Ruslan (NATO reporting name Condor) cargo jet over Kyiv on Friday sparked joy from Ukrainians, derision from Russians, and a mystery about why it was flying and where it came from. Airspace over the Ukrainian capital has been strictly closed mainly to all non-combat aircraft flights since the start of Russias all-out invasion, which began on Feb. 24, 2022. So seeing a locally-built An-124, a source of pride for the Ukrainians, flying above the capital once again was a surprise for many, to say the least. So what was the Condor doing over Kyiv? The answer is unclear at the moment, but we have some strong indications of where it originated from and why.

You can see the jet in the videos and still photographs below.

I heard, but did not see, this aircraft flying overhead earlier today. It understandably cause quite a stir; we haven't seen such large aircraft over the city since late February 2022. https://t.co/jbbLKQtI9h  Jimmy Rushton (@JimmySecUK) July 11, 2025

An-124-100 cargo plane over Kyiv today. pic.twitter.com/SC2h3MqB7a  Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) July 11, 2025

The An-124 seen over Kyiv. (Via X)

One of the worlds largest aircraft, for decades An-124 Condors have provided charter cargo services for western militaries, companies and NGOs. This includes Ukraines own Antonov Airlines, which also operated the An-124s big brother, the mighty and now destroyed An-225. An-124s have been contracted by the U.S. and NATO to deliver war materiel bound for Ukraine to airbases in Poland. This flight, however, appears to have originated in Ukraine and ended in Leipzig, Germany. Where it took off from is a matter of contention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The aircraft, with the tail number UR-82073, is registered to the aforementioned Antonov Airlines.

It is most likely that the aircraft in question had been stranded in Ukraine since 2022 and took off from the Svyatoshino airport in Kyiv. Thats the headquarters of the Antonov Serial Production Plant, which escaped largely unscathed during the early days of the all-out war while the nearby Hostomel Airport was destroyed, along with the An-225 and other aircraft housed there, in one of the first battles of this conflict.

It appears that an Antonov AN-124, UR-82073, has escaped from Ukraine to Liepzig, Germany after being stranded for over 4 years, X user @TheIntelFrog claimed on the social media platform. The last flight I can find for this aircraft was 13 March 2021 when it landed in Kyiv.

It appears that an Anotonov AN-124, UR-82073, has escaped from Ukraine to Liepzig, Germany after being stranded for over 4 years.



The last flight I can find for this aircraft was 13 March 2021 when it landed in Kyiv. https://t.co/8lBdIXtfju pic.twitter.com/UCehd353Lz  TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) July 11, 2025

The Ukrainian General Staff Chat Telegram channel concurred with that assessment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An-124-100 reg UR-82073 is being evacuated from Svyatoshino, where it has been standing since the beginning of the full scale war, General Staff Chat posited.

Satellite imagery obtained by The War Zone seems to back up this assertion. Taken July 2 by Planet Labs, the image shows that there was two relatively intact An-124s on the apron at the time. One in particular seems to have been active, with the aircraft moving to the runway on July 5th.

An apparently intact An-124 Condor was seen on an apron at the Svyatshino airfield on July 2. PHOTO  2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

A low resolution image taken on July 5th showing the Condor from the main ramp on the runway. (PHOTO  2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION)

We checked recent satellite imagery of other airports in Kyiv, and no An-124s were present, aside from one that was derelict in the aircraft graveyard at war-torn Hostomel Airport. There was another An-124 in better condition that was inside the large hangar at Hostomel, but it too was far from being in flyable condition, at least as it was photographed after fighting subsided at the airport in 2022. It very well could have been damaged beyond repair in that fighting, we just dont know. It also wears a different registration than the aircraft seen flying over Kyiv.

Dmytro Antonov se dostal do hangaru v Hostomelu. Letadlo An-124 UR-82009 je take poskozeno. pic.twitter.com/216ZzFrdXj  flyRosta (@flyrosta) April 1, 2022

Regardless, it is quite likely that the An-124 in question was heading to Antonovs facility in Leipzig, Germany, where it moved a lot of its operations after the 2022 invasion.

An Antonov An-124 Condor takes flight. (Antonov)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Adding to the mystery, others are claiming that the flight originated in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. There were suggestions that an aircraft appearing on flight tracking data via an invalid transponder code as a drone with the callsign PTNPNH2 was actually the Condor. The hypothesis that the aircraft was transmitting a false transponder code to mimic a drone seems highly questionable though, especially since there was another similarly named flight, PTNPNH1, that was also spotted on flight tracking sites.

Still, the Astra news outlet and several influential Russian Telegram channels support the suggestion that the flight originated in Dnipro.

The aircraft, which took off from Dnipro, is marked by the [flight tracking] service as a drone, Astra noted on Telegram. There is no information about the route of any aircraft in the sky over Ukraine on Flightradar24.

Russian Telegram channels claimed Ukraine was trying to move the jet ahead of an anticipated attack on the Dnipro region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan spotted in the sky over Kyiv took off from the Dnepropetrovsk airport, the Russian Military Informant Telegram claimed.  It is possible that its owner, the Antonov company, is ferrying the plane to western Ukraine or even to Europe, where the plane will not be destroyed. This is happening against the backdrop of the beginning of fighting in the Dnepropetrovsk region and the first air strikes on targets within the city.

Ukrainians spotted a plane over their skies with the call sign PTNPNHshort for Putin, go f*ck yourself. pic.twitter.com/FEOVyoSuAd  UNITED24 Media (@United24media) July 11, 2025

Still, this would not account for why the An-124 was flying low over Kyiv with its gear transitioning.

Regardless, flight data from FlightRadar24 shows the AN-124 flying over western Ukraine near the Polish border at 2:17 PM local time, but with no origination point. It is highly likely that the jet turned off its transponder until nearly out of Ukrainian airspace to help avoid detection. The jet then flew over Poland and landed in the German city of Leipzig.

It is worth noting that any aircraft that large would have given off enough signatures for the Russians to easily spot it, at least if it climbed to higher altitudes (especially if no A-50 is up). That the An-124 was able to take off from Ukraine and fly over Ukrainian airspace unscathed is a bone of contention for the popular Fighterbomber Telegram channel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A sad event, of course. For our intelligence first and foremost, stated Figtherbomber, closely tied to Russian military aviation. The sad thing here is not that the An-124 arrived, but that it was able to leave intact and unharmed. It arrived, of course, at night, later, when our agents are asleep.

There are literally only a couple of airfields in Ukraine capable of receiving and dispatching an aircraft of this size, Fighterbomber continued. Organizing surveillance over them is a sacred duty of any intelligence service. Of any country. Moreover, it stayed there for far more than an hour. And we have plenty of means to strike it at any airfield.

Exactly what surveillance over them the popular Telegram channel is referring to isnt clear, but its also worth noting that the runway at the Antonov plant is only 6,000-feet-long. An-124s can fly out of shorter fields when lightly loaded with cargo and gas.

While Russia may have the means, its ossified kill chain likely makes it hard to strike a dynamic target, even one as large and lumbering as an An-124. Lack of intelligence and/or Kyivs air defenses likely meant it wasnt destroyed on the ground days prior to its departure. Shooting down in the air would be a challenge that would require a very long-range missile shot from either the air or the ground.

Russia does not possess the weapons or networking capability to hit moving targets like weapons convoys with standoff cruise or ballistic missiles. This means in order for them to interdict or destroy these shipments they will not only need actionable intelligence, but   Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) March 13, 2022

This Video that @JulianRoepcke shared gives us very important datapoints:



AN-124 have the Radar Return of a small planet and are very slow, hence easy to spot and shoot down, allowing us to derive that Ukraine has confidence in two things:



1. RU can not shoot down the Aircraft, https://t.co/rtrd21tkxZ  C Schmitz (@chrisschmitz) July 11, 2025

Regenerating an An-124 for cargo charter operations would be a major win for Antonov Airlines and Ukraine. These operations are a major source of revenue and work to support the war operation directly. We have reached out to Antonov to find out more about this mystery flight. We will update this story with any pertinent details provided.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While this is the first time an An-124 has been seen over Kyiv, it is not the first time large cargo jets have been in Ukrainian airspace since the full-on invasion kicked off. In December 2022, two Turkish Air Force A400M aircraft that had been stranded at Kyiv-Boryspil International Airport since the start of the war were finally allowed to leave, the Aerotime aviation website noted. Originally sent on a humanitarian mission, the aircraft remained grounded for 10 months before successfully returning to Turkey following diplomatic negotiations. Its also worth noting that the runways and long, straight taxiways at airports around Kyiv have had obstacles put on them ever since the invasion began as a countermeasure to keep Russian aircraft full of commandos and material from landing on them.

Meanwhile, regardless of where it took off from or why, seeing a non-threatening aircraft overhead was a breath of fresh air for some Kyiv residents.

I never thought that an ordinary plane in the Ukrainian sky could cause so many emotions



, the Trukha news outlet reported on Telegram. And seriously  its a cargo An-124, not a passenger one.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com




NEED TO KNOW

A luxury superyacht caught fire at the port of Saint-Tropez in the French Rivera

The boat costs over $90,000 to rent during the busy season

The region is a popular vacation destination for A-listers like Kylie and Kendall Jenner





A $90,000 luxury superyacht caught fire in the French Riviera on Thursday.



The 135-foot Sea Lady II charter engulfed in flames while docked in the port of Saint-Tropez on July 10. Video obtained by PEOPLE shows smoke billowing out of the boat well into the night.



Local firefighters were called to the scene, but they struggled to get on board the vessel, according to local media outlet Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Best Image/BACKGRID Smoke billows out of the Sea Lady II in Saint-Tropez Smoke billows out of the Sea Lady II in Saint-Tropez

Surrounding yachts were quickly moved away and we have put up anti-pollution barriers, a fire service spokesperson told AFP. They added the boat was likely to sink in the port.



The Sun reports the fire was reported shortly after 8 p.m. local time. Two people, ages 24 and 35, were rescued from the boat and both were suffering from effects of smoke inhalation.



Best Image/BACKGRID Sea Lady II catches fire in Saint-Tropez. Sea Lady II catches fire in Saint-Tropez.



According to an online charter listing, the Sea Lady II costs approximately $93,500 to rent for a week during the busy season. The boat can accommodate 10 guests in five cabins and comes with eight working crew members. Some amenities include a sun deck, swimming platform, sunpads and an exterior bar. Originally built in 1986, the boat was last refitted in 2024.



Port of Saint-Tropez authorities did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fire comes during the French Rivieras busy holiday season when hundreds of millions of dollars worth of vessels fill the Mediterranean Coast. Tourists and A-listers alike flock to the region to enjoy the luxury beaches and stunning landscapes. Last week, Kylie and Kendall Jenner were spotted soaking up the sun during their getaway to the region. Later, Timothee Chalamet joined Kylie for the chic and glamorous getaway.



Other celebs spotted enjoying the vacation destination include Bono last year and Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire in 2023.

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.



Earlier this year, first responders in New York City evacuated dozens of people onboard a boat off the coast of Hart Island after it burst into flames.

On June 7, 23 people were transported to local area hospitals after sustaining injuries from the fire. Twenty-two sustained minor injuries and one person sustained serious injuries.



Joshua Brito, the captain of the boat, faced charges of driving while intoxicated and reckless endangerment, the NYPD confirmed to PEOPLE.

Read the original article on People
ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) -A court in Madagascar has sentenced a man to surgical castration for the rape of a child in 2024, a judicial official said, in the first such measure on the Indian Ocean island.

The case arose from the rape and attempted murder of a six-year-old girl in Imerintsiatosika, a municipality 30 km west of the capital Antananarivo, Didier Razafindralambo, the attorney general at the Court of Appeal, said on Thursday.

"The person prosecuted in this case was sentenced by the Court to life imprisonment with hard labour, accompanied by castration," he said in a video statement released to media by the ministry of justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The punishment was introduced last year as part of a 2024 law in Madagascar addressing rapes of minors aged 10 and below. The government said it introduced the law because the courts had recorded many such cases.

"Today's decision is a strong and significant response from the justice system, intended also to serve as a warning to anyone with similar malicious intentions," Razafindralambo said.

Surgical castration has been carried out on some sex offenders in the Czech Republic and Germany with the consent of the defendant. Louisiana last year became the first U.S. state to mandate the procedure for some sex crimes against minors.

Chemical castration, carried out via the ongoing administration of drugs and reversible, has been introduced as a punishment for sex crimes in several U.S. states and countries including Poland and South Korea. Britain is considering mandating its use.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Human rights organisations argue that both practices are unethical and that efforts should be focused on encouraging survivors of abuse to come forward, protecting them from retaliation and wider prevention efforts.

(Reporting by Lovasoa Rabary; writing by George Obulutsa; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
The Trump administration had a credible official leading the Federal Emergency Management Agency. His name was Cameron Hamilton, and he had experience as a Navy SEAL, a former combat medic and as the former director of the Emergency Medical Services Division at the Department of Homeland Security.

He was nevertheless fired last month, not because he did something wrong but because Hamilton  a lifelong conservative Republican  testified before Congress and told lawmakers that it would be in the publics interest if FEMA continued to exist. Donald Trump, of course, wants to eliminate FEMA altogether, and so Hamilton, one day after his testimony, found himself out of a job.

He was soon replaced by David Richardson, who has no background in emergency management, and who, on his first day as the agencys acting chief, told FEMAs staff that he would run right over anyone who gets in his way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If, in the wake of deadly flooding in Texas, youre thinking that Richardson has kept a surprisingly low profile, its not your imagination. Politicos E&E News reported:

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency responds to the deadly flooding in Texas, one key resource is missing: the FEMA leader. David Richardson, the agencys acting administrator, has not been to the site of one of the nations deadliest floods in the U.S. in the past 25 years, upending a long practice of FEMA leaders making themselves visible after major disasters.

At first blush, the fact that the current FEMA chief hasnt even been on site in Texas seems bizarre, but making matters worse is that Richardson hasnt maintained any kind of public profile at all of late  no public appearances, no official statements, not even messages released by way of social media.

A current FEMA employee told Politicos E&E News, When Hamilton was in the role, he was out there doing something to encourage us or announce something or do a photo op with survivors or regional [FEMA] leadership. I have no idea whats going on with David Richardsons absence.

This has not gone unnoticed on Capitol Hill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sen. Andy Kim spoke with MSNBCs Chris Hayes, and asked about Richardson, the New Jersey Democrat said, Where is he right now? Has anyone actually seen him since this disaster in Texas? I mean, we have a completely absent FEMA acting administrator.

We dont know where the current FEMA chief is or whether hes even doing the job. When assessing the Trump administrations handling of the heartbreaking flooding in Texas, this seems like a rather important detail.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Shortly before the Republicans domestic policy megabill cleared Capitol Hill, there was compelling evidence that Donald Trump didnt know what was in his inaptly named One Big Beautiful Bill Act. One GOP senator said in late June, for example, that hed spoken to Trump about some of his concerns, and the president was surprised to learn about some of the bills contents.

Soon after, the day before the final vote in the House, NOTUS reported: Trump still doesnt seem to have a firm grasp about what his signature legislative achievement does.

But as it turns out, the president has some company. My MSNBC colleague Hayes Brown highlighted one of the more notable and mysterious aspects of the far-right reconciliation package.

Theres a mystery afoot on Capitol Hill. Tucked within the Republican megabill President Donald Trump signed on July 4 was a tax provision that surprised most, if not all, of the Republican members of Congress who voted for it. The provision limits the amount gamblers can deduct from their income taxes based on their losses  and nobody seems to know how it got into the bill.

HuffPost published a great report along these lines this week, noting the responses from GOP senators who were dumbfounded when asked about the gambling-related provisions in the bill theyd already passed. If youre asking me how it got in there, no, I dont know, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said. Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas added, I dont know anything about it. Im not sure what it does.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The reactions from Grassley and Cornyn were of particular interest because both serve on the Senate Finance Committee, which was chiefly responsible for crafting the tax policies in the GOP megabill.

Why didnt the changes to gambling deductions catch their eye during committee hearings and the markup process? Because the Senate Finance Committee didnt hold committee hearings and largely skipped the markup process. Republicans, eager to meet Trumps July 4 deadline, simply rushed the massive legislation to the floor, without reading it.

Lawmakers are exploring ways to undo what they just did, but as that process unfolds, its worth pausing to look at this as a learning opportunity on Capitol Hill: Reading bills, especially important ones with transformative impacts, tends to be a good idea.

Its a lesson a variety of members have confronted as of late. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, for example, recently expressed outrage over provisions in the bill related to regulating artificial intelligence  after shed already voted for it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A week earlier, Republican Rep. Mike Flood held a town hall meeting with constituents in his Nebraska district, where he faced questions about a provision in the bill related to the judiciary. Flood agreed that the underlying policy (which was later removed) was misguided, while grudgingly conceding that he didnt know it was in the bill he voted for.

There are a variety of recent examples of congressional Republicans disagreeing with the bill they voted for and even talking about efforts to change it, but the question about whether GOP policymakers read the bill they passed is qualitatively different  and noticeably worse.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Nearly six months into his tenure as the White Houses border czar, Tom Homan has made a great many controversial public comments, about everything from due process to prosecuting news organizations to his curious focus on Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

But were often reminded that his rhetorical record is still growing.

In his latest Fox News appearance, Homan said: Look, people need to understand, ICE officers and Border Patrol dont need probable cause to walk up to somebody, briefly detain them, and question them. They just need totality of the circumstances, right? They just go through the observation, get our typical facts  based on the location, the occupation, their physical appearance, their actions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

NBC News reported earlier this year about concerns related to racial profiling as part of the Trumps administration immigration raids, and hearing the White House border czar talk about ICE agents being able to detain people based on their physical appearance will likely make those concerns worse.

What's more, Homan's on-air comments sparked quick pushback from Capitol Hill. Rep. Daniel Goldman said via Bluesky that the border czar's assessment was "patently false."

The New York Democrat added, "DHS has authority to question and search people coming into the country at points of entry. But ICE may not detain and question anyone without reasonable suspicion  and certainly not based on their physical appearance alone. This lawlessness must stop."

Complicating matters, this was not Homans only notable quote from the last 24 hours. He also spoke with Politico and talked up the idea of reaching new agreements on third-party deportations. When youve got countries that wont take their nationals back, and they cant stay here, we find another country willing to accept them, Homan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As part of the same interview, Politico noted the recent Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for eight men to be deported to South Sudan. The border czar said he was unsure of the status of the eight men  or whether they are detained there  saying that they are no longer in U.S. custody.

Theyre living in Sudan. And will they stay in Sudan? I dont know, he said. When we sign these agreements with all these countries, we make arrangements to make sure these countries are receiving these people and theres opportunities for these people. But I cant tell if we remove somebody to Sudan  they can stay there a week and leave. I dont know.

This report has been updated with Rep. Goldman's reaction to Homan's comments.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
When it comes to chemical safety, Donald Trumps first term was a mess. In 2017, for example, the president nominated someone to lead the Environmental Protection Agencys office of chemical safety, despite the nominees background helping chemical companies fight against chemical safety regulations.

Two years later, the Trump administration took steps to weaken safeguards on how companies store dangerous chemicals. The Republican and his team also reversed a ban on toxic chemicals known to pose serious health threats.

In his second term, the administration is picking up where it left off. The Washington Post recently reported:

An independent agency that investigates chemical disasters  including fatal fires and explosions at chemical plants and oil refineries nationwide  would shutter by October 2026 under little-noticed language in White House budget documents released Friday. The proposal to eliminate the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is almost certain to face pushback from lawmakers in both parties.

Thats true. In fact, theres nothing especially partisan or ideological about concerns related to chemical safety and addressing chemical hazards.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Posts report added that Congress established the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board  known informally as the CSB  in 1990. Since becoming operational in 1998, the agency has played a key role in probing the root causes of major chemical accidents. It has also issued safety recommendations that have informed regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

But what I find truly amazing about this is that even chemical makers themselves think Trump and his team are going too far in their efforts to help the chemical industry. The New York Times reported:

The board has a reputation for working collaboratively with companies, said Shakeel H. Kadri, executive director of the Center for Chemical Process Safety, an industry-funded organization that works on safety issues, adding that it also doesnt penalize companies or issue new regulations. It has a unique mandate to do independent investigations, Mr. Kadri said, thats invaluable particularly at small- and medium-sized companies, where a lot of chemical accidents tend to happen but also where companies have fewer resources to investigate root causes themselves. The boards findings are also used in other countries and in academia, he said.

Rick Engler, who was appointed to the CSB by Barack Obama, told the Times that failing to investigate chemical disasters would be akin to failing to investigate airplane accidents and losing the opportunity to learn from them.

According to the White Houses budget request, the Chemical Safety Board duplicates capabilities of other agencies to produce unprompted studies of the chemicals industry.

It is a position rejected by Democrats, Republicans, former officials, public safety advocates and at least some in the chemicals industry.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
A DHS spokesperson called Khalil's claim "absurd" and said the Trump administration acted well within its legal authority to detain Khalil.

Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist who was detained by US immigration authorities for more than 100 days, is seeking $20 million from the Trump administration over what he says was his false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.

Khalils lawyers said on Thursday that they submitted the claim against President Donald Trump's Homeland Security and State departments under a law requiring individuals to seek damages directly from the government before filing a lawsuit. Officials have six months to respond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A DHS spokesperson called Khalil's claim "absurd" and said the Trump administration acted well within its legal authority to detain Khalil.

Khalil, a 30-year-old permanent US resident from Syria, was arrested in March and detained for months while the Trump administration sought to deport him, arguing he supported terrorism.

Who is Mahmoud Khalil?

A leader of Columbia University's Apartheid Divest, Khalil was detained by ICE in early March.

Muslim protesters pray outside the main campus of Columbia University during a demonstration to denounce the immigration arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist who helped lead protests against Israel at the university, in New York City, US, March 14, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/David Dee Delgado)

Later that month, the US government alleged that Khalil withheld that he worked for UNRWA in his visa application, saying that these are grounds for deportation, Reuters reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anti-Israel activists chained themselves to a Columbia University entrance gate in early April in a protest based on the belief that a member of the board of trustees reported Khalil to ICE.

Khalil accused Columbia University of laying the groundwork for his abduction in an op-ed he dictated to the Columbia Spectator in early April, addressing his detention for allegedly spreading Hamas propaganda.
Jul. 11Maine was a large part of Sunshine Stewart's soul, her friend said.

The Tenants Harbor resident felt at home among the wildlife and on top of the waves, whether in a sailboat or lobster boat, her longtime friend, Kimberly Hamill said.

Police have said Stewart's body was found last week after she went missing while paddleboarding on Crawford Pond in Knox County. Maine State Police said the 48-year-old's death was determined to be a homicide, but other details, including her cause of death and whether any arrests have been made, have not been released.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Detectives are actively pursuing every avenue, and we will provide updates when it's appropriate and responsible to do so," Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for the state police, said in a statement Friday. "We continue to ask the public to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, and report anything suspicious to law enforcement. Our focus remains on getting answers for the victim's family and holding the person responsible accountable."

Hamill said Stewart was tough and capable. She said she is shocked that her friend was killed.

Hamill said Stewart loved the outdoors, the ocean and was a "jack of all trades."

Stewart was a talented craftsperson and fixed up old Maine homes for work, including her own in Tenants Harbor, Hamill said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said Stewart had attended Bradford College in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and later in life became a sailor in Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"She didn't let anything be a hindrance," Hamill said, adding that Stewart was an independent woman.

Stewart and Hamill both attended Union Elementary School. Although she moved a few times with her family, Hamill said she always had a strong connection to the Midcoast.

Bruce Twyon, 59, said he met Stewart while living on Saint John. He said they connected through the hospitality industry  she was a bartender and he ran a charter boat company. He remembered her as a generous, outspoken woman who was a great listener.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"She was a kindhearted person. A little tough on the outside, so you kind of had to break through that a little bit," Twyon said. "But once you were there, you had her for life."

Even though she moved home to Maine after living on the island for a few years, Twyon said that every time they spoke to each other it felt like "she was still here."

Annie Haven, who became close friends with Stewart in college, described her as the "friend that everyone wishes they had in their lives." She shared a voicemail Stewart left for her, saying she missed her and was thinking about her.

"She's the girl that always picked up the phone," Haven said in a statement. "She's the girl that always told you you're beautiful."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copy the Story Link

We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.

We do not enable comments on everything  exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.

You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.

Show less
The Brief

The Atlanta Police Department's Auto Crimes Enforcement (ACE) Unit led a major crackdown on an organized auto theft ring at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, resulting in arrests and recovery of stolen vehicles and firearms.

Surveillance and intelligence sharing were crucial in tracking suspects and connecting them to a broader criminal enterprise linked to multiple vehicle thefts and a violent carjacking.

Despite a significant reduction in thefts due to enhanced countermeasures, law enforcement continues to address persistent tailgating tactics and anticipates more arrests as the investigation remains active.

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Police Department says it has made major arrests and recovered stolen vehicles and firearms as part of an ongoing crackdown on an organized auto theft ring operating out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

What we know

Authorities say three men  Gerald Tiller, Leon Thomas, and Amar Brown  are responsible for 96 stolen vehicles across Atlanta, including 45 taken from the airport and 51 from other locations in the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to police, the departments Auto Crimes Enforcement (ACE) Unit led the investigation in coordination with several specialized internal divisions, including those stationed at the airport. Authorities said the operation uncovered a well-coordinated criminal enterprise linked to multiple vehicle thefts and a violent carjacking.

Surveillance and intelligence sharing were key to tracking the suspects and connecting them to the broader operation. Investigators recovered numerous stolen vehiclessome tied to violent incidentsas well as firearms.

During a search of a property on Lamar Avenue, police recovered stolen firearms, cash, universal keys capable of starting multiple car models, and advanced tools designed to bypass vehicle security systems.

By the numbers

So far in 2025, Atlanta police have recorded 105 auto thefts at the airport  a steep drop from 330 incidents in 2024.

What they're saying

"The airport takes auto thefts very seriously. One is one too many," said Major David Wilson. "We deal with a lot of people unfortunately every year that had their vehicles stolen."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"What this organization does is they target very specific vehicles," said Lt. Rodney Jones. "A lot of Jeeps, Challengers, and Chargers  high-end products."

Lt. Jones said the group isnt classified as a gang, but described its operations as highly coordinated.

"When they are recovering these cars, its a very unique process," Jones said. "Theyre getting different VINs to put on cars or getting them shipped to different locations outside the city or different ports."

Police say the airports large volume of parked cars makes it a target.

"They know that people are traveling and may not get back to vehicles in a certain amount of time," Jones added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This joint initiative underscores the importance of interagency collaboration in addressing complex and often violent criminal crimes," APD said in a statement.

"The Atlanta Police Department remains committed to proactive enforcement to tackle auto crime and other offenses impacting public safety," the department said.

What we don't know

Police say the investigation remains active.

Investigators believe up to a dozen more individuals may be connected to the theft ring, and more arrests are expected.

The backstory

Car thefts at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport climbed sharply in 2024 before easing in early 2025, prompting law-enforcement agencies and airport officials to launch a sustained crackdown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Atlanta police, more than 300 vehicles were stolen from airport parking lots during 2024, a significant jump from 95 reported cases in 2023. Authorities attributed the spike to a surge in "tailgating" theftswhere thieves piggyback through entry gatesand the increased availability of inexpensive electronic devices able to clone key fobs in under five minutes.

In response, the Atlanta Airport Atrium Vendor Task Force and Atlanta Police Department deployed enhanced countermeasures: testing anti-tailgating hardware, reducing free-parking grace periods to 15 minutes, bolstering surveillance with additional cameras, and integrating motorcycle patrols for quicker deterrence.

Early operations showed results. Three suspected thieves targeting vehicles at the airports Rental Car Center were arrested in late 2022 and 2023, generated a noticeable initial drop in thefts.

However, the problem resurfaced with the 2024 holiday travel surge. During the Thanksgiving period alone, tens of millions of passengers passed through the airport while airport staff cited a troubling rise in thefts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

By April 2025, statistics show a drop: 49 vehicles stolen from Jan. 1 to April 23  down from 113 during the same period in 2024. Airport officials also announced parking rate hikes ahead of the busy summer season, urging travelers to "lock your cars and remove valuables" under the "Clean Car Safety Campaign".

Still, law enforcement emphasizes that more efforts are needed. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum cited a "nearly 50% reduction" in airport thefts and credited a crackdown on organized rings, but noted that tailgating tactics persist.

What's next

While the investigation continues, Atlanta police emphasized the progress made. Auto thefts citywide  and especially at the airport  are significantly down from last year. Officers say they remain focused on disrupting organized operations and recovering stolen vehicles.

The Source

The Atlanta Police Department provided the details and images for this article. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used.
The results of the recent mayoral election in New York City can be a powerful lesson for all of us in South Florida concerned with justice and dignity for all people. Zohran K. Mamdani  a Muslim, a democratic socialist, a supporter of Palestinian justice, and someone deeply committed to the well-being of the working people of New York  won the primary to become Democratic nominee to become the city's mayor.

His campaign was inclusive, exhibiting genuine care for all New Yorkers and bringing together a coalition of people and communities from every walk of life. It was no accident that his strikingly grassroots campaign included tens of thousands of volunteers who knocked on doors tirelessly on his behalf. Veteran organizers who had been working long and hard together to build a just city were joined by large numbers of supporters from all across New York City.

What Mamdani and his supporters made so clear was that they could boldly and definitively embrace humane, progressive policies and that people were craving principled positions that truly reflected care and compassion. Also evident was how many different communities organized together despite the oppositions consistent attempts to divide communities and instill fear and mistrust.

Zohran Mamdani works the crowd at the 2025 NYC Pride March on June 29 in New York City.

It is also important to note that malicious and Islamophobic attempts to paint Mamdani as exhibiting lack of concern for the Jewish community because of his principled stance on Palestine did not take hold because people saw through that kind of reactionary, divisive politics and understood it for what it was. (Shamefully, the Islamophobic attacks post-election have intensified.) We need to also strongly resist those in South Florida who promote dangerous, racist narratives that attempt to shut down those speaking out for justice. Demanding an end to genocide and working for Palestinian freedom does not make you antisemitic. It makes you human.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Opinion: Not exactly a hidden gem: Boca Raton mayor makes pitch for more New Yorkers

Too many political figures, including right here in South Florida, act as if one communitys safety requires disregarding or working against the well-being of others. But the opposite is true and the New York campaign made that abundantly clear. In our community, opposing all forms of injustice must be lived out through daily action, not just words. This includes (among many others) Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, antisemitism and xenophobia  the latter resulting in disruption to so many families having members deported or living in constant fear. Too many lives are at stake, literally. As Jews and Muslims in Palm Beach County and South Florida, we and the groups we are part of are committed and actively working together toward this goal of shared humanity and dignity for all

As Mamdani said in his acceptance speech, In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until its done. Important words for us to remember as we build a South Florida we can be proud of, and that well-serves all our beautiful communities.

Donna Nevel

Donna Nevel is a community psychologist and Jewish social justice educator, and Samir Kakli is president of the South Florida Muslim Federation. They both live South Florida.

Samir Kakli

Join the Conversation: The Palm Beach Post is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. Email us at letters@pbpost.com. Letters are subject to editing, must not exceed 200 words and must include your name, address and a daytime phone number to confirm the letter is for publication. We only publish names and cities with the letters.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Can Mamdani NYC win help unify South Florida Jews, Muslims? | Opinion
The Brief

Anthony Sanflippo, 53, of Gloucester Township was found fatally shot in the doorway of his New Jersey apartment, police say.

An investigation is underway by the Camden County Prosecutors Office Homicide Unit.

GLOUCESTER TWP., N.J. - A homicide investigation is underway in Gloucester Township.

What we know

On Wednesday at approximately 4:58 p.m., Gloucester Township police officers responded to an apartment complex located on the 500 block of Lower Landing Road for a report of a person shot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Upon arrival, officers located a man they identified as Anthony Sanflippo, 53, of Gloucester Township dead from a gunshot wound in the doorway of his apartment.

This investigation is active and ongoing.

What you can do

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Tanner Ogilvie of the Camden County Prosecutors Office Homicide Unit at (856) 580-5819 and Detective Daniel Ritz of the Gloucester Township Police Department at (856) 228-4500.

Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.

The Source

The information in this story is from the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.
Man accused of running Ponzi scheme targeting right-wing organizations taking full responsibility

The man accused of running a $140 million Ponzi scheme targeting right-wing and faith-based organizations is now taking full responsibility.

The Securities and Exchange Commission charged First Liberty Building and Loan with violating federal anti-fraud laws.

Edwin Brant Frost didnt say anything when Channel 2s Richard Elliot saw him come and go from the First Liberty building in Newnan on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He told Elliot that his attorneys advised him not to talk about the SECs accusations. But his attorney did send us this statement in which he seems to admit to everything.

I take full responsibility for my actions, and I am resolved to spend the rest of my life trying to repay as much as I can to the many people I misled, the statement said.

The SEC said First Liberty advertised directly on conservative media and in church communities, calling it part of the patriot economy and offering big returns for investments.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But investigators said Frost used millions of investor dollars for his family on things like vacations.

Marcy Walker, who lives in the area, said she is no stranger to Republican politics and Frost.

They ran politics here, Walker said.

Records show Frost and his company contributed to Republican candidates, causes and organizations.

They really fooled a lot of people in the name of Jesus and also being a patriot. Thats wrong, Walker said.

Jim Clancy is a Texas attorney who said 30 First Liberty investors have already contacted him about this case.

You dont steal $140 million without people benefiting, Clancy said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He thinks the feds ought to charge more people close to Frost and First Liberty.

The people who wrongfully benefited from stolen funds, whether thats political contributions, charitable contributions, advertising money, all of that should be recovered, Clancy said.

Clancy told Elliot that the FBI has also been in contact with his firm, gathering evidence for its criminal investigation.
Seattle police have arrested a 25-year-old in connection with the death of a 72-year-old woman who was pulled from her burning home last month.

Back on June 4, around 1 a.m., dozens of Seattle Fire Department crews were called to a home on Sunnyside Avenue N, a few blocks away from Lake Union.

A home and a tree were on fire, and Seattle Fire crews found a woman inside, on the ground, and within a few feet of the doorway while fighting the fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Crews pulled the woman out of the home and began trying to revive her. She was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where she died from her injuries.

According to the medical examiner, the woman died from smoke inhalation, respiratory failure and lack of oxygen to the brain.

A month after the fire, police arrested a 25-year-old man for her death.

He was booked into King County Jail for investigation of arson and investigation of homicide.

KIRO 7 is reaching out to see if the alleged suspect had any connection or relationship to the victim.

The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. KIRO 7 will have updates as they become available.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  An arrest was made in connection with a bomb threat made against the LSU Police Department.

Michael Lloyd, 33, of Akron, Ohio, was charged with communicating of false information of planned bombing on school property.

LSU PD initiated an investigation after 7:20 p.m. May 29, after the police department received a bomb threat over the phone from a California phone number. According to a police report, the man said, The best thing you can do is kill yourself or Im going to blow the police station up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police said the man hung up without sharing further details about when or how the threat would be carried out. Investigators could not establish an LSU affiliation in this case.

LSU PD contacted EBR Emergency Medical Services, the Baton Rouge Police Department and the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office to ask if theyve recieved any threats. All of them said they did not receive a similar bomb threat.

All on-duty shift officers were alerted to the threat, and the police department was searched for any suspicious packages. LSU PD said none were found during the search.

After his arrest, Lloyd was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Thursday, July 10.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Baton Rouge woman gets probation after death of 3-year-old girl

Latest News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man accused of throwing molotov cocktails and using an AR-15 style rifle to shoot at a Salem Tesla dealership is scheduled to be released ahead of his trial, according to court records.

Prosecutors say Adam Lansky, 41, firebombed the Tesla dealership on Inauguration Day then returned a month later to shoot up the building and a vehicle.

Two bars on Portlands Central Eastside announce last call

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to a federal indictment, Lansky faces two counts of attempted arson of property used in interstate commerce and one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device for the alleged attacks.

Investigators say security footage captured a figure in black igniting and throwing a firebomb at the dealership in the early hours of President Donald Trumps Inauguration day.

Still images taken after the incident show vehicles torched and windows shattered.

The Molotov cocktails seized by authorities at the northeast corner of the Tesla parking lot. (US District Court  District of Oregon) The Molotov cocktails seized by authorities at the northeast corner of the Tesla parking lot. (US District Court  District of Oregon) (US District Court  District of Oregon) (US District Court  District of Oregon) (US District Court  District of Oregon)

One month later, on Feb. 19, investigators claim Lansky used an AR-15 style rifle with a suppressor to shoot up the dealership, resulting in $500,000 in damage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One detained after four-alarm fire at Portland apartment building, 2 hospitalized

According to a criminal complaint, FBI lab results linked four fingerprints on glass bottles and duct tape, found at the scene of the first attack, back to Lansky.

Investigators also claim Lanskys Volkswagen Jetta was spotted parked near the Tesla dealership during the second attack in February.

The Trump Administration labeled attacks on Tesla dealerships domestic terrorism following several attacks across the country.

Lansky could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow your story.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The man accused of abducting a 7-year-old boy in Ridgecrest before being found at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita was the childs foster parent, according to newly released court documents.

On July 4 at around 12:34 p.m., a Ridgecrest police officer responded to the 1300 block of South Sims Street in Ridgecrest. A social worker with the Child Protective Service told the officer she came to Michael Abbotts home to retrieve a child, reports said.

The social worker also said CPS has full custody of the child and that Abbott, 42, knew someone from CPS would come to his home, according to reports. There were sexual and physical abuse allegations against Abbott, a CPS supervisor told police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

RELATED: Child, 7, found safe after abduction from Ridgecrest

Abbotts phone indicated he was last near Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia in Los Angeles County  about 100 miles from Ridgecrest  before the phone was turned off, the documents said.

An Amber Alert was issued for the boy and an arrest warrant for Abbott. Both Abbott and the boy were found at Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, according to officials.

During the interview with Ridgecrest police, Abbott said he had been a foster parent for about two years, having fostered five kids  the child involved in this incident being his third. Abbott said he was going through the adoption process for the 7-year-old.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Abbott said he initially received a removal notice for the child June 2 and filed a grievance, which was denied by the Department of Human Services.

Abbott said he then went to juvenile court July 3  the day before he left town  saying DHS is a pretend court so he went to an actual court, according to reports.

Abbott argued the grievance being filed meant CPS needed to send him another removal letter.

In the reports, Abbott also told investigators CPS didnt let him know they would come to pick up the child on the day they went to Six Flags. However, the CPS supervisor said he told Abbott if he failed to bring the child to the Jamison Children Center by July 3, CPS would go to his home in the morning to retrieve him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Investigators found text messages Abbott shared with other people in which he talked about how CPS was trying to take the child away from him and that he needed to leave the town, according to reports.

They said if I dont bring him tonight then theyre coming to get him at 10 AM tomorrow, Abbott allegedly said in the messages July 3. And they said that he is going to stay at Jamison until Monday because hes not being placed right now.

There were also several messages allegedly showing Abbott was planning to leave town to prevent CPS from getting the child, reports said.

Abbott also allegedly had screenshots of his home surveillance system showing Ridgecrest police cars at his home, as well as a screenshot of the Amber Alert for the child.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Abbott was charged with kidnapping and child stealing, court records show. Hes being held on $250,000 bail.

The next hearing is set for July 15.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
(KRON)  A 20-year-old Berkeley man was arrested on July 8, weeks after he was allegedly seen carrying a gun near Berkeley High School.

A video of the suspect carrying a gun near the school was repeatedly shared on social media on May 14, according to the Berkeley Police Department. Berkeley High School staff contacted police about the video and the Berkeley Police Department opened an investigation.

The video appeared to show a former student at the intersection of Milvia Street and Allston Way, near school grounds, with what looked like an AR-15-style rifle concealed in his waistband, BPD said. Youth Services detectives immediately launched an investigation and were able to identify the individual.

A photo of evidence seized in the case. (Photo courtesy of the Berkeley Police Department.)

Air quality advisory: Wildfire smoke moving toward the Bay Area

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police served a search warrant at the mans Berkeley home. During the search, detectives found several illegal gun parts, ammo and a short-barrel rifle without proper registration  commonly referred to as a ghost gun.

On Wednesday, the Alameda County District Attorneys Office charged the suspect with multiple felonies, including possession of large-capacity magazines, possession of a short-barrel rifle, possession of a ghost gun.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4)  A man living in West Valley City has been arrested and charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in her car after forcing her to give him a ride.

Malcolm Galo, 20, has been charged with two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony, and one count of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

READ NEXT: Payson man allegedly sexually abused 14-year-old in church parking lot

According to documents, a woman reported to the West Valley City Police Department (WVCPD) that she had been sexually assaulted on July 7, 2025. The victim allegedly told police that she was getting into her car when Galo approached and asked for a ride.

The victim told police that she declined to give him a ride repeatedly, but he ignored her refusals and got into her car through the passenger door, locking it behind him. Galo allegedly demanded that the victim drive him to a gas station, and she agreed to drive him to the end of the street.

When the two reached the end of the street, Galo refused to get out of the car and demanded that the victim drive him to a parking lot. Out of fear, the victim drove him there, at which point he grabbed the gear shift and parked the vehicle. Galo allegedly asked the victim for a sexual favor, and she refused.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The victim told police that he then assaulted her, grabbing her clothes and touching her inappropriately. During the sexual assault, he applied pressure to her throat. The victim then tried to defend herself and stabbed Galo in his face and calves with her car keys.

READ NEXT: Can we have nice things?: Provo Police asks public for help identifying arson suspect who damaged park

Her attempt to defend herself caused Galo to loosen his grip, and the victim was able to scream for help. Galo fled the car after she began screaming, documents say. The victim stated that she was afraid for her life and believed that Galo was going to rape and kill her.

Police located Galo and observed that he had an injury to his face near his right eye. During an interview, he allegedly admitted that because the victim had looked at him, he believed that she wanted to hang out and get to know each other better. Galo also admitted to touching the victim, saying he believed it was going to lead to sex.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The victim told police that throughout her encounter with Galo, she had repeatedly told him no and to get out of the car. Galo was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail and is currently being held without bail.

Latest headlines:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  One man has been arrested in connection with the early morning shooting that occurred on the Fourth of July weekend in Elmira that injured two people.

Benjamin N. Green, a parole violator, has been arrested on the following charges, as stated in a release from the Elmira Police Department:

Attempted murder in the second degree, a class B felony

Criminal use of a firearm in the first degree, a class B felony

Two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a class C felony

Assault in the second degree, a class D felony

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police say Green was arrested on the charges following an investigation into the shooting that occurred in the area of Broadway Street and Mt Zoar Street on Saturday, July 5.

After the shooting, police say that investigators with the police department began investigating the incident and recovered evidence from the scene. Over the next few days, police say they were able to identify the shooter as Green.

Original story: Two injured after early morning shooting in Elmira

On Wednesday, July 9, police say officers with the police department, as well as New York State Police, found Green, took him into custody on a parole warrant and placed him in the Chemung County Jail. Then, on Thursday, July 10, Green was indicted on the aforementioned charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As a result, Green was then processed in Chemung County Court on Friday, July 11, and placed back in the Chemung County Jail in place of $750,000 bail/$1.5 million bond.

Police are asking anyone who may have additional information on the incident to contact EPD at 607-737-5626 or the tip line at 271-HALT.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
The Brief

A 59-year-old man was arrested after a road rage shooting in Grapevine injured a 7-year-old boy.

The boy sustained minor injuries from shattered glass; an adult passenger also had minor injuries.

Police have not yet released details about what started the road rage incident.

GRAPEVINE, Texas - A 59-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a road rage shooting Thursday evening in Grapevine that left a 7-year-old boy with minor injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

John Schwoyer was taken into police custody in Grapevine and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to Grapevine police.

John Schwoyer (Grapevine police)

The backstory

Around 8 p.m. Thursday, a man called 911 to report that another driver had shot into his pickup truck while he was driving north on SH-121 near Bass Pro Drive. He told dispatchers that his family, including three of his children, were in the truck at the time.

The man returned fire in self-defense and followed the other driver, noting the suspect and vehicle description. A 911 dispatcher advised the man to stop at a gas station for safety.

Grapevine road rage

The 7-year-old son sustained injuries from shattered glass and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. An adult passenger also suffered minor injuries from broken glass and was treated at the scene. The two other children in the back of the truck were not hurt. FOX 4 later was able to speak with the father, who said the child had been released from the hospital. The father said the family had been coming home from dinner that night, and were about to stop for ice cream in Flower Mound when the shooting occurred.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A report from the driver of the pickup was included in an arrest affidavit obtained by FOX 4 on Friday.

The man told police that he had noticed Schwoyer's silver Infiniti approaching his truck from behind at a high speed, which he estimated to be over 100 mph. The truck driver said he swerved aside to avoid being hit, and after later passing the Infiniti again, he heard gunshots and shattering glass.

Fearing for his family's safety, the man said he fired back at the Infiniti before exiting and stopping at the RaceTrak.

Finding the Suspected Road Rage Driver

Dig deeper

The driver provided dispatchers with a license plate number for the Infiniti. Police identified the driver and located his home in Flower Mound. The affidavit says Schwoyer spoke to officers over the phone before they arrived, at which point he allegedly denied being at the scene, claiming to have been drinking at home all day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Grapevine and Flower Mound police then responded to the suspect's home and established a perimeter. Investigators used drones and attempted to coax the suspect out of the home peacefully. A neighbor assisted police, the affidavit says, texting Schwoyer to come outside. Schwoyer allegedly responded that he was afraid he'd be arrested for being drunk.

The suspect eventually exited his home around 2:15 a.m. Friday and was arrested at the scene.

What we don't know

Authorities have not released information regarding what initiated the road rage incident.

The Source

Information in this article comes from Grapevine police and previous FOX 4 News coverage.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man barricaded himself inside a home in Clarksville with his children early Friday morning.

Clarksville police established a perimeter around 680 Pat Drive around 2:20 a.m.

Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More

(Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN)

The situation began as domestic-related before the mans spouse was able to safely exit the home, according to police. It is not known how many children were inside the house.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officers negotiated with the barricaded man and were heard on a loudspeaker asking for the man to answer a phone.

Around 8:20 a.m., the man allowed the children to leave the home unharmed. He then exited the home and was taken into custody. He has been charged with aggravated domestic assault.

Residents in the immediate area were asked to remain indoors if possible. Pat Drive was closed to traffic near the scene.

No additional information was immediately released.

For anyone in a crisis, help is out there. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Editors note: This story has been updated to correctly reflect which DAs office is handling the case.

DENVER (KDVR)  The 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office has charged a man with first-degree murder in 2 deadly stabbings that occurred within a half mile of each other in Aurora.

The filing of the charges comes after the Aurora Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Ricky Roybal-Smith, 38, as the alleged suspect in the connected June 29 fatal stabbings. He was in custody for unrelated charges in Denver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Aurora police connect man accused of killing Denver jail inmate with 2 deadly stabbings

In the arrest affidavit obtained by FOX31, it states that the first stabbing was reported around 1:45 a.m. on June 29, when officers responded to a report on the 1500 block of Moline Street and found a man suffering from apparent stab wounds. Life-saving efforts were reported by police, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Around 6:30 a.m., officers responded to another report of a man unresponsive near a bus stop on Peoria Street. The man also had apparent stab wounds and was reported dead at the scene.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The affidavit stated that Adams County Coroner identified the Moline Street victim as Jesse Shafer, 27, who was stabbed approximately 15 times, stating that homicide was ruled in the initial assessment.

The Peoria Street victim was identified as Scott Davenport, 61, who had an ID in his pocket at the scene. Arapahoe County Coroners office in an autopsy reported that Davenport was stabbed approximately 90 times in the back, stating that the initial diagnosis is homicide.

The toxicology reports for both of the victims, are still pending.

The affidavit revealed that surveillance footage from a local 7-11 store and businesses in the area during the times of the stabbings showed that Roybal-Smith was allegedly alone with each victim prior to and during the stabbings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Roybal-Smith has been charged with 2 felony counts of first-degree murder, and is currently being held in Denver.

APD stated Roybal-Smith would be transferred and booked into Adams County jail, and is scheduled to appear in court on July 14 at 8:30 a.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
A Cumberland County man stands accused of forcing his way into a residence in southwestern Cumberland County and then attacking a woman inside with a metal broom handle.

Phillip Paul Larsen, 55, Midway Road, is charged with felony aggravated burglary and felony aggravated domestic assault in connection with the incident that occurred July 3.

Cumberland County Sheriffs Deputy Tyler Leary wrote he was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Turkey Blind Road on a report of a man breaking into a residence. When Leary and other deputies arrived on the scene, they were told by witnesses a man arrived at the residence around 3 a.m. and had broken an air-conditioning until from its mount on a window.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The witnesses then walked to the front of the residence and gained entry by breaking through the front door. A woman and man in a bedroom attempted to hold the bedroom door closed when the intruder grabbed a metal broom and started jabbing it through the slightly open door.

The report continues the attacker threatened to kill one of the occupants inside and jabbed the female in the back with the broom, puncturing the lower back.

The intruder then exited the residence and left in a 1999 Dodge Ram pickup, according to the report. During the investigation, deputies learned the suspect may have traveled to a residence in the 200 block of Critter Creek Road. They found the vehicle parked in front of a resident and were told the man arrived at the house and then walked into a wooded area behind it.

Crossville Police Sgt. Chrystal Massey was called with request to use her K-9 to track the suspect in the woods. The suspect was found shortly after by the dog and officers and taken into custody without further incident. He reportedly provided investigators with a statement, content of which is not known.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Larsen was booked at the Justice Center and is held under $20,000 bond.

Larsen appeared in General Sessions Court Monday and was appointed representation of the Public Defenders Office. The case and an unrelated petition, motion or writ for order of protection was continued to Thursday.

Any results of that hearing will be published Tuesday in the General Sessions docket report.
SPRINGFIELD  Springfield Police detectives investigating an April double-slaying obtained a warrant to arrest a Springfield man on a charge of carjacking while they continued to investigate the killings.

Police arrested Bobby Rivera on May 30. Days later, law enforcement officials served Rivera, 34, with a murder warrant while he sat detained at Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow, the Hampden District Attorneys Office announced Friday.

The charges  two counts of murder, a count of larceny under $1,200 and some firearm-related charges  were in connection with a shooting on Hebron Street on April 2. That morning, police responded to a report of two people who were shot, and they found two injured men inside a house. Noe Martin and Justin Santiago were taken to Baystate Medical Center, but both died of their injuries. Martin was 55; Santiago was 36.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As detectives continued their investigation, they identified Rivera as a suspect in the murders, the District Attorneys Office wrote in a statement. On July 8, detectives applied for and were granted a warrant for Riveras arrest in connection with the Hebron Street homicides.

The Hampden District Attorneys Office said its murder unit and the Springfield Police homicide unit continue to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, Rivera is being held without the right to bail. His next court date, a preliminary hearing, is scheduled for Aug. 12.

more news from Western Massachusetts

Read the original article on MassLive.
DENVER (KDVR)  Following a four-day trial, a jury on Thursday convicted a man of first-degree murder in a 2016 stabbing case inside a Colorado Family Dollar store, which left one person dead.

Anthony Dennis Grayson, 51, was convicted in Adams County District Court of fatally stabbing Alejandro Alvear, a manager at the Family Dollar store located on Pecos Street.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This was a senseless act of violence in a public setting that cost a man his life, said District Attorney Brian Mason in a press release. Thanks to the excellent work of law enforcement, eyewitnesses, and our prosecution team, we were able to secure justice for Mr. Alvear and his family.

On September 1, 2016, the Adams County Sheriffs Office responded to reports of a stabbing at the store.

The DA office said that surveillance footage and witnesses reported that Grayson confronted Alvear, demanding money and threatening to stab the store manager. Shortly after, Grayson pulled a knife and stabbed Alvear multiple times.

Aurora police warn possible participants of Town Center takeover: Expect to be arrested

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alvear was transported to Denver Health Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Grayson was still at the scene, where police took him into custody and later was charged with first-degree murder.

The case had experienced delays due to requests about Graysons competency; he was later found competent to proceed and chose to represent himself at trial, stated the DAs office.

Grayson now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole and his sentencing is scheduled for July 29.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
(FOX 5/KUSI)  A man accused of shooting a San Diego police officer during a foot chase in 2023 has been found guilty on all eight counts against him, including attempted murder.

JC Blake Sartor, 32, showed little emotion in court Tuesday as the verdict was read. The courtroom gallery was filled with fellow San Diego police officers, including Officer James Romero, the man Sartor was convicted of shooting.

Peace officers have a difficult and dangerous job, and the verdict in this case reflects appreciation for that, said Deputy District Attorney Clay Biddle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The shooting occurred in June 2023 following a vehicle pursuit that ended in the Chollas Creek neighborhood. Prosecutors said Sartor fled from a stolen truck and opened fire while being chased on foot. Romero was struck in the arm.

Body camera footage captured the chase but not the shooting itself. Although the shooter was not caught on video, Romero testified that he was able to identify Sartor as the gunman.

Theres numbness to it. I still get nerve shocks to the arm, Romero said during the trial. He also described ongoing psychological trauma. I would have nightmares, couldnt sleep. Kept revisiting the scene, thinking I was going to die  hyperventilating, anxious.

Defense attorney Loyst Fletcher acknowledged that the weapon, a so-called ghost gun, was in Sartors possession. However, he argued that questions remained about Sartors identity as the shooter due to conflicting witness descriptions and the brief nature of Romeros encounter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He admitted that he only saw him for a very brief moment, and he was wearing a mask under his nose, Fletcher said.

Prosecutors countered that Sartors fingerprints and DNA were found in the stolen vehicle, cellphone data placed him at the scene, and he reportedly gave detailed information about the shooting to a jailhouse informant.

Officer Romero was extremely grateful for all the work his agency  the San Diego Police Department  and our office put into this case, Biddle said. Hes been grateful all along.

A sentencing date has not been set. Sartor faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (WJW)  A 43-year-old man was killed this week after a flash fire in a hyperbaric chamber in Lake Havasu.

According to fire investigators, crews responded to the Lake Havasu City Clinic just before 11 p.m. on July 9, following a 911 call reporting burns to a patient inside the chamber.

Driver trapped after slamming into fire truck at scene of another crash

When first responders arrived, they found smoke throughout the building and discovered the chamber intact but showing signs of a flash fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The man inside, identified as Walter Foxcroft of Lake Havasu City, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to fire officials.

Foxcroft, according to the clinics website, owned the business where the incident occurred. No other injuries were reported.

A flash fire is a sudden, intense fire caused by ignition of a mixture of air and a dispersed flammable substance.

Shaker Heights cheerleader, dancer vows to perform again after leg amputation

After ventilating the building and checking for other hazards, the scene was turned over to police detectives and fire investigators.

Authorities have not released the cause of the fire, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who investigators said was found passed out and had two guns with him entered a plea in his case on Friday, averting a jury trial.

Michael Collins, 47, pleaded guilty to having weapons under disability, a third-degree felony, in Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas. As part of the plea, a carrying a concealed weapons charge is being dismissed.

According to court records, prosecutors are recommending a nine-month prison sentence, while Collins attorney is asking for a lesser sentence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He is set to be sentenced on September 8.

Police arrested Collins on March 10 after they said he was passed out in a yard at West Ravenwood and Hudson avenues.

As police went to give him first aid, an officer saw a semiautomatic handgun sticking out of the bottom of his coat, reports said.

After police found that gun, they found another semiautomatic handgun in his waistband and a drum magazine inside one of his coat pockets, reports said.

Reports said the gun found in his waistband was reported stolen by Niles Police.

Collins had previously served a prison sentence for manslaughter for the Jan. 10, 1999 shooting death of a man at a North Pearl Street home whose body was later dumped on Arcadia Avenue. He was granted early release in 2007, court records show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Joe Gorman contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
The Brief

A Collin County jury has convicted a man of murder for dealing fentanyl, a first for the county.

Gregory Honesty was sentenced to 38 years for providing a fatal fentanyl pill to Zoe Behen.

Zoe's parents hope this ruling encourages other states to adopt similar "murder by fentanyl" laws.

MCKINNEY, Texas - For the first time in Collin County, a jury convicted a man of murder for dealing fentanyl.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, the parents of the young woman he killed are speaking out in hopes other states adopt a similar law.

Collin County fentanyl murder

The Behens hope that the first Collin County jury conviction for murder by fentanyl will send a strong message to other dealers, and save lives.

Zoes father, Steve Behen, says his daughter lit up every room she entered. Just 10 weeks after Texas enacted a law that considers dealing deadly fentanyl to be murder, 25-year-old Zoe received a deadly fentanyl pill from Gregory Honesty.

Zoe Behen

What they're saying

"The addictive part of this is crazy. Just one time, I think (it was) introduced by an old boyfriend, it just takes one time. She had been doing so well for so long," Steve said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

25-year-old Honesty reached out to Zoe on Instagram.

"We found out he had been reaching out to her. She said, no, I don't do that anymore, getting my life together," Zoes mother, Debbie, said.

Zoe Behen

In a weak moment, she succumbed. Collin County prosecutors connected the pill she took to Honesty.

"I mean, they used Instagram messages. They used Cash App payments, and they used cell phone data to directly link those fentanyl laced pills to this particular dealer," Willis said.

District Attorney Greg Willis says the new murder by fentanyl law will keep dealers locked up and be a deterrent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If somebody has a fatal hit and run, and we can only write them a speeding ticket, now they are facilitating and basically committing murder, and we can charge them. So the charge fits the actual conduct," Willis said.

While out on bond for Zoe's murder, Honesty, was arrested for dealing fentanyl in Grayson County, causing serious bodily injury to another woman.

Gregory Honesty

"I don't think he should have been out on bail," Debbie said.

While the Behens are thankful for Honesty receiving a 38-year sentence for murder in the first degree, all they really want is another day with their daughter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Loved to sing and dance and had a beautiful voice, she will be missed, she was my fishing buddy," Steve said.

"She was a healer and a helper, I feel in some ways she is helping others to not have to go through this," said Debbie.

Second fentanyl charge

A grand jury indicted Honesty in February for dealing fentanyl and causing serious bodily injury to Macie Joe Chastain in Grayson County.

The district attorney's office said they could not discuss the case. No court dates have been set.

Previous Collin County fentanyl murder

Dig deeper

In May, Ciana Armour was sentenced to 25 years in prison for murder by fentanyl in Collin County.

Armour pleaded guilty to the offense, setting her case apart as the first fentanyl-related murder sentencing in the county. Honesty is the first to go to trial and be found guilty by a Collin County jury for the new state crime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Armour was arrested for the Sept. 18, 2023, fentanyl overdose death of Mitchel Pultz, 17.

The Source

Information in this article came from FOX 4 interviews with family and officials involved in the case.
Authorities have abandoned their search of an Idaho forest after they tracked down a man who they believed may have been Travis Decker, the Army veteran wanted in the killings of his three daughters, but wasn't.

The person reported by the tipster was located and identified, Derryl Spencer, chief deputy U.S. Marshal for the District of Idaho, said in an email Thursday. We have confirmed this was not the fugitive.

The U.S. Marshals Service said this week that a man who matched Deckers description was seen in Sawtooth National Forest, east of Boise.

Travis Caleb Decker. (U.S. Marshals Service)

Michael Leigh, supervisory deputy with the U.S. Marshals Service in Idaho, said Thursday that the search is no longer focused on Idaho. Investigators are working on developing leads, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Decker, 32, has been on the run since he failed to return his daughters from a May 30 visitation. The girls, ages 9, 8 and 5, were found dead in a remote area east of Seattle on June 2. They had been zip-tied and had bags over their heads, authorities have said.

Authorities have described Decker, who was an active member of the Washington State National Guard, as an avid outdoorsman who would spend months in the wilderness.

Paityn, Olivia and Evelyn Decker. (Whitney Decker via AP)

Law enforcement officials have said theyve investigated dozens and dozens of reported sightings, but Decker appears to have only been seen once, in early June, in the Blewitt Pass area of Washington state.

He is wanted on suspicion of three counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, a federal charge.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Man involved in deadly SWAT standoff in Albuquerque held behind bars through trial

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The man involved in a SWAT stand-off that led to a teens death will remain behind bars through his trial. Qiaunt Kelley was wanted for a murder and a second shooting in 2022 when he and 15-year-old Brett Rosenau barricaded themselves in a home near Zuni Rd. and Wyoming Blvd.

Suspect arrested for shooting death of a woman in Los Lunas

At one point, police deployed a gas canister in the home, sparking a fire. Rosenau died from smoke inhalation. Kelleys case was put on hold because of questions about his competency. On July 1, 2025, Kelley was found competent to stand trial. A judge has now ruled Kelley will remain in custody through his trial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY)  A 22-year-old man pled guilty to sending ominous messages and photos to a Williamsburg police officer, including a threat to rape the officers daughter.

Xavier Joseph Stafford, of Williamsburg, made contact with an officer on Feb. 14 and 15, according to court documents. The officer then asked Stafford to remove his car from a private property in Williamsburg.

Later on Feb. 18, Stafford sent the police officer an email in which he threatened to rape the officers daughter. Stafford included two animated images depicting child sexual abuse and looping photos of the officers home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Stafford is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 4 and faces up to 20 years in prison.

The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
IRVINE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kaylieb Thompson said it was seven years of lovein every sense of the wordbetween him and his girlfriend, Reacheal Dawson.

He even planned to propose to her on July 2, but their time together would come to an abrupt end just days before he was about to get down on one knee.

This person right here. That was  thats who loved me. Thats who accepted me. And thats who wanted to build a life with me. And I dont have that anymore. I have a piece of paper and ashes soon, Thompson said while holding a picture of his girlfriend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, June 26, Thompson said he had not heard from Dawson for a few hours and couldnt get in touch with her, which was unusual.

Court documents allege Winchester man tied to deaths of 2 women at motel, Airbnb

When his son called him, saying Ree-Ree, as Thompson referred to her, was not home, he knew something was wrong.

I went outside, and I screamed for her. I screamed until some of our furthest neighbors around our one-lane road heard because I couldnt stop. I just kept screaming for her. I just kept calling her phone. She wasnt answering, he told FOX 56.

Her family reported her missing shortly after midnight on June 27.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dawsons sister pinged her phones location, which showed that she was at the Red Roof Inn on Interstate Drive in Winchester.

When first responders got there, they found Dawson dead in one of the rooms inside. According to authorities, that room was rented out by Brian Epperson.

He was arrested on June 27 and later charged with murder in connection with another death  the May 31 overdose of 32-year-old Kristen Morris, who was found dead inside a Powell County Airbnb.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Investigators said she had an extremely high level of methamphetamine in her system.

Epperson allegedly admitted to filling capsules with methamphetamine. Police said they found such capsules at both the Powell County Airbnb and the Winchester motel.

Thompson said Dawson never did drugs. Now, he is left wondering how and why this couldve happened to her.

This was going to be my wife. This was going to be the mother of my children. And now everythings gone. Why am I left with that? he asked.

Epperson has not been charged with Dawsons murder, but police said he is a prime suspect. They are still waiting on a toxicology report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  A Philadelphia man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for traveling across state lines to distribute cocaine in Arlington, according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Antonio Ortiz, 43, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine after having previously been convicted of a serious drug felony.

80-year-old woman sexually assaulted at Hobby Lobby in Woodbridge, police say

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The USAO states that in September and October 2024, Ortiz arranged to sell two kilograms of cocaine in Arlington. Officers arrested Ortiz on Oct. 15 at one of the meet-up locations, where they searched his rental car and seized over 2,000 grams of cocaine.

Law enforcement in Philadelphia was notified and then searched his home, where they recovered an additional 3,000 grams of cocaine.

Court documents say Ortiz was on supervised release at the time of his arrest for a 2011 conviction.

Court documents say Ortiz had been previously convicted in 2002 and 2003 for distributing cocaine. He was also convicted in 2011 of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A Guatemalan man was sentenced to 17 months in prison for unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed from the country.

According to court documents, Juan Lucas-Gomez, 38, was found by law enforcement officials to be unlawfully present in the country on or about February 28, 2025.

Third suspect arrested months after mass shooting in downtown Jackson

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office in Mississippi said Lucas-Gomez had previously been removed from the United States in July of 2010 following his conviction on January 13, 2009, for aggravated battery of a pregnant woman in Florida. He served a state jail sentence prior to his removal in 2010 and was subject to an enhanced federal penalty for unlawfully reentering the United States due to his prior conviction.

Juan Lucas-Gomez (Courtesy: Madison Co. Detention Center

Lucas-Gomez was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 4, 2025. He pled guilty on March 31, 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
A man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing an 83-year-old man in Fayette County

The Fayette County District Attorneys Office announced Friday that Norman Pennington, 67, had been convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of Anthony DiCenzo in April 2024 in German Township.

Pennington was immediately handed a life sentence without the possibility of parole, officials say.

We appreciate the outstanding work of the numerous (state police) troopers and other law enforcement personnel who participated in bringing justice to Tonys family today, officials say.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pennington was arrested days after DiCenzo, formerly of Brownsville, was found shot to death inside his car, several hours after he was reported missing. He was on his way to look at real estate properties.

Upon the arrest, investigators said Pennington and DiCenzo were longtime friends and were looking to do a business deal and buy a bar together.

The victim was upset about $30,000 he gave to Mr. Pennington to purchase a property for which Mr. Pennington never acted upon, Fayette County DA Mike Aubele said at the time. Mr. Pennington essentially admitting he was swindling Mr. DiCenzo out of the money and he was confronting him about that money.

>>> Fayette County DA determined to solve murder of 83-year-old man <<<

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police said Pennington confessed, but said he did it out of self-defense. Aubele said there was no evidence of a struggle at the scene.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
A district attorney announced Thursday that Matthew Mire, the suspect in the 2021 multi-parish shooting spree that killed Louisiana State Police Master Trooper Adam Gaubert, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who pleaded guilty to causing a deadly crash, which killed a 12-year-old boy, in Youngstown was sentenced Friday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to 11 years in prison.

Read next: Sentences handed down in PPP loan fraud case

Brandon Kennedy, 32, received the sentence from Judge Maureen Sweeney after pleading guilty May 28 to charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, a first-degree felony; and aggravated vehicular assault, a third-degree felony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police say Kennedy was driving a car on Nov. 17, 2023, on Alameda Avenue that collided with a car going through the intersection at Juanita Avenue.

The boy, JaVonie LaBooth, a passenger in Kennedys vehicle, was killed.

The boys mother, Javonne Brown, told the judge that the day her son died is a day I will always regret.

She told Judge Sweeney that her son had missed the bus, and she called four other people to see if they could take him to school. They could not, but when she asked Kennedy, he said he could.

She said her son was excited that Kennedy was taking him to school.

He loved Brandon, she said. It was the last time I saw my son walk out the door.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her world has been shattered since her son died, she said, and she accused Kennedy of lying to her about the accident. She has cut off all contact with Kennedy, she said.

I lost more than a child that day, Brown said. I lost myself, I lost my confidence.

She said she rarely leaves her house.

Im just left alone with my thoughts, and theyre crushing me, she said.

Kennedy was in tears as the mother spoke.

Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Dinsio said the victims mother had a vehicle that was not working, so she asked Kennedy, a close family member, to help her.

Dinsio said when tests were done on the vehicle after the crash, investigators found the gas pedal stuck to the floor. Kennedy was traveling 73 miles per hour in a residential neighborhood at the time of the crash, Dinsio said. She also said Kennedy had 16 open suspensions on his license at the time of the crash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dinsio asked for a sentence of 8 to 12 years, saying he also has other convictions.

Defense attorney Mark Lavelle asked for a far lighter sentence, saying Kennedy did not have a drivers license and the family knew that. Lavelle also said he was prepared to challenge both the speed and the gas pedal being stuck if the case went to court.

There is little credible evidence to hold up the rate of speed, Lavelle said.

Lavelle said the crash was an accident.

There was no ill intent, Lavelle said. In fact, the opposite is true.

Kennedy said he understands how the mother feels.

No one can say how you feel, he said. Even fighting for my life right now, if I could give you a call, I would.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kennedy said he was going to get his haircut when he agreed to take the victim to school because he was about to drive to South Carolina to visit his son.

He said he went to the wrong school and was trying to find the right school when the car picked up speed.

I can see driving 50 but not 70, he said.

He called himself a walking testimony because of the injuries he recovered from.

He did take responsibility for the way he drove, however.

Nothing has been the same for me since that day, he said. No one ever asked me how I feel.

Kennedy and the driver of the other vehicle both had to be taken by ambulance to St. Elizabeth Health Center to be treated for their injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kennedy had been free on $35,000 bond until his sentencing Friday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Rochester police are investigating after a man was shot in the area of Dewey Avenue Friday morning.

Officers said around 10:30 a.m., they received a ShotSpotter activation about gunfire in the 1300 block of Dewey Avenue.

During the investigation, police learned a man in his 30s arrived at Rochester General Hospital with at least one gunshot wound. His injury is considered to be non-life-threatening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Investigators found evidence that the man was shot on Dewey Avenue. No suspects are in custody.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Police in Natchitoches arrested a patient in an unlikely place, a hospital room.

According to the Natchitoches Police Department, officers with the narcotics division arrested Roy Roe, 62, of Montgomery, Louisiana, on July 1.

Roes arrest came after police say they received a tip that an individual was selling narcotics from their hospital room at the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police say that after speaking with Roe, around nine grams of suspected methamphetamine were found in his hospital room.

Roe was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine) and taking contraband into a hospital. Due to Roe being in the hospital, he was given an own recognizance bond.

According to Natchitoches PD, so far, no other arrests have been made, but their investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A man wanted by the Wabash County Sheriffs Office was apprehended earlier this week without incident.

Deputies responded to a tip that Donald Baird, 54, was in the 200 block of West First Street in Mount Carmel just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday. At the scene, deputies were able to find Baird and take him back into custody. Bard was charged with failure to report to a penal institution.

Authorities say Baird was sentenced to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, but he failed to report to the Wabash County Jail on May 15.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Manchester woman was arrested Thursday night for allegedly driving on a suspended license with various drugs and two children in the car.

According to court documents, Mariah Hall, 43, was stopped by deputies with the Laurel County Sheriffs Office at a traffic safety checkpoint around 10:20 p.m. on July 10 in the area of East 80 Church Road. While talking with her, investigators noticed that her two children were allegedly not properly secured in their car seats.

When asked to show deputies her drivers license, proof of insurance, and registration, Hall allegedly only provided a laminated paper copy of her ID, per an arrest citation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Camp Nelson National Cemetery holds rich history of honoring service members

When deputies asked Hall when she had last used drugs, she allegedly told investigators she had smoked methamphetamine 45 minutes before being stopped.

Court documents show that Hall agreed to let investigators search her vehicle. During the search, deputies allegedly found suspected methamphetamine, a pipe with residue, Xanax pills in the passenger seat, and a marijuana cigarette. A THC pen was also found in a three-year-olds car seat.

Hall was arrested and charged with:

Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substancesecond offense

Endangering the welfare of a minor

Driving on a DUI-suspended licensefirst offense

No operators license

License to be in possession

First-degree possession of methamphetaminefirst offense

Third-degree possession of a controlled substancedrug not specified

Possession of a controlled substance not properly containedfirst offense

Failure to produce an insurance card

Possession of marijuana

Booster seat violations

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Hall was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center on a $10,000 bond. Deputies wrote that she was additionally charged in connection with a Bell County bench warrant for failure to appear in court on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influencefirst offenseand possession of drug paraphernalia.

The drug investigation remains ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Manitoba Premier hits back after Minnesota Republicans complain wildfires are spoiling summer originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Six Republican members of Congress, four of them from Minnesota, have sent a letter to the Canadian ambassador complaining about the smoke from wildfires that have drifted south into the Midwest during the summer, prompting criticism from the Manitoba Premier.

Reps. Tom Emmer, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach, and Pete Stauber signed the letter to Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, along with Reps. Tom Tiffany and Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin, following another summer in which wildfire smoke has severely impacted air quality in Minnesota and other U.S. states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They proceed to blame "lack of active forest management" for spread of the wildfires, noting that Canada had its "worst year for wildfires on record" in 2023, and claims that "with all the technology that we have at our disposal, both in preventing and fighting wildfires, this worrisome trend can be reversed if proper action is taken."

"Our constituents have been limited in their ability to go outside and safely breathe due to the dangerous air quality the wildfire smoke has created," they write. "In our neck of the woods, summer months are the best time of the year to spend time outdoors recreating, enjoying time with family, and creating new memories, but this wildfire smoke makes it difficult to do all those things."

"Canada has been a friendly neighbor of the United States and the states we represent, so given the significance of this issue we urge you to relay this message to your government, in particular Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Forest Service."

Hazy skies in the Twin Cities due to smoke from wildfires in Canada.Bring Me The News

The letter sparked a robust response from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, whose province is experiencing a series of major wildfires currently, and who accused the Republicans of "trivializing" efforts to battle the fire

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I have shaken the hands of American firefighters in northern Manitoba who are helping us out, and I would challenge these ambulance chasers in the U.S. Congress to go and do the same, and to hear how much the American firefighting heroes who are here love our province," Wab Kinew said on Thursday.

He added: "This is what turns people off politics. When you've got a group of congresspeople trying to trivialize and make hay out of a wildfire season where we've lost lives in our province."

It was indeed the case that 2023 was the worst year on recent record for wildfires in Canada, with more than 15 million hectares of forest burned. It fell in 2024 but was still historically high, according to data from the Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS).

However, the United States saw more forest area burned by wildfires compared to Canada in every year between 2012 and 2022, despite the U.S. having a smaller amount of forest than Canada (304 million hectares vs. 367 million hectares).

Our World In Data

The current data shows wildfires have burned more forest land in the U.S. compared to Canada so far this year. That includes northeastern Minnesota, which Rep. Pete Stauber represents and which experienced a series of wildfires in May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tarryn Elliott, of the Canadian embassy in Washington D.C., told the BBC that the Canadian government "takes the prevention, response, and mitigation of wildfires very seriously."

She added that the Canadian Embassy "will respond in due course" to the letter.

BMTN Note: Weather events in isolation can't always be pinned on climate change, but the broader trend of increasingly severe weather and record-breaking extremes seen in Minnesota and across the globe can be attributed directly to the rapidly warming climate caused by human activity. The IPCC has warned that Earth is "firmly on track toward an unlivable world," and says greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030 in order to limit warming to 1.5C, which would prevent the most catastrophic effects on humankind. You can read more here.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Maple Valley police pulled a man suspected of vandalism from Lake Wilderness, later identifying him as a person of interest in a brush fire from earlier this week.

Just after 1 p.m. on Thursday, the Maple Valley Police Department posted that they were investigating vandalism at Lake Wilderness with a less-than-cooperative subject.

Maple Valley PD  with assistance from the fire department, unincorporated King County Sheriffs Office deputies, and their Marine Unit  pulled the man out of Lake Wilderness where he had jumped in to evade officers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was arrested on suspicion of vandalism and booked into jail.

According to police, he is a person of interest in a brush fire that broke out in Maple Valley on Tuesday.

Puget Sound Fire crews worked alongside the King County Sheriffs Office and the Department of Natural Resources for more than two days to dig a fire line and extinguish the half-acre brush fire, which was located in the woods between the Pipeline Trail and SR 169.
July 11 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Friday in his first trip to Asia since his appointment to the cabinet post.

Rubio and Wang spoke for about an hour while at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Rubio told reporters it was a "very constructive, positive meeting" and said there is more the two countries could work on together.

He hinted at a potential meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said the odds for that meeting are high, and "I don't have a date for you, but I think it's coming."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the meeting, Rubio has been working to try to shore up support for United States policies on trade with China. Wang has been pushing Southeast Asian nations to resist American pressure and lean on Beijing.

During the meeting, Rubio emphasized the importance of keeping channels of communication open, and they agreed to explore areas of potential cooperation, while seeking to manage differences, according to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

"The Secretary emphasized the need for continued discussion on a range of bilateral issues. The Secretary also raised other issues of regional and global importance," she said in a press release.

Trump has made new tariff threats on Southeast Asian nations, angering the foreign leaders at the conference, including the host country Malaysia. Japan and South Korea are also facing the threats, which cast doubt on Rubio's efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wang met with a Bangladeshi official on Friday and said it was unreasonable and unethical for the U.S. to put 35% tariffs on Bangladesh, which is one of the least developed in the world. China has warned countries that they would face consequences if they worked with the U.S. to impede Chinese exports.

"China has always been the most reliable stabilizing force in a turbulent world and the most reliable partner" for Southeast Asian countries, Wang said on Thursday at a meeting with the region's diplomats.
The Brief

Mario Guevara says he was extorted by fellow inmates at Atlantas Federal Correctional Institution, prompting his attorney to report the incident to ICE, which led to Guevara's transfer to another facility.

Despite being granted bond by an immigration judge, ICE filed a stay and appeal, preventing Guevara's release, and his family was not informed in time to post bond.

Guevara's legal team is seeking dismissal of ICE's appeal to allow bond to proceed, highlighting concerns over coordination between ICE and local authorities in prolonging his detention.

ATLANTA - Journalist Mario Guevara says he was extorted by fellow inmates while held at Atlantas Federal Correctional Institution this week, according to his attorney, Giovanni Diaz, who says the incident underscores what he believes is a broader effort by immigration authorities and local jurisdictions to prolong his clients detention.

Extortion in ICE custody

What they're saying

Diaz told FOX 5 Atlanta that inmates recognized Guevara, took photos of him inside the prison using a burner phone, and sent the images to his wife along with threats and demands for money. Diaz said he immediately reported the extortion to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which moved Guevara late Thursday to the Folkston ICE Processing Center in South Georgia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This was not a coincidence," Diaz said. "They housed him in general population in a federal penitentiary, where he was unprotected, and then he was extorted. We made ICE aware, and he was moved within 36 hours."

ICE files appeal over Mario Guevara

What we know

Guevara, a longtime Georgia resident with no criminal convictions, was granted bond by an immigration judge on July 1. But ICE attorneys quickly filed a stay and appeal of that order  actions that, according to Diaz, were not disclosed in time for Guevaras family to post bond.

"We were never told the stay was filed," Diaz said. "ICE never responded to our inquiry about whether anything had been filed that would prevent his release."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The attorney said the family tried posting bond online and in person, but ICE refused to accept payment, citing its discretion despite the judge's ruling.

Guevara was subsequently transferred from ICE custody to Gwinnett County Jail, where he faced misdemeanor traffic charges. Those charges were dropped, Diaz confirmed on Thursday.

Conspiracy to keep Mario Guevara behind bars?

What we don't know

While Guevara was in Gwinnett custody, authorities there reportedly served a warrant to seize and search his cellphone. Diaz said his team has the warrant number but has not yet obtained the document itself and is pursuing public records requests for more information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Diaz believes Gwinnett officials worked in coordination with ICE to keep Guevara behind bars.

"In my opinion, Gwinnett played a role in this, and they used every tool they had to delay his release," Diaz said. "The charges have now been dismissed, and yet he remains in detention while ICE appeals a bond decision that should have resulted in his release nearly two weeks ago."

Guevara's immigration status

Dig deeper

Diaz emphasized that while Guevara does not currently hold legal immigration status, he is authorized to work in the United States and has a viable path to a green card through pending legal proceedings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Were confident he will ultimately prevail," Diaz said. "But in the meantime, hes been shuffled from jail to jail, targeted for extortion, and denied a release order granted by a judge. Its an abuse of process."

Guevara's lawyer asking for dismissal

What's next

Guevaras legal team has asked the Board of Immigration Appeals to dismiss ICEs appeal and allow bond to proceed. If not resolved soon, Diaz said federal litigation may follow.

Journalist Mario Guevara's arrest

The backstory

Journalist Mario Guevara, whose recent arrest during a protest sparked national outcry, remains in federal immigration custody despite a judge granting him bond earlier this month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Guevara, a veteran Spanish-language reporter who fled violence in El Salvador and has lived in Georgia for more than 20 years, was arrested June 14 while covering a demonstration near Stone Mountain. Video of the incident showed him wearing a helmet and press vest, documenting the protest live. Charges filed by DeKalb County  including obstruction and unlawful assembly  were later dropped when the solicitor-general found no evidence of wrongdoing.

On July 1, an immigration judge approved Guevaras release on bond. But ICE attorneys filed a stay and appeal, effectively blocking it  a move his legal team says was not disclosed until after the family attempted to post bond.

Guevara was subsequently transferred to Gwinnett County Jail on misdemeanor traffic charges, which were dismissed.

The Source

FOX 5 spoke to Giovanni Diaz, attorney for Mario Guevara, for this article. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used. Gwinnett County and ICE have not offered comment on this particular article.
Far right-wing Congresswoman and conspiracy theorist Marjorie Taylor Greene raged that an unspecified they are controlling the weather on X.

First, they said we were crazy for saying they are controlling the weather and spraying chemicals in our skies, the MAGA loyalist wrote. Now, they are admitting that they are controlling the weather and spraying chemicals in our skies, BUT that its not causing any harm.

Like many conspiracy pushers, Greene, who once claimed space lasers operated by prominent Jewish bankers might be to blame for California wildfires, frequently uses they to describe a vaguely defined liberal deep state that operates in secrecy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Call me crazy, I dont care. but Ill go ahead and say it, Greene continued before declaring weather modification and geoengineering is deadly and dangerous and said they cant prove otherwise.

The 51-year-old firebrand said shes championing a bill that will ban those practices without providing evidence on a meaningful level that either such process exists.

Greenes rant lambasted the government and companies she claims profit from manipulating the weather without further explanation Friday. Her suspicions about government dont seem to have subsided since her party took control of the White House and both chambers of Congress in January.

We arent lab rats and weather is not a controlled environment, Greenes post concluded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Social media platforms like X frequently hum with unsubstantiated claims of weather manipulation when meteorological disasters occur, like the severe flooding that claimed more than 120 lives in Texas over the past week.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin released a statement Thursday saying his team shares the significant reservations many Americans have when it comes to geoengineering activities and would investigate the matter.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in December the United States is years away from being ready to detect a solar geoengineering effort, but is on the leading edge.

_____
Conspiracy theorist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is once again claiming that a secret cabal somehow controls the weather.

In a typically unhinged post on X, the MAGA congresswoman suggested theres growing acceptance of the long-debunked chemtrails conspiracy and those surrounding weather modification, insisting the results are deadly.

First, they said we were crazy for saying they are controlling the weather and spraying chemicals in our skies. Now, they are admitting that they are controlling the weather and spraying chemicals in our skies, BUT that its not causing any harm, Greene wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Call me crazy, I dont care. But Ill go ahead and say it. Weather modification and geoengineering is deadly and dangerous. And guess what, they cant prove its not.

Marjorie Taylor Greene is one a mission to tackle weather modification. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Greene, a former QAnon advocate, appeared to be echoing the Trump administrations official response to claims made in the wake of the deadly Texas flash flooding by numerous conspiracy theorists and fringe figures.

These included the idea that cloud seedinga legitimate form of weather modification involving spraying tiny particles into clouds to encourage rainfall or snowwas somehow to blame for the natural disaster.

On Thursday, in what was seen as a dog whistle to those pushing conspiracy theories about the Texas floods, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) vowed to address public concerns about geoengineering and contrails.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin promised to tackle peoples concerns concerns head-on and ordered the agency to compile a list of everything related to contrails and geoengineering.

Americans have legitimate questions about contrails and geoengineering, and they deserve straight answers, Zeldin said in a video. For years, people who asked questions in good faith were dismissed, even vilified by the media and their own government. This ends today.

EPA administrator Lee Zeldin helped fuel claims about weather manipulation by asking his agency to look into chemtrails. / J. Conrad Williams, Jr./Newsday RM via Getty Images

An EPA statement noted that some people believe the white trails seen in the skies are the result of an intentional release of dangerous chemicals or biological agents at high altitudes for a variety of nefarious purposes, including population control, mind control, or attempts to geoengineer Earth or modify the weather, but failed to state that these claims have no evidence to support them.

The white lines often seen in the skies are condensation trails which are emitted by aircraft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Greene, who has long claimed they control the weather on social media, has also announced plans to introduce a bill banning the injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere for the express purpose of altering weather, temperature, climate, or sunlight intensity.

Greene said her bill will resemble legislation signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in June, making geoengineering and weather modification illegal in the state.

The government and companies who profit off these practices dont get to control our weather because we are all affected by it, Greene added on X. We arent lab rats, and weather is not a controlled environment.

Greenes office did not immediately respond to a request for further explanation from the Daily Beast.
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa  A Marshalltown man has been accused of stabbing another man in the chest while he was sleeping.

On Thursday morning, officers and medics responded to a report of a stabbing at a home on May Street. According to the Marshalltown Police Department, when emergency personnel arrived at the home, they found a man suffering from stab wounds. The victim was transported to a Marshalltown hospital and then later transported to a Des Moines hospital for life-threatening injuries.

Des Moines man charged in Waveland Golf Course pipe bomb investigation

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Marshalltown police said that a second resident of the home, identified as 38-year-old Derek Wilkins, was at the scene when first responders arrived.

According to a criminal complaint, Wilkins stabbed the victim in the chest while the victim was asleep.

Wilkins was arrested and charged with attempted murder and domestic abuse assault while using a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Marshall County Jail on a $25,000 cash-only bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 21.

Iowa News:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Mass. college student seriously burned in explosion at frat party suing liquor manufacturer

A student at a Massachusetts college is suing a liquor manufacturer after suffering catastrophic burns in an explosion at a party at a Worcester Polytechnic Institute fraternity house in May.

Yvette Digan, a 22-year-old Boston University exchange student from Hong Kong, claims she suffered burns, permanent disfigurements, and other injuries due to the explosion, which her attorneys blame on a bottle of 190-proof Everclear grain vodka, according to a lawsuit.

I was invited to Zeta Psi to socialize and meet people because I was new in the area, Digan recalled in court documents obtained by Boston 25 News. We were minding our own business and having a conversation when the unthinkable happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Digans attorneys allege that Everclear removed warnings from its bottles, stating it was safe near open flames and stoves.

Surveillance video shows multiple people sitting around a fire before an explosive fireball erupts, highlighting the dangerous circumstances leading up to the incident.

Out of nowhere, I was set on fire and screaming. Multiple boys tackled me to take the fire out, and then they called the ambulance, Digan explained in the documents. It all became blurry, and I felt like I couldnt feel my body or speak.

The attorneys argue that the 95 percent ethanol in Everclear creates explosive vapors even at room temperature, posing significant risks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The lawsuit raises concerns about the safety of high-proof alcohol products and the importance of adequate warning labels to prevent similar incidents.

Read the full lawsuit below (Warning: graphic images):

WPI Woman Bruned Everclear Complaint by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
At times, testimony in the closing days of the latest federal lawsuit over North Carolina legislative and congressional districts  technically Williams et al vs. Hall  was about as exciting as watching corn grow.

Lawyers questioned a conga line of competing academics who are expert in drawing maps used to determine the balance of power. In painstaking detail, the attorneys drilled into such scintillating topics as population deviations, algorithms and malapportionment of representation.

A fistful of NoDoz, washed down with a vat of coffee, was the cocktail of the day in a case only wonks and insomniacs could love.

Yet, with control of Congress  the House of Representatives specifically  determined by a handful of seats, its arguably the most consequential lawsuit in recent memory.

Late Wednesday afternoon when normal people were thinking about dinner, the lawyers concluded their arguments and potentially turned the fate of a nation over to a panel of three federal judges.

A decision is expected before December.

Which sort of gerrymander?

The lawsuit  two lawsuits consolidated into one challenging a handful of legislative and congressional districts in North Carolina  alleges that the Republican majority in the General Assembly illegally (and deliberately) eroded Black voting power to grotesquely tilt the balance of power in the GOPs favor.

The NAACP, Common Cause and a handful of individual voters were convinced theyd been steamrolled and that legislators violated both the 14th Amendment (equal protection of law) and the Voting Rights Act.

Lawmakers, through a horde of attorneys, counter that raw, partisan politics rather than race  perfectly legal thanks to recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court  was their sole motivation.

Simply put, there is no direct evidence of racial intent, said Katherine McKnight, a lawyer for the defendant legislators.

Basically, its a legal matter of determining which sort of gerrymander this is: racial or political. Ones legal and the other is not.

The district maps being challenged were drawn in the fall of 2023 and approved by a Republican legislative majority in six days, an unusually compact timeline that allowed for little public input.

The maps were used in the 2024 elections, after which the GOP retained an overwhelming majority in the General Assembly and flipped three U.S. House seats held by Democratic incumbents whod been placed in new districts where they stood no chance.

Those three reversals turned what had been a 7-7 split between Democrats and Republicans  about right in a very evenly divided state  into a 10-4 edge for Republicans.

Following so far?

Naturally, because so much power and ultimately money was at stake, legal action followed.

Its regrettable that were here, that this had to come to court, said Lali Madduri, one of the attorneys representing plaintiffs who filed the suit. But unfortunately, its necessary.

The scene of the crime

The trial, heard before a three-judge panel in the Middle District of North Carolina, opened last month in Winston-Salem.

As usual, the judges heard first from the people who maintain that their rights have been harmed and lawmakers who swore that other than a general knowledge of an often contentious divide between Black and white North Carolinians, race was the last thing on their minds.

Cross their heart and hope to die.

Then the show was turned over to experts  political and social scientists, statisticians and the like  hired by legal teams to present the findings of exhaustive, and frankly exhausting, studies that either showed that race had to play a role or it didnt.

All of us are like forensic investigators called in to look at the crime scene, said Sean Trende, a Ph.D. called by the defense.

Funny thing, at least Tuesday and Wednesday, the audience in the courtroom was curiously divided between lawyers fiddling with phones and a small but noticeable contingent of average Joes and Josephines who know whats at stake.

Its about fairness, said Theresa Varner, a retired teacher. I want to make sure that when people vote that it really matters. And that (those) votes represent everyone regardless of their race, religion or political affiliation whether thats in local schools, the legislature or Congress.

Interesting concept. Too bad its being trampled by greed and a lust for power.

Heres the thing. After nearly being lulled to sleep by lawyers and experts who might as well have been arguing over how many angels can fit on the head of a pin, one simple observation became evident.

Fairness in drawing maps in a representative democracy is like pornography: you know it when you see it.

And it shouldnt require an army of lawyers, academics and judges to sort that out.
Mass. Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh stepping down

After a more than two-year tenure in which she charted the states path through the tumultuous Steward Health Care collapse, Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh will step down, the Healey administration announced Friday.

Gov. Maura Healey immediately appointed Dr. Kiame Mahaniah, who for nearly Walshs entire time in office has served as undersecretary of health, to take over the Executive Office of Health and Human Servicess top job starting Monday.

Mahaniah steps into the role on a permanent -- not interim -- basis at a critical point as Massachusetts braces for significant funding cuts and enrollment changes at MassHealth stemming from a new federal law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dr. Mahaniah has an outstanding record as a physician, a community leader, and a valued member of the EOHHS leadership team, Healey said in a statement. As the Trump Administration undermines health care and food access for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents, Dr. Mahaniah will be committed to making high-quality health care more affordable and accessible for all of our residents, bringing an urgently needed focus on primary care and behavioral health care, and maintaining our nation-leading health and human services system in Massachusetts.

Walsh decided to step down for personal reasons after more than four decades of leadership in the health care sector, according to an official, and she will remain involved as an advisor to the Healey administration.

She oversaw the largest department in state government, whose work reaches across MassHealth, the opioid epidemic, child welfare, and more. Its also the single largest area of state spending, and arguably serves the most constituents of any executive office.

Mahaniah is a clinical assistant professor of family medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement, a Tufts spokesperson told Boston 25 News, Dr. Kiame Mahaniahs appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services is a moment of immense pride for Tufts University School of Medicine. For nearly two decades, he has been a dedicated educator, mentor, and physician within our community. His unwavering commitment to health equity, compassionate care, and public service exemplifies the School of Medicines values of professionalism, humanism, and social responsibility we strive to instill in all our students.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
SPRINGFIELD  While the state plans to spend $5 million to provide legal aid for immigrants facing deportation, it continues to develop details on how that money will be distributed and who will be eligible to receive help.

The state set aside the money as part of its 2026 fiscal year budget, a move praised by immigrant rights groups in a statement last week.

The immigrant groups  which included the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts  said the state would prioritize getting legal assistance to immigrants already in federal custody.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants, the statement said, would distribute the money as grants to groups that provide immigration legal services.

This week, a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services said that while the funds have been appropriated, the Office for Refugees and Immigrants still needs to pinpoint its goals and say how it will select award recipients.

The spokesperson was responding to a question from The Republican about whether the legal assistance would be available to Western Massachusetts residents whose immigration cases are being heard across the state line in Hartford, Connecticut.

The immigrant rights groups said last week that people in immigration court have much better outcomes if they have an attorney by their side. But there is no right to a lawyer in the immigration court system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Immigrants who are detained are 10 times more likely to have an outcome in their favor if they have an attorney than if they hazard the system alone, the groups said in their statement.

The immigrant rights groups said the funding in the budget was inspired by proposed legislation that would make permanent a system to provide legal aid for immigrants facing deportation.

State Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, who is sponsoring legislation called the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, praised the inclusion of the language in the states budget.

But he said more work lies ahead.

As federal mass deportation efforts escalate, its critical that legal representation can follow clients across state lines, Gomez said in a statement to The Republican. I remain committed to working with the Legislature and the Office of Refugees and Immigrants to ensure that non-violent immigrant offenders navigating complex immigration proceedings are afforded due process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gomezs office said the language of the budget bill and the proposed Immigrant Legal Defense Act differ. The states new budget sets aside $5 million for immigration legal aid. The proposed legislation to make the funding permanent would peg the amount at $10 million.

The language in the proposed legislation says immigration law firms would be eligible for the funds, while the language about the $5 million in the states budget says it can only go to nonprofit groups.

The proposed Immigrant Legal Defense Act specifies that the money can follow Massachusetts residents facing deportation who are detained out of state.

Now, legal aid for people in immigration court is provided by mutual aid and private groups. Its done by volunteers, said Laurie Millman, executive director for the Center for New Americans in Northampton.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Western Massachusetts residents with cases in immigration court are sometimes sent to Boston. Others take the trip down to Hartford. Some have proceedings online, Millman said.

During President Donald Trumps first term, people in Western Massachusetts organized a bond fund and ran a hotline as part of a project to protect immigrants here, Millman said. The fund, privately run, was available to Massachusetts residents no matter where they were.

While the Center for New Americans offers English classes and helps immigrants apply for citizenship, it does not offer help for people in deportation proceedings.

Millman said she is grateful the state is setting aside money for immigrant legal aid. The money will help immigrants post bond and ensure their cases have due process, with access to a legal right that is written in the Constitution, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The result? More families will remain intact because people will be less likely to be deported and their breadwinners will keep working, Millman said.

Claudia Quintero, director of the Central West Justice Center, an affiliate of Community Legal Aid, said in a statement that the $5 million comes at a time when affordable legal aid for immigrants is critically needed. She said she looks forward to learning how the state will handle the funds.

This money is an investment in protecting due process for immigrants, and for anyone else who interacts with our legal system, Quintero said in the statement.

more news from Western Massachusetts

Read the original article on MassLive.
A Revere woman is facing charges in connection with shooting a man, pistol-whipping two other adults and punching a 15-year-old  all of which she had no prior relationship with  during a May attack in East Boston, the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office announced Thursday.

Amaya Yarde Lydon, 21, pleaded not guilty to charges including armed assault with intent to murder, four assault and battery charges and four firearms charges in connection with the attack during her arraignment in Suffolk County Superior Court on Thursday, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Her lawyer could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.

In the span of a few minutes on the night of May 10, Yarde Lydon attacked four different victims who were previously unknown to her near Maverick Square, according to prosecutors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The attacks began with a confrontation and altercation with a 15-year-old on the inbound platform of the Maverick subway station around 10:40 p.m., the district attorneys office said. During the attack, she punched and pushed the teen.

Yarde Lydon then left the station, and within minutes, she pistol-whipped two other victims with a 9mm, semiautomatic handgun multiple times, the district attorneys office said. The two victims were eating dinner from a food truck near Lewis Mall when she attacked them.

Yarde Lydon then noticed a bystander who was recording the attack on a cell phone and fired five shots at him, hitting him in the left arm, hip, abdomen and right buttocks, the district attorneys office said. At 10:44 p.m., she tried to flee the scene via Maverick station, but was stopped by Boston police.

This chaotic spasm of violence left four people injured and probably many others traumatized by witnessing such terrible scenes, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in the release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A grand jury indicted Yarde Lydon on the charges on June 26, according to court records. A judge found her dangerous during her arraignment and ordered her held on $5,000 bail with release conditions including that she wear a GPS location-monitoring bracelet, be confined to her home, not possess any firearms, have no contact with any witnesses in the case or their families, remain alcohol and drug free, abide by her health care providers treatment plan and continue going to therapy.

Yarde Lydon is due back in court for a pretrial conference on Aug. 26.

More local crime stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
(FOX40.COM)  A man already serving life in prison was given another life sentence Thursday in connection with a 2015 home invasion, the El Dorado County District Attorneys Office said.

Matthew Muller pleaded no contest to an aggravated kidnapping, which occurred weeks after another kidnapping that was the subject of a popular Netflix true crime documentary.

American Nightmare details Mullers rape and kidnapping of a woman from her boyfriends home in Vallejo. Muller initially asked for a ransom for the womans return but released her days later. However, police accused the woman and her boyfriend of making up the kidnapping.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its a shame it has taken 10 years to correct the mistakes made in the original investigation that permitted Muller to terrorize two additional families, said El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson. Poor interview and investigation practices permitted these additional families to be victimized. Modern science-based interviewing and the diligence of the Quinns and multiple law enforcement agencies are now working to correct that wrong.

The DAs office said the invasion occurred in Contra Costa County but was not reported to law enforcement at the time.

According to the DAs office, during an interview, Muller drew a rough diagram of the crime scene location, which investigators used to identify the location. Detectives investigating the case also found a ladder, Muller said he used to access the second story of the residence in a ravine where he said he disposed of it.

Last month, Muller also pleaded no contest to his earliest known crime, a 1993 case in which he kidnapped a girl from a tent at Folsom Lake and sexually assaulted her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA)  Just days after finishing an impaired driving enforcement campaign, the Mattoon Police Department is starting another enforcement campaign to combat speeding.

The department arrested 11 people, among other accomplishments, over the last two weeks to ensure safety before, during and after the Fourth of July. But they and 200 other law enforcement agencies are not stopping just because the holiday is over.

Drivers can expect to continue to see increased patrols looking for speeding and other traffic violations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in careless and risky driving, Captain Brandon Saunders said in a news release on Facebook. No matter how safe of a driver you think you may be, speeding is dangerous. Speed limits arent a suggestion. They are the law.

Champaign Co. Sheriff increasing patrols to reduce speeding, improve road safety

Saunders said speeding creates unnecessary risk for all motorists, reducing drivers ability to steer safely around other vehicles, hazardous objects and unexpected curves.

Officers will intensify enforcement of posted speed limits during this campaign, Saunders said. In particular, Mattoon Police will be focusing on Illinois Route 16 and U.S. Route 45, where many speed-related crashes happen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The stepped-up patrols will last through the end of the month, Saunders said.

The enforcement effort is a part of the Speeding Catches Up with You campaign and supports IDOTs Its Not a Game media campaign.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Update at 7:30 p.m.

MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA)  An unsafe water alert is being issued for the entire City of Mattoon due to a harmful algal bloom neurological toxin that could result in illness if consumed.

The Coles County Health Department said in their alert that the City of Matoon water is possibly contaminated with Microcystin, a harmful algal bloom. They are urging people to not drink their water, and failure to follow this advisory could result in illness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Juvenile hurt in Springfield shooting, Police say

The do not drink order is being issued due to the harmful algal bloom neurological toxins that were found at 0.35 parts per billion level. Additionally, the advisory level for a do not drink order is 0.3 parts per billion.

The Coles County Health Department and the City of Mattoon Water Treatment Plant are advising residents of Mattoon to not use their tap water for drinking, cooking or any other use until further notice. They are urging people to only use bottled water at this time.

Bottled water should be used for all drinking, including for baby formula, juice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and food preparation until further notice. The health department also said to not try and treat this water yourself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State Police on scene of 3-vehicle crash, traffic being detoured on I-74 in DeWitt Co.

This means that boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe. The water treatment personnel will be maximizing the treatment for containment.

The health department said they will inform the public when the tests show that the water is safe again.

Jim Hilgenberg with the Coles County EMA also confirmed that residents cannot use Mattoon City water at this time. The Area Family YMCA in Mattoon has shut down its showers at this time, and the Stadium Grill restaurant confirmed with WCIA that they would be closing early at 8 p.m. due to the unsafe water alert.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For more information on this situation, Mattoon residents can call the Water Utility  Water Plant contact at 217-234-2454 or the Local County Health Department at 217-348-0530.

MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA)  Due to a high algae bloom, the water in Mattoon is currently not safe to drink, according to the Coles County Health Department.

Juvenile driver dies following rollover UTV accident in Coles Co.

In a Facebook post, the health department also said people should not boil, filter, drink or even use the water in Mattoon at this time. The Mattoon Police Department shared the post and urged city residents to share the information with their family and friends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We will keep you updated with any further information, Mattoon Police said on Facebook.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
More than half a century ago, the Catholic diocese dispatched four nuns to fast-growing Central Florida with a simple charge: Find those in need, those who dont have many other allies, and help them.

The nuns arrived in Winter Park in 1971 and quickly realized the people who could most use their assistance werent in that tony town, but toiling in the farm fields of western Orange County where they harvested food for low wages in tough conditions. So the young nuns moved themselves and their mission, hoping to make a difference.

Boy, did they. The four women would go on to become recognized throughout the region as simply The Apopka Nuns, a quick-witted quartet known for their compassion, indefatigable spirit, sense of humor and special blend of humility mixed with the courage to speak truth to power.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They have taught children to read, helped migrant workers whove been exploited and provided food to the hungry and doctors for the sick.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski once described them as the conscience of the community, saying: Theyve inspired us to look at poor people in a new light and respond with generosity. Not paternalistically, but in a way that empowers them and allows them to find their own dignity.

But time marches on. Two of the nuns, Sisters Cathy Gorman and Teresa McElwee, have passed away. The other two are in their 80s  yet still in the trenches.

At ages 80 and 87 respectively, Sisters Ann Kendrick and Gail Grimes are still taking to the streets to protest injustice and rolling up their sleeves to minister to the downtrodden.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are retirement homes for old nuns, and they are great. But thats not for us, said Sister Ann. Were a little rogue.

Stil, the nuns are as pragmatic as they are compassionate. And they know that the legacy organization they created, Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, wont continue with them forever at the helm.

So in recent years, the Hope center has been in transition.

In some ways, the new CEO, Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, couldnt be more different from the nuns. They are White, American-born and in their 80s. He is Brazilian-born, gay and in his late 30s.

The nuns often operated behind the scenes. Sousa-Lazaballet has already announced a campaign for public office  after State Rep. Anna Eskamani recruited him to fill her termed-out seat in the Legislature.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In other ways, though, they are very alike, motivated by the same faith that they say commands them to act. Sousa-Lazaballet cites James 2:17: Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

And he doesnt take for granted the path the nuns tread before him, knowing they ventured into dangerous neighborhoods and spoke out against segregation when it was treacherous to do so.

They had burning crosses outside their homes, he said. All because they had the radical belief that God made you perfect the way you are.

If you need proof that the nuns arent capable of slowing down, consider this: I hosted a retirement party for Sister Gail  more than a decade ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We danced and sang and thanked her for a lifetime of work. She graciously accepted the thanks back in 2014  and then kept on trucking.

Over a snack spread last week that included fresh strawberries and watermelon slices that were almost certainly harvested by the very migrant population the nuns have spent decades helping, Sister Gail said she couldnt possibly abandon them now. There are just laws and unjust laws, she said. And treating immigrants like they are dirt, those laws are unjust. And not moral.

The sisters say many people dont appreciate the exploitation that has transpired in the farm fields around this state  whether its sugar cane cutters who have lost arms and fingers or women who have been sexually assaulted in citrus groves.

There is a human price to providing you with cheap produce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just last year, eight Mexican migrant workers were killed when a drunk driver side-swiped their bus, which lacked seat belts. Sister Gail argues that working conditions like that wouldnt be tolerated by anyone else. So she still feels compelled to speak up for these fellow children of God.

Sister Gails inspirational passage is Luke 4: 18-20: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lords favor.

When Sousa-Lazaballet decided to run for public office, as a Democrat, it marked a new chapter for the center  one that will raise the organizations profile but also likely make it a target for some.

All three of the organizations leaders know that. He didnt ask us for permission, nor did he need to, Sister Ann said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sousa-Lazaballet said he realized that pleading from the sidelines about immigration issues wouldnt accomplish much in a state where lawmakers sometimes reduce citizens speaking time to as little as 30 seconds.

When youre not at the table, youre always on the menu, he said.

He also realized that this nations immigrant story was his story.

He came to South Florida as a 14-year old to live with his sister and escape a life of poverty and violence in his homeland. After his tourist visa expired, he remained here. I asked him if he understood as a youth that he was doing so in violation of the law. What I understood, he said, is that here, I was not hungry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His sister worked 12 hours a day and established a business. Sousa-Lazaballet said he worked just as hard, was granted protection under the Dream Act and ultimately got U.S. citizenship himself. My story is the most American of stories, he said. I went through so much but now contribute so much. I pay income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes. It shows that when you invest in me, there are dividends.

To share their story, he and fellow Dreamers once walked from Miami to Washington D.C., spending the night at any place that would give them shelter. One of those places was Hope CommUnity Center  the $4 million-a-year organization Sousa-Lazaballet now runs 15 years later. A paper sign taped to a corner wall commemorates that moment with the words: Felipe slept here.

Now he is sharing his life story on the campaign trail while ensuring the Hope center continues to offer citizenship classes, food assistance, educational opportunities in five different languages and supporting the health clinic and food banks the nuns helped launch years ago. Basically, Sousa-Lazaballet is continuing the mission four nuns embarked upon back in the 1970s when they couldnt have possibly envisioned the legacy theyd leave.

And he does so with the two surviving nuns cheering him on; Sister Ann citing her own inspirational verse from Leviticus 19:33: When a foreigner lives with you in your land, dont take advantage of him. Treat the foreigner the same as a native. Love him like one of your own.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The octogenarian nun says shell keep doing so as long as she has breath in her body, saying: If we croak tomorrow, we have no regrets.

Sister Gail nodded in agreement, saying: Weve had an unbelievable life.

smaxwell@orlandosentinel.com
The mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has pledged his support for a proposed new law to ensure greater transparency over contaminated land.

Zane's Law is named after seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola, whose parents say was killed by gas from landfill when the River Thames flooded their home in Chertsey, Surrey, in 2014.

Proposed measures include requiring councils to keep public registers of contaminated sites.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesperson for the Truth About Zane campaign said: "The mayor's support signals growing momentum for legislative change, and increasing recognition of Zane's family's decade-long campaign."

A statement from the Mayor of London's office said: "The Mayor supports the London Assembly's motion in favour of Zane's Law.

"He shares the Assembly's concerns over impacts on Londoners, and the potential for land which may be contaminated not to be identified as such, particularly given the responsibility sits between the local authorities and the Environment Agency.

"He is also concerned that there are inadequate resources available for regulatory authorities to properly address the issue."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zane's Law would ensure that all potentially contaminated land is identified, made public, regularly inspected and properly cleaned up.

It would mean local authorities would be given the funding, resources and powers to act.

Kye Gbangbola, Zane's father, was paralysed in the same incident that killed his son.

He met the mayor at the London Assembly on Friday to discuss the proposed new Law.

Sir Sadiq told Mr Gbangbola how "sorry" he was for the "tragic loss" of his son's life.

Kye Gbangbola met Sir Sadiq Khan on Friday to discuss Zane's Law [Truth About Zane]

Implementing Zane's Law was adopted as Green Party policy in September.

A motion supporting the proposed law was unanimously accepted by the London Assembly in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zack Polanski, Green London Assembly member, who has championed the cause within City Hall, said: "The mayor has made an important step in backing Zane's Law, but there's still so much more that can be done.

"He should use his influence to urge the government to bring in this law and ensure its full support and implementation."

An inquest into Zane's death concluded he was killed by carbon monoxide from a petrol pump used to clear floodwater from his home in Thameside, but Mr Gbangbola and Ms Lawler say the pump was not used.

They have accessed public health documents that stated firefighters found hydrogen cyanide in their home, but no carbon monoxide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lewes District Council was the first to support the law in February 2024, followed by several others including Brighton & Hove City Council and Adur District Council.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

More on this story

Related internet links
The United States has recorded its highest number of cases of measles since the highly contagious disease was declared to be eliminated in the country 25 years ago, raising concerns among local doctors about whether South Florida could soon see a rise in cases.

To date, health officials have not confirmed any cases in Palm Beach County, but they have confirmed four across Florida this year, two of them in South Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health. Broward and Miami-Dade counties each have one confirmed case in 2025. The other two have been in Leon County, home to Tallahassee.

Cases within Palm Beach County have been extremely rare, with the Florida Department of Health reporting that the last known case locally was in June 2000. It was the only case reported that year, the health department said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, local doctors said measles outbreaks in other states this year could increase the chances for exposure in less-affected areas as more people begin to travel for the summer. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there had been 1,288 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. as of July 8, marking the nation's largest outbreak in more than 30 years.

 Access The Palm Beach Post on the go with the app: Our app offers a personalized experience to your liking. Download our app to personalize your news alerts, swipe and scroll through stories faster, and bookmark them to save and read later.

The majority of cases are linked to a large outbreak that originated in west Texas. The CDC said other cases arose from community transmission or during travel. Some of the spread may be tied to a movement within the U.S. that has questioned the safety of vaccines and whether those vaccines are even necessary.

"I am unaware of any cases in Palm Beach County up until now, which is good," said Dr. Chad Sanborn, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at West Boca Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children's Hospital at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Hopefully, it stays that way, but I think there's a fair to good chance that that won't stay that way," he said. "We're seeing outbreaks (in other states) ... It's summertime, so people are traveling all about the United States and internationally, and we know that the immunization rates in Palm Beach County aren't as high as they used to be.

"So I do have a concern that we can and will see some cases here in Palm Beach."

Vaccination is best way to protect self against measles, doctors say

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is ready to be given to a 1-year-old at the Shots for Tots vaccination clinic at St. John's Community Center on Thursday February 5, 2015.

Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious and potentially severe respiratory illness that is caused by a virus. The disease can remain airborne for up to two hours, meaning that someone could contract it without coming into direct contact with a carrier.

It is so contagious that 92% of unvaccinated people who are exposed end up contracting the disease. And one in five of those people end up in the hospital, according to the CDC.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Common symptoms include a high fever that may reach more than 104 degrees, a cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash generally appears three to five days after symptoms begin.

This year's outbreak has resulted in 162 hospitalizations and three confirmed deaths across the nation. Children account for two of the deaths.

Health officials declared measles eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning there were no measles cases spreading within the country and new cases were only found when someone contracted measles abroad and returned to the U.S.

Dr. Minu Mathew, an infectious diseases specialist at HCA Florida Palms West Medical Center, said vaccine hesitancy has become a growing concern in the medical community, particularly since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and may likely have contributed to the current outbreak.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I think the main point is this is a vaccine-preventable disease," she said. "If you get the two doses, the first one is at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second one at 4 to 6 years, you have a 97 percent protection. So it's mostly about weighing the risk versus the benefit because you could be seriously ill if you get it."

This year's outbreak marks the highest total nationally since 1992, when more than 2,000 cases were reported, and surpasses a similar outbreak in 2019, when 1,274 cases were recorded, according to CDC statistics.

Its concerning for us in the infectious disease world, and the pediatrics world and the medical world in general," Sanborn said.

He stressed the importance of vaccinations for children, noting that about a third of children under the age of 5 who contract the measles are likely to end up in the hospital. Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications, according to CDC statistics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"My big message to families would be is that I am a strong proponent of all childhood vaccinations," Sanborn said. "I encourage families that have concerns about getting the MMR vaccine to speak to their pediatrician. To speak to the people that they trust to get good information, because it is a safe vaccine."

Those with questions about measles vaccine should contact their doctor

The CDC considers people who have received two doses of the vaccine as children to be protected for life. It advises those unsure about their immunity status to first try to find their vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity, the agency said.

It recommends that those without written documentation of immunity get vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, or MMR, saying there is no harm in receiving another dose, even if a person may be immune.

Sanborn said that those with questions regarding their vaccination status should discuss the matter with their doctor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Material from USA TODAY contributed to this story.

Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Doctors urge measles vaccinations as South Florida reports two cases
Raynard Covarrubio fills a syringe with the MMR vaccine at a clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department on March 1, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)

Measles cases have surpassed a recent 2019 record to reach the highest level since 1992, with at least 1,289 cases reported in 39 states.

South Dakota has reported 12 cases since May  eight in Lincoln County, and two apiece in Meade and Pennington counties. The state has also reported one hospitalization and zero deaths. Ten of the cases are in unvaccinated people, and the vaccination status is unknown in the other two cases. Seven of the cases are children and five are adults.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The milestone comes as health officials are increasingly alarmed by vaccine skepticism gaining a voice in the Trump Administrations Health and Human Services Administration under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Pediatricians and public health associations filed a federal lawsuit this week challenging a May directive by Kennedy, claiming it creates barriers to vaccination for pregnant women and young children.

Because of his name and profile, Mr. Kennedy has been instrumental in increasing the levels of vaccine hesitancy and skepticism in this country, the lawsuit states. The Secretarys dismantling of the vaccine infrastructure must end.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday that there were 1,288 cases in 38 states, surpassing the 2019 level of 1,274. South Carolina later reported its own first case of the year, an unvaccinated international traveler in the northwestern Upstate area of the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wyoming reported its first measles case since 2010 on July 1, an unvaccinated child in Natrona County.

Other states recently joining the list: North Carolina reported its first case of the year June 24, in a child visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties from another country. And Oregon reported a case the same day for a person identified only as an unvaccinated international traveler sickened in June after returning to the Portland area.

Were here to tell you that measles is now in Oregon, and if youre not vaccinated, you are susceptible, said Dr. Paul R. Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the Oregon Health Authoritys Public Health Division, in in a statement.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can spread rapidly among unvaccinated people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Utah reported its first case June 20, an unvaccinated person with no recent travel out of state. The state now has nine cases, mostly in Utah County, where Provo is located.

Confirmed cases this year were also reported in these other states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated since its original publication with the latest measles count for South Dakota.

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
A worker fills a syringe with measles vaccine in Lubbock, Texas, in March. Measles cases have reached a 33-year high, affecting 39 states, as vaccine skepticism gains a foothold in the Trump administration. (Photo by Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)

Record outbreak comes as vaccine skepticism increasingly gains a federal foothold.

Measles cases have surpassed a recent 2019 record to reach the highest level since 1992, with at least 1,289 cases reported in 39 states.

The milestone comes as health officials are increasingly alarmed by vaccine skepticism gaining a voice in the Trump administration under U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Pediatricians and public health associations filed a federal lawsuit this week challenging a May directive by Kennedy, claiming it creates barriers to vaccination for pregnant women and young children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Because of his name and profile, Mr. Kennedy has been instrumental in increasing the levels of vaccine hesitancy and skepticism in this country, the lawsuit states. The Secretarys dismantling of the vaccine infrastructure must end.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday that there were 1,288 cases in 38 states, surpassing the 2019 level of 1,274. South Carolina later reported its own first case of the year, an unvaccinated international traveler in the northwestern Upstate area of the state.

Wyoming reported its first measles case since 2010 on July 1, an unvaccinated child in Natrona County.

Other states recently joining the list: North Carolina reported its first case of the year June 24, in a child visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties from another country. And Oregon reported a case the same day for a person identified only as an unvaccinated international traveler sickened in June after returning to the Portland area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were here to tell you that measles is now in Oregon, and if youre not vaccinated, you are susceptible, said Dr. Paul R. Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the Oregon Health Authoritys Public Health Division, in in a statement.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can spread rapidly among unvaccinated people.

Utah reported its first case June 20, an unvaccinated person with no recent travel out of state. The state now has nine cases, mostly in Utah County, where Provo is located.

Confirmed cases this year were also reported in these other states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
'Melissas Seat': Special election set to fill Minnesota House seat after assassination originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

The vacant seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives following the assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman will be filled via a special election in September.

Gov. Tim Walz announced Friday that a special election in District 34B will be held on Sept. 16. If needed, a special primary vote will take place on Aug. 12.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Interested candidates must file paperwork with the Secretary of State or county auditors of Anoka and Hennepin counties between July 15 and July 22.

Christian Eriksen, a Brooklyn Park city councilor, announced his candidacy July 7.

"With many emotions, I am announcing my candidacy for MN House District 34B. I know in our communities, this seat will endure as 'Melissa's Seat.' It is with great respect to her legacy, as well as the legacy of all those whom have served before us, that I run for this office. I look forward to meeting with you in the coming weeks and learning what is important to you," Eriksen announced on social media.

Rep. Melissa HortmanMinnesota DFL

Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were assassinated inside their Brooklyn Park home during the early morning hours of June 14.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities believe the politically motivated violence was carried out out by 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who has been federally charged with murder and attempted murder in the attacks at the private homes of the Hortmans and Sen. John Hoffman.

Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, survived despite both being shot numerous times.

Related: Sen. John Hoffman out of intensive care weeks after assassination attempt

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
PORTLAND, Tenn. (WKRN)  A tip about alleged prostitution and drug dealing led to three arrests in Portland Wednesday.

The tip was submitted to the 18th Judicial District Drug Task Force on Monday, July 7. Two days later, task force agents  assisted by members of the Portland Police Department  were taking felons into custody.

It started with a traffic stop on Wednesday, July 9 involving a pickup truck driven by 37-year-old Kenneth Ray Reese. Body camera footage shows the interaction between law enforcement and the longtime offender.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You dont have any weapons or anything on you? You mind if I check? an agent asked in the video.

A member of the task force told News 2 that Reese also had five outstanding warrants.

Authorities seize $100K+ worth of drugs from Maury County home

News 2 looked at his lengthy criminal history, which includes four DUIs, many driving infractions, assault on emergency personnel, drug charges, thefts, and numerous failures to appear and other court violations.

Agent: Whats wrong with your drivers license? Reese: Been suspended. Agent: Whatd they suspend it for? Reese: DUI.

Authorities said they found fentanyl when they searched Reese. Before the agent even pulled the packet out of his shorts, Reese can be heard saying he didnt know it was there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

There was a 25-year-old woman with Reese. Officials said she was a passenger in the truck. She was cited for making false statements and simple possession of drugs, but her story was much more sobering.

Shes being sold as a prostitute and traded for dope and money, a task force member told News 2.

According to law enforcement, the woman later admitted that Reese was trafficking her as a prostitute.

She even admitted to it. She said that Reese and his friends had been selling her for different drugs and keeping her strung out along the way, the agent added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MNPD: Man found with drugs, stolen guns during search warrant

Information developed in this traffic stop led agents to 35-year-old Brett Mitchell McDorman. When authorities found him, he was pulling a trailer loaded with junk along a country road, claiming he was going to the dump.

You dont have anything illegal on you, do you? Youre shaking like a leaf on a tree, man, a member of law enforcement said in the bodycam footage.

McDorman also has an extensive criminal history that includes fugitive from justice, violations of probation, drug charges, aggravated burglary, and property theft.

When agents searched the Portland man, McDorman began to cry they discovered meth and fentanyl on his person.

Agent: Brett, look at me, man. Did I say youre going to jail? McDorman: I know I am. Agent: What do you got in your vape? McDorman: A little bit of ice and a little bit of fentanyl.

(Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN)

A search of McDormans home turned up plenty of contraband, including 205 grams of marijuana, 5 grams of meth, 1.37 grams of suboxone, and 1.5 grams of fentanyl. Agents also seized digital scales; two rifles, including an AR-15 with a drum magazine that was left in the backseat of McDormans pickup truck; and an electric shock device.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to one of the agents, the AR-15 in and of itself isnt illegal, but when you combine this with a felony amount of narcotics, thats when it becomes a problem.

Officials said they also recovered a stolen skid steer at McDormans home.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

McDorman is being held in the Sumner County Jail under a $1.5 million bond. He is charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver meth, fentanyl, and marijuana; possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony; and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Meanwhile, Reese is charged with promoting prostitution, resisting arrest, simple possession of fentanyl and suboxone, driving on a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, speaks during a floor session of the House on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Keila Szpaller/Daily Montanan)

Former U.S. attorney and legislator Bill Mercer has been nominated to serve as U.S. District Court judge in Montana.

President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, Thursday evening that he had selected Mercer, a Republican in the state House of Representatives, to fill the open spot on the federal district court bench.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bill has TREMENDOUS experience, previously serving at the Department of Justice and, as United States Attorney for the District of Montana, Trump wrote in a post. He is STRONG and SMART, will fearlessly uphold the Rule of Law, and defend our Constitution on the Federal Bench.

Mercer, 61, was born in Billings. He holds a bachelors degree from the University of Montana, a masters in public administration from Harvard University, and earned his law degree from George Mason University. Mercer has worked at Holland & Hart law firm since 2010.

Mercer was the Montana U.S. Attorney from 2001-09, during the President George W. Bush administration.

Mercer was elected to the Montana House in 2019, where he has served four terms. This session, Mercer carried 25 bills the governor signed into law. Much of his legislation the past session was focused on medical issues, as well as protections for children and elderly adults.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bill is a man of integrity, principle and deep legal expertise, House Speak Brandon Ler, R-Savage, said in a press release. His decades of experience  as U.S. Attorney, federal prosecutor, and state legislator  have uniquely prepared him for this important role.

Mercers appointment has to be approved by the U.S. Senate. Montana Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy congratulated Mercer in a joint statement.

Bills experience at the Department of Justice as U.S. Attorney for Montana and his fierce advocacy for the rule of law and original interpretation of the Constitution will be tremendous assets as he serves the country and the people of Montana on the federal bench, the joint statement read. We will work diligently with Senate leadership and our colleagues to confirm Bills nomination.

Its unclear who Mercer will replace, as two of the three federal judges in the state  all of whom are Obama appointees  have requested whats called senior status, meaning theyre still eligible to hear federal cases, but at a reduced workload. To qualify, judges must be at least 65 years old and have served at least 10 years as a federal judge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The judges age and service years as a federal judge must add up to 80. As long as certain stipulations are met, judges keep their chambers and law clerks, as well as a salary.

Montana U.S. District Judge Susan Watters  the first woman to be presidentially appointed as a federal judge in Montana  announced her retirement to senior status last month. Watters, who will retire in June of next year, was appointed to the position in 2013.

Watters graduated from Eastern Montana College (Now Montana State University Billings) in 1980 before a masters degree and then graduating from law school at the University of Montana. Watters was also a district court judge for 15 years and worked in the Yellowstone County Attorneys office.

All three presidentially appointed Montana federal judges joined the bench during the Obama administration. Judge Dana L. Christensen announced plans in 2022 to move to senior status and will move there once his successor is appointed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Biden administration moved to nominate Danna Jackson, an attorney for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, who would have been the first Native American federal judge in the state had she been confirmed. She was not, and it is unclear what the status of that seat is, or how quickly President Trump will move to fill it.

Mercer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the federal judge nomination.
Mercy Medical Center in Aurora has received high grades from yet another national group after big changes and challenges at the hospital.

The Lown Institute, an independent health care think tank, gave Mercy Medical an overall A on its 202526 Hospitals Index. The grade measures the hospitals social responsibility through metrics about equity, value and patient outcomes.

Were honored to be recognized by the Lown Institute, Fernando Gruta, CEO at Mercy Medical Center, said in a news release. Our team remains committed to continuously focusing on delivering safe, equitable care to all we serve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mercy Medical also recently received top marks for the spring 2025 period from hospital watchdog The Leapfrog Group. Detailed breakdowns of the scoring showed that the hospital performed at or above the national average in most areas.

However, like those given by Leapfrog, the Lown Institutes grade of the hospital may not necessarily capture what is currently going on at Mercy Medical Center. Both organizations based their grading on data collected in 2024 or earlier, but the hospital has recently gone through some big changes.

Perhaps the largest of the changes at Mercy Medical was Prime Healthcares purchase of it and several other hospitals from Ascension in March.

In addition to the change in leadership, Mercy has also been dealing with the loss of a significant number of doctors after Advocate Healthcare slowly pulled out of the hospital over the past year or more. Then, in April, the hospital lost its Level II Trauma Center designation over allegations of understaffing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hospital officials have said that, despite the changes, Mercy Medical Center continues to provide health care services including emergency and critical care without any gaps in coverage.

A news release from Prime Healthcare recently said Mercys top grades from both The Leapfrog Group and the Lown Institute highlight a strong, sustained commitment to patient-centered, high-quality care.

Up to 54 metrics were compiled to create the Lown Institutes scoring of a hospital, according to the organizations website. From those metrics, scores were given to specific categories like pay equity or avoiding overuse which then contributed to broader grades of a hospitals equity, value and outcomes, plus combined into an overall social responsibility score.

For its broader grades, Mercy Medical Center received an A in equity, a B in value and a B in patient outcomes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Within the equity category, Mercy saw an A in each category: Pay equity, which measured the difference between executive and low-level worker compensation; community benefit, which measured the hospitals investment in free care and community health; and inclusivity, which measured how demographically similar patients were to those who live in the surrounding community.

In the value category, the hospital received a D in avoiding overuse, which measured how often the hospital did inappropriate tests or procedures with little benefit, but an A in cost efficiency, which measured outcomes as compared to cost.

For the outcomes category, Mercy Medical got an A in clinical outcomes, which measured how well the hospital kept patients alive and prevented return trips, and a B in patient satisfaction, which measured patients self-reported experience with the hospital, but received a D in patient safety, which measured preventable safety errors.

Overall, Mercy Medical Center ranked in the top quarter of acute care hospitals nationwide and as the 15th best acute care hospital in the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Prime Healthcares news release about the results said Mercy stands out among the other hospitals in the Lown Institutes Hospitals Index for its commitment to delivering high-quality, equitable care.

Rush Copley Medical Center, the other hospital in Aurora, received an overall B ranking for its social responsibility. It received a B in equity, a C in value and an A in outcomes.

rsmith@chicagotribune.com
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Patricia Campos stood before a memorial displaying photos of flood victims, one of dozens of Mexican volunteer rescuers helping with recovery efforts from the July 4 flooding that killed at least 120 people across Central Texas.

Campos, from Michoacan, Mexico, traveled to Kerr County as part of Los Topos, a Mexican volunteer rescue organization formed after a 1985 earthquake, which killed an estimated 10,000 people in Mexico City.

Los Topos, which translates from Spanish as The Moles, has assisted with rescues after earthquakes in Japan, Colombia, Haiti and Nepal, as well as after a tsunami hit Indonesia in 2004.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We came to support in the disaster of the flooding that was caused by the creek, well the river, Guadalupe, Campos said. We know the need there is, to find the children.

Mexican volunteer rescuers have arrived in Kerr County to assist with recovery efforts from the devastating July 4th flooding.

The Kerr County flooding killed at least 96 people in the county, with another 161 people still missing. Among the dead were 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp along the Guadalupe River, which surged 26 feet in 45 minutes.

Campos viewed photos of some of the victims at the memorial.

It makes you want to cry, its something very sad, because their families send their children to have a good time, to learn, to know a little more about life, Campos said. The families send their babies, believing that its something beautiful, that theyre going to have a great time, maybe in the moment yes, but then this happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Campos began her rescue operations training at age 15. During a mission in Acapulco, Mexico, Campos adapted techniques learned from ranch work to help rescue a man trapped in a mud-filled house when conventional methods proved too slow.

My other companions were going shovel by shovel and I proposed something else  it was the way that I clean my animals on the ranch, she said. Thats how we expedited the work, with something that we didnt learn in courses but I learned in my daily life.

Los Topos volunteers receive training in first aid, navigating collapsed structures, climbing, managing search dogs and firefighting. They signal for silence by raising their arms with balled fists when they believe they hear signs of life beneath debris.

The organization travels with basic tools, like pickaxes and saws, and works alongside professional emergency responders in disaster zones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Campos said her motivation crosses borders.

What moved me here is wanting to support people without expecting anything in return, she said. This work is very beautiful, there are no words to explain it.

The flooding occurred when 5-11 inches of rain fell rapidly, causing the Guadalupe River to reach its second-highest level on record. President Donald Trump signed a federal disaster declaration and planned a visit to the region Friday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The Metropolitan Detention Center, New Mexico's largest jail, is shown in a screenshot of a Bernalillo County public service announcement from December 2020. (Courtesy of Bernalillo County)

Two officials representing county governments say the State of New Mexico owes local governments millions of dollars for unreimbursed jail expenses.

But while lawmakers passed legislation in 2007 requiring the state to reimburse county jails for incarcerating state prisoners, officials contend the state has not made sufficient contributions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For instance, according to a recent presentation to the interim legislative Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee by Grace Phillips, risk management director for the New Mexico County Insurance Authority, between June 2023 and July 2024, the 25 counties with jails spent $383 million on operations, but only received $4.6 million in reimbursement from the state  approximately 1.2%  of the cost.

Phillips characterized that amount as puny and said it only covers half the cost resulting from detaining people who are in the legal custody of the Corrections Department.

Over the past seven years, this state reimbursement shortfall has totaled more than $45.3 million, according to the presentation.

Phillips said the gap between what the state is legally obligated to pay and what the Legislature has set aside has really gotten out of control.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cost of detention is staggering when you think about what county budgets are like as opposed to the state, she said. Were much smaller than the state, and we spend an extraordinary proportion of that budget on detention facilities.

Katherine Carroll, a lobbyist for the nonprofit NM Counties, told the committee that over the last five years, her organization has been unable to gain any traction with lawmakers about increasing reimbursements.

Carroll said she has raised the concerns with Legislative Finance Committee staff over the last couple of years, but by the end of each legislative session, they tell her theres just not enough money there to reimburse the counties for housing state inmates.

The Legislature passed the county jail reimbursement law shortly after the New Mexico Court of Appeals sided with San Miguel County in a lawsuit against the Corrections Department. The court said the state must pay when someone in its custody is held in a local jail, even if the Legislatures appropriation to the Corrections Department provided insufficient funds for doing so.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Committee Chair Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) pushed back at Carrolls contention that staff told her the state had insufficient funds for reimbursement:

Nobody elected the staff, he said. They elected us, and they elected the governor who passed a law that says youre supposed to get reimbursed, and you dont get reimbursed. So who made the staff king? I dont understand that.

So if the state isnt going to reimburse the counties, Cervantes contended, lawmakers should change the law to reflect that, or the counties should sue to enforce the law as it stands.

I would tell you to sue  maybe thats the callous attitude of a lawyer, but we have courts and we have the law for a reason, he said. When you say owed, are you planning to do something about this? Or is it just to make us feel bad for you?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Carroll told Cervantes her organization has been discussing the possibility of litigation for the past year, but had hoped the presentation to the committee might trigger lawmakers assistance.

Other than that, I guess the counties would have to look at a second lawsuit regarding this issue, she said.



SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Jul. 10Since graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976, Nancy Nangeroni's engineering work has encompassed a variety of projects from loudspeaker designs to lines of answering machines.

Now retired, Nangeroni wondered what her next project would be.

"How can I put my skills to work in a way that somehow helps make things better rather than just consuming another part of the planet?" she questioned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When Nangeroni and her partner, Gordene MacKenzie, moved to Albuquerque in 2016, Nangeroni said their home had two swamp coolers controlled by rotary switches. Wanting to use a thermostat, she said not many were compatible with the house's technology, as it required an electrician to install a low-voltage wire.

That's when Nangeroni began designing Roadrunner Comfort, a swamp cooler controller that uses a wireless sensor to measure airflow temperature  bypassing extra costs and maintenance.

Swamp coolers, or evaporative coolers, are predominantly used in drier climates and are designed to use evaporating water to cool the air. Units include a fan, water supply and a pump that distributes water to filter pads. The water evaporates as warm, dry air is pulled into the unit and the resulting cool air is pushed into the living space.

Nangeroni said swamp coolers typically turn off once temperature readings get too low, and will turn back on once they get too high. Making real-time measurements of air blowing into a person's home, Roadrunner Comfort can hold the desired temperature more than 95% of the time by controlling how much water is pumped onto the pads, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"With my controller, you can blow air in at whatever temperature you want, 72 degrees, 75 degrees, 78 degrees  whatever you want  constantly," she said.

Nangeroni designs and assembles the controllers right from her home in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, which hit the direct market in 2024. Having sold around 120 controllers so far, Nangeroni uses eco-friendly, 3D-printed enclosures made from compostable polylactic acid plastic and makes sure to quality test each unit.

Compared to central air conditioning units, swamp coolers cost about half as much to install and use one-quarter as much energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Nangeroni said her controller further improves a swamp cooler's efficiency by reducing water usage and humidity levels.

"Being someone who's concerned about global warming and having these engineering skills, I thought, 'What can I do here to help?'" Nangeroni said. "That's why I designed the controller, and that's why I'm trying to get it out there to people."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Roadrunner Comfort is compatible with most swamp cooler models, a goal Nangeroni said she had since the product's conception. When people get rid of these coolers to install A/C units, she said they create trash, consume more energy and add to toxins produced by their manufacturing.

"If I can convince someone to keep their swamp cooler, they've saved a tremendous amount of pollution and energy," Nangeroni said. "Not only that, but they will continue to save because they're using a much more efficient system, rather than going to a more modern but much less efficient way of cooling their home."
The mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, was struck by a historic flash flood that left three dead this week.



"Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy," said Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford in a statement. "The entire Village of Ruidoso extends our deepest sympathy and compassion to these grieving families during this unimaginably difficult time. We are united in our sorrow and our commitment to supporting one another as we face this devastating loss together.



The monsoonal flood caused the Rio Ruidoso to swell to a height of 20 feet, about five feet above the previous record.



As the flood swept through town Tuesday afternoon, emergency crews conducted about 65 swift water rescues. The flooding also destroyed 30 to 50 homes.



Tuesday evening, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency declaration, requesting federal response teams and repair resources. The governor has since said that the federal administration is expected to deliver $3 million from FEMA and another $12 million through the USDA, KOAT Action News reported.

Sandbags protect a building in Ruidoso, New Mexico after floods swept through town in July of 2024. This week's floods rose significantly higher. Photo: The Washington Post / Contributor via Getty Images

On Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service announced that several popular trailheads around Ruidoso would be temporarily closed through September 30, or until conditions improve.



Located in central New Mexico, Ruidoso sits east of Ski Apache, one of several ski areas in the state. Another mountain, Ski Cloudcroft, is about an hours drive south.



The village, which also offers access to other outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, and fishing, has seen flooding in the past. The Associated Press reported last summer that in the wake of several wildfires, floodwaters hit Ruidoso.



The previous years wildfires also made Ruidoso more susceptible to flooding. When the land is stripped of natural vegetation, it doesnt absorb rainfall well.



In New Mexico, the monsoon season lasts between June and September, with a historical peak in flash flood events during July and August. The Ruidoso flash flood follows the tragic, deadly flooding that struck Central Texas earlier this month.

Related: California Alpine Lake Rescue Sparks Heated Debate

New Mexico Mountain Town Rocked by Historic Floods first appeared on Powder on Jul 10, 2025
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Following Einsteins idea that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another, some people believe that energy lingers even after you die. On this episode of New Mexico Strange, News 13 Host and Anchor Chad Brummett sat down with Paranormal Enthusiast Darla VanWinkle to discuss her thoughts on that concept and her experiences with otherworldly entities.

Latest from New Mexico Strange

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

VanWinkle reflected on how her unique birth experience has impacted the rest of her life. VanWinkles pregnant mother went to the doctor for bleeding and was told that she was carrying twins but had since miscarried. However, in a procedure for the miscarriage, doctors noticed a heartbeat. Against medical advice, her mother proceeded with the pregnancy, and, months later, VanWinkle was born a medical miracle after doctors had declared her dead.

Starting at a young age and continuing through childhood, VanWinkle repeatedly saw a girl that no one else could see; to this day, she believes that was her lost twin. To me, it wasnt paranormal; it was just normal, she said. VanWinkles theory is that some people are more tuned in than others when it comes to feeling paranormal energies. She also believes that New Mexicos rich history and Native lands lead to an increase in energy here overall.

On this episode of New Mexico Strange, VanWinkle describes her numerous experiences with entities both at work and at home.

About New Mexico Strange

New Mexico is perceived worldwide as a mecca for the extraordinary. Whether its the healing soil of Chimayo, the haunted trails of the Old West, or visitors from the final frontier, our state is home to countless myths and mysteries. New Mexico Strange is KRQE News 13s online exclusive web series, celebrating our unique history and shedding light on the shadows of the unexplained, unexplored, and unknown. Hosted by Chad Brummett, New Mexico Strange takes viewers through some of the Land of Enchantments most mysterious folklore and conspiracies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
The Archbishop of Miami denounced Floridas newest Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, which officials are calling Alligator Alcatraz, while raising concerns over recent immigration enforcement.

It is alarming to see enforcement tactics that treat all irregular immigrants as dangerous criminals, Archbishop Thomas Wenski wrote in a statement published on the Archdiocese of Miami website last week.

Wenski went on to criticize masked, heavily armed agents who do not identify themselves as well as the apparent lack of due process in deportation proceedings in recent months.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski denounced rhetoric around Florida's immigrant detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz." Alie Skowronski/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

The Archbishops statement was made as the detention center, located in the heart of the Everglades, was becoming operational. Environmental groups have called it a threat to the ecologically sensitive wetlands and experts have warned that its a human rights disaster waiting to happen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many have also compared the detention center, set to house at least 3,000 immigrants, to a concentration camp reminiscent of Nazi Germany.

Migrants detained at the facility, as well as their lawyers, loved ones and advocates, have described maggots in the food, toilets that dont flush, lights constantly on, no bath water, and a lack of air conditioning amid Floridas summer heat.

Wenski criticized the conditions, stating the Archdiocese has concerns about the isolation of the detention facility, which is far from medical care centers, and the precariousness of the temporary tent structures in the Florida heat and summer thunderstorms, not to mention the challenge of safely protecting detainees in the event of a hurricane.

Republicans are praising the ethically questionable facility, noting that alligators and pythons are a deterrent to keep undocumented immigrants from escaping. The Florida Republican Party is also selling tacky merchandise referencing the center with no remorse. Some on the right have joked about alligators eating detainees and about the ethical concerns.

What this lunatic and close advisor to President Trump is saying is that every latino currently living in the United States should go to prison and die. pic.twitter.com/a11GiF5J3z  Tommy Vietor (@TVietor08) July 2, 2025

The White House has also made light of the facility, sharing an AI-generated image that shows President Donald Trump standing next to alligators wearing ICE hats.

ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ: MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!  pic.twitter.com/kfMZuMwc9N  The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 1, 2025

The Archbishop said, It is unbecoming of public officials and corrosive of the common good to speak of the deterrence value of alligators and pythons at the Everglades facility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Common decency requires that we remember the individuals being detained are fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters of distressed relatives, Wenski said. We wish to ensure that chaplains and pastoral ministers can serve those in custody, to their benefit and that of the staff.

Related...
Miamis Archbishop Thomas Wenski has condemned public officials rhetoric praising Alligator Alcatraz, the remote ICE detention center in the Florida Everglades.

The detention center, built near alligator-infested waters, opened on July 1 with a visit from President Donald Trump. There, the president joked that immigrants who attempt to escape the prison could be eaten by alligators.

Florida Republicans have also used the detention center to boost fundraising, selling branded merchandise bearing its name.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, Wenski has hit back against those who have praised the pop-up prison, branding it intentionally provocative and unbecoming.

President Donald Trump visits Alligator Alcatraz in Florida with Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (AP)

It is alarming to see enforcement tactics that treat all irregular immigrants as dangerous criminals, Wenski said.

It is unbecoming of public officials and corrosive of the common good to speak of the deterrence value of alligators and pythons at the Collier-Dade facility, he added.

The center is designed to hold 3,000 to 5,000 people, but officials are currently detaining people inside large metal enclosures covered by tents. Wenski said hes concerned these tents cant protect people from Floridas extreme weather, and noted that the detention center is in an isolated area far from a hospital.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski has criticized public officials who have promoted the "deterrence value of alligators and pythons" at the detention center (Getty Images)

Wenski isnt the only one sounding the alarm on the conditions there either.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Leamsy La Figura Izquierdo, a Cuban artist who was arrested in Miami last week, told CBS News that detainees have no water to take a bath, are fed once a day with maggot-infested food and dont have access to toothpaste.

They only brought a meal once a day and it has maggots, he said. They never take off the lights for 24 hours. The mosquitoes are as big as elephants.

An unnamed Colombian detainee also told CBS News he was denied access to his medication for days.

I'm on the edge of losing my mind. I've gone three days without taking my medicine," he said. "It is impossible to sleep with this white light that's on all day.

Many on the right have praised the controversial facility, and have even sold merch baring its name. (AP)

The American Civil Liberties Union has denounced the center and raised concerns about the conditions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This project dehumanizes people, strips them of their rights, and diverts public dollars from the services our communities need, Bacardi Jackson, the executive director of the ACLU of Florida, said.

Several other Catholic leaders have also spoken out against the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts.

San Bernardino Bishop Alberto Rojas said members of the nations sixth-largest Catholic community are excused from attending mass over genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions that have rocked communities across Los Angeles and surrounding neighborhoods.

Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez has also accused the administration of having no immigration policy beyond the stated goal of deporting thousands of people each day.

This is not policy, it is punishment, and it can only result in cruel and arbitrary outcomes, Gomez continued. Already we are hearing stories of innocent fathers and mothers being wrongly deported, with no recourse to appeal.
A funding dispute between the Trump administration and the state of Michigan has sheriff's departments throughout the state curtailing their marine patrols on lakes and rivers in their counties at the most active time of the year  a situation that some sheriff's officials said will affect public safety.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security annually provide state and local agencies, including county sheriff's departments, with federal funding to support marine law enforcement, boating safety education, and infrastructure improvements. The money in Michigan is administered by the state Department of Natural Resources. For Michigan this year, that federal grant amount totaled $7.3 million, broken down as:

$4.7 million to the DNR Law Enforcement Division for its marine operations.

$1.3 million allocated to the DNR to pass through to county sheriff departments, an amount that the state government matches.

$1.3 million for capital outlay at state-managed boat launches.

Wayne County Sheriff Marine Unit & Dive Team Sgt. Michael Roehrig patrols the Detroit River on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Because the Trump administration included an immigration enforcement provision in the grant language, the state is not taking the federal funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The funding is held up because the U.S. Coast Guard included an unlawful immigration term in the grant agreement that is the subject of ongoing litigation between states and the federal government," DNR spokesman Ed Golder said.

The DNR in mid-June provided county sheriff's departments with $1.3 million in state marine safety grant funding. But without the additional federal funds, many departments are scaling back or halting marine patrol activities in the busiest months for lake and river activity.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department typically has two deputies assigned to full-time marine patrol duties throughout the summer: responding to boating accidents and drownings, patrolling lakes and rivers, conducting boat safety inspections to ensure compliance with life preserver vest availability and other regulations, conducting livery inspections and hosting boater safety classes throughout the county.

"Without that grant money, we just can't afford to do it," Undersheriff Jeremy Barnett said.

Wayne County Sheriff deputies Steve Nowak and Ryan Higgins speak to a boater on the Detroit River on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

The marine patrol officers will conduct one boater safety class this summer, with the department bearing the cost, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Normally, we will run four or five of them," he said. "The class allows people to get their boater's licenses; it's something we offer as a community service with no charge for it, because we usually get the funding."

The county will still respond to boat accidents and drownings, "but it will be a delayed response; we won't have them actually out there on the water," Barnett said.

Isabella County has more than 2,700 acres of water bodies, including Lake Isabella, Coldwater and Chippewa rivers, and other lakes, rivers and streams. The sheriff's department has typically deployed marine patrols to enforce waterway laws and help ensure the safety of those enjoying recreational activities, Sheriff Michael Main said.

"However, without the funding stream from the DNR marine grant this year, the Isabella County Sheriff's Office was unable to perform these critical patrol functions," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The department entered into a governmental agreement with the Village of Lake Isabella to provide three days of marine patrol coverage on a lake within their jurisdiction. But the loss of coverage elsewhere in the county is "impacting the safety and compliance on our waterways during the busy recreational season," Main said.

In March, the federal Department of Homeland Security amended the terms and conditions it places on federal funds to require recipients to certify that they will assist in enforcing federal immigration law.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 19 other states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The lawsuit is ongoing in the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island.

"The Trump Administration is illegally tying immigration enforcement demands to vital federal funding grants that have absolutely nothing to do with immigration," Nessel said in a May 13 statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Donald Trump's White House is prioritizing political posturing over the safety and well-being of Americans, but I am committed to ensuring that our communities receive the resources they were promised."

Nessel's office declined to comment when contacted, referring the Free Press to the DNR.

Wayne County Sheriff Marine Unit & Dive Team Sgt. Michael Roehrig patrols the Detroit River on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

More: Nearly a dozen people drowned over the long holiday weekend. What we know

More: Ready to cast off for summer? Where to boat across Michigan in 2025

The litigating states may disagree with the Trump administration's immigration policies, but that disagreement isn't sufficient to block the included grant requirements as unconstitutional or unlawful, acting U.S. Attorney Sarah Miron Bloom stated in the administration's response to the states' complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Plaintiffs' view of what the federal government should do differs from what the federal government may lawfully do," she stated.

Some counties, including Wayne and Monroe, are pushing on with marine patrol activities as planned this summer, using other county revenue sources to make up for the missing federal funds.

The loss of law enforcement visibility on local lakes is important, Barnett said.

"The biggest thing for us is having that presence on the water, having that police boat out on the water every day, making sure people are behaving on the waters because they know that we are out there," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We don't do a ton of enforcement; we don't write a ton of tickets. It's a lot of preventative policing with the patrolling. People know you are out there and expect you to be out there. Without that, people will either follow the rules or they won't. If people know we are not out there, there's a fear that some of the behaviors will go lax. I think it creates unsafe waters."

Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan, Trump administration dispute affects marine patrol funding
Middletown residents deserve answers

Middletown politicians shameless lack of clarity undermines public trust and harms our community. The proof is in current events; Middletown Center, new school construction and housing.

In March, the U.S. Park Service warned that relocating Pottsy Field to accommodate the Center development required federal approval. Politicians knew about but ignored this requirement and strong public opposition. They moved forward with costly outside lawyers to push through a 99-year deal with developers. Politicians have not fully explained this situation and total costs to taxpayers.

The town spent $5.4 million in bond funds to purchase land for Pottsy Fields relocation  land currently owned and used by a private business. Only 47 of the purchased 57 acres have been transferred to the town, and the business remains in operation. No public explanation has been given about the missing 10 acres or the ongoing commercial use of town land. Taxpayers and bondholders deserve answers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In another case, voters narrowly approved a $190 million bond for a new school and upgrades to existing facilities. Politicians added $20 million in other improvements in documents submitted to the Rhode Island Department of Education. The estimated cost of the new school rose from $170 million in January 2025 to $176 million as of May 2025. Politicians insist the project is on time and on budget  without offering a complete breakdown of spending. Their fragmented updates dont convey confidence.

At the same time, high-density developments like Town Center are being approved by local boards in already congested areas, with no clear plan for infrastructure improvements. The same boards reject workforce housing proposals for being too dense. There has been no public explanation for this inconsistency or for how increased strain on local infrastructure will be managed.

Middletowns politicians damage the towns character and their own credibility through poor communication, questionable planning and a lack of accountability. Residents deserve complete thoughtful answers.

Paul Mankofsky, Middletown

It's time to stop middleman health insurers

If you are one of the thousands of Rhode Islanders with a Medicare Advantage plan through UnitedHealthcare, beware: As of July 1, 2025, the following Brown University Health hospitals are out of network for non-emergency care: Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Childrens Hospital, Miriam Hospital and Newport Hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For the latest updates on this situation, go to Attorney General Neronhas website.

While emergency care at these hospitals is still covered, non-emergency services will now be billed at out-of-network rates, resulting in much higher costs for patients.

If you are in the middle of treatment  such as cancer care, surgery follow-up or rehabilitation  you may temporarily qualify to keep receiving care at in-network cost levels but you must: call the number on the back of your UnitedHealthcare card and request continuity of care before July 30, 2025.

Medicare Advantage plans can shrink provider networks, impose prior authorizations, and cost patients and taxpayers about 22% more than traditional Medicare  roughly an $83 billion annual overcharge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We introduced Senate Resolution S0056 and House Resolution H5357, urging federal action to address abuses because unfortunately, states have virtually no control over Medicare Advantage plans.

Its time to stop middlemen insurers who offer no actual health care from getting enormous profits from limiting our care. Please contact your state and federal legislators to express your concerns and support reform.

Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol)Rep. Jennifer A. Stewart (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket)

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Middletown residents deserve answers: Letters
A Northern California military veteran was arrested for posing as a cop and a bounty hunter, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

Gregg Jackson, 40, from Santa Rosa, California, was arrested earlier this week for impersonating a law enforcement officer, specifically "using a vehicle outfitted with red and blue emergency lights and was identifying himself as a bounty hunter," the sheriff's office announced on Tuesday.

Jackson had been on a pretrial release for felony charges and "as part of the terms of his release, he was subject to search of his home and vehicle," the sheriff's office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MORE: Robbers posing as cops hold up NYC deli, remain at large: Police

While officials were searching his home, they said they found "several items that falsely identified him as a police officer."

"During the investigation, it was determined that he was not licensed to operate as a Fugitive Recovery Agent," officials said.

Jackson was arrested and booked for impersonating a police officer and two violations of his pretrial release conditions, officials said.

Sonoma County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: A Northern California man was arrested on July 7 for posing as a cop and a bounty hunter, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

As of Friday, he remains in custody at the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility and bail has been set at $56,000, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The case remains under investigation and officials said they believe Jackson "may have unlawfully acted as a Fugitive Recovery Agent in multiple states."

The suspect's friend, Tim Sutton, told San Francisco ABC station KGO he was "completely blown away" when he heard the news of Jackson's arrest. He also revealed that Jackson is a military veteran and has post-traumatic stress disorder.

MORE: Man arrested for allegedly posing as US Marshal during attempted robbery, police say

"The idea of Gregg doing that with malicious intent does not sound like the Gregg I know, he's an easy-going guy to talk to," Sutton told KGO.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jackson has previously been arrested for driving under the influence, assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed weapon with a prior conviction, according to court records.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. local time, according to court records.

The public defender's office representing Jackson did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.
More than $12 million in federal funds for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are at risk, according to a release from CMS Thursday.

ALSO READ >> Charlotte nonprofit faces nearly $1 million budget cut due to federal funding freeze

The U.S. Department of Education is withholding these funds pending a federal review of how they are spent, as part of a nationwide halt affecting billions of dollars in education grants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CMS confirmed the impact of the funding freeze, stating that the district faces two options: understaff classroom support positions or incur $1 million in monthly debt.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education is urging the Department of Education to reverse its decision, highlighting the severe consequences for students and educators.

The funds were part of a Continuing Resolution signed by President Trump, which maintained federal education funding at previous levels. They were to be distributed by July 1.

Without access to these critical funds, CMS says its ability to support its 141,000 students is significantly restricted.

VIDEO: Federal funding freeze impacts Gaston County senior community service program
The Brief

Fallen Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder's funeral is set for Friday, July 11.

Officers from agencies across the country are in town too to pay their respects.

Officers from Connecticut, Dallas, Fort Worth and Aurora, Colorado are also in town.

MILWAUKEE - Friends, family, and the community will gather to say goodbye to fallen Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder on Friday, July 11.

What we know

Officers from agencies across the country are in town too to pay their respects. Many of them are associated with the Brotherhood for the Fallen nonprofit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was formed in Chicago back in 2010 to ensure that any time an officer dies in the line of duty, uniformed officers from across the country will be there.

It is a day of raw emotion, music, messages and mourning.

Paul Kusinski is a retired Chicago police captain. He said it's important for other Milwaukee police officers to know they have the support of people just like them.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

"Their relative's sacrifice doesn't go unnoticed by other police officers across the country," Kusinski said.

He added that it's even more relevant as Corder is the sixth MPD officer to die in the line of duty in the last seven years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I think they're struggling," Kusinski said. "They have to be, because a relatively small department losing one a year, that's substantial."

New York Police Department officer Max Rodriguez just made it to town on Thursday afternoon. He'll wear the badge of the nation's biggest police department on Friday.

What they're saying

Rodriguez said he is hoping that brings strength to both families: Corder's and the police department as a whole.

"I'm surprised at the reaction we get when we come to these funerals. To me, it's just something I have to do, and I want to do," Rodriguez said. "So, when people are surprised that New York shows up, it's like no, no, no. This is another brother in blue. This is another sister in blue. We have to be there for each other."

Officers take pride in that unity in the face of tragedy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

"It is a huge famil," Rodriguez said. "It is a hard job, and it's good to know there are other people behind you."

Dig deeper

The nonprofit said officers from Connecticut, Dallas, Fort Worth and Aurora, Colorado are also in town. They also donate money to the family to help cover immediate expenses.

The Milwaukee Police Association said a public visitation for officer Corder will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 11, at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield.

Funeral services will then commence at 2:30 p.m.

Following the service, interment will take place at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.

The Source

The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.
The Brief

The funeral for fallen MPD Officer Kendall Corder will happen on Friday, July 11.

One of Corder's colleagues, retired MPD Sergeant Kathryn Anderer, is remembering their time working together.

She's also honoring Corder by raising money to send his family and coworkers to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

MILWAUKEE - Efforts to honor a Milwaukee police officer killed in the line of duty are going national.

The backstory

Officers Christopher McCray and Kendall Corder responded to a call about a fight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They were shot while they were searching the neighborhood.

McCray went to the hospital and was later released. Corder died a few days later.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

Friday, July 11, is when his funeral will take place.

Remembering Officer Kendall Corder

What they're saying

FOX6 is talking to the people who knew and loved Officer Kendall Corder, including Corder's former sergeant, who thought of him like one of her own kids.

MPD Officer Corder and MPD Sergeant Anderer

Now she's looking for help honoring Corder in Washington, D.C.

As the memorial to Kendall Corder grew outside District 2 in the days after his death, so did efforts to cement his legacy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Toughest not being there. You try to support the other officers in the district, as much as you can, but it's tough not being there, day-to-day," said retired MPD Sergeant Kathryn Anderer.

Anderer retired as an MPD sergeant a few years ago. She was assigned to District 2.

Officer Corder and fellow officers

"He was amazing. He was a very kind and gentle man," Anderer said. "He just was special. You hate to say you have favorites, but he truly was one of my favorites. We had a bond, and it just wasn't police work."

From looking for advice and support in and out of the job, Anderer says she watched Corder blossom on the job.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But to her, he was more than a colleague.

"You are an addition to my family. You're like another one of my kids," said Anderer.

"When you heard about what happened, that had to be a gut punch," noted FOX6's Bill Miston.

"Devastation. You start questioning," replied Anderer.

Honoring Corder in Washington, D.C.

What you can do

With Corder to be laid to rest, Anderer is spearheading the effort to raise $50,000 to send Corder's family and close co-workers to Washington, D.C. next spring.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

Each year, law enforcement officers make the trek to the capital for National Police Week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This spring, Corder's name will be added to the memorial wall.

"It is closure. You see his name on the wall, you feel he's where he's supposed to be. I get goosebumps just talking about it. It is just an amazing experience," said Anderer.

And for those closest to Corder, it's one that won't be forgotten.

How you can help

What you can do

If you are looking for a way to help the families of the officers, you can donate to MPA Fallen Heroes, Inc. According to the website, every dollar offers immediate emergency aid for injured officers and supports long-term recovery for officers and their families.

MPA Fallen Heroes Fund

The Source

FOX6 spoke to a retired MPD sergeant who worked with Officer Corder. FOX6 has previously reported on the shooting and death of Officer Corder.
The Brief

The Milwaukee Police Association is reevaluating officer training for approaching domestic calls.

Three police officers were shot in the last two weeks while responding to domestic violence calls.

In these most recent shootings, shots were fired as officers got on scene.

MILWAUKEE - In the span of less than two weeks, three local police officers were shot while responding to calls about fights and domestic violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, the Milwaukee Police Association union said it is rethinking how officers respond.

Officers at risk

What they're saying

When officers pull up to a scene, there is always a risk.

MPA President Alexander Ayala said after active shooter calls, the most dangerous for law enforcement are domestic violence calls.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

"We've seen it happen when officers respond to domestic violence calls, and get shot at or get shot," Ayala said. "When officers respond to these calls, you have a lot more feelings, and anger and violence that happens in these calls."

Recent police shootings

The backstory

On Thursday, June 26, Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder was shot and killed while responding to a call about fights between groups of women and allegations of cheating. Fellow officer Christopher McCray was also shot, but survived his injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One week later, on Thursday, July 3, a Shorewood officer was shot while responding to a domestic violence call. He survived.

Police say a woman was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, who police then shot and killed.

Heightened emotions

Local perspective

President of the Sojourner Family Peace Center, Carmen Pitre, said these shootings do fall under the domestic violence category.

Pitre said domestic violence calls already have heightened emotions. So, when the police arrive, it can get even more intense.

"It involves people who are intimately involved," Pitre said. "These are also private matters that become public in a pretty significant way when officers get on the scene."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

In these most recent shootings, shots were fired as officers got on scene.

The MPA is now reevaluating officer training for approaching domestic calls.

"Make sure youre approaching from the side of the block, or half a block away, or just opposite the address youre going to and tactically walking to the address you were called for so we can avoid these kind of incidents," Ayala said.

How you can help

What you can do

If you are looking for a way to help the families of the officers, you can donate to MPA Fallen Heroes, Inc. According to the website, every dollar offers immediate emergency aid for injured officers and supports long-term recovery for officers and their families.

MPA Fallen Heroes Fund

The Source

FOX6 News spoke with Sojourner Family Peace Center and the Milwaukee Police Association.
The reported suicide of Russia's transport minister hours after he was dismissed by President Vladimir Putin, sparking speculation he would be arrested on corruption charges, has shaken the country's elite.

Roman Starovoyt was buried in Saint Petersburg on Friday, with his family weeping at his open coffin before it was lowered into the ground.

The 53-year-old was found dead in his car on Monday in an elite Moscow suburb -- hours after Putin issued a decree to fire him, with no explanation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russian investigators say he shot himself.

Media reports said he was being investigated for corruption and could have been arrested within days.

While government departments sent flowers and some ministers attended a memorial ceremony in Moscow a day earlier, there was unease over the fate of Starovoyt, who had climbed the ranks of Russia's bureaucracy to a seat in the cabinet.

Many who came to the ceremony in Moscow refused to speak to AFP.

"It's a great loss. Very unexpected," said Valentina, a 42-year-old translator whose husband worked with Starovoyt.

"He was very active, cheerful and loved life very much. I don't know how it happened."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- 'Scapegoat' -

Starovoyt had been governor of Russia's western Kursk region before being promoted to Moscow, just a few months before Ukrainian troops captured dozens of border settlements in a surprise cross-border incursion.

His successor was arrested in the spring for embezzling funds intended to beef up the fortifications that Ukraine ended up slicing through with ease.

"They tried to make him the scapegoat... It's easier to put the blame on a civilian official," political commentator Andrey Pertsev told AFP.

The case is one part of a wider crackdown on officials alleged to have enriched themselves at the expense of the Russian army during the Ukraine offensive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The crackdown is a Kremlin campaign that has ripped up previous norms about what is acceptable for Russian officials.

"There used to be rules, where people knew that once you climbed up high enough, they wouldn't mess with you," Pertsev said.

"But they do not work any more."

In a sign of how out of favour Starovoyt had become, Putin has not publicly commented on his death.

Asked if Putin would attend the ceremony in Moscow, his spokesman told reporters: "The president has a different work schedule today."

At the funeral in Saint Petersburg on Friday, two regional governors were the highest-ranking officials to show face.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- 'Holy war' -

While Putin has criticised corruption and vowed to stamp it out throughout his 25 years in power, his rule has been characterised by systemic graft, critics say.

The smattering of high-profile arrests has more typically been used to target opponents or come about as the result of infighting among those lower down Russia's chain of power.

But the military offensive against Ukraine has changed that.

"Something within the system has started to work completely differently," analyst Tatiana Stanovaya wrote after Starovoyt's death.

"Any action or inaction that, in the eyes of the authorities, increases the state's vulnerability to hostile actions by the enemy must be punished mercilessly and uncompromisingly," Stanovaya said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In such a climate, it was inevitable that heads would have to roll over the Kursk failings.

Nina Khrushcheva, a professor at The New School, a university in New York City, said Starovoyt's apparent suicide showed the Russian elite was "scared".

The current climate is such that "it is impossible to leave the top brass", said Khrushcheva, who is also the great-granddaughter of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.

"This is something we have not really seen since 1953," she told AFP, referring to Joseph Stalin's execution of a close ally.

To the Kremlin, the Ukraine military campaign is a "holy war" that has rewritten the rules of loyalty and service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"During a holy war, you don't steal... You tighten your belts and work 24 hours a day to make the weapons you need."

That atmosphere, said Stanovaya, has created a "sense of hopelessness" among officials in Moscow that is unlikely to fade.

"Going forward, the system will be ready to sacrifice increasingly prominent figures," she warned.

bur/gli




NEED TO KNOW

Shortly after a Minnesota dad was arrested on a second-degree murder charge related to his teenage son's death, authorities have released more details about the case

Authorities allege Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. killed 16-year-old Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr., whose remains were found in a landfill in Elk River, Minn., earlier this month

The boy had been missing for nearly two months before his remains were found





Authorities in Minnesota have released a shocking detail about the death of a teenage boy just days after his father was arrested on murder charge in connection with the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. was arraigned on a second-degree murder charge in Anoka County court on Wednesday, July 9, according to a statement from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. He was being held on $2 million bail, the sheriff's office said. PEOPLE couldn't immediately confirm his plea or identify an attorney to speak on his behalf.

Collins, who was arrested on Monday, July 7, is accused by authorities of killing his 16-year-old son, Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr., PEOPLE previously reported. The boy's remains were found after a nearly month-long search of a landfill in Elk River, Minn., the sheriff's office announced on July 1. He was last seen on May 8 in a Columbia Heights, Minn., neighborhood and reported missing on May 12.

Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise said during a press conference at the time that investigators obtained a "video that showed some evidence that would suggest the body might have made its way into a dumpster and into a garbage truck."

According to a criminal complaint filed this week and obtained by Minnesota Public Radio, KTSP-TV and KROC, a preliminary autopsy found evidence that the teen had been decapitated. During a search of the father's home on May 17, investigators allegedly found knives and blood-stained items, per the complaint. The blood was later confirmed to be the boy's.

GoFundMe Jordan Manny Collins Jr. Jordan Manny Collins Jr.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The father allegedly told investigators that he last saw his son on May 8 when the boy left his house, per the complaint cited by KTSP. Authorities also said that a garbage truck that collected waste from behind the suspect's apartment on May 13 led investigators to the landfill, the outlet reported, citing the complaint. A motive remains unclear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Soon after he disappeared, a GoFundMe was set up to help the boy's mother, Ashley Berry, as she struggled to return to work while searching for her son.

"He's a really good kid, and anybody who's crossed paths with him knows that he has an old soul," Berry told KARE 11 last month.



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.

Read the original article on People
Minneapolis man arrested in Chicago for deadly Boom Island Park shootout originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

A second suspect wanted in connection to the deadly June 1 mass shooting at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis has been arrested in Chicago.

Marquez Demar Hill-Turnispeed, 23, of Minneapolis, is charged with one count of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. His arrest comes two weeks after 23-year-old Zyere J. Porter was arrested and charged in connection to the shooting that left one person dead and six others injured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court, Hill-Turnispeed was identified by witnesses who believed he was involved in a gang shootout at Boom Island Park.

Marquez Demar Hill-TurnispeedCook County Jail

The charges claim that Hill-Turnispeed admitted to the Boom Island shooting when he was apprehended by authorities in Chicago. He allegedly told police that he shot at the vehicle that was occupied by 23-year-old Stageina Whiting, of Brooklyn Center, who died from a gunshot wound to her torso.

Six others were injured in the incident, including one victim who, as of Wednesday, remained in critical condition and is paralyzed, the complaint says.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara likened the aftermath of the shooting to a "war zone" due to the number of shell casings found at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police arrived to the chaotic scene around 9:30 p.m. on June 1 with an estimated 100 people still at the park, where a large gathering "escalated into gunfire," police said in an initial release.

Porter remains in custody on $3 million bail and is charged with one count of second-degree murder, four counts of attempted second-degree murder, and one count for drive-by shooting.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
A missing teenager has been found alive on a remote island in Australia, almost 8 miles offshore. Darcy Deefholts, 19, was found in North Solitary Island off Wooli after being swept away while surfing. He had left his home on Wednesday afternoon to head toward Wooli beach, according to police.

After his son's disappearance, Terry Deefholts pleaded with community on social media to help locate Darcy, saying he was "fearing the worst."

I am asking anyone with a seaworthy vessel to please meet me at the main Wooli boat ramp and take me to sea to help with the search," he wrote before describing the discovery as a "one-in-a-million miracle."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Darcy's bike, clothes and shoes were found at a local spot known as One Tree, his phone and smartwatch were left at home.

With over 1100 shares on his Facebook post, Terry posted, We are overwhelmed by the community efforts in the search so far. There is only one thing we want now  our beloved boy to be found safe currently."

Darcy is now receiving medical treatment, while his family is still processing the trauma.

I havent had the chance to talk to him yet, Im just so over the moon," said Terry. "Im still just processing everything. Weve had no sleep and it has been a lot to deal with."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's rare that we ever get to participate in a search with an outcome such as this," said rescuer Matthew McLennan, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "It was really heartwarming to see how many community members jumped to the call."

Miraculous Discovery Made on Remote Island After Teen Surfer Went Missing first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 11, 2025
After Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran in June 2025, a clip of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was shared in posts falsely claiming it showed him saying the next step would be to strip Pakistan of its nuclear arsenal. The clip, taken from an interview conducted in 2011, omits Netanyahu clarifying that nuclear weapons should not be allowed to fall into the hands of the Taliban in the event of a "takeover of Pakistan".

"After Iran is Pakistan, Netanyahus threat," reads the Urdu-language caption of a video shared on Facebook on June 14, 2025.

The clip, shared a day after Israel launched a bombing campaign in Iran that killed top military commanders and scientists linked to its nuclear programme, shows Netanyahu being interviewed.

"I said that the greatest mission that we have is to prevent a militant Islamic regime from meeting up with nuclear weapons or from nuclear weapons meeting up with a militant Islamic regime," Netanyahu says in the clip.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He then appears to add: "The first is called Iran. The second is called Pakistan. Because if these radical regimes have nuclear weapons, they will not obey the rules that have been obeyed in the last almost seven decades."

Israel said the aim of its bombing campaign in Iran was to keep the Islamic republic from developing an atomic weapon -- an ambition Tehran has consistently denied (archived link). Iran responded with ballistic missile attacks on Israeli cities.

Pakistan, which is the only Islamic country with nuclear weapons, "strongly condemned" the Israeli strikes on its neighbour Iran (archived link).

Iran and Israel traded fire for 12 days before a US-proposed ceasefire brought the conflict to an end. Tehran says the Israeli campaign killed 1,060 people, while Israeli officials said the retaliatory Iranian drone and missile barrages killed at least 28 people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Screenshot of the false Facebook post captured on July 8, 2025, with a red X added by AFP

The same clip was also shared elsewhere on Facebook.

"Inshallah (God willing) Pakistan will be the cause of Israel's destruction Inshallah," read a comment on one of the posts.

Another said: "Allah will protect Pakistan and Iran."

The circulating clip, however, has been misleadingly edited.

Interview from 2011

A reverse image search on Google using keyframes from the falsely shared clip led to the full interview, which was posted on the YouTube channel of Israeli broadcaster Channel 2 on March 31, 2011 (archived link).

The video is titled, "A World View Interview with Benjamin Netanyahu".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Channel 2 and YouTube bring you a special interview with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, in which citizens ask questions about the peace process, unrest in the Middle East, and more," reads its description.

Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared video (left) and the interview posted on YouTube in March 2011 (right)

The falsely shared clip has been lifted from its 25:40 mark, after Netanyahu is asked: "What is the biggest problem facing the next generation and what should we do to solve it today?" (archived link).

His response was misleadingly edited to omit a clarification he makes after mentioning Pakistan.

"The first is called Iran, the second is called Pakistan, or more specifically a Taliban takeover of Pakistan," he says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His full remarks are also reflected in a transcript of the interview available on the official Israel Prime Minister's Office website (archived link).

There have been no official reports of Netanyahu issuing any warning or threat against Pakistan since the start of the conflict with Iran.

AFP has debunked other misinformation related to the Iran-Israel war here.
RUSSELL COUNTY, Va. (WJHL)  James D. McGlothlin, previously reported missing early Friday, has been safely located, according to the Russell County Sheriffs Office.

Courtesy of the Russell County Sheriffs Office

PREVIOUS: According to a social media post from the sheriffs office, James D. McGlothlin was last seen around 6:30  6:45 a.m. in the Laurel Branch area of Honaker.

Ex-JCPD officer indicted on official misconduct charges

[McGlothlin] was supposed to be going to a doctors appointment in Vansant, Buchanan County, but never arrived, the post stated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was last seen driving a red/burgundy 2015 Ford Explorer, Virginia license plate ZX8306.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the sheriffs office at 276-889-8033.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AURORA, Ill.  An Aurora man is missing and was last seen in Montgomery.

Aurora police is asking the publics assistance to locate Michael Cuevas, 37, who was last seen Thursday evening at around 5 p.m. in the area of Long Beach Elementary School in Montgomery.

Cuevas is described as 59 and weighing approximately 175 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a navy-blue long sleeve shirt and khaki pants.

Anyone with information can call police at 630-256-5500.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
The Brief

The Pasco Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday that 6-year-old Cory Chester was found dead.

He had been reported missing on Thursday and was last seen in the Ross Lane area in New Port Richey.

No further details on the circumstances of his death have been released.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - A 6-year-old boy who was reported missing on Thursday has been found dead, the Pasco Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday.

What we know

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a Missing Child Alert on Thursday for Cory Chester, who had last been seen at around 8:45 p.m. Thursday in the Ross Lane area in New Port Richey.

Pictured: Cory Chester

What they're saying

"We send our sincerest condolences and prayers to Cory's family and friends during this difficult time. The investigation remains ongoing and no additional information is available at this time," the sheriff's office said in a statement Friday morning.

What we don't know

No further details on the circumstances of the child's death have been released.

The Source

The information in this story was released by the Pasco Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Originally appeared on E! Online

A surfer lost at sea has miraculously been found alive.

Australian authorities confirmed July 10 that a 19-year-old man, identified by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as Wooli resident Darcy Deefholts, was located on a small island eight miles from the coast, one day after going missing.

According to a statement from officials, the teen left his house July 9 on a bike, heading toward the citys beach. When he didnt return that evening, his concerned family members contacted authorities, which prompted a search of the area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following a land and water search around Wooli Beach including local police, PolAir, Marine Area Command and Marine Rescue, the man was located safe today, the authorities said in the statement, on a small island off Wooli.

The teens father, Terry Deefholts, told the ABC that he could not believe his son had survived.

It's kind of surreal, Terry said. I was at the point of thinking the absolute worst. I didnt give up but, jeez, I was close. Its a one in a million. Who survives this?

More from E! Online

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesperson for Northern NSW Local Health District hospital said in a statement to the ABC that Darcy was stable at their facilities and in good spirits and being supported by family.

The ABC reported that Darcy had left his phone and smart watch at his residence when he left on his bicycle July 9. His bike, along with his clothes, were found at a local spot called One Tree, per the outlet, and his family posited that he had taken his surfboard with him to go surfing.

In the hours that Darcy was missing, the Wooli community came together to locate the teenager.

DAVID GRAY / AFP

It was really heartwarming to see how many community members jumped to the call, rescue skipper Matthew McLennan told ABC. It's rare that we ever get to participate in a search with an outcome such as this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

E! News has reached out to authorities regarding Darcy being found but has not yet heard back.

Keep reading for more scary at sea occurrences

Lake Tahoe Boat Capsizing

In June 2025, a boat crash in Lake Tahoe took the lives of eight individuals, making it the deadliest sea tragedy in California since 2019. The victims included Doordash executive Josh Pickles, as well as his parents Terry Pickles and Paula Bozinovic, and his uncle Peter Bayes, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office Coroner's Division confirmed to ABC 7 San Francisco at the time. The family had been celebrating the 71st birthday of Pickles mother, a rep for the family told the outlet. Timothy O'Leary, James Guck, Theresa Giullari, and Stephen Lindsay were also killed in the crash. There were only two survivors.





Red Sea Tourist Disaster

A tourist submarine carrying 45 people crashed off in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt in March 2025, killing six Russian tourists, the Egyptian governorate office confirmed to NBC News at the time. Of the 39 people who survived, local officials told the Associated Press that nine were injured, while the remaining 30 were returned to their hotels. The vessel that crashed was owned by Sinbad Submarines, a tourist agency that offers recreational tours 25 meters below the sea surface for $70 per person. In a statement to Daily News Egypt following the crash, the company said of the six victims, We sadly join the deceased families in mourning them with profound grief.





Faster Pussycat Member Taime Downe's Fiancees Fatal Cruise Ship Fall

Kimberly Burch, the fiancee of Faster Pussycat member Taime Downe, fell from a Royal Carribean 80s-themed cruise ship off the coast of Miami in March 2025, her mother Carnell Burch confirmed to TMZ at the time. In an interview two months later, Downe alleged that his fiancees death was alcohol and prescription related. Its a rollercoaster, Downe told SiriusXM's Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk in May 2025 of his grieving process. I'm hanging in there. I'm just taking it a day at a time."





Sicily Superyacht Sinking

Amid a freak storm in August 2024, a superyacht off the coast of Sicily containing 10 crew members as well as 12 passengers sank. The six victims of the catastrophe included tech CEO Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, New York-based attorney Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda, as well as Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy. Officials later determined that the accident was caused by a waterspout, or a tornado that can occur at sea. Salvo Cocina, the head of Sicily's civil protection agency, told NBC News at the time of the crash that the boat was in the wrong place at the wrong time." One of the lone survivors of the tragedy Charlotte Golunskiwhose young daughter and partner also surviveddescribed the storm to La Repubblica as feeling like the end of the world.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement





Titan Submersible Implosion

In June 2023, the disappearance of OceanGates Titan submersible, a deep-sea vessel designed to take tourists to the crash site of the Titanic, dominated the news cycle. After a four-day searchduring which a tally was kept of the subs 96-hour oxygen supplyit was determined that the seacraft had imploded on itself, killing all five of the passengers. The perished vessel carried OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British businessman Hamish Harding, British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood as well as Titanic researcher Paul-Henri Nargeolet. Less than a month after the implosion, OceanGate completely shut down its operations. In Implosion: Titanic Sub Disaster, a documentary released nearly two years after the tragedy, events that led to the crash, including a lack of attention to safety protocols by OceanGate, were examined. Additionally, footage from what the Coast Guard believes was the moment of the implosion was released. In the clip, Rushs wife Wendy Rusha director for the submersible tourism companywho was monitoring the voyage from the OceanGate offices, noticed a loud crash as the submersible was set to hit 3,300 meters below sea level. Addressing her colleague Gary Foss, she said, What was that bang?





Naya Riveras Drowning

While on a boat trip on California's Lake Piru with her young son Josey, the Glee star disappeared, launching a lengthy investigation after authorities found her son alone on the boat in the middle of the lake July 8, 2020.



After five days of searching Ventura County Sheriff's department confirmed that Riveras body was found in the lake, floating at its surface. Riveras sonwhom Rivera shared with ex Ryan Dorseyshared amid the investigation that the pair had gone swimming in the lake that day and he remembered being helped back into the boat by his mom.



There are a lot of currents on the lake that appear particularly in the afternoon, Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub confirmed at a 2020 press conference. We believe it was mid-afternoon when she disappeared, the idea perhaps being that the boat started drifting, it was unanchored, and that she mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself."



For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
A priest in training and religious educator is facing multiple child pornography charges, according to DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle.

Louisiana native Jonathan Nguyen-Voung, 24, was taken into custody without incident July 10 at his place of work at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Olive Branch, the sheriff said.

In a press conference July 11, Tuggle announced the arrest of Nguyen-Voung, who was charged with multiple felonies which include possession of child pornography, accessing and distributing child pornography. Tuggle said forensic experts discovered a device actively downloading explicit material when the search warrant on the suspect's Nesbit residence was executed.

DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle speaks with the media on July 11, 2025, about the arrest of Jonathan Nguyen-Voung on child pornography charges.

"We take all crime seriously, especially crimes committed against our children," Tuggle said. "We will be relentless in our pursuit of these predators."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nguyen-Voung is being held at DeSoto County's jail without bond.

The arrest is part of a wider investigation into crimes against children in DeSoto County dubbed Operation Exorcism.

Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal covering DeSoto County, as well as Dining in the Memphis area. You can reach him at jacob.wilt@commercialappeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Mississippi priest in training faces child porn charges, sheriff says
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  Students across the Show-Me state will see sweeping new cell phone restrictions starting in the upcoming school year in K-12 classrooms, part of a new law signed Tuesday that includes exceptions for certain emergencies.

The measure is part of a wide-ranging education bill  Senate Bill 68  that was signed Tuesday by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe. The policy states that beginning in the 2025-26 school year, each Missouri K-12 school district, including charter schools, must have a written policy restricting students use of phones.

The policy must include prohibiting students from displaying or using the device during the entire school day, including during instructional time, mealtimes and between classes, with certain exceptions for things like medical emergencies, natural disasters and other circumstances identified by a district.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement to News-Press NOW, St. Joseph School District Superintendent Ashley McGinnis said the district will be updating its handbooks and suggesting policy changes for the board that align with the new law, as well as providing communication to staff and families.

Senate Bill 68 addresses several school-related issues, including the impact of student cell phone use. Research continues to show that phones can be a major distraction from learning and lead to increased discipline challenges for teachers. We believe this part of the bill will support a focused learning environment for all students," the statement read.

Currently, the St. Joseph School District prohibits cell phone usage at any point of the day for elementary students. For middle and high schoolers, they are only allowed to have their phone before school, during lunch and after school. Cell phones are regularly monitored by teachers, campus supervisors, principals, lunchroom staff and other adults in the building.

On the first offense, phones are confiscated and picked up at the end of the day by the student. On subsequent offenses, phones are confiscated and picked up at the end of the day by a parent, consequences may include loss of privilege and the development of an individualized check-in plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bill does not require phones to be locked away, meaning school board officials will have to decide whether devices will be put in designated areas or if students can keep the devices with them.

"It will be a big change ... as a member of the school board I know the importance of eliminating as many extra distractions in the classroom as we can. and so, I think it's a good thing," she said. "I want for people to realize what you did before cell phones, you were still able to contact your children at school if need be."

She anticipates changes will receive push back from students and even parents who have become dependent on cell phones for direct communication during school.

Williams said cellphone overuse is a challenge that isn't limited to K-12 schools, calling it the "number one" challenge for many before and after-school programs locally as well. She stressed that parents will have to be a critical part of the equation to build healthier cell phone habits outside of school that can then be applied to school and life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I'm just asking the parents. We need your help. I know these are your children, and you want access on your children at all times, but our job at the school district is to educate those kids," she said. "If the parents will help us implement these rules, it will be easier on the district to implement them.

Each district will be required to describe how it intends to discipline students if they violate the policy, as well as any exceptions to allow for cell phone usage in certain circumstances. Phones are also permitted when necessary to ensure compliance with federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, including for Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

Polling conducted by Saint Louis University and YouGov this year showed widespread voter support for banning cell phones in schools, with over 70% of likely Missouri voters favoring prohibiting students from accessing cell phones during regular instructional activities across all K12 schools.

The bill also says that a school district or charter school employee or volunteer will be immune from any liability if the employee or volunteer acts in good faith and follows the proper disciplinary procedures.
NOEL, Mo.  Residents of a southwest Missouri community say animal remnants from trucks transporting them are filling up their streets.

The beauty of Noel outweighs the smell of the chicken trucks, and its hard to speak on the impact it has, but we have heard people complain about it, said residents Robert and Megan Miller.

Noel residents, are feeling all of the emotions, from the recent spill of chicken guts.

My first thought was I really hope this passes quickly like I hope it blows right through. Usually, its at least relatively quickly, but it seems like it has become sloppier and sloppier, said Robert.

Its a constant unpleasant odor. I mean, if youre constantly exposed to something, its going to make you upset when you smell it. I definitely get triggered when I smell it, said Megan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This smell, impacting people, and the city.

Its hard to even calculate how many people wont come back to the city because they were in town for 15 minutes whenever they got to rancid, noxious odors wall in their face, said Robert.

I got a phone call by a concerned citizen, and I turned around and immediately called Simmons and let them know and they got it. I had a crew out here in like 15 minutes to clean it up, said William Rose, Noel Mayor.

But these spills go beyond just effecting the residents and the city.

There are thousands of people that come here every weekend to float. Not all of them have to be hit by the rancid smell, but more and more are. Some of them may never come back, but that would be a shame because there is a beautiful area here to enjoy, said Robert.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Noel does not have property tax. All of our income is derived mainly from sales tax, so having the tourist industry here and keeping the tourists happy and wanting to come back, said Rose.

Please dont give up on us. Were a beautiful little town. Were growing, were getting better every day, and I think weve made pretty good strides to overcome the chicken disaster, said Megan.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Jul. 11BUFFALO  The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council elected board members and officers during the 2025 Summer Summit last month in Alexandria.

The 2025-2026 officer team for the Minnesota

Growers Association will continue with Jake Vlaminck, of

as president; Shane Wilhelm, of Richmond, as vice president; and Nate Van Beck, of

as treasurer, according to a news release from the association.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Newly elected to the board of directors is Josh Meyer, of

The Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council re-elected Butch Brey, of New Ulm, as president; with Tim Miller, of Hanska, as vice president; and Peter Gruhl, of Willmar, as treasurer.

Newly elected to the promotion council's board of directors is Thomas Schwarz, of LeSueur.

The Summer Summit event also featured award presentations, educational sessions and updates on the latest advancements in turkey production, health, marketing and policy, according to the news release.

Gorica Rajcic-Spasojevic, of Willmar, was among the individuals honored for contributions to Minnesota's turkey industry. Rajcic-Spasojevic received the Allied Industry Lifetime Achievement Award.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

John Zimmerman, of Northfield, was honored with the Ranelius Award for dedicated service and leadership. Dr. Brian Hoefs, Minnesota state veterinarian, was given the President's Award for outstanding advocacy and community outreach on behalf of turkey growers.

The

works to enhance the success of the turkey industry through member engagement and education, advocacy with legislators and public outreach that includes training and youth programs to emphasize career opportunities, according to its website.

The

is the body that oversees voluntary checkoff dollars. According to its website, the council initiates research on industry challenges including turkey health and welfare, promotes turkey consumption and educates the public about its nutritional benefits.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department is investigating Friday mornings incident as a suspected suicide.

The MNPD reported it was investigating a suspicious death after being called to investigate the discovery of a womans body Friday morning.

Police said they will be able to officially classify the death once the autopsy and toxicology testing are complete.

Authorities responded to a corpse call at 11:22 a.m. Friday from an apartment complex in the 1400 block of Lebanon Pike. A spokesperson for the MNPD said a maintenance worker had found the body of a 27-year-old resident on the ground outside.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

A lieutenant with the MNPDs Homicide Unit at the scene told News 2 that there were suspicious marks found on her body. The lieutenant added that she was found wearing only underwear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities are still awaiting autopsy results. Her identity has not yet been made public.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A woman whose 1-year-old son died after she left him in a car while she got a lip filler injection is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next week.

Maya Hernandez, 20, has pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child cruelty in connection with leaving two children  her other son survived  in the car for hours on a day when temperatures reached 101 degrees.

Shes being held on more than $1 million bail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During a hearing Friday attended by Inside Edition and other out-of-town media, attorneys confirmed the preliminary hearing date.

Prosecutor Stephanie Taconi also told the court shell be filing a motion to amend the criminal complaint. Further details werent disclosed; its unclear what changes are planned.

On June 29, Hernandez, of Visalia traveled to Bakersfield for a medical spa appointment and left her children, ages 1 and 2, in her 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid for more than two hours, according to court documents.

She returned to her car in the late afternoon, Hernandez told police, and witnessed her 1-year-old, Amillio Gutierrez, experiencing a seizure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Amillio was rushed to a hospital where his temperature was found to be 107 degrees, documents said. He was pronounced dead after staff worked on him for 40 minutes.

The 2-year-old had a slightly elevated temperature and survived, documents said.

Hernandez told police she thought the children would be fine because she left the car running with the air-conditioning set to 60 degrees.

But a supervisor at North Bakersfield Toyota told police that model automatically shuts off if left in park for an hour  meaning the children were in the car with the engine off for about 90 minutes, according to the documents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hernandez acknowledged shed been told in a message earlier in the day that she could bring her children inside the business, documents said. Theres no indication from the documents that medical spa staff or patrons knew shed left her children in the car.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
Plaintiffs in federal lawsuit allege harms to places like Glacier National Park due to climate change. Pictured is Glenns Lake in Glacier National Park (Photo by Jeff Pang via Glacier National Park and Flickr | CC-BY-SA 2.0).

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has filed a motion for the state to intervene in a federal climate change lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Montana last year.

Knudsen is leading a coalition of 18 other Republican state Attorneys General, and the Territory in Guam, in filing as defendants in the lawsuit that alleges three of President Donald Trumps executive orders to unleash the fossil fuel industry, and remove climate protections, threaten the constitutional rights to life and liberty of the plaintiffs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The lawsuit, filed in May, centers on 22 young plaintiffs, led by 19-year-old Eva Lighthiser, from Livingston. Lighthiser is one of several Montana plaintiffs who also filed the landmark Held v. Montana lawsuit, alleging several state policies violated their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment. The Held case prevailed in Montana District Court and, in late 2024, the Montana Supreme Court.

Lighthiser says the president is waging war on her and her co-plaintiffs, and that the federal governments actions amount to a death sentence for my generation.

President Trumps (executive orders)s falsely claim an energy emergency, while the true emergency is that fossil fuel pollution is destroying the foundation of Plaintiffs lives, according to the 126-page complaint. These unconstitutional directives have the immediate effect of slowing the buildout of U.S. energy infrastructure that eliminates planet-heating fossil fuel greenhouse gas pollution  and increasing the use of fossil fuels that pollute the air, water, lands, and climate on which Plaintiffs lives depend.

Knudsen, whose office lost its case defending Montana in the Held lawsuit, said in court documents that Montana, and the additional states, have unique interests in this case because it threatens their economies, the use of their properties, and their state budgets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

President Donald J. Trumps Executive Orders unleashing American energy have already provided tremendous benefits to the State Intervenors and their millions of citizens, as well as the promise and hope for a more prosperous, strong, and peaceful future, especially among those forgotten communities whose very livelihoods depend on a revival of Americas unparalleled energy sector, according to court documents.

The motion says that the plaintiffs in the case are discontent with the policy positions of the new Administration when it comes to unleashing American energy-and the ensuing creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs and economic security for the State Intervenors and all Americans, and made their complaint based on alleged violations of unenumerated liberty interests.

Because many of the plaintiffs are Montanans, and much of the original complaint specifically uses examples of alleged harms to the environment and economy in Montana, Knudsens cited the states interest in its own policies, economy and laws as an argument for inclusion.

Knudsens brief states that if the states are allowed to join the lawsuit, they will file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit by Aug. 4.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The attorney generals office did not respond to requests for comment from the Daily Montanan.

Representatives from Our Childrens Trust, one of the law firms representing the plaintiffs, said that the decision for the states to intervene in this case  out of more than 450 that have been filed challenging executive orders or federal actions  indicates the significance, and threat, the lawsuit carries.

That speaks volumes, said Julia Olsen, chief legal counsel at Our Childrens Trust. These states see Lighthiser vs. Trump as the biggest legal threat to the fossil fuel executive orders that are harming children, worsening the climate crisis, and violating the Constitution. Instead of protecting the health and safety of young people, these states are lining up to defend orders that unleash more fossil fuel pollution, silence science, and dismantle safeguards passed by Congress.

The evidence will show not only that President Trumps policies will harm these young plaintiffs and expose them to more life-threatening flood, fire, and heat events, but that they are wholly unnecessary for the energy and prosperity needs of our nation,Along with Montana, the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming and the U.S. Territory of Guam  joined the motion to intervene, represented by their respective Attorneys General.

A two-day combined evidentiary hearing on the motion for a preliminary injunction and the federal governments forthcoming motion to dismiss is set for Sept. 1617, 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana in Missoula, Montana. Judge Dana Christiansen is presiding over the case.
BELLE PLAINE, MINNESOTA - JUNE 15: Law enforcement search the area around a vehicle on 301st Avenue on June 15, 2025 in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. Law enforcement agencies are searching for a suspect in the killing of DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who were shot at their home yesterday. DFL State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and hospitalized in a separate incident. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said during a press conference that the shooting "appears to be a politically motivated assassination." (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Forty-three hours after a man dressed as a police officer shot DFL state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their home in Champlin, state patrol officers handcuffed the suspect in a field outside the rural community of Green Isle.

Elected officials and law enforcement leaders commended police for the investigation that led to the the capture of the suspected shooter  alive  following the largest manhunt in state history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To the law enforcement who stand here, and the hundreds who were involved in this, the state of Minnesota owes you a deep debt of gratitude. Thank you, Gov. Tim Walz said at a press conference announcing the apprehension of the suspect. You ran towards the danger, and you served the state of Minnesota.

But law enforcement didnt capture the suspect, Vance Boelter, in time to prevent the murders of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert.

And, while the suspect was on the loose, some elected officials wondered whether they were potential targets, left exposed without any protection.

In the weeks since the Hortmans deaths, law enforcement leaders, elected officials and the Minnesotans they represent have questioned how the investigation and pursuit could have gone differently.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its just unprecedented, said Bob Jacobson, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Its just one of those things that, you knowwasnt necessarily in the playbook.

Boelter is facing federal and state murder charges for the killings of the Hortmans, plus charges related to the attempted murder of the Hoffmans. Federal charges allege that after Boelter shot the Hoffmans, he went to two other Democratic state lawmakers homes before killing the Hortmans.

One of those homes was empty  state Rep. Kristin Bahner of Maple Grove was on vacation with her family. Down the street from the home of Sen. Ann Rest in New Hope, a police officer going to check on the senator encountered Boelter, who was dressed like a police officer and sitting in a Ford Explorer decked out like a police vehicle. He fled after the officer unsuccessfully sought his attention before moving on to check on Rest.

Boelter was a Christian, according to his roommate and videos of his sermons posted online. He seems to have been motivated by an opposition to abortion and voted in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. His apparent targets were Democratic elected officials, abortion providers and abortion rights activists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some lawmakers wonder why they didnt learn until hours after the shooting of the Hortmans that they were on the suspects hit list  while he was armed and on the loose. Others who lived close to the sites of the attacks want to know why they werent offered any protection.

Residents of north Minneapolis have questioned why they werent warned that the shooter had a home in their neighborhood and that he had traveled through the neighborhood in the hours after the attacks.

And law enforcement leaders are asking themselves, and each other, how they could have communicated better in the midst of the chaos.

CHAMPLIN, MINNESOTA  JUNE 15: Bullet holes are seen in the door outside the home of DFL State Sen. John Hoffman on June 15, 2025 in Champlin, Minnesota. Hoffman and his wife were shot and hospitalized yesterday morning. DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were also shot and killed in a separate incident. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said during a press conference that the shooting appears to be a politically motivated assassination. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Why did it take so long for police to check on the Hortmans?

At 2:06 a.m., the Hoffmans daughter called 911 to report that her parents had been shot at their home in Champlin. Brooklyn Park police assisted Champlin officers in responding to the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As one Brooklyn Park police officer prepared to go home at the end of his shift, he suggested to his colleagues that they drive over to the Hortmans home to make sure they were safe.

The officers arrived at around 3:30 a.m.  about an hour after a New Hope police officer went to check on Rest, and an hour and a half after the attack on the Hoffmans. Brooklyn Park police were unaware that New Hope police had gone to check on Rest, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said.

Around 10 seconds after Brooklyn Park officers arrived at the Hortmans, Bruley said, they witnessed a man dressed as a police officer shoot Mark Hortman in the entryway. One Brooklyn Park officer fired at the shooter, who entered the home and later escaped.

Bruley said officers were busy providing aid to the Hoffmans and assisting with the shooting crime scene, which is why they didnt get to the Hortmans sooner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Do I wish they were there three minutes earlier and potentially save Melissa and Marks life? Bruley said. Of course I do. But the truth was, it just wasnt in the cards.

Brooklyn Park police sent teletypes  text-based messages transmitted directly to local law enforcement dispatch centers  at approximately 4:20 a.m. and 4:40 a.m., warning other police departments of potential targeted shootings at lawmakers homes by a man possibly impersonating a police officer.

State leaders have credited Brooklyn Park police with interrupting Boelter and forcing him to flee on foot, abandoning his imitation police car at the scene. According to the federal charges, police found five guns in the vehicle, including semi-automatic, assault-style rifles; loaded magazines; a storage unit bill with Boelters name on it; and several notebooks.

Images from the federal charging documents against Vance Boelter show weapons and other items inside of his car.

The notebooks were full of handwritten notes, including the names of more than four dozen Democratic Minnesota elected officials, some with home addresses listed next to the names.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bruley said he scanned the list for other lawmakers in his jurisdiction, then his staff emailed the list to Jacobson at approximately 6 a.m.

I need everything youve got to try to get to these people on this list, because the suspect is not in custody, Bruley recalled telling Jacobson.

Why were some lawmakers uninformed and unprotected for hours while the suspect was armed and on the loose?

The law enforcement effort to protect legislators, which was directed by a patchwork of state and local agencies, appears to have been inconsistent. Some lawmakers received immediate protection, while others waited nearly a full day to hear anything.

Anoka police were outside the home of Republican Sen. Jim Abeler by 3 a.m., he said. Rep. Danny Nadeau, R-Rogers, said he learned police had been protecting his home for hours by the time he woke up at 6 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rep. Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley, and Sen. Bonnie Westlin, DFL-Plymouth, both praised their police departments.

I dont believe every legislator felt that they got the same level of support I did from the Golden Valley police, which is unfortunate, Freiberg said. I do think we need to make sure everyone feels secure.

After Jacobson received the list of Boelters potential targets around 6 a.m., he sent it to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions Fusion Center with instructions to reach out to the people on the list. The Department of Public Safety also provided the list to local law enforcement agencies, Jacobson said.

Bob Jacobson, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, poses for a portrait in his office in downtown St. Paul Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

Meanwhile, lawmakers had learned about the shootings via word-of-mouth and feared for their own safety, not knowing about the list or whether they were on it. Some local law enforcement agencies started sending patrol cars out to local lawmakers houses in the early hours of the morning, regardless of their status on the list.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rep. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley represents Brooklyn Park and lives within a few miles of the Hortmans home. She woke up early that Saturday morning and learned from colleagues that the Hortmans had been shot  and shortly after, that the suspect hadnt been caught.

Immediately I started freaking out, because Im the closest to Speaker Hortmans house, four minutes away, Momanyi-Hiltsley said. We dont know if this monster was working alone. We didnt know anything.

She reached out to Bruley, but he was busy. With no information or directions from law enforcement, Momanyi-Hiltsley and her family fled their house as a precaution.

Bruley called Momanyi-Hiltsley back that evening to let her know she wasnt on the list of names in the suspects notebooks. Momanyi-Hiltsley said shes grateful for Brooklyn Park Police Departments work, and that lawmakers should find a way to clarify who is responsible for their safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think that both realities can exist, where they did great, but also there were gaps that we are addressing right now as legislators and as a community, Momanyi-Hiltsley said. And unfortunately, I was just one of those legislators that fell through the cracks.

During an interview nearly two weeks after the killings, Bruley said he wished he had contacted lawmakers who live in close proximity to the Hortmans, rather than only the ones he saw on the suspects list. But his department simply didnt have the extra resources to stand watch outside lawmakers homes, he said.

In nearby Spring Lake Park, DFL Rep. Erin Koegel said she woke up around 7 a.m. Saturday to multiple voicemails, including some from law enforcement. Koegel was home alone for the weekend with her 13-year-old lab, Spud, while her husband, 6-year-old kid and their other dog were spending time at their cabin.

After talking with her local police chief, who offered to send extra patrols by her house, Koegel instead decided to hit the road. Her haste meant she left behind her medicine, which she later had to coordinate with police to collect from her house.

I immediately knew I was going to leave, Koegel said. I didnt want to be by myself, and dude (Boelter) was still on the loose. Melissa lives  lived  just across the river from me. I was worried that I was in too close of a proximity.

Koegel didnt learn that she was on Boelters list until around 9 p.m. Saturday, when the FBI called, she said.

Police in Apple Valley were not made aware that DFL Sen. Erin Maye Quade was on the list until around 9 a.m., about three hours after DPS received the list.

Some local law enforcement agencies, including the Minneapolis Police Department and the Ramsey County Sheriffs Office, didnt have ready access to elected officials addresses. In Minneapolis, officers scrambled to compile lawmakers addresses, then sent patrols out to the homes, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara told the Reformer.

By the time officers started knocking on elected officials doors, some had already fled, OHara said.

Complicating the situation: Boelter had been impersonating a police officer. Some elected officials called their local police departments when a patrol car arrived, or when an officer knocked at their door, fearing it could be the assassin.

Members of the Minnesota State Patrol stand on the Capitol grounds as they watch thousands march to the Minnesota State Capitol for the nationwide No Kings day of protest against the Trump administration, just hours after the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, June 14, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

Who is in charge of lawmaker safety?

As elected officials sought information and protection, it wasnt always clear who was responsible for their safety.

The Minnesota State Patrol, under the DPS umbrella, is responsible for protecting lawmakers on the Capitol grounds, Jacobson said. The state patrol has a division responsible for protecting the governor and lieutenant governor at their residences  but not legislators.

Jacobson said the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms are responsible for communicating with lawmakers about their safety. State Patrol leadership were in communication with the House and Senate Sergeants-at-arms before 4 a.m., a department spokesperson said.

In a message to DFL senators via a DFL senate staffer at 6:42 a.m. on June 14, Jacobson told the elected officials to check in with their local law enforcement agencies and to alert them that there may have been threats made against you and please take precautions to stay safe.

Lawmakers should reach out to their sergeant-at-arms for more information about the threats, Jacobson wrote.

The sergeants-at-arms did not respond to the Reformers interview requests.

OHara, the Minneapolis police chief, said when someone makes a threat against a lawmaker, its generally the responsibility of the local police in the area where the threat originated to address the crime.

But theres no consensus about this, apparently. A spokesperson for the St. Paul Police Department deferred the Reformers questions to the Minnesota State Patrol, as they are ultimately responsible for the safety of our lawmakers.

Throughout that Saturdays chaos, Bruley said he didnt know if there was a clear communications stream from the top down because he was overwhelmed with the manhunt. Lawmakers were frustrated with the lack of information provided, and by a midday check-in with the states chiefs and sheriffs, Bruley said local police departments were implementing their own protection strategy.

In a July 7 letter to the Chief Sergeant-at-arms for the House and captain of the State Patrols Capitol Security Division, Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher wrote that many of the targeted legislators were left uninformed for several hours that danger lurked.

He posed the following questions:

Who, or which agency, is responsible to notify legislators quickly that they are potential victims of a violent criminal stalking them?

Who, or which agency, is responsible to notify law enforcement agencies in a timely fashion that legislators in their jurisdiction are in potential immediate danger?

Why wasnt north Minneapolis warned that the suspect had been in the area?

In the late morning of June 14, dozens of police officers from local, state and federal agencies descended on the Lind-Bohanon neighborhood in north Minneapolis, preparing to execute a search warrant at a house on Fremont Ave. where Boelter lived part-time.

Lind-Bohanon and north Minneapolis are home to a large Black community. When the U.S. Department of Justice investigated the Minneapolis Police Department in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, investigators found that the department routinely discriminated against Black and Native American residents and violated their constitutional rights.

When Minneapolis police joined the other agencies in executing the search warrant, officers knew that Boelter had been at the house earlier in the day  his roommate had called 911 that morning. While police believed that Boelter had left the house, they did not have confirmation that he had left the area, OHara said.

Children were playing outside that day, unaware that an armed suspect had been nearby, the Star Tribune reported.

Some neighbors questioned why Minneapolis police did not issue a shelter-in-place warning, when Brooklyn Park police had done so earlier in the day.

What happened on June 14 is a symptom of much deeper issues in how north Minneapolis is treated. We need transparency, accountability and community-centered response, not silence when our lives are on the line, said Marvina Haynes, a candidate for the Minneapolis City Council ward representing Lind-Bohanon and other parts of north Minneapolis.

OHara said the reason for not issuing a shelter-in-place order was that the department did not have the information to define where he might be at that point.

Law enforcement officers entered a womans home across the street from Boelters house as they prepared to execute the search warrant.

(An officer) said, We need to get in your house now and Im just like, Huh? You need to get in my house?' the woman told KARE 11. They go in my room and they have big bags with them. They lay every gun out on the bed.

Her four children were home, and scared, she said.

On occasion, if were trying to monitor a particular residence, whether the person is possibly inside or possibly might come back, it is certainly common to try and have every vantage point as possible, OHara said.

BROOKLYN PARK, MINNESOTA  JUNE 15: Windows are seen broken at the home of DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman on June 15, 2025 in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were shot and killed yesterday morning. DFL State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and hospitalized in a separate incident. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said during a press conference that the shooting appears to be a politically motivated assassination. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Why did police walk back their story of a shootout with the suspect?

In initial news reports and press conferences regarding the attacks, Bruley said that a Brooklyn Park police officer exchanged gunfire with the suspect at the Hortmans house. Thats no longer part of the official narrative of events.

Bruley attributed the change to uncertainty about Boelters actions  he may not have been shooting at the Brooklyn Park officers, but a member of the Hortman family instead.

The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the use-of-force incident, as is standard practice. Bruley said he doesnt know how many rounds the officer fired, but it is extremely unlikely that a Brooklyn Park officer accidentally shot the Hortmans.

Bruley said his department and other law enforcement officials will find a third-party investigator to compile an after-action report to learn what could have been done better.

Though limited in what he could say by the ongoing investigation, Bruley recounted the body camera footage of the incident and said the officers did not enter the Hortmans house, as doing so would have gone against their deescalation training, he said. He also noted the scrutiny behind officer-involved shootings in Minnesota.

Theres no way you can do something of this magnitude for the first time and think youre gonna get it right, Bruley said.

If you have other questions about the political assassinations in Minnesota and the law enforcement response, send them to mmcvan@minnesotareformer.com.
NEW MARKET, Ala. (WHNT)  Theres a lot of history in between the two bumps in the road that earned the community of Hump its name.

Farmer Will Quick was just behind the Wright Brothers in flight innovation, and he didnt even know it. His invention, the Quick Monoplane, now resides at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

His brother-in-law, Terah Maroneys long history in aviation on the West Coast led him to Bill Boeing, whom Maroney flew for the first time. Jeff Taylor keeps those memories alive at his event venue, 1910 Gin. However, the most important figure to him is outside of the aviation world.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

North Alabama nonprofit providing disaster relief in Texas

His name is John Houston Taylor. The bridge over Hump Creek is named after him.

He was a pillar of the community. Everybody around here knew him. Just a sweet man, Jeff said.

Most people knew him as Moonpie John. He was Jeffs grandfather.

He would go to hospitals, go to peoples homes or sick and pray with him, then hed give them a Moonpie. He said it just made their grief go away for a few minutes. He just loved to see people smile, Jeff said.

Miracle Bash marks 20 year milestone

His Moonpie Ministries even caught the attention of the Moonpie company out of Chattanooga.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They asked if they could sponsor him, and he said, Thank you, but I want to do this on my own,' Jeff said. When he passed away and they found out that we had lost him. They sent us a care package.

In that package was a condolence letter.

John died at age 96. Jeff had bought the property that housed the old cotton gin that would become the 1910 gin. He had also purchased the adjacent 1899 general store that Jeff was in the middle of revitalizing.

Jeff wanted to name it Moonpie Johns in his grandfathers honor, but legally, he wasnt sure the Moonpie Company would agree.

I sent them a logo and thought, Well, Ill probably never hear from them again. The next day, they came back and said, We love the story. We love your granddaddy. Go for it,' Jeff said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Getting rights for the name, however, was hardly the buildings biggest issue.

It was in terrible shape, Jeff said. I had several people question my sanity.

He bought it anyway and said there is a family history on that land. His moms parents ran the cotton gin. His own parents met in the fields, and Moonpie John, who was a grocer by trade, did his deliveries at this very mercantile.

We basically grew up on this land, I knew I had to do something, he said.

His connection made him want to preserve all he could to keep the history of the mercantile intact. From the original doors to the metal on the walls, to the wooden floors. He even turned treasures he found in the wall insulation (at that time it was mostly paper) into art on the walls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Over the past three years, Moonpie Johns has become a fixture in Hump

You cant go just anywhere and get a vintage soda, an old-timey candy, or a bologna sandwich, he said.

It has attracted customers from every corner.

Weve had Scotland, England, all over. Weve had the Army Aviation Museum here. Weve had folks from Space and Rocket Center here, weve had leadership Huntsville, Jeff said.

All the positive feedback proves that the work from owners Jeff and Cori do to protect Humps history, and those who make it, is worth it.

Were just trying to protect the look and feel of this place because its just different, Jeff said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexico voting officials say theyre seeing success from a new program to register voters. New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said more than 10,000 people are now newly registered voters after the state implemented automatic voter registration at the beginning of July.

Defunded McKinley County DA no-show for court, multiple cases dismissed

In the past, customers were offered an opportunity to register during visits to the New Mexico Motor Vehicles Division. Now, eligible customers are automatically registered when they renew, or apply for a drivers license or other documents. With the new program in effect, the very first day we saw 1,500 new or updated voter registrations come through, said Toulouse Oliver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Voters who complete the process can still change party affiliation or opt out of the registration. Customers who are not U.S. citizens or people under 18 years old will automatically be screened out of the process.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
An international human trafficking crackdown has led to more than 150 arrests and the identification of more than 1,000 victims.

The six-day operation, which took place at the start of June, involved nearly 15,000 officers from 43 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, according to Interpol.

It targeted organised criminal gangs involved in trafficking people - who are typically underage - for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced criminality and begging, Europol said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many sexual exploitation trafficking victims are women, who are typically recruited from abroad and taken to massage parlours where they are pressured into prostitution.

"Human trafficking is a brutal and devastating crime that strips people of their dignity, freedom, and humanity, preying on the most vulnerable, including children," said David Caunter, director of organised and emerging crime at Interpol.

The operation - dubbed "Global Chain" - made 158 arrests in total and identified a further 205 suspects, while 1,194 potential victims were discovered.

It was led by Austrian and Romanian authorities, and focused primarily on Europe - but also saw suspects arrested in Thailand, Nigeria and Vietnam.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police in Malta freed three Colombian women - two sisters and their aunt - who were originally offered employment as cleaners there by an Italian national, Europol said.

Upon arrival, their passports were confiscated by the suspect under the guise of arranging work permits, the witholding of which was then used to coerce them into prostitution, the agency added.

In Austria, officers made seven arrests in connection with a Romanian family-based gang that allegedly used the "lover-boy" method to lure women into sexual exploitation and forced criminality under the pretence of a romantic relationship.

And in Italy, police raided several massage parlours with suspected links to sexual exploitation, identifying 75 potential trafficking victims, according to Interpol.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Potential trafficking victims originated from 64 countries around the globe, but the majority came from Romania, Ukraine, Colombia, China and Hungary, officials said.

The operation also saw 277,669 (240,351) in cash seized, as well as 30 guns, 65 fraudulent documents and a tonne of cannabis.

A similar operation took place around the same time last year, resulting in the arrest of 200 suspects and the identification of more than 1,300 victims.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A well-known beer shop in Charlottes NoDa neighborhood is at the center of an embezzlement case after its managing member was arrested on felony tax charges, according to the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

Jason Scott Glunt, 43, of Charlotte, was arrested in Raleigh on Thursday, July 10. He faces nine felony counts of embezzlement of state property, according to indictments filed by NCDOR.

New video shows dramatic crash involving CMPD vehicle in Ballantyne, 3 hurt

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Glunt, who runs Salud Beer Shop and Salud Cerveceria through Salud, LLC, is accused of embezzling more than $440,000 in state and Mecklenburg County sales taxes over several years.

Missing sales tax funds

The state alleges that between July 2015 and December 2019, and again from January 2021 through the end of 2024, Glunt failed to remit collected sales taxes as required by law.

In total, officials say $442,914.04 was misused.

As the person responsible for handling the businesss taxes, officials said Glunt had a legal obligation to collect sales tax from customers and pass it on to the state. Instead, investigators said he aided and abetted Salud, LLC in misapplying and converting those funds for other uses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cornelius Police Officer suspended for handling of dog left in hot car

Arrested in Raleigh

Bond was set at $150,000, and Glunt is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday, July 14 in Wake County Superior Court.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the NCDORs Criminal Investigation Division, which looks into suspected financial crimes across the state.

Salud Beer Shop has long been a fixture in the NoDa community.

MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM

Crime & Public Safety

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Federal agents in West Palm Beach, Fla., in February arrest a man they say is in the United States illegally. Data shows that many of those in immigration detention have no criminal history. (Photo by by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

The Supreme Courts new limits on nationwide injunctions is leading more cities to sue.

Thirty-four cities and counties, including Chicago and Los Angeles, have asked to join a California lawsuit seeking to stop the Trump administration from cutting federal funding based on sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with the administrations mass deportation agenda.

The expansion of the case could be a sign that more cities are seeing the benefit of suing to protect their rights in court from a Trump administration that is often acting without regard for legal precedent. A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that significantly limits nationwide injunctions means that cities and states must be part of a lawsuit to get the benefits of any injunction that would stop such policies while the legal merits are debated in court.

The federal judge in the case, William Orrick of the U.S. District Court of Northern California, did issue an injunction April 24, telling the Trump administration it couldnt use executive orders to withhold federal funding from the original 15 cities and counties in the lawsuit. Orrick updated the injunction June 23 to include later policy memos tying all new federal awards to immigration compliance. The Trump administration said it would appeal the injunction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It appears that the defendants continue to seek an end run around the preliminary injunction, Orrick wrote in June. Orrick left the door open for the administration to withhold funds directly tied to illegal immigration, but he said the administration still must make a case that theres a real connection between immigration and other issues  especially with seemingly unrelated programs like highway and housing funds.

If the new cities and counties are accepted into the lawsuit, there would be a total of 50 localities in 14 states: California, Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin.

Local governments have authority over their police and arent required to participate in immigration enforcement.

 Jonathan Miller, attorney for counties and cities suing over funding threats

The Supreme Court decision in Trump v. CASA, limiting nationwide injunctions, now creates more impetus in this litigation and in others for more parties to seek relief to protect themselves, said Jonathan Miller, one of the attorneys working on the case for the Public Rights Project, a California-based group promoting civil rights protections for states and cities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Generally, the local sanctuary policies at stake are those that limit cooperation with detainers asking local law enforcement authorities to hold arrested people in jail up to two days after they would otherwise go free, on behalf of federal immigration investigations. Some states and localities limit cooperation with the detainers, and some require cooperation.

[Trump officials] are taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to getting local governments to do their bidding and this case is pushback against that, Miller said. Local governments have authority over their police and arent required to participate in immigration enforcement.

In a March filing, attorneys for the Trump administration defended the planned funding cutoffs as part of the presidents Jan. 20 executive order to ensure that so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, which seek to interfere with the lawful exercise of Federal law enforcement operations, do not receive access to Federal funds.

Trumps border czar Tom Homan, in a response to a reporters question that was posted July 8 by the White House, said the administration is determined than ever to go after cities that dont fully cooperate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were going to double down and triple down on sanctuary cities. Why? Not because theyre a blue city or a blue state, but because we know thats where the problem is, Homan said. We know theyre releasing public safety threats.

According to June numbers obtained by the TRAC data clearinghouse at the University of Syracuse, nearly 44% of people held in immigration detention have no criminal record and many others have only minor offenses such as traffic violations. The rest were detained based on pending charges or purely immigration-related offenses such as crossing the border in secret.

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
What started as a makeshift shelter with tarps, umbrellas and wooden pallets has transformed into what residents are calling an actual house outside a Kips Bay co-op.

Since February, board members at 311 East 25th Street in Kips Bay have been locked in a months-long standoff with an unhoused couple who created a semi-permanent encampment on the property.

Don't miss

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We pay a lot of money in our buildings budget, in taxes, and we feel like they have more rights to inhabit this corner than we do, resident Marc Sterling told PIX11.

Lisa Palumbo, the co-op board president, has been documenting the ongoing situation for months, sharing photos with PIX11 that show the slow evolution of the encampment  from a basic shelter to what she describes as an intermittent, outdoor dwelling.

While the encampment has sparked tension among residents, it also highlights a broader issue that cities across the country are struggling to address.

Safety concerns growing

Beyond the tents, mattresses and pillows lining the sidewalk, Palumbo said her concerns go deeper than just clutter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They do drugs, drink  bottles all over the place, syringes, Palumbo said.

Sterling has captured videos of people passed out on the stoop, allegedly from drug use. He said hes lost count of how many times hes called 911 and 311 for help. While 24-hour security remains too costly for the building, the co-op has recently installed a new surveillance system that has already recorded other problems, including a couple dumping bags of trash in front of the property.

Scenes like this are becoming more common across New York City. In April 2025 alone, more than 108,000 people slept in city shelters each night, with thousands more living unsheltered. The estimated number unhoused New Yorkers to an estimated 350,000.

Last year, the Adams administration spent $3.5 million last year clearing more than 2,300 encampments, many have since reappeared elsewhere.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Lower Manhattan, a section of FDR Drive between Catherine Slip and Pier 11 became a gathering spot for unhoused New Yorkers. Makeshift shelters built from discarded furniture, old mattresses and even the occasional barbecue lined the stretch.

Read more: Americans are revenge saving to survive  but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Heres how to quickly earn 280% more on your cash

Bigger issue

Even after repeated sweeps by the NYPD, sanitation crews and outreach teams, the couple always seems to find their way back.

The cops come and say, You need to move or well have to arrest you. Its like constantly mowing the lawn, Sterling said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

City Hall told PIX11 that multiple agencies have been involved in addressing the co-ops ongoing safety concerns. But without long-term housing or support, the cycle continues.

In his 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Eric Adams pledged to address the root causes of the citys homelessness crisis. His proposals include expanding Safe Haven and low-barrier shelter beds from 4,000 to 4,900 and ensuring 24/7 coverage across all five boroughs.

The city also plans to roll out a new initiative called Bridge to Home, a community-based treatment program offering behavioral health care in supportive, home-like settings for individuals with mental illness leaving inpatient care without housing. The Adams adminstration has set aside $650 million for the plan.

For now, residents of the Kips Bay co-op hope their concerns will be addressed, not only for the sake of their safety, but as part of a broader effort to bring long-term housing solutions to those living on the margins.

What to read next

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Money doesnt have to be complicated  sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Overnight, showers and storms will once again dissipate with mild to warm low temperatures. Friday will be a bit calmer once again with most showers and storms developing and moving across northeastern and east central parts of New Mexico. Temperatures are also expected to climb well into the 90s and 100s through Friday afternoon.

As we head into the weekend, low pressure will build off to our east. This will bring more moisture into the eastern half of the state with more showers and storms. This will also bring an increased flooding threat to many locations across eastern New Mexico. Temperatures will also cool down slightly through the weekend as more moisture increases across the state.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Friday dense morning fog and drizzle burns away with broken sunshine to greet us out the door. For many, Friday looks to be relatively dry compared to the rest of the week.

A few showers into the afternoon with a rumble of thunder or two, especially up and over the eastern and southern ridgelines. Temps hover in the low 80s for the lowlands with a few spots in the mountains falling just shy in the mid to upper 70s. While not a huge improvement, itll be welcomed to see the sun for a bit longer today.

Friday evening will be heavy with humidity as temps slowly work down into the 70s. The showers that do manage to form today will fade and well be left with a damp and foggy night. Visibility issues for those traveling late into the night. Overnight lows dip into the low to mid 60s with calm winds.

Saturday morning we burn of the previous nights fog for broken sunshine again. Many of us are dry throughout the morning as temperatures rise into the low to mid 80s for the afternoon. We still have just enough humidity to spark an isolated thunderstorm for the afternoon but these will be very hit and miss. Many will escape the day with just partly sunny skies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After sunset, storms that do form fade but well be left with a few roaming showers, dense fog, and light drizzle much of the night thanks to an approaching front. Overnight lows, with the boost in humidity, hover in the mid to upper 60s.

Sunday, a weak disturbance from the north west is expected to cross the region tapping into southern moisture once again. A little sunshine to start the day as clouds build into the afternoon. A few showers and storms will creep up on us in hit and miss fashion with localized heavy rain once again. Highs manage to reach the low 80s before the clouds and rain momentarily cool us off again. Showers and storms remain likely into the evening and early night but fade by dawn. Overnight lows dip into the low to mid 60s.

Monday our humid and unsettled pattern continues with a damp, foggy, little sunshine morning. Temperatures will still climb into the low to mid 80s for the afternoon which will once again see spotty downpours and storms. Creeks and streams along with the rivers they flow into will be muddy and running high so be sure to monitor their levels as each storms rolls by. With a cold front not far off, the potential for a strong storm or two also remain on the table. Summer storms can often be quick but intense. Damaging winds with blown down trees remains our top threats. Storms fade again into the night with lows in the 60s.

Tuesday, you guessed it, a few spotty instances of drizzle in the dense mountain fog that slowly burns off with morning sunshine. We look to catch a small break in widespread showers with a little more sunshine longer into the day. A spotty evening shower for a handful of towns not out of the normal of a July afternoon. Another evening with temperatures working towards the low to mid 60s.

Wednesday a near by front brings back a few more showers and storms in the early afternoon but at least we have a few dry hours early on. Temperatures soar into the mid and upper 80s with high humidity. A great day to stay hydrated. A few downpours could be on the heavy side with localized street flooding likely. A even fewer amount of thunderstorms could produce localized strong winds. Showers in off and on fashion roam through the night.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In your extended forecast, no relief from the humid air at first glace, but indicators are brewing for a big change for the middle of the month. Cooler air will unclog our weather pattern and usher in cooler than average (82 degree) days. Big changes can also bring big storms so well of course keep you posted as new updates come down. Until then, enjoy the sweltering July heat & humidity.

FRIDAY

Broken sunshine with scattered storms. Clearing late. Highs in the low 80s.

SATURDAY

Partly sunny, iso. PM shower, Highs in the mid 80s.

SUNDAY

Scattered showers off and on all day. Highs in the low 80s.

MONDAY

Sun & clouds, passing showers here and there. Highs in the low to mid 80s.

TUESDAY

Building clouds, PM storms/downpours. Highs in the mid to upper 80s.

WEDNESDAY

Broken sunshine, passing storms PM. Highs in the upper 80s. Humid.

THURSDAY

Morning sunshine, PM storms, some strong. Highs in the mid 90s.

FRIDAY

Morning showers then slow clearing. Highs in the upper 80s. Breezy.

SATURDAY

Breezy, broken sunshine. Highs in the low 80s.

SUNDAY

Sun & clouds, PM sct. Showers/storms. Highs in the low 80s

MONDAY

Sct. Showers off and on. Highs in the mid 80s.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Hours before his visit to Texas due to the catastrophic flooding, President Donald Trump announced a presidential disaster declaration for the flooding in Travis, Williamson and Burnet counties  greenlighting the Central Texas counties ability to access aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced the federal declaration Friday after formally requesting it for the Austin-area counties Thursday afternoon. Kerr County, where nearly 100 people have been confirmed dead in the flooding, already received such status.

Kimble, Menard, Kendall, San Saba and Tom Green counties are also eligible for FEMA aid.

James Bell moves some of his donated belongings at Woodspring Suites in Georgetown, Thursday, July 10, 2025. Bells family is living in the hotel after they lost their trailer home and all of their belongs in the flood at the Goodwater RV Park in Georgetown.

The FEMA Individual Assistance program provides uninsured individuals with access to federal aid to recover from disasters, including by covering temporary lodging, rental assistance, home repairs or replacement, transportation assistance, medical costs, funeral costs and basic needs, according to the agency's website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Local governments are still assessing the damage from the July 4 holiday floods, but in the Austin area at least dozens of residents have been displaced. A total of 16 people had been confirmed dead as of Friday morning in Travis, Williamson and Burnet counties.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: More Texas counties now eligible for FEMA aid, Gov. Abbott announces
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Good Friday morning! Were closing out the workweek on a warm and humid note. Morning temperatures are holding steady in the low to mid 70s under partly cloudy skies. Its a mild start, but changes are already on the horizon.

This afternoon, expect another round of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms, with activity developing across much of the area. High temperatures will climb toward 90 degrees, though many spots may stay just below average for this time of year due to cloud cover and rain-cooled air. By this evening, lingering showers and storms remain possible before tapering off overnight.

Saturday begins muggy and mild, with morning lows again in the low to mid-70s. A much warmer day is on tap as temperatures rise into the mid 90s by the afternoonmake sure to stay hydrated if youre spending time outdoors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Looking ahead to Sunday, high pressure strengthens across the region, ushering in a stretch of hotter and drier weather. Afternoon highs are expected to soar into the mid to upper 90s, and with humidity factored in, heat index values may flirt with the 100-degree mark. The early part of next week appears even hotter with highs just shy of triple digits.

Some relief could arrive mid to late next week, as tropical moisture from the Atlantic attempts to push into the area under the influence of the strong Bermuda High. This may increase rain chances and moderate the heat slightly.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
More wildfires rampaging across Western Slope

MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  Wildfires continue to plague the Western Slope as crews are tackling several blazes on CO Highway 141 near Gateway.

Two of the fires, Wright Draw and Turner Gulch, are mapped at 33.5 and 83 acres, respectively, as of Friday.

The Upper Colorado Interagency Fire Management Unit, which has responded to around 10 wildfires on Thursday, reported lightning is responsible for the blazes. UCRIFM said several resources have been ordered and are en route or are currently on the scene, including engines and aircraft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other fires in Western Colorado include two on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The south rim fire has been mapped at over 1,600 acres. Due to the smoke from the blaze, air quality alerts are in place in Montrose. The county said residents should close their doors and windows and avoid prolonged exposure.

Meanwhile, the Deer Creek Fire has spread to 4,000 acres near the Utah-Colorado border. The blaze is about 11 miles west of Paradox.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Moscow sweltered on Friday in a heatwave with temperatures topping 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the Russian weather service, breaching a municipal record registered nearly 30 years ago.

The previous record temperature of 33.4C (92F) in the Russian capital, a city with a continental climate, was set in 1996.

But it was broken Thursday with a temperature of 33.9C (93F), the Russian Meteorological Centre reported on its website Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It added that a new record high was likely to be registered during the day, with weather services predicting temperatures of up to 36C (37F).

The heatwave was forecast to "persist" until early next week across central Russia and southern Europe, with temperatures "three to eight degrees above average climate norms", said the Russian Meteorological Centre.

The unprecedented heatwave saw Muscovites flocking to their suburban country houses, as well as to the capital's parks and fountains.

"It's hard, I'm taking medication," Valentina Aleksandrovna, 86, told AFP on a Moscow street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The heat stress poses a particular challenge for workers on construction sites, as well as for the elderly.

The temperatures were "overwhelming," Aleksandrovna said, adding: "I don't remember ever experiencing such heat."

Some were swimming in the city's ponds and canals, despite the swimming bans warning of pollution in place.

"The water is dirty, look. We're here because it's easier to breathe near the water at 33 degrees," said Igor, 55, after taking a dip in Tushino, northwest of the capital.

"I've swum once, I doubt I'll go back," he told AFP, adding he had come to visit Moscow from the peninsula of Crimea, captured by Russia from Ukraine in 2014 at the start of fighting between Kyiv and Russian-backed separatists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Scientists have long warned that climate change, driven by mankind's burning of fossil fuels, is making acute heatwaves, droughts, and other extreme weather events more frequent and more intense.

Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record last month, according to the EU's climate monitor Copernicus.

bur/sbk
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to visit North Korea this weekend, in a sign of deepening relations between Moscow and Pyongyang as North Korea gets pulled deeper into Russias war in Ukraine.

Lavrov will make a visit to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea on July 11-13 for the talks that will be held as part of the second round of strategic dialogue between the top diplomats, foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, according to Russian state media agency TASS.

North Koreas state news agency, KCNA, also reported Wednesday that Lavrov would be visiting at the invitation of Pyongyangs foreign ministry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lavrovs trip comes at a crucial time for Russian-North Korean relations, with Pyongyang set to deploy an additional 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers to assist Moscows scaled-up assault on Ukraine, according to Ukrainian intelligence  adding to the estimated 11,000 soldiers Pyongyang sent last year.

It also comes as the US has grown increasingly frustrated with Russia. US President Donald Trump has accused his counterpart Vladimir Putin of throwing bullsh*t at peace talks, and pledged more support for Ukraine.

The trip could further strengthen an alliance that has the potential to reshape not only the war in Ukraine but the security dynamic in Asia.

While in North Korea, Lavrov will likely sit down with his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui, who visited Moscow for the first round of strategic talks in November 2024, according to TASS. At the time, Lavrov praised what he called very close contacts with the North Korean military and intelligence services. Its possible Lavrov could also meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Footage circulated online on Oct 18, 2024 shows North Korean troops at a training range in Sergeyevka, Primorsky Krai, Russia. - EyePress News/Reuters

Despite sustaining heavy battlefield losses, North Korea has become increasingly integrated into Russias war. An estimated 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in Russia, according to Western officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On the ground in the Russian border region of Kursk, where North Korean soldiers helped repel Ukraines incursion last year, the reclusive states soldiers are reportedly living in dugouts, fighting  and dying  alongside Russian troops.

Satellite images obtained by CNN showed cargo planes and troop transport ships moving between North Korea and Russia, hinting at major military logistics underway.

Facing shortages on the front line, even as its own factories work round-the-clock, Russia has become reliant on North Korea for additional weaponry.

Training manuals for North Korean artillery have been translated into Russian, in a sign of both the ubiquity of the weapons and the increasing interoperability between Moscows and Pyongyangs armed forces. A report from 11 UN member states last month said that Pyongyang sent at least 100 ballistic missiles and 9 million artillery shells to Russia in 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia has intensified its aerial assault on Ukraine in recent weeks, launching a record 728 drones and 13 missiles Wednesday. On Thursday, Russian drones attacked the capital Kyiv from all directions in an apparent new tactic that tested Ukraines strained defenses.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Public health officials are warning residents after mosquito samples from two Boston neighborhoods have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The two samples taken from Hyde Park and West Roxbury are the first to test positive for the virus in Boston this summer, Boston Public Health Commission officials said Friday.

While there are currently no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus among Boston residents and the risk of transmission is low, public health officials urged residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The virus is carried by mosquitoes and can be spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The best way to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus is by avoiding mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Health officials recommended the following tips to stay safe:

 Regularly empty out and clean bird baths, unused flowerpots, and other vessels containing standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Flip over unused kiddie pools and dispose of old tires, which are also known to collect rainwater that attracts mosquitoes for breeding.

 Regularly clean out gutters and remove any debris or blockages.

 Avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 Wear long clothing and high socks to keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

 Use EPA-approved insect repellents like DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535.

 Make sure screens in windows and doors fit properly and do not have any holes.

This time of year, I encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves against West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Bostons Public Health Commissioner, said in a statement.

It is important to drain standing water where mosquitoes thrive, and wear insect repellent and long sleeves during outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, Ojikutu said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said state officials are monitoring the situation and will continue to keep residents informed about the virus.

Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus do not experience any signs or symptoms of illness.

In some cases, however, people will experience a headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and body aches which can last for a few days or several weeks.

In most cases, individuals with mild symptoms recover on their own without needing medical assistance, experts say.

People who are older than 50 are at higher risk of developing serious symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, confusion, lack of coordination, and muscle paralysis or weakness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, health officials urge you to contact a health care provider immediately.

More information on WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses is available on the citys website.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
For a potentially serious medical condition, its remarkable how few people know they have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

OSA, in which a persons upper airway collapses, causing irregular breathing, is the most common sleep-related breathing condition. One study estimated well over 900 million adults between 30 and 69 years old may have it worldwide, though as many as four in five moderate-to-severe cases are undiagnosed. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, hearth attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, and yet untreated is what most cases  diagnosed and undiagnosed  are.

The good news is that for people with a diagnosis, there have never been more ways to remedy the problem. With the global sleep apnea device market valued at $8.52 billion in 2024 and projected to rise to nearly $13 billion by 2030, according to one 2025 report, medical tech companies are developing new solutions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which push air into the mouth to maintain open airways, are highly effective and have long been considered the gold standard treatment.

However, CPAP can have a high initial dropout rate, with users citing the discomfort of wearing a mask strapped to the face, or the lifestyle adaptations required to use the machine.

Despite CPAPs dominance, the marketplace for solutions is opening up. Mandibular advancement devices worn over teeth hold the lower jaw and tongue forward; neurostimulation implants trigger the hypoglossal nerve into action to prevent the tongue and soft tissues from blocking airways; theres also a drug being trialed thats designed to stimulate the nerve.

Another alternative is negative pressure devices, which unlike CPAP, suck instead of blow, pulling the tongue and soft tissues up and forward in the mouth. So far, such devices havent been shown to be as effective as CPAP, but the technology is slowly finding its place in the market, with Taiwanese company Somnics Health carving out a foothold.

Somnics' iNAP Sleep Therapy System has a main unit roughly the size of a smartphone. - courtesy Somnics Health Inc.

Roughly the size of a smartphone, Somnics iNAP is a battery-powered device that attaches to a narrow tube with a flexible mouthpiece at the other end. That is worn inside the mouth, and once switched on, negative pressure keeps airways open. Users then breathe through their nose as normal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The beauty of it is it allows natural breathing  and its a very comfortable, quiet and efficient solution, said Somnics general manager Olivier Lauzeral in a video interview.

The iNAP was conceived over a decade ago by Somnics founder Chung Chu Chen, who combined his research with intellectual property purchased from US company Apnicure (which went out of business in 2017, said Lauzeral) to create a negative pressure product. Initial R&D and clinical work took place in Taiwan, where it was first approved by authorities. Since then it has been gradually introduced to new markets across Asia and Europe, winning multiple design awards.

In 2020 it was cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States among adults with obstructive sleep apnea who wont use CPAP. Today, around 3,000 patients use the iNAP in the US, said Lauzeral, and around 10,000 worldwide.

While studies have shown that negative pressure devices are less effective than CPAP, Lauzeral said that the companys target market is patients who decide not to use CPAP and mandibular devices, but are not ready for a surgical solution like neurostimulation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Seventy percent of our patients are CPAP failing, he explained. That was our first way to adopt patients  to talk to those who had that experience with CPAP. The other 30% are what we call naive patients, (meaning) they hadnt tried any other treatments before.

Lauzeral hopes that the convenience of a discreet and portable device that can run for five nights on a single charge will attract patients from younger demographics.

Half of the population with sleep apnea is younger than 53, he said. A lot of those patients dont want to touch a CPAP.

Whats sad to see is those people being in denial, not wanting to be treated when theyre in their 30s or early 40s. They dont get into their treatment, then their sleep apnea deteriorates 10 years later they have no choice but getting into CPAP and at that point their health is really not good.

CPAP devices typically rely on users wearing a mask strapped to their face during sleep. - Christian Feldhaar/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Somnics has recently introduced a subscription model in the US, whereby patients can pay for the device in installments over 24 months, which retails at $1,399.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Unlike most CPAP machines, the prescription-only iNAP is not currently covered by health insurance in the US, though Lauzeral said Somnics is hoping to change this.

Dr. Hrayr Attarian, a sleep medicine specialist and professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, told CNN that there need to be bigger studies on the efficacy of iNAP.

The research out there was done in small groups of people, he said in an email. Even with those limitations, studies showed improvements in 75% and 83% of patients, vs. close to 95% with CPAP, he added.

Attarian characterized the device as an alternative but not a replacement for CPAP, though agreed that Somnics treatment was less intrusive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Surveying the market, although OSA treatments are going to be more fragmented nothing so far has the same efficacy of CPAP, he said. To become a viable competitor, negative pressure manufacturers need to conduct clinical trials with a larger number of participants with all degrees of (OSA) severity, he added.

Dr. Johan Verbraecken, pulmonologist and medical coordinator at the Sleep Disorders Centre, Antwerp University Hospital, agreed that more research would help establish the effectiveness of the iNAP. Currently, its not a first-line treatment, he said  particularly for severe cases of OSA. Verbraecken described it as an add-on treatment instead of a standalone treatment.

He said that the iNAP has minimal side effects but argued that to compete with CPAP, the product needs to more effectively reduce patients Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)  how often a persons breathing slows or stops during sleep.

There has always been an interest in (CPAP) alternatives, he said. These numbers grow, given more patients get the diagnosis, while the absolute number of people not tolerant to CPAP is growing accordingly. On the other hand, the dropout rate is lowering, given better CPAP and mask technology.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Somnics will be banking that there will continue to be a percentage of patients who will remain averse to CPAP. Were ready to start working with partners that will help us really get to the next level and grow and capture all those patients, said Lauzeral.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD Hawaii County Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz addresses the Hawaii County Police Commission today in Hilo. A motion to accept the withdrawal of his resignation failed by a 4-4 vote at the commissions special meeting.

JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD Hawaii County Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz addresses the Hawaii County Police Commission today in Hilo. A motion to accept the withdrawal of his resignation failed by a 4-4 vote at the commissions special meeting.

HILOThe Hawaii County Police Commission handed Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz his walking papers today in a special meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Commissioners split their vote, 4-4, on a motion to accept Moszkowiczs June 4 emailed withdrawal of his resignation. He had resigned via email earlier that day in the wake of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardis announcement that Moszkowicz was his favored choice to be interim police chief for the Honolulu Police Department.

Moszkowicz needed five yes votes today to remain the Big Islands top cop.

Commission Chairman Rick Robinson and Vice Chairman John Bertsch voted to accept Moszkowiczs withdrawal of his resignation. They were joined by Commissioners Eileen Lacerte and Arthur Buckman.

Voting no to reject Moszkowiczs withdrawal of his resignation were Commissioners Jacob Tavares, Greg Yamada, Wendy Botelho and Lloyd Enriques.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The commission also voted unanimously to allow Moszkowicz, whose resignation is effective Tuesday, to remain in the post until Aug. 31 so he can retire.

Moszkowicz told commissioners he has enough remaining vacation time to clear out of his office on Tuesday and return on Aug. 31 to turn in gear issued to him that belongs to the department.

Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna will become acting chief on July 16 and has the option of remaining in the position until the commission hires the next chief.

On June 2, and strongly recommended that the Honolulu Police Commission name Moszkowicz as the interim chief.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Moszkowicz submitted his resignation by email to Robinson two days later saying his last day on the job would be July 15. But Moszkowicz withdrew his resignation in a second email to Robinson mere hours later.

On June 18, the Honolulu commission ignored Blangiardis recommendation and chose Honolulu Deputy Chief Rade K. Vanic to serve as interim chief. Honolulu commissioners said they elected to follow the city charter and name the next-highest ranking officer to serve as the interim leader while the search for the citys 13th chief is underway.

Vanic will start as Honolulus interim chief Wednesday and told the commission that he would apply for the permanent job.

Moszkowicz, a former major with 22 years at HPD, was one of four finalists for Honolulus chief when Logan was selected on May 23, 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

See more :

15 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our.

Having trouble with comments ? .
JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD Hawaii County Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz addresses the Hawaii County Police Commission today in Hilo. A motion to accept the withdrawal of his resignation failed by a 4-4 vote at the commissions special meeting.

1 /2 JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD Hawaii County Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz addresses the Hawaii County Police Commission today in Hilo. A motion to accept the withdrawal of his resignation failed by a 4-4 vote at the commissions special meeting.

JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD Hawaii County Police Commissioner Jacob Tavares, left, commission Vice Chairman John Bertsch and Chairman Rick Robinson listen to testimony at a special Hawaii County Police Commission meeting Thursday in Hilo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

2 /2 JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD Hawaii County Police Commissioner Jacob Tavares, left, commission Vice Chairman John Bertsch and Chairman Rick Robinson listen to testimony at a special Hawaii County Police Commission meeting Thursday in Hilo.

JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD Hawaii County Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz addresses the Hawaii County Police Commission today in Hilo. A motion to accept the withdrawal of his resignation failed by a 4-4 vote at the commissions special meeting.

JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD Hawaii County Police Commissioner Jacob Tavares, left, commission Vice Chairman John Bertsch and Chairman Rick Robinson listen to testimony at a special Hawaii County Police Commission meeting Thursday in Hilo.

HILOThe Hawaii County Police Commission declined to let Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz withdraw his retirement letter Thursday and will look for a new leader after the chief retires Aug. 31.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At a special meeting in Hilo, commissioners split their vote, 4-4, on a motion to accept Moszkowiczs June 4 emailed withdrawal of his resignation. He had resigned via email earlier that day in the wake of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardis announcement that Moszkowicz was his choice to be interim police chief for the Honolulu Police Department.

Moszkowicz needed five yes votes Thursday to remain the Big Islands top cop.

If I could rewind the last six weeks and undo my actions, I absolutely would,  an emotional Moszkowicz told the commission a few minutes before they voted to dismiss him as the Big Islands police chief.

Commission Chairman Rick Robinson and Vice Chairman John Bertsch voted to accept Moszkowiczs withdrawal of his resignation. They were joined by commissioners Eileen Lacerte and Arthur Buckman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Voting no to reject Moszkowiczs withdrawal of his resignation were commissioners Jacob Tavares, Greg Yamada, Wendy Botelho and Lloyd Enriques. The ninth seat of the commission is vacant.

Im sorry, chief,  Robinson said to Moszkowicz after the vote.

The commission voted unanimously to allow Moszkowicz, whose resignation is effective Tuesday, to remain in the post until Aug. 31 so he can retire.

Moszkowicz told commissioners he has enough remaining vacation time to clear out of his office Tuesday and return Aug. 31 to turn in gear issued to him that belongs to the department.

Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna will become acting chief Wednesday and has the option of remaining in the position until the commission hires the next chief.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On June 2, and strongly recommended that the Honolulu Police Commission name Moszkowicz as the interim chief.

Moszkowicz submitted his resignation by email to Robinson two days later saying his last day on the job would be July 15. But Moszkowicz withdrew his resignation in a second email to Robinson mere hours later.

On June 18, the Honolulu commission ignored Blangiardis recommendation and chose Honolulu Deputy Chief Rade K. Vanic to serve as interim chief. Honolulu commissioners said they elected to follow the city charter and name the next-highest ranking officer to serve as the interim leader while the search for the citys 13th chief is underway.

Vanic will start as Hono lulus interim chief Wednesday and told the commission that he would apply for the permanent job.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Moszkowicz, a former major with 22 years at HPD, was one of four finalists for Honolulus chief when Logan was selected on May 23, 2022.

Moszkowicz told the Hawaii island commissioners Thursday, You know, 2-1 /2 years ago when I moved to the Big Island, I intended to stay here. The Big Island has become my home. My family and I love it here. Our roots continue to deepen in island culture that totally embraced us graciously.

I dont hide from facts. I take responsibility for my actions,  he said as he choked up.

Moszkowicz took a sip of water before continuing. I told myself I wasnt going to become emotional, but thats clearly a fail,  he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I deeply reflected on my situation, on my actions and on the circumstances around them, and I failed to talk to each of you,  Moszkowicz told the commission. I cant undo these things. I can acknowledge them, which Im trying to do now, and I can come to you with heartfelt regret and a renewed commitment to do better.

After Thursdays vote, Robinson said he wished Blangiardi had stayed in his own sandbox over there  and not interfered with the Honolulu commissions job of choosing the police chief.

In an interview, Blan giardi told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that he spoke to Moszkowicz and expressed his concern and disappointment  with the Hawaii police commissioners decision.

He lauded Moszkowiczs approach to policing and thanked him for his 25 years of service helping keep Oahu and Hawaii island safe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I just feel really badly that this happens to him, that his desire to help us ended up turning out this way,  Blangiardi said.

Moszkowicz told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald after the meeting that he respects the commissioners and the process, but conceded the outcome was not what I had hoped.

State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers President Robert Cavaco, an HPD lieutenant, said the union appreciates that the commission listened to the voices of our Hawaii Chapter members who work every day to keep the residents and visitors of Hawaii safe.

While this was a tough situation for everyone, the commission made the best decision possible given the circumstances and did so promptly, avoiding a protracted process that would only cause more pain and delay our ability to move forward,  Cavaco told the Star-Advertiser. Whether its solving the staffing challenges, addressing violent crime, or modernizing the departments equipment and training, Hawaii PD employees, the commission, and the community have an opportunity for a fresh start at plotting the departments future progress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cavaco noted that SHOPO members with the Hawaii Police Department have decades of experience in protecting the Big Island ; we hope the commission truly engages them and uses their expertise  to select the next chief.

Regardless of (Thursdays ) action, nothing should take away from Ben Moszkowiczs 25 years of service to the people of Oahu and Hawaii. We respect Bens work as a law enforcement officer and servant of our community. We wish him well,  said Cavaco.

As for whats next, Moszkowicz said he didnt know, and would talk it over with family.

See more :

71 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our.

Having trouble with comments ? .
A 26-year-old McDonald's employee has been charged with fatally stabbing her manager, a mother of six, during a dispute at the fast food restaurant where they worked.

Afeni Badu Muhammad, of Eastpointe, was arraigned on Friday, July 11, in 38th District Court on charges of first-degree premeditated murder  a mandatory life without parole offense  and carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, a five-year felony, according to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucidos office.

Muhammad is accused of stabbing Jennifer Harris, of Mount Clemens, to death, just before 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, at the McDonalds located at 17921 Nine Mile Road in Eastpointe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Harris, who had worked at the location for 15 years, allegedly sent Muhammad home before her shift ended, the prosecutor's office said.

Eastpointe Detective Lt. Alex Holish told the Free Press Muhammad said, "I'll be back," before later returning to the McDonald's wearing a mask, entering through the employee entrance and allegedly stabbing Harris multiple times with a knife.

A customer at the drive-through, who was lawfully carrying a concealed weapon, witnessed the attack and fired his gun in an attempt to stop it, according to police and the prosecutors office. Muhammad fled to her vehicle, where the customer followed her and held her at gunpoint until Eastpointe police arrived and arrested her.

"This is an absolutely senseless and heartbreaking tragedy. A life was taken in an act of unimaginable violence," Lucido said in a statement. "The victim leaves behind six children, six young lives that will now grow up without a parent. This isnt just a statistic; this is a family shattered, a future forever altered."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Muhammad stood mute as a plea of not guilty was entered during her arraignment, according to online court records.

Muhammad's bond was set at $25 million, cash or surety only. If posted, she would be required to wear a steel cuff tether, report daily to community corrections, abstain from drugs and alcohol with testing, have no contact with the victims family, and stay away from the McDonalds, the prosecutor's office said. She is currently being held in the Macomb County Jail.

No attorney was listed for Muhammad as of July 11; the Free Press was unable to reach a legal representative. She was represented by a court-appointed attorney at the arraignment, and a petition for court-appointed counsel was filed, court records show.

"It is deeply troubling that we continue to see violence used as a response to conflict. How have we reached a point where, for some, the solution to a disagreement or problem is to pick up a weapon instead of finding a way to resolve differences peacefully?" Lucido added. "This should not be normal, and it must not be accepted as the status quo."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement shortly after the stabbing on July 10, Yusef Alcodray, the local owner and operator of the Eastpointe McDonald's, said:

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the victim's family and loved ones. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in my restaurants, and we are taking this matter extremely seriously, as the safety and well-being of our employees and customers is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation, and the restaurant will remain closed until further notice.

Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Eastpointe McDonalds stabbing: Worker charged with first-degree murder
On Monday, as anti-government protests swept across parts of Kenya, 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki sat watching television in her family's modest home.

She had no idea that the deadly clashes between these protesters and Kenya's armed police would find their way into her living room.

A single bullet pierced the roof, puncturing the ceiling and striking Njoki in the head, her mother, Lucy Ngugi, tells the BBC. Within hours, she was pronounced dead in hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"She was my everything," Ms Ngugi says, while sobbing in her home just outside the capital, Nairobi. "She was all I had."

"Let me be the last mother to weep because of the death of a child. An innocent child. I wish she was even playing outside but inside the house? Oh Lord, this is painful."

Njoki is one of the youngest victims of the violence that has rocked Kenya over the past month. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), almost 70 people have died and hundreds were wounded in the three major protests that have taken place since 17 June.

The protests - mainly led by young Kenyans - reflect growing discontent over issues like the cost of living, tax hikes, runaway public debt, and police brutality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On 7 July, the day Njoki died, the authorities barricaded major roads in preparation for the demonstrations.

Video evidence shows the police firing tear gas, and in some cases, live rounds in residential areas where protesters had regrouped.

"The bullet came over the roof of the house. It penetrated into the ceiling, right where Njoki was seated on a chair," says Njoki's grandmother, Margaret Njeri.

"Immediately, her mother grabbed her and came screaming to my home: 'Mum, my child has been shot!' I couldn't even hold the child."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The family had thought they were far from the violent clashes, given they lived in Ndumberi, a village nearly two kilometres (1.2 miles) from a main road.

"I was sure it was a bullet," says Njoki's mother. "The bang that hit the roof was so loud. Very loud."

The police have dismissed the family's claims, insisting a bullet couldn't travel from the main road to their house. But Njoki's lifeless body told a different story.

A report from the 12-year-old's post-mortem examination says doctors retrieved a bullet from her body, and that her head injury was "consistent with a gunshot".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Njoki had been a Grade 7 student at Benson Njau School in Ting'ang'a, a nearby village. As the family's firstborn, she was a caretaker, helper, and the pride of the household.

"She was always number one in her class," her grandmother says. "So obedient, so specific, so neat.

"Even in the way she spoke. She was just a very good girl. She loved serving in church. She helped her siblings. She cooked for me. She was everything."

Njoki's mother describes her as "a beautiful girl, a charming girl, who had so many dreams".

Her father is crushed, unable to speak. Her siblings are also silent. Grief hangs like a shroud in the house, while Njoki's chair sits empty.

Njoki's father and mother are now calling for peace and justice [BBC]

The deaths of dozens like Njoki have drawn international condemnation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The UN said it was deeply troubled by the killings and criticised the Kenyan police for using "lethal ammunition" against protesters.

This all feels like a repeat of last year, when according to the KNCHR, more than 50 died in a police crackdown on months of anti-government protests.

President Ruto has taken a particularly hard-line stance this time.

In a national address following the 7 July protests, in which 38 people were killed, according to the state-run human rights commission, Ruto said: "Anyone caught burning another person's business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalised and later taken to court. Don't kill them, but ensure their legs are broken."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ruto has accused political rivals of inciting violence in a bid to unseat him illegally, but the president's opponents have dismissed this allegation.

The bullet punctured the family's corrugated iron roof [BBC]

Meanwhile, back in Ndumberi, Njoki's family are simply calling for an end to the brutality.

"I'll bury Njoki, but I'll never forget the Saba Saba Day [7 July]. Let Njoki be the last sacrifice of these protests," her mother says.

The ongoing anti-government protest movement has reshaped Kenyan politics. It has demanded transparency, empathy and a listening ear. But it has also paid in blood.

And as the uprising continues, Njoki's name and those of many others lost have become a symbol - of innocence, state overreach, and a lack of accountability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Let's not burn our country. Let's have dialogue. Let's talk. We are brothers and sisters, I'm begging our government - let this not happen to any other parent," Njoki's mother says.

"Don't let another child die like Njoki."

You may also be interested in:

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts
[Watch in the player above: The differences between homicide, murder and manslaughter]

CANTON, Ohio (WJW)  Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a 30-year-old woman on Thursday, July 10, have charged the womans mother and stepfather in her murder.

Police dispatched just after 9:30 a.m. on Thursday to the 2300 block of 20th Street Northeast found 30-year-old Ayla Mangan of Canton, who had been stabbed in the back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Laborer dies in accident at Sherwin-Williams construction site in Cleveland

She was treated at the scene by fire medics, then transported to a Cleveland hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Mangans mother, Terri L. Niner, 49, and stepfather, Francis J. Niner, 52, were arrested Thursday and are now jailed in the womans murder, according to a Friday update from police.

Terri Niner (left) and Francis Niner (right) (Stark County Sheriffs Office)

I-Team: Judge rules on dismissal of Browns lawsuit

Terri Niner is facing counts of murder, felonious assault and domestic violence. She was handed a $500,000 bond at her arraignment Friday morning in Canton Municipal Court, records show. Shes due back in court on July 16.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Francis Niner is facing a one count of obstructing justice, according to the update. He was handed a $75,000 bond on Friday morning. No future court dates have been set.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to call Canton police dispatchers at 330-649-5800 or Canton police detectives at 330-489-3144. Anonymous tips may also be sent to Tips411 or to Stark County Crime Stoppers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Motorcycle gang members arrested after violent brawl and shooting during Bike Week, deputies say

Four members of the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang have been arrested in Volusia County following a violent brawl and shooting at a New Smyrna Beach gas station on March 8.

The incident occurred during Bike Week and involved a confrontation between the Mongols and the rival Warlocks motorcycle gang, resulting in two men being shot and several others injured.

The arrests were part of a multi-agency raid called Operation Mongolian, which targeted individuals involved in the violent incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gang violence in the region, particularly during high-profile events such as Bike Week.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Parliament's standards commissioner has launched an investigation into ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe.

The BBC understands it is for allegedly failing to register hundreds of thousands of pounds raised in donations to fund his independent "Rape Gang Inquiry".

More than 600,000 has been donated to a Crowdfunder started by Lowe in March to support a national inquiry into gang-based sexual exploitation across the UK. So far, Lowe has not declared any of the money on his MPs' register.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A statement released via the Rape Gang Inquiry social media page said: "All appropriate checks have been made for Rupert's parliamentary declaration."

Lowe started the project before the PM announced a government-backed national inquiry into grooming gangs last month. He has since said his investigation will continue regardless. Lowe has been approached for comment.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has confirmed they are investigating whether Lowe breached parliamentary rules on declaring donations within the 28-days - as set out in the MPs' Code of Conduct.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under parliamentary rules, MPs must declare any donation from a single source over 1,500 - or over 300 in earnings or gifts.

Lowe's Crowdfunder includes a statement that donors giving above the parliamentary limit will have their names published in the Commons register.

Most of the 600,000 came in small sums - but records show over a dozen donations exceeded 1,500, none of which have appeared in Lowe's register of financial interests.

The BBC has been shown bank statements that appear to show money from the Crowdfunder was received by the Rape Gang Inquiry on 23 June, which would need to be declared by the 21 July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement the Rape Gang Inquiry said: "The first donations were drawn from our Crowdfunder and arrived in the Rape Gang Inquiry bank account on June 23rd - Rupert had been funding the inquiry until then.

"All appropriate checks have been made for Rupert's parliamentary declaration. He has 28 days from the money arriving in the account, which was on June 23rd, until the submission has to be complete - although this has almost entirely been finished already.

"Once the inquiry is complete, spending will be published in the interests of full transparency."

Lowe was elected as a Reform UK MP for Great Yarmouth in 2024 but was suspended by the party in March, amid claims of threats towards the party's chairman, Zia Yusuf.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In May, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to press charges over threats he was alleged to have made. Lowe claimed in a BBC Newsnight interview that he had been the victim of a "political assassination attempt".

Not long after his suspension from Reform, Lowe set up his Crowdfunder - accusing ministers of failing victims and saying: "Our gutless political class is too cowardly to even start to process what has truly happened."

Lowe's Rape Gang Inquiry has set up a board, including Conservative MP Esther McVey.

According to the inquiries social media page it has sent "hundreds and hundreds of FOI requests to every local council, police force, NHS trust and more in order to uncover vital information relating to the rape gangs".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lowe has promised to stream hearings online and insisted his private investigation will continue to push for accountability.

[BBC]

Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to keep up with the inner workings of Westminster and beyond.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that the population in the heavily embattled Gaza Strip is increasingly suffering from hunger.

Teams on the ground have observed "a sharp and unprecedented rise in acute malnutrition among people in Gaza," the organization said.

In its two health centres in Gaza City and the coastal town of Al-Mawasi, more than 700 pregnant and breastfeeding women and almost 500 children with severe and moderate malnutrition are currently receiving outpatient treatment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to MSF, the number of malnutrition cases at its Gaza City location almost quadrupled in less than two months, from 293 cases in May to 983 cases in early July. Of these, 326 cases involve children between the ages of 6 and 23 months.

"This is the first time we have witnessed such a severe scale of malnutrition cases in Gaza," the statement quoted Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, deputy medical coordinator for MSF in Gaza, as saying.

"The starvation of people in Gaza is intentional, it can end tomorrow if the Israeli authorities allow food in at scale," he said.

Israel restricts food imports to the bare minimum and militarises their subsequent distribution. MSF is urgently calling for unhindered access for humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, and for the protection of the civilian population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israel controls all access to the Gaza Strip and thus also the transport routes for any humanitarian aid. In March, it blocked all aid deliveries and only eased the blockade slightly at the end of May.

Israel justifies the restriction of aid deliveries by claiming that Hamas would steal the goods. According to UN organizations, there is no evidence of this happening.

The war was triggered by the massacre of 1,200 people and the taking of 250 hostages by Hamas and other extremists from Gaza in Israel on October 7, 2023.
Note: The person was reported found at 8:35 p.m. on July 10. This article has been updated to protect privacy.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  Law enforcement is searching for an 11-year-old girl, as she hasnt been seen since Tuesday night, July 8.

According to the advisory, Springfield police are searching for an 11-year-old girl, who has not been seen since 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

Springfield police said in a press release that officers responded to the report on Wednesday, July 9.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Springfield Police Department at 417-862-7911 or call 911.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  State police say an assault suspect was shot after leading authorities on a chase, then apparently pointing a gun at troopers in Osceola County.

It happened around 8:10 p.m. Thursday. According to the Michigan State Police, troopers from the Cadillac Post were helping the Wexford County Sheriffs Office with a traffic stop. Troopers say the man was believed to have been involved in an assault with a firearm earlier that evening, and he was likely still armed.

Authorities say the suspect wouldnt stop, sparking a chase. While driving southeast on M-115, he fired from his vehicle at deputies, according to MSP.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He ended up losing control in the area of 20 Mile Road in Osceola County, crashing into a ditch and then running away on foot. Troopers say they made contact with him and told him to drop the weapon.

It is believed the subject pointed a firearm at the troopers, at which time he was shot, MSP wrote in a release.

The man, a 27-year-old from Marion, was treated on scene and taken to the hospital, where he was remained Friday afternoon, according to MSP.

No officers were hurt.

Information is preliminary and may change as additional details are confirmed, MSP wrote.

MSPs Special Investigation Division is handling the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
BOSTON (WPRI)  The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) will be welcoming roughly 50 dogs and cats uprooted by the catastrophic floods in Texas last weekend.

The animals  approximately 20 cats and 30 dogs  are coming from the Williamson Animal Shelter, which is located just outside the flood zone. The MSPCA is expecting them to arrive Friday evening.

Theres a common misconception that transports like this mean peoples pets get lost, end up in a shelter and are immediately shipped out of town. Thats just not true, explained Josie Waldron, MSPCAs animal relocation manager. Texas shelters are overwhelmed caring for stray animals found in the flooding that may be peoples pets, as well as those who need temporary housing because their familys home was destroyed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MSPCA: Dog in viral abuse video needs special forever home

By taking animals that were already living in shelters prior to the floods, were freeing up vital cage space there to help those animals now in need, she continued.

The 20 cats are domestic shorthairs ranging in age from approximately 2 months to 7 years old. The 30 dogs range in age from roughly 3 months to 6 years old and are a mixture of breeds, including terrier, Labrador retriever, German shepherd and Alaskan husky.

The animals will undergo a mandatory 48-hour quarantine upon arriving at the Northeast Animal Shelter and will receive any necessary medical care prior to being put up for adoption.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This time of year is already busy for us, but given the immense need in Texas, we knew we had to pull out all the stops to help, Waldron said. But the transport is just the first step  now we have more animals to care for, and our capacity was already extremely tight.

Waldron said the MSPCA is planning on temporarily waiving adoption fees for cats and dogs later this month in an effort to make room for more animals in need.

The MSPCA is seeking donations to offset the cost of caring for the new arrivals. Anyone interested in donating can do so online.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Another Democrat is running for Michigans 7th Congressional District.

Josh Cowen. (WLNS)

Michigan State University professor Josh Cowen announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives on Thursday. He is looking to take on Republican Congressman Tom Barrett for the 7th Congressional District seat, which includes much of Mid-Michigan.

This is Cowens first time running for office. The professor said that during his 12 years teaching at MSU, a big priority for him has been improving public education. Cowen said this issue will continue to be a focus for him throughout his campaign, saying he wants to fight attempts to defund schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The East Lansing resident added that the recent signing of the federal budget bill has made him worried about families losing their health care and food benefits. Cowen said that he is looking to help make things more affordable.

We are at this point in time with these chaotic tariffs, with the high cost of living, roll backs to health care, with cuts to public schools in this community, Cowen continued, Being an elected official means listening to people when they tell you that they dont want this stuff, And they are telling everybody. They are telling democrats and theyre telling republicans that they dont want these cuts, and politicians in Washington arent listening.

Cowen will face off against former Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and Former Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam in the August Democratic Primary in 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregons most populous county is among those challenging President Donald Trumps plans to strip funding from entities that dont comply with federal mandates.

On Thursday, Multnomah County revealed it joined nearly 60 other local governments that are pushing back against the Trump administrations threats to cancel grants from the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, and Health and Human Services.

The county additionally joined the City of San Francisco v. Scott Turner lawsuit, centered on federal officials plan to defund entities that are sanctuary locations for undocumented immigrants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One detained after fourth-alarm fire at Portland apartment building, 2 hospitalized

Soon after Trump took office in January, he issued an executive order directing federal entities to end their diversity, equity and inclusion practices. The order further established that local and state agencies that receive federal funding could lose it if they were to maintain their own DEI policies.

In response, the federal move has pushed several organizations and locales  from the Port of Portland to the City of Estacada  to end their diversity-related practices.

The president has also cracked down on immigration. Just on Tuesday, the Trump administrations border czar Thomas Homan threatened to ramp up enforcement in sanctuary cities like Portland that have held protests against Immigration and Customs enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While U.S. leaders have threatened to cut financial support for local entities that fail to cooperate with the federal mandates, complying with them would force them to implement policies that harm the very communities they serve, according to Multnomah County officials.

Former Portland freelance journalist convicted of bias crimes, arson

We cannot stand by while this administration shreds our local safety net to advance its political agenda, County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said in a statement. It is overstepping the Congress that authorized these funds, violating the Constitution, and breaking the promises made to our community.

One of the lawsuits that county has joined, King County v. Turner, focuses on housing and transit grants that Congress had already permitted before federal mandates went into effect. Multnomah County noted that a judge issued a preliminary injunction against the federal freeze in June, but the administration has since issued other grant restrictions related to child welfare, health care and civil rights programs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the county, more than $126 million of its 2024-2025 budget stemmed from federal funding. The latest yearly budget included grants that fund public health services like HIV/AIDS resources, early childhood mental health and addiction medicine.

VIDEO: DUI suspect attempts to break into Columbia County Jail

The other lawsuit prompted by the City of San Francisco is centered on the governments attempt to crackdown on entities that have sanctuary statuses, and therefore ban local law enforcement from assisting with federal immigration enforcement.

Oregon law is clear that our limited local resources cant be commandeered to do the federal governments job, Chair Vega Pederson said. And we have been equally clear that everyone in our community is safer and healthier when we follow the local laws in place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Colonel Ivan Voronych of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) was shot dead in Kyiv on 10 July. The New York Times has information that he had taken part in a number of special operations, including the killing of Russian militant Arsen Pavlov, alias Motorola, and led a unit that advanced into Russias Kursk Oblast in 2024.

Source: The New York Times

Details: As reported by NYT citing anonymous colleagues of Voronych, the colonel served in the Alpha Special Operations Centre and had worked for the SSU for several decades.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He began his service in the mid-1990s and later commanded the Fifth Directorate  a unit that received technical support from the CIA and was involved in the killing of one of the commanders of the unrecognised Donetsk Peoples Republic, Arsen Pavlov, alias Motorola.

It is noted that after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Voronych was part of an elite group operating in the grey zone.

NYT says this unit played a key role in the Ukrainian Armed Forces advance into Russias Kursk Oblast in the summer of 2024.

The SSU has confirmed the killing of its officer and announced that it is investigating the circumstances. However, no details have been disclosed. NYT writes that officials have not suggested Moscows involvement in Voronychs death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Colonel Voronych took a very active part in countering Russian aggression since 2014," former SSU head Ivan Bakanov, who knew Voronych personally, told NYT. "If the motive is domestic-related homicide, thats one thing. But this could be a public execution carried out by the Russians, which is a completely different story that would require a set of immediate measures from the SSU".

Background:

On the morning of 10 July, a colonel of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) was shot dead in Kyivs Holosiivskyi district. An Ukrainska Pravda source stated that at around 09:00, a man approached SSU Colonel Ivan Voronych and fired five targeted shots from a pistol, then fled the scene of the crime.

As a result of the shots, Voronych suffered multiple penetrating gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Clarissa McNally from Muscatine was recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Iowa (VFW) as Girl Scout of the Year.

Clarissa McNally (Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois)

McNally was honored June 27 in Des Moines for her work teaching people about traffic laws during funeral processions. McNally is a Gold Award Girl Scout, achieving the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, available to girls in high school who create sustainable change on a community or world issue.

(L-R) Commander Michael Young, State Adjutant Russell Saffell, Girl Scout of the Year Clarissa Mcnally, Sr. Vice Becky Haugsted and Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore (Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois)

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

President Donald Trump is now treating his former buddy Elon Musk like an off the rails oddity.

But as their relationship continues to devolve with insults and Musks promise to fund his own America Party instead of Trumps Republican Party, its worth looking at what a well-funded alternative party might actually do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I talked to John Kenneth White, a professor emeritus of politics at Catholic University and the author of several books on American political parties, why theyre formed and where theyre headed. We talked about what political harm Musk might actually be able to inflict on the president.

Our conversation, edited for length, is below.

Money, negativity and Ross Perot

WOLF: Youve written books about the history of political parties. Whats the first thing that goes through your head when you hear that Elon Musk is forming one?

WHITE: Several strands, really:

One is that we have a system now where our politics is increasingly top-down, depending on the wealthiest person and the amount of money they have.

If they become dissatisfied, as Musk has clearly become dissatisfied with Trump, then you get this situation where he can say, All right, not only am I going to withhold my money from Republican candidates, which may be the most significant thing out of the formation of this party, but Im going to form a new party that will respond to be responsive to my interest, punish a party I previously supported, and, at a minimum, influence the outcome of elections to make sure that Republicans lose.

A second strand that emerges is  and this has some possibilities, but the obstacles are, I think, greater than going to Mars  but Americans are dissatisfied with both parties.

Theyve been dissatisfied with both parties for a long period of time. Elections have turned into a form of negative partisanship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We dont like the incoming party, so well try the opposite party. We dont like them once theyre in power; we go back. And this really has become manifest in our politics since the emergence of the Tea Party back in 2010.

The other strand is that in some ways, this is an inheritor to Ross Perot.

Perot himself, of course, was a very wealthy individual. He capitalized on the dissatisfaction with both parties and also emphasized deficit spending and the out-of-control budget, as he put it at the time. Thats also part of what Musk is saying in terms of the trillions added to the deficit by Trump.

Perot capitalized on this enormous dissatisfaction and distrust with government. In a lot of ways, Perot is the antecedent of Donald Trump, but that dissatisfaction continues, so it opens up opportunities for Musk, potentially.

Dissatisfaction has never broken the two parties

WOLF: You mentioned the Tea Party. That was a movement within the Republican Party, whereas Musk is essentially trying to create, by force of his billions, one mans political party. So it seems like theyre kind of the opposite.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WHITE: They are, in that sense, but the whole movement stems from the same strand  the dissatisfaction with both parties. That is a through line that Musk is trying to build upon. Hes saying, Are you dissatisfied with the parties? Would you like a third choice? Which Americans always say they want until theyre faced with that particular choice. The idea that we have another option seems good until its that third party and that candidate and that person that appears, and then suddenly, not so much.

When have insurgent parties surged?

WOLF: We have a history of these kinds of splinter parties in this country. Theres the Bull Moose Party, the Dixiecrats, the Know Nothings. You mentioned the Tea Party. Do you see any other corollaries and in more distant history?

WHITE: Go back to Theodore Roosevelt. He was extremely dissatisfied with his (handpicked) successor, William Howard Taft. Having left the country for a couple of years after the presidency and come back, that dissatisfaction grew and grew and grew. He also had behind him a populist movement whereby he was bucking the party establishment, running in primaries, winning them, but of course, losing at the convention.

He did want to pursue additional reforms and was very specific about the reforms that he wanted to undertake, some of which were undertaken by (Democratic President Woodrow) Wilson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The difference with Roosevelt is that he had been a president, so hes the all-time king in terms of third parties and the amount of support he got.

But that movement fades over time because you have election laws that favor both parties, because they write them.

If you go back even further to the emergence of the Republican Party, it basically started as a grassroots movement. In other words, it did not start from the top down, but from the bottom up. And this is where third parties tend to have some success. Were not seeing that with Musk. Its all top-down.

The Trump coalition is beginning to fracture

WOLF: Trump is himself riding a populist movement. Is there some chance that Musk could tap into something that is not being spoken to by Republicans? Or does that seem unlikely to you?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WHITE: The Trump coalition is beginning to fracture, and in a lot of ways, there is historical precedent for this.

Trump and Grover Cleveland have a lot in common besides serving non-contiguous terms as president.

Their commonalities, when you dig into it, are absolutely striking. Cleveland won a very close election the first time around. He lost a very close election the second time around, and during Benjamin Harrisons term, there was a nostalgia for Cleveland that developed largely, by the way, because of very unpopular tariff law. Cleveland built on that nostalgia.

He was also above the Democratic Party and had bucked the party bosses. He had a common touch with a party base that absolutely adored him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But in the second term, his coalition began to fracture, in part, because he wanted to marry basically the old Southern Democrats with the Western Populists, and particularly around the issue of tariffs. He wanted low tariff rates. Cheaper goods. And also this would appeal to the Northern urban (ethnic groups) that were working in manufacturing and industry.

That idea completely failed and we entered into a financial panic. The parallel with Trump is that you have business that does not want tariffs. It would agree with Musk, at least secretly, that tariffs are a very bad idea for business in a 21st-century global economy. You have a Hispanic population that gravitated to Trump in significant terms that is now showing dissatisfaction with the universal deportations of people without due process.

Youre beginning to see this coalition slowly begin to unravel. Musk is trying to take a piece of that and turn it into something bigger. But the problem with Musk is he is so erratic. Its also a function of a system where billionaires have power and money and can attempt to build their own organizations  again, all from the top down, not from the bottom up.

Musks weird, erratic politics

WOLF: Hes erratic, but hes also weird politically. Hes forming the party, he says, to deal with the national debt, but he also built his company on subsidies for green cars. Hes an immigrant who enabled an anti-immigrant president. He is concerned about climate change. He is so politically unique that it almost feels like there is no other person that could join this party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WHITE: And also being so erratic in terms of just his personality. Hes forming this party today, and tomorrow he may abandon the whole idea. Or he may choose candidates that that at least enough Republicans find completely unacceptable.

I hate to put it this way, but if you have a dictator versus a plutocrat, and Putins Russia is a very good example of this, the dictator always wins. This is Trumps Republican Party. He controls it. He owns it. He tolerates no dissent within it. That is unusual in American politics. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan  they had dissenters within their own parties they had to mollify and whose voices became louder over time.

Trump doesnt have any of that. The dissenters are in exile, or theyre not running again, or they feel so threatened that they yield to whatever Trump wants to do. He feels much more empowered than he did during his first term.

Could Musks strategy work?

WOLF: Musks strategy is to pick a few races and flood them with money. Could that be like a sneaky way to accomplish something here? There are such small margins, both the House and the Senate. If he could replicate Thomas Massie in a couple of different places, you could in theory have an important coalition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WHITE: Thats his only way of succeeding. Its not by electing these people; its by being the difference-maker in the partisan vote. So perhaps he floods the zone in a North Carolina Senate race. Perhaps he finds another Thomas Massie to run in House races. When you have a three-seat margin in the House, yeah, were talking about elections being on the knifes edge.

Think of Musk as a vacuum

WOLF: The ideas of fringe or splinter parties, they get sucked up into the Republicans and the Democrats. Thats their importance. Bernie Sanders isnt a Democrat, but certainly his democratic socialism has informed some of what Democrats are doing. Its the same with libertarians like Ron Paul and Republicans. Musk seems to be the inverse of that, where he is trying to essentially suck something out of Republicans.

WHITE: Think of Elon Musk as a vacuum cleaner to suck some of the lifeblood out of the Trump Coalition, which is showing signs of weakness.

Third parties historically, theyre like Roman candles. They burn brightly for a moment or two, and then they fade. One of the reasons that some of them do fade is because they have a good idea, or two or three, that is appropriated by one or both of the major parties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Perot had balancing the budget. Bill Clinton thought that was not a bad idea, and the New Democrats thought that was a very good idea. Lots of the Republican class of 1994 thought that was a very good idea, and so they became the vacuum cleaners to suck the lifeblood out of what Perot had done in 1992 and diminished him in 1996. By 2000, the Reform Party is now Pat Buchanans party, which had nothing to do with Perots stated purpose for it.

So the question is, does Musk have a good idea or two that might sustain him in the long term? Despite the flow of money that he has to make a difference in some key races, can he, in fact, latch on to an idea that has enough popular support that he can build a base underneath what hes trying to do from the top down? So far, I dont see it.

Will there be a political movement around the debt?

WOLF: Musks motivating issue is the debt. Thats an issue that actually nobody wants to really talk seriously about, Republicans nor Democrats. In the next 10 years, the Social Security and Medicare trust funds could both literally start running out of money. That will force Americans to come to terms with that issue. Is it possible hes kind of ahead of the curve here?

WHITE: Heres the thing I would consider, which is that Americans, for decades and decades and decades, going back, certainly to the Vietnam War period, distrusted government, and that distrust of government has grown and grown and grown and with it all institutions of government: the presidency, the Congress, the Supreme Court, all at record lows. But what Americans, I think, are coming to understand in the first six months of the second Trump presidency is there are some aspects of government they really like. They like Social Security. They like Medicare. They like Medicaid and they like food stamps, and these two prevent children, especially, from going hungry.

They like government involvement when there is a natural disaster, such as what happened in Texas, and when you attempt to dismantle all of that, then you have this backlash that may be starting to build.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  A Muslim inmate who won a U.S. Supreme Court case upholding his right to grow a beard for religious reasons said in a lawsuit that Arkansas officials transferred him to a federal prison in West Virginia in retaliation for several other lawsuits he has filed.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas filed the lawsuit in federal court on behalf of Gregory Holt, also known as Abdul Maalik Muhammad, claiming the transfer violated his constitutional rights.

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Holt could maintain a half-inch beard because Arkansas prison officials could not substantiate claims that the beard posed a security risk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The lawsuit filed Thursday argues his transfer was an effort to disrupt his advocacy on behalf of himself and other inmates.

Mr. Muhammads history of meritorious litigation showcases the ability of the legal system to provide justice to all, including prisoners, the lawsuit said. The Court should not tolerate the (state's) retaliatory transfer aimed at suppressing Mr. Muhammads meritorious litigation and legal work.

A spokesperson for the Department of Corrections declined to comment on the lawsuit. Jeff LeMaster, a spokesperson for Attorney General Tim Griffin, said Griffin's office was reviewing the lawsuit and would vigorously defend the state.

Holt has six active lawsuits against the Arkansas Department of Corrections, according to the complaint. The lawsuit accuses the head of the division of correction of unilaterally pursuing Holt's transfer to a federal facility after the idea was raised in a mediation session in one of his lawsuits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since being moved to the West Virginia facility, the ACLU said, Holt has been denied access to basic hygiene, religious services and contact with his lawyers. The lawsuit said he also has lost access to ongoing casework and legal documents that support his cases.

The lawsuit said that since Holt is still a state inmate, Arkansas has the power to order his return to a state facility.

This ordeal has made Mr. Muhammad loathe to ever trust the mediation process or participate in a mediation with the ADC ( or any other government actor) again, the lawsuit said.

In his U.S. Supreme Court case, Holt claimed that he has a right to grow a beard under a federal law aimed at protecting prisoners religious rights. He had the support of then-President Barack Obama's administration, religious groups and atheists alike.

Holt is serving a life sentence for a brutal assault on his girlfriend and was being held at a maximum-security prison 26 miles (43 kilometers) southeast of Little Rock. His case first came to the Supreme Court's attention when he filed a handwritten plea to the court asking it to block enforcement of Arkansas no-beard rule.
From custom fragrances to shaved prime rib sandwiches, Myxn Lakeside Beach Bar, formerly called Myxn Bar Boutique, is settling into its new space at the southern end of the Pewaukee beach strip and has expanded to include a full bar and kitchen menu.

Before changing locations in May, the business focused mainly on its signature perfume, cologne and candle mixing bar, offering beer and wine to customers. The custom scent blending bar is still available at the beach strip location by appointment only; however, the kitchen and beach bar are now at the forefront of the business, owner Tim Steidl said.

Along with the move and expanded offerings, Steidl was inspired to change the name of the business.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The whole mixology is the concept behind it," Steidl said. "We have craft cocktails that we specialize in, and of course, we have make-your-own proprietary scent."

Myxn Lakeside Beach Bar opened May 1 on the Pewaukee beach strip

Following a few soft openings, Myxn Lakeside Beach Bar opened to the public on May 1.

Steidl has felt support from the community in the first two months of operation.

"It's been great. We appreciate the support and we appreciate the people coming in," Steidl said.

The new location, formerly home to the Twisted Vine wine bar, at 145 W. Wisconsin Ave., is fully equipped with two outdoor patios.

Here, live music performances take place each weekend. Updates on the live music schedule can be found on the Myxn Lakeside Beach Bar Facebook page.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We want everyone to have fun," Steidl said. "It's our place, but it's your place too."

There is also a hot dog stand located near the outdoor seating area for beachgoers, but it is not open on a daily basis, while the beach bar is still finalizing staff.

What kind of food options does Myxn Lakeside Beach Bar offer?

In the first two months of operation, Myxn Lakeside's signature roast beef French dip sandwich has been the most popular dish, Steidl said.

Other menu items include appetizers like loaded Greek hummus and caprese, a make-your-own sandwich option, flatbreads, a loaded avocado BLT and more.

On Saturdays, there is a shaved prime rib sandwich option. Sundays, a tenderloin steak sandwich is available.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All food menu items are priced around $7 to $17.

The Myxn Lakeside Beach Bar is also home to one of America's original wine coolers. It was Steidl's dad's, developed in the '80s. The family recipe is available on tap, Steidl said.

What are Myxn Lakeside Beach Bar's hours?

At least for the summer, here are the Myxn Lakeside Beach Bar's hours of operation, according to their Facebook page:

Mondays: closed

Tuesdays and Wednesdays: noon to 10 p.m.

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: noon to 11 p.m.

Sundays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The kitchen is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Liliana Fannin is a 2025 summer intern at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel covering the Milwaukee suburbs. She can be contacted at lfannin@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Myxn Lakeside Beach Bar in Pewaukee now has beefed up menu, live music
NASA, SpaceX target July 31 for launch of Crew-11 to ISS

NASA and SpaceX are now targeting July 31 for the launch of Crew-11 to the International Space Station, a mission moved up to accommodate upcoming station activities.

The flight will carry NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.

The crew will launch aboard the same Crew Dragon capsule that first flew astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the ISS over five years ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The July 31 target date will allow Crew-11 to relieve Crew-10 before an upcoming Cargo Dragon mission, which will include an extended reboost experiment to raise the orbit of the space station.

The astronauts gave their final update from Houston this afternoon before heading to Kennedy Space Center to prepare for their six to eight-month science mission.

Life is a journey, it takes many turns, and Im just grateful to be here, said NASA astronaut Zena Cardman.

Its often said that its not when you fly, but with whom you fly, and it worked out super well, said Fincke.

NASA also confirmed that Boeings Starliner spacecraft could still fly future commercial crew missions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Starliner is really important that we have more opportunities and more capabilities to fly into space, said Fincke.

The flight readiness review for Crew-11 is scheduled for next week, around the time Axiom-4 is expected to return with a splashdown off the U.S. West Coast.

There will be a short handover between Crew-10 and Crew-11 before Crew-10 heads home.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A new farmers market is coming to the Downtown Nashville plaza between the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center and Nashville Municipal Auditorium. It will serve fruits and vegetables every other Wednesday through October.

Nashville leaders said the markets meant to be much more than just a simple diversion for passengers catching a bus ride to or from the downtown transit center, though. Its also intended to boost safety and increase access to healthy foods.

Both goals were an emphasis on July 9, when local officials from Metro Nashville Council member Jacob Kupin to Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell gathered to celebrate the first WeGo Farmers Market.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The goal here is simple: bringing fresh, healthy, local food where people already are, said Kupin, who represents the area as part of District 19. We know in our city, food access is so important.

Heres what else leaders said about the new market earlier this week.

Nashville WeGo Farmers Market to activate plaza, making it safer

Several speakers at the July 9 market opening  from OConnell to Sabrina Sussman, the chief program officer overseeing the Choose How You Move transportation improvement program  noted that events like this serve an important purpose: activating the space.

Broadly speaking, that means taking a public space that may otherwise have been underutilized and giving it purpose. But in this case, transit leaders have made it clear that its also intended to help improve security at the downtown bus center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Several security enhancements were announced earlier this year, including a more than 60% increase in on-site security staffing. Also, Metro Nashville Police Department Captain Brian Williams was appointed transit liaison.

Ill say already, we see signs of a focus on safety paying off, OConnell said. In the last two weeks, we have zero reports of any violent or property crime at any of WeGos transit centers, and so far this year, we already have a 50% reduction in crime at all transit locations. And thats important, because transit centers do more than move people  they connect people to jobs, to health care, to schools and to opportunity.

Finding solutions for Nashville food deserts

The same day of the market opening, OConnells office shared a news release calling for community engagement to identify creative solutions to food deserts in Nashville.

According to that release, more than 40,000 Davidson County residents live in food deserts  communities where healthy grocery options are scarce or out of reach altogether. The problems been exacerbated by an average year-over-year population growth of roughly 2% and an increased cost of living over the past decade, the release reads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We want to improve food access in neighborhoods across the city, building bridges to healthier outcomes, and that is what were doing today, OConnell said at the market opening. The launch of WeGo Market is a step forward, one that meets people where they are (and) gives them access to fresh produce from local farms. Were responding to the challenge of food insecurity in part here, but were doing more than that  were also growing the local economy by helping people who grow our food.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell peruses a stall at the first WeGo Farmers' Market on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

OConnell said dwindling federal support is making the issue even worse. He said thats affected agencies like Second Harvest Food Bank, which has lost access to millions of dollars in funding and programming that otherwise would have allowed it to purchase more locally-produced food.

Whether we have federal support or not, were going to keep pushing on programs that bring dignity and opportunities for more Nashville residents, OConnell said.

Austin Hornbostel is the Metro reporter for The Tennessean. Have a question about local government you want an answer to? Reach him at ahornbostel@tennessean.com.

Get Davidson County news delivered to your inbox every Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: New Nashville bus stop farmer's market to boost safety, fresh food
Downtown Nashville on a typical night. (Photo: John Partipilo)

In May Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell wrapped up his 2025 State of Metro address with a call for Nashvillians to give ourselves some more choices about how we move into our future together.

Lets grant off the top that political State of The Whatever speeches inevitably amount to ritually upbeat exercises in civic fantasy with a news making shelf life of about an hour. But parking the cynicism for a few minutes (a heavy lift for me) I found myself chewing on hizzoners yen for a promising future as I scanned recent news items on the citys economic trajectory:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A story chronicling how Nashville over the last decade has parlayed its Music City branding into an unstoppable tourism growth juggernaut that catapulted us to where we are today, according to the head of the citys Chamber of Commerce.

News that aggressive development of tall gleaming apartment buildings has gifted (some might say saddled) the city center with a large inventory (some might say glut) of unrented tall-gleaming-apartment-building apartments, with vacancies said to number in the thousands.

Word that the design of a new boulevard down the heart of the Cumberland Rivers East Bank may turn out to be just another six-lane car-centric pike rather than the multimodal transit dreamscape we were invited to imagine when the East Bank vision thing went down three years ago.

Numbers showing that Nashvilles downtown office vacancy rate well exceeds the national average, with many of the citys largest non-government buildings losing significant value.

Reporting that the downtown convention center is pondering a massive expansion because, according to Music City Center CEO Charles Starks, we simply dont have the space to accommodate every group, and were turning away business daily.

Taken together the picture these and similar dispatches paint is a paradoxical one: a city that manages to be simultaneously vibrant and stagnant. Theres a lot going on, yet it somehow feels like Nashville is running in place.

Bachelorettes in Nashvilles downtown Broadway entertainment district. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

To be sure, indicators of economic vim abound: rising population with job growth to match, relentless tourism, low unemployment, new hotels, pricey apartments, added BNA destinations, and lets not forget expanding options for hot chicken and (finally!) good Italian. It all makes for an impressive array of signals of a certain kind of urban vitality, but these are markers of growth itself, not necessarily development or advancement (except maybe the good Italian part).

Growth doesnt automatically make a city a better place, and it certainly doesnt by itself spark us to move into the future together. Ill admit thats a pretty pedestrian observation, but apparently not pedestrian enough to penetrate the collective crania of the forces driving economic Nashville. If music is Nashvilles cultural house of worship, growth for the sake of growth is its civic religion, propelled by its lead divine commandment: more is better.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This may have made some sense ten or fifteen years ago, as outside attention to Nashvilles blossoming cosmopolitanism grew and the city began to imagine itself flourishing into something that might rate the adjective world-class. But taken to extremes, more-is-better means a shortage of forward-looking adults in the room ready to tap the brakes when the thing spins out.

That spin has produced for us the opposite of world class: a city center that is principally a lucrative theme park of intoxication in which corporate operators profit off synthetic music celebrity branding, culinary mediocrity, and exploitation of talented musicians hustling for a subsistence living as country-rock human jukeboxes.

It is also a downtown that many Nashvillians want little to do with. The same apparently can be said about business. The concerning downtown office vacancy rate I mentioned above isnt just an artifact of post-Covid hybrid work; its in part due to some enterprises choosing to escape the theme park and relocate outside the heart of downtown.

We have, quite simply, lost control of our downtown, with no relief in sight: the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corps strategic plan gleefully projects significant growth in visitor spend and hotel occupancy through the mid-2030s. Those who profit off of it will inevitably insist that given how taxation works around here, a theme-park downtown is the price we must pay to fund everything else.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nashvilles city center is principally a lucrative theme park of intoxication in which corporate operators profit off synthetic music celebrity branding, culinary mediocrity, and exploitation of talented musicians hustling for a subsistence living as country-rock human jukeboxes.

My rejoinder: a city without an active core that can commercially and culturally engage both locals and visitors is an uninteresting city, and a theme park for inebriated visitors doesnt qualify. The idea that untamed growth makes all the other good stuff possible would be more compelling if we had more to show for what we have let tourism become over the last 15 years beyond incremental improvements in generally mediocre regimes of education, transportation, and attainable housing.

I dont want to suggest there has been an absence of forward-looking thinking in and about the city. Last years Imagine Nashville project, self-described as a community-led process to unify the city around a set of priorities and actions to guide Nashville over the next decade, is an ambitious example. Its final reportsubtitled A Vision for Nashvilles Future offered a large array of goals, metrics, and action ideas in four buckets: standards of living, transit, housing, and neighborhood quality of life. Its a strong document, but their ambit apparently didnt include much attention to the citys commercial and geographic center.

It has become fashionable to put untethered growth on notice. Growth brings mostly benefits and advantages if it is more carefully managed, reads the Imagine Nashville report. The challenge is to grow in a smart way  showing duty of care of the city and that we want to protect it, says Convention and Visitors Corp CEO Deana Ivey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Charming thoughts but its all lip service, and its getting old. Many look around downtown Nashville and think: Well, better this than the hollow shell of commercial decay it was thirty years ago. Thats not an insane position. But you can also look around and ask: Who did this to us and how do we make it stop? And by the way does anyone seriously think that doubling the size of the Music City Center and building more hotels so we can stuff more conventioneers and bachelorettes into more cookie-cutter celebrity bars is the answer?

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX






Nashville, Tennessee  At the age of 80, Lynne McFarland of Nashville, Tennessee, isn't taking it easy.



She's technically retired, but spends three days a week, several hours per day, packing and delivering boxes filled with food and other basic needs to families of undocumented immigrants living in Nashville. Some are too scared to leave their homes.

She estimates that she delivers about 25 boxes each week. She is one of a few dozen such volunteers in the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I can't really appreciate how afraid they are because I don't think I've ever been that afraid," McFarland told CBS News.

She said "most" of the families that she delivers food to have had a family member who was detained or deported.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made about 1,000 daily arrests of undocumented immigrants in June, according to ICE's online database. Still, that's just one-third of the Trump administration's daily goal of 3,000 arrests.

"Our law enforcement officers here in Tennessee are committed to finding you, apprehending you, and getting you out of our community and out of our country," Republican state Sen. Jack Johnson told CBS News. "... If you're in the country illegally, then I think you should be concerned."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Internal government data obtained by CBS News shows ICE is holding about 59,000 detainees, 47% of whom have no criminal record.

It's why one Venezuelan man living in Tennessee told CBS News he's terrified.

"I've never had an issue with the law, never," the man said, going on to say that he has "never even gotten a traffic ticket."

He asked CBS News to blur his face and those of his family members. He was detained by Homeland Security agents in May when he showed up for an immigration hearing in person. He spent about one month inside an ICE detention facility in Louisiana.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said he was eventually released by ICE, but his fate in the U.S. is still unclear despite earning Temporary Protected Status when he crossed the border in 2021, and later, a work permit. He also has a one-year-old child who was born in the U.S. In May, the Supreme Court ruled that it would allow the Trump administration to halt the TPS program for Venezuelans.

"I think there's fear on all sides," McFarland said. "I think there's fear that we don't know who's next, and we know that there will be a next."

Social media content creator shows his hustle

Udemy Is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills

Surveillance video shows Israeli strike that killed 10 children at Gaza clinic
DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A Natchitoches man was placed under arrest, accused of selling narcotics at the hospital.

On July 1, 2025, Natchitoches Police Department Narcotics Division agents received a tip that a man was selling narcotics from his hospital room. Agents made contact with Natchitoches Regional Medical Center personnel to notify staff of the complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Agents then spoke with the suspect, 62-year-old Roy Roe, where they say they located approximately nine grams of suspected methamphetamine in his hospital room.

Roe was placed under arrest for possession of a Schedule II narcotic and for taking contraband into a hospital. If you have any additional information regarding this investigation, contact Agent Rudy Glass at (318) 357-3878. You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smartphone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential, and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $3,000 for the arrest of an offender

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
HONOLULU (AP)  A Native Hawaiian man who was convicted of a hate crime against a white man must be re-sentenced, a U.S. appeals court ruled Thursday, and the result could be several more years in prison.

Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in 2023 by a judge in Honolulu after a jury found him and another Native Hawaiian man guilty.

The jury found that Alo-Kaonohi and Levi Aki Jr. were motivated by Christopher Kunzelmans race when they punched, kicked and used a shovel to beat him in 2014 for trying to move into their remote Maui village.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alo-Kaonohi appealed the conviction, and prosecutors cross-appealed, challenging the judge's conclusion that he could not apply the hate crime enhancement to the sentence.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel also ruled Thursday to affirm Alo-Kaonohi's conviction.

It was unclear exactly how much more time Alo-Kaonohi could get, but based on sentencing guidelines and the judge's previous sentence, it could be up to three additional years, said Alexander Silvert, a retired federal defender in Honolulu who was not involved in the case.

Alo-Kaonohi's attorneys and prosecutors did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the ruling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Aki's appeal, along with prosecutors' cross-appeal of Aki's sentence of about four years, were voluntarily dismissed, according to court records.

Kunzelman's wife, Lori Kunzelman, told AP Thursday that she is glad prosecutors pushed for a lengthier sentence.

The Kunzelmans purchased a dilapidated, oceanfront house there sight-unseen for $175,000 because they wanted to leave Arizona after Lori Kunzelman's multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

We had vacationed on Maui year after year  loved, loved, loved Maui, she said, adding that they saw the home as an affordable opportunity that her husband could fix up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said the beating of her husband destroyed my marriage and his brain injuries led them to go through a divorce. She said her husband was traveling in Europe and unavailable to comment on the ruling.

They still own the property, she said, and do not know what to do with it. The families there won't allow anybody to step foot on that property, she said. There's so much animosity.

The case highlighted struggles between Native Hawaiians who are adamant about not having their culture erased and people who move to the islands without knowing or considering its history and nuanced racial dynamics.

Central to the case was the use of the word, haole, a Hawaiian word with meanings that include foreigner and white person. Dennis Kunzelman testified that the men called him haole in a derogatory way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Attorneys for Aki and Alo-Kaonohi said it was not Kunzelmans race that provoked them but his entitled and disrespectful attitude.

The Hawaii Innocence Project plans to take up the case, according to Kenneth Lawson, the organization's co-director. It intends to argue that an ineffective defense did not present for the jury the history of the word haole in Hawaii and show it is not a derogatory term.

I just dont believe that its a hate crime, Lawson said.

He also said the defense should have called as witnesses white, non-Hawaiian residents who would have testified that they lived in the village without any racial problems.
As Russia intensifies its assault on Ukraine, NATO and European countries need to increase production of long-range weapons, U.S. Maj. Gen. John Rafferty told Reuters.

The Russian army is bigger today than it was when they started the war in Ukraine, said Rafferty, who was interviewed in Germany.

Long-range missiles can reach deep inside enemy territory. Russia has very effectively used these weapons in the war against Ukraine, striking critical infrastructure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Kremlin has escalated its attacks in Ukraine in the past month.

Negotiations for a peace deal seem bleak. President Trump has ramped up his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin over his attacks in Ukraine, a reversal compared to the early days of his presidency. To counter Russias offensive, Trump struck a deal Friday with NATO to send Patriot batteries, part of an anti-missile defense system, to Ukraine.

Out of 32 NATO members, only a fraction have long-range missiles, and many depend on the U.S. for their procurement.

On Thursday, the U.S. agreed to send long-range missiles to Germany in 2026, in a clear warning to Russia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since 2024, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the U.K. and Sweden have been participating in the European Long-Range Strike Approach to try to build new long-range strike capabilities within their respective armies, Reuters reported.

Europe has made several moves in recent months to increase defense spending and weapons production. The European Union signed a $162 billion deal to invest in the unions rearmament. At last months NATO summit, all 32 alliance members committed to investing 5 percent of their gross domestic product on NATO spending by 2035, a big win for the Trump administration.

And we know that theyre [Russia] going to continue to invest in long-range rockets and missiles and sophisticated air defenses. So more alliance capability is really, really important, Rafferty said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  North Carolina will receive a portion of $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight opioid drug manufacturers, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson said Thursday.

According to the Office of the North Carolina Attorney General, the drug manufacturers will pay the following amounts:

Mylan (now part of Viatris): $284 million over nine years

Hikma: $95.8 million over one to four years

Amneal: $71.8 million over 10 years

Apotex: $63.7 million in one year

Indivior: $38 million over four years

Sun: $31 million over one to four years

Alvogen: $18.7 million in one year

Zydus: $14.9 million in one year

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The attorney generals office said North Carolina will receive up to $23 million from the settlements.

According to the attorney generals office, North Carolina will allocate 85% of the money from the settlements towards local governments to help address the effects of the opioid crisis. To maximize the money the state will receive, counties and large municipalities are required to sign on to the settlements over the next three months.

The states in the settlement will be eligible to receive free pharmaceutical products or cash in lieu of the opioid product, according to the attorney generals office.

The attorney generals office said all the companies except Indivior are prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products and making or selling products that contain more than 40 milligrams of oxycodone per pill. They also must have a monitoring and reporting system for suspicious orders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the attorney generals office, Indivior is permitted to continue marketing and selling medications that treat opioid uses disorder while not manufacturing or selling opioid products for the next 10 years.

North Carolina negotiated the settlements with California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia, according to the attorney generals office.

These companies didnt do enough to prevent misuse of the addictive opioids they manufactured and helped push us into the nationwide opioid crisis that continues to take lives in North Carolina every day, Jackson said in a statement. Todays settlements hold them accountable for hurting the people of our state and give us resources to help people struggling with addiction.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
New figures have revealed that more than 1.66 million children are living in households affected by the two-child benefit cap as campaigners ramp up calls for the controversial measure to be scrapped.

The new data brings the total number of children affected by the cap since Labour came into power a year ago to 300,000.

There are nearly 470,000 households facing benefit reductions due to the policy, the latest official figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show, housing nearly 1.7 million children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The government has faced intense pressure from campaigners, charities and opposition parties over the measure, which experts say is a chief driver of child poverty in the UK.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has resisted calls to drop the cap (House of Commons)

Ministers have so far resisted calls to scrap the Tory-era policy, with prime minister Keir Starmer saying it could only be done when fiscal conditions allow. Shortly after Labours landslide victory last July, seven of the parties MPs were suspended for voting with the SNP to scrap the cap.

Speculation has grown that the government may announce an end to the measure in autumn when it is due to publish its delayed child poverty strategy. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said earlier this month that such a move was not off the table, adding that ministers are looking at every lever to reduce child poverty.

The two-child benefit cap prevents parents from claiming universal credit or tax credit for their third child. It was introduced by the Conservatives and came into place in April 2017. It only affects applies to children who were born after 6 April 2017.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) said its analysis suggests an estimated 400,000 children would be lifted out of poverty immediately if the policy was scrapped, with 109 more children pulled into poverty by the measure every day.

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) says an estimated 400,000 children would be lifted out of poverty immediately if the two child cap was scrapped (Getty)

The charitys chief executive Alison Garnham said: The governments moral mission to tackle child poverty will make our country a better, stronger place, but families urgently need action not just words

Giving all kids the best start in life will be impossible until government scraps this brutal policy - and a year after the election families cant wait any longer for the help they desperately need.

Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions spokesperson Steve Darling MP said: Countless children are being forced to grow up in needlessly difficult circumstances as long as this cap remains in place. These figures should focus the minds of those in Government to scrap this policy and lift thousands out of poverty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Government needs to announce that they will scrap this cap as it is the most effective way to get children out of poverty and give them the best chance to succeed in life.

A government spokesperson said they are determined to give all children the best possible start in life.

They added: The Child Poverty Taskforce will publish an ambitious strategy later this year to ensure we deliver fully-funded measures that tackle the structural and root causes of child poverty across the country.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 4-year-old boy on Milwaukees northwest side, police said.

Two neighbors who spoke to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said the boy, known as RJ, was a bubbly sweet child and that they had rushed into the boys home to try to save him. They said the child had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and that the boys parents had been arrested.

A Milwaukee police booking log reviewed by the Journal Sentinel showed a 34-year-old man had been arrested at the scene on tentative charges of first-degree intentional homicide and being a felon in possession of a gun. The man has a prior arrest record that includes domestic violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A 33-year-old woman had been booked at the same time on a tentative charge of aiding and abetting a felon.

Neither had been charged as of early July 11 with anything related to the childs death. The Journal Sentinel typically does not identify people before they are criminally charged.

Jackyha Collins is a mother of four who lives in the same row of four townhouses as the child, in the 9100 block of North 75th Street.

Collins had just put her children to bed and stepped into her sister's townhouse, two doors down, when her sister's children came running in. They said they'd heard a single gunshot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Collins rushed outside to find the boy's mother outside, too, screaming, "My baby, my baby," according to Collins and her next door neighbor, Tangella Williams. The women went into the boy's home to try to help. They said RJ was lying on the second floor. RJ's father paced back and forth while his mother cried, Williams said.

Collins said she tried to perform CPR on RJ, but he did not survive. The shooting occurred about 9:30 p.m. July 10.

"I cried all night long," she said. "I cannot wrap my head around the fact that I saw that."

The couple's story changed over time, Williams said. Initially, Williams said, the boy's mother said the gunshot came through a window, but Williams discounted that, since she was still sitting in their shared yard with her children when the gunshot occurred and she did not see anyone fire shots.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

RJ's mother handed Williams a purse and told her to put it inside her own home, Williams said.

Williams, also a mother of four, told the Journal Sentinel she later realized the purse contained a handgun. She alerted police, who photographed it and took it into evidence.

Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, whose district the shooting occurred in, said in a statement that she and others continue to be angry and frustrated by these incidents because they are wholly preventable.

"We must come together so as a city we can rise above, and be better than the gun violence we see far too often," Taylor said.

Boy's father was arrested previously in connection to domestic abuse

Both Williams and Collins said they noticed the boy's father walking up to the house roughly half an hour before the shooting carrying a big bottle of liquor. Williams and Collins believe that domestic violence fueled by alcohol was a regular occurrence in the boy's home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I feel bad for her," Collins said of the boy's mother. "That woman is a good woman."

Hours before the shooting occurred, about 11:30 a.m. July 10, officers were called to the home for a report of "trouble," according to Milwaukee police call logs. It was not immediately clear what prompted the call, or what happened as a result.

Milwaukee police arrested the man before on allegations of battery and disorderly conduct related to domestic abuse in 2020, 2022 and 2023, according to arrest records maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

The two earlier arrests did not lead to criminal charges, according to court records. In the 2023 incident, prosecutors charged the man with resisting an officer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In that case, officers were originally responding to a call from the mans estranged wife, the 4-year-old's mother, who said he had threatened to kick in her door and choke her, according to a criminal complaint. The caller said she feared for her safety.

When officers arrived, the man walked toward them in what officers described as an aggressive manner. It took six officers to get the man into the squad car as he tried to spit and threatened the officers, the complaint says.

The man pleaded guilty to resisting and was sentenced to nine months of probation. One of his probation requirements was to complete an anger management course, court records show.

4-year-old boy remembered as a sweet child

Williams understood that 4-year-old RJ had disabilities. He didn't play outside often with the other children in the complex, she said, but when he did, he was a happy child.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"He was the sweetest kid ever," Williams said.

Another son, around 10 years old, was in the home as well when the shooting occurred, Williams said.

"You could tell that she loved her babies. She was all for her babies," Williams said of the boy's mother.

Williams said she finally fell asleep around 7 a.m. the next morning. She had been reminded of other acts of violence, including the homicide of her fiance last year, and she was overwhelmed by what she saw that night in the townhouse next door.

"All these innocent babies are just dying," Williams said. "They didn't even get a chance to live their lives yet."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ashley Luthern of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.

This story was updated to include new information.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee boy, 4, was shot, killed inside his home, neighbors say
Preparation work for a high-voltage powerline project in eastern Germany has revealed a very unexpected archeological find: the gravesites of multiple women and infants dating back nearly 4,500 years. While somber, their remains and burial goods are helping experts better understand class, gender, and parenting dynamics of late Neolithic society known as the Corded Ware Culture.

The discoveries are located near Krauschwitz, a small village about 53 miles northeast of Dresdeb. The site is one of multiple currently overseen by the countrys State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt. According to their announcement on July 9, archeological teams have already identified numerous ancient burials along the 105-mile SuedOstLink electrical grid route. However, none of them compared to the rare artifacts found close to Krauschwitz.

The remains of a person from 4500 BCE lie on the ground at the excavation sites of the current archaeological excavations by the Saxony-Anhalt State Office for the Preservation of Monuments and Archaeology. Archaeological investigations are being carried out in advance on the future South-East Link power line. CREDIT: Bodo Schackow/picture alliance via Getty Images. picture alliance

Researchers are particularly astounded by the remains of leather bags intricately decorated with drilled dog teeth. Although the organic material decomposed long ago, the dental adornments remained arranged in overlapping patterns similar to roofing shingles. Archaeologists estimate each bag measured 11.8 inches by 7.9 inches, and featured as many as 350 teeth, usually sourced from dogs similar to todays Small Munsterlander pointers. The artisanry required to craft each satchel implies that their owners were elite women in their communities. Their placement in relation to each body also suggests the bags were worn slung around the front torso. However, many of these bags werent empty at the time of their burial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In multiple cases, archeologists discovered infant bones either inside or near a womans bag. In one instance, a bag was in the grave of a woman who died during pregnancy, which researchers believe indicates the baby carriers were personal, non-inheritable belongings. Some of the infants heads and limbs were also found wrapped in scarf-like textiles. These sashes included even more embroidered teeth, usually molars, possibly to function as protective wear for the babies. Taken altogether, the bags were likely both ceremonial and practical for their wearers. Today, they speak to both the harsh environment of the time, as well as the care that went into honoring the dead.

[ Related: Viking woman buried in ceremonial boat with her dog. ]

Archeologists also discovered older burial mounds from the Baalberg Culture dating to around 4000 BCE. These structures were built from trapezoidal wooden frames, then covered in loesssilt-sized sediment formed from wind-blown dust. The repeated use of the area as resting places for the deceased speaks to a longtime sense of reverence and community among the regions ancient peoples.

A 20-person team will continue working on-site through the end of July to excavate and conserve additional artifacts. From there, the items will be further examined and likely displayed in museums. Once completed, the SuedOstLink power line will stand atop these locationsa symbol of humanitys technological advancements above ancient, poignant evidence of community and family.
Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was ready to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during a 60-day truce but only if it was demilitarised.

The Israeli prime minister delivered his comments shortly before flying home from Washington.

His two meetings with Donald Trump had raised hopes of a breakthrough to their highest level in months, but he leaves with little sign of progress.

At the beginning of this ceasefire, we will enter negotiations for a permanent end to the war, he said in a video message, adding that Israels key demand was that Hamas lays down its weapons and no longer has governing or military capabilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If this can be achieved through negotiations, great. If it cannot be achieved through negotiations within 60 days, we will achieve it through other means, by using force, the force of our heroic army, he added.

His words illustrate one of the barriers to implementing a ceasefire.

Credit: Fox Business Networks Mornings with Maria

Shortly before welcoming Mr Netanayhu to the White House on Monday, Mr Trump said he was hoping for an agreement before the end of the week.

At the same time, the two sides have been holding indirect negotiations in Qatar where Hamas officials have agreed to free 10 of 20 hostages still alive in captivity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But among the sticking points are its demand for the free flow of aid into Gaza, Israels military withdrawal from the territory, and guarantees of a lasting peace.

Earlier in the day, Mr Netanyahu attended a memorial service for two Israeli embassy staffers who were shot dead in May.

Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, were colleagues who had been on the verge of getting engaged.

Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were shot dead in May - Embassy of Israel to the USA via X/REUTERS

A suspect was arrested in the shootings and shouted Free Palestine as he was led away.

We embrace you with all our hearts, said Mr Netanyahu. Yaron and Sarah, beloved in life and inseparable in death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israels campaign in Gaza has killed more than 57,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, since Hamas launched its deadly October 7 attack in 2023.

On Thursday, an Israeli airstrike killed 10 children and six adults near a medical centre in the central Gaza Strip, local authorities said.

American officials remain hopeful that progress can be made soon.

Were closer than weve been in quite a while, and were hopeful, but we also recognise theres still some challenges in the way, Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said at the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
According to the New York Times, Netanyahu revealed details of Operation Rising Lion with Gafni, who lacked security clearance, so that he would oppose a bill to bring about elections.

Netanyahu shared classified information about the upcoming strikes on Iran with Knesset Finance Committee chairman Moshe Gafni just three days before it was carried out, the New York Times revealed in a Friday report.

Netanyahu invited Gafni, who lacked the necessary security clearance, to the Kirya military headquarters, where he shared details with him on June 9, just three days before the strike on Iran, the report revealed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This came amid a growing Haredi threat to topple the government over a proposal for an IDF draft law. Yet, according to the investigation, Gafni continued to threaten to resign from the government despite the sensitive information he had received.

The investigation raises significant concerns about sharing classified information with politicians who lack proper security clearance, especially when these same politicians are threatening to bring down the government. The full report, citing 110 Israeli, US, and Arab officials, broadly details Netanyahu's decision-making based on the survival of his political career during the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.

In a wider context, Netanyahu was preparing for one of the most significant military operations in Israeli history. For decades, Netanyahu had dreamed of destroying Irans nuclear program. During a previous stint as prime minister, he had planned but ultimately called off a major assault on Iran due to military concerns. As the war with Gaza continued, Netanyahu had also cancelled a strike on Hezbollah, fearing it would trigger a regional conflict with Hezbollahs ally Iran. Throughout 2024, Israel had engaged in sporadic exchanges with Iran but avoided all-out war.

IDF infographic confirming the senior Iranian military personnel killed by Israel since Operation Rising Lion began, June 17, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Fast forward to June 2025. Netanyahu decided that the time was ripe to strike. Iran was in an unusually vulnerable position: its regional allies had been weakened or defeated, and earlier Israeli strikes had damaged its air defenses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Furthermore, with US President Donald Trump negotiating with Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions, Netanyahu knew that the opportunity to act might soon close. Trump, like previous US presidents, had opposed a strike on Iran, and a deal could render such a military action impossible.

Amid this growing sense of urgency, Netanyahu moved to solidify his political position at home. Several lawmakers in his fragile coalition, unaware of the secret plans, were set to bring down his government. This included the haredi lawmakers who were furious at proposals to end their exemption from military service, the report noted.

These lawmakers planned to join the opposition in a vote to dissolve Parliament, which seemed likely to pass. While Netanyahu, as a caretaker prime minister, could still order a strike on Iran, its legitimacy would be undermined without the full support of his government, the report noted.

Huckabee meets with Haredi leaders

The New York Times also reported, in the midst of this political crisis, that Mike Huckabee, Trumps ambassador to Israel, came to Netanyahus aid. Huckabee invited ultra-Orthodox politicians to the US Embassy in Jerusalem, warning them that their maneuvers risked endangering Israels fight against Iran.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the report, Huckabee also told them that US support for Israels military campaign would wane if the government collapsed, as Washington would be less willing to back significant moves by an interim leader. Notably, Huckabee has denied making these statements.

Given these considerations, Netanyahu invited Gafni for a secret meeting on June 9. Netanyahu was reportedly concerned that Gafnis party might push for the dissolution of the government, which would jeopardize his plans to strike Iran.

Once Gafni arrived at the Kirya around 6 p.m., Netanyahu presented him with a confidentiality agreement, a standard procedure in Israel when sharing classified information. Gafni signed the document, binding him legally to keep the information secret.

Then, Netanyahu revealed the details of the planned attack on Iran, which was set to occur in just three days. According to the report, Gafni left the meeting uncertain about Netanyahus true intentions. He wondered if the prime minister, known for his political maneuvering, was playing him or if the attack was indeed imminent. Despite his concerns, Gafni's party voted to preserve the government, ensuring Netanyahu's survival as prime minister. Less than 24 hours later, Israeli warplanes set off for Iran, marking a critical moment in Netanyahus political career.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Israel Cohen, a Haredi radio host and confidant of Gafnis, The plan to strike Iran was the only thing that kept the Haredim from dissolving the government. And Bibi knew that.

Netanyahu's political decisions to prolong Gaza conflict

This series of events aligns with the broader report's findings, which state that Netanyahu's decision-making since the beginning of the war has been focused on political survival rather than strategic gain or diplomacy.

As the war in Gaza reached its six-month mark in April 2024, Netanyahu was presented with an opportunity to end the fighting through a ceasefire deal brokered by Egyptian mediators. The proposal would have paused hostilities for at least six weeks, creating space for negotiations with Hamas and the release of over 30 hostages.

The Saudi government, a major regional power, had even secretly signaled its willingness to normalize relations with Israel, contingent on a halt to the Gaza war. Despite these significant diplomatic breakthroughs, Netanyahu hesitated. According to the New York Times, his decision to delay negotiations and avoid presenting the ceasefire proposal was driven by fears of collapsing his coalition, which was propped up by far-right ministers who opposed any truce with Hamas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The report detailed a tense cabinet meeting in April 2024, where Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confronted Netanyahu. Smotrich made it clear that any deal with Hamas, especially a ceasefire, would not be tolerated.

He warned Netanyahu, If a surrender agreement like this is brought forward, you no longer have a government. The pressure from Smotrich and other far-right ministers forced Netanyahu to deny the existence of a ceasefire plan that he intended to introduce during a cabinet meeting.

Instead of presenting it to his cabinet, Netanyahu opted to placate his coalition partners by assuring them that no such deal was on the table.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday vowed to defeat the Palestinian militant organization Hamas and reported that there are 50 hostages from Israel still in Gaza, 20 of whom are still alive.

"We will defeat these monsters and bring our hostages home," Netanyahu told the ultra-conservative US broadcaster Newsmax in an interview on Thursday.

The Israeli premier expressed hope that "within a few days," 10 of the remaining hostages could be freed as part of a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip currently being negotiated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Netanyahu told Newsmax that of the 50 hostages still in Gaza, "20 are definitely alive, and about 30 are not alive, and I want to get them all out."

He added that there is now an agreement for Hamas to initially release 10 hostages and hand over approximately half of the bodies. Netanyahu emphasized his commitment to retrieving all the remaining captives, both the living and deceased.

"I hope we can conclude this in a few days," the Israeli prime minister told the US broadcaster.

At the end of his three-day visit to Washington on Thursday, Netanyahu released a statement saying that talks to achieve a permanent end to the war are expected to start at the beginning of the 60-day ceasefire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In order for us to achieve that, this has to be done on the minimal conditions that we've set," Netanyahu said: "Hamas lays down its arms, Gaza is demilitarized, there are no longer any governing or military capabilities of Hamas. These are our fundamental conditions."

If these demands are not fulfilled through negotiations within the 60 days, Netanyahu stated that Israel would "achieve it in other ways; by applying the might of our heroic army."
According to the survey, Netanyahus coalition could retain 51 seats, while an opposition led by Bennett would hold strong with 59.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud party dropped by three seats in a Lazar Research survey published by Maariv on Friday.

The survey, conducted at the end of Netanyahus visit to the United States and reports of progress towards a hostage deal and a ceasefire in Gaza, showed that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrichs Religious Zionist Party could still pass the electoral threshold, largely at the expense of Likud. Since the survey was performed, hostage talks have stalled, The Jerusalem Post reported Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the opposition bloc, this week saw a notable weakening of Yesh Atid, which dropped by two seats, leaving it with seven. However, these votes remain within the opposition parties, where there is a notable strengthening of Naftali Bennett's party, temporarily named Bennett 2026, as well as Yisrael Beytenu and Blue and White, each gaining one seat.

The result of these changes was a stalemate: Netanyahus coalition would retain 51 seats, while an opposition led by Bennett would hold strong with 59.

When asked if people would vote for a new party led by Bennet in the next Knesset elections, with all other parties unchanged, Bennetts party received 25 seats, an increase of one seat from last week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen outside his office at the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem on June 11, 2025. (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Likud received 24 seats, a decrease of three from last week. The Democrats and Yisrael Beytenu both received 10 seats, and Shas nine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yesh Atid, United Torah Judaism, Otzma Yehudit, and Blue and White all received seven seats. Raam received six, Hadash-Ta'al four, and for the first time in a while, the Religious Zionist Party surpassed the electoral threshold with four seats.

With only 2.2% of votes, Balad did not pass the electoral threshold.

Who should Gadi Eisenkot join?

The survey also revealed that roughly one-third of respondents were unsure who Gadi Eizenkot should join ahead of the next elections. While 27% said he should join Naftali Bennett's party, 9% said Yair Lapid's party, 9% said Avigdor Lieberman's, and 21% wanted him to create his own party.

Additionally, the Israeli public appeared to be more optimistic about the prospects of a hostage deal being finalized in the near future. Nearly half of the respondents reported optimism regarding a deal, compared to 37% who were pessimistic, and 16% did not have an opinion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A further breakdown of the data showed that optimism was higher among coalition voters (61%), while opposition voters were more inclined towards pessimism (48% pessimistic compared to 40% optimistic).

Finally, when asked if Netanyahu or US President Donald Trump is more committed to returning the hostages from Gaza, 51% of respondents answered Netanyahu, 34% answered Trump, and 15% did not know.
The Netherlands has pledged 300 million euros (approximately $350 million) to support Ukraine's reconstruction and economic recovery through 2026, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced July 10 at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.

According to a Dutch government press release, the commitment is part of a broader package of non-military aid totaling more than 500 million euros ($583 million) that the Netherlands previously reserved for Ukraine for 2025 and 2026.

Of the newly announced funds, 30 million euros ($35 million) will go to Dutch companies and organizations involved in Ukraine's reconstruction through the Ukraine Partnership Facility (UPF), a subsidy program launched in 2023. An additional 52 million euros ($60 million) will be used next year to help restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure and drinking water supplies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Netherlands will also contribute 4 million euros ($4.6 million) for the construction of a new wing at the Children's Hospital in Lviv, in partnership with the Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht.

"Russia not only wants to bring Ukraine to its knees militarily, but has also been trying for over three years to destroy Ukrainian society and economy through continuous attacks on energy infrastructure, water supply, grain storage, and even houses and apartments," Veldkamp said.

"It is therefore crucial that the international community supports Ukraine not only with weapons but also financially, economically, and socially," he added.

During the conference, Veldkamp and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs Yulia Svyrydenko are expected to sign an agreement to extend the UPF program. The initiative supports projects in key sectors such as agriculture, sustainable energy, healthcare, water management, and circular construction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Netherlands will also invest 20 million euros ($23 million) over the next two years to strengthen Ukraine's cyber resilience. The funding10 million euros ($11.6 million) annually in 2025 and 2026can be used to increase cyber resilience in critical sectors such as energy and transportation.

Officials say the aid is designed to address ongoing Russian cyber threats, which remain a core component of Moscows military strategy.

The Ukraine Recovery Conference is an annual forum aimed at coordinating international support for Ukraines post-war reconstruction.

This year's event was organized by the governments of Ukraine and Italy, in cooperation with the European Commission, international financial institutions, business leaders, civil society, and global partnersincluding representatives from the Netherlands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Netherlands has provided Kyiv with a total of 8.4 billion euros ($9.4 billion) in support, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Read also: As leaders attend Ukraine Recovery Conference, rebuilding is distant dream for Ukrainians who need it most

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Around 300 women have had their annual OB-GYN appointments postponed by Newport Hospital.

Boston Globe reporter Alexa Gagosz reports that this is one of the effects of an ongoing health care crisis in Rhode Island.

Gagosz joined 12 News at 4 on Thursday to talk about the appointments being postponed, the response from Brown University Health, and what experts are recommending for those affected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read the full story in The Boston Globe Rhode Island: Thats a risk for me: Health system woes force a R.I. hospital to postpone routine womens care for hundreds of patients 

MORE: Globe RI & 12 News Stories



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(WIVT/WBGH)  News 34 is excited to introduce our audience to a new member of our team. Lindsay Arons has joined our newsroom, replacing Roy Santa Croce who moved onto our sister station in Burlington, Vermont. Welcome Lindsay.

Thanks Jim, its great to be here.

Now, you may have already seen Lindsay on our air a few times in the past two weeks, but youre going to be seeing a lot more of her as she helps us to cover the Greater Binghamton news thats important to you. Lindsay, tell us a little bit about your background.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I grew up in Northern New Jersey not too far from New York City and I just graduated in May from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, go Orange. Im very excited to be here in Binghamton, Im a big Mets fan so Ill definitely be at some Rumble Ponies games.

Ive really enjoyed my time in Greater Binghamton so far and cant wait to learn more about the area and meet more of our viewers.

No worries Lindsay, youll be traveling to all corners of our viewing area as we cover the important news, and the news youll only see here on News 34.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  This week on Newsmakers: Greg Cornett, president of Rhode Island Energy, explains what went wrong with its IT systems after the July 3 thunderstorm, how the utility is preparing for the future, the impact of state mandates on customer bills and more.

Prefer your Newsmakers on the go?

Subscribe to our podcast!

Apple | Spotify

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and federal officials took to social media on Thursday to respond to raids at two cannabis farms in Southern California.

The immigration sweeps, one at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and another Glass House facility in Carpinteria, unfolded simultaneously at around 8:30 a.m. on Thursday morning.

Trump calls me Newscum  but hes the real scum, Newsom wrote on X, including a video from KTLA of protesters of the raid running from tear gas sprayed by officers in Camarillo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dozens, including undocumented minors, were arrested during the immigration raids.

In a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security responded to Newsom, asking, Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said 10 minors in the country illegally were found at the facility, which is now under investigation for child labor violations.

This is Newsoms California, Scott posted on X.

The cannabis company confirmed on social media that workers were detained, and they are working to provide them with legal assistance. However, the company denied employing minors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors, the company said on X.

The raids in Ventura County come after federal agents descended upon MacArthur Park in the Westlake district of Los Angeles on Monday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) took to social media Thursday to bash a federal immigration raid on a large cannabis farm in Southern California, where agents clashed with protesters and sprayed tear gas.

Trump calls me Newscum  but hes the real scum, Newsom wrote on X in response to a video from KTLA of protesters and apparent targets of the raid running from tear gas sprayed by officers in Camarillo, Calif.

Trump administration officials hit back at the governors comment.

Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin? the account for the Department of Homeland Security replied.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said 10 minors in the country illegally were found at the facility, which he said is now under investigation for child labor violations.

This is Newsoms California, Scott wrote.

The cannabis company said on social media that it complied with federal search warrants but denied employing minors, adding it has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices.

Hundreds of people turned out to protest in Camarillo and clashed with law enforcement, which appeared to be accompanied by members of the National Guard.

The raid and protests are the latest immigration-related standoff in California, which has become a national flash point in the Trump administrations campaign for mass deportations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Federal troops and immigration officers marched through Los Angeless MacArthur Park earlier this week in a major show of force. Mayor Karen Bass (D) denounced the move as outrageous.

Newsom has leaned into his criticism of the Trump administrations actions in recent weeks after starting a new podcast inviting on conservative media personalities.

An analysis of his X posts by Politico found that his anti-Trump missives have drawn triple the audience engagement he normally receives on the platform.

Newsom is widely thought to be eyeing a run for president in 2028 and spent time earlier this week in South Carolina, a crucial primary state for Democrats. There, he bashed Trump but did not appear to dwell extensively on immigration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On social media, he has recently taken to pushing back against criticism of California from Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), and even engaged with right-wing account Libs of TikTok, which posted a KTLA video that appeared to show a protester in Camarillo firing a gun at federal agents.

Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement, you s poster, Newsom wrote. Now do Jan 6.

Updated at 11:53 a.m. EDT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom ripped into President Donald Trump in response to video footage that showed federal immigration agents firing tear gas and pepper bullets at children.

Immigration officials were conducting raids at a marijuana growing facility in Camarillo, Calif., on Thursday as part of the administrations ongoing mass deportation efforts.

Workers family members began showing up at roadblocks set up by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to ask about their loved ones, and were soon joined by protesters, independent media outlet L.A. Taco reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

About an hour and a half into the raid, tensions escalated when officers began firing tear gas and pepper bullets at the crowd, according to L.A. Taco and local news station KTLA.

California Governor Gavin Newsom originally tried to play nice with President Trump but has since launched a series of scorched-earth attacks against in response to the administration's militarized immigration raids in California. / Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields, Newsom wrote in a post on X alongside footage shared by KTLA. Trump calls me Newscumbut hes the real scum.

The video shows peopleincluding children and protestersrunning through nearby fields and down the shoulder of a road while white smoke billows behind them. In the background, someone yells, Do not panic, do not run! Do not run! Stay calm, while people cover their faces and cough.

Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields.



Trump calls me Newscum  but hes the real scum. pic.twitter.com/fj0l25mRBN  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 11, 2025

It also shows a teenage boy with a cell phone to his ear covering his face and sobbing while people yell in the background.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They took your mom? the person filming asks, and the boy nods.

The raids target was a cannabis growing facility called the Glass House Brands, with aerial footage showing a large federal law enforcement presence extending to several nearby fields, according to KTLA.

As the situation became more chaotic, more protesters showed up and began trying to block the ICE agents vehicles, L.A. Taco reported.

At 2:35 p.m., news footage appeared to show someone in the area firing a pistol at federal law enforcement officers. The FBI said in a statement that it was offering a $50,000 award for information leading to a conviction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Will @GavinNewsom condemn this?? the MAGA account Libs of TikTok demanded on X.

Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement, you s--t poster, Newsom replied. Now do Jan. 6.

Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement, you shit poster.



Now do Jan 6. https://t.co/7DBFqGVQS1  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 11, 2025

An estimated 30 people were detained during the operation, KTLA reported, and several protesters were arrested, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement.

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin wrote in a post on X that law enforcement officers had executed criminal search warrants at the marijuana facility.

A second Glass House growing center was raided about 35 miles away in Carpinteria, Calif., The New York Times reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the raids, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott wrote on social media that 10 undocumented minors were found at the Camarillo facility, eight of whom were unaccompanied minors.

Officials were investigating whether any child labor laws had been violated, he added.

Glass House Brands said in a statement, The company fully complied with agent search warrants and will provide further updates if necessary. Cannabis is legal in California under state law approved by voters.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  Candidates are already hitting the campaign trail and competing to be Alabamas next secretary of state.

The office oversees elections, serves as the governors personal notary, and keeps business records in the state. On the Republican side, State Auditor and former Rep. Andrew Sorrell has thrown his hat in the race. He said he wants to bring a post election audit to Alabama.

Weve got to get an election audit bill done in Alabama, said Sorrell. Got to hand count some ballots from randomly selected precincts, and make sure that hand count matches the tabulator result. Thats the only way we know those tabulators are working, properly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Former Congressional candidate and attorney Caroleene Dobson said she wants to bring an election crimes team, working with prosecutors in the state.

I want to work to equip them with the expert eyes that they need to help actually apprehend, investigate, and prosecute those who try to cheat the system, Dobson said.

Running on the Democratic side is Jefferson County Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Rogers. As an attorney, Rogers said he wants to make it easier for people to register and operate their businesses in the state.

I know how much they depend on the Secretary of States office, and I would like to improve the processes there, Rogers said. I just want to carry on a fine tradition of great Secretaries of State in this state- folks who have done a really good job of expanding the right of people to vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alabamians will vote in the primary on May 19, 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
PROVO, Utah (ABC4)  Provo Police are asking the public for help after the second arson incident at a popular park in the city caused extensive damage.

According to a press release from Provo City, the Quail Orchard Park has been vandalized for the second time in the last two months. Both incidents involved arson, and the estimated damages of the most recent incident are $122,000.

Around 3 a.m. on July 10, Provo Police and Provo Fire were dispatched to a fire at Quail Orchard Park. Upon arrival, they discovered a fire that caused extensive damage to the playground structure, slide, tarp overhang, and soft surfacing at the park.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Provo Parks and Recreation assessed the damages and found that replacement costs would total around $122,000, money that Provo says the city does not have in its budget.

(Courtesy: Provo City) (Courtesy: Provo City) (Courtesy: Provo City)

READ NEXT: Provo man dies in climbing accident in Glacier National Park

It is disappointing to see this unnecessary damage undermine the hard work, planning, and community investment that goes into our parks and facilities, Doug Robins, Provo Parks and Recreation Director, is quoted in the release. Damage to our community amenities makes it harder to deliver nice things for our citizens.

According to Provo City, the park opened a little less than two years ago, in September 2023. The park cost roughly $5.5 million and covers seven acres. In the short time its been open, the park has faced multiple vandalism incidents, totaling almost $200,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In summer 2024, fireworks caused damage to the shade sails and cost $8,000 to replace. On June 30, 2025, another incident of arson caused roughly $66,000 in damages to the playgrounds stepping platforms.

Can we have nice things? is a fair question, Robins is quoted in the release. The answer is yes, but only if we all work together to respect and care for the spaces and amenities that serve our community. When we do, the benefits are shared by everyone.

Provo City is asking anyone who might have information on the arson incidents to contact police at 801-852-6210.

Vandalism damages are unanticipated impacts to the budget and an unnecessary draw on limited resources, Robins stated in the release.

Latest headlines:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Stores line the streets in Nicholasville to explore, but a new Halloween shop is selling more than holiday-themed items. Scream for Help opened its doors downtown last month, and its not so spooky all the time; it has a bigger purpose.

Scream for Help is a safe space for kids impacted by the opioid epidemic. It started as a service to give away free Halloween costumes and has turned into a new gaming store and outreach hub.

The stores founder, Chris West, knows firsthand that addiction affects more than the person struggling with substance abuse. He lost his brother, Jeremy Powell, to an overdose in 2022 on Halloween.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Scream for Help is a way to honor his memory and hopefully help other grieving families and children affected by addiction. Its a place of peace, featuring free games to play and trading cards to check out.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

The store also sells hand-knit animals and artwork, with proceeds put back into the nonprofit to get additional resources. West said the space is an interactive way for people to get the support they need while also being a judgment-free zone for them to be themselves.

I see that we can make a difference. You know, addiction is a big problem in small towns all across Kentucky and this is something that I think needs to be adopted into more towns, something that, you know, interacts with the community in a way to get kids engaged, to get families engaged and keep people, you know, away from the drugs that are out on the street, said West. And thats why, you know, we want to work with, like, the health department and law enforcement and first responders because theyre there firsthand. Like, I went through that tragedy like it is a huge ordeal, and the kids, you know, theyre going to have a problem talking about these tragedies, and they need a place to go. And this is where we want them to be, we want them to be in a safe space that they can do that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Right now, the store is open from noon to 10 p.m. every day, but West hopes to eventually hire a social worker or volunteers to keep the doors open 24 hours. If you would like to donate an outfit or make a monetary donation, you can contact West on either Facebook or Instagram.

We want to be open 24 hours a day because, like when it comes to these types of situations, its not usually during regular business hours that problems are going to happen. Its going to be at like 2 a.m. when a kid is running away from home, or a kid is looking for help or looking for assistance or something like that, and we need more people to volunteer and help us with that, said West.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Scream for Help is also looking to expand the back of the store with more games and activities to do, as well as hold a haunted house this Halloween. West also still plans to pass out free Halloween costumes later this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  You may have heard this before, but if you havent, Kentucky is the Bourbon Capital of the World.

But did you know Nicholasville can technically also be called the Wine Capital of the United States?

This is a story that starts back in 1799 when Swiss immigrant and vinedresser John James Dufour established the First Vineyard, the United States first commercial winery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fast forward almost 230 years, and there are plenty of stories to tell.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

In 1803, the members of the Vineyard Society met at Postlethwaites Tavern in Lexington, and they drank the first wine from the vineyard, Bobbye Carpenter said.

Despite early success, Carpenter, who is a partner of the winerys owner, Tom Beall, describes a dark period for the vineyard when Dufour went to Indiana and his brothers took over the businesses but experienced failure.

We had one of our false starts and then a chill, you know, a freeze for several days, and they lost pretty much the crop, Carpenter detailed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The property changed owners several times over the years.

In 1994, Beall and Carpenter bought the land, and in 2002, everything changed.

A good friend of Tommys who is a wine connoisseur, Don Graham, was up in Bloomington, Indiana, and he was at the Butler Winery, Carpenter detailed. They could not place the six acres that was the vineyard on the rest of the 730 that had been sold. So, he brought the book back to us, and it took Tommy four years to do the research to prove conclusively exactly where the vineyard had been.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Over the last two decades, Beall and Carpenter worked to restore the property and get it registered as a historic landmark so it would never be lost again.

Now the vineyard is open to the public, where they make and sell 13 different types of wine.

There are so many nice people, and when you sit and listen to them, I mean, everybody seems like they start talking and they have something in common somewhere, Carpenter said.

Beall and Turner said that while they love the winery and the people theyve gotten to meet as a result of operating it, they want to make sure it lasts for generations to come and are trying to find a buyer who would keep the tradition alive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Nigeria will not bow to pressure from the Trump administration to accept Venezuelan deportees or third-country prisoners from the US, foreign minister Yusuf Tuggar has vowed, quoting 1990s American rappers Public Enemy to make his point.

"In the words of the famous US rap group Public Enemy... You'll remember a line from Flava Flav - a member of the group - who said: 'Flava Flav has problems of his own. I can't do nothin' for you, man', " he said in an interview with privately owned Channels TV.

"We already have over 230 million people," the minister said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His comments follow threats from Washington to restrict visas and hike tariff on countries who do not comply with its deportation policy.

"It will be unfair for Nigeria to accept 300 Venezuelan deportees," he said, suggesting that the recent visa curbs on Nigerian travellers by the US was not "reciprocal" but a pressure tactic.

"You will be the same person that will castigate us if we acquiesce to accepting Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria," he added.

Earlier this week, the US Department of State said as part of a "global reciprocity realignment", nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria, as well as those of Cameroon and Ethiopia, would now be single-entry and valid for only three months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has threatened to hit countries which side with the policies of the Brics alliance that go against US interests with an extra 10% tariff. The Brics grouping of 11 nations is designed to challenge the political and economic power of the West.

Last year, the list of Brics members expanded beyond the original group of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Nigeria is not a full Brics member but became its ninth partner country back in January.

On Friday, the US embassy in Abuja denied that the Trump administration was engaging in tit-for-tat clampdowns on visas as punishment for Nigeria not giving in to their demands. The real reason for the visa restrictions, it said, were "technical and security benchmarks" that had to be respected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Tuggar said the threat of tariff hikes did not "necessarily have to do with us participating in Brics.

"You have to also bear in mind that the US is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the US, some straight out of prison," he added.

"It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelans prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own, we cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria, for crying out loud," he concluded.

There is an outcry in the US at large-scale immigration raids [Los Angeles Times via Getty Image]

Instead, he said Nigeria was looking "to do deals with the US" because the country has a lot of gas, critical minerals and rare earths needed by American tech companies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When further asked what Nigeria was doing to reach a diplomatic solution, the minister said the country was discussing with the US and resolving differences.

Mr Tuggar's claim comes after the Wall Street Journal quoted internal documents and sources as saying the Trump administration was pushing the leaders of Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Gabon and Guinea-Bissau to accept migrants deported by the US whose home countries refuse them or are slow to take them back.

The newspaper says that, prior to their White House summit on Wednesday, the US government had already sent requests asking all five countries to accept migrants expelled from the US - a strategy the paper described as an "aggressive" overlap between the Trump administration's deportation campaign and its foreign policy".

It is not clear if any of the five West African nations accepted the requests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Liberia's Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti denied any such involvement with Washington, telling the BBC's Newsday programme on Thursday:

"We have not had discussions about deportees or criminals coming to Liberia."

Nonetheless, Trump appeared to allude to the proposal during the meeting with the five leaders.

"I hope we can bring down the high rates of people overstaying visas, and also make progress on the safe, third-country agreements," he said during opening remarks.

Earlier this month, the US deported eight people to South Sudan following a legal battle that saw them diverted to Djibouti for several weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least four other African countries have reportedly been courted by the US to take in deportees. They are Benin, Eswatini, Libya and Rwanda.

More Nigeria stories from the BBC:

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts
By MacDonald Dzirutwe

LAGOS (Reuters) -Nigeria's foreign minister said the United States was pressuring African countries to accept Venezuelan deportees, some straight out of prison, but Africa's most populous country could not accommodate them due to its own problems.

President Donald Trump's administration this week asked five African presidents visiting the White House to take in migrants from other countries when deported by the U.S., two officials familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yusuf Tuggar, the Nigerian foreign minister, told local Channels TV late on Thursday that Nigeria could not accept that.

"You have to also bear in mind that the U.S. is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the U.S., some straight out of prison," he said from Brazil where he was at a BRICS summit.

"It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own," noting his nation's 230 million strong population.

The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since returning to office in January, Trump has been pressing to speed up deportations, including by sending migrants to third countries when there are problems or delays over sending them to their home nations.

This week, he hosted the presidents of Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon at the White House. According to a U.S. and a Liberian official, he presented the plan for African countries to take in migrants from other countries when they are deported by the U.S.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that an internal State Department document sent to the African governments before the meeting called on them to agree to the "dignified, safe, and timely transfer from the United States" of third country nationals.

(Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe, Additional reporting by Jeff Mason in Washington, Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
NEW HARTFORD, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  Nine people were arrested by New Hartford Police on Thursday after a retail theft crackdown involving several New Hartford businesses.

During the day on Thursday, July 10, New Hartford Police and New York State Troopers conducted a coordinated undercover retail theft operation. The operation was carried out by troopers, as well as the New Hartford Police Departments Patrol and Investigative Divisions. Support was also provided by loss prevention teams working through the Loss Prevention Coalition, a group of local businesses and law enforcement working to protect retail theft.

The coalition includes major retailers including Target, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Hannaford, Lowes and all the businesses within Sangertown Square Mall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the crackdown, seven initial arrests were made, including three juveniles. Adults arrested were:

19-year-old Kierstan Horender,

49-year-old Steven Allen,

29-year-old Denzel Bun and

49-year-old Jacqueline Thomas.

Horender, Bun and all of the juveniles were charged with fifth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, a Class A Misdemeanor. Allen and Thomas were charged with Petit Larceny, a Class A Misdemeanor. Horender also received an additional charge of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, which is also a Class A Misdemeanor.

Later that day, officers also reported to an incident at Target at the Sangertown Square Mall, where another juvenile had returned to the premises after being previously trespassed and refusing to leave. During the arrest of the 16-year-old, a group of unruly juveniles had surrounded the officers while they made the arrest. Officers also claim that during the arrest, the juvenile actively resisted, causing significant damage to a patrol vehicle by kicking its door.

That juvenile was charged with:

Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, and

Obstructing Governmental Administration, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the detail had concluded, yet another adult  21-year-old Melissa Fernandez of Rome  was arrested for Petit Larceny, a Class A Misdemeanor. Store officials said that security observed her concealing merchandise she allegedly had not paid for.

All of the adult offenders were released on appearance tickets, returnable to New Hartford Town Court at a later date. All juvenile offenders were released to the custody of their parents and are scheduled to appear at the Oneida County Probation Department at a later date.

New Hartford Police have said that everyone involved in Thursdays operation remained committed to future operations.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -The top U.N. expert on Palestinian rights said on Friday that the U.S. decision to place her under sanctions could have a "chilling effect" on people who engage with her and restrict her movements, but that she planned to continue her work.

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Francesca Albanese would be added to the U.S. sanctions list for her actions, which he described as prompting illegitimate prosecutions of Israelis at the International Criminal Court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Albanese said she now faces asset freezes and potential travel restrictions, warning that the U.S. decision could set a "dangerous" precedent for human rights defenders worldwide.

"There are no red lines anymore ... It is scary," she told Reuters via video link from Bosnia, where she was attending events for the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.

"It might block me from moving around. It will have a chilling effect on people normally engaging with me because for American citizens or for green card holders, this is going to be extremely problematic."

"My plans are to continue what I've been doing," she added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The White House was not immediately available for comment.

The U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories is one of dozens of experts appointed by the 47-member U.N. Human Rights Council to report on specific global issues.

Albanese, an Italian lawyer and academic, has been a vocal critic of Israel's treatment of Palestinians. She recently published a report calling on states at the U.N. Council to impose an arms embargo and cut off trade and financial ties with Israel, while accusing the U.S. ally of waging a "genocidal campaign" in Gaza.

Israel's mission in Geneva said the report was "legally groundless, defamatory and a flagrant abuse of her office."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.N. Human Rights office confirmed on Friday that Albanese is the first special rapporteur to be sanctioned and called for the decision to be reversed. The European Union said it "deeply regrets" the U.S. decision. Rights defenders have also rallied to her defence.

Israel has faced accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the ICC over its military assault on Gaza.

Israel strongly denies the accusations and says its campaign amounts to self-defence after the deadly, Hamas-led attack that triggered the war in October 2023.

(Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; additional reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout in Brussels; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
The European Union's most senior officials on Friday commemorated the Srebrenica massacre, in which around 8,000 Bosniak Muslims were killed in 1995 during the Bosnian war, and warned about denial of the genocide.

"Some events in history cast a shadow that stretches across generations. The genocide in Srebrenica is one of them. It stands among the darkest chapters in Europe's collective memory," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

On July 11, 1995, Bosnian Serbs conquered the Muslim enclave of Srebrenica. In the subsequent days, around 8,000 people were murdered, the majority of whom were men and adolescent boys. International courts formally recognized the massacre as a genocide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It is our duty to remember and to preserve the truth, so that future generations know exactly what happened," von der Leyen added.

"We firmly reject and condemn any denial, distortion, or minimization of the Srebrenica genocide, as well as the glorification of war criminals," von der Leyen said.

According to local media reports, incidents of denying the genocide of Srebrenica are on the rise, with the regional leadership of Bosnian Serbs in Bosnia-Herzegovina taking part in the denials.

Political leaders in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Western Balkans needed to acknowledge established facts and work towards reconciliation, von der Leyen said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There is no room in Europe  or anywhere else  for genocide denial, revisionism, or the glorification of those responsible," said European Council President Antonia Costa, striking a similar cord.

"Lets walk together the path towards reconciliation," he wrote in a post published on the social media platform X.
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has told the Norwegian Nobel Committee about disturbing threats made against her life.

The human rights activist told committee chair Jrgen Watne Frydnes in an "urgent phone call" that she had received direct and indirect threats of "physical elimination" by agents of the Iranian regime, the committee said on Friday.

Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023. She received it for her fight against the oppression of women and the death penalty in Iran, as well as for her commitment to human rights and freedom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As she was imprisoned when she won the award, her children accepted it on her behalf.

The Nobel Committee said it was "deeply concerned" about the threats against Mohammadi, but also about all Iranians who express their opinions critical of the Iranian regime.

In the statement, Frydnes called on the Iranian authorities to "safeguard not only their lives, but also their freedom of expression."

Most recently, Mohammadi, together with Iranian human rights activist Shirin Ebadi, who is also a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, called for an end to the war between Israel and Iran.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Iran's security services have threatened the life of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi after her native country's war with Israel, the Norwegian Nobel Committee and activists said Friday.

Mohammadi said that the threats have come through both her lawyer and other indirect channels as she's kept up public statements about the Islamic Republic's theocracy, women's rights and others issues, the committee said.

The clear message, in her own words, is that I have been directly and indirectly threatened with physical elimination by agents of the regime, the committee said in its announcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Free Narges Coalition Steering Committee, which advocates for the 53-year-old laureate, said that the threats came from Iran's Intelligence Ministry. Iran's government hasn't responded to Mohammadi's recent remarks, and Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The warnings about Mohammadi came as Iran has made arrests and conducted executions in the wake of the 12-day war with Israel, raising concerns of a further possible crackdown targeting human rights activists and others.

Mohammadi has been giving a series of interviews with media abroad during the war, further raising her profile, while Israel at one point began striking targets synonymous with Iran's ruling theocracy. She herself fled Tehran for a time during the Israeli airstrikes and said: "War does not have the capacity for the fundamental transformation that the Iranian people seek.

In Iran, there is a misogynistic and religious government helmed by (Supreme Leader Ayatollah) Ali Khamenei who has taken us to hell while promising paradise, Mohammadi told the Wall Street Journal recently. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "is taking us to hell while promising freedom and democracy.

Mohammadi has been out on a medical furlough from prison, where she is serving 13 years and nine months on charges of collusion against state security and propaganda against Irans government. She has kept up her activism, despite numerous arrests by Iranian authorities and spending years behind bars. That includes backing the nationwide, women-led protests sparked by the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, which have seen women openly defy the government by not wearing the hijab.
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (WPIX)  When a Westchester couple decided to launch a different kind of coffee shop, people thought they were crazy.

They were kind of scratching their heads, like does that make sense?' said Gary Kris.

Kris and wife Lydia wanted their cafe, The Pamplemousse Project, to donate all of their profits to charity.

More Local News

The only reason we started the cafe was to do that and give back to the community, Lydia Kris said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More than two years after they launched The Pamplemousse Project on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, they are proving doubters wrong. This week they announced their sixth $10,500 grant  going to three local charities.

One local charity received funds is the Cancer Support Team. Director of Development Joan Carter says the money from the Pamplemousse Project will go directly to patients immediate needs.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

It will go sometimes to help with electricity bills, it will go to the immediate crushing needs of someone diagnosed with cancer and their world is turned upside down, Carter said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Gary, Lydia and the staff focus on specialty drinks and other programs, its the customers who tell them which nonprofits to support.

They actually vote on where the money goes, Gary said.

Learning to run a New York coffee shop was a challenge, but the couple says their only regret is that they cant give back even more.

Theyre hopeful their mission might bring more customers in to make that happen.

The more people walking through the door, the more we can do, Gary said.

The cafe is planning a celebration of the latest grant on Tuesday. The cafe is located at 124 Mamaroneck Ave in White Plains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
 Childcare win. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill will have far-reaching effects on everything from income taxes to student loans to immigration. One under-covered aspect of the law: It also includes billions of dollars in childcare-related tax cuts, a rare win for a pocketbook issue that Washington typically overlooks.

The key to winning the investment, says Reshma Saujani, CEO of advocacy organization Moms First, was getting businesses on board and appealing to voters across the political spectrum. Knowing the tax bill would be the first big opportunity in the second Trump administration to address childcare, Saujani says the organization focused on building a strategy that involved over 200 businesses and bipartisan parents advocating for federal relief. Earlier this year, representatives from over 50 employers, including UPS, Toyota, and Mazda, traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with legislators and demand action. In fact, Saujani was overwhelmed by the willingness of businesses to help.

Childcare, as you know, has been seen as a personal problem for women and workers, but not an economic imperative, Saujani says. We knew we needed to get businesses to make the casewhen we were in those offices, many of the Republicans and the Democrats, quite frankly, noted that this was the first time businesses had ever been in their office to advocate for childcare.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While itd be easy to give up on the goal during a Republican administrationthe party has been resistant to expanding childcare and paid leave policiesSaujani and Moms First pushed ahead: Since January, they partnered with a conservative pollster to better understand what messaging would get across in the administration and helped get 25,000 parents to tell lawmakers that childcare should be a priority, in addition to their visits to Congress. The fact that businesses are so eager to help and Republicans expanded the tax breaks shows how salient the issue has become for families of all political stripes.

We knew we needed to make clear that childcare was the linchpin of affordability. This president and Congress had gotten elected on affordability, she says.

The strategies worked. The tax breaks included in the bill that Moms First advocated for include:

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, or CDCTC : Permanently expands this credit for working parents for the first time since 2001.

Employer-Provided Child Care Credit : Triples the maximum credit to employers to help locate or provide childcare for their employees, also last updated in 2001.

Dependent Care Assistance Plans, or DCAP: Increases the pre-tax amount parents can put in these flexible spending plans to pay for childcare expenses, from up to $5,000 annually to up to $7,500. This was last updated in 1986.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Child Tax Credit was also increased from $2,000 per child to $2,200. While the tax breaks are a win, the bill also includes provisions that experts say will harm families, particularly those who are lower income. After the midterm elections next year, the new law slashes funding for Medicaid, which covers 41% of all births in the U.S. while also providing care for millions of disabled kids. Funding for nutrition benefits, including for families with children, will also be cut. But Saujani says the organization isnt waiting for the perfect moment or perfect piece of legislation, theyre fighting at every opportunity.

What we realized in this advocacy is that progress isnt sweeping, its incremental, she says. Were in a once-in-a-lifetime generational fight for childcare, and that means that we have to celebrate the wins even when theyre imperfect.

Alicia Adamczyk

alicia.adamczyk@fortune.com

The Most Powerful Women Daily newsletter is Fortunes daily briefing for and about the women leading the business world. Todays edition was curated by Sara Braun. Subscribe here.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
NORFOLK, Neb. (KCAU)  Changes to an ordinance have been approved involving filling a vacant seat in the Norfolk, Nebraska, City Council.

Those changes include the mayor having four weeks to hold a special meeting to submit a name to fill the vacancy. The biggest change is that the mayor and city council may call for a special municipal election to fill a vacant seat.

Both changes meet state law.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The now former city attorney, Danielle Myers-Noelle, said there may be more changes to this ordinance to come later this year.

The City of Norfolk appointed Melissa Figueroa as the Interim City Attorney. She is currently a business resource specialist for the city and the Norfolk Area Economic Council. She has held that role since 2022.

Figueroa previously served on the Norfolk Planning Commission from December 7, 2020 through June 21, 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Melissa knows this community, understands how city government works, and brings the kind of steady, thoughtful leadership we need in this role. Shes proven herself to be dependable, driven, and committed to doing whats best for Norfolk. Were fortunate to have her stepping in during this transition, said Mayor Shane Clausen.

Figueroa also previously practiced law with Carney Law in Norfolk. She represented people in criminal law, family, and juvenile matters.

I would like to express my gratitude to the mayor, city council, and city staff for the opportunity to serve Norfolk as Interim City Attorney. This position allows me to apply my legal training and experience in service to our community. The city will benefit from both continuity and collaboration during this transition period, and I look forward to working closely with Danielle Meyers-Noelle, whose experience and knowledge will be invaluable throughout the process, said Melissa Figueroa, interim city attorney for the City of Norfolk, Nebraska.

Figueroa has received the new position due to Myers-Noelle stepping down to start her own law practice and focus more time on being a mom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD)  A Normal man who was on parole is back in custody after police allegedly found a firearm during a traffic stop.

On July 1, following an investigation by the Bloomington Police Department Patrol Division, an arrest warrant was issued for Caleb Teplitz-Crawford, 22, on eight firearms-related offenses, according to spokesperson Chris Janssen.

Janssen said that on June 27, an officer conducting a traffic enforcement detail initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with a suspended registration. The vehicle stopped near the intersection of Grove Street and Front Street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said during the stop, the driver immediately grabbed a handgun from inside the vehicle and ran away.

Additional officers went to search for the suspect. A person matching the suspects description entered a nearby venue and, as a precaution, officers, along with assisting McLean County Sheriffs deputies, secured the area and temporarily redirected traffic to ensure public safety.

Officers eventually determined that the person who entered the venue was not the person who fled the traffic stop. The area was cleared, and the business resumed normal operations.

Janssen said a Bloomington K-9 unit and assisting officers continued to search the area where the suspect was last seen. During the search, the K-9 unit found a loaded handgun in a nearby yard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officers later identified the driver as Teplitz-Crawford, who Janssen said was on parole at the time. The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) was notified, and a full extradition IDOC warrant was issued for a parole violation.

On June 30, Teplitz-Crawford was taken into custody by IDOC officers for the warrant. He remains in custody at Stateville Correctional Center.

In addition to several traffic citations, a McLean County warrant was issued for charges including felon in possession of a weapon while on parole and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.

This is a prime example of how our officers can encounter unexpected situations during what many may consider routine police work,' said Chief Jamal Simington. Thank you to the officers who put themselves in harms way and demonstrated the investigative skills needed to remove another handgun from someone legally prohibited from possessing one. We also appreciate the venue and event participants for their understanding during this evolving situation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GREENSBORO, N.C.  Democratic Gov. Josh Stein has vetoed three controversial bills that would roll back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and impose new limits on transgender rights in North Carolina.

The legislation mirrors a broader national movement, championed by President Donald Trump, to dismantle DEI efforts in government, education and business. One of the vetoed bills would ban DEI-related hiring practices in state and local agencies, while another would restrict divisive concepts in public K-12 schools and universities.

Theyre targeting specific minorities. Thats a fact, Kameron Martin said, a graduate student in sociology at UNC Greensboro. Were not teaching our kids to be inclusive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The third bill, originally proposed to combat online sexual exploitation, was amended to include a ban on gender-affirming care for incarcerated individuals and new rules on birth certificates for transgender residents.

Stein criticized the Republican-led General Assembly for prioritizing culture war legislation over passing a state budget, saying in a statement the bills would marginalize vulnerable people and also undermine the quality of public services and public education.

Desmera Gatewood, program manager at Democracy North Carolina, said public reaction to the vetoes will likely vary.

Its going to be interesting to see how people respond to the governor. I think he does have a certain level of support in different places, regionally in different demographics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deborah Maxwell, president of the North Carolina NAACP, said the measures threaten free speech and equity in public institutions.

There have been people going undercover recording faculty and getting people fired for making positive DEI statements, Maxwell said.

All three bills return to the General Assembly, where Republicans are just one House vote short of a supermajority needed to override the governors vetoes.

Steins latest actions bring his total vetoes this session to 14, including a bill that reignites his long-standing clash with Republicans over gun laws.

All vetoed bills have now been returned to the Legislative Building. Lawmakers could attempt overrides as early as later this month. Republicans are currently just one House vote shy of a supermajority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Federal Courthouse in Winston-Salem, NC (Photo: Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline)

WINSTON-SALEM  The latest federal trial over claims that North Carolinas election district plans dilute Black voting power in violation of federal law concluded Wednesday with competing expert testimony.

Lawyers for civil rights groups and voters told a panel of three judges that theyd proven their points, while a lawyer for Republican legislators argued that election lines were drawn for partisan reasons to advantage GOP candidates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It doesnt make sense they would use race and invite liability when they can use partisanship, said Katherine McKnight, the Republicans lawyer.

The North Carolina NAACP, Common Cause and a group of Black voters, and a separate group of Black and Latino voters sued in 2023 over redistricting plans drawn that year and used in in the 2024 elections. The two lawsuits were consolidated for the federal trial held in Winston-Salem before a three-judge panel. The claims originally included sets of state House, state Senate, and congressional districts, but claims against the state House districts were dismissed.

Black voting power diluted in multiple regions

The civil rights groups and voters contend Republican legislators drew districts that dilute the voting power of Black citizens so that they are no longer able to elect candidates of their choice. Republican legislators said they used political data, not racial data, to create the districts.

The state gained a congressional seat after the 2020 census, partly due to the increase in the Black population, said Lali Madduri, a lawyer representing Black and Latino voters. That increase has not translated into more voting power for Black residents, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Black voters were able to elect candidates of their choice in 6.2 of the states 14 congressional districts in 2022, Madduri said, while that dropped to 3.8 districts in the 2023 plan.

Wednesdays testimony about congressional districts focused largely on the Piedmont Triad region and Mecklenburg County.

Hilary Harris Klein, senior counsel for voting rights at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, addresses ta legislative redistricting committee. (Photo: NCGA video stream)

Congressional districts in those areas were redrawn to eliminate seats Democrats could win.

Voters lawyers said Black voters in Guilford County are no longer able to elect the candidate of their choice because theyre distributed among three districts.

The changes were not the product of partisan gerrymandering, Madduri said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said Black voters were more likely than their white counterparts to be moved out of the previous version of 6th Congressional District, which included all of Guilford County.

Black voters were shifted out of the 2022 version of the 14th Congressional District  which included about half of Mecklenburg County and half of Gaston County  and moved into a Charlotte-centric 12th Congressional District for the 2024 election.

Evidence supports that race was a factor, she said. The 2023 plan is worse than the 2022 plan on every metric.

Under a court-ordered plan used in 2022, North Carolina elected seven Democrats and seven Republicans to Congress. Under the plans Republicans approved in 2023, 10 Republicans and four Democrats were elected to the U.S. House last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hilary Harris Klein, a lawyer for the NC NAACP and Common Cause, said the 2023 configuration of the 1st Congressional District in eastern North Carolina also had a disproportionate impact on Black voters and their ability to elect candidates of their choice.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis eked out a win in November. The district has elected a Black representative since 1992, when Eva Clayton became the first Black candidate since 1898 to win a US House seat from North Carolina.

The redrawn 2023 version of the district is the first since 1992 to exclude Pitt County, Klein said. Parts of Greenville were removed from the district, she said, and majority-white coastal counties were added.

In the state Senate election map, Republicans divided counties known as the Black Belt in violation of the federal Voting Rights Act, Klein said. The region now has one Black state senator when there had been two or three.

Lawyers for GOP cite partisan objectives

McKnight, the Republicans lawyer, recounted testimony from Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell), who said legislators did not use racial data to create the state Senate or congressional maps, but drew districts that would perform for Republican candidates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hise was co-chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee.

Plaintiffs cant establish that legislators targeted voters based on race, McKnight said, and are left only with circumstantial evidence.

A claim based on circumstantial evidence is difficult to prove, she said. She suggested that the plaintiffs are dressing up partisan gerrymandering claims in racial garb because North Carolina courts and federal courts will no longer consider partisan gerrymandering cases.

Plaintiffs contend that state Senate District 8 is racially gerrymandered because legislators created it by moving largely Black neighborhoods in Wilmington out of the New Hanover district and melding those precincts with two more rural counties. The New Hanover cutout is known as the Wilmington notch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McKnight said Hise testified that the district was drawn based on political considerations. She recounted another witness testifying that the New Hanover notch precincts were those that performed the worst for Republicans.

In 2022, Republican Sen. Mike Lee of New Hanover won his race for the seat by 1,710 votes. In 2024, he won by 10,264 votes.

Senate Redistricting Committee co-chair Ralph Hise presides at a recent public hearing (Photo: NCGA video stream )

Dueling experts

Since Black voters overwhelmingly vote for Democrats, one of the issues the judges considered was whether voters race and their political preferences can be disentangled.

The maps challengers turned to Jonathan Rodden, a political scientist and redistricting expert from Stanford University, who used statistical analyses to conclude that even when accounting for party preference, we see significant effect for race within the contested districts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rodden focused his testimony on congressional districts in the Piedmont Triad and two that include Mecklenburg County.

Rodden testified on the first day of the trial and on the last day, when he defended his analysis from criticism by Republicans experts that his methods didnt show what he claimed.

Sean Trende, a redistricting expert and senior elections analyst for RealClearPolitics, said he did not think a technique Rodden used is a reliable method for detecting racial gerrymanders.

Rodden said he never uses the term racial gerrymandering.

I cant tell you what people were thinking in drawing these districts, Rodden said. Im just trying to explain that data.

Judges Thomas Schroeder, Richard Myers II, and Allison Rushing heard the evidence. All three were appointed by Republican presidents.

They wont have a decision before early August.
Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, chair of Legislative Management, speaks during a July 11, 2025, meeting to discuss how the Legislature should respond to a veto by Gov. Kelly Armstrong. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

North Dakota lawmakers are unlikely to take the executive branch to court over a disagreement over the governors veto power, Legislative Management members indicated Friday.

The dispute arose in May, after the legislative session, when Gov. Kelly Armstrongs office accidentally appeared to line-item veto $35 million in housing funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Armstrong had intended to veto $150,000 the 2025 Legislature set aside for a Native American homelessness liaison, but a staff member mistakenly also crossed out $25 million for affordable housing and $10 million for homelessness in a markup of the bill.

The Attorney Generals Office last month issued an opinion finding that the inadvertent markup was not an issue because Armstrong had been sufficiently clear about what he intended to veto in his memo, and so the Legislature need not take further action.

Legislative Council, in its own analysis, disagreed. Attorneys argued Wrigleys opinion conflicts with previous rulings by the North Dakota Supreme Court, the constitution and a prior attorney generals opinion and said the Legislature could consider holding a special session and override the veto to free up the $34.85 million.

Regardless, the Office of Management and Budget already allocated the money. The agency in an email earlier this week confirmed it dispersed the $34.85 million to the Housing Finance Agency on July 1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But lawmakers indicated Friday that their concerns go beyond just money.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley speaks in his office about a Truth in Sentencing bill on March 5, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Even if the veto is overridden in a special session, the attorney generals opinion would still stand. Both Legislative Council and lawmakers said the opinion could give the executive branch too much power over how vetoes they consider ambiguous are interpreted in the future.

I guess the question is that, if we did a special session to override the veto, its just a Band-Aid. It isnt addressing the concerns of, What is a veto and what isnt? said Sen. Ronald Sorvaag, R-Fargo.

Legislative Council Director John Bjornson said if the Legislature wants more clarity on the governors veto authority, it has two main options: it could ask the North Dakota Supreme Court to weigh in by moving forward with a lawsuit, or it could amend the underlying law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Members of Legislative Management on Friday seemed more apt to do the latter.

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan, D-Fargo, said a legal challenge could leave the millions of dollars for housing and combating homelessness tied up while the lawsuit plays out.

I think the risk of jeopardizing the money thats actually providing service to people is so great that I dont think we should seek the Supreme Court ruling at this point, Hogan said during the meeting.

Legislative Management voted to direct the Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee to come up with a plan to study how the Legislature and executive branch can clarify the process for vetoes, including those issued after the session adjourns. The committee also was asked to analyze the attorney generals opinion. Legislative Procedures and Arrangements will meet and report back to Legislative Management within 90 days with their first steps, lawmakers said Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This may take a little work, Sen. Jerry Klein, R-Fessenden, chair of the Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee, said during the meeting.

The Legislature could prepare a bill for consideration during the 2027 legislative session. Or, if lawmakers convene for a special session before that, they could vote on the legislation at that time.

The meeting agenda included a closed-door executive session, but the committee held its entire discussion in an open meeting.

Wrigley after the meeting said he had no issue with the prospect of lawmakers amending the law to make veto procedures more specific, but cautioned them to make sure the policy respects the veto authority granted to the governor under the constitution.

Redistricting lawsuit

Lawmakers on Friday also discussed how a pending voting rights lawsuit against North Dakota could affect legislators representing districts 9 and 15. The plaintiffs  the Spirit Lake Nation, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and three Indigenous North Dakotans  are gearing up to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case after receiving an unfavorable ruling from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The group filed the lawsuit in 2022, arguing that a 2021 redistricting plan was discriminatory because it diluted the power of Native voters.

The 8th Circuits judgment, expected to be filed sometime next week, is likely to change North Dakotas district map back to the version legislators approved in 2021. This would result in three lawmakers no longer living in the districts they represent, which is forbidden under the state constitution.

Its still up in the air how the Legislature would respond to such a situation, lawmakers and Legislative Council staff said Friday. Members could allow their peers to serve out the remainder of their terms or vote to remove them from office.

The three affected lawmakers would be Rep. Collette Brown, D-Warwick, who would go from representing District 9 to District 15; Rep. Donna Henderson, R-Calvin, who would switch from District 15 to District 9B; and Sen. Kent Weston, R-Sarles, who would switch from District 15 to District 9.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, celebrated the 8th Circuits decision and indicated she would support having affected members removed and replaced with people who reside in the amended districts.

As sad as it might be for some of our colleagues in those districts, I think we have a constitutional duty, Myrdal said.

Rep. LaurieBeth Hager, D-Fargo, said that the committee should be mindful of how such a decision would affect their colleagues.

This is their job, their livelihood, their benefit plan, she said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
North Korea currently supplies up to 40% of Russias ammunition for the war in Ukraine, as the partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow deepens.

Source: Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, in an interview with Bloomberg News, as reported by Oboronka, a defence industry project by Mezha.Media, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company

Details: Budanov noted that North Korea also supplies Russia with other weapons, including ballistic missiles and artillery systems. In exchange, Russia provides North Korea with money and technology, helping to alleviate Pyongyangs international isolation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Budanov added that North Korea has vast reserves, with production continuing around the clock.

Background:

Russia strengthened military ties with North Korea after signing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in June 2024. North Korea has sent thousands of troops to assist Moscow in pushing Ukrainian forces out of territories in Russias Kursk Oblast.

Kim Jong Un has pledged to support Russia in the war against Ukraine, and Western intelligence estimates that Pyongyang has supplied millions of artillery shells to the Russian forces.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
FREDONIA, Ariz. (ABC4)  Visitors on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park are required to evacuate immediately due to the advancing of the White Sage Fire.

The White Sage Fire is located around 15 miles southeast of Fredonia and is moving towards Jacob Lake, Arizona, which is under evacuation orders. The fire began about 1.5 miles from White Sage, Arizona.

According to a social media post, evacuees should travel calmly at a normal rate of speed and stay on paved roads. Highway 89A to Fredonia is closed, but Highway 89A east towards Lees Ferry and Page is still open.

Courtesy: Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Strip District

Visitors can find more information about instructions from park staff and additional updates on the park website here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the Grand Canyon National Park Public Affairs Office, about 20 staff coordinated the safe evacuation of an estimated 500 guests from the Grand Canyon Lodge and the North Rim Campground. All visitors were safely evacuated. Park employees remain on site under a shelter-in-place status.

All lodging reservations on the North Rim have been cancelled through Sunday, July 13, and the North Rim Campground is closed until at least July 13. Day access to the North Rim is closed until further notice.

The White Sage Fire was discovered in the evening of June 8 following a thunderstorm, and officials determined that it was caused by lightning. It is currently estimated at 1,000 acres, and it is active, 0% contained.

This fire is separate and unrelated to the Dragon Bravo Fire, another lightning-caused fire on the south side of the basin. It is currently estimated to be 120 acres in size, and it is burning in a remote area south of the Basin near the W1 road, according to the National Park Service. The Dragon Bravo Fire currently does not pose a threat to public safety or structures.

Latest headlines:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NORTHAMPTON  Sheldon Field again be a welcoming place again for softballers and other park users who also need a bathroom break every now and then.

A new portable toilet will be installed at the field in Northampton this week, after the previous one was removed on June 17 because of vandalism and an abundance of hypodermic needles.

At the City Council meeting Wednesday, disabled veteran Collette Paro, of Chicopee, who plays in a softball league at the Old Ferry Road Park and Ride field, pleaded with the city for its prompt return.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This makes my world smaller, Paro told the council. She also had written an impassioned letter to the city about why the removal was such a hardship in her life after exiting the service.

The port-o-pottys absence prevented her, her spouse and her mother  a liver transplant recipient requiring frequent restroom access  from attending games, as they each needed restroom breaks for their own serious health reasons.

Its a safety concern and a disability issue, Paro said.

I know the wheels of bureaucracy can grind slowly sometimes, said Paro, adding, please dont let this be one of those times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Paro credits softball with helping her rebuild social connections after years of isolation because of post-traumatic stress disorder. She was a petty officer, 3rd class, in the U.S. Navy from 2000 to 2004. A supply, hazmat and disaster preparedness sailor, Paro served in Iceland and then aboard a destroyer out of Norfolk, Virginia.

She told The Republican that the reason the old toilet had been removed was because of the vendor terminating its contract with the city after the facility was vandalized with glue around its toilet paper dispenser. Used hypodermic needles were discarded in the toilet, too.

This becomes problematic for the machinery when emptying them, I believe, she said.

City Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra confirmed that the city had been fired by the previous vendor, but that the city had identified a new vendor, and that she expected the city to take delivery of the new portable toilet this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alan Wolf, chief of staff for the mayor, told The Republican that we appreciate everyones patience while this service was temporarily unavailable and thank our residents and visitors for helping keep public facilities safe, clean, and usable for everyone.

Wolf did not immediately respond to an inquiry about if there were ongoing vandalism problems near the park, or if the new port-a-potty would include a sharps collection bin.

Read the original article on MassLive.
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  The Northampton board of health met Thursday evening regarding the sale of synthetic marijuana.

Kratom: what is it, and why is it getting banned in cities and towns across the country?

The board discussed possible legislation to ban certain drugs, including a drug known as kratom.

Kratom is a tree, native to Southeast Asia, that produces opioid and stimulant-like effects. It has already been banned from being manufactured and sold in Springfield and Belchertown. Board members in Northampton suggested banning the drug from the citys gas stations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The scary thing is that, whether unregulated or city-regulated, these products, there is nothing that will stop these products from being sold, says Lora Romney with the International Plant and Herbal Alliance. The Northampton Board of Health is scheduled to hold a hearing on August 24th, where residents and business owners can voice their opinions and concerns on the boards proposed regulations.

Residents unable to attend can submit comments ahead of the meeting.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  After the devastating floods in Texas, Tennessee summer camp leaders say they want to reassure parents of their safety plans in case of emergency.

Austin Dillard is the director of Camp Hope in Church Hill. He said camp leaders base their plans on the American Camp Association guidelines.

Roads across Northeast Tennessee still due for repairs in Hurricane Helene aftermath

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dillard said Camp Hope does not experience much flooding due to not being near water; however, if severe weather strikes, they have areas for campers to shelter in place.

If there is anything higher than a thunderstorm, like a tornado, then our bathhouses are cinder block structures, Dillard said. So, we will kind of cram everybody in those.

Ryan Vernon is the program director and safety officer at Doe River Gorge in Hampton. He said since the camp is near a river, plans are in place in case of flooding.

We would try to get everybody together, account for everybody, and then we would potentially implement emergency action plans for evacuation as well, Vernon said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vernon said Doe River Gorge is a part of the Christian Camp and Conference Association and bases its safety plans on those guidelines.

Both Dillard and Vernon said the workers at each camp have a way to communicate with each other if an emergency should arise.

We have a group thread with all of them that we send out a message, and theyre all in that; they know to be looking for that, Dillard said. If they dont answer that, then we have all their phone numbers and stuff like that that we call on as well.

We have multiple vehicles where we were able to go pick up those kids and make sure that theyre in their shelter in time before something gets here or anything like that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We use air horns in case the electronic systems go down or electricity is out, Vernon said. The short blasts indicate that they should go into their living quarters or inside a safe structure. And then the loud blast that is a continuous one gets them all to rally to a central point in the campus, and that would be in a situation like with a flood event or a fire, or with a missing person.

Our other communication system is with our radios that we carry with us. I can broadcast out throughout the entire campus. One channel goes out just to the external campus, and then the other channel goes both inside and outside, so we can get messages out in a hurry to everyone thats in earshot, either inside or outside, and communicate emergency action plans.

Vernon said the staff go through special training due to their close proximity to the river.

I became a swift water rescue instructor, Vernon said, So we try to teach swift water rescue preparedness and swift water rescue response to our staff members. And they all do because every single camper and every single staff, we utilize the river for activities all throughout.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dillard and Vernon said they also plan for other potential emergencies, including camper health.

The state comes out and they do inspect our kitchen as far as health regulations, but then they also inspect our camp, Dillard said. We get a score for our kitchen and then we get a separate score for our camp as well.

We do have screenings when they come here, where if there is, like back when COVID was happening, we would check temperature or stuff like that. We do a lice check, currently, things like that. So, those are kinds of things that sometimes well turn away if they need a treatment. But normally were just like, hey, run to the health department, get treated and they can come back.'

We do have a health inspector as well comes out and they come out unannounced, and so they look at the facilities where the kids are staying and they look at the kitchen, all aspects really any part of the camp from a health and safety standpoint, Vernon said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have medical volunteers, Vernon added. Well have generally two here onsite, and weve equipped them with mobility as far as they have a vehicle that theyre in. They also have radios for response. And then weve equipped them with trauma packs, AED and a lot of the tools that they need. They administer all of the medications. We have an infirmary on-site.

The camp leaders also said that while they do want the kids to have fun, camper safety is a top priority.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  One local teen hopes an upcoming hike will help hundreds of families whose lives were upended after the deadly Texas floods, and hes putting his best foot forward to achieve his goals.

Alex Thielman may be enjoying his summer months before classes resume at Gonzaga College High School this fall, but hes also spending time leading a nonprofit with eyes set on raising money for Texas residents to recover and rebuild.

If you feel like you cant do much, theres still something you can do. Then, you should go out and do it to the best of your ability, Thielman told DC News Now Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Texas flood relief: How to help

Thielman is behind a hiking group and non-profit known as Mercy Trails, which works to host hiking events nationwide to give back to those in need; previously collecting backpacks full of school supplies in advance of hikes, as well as new coats and food donations.

We want to help teenagers to empower to help others in their community, whether that be homeless or victims of flooding, as in, like it did in Texas. Really, anyone that is suffering, Thielman said.

Do-gooders in the DMV continue lending help to Texas flood victims, including D.C.-based World Central Kitchen, and two swift water rescue teams in Virginia, who were deployed to the Lone Star State.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thielmans hike Saturday morning, slated to start at the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, is part of a multi-day fundraising effort to support the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund in Texas, which is backed by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

More information on Saturdays hike can be found on the Mercy Trails website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
There was just one freeway closure scheduled in the Phoenix area for the weekend of July 11-14.

But a major surface street in the northeast Valley was also scheduled to be closed, and a highway off-ramp in the southeast Valley was scheduled to be closed, too.

Drivers should allow extra travel time and use detour routes as needed while weekend restrictions are in place, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Real-time highway information is available at AZ511.gov, the az511 app or by calling 511.

Here's what you need to know to travel throughout metro Phoenix this weekend without headaches from planned roadwork.

Westbound Loop 101 closed from Interstate 17 to 51st Avenue

Westbound Loop 101, the Agua Fria Freeway, was scheduled to be closed between Interstate 17 and 51st Avenue in the northwest Valley from 10 p.m. on Friday, July 11, to 5 a.m. on Monday, July 14, for work on a widening project.

Both I-17 ramps to westbound Loop 101 were scheduled to be closed. The westbound Loop 101 on-ramps at Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street were also scheduled to be closed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Drivers were advised to take detours, including westbound Union Hills Drive. Westbound Loop 101 traffic exiting at 27th Avenue could detour along the Beardsley frontage road.

The westbound frontage road was scheduled to be closed between 35th and 51st avenues from 3 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, for pavement marking.

Loop 101 was scheduled to be narrowed to two lanes in both directions between 59th and 75th avenues from 10 p.m. on Friday, July 11, to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, while the westbound Loop 101 frontage road was closed just west of 75th Avenue. Drivers could travel south on 75th Avenue to westbound Union Hills Drive instead.

Highway closures for July 11-14, 2025.

Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard to be closed for widening project

Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard was scheduled to close in both directions at Loop 101, the Pima Freeway, from 9 p.m. on Friday, July 11, to 5 a.m. on Monday, July 14, for a widening project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Traffic would be detoured using the Loop 101 frontage roads.

Westbound Loop 202 off-ramp closed at Arizona Avenue

The westbound Loop 202/Santan Freeway off-ramp at Arizona Avenue was scheduled to be closed from 2 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, to 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, for bridge work as part of a widening project.

ADOT advised drivers to use other nearby exits.

Beyond the weekend, the eastbound Loop 202 off-ramp at Alma School Road was scheduled to close for two months starting at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, for reconstruction work.

Changes coming: After 2 decades, a dangerous metro Phoenix freeway is getting improvements

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: July 11-14 Phoenix-area weekend freeway closures
By the end of 2025, Norway plans to allocate more than UAH 100 million (about US$2.4 million) to support projects that will improve the cyber resilience of Ukraine's civil and critical infrastructure.

Source: Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine

Details: It is reported that Norway has become the 12th country to join the Tallinn Mechanism, a key international initiative to strengthen Ukraine's cyber defence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ministry notes that the Tallinn Mechanism was launched in 2023 in response to Russia's constant cyberattacks. Thanks to it, dozens of initiatives are being implemented to strengthen Ukraine's cyber resilience.

The Tallinn Mechanism includes participants from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the United States, France, Sweden, and now Norway. The European Union, NATO, and the World Bank participate as official observers.

Background: The United Nations Development Programme and the Norwegian government have launched a US$200 million initiative to transform Ukraine's energy sector.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Norway's government have launched a $200 million initiative aimed at restoring and transforming Ukraine's energy sector, Ukraine's Energy Ministry announced on July 10 in a press release.

During the full-scale Russian invasion, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's energy grid, causing blackouts across the country.

The funding, unveiled at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, aims to address both immediate energy needs and long-term modernization goals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the Energy Ministry, the initiative will restore heating and water services to millions of Ukrainians, particularly in front-line communities.

The funding will also support equipping hospitals and water facilities with solar panels and backup battery systems, helping to provide medical care during power outages.

"This contribution from Norway, provided through UNDP, is critically important for our ability to restore vital services and accelerate the strategic transition to a decentralized and clean energy system," said Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko in a press release.

Norway separately committed 42 million euros ($49 million) to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, targeting infrastructure protection against Russian attacks and development of more sustainable energy networks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A smaller 300,000-euro ($350,000) agreement was also signed with the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) to support energy efficiency and clean energy production projects.

Read also: In historic feat, Ukraines 3rd Brigade captures Russian troops using only drones and robots, military says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Jul. 11NORWOOD  A 1961 bus has served the Norwood Brass Firemen well in their travels around the country for performances.

But, given the difficulty of finding replacement parts because of its age, the group hopes to replace it and has started fundraising efforts.

"Our bus is nearly 65 years old. We've been using it for 32 years. It still runs great. It rides fantastically for its age," Paul Haggett said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The concern is being a 1961 vehicle, parts are rapidly becoming unobtainable," Jim Corbett said.

In the early days of the Norwood Volunteer Fire Department Band, most of the band's engagements were local firemen's field days, ice cream socials, and other such community events.

Occasionally, the band would travel to and from engagements in a converted and modified school bus that was used by the fire department's firematic racing team, the "Racketeers."

The Brass Firemen acquired its current bus in 1993. The band performed for several summers at the New York State Firemen's Home and Museum in Hudson through its association with the Firemen's Association of the State of New York. When the management of the home purchased a new tour bus for use by residents of the home in 1993, it offered its 1961 GM bus, formerly used as a Trailways bus, to the Norwood Brass Firemen for $1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They bought a new one. It turned out to be a lemon. They tried to buy this one back," Corbett said.

Today, the bus is still hitting the roads and serves as an emergency/evacuation vehicle for St. Lawrence County Emergency Services. It has taken the band around the state and sometimes out of state. This year's summer performances include Potsdam, Cape Vincent, Massena, Colton, Ogdensburg, Gouverneur, Waddington, Alexandria Bay, Harrisville, Heuvelton and Plattsburgh.

"The very first time we used the bus was when we went to Indianapolis in 1994," Haggett said.

The bus packs plenty of memories for the 27 members of the band, according to Josh LaFave, who joined when he was a high school junior.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"What the bus symbolizes as a band is why I think it's so important for us. For most people in the band, it's been a big part of the culture with all the camaraderie on the bus rides," he said. "I've been in the band over half of my life, so much of my identity is this band. Memories are on that bus. Everybody recognizes it. That's a key part of it, too. It's such a symbol of the band and its history."

Those memories will live on forever. But, the bus won't, which is why the fundraiser is so important for the band. As part of its fundraising effort, they entered a "financial support relationship" with the nonprofit Norwood Village Green Concert Series in January, giving them the ability to seek grant funding that would go to the Village Green Concert Series, which would turn it over to the band.

"Joe Liotta (Norwood Village Green Concert Series co-founder, president and program director) approached Josh to form this relationship together whereby they would be our fiscal sponsor. So, if we have to apply for the grant, and if we are awarded the grant, the funds would actually go to the Village Green Concert Series, and they would turn the money over to us," Haggett said.

Meanwhile, the hunt is on for a new bus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We're keeping our eyes open just to see what's out there," Corbett said.

Donations can be made through a GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-brass-firemen-continue-their-legacy; by sending a check made payable to Norwood Brass Firemen, P.O. Box 47, Norwood, NY 13668 (write "Bus Fund in the memo line); or by making a cash contribution during one of the band's summer concerts.

For more information, the band can be reached by sending an email to norwoodbrassfiremen@gmail.com or by calling 315-250-1625.
A former White House physician is criticizing Kevin O'Connor after the ex-Biden administration doctor refused to answer questions by House Oversight Committee investigators earlier this week.

Dr. O'Connor, who served as White House physician to former President Joe Biden, sat down for a transcribed interview with committee staff and panel Chair James Comer, R-Ky., on Wednesday. The closed-door meeting lasted roughly 30 minutes, with O'Connor invoking the Fifth Amendment to all questions, save for his name.

His legal team said there were concerns the broad scope of Comer's probe could force O'Connor into a position of risking doctor-patient confidentiality privileges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Well, you can't do both," Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, a former White House doctor himself, told Fox News Digital in an interview afterward.

Comer Dismisses Biden Doctor's Bid For Pause In Cover-up Probe: 'Throwing Out Every Excuse'

Former White House physician Rep. Ronny Jackson, right, is arguing there was a "cover-up" of former President Biden's health.

"I mean, the Fifth Amendment is designed to keep him from incriminating himself in some type of, you know, criminal or unethical behavior. He'd already addressed the issue of patient-doctor privacy, or confidentiality, with the committee."

Read On The Fox News App

He pointed out that O'Connor's lawyers had already raised issues with patient-doctor confidentiality in a letter to the committee trying to get the interview delayed, but Comer pressed forward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They had already let him know that in this particular case, because he had been subpoenaed, and it was a legal process, he'd been subpoenaed to testify before Congress in this closed session, that the patient-doctor privilege no longer applied," Jackson said. "And President Trump had waived presidential privilege. So it left him with nothing. Nothing to stand on except for pleading the Fifth."

Before being elected to Congress, Jackson served as White House physician to both former President Barack Obama and current President Donald Trump.

Comer told reporters on Wednesday that Jackson played a key role in crafting questions for O'Connor.

Far-left Firebrand Says She 'Never Had A Concern' About Biden's Mental State As House Probe Heats Up

House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer is leading a probe into the matter.

"We have a lot of questions that we've prepared for this. We've consulted closely with Ronny Jackson, my colleague, who was the White House physician in the first Trump administration. We've consulted with a lot of people in the medical community, so there's going to be a lot of medical questions that are asked," he told reporters before the transcribed interview.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He is investigating accusations that Biden's former top White House aides covered up signs of his mental and physical decline while in office, and whether any executive actions were commissioned via autopen without the president's full knowledge. Biden allies have pushed back on those claims.

"The cover-up could not have happened without the assistance and the help of his personal physician, Kevin O'Connor," Jackson said. "I think that's why he pled the Fifth, because he realized he was about to implicate himself as a key player in this cover-up."

O'Connor's lawyers have denied any implications of guilt.

Jackson said some of the questions he recommended to the committee would have surrounded any potential neurological concerns or cognitive tests while Biden was in office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But many of those were left unasked, it appears, after O'Connor's brief meeting with House investigators.

The doctor's lawyers said O'Connor's refusal to answer questions on Fifth Amendment grounds was not an admission of guilt, but rather a response to what they saw as an unprecedented investigatory scope that could have violated the bounds of patient-physician privilege.

"This Committee has indicated to Dr. O'Connor and his attorneys that it does not intend to honor one of the most well-known privileges in our law - the physician patient privilege. Instead, the Committee has indicated that it will demand that Dr. O'Connor reveal, without any limitations, confidential information regarding his medical examinations, treatment, and care of President Biden," the attorney statement said.

"Revealing confidential patient information would violate the most fundamental ethical duty of a physician, could result in revocation of Dr. O'Connor's medical license, and would subject Dr. O'Connor to potential civil liability. Dr. O'Connor will not violate his oath of confidentiality to any of his patients, including President Biden."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fox News Digital reached out to O'Connor's lawyers for further comment.





Original article source: 'Nothing to stand on': Ex-White House physician slams Biden doctor for silence during House GOP grilling
Over the course of two days and about 10 hours of testimony, Stillwater Conservation District administrator Sharon Flemetis sat before District Court Judge Matthew Wald, a therapy dog at her feet, awash in a torrent of accusations of mismanagement of flood repair projects she oversaw in Carbon and Stillwater counties.

Although not on trial, Flemetis' performance of her duties overseeing flood repair projects following the destruction wrought by the June 2022 flood dominated the proceedings.

Yet the hearing, which consumed 10 hours over two days, was aimed at whether to grant a preliminary injunction halting a $5 million repair project on Armstrong Creek. In May, Judge Wald granted Carbon Conservation Districts request for a temporary restraining order which halted review of a final permit and the project proceeding to contractor bidding.

$5M federal project at issue

The congressionally funded emergency project, being built without normal environmental reviews, would install a 12-foot-wide, 800-foot-long berm separating the creek from an overflow channel on the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Two concrete weirs, stretching 55 and 58 feet, would divert the creeks water allowing it to once again flow down a steep, rocky alluvial fan into East Rosebud Lake.

Right now, the new channel carved by the flood is emptying Armstrong Creek into East Rosebud Creek below the lake, starving it of cold water and nutrients, the cabin owners testified. Despite the creeks diversion, high groundwater along the lake continues to flood cabin owners septic systems, kill trees and make repairs impractical, landowners said.

The flood of '22

Fed by historically high runoff from the tallest peak in Montanas Beartooth Mountains, Armstrong Creek burst from its channel in June 2022, the torrent of water flooding 15 cabins bordering the privately owned East Rosebud Lake.

The flood also washed out the only road into the area, trapping more than 60 residents of the small private community of Alpine who were eventually evacuated by Montana National Guard helicopter crews. Later, their stranded vehicles were airlifted out.

The storm that caused such enormous destruction  not only in the East Rosebud drainage but across much of southeast Montana and northern Yellowstone National Park  seemed to rage again on Wednesday, July 9, in the Carbon County Courthouse as testimony swirled around controversy over proposed flood repairs to the stream.

Flemetis at center stage

Flemetis' displeasure over being dismissed from overseeing emergency flood repair projects in Carbon County in October 2023, and conflicts with Carbon Conservation Districts new administrator, seemed to foster a hostile relationship between the two conservation districts.

Without notifying Carbon County  where Armstrong Creek is located  Flemetis and Stillwater Conservation District signed an agreement with the Custer Gallatin National Forest in September 2023 to oversee the creek project.

It seemed to make sense at the time to the East Rosebud Lake Association, the group that collectively owns the land where 15 cabins were flooded, since they had been working with the two on their initial emergency repairs under a different program.

However, when the landowners successfully lobbied former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester to include federal funds for a more comprehensive repair project that tied the private and public work together, they naturally looked to Flemetis and Stillwater Conservation District to continue as partners.

Last year when Carbon Conservation District warned Stillwater to halt its work or else, the cabin owners sent a letter threatening to sue Carbon for interfering, as they want the work completed as quickly as possible to avoid the chance of future floods.

Preliminary injunction hearing

In theory, the hearing was scheduled to determine whether a preliminary injunction should be authorized to halt Stillwater Conservation District from administering the Armstrong Creek repair project.

Carbon Conservation Districts attorney, Jacque Papez, argued it is illegal under state statute for Stillwater to oversee the project outside of its jurisdiction, which is the countys boundaries, without Carbon Countys approval, which it never received.

Stillwater Conservation District attorney Shane Coleman countered, Statutory interpretation is something that can be dealt with down the road in a proper forum.

A preliminary injunction is not the right vehicle to decide whether or not to halt this project because there simply is no irreparable harm, he added.

Wald seemed to disagree. The statutory question is pretty large here, because I think it does go to the crux.

Yet he also questioned Papez about why monetary damages wouldnt suffice.

What's the irreparable harm that couldn't be cured by, if at the end of this lawsuit, I determined that this was wrongful and whatever Stillwater recouped would be damages along with anything else? he asked.

Papez said Carbon Conservation District is concerned that under Stillwaters oversight, the project might not be correctly designed resulting in harm to downstream residents and the environment.

Throughout Colemans case, however, he stressed that the Forest Service and engineering companies are responsible for the projects proper design and construction, not Stillwater Conservation District or Flemetis.

Six hours of testimony

The proceedings, which Judge Wald characterized as overly broad, seemed to put Flemetis on trial for accounting and procedural actions now under investigation by the Carbon County Sheriffs Office and the USDAs office of Inspector General.

I don't know how we got here, a frustrated Judge Wald said at the end of six hours of testimony as the courtroom clock ticked toward 7 p.m. And the people that are concerned don't care who's  administering this, as long as it's administered correctly.

Two Carbon Conservation District board members and their administrator testified their goal is not to oversee the project. They are mainly concerned that Stillwater Conservation District and Flemetis shut them out, despite attempts to smooth relations.

"We have no idea what's even being asked," testified Aimee Bailey, Carbon Conservation District administrator. "We've been kept in the dark 100% as to what this project even entailed."

Good Neighbor Agreement

One instance exemplifying the lack of information involved Stillwaters Good Neighbor Agreement with the Forest Service to administer the Armstrong Creek project. Carbon Conservation District was told it had to provide a written request for the information. When that request wasnt signed, Flemetis sent them notice that if a signature wasnt provided within 30 days, the document would not be shared.

When a copy was finally provided to Carbon by a state agency, the document contained redactions.

It took an open records act to even get this agreement? Judge Wald said in disbelief. So how are they not concerned? They have no role. They don't even know what's going on. I, for the life me, do not understand that.

And doesn't that go to irreparable harm? he asked Coleman. Because essentially, the argument is they are not able to do their job. They know nothing about this project. It's being administered by a totally different entity that will not communicate with them, so they don't even know.

Coleman countered that the Carbon Conservation District has no role because it is not the projects sponsor and that Stillwater Conservation District is authorized under federal law to act as a sponsor.

Carbon County could have done this, Coleman said. Stillwater County could have done this.

Should the judge rule in Carbons favor and grant the preliminary injunction, Coleman said the repercussions could be huge financial claims against Stillwater Conservation District by the Forest Service.

In closing, Judge Wald ordered attorneys to provide additional material for his review by July 23.
Ever wonder what a $200 cash bribe might get you at your doctors office?

For certain patients of one Connecticut nurse, such a bribe apparently bought them prescriptions for medications they didnt need  and for the nurse, it bought a one-way ticket to federal indictment.

Don't miss

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Michele Rene Luzzi Muzyka, a 60-year-old advanced practice registered nurse in Cheshire, Connecticut, now finds herself caught in the Justice Departments net following the largest health care fraud sweep in American history.

Codenamed Operation Gold Rush, the nationwide crackdown identified a staggering $14.6 billion in fraudulent claims, resulting in charges against more than 300 defendants, according to WFSB.

Muzyka part of a massive criminal enterprise

The numbers tied to this case are truly staggering: 324 defendants  including 96 health care professionals  now face charges across 50 federal districts and 12 state Attorneys General Offices. Doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists are reportedly among the 96 health care professionals arrested.

But while $14.6 billion was bilked from the health care system, authorities have so far managed to recover about $245 million in assets, ranging from cash to luxury vehicles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to federal prosecutors, Muzykas alleged scheme was relatively straightforward  and brazenly illegal: patients would show up, hand over $200 in cash and walk out with prescriptions for controlled substances they couldnt get through legal means.

But what Muzyka didnt know was that one of those patients was actually an undercover agent posing as a Medicaid beneficiary who paid Muzyka the $200 fee and received an illegal prescription.

While Muzykas case is shocking on its own, its just one thread in a massive criminal operation that federal investigators have been unraveling.

Muzykas arrest came as part of an investigation into a Russian criminal organization that had established elaborate health care fraud operations in Connecticut. This transnational crime syndicate allegedly purchased dozens of legitimate companies that already had Medicare billing privileges and used them to submit millions of dollars in fraudulent claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This criminal organization also reportedly stole thousands of identities  particularly targeting vulnerable elderly and disabled Americans  and funneled millions overseas to China and Malaysia.

Read more: Americans are revenge saving to survive  but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Heres how to quickly earn 280% more on your cash

How health care fraud impacts all Americans

When Medicare and Medicaid funds are fraudulently stolen, everyone in America  from individuals to businesses  are affected.

Dont be fooled into thinking that health care fraud is a victimless crime, states the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association. Fraudulent claims carry a very high price tag, both financially and in how they impact our perception of the integrity and value of our health care system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Health care fraud causes tens of billions of dollars in Medicare and Medicaid losses each year, according to the FBI, and such losses can put increased pressure on these programs. This can translate into stricter coverage policies, higher premiums and reduced benefits for the millions of Americans who depend on these programs for their health care.

The involvement of health care professionals in these schemes is particularly troubling. When providers like Muzyka illegally prioritize profit over patient care, it erodes the fundamental trust between health care providers and patients.

What to read next

Money doesnt have to be complicated  sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
A New York man has been arrested for allegedly allowing a 15-year-old to get behind the wheel of a car that was later involved in a crash in New Jersey, which left another teenager dead.

The fatal collision occurred early in the morning of Feb. 28 on the Palisades Interstate Parkway, near the New York state line in Alpine, according to a statement from Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.

Authorities were called to the scene just before 6 a.m. to investigate reports of a crash between a 2025 Nissan Rogue carrying five occupants and a 2019 Honda CR-V, carrying only the driver, who was unharmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the passengers in the Rogue, a 16-year-old from New York who was not identified, suffered serious injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead on the scene, the prosecutors office said. Two of the other passengers were also seriously hurt while the teen driver sustained minor injuries. He was arrested back in March on a slew of charges, including vehicular homicide and operating a motor vehicle without a license during a fatal accident.

Authorities said the teen was traveling at a high rate of speed and driving recklessly in the lead up to the crash.

Ryan Chambers, 21 of Elmira, N.Y., was the lone adult in the packed Rogue at the time. He was arrested in Elmira Heights earlier this month and has since been charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Chambers was transported back to Bergen County, where he remains in custody at the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  A New York police officer was sentenced to six months in prison for excessive use of force against a person experiencing a mental health crisis.

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced the sentence on Thursday.

More Crime News

Mario Stewart, a Brooklyn resident, was a sergeant with the Mount Vernon Police Department.

Court documents state that Stewart allegedly tased a victim seven times over several minutes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to an investigation, Stewart and other officers were part of the Mount Vernon Police Department Emergency Services unit when they handcuffed and restrained a victim. They placed the victims hands behind his back and attempted to put a restraint bag on him in preparation for transport to receive medical help. However, they were unable to do so because he was holding onto a strap. Stewart allegedly then deployed his taser because the victim would not let go of the strap, according to documents.

New Yorkers depend daily on the women and men of law enforcement, said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. We trust them to keep us safe, to act in line with their training, and to respect our individual rights. This trust, earned over decades, is essential to our way of life. When a law enforcement officer breaches that trust, we are all affected. Yesterdays sentencing was about protecting the trust between our communities and our police departments.

Sentencing Judge Kenneth M. Karas stated a prison sentence was necessary to send a clear message to law enforcement. Even though your job is really hard, and even though you protect us every day and you have to make really tough decisions, there are still times where you have to yield to authority, and where the line is clear, you cannot cross it, Karas said.

In addition to a six-month prison sentence, Stewart was also sentenced to six months of home confinement, according to court documents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  The Hub in the South Bronx, centered around East 149th Street and Third Avenue, has become ground zero in New York Citys fight against public drug use and homelessness. But this week, residents noticed a major shift.

Metal barricades now surround Roberto Clemente Plaza, and a mobile NYPD command center has taken up space in the middle of it. Its part of a new 24/7 city operation that brings together police officers and sanitation crews in a sustained push to reclaim the area.

More Local News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are not going to tolerate the drug use here, said Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Kaz Daughtry, who joined other city officials on Thursday to announce the multi-agency initiative.

The plan follows months of public outcry and repeated calls for action from Congressman Ritchie Torres. PIX11 News has reported extensively on the ongoing crisis, which has drawn concern from families, businesses, and Bronx leaders.

This is one of our busiest commercial corridors in the Bronx and the city of New York, said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

For residents like Kokeda Griffin, the changes are welcome, but long overdue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People over doing drugs too much and we have kids, and they see it all the time, she said. We cant even walk by. Lots of needles and thats not good.

Rather than focusing on arrests, city leaders say the response prioritizes help, offering increased access to mental health, addiction treatment, and housing services.

We know that there is a concentration of clinics that work to serve individuals that have addiction problems, said Camille Joseph Varlack, Deputy Mayor of Administration. We are going to be working with state partners to coordinate the care that they are given.

Some locals remain cautiously optimistic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anything like that is helpful as long as they are here to help, said resident Alejandro Vivar. I know the NYPD, they want to help, but sometimes they do a little more harm than help.

Meanwhile, business owners say the situation has already done serious damage.

Day by day, very bad situation, said Sirad Bhaiat, who runs a local store. They take the drugs over, inject in front of the kids. I lose my business 30% because good customers dont want to come here. And they are stealing merchandise every day.

The city says its committed to a long-term solution, but residents and business owners say the true test will be whether this new effort leads to lasting change.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FORT LEE, N.J. (PIX11)  A Fort Lee man allegedly contacted a New York City teenager hes accused of sexually abusing, according to the Bergen County Prosecutors Office.

Prosecutors said 58-year-old Marc Piovanetti allegedly lured the child, who is between the ages of 13 and 16, to his home back in February after they messaged on the TurnUp social media app. Marc Piovanetti is accused of forcing the teenager to smoke marijuana before sexually assaulting them for two days, according to prosecutors.

More Local News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Prosecutors said 50-year-old Jennifer Piovanetti and another child, who was under 13 years old, were in the home at the time of the assault.

Marc Piovanetti was arrested and charged with sexual assault, luring and endangering the welfare of a child, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors said after his arrest, Marc Piovanetti allegedly reached out to the victim and a co-defendant in the case while still in police custody between April and May.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Hes facing additional charges of witness tampering, criminal coercion and contempt of court order.

Prosecutors said Jennifer Piovanetti was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK  The NYPD is poised to fire 30 new officers who were never qualified to join the department in the first place, department officials said Thursday.

But the Police Benevolent Association union late Thursday obtained a court order temporarily blocking the department from proceeding with its plan, which stems from allegations that the head of the departments Candidate Assessment Division allowed applicants to attend the NYPD Academy who should have been disqualified, police sources said. A court hearing is set for July 15.

The affected probationary officers, hired within the past 18 months  with some still in the academy  were told Thursday that they should resign or be fired.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following an internal investigation, the NYPD recently identified officers who joined the department in the past two years despite receiving final notices of disqualification during the application process, which is a violation of the law, an New York Police Department spokeswoman said. The department was not legally allowed to hire these individuals and was forced to inform them that they could no longer continue as members of the NYPD.

The officers are facing termination because of criminal records and other reasons, a high-ranking NYPD source said. A 31st officer resigned on their own.

Some of the probationary officers had felony criminal convictions, had lied about being fired by other employers, or didnt inform the department that they had their drivers licenses suspended for traffic infractions, the source added.

These are officers who cant legally be police officers, the source said. They should not have been hired in the first place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this year, the head of the Candidate Assessment Division, Inspector Terrell Anderson, was transferred to another unit and stripped of his gun and shield after investigators learned that he allowed unqualified candidates to continue with the hiring process, according to NYPD officials.

He was found to have pushed through about 80 candidates who had failed the departments psychological exam, officials said, and the 31 leaving the department are among that group.

PBA President Patrick Hendry said the new officers shouldnt be penalized for the departments mistakes.

We are grateful for the pause in these unjust firings, but this is only the first step, he said. These police officers did nothing wrong. It is not their fault that their hiring was tainted by a rogue inspector and arbitrary process. In many cases, they were initially disqualified for minor issues and may have been hired on appeal if given the opportunity to do so.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Once theyre hired to attend the NYPD Academy, probationary officers can be terminated for any reason for the first two years of their career. After that, officers have the recourse of a departmental trial.

It is an absolute travesty that the department is trying to cover its tracks by summarily forcing them off the job, without affording them the same appeal process available to other applicants, Hendry said, adding that the PBA was exploring all legal options to protect our members rights and hold the NYPD accountable for this complete management failure.

Earlier this year, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the NYPD is in a hiring crisis and reduced the number of college credits required to join the force.

Incoming recruits only need 24 college credits, a steep drop from the 60 previously required.

Were practically begging people to take the exam, Tisch said at a breakfast sponsored by the Association for a Better New York in February, claiming that vile defund the police and anti-cop rhetoric has drained the potential applicant pool.
(KRON)  A proposal to once again add San Francisco to the name of Oaklands airport has been approved by the Port of Oakland Board of Commissioners. The pivot to the new name of Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, marks the second time Port of Oakland officials have moved to add the name of their across-the-Bay neighbors to the East Bay airport.

Tony Gemignani of Tonys Pizza Napoletana and Slice House fame sidelined by surgery

The latest name changes comes less than a year after Oakland airport was ordered by the courts to stop using the name San Francisco Bay Oakland Airport, which was approved by the Port commissioners in April of last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The board voted unanimously on Thursday to approve the latest name change.

We are proud to be a central gateway to the Bay Area, and were proud to embrace a name that reflects both our local roots and regional reach, said Craig Simon, Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland.

The current renaming places Oakland at the front of the OAK brand while informing travelers that Oakland is a convenient and logical starting point for travelers to the San Francisco Bay Area. The new name coincides with major renovations at the airports retail spaces and amenities that modernize and elevate the customer experience, and the launch of a host of Oakland- and East Bay-themed retail and restaurant concessions at OAK that showcase the airports pride in its local businesses and products, the airport said in a press release announcing the name change.

The airports three-letter airport code will remain OAK and the I Fly Oak branding logo will also remain intact, according to airport officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The Brief

OPD chief Floyd Mitchell said a 2023 ransomware attack is to blame for the lag in Internal Affairs cases being completed in a timely manner.

Civil rights attorney Jim Chanin said that excuse doesn't make much sense.

Oakland police continue to be under federal oversight, and newly elected Mayor Barbara Lee said she wants it to end under her watch.

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland Police Department will continue to stay under federal oversight - now in its 22nd year  as it still has three out of 50 mandated reforms that the court considers out of compliance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the key reforms that has yet to be met is "Task 2"  conducting and completing Internal Affairs investigations into police misconduct in a timely manner.

Ransomware in 2023

At a court hearing on Thursday before U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick in San Francisco, Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell explained, from his perspective, why the process has been taking so long.

Mitchell told the judge that the 2023 ransomware cybersecurity attack that crippled some of Oakland's information technology systems set IA investigations into police misconduct complaints back about six weeks  something the department has yet to come back from.

OPD requires that at least 85% of misconduct investigations must be completed within 180 days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Not only did the ransomware compromise OPD's "platform for tracking misconduct," Mitchell said, but it also "triggered unplanned overtime" for ongoing cases, and these issues have "persisted for 18 months."

He added that at least two police misconduct cases were not reviewed and missed their deadlines for discipline because of this.

Skeptical of reasoning

Civil rights attorney Jim Chanin, who, along with colleague John Burris, filed the original "Riders" lawsuit against Oakland police in 2000 that resulted in federal oversight, didn't buy Mitchell's ransomware explanation.

"This was two years ago and this is the first I'm hearing about ransomware," Chanin said, adding that the issue wasn't mentioned in any of the formal documentation to the judge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

OPD is also not in compliance with tasks 5 and 45, which are handling Internal Affairs complaint procedures, and consistency of discipline, respectively.

Barbara Lee said "Oakland punches above their weight" at her swearing-in ceremony as mayor. May 20, 2025

OPD has made strides

Over the last two decades, Oakland police have indeed made huge strides, and are in compliance with, the heart of the original lawsuit, which involves constitutional policing techniques, such as limiting the use of force and not pulling over Black and brown men indiscriminately at traffic stops.

KTVU conducted an investigation in 2020 into payouts from wrongful death and excessive force police cases among Bay Area departments and found that Oakland - which has perhaps the strictest oversight of a police department in the country  now pays a fraction to settle lawsuits compared to what it did decades ago.

In fact, from 2018 to 2023, Oakland paid out roughly $1.7 million for these types of cases, far lower than what the larger cities of Fremont and San Jose paid out; $7.7 million and $23.5 million, respectively.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition, OPD continues to use Stanford University researchers to help end racial profiling in the department, which has also decreased over the years.

And Orrick noted all these improvements, saying that he has thought long and hard about "celebrating" the end of the oversight.

But OPD is not ready yet, he said, with these three tasks still outstanding.

"The goal posts have not changed," Orrick said. "We're not there yet. Progress is stalled."

Police pursuits, moving IA

Other issues also came up during the hour-long hearing, attended for the first time by newly elected Oakland Barbara Lee, Rockne Lucia, the attorney who represents the police officers, the city attorney, and Ricardo Garcia-Acosta, the chair of the Oakland Police Commission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The issue of police pursuits was discussed, as was the idea of turning the Oakland Police Department's Internal Affairs over to the civilian-led Police Commission's investigative body. There was also a brief discussion, but no conclusion, of the botched IA investigation into former Oakland police detective Phong Tran, who is now awaiting a jury trial on charges of bribing a confidential witness in a murder case.

Brigid Martin, an attorney representing Oakland, also gave an impassioned speech about how the city doesn't take the oversight, known formally as the Negotiated Settlement Agreement, lightly.

"We're not sitting by waiting for time to pass," she told the judge. "The city and the department are taking action to make sure there aren't failures. NSA compliance is a priority."

New high-profile mayor

Perhaps the most interesting personal and political twist to hearing  where no cameras are allowed -- was hearing from Lee, elected in April as mayor after serving nearly three decades in Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lee, 78, remembers when the Riders police scandal broke in real time, noting her longtime friendship with Burris.

"I remember very clearly when this began," she said.

Orrick made a special note to welcome her into his courtroom.

"I want to welcome you to this courtroom and I have admired your courage and your leadership for at least the last 25 years," Orrick said. "I'm hopeful that your commitment to constitutional policing in Oakland will mean an end to oversight of OPD, and an end the order."

Lee told the judge that it was a "privilege" to represent the city of Oakland, noting it was her 51st day in office as mayor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said she already spends a large portion of time "supporting the NSA."

Lee said she was able to persuade former Inspector General Michelle Phillips back to Oakland, albeit in a new role.

Phillips will now be working as an assistant city administrator, whose assignment is to work on the NSA and coordinate between the police chief and the independent monitor Robert Warshaw.

"I look forward to finally achieving the goals of the NSA," Lee said. "Court oversight cannot end until there is full compliance. There is some urgency to get these remaining tasks completed.I am committed to getting there. Oaklanders deserve results. I want this done under my watch."

The next court hearing is set for Dec. 9.

Click to open this PDF in a new window.
Former President Obama will be making his first fundraising appearance since the Democratic Party suffered losses across the board during the 2024 elections.

Obama will attend a high-dollar fundraiser Friday evening hosted by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and his wife, Tammy Murphy, in Red Bank, N.J., according to a copy of the invitation that was obtained by The Hill.

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin, who has been under pressure amid growing turmoil within the party, and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) will also be in attendance for the dinner and discussion event, a source familiar with the matter told The Hill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fundraiser, first reported by Axios, comes ahead of New Jerseys gubernatorial and state legislative races this year. Sherrill, who represents New Jerseys 11th Congressional District, won the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey in early June. She is looking to succeed Murphy, who is term limited.

The lawmaker will face off against Republican Jack Ciattarelli  who secured President Trumps endorsement during the GOP primary race  in the general election.

The fundraiser is sold out, and the money raised will be directed to the DNC, as it plans to make significant investments in states like New Jersey in 2025 and beyond, the source said.

Obama hosted fundraisers for both former President Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election cycle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In late June, the DNC rolled out an Organizing Summer effort in hopes of forming a network of volunteers, generating enthusiasm and registering people to vote ahead of the elections in November and the midterms in 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Obon Festival returns to Salt Lake City on Saturday, putting the focus on the Buddhist community and providing an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed.

This is a joyous and happy time for us to remember all those who have passed on before us. Its not a time to be sad that theyre no longer with us. Its a time for us to be happy that we knew them and got to have them in our lives, said Trey Imamura, chairman of the festival and a member of the board of the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, the hosting organization.

The event is inspired by annual Obon week activities in Japan traditionally held in mid-August to honor ancestors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The free event, now in its 89th year in Utah, starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, and goes until around 9 p.m. Activities will be held at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, 211 W. Japantown Street, and on a closed section of Japantown Street, or 100 South, in front of the temple.

Having our celebration in historic Japantown is very important to us. This is where our parents and grandparents held the festival. And we want to carry on that tradition to honor them and the sacrifices they made, said Troy Watanabe, the temple president. Japantown, just one city block long, is a gathering spot for Utahs Japanese community and has been focus of heightened debate about redevelopment.

Festival activities include tours of the Buddhist Temple, drum performances and street dancing in traditional garb like kimonos and happi coats. Food will also be offered on sale.

Tracy Akimoto, one of the performers and dance instructors, said she uses Obon to remember loved ones who have died, including her grandparents, her father and a son who died when he was just a month old.

It means so much to me because of my infant son. I feel closer to him while dancing at Obon. Its kind of painful, but at the same time its a happy occasion, she said.
In the oceans, the most widespread type of plastic pollution may be the kind you cant see.

A new study published Wednesday in the journal Nature estimates that the North Atlantic Ocean alone contains 27 million metric tons of nanoplastic  plastic particles 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair. That figure is 10 times higher than previous estimates of plastic pollution of all sizes across all the worlds oceans, according to the studys authors.

The research represents one of the first attempts to quantify marine nanoplastic pollution; previous efforts were constrained by limitations in detection technology. The study suggests that the mass of nanoplastics in the North Atlantic is greater than that of their much larger counterparts, microplastics and macroplastics. Microplastics range in width between 0.001 millimeters and 5 millimeters, making them up to 5 million times bigger than nanoplastics. Macroplastics are even larger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Helge Niemann, a researcher at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, a professor of geochemistry at Utrecht University, and one of the studys authors, said the findings are concerning for marine biology and human health. Nanoplastics are not conducive, generally, for life, he told Grist. He emphasized that the studys findings are limited to the North Atlantic, but said it is likely the case that nanoplastics are widespread across other oceans as well.

Studies suggest that nanoplastics cause inflammation to living cells when ingested, though its unclear whether this is because of the particles themselves, the plastic chemicals they can release, or pathogens that they pick up while floating around in the environment. Due to their tiny size, nanoplastics can more easily traverse biological membranes than their larger counterparts.

Tracey Woodruff, a professor of reproductive health and the environment at the University of California, San Francisco, who was not involved in the new research, said she expects that nanoplastics will be linked to many of the same health risks as microplastics. In animals, these include reproductive issues, intestinal problems, and colon and lung cancer. Microplastics also bioaccumulate, meaning they travel up the food chain as larger animals eat smaller ones.

A large blue and white research ship, docked and photographed from the side. White letters on its side read "sea research" and "Pelagia," the ship's name.

Our hypothesis is that  nanoplastics could travel more widely in the body even than microplastics, and therefore could have more adverse health consequences, Woodruff said. Its also possible that future research will discover that nanoplastics are present in the human body at even higher concentrations than microplastics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The studys authors obtained their data during a research cruise in 2020. They collected water samples at 12 locations of varying depths across the North Atlantic Ocean. Five samples were taken from within the North Atlantic gyre, one of the worlds five circular ocean currents that has become famous for its garbage patch, an enormous collection of plastic trash and other waste.

The researchers looked at nanoplastic concentrations at three different depths at each location: a layer just 10 meters below the surface, a middle layer at 1,000 meters deep, and 30 meters above the seafloor. Back in the lab, they used a novel type of mass spectrometry  an analysis that can identify different kinds of plastic  to distinguish between three polymers. Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, the type of plastic used in water bottles, was the most widespread at every depth, followed by polyvinyl chloride, used in water pipes, upholstery, childrens toys, and other products; and polystyrene, used in plastic foam.

Overall, nanoplastic concentration was the highest closer to the surface at 18 milligrams per square meter and lowest near the seafloor at about 5.5 milligrams per square meter. The researchers suspect that this distribution is due to the deterioration of bigger pieces of plastic that are suspended near the surface, which may sink slowly unless transported downward by, for example, animals that have eaten plastic and then died.

Labeled glass vials in a row, with salt residue visible at the bottom of each

Eighteen milligrams per square meter might not seem like much. But, its the equivalent of containing seven mosquitoes in a 3-foot by 3-foot box, assuming each mosquito weighs roughly 2.5 milligrams. Multiply that by the vast volume of an ocean, and you end up with a whole lot of plastic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I would argue as a toxicologist that if you see something in micrograms per liter in the open ocean, thats quite a high concentration, said Martin Wagner, a biology professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology who was not involved in the study.

Wagner cautioned that the studys major extrapolation  that there are 27 million metric tons of nanoplastic in the North Atlantic, more than the weight of 26,000 Eiffel towers  relies on very few samples. Still, Wagner said it makes sense that there would be an exorbitant amount of nanoplastic given the high volume of larger plastic fragments that end up in the oceans each year. According to the United Nations, roughly 20 million tons of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems each year. This includes lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as oceans, but for much of that pollution, the ocean is the final destination.

Weve basically been dumping plastic in the ocean for decades, Woodruff said. It doesnt go away, it just breaks down into smaller plastics, so it does make sense that you would find more nanoplastics than macro and microplastics.

Notably, the type of analysis that the studys authors used was unable to detect the worlds two most common plastic polymers: polyethylene and polypropylene, meaning their estimate for overall nanoplastics is likely conservative. Still, the studys findings could provide more realistic data for researchers who are trying to model the real-world impacts and toxicity of nanoplastic pollution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Niemann said more research is needed on nanoplastics, including on their prevalence globally. He recently won a grant to research what happens to nanoplastics once theyre in the ocean, including whether any types of bacteria can naturally break them down. Manually trying to clean them from the global oceans more than 330 million cubic miles of water is not really a good idea, he said.

Both Wagner and Woodruff said the research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting limits on global plastic production  rather than allowing it to triple by 2050, as projected by the United Nations Environment Programme. World leaders are expected to continue debating plastic production limits during the next round of negotiations over the U.N.s plastics treaty, scheduled to take place next month in Geneva, Switzerland.

This reinforces how important it is to cap [plastic production], leave fossil fuels in the ground, and look to alternatives, Woodruff said.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline The oceans may contain much, much more plastic than previously thought on Jul 11, 2025.
LAWTON, Okla. (KFDX/KJTL)  The Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility will not only have a new owner soon, but also a new name.

On July 25, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections will assume operations of LCF and rebrand it as the Red Rock Correctional Center.

PREVIOUS STORY: Oklahoma unifies corrections with Lawton facility takeover

LCF was the last remaining privately operated facility in Oklahoma.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ODOC Director Steven Harpe said a new chapter called for a new name.

This is more than a name change, Director Harpe said. It represents a long-term investment in corrections in southwest Oklahoma and reflects our vision to lead the nation in correctional innovation. Red Rock is a fresh start  anchored in community and stakeholder partnership, protecting public safety and transforming lives of those in our care.

With the ODOC takeover, the facility plans to expand vocational and educational opportunities for those housed in Lawton.

The GEO Group currently employs more than 400 people at LCF, and all those who passed ODOCs background check were offered employment with the takeover. While some processes will remain the same, all staff is undergoing special training based on ODOCs protocols.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We look forward to welcoming the employees onto the ODOC team as we make this transition, said ODOC Chief of Operations Jason Sparks.

LCF houses medium- and maximum-security male inmates and is the states only protective custody unit and the largest, with a capacity of more than 2,600.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A bill known as the Right to Compute Act, introduced at the Ohio Statehouse a few days ago, aims to create a framework for artificial intelligence (AI) systems and technology in the state.

I think theres a lot of potential in this space, economic potential. We want Ohio to be welcoming, Rep. Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) said. State AI regulations, its kind of the wild west. Every state has the ability to regulate it, but very few states actually have.

Man charged in the carjacking death of Alexa Stakely changes plea

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fischer is one of the Republicans behind House Bill 392. He said the goal of the bill is simply to create a framework to attract businesses to the state while protecting Ohioans.

Creating a very limited framework that allows for a market, I think, will send a signal that Ohio is open for business, he said. We want folks to invest here. Businesses always look for certainty. They want to understand what theyre getting themselves into. They want to understand what theyre going to have to comply with if they come to our state.

Fischer described the framework that he and his joint sponsor are trying to create in this bill as very limited but strict guardrails.

The bill adds a definition of artificial intelligence systems to the Ohio Revised Code, creates a guidelines and requirements for risk management, and looks to ensure safety of Ohioans from the harmful uses of AI.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ohio Sen. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) agreed that there is a lot of work the state can do in this space.

Columbus woman indicted in statewide Medicaid fraud investigation

State governments clearly have a responsibility to protect citizens from emerging technologies, he said. We very much want to seize on the innovation and this new almost like a new industrial revolution that AI can represent. Its a transformational technology.

In his private sector job, Weinstein works within the AI space. He said he sees the need for some state intervention firsthand.

This is something that Ive seen the power of it and how it can transform the way that we live and work and it can be a positive thing, he said. We just have to strike that balance in Ohio of having safeguards, for consumer safeguards, for Ohioans who may use AI in different industries where theyre interacting and, at the same time, providing a clear, clear framework that will create, really, like a welcoming back mat for companies to come and grow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bill also takes away some local control, meaning a local governments would not be able to enact any more restrictions or prohibit the use of AI than the state does.

We dont want to have a case where somebody invests, you know, tens of millions of dollars to relocate their business to Ohio and the next thing you know, the city passed an ordinance saying, We dont want you here. Fischer said. Thats what were looking to avoid.

Columbus sues Trump over inclusion on list of sanctuary cities targeted to lose funding

While Fischer said the language in the bill works in the best interest of the state and those AI companies, Weinstein said he is not so sure about it. While Weinstein said yes  the state should create a uniform policy  he thinks local governments can have a say, too.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats the balance that weve really got to strike, he said. I never like it when state government is taking away home rule, which is enshrined in our Constitution, and it seems like any time a community or a city tries to get out and be a leader on a particular space, if the leadership at the statehouse doesnt like it, they violate the Constitution and clamp down on that.

If the bill passes, can the states infrastructure support AI expansions? It depends on who you ask.

The time is right, Fischer said. I think theres a lot of conversation about it. I think there is huge potential for Ohios economy to grow in the tech sector. We have a lot of great resources, an abundance of energy resources. We have a lot of water. We have great universities capable of producing a really talented and skilled workforce.

While Fischer cites an abundance of energy resources as a draw to Ohio, Weinstein said he worries that the state is not giving businesses enough options.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How new Superman movie was filmed in Ohio with $11 million in tax credits, hired 3,000 locals

Unfortunately, we have made it very, very difficult for the cheapest forms of new energy to come on to the grid; that is wind and solar, and what you see is a lot of tech companies in a lot of places investing in those resources to help power their operation and to help grow, Weinstein said. Frankly, if youre a tech company, you may want to go where its easier to, to get powered by clean energy and I worry about us losing out to our neighboring states.

Fischer said the bill is still in early stages, as it was just introduced, so nothing is set in stone yet.

Thats what the legislative process is for, he said. Were going to take meetings with stakeholders, supporters, opponents, and just kind of see where we need to land.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lawmakers are on summer break right now, so there wont be any movement on the legislation at least until the fall.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  A Ohio man pled guilty on June 30 to illegally possessing magnetic stripe credit card encoding devices.

According to court documents, John Carleton Johnson, Jr., 32, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, was arrested in Rankin County in April 2024 following a traffic stop. He was found to be in possession of 322 gift cards, 17 reencoded instruments containing stolen bank card data and two magstripe encoding devices.

Neshoba County man pleads guilty to two counts of sexual abuse

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office said Johnson and his co-defendant could be seen on CCTV footage at various retail stores throughout the Jackson metropolitan area purchasing gift cards with known cloned instruments.

Johnson pled guilty to one count of possession or trafficking of device-making equipment with intent to defraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23, 2025, and faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.

John Carleton Johnson, Jr. (Courtesy: Madison Co. Detention Center)

The United States Secret Service, Mississippi Attorney Generals Office, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force with assistance from the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Flowood Police Department.

Close

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
A warrant executed on an Ohio man in a Richland Township hotel room led police to illegal drugs and packaging materials, police said.

Now, two men are in Cambria County Prison facing drug charges.

Richland Township Police said investigators executed a felony warrant related to drug charges for Lando Kengelow Reynolds, 22, of Columbus, Ohio, after learning he was staying in a Sleep Inn motel room in the township.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While taking Reynolds into custody, investigators spotted drug-related items in view  and were able to obtain a second warrant to search the room, Richland Township Officer Jared Shank wrote in an affidavit filed last week.

Reynolds was sharing the room with another Columbus resident, Taemarr S. Gunnell, 23, that contained a large sum of narcotics, packaging material and a scale according to the criminal complaint.

Cambria County Drug Task Force officers and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General agents assisted Richland police at the scene. Shank said the search yielded more than 50 grams of suspected fentanyl and more than 40 grams of crack cocaine.

Some of the drugs were packaged in bags. Scales and packaging materials were located near the rooms TV stand, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both men were jailed after failing to post 10% of their $500,000 monetary bail, online court records show.

Charges of drug possession and drug-related conspiracy charges against Gunnell were sent to court earlier this month after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Reynolds faces a July 23 preliminary hearing on the same charges, online court records show.

David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @TDDavidHurst.
Getty Images.

A coalition of Ohio public school districts and advocates who claimed victory in a lawsuit to eliminate the states private school voucher program are predicting further success in appeals, and plan to fight the counts they lost.

In a recent media call, the coalition Vouchers Hurt Ohio further celebrated the wins they obtained in a Franklin County court case that found the private school voucher program in the state unconstitutional.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is no Santa Claus, there is no Easter Bunny, and there is no such thing as school choice, said Dan Heintz, a Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Board member and teacher at Chardon Local Schools. The Ohio Constitution is real; school choice is a fairy tale.

Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page ruled in favor of anti-voucher groups in three of the five counts included in the lawsuit.

The judge found that the General Assemblys powers to tax organize, administer and control the common school system do not allow for unlimited discretion.

She agreed with anti-voucher groups claims that the private school voucher program in Ohio is receiving substantially more state funding per student than public schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said that the level of funding for private school vouchers makes it difficult to say that EdChoice is simply a scholarship that follows and/or benefits the students as opposed to a system that benefits private schools.

In the two counts for which Page did not side with the voucher program challengers, plaintiffs claimed that the program was creating or increasing segregation in public schools by moving more white students out of those schools and into private alternatives.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

The other count claimed the private voucher program created disparities based on different per-pupil funding for private schools and public schools, according to court records.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The state argued there was no evidence of the disparate treatment because any Ohio student can choose to participate in the EdChoice program.

While it seems inevitable that some Ohio students might be excluded from the EdChoice program by a participating private school, none of the student plaintiffs have alleged or provided any evidence of denial of participation in the EdChoice program, Page wrote in her June 24 decision.

While the leaders of the anti-voucher movement say they expect an appeal from the state on the three counts challengers won, the coalition plans to discuss its own appeal, on the other two counts.

A meeting of the Vouchers Hurt Ohio steering committee is scheduled for Wednesday, when Phillis said members will talk in executive session with lawyers about next steps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, public school supporters in the fight are optimistic about their chances for success at the appellate level, even with a broad conservative majority in the Ohio Supreme Court.

If the program is deemed unconstitutional on any of these counts, then that spigot of money, tax dollars  will be turned off, said Vouchers Hurt Ohio spokesperson Dennis Willard.

Bill Phillis, coalition member and executive director of the Ohio Coalition for Equity & Adequacy of School Funding, was a part of the DeRolph v. State of Ohio cases in which the Ohio Supreme Court decided whether the public school funding model, relying on property taxes, followed the state constitution.

Multiple court cases under the DeRolph name were decided by the states highest court, and in all of them it found that the state was not properly funding public schools in accordance with the state constitution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During those cases, Phillis said there was skepticism that the cases would be successful, and those, too, were decided under a majority Republican supreme court.

Were moving forward with the understanding that the people on the court have some integrity, and Judge Page has identified that the EdChoice voucher program in this case is unconstitutional, Phillis said.

As a former chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, Vouchers Hurt Ohio steering committee chair Eric Brown said he has no doubt the court will uphold their oath as justices.

My former colleagues on the Ohio Supreme Court, regardless of their party, are sworn to follow the law, Brown said. Theyre sworn to follow the Ohio Constitution and I believe that they will do that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite their staunch opposition to the private school voucher program, public school advocates said they dont blame Page for keeping the program active as the case goes forward because of the enormous lift it would be to transition students from private school districts to public school districts amid the lawsuit.

Its a major disruption to students in schools to implement this decision right away, and the courts are not interested in doing that unless its really necessary, Brown said.

Parties have 30 days from the time of the decision to file their appeal in the case.

The Ohio Attorney Generals Office did not return a request for comment Thursday on plans for an appeal.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohios recently passed operating budget will expand the scope of abortion reporting, in a move critics say conflicts with the states reproductive rights amendment.

Ohio law requires physicians to report certain information about abortions to the state Department of Health. This data is collected through confidential forms given to patients that include questions about their medical history and demographic information.

Lobbyists push for Medicaid funding amid Big, Beautiful Bill passage

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The data from the forms is summarized into publicly-released annual reports, which detail abortion statistics in the state for the previous calendar year. Patients names are not included.

The $60 billion two-year budget, signed by Gov. Mike DeWine on June 30, will expand the amount of abortion information that is published, most notably by creating a public, electronic dashboard that will release data from these forms each month. This will supplement the annual report rather than replace it.

The continuously updating dashboard will include data similar to what is currently published in the annual reports, including the total number of abortions, along with the number of procedures categorized by age, ZIP code, race, marital status and more.

The budget creates new statistical categories that will be included in the monthly and annual reports. New information includes the number of abortions performed on minors at each facility, as well as the number of Ohioans and out-of-state residents who had abortions after 12 weeks of gestation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Columbus sues Trump over inclusion on list of sanctuary cities targeted to lose funding

The legislation also calls for the annual reports to be published in March rather than October. This will make the data released in the reports more current.

Kellie Copeland, executive director of the Ohio-based organization Abortion Forward, claimed the changes are unconstitutional under the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment, which was passed by voters in 2023 and enshrined the right to abortion in the state constitution. The amendment says the state shall not directly or indirectly, burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with, or discriminate against abortion patients or providers.

Politicians in the Ohio Statehouse are targeting abortion providers with bureaucratic red tape specifically designed to make it harder to serve patients, Copeland said. By only requiring this level of reporting for doctors providing abortion services, and not providers of other healthcare procedures, these regulations are clearly discriminatory

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On the contrary, Ohio Right to Life said modernizing Ohios abortion reporting was one of its big priorities for this budget. Executive director Carrie Snyder stated the current system is not useful because of an enormous delay in publishing information.

Since abortion represents a failure to reach and assist a woman in need, monthly statistics will greatly help our organization as well as hundreds of others across our state, Snyder said. Pregnancy centers are ready and waiting to offer free services to these women and by better understanding her age and situation, they can improve outreach and show her life-affirming alternatives to abortion.

Hondas Marysville Auto Plant faces class action lawsuit over unpaid time

Under current law, physicians are required to submit an abortion report to the state department within 15 days of a patient being discharged. If they do not submit the form as required, they could face a court order mandating its submission, fines or other disciplinary action. The budget maintains this requirement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new abortion reporting rules will go into effect on Sept. 28, along with other policy updates included in the legislation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VANDALIA, Ohio (WJW)  The Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated Ohio Task Force 1 to assist with search-and-rescue operations following catastrophic flash flooding in Texas.

Three task force members  a search team manager and two canine search specialists, along with two search dogs  departed from the task force warehouse in Vandalia Friday evening, according to a social media post from the task force.

Teen buried alive in beach sand collapse in Italy: reports

Ohio Task Force 1 is one of 28 teams part of FEMAs urban search-and-rescue network, according to the task forces Facebook page.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Their activation orders came just after noon on Friday, according to the post. Three hours later, the team members were en route.

They include: Search Team Manager David Kelley and Canine Search Specialists Melissa Morgan with canine Anni and Rayanne Chamberlain with canine Journey.

University Hospitals doctors claim they were fired for trying to unionize; the hospital said it was misconduct

Catastrophic flooding on July 4 has killed at least 120 people, reported The Associated Press. More than 170 people also have been reported missing.

President Donald Trump was expected to survey the devastation by air on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A 39-year-old man is accused of vandalizing an Oklahoma City news station's weather radar as an anti-government group claimed responsibility and said it is targeting other Oklahoma radars.

Anthony Tyler Mitchell is expected to face charges of malicious injury to property, second-degree burglary, and damage to critical infrastructure, according to the Oklahoma City Police Department.

As reported by News 9, security cameras captured footage of a man climbing over a fence and destroying the power supply to News 9's NextGen Live radar late Sunday, July 6, in northeast Oklahoma City.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jail records show Mitchell was initially booked into the Oklahoma County jail Tuesday, July 8, on complaints of violating a protective order and maliciously destroying property of less than $1,000. As of Friday, his bond is at least $10,500.

More: Anti-government group with Arizona ties takes credit for weather radar sabotage

The University of Louisiana Monroe Doppler weather radar system provided data to the National Weather Service during the Sunday, April 12, 2020, storm which led to three tornadoes in Ouachita Parish.

The Oklahoman does not typically name suspects until they are formally charged, but Mitchell's name has been widely reported by other media outlets.

News 9 also reported that after Mitchell's arrest, a group called Veterans on Patrol  described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-government militia  claimed responsibility for the vandalism. The group's founder, Michael Lewis Arthur Meyer, told News 9 that they were targeting weather radars in Oklahoma, describing them as "weather weapons" being used by the military in mockery of God.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police said in an email Thursday that the department was "not able to confirm any connection" between Mitchell and Veterans on Patrol. But Meyer said his group was monitoring Oklahoma radars closely and claimed that there were no laws that could prevent them from destroying the radars.

More: NEXRAD, HAARP and Doppler radar can't control hurricanes | Fact check

Conspiracy theories about military using radars to allegedly alter the weather are seeing a resurgence in the wake of devastating floods on the July 4th holiday in Texas. The death toll from the floods has risen to at least 120.

But radars "cannot do any weather modification at all," News 9 meteorologist David Payne explained in a story posted on the station's website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I wish we could turn it on and say, 'oh, let's make that tornado go away,' but our weather radar and all of the weather radars in the U.S. are built strictly to inform and warn the public, and to keep the public safe," Payne said.

If a radar is sabotaged, Payne added, forecasters can no longer use it to track severe storms and tornadic activity.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Man accused of damaging News 9 radar, group claims responsibility
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma City Police are investigating after an assault and vehicle theft Friday morning.

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to a gas station near NE 36th St. and Santa Fe Ave. regarding an assault.

LOCAL NEWS: Two arrested in connection to fatal shooting at Norman apartment complex

Upon arrival, officers learned four people assaulted a man and stole his car. Officials say the car is red Hyundai Santa Fe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police say theyre still searching for the people involved. No more information is available at this time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
STIGLER, Okla. (KNWA/KFTA)  An Oklahoma man facing charges in connection with a double homicide in Stigler is facing more charges, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).

Billy Mitchell, 49 (Courtesy: Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation)

Billy Mitchell, 49, was facing one count of first-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction.

OSBI said in a social media post that Mitchell was charged with an additional first-degree murder charge by the Haskell County District Attorneys Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On April 5, the Haskell County Sheriffs Office requested assistance from OSBI for a homicide investigation.

Authorities said around 6 p.m., deputies responded to a shooting call on Cass Road in rural Stigler.

Once on the scene, deputies found Tina Mitchell, 56, who had suffered multiple gunshot and stab wounds. She was pronounced at the scene, according to OSBI.

Vian mourns loss of man killed in fire at Tuskahoma Capitol Grounds

During the investigation, officials identified Mitchell, who reportedly fled the scene, as a suspect. A second suspect, identified as Jack Swanda, 39, was still on the scene when deputies arrived, OSBI said. Swanda sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

HCSO deputies and OSBI agents searched for Mitchell and later found him hiding at a nearby property.

Both were later arrested and taken to the Haskell County Jail.

The next day, OSBI and HCSO searched the property and found a second body, which was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause and manner of death.

The body was identified as Mitchells biological mother, Shirley Fisher, 75. Her cause and manner of death was deemed homicide by strangulation.

Swanda is facing one count of first-degree murder.

Mitchell and Swanda are set to appear in Haskell County Court on July 21.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
After disgraced former South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol was detained for a second time over his ill-fated declaration of martial law, a clip of US President Donald Trump was shared in posts falsely claiming he responded to the news by calling it "persecution of a political opponent". The clip in fact shows Trump speaking in August 2023 about charges that he plotted to overturn the results of the 2020 US presidential election.

"President Trump's response to news of President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention," reads the title of a post shared on South Korean far-right forum Ilbe on July 10, 2025.

The post was shared hours after Yoon was detained and held in a solitary cell pending investigations into accusations of insurrection related to his suspension of civilian rule in December 2024 (archived link).

An attached video shows Trump telling reporters: "Thank you, it's a very sad day for America. If you look at what's happening, this is a persecution of a political opponent. This was never supposed to happen."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Korean-language translation of his remarks are included in the post.

Screenshot of the false Ilbe post captured on July 10, 2025, with a red X added by AFP

Yoon was taken into custody at the Seoul Detention Center on July 10 after an hours-long review of an arrest warrant by a Seoul court.

A special counsel probing Yoon's case had filed for his arrest days earlier citing concerns the former president might destroy crucial evidence as the investigation expanded into alleged insurrection.

Yoon was removed from office by the Constitutional Court in April, prompting a snap poll that resulted in the election of ex-opposition leader Lee Jae-myung.

The same clip purportedly showing Trump's response to Yoon's detention also circulated among right-wing users on Facebook, YouTube and South Korean online forums including Naver Band.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We agree with you Mr President, Lee is forcibly persecuting and imprisoning President Yoon Suk Yeol," read a comment on one of the posts.

Another said: "Trump will now rain down tariffs as punishment for this."

But Trump was not speaking about Yoon's detention.

Trump charges

A keyword search for Trump's remarks on YouTube led to longer footage posted on the verified YouTube channel of US broadcaster CBS News on August 3, 2023 (archived link).

The YouTube video is titled, "Trump says it's 'a very sad day for America' after 3rd criminal arraignment".

He was speaking after he pleaded not guilty to four federal charges stemming from his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 US presidential election he lost to Joe Biden (archived link).

The falsely shared version of the footage that circulated on South Korean social media appears to be a cropped version of a YouTube short posted by the Reuters news agency (archived link).

Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared clip (left) and the Reuters video (right)

In the longer video, Trump's other comments show he was referring to himself -- not any foreign leader -- as he references the 2024 US presidential election he would go on to win (archived link).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is the persecution of the person that is leading by very, very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Biden by a lot," he says.

"If you can't beat him, you persecute him or you prosecute him, you can't let this happen in America."

Trump's remarks were covered in US and international news reports at the time (archived here, here and here).

AFP has debunked multiple other false posts claiming Trump has expressed support for Yoon.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  In an effort to take direct action on reducing violent situations at an Abilene nightclub, a proposed new ordinance was brought before the Abilene City Council that would tighten the grip on regulations for anyone seeking a Bring Your Own Beverage, or B.Y.O.B., permit inside city limits.

Gunfire, Noise & Fear: Abilene residents demand change near hookah lounge

The calls for action sparked after multiple shootings at the Abilene Hookah Lounge, which left three people injured and one dead. The most recent violence marked the sites fourth shooting in under nine months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nearby business owner Shawnte Fleming is one of the Abilene residents demanding change.

Our nonprofit is right next door, Fleming said. Whats concerning to me is having to get up and go to work and see the blood of these kids on that sidewalk.

Another large party pending at violent Abilene hookah lounge, nearby businesses frustrated

Abilene City Attorney Stanley Smith presented the items related to the new regulations and spoke to the council about one of the guidelines that follows similar regulations to state alcohol sales laws.

The establishment cannot be open during the hours of 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 2:00 a.m. to noon on Sundays, Smith said. This is the same as for the establishments that sell alcohol within the city of Abilene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the other proposed changes would require the permit owner to be present while the B.Y.O.B. event is taking place.

Abilene police taking layered approach to protecting public from threats at hookah lounge

Rochelle Johnson, General Manager of the Taylor County Expo Center, was in attendance at the meeting and said the proposed changes could negatively impact entities like hers.

If Im the one thats responsible for each of these private parties and have to be in attendance, Johnson said. I have three buildings that have private parties almost every weekend, and I cant possibly be in all three buildings at the same time.

Johnson and other members of the public shared additional counterpoints to the proposed regulations, including the change that would require all guests at the B.Y.O.B establishment to walk through a metal detector and/or be checked with a wand.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats a lot for 5,000 people to get into an event, Johnson said, Especially when its outside and people are coming from lots of different directions. So theres just a whole issue of how we would coordinate that.

Third shooting this year at Abilene hookah lounge leaves two injured

The regulations would also increase the number of security officers at events.

The establishment must provide at least one security officer per 50 patrons, Smith said. So at all times there would be at least one security officer, and they would do a bump up to two if there are more than 50 patrons.

Council Member Blaise Regan questioned Smith on the application of the regulation by relating it to a hypothetical situation at the Expo Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Regan asked, So, a large venue that has the Expo Center at 5,000 people, they would need 100 officers to have the event as its currently written?

Smith confirmed that 100 officers would be required in that scenario.

Metal detectors, security officers could be required under new BYOB ordinance in Abilene

While both members of the council and the public agree that something must be done to reduce violence at the Abilene Hookah Lounge, the council is unsure if the proposed ordinance is the solution.

The feedback that Im getting is a concern on the cost that this would impose on law-abiding businesses and business owners for one, lets call it, one bad seed, Regan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The council decided to table the agenda items until the next city council meeting to have further discussion on the proposed ordinances and consider alternative solutions.

We admittedly have a problem with this one business, but we need to figure out a way to give the police department and staff tools that allow them to address the problem, but do so in a way where were not introducing an unnecessary burden, council member Shane Price said.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
One person is dead following a crash near the Sumner Tunnel in Boston early Friday morning.

Troopers with Massachusetts State Police responded to a serious crash where the Sumner meets I-93 North near Government Center around 3:30 a.m.

The driver, a man in his 70s, became trapped and had to be extracted from his car by first responders.

He was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State police say they will not release the mans identity until his family is notified.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
One person is dead and another is in critical condition after a collision in south Kansas City on Thursday, according to a news release from Kansas City Police Department Sgt. Phillip DiMartino.

Officers responded to Eastern Avenue and Blue Ridge Boulevard at 4:41 p.m., DiMartino said.

A preliminary investigation showed that a silver Dodge Dakota was southbound on Blue Ridge Boulevard when a green Subaru Forester headed north on Eastern Avenue entered the intersection from a stop sign and hit the Dodge, DiMartino said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Dodge struck the curb and a metal light pole before overturning, DiMartino said. The front-seat passenger of the Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was taken to a hospital with critical injuries. Neither person was wearing a seat belt.

The driver and rear-seat passenger of the Subaru were uninjured, DiMartino said.

The death is Kansas Citys 43rd traffic fatality of 2025, compared to 49 traffic-related deaths at this time last year, DiMartino said.
One Indiana county's health department on Wednesday, July 9, confirmed a case of measles.

According to public health officer in Putnam County, where the case was discovered, the risk to the public is low and there's no outbreak. But if you're concerned about you or your family getting the measles, it might be time to check your immunization records and talk to your doctor.

Here's what experts recommend for preventing measles.

About the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella

Adam Amos, a public health officer in Putnam County, suggested checking immunization records to ensure that you've gotten the MMR vaccine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Most children receive two doses  one around age 1 and a second before kindergarten," he wrote in a post on the health department's website. "Adults born after 1956 should ensure they've had two doses or confirmed immunity with a blood test."

Amos called the MMR vaccine "safe and extremely effective."

Should I get a vaccine for measles?

Although the vaccine is recommended for most people, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines suggest checking with health care providers first before getting the MMR vaccine in the following cases:

If you've had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of MMR or MMRV vaccines, or if you have any life-threatening allergies.

If you are or may be pregnant.

If your immune system is weakened due to disease or medical treatment, or if you have a family history that includes immune system problems.

If you've ever had a condition that makes you bruise or bleed easily.

If you've recently had a blood transfusion or received blood.

If you have tuberculosis.

If you've had other vaccines in the past four weeks.

If you feel unwell or ill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Story continues below gallery.

The CDC says patients should tell their doctors if they have a history of seizures or a parent or sibling with a history of seizures; or are planning to take a salicylate such as aspirin.

Possible side effects of the vaccine, which the CDC says are usually mild, include soreness, redness or swelling; fever; mild rash; and temporary pain and stiffness in the joints.

More serious side effects, which the CDC says are rare, could include a high fever leading to a seizure.

How common is measles?

The virus was declared eradicated in 2000, USA TODAY reported, but as of July 9, 2025, they've reached a peak, with outbreaks in at least 38 states since the beginning of the year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Measles cases: Measles was eradicated in the US 25 years ago. This week, cases reached a new high.

Where can I get a vaccine for measles?

Contact your health care provider, your local health department or visit vaccines.gov to find out where you can get an immunization.

What are the symptoms of measles?

According to the Mayo Clinic, measles is especially serious and potentially deadly for children younger than 5 and people with severely weakened immune systems.

Symptoms listed by the Mayo Clinic include:

Fever as high as 105 degrees.

Dry cough.

Runny nose.

Conjunctivitis.

Tiny white spots inside the mouth 2-3 days after the first symptoms.

Rash starting on face or neck about 14 days after coming into contact with the virus.

USA TODAY reporter Mary Walrath-Holdridge contributed.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 1 case of Indiana confirmed in Indiana. What to know about the MMR vaccine
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) is investigating a shooting that left a man dead on Thursday.

KCPD says that around 4 p.m., officers were sent to the area near 118th Street and Winchester Avenue on a shooting call. When those officers arrived, they located multiple people in the parking lot of an apartment complex.

Man charged with running over person with truck after argument outside Independence bar

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

KCPD says that in that parking lot, two victims were found with gunshot wounds as well. One man was pronounced dead at the scene, and one woman was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.

KCPDs investigation indicates that an argument and a physical altercation led to shots being fired. Police said that investigators believe the incident is isolated and there is no current threat to the public due to the nature of the argument.

Additionally, KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino said that the shooting is already sending shockwaves through the surrounding area, but it should be on everyones mind.

It should affect us all, no matter where it happens at, he said at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

FOX4 Forecast: Storms arrive Friday evening

KCPD is now searching the area for witnesses, surveillance footage and other information to find out what led to the shooting.

If you have any information on this incident, youre asked to call homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

This is an ongoing investigation; FOX4 will provide updates as theyre made available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Q&A

Since taking office, the Trump administration has ripped woke language out of the federal code and off of government websites. If reporters include pronouns in their e-mail signatures, the administration doesnt return their e-mails.

Texas Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Tex., has taken up that cause in Congress. At House Oversight hearings, the 31-year-old freshman from a safe red district has asked witnesses if they can explain or defend the language used by their organizations. Could 23andMes former CEO unpack neopronouns? Could a liberal NGO expert define a birthing person? Did Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker want to defend a 2017 tweet urging people to protest anti-trans laws by using bathrooms designated for the opposite sex?

So youre admitting that this is just a political circus? asked Pritzker. Congressional witnesses, as a rule, try not to make news with their answers, and Gills questions tend to get non-answers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Why does he ask them? Gill talked briefly with Americana about the strategy hes taken into these hearings, and this is an edited transcript of the conversation.

David Weigel: Whats your inspiration for asking these questions? What are you trying to learn, for example, when you ask 23andMes CEO whether E is a pronoun?

Brandon Gill: There was a time between 2014 and 2022 when leftists in academia and the media would use this kind of weird, woke, far-left vernacular. It would include all kinds of bizarre pronouns and words that most Americans have never heard before, or even thought about. And they used it not just to sound intelligent  falsely, I think  but they used it as a means of promoting themselves and working up the corporate ladder or the academic ladder.

In other words, all they had to do  if you were the 23 and Me CEO, for instance  was repeat these weird, woke words, and that would put you in the leftist establishments good graces. I just wanted to ask her about it. What do these words actually mean? And Id see if she could tell me. Because not only were they promoting these weird pronouns, they were making insinuations that if you dont use them, you were contributing to a higher suicide rate for trans youth. Thats a big claim. You ought to be able to explain what we need to what words we need to be using.

So what did it say to you  another example  that Emily DiVito of the Groundwork Collaborative didnt want to define birthing person?

What it says to me is that when you ask people directly, what do these things mean, it becomes really clear to me and her and everybody else in the room that these are bizarre terms that normal people dont say. Whenever theyre put on the spot to either define what the woke words mean or explain the context, they dont want to do it, because they know how ridiculous they sound. They know they sound like idiots explaining this. I think that most of these people have never had anybody ask them directly: Can you explain this?

Having asked a bunch of these questions of witnesses, how much do you think the great awokening, as it was called, was ideologically motivated, versus how much these institutions were following trends? What was the balance between people who said I just read Judith Butler, and I want to incorporate this in our language, and people who shrugged and went along with it?

I think that you had a core of true believers, primarily in academia. They were the ones who really wanted this. The incentive structure in academia right now is not to pursue truth; its to come up with some novel idea or concept. Whether that concept is true, or leads to truth, or has anything good in it  it doesnt really matter. Everything is about novelty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So, a bunch of college professors sitting in their ivory tower, twiddling their thumbs, come up with these weird terms. And then the leftist media, which is looking to completely undermine our culture and our civilization, and knows that these things turn social norms on their head, pick up these concepts and promote them. When businesses adopt this, its a mixture of trying to get into the good graces of people that they find to be popular and cool. Its all just virtue signaling. Occasionally youll meet some true believers in the private sector, but its mostly driven by ESG, and things like that.

Do you think the organizations that did use this language need to explain themselves, or why theyve changed?

Well, one of the reasons that theyre pulling back from it is that they dont derive any additional social or political power or capital from promoting these terms. You could say they have an obligation to explain what they meant, and they do. But at the core, I think, they were using these as this sort of a Machiavellian means of, you know, coalescing political power behind themselves, coercing other people into their ideologies.

These things are so contrary to common sense and to just normal, everyday lived experience that they realize, if they can make you, as George Orwell says, not believe the evidence of your eyes and ears on these things, and they can make you do anything. I do think that the power they had over people is fading away. And they realize it. Their whole charade has been exposed. Thats the purpose of these hearings, just to show how hollow these people are and how the language really was used for power.

Notable
Its the biggest question thats been asked over and over again about the night of Nov. 13, 2022, when four University of Idaho students  Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves  were brutally stabbed to death in their off-campus house in the college town of Moscow, Idaho: Why?

With no apparent motive or clue as to who could have committed such a heinous crime, Moscow became the epicenter of an intense investigation and a social media storm that Prime Videos One Night in Idaho: The College Murders delves into over four episodes dropping on Friday.

Liz Garbus (Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer) and Matthew Galkin (Murder in the Bayou) share directing and executive producing duties on the docuseries, which is based on reporting by author James Patterson and investigative journalist Vicky Ward, and they knew early on what angle their production would take. We decided that a very interesting and unexplored angle was to see what it was like inside the eye of the hurricane, Galkin says. So, for the people, the family members, the friends of the victims that had not ever spoken to the media, that was where we chose to focus our energies as far as access is concerned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That included exclusive interviews with Stacy and Jim Chapin, parents of 20-year-old Ethan, and Karen and Scott Laramie, parents of 21-year-old Mogen, who have never talked about the murders  despite numerous projects on the subject  and how it ripped apart not only the town of Moscow but their respective families.

Garbus and Galkin talked with The Times about how they gained the families trust, how social media affected the case, and the recent twists and turns that happened just before the series was set to air. For one, on July 2, primary suspect Bryan Kohberger, a former criminal justice doctoral student who was arrested six weeks after the murders, entered a plea agreement with a full confession of the murders  done to avoid the death penalty  just weeks before his trial was set to begin.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Read more: Bryan Kohberger admits to killing 4 Idaho college students but motive remains unclear

What were the origins of your involvement in the production and with crime novelist James Patterson?

Matthew Galkin: This was a story that I started tracking, obviously, when it happened, which was mid-November of 2022, and I didn't make any outreach to any key people within the story, any of the families, until it was almost spring of 2023. We were tracking it to see how it developed once they made an arrest and once we could see the contours of the story and that things like social media played a major part in the energy created around this story.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Liz Garbus: Concurrently, as Matthew was laying the foundation for this by reaching out and trying to see where the families were on this story, I got outreach from James Patterson's company about their interest in collaborating on a project around this case. That was quite fortuitous, and we laid some of those building blocks together and shared access and research. The film was made by its filmmakers, and the book [The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy by Patterson and Ward, which is being released on July 14] was reported by its writers, so they were operating on parallel tracks. We were able to support and help each other, but, truly, Matthew's original outreach to the Chapin family is what laid the building blocks for this show and is really the bedrock of it.

How was the gag order for law enforcement and other key people close to the case a challenge in telling your story?

Galkin: In this particular story, there was a probable cause affidavit that was filed in early January of 23, which really laid out, up to that point, what investigative details existed in order to bring law enforcement toward the suspect and ultimately make the arrest. So we were able, at the very least, to tell that story through the details we learned through the probable cause affidavit.

It's always a challenge if you don't have all of the participating members of a story to try to tell the complete story. But in my past work, we tended to pick projects that are victim-centric more than law enforcement-centric. I've had experience telling stories through that perspective, so in a lot of ways, the limited access that we had actually lined up with the story we were trying to tell anyway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Garbus: Even on Gone Girls, which was a show I made recently for Netflix, those murders were 10, 20, 30 years old. There were no gag orders, but there were certain people who didn't want to talk for their own reasons, so sometimes, as documentary filmmakers, you have to pick a lane. What are you bringing to the story? What point of view can you fully express? And we clearly had that lane here.

And when you have that lane so clear early on, does that actually help get people to talk to you, especially those who hadnt spoken to anyone before?

Galkin: I flew out to Washington state, and the first contact I made was to Jim and Stacy Chapin, who are the parents of Ethan, Hunter and Maizie. I convinced them to let me take them to lunch and just talk through what our vision of how to tell the story would be. I was probably the 50th in line to try to make a documentary project about it. They've been inundated at that point, and it was probably five or six months of journalists, documentary filmmakers [and] podcasters just coming out of the woodwork.

I know for a fact they looked at Liz's track record, they looked at my track record, and I think they felt comfortable in the fact that if we were going to do crime stories, they were not usually from the killer's point of view or even from law enforcement point of view. It's usually from family or victim, so I think that gave them some comfort to know that they would have real input in how Ethan's story was told. They liked the idea of picking one project to really go deep on and be able to help put Ethan's narrative out to the world through their own voice, as opposed to other people who didn't know Ethan telling it.

Did you know early on that social media would play such a big part in the case?

Galkin: It was actually the two main topics of conversation. My first conversation with the Chapins was our vision of how we were going to tell the story and also their experience dealing with the insane noise and pressures of social media sleuths and people reaching out, going into their DMs, creating theories about their children, about them, about their children's friends  just the insanity. Obviously, there have been crime stories that deal with social media, but I have never experienced something of this magnitude with this much social media attention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Garbus: Social media has become much of the atmosphere in the telling and digestion of crimes in the American public's imagination of them. In some cases, it can be helpful, like the case of the Long Island serial killer, where the victims were not commanding national interest, and social media and advocates can play a huge role. Then there are other times in which the voracious appetites can overtake the story.

In your series, you dont spend a lot of time dissecting all the gruesome details of the murders. Was that due to the law enforcement gag order?

Galkin: Maybe a little, but it was also a choice of ours. There are many other projects, documentary series or news specials about this case that go into all of the really horrific details of what happened in that house. It was a conversation from the beginning of how do we present this so it's factual. We're not necessarily avoiding things, but we didn't feel like there was a reason to linger on those details because there were other aspects of the story that were of more interest to us.

Garbus: When you're with these families and you experience the grief and trauma through them, that's kind of what you need to know. The ways in which the ripple effect of the trauma has affected this entire friend group and all of these young people, that speaks volumes to what happened that day and we wanted to experience it through them.

Given the recent developments with Kohbergers plea deal, did you change the tag at the end of your show?

Garbus: Thanks to some great postproduction supervisors and assistants, we will be updating the end card to have viewers be up to date with the plea.

In the latter half of the series, theres talk about Kohberger and the notion of him being an incel, or involuntary celibate [where a person, usually male, is frustrated by a lack of sexual experiences]. How did that help understand a potential motive in the murders?

Garbus: That was something that was very interesting to us right at the beginning: Why were these young women targeted? We may never know with this plea deal now and it may remain a mystery, but there were signs, for sure, about involvement in that culture for us to explore that angle. As families watch this and they're sitting with their sons and wondering what they might be doing online, this is the kind of conversation that people need to be having about the media, the infiltration of messages that young men receive today and it's only getting more extreme in this moment.

Was four episodes always the amount to tell this story? Obviously, the case is still unfolding with Kohbergers plea agreement. Could a sequel happen?

Galkin: Four episodes felt like the right amount of space to tell the story that we told. Obviously, there are still chapters unfolding, and if there is an appetite to continue to tell this story with our subjects and all of our partners, then certainly I think we'd be open to doing that. But we feel like we told a complete story here ... every episode offers a pivot as to the perspectives that we're seeing this case through, and every episode has a different lens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Garbus: Clearly, our filmmaking stops at a certain point. You've had this plea deal, and the gag order will be lifted, so it is a capsule of time of what the families knew and understood since this tragedy happened up until a couple of months ago. We will see over the next weeks and months how much more we will learn, but it is a fragment of experience very much rooted in time.

Since there is so much interest in this case with many podcasts, documentaries and news stories out there, do you worry about that at all?

Garbus: In some ways you don't think about it, but at the same time, when you're setting off to make a project like this, you want to make sure you are saying something unique. We're going to spend X number of years of our lives on this, and you want to make sure you're adding something new to the discourse on the case. And, of course, it matters to us that this is the place where the Chapins and the Laramies will tell their story and that we are able to take care of it for them and the friends in the way that we intended. It matters just in that you want to make sure you have a lane that's needed in the discourse and I think in this case we felt very clearly that we did.

Galkin: We knew from Day 1, given the access that we had, that our series would be unique to anything else on the market, because these are people that have never told their story before, and the way we were planning on doing it, which was truly from the inside, without any sort of outsider voices. So that was not an anxiety for us.

Sign up for Screen Gab, a free newsletter about the TV and movies everyones talking about from the L.A. Times.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Just days before the July 11 premiere of One Night in Idaho: The College Murders on Prime Video, the coda to the four-episode docuseries had to be rewritten. Initially, the final card stated that Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022, would face trial in 2025. But on June 30, Kohberger shocked those following the case by accepting a plea deal that spared him from the death penalty on the condition he plead guilty to the murders and waive his right to appeal. He will spend the rest of his life in prison, without the chance for parole.

The news stoked anger in some of the victims families, while others accepted the prosecutors decision, with the second group including the families of Ethan Chapin and Maddie Mogen, who are featured in the docuseries, co-directed by Liz Garbus and Matthew Galkin. For Galkin, who was in attendance for Kohbergers July 2 plea hearing, the sudden assemblage of everyone involved in the case was surreal. The families barely had 36 hours notice to get to Boise to be in the courtroom for the hearing. Galkin says he was on the first flight he could get.

More from Variety

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The atmosphere in the courtroom was harrowing, he tells Variety. It was a combination of emotionally charged, obviously, but also extremely dramatic because you had basically every main player in this horrific saga in one room, finally, facing each other because, logistically, thats the way the courtroom is set up. All the families and the prosecutors were looking one direction, but the plaintiff and his legal team were off to the side, looking back towards the families. So there were a lot of crossed eyelines going on, and it was a really, really intense thing to witness.

Galkin and Garbus began documenting the case mere months after the murders, first contacting the Chapins (including Ethans triplet siblings Hunter and Maizie) in April 2023 and later the Laramies (Maddies parents). The families of the other two victims, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves, did not participate in the series, but Garbus confirms they were approached. While the Chapins and Laramies had largely avoided talking to the media about their lost children and the horrors of the circumstances surrounding their deaths, Garbus and Galkin pitched a victim-forward style of filmmaking. In the years since the murders, the fascination surrounding Kohberger has been eclipsed only by the intense internet sleuths who thought  and in many cases, still think  they could solve a case with so many unanswered questions. Through it all, the victims were often pushed out of their own stories.

We wanted to reclaim them from this maelstrom of social media, Garbus says. I will say a lot of those people on social media are very well-meaning. But there is a fervor around this case in which the victims can get lost.

Garbus, one of the co-founders of the series producer Story Syndicate, took a similar approach earlier this year with Netflixs Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer, which chronicled the decades-long killing spree of sex workers in and around the Gilgo Beach area of Long Island . In that case, the victims had been dismissed by the institutions meant to protect them and the communities meant to shelter them because of their professions. Their families spent years just trying to get attention paid to their unsolved cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The opposite happened for Maddie, Kaylee, Xana and Ethan after the news broke that they had been murdered in an off-campus house on a Saturday night.

In this case, it was the entire world wanting to solve this, casting aspersions on boyfriends and developing conspiracy theories that really overtook those who were living through the heart of this darkness, Garbus says. What Im so proud of is that we were able to not just talk about them as victims, but get to know them as people. Who they were and what their dreams were, and how they were loving life in this incredible friend group.

Also featured in the documentary are members of that friend group, including Hunter Johnson, Emily Alandt and Josie Lauteren, all of whom were among those who first discovered the bodies on November 13, 2022. Johnson and Alandt, specifically, became the subjects of cruel and targeted conspiracy theories online questioning their involvement, taking an emotional toll they address head-on in the series.

But last weeks abrupt end to the two-year legal effort to give the families and friends their day in court leaves one question unanswered  why? Why did Kohberger  who was arrested in Pennsylvania on Dec. 30, 2022  stalk, and then enter the off-campus apartment at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho and stab four friends he did not know personally to death, while also leaving two others alive under the same roof? Why did he choose this close-knit group of friends, and who among them was his intended target?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

None of these are questions the docuseries could answer, especially since law enforcement and the surviving roommates Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke have been under a gag order since the murders and remain so until a verdict is reached (that date will now be the July 23 sentencing hearing). But Galkin says the answers many outside observers hoped the trial would offer were never the only priority for the families.

I think anyone interested in this case, obviously, would like to have an answer of why this happened at all, Galkin says. I dont want to necessarily speak on behalf of the Chapins or Laramies, but they were never involved in the investigative details of this case. They were focused on their own grief, and ultimately their own healing. Ive had the conversation with Stacy Chapin before, and she said, Well, who cares? Its not going to bring Ethan back. So answering the question of why is not foremost on her mind.

Without the insight of law enforcement and the eyewitness accounts directly from Dylan and Bethany, Galkin and Garbus leaned even more heavily into the stories of the victims. To assist them, they combed through years of social media posts that unintentionally immortalized a friend group that was chronically online.

People are obviously curated and selective with what they post on social media, so thats the forward-facing image that everybody wants to project, Galkin says. We were trying to look under the hood as much as we could with the access that we had to their family and friends. But it is a fascinating component of this story, because they were so well-documented that it lent itself to millions of people feeling like they knew these kids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The mountain of visuals also offered the filmmakers an opportunity to faithfully and meticulously rebuild portions of the house at 1122 King Road, which was torn down in December 2023 after it had become a gruesome tourist attraction. Using social media posts, insight from their friends and even blueprints of the original home, the series creative team rebuilt the main entryway and staircase, the living room, Xanas bedroom, Maddies bedroom and a small part of Dylans bedroom to scale on a soundstage in Brooklyn.

To put the viewer inside the home, the team sourced all of the furniture and wall treatments for each room from the original vendors. The set build and shoot took about a week, but the entire process  including research, drafting and prep  took months.

We took that very seriously, Galkin says It was uncanny to the point that when we showed the series to the Chapin and Laramie families, they both turned to me and asked, How did you guys get inside the house? Obviously, this was a house they knew really well.

We had the ability to do this really accurately, Galkin continues, and so we decided to capitalize on that  because its important to get the details right.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even armed with intense research, the directors were still confronted with surprises as they interviewed the families. In the final episode, Ethans father Jim unexpectedly shares what happened to his sons cremated remains. The family couldnt decide where he should be buried, so they brought him home. As Jim explains, now they visit with him every day and, when one of them passes, he will be buried with them. Until then, they didnt want him to be alone.

The Chapin family had told Galkin nothing was off the table when they agreed to the interviews  If they were going to do this, they wanted to do it, he says. But even he was taken aback at this admission.

I didnt know that Ethans remains were in the house at all, he says. It was nothing that had ever come up in some of our pre-interviews or earlier conversations. So when Jim said that to me, I mean  I started crying in the interview. The way he tells that story is so moving. Im glad that we were able to capture it on camera. It is truly such a beautiful moment. Obviously, you feel the loss through the whole series, but thats really a moment that crystallized it for me when we were shooting. Its really heartbreaking.

Both the Chapins and the Laramies were able to watch the series with Galkin and Garbus before its release, and prior to Kohbergers plea deal. As filmmakers, it was what you hope for, Galkin says. Karen Laramie described feeling a kind of lightness that she hadnt felt since the murders. So I think theres something very healing there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When news of the plea deal broke, questions circulated about what would happen to the docuseries. Should it be shelved out of respect? Does it even matter now, because the ending is already written? But Galkin is adamant that because their focus was always the victims, Kohbergers plea deal only changed one thing.

It changes the ending, he says. We changed the final card. But I dont think knowing the ending completely changes the way you should look at these four hours.

The filmmakers had planned to cover the trial, and potentially revisit the story with a possible second installment of the documentary. Without a trial, though, Galkin says they dont know what is next. He remains close with the Chapins, with whom he attended the July 2 hearing. As for new interview subjects, he says they are interested in talking to law enforcement about the investigation, and would consider reaching out to the survivors to tell their story, which remains something thats been revealed only through affidavits. But as of now, there is no formal plan in place for a followup.

If there is an appetite, if there is more story to tell, 100% yes, Galkin says. But until then, were not going to put that kind of media attention on people, because you are entering their lives when you reach out to someone who has been going through something like this. So if we did it, we would want to do it as gently and delicately as possible. And without an actual production, theres kind of no reason to reach out to them. So well wait and see what happens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For now, Galkin will be in the courtroom on July 23 for the final appearance of Kohberger for sentencing. It will be the last time families can give victim impact statements and address the man who, on July 2, confirmed to a judge that he accepted the plea deal because he did, in fact, kill Xana, Ethan, Maddie and Kaylee. It isnt known whether Kohberger will speak during the sentencing, to share his motive or what really happened in the King Road house. But Galkin says decisions are being made as to who among the Chapin or Laramie families might take the opportunity to do so.

Im glad I could be there for the families, Galkin says of the July 2 hearing. Both of them were incredibly brave to be there and to face all of this and to come out publicly and support this, even though there are other families that dont necessarily feel the same way. Because they are finding peace in this decision, it brings me peace. Thats all I care about. If its good with them, then it is good with me.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
SAN FRANCISCO  OpenAI is asking Californias political finance watchdog to investigate a nonprofit that challenged its multi-billion-dollar business plans, alleging violations of state lobbying laws and again raising questions about the groups connections to rival Elon Musk.

The complaint to the California Fair Political Practices Commission, first obtained by POLITICO, accuses the Coalition for AI Nonprofit Integrity of likely fronting a fake leader and failing to report lobbying payments related to a now-gutted state bill that would have potentially prevented the ChatGPT maker from converting to a for-profit entity.

Its the latest escalation in OpenAIs scrutiny of the group, amid a simultaneous court battle with Musk  a former business partner  over the companys plans to restructure to raise more money, which the tech billionaire argues goes against its original nonprofit mission to serve the public good.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CANI spokesperson Becky Warren said in an email her group had yet to receive the complaint on Thursday.

Warren has previously denied to POLITICO that the group has any connection to Musk, portraying the nonprofit as a grassroots effort funded by the likes of Harvard professor and one-time presidential hopeful Lawrence Lessig, among others. (Lessig did not respond to an emailed request for comment Thursday.) After this story published, Warren told POLITICO that CANI has since returned his donation.

CANI is just one of many groups, alongside Musk, to criticize OpenAIs business restructuring plans, which Californias attorney general is investigating, raising existential questions about the companys future and its dominance in the AI market. OpenAI has also increasingly been on the offensive with competitors lately, including over Metas attempts to poach its top talent and as outside groups campaign for a sizable chunk of its $300 billion valuation to be peeled off for independent nonprofit purposes.

It defends its restructuring plans as a way to ensure it has the necessary resources to pursue its original mission. The company previously planned to make its current nonprofit parent company a shareholder in a new for-profit enterprise, but pivoted in May to a new plan where the nonprofit maintains control, following the backlash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new complaint against CANI, dated Monday and filled with inflammatory assertions, comes after OpenAI tried to subpoena the group in May over any connections it may have to the AI developers co-founder turned rival, Musk.

OpenAI believes CANI has committed multiple violations of the Political Reform Act and respectfully requests that the FPPC take immediate action to investigate these violations, wrote the companys attorney, Ann OLeary, a former chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The complaint shows the lengths OpenAI has gone to prop up its belief that opponents of the restructuring have secret connections to competitors like Anthropic, maker of the Claude chatbot, and Musk.

After phone calls and email requests to meet with Jeffrey Mark Gardner, who is listed in lobbying disclosures as CANIs leader, went unanswered, OpenAI said its outside lawyers mounted significant efforts to identify him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

OpenAI said its lawyers scoured public records, got help from professional library research services and called individuals under that name until they tracked down a self-employed attorney and LSAT instructor in Queens, New York, who the company claims confirmed over the phone that he was the president of CANI.

They also claim they found the home that individual rents is owned by an entity called Tesla Place, LLC. It is not clear if the company, which is registered in New York with a listed address in Maryland, has any connection to Tesla, the company where Musk is CEO. Spokespeople for Musk, Tesla and xAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

But OpenAI says it came away from the experience believing Gardner was a front.

OpenAI has reason to believe that Mr. Gardner is not actively involved in the management of CANI and is simply being used as a prop in an attempt to hide the true identity of the officers and funders of CANI, OLeary wrote, noting that listing a fictitious person on the groups lobbying disclosure forms would violate the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CANI has retained a prominent lobbying firm, a public relations firm, and other assets, OLeary added. It seems highly unlikely that Mr. Gardner of New York is the person actually behind these efforts.



CANI was the main supporter of a bill this year authored by California Assemblymember Diane Papan that would have prevented large, venture capital-backed nonprofits from converting to for-profit status. Papan gutted and amended the bill roughly two months later, turning it into a measure about liens on the sale of aircraft, and saying her office needed more time to study the issue.

Papans office did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

According to disclosures submitted to Californias Secretary of State, the coalition hired San Francisco Bay Area law firm Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni LLP to lobby on the bill, AB 501. OLeary, however, raised alarms over CANI reporting that it did not spend any money on lobbying in the first quarter of 2025 and suggested it may have concealed payments  alleging a breach of California law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

OLeary teased a further potential conflict of interest between Lessig and his work as a reviewer on a panel of experts that Newsom convened to provide recommendations on how AI should be regulated. The panels final report, published in June, could be influential in how the state drafts rules for the AI industry, largely housed within its borders.

OLeary wrote that as a lawyer, Lessig has previously represented individuals adverse to OpenAI.

OpenAI has portrayed opponents of its restructuring as acting on behalf of the competition before.

When it faced pressure from a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, organized by former employees and academics, OpenAI told reporters that some of the signatories now worked for Anthropic. The group said that was not true and that it intentionally excluded anyone who works for competitors since OpenAI had used that strategy to discredit others.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  It is not every day that you get to fly a plane, and a local organization gave kids across our area the chance be a pilot for a day.

Operation Kid Forward, a local organization serving underprivileged youth, gave kids an opportunity to see the Coastal Empire from new heights.

It was really big to introduce a demographic to the aviation realm so they could get exposure, and this might be the day theyre like, man, I want to be a pilot, Operation Kid Forward Founder Nisha Giustino said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Marlon Knight, with the Chatham County Youth Intercept Program, said, The goal is to allow these children to think outside the box. A lot of careers that are out there, they dont even know they exist.

Many were nervous but also determined to try something new. For Mason Byrd, he used his nerves as fuel. He took on the challenge of being pilot for the day, flying over spots like downtown Savannah.

When he said if I wanted to steer a little bit, when I said yes, my adrenaline started pumping and then I got a little nervous, Mason said.

He continued, I would definitely do this again. its one of the things where you think its scary, but then youre like, oh, my gosh, I like this so much.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nylah made sure WSAV stayed safe, taking us over Hilton Head and Tybee Islands.

My first time I wanted to fly, but Im not going to lie, I was kind of scared, Nylah said. Then this year I had the guts. So, I ended up just doing it and I actually did like it. overall, I think I would like flying.

Fly Corps Aviation Chief Instructor Laurie McCord said, I hope that it sparks a lifetime passion or love of aviation and even if they dont walk away with that, I hope that they walk away learning something feeling just inspired about life in general.

Howard has a piece of advice for anyone who is nervous about flying.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just dont look down, Howard said. If you dont want to do that, just try to enjoy it as much as you can.

Operation Kid Forward has more plans in the works for kids across the community. Visit their website to learn how you can support their mission.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Something is happening among Americas young people  highlighted vividly by the result in New Yorks mayoral primary election  and we need to pay attention, because activists across the country are already plotting to replicate New Yorks result in a city near you. A generation once expected to inherit the American Dream is now openly questioning the very system that underwrote it.

For over a decade, surveys by Pew, Gallup and others have tracked a growing skepticism toward capitalism among young adults. But what once seemed like an abstract ideological drift has now entered the electoral arena. Last month, New York Citys Gen Z and Millennial voters turned out in striking numbers, propelling Zohran Mamdani  a candidate proudly backed by the Democratic Socialists of America  to a dramatic primary victory. This wasnt a one-off. It was a flashing red light for anyone tracking the nations civic trajectory.

A 2021 Gallup poll found that just 47% of young Americans aged 18 to 34 had a positive view of capitalism  down nearly 20 points from a decade earlier. Meanwhile, a 2025 survey by the Cato Institute and YouGov found that 62% of Americans aged 1829 say they hold a favorable view of socialism. Thats a remarkable generational pivot. Older Americans still reject the label overwhelmingly, but for younger voters, socialism is no longer taboo. Its part of the political mainstream.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Whats driving this shift? Partly, its economic memory. Many Millennials and Gen Zers came of age during or just after the Great Recession. They watched their parents lose jobs, homes and retirement savings. Then came a crushing student debt crisis, skyrocketing housing costs and the gig economy. The traditional formula  education, hard work and upward mobility  no longer feels like a promise. For too many, it feels like a bait-and-switch. And lets not forget social media bubbles and college campuses where faculty openly attack the American Dream and regularly distort economic and political history in opposition to capitalism and the value of enterprise.

If we are going to respond meaningfully to this shift, we need to get past labels and listen carefully. When young Americans say they support socialism, they are rarely endorsing the nationalization of industry or centralized planning. Theyre expressing a desire for greater fairness, stronger social protections, and institutional accountability. In practice, many favor policies such as universal health care, climate investment, affordable housing and debt relief  not the abolition of private property.

This nuance was on full display in New York. Mamdanis platform didnt call for the end of markets, though he has called for significant market interventions. His platform centered on more affordable housing, more responsive government, and a more equitable public sphere. In pre-election field polling, he won Gen Z voters by a staggering 57-point margin. That isnt a footnote  its a generational shift that we cannot ignore or overlook.

For those of us who study civic engagement, this is not a moment to dismiss. Its a moment to reflect, recalibrate and engage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Young people today are not radicals. They are pragmatists frustrated by broken promises. They still value individual liberty, innovation and the ability to build a better life. What theyre rejecting is the version of capitalism theyve seen in practice  a system they perceive as rigged, extractive and unresponsive to ordinary people.

This is where public intellectuals, policymakers and educators must step up. First, we need to stop caricaturing these young voters. Labeling all critique of capitalism as socialist or anti-American only deepens alienation and forecloses honest debate. We must be willing to confront capitalisms shortcomings without abandoning its virtues.

As Arthur Brooks has persuasively argued, free enterprise is not simply about economic output. Its about dignity, purpose and earned success. In his book "The Road to Freedom," Brooks reminds us that the system that will allow the most people to rise and flourish is democratic capitalism  not because it guarantees equal outcomes, but because it guarantees equal rights and opportunities. He further warns that forced equalization  like punishing savers to subsidize spenders  undermines both fairness and motivation.

Second, we need to make a more compelling case for capitalisms moral and civic worth  not just its efficiency. Capitalism, properly regulated, has lifted billions out of poverty and rewarded risk and creativity. But young Americans need to see these benefits in their own lives. They need housing markets that work, job markets that reward effort and institutions that deliver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Third, we must revitalize civic education. Many young voters are passionate, idealistic and motivated  but too often, poorly informed. The distinctions between democratic socialism, social democracy and authoritarian socialism are blurry at best in public discourse. Many havent been taught the real historical consequences of top-down economic control, nor the real virtues of liberal democracy and competitive markets.

Good civic education isnt about indoctrination. Its about giving young people the intellectual tools to compare systems, understand trade-offs and reason through hard questions. Its about explaining why our institutions exist and how they can be reformed without being dismantled.

New York is often a bellwether. If Gen Zs surge tells us anything, its that the future of political identity in America wont be constrained by 20th-century ideological categories. It will be forged in response to real-life frustrations and new civic demands.

The next generation is speaking. They are skeptical, yes  but not cynical. They are disillusioned, but not disengaged. If we meet them with openness, clarity and a commitment to shared flourishing, we can build a future that preserves both liberty and fairness.

But if we dismiss their concerns  or worse, sneer at their hopes  we risk losing a generation not only to bad economics, but to political despair.

Lets not make that mistake.
All the talk about the damage done to Irans nuclear facilities during last months bombing and shelling by the Israelis and the Americans has to be speculative. No one on the ground in Iran is telling us whether the deepest complex at Fordow was destroyed or badly damaged; were not likely to know for months or years  if ever  what really happened in the labyrinth of tunnels dug into the side of a mountain.

President Trump may be forgiven for engaging in hyperbole when he says Fordow was obliterated by the bunker-busters dropped from B2 bombers, while his critics, in reverse hyperbole, insist the Iranian nuclear program was set back only a few months. Both these estimates have their roots in political bias as much as physical or scientific evidence.

One set of foreign observers, though, has got to know more: the North Koreans, who have long been advising, aiding and abetting Iran on its nuclear program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Former President George W. Bush, in his first state of the union address in 2002, described North Korea and Iran as poles in an axis of evil that also included Iraq, then ruled by Saddam Hussein, overthrown by U.S. forces on Bushs orders more than a year later. The axis, without Iraq, has flourished ever since the North Koreans provided first the missiles and then the technology for producing its own version of the Norths mid-range Rodong.

Theres no word how many North Korean advisers were still in Iran during what Trump has called the 12-day war, but its safe to assume North Koreas leader, Kim Jong Un, would have gotten a realistic version of what really happened. How could it have been otherwise, considering that most of the missiles fired back at Israel by the Iranians were of North Korean design?

Iranian and North Korean experts have been going back and forth ever since Saddam Hussein initiated the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, when the North began plying Iran with artillery shells and other armaments. After Pakistan tested its first nuclear device in 1998, the father of the Pakistani bomb, physicist AQ Khan, provided North Korea with nuclear technology that the North then passed on to Iran. Considering the Norths central role as the source of Irans rise as a near-nuclear power, we may be sure Kim will want to maintain a relationship from which his regime has reaped billions of dollars.

Hundreds of people are still working on missile sites in Iran, Bruce Bechtol, author of numerous books and articles on North Koreas armed forces, remarked on a podcast as the bombs and shells were still falling on Iran. North Korea does not evacuate its people when war breaks out. If Iran is to recover from the strikes, it will be with North Korean advice and assistance as usual.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All eyes are now on North Korea for its response to the Israeli and American strikes.

I doubt that it will take any provocative action, David Maxwell, a retired American army colonel who did five tours in South Korea as a special forces officer, remarked to me in an email, but I would like to see if it takes any action to secure its own facilities out of fear of a US strike. North Korea will certainly want to get [bomb damage assessment] from the Iranian facilities, he said. They will want to learn from these strikes and determine what modifications they will need to make their own facilities to further harden them. They will want to know if our bunker buster can really bust their bunkers.

Decisive though the American response may have appeared, it cannot compare with the bombing needed to wipe out North Koreas nuclear facilities. Iran may have been on the brink of producing its first nuclear warheads, but North Korea has made dozens of them  perhaps 100 or so. Kim is very unlikely to yield to U.S. and South Korean demands that he give up his entire nuclear program. At least, however, the American bombing, as well as strikes by Tomahawk missiles fired by American submarines, should demonstrate what the American military machine is theoretically capable of doing to the North Koreans.

Trump and South Koreas new president, Lee Jae-myung, are both looking for renewed dialogue with North Korea. There is little chance of either of them endorsing a strike against North Korea. By attacking the Iranian sites, however, Washington should have given Pyongyang an idea of the hell that might befall North Korea if Kim were to begin to make good on his threats against South Korea Its possible, optimistically, to speculate that Kim, far from responding adversely, may be inclined to talk after seeing this display of military might against his Iranian friends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its also possible that Kim might choose to strengthen his own defenses, to make the North Korean sites beyond the reach of any bunker-busters, while shoring up his ties to Russia as well as China. Time will tell.

Donald Kirk has been a journalist for more than 60 years, focusing much of his career on conflict in Asia and the Middle East, including as a correspondent for the Washington Star and Chicago Tribune. He is currently a freelance correspondent covering North and South Korea, and is the author of several books about Asian affairs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Despite its relentless assaults on civil liberties, due process and the rule of the law, the Trump administration did one thing this week thats good for the American people. The Transportation Security Administration is ending its long-standing policy requiring most airport travelers to remove their shoes as part of regular security screening.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA, announced on its website, The new policy will increase hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said theres no reason to worry that eliminating this widely despised piece of security theater will make Americans unsafe, as our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach means the department can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards.

The policy came about after the London-born, al Qaeda-trained, hapless terrorist Richard Reid attempted to light explosives hidden in his shoes while on a Miami-bound flight from Paris in December 2001. Reid tried and repeatedly failed to light matches that would set off the fuse in his shoes. The smell of sulfur tipped off flight crew members and passengers, who subdued Reid before he could bring down the plane. Reid pled guilty to terrorism charges and is serving a life sentence in a maximum security prison.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Though Reid was unsuccessful in his attempted mass murder, he did change American life. Federal officials hastily threw together a policy requiring passengers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints. That policy was later relaxed, but almost five years after Reids last flight, the TSA officially made no shoes an official rule in 2006. Five years after that, in 2011, then-Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the no shoes policy would eventually be phased out due to advances in security screening technologies.

It only took 14 more years, but here we are. In the end, there was no grand technological advance that led to the end of the shoe policy. Its simply going away.

The policy has contributed to longer security lines, higher stress levels for both passengers and TSA employees, and pointless confrontations  like when elderly and disabled people have been compelled to remove their footwear. It wasnt until 2011 that the TSA officially exempted children under 13, and it took until 2013 for the birth of the TSA PreCheck system, allowing pre-screened travelers to keep their shoes on.

Very few countries adopted their own version of this policy. Thats likely because it was always security theater  the performative illusion, through mass inconvenience and generalized suspicion, that well all be safer if wed just do the security hokey-pokey and turn ourselves around before we get on a plane.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The TSAs ineffectiveness at airport security is well-documented. In 2015, ABC News reported on a Homeland Security Inspector Generals report which found undercover agents were able to smuggle mock weapons or explosives past TSA security 95% of the time. (Subsequent tests two years later showed little improvement.)

TSA hasnt released any data on its failure/success rates since then and the agency didnt respond to my request for more recent data.

Now that Richard Reids legacy is officially over, the Trump administration should look next to ending another ill-conceived panic reaction to an attempted terror attack. That would be the 3-1-1 rule limiting passengers to a one-quart bag of liquids, gels and aerosols of no more than 3.4 ounces per item  itself a response to a thwarted 2006 terror plot.

The TSA had dropped hints that new 3-D scanning technology could eventually lead to the end of this requirement. But in 2024, a TSA spokesperson told Travel and Leisure that because about 2,000 screening lanes in about 430 airports need updated equipment, it may not be until 2040 that the policy is dropped.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Im setting myself a calendar reminder for 15 years from now, in the hopes that Ill know the glory of bringing a six ounce bottle of shaving cream in my carry-on bag, and the satisfaction that the terrorists didnt win.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the state Legislature would return to Austin later this summer for a special session. On its own, the announcement was not surprising: With the Texas Constitution limiting regular sessions of the Legislature to only 140 days a year, these bonus legislative sessions have become the norm for governing a state with over 31 million people. What was surprising was one of the agenda items that Abbott listed for the session: drafting legislation that provides a revised congressional redistricting plan in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice.

A redistricting push in 2025 is an oddity. States typically only redraw their congressional districts every 10 years in response to the U.S. census results. But the reason Abbott claims this shuffle is necessary is a gross smoke screen that mocks the Voting Rights Act and the protections it provides.

The Justice Department concerns that the governor cites are a reference to a lawsuit filed in 2021, alleging that Texas current congressional map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. In particular, the DOJ accused Texas of creating redistricting plans that deny or abridge the rights of Latino and Black voters to vote on account of their race, color or membership in a language minority group. It was just the latest in a long history of complaints against Texas, which has had to repeatedly redraw its maps since 1964 in the face of federal judges rulings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Four years after it was filed, the 2021 lawsuit recently went to trial in El Paso  but the Justice Department is no longer one of the plaintiffs. The Trump administration had the DOJ withdraw from the lawsuit in March, leaving civil rights groups like LULAC and the Texas NAACP to continue the court battle without the legal firepower the federal government provides. And while Abbotts phrasing implies Texas legislators will work to address the alleged discrimination, his administration is continuing to fight back against the claims in that case.

In fact, the major driving force for this redistricting push is coming not from the Justice Department  or from Texas Republicans  but the White House. President Donald Trump has reportedly been leaning on Abbott to rejigger the states 38 congressional districts to help protect the slim Republican majority in the House ahead of the 2026 midterms. The president, terrified of a repeat of the 2018 midterms that opened the door to two impeachments against him, has zeroed in on even more extreme gerrymandering to limit Democrats midterm gains.

The New York Times reported last month that President Trumps political team is encouraging Republican leaders in Texas to  turn Democratic districts red by adding reliably Republican voters from neighboring Republican districts. As NBC News noted Wednesday, there are at least a few potential gains to be had:

Trump carried two of the 13 Texas seats that Democrats hold, the South Texas districts of Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez. Cuellars district went to Trump by 7 points, while Gonzalezs went to Trump by 4 points, according to analysis by NBC News Decision Desk. Cuellar won his seat by less than 6 points, while Gonzalez was victorious by less than 3 points, illustrating the slim margins at play in the region.

But the Times also reported that congressional Republicans from Texas professed little interest in redrawing their districts ahead of an election that historically would benefit the Democrats. Since 2003, Texas has spent the last several redistricting cycles maximizing the GOPs grasp on the House delegation. The states demographics have shifted in that time, leading to a worry that the move could wind up endangering Republicans more than hurting Democrats. When you add in California reportedly mulling a tit-for-tat redistricting effort and the long to-do list ahead of Texas lawmakers, the whole scheme seems very high-risk/mid-tier reward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Importantly, none of this affects the issue that Abbott claimed as the reason for needing redistricting at all. The Texas Republican Party didnt even bother repeating the governors false pretense in its statement on the special session, calling redistricting an essential step to preserving GOP control in Congress and advancing President Trumps America First agenda.

Cracking open Democratic-controlled districts to gerrymander in new GOP-leaning voters would more likely result in an increase in minority voters disenfranchisement. There would inevitably be even more lawsuits to that effect, slowing the new maps implementation. And while the U.S. Supreme Court has been unfriendly to the Voting Rights Act overall, the justices in 2023 ordered Alabama to redraw its districts to create a new majority, or near majority, Black district.

Despite the warning signs, Abbott still decided to move ahead with gerrymandering efforts just as Trump visits areas of the state affected by last weeks deadly floods. Abbotts willingness to exploit legitimate concerns over whether Texan minorities are being fully represented in Congress shows that he knows how risky the real reasoning is both politically and legally. Over the next weeks and months, this play could wind up being decisive in determining control of the House next year  or it could blow up in his and Trumps faces and leave members of their own party more vulnerable to losing their seats than before.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
When Head Start turned 60 in May, it wasnt just a milestone  it was a reminder of whats possible with federal investment in families and communities.

Since 1965, this program has helped more than 38 million children build a foundation for learning, health and stability. It pioneered a now widely lauded two-generation approach that fosters learning and development for young children by supporting their parents. Yet despite its innovative design and proven track record, Head Start has faced many attacks over the years due to political and economic turmoil: it was singled out for elimination in Project 2025  and for a few weeks in April, Head Start seemed unlikely to make it to 61.

Amid uncertainty about Head Starts future, the question to ask is whether the government will do whats needed to help the program  and our youngest generation  thrive.

Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

The immediate threat seems to have passed, but deep challenges to the program remain: chronic underfunding, political headwinds and a national conversation that too often excludes the early educators doing the work. These challenges have been even more acute since COVID-19. With the expiration of supplemental pandemic-era funding, many programs struggled to retain staff, maintain enrollment, or even keep their doors open. In some communities, waitlists for Head Start programs stretched for months. Some programs were forced to cut back services and reduce classroom capacity because of persistent staffing shortages. In 2023, more than 20% of Head Start classrooms were closed, many due to a scarcity of qualified staff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Head Start is the closest thing the U.S. has to a national preschool program, yet it reaches only a fraction of eligible children and families due to capacity challenges and income eligibility requirements. The narrow availability of free, accessible early learning programs makes the U.S. an outlier among peer nations, when it comes to the number of children who receive formal education before kindergarten. In 2022, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that the U.S. ranked No. 33 out of 38 developed countries for enrollment of 3- and 4-year olds in early learning programs.

To serve more children and families with important early learning opportunities, states and localities supplement Head Start funding with other investments in early education, building a patchwork system that is delicately woven together from multiple, insufficient revenue sources. This interconnected web of funding leaves local early education systems at risk when any one source is threatened.

Even in this constrained environment, local programs continue to deliver results. Thats why its essential to center the voices of the people who are closest to the work. A national working group of local early childhood leaders has been meeting monthly for the past year to navigate the challenges of implementing programs on the ground and to support each other in scaling high-quality early learning experiences for young children and their families.

These leaders have shared about how theyre streamlining intake processes to simplify enrollment, building stronger coalitions to support early learning programs, and developing workforce pipelines rooted in their communities. Despite limited resources, theyre building programs that are equitable, culturally responsive and designed around what families actually need, working closely with the communities they serve in designing their programs. Theyre reaching urban and rural families and children living in poverty everywhere, supporting children with disabilities, and acknowledging linguistic diversity  all while coping with persistent administrative burdens and workforce gaps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Head Start has been a major area of concern for them. As Becky Mercatoris, director of the Department of Children Initiatives in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania described in one of the meetings, When Head Start leaves, that impacts our childcare programs if we suddenly pull that piece of the Jenga puzzle out, theres a lot of unintended consequences.

Although the immediate budget threat has eased, Head Start is far from safe, and there have been proposed cuts to other federal programs that support families with young children. The budget request suggests eliminating the Preschool Development Grants that enable states to build stronger systems and the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program, which supports student parents through campus-based child care programs. Critical social safety net programs that help families meet basic needs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid are also threatened in Congress. Parents are already overwhelmed by the cost of housing, child care and even diapers. Many want to have more children but simply cant afford to. Why undercut programs that help them?

These threats to early childhood funding arent just policy decisions. Theyre reflections of national priorities. When budget pressures hit, programs for children and families are often the first to go. Thats not fiscal discipline  its shortsightedness. Investments in young children yield some of the highest public returns: better health, higher lifetime earnings and reduced need for social services later in life.

Head Start remains one of the most rigorously studied, community-rooted, and bipartisan-supported programs in the nation. Its success is evident. The path forward is clear. The federal government should increase investment so Head Start can expand access, especially for infants and toddlers; stabilize and strengthen the childcare workforce with better compensation and career development; and continue to listen to local providers, who are closest to families on the ground and understand what they actually need.

Underinvesting in Americas youngest children weakens families, constrains the workforce and stunts the countrys long-term economic growth. Head Starts first 60 years proved whats possible when the U.S. invests early and listens to the people doing the work. The next 60 will depend on whether our countrys leaders are willing to follow the evidence and deliver for Americas children.
In 2018, South Korea handed President Donald Trump the first trade victory of his administration.

Under the agreement, new South Korean steel export restrictions were put in place and more U.S. automakers could export their cars to South Korea.

The president hailed it as "a historic milestone," a "great deal for American and Korean workers" and a "fair and reciprocal" deal. That was probably overselling what amounted to a modest rewrite of a pre-existing trade agreement, but South Korea was happy to play along if it meant buying peace and quiet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When Trump took office in January, South Korea seemed well-positioned to weather the looming tariffs the president was eager to implement. But it was not to be. Earlier this week, Trump announced he would impose a 25% tariff on South Korean exports starting Aug. 1, unless its government agreed to even more concessions.

The new threat sent a message that resonated far beyond Seoul: Trump can't be trusted.

Foreign leaders have already noticed that nobody is safe from the mercurial temperament of the U.S. president and his endless appetite for tariffs and and a light-switch approach to flipping them on and off. So far in his second term, Trump has broken more trade deals than forged new ones, and the goalposts are constantly moving. The president inked a sweeping deal with Canada and Mexico in his first term, then turned around and launched another trade war earlier this year.

The behavior might earn the dealmaker-in-chief a new nickname: the dealbreaker-in-chief.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Monday, Trump blasted out letters to over a dozen trade partners threatening to reimpose tariffs on Aug. 1 if they didnt cut new trade agreements. South Korea was among the countries put on notice for a 25% tariff, and more are being posted on social media through the week.

We invite you to participate in the extraordinary Economy of the United States, the Number One Market in the World, by far, Trump said in the letter addressed to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Notably, the president left wiggle room to adjust the tariffs up or down based on his feelings about the outcome of the negotiations.

It was a far cry from the trade agreement with South Korea in 2007, the U.S.s first bilateral trade pact with a major Asian power, negotiated over 10 months under the second Bush administration in an environment where free trade was ascendant in both parties. It went into force five years later.

While Washington viewed that deal as key to its approach to the Pacific, the current fight is just one of dozens that Trump has started in recent weeks on large and small nations alike. South Korean officials are working hard to come up with an agreement that would please Trump, but progress has stalled as there's little clarity on what he even wants as the endgame.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are doing our best to bring about a result mutually beneficial to both sides, but we have been unable to establish what each side exactly wanted from the other side, Lee said last week.

While past presidents viewed South Korea as a valuable military ally against North Korea, an isolated totalitarian state that occasionally makes threats against the U.S., Trump sees it as a freeloader taking advantage of incompetent American leadership. In his first term he referred to the updated 2012 trade agreement with South Korea as "a horrible deal" and "a Hillary Clinton disaster" that was a "one-way street."

South Korea will probably have to accept the fact that Trump's idea of a good trade deal is a one-way street in his favor. The Trump administration touted a new accord with Vietnam last week that kept a 20% tariff on Vietnamese imports while clearing the way for U.S. exports to Vietnam to face no import taxes. Stephen Miran, a Trump economic adviser, praised it as an extremely one-sided deal.

But that doesn't mean it's a good deal for the U.S. exactly. After all, it's U.S. companies that will be forced to pay those tariffs. For smaller businesses that have long worked with Vietnamese counterparts to, say, build the furniture that they sell, the trade deal locks in higher prices for the near future and years of hassle as they try to reorient their supply chains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump has brought back mercantilism, the outdated economic theory that a nation's wealth and power were measured by exporting more than it imported. The U.S. and other world powers largely moved away from that model and toward more and more free trade after the Great Depression and World War II, when they realized that trade barriers hurt more than they helped.

Anti-tax conservative activist Grover Norquist summed it up in a discussion of tariffs at an April event with journalist Steve Clemons.

In trade wars, all the casualties are friendly, he said. Everybody doesnt shoot across World War I trenches at other guys. They shoot down the trench at their own team.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The defanging of Iran  chiefly by Israel, with a strong assist from President Trump and the U.S. Air Force  doesnt just signal a dramatic power shift in the Middle East. It is also a setback to Irans senior partners in the anti-American axis  Russia and China.

Neither has offered their battered ally anything more than boilerplate denunciations of Israel and the U.S. for violating international law. For now, at least, the fearsome Axis of Autocracies, bent on disrupting the U.S.-led global order  China, Russia, Iran and North Korea  looks rather brittle.

Dictators rarely make reliable allies. Apart from coveting absolute power, each has little in common with other nations despots. Their pacts tend to be opportunistic and fleeting. Even as the tide of war turned against them, for instance, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan never found a way to align their strategic goals or military strategies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alliances between liberal democracies seem to have more tensile strength. Thats because they are bound together by shared political beliefs and institutions, not just common adversaries.

Even Trump, the arch-realist, may be stumbling into that reality.

Having repeatedly threatened to pull America out of NATO, he reversed himself at last months summit in the Hague. The turnaround came after most European leaders agreed to hike their defense spending from 2 percent to 5 percent and heaped fulsome praise on Trump for knocking out Irans nuclear enrichment facilities.

In the afterglow of this unexpected show of Western solidarity, it is reasonable to ask if Trump also is capable of changing his disdainful approach to Ukraine. In a Thursday interview with NBC News, Trump appeared to be moving in that direction. He said he reached a deal to send Ukraine weapons via NATO, and NATO is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

By resuming U.S. support for Ukraines fight for freedom, the administration could score another foreign policy win by tilting Europes balance of power in the Wests favor.

Compounding Russias horrendous losses in Ukraine  250,000 battlefield deaths and nearly 1 million casualties  Israels devastating strikes on Iran and the fall of Syrias pro-Russian dictator Basher al-Assad last year have gravely weakened Moscows strategic position in the Middle East.

The Islamic Republic casts itself as the divinely sanctioned leader of an Islamic holy war to eradicate the Jewish state and drive America, the great Satan, out of the region. It provides theological justification, money and weapons to an extensive network of proxies including Hamas, Hezbollah, Yemens Houthis and other jihadist groups operating in the West Bank, Syria and Iraq.

Last January, Iran signed a 20-year strategic agreement with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin. Tehran has supplied Russian forces in Ukraine with medium-range ballistic missiles and thousands of Shahed drones, while also helping Moscow build its own drone production plants based on Iranian designs and components.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Syrias takeover by Sunni rebels has deprived Moscow of airbases and a local stage for acting out its great power ambitions in the region. The new regime pointedly refrained from condemning Israels attacks on Iran and has reportedly has started talks to normalize relations with Jerusalem.

Irans humbling also is a rude jolt to China, the most powerful member of the anti-American bloc. President Xi Jinping regards Iran as a useful partner in undermining U.S. influence in the Middle East. Beijing also sees Iran as the western anchor in its sprawling Belt and Road initiative, which is building infrastructure and overland trade routes across central Asia and into Africa.

But its main strategic interest in Iran is oil. Using an elaborate illicit shipping system to evade U.S. sanctions, Beijing buys vast amounts of cheap Iranian oil to fuel its industries and build up a strategic reserve. Its heavy reliance on Iranian oil makes China acutely vulnerable to disruptions from Middle East turmoil.

In short, a weakened Iran is bad news for both China and Russia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Can Trump capitalize on our adversaries setbacks? Fully unlocking the U.S. aid to Ukraine that Congress has already approved and paid for would be his strongest move. That would close a key rift with our NATO partners, deliver a major strategic reverse to Moscow and thereby devalue Xis heavy investment in his strategic partnership with Putin.

The hitch, of course, is that Trump shows little empathy for Ukrainian aspirations for independence and is weirdly deferential to Putins claims that Russias security demands Kyivs perpetual subservience to Moscow.

On the other hand, Trump is campaigning shamelessly for a Nobel Peace Prize. By giving Putin a strong incentive to negotiate a cease-fire with Kyiv, he just might earn one.

Europe stepped up aid to Ukraine after Trump turned off the spigots. But Kyiv relies heavily on intelligence assets and weapons only we can supply, especially Patriot air defense batteries to protect population centers from Russias ballistic missiles. Trump mentioned sending Patriot missiles to NATO for Ukraine during the NBC News interview.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All too familiar with Trumps transactional approach to foreign policy, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to buy the U.S. weapons it needs, with Europe mostly fronting the cash. But at that time, the White House approved only a pitifully inadequate $50 million in weapons sales.

Trump often seems to put greater store in preserving his personal relationship with Putin than in working with our allies to thwart Moscows neo-imperial ambitions in Europe. But geopolitics isnt an episode of Friends.

To Trumps bafflement, his Kremlin pal has repeatedly shown no interest in striking a peace deal with Kyiv thats anything short of surrender. Instead, he has been running a summer offensive, hoping to crush Ukraines will to resist, as America sits on the sidelines.

It is time for the president to put aside his bromances with tyrants and put Americas strategic interests first.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Will Marshall is founder and president of the Progressive Policy Institute.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Donald Trump is reportedly frustrated with Russian leader Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine war and is considering new sanctions and indirect military support via sales to NATO countries. But in his half year back in office, U.S. policy, on balance, has still shifted in an anti-Ukraine, anti-democracy, anti-NATO, pro-authoritarian, Russia-favorable direction.

We get a lot of bulls--- thrown at us by Putin, Trump told reporters at a White House meeting. Hes very nice to us all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.

But thats always been the case. Ukraine supporters have said so since the beginning (its part of why they chose to support Ukraine).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So Trump is frustrated, but with what?

Not that Russia aggressively invaded Ukraine. When Putin ordered that over three years ago, Trump gushed that it was savvy and genius. He has never denounced Russias attack as aggressive, illegal or wrong, nor expressed support for independence and sovereignty on principle. If anything, its been the opposite, as he threatens U.S. allies and partners, saying hell take Greenland from Denmark or the canal from Panama, both in violation of signed treaties.

Nor is Trump frustrated that Russia frequently fires at civilian targets. Trump sometimes laments the wars destructiveness, but always generically, without blaming Russia, like how people talk about natural disasters. To cite a recent example, Trump unspecifically said, So many people are dying in that mess. At a meeting in February at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump and Vice President JD Vance echoed Russian propaganda, blaming Ukraine for the war and denigrating Zelenskyys efforts to highlight Ukrainians suffering.

If Trump actually cared about Russia killing civilians, he never would have blocked aid for air defense. When he was asked at the news conference where he expressed frustration with Putin who ordered the pause, Trump said, I dont know. Why dont you tell me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Support for Ukraine later resumed (for now), though that too seems primarily geared toward managing Trumps image. His primary complaint is that Putin hasnt dealt fairly with him, not that Russias war is illegitimate.

Most likely, whats frustrating Trump is that events arent following his reality TV script, or Russia-sympathetic conspiracy theories. He promised hed end the war on his first day back in office, using pressure on the Ukrainians and his personal rapport with Putin to stop the fighting, and get himself a Nobel Peace Prize. Now that self-aggrandizing fantasy is crashing into reality.

Trump put Putin above U.S. national interests, and Putin hasnt returned the favor. Instead of prioritizing Trumps image-crafting, Putin keeps prioritizing Russias national power. Putin wouldnt even need to do much  he could just say this was all Joe Bidens fault and give Trump something flimsy he can call a deal  but Putin wont do even that. If anything, Putin seems to enjoy these displays of dominance, toying with Trump rather than giving him a fig leaf.

It may have finally been too much. Trump reportedly will authorize increased weapons sales to NATO countries, knowing theyre bound for Ukraine. If he follows through, it will improve Ukraines position, though even in that positive scenario it wont undo the damage from six months of farcical negotiations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the end of May, Trump expressed frustration that talks hadnt produced a deal and told reporters he might impose new sanctions on Russia. Then he didnt, supposedly because doing so would hinder negotiations. But he had already eased sanctions enforcement, reducing leverage over Russia before talks even began.

Congress is considering a new sanctions package, but Republicans wont do it without Trumps approval. Even if they pass it, enforcement could be lax and haphazard, and subject to the presidents moods.

Cultivating the presidents image is a different goal than ending the war. All it needs is something Trump can market as peace in the short term. In that way its similar to Trumps trade wars, seeking to tout deals that the president won, rather than advance U.S. national interests.

Trump could impose economic penalties on Russia  currently one of the few countries exempt from his so-called reciprocal tariffs  but it will take work just to get back to the level of the pressure under Biden. In the short term, announcing more military sales to Europe might get Trump a diplomatic reaction, but wont alter Russias core position, and, even with follow-through, will take time to impact conditions on the ground.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Occasionally pausing and overall reducing U.S. military aid to Ukraine made Russia less likely to negotiate, since battlefield gains improve their position in talks. Thats true even when some aid resumes, because the delays hinder Ukraines ability to fight, and make Russia think Ukraine will be weaker in the future. The only way to send a different message would be a big increase and credibly returning the American posture to unambiguously pro-Ukraine, with unqualified opposition to Russian aggression.

The fundamental truth of the Ukraine war today is the same its been since the beginning, no matter how many times Trump and others have denied it.

Putin attacked without provocation, for national and personal aggrandizement. He could stop it at any time, but chooses not to. Thats because he doesnt want peace, he wants to dominate Ukraine, and thinks the death and destruction hes causing is worth it.

Ukrainians, quite reasonably, don't want to bow down to a foreign tyrant. They werent somehow tricked or forced into resisting Russias invasion  they chose to fight for their freedom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That leaves only two possible paths to end the war:

1. Russia defeats the Ukrainian military, dismantles the Zelenskyy government and crushes Ukrainian independence.

2. Russia stops trying to conquer Ukraine, whether from a collapse of the war effort or deciding its no longer worth the cost, and either withdraws unilaterally or makes enough concessions that Ukraine takes a deal.

Only the second is a just peace with a chance of lasting, rather than another temporary pause in Russian aggression, during which they reconsolidate forces before attacking again.

But changing Russias calculus is hard. Itll take time and sacrifice. It will bother Putin fans in Trumps coalition, who genuinely want Russia to win because they see it as a culture war champion. It requires admitting that the Biden administration and Americas NATO allies got this one right from the start. And none of that is primarily about putting on a show to glorify Donald Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So you can see why hes frustrated.

If we see a sustained net increase in American weapons shipments and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, stepped up economic pressure on Russia, and real, sustained solidarity with NATO and democratic Europe, only then will it be true that Trump has changed his Putin-sympathetic position.

But to get a real peace deal, U.S. pressure must be high and sustained enough that Putin comes to believe hell get more by compromising most of his war aims than by continuing to attack while playing on Trumps combination of incompetence and susceptibility to manipulation. Given Trumps long record with Putin, thats a tough sell.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The Alvord Desert outside Burns in Harney County is one of the driest places in Oregon. Gov. Tina Kotek July 10 declared the first drought emergencies of the year for the state. (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has declared the first drought emergencies of the year for two counties on opposite sides of the state.

The governor signed two executive orders declaring drought emergencies on Thursday in Baker County along the northeast Oregon-Idaho border, and Lincoln County, on the Oregon Coast, ordering the states Office of Emergency Management and the Agriculture and Water Resources departments to assist the counties by expediting review processes and reducing fees for emergency permits to draw more water or temporarily transfer a water right.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both counties experienced below normal precipitation, higher temperatures, declining streamflow, and a decrease in soil moisture conditions. Lincoln County has been experiencing drought since May 27, and Baker County has since June 3, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a joint project of the federal Department of Agriculture, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Conditions are not expected to improve, according to a news release from the governors office.

To visit the state of Oregons drought declaration map, visit the Oregon Water Resources Department website.

Drought will likely increase wildfire risks and lead to economic impacts on farming, ranching, recreation, tourism and other natural resource sectors, according to the release. It could also shorten crop growing seasons in those parts of the state. Drinking water supplies, fish and wildlife are also at risk of harm.

Between June and November 2024, the governor issued four drought declarations starting with Jefferson County followed by Lake, Wallowa and Harney counties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Droughts are exacerbated by human-caused climate change, and in the West, droughts have become longer, more frequent and more severe, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  Two Centre County organizations are working to land a new airline at the State College Regional Airport.

The groups  the Chamber of Business and Industry in Centre County and Happy Valley Adventure Bureau  hope to bring Breeze Airlines to Centre County, offering direct flights from State College to Orlando, Fla., twice weekly, something the organization leaders said would be attractive to people in the region.

Whether for vacation or business, people in the region may have trouble returning home through various airports to State College. Organizers hope to change this, pointing out that Breeze Airlines has shown interest in considering the flights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More destinations, more locations, more connectivity for our community and outside the area for people coming in, Greg Scott, President of the Chamber of Business and Industry in Centre County, said. The idea of getting a flight to Florida is really attractive to our region. People vacation in Florida, theres business in Florida, and we have an incredible alumni network in Florida that wants to come back. They find it sometimes difficult to get back to State College.

The organizations are inviting the community to show their commitment with a non-binding pledge to fly using the new air service. They hope to show Breeze, or any potential future airline, that there is strong support and demand for direct flights to Florida from State College.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

So far, officials said the response from the community has been enthusiastic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For questions or concerns, you can email info@cbicc.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Genaro Molina/Getty Images

All eyes have been on Los Angeles since June 6, when protests erupted over sweeps by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that were taking place across the area as part of the Trump administration's broader onslaught of deportation. As of early June, ICE arrests since the beginning of Trumps second term, which began in January, have topped 100,000.

After authorizing the deployment of the National Guard to LA on June 8, President Trump took to Truth Social on June 15 to announce his intention to expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in Americas largest cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions and Millions of Illegal Aliens reside. He added, That is why I want ICE, Border Patrol, and our Great and Patriotic Law Enforcement Officers, to FOCUS on our crime ridden and deadly Inner Cities, and those places where Sanctuary Cities play such a big role."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Los Angeles is far from the only sanctuary jurisdiction in California with a sizable population that is vulnerable to President Trumps deportation efforts: In this region, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties were included in a now-retracted list that was released by the Department of Homeland Security of more than 500 sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide that the agency claims are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Though these counties are not themselves sanctuary counties, California is a sanctuary state  meaning there are strict limits on collaboration between state and local law enforcement and ICE.

Home to some 900,000 immigrants  over a third of whom, according to the University of Southern California's Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration, are undocumented  communities farther north in the Central Valley have also been increasingly on edge with the administrations intensified calls for mass deportations since President Trump's return in January. However, like those south of them, communities in the Central Valley are going to great lengths to protect one another from ICE.

Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take

Alyssa Leiva, 28, is one organizer who has been at the forefront of the movement to protect the Valleys communities from ICE. Leiva was born and raised in Stockton, CA, where more than a quarter of the population are immigrants; it was ranked in 2020 as one of the most racially diverse cities in the United States with a population of 300,000 or more by U.S. News & World Report. The anti-immigrant sentiment incited by Trump is deeply personal for Leiva, whose mother and grandmother emigrated to the US from Mexico.

My mom came to the country with my grandmother at six years old, says Leiva. Growing up in StocktonI had a lot of peers who were a part of an underserved community and were immigrants themselves.

Alyssa Leiva

Leiva began her advocacy work in high school, and later worked in local politics as district director for former Stockton councilwoman Kimberly Warmsley. A large part of her work, according to Leiva, focused on the south side of Stockton, and included advocating for the communitys sizable immigrant population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since the start of Trumps second administration, Leiva has been using her city council experience to collaborate with organizers across the Central Valley to combat increased ICE activity, distributing Know Your Rights materials in large cities in the Central Valley, such as Modesto and Merced. With heightened tensions in Southern California, Leiva and other activists have been working to start an action fund to assist with anti-deportation work.

Leiva also works with Central Valley BIPOC Coalition, which was started by 26-year-old activist Julissa Ruiz Ramirez in 2020. Ramirez immigrated from Mexico to the Central Valley as a child, and as a college student was a part of MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlan), an organization that combines Chicano unity with political activism. After Ramirez graduated from college in 2020, she and her comrades wanted to continue their political activism within their communities at home, which is how the Coalition was born.

We needed a space to organize and to continue the work we were doing," says Ramirez, "but also rooted in our values. A space thats rooted in liberation and love.

Most of the Central Valley BIPOC Coalitions work is concentrated in Stanislaus County, where the population of immigrants is 7% higher than the national average. But the organization has stepped in to provide assistance across the vast San Joaquin Valley, including Bakersfield  which is over 200 miles south of Stanislaus County. Though national media has mostly been concentrated on Los Angeles, Ramirez feels it is crucial for eyes to be on the Central Valley to properly address the plight of undocumented immigrants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

California is such an [economic] power worldwide, says Ramirez, referring to Californias status as the fourth-largest economy in the world, thanks in part to robust agricultural production. A lot of that is because of our people. A quarter of the nations fruits, nuts, and other food products come from the Central Valley, which is heavily reliant on migrant labor workers. These migrant labor workers make up the communities that Leiva and Ramirez are trying to protect.

In collaboration with other organizations, says Ramirez, Central Valley BIPOC Coalition has hosted several Know Your Rights meetings across the Central Valley. Due to the past months escalations, they quickly ran out of the 3,000 cards they created to distribute to their communities.

Celeste Irabien Arellano

Celeste Irabien Arellano

Sacramento is another sanctuary city in the Central Valley that has seen an uptick of ICE activity that threatens its immigrant population. NorCal Resist, an organization based in the California capital city, has mobilized to protect its neighbors by focusing on mutual aid and identifying the needs of the community, and then addressing them in an organic way, explains volunteer Giselle Garcia.

NorCal Resist, which is made up almost entirely of volunteers, partners with youth organizations across the region that need guidance in protecting their neighbors from ICE. One of the most direct ways they help is through an accompaniment program, in which volunteers join vulnerable community members for government appointments like court appearances. With more reports about ICE agents detaining immigrants at court hearings, this program has proved to be invaluable to the communities of the Central Valley, from their headquarters in Sacramento to 90 miles north in Chico.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Says Garcia, What we have developed in the last three and a half weeks is a schedule so that we have volunteers at the immigration courthouse around the clock, ready to support individuals.

In addition to moral support and connections to legal resources, the volunteers offer physical support: If we have enough [volunteers], they try to use their bodies to block ICE from being able to get their hands on individuals," Garcia says. "And then our volunteers escort them out of the building.

If ICE agents are successful in arresting people at an appointment, NorCal Resist volunteers collect all of the necessary information from these individuals so that we can triage them to legal support, Garcia continues. We file stays [for them] so they dont get sent to different facilities outside of California, and we connect with their families who are waiting at home for their loved ones and have no idea that they were arrested.

Central Valley BIPOC Coalition and NorCal Resist also work with the Valley Watch Network to assist with reporting on ICE activity. Launched by Faith in the Valley, a faith-based community organization that seeks to address issues of inequality in the Central Valley, the Valley Watch Network aims to address the Trump administrations intention to increase deportation  an action that threatens the fabric of our communities across the Central Valley, according to the group's official website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Garcia emphasizes the importance of the network in keeping communities safe while not allowing panic to fester. Weve been seeing a lot of people use this moment with immigration for clickbait. so were seeing a lot of false posts about ICE, she notes. We dispel these false reports so that people can feel a bit of relief. If they confirm that there is indeed ICE activity, an alert is sent out to the community so those without confirmed status can be prepared to avoid the area.

ICE Watch Programs Can Protect Immigrants in Your Neighborhood  Heres What to Know

*This op-ed explains how to start an ICE Watch neighborhood program in your community.*

These efforts have not been without significant pushback, however; Garcia claims that, recently, ICE has been barring all volunteers from accessing the federal immigration court in Sacramento, along with reporters and other members of the media. (Teen Vogue has reached out to ICE for comment.) Though the John Moss Federal Building on Sacramento's Capitol Mall was closed off beginning June 13 for immigration hearings, Garcia says it was open again after a week, when NorCal Resists began receiving legal support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They say it's our fault for protesting. But what are we gonna do? Were not stopping," Garcia tells Teen Vogue. "We still arrive every day at the court.

Central Valley organizers continue to face opposition to efforts to protect their immigrant neighbors from ICE, even when engaging in nonviolent protests. On June 14, several protesters in Modesto were arrested during the No Kings protest that took place across the country over the weekend. The Modesto Police Department released a statement claiming that individuals arrested were those who refused to remove their face masks. In 2019, Modesto City Council passed an ordinance that banned wearing face masks at protests.

This is while the police were wearing masks and covering [their own] faces, says Ramirez. (Teen Vogue has reached out to the Modesto Police Department for comment.)

Ramirez connects the practice of local police departments covering their faces to ICE agents doing the same while arresting people such as Rumeysa Ozturk in unmarked vehicles. This connection demonstrates that ICE threats impact more than just Latinx communities, which is something Empowering Marginalized Asian Communities (EMAC) Stockton hopes to address with its organization. Central Valley cities like Stockton host some of the nations largest Southeast Asian refugee populations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nikki Chan, co-executive director of EMAC Stockton, cites the organizations Rapid Response work as one of the main methods they use to help Southeast Asian community members who are vulnerable to ICE. Chan tells Teen Vogue she has witnessed an increase in deportations of Cambodian immigrants in the last year; during the first two years of Trumps first term, there was a 279% increase.

Many of the people EMAC Stockton aims to help are currently or formerly incarcerated individuals, by assisting them find lawyers and offering post-conviction relief to help pay for legal fees. These individuals are not undocumented; they are former green card holders who lose their immigration status once convicted of a crime. Many of those in need are Cambodian, Vietnamese, Laos, and Hmong folks who came to the Central Valley as refugees seeking asylum during the 1970s and '80s. Once they lose their status, these individuals have a host of other barriers that EMAC Stockton aims to address.

There is that layer of them coming here as a refugee, already doing their time, and then [being at risk] of deportation," says Chan, "which becomes a double punishment.

Given their uniquely immigrant-heavy community, organizers in the Central Valley are more committed than ever to standing up to Trumps increased mobilization of ICE. Thats why I started organizing in the Central Valley, says Leiva. Because its all connected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Weve held this core belief that if a movement were to be birthed in California, it is to be birthed in the Central Valley, says Ramirez.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

Want more Teen Vogue immigration coverage?
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson during a April 8, 2025, press conference at OPSO headquarters. (John Gray/Verite News)

NEW ORLEANS  A controversial new state law that creates criminal penalties for local law enforcement officers who do not fully cooperate with federal immigration investigations is set to go into effect next month, putting the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office in a legal quagmire.

For more than a decade, under a legal settlement in a federal civil rights case, the sheriffs office, which runs the New Orleans jail, has maintained a policy that places tight restrictions on how its employees can interact with federal immigration authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But beginning on Aug. 1, under Act 399 of 2025, Orleans Parish deputies who follow that policy could be charged with committing a felony and face up to 10 years in prison. On the other hand, if the sheriffs office goes against the policy and obeys the new state law, it risks violating a longstanding federal court settlement.

Will Harrell, senior program monitor for Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, said the agency already collaborates with U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement in ways that do not violate that court order  also known as a consent decree. In a phone interview Wednesday, he said the agency is constitutionally obligated to stay the course.

To the extent that the consent decree allows, we will cooperate with the [new] law. We already do, Harrell said, noting that the settlement was signed and ordered in place by a federal judge. The U.S. Constitution gives federal law precedence over conflicting state law. We feel that the proper position is to maintain our compliance with the consent decree.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sheriffs offices immigration policy  enacted in 2013 by then-Sheriff Marlin Gusman  prohibits Sheriffs Office deputies from initiating investigations into detainees immigration statuses and blocks the office from honoring most detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

When ICE makes a detainer request for a jail inmate, local jailers are authorized to hold that person in jail for a short period past their release date, without a court order. But honoring such requests is voluntary under federal law. And in most cases  other than those where the subject of the request is facing particularly serious charges  it is prohibited by the sheriffs offices policy.

The policy was adopted as part of a federal court settlement in a 2011 civil rights case. At the time, the sheriffs office accepted detainer requests. But according to the suit, it went beyond what federal law allowed. Two Hispanic construction workers alleged in the suit that after being picked up on minor charges, they were illegally held in the citys jail at ICEs request for months beyond their release dates, well beyond the 48 hours federal law allows for immigration detainers.

When he adopted the policy, bringing the suit to a close, Gusman said it would allow his office to cooperate with ICE, provided specific procedures are followed and that it was consistent with the provisions of another, much broader federal consent decree  meant to bring the long-troubled jail up to constitutional standards  that was adopted the same year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the state has recently sought to undo the policy by reopening the 2011 civil rights case that led to it.

In February, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill requested that the state become a party in the federal case that yielded the policy, in an effort to get the OPSOs immigration policy thrown out.

A federal judge has not yet decided if she will grant or deny the states request to intervene in the case. Harrell said until the judge makes that call, the agency is bound by the original consent judgement.

If the consent decree goes away then we have no choice but to cooperate with ICE in all cases of detainers and we will do that, Harrell said

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Landry, a conservative immigration hardliner and ally of President Donald Trump, and other top Republicans in the state have long sought to end so-called sanctuary policies adopted by local governments, specifically targeting the sheriffs offices policy and a similar immigration policy adopted by the New Orleans Police Department in 2016 as part of its own long-running federal consent decree.

Last year, the Louisiana Legislature, with Landrys support, passed Act 314, which prohibits government agencies from adopting or maintaining so-called sanctuary policies, taking aim at the OPSO policy. When that laws passed, officials in Hutsons office said that the agency would continue to comply with the federal consent judgement.

The newly passed law, Act 399, takes things a step further. Act 314 is a civil law, enforceable by court order and carrying no jail time for violations. Act 399, on the other hand, is a criminal law. Under the law as written, sheriffs office employees who refuse ICE detainer requests face felony charges of malfeasance in office, which carries a potential 10-year sentence in prison.

The new law also adds to the crime of obstruction of justice, making it a misdemeanor to knowingly  hinder, delay, prevent, or otherwise interfere with or thwart federal immigration enforcement efforts. Under the change members of the public can face up to a year in jail. Immigrant and civil rights advocates have called the language in the law vague.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bruce Reilly, deputy director of New Orleans criminal justice reform group Voice Of The Experienced, called the new law an example of government overreach.

I think the legal question may be, Can the state pass a law that forces people to be deputized by federal agencies? Reilly said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Voters in Arizona will determine next week whether theyre ready to send the first Gen Z woman to Congress when they head to the polls to vote in the Democratic primary for the 7th Congressional District special election.

Deja Foxx, 25, a social media influencer and reproductive rights advocate, got her first taste for politics at sixteen when she went viral for confronting GOP Senator Jeff Flake. But she sees herself as battle-tested for the new political landscape.

I have a decade of advocacy experience, and right now, it is clear that Democrats dont know how to fight back. I intend to stand up to Republicans and show Democrats what it looks like, she told the Daily Beast.

Deja Foxx speaking at a campaign event ahead of the special election Democratic primary for the vacant Arizona 7th District seat. / x.com/Deja_Foxx

Foxx is one of a handful of candidates running to fill the seat left vacant by late Rep. Raul Grijalva, who represented Arizona for more than 20 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her opponents include former state lawmaker Daniel Hernandez and Adelita Grijalva, daughter of the late congressman and a former Pima County Board of Supervisors member, who is seen as the frontrunner in the race.

But a recent poll showed Foxx surged 25 percentage points in just over a month to 35 percent, putting her within striking distance of Grijalva.

She has the backing of David Hogg, the gun control advocate and recently exited DNC official, who has upset party leaders with his plan to help candidates challenge longtime Democratic incumbents in primaries. He is headed to Arizona to campaign with her Friday night.

David Hogg (pictured) briefly served as vice chair at the DNC but has ruffled feathers in the Democratic Party by backing primary challenges. He is headed to campaign with Foxx and suggested Mamdani style surge in the primary. / Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Hogg has argued Foxx is what Congress needs, not only because of her age but because of her lived experience, which he said in a video, far too many members of Congress can only pretend to know.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has pointed to Zohran Mamdanis upset victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary and noted Foxx has been closing the polling gap in a similar fashion.

While the landscapes of the race are different, Hogg likened Foxx closing the polling gap to how Zohran Mamdani did in the final stretch of the NYC primary. / Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The party has been grappling with criticism as older lawmakers attempt to hold onto power. Foxx is one of several younger Democrats who have launched bids for Congress, calling for change in Washington.

We have failed to have a hard conversation about age in this party. We have failed to build a new generation of leadership, and it has real consequences for families like mine who are left holding the bag, Foxx said.

While the Arizona primary could not be further away from the concrete jungle, the results along the border with Mexico will still shed more light on where the party is headed as voters decide whether to elect a new generation. Foxx also sees some parallels with the New York race.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This race has always been about predictability versus possibility, she said. Im running against somebody who has a legacy last name, who is branded the obvious choice, and had electeds lining up for endorsements right out of the gate.

In just one week, she recently clocked in more than 1,200 miles of driving as she met with people across the district. She claimed her candidacy has been met with enthusiasm by people of all ages, but she has seen a particular surge in activity among young people despite the July heat, when engagement is generally expected to be low.

Foxx pointed to her campaigns social media strategy, which gained her around 30 million views in 30 days on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. She insisted it is not supposed to happen in a special election primary buried in the middle of summer on an off year in Arizona.

I wasnt born on a path to Congress. I grew up relying on food stamps, Medicaid and Section Eight housing. Its everything that Republicans are trying to cut in real time, and the difference between me and them is that I have lived what they debate in DC, Foxx said.

Deja Foxx takes a selfie as she campaigns in Arizona's 7th Congressional District ahead of the Democratic primary July 15. / x.com/Deja_Foxx

While the lines in the race are more blurred between the establishment and progressives, a stark divide remains amid the debate taking place nationwide about the partys future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It is a case study that will change the kind of candidate that is recruited, funded, and endorsed all across the country in the 2026 midterms, Foxx said of the race.

Grijalva, 54, has the backing of prominent figures ranging across the Democratic spectrum from Arizona Senator Mark Kelly to Senator Bernie Sanders. She has pushed back on being dubbed establishment despite her long experience in local politics, name recognition advantage and close party ties.

Hernandez, 35, is a gun control and LGBTQ advocate who has touted his fight for the states working class. Hes backed by centrist New York Rep. Ritchie Torres.

Whoever wins the special election primary is considered a shoo-in to join Congress later this year, as the district is considered a Democratic stronghold. Whoever wins will face off in the Sept. 23 general election.
Russian independent media outlet Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of 118,139 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine, the BBC reported on July 11.

The media outlets' latest data covers the period from Feb. 24, 2022, to July 11, 2025. Since it was last updated at the end of June, 2,282 additional Russian military personnel have been confirmed killed.

The journalists noted that the actual figures are likely significantly higher, as their verified information comes from public sources such as obituaries, posts by relatives, memorial community tree-plantings, regional media reports, and statements from local authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Moscow and Kyiv rarely officially report their losses, and the Kyiv Independent could not verify the figures. Ukraine estimates that Russia's overall casualties during the full-scale war have surpassed 1 million.

The investigation has identified 523 foreign nationals from 28 countries who were killed while serving in the Russian army, despite not holding Russian citizenship at the time they signed military contracts.

Among the killed are 54 Ukrainians, most of whom were prisoners from Russian-occupied territories.

The largest number of foreign casualties came from Tajikistan  72  and Uzbekistan  66, with many recruited from Russian prisons. Most had signed contracts with the Wagner mercenary group, according to the investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The journalists also managed to identify the killed citizens of Nepal and Georgia, mostly natives of Moscow-occupied South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The list of those killed also includes an American, Michael Gloss, the son of a deputy director of the CIA, who signed a military contract in September 2023 and was killed in April 2024.

Read also: Russia targets life  Russian attacks kill 9, injure 42 over past day, damaging maternity hospital in Kharkiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Its been a week since the deadly flash floods hit central Texas and so far at least 121 people have been confirmed dead. The search for those still missing is in its seventh day as thousands of volunteers and officials scour the area.

And the numbers have not changed much despite all those efforts.

According to CBS, Texas officials reported that there are still more than 170 people unaccounted for after the floods, 161 of those are in Kerr County. Survivors have not been found since July 4.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The number of missing people might not be completely accurate, however, and searchers face many challenges as they work to find the missing.

Reuters indicated that often the number of people reported missing in a natural disaster turns out to be much greater than the eventual actual death toll. Heres a look at how this happens.

How many people are actually missing?

Members of Orange County Task Force One search for missing flood victims in Kerrville, Texas, Friday, July 11, 2025. | Ashley Landis

According to CBS, names are added to the list of missing people as worried members of the public, unable to reach a relative or friend, report the name to local authorities and to crowd-sourced online databases, and it gets added to a list that can grow distressingly long.

Confusion and uncertainty play a role in how many are reported missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the flash floods hit Texas last weekend, several hundred people were reported missing but investigators were able to whittle down that number by learning some residents were counted twice and others were found alive, per The Associated Press.

Similar things have happened in disasters in the past. As many as 1,100 people were believed to be missing in the 2023 Maui fire, but the total death count came to be much lower at 102, per the AP.

We need to keep an accurate count, as accurate as possible, Jonathan Lamb of the Kerrville Police Department said to the public on Wednesday, per the AP. So if youve reported somebody missing and theyve been recovered safely, please let us know.

Getting through the list of missing people in a disaster can be both meticulous and time-consuming work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott gave a message to anyone who is contacting the police about a missing person: If you make a prank call or provide false information, thats a crime, he said, per the AP. So you better be correct.

The missing people list for the Texas floods could still change significantly.

Its possible that people listed as missing dont even know they are on the list because of power issues, a phone being dead, while some people are safe but staying at shelters.

Challenges searchers face as they search for missing people

Thousands of officials and volunteers have spent the last week searching through the flood-affected zone to find people who are still unaccounted for, according to reports. But these searchers are bound to run into a number of challenges caused by wreckage and debris along with the environmental conditions, according to NPR.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore told NPR that search efforts can be painfully slow due to piled-up debris that must be carefully removed. Honore led the effort to bring military relief to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and since then hes spent years working on disaster recovery operations.

Its not like bringing the excavator in and start moving debris. Youve got to take it off a piece at a time and respect that that might be a person under the next piece of wood youre picking up, Honore said, to NPR.

These large pieces of debris can include overturned cars, felled trees and piles of mud. Search efforts were also slowed by rain that fell after the initial floods hit.

The Kerrville Police Department posted on social media asking volunteers to not use heavy equipment to tear down large piles or pieces of debris due to the possibility that a victim could be inside.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A search for victims of a water disaster comes with unique and distinct challenges, per the AP. The water carries the victims and sometimes they are found miles away from where they went missing.

So the water has a tremendous impact on where you look and when you look, Honore said, per NPR.

The searchers are using all the technology available to them as well as cadaver dogs as they sweep through the area.

Theyve got a lot of boots on the ground now. And this is going to be long, arduous work to find all the remains. And the governor has committed to finding everyone. And thats going to take weeks, if not months, Honore said, per NPR.

What happens when remains are found?

According to NPR, when searchers find remains they call in the emergency response people for it to be documented. The remains are taken in a body bag to a holding area where people work to identify who the person is.

DNA can be used to identify bodies. People who have reported relatives missing may be asked to provide their DNA because the remains may not be recognizable.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  New Mexico is set to receive over $4.3 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for upgrades at three New Mexico airports. The grants are funded through the FAA Airport Improvement plan.

NMDOT warns of traffic ticket text scam

Funds will go towards upgrades at the Albuquerque International Sunport, Artesia Municipal Airport and Socorro Municipal Airport. When we invest in New Mexicos airports, we invest in the people who rely on these facilities to do business in our state, create jobs and contribute to our economy, Senator Martin Heinrich said in a release.

Funding Breakdown

Albuquerque International Sunport

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

$3,656,508 for rehabilitating 10,500 feet of terminal access road.

Artesia Municipal Airport

$128,250 for phase 1 (design) of a project that rehabilitates 6,800 feet of paved runway.

Socorro Municipal Airport

$600,000 for final phase (construction) of a project that constructs a new 2,700 square foot snow removal equipment building.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
JACKSONVILLE, Ark.  The Arkansas Department of Transportation announced Friday that highway 67/167 (Interstate 57) in Jacksonville will close for bridge and lane work.

According to officials, they will fully close the highway and frontage road between Vandenberg Boulevard and North James Street starting Sunday night, July 13, through Wednesday morning, July 16.

Crews will temporarily stop traffic in 15-minute intervals between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night, to perform bridge work on all southbound lanes of Highway 67/167 and John Harden Drive, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jacksonville family business says 17 guns were stolen from their shop

ARDOT also announced that both northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 67/167 (Interstate 57) will be reduced to one lane overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Friday night, July 11, through Friday morning, July 18.

Traffic will be directed with police assistance, signs, message boards, barricades, and construction barrels, ARDOT said.

Harrowing dashcam footage captures deadly big-rig crash in Southern California

The construction is part of a $145.2 million project under ARDOTs Connecting Arkansas Program that includes widening 2.5 miles of Highway 67 to six lanes and reworking multiple interchanges and frontage roads in Jacksonville, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For more information, visit ConnectingArkansasProgram.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Overnight storms brought damaging winds and flooding to parts of central Iowa and more are expected to cause flooding concerns heading into the weekend.

A round of thunderstorms arrived late in the evening, causing tree damage in Greenfield, Guthrie Center, and Melo among other locations. As they arrived in the metro, more damage was reported along with power outages. At one point overnight, around 30,000 people were without power in the Des Moines metro area.

The storms caused high wind gusts, including a 74mph wind report at the Des Moines airport. Other locations in and around the metro reported winds near 70mph.

These storms also brought heavy rain. Des Moines recorded the highest total at 1.77. Several other locations saw totals near if not over an inch. Heres a list of more rain totals from 6PM Thursday to 6AM Friday:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Des Moines: 1.77

Atlantic: 1.76

Ankeny: 1.28

Ames: 1.06

Audubon: 0.89

Knoxville: 0.84

Grinnell: 0.79

Boone: 0.73

Fort Dodge: 0.71

Marshalltown: 0.63

Webster City: 0.30

Iowa Falls: 0.29

Carroll: 0.29

Hampton: 0.24

Perry: 0.20

Clarion: 0.20

Pella: 0.13:

Osceola: 0.12

Oskaloosa: 0.06

More scattered storms are expected through the day today. Redevelopment will happen across the state. Cells that fire up in southeastern Iowa will carry a higher severe weather risk. All modes of severe weather will be possible. By tonight, storms should wrap up, paving the way for a quieter and drier weekend.

Well continue to keep you posted if storms become severe and on the flooding risk on-air and here on who13.com.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  Hospitals across Kentucky are bracing for big funding cuts to Medicaid after Congress passed changes supported by President Trump. Owensboro Health says 1 in 3 Kentuckians use Medicaid. Leaders warn it could shut down programs that thousands rely on and even force some rural hospitals to close.

Our payments are going to be cut back over a ten year period from today, $2.4 billion and at the end of the ten year period, it will be $235 milliona 90% reduction, which is essentially taking the payments away, says Nancy Galvagni, the President and CEO of the Kentucky Hospital Association.

For many Kentucky families, Medicaid is the only way they can see a doctor, get mental health care and even afford treatments that mean the difference between life and death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A recent proposed bill by President Trump would reduce funding drastically leaving 11.8 million Americans at risk of losing their health coverage.

KHA argues the change could result in hospital shutdowns.

Many of our urban hospitals are 70% government patients, but when you get in some of these rural areas it could be 80% [or] 90% government patients. Theyre still having to treat the patients. Theyre still having the cost of their staff, the services and the suppliesthat hasnt changed, says Galvagni.

Dozens of organizations signatures were added to a letter expressing to to leaders the importance of payments coming to hospitals, including Owensboros RiverValley Behavioral Health and Owensboro Health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

really every hospital in Kentucky, along with our house members, encouraging them to continue to work to get the house provisions in the final legislation, says Galvagni.

RVBH treats thousands of patients every year for mental health and addiction.

They credit Medicaid funded services as the foundation of recoveryhelping children stay in school, keeping adults in the workforce and holding families together.

Owensboro Health argues the change could harm access to care for all patientsnot just those covered by Medicaid.

If you have insurance be it Medicaid, Medicare, whateveryou can have coverage, but if you dont have any place to get the service, its like having a cut in your benefits, says Galvagni.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials say the change could be implemented as soon as January 2028 and facilities have already begun planning for what services will look like if no adjustments are made to reduce the severity of the cuts.

Galvagni says theres a way the public can help while KHA continues the fight.

help us by letting their members of Congress know that they need their local hospitals and that the cuts went too far, says Galvagni.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
ST. LOUIS  St. Louis entrepreneur Dallas Holland-Mims is rebuilding her business empire after a tornado destroyed her establishments along Delmar Boulevard in May.

Despite the devastation, Holland-Mims is opening a new headquarters on Olive Boulevard, which will provide office space, mentorship and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The tornado that struck Delmar Boulevard wiped out several of Holland-Mims businesses, including a restaurant, a trade school and a daycare.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

I probably lay in the bed and cried for about a week because of the devastation of losing all five of my businesses, she said. On week two, I got up and I had several people reaching out to me saying they could house my businesses. And I just decided to not go on Delmar and God sent me on Olive.

Her new headquarters, Beyond Holdings, is not just a rebuilding effort but an expansion.

Beyond Edu, her trade school, is once again enrolling students, and she is also opening a drug diagnostics center.

Holland-Mims plans to reopen her restaurant, Beyond Sweet Kitchen & Bar, this winter and will introduce a new Asian-soul restaurant called Donna this summer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KTVI. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KTVI staff before being published.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Owner of popular NoDa beer shop charged with embezzlement

Jason Scott Glunt, 43, owner of Salud Beer Shop in NoDa, was arrested Thursday on felony tax charges filed by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

ALSO READ: NoDa spot named Best Beer Bar in the country for 3rd year in a row

Glunt, 43, of Charlotte, was charged with nine counts of embezzlement of state property, involving approximately $442,914 in North Carolina sales taxes, DOR officials stated Friday in a news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The alleged embezzlement occurred from July 1, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2019, and Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2024.

Indictments allege that Glunt, as the managing member of Salud, LLC, doing business as Salud Beer Shop / Salud Cerveceria, aided and abetted the business in embezzling, misapplying, and converting state property for its own use.

Salud is on North Davidson Street in the heart of NoDa.

During this time, Glunt was responsible for collecting, holding in trust, and remitting North Carolina and Mecklenburg County sales tax to the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

Glunt appeared before a Wake County magistrate and was placed under a $150,000 bond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He is out on bond and his first court appearance is scheduled for Monday in Wake County Superior Court in Raleigh.

The charges against Glunt resulted from an investigation conducted by special agents with the Departments Criminal Investigation Division in Raleigh.

VIDEO: New permit rules coming for NoDa street vendors under 6-month pilot program
Police have reported a man and a woman to prosecutors over the death of two dogs that were left locked in a hot car.

The Maltese and Alsatian Lurcher Cross were spotted in distress by members of the public on Thursday afternoon, in a car parked in Linwood, Renfrewshire.

Officers gained access to the vehicle and took the dogs to a vet, but both were found to be dead on arrival.

Police Scotland said the owners, a 53-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, are the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the incident.

The force is urging people to follow the Scottish SPCA guidance on dog care during hot summer weather.
(Getty Images)

One of the largest nursing home operators in Pennsylvania filed for bankruptcy Wednesday, listing the commonwealth among its biggest unsecured creditors.

Based in Kennett Square, Chester County, private equity-backed Genesis HealthCare said in a statement Wednesday that the petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection would permit it to pursue a reorganization plan with minimal disruption.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It said the reorganization would allow staff to retain their positions, pay and benefits so that patients and residents would continue to be served by providers they trust. Genesis operates 42 facilities in Pennsylvania and a total of 175 across the country.

We assure all those who rely on us for care that we remain fully focused on and committed to providing the high-quality care you have come to expect, and we thank you for your continued confidence, Lauren Murray, the companys chief operating officer, said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

A Shapiro administration official said Thursday that Genesis HealthCares bankruptcy is another example of a bad outcome when private equity investors become involved in health care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Governor Josh Shapiro strongly believes that private equity should get out of the nursing facility business in Pennsylvania, Department of Human Services Press Secretary Brandon Cwalina said.

Among his budget priorities this year, Shapiro proposed a plan that would prevent investors from stripping money and resources from nursing facilities, community hospitals and other health facilities. The measure is awaiting action in the state Senate,

In April, Crozer Health System closed its two remaining hospitals in Delaware County after its parent company Prospect Medical Holdings declared bankruptcy. Efforts to keep Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital open were unsuccessful, leaving the suburban Philadelphia county of nearly 600,000 people with only two emergency rooms.

Previously owned by Los Angeles-based private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners, Prospect was saddled with $1.3 billion debt as its owners took more than $645 million in dividends and fees, according to ProPublica.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Genesis bankruptcy filings list $708.5 million in secured debt, which the company proposes to satisfy through the sale of its assets to a stalking horse bidder affiliated with the primary secured creditors. The bankruptcy petition also lists nearly $800 million in unsecured debt to creditors who include the Internal Revenue Service, vendors and the recipients of legal settlements.

Pennsylvania is Genesis fourth largest unsecured creditor with a $58 million claim for taxes the state collects from some providers participating in Medicaid.

In its bankruptcy filings, Genesis asks the court to approve $30 million in debtor-in-possession financing from its primary creditors that would allow the company to continue operating, pay its employees and maintain business relationships during the course of the bankruptcy proceedings.

The companys bankruptcy comes amid uncertainty over how the federal budget reconciliations $1 trillion cut to Medicaid over ten years will affect providers across the country. The effect on the state budget, which was due June 30, is also uncertain. Shapiro noted Monday that Pennsylvania would lose billions it cant afford to backfill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The state Department of Human Services says cuts could result in more than 310,000 Pennsylvanians losing Medicaid coverage. Some 270,000 could lose access to marketplace plans or face steep premium increases.

Advocating for Seniors, an association of long-term care providers across the country, said underfunding in Pennsylvania coupled with reductions in the states Medicaid reimbursement rates are a major cause of Genesis financial distress.

DHS recently proposed reimbursement rates for nursing facilities, called the budget allocation factor, that would provide long-term care providers only 80% of their calculated reimbursement costs. Those are already based on audited costs and the care needs of patients, according to the association.

Long-term care facilities cannot keep their doors open in this chaotic and unreliable environment, said Brittany Crampsie, spokesperson for Advocating for Seniors

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dropping reimbursement rates, staffing ratios that facilities struggle to meet and a late state budget with no certainty about funding for nursing homes will put residents in peril, Crampsie said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Facilities are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Some are closing. Many more are considering that option. We need increased funding in the budget now, she said.

Cwalina said DHS works to ensure Medicaid recipients have access to quality nursing facility services while operating within the funding the General Assembly appropriates in the state budget. He said its inaccurate to say the budget allocation factor is what is pushing nursing facilities to the brink of closure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The process for setting the rates and the use of the budget allocation factor is set in state law and the proposed rate assumes that funding in the 2024-2025 budget will remain level. If the amount of funding changes, the rates would be revised.

In the case of Genesis HealthCare, this is another private equity-backed health care organization that has bled dry by greed and mismanagement. Genesis owes the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania  and its taxpayers  $58 million, and like every taxpaying-resident of Pennsylvania, they should pay their fair share, Cwalina said.

Last month, the state House passed legislation proposed by Shapiro to give the state Attorney Generals Office oversight of mergers and acquisitions involving health care companies, prohibit sale-lease back agreements, and require health care facility buyers to submit financial and operational disclosures to the state.

Less than a decade ago, Genesis was the largest skilled nursing operator in the nation, with over 500 facilities and 60,000 beds in 30 states, according to a court filing. The growth strategy wasnt profitable and it began to divest unprofitable facilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The COVID-19 pandemic struck another blow and Genesis narrowly avoided bankruptcy in 2021 with a $100 million injection of capital from private equity firm ReGen Healthcare.

It also renegotiated its master lease with landlord Welltower, a health care focused real estate investment trust, to which the company owes more than $112.6 million, according to court documents. Welltower is the largest owner of senior housing facilities in the United States, according to Hindenberg Research, which specializes in forensic financial research.

The companys legacy costs, which include $8 million a month in settlement and defense costs associated with personal injury and wrongful death claims, proved insurmountable, the court papers say.

Genesis said in a court filing that in the first half of the year, it has engaged in negotiations with its creditors to negotiate the terms of a comprehensive solution and entered bankruptcy with a clear and defined exit path.
A view of the Pennsylvania state Capitol building from State Street in Harrisburg. (Tim Lambert/Pennsylvania Capital-Star).

Another proposal that would legalize recreational cannabis in Pennsylvania was introduced at the state Capitol Thursday, this time by a bipartisan pair of senators.

But the measure from Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Democrat Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) seems unlikely to pass any time soon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Listen to Ian and Emilys audio recap here:

https://penncapital-star.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11ikCANQwebaudio.mp3

The bill comes as state budget negotiations push nearly two weeks past the June 30 deadline. Republican and Democratic negotiators have struggled to agree on how to curb the states budget deficit while funding their parties priorities.

Posting on Facebook after the new bill was introduced, Laughlin warned, Were at the point where tax increases are being discussed in Harrisburg to balance the budget. Revenue from a tax on legal cannabis, he said, could provide an alternative solution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

But the leader of his own party in the Senate, Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana), has already thrown cold water on the proposal.

Discussions surrounding the state budget continue to progress, and we remain committed to a final agreement, which will help to address the structural deficit facing our commonwealth, Pittman said in a statement provided to the Capital-Star. However, I do not see a prevailing view for legalization of recreational marijuana within our caucus as part of the current budget.

The latest bill would legalize cannabis use for Pennsylvanians age 21 and over, and allow possession of up to 30 grams of flower, five grams of concentrate, and 1,000 milligrams of THC contained in marijuana-infused products like edibles. It would also impose a 6% sales tax and an 8% excise tax on all cannabis products.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Non-violent cannabis convictions would be automatically expunged. Eligible inmates would be released from incarceration.

Recreational cannabis is already legal in 24 states, including five of the six that border Pennsylvania  West Virginia being the exception.

Democrats in Harrisburg have broadly supported recreational marijuana legalization for some time, and Gov. Josh Shapiro has repeatedly called on lawmakers to act. But the idea has struggled to gain traction in the GOP-controlled Senate.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Earlier this year, senators shot down another cannabis bill backed by Democrats that passed the House on partisan lines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Unlike Laughlin and Streets measure, it would have seen cannabis sold in state stores, like liquor, which was a nonstarter for Republicans and some Democrats.

Following the bills rejection, Pittman called the Houses approach unserious and said it took that issue five steps back.

The state store model was staunchly opposed by the cannabis lobby, which represents many of Pennsylvanias medical dispensaries, as well as some of the largest players in the industry nationally.
EAGLE BUTTE, SD  Its Day 3 of the Cheyenne River Youth Projects 11th Annual RedCan Invitational Graffiti Jam, and the action is moving to CRYPs Waniyetu Wowapi (Winter Count) Art Park. The nine headlining graffiti and street artists will be painting and mentoring youth artists in the park while children and teens enjoy a variety of arts-related activities.

Later today, community members and guests are invited to a free evening meal hosted by the volunteer group from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, as well as several live performances on the Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park stage. Details are below.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

Meanwhile, around the city of the Eagle Butte, the eight RedCan 2025 large-scale murals are now complete. A list of mural sites can be found below, and a digital map also is available at https://bit.ly/RC2025Map.

SCHEDULE OF FREE ACTIVITIES:

Friday, July 11: Art Park

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Painting in CRYPs Waniyetu Wowapi (Winter Count) Art Park

11 a.m.: Art activities

12 p.m.: Spray painting, chalk painting

1 p.m.: Skateboard painting (ages 6-18)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

2 p.m.: Field Day games and Lakota dance exhibition

3 p.m.: Spoken-word performance from Tate Walkers students

5 p.m.: Tate Walker performance

5:30 p.m.: Community dinner hosted by volunteer group from University of Missouri-St. Louis

6 p.m.: Bazille performance

Saturday, July 12: Art Park

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Painting in CRYPs Waniyetu Wowapi (Winter Count) Art Park

11 a.m.: Art activities

12 p.m.: Spray painting, chalk painting

1 p.m.: Skateboard painting (ages 6-18)

2 p.m.: Hoop-dancing class with the Sampson Brothers

3 p.m.: Water games

5:30 p.m.: Community dinner hosted by CRYP

6 p.m.: The Sampson Brothers performance

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ARTISTS:

Returning artists include Cyfi, a Yaqui and Azteca artist from Minneapolis; 179, a Latine artist from Seattle; Hoka, an artist of Oneida, Oglala Lakota and La Jolla Band of Luiseno descent from Albuquerque; TamiJoy, a Cheyenne River Lakota artist; Minneapolis-based artists Biafra and Wundr; and Amp, a Ponca artist from Kansas.

Joining RedCan for the first time is Lady Rise, P'urhepecha from Michoacan, Mexico. Born in California to a family of migrant farmers and raised amid the Chicago graffiti art scene, the artist currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CRYP also has announced a second new RedCan artist: J.Duh, a Nicaraguense artist and muralist from San Jose in Californias Bay Area. For more than a decade, he has painted murals, created traditional hand-painted signs and designed public artwork across the West Coast.

GUEST PERFORMERS:

Guest performers for 2025 include Cheyenne River Lakota storyteller Tate Walker; Cheyenne River Lakota and Crow Creek Dakota rap artist, producer and sound designer Bazille; and renowned Mvskoke Creek/Seneca hoop dancers The Sampson Bros.

As always, the Cheyenne River-based Wakinyan Maza drum group will begin and end each day with songs and a blessing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

2025 COMMUNITY MURAL SITES:

CRST Property & Supply Warehouse: 719 Jefferson St., Eagle Butte (Artist: LadyRise)

Si Tanka Trailer: Located on East Landmark Avenue between CRST Fitness Center & Sacred Heart (Artist: J.Duh)

Golden Rule: 213 S. Main St. (Artist: 179)

Sturdevants, East Side: 826 N. Main St. (Artist: Hoka)

911 Building: 126 S. Main St. (Artists: Biafra & Wundr)

Woyute/Old Dakota Chapel: 24339 US Highway 212 (Artist: Amp)

Old Nursing Apartments: 18 F Street W, 14 F Street (Artist: Cyfi).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CRHA Maintenance Shop : 24305 US Highway 212 (Artist: TamiJoy)

To purchase our new RedCan 2025 merchandise featuring artwork from longtime RedCan headliner 179, visit www.lakotayouth.org/shop/redcan-merchandise. All purchases directly benefit CRYPs youth programming and services.

To learn more about this years RedCan artists and performers, and to make a tax-deductible contribution to support RedCan 2024, visit www.lakotayouth.org/redcan.

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
By Asif Shahzad

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -A Pakistani court on Friday suspended an order seeking to ban the YouTube channels of more than two dozen critics of the government including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a defence lawyer said.

Alphabet-owned YouTube this week told 27 content creators that it could block their channels - including those of journalists and Khan and his opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf - if they failed to comply with a judicial magistrate court order seeking to ban them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A regional communication manager for YouTube did not respond to a Reuters request for a comment.

The judicial magistrate court in Islamabad had said it was seeking the ban after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency criticised the channels in a June 2 report for "sharing highly intimidating, provocative and derogatory contents against state institutions and officials of the state of Pakistan."

The decision to suspend the order was taken by an additional sessions judge, said Imaan Mazari, the lawyer for two of the YouTube content creators.

In Pakistan, an additional sessions judge is a judicial officer who presides over a sessions court, handling both civil and criminal cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Our submission is that the order has no legal basis. It was a one-sided decision without giving defence a chance to be heard," Mazari said.

She also said the magistrate court had no jurisdiction over the matter.

The next hearing in the sessions court is on July 21.

In Pakistan's judicial system, cases start at civil and judicial magistrate courts and appeals are heard in high courts and the Supreme Court.

Digital rights campaigners say that any ban would further undermine free speech in Pakistan, where the authorities are accused of stifling newspapers and television, and social media is seen as one of the few outlets for dissent.

(Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Palmer's Bar owners: 'The situation was no longer sustainable' originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

The owners of Palmer's Bar took to Facebook late Wednesday to offer a "better, more complete explanation" behind their decision to close the 119-year-old business.

Pat and Sarah Dwyer cited the "current economic environment, peoples changing drinking habits, and the challenges of losing so many other bars and businesses" in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. They said Palmer's has been losing between $10,000 and $30,000 per month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The situation was no longer sustainable," the Dwyers wrote. "We cut expenses as much as possible and adjusted prices where we could and it just wasnt enough to climb out of the hole we were falling into."

The iconic Minneapolis dive bar and music venue announced last week that it was closing in mid-September. Specific details weren't shared at the time.

Related: Palmer's Bar, iconic dive once named among the best in US, to close

The Dwyers say they explored a worker-owned collective, "but burdening the staff with this magnitude of loss is not fair to them."

The couple says they also worked with a commercial real estate broker last year to try to find a buyer for Palmer's but the response was "a unanimous 'hard pass,'" until they finally received and accepted an offer from its "next door neighbors," who plan to use the building as a community space.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque and the Islamic Civic Society of America, both at 504 Cedar Ave., are directly next to Palmer's at 500 Cedar Ave., but it wasn't immediately clear whether they're the new owners.

According to property records, an entity managed by Patrick Dwyer, 500 Cedar LLC, purchased Palmer's building for $475,000 in May 2018. No other property sale record for 500 Cedar Ave. has been posted yet to Minnesota Department of Revenue's public database.

"We may have failed in your eyes, and we promise you this has been the hardest decision we have ever had to make, but the alternative was an orange sticker on the locked door with no notice to staff or patrons," the business' post reads.

The Dwyers also alleged that their former partner in Palmer's had caused financial discrepancies in the business a few years ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When we bought Palmers, it was with a trusted partner that we had worked with for over 18 years," the Dwyers wrote on Facebook. "In 2022, we discovered that trust and partnership was broken, leaving Palmers in dire financial and operational straits.

Minnesota Monthly's Jason DeRusha reports that the former partner, Tony Zaccardi, withdrew more than $379,000 from Palmer's business accounts in 2021, according to a 2023 divorce filing, which alleges that Zaccardi relinquished his and his wife's interest in the bar to the Dwyers without her consent.

Zaccardi is a local musician and former Grumpy's Northeast bartender who became an owner of Palmer's in 2018.

Patrick Dwyer is a co-owner of Grumpy's Northeast, where he and Zaccardi met more than 20 years ago. He was described as a "nearly silent partner" in Palmer's in a 2022 Minnesota Monthly feature.

Palmer's Bar at 500 Cedar Ave. in Minneapolis.Google

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Attorney General Pam Bondi scrambled Thursday to discredit a Justice Department whistleblower accusing DOJ leadership of planning to ignore court orders, piling more pressure on her leadership amid an intense backlash to her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

We support legitimate whistleblowers, but this disgruntled employee is not a whistleblowerhes a leaker asserting false claims seeking five minutes of fame, Bondi fumed on X.

Erez Reuveni, a former justice department attorney, filed a complaint to the Senate last month alleging that senior DOJ official and federal judge nominee Emil Bove suggested in a March 14 meeting that DOJ staff should say f--- you to courts and defy any order blocking migrant deportation flights from taking off to the CECOT megaprison in El Salvador the next day.

We support legitimate whistleblowers, but this disgruntled employee is not a whistleblower  hes a leaker asserting false claims seeking five minutes of fame, conveniently timed just before a confirmation hearing and a committee vote. As Mr. Bove testified and as the Department https://t.co/NEU8ZidH65  Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) July 10, 2025

The DOJ fired Reuveni on April 11, after he admitted in court that officials mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia on one of those flights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, the whistleblower submitted new evidence to the Senate, including internal DOJ messages that appear to support his claim that Bove said the DOJ might have to ignore court rulings.

Bondi launched a fierce defense of Bove, who has denied the allegation, in her X post.

No one was ever asked to defy a court order, she wrote. This is another instance of misinformation being spread to serve a narrative that does not align with the facts.

At a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in June, Emil Bove said under oath, I did not suggest that there would be any need to consider ignoring court orders. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Forced to walk back her February claim that a client list was sitting on her desk, she was ridiculed online by frustrated Trump supportersmany of whom had hoped his return to office would finally expose secrets about powerful elites.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In his first public interview since coming forward, Reuveni told The New York Times that the Trump administration displayed a troubling disregard for the law.

Pam Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

If they can do this sort of thing to Abrego Garcia, to 238 people that nobody knows, and send them to CECOT forever with no due process, they can do that to anyone, said Reuveni, who worked at the agency for more than 14 years before his firing. It should be deeply, deeply worrisome to anyone who cares about their safety and their liberty, that the government can, without showing evidence to anyone of anything, spirit you away on a plane to wherever, forever.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a Salvadoran migrant who lived in the U.S. legally with a work permit and was erroneously deported to El Salvador in March. / Abrego Garcia Family / Abrego Garcia Family/REUTERS

He accused the DOJ of thumbing its nose at the courts, and putting Justice Department attorneys in an impossible position where they have to choose between loyalty to the agenda of the president and their duty to the court.

Boves nomination to serve as a judge on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals is likely to advance after a key swing vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Thom Thillis (R-NC), said he will probably support him, according to Politico.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  The City of Panama City has announced its annual Back to School supply drive that will be held from Monday, July 14 to Wednesday, August 6.

According to a news release, the donations gathered from the drive will provide necessary materials for Bay District School students and teachers.

The City said it wants to pass last years supply drive, where they collected over 3,000 donations from City staff and the community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To help reach this goal, City Hall staff will be competing to see which department can donate the most supplies and the winning department will be announced on the first day of the 2025-2026 school year on August 11.

Anyone can drop off donations to the rotunda in City Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The City said the following are the most needed items for the upcoming school year:

Glue sticks

Notebooks

Pencils/pens

Colored pencils

Markers

Crayons

Backpacks

Pocket folders

Highlighters

Index card

Post-it notes

Dividers

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BRENTWOOD, Mo.  Panera Bread, the national chain that originated in St. Louis name under the local St. Louis Bread Co. name, plans to shut down one of its local fresh dough facilities later this year.

According to a WARN notice from the State of Missouris job website, the Panera Bread facility is planning to close by Sept. 12, 2025, and 72 employees will lose their jobs as a result.

The fresh dough facility set for closure is located at 2511 S. Hanley Avenue in the City of Brentwood, Missouri, according to a letter Thursday from Alycia Gonzalez, a Chief People Officer for Panera.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The letter states that the closure is expected to be permanent, and all affected employees will be offered a severance package and outplacement services. The planned layoffs include 17 tractor-trailer drivers, several bread mixers, packers and panners, and management positions.

Tilden man accused in sexual abuse charges involving minors

Neither the letter, nor the WARN notice, cited a specific reason for the closure.

However, as FOX 2 reported last month, Panera Bread is phasing out its traditional fresh-dough production model nationwide and moving to a par-baked model. Under this system, bread and other baked goods are partially baked off-site by partners, then finished in-store at Panera locations throughout the day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The company says the transition began last year and expects the shift to be completed sometime in 2026. Panera officials previous previously noted the move aims to streamline operations and ensure consistent product availability.

A spokesperson for Panera bread shared this statement Friday morning on the planned fresh dough facility closure:

Great bread is at the heart of the Panera experience and will always be the foundation of who we are. Last year, we began a nationwide transition to a new baking model that helps us to have greater availability of the breads our guests love, ensuring quality while allowing us to expand innovation and variety. In this model, we partner with expert artisan bakery producers who follow Paneras time-honored recipes and use our high-quality ingredients to craft bread that is finished baking in our cafes throughout the day.

We deeply value our team members, and this is especially true in our hometown of St. Louis. We are committed to supporting them through this transition with resources, career opportunities and guidance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Founded in the St. Louis region in 1987 as the St. Louis Bread Company, the chain quickly became a local favorite and was acquired by Au Bon Pain Co. Inc. in 1993. The chain was later rebranded to Panera Bread nationally, but continues to operate under the Saint Louis Bread Co. name locally.

Today, Panera operates more than 2,000 locations across 48 states, which includes dozens of locations in the St. Louis region.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.




NEED TO KNOW

Panera Bread settled all lawsuits related to its discontinued Charged Lemonade, which was linked to multiple deaths and health issues due to its high caffeine content

The suits, including wrongful death claims and cases involving lasting cardiac injuries, were dismissed with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled

Panera denies liability but has since pulled the drink from menus, added warnings and cited a shift toward lower-sugar, lower-caffeine beverage options





Panera Bread has settled all remaining lawsuits tied to its since-discontinued Charged Lemonade beverage, which had been blamed for multiple deaths and serious health issues due to its high caffeine content.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, July 10, attorney Elizabeth Crawford of Kline & Specter, PC, who represented the plaintiffs in all four cases, confirmed to PEOPLE that the matters have all been resolved, and declined to elaborate. Panera also acknowledged the settlements, initially reported by NBC News, and offered no further comment.

The controversial drink first drew national attention in October 2023, when the parents of 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student Sarah Katz filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Katz, who had a pre-existing heart condition, went into cardiac arrest after drinking a Charged Lemonade, according to the complaint. That same month, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice.

Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Dispensers for Charged Lemondade at Panera Bread Dispensers for Charged Lemondade at Panera Bread

Additional lawsuits soon followed. According to previous reports by PEOPLE, one filed by the family of 46-year-old Dennis Brown alleged he died after consuming three Charged Lemonades in one visit. Brown had a chromosomal disorder and high blood pressure, and typically avoided energy drinks, his family alleged in court documents.

Two more cases involved individuals who survived but suffered lasting health effects. One suit claimed that 28-year-old Rhode Island resident Lauren Skerritt, an occupational therapist with no prior medical issues, developed permanent cardiac injuries after drinking multiple Charged Lemonades in April 2023. Another, filed on behalf of Pennsylvania teen Luke Adams, alleged he had to be resuscitated hours after consuming the beverage, PEOPLE reported at the time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All three cases were dismissed with prejudice earlier this week, meaning they cannot be refiled.

The lawsuits filed against Panera described Charged Lemonade as a dangerous energy drink and accused the restaurant chain of failing to adequately warn customers. A large 30 oz. cup, when served without ice, contained 390 milligrams of caffeine  nearly the FDAs recommended daily limit for healthy adults  in addition to the stimulant, guarana extract.

Panera has denied liability in the lawsuits but made several changes after the initial filing in 2023. The company removed Charged Lemonade from self-serve stations, added warning signage, and, by May 2024, pulled the beverage from menus entirely as part of what it called a menu transformation.

We listened to more than 30,000 guests about what they wanted from Panera, the company said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time, noting a shift toward drinks with low sugar and low-caffeine options.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Before its removal, Paneras website listed 260 milligrams of caffeine in a regular-sized Charged Lemonade, and 390 milligrams in a large, similar to the chains Dark Roast coffee.

Following the lawsuits, signage in some Panera locations instructed customers to request the drink at the counter rather than serving themselves. It remains unclear whether all self-serve stations have been fully phased out of all dine-in locations.

Read the original article on People
Democratic Sens. Edward Markey and Ben Ray Lujan have penned a letter to newly confirmed FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty urging her to support a full commission vote by the agency on the pending $8 billion Paramount-Skydance merger instead of through the delegated authority of its media bureau.

Many observers believe approval of the deal has been held up by President Donald Trumps $20 billion lawsuit against CBS and 60 Minutes. The parties recently agreed to settle that dispute for $16 million, though it did not include a statement of apology or regret from the network.

More from TheWrap

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Markey and Lujan argued the settlement has cast a shadow over the Skydance deal and that it raises serious questions about Paramounts rationale and its implications for media independence. They added that the FCC owes the public a transparent, deliberative process on such a high-profile and controversial issue.

For that reason, we urge you to insist that the FCC conduct its merger review with the utmost transparency, including holding a full Commission vote on any order to approve the merger, they wrote. The Commission cannot turn a blind eye to this context.

The FCC, which is required to review the deal due to a transfer of broadcast licenses, typically makes decisions within an informal 180-day timeline, though that is not a strict deadline. The merger review for Paramount-Skydance is currently on day 238, per the FCCs website.

Both Paramount and FCC chairman Brendan Carr have previously said that the lawsuit and settlement talks with Trump were unrelated to the agencys review.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Carr has warned that all options remain on the table in the agencys separate, ongoing investigation into alleged news distortion related to the Kamala Harris interview, including potentially revoking CBSs broadcast license if the network is found to have violated the agencys public interest standard.

As part of that investigation, CBS agreed to turn over the video and transcript of the Harris interview, which was subsequently opened up to a public comment period that ended on March 24.

Representatives for the FCC did not immediately return TheWraps request for comment on the letter and merger review.

The FCCs lone Democrat commissioner Anna Gomez, who has also called for a full commission vote on the Skydance deal, recently blasted Paramounts settlement, calling it a desperate move to appease the administration and secure regulatory approval, adding that it sets a dangerous precedent for the First Amendment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For months, it has been clear that this lawsuit was entirely meritless, just like the complaint now before the Commission. The transcript and video of the 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Harris show no evidence of wrongdoing, only the standard editorial judgments used across the news industry to ensure clarity and brevity, Gomez said. Had Paramount chosen to fight this in court, they would have prevailed on the facts and the law. But instead of standing on principle, Paramount opted for a payout. That decision now casts a long shadow over the integrity of the transaction pending before the FCC.

She added that approving the transaction behind closed doors and under the cover of bureaucratic process would be a shameful outcome that denies the American people the transparency and accountability they deserve, especially when press freedom is at stake.

The Paramount-Skydance merger recently triggered its second automatic 90-day extension, which has pushed the final closing deadline to Oct. 6. If the deal is not closed by then, Paramount and Skydance would have the option to terminate the deal, which would not be subject to the agreements $400 million breakup fee.

The post Paramount-Skydance Deal: Democratic Senators Urge FCCs Olivia Trusty to Support Full Commission Vote appeared first on TheWrap.
PARIS (Reuters) -A French probe into Elon Musk's social media platform X deepened on Friday, when the Paris prosecutor's office said it had enlisted police to investigate suspected abuse of algorithms and fraudulent data extraction by the company or its executives.

The move adds to the pressure on Musk, a former ally of U.S. President Donald Trump who has accused European governments of attacking free speech and has also voiced support for some of the region's far-right parties.

French police could conduct searches, wiretaps and surveillance against Musk and X executives, or summon them to testify. If they do not comply, a judge could issue an international arrest warrant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

X did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Paris prosecutors launched a preliminary probe in January, after receiving complaints of alleged foreign interference by X from a lawmaker and a senior French official, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said in a statement.

On July 9, after preliminary findings provided by researchers and French public institutions, they asked police to investigate X "as both a legal entity and through individual persons".

The alleged crimes are "organised interference with the functioning of an automated data processing system" and "organised fraudulent extraction of data from an automated data processing system".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Paris prosecutors' latest investigation of powerful tech figures may deepen a rift between Washington and European capitals over what sort of discourse is permitted online.

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of the Telegram messaging app, is under judicial supervision in France after being arrested last year and placed under formal investigation for alleged organised crime on the app. He denies guilt.

Durov's arrest, which Musk criticised, ignited a debate about free speech that has been taken up by senior Trump officials.

Musk has used X to personally support right-wing parties and causes in France, Germany and Britain. After months in lockstep with Trump, he recently broke with the president over his federal budget, and he is now launching his own political party.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Writing by Gabriel Stargardter; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Kevin Liffey)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Parmelee, South Dakota man was sentenced to federal prison time after being convicted of assaulting, resisting and impeding a federal officer.

Beresford man pleads guilty to killing 3 in 2023 crash

According to a press release from the DOJ, 32-year-old Lonnie Running Bear Jr. was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Nov. 21, 2024, Running Bear was arrested by Rosebud Sioux Tribe law enforcement following at a disturbance at the Parmelee community center. As he was being placed into the patrol vehicle, he kicked the arresting officer multiple times in the chest, according to the press release.

Running Bear pled guilty to the crime on April 7, 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Electric vehicle bursts into flames, snarling morning traffic on Mass. Pike

An electric vehicle burst into flames near Bostons Prudential Tunnel during the Friday morning commute, prompting officials to close part of the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Troopers and firefighters responding to a report of a car fire on the westbound side of Interstate 90 just beyond the tunnel around 7 a.m. found flames shooting from an electric vehicle, according to Massachusetts State Police.

For the safety of motorists and first responders, officials closed the roadway and diverted all traffic, the law enforcement agency said in a statement. The engulfed vehicle is electric and will take several hours to extinguish.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MassDOT initially estimated that the closure would remain in place throughout the morning, but all westbound lanes reopened shortly before 9:30 a.m.

State police said several passing drivers also struck debris in the road from the fire near mile marker 133.

Video shared with Boston 25 News showed white foam coating the roadway, cruisers blocking all travel lanes, and gridlock traffic.

Drivers were advised to seek alternative routes and avoid the area during the closure.

There was no immediate word on injuries to those involved in the incident.

The emergency response comes just hours after a man was killed in a crash near the citys Sumner Tunnel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Russia's intention to drastically escalate its drone attacks, potentially launching up to 1,000 drones per day, but noted that Ukraine already has effective countermeasures.

Since January, Russia has significantly intensified its aerial bombardments across Ukraine, consistently breaking records for the amount of firepower deployed and the resulting civilian casualties. Overnight on July 9, Russia launched what appears to be its largest missile and drone attack against multiple Ukrainian cities, with the far-western city of Lutsk coming under the heaviest attack of the war.

Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on July 10, Zelensky added that Russia aims to destabilize Ukraine through prolonged air raids. "The second story they (Russians) have is a plan for 1,000 drones... 700-1,000 drones per day. Now, if our partners hear everything I have discussed with them, we will shoot down everything (down)," Zelensky said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The President added that Ukrainian scientists and engineers have found a proven effective technology from several manufacturers that can counteract the Iranian-designed Shahed drones. Ukraine will be able to mass-produce such counter-drones, but requires appropriate funding: "We have found a solution as a country. Scientists and engineers have found a solution. This is the key. We need finances. And we will raise it," Zelensky emphasized.

The president's remarks follow earlier warnings from Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, Commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces.

On July 4, Brovdi warned that Russian Shahed drone strikes could escalate to 1,000 per day, prompting Ukraine to consider relocating its drone production. "Under the pressure of increasing mass use by the enemy of a cheap, but everywhere accessible Shahed... There will be 1,000 units (launched) per day and more," Brovdi said in a social media post, adding, "I am not scaring anyone," and that his warning is based on intelligence analysis.

Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi previously said that the effectiveness of Shahed interceptor drones stands at 70%, nearly twice as high as that of mobile fire groups. While the latter remain relevant, interceptors reportedly lack radar. The Unmanned Systems Forces acknowledge the good results shown by interceptor drones but caution that it is too early to guarantee consistency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read also: You think the end has come  as Russian attacks on Ukraine escalate, Kyiv grapples with terrifying new normal

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An Oklahoma technology university announced it has formed a partnership with the Caddo Nation to give its members enhanced training in the renewable energy and construction fields.

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, which is based in Okmulgee, said it will work with the Caddo Nation Economic Development Authority to have the new program operational by fall.

The partnership will offer programs focused on renewable energy development, construction and infrastructure, environmental remediation and utility development to create more career opportunities and support nation building by assisting in orphan well cleanup and solar energy initiatives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brandon Dinsmore, tribal outreach and workforce program specialist, said the university does not know how many students will participate in the skills programs and are still determining tuition rates. The training will primarily take place at the Caddo Nation campus in Binger.

This partnership represents a transformative moment for our Nation, said Bobby Gonzalez, Caddo Nation chairperson, in a statement. By joining forces with OSUIT, were not just creating jobs  were building the foundation for generational prosperity and economic sovereignty that will benefit our people for decades to come.

More: Oklahoma flooding 2025: Here's how you can prepare your home, family in case of a flood

The Caddo Nation has entered into a partnership with Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology to provide solar training.

How the program works

Participants in the program can earn micro credentials, a program focused in a small area of study that upon completion, demonstrates the understanding of specific skills that are required in a workforce. If a participant decides they would like to obtain a degree toward a specific program, they convert those into college credit. Participants will also be able to earn industry certifications in non-credit training programs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This agreement exemplifies OSUITs commitment to serving Oklahomas diverse communities, said Trey Hill, vice provost at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, in a statement. Our industry-aligned programs and state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect foundation for preparing Caddo citizens for high-paying careers in these rapidly growing sectors.

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology has previously pursued partnerships with other tribes, including Cherokee Nation Career Services and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to develop a fiber technician training program. They have also partnered with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Division of Commerce to develop a culinary program.

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 Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OSU Institute of Technology, Caddo Nation partner for job training




NEED TO KNOW

Plane passengers were stranded for over 17 hours and made to sleep on "rows of beds" in the airport after a "disruptive" couple caught smoking onboard forced a captain to divert to Maine

The TUI flight had been traveling from Cancun, Mexico, to London's Gatwick Airport on Tuesday, July 8

"Everybody was fed up," passenger Terry Lawrance, 66, recalled of the incident





Plane passengers were left stranded at an airport in Maine for over 17 hours earlier this week after a couple were caught smoking in the bathroom mid-flight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Tuesday, July 8, TUI Airways flight BY49 took off from Cancun, Mexico, heading toward London's Gatwick Airport shortly after 4 p.m. local time. However, it had to be diverted to Bangor International Airport in Maine, per the flight tracking website Flightradar24.

Terry Lawrance / SWNS Rows of beds are pictured as passengers wait at Maine's Bangor International Airport Rows of beds are pictured as passengers wait at Maine's Bangor International Airport

Before it switched destinations, the captain of the jet reportedly announced that two passengers had been smoking in the restrooms, adding that if it were to continue, he would have to land at another airport, reported the Associated Press.

Terry Lawrance / SWNS Rows of beds are pictured as passengers wait at Maine's Bangor International Airport Rows of beds are pictured as passengers wait at Maine's Bangor International Airport

After another three hours and 30 minutes passed, the captain told passengers the flight would be diverting to Maine. The plane reportedly landed at 9:30 p.m. local time, and the two people who had allegedly been smoking were taken off the flight.

British passenger Terry Lawrance, 66, claimed that people then sat in their seats for a further five hours, with the plane even taxiing to take off. However, due to legal working hours, the original flight crew ended up not being able to continue staffing the flight back to London.

Terry Lawrance / SWNS Rows of beds are pictured as passengers wait at Maine's Bangor International Airport Rows of beds are pictured as passengers wait at Maine's Bangor International Airport

TUI confirmed to PEOPLE that the plane had been diverted for safety reasons after some passengers onboard had become "disruptive."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The airline added that a relief flight had been readied immediately, but due to U.S. immigration laws, passengers were not able to exit the terminal while waiting.

Terry Lawrance / SWNS Rows of beds are pictured as passengers wait at Maine's Bangor International Airport Rows of beds are pictured as passengers wait at Maine's Bangor International Airport

"This is now a case for the U.K. authorities, and we cannot comment any further on the disruptive nature of the passengers," a TUI spokesperson said.

The flight back to London's Gatwick Airport ended up taking off on Wednesday, July 9 at 3 p.m. local time, and videos taken by passenger Lawrance showed rows of beds of passengers waiting for updates before its departure.

He claimed that passengers were kept in a room inside the military airbase section of the airport, for over 15 hours as the airline worked to sort out a new crew before the flight eventually took off.

Terry Lawrance / SWNS A photo of vehicles approaching the plane after it was forced to divert A photo of vehicles approaching the plane after it was forced to divert

Lawrance recalled, "We were there for over 12 hours - it all went pear-shaped. Everybody was fed up," per the Associated Press.

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.

Terry Lawrance / SWNS Terry Lawrance Terry Lawrance

"In fairness, they started bringing out airbeds, but it was like free-for-all for vultures," Lawrance continued. "It was like a warzone in a lounge - rows and rows of beds. All our luggage was still on the plane whilst we waited."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"TUI told us a relief crew was being sent from the U.K. because the current crew had used up their hours," the passenger added.

TUI confirmed to PEOPLE that all passengers are now safely back at home.

Read the original article on People
Pastor speaks out after teen DoorDash driver killed in random Rock Hill shooting

A 17-year-old was just getting off work from DoorDash when Rock Hill police said he was shot and killed at random.

READ MORE: Suspect arrested in fatal Rock Hill shooting of 17-year-old

The shooting happened on June 27 as ZyDerec Massey was driving down Finley Road near downtown Rock Hill.

Channel 9s South Carolina reporter Tina Terry was in court Friday as the suspected shooter, Zykemian Williams, faced a judge and family members of the victim.

Hes accused of murdering the young man who was just trying to get home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats the tragedy of it all when an innocent bystander, a young man, is actually doing the right thing, said C.T. Kirk, pastor at Sanctuary of Life Outreach Center.

Massey just finished making a DoorDash delivery and was driving on Finley Road when a bullet flew into his car and seriously injured him.

He died a short time later.

Williams fired the deadly gunshot, police said. He was captured Thursday and charged with murder.

Its unclear what Williams was shooting at, but police said three adults tried to hide evidence of the crime and have been charged as accessories.

Now, we see you can be an innocent bystander, and your life get cut down, said Kirk, who hosts a youth camp on Finley Road. His goal is to reach young minds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We got to push for putting guns down, Kirk said. If we cant deescalate a situation as men and women, guns not going to be the solution. 

Its still unclear why the suspect fired that gun in the first place.

He is in jail tonight with no bond.

VIDEO: 1 killed in Rock Hill shooting, suspects in custody
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI)  The Pawtucket city employee whos facing animal cruelty charges related to an investigation at a Warwick home last month faced a judge Thursday morning.

Jeff Almeida, who turned himself in at the Warwick Police Department last week, is charged with five misdemeanor counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals.

The charges stem from an investigation at the Negansett Avenue home where Almeida used to live.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officers stopped by the home earlier this year after a 911 hang-up call. Police said the man who lived there, identified as Michael Gast Jr., was combative with the officers and appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Gast, 30, was eventually subdued and brought to Kent Hospital for evaluation. The officers determined that he placed the 911 call, but its still unclear why.

RELATED: Pawtucket employee charged in animal cruelty investigation

An affidavit obtained by 12 News revealed that the home was in deplorable condition.

The floors were filthy, stain-covered and had an overwhelming odor of urine and feces, which were scattered throughout the residence, the affidavit said. There was discarded food and trash in the kitchen, which attracted bugs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The affidavit went on to explain there was a couch that was completely ripped to shreds in the living room and very long cobwebs that extended from the ceiling to the middle of the walls throughout the home.

There was also bird food strewn about on the floor and cages that appeared to have not been cleaned in months, according to the affidavit.

The officers who searched the home discovered a dead dog and parrot. There were also five animals still living in the home, including a 1-year-old coonhound, a 7-year-old English toy spaniel, a 12-year-old Abyssinian cat, and two 15-year-old African gray parrots.

MORE: Warwick man accused of animal cruelty, assaulting police

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Almeida admitted to police that he had been living at the home up until two weeks prior, which the affidavit states doesnt coincide with the severity of the condition of the residence.

He also said he was aware that one of his dogs was having trouble breathing and was likely dying, but he didnt check on its condition, per the affidavit.

Almeida pleaded not guilty Thursday and was released on $5,000 personal recognizance pending his next court date, which is slated for August.

Pawtucket spokesperson Chris Hunter confirmed that Almeida works for the city as a human resources coordinator. 12 News asked about his employment status but has not yet heard back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, Gast is charged with five counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals, two counts of simple assault, malicious killing of animals, unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting in death, and resisting arrest.

Court records indicate that Gast was arrested nearly three weeks after posting $10,000 surety bail in a separate case. He is currently being held as a bail violator and will return to court next week.

Jeffrey Almeida (Courtesy: Warwick Police Department)

Michael Gast Jr. (Courtesy: Warwick Police Department)

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
John Cornyn, an ally of Senate leader emeritus Mitch McConnell, is relying on a familiar dynamic to ensure victory in a race where polling shows he may be down by as far as 22 points.

The Texas senator received a shot of adrenaline on Thursday. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, his Republican primary challenger, announced a separation and impending divorce from his wife, state Senator Angela Paxton, who cited biblical grounds for their differences.

It was a development that was as expected as it was laden with potential political opportunity for Cornyn, who is running behind his opponent even in a survey commissioned by the McConnell and John Thune-tied PAC, Senate Leadership Fund (SLF). Paxton went through a messy impeachment fight in 2023; he survived, but in documents published as part of the process, Uber records showing him traveling to the residence of an affair partner were made public.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Make no mistake: this is going to get ugly. Even if Cornyn himself doesnt jump into the gutter, the groups tied to him and his allies happily will, as they try to use Paxtons long history of personal and political scandals to weigh down and ultimately defeat the attorney general and would-be senator. The Texas Senate race is one (though not the easiest) of the avenues for Democrats to win back majority control of the Senate next year, a crucial step in halting the presidents legislative agenda.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) was the first dive in on Thursday. Like SLF, the NRSC is closely tied to GOP leadership and works to protect incumbent senators as well as back challengers to Democrats.

John Cornyn is running as far as 22 points behind his Republican primary challenger, Ken Paxton, according to one survey (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

What Ken Paxton has put his family through is truly repulsive and disgusting, said Joanna Rodriguez, the NRSCs comms director, on Thursday. No one should have to endure what Angela Paxton has, and we pray for her as she chooses to stand up for herself and her family in this difficult time.

And if Angela Paxtons own statement is any indication, Thursdays development stemmed from an as yet unreported conflict between the couple, given that she tweeted that her decision came in light of recent discoveries and her husbands affair has been in the public eye for two years.

Ken Paxton announced his impending divorce on Thursday with his wife citing recent discoveries as her reason for separation (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Yes, the seemingly obvious issue of candidate quality is rearing its ugly head again for the Republican Partys far-right wing. Paxton, who is running a MAGA-aligned campaign against RINO Cornyn (without President Donald Trumps endorsement, so far) is just the latest example of an ultra-conservative Republican who could be bogged down by personal scandal and whiff an otherwise winnable election. McConnell, retiring next year, has worked for much of his career to keep such candidates from his party out of general election contests, though not always with success.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2022, McConnell, then minority leader, famously downplayed his partys chances of winning the Senate in that years midterm contests in an interview over the summer, months before the elections. He cited candidate quality as a key factor. Months later, after the election, he unloaded on Trump for being the source of that problem as he sought out Republicans who would put loyalty to him and his false claims about the 2020 election over other factors when awarding his endorsement.

We ended up having a candidate quality test, McConnell said in December of 2022, pointing to the defeats of Kari Lake in Arizona and Herschel Walker in Georgia.

He added: Our ability to control the primary outcome was quite limited in 22 because the support of the former president proved to be very decisive in these primaries.

Trump appeared to learn his lesson, at least somewhat, and in 2024 his party retook the Senate on the back of several of his endorsed candidates, such as Bernie Moreno in Ohio and Tim Sheehy in Montana. The party still ran Royce White, who got busted spending his previous campaigns money at a strip club in Florida, in a race against Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cornyn, for his part, made clear earlier this year that he believes that a win for Paxton in next years primary would mean defeat for their party in the general election.

"Im absolutely determined to run and to win  if I didnt think I could win, I wouldnt run," he said in late June, according to Houston Public Media. "Ive simply labored too long in Texas Republican politics to turn the seat over to Democrats in November. ... Any suggestion that Im thinking about dropping out of the race is false."

Democrats have not settled on a candidate yet, either. Colin Allred, a former congressman, is running again after losing to Ted Cruz in 2024. A recent poll conducted by the NRSC also tested the popularity of Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Rep. Joaquin Castro, and former Rep. Beto ORourke against Allreds, though none of the three have announced an intent to run.

Were any of the three to jump in the race it could set up two hyper-competitive primaries for the same seat next year.
A former West Mercia Police officer, who admitted making indecent images of children, would have been sacked had he not resigned, an misconduct hearing has found.

Jamie Bunting, aged 27, of Westminster Close in Bromsgrove, resigned from the force and pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children in August 2024.

In November, he received a 10-month sentence suspended for two years at Shrewsbury Crown Court for a category A image, the most serious classification.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He also got six months for a category B image and four months for a category C image to run concurrently and suspended.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Jones said: "We will continue to rid West Mercia Police of individuals who have no place in our force and hold them to account to ensure they can never work in policing again.

"Bunting seriously breached not only the standards of professional behaviour, but he broke the law. He has rightly faced the repercussions of his actions."

Bunting was an officer based at Kidderminster Police Station and worked as a Cadet Leader for North Worcestershire Volunteer Police Cadets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Bunting seriously breached the professional standards of behaviour by discreditable conduct, by bringing the force in disrepute through his actions while off duty.

"An accelerated misconduct hearing found that he would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned."

The former officer has also been added to the College of Policing Barred List preventing him from ever working for a UK police service in the future.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

More on this story
A Camp Pendleton Marine was charged with multiple felony counts of sexual exploitation of children last month after allegedly sending explicit photos and videos of himself to middle school students and threatening them with rape, according to a partially redacted affidavit obtained by Military.com.

Pfc. Justin Ryder Simmons, 19, was arrested June 16 at Camp Pendleton, California. He was extradited to his home state of Colorado later that month where he was booked into a county jail on a $25,000 bond and then subsequently released, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office in Colorado.

Simmons was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child by enticement, possession of child sexual abuse material, and two counts of internet sexual exploitation of a child after he communicated with the middle schoolers through an online social media app. The sheriff's office said that he was later taken into custody in San Diego.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read Next: Tim Kennedy, Green Beret and Army Hype Man, Under Investigation for Lying About Combat Valor

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office investigators said they believe "there could be additional victims" of Simmons, according to a social media post Tuesday. The office said he was no longer in custody, and representatives for the San Diego County Sheriff's Office did not respond to Military.com's inquiry about his incarceration status by deadline Thursday.

According to the affidavit, Simmons allegedly sent sexually explicit pictures of himself, including some in uniform but nude from the waist down. The affidavit said that Simmons "knew or believed [the children] to be under fifteen years of age," and that there were two victims who were located in Colorado at the time of the contact.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Based on how the girls were found and they were not known to him, I believe that there could be additional people that he was speaking to based on the types of conversations they were having," Jamie Wright, an investigator with the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at the Arapahoe Sheriff's Office, told Military.com on Thursday. She said Simmons did not know the victims before he contacted them on social media and that the original report was received from their school resource officer.

A separate man included in the affidavit also allegedly attempted to sexually exploit the same children through the social media app, offering them vapes and drugs in exchange for sexual acts. He was also charged with sexual exploitation of a child, among other counts.

Investigators with the ICAC unit in Arapahoe County documented messages from Simmons and a victim starting in January, which included threats of rape and and that he would not "stop even if you're unconscious," according to the affidavit.

He corresponded with the children from Camp Pendleton but allegedly said he would meet at least one of the alleged victims in Colorado with the intent to have sex, the court record alleged, though he never did, according to Wright. The affidavit redacted the name of the minors, and Military.com does not identify the names of alleged sexual abuse victims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"At the request of the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, NCIS conducted basic checks and coordinated with the base magistrate and local law enforcement to facilitate the safe transfer of Simmons to civilian authorities," said Nikki Fleming, a spokesperson for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

"NCIS did not conduct any independent investigative actions in this matter," Fleming said, but added that "NCIS remains committed to supporting our Marine Corps counterparts and law enforcement partners when called upon."

Simmons enlisted in the Marine Corps less than a year ago as a meteorology and oceanography specialist, according to Maj. Hector Infante, a spokesperson for the Marine Corps. He remains on active duty and was stationed at the School of Infantry-West at Camp Pendleton as a student.

"These allegations are currently being investigated by civilian law enforcement, and no further information is available at this time," Infante said when asked whether Simmons would be facing Uniform Code of Military Justice or other military legal actions such as separation or court-martial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was unclear whether Simmons had legal representation, and CBS News reported that he is due to appear in Arapahoe County Court early next month. A phone number posted by investigators on social media allegedly belonging to Simmons appeared disconnected when contacted.

Related: Victim's Family Frantic After Not Being Notified of Ex-Marine Recruiter's Early Release from Brig
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ)  Phi Beta Sigma, a fraternity at Penn State, is now facing criminal charges after local chapter leadership allegedly subjected multiple victims to physical and emotional abuse.

The fraternity has now been charged with conspiracy to commit organizational hazing. According to the criminal complaint, Phi Beta Sigma Lambda Lambda chapters leadership and members were allegedly present for, oversaw, as well as participated in the daily military-style workouts that victims were forced to do, as well as physical beatings with paddles. Many of the abusive events were discussed within those group text messages, police say.

The criminal complaint lists many text message exchanges between victims depicting the physical and mental abuse, as well as the fraternity leadership discussing it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One message allegedly sent by Jacob Francis, dean of recruitment, to Jayson Archer, the fraternitys president, and additional members said, But other than that I made them do a 14 min plank cause they kept - up.

In May, both Jayson Archer and Jacob Francis were charged with simple assault and two counts of hazing, including brutality of a physical and mental nature, after Ferguson Township police were contacted by PSU police. Police had received an anonymous tip reporting that recruits were being subjected to physical punishment from Oct. 2024 until the tip was placed in March, and an investigation began.

WTAJ had reached out to the University Public Relations Senior Director, Wyatt Dubois, regarding the situation. He responded to us that the university was aware and taking action.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 13 before Magisterial District Judge Casey M. McClain in Centre County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hazing in Pennsylvania is a misdemeanor under the states Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, which was passed following the 2017 death of a Penn State student during fraternity initiation at Beta Theta Pi.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
SHENANDOAH, Pa. (WHTM)  A Schuylkill County man has been charged for allegedly sexually abusing an infant on camera.

The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office says Jalvi De Jesus Nunez, 19, of Shenandoah, was arrested and charged Thursday with possession of sexual abuse material, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, and related offenses.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Subscribe Now

This Week in Pennsylvania

The Attorney Generals Office says they were contacted by the Shenandoah Police Department earlier this month regarding two witnesses who reported that Nunez allegedly engaged in lewd contact with an infant on camera.

Agents with the Office of the Attorney Generals office executed a search warrant and obtained a video recording as part of the investigation.

This is heinous, unfathomable conduct that has no place in civilized society, Attorney General Dave Sunday said. I commend our Child Predator Section for  in a matter of hours  acting with urgency to get this offender off the street, so he can do no further harm to this innocent child. There is no one more vulnerable than an infant, and we will work to hold this defendant fully accountable for truly vile behavior.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Centuries-old Sunday hunting ban repealed in Pennsylvania

Shenandoah Police and the Office of Attorney General worked collaboratively on this investigation. The case is now being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Mary Phillips of the Office of Attorney Generals Child Predator Section.

Nunez was remanded to the Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post $100,000 bail.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
The Pentagon has announced sweeping new changes intended to surge the fielding of small drones, including weaponized types, across the entire U.S. military. Most notably, certain types of smaller uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) will now be treated as consumables, more akin to hand grenades and other kinds of ammunition, than aircraft, which has broad ramifications. Lower-level commanders will now also be able to procure smaller UASs directly, as well as authorize subordinates to operate them. The new policies rolled out today represent a huge shift that could not come soon enough for the U.S. military, which has continued to move extremely slowly to field drones on a widespread basis, even as lessons learned in blood from active battlefields have become ever more pronounced.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the new drone policies today with a glitzy video, seen below, in which a small uncrewed aerial system brings him a copy of the official memo. A full copy of this document, which is titled Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance, can be found here. Hegseth highlighted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where small drones, especially first-person-view kamikaze types and ones configured to drop small munitions, have become an omnipresent factor on both sides of the fighting, as a key driving force behind the changes. As TWZ regularly notes, the expanding use of drones, including small weaponized commercial designs, and the threats they present, far predate the war in Ukraine.

Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance @DOGE pic.twitter.com/ueqQPc7rKI  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) July 10, 2025

Drones are the biggest battlefield innovation in a generation, accounting for most of this years casualties in Ukraine. Our adversaries collectively produce millions of cheap drones each year, Hegseth wrote in his memo. While global military drone production skyrocketed over the last three years, the previous administration deployed red tape. U.S. units are not outfitted with the lethal small drones the modern battlefield requires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The memo outlines three central lines of effort behind the new policies.

First, we will bolster the nascent U.S. drone manufacturing base by approving hundreds of American products for purchase by our military, it says. Leveraging private capital flows that support this industry, our overt preference is to Buy American.

With regard to this point, the memo also notes the U.S. militarys intention to leverage an executive order President Donald Trump signed in June, titled Unleashing American Drone Dominance, which was aimed at spurring Americas domestic drone developments for military and non-military applications.

Second, we will power a technological leapfrog, arming our combat units with a variety of low-cost drones made by Americas world-leading engineers and AI [artificial intelligence] experts, the memo adds. Drone dominance is a process race as much as a technological race. Modern battlefield innovation demands a new procurement strategy that fuses manufacturers with our frontline troops.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Finally, well train as we expect to fight. To simulate the modern battlefield, senior officers must overcome the bureaucracys instinctive risk-aversion on everything from budgeting to weaponizing and training, it continues. Next year I expect to see this capability integrated into all relevant combat training, including force-on-force drone wars.

An array of small drones seen during a demonstration at the Pentagon accompanying todays policy announcements. USMC/DOD

In terms of the most significant specific policy changes, Group 1 and Group 2 UASs will now be accounted for as consumable commodities, not durable property, according to a more detailed attachment to the memo. Small UAS resemble munitions more than high-end airplanes. They should be cheap, rapidly replaceable, and categorized as consumable.

The Pentagon defines Group 1 drones as ones that weigh up to 20 pounds, can fly up to an altitude of 1,200 feet, and can reach speeds of up to 100 knots. The next tier up, Group 2, includes types with gross weights between 21 and 55 pounds, that can get up to an altitude of 3,500 feet, and hit top speeds of up to 250 knots.

Another provision in the attachment also directs the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, currently U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Razin Caine, to work with the Undersecretaries of Defense for Research and Engineering (R&E) and Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S) to explore whether the same categorization could be applied to Group 3 drones. The definition of a Group 3 UAS is one weighing between 55 and 1,320 pounds, able to fly at altitudes between 3,500 and 18,000 feet, and with a top speed between 100 and 250 knots.

A Group 1 drone delivers a copy of the Pentagons new drone policy memo to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in front of the Pentagon earlier today. USMC/DOD

In terms of the ramifications of reclassifying Group 1 and 2 drones as consumable, the memo provides an example in noting that small UAS do not require STANAG 4856 standards. STANAG 4856 is a NATO standard that outlines requirements for commonality in drone control architectures for interoperability purposes. The Pentagon makes clear here its new viewpoint that standards like this, which can add cost and complexity to designs, should be reserved for larger drones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Secretaries of the Military Departments shall determine airworthiness and material release requirements for UAS, exempting Group 1 and Group 2 UAS, with few exceptions, the memos attachment also notes.

Accounting for smaller drones in the same general way as things like ammunition opens up new options for issuing them, including to very small units. It will also fundamentally change the requirements for maintaining and sustaining them, as well as the associated logistics chains.

A look at a US Army Soldier Borne Sensor system package that includes tiny Black Hornet drones, giving a sense of the level of additional kit that is currently issued along with even extremely small uncrewed aerial systems. US Army

In line with all this, todays drone policy changes push immense new authority down to O-6 level commanders  colonels in the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Air Force, and captains in the U.S. Navy  when it comes to Group 1 and 2 drones. They will now be able to directly grant authority to operate (ATO) small drones (that is to say who can be a drone operator) and procure, test, and train with small UAS that are compliant with statutory limitations, from laboratory prototypes to commercial products to molds fabricated by members of the U.S. Armed Forces using compliant critical components, according to the attachment to the memo.

Such UAS must remain in closed loop cyber networks, cordoned from DoD networks, it adds. O-6 commanders and equivalents are also authorized to test non-lethal autonomous small UAS in controlled environments, in coordination with installation commanders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The attachment to the memo lays out demands to accelerate and otherwise streamline developmental, testing, and acquisition pipelines. Particular emphasis is put on purchasing new drones rapidly and iterating on them as required, including by frontline units leveraging 3D printing capabilities.

Freshly printed small unmanned aircraft system frames lay on a workbench at the 1st Cavalry Division Concepts and Capabilities Laboratory at Fort Hood, Texas, July 9, 2025. US Army Spc. Steven Day

To help with all of this, reforms are to be made to the so-called Blue List of drones and subcomponents vetted for U.S. military use, including allowing individuals at lower echelons of command to propose additions. UAS built by members of the U.S. Armed Forces with Blue List critical components do not need Blue List certification, the attachment to the memo notes.

Extending all this to the train as you fight aspect of the new drone policy changes, the attachment to the memo outlines plans to establish new drone ranges and otherwise increase the integration of uncrewed aerial systems into routine training.

Working with the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration], they [installation commanders] will remove inappropriate range restrictions, fast-track and expand spectrum approval, and establish a variety of UAS training areas that include live fire, combined arms, and swarm testing, the attachment says. All officials with authority over restricted airspace will reduce congestion to allow the proliferation of UAS. This will include the co-use of airspace, ranges, and training facilities, with appropriate separation for safety, to maximize opportunities for all Military Services to train on all groups of UAS.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Furthermore, within 90 days, the Secretaries of the Military Departments, in consultation with the USD(R&E), will jointly designate at least three national ranges, with diverse terrain (including at least one with over-water areas) for deep UAS training, with low/no inter-service cost transfer, it adds. Units operating UAS will access DoD grounds with abundant airspace and spectrum allocation. By 2027, major training events across the Department must integrate UAS.

Elements of a 40-drone swarm provided via the Threat Systems Management Office take off at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, in support of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment during an exercise on May 8, 2019. US Army

All of the services are also required to create dedicated units to help accelerate the fielding of smaller drones.

Small UAS are such critical force enablers that they must be prioritized at the same level as major weapons systems, the memos attachment states. No later than September 1, 2025, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force will establish deliberately screened, active-duty experimental formations purpose-built to enable rapid scaling of small UAS across the Joint Force by 2026, prioritizing initial fielding to U.S. lndo-Pacific Command units.

In addition, each Military Service will establish, resource, and empower unsubordinated program offices solely focused on UAS, with an immediate priority towards small UAS. Each branch of the military is also directed to conduct a holistic review within the next 60 days to identify programs that would be more cost effective or lethal if replaced by UAS.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The overall intent is rapid proliferation of diverse Group 1 and 2, or small, UAS across every unit that can wield this capability to defeat the enemy in combat. We will prioritize the integration of UAS manufactured in the United States over those made abroad, the attachment to the memo stresses. By the end of 2026, every squad will have low-cost, expendable drones, prioritizing Indo-Pacific combat units and consistent with other Secretary of Defense strategic guidance documents.

It remains to be seen how exactly the U.S. militarys new drone policy changes will be implemented and what impact they will have. The Pentagon, as well as the individual service branches and other commands, have launched multiple initiatives over the years with many of the same general aims. The Replicator initiative, rolled out in 2023, which aimed to help facilitate the fielding of thousands of lower-cost uncrewed platforms across Americas armed forces by the end of this year, is a prime example.

The Switchblade 600 loitering munition, a rendering of which is seen here, was among the first systems acquired with the help of the Replicator initiative. AeroVironment

In spite of these efforts, the U.S. military has continued to lag behind in the broad fielding of uncrewed aerial systems, especially to smaller units. Observations of the war in Ukraine have only heightened the contrast between the current scope and scale of the use of drones by Americas armed forces and global trends.

Companies in Ukraine, including ones working out of very small shops, are reportedly on track to churn out 2.5 to 3 million drones of all kinds, including small weaponized types, this year, a rate of some 200,000 per month. This, in turn, speaks to larger supply chain issues the U.S. military will have to address when it comes to meeting the new policy requirements. U.S. forces could expect to have even greater requirements for drones, especially consumable designs, in any future large-scale conflict, such as one in the Pacific against China, which is a clear area of focus in the new memo. On top of that, Chinese firms are currently major suppliers of drones and subcomponents globally, particularly smaller types, something that has already presented operational security and other challenges for the U.S. military in the past.

It is worth noting here that, while the Pentagons new drone policy memo has a clear focus on future fights in the Pacific, smaller (and shorter-ranged) drones are less likely to be relevant at a grand scale in that theater given the distances that will often be involved. Still, they could have uses in many contexts in that region. Not every additional capability for Americas armed forces necessarily needs to be tailored to the Indo-Pacific region to be relevant, either. As Ukraine has shown, small drones can be a particular factor on a European battlefield.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All this being said, there have been signs of more significant changes in institutional attitudes toward uncrewed capabilities, broadly, across the U.S. military in recent years. Replicator, again, is an example. The U.S. Army just recently put out a contracting notice asking for proposals regarding the potential production of up to 10,000 small, relatively cheap drones within a year, which could include weaponized types.

The U.S. Marine Corps has been particularly active and outspoken on the front, and in ways that directly align with the Pentagons new memo.

One of our mantras, kind of bumper stickers, which has real meaning for us culturally as a service, is sort of every Marine [a] rifleman,' Marine Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, head of Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM), said during a panel discussion at the Navy Leagues Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition in April. Now, the idea [is] that any Marine, using a precision weapon, can kill somebody who needs killing at ranges up to 500 meters.

A Marine launches a small drone during training. USMC

You think about that, and thats still important, right, being able to achieve combat overmatch at that echelon, he added. But now, if you use technology, that same Marine can be just as lethal at ranges out to 15 to 20 kilometers and beyond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If you think about the old movies, videos of people in combat, Marines, soldiers, in combat, they carried a hand grenade or two on their vest, right, that they could throw as far as they could throw it, as accurately as they could throw it, Marine Maj. Gen. Jason Woodworth, head of Marine Corps Installations Command and Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations & Logistics (Facilities), another one of the panelists, added. Now were getting to a point where theyre going to be able to carry a guided hand grenade, throw it up in the air with loiter capability, and somebody behind them is going to be able to guide that to everyone in this room. So everyone in this room has a hand grenade that is guidable onto the four of us up here, right?

The policy changes announced today are significant and are a clear sign that the Pentagon is newly committed to trying to finally unleash the promise of the capabilities that small drones could bring across the U.S. military.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Top officials at the Pentagon office that played a key role in designing the bombs used in the strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities more than two weeks ago cannot say whether the weapons were successful in reaching the deeply buried bunkers.

At a press briefing days after the strike, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that "for more than 15 years" a pair of officers at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency "lived and breathed this single target -- Fordo -- a critical element of Iran's covert nuclear weapons program" and hailed the agency as "the world's leading expert on deeply buried underground targets."

However, in a press briefing Thursday, a senior defense official at the agency told reporters that they didn't know whether the bombs they designed specifically for this strike reached the depths for which they were engineered. They also defined the effects of the strike in incredibly narrow terms that boiled down to the bombs falling where they were intended.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read Next: Tim Kennedy, Green Beret and Army Hype Man, Under Investigation for Lying About Combat Valor

The officials, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity, argued that the historic U.S. strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities were successful and their 30,000-pound bombs, 14 of which were dropped on two sites, accomplished their goals.

Top political appointees in the Trump administration, along with President Donald Trump himself, have asserted that the strike left Iran's nuclear program "obliterated." However, since then, reporting has indicated that that may not have been the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reports emerged days after the strike that initial assessments by the Defense Intelligence Agency found that the airstrikes on Iran had likely not eliminated its nuclear program and only set it back months.

Days later, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spent a large portion of a press conference berating the media over what he felt was bad coverage of the report and the strikes as a whole -- even as lawmakers, following a classified briefing, told reporters that it was too early to know the damage.

When a reporter pushed the DTRA officials Thursday on their claims of success, the senior defense official deferred to Caine's remarks and said that "we achieved the objective that we had set. ... They achieved the effects intended."

"That's the success I was claiming."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When asked whether those effects included the destruction of the facilities, the senior defense official said that the agency was still "awaiting full battle damage assessment."

Under further questioning, the senior official said that the achieved effects that they were referring to were simply that "we were able to strike the facilities as planned and strike where intended."

While such fine parsing of language would be typical for officials of any highly specialized and technical office, it comes at a time when both the White House and Pentagon leaders, eager to convince the American public of the resounding success of the Iranian strikes, have spoken in sweeping and dramatic terms.

Last Wednesday, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told reporters the bombing led to "the total obliteration of Iran's nuclear ambitions."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yet later in the same briefing, Parnell also said that the nuclear program was degraded -- not obliterated -- "by one to two years I think. ... We're thinking probably closer to two years."

Furthermore, in the weeks after the strike, experts were quick to note that the type of argument the Pentagon was employing -- that the mission was successful because it matched the models and plans -- was flawed.

"A strike can go 'precisely as planned' and still fail, if the model of the facility is wrong," Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, said on social media two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, The New York Times, citing an Israeli official, reported that at least some of Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium -- a key component of a nuclear weapon -- survived the U.S. and Israeli attacks last month.

Related: Pentagon Presses Iran Strike Claims as Briefed Senators Point to Unknown Effects
Merry Christmas! That is for those in downtown Concord on Saturday and the folks at the Hallmark Channel.

No. 1

A long-awaited opening and a holiday celebration. I wasnt sure it would ever happen  the coming soon sign was up for what seems like years  but Charros on Union opened this week.

The Mexican restaurant is in the spot that Union Street Bistro occupied. It was completely renovated and looks spotless inside. We stopped by for supper and the service in the first week was surprisingly fast. The food was good.

This is Charros second location. The other has been open for several years off Copperfield Boulevard.

For those celebrating Christmas on Saturday, you could stop in for lunch.

Saturday is Christmas in July in downtown Concord. Several businesses have special activities going on. Here is a schedule of some of the things happening:

10 a.m. to noon1st Anniversary for Fresh Market at The Lenz Studio

11-11:45 a.m.Storytime at Goldberry Books

Noon to 1 p.m.Meowy and firetrucks at MacTabby Cat Cafe

12:30-2 p.m.Visit Santa under the big tree at the Cabarrus Arts Council

1-3 p.m.1st Anniversary Celebration at Market Street Barbers

No. 2

How much do those giant powerline poles cost? Weve told you about all the trees being cut on Rock Hill Church Road to clear the way for the powerline to loop toward the Eli Lilly Plant. Now the city of Concord is getting ready to buy the poles. It was on City Councils agenda for Thursdays meeting, which was after our deadline for this column. I am assuming they will approve it. If they dont, well let you know.

The 100kV transmission line will go to Troutman Corners (Rock Hill Church Road at Concord Parkway).

 It will require 20 new steel transmission poles. Bid specifications were developed, and on June 12, the Electric Department held a public bid opening for the 20 poles. Five bidders submitted, and WESCO was the lowest responsive bidder at $402,013.72, according to the council agenda.

That works out to a little more than $20,000 a pole. The purchase is being made from WESCO. The plan also calls for 65,000 feet of primary conductor at a cost of $959,939.80.

It guess thats the cost of doing business when you are attracting a $2 billion project like Lilly.

No. 3

High-paying jobs. Youve heard me ask about this before, and Im sure some of you are wondering the same thing: Where do people make all this money?

Earlier this week, we ran a story about Citigroup and AssetMark expanding in Charlotte with more than 700 jobs. The announcements said the average pay will be between $110,000 and $131,000, roughly. Dang, thats a lot of money.

My daughter Jordan and I were discussing this the other day. Daddy, I think we got in the wrong fields, she said.

I guess so. Im sure school teachers, service workers and retirees are thinking the same thing.

No wonder people drive to Charlotte to work.

No. 4

Lane closures on I-85 next week. Many Cabarrus residents travel to Charlotte either for work, school or play. Next week there will be lane closures overnight as crews work on the North Bridge over I-85.

This is a city of Charlotte project that will connect Research Drive and J.W. Clay Boulevard in the University area.

Lane closures are needed on I-85 so contract crews can safely install protective concrete barriers to ensure safety for both workers and drivers. This also will allow crews to work around the clock to build an interior bridge bent within 60 days. Here are when the closures begin:

Monday, July 14

Left lane closure on I-85 South between Mallard Creek Church Road and Harris Boulevard from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Tuesday, July 15

Left lane closure on I-85 North between Harris Boulevard and Mallard Creek Church Road from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Wednesday, July 16

Protective concrete barriers will be installed; expect lane closures between Harris Boulevard and Mallard Creek Church Road from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Contract crews will restore traffic over three nights on or before Sept. 11, after the interior bridge bent has been built.

Officials urge drives to remain alert and use caution as construction traffic will be entering and leaving the median during this phase of construction.

No. 5

A guest rant. Friday Five reader Mike Chichwak shared a couple of rants with us. Both have to do with highway safety.

Mike points out the intersection of U.S. Route 29 South/Concord Parkway and George Lyles Parkway (GLP). Coming from either direction, turning from Concord Parkway to George Lyles Parkway, he said, It is very dark and I feel there should be a light pole installed to illuminate this area. There is a light on the overpass turning left onto GLP, but it does nothing after you pass under it. This is difficult on rainy or foggy nights and poses a problem to some drivers, and especially seniors, of which I am one.

The second situation is also on George Liles.

This one deals with the same conditions at night and inclement weather as mentioned in number 1, Mike said. This one deals with end caps on medians. For example, if you are on GLP and turning left onto Poplar Tent Road, sometimes it is hard to see, (and there are two turn lanes) and I have seen some cars swerve more into the outer lane and almost causing a crash. I use this intersection as one spot, but I feel this is applicable for all road departments, i.e. city, county and state.

I agree with Mike on both counts.

If you have a Friday Five, story suggestion or something I can rant about, email mplemmons@independenttribune.com or call or text 704-786-0001.
People with traditional values could be extremists, Canadian police have warned.

Staff Sgt Camille Habel, the spokeswoman for Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), urged people to be vigilant following the arrest of four people in Quebec, who were allegedly involved in ideologically motivated violent extremism.

Two of those arrested in a plot to seize part of Quebec were members of the armed forces.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sgt Habel was asked by CTV what Canadians should look out for in the wake of the arrests.

Well, radicalisation in general quite often will show by people isolating themselves and changing their behaviour, like changing what theyre saying on a subject, like becoming more extremist, she said.

If someone you know believed in equal gender rights but all of a sudden is leaning towards traditional values, that might be a sign that theyre becoming more extremist.

But we also have to remember that having the most extremist views is perfectly legal in Canada, and that its only acting with violence to prove that view that becomes a criminal offence.

Raphael Lagace was among four arrested and has been charged with facilitating terrorist activity in Canada

Her remarks triggered an angry backlash among Canadian conservatives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ron Chhinzer, a former conservative candidate, accused the RCMP of labelling mainstream views as extreme.

He said the police were ignoring Left-wing extremism in an interview on True North News, a conservative media outlet.

What we see here is our national police force utilising the most basic concept of every religious group that a strong family is a strong communityand now were being told by our national police force that any pivot back to that, to revalue family values as we know it here in Western society, is actually moving towards an extremism, he said.

Ive never seen, and I looked for it, really much about any mention of other extremisms like Left-wing extremism. Why is it always pivoting this way to the right way, and since when has the thousands of years of historic values that we all carry now moved to any other pivot?

Come and arrest me

Maxime Bernier, leader of the libertarian Peoples Party in Canada, challenged the police to arrest him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This @rcmpgrcpolice officer says not believing gender nonsense anymore and switching to more traditional values may be a sign of radicalisation! Come and arrest me, woke moron, Im clearly a radical extremist who may be about to commit some terrorist act! he wrote on X.

Marie-Eve Breton, another RMCP spokeswoman, sought to clarify her colleagues remarks.

Its the observed and sometimes sudden change in ones behaviour, beliefs or goals as well as tolerating the use of violence to achieve those goals, that could be one of several factors that signal a shift towards extremism, she said.

Each instance would have to be examined on a case-by-case basis, and all indicators would have to be considered in their totality.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The Michigan Board of Canvassers reconvened Thursday morning to discuss two amendment proposals, approving one and rescinding the other.

The board reviewed and approved a language proposal submitted by Americans for Citizens Voting. The ballot summary details a law that would require the Secretary of State to verify the citizenship of existing voters and document proof to register.

Paul Jacob is the chairman of Americans for Citizen Voting and said that the people of Michigan want only citizens voting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This measure requires the Secretary of State to do the job of checking the voter roll and making sure non-citizens are not on it, Jacob said.

If the ballot measure were to pass, Michigan voters would be required to use a government-issued photo ID to vote in person, or list a drivers license or state identification number while absentee voting.

With the language now approved for the amendment, Americans for Citizen Voting can now start collecting signatures to add to the proposal for the 2026 November ballot.

Jacob also said that this ballot has seen support from all political parties.

Not just Republicans, but independents and Democrats, he said. This is something the public is looking forward and we sure hope that we can get it on the ballot and let them have a chance to vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The second amendment proposal was a campaign called Invest in MI Kids. The amendment calls for a tax increase on those who make over $500,000 annually  or couples that make over $1 million  to help fund local schools. The summary was initially approved by the board at their last meeting on June 27. That approval was rescinded today.

Director of Organizing for 482Forward Molly Sweeney said the summary approval was reversed due to procedural issues with posting.

We are here to get our final form approved, because our summary was approved at the last meeting, and it seems like there was a procedural there with posting, Sweeney said. Our petition was rescinded, and so were getting bumped to the next meeting to have final approval of both form and summary.

Those in favor of Invest in MI Kids are prepared to hit the ground running to collect signatures if the board approves the language of the ballot proposal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have people that families, parents, students, educators across the state that have been ready and waiting, Sweeney said. Were all Michiganders. So, I think our folks are ready to put on some coats, get out there at every single, like, holiday celebration, Thanksgiving. Whatever happens over the new year, youll see Invest in MI Kids petitioners at every party.

Sweeney says that this proposal would significantly help Michigan classrooms.

The Michiganders have the ability to vote on increasing our K-12 school funding pop by $1.7 billion, which could mean amazing things for Michigan kids, said Sweeney. It could mean smaller class size, improved career and technical education, retaining and attracting educators, which, as we know, is a problem.

She also said that this money could lead to not only more money, but also better outcomes for kids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Across the state, and we know all the data says that more money for schools means better outcomes for kids. Weve seen the charts, weve seen the graphs, and since 2000, weve seen money decrease. We had a small bump recently, but were at the 2009 levels of funding.

Sweeney says they hope the Board of Canvassers will approve their petition language, like how it was at the last meeting.

As of now, there is no set date yet for the next board meeting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
By Danial Azhar

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington this month, Manila's top diplomat said on Friday, with an increased trade tariff on one of Washington's top defence allies set to be discussed.

Philippine foreign minister Theresa Lazaro, in an interview during a regional summit in Malaysia, confirmed the arrangement of what will be the first meeting between Trump and Marcos, whose nations have stepped up military engagements significantly of late.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The issue of tariffs will be discussed among othersits also very important to us. We have already sent negotiators to discuss this issue," Lazaro told Reuters on Friday.

A White House official earlier told Reuters the meeting was set for July 22, while the office of Marcos said he will visit the U.S. from July 20-22.

The Philippines is concerned over a 20% tariff rate announced this week by Trump, which was increased from 17% threatened in April, without explanation. The U.S. goods trade deficit with the Philippines widened to $4.9 billion in 2024, a 21.8% increase from 2023.

The Philippines has said it remains committed to continue negotiations and a delegation will travel to Washington next week to pursue a trade deal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Relations between Manila and Washington have soared under Marcos, who has pivoted closer to the U.S. and allowed American soldiers to expand their presence at Philippine facilities. The former U.S. colony is central to Washington's efforts to counter China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan.

The United States and the Philippines have a seven-decade old mutual defence treaty and hold dozens of annual exercises, which have included testing of a U.S. Typhon missile system, angering China.

Marcos' overtures of to the U.S. and defiant stand on China have riled Beijing, which has repeatedly accused Manila and Washington of trying to stoke tensions.

Lazaro said negotiations on a code of conduct between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China were dragging out and the Philippines would push for talks to finish when it becomes ASEAN chair next year. She said the code must be legally binding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The South China Sea remains a source of friction between China and the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, with ties between Beijing and Manila at their worst in years amid frequent confrontations that have sparked concerns they could spiral into conflict.

"It is our view that it should not be taking so long. It is important that we have to deliver," she said.

"So it is incumbent upon all of us, and actually China, to... endeavor to finish the negotiations, the discussions. And that's supposed to be in 2026."

Lazaro also said a planned election in military-ruled Myanmar, an ASEAN member in the grips of a civil war, would only be acceptable if it were inclusive and peaceful.

(Reporting by Danial Azhar; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason in Washington; Writing and additional reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by Martin Petty)
The Brief

Three people are dead, and nine others were injured after a shooting occurred in Grays Ferry last Monday.

Police need the public's help to identify suspects sought in connection with the incident.

There is a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are working tirelessly to identify the three shooters captured on Ring doorbell video during a mass shooting early Monday morning in the Grays Ferry neighborhood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Neighbors, city officials and activists gathered Thursday night to talk about the tragedy and how to make necessary changes.

What we know

Despite having video evidence, police have yet to make any arrests, a point of frustration for community members who attended a meeting with police leaders.

"You have the video, why haven't you made any arrests yet?" was a common question posed to police, who explained that solving cases is more complex than portrayed in TV crime dramas.

The video shows three shooters firing over porches, with many people ducking for cover.

Rachel Smith, a 27-year-long block captain, expressed horror at the footage. "Everybody running in all directions... Young ones scrambling for safety for cover. I was horrified," she said.

Local perspective

The community meeting, held close in time and location to the shooting, saw increased attendance and passionate discussions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kim Smith from South Philadelphia attended despite fears of being shot. "This is my community and we are out here trying to make a difference," she said.

Norman Best, who has lived in the area for 75 years, shared his sadness for the parents and the community affected by the violence.

Community leaders emphasized the need for collective action, with sentiments like "It's an epidemic and we have to do something about it."

What's next

Philadelphia police continue their investigation, with both homicide detectives and the ballistics lab team working to determine how many different guns fired the 140-plus shots.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As the nine wounded individuals hope to heal, the community is also striving to recover and find solutions to prevent future violence.

Strong community leaders remain confident in their ability to overcome this tragedy, emphasizing the importance of working together rather than fighting one another. T

The ongoing efforts to identify the shooters and bring them to justice are crucial steps in restoring safety and unity in the Grays Ferry neighborhood.

What you can do

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS.

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
A couple from Glendale and a delivery driver were behind a "sophisticated organized retail theft operation" involving over $360,000 in merchandise, primarily from Bath & Body Works locations across Maricopa County, Phoenix police said.

Nephtali Santiago-Garcia and Yuli "Nissy" Degante-Vigueras purchased stolen goods from a "theft crew" and resold the products for profit, police said.

The couple trafficked in stolen property at least 17 times between April 2023 and April 2024, police said. They stored stolen merchandise in their home before selling it through online platforms, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Santiago-Garcia and Vigueras were arrested on April 9, and a search of their home led to the recovery of over $355,000 in Bath & Body Works products and approximately $5,000 in Victoria's Secret merchandise, police said.

Police said their investigation led detectives to a man who supplied the couple with stolen merchandise he was supposed to deliver to retailers, Marcos Ortega Hernandez.

Many of the items recovered from Santiago-Garcia and Vigueras' home still had their original shipping labels, implicating Hernandez, police said. Over $20,000 in merchandise was linked back to his delivery trucks, police said.

Hernandez worked for a trucking company that delivered to major retailers like Old Navy, Victoria's Secret, Gap, Banana Republic, and Bath & Body Works, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Between 2023 and 2024, Hernandez received over $72,000 in payments from the couple, police said.

Hernandez was arrested on June 26 and booked on suspicion of one count of fraudulent schemes and one count of trafficking in stolen property.

Vigueras was booked on suspicion of one count of theft, one count of fraudulent schemes, one count of illegal control of an enterprise and seven counts of trafficking in stolen property.

Santiago-Garcia was booked on suspicion of one count of theft, one count of fraudulent schemes, one count of illegal control of an enterprise and 17 counts of trafficking in stolen property.

(This story was updated with new information.)

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police arrest 3 suspected of stealing from Bath & Body Works
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  After the Texas House and Senate approved House Bill 1481, which bans students from using cell phones during school hours, school districts across East Texas are now working to update their policies to comply with the new law.

Texas students cell phones banned from schools under new law

H.B. 1481 now requires public schools to develop a plan to implement these new regulations. The bill passed the House on April 24 with 128 votes in favor, and the Senate approved it a month later with a unanimous 31 votes.

Electronics now banned include telephones, cell phones (such as smartphones or flip phones), tablets, smartwatches, radio devices, paging devices, and any other device capable of telecommunication and digital communication.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The law gives districts the right to dispose of a confiscated device as long as the school gives parents a 90-day notice.

East Texas schools prepare for new cell phone ban

Although school districts are now responsible for creating plans to enforce the cellphone ban, the bill requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to publish model policy language on its website. This guidance will help ensure districts develop policies that comply with the new law.

On Thursday, Tyler ISD released new regulations in accordance with the new House Bill. Under the updated policy, electronic devices are banned during instructional time, lunch, recess, transitions, and any periods on campus before dismissal. All devices must be turned off and kept out of sight throughout the entire school day.

Courtesy of Tyler ISD

Students who fail to follow the policy may face disciplinary actions, which could include in-school suspension, on-campus intervention, or out-of-school suspension for insubordination. A parent conference will also be required in such cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

AFFIDAVIT: East Texas parents cite naturalist beliefs for infant neglect after detectives find moldy bottles, maggots inside home

Exceptions to the policy are granted for students with a documented physicians order or those with approved accommodations under a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Tyler ISD said parents and guardians should not contact students directly during instructional time and instead call the campus and staff members will deliver any important messages to the student.

A step toward focused classrooms?

A study by the Pew Research Center found that high school teachers are especially likely to view cell phones as disruptive, with about 70% reporting that student distraction from phones is a major issue in their classrooms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many schools and districts have tried to address this challenge by implementing cellphone policies, such as requiring students to turn off their phones during class or give them to administrators during the school day, the Center said.

Mental health and the role of social media

Kristyn Booth, an LPC Associate with Tyler Family Counseling, said this new ban could help improve students with depression and anxiety.

Sometimes, theres cyberbullying going on during the school day and youre having a positive day. Youre hanging out with your friends, and all of a sudden, you get an alert on your phone that says, so-and-so commented this on your picture. That ruins their whole day, then were not wanting to be around friends. We are isolating ourselves and our peers. It just makes it hard to focus on what were doing at school.

Tyler man gets 35 years after teen dies from fentanyl overdose in 2022

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the Eisenhower Box, Booth said getting notifications on a phone falls under urgent but not important. When people get notifications on their phone, they are likely to check because they dont know what it could be, but usually its just an app that goes off. The constant checking disrupts their learning experience.

Though the ban can cause stress for some students who rely on their phones for emotional regulation, Booth says if students are using their phone as a coping mechanism, that is something that needs to be addressed or adopt other more effective ways to continue their education.

The mandate does minimize harm; we are preventing students from being constantly tethered to their phones. We are encouraging social interaction, to learn how to deal with things face-to-face versus through a screen, Booth said. If the harm thats being discussed is anxiety, they need to be going to a counselor or therapist and adopting better coping skills to navigate some of these struggles.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
PAMPLONA, Spain  Thousands of daredevils ran, skidded and tumbled out of the way of a stampeding group of bulls at the opening run of the San Fermin festival this week.

There are a total of nine morning runs or encierros during the famous celebrations held in the northern Spanish city of Pamplona.

The bulls pounded along the twisting cobblestone streets after being led by six steers. Up to 4,000 runners take part in each bull run, which takes place over 2,775 feet and can last two to four minutes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Most runners wear the traditional garb of white trousers and shirt with red sash and neckerchief. The expert Spanish runners try to sprint just in front of the bulls horns for a few death-defying seconds while egging the animal on with a rolled newspaper.

Thousands of spectators watched from balconies and wooden barricades along the course. Millions more follow the visceral spectacle on live television.

Here are just some of the amazing images captured by Associated Press photojournalists this week.

A cow leaps over a group of revelers lying on the ground at the entrance to the bullring during the running of the bulls on the fifth day of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Friday, July 11, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Attendees stand on their balconies after the running of the bulls at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Revelers run alongside Victoriano del Rio Cortes's fighting bulls during the running of the bulls at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Spanish bullfighter Pablo Aguado, right, prepares to enter the bullring before a bullfight at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, Friday, July 11, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Revelers run alongside Victoriano del Rio Cortes's fighting bulls during the running of the bulls at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

A runner who was injured during the running of the bulls is carried on a stretcher by a medical team at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Peruvian bullfighter Andres Roca Rey performs in a bullfight at the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Wednesday July 9, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Revelers run alongside Victoriano del Rio Cortes's fighting bulls during the running of the bulls at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Revelers run alongside Victoriano del Rio Cortes's fighting bulls during the running of the bulls at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

French bullfighter Sebastien Castella performs during a bullfight at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Bullfighters Sebastien Castella, Emilio de Justo, and Borja Jimenez perform during a bullfight at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Members of the matadores' entourage gather outside the bullring during the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, Thursday July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Spanish bullfighter Emilio de Justo performs during a bullfight at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

A bull from the Victoriano del Rio ranch charges into the bullring during the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Revelers run with bulls from Alvaro Nunez ranch during the third day of the running of the bulls at the San Fermin fiestas in Pamplona, Spain, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Members of the matador's entourage enter the bullring during the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, Thursday July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Revelers run alongside Victoriano del Rio Cortes's fighting bulls during the running of the bulls at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Spanish bullfighter Borja Jimenez performs during a bullfight at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Spanish banderillero Jose Chacon performs during a bullfight at the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Spanish bullfighter Borja Jimenez waits before entering the bullring during the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. | Miguel Oses

Advertisement Advertisement
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A person has been rescued after their car went down a 50-foot embankment, according to the Gastonia and Agriculture Center Fire Departments.

Officials say the incident happened along Dallas-Bessemer City Road on Thursday evening. Crews set up a rope system that was used to hoist the patient from the crash site. The person was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Gastonia Fire Department Gastonia Fire Department Gastonia Fire Department Gastonia Fire Department Gastonia Fire Department Gastonia Fire Department Gastonia Fire Department Gastonia Fire Department Agriculture Center Fire Department Agriculture Center Fire Department Agriculture Center Fire Department Agriculture Center Fire Department Agriculture Center Fire Department

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Pinellas County is spending more than $125 million to renourish its beaches along Treasure Island, Sand Key and Long Key-Upham Beach for protection against future storms.

But to do so effectively, the county needs agreements from beachfront landowners to dump sand on their property. As of Thursday, its missing more than 130 such agreements.

Pinellas will continue the work even if it doesnt have all the agreements by the projects start date in September. This could create an uneven beach and weak points that could cause standing water and flooding in front of properties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sand is so critical to protect our homes, our businesses and our infrastructure, Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters said at a public meeting Wednesday in Treasure Island to discuss the project. Much of that protection is gone.

But some residents have raised concerns about adding the sand. A few noted that dunes near their properties caused problems during Hurricane Helene, when storm surge pushed large piles around their homes.

Heres what to know about the countys emergency project and its efforts to get beachfront residents to agree to have sand added on their property.

How will it work?

Pinellas County Coastal Management Coordinator John Bishop likened renourishing a beach to wearing a helmet and knee pads to ride a skateboard: It adds protection but doesnt guarantee safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Extending the depth of a beach can help absorb the impact of future storms but doesnt provide guarantees, Bishop said.

Pinellas beaches are 35 miles long, and nearly two-thirds are considered critically eroded. Because of wave currents that bring sand to different parts of the beaches naturally, the county is planning to renourish a 12-mile portion.

Each beach will get dried sand dredged from the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico nearby. The sand will be moved inland and dumped onshore to create more distance between the seawall and the water.

Sand Key beaches will get sand from Egmont Shoal, Treasure Island from Blind Pass, Johns Pass and Egmont Shoal, and the Upham Beach portion will receive sand from Blind Pass.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The project calls for 2.5 million cubic yards of sand. Thats enough to fill The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg more than 40 times, according to a county news release.

Pinellas will work around the clock to pump sand onto the beaches, Bishop said. The project is tentatively scheduled to begin in September  the height of hurricane season  in North Indian Rocks, Upham and South Sunset beaches.

If a hurricane is on its way while the beach is being renourished, the county will put away the equipment. That happened before with the Pass-a-Grille renourishment project last year, county Public Works Director Kelli Hammer Levy said.

Some residents at Wednesdays meeting spoke about how storm surge from Hurricane Helene dumped sand from the nearby dunes all over their properties. Those dunes were added as part of an emergency project after Hurricane Idalia in 2023, Levy said. The current emergency project renourishes the entire beach with optional sand dunes.

Why does Pinellas need easements?

Pinellas needs the agreements to let the county dump sand on private property.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The county is using temporary easements for the work. This means property owners who sign on agree to let Weeks Marine Inc. place sand for renourishment in the one-time project. The agreements expire in 2029.

It is optional to construct a sand dune near your property, though the county recommends it as the last line of defense against storm surge.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would be able to renourish the beach if the county had permanent easements from all beachfront landowners allowing ongoing public access. The county had less than half of those permanent agreements as of Thursday.

Peters said the county cant wait for help from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its just unfortunate that things in Washington take a long time, Peters said. There was no way we could wait for that bureaucratic process and go through another full storm season without taking action at the county level.

Peters and Commissioner Chris Scherer, as well as Levy and county administrator Barry Burton, visited the White House in March to ask for federal relief despite lacking the required easements.

What will the project look like without all the easements?

Pinellas will continue with the project even if it doesnt have all the agreements.

This could make beaches uneven, particularly along Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores and Redington Shores, where the county is missing the most agreements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The county has secured 70% of the easements it needs for the one-time project. As of Thursday, it was still missing 148 easements along Sand Key, Treasure Island and Long Key-Upham Beach.

If the county is missing an easement, sand will only be placed seaward of a boundary that separates private and public land. This means the sand will be higher closer to the gulf and create a divot where standing water can collect.

If we put sand behind your home, but we dont put sand behind your neighbors home, the water is going to go where there is no sand, Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott said.

Tom Spoden, a Pinellas resident, said people who dont get their property renourished are putting others who do in danger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mother Nature does what they want to do, water goes to the weakest point, Spoden said.

Who is paying for it?

Pinellas is largely using money from its 6% tax on short-term vacation rentals and hotels.

Its the same money that would have paid for a Tampa Bay Rays stadium before the team backed out of the plan. Pinellas has also secured a few grants to help pay for the beach work.

Levy said this is the last and only time the county will construct a beach without federal support because of the high cost.

The federal government has covered about 65% of the renourishment costs in previous projects, according to the countys presentation.

Where can I learn more?

There are two more public meetings to discuss the project. One is on Zoom, which requires registration to attend, at 6 p.m. July 16. Another is at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at 444 Causeway Blvd. in Belleair Beach.

Pinellas is also hosting signing meetings to help people sign their easements. Those are being held from 1 to 5 p.m. July 21-23 at Indian Shores Town Hall, 19305 Gulf Blvd.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has introduced Humboldt penguins and brown pelicans to its Kids Kingdom exhibit, marking an exciting expansion of its avian residents.

PHOTOS: Pittsburgh Zoo welcomes Humboldt penguins, brown pelicans

The new additions include thirteen Humboldt penguins, which have been relocated from various zoos across the United States, and three brown pelicans rescued from Florida. The penguins, native to the rocky shores of Chile and Peru, are part of a conservation effort to establish a breeding center at the zoo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Penguins are near and dear to the hearts of Pittsburghers, so adding another species in addition to the Aquariums current population of penguins is a natural fit for both the Zoos mission and civic pride, said Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jeremy Goodman.

The Humboldt penguins, known for their distinctive black-and-white plumage and bare pink skin around their eyes and beaks, have been brought in as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Program. This initiative aims to bolster the population of these vulnerable birds, which face threats from habitat destruction and climate change.

The brown pelicans, recognizable by their large gular pouches, were deemed non-releasable due to permanent wing injuries. These birds, once listed as endangered, have made a remarkable recovery and are now protected under the Migratory Bird Act.

Visitors can see the new penguin and pelican residents in the former sea lion pool, which has been transformed into a suitable habitat for these birds. The zoo encourages the public to learn about the conservation efforts and the ecological importance of these species during their visit.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Equinix Inc (Equinix), and PT Astra Graphia Information Technology (AGIT), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a strategic alliance to provide private cloud Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to support enterprise needs and boost economic growth in Indonesia.

This strategic alliance aligns with Indonesia Emas 2045, as well as the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2020-2045 policy initiated by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Indonesia, serving a comprehensive framework to guide the development and implementation of AI technologies nationwide. The collaboration aims to develop a digital ecosystem for AI and digital infrastructure across key industries, such as, finance, manufacturing, and energy, while elevating local innovation, data residency, and operational resilience, through secure compliant private cloud services hosted in Indonesia.

The three technology leaders bring their core strengths to the solution:

HPE is advancing its AI capabilities to help businesses move faster, work smarter, and unlock greater value. Through deep expertise and bold innovation, HPE empowers Indonesian businesses to harness data as a strategic asset, turning insight into foresight, optimising performance, and driving measurable impact at scale. "This partnership represents a bold strategic move, poised to revolutionise our market approach. By combining HPE's Private Cloud AI Solution with AGIT's robust managed services in Equinix's world-class data centres, we're offering customers across vertical segments unprecedented flexibility and innovation." said Meygin Agustina, Managing Director Hewlett Packard Enterprise Indonesia.

is advancing its AI capabilities to help businesses move faster, work smarter, and unlock greater value. Through deep expertise and bold innovation, HPE empowers Indonesian businesses to harness data as a strategic asset, turning insight into foresight, optimising performance, and driving measurable impact at scale. "This partnership represents a bold strategic move, poised to revolutionise our market approach. By combining HPE's Private Cloud AI Solution with AGIT's robust managed services in Equinix's world-class data centres, we're offering customers across vertical segments unprecedented flexibility and innovation." said Meygin Agustina, Managing Director Hewlett Packard Enterprise Indonesia. Equinix provides digital infrastructure needed for secure, low-latency access to AI workloads and data ecosystems through its more than 270 interconnected data centers in 36 countries. When businesses incorporate AI and emerging technologies into their operations, they require interconnection with a robust ecosystem to enhance performance, ensure privacy, and maximise cost-efficiency in their AI strategies. We are excited to partner with HPE and AGIT to support enterprises in accelerating their AI deployment journey, said Deon Montasser, Sales Director, Indonesia, Equinix.

provides digital infrastructure needed for secure, low-latency access to AI workloads and data ecosystems through its more than 270 interconnected data centers in 36 countries. When businesses incorporate AI and emerging technologies into their operations, they require interconnection with a robust ecosystem to enhance performance, ensure privacy, and maximise cost-efficiency in their AI strategies. We are excited to partner with HPE and AGIT to support enterprises in accelerating their AI deployment journey, said Deon Montasser, Sales Director, Indonesia, Equinix. AGIT provides end-to-end services that encompass consulting, system design, infrastructure development, infrastructure as a services, and managed services. Through these services, AGIT aims to ensure seamless integration of AI solutions into enterprise environments while maintaining operational efficiency, data security, and regulatory compliance. In the era of accelerated digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a critical enabler for companies to reach new levels of growth, operational excellence, productivity, and efficiency. However, unlocking this AI full potential is not without challenges. And through this collaboration, we hope to demonstrate that with the right collaboration, AI is not only possible, but also practical and secure for every Enterprise in Indonesia said Widi Triwibowo  President Director PT. Astra Graphia Information Technology.

Through this collaboration, the companies will deliver advanced, secure, and scalable AI infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of data-driven industries.
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has begun the first steps towards disarmament, closing a chapter on a four-decade armed campaign against the Turkish state in a conflict that has killed more than 40,000 people.

A small ceremony was held on Friday in Sulaimaniyah in Iraqs northern Kurdish region, where 20 to 30 PKK fighters were destroying their weapons rather than surrendering them to any government or authority. The symbolic process was conducted under tight security and is expected to unfold throughout the summer.

Images from the ceremony showed weapons gathered in a cauldron on fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the development, declaring it as totally ripping off and throwing away the bloody shackles that were put on our countrys legs. Erdogan also said the move would benefit the entire region.

The move follows an announcement in May by the PKK that it would abandon its armed struggle.

For most of its history, the PKK has been labelled a terrorist group by Turkiye, the European Union and the United States.

More than 40,000 people were killed between 1984 and 2024, with thousands of Kurds fleeing the violence in southeastern Turkiye into cities further north.





In a video aired earlier this week but recorded in June by the PKK-linked Firat News Agency, the groups imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan described the moment as a voluntary transition from the phase of armed conflict to the phase of democratic politics and law, calling it a historic gain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ocalan has been held in solitary confinement on Imrali Island in Turkiye since his capture in 1999. Despite his imprisonment, he remains a symbolic figure for the group and broader PKK offshoots across the region.

The disarmament is being closely monitored by members of Turkiyes Kurdish DEM party, as well as Turkish media. Further phases will take place at designated locations involving coordination between Turkiye, Iraq and the Kurdish regional government in northern Iraq.

The effect of the conflict has been deeply felt not only in Turkiye but across neighbouring countries, particularly Iraq, Syria and Iran, where the PKK and its affiliates have maintained a presence.

Theres a long way to go

Reporting from Sulaimaniyah, Al Jazeeras Mahmoud Abdelwahed described the event as highly symbolic, with senior figures from both the federal Iraqi government and the semi-autonomous Kurdish regional government in attendance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Abdelwahed noted that while this marks a significant moment, the road ahead remains uncertain. This is just the beginning and it seems theres a long way to go, he explained. The PKK also have demands, including the release of their leader Abdullah Ocalan. They want him to come here to northern Iraq and lead, as they say, the democratic process.

Abdelwahed added that the development signals a major shift for Iraq, where the PKK was officially designated a banned organisation in April last year, following a high-level security meeting between Iraqi and Turkish officials.

Armed PKK fighters at a disarming ceremony in Sulaimaniyah,, Iraq, July 11, 202,.[Handout from Kurdistan Workers Party Media Office/Handout via Reuters]

Speaking from Istanbul, Al Jazeeras Sinem Koseoglu said Ankara views developments in Sulaimaniyah as a major step forward in ending the conflict that has dragged on for decades. What is happening in Sulaimaniyah is being seen by Ankara as a critical breakthrough in the decade-long conflict that cost tens of thousands of lives, both from the Turkish side and the Kurdish side, she said.

The move follows months of direct talks between Turkish officials and Ocalan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Koseoglu highlighted the political significance of this moment within Turkiye. This is an important step that Turkish President Erdogan approved this process, she said, noting that even traditionally hardline groups have shifted position.

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which once denounced peace efforts as treason, now supports the process.

The pro-Kurdish DEM Party is playing a key facilitation role, and the main opposition CHP  once highly critical of earlier peace attempts  now says it supports efforts to achieve peace, noted Koseoglu.

On Friday, the DEM party hailed a new era following the disarmament ceremony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the PKKs arms burning ceremony, we are entering a new era for a solution to the Kurdish issue and the construction of a democratic Turkiye, the party said in a statement, describing it as a turning point for the Middle East.

If the PKK leaves, there wont be any shelling

In northern Iraq, where the fighting has often spilled over, civilians are cautiously hopeful.

Al Jazeeras Mahmoud Abdelwahed visited communities in the mountainous district of Amedi, near the Turkish border, where villages have been caught in the crossfire.

Here in northern Iraq, the PKK controls hundreds of villages spread across the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, said Abdelwahed. Some have been turned into battlefields, severely limiting access to farmland and making life even more difficult for displaced families who are desperate to return home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shirwan Sirkli, a local farmer, told Al Jazeera that the conflict destroyed his familys livelihood. My farm was burned down by shelling as Turkish forces and the PKK brought their conflict to our lands. My brother also lost his $300,000 worth of sheep ranches. Many of our neighbours have left the village  only 35 out of about 100 families remain.

Turkish military operations in the area have intensified in recent years, with Ankara establishing outposts across the border and frequently attacking PKK positions.

The presence of PKK fighters in the area has only brought disaster to us, said Ahmad Saadullah, a local community leader, speaking to Al Jazeera. If they leave, there wont be any shelling. We would like to see the peace deal implemented on the ground so we can reclaim our land and live in peace.




Kurdish militants want to return to Turkey and enter mainstream politics, one of the PKK's joint leaders told AFP on Friday after the group's fighters began destroying their arms at a ceremony in Iraq.

Speaking to AFP after handing in her own weapon alongside 29 of her comrades, the Kurdistan Workers' Party's top female commander Bese Hozat said if Turkey were willing, the disarmament process could be completed very quickly.

But the 47-year-old militant also warned the fragile peace process risked being derailed if Ankara fails to free the PKK's jailed founder Abdullah Ocalan, also known as 'Apo' -- Kurdish for 'uncle'.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If Apo were freed tomorrow and... Turkey made legal and constitutional arrangements the next day, within a week we could return to engage in democratic politics," she said of a process which Ankara expects to last for months.

Ocalan has been serving a life sentence in solitary confinement on the prison island of Imrali near Istanbul since 1999 and his release has been a constant demand of the PKK.

- 'We miss him very much' -

"Ensuring leader Apo's physical freedom legally, via legal guarantees, is essential... he should be able to freely lead and manage this process. This is our primary condition and demand," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We want to see him, we miss him very much and there are many things we want to discuss with him," said Hozat, who joined the PKK when she was 16 and has spent more than three decades of her life as a fighter.

"Without this development, it is highly unlikely that the process will continue successfully."

Earlier this week, the 76-year-old dismissed talk of his own release as unimportant, positioning himself more as a guide than as a leader of the ongoing process.

Hozat said it was essential Turkey put in place mechanisms to allow them to return without fear of prosecution or reprisal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We do not want to wage armed struggle against Turkey, we want to come to Turkey and do democratic politics. In order for us... to achieve democratic integration with Turkey, it is imperative we can freely travel to Turkey," she said.

"If Turkey takes concrete steps, enacts laws and implements radical legal reforms... we will go to Turkey and engage in politics. If (not)... we will end up either in prison or being killed."

- 'The PKK no longer exists' -

Asked whether she now expected Turkey and its Western allies to remove the PKK from their blacklists of terrorist organisations, Hozat said the issue was irrelevant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Right now, the PKK no longer exists, we've dissolved it. We are a freedom movement.. advocating for peace and a democratic society.

"The PKK has achieved its main goal: the existence of the Kurds has been recognised."

Seen as the world's largest stateless people, the Kurds were left without a country when the Ottoman Empire collapsed after World War I.

Although most live in Turkey, where they make up around a fifth of the population, the Kurds are also spread across Iraq, Iran and Syria, where Ankara has for years been striking Kurdish fighters.

Hozat hailed positive changes in Syria since the PKK announced the end of its armed struggle against Turkey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Turkish attacks on (Kurdish-majority) northeastern Syria have ceased and its autonomous administration is currently negotiating" with the Damascus government.

Hozat said the Kurdish question was the key to freedom for all peoples of the Middle East.

"If the Kurdish question is resolved, the Middle East can truly become a democracy," she said.

"That's why we want this solution everywhere, including Iran, which must also become democratic. The Kurdish question must also be resolved there on the basis of autonomy."

rh-hmw/kir
What was supposed to be a routine flight, on Sunday, ended in a travel nightmare for nearly 300 passengers. A Delta plane experienced mechanical failure halfway across the Atlantic Ocean, requiring an emergency landing in a remote, yet surf-rich, archipelago.

Flight 127 departed Madrid, Spain and was headed for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. A few hours into the flight, passengers reported a loud noise  something no air traveler wants to experience. The Airbus A330 had a mechanical issue in one of the engines, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in the Azores Islands.

The plane landed safely at an air force base, yet the passengers were delayed a whopping 29 hours. Sounds like the start of horror/thriller movie, huh?

The handling in all of us and what was going on wasnot good, said one of the planes passengers. I had five in my group. All of us were on the phone with Delta. We were never offered accommodations; we were never offered any help with food or anything else.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to a statement from Delta, "The flight landed safely, and we sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience and delay in their travels[passengers] were accommodated overnight in area hotels and provided meals.

Related: Missing Surfer Found Stranded on Remote Island in Australia

The Azores is a raw and remote autonomous archipelago, part of Portugals domain, in the mid-Atlantic. Among its natural beauty, its known for pumping waves. Over the years, heavy-water hunters like Nathan Florence and Portugals own Nic Von Rupp have struck gold in the Azores, with the latter calling it surfing paradise hiding in plain sight.

And recently, it became the largest protected marine area in the North Atlantic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Too bad none of the stranded passengers were surfers  at least, none we know of.

Related: Azores Officially the Largest Marine Protected Area in the North Atlantic

Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Remote Atlantic Surf Paradise first appeared on Surfer on Jul 11, 2025
Plane Passenger Starts Screaming and Curses Out Airport Staff After Flight Gets Canceled





NEED TO KNOW

A woman was caught screaming and yelling at airport employees after her New York-bound flight was canceled

Video footage filmed inside a Paris airport shows the irate customer yelling "b----" at check-in workers

Passengers were left on their own to book flights and accommodations, according to a fellow flyer





Video footage caught a womans tumultuous meltdown after her flight was canceled in Paris last week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New York-bound Norse Atlantic Airways flight 301 was set to depart Charles de Gaulle airport at 8:15 p.m. local time on July 3, according to FlightAware. However, passengers were alerted just before midnight via email that their trip had been canceled due to technical issues.

Norse customer Erianne Freign was at the check-in desk trying to rebook when a fellow flyer lost her temper. Freign told SWNS a woman grew frustrated after the airline wouldnt provide hotel accommodations for her family following the cancellation.

The video taken by Freign shows the woman, dressed in a white T-shirt and yellow pants, shouting and cursing at check-in employees.



SWNS A plane passenger gets dragged by airport police. A plane passenger gets dragged by airport police.

B----, she yells in the clip. I need my f------ medication.



Freign said it was an intense reaction, but understood why because the airline was being unhelpful.



She just wanted accommodation for her and her two kids, Freign claims. She was also diabetic and needed her medication."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She added: You can tell she was in a panic, but I dont think she should have used such strong language. Especially because the people on the desk arent responsible.



After throwing her arms in the air, a member of the police department grabbed her right forearm and dragged her behind the counter. Dont, she says with her palm outward as shes pulled. Then, the crowd of onlookers is heard reacting to the scene with screams and boos.

SWNS Police restrain the woman against the wall. Police restrain the woman against the wall.

As the police restrain the woman against the wall, she rips off the sweatshirt tied around her waist and clenches her fists. The woman seemed to calm down and the officer backed away. Though, she soon began throwing her arms in the air, stomping her feet and raising her voice.



I am diabetic, she screams to the officers. I will die.

According to Friegn, Norse left passengers on their own to find new flights and accommodations.

We asked for solutions to rebook our flights and sleep somewhere for the night, Freign said. They told us that we have to cancel this one on our own then rebook another ticket from another airline, but the prices were ridiculous.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some were left sleeping in the airport, including the mother and her kids, according to Freign.



I was able to rebook on a different flight, but it cost me [$1,285] because it was so last minute, Freign detailed. I still havent gotten a refund from my original flight but I am emailing with them. Ive just been really disappointed with how it was handled.

Norse Atlantic Airways told PEOPLE in a statement, "Due to issues in Paris, including the ATC strike in France, we experienced unfortunate and temporary irregularities. Passengers were, and will be further followed up. We are unable to comment on specific passenger incidents out of respect for the privacy of those involved. Our team always prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of our passengers."

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.



In June, another woman went viral for her meltdown at the Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy.



According to new.com.au, the woman had a tantrum on June 8 after being told her carry-on luggage was too heavy. The outlet reported the Chinese tourist could either pay more or dispose of some of the items in the suitcase. The options left the woman screaming and yelling while lying on the floor.



Footage shared online shows the woman stomping her feet and kicking her legs from the ground. According to local media, the woman continued even after authorities arrived.



She was eventually taken off her flight and reportedly booked a new ticket after regaining her composure, per the outlet.

Read the original article on People
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44)  The Sunrise Rotary Club of Plattsburgh is hosting the 48th annual Mayors Cup Saturday.

The festivities will be centered on a regatta, or boat race, in which dozens of sailors will compete. The entire day will culminate in an evening awards ceremony. Neither will that be the end of the fun for lake-goers, as the Valcour Race will follow on Sunday.

Additional events held at the City Marina will include a free concert by North Country band Damaged Goods, featuring an eclectic blend of many styles even some old vaudeville.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There will also be events on the Plattsburgh City Beach  three miles from the Marina, so check the schedule below  including sandcastle building, yoga, and a 5k run. The City of Plattsburgh advised earlier on Thursday that swimming at the beach is not allowed until further notice due to high levels of blue-green algae, but the beach itself remains open.

See below for a full schedule of events:

9:00  9:30 a.m.  Yoga on the beach with Cate Fox

9:30 a.m.  Mayors Cup 5k run/walk from the beach ($25, registration at 9:00 a.m.)

9:30 a.m. onward  Sandcastle and sculpture contest on the beach (judging and awards at 2:00 p.m.)

10:30 a.m.  2025 Mayors Cup regatta starts (advance registration required)

10:30 a.m.  Kids fun run on the beach (free)

11:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  Mayors Cup beach cornhole Bring Your Own Partner tournament

11:00 a.m.  1:00 p.m.  95 Triple X live beach broadcast

12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  Beach frisbee toss challenge (free)

3:00 p.m.  Parrots and Pirates poker run/walk at the marina ($35, registration at 2:00 p.m.)

3:00 p.m.  Tarot card reading at the marina

3:00  5:30 p.m.  9-hole mini-putt at the marina (free)

3:00  6:30 p.m.  Damaged Goods outdoor concert at the marina (free)

4:00 p.m.  Mayors Cup paddle party in the lake

6:00 p.m.  2025 regatta awards ceremony at the marina

7:00 p.m.  Blackburn Brothers blues and jazz live concert on the beach

The Mayors Cup regatta was first held in 1978, and the Rotary Club calls it a no guts, no glory competition known for spirited fun, and sometimes, high-seas adventure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Pawe Wronski, the spokesperson for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has stated that Warsaw will prepare an "adequate" response to Russias decision to close the Polish consulate in Kaliningrad from 29 August, but did not specify what this response will entail or when it will be implemented.

Source: TVP Info, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Wronski noted that Russia justifies its decision as a mirror response to Polands closure of the Russian consulate in Krakow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, he emphasised that Russias decision is unjust, as the Krakow consulate was closed due to evidence of Russian special services involvement in an arson attack on a Warsaw shopping centre in 2024.

Quote from Wronski: "Poland is not taking action against the Russian state."

He promised an "adequate response" from Polish authorities but did not elaborate on its nature or timing.

Wronski noted that the closure of the Kaliningrad consulate will primarily affect Russians applying for visas.

Background:

On 11 July, Russia decided to withdraw its consent for the operation of the Polish Consulate General in Kaliningrad.

On 12 May, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski announced that he was revoking consent allowing the Russian consulate in Krakow to operate.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!




NEED TO KNOW

I wish I died in your stomach, a Utah 15-year-old texted his mother months before she and her 8-year-old son were found fatally shot in bed on March 28

Police found seminal fluid on 44-year-old Jessica Lyman's body and on the adjacent sheets. Female undergarments and a note reading, "This is a murder story" were found in the teen's room, per an unsealed search warrant affidavit



No arrests have been made, and police have not publicly named a suspect or ruled out the possibility of more than one perpetrator





Newly unsealed warrants detail a series of increasingly aggressive messages a 15-year-old allegedly sent to his mother months before she and his younger brother were found shot dead  among suspicious items found in the teen's room after the fact was a note that read, "This is a murder story."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In July 2024, the teenager  who has not been named publicly  allegedly sent his mother, Jessica Lyman, several texts that investigators now cite as evidence of a deteriorating relationship and potential motive.

According to the search warrant affidavit, obtained by PEOPLE, a forensic download of Lyman's phone on April 2 allegedly revealed the following text messages from her 15-year-old:

F--- off h--

I dont like you go away

Leave me the f--- alone

Shut the f--- up please

Do you need to learn how to shut your mouth

Im more happy when Im not around you

Shut the f--- up cant hear you womp womp

Youre so f------ mentally ill

Shut up witch

Do you know how insignificant you are in my life? Very insignificant

I wish I died in your stomach. Wouldnt have to put up with you.

GoFundMe

On March 28, police were called to the Lyman residence after Lyman's 17-year-old daughter returned home to find her mother and 8-year-old brother, Eli Painter, unconscious and "covered in blood" in her mother's bedroom, per the document. Jessica was rushed to the hospital but died three days later; Eli died at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the warrant, two spent .22-caliber shell casings were found at the scene, but a murder weapon has not been recovered.

Lyman's pants and underwear were pulled around her ankles, according to the warrant. Investigators used alternate light sources to detect bodily fluids on Lyman's clothing and bedding, which were sent to the state crime lab for analysis.

Related: Chilling Note Found in Teen's Room After Mom, 8-Year-Old Shot Dead: 'This is a Murder Story'

Google Maps

"Sex toys and lubricant" were found in both Lyman and her teen son's bedroom; one black, fishnet stocking was found in Lyman's room, and the other in her teen son's.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also in the 15-year-olds bedroom, officers recovered a range of other items: multiple masks, plate carriers, two BB-style guns, several pairs of female undergarments and handwritten notes  one of which read, This is a murder story.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Another note referenced forensic terms like DNA, serology, and firearm testing.

Surveillance footage from a neighbor captured a person in a white mask  which "resembles [one of] the mask[s]" found in the 15-year-old's room, according to the warrant  walking near the home around 2:30 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No arrests have been made, and police have not publicly named a suspect. The investigation remains active, and the warrant did not rule out the possibility of more than one person being involved in the killings.



Read the original article on People
PITTSFORD, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Vermont State Police said Thursday evening that that they had completed an autopsy after the death of a woman in Pittsford was deemed suspicious the previous day.

The victim has been identified as Erica Bovey, 41, of Pittsford. Bovey reportedly lived at the Pittsford home where her death was reported early Wednesday morning.

Police investigate suspicious death in Pittsford

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Boveys cause of death, according to the chief medical examiner in Burlington, was a gunshot wound to the head and neck. The autopsy did not determine whether her death was the result of a homicide, suicide, or a different type of incident.

Anyone with possible information in this case is again directed to call the Vermont State Police, Rutland Barracks, at (802) 773-9101 or to submit an anonymous tip online.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Police are searching for the man who tased and attempted to abduct a woman in Providence Thursday afternoon.

Anthony Vega, a spokesperson for the Providence Police Department, told 12 News officers were called to Stanwood Street after a woman reported being attacked while walking to the store.

The woman told the officers the suspect tased her neck and threw her to the ground before tasing her again in the ribs. The man then attempted to force her into his vehicle, but she was able to break free and call for help, according to Vega.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The man hopped back into his car and was last seen driving toward Broad Street. The woman was brought to Rhode Island Hospital to be treated for her injuries.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Providence Police department by calling (401) 272-3121.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  German tourist Carolina Wilga was found alive in Australia's remote Outback on Friday, 12 days after she went missing and a day after her abandoned van was discovered, police said.

The last known sighting of the 26-year-old backpacker, and the last day family and friends heard from her, was June 29. She was seen a general store in the wheat farming town of Beacon, 320 kilometers (200 miles) northeast of the Western Australia state capital Perth. Beacon had a population of 123 during the 2021 census.

A member of the public found Wilga wandering on a forest trail late Friday, Western Australia Police Force Insp. Martin Glynn said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was in a fragile state but had no serious injuries and was flown to a hospital in Perth for treatment, Glynn told reporters.

I think once we do hear her story, it will be a remarkable story, Glynn said, adding it was a great result for the backpackers family and those involved in the search.

You know, shes obviously coped in some amazing conditions," he said. Theres a very hostile environment out there, both from flora and fauna. Its a really, really challenging environment to cope in.

Police assume backpacker became stuck June 29

The reserve where Wilga was lost covers more than 300,000 hectares (740,000 acres). The Thursday-Friday overnight temperature was 2.6 degrees Celsius (36.7 Fahrenheit) in the area with no rain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The crew of a police helicopter spotted her van Thursday in wilderness in the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Beacon, Glynn said.

Very difficult country. Huge area. So its a miracle theyve actually spotted the car, to be honest, Glynn told reporters before she was found.

Ground searchers on Friday scoured a heavily wooded radius of 300 meters (1,000 feet) beyond the van. Police assume Wilgas van, a 1995 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon, became stuck in mud on the day she left Beacon, Glynn said.

The van, which has solar panels and reserves of drinking water, had recovery boards under its rear wheels that are used to give vehicles traction when they are stuck.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police believed Wilga became lost and was not the victim of crime.

Australian serial killer Ivan Milat, who died in prison in 2019, notoriously kidnapped and murdered seven backpackers from 1989 to 1992 including three Germans, two Britons and two Australians.
Bitdefender, a global cybersecurity leader announced a strategic partnership with the Creators Guild of America to provide digital security solutions tailored for online content creators. The partnership aims to raise awareness of the critical need for creators to protect their digital identities, content, and personal information from increasingly sophisticated and costly cyber threats.

Attacks on content creators and online influencers have surged alongside the proliferation of deepfake technologies, posing a significant threat to their livelihoods and to their followers as well. A recent study by Bitdefender Labs detected over 9,000 malicious livestreams on YouTube alone, with cybercriminals rebranding compromised channels to appear legitimate. Compromised accounts include established influencers with millions of followers and billions of views.

Cybercriminals target content creators to exploit the vast networks of fans, followers, and sponsors theyve worked hard to build, said Ciprian Istrate, senior vice president of operations, Consumer Solutions Group at Bitdefender. Once inside a creators network, they can inflict significant damage  rapidly moving across platforms, launching malicious livestreams, and spreading fraudulent links to maximise impact. Were proud to partner with the Creators Guild of America to raise awareness and help defend against this growing threat.

The two organisations plan to create joint awareness campaigns, webinars, research and other content to educate content creators about the importance of securing their online channels and steps they can take to better protect themselves.

Bitdefender recently launched the industrys first complete security solution designed to protect digital content producers, online creative professionals, and social media influencers. Bitdefender Security for Creators is a comprehensive cybersecurity suite that continuously monitors YouTube creators devices and networks for anomalous behaviour, phishing emails, malicious URLs, files, and malwaredelivering real-time alerts to help stop threats before damage occurs.

Creators need protection. Most creators are first-time entrepreneurs, working in a field that's new and unregulated. That makes them (and their channels) unusually vulnerable to attack and exploitation. Building an audience and a brand from scratch is incredibly difficult, but getting hacked and losing everything you've worked for is far too easy, stated Daniel Abas, founder and president, Creators Guild of America. Companies like Bitdefender are making real progress against the growing security threats to creators and their channels, and the CGA is proud to support their work. Creators need and deserve the same level of security enjoyed by brick-and-mortar businesses, and we're encouraged to see Bitdefender rising to meet that challenge.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Bakersfield police are attempting to locate a teenager who ran away from home for the first time.

Love Icelyn Dixon, 16, was last seen in the 2900 block of Morocco Court on July 10. Police report she went missing at about 10:43 p.m.

Police describe Dixon as 5 feet, 3 inches tall and about 115 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes and two nose piercings.

Dixon has a tattoo on her right hand, knuckle tattoos, as well as a lip piercing and a right dermal piercing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was last seen in blue cookie monster pants, a black t-shirt, with a black backpack.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  Police are searching for three men who allegedly beat someone up and took off with his $6,000 necklace in the Bronx.

On Monday, June 30, a 54-year-old man was surrounded and beaten over the head by two of the suspects who hopped off a motorbike driven by a third man, according to police.

More Local News

After forcing the man to the ground, the suspects took his necklace and sped off on the back of the bike. The man was not severely injured in the fight, authorities said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All three suspects were last seen wearing black face coverings. Two were wearing black sweatshirts, and the third was in a grey long sleeve.

Police said the search is ongoing.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WAYNESBORO, Pa. (WHTM) Police in Franklin County are searching for multiple suspects after a burglary on July 7.

The Washington Township Police Department says two men entered a home in the 11500 block of Airport Road at around 3 a.m. on July 7 and stole multiple items.

Its unclear how much was stolen from the residence.

Police said one suspect is described as a 59 , 220lb man, and the second suspect is reportedly a 62, 170lb man.

Photo from Washington Township PD Photo from Washington Township PD Photo from Washington Township PD Photo from Washington Township PD

Both suspects were wearing masks during the incident. Photo surveillance from the scene shows both of them carrying items from the residence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone with any information regarding the burglary is encouraged to contact the Washington Township Police Department at 717-762-1447.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Can you ID this theft suspect?

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Beavercreek Police are searching for a man accused of stealing from Home Goods at the 2700 block of Town Drive, according to a social media post.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He allegedly entered the store and selected blenders, silverware, and bedding that totaled less than $700.

The suspect did not pay and left the store with the items.

The department posted a security camera image of the suspect on its Facebook page.

Contact Officer Thacker at (937) 426-1225 or by email if you can identify him.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
UPDATE: PSP said the missing man has been located safely on Friday, and the endangered person advisory has been canceled.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Pennsylvania State Police are searching for a missing and endangered man last seen in Cumberland County.

Anyone with any information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to contact PSP Chambersburg at 717-264-5161.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Police said thieves are targeting people selling things on social media.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As reported on News Center 7 at 11, Dayton police posted a map on Facebook that showed more than 24 locations where people have reported being robbed.

Police said people will meet with sellers to buy items, give them fake cash, and speed away.

Savon said she uses Facebook Marketplace because the prices are hard to beat.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I got a deep freezer off of there, and the lady said she only had it for six months, and she only bought it to store her breast milk, and she sold it to me for 25 bucks, she said.

But she wont make a deal unless she feels safe.

If I dont feel comfortable with the location, then Im not gonna go or I wont go alone, Shavon said.

Dayton police want to take away some of this stress and suggest people make the exchange at their station.

There, it can be monitored by cameras and possibly an additional person.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Polish prosecutors launched a preliminary investigation after a far-right lawmaker described the gas chambers at the Auschwitz death camp as a fake."

Grzegorz Braun, a member of the European Parliament, has previously been accused of antisemitism, and extinguished Hanukkah candles in parliament with a fire extinguisher in 2023. He was a presidential candidate who won more than 6% of the votes in the first round of the election earlier this year.

Speaking to Poland's Wnet radio on Thursday, Braun said that ritual murder is a fact, and such a thing as Auschwitz with its gas chambers is unfortunately a fake, news agency PAP reported. The reporter then ended the interview.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some Christians in medieval Europe believed that Jews murdered Christians to use their blood for ritual purposes, something which historians say has no basis in Jewish religious law or historical fact and instead reflected anti-Jewish hostility in Christian Europe.

A spokesperson for the Warsaw district prosecutor's office, Piotr Antoni Skiba, said prosecutors were conducting a preliminary investigation into Brauns potential denial of Nazi crimes.

The director of the Auschwitz museum, Piotr Cywinski, said he would file a separate complaint with prosecutors. He said that denying the fact that gas chambers existed is not only a manifestation of anti-Semitism and an ideology of hatred; in Poland it is also a crime.

Nazi German forces murdered some 1.1 million people at the Auschwitz site in southern Poland, which was under German occupation during World War II. Most of the victims were Jews killed on an industrial scale in gas chambers, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, gay people and others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Prime Minister Donald Tusk described Braun's words as a disgrace. He said that "we must do everything so that no one in the world associates Poland with such people, such faces and such actions.

On Thursday, Braun was in the northeastern town of Jedwabne on the anniversary of a 1941 massacre in which Jews were burned alive by Polish neighbors during the Nazi occupation.

He was among a group of people who tried to block the departure of cars carrying people who participated in a ceremony marking the anniversary, including Poland's chief rabbi, PAP reported. Police intervened and they were able to leave.

Some Poles want the massacre site excavated to uncover possible evidence that Germans ordered Polish villagers to do the killings. Braun demanded the exhumation of the victims on Thursday.
The Democratic Partys credibility with voters has plummeted even further since the 2024 election, raising alarm bells as the party looks to rebuild ahead of the midterms and the next presidential election, according to a poll obtained by The Hill.

The poll, conducted between May and June by Unite the Country, a Democratic super PAC, showed voters perceived the Democratic Party as out of touch, woke and weak.

The party has seen its support erode with white men, Hispanic men and working-class voters across the board, with approval ratings sitting below 35 percent across those demographics. And enthusiasm within the party continues to wane in the wake of 2024, the poll revealed.

This is the reality of the perception of us as a party, and until we accept that, its going to be hard to move forward, said Democratic strategist Rodell Mollineau, who serves as senior adviser to the super PAC. Theres a perception out there, outside of Democratic elites, and its taken hold in not just the MAGA crowd but people that should be with us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Democrats need to realize that in order to improve and get better to not only win in 2028 but to win in 2030 and 2032 and beyond, Mollineau added.

Democrats have been searching for a way out of the wilderness since their devastating loss in November, when they not only lost the presidency once again to President Trump but also the House and Senate.

Since then, party officials have conducted a number of postmortems  including polls, focus groups and strategy sessions  as part of the partys rebuilding effort.

But Democrats are still feeling dejected and rudderless in the early months of the Trump presidency. An AP-NORC poll out in May revealed that only 35 percent of surveyed Democrats are optimistic about the partys future, compared with 57 percent in July 2024. And there is an overwhelming sense that the party lacks strong leaders, the same poll showed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Democratic donors and bundlers have refused to cut checks for Democratic candidates, citing the partys lack of enthusiasm and vision.

Unite the Countrys latest poll, which was conducted with voters in 21 battleground counties across 10 battleground states, revealed Democrats have not escaped the shadow of their loss in 2024. And voters perceptions of the party remain the same.

Democrats have had opportunities to hit back at the Trump administration, including on tariffs, immigration deportations and, most recently, Trumps big, beautiful bill.

But political observers say those moments were wasted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I was frustrated during the one big beautiful bill stuff, said Steve Schale, Democratic strategist and CEO of Unite the Country. We missed an opportunity to really define a different kind of vision.

The super PACs poll revealed that Democrats prime emphasis on fighting for democracy  while still popular within the party  is no longer going to cut it with the general electorate, and soft-on-immigration policies turn too many voters away.

The party has some serious rethinking to do when it comes to their priorities and messaging, Mollineau said.

Its not about abandoning who we are. Its not about leaving people behind. We are a big tent party. But it is about prioritizing the messages and starting where the majority of the people are, Mollineau said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We do better when we first meet voters where they are and then bring them along on other issues.  And nine times out of 10, what they really care about is whether or not theyre going to be able to afford health care, whether or not their kids are going to be able to go to a good school,  housing, living paycheck to paycheck.

Mollineau said Democrats should start with good economic appeal, and then I think that allows us to broaden the issues the party focuses on.

But Unite the Countrys poll revealed that for voters to even consider rejoining the partys ranks, Democrats need to reestablish credibility. And political observers say a new generation of party leadership that can separate itself from the Washington establishment is critical.

They want us to have different leaders, Schale said. There was this segment of voters  who said, I voted for Barack Obama and I voted for Donald Trump because I thought they were going to stand up to Washington.  They have very different views on the world, but I  believed they would go to Washington and fight for me and not fight for Washington.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its a good argument for more outside voices right now, he continued. If I could wave a magic wand, Id love to see the money that gets spent on things like studying podcasts for young guys being spent on electing mayors and downballot city council members and nonpartisan Democrats and even state legislators  to begin the process of rebuilding that trust with voters.

Voters also say they are, first and foremost, concerned about common sense in a political party, something Democrats evidently see as an afterthought, the poll revealed. The party needs to align its messaging with the commonsense rhetoric and policies voters are looking for, political observers say.

We as a party oftentimes are getting nuanced in the way that we look at the world, and I dont think voters are looking for nuance, Mollineau said. Theyre looking for straightforward communication on identifying the problem and then fixing the problem.

Whether youre talking about the New York mayors race or AOC or Trump or Bernie Sanders, the thing that all those folks have in common is voters know where they stand on issues, Mollineau added, using an abbreviation for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). There is no nuance there.  People know where they stand, and when they say something, voters believe it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Pope Leo XIVs childhood home in Chicago has just sold  and for well over the initial asking price.

Long before taking up residence in the Apostolic Palace this May, the pontiff  then known as Robert Prevost  grew up in a modest two-story, three-bedroom home in the south Chicago suburb of Dolton, Illinois.

This week, the house on E. 142nd Place was sold to the village of Dolton at about 70 percent above the initial asking price, Steve Budzik, the agent representing the seller, told Bloomberg.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sale rounds off the homes journey since being placed on the market in January, months before Prevost, 69, emerged from the conclave as pope.

The house was originally listed earlier this year for $219,000 after a local property developer bought it for $66,000 to renovate.

The modest three-bedroom home sold for nearly double the asking price. (REUTERS)

After Leo stunned Americans and was elected pope on May 8, the seller pulled the home from the market and later announced a luxury auction, with a $250,000 opening bid.

The village of Dolton ended up purchasing the property for $375,000, Budzik said. The average house price in Dolton is about $179,000, according to Realtor.com.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The village hopes to work with the Archdiocese of Chicago to turn the house into a landmark and a meaningful and valuable asset to our community.

Im happy for the village, Budzik said. I think they were the best buyer for that property, and its great for win for them.

Pope Leo stunned Americans after emerging from the conclave in May as head of the Catholic church (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The village had previously considered using eminent domain to take ownership of Leos former home before completing a deal to purchase the property this week.

The Dolton board voted unanimously on July 1 to take control of the property with members calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do the home justice.

We can either seize this moment and move it forward, or we can let that moment go to an investor, Dolton Mayor Jason House said at the board meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Photos from the village of Doltons Facebook page last week show contractors doing work on the propertys roof.

The Popes House continues to draw in people, bringing new energy and attention to our village, the caption read.

Work had already begun on the property's roof before the village of Dolton finalized the purchase (Village of Dolton/Facebook)

Leos grounded demeanor is often traced back to his modest upbringing in the suburbs of Chicagos South Side.

He spent his early years in Dalton living with his parents and his elder brothers, Louis and John, with his upbringing rooted in Catholic faith and Midwestern values.

The worlds most famous White Sox fan attended local schools and was heavily involved in his parish from a young age. Some of those who went to St. Rita High School with the pontiff affectionately refer to him as Father Bob.
Pope Leo XIV has been presented with a physical copy of his family tree, which features some Black relatives.

The news comes after The New York Times reported that Leo, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, had mixed-race and Black grandparents from New Orleans on his mothers side of the family.

Henry Louis Gates Jr., who hosts the series Finding Your Roots on PBS, has since visited the Vatican alongside his wife, the historian Dr. Marial Iglesias Utset, to present the American pope with a physical copy of his lineage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gates wrote Thursday on Facebook that he and his wife were granted the profound honor of a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Saturday.

She and I had worked with an outstanding team of researchers to publish it in The New York Times Sunday Magazine and were deeply grateful for the chance to walk His Holiness through the branches of his family tree, sharing stories of his ancestors back to his 12th great-grandparents who were born some 500 years ago, he wrote.

Pope Leo XIVs maternal grandparents were identified as mulatto in the 1870 U.S. Census. / Ancestry.com

This was one of the most meaningful and deeply moving moments of our lives.

The PBS host also confirmed that Leo is related to Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Justin Bieber, and Hillary Clinton, among other notable names, albeit nine times removed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gates also found that some of Leos ancestors were enslavers, while others were enslaved.

Pope Leo with his family tree at the Vatican. / Vatican Media

Leo, 69, was born in 1955 and raised on the south side of Chicago. He has not publicly addressed his racial identity.

His brother John suggested to The New York Times that his siblings do not identify as people of color.

The National Catholic Reporter stated that Leos maternal grandfather, Joseph Martinez was born in Haiti, and his maternal grandmother, Louise Baquie, was Creole and a native of New Orleans.

A Vatican biography of Leo, who was elected in May after Pope Francis death, said he is the son of Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martinez, of Spanish descent.
(Metropolis Magazine)



Just 30 minutes from central Tokyo, Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture feels like stepping into another century. With preserved Edo-era architecture, merchant history, and retro storefronts, this city known as Little Edo, is a rewarding day trip from Tokyos high-rises.

Whether youre chasing cultural landmarks, local snacks or quiet charm, a Kawagoe day trip offers more than enough for a full-day adventureespecially for photographers, families or anyone burnt out on the bustle.

(Metropolis Magazine)



Wander through Kurazukuri Street

The heart of Kawagoes historic district is Kurazukuri Street. Here, low-slung buildings made of clay and tile evoke the fire-resistant warehouse style of the Edo Period. Some were rebuilt after the devastating 1893 fire, while others have been lovingly preserved. Shops line the street selling everything from handmade ceramics to roasted green tea, and on weekends, youll spot locals in kimono browsing side by side with tourists.

Dont miss:

The architecture along Taisho Roman Dori

Souvenir shops tucked into old kura storehouses

The occasional aroma of roasted sweet potato

Hear the chime of the Toki no Kane Bell Tower

Rising above the rooftops is the Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower), which still chimes four times a day. Originally built in the 1600s, this wooden landmark has been rebuilt several times but remains Kawagoes most enduring symbol.

Its not just a photo stopits a soundscape, too. Time your visit with the chime at noon for the full effect.

Toki no Kane Bell Tower (Metropolis Magazine)



Snack your way through candy alley

Candy Alley, or Kashiya Yokocho, is pure joy. This narrow lane is lined with old-fashioned candy shops that feel untouched by time. It began in the Meiji Period and still thrives today.

Inside the shops, youll find:

Bright red candied apples

Soy sauce-flavored rice crackers

Whimsical handmade candies in animal shapes

Classic Japanese toys and tops

The vibe is playful, chaotic and sweet. Kids will love it. So will grown-ups who remember when candy came in paper bagsnot plastic.

Peek into Kawagoes culture and history

Kawagoes nickname, Koedo or Little Edo, isnt just clever brandingit reflects the citys historic role as a commercial outpost that helped support the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo Period. Because of its strategic importance and proximity to Edo (now Tokyo), Kawagoe prospered as a merchant town and was known for its fire-resistant kura storehouses and samurai residences. Learn more about the historical significance of fire safety in our article: Edos Inked Heroes: Edo Firefighters.

Much of this legacy survivedor was rebuiltafter major fires in the 1800s. Today, its layout and architecture still reflect that Edo influence, earning it the designation as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Kawagoes museums are small, local and personal. Skip the giant exhibitions and enjoy these more intimate spots:

Kurazukuri Museum: Housed in a former tobacco merchants residence. Dive into Edo fire safety and merchant culture. (Note: the museum is currently going through Earthquake-related renovations and is temporarily closed.)

Yamazaki Art Museum: Features a modest but meaningful collection from local artists inside a former warehouse.

Osawa Residence: Built in 1792, this is the oldest remaining storehouse in town. Its free to admire from outside and worth seeking out.

Each stop feels like a secretperfect for travelers who prefer to wander slowly and soak things in.

Taste local flavor: Where to eat and drink in Kawagoe

All that walking and sightseeing builds an appetite. Kawagoe has plenty of food optionsfrom traditional sweets to stylish cafes and hearty teishoku [set meals].

Unaju (Metropolis Magazine)



Where to Eat:

Unagi Denbe  A popular spot for unagi [grilled eel], a long-standing specialty in Kawagoe.

Pizzeria Pino  Unexpectedly authentic Napoli-style pizza.

Yamawa  A cozy cafe inside a local gift shop, known for its sweet potato mini-kaiseki and seasonal drinks like iced matcha in summer and red bean soup in winter.

Rengetsu Cafe  Known for its vintage interiors and fluffy French toast.

Where to Sip and Sit:

Tsubakiya Foot Spa Tearoom  Sip on tea and sweets while resting your feet in a warm outdoor footbath.

Koedo Kurari  A renovated sake brewery turned food hall and souvenir shop. Try their sake tasting set and grab some handmade snacks.

Catch a Local Festival (Even Off-Season)

The Kawagoe Festival is one of the regions most beloved traditions. Held every third weekend in October, the celebration includes towering floats, music, and dancing that overtakes the whole city.

Cant make it in the fall? Visit the Kawagoe Festival Museum to see the floats up close and learn about the tradition year-round.

Kawagoe Festival (Metropolis Magazine)



Ride the Koedo loop busor walk it off

Kawagoe is surprisingly walkable, but if you want to rest your feet, the Koedo Loop Bus is convenient. It runs every 30 minutes and links all the main stationsKawagoe, Hon-Kawagoe, and Kawagoe-shiwith stops near all major landmarks.

On foot, youll likely stumble into cozy cafes, retro kissaten, and quiet backstreets that offer their own charm. Stop for a coffee, browse a tiny antique shop, or just sit and take it all in.

metropolisjapan.com
Pope Leo XIV's childhood home has been sold to the village where he grew up, which intends to make it a historical site, local media reported Friday.

The modest brick home in the Chicago suburb of Dolton, population 21,000, was sold by its current owner for $375,000, WGN television said.

It said the owner had bought the house for $66,000 last year -- prior to Pope Leo's election as the first American pontiff -- and done extensive renovations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Dolton village board of trustees voted earlier this month to purchase the three-bedroom house and turn it into an attraction open to the public.

According to WBEZ Chicago radio, the parents of Pope Leo -- born Robert Prevost -- bought the house in 1949 and sold it in 1996.

cl/bjt
Comedian and podcaster Andrew Schulz turned on President Donald Trump Thursday, lashing out at promises the president has failed to fulfill since returning to the White House, saying he voted for none of this.

Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

Related: I'm Cackling Seeing All These Canadians Diss Americans Using The Phrase "Elbows Up"  So Here's What It Means, And Why It's Such A Perfect Insult

Hes doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for. I want him to stop the wars. Hes funding them. I want him to shrink spending, reduce the budget. Hes increasing it, Schulz said on his podcast, Flagrant.

Schulz, who has amassed nearly 2 million subscribers on YouTube, hosted the president on his show last year in the lead-up to the presidential election; during their interview, he burst into laughter after Trump called himself "basically a truthful person."

Trump: Im basically a truthful personPodcaster: *bursts out laughing at him* pic.twitter.com/COOjMi9UMk  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) October 9, 2024

@KamalaHQ/ Flagrant

Related: Everyone Is Absolutely Losing It Over This Republican Senator's Face After Voting For The "Big Beautiful Bill"

Schulz told the New York Times in an interview published last month that his vote for Trump was against a Democratic institution he felt was stripping the democratic process from its constituents. He went on to say that, going into the Trump interview, he specifically wanted to address three topics with the candidate: making sure access to in vitro fertilization was protected, having empathy for law-abiding undocumented migrants, and ending foreign wars.

Emma McIntyre / Getty Images for Netflix

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Months after casting his vote for Trump, Schulz tore into the president in Thursdays episode in front of his co-hosts, comedians Akaash Singh and Mark Gagnon, and media producer AlexxMedia. Therell be people that theyll DM me and be like, You see what your boys doing? You voted for this. Im like, I voted for none of this, Schulz said.

Related: A NSFW Float Depicting Donald Trump's "MAGA" Penis Was Just Paraded Around Germany, And It's...Something

The conversation moved on to Trumps immigration policy, where Singh questioned the presidents promise of focusing on undocumented immigrants who committed criminal offenses. I dont even know if the criminals are getting sent back. I know theres a lot of people with green cards getting sent back. Theres people who arent criminals getting sent back, Singh said, emphasizing that nothing has happened.

At one point, Schulz expressed frustration with Trumps unfulfilled promise to release files related to convicted child sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein, stating, Its insulting our intelligence. Like, obviously, the intelligence community is trying to cover it up. Obviously, the Trump administration is trying to cover up, Schulz claimed. Something changed because they ran on this idea of exposing it all.

Related: "Trends That Can Lead To The Alt-Right Pipeline": This Woman Is Calling Out Ways The Far Right Targets Women And Girls

Some argued that Trumps appearance last year on Schulzs podcast and others like it that draw large audiences of young men helped the president reach younger male voters and win the election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The comedian has recently hosted more left-leaning figures on the show, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who warned of not taking Trumps promises seriously. To me, like most of the stuff he said he was going to do, he didnt actually do, Buttigieg said in April. He didnt do the big infrastructure bill he talked about. [The Biden administration] actually did it. He didnt even build the wall.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

Also in In the News: Donald Trump Supporters Are Waking Up To The Reality Of Their Ballot Choices, And The Stories Are A Loooooot

Also in In the News: "I Saw Him Say This On CNN And My Jaw Dropped"  People Are Applauding Zohran Mamdani's Unapologetic Response To Being Asked About His Stance On Capitalism

Also in In the News: "Can A Trump Supporter Explain": 49 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Month

Read it on BuzzFeed.com




Key Takeaways

While jellyfish stings are seldom life-threatening, they can be a very unpleasant experience.

Stings can cause pain, swelling, and in rare cases, serious reactions like breathing trouble.

Treat stings by removing tentacles, rinsing with sea water, and soaking in hot water.





As summer temperatures soar and people flock to beaches to cool off, its important to remember that we share the ocean with thousands of sea creaturessome of which can sting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sunburns and riptides, though serious, arent the only threat beachgoers face. Warming ocean temperatures have resulted in an increase in jellyfish at some of the Souths most popular beaches, making human-jelly interactions more likely than ever. While jellyfish stings are seldom life-threatening, they can be a very unpleasant experience.

Whether youre seeking immediate advice on how to manage a jellyfish sting or are simply preparing yourself ahead of a family beach vacation, heres what you need to know, including expert-agreed tips for minimizing symptoms.





Meet Our Expert

Christanne Coffey , MD, FACEP, DiDMM, MFAWM, Academy Director on the Board of Directors and prior Chair of the Diploma in Diving and Marine Medicine of the Wilderness Medical Society and Director of Wilderness Medicine at University of California San Diego Department of Emergency Medicine

Dr. Peter Wernicki, medical advisor for United States Lifesaving Association







What Is A Jellyfish Sting?

Lets start with the basics. Jellyfish stings occur when a person comes into contact with the tentacles of a jellyfish, either while swimming or walking along the shore. Jellyfish tentacles contain specialized cells called cnidocytes (or nematocysts) that release venom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

[Jellyfish] all have tons (often millions) of nematocysts that cause the sting, explains Dr. Christanne Coffey of the University of California San Diego Department of Emergency Medicine. These microscopic stinging cells have a hollow, venomous harpoon that packs a big punch. When activated, the harpoon is ejected, penetrates under the skin, and venom is released. This act of self-defense, or in other cases, to capture prey, can ruin a beach day.

Jellyfish Sting Symptoms

Depending on the species of jellyfish and how much of your skin comes into contact with the venom, side effects can range from mild pain and swelling to more serious health problems like anaphylaxis. The most common symptoms of a jellyfish sting include pain, burning, and redness at the site of the sting, with red, raised lines or welts. Other symptoms can include itching, swelling, and a throbbing pain that radiates up the affected limb, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Types Of Jellyfish To Look Out For

According to Coffey, the U.S. is home to more than 9,000 species of jellyfish, and only about 100 are considered dangerous. The highly venomous box jellyfish, Portuguese man o war, and cannonball jellyfish are the most dangerous jellies youre likely to come across on a Southern beach.

In Coffeys opinion, the most concerning species beachgoers may encounter is the Portuguese man o war, which is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the Southeast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This floating colony of hydrozoans accounts for the most emergency department visits worldwide, Coffey says. They can cause more than just the pain, swelling, and redness. People can develop other symptoms, including vomiting, abdominal pain, heart and breathing instability, even potentially anaphylaxis and (very rarely) death.

How To Treat A Jellyfish Sting

There are many misconceptions about the right way to treat a jellyfish sting. While the effectiveness of meat tenderizer, fresh water, baking soda, and urine have all been (fortunately) debunked, the jury is still out on vinegar, which remains one of the most common suggestions for treating jellyfish stings.

Dr. Peter Wernicki, medical advisor for United States Lifesaving Association, says that while vinegar can prevent any nematocysts that have not yet fired from stinging, it has actually been shown to increase pain with certain species of jellyfish. Older studies have shown that vinegar is beneficial for Portuguese man o' war stings only, while newer research suggests that Portuguese man o' war stings are the only ones you shouldnt use vinegar on.

"The question remains if it helps or harms, Coffey says, adding that the data is mixed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Coffey, Wernicki, The American Heart Association, The Red Cross, and other experts do agree "universally" on the following three-step treatment for jellyfish stings:

Remove visible tentacles by plucking them off with tweezers, a glove, or even a plastic bag as quickly as you can. If possible, try not to pluck them off with your bare hands. Wash the area with sea waternot fresh water. Fresh water can cause further release of the toxin. Immerse the area in hot water for 20 minutes to alleviate lingering pain. Hot water causes the proteins in the venom to unfold, thereby making them ineffective. The water should be at least 100F, or as hot as you can stand it without burning yourself, advises Wernicki. If hot water is not available, Coffey recommends trying a hot pack or warm compresses.

Do not scrape or rub the area as this will only grind the stinging cells in deeper and cause more to fire.

Some people may need additional over-the-counter pain medication, antihistamines, or corticosteroids. Welts should disappear in one to two weeks. While rare, seek emergency care for severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness.

Read the original article on Southern Living
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Multnomah County District Attorneys Office and Portland police are cracking down on thieves that are targeting cannabis businesses in the greater Portland area.

Authorities say criminals drive into the storefronts then steal sometimes tens of thousands of dollars worth of products. Police refer to the reoccurring crime as a smash-and-grab.

Officials say they are committed to holding these criminals accountable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One Portland business says they have been hit multiple times at two of its locations.

The business doesnt want to be identified, but both of their locations had to close for nine months after they were hit, resulting in 15 people losing their jobs.

The owner was out tens of thousands of dollars to repair damage and replace the stolen products.

I, for one, will not stand for this, said DA Nathan Vazquez. My office is ramping up and thinking of all the ways we can prosecute these individuals.

Vasquez says there are hundreds of cannabis businesses in Portland that contribute millions of dollars in tax revenue each year to the economy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite his office taking a cut in this last budget cycle, Vasquez says he remains committed to providing protection to the cannabis industry, partnering with Portland police to investigate 25 burglaries that have taken place since early 2025.

One business lost hundreds of thousands of dollars of product in one burglary, Portland Police Detective Michael Stevens said.

We are going to come at you aggressively hard, Vazquez added.

But will their efforts be enough?

Jesse Bontecou, the executive director of the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon, notes that without access to banks and title insurance, dispensaries are inherently prone to theft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Due to our status as a schedule 1 narcotic, normal banking services are not available to us, so we have to deal with a lot more cash, Bontecou said.

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkleys Safe Banking Act would have made banking services available to cannabis businesses in states where cannabis is legal, but it failed in the Senate.

Vazquez says many of the stolen products from dispensaries end up on Facebook Marketplace or other online sites. He is encouraging the community not to purchase from those sites and to shop locally at those shops instead.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Search teams began scouring a lake south of the Philippine capital Manila on Thursday for dozens of cockfight participants allegedly murdered by rogue police.

Just hours later, the Department of Justice issued a statement saying a plastic bag containing what appeared to be "burned human bones" had been recovered from Lake Taal.

"This discovery could represent a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation," the department said, adding a forensic examination and DNA testing were needed before conclusions could be drawn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fifteen police officers are under investigation over a spate of mysterious disappearances in 2022 in the country's huge cockfighting industry.

Philippine coast guard personnel aboard an inflatable boat speed past one of Taal craters on their way to the site where the bodies of cockfighters were allegedly dumped in Taal Lake off Laurel town, Batangas province South of Manila on July 10, 2025. / Credit: TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images

The case erupted back into the public consciousness last month with the televised appearance of a witness claiming to know where bodies had been submerged in Lake Taal.

As many as 100 people were murdered over their alleged involvement in match-fixing, killed by police moonlighting for an online cockfight operator, according to witness Julie "Dondon" Patidongan who spoke to broadcaster GMA.

Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla has since said that "multiple witnesses" could identify the location of those missing in the lake, which spans about 89 square miles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Department spokesman Dominic Clavano said Thursday the preliminary inspection by the coast guard and police was intended to lay the groundwork for future dives.

But hours after it concluded, the justice department said searchers had found the bag containing what appeared to be human bones.

While the initial probe was conducted far from shore, local media reported the bag was discovered within 10 metres (33 feet) from the shoreline.

Filipinos from all walks of life wager millions of dollars on matches every week between roosters who fight to the death with razor-sharp metal spurs tied to their legs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We are not the only victims here"

Charlene Lasco, whose missing brother Ricardo was an agent for livestreamed cockfights, said the priority for victims' families was being able to lay their loved ones to rest.

"We are happy that (the government) is doing their best to locate (the bodies) and solve this case," she said at the national police headquarters in Manila. "We are not the only victims here."

National Police Chief Nicolas Torre said this week authorities needed to act swiftly.

"The typhoon season is coming in," he told journalists on Tuesday. "We are moving fast to at least try to locate the bodies. We know that it is very, very challenging."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The justice minister said Friday he had requested technical assistance from Japan including help with mapping the lake bed, parts of which are as deep as 172 metres.

Japan's embassy in Manila told AFP it had received the request without providing further details.

But Torre believes the Philippines had the necessary equipment on hand to begin the search.

"We have a very, very robust shipping industry here and in other parts of the Philippines, so we can do it," he said.

Cockfighting, banned in many other countries, survived coronavirus pandemic restrictions by going online, drawing many more gamblers who use their mobile phones to place wagers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A 2022 Senate investigation revealed that daily bets on online cockfights tallied $52.4 million, the BBC reported. But after the men disappeared, the livestreamed fights came under scrutiny and former president Rodrigo Duterte eventually banned them, according to the BBC.

In 2020, a police officer in the Philippines was killed during a raid on an illegal cockfight after a rooster's blade sliced his femoral artery.

Cockfighting operations have also made headline in the U.S. recently.

Last month, more than 40 people were arrested after a cockfighting ring was broken up in South Florida.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this year, hundreds of birds were euthanized after a joint investigation led to their seizure from an alleged cockfighting operation in Kansas.

Social media content creator shows his hustle

Udemy Is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills

Meet the man behind a Los Angeles shop selling famous and rare guitars
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Texas Office of Attorney General has received hardly any reports of price gouging related to the Independence Day flooding. However, as recovery efforts ramp up across Central Texas and the Hill Country, state officials and consumer advocates continue warning the public about disaster profiteers, scammers and fraudulent charities.

The OAGs office received just one report of price gouging  a gas station near Kerrville raising prices by 50 cents  in the days following widespread flooding mayhem that left 120 confirmed dead and 166 more still missing as of Friday, KXAN reported.

Why Texas Hill Country is one of the deadliest places in the US for flash flooding

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deaths and missing people have been reported Kerr, Travis, Williamson, Burnet, Kendall and Tom Green counties. Those counties, and others, have been put under state and federal disaster declarations, which trigger certain consumer protections which make price gouging illegal.

As news of the devastation has spread, so has the outpouring of support and donations.

For example, Community Foundation of the Texas Hill County  a legitimate and transparent nonprofit  announced $30 million received in the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund in just six days. Through grants, $5 million is being sent down to organizations to be disbursed to individuals and families, local businesses, first responders and crisis response, according to the organization.

Travis County bridge damaged by floods closed, community cut off

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Not all fundraising efforts are legitimate, though. Price gouging aside, officials say fundraising frauds could be lurking. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said now is the time be vigilant for bad actors trying to take advantage of this tragedy.

Scammers tap AI

Jason Meza, a senior director of communications with the Better Business Bureau, told KXAN that scammers are using artificial intelligence to work faster.

AI is allowing cyber criminals the advantage of now speeding up that process of creating profiles bots that are chatting, Meza said. As soon as they go up or established the profiles and put them on these platforms, theyre quickly taken down, and theyre just moving onto another. They migrate so fast.

Fraudsters are cloning fundraising pages and replacing bank account links. They are hijacking the comment sections on Meta stories to divert would-be donors and misdirect money to fraudulent bank accounts, Meza said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its important for people to pause before donating and triple check payment sites and links to ensure they are directed to right place. If something seems amiss, consumers can call fundraisers or direct message them and ask questions. Cyber-criminals trying to move fast arent going to spend time answering detailed questions or provide more information than what is already posted, Meza said.

BBB warns of emotional appeals, fundraisers using similar names to well-known charities, fundraisers that disclose little information, and requests for on-the-spot donations that pressure you to give immediately.

Scams can be reported to the BBBs scam tracker. Consumers can also report them to the Office of Attorney General here.

The Office of Attorney General has tips and information on disaster scams here and below:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additional tips and resources:

Do not wire money or provide personal banking information like account, credit card or social security numbers.

Research charities before donating. Two tools to check credentials are CharityWatch and Guidestar, which keeps IRS data on nonprofits.

Dont trust names or phone numbers, which can be faked.

Watch out for text message solicitations for donations, also called smishing.

Enter your name in the Texas Do Not Call Registry (by visiting https://www.texasnocall.com or by calling toll-free at 1-888-309-0600) and the National Do Not Call Registry, by visiting www.donotcall.gov or by calling toll-free at 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Jul. 11In the spring of 1973, 14-year-old Diane Madden took her first big trip, to Washington, D.C., with her aunt, uncle and cousin. While she was there, Madden mailed a postcard to her grandparents, Byron and Katherine Abbott, who lived with Madden and her parents, Rocky and Carolyn Ferrante, on Parrott Street in South Portland.

Madden wrote about visiting the Washington Monument, the National Museum of Natural History and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, and her plans to tour the White House and FBI headquarters.

"It was sort of like what a typical 14-year-old would write about," said Madden.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her grandparents never received the postcard, which depicted tourist spots around the nation's capital, along with its famous cherry blossoms, and Madden forgot all about it. "I never knew they didn't get it," she said.

That is, until last week.

That's when Chelsea Kearns, who now lives in the Parrott Street house where Madden's grandparents lived, received the long-lost postcard in the mail.

"I haven't had a postcard in years," said Kearns.

Kearns pieced together who the sender, "Diane," was with the help of her next-door neighbor Bruce Timberlake, who grew up on Parrott Street with Madden. Kearns and her husband Seth bought the house from the Ferrantes in 2013.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She sent Madden a message on Facebook, telling her that the postcard had finally been delivered.

For Kearns, receiving the postcard was exciting. "The journey in finding Diane, to return this piece of family history, was a special moment," she said. "It reminds you of the importance of connection and the unexpected ways that the past can touch our present."

Madden, a children's book author and executive director of the Cancer Resource Center in Norway, said she was "completely floored" when she read Kearns' Facebook message. Last week, she returned to her childhood home in South Portland to meet Kearns in person and collect the postcard.

The postcard had a Boston postmark dated May 12, 2025. It's still unknown where it had been for 52 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Madden speculates it likely was forgotten in a dead letter office somewhere. But she is delighted to finally have it back, and said it now lives on her mantel. "It's kind of surreal and kind of crazy," she said.

Madden's grandparents and parents have since died, but her uncle Charlie, who accompanied her to Washington 52 years ago, is in his 90s and lives in Kittery, as does Madden's cousin Stephen Abbott, who also was on the D.C. trip. She said she can't wait to share the story with them.

Copy the Story Link
By Thomas Escritt

BERLIN (Reuters) -A planned vote on appointing three new judges to Germany's Constitutional Court was shelved on Friday, as conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition struggled to muster a parliamentary majority for the second time in three months.

Other parties, including his Social Democrat coalition partners, charged the Christian Democrats with bringing Germany's highest court into disrepute and using spurious plagiarism allegations as a pretext for shelving a vote the coalition would not have won.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The conservatives had initially sought to postpone a vote only on appointing Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, a law professor and the Social Democrats' nominee, who was opposed by many conservatives because of her support for abortion rights.

"I never imagined we'd see debates in our country reminiscent of those on appointing justices to the United States Supreme Court," the SPD's Dirk Wiese told parliament.

"The kind of witch hunt we've seen against a distinguished law professor this week should make us fear for the state of democracy in our country," he added.

The failure to muster a majority is an embarrassment for Merz and for his ally Jens Spahn, the conservatives' parliamentary leader, whose job it is to ensure his legislators toe the coalition line - something he had been confident of achieving as recently as Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The conservatives blamed their volte-face on allegations published on Thursday evening by Stefan Weber, a self-proclaimed "plagiarism hunter" who has claimed a string of politicians' scalps despite widespread doubts over his methods.

Brosius-Gersdorf did not immediately respond to an e-mailed request for a comment on Weber's allegations, which appeared to accuse her of plagiarising footnotes in her thesis from one published after her own.

"This man brings plagiarism charges against half the republic," said the Green's Britta Hasselmann, calling the conservatives' decision a disaster that would harm the court's reputation.

Weber later backtracked, telling the Sueddeutsche Zeitung that he had merely flagged "possible unethical authorship" and had not accused Brosius-Gersdorf of plagiarism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Constitutional Court is one of Germany's most respected and powerful institutions. Its decision to overturn a budget helped trigger the collapse of the last government.

While judges often have open party affiliations, public disagreements over topical cultural issues are rare. Its members speak with pride about its political neutrality, frequently comparing it favourably with the U.S. Supreme Court.

(Additional reporting by Markus Wacket; Editing by Miranda Murray and Andrew Heavens)
The United Kingdom has twice refused visas to radical leftist South African politician Julius Malema in 2025. In June, social media posts styled as articles claimed that Britain had issued an arrest warrant for the opposition leader, and that President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to this at a press conference attended by EU delegates. This is false; there was no press conference about any arrest warrant and both the British High Commission and South Africas foreign ministry have denied these claims.

Why is this news not headline news? reads a Facebook post published on June 6, 2025, in Afrikaans, adding a headline: President Ramaphosa Breaks Silence on UK Arrest Warrant for Julius Malema: Unbelievable.

Malema is known for his controversial stances, including singing Kill the Boer, a song originally chanted during apartheid in protest against the brutal system of white-minority rule (archived here).

The post, which features the date "June 5, 2025", is styled as a news article, and claims that Ramaphosa has publicly addressed  for the first time  the international arrest warrant issued for Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema by the United Kingdom, reads the opening paragraph.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the post, Ramaphosa was speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria during a joint press conference with visiting EU dignitaries, where he said that his office had been formally briefed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding the UKs legal request.

Screenshot of the false Facebook post, published on June 6, 2025

The post claims that Malemas purported warrant is in connection with "an alleged money laundering and organised financial crime investigation" involving a British-based shell company.

Ramaphosa is also quoted as purportedly saying: South Africa has treaties and cooperative frameworks with the United Kingdom. If a formal extradition request is received, it will be reviewed through the proper judicial channels.

The post includes a link to a YouTube video with audio narrating the same text -- along with other claims, including that large-scale protests are planned in the countrys main cities in support of Malema.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The footage consists of stock images of Ramaphosa and one of Malema in a courtroom dock.

Numerous versions of the claim have been replicated across multiple platforms, including TikTok and X.

No press conference

The YouTube channel that posted the video has a disclaimer that reads: "This channel is all about SATIRE and PARODY  meaning nothing here is meant to be taken seriously.

Screenshot of the disclaimer on the YouTube channel

There have been no reports about any arrest warrant issued by the UK for Malema.

On July 10, 2025, the British High Commission in South Africa told AFP Fact Check it is not aware of any arrest warrants of pending legal requests related to Julius Malema.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

South Africas foreign ministry spokesman, Chrispin Phiri, called the Facebook post fake in a WhatsApp message on June 17, 2025, adding that there was no such thing.

The Delegation of the European Union to South Africa also refuted claims of a meeting with Ramaphosa on June 5, 2025.

Please note that the Delegation of the European Union did not have a meeting at the Union Buildings on 5 June, a spokesperson wrote in an email to AFP Fact Check on June 23, 2025.

Social media posts published on the same day as the false post show the EU Ambassador to South Africa, Sandra Kramer, meeting with provincial agricultural minister Vuyiswa Ramokgopa at the EU's Pretoria office (archived here).

Great to meet @VuyiswaRamokgop today to discuss strengthening our cooperation @EUinSAhttps://t.co/YsSnWO7aF1  Sandra Kramer (@SandraKramerEU) June 5, 2025

South Africas presidency typically announces Ramaphosas schedule through advisories or social media, but there were no reports or public appearances for the head of state on that date (archived here).

UK visa denial

Malema is entangled with the UK over visa issues, which have made international headlines (archived here).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The UK denied Malema a visa on two separate occasions, the first when he was invited to lecture at Cambridge University (archived here).

The British authorities have denied me a visa to London for the Cambridge Conference this weekend, providing no substantial justification, read Malemas X post on May 7, 2025 (archived here).

The British authorities have denied me a visa to London for the Cambridge Conference this weekend, providing no substantial justification. It is clear to me that this is an attempt to silence a dissenting political perspective. We are currently at the OR airport, as we were  Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) May 7, 2025

The BBC reported that British High Commissioner to South Africa Antony Phillipson apologised at the time, citing a delay due to bank holidays.

However, Malemas visa was denied again in June (archived here). According to an X post by the Economic Freedom Fighters, the UK letter said his presence would not be conducive to the public good due to his vocal support for the Palestinian armed group Hamas and continued calls for the slaughter of white people.

Official Letter from UK Home Office Denying CIC Julius Malema Visa Application pic.twitter.com/AgdgobB2Bh  Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) June 19, 2025

A British official confirmed the content of the report to AFP on condition of anonymity but would not give details (archived here).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The only public references to a Malema arrest warrant date back to 2012, when South African police issued an arrest warrant for the politician after media reports linked him to fraud and corruption charges related to a family trust (archived here).

The contract was for the construction of roads in Malema's home province, Limpopo, when he was still the head of the African National Congresss youth wing and was accused of "improperly" receiving money for the contract.

However, in 2015, a South African judge threw out the case (archived here).

By then, following his expulsion from the ANC, Malema had formed the radical-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) political party.
SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here.

Americans may take family vacations, but they just can't seem to escape their fears for their kids.

When a new University of Michigan/C.S. Mott Children's Hospital survey asked parents if they'd let their teen stay in the room while they went downstairs to eat breakfast in the hotel restaurant, the majority of parents said no way. Nor would they let their teens  we're talking ages 13 to 18  walk a short distance to a cafe.

Most also wouldn't let their teen go to another part of an amusement park, or even a different exhibit at a museum, unaccompanied. (So, kids, you're getting your fill of abstract expressionism!) This was true even though more than half of parents said they track their kids' location by phone.

Now, of course, there's something great about togetherness on a family vacation. That's the point! But every second of every trip? Many adults remember very fondly a time when they  either with their parents' blessing, or by accident, or sometimes by rank sneakiness  separated from their families on vacation, many even before they were teens.

A friend of mine, the historian Fernande Raine, still recalls visiting New York City as a kid and desperately wanting to explore on her own.

Somehow she managed to slip away from her mom and stand right at the edge of the filthy East River. As Raine wrote to me, "Peering down at the water gave me a sense of power, freedom, and elation all in one."

Needless to say, her mom did not feel that same elation. A cop soon found Raine and returned her to her folks. But Raine credits that experience with helping to ignite a love of world travel and adventure she feels to this day.

And her age at the time? Five.

Michelle Berney, a New York nonprofit administrator and mom of three, took a vacation to London last year with her husband and their youngest child, Sam, then 12. While they were eating dinner, wondering whether they'd have enough time to get tickets to the show they wanted to see, Sam volunteered to go get them.

When Berney and her husband said OK, Sam proceeded to navigate the underground, get the tickets, and Uber back, triumphant. For him, says Berney, that errand "was the high point of the trip. He felt so independent."

Independence isn't just fun. It's crucial to child development. A 2023 study in The Journal of Pediatrics found that as kids' independence has been going down over the decades, their anxiety and depression have been going up.

A family vacation seems like the perfect time for them to finally explore on their own. They're someplace new, so they can't run on autopilot. And usually they're someplace exciting enough to get them off the couch  maybe even off their phones. What teen wouldn't want to shop for souvenirs on their own? "One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, Floor" is just not a T-shirt that mom is going to buy you. You need a free afternoon!

Heck, perhaps the most famous family vacation in history can be found in the Bible. Mary, Joseph and Jesus, then 12, journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival of Passover. When it was over and his parents were returning home, Jesus stayed behind  a fact his parents only realized a day later. They hurried back to Jerusalem and finally found their son teaching in the temple. After this, the King James Bible notes, Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

Giving your kids some unsupervised time on this summer's vacation can show them  and you  who they are, and how much they're ready to handle on their own. Watch them increase in wisdom and stature!
Pottery workers have staged a protest, calling on the government to do more to support their industry in the face of rising energy costs.

The campaigners in Stoke-on-Trent said the recently unveiled industrial strategy only helped energy-intensive firms with electricity costs and not gas, which ceramics companies heavily relied on to fire their kilns.

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) said they recognised the challenges faced by potteries and that firms would benefit from broader support like the National Wealth Fund.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They said there were also plans to generate more energy in the UK to bring down prices.

Workers in ceramics firms fear their industry is facing an existential crisis, however.

"I've grown up in a family of potters," said Sarah Stirling, an employee at Doulton Water Filters.

"It really affects me as a person to think that there might be no more pottery in Stoke-on-Trent."

Clare Spate said the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent was known around the globe [BBC]

Claire Spate, who used to work at Moorcroft, said she was glad to see her company had been returned to family ownership but said staff were still waiting to hear whether they would get their jobs back.

"We understand what predicament Will [Moorcroft, the owner] is in, but we're just now waiting to get letters and to see when we can resume production," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ms Spate added Mr Moorcroft now had "a big job" to get the business started up again.

She said people visited Stoke-on-Trent from across the world because of the heritage and craftsmanship of its iconic pottery firms.

'It's bleak'

Sharon Yates, a China cup handler at Dunoon Ceramics and GMB representative, said that although industry leaders were happy they had been recognised as an "essential" industry, companies had not been given any assurances about support with gas costs.

"We need immediate help for the gas to keep the kilns lit," she said.

"If we don't get the help with the gas, then other factories will cease to trade."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gas was needed for the initial firing, to take their products from clay to the "biscuit" stage, she said, and that electricity was unable to provide the same heat intensity.

Gas now costs six times more than it did in 2022, she added, with standing charges accounting for about two thirds of the overall price paid.

"It's bleak. If the government doesn't step in, more factories will close."

A DBT spokesperson said: "We recognise the challenges faced by potteries in Staffordshire and ceramics businesses across the country."

They added that the industrial strategy included measures which could reduce electricity bills by up to 25%, but they did not mention any measures to support gas costs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

More on this story

Related internet links
PRAIRIEVILLE, La. (Louisiana First)  As crews continue looking for survivors in Kerr County, Texas, one local business in Louisiana is coming up with its own game plan to support those in need.

Karrleigh Donaldson and Crystal Mitchel with Steppings Stones Summer Camp in Prairieville said theyve always given back to the community, but being able to help our neighbors was also impacting.

When we heard about the devastation thats happening to Texas right now. It was a no-brainer to try and get donations for them as well, said Donaldson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Residents from all over the city and beyond have called, texted, and donated to give anything they can to help flood victims in Texas. With this only being day one of donations, they said theyre already seeing the impact.

And I know that if I were to be in their shoes, I would want someone to try and help. Even as far as, like, heres some blankets, heres some food, anything that theyre able to give, and thats what I just want people to know that there are people out there that do care, Donaldson said.

In just the few hours theyve started, dozens of businesses have reached out offering support, trucks, and more to continue giving back to those in need. Michel said theres no hesitation when answering the call to provide as much help as possible.

I also feel like Louisiana just jumps right in for anything. You have the Cajun Navy, you have everybody. I mean, they just when theres devastation everywhere, they just jump in. Louisiana is always jumping in, Michel said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Michel said theyre taking donations until Aug. 8 and will take a trailer to Kerr County, Aug. 15. Theyre also taking monetary donations. You can send funds to their Venmo Crystal-Michel-37.

They have donated over 500 to-go plates to feed victims and are looking for more businesses to partner with to cook for them. Any local truck or U-Haul company can reach out to the business if they would like to offer transportation for donations.

Latest News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived in Kerrville, Texas, Friday, following massive floods in the region that have taken the lives of more than 120 people.

The Trumps met with local officials and first responders who are navigating the aftermath of flash floods that devastated the Central Texas community, after the Guadalupe River surged more than 22 feet in just a matter of hours.

Speaking at a roundtable with state, local and federal officials in Kerrville, Trump said: "I've never seen anything like this. This is a bad one."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said he had just visited with the "incredible families" who have been "devastated."

Ex-biden Official Scolds Trump On Climate Change After Texas Floods

President Donald Trump speaks Friday during a roundtable with Texas officials following the devastating floods in Kerrville, Texas.

Trump thanked the first responders, adding that he and the first lady were there to "express the love and support and anguish of our entire nation."

Read On The Fox News App

"So all across the country, Americans' hearts are shattered," he said. "We're filled with grief and devastation. It's the loss of life, and unfortunately, they're still looking."

"My administrations doing everything in its power to help Texas," he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He thanked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for his leadership, who in turn thanked the president for the administrations quick response to the states disaster declaration, adding, "Were going to rebuild this community."

Dr. Phil McGraw, who was also at the roundtable, spoke about grief and said, "Mr. President, there is a depth of root and caring here like you just can't believe until you see it."

Samaritan's Purse Volunteers Bring Faith And Supplies To Texans In Need

Trump said two things had struck him: the "unity" of Texans and the "competence" of those responding to the disaster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Everyone has just pulled together, it's rare that you see this," he said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a roundtable led by President Donald Trump and other local, state and federal officials Friday in Kerrville, Texas, following the devastating floods there.

Trump referred to Camp Mystic, where more than two dozen girls, who the president referred to as "young angels," were killed in the flood, as a "legendary camp that people would want to go to from all over the country."

"They were there because they loved God," he said. "And as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God is welcoming those little beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven."

The first lady showed a bracelet she was wearing that she said she received in honor of "all of the little girls that lost their lives" at the camp. "So, we are here to honor them and also to give the support, help."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among those who died in the flooding were at least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp founded nearly 100 years ago for girls. Meanwhile, more than 160 people are missing and unaccounted for in Kerr County, Texas, following the floods, according to officials.

Dennis Quaid Devastated By Close Family Connection To Texas Floods

First lady Melania Trump speaks as President Donald Trump looks on during a roundtable Friday with Texas officials after the devastating floods in Kerrville, Texas.

The White House disclosed Monday that Trump would visit the flood site to witness the devastation.

"I'll be going down on Friday with the first lady, and we will be taking a trip," Trump said Tuesday at a Cabinet meeting. "And we don't want to get in anyone's way, because, you know, it's what happens. The president goes, and everyone's around focused. I don't want anyone to focus on us, but it's possible they could have."

First lady Melania Trump, left, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump are briefed on flood damage in Kerrville, Texas, Friday.

The Trump administration has faced scrutiny from Democrats for its response to the disaster, particularly for a new policy that Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem approved in June, before the floods, that requires her to sign off on any department expenses, including disaster-related expenses, that are more than $100,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Noem reportedly waited more than 72 hours after the flooding started before she approved the deployment of the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) Urban Search and Rescue teams, according to CNN.

Mangled home of Greg Adkins in Kerrville, Texas, July 9. Heavy rain caused flash flooding on July 4 across South Central Texas, leaving the area devastated.

Meanwhile, Noem dismissed the report's credibility during a segment on "Fox & Friends" on Thursday, claiming the report was "fake news."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees FEMA, told Fox News Digital that the agency has "taken an all-hands-on-deck approach" in responding to the crisis, when asked about the CNN report.

"The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades," DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump also defended his administrations response and said at the White House during a Tuesday Cabinet meeting that "you had people there as fast as anybodys ever seen."

Still, the disaster creates uncertainty about the future of FEMA, since Trump has called for massive reforms to the agency.

White House Blasts Schumer, Democrats For 'Depraved Lie' Blaming Trump For Texas Flash Flood

Search and rescue teams seen in Kerrville, Texas, July 9.

Trump said in June that he wanted to "wean off of FEMA, and we want to bring it back to the state level."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the future of FEMA is an ongoing discussion, when asked whether the flood had prompted Trump to re-evaluate his position on overhauling FEMA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The president wants to ensure American citizens always have what they need during times of need," Leavitt told reporterson Monday. "Whether that assistance comes from states or the federal government, thats a policy discussion that will continue. And the president has always said he wants states to do as much as they can, if not more."

Obama Bros Balk At Far-left Saying Texans Brought Flood Disaster On Themselves By Supporting Trump

A raging Guadalupe River leaves fallen trees and debris in its wake, July 4, in Kerrville, Texas.

Meanwhile, Noem lauded FEMAs efforts responding to the disaster during the Cabinet meeting, even as some lawmakers like Rep. Jared Moscowitz, D-Fla., have called for an investigation into reports of a delayed FEMA response.

"FEMA has been deployed, and were cutting through the paperwork of the old FEMA, streamlining it much like your vision of how FEMA should operate," Noem said. "Its been a much better response to help these families get through this terrible situation."





Original article source: Trump, first lady mourn young lives lost in Texas floods, praise first responders during Kerrville roundtable
A week after catastrophic floods tore across the Texas Hill Country, authorities and volunteers on the ground Friday are searching for over 160 missing people as residents in hard-hit areas mourn the dead. President Donald Trump is expected to visit the region.

Here's what we know about Trump's visit.

What we know: 12 Austin-area flood victims still missing nearly a week after Texas flooding

Trump to visit Texas: See schedule

The White House released a schedule for Trump's visit to Texas on Friday, July 11. All times are in Central Time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

8:30 a.m.: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump depart from the White House and travel to Kerrville, Texas.

11:20 a.m.: The president and first lady arrive in Kerrville.

1:10 p.m.: The president and first lady participate in a roundtable discussion with first responders and local officials.

2:15 p.m.: The president and first lady depart from Kerrville and travel to Bedminster, New Jersey.

What did Trump say about the Texas floods?

Trump issued a disaster declaration for the Central Texas area on Sunday, releasing federal funds for those affected by flooding in Kerr County as well as emergency work and repairs. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the U.S. Coast Guard and Texas first responders had "saved more than 850 lives."

"It's a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible," Trump said. "So we say, God bless all of the people that have gone through so much, and God bless, God bless the state of Texas."

On Sunday, the president announced plans to visit areas of Texas hardest hit by the floods.

Trump says he supports alarm system after Texas floods

In an interview on NBC's Meet the Press on Thursday, Trump said the Texas flood was a "once-in-every-200-year" event and expressed his support for installing an alarm system to warn of such emergencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"After having seen this horrible event, I would imagine youd put alarms up in some form," Trump told NBCs Meet the Press on Thursday ahead of the trip, noting, "local officials were hit by this just like everybody else."

Questions remain about what more could have been done to warn residents of the flooding, which surged the Guadalupe River nearly 30 feet in less than an hour. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's legislative agenda for an upcoming special session includes discussions on flood warning systems, communications and natural disaster preparation and recovery.

 USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: President Trump coming to Texas today after deadly Kerrville flooding
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Donald Trump is in central Texas after flash floods devastated a region outside of San Antonio.

So far, emergency officials say 120 people have died and that number is expected to climb.

President Trump saw first-hand what happened when heavy rain pushed the Guadalupe River over three stories high.

The force destroyed buildings, including a summer camp where 27 campers and counselors died.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its a horrible thing, horrible thing. Nobody can even believe it. that much water, that fast, said Trump.

Federal disaster officials are already on the ground in Texas and on Friday Governor Greg Abbott announced President Trump expanded the counties approved for FEMAs assistance.

This type of wild weather event can hit any one of our states, said Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

The Trump administration has tried to phase-out FEMA.

Democrats say this disaster proves why the agency is essential.

We can abolish FEMA when we can get an executive order, abolishing and banning wild weather events, said Welch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Local officials say theyll ask the federal government to help with advanced warning systems as lawmakers weigh the cost of trying to.

Texas ought to be able to deal with this. Were the eighth biggest economy in the world, said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas.).

Republicans and Democrats say FEMA needs to be reformed and they have different suggestions on how to do it.

Administration officials have not answered questions this week about whether they plan to continue phasing FEMA out.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
A priest sexually assaulted a member of his congregation after she returned from helping victims of the Hillsborough disaster, a court has been told.

Chris Brain, 68, who led the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS), an influential evangelical church movement in Sheffield in the 1980s and 1990s, is accused of 37 sexual offences against 13 women.

One of his alleged victims told jurors at his trial at Inner London Crown Court that Mr Brain had climbed into bed with her after "the most traumatic night" of her life helping at the scene of the April 1989 disaster at Sheffield's Hillsborough ground.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Brain, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, who led NOS from 1986 to 1995 before it collapsed, denies the charges.

Mr Brain picked out vulnerable women to abuse in the "cult" he led within the Church of England, the court heard on Friday.

The woman described Mr Brain as a "monster" who "almost had a sixth sense" for people who were vulnerable.

She said Mr Brain had turned up at her house after she had worked through the night as a volunteer helping families identify dead relatives at the scene of the Hillsborough disaster, in which 97 Liverpool supporters died.

The woman said she had returned home at 06:00 BST after "the most traumatic night of my life" and was struggling to sleep, when Mr Brain was let in to her house by her husband "to congratulate me on what I'd done".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a police interview played to the jury, the woman broke down in tears as she told a detective: "He climbed into bed with me and started touching me and praising me and stroking my hair.

"Having never seen a dead body, I had just seen 94 dead bodies, I was lying at home in bed and this monster climbs into bed with me.

"I just laid there, I don't know what time he left, I don't know how long it was for, but I know it was horrible."

Cross examining the woman, Mr Brain's barrister Iain Simkin KC suggested his client's actions were not sexual.

The woman replied: "I think someone's hands all over your body when you hadn't asked them to put them there, that's sexual assault."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She told the court Mr Brain was "a predator," who "picked off women he thought were vulnerable".

The woman described another occasion when she feared the priest was going to rape her after pushing her to the floor of his home.

She said Mr Brain had suddenly pushed her down and said: "You need to admit that you're somebody who wants to be raped and until you admit that you can't be a spiritual person."

The court heard Mr Brain would talk about his "mission" of "creating a sort of postmodern expression of sexuality".

The woman said Mr Brain presided over a "deeply psychologically abusive" movement with a culture of fear, intimidation and bullying and his power was "reinforced by the Church," which fast-tracked him for priesthood in 1991.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

NOS was initially celebrated by Church of England leaders for its nightclub-style services which incorporated live music and multimedia and attracted hundreds of young people to its congregation.

But prosecutors have told the jury NOS "became a cult," in which Mr Brain abused his position to sexually assault "a staggering number" of women from his congregation.

The trial continues.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North

More on this story

Related internet links
DESOTO COUNTY, Miss.  A priest-in-training was accused of possessing and distributing child exploitation material on Friday, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff.

Johnathan Nguyen-Vuong, 24, from Louisiana, was arrested in Nesbit, Mississippi, on Thursday, Sheriff Thomas Tuggle said.

According to the sheriff, Nguyen-Vuong had been serving as a religious educator at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi, and was arrested at the church.

Johnathan Nguyen-Vuong Courtesy of DeSoto County Jail

Nguyen-Vuong was charged with possession of child porn, accessing child porn, and distributing child porn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tuggle said that deputies and Detective Internet Crimes Against Children conducted a search warrant through Operation Exorcism as an ongoing child exploitation investigation on Thursday at a residence in Nesbit.

Former teacher accused of fondling student arrested in Texas

During the search, numerous files were recovered containing explicit material involving minors from electronic devices, and one device was actively downloading child sexual abuse material.

We take all crimes seriously, especially crimes committed against our children, said Sheriff Thomas Tuggle. We will be relentless in our pursuit of these predators.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nguyen-Vuong is one of the handful of educators arrested for charges involving children in DeSoto County since February. Two others were arrested for child pornography charges.

WREG was told at the news release that the media were not allowed to ask questions. It is unclear if there will be any more charges and if any local child was affected.

Another teacher, Natalia Wright, was rearrested on Friday in Texas after reportedly violating a no-contact order with a victim.

She was accused in May of touching and communicating with an underage student.

Nguyen-Vuong is being held at the DeSoto County Jail without bond. This is an ongoing investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WREG reached out to the church Nguyen-Vuong worked at, but has not heard back.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
While in the US capital, Netanyahu met with Trump and spoke with the families of the hostages. Earlier, in an interview with Newsmax, Netanyahu said that he hopes a hostage deal is reached soon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded his trip to the US Thursday night to return to Israel.

Shortly before his departure, Netanyahu visited Andrews Air Force Base, where he flew in a US military helicopter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He and his wife, Sarah Netanyahu, also visited the home of Thomas Jefferson, the third US president and one of the country's founding fathers.

Before their departure, the prime minister said that he hopes there will be a ceasefire deal in an interview with Newsmax, where he hopes to get 10 living hostages released in an upcoming deal.

Shortly before, in a leaked recording shared by N12, the prime minister said that Israel cannot achieve a comprehensive deal to release all Gaza hostages at once.

Israelis demonstrate for the return of hostages held in Gaza, July 7, 2025. (credit: Chen G. Schimmel)

Israeli politicians tried to influence Netanyahu's talks while he was in Washington

Numerous Israeli politicians, either for or against a hostage deal, attempted to influence talks in Washington by pressuring Netanyahu.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Far-right National Security Minister MK Itamar Ben-Gvir pressured the prime minister not to go through with what he claimed was a reckless deal.

Opposition party leader MK Benny Gantz (Blue and White) said in a video statement, Prime minister, dont return until there is a framework for the return of all the hostages. Stay and keep up the pressure in Washington."

Eliav Breuer contributed to this report.
Shai Daviai, who had been an assistant professor at Columbia Business School, left the university this week.

Shai Davidai, an embattled assistant professor and outspoken pro-Israel advocate who criticized Columbia and other U.S. universities for their response to pro-Palestinian protests, has left Columbia Business School.

A letter to faculty from CBS Dean Costis Maglaras said Davidai has decided to depart the school, according to a news article by Semafor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Davidai told The Times Of Israel on Wednesday (July 9) that he plans to expand his advocacy work from New York City, where he lives. Ive been focusing my educational efforts in academia and Ive decided being a professor is not the only way to educate people, he told the newspaper.

I REFUSE TO CALL THEM PEACEFUL PROTESTS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT PEACEFUL

Davidai, who is Jewish, was born and raised in Israel and served in the Israeli Navy. He had been an assistant professor of management at Columbia Business School since 2019, after earning his Ph.D. in social and personality psychology at Cornell University. In 2023, he was named one of Poets&Quants Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors.

Following the Hamas attacks on Israel civilians in October 2023, Davidai became a prominent critic of university administrators after widespread anti-Israel demonstrations erupted on campus

BOOM. (Please help me spread this. @Columbia tried to smear my name. I wouldnt let them. Today, they finally admitted that I hadnt done anything wrong.) pic.twitter.com/P7Af6QrJXD  Shai Davidai (@ShaiDavidai) July 9, 2025

He posted frequently on X about pro-Palestinian protests and events organized on Columbias campus that he said contain violent rhetoric. Hes also given several media interviews, including to P&Q last March.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Im not the kind of person who will wait for the rhetoric to turn into mass violence. I refuse to call them peaceful protests because they are not peaceful, he told P&Q at the time. I remember what its like seeing exploded busses after suicide bombings. Thats the intifada. Thats the kind of things were hearing.

In February 2024, Columbias Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action launched a formal investigation into Davidai following allegations by graduate students.

The students claimed that he intentionally targeted marginalized students and misrepresented their peaceful protests. Davidai strongly denied the claims at the time. calling the investigation retaliatory.

I realized that they are weaponizing this investigation to silence me, he told Poets&Quants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He vowed he would never leave Columbia unless he was cleared. On Tuesday (July 8), Columbia closed the investigation, without issuing any findings or conclusions of wrongdoing, according to a letter to Davidai from the vice provost for the Office of Institutional Equity.

BOOM. Davidai posted on X with a copy of the letter. Please help me spread this. @Columbia tried to smear my name. I wouldnt let them. Today, they finally admitted that I hadnt done anything wrong.

IT DEFINITELY WILL AFFECT GETTING TENURE

Davidais criticism of Columbia and broader university practices continued even after the investigation began. He was twice barred from campus for allegedly organizing a sit-in and harassing university employees, according to the Columbia Spectator, the student newspaper. The Columbia chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine called on the university to terminate Davidai.

Dear @SecRubio, Thank you for your strong statements. Now we want to see strong action. Illegally taking over a college in which you are not even enrolled and distributing terrorist propaganda should be a deportable offense, no? Because thats what Mahmoud Khalil from https://t.co/yAPBaHVB3M  Shai Davidai (@ShaiDavidai) March 6, 2025

On March 6, 2025, Davidai addressed an X post to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling on him to deport Mahmoud Khalil, an international student attending Columbias School of International and Public Affairs and a pro-Palestianan organizer. Two days later, ICE arrested Khalil in his Columbia residential apartment building, according to the New York Times. Khalil spent several months in detention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In March 2024, Davidai told P&Q that he believed his advocacy would definitely affect my getting tenure, which has now come true.

A bigger issue that I hope will become a bigger conversation in our field is that business schools all around the country teach about leadership, they teach about ethical leadership. How many business professors have you seen stepping up and leading the fight?, he said at the time.

I can count them on one hand, and one finger, and that one finger is me.

DONT MISS: AMID DEI BACKLASH, UT AUSTINS MCCOMBS QUIETLY ENDS 40-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CONSORTIUM AND MBA ADMISSIONS CONSULTING: WHEN TOUGH LOVE MATTERS

The post Professor Shai Davidai Leaves Columbia After Clashing Over Pro-Palestinian Protests appeared first on Poets&Quants.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Hugh Keefe, the man who spent decades as one of New Havens most prominent criminal defense lawyers, died Friday at age 82, according to a social media post by his wife, Connecticut Superior Court Judge Tara Knight.

Friends of Keefe are reflecting on his life and legacy left behind in Connecticut courtrooms.

2 dead after boat goes missing from New Haven Harbor

I miss him, everyone misses him, LTKE Law Attorney Richard Lynch said, He hit the ground running and he didnt stop running until the day he passed away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In his early days, Lynchs father took Keefe under his wing after passing the bar exam back in 1967, jumpstarting a career and a tenacious reputation.

Keefe made a name for himself in Connecticut in the late 1960s when he defended and freed two members of the Black Panthers in New Haven. He went on to defend clients in several high-profile cases, including the 2002 Beth Carpenter murder-for-hire trial and the 2006 James Galante trash hauler racketeering trial.

Teen arrested following crash that injured 2 state troopers in Enfield

Dubbed a lawyer for the underdogs, Keefe undertook hundreds of civil and criminal cases; the first in the United States to be board-certified in both according to LTKE Laws website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Outside of the courthouse, Keefe spent years teaching the states next generation of lawyers. As a young student at the time, Marisa Bellair explains everyone wanted to be on his good side.

He was a lion of the bar, Bellair said. Everyone knew it, so when you got an assignment from him, you wanted to get it right.

Both Bellair and Lynch say although Keefe was known for his serious and intimidating demeanor, he was a friend and advocate to manythe epitome of a lawyer youd want in your corner.

Its been an incredible privilege to work alongside him, Bellair said. You dont make them any better.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Keefe was a law professor at Yale Law School for more than 30 years and was inducted as a fellow into the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1984.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe acknowledged the ongoing issue of rising property tax rates but said he doesnt think hell call a special session over itat least not right now.

The House and Senate members are ramped up, as they should be, about the out-of-control property tax notices that are coming to Missourians mailboxes right now in various counties, Kehoe said in an interview. Thats definitely something were going to have to take action on, whether that can wait for a regular session or notthats something Ill work with our legislative members on.

Close

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

House Speaker Jon Patterson announced a special committee to look into property taxes.

This week, that same committee said they will hold six hearings across the state. Those hearings are:

July 16  Jefferson City

11:00 AM  State Capitol, House Hearing Room 3

July 30  Lebanon

5:30 PM  Wallace Center, 325 Harwood Ave, Lebanon, MO

August 13  Kansas City

5:30 PM  Board Room at Union Station, 30 W Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO

August 20  St. Louis

5:30 PM  Center of Clayton, 50 Gay Ave, Clayton, MO

August 27  Macon

5:30 PM  Macon Comfort Inn, 1821 N Missouri, Macon, MO

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

September 3  Jefferson City

11:00 AM  State Capitol, House Hearing Room 3

As lawmakers reconvene for their veto session in September, the only items that they can overturn will be more than 200 line-item vetoes Kehoe issued on parts of the state budget.

Given the personal relationships lawmakers have with Kehoe, it remains to be seen how successful any actual attempts to override a Kehoe veto will be.

The legislators who might have a particular issue in their district that we had to unfortunately veto, Ill explain to them the reason why a little bit better in person, Kehoe said. And let them know what the overall budget picture is.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The Senates version of its fiscal 2026 defense policy bill would provide $500 million in long-term security aid to Ukraine, a week after the Pentagon temporarily paused military equipment heading to the country.

Under the proposed National Defense Authorization Act, which the Senate Armed Services Committee approved by a 26-1 vote Wednesday, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative would receive a refresh in funding after the Biden administration emptied it earlier this year.

That account is one of two main ways the Pentagon has provided military support to Ukraine over the last three years. Rather than directly ship stocks from the U.S. military, it contracts defense firms to build weapons Ukraine needs and then provide them over time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not nearly enough in terms of scale. But the intent is to show that we believe Ukraine requires additional support, a congressional aide said on the condition of anonymity while briefing on the bill.

US resumes sending some weapons to Ukraine after Pentagon pause

The bill would also reauthorize the program through 2028. The House Armed Services Committee chairmans markup of the 2026 NDAA would do the same, approving $300 million for the account.

In its late-June budget request, the Pentagon didnt request any money for the program, concluding in a review that it was inconsistent with the presidents agenda.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bill, which hasnt yet passed in the Senate overall, also comes only days after the Defense Department temporarily halted weapons deliveries to Ukraine, reportedly after a review of U.S. stockpiles showed warning signs for Americas own military readiness.

We cant give weapons to everybody all around the world. We have to look out for America and defending our homeland, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in his first standalone briefing July 2.

Parnell said the pause was part of a broader review of American military assistance to countries around the world. He didnt specify what other countries were affected.

The White House also confirmed the pause, though it has since disputed that one ever took place, alongside the Pentagon. Shortly after it occurred, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would actually keep supporting Ukraines military.

At President Trumps direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops, Parnell said in a later statement.
The foreman of the jury in the murder trial of Raul Valle, who was acquitted Wednesday of murdering a 17-year-old prep school lacrosse player at a booze-fueled high school party, slammed the state for lacking evidence to support its case.

Valle was accused of stabbing James "Jimmy" McGrath to death during a May 14, 2022, brawl in an affluent Connecticut suburb. McGrath attended Fairfield College Preparatory Academy, and Valle attended nearby St. Joseph's High School.

Jim Stuhlman was the 10th juror and foreman in the trial. He read aloud Valle's not-guilty verdict, sparing the now 20-year-old from up to 60 years in prison.

Raul Valle stands with his defense attorney Kevin Smith, left, on the first day of his murder trial in state Superior Court in Milford, Conn. June 17, 2025.

Prep School Lacrosse Player's Accused Killer Found Not Guilty Of Murder

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They just didnt have enough to prove the case," Stuhlman told News 3.

He said the jury spent very little time deliberating on whether Valle had acted in self-defense because the jury believed that the state had failed to prove that he intended to kill McGrath.

Read On The Fox News App

"There was so much inconsistencies and contradictions," he continued. "Not everyone will be happy with the conclusion, we werent happy we couldnt find an agreement on the final counts, but we did everything we could have to get as far as we did."

The jury acquitted Valle on murder, intentional manslaughter and intentional assault charges. It remained hung on lesser included charges of reckless manslaughter and reckless assault, and a partial mistrial was declared.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Slain Prep School Lacrosse Player's Father 'Astonished' After Murder Suspect Acquitted In Stabbing Case

"It just came down to the intent, recklessness, what a reasonable person would do, those kinds of things," Stuhlman said. "We went according to the instructions, followed the law, we did what we were supposed to do."

Fox News Digital confirmed Thursday that the state of Connecticut is already taking steps to retry Valle on those charges.

Meanwhile, the McGrath family is seeking recourse through a myriad of civil lawsuits against third parties who they say were involved in the night's activities, and parents who allegedly provided them with alcohol.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We sued the individuals and their parents, the homeowners where the two fights broke out at Lazy Brook and Laurel Glen have both been sued," McGrath family attorney Michael Rosnick told Fox News Digital.

Kevin and Margaret McGrath, James McGrath's parents, and his sister, Rose, arrive at state Superior Court on the first day of Raul Valle's murder trial in Milford, Conn. June 17, 2025.

Prep School Lacrosse Players Accused Killer Could Walk After Making Legal Maneuver: Expert

On the night of the incident, Valle and others were involved in a fight at a home on Lazy Brook Road in Shelton. They then drove to the second party on Laurel Glen Drive.

At some point, one of Valle's friends allegedly gave him a knife, which was used during the brawl to stab McGrath.

"The cases have been consolidated so that there will be one civil trial as opposed to multiple civil trials," Rosnick said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The McGraths are also suing one of the teenager's parents, who are accused of providing alcohol to the minors. Other parties in the lawsuit include the homeowners of the Laurel Glen Drive property, along with their son, who was allegedly hosting the party, court records show.

Rosnick said that now that the criminal trial is finished, the civil proceedings will begin.

Tyler DaSilva, a former St. Joseph High School points to Raul Valle as he is asked to identify the defendant as he testifies on the seventh day of Valle's murder trial in state Superior Court, in Milford, Conn. June 27, 2025.

"We were very mindful to be respectful of the state attorney, its autonomy and its own investigation, and to not do anything that could jeopardize anything in the criminal trial," he said. "Now that the criminal trial is over, we're going to be much more aggressive in our pursuit of justice against all the responsible parties."

The state's attorney's office did not immediately return a comment request.





Original article source: Prosecution's 'inconsistencies' in prep school murder trial led to suspect's acquittal: jury foreman
The fatal shooting involving two teens that happened the afternoon of July 9 on a quiet residential street in Wyoming was a gun sale "gone wrong," prosecutors said.

The 14-year-old boy who is charged with murder in the killing of 15-year-old Jaymir Hill appeared for an initial hearing Friday, July 11 at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center.

Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor Philip Brandewie said in court that the shooting, which happened at 3:48 p.m., was captured on video.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Brandewie, the 14-year-old told detectives that he met with Hill to buy a gun. There was an altercation, and the 14-year-old ended up with the gun. He shot Hill once, Brandewie said.

A man who was doing construction work in the neighborhood told The Enquirer that he heard the gunshot, which he described as sounding like a firecracker or small firearm.

Gage House said he and a coworker were walking to their vehicle when they saw Hill lying on a patch of grass and "were the first people to run up to him."

"We sat there with him and called 911," House said.

He said Hill's mother was nearby and came to the scene soon after he and his coworker found Hill. It was difficult, he said, to see Hill's mother's grief.

The family of 15-year-old Jaymir Hill held a vigil July 10 at the site where he was fatally shot in Wyoming.

The 14-year-old has no criminal record and lives with his mother and father. He attends Mt. Washington School. His parents were also at the hearing. His father told Magistrate Nichole Clarke that the teen "turned himself in."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor Philip Brandewie said his office will seek to have the teen stand trial as an adult.

Enquirer staff writer Gillian Stawiszynski contributed to this report.

(This story was updated to add a video.)

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Prosecutor: Gun sale between teens led to fatal shooting in Wyoming
Masked protesters have threatened to riot if a gig by Bob Vylan goes ahead in Amsterdam, sparking a police investigation.

The British punk duo were accused of anti-Semitism after leading chants of death to the IDF and free free Palestine at this years Glastonbury music festival.

Two masked men held up a banner outside Amsterdams Paradiso venue that read, If Bob Vylan plays that night, Amsterdam will stand and fight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since Glastonbury, Bob Vylan appearances at several festivals have been cancelled, including in the UK, France and Germany.

Paradiso has vowed that the September 12 concert, which is being headlined by Ukrainian-American gypsy punk carousers Gogol Bordello, will go ahead.

Paradiso director Geert van Itallie told 3voor12 that its very unfortunate that pressure is being put on our freedom of programming.

He added that the venue, which has reported the matter to the police, will not yield to such practices.

Paradiso is taking the threat seriously and will be taking extra precautions.

A member of Bob Vylan crowd surfs during the duos controversial Glastonbury performance - Yui Mok/PA

Bob Vylans Glastonbury appearance sparked anger and controversy in Britain and prompted a criminal investigation into the chanting, which Sir Keir Starmer called appalling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The BBC apologised for not pulling the livestream of the performance, which is no longer available on the iPlayer platform.

Bob Vylan issued a statement in early July after several of the bands bookings were cancelled, including a headline slot at Manchesters Radar festival.

The duo said: Silence is not an option. We will be fine, the people of Palestine are hurting.

A co-founder of the Radar festival later revealed she had received death threats after cancelling the duo.

Credit: BBC

This week, during their first UK concert since Glastonbury, the bands frontman asked fans to stop chanting against the Israeli military.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, told fans that they could get him into trouble after they began chanting death, death to the IDF at a London surprise gig on Wednesday night.

The duo announced their second last-minute gig of the week in Bristol on Friday night, following the performance in London.

As well as being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police over their Glastonbury Festival set, the Ipswich-formed duo are also under investigation by the Metropolitan Police for alleged comments during their performance supporting Iggy Pop at Alexandra Palace in May.

In a video of the show, Mr Robinson-Foster, who performs as Bobby Vylan, appeared to say: Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It is not clear who is responsible for the banner in Amsterdam, a city which had a large Jewish community until Nazi occupation and the Holocaust.

In November 2024, there were anti-Israeli riots in Amsterdam. Fans of the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv were targeted in what was called a Jew hunt during the disorder.

Geert Wilders, the hard-Right politician who won the last general election in the Netherlands, is a staunch supporter of Israel and its war on Hamas in Gaza.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
July 11 (UPI) -- Protesters rallied outside the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem Friday, calling for an end to American support of Israel amid that country's continued war against Hamas in Gaza.

Demonstrators chanted and banged drums while "protesting the U.S. funding and support of the genocide," the group Voice Against War posted on Instagram.

"Today in Jerusalem, activists demonstrated the genocide in Gaza in front of the US consulate, protesting the US funding and support of the genocide," it said on X.

Today in Jerusalem, activists demonstrated the genocide in Gaza in front of the US consulate, protesting the US funding and support of the genocide. @FreeJerusalem1 pic.twitter.com/ea6UdcfR5n Voices Against War (@againstwarvoice) July 11, 2025

Demonstrators changed and banged drums while protesting the U.S. funding and support of the genocide, the group Voice Against War posted on Instagram. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

The protests come the same day an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed at least 15 Palestinians, including 10 children and two women.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz unveiled plans to eventually move all Palestinians in Gaza into a closed "humanitarian city."

Friday's protests come the same day an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed at least 15 Palestinians, including 10 children and two women. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

Katz said the plan was for the Israel Defense Force to construct the camp near the site of Rafah, in the southern tip of the Palestinian enclave, with the hope that Palestinians would then "voluntarily emigrate" from there to other countries.

The plan drew immediate criticism, with critics calling it a "crime against humanity."

The same day, U.S. State Department officials sanctioned the U.N. special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Francesca Paola Albanese recently authored a report, describing Israeli actions as "genocide" of the Palestinian people, calling for punitive measures.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu this week met with U.S. officials while on a visit to Washington, D.C.

Netanyahu continues to try and orchestrate a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas with the assistance of President Donald Trump.
GRATZ, Pa. (WHTM)  A man is in Dauphin County Prison after police said he intentionally detonated his upper Dauphin home.

John Esh, 32, was charged Monday in connection with a house fire at 523 Picnic Road in Lykens Township just east of Gratz. He is facing felony charges of causing a catastrophe, arson, reckless burning and criminal mischief.

State Police at Lykens said they were called to the home around 3:26 a.m. for a reported house fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Esh, troopers alleged, disconnected a propane line to a hot water heater, turned a stovetop burner on and fled the home. His actions, troopers said, caused an explosion, destroying the home.

Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Jo Margerum and denied bail. A preliminary hearing is set for July 23 and he remains in Dauphin County Prison.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
The Waupun prison sits in the middle of a residential neighborhood (Photo | Wisconsin Examiner)

Most of those speaking at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) online public hearing on community supervision  parole, probation and extended supervision  said the system is too rigid. Instead of helping people successfully integrate back into society, they said, the system creates a tripwire of rules that can easily be broken and result in too many people being ordered back to prison when supervision is revoked.

The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation.

The public hearing on July 8 took up proposed rules to amend the DOCs Administrative Code because of a law passed in April 2014, Act 196, that directs the creation of a system of appropriate short-term sanctions for violation of conditions of supervision. The law sets out eight criteria, including minimizing the impact on the offenders employment and family, and offers rewards for those complying with conditions of supervision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Of the 18 members of the public who spoke at the hearing, most addressed the need for implementing the spirit of the 2014 law to create a less burdensome system of community supervision and reduce the number of revocations that in 2023 represented over 30% of those entering prison and in 2024 reached nearly 60%.

Several people who had been on community supervision or were still serving on supervision also spoke and asked that the DOC do more than just provide accountability and make the system less oppressive and also offer resources, such as help obtaining housing.

One of the first to speak was Tom Gilbert, an advocate for WISDOM, a statewide network working on reform of the prison and criminal justice systems and other social justice issues. Gilbert, whose son has twice had supervision revoked, has been pushing since 2019 for the DOC to implement Act 196.

Act 196 is a good law passed with broad bipartisan support, and it calls for a cultural shift in how the Department of Corrections administers its supervision programs, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For many years, WISDOM has called on the department to implement the law and thereby provide a solid alternative to thousands of revocations each year, he added.

WISDOM protesters rally against lockdowns at two state prisons. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

However, Gilbert said, when he read DOCs proposed rules for implementing the law he was upset that the DOC only stated the eight criteria without creating or describing a system for new and revised policies and practices.

Gilbert accused the DOC of not wanting to fulfill the intent of the law.

This cannot be an oversight. It is a conscious omission, he said. To me, it signals that the DOC is not committed to creating a system of short-term sanctions, that it is not serious about shifting the community corrections program from an operation that sabotages the successful reentry of people into their communities to an operation that is focused on healing individuals, families and communities by providing the treatments and supports needed to accomplish that goal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People on supervision are trying to live. We're parenting, working, healing and giving back, but we live in fear that one misstep will erase years of progress. You have a chance to change that, to lead with justice instead of fear.

 Marianne Oleson, operations director for Ex Incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO)

Gilbert challenged the DOCs current protocol of calling 90 days of jail a short-term sanction because, he said, even 60, 30, 21, or 14 days in jail has a negative impact on employment and family.

He also challenged the DOCs perspective that the rules revision would only impact those on community supervision, vendors and DOC staff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The decisions you and your agents make every day regarding people under your supervision widely affect families, employers, health care providers, social service providers, schools  in other words, whole communities and this whole state, Gilbert said. The proposed rules should be revised by adding back the language from Act 196 that explains its whole purpose  creating a system of short-term sanctions.

Sean Wilson | Screenshot via Zoom

Sean Wilson, senior director of organizing and partnership of Dream.Org, a national non-profit working on social justice issues, was also critical of the proposed rule for offering no description for short-term sanctions.

Theres no real short-term sanctions framework, Wilson said. Instead of building a system that redirects people before they spiral back into incarceration, this proposal simply restates the existing law; meanwhile, revocations without new convictions in Wisconsin still account for 40% of our prison admissions. (The rate rose from 40% early in 2024 to nearly 60% at the end of the year)

Here in this state, there are no guardrails to prevent over-punishment, Wilson added. The proposal leaves full revocation on the table for things like substance abuse, missed check-ins, minor violations that are far too often treated as major. Theres no real focus on rehabilitation. Theres no clear investment in helping people reintegrate successfully, and no mention of support, supportive services, trauma-informed care, or reentry pathways.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said the rules are vague about how sanctions will be applied, who will review them, and how racial disparities, which are deeply embedded in our system, will be addressed.

He also raised concerns about private contractors offering supervision, creating a financial incentive that undermines fairness and accountability.

Carol Rubin, a former administrative judge, also encouraged the implementation of Act 196 and was also critical of the proposed rules not fleshing out the intent of the 2014 law.

I want to express my dismay that DOC has delayed issuing formal rules for Act 196 for 11 years, despite being ordered to issue rules in 2014 by the Wisconsin Legislature, she said. In the meantime, thousands of individuals have been denied the benefit of a real, short-term sanction system with trained agents that could have stabilized their new lives in the community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubin said the DOC should provide examples of how short-term sanctions should be employed to minimize the impact on employment.

For a low violation, consider imposing a short-term sanction that does not restrict the hours that a client could be available for employment, such as a verbal or written reprimand, she said. For a medium or high violation, consider a brief house arrest or weekend jail sanction of two days or less that will not interfere with the clients current or future hours of employment; if appropriate, a weekend home arrest could be repeated.

Liz Monroe noted that the DOCs manual for Evidence Based Response to Violations (EBRV) has two mentions of using rewards, including stating that rewards are more effective than only using sanctions and that incentives and rewards are helpful for compliance and positive behaviour and that there should be at least four rewards for every sanction.

As a reward for compliance, she encouraged reducing the supervision time, such as 30 days of compliance resulting in 30 fewer days on supervision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Barbie Jackson, vice president of MOSES, an affiliate of WISDOM, asked for a description that clearly defines short-term sanctions to assure that they focus on helping people avoid harmful behaviors and fulfill societal obligations, minimize disruption of the impacted persons employment, minimize the effect on the impacted persons family and establish incentives and rewards for compliance and positive behavior.

Jeremy Dings, who said he had been originally sentenced to five years in prison but ended up serving 12 because of two revocations, talked about how he was unable to help his family during a health crisis after he broke a rule and was revoked. He was allso not allowed to attend his mothers funeral.

Getty Images

People on supervision have families, too, just like all of you, he said. Revocation for rule violation ends the persons employment and their ability to support their family and themselves.

Marianne Oleson, operations director for Ex Incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO), noted she had been on supervision for eight years and still had 18 more years to serve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ive rebuilt my life. Started over with nothing, and dedicated myself to helping others, she said, but despite everything Ive done, I wake up every day with 18 more years of supervision ahead of me, not because Ive reoffended, not because Im a danger, but because the system has failed to evolve with science.

She contended that recent research on community supervision says the ideal period is three to five years.

Oleson noted that her clients include many who have been revoked and sent back to prison for a technical rule violation.

She said the present system often does not have the goal of rehabilitation but surveillance disguised as support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People on supervision are trying to live, said Oleson. Were parenting, working, healing and giving back, but we live in fear that one misstep will erase years of progress. You have a chance to change that, to lead with justice instead of fear. Please rewrite this to reflect what the courts, the research and those of us directly impacted are telling you. Our futures matter. Please treat us like they do and we do.

JenAnn Bauer of West Bend who had been in prison and on supervision said that excessive supervision creates challenges for rebuilding a life.

Every job, every lease, every new agent and every step forward comes with extra scrutiny and extra risk, she said. I have done everything the system has asked of me. I pay taxes, Ive reintegrated, Ive contributed. These things dont just affect the formerly incarcerated. They affect our families, our children and future generations. When a parent is stuck under financial pressure or the constant threat of being sent back for a technical violation, it creates instability that reaches far beyond one individual, it holds entire families hostage and in survival mode, and that affects the health, safety and future of whole communities and our entire state.

Robert Thibault | Screenshot via Zoom

Robert Thibault, vice president of Prison Action in Milwaukee, said he had been on supervision for 15 years and had experienced a huge inconsistency in how supervision was administered depending on the parole or probation officer (PO), adding the attitude of a PO over the interpretation of arbitrary rules could result in a revocation.

Meah Flowers of Madison talked of having family members going in and out of prison and the disruption that revocation causes. She encouraged implementing Act 196 to help families.

Eric Howland said there is an expectation that those coming into community supervision obtain employment, housing and a positive social network, but a 90- or 60-day jail sentence for a supervision violation negatively impacts those goals.

Why 11 years?

The DOC has not yet responded to questions from the Examiner on why it has taken 11 years to implement Act 196.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  As federal immigration authorities intensify efforts to carry out President Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda, a new wave of public backlash is emerging.

New polling released by Gallup shows a notable shift in public opinion, with a majority of Americans now expressing frustration at the increasingly aggressive tactics employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

More Local News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The percentage of Americans who believe immigration should be decreased has dropped sharply, and support for mass deportations of undocumented people has fallen by nine points in the past year. Meanwhile, approval of President Trumps handling of immigration sits at just 35%, marking a steep decline less than a year into his presidency.

Despite growing public disapproval, the Trump administration is not backing down. This week, ICE agents were once again spotted making arrests at federal immigration court in Lower Manhattan. These arrests included individuals with pending asylum and green card applicationspeople attempting to go through the legal process of establishing residency.

These folks are being asked to check in, and then they are being abducted, said NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

The courthouse arrests are part of a broader enforcement surge that includes raids in city parks and at workplaces. Notably, ICE agents recently targeted a wine warehouse in Edison, New Jersey. During that operation, agents put red brackets on immigrants they deemed lawfully present, while arresting about 20 others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

ICE has maintained that its actions are within legal bounds and necessary for national security. ICE officers do not need probable cause to walk up to someone and briefly take them into custody, White House Border Czar Tom Homan said on Fox News. They just look at the totality of the circumstancestheir observation, location, reaction, appearance, and actions.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron are the undisputed leaders of Europe  or at least thats what the British Prime Minister and French president hoped to convey during their three-day summit in London this week.

At this stage, its hard to disagree. Despite Chancellor Friedrich Merzs aim to give Germany the strongest conventional military in Europe, Berlin is still reticent to stick its neck out on behalf of the entire continent  and its unlikely that certain other European countries would support German military leadership in any case. Poland, meanwhile, might spend more on defence as a proportion of GDP than anybody else in Nato, but it lacks the institutional heft or influence to organise a pan-European response.

Starmer and Macron, for better or worse, have taken the weight on their shoulders because nobody else was going to do it. The so-called Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine is in essence a British-French mechanism designed as much to send a message to Trumps Washington as it is to back Kyiv. And the message is clear: Europe, or at least Europes most significant powers, are taking responsibility for their own neighbourhood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The UK-France summit was an attempt to codify this leadership role through a litany of joint defence initiatives, from researching the next generation of anti-ship cruise missiles to coordinating their respective nuclear forces to deter  and if necessary, respond to Russian nuclear threats against Europe. As a press release from 10 Downing Street stated, any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both nations.

On paper, this sounds like a big deal. The French have been historically touchy about their sovereignty, especially in the nuclear domain. The purpose of this announcement, of course, is to give Europes adversaries  chiefly Russias Vladimir Putin  second thoughts about ever using his 5,500-strong nuclear warhead stockpile on a European target.

Look a bit deeper, however, and it is less significant than advertised. In fact, it feels awfully similar to the Coalition of the Willing, where the perception of the Europeans stepping up to the plate is outpacing the reality.

The pro-Ukraine coalition was sold by European politicians and policy elites as an illustration of Europes boldness at a time of war. The Russian despot next door was menacing a free and democratic neighbour, the logic went, and European governments were pooling resources and exhibiting the political will to not only stop the Russians in their tracks but to enforce any ceasefire hammered out between Kyiv and Moscow. And even more important, the Europeans were proceeding without relying on the United States to organise the initiative.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But it turned out too good to be true. The UK and France may have been prepared to deploy some ground troops and combat aircraft to preserve the peace in Ukraine, but only if they received a back-stop  i.e. protection  from Uncle Sam. Starmer and Macron talked a big game but werent willing to go further without Washington in their camp.

The Trump administration had no intention of serving as Europes insurance carrier on a scheme that, if the worst case scenario occurred, would have forced the US military into a direct conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia. The result: with Trump on the sidelines, Europes Coalition of the Willing has not been willing to do much of anything other than establish a symbolic headquarters in Paris to engage in yet more planning.

Nuclear collaboration between the UK and France looks like a sequel to this movie. Yes, both states are now on record that their nuclear arsenals can  and likely would  be coordinated in the event of an extreme threat to Europes security. But most of Europe is already under the US nuclear umbrella anyway, so this latest declaration is more a supplement to the existing arrangement than a new paradigm. Frankly, its easy for both states to pledge something like this when they understand perfectly well that any major armed conflict in Europe is likely to drag in the United States anyway.

And will UK-French nuclear cooperation even strengthen Europes deterrence against Russia? We can certainly hope so. Yet non-nuclear countries along Russias periphery will continue to ask the same question they asked of the US nuclear deterrent: can we really assume a foreign country would use a nuclear weapon in our defence, knowing full well that its own cities and populations will be at high risk of nuclear retaliation? In other words, if Russia used a nuclear weapon in the Baltics (fortunately still a highly implausible scenario), can those countries truly count on Starmer and Macron to make the conscious choice to plunge into a nuclear exchange?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The latest announcements from Downing Street give us little clarity on those questions. Hopefully we wont have to find out the true answers.

Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Exactly 25% of Ingham County residents rely on Medicaid, a 2023 Georgetown study revealed.

Michigans most populous county, Wayne County, and home of Detroit, had the largest enrollment in Medicaid at 34.4%. Livingston County and Oakland County have the lowest rates of Medicaid enrollment at 16.8%.

Medicaid has been in the news lately after Donald Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill plans to make significant cuts to it. He signed it into law on July 4. The bill seeks to cut $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next 10 years. Cuts to Medicaid arent expected to take effect until 2027, after the midterm elections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Counties in Mid-Michigan have the following rates of Medicaid coverage:

Ingham County: 25%

Jackson County: 24.1%

Shiawassee County: 22.1%

Ionia County: 22%

Eaton County: 20.6%

Clinton County: 19.5%

Livingston County: 16.8%

The cuts will largely be seen in the appearance of work requirements. The bill would require Medicaid enrollees to work at least 80 hours per month and submit them through an online portal every month. The program uses Georgia as a model for work requirements, but the state has yet to see rates of work increase, and Medicaid enrollments have decreased.

Michigan enacted a work requirement law in 2018 under then-Gov. Rick Snyder, but it was ruled illegal by a federal judge in 2020, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer eliminated the law earlier this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Someone with no other place to go sleeps in front of a closed restaurant on Broadway in Newport at 9:30 a.m. on May 2, 2025. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current)

For the first time in half a dozen years, the number of unhoused people in Rhode Island is on the decline.

But the good news comes with a caveat: More people were without shelter when volunteers from the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness conducted its annual winter census for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development all across the state on a frigid night in January.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among the people who were either in a shelter or on the street counted on the night of Jan. 21, 2025, over 40% had been unhoused for more than a year, according to data released Thursday.

The results of the 2025 Point in Time count were presented to the board of directors for the Rhode Island Continuum of Care  the collection of state departments and nonprofit organizations that manage the states homelessness response  during its monthly meeting at the United Way of Rhode Island.

At least 2,373 unhoused individuals were counted across the state on that Tuesday night in January when the temperature hovered around 18 degrees in Providence. The number of individuals is down 2.8% from the record high of 2,442 counted in 2024, marking the first decrease since 2019.

Although an overall decrease seems really exciting, its the result of fewer emergency shelter beds being online, Kimberly Simmons, the coalitions executive director, told the 12 board members present.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Simmons presentation, there were 1,826 shelter beds available in January 2025  representing a decrease of 71 spots compared to the previous year.

As the number of beds dropped, the number of unsheltered Rhode Islanders rose over 15%. Overall, the coalition counted 618 people whose primary residence is a car, tent, abandoned building, or other outdoor space. Last year that number was 534.

Around 66% of unsheltered people were considered chronically homeless, meaning they were unhoused for more than a year and have a substance or mental health disorder. Overall, 1,022 of those surveyed by the coalition were deemed chronically homeless.

A slide breaking down the 2025 Point in Time count conducted by the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

The increase in chronic homelessness was the result of longer lengths of stay in motels and other shelter space made available by the state. Advocates and lawmakers had pushed Gov. Dan McKee to call for a state of emergency over the winter to try and open up more shelter beds, with a particular focus on expediting the opening of ECHO Village  the community of 45 pallet shelters off Route 146 in Providence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ECHO Village opened on Feb. 11, after sitting empty for a year as officials struggled to figure out how the cabins fit into the states fire and building codes, which had no category for the shelters.

But McKee resisted the calls to rush the villages opening, contending that an emergency declaration would not yield any federal funds toward the issue and could create potential problems should regulations be relaxed.

If it had been open in the beginning of the year, more individuals could have been served, Simmons said in an interview after the board meeting..

And while the total number of unhoused individuals was down from the prior year, Simmons told Rhode Island Current that the census likely undercounted, as there are many people who are couch surfing or have been forced to double up with relatives or friends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There were some positives from this years census. The number of families who are unhoused decreased by 1.1%  with no unsheltered families counted. Transitional housing increased by three beds and the state saw an additional 37 permanent supportive housing units go up.

Simmons said she is concerned that the states homeless population could skyrocket in the future as the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans cut funding for social programs.

Were still in the hole, she said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Ramsey County officials have opened an internal investigation after Brooklyn Center revoked the license of a hotel that was found to have a recuperative care business run by county directors.

The Brooklyn Center city council in late June revoked the hotel Suburban Studios license after city staff discovered a medical respite facility, also known as recuperative care, called Care Chexx serving homeless individuals was operating inside.

Ramsey Countys housing stability director Keith Lattimore is co-founder of Care Chexx which began providing recuperative care services at the hotel in June under a management and operations agreement with the hotel. Ramsey Countys deputy director of housing stability Kimberly Cleminson is listed as a partner with Care Chexx.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Recuperative care provides medical care and support services to homeless individuals too ill to recover from a physical illness or injury while in a shelter or who are otherwise unhoused but not sick enough to need hospitalization.

Ramsey County is aware of the business Care Chexx, LLC, Ramsey County officials said in a statement Wednesday. In line with our commitment to transparency and accountability, we immediately initiated an internal investigation in accordance with our established policies and procedures when we learned of a potential county involvement with the business.

Lattimore and Cleminson did not respond to efforts seeking comment.

Brooklyn Center vote

Brooklyn Center officials concluded the facilitys operation in the hotel violated the hotels hospitality accommodation license and council members voted 4-1 at their June 23 meeting that the hotel cease operations after 21 days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The only question for the city council was whether there had been a zoning violation and not the merits of  the things they do and the mission, said council member Dan Jerzak during the meeting.

Care Chexx and BC Seva LLC, the hotels owner, are appealing the citys decision, according to Bryan Huntington, the attorney representing them.

City officials first became aware of the recuperative care facility in late May when the Brooklyn Center fire department responded to a fire alarm call at Suburban Studios. While at the hotel, city officials observed activity that led them to believe the hotel was operating as something other than a hospitality accommodation.

Site inspection

A site inspection of the hotel in early June revealed that a recuperative care facility was operating out of the hotel with full-time medical staff, such as nurses, onsite and provided food service. They also learned that the owner of Suburban Studios had entered into a lease with Care Chexx.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Brooklyn Center staff, under city code, hospitality accommodation specifically excludes hospitals, care facilities, senior living centers, residential treatment facilities, prisons, detention homes, and similar facilities. Based on their findings, city staff concluded that Suburban Studios violated its hospitality accommodation license and zoning code by failing to go through a re-zoning process or use amendment.

A petition to the state Court of Appeals on behalf of Care Chexx and the hotel owners argues that the facility was no longer operating as a hotel.

Among the inaccuracies was the assertion that the Property no longer operated as a hotel, instead operating solely as a recuperative care facility, said a petition to the state court of appeals filed on behalf of BC Seva and Care Chexx on Tuesday. Petitioners representatives attended the City Council meeting on June 23, 2025 and provided testimony correcting the Citys erroneous understanding. Despite there being no contrary evidence to Petitioners testimony, a majority of the City Council nevertheless adopted staffs findings and the City approved a resolution based thereon.

Care Chexx is one of around 35 recuperative care providers currently enrolled with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Recuperative care is a new program with minimal activity and providers are not licensed by the state, but are required to meet specific enrollment requirements. Care recipients must be referred to recuperative care services by a hospital or clinic.

Appeal to Brooklyn Center

The Brooklyn Center city council will consider BC Seva and Care Chexxs request for a stay on the hotels license revocation at their Monday meeting. If the city does not grant a stay, the court of appeals could grant one, according to Huntington.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My clients will argue in court that the citys interpretation of its ordinances to categorically exclude recuperative care services for all hospitality operators throughout the city is contrary to state and federal law, Huntington said in an email. State statute is clear that recuperative care services may be offered in any setting. Hotels are a proper setting for these services. The citys position is contrary to the established law and policy of this state.

Since the city councils revocation of the hotels license, Care Chexx has furloughed around 30 staff members, including full-time and part-time staff and has begun relocating recuperative care recipients from the hotel.

Without immediate resolution, the citys decision threatens continuity of care for vulnerable individuals and the hotels operations, according to Huntington.

Related Articles
A rare first edition book of photographs dating back to 1886 has sold for 52,480 at an auction in London.

The copy of "Life and Landscape on the Norfolk Broads" - by the pioneering Victorian photographer Peter Henry Emerson and artist Thomas Frederick Goodall - exceeded its 50,000 estimate.

The first edition contains 40 platinum prints of images of rural life in Norfolk and is only one of 25 copies every made.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An anonymous buyer from Suffolk said they were a fan of Emerson and the way he captured images of a "bygone way of life".

The book contains images of rural life in Norfolk, like cows grazing near the waters [Roseberys]

The book was put up for sale after being found in a cupboard in a house in Maryland, US.

The anonymous seller said their grandparents had been keen "yard salers" and probably only paid a few dollars for it.

The anonymous buyer from Suffolk said they already owned several Emerson works.

They said "It's a piece of Anglian heritage, yet Emerson had a strikingly modern aesthetic sensibility.

"He captured a bygone way of life, but his interpretation feels timeless."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was sold in London by Roseberys auctioneer Jack Wallis.

He said he was pleased the book was coming back to the East of England after many years in the US.

Mr Wallis said: "I hope it's appreciated by generations of East Anglians to come".

The photographer's great-grandson, Stephen Hyde, said the book was "a love letter to Norfolk" [Roseberys]

Emerson (18561936) was born in Cuba and raised partly in America, before settling in England.

He is credited with elevating the new technology of photography to an artform, often focusing on the everyday life of people in East Anglia.

He met his co-author and fellow artist Goodall (1856-1944) on a trip to the Broads and the idea for the book was devised.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story

Related internet links
Raul Valle was found not guilty on the most serious charges tied to a stabbing outside a Shelton house party in 2022 that left one teen dead and three others injured, but the partial verdict leaves the door open for prosecutors to pursue additional manslaughter and assault charges.

The partial verdict returned Wednesday in Milford Superior Court found Valle, 20, not guilty of murder and first-degree intentional manslaughter in the death of 17-year-old James Jimmy McGrath, who was a student at Fairfield College Preparatory School. After nearly 12 hours of deliberations over three days, the 12-person jury was deadlocked on a reckless manslaughter charge in the teens death.

Jurors also found Valle not guilty of multiple intentional assault charges tied to the nonfatal stabbings and were deadlocked on reckless assault charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Raul Valle found not guilty of murder in fatal stabbing of Fairfield Prep student

Judge Shari A. Murphy declared a mistrial on any charges to which the jury could not reach a verdict, leaving the door open for prosecutors still pursue those offenses against Valle and a possible retrial. Murphy accepted the partial verdict after denying a request from the prosecution to send the jury back into deliberations for a third time.

It is my understanding that the States Attorney Office intends to pursue its criminal claim of manslaughter against Mr. Valle for his conduct, Michael J. Rosnick, the lawyer who represents the McGrath family in a wrongful death lawsuit, told the Courant.

Although the family does not agree with the jury verdict, it fully respects the process and knows that it must accept the jurys finding, he said. The McGrath family wants to thank the States Attorney Office for its diligence, professionalism and compassion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The jury was presented evidence for nearly two weeks, during which about two dozen witnesses testified. Valle took the stand in his own defense.

Following closing arguments last week, deliberations began on Monday and after only a few hours, Murphy was given a note indicating the jury was hopelessly deadlocked 11-1 on the murder charge. After returning to deliberations, Murphy was given a second note that said the jury remained deadlocked on the first count and could not reach a verdict on the remaining counts.

The partial verdict found Valle not guilty of two charges of first-degree intentional assault in the stabbings of Ryan Heinz and Thomas Connery, while jurors could not reach a verdict on first-degree reckless assault charges. Valle was also found not guilty on one count of second-degree intentional assault in the stabbing of Faison Teele, but jurors were deadlocked on a charge of second-degree reckless assault.

The case is not over, Rosnick told reporters outside the courthouse following the verdict. There are lesser included charges. We anticipate that the States Attorneys Office will file an information, but Im gonna let the States Attorneys Office speak for itself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesperson for the Division of Criminal Justice did not return a request for comment seeking information about the prosecutions intentions.

Outside the courthouse, McGraths father, Kevin McGrath, told reporters he was shocked by the verdict and that he anticipated working with the prosecution on the mistrial charges.

Clearly theres still some open issues that the prosecution is gonna take up, and we have their support, Kevin McGrath said. They did a wonderful job.

Its not over, he added. Theres still some things that need to be resolved. And well work closely with the prosecution to do that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Though he wasnt sure whether the murder charge would stick, Kevin McGrath said he thought there was at least enough evidence for a manslaughter conviction.

Im astonished at the result, but its due process, he said. Hes entitled to it. At the end of the day the jury made their verdict. Im not sure if they were in the same courtroom that we all were together. But thats the verdict, and well live with it. And well work closely with the prosecution to get resolution.

Valles attorney, Kevin Smith, urged jurors during closing arguments to look at some of the inconsistencies in the prosecutions claims, including the assertion that Valle  who was 16 at the time and a student at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull  asked his friend for a knife he couldnt possibly know he had. The stabbings, which Smith maintained were carried out in self defense, came after a large group attacked Valle and his friend outside a party on May 14, 2022, on Laurel Glen Drive.

The incident followed a scuffle earlier in the night at a separate house party between students at St. Joseph High School and Shelton High School. The argument ensued in a group chat later on before Valle and a group of friends arrived in a vehicle at the home on Laurel Glen Drive. A number of people at the house party threw things at the vehicle and shook it, Smith alleged.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Senior Assistant States Attorney Marc Durso told jurors that Valle and his friends were asked to leave multiple times and, at one point, went down the road before returning to the home. Durso alleged that Valle had revenge on his mind when he went back to the home for the final time.

But Smith claimed that Valle and his friend were jumped by an angry mob intent on seriously hurting them. The knife Valle had, which Smith claimed had been tossed to him earlier without him asking, served as the only tool that allowed him to survive the attack and save his friend.

Smith could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Valle, who had been free on $2 million bond before the trial and during the proceedings, left the courthouse on Wednesday a free man  for now. Court records reviewed Thursday still showed his criminal case as pending but did not reflect any amended charges.

Valle still has a number of lawsuits pending against him and others filed by Heinz, Connery and Teele on assault and battery allegations. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Kevin McGrath names Valle, his parents, multiple friends of Valle and their parents, among others, as defendants.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The Rapid City Police Department responded to two cases of aggravated assault that both happened Thursday night.

Beresford man pleads guilty to killing 3 in 2023 crash

In a news release, the RCPD said officers were dispatched to the area of Interstate 90 and Omaha Street for a report of gunshots heard in the area around 7:30 p.m.

Witnesses told police the suspect had approached an outdoor camp underneath the I-90 bridge over Rapid Creek. He pulled out a gun before getting into a disturbance with a group of people there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police said the suspect was 27-year-old Latrell Tayle of Rapid City. Shortly after the incident, Tayle was found around West Boulevard and Kansas City Street and detained without incident. Police located a gun believed to have been used in the shooting and Tayle was arrested for five counts of aggravated assault and transported to the Pennington County jail. No injuries were reported, and the incident is still under investigation.

The second case happened around 11:30 p.m. and police were dispatched to 1023 N. Lacrosse Street for a report of a disturbance involving a gun. When police arrived, suspect Kael Jacobson of Rapid City, 29, was detained and the gun was recovered. After listening to witnesses, it was determined that the incident started as a disturbance among neighbors.

At one point, Jacobson pulled out the gun and displayed the gun at the direction of 31-year-old Alicia Soberal of Groton. Jacobson was placed under arrest for aggravated assault intimidation, and Soberal was arrested for abetting aggravated assault.

Both were transported to the Pennington County Jail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
After reading Mitch Alboms latest column, I couldnt help reflecting on why he should point out that only 36% of Democrats say that they are "very proud to be American. ("Mitch Albom: On our nation's birthday, gratitude should light the candles," Detroit Free Press, July 6.)

I am a self-described Democrat, so Ill tell you why.

Beside the fact that President Donald Trump is currently the outward face that our country is presenting to the world, Ill start out by saying that there is a certain burden one carries when you are a liberal. That is the obligation to strive for a more perfect union. Its the idea that there is work unfinished and that Americas best days are still ahead of us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just think about the phrase Make America Great Again. When was it great for everyone? Was it ever? Was it so great in the past for women and people of color? For the poor and working-class people? For recently arrived immigrants or the LGBTQ community? What about for people with disabilities? Was the environment treated with respect in the past? Certainly not.

Gains from labor to equal rights and the environment have been because of the tireless efforts of the liberal movement. There used to be a time when both parties had liberals and conservatives in them. The Republican Party has been purging itself of liberals since the Civil Rights era.

So today, being a liberal means being a Democrat. Striving for equality, acceptance and inclusion is built right there in the guiding principles of our nation.

As long as the words Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free appear on the Statue of Liberty, the words All men are created equal on the Declaration of Independence and "E Pluribus Unum" appears on our money, every liberal will continue to strive to for a better union, because for us, the work is never finished.

Eddie Dee

Novi

The 2025 Ford Fireworks viewed from The Rooftop Party presented by Ford in Detroit on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

More from Freep Opinion: Why I would choose Nixon over Trump any day (and I couldn't stand Nixon)

Albom settles for the status quo. I won't.

Mitch Albom's suggestion that Americans feel gratitude for America this July 4 even if we cannot take pride in what is being done in our name is dangerous nonsense.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gratitude breeds complacency, and increases the likelihood that people will settle for the status quo. And to do that now would have us settle for an America that:

No, actually, forming that "more perfect union" to which the founding generation committed us has always been better served by ingratitude than gratitude, and that has never been more true than at this time of unprecedented challenges to the American experiment.

Michael J. Montgomery

Huntington Woods

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More from Freep Opinion: America's free market needs immigrants

In today's America, Albom's views don't slide

Mitch Alboms Morning in America lecture demonstrates that his view is part of the problem. These are not normal times. Mitch equates a lack of pride with ingratitude. He assumes that Democrats have less pride because Donald Trump is president.

He downplays the horrific changes brought about by Trump and those propping up his destructive regime. They include the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court and those voters who continue to believe it was a good idea to elect a convicted felon.

Albom wants to pretend that Americans should be grateful when they can practice the religion of their choice. How does that fit with Texas requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in schools? It doesnt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Americans remain grateful for all that America truly represents: freedom, diversity, equity, inclusion and the rule of law. That doesnt mean they have to be proud about how so many in this country are trying to tear it all down.

John Gilboe

Canton

Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print. If you have a differing view from a letter writer, please feel free to submit a letter of your own in response.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mitch Albom, Freep readers butt heads on patriotism, pride | Letters
Care workers with the Service Employees International Union participate in a living cemetery protest at the US Capitol June 23, 2025. Workers denounced the impact to patients, families and workers if Republicans cut Medicaid, healthcare and SNAP to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. Photo by Tasos Katopodis | Getty Images for SEIU

Federal fallout

As federal funding and systems dwindle, states are left to decide how and whether to make up the difference.

Read the latest

A mother who works two jobs and her three children, the oldest with severe asthma. A woman with Down syndrome whose mother has worked for decades to ensure her daughter has the best life possible. A family with two parents working full-time and a son with disabilities who requires numerous therapies and round-the-clock care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These are just a handful of the Arizonans who are at risk of losing all or part of their Medicaid coverage because of the massive cuts in President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The cuts to Medicaid, which provides insurance for 80 million Americans with low-incomes or disabilities, will help fund the extension of Trumps 2017 tax cuts, which primarily benefit the wealthy.

More than two million Arizonans are on Medicaid and receive health care coverage through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the states Medicaid program that is better known as AHCCCS. Thanks to Trumps budget, which was backed by all of Arizonas GOP congressmen  Andy Biggs, Juan Ciscomani, Eli Crane, Paul Gosar, Abe Hamadeh and David Schweikert  an estimated 300,000 people will lose their health insurance.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Alicia Jefferson, who works more than 40 hours a week between two bartending and server jobs in the Valley, told the Arizona Mirror that if she loses AHCCCS coverage, shell have to travel to Mexico to get her sons inhalers. If she had to pay for them out of pocket in the U.S., they would cost $1,000 a month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I was in tears, Jefferson said about her reaction to hearing that Congress had voted to pass the bill. We arent just leeches, and were not just cogs in a capitalist wheel. Were real people.

The budget plan slashes an estimated $1 trillion from federal Medicaid funding across the country over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Trump repeatedly promised during the 2024 campaign that he wouldnt cut Medicaid benefits, and the White House claimed in a statement that the spending and tax bill would eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. But theres no way the Grand Canyon States Medicaid program can take the estimated $35 billion loss in federal funding over the next decade without cutting services or kicking people who need it off the rolls.

At this point, its hard to say how the cuts will be implemented at the state level and which people and services will be on the chopping block. But its clear that AHCCCS cannot continue as is while taking such a huge hit to its funding, about 70% of which comes from the federal government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The total annual budget for AHCCCS is about $22 billion, and KFF, a nonprofit focused on health policy and analysis, estimates that the Republican budget will slash that by about 19%. With a total annual state budget of $17.6 billion, theres no way Arizona can make up the difference. KFF estimates that more than 300,000 Arizonans could lose their health insurance as a result.

In a letter to the states congressional delegation earlier this month asking them not to vote for the bill, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs wrote that the federal spending plan came with costs to the State of Arizona that our taxpayers cannot absorb.

Alicia Jefferson, 42, and her children, 6-month old Damien, 17-year-old Dominick, who has severe asthma and 7-year old Chloe all have health insurance provided by Medicaid. Between her two server and bartending jobs, Jefferson works more than 40 hours per week. Photo courtesy of Alicia Jefferson

But Will Humble, executive Director of the Arizona Public Health Association, told the Arizona Mirror that now isnt the time to panic.

Just looking at it as a practical matter, a lot of these cuts arent going to happen, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The provisions in the bill that are set to make some of the most significant cuts to Medicaid  work requirements, more frequent eligibility determinations and limits on providers taxes  wont be implemented right away. Work requirements and eligibility determinations every six months instead of every year are set to go into effect at the end of 2026, and provider tax caps are set to be implemented incrementally starting in 2028.

Arizona levies a 6% provider tax on hospitals to help pay for the states share of Medicaid. The bill will reduce that amount by half a percent annually until it reaches the new 3.5% cap in 2032.

Humble told the Mirror that the delays in implementation of these provisions will give advocates years to convince members of Congress to reverse the cuts.

Humble, a former director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, said that he believes the work requirements are the most likely to be implemented. But he said that rural hospitals, which would be hit the hardest by provider tax cuts, will aggressively lobby their congressmen to reverse the cuts, or beg their state legislators to backfill the difference.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rural Arizonans are far more likely to rely on Medicaid for health care  about 38%, compared to 17% in urban areas. That means that rural hospitals, which already operate with smaller profit margins, rely more heavily on Medicaid funding.

The provider tax cap would cost Arizona around $75 million to backfill the difference in the first year, and Humble told the Mirror he cant imagine the state allowing such a devastating impact on rural communities for such a relatively small price.

If Arizonas legislature refuses to make up the difference, rural hospitals in ruby red areas of the state could close down, and residents are unlikely to be pleased about that.

Rural legislators in deep, red spots will eventually come to realize that older voters in their district still want a hospital, Humble said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Proponents of the cuts have sold the more frequent eligibility checks and work requirements as a way to keep scammers and able-bodied adults who simply dont want to work from taking advantage of the system. But advocates expect those additional hurdles will cull many people who qualify for the program but are unable to provide the proper proof due to a lack of time, knowledge or technical capabilities.

About 64% of adults on Medicaid already work full- or part-time, and the majority of the people who arent working are retired, in school or are full time caregivers for a family member. Nearly half of all those enrolled in Medicaid nationwide are children.

Arizona was already set to implement its own Medicaid work requirements this fall, stemming from legislation signed by Gov. Doug Ducey in 2015. AHCCCS did not respond to questions about whether those requirements would be implemented in October, or if they would wait for the new federal deadline.

Other states that have already implemented work requirements, like Arkansas and Georgia, have spent millions of dollars on systems that are difficult to use and cost more than theyve saved the state. People with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness are the most at-risk of losing coverage because of inability to keep up with reporting requirements. In Arkansas, tens of thousands of people lost access to health care, resulting in adverse effects for many.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Adding more requirements that people reapply or be redetermined is going to make it just amazingly more difficult, Jon Meyers, executive director of the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, told the Mirror. And many people are simply not going to be able to do it.

Families at risk

Jeffersons family has relied on Medicaid off-and-on for years, depending on whether her job provided health insurance. Right now, she and her three children, 17-year-old Dominick, 7-year-old Chloe and 6-month-old Damien, all rely on AHCCCS for health care coverage.

Everyone Ive ever known who gets Medicaid, theyve always worked, Jefferson said. Theyre not just sitting there leeching off of the system.

Without Medicaid to cover Dominicks inhalers to treat his severe asthma, Jefferson said shell either have to travel to Mexico for medicine, which she did in the past when her private insurance wouldnt cover it, or rack up medical debt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I refuse to let my son die, she said.

The situation is also causing stress for Dominick, who feels guilty for the cost of treating his asthma, Jefferson said.

He now feels like hes a burden, she said.

When her children are asleep, Jefferson said she cries in the bathroom with worries about the future, but added that she knows shell get through whatever happens.

Deb Sinclair, 69, is a retired nurse who returned to Arizona from Maine about four years ago with her 44-year-old daughter, Kelly Forant, who has Down syndrome. They made the cross-country move because of the superior quality of the AHCCCS program.

Kelly Forant, 44, and her mother Deb Sinclair, 69. Forant, who has Down syndrome, relies on Medicaid coverage to pay for costly monthly medications and day programming that provides her with life skills, friends and enrichment. Photo courtesy of Deb Sinclair

Forant has been enrolled in Medicaid for most of her life. It pays for her prescription medications that cost around $1,000 a month, part of her dental care and for the day program she attends for 40 hours each week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If Forant was kicked off AHCCCS, she would be in a more fortunate situation that most like her, Sinclair said. Sinclair has set up a trust in her daughters name that could pay for her medications and other care, if necessary.

But that trust is meant to allow Forant to stay in her home and be well cared for after her mother dies, something Sinclair has been working hard to achieve for decades. If too much of that money was used up now to pay for routine care, Forants future would look much different.

I worked a lifetime to make sure she was going to be taken care of, quite frankly, and Ive paid my dues, Sinclair said. I want her to have the best life she possibly can.

But Sinclair said she still believes that losing access to day programming, provided via a Medicaid waiver, would be even more detrimental. Waiver programs provide ongoing care beyond standard Medicaid requirements, and some advocates are worried they will be the first things cut to make up for the loss in federal funding.

Sinclair saw exactly how that loss of structure and social interaction impacted her daughter when programs were shut down at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We saw terrible regression in her speech and in her ability to care for herself or do things for herself, Sinclair said. Just the isolation was unbelievable. She wouldnt leave her room. She wouldnt get dressed. She wouldnt go anywhere.

The program that Forant attends includes things like culinary, music classes and karate classes, as well as life and social skills. She also makes friends there, and the time shes away from home provides Sinclair with a respite from caring for her daughter, a 24/7 job.

Exhausted, but still fighting

Brandi Coon and Kathleen Muldoon were part of a group of mothers who in April won a months-long fight to persuade the Arizona Legislature to provide $122 million in additional funding to ensure their children and others with disabilities didnt lose access to vital services provided through Medicaid.

Even though theyre still tired from months of trudging to the Capitol to convince lawmakers that funding the states Division of Developmental Disabilities was the right thing to do, theyre ready to do it again.

Muldoons 11-year-old son, Gideon, has 42 medical diagnoses, including visual impairment, cerebral palsy and deafness. He relies on his parents as well as a team of 20 medical professionals, provided through Medicaid, to navigate everyday life.

While Muldoon has heard the narratives that cuts wont impact her son because of his high level of need, shes not buying it. Gideons at-home care that helps him build physical strength, to better communicate and be successful at school are all provided through Arizonas Medicaid waiver program.

Muldoon, who is a medical school professor, said that waiver programs have been the first to go when Medicaid was cut in the past. And those services arent covered by private medical insurance.

If they were cut, it would put Muldoon in a difficult spot, possibly forcing her to take on additional jobs and to have little time to spend with her family, including her two other children.

These cuts, she said, send a troubling message to people with disabilities and their families.

The overall message is that people with disabilities are dispensable, that the needs of my son and our family are optional, Muldoon said. Medicaid gives us access to the things that everybody should have access to, such as education and social supports and community involvement.

Even so, Muldoon said shes encouraged by the relationships she formed during the fight for DDD funding this spring and is ready to continue educating lawmakers about the value that disabled people contribute to society.

Coon told the Mirror that she will also continue to educate legislators about the importance of DDD services to those who need them, with the hope that they wont be cut to make up for decreased federal funding.

Coon, co-founder of the Raising Voices Coalition, one of the organizations that led the battle for DDD funding, said shell take what she learned through that experience into this next fight.

Im honestly in awe of the win that we had, she said, adding that she believes the key to success was a broad coalition of advocates who worked with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Shes specifically planning to hold Biggs, who voted for the big, beautiful bill, to his word that he doesnt want to see vulnerable populations or people with disabilities harmed by the cuts.

Im sure that he understands what strong advocates and grassroom efforts we have in the disabled population in Arizona, she said.

Biggs is running for governor in 2026.

Meyers, the executive director of the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, predicts that tens of thousands of Arizonans with disabilities will be culled from AHCCCS or lose access to services if the cuts are implemented.

If they lose their prescription coverage, if they lose their health care coverage, if they lose the kind of therapies and supports that allow them to have mobility in their communities and have ongoing engagement with their communities, their health is clearly going to suffer, he said. And as a result, some will die.

He predicts that some of them will end up living on the street.

Fundamentally, the message that gets sent is that people with disabilities are expendable, that theyre really not useful members of our society, that they really have no value to our communities, Meyers said. And as a result, if they lose their services, if they lose their health care, if they ultimately die, were no worse off.

On a personal level, Meyers said he knows most people cherish the people in their lives who have disabilities, but this legislation tells them they are just takers.

Impact beyond Medicaid enrollees

Cuts to AHCCCS will make health care in Arizona more expensive and less accessible for everyone, January Contreras, executive director for Childrens Action Alliance, told the Mirror. Thats because people who lose their Medicaid coverage still get sick and need treatment.

People wouldnt have any option but to go to the hospital, and when people use hospitals as their primary care, its very expensive for hospitals, Contreras said. And that has to be passed on to employers and all the folks who get health insurance through their employers.

This could lead to providers closing their doors in rural parts of the state, where people already struggle to find specialists and might already have to drive more than hour for care.

According to a University of North Carolina study, the federal Medicaid cuts will put five rural Arizona hospitals at risk of closing, in Page, Winslow, Nogales, Bisbee and Globe.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WBTW)  Volunteers with the South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts group moved 160 loggerhead turtle eggs in Pawleys Island in Thursday morning.

SCUTE head Rick Scott said it was the largest turtle nest theyve seen in Pawleys Island in the past three to four years. He said every morning, hundreds of volunteers walk Grand Strand beaches in search of turtle tracks to help the Department of Natural Resources preserve the eggs and soon-to-be turtle hatchlings.

Scott said volunteers found tracks from a large loggerhead turtle Thursday morning in the middle of Pawleys Island that led to the turtle nest. He said the organization would prefer to leave the nest in its natural state, but that they moved the large nest they found Thursday because of it being low tide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If the tide comes up and sits on top of that nest, those eggs will not develop and, you know, 60, 70 days from now, well dig the nest up and theyll just be a bunch of black eggs in there, he said. We really try to keep them natural as much as we can. Not only is it better for the eggs, but better for the volunteers who have to move them.

Scott said Thursday mornings nest was the 14th nest of the summer. He added that theres a certain method to relocating the eggs more inland.

When we pull them out, we pull them out like a machine. We put them straight out and move them over and we put them in that bucket one at a time, he said. Even though theres 160, we only do one and we just like a little machine and we dont turn them. We dont twist them, because if we do then that egg will not develop. And then when we get the bucket up here, we do the same thing in reverse.

Scott said that when a loggerhead makes its natural nest, it uses its flippers to create a hole in the sand. The warmest eggs on the top of the nest, he said, will be female, and the colder eggs on the bottom will be male. Thursdays nest is roughly two feet deep, filled with eggs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They all have a little impinge on the end of that back flipper that allows them to dig with. Every once in a while, well see one out here at night and maybe even a day nester year, he said. Its just amazing to watch her throw that sand back in the way that she does, knowing that shes not an inherent land animal. With 160 eggs, for her to do that with flippers and a little bitty impinge on the end of that flipper, a little bone is just amazing to watch that.

Scott said the only time loggerhead turtles come out of the water is to lay their eggs.

Visiting from Georgia, Ethan English and his family said they were lucky enough to see a loggerheads eggs hatch in Pawleys Island and make their way back to sea.

So Ive seen a turtle hatch, baby turtles hatch before once when I was here a few years ago. And that was really cool to see and to see it again, the tracks of her going to lay the eggs and have all the eggs in the nest moved, he said.  Seeing, just the circle of life, and how cool that is to see.

Englishs grandfather, Rick Kuehn, said hes happy to know SCUTE is doing everything it can to help protect the turtles. Having visited Pawleys Island for 40 years, he said its always beautiful to see the turtle tracks on the sand.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We saw the tracks of the mother, he said. We know were supposed to turn the lights off at night and we try to do that. But no, its exciting. And that one time is probably the highlight nature-wise. When we saw the hatchlings, we got videos too, and theyre crawling there, and everybody was so excited.

Visiting Pawleys Island for the first time, Emily Garrett said she, too, is proud to know an organization is doing what they can to help the turtles.

Its like were trying to take care of our planet and we need more to do that. Were taking over as humans. I think its just very important in general, especially the turtle population. We dont need them going extinct or anything, she said. So I think its very important what theyre doing. And little turtles are so cute. I think they deserve to live in the sea.

Scott said the organization believes the eggs will hatch in the next 65-70 days. He said the mother turtle that laid these will most likely be back to lay more in the near future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres all these levels of extinction, endangered, and threatened, and now, thanks to the work of our team and other teams like ours, the loggerheads are just threatened. he said. So our hope is that someday we dont have a classification other than just a cool turtle.

* * *

Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  A retired University of Illinois professor was recently recognized with a top honor for decades of research into photosynthesis.

The World Food Prize Foundation recognized Stephen Long as a 2025 Top Agri-Food Pioneer. The honor recognizes people who drive change in agriculture and global food security.

Ive been working with photosynthesis for 50 years, Long said. Its really been a lifelong mission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

From the Farm: U of I professor named World Food Prize recipient

He spent his career working on improving the productivity of crops through photosynthesis. He said it hasnt always been easy.

Nobody really believed you could make photosynthesis more efficient, because the argument was nature would have already done it, Long said.

But his research was moving in a different direction. Organizations became interested in his work and wanted to fund it.

How about we put our money where your mouth is, and you show us this can actually be done in a crop,' Long said. And so that started the RIPE project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

RIPE stands for Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency, and it started in 2012. Long was the director from its founding until his retirement earlier this year.

The RIPE project improved crop resilience.

We were getting more photosynthesis and higher productivity, Long said.

Longs research is making an impact globally. He said almost 10% of the worlds population is starving, a number approaching one billion people.

He said he has the answer to help solve the gap between food supply and the worlds growing population.

If we can up photosynthesis, then we can get more seed, more food, Long said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U of I researcher honored for his work in making crops more resilient

But its whats in the Energy Farm in Urbana that makes their work feel truly special.

Right next door to these laboratories, we have six square miles of experimental farm, Long said. So when we develop something new in the crop world, we can test it in the real world.

But its not just Long who works in the lab. He has technicians like Noga Adar helping him

I especially like the hands-on of seeing the plants out in the field, Adar said. I feel like you can almost see visually the plants get bigger, and thats really exciting, knowing that downstream, that is going to help so many people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Long said an important aspect of his work is that he has been able to train many scientists in this field of study, and theyve been able to take what they learned all over the world. People hes trained are now working in places like Canada, the Netherlands and his native England.

I have reached the end of my career, but this work is going to become much bigger and better beyond me, he said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Americans stances on immigration are becoming more positive, with a majority acknowledging that it's good for the nation.

The findings are from a new Gallup poll that surveyed 1,402 Americans between June 2-26 and centered on where the public stands on immigration in the U.S.

Record-high 79% of Americans say immigration is good for the U.S.

Why you should care

When respondents in the Gallup poll were asked if immigration is generally a good thing or bad thing for the country, a record-high 79% of Americans call it a good thing compared to a record-low 17% who view it as a bad thing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

RELATED: What is ICE? Immigration agents' role explained

The poll also noted that Democrats belief that immigration is beneficial to the nation is also up, to a record-high 91%.

Fewer Americans want immigration reduced

Dig deeper

The Gallup poll shows that the number of Americans who believe immigration should be reduced fell to 30%. Meanwhile, 38% of respondents admit they want immigration to stay at its current level, while 26% say it should be increased. And the desire for less immigration has also changed among political parties, with this sentiment from Republicans at 48%, independents at 30%, and Democrats at 16%.

Pathways to citizenship for immigrants favored by Americans

Local perspective

Americans are now supporting offering undocumented immigrants pathways to citizenship, while fewer respondents say they favor strict measures to discourage or reverse illegal immigration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the poll, support for raising the number of Border Patrol agents is at 59%, while backing for the U.S.-Mexico border wall is only at 45%.

RELATED: Poll: Trump is stronger on immigration but weaker on economy

Moreover, support is also dropping for deporting all undocumented immigrants, with 38% of Americans now favoring this as the administration is attempting it, while support for allowing undocumented immigrants to become U.S. citizens increased to 78%.

More than half of Americans disapprove of Trumps management of immigration

Big picture view

Gallup noted that 62% of Americans disapprove, including 45% strongly, of President Donald Trumps efforts on immigration, compared to 35% who approve of his handling of the issue, including 21% who strongly approve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Approximately 85% of Republicans approve of the presidents management of immigration, compared with 28% of independents and only 2% of Democrats. According to the poll, 81% of Democrats strongly disapprove, compared to 59% of Republicans strongly approve. Independents are much more likely to strongly disapprove (45%) than to strongly approve (14%).

The Source

Information for this story was provided by Gallup, which conducted a poll of 1,402 people between June 2-26. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.




Adam McIntire has been touring the U.S. for several months. - Credit: Adam McIntyre/instagram

Adam McIntyre, a 22-year-old YouTuber and influencer with hundreds of thousands of subscribers and followers, is no stranger to being the subject of snark. McIntyre has cemented his place in the influencer world as a commentator who makes videos about pop culture, celebrity controversies, and internet feuds. Some of his most viral videos address the allegations he made against former YouTube royalty Colleen Ballinger, including that 29-year-old Ballinger confided in 14-year-old McIntyre about her impending divorce, asked him for inappropriate pictures, and sent him a lingerie set. (Ballinger denied the claims.)

Though McIntyre was only one of the handful of young creators who alleged Ballinger had acted inappropriately, he became the subject of threats and doxxing by Ballingers fans and others. On the subreddit r/AdamMcIntyreSnark, anonymous posters tracked how much money Adam was spending on flights and travel, speculated about his alleged drug use (which he denies), and even reached out to his friends to troll them. Most of the time, McIntyre tells Rolling Stone, he can shrug off snark as obsessive and strange though essentially harmless  but that was before some members reported McIntyre, who is an Irish citizen and is currently in America on a work visa, to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It got to be too much, he says. I mean, were in L.A., you know what I mean? False reports are false reports that trigger action in the system. Luckily the agency has yet to reach out to him, but the experience left him shook.

More from Rolling Stone

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Snark subreddits are communities on Reddit dedicated to gossiping about specific influencers or creators. Scrolling through a snark subreddit is an exercise in extremes  there are thoughtful discussions about the power imbalance between creators and their fans next to mocking posts about suspected lip injections. Snark, at one point, had the potential to be a guardrail in an industry that was largely unregulated, says Jessica Maddox, an associate professor of digital media at the University of Alabama. Unfortunately, we have started to see snarking essentially becoming doxxing. That then blurs into more explicitly violent things like Trisha Paytas snark calling CPS on a child who isnt born yet, all the way down to what we saw with Adam McIntyre being reported to ICE.

McIntyre has been touring his Chronically Online Podcast around the U.S. since January under an 0-1 visa, which is how most artists, comedians, or creators such as himself do so legally for profit. When he was approved, McIntyre posted a photo of the visa to X. I was excited to let people know I got my visa, McIntyre says. But in recent weeks, members of r/AdamMcIntyresnark circulated the photo, claiming that McIntyre had been issued an R1 visa, which is for people entering the United States to perform religious work. A rumor began going around the snark page that McIntyre had wrongfully been granted a visa he wasnt eligible for. Snarkers encouraged each other to report McIntyre to ICE through their online tip form and even posted screenshots that showed their own tips had been received. The only time I wont say fck ice, read the comment of one snarker.

McIntyre found out when fans and friends who saw the snark page posts sent him screenshots. Its incredibly bizarre, says McIntyre. Im no stranger to Reddits and snark pages, but knowing that I could literally be detained or arrested on the street because of people who reported me for the LOLs on Reddit? Thats been terrifying. When he heard news of snarkers reporting him to ICE, McIntyre was in Los Angeles, which has been the scene of intense ICE raids in the last month. Its already scary times in America, he says. McIntyre knows hes not part of the vulnerable groups who have been targeted by immigration enforcement  mostly people of Hispanic and/or Caribbean descent  but hes still troubled by snarkers weaponizing the government agency as a harassment campaign tool. (McIntyres own views on ICE can be summed up as, Its a system that is used to isolate and I cannot scream enough about how disgusting it is.)

On July 6, McIntyre posted a YouTube video detailing the situation with his snark subreddit and the ICE tips. In the video, he vowed to take legal action against the erroneous claims that he was in the country illegally. Two days later, on July 8, McIntyre posted an update, that the subreddit had been shut down. Reddit, for all their failings, has always demonstrated that they will play whack-a-mole when these issues come up and they will strike down these things that do cause real offline harm, says Maddox, the social media expert. She hypothesizes that snarkers weaponizing ICE against McIntyre could prompt Reddit to take further action against other snark communities. This is a massive escalation of what snarkers have previously done, she says. It is insidious. It is disgusting. I think that anybody who filed these reports to ICE knew exactly what they were doing. They are aware of how out of control ICE is at the moment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This was no longer snarking, McIntyre says in his YouTube video. This was putting me in government records incorrectly because you dont know how to read a visa. My name, Adam McIntyre, and my personal information have been submitted to a federal agency with the power to investigate, detain, or deport me. This is not a joke. And this is where it has crossed a line.

In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson from Reddit said, Harassment and bullying have no place on Reddit, and our rules explicitly prohibit this behavior. This includes real-world harassment and actions that would threaten an individuals safety. The subreddit in question is banned.

McIntyre says that hes not focused on legal remedies to the false ICE reports at the moment; his sights are set on finishing his last comedy show in the U.S., slated for July 11 in New York City. Though the snark page dedicated to him has been shut down, McIntyre tells Rolling Stone he thinks its only a matter of time before another pops up to take its place. Thats just how the creator space works, he says.

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Texas could soon have newly drawn congressional maps if lawmakers approve the proposal during the upcoming special session.

After rumors emerged that President Donald Trump was pushing Texas Republicans to redraw the states congressional maps to give the GOP an advantage in the 2026 midterms, Gov. Greg Abbott officially added it to the special session agenda Wednesday. One expert said there may be risks in redrawing the maps.

Michael Li is the senior counsel in the democracy program at the Brennan Center for Justice and specializes in voter participation among minority communities in Texas. He said that the only possible way he sees Republicans being able to maximize gains in Texas is by breaking up majority-Black or Latino districts in cities, like Houston and Dallas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Texas, there really isnt a way to maximize Republican seats anymore without really targeting the political power of communities of color, Li said. Its for districts that are majority non-white and that are all represented by Black or Latino members that have been floated around as districts that might be redrawn or tweaked in some way.

A statement from the Texas Democratic Party released Thursday identified the Houston-based ninth, 18th and 29th congressional districts, as well as the Dallas-Fort Worth-based 33rd congressional district as the most vulnerable seats in redistricting. All are currently represented by Black or Latino members.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 requires certain states to have majority-Black or Latino districts, and courts have recently struck down maps for violating that provision. Alabama and Louisiana were forced to draw new maps ahead of the 2024 election that created an additional Black-majority district, and Texas is already facing litigation over its current maps.

The non-white population of Texas is also quickly growing. Texas earned two additional seats in Congress after the 2020 Census, and is currently projected to gain even more if population trends hold.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This special session and the redrawing of Texass congressional map  is coming just as we have census data showing that people of color provided all of Texass population growth between 2023 and 2024, Li said. The white population of Texas actually fell a little bit for the first time.

The special session begins July 21 and can last no longer than 30 days. That leaves congressional candidates little time ahead of the December filing deadline, especially if the new maps become tied up in court.

Its almost certain that Black and Latino voters, and perhaps other voters, will be in court trying to block these maps, and there will be a fight about whether the maps will be in place for 2026 or not, Li said. There isnt a lot of time to get new maps in place.

There are also other risks besides legal challenges. Current districts are drawn in a way that minimizes competition and packs cities into just a handful of districts, giving Republicans an edge. Any new map the GOP draws would have to make current Republicans more vulnerable in their seats in order to create gains. That does not come without risks, Li said, because population and demographic changes could upend the map in unpredictable ways.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Li said that Republicans are facing pressure from the president to get it done, but will have to weigh whether or not they want to take a gamble.

The question really is, are they willing to give that up, particularly the younger and the members who have less time in Congress, are they really willing to have a much more competitive map for the rest of the decade, Li said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Reform UK has selected an 18-year-old to lead Warwickshire County Council on a permanent basis.

George Finch was installed as the full-time leader of the Reform group in the county after a members' vote on Friday and said afterwards he would deliver "meaningful change".

The election was needed after his predecessor, Rob Howard, quit the role in June, just 41 days into the job - citing health reasons and Finch took over as interim leader.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reform does not hold an outright majority on the council but is the largest party meaning the 18-year-old and Reform need the support of colleagues in other parties on 22 July, when a full council vote will be held, to officially appoint him as council leader.

So far since the May elections, the local Conservative group has helped Reform to push through political appointments.

If Finch was confirmed as the council's leader, he would be among the youngest in that position in the country and, in Warwickshire, oversee a budget of half-a-billion pounds along with council assets worth 1.5bn.

Warwickshire County Council has a 500m revenue budget and assets of 1.5bn [BBC]

Following his election, Finch said: "I'm determined to give every Warwickshire resident proper representation at council level.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In May's local elections, my colleagues and I stood on a promise of delivering meaningful change and that's what we will do."

Finch, the councillor for Bedworth Central, was a member of the Conservative Party for three months before switching to Reform on the grounds, he said, that it would "better tackle illegal immigration".

George Finch's row with the council's chief executive over taking down a Progress Pride Flag dominated his stint as interim leader of the authority [BBC]

His short time as interim leader saw a row over a Progress Pride Flag flying outside the council's Shire Hall headquarters make national headlines.

Some opposition politicians were critical of Finch's interim appointment, ahead of Friday's vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, Preet Gill, said the people of Warwickshire "frankly deserve better".

"This is not work experience," she said. "This is not about learning on the job."

Mike Wood, the Conservative MP for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, was previously a local councillor.

Speaking in June he said: "It really would take a quite remarkable 18-year-old to go straight from sixth form to running a large local authority with a half-a-billion pound budget with no previous experience."

In response, Finch urged people to judge him on his actions rather than his age.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

More on this story

Related internet links
Jul. 11BEMIDJI  The Region 2 Arts Council is offering Good Relative Relief grants for artists, creators and culture bearers whose income-generating activities have been cut off or greatly altered due to the recent storm.

The grant, made possible with funding from private donors, is meant to offer some support for creators in the community, a release said.

Funding can be used for damage repairs; replacement of damaged or lost equipment or materials; rent or mortgage support; utilities; food; transportation; medicine; family member care; monthly bills; and other needs as approved. The grants cannot be used for student loan payments, tuition costs or classes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Grants are open to artists who are Minnesota residents 18 years or older who live in Beltrami, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen and Hubbard counties, or who are enrolled tribal members and descendants living in Itasca, Roseau, Cass and Becker Counties.

All eligible applicants must have lost income or experienced damage to property related to their creative practice, the release added.

The maximum award is $500 and the grant application will remain open until funding is exhausted.

Artists who have received grant funds from the Region 2 Arts Council in the past and have overdue final reports for those grant funds may complete their final reports to become eligible for the Good Relative Relief Grant.

To apply online, visit

www.r2arts.org.

For more information or help filling out the application, email

staff@r2arts.org.
(WKBN)  A man with an extensive criminal history who is also a registered sex offender was arrested Thursday as part of an undercover sting operation.

The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Salem Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrols Lisbon Post, conducted an undercover sting operation targeting those attempting to buy sex online. An undercover Task Force Agent posted an advertisement on a known website used for the solicitation of prostitution.

As a result, Darrion Ollison, 34, from Barberton, Ohio, responded to the posted ad and requested one act of sexual conduct, agreeing to pay $80 for the act, according to a news release from the tax force. Ollison arrived at the pre-determined meeting location with the agreed-upon amount of money and condoms, the release stated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was taken into custody by agents, where it was discovered Ollison is a convicted felon with a criminal history revealing charges of burglary, possession of cocaine, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, possession of drugs, having weapons while under disability, failure to comply, and sex offender failing to verify address, according to the task force.

Ollison was released from prison in mid-2025, and as a result of the Summit County convictions, is currently on parole and a registered Tier II sex offender in Ohio with the victim being a 15-year-old girl, according to records.

Ollison consented to a search of his cellphone and was transported and booked into the Columbiana County Jail by the Salem Police Department for engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools.

The Ohio Adult Parole Authority advised that they placed a detainer on Ollison at the Columbiana County Jail for the alleged parole violation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In late 2022, NASA celebrated its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) as a massive success, a proof of concept for saving humanity in case a similar space rock were to ever head straight for Earth.

The small spacecraft smashed into asteroid Didymos' moonlet Dimorphos at a violent 14,000 mph, knocking it severely off course.

But three years later, astronomers found that the collision had some unintended consequences. As detailed in a paper published last week in the Planetary Science Journal, a team led by the University of Maryland found that the DART spacecraft ejected a massive barrage of boulders, some of which carried more than three times the energy of the spacecraft itself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We succeeded in deflecting an asteroid, moving it from its orbit," said lead author and UMD research scientist Tony Farnham in a statement about the research. "Our research shows that while the direct impact of the DART spacecraft caused this change, the boulders ejected gave an additional kick that was almost as big."

The researchers warn that much like a game of pool, smashing a spacecraft into an asteroid to save the Earth could set off a powerful sequence of events that needs to be taken into account.

"That additional factor changes the physics we need to consider when planning these types of missions," Farnham added.

Pictures taken by a tiny spacecraft called LICIACube, developed by the Italian Space Agency and which has been hanging around the impact site to assess the aftermath, allowed astronomers to track 104 boulders, which ranged anywhere from 0.6 to 11.8 feet in radius, as they hurtled away from Dimorphos.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the researchers observed something strange about the behavior of those boulders.

"We saw that the boulders weren't scattered randomly in space," Farnham explained. "Instead, they were clustered in two pretty distinct groups, with an absence of material elsewhere, which means that something unknown is at work here."

The team hypothesizes that "DART's solar panels likely hit two big boulders, called Atabaque and Bodhran, on the asteroid," as second author and UMD astronomy professor Jessica Sunshine explained, right before DART's main body made contact.

DART "hit a surface that was rocky and full of large boulders, resulting in chaotic and filamentary structures in its ejecta patterns," Sunshine added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fortunately, thanks to the European Space Agency's Hera mission, which is scheduled to rendezvous with the asteroid system next year, we could soon have "another direct view of the impact's aftermath," Farnham said.

The astronomer and his colleagues are hoping to use the latest data to help their peers make more informed decisions when it comes to future deflection missions like DART.

"If an asteroid was tumbling toward us, and we knew we had to move it a specific amount to prevent it from hitting Earth, then all these subtleties become very, very important," Sunshine explained.

"You can think of it as a cosmic pool game," she added. "We might miss the pocket if we don't consider all the variables."

More on DART: Debris From When NASA Smashed Asteroid Appears to Be Headed Back Toward Earth
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Since last year, rent rates increased by 4.1% in San Diego County and nearly 10% in the city of San Diego, according to a survey conducted by the Southern California Rental Housing Association.

Thats why Rupert Hunt, the founder and CEO of Spare Room, held the first roommate speed dating event in the city to help renters find their perfect match.

When youre considering who you want to cook dinner with every night or who you want to wake up to in the morning, theres a lot to consider before you commit to living with someone, but searching for a roommate isnt an easy feat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A lot of things have fallen through that Ive pursued, so Im just trying all different options, Celena Barone said when asked why she decided to attend the speed roommating event.

More than 100 people signed up to attend the mixer, and Hunt says people are eager for the in-person human connections.

You could live in the best apartment in the city with people you dont get along that well with and dread going home or you could live in an average place with great people and have the best year of your life, Hunt said.

Its becoming more common for San Diegans to live with multiple people as they manage the rising cost of living across the county, and finding someone with similar a lifestyle could make the difference in keeping expenses low.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Maybe youre a coffee addict or a night owl, Hunt said, showing us stickers that help attendees start conversations about their lifestyle preferences.

Hunt says hes seen the demand for shared spaces increase from overseas in the United Kingdom to big cities in the United States.

We dont have a housing shortage, real estate expert Ken Kaplan said. We have an affordability shortage.

Locally, nearly 134,537 renters countywide dont have access to an affordable home.

Somebody says you know what I want to get a place. I want to be in this neighborhood. I want to be close to work. I dont want to have to move to Riverside County and then commute, so what were seeing is were seeing a lot of people getting roommates, Kaplan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Renters in San Diego need to earn more than $8,263 a month to afford the average asking rent in San Diego County, according to a study from the California Housing Partnership.

Your money goes a little bit further living with somebody else, Barone said.

But, she says affordability isnt the only benefit.

Im looking at a difference of 300 square feet to 800 or 1,000 square feet so a much more comfortable living space and making a new friend, she said.

Kaplan says once you meet the perfect roommate, set up a roommate agreement to protect yourself while you live together, and if you missed Thursday nights meet up, Hunt says he plans to make the mixers a regular event in San Diego.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Brian King speaks at the Utah Democratic Convention at Ogden High School on May 31, 2025. (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch)

After Republicans found rowdy crowds waiting for them in town halls during the first months of the second Trump administration, Democrats have taken it upon themselves to host similar events in all 50 states. Friday will be Utahs turn.

California Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs is scheduled to join Utah Democratic Party leaders at the Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus in Sandy, a city that is part of Utahs 4th Congressional District, represented by Republican Rep. Burgess Owens.

Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, attends at an election night event hosted by the Utah Republican Party in Draper, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Brian King, the newly elected chair of the states Democratic Party, Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini, and others are also scheduled to speak with constituents on Friday at 6:15 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

King said this is an initiative aiming to listen to the people where town halls havent happened, particularly in red states. Utahs congressional delegation members, who are all Republican, were also invited to tune in, King said.

Our feeling on this is simply listen, if youre an elected official, or if youre trying to represent people, if youre running for office, things like that, you need to make sure that you listen to the people that youre trying to represent and that you find out what they want and dont want and you receive their criticism, King said.

The last time Utah Republican Reps. Celeste Maloy and Mike Kennedy tried to hold a town hall, a crowd of about 300 showed up to protest, booing and jeering throughout the discussion.

King says he doesnt know what to expect from those attending the Friday town hall. However, he would like to see a mix from a broad political spectrum participating.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I want to see people who are Trump supporters. I want to hear people who are moderates, and pragmatists, and independents, and unaffiliated, as well as Democratic base voters, and more moderate, pragmatic Democrats, King said. I mean the range of people, I hope, is broad and reflects Utah.

Jacobs, a San Diego congresswoman, was elected Caucus leadership representative in 2022 and now serves in the U.S. House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee. Being a representative of a Western state and sharing characteristics with Utah, King believes Jacobs will be able to understand the state needs.

We want to have somebody who is in Congress who can come and be sort of a representative for Congress, because our representatives in Congress right now are not basically willing to receive information in a town hall setting from their constituents, King said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
With the stroke of a pen, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed off on legislation repealing the paid sick leave provision of a ballot measure that roughly 58 percent of Missourian voters approved in November.

The now-struck provision, which went into effect in May but will cease at the end of August, required employers to give workers one hour of earned paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, and 56 hours (or just seven days) of paid sick time per year. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees were only required to give workers 40 hours per year.

In a statement touting how conservative leadership supports Missourian families, Kehoe called the provision, which would have helped an estimated 728,000 private sector employees in the state, onerous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In November 2024, the paid sick leave mandate passed with 1.69 million votesnot far off, notes Elizabeth Crisp of The Hill, from the 1.75 million with which Kehoe took the governorship in November. Republican lawmakers sprang into action to walk back the will of their constituents after the ballot measure passed, and, within months, a bill to repeal it had passed the state House along partisan lines.

Senate Republicans passed the bill after using a rare procedural maneuver to quash a Democratic filibuster. The bill garnered the votes of all but one Republican lawmaker, Lincoln Hough, who thought his fellow Republicans should have let debate run its course.

Our rules of that chamber are unique to foster compromise and push people to negotiate, Hough told The Springfield Daily Citizen at the time, calling the vote a degradation of the institution of the Missouri Senate.

When the legislature sent the bill to Kehoes desk, Senate Minority Leader Dough Beck told St. Louis Public Radio: What we saw today was the Republican supermajority, whether they did it because of corporate greed or their corporate overlords telling them what to do, they took away sick pay for millions of workers in the state of Missouri.
The long lost love Julie Hammontree had believed dead walked back into her life a week ago.

On four fuzzy feet.

It had been 11 years since orange kitty Plato, a resilient Triad tabby, followed her from room-to-room or sipped cream with his loving family, Hammontree said Monday as Plato savored their reunion, napping at her feet.

When I got the text message (last) Wednesday night, I thought it was some kind of scam, and I even thought about ignoring it, said Hammontree, alerted last week by a Virginia-based animal shelter that her beloved rescue cat was indeed alive and about 100 miles away.

By scanning the rice grain-sized microchip implanted beneath Platos skin, shelter workers were able to find Hammontree and her phone number, she said.

Staff at the Franklin County Humane Society in Rocky Mount, Va., had recently taken Plato into custody after he was discovered hungry, matted and infested with fleas near a local apartment complex shared by college students, Hammontree said.

Coeds from nearby Ferrum College had apparently fed and tended to Plato regularly during the school year.

But summer break meant Platos support system went back home, leaving the scrappy feline philosopher to get an education in street life.

He really looks like an alley cat, said Hammontree, lamenting Platos matted fur, bald spots and need for a good cologne. Hes resting a lot, eating a little bit ... recovering from a life on the streets. He recognizes the house, is very affectionate.

It remains unclear how Plato managed to get to Virginia, Hammontree said.

Without the chip, Plato, 14, would certainly have been passed over for adoption at the Virginia shelter because of his advanced age  and unkempt appearance, Hammontree believes.

His life would have ended there, Hammontree said of the shelters policy of euthanizing never claimed animals.

Saying goodbye the first time

In 2013, Hammontree, a single mother of four, made a trip to the Guilford County Animal Shelter to adopt the oldest dog they had and came home with both a senior dog and a two-year-old Plato.

Plato settled in with the family in their neighborhood near Four Seasons Mall, but after a year, he disappeared.

Hammontrees youngest children, Maggie, 13, and Forest 17, soon figured out that an older neighborhood couple had mistakenly believed Plato to be a stray and had taken him in.

So the teens visited Layne and Scottie Lemonds, with the intention of reclaiming Plato, but saw how attached the couple had become to him, Hammontree said.

Her children decided amongst themselves to let the couple keep Plato.

Layne Lemonds was particularly emotional at the idea of losing Plato, and it reminded me of how I felt when I moved and had to leave a cat behind. It seemed like the right thing to do, said Forest Skilbred, now 29.

And while Hammontree was proud of her kids kindness, giving up Plato still hurt.

It was a sad thing for me. Very sad.

Nine lives indeed

Over the next decade, Hammontree never saw Plato and assumed the Lemonds had converted the feline to an indoor pet or that Plato may have died.

So Hammontree knew she should share the good news and phoned the now-widowed Scottie Lemonds at her new home in Wilkesboro.

Lemonds may have been more surprised than Hammontree, she said, considering that more than 5 years ago, Lemonds and her late husband had buried a cat they believed to be Plato.

Her husband had found an orange tabby killed by a car near Pinecroft Drive, assumed it was Plato, and given it funeral rites, Hammontree learned from Lemonds.

Reunited and it feels so good

Up early July 3, Hammontree brimmed with excitement to see Plato and headed to the Virginia shelter to arrive when doors opened around 8 a.m.

To make the trip especially fun, Hammontree decided to surprise son, Skilbred, who at that point, knew nothing of Plato being found.

I didnt tell him where we were going.

At first he guessed his genealogy buff mom was driving him to a cemetery or battlefield for research.

Instead, Hammontree pulled up at the Virginia shelter and the pair went inside. I thought we were there because she was adopting a pet. I didnt see this coming, Skilbred said.

When shelter staff brought Plato out, seeing Plato as an elder cat was like Id gone through a time tunnel, Skilbred said. His eyes had a little more age, and the pink spot on his nose had new freckle patterns.

He seemed like he was in disbelief, Hammontree said of her son.

The ride home proved joyful as Plato broke from his carrier and hopped in the front seat to ride in Skilbreds lap. He was curled up pretty relaxed, he said.

Home again, thanks to the microchip

A little turkey burger, a drop or two of cream, a dab of tuna ... such are the delicacies dairy-loving Plato has enjoyed since his homecoming, said Hammontree, a real estate consultant.

Im so happy, and so happy we microchipped him, she said. If you take a pet, you take that pet for life. And the best thing you can do is microchip that pet. Without it, Platos life would have ended there at that shelter.

Microchip technology, first developed in the 1980s, has meant happy reunion stories for countless other families across the nation. It costs between $25-$75 to have a chip placed in a pet and register the information with a national database.

In fact, according to studies by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, missing pets with microchips are 50% more likely than those without to be returned to owners. Only about 2% of cats without chips ever make it home, studies found.

Hammontrees gut tells her Plato may be ill, she said, preparing for veterinary visits later this week.

If Plato is sick, theres no place better than home for convalescing, Hammontree said. When the time comes, hell have a very comfortable end of life here. And thats the best you can hope for ... the best thing we can give our animals.
Republican senators say reports that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unilaterally froze arms deliveries to Ukraine without authorisation from President Donald Trump raise serious concerns about the level of coordination between the White House and the Pentagon. They are calling for a closer review of the matter by Congress.

Source: The Hill, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Lawmakers from the Republican Party suggest the freeze on weapons deliveries may have resulted from a "miscommunication" between Trump and Hegseth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An unnamed aide to a Republican senator described it as "a clear goof-up on a lot of levels".

Republican sources told The Hill that if Hegseth or members of his team deliberately took steps to bypass the commander-in-chief, it would pose a serious problem.

Republican senators are "alarmed" by reports that Hegseth may have halted weapons deliveries to Ukraine on multiple occasions without informing them, and they now want a detailed account of who in the Pentagon was involved in the freeze.

"Thats a problem," said one Republican senator who requested anonymity.

"To hear there may have been other pauses or this pause went on longer than any of us know, to me thats alarming," the lawmaker said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the harshest remarks came from Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who told CNN in an interview that Hegseths decision to halt arms deliveries to Ukraine was "amateurish".

"Now, with the passing of time, I think its clear hes out of his depth as a manager of a large, complex organisation," the senator added.

Senator Lindsey Graham said that Congress must get to "the bottom" of who gave the order to freeze arms deliveries and why.

Democratic Senator Jack Reed believes there was clearly a major breakdown in communication between Hegseth and Trump, something also confirmed by Republican sources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sources say that Hegseth acted on a misunderstanding of what Trump actually intended regarding the weapons in question.

Background:

Last week, it was reported that the Pentagon had suspended deliveries of some artillery shells and air defence equipment to Ukraine, citing the need to preserve stocks for other potential threats.

Earlier, media reports indicated that Hegseth had unilaterally ordered a halt to the transfer of certain types of weapons to Ukraine despite a military analysis having established that these supplies would not pose a threat to US combat readiness.

He also did not inform the White House of his decision before the freeze was implemented.

On 7 July, Trump stated that the United States must provide Ukraine with weapons for its defence. According to media reports, in a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump stated that he had not personally been involved in the decision to suspend supplies.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Blake reached out to me a few days after the flood and said that she wanted to come down from Tennessee, explained Susan Burns with Kerrville Pets Alive. And I said, Thats a really long trip. Are you sure that you want to do that?,.

Blake Nutter, founder of A Nutter Cat Rescue in Shelbyville, said that after seeing pictures of the devastation in Texas, she felt compelled to help.

My home state is Texas, said Nutter. I just needed to be here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More

She connected with Kerrville Pets Alive and, with a friend alongside her, embarked on the 16-hour journey to flood-devastated Texas.

Its horrific out there, said Nutter. Its shocking.

The group of women from both shelters has been walking through the debris, searching for animals and specific pets families are requesting help finding.

With the influx of animals at the Kerrville shelter, eight cats will now call Tennessee home. They are on their way to A Nutter Cat Rescue!

Tennessee has a treat coming for them, said Burns.

Some of the cats have special needs, including blindness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can find information on adoption, fostering, and volunteering here.

Please reach out to us, said Nutter. It would be great to have that help. We just know we can do it and and give them a happy update in this horrible, this horrible time that theyre going through.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Left: Deive Jose Molina-Pena, 33, makes an arepa at his apartment in Albuquerque. Right: The area at an Albuquerque Wal-mart aisle where ICE agents were caught on video violently arresting Molina-Pena on Monday, in a video has that amassed millions of views and sparked outrage. (Courtesy photo and photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)

A feud between American-born delivery drivers for Walmarts grocery service and Spanish-speaking deliveristas may have led to recent federal immigration arrests in the Albuquerque area  including one that drew national attention this week, Source New Mexico has learned.

On Monday, a Walmart customer captured video of federal immigration enforcement agents cornering a man inside a Walmart at Coors and Interstate 40. In the video, he screams for help as three agents, two of whom are masked, subdue him with a Taser. He falls to the ground and appears to hit his head.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Watch the video here. Warning: The video contains violent content.

While the federal agents stand over him, a Walmart official enters the video frame shouting at one person to get back to work and approaches the person filming. He orders her to leave the store, saying shes on private property. The 20-second video ends as private security officers begin to escort the woman out of the store.

The woman who filmed the arrest, who goes by Vero Veronica on Facebook, posted the video a little after 11 a.m. on Monday, July 7. Its since amassed millions of online views, along with comments expressing shock at the violent nature of an unarmed mans arrest and curiosity about what role, if any, Walmart played in an operation that occurred in its store.

In interviews Thursday with Source NM, family and friends identified the man in the video as Deivi Jose Molina-Pena, a 33-year-old whom they said arrived in the United States legally under Temporary Protected Status about two years ago from Venezuela.

With the help of a Spanish interpreter, family and friends said they have not heard from Molina-Pena apart from a brief phone call Monday evening to his roommate, Jean Carlos Useche, during which he seemed to be in shock; described severe pain in his head; and asked Useche to take care of his belongings and other small-seeming logistical things.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Useches eyes welled with tears as he expressed his fear that his friend was concussed or had other untreated head injuries, and that hed face retribution from the military if the U.S. deports him to Venezuela.

He hit his head when he fell. He has something in his head that doesnt go away right away, Useche said. ICE needs to conduct an in-depth study there.

Molina-Pena and his friends and family who spoke to Source on Thursday all come from Venezuela and are seeking asylum here while working as delivery drivers, including for Spark, Walmarts grocery delivery service.

Molina-Pena met Useche and their fellow roommate Jose Vergel while driving for the app. His cousin, Daisy Diaz, worked as a Spark driver until becoming pregnant about six months ago, she said. Her husband, Segundo Torres, supports his growing family driving for the service now, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The group describes app-based work like being a Spark driver as a flexible way to earn a living, and one that also helps them maximize wages by simply working for as many apps at a time as possible.

But since President Donald Trump took office in January, the group told Source New Mexico, being a deliverista has become increasingly dangerous, with long-simmering resentment coming from American-born Spark drivers who accuse them of stealing their turf and gaming the system.

The thing is that after the new president took office, racism increased, Torres said. Racist people  they already have it in for you.

Calling ICE on deliveristas

Source spoke with one Albuquerque Spark driver who confirmed the internal tension among employees may have led to the ICE incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A driver named Zack told Source on Wednesday that he and fellow American-born Spark drivers have repeatedly called an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hotline to tip off the agency about where the deliveristas gather and how to find them.

Zack declined to provide his last name out of fear, he said, from reprisal from gangs like Tren de Aragua he alleges conscript Latino delivery drivers in Albuquerque and elsewhere. (Torres and the others adamantly denied being in gangs: Its all political propaganda, he said.)

Source received a call from Zack after soliciting Spark driver interviews in a private Facebook group. Source included his statements in this story because they provide the best glimpse available into why ICE may have targeted Albuquerque deliveristas.

Drivers are taking matters into their own hands. I know I sat on the hotline for over an hour and a half, Zack said of calling ICE recently. But I couldnt get through.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other drivers made calls to the hotline about deliveristas whom he knows often gather at the north end of the parking lot of a Rio Rancho Walmart parking lot, he said.

On June 5, a team of federal law enforcement agents swept the Rio Rancho Walmart, detaining as many as a dozen deliveristas from Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia and elsewhere, according to delivery drivers who either witnessed the arrests or personally knew people detained. Brian Nobes, a supervisor at First Convenient Bank inside the store, worked the day the arrests occurred and told Source he personally knew several of the drivers, whom he said disappeared from the store the day after the arrests.

Witnesses and others estimate agents arrested as many as 12 people during the Rio Rancho sweep. At least three of them remain in jail, according to fellow deliveristas, though none has been confirmed to be deported yet, they said.

ICE officials did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Source this week about the Rio Rancho parking lot sweep or the viral arrest inside the Albuquerque store, including questions about whether calls to its hotline resulted in ICE targeting the deliveristas. An unnamed ICE spokesperson told KRQE on Thursday that Molina-Pena posed an immediate threat to the safety of agents, shoppers, and employees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, Zacks description of whom agents targeted during the raid, which has not been previously publicized, tracks with eyewitness accounts and statements from local law enforcement.

For example, Lt. John Castaneda with the Sandoval County Sheriffs Office told Source that his office served a support role in the arrests at the Rio Rancho Wal-mart, and while he did not know who was targeted or how many were arrested, he described the operation as focused solely on its parking lot.

This is the approximate area in the Rio Rancho Walmart parking lot where an ICE sweep occurred June 5. Witnesses and employees told Source federal immigration agents targeted delivery drivers. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)

Green light for hatred

The tension between Albuquerque Spark drivers echoes a national trend in various industries, one intensified with Trumps election and rhetoric.

The messaging coming from the White House is that anybody who is targeting undocumented individuals, whether they are government officials or not, are heroes and should be praised, said Lauryn Pfrommer-Pease, a spokesperson for the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shes seen the ICE hotline wielded against her centers clients by former partners, ex-coworkers or random community members. Its become a powerful tool for non-immigrants to wield against those they suspect of being foreign-born, she said, over personal disputes or for strategic advantage.

The dispute here between Spark drivers feels pretty representative of the hostile energy in the country right now, she said. I think that the administration has put a green light in place for individual, person on person, attacks and hatred.

Torres said a man in a Walmart parking lot two weeks ago photographed license plates of Latino drivers. Vergel said he and fellow deliveristas were eating lunch in his car recently when a woman reached her hand into the open window and flipped everyone off.

Last April, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and other Republican senators introduced legislation calling on major delivery apps like Grubhub and DoorDash to answer for a New York Post article that quoted a single Uber delivery driver who warned that newly arrived immigrants were evading background checks or falsifying their applications. As a result, immigrants driving for the apps is a significant security issue given that we go inside peoples homes, the Uber driver said in the article.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A driver for four years in Albuquerque, Zack accused recent immigrants of gaming the Spark delivery system by using multiple phones and accounts to select the most lucrative deliveries; falsifying account or driver information; and loitering in Walmart parking lots so they can get the first dibs on customers orders.

Left: Molina-Pena eats at Chik-Fil-A in an undated photo. Right: The exterior of the Coors and I-40 Walmart where ICE arrested him. (Photo courtesy Jose Vergel and Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)

As a result, he said, he had to take a second job driving for Uber at night to make ends meet, and he claims immigrants poor customer service has resulted in customers shopping elsewhere.

In the days following the Rio Rancho Walmart arrests, Zack said, he and fellow legitimate drivers got more orders than usual, he said. The same occurred this week at the Coors location, he told Source on Thursday.

In the interview at Las Cumbres Community Services in Albuquerque, where Diaz and Torres received some recent support as asylum seekers, they adamantly denied cheating the Spark app.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, they said they buy their cars honestly and fairly like everyone else, and undergo background and other checks before being approved to drive. Torres said deliveristas often use two phones, one personal, one professional, to dedicate hard drive space to the Spark app, advice he said he received from fellow drivers and Walmarts technical support team.

As for waiting in the parking lot, Torres and others said its a good way to get as many orders as possible, a strategy others could employ if they chose. He said he is unaware of any Spark app rule he and other deliveristas might be breaking.

Instead, he said he and his fellow deliveristas are just working harder than their American counterparts. He and fellow deliveristas typically spent most days sitting in various Walmart parking lots and stepping out to do deliveries at all times of the day and night, he said.

Our American dream is to sleep, Torres said, laughing.

Just take Molina-Pena as an example of that hard work, he said.

Targeted at work

Like most days, Molina-Pena woke up at 3 a.m. on Monday to deliver packages for Amazon, according to Torres and Molina-Penas roommates. He completed several deliveries before taking a short rest and then heading back to Walmart for his Spark gig.

When he arrived for his second or third Walmart delivery of the day, federal agents confronted him in the Coors location parking lot, Molina-Penas roommates and family believe, based on a brief conversation with him Monday evening and after speaking with another driver with whom Molina-Pena was on the phone during the arrest.

Molina-Pena ran inside, believing hed be safe inside the private property, but ICE agents followed him. Maria Lozoya Baca, a bank employee, told Source this week that she saw private security officers run toward the aisle where Molina-Pena was arrested.

He wasnt even doing anything; he was just there, she told Source. It was weird to me that it was targeted, that it was just him.

Molina-Penas family and friends wonder what role Walmart might have played in his arrest and all mentioned how the leaders at the Walmart that relied on his delivery work showed more concern about the video of the arrest than the arrest itself.

We believe that sometimes it is also Walmart managers [who are to blame] Useche said regarding ICEs targeting of delivery drivers. Even in the video, the manager gets in the way and says, its private property and starts fighting to stop the recording.

Walmart spokesperson Joe Pennington declined to comment on the record, including about whether Walmart knew of in advance or approved either ICE operation.

Albuquerque police, which, unlike Sandoval County, have a policy of not collaborating with ICE, learned about the arrest from federal immigration authorities after the-fact, said spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos. He said federal officials told APD that Molina-Pena had a violent history and had run from police in the past, but did not provide any more information about their arrestee, including his name. The unnamed ICE agent that spoke to KRQE cited a prior DWI arrest and said Molina-Pena had tried to evade police during that incident.

Court records show New Mexico State Police* charged Molina-Pena in late June with driving while intoxicated and fleeing from police. He told officers who pulled him over for allegedly failing to maintain lanes a little after midnight on June 26 that hed had only two beers, including one in the last 20 minutes, and that he fled because, in his home country, white and red lights were not used by law enforcement personnel, according to charging documents.

Online immigration records show Molina-Pena is being held in ICE custody in El Paso. Julia Montany, director of immigrant and refugee services, told Source and Molina-Penas family and friends that the American Civil Liberties Union will meet with them soon to discuss next steps and help them contact him.

New Mexico Democratic U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansburys office is also seeking a conversation with the family to intervene on Molina-Penas behalf, Montany said and, late Thursday, Albuquerque City Councilor Klarissa Pena issued a public statement calling on ICE to provide transparency about the arrest, particularly in how the agency determines targets for detention.

She also called for clarity on the role of retailers and delivery companies in such situations, because the community deserves to understand their policies regarding ICE activity so individuals can make informed choices when working or shopping.

But Molina-Penas friends and family arent holding out much hope for help, they told Source. The arrest has already resulted in fewer deliveristas at both Walmarts that ICE hit, according to employees at both stores, and had ripples for those who knew the man whose arrest echoed across the country.

We are a family, Useche said of his roommate and the other deliveristas in Albuquerque. If someone is sick, someone will go find medicine, whatever it takes.

Molina-Penas cousin and cousins husband were expecting Molina-Pena to move in with them in the coming days, but now theyre not sure how theyll pay rent, especially with a baby on the way.

And Molina-Penas roommates said the arrest cemented their plan to move to Alabama where theyll join a friend in a small town there where they say its safer for Latinos.

Theres a pretty high Latino population here, and we felt good here, Useche said of Albuquerque. But not now, now theres persecution that we dont want anymore.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Correction 7/11 at 3:49 p.m.: This story has been updated to correctly reflect that it was New Mexico State Police, not Albuquerque police, who arrested Molina-Pena for allegedly drunken driving and other charges.
INDIANAPOLIS  Hunters can now apply for reserved hunts online using the Division of Fish & Wildlife Activity Hub at GoOutdoorsIN.com. Reserved hunts included in this round include Fish & Wildlife Area dove, Indiana Private Lands Access hunts, youth deer and National Wildlife Refuge deer hunts.

The online application method is the only way to apply for the hunts listed. No late entries will be accepted. Applicants must possess a hunting license that is valid for the hunt for which they are applying. A $1 tech fee is charged for each hunt application purchased.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 30. More specific hunt information for individual properties can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An important note from the DNR about the applying for a hunt reads:

In December 2024 a new license system, the Activity Hub, replaced the former system. To purchase a license or apply for a reserved hunt, follow the instructions below. We recommend leaving yourself plenty of time to log in and learn how the system works.

Click the login button on the home page of GoOutdoorsIN.com. From there, you will be taken to Access Indiana, where you will be required to log in or create an account. Once logged in through Access Indiana, you will automatically be directed back to the Activity Hub. From there, you will be able to purchase a license and apply for reserved hunts. If its your first time using the Activity Hub, you will need to look yourself up in the system and verify that your personal information is correct.

Hunters at each participating property will be selected through random computerized draws and will be able to view results online by Aug. 11. An email will be sent to all applicants when the drawings have been completed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Youth hunts are available through the reserved hunt draw system. Hunters can apply for opportunities at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge or select IPLA properties. Youth hunters must be younger than 18 years old on the day of the hunt to participate.

Reserved hunts in this application period include:

 Dove hunts on the following Fish & Wildlife areas (FWAs):

 Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area

 Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area

 Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area

 Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area

 Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area

 J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area

 Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 Dove hunts on Gamebird Areas in White, Benton, Newton, and Jasper counties.

 Deer hunts at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge: firearms, archery, and primitive muzzleloader.

 IPLA hunts for squirrels, deer archery, and teal and early goose.

 Youth deer hunts at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge and IPLA properties.
A retired Army lieutenant colonel who was caught in an online honeypot spy operation pleaded guilty to conspiring to transmit classified military information to someone he believed was a Ukrainian woman. The woman prodded the former service member for information over a dating site by calling him her secret informant love and her secret agent.

David Slater was a civilian contractor for the U.S. Strategic Command in Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, which oversees the U.S.s nuclear weapons and war plans, when he began chatting with what he believed was a Ukrainian woman from around February 2022 to around April 2022, Department of Justice officials said in a release.

The messages were not coy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Beloved Dave, do NATO and Biden have a secret plan to help us? the user wrote around March 18.

American Intelligence says that already 100% of Russian troops are located on the territory of Ukraine. Do you think this information can be trusted? she wrote around March 7.

Slater pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to transmit classified national defense information. According to federal court documents, Slater attended briefings on the Russia-Ukraine war that were classified as Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information, or TS/SCI.

Slater could face a maximum of 10 years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and could lose certain federal benefits. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 8.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An email sent to Slaters lawyer was not immediately returned.

Slater was also charged in April with two counts of unauthorized disclosure of national defense information but those charges were dropped under his agreement to plead guilty for the conspiracy charge, according to court documents. The DOJ described the information that he allegedly shared as military targets and Russian military capabilities.

The messages highlighted in court documents ranged from general U.S. efforts related to the Ukraine-Russia war to American intelligence about Russian or Ukrainian military plans. The user was referred to as a co-conspirator in court documents but referred to as a purported Ukrainian woman in DOJ releases.

A STRATCOM spokesman told Task & Purpose when charges were announced in April that Slater had worked as an Air Force civilian employee in STRATCOMs logistics directorate until 2022. Slater held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance from around August 2021 to April 2022 and had signed a non-disclosure agreement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Access to classified information comes with great responsibility, U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods from the District of Nebraska said in the release. David Slater failed in his duty to protect this information by willingly sharing National Defense Information with an unknown online personality despite having years of military experience that should have caused him to be suspicious of that persons motives.

Slater served in the Army as an enlisted logistician from August 1981 to August 1984, and then again from July 2008 until December 2020, according to his service record.

The latest on Task & Purpose
A US-owned canned food company, which Russia nationalised to secure domestic food supplies, plans to boost sales by exporting to China and North Korea.

Source: Reuters

Details: Washington has stated that the treatment of Glavprodukt, the only American company Moscow has seized, will affect a planned reset of relations between the US and Russia, which has effectively been stalled.

Glavprodukt, the largest canned food producer in Russia, was founded in Los Angeles by Leonid Smirnov. The Kremlin seized it in October 2024, claiming that the company is of strategic importance to the country's food security.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Documents show that sales have plummeted. Although production has remained at the same level, the surplus of products has forced the company to look for new markets and expand its storage capacity, according to strategy documents and two sources familiar with the matter.

"They claimed they took my company to secure food for Russia. But they are not living up to this purpose, this justification," Smirnov said in a comment to Reuters.

Smirnov is challenging the nationalisation in court. The next hearing is scheduled for 11 July at the Moscow Arbitration Court.

According to documents seen by Reuters journalists, Glavprodukt's new state-appointed management proposed entering new markets in June, including North Korea and the Middle East. It also plans to increase sales to China, a market that accounted for only about one per cent of Glavprodukt's revenue last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The change in strategy demonstrates how Russian trade has transformed since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trade with North Korea, China and other countries that have not imposed sanctions on Russia can be conducted outside Western control.

Background: In April 2025, Reuters reported that the Kremlin plans to use Glavprodukt to supply food to the Russian military.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
When Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez set her sights on becoming the top Democrat on the House oversight committee, the old guard quickly coalesced around her opponent.

Gerry Connolly, a then 74-year-old eight-term Virginia congressman who had recently been diagnosed with cancer, had powerful allies. Among them was former speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, who reportedly made calls on his behalf.

The old guard prevailed. Mr Connolly beat his 35-year-old challenger with 131 votes to 84. Speaking after his victory he said his colleagues had been looking for somebody capable, irrespective of how old they are.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Five months later he stepped down from the role, saying his oesophageal cancer had returned.

He passed away just weeks later, aged 75. He was the third sitting Democrat to die this year.

Gerald Connolly died on 21 May after stepping down from his role on the House oversight committee - Kayla Bartkowski

David Cohen, political science professor at the University of Akron said the oversight committee race was a beautiful example of the Democratic party House leadership being completely out of touch.

Ocasio Cortez is an excellent spokesperson and somebody thats young, energetic... she seemed like the perfect person to pick to chair that committee, and yet they went with the person that was very sick and who later died, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Had the Democrats gained a narrow House majority in 2024, they would have lost it anyway through their politicians dying within the first few months of the congressional term.

While the issue of ageing political leaders is not unique to the Democrats - Donald Trump is the oldest president elected in US history - it is one that is causing increased tensions.

Joe Bidens public decline saw the octogenarian drop out of the presidential race following his devastating debate performance. in May, it was revealed that he was suffering from prostate cancer.

The diagnosis, which coincided with a tell-all book detailing an alleged cover-up at the White House of the ailing presidents cognitive decline, sparked a flurry of conspiracy theories that Mr Biden may have been seriously unwell during his presidency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The public fiasco has left the Democrats, already grappling with a gerontocracy showing no signs of stepping aside to make way for younger talent, smarting over its handling of its ageing heavyweights.

Of the 20 oldest House members elected in 2024, 16 were Democrats. Nine of the 14 Senators aged 75 or over at the start of Congress were also Democrats.

More than half of the House Democrats who are 75 or older told Axios they planned to run again in 2026, including Maxine Waters, 86, and Rosa DeLauro, who is 82.

Politico recounted multiple reports of Eleanor Holmes Norton, 87, the oldest House member, and a Democrat telling journalists she will be running for another term in 2026, only for her office to say that isnt the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Of the 41 sitting Congress members who have died of natural causes since 2000, two thirds were Democrats.

The votes of the three Democrats who died this year, Mr Connolly, Sylvester Turner, 70, and Raul Grijalva, 77, could have stopped Mr Trumps big, beautiful bill scraping through its first vote in May at 214 to 215.

Its complete and total political malpractice of the Democratic Party to to essentially support and allow these folks to run for re-election when they were so old and infirm and in some cases, terminally ill, knowing... that the numbers were so close between the two parties, Mr Cohen told The Telegraph.

I think the Republicans have done a better job at embracing some of their younger members, whereas Democrats seem to have a very seniority based view of how things should proceed, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Republicans are no strangers to the ageing politician, however. In 2023, concerns were raised about Mitch McConnells fitness to serve after he appeared to freeze twice in front of reporters within several weeks.

The then 81-year-old stared blankly in silence after reporters asked him questions at separate press conferences. He later resigned.

Mitch McConnell freezes during a press conference in 2023 - Drew Angerer

Last year it was revealed Kay Granger, 82, a Republican congresswoman from Texas, had been struggling with memory issues and living in a senior-living facility towards the end of her tenure in office.

But there are several underlying issues at play that make age more of an issue for Democrats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If an incumbent decides to run for re-election, especially in safe Democrat seats, their chances being defeated are low.

House Republicans also have term limits for top committee posts, which forces them to move into new roles every six years.

Thats the best time for them to go into the lobby, if thats what theyre going to do. Otherwise, maybe go be with their grandkids, but they cant just stay forever as a leader of a committee until they literally die in office, Gregory Koger, political science professor at the University of Miami, told the Telegraph.

Democrats dont have limits. This means they can stay in plum roles as long as they continue to win elections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After facing calls to resign from fellow Democrats, in 2023 Dianne Feinstein, a California senator, temporarily stepped down from her role as the ranking member of the judiciary committee. She died five months later, aged 90.

After the Republicans were beaten in the 2008 election, the party melted down and the anti-incumbency Tea Party movement ascended, Mr Koger said.

The Democratic party could now see their own version of this rebellion, he added, but they may not have the strengths the Republican movement capitalised on in 2010.

We could definitely see candidates rising up, challenging incumbents, but its not clear if there will be organisational backing, if theyll have enough funding, if theyll get professional consultants to help them out, Mr Koger said.

Dianne Feinstein was the longest-serving female senator in US history - Drew Angerer

The wheels appear to already be in motion, with a raft of next-generation Democrats launching campaigns to challenge ageing incumbents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Saikat Chakrabarti, 39, a former chief of staff for Ms Ocasio-Cortez, has already said he will challenge Ms Pelosi in the primary, although the California Democrat has not confirmed whether she will seek re-election in 2026.

Zohran Mamdani, 33, is also being hailed as a potential saviour for the party after winning the Democratic nomination for the New York mayoral election earlier this month.

I think everyones running their own race for different reasons, but theyre all kind of running against those long term incumbents who arent serving the district anymore, and thats kind of the single thread, said Jake Rakov, who has launched a campaign to unseat his former boss Brad Sherman, a 70-year-old California congressman.

He just does not have, to me, the credentials to say Ive been here 30 years, keep sending me back, because what can you show for it?, Mr Rakov told The Telegraph.

Credit: YouTube/Jake Rakov for Congress

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Rakov has pledged to cap his service at five terms, 10 years in Congress, saying he does not believe in lifelong appointment. The cap keeps a lid on our talent bench, he argues.

Weve had three [congressmen] die since January... Weve lost votes in the House... Obviously, if we had people who could stay in office and not pass away, we would have possibly changed that calculus a lot, he said.

He added: Our party has had such a problem, I think with that by default incumbency protection, that if youre the incumbent no one else should be allowed to challenge you and I think Republicans did a better job of understanding and supporting primary challenges.

Mr Rakovs campaign came after David Hogg, 25, the former vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) vowed to unseat asleep-at-the-wheel Democrats.

Mr Hogg was ousted from his position last month after pledging to spend $20 million (15 million) in Democratic primaries to topple asleep at the wheel incumbents.

The 25-year-old intended to install candidates with energy and passion through his outside political organisation, Leaders We Deserve.

A source close to Leaders We Deserve told The Telegraph: The tactics that make you successful right now in 2025 are quite different from the tactics that would make you successful in the early 90s.

Noting that the Democrats had lost critical votes due to people dying in office, he added: Its just we very much can see what happens when people keep hanging on and refuse to recognise when its their time to step aside totally.

Michael Binder, a political science professor at the University of North Florida said every single race matters when the House margins are so thin.

There are only a couple of dozen competitive races and older politicians tend to already be in a safe Democrat seat.

But if somebody dies at the last minute and that leaves an open seat where somebody doesnt have the name recognition to and the incumbency advantage, it could cost them [the Democrats] a seat they dont expect it could be really meaningful, he said.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Jul. 11Morgan County school board member Billy Rhodes is resigning after years of service to the district.

The District 1 board member made the announcement through Superintendent Tracie Turrentine during the school board meeting Thursday. Board members unanimously accepted his resignation during the business portion of the meeting. They also thanked him for his service and wished him well. Rhodes did not attend the meeting.

"Mr. Rhodes was passionate about Morgan County Schools," said board vice chairman Adam Glenn, who filled in for chairman Chris Humphries, who was absent. "He has been a great advocate for the schools in his district, instrumental in bringing new facilities to the West Morgan schools. He has served this school system well, beginning as an educator and most recently as a board member. His wisdom, humor, and passion will truly be missed, and I consider myself honored to have served with him."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other board members also thanked Rhodes for his service, dedication and personality.

Based on local board policy and state law, because Rhodes vacated the position within 16 months of being elected, the board has 30 days to appoint someone who will fill the position until the next countywide election, Glenn said.

The next countywide election will be Nov. 3, 2026.

During his tenure, which included time as board president, Rhodes played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of Morgan County, Turrentine said after the meeting.

"Notable among his achievements was the oversight and implementation of key infrastructure projects, including the construction of the state-of-the-art West Morgan Elementary School in 2004, and the completion of West Morgan High School in 2023," Turrentine said. "His unwavering commitment has left a lasting impact on the educational facilities and opportunities available to students throughout the district."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said the board would soon convene to discuss the process of filling the vacant position left by Rhodes' departure.

"This discussion will ensure continuity in leadership and uphold the standards of excellence set forth by Mr. Rhodes during his tenure," she said.

 jean.cole@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2361
RICHMOND CO., Ga. (WJBF)  Every student in the Richmond County School System (RCSS) will

receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2025-2026 school year.

This is possible through the participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federally funded program that eliminates the need for meal applications.

Richmond County Nutrition Services is proud to offer programs that go beyond the lunch line,

including summer and afterschool meal programs, nutrition education, and farm-to-table

initiatives that bring fresh, local produce into our cafeterias, said Cathy Johnson, director of

Nutrition Services. Providing every student with free breakfast and lunch removes barriers and

ensures all students have access to the nutrition they need to succeed in the classroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CEP is available to schools and districts where a significant percentage of students are

identified through programs such as SNAP and Medicaid.

More than 28,000 students are expected to benefit from the program this school year. By eliminating meal costs, families could save hundreds of dollars per child annually.

In addition to free daily meals, schools offer a la carte entrees and snack items for purchase.

Families can add funds to student meal accounts through MySchoolBucks at

rcboe.info/schoolbucks.

Daily breakfast and lunch menus are available online at rcboe.org/Menus.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
A Dallas resident worked with police to recover a stolen vehicle after posting about the incident on the Ring Neighborhood app.

This resident posted about the incident on July 8 to inform others in the area about the crime that reportedly occurred on July 7, writing that their garage was broken into and their car was unlocked and had the keys in the front seat.

Woke up this morning and my car was gone and my garage door was wide open. My fiancees car was also unlocked but didnt have the keys in there so they trashed it, wrote the resident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When the police arrived this morning, we had discovered that there were hand prints not only on our garage but on everyones on our street. Please make sure you are locking your cars, house doors, and garage doors. These people will try to break into your place to take your keys to steal your car.

Other users from the Neighbors application posted in support of this resident, with one writing that There are 2 houses in our neighborhood trying to catch a specific guy.

We have video. Do you.. can we all share? We also have police report numbers. Ours happened last week, they added.

We might have video of the guy. Its happening in our neighborhood as well. Same story with the garages, commented another resident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One comment under this post claimed that this incident was part of Organized street crime, claiming that the police are not able to do anything to help.

Some houses get targeted and the vulnerable are forced to steal, vandalize, stalk, etc. Cops know about this but dont do anything, they wrote.

Despite these claims, the initial resident followed up on this post with an update, stating that they had worked with the police to help find the vehicle and potential suspects.

They found my car at the 7/11 on Maple. They have arrested 2 suspects, stated the resident.

This resolution comes as many residents have posted on the Ring Neighborhood app to disclose issues with vehicular crime, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many of these residents have voiced their concerns about the ongoing issues, combining them with a lack of significant action being taken by the police to manage the crime.

A recent investigation by The Metroplex Civic & Business Association (MCBA) found that vehicle-related crime rates are significantly greater in Dallas compared to Fort Worth. The rate of motor vehicle crime in Dallas is 18 times that of Fort Worth, while overall crime in Dallas is seven times higher than in Fort Worth.
The One West Fourth tower in downtown Winston-Salem continues to defy the decline in demand for corporate office space by attracting a third local anchor tenant.

The Cook & Boardman Group LLC, a national specialty distributor of commercial doors, committed last week to moving its headquarters into the Class A building.

Cook & Boardman plans to complete its move involving more than 100 employees by the end of 2025.

It has signed a lease for 40,336 square feet, likely the ninth and 10th floors of the 13-story building given the available space being marketed by Commercial Realty Advisors.

The company is nearly tripling its 15,658 square feet at its 3064 Salem Industrial Drive location.

Winston-Salem has been the heart of our companys operations for several decades, and our move to One West Fourth marks an exciting new chapter in our history, David Eisner, the company's chief executive, said in a statement.

Cook & Boardman, founded in 1955, operates a network of 90 locations across 23 states with more than 3,000 employees.

Cook & Boardman offers metal and wood doors, locks, door frames, and other related building components for multifamily and non-residential applications. Customers include the commercial, education, government, health care, office and hospitality sectors.

The company has been on an acquisition spree since private-equity firm Platinum Equity acquired a majority interest in 2023. It has purchased 12 companies under Platinum Equity's ownership.

In most instances, Cook & Boardman allows the acquired company to continue to operate under its own brand with its existing management team.

"We spoke with Cook & Boardman early in their process and are glad to see their downtown move take shape in a way that supports both their growth and the vitality of the central business district," said Mark Owens, president and chief executive of Greater Winston-Salem Inc.

"Their relocation also creates room to expand operations at their existing production facility, reinforcing their commitment to Winston-Salem."

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said the Cook & Boardman headquarters move is "very positive news for our community and downtown in particular."

Attracting tenants

The One West Fourth tower, which debuted in 2002, contains 461,500 square feet as the third-largest Class A office space downtown. It also features access to 2,200 parking spaces.

The other anchor tenants are Inmar Intelligence, which occupies 177,000 square feet on the second through fifth floors, and the Womble Bond Dickinson law firm on the 12th floor.

With the Cook & Boardman lease commitment, there remains a combined 70,413 square feet available on the first, sixth, seventh and eighth floors, according to the Commercial Realty Advisors marketing flier.

The Ardent Cos., a privately held real-estate firm based in Atlanta, is handling One West Fourth for its ownership group.

Ardent said there have been several recent renovation changes to the tower, including floor suites, upgraded common areas, landscaped grounds, the lobby-level restaurant and the onsite fitness center.

Matt Shulman, Ardent's chief executive, said the Cook & Boardman lease "not only underscores the advantages of having office space in a well-amenitized location, but is also a testament to the property as a competitive and Class-A office destination.

"Despite the uncertainty surrounding office and in-person work, One West Fourth has proven to be a core fixture of the Winston-Salem market.

"The building features the largest floor plates in the market and an unmatched amenity package."

Shulman said Ardent is negotiating several letters of intent "with high-quality credit tenants across diverse industries and continues to maintain active discussions with several other prospects."

"While the pandemic and the rise of remote work have undeniably transformed office markets nationwide, Ardent firmly believes in the enduring value of in-person connection and collaboration," Shulman said.

"Just as e-commerce reshaped retail by concentrating demand in the highest-quality assets, investors and tenants are now gravitating toward the premier office properties in each market.

"This momentum underscores Ardents conviction in the long-term strength of One West Fourth and the continued growth of Winston-Salem."

Ebbs and flows

The Cook & Boardman commitment comes as HanesBrands has settled earlier this year into its new headquarters space in the three floors of downtowns Park Building with about 500 employees.

While HanesBrands has taken 121,000 square feet, Truist Financial Corp.  the building owner and current primary occupant  retained a smaller space.

I believe HanesBrands will rank very well with other major employers downtown that include Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Inmar Intelligence, Reynolds American Inc., Flow Automotive Cos. and city and county government," Joines said.

HanesBrands has said the headquarters relocation didnt stem from completing in September the $1.2 billion sale of its Champion apparel brand to Authentic Brands Group.

It is likely the departure of Champion-focused corporate employees resulted in HanesBrands having more space on the Oak Summit campus than it needed.

Meanwhile, Wells Fargo & Co. ceased operations earlier in July at its 379,000-square-foot center at 809 W. 4 St. The bank has informed the N.C. Commerce Department that 194 employees are affected by the closing.

Another part of the center, at Fourth and Broad streets, closed last year, as well as the 179,000-square-foot Linden Center on Fourth Street in Innovation Quarter.

The cuts are part of Wells Fargos nationwide facility reduction initiative that was announced in October. That includes shifting employees to downtown Charlotte, where the bank has its main East Coast operations.

During the third quarter of 2024, Wells Fargo vacated at least 450,000 square feet across multiple buildings in the Winston-Salem Central Business District, according to a report by the Triad office of commercial real-estate company CBRE.

That includes vacating at least 180,000 square feet in the 546,020-square-foot Wells Fargo Center  the tallest building in Winston-Salem at 29 floors. The bank kept about 139,000 square feet in the former Wachovia Corp. headquarters building.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Since 1995, Ritas Book Exchange has been one San Angelos longest standing and only bookstores. With a customer base that have an extreme care for literature and each other, owner Rita Baker has made sure to return the favor with honesty and a community focused business.

Being a bibliophile at heart will create an affirmative love for owning and operating a bookstore. Bakers love for books started way before she founded her business. She recalls a time when she could not find one of favorite books which helped create a passion for finding what she liked.

I went down to a Town & Country because I knew that they had a little rack, and I went in there and picked up this book, Baker said. I read the back and loved the cover. I took it home, read it, and loved it. I gave it to a friend, and then he put it on a desk at work, and someone walked off with it. This was in 1968, so you couldnt look it up on the internet and find it. We then moved to Pennsylvania, and I went to the library and found it on a table in a stack of books. I took it up to the lady who was working and asked how much this was going to be because she was never going to get it back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ritas current location comes from a need for space that can hold a greater inventory. It also became for convenient for people from all around town to get to.

The inside of Ritas Book Exchange

I had friend who had a bookstore, Baker said. She sold the bookstore, so then I could open my own. I was in Jackson Square across from Long John Silvers for a while and then I moved here for a bigger spot. I went to the Jackson Square sight originally because my boys were going to McGill Elementary, so then they could just walk over from school to come to store after school let out. This is twice the size of what I had over there. Its just better for me here.

Bakers passion for reading has led to her to able to connect with her customers for recommendations along with feeling connected with their interests.

The ghost town of Ben Ficklin and its connection to San Angelos current history

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I love books, and I think everybody should love books, Baker said. We have a lot of people coming saying that they like whoever, but I want something different. Well suggest whatever we can. I am a romance reader. I like a happy ending. Between the two of us, we try to keep our customers happy.

With people coming from all different kinds of age groups and interests, Baker tries to cater to everyone. However, the demand for older books tends to overtake the contemporary literature.

I had guy come in yesterday from the base, and he and his wife just moved here, Baker said. He was a huge John MacDonald fan. I have a lot of John MacDonald books because theyre older. He was so excited because he collects them! He said that he was going to come back and get some more. Its not just MacDonald, but a lot of the older authors sell well, especially historical romance authors because a lot of books were cleaner. We have got just about every genre there is, so there is something for everybody.

Historical and wildlife artist Ezra Tucker to have exhibition, talk in San Angelo

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As a way to help spread the joy of reading, Baker does something with books that she tends to see a lot of.

If we cant use it, we donate it to the jail, Baker said. I have had people in jail writing me to see if they can get books from me specifically, and I cant do that. The jailers are the ones who pick them up and sort them. There are certain kinds of books they wont take, and they wont take hardbacks. They will take paperbacks, and Ill mail them to the inmates when their family comes in and gets the books.

Bakers store relies on selling physical products, so she hopes the love for physical books will never go away.

A lot of people are looking for actual physical books again, which is interesting to me how it switches back and forth depending on the time, Baker said. There are still a lot of authors that remain popular, and theyre making movies from these authors. Once they get a movie, everyone wants to read the book. Ive read a lot of the young adult books, and a lot of adults are reading the young adult books. It really just depends on what youre looking for.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ritas Book Exchange is located on 1303 W. Beauregard Ave and is open Tuesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you make a purchase, you will receive a complimentary bookmark.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
MIDDLEBURY  The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the town of Middlebury celebrated the opening of the River Mill Trail Thursday.

At DNR, outdoor recreation is core to our mission, said Dale Brier, DNR deputy director of community grants and trails. Were proud to support Middlebury with the new River Mill Trail that makes important connections between existing trails, the regional Pumpkinvine Trail, and other local businesses.

More than one mile of asphalt multi-use trail was constructed by the town of Middleburys Parks and Recreation Department with help from a $717,370 grant administered by the DNR.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The River Mill Trail links existing park trails in the town of Middlebury to a 9-mile section of the regional Pumpkinvine Trail. The new trail also connects Middlebury residents to several businesses along the trail corridor.

The funds from the DNR grant provided the bulk of the money to launch the town of Middleburys newest trail, said Tom Enright, park superintendent. The River Mill Trail connects two of the towns parks to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and allows residents on the east side of the town to access the Pumpkinvine without needing to cross Ind. 13.

The River Mill Trail is already being used on a regular basis by providing more opportunities for safe recreation, exercise and transportation.

DNR has led the largest infusion of trails funding in state history, with $180 million in dedicated trail funding administered through DNR that facilitates critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities. A total of 45 of the 89 projects are complete, with another 21 under construction. With this opening, more than 134 miles of trail have been built since the programs inception.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) -RiversEdge West (REW) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Xcel Energy Foundation which it will put toward its Grand Valley Stewardship Program.

Bringing together technical assistance, education and collaboration, REW works to restore riverside ecosystems.

Xcel Energys continued support allows us to weave together science, community, and handson action so the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers can thrive, said Cara Kukuraitis, REWs director of development and communications. With these funds well maintain critical habitat, expand education programs, and keep the community at the heart of every project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are a handful of programs focused on community engagement, environmental education and riparian restoration that the grant will support, for example:

1. Desert Rivers Collaborative (DRC): DRC, which is led by REW, works to maintain and restore riverside habitats in Delta and Mesa County. Since 2014, DRC has done nearly 1000 acres of initial tamarisk and Russian olive removal, over 300 acres of revegetation, more than 1,000 acres if re-sprout treatment, and over 1,600 acres of secondary weed control. This grant will help to continue funding these operations.

2. Grand Valley River Corridor Initiative (RCI): RCI focuses on the river corridor supporting diverse values, from economic vitality and flood resilience to recreation and habitat. The grant will go toward a regional master plan, building collaborative, sustainable strategies for the Grand Valleys river corridor and coordinating stakeholders.

3. Environmental Education and Stewardship: REWs Wellspring Project, stewardship events, and classroom programming across D51, will help get the community out to rivers and engage them in projects around town.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

4. Volunteer Stewardship: This grant will give REW the resources to host more than 10 public workdays over the course of the year which will make for 350+ service hours for roughly 175 volunteers.

5. Youth & Community Education: REW will offer classroom programs across School District 51, experiential learning through community events like Grand Valley River Fest and Raft the River, and the Wellspring Project for middle schoolers.

6. Citizen Science: Citizen Science is a new initiative that was brought on by this funding which will give REW the opportunity to teach local residents to join in on monitoring efforts by tracking invasive species, water quality, pollinators, and tamarisk beetles.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man died in a Youngstown motorcycle crash late Thursday night.

Read next: Suspect in Austintown shooting pleads guilty

The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Youngstown Police responded to the intersection of Salt Springs Road and Division Street around 8:30 p.m.

Troopers said that Adam Mihely, 33, of Jefferson, was on his motorcycle going left of center, trying to pass the driver of a Ford Mustang as the driver was trying to turn left onto Division Street. At this point, contact was made, according to OHSP.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mihely was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital where he died of his injuries. The driver of the Ford Mustang was not injured, according to the report.

The Youngstown Street Department, Youngstown Fire Department, and the Mahoning County Coroners Office assisted with the incident.

TJ Renninger contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Police arrested a man in Flower Mound after he allegedly shot at a vehicle during a fit of road rage in Grapevine on Thursday night, injuring a child.

The Grapevine Police Department arrested John Schwoyer, 59, according to a statement from Media Manager Amanda McNew. He allegedly fired shots into a truck carrying three children, and the shattered glass injured a young boy.

Shwoyer faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was in the Grapevine Detention Center as of the morning of July 11.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A man in a pickup truck called 911 close to 8 p.m. on July 10, saying another driver had shot into his pickup, per the statement. He was traveling north on SH-121 near Bass Pro Drive at the time. His family, including three children, was in the vehicle, and the shattered glass injured his 7-year-old son.

The driver shot back, in self-defense, and began following the suspect while informing the police about the suspect and the vehicles description. He pulled over at a gas station to check on his familys safety. The suspects car, a silver Infiniti, headed north on FM-2499 into Flower Mound.

Police identified the cars registered owner, who lived on Big Canyon Drive in Flower Mound. Officers called the suspect, but he disconnected the phone and refused to speak further with officers.

Grapevine police collaborated with the Flower Mound Police Department and established a perimeter outside the suspects home. According to Flower Mound police, officers made contact with the suspect, who was alone inside.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is a large police presence in the area, but there is no immediate threat to the public at this time, the department posted to Facebook at the time.

Grapevine detectives, drone operators, and members of the Northeast Tarrant County Area SWAT Team encouraged the suspect to come outside peacefully, according to the statement from McNew. He came out close to 2:15 a.m., where he was immediately arrested.

Medics examined him as a precaution and cleared him. Police brought him to the Grapevine Detention Center.

After the shooting, the drivers injured child went to the hospital for further treatment. The broken glass also gave an adult passenger minor injuries, which were treated at the scene. The two other children were uninjured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Dallas Police Department recently cracked down on road rage, issuing 387 citations in a single day, as reported by The Dallas Express. The DFW area saw multiple violent road rage incidents last year.

McNew said in the statement that this case was an excellent show of teamwork between members of law enforcement, thanking the Grapevine Fire Department, Flower Mound Police and Fire, and the Tarrant SWAT team for their assistance.
MOUNT VERNON, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Rockcastle County man was sentenced on Wednesday in Rockcastle Circuit Court for several drug trafficking charges.

According to a news release on Thursday from Kentucky State Police, Freddie Denny, 55, was found guilty in Rockcastle Circuit Court and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State police said the investigation, which was over a year long, resulted in the following verdicts against Denny:

First-degree trafficking in fentanylfirst offense: Not guilty

First-degree trafficking in fentanylfirst offense: Guiltyenhanced to second offense5 years

First-degree trafficking in a controlled substancefirst offense: 7 years

First-degree trafficking in a controlled substancefirst offense  7 years

The court ordered the five-year and seven-year sentences to run concurrently within their respective categories and consecutively between them, resulting in the 12-year sentence, KSP wrote.

70 pounds of weed, over $11K seized in Scott County traffic stop

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities said anyone with information about drug or criminal activity in their community is encouraged to report it to KSP by calling their local KSP Post, using the Crime Tip Form, or texting a tip to KSPTIP at (606)-878-6622.

Dennys final sentencing hearing is set for Aug. 8.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Header Die & Tool makes dies and tools for many different industries, and theyve done so for more than 70 years.

Everyday that were doing this, were making something that the customer needs and supports their business, said C.O.O. Jared Ruper. He gave us a tour of their facility in Rockford.

With a little over four years on the job, Ruper said its great working for a company that has spent the past 71 years serving an industry central to Rockfords identity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I love my job, he said. We have a great place to work, a good atmosphere. Its a good place for people to learn and grow.

He showed us the process of making dies and tools for industries like aerospace, automotive, munitions, commercial fasteners, and bearings, all according to their website.

He first explained the process of making dies, which starts with making the castings.

Once the casing are made, itll go out to our heat treater, he said, then itll come back to our steel grind department. Typically well use any one of these machines to do the next steps on what the part is, whether it be grinding or hard turning in some cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Well actually grind the surfaces, and then well load these pieces with carbide, which is what actually goes into a header machine and guides their material into the machine that theyre running, he explained.

Ruper says the company uses a mix of newer and older equipment. Some machines are as old as the company dating back to the 50s and 60s.

He says the next step in the process is the electrical discharge machining area.

Whenever we want to put shapes into parts, this is the best way for us to do it, he said. Some of the parts that we might make have shapes like this that go all the way through.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Next is how they make tools.

This is the main area for our carbide tool maker. Youll see a lot of similar equipment  o.d. grinders, surface grinders, manual lace, he said. Its still a lot of the equipment we use every day is stuff that we make sure that we take care of so we can continue to use it and grow as business grows.

Growth is the key word for Ruper. He said thats what the company hopes for each year.

Wed like to grow, he said.  Wed like to still continue to teach people in the community some of this trade. You can make a good career out of it.

With 45 team members right now, hed like to see that grow into the 60 range. He said the company is always looking to the future with an eye on quality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
The Brief

An Atlanta father will spend the rest of his life in prison for starving his young daughter to death and mistreating his two young sons.

Investigators say McWeay locked the three children in separate rooms monitored by cameras with no access to food, water, or bathrooms.

McWeay had rejected a 75-year plea deal earlier in the trial.

ATLANTA - An Atlanta father will spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder of his 4-year-old daughter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rodney McWeay, 33, learned of his sentence less than a month after a Fulton County jury found him guilty on 14 counts, including murder, kidnapping and first-degree cruelty to children.

The backstory

Four-year-old Treasure McWeay died just weeks before Christmas in December 2023, six months after the state removed her and her two brothers from their father's mold-infested duplex, only for him to abduct them from their mother in Maryland.

According to arrest affidavits, the children lived in squalor and isolation. Investigators say McWeay locked them in separate rooms monitored by cameras, with no access to food, water, or bathrooms. Treasures autopsy determined she was "extremely malnourished," weighing only 24 pounds at the time of her death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Records show the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services made multiple attempts to intervene in the months before Treasures death, but police responses were often delayed and ineffective. In one incident caught on bodycam, an Atlanta officer said, "Even if, say we knock on the door and the kids are in there, theres nothing at all we can do."

A state child protection investigator testified she found the children locked in a room during a welfare check months before Treasures death.

"This is how I have my kids trained," she recalled McWeay saying as he snapped his fingers and directed his daughter to sit silently.

What they're saying

During the trial, jurors heard emotional testimony from a pediatrician who detailed troubling declines in growth and development in one of McWeays sons, including bruises consistent with being struck.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Any drop on the growth curve for a child is abnormal," the doctor testified.

Treasure McWeay, 4, died Dec. 11 after allegedly being starved to death by her father. She's seen here in a photo provided by a family friend.

Dr. Keely Iannelli, who examined Treasure, told jurors the girl died of cardiac arrest caused by prolonged malnutrition.

"The heart is the last to go," she said.

A nurse described how one of McWeay's sons devoured food so quickly at the hospital he had to be stopped to prevent vomiting.

"He didnt know when to stop," she said.

After the sentencing, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis applauded the judge's decision.

"This case is a heartbreaking reminder of what can happen when young children are cut off from safety and support. Treasure suffered from hunger, thirst, and neglect at the hands of her father, who used violence and control to keep her and her brothers from the help they needed," Willis said. "Im grateful to our investigators, prosecutors, and the community members who helped bring justice for Treasure, and I continue to pray for her surviving siblings and their mother as they begin to heal."

PREVIOUS STORIES

Dig deeper

McWeay had rejected a 75-year plea deal and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On June 18, a jury found him guilty on counts including felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.

Less than two weeks later, Judge Belinda Edwards sentenced him to life in prison plus 155 years to run concurrently.

The Source

Information for this story came from a release by the Fulton County District Attorney's Office and previous FOX 5 reporting.
CUMBERLAND  After years of turmoil clouded the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services, local first responders Thursday said they are optimistic as Roger Bennett became the new leader of the organization.

Bennett since October has acted as interim director of the department.

In May, he led a largescale cooperative effort in response to a flood that devastated the southwestern section of the county.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

County commissioners Thursday made his new title official.

Roger, we thank you, not only for what youve done recently but even when you took over to kind of calm things down and ... get things back on the right track, Commissioner Bill Atkinson said.

We do appreciate your leadership, he said. Were proud to have you as the new director.

Experience

Bennett, 60, told the Cumberland Times-News he was the only applicant and interviewee for the director position, which the county advertised in-house.

He said hes been successful as the departments interim leader over the past eight months because of the people who work for me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bennett said he was grateful for the opportunity to be the new DES director.

County officials via press release Thursday said Bennett brings a wealth of experience, proven leadership and deep dedication to public service, making him exceptionally qualified to lead the department.

Bennett became a junior fireman at age 12 for the Shaft Volunteer Fire Department  hes currently president of that organization, an Eagle Scout in 1981 and Beall High School graduate in 1983.

He then served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years.

Bennetts military career included deployment on four warships, two tours with the U.S. Marine Corps, and work on the staff of the Navy surgeon general.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While on active duty, he received a bachelors degree in health care administration from Campbell University and a masters in health care management from Touro University.

Bennett retired from the Navy in 2006 as a master chief hospital corpsman.

From 2006 to 2009, he served as the western regional administrator for the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, where he oversaw emergency coordination efforts in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties.

From 2009 to 2017, Bennett served as chief of the Allegany County 911 Joint Communications Division.

He served as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland University College, and adjunct fire instructor at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bennett has been a deputy director of Allegany County DES for the past eight years.

He said communication and transparency will be an important aspect of his new position.

Bennett said he wants to support staffers as well as volunteers.

Were there to work for (residents), he said. To help them, and respond to their needs.

Background

County officials in October 2024 said the former DES director, James Pyles, had retired.

Pyles departure happened roughly two months after the county laid off six probationary emergency medical services crew members, shift changes were made at two stations and staffing and overtime procedures were updated in an effort to remedy a $2 million DES budget shortfall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

County officials and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1715 for months had been at odds over a remedy for the funding deficit prior to the layoffs, with the union claiming any loss of employees would delay response times to 911 calls.

Pyles in February 2019 replaced Dick DeVore as DES director.

In January that year, county officials said DeVore and Robert Pattison, the emergency services division chief at the time, were no longer employed but wouldnt say why.

Prior to that, DeVore was subject of a Maryland State Police investigation that included allegations of prostitution, drug distribution and using his office and work vehicle to have sex with individuals while employed by Allegany County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The states attorney later declined to prosecute DeVore.

Although MSP investigated Pattison for sexual harassment allegations, no charges were filed against him.

Improvement

Steve Corioni, president of Allegany County IAFF Local 1715, Thursday said communication between the union and DES management got better when Bennett became interim leader of the department.

Weve already seen an improvement, Corioni said.

Now, the union is pretty optimistic about Bennetts leadership, he said.

Jonathan Dayton is vice-president of the Volunteer Fire Rescue Association in Allegany and Garrett counties.

On Thursday, he said Bennett has been communicative and supportive of volunteer functions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We look forward to continuing to work with him, Dayton said. Im very optimistic.

Allegany County Administrator Jason Bennett, no relation to Roger Bennett, said county officials are very happy about the new DES leadership.

(Roger Bennett) comes to us very, very qualified, Jason Bennett said. Over the last several months, hes really been a strong, steadying influence on emergency services.

Across the board, from DES staff to volunteer departments, theres a lot of respect for Roger, Jason Bennett said.
A rogue trader left victims a total of more than 200,000 out of pocket after carrying out a series of shoddy and unfinished works.

Christopher Sedgewick, trading as William Sedgewick Developments Ltd, took 63,000 from one couple towards a single-storey extension that was never completed as well as being deemed to have breached several building regulations.

Appearing at Teesside Crown Court, the 39-year-old, of Fairfield Road, Stockton, pleaded guilty to seven unfair trading offences and was sentenced to a 44-week jail term, suspended for 18 months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He must also pay just over 41,000 in compensation.

The court heard the offences took place between February 2021 and January 2024, when Sedgewick use aggressive and threatening behaviour to make sure customers continued to pay.

Another victim paid more than 47,000 for an extension to help his wife who had motor neurone disease (MND) and used a wheelchair.

She died in June 2023 with the work unfinished.

'Hostage in their own home'

In mitigation, Sedgewick, acknowledged his communication skills could have been better.

He blamed adverse weather conditions, the Covid pandemic and a family tragedy as reasons for not undertaking some of the work in the agreed timescales.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Judge Advocate Tom Mitchell said Sedgewick had left people "hostage in their own home".

However, he said he did not run a fraudulent business and that at the time he had "very particular and very severe family difficulties".

If Sedgewick were jailed the effect on his wife, children, co-workers and business would be "nothing short of catastrophic" and he would not be able to repay the victims, the judge said.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, cabinet member for access, communities and community safety at Stockton Borough Council, said Sedgewick's behaviour had been "truly abhorrent".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"He not only provided false hope with regards to the timeframe each respective job would take to complete, but also increased the prices of jobs midway and then used aggressive methods to extort money from customers via threatening emails."

Sedgewick was also ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work.

Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

Related internet links
Ronald McDonald Statue Snatched in Daring McNapping Heist originally appeared on Parade.

Its hard to envision, but imagine youre halfway through your Big Mac at McDonalds when you catch a glimpse of something unusual: a nearly life-sized Ronald McDonald statue being carried out the front door, as casually as someone grabbing a to-go bag.

Thats exactly what happened on July 7, 2025, at a McDonalds in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, where four bold pranksters pulled off a heist so bold that local police are calling it a McNapping.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Check out the surveillance video:

The footage from ABC News shows the crew strolling in like regular customers, then casually walking out with the grinning Ronald statue, one that hasnt been produced in years and holds sentimental value for the owners. He was kidnapped, and wed like to have him back, the McDonald's store manager told Brian Orbin of 2822 News, explaining that the theft took place during the busy lunch rush while employees were busy in the kitchen.

Related: McDonalds Turns Up the Heat With Spicy New Menu Item

The Nesquehoning Police Department called it a McFelony and urged residents to be on the lookout for Ronald. With some of these retired statues selling for up to $2,500 on eBay, theories are swirling that he may end up on the black market.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But for now, the restaurant is hoping for a peaceful return, no questions asked. Heres hoping the pranksters do the right thing and let generations of kids continue to enjoy Ronalds smiling face for years to come.

Ronald McDonald Statue Snatched in Daring McNapping Heist first appeared on Parade on Jul 10, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
The man accused of killing a 22-year-old in English Woods has now been charged in a second killing: the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old in Westwood.

Malik Blanchard, 24, of Roselawn was indicted June 11 on murder charges in the death of Treasure Thomas, 22, on June 9 and the death of Jayshaun Cornelius, 17, on June 3. Prosecutors say in both instance he shot at other people.

Before the first killing, Blanchard was with a woman on Percy Avenue in Westwood. The woman approached Jayshaun and a 12-year-old boy because she wanted to fight the 12-year-old's mother and aunt, according to a news release from the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At some point during the confrontation, Blanchard started firing, which prompted Jayshaun and the younger boy to run.

"The 12-year-old made it safely inside, but (Jayshaun) was shot as he entered the home," the release said.

Six days later, Blanchard was assaulted outside a party on Westwood Northern Boulevard and went inside to get a rifle, prosecutors said.

During the confrontation, a neighbor opened the door to see what was happening. Blanchard shot the neighbor and Thomas, investigators said. The neighbor survived, but Thomas died from her injuries at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Blanchard is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $1.5 million bond.

He has no prior charges as an adult in Hamilton County, but his juvenile record dates back to 2014 and includes an adjudication for aggravated robbery. He spent time in an Ohio youth prison, but was released by the Ohio Department of Youth Services when he was 18.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Roselawn man indicted in two separate killings six days apart
The Rotary Club of Niagara County Central/Niagara Falls USA is starting a new event for families near downtown.

The 1st annual Family Fun Day will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday. Attendees will take a walk from the Niagara Falls Train Station at Whirlpool Street down to the Aquarium of Niagara and back.

At the train depot, community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Community Missions, and Gospel Mission will have booths showcasing their offerings for the community. The event is free, there will be hamburgers and hot dogs, and organizations will have their own basket raffles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were trying to make it something for the family to do, said Club Treasurer Pat Sullivan, the organization wants to make sure families have an idea of the kinds of assistance that may be available.

He added that with the Rotary Clubs motto of service above self, the group wants to show residents that there are plenty of things to do here, like the Aquarium and the Underground Railroad Heritage Center or just take a nice walk on the paths by the Niagara Gorge.

The club held a raffle in February where the winning family received a helicopter ride from Rainbow Airs new tourism center on Acheson Drive, with the award for that being presented at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

This rotary club is most known for its Dictionary Project, donating upward of 900 dictionaries each year with 10,000 words to third-graders in the Niagara Falls, Niagara-Wheatfield, and Wilson school districts. Since the program began in 1997, its given out more than 11,000 dictionaries.
For weeks, a battle over language and identity has been raging in India's richest state, Maharashtra.

The row began in April after the Maharashtra government made it compulsory for state-run primary schools to teach Hindi as a third language, apart from English and Marathi (the state's dominant language). This, it said, was in line with a federal policy which mandates that children be taught three languages in school.

The National Education Policy (NEP), introduced in 1968, aims to promote and regulate education in India and the government updates it occasionally. The latest iteration of the policy, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government five years ago, is being implemented in stages and has run into controversy earlier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Maharashtra government's decision met fierce opposition from civil society groups, language activists and opposition leaders who accused it of trying to impose Hindi - predominantly spoken in northern and central Indian states - in the state.

Language is a sensitive issue in India where many states, including Maharashtra, were formed on linguistic lines after independence. The local language is often intrinsically linked to regional pride and identity, and any change to the status quo can be perceived as a threat. For instance, last year, Kannada-language activists in Bengaluru, often called India's Silicon Valley, held protests demanding that billboards be written in the local language and not just English.

But the uneasiness is especially high when it comes to Hindi, the most-spoken language in India. Over the years, steps by various federal governments to promote Hindi have fuelled fears within non-Hindi speaking states that the local culture will be diluted. These worries have been exacerbated by high migration from less-developed Hindi-speaking states to other parts of India, especially the south, in search of jobs.

Abhay Deshpande, a political analyst, says that these anxieties have increased after the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014. Top leaders of the BJP - the party is stronger in Hindi-speaking states - have often courted controversy by making remarks about privileging Hindi.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As tensions rose in Maharashtra, the state government - ruled by a BJP-led coalition - revoked its decision and appointed a committee to re-examine the three-language policy. But the controversy refuses to die down.

The row comes months ahead of the long-overdue municipal polls which are set to be held in the state, including in Mumbai city, home to India's richest municipal corporation. It has sparked a political slugfest between the ruling coalition and opposition parties, with each side accusing the other of playing political games.

Raj Thackeray (left) and Uddhav Thackeray (right) set aside their two-decade long political rivalry to protest against alleged Hindi imposition [Getty Images]

There have also been reports of violence against non-Marathi speakers in the state.

In April, two women in Thane district were allegedly assaulted in their residential complex after they said "excuse me" to a man who insisted they speak to him in Marathi.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The same month, a security guard in Mumbai was allegedly beaten up by workers from the opposition Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) - a nativist party known for its aggressive brand of politics - after he said that he did not know Marathi.

In May, a couple in Mumbai reportedly refused to pay a delivery agent after he declined to speak in Marathi. Last week, a shocking video showing a shop owner being assaulted, allegedly by MNS workers, for not speaking Marathi went viral on social media, sparking outrage.

While the issue seems to have increased societal divisions, it has also brought together two political rivals almost two decades after they parted ways.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last week, Uddhav Thackeray, chief of the local opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) party and Raj Thackeray, leader of the MNS - the son and nephew, respectively, of Bal Thackeray, patriarch of the erstwhile Shiv Sena, a Hindu nationalist party that gained popularity in Maharashtra in the 1960s with its nativist politics - held a joint rally to oppose alleged Hindi imposition.

While the strength of the truce remains to be seen, experts say that the optics of the cousins putting aside differences to "protect Marathi pride" could help their prospects in the upcoming municipal elections.

"The issue of Marathi language and culture is close to peoples' hearts," says Prashant Dixit, a former political journalist who has reported on the state for over two decades. "It is an emotive issue, especially for people living in Mumbai, and it has been so since the 1960s," he adds.

Last year, Kannada-language activists in Bengaluru tore down billboards written in English [PTI]

In the 1960s and 1970s, the erstwhile Shiv Sena, under the leadership of Bal Thackeray, conducted aggressive campaigns against people who had migrated to Mumbai from southern states, accusing them of taking up jobs that should have gone to locals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the decades after that, migration patterns changed and the party turned its ire towards people from northern states who were migrating to the city in search of economic opportunities. The party blamed migrants from states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for taking away jobs.

These tensions look set to continue. According to data from India's last census, there was a 40% increase in Mumbai city's Hindi-speaking population between 2001 and 2011.

These Marathi-centric agitations have earlier resonated with voters, especially in Mumbai, and some believe that it could help the Thackeray cousins in the municipal elections as well.

However, many have criticised this approach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An editorial in the Indian Express newspaper titled 'Slap In Mumbai's Face' argued that politics centred around linguistic identity was "deeply troubling" and that its parochialism lent itself to violence, something that "should have no place in India's most industrialised state".

Mr Dixit agrees - he thinks that any support garnered by aggressive language agitations is likely to be short-lived.

"People want their leaders to deliver on their promises and focus on real progress, in the form of better jobs and policies, so that life is better for everyone," he says.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he discussed a new idea for a potential Ukraine ceasefire during a Thursday meeting with his counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Rubio, who also serves as President Trumps national security adviser, confirmed that Lavrov presented new ideas about Ukraine peace negotiations during the 50-minute meeting.

I think its a new and a different approach. Again, I wouldnt characterize it as something that guarantees peace, but its a concept that well  Ill take back to the president today and  here as soon as I finish with you, Rubio told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after the huddle with the Russian diplomat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We shared some ideas and comments, which Ill take back to Washington as early as this evening in terms of calls  and perhaps theres something to build on there, the secretary of State added.

Rubio said the administration will continue to engage with all parties and added that he relayed Trumps frustrations with Russia over the lack of progress in peace talks or in a path forward.

And look, the presidents been pretty clear. Hes disappointed and frustrated that theres not been more flexibility on the Russian side to bring about an end to this conflict, Rubio said after the huddle. We hope that can change, and were going to continue to stay involved where we see opportunities to make a difference.

Russias Foreign Ministry said Lavrov and Rubio had a substantive and frank exchange of views over the situation in Ukraine. They also touched on Iran, Syria and other international issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They have reaffirmed mutual commitment to searching for peaceful solutions to conflict situations and resuming Russian-US economic and humanitarian cooperation and unhindered ties between their countries societies, which could be promoted by the resumption of direct flights, Russias Foreign Ministry said in a statement after the meeting, adding that Rubio and Lavrov emphasized the importance of continued efforts to normalise the functioning of bilateral diplomatic missions.

The two diplomats met while at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. This was their second in-person meeting since Rubio became the U.S.s top diplomat. The meeting took place as Trump has ramped up his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days.

That is a war that it should have never happened. A lot of people are dying and it should end. We get a lot of bulls thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. Hes very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless, Trump said during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Trump has pushed to end the three-year war in Eastern Europe but has had limited success so far, as Russia appears not to have budged on its demands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia has continued its attacks on Ukraine, firing 728 drones, including more than 300 Shahed drones earlier this week, hitting the city of Lutsk, located in the northwest of the country, the hardest.

Putin talked with Trump on Thursday last week, saying hours later that he had made no progress in forging a potential ceasefire. The president also said that he was disappointed with the conversation and that he does not think Putin was looking to stop, and thats too bad.

The huddle between Rubio and Lavrov came just days after the U.S. resumed sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, reversing course days after the Defense Department paused deliveries of air defense missiles and munitions. The president said the continued delivery of some weapons was needed to ensure Ukraine can defend itself amid the attacks from Russia.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday on the sidelines of ASEAN talks in Malaysia where Washington's tariffs are in sharp focus.

Rubio and Wang's first face-to-face meeting since US President Donald Trump returned to office comes as Washington and Beijing are locked in disputes on everything from trade and fentanyl to Taiwan and technology.

Rubio, a longtime China hawk, and Wang are in Kuala Lumpur for a gathering of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which Japan, South Korea and Australia are also attending.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

US officials said ahead of Rubio's first trip to the region as secretary of state that Washington was "prioritising" its commitment to East and Southeast Asia.

Rubio said Thursday the United States has "no intention of abandoning" the Asia-Pacific region.

But US tariffs have overshadowed the conference and Rubio has sought to placate Asian trade partners, saying talks were ongoing and might result in "better" rates than for the rest of the world.

Trump has threatened punitive tariffs ranging from 20 to 50 percent against more than 20 countries, many of them in Asia, if they do not strike deals with Washington by August 1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said this week that tariffs were being used as "sharpened instruments of geopolitical rivalry".

Wang on Thursday called for a "fairer and more reasonable" international order.

"At the same time, we are also confronted with challenges such as the impact of unilateral protectionism and the abuse of tariffs by a certain major country," Wang said.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have ratcheted up since Trump took office in January, with both countries engaging in a tariff war that briefly sent duties on each other's exports sky-high.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At one point the United States hit China with additional levies of 145 percent on its goods as both sides engaged in tit-for-tat escalation. China's countermeasures on US goods reached 125 percent.

Beijing and Washington agreed in May to temporarily slash their staggeringly high tariffs -- an outcome Trump dubbed a "total reset".

- Taiwan, South China Sea -

Before becoming Secretary of State in January, Rubio had already been one of the most vocal critics of China on the American political stage for many years.

Rubio and Wang are also likely to discuss US concerns over China's expansionary behaviour in the South China Sea and Beijing's growing military pressure on Taiwan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

China claims the democratic self-ruled island as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.

Like most countries, Washington has no formal diplomatic relations with the island.

However, the United States is Taiwan's biggest arms supplier and has shown increasing support for Taipei in the face of Beijing's growing military pressure on the island in recent years.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accused China in late May of "credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power" in the Asia-Pacific region.

He also claimed that Beijing "trains every day" to invade Taiwan.

In response, Chinese diplomats accused the United States of using the Taiwan issue to "contain China" and called on Washington to stop "playing with fire".

lb-jhe-amj/tym
By Daphne Psaledakis and Danial Azhar

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday he had "positive and constructive" talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as the two major powers vied to push their agendas in Asia at a time of tension over Washington's tariff offensive.

The top U.S. diplomat was in Malaysia on his first Asia trip since taking office, seeking to stress the U.S. commitment to the region at the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum, where many countries were reeling from a raft of steep U.S. tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubio had his first in-person talks with China's foreign minister, which came after Beijing warned Washington against reinstating hefty levies on its goods next month and threatened retaliation against nations that strike deals with the U.S. to cut China out of supply chains.

Wang sharply criticised Washington during talks with Asian counterparts in Malaysia, calling the U.S. tariffs "typical unilateral bullying behavior".

But both sides described their bilateral meeting as positive and constructive on Friday. And Rubio said the odds of Trump meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping were high.

"We're two big, powerful countries, and there are always going to be issues that we disagree on. I think there's some areas of potential cooperation and I thought it was a very constructive, positive meeting, and a lot of work to do," he told reporters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubio emphasised that his sit-down with Wang was not a negotiation, but rather about establishing a constructive baseline to continue talks.

Rubio noted Trump had been invited to visit China, and added: "Its a visit he wants to undertake, and so well work on finding the right date for that, but Im sure itll happen because the president  both presidents - want it to happen."

"We have to build the right atmosphere and build ... deliverables, so that a visit isn't just a visit, but it actually has some takeaways from it that are concrete," he said.

China's Foreign Ministry said Wang had emphasised that both countries should translate consensus reached by their leaders into policies and actions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Both sides agreed that the meeting was positive, pragmatic and constructive," it said.

TRIP OVERSHADOWED BY TARIFFS

Rubio's visit was part of an effort to renew U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific region and look beyond conflicts in the Middle East and Europe that have consumed much of the administration's attention since Trump's return to office in January.

But this was overshadowed by this week's announcement of steep U.S. tariffs on imports from many Asian countries and U.S. allies, including 25% targeting Japan, South Korea and Malaysia, 32% for Indonesia, 36% for Thailand and Cambodia and 40% on goods from Myanmar and Laos.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

China, initially singled out with levies exceeding 100%, has until August 12 to reach a deal with Washington to avoid Trump's reinstating additional import curbs imposed during tit-for-tat tariff exchanges in April and May.

Analysts said Rubio would use the trip to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China, Washington's main strategic rival. Rubio met his counterparts from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia on Friday.

Southeast Asia expert Murray Hiebert, from Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said it was positive Rubio had made his first Indo-Pacific trip, but his pledge about U.S. engagement was undercut by Trumps treatment of key friends and partners on tariffs.

"This made it much easier for Wang Yi to talk about Chinas stable and reliable economic relations," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wang rebuked the United States in Kuala Lumpur, saying no country should support or agree with its tariffs, according to remarks released by Beijing on Friday.

He told Thailand's foreign minister the tariffs had been abused and "undermined the free trade system, and interfered with the stability of the global production and supply chain."

During a meeting with his Cambodian counterpart, Wang said the U.S. levies were an attempt to deprive Southeast Asian countries of their legitimate right to development.

"We believe that Southeast Asian countries have the ability to cope with complex situations, adhere to principled positions, and safeguard their own interests," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a joint communique, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed concern over rising global trade tensions and called for a transparent and fair multilateral trading system.

Without mentioning the United States, they said unilateral tariffs were "counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation".

INDISPENSABLE PARTNERSHIP

Rubio also met Russia's Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday and said he and Lavrov shared some ideas on a new or different Russian approach on Ukraine.

"I don't want to oversell it, OK, but it was constructive," he said on Friday. "We'll find out, but there are some things that we will potentially explore, and I relayed that to the president and our team last night."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubio also met Japan's foreign minister and South Korea's first vice foreign minister to discuss strengthening their "indispensable trilateral partnership", the U.S. State Department said.

Asked about Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's remarks on Thursday that Tokyo needs to wean itself off of its dependence on Washington, Rubio said it was not a comment to be viewed negatively.

"We obviously have very strong commitments and an alliance with Japan. We continue to cooperate very closely with them," he said.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Danial Azhar in Kuala Lumpur; Additional reporting by Liz Lee, Xiuhao Chen and Yukun Zhang in Beijing, Mikhail Flores in Manila and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Writing by Rozanna Latiff and Martin Petty; Editing by Saad Sayeed, Joe Bavier and Rod Nickel)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday after his first meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that their talks were "positive and constructive" and could pave the way for a meeting between the two countries' heads of state.

"The president wants to do it. The Chinese side wants to see it happen. President Xi said that publicly. So I think the odds are high," Rubio said. "I don't have a date for you, but I think it's coming."

Mandel Ngan/Pool via Reuters - PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting and related meetings at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, July 11, 2025.

Rubio said he and his counterpart, in their first meeting and the secretary's first trip to Asia, did not focus on tariff tensions between the nations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs on almost every foreign country are set to take effect on Aug. 1. He initially delayed "reciprocal tariffs" in April, vowing to strike roughly 90 trade deals in 90 days.

MORE: What to know about Trump's shifting tariff deadline

Goods from China are already hit with a 30% tariff.

So far, the White House says it has reached trade agreements with only the United Kingdom and Vietnam, as well as a preliminary accord with China.

It was Rubio's second high-stakes meeting with the top diplomat of a U.S. adversary after he and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met for 40 minutes on the sideline of summit for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Malaysia.

Mandel Ngan/Pool via AP - PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio gives a media briefing during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, July 11, 2025.

Rubio emerged from that Thursday meeting calling it a "frank" conversation in which he relayed Trump's "frustration" for Moscow's inflexible approach to the negotiating table for peace in Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, Rubio said he shuttled the Russians' message back to Trump in a phone call Thursday night, but tempered expectations for progress.

MORE: Rubio meets with Russia's Lavrov after Trump criticizes Putin

"I don't want to oversell it, OK, but it was constructive, and there was some things that perhaps we can build on. [But] maybe not, I don't know. We'll find out, but there are some things that we will potentially explore," he said.

Mandel Ngan/Pool via AP - PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio gives a media briefing during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, July 11, 2025.

The president has said this week that the U.S. will send weapons to Ukraine, expressing distrust in Russian president Vladimir Putin -- and reversing course on a pause in specific munitions scheduled to head to Ukraine.

"You'll be seeing things happen," the president suggested Friday, in support of Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he had very constructive talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, at a summit in Malaysia Friday, as the two superpowers compete for influence over Asia amid global trade tensions.

Rubio said that the odds of a meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump this year were high, adding there was a strong desire on both sides.

The meeting came as Trump threatened several Asian countries with high tariff rates effective Aug. 1, and as Beijing has sought to deepen economic ties with those nations. US-China tensions have also been high at the summit with Beijing warning Washington against reinstating hefty duties against it next month, and calling Trumps latest tariff salvo, typical unilateral bullying behavior.
(Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday played down concerns about relations with key U.S. ally Japan, saying there is no "drama or division," despite the Japanese prime minister speaking of the need for Tokyo to wean itself off U.S. dependence.

In remarks to reporters, Rubio also disputed reports of U.S. pressure on Japan to significantly increase its defense spending, saying that while Washington was "encouraging" Tokyo to invest in certain capabilities, this did not amount to a "demand."

"It's less to do with the amount of money and more to do about certain things they can do," he said after attending a regional meeting in Malaysia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Japanese media reported last month that the Trump administration was demanding that Japan and other Asian allies boost defense spending to 5% of GDP in line with demands on NATO members.

A Financial Times report last month said Japan canceled an annual defense and foreign ministers meeting with the U.S. after it called on Tokyo to boost defense spending beyond what it requested earlier.

President Donald Trump further upset Japan this week by announcing a 25% tariff on Japanese imports starting August 1 as part of his global tariff strategy.

On Thursday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Japan needed to wean itself from U.S. dependence in security, food, and energy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asked about Ishiba's remarks, Rubio said the United States has "a very strong and very good relationship with Japan, and that's not going to change."

"Anyone who's looking for, like, drama or division there ... shouldn't be doing it because the truth of the matter is our relationship with Japan is very solid."

He said Ishiba's comment should not be viewed negatively.

"The idea that Japan's military would become more capable is not something we would be offended by; it's something we would actually be encouraged by," he said.

Christopher Johnstone, a former Biden White House official now with the Asia Group consultancy, said trade frictions, pressure on defense spending, and uncertainty about U.S. defense commitments meant U.S.-Japan tensions were probably at their worst in a generation, but reducing Tokyo's reliance on the U.S. was easier said than done.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If the two countries reach a trade agreement by August 1, it could fade," he said. "But Ishiba's comments reflect sentiment that is real and widespread."

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Rod Nickel)
RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE)  The historic floods that swept through Ruidoso damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, including the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino. The sudden floods quickly endangered hundreds of horses located throughout the Downs, but brave employees stepped up to help. The floods on Tuesday brought in more than 20 feet of water, putting race horses that were in their stalls in danger.

How to donate to Ruidoso flood victims

KRQE News 13 spoke with handler Pedrio Zubiate, who said dozens of workers risked their lives to rescue the animals. There were areas where the water was up to my knees, said Zubiate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said he was working in his stalls Tuesday afternoon when workers received a flash flood warning on their phones. He said his boss told him and the other workers to grab their belongings and rush down to help the horses near the track.You could see the river that crosses down here. Start to rise, and rise, and rise, and rise. Once it overflowed, we could see horses with water up to their knees. Thats when we said, get everything out, said Zubiate.

Officials say hundreds of homes damaged in Ruidoso flooding

Zubiate said he, along with other workers, didnt hesitate to wade into the water to rescue more than 100 horses. He said that although they were in fear of the rising water and the possibility of a frightened horse hurting them, they couldnt leave the animals to suffer. Basically, we wake up with them, we eat with them, sleep with them. The truth is, its a strong love we have for these animals, and letting them die, its not an option, Zubiate said.

When asked if it was worth risking their own lives for the animals, Zubiate said it was an easy decision. People think, theyre just animals. Its not like that. No, for us, theyre family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ruidoso Downs said the floods destroyed jockeys quarters, timing mechanisms, and other necessary equipment needed to operate horse racing, leading them to cancel the races at the Ruidoso Downs this season. Well, its hard. To start to move everything again. We were already set up here, getting used to the climate and prepping our horses, and now we have to start over again.

In a press release, Ruidoso Downs said their infield got more than 10 feet of water at the height of the flash flooding, but said no race horses died during the floods. Ruidoso Downs also announced that this years All American Futurity, Derby, and Oaks will be held at the Albuquerque Downs on Labor Day. They added theyre confident there will be horse racing again at Ruidoso Downs in 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  For the second year straight, Ruidoso Downs Race Track will run the 2025 All American Futurity, Derby and Oaks on Labor Day at Albuquerque Downs due to the significant damage the property suffered from the flooding on Tuesday, July 8.

The track owner, Johnny Trotter, made the announcement on Thursday, July 10, in a news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ruidoso Downs takes another blow as severe flooding once again sweeps through area

Under our current circumstances we are grateful to Albuquerque Downs owner Paul Blanchard that he has graciously offered to host the All American again, Trotter said. The recent events are unfortunate for everyone associated with Ruidoso Downs, but we are happy to announce that our signature race will have the opportunity to move forward this year.

This marks the second straight year that the All American races have been moved from their home at Ruidoso Downs, according to the news release.

Flash floods cancel horse races at Ruidoso Downs

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After having met with Governor Michelle Luhan Grisham today, we remain confident that there we will be horse racing again at Ruidoso Downs in 2026, Trotter said. We have been assured that corrective measures will be taken by the state of New Mexico to improve flood control. However, we did need to make an immediate decision about this years All American on behalf of our horse owners and trainers and thats what we are announcing today.

According to the news release, Ruidoso Downs crews have begun cleaning up the massive mud and debris caused by the flooding on Tuesday.

The infield at Ruidoso Downs sustained over 10 feet of water, destroying the jockeys quarters, scoreboard, timing mechanisms and other necessary equipment needed to operate horse racing, according to the news release.

However, no race horses died as a result of the flash flooding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Important dates are as follows, according to the news release:

Trials for the $1 million All American Futurity for 2-year-olds at 440 yards will be held Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 4 and 5

Trials for the $750,000 (est.) All American Derby and $500,000 (est.) All American Oaks for the 3-year-olds at 440 yards will be on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

The fastest times in those trial races will advance to the finals on Labor Day, Sept. 1, at Albuquerque Downs.

Along with a full race card, there will be five stakes races on Labor Day, including: All American Futurity, All American Derby, All American Oaks, All American Invitational and All American Juvenile, according to the news release.

Nonetheless, Ruidoso Downs will continue to host the two major horse sales at the Ruidoso Downs Sales Pavilion:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New Mexico Breed Sale on Aug. 8 and 9

All American Select Sale on Aug. 29 and 30

In addition, the Casey Donahue concert scheduled for Saturday, July 26, will continue at Ruidoso Downs as scheduled, according to the news release.

The annual Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7, in the Turf Club at Ruidoso Downs.

For the latest information on racing and events, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rupert Lowe is being investigated by the Parliamentary sleaze watchdog over money raised for an independent rape gang inquiry.

More than 600,000 has been donated to a crowdfunder started by the former Reform MP in March to support a probe into gang-based sexual exploitation across the UK.

The BBC said it understood the investigation was into the money raised for this fund.

Mr Lowe, who has not yet declared any of the money in the register of members interests, has been contacted for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A statement released on the Rape Gang Inquiry social media page said: All appropriate checks have been made for Ruperts parliamentary declaration.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards said they are investigating whether Mr Lowe breached parliamentary rules on declaring donations within the 28-days set out in the MPs Code of Conduct.

Under parliamentary rules, MPs must declare any donation from a single source over 1,500, or over 300 in earnings or gifts.

Mr Lowe started the project before Sir Keir Starmer announced a government-backed national inquiry into grooming gangs last month. He has since said his investigation will continue regardless.

Nigel Farage, left, with Rupert Lowe, who was suspended by Reform UK last year amid bullying claims - Maja Smiejkowska/PA

The crowdfunder includes a statement that donors giving above the parliamentary limit will have their names published in the Commons register.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Most of the 600,000 came in small sums  but records show over a dozen donations exceeded 1,500, none of which have appeared in Mr Lowes register of financial interests.

The BBC said it had seen bank statements that appear to show money from the crowdfunder was received by the Rape Gang Inquiry on June 23, which would need to be declared by July 21.

In a statement the Rape Gang Inquiry said: The first donations were drawn from our Crowdfunder and arrived in the Rape Gang Inquiry bank account on June 23rd  Rupert had been funding the inquiry until then.

All appropriate checks have been made for Ruperts parliamentary declaration. He has 28 days from the money arriving in the account, which was on June 23rd, until the submission has to be complete  although this has almost entirely been finished already.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Once the inquiry is complete, spending will be published in the interests of full transparency.

Mr Lowe was elected as a Reform UK MP for Great Yarmouth last year, but was suspended by the party in March amid claims of threats towards the partys chairman, Zia Yusuf.

In May, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to press charges over threats he was alleged to have made. Mr Lowe later said he had been the victim of a political assassination attempt.

Not long after his suspension from Reform, Lowe set up his crowdfunder accusing ministers of failing victims and saying: Our gutless political class is too cowardly to even start to process what has truly happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Lowes Rape Gang Inquiry has set up a board, including Conservative MP Esther McVey.

According to its social media page it has sent hundreds and hundreds of FOI requests to every local council, police force, NHS trust and more in order to uncover vital information relating to the rape gangs.

Mr Lowe has promised to stream hearings online and insisted his private investigation will continue to push for accountability.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Mikhail Ryumin, a 55-year-old resident of the Russian city of Chelyabinsk, was arrested for allegedly transporting drones in a truck for Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb, Russian independent media outlet Mediazona reported on July 10, citing a court's appeal ruling.

Ukraine carried out an unprecedented mass drone strike as part of the Operation Spiderweb on June 1, targeting four Russian air bases deep inside the country. During the attack, Ukrainian forces reportedly damaged 41 aircraft, using drones concealed in trucks at multiple locations across Russia.

Ryumin was charged with committing a terrorist act and arrested on June 2. On June 26, the Ivanovo Regional Court upheld the decision to arrest him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A colleague of Ryumin confirmed to Mediazona, on condition of anonymity, that he was indeed the driver of one of the trucks used in the Ukrainian operation. The source insisted that Ryumin was unaware that the vehicle was carrying drones hidden beneath the roofs of the frame house structures.

Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent))

According to the source, Ryumin had recently switched jobs and accepted a delivery order to transport components for frame houses from Chelyabinsk to Ivanovo Oblast using a rented truck.

Western analysts and military officials praised Ukraine's ingenuity in the Spiderweb operation. NATO Admiral Pierre Vandier called the mission a modern reinvention of the "Trojan Horse," demonstrating Ukraine's growing technical sophistication and deep-strike capability.

President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that roughly half of the targeted aircraft are damaged beyond repair.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia has acknowledged losses but insisted all damaged aircraft will be restored.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian artillery attacked a healthcare facility in the settlement of Bilozerka in Kherson Oblast on Friday morning, injuring three people.

Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration on Telegram; Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office on Telegram

Details: The attack on the outpatient clinic reportedly damaged the building of the medical facility, and injured a patient and two staff members.

A 40-year-old man was diagnosed with a blast injury and multiple shrapnel injuries to his lower leg.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A 47-year-old nurse suffered blast injury, shrapnel injury to her legs, head, arm and blood loss. A 49-year-old driver sustained a blast injury and an arm injury.

All the injured are receiving the necessary medical care.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Russia has decided to revoke its consent for the operation of the Polish Consulate General in Kaliningrad.

Source: Russian Foreign Ministry press service, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The statement says that on 11 July, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Polands charge d'affaires in Russia.

He was handed a note saying that the closure of the consulate in Kaliningrad was in response to the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Krakow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Russian side is revoking its consent to the operation of the Polish consulate in Kaliningrad from 29 August.

Quote from the Russian Foreign Ministry: "Russian diplomacy consistently proceeds from the assumption that no unfriendly action against our country will remain without an appropriate response and consequences."

Background:

On 12 May, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski announced that he was revoking consent allowing the Russian consulate in Krakow to operate.

This was done in response to evidence that last year's fire in a Warsaw shopping centre was caused by Russian secret services.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that "Warsaw is deliberately destroying relations" between the countries and acting "against the interests of citizens". She added that "an appropriate response to these inappropriate steps will be forthcoming in the near future".

In addition to its embassy in Warsaw, Russia also had consulates in Poznan, Gdansk and Krakow.

In October last year, Sikorski decided to withdraw consent for the consulate in Poznan in response to Russia's hostile hybrid actions.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Russian authorities confirmed that Colonel Sergei Ilyin, commander of Russia's 155th Marine Brigade, has been buried, without disclosing the cause of death, independent media outlet Astra reported on July 11, citing Chuvash Republic authorities.

The news follows speculations that Ilyin was among the Russian military personnel killed when Ukrainian forces attacked the 155th Brigade's command post in Korenevo in Russia's Kursk Oblast on July 2.

Russian Major General Mikhail Gudkov, a deputy head of the Russian Navy, was reportedly killed in the same attack. According to Russian milbloggers, 22 people in total were killed as a result of the Ukrainian HIMARS strike. Kyiv has not commented on the attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

News of Ilyin's death and burial was initially posted on the VKontakte social media page of the Urmarsky District administration in Russia's Chuvash Republic. The post, which was later deleted, did not disclose when or where the Russian officer died.

Kyiv has accused the 155th Separate Marine Brigade of committing numerous war crimes in Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, members of the brigade are responsible for executing prisoners of war and humiliating captured Ukrainian soldiers.

Service members of the 155th Brigade have also been linked to war crimes committed during the occupation of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel in Kyiv Oblast during the early months of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

A number of Russian high-ranking military officials have been killed throughout the full-scale invasion, both on the front lines and in the rear. The BBC Russia service has identified 10 generals and 524 lieutenant colonels and colonels killed during the invasion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ukrainian forces launched a cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast in August 2024, making it the first large-scale invasion of Russian territory by foreign troops since World War II. The move was intended to disrupt a planned Russian offensive targeting Ukraine's Sumy Oblast and to relieve pressure on the Donetsk front.

Since then, Ukraine claims it has inflicted 63,402 Russian troop casualties in the oblast, including 25,625 killed and 971 captured. Ukrainian forces also say they have destroyed or damaged over 5,664 pieces of Russian military equipment in the area.

Russia retook most of the lost territory during a renewed offensive in March 2025, supported by North Korean troops.

Read also: Dnipropetrovsk village likely contested despite Russias claim of its capture

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia attacked Ukraine with 79 Shahed loitering munitions and various types of decoy drones on the night of 10-11 July and the morning of 11 July. Ukrainian air defence units have shot down 44 drones, while 19 UAV hits have been reported in eight locations.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force on social media

Details: Russian forces reportedly began attacking Ukraine at around 22:30 on 10 July, launching from the areas of the Russian cities of Kursk, Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Air Force noted that up to 60 of the drones launched were Shaheds.

As of 13:00, Ukrainian air defences had shot down 44 Russian Shahed-type loitering munitions and other types of drones in the north, south, east and centre of the country.

In addition, 16 drones disappeared from radar/suppressed by electronic warfare.

Furthermore, 19 UAV strikes were recorded in eight locations, while debris from downed drones fell in three areas.

The attack has been repelled by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups from the Ukrainian defence forces.

Background: On the morning of 11 July, Russian forces attacked Odesa, reportedly leaving eight people injured.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
A report in the pro-Kremlin media suggests that the troubled effort to return the Russian Navys sole aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, to operational service will be terminated. Overhaul and modernization work on the Cold War-era flattop began almost eight years ago but has apparently been abandoned some time ago. As we have discussed in the past, the viability of putting the Kuznetsov back to sea has long been in doubt, and, with many competing priorities, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, the warship might now finally be destined for the scrappers torch.

According to the newspaper Izvestia, citing what it describes as informed sources, the Russian Navy and the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) are poised to make a final decision on the fate of the Kuznetsov, with signs pointing to the likelihood that they will pull the plug on the modernization program.

A satellite view of the Admiral Kuznetsov dockside at the 35th Squadron Shipyard, also known as Sevmorput, on June 20, 2023. Google Earth

The plan to remove from service the countrys only aircraft carrier is backed by senior Russian Navy figures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Adm. Sergei Avakyants, the former commander of Russias Pacific Fleet, told Izvestia that the Russian Navy does not need aircraft carriers in their classic form in the long term. Describing aircraft carriers as a thing of the past, Avakyants said that they can be destroyed in a few minutes by modern weapons.

It is a very expensive and ineffective naval weapon, Avakyants continued. The future belongs to carriers of robotic systems and unmanned aircraft. And if a decision is made not to continue the repairs, the only thing left to do is to take the Admiral Kuznetsov, cut it up for scrap metal, and dispose of it.

The mention of drone-carrying warships is notable in that it reflects growing trends among a variety of navies in Europe and elsewhere, but, so far, at least, there has been no indication that Russia plans to start work on vessels of this kind.

As for the Kuznetsov, the warship has been in a downward spiral since its overhaul and modernization began in 2017. Soon after it arrived at the shipyard, there were indications that the scope of the work was being dramatically reduced, throwing the fate of the warship into question. During the overhaul process, the carrier has suffered multiple fires and a drydock sinking. By early 2021, analysis of photos of the carrier suggested that work on the vessel had more or less stopped in the previous 12 months.

The Russian Navys lone aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, is towed to the 35th Squadron Shipyard for maintenance and repair works in Murmansk, Russia, on May 20, 2022. Photo by Semen Vasileyev/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In February 2023, the Kuznetsov finally departed its drydock at the Sevmorput Naval Shipyard in Russias northwestern Murmansk region, but only two months later came reports that the carriers crew had been disbanded, providing another hurdle to getting the ship into any meaningful kind of service.

As we pointed out at the time, re-forming the carriers crew would be a challenge at any time, but is now very much compounded by wider military personnel shortages ongoing in the context of the war in Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Amid all these problems, the previously indicated timeline for getting the carrier back into Russias combat fleet has slipped. The ship was originally meant to have finished its overhaul in 2021.

Even before the overhaul began, the Kuznetsov had its fair share of mishaps. Most notably, there was an onboard fire off Turkey in 2009, which led to the deaths of several crew members.

In 2016, two of its fighters were lost only days apart while supporting Moscows military campaign in Syria.

Russian Su-33 fighter jet chilling in the waters of Mediterranean Sea back in 2016.



The Sukhoi Su-33 (NATO reporting name Flanker-D) crashed after trying to land on Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov operating off the coast of Syria.



The pilot was saved. pic.twitter.com/YLNcp7ceR6  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 2, 2023

Meanwhile, as Kuznetsov gets older, the utility of continuing overhaul work becomes increasingly questionable. The overhaul  which was to include upgrades to its powerplant and electronics equipment  had been intended to keep the carrier in service for possibly another decade or more, but the longer the process takes, the less economic sense this makes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the meantime, funds could be better invested in more practical and sustainable efforts, something TWZ has pointed out in the past.

Despite increasing calls to abandon work on the Kuznetsov sooner rather than later, its worth noting that there are also official plans that could interfere with this.

As noted in the Izvestia article, the Fundamentals of State Policy in the Sphere of Naval Activity until 2030 document states that the Northern and Pacific Fleets should each have an aircraft carrier. Regardless of funding, such ambitions are totally unrealistic. After all, even if the Kuznetsov could be returned to operational status with the Northern Fleet, there is no meaningful plan to construct another aircraft carrier before 2030. Earlier plans to start work on a new nuclear-powered carrier design have long since been put on ice.

Admiral Kuznetsov again pictured on May 20, 2022. Photo by Semen Vasileyev/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

On a planning level, there may still be aspirations among proponents of Russian carrier aviation to reintroduce flattops in some form or other. However, even their most loyal supporters realize that, as long as the war in Ukraine continues, there is very little chance of such programs getting funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think that in the ship construction program for the period up to 2050, which was recently reviewed by the Marine Collegium under the president, the issue of creating aircraft carriers is somehow present, retired Rear Adm. Mikhail Chekmasov told Izvestia. The question is different  its about funding, given that the Special Military Operation is currently underway.

For the time being, the only operational activity relating to Russian carrier aviation is the countrys air wing, which is spearheaded by Su-33 and MiG-29KR fighters. These aircraft continue to be operated from land bases, but its now been many years since aircrews actually got a chance to fly from the carrier. Having pilots re-qualify for carrier operations would be possible, but the Su-33s, in particular, are also showing their age, with no replacement in sight.

 F-35 from Evenes Airbase scrambled yesterday when 2  Bomber Aircraft TU-95 Bear H escorted by 2 Flanker-D jets flew close to #NATO Airspace in the High North



Read more: https://t.co/2m35KgExA6pic.twitter.com/wwJ4fHC8iR  NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) February 5, 2025

In terms of warship construction, Russia is still working on the first of its Project 23900 big-deck amphibious assault ships, also known as the Ivan Rogov class, at a shipyard on the occupied Crimean Peninsula, as you can read about here. Should the Kuznetsov ultimately be scrapped, the addition of two new big-deck amphibious assault ships would give the Russian Navy an important capability boost, as TWZ has previously discussed:

Ultimately, an amphibious assault ship is potentially much more flexible, even without conventional fixed-wing airpower. The Project 23900 is expected to be able to embark six landing craft to transport around 75 armored vehicles, 900 troops, and support equipment to a beachhead during an amphibious operation, but the vessels would also be suitable for floating hospitals or as flagships for littoral operations. With some modifications or with a tailored air group onboard, these warships could also take on anti-submarine or mine warfare roles. In addition, time and again, amphibious vessels of this kind have also shown their worth in non-combat scenarios, including disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions.

The Project 23900 Ivan Rogov class amphibious assault ship is seen under construction at Zaliv, Crimea, on Nov. 17, 2024. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies

The continued development of aircraft carriers in countries such as China and India underscores the fact that navies still see a place for flattops carrying conventional fixed-wing aircraft. These warships can still be arbiters of naval power in an operational context, as well as key points of national prestige.

The Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier photographed in happier times. Russian Ministry of Defense

At this point, however, the future of Russias sole aircraft carrier looks to be more uncertain than ever, with the arguments for continuing the effort to get it back into service becoming increasingly flimsy.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Russia is obliged to compensate Ukraine for the damage caused by the full-scale war, estimated at around 500 billion.

Source: Merz on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, quoted by the website of the German Federal Government, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine

Details: Berlin estimates that the amount of damage caused is approximately 500 billion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Merz said that Russia must compensate for the material damage and that, until this happens, it will not and should not have access to frozen assets.

He also noted that Russian state assets worth hundreds of billions of euros, mainly located in European Union countries, will remain frozen. Income from these assets will continue to be used to provide credit support to Ukraine.

Background: The European Parliament called on EU states to seize frozen Russian state assets and direct these funds towards the defence and reconstruction of Ukraine.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Russian assets frozen by the West should not be released until Moscow pays back at least 500 billion euros (over $580 billion) in compensation to Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on July 10 in Rome.

The G7 countries immobilized roughly $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets at the onset of the full-scale war in 2022, later funneling the windfall profits to Ukraine's reconstruction and defense.

The German chancellor, who met President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy, noted that Germany is helping Ukraine rebuild its economy also for its own reasons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Growth, market freedom, our energy security, as well as the extraordinary strain on our social systems caused by war refugees: all of this is linked to the war in Ukraine," Merz said.

The chancellor further noted that Germany has been involved in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts since the outbreak of the full-scale war.

"The reconstruction of Ukraine is not just a matter of the future... Day after day, we are ensuring that life in Ukraine can continue despite all of Russia's daily and especially nightly attacks."

The comments come as Russia continues to intensify strikes across Ukraine and ground offensives along the front line, damaging infrastructure and putting ever greater strain on the Ukrainian economy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Delivering opening remarks at the conference on July 10, Zelensky urged European partners to form a recovery coalition to help rebuild Ukraine, calling for an approach similar to the post-World War II Marshall Plan.

The Ukrainian president also called upon Western countries to use the immobilized Russian assets  not only their proceeds  more actively to help Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.

At the event, the EU unveiled new financing worth billions of euros, including the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called "the largest equity fund globally to support (Ukraine's) reconstruction." Germany is among the countries backing the fund.

Read also: Trump promises major statement on Russia, reveals new NATO weapons deal for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Editor's note: The story was updated with President Volodymyr Zelensky's comment regarding the recent Russian attacks and Ukraine's Air Force's report.

Russian attacks against Ukraine have killed at least nine civilians and injured at least 42 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on July 11.

Russian forces launched 79 Shahed drones and decoys from the Russian cities of Kursk, Millerovo, and Primorsk-Akhtarsk against Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine's Air Force.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ukraine's air defense shot down 44 drones, and 16 were intercepted by electronic warfare or disappeared from radars. Another 19 struck targets across eight locations, with debris reported in three additional areas, according to the statement.

In Kharkiv Oblast, one person was killed, while another 14 were injured due to the Russian strikes against 10 settlements, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

In the regional center of Kharkiv, Russian drones injured nine people, including women in a maternity hospital. The medical facility was damaged as well.

"Women in labor with children, women after surgery. Fortunately, there were no children among the victims. Russia targets life. Even where it is just beginning," President Volodymyr Zelensky said, stressing the critical need for additional air defense for Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia launched new waves of drones in the morning of July 11, according to Zelensky.

In the village of Myrne, a 57-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were injured, while a 74-year-old man suffered injuries in the village of Lyman. A 65-year-old woman was also injured in a Russian strike against the town of Chuhuiv, and a 43-year-old man was killed and a 73-year-old woman suffered injuries in the town of Kupiansk.

In Donetsk Oblast, Russian strikes killed seven people: three in the town of Pokrovsk, as well as four people in the villages of Zapovidne, Rodynske, Zatyshok, and Viroliubivka. Russian attacks also injured nine people in several settlements, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian artillery and drones attacked the Nikopol district, killing a man and injuring a 22-year-old woman, according to Governor Serhii Lysak.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Kherson Oblast, Russia targeted 37 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson, over the past day. As a result of the attacks, 14 people were injured, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

In Sumy Oblast, a 62-year-old woman suffered injuries in the Sumy community, while two other residents were injured in the Sad community, according to the local military administration. Nearly 120 strikes were recorded across 32 settlements.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 48-year-old man suffered injuries in the Russian attack at the Zaporizhzhia district. Russian forces launched 592 strikes across 16 localities in the region in the past day, according to the local military administration.

Read also: You think the end has come  as Russian attacks on Ukraine escalate, Kyiv grapples with terrifying new normal

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian drones damaged three medical facilities, including a maternity hospital, in Kharkiv Oblast on the night of 10-11 July. Three women who had recently given birth and their newborns suffered acute stress reactions.

Source: Ukraines Ministry of Health; Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office on Telegram

Details: A maternity hospital and a dental polyclinic were damaged in the Russian attack.

More than 40 windows were damaged in the maternity hospital, and the patients will be evacuated to another facility. None of the women, babies or health professionals were physically harmed.

Doctors provided assistance to three women who had recently given birth and their newborn sons  two born on 10 July and one on 8 July. All three mothers and their babies were diagnosed with acute stress reactions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The dental polyclinic is beyond repair after a Shahed drone hit the ground and first floors. No casualties were reported there.

The city hospital in Chuhuiv was also damaged, with more than 200 windows and 100 doors broken. Two staff members and two patients were injured.

Background: On 7 July, seventeen cultural heritage sites in Kharkivs historic Zalopan district were damaged in a Russian attack. Architect Viktor Dvornikov said the buildings date back to the 19th century.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
SEOUL (Reuters) -Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his North Korean counterpart in the coastal city of Wonsan on Saturday, during which Pyongyang reaffirmed its support for Russias military actions in Ukraine, the TASS state news agency reported.

Lavrov flew out of Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Friday following the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting, arriving the same day in Wonsan, North Korea, home to a newly opened seaside resort but also known for its missile and naval facilities.

Lavrov's visit is the latest high-level meeting between the two countries as they upgrade their strategic cooperation to now include a mutual defence pact.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We exchanged views on the situation surrounding the Ukrainian crisis ... Our Korean friends confirmed their firm support for all the objectives of the special military operation, as well as for the actions of the Russian leadership and armed forces," TASS quoted Lavrov as saying.

The South Korean intelligence service has said North Korea may be preparing to deploy additional troops in July or August, after sending more than 10,000 soldiers to fight with Russia in the war against Ukraine.

North Korea has agreed to dispatch 6,000 military engineers and builders for reconstruction in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched a mass cross-border incursion nearly a year ago.

Russian news agencies also reported Lavrov's arrival and said after North Korea he is expected to travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting, which is set to take place on Monday and Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

TASS said the new Wonsan coastal resort could boost Russian tourism to North Korea, citing the resumption of direct trains from Moscow to Pyongyang and a project to build a bridge across the Tumen River forming part of the boundary between North Korea, China and Russia.

TASS quoted Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko as saying more high-level delegations would visit North Korea later this year.

Rudenko said the accord on strategic partnership "clearly meets the changing needs over recent decades and strengthens traditionally friendly, good-neighbourly Russian-Korean relations to a qualitatively new level as allies."

(Reporting by Heekyong Yang and Jack Kim; Additional reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Rod Nickel, Chris Reese and Tom Hogue)
A Russian sabotage campaign is gathering pace across Europe, intelligence officials warned.

Three men were found guilty of arson in the UK this week for burning down a warehouse containing supplies for Ukraine; prosecutors said it was masterminded by Russian intelligence services.

Its one of more than 70 similar incidents linked to Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, The Associated Press reported, and European officials warned that the campaigns use of untrained saboteurs increased the risk of injury or death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Moscow is not alone in waging a shadow war against Western nations, although other powers focus more on cyberattacks: The US arrested a Chinese national Tuesday for allegedly stealing COVID-19 research and mass-hacking email servers on behalf of Beijing.
Russian troops have been tasked with establishing a buffer zone up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) deep into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov said in an interview with Bloomberg, published on July 11.

Budanov's remarks come as Russian troops continue their offensive in the neighboring Donetsk Oblast, pushing closer to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast  a major industrial region in central Ukraine.

In mid-June, Ukraine's military denied reports that Russian troops had entered the region, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that Ukrainian troops had intercepted Russian reconnaissance units attempting to breach Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Its not realistic for Russia to seize all of Donetsk Oblast by the end of the year," Budanov said.

According to Budanov, Russias earlier announcement of its entry into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast serves a political goal.

Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

The Russian Defense Ministry on July 7 claimed to have seized Dachne, which would mark the first village to be under Russian control in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

The Ukrainian military denied the claimed capture, calling it "disinformation."

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast lies further west and has not seen significant Russian incursions, it is frequently targeted with missile, drone, and aerial bomb strikes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russian troops have been escalating their assaults in the area and are attempting to breach into the region.

Read also: Dnipropetrovsk village likely contested despite Russias claim of its capture

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian forces have continued attacking Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, damaging an agricultural business, an office building and a power line.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "The aggressor used drones to hit the Pokrovske hromada in the Synelnykove district. Agricultural business premises were damaged. A fire broke out." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Details: The Russians also attacked the city of Nikopol and the Marhanets hromada. They used first-person view drones, heavy artillery and Grad multiple-launch rocket systems.

An office building and a power line were damaged and a fire broke out in the Nikopol district.

Lysak said no casualties had been reported.

Ukrainian air defenders downed one Russian drone in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in the morning.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The Russians conducted a strike on the city of Kharkiv on the morning of 11 July. A fire has broken out in the Saltivskyi district and nine people have been injured.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration; Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov; Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office on Telegram

Quote from Syniehubov: "The occupiers are attacking with drones. An explosion has been heard in the city."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Details: Later, local media outlets and Telegram channels reported repeated explosions in Kharkiv.

Firefighter extinguishing fire

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Updated: Terekhov later said that the Russians had hit a residential area in the city centre. Early reports indicate that there are casualties.

Quote from Terekhov: "A functioning medical facility has been affected in the city centre as a result of the enemy attack. Early reports indicate that windows have been shattered, but the building is still being inspected."

Fire appliance

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Details: Syniehubov reported that the Russians had attacked the Saltivskyi district of the city.

A hit was recorded on a three-storey building and in a yard. The building was damaged and structural elements caught fire, resulting in a blaze covering approximately 20 sq m.

Firefighter

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Later, Syniehubov reported that a 64-year-old man had been injured in the Russian attack on the Saltivskyi district of Kharkiv.

Quote from Terekhov: "The morning attack affected a maternity hospital where mothers with newborns were staying. They will now be evacuated to another medical facility. Luckily, none of them was injured."

Firefighter extinguishing fire

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Updated: Later, Terekhov reported that the number of people injured in the morning attack on the city had increased to nine.

Later, the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office reported that the Russians had used Geran-2-type drones in the attack on the citys Saltivskyi district.

Among the injured were three women and their children  three baby boys, two of whom were born on 10 July and one on 8 July. They were in the maternity hospital attacked by Russian drones. The mothers and newborns were diagnosed with acute stress reaction.

A man, 45, was also injured, while another man, 64, and a woman, 73, were diagnosed with acute stress reaction.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Two civilians were killed and six were injured in Russian attacks on Donetsk Oblast on 11 July.

Source: Anastasiia Miedvedieva, spokesperson for Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Details: Russian troops attacked a residential area in the city of Pokrovsk on Friday morning. A 71-year-old woman sustained burns to her arms and legs at one of the affected houses. She was taken to hospital. The type of weapons used is being determined.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russian forces also attacked a civilian vehicle with an FPV drone on a road near the town of Bilozerske. A 54-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman suffered multiple shrapnel wounds.

In addition, the Russians used a loitering drone to strike the village of Yampil in the Lyman hromada. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.] Two men aged 49 and 53 were killed. A woman sustained a shrapnel wound and blast injury. She was taken to hospital.

A 48-year-old man was injured in the village of Andriivka in the Kramatorsk district as a result of an FPV drone strike. Russian troops also targeted the village of Zakitne with a Smerch multiple-launch rocket system. A 70-year-old woman was wounded and diagnosed with shrapnel wounds and blast injury. Several houses were damaged.

Quote: "A pre-trial investigation has been launched under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine."

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
As Russia intensifies its air strikes against Ukraine, its tactics have visibly shifted, with a growing number of missile and drone attacks now targeting western regions once considered relatively safe.

Overnight on July 9, cities across Ukraine came under the largest air assault yet, with the western city of Lutsk experiencing what local officials described as the heaviest bombardment to date.

Just a day later, on July 10, Russian drones struck Chernivtsi, another western city, where residents heard the sound of Shahed-type drones, known for their loud, buzzing engines, for the first time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's truly terrifying. Your heart jumps out of your chest when you hear the sound of a Shahed drone, then gunfire, then an explosion," Anastasiia Yatsenko, a resident of Chernivtsi, told the Kyiv Independent.

"The fear just went through my whole body, everything felt numb, and my head was foggy," said Yeva, another resident. "I grabbed my baby as he was  naked, just in a diaper  and ran barefoot to the (underground) parking lot."

Experts believe that the recent wave of Russian strikes indicates a change in the Kremlin's strategy.

"They've never had a technical problem reaching western Ukraine, whether Lviv or any other region," Israel-based military analyst David Sharp told the Kyiv Independent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It has always been a question of priorities."

Read also: These were not negotiations  Ukraines deputy foreign minister on Istanbul talks with Russia in exclusive interview

Russia's drone doctrine

Russia's widespread use of Shahed drones began in late 2022. Their cost and relatively easy production have made them central to Moscow's air assault strategy.

"Russia has bet on drones as a weapon to strike targets in Ukraine," Sharp said.

"The calculation is that they can inflict military damage while also dealing psychological blows. They've decided that mass drone attacks are worth it."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Between Sept. 13, 2022, and Aug. 30, 2023, Russian forces fired nearly 2,000 Shaheds into Ukraine, according to Airwars, a London-based conflict monitoring organization.

That number has surged in 2025  in June alone, Moscow launched a record 5,337 Shahed-type drones.

Wreckage of car lies amid debris in the yard of damaged house after Russian drone attack on July 9, 2025 in Nedryhailiv, Ukraine. )Oleksandr Oleksiienko/Kordon.Media/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Sharp noted that while Ukraine's air defenses are highly effective against cruise missiles, drones present a different kind of threat.

"Cruise missiles are expensive, and their numbers are limited  both financially and, apparently, due to production capacity," he said. "So when Russia gained the ability to produce a large number of drones, it seized the opportunity."

Attacks on western Ukraine

For much of the war, Shahed drones primarily targeted central and southern Ukraine, hitting cities like Odesa, Mykolaiv, Dnipro, and Kyiv. But in recent weeks, these attacks have expanded westward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On July 9, Russia launched 728 Shahed-type drones and decoys across the country.

Volyn Oblast Governor Ivan Rudnytskyi said that nearly 50 drones and five missiles were in the airspace above the region overnight, with the majority aimed at regional capital Lutsk.

Lutsk Mayor Ihor Polishchuk said the attack damaged an "industrial site" as well as a garage, in what he called the "most massive Russian attack" on the city.

Russian drones launched against Ukraine May-2024  June 2025 (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

Serhii Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Army's Southern Division, said the escalation is part of a broader strategy by Russia to instill fear and undermine confidence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The tactic is to intensify people's sense of fear, to deepen the feeling that there is no safety and no confidence in the state or in the defense forces all around the country," he told the Kyiv Independent.

"This is pure terror, which means all regions are potentially under threat."

Bratchuk said Russia's tactic is to saturate air defense systems by overwhelming them with Shaheds and decoys  and to make sure no part of Ukraine feels safe.

"Russia's tactic is obvious," he said. "They pick a town  usually large or mid-sized  and then relentlessly terrorize it to the maximum extent."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Unlike before, when these attacks happened mostly at night, now they can strike throughout the day. This is pure terror  deliberate terror against the entire country."

Stretching Ukraine's defenses

Beyond terrorizing civilians, the drone campaign is designed to erode Ukraine's military capacity, Sharp noted.

"They shouldn't be denied their intent to achieve military goals," he said. "One key objective for Russia is to stretch Ukraine's resources by forcing them to intercept Shahed drones and cruise missiles."

He explained that many air defense units are stuck protecting cities in the rear, rather than being deployed near the front line, where they could pose more direct threats to Russian troops.

A rescuer pours water onto burning cars during a response effort to a Russian drone attack on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on June 18, 2025. (Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"If it weren't for this need, those soldiers and commanders from these fire teams could focus on other crucial tasks on or near the front line," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sharp also noted that Western military aid packages are allocated in financial terms, meaning resources used for air defense could have otherwise been directed to other needs.

"If Ukraine didn't have to intercept Shaheds near Lutsk, that funding might have been used for HIMARS missiles or other weapons."

What comes next?

Both Bratchuk and Sharp warned that Russia is unlikely to scale back its drone production. Instead, they expect an increase in attacks using both Shaheds and decoy drones designed to drain Ukraine's air defense systems and rattle the population.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 10 that Russia intends to drastically escalate its drone attacks, potentially launching up to 1,000 drones per day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They're not standing still," Sharp said. "They use cheap decoy drones that drain resources and fray nerves  both among civilians and the military."

Bratchuk noted the need for advanced weaponry to enhance Ukraine's mobile fire teams in intercepting Russian air assaults.

"They need better weapons  heavy machine guns, man-portable air defense systems, and possibly light combat aircraft capable of shooting down drones."

He also highlighted the importance of developing interceptor drones to counter the threat. Ultimately, however, Bratchuk said that the solution must come from striking at the source of the drone threat itself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The ideal option is to eliminate the source of all this trouble," Bratchuk said, expressing hope that Ukraine's partners would provide the necessary weapons.

"We can't handle this alone right now."

Anna Fratsyvir contributed to reporting.

Read also: As leaders attend Ukraine Recovery Conference, rebuilding is distant dream for Ukrainians who need it most

Note from the author:

As Russia persists in terrorizing Ukraine with widespread missile and drone strikes, we need your support to keep reporting.

The Kyiv Independent operates without a wealthy owner or a paywall, relying solely on readers like you to fund our journalism.

If you found this article interesting, please consider joining our community today.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said in a letter that he will raise taxes on many imported goods from Canada to 35%, deepening a rift between two North American countries that have suffered a debilitating blow to their decades-old alliance.

The Thursday letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is an aggressive increase to the top 25% tariff rates that Trump first imposed in March after months of threats. Trump's tariffs were allegedly in an effort to get Canada to crack down on fentanyl smuggling despite the relatively modest trafficking in the drug from that country. Trump has also expressed frustration with a trade deficit with Canada that largely reflects oil purchases by America.

"I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers," Trump wrote in the letter.

The higher rates would go into effect Aug. 1, creating a tense series of weeks ahead for the global economy as recent gains in the S&P 500 stock index suggest many investors think Trump will ultimately back down on the increases. But stock market futures were down early Friday in a sign that Trump's wave of tariff letters may be starting to generate concern among investors.

In a social media post, Carney said Canada would continue to work toward a new trade framework with the U.S. and has made "vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl."

"Through the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and business," Carney said.

While multiple countries have received tariff letters this week, Canada  America's second largest trading partner after Mexico  has become something of a foil to Trump. It has imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods and pushed back on the president's taunts of making Canada the 51st state. Mexico has also faced 25% tariffs because of fentanyl, yet it has not faced the same public pressure from the Republican U.S. president.

___

A look at the countries that received Trump's tariff letters

President Donald Trump has sent letters this week outlining higher tariffs countries will face if they don't make trade deals with the U.S. by Aug. 1.

Here's a look at the countries that have gotten tariff letters so far  and where things stand now:

Brazil

Tariff rate: 50% starting Aug. 1. Brazil wasn't threatened with an elevated "reciprocal" rate in April  but, like other countries, has faced Trump's 10% baseline over the last three months.

Key exports to the U.S.: Petroleum, iron products, coffee and fruit juice.

Response: In a forceful response, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Trump's tariffs would trigger the country's economic reciprocity law  which allows trade, investment and intellectual property agreements to be suspended against countries that harm Brazil's competitiveness. He also noted that the U.S. has had a trade surplus of more than $410 billion with Brazil over the past 15 years.

Myanmar

Tariff rate: 40% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 44% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Clothing, leather goods and seafood.

Response: Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for Myanmar's military government said it will follow up with negotiations.

Laos

Tariff rate: 40% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 48% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Shoes with textile uppers, wood furniture, electronic components and optical fiber.

Cambodia

Tariff rate: 36% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 49% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Textiles, clothing, shoes and bicycles.

Response: Cambodia's chief negotiator, Sun Chanthol, said the country successfully got the tariff dropped from the 49% Trump announced in April to 36% and is ready to hold a new round of negotiations. He appealed to investors, especially factory owners, and the country's nearly 1 million garment workers not to panic about the tariff rate announced Monday.

Thailand

Tariff rate: 36% starting Aug. 1. That's the same rate that was announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Computer parts, rubber products and gemstones

Response: Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said Thailand will continue to push for tariff negotiations with the United States. Thailand on Sunday submitted a new proposal that includes opening the Thai market for more American agricultural and industrial products and increasing imports of energy and aircraft.

Bangladesh

Tariff rate: 35% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 37% announced in April.

Key export to the U.S.: Clothing.

Response: Bangladesh's finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh hopes to negotiate for a better outcome. There are concerns that additional tariffs would make Bangladesh's garment exports less competitive with countries like Vietnam and India.

Canada

Tariff rate: 35% starting Aug. 1. That's up from 25% imposed in March. Some of Canada's top exports to the U.S. are subject to different industry-specific tariffs.

Key exports to the U.S.: Oil and petroleum products, cars and trucks.

Response: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on X early Friday that the government will continue to work toward a trade deal by the new Aug. 1 deadline.

Serbia

Tariff rate: 35% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 37% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Software and IT services; car tires.

Indonesia

Tariff rate: 32% starting Aug. 1. That's the same rate that was announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Palm oil, cocoa butter and semiconductors

Algeria

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. That's the same rate that was announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Petroleum, cement and iron products.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 35% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Weapons and ammunition

Iraq

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 39% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Crude oil and petroleum products.

Libya

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 31% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Petroleum products.

South Africa

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. That's the same rate that was announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Platinum, diamonds, vehicles and auto parts

Response: The office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement that the tariff rates announced by Trump mischaracterized the trade relationship with the U.S., but it would "continue with its diplomatic efforts towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States" after having proposed a trade framework on May 20.

Sri Lanka

Tariff rate: 30% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 44% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Clothing and rubber products.

Brunei

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. That's up from 24% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Mineral fuels and machinery equipment.

Moldova

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 31% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Fruit juice, wine, clothing and plastic products.

Japan

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. That's up from 24% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Autos, auto parts, electronics

Response: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the tariff "extremely regrettable" but said he was determined to continue negotiating.

Kazakhstan

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 27% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Oil, uranium, ferroalloys and silver.

Malaysia

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. That's up from 24% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Electronics and electrical products.

Response: Malaysia's government said it will pursue talks with the U.S. A cabinet meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.

South Korea

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. That's the same rate that was announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Vehicles, machinery and electronics.

Response: South Korea's Trade Ministry said early Tuesday that it will accelerate negotiations with the United States to achieve a deal before the 25% tax goes into effect.

Tunisia

Tariff rate: 25% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 28% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Animal and vegetable fats, clothing, fruit and nuts.

Philippines

Tariff rate: 20% starting Aug. 1. That's down from 17% announced in April.

Key exports to the U.S.: Electronics and machinery, clothing and gold.

___

Carney was elected prime minister in April on the argument that Canadians should keep their "elbows up." He has responded by distancing Canada from its intertwined relationship with the U.S., seeking to strengthen its links with the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Hours before Trump's letter, Carney posted on X a picture of himself with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying, "In the face of global trade challenges, the world is turning to reliable economic partners like Canada." Implied in his statement was that the U.S. has become unreliable because of Trump's haphazard tariff regime, which has gone through aggressive threats and reversals.

When Carney went to the White House in May, the public portion of their meeting was cordial. But Trump said there was nothing the Canadian leader could tell him to remove the tariffs, saying, "Just the way it is."

Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said Trump's latest move will make it more difficult for Canada and the U.S. to reach a trade deal, Beland said.

"It doesn't mean a new trade deal between Canada and the United States is impossible, but it shows how hard it is for the Canadian government to negotiate with a U.S. president who regularly utters threats and doesn't appear to be a reliable and truthful interlocutor," he said.

Trump has sent a series of tariff letters to 23 countries. Those form letters became increasingly personal with Canada as well as a Wednesday note that put a 50% tariff on Brazil for the ongoing trial of its former President Jair Bolsonaro for trying to stay in office after his 2022 election loss. Trump was similarly indicted for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump administration officials have said that Trump was seeking to isolate its geopolitical rival China with the tariffs, but the latest tariffs have undermined that message. Brazil's largest trading partner is China, not the U.S., and Chinese government officials have framed his import taxes as a form of bullying.

"Sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs are important principles of the U.N. Charter and basic norms governing international relations," said Mao Ning, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman. "Tariffs should not be used as a tool for coercion, bullying and interference in the internal affairs of other countries."

The letters reflect the inability of Trump to finalize the dozens of trade frameworks that he claimed would be easy to negotiate. Shortly after unveiling his April 2 "Liberation Day" tariffs, a financial market selloff caused Trump to announce a 90-day negotiating period during which a 10% baseline tariff would be charged on most imported goods.

But Trump has indicated that the 10% tariff rates are largely disappearing as he resets the rates with his letters.

"We're just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether it's 20% or 15%," Trump said in a phone interview with NBC News.

Trump has announced trade frameworks with the U.K. and Vietnam, as well as a separate deal with China to enable continued trade talks. Trump jacked up import taxes on Chinese goods to as much as 145%, but after talks he has said China faces total tariffs of 55%.

In June, Trump said he was suspending trade talks with Canada over its plans to continue its digital services tax, which would hit U.S. technology companies. A few days later, talks resumed when Carney rescinded the tax.

Under the current tariff structure, the 2020 United States Mexico Canada Agreement has protected eligible goods from Trump's tariffs. But a review of the pact is scheduled for 2026.

___
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of using anti-Russian slogans reminiscent of Nazi times to militarize Germany.

He said it was "complete nonsense" to label Russia as a threat, speaking in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. "I hope that every politician with common sense understands this," Lavrov said.

He claimed that Merz had chosen a course of militarizing Germany and criticized the German chancellor for no longer seeing the "means of diplomacy" being open towards Moscow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If Mr Merz believes that peaceful options are exhausted, he must have decided to devote himself entirely to the militarization of Germany at the expense of his people, only to then harp on Nazi slogans  to counter the threats emanating from Russia," Lavrov said.

He made these remarks at a press conference during the meeting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers.

Merz's statements on Russia repeatedly provoke sharp reactions in Moscow, and he often faces comparisons to the Nazis. Moscow accuses the chancellor of increasingly relying on a military solution to the Ukraine conflict and drawing Germany further into the war.

Regarding the Russian war against Ukraine, Merz said in the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, in Berlin on Wednesday: "The means of diplomacy are exhausted when a criminal regime openly questions the right of an entire country to exist with military force and sets out to destroy the political freedom order of the entire European continent."

Russia has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for more than three years. According to its own statements, Moscow wants to prevent Kiev's accession to NATO, as this would be a threat to Russia's security. In addition, Russia also makes large territorial claims against its neighbour.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton came out strong Friday morning, announcing a "historic" $2.9 million fundraising haul over the past three months for his Republican Senate campaign.

Paxton, a MAGA champion and longtime ally of President Donald Trump  who has been battered over the past decade by multiple controversies  is primary challenging longtime GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, in what is shaping up to be an expensive and bitterly brutal battle.

The fundraising announcement by Paxton came hours after a new development rocked the Lone Star State's primary race.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Paxton's wife, Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton, a Republican, announced Thursday that she's filed for divorce from her longtime husband.

Biblical Grounds  Ken Paxton's Wife Files For Divorce

Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton (right), seen at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 with her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, on Thursday announced that she had filed for divorce after 38 years of marriage.

"Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds," the state senator wrote in a social media post.

Read On The Fox News App

"I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation," she added. "But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In his own statement, Ken Paxton said that "after facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives."

The attorney general added that "I could not be any more proud or grateful for the incredible family that God has blessed us with, and I remain committed to supporting our amazing children and grandchildren. I ask for your prayers and privacy at this time."

Trump Ally Paxton Launches Senate Primary Challenge In Texas

Paxton, who first won election as Texas attorney general in 2014 and has been re-elected twice, was impeached a couple of years ago by the Texas House of Representatives on allegations of corruption, which included claims related to an extramarital affair. He was later acquitted by the state Senate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A veteran Texas-based Republican strategist, when asked how the divorce bombshell will impact the Senate primary, said the key is whether there are more damaging revelations to come.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at an event outside the Texas Statehouse, on Feb. 28, 2022 in Austin, Texas.

"Most people I'm talking to are expecting a lot more details in this story that Republican primary voters aren't going to be too happy about," said the strategist, who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely. "I think there is quite more to come and soon."

Paxton, in his fundraising release, highlighted that he was "blown away by the support I've received since launching my campaign. The grassroots movement to fire John Cornyn continues to grow stronger every single day, and this is only just the beginning."

"Our voters have been excited to send John Cornyn packing for years, which is why he's down over 20 points, and his campaign is getting more and more desperate," Paxton said, as he pointed to a number of recent polls indicating his lead over the senator.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanks to his strong support among MAGA world, polling has never been Paxton's' problem in taking on Cornyn.

The more important issue was whether he could compete financially with a senator with a history of strong fundraising.

Cornyn's campaign has yet to announce its second quarter fundraising. But Texans for a Conservative Majority, a Cornyn-aligned super PAC, announced on July 1 that they had raked in $10.9 million over the past three months.

A separate GOP consultant in Texas, who also asked for anonymity, said Paxton needs to quickly answer questions to make sure supporters and donors don't jump ship.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, seen at a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, on March 14, 2025, is running for re-election next year.

"The people that are backing him with their public support, such as elected officials, or people who are backing him financially, are going to want answers very quickly, as in today, about what's the damage. Is this true? Do you deny it? What other issues may come up if your spouse is looking to tell their version of the truth," the consultant said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And the consultant noted that what Paxton's wife says going forward will be crucial.

"State Sen. Angele Paxton had been by Ken's side for the entire saga over the last decade and up close and personal with all the issues he's been accused of. She's been front and center for it all."

While Cornyn's campaign didn't put out any statement regarding the divorce news, it did issue a release titled: "Ken Paxton's TERRIBLE week."

It included a social media post from Matt Schaeffer, a conservative former member of the state legislature who argued that "Paxton is morally unfit to hold office."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Trump has stayed neutral in the primary so far, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) are backing Cornyn.

There's a possibility another Republican could enter the Senate primary.

Three-term Rep. Wesley Hunt, a rising MAGA star who represents a Houston-area district, has been mulling a Senate run. Sources confirmed to Fox News earlier this year that Hunt had made his case to President Donald Trumps political team that he's the only person who can win both a GOP primary and a general election.

And on Friday, a Texas-based conservative strategist who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely, told Fox News he believes "Hunt is still the only candidate in Texas that can win the primary and the general election."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A different consultant noted that "the possibility that Ken will exit the race changes the dynamics dramatically," and that "it absolutely does give Hunt something to think about."

Hunt, along with Cornyn and GOP Sen. Ted Cruz joined the president on Friday on a flight from the nation's capital to Texas on board Air Force One, as Trump traveled to the state to survey damage from horrific flooding that grabbed national headlines this week.





Original article source: 'Sacred Covenant'  How the Paxton divorce rocks the bruising Republican Senate primary in Texas
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  SafeNest is working with city leaders and law enforcement to prevent domestic violence in the Las Vegas valley.

We know that domestic violence impacts every socioeconomic status, every race, every person in some type of way, Andrea Furtos, Clinical Director of SafeNest, said.

Furtos is a passionate advocate for victims and survivors at SafeNest, a confidential domestic violence shelter. Her journey into this work began after witnessing a close friend endure the painful reality of abusean experience that forever changed her path and purpose.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Through that experience of seeing her go through that, I knew that being with her, supporting her, letting her know I was there for her was key, Furtos said. Through many attempts of attempting to leave her abuser, she finally did.

But here in the valley, far too many are still trapped in the cycle of abuse.

(Las Vegas) is the most dangerous city for domestic violence homicides in the country, Liz Ortenburger, CEO of SafeNest, said. Clark County is the most dangerous county in the country for domestic violence homicides. And Nevada is the second most dangerous state.

To change that, Safe Nest is teaming up with city leaders and law enforcement to prevent violence before it escalates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Domestic violence is probably the leading call from service that officers respond to on a daily basis, Robert Wicks said. We need to see whats going on, we need to look down beneath the surface and see what the issues are.

Stopping domestic violence takes more than arrests  it requires early intervention, treatment for abusers, and real support for survivors here in the valley.

If we dont start doing more collaborative work, were going to continue to see that number increase, Ortenburger said. If you think something is happening, heres what you do: you say, I love you and I care about you and if somethings going on, Im here for you when youre ready to talk to me.

Safe Nests newest campus at the intersection of Valley View and Meadows Lane is expected to open in Spring 2026, bringing even more shelter and hope to victims and survivors across Southern Nevada.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DJANET, Algeria (AP)  In one hand, the dancers hold swords symbolizing battle. In the other, a piece of cloth symbolizing peace. They dance a shuffling step-step to the beat of drums and chanting from the women encircling them, all adorned in their finest traditional garments and jewelry.

Theyre performing the rituals of the 3,000-year-old annual Sebeiba festival of Djanet, a southeastern Algerian oasis town deep in the Sahara, just over 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) from the Libyan border.

Sebeiba is a core tradition of the Tuareg people, native to the Sahara and parts of West Africa. The Tuareg are Muslim, and their native language is Tamasheq, though many speak some combination of French, Modern Standard Arabic, Algerian Arabic (Darija) and English.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The festival lasts 10 days, and ends with a daylong dance competition between two neighborhoods in Djanet  Zelouaz, or Tsagit, and El Mihan, or Taghorfit. The winner is decided by judges from a third neighborhood, Adjahil, by selecting the group with the most beautiful costumes, dances, jewelry, poetry and songs.

Significance of the festival

The Tuaregs in Djanet say there are two legends explaining the significance of Sebeiba, though oral traditions vary. The first says the festival was put on to celebrate peace and joy after Moses defeated the Pharaoh in the Exodus story.

In commemoration of this great historical event, when God saved Moses and his people from the tyranny of the oppressive Pharaoh, the people of Djanet came out and celebrated through dance, said Ahmed Benhaoued, a Tuareg guide at his familys tourism agency, Admer Voyages. He has lived in Djanet all his life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The second legend says the festival commemorates the resolution of a historic rivalry between Zelouaz and El Mihan.

The festival is a proud tradition of the Tuareg in Djanet, Benhaoued said. Some call it the Sebeiba celebration,' or the war dance without bloodshed or the dance of peace.

Today, Sebeiba is also a point of cultural pride. Recognized by UNESCO since 2014 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Sebeiba coincides with Ashoura, a day marking the 10th day of Muharram, or the first month of the Islamic year. Some in Djanet fast for up to three days before Sebeiba.

This year, Ashoura and Sebeiba fell on July 6, when temperatures in Djanet reached about 38 C (100 F). Still, more than 1,000 people gathered to watch Sebeiba at a sandy square marking the center point between the two neighborhoods, where the festival is held each year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Each group starts at one end of the square  Zelouaz to the north and El Mihan to the south.

The dancers are young men from the neighborhoods dressed in dark robes accented by bright yellow, red and blue accessories and tall, maroon hats called Tkoumbout adorned with silver jewelry.

The mens dances and womens chants have been passed down through generations. Children participate in the festivities by mimicking the older performers. Boys brandish miniature swords and scarves in their small hands and girls stand with the female drummers.

A friendly dance competition

This year, El Mihan won the dance competition. But Cheikh Hassani, director of Indigenous Institutional Dance of Sebeiba, emphasized that despite the naming of a winner, the festival remains a friendly celebration  meant above all to honor their ancestors in a spirit of unity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sebeiba is not just a dance, Hassani said. People used to think you just come, you dance  no, it represents so much more. For the people of Djanet, its a sort of sacred day.

While the most widely known part of Sebeiba is the dance competition on the last day, the nine days leading up to it are also full of celebration. Tuareg from Libya and from other cities in the Algerian Sahara come to gatherings each night, when the temperature has cooled, to watch the performers rehearse.

Hassani said the generational inheritance of the festivals customs helps them keep the spirits of their ancestors alive.

We cant let it go, he said. This is our heritage, and today its become a heritage of all humanity, an international heritage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to legend, Benhaoued said, there will be winds and storms if Sebeiba is not held.

It is said that this actually happened once when the festival was not held, so a woman went out into the streets with her drum, beating it until the storm calmed down, the Tuareg guide added.

About 50 foreign tourists joined the people of Djanet for the final dance competition, hailing mostly from European countries such as France, Poland and Germany. Several also came from the neighboring countries of Libya and Niger.

Djanet is one of many Algerian cities experiencing an increase in tourism over the past two years thanks to government efforts to boost the number of foreign visitors, especially to scenic sites like the Sahara which makes up 83% of the North African countrys surface area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The government introduced a new visa-on-arrival program in January 2023 for all nonexempt foreign tourists traveling to the Sahara. Additionally, the national airline, Air Algerie, launched a flight between Paris and Djanet in December 2024 during the winter season, when tourists from across the world travel to Djanet for camping excursions deep into the Sahara.

The Sebeiba isnt just something for the people of Djanet, Hassani said. We have the honor of preserving this heritage of humanity. Thats an honor for us.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Saint Johns River Water Management District working to reduce flood risk

As Florida moves into the peak of hurricane season, the St. Johns River Water Management District is sharing what its doing to manage water levels and reduce flooding in the Upper St. Johns River Basin.

The rivers headwaters begins in Indian River County and wind north to the Atlantic Ocean, north of Jacksonville.

The district manages 76 minor and 12 major water control structures to help regulate water flow and protect communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the winter or the nonhurricane season, these water bodies would be about two feet higher on average than they are right now, said Woody Boynton, bureau chief for operations and maintenance. So come April, May timeframe, well start to bring these water bodies down slowly to about the water elevations you see now.

The district oversees dozens of structures, three navigational locks, a pump station and 115 miles of levees throughout the Upper St. Johns and Ocklawaha River basins.

These levees and water control structures were designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to accommodate a standard project flood, which to my best recollection is 26 inches of rain over a 30-day period, but with the bulk of the rain occurring on one day, said Amy Wright, supervising professional engineer.

While the district does not manage water levels in the middle or lower St. Johns, officials remain confident in their preparedness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have the utmost confidence that we can handle what Mother Nature will throw at us on the levee side of our property. Outside of that, take heed, if anything, take heed from what the forecasters are telling you, Boyton said.

The water management district also owns more than 700,000 acres of public land, including vital wetlands that play a key role in mitigating flood risk.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney building in Salt Lake City is pictured on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

The Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office charged two people this week in the first child torture case since lawmakers passed a bill inspired in part by social media influencer and convicted child abuser Ruby Franke.

Tyrel Scott Belone and Amber Lee Leary were both charged on Tuesday with attempted aggravated murder, aggravated child abuse and child torture, all first-degree felonies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its the second time child torture charges have been filed in Utah, the state judiciary confirmed on Thursday, and the first case since the new law took effect on May 7. In late May, prosecutors in 7th District Court in Castle Dale filed an amended complaint charging Timothy James Soots and Jesica Lynn Stoops with the new crime. However, the initial charges were filed in December 2024, in a crime that allegedly occurred in May 2023.

This weeks charges stem from SB24, a bill sponsored by Sen. Don Ipson, R-St. George, that passed with broad support earlier this year, receiving one no vote in the Senate and two in the House. The bill was partly inspired by a notorious case of child abuse in Ipsons district involving Franke and her associate, Jodi Hildebrandt.

Franke was a popular family vlogger whose YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, had nearly 2.5 million followers. Allegations of child abuse dogged Franke and in September 2023, she was arrested after her 12-year-old malnourished child ran to a neighbors door asking for help.

The child, who escaped from Hildebrandts home, had open wounds and duct tape around their extremities, according to a police report. Police then found Frankes 10-year-old child in Hildebrandts home, also malnourished.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both Franke and Hildebrandt were sentenced to four one-to-15 year prison terms for child abuse.

Previously, if a child died from abuse in Utah, prosecutors could pursue stiff charges, including homicide. When they survive, there is nothing that adequately addresses what happens to these children, said Eric Clarke, the Washington County attorney whose office prosecuted Franke and Hildebrandt, speaking to lawmakers last year.

SB24 created a new criminal penalty called child torture, defined as a serious injury that is inflicted in an exceptionally cruel or exceptionally depraved manner that causes the child to experience extreme physical or psychological pain or anguish. It can also include conduct that takes place over a prolonged period of time. The law requires a 10-year minimum prison sentence, in most cases.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The law is aimed at the worst cases of child abuse  during the legislative session, one advocate described it as being a POW in your own home.

And according to Salt Lake District Attorney Sim Gill, the alleged abuse from Belone and Leary meets the high bar now outlined in state code.

According to court documents, Sandy police responded to a reported assault on June 28 involving a 3-year-old child. When officers found the child, she was unconscious and was covered in bruises.

After speaking with both Leary and Belone, detectives confirmed multiple instances of child abuse, according to the charges. Belone told officers he threw the child on the bed, where she hit the wall with her face; he admitted to spanking and using an open hand to strike her face; he said he hit her with a closed fist and slapped her in the bathroom, causing her to fall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

I have knocked her a couple times, Belone told officers, according to court documents.

Prosecutors described the girl being so bruised after being alone with Belone that her eyes were swollen shut, leading Leary to keep her in the house where she wouldnt be seen for several days.

Leary was in the bedroom during at least one of Belones alleged attacks, and charges state that she has never physically gotten between him and the child.

Prosecutors say that as the child was injured and unresponsive, Belone wouldnt let Leary call police, telling her, If you call, Ill go to jail, you dont have any money, you dont have any friends. Leary then told Belone she needed to have a smoke, and stepped outside and called 911.

If you are a parent who is struggling with your children, please ask for help from friends or family or outside organizations that can help you. As parents, we are meant to protect and raise our children in a healthy environment where they can flourish, said Gill in a statement. We appreciate the thorough investigation done by Sandy Police Department that helped lead to these charges being filed. All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
SALTILLO  In late May, the city of Saltillo decided to not renew its contract with a now lawsuit-plagued program that used artificial intelligence to target uninsured motorists.

When city officials first learned of Securix Systems, it seemed too good to be true. The company claimed about one-third of motorists driving through the town lacked the legally required liability insurance, and their system would identify these motorists and ticket them. All the city had to do was sit back and collect the fine money.

The estimates were that the north Lee County city would pull in $65,000 a year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, the system was only up and running for about two months and only brought in about $3,500.

Now the Georgia-based company, and several Mississippi cities who used the service, are caught up in lawsuits in both state court and federal court.

Saying they had not used the cameras in several months, the Saltillo Board of Aldermen voted May 20 to terminate the contract with Securix.

Saltillo officials say they are glad they never got too involved with Securix.

When we first talked with them, everything seemed great, said Saltillo Mayor Copey Grantham. But it stopped and started. As it kept going, it started to be more of a hassle than it was worth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The system uses license plate readers to identify cars traveling down the road, Highway 45 in Saltillos case. A computer would take the tag number and compare it against the state liability car insurance database.

Saltillo joined the program in September 2023. But there were delays in getting the hardware to the city and then installed. Then there were issues accessing the database, and when the state later refused to let Securix use the data, it effectively killed the program.

Instead of being a source of revenue, the system created a lot of work for the Saltillo Police Department. A certified officer had to review each case before it could be turned over to Securix to mail a citation to the owner of the uninsured car.

We would pull the picture and run (the tag) through NCIC to make sure the vehicle matched the tag. We would then check to see if they had insurance, said Saltillo Police Chief Rusty Haynes. When all the parameters matched up and said the person did not have insurance, only then would we get the company to send the letter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When the program was pitched to Saltillo almost two years ago, it had the blessing of the state. And officials in Senatobia and Ocean Springs sang its praises to Grantham and Haynes.

It seemed so simple. Folks flagged without insurance would be sent a letter by Securix, saying they could come to Saltillo City Court, or pay the fine through a diversion, a civil action that would not go on the drivers record. The $315 fine would be split between Saltillo ($100), the Mississippi Department of Public Safety ($75) and Securix ($140).

There were virtually no costs for the city. The company paid for the cameras, hardware, installation and upkeep of the equipment. Securix also covered the initial review of images.

DPS Commissioner Sean Tindell initially did not object to the program and allowed Securix access to the Mississippi Vehicle Insurance Verification System. According to one lawsuit, 6,000 people were ticketed in Ocean Springs in the first few months of the program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even though the letters to car owners were from Securix, they gave the appearance of being a legitimate uniform traffic ticket from a police department. There was also an allegation that the company sent out citations in Ocean Springs without the information being confirmed by a police officer.

Complaints about how the private company was operating the program prompted Tindell to deny Securix access to the state insurance database in August 2024.
TUPELO  The start of this month brought new leadership to the Tupelo branch of the national nonprofit organization the Salvation Army, and the new captains hit the ground running hoping to build a strong connection with their newfound community.

Captains Michael and Schelika Chisolm moved to Tupelo at the beginning of this month, officially taking over the Salvation Army campus after Captains LeAnna and Thomas Marion got reassigned to Shawnee, Oklahoma. Since landing in Tupelo from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the couple has been working to get their bearings. Schelika said she understood why they were

We are trying to find our way around right now, she said. I hope our time here will be helpful and useful to the community  It isnt just about homelessness. There are things people need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The two, who married in 2017, have been stationed together in multiple areas, including Baltimore, Maryland, Houston, Texas, and most recently, Tuscaloosa. While in Baltimore, the couple focused heavily on after-school activities and child ministry. In Tuscaloosa, the focus was squarely on homelessness.

Schelika said their previous work dovetails nicely with the needs of the All-America City. Michael said the couple's work in Tuscaloosa gave them a true viewpoint in homeless ministry.

Michaels experience before becoming a captain was in adult rehabilitation centers with the Salvation Army, while Schelikas first assignment was in the division headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi. While Michael has been a captain for years, Schelika was promoted to the rank last month.

Michael was born in Rocky Mountain, North Carolina, and Schelika is originally from Chicago. He said his hometown is very similar in size and feel to Tupelo, noting he loved being back in a smaller city. He added another similarity to Tupelo and Rocky Mountain is that they were both previously designated All-America cities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I love the small town atmosphere, he said. It feels good coming here, and I cant wait to meet more people.

During their time in Tupelo, the Chisolms predecessors enacted multiple changes to the organizations practices in the city, including establishing a fee structure for staying in the shelter, performing background and bag checks for individuals entering the shelter, locking gym doors during the day for multiple programs and increased security through camera installations.

On the topic of those updates, Schelika said those changes brought the local campus up to modern standards, and she expects more modernizations in the coming years, including additional security cameras.

You need to be able to see, and you cant trust single moms and kids to fend for themselves, she said. The homeless population is very vulnerable.

Schelika said the Salvation Army will have an open house on Aug. 27 to give the community a chance to meet its new leaders in a group setting and get acquainted. More information on the event will be provided as details are fleshed out.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The Salvation Army is hosting its annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive.

Drop off locations Friday and Saturday include Walmart stores on Redbank and Burkhardt roads in Evansville and the High Pointe Drive Walmart in Newburgh. Each store will have a list of requested shopping items.

Families living in Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties needing assistance with school supplies can stop by the Salvation Army facility on Fulton Avenue Saturday July 19 between 10 a.m and 2 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Supplies will be handed out on a first come first serve basis. Proof of county residency will be required to receive supplies as well as children and their school supply list.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  On July 11, San Angelos community leaders came together to give more information on the July 4 flood relief.

Judge Lane Carter opened up the meeting by saying San Angelo now has the IA designation under President Trumps order for major disaster declaration.

This is huge, said Carter. This is everything that weve been working towards with our volunteer efforts, going around all the individuals filling out the appropriate paperwork on the iSTAT forms. This is what weve been pushing for.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Carter said that before the volunteers they had around 80 entrees and after volunteers were trained and put out into the communities, those numbers grew to 1500 entries.

President Trump, thank you for adding us to the IA designation, Said Carter. Were now working for the PA designation, and what that means is individual and public assistance.

The area has been declared a FEMA county and FEMA assistance is now open to all residents in the city of San Angelo and Tamarind County according to San Angelo Emergency Management Coordinator Jose Rivera.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  A San Angelo man was indicted for multiple charges, including capital murder, at the beginning of July following a fatal shooting that took place on David Street in October 2024.

According to records filed in Tom Green County, an indictment was filed on July 1 regarding charges of capital murder by terroristic threat or other felony, murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair levied against 28-year-old Mason Taylor.

Taylor was booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center on July 7 in relation to the indictment. He was released the same day after making bond, with each charge having a set bond of $125,000 for a combined total of $375,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

RELATED: San Angelo man allegedly shoots, kills sisters boyfriend after domestic incident

The indictment record states that a Tom Green County grand jury indicted Taylor for capital murder for allegedly causing the intentional death of Hunter Joyner, 23, by shooting him with a firearm while in the course of committing or attempting to commit the offense of burglary of a habitation on Oct. 1, 2024. Taylor was indicted for murder as well for allegedly committing the fatal shooting of Joyner.

In addition to the capital murder and murder indictments, Taylor was also indicted for tampering with evidence. The indictment record alleges that Taylor attempted to alter or conceal a deadly weapon, namely a firearm, with intent to impair its availability as evidence in a homicide investigation that he knew was occurring.

Taylor was initially arrested during the nighttime hours of Oct. 1, 2024, following a fatal shooting that occurred in the 1500 block of South David Street during the morning of the day of the incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SAPD chief sheds light on looting following historic floods

Law enforcement members who arrived at the scene discovered Joyner, who appeared to have been shot multiple times. He was transported to Shannon Medical Center for emergency treatment, but San Angelo Police Department Assistant Chief Craig Thomason confirmed that he had succumbed to his injuries while there.

Mollie Whitfield and Dana Stewart were also arrested in relation to the shooting, with the former being booked into jail the day of the incident for burglary of a habitation to commit a felony and the latter being booked on Oct. 15, 2024, for tampering with a witness. Both are listed in Taylors indictment record as codefendants.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY)  A Palmetto man was sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars for killing two people in 2020, according to St. Landry Parish District Attorney Chad Pitre.

Sanplice Christopher Simien, 48, of Palmetto, was sentenced to life imprisonment at hard labor without probation, parole or suspension of sentence for killing Michael Thomas and Ladarious Keller in St. Landry Parish on Oct. 5, 2020.

Simien was convicted in the 27th Judicial District Court in March of two counts of first degree murder, and previously found guilty of three counts of attempted first degree murder in connection with the same incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Along with Thomas and Keller, three other young men were in a parked truck on Cook Street in Morrow, Louisiana, back in October of 2020, when Simien approached the truck from the drivers side and opened fire with a handgun in each hand, prosecutors said.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

In addition to the sentnces for the two murders, Simien was sentenced to 30 years in prison for each count of attempted murder, with all sentences to be served concurrently.

Latest news

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Sarcoma, one of the rarest cancers in the world, makes up just 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses, but it is widely recognized as the forgotten cancer, putting emphasis on just how uncommon it is.

For those diagnosed with the aggressive disease, its a life journey, as it may never entirely go away.

More than 70 different subtypes stem from sarcoma, but in brief, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Luke Balsamo of Atlantic Orthopedic said its a cancer of the bone or soft tissues of the body. Concerning his patient, Guia Engle, she learned her diagnosis at age 49.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She has synovial cell sarcoma, and snowballs sarcoma is a malignant lesion in her case right around the knee. We usually treat these with radiation and surgery, Balsamo said.

At first, I didnt feel the pain, she said. It was kind of like a bump, a bump only in my leg.

What Engle saw is often a first sign of the disease. Like many patients, being at risk wasnt on her radar, but sarcoma can affect all different ages.

Kill Devil Hills firefighters son battles rare and aggressive cancer

Most people notice swelling or a mass that would bring them in for an evaluation, Balsamo said. And sometimes these things are picked up. Incidentally, they are being worked up for some other lesion or for some other condition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While shes already undergone surgery and radiation, the lump on her leg doesnt simply disappear, as the possibility of it returning is always there.

So a teenager would have a higher risk for an osteosarcoma, he said. An adult would have more risk for a chondrosarcoma. And the soft tissue sarcomas are usually seen in people 40 and older.

The disease remains difficult to detect. According to the American Cancer Society, nationwide, only about 13,000 patients are diagnosed with sarcoma each year.

The eye does not see what the mind does not know, he said. And so, because these things are so rare, they can go unnoticed, because we are looking for the more common diagnosis and sometimes miss the uncommon one.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For more information on sarcoma, visit the Virginia Department of Health here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Iran fired a volley of missiles at a major US military base in Qatar last month.

The Pentagon confirmed on Friday that one missile struck Al Udeid Air Base.

Satellite imagery reveals some damage to the facilities after the attack.

The Pentagon said on Friday that an Iranian ballistic missile struck a major US military base in Qatar last month, with satellite imagery revealing some damage to equipment at the facility.

A June 25 image of Al Udeid Air Base, captured by the US commercial satellite imaging company Planet Labs PBC and reviewed by Business Insider, shows a small circle of scorched earth and damage to an adjacent building.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The scorch mark had been the site of a geodesic dome, which can be seen clearly in an image captured just two days earlier. The adjacent building also had no visible damage in the June 23 photo, taken just hours before Iran launched a barrage of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at Al Udeid in retaliation after the US bombed three of Tehran's nuclear facilities.

Al Udeid on June 23, hours before the Iranian attack. Planet Labs

Apparent damage at the base as seen on June 25. Planet Labs

Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson, told BI in a statement that an Iranian ballistic missile impacted Al Udeid during the June 23 attack, causing "minimal damage to equipment and structures on the base." It's the first time a US official has acknowledged that Tehran scored a direct hit on the base.

However, it's not entirely clear whether the missile damaged the dome and the building or if debris from an interception caused it.

The $15 million structure, which encloses secure communications equipment, was installed at Al Udeid in 2016. The modernization enterprise terminal, as the Air Force calls it, provides voice, video, and data services to link troops in the Middle East with military leaders in other regions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The US military said shortly after the attack that the US and Qatari forces "defeated" it using Patriot air defense systems. President Donald Trump said Iran gave him a heads-up about the strike and that 13 of the 14 missiles were shot down  the other one was said to be heading in a "nonthreatening direction."

US officials had previously acknowledged the possibility that there may have been damage at Al Udeid.

"We're aware that something  there are reports of something getting through," Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters a few days after the attack.

A geodesic dome appears to have been destroyed after the Iranian attack on Al Udeid. US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joshua Strang

"What we do know is there was a lot of metal flying around," Caine said. "Between attacking missiles being hit by Patriots, boosters from attacking missiles being hit by Patriots, the Patriots themselves flying around, and the debris from those Patriots hitting the ground, there was a lot of metal flying around, and yet our US air defenders had only seconds to make complex decisions with strategic impact."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Iran International, a Persian-language TV channel based in the UK, first reported on the satellite imagery of the damage at Al Udeid.

Overall, the attack on Al Udeid did not cause significant damage and was relatively limited in nature, suggesting that Iran may have been aiming to avoid further escalation with the US.

"There were no injuries," said Parnell, whose remarks were first reported by Air & Space Forces Magazine. "Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region."

Last month's strikes against Al Udeid came shortly before Israel and Iran reached a ceasefire to end 12 days of trading attacks against each other.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israeli forces carried out sweeping airstrikes against Iran's nuclear and military sites and targeted a number of senior commanders. Tehran retaliated by launching hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel.

The status of Iran's nuclear program remains in question, with varying assessments of how far it has been set back by American and Israeli strikes.

Read the original article on Business Insider
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  An Iranian attack on an air base in Qatar that's key to the U.S. military hit a geodesic dome housing equipment used by the Americans for secure communications, satellite images analyzed Friday by The Associated Press show.

Hours after the publication of this AP report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell acknowledged that an Iranian ballistic missile had hit the dome. Qatar did not respond to requests for comment about the damage.

The Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar's capital, on June 23 came as a response to the American bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran  and provided the Islamic Republic a way to retaliate that quickly led to a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump ending the 12-day Iran-Israel war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Iranian attack otherwise did little damage  likely because of the fact that the U.S. evacuated its aircraft from the base, which is home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. military's Central Command, before the attack.

Trump also has said that Iran signaled when and how it would retaliate, allowing American and Qatari air defense to be ready for the attack, which briefly disrupted air travel in the Middle East, but otherwise didn't tip over into the regional war long feared by analysts.

Images show burn marks, dome gone after attack

Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show the geodesic dome visible at the Al Udeid Air Base on the morning of June 23, just hours before the attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.S. Air Force's 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which operates out of the base, announced in 2016 the installation of the $15 million piece of equipment, known as a modernized enterprise terminal. Photos show a satellite dish inside of the dome, known as a radome.

Images taken June 25 and every day subsequently show the dome is gone, with some damage visible on a nearby building. The rest of the base appears largely untouched in the images.

In a statement, Parnell said the missile strike did minimal damage to equipment and structures on the base.

Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region, he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The London-based satellite news channel Iran International first reported on the damage, citing satellite photos taken by a different provider.

Trump downplayed attack while Iran boasted about it

In the U.S., Trump described the Iranian attack as a very weak response. He had said that Tehran fired 14 missiles, with 13 intercepted and one being set free as it was going in a nonthreatening direction.

I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured," he wrote on his website Truth Social.

The White House had no immediate comment after Parnell's acknowledgment Friday. Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base on May 15 as part of his Mideast tour.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the attack, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard insisted that the air base had been the target of a destructive and powerful missile attack. Iran's Supreme National Security Council also said that the base had been smashed, without offering any specific damage assessments.

Potentially signaling that he knew the dome had been hit, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei separately said that the base's communications had been disconnected by the attack.

All equipment of the base was completely destroyed and now the U.S. command stream and connection from Al Udeid base to its other military bases have been completely cut, said Ahmad Alamolhoda, a hard-line cleric.

___

Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.
Since launching the Save Glenn Medical Center campaign a month ago, the campaigns organizers have gathered more than 1,200 letters of support from concerned community members urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reverse its decision to revoke Glenn Medical Centers Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation, said Brian Ross Adams, campaign member.

These voices - from parents and small business owners to seniors, veterans and healthcare workers - reflect the urgent need to preserve the only hospital and emergency room in Glenn County, he added.

Later this month, representatives of Save Glenn Medical Center will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet directly with members of U.S. Congress and CMS officials with the intent to advocate for the reinstatement of Glenn Medical Centers CAH status, and to ensure rural communities like Willows are not left behind, ignored or harmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are fully committed to pursuing every available option to keep Glenn Medical Center open, said Glenn Medical Center Administrator Lauren Still. This hospital is a lifeline for our county, and the loss of CAH status threatens to dismantle emergency care access for thousands of Californians.

Glenn Medical Center serves over 600 emergency patients per month and is the only provider of hospital care in a 1,300-square-mile region.

Without CAH support, its financial viability is at risk, along with the health and safety of the community it serves, Still added.

The campaign comes in response to a federal ruling that threatens the future of emergency care at the Glenn Medical Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The grassroots advocacy campaign, now live at SaveGlennMedical.com, was created following notification from CMS that Glenn Medical Center no longer qualifies for its Critical Access Hospital status based on it being within 35-mile proximity calculation to Colusa Medical Center. The CMS decision was issued despite repeated appeals challenging the accuracy and fairness of that determination.

Without CAH status and the accompanying federal cost-based reimbursement, Glenn Medical Centers emergency department and inpatient services face imminent closurepotentially as early as next year.

This is more than a budget issueits a public health emergency. If this decision isnt reversed, rural residents will lose timely access to life-saving care in the moments they need it most, said Still.

While outpatient clinics will remain open, hospital leaders are preparing for a challenging transition, with a commitment to retain as many jobs and services as possible. Many staff members will be reassigned to outpatient roles in areas like lab, radiology, and physical therapy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Glenn Medical Center has served the Glenn County region for decades and remains a cornerstone of care in the agricultural community, according to campaign organizers.

For more information or to submit your own letter of support, visit www.saveglennmedical.com.
Palm Beach County public school officials and local lawmakers are sounding alarms after the federal government froze nearly $31.5 million that was due to be deposited into district accounts on July 1. The money, in the form of federal grants through six national programs, pays for teacher training, after-school care and various academic services.

Their concerns are being echoed by school districts across the country as the Trump administration withholds nearly $7 billion in education grants that had already earned congressional approval in the budget process.

The U.S. Department of Education has said the money is on hold pending a programmatic review of the six grant programs and has not given districts a timeline for when that review will conclude. But the 200 full-time teachers and staff whose jobs are paid for with that money are already on the books, as are hundreds of part-timers. And school in Palm Beach County is due to resume in a month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Grades are released: More than 90 Palm Beach County schools got As from state in 2025. How'd your school do?

More: When, again, is the first day of school for Palm Beach County students?

More: Trump's DEI threat tied to school money is in limbo. What's next?

In a statement issued by the district July 10, officials said they are "very concerned," and a continued hold on the money "would create significant challenges, requiring the School District to eliminate services that support our students and educators. This would jeopardize reading and academic support for students, pause essential training for teachers and principals, and reduce after-school programs for families."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel amplified those concerns at a news conference the same morning, noting the funds were due the district by law on July 1.

"As the beginning of the school year approaches, this illegal freeze is hindering school districts ability to plan and implement their programs, leaving vulnerable students at risk for academic challenges and no safe, constructive environments to turn to after school," Frankel, D-West Palm Beach, said in a prepared statement.

At her conference, she was joined by officials from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, which also await $9 million from the impacted grants.

The programs in question include those for adult education and literacy, services to students who aren't native English speakers and migrant education programs, as well as teacher training, academic enrichment and teacher training. The district breakdown looks like this:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Title I-C: Migrant Education: $1.9 million

Title II-A: Professional Development: $6.9 million

Title III-A: English-Learner Services: $4.6 million

Title IV-A: Academic Enrichment: $4.5 million

Title IV-B: 21st Century (After-School): $9.8 million

"This has a very large impact on low-income students across the board," said Sean Cooley, the district's chief of communications, but he pointed out that all students would feel the effects. "Professional development  we use that money to help our teachers be better math teachers and reading teachers."

The district, which enrolls more than 170,000 students, is still analyzing how many of its students are directly touched by the grants in question, Cooley said.

School grades: This chart analyzes individual school and district grades through the years

Palm Beach County schools Superintendent Mike Burke talks to Josue Velasquez, 8, left, during breakfast on the first day of school at Grove Park Elementary School on August 12, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The district's budget tops $5.5 billion annually, much of it committed to salary, and a considerable portion of the remainder is inflexible, directed by law to specific uses. As school board member Erica Whitfield said, "It's not like there's a lot of flexible dollars there."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

District officials report they've not been told what in the targeted programs prompted the review, and most districts rely to some extent on these federal programs. As a result, the delay is creating mountains of uncertainty across the country as the beginning of a new school year approaches.

Some districts have moved to shut down programs and rejigger budgets, while others are turning to state leaders to help navigate the situation, Education Week reported on July 1

Because this is a nationwide freeze, it is at least not directly related to the diversity, equity and inclusion policies that the district recently suspended under threat from the Trump administration. Those policies were suspended in April on an emergency basis for 90 days and will be reviewed at an upcoming meeting in July.

Congrats Class of 2025! See photos from high school graduations across Palm Beach County

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County schools alarmed as Trump, feds withhold $31.5M
The number of states banning smartphones in schools is growing.

New York is now the largest state in the U.S. to ban smartphones in public schools. Starting in fall 2025, students will not be allowed to use their phones during the school day, including during lunch, recess or in between classes. This bell-to-bell policy will impact almost 2.5 million students in grades K-12.

By banning smartphones in schools, New York is joining states across the country. The bans are happening in both traditionally liberal and conservative states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alabama, Arkansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and West Virginia all passed legislation in 2025 that requires schools to have policies that limit access to smartphones. The policies will go into effect in the 2025-2026 school year. This brings the total to 17 states, plus Washington, D.C., that have phone-free school legislation or executive orders.

Im a professor who studies communication and culture, and while writing a book about parenting culture, Ive noticed the narrative around smartphones and social media shifting over the past decade.

A turning tide

Statewide cellphone policies are gaining momentum, with many states aiming to restrict use of the devices in classrooms. Thomas Barwick/Digital Vision via Getty Images

According to the Pew Research Center, 67% of American adults support banning smartphones during class time, although only 36% support banning them for the entire school day. Notably, a majority of Republican, Democratic and independent voters all support bans during class time.

More broadly, parent-led movements to limit childrens use of smartphones, social media and the internet have sprung up around the country. For example, the Phone-Free Schools Movement in Pennsylvania was launched in 2023, and Mothers Against Media Addiction started in New York in March 2024. These organizations, which empower parents to advocate in their local communities, follow in the footsteps of organizations such as Wait Until 8th in Texas and Screen Time Action Network at Fairplay in Massachusetts, which were formed in 2017.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The concerns of these parent-led organizations were reflected in the best-selling book The Anxious Generation, which paints a bleak picture of modern childhood as dominated by depression and anxiety brought on by smartphone addiction.

Phone-free schools are one of the four actions the books author, Jonathan Haidt, recommended to change course. The other three are no smartphones for children before high school, waiting until 16 for social media access, and allowing more childhood independence in the real world.

Haidts research team collaborated with The Harris Poll to survey Gen Z. They found that almost half of those age 18-27 wish social media had never been invented, and 21% wish smartphones had never been invented. About 40% of Gen Z respondents supported phone-free schools.

The Pew Research Center found that almost 40% of kids age 8-12 use social media, and almost 95% of kids age 13-17 use it, with nearly half of teens reporting that they use social media almost constantly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Phone-free schools are also part of the larger trend of states and nations resisting Big Tech, the large technology companies that play a significant role in global commerce.

In May 2025, two U.S. senators introduced the Stop the Scroll Act, which would require mental health warnings on social media.

New laws that ban smartphones or social media for youth are being introduced across several Western nations. Australia has banned all social media for those under 16.

After a fatal stabbing at a middle school in eastern France on June 10, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the same day that he wants the European Union to set the minimum age for social media at 15. He argued that social media is a factor in teen violence. If the EU doesnt act within a few months, Macron has pledged to enact a ban in France as soon as possible.

The impact on learning

Research suggests that students are less focused in class when they have access to cellphones. isuzek/E+ via Getty Images

Although this trend of restricting use of phones in school is new, more states may adopt smartphone bans in the future. Bell-to-bell bans are viewed as especially powerful in improving academic performance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some research has suggested that when children have access to a smartphone, even if they do not use it, they find it harder to focus in class. Initial research has found that academic performance improves after the bans go into effect.

Test scores fell across the U.S. during the pandemic lockdown and have not returned to prepandemic levels. Some states, such as Maine and Oregon, are almost a full year behind grade level in reading. Not a single state has recovered in both math and reading.

Statewide bans free local school districts from having to create their own technology bans, which can lead to heated debates. Although a majority of adults approve of banning smartphones in class, 24% oppose it for reasons such as wanting to be able to contact their kids throughout the day and wanting parents to set the boundaries.

However, 72% of high school teachers say that phones are a major distraction. Anecdotally, schools report that students like the bans after getting used to the change.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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: Margaret Murray, University of Michigan

Read more:



I signed the Wait Until 8th pledge mentioned in the article, promising not to give my kids a smartphone or social media until at least the end of 8th grade.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) called on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately declare a public health emergency for measles, blaming the senior Trump administration official for failing to respond to the rapid resurgence of the disease.

Schumer accused Kennedy in a bluntly worded letter Friday of walking our country into the nations largest measles outbreak in 33 years, leading cases to hit a record high a full 25 years after this country eliminated the disease.

Schumer said what began as a localized outbreak in Texas has now exploded into a nationwide health crisis with nearly 1,300 Americans across 38 states reported to have become infected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To prevent this historic record high spread from reaching further and to save lives, you should immediately declare a Public Health Emergency for measles, Schumer wrote.

The Democratic leader expressed his deep concern about Kennedys response  or lack thereof  to the rapid resurgence of measles across the United States.

Under your tutelage as secretary, you have undermined vaccines, gutted public health funding, and dismantled core federal protections meant to keep Americans safe, he wrote.

Schumer cited the mass layoffs of federal health care employees, including infectious disease scientists, the careless and devastating freezing of grants and Kennedys overhaul of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kennedy last month removed all 17 members from the advisory committee that guides vaccine policy and recommendations for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As a painful but pertinent reminder, youve laid off disease experts, canceled National Institutes of Health (NIH) research into vaccine hesitancy, fired scientists from the nations top immunization panel, and stripped over $11 billion in federal public health grants  including $550 million from Texas during the peak of its outbreak, he wrote.

He said that resulted in 50 vaccine clinics closing and 21 public health workers losing their jobs in Dallas County alone.

Schumer noted that while measles is a highly contagious virus, its also preventable and was declared eliminated in the Untied States in 2000 after years of a nationwide campaign to give children two doses of the measles vaccine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is a catastrophe of your own making. And while families grieved and health departments begged for help, you told the public that its not unusual to see measles deaths. You pushed vitamin A instead of vaccines, he said.

And he highlighted that even after Kennedy acknowledged that the MMR vaccine prevents measles, he continued to sow doubts about whether vaccines are linked to autism, something the Democrat called a dangerous, long-debunked conspiracy theory.

Secretary Kennedy, the American people need a public health response. Not political theater. Not conspiracy. Not silence, Schumer wrote.

Some Republicans on Capitol Hill are coming under more scrutiny for their votes to confirm Kennedy in February.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) was pressed Thursday by a reporter for NBC News to reconcile his support for Kennedys nomination earlier this year with his acknowledgement that vaccine skepticism has contributed to the new rise in measles infections.

First, lets note that RFK [Jr.] has come out and told people that they should be vaccinated, so thats easily reconcilable. He is now saying that people should be vaccinated for measles, Cassidy said.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) was asked about his support for Kennedy during a CNN interview with Jake Tapper.

Tillis told CNN: The main reason I supported Kennedy was because Bill Cassidy thought that we should see how it plays out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cassidy is up for reelection next year, and Tillis recently announced his retirement.

Schumer in his letter Friday accused Kennedy of continuing to undermine the nations vaccine programs.

He called on the secretary to declare a nationwide emergency to expand resources and leverage funding, personnel and other resources toward limiting the outbreak.

Schumer argued that Kennedys continued skepticism of vaccine safety, the termination of National Institutes of Health grants for vaccine hesitancy studies and the firing of vaccine experts from the CDC have undoubtedly exacerbated the severity of the measles outbreak.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have pioneered a complex detection model for elevated ground-level ozone powered by artificial intelligence.

In an ecological context, "ozone"  a gas that is both naturally occurring in the atmosphere and human made  is often associated with "the ozone layer," a protective portion of the Earth's stratosphere that shields humans from the most harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

In the 1980s, researchers discovered that the use of refrigerants and aerosol sprays had caused the ozone layer to thin precipitously. In response, governments heeded the warnings of scientists and reversed course, with the two largest holes set to be "healed" completely by 2066.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ground-level ozone (O3) is not protective, though, and it's a key component of a form of air pollution known as "smog."

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ground-level ozone forms when emissions and other airborne contaminants interact with sunlight.

Ground-level ozone is also responsible for an estimated 365,000 deaths worldwide each year, 70% of which occur in India and China.

High levels of ground-level ozone are broadly detrimental to human health and longevity. Research indicates the contaminant can have adverse effects on fetal brain development. O3 is also devastating to crops and, ultimately, the global food supply.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In China, where the issue is particularly pronounced, the team of researchers harnessed a sequential convolutional long short-term memory network, as the academy's report detailed. This technology allows for a deeper integrated analysis of visual data in a chronological and sequential framework.

"Conventional machine learning models often neglect these spatiotemporal dynamics, while numerical models suffer from high computational costs and limited ability to predict high-concentration ozone episodes," the researchers noted.

Their results were compelling. Their "model achieved high prediction accuracy" of 83% in the North China Plain and 56% for the Yangtze River Delta.

Overall, their model appeared to overcome existing limitations in forecasting models currently in use. It further "successfully quantified the impact of typhoon position shifts on regional ozone levels," adding another layer of functionality to their novel approach to quantifying ground-level ozone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Professor Pinhua Xie led the study. Xie explained in the academy's report why the model could materially offset the adverse effects of O3 pollution in China due to the robust data it generates.

"We've gained a clearer picture of how weather patterns drive ozone pollution, which can really support better early warnings for high-risk ozone days," Xie remarked.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
SCRANTON  A $25,000 grant from the city to a literacy program based in South Side will help improve language skills for adult learners served by United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti announced Thursday.

The grant, coming from federal funds allocated to the city, goes to UNCs Scranton Council of Literacy Advance (SCOLA) program now operating at UNCs newly renovated CEDAR Center, a former bank at 526 Cedar Ave.

Improving literacy and language skills can create life-changing benefits for people across Scranton, Cognetti said. Creating opportunities for community members to advance their careers, advocate for their personal care and become more involved socially are critical to their lives and to our citys economic health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, at podium, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, announced that the city gave a $25,000 grant from federal Housing and Urban Development funds to United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvanias Scranton Council of Literacy Advance (SCOLA) program for adult literacy and English-as-a-second language education. UNCNEPA President/CEO Lisa Durkin, in center, and Chrissy Manuel, UNCs Director of Development and Communication, at left, listen as the mayor speaks. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO)

The grant comes from federal Housing and Urban Development agency dollars allocated annually to Scranton, and which the city distributes under Community Development Block Grant and other program categories.

The annual HUD allocations to the city already dwindled over many years and now are in jeopardy of possibly being zeroed out entirely under the administration of President Donald Trump, who is a Republican, according to Cognetti, who is a Democrat.

Those funds are in jeopardy at the federal level, Cognetti said. Its really, really important that we continue to highlight the outcomes of these programs, (and) highlight how important it is for the city to receive these dollars that the city uses to support various local agencies and programs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since 1979, SCOLA has provided free adult literacy and English-as-a-second-language (ESL) education to residents of Lackawanna County. The program merged with UNC in 2011 to help ensure the services could remain available.

UNC President and CEO Lisa Durkin said the $25,000 grant helps UNC continue providing literacy and ESL education that empowers individuals to pursue career advancement, support their families and fully participate in community life.

This funding helps us continue to provide essential support to adult learners working hard to build better futures for themselves and their families, Durkin said.

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania President/CEO Lisa Durkin, at podium, speaks Thursday, July 10, 2025 at UNCs newly renovated CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave. in South Scranton, about the city giving a $25,000 grant to UNCs Scranton Council of Literacy Advance (SCOLA) program for adult literacy and English-as-a-second-language education. Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, at left, listens. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, UNC provided varying levels of English proficiency programs to over 650 residents in the county, 500 of whom were from Scranton; and those residents hailed from 72 different countries and spoke 20 different native languages, said UNC Director of Community Education Terilynn Brechtel.

Some of those native languages included Spanish, French, Swahili, Haitian Creole, Farsi and Russian, to name a few, Brechtel said.

The 650 residents represented a 58% increase in people served, as compared to the prior year; and this year over 400 people already have been served, putting 2025 well on pace to top last year, she said.

The announcement on Thursday was held at UNCs newly renovated CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave., a landmark former bank.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Part of the interior of United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvanias newly renovated CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave. in South Scranton on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The building formerly was a bank with a cavernous interior. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO)

The CEDAR in the title of the community center stands for Community, Education, Development and Revitalization.

The 1930s bank on Cedar Avenue at Alder Street, which has South Side Bank & Trust Company carved into the facade, was donated to UNC in 2014 by Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co.

After an extensive interior renovation that recently constructed three stories of usable space inside the formerly cavernous bank, UNC started using the CEDAR Center about two weeks ago, Durkin said. The building now contains offices and other rooms and is where the SCOLA program now operates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

UNC also expects a coffee shop to soon open on the first floor of the CEDAR Center, Durkin said.

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvanias CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave. in South Scranton on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The CEDAR in the title of the community center stands for Community, Education, Development and Revitalization. The building formerly was a bank with a cavernous interior that has had two floors constructed inside for offices and rooms. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO)United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvanias CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave. in South Scranton on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The CEDAR in the title of the community center stands for Community, Education, Development and Revitalization. The building formerly was a bank with a cavernous interior that has had two floors constructed inside for offices and rooms. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO)
(NewsNation)  The search for victims continues in central Texas as residents work to dig their way out of the catastrophic wreckage left behind from deadly flash floods that tore through the region one week ago.

The floods, which swept through the states Hill Country region during the early hours of July 4, have resulted in at least 120 deaths across six counties, according to NewsNation affiliate KXAN. As of Friday, more than 160 people remain missing.

Kerr County, located northwest of San Antonio, was one of the hardest hit areas after the Guadalupe River rose more than 30 feet, decimating nearby homes and the town of Kerrville. Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp where more than two dozen people were killed, has taken center stage in flood coverage as emergency officials continue to search for missing campers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump to survey Texas flooding damage amid scrutiny over FEMA cuts

Where recovery efforts stand after Texas flooding

Joe Herring Jr., mayor of Kerrville, spoke to NewsNation about his communitys ongoing efforts to bring missing victims home.

It breaks my heart. It breaks the heart of everybody here. Were doing everything we can to find them, Herring said. Please pray for those who wait, wait for news about their loved one.

As vigils begin across much of the region, emergency officials tell NewsNation they are now in the full recovery phase of their efforts on the ground.

What we are doing is we are into the large debris piles, were picking them apart layer by layer, were using dogs, were using drones with ground-penetrating radar, hand crews and heavy machinery, Larry Littrell, Center Point Volunteer Fire Department assistant fire chief, said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Central Texans share stories of survival amid devastating floods

Thousands of volunteers have been working alongside emergency officials, combing through piles of debris in search of any signs of life. Among those searching are survivors like Bud Bolton and Kadee Saunders, who had only moments to escape to higher ground before the floodwaters tore through their RV park in Kerrville.

Bolton told NewsNation many of their neighbors were unable to respond in time, leaving the pair to watch helplessly as families with children were swept away.

Thats the hardest part of everything. Even though we lost everything, the hardest part of it all is hearing those children screaming and you cant help them, Saunders said. You feel hopeless, you know there is nothing you can do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Using equipment from Boltons job, he and Saunders are now working to help their neighbors search for their missing loved ones.

Were just going to keep digging, he said. Weve got to keep this stuff going. Weve got to find closure for these hurting families.

Trump to tour Texas flooding damage amid FEMA cuts controversy

On Friday, President Donald Trump will visit Kerr County to survey the flood damage. Hes expected to meet with local officials, first responders and families affected by the flooding.

Trumps visit comes amid mounting criticism over his administrations efforts to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The agency is responsible for coordinating the federal response to disasters that receive a presidential disaster declaration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How to help Texas flooding survivors

Trump has previously said he wanted to begin phasing out the agency after this hurricane season to wean off of FEMA and bring it down to the state level.

Trump has declared the Texas floods a major disaster, making federal funding available to support emergency operations. The administration has rejected criticism that its past budget cuts contributed to a slower response.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will join Trump in Texas and has echoed calls for FEMA to be eliminated, reiterating this week that states, not the federal government, should lead emergency management.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Texas is strong, she said during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. We, as a federal government, dont manage these disasters. The state does. We come in and support them, and thats exactly what we did here in this situation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
CHICAGO  A search is underway this week for a teen boy who Chicago police say has been missing for several days, and officers are now asking for help from the public.

According to police, 13-year-old Gadiel Acosta-Gomez has been missing since Monday, July 7.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Officers say the missing teen was last seen on Monday in the 5500 block of South Archer Avenue, near Midway Airport in Garfield Ridge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The teen boy, who police say stands 5-foot-2 and weighs around 140 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes.

Photo provided by Chicago police shows 13-year-old Gadiel Acosta-Gomez, who officers say has been missing since Monday, July 7.

In a photo provided by Chicago police, Acosta-Gomez is seen wearing a necklace with a silver cross charm, though officers did not say if he had it on at the time of his disappearance.

Details about the teens disappearance were shared by police in a news release that was sent out late Wednesday night, but officers did not provide details on what he was last spotted wearing.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 13-year-old Gadiel Acosta-Gomez is asked to contact the CPD Area Four SVU at 312-747-8380 or dial 911.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BURLESON/BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44)  Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching near the Burleson County/Brazos County Line for a wanted man.

The Burleson County Sheriffs Office said Thursday that deputies and state troopers were searching for Simmon Solis, who is wanted for Assault and Evading, and is potentially armed. The search took place in the area of 21 East and FM-50, along the Brazos river.

Solis was last seen in a blue denim shirt with blue jeans and a white cowboy hat. However, he might have taken his shirt off.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Sheriffs Office later issued an update saying the search has been called off. Multiple agencies assisted in the pursuit of Solis  including Burleson Drones, State Troopers, the Caldwell Police Department and K9s, the College Station Police Department K9 and Drone Team, and the Brazos Drone team.

Burleson County deputies are continuing to patrol the immediate and surrounding area. There is no immediate threat to the public.

If you see Solis do not approach him  instead call the Burleson County Sheriffs Office at 979-567-4343 or the Brazos County Sheriffs Office at 979-361-4900.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
The Brief

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes is introducing Seattle-Centric Policing to address city-specific crime issues using data-driven strategies.

The plan targets high-crime areas with focused policing and community collaboration, aiming to reduce violence and property crimes.

A community policing pilot program will launch soon, with potential expansion based on its effectiveness.

SEATTLE - Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes is sharing his vision for the Seattle Police Department and the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just a day after he was sworn in, Barnes held the first of several community forums about making Seattle safer.

The chief says he's calling his plan Seattle-Centric Policing, which means addressing the unique needs of the city and including data to identify priority areas that each precinct will focus on.

The Rainier Beach community, where the first forum was held, has seen its share of violence.

In 2023, multiple people were injured after being shot outside a Safeway, as a gunman opened fire on a group of volunteers who were offering food and resources to youths and those in need.

More recently, two people were shot and killed in late March outside the Capri Hookah Lounge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We did have a priority address not too far from here, a triple shooting double homicide," said Chief Shon Barnes. "Immediately, staff brought to me an ordinance that we have related to nuisance abatement. I took some time, about four days, to look at the data."

He says it's the type of result he's hoping to accomplish in other high-priority areas of the city.

"We were able to send them a cease and desist letter, and they decided to voluntarily give up their business and the community was elated," said Barnes.

Locations associated with a lot of crime would get similar scrutiny as part of the Seattle-Centric Policing plan. Under it, Barnes says the department will use data to create maps, like the one pictured below, that would focus on problem locations, intersections or addresses.

"Weve taken some time over the last six months to look at the data, and weve mapped them out, so every precinct in Seattle has their clearly identified priority areas."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He says the plan also calls for coordinating police and crime prevention services along with the business community, government and schools. The plan will also focus on evidence-based practices and will address specific crime trends, such as gun violence and property crimes.

"We want to make sure everyone has a role, including myself," said Barnes.

He says the department will also launch a community policing pilot program at the end of the month in which two officers will be assigned to a neighborhood. He says if it proves to be effective, it may be duplicated in other areas.

The Source

Information in this story came from FOX 13 Seattle reporting.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

US Marshals call off search for Travis Decker in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Largest quake yet hits WA's Mount Rainier in ongoing earthquake swarm

13-year-old hailed as hero for saving boy from drowning in Everett's Silver Lake

No charges for King County, WA Assessor accused of stalking ex-partner

Prosecutors make charging decision for man arrested after Tacoma Amber Alert

Seattle is the most expensive DoorDash market. It's about to get even pricier

Traffic Alert: Multiple highway closures this weekend in Western WA

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
The Brief

Leena Chang, 24, is charged with eight counts of first-degree robbery in a series of Seattle bank heists.

Chang allegedly used threatening notes, claiming she was armed to demand cash from bank employees.

She was arrested near her apartment with evidence linking her to the crimes; her next court date is set for July 23.

SEATTLE - A 24-year-old woman has been arrested in a slew of bank robberies in the Seattle area, now charged with eight counts of first-degree robbery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Leena Chang, who was living in the University District, is accused of handing notes to bank employees, demanding cash from their drawers while saying that she was armed.

The backstory

The alleged robberies and attempted robberies happened at eight locations across various Seattle neighborhoods, occurring between June 2024 and July 2025.

One of the notes Chang is accused of using reads, "I have a gun. Give me all your money. No silent alarm."

An FBI bulletin regarding a Seattle serial bank robber went out in early 2025, which is around the same time when Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound received an anonymous tip which identified "Leena Chang" as the perpetrator.

The tip included information about the prior robberies, along with text that said, "She LOVES that the FBI put out a bulletin on her and has never seemed so proud that the term SERIAL bank robber is what she is being considered and up until the last, most recent bank she did."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following the eighth robbery, Seattle police arrested Chang near her apartment on the afternoon of July 7.

Officers also say they seized several items that connected her to the robberies, including her shoes, a green bag, pink wallet, a hyper-realistic airsoft gun, a brown knitted head covering and over $1,800 in cash.

Police believed that Chang traveled between her apartment and the various banks via public transit. SPD used video surveillance from buses, Google Maps, Chang's apartment and the targeted banks to match up the timing of the robberies with Chang's location.

According to court documents, the incidents happened at:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Wells Fargo Bank at 1600 Queen Anne Avenue N (Queen Anne)

The US Bank at 2746 NE 45th Street (University Village)

The Key Bank at 9735 Holman Road NW (Greenwood)

The US Bank at 4200 SW Edmunds Street (West Seattle)

The HomeStreet Bank at 4036 E Madison Street (Madison Park)

The Washington Federal Bank at 4800 Rainier Avenue S (Columbia City)

The US Bank at 3124 West McGraw Street (Magnolia)

The Washington Federal Bank at 4102 California Avenue SW (Genesee)

Chang remains in the King County Jail on $500,000 bail. Her next court date is scheduled for July 23, where she will enter a guilty or not guilty plea.

The Source

Information in this story came from the court documents filed in King County Superior Court, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the Seattle Police Department and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

US Marshals call off search for Travis Decker in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Largest quake yet hits WA's Mount Rainier in ongoing earthquake swarm

13-year-old hailed as hero for saving boy from drowning in Everett's Silver Lake

No charges for King County, WA Assessor accused of stalking ex-partner

Prosecutors make charging decision for man arrested after Tacoma Amber Alert

Seattle is the most expensive DoorDash market. It's about to get even pricier

Traffic Alert: Multiple highway closures this weekend in Western WA

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
(Texas Scorecard)  A grand jury indicted Rains County Judge Linda Wallace, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended her, and county commissioners moved to replace her over allegations she coerced a witness. This case is connected with the previous indictment and suspension of Justice of the Peace Robert Jenkins Franklin.

In May, Texas Scorecard reported on a federal lawsuit that alleges Franklin told defendant Coby Wiebe, you take that deal boy or dead men cant testify. Wiebe accepted a plea deal three days later. The 8th District Court later dismissed the case in April after learning of Judge Franklins alleged death threats.

That month, a Rains County grand jury decidedin The State of Texas v. Robert Jenkins Franklinthat there was enough evidence against Franklin to return an indictment on two misdemeanor counts of official oppression and two felony counts of tampering with a witness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The indictment also alleges Judge Franklin coerced and pressured Jennifer Pattersonhis chief clerkinto signing a false affidavit in February.

On June 5, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended Franklin without pay.

The case recently took on a new twist with the indictment against another elected official.

On June 30, a grand jury in the 8th District Court indicted Rains County Judge Linda Wallace, 72 years old, for allegedly coercing Patterson, a prospective witness in the criminal case against Franklin. The indictment clarified Wallaces coercion as pressuring [Patterson] as supervisor of her employment with intent to influence Jennifer Patterson to withhold testimony in the official proceeding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was arrested on July 2, and her bond was set at $10,000.

Following the indictment, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended Wallace without pay from her position as county judge on July 8. The suspension remains in effect until one of the following occurs: the charges against Wallace are dismissed, she is acquitted, the Rains County commissioners replace her, or the state commission takes further action.

County commissioners moved to replace Wallace with Brent Hilliard in a public vote. Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeremy Cook told Texas Scorecard they interviewed 10 people on July 8 and picked one. He declined to comment further on the matter.

Citizen Kriste Baker posted on Facebook after Hilliards selection, stating, I was told hes a local guy too! Lets wish him luck as he steps into this very important postion[sic] for Rains County & all its Residents!

If you or someone you know has experienced corruption at the local level, please contact our tip line: scorecardtips@protonmail.com.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The second suspect accused of the murder of Daryus Bryant appeared in court on Thursday.

Semaj Copeland turned himself into authorities on Monday after he was accused of the murder. He pleaded not guilty on Thursday in recorders court.

RELATED: Father of Daryus Bryant speaks out after second suspect appears in court

Copeland is currently charged with murder and three counts of aggravated assault.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Court testimony on Thursday revealed that Copeland was the driver of the vehicle used in the murder and is also Daryus Bryants cousin. His attorney, Mark Shelnutt, believes there is no evidence that Copeland was aware of Bryant being the car.

Their theory is that Semaj may have been driving even if he was in the car it wouldnt have been him if he was the shooter. In a worse case scenario even if they place him in the car, he was just in the car with somebody at the wrong time.

The case is now headed over to superior court. Copeland is being held without bound.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
A Secret Service agent who failed to secure the perimeter of the campaign rally where Donald Trump was shot in the ear is one of six officers to be suspended over the assassination attempt.

Myosoty Perez was suspended alongside five other agents for between 10 and 45 days following the rally, which took place on July 13 last year in Butler, Pennsylvania.

She went to the location of the rally before it began and was asked to secure the perimeter, the New York Post reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But shortly after, Thomas Crooks, 20, fired eight shots from a nearby rooftop, striking Mr Trumps ear.

At the time, Mr Trump described how a bullet ripped through his skin before he dropped to the ground amid the sound of gunshots and screaming a few minutes into his address to thousands of supporters.

Thomas Crooks shot at Donald Trump eight times from a nearby rooftop during the rally - Bethel Park School District

Corey Comperatore, a firefighter in the crowd, was killed while protecting his family from a stray bullet.

Helen, his widow, accused the Secret Service of failing to protect her husband in an interview with Fox News nearly one year after the shooting.

We were all sitting ducks that day, she said. Our blood is all over their hands! Im angry. I lost the love of my life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She also questioned the agents who were working at the rally.

Why werent they paying attention? Why did they think that roof didnt need [to be] covered? Why Butler? Why was that such a failure? she said.

Kimberly Cheatle, who had been with the Secret Service for 28 years, resigned as director shortly after the shooting.

Ms Perez was pictured standing next to the stage where Mr Trump was talking throughout the rally.

Larry Berger, her lawyer, said she had fully co-operated already through all the investigations into the matter.

He continued: She is now deciding what the next steps will be in this situation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Berger pointed out that Ms Perez had not been put in charge of overall security at the rally.

Sean Curran (right) has been selected as director of the Secret Service - Evan Vucci/The Associated Press

Another agent who helped with security on the day was suspended, as were four people from the Pittsburgh field office and an agent on the counter-sniper team.

It is not clear who else was suspended alongside Ms Perez, though Sean Curran  who was pictured standing next to Mr Trump as he shouted Fight, Fight, Fight  was picked to replace Ms Cheatle.

A source told the New York Post that none of the agents who appeared in the famous photo with Mr Trump were disciplined.

Crooks was shot dead by a counter-sniper after failing to assassinate Mr Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Telegraph has contacted Mr Berger for comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Before Thanksgiving 2023, Thomas Crooks' online life was fairly routine for a 20-year-old. He'd scroll through social media, listen to music on Spotify, visit news sites and peruse Reddit.

But a plan for mass violence was brewing, and in order for it to succeed, Crooks had to compartmentalize his life. It was something he was already comfortable doing from a childhood in which he let few people get close.

Friends knew little about his home and tight-knit family. They were rarely invited over to the Crooks home to play or, as they got older, hang out. In late 2023, he pivoted to keeping a new set of secrets  building homemade improvised explosive devices in his bedroom and planning an assassination, while pursuing a career in engineering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On July 13, 2024, Crooks would take aim at a rally for President Trump in the small town of Butler, Pennsylvania, firing from a rooftop eight shots that came within inches of dramatically altering the course of American history. He left no manifesto, no explanation for why he tried to kill the former and future president. In the year since the shooting, investigators and those who knew him have been trying to piece together what led him to climb that roof in Butler, with frustratingly few answers.

This CBS News investigation provides the most comprehensive portrait yet published of the insular young student. It draws from interviews with more than two dozen friends, professors, law enforcement officials and others, as well as open records requests to half a dozen agencies and a review of thousands of documents.

The young man who died in the assassination attempt crafted a furtive double life in the months leading up to the attack, unbeknownst to the people closest to him.

The "nice" boy who "kept to himself"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Crooks was born in 2003 and lived his entire life in a suburban home purchased by his parents before he and his older sister came along, tucked along a leafy street in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburgh. Growing up, Crooks loved Legos, his cat, building and creating model airplanes, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and cooking with family.

His parents were both social workers, and took pride in their work and family. In 2008, his father, Matthew, filled out an online registry for a family coat of arms, writing that he hoped to pass down to his young children a sense of family unity and instill in them the virtues of generosity, sincerity, hope, joy and service to the country.

Crooks and his mother, who is visually impaired, often prepared dinner together. During holidays, everyone helped out. "For Thanksgiving, me and my dad will cook turkey and mashed potatoes together. At Christmas, me and my mom will bake dozens of cookies together, and on New Year's Eve, my mom and I will bake the pork and the sauerkraut together," Crooks said in a video he recorded for a college class.

In kindergarten, Crooks met Tristan Radcliffe. They ate lunch together frequently throughout most of elementary, middle and high school, and kept in touch after they both enrolled at the same college.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I've known Tom, like, all of my life," Radcliffe said. "He was cool. You know, he was kind of just Tom to me."

There were many things about Crooks that stayed familiar and consistent through the years: his tight jeans, his tidy shirts and his bespectacled smooth face beneath neatly parted hair. But there was plenty, Radcliffe said, that he never knew about his friend, even though they saw each other nearly every day.

He was never invited to Crooks' home, and Crooks rarely talked about his family. Radcliffe said Crooks was a "nice" boy who "kept to himself." Crooks' neighbors said the family didn't interact much with folks on their block, and the children rarely had visitors.

Radcliffe wasn't bothered by it. To him, Crooks seemed like he had more on his mind.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"He always seemed like he focused on his work more, you know, like he came off smart," Radcliffe said.

Crooks' grades and test scores supported that. Crooks scored 1530 on his SAT exam, putting him in the 99th percentile nationally. He enrolled in the Community College of Allegheny County in 2022, and told an adviser he was saving money before pursuing a four-year engineering program.

As the tight quarters and crowded classrooms of high school gave way to the sprawl and remote coursework of commuter college, Crooks' social connections largely evaporated, allowing his secret life to go largely unnoticed.

A star student walking two paths

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A diligent college student, Crooks routinely contacted professors to make sure his grades remained high.

His teachers were impressed with his work, often lauding his effort and dedication. One emailed to compliment Crooks for "getting such an early start" on a project. Another wrote to thank him for his contributions to class all semester.

Crooks stood out among his peers, according to former engineering professor Patricia Thompson.

"I thought he was a star student. He had his head on straight and he was on a path [to] success," Thompson said.

She recalled showing other professors in her department one of Crooks' projects which exceeded her expectations. He designed and 3D-printed a unique chessboard, engineered for players with visual impairments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For many others contacted by CBS News, Crooks did not leave a lasting impression. Several former students said they did not realize he had been in the same class. Even some who had emailed and worked on projects with Crooks said they couldn't recall interacting with him.

For one assignment, Crooks was called upon to record a speech in front of an audience of five adults. He emailed his professor seeking to be excused from that requirement.

"I currently only live with my Mom and Dad. There are no other adults in my house and I have one sister who lives nearby that could potentially come over to be part of this audience," Crooks wrote. "I do not have access to any other adults."

In the summer of 2023, Crooks bought a rifle from his dad for $500 and signed up for a membership at a local shooting range. He became a regular at Clairton Sportsmen's Club, about nine miles from his home, signing in to use the rifle range more than 40 times in the last 11 months of his life, records show. Around that time, records obtained by CBS News show he started using encryption services that masked some of his internet use, mixing those with more typical visits to sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His habits started to rapidly shift that fall. To his professors, he still appeared focused on getting straight A's and preparing to apply to the engineering programs at the University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris University. But his online activity suggests his attention was elsewhere. He began to more frequently use an encrypted email service called Mailfence and a virtual private network called Mullvad. Both would shield his online life from anyone who might pry.

An analysis by CBS News of Crooks' internet routines shows he developed an increasing interest in news, explosives and ammo, and secrecy. The records include nearly a year of Crooks' activity on his college's wireless internet network. They show hundreds of visits to websites ranging from his academic email account and discussion boards, to his bank, news sites, gaming platforms, social media, weapons blogs and Steelers fan sites.

Logs of Crooks' on-campus internet activity, which CBS News obtained through a public records request, indicate that in the last months of his life, he became increasingly rigid about secrecy, shrouding his activities through encrypted services.

Two particular days  Dec. 6, 2023, and Jan. 24, 2024  stand out. On Dec. 6, 2023, Crooks checked various news sites and the White House website's archives from Mr. Trump's first administration, followed by visits to firearms websites. The following month, on Jan. 24, Crooks showed the single largest number of internet requests in the logs, at 1,364. He started to consistently use the VPN after that day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On some days, he left little trace of his activity, choosing instead to first turn on Mullvad. Virtual private networks, known as VPNs, route a user's web traffic through encrypted tunnels, hiding their activity from prying eyes, such as a college's web tracking security software. While Crooks was using Mullvad, his browsing history was effectively sealed off.

Mullvad CEO Jan Jonsson told CBS News that the VPN service used by Crooks was designed to "provide anonymity, censorship circumvention and surveillance protection."

"This sadly also means that if somebody abuses the service for nefarious purposes, we cannot block that individual user and unfortunately can't provide any additional information about them," Jonsson said.

In December 2023, a month before Crooks' final semester started, his life began to split in two. He was focused on his college applications, and at the same time fixated on mass violence. One day, he emailed himself to review his personal statement for his application; on another, he emailed customer service to complain that the explosive fuel he ordered had not yet shipped. Investigators later concluded he would have been able to engineer bombs in his bedroom without his parents knowing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Around this time, some in Crooks' life did notice erratic behavior.

Crooks' father told investigators that, in retrospect, he spotted signs of his son's declining mental health, according to excerpts of a Pennsylvania State Police report. Those excerpts were first made public in December by a House of Representatives task force on the attempted assassination.

"Crooks' father explained that within the last year he observed several instances of his son dancing in his bedroom throughout the night," a Pennsylvania investigator wrote. "He would occasionally see Crooks talking to himself with his hands moving, which he expressed as uncommon and had become more prevalent after he had finished his last semester."

Radcliffe noticed similar changes when he bumped into Crooks on campus.

"He would always move his legs around a lot, and he would kind of talk pretty fast," Radcliffe recalled.

Crooks graduated from community college in May 2024. On June 14, less than a month before the assassination attempt, he sent one last email from his community college account.

It was to the registrar. Crooks wanted to know when he'd receive his diploma.

Searching for the opening he needed

In the month before July 13, Crooks turned his attention to the presidential campaign, researching the candidates online more than 60 times, including searches on July 5 for "DNC convention" and "when is the RNC in 2024," according to the FBI. He visited the Butler Farm Show grounds in person on July 7, and searched for "butler farm show photos," according to investigators. He also researched AGR International, a company with buildings adjacent to the grounds.

The day before the attack, July 12, Crooks made one last visit to the rifle range.

On the morning of the attack, Crooks drove to the Butler Farm Show grounds, and stayed for a little more than an hour before driving home.

Investigators said that at about 1:30 p.m., Crooks got his rifle from the house. It was the gun he had purchased from his dad the year before. Crooks' father told investigators he believed his son was going to the range.

In addition to the rifle, Crooks put a drone and two homemade bombs in his trunk, along with remote transmitters capable of detonating them from more than 1,000 feet away. He left a partially assembled explosive device in his bedroom.

Crooks went to a store near his home and bought ammunition, according to investigators, and then returned to the Butler Farm Show grounds. As Trump supporters lined up to enter the highly publicized rally in the height of the presidential campaign, Crooks took a drone out of his car and flew it over the rally site for nearly 12 minutes, beginning at 3:51 p.m., potentially using the drone's cameras to view the podium where Mr. Trump would soon speak.

Three local police officers first noticed Crooks around 5 p.m. One officer, a sniper, said Crooks "stood out." Crooks was alone, the officers noted, and he wasn't paying attention to the campaign festivities.

"He was walking around the grassy area between AGR and the secondary fence line, kept looking up, looking at the building. One point that is what raised my suspicion is he was looking directly at the window I was positioned at," the sniper told investigators. The AGR building was approximately 150 yards from where Mr. Trump was speaking.

Local officers began keeping tabs on Crooks. One saw him using a rangefinder and snapped photos of him. At 5:39 p.m., one officer suggested notifying the Secret Service about the suspicious young man.

A Pennsylvania State Police sergeant later told investigators that he alerted Secret Service personnel to the suspicious person. Congressional task force investigators said there's no indication that message reached Secret Service personnel on the stage or in charge of security.

Just after 6 p.m., an officer saw Crooks near a picnic table, and watched him grab a backpack before he "took off running," one local officer told investigators. Officers began to leave their posts to look for Crooks, who had seemingly disappeared between two buildings.

Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said in an interview with CBS News that poor planning and communication gave Crooks the opportunity he had been seeking.

"Local police weren't apprised of the Secret Service's security plan until the afternoon of the shooting," Goldinger said. "It was never specified to local law enforcement that they were assigned to secure the area where Crooks was able to climb onto the building."

Secret Service deputy director Matt Quinn said the agency tasked with protecting Mr. Trump bears responsibility for what happened next.

"I would ask Americans to understand that it was an organizational failure within the Secret Service, and we are laser focused on making sure that it never happens again," Quinn said.

At 6:02 p.m., Mr. Trump took the stage. Crooks ascended to the rooftop three minutes later. Panicked bystanders began calling the police.

At 6:11 p.m., moments before Crooks opened fire, a Butler detective decided to pursue Crooks on the roof. He later described to congressional investigators the look on Crooks' face as the detective began to pull himself up.

"I see Crooks facing downrange towards the stage, but his eyes are back at me as I'm coming up. And I would say, like, his facial expression was surprised. His eyes were very big, like, what are you doing up here?" the local detective said.

Crooks turned his gun toward the detective, who fell backwards and immediately radioed that the suspect was armed. The message never made it to the security detail for Mr. Trump.

A few seconds later, Crooks fired eight shots, killing firefighter Corey Comperatore, injuring Mr. Trump and two others. A Secret Service sniper returned fire, hitting Crooks in the face and killing him.

"The shooter is down. He's down hard," a local police officer radioed. Mr. Trump was swarmed by Secret Service agents trying to remove him from the stage.

"Wait," Mr. Trump said, before he stood, raised his fist and yelled to the crowd, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

Unanswered questions remain

Law enforcement soon descended on Bethel Park, tracing Crooks via the gun he purchased from his father. By 10:45 p.m., covert surveillance of the Crooks home was in place, but just 11 minutes later, his father called 911. He said he was worried because his son had not returned after saying much earlier in the day he was going to the local gun club. When agents knocked on his door, Matthew Crooks asked, "Is it true?" He said someone from CNN had called and said his son "shot Trump."

Investigators questioned him and Crooks' mother. They fanned out across Bethel Park, Butler and Pittsburgh, interviewing Radcliffe and Thompson  seemingly anyone who had ever interacted with Crooks. They checked with the local library, and learned Crooks didn't have a library card. A grand jury subpoenaed his online activity and coursework from college, the same material later reviewed by CBS News.

Investigators visited the gun club, the store where Crooks bought ammo and one where he purchased a ladder that day. They scoured videos from before, during and after the campaign rally, as well as local and federal law enforcement communications.

Details emerged about Crooks' planning. But nearly a year later, many unanswered questions about his motivation remain. Crooks left no known written explanation. His political leanings remain unclear. Was the Butler rally just a convenient option for a young man planning mass violence, or was he committed to shooting Mr. Trump? Did he have a plan for his bombs? Did he understand he was on a suicide mission?

Already isolated before the shooting, Crooks' parents are now rarely seen outside during daylight hours. A neighbor said there are only a few clues to suggest the family even still resides at the home. Another neighbor described the Crooks family's presence on their street as "ghostlike."

Crooks' parents did not respond to interview requests. Their attorney declined to speak on their behalf.

A postal employee said the mailbox is always empty when he delivers each day's mail. He and the neighbors speculated that the couple leave their home under the cover of darkness. Their house, which now has multiple security cameras, is blurred on Google Maps, an option homeowners concerned about privacy can request from the search giant.

Mary Crooks submitted her resignation from the job she's held for nearly three decades in December. The resignation letter, first reported by The New York Times, alludes to the shooting as the reason for her departure.

"Certain circumstances have left me with no other option than to vacate a position I have been proud to hold for the past 27 years," she wrote. She and her husband let their social work licenses expire in February.

Others in Crooks' life are still haunted by their connection to him.

Thompson compiled Crooks' discussion responses and projects from her class into one document. She studied it, looking for answers.

"Why would this kid who had his whole future, you know, laid out for him, [a] positive future  why would he do something like this?" she asked.

Radcliffe recalls seeing Crooks' image from Butler blanketed across the airwaves the day of the shooting. The kempt scrawny kid replaced by a man whose wispy hair ran to his shoulders, a faint goatee over a t-shirt for a gun enthusiast's YouTube channel.

"I'm still in disbelief about the whole thing to be honest. Because it really just doesn't make sense. It just doesn't make any sense whatsoever," Radcliffe said.

Social media content creator shows his hustle

Udemy Is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills

One year after Thomas Crooks tried to kill President Trump, here's what's known about him
Every political campaign needs a good slogan  a snappy phrase to energise voters and skewer opponents.

Some slogans resonate beyond polling day, capturing a national mood or a moment in time - Barack Obama's "Yes, We Can", perhaps, or the Brexit campaign's "Take Back Control".

Others are dead on arrival  clunky, overcomplicated and unmemorable, capturing nothing much beyond the desperation of the committee that devised them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now political strategist and pollster Chris Bruni-Lowe claims to have cracked the formula for creating the perfect slogan.

He has analysed 20,000 campaign messages from around the world to come up with eight words that, he says, have been proven to resonate with voters of all political persuasions.

They are: people, better, democracy, new, time, strong, change, together.

He is quick to stress, in his new book Eight Words That Changed The World, that they are not a guarantee of electoral success. They will not help if the candidate using them is an uncharismatic dud, with unpopular policies.

And they can not just be combined in a random order  Strong New Time or People Better Change  to produce results.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They are, rather, "emotional shortcuts", or building blocks for slogan-writers that work across cultures and even languages, Bruni-Lowe says.

"Voters instinctively know what 'people', 'better' or 'together' promise without needing a policy paper.

"They are also remarkably elastic: a socialist in South Africa, a conservative in Luxembourg and a populist in Hungary can all bend the same word to their own story."

The most commonly used word in winning campaigns is "people", according to Bruni- Lowe's analysis - he cites Bill Clinton's 1992 "Putting People First" and "For People, For a Change" as examples of slogans that made a real difference, allowing the presidential candidate to play to his strengths as a "people person" in contrast to his stiff opponent George HW Bush.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But isn't there a danger that following this formula will result in bland, catch-all slogans?

Subtlety wasn't part of the Boris Johnson game plan at the 2019 election [Getty Images]

Some of the most effective ones - such as Boris Johnson's 2019 general election slogan "Get Brexit Done" - were devised with a single purpose in mind.

(As were some of the worst, such as "Vote for Al Smith and he'll make your wet dreams come true". The anti-prohibitionist Smith - who wanted to legalise alcohol sales - failed to win the 1928 US presidency.)

Bruni-Lowe argues that "bespoke" slogans like "Get Brexit Done" are the exceptions that prove his rule.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Bespoke slogans explode when one unresolved grievance crowds out every other issue and a decisive-looking outsider offers a three-word cure; they're brilliant for that election, but useless the moment the storm moves on."

Bruni-Lowe's own contributions to the genre include "Change Politics For Good", for Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, and "It's Time", for Jakov Milatovic's successful 2023 bid to be president of Montenegro on a campaign to get his country to join the EU.

He devotes a chapter of his book to "Make America Great Again" (MAGA), another slogan that does not conform to his rules.

Donald Trump claims to have dreamed it up in 2012, sitting at his desk on the 26th floor of Trump Tower, but "great again" as a political rallying cry dates back more than a century, according to Bruni-Lowe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 1950, the Conservative Party unsuccessfully fought a general election on the promise to "Make Britain Great Again". Ronald Reagan had more success in 1980 when he used the slogan "Let's Make America Great Again".

Whether Trump knew any of this when he claimed to have invented the phrase is, in the end, irrelevant, argues Bruni-Lowe - he managed to turn MAGA into brand, and a dividing line that, for better or worse, has reshaped American politics.

He even registering it with US Trademark Office, for a fee of $325, to prevent other politicians using it.

Labour's general election slogan did not waste words [Getty Images]

In the UK, the Brexit campaign's "Take Back Control" is probably the most memorable slogan of recent years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was part of a trend for shorter, snappier slogans - with the three word formula briefly being seen as a key to success.

Last year, Labour's landslide winning general election campaign boiled its message down to a single word - "Change".

The Conservative slogan - in case you have forgotten it - was "Clear Plan, Bold Action, Secure Future".

But soon there may not be any slogans at all, in the traditional sense.

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being used to craft messages tailored to the concerns of individual voters, delivered through social media and constantly refined to have the maximum impact.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bruni-Lowe also highlights a growing interest in neuroscience, and the use of tools such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, which measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

This allows researchers to study how people respond neurologically to political stimuli such as campaign ads, speeches and election slogans.

Dwight Eisenhower's slogan was aimed at the broadest possible audience [Getty Images]

Such trends could fundamentally change democratic politics, reshaping elected representatives' relationship with voters.

They could also rob us of some irritatingly catchy election slogans.

Few fit that bill more than one of the first ever political ads shown on US television, in 1952.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 60 second spot was aimed at putting a human face on the Republican candidate, the former supreme commander of allied forces in Europe Dwight E Eisenhower, who was widely known by his nickname Ike.

Featuring an insanely infectious jingle by composer Irving Berlin, "I like Ike" was a Disney cartoon aimed at the broadest possible audience,

It was so successful his campaign team saw no need to change the formula for his re-election bid, adding just one word, before, presumably, heading off for an early lunch.

"I still like Ike" doesn't fit Chris Bruni-Lowe's formula - but it did prove to be another winner.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. Its video youll only see on Your News Leader. Law enforcement agents uncovered an unsuspecting device used to steal your credit card information at a North Memphis grocery store.

The discovery was part of a secret service operation that took place this week to combat a crime targeting lower-income families.

For the last two years, WREG Investigators have told you about the drastic rise in a ruthless crime. Criminals use devices to illegally capture EBT card information. They often duplicate the card and drain SNAP benefits within minutes of being deposited into a persons account.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its a tactic known as skimming.

This week, the U.S. Secret Service gathered federal, state, and local partners for a highly coordinated operation to combat it.

We couldnt do this without you. We do not have the manpower to go out and check the numbers that we have, Mark Switzer, special agent in charge of the Memphis field office, said in a morning briefing Tuesday.

The goal was to find the illegal skimming devices while also educating businesses on what to look for. Twelve teams saturated West Tennessee and North Mississippi on Tuesday and Wednesday, and WREG Investigators got an exclusive look.

With a partnership with the USDA, weve identified a number of point-of-sale terminals for EBT cards and some potential points of compromise, Switzer said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We went out with one of the teams as they went from business to business inspecting ATMs, gas pumps, and point-of-sale terminals for skimming devices.

These things get placed right on top of the point-of-sale terminal, Switzer said.

They look like the real deal. They capture the data as each button is pushed while also pushing the real buttons underneath.

Switzer said the systems are becoming more sophisticated. Sometimes the criminals work in groups overseas. Other times, they gather the data and sell it on the dark web.

Theres a number of levels of criminals that are out there getting a hold of this information and then using it for their own purposes, whether that be for personal gain or whether that be to finance some type of other criminal activity, Switzer said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Agents pried off the skimming device they found at the grocery store in North Memphis. It unveiled a keypad and reader attached by double-sided tape stuck to the real one.

It was marked as evidence. Agents will now work to find out who installed it and how long its been there.

Its estimated that every skimmer that is recovered is about $1 million worth of fraud that we prevent, Switzer said.

Agents went to more than 400 businesses. They inspected 2,200 point-of-sale terminals, 857 gas pumps, and 234 ATMs. Four skimming devices were found.

Based on that number, its estimated this operation prevented around $4 million worth of fraud. These operations have been taking place across the country and are believed to have stopped more than $200 million in theft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Switzer said chip readers on EBT cards would also help combat the fraud.

The ability exists to be able to skim cards with chip readers, but its very few and far between, he said.

In Tennessee, EBT cards dont have embedded microchips like you have on your bank card. They use a magnetic stripe, which is an older technology, making it much easier to compromise.

The USDA admits chip cards are an important step to ensure that SNAP benefits are protected, but its up to the state to take that step.

Only a handful of states have or will soon offer EBT cards with chips. The Tennessee Department of Human Services stated its exploring all available options to ensure effective fraud mitigation and protection for customers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We live paycheck to paycheck, Katherine Jones said in a recent interview.

The grandmother is an authorized representative on her daughters account. Thieves compromised her card and drained the familys SNAP benefits in April and in May.

Its just frustrating that, you know, people can so easily access your information and use it without a care in the world, she said.

Switzer said thats why this work is vital.

While they lose, theres the potential that taxpayers lose as well, he said. Their taxes are going to help offset some of this.

In 2022, U.S. Congress approved replacing stolen benefits, but that came to an end in December.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

States can choose to replace the benefits, but Tennessee hasnt opted in.

How to protect your card and spot skimming devices?

How the FBI says you can protect yourself against skimming: click here

TDHS advises customers to take proactive security measures by using ebtEDGE to protect their benefits, including:

Utilization of card-freezing features

Regular PIN updates

Monitoring account activity for suspicious transactions

Reporting unauthorized transactions immediately to mitigate further losses

The ebtEDGE mobile app allows customers to log-in securely using touch ID or facial recognition instead of entering a user ID and password. The ebtEdge mobile app is available from the Apple App Store for iPhone and the Google Play Store for Android devices.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For more information on how to download the ebtEDGE mobile app, customers can find instructional videos by clicking here.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leaves for Shanghai on Saturday on an official visit to China where regional security tensions and efforts to grow economic ties are likely to dominate talks.

Australia's exports to China, its largest trading partner, span agriculture and energy but are dominated by iron ore, and Albanese will travel with executives from mining giants Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue and hold business events in three cities over six days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The relationship in China means jobs in Australia, it's as simple as that," Albanese told reporters on Friday.

Albanese's second visit to Beijing, where he will meet President Xi Jinping, comes after Canberra stepped up screening of Chinese investment in critical minerals and as U.S. President Donald Trump rattles the global economy with sweeping import tariffs.

Albanese is yet to meet Trump, after scheduled talks at the G7 were cancelled when the U.S. president left early. The United States, Australia's major security ally, is reviewing the AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership amid concern selling submarines to Australia could weaken U.S. deterrence to China.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned in a speech in Malaysia on Thursday that China continues to project military power regionally with an objective to change the balance of power, saying Beijing's nuclear and conventional military build-up was "worrying".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

AUKUS contributed to "collective deterrence in our region," she said.

Richard Maude, an Asia Society non-resident fellow and former Australian intelligence chief, said Albanese needed to expand the economic relationship with China but also "get through the visit in a way that makes clear to Australia's close partners and to the Australian public that Australia is talking clearly and frankly to China about aspects of China's behaviour that concern us".

The Chinese navy held live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand with no advance warning in February, and there have been tense encounters between Australian and Chinese military aircraft in the disputed South China Sea.

While Beijing is keen to move ties forward, its proposals for cooperation on artificial intelligence, for example, have already met with a cool response, said Maude, who wrote Australia's 2017 foreign policy white paper.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Australia's two-way trade with China was worth A$312 billion last year, or a quarter of all Australian trade.

Ties have stabilised since 2020 when China imposed unofficial bans on A$20 billion in Australian exports.

Direct engagement with Chinese leaders was important for Australia's security, Albanese told reporters on Friday.

"We cooperate where we can and we disagree where we must, and we're able to have those honest conversations about some of the disagreements that are there," he said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said economic ties with China are a priority, but also complex.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Australia's increased screening of Chinese investment in critical minerals, renewable energy and key infrastructure is likely to be raised by Beijing, company executives told Reuters, although on Tuesday Chalmers said Australia would not ease its scrutiny.

"The government understands it is not in Australia's national interest to further increase China's stranglehold on the critical minerals supply chain," said Maude.

Geoff Raby, a former Australian ambassador to China, said China would probably raise its ambition to join the 11-member regional trade pact, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which Australia chairs.

"The most harmful thing is to adopt policies that force China to become more isolationist or which encourage those domestic forces in China who favour more inward-looking policies," Raby said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Albanese will meet businesses in Shanghai on Monday, before travelling to Beijing for an annual leaders' dialogue with Premier Li Qiang, and a company roundtable, and then head to the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
Its firefly season in the Blue Ridge.

As the sun goes down, they begin to blink and glow along the water, in the trees, and across open fields. Some species twinkle in unison, others off and on. One of natures loveliest light shows enchants onlookers of all ages, especially in the Smoky Mountains, which is home to about 20 percent of the 100 or so species found in the United States.

But many of those who have long delighted in this essential feature of a humid East Coast summer say something feels different. Casual observers and scientists alike are seeing fewer fireflies, and studies show that habitat loss, rising temperatures, light pollution, and drought threaten these beloved bugs. Some populations are already dwindling, including about 18 species in the U.S. and Canada.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Weve been hearing anecdotal reports of fireflies population declining for years, said Sarah Lower, a biologist at Bucknell University. Every time I would go out and give a scientific talk somewhere, somebody would raise their hand and say, You know, Ive been out in my yard, and when Im with a kid I remember there being fireflies everywhere, now I dont see them.

Lower and Darin J. McNeil, a wildlife ecologist at the University of Kentucky, examined firefly population patterns last summer, using citizen science data collected nationwide to draw connections with environmental conditions. Though their observations dont specifically confirm a decline, they suggest reasons we might be seeing fewer fireflies in some places.

Climate change is already reshaping the Southeast with hotter, drier summers  conditions that could push fireflies past their limits. In some wetter regions, though, they may find new habitat. McNeil said these changing patterns are impacting firefly populations already.

Theyre very, very sensitive to temperature and weather and things like that, McNeil said. In Southern areas where we expect it to get quite warm  and maybe get outside the comfort zone of fireflies  we might expect the fireflies are going to do poorly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fireflies are carnivorous beetles. They dont live long, and spend two years of their short lives in the soil as larvae, hunting slugs and other moisture-loving critters. Disrupt that access to the soil, McNeil said, and fireflies disappear very quickly.

The insects thrive in woodland areas (and, oddly, on farmland, despite herbicides), and habitat loss poses a threat. We have this effect of fragmentation where people are chopping up the forest into little chunks, and then the forest thats left behind doesnt get managed in any way, McNeil said.

McNeil would like to see researchers study how forest management, including prescribed burning, impacts fireflies. In the meantime, theres a lot that ordinary folks can do to help them thrive.

In western North Carolina, Brannen Basham and Jill Jacobs have built their lives around native landscapes. Their small business, Sprigglys Beescaping, teaches people about pollinators  and increasingly, fireflies. The pair have a seemingly endless knowledge of fun facts about lightning bugs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One random interesting fact is that these animals never stop glowing, Jacobs said. Theyre glowing as little eggs, even. And one of the most common front yard genus, Photuris, use their glow to lure nearby males  then eat them.

They take firefly conservation seriously, running regular workshops to teach people how to make their yards more welcoming to fireflies and pollinators, particularly as climate change disrupts growing seasons.

Fireflies might enter into their adult form and find themselves emerging into a world in which their favorite plants have either already bloomed or they havent bloomed yet, Basham said. By increasing the diversity of native plants in your space, you can help ensure that theres something in bloom at all times of the growing season.

Basham and Jacobs have a few other tips for helping fireflies thrive. You dont need to be a scientist to help protect fireflies. In fact, the biggest difference comes from how we care for our own backyards. Here are a few things Basham and Jacobs recommend:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Turn off your porch lights. Fireflies are incredibly sensitive to artificial light, and it can confuse them.

Ditch the manicured lawn and embrace native plants. In addition to being easier to care for, they suit the local environment and conserve water.

Leave some leaves behind when you rake in the fall. Theyre a great place for fireflies to find food, stay cool, and lay eggs.

Plant shrubs, tufting grasses, and other, large plants. These can shelter fireflies during rainstorms and other severe weather.

If you spot fireflies, jot down when and where you saw them and add your observations to citizen science databases like iNaturalist, Firefly Watch, or Firefly Atlas to help scientists collect data.

Even among those who study fireflies, the thrill of spotting them remains magical. Lower has made many excursions to the southern Appalachian Mountains to find the famous, ethereal blue ghosts. Rather than flicker, the insects emit a continuous bluish-green glow. You walk into the pitch black woods and at first you cant really see anything right because your eyes are getting used to the darkness, Lower said. But eventually you start to see all these dim glows.

On other nights, Lower has seen so many fireflies it felt like she was walking among the stars. Shes been lucky enough to witness a phenomenon called spotlighting, in which lightning bugs hover in a circle of light. Shes even used pheromones as a tactic to lure them out of their hiding spots in the dead of winter, feeling elated as the creatures drifted toward her: You can imagine me dancing and yelling and screaming in the forest.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Seeing fewer fireflies this year? Heres why, and how you can help. on Jul 11, 2025.
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, affirms support for U.S. military aid to Ukraine in the third year of a war initiated by Russia because failure to deter President Vladimir Putin can have ramifications for NATO and U.S. military commitments to Europe. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Senate's YouTube channel)

TOPEKA  U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas emphasized in a speech the importance of sustained support for Ukraine in the battle against Russias invasion and praised President Donald Trumps commitment to resume weapon shipments authorized by Congress.

Moran, a Republican, said Trump would rely on authority granted the administration to oppose aggression of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who dramatically escalated conflict in Ukraine during 2022. This week, Trump said Russian forces were violating human rights and Ukraine needed arms such as the Patriot air defense missile to counter Russian drone and missile attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This commitment is vital, ensuring that Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to protect its people and its territory against ongoing aggression, Moran said. If we allow a dictator to redraw borders by force, then what message does that send to other authoritarian regimes watching closely around the globe, including China? It sends a message of weakness, it invites further aggression and it threatens our allies and partners around the globe.

In a speech on the floor of the Senate this week, Moran said the cost of inaction by the United States would far outweigh the cost of action.

If Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, the likelihood of a direct confrontation between Russia and a NATO ally dramatically increases. That would mean a far greater cost, not just in resources, but potentially in American lives, the Kansas senator said.

On Thursday, Trump said U.S. weapons provided to NATO allies would be transferred to Ukraine. The military alliance would pay the brunt of the cost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We need to make certain Ukraine has the equipment necessary to win a just and lasting peace, Moran said. We are interested in that peace. We want that peace.

Moran said one goal should be to strengthen domestic defense production capabilities to ensure that we have a resilient industrial base with the ability to handle all the possible threats the United States faces now and into the future.

He said 90% of aid delivered to Ukraine would create jobs and bolster defense manufacturing in the United States.

By aiding Ukraine, we are replenishing our own stockpiles with new, more advanced equipment and demonstrating American leadership on the global stage, Moran said.
Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, brings HF 3454, the Omnibus Veterans policy provisions bill to the Senate floor on April 18, 2024. Photo by Senate Media Services.

The long-awaited felony burglary trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, begins Monday after multiple delays and the conclusion of two legislative sessions since her arrest.

Seventh Judicial District Chief Judge Michael Fritz last month delayed Mitchells trial, scheduled to begin on June 16, because of the assassination of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and the attempted assassination of Mitchells colleague, Sen. John Hoffman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The trial, which is expected to play out like a messy family drama, will begin Monday in Detroit Lakes with jury selection; opening statements from the prosecution and defense are expected Monday afternoon or Tuesday.

Mitchell was arrested on April 22, 2024, in Detroit Lakes after police allege they found her in her stepmothers basement around 4:45 a.m. She told police that she was attempting to retrieve some of her late fathers possessions, including his ashes, according to the amended criminal complaint.

In a Facebook statement shortly after her arrest, Mitchell denied stealing anything and said she drove to her stepmothers Detroit Lakes home because she was concerned about the cognitive state of her stepmother, who she says suffers from Alzheimers.

Unfortunately, I startled this close relative, exacerbating paranoia, and I was accused of stealing, which I absolutely deny, Mitchell said in a Facebook statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mitchells voluminous public statements and her interviews with police after the incident  without an attorney present, even though she herself is an attorney  have created a challenge for her at trial. In those comments, she admitted to being in a home that isnt hers. Charging papers allege she said she was there to obtain disputed property. She will need to persuade the jury that the actions were justified.

This might be a tall feat in conservative Becker County, where the trial will be held. In 2024, Becker County voted for President Donald Trump over Kamala Harris by 33 percentage points, and jurors may not have a favorable opinion of a metro Democrat.

Mitchell has been charged with first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools  police found a blue crowbar near an egress window where they say Mitchell broke into her stepmothers home. If found guilty of first-degree burglary, Mitchell faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and if found guilty of possession of burglary tools she faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

Mitchells arrest set off a firestorm in the Minnesota Capitol, particularly in the Senate where Democrats hold a one-seat, 34-33 majority. Mitchells own vote has been the tie-breaker for multiple Democratic-Farmer-Labor-backed bills, especially last year. Senate Republicans have tried to oust her and prevent her from casting her crucial vote multiple times since her arrest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The first-term senator has resisted calls to resign from her own party, including then Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin and Gov. Tim Walz. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy expelled Mitchell from caucus meetings and stripped her of her committee assignments.

Last year, Mitchell didnt speak on the Senate floor after her arrest and kept a low profile. The Woodbury senator has been speaking up on the floor about various bills this year, however, and lately shes been posting her way through the charges, sharing photos of herself with constituents and students on her government social media accounts.

Bruce Ringstrom Jr., Mitchells defense attorney, in a statement to the Reformer last month said the senator is confident that jurors will find reasonable doubt in the case against Mitchell and ultimately find her not guilty.

Sen. Mitchell is confident that taking this case to trial is the correct decision. She understands that juries sometimes make decisions inconsistent with the evidence but is prepared to take that risk. Sen. Mitchell believes that if the jury holds the state to its burden of proof that she will be found not guilty, Ringstrom said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heres a breakdown of whats happened in the case against Mitchell since her arrest.

What happened on the day of the arrest, according to police

Mitchell told police she left her Woodbury home around 1 a.m. on April 22  a Monday when the Legislature was still in session  and drove to her stepmothers Detroit Lakes home, according to the amended criminal complaint.

The stepmother, Carol Mitchell, said she called 911 after finding a person on the floor next to her bed. Carol Mitchell later told the police she had stepped on the person, later identified as Nicole Mitchell, who then ran into the basement.

Officers found Mitchell in the basement dressed in black clothing and a black hat. During the arrest, Nicole Mitchell addressed her stepmother: Carol, its Nicole. I was just trying to get a couple of my dads things because you wouldnt talk to me anymore, the complaint states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Roderick Mitchell, Nicole Mitchells father, died without a will in 2023, according to the complaint. A probate court awarded Carol Mitchell 100% of Roderick Mitchells estate.

Nicole Mitchell later told police that she hadnt talked to Carol Mitchell in about a month.

I have never done anything like this, Mitchell told the officers. You are going to find out I am a military commander for Gods sake. Mitchell reiterated that there were just a couple things of my dads I wanted to come get, according to the complaint.

As an officer was reading Nicole Mitchell her Miranda rights, she said, Im just hoping, um, this mistake wont completely f*ck up my life. An officer told Mitchell she was being placed under arrest. Mitchell, according to the complaint, sat silently and became emotional. My God, my military retirement. Shoot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officers later found a backpack wedged into a sliding glass window in the basement. They found Mitchells drivers license, Senate ID and a laptop inside the backpack, according to the complaint. Carol Mitchell later called law enforcement and said she found a blue crowbar next to an egress window that wasnt hers. Police determined that the basement sliding glass window was too small for a person to fit into, so Mitchell likely entered the house through the egress window, according to the complaint.

Whats happened in the case since Mitchells arrest

Mitchell has pleaded not guilty to both felony charges.

Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald and Ringstrom, Mitchells attorney, last year agreed to a stipulation that the laptop found in Mitchells backpack was not stolen and the prosecution cannot argue that she tried to steal it.

The prosecution also asked Fritz, the judge, to order defense counsel to refrain from referring to Mitchell as senator in front of the jury, which Fritz denied.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The trial was initially scheduled to begin in January of this year, but the judge granted the defenses motion to delay it until after the 2025 session finished, following a 2007 appellate ruling stating that legal proceedings involving legislators should be delayed until after the legislative session.

Last month, Fritz denied all pretrial motions from Mitchells defense. Mitchells attorneys asked Fritz to dismiss the possession of felony burglary tools charge, which was added 10 months after her arrest. The defense alleged this was prosecutorial vindictiveness, but the judge disagreed.

Fritz also denied the defenses motion to access Carol Mitchells medical records related to an April 2024 doctors appointment at Sanford Medical Clinic in Fargo, which Mitchells attorneys say would reveal the extent of her stepmothers decline.

Late last month, the prosecution asked the judge to preclude the defense from calling Mitchells stepfather and a man with whom Mitchell served in the military as witnesses. The judge has yet to rule on the prosecutions motions.

The trial is expected to last five days.
The Brief

Sen. Nicole Mitchell's trial on burglary charges is scheduled to begin Monday with jury selection.

You can watch the trial, from opening statements to the verdict, on FOX LOCAL Mobile, YouTube and in the player above.

Mitchell is accused of breaking into her stepmother's home in Detroit Lakes in 2024.

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (FOX 9) - The burglary trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, which was rescheduled after the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, begins Monday.

Watch live

FOX 9 will live stream the trial, from opening statements until a verdict is reached, on FOX LOCAL Mobile, YouTube and in the player above. The trial stream will be on a 10-minute delay, per court rules. The trial stream will begin after a jury is seated.

Trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell

Nicole Mitchell's booking photo (left) and her official Minnesota Senate portrait (right). (Supplied)

Local perspective

Mitchell, who represents Woodbury, faces a count of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools for allegedly breaking into her stepmother's home in Detroit Lakes in 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her trial was rescheduled for Monday, July 14, in Becker County. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. with jury selection. Opening statements could begin as soon as Monday afternoon. The trial is expected to last about a week.

Mitchell was originally scheduled to go to trial in January, but it was pushed back so she could finish the legislative session, which ended in June in a special session. Jury selection was then scheduled to begin on June 16, but instead the judge and attorneys met via Zoom for a hearing during which the judge agreed to delay the trial in light of the June 14 shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and subsequent manhunt for the suspect.

Sen. Mitchell charges

Dig deeper

A criminal complaint states that Detroit Lakes police responded to a reported burglary at a home around 4:45 a.m. on April 22, 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the scene, police found Mitchell in the home's basement dressed in all black. Officers say they also found a flashlight covered with a black sock on Mitchell. Officers searched for a black backpack that was stuck in a window at the scene and recovered two laptops, a cellphone, a drivers license, Senate identification and miscellaneous Tupperware, according to the complaint.

Mitchell reportedly told investigators she was "just trying to get some of my dad's things" and added "clearly, I'm not good at this."

The complaint states that Mitchell explained to police that her father had just died, and she wanted sentimental items her stepmother refused to give to her.

Mitchell said those include her father's ashes, pictures, clothes and other sentimental items.

The Source

This story uses previous FOX 9 reporting and court documents.
WASHINGTON (WPRI)  Rhode Island U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is making national headlines this week for hitting a milestone in his efforts to urge more action by Congress to address climate change.

Whitehouse delivered his 300th Time to Wake Up speech on the Senate floor Wednesday, 13 years after he began giving the series of recurring speeches. In his latest speech, he emphasized a shift in messaging  framing climate change not only as an environmental concern but also as an urgent economic issue.

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) gives a speech on climate change on the Senate floor.

In an interview with 12 News ahead of his speech, Whitehouse criticized the budget reconciliation bill passed by Republican congressional leaders and signed by President Donald Trump, arguing it undermines clean energy progress by changing or eliminating tax credits that support alternative fuel sources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He warned the rollback of these credits will result in two major consequences: higher fossil fuel emissions and rising energy costs.

People are going to see as this bill rolls out  those increased electric utility bills, less ability to get support for things like putting a solar panel on your own home or buying your chosen electric vehicle, said Whitehouse, a fourth-term Democrat.

Across the aisle, some Republicans have expressed concern as well. Virginia Congresswoman Jen Kiggans is part of a group pushing for changes to the budget bill. While she acknowledged the cuts, she highlighted what was preserved.

While the final bill fell short of preserving the full energy tax credits, I was glad to see it maintained the credits for projects that begin construction within a year, Kiggans said. This gives businesses much-needed certainty and ensures that energy infrastructure investments made in our communities continue to thrive.

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D) Rhode Island

Whitehouse argues that climate change isnt just affecting energy policy. He is also raising alarms about growing instability in the insurance market, especially what it could mean for coastal states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The insurance industry is walking back from the core support for American homeownership, which is homeowners insurance, Whitehouse said.

Kyra Ceryanek is a masters student in the Syracuse University broadcast journalism program.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Nesi's Notes

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  President Donald Trumps border czar says hes gonna head to Portland, and in response, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) has invited him to hear directly from the local community.

Tom Homan is one of the highest-ranking immigration enforcement leaders in the country, as the White Houses Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations. He recently spoke in an interview with Fox Business, stating he plans to visit Portland following several protests against federal deportation efforts.

Summer heat returns: Will Portland hit 100 degrees next week?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the interview, Homan addressed what he claimed to be ongoing violence amid anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement demonstrations. He also indicated that he would target sanctuary cities, including Portland.

Im gonna head to Portland, Homan told FOX News Contributor Larry Kudlow. Im going out there. Theyre not gonna bully us or, you know, were gonna do the job. Were gonna do it in Portland, but for the mayor of New York and Chicago, President Trump made it clear two weeks ago. Were gonna double down, triple down on sanctuary cities.

In response, Wydens team says the senator has extended an invitation to an upcoming Multnomah County town hall meeting with the hope that Homan intends to visit to learn about how your policies and tactics are impacting American communities.

Since Donald Trump took office in January, Oregonians have expressed their serious concerns to me about the Trump administrations sweeping policy changes to immigration policy, Wyden said in his letter to Homan on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Portlanders have taken to the streets several times since Trump took office for his second term in January, and consequently began his anti-immigration crackdown.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Eye on Northwest Politics

Most recently, people used the Fourth of July as an opportunity to protest against ongoing ICE activity and the recent passage of what his administration has dubbed as One Big Beautiful Bill. Some protests have resulted in the arrest of participants accused of assaulting federal officers.

In these few short months, Oregonians have seen ICE officials detaining and deporting key members of our community, essential workers and entrepreneurs, without due process and in defiance of court orders, Wydens letter said. In our universities and colleges, students have seen their visas revoked without warning, disrupting their education and valuable research contributions. Oregonians have seen immigrant laborers with appropriate documentation stopped and questioned by federal agents on their way to work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek previously told KOIN 6 News they had not heard from Homan about any visit. The White House also said they had no information to share besides Homans comments.

You can read Sen. Wydens full letter to Homan below.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Senate Democrats on the Foreign Relations Committee are demanding answers within one week from Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the Trump administrations firing of thousands of State Department employees, raising alarm that arbitrary layoffs are expelling critical expertise and talent.

The panels Democrats sent a letter to Rubio on Friday, as the State Department began issuing notices that a reduction in force (RIF) would be carried out, impacting around 1,100 civil service employees and 250 foreign service officers.

RIFs should remain a tool of last resort, and if implemented must be conducted according to long-standing procedures that prioritize transparency and a merit-based process for both career civil service employees and Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), the lawmakers wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During a time of increasingly complex and wide-spread challenges to U.S. national security, this administration should be strengthening our diplomatic corps  an irreplaceable instrument of U.S. power and leadership  not weakening it.

The letter was led by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Also signing it are Democratic Sens. Chris Coons (Del.), Chis Murphy (Conn.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Jeff Merkley (Ore.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (Md.), Tammy Duckworth (Ill.) and Jacky Rosen (Nev.).

The letter was also sent to Russell Vought, the White Houses director of the Office of Management and Budget. The lawmakers asked for responses by July 18.

In the letter, the senators point out concerns that FSOs and civil service employees are being laid off by virtue of working in bureaus or offices that are being eliminated, and not taking into consideration that staff rotate positions at the State Department, transferring their experience and expertise to different areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among the list of 18 questions included demands for explaining the rationale behind the layoffs and plans for the future.

It can take years of training for an FSO or civil servant to master diplomatic and negotiation skills, including obtaining fluency in critical languages. Why are skilled officers, including those with specialized language skills not being reassigned? How will the Department fill these specialized skill and experience gaps? the lawmakers asked.

How many vacant FSO positions will there be worldwide after RIFs are processed? How does the Department plan to fill mission critical posts? they continued.

If reducing waste, fraud, and abuse is the goal of the reorganization, why is the Department not efficiently allowing these experienced civil service employees to laterally move into vacant positions they were chosen for based on merit? they pressed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubio, a former Republican senator for Florida, served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for 16 years before joining the Trump administration. Schatz, during a Foreign Relations hearing in May, pressed Rubio on his agencys failure to respond to congressional inquiries.

My staff has sent 200 unanswered questions  consultation is not a courtesy, it is required by law  radio silence other than, youre very responsive, Schatz said, criticizing the agency as failing to engage with his staff.

This story was updated at 4:36 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) approved a $500 million defense assistance package for Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia.

On Wednesday, the committee voted for the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a yearly bill to fund the Department of Defense (DOD). In a 26-1 vote, the committee extended the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2028, adding $200 million for 2026.

The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, created in 2015, is a funding source for DoD security assistance to Ukraines military and other security forces, including intelligence support, training, equipment, logistics, supplies, and services, according to Ukraine Oversight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russian strikes in Ukraine have escalated in the past few months. Tensions between the Kremlin and the White House have also exploded. On May 25, President Trump said he was not happy with what [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is doing, a strong reversal compared to the early days of the presidency, when he blamed Ukraine for the war.

NATO and European allies have also ramped up defense talks against Russia.

Trump struck a deal Friday with NATO to send Kyiv Patriot batteries, a key defense mechanism against ballistic missiles.

A day earlier, the White House announced it is sending episodic deployments of hypersonic missiles to Germany. This improves Germanys ability to strike Russia with long-range missiles in case of a broader regional conflict.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additionally, NATO allies have promised to increase their contributions to NATO to 5 percent of their gross domestic product, a policy that Trump has long awaited.

Since Trump pressured Europe to increase defense spending and stop depending on the U.S., the European Union signed a $162 million readiness plan. The union aims to rearm Europe within five years  a goal that seems almost impossible but is a warning sign to Russia.

The NDAA also restricts the retirement of A-10 aircraft. In the commander in chiefs June budget request, Trump said he wanted to retire the A-10 Warthogs for newer jets, according to Reuters. The draft, however, required the Department of Defense to keep at least 103 aircraft in fiscal 2026.

The bill still has to go through the House and Senate, where military aid to Ukraine is more debated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Legislation in the Senate rarely earns more than 80 sponsors. But Ukraines defense against Russias two-year-long invasion seems to be the spark drawing that support to a bill drafted by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Senators from both parties say that the legislation would pass smoothly. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said that he is open to a sanctions bill, which would open the door widespread bipartisan support.

Majority Leader John Thune said in a Senate speech earlier this week, I fully expect that that could be ready for floor consideration as early as this work period. Senate Republicans are committed to working with the House and the White House to get this legislation through Congress and onto the presidents desk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So why has it not come to the floor for a vote?

Politico reports that President Donald Trump wants significant changes that would give him more authority on managing the congressional sanctions.

Ukraines defense against Russias two-year-long invasion seems to be the spark drawing support to a bill drafted by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham (pictured at right with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky) and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service)

And Democrats say that Trumps desire for changes have led to Thune and Senate Republican leadership delaying the vote to placate the president.

If President Trump makes up his mind that he's being played by Putin and says to Leader Thune, I don't object to that bill moving forward, we can take it up and pass it in a matter of days, Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, told The Independent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

President Trump needs to decide if he is actually willing to use the stick of sanctions to try and force Putin to come to the table, Coons said.

Coons words come as many Republicans say they would be open to have the vote.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) said he was confident the bill could come to the floor soon.

Theres no sticking points, were just waiting on the timing, he told The Independent.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), the chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pointed to the bipartisan nature of the bill.

So I would say that it has an excellent chance of being approved, assuming that Senator Thune, brings it to the floor, she told The Indpendent. Collins, a big supporter of Ukraine, said she did not know what Thunes plans are for bringing it to the floor, but, I think it would pass easily.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Democrats are frustrated that the legislation has seemingly stalled.

Ask the senate majority leader, why is not bringing it to the floor? Is he afraid of Donald Trump, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a supporter of Ukraine, told The Independent.

The bill as written would require that 15 days after making a determination, the president shall increase the rate of duty for all goods and services, imported from Russia to the United States to 500 percent.

Sen Brian Schatz (D-HI) told reporters that sanctions largely already work the way that Politico reported Trump wants them to work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Which is to say that the administration has the authority to lift them, and then it's subject to review by Congress, he told reporters. So I don't consider that a deal breaker.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, told The Independent that he also wanted to see an emergency supplemental spending package to Ukraine.

Trump has had an up-and-down relationship with Ukraine ever since his return to the White House. During his 2024 presidential campaign, he said that he would end the war, which started when Russian President Vladimir Putin attacked Ukraine, in 24 hours. He famously blew up at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a tense meeting in the Oval Office.

But Trump has expressed frustration with Putin. Earlier this week, Trump said he would resume weapons shipments to Ukraine after the Department of Defense halted them because of concerns about American stockpiles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We're going to send some more weapons, he said.

But Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) said he was not sure why there had not been movement on the legislation and has not spoken with Senate GOP leadership.

I havent, but on the intend to, he told The Independent.

-Andrew Feinberg contributed reporting
The Senate Appropriations Committee sputtered Thursday as its consideration of the annual Justice Department funding bill was cut short due to a dispute over the Trump administrations plans to relocate the FBIs headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The Senate committee met Thursday morning for its first markup of the fiscal 2026 funding season to consider three of the 12 annual spending bills, covering billions of dollars for the departments of Commerce, Justice and Agriculture; the Food and Drug Administration; and the legislative branch.

But they were only able to approve two of the bills  for the Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration, and for the legislative branch  and members say the third, covering the Department of Justice (DOJ) as well as the Commerce Department and science agencies, is now in limbo after an amendment was adopted that seeks to block President Trumps plans to keep the FBIs headquarters in Washington, D.C.

If it stays in there, itll tank the bill, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said of the proposal on Thursday, while describing the proposal as a poison pill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He added, If it doesnt tank it in the [Appropriations Committee], thatll tank it on the floor.

The committee voted 15-14 to adopt language that seeks to block funding from being used to relocate the FBI headquarters from the J. Edgar Hoover Building to any location other than the Greenbelt, Md., site selected by the General Services Administration in 2023.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) bucked party lines to join Democrats in backing the proposal, after pressing for more information from the administration regarding its decision to instead move the headquarters into the Ronald Reagan Building  which housed the U.S. Agency for International Development.

My understanding is that this has been a decision that was made just very recently, Murkowski said during the markup. So I, for one, would like to know that this analysis has actually been going on for more than just a couple months, that theres actually been that effort to ensure that were going to move forward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, before the committee could move to final consideration of the bill, Murkowski and a slew of other Republicans flipped from their initial positions of supporting the measure to opposing it following the amendments adoption.

Republicans had sought to have the amendment withdrawn to allow members to receive more information from the FBI regarding the relocation plans, but Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), the senior appropriator who offered the proposal, declined.

He and other Democrats said the previous decision to bring the FBI headquarters to Maryland was the result of a lengthy, competitive process to replace the current crumbling structure in D.C., accusing the Trump administration of not performing a sufficient analysis before changing the plan.

The overall bill is a good bill when it comes to funding NASA, NSF, Department of Commerce, but this was a gaping hole, Van Hollen, top Democrat on the subcommittee that crafted the annual funding bill, told The Hill on Thursday regarding the headquarters issue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not just this building. Its the precedent. Its the larger question about whether or not the executive branch can unilaterally undo something that Congress has worked on for years on a bipartisan basis, he said.

However, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), who heads the subcommittee that oversees FBI funding, and other Republicans have come out strongly against the amendment, saying the proposal does not fall within the jurisdiction of the committee.

We should have nothing to do with making decisions about where the FBI headquarters is located. Its not an appropriations process, he argued in remarks to The Hill. Weve never designated in the committee, and were still trying to resolve that.

Members are hopeful the committee will be able to resume consideration of the funding bill as soon as next week while negotiations continue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My hope is that  were kind of in the place where I volunteered midway in the hearing where we have an opportunity to take a pause, get a little more information about what it is the administration is seeking to do with the Ronald Reagan Building, Murkowski said.

It seems to me thats kind of the blank spot right now. I think were going to have that chance whether its just members that are interested in getting further briefing or certainly Im going to take advantage of it.

Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), who also changed her initial yes vote to no, said before the committee recessed it was very unfortunate that one issue is sinking a bill that was completely bipartisan and strongly supported on both sides of the aisle.

For the annual Commerce-Justice-Science funding bill, Moran said the real increase in spending power in these CJS funded agencies is only $279 million, about 0.4 percent above current levels. A chunk of the increase, Moran said, would go toward helping fund preparation for the next Decennial Census.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bill, which has yet to be released, is also expected to include cuts for DOC and DOJ, while flatlining funds for the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Prisons, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The National Science Foundation would also see a cut.

At the same time, however, Moran also said during the markup that the bill funds the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in a way that eliminates the reduction in workforce at our National Weather Service.

An issue that Ive paid attention to, legislation that Ive introduced that makes certain that those employees are considered incapable of being furloughed or removed, but also led an effort to get the National Weather Service to eliminate the pause, the administration to eliminate the pause on hiring, he said.

So, this budget fully, this appropriation bill fully funds the National Weather Service for purposes of employing the people who work at the National Weather Service to protect our well-being.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite the dispute over the headquarters, Senate appropriators also advanced their first two funding bills for fiscal 2026, greenlighting dollars for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration and the legislative branch.

The committee voted unanimously to approve the annual agricultural and rural development funding bill, which it said provides about $27 billion in total funding for fiscal 2026. That includes $8.2 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Other items in the bill include roughly $7 billion in total funding for the Food and Drug Administration, about $1.7 billion for rental assistance, and nearly $1.23 billion for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Democrats have also highlighted $240 million in funding in the bill for the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program  a program that was targeted in President Trumps latest budget request.

The committee also voted 27-1 to provide roughly $7 billion for congressional operations, U.S. Capitol Police, the Library of Congress, the Government Accountability Office, the Congressional Budget Office and other legislative branch operations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a sharp contrast from the House bill, which seeks to cut funding for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) by roughly 50 percent for fiscal 2026, the Senates legislative branch funding bill seeks to keep funding for the agency in line with current levels, allowing for about $812 million for the office.

The bill would increase funding for the U.S. Capitol Police by $75 million compared to current levels, calling for a total of $881 million. It would also increase funding for the Congressional Budget Office while keeping funding flat for the Congressional Research Service and the Library of Congress.

The bills account for a quarter of the dozen annual funding bills that Senate negotiators hope to send out of committee in the weeks ahead as lawmakers stare down a late September deadline to prevent a government shutdown.

The funding bills seen so far in the Senate committee are more bipartisan in nature than the GOP-crafted legislation proposed in the House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But as both chambers fall behind in their annual funding work, some are already expecting a stopgap measure will be needed to prevent a shutdown in October to buy Congress more time to strike an eventual bicameral funding deal for fiscal 2026.

Alexander Bolton contributed.

Updated at 7 p.m. EDT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) demanded the immediate release of federal funds for K-12 schools and adult literacy programs, in a letter sent Thursday to the Trump administration.

We insist you immediately reverse your decision to illegally withhold federal education funding appropriated by Congress and provide the funds as the law requires, the senators wrote.

On July 2, the Trump administration withheld $6 billion in already appropriated federal funding for extracurricular programs. According to the letter, many schools are going into a frenzy over how to fill a new and massive budget gap.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These funds were made available by the bipartisan Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, signed into law on March 15, 2025. Yet, instead of supporting the tens of millions of students and adult learners intended to benefit from these investments, the administration has chosen to continue an unprecedented and opaque programmatic review of these formula grant funds past the July 1, 2025, date these funds became available for allotment to states, the senators wrote.

The letter was sent to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and Education Secretary Linda McMahon. It was co-signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and 25 others.

This is an ongoing programmatic review of education funding. Initial findings show that many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda, an OMB spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill.

In one case, NY public schools used English Language Acquisition funds to promote illegal immigrant advocacy organizations. In another, Washington state used funds to direct illegal immigrants towards scholarships intended for American students. In yet another, School Improvement funds were used to conduct a seminar on queer resistance in the arts. As stated before, this is an ongoing programmatic review and no decisions have been made yet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Department of Education did not immediately responded to requests for comment.

The withheld funding is part of a broader effort within the administration to dismantle the Department of Education, leave education to the states, and cut all diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Jim Clark, the president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said the organization might have to halt its summer program midseason, according to The Associated Press. He added that after-school programs in the fall could be impacted.

This not only impacts children but also 1.2 million adult learners who are working to improve their reading and math levels to be able to participate in the economy, according to the letter. Moreover, after-school programs hit by a loss of funding will affect working parents, who depending on these programs for child care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the senators letter, the Trump administration has blocked six major grants for education. Among those it cited are the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which supports 1.4 million low-income students nationwide.

These centers also help working parents by providing a safe and productive place for their children to be after the school day ends and during the summer months. It is beyond comprehension why the administration would want to jeopardize these outcomes, according to the letter.

Also impacted are the English Language Acquisition Grant, which helps students become proficient in English, and the Migrant Education grant supporting the needs of immigrant children.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced a significant settlement involving eight opioid manufacturers, which will bring millions of dollars to Pennsylvania for prevention and treatment efforts.

The settlement is part of a $720 million national agreement with the companies accused of worsening the opioid crisis. Pennsylvania could receive up to $28 million, depending on local government participation.

These funds come out of the pockets of companies that contributed to the nationwide addiction epidemic and into Pennsylvania communities, Attorney General Sunday said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The settlement follows a previous $7.4 billion agreement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, which is expected to bring as much as $200 million to Pennsylvania.

The eight companies involved in the settlement include Mylan, Hikma, Amneal, Apotex, Indivior, Sun, Alvogen, and Zydus. Each company has agreed to pay varying amounts over different periods.

In addition to financial payments, seven of the companies are prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products, and they must implement monitoring systems for suspicious orders. Indivior has agreed not to manufacture or sell opioid products for the next ten years, but can continue marketing medications to treat opioid use disorder.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Officials warned residents of several roads across Chatham County that were flooded Thursday.

At least 1,789 people do not have power in Chatham County, according to the Georgia Power outage map. Surrounding areas in Effingham, Glynn, Wayne, Bryan and Liberty counties are also affected.

Around 170 residents in Jasper County are also without power due to downed powerlines in the Levy area, Palmetto Eletric Cooperative said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WSAV witnessed the following roads affected by flooding in Savannah:

Victory Drive

Paulsen and Anderson

Port Wentworth Police released the following roads that are impacted:

HWY 21 & Grange

Gordon

Dixie

Cilfton

Osteen near Armadale

Turnberry

Evora

Mincey

Cantyre

Bonnybridge

21 & Coldbrook

21 & Lakeside

21 & Market

Amberly Estates

Meinhard & Hendley

Newport Subdivision

21 & Rice Creek

Residents of Rincon have posted photos and videos of several roads covered in water:

McCall and 21

Mulberry at Rice Hope

If you have images or videos of flooded roads or damage, send them to pics@WSAV.com.

Credit: John Padgett. Located in the Rabun Estates Residential road flooded. Credit: Amber Smith. Located in the Rabun Estates Credit: Jessica Auner Pack. Flooded area next to the McDonalds at 95 and 204 Credit: Jessica Auner Pack. Flooded area next to the McDonalds at 95 and 204 Credit: Jessica Auner Pack. Flooded area next to the McDonalds at 95 and 204 Aftermath of the storm in Effingham County Credit: Amber Smith. Located in the Rabun Estates

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
A serious dispute erupted in Germany's coalition government on Friday over the appointment of new judges to the country's Constitutional Court.

Lawmakers from the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) are set to hold an emergency meeting after Chancellor Friedrich Merz's centre-right bloc - made up of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) - withdrew their support for an SPD-nominated candidate, hours before a vote in parliament.

The candidate, law professor Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, has attracted criticism from conservatives over her views on abortion and her support for mandatory vaccination during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite grumbles in the CDU/CSU base, her election seemed all but secured after Merz signalled his support for her nomination earlier this week.

But in a surprise move early on Friday, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group decided it would call for the SPD to remove a vote on Brosius-Gersdorf's nomination from the agenda in the Bundestag, the country's lower house of parliament.

If the centre-left party refuses, sources told dpa that the conservatives have threatened to abstain, leaving the SPD candidate well short of the required two-thirds majority.

Sources from the centre-right cited a plagiarism allegation against Brosius-Gersdorf that surfaced on Thursday. The professor and her universities are yet to respond to a request for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The dispute - which breaks the long-held tradition of consensus-driven appointments to the country's top court - leaves Merz's coalition government at risk of a spectacular public falling-out, only two months after it took office.

Tensions have escalated in recent days over the nomination of the judges to the Karlsruhe-based Constitutional Court, which ensures compliance with the country's de facto constitution, the Basic Law.

The CDU/CSU candidate, Gunter Spinner, is locked in his own battle to secure a majority without relying on votes from the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD), a move that would break the much-publicized "firewall" on cooperating with the far-right party.

Conservative leaders have proved unwilling to hold talks with The Left to secure the necessary backing and hinted they would be open to proceeding to a secret vote, leaving it unclear whether the AfD's support was necessary to Spinner's election.
Beachgoers are shown at Narragansett Town Beach on June 22, 2025, during the recent period of very hot weather. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current)

Steven Spielberg never made a cult-favorite thriller about the dangers of sewage-infested waters.

But the amount of fecal matter lurking in the water surpassed federal safety recommendations at least one time in 2024 at nearly six in 10 of the 66 Rhode Island beaches tested, new data shows.

Rex Wilmouth, state director for the Rhode Island chapter of Environment America, is shown at the press conference at Oakland Beach in Warwick Friday, July 11, 2025. (Contributed photo)

Even more alarming: 25 state and local beaches exceeded federal water quality safety thresholds on 25% or more of the testing days, according to a report published on July 7 by Environment Americas Research & Policy Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its absurd in todays society we need to be worried about crap in the water, literally, said Rex Wilmouth, state director for the Rhode Island chapter of the nonprofit research and advocacy firm. Even one day is one day too many.

Wilmouth unveiled the disturbing findings at a press conference at Oakland Beach in Warwick Friday morning. The Rhode Island Department of Health closed the city-run saltwater beach on June 24 due to high bacteria counts, though it was reopened two days later. On Thursday, two other Warwick swimming areas, at City Park and Conimicut Point beaches, were closed due to high bacteria accounts detected by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

The state health department samples and tests water at state and local saltwater beaches during the summer season each year and notifies the public if unsafe bacteria levels are detected. Swimming in contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory disease, eye and ear infections and skin rashes, with an estimated 57 million cases of illness nationwide each year. However, a majority of the illnesses go unreported.

Environment Americas report compares state and federally reported levels of fecal contamination against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys health safety threshold, or Beach Action Value, to determine which beaches may pose health risks to swimmers, and how often.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Of the 3,187 beaches tested nationwide in 2024, 61% showed unsafe levels of contamination on at least one testing day. And one in seven of those tested were marked by dangerous levels of bacteria at least 25% of testing days.

Nearly six in 10 of the 66 Rhode Island beaches analyzed by Environment America were marked by one or more days of potentially unsafe bacteria levels in 2024. (Courtesy Environment America)

And thats just on days when waters were sampled  suggesting infected waterways were contaminated even more often than data suggests, Wilmouth said. Take Tivertons Fogland Beach, for example, which surpassed the federally recommended bacteria cap on five of seven days it was tested in 2024.

There were a lot more days it was probably unsafe as well, Wilmouth said.

Other repeat offenders in 2024 included Matunuck Town Beach in South Kingstown and Jamestowns Mackerel Cove Beach, which both exceeded recommended bacteria levels on roughly two-thirds of testing days, along with Narragansetts members-only Dunes Club. State-run beaches were not immune either: Scarborough State Beach North showed unsafe levels of bacteria on 38% of the 24 testing days, according to the data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ocean doesnt care if its a wealthy area or not, he said. People can get really sick.

The ocean doesnt care if its a wealthy area or not, he said. People can get really sick.

 Rex Wilmouth, state director for the Rhode Island chapter of Environment America

Water pollution has become an increasing problem nationwide as a result of development that increases the risk of stormwater runoff flowing into coastal waters, and aging sewer infrastructure prone to overflows and spills.

In 2024, Rhode Island saw 171 days of one or more beach closures over a beach season marked by nearly 15 inches of rain, according to state health department data. The year 2023 was marked by 246 days of one or more beach closures  the highest since 2006, when there were 351 closure days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So far this year, five local beaches have been closed for a combined 22 days  not including this weeks closures at swimming areas that have not yet reopened in the wake of recent, heavy rainfall.

There were 171 days in which one or more Rhode Island beaches closed in 2024 due to elevated bacteria levels. Years marked by more rainfall generally corresponded with more frequent or prolonged beach closures. (Courtesy of the Rhode Island Department of Health)

Temporary beach closures are more than just an inconvenience to swimmers; they also jeopardize a key part of the states tourism-dependent economy, and that of shellfishermen, whose livelihoods depend on access to key fishing grounds free from contamination.

Were the Ocean State, Wilmouth said. We need to make sure we are not polluting our waterways.

The solution relies largely on federal and state funding, both for regular water quality monitoring, and even more importantly, sewage and stormwater infrastructure upgrades that can minimize overflows and prevent polluted runoff from seeping into public waterways. The 2021 Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act provided $27.4 billion in direct funding and future appropriations for sewage and stormwater projects nationwide. But some of that funding is now at risk under actions taken by the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the EPA pegs the total cost for necessary wastewater infrastructure at $630 billion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Environment Americas annual data release on unsafe bacteria levels in swimming waters comes with a new call to action this year: asking residents in each state to sign a petition urging their governors to set firm deadlines for ensuring state waters are safe for swimming, fulfilling a goal set by the Clean Water Act in 1983.

The number of people who signed the petition in Rhode Island Friday was not immediately available.

Wilmouth acknowledged the progress that Rhode Island, and its municipalities, have made toward wastewater infrastructure upgrades, such as the Narragansett Bay Commissions Combined Sewer Overflow project. Now in its third and final phase, the decades-old, $1.7 billion project relies on a network of underground tunnels that will run over 5 miles once completed to capture sewage and stormwater runoff during heavy rainfall and prevent it from being released untreated into the bay. The project is expected to be finished in 2026.

We need to continue doing things like that, Wilmouth said of the federally funded project. The biggest thing is having the funding. These are not small, or inexpensive projects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But, he added, the health risks to swimmers from frolicking in fecal waters are preventable.

I shouldnt be releasing a report like this in todays world, he said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Hunter Thomas Wallace has been sentenced for criminal solicitation of a minor and causing a car accident while fleeing police in York County, Attorney General Alan Wilson announced on Thursday.

Wallace pleaded guilty to one count of criminal solicitation of a minor and two counts of failure to stop for blue lights with great bodily injury. The charges stem from an undercover investigation conducted by the York County Sheriffs Office and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in May 2023.

Operation Home Alone leads to 10 arrests in online child sex sting

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the investigation, Wallace contacted an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old girl and solicited sexual activity, sending nude images to the persona.

He arranged to meet the girl in person, but fled the scene upon arrival.

Wallace was later located by law enforcement, but he attempted to escape when officers activated their blue lights.

During the pursuit, Wallace ran a red light and collided with another vehicle, causing life-threatening injuries to two people inside.

Judge Perry H. Gravely sentenced Wallace to seven years for the solicitation charge, with credit for time served. He also received a consecutive sentence of 10 years, suspended to three years of probation, for the failure to stop charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wallace will be required to register as a sex offender and will have his drivers license suspended for three years after his release.

VIDEO: Former federal officer from Pineville charged with distributing child sexual abuse material
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  In a St. Louis Childrens Hospital room, Jornesha Shelton is working to remain strong, mainly for her 10-year-old sister.

When she kept saying she cant feel her legs, my heart just broke, Shelton said.

The victim was sitting in a truck on the 2200 block of North Fremont when a discussion outside the truck between multiple people escalated to violence.

They didnt know that she was there. She was inside the car and they started shooting and she got hit in the back because they went through the back seat like through the trunk and through the back seat and hit her in the back, Shelton said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shelton says she suffered many injuries, taking her care from Springfield to St. Louis, but a majority of those injuries are improving.

Everything is healing fine besides her spine. Her spine is severed or partially severed. Because the bullet fragment is still inside of her, they cant do an MRI to get a better look at exactly how it is, but they did tell her that she is paralyzed from the waist down and she may never walk again, Shelton said. Weve been just trying to navigate that and dealing with that and trying to get her upper body strength up so that she can be able to become back independent as much as possible.

Shelton remains calm but calls out senseless violence that has now permanently altered her little sisters life.

Shes going to have to go the rest of her life in a wheelchair. Of course, we see stories all the time of, you know, people having a really good quality of life in a wheelchair, but its just still like, to go from playing at a jungle gym at Urban Air to being hospitalized for weeks on end, and in a wheelchair is absolutely just horrible, Shelton said. I will say she has kept her spirit and she is very angry at the person and she can remember everything that happened, and thats kind of the worse thing about the situation is she remembers everything. We need more hands-on to help these younger kids because the access they have to these weapons is outrageous. Im lost for words because shes so innocent and her life is now changed and this person is still you know, they still have their life intact and they are hopeful to get out and live a normal life, and I just feel like thats absolutely unacceptable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bill Prince, the Chief Juvenile Officer in Greene County, says charges have been filed against a 16-year-old male in the case.

It was a very tragic event. Weve got a 16-year-old juvenile in custody now. Hes in detention currently charged with a couple of counts of first-degree assault, a count of second-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Those are all offenses which require us to file the long word as mandatory, a motion to dismiss to allow prosecution under the general law or certification. He had a detention hearing on Monday, the seventh. He was ordered to be held in detention, Prince said. The certification hearing is set currently, I think August 18.

Prince says during that certification hearing, the Juvenile Division could dismiss their charges, and allow the Greene County Prosecutors Office to charge the teen as an adult.

If the prosecutors office doesnt do that, the teen will still have to go through the Juvenile Division, but charged as a minor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The court is the one that ultimately makes the determination, but were required to get that issue in front of the judge, Prince said. Its just a tragic, tragic event. You know, tragic, obviously, for this little girl in terms of her injuries, and then, you know, youve got a teenager who allegedly committed this offense that and is looking at a totally different trajectory for his life as well.

Prince also believes youth violence needs to be further addressed.

Dont give easy access to the kids to be able to get guns, but I dont think thats where a lot of these kids are getting their guns. I think a lot of these kids are getting guns breaking into cars where handguns are left, [stealing them], that sort of thing, Prince said.

Shelton has set up a GoFundMe to support her and her sister as they start to work on the next chapter of their lives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The [fundraiser] is getting her the things that she needs to thrive. Im of course, Ive been out of work, so I am trying to get help with my bills, of course, so that I can just try to be here for her the best way I know how. Ive been out of Ive been away from my kids and home for going on two weeks now, Shelton said.  We do have insurance, so medical does cover most of the like, equipment, Im assuming. it would just be more so just getting her to the things that she needs to be comfortable in so that I can stay home with her and get our lives back, settled into a a basically back on schedule so that when Im comfortable leaving her or just basically doing all the things we need to do in order to get back to normal, normal some type of normalcy.

Shelton also plans on leaving the Springfield area once they get back to town.

I do want to move out of the Springfield area. I know shes just having worries about going back to school and just coming back there, period, Shelton said. Springfield didnt used to be like this. It did not use to be like this. We used to be able to go to park days and fairs and just do a lot of things outside, and now I feel like is very closed off and scared because were scared that somethings going to happen. When I look at this situation, it just was so preventable. It was absolutely preventable.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
Are Floridians numb to sharks? Sure seems like it, as recent footage showing a large shark just a few feet from shore, rampaging in the water, munching a pelican, and swimmers a mere few feet awayjust standing there nonchalantly, and watching it all go down.

Reporting on the video, awesomely-named Louisiana country music station 97.3 The Dawg, described: A video on social media shows a small crowd of beachgoers standing in the water as a large bull shark reportedly eats a pelican. You can see some people rush out of the water as the shark approaches the shore, but two women closest to the shark were undeterred by this potential threat.

Yeah, those two women seem totally unfazed; watch below.

The footage was posted on June 20th on a Facebook page called All Things Navarre Beach & Pensacola Beach Official, with the caption: Footage captured of a shark taking down a pelican yesterday at Pensacola Beach! Be careful & alert.

Related: Flying Shark Headbutts Florida Man While Surfing (Video)

And while the action is most obviously happening between the bull shark and the bird, most people couldnt get past the fact that these two women just stood there, very close, and watched as the vicious attack went down. One commenter wrote:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Probably should get all the way out of the water. These are the ones you cant feel sorry for if something were to happen. I promise that shark is quicker in that water than anyone in the picture. Best of luck have fun.

In other Florida shark news, at the same spot in Pensacola, an angler hooked an 11-foot, 1,000-pound tiger shark, then posed with it for this insane photo:

And before that, avid surfer Matt Bender was attacked by a shark while surfing at New Smyrna Beach  aka the shark bite capital of the world  getting his arm totally shredded in the process. And yet, he vowed to paddle back out once hes healed up.

Yep, safe to say, Floridians are thoroughly desensitized to shark activity.

Related: Surfer Chomped by Shark inShark Bite Capital of the World

Shark Chomps Pelican in Florida, Swimmers Unfazed (Video) first appeared on Surfer on Jul 10, 2025




NEED TO KNOW

Timothy James Wood, 36, is accused by prosecutors of holding his girlfriend captive in a shed behind his father's home in Phoenix for two weeks

The woman alleged that Wood beat and sexually assaulted her, threatened to kill her and at one point buried her in a hole underneath the shed for two days, according to multiple outlets

Police arrested Wood on July 2 after the woman allegedly escaped out a back door of the shed and contacted police





A woman in Arizona is accusing her boyfriend of holding her captive in a shed for two weeks where she was allegedly tortured and sexually assaulted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Timothy James Wood, 36, was arrested on July 2 and is facing multiple assault charges, according jail records from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office obtained by PEOPLE.

Prosecutors outlined his alleged offenses during his initial court appearance last week, according to KSAZ.

"He forced sex on her under threats of death. He held down her neck to stop her breathing," a prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office reportedly said in court.

That prosecutor then revealed that Wood also allegedly buried the woman alive, reportedly telling the court: "He dug a hole underneath the shed, and he buried her for two days. This victim, very well for 14 days, may have been worried that she may not survive this incident."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to that, the prosecutor reportedly said that the woman accused Wood of tying her down with chains and threatening to cut off her foot with a saw.

After saying that, the woman alleged that Wood took out a saw and began to cut her foot, the prosecutor reportedly said in court.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The woman also told police that, on the few occasions she was allowed to go into the main home with Wood, he allegedly forced her to wear makeup to cover her cuts and bruises, reported KNXV, citing the police report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She explained that she endured it at first because she was homeless at the time and had nowhere else to go, police reportedly said.

Wood responded to these allegations during his initial court appearance, according to Arizona Family, which reported that he told the judge his girlfriend "just got out of the loony bin," adding: "She has these episodes, and I dont know Im supposed to call her mom, and when I got home, the police were there. This all kinda broke out."

Wood is now due back in court on July 11 and currently remains in custody at the Lower Buckeye Jail in Maricopa County.

He has yet to enter a plea and has not yet been assigned a public defender.

Read the original article on People




NEED TO KNOW

A New Hampshire woman was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend and later found dead in the restaurant where she worked

Sandra Marisol Fuentes Huaracha, 25, was killed before Michael Gleason, Jr., 50, turned the gun on himself, authorities say

Fuentes Huaracha was called a "beacon of light" by the local mayor





A beloved restaurant worker was killed in an apparent murder-suicide by her ex-boyfriend, authorities said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sandra Marisol Fuentes Huaracha, 25, was found dead behind the bar at La Casita Restaurant in Berlin, N.H., by officers who responded to a 911 call around 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, according to a press release shared by the New Hampshire Department of Justice.

Later, officers discovered Michael Gleason, Jr., 50, dead inside one of the bathrooms. Authorities said the two were "in a prior domestic relationship with one another," per the release.

A medical examiner determined Fuentes Huaracha died due to multiple gunshot wounds and ruled her death a homicide. As for Gleason, he died by suicide from gunshot wounds to the head, the agency said.

Berlin Mayor Robert Cone remembered Fuentes Huaracha as a "beloved member of our community" and a "beacon of light" in a statement shared on social media.

Legacy.com Sandra Marisol Fuentes Huaracha Sandra Marisol Fuentes Huaracha

"I was lucky enough to call her a friend," Cone wrote on Facebook. "From the time that I met Marisol, what struck me most was how she always made it a priority to bring the community together. Countless times she has opened her heart and the restaurant up, to allow for various fundraising efforts."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He further called her death a "senseless act of violence" that has "shaken us all."

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The restaurant also shared a tribute for Fuentes Huaracha and thanked the community for leaving pictures and flowers outside the business in the wake of her death.

"The La Casita family is grieving, but we are also deeply moved by the unity, compassion, and respect you have shown to her and to all of us," a Facebook post reads. "We will never forget this beautiful act of solidarity."



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to an obituary published by Boston.com, Fuentes Huaracha will be sent back to her hometown of Jalisco, Mexico, following a local memorial service on July 12.



If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



Read the original article on People
Layla Collins, who ran unsuccessfully for Hillsborough County school board in 2024, is headed to the Florida State Board of Education.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced late Friday that he is appointing Collins to the seven-person board, which oversees education policy for Florida public schools and colleges, effective Aug. 1.

Collins is married to state Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, a strong DeSantis ally whos become a leading contender to fill the lieutenant governors office. He won election in 2022, defeating an incumbent with the governors support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She is set to become the second failed local school board candidate endorsed by DeSantis sent to the state panel in the past year. The governor appointed Daniel Foganholi, who lost a bid for Broward County school board, to the State Board in August.

The governor has taken several steps in recent months to place supporters of his agenda in leadership education positions at all levels, including several university presidencies.

Collins would replace board chairperson Ben Gibson, who will leave when his term expires. Gibson has served eight years and is ineligible for reappointment.

Collins is a U.S. Army veteran. During her 2024 campaign, she supported a statewide referendum to have partisan school board elections, and opposed a local property tax referendum to raise revenue for teacher pay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In recent weeks, she has supported Attorney General James Uthmeiers attempts to have the school district remove books that some consider pornographic.

This is an on going issue that is systemic of a much larger problem rooted in complacency and willful dishonesty, Collins wrote on her Facebook page.

Her appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. She did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Shein must fork over $700,000 as part of a settlement with Californias Napa, Sonoma, Los Angeles, and San Francisco counties because of what law enforcement describes as unlawful shipping delays.

California prosecutors unveiled the settlement on Wednesday, tying a bow around a complaint which alleged the fast-fashion giant broke the law by failing to properly notify consumers or offer them refunds when their orders failed to ship on time.

More from Sourcing Journal

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

California state law requires that, unless a longer time is indicated, orders placed over the Internet must be shipped within 30 days or sooner if the company promises an expedited shipping timeframe.

If the products cannot be shipped within 30 days, the company must take additional steps, such as sending a notice, which informs the consumer of the expected length of delay and offers the opportunity for a refund.

The consumer protection lawsuit alleges that Shein repeatedly failed to ship products within the required timeframes, or provide the required delay notices or offers of refunds.

California consumers deserve to have the products they pay for delivered in a timely manner and Shein repeatedly violated that trust by failing to offer refunds when they couldnt deliver on time, said Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley, in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The civil complaint was filed in Napa County Superior Court against three companies tied to Sheins U.S. operations: Shein U.S. Services, Shein Distribution Corporation and Shein Technology LLC.

In addition to the civil penalties and investigative costs, Shein is prohibited from making untrue or misleading statements about the time it takes to ship or deliver products, and from violating the laws relating to the shipping delays.

The suit seeks $600,000 in civil penalties, to be split evenly among the four counties, and $100,000 in investigative cost reimbursement for the Napa County District Attorneys Office, which led much of the casework.

Shein worked cooperatively with prosecutors throughout the investigation, both parties confirmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We fully cooperated with the investigation throughout and while not admitting any liability, have taken steps to ensure our shipping and customer practices and communications comply with applicable law, including enhancing our internal processes to provide clearer, more complete information to customers regarding delivery timelines, a Shein spokesperson said. We are fully committed to transparency, consumer satisfaction, and continually improving our operations to better serve our customers in California and around the world.

Sheins calling card has been producing thousands of quick-turn, low-cost SKUs daily, in small batches between 50 to 100 items. The frugal, on-demand model made the Singapore-headquartered and China-founded company an e-commerce giant almost overnight, but U.S. trade policy has forced the firm and top competitor Temu to rethink its approach to reaching American consumers.

In late April, both Shein and Temu hiked some prices ahead of the closure of the de minimis trade provision for goods out of China on May 2. That trade exemption enabled businesses like Shein to ship packages into the U.S. duty-free if the individual shipment cost less than $800. A U.S. Senate committee report released in 2023 indicated that Shein and Temu alone are likely responsible for more than 30 percent of all packages shipped to the U.S. daily under de minimis.

With de minimis officially closed, demand for Shein goods isnt what it used to beat least judging from third-party user data. Sheins U.S. daily active users dropped 25 percent in May versus March, according to data from digital market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. Monthly active users declined 12 percent during the same stretch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Californias consumer protection case is yet another exam of the fast-fashion giants common run-ins with U.S. lawmakers, who have previously raised concerns over the companys labor conditions, environmental impact and alleged intellectual property theft.

The criticisms stretch internationally as well, most recently with Frances own consumer protection watchdog fining Sheins European website and mobile operator 1.1 million euros ($1.3 million) for failing to disclose the presence of microplastics in more than 730 products.
As the weekend approaches, the Independent Shopkeepers Association and partners scattered across the state of Oklahoma are asking communities to shop and eat local to promote small businesses for the Weekend of Local.

Started in 2021, Weekend of Local takes place each year during the second weekend of July. The three-day, statewide campaign will take place July 11-13.

Shopping locally owned businesses will not only help small businesses thrive, but it would also directly benefit our cities and towns, said Cleo Nash, executive director of Independent Shopkeepers Association.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Weekend of Local is one of the most exciting times of the year for small businesses in Oklahoma," Nash said. "From Oklahoma City to Tulsa, Ardmore and Woodward, youll find shops and restaurants pulling out all the stops. We figured if Amazon gets Prime Days, local businesses deserve a weekend."

The Weekend of Local event was created to showcase the impact of independent businesses and encourage Oklahomans to support small business owners, especially during the hot summer months.

Small businesses are the backbone of Oklahomas economy," said Ray Little, Oklahoma Department of Commerce director of entrepreneurship and small business. "Our state has long been defined by its entrepreneurial spirit, and with that comes a responsibility to support and uplift small businesses. That means fostering the most business-friendly environment in the country and investing in the companies that are investing in communities across Oklahoma."

According to Keep it Local OK, dollars spent at local businesses have a far greater economic impact: 67 cents of every dollar stays in the local community, compared to just 43 cents when spent at chain stores.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When you shop local, youre investing in your neighbors, supporting the dreams of entrepreneurs, creating local jobs, and keeping dollars in our community," said Christy Gillenwater, CEO and president of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. "Were proud to support Weekend of Local and encourage everyone to get out and show up for our small businesses this weekend and beyond."

More: 'A second Christmas': OKC Thunder success shared by downtown hotels, restaurants, retailers

OKC small businesses participating in the Weekend of Local

Along the Lilacs  3 strands will be promoting an artist event with 10 artists transforming vintage treasures into classic art-Live! Live music and food trucks July 11-12.

Barseo  Vendors, pop-ups, DJs, specials.

Cargo Room  Celebrating the shop's 11th birthday with the theme "Pink Beach" and doing fun things to go along with the theme as well as releasing a special Birthday Collection featuring items $30 and under.

Chirps & Cheers  Celebrating KAWEC-mas. Come build your own fountain pen and celebrate Christmas in July sales and goodies.

Grain & Grange  Annual warehouse sale planned every year on Weekend of Local, up to 75% off furniture.

Plant People  Free repotting with a plant & planter purchase at Plant People Shop, for customers showing their receipt of a local Midtown business during Weekend of Local.

Preacher Pottery  10% off pottery classes and 15% off handmade pottery.

Spirit House Yoga  Yoga classes Saturday at 9 and 11:15 a.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. Classes are discounted: $10.

The shop local campaign is organized in collaboration with the Oklahoma Main Street Center, chambers of commerce, and Main Street programs throughout the state and is sponsored by the Made in Oklahoma Coalition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Oklahomans can participate, plan their route and find a full list of participating businesses by visiting weekendoflocal.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Weekend of Local: See deals, events from participating shops in OKC
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Shriners Childrens Shreveport unveiled a new plaque today honoring the late Hollis Ray Waller, a Shreveport native who left behind a legacy that will echo through generations.

His generosity is now the largest donation in the hospitals 103-year history. Shriners Childrens Shreveport unveiled a plaque honoring Hollis Ray Waller, a Shreveport native, whose eight-figure estate gift is the largest ever received by the hospital.

Shreveport native gifts estate to Shriners Childrens Hospital

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He made this decision when he was in his 30s, early 30s. Thats when he wrote the will and left everything to them. So he planned for this for 40 years, and he never wavered, he never changed it, said Cade Havard, Wallers best friend. He wouldnt want the recognition, but he deserves the recognition for a life lived, devoted to something bigger than himself.

Waller was a Byrd High School graduate, attended Northwestern State University, and was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order. Friends say he lived a modest life and saved every penny with one mission in mind.

Scrimp and saved his whole life to put that money together, said Harvard.

This is the single largest gift to Shreveport ever, and it will ensure that were able to provide the best care to more children closer to their home right here in Shreveport, said Dr. Leslie Stewart, Shriners Childrens board of trustees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How Shriners Motion Analysis Center helped teen with cerebral palsy defy the odds

It is euphoric. It is one of the greatest pleasures and delights in the position I am to be able to accept this donation on behalf of Shriners Children in Shreveport, said Dr. Stewart

His giving spirit, reflecting his morals and values, has now been passed down to others to serve.

We teach men to lead by example, and clearly, Ray Waller learned from his father, who was a local Shriner, said Dr. Stewart.

Carrying on that legacy and to be able to treat that many more children and to do that much more for the community that we serve is just fantastic, said Jerry Defatta, board chair.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Although the exact dollar amount is being kept private, officials say the gift will fund critical operations and expand care for children across the region.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  A Sioux Falls man was arrested for terroristic threats after he said there was a non-credible bomb at the citys Starbucks location.

Loved ones remember woman found in Big Sioux River

Brookings Police Department arrested William Watkins Jr., 21, from Sioux Falls, S.D, for the felony of Terrorist Threat, according to their Facebook post.

The investigation indicated that on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at approximately 3:37 p.m., the Starbucks located at 2008 22nd Avenue South in Brookings received a phone call claiming that someone in the drive-through had a bomb. It was quickly determined that the threat was not credible, they said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Watkins was processed at the Brookings County Detention Facility and will appear in court at a later date and time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The National Weather Service issued cellphone alerts repeatedly in Kerr County as the Guadalupe River rose early Friday morning. Around the north and south forks that feed the river, forecasters triggered one push alert after another, according to PBS data.

The first went out at 1:14 a.m., then another at 3:35 a.m., then a third at 4:03 a.m. Then a handful more. Move to higher ground now, some of the alerts said. Act quickly to protect your life. At 5:34 a.m. and 7:24 a.m., more messages went to those along and down the river.

But the series of notifications was not enough to save more than 250 people who died or are counted as missing after the July 4 flood. A week after the tragedy, rescue crews continue scouring miles of riverbank and searching huge debris piles for victims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For warnings to work, people not only have to receive the alerts but they also need to understand how the warnings apply to where they are and know what to do about it  which is especially hard when it comes to flooding, said Kim Klockow McClain, a senior social scientist supporting the National Weather Service.

We left way too much up to individuals to receive those warnings, know what to do and know where to even go, McClain said, adding, You need to tell people a little bit more.

State legislators are searching for solutions to improve warning systems in places such as the Hill Country ahead of a special session later this month. The Texas House and Senate announced Thursday that they had formed committees to consider that and other disaster-related topics, starting with a hearing in Austin on July 23.

Lawmakers such as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the state Senate, have suggested the state should support the installation of warning sirens, a technology used decades ago to warn of air raids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Researchers say there will be no single, simple fix.

Sirens can help in rural places where cell service is unreliable and phone alerts might not go off, according to researchers, but they are no silver bullet.

Flash Flood Alley, from what Ive read, that sounds like the perfect place to put sirens, said Jeannette Sutton, a leading expert on warning systems and associate professor at the University of Albany. Its kind of remote. They know that theres a high risk in that area.

But, she added, They cant let it just be one solution.

How sirens can help: They can be set up to trigger automatically if water reaches a certain height, which could require additional investment in flood gauges. This can be effective because it doesnt require someone to be awake or rely on a judgment call on when to trigger them. There are also sirens that blare voice messages about impending danger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But researchers emphasized that people may not hear sirens if theyre indoors during a heavy thunderstorm, and they need to be taught what the sirens mean when they go off, perhaps with signs in public places or pamphlets passed out to visitors when they check into a hotel or RV park.

A visitor from a tornado-prone area, for example, might run inside instead of fleeing to higher ground before a flood strikes.

Other states have already found ways to educate out-of-town guests about local hazards. McClain, the researcher who supports the Weather Service, pointed to the coasts of Oregon and Washington as places that have worked to prepare visitors for a tsunami with signage along evacuation routes and in hotels.

Is it going to be perfect? Probably not, McClain said. But is it going to be better than doing nothing? Absolutely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Communities will benefit too from a culture of connectedness and readiness, said Rachel Hogan Carr, executive director at the Nurture Nature Center, which formed in Pennsylvania after repeated flooding along the Delaware River. Residents of a community need to know which neighbor or official they might call for help understanding whats happening, and who can be relied on to go knock on doors or post on social media in a crisis.

Those relationships can really make or break the response of a community, Carr said.

"No one gold standard"

Flood warning systems need multiple layers, said Abdul-Akeem Sadiq, a professor at the University of Central Florida.

There is no one gold standard, Sadiq said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Buildings in remote areas could have AM radios or weather radios, which are relatively inexpensive devices that broadcast warnings and could also help save lives. Local officials can record and send voice messages to television and radio stations. They can also transmit notifications through opt-in systems that can work via wi-fi  although opt-in rates for those are typically low.

There are multiple ways that communication needs to be provided  and theres multiple ways that the community members themselves need to be able to receive the information. So it is a two-way street, said Eddie Bertola, who is the owner and founder Bertola Advisory Services and an expert on alerts and warnings.

But there are also a lot of issues to overcome.

Among them is the problem researchers refer to as crying wolf.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People get all sorts of warnings about disasters that never happen. Because of that, they might act more slowly when disaster actually strikes.

Sadiq said alerts need to become more specific to avoid reaching people who wont be directly impacted. And if a disaster doesnt happen, Sadiq suggested that officials explain to residents why it didnt happen. Otherwise people will fill in their own reason, like thinking forecasters are incompetent, and can lose trust in forecasters.

Cellphone users also get every manner of alert: Texts. Calls. News blasts. Social media messages. Amber alerts that blanket the entire state. If they get too many alerts, Sadiq said, people may just switch them off.

The flip side, as Sutton pointed out: Its safer to tell people they are at risk than not.

Some ignored alerts before flood

In the early morning hours on July 4, some in the path of the Hill Country floods did ignore the alerts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Three-term Ingram city councilmember Raymond Howard lives on a block near the RV campground where at least 26 people disappeared, according to the Kerr County Lead, when the wall of water smashed through it. He said he ignored the first flash flood warning he got because he didnt think it meant much.

Like most people, I disregarded the first one, because we get them, you know, periodically, he said.

But when he got the second warning, he said he got up, checked the radar and saw the massive rainstorm that seemed not to be moving. He knew that was serious. When the third warning came, he got out of bed, opened the door and saw water in the road.

He said he stuffed four of his six dogs into his car and ran down his block, pounding on doors to wake his neighbors. Then he doubled back for the remaining two dogs and drove to higher ground. He saw people in an RV, sinking into the water, yelling for help. He saw what seemed to be a teenage boy screaming as he was swept away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Not far away, Jake Richard heard screaming outside of his RV in the early morning, he recounted in a post on X. He stepped outside and saw the swollen river gushing rapidly, washing away other RVs on lower land. He rushed back inside to wake up his wife, Julia Hatfield, to get to safer ground.

Richard began trying to wake up other neighbors by knocking on their doors  but all too soon, the water got too high to continue saving others.

Houses and RVs from up river swept through the park, he wrote. We heard screaming and cries for help as families and children were taken by the waters. By the time we could locate them and try to find something to throw or provide help in any way, they were gone.




NEED TO KNOW

Skeletal remains discovered in a fishing net in 2021 have now been identified by authorities

Jeffrey Hulliger was 36 when he and a friend disappeared during a fishing trip in 1997, and now, officials say the bones they discovered in a California bay are his

Hulliger and his friend sent out a mayday call to the Coast Guard during their fatal fishing trip, but rescuers never found the two men





Human remains discovered outside a California bay in 2021 have now been identified as belonging to a man who went missing during a fishing trip over two decades prior.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The skeletal remains, which were found entangled in a fishing net on March 28, 2021, have since been identified as those of Jeffrey Hulliger  who disappeared in 1997 while fishing with a friend in Monterey Bay, according to The Sacramento Bee, NBC affiliate KSBW and SFGate, which cite the Monterey County District Attorneys Office and forensic genetic genealogy company Othram.

The once-unidentified man, who later became known as "Sandholdt Doe," was found wearing a one-piece jumpsuit and fleece longjohns in March 2021, according to the Bee, citing an Othram release.

The MCDA and Othram did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information on Friday, July 11.

Getty Images Pacific Grove in Monterey County, California Pacific Grove in Monterey County, California

The Monterey County Coroners Division then took control of the remains, which were found carrying five keys and two coins and believed to be between the ages of 35 and 50, per the Bee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After an unsuccessful identification, the man's case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Investigators then tried genetic genealogy, as the Monterey County District Attorneys Office Cold Case Task Force partnered with Othram.

Scientists at Othram, which is based in Texas, used the man's DNA to develop a comprehensive DNA profile and brought investigators closer to his potential relatives. Ultimately, a relative's DNA confirmed that the remains belonged to Hulliger, who was 36 years old when he vanished with friend Greg Mitchell in Monterey Bay, per the Bee.

According to both the Bee and SFGate, the pair were out fishing on their boat, The Salmon Patty, when they sent out a distress signal and the U.S. Coast Guard responded.

The friends were never found despite a multi-day search, while debris from the boat was later discovered 10 miles off the coast of Santa Cruz, per SFGate.

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.

John Hulliger, Jeffrey's brother, told a local newspaper that he urged Jeffrey to not go out fishing for black cod that day because the weather was so bad, according to the Bee, and that he believed the two men drowned when their boat capsized in 18-foot waves off Point Reyes."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Othram CEO David Mittelman told SFGATE, Tens of thousands of human remains sit unidentified across the country, not because theyre unidentifiable, but because the right forensic tools havent been used."

He added, "With Othrams advanced DNA testing tools, we now have the capability to identify them all.

Read the original article on People
The Slovakia festival due to welcome Kanye West next week has called off the event following the uproar over the US rapper's May release of a song glorifying Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.

Before the July 20 gig was cancelled, Bratislava's Rubicon hip hop festival was set to be West's only confirmed live performance in Europe this year.

Though he has won 24 Grammy Awards over the course of his career, the erratic rapper has become notorious in recent years for his increasingly antisemitic and hate-filled rants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

West, who has legally changed his name to the shorthand "Ye", released the song "Heil Hitler" on May 8, the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

In the wake of the announcement of West's appearance at Rubicon, thousands of people signed a petition against the gig.

The rapper -- a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump -- is "repeatedly and openly adhering to symbols and ideology connected with the darkest period of modern global history", two groups behind the petition said.

In a statement on Instagram late on Wednesday, the festival's organisers said the decision to cancel the event was "due to media pressure and the withdrawal of several artists and partners".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This was not an easy decision," the organisers said, without drawing a direct line between the rapper's planned appearance and the cancellations.

Contacted on Thursday by AFP, the Rubicon festival did not offer further explanations.

Styling itself as the central European country's premier hip hop hang-out, the Rubicon festival was set to run from July 18 to 20.

US rappers Offset and Sheck Wes were set to share top billing with West.

Australia cancelled West's visa on July 2 over "Heil Hitler", in which West raps about his custody battle with ex-wife Kim Kardashian before the song ends with an extract of a speech by the Nazi dictator.

West's wife, Bianca Censori, is Australian.

pv-bg/sbk/djt
ST. LOUIS  Saint Louis Universitys Center for Vaccine Development is asking for 70 adult volunteers to participate a clinical trial studying a new investigational yellow fever vaccine. The goal is to evaluate the vaccines safety and immune response in healthy adults.

Yellow fever, a potentially deadly disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, continues to cause outbreaks, primarily in parts of Africa and South America. Many travelers and military personnel are currently required to be vaccinated before visiting affected regions.

SLU officials say a new vaccine is needed because the current vaccine is not safe in people with egg allergies. They are asking for healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 60 to determine the safety and effectiveness of a single dose of the investigational yellow fever vaccine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tilden man accused in sexual abuse charges involving minors

The vaccine we are currently working on has already been given to 1,000 people with good safety records, said Sarah George, M.D. with Saint Louis University on Friday morning on FOX 2. Its made without any egg or animal products. Its a slightly lower dose than the current vaccine.

SLUs study into the vaccine will last around six months and involve volunteers to participate in multiple clinic visits and phone check-ins. Participants will be compensated for their time and involvement, though specific details on compensation and scheduling will be provided upon enrollment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Inmates in the East Hall of the South Dakota State Penitentiary on July 8, 2025. (Courtesy of South Dakota Department of Corrections)

SIOUX FALLS  The scene was surreal from the jump.

There we were, a gang of eight reporters scrunched together in the claustrophobic lobby of the state penitentiary, waiting for a sales pitch on a product sold the day before to customers who were never us anyway.

The states Project Prison Reset task force had already voted to build a new prison on the eastern edge of the city thats played host to The Hill since before statehood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That groups membership had toured the labyrinthine quartzite monolith that houses around 800 prisoners months ago.

We already knew the forthcoming message: This hill is no shining city. Its a terrible, awful, no good, very bad place, unsafe for inmates and correctional officers alike.

Old hat, new cattle

Aside from an exclusive tour offered to KELO-TV earlier this year, the Department of Corrections has kept reporters out of the pen for the three-year duration of the new prison debate.

Thats partly why I showed up Wednesday with a unique perspective among our gang of eight. I was the only one whod toured the building before. Id been there plenty as an Argus Leader reporter. It used to be normal to visit the warden in their office, inmates in the visit room, or staff in their work environment, be that out on the floor or inside the prison industries building. I also witnessed an execution back in 2012.

The entrance to the South Dakota State Penitentiarys East Hall. (Courtesy of South Dakota Department of Corrections)

I had at least some idea of what we were in for.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Wednesday morning, though, spokesman Michael Winder assured me Id see more than I ever had before, and much of what had changed in the decade since Id last darkened the pens reinforced doors.

This tour, he explained, would be the first to take us onto the catwalks where inmates live. Wed also see the communal shower downstairs, where 60 men bathe at once as another 60 wait outside on benches, and walk through the underground tunnel that leads to the indoor recreation area.

That expanded access was among the reasons we werent allowed to bring cameras. Inmates have the right not to be photographed, Winder said  they dont like to feel like animals in a zoo  and it would be impractical for him to police eight shutterbugs simultaneously.

Hed take pictures for us, we were assured. The reason for saying no to audio recording or the use of our own notebooks never was fully explained.

Briefing: There will be catcalling

Some changes were apparent right away. Wed all need to pass through a metal detector, shoehorned into place in 2022 to create the pre-tour waiting zones aforementioned cramped conditions.

A sign about social distancing at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. (Courtesy of state Department of Corrections)

First, we were taken upstairs for a security briefing and introductions with the eight people whod accompany us. Wed need to stick together and keep moving, Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko told us. The men would stand at the front and back of our single-file line, Wasko explained, because inmates are less likely to catcall if a man stands between them and their target.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There would be catcalling, she promised.

We could see in through the barred second door of our first doubled-doored security checkpoint as we huddled and handed our drivers licenses to Maj. Cody Hanson in exchange for visitors badges.

Thats when I noticed the next new thing: A COVID-era poster asking inmates to queue 3 feet apart in the pickup line for commissary, otherwise known as the prison store.

Some things hadnt changed. The first five inmate faces I saw belonged to black and Native American men, a reminder that South Dakota, like the U.S. as a whole, locks up people of color at higher rates than white folks.

First impressions: Pooled water and cusses

Between inmate drug overdoses, gang fights and security lockdowns, things have been pretty messy in state prisons lately. Wasko has come under no small amount of scrutiny as a result. It was no surprise to hear Winder tell us that two inmates had scuffled in the chow hall shortly before our tour (neither was seriously injured, hed tell me the next day).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Once inside, we saw a less metaphorical mess. A pool of water spread across the floor from a cell in federal hall, the 170-bed midsection between East Hall and West Hall, the prisons two linear, five-floor wings.

We had a backup, said a smiling Amber Pirraglia, the director of prisons.

Our group had to step around the toilet water puddle on its way to East Hall, a dance soundtracked by profane chants leveled by inmates at Wasko.

A cell at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. (Courtesy of South Dakota Department of Corrections)

This is just normal, when she shows up, Wasko said, but theyre pretty fired up.

We hurried to one side of the hall, walking by rows of barred cells. Each floor of the five in East Hall has 20 cells on either side, each a home for two inmates in a space designed to hold one back in 1881.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wasko doesnt like bars, she said. Inmates can spit through bars. They can throw urine. She prefers solid doors with windows and closable food ports.

She also doesnt like the size of the cells. Modern standards expect each inmate to have 35 square feet of unencumbered space, she told us. Inmates on the Hill split 56 total. Thats four less than my master bathroom at home, minus our closet space. I can barely squeeze by the bathtub to get to that closet when my 7-year-olds brushing her teeth.

In the cells that werent blocked by hung T-shirts, I saw flip-flops tied to walls, paper trash bags stuffed between bars up top, and books and bags of chips and toiletries stuffed into every corner.

Theyre too fired up

It was hot. The air conditioning is wildly inefficient. It felt like 80 degrees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What air conditioning? the Department of Corrections inspector general said.

If youre wondering what 400 people stuffed in a hot box with 200 toilets smell like at 80 feels-like degrees, youve wondered enough to know why the smoke we saw as we climbed the steps to the catwalk was an alarming sign but a welcome aroma.

A fishing line, allegedly used to transfer contraband from a cell above to a cell below at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. (Courtesy of South Dakota Department of Corrections)

Something is on fire, I wrote in my penitentiary-issue pocket notebook. Can see the smoke.

Inmates can start blazes by shoving toilet paper into electrical outlets, we were told.

Wasko wanted us on the narrow metal staircases so we could know what its like for the officers as they deliver food, mail and medicine, respond to fights on the catwalks or haul empty stretchers up and stretchers with injured inmates on them down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On the way up, we walked past two fishing lines, one of which had something tied to the end. They appeared to be fashioned out of T-shirts or bits of bed sheet. Thats how inmates deliver small bits of contraband from one tier to the next, Wasko told us.

At the top of the stairs, Wasko decided we werent going to walk across the fifth floor tier after all.

Theyre too fired up.

Showers: Stabbings and steamed cameras

Next, we visited the showers below East Hall  and revisited that toilet backup.

One officer has to supervise the showers downstairs while another monitors a video feed. Every few feet in the entryway to the giant communal shower stall, we saw large tile columns  prime locations for injuries, Wasko said, as inmates can stay out of an officers sight line and strike or stab their targets.

Steam from a communal shower at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. (Courtesy of South Dakota Department of Corrections)

Steam clouds the cameras on the opposite wall pretty quickly during shower time, Maj. Hanson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Modern prisons have showers in every pod, the circular cell configuration used in newer facilities, Wasko said. Its typically one for every 12 inmates, she said, meaning fewer people for officers to watch and fewer opportunities for assaults or contraband passage.

They can shower whenever they want to, she said of inmates in modern facilities, with curtains covering men at the midsection, and women at the chest and midsection.

As Wasko spoke, water from the still-pooling toilet backup in the federal hall cell splashed from above to the floor below the stairway.

Pirraglia mopped it up.

Another waterfall fell in a sheet about a minute later. Pirraglia laughed. She left the mop against the wall.

50-cent video visits

From the showers, we walked through the white-walled underground tunnel that leads to the indoor recreation area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A tour guide pointed to the hallways wall phones. Thats where inmates call out from when they cant call from their prison-issue electronic tablets.

We also saw a video visit kiosk in that same hallway, the first in a set of what will be 17. The others, located in a separate room, are set to go live on Monday.

The operational kiosks screen already had a spiderweb crack.

The kiosks are part of a video-only visit setup launched recently in response to the alleged passage of contraband during in-person visits. Some family members of inmates have complained on social media and to people like me about this.

The price paid by inmates for the video calls that replace the free in-person visits is 50 cents a minute.

Pheasantland: Like Amazon, sort of

From there, it was Pheasantland Industries. One building houses the license plate, print and carpentry shops, as well as the space rented by Hope Haven Ministries, a nonprofit that distributes wheelchairs to the needy with the aid of inmate labor.

On the days they work, anyway. No one was working when we showed up.

The shops looked much the same as before, with one major difference: There are now locked toolboxes with designated spots for every tool, installed as a preventative measure against the theft of potentially lethal weapons.

Wasko seemed especially proud to show off the big metal warehouse now home to the commissary program and its inventory.

Ramen noodles stacked up for inmates at South Dakotas correctional institutions. (Courtesy of South Dakota Department of Corrections)

Inmates fluttered about between rows of shelving stacked with boxes of nacho chips, sodas, cookies and various other off-brand versions of consumer goods. Inmates order from their tablet, workers print out the orders from a computer, fill plastic bags with goods and sort them into wheeled carts for delivery. Orders meant for prisons in Springfield, Rapid City, Yankton or Pierre get boxed up to be shipped out.

Its like Amazon, right? Maj. Hanson said.

Kind of. Ive toured that Sioux Falls distribution center. There were a lot more robots than zero. Also, I didnt see seven pallets of ramen noodles  far and away the most popular item in the commissary catalog  but Im sure the folks at Amazon have a few pallets stashed somewhere.

Tour takeaways

Media tours of state facilities should be normal, not news.

That its been so hard to get inside the pen as the state debates the most expensive taxpayer-funded project in its history  which is what a new prison will be if it ever gets built  is and has been disturbing.

Its a fact made more disturbing as we continue to hear about fights, unrest, drug deals, gang wars, assaults on officers and overdose deaths.

Thats what I was thinking during the sales job.

I wasnt blown away by what a dump the place is. It was a lot louder and messier than I remember, but the cells are still tiny and its still hot as blazes.

There are countless ways a new building, properly managed and maintained, would be safer and saner for all involved. Even those who call the place functional and reckon we cant afford a new one wouldnt argue otherwise.

That was also true 40 years ago. Weve made do for a long time.

Whats true today is that the debate of this moment, while the state is flush with squirreled-away prison construction cash thanks in part to federal COVID relief awards, had been a closed off, take-it-or-leave-it affair until this year.

Before Gov. Larry Rhoden appointed the task force and set it to work in a series of public meetings, there were no public forums. The Lincoln County farm ground set to host the initially planned $825 million prison? That site was selected, not debated. Lawmakers got to visit the prison if they complained loudly enough, but reporters were forbidden.

Video call kiosks at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. (Courtesy of South Dakota Department of Corrections)

The person to blame for all that might be on Fox News right now, talking about Texas floods or immigration raids.

The old administration went to another job, Wasko said when I asked her about the sudden shift in transparency, a reference to former governor and now Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. We have a new administration that has different philosophies and different outlooks on our ability to talk about things.

Under Rhoden thus far, she said, I have been allowed to be responsive.

Noem didnt so much discourage transparency, Wasko said. It was more that when a question came in, there would be a conversation that was had, during which the department might be told you know what, right now is probably not the best time to answer.

Which sounds a lot like discouragement to me.

Lets hope weve left that behind us.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
By Cassandra Garrison

TECAMAC, Mexico (Reuters) - With tail wagging, tongue out and ears perked, Hummer - a young mixed breed dog with a slick black coat - sits down in front of a sample of screwworm scent, promptly accepting praise and treats from his handler.

Trained to detect the smell of screwworm, a flesh-eating pest that has infected Mexico's cattle herd and disrupted livestock trade with the United States, Hummer and his canine colleagues offer a glimmer of hope in controlling the worm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At a government-run training center about an hour outside Mexico City, officials from a special unit of the country's health safety agency Senasica run a three-month intensive training program for a select group of dogs to sniff out screwworm and other pests or diseases in live animals or agricultural products.

Most of the dogs are rescued from shelters, allowing animals that may have been abandoned for being too difficult to find a new life. Feisty pups that steal food from the table, never calm down and have a relentless desire to play are the perfect candidates.

"Sometimes what people don't want is the ideal for us," said Cesar Dangu, head of the canine training center Ceacan. "We also have to look for other qualities: that they don't get angry, they are affectionate, they can live with people and with other animals."

Not all dogs respond to the aroma of screwworm, a pest that infests livestock and wildlife and carries maggots that burrow into the skin of living animals, causing serious and often fatal damage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some dogs will refuse to approach the aroma, Dangu said, making those that take to it even more valuable in their task.

After cases started emerging in Mexico, the U.S. closed its southern border to imports of certain livestock, including cattle, in May before a gradual reopening began this week.

On Wednesday, however, the U.S. government once again closed the border to cattle after a new case of screwworm was detected in Veracruz state, about 370 miles (595 km) south of the U.S. border, a decision Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called "exaggerated."

On a sunny afternoon at Ceacan, just hours after the border closure announcement, the work of the dogs took on new urgency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are only six screwworm-sniffing dogs working at a livestock border passage in the southern state of Chiapas, which borders Guatemala, the heart of Mexico's screwworm infestation.

Havana, a two-year-old Shepherd mix, practices detecting screwworm on cow-sized equipment inside a greenhouse, a training exercise meant to mimic the sweltering heat the dogs must tolerate in Chiapas, said instructor Mayte Tontle.

"We want our dogs to adapt as much as possible to the real-life conditions," Tontle said.

With at least 47 new cases of screwworm detected daily in Mexico, according to government data, the handful of highly trained canines are a small element of Mexico's response, which also includes a $51 million facility in Chiapas to produce sterile flies to reduce the reproducing population of the wild flies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The plant, with a hefty $21 million investment from the U.S., is expected to be ready in the first half of 2026.

The dogs trained at Ceacan will work until they complete eight years on the job or turn 10 years old, whichever comes first.

After that, they retire.

"I would say 99% of the dogs are adopted by their handler. There is an unbreakable link because of the love between the handler and the dog," Dangu said.

(Reporting by Cassandra Garrison; additional reporting by Alicia Fernandez and Raquel Cunha; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
Solen Aref - WTIC

Solen Aref has joined WTIC as Multi-Skilled Journalist.

Before joining the Hartford, Connecticut Fox affiliate, she was an MSJ at sister station WMAZ in Macon, Georgia.

In her goodbye to WMAZ, she wrote on social media, Goodbye Georgia! in 2 years at channel 13, I covered 3 presidents, 2 mass shootings, and one hurricane from hell. I'm going to miss this place and the people for the rest of my life!
A son of the infamous Mexican drug cartel boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman has pleaded guilty to four criminal counts in a wide-ranging United States drug trafficking case.

On Friday, in a courtroom in Chicago, Ovidio Guzman Lopez changed his plea from not guilty to guilty for charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms.

The change was part of a deal struck with federal prosecutors. While details remain scarce, such an deal would mark the first time one of El Chapos sons has struck an agreement with US prosecutors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As part of his guilty plea, Guzman Lopez admitted to a leadership role in manufacturing and smuggling of drugs like fentanyl and cocaine into the US.

Federal prosecutors allege that Ovidio and his brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, who became known locally as Los Chapitos, led a powerful faction of the notorious Mexican Sinaloa cartel.

They are accused of masterminding a major fentanyl-trafficking operation that funnelled what prosecutors described as a staggering amount of the synthetic opioid into the US. The US has suffered a major opioid crisis in the last few decades, which has resulted in large numbers of deaths, addiction and lawsuits.

Joaquin El Chapo Guzman is currently serving a life sentence in a US federal prison following a 2019 conviction. After his capture, Ovidio Guzman Lopez and his siblings reportedly took on key leadership roles within the cartel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ovidio Guzman Lopez was arrested by Mexican authorities in early 2023 and extradited to the US months later.

His brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, and longtime cartel leader Ismael El Mayo Zambada were arrested in Texas in 2024 after arriving on a private plane. Both men have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges.

Their high-profile capture set off a wave of violence across Sinaloa as rival factions scrambled for control, vying for control of routes used to produce and transport narcotics that are often destined for the US.

The groups are split between members loyal to the Sinaloa Cartel cofounders, El Chapo Guzman and Zambada.




CHICAGO (NewsNation)  A son of notorious Mexican drug kingpin El Chapo pleaded guilty Friday to U.S. drug trafficking charges. He is the first of El Chapos sons to enter a plea deal.

Prosecutors allege Ovidio Guzman Lopez and his brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, ran a faction of the Sinaloa cartel. They became known locally as the Chapitos, or little Chapos, and federal authorities in 2023 described the operation as a massive effort to send staggering quantities of fentanyl into the U.S.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges tied to his leadership role in the cartel. He agreed to postpone his sentencing to a later court date.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As part of a plea agreement, Guzman Lopez admitted to helping oversee the production and smuggling of large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and fentanyl into the United States, fueling a crisis that has contributed to tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually. Terms of the deal, including sentencing recommendations or cooperation agreements, were not immediately disclosed.

Hiker in Idaho forest not Travis Decker, despite resemblance: Police

Speculation about a deal had percolated for months, as behind-the-scenes negotiations quietly progressed.

The hearing was initially scheduled for Wednesday, but was moved to Friday by U.S. District Judge Sharon Coleman without explanation. Hearings have often been delayed or rescheduled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ovidio Guzman Lopezs father, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, is serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2019 for his role as the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel, having smuggled mountains of cocaine and other drugs into the United States over 25 years. The brothers allegedly assumed their fathers former role as leaders of the Sinaloa cartel.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez was arrested in Mexico in 2023 and extradited to the United States. He initially pleaded not guilty but signaled in recent months his intent to change his plea.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez and another longtime Sinaloa leader, Ismael El Mayo Zambada, were arrested in July 2024 in Texas after they landed in the U.S. on a private plane. Both men have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges. Their dramatic capture prompted a surge in violence in Mexicos northern state of Sinaloa as two factions of the Sinaloa cartel clashed.

Ovidio Guzman Lopezs brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, was arrested in El Paso along with Sinaloa kingpin Ismael El Mayo Zambada last July in a dramatic coup for U.S. authorities, who recruited Joaquin Guzman Lopez to lure Zambada into the country on a private plane.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also known as El Guero or Guero Moreno, Joaquin Guzman Lopez pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges, and prosecutors say they will not pursue the death penalty against him.

Zambada, who co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel with El Chapo, has also pleaded not guilty. In February, his lawyer told Reuters he would be willing to plead guilty if prosecutors agreed to spare him the death penalty.

El Chapo is serving a life sentence at a maximum security prison in Colorado after his 2019 drug trafficking conviction.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
One of the sons of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman could spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty Friday in federal court in Chicago to helping his father and brothers run the notoriously violent Sinaloa cartel, importing thousands of tons of narcotics into the U.S., bribing public officials and using murder and kidnapping to amass and maintain power.

By pleading guilty, however, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, 35, has agreed to cooperate with U.S. authorities in any ongoing investigations and testify against his associates in the hopes that prosecutors will recommend a sentence of less than life without parole.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez accepts plea on drug charges: Read the agreement

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those details were revealed in a dramatic, 90-minute hearing under tight security at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, where Guzman Lopez pleaded guilty to two counts each of supervising an ongoing criminal enterprise and drug trafficking conspiracy, which were brought in indictments filed both in Chicago and New York.

Hes the first El Chapo relative to strike a deal with the government, which is also prosecuting three of his brothers in various jurisdictions.

While it potentially spares Guzman Lopez a life sentence, its by no means a guarantee. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Erskine said in court that it was up to the U.S. attorneys office to weigh Guzman Lopezs cooperation, and that the defendant would not be able to take back his guilty plea if it was determined he didnt hold up his end of the bargain.

Not only that, unlike other recent plea agreements in Sinaloa cartel cases, including the 2014 deal struck with Chicago twins Pedro and Margarito Flores, the agreement with Guzman Lopez includes no cap on what prosecutors would ultimately recommend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, the deal signals bad news for El Chapos former partner, the elusive Ismael El Mayo Zambada, who was flown across the border and into the hands of U.S. authorities in Texas last year on a plane chartered by Guzman Lopezs older brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, marking a stunning end to El Mayos 40 years at the helm.

Zambada is in custody and awaiting trial on federal charges in New York, where Ovidio Guzman Lopez could now be a star witness against him. Joaquin Guzman Lopez, meanwhile, is charged in Chicago and has his next court date in September. Two other sons, collectively known as the Chapitos, remain at large.

In his plea agreement with prosecutors, Ovidio Guzman Lopez admitted to three specific murders that took place in Mexico and Arizona, as well as his involvement in the January 2023 shootout with Mexican law enforcement as they tried to arrest him in the Mexican city of Culiacan, which led to the deaths of dozens of individuals.

He also admitted to overseeing the shipment of thousands of kilograms of the powerful synthetic narcotic fentanyl into the U.S., an operation that authorities have blamed for countless overdose deaths over the past decade.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit and shackled at the ankles, Guzman Lopez stood behind the lectern with his hands folded in front of him for the proceedings on Friday, listening through a Spanish interpreter. He wore eyeglasses and a scraggly black beard and appeared thinner than in his first court appearance after his arrest nearly two years ago, telling the judge hes been taking daily medication for depression while in jail.

Each time prosecutors recited specific allegations in the plea agreement, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman asked Guzman Lopez if he understood and agreed that he was responsible for those crimes.

Si, Guzman Lopez answered back in a soft voice, flanked by four deputy U.S. marshals.

Cellphones and other electronics were banned from Colemans courtroom for the hearing, which was also livestreamed to an overflow room five floors above. The judge did not set a sentencing date, but said she will hold a status hearing in about six months so the parties can update her on the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the hearing, Guzman Lopezs New York-based lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, told a horde of media in the courthouse lobby that, contrary to some media reports in Mexico, the plea deal contained no hidden agreements to bring Guzman Lopezs family members across the border to safety.

Its utter bull(expletive), Lichtman said. Its fabricated by either the Mexican government or reporters that claim that they know. No one knows. The idea that any Mexican reporter has the first (expletive) clue about whats going on with Ovidio is not true.  Its not in the agreement for a reason. Because it wasnt part of it.

Lichtman, who also represents El Chapo and his other sons, was also asked about the apparent conflict of interest involved with any cooperation Guzman Lopez might provide to the government in those cases. He said its certainly a conflict, but its a waivable conflict.

As long as all of my clients are OK with it, then its allowed, Lichtman said. For now, they are. If there comes a time where theyre not OK with me representing all of them, then Ill have to not represent one or some of them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lichtman would not speculate how the plea deal in Guzman Lopezs case could affect the charges against his older brother, Joaquin, but said there is no cooperation agreement there  at least not yet.

Joaquins situation is totally different, he said. Its a completely different case, based on the circumstances.  Remember that Joaquin was arrested in America well after Ovidio was brought here.

The two counts of supervising a criminal enterprise that Guzman Lopez pleaded guilty to each carry a mandatory sentence of life behind bars. The narcotics counts, meanwhile, each call for a minimum 10-year prison term and a maximum of life.

In entering his plea, Guzman Lopez also agreed to an $80 million personal money judgment and to allow authorities to seize other ill-gotten assets, from real estate to boats, cars or airplanes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The brothers were each charged in a superseding indictment unsealed in Chicago in 2023 with assuming day-to-day control of the Sinaloa cartel after their fathers arrest in 2016. The indictment accused the sons of orchestrating the shipment of thousands of pounds of cocaine, marijuana and other drugs into the U.S. by rail, road and through tunnels and other means.

In his 37-page plea agreement, Guzman Lopez admitted he and his brothers furthered the conspiracy by bribing public officials and using guns and other dangerous weapons to commit violence, including murder, kidnapping and assault against law enforcement, rival drug traffickers and members of their own trafficking organization.

Guzman Lopez admitted having a role in three specific slayings, including the December 2018 kidnapping and murder of Jesus Antonio Munoz Parra  the father of one of their cartel rivals  in Sinaloa, and the October 2021 kidnapping and murder of another cartel operative, Geovanni Hurtado Vicente, also known as Amigo, in Jalisco.

Guzman Lopez also pleaded guilty to participating in the May 2021 killing of Mario Nungaray Bobadilla, who was shot to death outside his home in Phoenix.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The indictment was part of the same case originally filed in Chicago in 2009 against El Chapo himself as well as many of his top henchmen, which is widely considered the largest narcotics case ever brought in Chicago.

Those charges alleged the Sinaloa cartel used jumbo jets, submarines and tunnels to smuggle massive amounts of drugs into the U.S., much of which was later distributed in wholesale quantities in Chicago. The cartel members then laundered billions of dollars in proceeds back to Mexico.

As it has played out over the past decade and a half, the case has revealed how, in many respects, the Chicago area serves as a drug traffickers dream.

Its central location and vast transportation networks have made the city a pivotal hub of narcotics distribution, authorities and federal witnesses have said. Thousands of tons of drugs have moved through the city over the decades, hidden in vehicle compartments, in suburban stash houses and semitrailer loads of everything from avocados to live sheep.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cartels have also made use of the citys entrenched street gangs, which have proven more than capable of breaking down the product and delivering it to the streets.

Among the cartels top distributors were the Flores twins, who rose from the obscurity of the Little Village neighborhood to working directly for El Chapo before cutting a secret cooperation deal with the government.

The twins decision to cooperate with federal authorities in 2008 culminated with Pedro Flores testifying against El Chapo at his trial in New York in December 2018.

El Chapo was convicted in New York in 2019 and is serving a life sentence at a maximum security federal prison in Colorado.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new charges brought against El Chapos sons, meanwhile, differed significantly from previous investigations by including allegations that the cartel is now trafficking fentanyl, a synthetic narcotic 50 times more potent than heroin.

Nearly 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2021. The Drug Enforcement Administration says most of the fentanyl trafficked in the United States comes from the Sinaloa cartel.

In his plea, Guzman Lopez admitted the cartel imported precursor chemicals into Mexico from other countries and manufactured thousands of kilograms of fentanyl powder and hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills. The fentanyl was then smuggled by the Sinaloa cartels couriers, using vehicles and tunnels that went from Tijuana and other border locations into the U.S., according to the plea.

After the fentanyl and other drugs were sold, money launderers working for Guzman Lopez laundered the proceeds back to Mexico using wire transfers, bulk cash shipments, structured bank deposits and even a goods-based system involving the purchase and transport of cars, helicopters and airplanes, the plea agreement stated.

When Mexican authorities closed in on Guzman Lopez in Culiacan on Jan. 5, 2023, cartel members engaged in a protracted shootout with law enforcement, using AK-47s and other military-grade weapons, the plea agreement stated.

The gun battles in the area ended with 10 soldiers and 19 suspected cartel members dead, according to news reports.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
The Brief

Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of "El Chapo," pleaded guilty to U.S. drug trafficking charges.

He admitted to overseeing the smuggling of large quantities of various drugs, including fentanyl, into the U.S.

His sentencing is postponed while he cooperates with U.S. authorities, and terms of the deal are not yet disclosed.

LOS ANGELES - A son of notorious Mexican drug kingpin "El Chapo" pleaded guilty Friday to U.S. drug trafficking charges, marking the first time one of the drug lords children has entered a plea deal.

What we know

Ovidio Guzman Lopez pleaded guilty on Friday to drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearms charges related to his leadership role in the Sinaloa cartel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As part of his plea agreement, he admitted to helping oversee the production and smuggling of large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and fentanyl into the U.S.

SUGGESTED: High-ranking Mexican cartel leader faked own death to live 'life of luxury' in California: DOJ

Federal authorities in 2023 described the "chapitos'" operation as a massive effort to send "staggering" quantities of fentanyl into the U.S., fueling a crisis contributing to tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually.

Guzman Lopezs sentencing has been postponed while he cooperates with U.S. authorities.

The backstory

Lopez was arrested in Mexico in 2023 and extradited to the U.S.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SUGGESTED: El Chapo's wife Emma Coronel Aispuro released early from California halfway house

His father, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, is serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2019 for his role as the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel.

What we don't know

The specific terms of Lopez's plea deal, including sentencing recommendations or cooperation agreements, were not immediately disclosed.

It is also uncertain whether he will avoid a life in prison sentence; this depends on authorities' assessment of his cooperation.

Jeffrey Lichtman, an attorney for Ovidio and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, stated he would wait until Ovidio Guzman Lopez was sentenced before discussing the agreement's merits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SUGGESTED: 'El Mago,' drug trafficker with ties to 'El Chapo,' shot dead in Los Angeles: authorities

Lichtman also said he doesnt know if the case against Joaquin Guzman Lopez could be resolved with a plea deal, noting it is "completely different" because "joaquin was arrested in america well after ovidio was, so it takes time."

It is not immediately clear what the long-term implications of Ovidio Guzman Lopez's cooperation will be for the Sinaloa cartel or other ongoing investigations.

What they're saying

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday criticized the "lack of coherence" in American policy toward Mexican cartels.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She highlighted the disparity between the U.S. government declaring cartels foreign terrorist organizations and simultaneously striking plea deals with their leaders.

SUGGESTED: El Chapo's son Ovidio Guzman arrested in Mexico

Jeffrey Lichtman, an attorney for the two brothers, said on Friday he would "wait until ovidio guzman lopez was sentenced before discussing whether the agreement was a good deal."

He added regarding Joaquin Guzman Lopez's case, "remember, joaquin was arrested in america well after ovidio was, so it takes time."

Timeline

2019: Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Ovidio's father, is convicted and begins serving a life sentence for his role as the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

2023: Ovidio Guzman Lopez is arrested in Mexico and subsequently extradited to the United States. Federal authorities also describe the "chapitos'" operation as a massive effort to send "staggering" quantities of fentanyl into the U.S.

Early 2024: Ovidio Guzman Lopez signals his intent to change his initial "not guilty" plea.

July 2024: Joaquin Guzman Lopez and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada are arrested in Texas after landing on a private plane. Their capture sparks a surge in violence in Mexicos northern state of Sinaloa as two factions of the Sinaloa cartel clash.

Friday, July 11, 2025: Ovidio Guzman Lopez pleads guilty to U.S. drug trafficking charges. His sentencing is postponed as he agrees to cooperate with U.S. authorities. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticizes U.S. policy toward Mexican cartels on the same day.

The Source

This report is based on information detailing Ovidio Guzman Lopez's plea agreement and legal proceedings. It includes direct statements from Jeffrey Lichtman, an attorney for Ovidio and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, and comments from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regarding U.S. policy toward Mexican cartels.
A son of notorious Mexican drug kingpin El Chapo pleaded guilty Friday to US drug trafficking charges. He is the first of El Chapos sons to enter a plea deal.

Prosecutors allege Ovidio Guzman Lopez and his brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, ran a faction of the Sinaloa cartel. They became known locally as the Chapitos, or little Chapos, and federal authorities in 2023 described the operation as a massive effort to send staggering quantities of fentanyl into the United States.

As part of a plea agreement, Ovidio Guzman Lopez admitted to helping oversee the production and smuggling of large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and fentanyl into the United States, fueling a crisis that has contributed to tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Guzman Lopez pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges tied to his leadership role in the cartel. Terms of the deal, including sentencing recommendations or cooperation agreements, were not immediately disclosed.

Speculation about a deal had percolated for months, as behind-the-scenes negotiations quietly progressed.

Jeffrey Lichtman, an attorney for the two brothers, said Friday he would wait until Ovidio Guzman Lopez was sentenced before discussing whether the agreement was a good deal.

Guzman Lopezs sentencing was postponed while he cooperates with US authorities, as he agreed to do so on Friday. Whether he avoids a life in prison sentence depends on whether authorities say he has held up his end of the agreement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lichtman said he didnt know whether the case against Joaquin Guzman Lopez could be resolved with a plea deal, noting that it is completely different.

Remember, Joaquin was arrested in America well after Ovidio was, so it takes time, he said.

Laurie Levenson, a law professor at Loyola Law School and former assistant US attorney in Los Angeles, said that Guzman Lopez, by pleading guilty, may have saved other family members.

In this way, he has some control over who hes cooperating against and what the world will know about that cooperation.

Levenson called the plea change a big step for the US government and said Guzman Lopez could provide a roadmap of how to identify members of the cartel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is big, she said. The best way for them to take out the cartel is to find out about its operations from an insider, and thats what they get from his cooperation.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday criticized the lack of coherence in American policy toward Mexican cartels, highlighting the disparity between the US government declaring cartels foreign terrorist organizations, but also striking plea deals with their leaders.

Joaquin El Chapo Guzman is serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2019 for his role as the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel, having smuggled mountains of cocaine and other drugs into the United States over 25 years. The brothers allegedly assumed their fathers former role as leaders of the cartel.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez was arrested in Mexico in 2023 and extradited to the United States. He initially pleaded not guilty but signaled in recent months his intent to change his plea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Joaquin Guzman Lopez and another longtime Sinaloa leader, Ismael El Mayo Zambada, were arrested in July 2024 in Texas after they landed in the US on a private plane. Both men have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges. Their dramatic capture prompted a surge in violence in Mexicos northern state of Sinaloa as two factions of the Sinaloa cartel clashed.

This story has been updated with additional information.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A son of Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman pleaded guilty to drug charges in Chicago on Friday in a deal struck with prosecutors in return for a reduced sentence.

Nicknamed "El Raton," or "The Mouse," Ovidio Guzman Lopez pleaded guilty to two counts of drug conspiracy and two counts of knowingly engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise.

Guzman Lopez, who took over control of a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel with three of his brothers -- collectively known as "Los Chapitos" -- following their father's arrest in 2016, was facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But prosecutors said in the plea agreement, which came after months of negotiations, that they would recommend a lesser sentence in exchange for Guzman Lopez's pledge to "fully and truthfully cooperate" with investigators.

District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman has not set a date yet for sentencing.

Mike Vigil, former head of operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration, told AFP that Guzman Lopez could offer US authorities "valuable information" about the cartel and its protectors.

In the plea agreement, Guzman Lopez said he coordinated the smuggling of vast quantities of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs and precursor chemicals from Mexico to the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of his brothers, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, was arrested last year after arriving in the United States in a private plane with Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, who claimed that he had been kidnapped. Both men are awaiting trial.

The arrests sparked cartel infighting that has left more than 1,200 people dead and 1,400 missing in Sinaloa state, located in northwestern Mexico.

- 'Crystal-clear message' -

The two other "Chapitos" -- Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar -- have also been indicted on drug trafficking charges in the United States but remain at large.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Their father was convicted in a high-profile trial in 2019 and is serving a life sentence in prison.

Guzman Lopez gained prominence in October 2019 when the Mexican authorities detained him -- only to release him later on orders from then president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador amid a standoff between law enforcement and gang members.

He was recaptured in January 2023, while Lopez Obrador was still in office, and extradited to the United States.

The Sinaloa Cartel is one of six Mexican drug trafficking groups that US President Donald Trump has designated as global "terrorist" organizations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In its aggressive policy against drug cartels, the Trump administration announced additional sanctions against Los Chapitos in June for fentanyl trafficking and increased the reward to $10 million for each of the fugitive brothers.

US Attorney Andrew Boutros said Guzman Lopez's guilty plea "sends yet another crystal-clear message that this administration is going to shut down and hold accountable transnational criminal organizations and their highest-ranking members and associates."

af-gw-cl/aks
My son, Josh, texted me on New Years Eve.

His words didnt surprise me. Josh used ridiculously in every other sentence. He was upbeat, forward-looking and thankful. I hesitated before I answered him, assuming he was already heading out to dinner. I didnt want to interrupt his fun with friends, and I knew we could catch up the next day.

Josh was my youngest child, my baby, the one who broke a few rules. In high school, he began calling me by my first name, Caren.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its Mom to you, buddy, I corrected.

No problem, Caren, he responded.

The author's son Josh Courtesy of Caren Woodruff

From those years on, I was Caren, Carebear, or Momma-llama, but never Mom. Because he abolished the naming formality at that point in our relationship, we jumped the parent-child border earlier than usual and became friends. I was the youngest kid in my family, too, so Josh and I had that sibling position in common. And, although I would never have admitted it before now, his bending of the rules was familiar to me  it was like we shared a special youngest-kid secret code. On the outside, I dutifully corrected him mom-style, but on the inside, I liked the familiarity of him being his own person.

Except for when it involved the emergency room.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Joshs passion for living life to the fullest landed him in the emergency room so often, we were on a first-name basis with the doctors and nurses. When he was 4, he was sure he was a superhero and could fly from a desk to a bed. I thought it made sense and seemed safe enough as I watched him launch his little body to the mattress several times without a problem.

There is never a problem when a parent is watching.

No sooner had I left the room for a much-needed bathroom break when all hell broke loose. Due to repeated landings, the mattress had shifted and the trajectory of Joshs next jump was a little bit off-center. As a result, he landed on the exposed wooden bed frame. The frame, having lasted a few generations, was sturdy but had rough edges. The impact of his forehead on one of them created a gush of blood that ran down his face and shirt, and the gash required three layers of stitches to close it. It left a scar that he didnt love, but I am sure it was material for a great story.

The year after that, we were back in the ER after a missed landing from another flying adventure fractured his arm. Again and again he seemed to be back requiring another look or more stitches, and the ER staff came to know Josh as the kid who was always returning for one reason or another. I knew him as the kid whose adventures were just starting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At 6:28 a.m. that New Years Day, I opened my eyes, frustrated that I was waking up far too early on a vacation day. Moments later, my husbands phone rang. It was our older son, Ben.

Dad, he said, calm but emphatic. Put Mom on the phone, too.

It struck me as odd that Ben would be calling so early on a day off, but I didnt have much time to try to make sense of it. I dont remember the exact words he then said to us, but I did hear: Josh, New Orleans, dead.

Josh and his older brother, Ben Courtesy of Caren Woodruff

I jumped out of bed and ran to Joshs room and impulsively buried my head in his favorite gray sweater that he had left behind, as he didnt need it in New Orleans or in California, where he lived. I smelled his scent, and I sobbed uncontrollably.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the distance I heard my Ben, who was 30 at the time, calling out Mommy on my husbands speakerphone. When was the last time hed called me that?

I could not believe that what he told us was true. There had to be a mistake. Maybe Josh was in the hospital? I hoped it was someone elses child and not my son.

Ben called our daughter, Heather. Later, I remember being overcome with guilt that Ben had to call his sister, too, and once again say the words Josh and dead.

I called the New Orleans police certain that there was a mistake. The officer who answered told me that Josh was hit by a car.

You sent him to the hospital, didnt you? I asked. There was a long pause.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No, maam, we didnt.

That seemed negligent or foolish.

Why not? I asked.

Because he was already dead.

I learned Josh had stepped off the curb into a crosswalk to wave down his Uber driver. From nowhere, I was told later by one of Joshs friends, another car came down the street, made a U-turn and then hit Josh. Instead of tossing him in the air, it dragged him beneath the body of the car. The driver drove with Josh pinned underneath his car for six-and-a-half miles and then onto a bridge. His body was finally dislodged by the Charles de Gaulle entrance to the highway.

The friends who saw Josh get hit ran after the car, and after they couldnt catch it, they called the police, who thought it was all a hoax. An hour later, an unidentified person noticed a body by the side of the road, and when the police went to investigate, they found Josh.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I recall little of that days conversations between my husband and me. We sobbed and scream-cried and tried to understand what had happened. We were not yet dealing with reality. We were still holding the truth at arms distance, pushing it away, refusing to believe Josh was really gone.

After the conversation with the police, we called our extended family members and closest friends and arranged for our other two children and their spouses to get home to be with us. My daughter and her husband arrived last, at midnight. The temperature outside was in the single digits when we picked them up at the airport. I dont remember the cold or how tired I was, but I will always remember my daughters face, which was red and swollen from hours of sobbing, and her eyes  those lovely blue eyes  holding so much sorrow.

Josh with his older sister, Heather, when she was pregnant with her daughter, Rachel Courtesy of Caren Woodruff

That was nine years ago.

Joshs brutal murder has never been solved. The New Orleans police assigned his case to the traffic division for 22 months before moving it to homicide. By then, important evidence was gone and the knowledge and experience that the homicide detectives could have offered was wasted by the delay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A detective told me that one potentially important piece of evidence was in the landfill. Apparently the police were aware that a piece of the car that dragged Josh was left behind on the street. Because the area was not cordoned off as a crime scene usually would be, the car part was swept up by the street cleaners. The detective also told me that there was no way he was going into that landfill to look for it. I was in too much of a daze to argue with him. After all, he was the expert in these types of situations. I was just the mother.

How a car could mow down a human being and drag him for over six miles without anyone seeing it is unfathomable to me. We know from surveillance videos from businesses that were submitted to the police for review, there were many people on the streets and some who looked at the car with a look of disbelief. However, these people were never found and never came forward. We are still in the dark with no answers.

Almost a decade later, I am confident that this grief will always be with me. It is like a weighted blanket: familiar, warm, secure. It drapes over my shoulders, invisible to others, but intimately known to me. I would like to think that Josh knows too, and that grief is, in fact, his way of reaching out to me.

I can almost hear him telling me, I still love you, Mom. Death did not steal that from us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In many ways, my life now looks the same as it did before Josh was taken from me. I live in the same city. Im married to the same man. I am still a mother, a grandmother and a friend.

But I am not the same person.

My heart was ripped to shreds and is now tender and cautious. I have compared myself to a car whose bumpers have been removed. Every swipe and bump leaves an impression because I have no external protection. So I need to be wise. I dont watch stories about murder because I am living my own nightmarish story. I exercise because I need those happiness-inducing endorphins. I do yoga so that I can calm my internal anxiety. I pray and write so that I have an outlet for sadness and an inlet for peace. I watch who I spend time with and have reduced my friendships to those who lighten the load, not just for me, but for others. Those people have hearts that are warm and wide enough to love well.

I spend more time alone because I dont need as much external validation. I spend more time enjoying music and art and nature and thinking. I feel freer of the tyranny of the urgent and more purposeful. I am still a dedicated extrovert, but now I curate the with whom and the when. Not every invitation is a of course! yes! But when it is a yes, it is a full-throated, all-in yes!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the strangest but most wonderful twist, Joshs friends have become our friends. On Joshs birthday weekend the year he was killed, my husband and I spent a weekend in Denver with six of Joshs college buddies. I had been the one who asked for the getaway, but once I was on the plane to Denver, I wondered if I had lost my mind requesting the weekend.

Once we were there, we jammed into an Airbnb and came together for 48 hours with no agenda and no place to hide. We laughed, ate, drank, hiked, talked about love and marriage, and screamed in anger and hurt. Since Joshs death, we have spent hours on the phone together absorbing each others grief. My husband and I have gone to all of these friends weddings, are now celebrating babies and cheering on anniversaries.

This was our inheritance from Josh  not a dime from a life insurance policy but something infinitely more valuable: people, relationships and being part of these lives who, had Josh lived, we would have heard about, but we would not have had a front-row seat to view. One of his high school friends even made Josh his honorary best man at his wedding, thereby keeping a promise he had made to our son many years ago. There was so much love between these men  enough to flow to and around us.

The author with Josh and her husband, Mark Courtesy of Caren Woodruff

A few years ago, a friend of mine found herself talking to a medium. The conversation strangely turned to Josh. The medium said that Josh wanted his mom to know that he was doing so well and that I could stop crying now.

Dear Josh, I will never stop crying.

I cry when I am alone, and I cry the hardest on the anniversary of his death. On Jan. 1, most of the world is a new year, and I am in my pajamas and unable to participate in the joy. The sorrow descends with the full force of that first day of the year. It is hard to breathe, and I want to escape, but there is no place to go. There is nowhere in this life where I will not feel this pain. It is the ring of fire I am constantly walking through.

When Josh texted me on his last New Years Eve, I hesitated to text him back because I knew he was already out with his friends. But I did end up replying. I am forever grateful that I did not wait until the next morning to respond because he would not have known how thankful I was for him.

Caren Woodruff thinks labels dont tell the whole story, so here are a few interesting things about her. For the majority of the last two decades she has worked in tech for companies like Cisco and EMC managing delivery and working with sales. When her son Josh died, she took a pause and became a coach, a consultant and a writer. Her book about life and grief will be finished later this year. You can reach her at carenwoodruff@gmail.com.

Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com.
Jul. 11As tornadoes tear across the Midwest and flooding devastates parts of Texas, a new bipartisan bill in Congress introduced by Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Rockford, is taking aim at staffing issues within the National Weather Service.

Sorensen, who represents portions of the state's central and northwestern regions, including Sterling west to the Mississippi River, is the only meteorologist serving in Congress. He introduced the bill known as the Weather Workforce Improvement Act (H.R. 3809) in response to workforce cuts that began under the Trump administration earlier this year, he said.

The legislation would make NWS meteorologists and support staff "mission critical" public safety workers, giving them the same employment protections as airport Transportation Security Administration agents and making it harder for future administrations to lay them off.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is a direct response to the [Trump] administration cutting 10, 20% of the workforce of the National Weather Service," Sorensen told Shaw Local. "We need to make sure that the people are there at the decision-making desks, that we have the National Weather Service meteorologists who aren't overworked, who aren't working six and seven day weeks, 12-hour shifts. I want them bright-eyed and bushy-tailed."

The proposal comes at a crucial moment for the region.

Reports from former employees familiar with the Quad Cities NWS office, which covers much of northwest Illinois including parts of the Sauk Valley, claim the office has seen staffing drop by 42%  from 24 to just 14 employees, including its hydrologist  even as the Davenport-based office monitors the Mississippi River and severe summer weather as it moves from Iowa into northwestern Illinois.

Shaw Local reached out to the Quad Cities NWS office to verify those claims. Although they declined to comment on specific staffing numbers and positions, a representative said their office has been granted an exception to the Trump administration's hiring freeze order, allowing them to refill "mission critical" positions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sorensen insists residents can feel safe for now.

"I can tell you as the only meteorologist in Congress, we're in good shape. We have not seen excess rainfall, nor are we expecting it," Sorensen said. "We're still in a minor drought situation. So we're in good shape here."

But Sorensen emphasized that this relative calm should not lead to complacency.

"We need that person because our forecasting, especially when we look at a river basin, we can look out with specificity for the next couple of months and say that, 'Sterling and Rock Falls, you're going to be fine. Prophetstown, you're going to be fine. Dixon, you're going to be fine,'" Sorensen said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The stakes are particularly high for area farmers, many of whom rely on rainfall data for planting and chemical applications, he said.

"Farmers need that data to understand where to apply the herbicides, where to apply the pesticides," Sorensen said. "In our region, especially in Whiteside County, you see a lot of crop dusters. That's not free. Farmers have to pay for those things."

H.R. 3809 also seeks to address a loss of technical staff, including electricians responsible for maintaining Doppler radar systems.

"You can't just go through the Yellow Pages or go on Google and find an electrician to do that," Sorensen said. "We can't afford for Doppler radar to be down."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The urgency behind the bill has been amplified by recent tragedies, including the Fourth of July flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas, where over 100 people have been confirmed dead, including children and staff from Camp Mystic. Sorensen, while not attributing the deaths to NWS staffing cuts, said a gap remains in how warnings are acted upon.

"There is a misconnect somewhere between when the National Weather Service meteorologist, at 1:15 in the morning, issued a catastrophic flash flood emergency, to the point where at 4:15 it hit Camp Mystic," Sorensen said. "What happened that we didn't take precautions in the three hours?"

[ Authorities deflect questions about weather monitoring during deadly Texas floods ]

He suggested the country needs an investigative body for weather disasters, akin to the National Transportation Safety Board for plane crashes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Every time that there's a plane crash, the NTSB goes out and looks at every different factor so that we can learn, so that the disaster doesn't happen again," Sorensen said. "We should be doing that with weather disasters."

Sorensen said Sauk Valley parents concerned about school safety amid severe weather events should take comfort in the safety protocols now in place, pointing to hard lessons learned from the 1967 Belvidere tornado that injured his aunt and claimed the lives of several children.

"We learned at that point that we needed tornado drills. We needed tornado safety," Sorensen said. "We needed to make sure that the kids were protected."

Still, Sorensen warned that even with recent approvals to rehire 126 weather service staffers nationally, the move is not enough.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"A lot of the people that took a buyout, they're not going to come back," Sorensen said. "We do have a problem because it's not like you can just snap a finger and then everybody is back."

For now, the Sauk Valley remains out of immediate danger but Sorensen wants to keep it that way.

"It doesn't matter if you are in Lee County, Whiteside County, Carroll County, Stephenson County, or Jo Daviess County, you're going to be protected," Sorensen said. "But if we continue to allow this government to be able to cut all of these people, it's going to create meteorologists who are weary... and that's what I don't want this to get to."
A prominent South Carolina Democrat said Thursday that Gov. Gavin Newsom needs to explain his "many failures in California" before running for president.

Per the Los Angeles Times, South Carolina attorney and former state senator Richard Harpootlian predicted that "Newsom would find it hard to find a foothold in many places in South Carolina."

The former chairman of the state Democratic Party said that he struggles to see Newsom appealing to blue-collar workers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Hes a very, very handsome man," Harpootlian said. "But the party is searching for a left-of-moderate candidate who can articulate blue-collar hopes and desires. Im not sure thats him."

A South Carolina Democrat said that Gov. Gavin Newsom needs to explain his "many failures in California" before running for president after he toured the state to help his party win congressional seats in the upcoming midterms.

Harpootlian's comments came after Newsom teamed up with the South Carolina Democratic Party for two days of meetings with voters in the state.

Twenty-one Democrats Who May Want To Run For The White House In 2028

Read On The Fox News App

The California governor reportedly went to churches, cafes, coffee shops and community centers. During the two-day tour through South Carolina, Newsom made an effort to connect with voters, the local party and elected officials to campaign for the Democratic Party ahead of the midterm elections in 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The trip to the early primary state by the term-limited governor is sure to spark plenty of 2028 speculation, since Newsom is considered a potential contender for the next Democratic presidential nomination.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom needs to address homelessness and other issues in his state before running for president, the former South Carolina Democratic Party chairman said. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The Times reported further that Harpootlian referred to Newsom as "just another rich guy," reacting to the speculation that Newsom could run for president. He added that Newsom "became wealthy because of his connections with heirs to the Getty oil fortune."

"Harpootlian said he did not think Newsom was attuned to winning back blue-collar voters," the Times reported.

Gavin Newsom Is Making A Strategic Visit To A Key Primary State, Raising Eyebrows

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If he had a track record of solving huge problems like homelessness, or the social safety net, hed be a more palatable candidate," Harpootlian said. "I just think hes going to have a tough time explaining why theres so many failures in California."

After President Donald Trumps decisive victory, Democrats and media pundits began an autopsy of the 2024 election results. Some members of the Democratic Party have pointed to the partys neglect of working-class voters and overlooked key economic issues as they focused on flinging attacks on Trump.

The South Carolina Democratic Party, which announced Newsom's trip last week, said it's part of their effort to bring national Democrats to parts of the Palmetto State that they say have long been overlooked and "left behind" by Republican officials.

Newsom's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.





Original article source: South Carolina Democrat says Newsom must explain 'many failures in California' before presidential run
PRICEVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  An investigation that took place in Priceville has led to a South Carolina man being federally indictment for identification fraud.

The Priceville Police Department said that a traffic stop led to three people being arrested for selling stolen identities on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

33-year-old Chrison Charale Johnson of Fort Mill, South Carolina, was arrested along with two other people back in June of 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the time of Johnsons arrest, he was facing the following charges:

trafficking stolen identities,

dealing in false identification documents,

criminal possession of a forgery device,

2nd-degree possession of forged instrument

3rd-degree possession of forged instrument

Johnson is now facing federal charges for identification fraud.

Court documents indicate that a federal grand jury has issued a three-count indictment against Johnson. Since his arrest last summer, Johnson has been held at the Morgan County Jail without bond.

Criminal interdiction extends beyond drug-related offenses; it encompasses the interception of all criminal activities. Chrison Charale Johnson was one of three individuals apprehended that day, leaving a trail of victims in their wake. Excellent work, team! Priceville Police Chief Jerry Holmes

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota Supreme Court says a group that was trying to stop the state governments plan to build a mens prison in Lincoln County lacked legal standing to bring the lawsuit.

In their decision, the justices stated that the non-profit corporation, NOPE Neighbors Opposing Prison Expansion  did not have the authority to enforce the Lincoln County zoning regulations that formed the basis of the lawsuit.

Photos show storm damage on Lake Poinsett

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the opinion, Justice Mark Salter wrote- In South Dakota, the responsibility to enforce a countys zoning regulations lies with its board of commissioners. Justice Salter concluded, The Appellants are unable to identify a statute or other legal authority granting them a private right to enforce the Zoning Ordinance,



The case became somewhat moot earlier this year when the South Dakota House of

Representatives refused to approve the final funding package for the project. Members of NOPE, which started as a grassroots effort, talked to us about the apparent death of the project at the Lincoln County site in early June.

Its definitely been a group effort, its amazing to know that you can make a difference with your voice, but you have to get involved and you have to stay involved, said Broders.

Thursday, the group released a statement saying, The NOPE Board will consult with legal counsel to thoughtfully evaluate the ruling and determine next steps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Two days ago, the Project Prison reset task force agreed to recommend a new 1500-bed prison be built in Sioux Falls after rejecting other possible sites in Mitchell and Worthing. Two days ago, the Project Prison reset task force agreed to recommend a new 1500-bed prison be built in Sioux Falls after rejecting other possible sites in Mitchell and Worthing. The task force will send its recommendation to the legislature.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

South Fulton Police are seeking public assistance to identify two individuals involved in package thefts from homes on Buffington Drive.

Surveillance cameras captured the suspects, a man and woman, stealing packages on July 2, and images have been released to help with identification.

Residents are encouraged to provide information to Corporal C. Johnson at 404-580-3224 or via email, highlighting the importance of community involvement in neighborhood safety.

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - Authorities in South Fulton are asking for the publics help in identifying two individuals accused of stealing packages from multiple homes earlier this month.

South Fulton porch pirate

What we know

According to the South Fulton Police Department, a man and woman were caught on several home surveillance cameras removing packages from front porches in the Buffington Drive area around 7:54 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2.

What we don't know

Investigators have not released the suspects identities but have shared images of the pair in hopes that community members may recognize them.

What you can do

Anyone with information related to the thefts is urged to contact Corporal C. Johnson with the departments Criminal Investigations Unit at 404-580-3224 or via email at cordero.johnson@cityofsouthfultonga.gov.

What they're saying

Police thanked residents for their assistance and emphasized that community involvement is key to keeping neighborhoods safe.

Georgia's porch pirate laws

Dig deeper

Georgia lawmakers have embraced one of the nations stricter "porch pirate" statutes, carving out a felony offense specifically targeting the theft of packages and mail left at residences  a law that took effect July 1, 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Responding to a surge in package theft amid the COVID19 pandemic and growing dependence on home deliveries, the Georgia Legislature in early 2021 passed House Bill 94. Originally, the legislation treated the theft of a single package from a home as a felony, regardless of value. Critics warned this could lead to disproportionate punishment for low-dollar items. In response, lawmakers amended the measure to clarify that felony charges require the theft of three or more packages from three or more different addresses, or possession of 10 or more pieces of mail from at least three addresses.

What the law states

The backstory

Under HB 94, a person commits "porch piracy" by taking, removing or appropriating three or more sealed articles  including envelopes, bags or packages  from the "porch, steps or immediate vicinity" of a residence or dwelling. Similarly, "theft by possession of stolen mail" occurs when an individual has 10 or more pieces of mail addressed to three or more different addresses.

Both offenses are designated felonies, punishable by one to five years in prison. However, sentencing judges retain the discretion to downgrade the offense to a misdemeanor under certain circumstances. HB 94 also aligns the penalties with those for burglary, reflecting the view that porch theft encroaches on the sanctity of the home.

Current porch pirate enforcement

Big picture view

Since taking effect, the felony provision has been applied in highprofile cases. In June 2025, Gwinnett County law enforcement dismantled a porchpiracy ring suspected of stealing over 5,000 electronic devices  valued at more than $6 million  under Georgias RICO statute, highlighting the scale of organized package theft. Meanwhile, Atlantaarea courts have seen a series of misdemeanor-eligible porch theft cases downgraded or prosecuted under the new felony standard.

Why you should care

Georgias porch piracy law stands among the toughest in the nation. By defining repeat package theft from multiple residences as a felony, legislators aim to strike a balance between deterring organized crime and preserving judicial discretion. As the statute continues to be applied, prosecutors, judges and lawmakers will monitor its impact on crime trends and criminal justice outcomes across the state.

The Source

The South Fulton Police Department provided the details and images for this article.
Former Pierce County Library Manager Lavonnia Moore, center, with a display that led to her firing. "When Aiden Became a Brother" can be seen in the front. Pierce County Library

A south Georgia public library system is under pressure to rehire a librarian whose firing over a book about a transgender child has led to the resignation of a board member and a wrongful termination lawsuit, according to emails and text messages obtained by the Georgia Recorder.

At the start of June, former Pierce County Library Manager Lavonnia Moore said she approved a display of childrens books collected by young library patrons that included When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff, which is about a transgender boy whose family is expecting another child.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On June 18, Moore was fired over the display. A group called Alliance for Faith and Family, which called on followers to register complaints with Three Rivers Regional Library staff and Pierce County commissioners, took credit for the sacking on social media.

The Georgia Recorder filed an open records request for all communications received by library staff and county commissioners relating to Moore during the month of June.

The county produced 77 files, some of which were repeat copies of emails sent by the same person to multiple recipients in the government. Accounting for duplicates, about four times as many people contacted the government in favor of reinstating Moore than did firing her.

The emails, text messages and voicemail reveal more about the decision to let Moore go and the resulting backlash. That correspondence also shows that local officials are considering reinstating Moore but have not yet done so.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Transgender people, particularly minors, have been the focal point of political debate at the state and federal levels. Georgia lawmakers passed or considered multiple high-profile bills this session and President Donald Trump has signed numerous executive orders aimed at transgender people.

Fallout

In text messages with Pierce County Manager Raphel Maddox and a human resources staffer from the day Moore was fired, Pierce County Library Board Member Lana Blankenship, who also works in the county finance department, reposted Alliance for Faith and Familys calls to fire Moore.

I am so mad right now, Blankenship said with an angry emoji. She needs to go immediately.

The book display stirred back up a local conflict over other LGBTQ-related issues at the library. The Pierce County library left the Okefenokee Regional Library System last year, joining the Three Rivers system last July after controversies including over a Pride display and bathroom policies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But in an email addressed to Pierce Countys library board members, Three Rivers Regional Library Director Jeremy Snell, who Moore said fired her, proposed a special called meeting to discuss bringing her back, citing an outpouring of support.

It is within the power of this board to make action calling for reinstatement if that is a desired result of the executive session discussion, Snell wrote. At this point, I have received more communication regarding reinstatement (than) I did regarding the original issue earlier this week.

In an email to the Recorder Thursday, Snell said the board was set to hold a regular meeting July 15 but since a quorum is not expected, a special called meeting will likely be held sometime in July. Snell said an agenda has not been set but the meeting could include an executive session.

On June 25, Snell received an email from an attorney representing Moore informing them of a wrongful termination suit and calling on them to hang onto any documents that may become evidence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The next day, Laci Gillis Tippins resigned from the Pierce County library board, citing recently developing political controversies as well as time constraints and workloads in her private law practice. Tippins requested that her name be promptly removed from all websites and literature associated with the board.

It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board, she wrote. I hope the current political climate cools and all disputes are resolved swiftly so the Library may thrive and flourish once again, as it did in my childhood.

Emails

Some of the pro-Moore emails were form emails from pro-LGBTQ advocates not directly associated with the library. Some writers said they were from other parts of Georgia or other states.

Others, like Blackshear resident and Friends of the Library Treasurer Thomas Strait, said they had dealt with Moore personally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Strait said he had asked around at multiple libraries and bookstores about a certain history book but had no luck tracking it down. He said he was delighted to come to the library and see a copy in the new books section.

Unbeknownst to me, LaVonnia had tracked down the book and arranged to have it as part of our library, Strait wrote. This is not unique to me. She has done this for others. With limited funds, she focused on bringing books that patrons actually requested! That is only the bare tip of the iceberg as to what LaVonnia did for Pierce County Library. She has many exciting and creative programs that engage patrons, young and old, regardless of their religious affiliation or background, across the spectrum of race, color, creed, and, yes, sexual orientation. Libraries are for EVERYONE!

Some in the anti-Moore faction largely made faith-based arguments that transgender people are the result of wickedness and expressed concern that the book could lead to children becoming transgender.

After Moore was fired, Pierce County Commissioner Troy Maddox responded to one local resident who had pushed for the books removal: Situation taken care of. Thanks for bringing to light.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Moore said she has received an outpouring of support from librarians around the nation and from people at home.

She said she was particularly touched by one person who reached out to say a class Moore held 15 years ago helped give her the knowledge to start her own business.

You do your job because you love it, you dont think youre making big changes, Moore said. I didnt know how much I was worth in the community. I just loved doing my job. And sometimes when someone comes up to me, I feel like an imposter. Im so happy that I made a change in your life. I just didnt know I was that change.

She said shes hoping for a happy ending, but shes not sure what that might look like.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Getting my old job back would probably be difficult for not only the library, the county, but also the library patrons, because if I do get my job back, that group would still be after me, she said. They would probably have me under a microscope.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Top South Korean, U.S. and Japanese military officers urged North Korea to cease all unlawful activities that threaten regional security, as the three nations flew advanced warplanes for a joint exercise in a show of force against the North.

The development came Friday as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was to travel to North Korea amid booming military and other cooperation between the two countries that have raised concerns among their neighbors.

During their regular meeting in Seoul on Friday, the chairmen of the joint chiefs of staff from South Korea, the U.S. and Japan discussed North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine and Russia's potential transfer of military technology to North Korea in return.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They urged the DPRK to immediately cease all unlawful activities to destabilize the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific, and beyond, and pledged to continue working together to respond to the DPRKs threats, according to a joint press statement.

DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's formal name.

North Korea and Russia have grown sharply closer in recent years, with North Korea supplying thousands of troops and ammunitions to Russia in return for economic and military assistance. Seoul, Washington and their partners worry Russia might provide North Korea with sensitive technologies that can enhance its nuclear and missile programs as well.

The three joint chiefs of staff chairmen  South Korea's Kim Myung-soo, the United States' Dan Caine and Japan's Yoshida Yoshihide  discussed various ways to deepen their cooperation in order to ensure peace and stability in the region, according to the joint statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also Friday, the three countries staged a trilateral aerial drill in international waters off South Korea's southern Jeju island. The training, which involves nuclear-capable B-52H bombers from the U.S., is meant to improve the deterrence and response capabilities against North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats, according to South Korea's Defense Ministry.

In recent years, South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have been expanding or restarting their regular military training exercises to cope with North Korea's enlarging nuclear arsenal. North Korea views such U.S.-led drills as invasion rehearsals and often responds with missile tests.

Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, was to begin a three-day trip to North Korea on Friday, according to North Korean and Russian state media reports earlier this week.

Russia's Tass news agency, citing Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, reported Wednesday that Lavrov's North Korea trip was part of the second round of strategic dialogue with his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui. Lavrov and Choe's earlier meeting took place in November in Moscow.

Some South Korean analysts said Lavrov may discuss arranging a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia.
GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH)  The South Western City School Board approved a new contract agreement with the teachers union Thursday.

All five board members voted in favor of the contract, coming after the district and the union had to bring in a mediator after the two sides couldnt reach an agreement last month.

Columbus woman indicted in statewide Medicaid fraud investigation

While parents are happy a deal was made, some said they werent happy with how the board handled the situation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The union also approved the contract, which will run through June 30, 2028. However, it was still a pretty heated meeting Thursday between the board president and parents who attended.

In late June, the district and the union reached a tentative agreement. At that time, a spokesperson for the district said there were nine continuous hours of mediation before the agreement was reached. At Thursdays meeting, a parent said this would have never happened if the community hadnt stepped in.

This board was not going to negotiate with SWEA (South Western Education Association) as they were putting up roadblocks at every turn, parent Katie Stuckey said. They werent worried about anything until the community showed up and said, We support our teachers.

Hondas Marysville Auto Plant faces class action lawsuit over unpaid time

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

South Western Board President Chris Boso said that wasnt the case.

This deal would have got made without all this, without all, like I said, and you can quote me, hysteria, Boso said. This school district is running good. Were doing good things in this district. We support teachers in this district. Theres not a time that I wouldnt support a teacher in this district.

Parents were not happy with his comments.

This is not hysteria, Stuckey said. This is community involvement. This is parent involvement.

As part of the new agreement, union members will receive a 3.3% salary increase in year one and a 3% increase in both years two and three.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lobbyists push for Medicaid funding amid Big, Beautiful Bill passage

I am glad that they reached a deal, Stuckey said. If SWEA is good with it, then Im good with it. Im just, Im always with the teachers.

In a statement, Boso said, in part, As we look to the next chapter, Im confident that this agreement lays the groundwork for even greater student achievement and continued academic innovation in the years ahead.

The agreement went into effect immediately.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A school resource officer in San Bernardino County was arrested for allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct with two middle school students.

Matthew Solano was assigned as a School Resource Officer in the Chino Valley Unified School District.

On Jan. 6, Chino police began investigating Solano after receiving reports of the incidents involving two students at Magnolia Junior High School.

During the investigation, Solano was placed on administrative leave and his access to all school campuses was revoked.

Magnolia Junior High School in Chino, California. (Google Maps)

Chino police contacted the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department to conduct an independent investigation and the results were finalized last week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On July 10, Solano was taken into custody in connection with the crimes. The District Attorneys office filed a charge of lewd and lascivious acts with a child regarding the first victim and child annoyance regarding the second victim.

After Solanos arrest, his administrative leave was changed to unpaid. Solano was hired by the Chino Police Department in December 2020 and became a School Resource Officer/D.A.R.E. Officer in July 2023.

Chino Police Department Chief Kevin Mensen released a statement, saying:

We hold our officers to the highest standards and condemn these alleged actions in the strongest possible terms. The safety of our community, especially our youth, is our highest priority. The Chino Police Department understands the deep concern this causes in our community, and we are committed to full transparency, cooperation, and accountability. The alleged actions of this one Officer do not reflect the values or dedication of the men and women of the Chino Police Department who come to work each day committed to serving our community with integrity and professionalism. We are conducting a comprehensive review of our internal policies related to School Resource Officers, including selection, supervision, and training protocols.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No further details were released as the case remains under investigation.

SoCal teacher arrested for allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars

Anyone with information on the case or who may be a victim is urged to call the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department at 909-387-3700.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The headquarters of the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama on February 8, 2023. The civil rights nonprofit said on Thursday that Margaret Huang, the president and CEO of SPLC, was stepping down from her role. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Southern Poverty Law Center President and CEO Margaret Huang has resigned from the nonprofit after serving in the role for five years.

SPLC announced Huangs resignation in a statement on Thursday. The release from the civil rights organization said Huang planned to focus more on her family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Margaret has led SPLC with deep care, clarity and conviction, guiding us through moments of growth and moments of challenge, said Karen Baynes-Dunning, the current chair of the SPLC Board of Directors, in a statement. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of this organization, and we are well positioned in part because of her leadership.

Bryan Fair, a former board chair and constitutional scholar at the University of Alabama, will succeed Huang as the leader of the organization on an interim basis.

The board is confident that he will provide steady, familiar and thoughtful leadership throughout the transition and as a national search for a new leader is conducted. With his guidance, the center remains grounded in its values and prepared to meet the future with strength and purpose, Baynes-Dunning said in the statement.

A message was sent to SPLC on Friday seeking additional comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Huang, previously executive director of Amnesty International USA, took the reins of the organization in 2020 after a year of turmoil. The organization ousted co-founder Morris Dees in 2019 amid questions about racial and gender equity in the SPLC. Dees ouster was followed by the resignation of several top SPLC executives.

Southern Poverty Law Center President and CEO Margaret Huang (left) and SPLC Alabama State Director Tafeni English-Relf are seen in this photograph. (Southern Poverty Law Center)

As CEO, Huang tried to steer SPLC to include community organizing in its mission, particularly as an increasingly conservative judiciary made its litigation strategies more difficult. As part of that effort, it has hosted training sessions for individuals and organizations to train them on how to advocate and organize.

But SPLC announced in June 2024 that it would lay off employees in what the organization characterized as streamlining operations. SPLCs employee union indicated that at least 60 people had lost their jobs due to$13 million deficit.

That September, the union overwhelmingly approved a no-confidence motion regarding Huangs leadership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A message was sent to the SPLC Union Friday seeking comment.

Fair, the interim CEO, will take leave from the University of Alabama while serving in the role. He has taught constitutional law for 34 years at the law school while also previously serving as a member of several other nonprofits, from the Equal Justice Initiative to Alabama Appleseed.

According to SPLCs most recent 990 filing, the organization had $129 million in revenue between Nov. 1, 2023 and Oct. 31, 2024, down from $169.8 million in revenue the previous year. It reported expenses of $128.9 million for the period, and total assets of $786.7 million on Oct. 31, 2024.

Huangs reported compensation from the organization that year was just under $467,000, with another $55,806 listed as other compensation from the organization and related organizations.
BINGHAMTON (WIVT/WBGH)  The Southern Tier is getting a 21 million dollar upgrade for flood mitigation.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced new funding for our area under the Environmental Bond Act. Four Southern Tier projects will receive additional money, including projects in Binghamton, Elmira, Olean, and Whitney Point.

Binghamtons funding will go toward repairs to the flood walls along the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton says that the upgrades will enhance safety for the most susceptible communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are seeing all across the country and of course most recently in Texas with really incredibly devastating floods in those communities, where lives are being lost, where infrastructure is being lost, and in New York, we are committed to making sure that we are investing in our infrastructure as much as we can so that we can reduce risk from flooding, she says.

In Binghamton, the money will go toward replacing two of the flood walls panels, fixing deteriorating concrete, and adding a protective coating to the barrier. In Whitney Point, the funds will upgrade a manual gate system and install a new swing gate along the railroad tracks near the Tioughnioga River.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo.  A Purdy man is arrested on multiple counts of child sex crimes.

In their probable cause affidavit, a Lawrence County deputy reported a girl under the age of 14, told them William Dickerson, 24, sexually assaulted her in June 2024. She told the investigators she tried to put her clothes back on to prevent Dickerson from continuing.

Dickerson faces the following charges:

1st degree statutory rape or attempted statutory rape  person <14 years old

Statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy  person <14 years old

Statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy  person <14 years old

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was arrested Thursday evening and remains in Lawrence County Jail where hes being held without bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  A wildfire, called the Sowbelly Fire, started in Mesa County on Thursday and is currently burning northeast into Delta and Montrose Counties.

The wildfire experienced very active fire growth on Thursday afternoon, according to the Delta County Sheriffs Office. The blaze is currently burning in the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area in Delta and Mesa Counties at approximately 2,192 acres and is 0% contained, as of this writing.

Fire grows to over 1,600 acres at Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Park closed, evacuations ordered

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Bureau of Land Management has requested that residents down Escalante Canyon  and especially those in the Pot Holes recreation area in Montrose and Mesa Counties  be put on a pre-evacuation notice and be ready to leave, according to the DCSO.

The DCSO and its Emergency Management division are also encouraging any campers in the area to leave and relocate closer to Highway 50, so that they can leave in the event the fire continues advancing east and drops into Escalante Canyon.

UPDATE: No burn day as crews continue to battle Mountain View Fire near Buena Vista

People have been advised to avoid the area of Escalante Canyon. Any existing campers are also asked to leave the area for campsites closer to the highway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sheriffs office warns that the air will be filled with heavy smoke for several days and will settle at night. Residents with respiratory issues are advised to take precautions, including adding filters to swamp coolers and air conditioners, and keeping windows closed if possible.

The Sowbelly Fire is the third notable fire to pop up in Colorado on Thursday, with firefighters also currently battling blazes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison and near the town of Buena Vista.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
NILES, Ohio (WKBN)  The Mahoning Valley Scrappers and 7 17 Credit Union are teaming up once again for the second annual 7 17 Night, happening July 17 at Eastwood Field.

Last years event drew nearly 8,000 fans and this year promises even more excitement.

7 17 Credit Union is celebrating its 68th anniversary with free admission, food, parking and a special kids zone for Dollar Dog Kids Club members.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fans can win $71.70 every inning and $717 during the post-game drone show.

We just want to bring the community together, and give families an opportunity to bring their children out and have an amazing time, said John Demmler, president and CEO of 7 17 Credit Union.

To go along with its financial literacy theme, July and August also bring special offers, including auto loan rates as low as 4.99%. Its also offering a high-yield savings account for kids under 18 at 7.17%.

7 17 Night kicks off July 17  the first pitch is at 6:35 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Italian feast is making a comeback in Springfield since its departure two decades ago.

Annual Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival returns for 12th year

A time that celebrates and recognizes Italian culture, for the first time in 20 years, this historic feast will return to the city of Springfield.

Behind the feast are the hard-working women who make the traditional Italian food that people cant resist. Angela Parisi with the Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy told 22News, I work a full-time job, then after that I text Anna and Fonzina and say,  What am I doing and they say Come on down.'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alfonsina Liguori adds, We did this for a long time, 20 years back, we just cook and do the fried dough sausage and peppers, meatballs, everything. You name the dishIts there, including Malone.

Springfields Sons and Daughters of Italy will host Our Lady of Mount Carmels Italian feast this weekend, kicking off at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There will be endless opportunities to taste the culture. The women behind the scenes are preparing for weeksHomemade pasta, sauce, rice saladyou name it.

Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy cooking up a storm just in time for the Italian Feast

I just love to be a part of the Italian community, says Parisi. I am first generation. Anything I can do to keep that alive, my kids dont even know what the Italian feast is. I would love them to see that part of our culture,

The time and effort it takes to put into a feast like this come from the people in the South End, and if you want to taste some of the best food, youre encouraged to stop by this weekend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Winthrop Street in Springfields South End is expected to be filled with crowds. The feast is making a return for the first time in more than 20 years. Tickets are available on the day of for five dollars for adults and two dollars for children. It is an opportunity to feast and celebrate.

Those putting in the work credit their family, who inspired them to volunteer and give back, and grow their community. Commissioner Dana Botta told 22News, My dad was a big part of this for years. Hes passed. Im so strong with my traditions and my heritage, and just a big, beautiful community we have here.

On top of all the food, the grease pole competition is also making a comeback. Thats taking place Sunday at four oclock. It is a tradition unique to the city of Springfield.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  A Springfield man was sentenced today after a jury previously found him guilty of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of a Springfield trans woman.

Court dockets say Charles Nelson, born 1993, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for second-degree murder and 8 years for armed criminal action. His sentences for both of those counts will run consecutively, with credit for time served.

Additionally, Nelsons motion for a new trial was argued and denied in court today, dockets say.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nelson was found guilty by a jury in late March of this year for the death of Dominique Lucious, which occurred on April 8, 2021.

MORE INFORMATION ON THE CRIME

According to previous Ozarks First, Lucious was referred to as Dominic and described as a transgender female in court documents. Friends and acquaintances said the 26-year-old went by the name Dominique.

The probable cause statement says on April 8, 2021, law enforcement officers were called to an apartment on N. Main Ave. and found a person dead with noticeable gunshot wounds.

That same day, detectives interviewed someone living at the address who said Lucious stayed at the apartment overnight and in the morning said she was expecting someone to stop by the apartment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The resident said he went back to sleep but later awoke to the sound of gunshots.

He reported seeing a man standing in the living room, noticing Luciouss body on the couch. He told authorities he grabbed his phone and took photos of the mans car as it drove away.

According to detectives, surveillance video gathered from a nearby business shows a car identical to the vehicle in those photos heading east on Central Street, toward Main Avenue.

During a sweep of the apartment, investigators found what the family confirmed to be Lucious cell phone.

Using the passcode, investigators located text messages between Lucious and a number later linked to Nelson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the series of texts between Lucious and Nelson, which began on April 8, 2021, investigators say Lucious was, asking how much of a controlled substance could be received for an apparent sexual act.

Court documents say Lucious received sexual photos from Nelson. In those photos, authorities say a unique pair of boxers can be seen. Nelson reportedly wore those same boxers during a search after he was taken into custody.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Springfield Police Department is seeking the publics help in locating a runaway teenager.

Springfield police say 17-year-old Alexander Ala was last seen on Dover Street at 6:30 a.m. on Friday. If you have seen him or know of his whereabouts, call the police at 413-787-6300.

Connecticut State Police troopers injured on I-91 in Enfield

Alexander Ala (Springfield Police Department)

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

ST. BERNARD PARISH, La. (WGNO)  A New Orleans man accused of fleeing officers in an allegedly stolen vehicle has been arrested.

Around 8:40 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, St. Bernard Parish Sheriffs Office deputies attempted to pull over a Nissan Sentra that had reportedly been stolen out of New Orleans, at the corner of St. Bernard Highway and Palmisano Boulevard in Chalmette.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Possible road rage leaves man dead in Kenner crash: KPD

The driver, 28-year-old Dandre Dales, reportedly did not stop and fled across parish lines into New Orleans. Deputies attempted to stop Dales by deploying spike strips.

The car chase ended after Dales crashed on the Claiborne Bridge.

Thats when deputies said he got out the car, ran away and jumped into the Industrial Canal.

With assistance from multiple agencies, including NOPD, U.S. Coast Guard and New Orleans Harbor Police. Dales was recovered from the water and arrested.

Building partially collapsed in New Orleans French Quarter

During the investigation, deputies said they also found a gun that Dales allegedly threw from the vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has since been booked on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and flight from an officer. Dales also has an outstanding warrant for unauthorized use of a movable vehicle out of Jefferson Parish.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Latest Posts

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
In downtown St. Paul, the troubled but storied Lowry Apartments on Wabasha Street have been sold to a Burnsville-based home remodeler.

State sales records show the buyer  officially 345 Wabasha Avenue North, LLC  purchased the 11-story, century-old apartment building and former hotel for $5 million from a subsidiary of Colliers International on June 30. A call to Dan Carlson, principal of Burnsville-based New Life Properties, was not immediately returned on Friday morning.

The dilapidated Lowry Apartments building, which was placed last year under court-ordered receivership, was condemned by the city and cleared of tenants following a pipe burst last December and has remained boarded ever since. According to Ramsey County property records, the 134-unit structure carried an estimated market value of $8.6 million this year, down from a recent high of $9.5 million in 2023 and 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was last sold at a sheriffs sale last September to a subsidiary of Colliers International for $7 million in credit.

New Life Properties

New Life Properties, which is associated with the 52-unit Lily Pad Apartments at 3601 Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis, is perhaps better known for restoring single-family homes.

We develop dream homes for home buyers by taking houses that need TLC and creating new, updated, turn-key houses, reads the New Life Properties website. This breathes New Life into the community one house at a time.  We purchase neglected single and multi-family properties and renovate them to restore the community and improve the standard of living while creating an affordable place to live for renters.

Some are hopeful that a new buyer will indeed bring in new life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is work underway, said Rich Neumeister, who lived in the building for more than 40 years and has been visiting the structure periodically, as he watched construction contractors go in and out.

A storied and troubled history

The Lowry opened in 1928, drawing posh and famous clientele to its hotel rooms.

The Oz, a disco club that opened in its basement on Valentines Day in 1979  the waning days of disco  was once considered one of the most popular hangouts in downtown St. Paul, with clientele including famed writers and politicians. Producer Steven Greenberg and sound engineer David Rivkin used the venue to test their mix of the 1980 hit song Funkytown by Lipps Inc. The dance club closed in the 1980s.

It was a hopping place, Neumeister said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The late Madison Equities principal Jim Crockarell, who died in January 2024, purchased the struggling Lowry in 2012 for $4.8 million after the previous owner, John Rupp, declared bankruptcy on several properties. Crockarell embarked on a $13 million renovation that included the installation of the popular Gray Duck Tavern, which opened in 2017 in a ground-level street-corner space that had been vacant since 1982. In addition to the restaurant and bar, he once envisioned opening a rooftop restaurant.

Crockarell dedicated dozens of apartments as student housing for the McNally Smith College of Music until the school closed in 2017. The property advertised lounge areas, fitness facilities, new appliances and keyless locks. Many of those amenities were damaged during the pandemic and the years that followed as the building slid into disrepair and units were taken over by squatters and open drug sales.

Up for sale

The Gray Duck Tavern, which faced City Hall, was abruptly shuttered by Madison Equities last July.

By then, the Ramsey County attorneys offices had already moved out of the buildings other retail spaces and relocated to a former Ecolab utility building on the same street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Weeks after Crockarells death, his widow placed 10 properties on the market for sale, including six downtown office buildings, two parking ramps, the Handsome Hog restaurant on Selby Avenue and the empty lot next to it. The office buildings included some of downtown St. Pauls oldest and most iconic commercial real estate  the First National Bank Building, the U.S. Bank Building, Alliance Bank Center, the Empire Building, 375 Jackson Square and Park Square Court.

The Lowry Apartments were placed on the market separately days later, without a specific asking price.

Several of those properties have reverted to their lenders or fallen under court-ordered receivership. The Alliance Bank Center remains shuttered and devoid of tenants after Madison Equities stopped paying utilities for the property last March. The Park Square Court building is also vacant and boarded. Madison Equities previously owned the Degree of Honor apartment building, which was sold last month by Minnwest Bank to Altitude Capital Partners, the Chicago firms fourth apartment building acquisition in downtown St. Paul.

Related Articles
A St. Petersburg man convicted of decapitating his newly adopted dog and dumping its remains in Fort De Soto Park last year could be released from jail while he appeals his case.

Domingo Rodriguez, 67, was found guilty by a jury in February on charges of animal cruelty and unlawful disposal of a dead animal. He was sentenced to one year and 60 days in jail, the maximum penalty allowed by state law.

Pinellas Judge Keith Meyer ruled Wednesday that Rodriguez can leave jail while his appeal is pending if he puts up a $50,000 bond and meets specific conditions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On May 10, 2024, Rodriguez and his wife adopted Dexter, a 4-year-old black and white bulldog mix. Four days later, Dexter was found decapitated, floating in a bag among mangroves on the east beach of Fort De Soto.

Surveillance cameras captured Rodriguez driving his pickup truck in that area of the park on May 11 with a cooler in the back. At Rodriguezs home, deputies found bags like the one in which Dexter was found.

Rodriguez was arrested May 15 and released the next day on a $5,150 bond. He has been jailed since his conviction in February.

Dexters death inspired legislation that enhances penalties for animal cruelty and establishes Floridas first animal abuser database. Signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May, Dexters Law took effect July 1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rodriguez and his attorney, Victor Zamora, requested that he be released on bond this week due to his status as a first-time, nonviolent offender.

Judge Meyer wrote in his ruling that he didnt agree with Zamoras characterization of Rodriguez as a non-violent offender.

The evidence at trial demonstrated that the canine victim, Dexter, was slaughtered, and his body decapitated, mutilated, and disposed of, in an extremely violent manner, and with no apparent motive, he wrote.

However, Meyer wrote, the court has no choice but to allow Rodriguez reasonable bond.

While the Court strongly disagrees with Defendants characterization that this was a non-violent offense, the fact that Defendant is in his mid-60s, has no prior record, was successful on pretrial release, and was convicted of misdemeanors weighs in favor of granting release pending appeal, he wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Animal rights advocates expressed outrage at the possibility of Rodriguez leaving jail, with many penning letters to Meyer urging him to impose a harsher punishment.

Elizabeth Olson said she started an animal justice task force a couple of months ago because she was not satisfied with the way animal abuse cases are prosecuted. The group monitors local animal cruelty cases and calls lawmakers to advocate for accountability.

When people see these animal cruelty cases in the news, everybody just assumes theyre going to be prosecuted and go to jail, she said.

Olson and others attended Wednesdays hearing to protest Rodriguez being released.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I dont think he should be out walking the streets. Im definitely not happy about it, but I feel (that) hopefully his appeal will be denied and hell be back in jail, Olson said.

Kim Jones, a former volunteer for Sunshine Big Doge Rescue, took interest in Rodriguezs case when she saw a Justice for Dexter sign on a street pole.

Its unfortunate, but it is case law, and hopefully down the road Dexters Law will make some differences in what we can do, said Jones, 55.

All we can do is keep advocating for these animals until this stops and harsher penalties come down, she said.

Assistant State Attorney Nathania Vosler told the Tampa Bay Times that the judges decision was rooted in law. Because Rodriguez is a first-time offender and isnt a flight risk, there wasnt much basis for the judge to keep him in jail, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Unfortunately, the facts just werent in the states favor here, she said.

Zamora told the Times he is satisfied with the judges ruling.

Emotions are high, and I think the judge was very cognizant of that and took the time to lay out the law and the authority he relied upon, he said. I want the community at large to understand that we get it, but the court system has its rules that we have to abide by.

If Rodriguez is released, he will be required to surrender his passport and drivers license, wear a GPS monitor, have no contact with animals and appear in court for a monthly check-in.

Hes due back in court Aug. 13.
Jul. 11Standish has released a draft of a new comprehensive plan, the first such plan for the town since 2006.

The plan was developed by the town's Comprehensive Plan Committee in conjunction with North Star Planning, a New Gloucester-based urban planning group. Charles Tetelman, a senior planner at North Star, and Zach Mosher, Standish's planning director, told Lakes Region Now that work on the comprehensive plan began in early 2024. The first meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Committee took place in April 2024. The town voted on establishing a new comprehensive plan in June 2023.

One of the most important issues addressed in the comprehensive plan revolved around bringing more business to Standish. According to Tetelman, North Star found out through public participation that a majority of Standish residents, 93%, commute to work outside of town. He said a lot of young people moved to Standish during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the number of single-family homes being built in recent years and that they typically commute to towns such as Portland, Lewiston and Augusta.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tetelman said if Standish wants more people working in town, it needs to attract more businesses, which could include independent coffee shops or local hubs for larger regional identities. He mentioned how people from more remote towns, such as Limington and Porter, drive through Standish to get to Portland or Westbrook. He cited goal No. 4 of the comprehensive plan, which focuses on growing a resilient local economy by promoting targeted investment in village and commercial areas, while also taking advantage of Standish's existing natural and cultural assets to grow recreational tourism and small businesses.

Another part of the plan is reconciling Standish's small-town charm and expansive rural character with the high demand for housing and economic development. Development will be directed toward two growth areas: Standish Corner, at the intersection of routes 25 and 35, and Sebago Lake Village, at the intersection of routes 114 and 35. Tetelman said these growth areas cover a wider area than the ones established in the 2006 plan, which also included the Standish Neck Area and Steep Falls. The latter area, Tetelman said, was unable to handle significant development, and the town would limit residential growth there.

Tetelman said goals No. 3 and No. 5, which prioritize building different types of affordable housing in growth areas and modernized and climate-resilient infrastructure, captured the essence of balancing the challenges of economic and population growth. He said that while Standish is experiencing population growth, it's hard to do specific projections, with North Star giving multiple estimates for growth.

The current draft of the comprehensive plan forecasts a population growth of 4%, based on historical patterns, while the Maine State Economist predicts a growth of 5.8% between 2022 and 2027.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When asked about the next steps for the plan, which is still in draft form, Mosher and Tetelman said there will be a joint workshop of the Town Council and the Comprehensive Plan Committee on Tuesday, July 22. The public will be able to comment until mid-August.

The plan is currently being reviewed by multiple state agencies, including the Department of Economic and Community Development. The review process, Tetelman said, would take 60 to 90 days.

Copy the Story Link
STANFORD, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Lincoln County man has been charged with rape after reportedly being caught in an outbuilding with a 15-year-old girl in early July.

An arrest citation said the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office was called just before 8 p.m. on July 6 to a home on Kentucky Highway 618 near Crab Orchard.

Deputies said a woman came home and found her 15-year-old daughter had just come out of an outbuilding. Inside, the woman said she found 33-year-old Gerald Burchfield hiding behind a mattress with his pants down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite being told by the woman not to leave as she called the police, Burchfield reportedly fled on his moped, according to the citation.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

The sheriffs office said they found him on U.S. Highway 150 and pulled him over.

The teen told deputies that she and Burchfield had previously had sex. She said Burchfield was trying to remove her clothes for sex when she stopped him because her mother was home.

Burchfield told LCSO that he and the girl had been communicating for a while but denied any sexual activity had occurred. During the interview, deputies said he admitted to agreeing to perform oral sex on her, and the two had discussed other sexual acts.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just before 9 p.m., Burchfield was arrested and charged with third-degree rape, no operators (moped license), and procuring use of a minor by electronic means.

Court records show he was booked into the Pulaski County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 14.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Meeting growing demand with fewer resources is a challenge leaders at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) said theyre facing.

In a letter posted online and shared across social media, the collectives CEO is being transparent about the tough choices ahead, outlining changes the organization will soon make.

According to Mid-Ohio Food Collective CEO Mike Hochron, taking $3 million off MOFCs shelves over the next two years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hochron explained that some partner pantries will have fewer shelf-stable items such as canned goods, rice and pastas as well as fewer harder-to-get items like eggs, milk and meat.

Staff members said the latest state budget will fund food banks at a 2019 level, taking $3 million from pantry shelves over the next two years.

This money was almost entirely for food, so this is a big hole in our food budget that we dont have a way to replace, Hochron said. So, we see the direct and immediate consequences. This is going to be less food at a time we are asking to serve more people.

One staff member said the cuts over the two years are not expected to delay or derail any of the new pantries or construction projects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The State Department on Friday is carrying out plans to lay off 1,300 employees as part of a drastic reorganization effort, drawing outrage from former diplomats and Democrats who say the Trump administration is risking Americas national security by shrinking its diplomatic presence.

While Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on diplomatic travel in Asia, State Department employees in the Washington area were instructed to return to the office Friday with government-issued equipment in preparation for the layoffs.

In view of the anticipated reorganization and RIF, there will be no telework tomorrow, Friday July 11. All employees should report to work with all Department issued equipment including: laptops, telephones, diplomatic passports, travel cards and any other property owned by the Department of State, read a letter sent to staff and obtained by News Nation.

The reduction in force (RIF) notices are expected to go out to about 1,100 civil servants and 250 foreign service officers who are currently based in the U.S., NewsNation reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As we understand that badges will be collected at the time of outprocessing. Please ensure that any personal items are collected before that time, the letter read.

In the coming days of uncertainty I want to express my gratitude to each of you for your professionalism and hard work, particularly in this difficult time of transition. Our team efforts to continue the goals of the Department of State has had lasting and meaningful effects both in the U.S. and in the world at large.

Foreign service officers affected will be placed immediately on administrative leave for 120 days, after which they will formally lose their jobs, according to an internal notice obtained by The Associated Press. For most civil servants, the separation period is 60 days, it said.

Rubio announced in April a drastic reorganization of the State Department, eliminating 132 offices and transitioning 137 other offices to other locations within the agency  a move even critics concede may deliver some needed streamlining around policy development.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubio, speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, said the layoffs are a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused.

Its not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you dont need those positions, he said. Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people.

On Friday, Rubio posted a picture of him meeting with U.S. embassy staff in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as well as diplomats dispatched to the East Asian forum ASEAN, and praising their work.

Their dedication has helped Americans, Malaysians, and others across Southeast Asia by strengthening our relationships across the region, Rubio wrote on the social platform X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cuts being announced Friday are far less than Rubios initial proposal of an 18 percent cut notified to Congress in May, which would amount to laying off 18,700 U.S.-based employees, the AP reported.

Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee roundly criticized the layoffs as harming Americas ability to counter adversaries and competitors, like China, on the world stage.

There are active conflicts and humanitarian crises in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Haiti and Myanmarto name a few. Now is the time to strengthen our diplomatic hand, not weaken it, read a statement led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The statement was joined by all Democrats on the panel.

From pursuing peaceful resolutions to out-competing China diplomatically and economically, we cant afford to not have experienced diplomats at the table.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

National Security Leaders for America, a bipartisan, all-volunteer organization of former military, diplomats and civilian leaders, raised alarm over the State Departments staffing cuts. In a statement, the group said the cuts will result in a critical loss of expertise and surrender U.S. global leadership. It also faulted the administration for not articulating a global strategy or vision for working with a diminished staff.

NSL4A urges Congress to conduct oversight hearings on this plan and requests that the Administration suspend the reductions-in-force (RIFs) pending a comprehensive review of national security, the statement read.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
July 11 (UPI) -- Employees of the U.S. State Department could receive a layoff notice via email very soon as part of the Trump administration's plan to downsize the government, according to an in ternal memo.

The Washington Post reported late Thursday night it had obtained a memo from Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael Rigas that informed State Department employees to be on the lookout for an email "in the coming days" in regard to layoffs. CNN reported Thursday that the email would come from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that will say "Soon, the Department will be communicating to individuals affected by the reduction in force," and that firings could begin as soon as Friday. A draft reduction-in-force notice acquired by CBS News said the objective is "streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," and that the terminations "have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions."

The State Department had told Congress in May it planned to fire more than 1,870 people within its domestic workforce of 18,730, and over 1,570 have said they would voluntarily exit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More than 300 offices and bureaus would be impacted and will include members of the foreign and civil service whose offices are being either retooled or outright eliminated.

Uncertainty over the status of the plan has negatively impacted morale at the department, as workers wait to see if they are to receive the axe, some of which have worked there for years or even decades, The Washington Post reported.

CBS also reported that the department told reporters it intends to conduct the reductions-in-force over a single day.

One State Department employee, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Washington Post last month that the move showed the department's leadership "either doesn't appreciate or just doesn't care" about its workforce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We will continue to move forward with our historic reorganization plan at the State Department, as announced earlier this year," Rubio said in a X post Tuesday.

"When you reorganize the State Department, there were certain bureaus we wanted to empower, the regional bureaus, and there were certain bureaus, these functional bureaus, that were closed," he told reporters Thursday.

The State Department officially told Congress in May that it planned to eliminate around 3,400 U.S.-based jobs and will either close or merge nearly half of its domestic offices.

However, those working at overseas posts are reportedly safe from termination.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

American Foreign Service Association President Thomas Yazdgerdi told CNN Wednesday that the expected layoffs are coming at "a particularly bad time."

"There are horrible things that are happening in the world that require a tried-and-true diplomatic workforce that's able to address that," he continued. "The ability to maintain a presence in the areas of the world that are incredibly important, dealing with issues like Ukraine, like Gaza, like Iran right now that require great diplomatic attention."

The plan will also integrate the functions of the U.S. Agency for International Development into the State Department.

The State Department had told Congress it planned to complete its reorganization by July 1, but those plans were temporarily paused by rulings from a lower court until earlier this week, when the Supreme Court cleared a path for the Trump administration to begin mass firings and changes at 19 departments and agencies.

The lower court had blocked the layoffs, as the administration did not first consult with Congress.
The State Department is firing roughly 1,300 employees by email as part of the Trump administrations plans to radically overhaul American diplomacy, starting with dramatically scaling down global efforts to promote democracy and combat human rights abuses.

American diplomats and civil servants will receive layoff notices in the coming days, and every effort has been made to support our colleagues who are departing, according to a memo issued Thursday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress in May that the department planned to shred its workforce by more than 15 percent  roughly 2,000 people  to downsize what he called a bloated bureaucracy that stifles innovation and misallocates scarce resources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubio has also accused bureaus and employees within the agency of advancing radical political ideology.

Critics have warned that the administrations dramatic restructuring and wholesale closure of critical diplomatic efforts will have far-reaching global consequences.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is overseeing seismic cuts to the department including reducing its workforce by more than 1,300 people, and gutting bureaus that promote democracy and combat human rights abuses (AP)

Weakening U.S. human rights promotion and contracting the departments humanitarian assistance offices is not reform, it is retreat, said Francisca Vigaud-Walsh, director of advocacy and strategy at the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas.

The departments reductions will significantly impact efforts to combat prevailing human rights violations and humanitarian crises, she said in a statement shared with The Independent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It strips away expertise and institutional memory, impairing mission-critical functions and putting countless lives at risk, she said.

Former State Department diplomat Uzra Zeya, now president of Human Rights First, called the mass layoffs a Friday morning massacre.

These mass layoffs mean abandonment of human rights reformers abroad who challenged dictators, termination of conflict resolution support that stopped wars, repudiation of U.S. humanitarian leadership that staved off famine, and more kleptocrats, war criminals, and human traffickers escaping justice, Zeya said.

The Independent has requested comment from the State Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Layoff notices are being delivered to more than 1,000 civil servants and another 246 foreign service officers with domestic assignments in the U.S., according to a senior State Department official who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press.

Targeted foreign service officers will be immediately placed on administrative leave for 120 days, after which they will formally be out of their jobs, according to the notice. The separation period is 60 days for most other affected civil servants.

In connection with the departmental reorganization  the department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities, the notice states. Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found from centralization or consolidation of functions and responsibilities.

A bulk of those reduction in force efforts in the newly structured State Department target bureaus that focus on promoting human rights and democracy abroad and diplomatic conflict resolution, including the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and the Bureau for Conflict and Stabilization Operations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court opened the door for the Trump administration to begin mass firings of federal workers across 19 agencies and departments while legal challenges continue.

A decision from the courts conservative majority lifted a lower-court order that temporarily blocked the administration's plans, which were not approved by Congress.

Officials took a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused, Rubio told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this week.

Its not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you dont need those positions, he said. Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people.

Federal workers and supporters protest cuts to the State Department, which is closing roughly 1,300 positions as Rubio seeks to dramatically reshape American diplomacy (AP)

President Donald Trump, with support from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency embedded across the federal government, has launched a government-wide effort to fire workers and dismantle entire agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, which has been absorbed by the shrinking State Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last month, The Independent discovered the State Department was funneling $250 million from refugee services to pay immigrants to leave the country.

The money is being moved from the State Departments Migration and Refugee Assistance, which is overseen by the Bureau of Population, Refugee and Migration, with a mission to reduce illegal immigration and aid refugees fleeing persecution, crisis or violence and seek durable solutions for forcibly displaced people, according to its website.

But under Rubios radical restructuring of the department, the refugee bureaus mission is now explicitly focused on efforts to return illegal aliens to their country of origin or legal status.

Regional offices of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration are now expected to be eliminated.
(Fixes advisory line to note that update adds details of Afghan resettlement program in paragraph 13)

By Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The State Department began firing more than 1,350 U.S.-based employees on Friday as the administration of President Donald Trump presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corps, a move critics say will undermine U.S. ability to defend and promote U.S. interests abroad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The layoffs, which affect 1,107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, come at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran.

"The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found," it added.

The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3,000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the United States.

The move is the first step of a restructuring that Trump has sought to ensure U.S. foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement.

"This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis," Kaine said.

Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agencys headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers.

Outside, dozens of others were lined up continuing to clap and cheer for them with some holding banners that read, Thank you Americas diplomats. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen attended the demonstration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Several offices were set up inside the building for employees who are being laid off to turn in their badges, laptops, telephones and other property owned by the agency.

The offices were marked by posters that read "Transition Day Out Processing". One counter was labeled an "Outprocessing service center" with small bottles of water placed next to a box of tissue. Inside one office, cardboard boxes were visible.

A five-page "separation checklist" that was sent to workers who were fired on Friday and seen by Reuters tells the employees that they would lose access to the building and their emails at 5 p.m. EDT on Friday.

Many members of a State Department office overseeing the U.S. resettlement of Afghans who worked for the U.S. government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

'WRONG SIGNAL'

Trump in February ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revamp the foreign service to ensure that the Republican president's foreign policy is "faithfully" implemented. He has also repeatedly pledged to "clean out the deep state" by firing bureaucrats that he deems disloyal.

The shake-up is part of an unprecedented push by Trump to shrink the federal bureaucracy and cut what he says is wasteful spending of taxpayer money. His administration dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Aid, Washington's premier aid arm that distributed billions of dollars of assistance worldwide, and folded it under the State Department.

Rubio announced the plans for the State Department shake-up in April, saying the Department in its current form was "bloated, bureaucratic" and was not able to perform its mission "in this new era of great power competition."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He envisioned a structure that he said would give back the power to regional bureaus and embassies and get rid of programs and offices that do not align with America's core interests.

That vision would see the elimination of the role of top official for civilian security, democracy, and human rights and the closure of some offices that monitored war crimes and conflicts around the world.

The reorganization had been expected to be largely concluded by July 1 but did not proceed as planned amid ongoing litigation, as the State Department waited for the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on the Trump administration's bid to halt a judicial order blocking mass job cuts.

On Tuesday, the court cleared the way for the Trump administration to pursue the job cuts and the sweeping downsizing of numerous agencies. Since then, The White House Counsel's Office and the Office of Personnel Management have been coordinating with federal agencies to ensure their plans comply with the law.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Alistair Bell)
Washington  The State Department on Friday began laying off more than 1,300 staffers as it seeks to cut the size of its U.S. workforce by about 15%, part of the Trump administration's sweeping plan to reorganize the department.

The involuntary staff reductions include 1,107 civil service and 246 foreign service employees, according to a notice sent to State Department employees Friday morning that was obtained by CBS News. The total number of staff departing as a part of the State Department's reorganization is "nearly 3,000," according to the department, a figure that includes those who took the "Fork in the Road" voluntary departure offer earlier this year.

The department is also closing or merging scores of U.S.-based offices and rearranging its organizational chart shortly after. The layoffs, called a reduction-in-force, or RIF, have been expected for months. Officials sent a reorganization plan to Congress in March, signaling the cuts. The Trump administration says the cuts are necessary to remove redundant offices and focus the department on its core responsibilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Critics argue the cuts could undermine the State Department's work. All Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee penned a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday denouncing the RIFs.

"During a time of increasingly complex and wide-spread challenges to U.S. national security, this administration should be strengthening our diplomatic corpsan irreplaceable instrument of U.S. power and leadershipnot weakening it," the senators wrote. "However, RIFs would severely undermine the Department's ability to achieve U.S. foreign policy interests, putting our nation's security, strength, and prosperity at risk."

Foreign service officers who received RIF notices will be separated in 120 days, the notice sent to employees said, while civil service officers will be separated in 60 days.

The long-planned layoffs are taking place days after the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration's sweeping plans to slash the size of the government workforce, pausing a lower court order that halted layoff plans at dozens of federal agencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Department staff were informed of the impending reduction-in-force plans in a Thursday afternoon message from Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas, who thanked departing staff "for their dedication and service to the United States." Two sources familiar with the matter said RIF notices started going out to affected employees on a rolling basis on Friday morning. The department previously told reporters it plans to conduct the reductions-in-force over the course of a single day.

Some employees were told that due to the anticipated RIF, they would not be permitted to telework on Friday, and should report to work with all department-issued equipment including laptops, telephones, diplomatic passports, travel cards and any other property owned by the State Department. An email with these instructions told staff that badges would be collected during "out processing," and to ensure that any personal items be collected before that time.

Signs were spotted in some State Department bathrooms Friday urging remaining staff to "resist fascism" and "remember the oath you vowed to uphold."

A sign posted in the State Department building in Washington, D.C., directs staffers affected by job cuts to turn in their government laptops and phones on Friday, July 11, 2023.

Layoffs hit human rights, refugee-focused departments

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many of the reductions-in-force hit offices that were slated for elimination or cuts, including ones that focus on refugees, human rights and foreign assistance.

The cuts included nearly all civil service officers in the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration's office of admissions, which handles the program that resettles refugees in the U.S., according to two sources familiar. The move came as a surprise to staffers because the office had been handling a program to resettle Afrikaners from South Africa, a White House priority.

The population bureau's entire global programs office, which handles foreign assistance, was also let go. The office has 391 active grants, a source told CBS News. Staff were not told what will happen to those programs, but a source notes the money was already congressionally mandated. The bureau's office of multilateral and global affairs was also eliminated.

Meanwhile, all leadership team members of the State Department's Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) office, which has relocated nearly 200,000 Afghan allies and family members since 2021, also received reduction-in-force notices, according to the group AfghanEvac. In a press release, the organization says among those affected by the RIFs were a woman who gave birth to her first child just 12 hours before receiving the news.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One laid-off employee was Jose Mercado, who had worked at the agency for 29 years and served as deputy director of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor's office of western hemisphere affairs. He told CBS News it was a "sad day for foreign policy."

"It's a sad day for human rights in the world. This did not make us stronger, this made us weaker," Mercado said. "We will come back. We will improve. This is going to be better. But right now, we're not in the best position when it comes to foreign policy."

Members of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs faced reductions-in-force, including press officers, two sources familiar told CBS News.

And an office that handled organizing Rubio's trip to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit was eliminated, with its Civil Service employees receiving reduction-in-force notices  as the secretary was en route back from the summit. That department is the office of multilateral affairs in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, according to two sources familiar.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sweeping State Department reorganization

After the reduction-in-force notices go out, the agency will move into a "transition period of several weeks" to phase in the new organization chart, a senior State Department official told reporters on Thursday.

The official said the changes are aimed at "streamlining this bloated bureaucracy," cutting redundant departments, consolidating functions like human resources and finance, and shifting more focus to foreign embassies and offices assigned to handle specific regions.

For example, the official said, the State Department has multiple offices that oversee sanctions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Now, no one's saying that the people who were working in any of those sanctions offices weren't doing a good job or weren't valuable members of the State Department family, but at the end of the day, we have to do what's right for the mission and what's right for the American people, and that means having one combined sanctions office," the official said.

The department's Political Affairs bureau  which includes the country-specific desks that handle the United States' relations with individual nations and regions  is "largely unaffected by the reductions," according to the official.

Another senior State Department official told reporters the department "identified offices where natural efficiencies could be found."

"We took a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused," Rubio told reporters during a trip to Malaysia on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The State Department formally told lawmakers in May that it intended to eliminate about 3,400 U.S.-based jobs and close or merge almost half of its domestic offices. At the time, the department said it planned to phase out some offices focused on democracy or human rights that it claimed were "prone to ideological capture," and add new offices focused on "civil liberties" and "free market principles."

The plan also integrates the previous functions of the U.S. Agency for International Development into the State Department, after the Trump administration moved to shutter the foreign aid agency. That move has drawn stiff criticism, with Democrats arguing the agency was unlawfully shut down without permission from Congress and humanitarian groups warning the shutdown could endanger public health.

Democrats  and department staff  push back

The broader cuts to the State Department have drawn pushback from Democratic lawmakers, who argue the moves could undermine American diplomatic efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The notion that it's a plan dignifies it. It's just a willy-nilly effort to just sack a whole lot of people," Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, told reporters Friday.

Many department staff have also expressed alarm at the changes. The American Foreign Service Association, which represents foreign service officers in the U.S. and abroad, said Friday the layoffs are "untethered from merit or mission" and could signal to other countries that "the United States is pulling back from the world stage."

"They target diplomats not for how they've served or the skills they have, but for where they happen to be assigned. That is not reform," the association said in a statement Friday.

For foreign service officers, who typically rotate between assignments every few years, the reductions-in-force are based on whether they worked in an office impacted by the reorganization on May 29, one of the two senior State Department officials told reporters Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A current State Department employee told CBS News there are people who were in these positions six weeks ago but have since moved on to new assignments. "So why would you punish them for previously having held a job that they're no longer in?" they said. "It makes absolutely no sense."

The second senior State Department official told reporters, "we've tried to do this in an anonymized, functional way."

"Some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people," Rubio said Thursday.

The first senior department official also said, "We're going to work to handle this in a manner that preserves, to the maximum extent possible, the dignity of federal employees."

ICE raids in California turn violent after protesters clash with agents

One year after Thomas Crooks tried to kill President Trump, here's what's known about him

Udemy is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills
WASHINGTON (AP)  The State Department formally advised staffers Thursday that it would be sending layoff notices to some of them soon, coming as part of dramatic changes to the agency that the Trump administration announced earlier this year.

The workforce cuts and reorganization of the countrys diplomatic corps are part of a wider administration effort to reduce the size of the federal government that has been largely carried out by the Department of Government Efficiency, formerly led by Elon Musk.

A recent ruling by the Supreme Court cleared the way for the layoffs to start, while lawsuits challenging the legality of the cuts continue to play out. Critics say the scale of cuts floated at the State Department would lessen U.S. influence globally and make it hard for many offices to carry out their missions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Michael Rigas, the department's deputy secretary for management and resources, said in a statement that select staffers would be informed if they were being laid off and called it part of the departments biggest reorganization in decades.

Soon, the Department will be communicating to individuals affected by the reduction in force. First and foremost, we want to thank them for their dedication and service to the United States, he said.

It wasnt immediately clear how many people would be dismissed.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said officials took a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you dont need those positions," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he's attending the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. "Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people.

He said some of the cuts will be unfilled positions or those that are about to be vacant because an employee took an early retirement.

In late May, the State Department notified Congress of an updated reorganization plan, proposing cuts to programs beyond what had been revealed earlier by Rubio as well as an 18% reduction of staff in the U.S., even higher than the 15% initially floated in April.

Rigas' statement said the department is aiming to focus resources on policy priorities and eliminate redundant functions, empowering our people while increasing accountability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The State Department is planning to eliminate some divisions tasked with oversight of Americas two-decade involvement in Afghanistan, including an office focused on resettling Afghan nationals who worked alongside the U.S. military. It also intends to eliminate programs related to refugees and immigration, as well as human rights and democracy promotion.

The American Foreign Service Association, the union that represents diplomats, urged the State Department last month to hold off on job cuts.

Notices for a reduction in force, which would not only lay off employees but eliminate positions altogether, should be a last resort, association President Tom Yazdgerdi said. Disrupting the Foreign Service like this puts national interests at risk  and Americans everywhere will bear the consequences.
The Brief

Layoff notices are going out to more than 1,300 employees of the U.S. State Department Friday.

The firings are part of a dramatic reorganization and a push by the Trump administration to drastically downsize the federal government.

The State Department is laying off more than 1,300 employees Friday, a move that critics say will make us less safe abroad and hurt Americas leadership across the globe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump administration has pushed to reshape American diplomacy and worked aggressively to shrink the size of the federal government, including mass dismissals as part of moves to dismantle whole departments like the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Education Department.

State Dept. layoffs

By the numbers

The department is sending layoff notices to 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers with domestic assignments in the United States, a senior State Department official told The Associated Press.

RELATED: Marco Rubio imposter using AI to call high-level officials

Foreign service officers affected will be placed immediately on administrative leave for 120 days, after which they will formally lose their jobs, according to an internal notice obtained by The Associated Press. For most affected civil servants, the separation period is 60 days, it said.

The exterior of the State Department complex is seen on March 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

"In connection with the departmental reorganization  the department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," the notice says. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found from centralization or consolidation of functions and responsibilities."

Reshaping American diplomacy

The backstory

USAID, the six-decade-old foreign assistance agency, was absorbed into the State Department last week after the administration dramatically slashed foreign aid funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

RELATED: Trump can resume mass federal layoffs for now, Supreme Court says

A recent ruling by the Supreme Court cleared the way for the layoffs to start, while lawsuits challenging the legality of the cuts continue to play out. The department had formally advised staffers on Thursday that it would be sending layoff notices to some of them soon. The job cuts are large but considerably less than many had feared.

What they're saying

Rubio said officials took "a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused."

"Its not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you dont need those positions," he told reporters Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where hes attending the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. "Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said some of the cuts will be unfilled positions or those that are about to be vacant because an employee took an early retirement.

Michael Rigas, the departments deputy secretary for management and resources, said in a notice Thursday that staffers would be informed "soon" if they were being laid off.

"First and foremost, we want to thank them for their dedication and service to the United States," he said.

"Once notifications have taken place, the Department will enter the final stage of its reorganization and focus its attention on delivering results-driven diplomacy," Rigas added.

What do critics say?

The other side

Current and former diplomats widely criticized by current and former diplomats who say they will weaken U.S. influence and its ability to counter existing and emerging threats abroad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The American Academy of Diplomacy, an association that includes hundreds of former senior diplomats, said the State Department layoffs "will seriously undermine the ability of our government to understand, explain, and respond to a complex and increasingly contested world."

"At a time when the United States faces unprecedented challenges from strategic competitors and adversaries, ongoing conflicts in Central Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and emerging security threats, the decision to gut the Department of States institutional knowledge and operational capacity is an act of vandalism," the organization said in a statement last week before the cuts were announced.

It added that Rubios explanations for the cuts are "disingenuous, pernicious, and false."

The American Foreign Service Association, the union that represents diplomats, urged the State Department last month to hold off on job cuts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Notices for a reduction in force, which would not only lay off employees but eliminate positions altogether, "should be a last resort," association President Tom Yazdgerdi said. "Disrupting the Foreign Service like this puts national interests at risk  and Americans everywhere will bear the consequences."

What is being cut at the State Department?

Dig deeper

In late May, the State Department notified Congress of an updated reorganization plan, proposing cuts to programs beyond what had been revealed earlier by Rubio and an 18% reduction of staff in the U.S., even higher than the 15% initially floated in April.

The restructuring has been driven in part by the need to find a new home for the remaining functions of USAID, which was an early target of the Trump administration and then-aide Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The State Department is planning to eliminate some divisions tasked with oversight of Americas two-decade involvement in Afghanistan, including an office focused on resettling Afghan nationals who worked alongside the U.S. military.

A letter that the department had sent to Congress noted that the reorganization will affect more than 300 bureaus and offices, saying it is eliminating divisions it describes as doing unclear or overlapping work. It says Rubio believes "effective modern diplomacy requires streamlining this bloated bureaucracy."

That letter was clear that the reorganization also is intended to eliminate programs  particularly those related to refugees and immigration, as well as human rights and democracy promotion  that the Trump administration believes have become ideologically driven in a way that is incompatible with its priorities and policies.

The Source

This report includes information from The Associated Press.
The Brief

State Farm is hiking Illinois homeowners' insurance rates by 27% starting this month for new policies and next month for renewals.

Average annual premiums will increase by $746 for nearly 1.5 million policyholders.

Illinois PIRG and Gov. JB Pritzker are calling for state lawmakers to grant regulators authority to review and modify rate hikes.

CHICAGO - State Farm is raising Illinois homeowners' insurance rates by 27% this summer, citing rising costs from extreme weather.

What we know

State Farm will implement a $523 million rate increase in Illinois starting July 15 for new policies and Aug. 15 for renewals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Bloomington-based company said the hike is "primarily driven by expected catastrophe losses," as severe weather becomes more frequent and costly.

For nearly 1.5 million Illinois homeowners with State Farm policies, this means an average annual premium jump of $746.

By the numbers

In the 1980s, the U.S. averaged three "billion-dollar" weather events per year, according to the Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), a watchdog group.

That grew to six per year in the 1990s, seven in the 2000s, 13 in the 2010s, and reached 28 in 2023, the highest recorded. The U.S. saw 27 in 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Illinois and other Midwestern states, tornadoes, wind and hail drive most insurance losses. Allstate data shows these events accounted for 93% of its catastrophe losses in 2023, compared to just 7% from wildfires, hurricanes and tropical storms.

What they're saying

Illinois PIRG Director Abe Scarr is urging state lawmakers to act before the insurance market reaches crisis levels as seen in Florida and California.

He called on the General Assembly to empower the Department of Insurance to review and reduce rate hikes. This comes after legislation to give the department rate review authority stalled in the spring without a Senate vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Extreme weather events are wreaking havoc on American communities and disrupting insurance markets  and the impacts are particularly costly here in the Midwest," Scarr said. "At a minimum, Illinois should empower the state Department of Insurance to reject or modify excessive rate hikes, a basic consumer protection that residents in almost every other state enjoy."

He added, "As extreme weather events become the new normal, the Illinois Department of Insurance needs greater insight into insurance industry business practices and levers to hold insurers accountable."

Gov. JB Pritzker statement

"I am deeply concerned by State Farms unfair and arbitrary insurance rate hike on Illinois homeowners.

"These increases are predicated on catastrophe loss numbers that are entirely inconsistent with the Illinois Department of Insurances own analysis  indicating that State Farm is shifting out-of-state costs onto the homeowners in our state. Hard-working Illinoisans should not be paying more to protect beach houses in Florida.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In addition to increased premiums, State Farm intends to raise out-of-pocket deductibles and reduce payouts for certain claims. In total, these changes will cost Illinois homeowners hundreds of additional dollars per year without a state-based justification or corresponding increases in protection.

"Over the past six years, our state economy has flourished based on transparent markets and fair competition. State Farm's actions are antithetical to the core principles that the Illinois business community is built on.

"Today, Im directing the Illinois Department of Insurance to take all available regulatory action to enforce the law and ensure a level playing field for Illinois homeowners.

"I also am calling on the General Assembly to enact a legislative solution during veto session that prevents insurance companies from taking advantage of consumers through severe and unnecessary rate hikes like those proposed by State Farm."

The Source

The information in this article was provided by the Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and a statement from Gov. JB Pritzker.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is warning residents of incoming smoke from Canadian wildfires that is set to settle across portions of the state.

The alert from DANR is in effect from Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13, or until conditions improve.

Clark mourns the death of a kind and loving neighbor

The smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) advises that these levels may be a concern to public health and provides additional resources to make an informed decision on personal healthcare choices, reads the alert from the DANR.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The department warns that elderly citizens and young children, as well as those with respiratory problems, are most at risk due to the smoke, and urges all people to avoid excessive physical exertion and to minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke.

People are also encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to preserve air quality inside buildings.

The alert warns that air pollution can aggravate things such as heart conditions, cardiovascular disease and lung conditions such as asthma and COPD. Those who experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue may need to contact their health care provider.

The DANR says that they track and provide air quality data on their website for several locations in South Dakota, and notes that hourly PM2.5 values greater than 35 microgram per cubic meter (ug/m3) are a concern to public health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can track the real time PM2.5 concentrations by visiting DANRs website at https://denravweb.sd.gov/AirVision/default.aspx or EPAs website at https://www.airnow.gov/.

The alert also says you can find an explanation of the air quality index levels and their meaning at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/RealTimeData.aspx.

They also provided a link to an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide created by the EPA and CDC for use by schools, daycares, and summer camps at https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/air-quality-and-outdoor-activity-guidance-2014.pdf.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The State Department began laying off more than 1,300 workers Friday, proceeding with long-expected staff cuts that nonetheless came with some surprises in terms of who was cut and confusion on whether some notices were sent in error.

According to an internal State Department memo, 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers were being laid off Friday. Affected staffers received notices informing them they were being placed on immediate administrative leave and that they would be terminated in 60 days if they were civil service or 120 days if they were foreign service officers.

The cuts made good on one part of Secretary of State Marco Rubios pledge to overhaul Foggy Bottom and root out what he alleges is inefficiency. The decision to proceed with the layoffs followed a Supreme Court ruling earlier in the week allowing for the Trump administration to proceed with sweeping layoffs at federal agencies and departments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Layoffs largely affected bureaus and offices that managed foreign assistance programs and worked on issues of energy policy, global human rights and refugees and migration issues  moves that the administration had telegraphed in advance. But several management and operational departments were also gutted, and some sections of the State Department that U.S. law requires be staffed  such as the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts  were also hit with layoffs.

Rubio promised lawmakers in May that by the beginning of July, his department would move forward with an overhaul of the agency that would tailor Americas diplomatic resources to better advance U.S. interests.

Ahead of the layoffs, the State Department modified employment rules to allow for the dismissal of foreign service officers assigned to work from State Department headquarters based on the unit they were assigned to in Foggy Bottom.

But despite the long wait for the cuts and the seeming preparations, the process of severing employees was far from smooth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least one staffer received a layoff notice Friday but was told later that theyd been sent the notice in error and were not, in fact, losing their job, per one message seen by POLITICO.

In that message, Global Talent Management chief Lew Olowski blamed it on an administrative error. It was not immediately clear how many people received such retractions.

That indicates that even State, which has conducted a relatively orderly purge of staff, may encounter more hiccups down the line, and the total number may be different. Asked about the erroneous notices, the State Department responded with a statement: "There were very minor discrepancies, which were immediately resolved in real time by an organized and prepared State Department response team."



Staffers werent shy about expressing that they felt jerked around by a leadership team they accuse of putting political interests above national interests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are being run by incompetent, nihilistic, right-wing Maoists, a fired staffer said. The staffer, like others, was granted anonymity out of fear of further reprisals.

At least one flier was posted in restrooms around the State Department urging remaining colleagues to resist fascism and to remember the oath you vowed to uphold.

The general expectation had been that more than 2,000 State Department employees would get pink slips, including 750 foreign service officers. The lower number of staffers affected is likely attributable to the fact many State Department staff took advantage of a deferred resignation program. Overall, around 3,000 members of the workforce will be leaving, the memo said, suggesting more than 1,800 State Department employees opted to voluntarily depart.

The bureaus hit hardest by the cuts included Energy Resources; Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and Population; Refugees and Migration; Consular Affairs. So too were offices managing foreign assistance programs. The Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations was also eliminated. But staff reductions also affected more management divisions than initially expected. Notices went out to staff in Diplomatic Technology, the Office of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services and the offices running the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program and prestigious fellowships such as the Pickering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts, which is a congressionally mandated office, also saw layoffs. Shawn VanDiver, who leads the organization AfghanEvac and advocates for the resettlement of Afghan refugees who helped the U.S. during 20-year U.S. operations in the country, said State fired the current acting coordinator of the office. VanDiver noted that State must name a coordinator to comply with federal laws providing for the resettlement.

Many employees who were pushed out were considered high performers or had specialized skills like speaking multiple difficult languages, according to a State Department staffer affected by the layoffs. That claim is backed up by the American Foreign Service Association, which represents foreign service officers and is arguing skills and languages were not accounted for in the staff cuts. That may be because the layoffs appeared partly based on which office the staffer was in, as opposed to their skills or work history. This has felt especially unfair to foreign service staffers, who rotate offices every few years.

Ahead of the layoffs, Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee called the move illegal even after the Supreme Court greenlit the cuts.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters Friday that cuts were made accounting for extensive feedback and reiterated department leaderships commitment to the tens of thousands of employees who remain. In an X post, she also said the layoffs were necessary to make our work more efficient, nimble, and effective  making America safer, stronger and more prosperous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At a clap out for fired employees Friday afternoon, current State Department employees lined up outside the entrance to the Harry S. Truman building in Washington to salute their ex-colleagues. Employees, some in tears, trickled out of the building with boxes, tote bags and suitcases full of their office contents. One employee carried a sign saying Diplomacy Matters. Facts Matter.

Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and former State Department officials also held a rally Friday to protest the cuts. A few hundred people, running the gamut from children to former ambassadors and diplomats to some of the recently fired employees, gathered at the entrance on 22nd and C Street NW.

Several women wearing black veils carried posters shaped like tombstones with the words "diplomacy," "human rights" and "democracy" inscribed on them, as others toted signs calling Rubio a "fascist." At one point, protesters chanted "Where is Marco?" in reference to the fact that the layoffs occured while the secretary was returning to Washington from a summit of Asian nations in Malaysia.

To Rubio's critics at the rally, the move robs the State Department of needed subject matter expertise at a time when America faces complex treats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What is happening today with the layoffs of 1,300 patriotic public servants, weakens America. It makes us less safe, Van Hollen said. This is America in retreat, and we don't want America retreating.

Michael Duffin, a staffer who lost his job because the State Department eliminated its Office for Countering Violent Extremism, bemoaned there was no consideration of the personal hardships employees have endured throughout American history in service of their country.

"Their sacrifices were not made for a president or a political party, but to the principles of our great republic, which has stood strong since 1776," Duffin told the crowd. "No one at the State Department disagreed with the need for reform, but arbitrarily laying off people like me and others, irrespective of their performance is not the right way to do it."

A version of this story previously appeared in POLITICOs National Security Daily newsletter. Like this content? Consider signing up!


NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Four children have died under the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Departments watch since April. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said shes had enough and said the current system to keep families together is not working. Now, the state is changing how it handles babies born with drugs in their systems.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police were called to an Albuquerque home last month where a four-month-old was dead. The parents say they fell asleep with their baby between them and when they woke up, their son was unresponsive.

Many argue, he should never have been in the home in the first place. The baby was born with meth and fentanyl in his system but was still sent home from the hospital with his parents under a CYFD safety plan where someone was supposed to be checking on him. I agree we have a really big problem with babies leaving the hospital and going back to the hands of parents that arent in treatment even. The safety plans currently arent truly safe, said Sen. Nicole Tobiassen (R-Bernalillo County).

Many lawmakers have been vocal about the states failures and the federal CARA Act, which lets moms with drug problems take their babies home after theyre born. We really lean in to family reunification. There is too much risk here, said Governor Lujan Grisham.

Lawmakers this year moved the program to the New Mexico Health Care Authority and it has a fed-up governor implementing the changes early. You cannot send a child home in those circumstances. No matter what the federal framework is. Im rejecting that. It doesnt work, said Governor Lujan Grisham.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An email directive sent to all protective services staff this week stated, For all screened-in investigations involving children born exposed to methamphetamines, fentanyl, or diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome, the child must be taken into custody and an abuse/neglect petition must be filed prior to discharge from the hospital.

Hospitals would now hold drug addicted newborns until at least CYFD files an abuse and neglect petition. A judge would ultimately decide on that petition, including whether CYFD would continue to have custody of the newborn. The governor made it clear, Babies do not go home. Thats the bottom line.

The job is to stand up for these babies. Alright? Thats happening. Number two, that well get families into recovery. I need them to be motivated to get well. Its a disease that needs attention.

In the last three weeks, the state has made 149 visits to families with children exposed to drugs, who they say are not complying with safety plans. In the past 10 months, 693 babies born addicted to drugs were reported to CYFD.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
A top State Department official vigorously defended the Trump administrations drive to cancel the visas of pro-Palestinian academics, arguing that the effort does not abridge free speech and targets students who are supporting terrorism or promoting antisemitism.

John Armstrong, States top consular official, testified Friday at a trial in a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of pursuing an unconstitutional ideological deportation policy. He denied that such an initiative is underway.

I have heard that accusation. I believe its groundless, said Armstrong, who has worked at the diplomatic agency for more than 30 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I run the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Im responsible for everything those 13,000 people do, Armstrong added. I would know if theres an ideological deportation policy going on that involved the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Its silly to suggest that theres such a policy that I wouldnt know about.

Armstrong said that revoking visas of foreign citizens due to their activities in the U.S. did not begin with a series of determinations Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued earlier this year declaring certain foreign academics presence in the U.S. to be incompatible with U.S. foreign policy.

Armstrong insisted that no visas were revoked based on protected speech, but when asked if visas were sometimes pulled due to students political viewpoints, he gave a more complex answer.

If you're supporting a terrorist organization, yes, Armstrong said. This is not something that we started with Marco Rubio. If you support terrorism, you can have your visa revoked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As the government prepared to question Armstrong about the reasons for revoking the visas of several specific advocates for Palestinian causes, a DOJ lawyer asked the judge to clear the public from the courtroom in Bostons federal courthouse where the trial is taking place.

No specific reason was given for the request. U.S. District Judge William Young, who is presiding over the trial, quickly declined.

Im not disposed to clear the courtroom, Young said. Theres a constitutional right to have a public courtroom for public trials.  That request is denied. Im not doing that.

Armstrong went on to discuss the grounds for revoking the visas in several of the high-profile cases involving academics at U.S. universities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Former Columbia student Mahmoud Khalils visa was canceled due to his role in antisemitic protests and disruptive activities that foster a hostile environment towards Jewish students in the United States, the State Department official said. Khalil organized campus protests at Columbia when he was a student there.

Another former Columbia student, Mohsen Mahdawi, was involved in leadership of disruptive protests at Columbia University that included antisemitic conduct and calling for the destruction of Israel, Armstrong said. He said Rubio also determined that Mr. Mahdawis activities undermined the peace process in the Middle East including coming to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk had her visa revoked as a result of her antisemitic activities in the U.S. and for creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and indicating support for a designated terrorist organization, Armstrong said, adding, I believe it was Hamas. It might have been Hezbollah.

Armstrong said Ozturks visa was designated for silent revocation, meaning it was canceled without notice to her, likely to avoid tipping her off that Homeland Security was seeking to detain her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All the academics Armstrong mentioned have denied fostering antisemitism and advocating for Hamas. Federal judges have either ordered their release or blocked their detention, citing indications that their arrests may have violated their First Amendment rights.

While Rubio spoke earlier this year about revoking about 300 visas, Armstrong said the number of student protester visas he was involved in canceling was much smaller, in the range of 15 to 20.

The lawsuit before Young, a Reagan appointee, was filed in March by the American Association of University Professors and the Middle East Studies Association. It claims that the ideological deportation policy runs afoul of the First Amendment rights of the academics targeted for expulsion from the U.S. It also alleges that the policy is chilling the speech and travel of other academics in the U.S. who are not American citizens and is curtailing the ability of American students and faculty to hear the views of the foreign academics.

As the trial entered its fifth day Friday, jockeying continued over Youngs handling of records DOJ provided to the judge to review privately. DOJ lawyers say the records, which outline the administrations research on targets of potential deportation efforts, are legally privileged as sensitive law enforcement information and internal government deliberations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Young indicated earlier this week that he believes the government waived those privileges by sending him the documents to examine. The Justice Department filed an unusual appeal Thursday to prevent Young from disclosing any more of the documents to lawyers for the academic groups suing.

A panel of the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay Friday blocking the judge from giving the plaintiffs any additional government documents until the privilege claim is hashed out.

Young read the order aloud in court Friday soon after it was issued.

Ive got to reflect on what it reaches, the judge said, shortly before ending the trial for the day.

The trial is scheduled to continue through next week.
Budget cuts, staff reductions and other sweeping changes from the federal government are posing real threats to California's environment and progress against climate change, state officials said Thursday.

At a gathering of the state's top leaders in wildfire response, water resources, natural lands and clean energy, they underscored the ways the Golden State has long worked together with federal agencies  and how actions by the Trump administration are putting that cooperative work in jeopardy.

"We want federal agencies to succeed, and in fact we need them to succeed," said Wade Crowfoot, California's natural resources secretary, noting that 48% of the state's land is owned and managed by the federal government. "Because if they fail, it impacts the prosperity and safety of Californians."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: Trump administration rescinds 'Roadless Rule' that protects 58 million acres of national forests

State agencies such as the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, the Department of Water Resources and the Energy Commission are among those struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of federal cutbacks, officials said. The Trump administration has said its changes are geared toward reducing federal waste, saving taxpayers money and increasing American energy independence.

Yet state officials are increasingly worried about shifting national priorities, including a 10% staffing cut at the U.S. Forest Service  the largest federal firefighting entity that often works hand in hand with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to manage forests and combat blazes. Many of the Forest Service's eliminated employees were in support roles, such as logistics and transportation, that are crucial to ensuring firefighters can do their job, according to Patrick Wright, director of the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.

"All that knowledge is going to be lost that is so critical when we're both fighting fires and trying to prevent fires, so the whole system is going to suffer," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wright noted that the president's proposed 2026 budget would also eliminate many of the Forest Service's top scientists, which he said would negatively affect data systems, analyses and other crucial tools. And although California has made progress in its efforts to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk through forest thinning, prescribed burns and fuel breaks, Wright said he is concerned about the impacts of the president's order to open up millions of acres of national forestland for timber production, including all 18 of California's national forests.

"Not that timber isn't important, but we can't keep our eye off of the need for fire and forest resilience in California," he said. There is "serious concern by Forest Service people on the ground that if we solely focus on timber, we're going to lose our focus on protecting communities, preventing wildfire, protecting habitat and other key measures of success."

Read more: Justice Department says Trump can undo national monuments; California areas could be on list

It's not only wildfires that officials are worried about, however. Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources, said the agency is reeling from several changes to key components of its water supply system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among them are staff reductions at the federal U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which oversees the Central Valley Project  a vast network of dams, reservoirs and canals that delivers water supplies across the state. The Central Valley Project is the federal companion to the State Water Project, which performs a similar function.

This year, the Bureau of Reclamation has lost about 1,400 staff members  or more than a quarter of its workforce  and is facing a potential budget cut of 33%, Nemeth said.

"Because a lot of our infrastructure is operated in a cooperative way, it does have an expanded effect on how our whole system is put together," Nemeth said.

The state also works closely with the Bureau of Reclamation to manage flood protection in California, where several levee and dam safety projects are now in jeopardy, Nemeth said. They include projects to enhance the system along the American River in Sacramento  one of the most flood-prone urban areas in the U.S.  and to address the devastating 2023 levee breach that flooded the community of Pajaro .

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other state leaders, including Armando Quintero, director of California State Parks, shared similar fears. He said the National Park Service is facing a potential $1-billion budget cut and has lost 24% of permanent staff since January. More than 100 superintendent positions are vacant. It's resulted in canceled tours, closed campgrounds, reduced hours and other effects in California's nine national parks.

Meanwhile, all 18 of California's national forests are losing staff, and its regional office is likely to be eliminated, he said. The state's roadless areas and national monuments are similarly facing the threat of lost protections and closures.

Read more: California's 2025 wildfire season was already going to be dangerous. Trump has made it worse

Jenn Eckerle, deputy secretary for oceans and coastal policy at the California Natural Resources Agency, said the state is facing the loss of funding for coastal protection, including about $870 million previously awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Building Resilience Infrastructure and Communities grant program, which has been canceled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One such project was an $18-million BRIC grant to help the city of Imperial Beach protect infrastructure, habitat and coastal access from sea level rise through a nature-based levee, Eckerle said.

"Obviously these actions are going to hamper California's ability to predict, respond and adapt to climate impacts like sea level rise, ocean acidification, marine heat waves, and will lead to impacts for our coastal economies and ecosystems," she said.

Perhaps one of the biggest areas to suffer is California's ambitious push for clean energy. The state has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 throughout its economy and has been a nationwide leader in the move toward solar and wind power and electric vehicles.

Robert Chun, chief of staff to the chair of the California Energy Commission, said the Trump administration has made moves to end long-standing tax credits for clean energy. They will apply only to projects placed into service by December 2027, or that start construction by July 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The administration is also canceling $3.7 billion in awards managed by the Department of Energy's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations  at least $800 million of which was supposed to go to California, Chun said. That office's staff has been reduced from about 250 people to 35, he said.

Read more: Plan to sell off public land in the West nixed from big, beautiful bill amid GOP backlash

He added that the Trump administration has removed basic energy efficiency regulations that have existed for decades, and has made it harder for California to reduce pollution by revoking waivers it is granted under the Clean Air Act to enforce tailpipe emission standards.

Chun said the result of these changes is likely to be worse air quality, higher energy costs, reduced grid reliability and limited growth for new industries such as artificial intelligence. However, he said he remains optimistic about the state and nation's progress toward clean energy, which he sees as inevitable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They can slow the transition to clean energy here and there, but they can't stop it," Chun said. "We shouldn't back down from our vision of a clean energy future, or lower our expectations for what we can achieve here in California."

Indeed, state officials said there are ways to push back. California is party to several lawsuits against the Trump administration, including one challenging its attempt to overturn the state's clean air waivers. The state is also working to hire laid-off federal employees, particularly those who were working on crucial projects.

Last month, conservation groups across the state and country also came together to push back against a GOP-led proposal to sell off millions of acres of public lands in Western states, which would have made about 10 million acres in California eligible for sale. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who spearheaded the effort, ultimately nixed the proposal .

"California remains committed and focused to our priorities and our values," said Crowfoot, the state's natural resources secretary. He encouraged residents to stay informed, voice their concerns to public officials and work to build broad-based bipartisan coalitions to amplify shared priorities when it comes to the state's environment.

"What we're talking about today," he said, "are things that we all care about."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A respiratory therapist checks on patients in a Chicago hospital in 2022. States are scrambling to shield their hospitals from the looming loss of hundreds of millions in federal funding under the tax and spending bill President Donald Trump signed over the weekend. (Scott Olson | Getty Images)

The giant tax and spending bill President Donald Trump signed into law over the weekend includes the biggest health care spending cuts in U.S. history. In response, states are scrambling to shield their hospitals from the looming loss of hundreds of millions in federal funding.

In Georgia, a key state panel late last month took steps to send more state Medicaid money to hospitals, hoping to maximize federal matching dollars before the cuts take effect. Other states are considering new grant programs that would funnel additional money to rural hospitals. Some state legislatures likely will reconvene to discuss how to fill holes in their Medicaid budgets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The tax and spending bill cuts more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, the public health insurance program for people with low incomes thats jointly funded by states and the federal government. Under the measure, payments to hospitals or nursing facilities would probably decrease in at least 29 states, according to an analysis by KFF, a nonprofit health policy group.

Facing such budget shortfalls, states may have to stop offering optional Medicaid benefits such as vision and dental, reduce the rates they pay providers  which could shrink access for Medicaid enrollees  and change eligibility requirements so that fewer people qualify for coverage.

State policymakers and health experts worry the loss of funding also will endanger hospitals, particularly those in rural areas, driving up uncompensated care and forcing them to cut services or close entirely.

Ultimately, when these hospitals close, what happens? People have to now travel longer for care. They might not even make it, Dr. Anahita Dua, a vascular surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, told reporters last week during a news conference hosted by Defend America Action, a group launched to oppose Trump administration policies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is ultimately not only going to affect the lives of the people that are not going to get the care, but also the majority of the hospitals that provide this care, and the people that are employed by those locations, she said.

Earlier this month, an analysis by the State Health and Value Strategies program at Princeton University estimated that hospitals would lose 18% of their Medicaid funding, nearly $665 billion over the next 10 years.

Republicans have hailed the megabill  officially titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act  as one that will cut waste, fraud and abuse in federal programs, secure the U.S. border and spur economic growth. The measure will add at least $3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office, and has been scored by some independent economists as likely having little impact on growth. Dollars diverted from Medicaid will go toward the tax cuts prioritized by Trump, along with new spending on immigration control and defense projects.

Reconvening legislatures

Health policy experts anticipate at least some states will have to pull their legislatures back into session to address gaping budget holes due to the Medicaid cuts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

States can expect to lose 3%-18% of their federal Medicaid funding over 10 years under the law, according to the State Health and Value Strategies program report. Arizona, Kentucky and Virginia would see the largest shares of their Medicaid dollars evaporate.

Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis has said hes likely to reconvene the legislature.

Almost certainly if some of these big cuts to Medicaid go through  we would likely need to reconvene, depending on what Congress does, Polis said at a news conference in May.

Policymakers in some states have tried to get ahead of expected shortfalls.

In late June, the Georgia Department of Community Healths advisory board held an emergency meeting. In a unanimous vote, the board approved several measures aimed at increasing the states federal Medicaid reimbursement rate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For example, the state wants to significantly increase Medicaid payments to hospitals that achieve certain goals, such as training Georgia doctors and delivering babies. The move would draw down an additional $2.1 billion per year in federal money.

Were doing our best to be responsive to the Medicaid conversations in Washington, department Commissioner Russel Carlson told the board at the meeting. Not overreacting in this 24/7 news cycle, but gathering the best information we can, reading the political environment the best we can, and acting responsibly.

Other states have filed similar requests with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and received approval in recent months.

Of all the Medicaid discussions happening in Washington, Carlson said, one of the policy decisions that could potentially, depending on how it ultimately lands, impact Georgians the most is the discussion surrounding directed payment programs.

Grants for hospitals

Some of the biggest federal savings in the new law come from limiting states use of a financing tool, known as a provider tax, that enables them to draw down more federal dollars. States use the extra money to boost reimbursement rates for hospitals and to expand coverage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some congressional Republicans have decried the maneuver as a money laundering scheme, but lowering provider taxes will likely punch big holes in state Medicaid budgets.

Meanwhile, some state legislatures are looking at alternate ways to shore up funding for hospitals. A bipartisan bill still under consideration in Pennsylvania would create a rural health care grant program to help pay off student loans for rural doctors, nurses and dentists. Indiana and Oklahoma also considered bills this session to create grant programs for rural hospitals.

In April, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced the state would release more than $6 million in grants to support struggling rural hospitals.

Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Savannah Technical College celebrated the graduation of seven students from its Peace Officer Academy during a recent ceremony.

These graduates successfully completed the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Law Enforcement Training Course, making them eligible to serve as state-certified peace officers.

Each graduate underwent an intensive 18-week program combining classroom instruction in criminal justice principles with hands-on law enforcement training. This technical certificate equips students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation needed to excel in careers across municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A key tradition at the Peace Officer Academy is the dedication of each graduating class to a fallen officer who made a significant impact in law enforcement. This cohort honored the memory of Deputy Sheriff Talmage Leon Tucker Jr. of the Glynn County Sheriffs Office, who served his community with distinction for over two decades before his passing in 2021. Deputy Tucker was a highly respected member of law enforcement, leaving behind a legacy of service and leadership. The class honored Deputy Tuckers family with a custom challenge coin as a token of respect and enduring gratitude.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since its establishment in 2009, Savannah Technical Colleges Peace Officer Academy has graduated more than 500 P.O.S.T.-certified officers and boasts a 99% placement rate. Six of the seven graduates from this cohort have already secured positions with local and state agencies, a testament to the programs strong connections within the law enforcement community.

Dr. Ryan W. Foley, president of Savannah Technical College, said, Our Peace Officer Academy stands as a pillar of excellence in workforce development, preparing individuals to act with integrity and professionalism as they serve their communities. We are proud to celebrate the hard work and dedication of these graduates, knowing they will make a meaningful impact on public safety.

The next cohort of the Peace Officer Academy begins training in August with ongoing enrollment opportunities available now. Prospective students interested in this highly respected program are encouraged to apply early. Financial assistance, including the HOPE Career Grant, is available to those who qualify.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) on Friday hit back at a Democratic candidate running for her seat in Congress, who released an artificial intelligence (AI) generated ad taking aim at the congresswomans widely expected bid for New York governor.

Stefanik slammed the deepfake ad as blatantly sexist and deeply offensive to North Country voters, criticizing New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and New York state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs for their lack of response.

Their silence to condemn this misogynistic, AI-generated sexist smear is shameful and despicable, Stefaniks office said in a statement. There is no place in politics to artificially create this derogatory degradation which is offensive, belittling, and confusing to voters especially seniors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Stefanik team calls on Governor Hochul and NY Democrat Party boss Jay Jacobs to publicly condemn this disgraceful ad and call it out for what it is: a bigoted, sexist AI deep fake that is offensive to voters, it added.

The video, published Thursday on the social platform X by Democratic candidate Blake Gendebien, features a song about the speculation surrounding Stefaniks potential run for governor. At the end, it notes that the ad was generated in whole or substantially by artificial intelligence.

Elise Stefanik is not fooling anyone, the post accompanying the video reads. While she considers running for Governor, the people of the North Country lack adequate leadership in Congress. Its time to change that. Send a farmer to Congress.

The Hill has reached out to Gendebiens campaign for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Several sources told The Hill late last month that Stefanik was preparing to officially launch her campaign for New York governor, suggesting it was not a matter of if, its a matter of when.

The New York congresswomans likely bid for top office in the Empire State comes after President Trump pulled her nomination to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in March.

As AI continues to rapidly improve, deepfakes have become a growing concern. An impostor using AI to pose as Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently contacted at least three unidentified foreign ministers, a U.S. senator and a governor, according to a State Department memo obtained by several outlets.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 House Armed Services Committee has made an initial move toward reversing the Pentagons plan to axe the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft for the U.S. Air Force. The E-7s had previously been working to replace a portion of the Air Forces increasingly unsupportable E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet ahead of plans to eventually push most, if not all of its airborne target warning sensor layer into space. The Pentagon has also now laid out plans to buy more of the Navys E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control planes to mitigate capability gaps in the interim.

An addition of $600 million for the continuation of rapid prototyping of the Air Force-specific version of the E-7 is included in a draft of the annual defense policy bill, or National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), for the 2026 Fiscal Year, which the House Armed Services Committee released today. The Air Force first announced its intention to buy Wedgetails in 2022. The service had been working to acquire two production representative prototypes for test and evaluation purposes as a lead-in to a finalized production configuration, examples of which were expected to begin entering operational service in 2027. The program had already suffered notable delays and cost growth, which the Pentagon has said were major factors in the cancellation decision.

Versions of the Wedgetail are currently in service in Australia, South Korea, and Turkey, and the United Kingdom and NATO are in the process of acquiring E-7s.

A Royal Australian Air Force E-7 Wedgetail. RAAF

For years now, the Air Force has said its ultimate goal is to eventually push more of the airborne early warning and control aircrafts function to radar satellite constellations. Space-based assets capable of taking on these missions could be operational by the early 2030s, but airborne early warning and control aircraft are expected to continue playing a role, at least for the time being.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That the E-7 plans had radically changed first emerged publicly at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing in June.

I would file this entire discussion under difficult choices that we have to make, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had said at the time in the course of an exchange with Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska. But you know, the E-7, in particular, is sort of late, more expensive and gold plated, and so filling the gap, and then shifting to space-based ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] is a portion of how we think we can do it best, considering all the challenges.

Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense and is currently performing the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and the Pentagons Chief Financial Officer, who also testified at that hearing, had also disclosed plans to fill the resulting capability gap with E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft assigned to a joint unit. In Americas armed forces, the E-2D, which is designed primarily for aircraft carrier-based operations, is currently only in service with the U.S. Navy.

A pair of US Navy E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft. Lockheed Martin

The day before, Secretary Hegseth had also told members of the House Appropriations Committee that the E-7 was an example of a platform that was not survivable in the modern battlefield and mentioned plans to fund existing platforms that are there more robustly and make sure theyre modernized.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing last month, Sen. Murkowski had openly questioned the Pentagons overall plans to meet airborne early warning and control demands, especially in and around her state.

I have been concerned. We have E-3 capability up north, of course, but we were all counting on the E-7 Wedgetail coming our way. Were kind of limping along up north right now, which is unfortunate. And the budget proposes terminating the program, she had said. Again, the E-3 fleet [is] barely operational now, and I understand the intent to shift towards the space-based  you call it the air moving target indicators  but my concern is that youve got a situation where youre not going to be able to use more duct tape to hold things together until you put this system in place. And, so, how we maintain that level of operational readiness and coverage, Im not sure how you make it.

Murkowskis remarks had, in turn, already pointed to the potential for a battle between the Pentagon and Congress over the E-7s final fate.

An E-3 Sentry flies over Alaska together with a pair of F-22 Raptors. USAF

Other major advocates have also now stepped forward in support of continuing with the E-7 program. Earlier this week, the Air & Space Forces Association sent an open letter to Congress signed by 19 retired Air Force generals, including six former Air Force Chiefs of Staff, to express our alarm at the Wedgetail decision, as well as planned cuts to the procurement of new F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The draft NDAA that the House Armed Services Committee released today does not include any additional funding for F-35 purchases, though it does add money to buy more spare parts for those aircraft across the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The Pentagon has said cuts to F-35 procurement are intended to help free up resources to support work on major upgrades for those aircraft and to aid in sustaining existing fleets.

The proposed legislation also notably makes no changes to plans to gut the U.S. Navys F/A-XX next-generation carrier-based fighter program, which is set to be effectively shelved to prioritize work on the Air Forces new F-47. The future of F/A-XX remains its own hot-button topic, with the Navy having now put a call for more funding for that program in an annual wishlist to Congress.

A rendering of the F-47 that the US Air Force has released. USAF

In a report accompanying the draft NDAA, the House Armed Services Committee has also highlighted concerns about the Air Forces fielding timetables for new F-15EX Eagle II fighters. The Air Force is moving to acquire additional F-15EXs, but legislators fear there could be issues in actually getting those aircraft to units, especially Air National Guard squadrons tasked with critical homeland defense missions. This has all been compounded by the surprise announcement in April of a decision to stand up an additional F-15EX squadron within the Michigan Air National Guard to replace A-10 Warthog ground attack jets that are being retired. You can read more about the Air Forces current stated plans for the F-15EX fleet here.

The draft NDAA also slows the Air Forces final retirement of the A-10, with a requirement to keep at least 103 Warthogs in service through 2026. The Air Force is now pushing to send the last of these aircraft to the boneyard by the end of the 2026 Fiscal Year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When it comes to the Air Forces E-7 program, its fate is still very much an open question. The House Armed Services Committee is set to consider further changes to the draft NDAA next week, and this is just one step in an often drawn-out process of finalizing the bill. The Senate will be working through its own version of the NDAA, and both pieces of legislation will eventually have to be brought into line before a vote can happen. After the NDAA is passed, the president still has to option to veto it. At any step along the way, proposed additional funding for the E-7 could be stripped out.

In the meantime, the House Armed Services Committee has made clear that a final decision on E-7s for the Air Force has yet to be made.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
President Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon is calling for a special prosecutor to investigate the federal files on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The MAGA provocateur says hes disappointed the Justice Department under President Trump has essentially reached the same conclusions as previous investigators regarding the dealings of the disgraced financier.

Despite numerous officials insisting Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, many ring-wing conspiracy theorists have continued to push the belief that he was murdered in a coverup to protect a client list of pedophiles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursdays episode of his War Room podcast, Bannon said that embattled Attorney General Pam Bondi needs to go to the court and ask for a complete unsealing of all the files pertaining to Epstein, pursuant to a lawsuit filed by the right-wing activist group Judicial Watch.

Bannon said the appointment of a special prosecutor to put fresh eyes on the Epstein investigation should be done immediately.

Bondi and her Justice Department colleagues angered much of Trumps MAGA base on Monday by claiming Epstein kept no client list implicating wealthy figures in his alleged child sex trafficking.

Earlier this year, Trump-appointed FBI officials threw cold water on the long-running rumors that the 66-year-old deviant was killed in a deep state plot to prevent him from flipping on the powerbrokers he facilitated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Justice Departments willingness to close the case on Epstein prompted many MAGA loyalists to question whether Trump  a former Epstein party pal  has something to hide.

Time to drop the really big bomb: @RealDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files, Trump mega-donor Elon Musk posted on social media in June. That is the real reason they have not been made public.

Musk later deleted that post, but claimed on Tuesday that Bannon is in the Epstein files.

The billionaire entrepreneur famous for spreading misinformation offered no evidence to support his allegations against Bannon or Trump.

Trump didnt help his own case at a Tuesday Cabinet meeting where he snapped at a reporter for asking about the Epstein investigation.

Are people still talking about this guy? the president fumed. That is unbelievable.
MAGA world remains in a state of chaos over the Trump administrations Jeffrey Epstein memo, if the events of Friday are any indication.

While the FBIs deputy director was taking a mental health day and considering resigning amid the continued fallout over the handling of the Epstein files, Steve Bannon got an earful from attendees at a MAGA youth event who declared that Donald Trump has become the deep state because he is covering up for pedophiles.

Nearly a week after the Department of Justice released an unsigned two-page letter concluding that Epstein committed suicide and the disgraced financier had no client list to blackmail prominent figures who took part in his underage sex trafficking, the administration is still facing fury from MAGA supporters who feel betrayed by the about-face.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Much of that anger has been directed at Attorney General Pam Bondi, who breathlessly hyped the release of explosive evidence in the Epstein case and even said the long-fabled client list was on her desk, only to release binders of already-public documents and later put out a letter claiming the list never existed.

Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, the FBIs top two leaders who spent years as right-wing podcasters who trafficked in Epstein conspiracy theories, have also taken heat from Trump fans for backing the memo. The pair had already come under fire in recent months for reversing course on claims Epstein was murdered in his jail cell  a theory theyd long promoted  and insisting the convicted sex offender killed himself.

An attendee at Turning Point USA's Student Action Summit claimed that Donald Trump "has become the deep state" because of the Epstein files "cover-up." (Rumble)

Amid the continued fallout over the Epstein memo, Bongino and Bondi were involved in a heated argument this week that resulted in Bongino taking the day off on Friday and threatening to quit. At the heart of the clash was Bondis publicly overpromised and underdelivered disclosures about the client list, and accusations that Bongino leaked a story about the FBI being held back on releasing more Epstein information.

While this was going on within the Trump administration, MAGA youth organization Turning Point USA was holding its Student Action Summit in Florida, which featured Bannon recording his War Room podcast from the lobby.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Throughout the MAGA meltdown over the Epstein fiasco, the former Trump adviser has tried to thread a very fine needle due to his own personal connections with Epstein, which has featured former first buddy Elon Musk  who has long feuded with Bannon  claiming Bannon is in the Epstein files. The worlds richest man, who has called the Epstein memo the final straw regarding his support for Trump, did not elaborate on how he knew this was the case.

Bannon has since reacted by calling for a special prosecutor to review all Epstein documents while urging Bondi to step aside. At the same time, much like the majority of MAGA media, he has largely steered clear of directly laying the blame at Trumps feet. That was put to the test, however, on Friday morning.

A group of self-described young right-wing men who were attending SAS had gathered near the broadcast and were approached by War Room reporter Jayne Zirkle to chat with Bannon, only for them to complain that they were being lied to by the administration.

Yeah, were getting lied to. The pedophiles arent getting rounded up. The people arent getting deported. Were not getting what we asked for, one attendee, who said his name was Julian, exclaimed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asked by Zirkle what he would recommend, Julian added: I would have ICE go into every house, kick them out. Release the files that we know exist. Maybe the guy with the computer implants turned them off!

Bannon would go on and ask the group what the top three things they would tell the president he should do right now, if they could currently speak with him. Another attendee, who identified as Blue Jackson, asserted that the Epstein case was at the top of the list.

Steve Bannon reacts to an irate "young right-wing man" who feels that Donald Trump has betrayed his base with the DOJ's recent conclusion that Jeffrey Epstein didn't have a "client list." (Rumble)

Theres no better question than who rules America. Its not the people. So we obviously need the declassification of the Epstein files, Jackson said, prompting Bannon to interrupt and wonder if he would really question if Trump was in charge of the nation.

I definitely would because its a blackmail ring, Jackson responded. And anybody who wouldnt isnt paying attention. Simply put, Epstein himself said he was best friends  on the stand  with Donald Trump. So anybody who thought these files were going to get declassified because we pressured him enough, or you voted hard enough, is just lying to yourself!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Jackson said he agreed with Bannon that a special prosecutor was needed and that the DOJ and FBI had no credibility to investigate the matter anymore, he went beyond just blaming Bondi, Patel and Bongino.

In 2016, we trusted the plan with Trump, but now Trump has become the deep state, Jackson declared, leading Bannon to ask him to explain why he was going directly after the president.

What is more deep state than covering up for pedophiles? Why would you go to that island? Jackson added, referencing Epsteins private resort. Why? Tell me, why would you go to that island? Why would you go on the plane? Why are his top donors neighbors with Epstein?

As Jackson was highlighting Trumps longtime close relationship with the deceased sex criminal, Bannon quickly jumped in and turned to War Room correspondent Ben Bergquam, asking him if he thought this was an indication that Trump could lose part of the base if the Epstein matter wasnt addressed.

This is why I quit voting for David Valadao in California because he was so worried about losing illegal alien votes that he lost my vote, Bergquam reacted. If we dont get investigations into Epstein, no amnesty, and all deportations, youre going to lose the base.
When Sergiy Kyslytsya returned to Kyiv in February 2025 to take on the role of first deputy foreign minister after serving as Ukraines ambassador to the United Nations, he brought with him expertise essential to modern Ukrainian diplomacy.

After five years in New York and earlier experience at Ukraines Embassy to the U.S., Kyslytsya has developed a deep understanding of the American political landscape  a vital asset as Ukraine works to keep Washington as its key ally.

During his posting to the UN, he also regularly engaged with Russian diplomats and officials at General Assembly and Security Council meetings, studying their propaganda narratives and countering them in the ongoing fight for international support amid Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine  an equally crucial skill as Ukraine seeks to defeat Russia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When you go to the Security Council, you dont just sit with (Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily) Nebenzya or his crazy deputy  you also have (Russian Foreign Minister Sergey) Lavrov visiting, his deputies coming, and you must not only listen to these toxic, poisonous speeches but also respond to them, Kyslytsya told the Kyiv Independent in an exclusive interview on July 7.

A career diplomat, Kyslytsya was selected by President Volodymyr Zelensky to join the Ukrainian delegation in the U.S.-initiated talks with Russia in Istanbul, Turkey, this May and June  the first direct negotiations between the two countries since 2022.

However, Kyslytsya argues that the Istanbul meetings, for the most part, couldnt truly be called negotiations due to Russias rigid, ultimatum-like approach.

In the interview with the Kyiv Independent, recorded at the Foreign Ministry in Kyiv, Kyslytsya shared insights from the Istanbul talks, explained why he believes the U.S. will remain Ukraine and Europes key long-term ally, and spoke about Russias growing dependence on its remaining allies to continue the war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Editors Note: This interview was edited for clarity and length.

The Kyiv Independent: At the Istanbul negotiations, the primary task of the Ukrainian delegation was to try to reach a ceasefire agreement with Russia. Was there any flexibility from Russia on this issue or did they insist on their maximalist demands?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: First of all, I insist that except for the humanitarian component, there were no negotiations in Istanbul.

Yes, we all arrived in Istanbul  the Ukrainian delegation, the Russian delegation, both delegations were in the same room, we sat opposite each other, but these were not negotiations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This was a situation where, in the first and second Istanbul meetings, the Russian side presented their ultimatum demands. It wasnt even a maximalist approach in the classical sense where you have a range of options and you aim high to get the maximum.

No  this was a dynamic where you find yourself facing Russians who came with a mandate to dictate an ultimatum. They didnt even have a mandate to listen to your arguments and seek common ground.

Our mandate had three points: first, ceasefire; second, create conditions for a meeting between the Ukrainian president and the Kremlin dictator; and third, confidence-building measures, which included humanitarian issues, such as prisoner exchanges.

They (Russians) were categorically opposed (to the ceasefire). Both at the first and second meetings, they firmly rejected the possibility of an unconditional ceasefire before a leaders meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In this third point, there was at least some conversation  I wouldnt even call it negotiations, but rather a dialogue. At the first Istanbul meeting, one Russian representative told me: I cant leave the room empty-handed. We must at least agree on prisoner exchanges.

The Kyiv Independent: Are there currently talks about another meeting?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: This format has practically exhausted itself if this delegation does not receive another mandate from its master  from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin.

Unlike the Ukrainian delegation, which has clear discipline but also real discussions inside the team  because within the directives set by the president, we still exchange ideas and approaches  on the Russian side, there is very rigid discipline in carrying out Putins mandate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And Putins mandate is to force capitulation. Their logic is the opposite of ours. We say: lets create a ceasefire as a contribution to establishing proper conditions for a leaders summit, to create a constructive environment that facilitates agreements.

They openly say: No, first you accept our demands  capitulation  and only then do we organize the leaders meeting. And after that, you work on implementing those demands.

The Kyiv Independent: Why does Ukraine keep insisting on a Zelensky-Putin meeting?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: Because due to the complexity, the depth of Europes largest war and all its consequences, in combination with Russias dictatorship  where everything depends on the will of one person  experts (delegations) cannot achieve breakthrough results on their own.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This, in my view, is one of the elements of Russias tactic: They suggest, Lets have our experts meet, exchange phone numbers, for them to communicate among themselves.

We saw this before in the endless Minsk process groups. Lots of movement, people traveled, sat together, held endless meetings  but there were no results.

The same here. They bureaucratize the process so that when you say to Putin: We should meet, he replies: Why? The experts are working.

Its also what they tell the Americans: See, we are sitting down with the Ukrainians.

By the way, they still refer to us as Russians. In the second Istanbul meeting, Medinsky said, This is a war where Russians kill Russians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He sits across from you, from the Ukrainian defense minister, from the first deputy minister of defense, from all kinds of military representatives  and he says to your face: You do not exist as a nation, as a country. This is a situation where Russians kill Russians.

Sergiy Kyslytsya, first deputy foreign minister of Ukraine, photographed at Ukraine's Foreign Ministry in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 7, 2025. (Danylo Pavlov / The Kyiv Independent)

The Kyiv Independent: After a series of steps back from Washington, is there an understanding in Ukraine now that America is no longer involved in the peace process?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: Under any circumstances, the United States will remain our key partner.

This is a sine qua non  without it, Ukraines secure and successful existence is impossible. Because of the role that the U.S. plays and will continue to play in the coming years. Even if they reduce or suspend aid, or pull out of some diplomatic processes related to negotiations, they will remain fundamentally involved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even if ultimately  and I think this is the right trajectory  Europeans take on greater responsibility for their own security, in the foreseeable future, despite all the political hype in America, the U.S. will remain Europes key ally.

Therefore, it is the duty of every Ukrainian official to find ways to maintain and strengthen our partnership with the U.S., and to develop it.

The Kyiv Independent: Regardless of whether the U.S. will position itself as an ally of Europe or Ukraine?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: The United States, for at least the last 100 years, has gone through cycles of more isolationist approaches.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This happened before World War II, in the 60s and 70s after the Vietnam War, when growing pacifism influenced defense doctrines and security policies.

But then in the 1980s, the U.S. and the U.K. became the driving force behind revising security and defense policies.

Thanks to that shift, the socialist camp in Central and Eastern Europe cracked and then collapsed, followed by the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Its a very simplified analogy, but if we look at what is happening today, we see a lot of repetition  a similar cycle.

Because now there is talk of rearming Europe, producing large quantities not only of shells but of entire weapons systems. The entire military-industrial complex on both sides of the ocean will work at new levels of capacity.

But you cant compare Russias economic power even to that of the Soviet Union.

I welcome the fact that most European leaders realized they need to step out of their comfort zone.

Maybe its not a pacifist zone like it was in the 60s70s, but it is a zone of hedonism and sybaritism.

They must decide to leave this comfort zone and explain to their voters that the biblical right to a vacation can only be realized if your vacation is protected by air defense systems, if your companies produce enough ammunition, if modern drones fly over European skies, if electronic warfare systems work, if you dont just have weapons in storage but also people capable of using them.

Even though we now see positive dynamics in Europe, it is incredibly slow, and there is a lot of frustration in Ukraine because of this.

Its slow, but also, in my opinion, in some countries, it hasnt yet reached a deep enough level to become irreversible.

The Kyiv Independent: Do you think it will get to an irreversible point in the future?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: To change this trend, you need not only an external threat  which most responsible politicians in Europe now recognize exists  but also national leaders willing to stand in front of their voters and not feed them political fast food, but tell them the truth.

Unfortunately, even before the (full-scale) war, in my opinion, Europe  especially within the EU  at some stage lost politicians of a pan-European scale with a visionary understanding of where Europe should go.

The Kyiv Independent: Today, in your opinion, are there such leaders in Europe?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: I am very inspired by (German) Chancellor (Friedrich) Merzs statements, for example.

I am inspired by the U.K.s position, which has been consistent. I also believe there is a very healthy situation in the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.

Of course, like in any true democratic society, there is active political competition from different parts of the spectrum. But when it comes to Ukraine, they have cross-party agreement  if not full consensus, at least a clear understanding of the need to support Ukraine.

The Kyiv Independent: When we talk about Europe moving to a new level of leadership, what else does Europe need to do, besides serious rearmament, to become that global leader?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: Well, I dont want to sound like a mentor to Europe  that wouldnt be appropriate.

But Europe needs to understand that today and in the near future, there is only one army in Europe capable of defending Europe. That army is the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

So they should accept this and make the most of the fact that Ukrainian soldiers and officers can protect Europe.

The Kyiv Independent: Is Ukraine doing everything possible to convey the urgency to Europe?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: There is no limit to improvement. A lot is being done.

But to move along a progressive trajectory, you need resources, desire, and intelligence. (Diplomacy) also requires creativity, but creativity cant replace the need for deep knowledge.

Take America as an example.

In my deep conviction, not only Ukrainians but also many Europeans have lived for decades with quite stereotypical and rosy ideas about what the U.S. is. Part of these ideas came from American pop culture. Part was simply due to a lack of knowledge of U.S. history.

It was only in recent years that President (Zelensky) set the task of developing Ukraines cooperation with U.S. regions. After he visited Utah, it was systematically decided to develop relationships not just with Manhattan or D.C., but with the regions.

But you need an enormous resource to cover every Colorado or Oklahoma. But its precisely the Midwest that elects the political leadership.

Sergiy Kyslytsya, first deputy foreign minister of Ukraine, photographed at Ukraine's Foreign Ministry in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 7, 2025. (Danylo Pavlov / The Kyiv Independent)

That is why it is the duty of Ukrainian diplomacy to find a way to explain to tens of millions of Americans why America will not be great if Ukraine falls.

In exactly that formula. Because you wont reach the American heart by just talking about Ukraines importance.

Americans, who are brought up as patriots from childhood, need to be explained why, in their view, the greatest, strongest, most exceptional America can only remain that way if Ukraine is free.

The Kyiv Independent: Could you explain to our audience why you think so? Why, if Ukraine isnt free, America cant be great?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: Achieving the MAGA goal is impossible if, under the current administration, Russia defeats Ukraine. It would be an incredible blow to the reputation of the U.S. as the strongest country in the world. Its that simple.

Arguments like Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe, Ukraine is in the center of Europe, Ukraine has a long history, We have the best of this and that  these do not resonate with Americans.

They have a completely different psychology. They are a huge country psychologically. They are moved by everything that confirms their exceptionalism and makes them feel even greater.

Ukraines victory with U.S. help would solidify each Americans sense that they are not losers.

Because one of the greatest taboos for any American, in any aspect of life, is to be seen as a loser.

The Kyiv Independent: Speaking of U.S. diplomacy, Politico published a widely discussed article, in which multiple American and Ukrainian officials criticized Zelenskys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, for his poor diplomatic skills and knowledge in talks with the Americans. Do you think Yermaks involvement in negotiations with the U.S. is appropriate?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: I believe that this is a purely provocative publication aimed at stirring things up.

His role is critical. Because if you look at how structures work in most European and North American countries, youll see that there are National Security Advisors or key presidential advisers who do not replace the role of foreign ministers but perform key functions next to presidents or prime ministers.

So ministers talk to ministers, but Andriy Borysovych (Yermak) is in that very narrow circle of key presidential advisers.

And if someone thinks anyone is perfect in this world, thats not true.

The Kyiv Independent: Looking ahead to the rest of this year, what would be a significant but realistic diplomatic achievement for Ukraine?

Sergiy Kyslytsya: Preserving the unity and resolve of all our transatlantic partners during this critical moment of our struggle for independence and freedom.

And its not empty words or slogans  its a reality. You just need to internalize how important it is.

Because Russias propaganda machine and its henchmen work powerfully.

At the same time, I would add that in my opinion, as a result of this aggressive war, Russia has largely lost its sovereignty.

Russia has found itself, due to its leaders reckless actions, in relationships with certain global players without whose support it wouldnt survive  not only in this war but even as a functioning state.

Today, Russia is perhaps more vulnerable than ever in its history.

It had to sacrifice part of its sovereignty to get economic and political support from actors who were never historically natural partners of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, or the Russian Federation.

Note from the author:

Hi! This is Toma Istomina, deputy chief editor. The week I worked on this piece, not a single day passed without a Russian overnight attack on Ukraine. One day brought a record-setting assault in terms of the number of weapons used. Another day, we lived through what felt like the loudest and most intense attack on Kyiv since 2022. Reporting from Kyiv comes with many challenges  constant stress, little sleep  but despite it all, we choose to stay here to bring you the truth about Russias brutal war. And we couldnt do this without the support of our amazing community. Please consider becoming a member of the Kyiv Independents 20,000-strong community to help keep our journalism going.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A beloved farmers market near Littlestown will be closing its retail storefront after decades in business, the owners announced.

The Stoney Point Farm Market, located at 1318 Frederick Pike west of Littlestown in Germany Township, will be closing at the end of July, according to the business.

"After careful thought and consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our retail store," an announcement from the business shared.

The Stoney Point Farm Market is seen at 1318 Frederick Pike, Friday, July 11, 2025, in Germany Township.

The last day of the retail storefront will be Thursday, July 31, 2025, the post said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The reason for the closure was not posted, with the farm market having advertised as recently as July 2, 2025, for part-time and full-time employees.

The storefront's closure was not reported as impacting the company's other operations, which include the popular Stoney Point Premium Snacks business, which has grown as a well-known name in private-label beef jerky. The snack business operates on Ulricktown Road, a short distance from the farm market.

The company's beef jerky offerings are sold nationwide, with a 2024 press release sharing that the snack company was worth over $10 million.

Decades in the family

Stoney Point Farm Market, as the store is known today, was founded in 2001 by Bruce and Michelle Arndt, who purchased the storefront from Wesley Sensenig.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the Stoney Point name began in 2001, a retail butchery and meat shop has operated at the location since 1960, newspaper records show.

In a clipping from the Saturday, Oct. 24, 1987 edition of the Evening Sun, Charles Nell is seen with his wife, Naomi, in front of Nell's Quality Meats at 1315 Frederick Pike in Germany Township.

The Stoney Point story began in 1957, when Michelle Arndt's father, Charles Nell, opened a butcher shop with his brother, Wayne Nell, north of East Berlin. In a 2017 interview with the Evening Sun, Arndt recalled helping her father in the East Berlin store since she was the age of 8.

In 1980, Charles, and his wife, Naomi, purchased the Frederick Pike shop as their own independent business, Nell's Quality Meats.

Nell then grew the established Littlestown market into what a 1999 Evening Sun story reported as one of the "leading United States Department of Agriculture approved wholesale markets in the area."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 1998, as Nell decided to retire, the store was purchased by Wesley Sensenig, who owned a meat market in Hanover.

But three years later, in 2001, Michelle Arndt, and her husband, Bruce, purchased the location of her father's longtime store back from Sensenig. At the time, in 2001, Stoney Point Snacks was also founded by the duo.

In 2021, the company moved into its third generation, as the Arndt's son, Evan Arndt, took over the business.

This article originally appeared on Hanover Evening Sun: Littlestown, Pa. meat market announces it will close at end of July
Nearly three years after four University of Idaho college students were stabbed to death in an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho, in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022, a 30-year-old former criminology student Bryan Kohberger confessed to the murders on July 2 and signed a plea deal that would save him from the death penalty.

Kohberger, who was a graduate student at Washington State University, near the University of Idaho, admitted responsibility for the murders of sorority girls Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and a fraternity brother Ethan Chapin, 20.

In August, Kohberger was set to stand trial, but under the plea deal, he would serve four consecutive life terms in prison. A judge will formally sentence him on July 23.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The victims families have had mixed reactions. While Leander James, an attorney for Mogen's parents, said outside the courthouse, "We support the plea agreement 100%, Steve Goncalves, Kaylees father, told NewsNation, This is anything but justice. This is the opposite of our will. There was no majority believing that this was acceptable."

From the trial, the families were hoping to get some clarity on why these college students were targeted. Kohbergers motive is still unclear. A docu-series, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders, out on Prime Video July 11, outlines the turning points that led to his arrest and the leading theories about his motive. It also aims to humanize the victims, featuring interviews with their families and friends who shed light on their personalities.

Heres what to know about One Night in Idaho: The College Murders.

How Bryan Kohberger was caught

There's a fair amount of detail that pointed in his direction, Matthew Galkin, co-director, tells TIME.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kohbergers cara white Hyundai Elantra that was registered to himwas caught on camera by the off-campus house where the victims lived.

DNA on the knife sheath found at the crime scene was traced to Bryans father, and then ultimately to Bryan.

Cell phone records also showed that Bryan had been in the area of the crime scene. The device was turned off right before the murders and was turned back on right after the murders.

The FBI honed in on him after he took a cross-country trip with his father and arrested him in Pennsylvania on Dec. 30, 2022, a little over a month after the murders.

Theories about Bryan Kohbergers motive

Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022, appears for a hearing at the Ada County Courthouse on July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. Kyle Green-PoolGetty Images

Many study criminology to learn about the criminal justice system. A theory in the series is that Kohberger may have studied criminology to prepare for committing a crime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the series, people in undergraduate criminology classes with him at DeSales University say he was always asking questions about killers motives and how killers felt about the crimes that they committed. They dont recall him socializing on campus, just coming to classes and leaving right afterwards.

One Night in Idaho also features administrators of a Facebook group that aggregated details of the case, who flagged that someone under the username Papa Rodger posted numerous times about the crime, including questions about how the killer held the knife. The user also posted about a knife sheath before the sheath discussed in the case. The person in the avatar even resembled Kohberger in real life, and the user never posted again after Kohberger was arrested.

The series also explores whether Kohberger was an incel (short for involuntary celibate), part of a movement of men who are frustrated that women wont have sex with them. The Facebook group admins point out that Papa Rodger is similar to the name of a hero in the incel community, Elliot Rodger, the 22-year-old who killed seven men and women near the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, in a 2014 rampage that targeted a sorority house. DeSales classmates also say in the doc that they studied Rodger, and that Kohberger was especially curious about his case.

It does seem like girls were the intended victim of Bryan's rage, Liz Garbus, co-director of One Night in Idaho, tells TIME.

What to know about the victims

Stacy Chapin, whose son Ethan Chapin was stabbed to death in an off-campus house by the University of Idaho campus. Courtesy of Prime Video

The series shows that the four victims were having a great time in college, surrounded by friends and family who loved them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We don't want to remember them just as victims, we want to remember them as human beings, says Garbus. You get a sense of their personalities, who they like to hang out with, what kind of music they love, what their college experience was like.

Maddie and Kaylee had been best friends since growing up. They complemented each other, with Kaylee being the prankster and jokester, and Maddie being the quieter one.

Friends described Xana as someone who could make friends with anyone and who had the best taste in music. The students left a large social media footprint behind and videos of their shenanigans are woven into the series. Viewers will see Ethan and Xana belting out country music like Luke Combs Beautiful Crazy.

Ethan was a triplet, and his siblings also attended the University of Idaho. The surviving siblings are featured in the documentary, talking about how they still stuck together in college and were never apart for more than 12 hours.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the most moving parts of the series, the grieving parents talk about how they have found the courage to move forward with their lives after the children's murders, and their descriptions of what keeps them going can be useful to anyone going through a difficult time in life.

Ethan's dad Jim talks about how he keeps his son's remains in the basement so that he can go down and talk to Ethan whenever he wants. Ethans mom Stacy said at a certain point she just decided she was going to wake up and put her best foot forward, arguing, "you have a choice to get up and live your best life."

Karen Laramie, Maddie Mogen's mother, says she is always thinking about "how would Maddie and Kaylee want to see me. Would they want me crying in my pajamascant get out of bedor would they want to see me talking about them and how amazing they are? Thats a struggle. You never know how strong you are until strong is all you can be."

Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com.
Shown is the StratCom Gate at Offutt Air Force Base. (Courtesy of Offutt Air Force Base)

BELLEVUE, Nebraska  A civilian U.S. Air Force employee working at U.S. Strategic Command pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to share classified national defense info with a person on a foreign dating website.

The man, whom authorities identified as David Franklin Slater, 64, of Nebraska, had access to classified and top secret information as a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel working in the defense industry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He worked from August 2021 to April 2022 at StratCom, essentially the command and control center for nuclear and conventional strategic deterrence of attacks against the U.S. and its international allies.

Much of the information discussed in the spaces at Nebraskas Offutt Air Force Base, where he had access, was considered secret. His alleged coconspirator told him she was a woman living in Ukraine.

Adm. Charles Richard, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, addresses reporters at StratComs 2022 Deterrence Symposium in La Vista. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

Court documents indicate he was pumped for information by the woman about NATO plans to help Ukraine during its war with Russia and shared info about military targets and Russian military capabilities.

In correspondence included in the court file, the woman called him my secret agent and referred to him as her secret informant love. She thanked him for sharing the information, which he later admitted he had.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At one point, the two exchanged messages about Americans traveling to Ukraine, knowledge that could have made them targets of foreign espionage or put them at risk of potential military operations.

The Department of Justice stands ready to hold accountable those who violate their obligation to protect sensitive national security information, said John A. Eisenberg, an assistant U.S. attorney general, said in a statement.

Offutt Air Force Base is shown in 2022. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

Eugene Kowel, the special agent in charge of the Omaha FBI Field Office, and U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska Lesley Woods said Slater should have known better, given his years of military experience.

The FBI and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations investigated the case, according to a news release from the Nebraska U.S. Attorneys Office in Omaha.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr. Slater betrayed an oath he made to safeguard our nations intelligence, Kowel said. Leveraging his access to sensitive information, Mr. Slater chose to transmit material that put our country at risk.

Slater faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 8. Prosecutors dropped two charges alleging disclosure of national defense info in exchange for his plea.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Netanyahu's quiet trip to Washington proves that the two were meeting for impact, not optics.

A great deal of buildup always precedes prime ministerial visits to the US, and this weeks visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington was no exception. In fact, it was preceded by more than most.

There was an expectation that a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal would be announced. That an expansion of the Abraham Accords would be broadly hinted at. That a coordinated US-Israel policy regarding upcoming talks with Iran would be thrashed out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of Thursday afternoon, neither of the first two expectations has been met. As for coordination toward Iran, if guidelines and an agreement have been worked out, that is all taking place very discreetly behind tightly closed doors.

As Netanyahus visit drew to a close  though on Thursday it was still unclear whether he would fly home that evening as planned or stay through the weekend for additional talks  what stood out was not what was said, but what wasnt. The most notable feature of the visit so far was its silence  its lack of news.

There were no handshakes in the Oval Office with US President Donald Trump as dozens of cameras clicked, no dramatic announcements, only limited photo-ops. The two Trump-Netanyahu meetings  first a dinner in the Blue Room on Monday evening, then a follow-up meeting in the Oval Office the next night  took place long after Israelis had gone to bed. Thats a sharp departure from what has almost become protocol during these prime ministerial visits: scheduling the high-profile meetings in time to make the 8 p.m. Israeli television news.

Not this time.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US President Donald Trump at the White House, in Washington DC, US, July 8, 2025 (credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO)

The relative dearth of news-generating events and press opportunities was not accidental. It signaled that this was not a trip designed for headlines, performative diplomacy, or political theater. The structure of the visit sent a clear message: the stakes are high, and the risks of saying the wrong thing to the wrong audience at the wrong time are even higher.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not every day that a media-savvy Israeli prime minister meets a voluble US president like Trump without turning the Oval Office moment into a headline event.

But this time, the choreography was intentional. The few symbolic moments that were revealed  the gifting of a mezuzah case in the shape of a B-2 bomber made out of Iranian missile shrapnel, a letter nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize  were carefully selected and tightly controlled.

The message? This trip was about substance, not optics.

BACK IN March, the last time Netanyahu was in Washington, Iran dominated the agenda. It was at an Oval Office photo-op that Trump announced the US would begin nuclear talks with Tehran.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ironically, while the current visit came just two weeks after Operation Rising Lion and a US-led strike on Irans nuclear facilities, it wasnt Iran that took center stage. It was Gaza.

The shift of attention back to Gaza  from the bombed centrifuges of Fordow to the tunnels of Beit Hanun  was not a matter of ideology. It was a matter of immediacy. Operation Rising Lion had a definitive endpoint: the US attacks on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The war in Gaza, by contrast, continues to drag on.

Five IDF soldiers were killed in Gaza on Monday, another on Wednesday, bringing the total number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza since the Iran operation to 17. That grim tally underscored a hard truth: the war is far from over, and the Iranian operation did not end it.

That reality, as well as the hostages still languishing in Hamas captivity, continues to anchor Israels emotional center of gravity. For the public, it weighs more heavily than even the glow of success from the Iran strike.

Trump sees return of Gaza hostages as priority

FOR TRUMP as well, ending the war and freeing the hostages are a priority. He has said so repeatedly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were very close to a deal, Trump declared yet again on Wednesday, echoing what he has been saying for days. We want to have a ceasefire, we want to have peace. We want to get the hostages back. And I think were close to doing it.

And yet, unlike two weeks ago  when he reportedly ordered Netanyahu to call off airstrikes on Tehran after Iran broke the ceasefire  Trump has not, at least publicly, applied pressure on Netanyahu to make concessions that would hasten an agreement in Gaza.

This time, the diplomacy is being done quietly. A Qatari delegation arrived in Washington this week, and according to an Axios report, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with a senior Qatari official and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House to discuss a potential deal and try to bridge the remaining gaps.

Israel has reportedly passed a new proposal to Hamas via Qatar. The plan centers on a gradual redeployment of the IDF from key areas in Gaza, with the Morag Corridor  believed to be the last major point of contention in the ceasefire negotiations  at the heart of the discussions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One question hangs over all this, even if few are voicing it aloud: Did Israel trade Gaza for Fordow? In other words, did Netanyahu agree to soften his stance in Gaza in exchange for US participation in the strikes on Irans nuclear infrastructure?

If Trump helped Netanyahu tick his most crucial strategic box  inflicting a devastating blow to Irans nuclear timeline  might Netanyahu now be expected to help Trump tick his own: notching a major diplomatic win in Gaza?

And perhaps, with Iran no longer on the front burner, Netanyahu feels he can afford to be more flexible. After all, it will be hard for Hamas to claim any form of victory at a moment when the Iranian axis of resistance  of which it was a central pillar  has so dramatically unraveled since October 7.

They took over Iraq, Syria, Lebanon with Hezbollah, Gaza with Hamas, and the mouth of the Red Sea with the Houthis in Yemen. They were invincible, Netanyahu said of Iran during a Fox News interview on Wednesday. But we broke them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We first peeled off Hezbollah, which led to the collapse of the Assad regime, which in turn led to the collapse of the Iranian axis, he continued. So I think its a different Middle East.

That different Middle East may now be prompting Netanyahu to readjust his redlines in Gaza.

Still, he has his coalition to think about. Religious Zionist Party head Bezalel Smotrich and Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir have made their redlines abundantly clear: no deal that leaves Hamas intact will be accepted. Which is why Netanyahus rhetoric in Washington, even while discussing a Gaza ceasefire, has been carefully measured.

We are determined to complete our war objectives in Gaza, he said. To release all our hostages, to bring about the destruction of Hamass military and governmental capabilities, and of course to ensure that Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But even with those words, the fact that the negotiations are continuing at the current level means there is room for maneuver  room that Trump has made clear he wants to see left open  even if Smotrich and Ben-Gvir do not.

What Trump hasnt made clear, however, is any public pressure on Netanyahu. If it is happening, it is taking place in the back rooms, far away from the cameras. In front of the cameras, as far as the cameras are permitted, the closeness of the alliance was on full display during this visit.

For instance, the mezuzah case in the shape of a B-2 bomber was more than a novelty. It was a thank-you for Fordow  and a reminder of the depth of strategic cooperation that enabled that mission.

Likewise, Netanyahus presentation to Trump of a letter he had written to the Norwegian Nobel Committee nominating the president for the Nobel Peace Prize  a nomination that came months after the application process had ended  was carefully thought out. It positioned Trump as a peacemaker, reinforcing a narrative that serves him well: the man who brokered the Abraham Accords, helped end Irans grip on the region, and is thereby forging a new Middle East.

PM's visit to Washington will not be remembered for fanfare in Israel

WHILE NETANYAHU spent the week in Washington, back in Israel the public mood was increasingly weary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Support for the wars overall goals remains strong, though there is continued skepticism whether defeating Hamas and freeing the hostages can be done simultaneously. Furthermore, the costs  the fallen soldiers, the hostages, the lingering trauma  are taking a toll.

Even the remarkable success of Operation Rising Lion has done little to lighten the emotional load. Thats because the October 7 trauma remains unresolved. And because the Israel-Hamas war, unlike the campaign against Iran, has no clear endgame.

The prime ministers visit to Washington this week will not be remembered for fanfare. There was no joint announcement with the president of a new regional dawn. No memorable ceremonies. No dramatic sound bites.

But that does not mean the visit wasnt significant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The very absence of theatrics may say more than any press conference could. It hinted at hard choices ahead. It hinted at strategic bargains that may have already been made. And it hinted at the possibility  still out of reach  of a release of the hostages, a ceasefire, and a new diplomatic beginning.

Those outcomes didnt materialize this week, but for the first time in a long time, they feel possible. And as the country waits, its worth returning to what Netanyahu told Fox News in his interview on Wednesday:

President Wilson used to say, I believe in open covenants of peace, openly arrived at. I have a slight change in that formula. I believe in open covenants, secretly arrived at. Whatever we can do in diplomacy, I think we should do discreetly, and then surprise people.

The nation now waits to see what surprise  if any  might yet emerge from this low-key, high-stakes trip to Washington.
The Brief

Police departments in Delaware County are working together to solve a string of car thefts that they think might be related.

Upper Darby Township police say they had 16 stolen cars in recent weeks, the majority involving Hondas, specifically Honda Accords, that were unlocked with the key fobs still inside.

Investigators believe a group of juveniles are involved and that the cars they are allegedly stealing are also being used to commit other crimes.

UPPER DARBY, Pa. - Delaware County police departments are working together to solve what they believe are juveniles involved in a string of car thefts across several townships.Delaware County police departments are working together to solve what they believe are juveniles involved in a string of car thefts across several townships.

By the numbers

Shocking video provided to FOX 29 shows the moments a silver SUV appears to speed towards Sommers Avenue in Drexel Hill and miss the turn, crashing into a neighbors wall and fence early Monday morning. Video shows a group of people instantly get out and run up a neighbors driveway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Upper Darby Township Police say the vehicle was stolen and they believe the group inside could be linked to a rash of car thefts in Delaware County, among other crimes. In Upper Darby alone, Superintendent Tim Bernhardt says they have had 16 stolen cars in the past two weeks.

"Some of the cars that are being dumped here in Upper Darby Township are from Camden and Philadelphia," says Superintendent Bernhardt. "Theyre coming into Upper Darby and taking another car, going and committing crimes as far away as Montgomery County and Philadelphia, some of those are violent crimes."

Haverford Township Police Chief John Viola tells FOX 29 they are investigating at least eight stolen cars in recent weeks.

What they're saying

One mom of three, who did not want to go on camera, said her familys two vehicles were stolen from their quiet, tight-knit block on Melrose Avenue in Havertown. Both were recovered in Philadelphia, one with substantial damage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Its scary. We have two young kids. We always thought this was a safe neighborhood. Police patrol all the time, but unfortunately this still happens," says Jason Mannion, who lives on the block with his family.

Police say most of the cars stolen are Hondas, specifically Honda Accords, and are cars with key fobs left inside. They believe juveniles are committing the crimes.

"When they come into town looking to steal another car theyre also looking into cars. If theres anything they can take, theyre taking it. Its a crime of opportunity," says Superintendent Bernhardt. "So, were definitely asking people, keep your car in a well-lit area, keep it locked, take your key fob out and any valuables out of the car."

What you can do

Upper Darby Township Police are providing free wheel locks at police headquarters for anyone that can show proof of residency.

If you have any information about the car thefts, call police.

Upper Darby Police Department: (610) 734-7693

Haverford Township Police Department: (610) 853-1298
Since the 1970s, countless experts and the US government have sold the public a simple explanation for drug addiction, now clinically called substance abuse disorder: the myth of the gateway drug.

The gateway drug  usually cast as weed, alcohol, tobacco, or inhalants  refers to the theory that the earlier a kid starts using drugs, the more likely they are to get into the harder stuff later in life, like heroin or cocaine. Though the idea was pioneered as early as the 1930s, the policy term was believed to be coined by the psychiatrist Robert DuPont, the first director of the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Following the gateway drug theory, DuPont's policies as NIDA director were strict and authoritarian. Though he believed that addiction was a chronic disease, he paradoxically advised Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter against abatement strategies like harm reduction and decriminalization.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His policy recommendations and clinical opinions formed the ideological undercurrent of the Nixon administration's devastating War on Drugs, which led to an explosion in the US prison population and an unprecedented expansion of the police state, with little effect on overall drug use.

Now, researchers are chipping away at the gateway drug theory that led to all that.

In a recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open and flagged by Scientific American, a cohort of psychiatrists and pharmacologists investigated the brain structure of nearly 10,000 teens over three years.

What they found was striking: though the brains of those who messed around with alcohol, tobacco, or weed did show major differences from those that didn't, they found a crucial question of causality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Specifically, teens younger than 15 who ended up using drugs later already had bigger brains than those who didn't, even though they hadn't yet used drugs when the study began. Their brain profiles were similar to those who had already experimented with substances before the tests started, with both tending to have a larger cortex with more creases.

Those brain traits are typically associated with curiosity, intelligence and "openness to experience," which previous research has linked to experimenting with drugs.

"The drive to self-medicate is so strong; its really striking," Patricia Conrod, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Montreal who's conducted similar research, told SciAm. "There really is this discomfort with their inner world."

It's a pretty big blow to the gateway theory, which doesn't take into account the years of life experience or socioeconomic factors that contribute to a teen's likelihood of trying drugs in the first place, or who goes on to become addicted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While it's true that those who start using drugs from a younger age are more likely to become dependent, broader research has shown that the gateway theory serves as a way to dumb down the complex causes of drug use, often for political reasons.

"Maintaining this myth not only wastes resources but actually harms numerous individuals, primarily members of minority groups, who are being criminalized," said Eve Waltermaurer, an epidemiologist who's been researching the gateway myth for the better part of a decade.

Crucially, the study only addresses the early use of drugs, as opposed to long-term addiction. It remains to be seen if the same big-brain traits apply to those who become dependent on substances long-term.

Still, studies like this one are already being used to craft effective drug prevention programs  a step in the right direction after decades of criminalization.

More on drugs: Elon Musk Has Reportedly Been Traveling With a Box Full of Drugs
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

A new study suggests that the island of Rapa Nui, otherwise known as Easter Island, didnt develop in the extreme manner of isolation that we thought.

By comparing archeological data and radiocarbon dating, professors from Uppsala University were able to break down the development of ritual practices throughout Rapa Nui and the rest of East Polynesia into three distinct phases.

These phases suggested a greater interconnected network between the islands than had been previously identified, and challenges the idea that the transfer of cultural developments occurred only in a west-to-east pattern, and only at a singular time.

For centuries, the hundreds of mysterious monuments on the small island of Rapa Nuiincluding the iconic monolithic statues known as the moaihave offered a glimpse into a past we still dont fully understand. While researchers generally agree that Polynesians first settled the island by migrating from west to east, a new study suggests that what happened next may not have been as isolated as once thought.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As Phys.org notes, its hard to believe these islands all developed independently after the initial wave of eastward expansionespecially given the striking similarities in their monuments and the evidence of shared ritual practices.

To determine how, exactly, these similar practices came to be, Paul Wallin and Helene Martinsson-Wallin of Uppsala University analyzed and compared radiocarbon dating and archaeological data from ritual spaces and other monument sites throughout East Polynesia.

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Get the Issue

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Get the Issue

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Get the Issue

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Get the Issue

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Get the Issue

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Get the Issue

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Get the Issue

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Get the Issue

Their findings, published by Cambridge University Press, categorize the development of ritual practices in East Polynesia into three distinct periods of activity that challenge the traditional view of a one-time, west-to-east colonization and the idea that Rapa Nui developed in complete isolation.

The first phase, which the scientists say occurred between 10001300 A.D., stems from that initial west-to-east expansion. In this period, they summarize, we see that ritual space is expressed through actions, such as burials and feasting, and these spaces are marked by a stone upright. As each new area was settled, they demonstrated similarities in structure and organisation of settlement, ritual space and language-use.

But, crucially, Wallin and Martinsson-Wallin found that during the initial settlement expansion, interaction networks were established in East Polynesia that in many cases maintained continuous contact with their homeland population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the second phase, dated approximately 13001600 A.D., ritual actions materialised into clearly visible and more complex ahu/marae structures. Wallin and Martinsson-Wallin suggest this evolution in ritual practices was done with an eye toward memorializing not just various deities, but lost loved ones as well.

Ideas surrounding the materialisation of ideology expanded through established networks in the south-eastern Pacific, from the Pitcairn Islands in the east to the Society Islands, they note. Genetic studies also indicate contact between the Central Pacific area and Rapa Nui in the fourteenth century.

That means that, during these initial two phases, Rapa Nui had contact with others at least twice, and that connections to islands west of Rapa Nui are apparent.

The third phase is where the interconnectedness of these islands apparently diminished in favor of internal vertical hierarchies and the power struggles therein. The scientists note that while these internal hierarchies had already begun to manifest in some islands in the second phase (placing Rapa Nuis hierarchical expressions emerging around 13501450 A.D.), in this phase, hierarchies developed independently and rapidly in large fertile island groups such as the Society Islands, c. 16001767, and Hawaii, c. AD 15801640.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In this phase, island ritual sites expanded into megalithic structures, as local power expanded throughout the individual islands.

While a shared ideology spread between islands with initial settlers, the study authors conclude, the development of ritual places was affected by external input in the second phase, and in the third they materialised into highly visible, monumental ritual places of stone due to social hierarchisation in local settings.

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Get the Guide

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Get the Guide



Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Get the Guide

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Get the Guide

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Get the Guide

You Might Also Like
The Brief

Kevin Krenc, 32, was sentenced to 30 years for fatally shooting a man during his birthday party, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney.

Prosecutors say he shot Victor Garcia five times after a dispute over stolen shoes.

Krenc fled and hid the rifle but was arrested days later; he must serve the full sentence.

BENSENVILLE, Ill. - A Bensenville man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the 2023 shooting death of a man during his birthday party, prosecutors said.

What we know

Pictured is Kevin Krenc, 32. (DuPage County State's Attorney)

Kevin Krenc, 32, entered the plea Thursday in DuPage County court, according to the state's attorneys office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The charge stems from an incident on Oct. 14, 2023, when DuPage County sheriffs deputies responded to a call about an intoxicated man.

During the investigation, deputies learned of a fatal shooting that had occurred earlier that day on Church Road in unincorporated Bensenville.

An investigation revealed that Krenc had been celebrating his birthday with several people, including the victim, Victor Garcia, at his home.

Tensions escalated after Garcia was accused of stealing a pair of shoes and expressed feeling disrespected. Authorities said Krenc retrieved a rifle and shot Garcia five times inside a garage at his home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Krenc then hid the weapon in an enclosed trailer and fled the scene, prosecutors said. He was arrested three days later. The rifle was later found in a vent in the basement of his home.

What they're saying

"For the unprovoked, senseless killing of Victor Garcia, a father of three with a fourth child on the way at the time of his murder, Kevin Krenc will spend the next 30 years of his life away from society, where he will be unable to harm anyone," DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin said. "The fact that Mr. Krenc took responsibility for Victors murder Im sure is of no consequence to Victors family and friends who must now move forward in their lives without the love and companionship he once provided. I commend DuPage County Sheriff Mendrick and his office for their outstanding work in quickly identifying Mr. Krenc as the man who killed Victor."

What's next

Krenc has been held in the DuPage County Jail since Oct. 20, 2023, when the court granted a motion to deny him pretrial release.

He must serve the full 30-year sentence before being eligible for parole.
Cereal fans are digesting the big news from the food world. An iconic U.S. brand is set to be acquired by a European candy company. Could this deal shake up some epic flavor crossovers?

Breakfast is often coined the most important meal of the day, and it is often accompanied by friends. Smiling brand mascots on the cereal boxes create childhood memories. Those moments flavor experiences into adulthood.

Want trending news, op-eds, and top stories straight to your inbox? Sign up for our Daily newsletter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Unfortunately, WK Kellogg, the brand behind Frosted Flakes, Fruit Loops, Rice Krispies and more, has fallen on hard times. Fledging sales and changes in consumer behavior impacted the bottom line. But, the company has a lifeline.

Ferrero, the company behind Nutella and Kinder, tendered an offer to WK Kellogg. The approximate $3.1 billion deal will transfer the iconic cereal brand to the candy company. Terms are still being negotiated.

According to Ferrero Executive Chairman Giovanni Ferrero, Over recent years, Ferrero has expanded its presence in North America, bringing together our well-known brands from around the world with local jewels rooted in the U.S. Todays news is a key milestone in that journey, giving us confidence in the opportunities ahead.

What does this purchase mean to the consumer? At this point, nothing. No one is going to see cereal prices decrease or Toucan Sam fly away. Will changes happen? It seems likely, but it will be gradual.

Related: Mars Faces Backlash Over $35.9 Billion Snack Merger

Many people will want more brand crossovers. A huge consumer food trend is collaborative launches. Just this summer, Wendys added Pop-Tarts to its Frosty, Cheez-It took on Baconator flavors and Tic Tac shook up a Dr Pepper collaboration. Companies reach a larger audience when they tap into multiple fandoms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Will some people be upset that a U.S. icon is being sold to a European candy company. It is possible. But, the alternative of losing that snap, crackle and pop forever is even more disheartening.

Related: Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops Won't Look the Same Soon

Successful Candy Company Looks to Revive this Cereal Brand first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 11, 2025
CAIRO (AP)  The fight between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has escalated in Sudans central Kordofan region, killing at least four people, healthcare workers said on Friday.

Sudan's paramilitary forces launched artillery shelling on neighborhoods in Obeid city, the capital of North Kordofan province, on Thursday night, killing at least four people and injuring others, Sudan Doctors Network said in a statement. The group said the shelling targeted women and elderly people.

The RSF is targeting civilians with guided artillery rockets, deliberately inflicting fatalities in the neighborhoods of El-Obeid, which ... are densely populated with displaced people and those who fled from areas under RSF control, the group said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fighting in North Kordofan displaced around 700 households between July 4 and July 9, according to the latest update by the International Organization for Migration.

Obeid city was previously an RSF stronghold. The Sudanese military broke the RSF's yearlong siege in February, restoring access in the south-central region and strengthening crucial supply routes. The city is home to a major airbase and the militarys 5th Infantry Division, known as Haganah.

Sudan plunged into civil war in April 2023 after simmering tensions between the army and its rival paramilitary RSF escalated to fighting in the capital Khartoum and spread across the country.

The war has killed over 40,000 people and displaced over 10 million people, according to the latest estimates by the United Nations. Many have also been pushed to the brink of famine and suffer from disease outbreaks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fighting has recently intensified in the Kordofan and Darfur regions. The humanitarian crisis has deepened in these areas, with civilians facing blocked access to safe roads and struggling to obtain food and medical care.

Global humanitarian aid group Mercy Corps says the Kordofan region has become the epicenter of the ongoing war as fighting continues in North, South, and West Kordofan, limiting access to food, water, medical care and safe roads.

In Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, our team describes a city under siege. Roads have been cut off, supply lines have collapsed, and residents are walking miles just to search for salt or matches, Kadry Furany, the group's Sudan country director, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, intense fighting continues in the Darfur region, where famine-stricken displacement camps are repeatedly under attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The conflict has exacerbated the hunger situation, with UNICEF saying Thursday that there has been a 46% increase in the number of children diagnosed with malnutrition across Darfur between January and May 2025, compared to the same period last year.

The International Criminal Court believes that war crimes and crimes against humanity are ongoing in Sudans western Darfur region, the tribunals deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday.
Florida legislators are stepping up suicide prevention efforts for Florida veterans. (Getty Images)

Florida is stepping up its efforts to help abate veteran suicide by agreeing to spend $300,000 this year to expand statewide a suicide prevention program that now operates in only a handful of counties.

SB 116, which passed the Legislature unanimously and was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis last month, goes beyond mental health services, though, directing the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) to also develop a statewide plan to establish adult day health care facilities across the state to serve veterans and their families.

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Executive Director Bob Asztalos. (Photo via Bob Asztalos)

This was our big bill, and we are very excited about the stuff in it. I mean, its, really good stuff, the agencys deputy executive director, Bob Asztalos, told the Florida Phoenix.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The National Library of Medicine notes that suicide is a major public health challenge that disproportionately affects service members and veterans. And for the past 12 years, suicide rates have been consistently higher among veterans than nonveterans.

Six hundred and twenty-two Florida military veterans killed themselves in 2023, the latest available data. Thats a dip from 655 veteran suicides in 2022 but an increase from the 612 who killed themselves in 2021.

This was our big bill, and we are very excited about the stuff in it. I mean, it's, really good stuff.

 FDVA Deputy Executive Director Bob Asztalos

Asztalos expects the expanded suicide training to become available for veteran service officers in the fall. These staff are co-located at U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs outpatient clinics, VA medical centers, and VA regional offices across the state. They understand federal and state laws regarding veteran benefits and help veterans navigate the system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theyre like our frontline troops, right? Theyre out there in the field meeting with veterans every day, and so this is great training for them, because theyre the ones who run across the veterans who are, you know, having suicidal thoughts, Asztalos said.

He added that the program wont be limited to state employees but will include county-level staff who work with the The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Were going to open it up to any [service officer] who works day-to-day with veterans in crisis, Asztalos said.

Asztalos said the agency will turn to The Fire Watch to help with education efforts. Through its Watch Stander program, that organization has helped drive down the veteran suicide rates in Duval, Clay, Baker, St. Johns, and Nassau counties since launching in 2019. Although veteran suicide rates in Florida dropped by 5% between 2019 and 2023, it dropped by 25% during the same period in the five northeast Florida counties served by The Fire Watch, Florida Department of Health data show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asztalos said he expects the expanded suicide prevention offerings to become available in the fall.

No ketamine for vets

Jon Albert via Florida House

U.S. Marne Corps veteran and state Rep. Jon Albert submitted a funding request for a five-year study into the effects of ketamine for the treatment of major depressive disorder among veterans and first responders. The $300,000 would have covered the first year of study preparation, regulatory approvals, staff hiring, and software programming. The goal was to begin treatment cycles for up to 250 veterans and first responders.

The study would have involved a large scale multidisciplinary team with input from University of Florida VA faculty and a Johns Hopkins collaborator, among others.

The Legislature included in the state fiscal year 2025-26 budget but Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Journal of American Medicine in 2017 published a consensus statement highlighting the need for study of ketamine use for depression and mood disorders. Esketamine, a form of ketamine, is FDA-approved for managing depression that hasnt responded to standard treatments. Ketamine itself is used off-label to treat depression.

Asztalos said the FDVA never took a position on funding the five-year study.

The Sgt. Ernest I. Boots Thomas VA Clinic in Tallahassee. (Photo by Michael Moline/Florida Phoenix)

Joining the ranks of VA adult day care

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs allows the use of adult day care program for veterans who reside at home but need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and eating. Only New York and Iowa now are taking advantage of the adult day care centers, which can be located at VA facilities, such as nursing homes and hospitals, Asztalos said.

Florida will join those ranks when it opens a new VA nursing home in Collier County, Asztalos said, with plans to build an adult day care facility at the new home. Construction is expected to begin next year and it is anticipated to open in July 2029.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new law directs the FDVA to develop a plan to establish centers across the state. In considering locations, the state must consider sites that will do the most good for the veteran population and estimate the costs of running the facilities. The report is due to the governor and Legislature on Nov. 1.

Asztalos estimates the facilities will cost about $10 million to construct.

I would love to start opening up some adult day health cares in conjunction with our existing nursing homes, he said.

While thats his goal, he thinks the first two locations for the VA adult day care centers would be Port St. Lucie and Lake City. FDVA also has been approached by a town in South Florida with a vacant building theyd like to turn into an adult day care center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were going to go down and talk to them and see, so I envision were going to give them two, maybe three locations to start, Asztalos said of the report.

The costs to provide the services would mostly come from the federal government and, Asztalos said, the centers could generate revenue if the state keeps the costs below what the federal government provides to pay for the services. The VA nursing homes until recently have been revenue generators for the state, he said. Florida has nine VA facilities  eight nursing homes and one assisted living facility.

Usually we make about $5 million a year [collectively]. I mean, COVID and a workforce shortage has thrown us all out of whack, but were getting back this year. This year, were down a little bit less than a million dollars in deficit, but next year well be back in the black completely.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at any time by calling 1-800-273-8255.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Guns for sale at Casos Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)

The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic rifles into machine guns in Washington and other states where they are illegal.

More than a dozen states sued the administration last month over its plan to return nearly 12,000 previously confiscated devices like forced reset triggers installed on rifles that allow them to shoot up to 900 rounds per minute.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In response, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed in a court filing late last month it wouldnt directly return the triggers to their owners in states where theyre illegal.

It is unfortunate that litigation was necessary when the federal government could have made these commitments much earlier, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement Friday. But I will do everything possible to keep Washingtonians safe from dangerous machine-gun conversion devices.

The other states bringing the litigation are California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. The District of Columbia is also a plaintiff. Most of the states have laws banning forced reset triggers.

They argued the proliferation of these conversion devices in recent years has led to an increase in crimes committed with machine guns.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Biden administration filed lawsuits against manufacturers and gun sellers and seized the devices from gun stores and individuals. The administration decided forced reset triggers were basically machine guns that are prohibited under federal law.

But last year, a federal judge in Texas disagreed, and ordered the Biden administration to return some of the conversion devices. The administration was complying but declined to send the triggers back to states where theyre illegal.

President Donald Trump accelerated that work, settling with manufacturers and agreeing to return the seized or surrendered devices to their owners across the country, including those convicted of felonies, the states lawsuit filed last month noted.

The states argued this would lead to more gun violence and force them to expend resources to confiscate the devices again. This would result in added costs for police and health care. Gun violence killed over 1,000 Washingtonians in 2023, according to federal data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a court filing, an ATF official wrote that there would be two notices for device owners. One will go to those in states where forced reset triggers are legal explaining how to get them returned.

The second, for those in states like Washington where theyre illegal, will give owners three options. They could request the ATF make the transfer to them in a state where its legal, request transfer to a third-party in a legal state or abandon the device. If an owner does not want a device returned, the federal government would destroy it.

The triggers also wont be returned to people prohibited from possessing firearms.

Rare Breed Triggers, a main manufacturer and seller of forced reset triggers, also committed in court papers not to sell or ship its returned products into states where theyre illegal. The companys president estimated the ATF took custody of at least $2.5 million worth of Rare Breed products.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Because of these commitments, on Friday, the states dropped their request in Maryland federal court for a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administrations return plans.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Youngstown State University students may not be on campus right now but this weekend, plenty of locals will fill their place.

On Friday, staff members and vendors were getting ready for YSUs Summer Festival of the Arts. The weekend event will have food trucks, two performance stages and over 100 vendors.

The last few years, the festival set up at Wean Park but on Saturday, it returns to the center of campus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quite frankly, there was many of us, myself included, that were so excited but we listen to the artists, too. President Johnson said when he first started and he lived through the first one, that he wanted it back home. He wanted it to come back to Youngstown State University and here we are, said Shannon Tirone, university relations associate vice president.

Organizers have been planning the event since last October. It runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio (WCMH)  A former central Ohio superintendent who entered early retirement with a comfortable pay hike is now back in education, working as superintendent in another central Ohio school district.

Former Pickerington Superintendent Chris Briggs surprised the district last summer when he announced his early retirement. Briggs had received a new pay and benefits package just weeks before he announced he was leaving, saying he was going to take advantage of new state retirement benefits. One year later, and just months into his retirement, Briggs was selected to serve as Washington Court Houses superintendent.

Washington Court House Director of Marketing, Communications and Safety Trevor Patton said Briggs will assume the role on Aug. 1, although Briggs has been serving as interim superintendent since June 2. Briggs retired from the Pickerington Local School District on Jan. 31, although his contract originally would have ended on July 31, 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anduril receives $310 million state grant to build drones, weapons in central Ohio

The move raised eyebrows among some Pickerington parents who were concerned by the enticing retirement package Briggs received six months ago. The district board of education passed a contract addendum 3-2 for Briggs on June 24, 2024, that raised his salary to $205,400, included a $15,000 bonus and introduced a much higher pay rate for any accrued sick days upon his retirement. His resignation letter was dated July 5, 2024. According to payroll documents obtained by NBC4, his total severance package was $70,000.

Briggss compensation was the subject of criticism among Pickerington teachers even before the June 2024 raise. In 2023, he received an 11.2% raise mid-contract, where teachers received just a 2.5% raise, causing some to speak out. See previous coverage in the video player above.

Parents also said past district spending on Briggs compensation could contribute to their opinion of an upcoming levy request, especially because he received retirement benefits but is no longer retired. The district will decide between two possible levy requests later this month, postponing the initial vote to allow for more community feedback. Although the levy will bring in money for the school to spend on operational costs, including salaries, the levy request extends far beyond compensation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These (levy) proposals were shaped through extensive financial analysis and strategic forecasting, district spokesperson Jacqueline Bryant said. To support transparency, were hosting a series of town hall meetings so community members can learn more about the districts fiscal position and the need to generate additional operating revenue.

The district is predicting an enrollment increase of more than 1,000 students in the next four years and is already pressed for funding for its currently enrolled 11,222 students. The district has been bringing in less money than it is spending since 2022.

Although Briggs compensation was approved during that deficit spending, the districts annual operating costs are between $150 million and $200 million, per the districts financial plan. Even with a full years pay and the bonus included, Briggs contract would have made up just 0.1% of total district spending, so the levy request is rooted in the other 99.9% of costs.

His retirement compensation was governed by state law and the terms of a publicly approved addendum, which accounted for legally accrued benefits. While we understand some may hold differing views on that decision, it has no bearing on the districts current funding challenges or the proposed levy, Bryant said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How new Superman movie was filmed in Ohio with $11 million in tax credits, hired 3,000 locals

Washington Court House has not published Briggs salary, but the job posting estimated the position would start with a base salary between $150,000 and $170,000. The district did not respond to NBC4s inquiry about Briggs new salary by publication.

According to Washington Court Houses superintendent search profile, compiled from focus groups of district employees and community members, the district wanted someone unifying, experienced and open-minded. Briggs had 30 years of experience in education, including his time at Pickerington, contributing to him being an ideal candidate. Washington Court Houses school board approved his appointment unanimously.

Washington Court House City Schools has a proud tradition of strong academics and a well-earned reputation for student success, thanks to the incredible work of our teachers, administrators and support staff, Briggs said in his introductory email to faculty and staff. I look forward to contributing to continued success and providing leadership during this time of transition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Washington Court House leadership echoed Briggs excitement to have him on the team. As for Pickerington, the district is hosting four budgetary town hall meetings with Briggs successor, Charles Smialek, over the next two weeks. The board will vote on which levy will go to the ballot on July 28.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree, or click this link to fill out the form. We welcome diverse viewpoints.

To all MAGA offended by characterizing Superman as a caring, empathetic American immigrant, consider an alternative universe where his space capsule landed in Russia or China and he grew up there during WWII and the Cold War.

How would he have used his powers to aid those nations?

David Corenswet stars in "Superman."

Maybe if Superman had landed in Mexico, he could have used his powers to seize and destroy all the weapons exported from the U.S. to cartels, or seized all the American money sent to Mexico from our citizens purchasing all that smuggled cocaine and marijuana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Superman's spacecraft could've landed anywhere in the world, but it arrived in rural America. As a result, in Superman's original story, he grew up to believe in truth, justice and the American Way.

And he used his power to save other Americans.

Larry Sheridan, Nashville 37221

Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Superman may be an immigrant, but that's not the point | Letters
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Last summer saw Superman filming right here in Ohio and with the film now in theaters, excitement is sky-high.

The impact of the production settling in Cleveland for three weeks and Cincinnati for two days, will surely put a spotlight on Ohios film economy.

This is a superhero born in Cleveland, out of the minds of Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster, says Bill Garvey, president of the Cleveland Film Commission. Its almost part of our cultural fabric.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Review: Superman

Bringing the film to Cleveland is something that the film commission considers one of its greatest accomplishments.

To do that, the commission, a small but mighty team, pitched the city as a viable place for the film to call home. Before a good pitch, though, there has to be a solid foundation to rest on.

It starts with those relationships and understanding what the core of the story is and how do we best represent that in the locations we have here in Cleveland, said Garvey. And that becomes the core of our pitch.

Superman movie to film in Cincinnati, Cleveland; more than 3,000 locals to be hired

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The process of pitching a studio to bring their film to a given city or state is a competitive one. In the U.S. alone, there are 38 states that offer motion picture tax credits. To risk oversimplifying, these credits ease the financial burden on a given production. There are also 106 countries around the world that offer similar incentives.

So our job is, you know, yes, its a pretty important job at the beginning to compete against other jurisdictions that are going after the project, said Garvey.

After a successful campaign, the Ohio Department of Development awarded Superman (under the codename Genesis) with an $11 million Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit last February.

Movies, TV shows awarded $36 million in tax credits to film in Ohio

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the productions arrival, the Ohio Department of Development says that areas like Public Square, Progressive Field, The Cleveland Arcade, Cleveland City Hall and more were transformed into the venues of Metropolis.

Cincinnati also plays a part in the films Ohio roots, with the Lytle Tunnel on I-71 and the Cincy Museum Center each being places where the production filmed.

This film brings our past and future together on the big screen, and invites the whole world to be part of something iconic  something truly made in Ohio, says Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development.

Ohio isnt just in the background, its part of the story, and were proud to welcome anyone who wants to step into that story and experience these incredible locations in person, says State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ultimately, with a film like Superman being made partly in Ohio, it reinforces the idea that local filmmakers can do that without leaving the state.

This is an Ohio industry. We were at the very beginning of this industry, Garvey affirms before referencing when Thomas Edison and Warner Brothers were making their paths.

This is a career you can participate in right here in Ohio. These are high paying jobs that come with a pension and healthcare and theyre here.

Superman soars into theaters

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Earlier it was as the pope. Now President Donald Trump has envisioned himself as Superman.

An image issued July 10 by the White House pictures the 47th president dressed in the DC comics superhero's costume. And just in time for the release of a new Superman movie in which the MAGA universe is melting down over the messaging of the defender of truth, justice and the American Way's as an "immigrant."

James Gunn, who wrote the script and directed the film, said in an interview that the movie the story of America. Then he noted that the Man of Steel is an immigrant that came from other places and that the movie's theme is that basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zing, MAGAs.

Here are five things to know about Superman, Trump and how the movie may or not make a statement about the polarizing, nationwide immigration crackdown.

Right-wing backlash to portrayal of Superman

Predictably, the assertions by Gunn and others has drawn sharply worded criticism from conservatives and others. On Fox News, the script was derided as "woke."

One post on X, by a user who refers to himself as a "Hispanic American," argued that: "Superman was not an illegal immigrant, he was an unaccompanied refugee minor, who was immediately adopted by an American family. Even though he was born a Kryptonian, his story is not one of immigration, but one of adoption and assimilation of American culture."

White House portrays Trump as ... well ... see for yourself.

The Trump-as-Superman post did not comment on the movie, but sought to portray the president as "Superman Trump," and a symbol of hope."

THE SYMBOL OF HOPE.



TRUTH. JUSTICE. THE AMERICAN WAY.



SUPERMAN TRUMP.  pic.twitter.com/fwFWeYonAq  The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 11, 2025

Superman posting not as controversial as papal one

Two months ago, Trump circulated an AI-generated visual of himself in papal attire on his social-media account. The May 3 posting appeared as global Catholics were mourning the April 21 death of Pope Francis. Cardinals from around the world were also gathering for a conclave to choose the next pontiff, ultimately the American-born Pope Leo XIV, on May 7.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump's Truth Social papal image drew a rebuke from New York bishops.

"There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President," the Catholic Bishops of New York State wrote on X. "We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us."

Screenshot of an NFT issued by Donald Trump

Trump has positioned himself as a superhero before

In 2022, Trump, then an ex-president, issued a series of digital trading cards for sale. The images showed Trump in a variety of characters, including a superhero.

Superman, Trump Superman clash on polarizing issue: Immigration

Trump has called for the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, saying, as president and as a candidate, that millions of immigrants who entered the country through the border or have been given refuge under a variety of circumstances are largely criminals and "poison the blood" of the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But polls have shown Trump's position is at odds with a growing consensus of Americans not in agreement with his view.

A poll issued by Gallup on July 11 showed a large cross-section of Americans believing that immigration is a positive force in the country.

About 79% of respondents told pollsters that immigration is a good thing in the United States, a 15-point increase from a year ago. Roughly 20% had a negative view of newcomers, down 12 points from 2024. Moreover, 85%, said they would approve of a pathway to citizenship for children who came illegally to the United States, just like Superman.

A minority of those asked, roughly 40%, said they approve of deporting immigrants in the United States who are here without permission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A survey of conservative Miami-Dade County Hispanics, all of who said they voted for Trump in 2024, also saw some sharp breaks with the president on the immigration. The findings by Mi Vecino, a Florida voter registration group, said support for the ICE raids dropped to 44% from 74% among those who said they "personally affected" by the detentions.

Fewer than half  46%  backed the so-called Alligator Alcatraz detention center in the Everglades with 54% opposing it.

But 88% of those asked said they would still cast a vote for Trump. Still, in a statement, Mi Vecino founder Alex Berrios said the poll's findings show "support is starting to crack" even among what are some of Trump's most stalwart supporters.

One in three of these voters has been personally affected by these raids. That is not an abstract number. That is entire neighborhoods living in fear, the statement said. These are not fringe voters. These are people who voted for Trump twice. And they are starting to walk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 'Superman Trump' image, new superhero movie clash over immigration
By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -Essential services for the Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh are at risk of collapsing unless more money is found, the United Nations refugee agency said on Friday, with its appeal for $255 million to support them just 35% funded.

More than 1 million Rohingya have been crammed into the camps in southeastern Bangladesh, the world's largest refugee settlement. Most fled a brutal crackdown by Myanmar's military in 2017, although some have been there for longer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There is a huge gap in terms of what we need and what resources are available. These funding gaps will affect the daily living of Rohingya refugees as they depend on humanitarian support on a daily basis for food, health and education," United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees spokesperson Babar Baloch told reporters in Geneva.

The humanitarian sector has been roiled by funding reductions from major donors, led by the U.S. under President Donald Trump and other Western countries, as they prioritise defence spending prompted by growing fears of Russia and China.

"With the acute global funding crisis, the critical needs of both newly arrived refugees and those already present will be unmet, and essential services for the whole Rohingya refugee population are at risk of collapsing unless additional funds are secured," Baloch said.

Health services would be severely disrupted by September, and by December essential food assistance would stop, UNHCR said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least 150,000 Rohingya refugees have arrived in Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh in the last 18 months, according to UNHCR.

Violence and persecution against the Rohingya, a mostly Muslim minority in mainly Buddhist Myanmar's western Rakhine state, have continued to force thousands to seek protection across the border in Bangladesh, it added.

"This movement of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh... is the largest from Myanmar into Bangladesh since 2017 when some 750,000 Rohingya fled the deadly violence in their native Rakhine state in Myanmar," Baloch stated.

(Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Miranda Murray)
Public health advocates won a big case in the Supreme Court on the last day of this year's term, but the victory came with an asterisk.

The decision ended one threat to the no-cost preventive services  from cancer and diabetes screenings to statin drugs and vaccines  used by more than 150 million Americans who have health insurance.

But it did so by empowering the nation's foremost vaccine skeptic: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Losing would have been "a terrible result," said Washington attorney Andrew Pincus. Insurers would have been free to quit paying for the drugs, screenings and other services that were proven effective in saving lives and money.

But winning means that "the secretary has the power to set aside" the recommendations of medical experts and remove approved drugs, he said. "His actions will be subject to review in court," he added.

The new legal fight has already begun.

Last month, Kennedy cited a "crisis of public trust" when he removed all 17 members of a separate vaccine advisory committee. His replacements included some vaccine skeptics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The vaccines that are recommended by this committee are included as preventive services that insurers must provide.

Read more: At Supreme Court, steady wins for conservative states and Trump's claims of executive power

On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups sued Kennedy for having removed the COVID-19 vaccine as a recommended immunization for pregnant women and healthy children. The suit called this an "arbitrary" and "baseless" decision that violates the Administrative Procedure Act.

"We're taking legal action because we believe children deserve better," said Dr. Susan J. Kressly, the academy's president. "This wasn't just sidelining science. It's an attack on the very foundation of how we protect families and children's health."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Wednesday, Kennedy postponed a scheduled meeting of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that was at the center of the court case.

"Obviously, many screenings that relate to chronic diseases could face changes," said Richard Hughes IV, a Washington lawyer and law professor. "A major area of concern is coverage of PrEP for HIV," a preventive drug that was challenged in the Texas lawsuit that came to the Supreme Court.

By one measure, the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision was a rare win for liberals. The justices overturned a ruling by Texas judges that would have struck down the popular benefit that came with Obamacare. The 2012 law required insurers to provide at no cost the preventive services that were approved as highly effective.

But conservative critics had spotted what they saw was a flaw in the Affordable Care Act. They noted the task force of unpaid medical experts who recommend the best and most cost-effective preventive care was described in the law as "independent."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That word was enough to drive the five-year legal battle.

Steven Hotze, a Texas employer, had sued in 2020 and said he objected on religious grounds to providing HIV prevention drugs, even if none of his employees were using those drugs.

The suit went before U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth, who in 2018 had struck down Obamacare as unconstitutional. In 2022, he ruled for the Texas employer and struck down the required preventive services on the grounds that members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force made legally binding decisions even though they had not been appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

The 5th Circuit Court put his decision on hold but upheld his ruling that the work of the preventive services task force was unconstitutional because its members were "free from any supervision" by the president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, the Biden administration asked the Supreme Court to hear the case of Xavier Becerra vs. Braidwood Management. The appeal said the Texas ruling "jeopardizes health protections that have been in place for 14 years and millions of Americans currently enjoy."

The court agreed to hear the case, and by the time of the oral argument in April, the Trump administration had a new secretary of HHS. The case was now Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vs. Braidwood Management.

Read more: Hiltzik: With slate of anti-vaccine moves, RFK Jr. steps up his assault on public health

The court's six conservatives believe the Constitution gives the president full executive power to control the government and to put his officials in charge. But they split on what that meant in this case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Constitution says the president can appoint ambassadors, judges and "all other Officers of the United States" with Senate approval. In addition, "Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers" in the hands of the president or "the heads of departments."

Option two made more sense, said Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh. He spoke for the court, including Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and the court's three liberal justices.

"The Executive Branch under both President Trump and President Biden has argued that the Preventive Services Task Force members are inferior officers and therefore may be appointed by the Secretary of HHS. We agree," he wrote.

This "preserves the chain of political accountability. ... The Task Force members are removable at will by the Secretary of HHS, and their recommendations are reviewable by the Secretary before they take effect."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ruling was a clear win for Kennedy and the Trump administration. It made clear the medical experts are not "independent" and can be readily replaced by RFK Jr.

It did not win over the three justices on the right. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a 37-page dissent.

"Under our Constitution, appointment by the President with Senate confirmation is the rule. Appointment by a department head is an exception that Congress must consciously choose to adopt," he said, joined by Justices Samuel A. Alito and Neil M. Gorsuch.

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A surgeon banned from working for a private healthcare company, following an investigation into patient safety, continues to work in the NHS, the BBC understands.

Nuffield Health has stopped Marc Lamah from working in their hospitals, but he is still operating on patients for the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

An NHS patient left with a twisted bowel following an operation he carried out said he should never work again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Lamah did not respond to the BBC's request for comment sent via his employer.

In January the BBC revealed concerns had been raised about Mr Lamah's complication rate and that he was no longer practising at Nuffield Health's hospital in Brighton pending an investigation.

A former employee at the hospital told the BBC that internal data showed one third of Mr Lamah's patients had experienced a "moderate harm event", where, for instance, a patient had to be transferred to another hospital or re-admitted, over a 12-month period. The figure should be 5%, the BBC was told.

The Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton has been at the centre of several recent controversies [BBC]

In a statement to the BBC, Nuffield Health said following an independent investigation, "we can confirm Mr Lamah's practicing privileges with Nuffield Health have been withdrawn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"His conduct did not meet the standards of medical practice and governance we expect. Patient safety is our top priority, and we hold all consultants to the highest standards."

Mr Lamah continues to operate as a colorectal surgeon at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, told the BBC it had audited Mr Lamah's NHS data, which showed his outcomes were within the expected national range. The trust added that Nuffield's investigation had found "no concerns with regard to technical abilities, surgical practice or patient safety".

The trust is at the centre of a large police investigation, Operation Bramber, looking into at least 200 cases of alleged medical negligence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sussex Police is examining concerns about avoidable harm and cover-ups in the trust's neurosurgery and general surgery departments between 2015 and 2021.

The trust runs seven hospitals across East and West Sussex and is one of the largest organisations within the NHS, providing care to a population of almost two million people.

Sheryl Hunter says she suffered "five years of hell" after complications following bowel surgery by Marc Lamah [BBC]

Sheryl Hunter says she has suffered "five years of hell" after an NHS operation carried out by Mr Lamah. She has to manually excavate her bowels and has needed several emergency admissions.

After suffering from endometriosis for a number of years, in 2019 doctors decided that Ms Hunter, a mother of one, needed an operation to ease her pain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Lamah decided the best approach was to remove a part of her large intestine, the colon, and connect it to her small intestine.

A few days after she was discharged, said Ms Hunter, "I felt something pop, and this very awful fluid was coming out of me".

She was rushed back to the Royal Sussex where they discovered the joint between the two intestines had torn, and "for 10 days it had been filling up my abdomen with bowel matter."

This is a known complication of this type of surgery, the BBC understands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite that problem being resolved, Ms Hunter continued to suffer extreme pain for several years, necessitating repeated visits to both her GP and the Royal Sussex hospital.

She said: "I have very little good days. By that, I mean I am curled up in a ball crying.

"When I try to go to the toilet, I scream on the toilet in tears because it is so painful to go, to open up my bowels. I have to manually do that, which means I have to wear gloves.

"The pain is very severe  it's in my stomach, it gets into my spine, down my legs, my arms."

Letters shared with the BBC by Ms Hunter show her GP wrote to Mr Lamah repeatedly requesting he see her again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In January, 2023 the GP wrote that "we have written to you on multiple occasions to review her and discuss her options".

A few days later Mr Lamah replied to say he had not received any previous letters.

But almost 12 months later, in December 2023, the GP wrote another letter urging Mr Lamah to see her.

Ms Hunter told the BBC he was "begged" by colleagues to see her but "he refused".

Finally, in April 2024, she was seen by another consultant at a different hospital run by the same trust - the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath - when she found out what was causing her pain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The main problem is a 180 degree twist on the small bowel causing an internal hernia and twisting the anastomosis [the surgical joint]," said the discharge sheet given to Ms Hunter by the hospital after the procedure.

"When they did the reconnection [of the intestines], they put it on backwards," Sheryl said she was told.

"That [creates] a risk of rupture. If you rupture, it's a two-hour window before death.

"Had I not been manually opening my bowels for five years, they said that would have happened."

The trust said surgical error was only presented as one of a range of possibilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The BBC passed the details to an independent medical expert who said the twist "certainly is a consequence of the 2019 operation".

The trust said only a further operation would confirm if Mr Lamah had made an error or whether the twist had occurred naturally.

However, the damage is now more extensive than it would have been had Ms Hunter been treated earlier.

She has been told she will need pelvic reconstruction surgery before she can have another operation to try to fix her intestines. She is on a waiting list for the first procedure and has spoken to Sussex Police about her experience.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Former NHS colleagues have also raised concerns to the BBC about Mr Lamah, but he continues to practise at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

"I think it's disgusting. That man shouldn't be allowed to touch any other patients," said Ms Hunter.

"I was told Marc Lamah has a terrible bedside manner, but he's a fantastic surgeon.

"Marc Lamar has a terrible bedside manner, and he's a terrible surgeon. He shouldn't be allowed to operate, as far as I'm concerned."

'Robust systems'

In a statement, Prof Katie Urch, chief medical officer for the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, told the BBC: "We can't publicly discuss an individual's care, but we absolutely understand the distress and difficulty anyone living with ongoing complex health issues can face.

"Our clinical teams are dedicated to understanding their patients' needs and providing the highest standard of care.

"Whilst no medical procedure can guarantee a successful outcome, our teams strive for the best possible results every day  and if we ever have cause to think we could have done more for a patient we have robust systems, including the routine use of independent experts, to help us learn and improve."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

More on this story

Related internet links
Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), says he wants to stay in his post until the war with Russia is over.

Source: Budanov in an interview with Bloomberg

Details: Budanov is set to mark five years as chief of military intelligence next month. "If I survive," he said. When asked to elaborate, Budanov replied that "anything can happen" and referred to a memorial at the agency, which honours intelligence officers killed in action. He said there is still plenty of room for more names.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Budanov said he hopes to remain in his position until the war ends. "Now, my dream is to stop this war," he said. "Ukraine is a country of opportunities. In future, Ill decide what I would like to do."

Budanov described the cooperation between Ukrainian intelligence and its Western counterparts as "excellent", adding that he expects the information exchange to continue. He noted that Ukraine depends on the United States for early warning about missile launches and for access to satellite imagery.

Bloomberg points out that Budanov has become one of the most prominent public figures in Ukraine. A recent poll by the Rating sociological group, conducted on 4-5 July, placed Budanov among the three most trusted officials. According to the results, 56% of Ukrainians trust him, compared to 67% for President Zelenskyy and 73% for former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

Background:

The Economist in the article Ukraines political infighting gets nasty wrote that Andrii Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, is attempting to remove Budanov for the ninth time, but he remains in office.

Sources close to Yermak call Budanov an "erratic revolutionary" who is supposedly building his own political team. "Ninety per cent of the [presidents] office think hes mad and ten per cent think hes a genius," one of the insiders reports.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The Brief

A man was found shot Wednesday on Sunflower and Coffee Streets. He was later pronounced deceased.

Police say the shooting happened during an altercation at a nearby convenience store.

The suspect was found in a hospital with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.

HOUSTON - A man has been arrested for a deadly shooting that happened in southeast Houston on Wednesday evening, police say.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Man dies after shooting in Southeast Houston, police say

Houston shooting near Coffee, Sunflower Streets: Suspect arrested

What we know

Houston police announced the arrest of 22-year-old Daniel Tevante Comick on Thursday. Police say he has been charged with murder for the death of a 56-year-old man.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The shooting happened at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday at a convenience store parking lot on Bellfort Avenue and Cullen Boulevard. According to HPD Lt. Crowson, the victim was shot during an altercation at the store.

Police were called to the scene, and they reportedly found the victim nearby in the 8200 block of Coffee Street. The man was taken to a hospital, but was later pronounced deceased.

Officers identified Comick as the suspect. Police say Comick was found at a local hospital, where he was being treated for a gunshot wound that's believed to have been self-inflicted.

Comick was reportedly detained without incident. Police say the Harris County District Attorney's Office was contacted, and Comick was charged and arrested.

What we don't know

The victim has not been identified at this time. His identity will be verified by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

The Source

Houston Police Department and previous FOX 26 reporting.
A suspect was arrested for a series of costly retail thefts targeting shoe stores across L.A. County.

The suspect was identified as Henry Rivera, 23, of Compton, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

LAPDs Organized Retail Crimes Task Force (ORCTF) was investigating Rivera in connection with at least nine separate incidents of robbery and grand theft.

During the thefts, Rivera allegedly escaped with around $25,800 worth of stolen merchandise.

Henry Rivera, 23, of Compton, was arrested for a series of retail thefts targeting shoe stores across Los Angeles County. (Los Angeles Police Department) Two firearms and a substantial amount of stolen merchandise was found at the supects residence on July 2, 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department)

On July 2, he was located in the 100 block of E. Alondra Boulevard in Compton. He was taken into custody following a search warrant where police found two firearms and a substantial amount of stolen goods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was arrested for grand theft and remains in custody on $300,000 bail.

The ORCTF remains dedicated to combating organized retail theft and continues working in partnership with retailer partners to safeguard local businesses, authorities said.

Anyone with information on this case or similar incidents is urged to call the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247. Anyone with tips or videos/photos is asked to email ORC@lapd.online.

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Editors note: This story corrects the date of the shooting. We regret the error.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  The suspect in an Austintown shooting earlier this year pleaded guilty Friday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Read next: Man sentenced for Youngstown crash that killed 12-year-old boy

Isabella Repucci, 20, also known as Jordan, entered guilty pleas before Judge Maureen Sweeney to charges of felonious assault, a second-degree felony with a firearm specification; and tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The attorneys in the case recommended a sentence of five to six years, which was adopted by Judge Sweeney.

Repucci is accused of wounding a man in the leg on April 30 during a shooting at the Compass West Apartments.

Witnesses told police they saw Repucci walking with a man about 8:10 p.m. toward a car when they heard two gunshots and saw Repucci leaving in another car.

Police were called and found the man lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the leg. He was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Repucci was later arrested by Warren Police in the 400 block of Elm Road. Reports said Repucci claimed the shooting was in self-defense and that investigators were also able to find the gun used in the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Repucci has been in the Mahoning County Jail on $32,000 bond that was set during the initial court appearance in the case.

Defense attorney Aaron Meikle asked the judge to uphold the sentencing agreement, saying it was his clients only arrest and Repucci will not be back in court again.

She recognizes she made a stupid mistake, Meikle said.

Repucci apologized and wanted to take accountability for those actions.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GILES COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man was taken into custody in a Middle Tennessee motel Friday morning after his wife and a girl were found dead in Alabama and his son was reported missing.

According to the Auburn Police Department in Alabama, officers responded to the 1200 block of Samantha Court for a welfare check around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10 and discovered a woman and girl dead inside the home.

News 2s sister station, WRBL, reported the victims had been identified as 34-year-old Tyeisha Williams and 13-year-old Zynnya Wright, adding that investigators said the two were likely killed up to 48 hours before being found.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities said they also learned about a 3-year-old, Jibreel Harun, who was missing from the residence. Police believed the boy may have been traveling in a gray 2010 Honda Accord with his father, 41-year-old Aaron Dontay Williams, who was not at the home when officers arrived.

Mother accused of shooting teen daughter in West Nashville apartment

WRBL described Tyeisha as Aarons wife and Jibreels mother, and Zynnya as Aarons stepdaughter and Jibreels half-sister.

Officials issued an AMBER Alert for Jibreel, since he was believed to be in imminent danger. Law enforcement also warned the public not to interact with Aaron because he was believed to be armed and dangerous, describing him as a suspect in double murder, kidnapping.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Later on, the Auburn Police Department  in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force  reportedly found Aarons vehicle in Giles County, Tennessee.

According to the Giles County Sheriffs Department, personnel from the USMS, the FBI, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation took Aaron into custody around 8 a.m. on Friday, July 11 at the Rodeway Inn in Ardmore.

Authorities said they found Jibreel safe and in good health. Officials are working to reunite him with his family.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Giles County Sheriffs Department said Aaron was brought to the Giles County Jail, where hes being held on a fugitive from justice warrant pending extradition to Alabama.

The Auburn Police Department would like to thank the United States Marshals Service, the FBI, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Alabama Fusion Center, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Giles County Sheriffs Office, Huntsville Community Corrections, the Huntsville SWAT Team, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Parole, the Elkmont Police Department, the Madison County Sheriffs Office, Central Alabama Crime Stoppers, and the entire Auburn community for all of the assistance they provided to this investigation, the Auburn Police Department said in a statement.

If you have any information about this case, youre asked to call the Auburn Police Department Investigations Section at 334-501-3140.

No additional details have been released.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A man stole an ambulance from Medical City Dallas Hospital early Thursday, leading police on a chase along Interstate 45 that ended in a crash, authorities said.

The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was injured and airlifted to a hospital, where he is expected to recover.

Dallas police responded to a report of a stolen emergency vehicle around 1:15 a.m. at the hospital, located at 7777 Forest Lane, according to a press release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An Acadian Ambulance was stolen while a medic was working in the back. The medic was thrown from an open door as the suspect drove off, sustaining minor injuries, police said.

An off-duty Dallas officer working security at the hospital was alerted to the theft.

Police tracked the ambulance as it traveled southbound on I-45 into Ellis County. Ferris police attempted a traffic stop, but the suspect fled, prompting a brief pursuit. Near Pace Road south of Ferris, about 20 miles south of downtown Dallas, the ambulance crashed through a guardrail, rolled down a steep embankment, and landed in a creek bed in Palmer, Texas.

Palmer firefighters extricated the trapped suspect, who was airlifted to a Dallas hospital in unknown condition, according to Ellis County officials. Authorities said the suspect faces multiple charges, including theft of the ambulance and evading arrest, though no charges have been formally filed.

Officials have not disclosed why the suspect was at the hospital or provided further details about his identity. The investigation is ongoing.




NEED TO KNOW

Bodyguards using the fitness app Strava have inadvertently shared the locations and movements of Sweden's prime minister and royal family members

Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter tracked over 1,400 workouts by seven bodyguards, revealing sensitive locations including the prime minister's home address

A Strava spokesman said, "To be clear, there has not been a leak or breach of user data. We expect Strava users working in sensitive professions to leverage the privacy settings available"





Bodyguards for the Swedish royal family and Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson accidentally revealed top-secret location info via a fitness app.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The New York Times shared the information published by the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter this week. Using the Strava app, Dagens Nyheter was able to track over 1,400 workouts by seven bodyguards over the past year, revealing the prime minister's home address, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia's vacation information, top state meetings and more.

According to The Guardian, their tracked movements included spots around the world, from Central Park in New York City to areas close to the Ukrainian border in Poland.



The Swedish Security Police take the information very seriously, said a spokesperson for Sakerhetspolisen (SAPO), per NBC News. This is a matter of data that could be used to gather information about the activities of our Service.

Dignitaries that our Service is responsible for protecting are subject to several layers of protection, where their close protection by bodyguards is one layer, the spokesperson added. Our Service is now taking the necessary steps to ensure that our procedures are followed closely, so that this does not happen again."

PONTUS LUNDAHL/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden

The prime ministers office and the Swedish Royal Court did not offer a comment on the report. Dagens Nyheter reported that Swedish police were investigating the data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"To be clear, there has not been a leak or breach of user data, a Strava spokesman told The New York Times. We expect Strava users working in sensitive professions to leverage the privacy settings available.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

This isn't the first time Strava has given away the movements of world leaders. In 2024, French newspaper Le Monde examined "security holes" that revealed the locations of France's President Emmanuel Macron, then-U.S. President Joe Biden, and more.



Read the original article on People
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  It took the Virginia Beach Fire Departments eight-person Swiftwater Rescue Team 24 hours, with stops, to get to Kerr County, Texas to begin their work in the search for missing people in the wake of the flash floods that have killed at least 120 people. Another 173 people are missing.

Virginia Beach Fire Departments Swiftwater Rescue Team deploys to Texas for flood assistance

The number of missing is really concerning, and as the leader of the Virginia Beach Swiftwater Rescue Team said, the team is now in recovery mode.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The video shows the team going down swollen streams in swift currents, and they are now engaged in secondary searches for more bodies unaccounted for.

Team Leader Battalion Chief Jeff Smith said its been going very slow.

Were methodically working through all the debris, the brush, Smith said. We got to deal with the animal life that comes across the water, which is still moving somewhat fast, so we got to keep that in consideration, too.

Smith said of all assignments, this one is most impactful as they carry out the grim job of finding the dead.

Indicators are odors, circling birds give us a good sign, Smith said. There could be something there, and then we call in dogs to verify.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

10 On Your Side asked Smith to turn around the camera to show us where he is. Due to circumstance the signal is spotty at best.

Well, you see the rubbish, Smith said. You can see the bottom of the chassis and the wheels up in the air. The top half of the  tractor trailer  is right there. 

The team leader was stuck by how fast the flooding waters rose, lifting animals into trees.

They had like, I dont know, a steer, Smith said. I guess thats what you would call it. It was probably 30 feet up in a tree.

What also stands out to Smith? Children.

You see kids that are helping there, he said. Theyve got that motivation and drive there, got that community feeling, and theyre all coming together with the adults and all the visitors to help out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is also still so much work to be done before the team returns to Virginia Beach.

Theyve still got 60 miles of river to search for, he said. These are the secondary searches, and the main searches were the last couple of days where they had the rescues and the high water.

Think about that still 60 miles of river to search.

Smith said its an honor to serve in times of crisis, that this specialized units training, dedication and the teams reputation puts them in a great position and opportunity to serve.

Smith said he is unsure when the team will return.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Latreece Williams hasnt had a good nights sleep at her home in Perkerson Park in over a month.

Not since her son Dewayne Lamar High Jr., who was diagnosed with epilepsy and bipolar schizoaffective disorder in 2011, has been locked up in Fulton County Jail.

I call watch command every day to ask for a wellness check, and they keep telling me hes fine, but I know hes not, Williams told Capital B Atlanta.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Williams, High, 31, has been having daily seizures as a result of not having his proper medications, and she is terrified he will die in jail.

A guard called me [a couple of weeks ago] because my son asked him to call and tell me that he wasnt getting his medication, she said.

This is hardly the first time the relative of an incarcerated person with mental illness has made allegations of mistreatment against the Fulton County jail. Last November, the U.S. Department of Justice released a scathing 97-page report cataloging the numerous constitutional and human rights violations they found during a yearlong investigation.

Read More: This Is Not Normal: Protesters Decry Atrocious Conditions at Fulton County Jail

The DOJ team concluded that constitutionally inadequate medical care has led to serious injury or death for incarcerated people and highlights poor medication administration practices as one of the most egregious problems with the jails medical care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials calculated that of the 32 of people who died in custody since January 2021, 75% had a history of mental illness. The investigation was triggered by the gruesome death in custody of Lashawn Thompson in September 2022.

Thompson, 35, was arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge and held in the jails psychiatric unit from June until his death three months later.

Thompsons autopsy, performed by Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr., chair of the pathology department at Howard University College of Medicine, found the cause of death to be complications due to severe neglect, with untreated decompensated schizophrenia as a contributing cause. He also found that Thompson was suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, and severe body insect infestation at the time of his death. As a result of the neglect, Thompson suffered cardiac arrhythmia that caused his death.

Had Mr. Thompson received adequate care during his incarceration at the Fulton County Jail than [sic] he would not have died at the time that he did, Mitchell wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In January, a few weeks after the report was published, the county and the sheriffs office entered into an agreement called a consent decree with the federal government to address the dire situation.

Read More: Two Deaths at Fulton Jail Raise More Questions about Safety and Oversight

But Williams believes changes arent happening quickly enough for people currently being held at the jail. She said her son didnt receive his prescribed medications for the first few weeks of his incarceration until she made a formal complaint at the courthouse. Now she believes he is being given a generic seizure medication that doesnt work as well for him, instead of the medications he has been prescribed for years.

Im trying to get him sent to Georgia Regional [Hospital] because I feel like the system is failing my son, she said.

High was diagnosed with epilepsy and bipolar schizoaffective disorder in 2011. In 2018, he was placed on life support after multiple seizures. (Courtesy of Latreece Williams)

Jails arent equipped to address mental illness

High, a father of four, was arrested June 6 for allegedly following a woman and her teenage daughter from a convenience store into their airport hotel and refusing to leave. Management eventually escorted him off the property as police arrived. He was initially charged with simple assault, criminal trespass, and obstruction of justice for allegedly spitting on the arresting officers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Before he was booked into Rice Street, High was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital to treat his injuries. Williams said she believes the injuries were caused by the arresting officers; however, the police report describes them as having happened prior to the arrest. According to the police report, while at Grady, High set fire to the bed he was laying in with a lighter he had hidden in his anal cavity.

That in and of itself should have told yall he had a mental health issue, Williams said.

Since the arrest, she said that her son has had multiple physical altercations with law enforcement officers, each resulting in more criminal charges.

I called intake, and I was trying to let them know about his mental health situation, and they told me I cant call and tell them anything, that the doctor in the jail has to be the one to say he has bipolar schizophrenia and seizures, Williams said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesperson for the Fulton County Sheriffs Office declined to comment on Williams assertion that her son isnt receiving the medication he needs. In a statement to Capital B Atlanta, officials said: We cannot disclose medical information regarding our residents to the public. If the mother has concerns, the jail can address them with her.

But according to Williams, she has made multiple attempts to advocate for her son with jail officials with little success.



Nobodys listening to me, nobodys doing nothing about it. Everybodys doing what they want to do, how they want to do it, she said.

In the most recent incident on June 19, High told his mother that the guards dropped him on his head. She said it left him unable to move the left side of his face.

When I called watch command to ask about him, she told me, Did you know your son injured a deputy so bad hes been out of work and he might have to get surgery? and I told her, I dont care, Williams said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If they had listened to me when I told them about his mental illness, my son nor the guard would be hurt.

No court date, no help

Excessive use of force against mentally ill incarcerated people was another focus in the Justice Departments report. Investigators found that jail staff regularly use force without first attempting to de-escalate. The report identified three primary causes, understaffing, poor policies and supervisors filing to identify, correct and discipline officers.

Based on the guidelines of the consent decree, the sheriffs office must implement clear guidance and provide corrections officers with training on what is an appropriate use of force and what constitutes excessive force.

In May, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners also approved $1.8 million per quarter for the Detention Services Incentive Fund to pay for additional corrections officers to work in Fulton County Jail facilities.

Read More: Overcrowded and Understaffed: Fulton County Jail Gets Money to Hire More Deputies

During Wednesdays board meeting, however, District 3 Commissioner Dana Barrett revealed that no money had been transferred because Sheriff Pat Labat objects to the portion of the bill requiring that he produce a quarterly report for the commissioners on where each employee is assigned. She has introduced a motion to remove that part of the original legislation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The commissioners ended up voting 5-2 to file Barretts motion for further discussion  she and commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. were the two no votes.

High remains incarcerated at Rice Street without another court date. His public defender is working to get him placed in a psychiatric mental health program instead of pre-trial detention, which can often take months for a spot to open.

Williams said she is remaining hopeful, in part because earlier this week her son was assigned a social worker that is trying to get him transferred to Grady temporarily while he awaits placement in a mental health treatment program.

Capital B Atlanta reached out to the judge-appointed consent decree monitor, but did not receive a response in time for publication.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I dont want my son to lose his life at Rice Street, Williams said. They have no care for humanity at all.

The post The System Is Failing My Son: Mother of Bipolar Man Fears for Sons Life Inside Fulton County Jail appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
T-Mobile has announced that it will eliminate all of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and dedicated positions.

The move comes in response to a recent call-out by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), following a similar request to another cellular giant, Verizon, back in May.

According to an official filing posted by FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, T-Mobile confirmed that it will no longer have any individual roles or teams focused on DEI, which is likely to signal a cultural shift within one of Americas largest wireless carriers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Carr celebrated the changes on social media, with conservative commentator and anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck praising the corporations changes.

Im proud to have advised the FCC on gutting DEI from companies and I predict many more wins under Brendans leadership. Sanity is not just desired, its required, Starbuck wrote.

The rapid rollback of DEI initiatives by big companies comes after growing public backlash, with many Americans questioning whether race- or identity-focused programs promote fairness or create new forms of division.

One of the biggest corporate public backlashes was from the biker community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, reports began to emerge of Harley-Davidson customers increasing impatience with the companys modern branding, DEI initiatives, and LGBTQ connections, as well as its perceived lack of respect for consumer history and character, as previously covered by DX.

The motorcycle companys rebranding, particularly, became a major talking point among riders at this years 84th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota last summer, which draws about 500,000 attendees annually. At Sturgis, many bikers told the media that they would be buying from other American motorcycle manufacturers, like Indian Motorcycles, after Harley-Davidson continued to seemingly ignore their concerns.

The controversy intensified after Starbuck called out Harleys other various left-leaning internal policies.

Starbuck claimed the company required white men to attend exclusive diversity training, backed laws allowing men in womens private spaces if they identify as transgender, and promoted all-ages Pride events that include drag-queen story time and rage rooms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In August, following the Sturgis rally and declining stock values, Harley-Davidson announced that it would also put the brakes on the majority of its DEI programs, as reported by DX.

Companies like John Deere and Bud Light also faced collective pushback from consumers in 2024 after they leaned too heavily into forcing DEI marketing schemes.
This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Taco Cabana will start serving Cabana Refreshers on July 23 as part of the chains expansion of its beverage menu, the company said in a press release Wednesday.

The Refreshers, which come in Peach, Strawberry, Mango, Blackberry and Pink Blend (a strawberry and mango combination) are currently limited-time offers, but could become permanent if they perform well. There is currently no end date for the drinks, a company spokesperson said in an email.

Taco Cabana is the latest restaurant chain to expand its beverage menu with refreshers, an amorphous menu category. In June, Whataburger added refreshers, and Taco Bell added Refrescas to their menus in a drive to reach $5 billion in beverage sales by 2030.

Dive Insight:

Taco Cabana President and COO Ulyses Camacho said this move is a response to ongoing beverage innovation in the QSR and fast casual segments. Chains have been turning to these iced, sweet drinks to expand their menus and appeal to Gen Z consumers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

[Cabana Refreshers] showcase our continued commitment to evolving with the category and providing guests with value-driven beverages, Camacho said.

Cabana Refreshers are priced at $3.29. The drinks are made with a lemonade base mixed with a fruit blend. They will be available for dine-in, drive-thru, online and delivery orders across all of the Texas-based chains locations. Comparatively, Taco Bells Refrescas range from $3.79 to $4.49, while Whataburgers Prickly Pear Raspberry Whatafresher starts at $3.69.

Taco Cabana has also been working on various LTO menu innovations in recent months. Earlier this year, Taco Cabana offered a Tacos & Tequila menu that included two tacos and a margarita. For the Cinco de Mayo holiday, it offered a Cholula Rita LTO.

Having a successful drink lineup that appeals to younger consumers could also drive additional franchising interest. The chain has almost 150 company-owned units in Texas and began seeking multi-unit franchisees in October to expand the concept into areas like Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

Recommended Reading
After months of cutting positions and displacing staff, Pierce Countys largest school district has finalized its budget for the 2025-2026 school year, closing the $30 million budget gap it was tasked with addressing.

Tacoma Public Schools has seen expenses exceed revenues on the scale of tens of millions of dollars in recent years, and this year sounded the alarm about the state of its finances. District officials have spoken publicly about how its reserves have been depleted and said TPS was dangerously close to what state officials call binding conditions  when the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is required to step in to help the district balance its budget.

The district has come under fire from teachers, parents, staff and students for the way it has gone about addressing the $30 million deficit, saying the cuts it has made will disproportionately impact Tacomas most vulnerable students and staff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The budget that the board approved in a 3-0 vote on July 10, with board members Enrique Leon and Elizabeth Bonbright absent from the meeting, listed total revenues in its general fund at $587,835,217 and total expenses in its general fund at $579,275,119. Chief financial officer Rosalind Medina said she anticipates the district will start the 2025-2026 academic year with an increase in its reserves by about $5 million.

The budget was approved after a public hearing that drew only one public commenter: Kari Madden, president of the Tacoma Federation for Education Support Professionals. She called for the district to get creative in its efforts to balance the budget with strategies like a freeze on administrative salaries.

What I have been looking for most is transparency. If these measures have been considered, tell us. Tell us what creative solutions you have considered, and why you dont believe they will work for Tacoma, Madden said at the meeting. Without that it just feels like youre ignoring us and continuing with whats easy.

Recent budget adjustments

After the U.S. Department of Education announced it was withholding grant funding for certain federally funded programs, the district said it could lose about $2.5 million for programs that are designed to serve migrants and English-language learners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Medina said at the meeting that the news came too late in the districts budgeting process to account for the potential loss of those dollars, so the budget for the next school year has been built on the assumption that the federal government will provide the district with that money.

If we lose those resources, we now have a budget issue moving into the 25-26 year. Its a fluid activity that were still engaging in, Medina said. As I said, its a plan.

The Olympian reported that Washingtons Democratic members of Congress recently issued a letter calling for those funds to be released by Aug. 1, and state superintendent Chris Reykdal warned that the rule of law is on its final breath after the news of the withheld funds broke last week.

Superintendent Josh Garcia said its possible that district staff might have to return to the board to make a budget adjustment in the fall if the federal government does not deliver the money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We may have to bring an additional adoption for you in August if the federal government withdrew those funds, because we are so tightly in that space, Garcia said. In this landscape it is going to be so dynamic.

The district also was notified late in the budgeting process that the state would not be covering the districts transportation safety net, about $750,000 that Tacoma Public Schools typically uses to cover the cost of transporting homeless youth to school. Since the district is required by federal law to do so, it added a $750,000 cost to its budget-balancing efforts.

Tacoma Public Schools general fund budget is largely made up of compensation costs, which Medina said make up 84% of the 2025-2026 budget, down from 86% in the last budget. The approval of the budget also comes after the board finalized last month a new collective-bargaining agreement with the Tacoma Education Association. The approval of the unions new collective-bargaining agreement meant an investment of $2.4 million every year for all three years of the CBA.

The new CBA includes minimal salary increases for employees represented by the union, according to union president Angel Morton. Given the districts financial situation, the union focused on securing changes to the contract that would improve teachers working conditions, rather than significant pay raises, Morton said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The contract includes an annual cost-of-living raise but stops short of giving teachers raises beyond that, and among other things sets a cap on the number of students added to special education classes, to ease the workload for teachers. If students are added, the new contract requires that a paraeducator, also known as education support professionals or ESPs, be added to support the teacher.

Our main concern with our high-needs kids, our special populations, is that we want bodies to be able to do the work, Morton told The News Tribune. Just throwing money at overages, as is often the easy solution, it doesnt help the teachers have the time to do the work to meet the needs.

Morton said the district initially offered the union a 1% raise in addition to the cost-of-living raise, but TEA opted to take only the cost-of-living raise to allow the money for the additional 1% to be invested in the policies that would ensure more ESPs can remain employed and teacher working conditions can be improved.

But really, what drove the conversation is the needs of the students, she said.
The Brief

Tampa General Hospital and the University of South Florida are working together on a study that will develop artificial intelligence to detect pain in babies in real-time.

The study lasts for two years and uses cameras to record NICU babies participating for about 72 hours past-operation.

TAMPA, Fla. - Researchers are looking to use artificial intelligence to detect when a baby is in pain.

The backstory

A babys cry is enough to alert anyone that somethings wrong. But for some of the most critical babies in hospital care, they cant cry when they are hurting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

READ: FDA approves first AI tool to predict breast cancer risk

"As a bedside nurse, it is very hard. You are trying to read from the signals from the baby," said Marcia Kneusel, a clinical research nurse with TGH and USF Muma NICU.

With more than 20 years working in the neonatal intensive care unit, Kneusel said nurses read vital signs and rely on their experience to care for the infants.

"However, it really, it's not as clearly defined as if you had a machine that could do that for you," she said.

MORE: USF doctor enters final year of research to see if AI can detect vocal diseases

Big picture view

Thats where a study by the University of South Florida comes in. USF is working with TGH to develop artificial intelligence to detect a babys pain in real-time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We're going to have a camera system basically facing the infant. And the camera system will be able to look at the facial expression, body motion, and hear the crying sound, and also getting the vital signal," said Yu Sun, a robotics and AI professor at USF.

Yu heads up research on USFs AI study, and he said its part of a two-year $1.2 million National Institutes of Health grant.

He said the study will capture data by recording video of the babies before a procedure for a baseline. Video will record the babies for 72 hours after the procedure, then be loaded into a computer to create the AI program. It will help tell the computer how to use the same basic signals a nurse looks at to pinpoint pain.

READ: These states are spending the most on health insurance, study shows

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Then there's alarm will be sent to the nurse, the nurse will come and check the situation, decide how to treat the pain," said Sun.

What they're saying

Kneusel said theres been a lot of change over the years in the NICU world with how medical professionals handle infant pain.

"There was a time period we just gave lots of meds, and then we realized that that wasn't a good thing. And so we switched to as many non-pharmacological agents as we could, but then, you know, our baby's in pain. So, I've seen a lot of change," said Kneusel.

Why you should care

Nurses like Kneusel said the study could change their care for the better.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I've been in this world for a long time, and these babies are dear to me. You really don't want to see them in pain, and you don't want to do anything that isn't in their best interest," said Kneusel.

MORE:California woman gets married after lifesaving surgery to remove 40-pound tumor

USF said there are 120 babies participating in the study, not just at TGH but also at Stanford University Hospital in California and Inova Hospital in Virginia.

What's next

Sun said the study is in the first phase of gathering the technological data and developing the AI model. The next phase will be clinical trials for real world testing in hospital settings, and it would be through a $4 million NIH grant, Sun said.

The Source

The information used in this story was gathered by FOX13s Briona Arradondo from the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital.
Taste of Chicago: Sandwich Joint that Inspired The Bear Heads for Los Angeles originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

Yes, chef: Jeremy Allen White stars as Carmy Berzatto in 'The Bear.'Courtesy of FX

Forget your decadent scallop dinner. For one weekend only this July, its all about the Italian beef sandwich.



Presented by cookware brand HexClad, Mr. Beef will pop up at the Third Street location of Uncle Paulies Deli from July 19 to 20.



Mr. Beef, a sandwich shop in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, served as the inspiration for the family sandwich shop at the center of FXs The Bear. It is best known for its Italian beef sandwiches.



Were super excited for this years event, Uncle Paulies Deli co-founder and owner Paulie James shared with Los Angeles magazine. After last years success, it was a no-brainer to do it again.



From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, Angelenos can load up on sandwiches from Mr. Beef owner Chris Zucchero, limited-edition merch and other tasty delights from HexClad (like a complimentary pickle cart) and Courtney Storer, The Bears Chicago-native culinary director. Early arrival is recommended to get ahead of the teams anticipated sell-out.



Uncle Paulies Deli is located at 8053 W Third Street in Beverly Grove.

Courtesy HexClad

Added James, Chris and I hit it off right away, and I told him, Ive gotta get you to L.A. for something. Courtney, being the boss she is, made it all happen. Chris will be serving up his classic Chicago beef sandwiches just like he does back home; Courtneys bringing her homemade Italian ices to beat the heat and, of course, well have some Uncle Paulies staples in the mix."



Since debuting in June 2022, Christopher Storer and Joanna Calos psychological comedy-drama about a prestige chef seeking his own greatness has charmed audiences and critics, making Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colon-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson and Edwin Lee Gibson some of our favorite actors to watch on TV year after year. Season 4 premiered on June 25 on FX/ Hulu, setting chef Carmy (Allen White) and team into overhaul mode after a mixed Chicago Tribune rating throws them off on the quest to earn a Michelin star at the Bear. All the while, the Beef window that started it all sells out of sandwiches day after day. The Bear has earned a total of 21 Emmys out of 36 nominations and 5 Golden Globes from 12 nominations.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
AURORA, Colo. (KDVR)  A former Aurora school resource officer who was convicted for sending inappropriate text messages to a student is facing more legal troubles.

The teenage victim and her family are now suing Egide Ndagije, the former officer, and the Aurora Police Department for negligence, violation of constitutional rights, and emotional distress.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ndagije accepted a plea deal and was criminally convicted, pleading guilty to official misconduct, for sending sexually charged text messages. He was sentenced to probation, community service, and can never serve as a police officer in the state of Colorado.

Now that the criminal process has played out in court, a 31-page civil complaint was filed in Arapahoe County District Court his week claiming Ndagije groomed and sexually exploited a then 16-year-old student.

The complaint goes on to state that the Aurora Police Department failed to properly vet, train, and supervise the officer.

Attorney Matthew Haltzman has represented the victim since the 2023 incident that FOX31 first reported last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My client and her family want this department and this officer to be held accountable, Haltzman told FOX31.

At the time Ndagije was a SRO at Aurora Central High School and exchanged cell phone numbers with the victim who reached out for help. Brazen text messages show the former officer asking the 16-year-old about sexual encounters and experiences and questioning her about her underwear, among other inappropriate things.

His level of comfort to text a 16-year-old the sort of things that he did is disturbing and the fact that hes a member of law enforcement and knows all of the consequences of his decision to do that, thats scary, Haltzman explained.

Two men arrested for allegedly sexually enticing children in exchange for vapes

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The victim felt uncomfortable about the text messages and shared them with her parents who then reported the incident to police. Ndagije was placed on leave and an internal affairs and CBI investigation was conducted. The investigation ultimately lead to criminal charges being filed against Ndagije.

The former SRO resigned during the internal investigation. Aurora police told FOX31 in a statment if he did not resign, Ndagije would have been terminated.

This is a text book example of lack of supervision, Haltzman said. This is an officer with very little training, and no one is really checking in or making sure hes engaging inappropriate behavior. We know that because all this behavior happened right under APDs nose.

He goes on to say the victim still suffers nearly two years removed from the incident. She was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and is in therapy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Haltzman said the red flags were glaring. The former SRO graduated from Aurora Central High School himself, was in his 20s, brought young girls into his office alone, used a police database to look-up personal information about the victim and her family members, and took pictures of female students on his cell phone.

Demonstration at Aurora high schools shows drone technology aimed at stopping school shooters

Had anybody at APD in a supervisory position just taken time to come by the school and check in on things, to see what was going on, they wouldve seen that something very wrong was happening here and that didnt happen, Haltzman said.

Ndagijes POST certification was revoked by the state. APD told FOX31 they notified the Attorney Generals Office to decertify him, but cant comment on pending litigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW)  A 19-year-old Cleveland man is wanted after police said he opened fire on a home in a Cleveland Heights neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Cleveland Heights Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, near the intersection of Lecona Drive and Randolph Road.

Driver trapped after slamming into fire truck at scene of another crash

When officers arrived, they found a residence that had been struck multiple times by gunfire. Broken glass was seen at the front door. No one was hurt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Investigators said Donell Jones was seen firing a weapon while standing in the street. A second male was reported to have been with him, though no charges have been announced in connection with that individual.

6-year-old boy survives near-drowning, witnesses angels in heaven

Police believe the shooting was a targeted attack on the home and not a random act of violence.

Jones has been charged with felonious assault and improper discharge of a firearm into a habitation, both second-degree felonies. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. Anyone with information on Jones whereabouts is asked to contact Cleveland Heights Police at 216-291-3883 or Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County at 216-252-7463.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Temple, TX (FOX 44)  The Temple Community Clinic has received a grant from E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. The foundations early support has helped launch the Clinics integrated social work model. The model is now considered a national best practice in charitable care.

The low-cost social work model addresses challenges patients face outside the exam room, such as medication access and chronic care management. In 2024 alone, the team secured $3.9 million in life-saving medications at no cost to patients or donors.

The clinic was also able to open a new state-of-the-art facility thanks to the matching grant provided by the foundation. The building has now been in use for 18 months and continues to expand services and improve patient access.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Clinic reflects the care and pride of its team . Its mission and values align closely with ours. There is a deep need for this level of care in Bell County, and it is remarkable to see an organization provide such high-quality services, said Tommy Stinson of the Carpenter Foundation. The foundation is a longtime partner in advancing access to healthcare, resources, and health education for uninsured and underinsured residents in Bell County.

The Temple Clinic works hard to prepare the next generation of social workers while delivering real-time care thanks to its partnership with UMHB, Baylor, and UT Arlington. The social work model has been presented at the national level and recognized as best practice by both the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics (TXACC) and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC). The clinic also received a Gold Rating from the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics and the Advanced Gold Seal from the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics.

The Foundation didnt just invest in a programthey invested in people, outcomes, and long-term solutions, said executive director Sherri Woytek. They helped us move from vision to a sustainable model of care.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  More Temporary Flight Restrictions have been issued for parts of Central Texas as the search continues for those who remain missing after devastating floods swept across the state.

What to know about Temporary Flight Restrictions after drone collides with helicopter responding to Texas floods

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday issued two new Temporary Flight Restrictions, or TFRs, in the Hill Country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Temporary Flight Restrictions are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and restrict aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area for a limited time, according to the FAA website. They are communicated through Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs. Pilots must always check NOTAMs prior to their flights, per the FAA.

A press release from the FAA said the TFRs were issued because the search efforts in Kerr County and beyond create an ongoing operation with a high volume of aircraft operating in a tight corridor, and adherence to the temporary flight restrictions rules must be followed for the safety of all aircraft and ground personnel within the area.

Reasons for issuing a TFR, according to the FAA, include:

Natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes

Certain major sporting events

Emergency or national security situations

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are six different TFR types: Space Operations, Air Shows/Sports, Security, Hazards, VIP, and Special.

One of the two TFRs issued Thursday is categorized as security, and the other is VIP, which are typically issued to protect travel of the President, Vice President, or other high-ranking government officials, according to the National Business Aviation Association.

President Donald Trump is expected to visit Kerrville on Friday, along with several Texas political leaders.

Trump, Texas leaders to visit Kerrville on Friday

The area and time frame of TFRs are subject to change, but active TFRs are published on the FAAs TFR website and updated in real time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

TFRs are also displayed in FAA resources for drone pilots:

Low Altitude Authorization And Notification Capability (LAANC)  applications provided by FAA-approved companies to deliver airspace authorizations on behalf of the FAA

B4UFLY App  an app designed for recreational drone flyers

Only pilots cleared through the Air Operations Center (AOC) may operate within the TFR. After pilots receive clearance, their activity will be tracked. Those with a legitimate need to operate within the TFR can contact the Air Operations Center  UAS Command at (936) 577-2370.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Tenants say co-defendant in Marcos Lopez case believed to be collecting rent while wanted by police

9 Investigates is uncovering another layer in the investigation into the alleged illegal gambling operation involving suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez.

According to her tenants, Ying Zhang, the only co-defendant wanted by law enforcement in this case, is trying to collect rent while law enforcement is looking for her.

Zhang owns Kylin Property Management that operated out of an office in Orlando Chinatown shopping mall on Colonial Drive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tenants say instead of paying through the online portal as they typically do, they received emails from Kylin Property Management, telling them to pay to a Zelle account. Its emails tenants say are suspicious.

This is as Zhangs former employees say they believe shes in China.

Ring doorbell video shows an unidentified man posting a notice on the door of a Polk County home.

The notice says the tenants had three days to pay rent or vacate the property.

I said, why are you putting this notice on my door? He said, well, somebody just sent me to put it on the door, said a tenant who did not want to be identified.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zhangs management company is responsible to deliver that payment to the homeowner. We found many of the homeowners list mailing addresses out of state.

The tenant says she always pays rent, but when she went to pay July 1, the portal, which they typically submit payments to, no longer existed. Later, she received emails saying to pay to a Zelle account. She says she immediately began asking questions, including if she could pay directly to the homeowner. She even asked if she could speak on the phone with the homeowner, but she says she hasnt heard back.

I was very scared that my money would not go to the owner. And then later down the line, Im getting kicked out with nowhere to go with no money, said a tenant who only wanted to be identified by her first name, Erika.

Erika says she called the number attached to the Zelle account, and Ying Zhang answered the phone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We found in a simple Google Search, the number for the Zelle connects to Zhang and also to Kylin Realty.

9 Investigates called the number Friday, but it was disconnected.

Both tenants say Julius Melendez, who is the broker on record for Kylin Property Management, warned them the Zelle request did not come from him.

He said, Do not pay to Kate, the tenant said.

Melendez told us Wednesday hes still sorting out how these tenants can get money directly to the owners but did tell tenants to hold onto their money in a savings account, according to texts obtained by 9 Investigates.

In the meantime, two tenants reported to law enforcement about the suspicious requests for Zelle payments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is as Orange County Sheriffs Office is also investigating after Melendez filed a police report, alleging Ying Zhang forged his signature and stole his identity through business records.

Jonathan Rose, a criminal defense attorney not tied to this case, says typically in racketeering cases, law enforcement and prosecutors ask the judge to order to freeze bank accounts and other assets believed to be tied to alleged criminal enterprises.

I would absolutely expect them to have done that at some point, given the alleged nature and length allegedly that the illegal gambling operation was going on, Rose told 9 Investigates.

Zhang is accused of operating the illegal gambling operation with co-defendants in the case including Lopez.

Do you have a story for WFTVs 9 Investigators?

Click the banner below to submit a tip.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A Tennessee man was arrested and charged for two separate crashes in Rainbow City.

Missing 3-year-old Alabama child found safe following statewide manhunt for father

On May 7, Rainbow City officers were made aware of a potential hit-and-run crash in the area of Whorton Bend Road on Highway 77. According to RCPD, they were able to locate the suspects vehicle that was involved further down on Whorton Bend Road. The vehicle was reportedly lying on the drivers side, and authorities identified the driver as Larry Boyles, 57.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Boyles was cited for leaving the scene of an accident and driving under the influence-controlled substances.

Boyles was taken into custody on July 10 and released on a $2,500 bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Details about the shooter who opened fire on Border Patrol agents at an annex in McAllen, Texas, Monday remain scant days later as assaults against federal immigration officials are on the rise.

Authorities identified Ryan Louis Mosqueda, 27, as the suspect Monday, confirming Mosqueda was killed at the scene.

"Both Border Patrol agents and local police helped neutralize the shooter," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Monday. "Two officers and a Border Patrol employee were injured, including one shot in the knee. All three have gone to the hospital. This is an ongoing investigation led by the FBI."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shooter Who Opened Fire On Border Patrol Agents In South Texas Identified By Police Chief

But the motive of the shooter still remains unknown, and McAllen, Texas, Police Chief Victor Rodriguez did not have any additional information to share with reporters during a news conference Monday about why Mosqueda opened fire on the agents. .

Details about the shooter who opened fire on Border Patrol agents at an annex in McAllen, Texas, July 7, 2025, remain scant days later, and assaults against federal immigration officials are on the rise.

Rodriguez said the gunman fired off "many dozens" of rounds at Customs and Border Protection's McAllen, Texas, station. Mosqueda is affiliated with a Michigan address, and his car had Michigan license plates.

Read On The Fox News App

However, Rodriguez said Mosqueda was reported missing from an address in Weslaco, Texas, less than 20 miles away, and that "an hour and a few minutes later he was at this particular location, opening fire on a federal building."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mosqueda's brother, Joe, told Detroit's WDIV Local he'd never witnessed his brother speak about immigration issues or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) but said he suspected he was dealing with undiagnosed mental health challenges.

"Out of the blue," Joe Mosqueda told the outlet. "I dont know if he was intentionally targeting, I dont know. I believe it was mental health issues."

Joe Mosqueda or other family members could not be immediately reached for comment by email or phone calls by Fox News Digital.

Red States Consider Alligator Alcatraz Spinoffs As Wh Urges Them To Follow Desantis Lead: 'Lots Of Bears'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

The Department of Homeland Security reported earlier in July that assaults against ICE officers and other federal immigration agents have risen nearly 700% compared to 2024. While the agency reported 10 assault incidents between Jan. 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024, that number rose to 79 reported assaults in the same time frame in 2025.

Other recent episodes of violence against law enforcement include another shooting near ICE's Prairieland Detention Facility Friday, where a Texas police officer was shot in the neck. The Justice Department announced Tuesday that 10 individuals face charges in the shooting.

The White House has urged Democrats to scale back language toward federal immigration officials after the shooting and other similar instances of violence.

The White House and press secretary Karoline Leavitt have urged Democrats to scale back language toward federal immigration officials after the shooting and other similar instances of violence.

"We certainly call on Democrats to tone down their rhetoric against ICE and Border Patrol agents, who, again, are everyday men and women," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"These are honorable Americans who are just simply trying to do their job to enforce the law. They go home to their families every night, just like we all do, and they deserve respect and dignity for trying to enforce our nation's immigration laws and to remove public safety threats from our communities."

Lawmakers, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., have issued harsh statements about ICE in recent weeks. Jayapal accused ICE of acting "like a terrorist force" in June and defended her comments in a July 2 interview with CNN after the White House demanded an apology from the lawmaker.

Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Bolsters Border Security By $100 Billion

Lawmakers, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., have issued harsh statements toward ICE in recent weeks.

Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., who oversees the House Homeland Security committees subcommittee on border security and enforcement, said in a statement Wednesday to Fox News Digital that "radical anti-law enforcement rhetoric" has prompted the uptick in crime against federal immigration officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This dangerous rhetoric from the far left jeopardizes the safety of our men and women in green. Violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated," Guest said. "The Committee on Homeland Security is in close contact with DHS concerning this attack on our law enforcement, and we will support the FBIs investigation into the individual responsible and their motives."

Fox News Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.





Original article source: Texas Border Patrol shooter details remain scant as violence against ICE, CBP agents surges




NEED TO KNOW

Officials in one Texas community are attributing their investment into an updated siren system with saving lives amid the devastating floods that impacted several counties in central Texas last week

Danny Morales, assistant chief of the Comfort Volunteer Fire Department, told NBC News that residents "knew that if they heard the siren, they gotta get out"

Anything we can do to add to the safety, were going to sit down and try to make it work, he said





One Texas community hit by last week's multi-county flooding activated an emergency siren system for the first time, which officials believe helped save lives

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Danny Morales, assistant chief of the Comfort Volunteer Fire Department, said that nobody died in Comfort, according to NBC News. The small town home to about 2,300 people in Kendall County, which is about 20 miles away from Kerr County, where the majority of deaths from the flooding disaster occurred and at least 96 have died.

People knew that if they heard the siren, they gotta get out, Morales told NBC News.

Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Damage at an RV park along the Guadalupe River in Comfort, Texas on July 5, 2025 Damage at an RV park along the Guadalupe River in Comfort, Texas on July 5, 2025

In a separate interview with the Associated Press, Morales, who has been with the fire department for decades, said that he helped secure funding for the security system last year when the opportunity came up  years after a 1978 flood killed 15 people in Comfort, including his grandfather.

Last year, the firehouse was given a new siren, while an old siren was refurbished and moved to Comfort Park, where officials hooked it up to a U.S. Geological Survey sensor at Cypress Creek, the AP. reported While the siren can be manually triggered, the sensor also does the same when water levels reach a certain point.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the news agency, the sirens use a specific flat tone for floods and a different sound for tornados.

We do for ourselves and for the community, Morales said. If we hadnt had a drought the past months and the [Cypress] Creek hadnt been down, we could have had another '78. The past few days, Ill tell you, it brings back a lot.

Anything we can do to add to the safety, were going to sit down and try to make it work, he added, sharing that funders have contacted him about adding a third siren in town. The way things are happening, it might be time to enhance the system even further.

As noted by NBC News, despite years of talks about installing a sirens in Kerr County, there was none in place at the time of the tragedy, although it's difficult to know the impact that kind of warning system could have had.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The outlet went on to point out that the flooding hit Kerr Counter earlier, at a time when many residents were either sleeping or at least still indoors. In Kendall County, where Comfort is located, by the time the sirens went off, many people were already awake and aware of the devastating situation at hand.

Still, Lorena Guillen, owner of Blue Oak RV Park in Kerrville  who went door to door to urge her guests to flee last week  told MSNBC that cell service in Texas Hill Country is spotty and having a siren like they do with tornadoes" could have helped.

Brady Constantine, fire marshal and emergency management coordinator for Kendall County, told ABC affiliate KSAT that he awoke to the a warning he set up around 2 a.m. on the day of the floods and learned of the rising waters of the Guadalupe River. He then called up Morales, who set up a command at the fire station by 4:30 a.m.

The county sent out its first wireless emergency message by 5:30 a.m.  ahead of three additional alerts all before 8:06 a.m., per KSAT. The county also issued a mandatory evacuation for those living near the river, which began rising around 9 a.m. in Comfort, according to the outlet. At 10:52 a.m., the fire department sounded the flood sirens  both at the park and at the fire station.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Together, the sirens cost the county about $70,000, with 80% covered by a nonprofit, according to KSAT.

Were going to sit back and do an evaluation after this to see how we can improve our system," said County Judge Shane Stolarczyk.

Beyond the sirens themselves, residents were also sent a flash flood warnings and additional notifications, per the outlet. That warning system was utilized and was a significant factor in us having a quick response, Stolarczyk said.

Cruz Newberry, owner of Table Rock Alerting Systems which installed Comforts system last year, told NBC News that the sirens are a measure of a last resort  following media alerts, phone warnings and social media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The nice thing with an outdoor warning system is its one of the few methods that local officials have at their disposal where they can literally press a button and warn citizens themselves, Newberry said. Its difficult to ignore a siren blaring for three minutes straight.



To learn how to help support the victims and recovery efforts from the Texas floods, click here.

Read the original article on People
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) The tragedy in Texas serves as a powerful reminder of what mother nature is capable of and for one local community, the story brings back terrible memories.

28/22s Avery Nape met with a member of that community Thursday afternoon to find out why the disaster in the southwest hit home for them.

The parallels drawn between last weeks flood in Texas and a 1955 flood in Monroe County, are startling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was like Deja Vu all over again, recalled Craig Schaffer, Stroudsburg.

What to know about the surge in data centers across NEPA

This was Craig Schaffers reaction to the news of the Texas flood that so far, has claimed the lives of around 120 people.

Among those, 27 children and counselors from the Christian summer camp.

It brings back memories of a major flood in august of 1955 in Stroudsburg that claimed roughly 70 lives, 37 of which were from Davis Cabins, a Christian camp just five minutes east of the borough.

They had their service, and the kids went out and they went back to these little cabin things. It was probably about as big as this room, and they went in there and the water came. They didnt know it, remembered Schaffer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Schaffer was only four-years-old at the time, but says he remembers the flood vividly.

Bridges, gone. Streets, houses, and driveways filled with rubble, mud, and water.

Nape asked, When you heard about what happened in Texas, did you immediately draw the comparison?

Immediately. Immediately. Immediately. And I wasnt the only one, emphasized Schaffer.

Immediately following the news, he says people took to community Facebook groups drawing comparisons between the two events.

Despite his young age, Schaffer tells me the memories from that time never left, especially the fear.

I remember my aunt coming home, and I remember my grandmother and my aunt just crying, recalled Schaffer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He says the destruction in the area was indescribable, but that the cleanup and rebuilding only took a couple months.

Now, he just hopes the same can be said for those impacted in Texas.

Schaffer says when the flood hit, he was living just a block away with his grandparents. Their house was fine.

He also added, while he is confident those communities in Texas will recover, he worries for the children who had to see, hear, and experience such tragedy and loss.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News.
LEAGUE CITY, Texas - The devastation in Kerrville has hit close to home in League City.

A former volunteer firefighter from the area lost his life, and now, the community is coming together to collect donations to help those impacted.

American Legion collecting donations

What they're saying

"The minute this happened, we made phone calls to assess what the need was moving forward."

Luis Garcia of the American Legion post in League City said they jumped into action after seeing the devastation in Kerrville.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They started collecting donations for flood victims and first responders, including non-perishable foods, clothes, diapers, toiletries, and other essentials.

"Another big item we need right now is bleach and disinfectant, anything for mold and mildew removal, tools, things of that nature," said Garcia, "anything you can think of that is needed to clean in a massive event like this."

The American Legion in League City is collecting donations from 10AM to 8PM every day, and they plan to make trips to Kerrville every two weeks.

Former local volunteer firefighter didn't survive flood

What we know

The community sadly lost one of its own in the flood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brad Perry was a former League City volunteer firefighter. He was camping in his RV with his wife Tina when they were swept away in the floodwaters. His body was recovered Tuesday night.

His wife was found in a tree after rescuers heard her screaming for help. She is recovering in the hospital.

The League City mayor, Nick Long, shared his condolences and said Perrys selfless service to our community will not be forgotten.

Garcia said its a tragic loss for the community.

"A lot of people are affected, have connections to the Hill Country - some local residents as well as some that were there visiting or on vacation. And it does it home here," Garcia said. "As a community, we want to make sure that people understand the American Legion answers the call in that case."

The Source

FOX 26 reporter Jillian Hartmann spoke with Luis Garcia of American Legion Post 554 in League City, Texas.
The Brief

Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country made announcement on disaster relief efforts

Foundation announced first round of grants from Kerr County flood relief fund

$30 million has been raised through the fund so far

KERRVILLE, Texas - More than $30 million has been raised so far through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country's Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, $5 million of which is being distributed today (July 11).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The foundation made a "significant announcement" Friday on its disaster relief efforts following the historic and deadly flooding in Central Texas.

About 120 people are dead and around 170 are still missing following the flooding during the July 4th weekend, with the majority of deaths and missing being reported in Kerr County.

What we know

Foundation leadership shared during Friday's press conference how donations will be put to work through local nonprofits, which will in turn distribute those funds to those in need.

The press conference was also to announce the first round of grants from the fund and the Foundation's next steps in its long-term recovery plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Foundation's CEO Austin Dickson, U.S. Rep Chip Roy and Chris Avery, chairman of the board for James Avery Artisan Jewelry, were in attendance along with grant recipients.

Watch the full press conference below:

By the numbers

The foundation says its Kerr County Flood Relief Fund has raised more than $30 million in just one week.

Among the leading donors, to date, are H-E-B, which contributed $2 million, and James Avery Artisan Jewelry, which donated $500,000 to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

The foundation also announced an initial $5 million in emergency grants to nonprofit organizations that will, in turn, direct the funds to those in need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These grants will be allocated across four priority categories identified as the most urgent areas of community need:

Support for Individuals and Families: $1.25 million

Salvation Army Kerrville Kroc Center: $250,000

Mercy Chefs: $250,000

World Central Kitchen: $250,000

Hunt Volunteer Fire Department: $500,000

Support for Local Businesses: $1.25 million

LiftFund: $550,000

Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce: $700,000

Support for First Responders: $1.25 million

Ingram Volunteer Fire Department: $250,000

Center Point Volunteer Fire Department: $250,000

Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department: $250,000

The Divide Volunteer Fire Department: $250,000

Hunt Volunteer Fire Department: $250,000

Support for Crisis Response: $1.25 million

Schreiner University: $450,000

Kerrville Pets Alive!: $150,000

Freeman Fritts: $150,000

Arcadia Live Theater: $62,500

Calvary Temple Church: $62,500

Trinity Baptist Church: $62,500

First Methodist Church: $62,500

First Presbyterian Church: $62,500

Light on the Hill: $62,500

Ingram ISD: $62,500

Notre Dame Catholic Church: $62,500

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The grants are already being disbursed, according to the foundation.

What they're saying

"The heartbreak weve experienced as a community is profound, but so is the response," Dickson said. "In a matter of days, thousands of donors from across Texas and beyond have stepped up to say: we are with you. This is a moment of collective grief, but also of extraordinary love."

"The Butt Family, H-E-B, and the H.E. Butt Foundation have a deep connection to Kerrville and the Hill Country, where our company was founded. We are heartbroken by the tragic events that have devastated our communities," said Winell Herron, H-E-B Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. "As the community embarks on the long road ahead, we support the Foundations critical efforts to help rebuild and recover. We encourage others to join us in offering hope, strength, and assistance to impacted families."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The Hill Country has always been home for us. Its where my dad and mom started the company, where our Associates live and work, and where our story began. Like so many people facing unimaginable loss during this time, we are also grieving a beloved family member," Chris Avery, chairman of the board of directors for James Avery, said. "Its been incredible seeing the dedication and selflessness of first responders and how people have shown up with donations, kind words, and support. Weve been overwhelmed by the response to the Deep in the Heart of Texas charm and the outpouring of support from people all over the country and the world. It reminds us that even in the hardest moments, were not alone. Were grateful for the Community Foundations commitment to invest as our community recovers. We stand with them to be here for the long haul as we begin to rebuild."

What's next

To ensure future funding decisions are guided by community voices, the foundation also introduced plans to form a Community Advisory Committee.

This committee will include local nonprofit leaders, residents and stakeholders who will help advise on long-term recovery investments and equitable resource distribution, says the foundation.

The latest on the Central Texas floods

The death toll from the July 4th weekend flooding in Central Texas sits at 120.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Across the state, more than 170 people are considered missing.

At least 96 deaths, including 36 children, have been confirmed in Kerr County alone. About 161 people in Kerr County are now known to be missing, including at least five girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic are still missing.

In Travis County, there were at least seven deaths and also significant damage to infrastructure.

Kendall County has reported eight deaths.

Burnet County has at least five deaths confirmed. A Marble Falls volunteer fire chief is still missing.

Williamson County reports three deaths and Tom Green County has one death confirmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials say as for missing people, there is one in Burnet and 10 in Travis County.

Resources and donations for those impacted

The Source

Information in this report comes from the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and previous reporting by FOX 7 Austin.
An Ohio Task Force 1 (OH-TF1) team is being activated to respond to Texas following the devastating flooding that hit part of the state.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A spokesperson for OH-TF1 said they received activation orders from the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue System for a Canine Mission Ready Package Friday afternoon.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Three team members and two canines have been directed to respond to Central Texas for search and rescue efforts.

One of the Canine Search Specialists heading to Texas is Melissa Morgan. She told News Center 7 about her canine Anni, who has been deployed several times with OH-TF1.

She is a human remains detection dog, and so we dont want Anni to have to do any work, but if we need that, shell be there to help with that as well, Morgan said.

The team departed from their headquarters in Vandalia Friday evening. Their goal is to get to Texas by midnight.

So far, more than 100 people have been reported dead because of the flash floods.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
A week after heavy rains pummeled the Texas Hill Country and the flooded Guadalupe River swept hundreds of people overnight, Texans have come together to mourn, search for the many people missing and begin to rebuild.

Many questions remain about how storms caught off guard an area prone to flooding and led to the second deadliest flood in Texas history. Heres what we know.

Flooding death toll increases to 128; 160 still missing

Community members add flowers to a memorial honoring victims of the flood in Kerrville on Wednesday. Credit: Brenda Bazan for The Texas Tribune

The floods swept away local residents, summer campers along the river and many visitors who were in the scenic area for the Fourth of July weekend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least 128 people died across Texas due to flooding. Authorities in Kerr County added seven more casualties to its death toll Friday, bringing the confirmed total to at least 103 in the county alone. On Friday, Travis County added one more casualty, bringing the death toll for the other five counties in Central Texas affected by flooding to 25.

Earlier this week, the nearly century-old girls Camp Mystic confirmed that 27 campers and counselors were among the dead.

With an estimated 166 people still missing across the region, search operations by law enforcement, fire departments and volunteers continue.

The tragedy has left families like that of Tanya Powell mourning. Her 21-year-old daughter Ella Rose Cahill was found dead Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was like a relieved, happy, sad, horrible, wonderful news. I mean, I can't even describe it, because you're so happy that she's still not out there somewhere, Powell said. But at the same time, it's like this final moment.

Others, like the father of Ellas boyfriend Aidan Heartfield, continue searching through debris and muddy waters, even as hopes to find anyone alive have dimmed. Local authorities have said they havent made a live rescue since last week.

Aidans dad, Thad Heartfield, has been channeling all of his energy into leading volunteer search efforts since the afternoon of July 4. A sliver of hope follows him that Aidan  his kind, smart and gentle 22-year-old son  will rest easy soon.

I always think todays the day Ill get a call from a DNA match, Heartfield said Wednesday. Im answering a lot of calls from numbers I dont know. Every one of those calls, I think this could be that call.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Roughly 2,100 emergency responders from 10 states have descended on Kerr County to assist with the recovery and cleanup efforts, according to officials. But the Hill Countrys rough terrain and the floods devastation  huge debris piles of trees snapped like toothpicks, pieces of broken buildings and mangled cars  have slowed search efforts.

Read more about families search efforts and the wreckage.

Texas state leaders call for more sirens, flood gauges and mitigation efforts

Gov. Greg Abbott listens to Courtney Calhoun, a Kerr County resident and volunteer, during a press conference in Hunt on Tuesday. Credit: Brenda Bazan for The Texas Tribune

After failing to pass legislation this spring that would have established a statewide plan to improve Texas disaster response, state elected leaders are now promising to address gaps in the states flood warning and mitigation systems.

With state leaders set to return to the Texas Capitol on July 21 for a special legislative session, elected officials are promising to address gaps in the states flood warning and mitigation systems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gov. Greg Abbott, who called the special session after vetoing a THC ban and sets the agenda for these 30-day, overtime lawmaking periods, ordered lawmakers to pass legislation on the following measures this week:

flood warning systems

flood emergency communications

natural disaster preparation and recovery

relief funding for the impacted areas

Read more about what lawmakers could do in response to the flooding.

Disclosure: Facebook has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Texas counties have little power to stop construction in flood-prone areas

A fallen roof and debris is seen on the banks of the Guadalupe River after intense flooding Tuesday in Ingram. Credit: Ronaldo Bolanos/The Texas Tribune

Camp Mystic and many of the other camps along the Guadalupe River sit on land known to be at high risk for a devastating flood. But theyre too far outside any city limits to be more closely regulated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While cities can largely decide what is built, counties in Texas have no jurisdiction to implement comprehensive zoning rules that could limit people from living or building close to the waters edge.

Some federal guardrails for building in floodplains, efforts to relocate residents out of flood zones and programs to fortify infrastructure do exist. But relocation programs have had mixed success and many rural counties in Texas dont have hazard mitigation plans required for infrastructure assistance.

The states explosive growth, the appeal of inexpensive flood-prone land and extreme weather make this a pressing concern. A quarter of the states land carries some degree of severe flood risk, leaving an estimated 5 million Texans in possible jeopardy.

Read more.

Time gap between flood warnings and local response raises questions

Kerrville City Council and Mayor Joe Herring at an emergency City Council meeting at Kerrville City Hall on Tuesday. Credit: Ronaldo Bolanos/The Texas Tribune

Though flooding is familiar to the Hill Country, the high death toll has raised questions about whether forecasters or local officials in charge of emergency response gave people in the area adequate warning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ahead of the devastation, the National Weather Service on Thursday afternoon issued a flood watch  a threat designation that means the conditions are present for a flood to happen  for Kerr County.

At 1:14 a.m., federal forecasters escalated that announcement to a flood warning, a signal that flooding is happening or is imminent. It was sent out three hours and 21 minutes before the first flooding reports came in from low-lying water crossings in the area.

The weather service says that first warning triggered one of many automatic alerts to cellphones and weather radios, telling people in the area of the danger.

NWS officials said they also communicated directly with local officials during the night of the floods, but did not specify when. In some cases, they said, calls went to voicemail. Kerrvilles mayor said he was unaware of the flooding until around 5:30 a.m., more than four hours after that first warning, when the city manager called and woke him up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Warnings didnt go up on county Facebook pages until around the same time  when the Guadalupe River had already risen rapidly, spilled out of its banks around Hunt and was making its way toward the county seat of Kerrville.

It remains a mystery whether local officials got the NWS initial warning and activated in any meaningful way before the flooding. Officials have not provided clear answers, saying their attention is on search and rescue efforts.

Read more about the flooding and response timeline.

The Hill Countrys many hills and rivers are a recipe for catastrophic floods

The very features that draw people to Texas Hill Country  hills, multiple rivers and rocky terrain ideal for fishing or camping under starry skies  also make it one of the most flood-prone areas in the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Balcones Escarpment, a major geological feature that cuts across Central Texas, makes for dramatic views and elevation changes in the area. But it can also lead storms to stall and dump heavy rain, as was the case when leftover moisture from Tropical Storm Barry intensified the storms that caused the flash floods.

And when storms roll in, water rushes downhill fast, gaining speed and force as it moves. Theres little to slow it down  thin, rocky soil doesnt absorb much water, and exposed bedrock and sparse vegetation offer no buffer. Clay-rich soils in parts of the region also prevent infiltration, meaning rain turns to runoff almost immediately.

Between 2 and 7 a.m. on July 4, the Guadalupe River in Kerrville rose 35 feet, according to a flood gauge in the area.

Hydrologists say its a recipe for catastrophic floods that has merited the area the nickname of flash flood alley and has led to about 30 major flooding events of 20 feet or more in the cities of Kerrville, Hunt and Comfort since 1966.

Read more about the history of flooding in the area.
After deadly floods ripped through Texas last week, the state's rules and regulations about housing and construction and summer camps have come under scrutiny by some environmentalists and urban planners.

The state leaves building zoning and permits up to the individual counties. And in most non-city counties, such as Kerr, which had 96 deaths as of Thursday due to floods, some officials tend to be lenient towards building owners with restrictions, some state leaders and environmental experts told ABC News.

"In general, Texas is a state that highly values personal property rights and because of that, it is a state that is slow to change their policies to flooding," Shannon Van Zandt, a senior fellow with Texas A&M's Hazard Reduction and Recovery center, told ABC News.

Julio Cortez/AP - PHOTO: A bus is seen on its side near a damaged building along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.

The state health department, which licenses youth camps, does not directly address the risks associated with flood zones and other extreme weather for summer camps, according to state regulations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MORE: Trapped by floodwater, camp director called to say she 'can't get out'

Camps that seek approval are inspected for "fire, health, or safety hazard(s)" according to the state application form used by camps.

The form also lists that the camps' "buildings comply with applicable codes."

Twenty-seven children and staff of Camp Mystic, an all-girls sleepaway camp located on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, were killed by the floods in the middle of the night on July 4.

A number of the cabins were in known flood zones and close proximity to the river, according to officials and FEMA's flood maps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of Thursday, at least 121 Texans are dead and 166 people are missing, officials said.

Van Zandt and other environmental experts said the tragedy that struck the state last week should serve as a rallying call not just for Texas, but for places around the country to reassess their building and safety rules, as the risk of more hazardous storms continues to rise.

Many state and local governments are working hard to improve building safety, Sarah Adams, an assistant professor at the University of Oregon's Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center, told ABC News.

But communities can significantly reduce the harms and costs of flood disasters by focusing on where new homes, schools, and businesses are developed, she said, not just how safe the individual buildings are.

Flood construction is discretionary in Texas

Republican Texas Rep. Gary Gates, who chairs the state House's Land & Resource Management Committee, told ABC News that outside of the major cities, there are generally no major zoning rules.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gates said that when it comes to dwellings that are built along the coast and near flood areas, state legislators leave the discretion to "the counties and the free market system."

Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A view of Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025.

"The federal guidelines and FEMA set flooding zones. They rate flood zones based on different categories. The flood insurance is based on what zone you are in," he said. "Most of the jurisdictions won't allow you to build if you can't provide insurance. That's why local jurisdictions leave it up to the insurance."

Gates said there is "very little oversight" in the state for building or establishing any type of campground.

MORE: Kerr County officials waited 90 minutes to send emergency alert after requested, dispatch audio shows

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"For a river camp that is not in a city it's pretty open on what you can do," he said. "A lot of those are very primitive. They are designed where you can just park your RV there and live in a tent. It's hard to regulate when you can allow tents. How do you regulate some bare bones sleeping accommodations?"

Rodolfo Gonzalez/AP - PHOTO: Crews work to clear debris from the Cade Loop bridge along the Guadalupe River on July 5, 2025, in Ingram, Texas.

The representative noted that in the case with Camp Mystic, which opened in 1926 and expanded throughout the years, many structures were built long before FEMA flood zones and other regulations were created and are likely to have approvals grandfathered in. This included other longstanding campsites that operated along the Guadalupe River which were also hit with floods.

Gates said camps and other properties in the flood-prone areas would likely have had protocols in place that prevented damage or injury from flooding since the Guadalupe River has had many dangerous flooding events in the last 40 years, including 1987, when a Guadalupe River flash flood overwhelmed Texas and killed 10 people.

Officials at Camp Mystic and Kerr County have not immediately returned ABC News' requests for comment about storm preparation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level," the camp posted on its website.

Camp Mystic grandfathered into flood zone

Henry DeHart, interim president/CEO of the American Camp Association, which was not affiliated with Camp Mystic, said in a statement to ABC News that each camp in the country is ultimately responsible for its own safety protocols.

"Camp directors work year-round to plan for emergencies, review health and safety protocols, and prepare for site-specific risks. These can include issues such as extreme weather conditions, water safety, and ongoing medical needs for campers. Before the summer season, camps train their staff and rehearse these planned responses," he said.

Van Zandt said recent FEMA flood maps indicted that the area in Kerr where the camp was located in zones designated as a floodway, which indicates a very serious threat to floods and where construction and development are generally discouraged, or in the FEMA 100-year flood risk warning.

Google Earth, FEMA, Iceye - PHOTO: FEMA flood zones around Camp Mystic, Texas

"I know Camp Mystic; it has been around for several decades. It will be under an old building code," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Texas' Department of State Health Services signed off on the youth camp's emergency plans last week, according to records obtained by ABC News.

An inspection report dated July 2 indicates that state inspectors noted the camp had emergency plans "in case of a disaster" in place and that staff and volunteers were briefed on the plans during training sessions and volunteer briefings.

Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services, told ABC News in a statement that camps are required to develop their own emergency plans, which are then assessed by the state for adherence to the Texas Administrative Code.

MORE: Inspectors signed off on Camp Mystic's emergency plans days before catastrophic flooding, records show

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The plans should include disaster, serious accident, epidemic, or fatality," Anton said. "Disaster would include flooding, tornado, etc. The inspector checked that they had plans posted for those elements in every building and that they had trained staff and volunteers on what to do."

Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A view inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025.

The details of Camp Mystic's emergency plans were not included in the records released by the state. DSHS released the July 2 inspection report along with five years of reports of the youth camp.

The inspection report, which showed the youth camp complied with various regulations, concluded "there is no deficiency/violation cited or noted within the scope of this inspection/visit."

The youth camp had 557 campers and 108 staffers at the time of the inspection between the Guadalupe and Cypress Lake locations.

Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A damaged home is seen near Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025.

While the Texas' Department of State Health Services does do a thorough process of checking campsites and other buildings for flood damage using FEMA guidelines, Van Zandt, however, said that those inspections aren't enough given the flooding dangers that these camps are in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"FEMA has a checklist approach to reviewing the plans. As long as they fit those boxes, they're fine," she said. "There is not a real assessment of the quality of the plan."

FEMA has not responded to what happened at the camp.

Rethinking building regulations, making hard decisions

Adams, who spent years researching zoning and building codes in New York City and Long Island following Superstorm Sandy, said the situation in Texas is a national problem that states and localities are struggling to solve.

She said flooding map trends have shown that more areas are now experiencing dangerous flash floods more often and at higher levels.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MORE: Extreme weather events like Texas rain are more likely to occur due to climate change, scientists warn

While relocating existing properties from flood-prone locations is difficult, and in some places impossible, due to the costs, residents connections to their homes and neighborhoods, and in some cases the lack of better options, Adams said local governments should find ways to steer new development away from low floodplains.

"The thing that will drive the costs of those disasters is the development that is coming right now," she said.

MORE: Texas flood: Kickoff meeting for Kerr County warning system project had been planned for mid-July

Camp Mystic, for example, opened a new section of the camp five years ago that is closer to Cypress Lake, which was also in the FEMA flood zone areas and affected by the flooding. Kerr County approved the expansion.

Eli Hartman/AP - PHOTO: A volunteer aids in search and rescue operations near the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, July 7, 2025, in Ingram, Texas.

In 2011, in light of the numerous floods and rains that hit the area, Kerr county's leaders approved a flood damage prevention order that updated its flood insurance rate maps and gave updated building guidelines. Buildings constructed after the order required "methods and practices that minimize flood damage," and materials "resistant to flood damage," according to the order.

The order also prohibited encroachments in areas of special flood hazard.

Gates said the state legislature will be looking at ways to prevent the tragedy from happening again but added that he did not want to "overregulate" because of rare events. He added that while some Texas communities, like Galveston, have local regulations that mandate homes have strict wind load resistance due to the danger of tornadoes and storms, rural areas do not have the resources to fortify.

"Here it is different because when you have a flash flood event, there is very little building that can withstand that force of water," he said.

Gates said that any regulation changes could take years, but he did say that in the interim, the communities and camps could focus on improving their warning systems.

"Our warning systems weren't taken seriously enough, and that needs to change," he said.

ABC News' Laura Romero contributed to this report.
AUSTIN (KXAN) Texas legislative leaders announced Thursday the creation of joint select committees to examine disaster preparedness and flooding issues following the catastrophic July 4 floods in Central Texas.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows will each appoint nine members to their chambers Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, which will work together during the upcoming special legislative session.

Redistricting, flood warning systems on Texas special session agenda

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The committees will hold their first joint hearing July 23 at the state Capitol. A second hearing will take place the following week in Kerrville to allow residents to provide input.

The committees will examine four areas outlined in Gov. Greg Abbotts special session call: flood warning systems, flood emergency communications, relief funding for Hill Country floods, and natural disaster preparation and recovery.

Right now, we must focus on the recovery of those still missing, then rebuilding communities in flooded areas, Patrick said in a statement. In the coming year, and into the next regular legislative session, we will gather all the facts and answer the many questions to which the public demands answers.

LIVE BLOG: Search for missing continues July 10 as Texas community grieves

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Burrows emphasized the urgency of the 30-day special session, which begins July 21.

With only 30 days to act, we must make every moment count, Burrows said. This effort is about moving quickly to help Texans recover and laying the foundation to better protect our communities  and our children  from future disasters.

The July 4 flooding killed dozens of people across Central Texas, with Kerr County suffering the heaviest losses. The disaster raised questions about warning systems and emergency preparedness in an area known for flash flood risks. The committees will address current recovery needs and work to prevent future flooding disasters along Texas rivers.

Texas special session on floods, taxes, THC, redistricting could also spend time targeting transgender life

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The special session will consider an 18-item agenda that prioritizes flood response measures alongside congressional redistricting, education reforms and other legislative priorities. Abbott announced the agenda Wednesday, with flood preparedness taking the first four spots on the call.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
McALLEN  Texas lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to delay the end of a tomato trade agreement with Mexico, warning that not doing so could prompt the cost of tomatoes to jump and cause Texas to lose thousands of jobs.

The Tomato Suspension Agreement is a 1996 trade agreement requiring producers and exporters to sell Mexican produce at or above a specific price to protect American growers. It is set to end Monday, and when it does, U.S. companies will be required to pay a 17% tariff on each shipment of tomatoes they purchase from Mexico.

U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, a Democrat from McAllen, and state Rep. Ryan Guillen, a Republican from Rio Grande City, sounded the alarms during a Friday news conference held at one of the dozens of produce warehouses in South McAllen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

About 70% of all tomatoes in the U.S. come from Mexico, and the tariff could lead consumers to pay as much as 50% more for them, according to a study by Arizona State University.

"It is not just Texas and Arizona, it is American families that eat more than 20 pounds of fresh tomatoes every year," said Dante Galeazzi, CEO and president of Texas International Produce Association. "Undoing this agreement will undo three decades of stability."

Tomato imports from Mexico also play a large role in international trade along the border.

In 2024, more than 2.1 billion pounds of tomatoes were imported through Texas ports of entry in cities like Pharr, Laredo and Roma. Suspending the agreement could lead to an estimated loss of 32,000 jobs involved in the importing and marketing of tomatoes, according to a Senate Research Center analysis of a Texas House resolution passed by state lawmakers calling on the U.S. Department of Commerce to extend the tomato agreement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Produce warehouses are also expected to see severe reductions in sales, because of the higher price tag for consumers, and in profits, because of the tariff costs companies will have to pay. This could lead to an estimated economic loss of more than $4.5 billion in the state, the analysis found.

During the Texas legislative session this year, Guillen was among the lawmakers who introduced the resolution, which was approved by both chambers and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June.

The Commerce Department announced in April it would withdraw from the trade agreement, which was met with cheers by lawmakers and tomato growers in Florida.

A Florida congressional delegation penned a letter last month accusing Mexico of flooding the market with tomatoes priced below fair market value, a practice known as dumping.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The termination of the suspension agreement will allow U.S. tomato growers to compete fairly in the marketplace," the lawmakers wrote.

But Gonzalez and Guillen are hoping for a 90-day reprieve, hoping the Commerce Department will look closer at the impacts the end of the trade agreement could have on consumers.

Let's not turn this into another crisis for the American people, Gonzalez said.

Reporting in the Rio Grande Valley is supported in part by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Shape the future of Texas at the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin! We bring together Texas most inspiring thinkers, leaders and innovators to discuss the issues that matter to you. Get tickets now and join us this November.

TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
At first, the question of whether Texas would take the extraordinary step of redrawing its congressional maps in the middle of the decade was just a political calculation  would Gov. Greg Abbott go along with President Donald Trumps plan to try to squeeze a few more GOP seats out of the midterms, despite concerns from congressional Republicans?

But then, the Department of Justice offered Texas a legal justification to pursue this long-shot strategy, warning the state in a letter Monday that four majority-minority congressional districts in the Houston and Fort Worth areas are unconstitutionally racially gerrymandered. Soon after, Abbott set a special session agenda calling for mid-cycle redistricting in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice.

This comes just weeks after the conclusion of a trial over Texas current maps, in which representatives for the state argued repeatedly that a race-blind process was used to draw the boundaries of the existing districts. Critics say the apparent reversal  with Abbott now acknowledging concerns that some districts were drawn along strict racial lines  suggests this is a ploy to provide Texas with political and legal cover to try and add more Republican seats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They contended that what they drew was completely satisfactory, so now that they are acquiescing in some concocted allegation of illegality from the Trump administration is astounding, said Thomas Saenz, president and general counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which is part of the legal challenge.

Any new maps would inevitably face a legal challenge. Federal courts have found at least one of Texas maps to be in violation of the Voting Rights Act every decade since it went into effect in 1965. But these court battles can take years to resolve, and the candidate filing deadline for the 2026 midterms is just months away.

Even one cycle under a new map carries high upside for Trump, whose legislative agenda rests on Republicans maintaining their slim 220-212 majority in the U.S. House. A Democratic majority could mean obstruction, investigations and talk of impeachment.

With Texas lawmakers drawing a new map so close to the midterms, even if it violates the law, it might be left in place for one election, Saenz said.

Targeting coalition districts

Texas current maps were drawn by the Republican-dominated Legislature in 2021 with an eye toward protecting incumbents and ensuring that two congressional seats Texas gained due to population growth would be held by the GOP. The maps worked as intended, with Republicans winning 25 of 38 congressional seats in 2022 and 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The map was immediately challenged in court by a group of plaintiffs alleging that it discriminated against Black and Latino voters. Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act prohibits election and voting practices that disadvantage minority groups, including drawing boundaries that dilute their ability to elect their preferred candidate by packing them into a single district or dispersing them throughout multiple.

The nearly 4-year-old legal challenge went to trial in May and has yet to be decided.

At trial in El Paso, representatives for the state and its map-drawers repeatedly testified that they were blind to race when crafting the maps and said they did not draw coalition districts, where different minority groups are combined to constitute a majority, which the state maintains are unconstitutional.

But in its July 7 letter, the DOJ argued that four of Texas districts should be redrawn, three because they are coalition districts and one because it is a majority Hispanic district created as a result of neighboring coalition districts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All four seats are held by Black or Latino Democrats, or were until recently  Texas 18th Congressional District is currently vacant but was previously represented by Sylvester Turner, who died in March.

That seat and the adjacent 9th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Al Green of Houston, are plurality Hispanic districts with sizable Black populations. The letter says those districts gave rise to Rep. Sylvia Garcias neighboring 29th District, where a majority of residents are Hispanic. The 33rd District, held by Rep. Marc Veasey of Fort Worth, is also an unconstitutional coalition district, the letter says.

The DOJ cites a 2024 decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which found that the Voting Rights Acts protections do not apply to racial or ethnic groups that have combined their ranks to form a majority in a district. The case, which involved a challenge to Galveston Countys commissioners court map, reversed years of precedent, including by the 5th Circuit itself, putting the appellate court for Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana at odds with most other circuits.

Although the states interest when configuring these districts was to comply with Fifth Circuit precedent prior to the 2024  decision, that interest no longer exists, Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon wrote, adding these districts are nothing more than vestiges of an unconstitutionally racially based gerrymandering past, which must now be abandoned, and must now be corrected by Texas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In his proclamation announcing the July 21 special session, Abbott referred to "constitutional concerns" raised by the DOJ, apparently alluding to Dhillon's letter. And on Friday, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Republican Senate leader, released a joint statement that said both chambers were "aligned in their focus to ensure redistricting plans remain in compliance with the U.S. Constitution."

Chad Dunn, one of the lawyers challenging the states current maps, said Texas swift acquiescence to the DOJ letter contradicts legislators testimony.

During the trial we had in El Paso, blind to race was used by a member of the Legislature more times than I can count, said Dunn, who was previously general counsel for the Texas Democratic Party. Now the Department of Justice is saying that the Republican legislators who authored this plan weren't telling the truth, and actually were drawing it on the basis of race. It's going to be interesting to get to the bottom of that.

Several of the plaintiffs asked Thursday to reopen the case for new testimony, saying the DOJ letter and the states testimony are flatly contradictory.

An emerging trend

Justin Levitt, a constitutional law expert who served in the DOJ under former President Barack Obama, said the agency misinterpreted Petteway in its letter. That 2024 decision, Levitt said, did not rule on what constitutes an unconstitutional racial gerrymander  it just asserted that the Voting Rights Act does not let individual racial or ethnic groups join together to claim that political boundaries dilute their votes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The argument laid out in the letter, he added, is not befitting of DOJs typical quality, in both Democratic and Republican administrations  especially on a topic so familiar to the agency.

It's sloppily dashed-off work, Levitt said. It looks like the sort of thing I'd expect from an AI engine that didn't know how to do law.

The DOJ declined to comment. Abbotts office did not respond to a request for comment.

Texas does not need legal justification to craft new maps in the middle of the decade. The Legislature did so in 2003 at the behest of then-U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. But if the DOJ letter is meant to establish a legal basis for the redistricting process political intent, Levitt said its a poorly reasoned attempt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nothing in this letter is going to convince Texas to redraw lines that it wasn't planning on redrawing anyway, Levitt said.

This is the second time in just over a month that Texas has swiftly surrendered to a request from Trumps DOJ. In early June, the agency sued Texas over its policy granting in-state tuition to undocumented students, just days after the Legislature adjourned without undoing that longstanding law. Texas immediately agreed to a consent judgment striking down the statute, raising questions about whether the lawsuit was legitimate or collusive.

Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed credit for working with the Trump administration to end what he called a discriminatory and un-American provision.

Saenzs group has asked a judge to allow it to intervene in that case, as well, and he said the echoes are eerie  and frustrating.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It's a disturbing pattern, frankly, of collusion between the Department of Justice federally and the state of Texas, and that collusion should alarm everyone who believes in democratic processes at the state level, Saenz said.

Shape the future of Texas at the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin! We bring together Texas most inspiring thinkers, leaders and innovators to discuss the issues that matter to you. Get tickets now and join us this November.

TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
As Central Texas rebuilds after the tragic flooding that has already claimed more than 120 lives, a special group of responders has stepped in to support some of the most dedicated, and often overlooked heroes on the ground  the search and rescue dogs.

The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) was deployed to Kerr County to provide care for canine search teams combing the area, according to the university.

The search and rescue dogs, alongside their human handlers, have been working long hours along the Guadalupe River, searching through dangerous debris, unstable terrain, and the ever-present threat of more flooding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additionally, beyond the risk of injury from sharp debris and unpredictable currents, dogs also face threats such as snake bites and heat exhaustion.

These elite canine partners are critical to the mission, and our team is committed to helping them stay healthy, safe and mission-ready. We are honored to do our part in supporting these heroes, and were hopeful that the search missions will be able to help grieving families find closure, said Dr. Deb Zoran, director of the VET.

The flooding, triggered by relentless storms over the Fourth of July weekend, left families across Central Texas mourning, with over 160 still waiting for news of missing loved ones, as previously covered by DX.

For many, these rescue dogs may represent the last hope of finding answers and, if possible, a sense of closure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Texas A&M VET team first sent out six members to the area on July 4, joined by two AgriLife Disaster Assessment and Recovery agents. As the weather and road conditions intensified, three more team members from A&M joined the mission, focused solely on the health and availability of the working dogs.

The veterinary team has worked around the clock to monitor their physical condition, tend to their wounds, and keep them hydrated and fueled to continue their demanding work.

While local veterinary clinics are caring for pets and displaced animals from the community, such as Wings of Rescue, which has flown hundreds of dogs from flooded shelters to safer areas, A&M has zeroed in on ensuring the canine search teams can continue their missions.

This has been a particularly solemn mission; while all loss of life is tremendously sad, the loss of young children hits particularly hard for the entire community and state. We know Aggies everywhere are keeping the folks in this region, and in other flood-ravaged areas of Texas, in their thoughts and prayers, Zoran added.
A Texas man was cuffed Thursday after deputies say he took a boat that he rented in Key West to Cuba.

Floyd Dean Devasier, 63, was arrested by federal agents on a Monroe County warrant in Miami, where he was flown after being detained by Cuban authorities, according to the sheriffs office.

Devasier, from Katy, Texas, rented the 26.5-foot Panga boat from Beach Weekend Key West Marina on Tuesday for two days, said Monroe County Sheriffs Office spokesman Adam Linhardt. The rental agreement stipulated the vessel was not to be operated at night and was to be returned by the end of the business day Wednesday, Linhardt added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A marina employee told deputies that Devasier bought and filled an extra 20-gallon fuel tank before leaving.

Per the sheriffs office, Devasier told marina staff he was going to dock the boat overnight at the 6800 block of Front Street on Stock Island. But witnesses who own businesses and boats on Front Street told deputies they never saw the boat, and deputies watched security camera footage from the area, which never showed the vessel, Linhardt said.

Then marina staff used GPS tracking that showed the boat heading south in the Atlantic Ocean, but Linhardt noted the tracking eventually ceased.

A man fishing on his boat in the ocean saw the vessel and took photographs of it, the sheriffs office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Wednesday, the Cuban Border Guard notified U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations that they had the boat, Devasier and a 38-year-old woman in custody.

I want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard, HSI, the Cuban Border Guard and the good Samaritan on the water for their help and cooperation in bringing this case to a successful conclusion, Sheriff Rick Ramsay said in a statement.

Devasier was not yet in Monroe County jail as of Thursday night. Linhardt said he faces a charge of hiring or leasing with intent to defraud.

According to the sheriffs office, Devasier has several prior drug-related convictions, including a case in 2019 in which he also kept a rental boat past its return date and took it to Cuba.
ANDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  An arrest affidavit revealed the two East Texas parents that were arrested for child neglect claimed their infant wasnt getting the proper care because the father is a naturalist, meanwhile, detectives discovered bottles filled with mold, maggots covering the trash can and traces of methamphetamine.

Woman sentenced after admitting to evidence tampering in 2024 Tyler fatal shooting

According to the Anderson County Sheriffs Office, on Tuesday, a child abuse and neglect investigation was opened for a six-month-old infant. The report first came from Child Protective Services (CPS) after the infant was taken to an emergency room in Athens on July 3 for a rash by her parents, Devon Langley and Cheyanne McGinty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After further inspection by medical staff, they recommended the baby needed to get further medical advice from Childrens Medical Center located in Dallas due to the apparent signs of malnutrition, [the baby] was born at seven pounds, eight ounces on Dec. 24, 2024 and weighed eight pounds as of July 4, the document said. Both parents denied transporting the baby to Dallas via ambulance due to the cost of bills and gas.

According to the Mayo Clinic, babies tend to gain weight fast in the first few months. Babies gain about 1 ounce a day. That slows at around 4 months to about 20 grams a day, the Mayo Clinic said. As they turn 6 months old, many babies are gaining about 10 grams or less a day.

Mugshots of Cheyanne McGinty and Devon Langley from the Dallas County Jail.

On the July 4, the Anderson County Sheriffs Office and CPS responded to the parents home in Palestine to begin their investigation, the document explained. While there, CPS advised the parents to take the infant to Palestine Regional Medical Center (PRMC) for a medical evaluation and after taking her there, PRMC advised the infant should go the Childrens Hospital. Both parents agreed to an ambulance taking their child to the hospital in Dallas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tyler man gets 35 years after teen dies from fentanyl overdose in 2022

While in Dallas, the doctors found that the baby had nutritional deficiencies consistent with malnutrition such as unstable blood sugars and an X-RAY showed malnutrition in her bones, the affidavit said.

When speaking to the sheriffs office, Langley said they feed the baby 10 jars of baby food per day and breast milk. Langley stated they have taken [the baby] to her doctor in Palestine for the concerns, but she was not worried about her weight, the affidavit said. McGinty told the investigator that [the baby] weighed 12 pounds four days ago when they weighed her.

Accorded CPS, it was found that the baby had not seen her primary care doctor in Palestine since she was 10 days old.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The baby was getting breast milk from McGinty, but she stopped producing milk after two months so they started feeding her baby food because [Langley] does not believe in feeding formula milk because of the ingredients in it, the affidavit said.

McGinty went on to explain to investigators that while the baby was at the emergency room in Athens doctors told them the baby may have dermatitis and a urinary tract infection.

Langley told detectives that they assumed the baby has lost weight because of the symptoms of the rash that was covering her body. [The baby] has had the rash for about a week and they have been using grape seed oil and coconut oil to cure it, the affidavit said. Langley said that once they realized the rash was spreading they decided to take her to the doctor and he admitted to detectives that he saw the baby not holding weight since birth.

On Tuesday, investigators conducted an interview with a seven-year-old family member that lives in McGinty and Langleys home. The seven-year-old explained her and McGinty enjoy eating food when Langley isnt around and they keep it a secret. The family member said she takes baths but the infant has never had one, she only gets coconut water on her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Langley has stated he is a naturalist, and he believes in natural ingredients and organic food and products, the document said. That is the reason behind not getting proper care from a physician and or nutrition that an infant requires.

While investigators were searching the parents home, they found multiple health hazards including:

Bottles with mold

Air purifiers with mold

Maggots covering the trash can

When detectives were in the their master bedroom, they found various drug paraphernalia and methamphetamines inside a black container on the dresser including:

Several butane lighters

E-cigarette pens

Empty cannabis package

A pipe commonly used to smoke marijuana

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Athens man gets more than 5 years in prison for meth trafficking

Langley and McGinty were arrested on Wednesday in Dallas for injury to a child  criminal negligence and possession of a controlled substance. They are both being held on a $400,000 bond.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
From cartel-linked fugitives to multimillion-dollar drug busts, federal agents claimed another week of high-stakes interdictions across South Texas. Here are the biggest border arrests and seizures reported by officials this week.

1. $1.77M Cocaine Load Seized at Falfurrias Checkpoint

Border Patrol agents seized more than 55 pounds of cocaine during a July 3 inspection at the Falfurrias checkpoint, according to Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chavez posted on July 10 that the cocaine was discovered hidden in a tractor-trailer and estimated the shipments value at roughly $1.77 million. She shared a photo of the suspects face with the word ARRESTED emblazoned across it and wrote, High Tech and Agents vigilance stopped this threat.

 Cocaine Smuggler Busted

On July 3, RGV Border Patrol Agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint seized approximately 55lbs. of cocaineworth ~ $1.77Mhidden in a tractor trailer.

Suspect arrested. High Tech and Agents vigilance stopped this threat. #RGV #BorderSecurity #Cocaine pic.twitter.com/IheBkVWDVp  Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez (@USBPChiefRGV) July 9, 2025

No further details about the drivers identity, nationality, or charges were immediately released by federal authorities.

2. Dangerous Criminal and Paisas Gang Member Apprehended in Donna

An apparent convicted felon and alleged member of the violent Paisas prison gang was arrested in Donna, Texas, in what Border Patrol described as a joint takedown with Hidalgo County Constables.

DONNA, TX- On 6/26, USBP agents assisted Hidalgo County Constables with the arrest of Osbaldo Aguilar-Aguilar, a known human smuggler and confirmed member of the notorious Paisas prison gang. Aguilar-Aguilar has a violent criminal history, including a prior arrest for aggravated pic.twitter.com/5fmyFbTFYe  Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) July 3, 2025

Chief Michael W. Banks wrote on July 3 that agents assisted in the June 26 arrest of Osbaldo Aguilar-Aguilar, calling him a known human smuggler with a record that includes aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Aguilar-Aguilar is reportedly facing new charges for felony illegal re-entry into the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Banks wrote that Border Patrol remains relentless in the fight to keep dangerous criminals off our streets.

3. ICE Arrests Mexican Fugitive Wanted for Homicide and Kidnapping

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in West Texas arrested a Mexican national wanted in her home country for murder and kidnapping, the agency announced this week.

WANTED FUGITIVE ARREST: @EROElPaso arrests Lizbeth Nohemi Villarreal-Portillo, a Mexican national, in Odessa, TX. She is wanted in Mexico for homicide and kidnapping. Her apprehension reinforces our commitment to public safety. She remains in ICE custody. #PublicSafety pic.twitter.com/4g3kXRm132  ERO El Paso (@EROElPaso) July 7, 2025

In a July 7 post, ERO El Paso said Lizbeth Nohemi Villarreal-Portillo was taken into custody in Odessa. The agency account said she remains in ICE custody and framed the arrest as part of its broader public safety mission.

This arrest comes as the United States and its Latin American partners have worked to expedite the process of extraditing or otherwise exchanging nationals between countries. Mexico recently fast-tracked the processing of several alleged cartel leaders to the United States. Likewise, Costa Ricas government recently entered into a new extradition agreement with the United States, per Insight Crime.

Texas Takedown Weekly is a recurring series from The Dallas Express chronicling the most significant immigration-related arrests and interdictions across the state. Read last weeks edition here: Texas Takedown Weekly: Borders Biggest Busts (July 4)
Tedd L. Mitchell will retire from his post as leader of the Texas Tech University System within the year, the longtime chancellor announced Friday.

The 64,000-student school system headquartered in Lubbock did not announce an exact date for when he will leave, though Mitchell noted in a public statement that he would remain in place until a successor is named.

Mitchell has led the university system since 2018, taking control after nearly a decade working as president of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center  a post he officially stepped down from in 2019. As chancellor, he oversaw the creation of a long-awaited veterinary medicine school in Amarillo and a dental school in El Paso, both of which recently graduated their inaugural classes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those of us who serve as leaders are only carrying a baton for the moment, Mitchell said. Between my roles as President and Chancellor, I have served far longer in system leadership than any of my predecessors, and while carrying this baton has been a true privilege and joy, I feel it is now my time to prepare to pass the baton to someone new.

Like other school leaders across Texas, Mitchell has had to navigate an intense political climate with colleges and universities resting at the center. That list of challenges includes Republican leaders attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, as well as campus conflicts over the Israel-Hamas war. Last year, Texas Tech placed a professor on administrative leave for social media comments officials described as hateful, antisemitic, and unacceptable. The instructor was later reinstated after an investigation found no evidence of discriminatory harassment.

Mitchells retirement follows other high-profile developments across the Texas higher education landscape. The Texas A&M University System earlier this year announced that Glenn Hegar, the former state comptroller who was responsible for overseeing Texas finances, would take the helm following longtime Chancellor John Sharps retirement.

The University of Texas System Chancellor JB Milliken and UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell recently left their posts after accepting jobs at the University of California and Southern Methodist University, respectively.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Disclosure: Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Texas Tech University System, Texas A&M University System and University of Texas System have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Shape the future of Texas at the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin! We bring together Texas most inspiring thinkers, leaders and innovators to discuss the issues that matter to you. Get tickets now and join us this November.

TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
(NewsNation)  Nine-year-old twins who attended summer camps devastated by recent flooding have raised nearly $10,000 through a lemonade stand and cookie sales to help rebuild the facilities where 10 girls remain missing.

Corrigan and Cannon Camp organized the fundraiser after learning about the catastrophic flooding that struck Camp Mystic and a nearby boys camp two weeks after they returned home. The twins mother, Lisa Camp, said the idea came naturally to her children.

We were told about the flood. Then the next night we decided we wanted to do a lemonade stand, Cannon Camp told NewsNation. His sister Corrigan added she wanted to sell cookies in honor of camp owner Tweety Eastland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Breaking down the force of water in the Texas floods

The cookies hold special significance  theyre chocolate chip cookies made in tribute to Tweety Eastland, whose husband Dick died trying to save campers during the flooding. Corrigan Camp had formed a close bond with the camp owners during her two-week stay.

They made me feel really comfortable. At lunch I got to sit with them, and theyre just like the sweetest people ever, Corrigan said.

Lisa Camp said the Eastlands made a profound impact on her daughter during her brief time at camp. She described the final day when Eastland gave Corrigan Camp the most loving hug and genuine and sincere hug.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fundraising effort has drawn support from camp alumni, neighbors and strangers who learned about the twins mission. Friends shared the familys Venmo account, leading to an outpouring of donations that pushed the total close to $10,000.

Texas mayor: Doing everything we can to find flooding victims

Weve just been flooded with generous neighbors, generous strangers, generous friends, Lisa Camp said. Were so grateful that hopefully this money can do a little good for those sweet camps.

The mother said the fundraiser reflects the camps mission of helping others and showing love through action. She described how the camps focus on teamwork and helping others and loving others and being like Jesus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Corrigan Camp, who was in her first year at Camp Mystic, said she wants to help rebuild because it was really fun, and all the fun things there, everybody was just so sweet.

The family plans to donate the money directly to the Eastlands, allowing them to determine whether funds should go to affected families or rebuilding efforts.

The twins fundraiser comes as rescue efforts continue at the flood-damaged camps, where rushing waters caused catastrophic damage and left multiple people unaccounted for.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Nearly 1 in 3 Kentuckians are covered by Medicaid, the federal-state insurance program for low-income Americans. If youre not among them, you probably think you wont be affected by the big bill that the Republican Congress passed for President Trump. Think again. You are likely to be hurt by it, because Medicaid has become such an essential part of Kentuckys health-care system.

If youve heard anything about Medicaid in the big bill, its probably the work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependent children to spend 80 hours a month working, performing community service, going to school at least half-time or a combination of those activities. When Republican Matt Bevin was governor of Kentucky, he tried to impose such rules, but a federal judge in Washington said no, and while Bevin was appealing in 2019 he was ousted by Democrat Andy Beshear, who scuttled the plan.

Drafting of the new national plan was overseen by 2nd District Rep. Brett Guthrie of Bowling Green, as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He said on X that the panel made sure that able-bodied Americans who get free health care, if theyre able to work, work for it, like every other American has to get up and go to work every day for their health care. Its only fair that people who are able to work, do work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That argument appeals to Americans who have at least a mild resentment of people who get something from the government by doing little or nothing. But in practice, work requirements have saved money mainly by disqualifying Medicaid beneficiaries who fail to document their qualifying activities or otherwise fall short on paperwork. That happened in the only such program that was fully implemented, in Arkansas, and projections for the Kentucky program predicted likewise.

Republicans in the General Assembly will try to solve that problem, said state Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, co-chair of the legislatures Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. Nobody should be cut off because of a paperwork error, she said on KETs Kentucky Tonight Monday. She said legislators will ask some really hard questions about how to proceed in this new world order, and try to improve beneficiaries health.

Metro United Way in Louisville hosted a roundtable discussion about potential Medicaid cuts on March 19, 2025. At the head of the tables are Emily Beauregard (left, in red), U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (center) and Sheila Schuster (right).

Medicaid cuts likely will force rural hospitals to cut services or close

The work requirement was the most-cited reason that the big bill would lead to closure of many rural hospitals, by reducing the number of Medicaid beneficiaries and thus the revenue on which most hospitals depend. But in Kentucky, the bills biggest effect on hospitals will be more direct, and it seems likely to force many of them to cut back on services or even close.

The bill wipes out most of a funding scheme that the legislature has used to help Kentucky hospitals: Raise the provider taxes they pay, use the money as a state match for federal funds, and use the windfall to increase hospitals Medicaid payments, which usually dont cover the cost of care. Some senators called that money laundering, and the Senate limited it. The House passed the revised bill under deadline pressure from Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Opinion: Kentucky depends heavily on federal funding. Trump's cuts will be devastating.

The change made the Kentucky Hospital Association withdraw its support for the bill. The Senate added a $50 billion fund to help hospitals, and that will bring Kentucky hospitals at least $100 million a year. But the states rural hospitals are getting $1 billion a year from the current provider-tax scheme, so $100 million is not gonna cut it, KHA President Nancy Galvagni said on Kentucky Tonight. She told a legislative committee in January that without the scheme, Kentucky hospitals would be operating at a 6 percent negative margin.

Kentucky may lose the most from Trump's big bill

Kentucky is one of the states that may lose the most from the big bill. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that the state will get $25 billion less in federal Medicaid money from 2028 to 2037, a decrease of 17%. Most of the hurt will be on rural hospitals; based on the number that get disproportionate share payments because they are so Medicaid-dependent, Kentucky will have more rural hospitals at risk of closure than any other state.

Opinion: McConnell, KY has too much to lose if Medicaid is cut. We won't 'get over it.'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just how much Kentucky stands to lose is an open question, because Democrats use worst-case scenarios, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has a sketchy record of predicting the effects of health-care legislation, and most Republicans dont want to talk about it. Guthrie didnt respond to repeated requests for an interview, and Sen. Mitch McConnell said of his complaining constituents, Theyll get over it.

Not if their hospital closes or drastically reduces its services. However, the big bill may have little immediate political impact, because the work requirement doesnt take effect until 2027 and the Medicaid funding changes are set for 2028. Congress and the legislature could ease the blow, especially for hospitals, which have a strong lobby. But who lobbies for the poor? And do legislators listen?

Al Cross is professor emeritus of journalism at the University of Kentucky and a former political writer for The Courier Journal. The NKyTribune is the home for his commentary, which is offered to other publications with appropriate credit.

Al Cross at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., on May 21, 2024. Photo by David Stephenson

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Medicaid cuts from Trump's big bill may hit Kentucky hardest | Opinion
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Capitol police announced an 18-year-old has been arrested in connection to the mass shooting in downtown Jackson that occurred hours after the 2025 Hals St. Paddys Parade.

Bailey Martin, press secretary for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS), said Kayne Davis, 18, was arrested on July 10. She said Davis fled the state after the shooting on March 22. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted with the arrest.

One arrested, others wanted for shootout in Jackson neighborhood

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Davis was charged with one count of murder and seven counts of aggravated assault.

The shooting occurred around 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 after police said two groups got into a fight. One person was killed and seven others were injured.

The deceased victim was identified as Cortez George, 21, of Jackson, by the interim Hinds County coroner. George was shot multiple times.

Kayne Davis (Courtesy: Mississippi DPS) Michael McLeod (Courtesy: Hinds Co. Detention Center) Marquavius McLeod (Courtesy: Hinds Co. Detention Center)

Martin previously announced that Michael McLeod, who was a law enforcement officer at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), and Marquavius McLeod were both arrested in connection to the shooting.

UMMC officials said McLeod, who served as a police officer with UMMC Police and Public Safety Department for about a year, was fired on March 27.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
SREBRENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  Thousands of people from Bosnia and around the world gathered in Srebrenica to mark the 30th anniversary of a massacre there of more than 8,000 Bosniak Muslim boys and men  an atrocity that has been acknowledged as Europe's only genocide after the Holocaust.

Seven newly identified victims of the 1995 massacre, including two 19-year-old men, were laid to rest in a collective funeral at a vast cemetery near Srebrenica Friday, next to more than 6,000 victims already buried there. Such funerals are held annually for the victims who are still being unearthed from dozens of mass graves around the town.

Relatives of the victims, however, often can bury only partial remains of their loved ones as they are typically found in several different mass graves, sometimes kilometers (miles) apart. Such was the case of Mirzeta Karic, who was waiting to bury her father.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thirty years of search and we are burying a bone, she said, crying by her father's coffin which was wrapped in green cloth in accordance with Islamic tradition.

I think it would be easier if I could bury all of him. What can I tell you, my father is one of the 50 (killed) from my entire family," she added.

July 11, 1995, is the day when the killings started after Bosnian Serb fighters overran the eastern Bosnian enclave in the final months of the interethnic war in the Balkan country.

After taking control of the town that was a protected U.N. safe zone during the war, Bosnian Serb fighters separated Bosniak Muslim men and boys from their families and brutally executed them in just several days. The bodies were then dumped in mass graves around Srebrenica which they later dug up with bulldozers, scattering the remains among other burial sites to hide the evidence of their war crimes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.N. General Assembly last year adopted a resolution to commemorate the Srebrenica genocide on the July 11 anniversary.

Scores of international officials and dignitaries attended the commemoration ceremonies and the funeral. Among them were European Council President Antonio Costa and Britain's Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, who said that our duty must be to remember all those lost so tragically and to never let these things happen again.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said he felt humbled because U.N. troops from the Netherlands were based in Srebrenica when Bosnian Serbs stormed the town.

I see to what extent commemorating Srebrenica genocide is important," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In an emotional speech, Munira Subasic, who heads the Mothers of Srebrenica association, urged Europe and the world to help us fight against hatred, against injustice and against killings.

Subasic, who lost her husband and youngest son in Srebrenica along with more than 20 relatives, told Europe to wake up.

As I stand here many mothers in Ukraine and Palestine are going through what we went through in 1995," Subasic said, referring to ongoing conflicts. It's the 21st century but instead of justice, fascism has woken up.

On the eve of the anniversary, an exhibition was inaugurated displaying personal items belonging to the victims that were found in the mass graves over the years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The conflict in Bosnia erupted in 1992, when Bosnian Serbs took up arms in a rebellion against the country's independence from the former Yugoslavia and with an aim to create their own state and eventually unite with neighboring Serbia. More than 100,000 people were killed and millions displaced before a U.S.-brokered peace agreement was reached in 1995.

Bosnia remains ethnically split while both Bosnian Serbs and neighboring Serbia refuse to acknowledge that the massacre in Srebrenica was a genocide despite rulings by two U.N. courts. Bosnian Serb political and military leaders Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, along with many others, were convicted and sentenced for genocide.

Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic expressed condolences on X while calling the Srebrenica massacre a terrible crime.

There is no room in Europe  or anywhere else -- for genocide denial, revisionism, or the glorification of those responsible, European Council President Costa said in his speech. Denying such horrors only poisons our future.
Three notorious Cambodian torture and execution sites used by the Khmer Rouge regime to perpetrate genocide 50 years ago were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List on Friday.

The hardline Maoist group led by Pol Pot reset the calendar to "Year Zero" on April 17, 1975 and emptied cities in a bid to create a pure agrarian society free of class, politics or capital.

Around two million people died of starvation, forced labour or torture or were slaughtered in mass killings between 1975 and 1979.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Cambodian locations entered into the UNESCO register include two prison sites and a "killing field" where thousands were executed.

"May this inscription serve as a lasting reminder that peace must always be defended," Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a video message aired by state-run television TVK.

"From the darkest chapters of history, we can draw strength to build a better future for humanity."

Two sites added to the list are in the capital Phnom Penh -- the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocide Centre.

Tuol Sleng is a former high school which was converted into a notorious prison known as S-21, where an estimated 15,000 people were imprisoned and tortured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Today the site is a space for commemoration and education, housing the black-and-white mugshots of its many victims and the preserved equipment used by Khmer Rouge tormentors.

Choeung Ek -- a former Chinese cemetery -- was a notorious "killing field" where S-21 prisoners were executed nightly.

More than 6,000 bodies were exhumed from over 100 mass graves at the ground in the early 1980s, according to Cambodian government documents filed with UNESCO.

Every year, hundreds hold remembrance prayers in front of the site's memorial displaying victims' skulls and watch students stage dramatic re-enactments of the bloody Khmer Rouge crimes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another prison site known as M-13, located in a rural area in central Kampong Chhnang province, was one of the most important prisons of the early Khmer Rouge but is today only a patch of derelict land.

Khmer Rouge cadres "invented and tested various methods of interrogation, torture and killing" there, and kept prisoners in pits still faintly visible today, a Cambodian submission to UNESCO says.

"It is the landscape of our shared memory in Cambodia," said Youk Chhang, a survivor of the "killing fields" and director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, which researches Khmer Rouge atrocities.

"This will ensure the teaching of Khmer Rouge history (will) be more efficient and relevant."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A special tribunal sponsored by the United Nations convicted three key Khmer Rouge figures, including S-21 chief torturer Kaing Guek Eav, before ceasing operations in 2022.

Pol Pot, nicknamed "Brother Number One", died in 1998 before he was brought to trial.

suy/jts/sst
Three men are facing charges following a successful undercover operation between several law enforcement agencies on Wednesday.

The undercover operation targeted people attempting to engage in commercial sexual activity with minors.

Police set up a pre-determined location in Somerset, resulting in the arrests of 38-year-old Fabio A. Gomes of Taunton, 78-year-old John J. Kelley of Taunton, and 54-year-old Gilbert Travassos of Fall River.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All three men who arrived at the location believed they would be meeting a juvenile for sex acts, according to authorities.

Gomes, Kelley, and Travassos were charged with paying for sexual conduct with a child under 18, enticing a child under 16, and attempting to commit a crime.

They will be arraigned in Fall River District Court.

The Swansea Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims Unit assisted Somerset Police with the operation.

The most effective way to protect our vulnerable populations is through a collaborative, multi-agency approach with our local and state partners, said Chief William Tedford.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  ECU Health announced on Friday that three of their leaders made Beckers Hospital Review 2025 Rural Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know list.

ECU Health is building the national model for academic rural health care thanks to visionary leadership from mission-driven individuals like Dr. Waldrum, Brian and Dennis, said Bob Greczyn, chairman, ECU Health Board of Directors. This is an incredibly transformative time in health care and these leaders, alongside the 14,000-plus team members and dedicated board members at ECU Health, have helped ensure high-quality health care is available to the 1.4 million people we serve in eastern North Carolina.

Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, made the list for taking charge of one of the largest rural academic health systems in the United States. Over 14,000 employees that care for 1.4 million patients in 29 counties are under Dr. Waldrums leadership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dennis Campbell, II, RN, president of ECU Health Beaufort Hospital  a Campus of ECU Health Medical Center, was recognized for the level of commitment and care he gives to his community. He previously worked as interim president of ECU Health North Hospital is Roanoke Rapids before moving to Beaufort.

Brian Harvill, president of ECU Health Chowan, Bertie and Roanoke-Chowan Hospitals, was honored for his excellence in overseeing three hospitals in the area. He has more than a decade of leadership experience with ECU Health.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More 

Photo: SCIEPRO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images

Experts warned that the tick population in the United States was booming, and were now seeing the unfortunate effects across the country. Were updating you on the latest in tick-related news. Also in todays news digest: rapper Eminems daughter has a new renovation show, how Gen Zers are finding new and creative ways to become homeowners, and a cleaning trend thats gone viral.

Tick Season Explodes With ER Cases and Alarming Disease Spiking

The Northeast is seeing its worst tick season in five years, according to a new report from the CDC: there have been 229 emergency department visits related to tick bites per 100,000 visits in the region. Thats up from 167 in June 2024, and only slightly down from May of this year, which had 283 ER visits per 100,000 visits. Officials are strongly advising people to protect themselves and to look for signs of tick bites, especially after spending time in places where ticks are commonly found (areas with tall grasses and the woods, for example, though they have been found almost anywhereincluding on building facades and playground equipment).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not just the rise in tick bites thats cause for alarm. One particular disease has been spreading rapidly: babesiosis. Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that infects red blood cells. Deer ticks, perhaps the most common species of tick, are primarily responsible for this infection. Theyre also responsible for spreading Lyme disease, so those bitten risk being infected with both diseases.

Babesiosis is considered dangerous for many, despite some people showing no symptoms. In some cases, infected individuals can develop hemolytic anemia, which is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. In some more vulnerable populations, such as those with a suppressed immune system, babesiosis can be fatal.

The advice to prevent and treat tick bites remains the same: scan your body for tick bites after spending time outdoors, remove ticks as soon as you see them, disinfect the area affected, and monitor yourself for symptoms such as a rash or fever. Read more about the CDCs guidance on tick bites.

More Headlines This Week

Rapper Eminems daughter, Hailie Jade Mathers, debuted a home renovation series on YouTube. The show, Just a Little Reno, documents the transformation of an outdated Michigan home into a dream dwelling. She handled all the design decisions on behalf of the homeowner, who happens to be her best friendbut it wasnt her first time designing a space: she designed her own home, too.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gen Zers are buying homes. But how are they affording record-high prices, a rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, and stubborn mortgage rates? Co-buying. Co-buying is the practice of pooling funds and purchasing a home with others, most often family or even friends. Its not a tactic thats been widely embraced by their Millennial counterparts since it comes with its legal, logistical, and financial challenges. But for many Gen Zers who dream of owning a home, its a creative way to achieve that dream.

Theres a new cleaning trend going viral on TikTok: using hypochlorous acid as a disinfectant around the house. Its being touted as an inexpensive, nontoxic, and effective cleaning agent, but experts want you to know: this time, the hype is real. Its a worthy alternative to harsh chemicals. But beware: dont use it on unsealed wood or delicate fabrics or upholstery, since it may cause damage over time.
Originally appeared on E! Online

The TikTok community has lost a beloved member.

Aldo Miranda, an influencer based in El Paz, Mexico, was found dead in his home July 8, officials confirmed. He was 32.

The local authorities are still investigating Mirandas cause of death, although it is suspected to be by suicide, per People Espanol.

E! News has reached out to El Paz authorities regarding Mirandas passing but has not yet heard back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following news of his death, Mirandas team shared a heartfelt tribute to the late star.

Aldo Miranda was one of those people that life gave me thanks to social networks, but over time it became a true friendship, one of those that feel genuine, close and valuable, the Albe Group wrote in an Instagram post July 9. Meeting him was amazing. He had a talent that caught, moved, and inspired.

And the management groupco-run by Mario Aguilar and Jesica Gerbautznoted that Miranda entrusted them with his brand from the very beginning of the company, despite his large platform.

More from E! Online

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was also one of the first people who believed in me when I told him about Albe Group, the post continued. Without thinking, he showed me his unconditional support and so we began working together, but beyond the job, a friendship was born that I will always cherish.

Aguilar and Gerbautz went on to express heartbreak over Mirandas struggles prior to his death, alluding that his death may have been by suicide.

Sometimes the internal battles are silent and we fail to see everything someone carries inside, the post continued. Aldo decided to leave early, and though that hurts deeply, I want to remember him with the love, light, and joy he left in us. We are going to miss you like you have no idea.

Instagram/Aldo Miranda

The post concluded, You will always be in my heart and in the lives of many people who admire and love you. I am sure in heaven another star arrived to light the way for those up there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mirandas final post on his account was a promotional video for his partnership with Temu, however he often shared reaction videos and vlogs of his favorite restaurants to eat at in Mexico.

Many of Mirandas fans expressed condolences in his comment sections and urged people struggling with their mental health to seek treatment.

Today the soul of a creator extinguished silently, one fan wrote in Spanish. Not all of those struggling ask for help, sometimes they just ask for peace. Depression is not visible, but it weighs. If you're reading this, stay. There is light after the storm. Rest in peace Aldo.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Republican state lawmakers in Minnesota have not held back with criticism after news Gov. Tim Walz spent $430,000 in taxpayer money to prepare for a House congressional hearing probing blue state governors on their "sanctuary city" policies.

Invoices obtained by the Star Tribune of Minnesota uncovered that Walz's office contracted with high-powered global law firm K&L Gates to prepare for the governor's mid-June hearing in front of the GOP-controlled House Oversight Committee, which included questions about his and other blue state governors' "sanctuary city" policies.

In May alone, Walz incurred legal fees of around $232,000, according to invoices the Star Tribune obtained. This balanced out to a rate of about $516 per hour, the local outlet noted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In total, according to the Star Tribune, K&L Gates worked with Walz's office from April 10 until the June 12 hearing, costing taxpayers $430,000 for the legal preparation.

Taxpayers Could Be Forced To Fund Trump Foe Letitia James Legal Defense If Dem Budget Item Passes

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul attend a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing June 12, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Minnesota GOP Rep. Jim Nash, one of two Republicans on the state's Legislative Advisory Commission, questioned why Walz felt compelled to get outside counsel rather than work with the state's attorneys and public relations specialists.

Read On The Fox News App

"A half a million dollars of taxpayer money to prepare the governor to go to his old stomping grounds seems exorbitant, particularly since the AG for the state of Minnesota was in Congress with Walz at the same time, and the two of them certainly could have figured out how to do what they were needing to do," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nash added that he intends to dig deeper into scrutinizing the invoices obtained by the Star Tribune.

New Book Sheds Light On Harris' Decision To Pick Walz As Her Running Mate Over Shapiro: 'Went With Her Gut'

Gov. Tim Walz drew backlash for hiring outside legal counsel to prep for a GOP grilling on Capitol Hill in June, which left Minnesota taxpayers on the hook for a bill of nearly $500,000.

Republican Minnesota state Rep. Harry Niska noted there "appears to be no legitimate legal interest in the state racking up nearly half-a-million dollars in what amounts to PR consulting."

"Tim Walz spent 12 years in Congress  he knows those hearing rooms inside and out, and he certainly knows how to conduct himself in that type of setting. So, why did the governor feel the need to spend $430,000 of taxpayer money on a private firm to prepare for this hearing?" Niska asked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"To be clear, there appears to be no legitimate legal interest of the state in racking up nearly half a million dollars in what amounts to PR consulting as he tries to lay the groundwork for a presidential campaign thats going absolutely nowhere. It is unconscionable to make hardworking Minnesota taxpayers pay for the governors personal national political aspirations."

In response to the criticism over Walz's decision to contract with K&L Gates, both the governor and his team sidestepped offering an explanation. Instead, they suggested the blame fell at the feet of Republicans for holding a hearing that served no other purpose than to "grandstand," according to the Star Tribune.

Tim Walz Criticized For 'Naive' Claim On World's 'Moral Authority': 'Might Be The Chinese'

Tim Walz

Teddy Tschann, a Walz spokesperson, described the hearing as a "planned political stunt on the taxpayer dime," the Star Tribune reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They were too busy performing for the cameras to even feign interest in hearing from Gov. Walz about Minnesotas balanced approach to immigration," Tschann added. "Whats most frustrating is that Tom Emmer and Pete Stauber planned this spectacle knowing what it would cost and went through with it anyway."

When asked directly about the legal bill, Walz told reporters the GOP-led hearing was "not where I wanted to spend money. Its not where I wanted to spend my time, and it certainly proved that there was nothing there other than using it as grandstanding."

While the hefty legal bill has garnered Walz backlash this week, it wouldn't be the first time a governor has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal advice. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said earlier this year after attending a hearing in the nation's capital she expected to pay around $650,000 to the law firm that helped her prepare.

The City of Denver also forked over $250,000 for outside legal counsel earlier this year to prepare the city's mayor, Mike Johnston, for a congressional hearing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fox News Digital reached out to Walz's office and K&L Gates for comment but did not receive a response from either.





Original article source: Tim Walz blasted for costing Minnesota taxpayers $430K in legal prep ahead of Hill hearing
Red snapper season is a cherished tradition each and every year in the southern Atlantic and along Floridas First Coast.

Just knowing youve thrown em back so many times and you get to keep them these times, its just, thats what Im looking forward, Jacksonville angler Tony Ben told Action News Jax Friday morning. The ones you cant have. Yeah, you can have them today.

Friday morning marked the start of 2025s two-day red snapper season off Floridas Atlantic coast, when anglers can catch and keep one fish per person.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The red snapper rush brings huge economic benefits to local businesses and bait shop owners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is tons of money that comes out of this. Just these two days, I cant even imagine how much money is generated from this tiny little season, pointed out Jacksonville angler Victor Fernandez. In places like Alabama, they have, like, a 72-day season. Its like every other weekend for the whole year or something like that. And they make a ton of money.

Many Jacksonville anglers say two days is not nearly enough, continuing the push for NOAA to peel back red snapper fishing restrictions and extend the designated catch and keep period.

It needs to change, and the data is there, argued Jacksonville angler and bait shop owner Dan Manjack. You spend the money and the time and the government officials collecting the data, getting the data, compound together. Weve gone to Jacksonville Offshore Club, we talk about it. I mean, its time to change. And it should be changed. Hopefully, people are listening.

Nonetheless, anglers are relieved plans by NOAA for a three-month ban on bottom fishing were dropped and that they still have the chance to haul in that red trophy fish.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For those looking to haul in some cash this red snapper fishing period, the Oh Snap! Red Snapper Tournament will continue weigh-ins from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday at the Windward Beach Marina in Jacksonville Beach, for a shot at a $10,000 grand prize. You can find more information on the competition and how to enter for the grand prize by clicking the link here.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Video is previous coverage of a community meeting in Preston County about the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link.

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  After receiving input from impacted residents across West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, NextEra Energy released an updated plan for its MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission line.

Even though some communities are looking for a way to stop the 100-mile, extra-high voltage transmission line from being built in the area, NextEra said Friday that it hopes to begin construction in 2029.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The current proposed route for the transmission line goes through Monongalia, Preston, Mineral and Hampshire counties in West Virginia.

West Virginia announces plan to reconfigure Morgantown exit on I-79

Provided below is the estimated timeline for the projects development and completion phases that NextEra Energy sent out on Friday:

2025  Develop and submit certificate applications to each states utility commission.

2026  State utility commissions will review the respective certificate application.

2027  Anticipated completion of all state utility commission decisions.

2028  Completion of final design and engineering; preparing for construction.

2029  Anticipated start of construction.

2030  Active construction progress.

2031  Transition to project in-service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Please know that your feedback has been invaluable, and we remain committed to working with members of the community. We appreciate your continued engagement, NextEra Energy said.

Anyone who wants to receive regular updates from NextEra Energy can sign up for emails here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Charles Darwin was an English naturalist, born in Shrewsbury [Getty Images]

A timepiece used on a seagoing voyage by the HMS Beagle  the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his travels  has been placed under an export bar, meaning it cannot leave the UK.

The move by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to buy the pocket chronometer, used aboard the vessel from 1831 to 1836.

The voyage is known for taking Shropshire-born naturalist Darwin to the Galapagos islands, where he carried out work that led to his groundbreaking theory of evolution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Work also took place to test scientific instruments, helping to establish Greenwich in London as the home of timekeeping.

Chronometers are highly-accurate timepieces made for marine navigation, and this device had been made in London in 1830, a year before the ship embarked

By the time the HMS Beagle returned to Britain, it had only lost 33 seconds over five years.

Dr Tim Pestell, a member of the reviewing committee on the Export of Works of Art, said the 1831-36 voyage was "most popularly associated" with Darwin, but its role in testing scientific instruments was less well known.

He said it would be a "tragedy" for the chronometer to be lost to the nation.

Scientific instruments were also being tested on HMS Beagle [Getty Images]

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said Darwin was one of the most well-known figures in the nation's history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said the chronometer not only played a part in Darwin's research, but also strengthened Britain's leading position in navigation.

Charles Darwin, who observed these finches and their varying beaks on the voyage, developed his theory of evolution during the period [Getty Images]

The success of the voyage was put down to the use of chronometers, which measure time with great precision and determine longitude - the imaginary, vertical lines on maps and globes that converge at the North Pole and South Pole.

Greenwich, after the voyage, became internationally-accepted as the Prime Meridian, where longitude is zero.

The Greenwich Meridian provides the measurement and name for the time zone, Greenwich Mean Time.

Valued at 200,000, the chronometer went out of service in 1906 and later passed through the hands of collectors in London and Cambridge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The export bar remains in place until 10 October.

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

More on this story

Related internet links
DAYTON, Tenn. (AP)  A small town in eastern Tennessee courted national publicity and attention a century ago when local leaders planned a test trial over the teaching of evolution in public schools. What they got from the eight-day Scopes trial was more than they bargained for.

The trial of the century  and the first to be broadcast over the radio  inspired articles, books, plays and movies, including the popular Inherit the Wind.

It also characterized Dayton as an uneducated town of strident Christian fundamentalists, a narrative locals have spent decades trying to rewrite.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For over 30 years, people in Rhea County have put on a play every July using the trial transcript, aiming to correct the record.

In their own words, the actors and director of Destiny in Dayton explain the complexities of the town captured by history.

The director

Dan Buck was a theater professor at a nearby private university when he got an email seeking a director for the play about the Scopes trial. Buck knew about the trial, but didn't know Dayton had its own play.

The legacy of little towns telling their own story through theater is rich history, right? Buck said, noting the tradition was playfully lampooned in the mockumentary, Waiting for Guffman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Locals have put on the play to counter the stereotypes and creative liberties from Inherit the Wind, as well as columnist H.L. Mencken's harsh critique of residents at the time.

I quickly learned that the people of the town here are not real fond of the play or the movie, Buck said. They call it the Scottish play, which is a reference to Macbeth, the thing youre not supposed to say: the cursed play.

In truth, the story of the trial was more complicated and nuanced than most people think.

John T. Scopes, the local teacher, was a willing participant in testing the anti-evolution law, and prosecutor William Jennings Bryan didn't die after the trial because he was defeated by defense attorney Clarence Darrow's arguments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In directing the play on the trial's 100th anniversary, Buck says he is working toward the same mission Dayton leaders had a century ago.

I am building up the buzz about this town, getting people here to get them excited, putting Dayton on the map, Buck said. Maybe we are trying to use this story and this trial to get a little attention to this specific place.

The descendant

Jacob Smith, 23, didn't realize his connection to the most famous trial until he started studying history. His great-great-great-grandmother's brother was Walter White, the county superintendent of schools and one of the key figures who brought the trial to Dayton.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Smith plays Dudley Field Malone, a defense attorney for Scopes who gave speeches as equally impassioned and memorable during the trial as Bryan and Darrow. One of Smith's favorite lines to deliver is a reference to the so-called battle between the two sides in court.

He basically says, There is never a duel with the truth, Smith said. He said, It always wins. It is no coward. It does not need the law, the forces of government, or,' and he pauses, Mr. Bryan.

Smith is currently the county archivist, and he delights in seeing people visit Daytons original courthouse with its squeaky and shiny wood floors, tall windows and impressive stairs that lead up to the wide courtroom on the second floor.

You can hold the handrails going up to that circuit courtroom, just like those lawyers would have done and all those spectators would have done back in 1925, Smith said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Great Commoner

Larry Jones has acted in community and local theater since childhood, so he thought he knew the story of the Scopes trial after performing in a production of Inherit the Wind.

He later realized the famous play was taking creative liberties to make the trial a metaphor for something else captivating the nation's attention at the time: McCarthyism.

Jones plays the role of Bryan, a famous Christian orator and populist politician whose speeches earned him the nickname of the Great Commoner. He says the hardest part was not learning the lengthy speeches Bryan gives during the trial, but rather the sparring he must do when Darrow unexpectedly puts Bryan on the stand to defend the literal truth of the Bible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Im just having to respond spontaneously, and it feels spontaneous every time, Jones said. So part of my mind is going, Oh my gosh, is that the right cue? Am I going to say the right thing?

Jones said audiences still connect to the retelling of the trial a century later because these are issues they continue to deal with.

People are still arguing the same case, Jones said. What is the role of the federal government or the state government in public school systems? What should be allowed? What shouldnt be allowed? What can parents exert influence over for their childrens sake? Whether its evolution or whether its literature or any of the political issues that are abundant today, it still is the same argument.

No conclusion

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The outcome of the trial was no great surprise. The jury found Scopes guilty after a few minutes of deliberation. The defense attorneys' goal all along, however, was to take the legal argument to a higher court.

Today, Dayton embraces its place in history with the annual celebration of the trial. Businesses advertise and promote the Monkey trial. And locals have adopted the phrase: Dayton has evolved.

Were dusting off a very old story, but its very new, said Buck. Its very, very right now.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
ILLINOIS (WCIA)  Law enforcement officers across the state are awaiting a signature from Governor J.B. Pritzker that would pay some of the vet bills for retired K9 officers. Its something that excites many K9 handlers and their trusted four-legged friends.

Lt. Chad Beasley and Chelsey Keyes with the Champaign County Sheriffs Office had their K9s in the field with them every day for 6-7 years.

Arco, Beasleys K9, was one of the departments full-service dogs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His main job was sniffing out narcotics; he would do tracking if there was a lost kid or a suspect who ran from the scene, he explained.

Arco and his co-worker, Harley, would also do article searches to look for guns, wallets, or any evidence with a human scent.

It was always nice to have a K9 working when you need those things because its a limited resource, Keyes added.

Working with his best friend: Meet Clintons K9 Charlie ahead of her well-deserved retirement

After years of hard work, the dogs are starting to feel a bit of the pain, especially in their joints and mouths.

His vet expenses are definitely higher, Keyes said. He had that back surgery and he gets a lot more supplements. Hes had time when hes had to be on special food.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats where Illinois State Police Trooper Samantha Kromm and her proposed bill come in. She and her K9, Mac, have been attached at the hip for the past decade.

UI K9s keeping State Farm Center safe, one sniff at a time

These dogs give 150% and they deserve a retirement just like me and you do, she said.

If passed, it would create the K9 Care Program for any police dog in the state. The dogs handler would be eligible for a $1,500 grant, which would pay for vet care.

They are a tool on our belts, but theyre more than that. Theyre family, Kromm added.

Its a feeling both Champaign County deputies echo, and hope is a catalyst for the future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I look at it as if theyre another officer, Beasley said. If this bill helps offset some of the costs and make their retirement years a bit more comfortable, then Im all for it.

Right now, State Police have 68 K9s in the field with troopers. Over the years, Kromm has seen that number grow.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
A top Department of Justice official has refused to rule out supporting a third presidential term for President Donald Trump.

Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove told senators this week it would be inappropriate for him to weigh in on the legality of a third presidential term, despite the 22nd Amendment explicitly barring it.

It would not be appropriate for me to address how this amendment would apply in an abstract hypothetical scenario, he responded in a questionnaire sent by U.S. senators, according to CBS News and Bloomberg. To the extent this question seeks to elicit an answer that could be taken as opining on the broader political or policy debate regarding term limits, or on statements by any political figure, my response, consistent with the positions of prior judicial nominees, is that it would be improper to offer any such comment as a judicial nominee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bove, 44, led Trumps defense in his hush-money case, in which he was convicted of 34 felonies in 2023 for allegedly trying to cover up his relationship with pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels.

Emil Bove, right, represented President Donald Trump during his New York hush-money case, in which he was ultimately convicted. / Jabin Botsford / Jabin Botsford via REUTERS

Trump appointed Bove to a top role in the DOJ on his Inauguration Day, placing him directly under the command of Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bove is now vying for a lifetime seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which Trump has nominated him to fill. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote as early as next week on whether it should advance Boves nomination.

In preparation for a vote, senators sent Bove a 165-page questionnaire seeking his views on everything from presidential term limits to Jan. 6 rioters, reports CBS News, which obtained a copy of Boves answers.

Democrats have heavily scrutinized Boves nomination after reports accused him of pressuring government lawyers to disregard court orders in the first months of MAGA 2.0, when the White House regularly encroached on the independence of the judicial branch. He was also accused of orchestrating a quid pro quo agreement with New York Mayor Eric Adams, in which he allegedly pushed the DOJ to drop bribery charges against Adams in return for his support of Trumps migrant crackdown in the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Democratic Sens. Chris Coons of Delaware and Cory Booker of New Jersey were among the lawmakers pressing Bove on Trumps eligibility to run for a third term.

Trump has openly flirted with the possibility of remaining in office after his second term ends in January 2029, telling NBC Newss Kristen Welker in March that there are methods to circumvent the 22nd Amendment and that a lot of people would like me to serve another term. The president has since stopped floating the idea amid polling showing 76 percent of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, would oppose him doing so.

The Trump Organizations website, however, continues to sell merchandise for Trump 2028, and some of his top allies, like the MAGA adviser-turned-podcaster Steve Bannon, have endorsed the idea.

Trump 2028 gear is featured prominently on the Trump Organizations online store. / Trump Organization

Senators also queried Bove on the legitimacy of the 2020 election and whether the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol was an insurrection or not. As with term limits, he declined to give a straight answer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said the characterization of the events on January 6 is a matter of significant political debate, adding that it would be inappropriate to address this question given ongoing litigation over Trumps pardon of Jan. 6 defendants.

About the 2020 election, he wrote, President Biden was certified as the winner of the 2020 presidential election and served as the 46th President of the United States. He added that it would be improper for him to opine on the broader political or policy debate regarding the conduct of the 2020 presidential election or on statements by any political figure.
The Top Six Rose Wines for Summer originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

'The Bear' Culinary Producer Courtney Storer with MiravalCourtesy Miraval

Theres a reason rose has become synonymous with summer. Light, fresh, acidic and versatile, its a natural choice for the warmer months.



Rose isnt just a seasonal trend but one of the oldest styles of wine in the world. Ancient winemakers in Greece and Rome produced light-colored wines similar to what we now call rose, long before red wines became dominant. Over time, rose evolved across regions and cultures, from the structured, deep-pink bottles of Southern France to the delicate, dry styles of Provence that now define much of the modern rose landscape.



Today, winemakers around the world are producing roses that reflect their local grapes and traditions, resulting in a diverse category that goes far beyond the pale pink bottles lining summer shelves. These six popular brands and bottles of rose each define a different style of the wine. Whether youre new to rose or looking to go deeper, these wines are a strong place to start.

1) Chateau Sainte Marguerite Fantastique Rose 2024 ($40)



From the historic, sea-kissed vineyards of Chateau Sainte Marguerite, this Cru Classe Cotes de Provence rose reflects the estates precision and finesse. Certified organic and vegan, its a bright, elegant wine with a clean, focused profile.

Chateau Sainte Marguerite

2) Hampton Water Rose ($18)



Born from a collaboration between Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse Bongiovi and renowned winemaker Gerard Bertrand, Hampton Water is a lively, premium rose that captures the spirit of the South of France with a nod to East Coast flair. Dry, vibrant and smooth, its made for summer days.

Hampton Water Rose

3) Miraval Cotes de Provence Rose ($24.99)



This wine shows a pale rose-gold hue and subtle notes of hibiscus and vine peach. Crisp stone fruit and a touch of limestone minerality give it focus and lift, while the finish is smooth and understated. Its a versatile, elegant option for lighter fare or casual evenings. Courtney Storer, the culinary producer of FX's Emmy-winning series The Bear, talks food pairings with Miraval rose here.

Miraval

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

4) Rumor Cotes de Provence Rose 2023 ($30)



A dry, refined expression of Provence, Rumor Rose is crafted with precision and sophistication. Known for its refined profile and consistent quality, its a favorite at some of the worlds most iconic destinations.

Rumor Cotes de Provence Rose

5) Whispering Angel ($17)



A benchmark for Provence rose, Whispering Angel is effortlessly elegant and widely celebrated for its fresh, dry style and pale pink hue. Crafted with care at Chateau dEsclans, its crisp, clean and quietly expressive, equally at home for casual meals or on the worlds most refined tables.

Whispering Angel

6) Wolffer Estate Summer in a Bottle Rose ($27)



A bold take on a seasonal favorite, this limited-edition release of Wolffers Summer in a Bottle Long Island Rose pairs the crisp, coastal charm of the original with design inspired by NARS Hot Escape cosmetics collection. Sun-drenched and vibrant, the bottle evokes the golden glow of Biarritz, France; while inside, the wine remains a fresh, expressive blend. Its bright, balanced and made for summer.

Wolffer Estate

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  City leaders are set to discuss a rezoning proposal next week that could pave the way for transforming some local farmland into space for new duplexes.

The Topeka City Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, July 15 and take action on a new ordinance that would, if approved, allow for the development of new housing options. The rezoning proposal would allow for several new duplexes to be constructed to the southeast of the intersection of Northwest Lyman Road and Northwest Vail Avenue in north Topeka.

The Topeka Planning Commission forwarded a recommendation to the city council to approve the rezoning request. The rezoning request would change the land from being designated as a space for single family dwellings to a two-family dwelling district to accommodate the new duplexes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New gas station, convenience store may be coming to east Topeka

The rezoning proposal concerns a total of 16 acres of vacant, undeveloped farm land. If city councilmembers approve of the ordinance, the developer would be able to construct a maximum of 40 new duplexes that would create up to 80 housing units.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Topeka fire chief set to retire in 2025

TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topekas fire chief is due to retire after spending 30 years in service to the community.

The City of Topeka announced in a press release on July 11 that Fire Chief Randy Phillips will have his final day on Dec. 22, 2025. Phillips has worked in a variety of roles over his years of service including as a captain, battalion chief, interim deputy chief and deputy chief of the Topeka Fire Department (TFD). He was named the new fire chief back in 2022.

On behalf of the City of Topeka, I want to congratulate Chief Randy Phillips on his well-earned retirement, said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. His years of dedicated service to our community have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for his leadership and commitment. We wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter and hope his retirement is filled with happiness, health, and well deserved family time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Phillips will transition from his position on Aug. 4 but will continue to help the Topeka Fire Team as they bring in his replacement. The City of Topeka will share additional information in the near future regarding its search process for a new fire chief.

Topeka farm land could be home for up to 40 new duplexes

It has been an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to lead this organization, Phillips said. The men and women of the Topeka Fire Department are second to none and I would not trade the last 30 years for anything. This is truly the best job in the world. Im extremely proud of what we have accomplished as a department during my tenure as Chief, but now its time for me to focus on my family and enjoy retirement.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
In a first-of-its-kind agreement, Nantucket has secured a $10.5 million settlement from GE Vernova over last years wind turbine blade failure  an incident that littered the islands beaches with fiberglass and foam debris.

Finalized Thursday and announced Friday, the agreement resolves the towns potential claims against GE Vernova, the manufacturer of the faulty blade, and releases Vineyard Wind from liability related to the July 2024 failure.

This is a solid number to cover the community, and Im very pleased with the results, Select Board member Brooke Mohr said. It was to both hold the industry accountable for an incident thats never happened before, and do so in a way thats meaningful enough to perhaps draw their attention to the need to prevent it from happening again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under the agreement Nantucket will establish a Community Claims Fund to compensate residents and business owners for economic harm related to the incident. Claims will be reviewed by an independent third-party administrator, who will assess eligibility and distribute payments. The claims process is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Folks have been waiting a year for this, and my goal is for the process to be as timely as possible, Mohr said.

While those who receive funds through the Community Claims Fund must waive their right to sue, Mohr emphasized that the settlement does not bar individuals or businesses from pursuing legal action on their own if they choose not to participate in the fund.

As for how the $10.5 million figure was determined, attorney Greg Werkheiser said the Town is limited in what it can disclose about the negotiations. However, he noted that the Town engaged three law firms including Wyche, which specializes in environmental damage litigation, and the national financial advisory firm Stout to help calculate damages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Werkheiser described the agreement as precedent-setting, noting that no coastal community has previously faced this scale of debris washing ashore due to offshore wind infrastructure failure. We understood that this will have ripple effects, he said.

The incident began nearly a year ago, on July 13 when a 350-foot-long fiberglass turbine blade broke apart during testing for the Vineyard Wind 1 project, about 14 miles southwest of Nantucket. Debris washed up on popular beaches for days, prompting closures and a scramble by Town departments and Vineyard Wind crews to clean up the material.

While GE Vernova is a signatory to the agreement, Vineyard Wind is not. However, it is included as a Released Party, meaning the company is shielded from lawsuits by the Town relating to the July 13 blade failure. This arrangement is tied to contractual agreements between Vineyard Wind and GE Vernova, which make GE Vernova liable for financial penalties Vineyard Wind might incur due to manufacturing defects. GE Vernova likely would not have agreed to a settlement that left it financially exposed, by proxy, through litigation targeting Vineyard Wind.

GE Vernovas internal investigation, completed about two weeks after the failure, concluded that the blade broke due to a manufacturing defect at a plant in Quebec.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Town expressed clear dissatisfaction with Vineyard Winds conduct during the past year, in a statement on a page dedicated to answering FAQs regarding the settlement.

The Town of Nantucket commends GEV for its leadership in reaching this agreement. By contrast, the Town has found Vineyard Wind wanting in terms of its leadership, accountability, transparency, and stewardship in the aftermath of the blade failure and determined that it would not accept Vineyard Wind as a signatory to the settlement, the town stated on its website.

We didnt want to give the impression that Vineyard Wind came to the table in good faith the same way GE did, Werkheiser said. The blade settlement is intended to settle the blade issue. There are a lot of other issues that Vineyard Wind is involved in that this settlement does not apply to. It does not let them off the hook.

Mohr and Werkheiser said the Town will soon publicly address other outstanding issues with Vineyard Wind, including concerns over poor communication and delays in implementing an Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS), which remains overdue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We started these negotiations with Vineyard Wind and GE, and we ended them with just GE. That speaks for itself, Mohr said.

While the Town says it is not subject to a gag order under the settlement, there is a clause requiring GEVs preapproval for any public statements about the settlement that reference GEV or its affiliates.

Werkheiser said that provision only applies to statements specifically referencing GEV released parties not all statements about the settlement generally, and said it was standard for settlement agreements.

We wouldnt be doing that anyway, but theyre just trying to cover the things that we are obligated to do anyway, frankly by ethics and agreement, he said. In 99 percent of settlement negotiations, what the parties agree to up front is that they wont talk about how the sausage is made, because it discourages people from being honest in negotiations, and then they would worry that things that they conceded could be used against them later publicly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vineyard Wind declined to respond directly to the Towns criticisms but issued a written statement about the settlement.

The settlement agreement for the GE Vernova blade event, announced today, is the product of diligent, thorough, and cooperative negotiations between the parties over the past year. Vineyard Wind appreciates the good faith, respectful, and productive approach demonstrated by GE Vernova and the Town of Nantucket, which was critical toward reaching this fair and conclusive settlement, Vineyard Wind spokesperson Craig Gilvar said in a statement Friday.

Earlier this year, the federal government lifted a suspension it had placed on Vineyard Wind following the blade failure. The suspension was removed on the condition that the company replace blades on all turbines it had installed to date22 in totalafter additional blades with insufficient bonding were identified. All of the blades, including the one that failed, came from the same factory in Quebec.

It remains unclear how many of the replacement blades have since been installed, or where they were manufactured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vineyard Wind has not been very forthcoming on that front, Mohr said.

The Town was advised throughout the process by its counsel at KP Law, the Wyche law firm, and damages experts from Stout.

Over the course of a year, we received guidance from three law firms with relevant expertise as well as a nationally recognized financial firm specializing in damages assessments. The blade failure was a difficult event for our community with some known short-term harms and unknown potential longer-term harms. By the time we know whether those longer-term harms will manifest, however, the period for litigating several of our potential claims will have expired. So, by necessity, we focused on delivering compensation for our community sooner rather than later. We are committed to using the funds from the settlement both to help community businesses who have sustained costs or losses related to the blade failure and to strengthen our capacity to help hold offshore wind developers and the agencies charged with regulating them accountable to the public, a statement from the Select Board reads on the towns website, on a page dedicated to answering FAQs regarding the settlement.

The Inquirer and Mirror on Nantucket is a news partner of MassLive.com. To subscribe to The Inquirer and Mirror, click here.

More Cape & Islands content

Read the original article on MassLive.
As UFC star Kayla Harrison walked into the arena at her alma mater, people shouted her name and sang "Happy Birthday."

The recently turned 35-year-old visited her hometown of Middletown for a welcome home rally on July 10, weeks after becoming a UFC champion.

Harrison became the reigning Women's Bantamweight Champion last month after defeating two-time champion Julianna Pena. She won her first UFC fight in April 2024 against former champion Holly Holm. Harrison is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Nothing compares to coming back home," she said, carrying her victory belt on stage.

Harrison now lives in Florida, but she was raised in Middletown and attended Middletown High School. At the rally, she donated $5,000 to Middletown's Hope House shelter and signed fans' autographs. Mayor Elizabeth Slamka presented her with a key to the city.

"I'm living proof that this town doesn't just raise good people," she said. "It raises champions."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Photos: UFC champion Kayla Harrison visits Ohio hometown




NEED TO KNOW

A rescue operation is underway after a truck fell off the Delaware Memorial Bridge and into the river

The tractor-trailer reportedly crashed into a concrete wall and plunged into the water in the early hours of Friday, July 11

Authorities are unaware of how many people were inside the vehicle at the time of the collision





A rescue operation is underway after a truck fell off the Delaware Memorial Bridge and into the river.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to a press release shared by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a Bobtail Tractor crashed into a concrete wall on the bridge and plunged into the water in the early hours of Friday, July 11.

"At approximately 3:40 a.m. this morning, a Bobtail Tractor traveling on the Delaware Memorial Bridge southbound into Delaware crossed three lanes of traffic, onto the concrete pad near the Delaware anchorage, and crashed into a concrete wall," the release read.

William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Photo of the crash on the Delaware Memorial Bridge Photo of the crash on the Delaware Memorial Bridge

According to the statement, the incident took place on the downslope of the bridge, and no other vehicles were involved.

Photos from the scene reveal that collision left a gaping hole in the wall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was not immediately clear how many people were inside the tractor at the time of the incident.

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.

Multiple agencies collaborated in the rescue operation, including the Delaware State Police Marine Unit, New Castle County Emergency Management dive teams and the US Coast Guard Air and Marine units.

PEOPLE contacted the United States Coast Guard for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

While the accident didn't involve any other vehicles, the left lane of the bridge was closed, causing delays in the morning commute.



William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Delaware Memorial Bridge The Delaware Memorial Bridge

In a statement on X, the Delaware Memorial Bridge announced the closure and confirmed that most of the bridge was operating, warning of "signicant traffic delays." A followup post shortly thereafter confirmed that the backup had cleared out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An investigation into the crash is still ongoing, and it was not immediately clear what caused it.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority confirmed to PEOPLE that the vehicle had been located but that "dive crews are assessing safety of the scene prior to investigating further."



Read the original article on People
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Rescue crews are searching for a tractor-trailer cab that fell off the Delaware Memorial Bridge early Friday morning, according to the Coast Guard.

Officials said it happened around 4 a.m.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

The left lane of the bridge heading into Delaware is closed, officials wrote on X. Drivers should expect significant traffic delays.

This is a developing story. Please refresh the page for updates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Australia's leader Anthony Albanese will visit China and meet with President Xi Jinping this weekend as he seeks to strengthen ties with Canberra's largest trading partner.

Regional security and trade will take centre stage during the prime minister's six-day trip spanning three cities - Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu.

"My government will continue to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest," Albanese said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The trip marks Albanese's second official visit to China - but the first since his re-election in May. It comes as countries around the world navigate US president Donald Trump's "America First" policies including tariffs.

China accounts for nearly a third of Australia's total trade and "will remain so for the foreseeable future", Albanese said.

"The relationship in China means jobs in Australia. It's as simple as that," he told reporters on Friday.

Albanese, whose Labor Party government was re-elected with an increased majority in May, had pledged among other things to create more jobs and bring back manufacturing in Australia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Analysts say this trip signals a stabilisation of ties between Australia and China, even as Beijing has been trying to extend its military reach across the Pacific to some protest by Australia.

Last month, Australia's defence minister Richard Marles called on China to explain why it needs to have "such an extraordinary military build-up".

A rare Chinese military drill in the Tasman sea in February was also called "unusual" by Marles.

"Both sides recognise their differences... [and] agree those differences should not define the relationship," says James Laurenceson, director of Australia-China Relations Institute.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The two countries are not seeking geopolitical alignment, he said.

"They need to keep the politics stable and constructive so that other parts of the relationship, like businesses, cultural organisations, universities and so on can forge ahead with engagement in their own areas."

Mr Laurenceson notes, however, that Washington "will not be pleased" with Albanese's visit. But the prime minister has domestic support for this, he says.

"Washington is heading in a direction so plainly contrary to Australia's interests that any [leader] seen as kowtowing to the White House would face pushback at home," he says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Beijing will continue to criticise Australia's involvement in the Aukus submarine deal with its longstanding allies, the UK and the US, observers tell the BBC, while Canberra will reiterate its commitment to the pact - even as Trump's administration has recently put the agreement under review.

But disagreements over issues like Aukus will not thwart Australia's and China's relationship significantly, the observers say.

Anthony Albanese will arrive in Beijing on Saturday for his second official visit to China since 2023 [Getty Images]

And neither will other contentious topics Albanese may bring up - including China's actions in the South China Sea and the case of Australian novelist Yang Hengjun, who has been jailed and handed a suspended death sentence by Beijing on espionage charges which he denies.

"This is part of a broader, understated and mature diplomacy from the current government and it does not fall into the recriminations of previous years," says Bryce Wakefield, who leads the Australian Institute for International Affairs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Albanese's delegation to China includes top executives from Macquarie Bank and the Australian arm of HSBC, as well as mining giants Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Albanese had cited green energy among the areas that Australia and China can "further engage" on.

While in China, the prime minister will also meet with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People' Congress.

China's state newspaper Global Times says Albanese's visit "carries special significance" and shows "Australia's desire to seek more reliable partners in an uncertain world order... with China being the obvious choice".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In November 2023, Albanese became the first Australian leader visit China in seven years - ending a hiatus triggered by a string of disputes including various Chinese sanctions on Australian goods, and back and forth accusations of foreign interference.

Since then, his administration has managed to stabilise ties with Beijing and negotiate the end of a series of brutal tariffs.
BEAVER TWP., Ohio (WKBN)  The person who died after a crash on State Route 7 on Friday has been identified.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 49-year-old Clinton Vankirk of Poland was killed in the crash that happened around 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Hutter Drive.

Vankirk was driving a small SUV southbound on S.R. 7 when a van driving northbound traveled left of center and collided with Vankirks SUV. Both vehicles traveled off the west side of the roadway and overturned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vankirk was pronounced dead on the scene. The other driver was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The OSHP said drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

Jim Bowser and Molly Burke contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LEHI, Utah (ABC4)  Traffic came to a standstill in Utah County in Lehi on Friday afternoon as a car was engulfed in flames on the shoulder of southbound I-15.

According to Utah Highway Patrol, the fire occurred around 2 p.m. on southbound I-15 near mile marker 280. A single vehicle caught fire on the shoulder after it had some sort of mechanical failure. The fire did spread to a small patch of grass but firefighters were able to extinguish both. No injuries were reported.

A Utah Department of Transportation traffic camera in the area showed the front of the car in flames with heavy smoke rising into the air. Police blocked the right three lanes of the interstate, but halted traffic across the entire highway as firefighters worked to put out the fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All lanes of southbound I-15 have been reopened.

Courtesy: UDOT

Latest headlines:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Authorities have called off one search for Travis Decker after bystanders mistook another man for the suspect.

Amid the ongoing search for the Washington manwho is wanted for the murders of his three daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5officials learned that a family vacationing in the Bear Creek area of Idahos Sawtooth National Forest saw a person that resembled the 32-year-old, according to a July 6 news release obtained by People.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, U.S. Marshals Service Supervisory Deputy Michael Leigh confirmed to the outlet that the spotted individual was not Decker.

"The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force located the man multiple witnesses saw at the Sawtooth National Forest who was believed to be Travis Decker," a July 9 media release obtained by People stated. "The hiker who is the same height and roughly the same weight as Decker, also has dark features, a beard and tattoos on his arm and calf.

More from E! Online

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The statement added, Investigators interviewed the cooperative man and confirmed he was hiking in the Bear Creek area this past weekend."

After ruling out the lookalike as Decker, authorities thanked the public and confirmed they had canceled that specific search.

Wenatchee Police Department

"At this time, law enforcement has stopped searching for Decker at the Sawtooth National Forest, the release continued, and has begun to demobilize their resources."

However, the nationwide manhunt continues for the military veteran, who is also accused of three counts of kidnapping in the first degree after the girls mom Whitney Decker filed a civil complaint May 30 that her ex-husband had not returned their daughters after a planned visitation, according to the Wenatchee Police Department.

GoFundMe

"At this time we do not have any evidence to suggest Mr. Decker is alive, or deceased," the Chelan County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) said in a July 1 statement shared on Facebook. "Until he is taken into custody, or recovered, we will continue these efforts. We are extremely grateful for the continued leadership, dedication, and support from all of our search teams."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The girls bodies were discovered June 2 near their dads truck at a campground in Leavenworth, Wash., with their cause of death determined to be suffocation and their manner of death to be homicide, according to a July 9 press release from CCSO.

Given Deckers suspicious online searches for relocating to Canada and new DNA evidence at the crime scene that all belonged to the same, male subject, according to CCSO, authorities believe they are not looking for any additional suspects.

Keep reading for more about the case.

Who is Travis Decker?

Travis Decker has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping after allegedly killing his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5. Authorities revealed that Traviswho shared his daughters with ex-wife Whitney Deckerwas believed to have been living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck, various motels and local campgrounds. The former Army soldier has a history of mental health struggles, which he was expected to manage in order to spend time with his daughters. In a September 2024 temporary parenting plan obtained by NBC News, he was court-ordered to complete an anger management program and attend individual counseling sessions at least biweekly. Per the plan, Travis was given visitation opportunities every other weekend, where he was expected to drop off his daughters at 8 p.m. on Fridays, 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 5 p.m. on Sundays to his ex-wife.





When Did Travis Decker and Whitney Deckers 3 Daughters Go Missing?

Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia were last seen May 30 when Travis had picked them up at Whitneys home for a planned visitation, according to an affidavit filed June 3 in Chelan County Superior Court. Whitney alleged, per the docs, that the exchange had occurred without issues, but Traviswho Whitney noted had been experiencing mental health issueswas quieter than usual, which was out of character. After Travis failed to return the girls at 8 p.m., Whitney attempted to contact her ex multiple times before calling the police.





What Happened to Travis Decker and Whitney Deckers 3 Daughters?

The Wenatchee Police Department shared May 31 that they were searching for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia. However, just three days later, the department confirmed Travis and Whitneys three daughters were found deceased at the Rock Island Campground near Travis abandoned car, which had two bloody handprints. A preliminary examination by the Chelan County Coroner found that the girls cause of death was asphyxiation.





Has Travis Decker Been Found?

Local authorities, the US Marshal Service and the WA Army National Guard are searching for Travis, who disappeared into the forest near the Rock Island campground, according to Chelan County officials. While the efforts continue, the Kittitas County Sheriffs Office shared in a June 23 press release that there is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or in this area. Seemingly strong early leads gave way to less convincing proofs over the last two weeks of searching, the statement continued. Still, we cant and wont quit this search; Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker deserve justice. And Decker remains a danger to the public as long as hes at large.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement





What Has Whitney Decker Said About the Deaths of Her Daughters?

Whitney shared an emotional tribute honoring her daughters, who she said came into the world with open hearts and kindness. She told the crowd at the June 20 memorial service, You all look beautiful, and I know Evy would have loved to ooh and ah over all your outfits," adding that Paityn would've complimented "each and every one of you  She did that for everyone, whether it was at a grocery store or at school or with me." Whitney shared how, following her and Travis divorce, she would often ask her girls what three emotions they felt each day. "For Paityn, she always had more than three, consistently eager to tell me about every minute of her day," Whitney shared. "She was always interrupting her sisters to make sure I knew every single one. For Ev, we would talk about her feelings one-on-one right at bedtime because she wasn't always ready to share them with her sisters." Meanwhile, she and Olivia were "still working on how to describe her feelings," but that "one was always 'happy.'"





What Are the Next Steps In the Search For Travis Decker?

The Kittitas County Sheriffs Office shared that they are shifting their strategy. The office announced in a June 23 press release that as they continue to search for the fugitive, they are also directing some efforts to recover Travis body if he died in the wilderness. Meanwhile, the office added that the US Marshals have turned their fugitive-finding resources to the task of finding Decker if hes left our area.



For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
A senior official in the Treasury Department has told colleagues she is leaving the Trump administration, in the midst of intensifying trade negotiations, to seek a role in the private sector, according to sources familiar with her plans.

Julia Hahn, assistant secretary for public affairs, has said she is leaving soon, likely to start her own public affairs firm, two of the sources said.

Hahn was 25 when she started working at the White House during President Trump's first term, under then-chief strategist Stephen Bannon. She defended Mr. Trump as deputy White House communications director during his first impeachment trial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In his second term, Hahn, now 34, has worked on trade matters, sanctions and tax cuts.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS News, "As she embarks on her next chapter, we wish her continued success and know she will carry forward the same passion and excellence that defined her time here."

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called Hahn an "invaluable asset" to the Treasury Department. "While her departure is a major loss to the administration, we know that she will continue to be an extraordinary ally on the outside," Miller told CBS News.

Previously Hahn also worked for GOP Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, as a producer at Laura Ingraham's radio show, and as a reporter for Breitbart during Bannon's time as an executive at the conservative website.

Social media content creator shows his hustle

Udemy Is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills

Surveillance video shows Israeli strike that killed 10 children at Gaza clinic
The 18-year-old suspect accused of killing Frisco, Texas, high school track star Austin Metcalf will stand trial in June 2026, court records reveal.

Karmelo Anthony will face a jury beginning June 1, 2026. He is accused of stabbing Metcalf to death at a track meet April 2.

"What we can share is that Mr. Karmelo Anthony, his family, his legal team, and his broader support team are looking forward to the opportunity to present the facts in a court of law," the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), whose president, Dominique Alexander, acts as a spokesperson for the Anthony family, told Fox News Digital Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Surveillance Video Shows Fatal Stabbing Of Austin Metcalf At Texas Track Meet, Officials Say

Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf

"We have full confidence in Attorney Mike Howard and his ability to represent Mr. Anthony in this matter," the group said.

Howard declined to comment Thursday.

Read On The Fox News App

Metcalf was 17 when he was stabbed to death during a scuffle inside the Memorial High School track team's tent at the meet.

Anthony was arrested on school property minutes after the stabbing and was indicted on first-degree murder charges June 24.

"For weeks, my team has been presenting evidence to the grand jury. Today, I summarized that evidence, and I asked the grand jury to return a first-degree murder indictment against Karmelo Anthony  which they did," Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said in response to the indictment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"With that indictment, the case now moves formally into the court system," he said. "From this point forward, well continue doing our part  fully and fairly  to pursue justice under the law. The trial schedule will be set by the court. But when the time comes, well be ready."

Jeff Metcalf with his son, Austin Metcalf, a junior at Memorial High School in Frisco, who was allegedly stabbed in the chest by 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, a student-athlete from Frisco Centennial High School.

Howard responded to the indictment with a message of his own.

"Today's indictment is an expected and routine step in the legal process," he said, adding there is an indictment in nearly every felony case.

Suspect In Austin Metcalf Killing Moved To 'Undisclosed Location' For Protection: Family Spokesman

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We expect that when the full story is heard, the prosecution will not be able to rule out the reasonable doubt that Karmelo Anthony may have acted in self-defense," he said.

The arrest report from the incident said Anthony "grabbed his bag, opened it and reached inside it" and told Metcalf, "Touch me and see what happens."

A witness told police that Anthony then "reached into his bag, and the male took a knife out of the bag and stabbed Austin."

The witness told the officer Anthony fled after the stabbing. Metcalf died in his twin brother's arms.

Anthony allegedly told the responding school resource officer , who cuffed him upon his arrival, that he was protecting himself. The officer also noted blood on Anthony's left middle finger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One officer who responded referred to Anthony as the alleged suspect, and Anthony made a "spontaneous statement," according to the report.

"I'm not alleged. I did it," he allegedly said.

Initially, Anthony was held in the Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond, which was later reduced to $250,000. He bonded out of jail and is on house arrest.

Austin Metcalf, 17, died after a stabbing at a high school track meet.

Self-defense Claim In Austin Metcalf Slaying Is 'Uphill Battle': Expert

After the alleged murder, the Anthony family set up a GoFundMe, and donations poured in from across the country, sparking controversy and questions about how the money would be spent. To date, that fundraiser has accrued more than $544,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Soon after, the Anthony family hired Alexander of the Dallas-based NGAN as their spokesperson. Alexander has a history of Black Lives Matter activism and has called for defunding the police.

He has injected race into the case from the beginning.

"To the racists, the bigots and those filled with hate whove targeted Karmelo, his family and even myself  you do not intimidate us," Alexander said after Anthony's indictment. "We are not backing down.

"This case is yet another example of what it means to be Black in America, where even our self-defense is questioned, scrutinized and politicized. My involvement  like many others  came as a direct response to the overwhelming hate, threats and outside influence that have surrounded this case since day one."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At a chaotic press conference that followed Anthony's bond release, Alexander slammed Jeff Metcalf, Austin's father, who attempted to attend the event.

"What we've seen at the beginning of this press conference, of the father being at this press conference, these are my words  don't quote anybody  is a disrespect to the dignity of his son," Alexander said at the time.

"What he has felled [sic] into is the political operatives that want to make this thing a political thing of hate and yet bigotry and yet racism," he said. "We have conservative operatives that have been posting nonstop about this case."

Jeff Metcalf did not immediately return a comment request.





Original article source: Trial date set for Austin Metcalfs suspected killer in track meet stabbing
[Source]

The Trump administration on Tuesday announced its plan to block Chinese and foreign purchases of U.S. farmland over national security concerns.

How it would work

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins detailed a seven-point National Farm Security Action Plan that would strengthen public disclosures of foreign ownership, raise penalties for false filings and partner with Congress and states to block purchases from Chinese nationals and other foreign adversaries. The plan builds on work Rollins pursued before joining the Cabinet, when she headed the America First Policy Institute and partnered with states on legislation restricting Chinese land purchases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The administration is exploring ways to claw back existing foreign purchases, with Rollins saying they are examining available options and that a White House executive order will likely come very soon. So far, the USDA has ended seven active agreements with foreign countries of concern and dropped roughly 70 people and 550 entities from its contracts and research partnerships.

What officials are saying

American agriculture is under threat from criminals, from political adversaries and from hostile regimes that understand our way of life as a profound and existential threat to themselves, Rollins told reporters on Tuesday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that no longer can foreign adversaries assume we're not watching.

Trending on NextShark: 'Love Island USA' star exits villa after resurfaced racial slur

Fines for violations would climb to 25% of the invested lands value. China, heres your ticket. Do not pass go. Get the hell off American agriculture, Sen. Roger Marshall said.

The big picture

China has criticized the planned ban, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning describing it on Wednesday as a typical act of discrimination.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The issue comes despite Chinese ownership representing less than 1% of total U.S. farmland  277,336 acres (112,234 hectares)  according to recent USDA data. The push has sparked concerns among Asian American advocacy groups, with the Committee of 100 warning such legislation could legitimize harmful and xenophobic claims and escalate anti-Asian violence.

Trending on NextShark: Trump admin to ban Chinese purchases of US farmland

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

Trending on NextShark: Ex-Superman Dean Cain criticizes new films pro-immigration stance

Subscribe here now!

Download the NextShark App:

Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
The Trump administration announced Thursday that the Department of Health and Human Services will ban illegal immigrants from accessing taxpayer-funded services, including the popular Head Start early childhood education program.

The agency announced that it will rescind the 1998 interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), which extended certain federal public benefits to those living in the United States illegally.

"For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "Todays action changes that  it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New Gop Bill Would Cut Off Housing Funds To Sanctuary Cities Defying Trump Dhs

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced Thursday HHS will prohibit illegal immigrants from accessing taxpayer-funded programs.

The PRWORA, known as welfare reform, passed during the Clinton administration and granted states greater autonomy to manage social welfare programs.

The new policy applies PRWORAs plain-language definition of a "federal public benefit," affirms that programs serving individuals, households or families are subject to eligibility restrictions and clarifies that no HHS programs have been formally exempted under PRWORAs limited exceptions, HHS said.

Read On The Fox News App

Among the programs no longer accessible to illegal immigrants will be Head Start, an early childhood education and nutrition program for low-income families.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump Has A Secret Weapon To Defeat Activist Judges On Immigration

A first grade classroom with an American flag.

An HHS preliminary analysis estimates American citizens could receive as much as $374 million in additional Head Start services annually.

"Alongside HHS, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is committed to providing and protecting resources that serve Americas most vulnerable," said acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison. "Head Starts classification under the new PRWORA interpretation puts American families first by ensuring taxpayer-funded benefits are reserved for eligible individuals."

Other services now classified under the "federal public benefit" category include grant programs for workforce programs, mental health and substance abuse, among others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new policy takes effect upon publication in the Federal Register and has a 30-day comment period.





Original article source: Trump administration bans illegal immigrants from taxpayer-funded services, including Head Start
DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  South Sudan has accepted eight third-country deportees from the U.S. and Rwanda says it's in talk with the administration of President Donald Trump on a similar deal, while Nigeria says it's rejecting pressure to do the same.

Although few details are known, these initiatives in Africa mark an expansion in U.S. efforts to deport people to countries other than their own. The United States has sent hundreds of Venezuelans and others to Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama but has yet to announce any major deals with governments in Africa, Asia or Europe.

While proponents see such programs as a way of deterring what they describe as unmanageable levels of migration, human rights advocates have raised concerns over sending migrants to countries where they have no ties or that may have a history of rights violations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, U.K. Supreme Court ruled that a similar plan to deport rejected asylum-seekers to Rwanda was illegal.

Trump meets with West African leaders

Earlier this week, Trump held a summit with five West African leaders in the White House, which highlighted the new transactional U.S. policy towards the continent.

Trump discussed migration with the leaders of Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon, including the need for countries to accept the return of their nationals who do not have the right to stay in the U.S., as well as the possibility of accepting deported nationals of third countries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U.S. border tsar Tom Homan told the media Friday that the Trump administration hopes to forge deals with many countries to accept deported migrants.

If there is a significant public threat or national security threat  theres one thing for sure  theyre not walking the streets of this country. Well find a third, safe nation to send them to, and were doing it," he said.

What African leaders are saying

Liberian President Joseph Boakai told media in Liberia on Friday that third-country nationals were discussed but that Trump had not directly asked Liberia to accept such deportees.

Theyre not forcing anybody, but they want us to know that this is the concern they have, and they are asking how can we contribute, how can we help? he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau said Trump discussed the topic during the summit, but did not specifically ask for the African nations to agree to accept deportees. Other West African governments did not reply to a request for comment.

Nigerias Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar, meanwhile, said such conversations were being held between U.S. representatives and several African countries, though he declined provide details.

He said late Thursday that Nigeria would not bow to what he described as pressure to accept third-country deportees, saying the country had enough problems of its own.

What's in it for African countries

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Experts say some African countries may seek to facilitate U.S. deportation programs in order to earn good will in negotiations over tariffs, cuts in U.S. aid or visa restrictions that have hit several African countries in recent months.

Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at the security consulting firm Control Risks, said countries may want to reach a migrant deal to avoid a situation "where they lose access to the U.S. economy or economic initiatives and bilateral relations.'

Those factors are especially important, in light of the withdrawal of developmental aid, Ochieng told The Associated Press.

What has been done so far

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So far, the only African country to accept third-country deportees from the U.S. has been South Sudan, which accepted eight deportees with criminal convictions, only one of whom was from South Sudan.

It is unclear what deal may have been struck between the two countries. The South Sudanese Foreign Ministry has declined to answer questions.

Alan Boswell, the Horn of Africa program director at the International Crisis Group think tank, said the South Sudan would have a number of reasons to want to placate a Trump administration, be that avoiding visa bans, warding off more sanctions against its elite, or generally trying to curry favor.

The decision has drawn criticism from South Sudanese civil society and some members of government. South Sudan is not a dumping ground for criminals, said Edmund Yakani, a prominent civil society leader in the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Homan, the U.S. border tsar, said Friday he was unsure of the situation of the eight men, saying they were no longer in U.S. custody.

Lawyers and advocates are concerned about that kind of uncertainty over the legal status and safety of such migrants, said Michelle Mittelstadt, a spokesperson for Migration Policy Institute.

Theres a lot of confusion and lack of clarity over who actually has control of these individuals when theyre deported to a third country, Mittelstadt said.

Rwandas foreign minister told the AP last month that talks were under way with the U.S. about a potential agreement to host deported migrants, without providing details. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on a potential deal. Rights groups have long criticized Rwanda for their human rights record, especially the deaths in Rwandan custody of some perceived government critics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.K. struck a deal with Rwanda in 2022 to send migrants who arrive in the U.K. as stowaways or in boats to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay. But the plan was stalled by legal challenges and criticized by human rights groups.

___

Associated Press writers Mark Banchereau and Wilson McMakin in Dakar, Senegal; Ope Adetayo in Lagos, Nigeria; and Joseph Falzetta in Juba, South Sudan, contributed to this report.
Amid all the Trump administrations efforts to politicize the justice system, few loom larger right now than the nomination of top Justice Department official Emil Bove to a prestigious appeals-court judgeship.

Bove, a former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, has been central to a number of high-profile controversies in the early months of the presidents second term. But the most significant one right now is a whistleblowers allegation that Bove suggested that the Justice Department might simply ignore court orders. Former Justice Department attorney Erez Reuveni has said Bove suggested at a March meeting that the department might need to tell the courts f**k you.

That a soon-to-be appellate judge would say such a thing would obviously be problematic; Democrats have suggested Trump is trying to install a political henchman in a powerful judgeship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We might never know what happened.

But whats also clear is that the administration is offering some seemingly very carefully worded denials. You could even call them non-denial denials.

Often, they dont directly deny what Reuveni claimed. At other points, Bove has simply said he didnt recall certain things and declined to provide more detail.

Its all worth a parse.

The latest news Thursday was that the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee released contemporary messages, emails and documents produced by Reuveni that lend credence to his claims. They show DOJ officials repeatedly citing the concept of telling the courts f**k you around the period in question. They dont prove Bove said what Reuveni claims, but they do suggest government lawyers were talking about that precise phrase after the meeting in question.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

(Guess we are going to say f**k you to the court, one text message says. This doesnt end with anything but a nationwide injunction, another text says, and a decision point on f**k you.)

The top two officials at DOJ soon posted on social media their responses to the new disclosures.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Reuveni was asserting false claims. She added that no one was ever asked to defy a court order.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added, No one was ever asked to defy a court order  because there was no court order to defy.

But the thing is: Reuveni never said anyone was asked to defy a court order. He merely said that Bove floated the idea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bove stated that DOJ would need to consider telling the courts f**k you and ignore any such court order, Reuveni stated in his whistleblower complaint.

Blanche has also vouched for Bove in another way: by citing his own presence at the March 14 meeting in question  the one where Reuveni alleges Bove made the remark.

I was at the meeting described in the article, and at no time did anyone suggest a court order should not be followed, Blanche said last month.

But a fast-emerging question is whether Blanche was actually at the entire meeting.

Reuveni said in an interview with The New York Times published Thursday that, in fact, Blanche was not. He said Blanche entered the conference room briefly and spoke privately with Bove, but then left and did not participate in the fuller meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reuveni said Boves remark came after Blanche left.

Bove has also talked around this issue, according to written responses to Senate Judiciary Committee members obtained by CNN.

In questions for the record posed to Bove after last months confirmation hearing, Bove was asked if Blanche was at the meeting.

Mr. Blanche has stated publicly that he was at the meeting, Bove said, merely referring to Blanches public comments.

Then Bove was asked whether Blanche was present for the entire meeting. Bove declined to answer. He said he didnt want to get into non-public specifics about particular topics and says it would be inappropriate to comment further, since Reuvenis complaint is involved in ongoing litigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Which brings us to Boves own answers.

While his responses at last months confirmation hearing seemed to deny Reuvenis claims, its not so simple.

For one, Bove  like Bondi and Blanche  has seemed more willing to deny telling people to actually defy court orders, rather than to actually deny what Reuveni alleged  that he merely suggested it.

I have never advised a Department of Justice attorney to violate a court order, Bove said early in the hearing.

I will reiterate, I did not advise any Justice Department attorney to violate court orders, he said shortly thereafter.

But when Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California asked more specifically about Reuvenis allegation  whether Bove suggested such a thing  Bove didnt so firmly deny it. He instead said he didnt recall saying that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Senator, I have no recollection of saying anything of that kind, Bove said.

When asked if he suggested telling the courts f**k you in any manner, Bove responded, I dont recall.

Pressed in the same exchange, Bove said, I did not suggest that there would be any need to consider ignoring court orders. At the point of that meeting, there were no court orders to discuss.

Precisely what that means isnt totally clear. It would seem possible to suggest ignoring court orders without suggesting there would be a need to do so. Indeed, top DOJ officials have repeatedly cited how there was no actual court order at the time, as if that made the entire controversy moot. And Bove bookended this comment by saying twice that he didnt recall making such a suggestion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Right now, its clear as mud. The question before Senate Republicans is if they care to find out more and really drill down on this  say, by getting sworn statements from others present at the meeting, and/or the government lawyers who cited the f**k you concept in the texts Reuveni produced.

But for now, this issue hasnt been put to bed. And it hasnt really been firmly denied either.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
President Donald Trump's approval rating dipped in two of the three polls taken since his signature tax cut and spending bill passed in Congress on July 3.

The final version of the bill, signed into law July 4, emerged after nearly four days of wangling among Senate Republicans, with the expansive cuts to Medicaid, along with decreases in funding to Medicare. The bill also extends the 2017 tax cuts while expanding the budget for immigration enforcement.

Gallup polling shows that Trump's approval ratings at the six-month mark in both of his terms are lower than any other modern president at the same time in their administrations, at 38% and 40% for each term, respectively. The average since John F. Kennedy in 1961 is 52%, according to the polling firm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As he approaches six months in office, how well do Floridians think Trump is doing as president? How does that compare nationally? Here is what we know:

More: Florida woman arrested at Mar-a-Lago saying she had 'urgent message' for Trump

What is Trump's approval rating? See some national polls:

The Economist:

A recent poll by YouGov for The Economist, taken July 4 through July 7, has Trump's approval rating at:

Approve: 42%

Disapprove: 53%

Not sure: 5%

The poll included 1,528 adults.

The survey also found a dip in support among Black voters for Trump. It found that 15% of Black voters approve of the way Trump is handling his job as president, compared to 20% of Black voters who approved of his job handling in a June survey.

Morning Consult

A recent poll taken by Morning Consult July 3 through July 6 has Trump's approval rating at:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Approve: 45%

Disapprove: 52%

The poll included 2,203 registered voters.

Rasmussen

A recent poll from polling firm Rasmussen released July 9 has Trump's approval rating at:

Approve: 49%

Disapprove: 49%

The poll included 1,500 likely voters.

What is Trump's approval rating in Florida?

In Florida, 53% of poll respondents approve of Trump's job performance compared to 44% who disapprove and 3% who don't know or don't have an opinion. That is according to a July 9 update from Morning Consult, which gathered polls over the course of three months to get a look at state-level data among registered voters.

Florida is among 27 states where Trump has received a net positive approval rating. His best ranking is in Wyoming, where 67% of voters approve of his performance, Morning Consult data shows. His worst ranking is in Vermont, where 64% disapprove of how he is handling his job.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An Economist assessment of YouGov data shows that an equal number of poll respondents in Florida approve and disapprove of Trump's job performance.

Contributing: Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What is Trump's approval rating in Florida? Higher than national polls
Donald Trump said that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems disastrous response to the deadly flooding in Texas was good, actually, because she had been quick to get in front of a camera.

During an interview with NBCs Kristen Welker, Trump defended Noem over reports that FEMAs response was delayed by a policy she instituted requiring her to personally sign off on all DHS expenditures exceeding $100,000. FEMA officials, who were unaware of the new rule, didnt receive Noems go-ahead until Monday, at which point floodwaters had been raging for more than 72 hours.

I dont know anything about it. We were right on time. We were there, Trump said. In fact, she was the first one I saw on television. She was there right from the beginning, and she would not have needed anything. She had the right to do it, but she was literally the first person I saw on television.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That morning, when we all woke up and saw this tragedy that took place during the evening. And she was right on the ball. Shes done a great job, Trump added.

In Trumps world, it only matters how something looks, not how it actually is. And despite Noems sweeping powers, her primary job has always been simply to appear on television with that tremendous blowout.

On Sunday, as rescue teams sprung into action and FEMA scrambled to assemble aid, Noem posted on Instagram asking her followers to vote for their favorite portrait of her to be used as her official governors portrait. (Its worth remembering that as governor of South Dakota, Noem was banned from 20 percent of the land by the states nine federally recognized Indigenous tribes.)

The next day, Noem finally got around to signing for Texass requests for aerial imagery to help with search and rescue efforts. But oh gee, what portrait did she pick?
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump ordered the blocking of the acquisition of audiovisual equipment supplier Jupiter Systems by Hong Kong's Suirui International after Suirui was found to be a national security risk, the U.S. Treasury Department said on Friday.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States reviewed and investigated the deal and "identified a national security risk arising from Suirui's ownership of Jupiter relating to the potential compromise of Jupiter's products used in military and critical infrastructure environments," the Treasury Department said in a statement.

The department termed Suirui "a company organized under the laws of" China. Suirui describes itself as a cloud communication service carrier.

The two companies entered into a deal in early 2020. The order asks the Hong Kong firm to divest from the U.S. company in 120 days.

Washington, in particular Trump, has repeatedly cast China as a security threat in certain U.S. sectors and the world's two largest economies have had tensions for years spanning issues such as trade tariffs, technology, cybersecurity and geopolitics.

"To address this risk, the President's order directs Suirui to divest all interests and rights in Jupiter and requires that Jupiter hold no interest or rights in any assets or operations of its Chinese subsidiaries acquired or created after the completion of the transaction," the U.S. Treasury Department said.

Jupiter Systems said it was aware of the order and was "actively reviewing the decision in consultation with legal counsel and our stakeholders." It added that it "did not anticipate any disruptions to its business while the matter was adjudicated."

The Chinese embassy in Washington and Suirui had no immediate comment on Friday. Beijing has previously dismissed accusations of posing a threat to U.S. security and businesses.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese, Mark Porter and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
President Donald Trumpsborder czar Tom Homan went viral on Friday after practically boasting on TV about all the ways ICE agents and Border Patrol agents can go after suspected illegal immigrants.

Homan was being interviewed on Fox News about a potential ruling from a federal judge in Los Angeles over whether the Trump administration could be ordered to pause its ICE raids on immigrants.

He responded by claiming that immigration law enforcers dont actually need probable cause to detain a possible suspect, despite it being a key part of the Constitutions Fourth Amendment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People need to understand, ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] officers and Border Patrol dont need probable cause to walk up to somebody, briefly detain them, and question them, Homan said. They just go through the observations, get articulable facts based on their location, their occupation, their physical appearance, their actions.

Homan also insisted that if his agents briefly detained someone, its not probable cause. Its reasonable suspicion.

Homan: "People need to understand ICE officers and Border Patrol don't need probable cause to walk up to somebody, briefly detain them, and question them ... based on their physical appearance." pic.twitter.com/aQzwepaHpk  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 11, 2025

HuffPost reached out to the ACLU for comment on Homans claim, but no one immediately responded.

During court arguments about the potential ruling to pause ICE raids Thursday, immigrant advocates said the agents conducting the raids detain people without warrants or probable cause, and rely instead on suspicion and peoples race or ethnicity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Bashyrov insisted that the Department of Homeland Securitys enforcement plan is strictly based on proper evidence and the totality of the circumstances.

However, Mohammad Tajsar, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, pointed out to U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong that most immigration stops do not happen to white people and are instead happening with people who appear Latino.

The ACLUs Know Your Rights page on immigrants rights notes that a Border Patrol agent cannot detain a person without reasonable suspicion that the person is committing or has committed a violation of immigration law or federal law. In addition, immigration officers cannot arrest people without probable cause, though they do not need any suspicion to stop people at immigration checkpoints to ask brief questions related to verifying immigration status. They can also visually inspect vehicles.

Homans comments did not go over well on social media, where many lawmakers and pundits called him out, including California Sen. Alex Padilla (D), who last month was forcibly removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems press conference about the immigration raids in Los Angeles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under the Trump Administration, ICE and Border Patrol are being empowered to stop and question you based solely on how you look. No probable cause. No real reason. Just your physical appearance, he said. Thats not justice  its profiling.

And there you have it.



Under the Trump Administration, ICE and Border Patrol are being empowered to stop and question you based solely on how you look.



No probable cause. No real reason. Just your physical appearance.



Thats not justiceits profiling. https://t.co/X96XyogK5w  Alex Padilla (@AlexPadilla4CA) July 11, 2025

Others chimed in.

This is patently false.



DHS has authority to question and search people coming into the country at points of entry.



But ICE may not detain and question anyone without reasonable suspicion  and certainly not based on their physical appearance alone.



This lawlessness must stop. https://t.co/MFdpgs3MfL  Daniel Goldman (@danielsgoldman) July 11, 2025

Trumps ICE Thug Tom Homan Says The Quiet Part Out loud:



They dont need probable cause, theyll detain individuals based on PHYSICAL APPEARANCE. Theyre not hiding it, its racism enforced by armed cowards.



Theyve erased civil liberties in plain sight, not with a bang, pic.twitter.com/wsMAzNcSpc  Save Our Citizenships  (@LetsStopC9) July 11, 2025

Trumps thugs will racially profile you, then go on national television to brag about getting away with it. https://t.co/we2CwCuYLp  @repyvetteclarke.bsky.social (@RepYvetteClarke) July 11, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If authoritarianism had a gym teacher, it would be Tom Homan. https://t.co/TX2UczpwZc  Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) July 11, 2025

Theyre saying the quiet part out loud now



Dont get it twisted: if we let them keep doing this, theyll find a reason to come for ANY ONE OF US soon enough



So: #FuckICE#AbolishICEhttps://t.co/Hp2HdWgYkN  Gustavo Rivera (@NYSenatorRivera) July 11, 2025

Walking up to people (without threatening) is legal. But "detaining" people without "reasonable suspicion" of criminal or quasi-criminal activity is illegal. Racial profiling is not cause for the required reasonable suspicion. "Let me see your papers" is un-American. https://t.co/PrZWD50oF8  Jeffrey Evan Gold (@jeffgoldesq) July 11, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wow, he actually said that out loud.

So my American born ass is brown, so that makes it okay for ICE to detain me just for walking down the street and keep me there until I prove my citizenship?

NAZI GERMANY  Cork Off! (@CorkYou) July 11, 2025

ICE and Border Patrol dont need probable causejust your physical appearance.

Welcome to Berlin, 1937. The Trump era didnt just flirt with fascismit took it out for dinner and gave it a badge.



Still nauseating that America chose this. The biggest self-own in U.S. history. pic.twitter.com/vSUaw8NVcC  Russell Drew (@RussOnPolitics) July 11, 2025

This is literally the definition of a white nationalist police state. https://t.co/yYOUpmYt7M  Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) July 11, 2025

THEY ARE ADMITTING IT. Homan is admitting to participating in a criminal conspiracy against the Constitution of the United States. https://t.co/QbMO5PgcVt  David J. Bier (@David_J_Bier) July 11, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps Border Czar and Project 2025 contributor says ICE can detain anyone based on suspicion and physical appearance.



Thats not immigration policy, its fascism. https://t.co/7Y3sMcTppo  Max Flugrath (@MaxFlugrath) July 11, 2025

Related...
Border czar Tom Homan said the Trump administration is looking for more countries to send undocumented immigrants, as part of its inhumane policy of third country deportations.

During an interview with Politicos Dasha Burns, Homan said the government plans to make deals with many countries to exile migrants and noncitizens there, indicating that there were other signed agreements in place but declining to say with whom.

When youve got countries that wont take their nationals back, and they cant stay here, we find another country willing to accept them, Homan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This week, Trump met with the leaders of five African countries, including Liberia, Gabon, Mauritania, and Senegal, which appeared on a list of 51 countries the government has asked to accept deportees. Already, at least seven countries have agreed to accept people swept up by the Trump administrations massive deportation scheme. Trump said that the African summit was to focus on commercial opportunities, and a trade deal could include such an agreement.

Last month, the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to set immigrants adrift in random countries where they have no connections, dealing a severe blow to the rule of law by effectively rewarding the White House for violating court orders opposing third country deportations.

Homan also revealed that he does not know the status of the eight men who were deported and then cruelly held by ICE in a shipping container in South Sudan.

Theyre living in Sudan. And will they stay in Sudan? I dont know, Homan said. When we sign these agreements with all these countries, we make arrangements to make sure these countries are receiving these people and theres opportunities for these people. But I cant tell if we remove somebody to Sudanthey can stay there a week and leave. I dont know.

The Trump administration had previously ignored rulings from federal judges not to carry out deportations to South Sudan, which is in the midst of violence and political unrest, with the State Department warning Americans not to visit.
Brick-and-mortar stores must deal with online competition. Even health clinics face disruption from telemedicine. Yet optometrists have special protection in South Carolina.

When a telehealth company invented a safe and effective way for doctors to renew vision prescriptions remotely, political insiders rallied in Columbia to ban the service in South Carolina. Now, nine years later, the state-sponsored favoritism could end.

The South Carolina Supreme Court, which already rejected an attempt to dismiss the case in 2022, will finally decide whether the protectionist ban is unconstitutional.

Oral argumentsavailable online like just about everything else in the modern economyoccurred on June 3, 2025. The case started much earlier in 2016, when established providers got fed up with Chicago-based Visibly operating in their market.

The startup, then called Opternative, had been safely operating in South Carolina for nearly two years. Even today, nobody can point to any problems. Visibly is FDA cleared, and doctors safely use it to expand access to care in dozens of states.

The South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association (SCOPA) did not care. The trade group, whose members make much of their money selling glasses in their shops, wanted the economic threat removed. So it drafted a bill, recruited legislative sponsors, and celebrated when a supermajority of state lawmakers overrode then-Gov. Nikki Haleys veto.

Take that Opternative!!!!!!, SCOPA wrote in an email to its members.

It pays to have friends in high places. If booksellers had the same clout, they could have stopped Amazon in 1994. Travel agencies could have stopped Expedia in 1996. And video rental chains could have stopped Netflix in 1997.

Consumers would have suffered in terms of convenience, quality, and cost. But established providers have different priorities. Adapting to innovation can be a hassle when they already have familiar ways of doing things.

South Carolina optometrists have an especially comfortable arrangement. Most states allow two-year prescriptions for corrective lenses. The duration is three years in North Dakota and five years in Florida. But optometrists convinced lawmakers to adopt annual expirations in South Carolina.

This short window maximizes visits to eye specialists, which is great for business if you happen to sell lenses and frames. Online renewals could cut into this racket, which is why the backlash against Visibly was so visceral.

What the companys opponents overlooked was that the South Carolina Constitution guarantees due process and equal protection, which means laws must meaningfully benefit the public. Reducing access to care does not benefit the publicit merely protects an outdated business model from competition.

Visibly made this argument when it filed its lawsuit. Our public interest law firm, the Institute for Justice, represents the company. A key fact we pointed out, and that state Supreme Court will now have to grapple with, is that South Carolina broadly embraces telemedicine.

ADVERTISEMENT

State law trusts and empowers doctors to use online tools just like Visibly to prescribe nearly anythingeye drops, skin creams, antibiotics, and anything else doctors conclude would benefit a patientexcept lenses. The only other prescriptions treated as harshly as lenses are opioids-inducing drugs. Needless to say, eyeglasses are not like opioids.

South Carolina does not treat lenses differently because they are uniquely dangerous. Indeed, about two-thirds of U.S. adults use prescription eyewear, and most renewals are routine. Instead, lenses are being treated differently because a trade group wrote a law to protect its bottom line and managed to scare the Legislature into adopting it.

That is unconstitutional. SCOPA can pretend that the internet does not exist. The group can live in the 1980s if it wants. But the South Carolina Constitution does not require courts to play along. The state trusts doctors to treat patients online and should not single out eyeglasses just because some people fear competition.

Political insiders must deal with reality, just like everyone else.

Joshua Windham is an attorney. Daryl James is a writer.
President Donald Trump expressed support Thursday for flood alarms in Texas and said he thinks everyones doing a great job responding to a disaster that has left more than 100 people dead and 170 people missing.

After having seen this horrible event, I would imagine youd put alarms up in some form, where alarms would go up if they see any large amounts of water or whatever it is, Trump told NBC News "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker in a phone interview Thursday.

But the local officials were hit by this just like everybody else, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump will visit Texas on Friday, a week after the deadly flooding in Kerr County and other parts of the region, when the Guadalupe River surged to almost 30 feet in Hunt on July 4. That was higher than a 1987 flood disaster on the same river.

Among those confirmed or feared dead are 27 children and counselors at Camp Mystic in Hunt.

Kerr County did not have audible flood alarms to warn residents.

Gov. Greg Abbott bristled at a reporters question this week about who was to blame for the scope of the disaster and the deaths, saying "that's the word choice of losers."

Trump said Thursday that nobody ever saw a thing like this coming and that this is a once-in-every-200-year deal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Itd be easy to blame them. I wouldnt blame them," Trump said. "I think from the standpoint of the future, youd have to have some kind of an alarm and lighting system, maybe."

Trump also defended Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's response.

Trump has talked about possibly "getting rid of" FEMA. NBC News reported this week that Noem now requires that all agency spending over $100,000 be personally approved by her.

On Monday, FEMA officials created a task force to speed up the process of getting Noems approval, according to the reporting, which cited two people familiar with that unit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I dont know anything about it," Trump said when he was asked about the reporting and whether that delayed FEMA's response.

"We were right on time. We were there  in fact, she was the first one I saw on television," he said. "She was there right from the beginning, and she would not have needed anything. She had the right to do it, but she was literally the first person I saw on television."

Trump said Noem "was right on the ball" and has "done a great job."

In Texas on Thursday, the search for the missing continued. Search-and-rescue operations along the Guadalupe River have shifted to a recovery phase.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There were 120 people confirmed dead and 173 people missing Wednesday evening, officials said. Among the 120, 96 of the confirmed dead were in Kerr County, 36 of them children.

Trump said that during Friday's visit, he will express how much "I love those people."

"Those people were with me right from the beginning, and its just a message of warmth, and I feel so terribly for them," he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The widow of Trump rally shooting victim Corey Comperatore said the president called her after watching her interview on Fox News and vowed that he would always be there for her.

Helen Comperatore also told Fox News Correspondent Alexis McAdams that Secret Service Director Sean Curran phoned her as well, mentioning he was heartbroken after watching her speak ahead of the 1-year anniversary of the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. Curran said he will meet with her to review the case, according to Comperatore.

"We were all sitting ducks that day. Our blood is all over their hands. I am angry. I lost the love of my life. They screwed up," Helen Comperatore said during the interview while demanding accountability from the Secret Service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Secret Service has admitted to multiple failures after 20-year-old gunman Thomas Crooks climbed onto a rooftop and fired off eight rounds. Those shots killed Comperatore  a volunteer firefighter -- and wounded three others, including then-former President Donald Trump.

One Year After Trump Assassination Attempt, Butler Widow Demands Accountability From Secret Service

"Why Butler? Why was that such a failure? Why weren't they paying attention? Why did they think that that roof didn't need covered? I want to sit down and talk to them. I have the right to. They need to listen to me," Comperatore told Fox News.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said during her call with Curran, he apologized that she went so long without receiving updates and said that now that he is in charge of the Secret Service, things will be different.

Curran pledged to try and answer all the questions she has about the July 13, 2024, shooting, Comperatore added.

Trump Attributed Survival At Butler Rally To Hand Of God: Author And Witness Reveals Firsthand Account

Former Buffalo Township Fire Chief Corey Comperatore pictured with his daughters in an undated family photo.

The widow also told Fox News that after a year without answers, she finally feels the Secret Service is listening to her.

In her call with Trump, the president said the families affected that day will forever be connected because of the tragedy, according to Comperatore.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump said there will be a comprehensive report made about the assassination attempt, though it is unclear when that will be made public.

Six Secret Service agents were suspended without pay or benefits on Wednesday in the wake of the shooting, the agency confirmed.





Original article source: Trump calls Butler widow, Secret Service agrees to meeting after call for accountability
Donald Trump outright called his Pentagon chief the Secretary of War Friday while also seemingly believing Pete Hegseth actually appeared on Fox News to talk about modern weapons and warfare after the network aired a clip of the defense secretarys announcement on the administrations new drone strategy.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was great on FoxNews this morning. Talking about modern weapons and warfare, the president exclaimed on Truth Social. Thank you also to Brett Velicovich, who really knows his stuff. We are really on our way. MAGA!

The president fully leaning into this description for Hegseth comes weeks after he first began floating the idea of having the Secretary of Defense label revert back to the original name of Secretary of War, which is what the position was known as from its inception in 1789 until 1947. The change took place after the National Security Act established the Department of Defense and reorganized the military.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I have, as you know, Marco Rubio with me and Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State and Secretary of War, should we say, Trump said last month during the NATO summit, adding: You know it used to be called Secretary of War?

After wondering if they could perhaps, for a couple of weeks, call Hegseth that because we feel like warriors, the president went on a tangent about how it became politically correct to refer to the position as Secretary of Defense. This was also amid the increased hostilities with Iran, which resulted in an American airstrike on three underground nuclear facilities.

Donald Trump is now outright calling Pete Hegseth the Secretary of War after floating the idea of changing his title a few weeks back. (Reuters)

I dont know, maybe well have to start thinking about changing it, but we feel that way, Trump exclaimed as Hegseth nodded in approval behind him.

Besides once again pushing the War title for Hegseth, the president appeared to believe on Friday that the former Fox News morning host went back to his old haunt to wax poetic about the Pentagons push to fast-track drone production, which Hegseth first announced in a widely mocked promotional video on social media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With Metallicas Enter Sandman playing in the background, the clip showed a quadcopter flying over to Hegseth to deliver the memo to Hegseth, who plucked it from the hovering drone and signed it.

This is the future, he bellowed. Were in the fight. Were in the fight to win it. And were never gonna back down.

While the president thought that Hegseth did great on Fox News talking about modern weapons and warfare Friday morning, the reality is that the network only aired portions of the announcement video throughout the early part of the day. The defense secretary himself did not make an on-air Fox News appearance Friday to discuss the new drone procurement program.

While the presidents favorite morning program Fox & Friends repeatedly discussed the Pentagons new drone-buying practices and featured the Hegseth clip, it seems most likely that it was a segment on Americas Newsroom that spurred Trumps Truth post.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth appears in a promotional video announcing a new drone policy at the Pentagon  a clip that Fox News aired multiple times Friday morning. (X/@SecDef)

Once again airing the Hegseth video, the anchors of the news program  which immediately follows Fox & Friends  then brought on Fox News contributor and Army veteran Brett Velicovich to praise their former colleagues new drone proposals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is exactly why Secretary Hegseth was the right choice for the job, Velicohoch declared about the defense secretarys announcement. Hes the disrupter needed in our archaic military industrial base that has slowly been failing us by not adapting quick enough to meet the needs of modern warfare. And finally, someone at the top is listening to what is needed.

Moments after Velicovich wrapped up his interview with co-anchor Bill Hemmer, the president blasted out his social media praise for the Fox News performances of both Hegseth and Velicovich, who he proclaimed knows his stuff.

Meanwhile, the 79-year-old presidents belief that one of his senior Cabinet officials did great during a non-existent Fox News interview prompted immediate mockery from liberals and progressives.

Had Joe Biden tweeted Pete Buttigieg killed it on MSNBC this morning and Buttigieg wasn't even on, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson would've written a book about it, Public Notice publisher and renowned cable news clipper Aaron Rupar noted. Normal stuff from Trump though.
President Trump is challenging his MAGA base on foreign policy, immigration and the truth behind Jeffrey Epsteins death, irking some supporters in the process and highlighting divisions within his movement.

A big portion of MAGA does not back U.S. involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war, but Trump, annoyed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has resumed sending weapons to Kyiv. Some in MAGA were also unnerved by Trumps use of force against Iran.

On immigration, Trump is responding to farmers spooked about labor issues by signaling support for efforts to ensure agriculture can employ migrants legally, though he has drawn a line on amnesty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The biggest eruption has been on Epstein, where the Department of Justices confirmation this week that Epstein died by suicide has drawn MAGA backlash and calls of a cover-up.

When youre president, there is no right decision. Theres only an effective decision.  The difference between campaigning and governing is reality, said GOP strategist Matthew Bartlett, who served in the State Department during Trumps first term.

The administration seems to be dealing with reality. You can call it hypocrisy. You can call it backtracking. I think its just a reality of the world, where some in the base are just so deeply wed to not just positions, but to conspiracy theories.

MAGA cheered when Trump last week announced a pause in sending some weapons to Ukraine amid its ongoing war against Russia. The president has long promised to keep the U.S. out of forever wars, and 56 percent of Republicans in a March Gallup poll said the U.S. was doing too much to help Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just days later, Trump reversed course, saying we have to supply the weapons. The move vexed some MAGA voices, especially after military intervention in Iran last month.

I did not vote for this, Derrick Evans, a convicted Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol rioter who ran unsuccessfully for Congress last year and was pardoned by Trump, wrote in a post on the social platform X. Pro-Trump Newsmax host Todd Starnes said the same, also pointing to Trumps moves on the Epstein case and immigration.

After winning the White House on a hard-line immigration stance, including promises of Day 1 mass deportations, Trump last week signaled his aims to shield farmers who employ migrants illegally from his major crackdown, acknowledging serious radical-right people may not be quite as happy with the move.

There is no other issue the conservative base feels more passionately about than immigration, commentator Chralie Kirk warned in a Monday post. We must deliver mass deportations, not amnesty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins have since stressed that there will be no amnesty for agricultural workers, though the administration will move forward with a work program to help the industry.

With these recent moves, strategists see a president grappling with the realities of the office while trying to live up to lofty campaign promises and please a broad base.

Its easier to campaign than it is to lead, GOP strategist Ron Bonjean said. Trump has done a good job of keeping his coalition together. At the same time, there are absolutely going to be some disagreements that take place.

Trump is facing some tough questions on farmworkers in particular.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even those MAGA voters, some of these businesses do have employees that are undocumented.  Where are you going to draw the line? And right now, if youre a MAGA supporter, probably the answer is: Deport everyone. But Trumps running into a problem [with] how businesses and farms operate  without those employees, Bonjean said.

Republican strategist and Trump campaign alum Brian Seitchik said he certainly sees concern from MAGA World that support for Ukraine runs counter to Trumps America First posture, but stressed that the president has to do what he thinks is in Americas best interest as new developments unfold abroad.

But the biggest development roiling many in MAGA World lately has been the administrations moves around the Epstein case.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and other administration officials are taking heat over a new memo that found no evidence Epstein kept a client list or sought to blackmail powerful figures, rebutting conspiracy theories that the disgraced financier was actually murdered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Figures in the Trump administration have long embraced related theories. But now, right-wing figures such as Elon Musk, the Trump ally-turned-foe who has alleged that the president was named in the Epstein files, are accusing the administration of a cover-up.

Trump led this coalition as a result of lack of faith in institutions, Bartlett said, and even though hes back in the Oval Office, its unclear whether that faith can be rebuilt among swaths of the base as the skepticism continues.

All the same, Trump allies downplayed the possibility his supporters would abandon him or the GOP more broadly over the recent round of disagreements.

His numbers are stronger than ever before with the Republican base. Republican voters are happier with him now than ever before, one source close to the White House said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That source argued that in each case of disagreement, Trump supporters would likely direct their frustrations toward someone other than the president.

Much of the outrage over the Epstein debacle has been aimed at Bondi, for instance. And his supporters blamed warmongers in his ear advising him on Iran.

One official who served in Trumps first administration argued Trump has the final word on what constitutes America First foreign policy, giving the president wide latitude to engage however he sees fit on the world stage.

He said, I came up with this concept, and I decide whats in it, the former administration official said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

President Trump is proud of Attorney General Bondis efforts to execute his Make America Safe Again agenda, restore the integrity of the Department of Justice, and bring justice to victims of crime, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to The Hill. The continued fixation on sowing division in President Trumps Cabinet is baseless and unfounded in reality.

That was on display as people who were initially skeptical of intervention in the Middle East, such as Kirk, rallied behind Trump to argue his strikes on Iran were a necessary measure to protect American interests.

Theyre the same influencers who are wholly supportive and going to continue to support President Trump because [of] the overall, big-picture policies.  I dont think well ever see Charlie Kirk or people like him ever turn on Donald Trump, GOP strategist Brian Darling said.

I think thats the way most of the MAGA movement is going to treat [the Epstein developments], Darling said. Theyre not going to like the way this was handled, but I think theyre still going to be very loyal to the president and continue to support him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If there is a political impact from the recent divisions, it could potentially manifest in next years midterms, when the GOP will be looking to hold onto its majorities in the House and Senate.

You could argue that the midterms are always tough for the party in power  thats no secret  and that potentially youre alienating some of these Republicans who may not turn out in a midterm election, Seitchik said.

Conservative influencer Liz Wheeler called out Trumps recent dismissal of a reporters Epstein question, warning in an X post that Trump is massively misreading his base on this one and it could cost him the midterms.

A lot of these issues are marginal issues, maybe even fringe issues, Bartlett wrote. Lets remember that a lot of our elections, whether theyre House or maybe even president, are determined on the margins.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brett Samuels contributed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Dozens of federal immigration officers and around 90 National Guard troops on foot, horseback and in military vehicles raided MacArthur Park in Los Angeles on Monday. The hour-long operation disrupted a childrens day camp and left health care outreach workers in fear when troops demanded they leave at gunpoint. The park is located in a diverse, largely immigrant neighborhood, which likely made it a target for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

A day later, President Donald Trump announced at a cabinet meeting that he was considering a federal takeover of Washington, D.C. We have tremendous power at the White House to run places where we have to, he said to a group of reporters. I mean, were looking at D.C. Were thinking about doing it, to be honest with you. We want a capital thats run flawlessly, and it wouldnt be hard for us to do it.

These most recent events are part of Trumps escalation of rhetoric and actions targeting immigrant communities and Democratic-run cities, including his federalization of the California National Guard and deployment of active-duty Marines last month in response to protests against ICE raids in L.A. and the opening of Alligator Alcatraz, an immigrant detention camp in the Florida Everglades. A month after he first deployed the troops, and despite the protests quelling, they are still being used for law enforcement in and around L.A.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It seems clear that Trump is attempting to tighten his authoritarian vise grip on the American people, and the nations democracy and society. These acts constitute what German legal theorist Carl Schmitt described as a state of exception and a permanent emergency that is fundamentally incompatible with real democracy. With the Supreme Courts destructive decision last week to nullify the long-standing power of federal courts to issue national injunctions that protect the rights of Americans, one of democracy and civil societys most powerful defenses against the presidents authoritarian agenda has largely been neutered.

I recently spoke with Joseph Nunn, who serves as a counsel in the Brennan Centers Liberty and National Security Program, and focuses on issues surrounding the domestic activities of the U.S. military, including the Insurrection Act, the Posse Comitatus Act, National Guard deployments and martial law. In our conversation, Nunn explained how Trumps recent actions in L.A. are an almost unprecedented move in American history, one that constitutes a severe threat to the countrys democratic culture, civil-military relations and the rule of law.

Several weeks ago, there were protests against the mass deployment of ICE and other law enforcement in Los Angeles as part of Trumps deportation campaign. Some of these protests turned violent. In response, and over the objections of California Gov. Newsom, a Democrat, Donald Trump federalized the National Guard and also sent in active-duty Marines. The troops are still there even though the protests have ended. Through your legal lens, how are you making sense of these events?

The way the Trump administration is using the military in Los Angeles is unprecedented. The military has been used domestically in this country, for example, for disaster relief, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and for law enforcement. But generally, when the president has needed to use the military for law enforcement, it was done through the Insurrection Act, which is the means that Congress has provided for that purpose. What Trump is doing in Los Angeles is bypassing those norms by relying on an entirely novel interpretation of a statute, Title 10  12406 of the U.S. Code, combined with a somewhat dubious constitutional theory about inherent executive power to protect federal property and functions.

How are military and civilian relations supposed to function in the United States? The relationship between the military and civilian authority is central to a functioning and healthy democracy.

There is a tradition in this country that rejects military interference in civilian affairs outside of emergencies. This tradition is actually older than the United States itself; it can be traced back to medieval England and the Magna Carta and the Petition of Rights. The framers of the United States Constitution were deeply concerned about how military power could be abused in this country. For the founding generation, their defining experience of the dangers of domestic deployment of the military was the Boston Massacre and the quartering of British troops in private homes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The founders were extraordinarily suspicious of military power, so much so that at the Constitutional Convention [in 1787], there were vigorous debates about whether to even allow for the creation of a national standing army, or instead, whether the country should rely exclusively on state militias. The founders also understood that emergencies happen, that they happen in any society, even in a republic. Shays Rebellion [started] only a year prior to the Constitutional Convention, and it very much cast a shadow over the proceedings there. Yet while the drafters of the Constitution were suspicious of military power, they also understood that the national government created by the Articles of Confederation was too weak and couldnt respond effectively to a crisis.

So, with the Constitution, they were trying to strike a balance. The framers wanted to allow the president the flexibility to respond to a crisis, but to also impose guardrails. [They] knew that an army turned inward is a very dangerous thing, both to individual liberty and potentially to democracy. In Los Angeles, the Trump administration and federal government [jumped] straight to domestic deployment of the military under circumstances where the local authorities have not requested assistance, are not overwhelmed and have the situation under control. The military being used domestically has historically been and should continue to be a last resort.

Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

What legal powers and authority do the National Guard and the Marines in Los Angeles actually possess? Can they arrest people? Detain them? More?

This is a complicated question because of the unprecedented arguments the Trump administration is attempting to use to justify the federalization of Californias National Guard and the deployment of both the Guard and Marines to Los Angeles. The Posse Comitatus Act bars the federal armed forces from participating in law enforcement, except when doing so is expressly authorized by the Constitution or by Congress. The National Guard, when they are federalized, is subject to the restrictions of the Posse Comitatus Act. The Trump administration is arguing that the statute that theyve relied on, Section 12406, is an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act. The administration is also arguing that the constitutional theory theyve relied on, which turns on the inherent power of the executive to protect federal property and functions, is not subject to the Posse Comitatus Act. Both of those claims are extremely questionable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The general understanding of Section 12406, and notably the understanding held by the Department of Defense for a very long time, is that it is a mobilization authority only. It allows the president to federalize the National Guard, to call it into federal service, but it does not grant any substantive authority to use the Guard. To actually deploy the National Guard for law enforcement would require invoking the Insurrection Act.

What type of legal precedent is being set by the Trump administration deploying active-duty military and federalized National Guard troops domestically? Once this has been done, it would seem that a type of authoritarian Pandoras Box has been opened.

As a legal matter, no real precedent is being set. The fact that the government has done something in the past does not make it legal in the future. It is for the courts to decide whether the governments behavior is lawful or not. But what we are seeing here  where federally-controlled military forces are being deployed into a non-consenting state not to enforce federal civil rights laws but instead to support routine enforcement of immigration law  is something new. Make no mistake, the deployments to Los Angeles represent a departure from how we do things in the United States, from our civic and political traditions. The job of the military is fundamentally outward-facing, its national defense. In this country, principal responsibility for the matters of civilian government has always rested with civilian authorities. That is central to the American political tradition of liberal democracy.

The National Guard and Marines who are deployed to Los Angeles to help with law enforcement and Trumps deportation raids are real human beings. This is not the type of mission they signed up for.

Military personnel have a type of double responsibility: They are obliged to promptly obey orders from their commanders, but they also have a moral obligation, and in some cases a legal obligation, to disobey unlawful orders. The military is really good at a lot of different things. They are good at what theyre trained, equipped and prepared to do. But soldiers are trained primarily to be soldiers, not police officers. Generally speaking, U.S. military personnel receive very little, if any, training in crowd control and civilian law enforcement. Thats not to say that none of them have that training, but most of them dont.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In this case, it does not appear that the soldiers and Marines deployed to Los Angeles have been adequately trained or prepared for the mission they have been given. This puts them in a very difficult position. They are operating in a context where theyre interacting not with enemy soldiers on a battlefield, but instead with Americans who have constitutional rights. Anytime you ask someone to do something that theyre not trained to do, you risk them making a mistake. Here, that mistake could result in the violation of Americans constitutional rights. This is one of the practical reasons for minimizing military participation in domestic law enforcement, because its not their job.

There are also opportunity costs. The California National [Guard members] whove been federalized and sent to Los Angeles are doing that instead of assisting with responding to natural disasters. The Marines deployed to Los Angeles are doing that instead of whatever their normal duties are. Whenever the military is used domestically, there is an opportunity cost. Personnel, resources and attention are being pulled away from the militarys core national security responsibilities.

When most Americans hear language such as Insurrection Act, martial law, and Posse Comitatus, they likely think of Hollywood movies such as The Siege or the recent Civil War. What do these concepts actually mean, on the ground, for the American people in this time of worsening democracy crisis?

I would emphasize two things. First, what we are seeing in Los Angeles right now and potentially across the country is not martial law. Martial law has no established definition in U.S. law; its an extremely muddy concept. The term generally refers to a power that allows the military in an emergency to push aside civilian government and take its place, exercising jurisdiction over civilians. Thats very different from what were seeing in Los Angeles, where the military forces are there to support federal civilian authorities. Martial law has been declared before in U.S. history, most often by states, but rarely by the federal government. As a historical phenomenon, martial law is largely confined to the 90-year period between the start of the Civil War and the end of World War II.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Supreme Court has never upheld the constitutionality of a federal declaration of martial law. Moreover, if we look at the issue given our modern understanding of the Constitution  or even, frankly, an originalist understanding of the Constitution  martial law cannot be constitutional. It is completely incompatible with the basic features of our constitutional system. Lets not forget that placing military authority above civil authority is one of the grievances that was listed in the Declaration of Independence. Using the military to supplant the government of California or Los Angeles would undoubtedly be unlawful.

The second thing I would emphasize, and that shouldnt be lost in the legal battle thats unfolding in the courts, is that the presidential memorandum that purports to grant authority to participate in law enforcement to federalized National Guard forces and to active-duty armed forces does not mention Los Angeles. It does not even mention California. There is no geographic scope to it. This is completely unprecedented in American history. Nothing like that has ever happened before. Even Abraham Lincolns invocation of the Insurrection Act at the outset of the Civil War was confined to the states in rebellion. The last person to assert this kind of unbounded authority to use the military for law enforcement in this country was King George.

The post Trump continues to tighten his authoritarian grip appeared first on Salon.com.
President Trump said late Thursday that a deal was struck with NATO to send weapons to Ukraine, with the military alliance bearing the brunt of the cost.

Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100 percent, he said in a phone interview with NBC News. So, what were doing is, the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine], and NATO is paying for those weapons.

The president added that the deal was struck in June at the NATO summit in The Hague.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We send weapons to NATO, and NATO is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons, Trump told NBCs Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. is talking to multiple countries in Europe, including Spain and Germany, that have Patriot batteries  a key element in the defense system used to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles  about sending them over to Kyiv.

Well, the Spaniards have them. Theyre really far from Ukraine and they have one. The Germans have, others have them  Im not singling them out, but Im just telling you those are two that I know, Rubio told reporters while in Malaysia after his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. There are other Patriot batteries, and there are other opportunities.

Countries that have ordered Patriot batteries that are about to receive shipments of them, itd be great if one of them volunteered to defer that shipment and send it to Ukraine instead, added Rubio, who is also Trumps national security adviser.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The conversation comes as the president intensified his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days, saying the two leaders have made no progress on brokering a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Trump also said he does not think Putin is looking to halt the war in Eastern Europe, which has been ongoing since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The Trump administration restarted sending some defense weapons to Ukraine on Monday, days after the Defense Department ordered a pause on delivering some air defense missiles and munitions, citing concerns of U.S. stockpiles being depleted.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he spoke with Trump on Thursday and has pushed allies within the alliance to send weapons to Ukraine.

Russias continued massive attacks against Ukrainian civilians are deplorable. Earlier today I urged leaders to go further so Ukraine has more ammunition & air defences, Rutte wrote in a Thursday post on the social platform X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ive just spoken with President Trump & am now working closely with Allies to get Ukraine the help they need, he added.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump and Texas lawmakers on Friday defended the federal governments response to the deadly July Fourth flooding in Central Texas, claiming that aid was quickly dispatched to reeling communities after the floodwaters swept through.

Making his first visit to Texas since the floods, which killed at least 120 people, Trump toured a part of the disaster site near the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, received briefings from local officials and sat for a roundtable with first responders and other officials. After the event, in response to a reporters question about whether federal weather forecasters properly warned of the impending floods, Trump stood by his administrations response, saying that everyone did an incredible job, under the circumstances.

He then bristled at the question and labeled the inquiring reporter evil.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Only a bad person would ask a question like that, he said.

Other roundtable participants rallied to the presidents defense and praised the pace of the federal governments response.

Pointing fingers is for losers, Rep. Chip Roy said, invoking similar comments made by Gov. Greg Abbott at a news conference earlier in the week. The Austin Republican, whose district was hit hardest by the storm, was effusive in his praise for Trump.

I can't thank you enough, he said to the president. When I called you on Friday, you said, whatever you need.

Abbott, who sat to Trumps left at the roundtable, said it was the fastest I'm aware of any administration responding so swiftly, so collaboratively, so coordinated as we have in response to this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The White House previously defended the quality of its weather forecasts and warnings, insisting they were timely and precise and undisturbed by staffing cuts at the National Weather Service. In the days since, scrutiny has shifted to how the federal government has responded, as reports have emerged that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has moved slower than expected to help with recovery and search-and-rescue efforts.

On Sunday, two days after the flooding began, Trump signed a major disaster declaration at Abbotts request, freeing up federal funds for the recovery efforts.

The aid package includes grants for temporary housing, funds for repairing damaged homes and facilities, and low-cost loans for uninsured property losses.

Statewide leaders, including Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, underscored that lawmakers will work during the upcoming special legislative session to find solutions that could prevent similar tragedies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Abbott said the session, scheduled to begin July 21, will give community members a chance to weigh in on how the Legislature should respond. One such venue, Patrick said, will be a legislative hearing in Kerrville where residents hit by the flood will get to share their stories, their needs and their wants.

Accompanying Trump on his flight from Washington to Central Texas were Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, a former Texas state lawmaker whose agency has coordinated parts of the federal response to past Texas disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey.

Rep. Wesley Hunt, a Houston Republican who is considering a Senate primary run against Cornyn, was the only House member to accompany Trump on Air Force One.

On the ground, Trump was joined by nearly every Republican from Texas congressional delegation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Texas devastating floods have refocused attention on the presidents plans for FEMA  one of the main coordinating hubs of the recovery efforts. Trump has previously suggested the agency should be significantly reduced and have many of its recovery functions shifted to the states.

A governor should be able to handle it, and frankly, if they cant handle it, the aftermath, then maybe they shouldnt be governor, he said at the White House in June.

Some Texas leaders have supported Trumps call, including Abbott, who was named earlier this year to a council tasked with recommending changes to the agency. At the councils first meeting in May, Abbott said states have proven that we can move more nimbly, more swiftly, more effectively than FEMA, which he characterized as slow and clunky.

The Kerrville floods are raising fresh questions about whether a scaled-back agency could do enough to help states respond to serious disasters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps administration has reportedly backed off plans to wind down the agency, instead pivoting to a potential rebrand that would center state officials in future disaster response.

In a statement, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson denied the report and said Trump was committed to empowering state and local governments by enabling them to better understand, plan for and ultimately address the needs of their citizens. Discussions on how to restructure FEMA are ongoing, Jackson said.

Some Republicans have touted FEMAs importance in the days since the floods. Cruz called the agencys response incredibly important, adding that he would be open to seeing it restructured to become more nimble.

On Thursday, ten House Democrats from Texas signed a letter requesting a hearing to probe the federal governments response preparedness and the damaging role that the Trump administration has played in weakening the federal governments capacity to respond to disasters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the wake of the flooding, some rescue efforts and resources have been slowed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems cost-cutting policy of personally signing off on any contract or grant FEMA awards over $100,000, CNN reported. Agency officials created a task force earlier this week to expedite the process, according to NBC News.

Noem, whose department includes FEMA, has stood by the new protocols and FEMAs overall response, calling the CNN report absolutely trash.

A group of Texas Democrats, led by Reps. Greg Casar of Austin and Jasmine Crockett of Dallas, sent a letter to the FEMA administrator Monday asking for clarification on the policy.

After Trumps Texas visit Friday, The New York Times reported that two days after the floods, FEMA didnt answer nearly two-thirds of disaster assistance calls because hundreds of call center contractors were fired when their contracts expired July 5. Noem didnt renew the contracts until five days later, the Times reported.
Donald Trump has reportedly been denied the chance to address parliament during his state visit to the UK.

The decision, which is likely to be seen as a major snub by the US president, comes just days after Emmanuel Macron was given the honour of addressing parliament, where he urged Britain and France to shoulder the burden of European security together.

According to the Telegraph, Mr Trump is expected not to visit Buckingham Palace or enjoy a ceremonial carriage ride down the Mall in London, which have often been prominent features of state visits from other world leaders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The decision came amid concerns there could be objections from both the public and MPs following calls for Mr Trump to be blocked from addressing parliament earlier this year, with MPs and peers warning the US president does not respect democracy.

Mr Trump accepted the invitation from King Charles for an unprecedented second state visit to the UK earlier this year, becoming the first US president to receive the honour.

Trump and King Charles raise a glass at the US ambassadors residence during the president's first state visit to the UK in 2019 (2019 Getty Images)

But the reported decision to prevent him from addressing parliament risks angering the US president, who is thought to be keen on the idea after he was blocked from doing so on his last visit.

However, a senior White House official, who asked to remain unnamed to protect diplomatic discussions around the planned state visit, told The Independent that a speech to parliament had not been understood to be in the cards for Mr Trump's itinerary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This was never expected or even discussed," the official said.

In April, when the visit was announced, parliamentarians voiced concerns it would be inappropriate for him to speak in the Palace of Westminster as his predecessors Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton did.

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock, who was a minister in Sir Tony Blairs government, wrote to Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, warning the US president should not be allowed to address both houses of parliament because of his attitude towards and comments about the UK, parliamentary democracy, the Nato Alliance and Ukraine.

President Trump is presented with a letter from the King in February, inviting him to a historic second state visit (Carl Court/PA) (PA Wire)

Meanwhile, Labour MP Kate Osborne asked Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to follow his predecessor John Bercow in blocking an address from Mr Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a letter to Sir Lindsay, she said: I am asking you as the Speaker to agree it would be inappropriate and mirror the previous Speakers recommendation.

It is of course up to our government to decide if they use the state visit to engage with Trump on a wide range of issues as above but that does not translate to giving him the honour of addressing the UK parliament, the decision of which I believe should reside with you.

The House of Commons speakers office said: Any request made to address the houses of parliament will be considered in the usual way.
comPima County Attorney Laura Conover during a press conference in April 2024. Photo by Paul Ingram | TucsonSentinel.com

In the early morning hours of June 30, Ricky E. Miller Sr. was shot while sitting inside his truck in Tucson. The 69-year-old later died from his injuries. Pima County prosecutors quickly got to work building a case against the suspect, Julio Cesar Aguirre, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico.

But two weeks later, that case is at risk of never being heard. Just days after his arrest by local law enforcement, federal officials abruptly transported Aguirre out of the county and have since refused to return him for trial. County prosecutors are warning it could negatively impact the states case against Aguirre, and are concerned the Trump administration may deport him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The case is one in a growing number that highlights the impact of the federal governments mass deportation campaign on local justice systems. At the same time that the Trump administration brags about expelling the worst of the worst  despite crystal clear evidence to the contrary  prosecutors and judges across the country have been forced to shelve cases and drop charges against people accused of violent crimes after they or key witnesses were deported.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

In Tucson, the Pima County Attorneys Office filed a criminal complaint against Aguirre that detailed 14 charges, including first-degree murder and six counts of aggravated assault. The federal complaint, meanwhile, only accuses Aguirre of three felony charges: attempted carjacking, the use and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime, and alien possession of a firearm.

On Thursday, hours after federal prosecutors informed her office that they wouldnt be facilitating Aguirres appearance at any hearings except for one initial appearance at state court, Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said shes willing to sue the federal government to ensure the countys prosecution can actually happen.

Custody fight puts case in jeopardy

At an apartment complex in midtown Tucson, Aguirre was seen by witnesses threatening to shoot Miller if he didnt turn over his keys. Aguirre, 42, shot Miller and then fled to a nearby home, where he once again attempted to intimidate the residents into giving him their car, according to the Tucson Police Department. Eventually, Aguirre was found hiding in a nearby storage shed and was taken to the hospital to treat injuries he obtained while fleeing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Aguirre recuperated, Pima County prosecutors began constructing their case. During the course of the investigation, the federal government revealed that Aguirre was in the country without documentation, had been arrested more than 10 times between 2007 and 2013 for immigration-related crimes and had been deported in 2013.

According to a timeline posted to social media by the Pima County Attorneys Office, federal prosecutors agreed at a June 2 meeting that Aguirre would remain in the countys custody to face a first-degree murder charge. Federal officials would be given access to Aguirre to pursue federal charges.

But that understanding was upended later that day, when federal officials instead took custody of Aguirre and transported him overnight from the hospital to a federal detention center in Florence, in neighboring Pinal County.

When Conovers office reached out to request Aguirre be returned, federal officials appeared cooperative at first, but quickly began to delay sending him back. On Wednesday, the Pima County Attorneys Office once again requested Aguirres return, saying a preliminary hearing to preserve the testimony of three victims in their 70s who were held at gunpoint was needed. On Thursday, the U.S. Attorneys Office denied that request.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In an emailed statement, Esther J. Winnie, the executive assistant U.S. attorney for Arizona, dismissed Conovers description of events as false, but refused to offer another explanation.

Our office has a significant federal interest in this matter, she wrote. The press release from the Pima County Attorney mischaracterizes the situation. However, we have no intent to engage in an exchange with the County Attorney via the media.

In a virtual news conference on Thursday afternoon, Conover called the process completely abnormal and accused federal officials of exploiting the case for political gain. The Democrat, who has been fiercely critical of Trump, lambasted the decision to deny the county access to Aguirre as contrary to justice, flying in the face of what voters want and undermining the Trump administrations purported commitment to eradicating crime.

This new federal administration said that they were going to go after aliens with a criminal background. That people who had caused harm in our community should be removed immediately and have no authority to be here, she said. That was something that voters got behind and agreed to. Never did they tell us that we were going to deprive local residents of justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But she said she wouldnt be deterred and that her office is exploring what legal avenues are available to ensure Aguirre faces the 14 charges in Pima County. One of those options, she said, may be taking the fight to federal court.

We want indeed to have a fair trial someday, she said. It seems like someday is sort of the operative word right now.

Conover noted that the charges initiated by federal prosecutors arent sufficient to ensure justice for everyone involved. The federal complaint doesnt include a homicide charge. And Aguirre pointed a gun at several people that day who are covered in the criminal complaint under aggravated assault charges.

We were trying to warn the feds that it needed to go in the direction of the state first and the federal government later, because once we had their criminal complaint in hand  the criminal complaint is about a carjacking with use of a firearm, and then its about possession of that firearm, she said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Federal immigration agents converge on Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, Neb., on June 10 for an immigration raid. A new analysis released Thursday estimates mass deportations could cost more than 6 million jobs, a figure that includes both immigrants and U.S.-born workers. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Nebraska Examiner)

President Donald Trumps deportation plans could cost nearly 6 million jobs, according to an analysis released Thursday.

If successful, Trumps goal of deporting 4 million people over four years will cost jobs held by both immigrants and U.S.-born workers, according to the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

EPIs analysis found California, Florida, New York and Texas will have the highest number of job losses, because of larger immigrant populations in those states.

The construction industry will see the biggest drop in employment, with an estimated 861,000 U.S.-born and 1.4 million immigrant jobs lost, according to the analysis. The child care sector is expected to lose half a million jobs.

Immigrants are a crucial component of the American economy, representing nearly 20% of the nations workforce last year, according to federal data.

Because jobs held by U.S.-born and immigrant workers are often complementary and economically linked, the shrinking supply of immigrant labor can adversely affect employer demand for jobs held by both groups of workers, the Economic Policy Institute report said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Immigrant workers are also consumers, meaning that group will spend less in local economies as their earnings and employment decline.

Regardless of the exact mechanisms, deportations can cause a sharp and abrupt enough fall in labor supply that some employers will respond by shutting down operations entirely, the analysis said.

The major spending and tax bill Trump signed July 4 allocated $170 billion for immigration enforcement and border protection measures. The U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement would be the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the country, at nearly $30 billion through September 2029.

Already, the number of jobs being performed by foreign-born workers is declining, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And those losses are not leading to more U.S.-born workers in the workforce, labor economist Mark Regets, a senior fellow at the National Foundation for American Policy, told Forbes this week.

That contradicts Republican claims, said Ben Zipperer, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute.

While Trump and other conservatives claim that increased deportations will somehow magically create jobs for U.S.-born workers, the existing evidence shows that the opposite is true: they will cause immense harm to workers and families, shrink the economy, and weaken the labor market for everyone, Zipperer said in a Thursday news release.

Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
Ive got news this week about a bridal boutique moving into Valley View Mall; Holmen getting a new McDonalds, a deli and a pizza store; a bait and tackle shop tripling in size; and a couple of store closings, in the mall and in West Salem.

Zepha and Shawn Gerber opened Sean Philip Bridals boutique July 1 in its new location in Valley View Mall in La Crosse.

They started their bridal boutique five years ago in Princeton, Illinois, where it closed in March for its move to La Crosse. The Gerbers had operated the Princeton business remotely for the past three years after moving from Princeton to Tomah for a job that Shawn got in Oakdale.

The boutique sells designer wedding gowns, bridal accessories, homecoming dresses and prom dresses. And were trying to get tuxedos for sale and rent, Zepha said Tuesday.

Zepha, who taught English the past two years at Tomah High School, was born in a Hmong refugee camp in Thailand. Her family moved from Thailand to Ottawa, Illinois, where she was raised. She decided to go into the bridal boutique business because I just love dresses.

A portion of our proceeds goes to St. Judes, she said. The Gerbers decided several years ago to support childhood cancer research as theyre grateful for the support they received in the Princeton area after one of their sons was diagnosed with kidney cancer and another was diagnosed with leukemia.

The bridal boutiques hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. Its grand opening celebration will be Aug. 2. For more information, call 608-571-4998 or visit www.seanphilipbridals.com or Facebook.







Onalaska-based Courtesy Corp. will open its 65th McDonalds restaurant at 6 a.m. July 17 at 1201 Gaarder Road, on the west side of Highway 35 in Holmen.

A grand opening celebration will be held July 17-19, with what the McDonalds franchisee is calling three days of deals, giveaways and community fun. Celebration details can be found at www.facebook.com/McDonaldsofWiscMinIowa.

Courtesy Corp. will continue to operate Holmens other McDonalds, along County Highway OT. It currently runs 64 McDonalds in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.

The new restaurants regular hours will be 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 5:30 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday, said Lauren Lommen Mickey, owner/operator with Courtesy Corp.

The restaurant was built with McDonalds newest layout, decor and equipment, Mickey said. It has a digital focus in mind for the customers experience.

Our goal is to hire over 80 employees for the Holmen restaurant, Mickey said. We are continuing to hire and are currently accepting applications for all shifts at this restaurant.

For more information, visit www.mccourtesy.com or Facebook. The restaurants telephone number will be 608-360-4130.







Holmen also is getting a deli and a pizza store.

The Deli at Midway at N5610 County Road OT in the town of Onalaska announced this week on its Facebook page that it is closing that location, and will open a new one in Holmen. The current locations last day will be Monday.

Deli owner Dustin Wood told me Wednesday that he hopes to open his new Holmen location by the end of July, and said it will be in the Old Town Center North building at 2200 Staphorst Lane, near Bluff View Banks Holmen branch office. Wood also owns The Deli at Midway-West Salem, which opened in January in West Salem.







Meanwhile, Ed OBrien, who with his wife Karin and their daughter Liz owns the Old Town Center North building, confirmed Wednesday that a Dominos Pizza store will open  probably this fall  in another part of their building.







Emmas Bait & Tackle at N5610 County Road OT will triple in size by this fall, which will be possible with The Deli at Midways upcoming move to Holmen.

Kathy and Mark Viner, who sold the deli business to Dustin Wood in 2021, still own the building that houses it and their Emmas Bait & Tackle shop business.

The Viners told me this week that they plan to move their bait and tackle shop into the space now occupied by the deli and the Viners office, and will look for a retail tenant for their shops current retail space.

The bait shop will be three times its current size once it moves into the current deli and office space, Mark Viner said.

With the bait shop getting bigger, well be expanding our merchandise selection, Kathy Viner said. For more information, call 608-781-4926 or visit the shops Facebook page.







July 5 was the final day for the Bath & Body Works store in Valley View Mall.

The Bath & Body Works chain opened its second area store in November 2023 in the nearby former Skechers shoe store at 9402 Highway 16, between Target and Kohls in the Pralle Center in Onalaska.

Our new location at Pralle Center is part of the companys overall goal to have a target mix of 75 percent off-mall locations over time given continued consumer preference, a company spokesperson told me in an email Wednesday, after I asked why the mall store closed.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Bath & Body Works describes itself as a global leader in personal care and home fragrance products. Its website says it has about 1,900 company-operated Bath & Body Works locations in the United States and Canada, 524 international franchised locations and an online storefront.







Kathy Grabitske plans to close her Finders Keepers resale store at 580 Commerce St. in West Salem by the end of July.

A store-closing sale with discounted prices is under way at the store, which is next to West Salems Ace Hardware store along Highway 16. The store sells such things as furniture, glassware, clothing, jewelry, antiques, kitchenware and home decor.

Grabitske told me that she plans to retire. I am so ready for that, she said. The store opened about 13 years ago and she bought it about 12 years ago, Grabitske said.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call 608-487-3372.
Federal immigration agents converge on Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, Neb., on June 10 for an immigration raid. A new analysis released Thursday estimates mass deportations could cost more than 6 million jobs, a figure that includes both immigrants and U.S.-born workers. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Nebraska Examiner)

President Donald Trumps deportation plans could cost nearly 6 million jobs, according to an analysis released Thursday.

If successful, Trumps goal of deporting 4 million people over four years will cost jobs held by both immigrants and U.S.-born workers, according to the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

EPIs analysis found California, Florida, New York and Texas will have the highest number of job losses, because of larger immigrant populations in those states. North Carolina stands to lose the seventh highest total of jobs at 188,000  82,000 of which would effect U.S.-born workers.

The construction industry will see the biggest drop in employment, with an estimated 861,000 U.S.-born and 1.4 million immigrant jobs lost, according to the analysis. The child care sector is expected to lose half a million jobs.

Immigrants are a crucial component of the American economy, representing nearly 20% of the nations workforce last year, according to federal data.

Because jobs held by U.S.-born and immigrant workers are often complementary and economically linked, the shrinking supply of immigrant labor can adversely affect employer demand for jobs held by both groups of workers, the Economic Policy Institute report said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Immigrant workers are also consumers, meaning that group will spend less in local economies as their earnings and employment decline.

Regardless of the exact mechanisms, deportations can cause a sharp and abrupt enough fall in labor supply that some employers will respond by shutting down operations entirely, the analysis said.

The major spending and tax bill Trump signed July 4 allocated $170 billion for immigration enforcement and border protection measures. The U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement would be the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the country, at nearly $30 billion through September 2029.

Already, the number of jobs being performed by foreign-born workers is declining, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And those losses are not leading to more U.S.-born workers in the workforce, labor economist Mark Regets, a senior fellow at the National Foundation for American Policy, told Forbes this week.

That contradicts Republican claims, said Ben Zipperer, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute.

While Trump and other conservatives claim that increased deportations will somehow magically create jobs for U.S.-born workers, the existing evidence shows that the opposite is true: they will cause immense harm to workers and families, shrink the economy, and weaken the labor market for everyone, Zipperer said in a Thursday news release.

This report was first published by Stateline, which like NC Newsline, is part of the national States newsroom network. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org.
Opposing Donald Trumps cuts to PBS and NPR could cost Republicans a critical midterm endorsement.

The White House has asked Congress to cut $9.4 billion in spending before July 18, including $8.3 billion in rescissions to international assistance programs and ending $1.1 billion in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which oversees PBS and NPR.

The president issued a clear threat to conservatives considering rejecting his latest legislative effort, posting to Truth Social Thursday evening that the two publicly funded media organizations had to go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It is very important that all Republicans adhere to my Recissions Bill and, in particular, DEFUND THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING (PBS and NPR), which is worse than CNN & MSDNC put together, Trump wrote, referring to the cable news network MSNBC. Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or Endorsement.

But that hasnt stopped Republicans from speaking out.

South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds said that hes apprehensive to end media access in rural areas, noting that the goal amongst the opposition isnt to elimination provisions in the package but specifically to take care of those that were in some of these rural areas, such as parts of South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Alaska, according to CBS News.

Theres a specific group of Native American tribes that have a public radio system set up, and really the vast majority of the funding for it comes from one source, and thats within the rescission package, Rounds told reporters. What were trying to do is to work with [the Office of Management and Budget] to find a path forward where the funding for those radio stations would be left alone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Montana Senator Steve Daines, West Virginia Senator Shelly Moore Capito, and Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski were similarly concerned with the packages cuts to the public broadcasting organizations. Concerns about ceding funds from the Center for Public Broadcasting, which maintains the Emergency Broadcasting System, have been particularly sharp in the wake of severe flooding in Texas, which killed at least 120 people after authorities failed to notify residents of the rising water levels.

I hope you feel the urgency that Im trying to express on behalf of the people in rural Alaska and I think in many parts of rural America where this is their lifeline, Murkowski told Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought at a Senate Appropriations hearing last month. This is where they get the updates on [landslides], this is where they get the updates on the wildfires that are coming their way.

Rounds, Daines, Capito, and Susan Collins are up for reelection in 2026, while Murkowski has already forgone Trumps support: the Alaska lawmaker won without his endorsement in 2022.

Whether Murkowski will follow through on her defense of the media organizations is unclear, however, after she suddenly caved on Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill earlier this month. Her vote helped to pass a piece of legislation that will make the rich richer while stripping 17 million Americans of their health care.
July 11 (UPI) -- The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Minnesota's hiring practices, the third legal or administrative action the Trump administration has taken against the Democratic-led state in just over two weeks.

The Justice Department informed Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison of the investigation into the state's hiring practices in a letter dated Thursday.

"Our investigation is based on information that Minnesota may be engaged in certain employment practices that discriminate against employees, job applicants and training program participants based on race and sex in violation of Title VII," Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Specifically, we have reason to believe the Minnesota Department of Human Services is engaging in unlawful action through, among other things, the adoption and forthcoming implementation of its 'hiring justification' policy."

Early this month, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced a new hiring policy set to take effect Aug. 12. It directs hiring supervisors to "provide a hiring justification when seeking to hire a non-underrepresented candidate when hiring for a vacancy in a job category with underrepresentation."

The purpose of the directive is to ensure the department meets its affirmative action responsibilities, comply with state laws and increase the diversity of its workforce.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has sought to roll back so-called progressive practices, including diversity, equity and inclusion policies. In an executive order issued on his second day in office titled Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, he specifically ordered the federal government to cease demanding that contractors adopt affirmative action policies, describing it as illegal discrimination.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Justice Department on Thursday described the Minnesota Department of Human Services' new policy as part of a broader effort by the state to engage in race- and sex-based employment practices.

"Minnesotans deserve to have their state government employees hired based on merit, not based on illegal DEI," Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has been a critic of Trump and ran against his ticket as the vice presidential candidate with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Since then, the two have clashed.

After a man assassinated a state lawmaker and wounded another in Minnesota in mid-June, Trump declined to call Walz.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I think the governor of Minnesota is so whacked out -- I'm not calling him. Why would I call? I could call him and say, 'Hi, how are you doing?' The guy doesn't have a clue. He's a mess. So, I could be nice and call him, but why waste my time?" Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Late last month, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit challenging Minnesota laws that provide some undocumented immigrants with higher-education tuition benefits not offered to all U.S. citizens.

The next day, Trump's Department of Health and Human Services opened a civil rights investigation into the Minnesota Department of Education over a transgender teenager competing on a girls' softball team.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  President Donald Trump has endorsed Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) for re-election.

Cotton, who has served in the Senate since 2015, said in a post on X in February that he was launching his campaign with the support of every Arkansas statewide official, the entire Arkansas congressional delegation, and 108 out of 110 of Arkansass Republican State Legislators.

Trump said in a Truth social post on Wednesday that Cotton has my complete and total endorsement for re-election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A former U.S. Army Ranger, Tom bravely served our nation in combat, and brings the same fighting spirit to the U.S. Senate, Trump said. He is working tirelessly to strengthen our military, provide the best care for our veterans, help secure our now very secure (record-setting) southern border, cut taxes and regulations, ensure American energy dominance, and protect our always under siege Second Amendment.

Cotton currently serves as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Republican Conference, which gives him the third spot in the GOP leadership.

Arkansas Department of Education names 15 Teacher of the Year finalists

In 2020, Cotton defeated Libertarian candidate Ricky Dale Harrington with 66 percent of the vote. There was no Democratic challenger in that election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cotton won in 2014, defeating incumbent Democratic candidate Mark Pryor with 56 percent of the vote.

From 2013 to 2015, Cotton served as Representative for Arkansass 4th Congressional District.

Currently, one other candidate is running for Cottons seat. Hallie Shofner, a farmer and entrepreneur from Jackson County, is seeking the Democratic Party nomination, according to Talk Business & Politics.

The Senate election is on Nov. 3, 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
KERRVILLE, Texas  As ominous storm clouds gather once more over Texas, the desperate search for more than 150 individuals still missing since the catastrophic July 4 floods has now stretched into its second week.

With 120 confirmed fatalities  including 39 children  from the devastating deluge caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry dumping four months of rain in two days, concerns are mounting that any additional rain could severely impede the already massive search and rescue operations.

Deaths and missing people have been reported across Kerr, Burnet, Travis, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties. No survivors have been found since the day of the flooding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chances Of Heavy Rain Will Return To Texas Just A Week After Deadly Flooding

President Donald Trump and the first lady arrived in Kerrville just after noon CT to survey the damage and meet with local officials and affected families.

"It's hard to believe the devastation - trees that are 100 years old just ripped out of the ground - I've never seen anything like it, and I've seen a lot of bad ones," the President said during his meeting with state and local officials in Kerrville. "I've gone through a lot of hurricanes, a lot of tornadoes I've never seen anything like this."

US President Donald Trump, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (2L), and First Lady Melania Trump (L) meet with local officials and first responders near the Guadalupe River following devastating flooding that occurred in the area over the July 4 weekend, in Kerrville, Texas, on July 11, 2025.

This comes as the community of Kerrville is still in shock and grieving. A growing downtown memorial is adorned with flowers and visited by those seeking solace and a place to mourn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Just seeing these small faces will absolutely break your heart," FOX Weather's Katie Byrne observed.

Whats Behind All The Recent Extreme Flooding?

Intense rainfall unleashed catastrophic flash flooding, turning the tranquil Guadalupe River into a raging, destructive wave. A wall of water ripped through homes and cabins, sweeping people downstream. The death toll from this inland flood event quickly surpassed the flooding fatalities from last year's Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. It has also claimed more lives than Hurricane Harvey, which devastated Texas in 2017.

Before-and-after Satellite Photos Of Camp Mystic, Kerr County Show Devastation Of Texas Floods

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Survivors of the floods paint a grim picture of the deluge, recounting harrowing tales of clinging to trees for hours, hearing the agonizing screams of those caught in the torrent and watching as cars, gas tanks and entire houses were swept away.

Bud Bolton, a Kerrville flood survivor, shared his experience with FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray. He described feeling utterly helpless as a 26-foot wall of water engulfed the hundreds of RVs, tiny homes and campers clustered along the river, carrying entire families downstream.

"It's just all those screaming kids we had to listen to that we couldn't get to and couldn't save them," Bolton said. "And water rose, what, 28 foot in 45 minutes? Not much you can do."

Kerrville Flooding Survivor Describes Hearing Screaming Kids As Guadalupe River Raged

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among other survivors is Julia Hatfield, whose RV was swept away. She tearfully told FOX Weather about calling her father, thinking it might be her last conversation amid the sheer terror and speed of the floodwaters.

"A moment of denial, when things move that quickly, from waking up to trying to get out in time to survive," she said. "In that moment, I called my dad. I wasn't even sure why I was calling him. He's the guy that I call when things go wrong."

'Blessing Buckets' Filled With Bible, Hope Brought To Texas Flood Survivors

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of the Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line, a free, 24/7 statewide crisis counseling service for Texans affected by the floods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The State of Texas continues working to ensure that Texans hardest hit by these devastating floods have the resources and support they need, and that includes mental health support," Abbott said. "This new statewide crisis support line will ensure survivors, families, and first responders have access to emotional support and crisis counseling as they work to heal and recover. Cecilia and I continue to pray that God brings comfort to everyone affected and strength to our first responders as they deal with the unimaginable."

Those affected by the disaster can access professional crisis counseling by calling 833-812-2480.

A more robust and organized operation has started, with first responders employing dog teams, helicopters and even two NASA aircraft to aid in the search. Some teams are on horseback, navigating the rugged, hilly terrain.

"We are looking and searching the deeply impacted flood debris along the river," Kerr County Sheriffs Department Capt. Jason Walder said. "So these areas are where a lot of this debris is bottlenecked. So, it's a lot of large trees. It's a lot of the vehicles. It's a lot of home structures have built up in these areas."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Join Foxs Support Of Recovery Efforts Following The Devastating Flooding In Texas

The hardest-hit town of Hunt remains largely cut off, with access primarily restricted to first responders. Devastation is widespread, particularly at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp, which has been largely destroyed. Twenty-seven campers and one counselor are confirmed to be among the deceased, with five campers and one counselor from the camp still missing.

"I know where they're at, and I know that he's got them, and he's holding them," an emotional Dan Beazley of North Richland Hills expressed to FOX Weather at the site of the tragedy.

Beazley hoped the site might become a place for prayer, where a nation would never forget what happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

94-Year-old Woman Describes Racing To Attic To Flee Water Filling Home During Texas Floods

After more than a foot of rain caused historic flash flooding across the Texas Hill Country, more rain is expected it the region heading into the weekend, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

As thunderstorm activity is expected to increase late Saturday and the growing potential for additional rainfall, the Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 4 flood risk for Saturday into Sunday across a broad portion of the southern Plains, including parts of Texas.

As is often the case with small-scale weather features, the FOX Forecast Center said precise storm placement and rainfall amounts remain uncertain at this stage. However, most forecast models agree that the heaviest rain this weekend will likely be north of the Hill Country, stretching from the Panhandle region to northern Texas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Given the already saturated and highly vulnerable landscape across the Hill Country, residents affected by the July 4 flooding should remain especially alert for any locally developing storms.





Original article source: Trump in Texas as flood tragedy deepens with new storms brewing, ongoing search for over 150 missing
President Donald Trump headed to Texas on Friday to survey the devastation from the July 4 flooding catastrophe as the death toll rose to at least 121 and questions swirl over glaring failures in the disaster preparedness plans.

As the commander-in-chief and First Lady Melania Trump get a firsthand look at the damage and recovery effort, Trump has focused on the unpredictability of the natural disaster, which has killed at least 121 people, and has praised Republican state and local officials who have so far directed the response.

Nobody ever saw a thing like this coming, Trump told NBC News Thursday night. This is a once-in-every-200-year deal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trumps plan to survey the damage by helicopter. With 160 missing, the death toll could still rise significantly in what will likely be the Lone Star States worst natural disaster in modern memory.

The White House says theyll visit an emergency operations center to meet with first responders and relatives of flood victims. Trump will also get a briefing from officials. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz are joining the visit, with the GOP senators expected to fly to their state with Trump aboard Air Force One.

Trump hasnt recently discussed his plan to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency and shift disaster recovery management to the states.

It remains to be seen if FEMA will play a major role in the Texas flooding recovery. Large states like Texas, Florida and California are considered among the few with the resources and bandwidth to effectively cope with hurricanes, forest fires and other wide-ranging disasters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the focus is on FEMA at the federal level, local officials have come under mounting scrutiny over how much they were prepared and how quickly they acted.

Local and state officials reportedly rejected plans for a public warning system along the Guadalupe River where the floods struck before dawn on Independence Day, sweeping away summer camps, cars and vacationers in their path.

Kerr County, the hardest-hit locality, considered a siren system connected to water gauges along the flood-prone river, but rejected it due to the high cost.

Texas state officials now say they plan to propose a new warning system for the counties in the Hill Country region and lawmakers plan to debate the plan at a forthcoming special session of the legislature.

Camp Mystic, where dozens of children died in the flood, was granted approval to erect cabins for campers on the banks of the Guadalupe River despite being prone to periodic catastrophic flash flooding.
President Donald Trump visited Kerrville, Texas, on Friday as the devastated region continues rescue efforts from last weeks catastrophic flooding.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited Texas for an aerial tour of the sites of the catastrophic flooding, which killed at least 120 people while more than 170 remain missing. The president will also participate in a roundtable discussion with first responders and local officials.

He said the flooding was a horrible thing and he would visit with great families and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At a roundtable discussion Friday after touring the site and meeting with families, Trump said it was a tough one.

Its hard to believe the devastation. Trees that are 100 years old just ripped out of the ground. Ive never seen anything like it, he said.

The president said he met with families who had children at the Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic, where more than 20 young girls were killed by the floods.

They were there because they loved God, and as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little, beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven, Trump said.

Will FEMA be handed to the states?

Trumps visit to the area comes as the administration is discussing how to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and return disaster relief to individual states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During a June press conference with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Trump said he wants the country to wean off of FEMA and bring it back to the state level. He said they were calling governors to handle it. The president noted that funds for disaster aid wouldnt entirely fall to states under the administrations proposed plan.

Since the flooding, officials havent focused on the future of the federal agency as relief efforts are underway in Texas.

Office of Management and Budget director Russ Vought spoke to reporters Friday morning outside the White House and said that FEMA has $13 billion in its reserves to continue to fund necessary expenses.

The president has said to Texas, anything it needs it will get, Vought said, adding, We also want FEMA to be reformed. We want FEMA to work well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

FEMA was criticized for its handling of relief efforts in North Carolina after Tropical Storm Helene last year.

Vought said Trump will be asking tough questions of all agencies in the administrations continued push to scale back spending.

However, The Washington Post reported Friday that as Trump heads to Texas, a senior White House official said there were no official actions being taken to wind down FEMA and any future change would likely amount to a rebranding that places state leaders at the top of the agency.

The catastrophic floods hit Central Texas over the July Fourth holiday weekend. Rivers in the region began to rise due to heavy rain. Emergency alerts went out overnight, urging residents and people camping to leave the area. In a short time, the Guadalupe River rose significantly and washed through the surrounding area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, Abbott requested that the Texas Division of Emergency Management ask Trump for more federal disaster assistance.

I thank President Trump and his administration for their swift and continued support. Texas will continue to deploy all available resources and support to help those impacted until the job is done, Abbott said.

Trump briefly noted FEMA in the roundtable discussion Friday, and said it had been changed for the better by his administration. He said he and Noem approved disaster funding within minutes for Texas and deployed thousands of first responders.

FEMA has deployed multiple emergency response units, and FEMA has been really headed by some very good people. We have some good people running FEMA. Its about time, right? We got some good ones. They failed us in North Carolina, but when we got in on January 20, they fixed it up in no time, Trump said.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  U.S. President Donald Trump will host his Philippine counterpart in the White House this month to discuss how the longtime treaty allies can further deepen their security and economic engagements, Philippine officials said Friday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s will visit the United States from July 20 to 22 but Philippine officials were still finalizing details of his meeting with Trump with the U.S. State Department, the Philippine government said. The allies have boosted mutual defense engagements, including large-scale combat exercises in the Philippines, to strengthen deterrence against Chinas increasingly aggressive actions in the region.

Among the proposed topics for discussion is strengthening peace through deterrence, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez told The Associated Press by telephone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That echoed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth s remarks about the U.S. militarys plan to ratchet up deterrence against Chinas increasingly assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea by intensifying security engagements with the Philippines and allied nations in the region.

The Philippines has also expressed concern over a 20% tariff the Trump administration plans to impose on Manila's exports starting Aug. 1 unless a deal was reached. A Philippine trade delegation would travel to the U.S. next week to pursue negotiations with American counterparts.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met his Japanese and Philippine counterparts in a meeting Thursday on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations annual ministerial meetings in Malaysia. The U.S., Japan and the Philippines have been building a trilateral bloc to broaden security and economic cooperation.

We have a great relationship with Japan and the Philippines and work closely with them on the economic corridor, on maritime security and territorial integrity and continue to build upon that partnership, Rubio said after his meeting in Malaysia with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro. Washington looks forward to hosting the president of the Philippines in Washington in a few days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.S. has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Philippine forces, ships or aircraft come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have been involved in long-unresolved territorial conflicts in the busy sea passage, a key global trade route.

Japan also has a separate territorial conflict with China over small, Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea.
For liberals living outside the world of the Christian right, it may not seem like a major change. On Monday, the IRS revoked a long-standing rule that stripped tax-exempt status from churches that endorse political candidates. From a horse-race view of elections, this may not make a difference. While conservative pastors may have technically avoided the words vote for Donald Trump or vote for Republicans in the past, the expectation was transmitted to followers in ways that werent exactly subtle: Calling for the reinstatement of prayer in public schools, for a time of national repentance in America and even for Supreme Court vacancies to allow for the appointment of righteous judges.

Nor was it just that right-wing ministers were expressing Republican-shaped views about everything from LGBTQ rights to tax laws from the pulpit. Outside church walls, the massive ecosphere of Christian media hammered the message day in and day out: Democrats are demonic, and voting for them will send you to hell.

Predictably, many on the Christian right rejoiced over the decision. Robert Jeffress, a Texas megachurch pastor who claimed the IRS investigated him for supporting Donald Trump, told ABC News, The IRS has no business dictating what can be said from the pulpit. Craig DeRoche of the Christian Post argued, falsely, that the rule existed not to protect democracy, but to silence opposition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not a surprise that right-wing ministers are salivating at the chance to cater to powerful politicians while simultaneously keeping more money in their pockets. But this decision is shortsighted, particularly if they want to stymie the already significant losses in membership rolls that Christian churches have seen in the past couple of decades. They may come to rue the day they took what amounts to payola to champion Trump ahead of Jesus Christ.

Frankly, its hard to imagine that Trump will benefit from this politically, even if he, as he clearly hopes, gets the go-ahead from the Supreme Court for an illegal campaign for a third term. He has already captured the white evangelical vote to the tune of 80 percent in 2024, and although his approval numbers have slipped with most other demographics, these supporters have remained steadfast. Even if ministers had been allowed to endorse in the last presidential election cycle, its unlikely Trump would have done better among white evangelicals.

But Trump has an insatiable need for praise, and he has long been fixated on repealing the Johnson Amendment, which is the rule that prevented ministers from open endorsement. For Republicans in state and local races, this is a big deal. Campaign finance spending will go much further if directed to churches, where donors get a tax deduction, instead of to political parties and action groups, which cannot offer that benefit.

For churches, it may prove to be a double-edged sword. As multiple experts pointed out, this new rule creates a powerful incentive for big money donors to take over churches and turn them into arms of a political campaign. This opens a huge loophole for even more money in politics, Jane Mayer of the New Yorker said on X, adding that it gives donors tax breaks for supporting political candidates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres nothing to stop wealthy donors from funneling millions into churches to support their preferred political candidate, Steven Emmert of the Secular Coalition of America said in a statement. University of Pittsburgh law professor Philip Hackney agreed, telling ABC News, It has the potential to corrupt their mission, more towards politics and away from their true beliefs.

If donors do funnel money to churches in this way, they will likely want a return on their investment. Ministers and churches will have less time and energy for the spiritual needs of the flock. More resources will go toward campaigning for candidates. Even for parishioners who share right-wing political views, thats going to be exhausting. Why go to church when its just a long political ad for the GOP? Sure, some will think thats just dandy. They will leave services convinced they are called to engage in spiritual warfare: To restore justice and righteousness to the country, and to take more public stands against what they see as demonic activity in politics. But as churches become less about Jesus and even more about Trump, plenty of others will drift away.

Polls show this is a real danger. As Bob Smietana and Jack Jenkins of Religion News Service reported Tuesday, most believers of all religious stripes oppose ending the Johnson Amendment: That includes white evangelicals (62%) as well as Black Protestants (59%), white mainline or nonevangelical Protestants (77%), white Catholics (79%), Hispanic Catholics (78%), Hispanic Protestants (72%) and Jewish Americans (77%).

Pulpit endorsements will do as much to erode trust in clergy and undermine the sanctity of our religious practices as they will to the health of our democracy, Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck, executive director of Faithful America, said in a statement. Sanctuaries are meant for worship, not partisan agendas and politicking. Church offering plates are meant for tithes and charity, not political contributions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fleck is not alone. Few non-evangelical or liberal churches have reacted to this news, but those that have mostly disagreed with the decision. Most seem to understand the dangers of losing their independence or angering their congregants.

Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Sign up for her free newsletter, Standing Room Only, now also on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Many people in conservative evangelical churches, especially young people, already harbor doubts about the right-wing beliefs promoted by their pastors. The growing exvangelical movement is full of people who gradually drifted away from their churches because they objected to racism, homophobia or other right-wing views. While losses in membership have slowed in the past few years, the cumulative trend for at least two decades shows a rather steep decline in Christian affiliation. In 1990, 90 percent of Americans called themselves Christian. That number has fallen to 63%, largely because of people choosing to identify as having no formal religion, or choosing to practice their beliefs on a more personal basis.

A quick way to restart the exodus from the pews is to make the church even more overtly partisan, rather than spiritual. Many people who have disagreements with their pastors may stick around because they value the community their church offers, or because they cherish a shared faith in Jesus over political beliefs. But if community and Christ take second place to politics, those folks will stand to lose their reasons for staying.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The era of Trumpism is defined by greed and short-term thinking. Republican politicians routinely sell out once-cherished political beliefs to cater to Trumps whims. Business leaders sacrificed long-term economic stability by pandering to the president. Law firms abandoned their commitment to the Constitution to get in his good graces. Media companies axed basic journalistic ethics  and their reputations  to buy off Trump. Churches that greedily grab at this opportunity to make money from political donors will be just the latest example of this era.

Im not a Christian, but I cant help pointing out that the Bible warns against this in Galatians 6:7: For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Reaping season has already begun for some, as we see with Trump-complicit law firms losing clients or Trump-bribing billionaires finding he will renege on the deal you thought you had with him. For churches, the process will be more gradual. They cannot serve two masters, Trump and Jesus Christ. Theyve already lost supporters by leaning too far into political advocacy. Now that theyve forsaken the last obstacle to selling out entirely, they will likely lose many more.

The post Trumps IRS payola for churches will backfire on evangelicals appeared first on Salon.com.
Washington  Emil Bove, a top Justice Department official who previously served as President Trump's criminal defense attorney, declined to rule out the possibility of the president running for a third term and did not denounce the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol in a questionnaire submitted to a Senate panel considering his nomination for a lifetime appointment as a federal judge.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote next week on whether to advance Bove's nomination to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. CBS News obtained the 165-page questionnaire that Bove submitted to senators in response to their written questions.

In his answers, Bove also wrote he does not recall which Jan. 6 criminal cases he helped supervise when he served in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. In response to the question "Do you denounce the January 6 insurrection?" Bove wrote: "The characterization of the events on January 6 is a matter of significant political debate," and said it would be "inappropriate to address this question" given ongoing litigation over pardons of Jan. 6 defendants.

Emil Bove testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 25, 2025. / Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Bove, who helped defend Mr. Trump in his felony trial in New York in 2023, has been a lightning rod for Democrats who have accused him of politically weaponizing his role at the Justice Department this year to pursue the president's goals. Bove has served as principal associate deputy attorney general since Mr. Trump returned to the White House in January, and was a federal prosecutor in New York from 2012 to 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the Senate questionnaire, Bove argued his role in shuttering the corruption prosecution of New York Mayor Eric Adams earlier this year has been mischaracterized. Bove was accused of pushing a quid pro quo in which the Justice Department would drop its criminal case against Adams in return for the mayor supporting Mr. Trump's immigration policies. Several prosecutors and Justice Department officials resigned in the fallout of Bove's order to drop the case.

Bove told senators that the decision to seek to drop the charges against Adams was "well within the scope of prosecutorial discretion" and that Adams' own court submissions and statements "refute false public allegations by third parties regarding some sort of improper quid pro quo."

Bove was also accused of pressuring Justice Department employees to support the effort or face possible employment actions, an accusation he disputed in the questionnaire. "It was never my intention to coerce, pressure, or induce any DOJ attorney  through adverse employment actions, threats, rewards, or otherwise  to sign the motion to dismiss the charges against Mayor Adams," he wrote.

Multiple Democratic senators pressed Bove in their questionnaire to clarify if Bove believes the Constitution permits Mr. Trump to run for a third term, despite the restrictions of the 22nd Amendment, which states that "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"As a nominee to the Third Circuit, it would not be appropriate for me to address how this Amendment would apply in an abstract hypothetical scenario," Bove responded on multiple occasions. "To the extent this question seeks to elicit an answer that could be taken as opining on the broader political or policy debate regarding term limits, or on statements by any political figure, my response, consistent with the positions of prior judicial nominees, is that it would be improper to offer any such comment as a judicial nominee."

When asked whether President Biden was duly elected in the 2020 election, Bove responded, "President Biden was certified as the winner of the 2020 presidential election and served as the 46th President of the United States," adding that it "would be improper" for him to opine on "the broader political or policy debate regarding the conduct of the 2020 presidential election or on statements by any political figure."

Bove wrote that he does not recall where he was on Jan. 6, 2021, but that he was not in Washington. He declined to answer if he would characterize the Capitol siege as an "insurrection."

He also acknowledged that he provided Mr. Trump with legal advice about his pardons of those involved in the attack. When asked if he supported the pardons of violent Jan. 6 attackers, Bove wrote, "As I explained at my confirmation hearing, it would not be appropriate for me, as a nominee, to comment on President Trump's use of the pardon authority."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bove's responses noted his prior legal work as Trump's defense lawyer, a role shared by Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. Bove wrote that the legal team "typically charged President Trump a discounted rate of $650 per hour for services by myself and Mr. Blanche."

CBS News has reached out to the Justice Department for comment on the questionnaire. In an earlier statement to CBS News, White House spokesman Harrison Fields championed Bove's qualifications for the lifetime appointment to the circuit court.

"Emil Bove is an incredibly talented legal mind and a staunch defender of the U.S. Constitution who will make an excellent circuit court judge," Fields said. "Bove is unquestionably qualified for the role and has a career filled with accolades, both academically and throughout his legal career, that should make him a shoo-in for the Third Circuit. The President is committed to nominating constitutionalists to the bench who will restore law and order and end the weaponization of the justice system, and Emil Bove fits that mold perfectly."

ICE raids in California turn violent after protesters clash with agents

One year after Thomas Crooks tried to kill President Trump, here's what's known about him

Udemy is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills
US President Donald Trump has said he has struck an agreement with NATO for the United States to supply weapons to Ukraine through the Alliance, with NATO covering the cost "100 percent".

Source: CNN, citing Trump on NBC

Quote: "Were sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, a hundred percent. Were going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Details: CNN said it has sought comment from NATO regarding the statement.

Trump also said he would make a "major statement" on Russia on Monday 14 July, though he did not provide further details.

Quote: "Im disappointed in Russia  a major statement to make on Russia on Monday."

Background:

Earlier media reports stated that Trump is set to send weapons to Kyiv for the first time since returning to office, using the Presidential Drawdown Authority previously employed by former president Joe Biden. The shipment is expected to be worth around US$300 million.

It was also reported that the United States has resumed deliveries of 155mm shells and high-precision GMLRS rockets to Ukraine.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
KERRVILLE, Texas (AP)  President Donald Trump on Friday toured the devastation from catastrophic flooding in Texas and lauded state and local officials, even amid mounting criticism that they may have failed to warn residents quickly enough that a deadly wall of water was coming their way.

Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to do away with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of his larger pledges to dramatically shrink the size of government, and he's fond of decrying officials in Democrat-run states hit by past natural disasters and tragedy.

But the president struck a far more somber and sympathetic tone while visiting America's most populous Republican state  highlighting the heartbreak of what happened while effusively praising elected officials and first responders alike.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The search for the missing continues. The people that are doing it are unbelievable, Trump, seated with officials around a table with emblazoned with a black-and-white Texas Strong banner, said at a makeshift emergency operations center inside an expo hall in Kerrville.

He later added, You couldnt get better people, and theyre doing the job like I dont think anybody else could, frankly."

Since the July 4 disaster, which killed at least 129 people and left more than 170 missing, the president has been conspicuously silent on his past promises to shutter FEMA and return disaster response to the states. Instead, he's focused on the once-in-a-lifetime nature of what occurred in central Texas' Hill Country and its human toll.

We just visited with incredible families. Theyve been devastated, the president said of a closed-door meeting he and first lady Melania Trump had with the relatives of some of those killed or missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Honoring the victims

Trumps shift in focus underscores how tragedy can complicate political calculations, even though he has made slashing the federal workforce a centerpiece of his administrations opening months. He spent a lot of time Friday discussing the victims from Camp Mystic, the century-old all-girls Christian summer camp where at least 27 people were killed.

They were there because they loved God. And, as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven, Trump said.

The first lady described meeting beautiful young ladies from the area who she said gave her a special bracelet from the camp in honor of all the little girls that lost their lives. She promised to return to support the camp in the future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump approved Texas request to extend the major disaster declaration beyond Kerr County to eight additional counties, making them eligible for direct financial assistance to recover and rebuild.

All across the country Americans hearts are shattered," he said. I had to be here as president.

Despite saying that he didnt want to talk politics, Trump couldnt help himself. During the roundtable, he bragged briefly about his administration reducing the cost of eggs around the country and, in a response to a question about Democratic criticisms of the flood response, said, All they want to do is criticize.

Theyre getting just absolutely clobbered 'cause everyone sees what an incredible job the governor did," Trump said of Democrats. "Everybody in this room, everybody at this table in particular.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In praise of FEMA

He also still insisted weve got some good people running FEMA. That is nonetheless a far cry from his call mere weeks ago to begin phasing out FEMA.

At the White House, Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, similarly dodged questions Friday about FEMAs future. He said that the agency has billions of dollars in reserves to continue to pay for necessary expenses.

We also want FEMA to be reformed, Vought said. The president is going to continue to be asking tough questions of all of us agencies, no different than any other opportunity to have better government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On the ground in devastated communities, meanwhile, some state and local officials have faced questions about how well they were prepared and how quickly they acted  including if warning systems might have given more people time to evacuate.

Asked about such concerns during his appearance at the operations center in Kerrville, Trump called a reporter evil and said he thought everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances.

I admire you, and I consider you heroes, Trump said of the officials around him.

He also praised a long list of Texas Republicans and had especially kind words for Rep. Chip Roy, who represents some of the hardest-hit areas. A staunch conservative, Roy initially opposed Trumps sweeping tax-cut and spending package but ultimately supported it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hes not easy, but hes good, Trump said of Roy. The congressman, for his part, bristled at questions about authorities' flood response, calling the queries about inadequate flood warnings ridiculous."

Seeing the damage close-up

Prior to the roundtable, Air Force One landed in San Antonio and Trump deplaned in a suit while the first lady wore more casual clothing  though both wore ball caps against the heat. The Trumps then boarded a helicopter to Kerrville and saw the flooding aftermath from the air. They later walked close to the Guadalupe River to receive a briefing from officials near an overturned tractor trailer, numerous downed trees and other debris.

Roads in the center of town were shut down, and people lined the streets, some wearing Trump hats and T-shirts and waving American flags. Green ribbons recognizing the lives lost at Camp Mystic were tied around trees, poles and along bridges, and marquees featured slogans such as Hill Country Strong and Thank you first responders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Harris Currie, a rancher from Utopia, Texas, near Kerrville, said the flood devastation can be fully understood only by seeing it firsthand.

Pictures do not do it justice, Currie said.

Asked what officials on the ground needed most urgently from federal sources, Kerr County Commissioner Jeff Holt, who also is a volunteer firefighter, stressed the need for repairs to nonworking phone towers and maybe a little better early warning system.

Trump himself has suggested that a major warning system should be established, though few details have been offered on what that might eventually entail.

Friday's visit was far different from the other times the first couple visited natural disaster sites, during Trump's first weekend back in the White House in January. They toured North Carolina to scope out damage from Hurricane Helene and saw the aftermath of wildfires in Los Angeles, and the president sharply criticized the administration of his predecessor, President Joe Biden, and officials from deep-blue California.

The state of Texas, No. 1 they do it right and they've done it right for a long time," Trump said. "And it's a very special place to me.

___

Weissert reported from Washington.
President Donald Trump bristled at questions critical of the governments response to deadly flooding during a visit to Texas Friday, and praised the Federal Emergency Management Agency that he had floated shutting down just last month.

"FEMA has been really headed by some very good people, Trump said during a roundtable with local officials, suggesting his administration turned the agency around after sharply criticizing the Biden administration-led FEMA response to flooding in North Carolina in late 2024. We have some good people running FEMA. It's about time. They failed us in North Carolina but when we got in on January 20, they fixed it up in no time."

Trump was in Kerr County to thank first responders and console victims of the flooding that claimed more than 100 lives, including dozens of children. With a white USA hat pulled down low over his head, the president began the meeting visibly stirred after he and first lady Melania Trump spent time with the loved ones of some of those who died in what Trump called an unthinkable tragedy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deviating from his notes, Trump repeatedly remarked on the loss of life, declaring that Americans hearts are shattered. He lamented how many beautiful souls were killed when the Guadalupe River rose more than 20 feet in 95 minutes. Ive never seen anything like ita little narrow river that becomes a monster.

But the president became defensive when a reporter asked him to respond to criticism over officials failing to warn victims in time.

Trump said he had only admiration for the first responders. Everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances, said Trump, before criticizing the reporter.

Only a bad person would ask a question like that, he continued. I think this has been heroism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rep. Chip Roy, the Republican congressman who represents Kerrville, has called for improvements to disaster warning systems. But he took the opportunity to echo Trump, criticizing the reporter whod asked about the scrutiny over the governments response.

When you see 26 feet of water rising a foot a minute, dont go around pointing fingers, Roy said.

Asserting that Democrats have had an incredible run of bad talent, Trump said hed prefer to be bipartisan but all [Democrats] want to do is criticize. And he repeated a favorite talking point, that the U.S. had been dead under former President Joe Biden but was now the hottest country.

Trump also basked in praise from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott of what he called the fastest [disaster response] that Im aware of.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As he wrapped the roundtable, Trump, who has politicized natural disasters as president and as a civilian, suggested that another president wouldnt have come to Texas after the tragedy  a statement at odds with the record of his recent predecessors, all of whom made similar trips following disasters.

Nobody else would do it, nobody else would even get back to you, Trump said, alluding to his support in Texas. I dont want to say politics, but politically its been a very special place to me.
In an exclusive interview with NBC News on July 10, United States President Donald Trump said he plans to make a "major statement" on Russia next week.



Speaking about the war in Ukraine, Trump told NBC News: "I'm disappointed in Russia, but we'll see what happens over the next couple of weeks."

"I think I'll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday," he added. He did not elaborate on the nature of the statement.

Trump also outlined what he described as a new arrangement involving the U.S., NATO, and Ukraine for the transfer of American weapons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We're sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%. So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons," Trump said.

He said the deal was finalized during the NATO summit last month, where Trump signalled support for sending more Patriot missiles to Ukraine.

"We send weapons to NATO, and NATO is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons," Trump said.

Trump's latest remarks come amid a series of conflicting and erratic signals from Washington. Just last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unilaterally paused deliveries of critical military aid to Kyiv, including Patriot missile interceptors and precision-guided munitions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The decision has since been reversed, with Trump denying involvement and now pledging to authorize additional weapons shipments to Ukraine.

Read also: You think the end has come  as Russian attacks on Ukraine escalate, Kyiv grapples with terrifying new normal

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A so-called Religious Liberty Commission created by President Donald Trump poses threats, writes our columnist. (Getty Images)

Youd be forgiven if among all the scary national and international headlines of the past few weeks you missed the first meeting of the newly formed Religious Liberty Commission.

You may not have even heard of this Trump-appointed commission of almost entirely Christian Nationalists tasked with safeguard(ing) and promot(ing) Americas founding principle of religious freedom. If religious freedom is something you value, you need to add this to your list of things to follow, because the first meeting made it clear that we are headed towards the end of religious freedom for all in our country. As an atheist, that really scares me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

President Donald Trump announced the commission during the National Day of Prayer event May 1. It is responsible for creating a report with recommendations for the president, due on July 4, 2026 (the 250th anniversary of our independence, just in case their intent to push the falsehood that the USA was founded as a Christian nation isnt clear enough). The commission is just one of Trumps many actions to appease his evangelical base, including his establishment of a Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias in February.

Religious extremists have been messaging around Christian discrimination for decades. They have fabricated a narrative where they are victimized by anyone who believes, lives, loves, or looks different than they do. This effectively scares the public into putting its trust into officials who say they will protect them against the other. Evidence of these anti-Christian offenses that the commission is meant to investigate is twisted to privilege extremist religious beliefs over the safety and wellbeing of others.

As an example of so-called anti-Christian offenses, Attorney General Pam Bondi cited the arrest of 23 anti-abortion activists who were charged in 2020 with conspiring to storm an abortion clinic in Washington, D.C. Kansans are intimately familiar with the violence directed toward abortion clinics and providers after the assassination of physician George Tiller in 2009, and we dont need to look beyond last months assassination of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband to see how religious extremists target Planned Parenthood and their supporters. Instead of understanding this, Trump pardoned all 23 activists this January.

The commission is made up of almost entirely of known right-wing Christians  including Texas Lt. Gov. and Chair Dan Patrick; former HUD secretary and vice chair Ben Carson; son of Billy Graham, disgraced evangelist Franklin Graham; former Miss California Carrie Prejean Boller; lawyers from Project 2025-affiliated organizations such as First Liberty Institute and Ethics & Public Policy Center; and right-wing TV and radio hosts such as Dr. Phil. A bishop, cardinal, and rabbi round out the members in what they tout as a diverse representation of faiths in America.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The commission will hold several more hearings over the next year to investigate the tired list of Christian Nationalist priorities, including so-called parent rights and school choice, prayer in schools, vaccine mandates, government displays of religious iconography, and anti-Christian offenses. As expected, the other key priority voiced throughout the day was to attack the LGBTQ+ community  especially trans kids.

During this first hearing, the real objectives of the commission became abundantly clear:

Rewrite history to make America a Christian nation. A key tenet of the Christian Nationalist political ideology is that America was founded as a Christian nation, and must return to this status to secure our future success. The commission repeatedly embraced this very narrow interpretation of key historical documents, including writings by the founders and the Free Exercise and Establishment clauses of the First Amendment. Both commissioners and witnesses denied the principle of church-state separation and a secular government.

Remake the courts with courageous Christian Nationalists. The courts, specifically the U.S. Supreme Court, will be the subject of many recommendations in the final commission report. The commission discussed which cases should be overturned, how Trumps administration can assist with that, and how to make sure pesky state and local courts dont get in the way. The Supreme Court has been chipping away at church-state separation for the past decade with crucial victories this term, but for this commission, this isnt happening fast enough.

Promote religion in all parts of American culture, politics, and public life (but only if its their version of Christianity). Expert witnesses referred to a divine truth  the existence of a Judeo-Christian God  as the foundation for a moral, happy, and politically good society. Many devout Americans hold similar beliefs about their faith, but also recognize that our government should not prioritize one religion in a pluralistic society. Not only does this push minority faiths and nonbelievers such as myself outside of the bounds of this virtuous citizenry, but it asserts that one religion (Christianity) must be imposed on every person to create and maintain this good society.

In a world where we are facing very real threats to our physical, mental, and financial health, why did I spend five excruciating hours listening to a commission whose only job is to make recommendations? The obvious answer is because these individuals were hand-selected for holding a world view that advances the Christian Nationalist agenda and threatens any religious beliefs that fall outside of this ideology. The uncomfortable truth is that this rhetoric justifies hate crimes and the dissolution of rights for women and minorities has a new platform with the divine weight of presidential approval. As a lifelong atheist, Im scared that were looking at the end of church-state separation and the rise of a theocracy weaponizing religion against people who dont fall in line.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

American Atheists just announced that it will no longer be hosting the 2026 World Humanist Congress in Washington, D.C., because the Trump Administrations actions  have created an environment that is not only incompatible with our values but also inhospitable to members of our global secular community. They feared for the safety of their attendees because we are no longer a country welcoming of visitors, and especially not visitors who fall outside of a specific Christian identity.

But its not just the secular community who should be worried right now. Every person who has found within their faith the mission to love their neighbor, feed the hungry, protect the vulnerable, and embrace the stranger should be fighting for the sanctity of their beliefs. The members of the Religious Liberty Commission will not be including these priorities in their final report, and you will not find a place for your faith in their new America.

This article was originally published by the Kansas Reflector, a part of States Newsroom.
In July 2025, a rumor spread that U.S. President Donald Trump had been recorded during his 2024 presidential campaign saying that he had threatened to "bomb the s*** out of Moscow" and Beijing.

The alleged recording was released on the publication day of a new book titled "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America." The three authors reportedly obtained it while researching and writing the book.

In an email to Snopes, a White House spokesperson did not deny that the recording was authentic. However, they did not provide more details other than asserting that under Trump's leadership, "peace through strength is restored."

In early July 2025, an audio recording circulated online that purportedly documented U.S. President Donald Trump saying that he had threatened to "bomb the s*** out of Moscow" and Beijing. The clip was reportedly taped at a private fundraiser meeting during his 2024 presidential campaign.

For example, on July 9, Telegram-based Belarusian news outlet Nexta shared a clip of a CNN broadcast featuring the audio. In the caption, Nexta transcribed parts of what Trump allegedly said, which included him threatening Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would bomb Moscow if Russia invaded Ukraine and warning Chinese President Xi Jinping that he would do the same to Beijing if China invaded Taiwan (archived).

"I told Putin: Ill bomb the hell out of Moscow"  leaked audio from Trumps closed-door meeting



CNN has released an audio recording from a private 2024 dinner between Donald Trump and his campaign donors. In it, Trump recalls conversations with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping  pic.twitter.com/bO43BJSW8r  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) July 9, 2025

The full transcript of the alleged Trump recording was as follows:

With Putin I said, "If you go into Ukraine, I'm gonna bomb the s*** out of Moscow. I'm telling you, I have no choice."  So he goes like, "I don't believe you." He said, "No way," and I said, "Way." And then he goes like, "I don't believe you." But the truth is he believed me 10%. And I told you this, he believed me 10%. Then I'm with President Xi of China. But I said the same thing to them, I said "You know, if you go into Taiwan I'm gonna bomb the s*** out of Beijing." He thought I was crazy, he said, "Beijing?! You're gonna bomb ?" I said, "I have no choice. I got to bomb you. We're gonna bomb Bei--." And he didn't believe me either. He said 10%. And 10% is all you need. In fact, 5% would have been OK too. And we never had a problem. We would have never had a problem.

Nexta's post had amassed more than 135,000 views as of this writing. The claim and audio also appeared on Reddit, TikTok and Facebook  including on the page of TRT World, an English-language news channel run by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Although the audio did not show signs of being created using artificial-intelligence software, it was not possible for Snopes to independently verify its veracity. Therefore, we have not applied a rating to this claim.

Here's the context

The alleged recording was released on July 8, 2025, to correspond with the publication of a book titled "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America," written by journalists Josh Dawsey of The Wall Street Journal, Tyler Pager of The New York Times and Isaac Arnsdorf of The Washington Post. The trio reportedly obtained the audio while researching and writing the book.

The footage Nexta shared, which included the audio in question, came from a 10-minute segment featuring CNN's Kaitlan Collins, during which she spoke with the book's authors. After she played the clip, she discussed the significance of Trump's purported words with her guests.

Responding to Collins, Dawsey explained (at 2:55): "What you see in that tape is Trump behind closed doors to his richest donors in New York, telling them, you know, 'I had control over these guys,' basically espousing the madman theory, right? 'They thought I was just crazy enough that maybe I would have done something if they crossed me. And I use that to basically get them to do what I wanted them to do.'"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Multiple news media outlets reported that Trump was referring to conversations he had with Putin and Xi during his first term in office. However, it was not possible to independently verify when these alleged discussions took place.

Snopes contacted the White House asking whether it could confirm if Trump said these words. In her response, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly did not confirm or deny that he made the statement:

As President Trump has said time and again, Russia never dared invade Ukraine when he was in office. It happened only when Biden was in office. Thanks to this President's leadership, America is once again the leader of the free world, and peace through strength is restored. President Trump won on an America First agenda, and he is working hard to implement the mandate the American people gave him.

Snopes asked Kelly once again to confirm the veracity of the audio. Further, we asked in what way "peace through strength" had been "restored" in light of ongoing conflicts around the world. We will update this report should she reply.

Sources:

Buckley, Chris, and Agnes Chang. "China Surveys Seabeds Where Naval Rivals May One Day Clash." The New York Times, 10 July 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/world/asia/china-ships-taiwan-guam.html. Accessed 11 July 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cybele Mayes-Osterman (2025). Trump says he threatened to bomb Moscow if Putin invaded Ukraine in new audio. USA TODAY. Available at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/09/trump-threatened-putin-moscow-bombing-audio/84521527007/.

Dawsey, Josh, et al. "2024 by Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, Isaac Arnsdorf: 9780593832530 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books." PenguinRandomhouse.com, 8 July 2025, www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/754957/2024-by-josh-dawsey-tyler-pager-isaac-arnsdorf/. Accessed 11 July 2025.

Hille, Kathrin. "China Launches Large-Scale Military Exercises around Taiwan." @FinancialTimes, Financial Times, 31 Mar. 2025, www.ft.com/content/49f45301-4f96-4dec-9157-e2558ed0cb74. Accessed 11 July 2025.

Kelly, K. (2025). Listen: Trump told Putin he would 'bomb the s--- out of Moscow'. The Telegraph. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/09/trump-told-putin-bomb-moscow-leaked-audio/.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mariya Yemets and Protz, A. (2025). Trump brags he threatened Putin about Ukraine during his first term  CNN. Ukrainska Pravda. Available at: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/07/9/7520875/.

Maynes, Charles. "Trump and Putin Talk More than 2 Hours but without a Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Deal." Opb, OPB, 19 May 2025, www.opb.org/article/2025/05/19/trump-and-putin-talk-more-than-2-hours/. Accessed 11 July 2025.

Shan, Cindy. "What We Know about Satellite Image Showing Trucks Lined up at Iran Nuclear Facility before US Strikes." Snopes, Snopes.com, 23 June 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/iran-us-strikes-satellite-image-trucks/. Accessed 11 July 2025.

Trump, Donald. "Agenda47: Preventing World War III | Donald J. Trump for President 2024." Www.donaldjtrump.com, 2024, www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/agenda47-preventing-world-war-iii. Accessed 11 July 2025.

---. "The Inaugural Address." The White House, 20 Jan. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/remarks/2025/01/the-inaugural-address/. Accessed 11 July 2025.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Thursday that undocumented immigrant children will no longer be allowed to attend Head Start, the federal program that provides child care, nutrition and health assistance to 800,000 low-income infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

The announcement immediately bars all people living in the country without legal status from a suite of federally funded public programs, including health clinics, family planning and the low-income energy assistance program.

While those living in the country illegally are prohibited from using most federal programs, a 1998 notice allowed them to access certain benefits relied on by low-income families with young children. In a news release, however, Kennedy announced that Health and Human Services was rescinding this interpretation, limiting the ability of low-income immigrant families to use more than a dozen federal programs run by the agency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration, Kennedy said. Todays action changes that  it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families said that "Head Start grant recipients will be asked to determine eligibility for newly enrolled children based on the immigration status of the child."

Head Start has never required documentation of immigration status as a condition for enrollment over the last 60 years of the program, according to a statement from the National Head Start Assn.

"Attempts to impose such a requirement threaten to create fear and confusion among all families who are focused on raising healthy children, ready to succeed in school and life," said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Assn. "This decision undermines the fundamental commitment that the country has made to children and disregards decades of evidence that Head Start is essential to our collective future."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Health and Human Services estimates that prohibiting undocumented immigrants from attending Head Start would save $374 million annually, while costing $21 million in time spent by people trying to document and review eligibility, as well as transition costs for the program.

The Education Department, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor also announced that those in the country illegally would be barred from programs run by the agencies, including career, technical, and adult education programs.

"Today, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the Administration is taking the biggest step in more than 30 years to protect taxpayer-funded benefits for American citizens  NOT illegal aliens," the White House said in a news release. "The move, which preserves roughly $40 billion in benefits for American citizens, overturns decades of bureaucratic defiance and builds on President Trumps executive order directing an END to the subsidization of open borders."

The announcement shook the Head Start industry, which has already been reeling this year from a series of layoffs, cuts and threats to terminate the program entirely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement, L.A. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo said the announcement would "create a devastating impact not just on L.A. County, but for families and children across the nation. These initiatives have long been the bedrock for children from our most vulnerable communities, offering support, stability and the opportunity to thrive."

But Head Start leaders said it was not clear how the directive will be carried out.

Read more: With Head Start in jeopardy, Trump administration threatens child care for 800,000 kids

The memo did not specify, for example, whether the change would apply to all Head Start centers, including those run by school districts, said Ed Condon, executive director of the Region 9 Head Start Assn., which represents four states, including California.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Everybody is on hold. But this is not good news," Condon said.

Attendance at Head Start centers in California has already declined in recent weeks amid the immigration raids, said Melanee Cottrill, executive director of Head Start California. Were already seeing folks who are enrolled in programs but are hesitant to attend because theyre afraid ICE will be in the parking lot."

She said the new restrictions on immigration status will likely cause enrollment to drop as well  even for children who are U.S. citizens. "I think the actual impact will go far beyond the intended impact, said Cottrill.

We guarantee every kid an education in this country, regardless of status," said Ted Lempert, president of Children Now and a former California Assembly member. "That shouldnt be different in terms of early education, and certainly not when it comes to Head Start.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The federal action  which comes on the tail of additional cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance in the just-approved Republican budget  will affect some of the most vulnerable young children in the nation, child-care experts said.

Lower-income families often avail themselves of multiple services," including housing, energy and food assistance, said Donna Sneeringer, chief strategy officer for the Child Care Resource Center, which provides Head Start services to 2,500 children in Southern California. "They are doing everything they can to put the pieces together to care for their families.

Read more: The 9 LGBTQ+ children's books targeted in high court ruling upending education policy

The notice announcing the change in policy will be published in the Federal Register, at which point a 30-day public comment period will begin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Health and Human Services said the change is effective immediately because "any delay would be contrary to the public interest and fail to address the ongoing emergency at the Southern Border of the United States."

In April, plaintiffs filed a lawsuit that challenges the Trump administration's attacks on Head Start. The American Civil Liberties Union said in a news release that if the notice takes effect, the plaintiffs plan to amend their complaint to include the changes.

This article is part of The Times early childhood education initiative, focusing on the learning and development of California children from birth to age 5. For more information about the initiative and its philanthropic funders, go to latimes.com/earlyed.

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.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that tariffs of 35% would be imposed on imports from Canada starting on August 1.

"Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a Tariff of 35% on Canadian products sent to the United States, separate from all Sectorial Tariffs," Trump said in a letter addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney shared on his Truth Social platform.

"If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 35% that we charge," Trump continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the one-page letter, the US president again accused Canada of failing to stop the influx of opioid fentanyl into the United States, though data shows only a marginal amount of the synthetic drug comes into the country from its northern neighbour.

"I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, which cause unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States," Trump said.

The US is by far Canada's most important trading partner.

Over the past week, Trump has been sending letters to a host of countries, including key allies Japan and South Korea, telling them to expect higher tariffs unless a new trade deal can be struck.

Trump has been rolling out new tariff rules for goods entering the US since Monday, when he also extended a 90-day pause on his so-called reciprocal tariffs first announced on April 2.
Canada will face a 35 percent tariff on exports to the United States starting August 1, President Donald Trump said Thursday in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney.

It was the latest of more than 20 such letters issued by Trump since Monday, as he continues to pursue his trade war threats against dozens of economies.

Canada and the US are locked in trade negotiations in hopes to reach a deal by July 21 and the latest threat seemed to put that deadline in jeopardy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Canada and Mexico are both trying to find ways to satisfy Trump so that the free trade deal uniting the three countries - known as the USMCA - can be put back on track.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement replaced the previous NAFTA accord in July 2020, after Trump successfully pushed for a renegotiation during his first term in office.

It was due to be reviewed by July next year, but Trump accelerated the process by launching his trade wars after he took office in January.

Canadian and Mexican products were initially hard hit by 25 percent US tariffs, with a lower rate for Canadian energy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump targeted both neighbors saying they did not do enough on illegal immigration and the flow of illicit drugs across borders.

But he eventually announced exemptions for goods entering his country under the USMCA, covering large swaths of products. Potash, used as fertilizer, got a lower rate as well.

The letter on Thursday came despite what had been warming relations between Trump and Carney.

The Canadian leader came to the White House on May 6 and had a cordial meeting with Trump in the Oval Office.

They met again at the G7 summit last month in Canada, where leaders pushed Trump to back away from his punishing trade war.

arp/aks
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would increase tariffs on neighbouring Canada to 35%.

The letter, addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, marks a sharp increase from the 25% tariffs which Trump imposed in March. He said these tariffs were aimed at pressuring Canada to curb fentanyl trafficking  despite limited evidence of significant flows  and to address what he described as unfair trade practices.

I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, Trump wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These new rates are expected to go into place from August 1.

Canada is the USs second-largest trading partner after Mexico. It has previously responded to earlier tariffs with retaliatory measures and pushed back against Trumps repeated jabs, including that Canada could become the 51st US state.

Mexico has also faced 25% tariffs because of fentanyl, yet it has not faced the same public pressure from Trump.

Carney was elected Canadian Prime Minister in April on a platform of assertive foreign policy. Since then, he has sought to distance Canada from the US while seeking to strengthen its tie with the European Union and the UK.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Related

When Carney visited Trump in the White House in May, Trump said there was nothing the Canadian leader could tell him to remove tariffs in place at the time.

Just the way it is, Trump said at the time.

Carney indicated he would be willing to be patient in pursuing talks on trade.

There are much bigger forces involved, the Canadian leader said. And this will take some time and some discussions.

Trump has sent a series of tariff letters to 23 countries so far. This includes a 50% tariff threatened on Brazil for the ongoing trial of its former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of trying to overturn his 2022 election loss.
President Donald Trump on Thursday praised Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for doing a great job in Texas, despite the criticism shes received about her role in the response to the catastrophic floods that have wreaked havoc in the Lone Star State.

In a phone interview with NBCs Kristen Welker a day ahead of his visit to Kerrville, Texas, Trump claimed he was clueless on reports that a cost-cutting requirement set by Noem to personally authorize all contracts and grants above $100,000 at her department delayed the Federal Emergency Management Agency from swiftly getting help to the region.

I dont know anything about it, Trump said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We were right on time. We were there  in fact, she was the first one I saw on television, he continued. She was there right from the beginning, and she would not have needed anything. She had the right to do it, but she was literally the first person I saw on television.

Trump added that Noem has done a great job in handling the crisis.

While Noem, whose department oversees FEMA, did not explicitly deny setting the rule in place, she went on to slam CNN, which was first to report on her order.

Sources told the network Noem didnt authorize the deployment of Urban Search and Rescue crews, which have been trained to operate in such conditions, to the area until Monday, about three days after the floods started.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fake news CNN again. Its absolutely trash what they are doing by saying that, she told Fox & Friends on Thursday. Im proud of the work that weve done.

Meanwhile, Trump endorsed the implementation of a flood warning system in the region.

Kerr County officials had previously floated the idea as a potential solution to alert residents to rising waters and had estimated its cost would add up to about $1 million, an October report compiled by city and local officials said, according to The New York Times. While the report claimed grants from FEMA could help underwrite the cost, no such system was put in place by the time the flooding began last week, during the July Fourth holiday.

After having seen this horrible event, I would imagine youd put alarms up in some form, where alarms would go up if they see any large amounts of water or whatever it is, Trump told Welker. But the local officials were hit by this just like everybody else.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The floods have killed at least 120 people, including children, while search and rescue operations continue for the over 170 people still missing.

Trump, who has previously pledged to do away with FEMA, recently dodged questions on whether he still intends to phase out the agency. The president is expected to face questions on the issue during his trip to Texas on Friday morning.

Trump, who will be accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, said he wants to express his support to the people of Texas dealing with this tragedy.

Those people were with me right from the beginning, and its just a message of warmth, and I feel so terribly for them, Trump said.

Related...
Canadian goods imported into the U.S. will face a blanket 35 percent tariff starting next month, President Donald Trump said Thursday in an announcement that came in the midst of active trade negotiations between the two countries.

Canada, one of the largest U.S. trading partners, is the latest in a series of countries that have received a letter from Trump in recent days warning of new tariffs set to take effect Aug. 1. Futures for the major stock indexes fell on the news.

The rate announced by the president in a social media post is higher than expected and marks an increase from the 25 percent he set on Canadian goods in February.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A White House official, granted anonymity to discuss the negotiations, said the administration plans to impose the tariff only on goods that do not comply with the 2020 USMCA, though the ultimate details will be up to Trump to decide.

Trump suggested in an earlier interview with NBC that he was considering tariffs of only 15 or 20 percent on all countries that had not reached a trade deal with the U.S.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney and shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump criticized Canada for what he called its failure" to prevent drugs from being smuggled into the U.S.

The president has repeatedly said the tariffs are intended as retaliation for Canada not doing enough to prevent fentanyl from crossing the border  though statistics show that relatively little of the drug enters the U.S. by that route.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If Canada works with me to stop the flow of fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter, Trump wrote.

Carney responded to Trumps letter late Thursday, saying in a post on X that his government had steadfastly defended our workers and businesses and will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1.

Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America, he added.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Thursday, before Trump's announcement, that she was hopeful the two countries would reach a new economic and security agreement by July 21, a deadline that Carney had been pushing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our teams are working extremely hard behind closed doors in a complex negotiation, Anand said. It is necessary for the health of our economy and the benefit of Canadian workers in Canadian businesses.

In the NBC interview, Trump said he would also notify the European Union of new tariffs on its 27 member countries.

The EU and the U.S. have been locked in high-stakes negotiations for months to reach a trade deal and avoid tariffs on hundreds of billions worth of each other's goods.

Maros Sefcovic, the EUs top trade negotiator, told European lawmakers on Wednesday that negotiations were ongoing and had so far spared the EU from one of Trumps letters.

Ari Hawkins contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus trip to Washington this week netted President Donald Trump another nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize he covets, but the ceasefire the U.S. leader sought for the war in Gaza didn't emerge.

Despite Trump throwing his weight behind a push for a 60-day truce between Israel and Hamas, no breakthrough was announced during Netanyahu's visit, a disappointment for a president who wants to be known as a peacemaker and has hinged his reputation on being a dealmaker.

He prides himself or being able to make deals, so this is another test case, said Rachel Brandenburg, the Israel Policy Forum's Washington managing director and senior fellow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps ability to strike a ceasefire deal in the 21-month war will reveal the boundaries of his influence with Netanyahu, especially after their recent joint strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities that both leaders touted at the White House this week.

Beyond the back-to-back meetings Trump and Netanyahu had at the White House this week, there was little public evidence of progress at a time when the Republican U.S. president is pushing to end the fighting.

Closer than weve been,' but challenges remain

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that when it comes to a ceasefire in Gaza, were closer than weve been in quite a while and were hopeful, but we also recognize theres still some challenges in the way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubio, who spoke to reporters while traveling in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, also said that Trump wants to see a ceasefire and weve invested a lot of time and energy.

Beyond ending the bloodshed, ending the war in Gaza would give Trump more leeway to strike some of the broader agreements he seeks in the Middle East, such as expanding the Abraham Accords that started in his first term and normalizing relations with Syrias new government.

He wants to be the one who gets hostages home and see the war in Gaza end so he can move on to some of these bigger deals, Brandenburg said.

Even if a truce is reached, Netanyahu has promised fighting will continue if necessary until Hamas is destroyed. The militant group, meanwhile, has conditioned the release of the remaining hostages on Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, a stipulation Israel has been unwilling to accept.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump-Netanyahu relationship sees a rebound

Its unclear how much pressure Trump put on Netanyahu in their private talks this week. But the two leaders came into the visit seeming more aligned than ever  at least for now  fresh off the president having twice come to the Israeli leaders assistance.

Trump made the risky move to join Israels attacks on Iran last month, delivering pivotal U.S. firepower while alarming world leaders and some of Trumps America first supporters. Trump also inserted himself into Israels domestic affairs, calling for Netanyahus yearslong corruption trial to be thrown out.

Thats a marked turnaround in their relationship, which had appeared somewhat strained in recent years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump shocked some of his fellow Republicans and staunch supporters of Israel by publicly criticizing Netanyahu not long after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, setting off the conflict.

He said that Netanyahu was not prepared for the attack from Hamas and that Netanyahu had let us down just before the U.S. killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in 2020.

Even during his last visit to the White House earlier this year, Netanyahu seemed caught off guard when Trump announced the U.S. would hold talks with Iran over its nuclear deal rather than embrace Netanyahus push for military pressure.

With their military objectives aligning for a time on Iran, the Israeli leader has worked to foster a warmer relationship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a video he released after the U.S. strikes, Netanyahu spoke  in English instead of Hebrew  of the unshakeable alliance between their countries while repeatedly praising Trump.

His leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace, Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu tries the charm offensive on Trump

In his visit to Washington this week, the Israeli leader also showed he knows how to praise the president in a way that matters greatly to him when he unveiled a letter in front of reporters and cameras to announce he had nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those gestures, though, may only carry him so far as Trump pushes for a deal that Netanyahu may not be able to accept.

I think if Netanyahu stands in the way too much for too long of the sort of loftier objectives Trump has set out for himself, Brandenburg said, Netanyahu will be cast aside as more of a problem than an asset.

Netanyahu, like many Israelis, believes Trump is the greatest friend they have ever had in the White House and is deeply grateful for the U.S. strikes on Irans nuclear sites last month.

Netanyahu faces competing pressures at home and abroad

But the Israeli leader is also under mounting public pressure to end the war as hostages languish in captivity and more Israeli soldiers are killed in guerrilla-style attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israels military success against Iran has given him some political capital, but if he ends the war while leaving Hamas intact, he will have broken his repeated promise of total victory.

His far-right coalition partners have threatened to bolt if he does that, sparking early elections that could end his nearly unbroken 16 years in power and leave him more vulnerable to long-standing corruption charges.

That may prove too heavy a price for delivering the kind of lasting ceasefire sought by Trump and demanded by Hamas. Instead, Netanyahu, who is seen as a masterful politician by friends and foes alike, is expected to thread the needle.

In a video statement on Thursday, Netanyahu said that he would agree to a temporary 60-day ceasefire in return for the release of half the hostages remaining in Gaza, many of whom are believed dead, and that he would begin negotiations on ending the war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But he conditioned any lasting ceasefire on Hamas giving up its arms  something the militants have refused to do as long as Israel occupies parts of Gaza.

If Hamas can be disarmed through negotiations, so much the better, Netanyahu said. If it is not achieved through negotiations in 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways  by using force.

___

Krauss reported from Ottawa, Ontario.
For the first time since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump will authorize sending weapons to Kyiv using the Presidential Drawdown Authority, a power frequently employed by his predecessor, signaling a potential shift in his administration's approach to defending Ukraine.

Sources familiar with the decision, who spoke to Reuters on July 10, indicated that Trump's team will identify arms from U.S. stockpiles to be sent to Ukraine, more than three years after Russia's full-scale invasion. One source suggested the value of this aid package could be around $300 million.

President Trump had said earlier this week that the U.S. would send more weapons to Ukraine to assist the country in defending against intensifying Russian advances. While the precise equipment has not yet been decided, sources indicated the package could include defensive Patriot missiles and offensive medium-range rockets, with a decision potentially made during a meeting on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Until now, the Trump administration's military aid to Ukraine had only consisted of weapons authorized by former President Joe Biden, a staunch supporter of Kyiv. The Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) allows the president to directly transfer weapons from U.S. military stocks in response to an emergency.

The Pentagon and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

President Trump's stance on supporting Ukraine has been characterized by inconsistency. While at times he has criticized U.S. spending and expressed favorable views of Russia, he has also voiced support for Kyiv and disparaged the Kremlin. The U.S. currently retains $3.86 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority remaining for Ukraine, with the last PDA package being a $500 million award authorized by Biden on Jan. 9.

Ukraine's most pressing priorities include Patriot missile interceptors and GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) mobile rocket artillery, both of which may be part of the new package. Given that U.S. stocks are positioned in Europe, these weapons could potentially reach the front lines within days of authorization.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this month, the Trump administration had temporarily halted shipments of some critical weapons that had been approved by the Biden administration, though some of those deliveries have since resumed.

Congress has approved nearly $175 billion in aid and military assistance for Ukraine and its allies in the approximately three-and-a-half years since Russia's full-scale invasion began.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
July 11 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump has announced a 35% tariff on all imports from Canada, reigniting a trade war with the United States' closest ally and one of its most important trading partners, threatening to derail ongoing trade negotiations between the two.

Trump announced the tariffs in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada on Thursday, stating the new punitive measures will go into effect Aug. 1.

"If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, it will be added onto the 35% that we charge" the American president threatened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump claims the tariffs are in response to fentanyl being smuggled into the United States over its northern border, for which he has already imposed a 10% tariff on Canada.

In response, Canada vowed to increase border security.

Statistics from the Government of Canada show that fentanyl seizures by U.S. border officials at the Canada-U.S. border represent less than 0.1% of U.S. fentanyl seizures between 2022 and 2024.

According to the statistics, only 59 pounds of the synthetic opioid were seized at their shared border between 2022 and 2024, compared to nearly 62,000 pounds seized at the southern border in that same timeframe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter," Trump told Carney in the letter Thursday.

"These Tariffs may be modified, upward of downward, depending on our relations with your Country."

Trump said the tariffs are separate from the sectorial tariffs he earlier imposed, including a 50% levy on all imported steel and aluminum products, a 25% tariff on non-USMCA-compliant autos and auto parts and a 50% tariff on cooper imports, which has yet to take effect.

Canada has retaliated with a 25% tariff on tens of billions of dollars worth of U.S. products.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump's trade war and threats to annex Canada have soured relations with the Great White North, with Carney -- whose Liberal Party won parliamentary elections in late April largely on anti-Trump sentiment -- describing the American president's actions as a "betrayal" and turning to Europe in an effort to lessen Canada's dependence on its southern neighbor.

Carney late Thursday issued a statement saying he is committed to working with the United States to "stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America," while explaining he has "steadfastly defended our workers and businesses" in negotiations with the United States.

Trump's tariffs were not mentioned.

"We are building Canada strong," he said on X. "The federal government, provinces and territories are making significant progress in building one Canadian economy."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The tariffs come as the United States and Canada had set a goal of signing a new trade deal by July 21.

Trump had called off trade talks last month over a new Canadian tax on technology firms generating revenue, but which was essentially rescinded by Carney hours before it was to go into effect in order for trade talks to resume.

The new tariffs on Canada came as Trump announced a flurry of economic levies on a number of countries.

Trump often turns to tariffs as a tool to equalize trade deficits, as a negotiation tactic and as an attempt to spur domestic industry.
President Trump is flaunting his bond with deep-red Texas ahead of a Friday trip to the state, where he will assess deadly flooding that took the lives of more than 120 people.

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has heaped praise on the administration this week for the federal response to the disaster, even as the Trump administration has made cuts to the nations climate and weather agencies and officials continue to push axing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The camaraderie stands in stark contrast to the the California wildfires in January, during which Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) played a blame game for weeks over water access, the loss of thousands of structures and a dozen deaths.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Critics argue that Trumps handling of both deadly disasters showcases how he tends to politicize such events.

Jeremy Edwards, a former Biden White House and FEMA spokesperson, said he suspects if the Texas flooding had occurred in a state run by a Democrat, Trumps sentiments would be very different.

I find it very hard to imagine that if this exact situation were to happen in a blue state with a Democratic governor, he would not immediately lambast them for steps that they did or didnt take with regards to emergency alerts, Edwards said

Other critics noted how Trumps predecessors went to great lengths to support communities, no matter how they tended to lean politically.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What Id seen during the Obama administration and the Biden administration is presidents working with governors, regardless of party, to support the impacted community, whether it was in Florida with Biden and Gov. [Ron] DeSantis working side by side following the Surfside building collapse, Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Milton  putting politics aside, said Michael Coen, a former FEMA chief of staff in the Obama and Biden administrations.

Until this administration, I really havent seen emergency management being politicized the way it is, Coen added.

Abbott is expected to join Trump in Texas, where he will meet with first responders, receive a briefing from local elected officials and meet with family members of those affected, according to a White House official.

For his part, Newsom also greeted Trump on the tarmac in California when he visited the state shortly after he retook office, but before the trip, the president threatened to withhold federal wildfire aid because of concerns about the states water management.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Texas, some other particulars are at play.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which houses the National Weather Service (NWS), cut hundreds of staffers during a government overhaul earlier this year.

And the warning coordination meteorologist for the NWSs Austin-San Antonio office, who organizes the deployment of alerts about agency forecasts, took a Trump administration buyout in April.

That has put in the spotlight some of the cuts the Trump administration has implemented, and continues to threaten.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who is also expected to join Trump on the ground in Texas, this week said FEMA should be remade even as the agency responded to the floods and both Noem and Trump have insisted such disaster response should be managed by states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We as a federal government dont manage these disasters. The state does. We come in and support them, and thats exactly what we did here in this situation, she said.

FEMA has especially been in the GOPs crosshairs since Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina last year, a state Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris had been vying for during the 2024 election.

The North Carolina disaster was plagued by rumors that FEMA was avoiding red-leaning areas and not helping Republican households, at times hampering the response under former President Biden.

A former Bush administration Homeland Security official said Trumps response to the Texas floods comes amid a cascade of changes in federal government operations this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Disaster politics are always tricky, but this tragedy is amid the backdrop of DOGE and the administrations broader efforts to reduce the federal role in disaster response, the former Bush official said, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The president and the governor get along well and are very simpatico on immigration, but these situations normally receive a level of empathy that this president does not like to display, the former official added.

The president, meanwhile, doesnt seem to think so. He has praised his alliance with Abbott, citing it as a factor in the unified response to the floods at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The relationship with Texas and the governor has been obviously very good for years, with me, Trump said. The response has been incredible, and the fact that we got along so well, I dont even think thats a political thing, but we got along so well, and it was so unified. I think a lot of lives have been saved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But, if the administration faces negative reviews over the response in Texas, some critics are bracing for a similar blame game Trump has leaned on in the past.

I think this is going to be the same thing he does with the economy. When the economy is bad, its Bidens economy. When the economy is good, its Trumps economy, said Edwards, a senior communications adviser at the Century Foundation. And I think, if the response and recovery goes well  and I hope it does  its Trumps FEMA, but if the response goes badly, its Bidens FEMA.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Washington  President Trump expressed the "anguish of our entire nation" Friday after he and first lady Melania Trump met with families of the victims of last week's deadly flooding in Central Texas.

The president and first lady surveyed the devastation in Kerrville, Texas, and met with first responders, local officials and survivors. The death toll in the state stands at 121, but that figure is likely to climb, as rescuers and families continue their search for the missing.

"We just visited with incredible families that  I mean, look, they've been devastated," the president said in a roundtable with state, federal and local officials in Kerrville. "They lost their child, or two children. And, just hard to believe. I've never seen anything like it, a little narrow river that becomes a monster, and that's what happened. But the first lady and I are here in Texas to express the love and support and the anguish of our entire nation in the aftermath of this really horrific and deadly flood."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr. Trump met with families behind closed doors, away from cameras.

"We are grieving with you," the first lady said Friday. "Our nation is grieving with you."

The first lady promised to return to Texas to support the families.

The Trumps, along with Gov. Greg Abbott, greeted first responders against the backdrop of a Kerrville firetruck and a pile of felled trees before the roundtable, receiving an update on the response to the flooding.

More than 170 people are still missing from flash floods that consumed the region in the early morning of July 4. Drones, rescue teams and volunteers are combing through debris, hoping to find answers for the families of the missing. The majority of the confirmed deaths took place in Kerr County, where the Trumps visited.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We're filled with grief and devastation at the loss of life. And unfortunately they're still looking. They're still looking. There's a lot of missing children," the president said.

First lady Melania Trump, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and President Trump are briefed as they observe flood damage in Kerrville, Texas, Friday, July 11, 2025. / Credit: Jacquelyn Martin / AP

At Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp with cabins along the river in a rural part of Kerr County near Hunt, at least 27 campers and counselors died in what the camp described as "catastrophic flooding." Some survivors said they woke up to water rushing through the windows.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said he visited Camp Mystic earlier this week, and saw the little white crosses symbolizing the lives of each girl lost.

"I will tell you, I've never seen anything more horrible in my life, and I just sat there crying," Cruz said during the roundtable with the president. "I saw a mom and dad come up to one of those crosses, drop to their knees and kiss that cross. And the mom was weeping."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr. Trump and Abbott promised to rebuild the devastated region, although the president recognized that what was lost can never be recovered.

"You can never say, 'Oh, it's going to be bigger, better, stronger,'" the president said. "So many lives have been lost, you can't say that. But we're going to make it. We're going to make it back. We're going to make it back. And we're going to make it good again."

The president landed in San Antonio on Air Force One before a short helicopter ride brought him and the first lady to Kerrville. He was accompanied on his visit by Texas Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, members of his Cabinet and other Texas lawmakers.

"It's a horrible thing, a horrible thing," the president told reporters Friday before leaving the White House. "Nobody can even believe it. That much water, that fast."

President Trump gestures alongside first lady Melania Trump as they arrive on Air Force One at Kelly Field air base in San Antonio en route to observe flood damage in Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, July 11, 2025. / Credit: Jacquelyn Martin / AP

Mr. Trump has avoided assigning blame for the deaths.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Well, I think everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances," the president said during Friday's roundtable, calling the flooding a one-in-500-years or one-in-1,000-years event. "I just have admiration for the job that everybody did. There's just admiration."

The president also specifically praised the work of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which he has criticized. Mr. Trump has said he wants to "wean" states off assistance from FEMA.

The president said the federal government is "taking historic action to ensure that such a nightmare never happens again," although what that might look like is unclear.

The president said he would have visited Central Texas sooner but didn't want to be "in their way" as rescuers continue their work. Mr. Trump has signed a disaster declaration for the region, allowing FEMA to deploy its own teams to support local rescue and recovery efforts as those operations press on.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ICE raids in California turn violent after protesters clash with agents

One year after Thomas Crooks tried to kill President Trump, here's what's known about him

Udemy is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills
WASHINGTON (NewsNation)  President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited central Texas on Friday for a firsthand look at the destruction caused by deadly floodwaters in the early morning hours of the Fourth of July holiday.

The disaster has claimed at least 120 lives, and more than 160 people remain missing.

After touring flooded areas, the president began his remarks in Kerrville by expressing astonishment at the scale of the disaster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ive never seen anything like it, he said. A little narrow river that becomes a monster.

Trump talked about the loss of life from the flooding, saying dozens and dozens of precious children taken from us.

What we know about the Texas flood victims

The trip comes as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott requests additional federal assistance for the states hardest-hit counties. Abbott has vowed to support recovery efforts until all victims are accounted for.

Abbott accompanied the president, along with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who visited the disaster zone Saturday.

Trump administration has pushed to shutter FEMA

Trump has declared the Texas floods a major disaster, making federal funding available to support emergency operations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The administration has rejected criticism that its past budget cuts contributed to a slower response.

Fridays trip came amid growing controversy over the administrations push to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Trump has previously said he wanted to begin phasing out the agency after this hurricane season to wean off of FEMA and bring it down to the state level.

Kristi Noem: States should be responsible for emergency management

Noem has echoed calls for FEMA to be eliminated, reiterating this week that states, not the federal government, should lead emergency management.

Texas is strong, she said during Tuesdays Cabinet meeting. We, as a federal government, dont manage these disasters. The state does. We come in and support them, and thats exactly what we did here in this situation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How to help Texas flood survivors

Noem said the administration is cutting through the paperwork and streamlining FEMA, aligning with Trumps vision to overhaul or eliminate the agency.

Despite the federal support currently in Texas, Noem has blasted FEMA for what she called past failures.

God created us to take care of each other, she said, emphasizing her preference for residents helping each other in the wake of tragic events instead of actions by the federal government.

White House calls for FEMA reform

Despite previous suggestions that FEMA be eliminated, a White House official told NewsNation on Friday that a FEMA review council plans to reform the agency, adding that federal response is meant to supplement state actions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Federal assistance was always intended to supplement state actions, not replace those actions, FEMAs outsized role created a bloated bureaucracy that disincentivized state investment in their own resilience, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement to NewsNation. President Trump is committed to right-sizing the Federal government while empowering State and local governments by enabling them to better understand, plan for, and ultimately address the needs of their citizens.

The 12-member review council, which was established by Trump and includes the Texas governor, met for the second time this week.

In November, the council is expected to release a report including recommendations on how to improve federal disaster response.

Critics slam Trump administration for politicizing disaster

Critics have argued the administration is politicizing a critical agency that helps states prepare for natural disasters at a time when many families are still waiting for answers and help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Illustration by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan.

Coming soon to a church near you  dark money.

A policy change by the Trump administration could have large impacts on churches throughout Montana and the country. And in a state that has been at the fore of trying to eliminate political dark money  or funds that are hard to trace  this change could open a new frontier for candidates, donors and endorsements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Known as the Johnson Amendment, a rule originally passed in 1954 and, sponsored by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texas Democrat, it prohibited 501(c)3 organizations from endorsing candidates or making political contributions. Most churches are 501(c)3s, a tax status or designation given by the Internal Revenue Service.

However, a decision this week by the Trump administration via the IRS said that it would no longer be enforcing the Johnson amendment, essentially allowing churches to engage in the political process, including using funds for political purposes.

Steven Emmert, the executive director of Secular Coalition, said that his organization strongly opposes the Trump administrations decision, and he said its not alone. Polling data show 75% of Americans believe that churches should be prohibited from political contributions, and that includes 62% of self-identified evangelicals.

Though the rule has been in place for more than three-quarters of a century, the federal government has struggled to enforce it, leading some to say the Trump administrations ruling simply aligns the policy with the reality. While the internet is replete with examples of church leaders making political statements supporting or criticizing political candidates, the IRS has rarely enforced the rule, which could cause a religious organization to lose its tax-exempt status.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The reason for the lack of enforcement is multifaceted. First, the IRS has traditionally said it focuses on other more flagrant tax abuses, like companies or individuals who dont file or pay taxes. Moreover, it has said that the agency has been perennially understaffed so it struggles with enforcing other provisions. And finally, while public opinion polls have consistently showed Americans agreeing with the Johnson amendment, various administrations have resisted going after offending churches or other nonprofit organizations because of the optics: It looks like the government is harassing a church.

However, there is another reason why previous presidential administrations have been reluctant to enforce the amendment, said Constance Van Kley, an assistant professor at the University of Montanas law school and a constitutional scholar.

Churches raise legitimate constitutional issues and arguments, she told the Daily Montanan.

For example, enforcement of the Johnson amendment necessarily involves matters of free speech and the establishment clause, which prohibits the government from sanctioning or establishing religion, often expressed as a separation between the church and state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, the policy change could raise different, new questions about how money in politics works, as well as using a tax-exempt status to funnel tax-free funds to candidates.

Follow the money

Even though most people and churches have seen the Johnson amendment as a limitation on speech, Van Kley said that churches and their leaders have always been free to say whatever they wanted, even from the pulpit. However, that speech could have a literal price  the tax-exempt status of the church, which is no small detail.

Attorney and scholar Whitney Untiedt, writing on the Johnson amendment in a publication by Emory Universitys law school, explained the rationale behind in the amendment and its use in the 2019 article, Lighting the Way: The Johnson Amendment Stands Strong against Dark Money in Politics.

In it, she points out that the IRS has 27 different nonprofit designations, but the amendment falls on what is likely the most commonly known, 501(c)3, so named because of the section of the code.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those organizations have a special designation: Not only is income from 501(c)3 organizations tax-exempt  meaning they pay no taxes on most income; people who donate to those organizations also get a tax deduction. Untiedt explained that in exchange for that generous tax benefit, those organizations agree to the Johnson amendment, which prohibits engaging in political funding or endorsing candidates.

Yet even the complex IRS code didnt outright ban those organizations from becoming active in the political process, it just required them to form a different nonprofit arm in which donations to the political portion of the organization would not be tax deductible, not so unlike corporations that form political action committees.

As the Trump administration decides not to enforce the Johnson amendment, it raises new, relatively uncharted scenarios for churches that were previously allowed to express opinions on social issues  think of the Roman Catholic Church and abortion  but not explicitly endorse candidates.

Supporters of the change point out that there are only two cases of the Johnson amendment being challenged, the most recent one being a church that took out a full newspaper ad urging readers not to vote for Bill Clinton as president of the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, the Johnson amendment has kept most churches from overtly endorsing or getting involved in campaigns. Opponents of the change fear that relaxing the rule will open churches and religious organization up to money from organizations that pay churches to endorse or give contributions if they become politically active. Others fear scenarios where members may try to pressure or withhold contributions if a church doesnt make the correct endorsements.

Its a little bit frightening with dark money because now big money dollars can influence elections via the pulpit, Emmert said. Its very unpopular, even among evangelicals, because they dont want endorsements from the clergy.

Some of the pressure may come from big money groups, Emmert said, but he envisions another scenario: Lets say a church needs a major repair, like a roof. A wealthy church member may condition a large donation to pay for a necessary repair on endorsing a certain political candidate.

He said that the Johnson amendment mirrors the sentiment of the American Founding Fathers because they witnessed what happened when the government of England required patronage of the Church of England.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Your state can never be in your church, and most people recognize that and oppose it, Emmert said, adding that this change invites politics into a religious setting. The IRS has always done a poor job of enforcing it.

Even years ago, Untiedts scholarship hinted that changing the Johnson amendment meant creating a new avenue for dark money.

To claim that religious leaders are hamstrung by the Johnson Amendment is at best misinformed  and at worst, purposefully disingenuous. Though no proponent of repeal has publicly acknowledged as such, it certainly appears likely that at least one driving force behind the effort is to create a scheme in which unregulated dark money contributions to candidates and PACs can be funded through 501(c)3 organizations that offer tax deductions to donors, Untiedt said.

She said that would translate to $2.1 billion in lost revenue for the U.S. government because those donations, which would otherwise be taxed, would now become tax deductible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, the threat of the law was enough to keep many churches from testing the waters.

Emmert said his coalition, which represents 31 different groups, worries that not enforcing the Johnson amendment creates a new problem: Can any nonprofit enter into the political dark money arena?

Van Kley raises a slightly different new concern with the policy change: Should the money going to religious organizations, which is tax exempt, be funneled to candidates or endorsements, using tax-deductible funds  an advantage that not all political groups have?

What has rankled some about the Trump administrations decision to stop using the Johnson amendment has been its deliberate way of saying loudly that it wouldnt be enforcing the law. However, Untiedt and others have pointed out that no administration since 1954 has really enforced the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Van Kley said what the Trump administration is doing is also understandable: Presidents and their administration always have to set priorities about what policies and laws to focus on as a matter of simple priorities.

There has always been reasons to be concerned about the Johnson amendment, Van Kley said. That said, presidents make priorities, and many will not enforce laws that seem so open to Constitutional challenges  and this is one of them.

And Van Kley points out that even though the religious organizations that have often pushed the boundaries of the Johnson amendment have been conservative leaning, the rule could mean an opportunity for left-leaning religious organizations to benefit, too.

One of the drawbacks of churches or religious organizations participating in the political process is that while the change may mean theyre more free to dabble in politics, theyll face some of the same spending and reporting rules that other organizations and candidates face when it comes to campaign finance  an accounting headache that may be too cumbersome for some.

A simple yet impossible solution

Van Kley said that while many churches and organizations raise concerns about First Amendment issues with the Johnson amendment, the real sticking point is actually about taxation. Churches are  and always have been  free to make whatever statement they want, including endorsing candidates. However, doing so previously could have meant revoking their tax-exempt status and members losing the tax-deductible write-offs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One way to end the controversy would be to end the tax exemption, but that would wind up costing religious organizations millions if not billions, something unlikely to garner any political support because of the proliferation of secular and religious nonprofits (as a disclaimer: The Daily Montanan and its parent organization are among those tax-exempt organizations).

Untiedt said the logic behind the Johnson amendment wasnt about stopping churches from expressing opinions, rather a concern that allowing nonprofits the ability to exempt political donations would essentially be forcing taxpayers to pay for political campaigns by having to make up for lost tax revenue.

In 2018, 5,800 charitable and nonprofit organizations sent a letter to Congress urging them to uphold and maintain the Johnson amendment because they feared their organizations would be exploited for use as another cog in the political machine or another loophole in campaign finance laws.

Others fear that the policy change is another break from the democratic norms that have been upheld for years. However, Van Kley says other threats may be more troublesome from a legal standpoint.

In the case of political participation, Van Kley said that the change may just be squaring the policy with the reality. She said there are other better examples of norms being violated that should concern citizens. For example, she noted the recent TikTok ban that has been enacted by Congress. Van Kley notes the U.S. Supreme Court, Congress and many states, including Montana, has agreed that the popular social media application should be banned in the United States because of data security and the Chinese Communist government. Yet the Trump administration continues to delay and extend the ban though it really doesnt have the authority to do that.

The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled on the constitutionality of this, but yet it is still here, she said.

Another example is the Trump administration shuttering agencies and programs that were created and funded through Congressional approval.

Those undermine the goals of duly enacted legislation and Congressional approval, Van Kley said. (The Johnson amendment) example is a pattern of non-enforcement, so its less extreme.
The big question hanging over top Justice Department official Emil Boves nomination to a prestigious appeals court judgeship is whether he actually suggested the Trump DOJ might simply ignore court orders.

Thats what a whistleblower who served with Bove says, and that whistleblower has now backed up his account with evidence.

If Bove actually said such a thing  he allegedly said the administration needed to consider telling the courts f**k you and ignoring orders  it would obviously be very problematic. This is a man, after all, who could soon be charged with upholding the rule of law from the other side.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But regardless of what precisely transpired in the March meeting that the whistleblower cites, there is no question this highlights the Trump administrations disdain for the courts.

And it just keeps getting worse, as new disclosures role in.

The situation deals with the Trump administrations efforts to rapidly deport migrants to a brutal prison in El Salvador without due process. These are the deportations that involved the Alien Enemies Act and included Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Courts have repeatedly rebuked the administrations actions, and Abrego Garcias case stands as a huge test of President Donald Trumps power grabs.

For one, the whistleblowers messages, emails and documents  which were obtained by the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee  bolster the idea that the administration proactively chose to disregard the initial verbal order from a judge not to deport the migrants under the Alien Enemies Act.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The emails show the whistleblower, then-DOJ attorney Erez Reuveni, had told multiple people to halt the deportations.

No one subject to AEA in our custody can be removed, Reuveni said, adding that anyone in the air who didnt have a final deportation order should be returned.

Thats not what happened, though. The emails show a top DOJ official saying that Bove had determined that, because the planes had left US airspace before the judge ultimately issued a written order, it was permissible under the law and the courts order to continue the deportations.

The administration has made similar comments publicly to justify the deportation of the migrants. But the emails suggest that, at least to some, it seemed initially clear that they were supposed to stop such deportations  until Bove stepped in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new documents and other court filings this week also build on evidence that the administration has frequently misled the public about the Abrego Garcia case.

Repeatedly now, the administration has said things publicly that were later undermined or contradicted in court.

One of those is the claim that Abrego Garcia wasnt actually deported in error.

White House adviser Stephen Miller said back in April that Reuveni was initially suspended (he was later fired) for saying Garcias deportation was the result of an administrative error. (The administration was allowed to deport him, but not legally to the country he was sent to  El Salvador.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No one was mistakenly sent anywhere, Miller said. The only mistake that was made is a lawyer put an incorrect line in a legal filing thats since been relieved of duty.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added on Fox News at the time, We did not make a mistake.

But in a filing this week, the Justice Department repeatedly calls the deportation a mistake, along with an administrative error and an admitted error.

Another key issue is whether the administration had the ability to get Abrego Garcia returned to the US.

After the courts ordered the administration to facilitate his return, the administration resisted that  in part because it indicated it didnt have the power.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats up to El Salvador, if they want to return him, Attorney General Pam Bondi said at the White House in April. Thats not up to us.

The United States does not control the sovereign nation of El Salvador, Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the Supreme Court, nor can it compel El Salvador to follow a federal judges bidding.

Not only did the administration ultimately get Abrego Garcia returned  it is now charging him with alleged crimes  but just this week the government of El Salvador sharply undercut the administrations earlier claims. It said the migrants it accepted and held in prison remained under US control.

In this context, the jurisdiction and legal responsibility for these persons lie exclusively with the competent foreign authorities, Salvadoran officials told the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And lastly is the administrations shifting rhetoric on re-deporting Abrego Garcia before his criminal trial. It has now repeatedly said one thing publicly and another in court.

When Abrego Garcia returned last month, Bondi signaled he would be deported only after justice was served.

Upon completion of his sentence, Bondi said, we anticipate he will be returned to his home country of El Salvador.

Then, after a Justice Department lawyer appeared to contradict that on a late June conference call, saying Abrego Garcia could be sent to a third country, the White House called reports about the development fake news and doubled down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He will face the full force of the American justice system - including serving time in American prison for the crimes hes committed, a White House spokeswoman said.

But on Monday, a Justice Department lawyer again contradicted the administrations public statements, saying the deportation proceedings wouldnt wait for the criminal case to be completed if hes released from criminal custody.

Its like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall trying to figure out whats going to happen next week, Judge Paula Xinis said at one point on Monday.

Exactly why the administration cant or wont get its story straight isnt clear. But Abrego Garcias lawyers seemed to believe the administration planned to deport him all along and was deliberately misleading about that, in hopes that he would be released. (His lawyers have actually argued against his release, for that reason.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And its far from ridiculous to think that was the play here, given all the other mixed messages described above.

Reuveni in an interview with The New York Times published Thursday said the administration is thumbing its nose at the courts.

Thats certainly true. Either the administration is flying by the seat of its pants, or its deliberately misleading about a whole lot of things. Neither demonstrates much regard for the rule of law.

Whether Bove actually said f**k you is kind of beside the point; thats been the subtext of the administrations entire approach.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
President Donald Trumps administration has defended violent immigration raids targeting cannabis farms in California, where masked federal agents discovered allegedly undocumented minors who are victims of exploitation and potentially human trafficking or smuggling, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The United Farm Workers union said several workers were critically injured during the raids, while other targeted workers, including a U.S. citizen, remain totally unaccounted for.

Agents are accused of chasing one worker who fell 30 feet from the top of a building. He was hospitalized and placed on life support, before dying from his injuries on Friday, according to the union.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The raids  which sparked an intense standoff between heavily armed federal officers and dozens of protesters  were condemned by California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose office accused Trumps administration of wielding an anti-immigration agenda that has brought chaos, fear and terror into communities.

Theres a real cost to these inhumane immigration actions on hardworking families and communities, including farmworker communities, across America, his office said in a statement.

Federal agents descended on crowds of protesters demonstrating against immigration raids at two cannabis farms in southern California on Thursday. Several were hospitalized during the raid, and one worker has died (REUTERS)

Agents arrived on Thursday in military-style vehicles to execute criminal search warrants inside facilities operated by Glass House Farms, according to Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.

The farms span 5.5 million square feet in Californias Ventura County where it is legal for licensed operators to grow cannabis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Firefighters were dispatched around 12.15 p.m. to provide medical aid. Five people were hospitalized, and four others were treated at the farm, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

In a statement on social media, Glass House Farms said it fully complied with agent search warrants and will provide further updates if necessary.

Video showed agents firing tear gas and crowd control munitions into a crowd of protesters near a farm house in Camarillo. Agents were also raiding another farm site roughly 30 miles away.

The FBI issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a demonstrator, who appeared to fire a pistol during the melee, according to federal prosecutors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Customs and Border Protection commissioner Rodney Scott said agents found 10 undocumented children at the facility, including eight who were unaccompanied.

It is legal in California for minors as young as 12 to work on farms but only in non-hazardous jobs and outside of school hours.

Administration officials shared photos on social media showing masked agents posing with the alleged children they discovered and accused Newsom of failing to stop child exploitation.

We prosecute criminals that break child labor laws, Newsom replied.

You make the kids pose for photos, tear gas them, and promote laws like this, said the governor, sharing articles about Republican-led legislation to loosen child labor laws.

Video showed agents firing tear gas and crowd control munitions into a crowd of protesters (Getty Images)

California Governor Gavin Newsom and the farm workers union have joined immigrants advocates in condemning the raids, which sparked intense standoffs with federal agents and protesters (Getty Images)

The workers, which included citizens, were held by federal authorities for more than eight hours. The American citizens were only released from custody if they agreed to delete video of the operation from their phones, according to United Farm Workers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The union also is demanding the immediate facilitation of legal representation for minors at the facility.

Farm workers are excluded from basic child labor laws and it is unfortunately not uncommon for teenagers to work in the fields, the group said. To be clear: detaining and deporting children is not a solution for child labor.

The Trump administrations violent and cruel federal actions terrorize American communities, disrupt the American food supply chain, threaten lives and separate families, the union said. There is no city, state or federal district where it is legal to terrorize and detain people for being brown and working in agriculture. These raids must stop immediately.

The federal operation on Thursday was the latest in a series of immigration raids that have rocked communities across California and drawn federal lawsuits to stop them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Workplace raids spiked after the administration rescinded previous ICE policy that prohibited enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as places of worship, schools and hospitals.

Under apparent pressure from the agricultural sector, which is made up of roughly 40 percent noncitizen workers, Trump has considered limiting enforcement actions on farms and developing a program for temporary work permits.

But the presidents border czar Tom Homan has said there will be no amnesty for undocumented workers.

The Trump administration has considered rolling back immigration enforcement actions in the agricultural industry, where noncitizen workers make up as much as 40 percent of the workforce (Getty Images)

The Trump administration has deployed officers across federal law enforcement agencies to focus on immigration enforcement, with a directive from the White House to make at least 3,000 daily arrests  a quota that immigration attorneys say will almost certainly result in collateral arrests that could tear apart families and communities with mixed legal status.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The president has also approved a record-breaking budget to hire more ICE officers and expand immigration detention center space across the country, making the agency one of the most expensive law enforcement agencies in the world, with a budget larger than most countries militaries.

More than 57,000 people are currently held in ICE custody, or roughly 140 percent more than its detention capacity. A vast majority of those immigrants do not have criminal records and 93 percent have not been convicted of any violent crime.
Canada will face a 35 percent tariff on exports to the United States starting August 1, President Donald Trump said in a late-night letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney that upends negotiations between the close allies.

The notice was the latest of more than 20 such letters Trump has issued since Monday as he continues to widen a global trade war, adding in an interview that countries which have yet to receive a letter from him would see a 15 percent or 20 percent levy.

Canada's 35 percent tariff marks a step up from an existing 25 percent level, but products complying with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are expected to remain exempt, a Trump administration official told AFP.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Canadian energy resources are anticipated to still face a lower levy, the official said, while noting that Trump has yet to make final decisions on the matter.

Trump told reporters Friday that Ottawa reached out following the release of his letter: "I think it was fairly well received. It is what we need. So we'll see what happens."

Canada and the United States have been locked in trade negotiations in hopes of reaching a deal by July 21, but Trump's latest threat appeared to have shifted that deadline.

Both Canada and Mexico are trying to find ways to satisfy Trump so the USMCA free trade deal uniting the three countries can be put back on track.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1," Carney posted Thursday night on X.

The USMCA replaced the previous NAFTA accord in July 2020, after Trump successfully pushed for a renegotiation during his first term in office.

It was due to be reviewed by July next year, but Trump has thrown the process into disarray by launching trade wars after he returned to office in January.

Canadian and Mexican products were swiftly hit by 25 percent US tariffs this year, with a lower rate for Canadian energy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump targeted both North American neighbors saying they did not do enough on illegal immigration and the flow of illicit drugs -- particularly fentanyl -- across borders.

Canada contributes less than one percent of the drug to the illicit US supply, according to Canadian and US government data.

Trump eventually announced exemptions for goods entering his country under the USMCA, covering a large range of products.

- Reciprocity -

Thursday's letter came despite what had been warming relations between Trump and Carney, who has faced the brash Republican's regular musings that Canada should become the 51st US state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Canadian leader visited the White House on May 6 and had a cordial Oval Office meeting with Trump.

They met again at the G7 summit last month in Canada, where leaders pushed Trump to back away from his punishing trade war.

Canada also agreed to rescind taxes impacting US tech firms that had earlier prompted Trump to retaliate by calling off trade talks.

Separately, Trump announced in an interview with NBC that he was thinking of slapping blanket tariffs of 15-20 percent on countries that had not yet received his letters.

The letters announced tariff rates on Brazil of as much as 50 percent, to kick in on August 1 unless better terms can be found before then.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump told NBC that the letter to the 27-country European Union, a major US trading partner, would be sent "today or tomorrow (Friday)."

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Thursday that he is willing to negotiate with Washington after Trump said he would hit South America's biggest economy with his tough tariff.

He however reiterated that the Brazilian government is evaluating reciprocity measures.

In his letter to Lula, Trump criticized the treatment of his right-wing ally Jair Bolsonaro, the former Brazilian president.

arp-bys/mlm
President Donald Trump is expected to tour areas struck by the Texas flash floods on Friday as the state comes to terms with a natural disaster that has left hundreds dead and missing.

Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has repeatedly praised the Trump administration for its response to the tragedy this week, despite the White House having made severe cutbacks to climate and weather agencies, and even as Trump officials continue to argue for the elimination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The relationship between Abbott and Trump is contrasted to that between the president and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who met Trump in January following devastating wildfires in the Golden State. Trump and Newsom argued over water access during the blaze that destroyed thousands of structures and caused a dozen fatalities.

At least 121 people are dead and more than 170 are still missing after the flash floods in Texas (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Those critical of the president argue that Trumps handling of the two disasters reveals how he appears to politicize events depending on their location.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jeremy Edwards, who served as a spokesperson for FEMA and the Biden White House, said he thinks if the floods had occurred under a Democratic administration, Trumps response would have been different.

President Donald Trump is visiting Texas on Friday following deadly flooding in the central parts of the state (Getty Images)

I find it very hard to imagine that if this exact situation were to happen in a blue state with a Democratic governor, he would not immediately lambast them for steps that they did or didnt take with regards to emergency alerts, said Edwards, according to The Hill.

I think this is going to be the same thing he does with the economy. When the economy is bad, its Bidens economy. When the economy is good, its Trumps economy, he added. And I think, if the response and recovery goes well  and I hope it does  its Trumps FEMA, but if the response goes badly, its Bidens FEMA.

Michael Coen served as chief of staff at FEMA during the Obama and Biden administrations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What Id seen during the Obama administration and the Biden administration is presidents working with governors, regardless of party, to support the impacted community, whether it was in Florida with Biden and Gov. DeSantis working side by side following the Surfside building collapse, Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Milton  putting politics aside, Coen said.

Until this administration, I really havent seen emergency management being politicized the way it is, he added.

Volunteer Mario Rios, right, and a fellow volunteer search along the bank of the river after flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Abbott is set to accompany Trump in Texas as the president meets with first responders and receives a briefing from local officials. He will also meet with family members affected by the floods.

Newsom greeted Trump at the airport when the president visited the state just after taking office. However, just before the trip, Trump issued a threat to withhold federal aid because of concerns regarding Californias water management.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Texas, other issues are arising, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which includes the National Weather Service, which eliminated hundreds of employees earlier this year. The warning meteorologist at the NWS office for Austin and San Antonio, which covers Kerr County, which was hardest hit by the floods, took a buyout in April, organized by the Trump administration.

Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, is also set to join Trump in Texas. She initially visited the area on Saturday. She said this week that FEMA should be remade amid its response to the floods. Both the secretary and the president have argued that the states should handle disaster responses.

We, as a federal government, dont manage these disasters. The state does. We come in and support them, and thats exactly what we did here in this situation, said Noem.

Kristi Noem plans to join Abbott and Trump on Friday as they survey flood damage (AP)

FEMA has been in the sights of Republicans since Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina last year. Rumors began to be spread suggesting the agency was avoiding helping red-leaning areas and Republican households. The theories, at times, hindered the Biden administration's aid efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A former Bush administration official said, Disaster politics are always tricky, but this tragedy is amid the backdrop of DOGE and the administrations broader efforts to reduce the federal role in disaster response, according to The Hill.

The president and the governor get along well and are very simpatico on immigration, but these situations normally receive a level of empathy that this president does not like to display, the ex-official added.

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump praised Abbott.

The relationship with Texas and the governor has been obviously very good for years, with me, he said. The response has been incredible, and the fact that we got along so well, I dont even think thats a political thing, but we got along so well, and it was so unified. I think a lot of lives have been saved.
Were a week short now of the six-month mark of Donald Trumps return to the Oval Office, and while a lot remains to be seen (gulp), we should have a pretty clear idea of how a democracy becomes an authoritarian police state. The five key ingredients: lies, corruption, idiocy, loyalty, and most important, a blanket of sedating propaganda swaddling the first four and protecting the administration from any remote hint of democratic consequences or accountability.

The lies are big and small, consequential and petty. And thats the point. Authoritarians know that youre not really lying unless youre lying with absolute and unconditional impunity. They started on day one, with Trumps inaugural address, when he said the voters gave him a massive mandate ... like hasnt been seen in many years (he won by 1.5 percent). The lies have proliferated ever since, about Elon Musks DOGE and so much else.

And these arent just lies. Theyre complete and intentional inversions of the truth. Irans nuclear capability was obliterated. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is rounding up only the worst of the worst. The Medicaid cuts are just waste, fraud, and abuse. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acted swiftly this week in response to the Texas flooding. In case you missed that one, Noems edict that she personally had to approve every FEMA contract worth more than $100,000 slowed down the federal response by three days, which is a long time when flood waters are rising and eight-year-old girls are drowning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The corruption is essential to authoritarian and fascist regimes. Through it, they send a vital message about the extent and nature of their power: We can do whatever we please. Elon Musk is amusingly on the outs now, but think about what Musk and Trump did to this country over the past year. The richest man in the world spent hundreds of millions to elect a corrupt president and was then given the job of destroying government agencies according to a plan (Project 2025) about which the corrupt candidate lied repeatedly while campaigning. Other manifestations have mostly to do with Trumps unquenchable greed, his infinite need to profit personally from whatever situation he finds himself in. But its the First World (if I may use that now-antiquated term) equivalent of small-state dictators of the past surrounding themselves in luxury while their people lacked potable water.

As for idiocy: Some authoritarian leaders in history were intelligent men, but that doesnt matter. Anyone with an army and police force and propaganda network behind him can be made to look smart. But intelligence is hardly a prerequisite. In fact, its kind of better if the Dear Leader is dumb, because then his plain idiocy can be molded by the propaganda team to make him seem like an esoteric genius.

So Trump makes a complete ass of himself on the world stage on tariffs. He obviously has no idea what hes doing. Canada, Brazil, copper! Liberation Day. Oops, not Liberation Day! A July 9 deadline becomes August 1 (and of course, he never said July 9!). Yet out trot press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Treasurer Scott Bessent to assure us that its all going to plan, and Trump is playing a game of multi-dimensional chess we mere mortals cant begin to follow.

Leavitt, Bessent, and so many others exemplify the loyalty, which must be total and cover everything from embarrassing rhetorical genuflection to the random choosing, by his male Cabinet members, to wear a red tie to work today and let it dangle below the belt just a bit lower than usual. At the FBI, employees are being pressured to take polygraph tests, sometimes being asked if theyre loyal to Kash Patel (side note: polygraphs are notoriously unreliable, and federal law even prohibits most private employers from using them on employees). In a move that didnt get much attention at the time, on May 29, Trump released a federal hiring plan requiring all applicants above the GS-5 level (thats entry level, folks) to write an essay describing the new policies they were eager to implement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Finally, none of it would work without the propaganda network. It ensures that a significant chunk of the population believes the opposite of the truth at all times. Its Trumps enemies who lie relentlessly. Its the Democrats who are corrupt (and of course a few are, but not as a matter of principle, like Trump). Trump is in fact a genius. And loyalty is not demanded but is in fact a natural consequence of the reality that Trump is the most truthful, honest, upright, and brilliant leader in American history. Probably world history.

This will get much worse. Just one example: Noem, thanks to the Republicans recently passed budget bill, is about to go on a nearly limitless hiring spree of ICE agents, empowering them to wear masks and badges and drive around in cars without license plates and round up people by the hundreds of thousands, wholl be deposited in a string of concentration camps that red states will be eager to build. On this front alone, were going to descend into a darkness most of us couldnt have imagined for the United States. But theres so much more to come.

Public opinion is against this madness, though not as much as it should be. Thats partly a reflection of the oppositions confused ineffectiveness, but mostly of the power of the MAGA propaganda network, which will only get more and more frantic and dishonest the more public opposition hardens.

The silver lining is that the United States is still enough of a democracy, for now, that public opinion matters. Trump can try to change that: He can use the Insurrection Act to create a secret police force to round people up. That would be an extraordinary step, in the worlds oldest democracy. Until then, were not frogs in pots of heating water (which is a myth anyway). We see whats happening. We are all well aware that were losing our democracy day by day. And millions of us are doing something about itbringing lawsuits, protesting, whistleblowing, writing columns, making videos of ICE agents, what have you. There is still time to stop this.

This article first appeared in Fighting Words, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by editor Michael Tomasky. Sign up here.




US President Donald Trump spoke Friday of seeing devastation like he'd never before experienced as he toured parts of Texas hit by devastating flash floods that have left at least 120 people dead, including dozens of children.

The Republican leader and First Lady Melania Trump were in the Hill Country of central Texas to meet first responders, victims' families and local officials, a week after a rain-swollen river swept away houses, camp cabins, cars and people.

"This is a tough one. I've never seen anything like this," Trump said at a roundtable meeting in Kerrville, in the worst-affected Kerr County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I've gone to a lot of hurricanes, a lot of tornadoes. I've never seen anything like this. This is a bad one."

Trump lashed out at reporters for questioning authorities' response to the disaster and said he wanted to focus on solidarity with emergency workers and volunteers.

"All across the country, Americans' hearts are shattered," said Trump, speaking at a table draped in a black banner with the message "Texas Strong."

"I had to be here as president. The first lady wanted to be here."

He compared the suddenly rising floodwaters to a "giant wave in the Pacific Ocean that the best surfers in the world would be afraid to surf."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier, the Trumps were met by Governor Greg Abbott near the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, in an area with numerous downed trees and an overturned tractor trailer.

They were briefed by Texas Emergency Management and Kerrville Fire Dept officials, and greeted by 30 or so rescue workers and Coast Guard members.

The search for more than 170 missing people, including five girls who were at summer camp, was in its eighth day as rescue teams combed through mounds of debris and mud.

But with no live rescues reported this week, worries have swelled that the death toll could still rise.

Trump has brushed off questions about the impact of his cuts to federal agencies on the response to the flood, which he described as a "100-year catastrophe" that "nobody expected."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem, who was with Trump in Texas, defended the immediate response as "swift and efficient."

But Texas officials have faced questions about why emergency evacuation messages to residents and visitors along the flooding Guadalupe River reportedly were delayed, in some cases by hours.

Trump expressed support for a flood warning system in a telephone interview with NBC News on Thursday.

- FEMA questions -

The floods, among America's deadliest in recent years, have reopened questions about Trump's plans to phase out federal disaster response agency FEMA in lieu of greater state-based responsibility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

FEMA began its response to the Texas flash floods over the weekend after Trump signed a major disaster declaration to release federal resources.

But the president has so far avoided addressing questions about its future. Noem insisted FEMA should be "eliminated" in its current form at a government review meeting Wednesday.

Officials in Kerr County, which sits astride the Guadalupe River in an area nicknamed "Flash Flood Alley," said at least 36 children were killed in the disaster at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Details have surfaced about reported delays to early alerts at a local level that could have saved lives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Experts say forecasters did their best and sent out timely and accurate warnings despite a sudden weather change.

ABC News reported Thursday that at 4:22 am on July 4, a firefighter in Ingram, upstream of Kerrville, had asked the Kerr County Sheriff's Office to alert residents of nearby Hunt to the coming flood.

The network said its affiliate KSAT obtained audio of the call, and that the first alert did not reach Kerr County's CodeRED system for a full 90 minutes.

In some cases, it said, the warning messages didn't arrive until after 10:00 am, when hundreds of people had already been swept away.

The flooding of the Guadalupe River was particularly devastating for summer camps on its banks, including Camp Mystic, where 27 girls and counselors died.

dk-ft/acb
By Trevor Hunnicutt and Maria Alejandra Cardona

KERRVILLE, Texas (Reuters) -President Donald Trump defended the state and federal response to deadly flash flooding in Texas on Friday as he visited the stricken Hill Country region, where at least 120 people, including dozens of children, perished a week ago.

During a roundtable discussion after touring Kerr County, the epicenter of the disaster, Trump praised both Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for their response, saying they both did an "incredible job."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump administration, as well as local and state officials, has faced mounting questions over whether more could have been done to protect and warn residents ahead of the flooding, which struck with astonishing speed in the pre-dawn hours on July 4, the U.S. Independence Day holiday.

Trump reacted with anger when a reporter said some families affected by the floods had expressed frustration that warnings did not go out sooner.

"I think everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances," he said. "I don't know who you are, but only a very evil person would ask a question like that."

Some critics have questioned whether the administration's spending cuts at the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which coordinates the U.S. government's disaster response efforts, might have exacerbated the calamity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump officials have said that cuts had no impact on the NWS's ability to forecast the storms, despite some vacancies in local offices.

But the president has largely sidestepped questions about his plans to shrink or abolish FEMA and reassign many of its key functions to state and local governments.

"I'll tell you some other time," Trump said on Tuesday, when asked by a reporter about FEMA.

Before the most recent flooding, Kerr County declined to install an early-warning system after failing to secure state money to cover the cost.

Lawrence Walker, 67, and a nearly three-decade veteran resident of Kerrville, said the county and state had not spent enough on disaster prevention, including an early-warning system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asked about the quality of the government response, he said, "It's been fine since the water was at 8 feet."

The Texas state legislature will convene in a special session later this month to investigate the flooding and provide disaster relief funding.

Abbott has dismissed questions about whether anyone was to blame, calling that the "word choice of losers."

DOZENS STILL UNACCOUNTED FOR

Search teams on Friday were still combing through muddy debris littering parts of the Hill Country in central Texas, looking for the dozens still listed as missing, but no survivors have been found since the day of the floods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heavy rains sent a wall of water raging down the Guadalupe River early on July 4, causing the deadliest disaster of the Republican president's nearly six-month term in office.

As sun poked through dark clouds on Friday morning, search crews in hard hats painstakingly walked inch-by-inch along the ruined banks of the river, marking damage and looking through wreckage.

After the president arrived in Kerr County in the early afternoon, Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott drove to an area near the river, where Trump received a briefing from first responders amid debris left in the wake of the flood.

The county is located in what is known as "flash flood alley," a region that has seen some of the country's deadliest floods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More than a foot of rain fell in less than an hour on July 4. Flood gauges showed the river's height rose from about a foot to 34 feet (10.4 meters) in a matter of hours, cascading over its banks and sweeping away trees and structures in its path.

Kerr County officials say more than 160 people remain unaccounted for, although experts say that the number of people reported missing in the wake of disasters is often inflated.

The dead in the county include 67 adults and at least 36 children, many of whom were campers at the nearly century-old Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer retreat on the banks of the river.

Jon Moreno, 71, a longtime Kerrville resident whose property on high ground was spared, praised the government response - local and federal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has heard the debate about what more could have been done - including sirens - but said he did not think it would have made much difference, given people's desire to build along the flood-prone riverbanks.

"It's unavoidable," he said. "All those people along the river - I wouldn't want to live there ... It's too dangerous."

At Stripes, a gas station in Kerrville, the building was tagged in large white letters, accusing "Trump's Big Beautiful Bill" of cutting "our emergency funding."

The president's massive legislative package, which cut taxes and spending, won approval from the Republican-controlled Congress last week and was signed into law by Trump on the same day that the flooding hit Texas.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Maria Alejandra Cardona in Kerrville; Additional reporting by Nicole Johnson, Kevin Lamarque and Rich McKay; Writing by Joseph Ax; Editing by Frank McGurty, Nick Zieminski and Diane Craft)
US President Donald Trump was set to travel with first lady Melania to the disaster zone in Texas one week after the onset of flash floods that have killed more than 100 people, the White House announced on Thursday.

The couple is expected to arrive in Kerrville, about 162 kilometres west of Austin at midday (1700 GMT) on Friday. The surrounding area of Kerr County was particularly hard hit by the severe flooding.

US media have reported at least 119 people have died in the flash flood disaster in central Texas, which started early on July 4, the US Independence Day holiday.

In Kerr County alone, sheriff Larry Leitha on Thursday confirmed at least 95 deaths, including 36 children. More than 160 people are still missing in the region.
Only a month after President Donald Trump said he planned to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after this year's hurricane season, he is now reportedly walking back his plans.

On Friday, The Washington Post reported that "the White House has backed away from plans to abolish the agency." In a statement, Tricia McLauglin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said, "Federal Emergency Management will shift from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens. The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades."

"Changes in the agency will probably amount to a 'rebranding' that will emphasize state leaders' roles in disaster response," per the Post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The announcement comes after the deadly Guadalupe River flood in Texas on July 4. Heavy rainfall flooded the Guadalupe River, causing the river to rise nearly 30 feet in less than an hour in the early morning of July 4. The flood damaged homes and summer camps, killing at least 120 people, including 36 children. More than 160 people remained missing when Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) surveyed the aftermath of the flooding on Friday.

Since the tragedy, the government's ability to warn and respond to natural disasters has come under scrutiny. Some have blamed agency cuts for impairing emergency response efforts, making people less safe. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (DFla.) has called for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to be investigated for needlessly delaying the disbursement of funds by requiring personal approval of FEMA resources in excess of $100,000. On Friday, three Democrats from the House Oversight Committee sent letters to FEMA, the Commerce Department's inspector general, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration demanding answers to concerns regarding "the apparent delay in FEMA's response efforts cause by the politicization of the agency and its funding."

Trump's apparent walkback from abolishing the agency marks a stark contrast from earlier this year, when he sharply criticized FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene. While surveying damage in North Carolina in February, Trump floated the idea of ending FEMA and announced his executive order to assess the agency's ability to provide "immediate, effective, and impartial response to and recovery from disasters."

Following the order, the FEMA Review Council was created to "begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA," according to Trump. But the council's report containing recommendations to reform federal disaster response won't be released until November. During the wait, Trump and DHS have kept the prospect of abolishing the agency alive, and even ousted the agency's acting administrator, Cameron Hamilton, in May for disagreeing with the president's call to eliminate the agency. However, no official changes to FEMA have taken place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But now, abolishment looks to be off the table. FEMA may instead be "reformed in ways that best serve the national interest" and "supplement state actions," according to Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman. "President Trump is committed to right-sizing the Federal government while empowering state and local governments by enabling them to better understand, plan for, and ultimately address the needs of their citizens," she added.

The majority of Americans believe the federal government should have a "major role" in natural disaster response. But the specifics of how involved it should be has been an ongoing topic of debate for decades as the number of natural disastersand the amount spent on recovery effortshas risen. "In 2018, there were 14 disasters in the U.S. that caused more than $1 billion in damages. In 2024, there were 27," said a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released in March. Congress has appropriated $458 billion for disaster assistance over the last 10 years, according to the GAO.

Despite these massive financial resources, Americans have received suboptimal federal recovery responses from disasters in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Florida, North Carolina, and California. The agency has also been accused of denying aid to political enemies. And now the country's most recent natural disaster along the Guadalupe River, Trump's FEMA has already received criticism for providing too little aid and a delayed deployment of funds to Texas.

Trump's original instinct that the mere existence of FEMA causes unnecessary bureaucratic bloat during times of emergency was correct. While "right-sizing" the agency to empower state and local governments is a step in the right direction, a better approach would be to abolish FEMA altogether.

The post Trump Walks Back Talk of Abolishing FEMA appeared first on Reason.com.
The scientific community was appalled by the news that president Donald Trump's administration was looking to deal a devastating blow to NASA's science budget.

In its 2026 budget request, released last month, the White House announced it was looking to more cut funding for NASA's science directorate by more than half, leading to overwhelming criticism from the scientific community, as well as from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers.

The "skinny" budget calls to end operations of several spacecraft currently orbiting Mars, the Washington Post reports  including Mars Odyssey, a probe that has been orbiting the Red Planet for a record 24 years, and the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission, which has been studying the planet's atmosphere for over a decade.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It would also strip all funding for the European Space Agency's Mars Express mission, which was launched in 2003, as laid out by Science earlier this year.

Despite their old age, all three missions are still collecting valuable data about the planet and relaying important communications from NASA's rovers currently roaming its rugged surface. Experts have warned that simply giving up on them would be an enormous waste.

Even planned trips to the Martian surface could be erased in their entirety, including NASA's flagship  but immensely costly  Mars Sample Return mission, which has already led to heated discussions surrounding its hefty budget during the Biden administration.

Alongside almost all major NASA science missions, abruptly ending the agency's operations in Mars' orbit could deal a devastating blow to the United States' space program overall, an enormous self-inflicted wound that could give adversaries, including China and Russia, room to catch up and dominate in space.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is a tragic mistake for the new administration," Southwest Research Institute scientist and former NASA science chief Alan Stern told Science earlier this year.

But not all is lost. As widely expected, the proposed budget has faced an enormous amount of resistance in Congress, with members from both sides of the aisle calling for a far less brutal budget.

Most recently, the Senate's appropriations committee revealed a counteroffer that would keep NASA's existing $24.9 billion budget largely intact for 2026.

Even NASA's staffers have taken to protesting outside of NASA's headquarters late last month, waving signs that read "Save NASA."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It's not hard to see the Trump administration's prioritizing of human spaceflight, setting aside a whopping $1 billion in new investments for Mars-focused programs.

But by gutting most major science missions, the White House could throw a major wrench in those plans as well, potentially blacking out communications by needlessly killing off spacecraft already in the planet's orbit.

Besides, now that Trump has called it quits with his frenemy Elon Musk, who controls SpaceX and its Mars-bound Starship rocket, the administration could face a major uphill battle in sending the first humans to the Red Planet.

More on NASA: Democrats and Republicans Unite in Last-Ditch Effort to Save NASA
President Donald Trump on Friday issued a none-too-veiled threat of action against Russia after Moscows forces hit a Ukrainian maternity hospital, injuring nine people earlier in the day.

Speaking to reporters before departing the White House to view flood damage in Texas, where 121 have died and 170 are still missing, the president was asked about the drone attack against the civilian target.

He replied: I know. Youll be seeing things happen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The presidents cryptic remark came less than a day after he told NBC News that hed be making a major statement on the status of the three-year-old Russia-Ukraine war this coming Monday.

In a phone interview, the president said he was disappointed in Russia and reiterated his recent pledge to send more weapons to Ukraine, explaining that the U.S. would be doing so through Nato allies that will purchase the weapons from American stockpiles.

Were sending weapons to Nato, and Nato is paying for those weapons, 100 per cent. So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to Nato, and then Nato is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine], and Nato is paying for those weapons, Trump said. We send weapons to Nato, and Nato is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons.

President Donald Trump (pictured boarding Air Force One with Melania en route to Texas flooding sites Friday) gave a warning when asked about Russias strikes on a maternity hospital (Reuters)

And it also comes after a new book revealed him telling donors that he previously had warned Putin he would bomb the s**t out of Moscow if the Russian leader attacked Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With Putin I said, If you go into Ukraine, Im going to bomb the s**t out of Moscow. Im telling you I have no choice, Trump said in audio obtained by authors and Washington Post reporters Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager and Isaac Arnsdorf for their new book, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America.

And then [Putin] goes, like, I dont believe you. But he believed me 10 per cent, they wrote that the president added.

Trump entered office for his second term as a strident critic of U.S. support for Ukraine and has had a rocky relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dating back to a now-infamous July 2019 phone call between the two leaders that led to the first of his two impeachment trials in the U.S. Senate.

He once ordered a halt to shipments of weapons to Kyiv after a disastrous Oval Office meeting with the Ukrainian president in March but resumed them after Republican lawmakers complained. And earlier this week he ordered the deliveries of munitions to resume after Pentagon officials went behind his back to halt shipments for what was described as a review of American weapons stockpile levels.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But his tone towards Ukraine and Russia has changed in recent weeks as U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire in the three-year-old conflict have come to naught, a development he is understood to place at the feet of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump said he was not happy with the Russian president, who he accused of killing a lot of people, including many of his own soldiers to the tune of 7,000 a week.

Trump also told reporters there was no reason for Russias continued attacks on Ukraine and complained that reaching a ceasefire in the three-year-old war Putin launched has been tougher than expected, while crediting Kyivs forces for bravery as theyve battled back Russias invasion.

I will say the Ukrainians were brave, but we gave them the best equipment ever made ... we gave them missiles, the latest and the greatest. They were able to shoot down a lot of things, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The president also acknowledged that many of his supporters might consider it unfair that the U.S. has spent billions for weapons bound for Ukraine while still crediting Ukrainians for exhibiting valor while using their American-made military supplies against Russia.

Continuing, Trump said that Putin, with whom he has had a relatively close relationship compared with many of Americas allies, has thrown a lot of bulls*** at him while continuing to prosecute the war he started in 2022.

Its very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless, he said.

He later added that Putin was not treating human beings right and is killing too many people in Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps teasing of a major announcement comes as he is understood to be considering lending support to a bipartisan bill under debate in Congress that would impose yet more sanctions on Moscow in an effort to choke off the funds powering Putins war machine.

Sponsored by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, it would impose a whopping 500 per cent import tax on goods imported from any nation that purchases Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports.

The effect of the punishing tariffs would be targeted against two American trading partners, China and India, because those countries account for roughly 70 per cent of the Russian energy trade which bankrolls much of Moscows war effort.

Trump is understood to be open to supporting the sanctions legislation but is pushing for the bill to be amended to give him more power to lift and impose the sanctions at will.
President Donald Trump is weighing a new military aid package for Ukraine worth hundreds of millions of dollars, according to two people familiar with the plan, the first potential aid from the administration to the beleaguered country.

The discussions come just over a week after the Pentagon blindsided many in the White House byabruptly halting part of an existing aid package with thousands of artillery rounds and precision ammunition. Trump has said that aid will resume.

A new weapons package would underline the administrations internal divisionsover Ukraine assistance as its battle against Russia grinds past a third year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The money would come from a fund Congress approved last year under President Joe Biden that allows the Defense Department to take weapons out of U.S. militarys stockpiles for Ukraine. The fund, known as presidential drawdown authority, still holds about $3.8 billion.

Trump, who has expressed frustration with the Kremlins refusal to help broker an end to the war, hinted in a Thursday interview with NBC News about a major statement on Monday involving Russia.

He teased the announcement again on Friday, when asked by reporters about Russias overnight bombardment of a Ukrainian maternity hospital. Youll be seeing things happen, he said.

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon responded to requests for comment. Reuters first reported that the administration was considering new aid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

NATO nations, meanwhile, are working on a larger deal to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine, said a congressional aide, who like others, was granted anonymity to discuss internal conversations. POLITICO reported earlier this month that Kyiv is asking Washington to let Europe buy American weapons.

We send weapons to NATO, and NATO is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons, Trump said in the NBC interview.

Defense Department officials said they halted the weapons shipments due to concerns about U.S. stockpiles. But some officials disagreed that these relatively small shipments would have an adverse impact on U.S capabilities.

The issue led Deputy Defense Secretary Steven Feinberg to call defense industry executives into his office for a meeting last month to discuss concerns over the stockpiles, according to a person briefed on the conversation. That person said the concerns were similar to those articulated by the Biden administration in its final months: the Ukraine war, along with continued operations in the Middle East, was taking a toll on the Pentagons munitions stockpiles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Feinberg, who handles the Pentagons budgeting process, is considering sending Congress a proposal for a new munitions funding package, according to the person, and is pushing the defense industry to speed up its production of air defenses and precision rockets and missiles.

The aid package for Ukraine that was halted this month included 30 Patriot air defense missiles and hundreds of precision weapons that Ukraine uses for offensive and defensive purposes. Some 8,000 155mm howitzers shells and 250 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rockets have started moving into Ukraine, but it is unclear if and when the Patriot air defense missiles will move, according to one of the people familiar with the situation.

The potential new military assistance, the first from the U.S. since January, comes as Ukraines cities have faced the heaviest Russian drone and missile bombardments yet. Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight killed nine people and left dozens wounded.
MAGA activist Laura Loomer has set her sights on ousting Attorney General Pam Bondi, as the White House fends off fury from the president's base over its handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epsteins criminal case and death.

Loomer called on FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino to ask for Bondis public resignation Friday morning, writing on social media that Patel and Bongino had clashed with Bondi over the investigation.

Loomer also claimed that Bongino had taken the day off from work to evaluate whether or not he wants to continue his position, which POLITICO has not independently confirmed. Axios later reported that Bongino did not attend work on Friday after butting heads with Bondi earlier this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pam Blondi is very damaging to President Trumps image. She drags the administration down and the base doesnt want her as AG, Loomer wrote in a post on X. She is harming Trumps administration and shes embarrassing all of his staff and advisors by creating a PR crisis for them. Its incredibly unfair to President Trump and his team.

In a statement, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields disavowed reports of infighting surrounding the investigation within the administration.

President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team dedicated to protecting Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims," Fields said. "This work is being carried out seamlessly and with unity. Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made in restoring public safety and pursuing justice for all.

The Trump administration announced Monday night that a DOJ and FBI review found no evidence that Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 in a New York jail cell, kept an incriminating client list long sought after by conspiracy theorists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Loomers pressure campaign is the latest development in an episode of Republican infighting about the investigation, with MAGA supporters fuming at Bondis Justice Department for not releasing more information about its findings.

Loomer, who has sought an official role in the administration, has long had the presidents ear, repeatedly targeting those whom she views as disloyal to the president.

In April, Loomer took credit for Trumps firing of several National Security Council officials and criticized Trumps pick to be the Pentagons top lawyer, accusing him of seeking to undermine Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

She has met with senior administration officials  including Vice President JD Vance  and continues to have sway over the presidents online base.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even so, Trump has at times attempted to distance himself from Loomer, who has a history of promoting far-right conspiracy theories and has described herself as a proud Islamophobe, with some Republicans warning that Trumps ties to the far-right activist could cost him votes in the 2024 election.

In a Friday morning social media post, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote that he worked closely with Patel and Bongino on the memo and that all three officials signed off on the memos contents and conclusions.

The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memos composition and release is patently false, Blanche wrote.

The DOJ referred to Blanche's statement, and the FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.




NEED TO KNOW

President Donald Trump is laying off hundreds of federal employees on Friday, July 11

According to the Associated Press, layoffs at the Trump State Department could total more than 1,300, though Fox News reports closer to 2,000

The number of State Department employees have "hobbled the department's ability to rapidly respond to emerging threats and crises," a senior official told Fox News





President Donald Trump's administration is set to fire more than 1,000 employees from the U.S. State Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Associated Press reported on Friday, July 11, that the department would be sending layoff notices to 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign officers with domestic assignments in the United States.

In connection with the departmental reorganization  the department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities, read a notice obtained by the AP. Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found from centralization or consolidation of functions and responsibilities.

According to the outlet, domestic employees are expected to be placed on a 60-day leave, after which they will officially lose their jobs. Foreign service workers will have 120 days before termination.

The same day, Fox News reported that the number of laid-off employees could instead be closer to 2,000

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The departments, bureaus, offices and domestic operations have grown considerably over the last 25 years, and the resulting proliferation of bureaus and offices with unclear, overlapping or duplicative mandates have hobbled the department's ability to rapidly respond to emerging threats and crises or to effectively advance America's affirmative interests in the world," a senior State Department official told the outlet.

The cutbacks continue the Trump administration's stated goal of "government efficiency." On July 8, the Supreme Court ruled to lift a federal judge's order pausing large-scale staffing cuts and government restructuring.



Andrew Harnik/Getty Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump share a laugh at a cabinet meeting on July 8, 2025 Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump share a laugh at a cabinet meeting on July 8, 2025

While Elon Musk departed as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on May 30, the Trump White House has continued to cut and consolidate federal jobs.

For example, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also currently the U.S. National Security Advisor, the acting administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the acting archivist of the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, the American Academy of Diplomacy warned the AP that the State Department layoffs could seriously undermine the ability of our government to understand, explain, and respond to a complex and increasingly contested world.



At a time when the United States faces unprecedented challenges from strategic competitors and adversaries, ongoing conflicts in Central Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and emerging security threats, the decision to gut the Department of States institutional knowledge and operational capacity is an act of vandalism, the organization said in a statement last week.



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.

Following Musk's departure from his White House role  and subsequent criticism of the Trump administration  the president has even threatened to use DOGE to get back at the tech billionaire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Elon may get more [subsidies] than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa," Trump told reporters on July 1. "No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE."

"DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn't that be terrible?" he mocked.

Read the original article on People
The personal and business backgrounds of several of the top buyers of the tokens, however, are widely known, including those of China-born investor Justin Sun, who with a $75 million investment was the previous biggest publicly known buyer, and Dubai-based market maker DWF Labs, whose managing partner is Andrei Grachev, a crypto entrepreneur from Russia.

The identities of nearly all of the million-dollar buyers of the World Liberty tokens, which go by $WLFI, are hidden behind anonymous digital wallets.

World Liberty and the Trump Organization did not respond to requests for comment.

President Trump is dedicated to making America the crypto capital of the world and revolutionizing our digital financial technology, Kelly said in an emailed statement. His assets are in a trust managed by his children, and there are no conflicts of interest.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told Reuters that while pursuing a pro-crypto agenda, the president has taken steps to insulate himself from his family's gains.

The Trumps have now earned around $500 million from World Liberty since the crypto platform was launched last fall, Reuters calculations show.

The Trump family receives three-quarters of all token proceeds from World Liberty, meaning the purchase by Aqua 1 will have injected tens of millions of dollars into their personal coffers.

It added: Aqua 1 is backed by a group of long-term, mission-aligned partners and led by Dave Lee and a global team with deep expertise in web3 and digital asset infrastructure. Aqua 1 did not respond to a detailed set of questions for this story.

Reuters could not find a way of contacting Lee directly. An Aqua 1 press release, which was published on Reuters.com as sponsored content, listed an email for a person named Dora Lee as a media contact. In response to a Reuters request, the company last month provided an unsigned statement, saying: At this stage, we are not disclosing additional information beyond what has been publicly shared.

A venture calling itself Aqua 1 Foundation and saying it is based in the United Arab Emirates announced in late June it had bought $100 million worth of World Libertys crypto tokens, becoming the largest publicly known investor in the business. Yet a review by Reuters of corporate registries, Aqua 1s digital profile and other public information reveal almost nothing about the source of its capital or the person it named as its founding partner, Dave Lee.

(Reuters) -Of all the riddles wrapped in the digital wallets sending funds to President Donald Trump s World Liberty Financial crypto business, a little-known entity last month became the biggest.

Story Continues

Representatives for DWF Labs, which in April announced the purchase of $25 million in World Liberty tokens, said the firm does not know Aqua 1 or Lee.

Abu Dhabis state-affiliated investment fund MGX, which chose World Libertys crypto stablecoin for its $2 billion investment in the Binance exchange, did not respond to a request for comment on Aqua 1, nor did Suns company Tron.

Aqua 1 had said in its June 26 announcement that World Liberty would also support its launch of a separate fund aimed at boosting the Middle Easts digital economy transformation. Aqua 1 said it would list the new fund in the Abu Dhabi Global Market financial centre. A day later, World Liberty said on social media that it was excited to continue to build the next generation of DeFi with Aqua 1 and Dave Lee.

Contacted by Reuters, the Abu Dhabi financial centre said by email: Aqua 1 is not registered, licensed, or affiliated with it in any capacity.

World Liberty and Trumps other crypto businesses are facing growing criticism from his U.S. political rivals and ethics experts over their potential for influence peddling. The potential for conflicts of interest that has accompanied Trumps crypto ventures as his administration shapes regulations on the sector have also drawn criticism.

In March, UAE officials committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment plan in the United States after meeting with Trump.

Richard Painter, a professor at University of Minnesotas law school and former chief ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush said the lack of transparency on investors in the Trump familys crypto business, such as Aqua 1, undermined public confidence in the government. Without more information, Painter said, everybody assumes the worst in terms of foreign actors trying to influence the White House.

"We ought to know who is sending money to the president, he said.

MINIMAL PROFILE

Aqua 1 describes itself on its website as a Web3-native fund based in UAE with a global outlook. Such funds invest in blockchain and crypto firms making products for a futuristic idea of a decentralized internet.

Crypto funds seeking to register in the UAE typically choose Abu Dhabi Global Market, the Dubai International Finance Centre or the UAEs Securities and Commodities Authority, said Zainab Kamran, a lawyer at NeosLegal who specializes in digital assets.

Registration typically takes between six and 12 months for crypto funds, with funds gravitating towards Abu Dhabi because of its well-developed crypto framework and focus on institutional finance, she said.

The bar is very high, in the UAE, Kamran said.

Reuters could not confirm under which authority, if any, Aqua 1 had registered.

A spokeswoman for the regulator of the Dubai International Finance Centre directed Reuters to its public register. The news agency could not identify any entity by the name of Aqua 1 or Aqua 1 Foundation, or anyone by the name of Dave Lee.

That was also the case at the register of Dubais crypto regulator, VARA, a spokesman for which said it has not engaged with Aqua 1 or Mr. Dave Lee.

Aqua 1 or Aqua 1 Foundation do not appear in the register of UAE Securities and Commodities Authority-licensed companies, either. The authority did not respond to a request for comment.

Aqua 1s website was created in May, a month before it announced its investment, according to two web domain trackers, with the names of its registrants redacted. The website contains no information on Aqua 1s leadership or financial backers.

Scant public information exists about Lee.

An X account in his name, registered in 2023, has made only a handful of posts, starting with an announcement of the World Liberty deal. The account calls Lee an investor and dreamer, with a profile picture that features a manga-style portrait of a young man in a bow tie, along with Brazilian, Chinese and U.S. flags. It cites as his locations Sao Paulo, New York, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi.

Aqua 1s prior crypto trades suggest a thin investment record.

Data from crypto tracker Arkham shows the only large outgoing trades from a wallet tagged aqua1.eth were two transfers totaling $80 million to World Liberty in early June. It had also made transfers of $9 million in March and $3 million in April, both to anonymous crypto wallets. Between March and June, it received about $90 million from an account at the OKX crypto exchange.

Aqua 1s assets under management total $100 million, according to a profile on the Medium social publishing platform, suggesting that the World Liberty deal is its only current investment.

(Reporting by Tom Wilson, Lawrence Delevingne and David Gauthier-VillarsAdditional reporting by Federico Maccioni in DubaiEditing by Tom Lasseter and Michael Learmonth)
The US pushed five West African countries whose leaders were invited to a special summit in Washington this week to accept migrants deported from America, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal were each sent requests ahead of their leaders meeting US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, in a move underscoring the overlap between the administrations aggressive deportation campaign and its foreign policy, the Journal wrote. Its unclear whether any of the countries have agreed to the proposal.

Washington has ramped up its unorthodox deportation demands in recent weeks, asking many African countries to accept deportees from other nations. This week Nigeria said it was not in any position to accept Venezuelan deportees despite pressure from the US administration, which appears to be tying the demands to visa restrictions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps summit marked his first multilateral diplomatic foray with the continent and the invitees stood out for their countries being rich in highly sought-after critical minerals. The gathering also reflected a broader strategic ambition to reassert Washingtons power in a region where China and Russia have surged ahead in influence, noted the Brookings Institution think tank.
President Donald Trump has come under fire this week for commending Liberian President Joseph Boakai for speaking such good English  remarks experts say were utterly condescending and spoke volumes.

During a Wednesday meeting at the White House, where Trump hosted five West African leaders, the U.S. president appeared visibly surprised at one point as he marveled at the way Boakai spoke. Trump smiled at the Liberian president while he inquired about where he learned to speak so beautifully.

Where were you educated? Where? Trump asked Boakai.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yes sir, Boakai responded.

In Liberia? Trump asked

Yes sir, Boakai said.

Well, thats very interesting, Trump responded. Its beautiful English.

While there are a number of indigenous languages, and varieties of English, spoken in Liberia, English is the official language of the West African nation  which has deep historical ties with the U.S. Liberia was founded after formerly enslaved Black Americans, and those who were born free, relocated to the area as part of an effort to relocate and resettle African Americans.

Trump was widely slammed and mocked online for his tone and his apparent shock that Boakai spoke English  and as Trump said, so beautifully. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) criticized the president on X, saying, Trump never misses an opportunity to be racist and wrong, and every day he finds a new way to be embarrassing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asking the President of Liberia where he learned English when its literally the official language is peak ignorance, she continued, Im pretty sure being blatantly offensive is not how you go about conducting diplomacy.

LaGarrett King, professor of social studies education at the University at Buffalo, told HuffPost that one of the main words that came to him after watching the exchange between Trump and Boakai was condescending.

King, who is also the director of the universitys Center for K12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education, said Trumps remarks to Boakai were on the same plane as a common condescending phrase often leveled at Black people: Youre so articulate.

King said that oftentimes when someone says youre so articulate to a Black person, they are not recognizing that persons humanity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He also emphasized the gravity of Trumps remarks in the presence of a fellow world leader.

It sounded very condescending to a fellow peer, he said. Theyre peers. Theyre leaders of countries.

President Donald Trump photographed hosting a meeting with West African leaders at the White House on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Washington. via Associated Press

In general, pointing out that a Black person speaks well or is articulate often has negative implications.

Quito J. Swan, professor of History and Africana Studies at The George Washington University, said that when watching the exchange between Trump and Boakai, he thought about the unfortunately familiar rhetoric in public discourse surrounding Africa and Black people being articulate.

The implication is that Black people arent usually articulate or smart, he told HuffPost, before adding that that exchange was standard Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Swan said that it was par for the course for Trump to speak that way to Boakai, considering Trumps rhetoric about other African nations and that he infamously described Haiti and other African nations as shithole countries.

Shaun Harper, a professor of education, business, and public policy at the University of Southern California, told HuffPost that Trumps remarks to Boakai were an embarrassing example of an annoyingly common racial microaggression gone global.

Trump did to Boakai what many white colleagues do to Black Americans in workplaces, he said. The U.S. equivalent of this usually occurs in the form of telling Black professionals that we are so articulate, with an insultingly surprising tone that strongly suggests that people like us usually arent articulate speakers.

Trumps inquiry about Boakais educational background spoke volumes.

King said that one can infer from Trumps questions about Boakais educational background that the U.S. president didnt account for these countries having very solid academic institutions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said that Trump appeared surprised that Boakai mentioned he was educated in Liberia, perhaps revealing that Trump had assumed Boakai attended schools in a Western nation.

Swan said that Trump showed a lack of knowledge about Liberia and its history, as well as a lack of knowledge about Black people in the U.S.

Liberia is huge for African Americans, he said, adding: From the 19th century return movements, this quest, this longing to return to Africa  both physically and conceptually... its huge for return movements in general.

Swan said that Trumps questions about Boakais educational background were troubling because they were an attack on the continents rich history in education.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When we think about Africa, we should also think about Africa as a very storied site of intellectualism, he said, adding, We should think about education when we think of Africa.

Swan said that Trump showed he was seemingly unaware that English is the official language in Liberia, and that his remarks implied that someone wouldve had to leave Africa to go somewhere to learn how to speak proper English  which is a loaded trope in and of itself, he said.

Kula Fofana, a spokesperson for Boakais office, told the Associated Press after Wednesdays meeting that its a good thing that President Trump is commending our President for his way of speaking.

But many viewers didnt feel Trumps remarks were such a good thing. Many people online felt his comments were condescending and inexcusable. And Swan told HuffPost that he personally knows several Liberians, and other people of African heritage, who were very much offended.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

King said that he believes people watching the exchange are also, overall, frustrated that Trump gets away with things that other presidents could not get away with.

And there is that, you know, kind of a flow of whiteness and power dynamics that are at play in this particular conversation, he said. So people kind of relate that to their own lives.

Related...
One week after disastrous Texas floods claimed the lives of at least 120, with even more missing, officials debate what might have been done to mitigate the tragedy.

Amid high tensions in the political sphere, some former and current officials suggest the federal response could have been more effective were it not for changes made by the Trump administration.

Here's what officials are saying.

People are also reading: President Trump to visit Texas on Friday amid Kerrville flooding disaster: See schedule

Did Trump's cuts affect FEMA's Texas response?

A veteran official from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), who chose to remain anonymous, shared concerns for the disaster season with The Washington Post two days before the deadly Texas floods. The official said a primary concern "was the agency's ability to quickly deploy specialized search and rescue teams. The Trump administration's new rules mean disaster specialists can no longer 'make decisions' on their own."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last month, a federal directive was issued to require Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem "to approve every purchase, contract and grant over $100,000," a dozen current and former FEMA employees told The Washington Post. The action was intended to cut spending; however, some argue that it created bureaucratic obstacles for the agency to access funds in situations where response time was critical.

FEMA officials also told CNN that the $100,000 threshold was "pennies" compared to the billions the agency typically spends on disaster response. Without the autonomy to approve such costs within the agency, employees are unsure of their responsibilities.

"We were operating under a clear set of guidance: lean forward, be prepared, anticipate what the state needs, and be ready to deliver it," a longtime FEMA official told CNN. "That is not as clear of an intent for us at the moment."

The barriers to funding limited how FEMA could collaborate with companies that provide disaster response services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a situation like the flooding in Central Texas, the agency would have strategically placed Urban Search and Rescue teams at key points near the disaster zone to ensure rapid response. But multiple sources told CNN that Noem didn't approve the deployment of those teams until Monday  days after parts of the state were first overwhelmed by floods.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin has defended Noem's alleged delayed authorization, saying that the department had first relied on other DHS search and rescue resources. It was only later, when FEMA assets were needed, that Noem gave the approval.

"FEMA is shifting from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens," McLaughlin told CNN in a statement. "The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades."

President Donald Trump spoke about the deadly Texas flooding with reporters on Sunday, after issuing a disaster declaration for Kerr County. He was asked about his plans to phase out FEMA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"FEMA is something we can talk about later," Trump told reporters. "But right now theyre busy working so well leave it at that."

More Texas counties to receive FEMA aid

On the morning of July 11, Trump added Travis, Williamson and Burnet counties  among others  to a presidential disaster declaration. These counties will join Kerr County in being eligible to receive aid from FEMA.

 The Washington Post and CNN contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Trump policies delayed FEMA's response to Texas floods, officials say
U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg will arrive in Kyiv on July 14 for a week-long visit, he told a Novyny Live journalist at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.

The U.S. envoy did not disclose further details about his upcoming trip. Kellogg previously visited Kyiv in February, a month after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The announcement comes amid speculation that Trump plans to use presidential authority to greenlight a new military aid package for Ukraine. This would mark the first time he has taken this step since taking office, as the Trump administration so far only permitted the continued flow of arms approved by former President Joe Biden.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Only a week earlier, Kyiv and its European partners were alarmed by an unexpected decision by the Pentagon to pause some Ukraine-bound weapons shipments, including Patriot air defense missiles and precision munitions, pending a stockpile review.

The halt came at a critical moment as Russia has intensified aerial strikes across Ukraine, launching a record 741 drones and missiles on July 9.

Trump said he was unaware of who initiated the pause and has since ordered to resume at least some of the shipments, pledging to provide Ukraine with additional defensive weapons.

The U.S. president also teased a "major statement" on Russia on July 14 and presented plans to supply arms to Ukraine with NATO funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump has long been reluctant to approve new defense assistance for Ukraine, aiming instead to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. Despite two rounds of Russian-Ukrainian peace talks in May and June, no breakthrough toward a peace settlement was reached.

Kellogg previously met with President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of the Recovery Conference on July 9 for what the Ukrainian president described as "substantive" talks focused on weapons supplies and sanctions.

Zelensky said both he and Kellogg support efforts by U.S. senators to pass legislation imposing harsher sanctions on Russia and 500% tariffs on imports from countries that purchase Russian oil.

Kellogg also took part in a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing the following day, the first time a U.S. official attended the European-led effort.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The coalition, spearheaded by France and the U.K., was launched earlier this year to provide security guarantees to Kyiv in the face of Russian aggression, including possibly deploying peacekeeping troops on the ground.

Read also: Trump promises major statement on Russia, reveals new NATO weapons deal for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for Ukraine, has announced plans to visit Ukraine.

Source: Kellogg confirmed the trip in a comment to Novosti.LIVE, as reported by European Pravda

Details: He stated that he will arrive in Kyiv on Monday 14 June and the visit will last one week.

Quote: "We will be in Kyiv Monday, well be there the whole week."

Background:

On Thursday 10 July, US representatives including President Trumps envoy General Keith Kellogg, as well as Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, joined a meeting of the coalition of the willing for the first time.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the participation of US representatives in the meeting of the coalition of the willing as a crucial signal indicating the Trump administrations support for Ukraine.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
By James Oliphant and Helen Coster

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -In the days since flash flooding killed at least 120 people in Texas, President Donald Trump has pledged unwavering support for the deep-red state, lauding Republican Governor Greg Abbott and other local officials for their "incredible" response to the July 4 disaster.

That praise, which Trump is likely to repeat during his visit to the flood-ravaged Texas Hill Country on Friday, is a far cry from Trump's harsh criticism of elected Democrats in California when wildfires devastated Los Angeles in January.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the fires were burning, he accused Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of gross incompetence. Months later, left-leaning California is seeking more federal dollars to help recover from the catastrophe.

The Republican-led Congress has yet to release $40 billion in federal disaster recovery aid that Newsom requested in February. That said, the Trump administration has given disaster survivors more than $2 billion in FEMA grants and federal loan assistance and paid $2 billion for debris clearance.

During his time as president, as well as when he was a candidate, Trump has cast disaster response in us-versus-them terms more often than any other president in recent times, highlighting his allies' efforts while criticizing opponents, experts say.

Trump is unusually political, said Claire Rubin, an independent researcher and consultant in emergency management. The contrast in treatment in California and Texas might be the most glaring example of how these events are politicized."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In response to such criticism, the White House said Trump treats all states the same regardless of political leanings.

President Trump has led historic disaster recovery efforts in both California and North Carolina  hes doing the same in Texas," said White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson. "Any claim that the president is giving certain states preferential treatment is not only wrong, its idiotic and misinformed."

After torrential rains on Friday, floodwaters in the Texas Hill Country have killed at least 120 people, including 36 children in Kerr County, while 170 people are missing.

The Trump administration has rushed to help, while rebuffing suggestions that budget cuts to the national weather warning system and the Federal Emergency Management Agency may have made a bad situation worse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When the Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, called for an investigation into whether staffing levels at the National Weather Service played a role in the disaster, the White House accused Democrats of politicizing the tragedy. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said assigning any blame to Trump would be "depraved."

"The response has been incredible, Trump said at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. And the fact that we got along so well. I don't even think that's a political thing, but we got along so well and it was so unified."

Trump has not always sought unity.

In January, he called Californias Democratic officials incompetent pols who have no idea how to put out the fires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Local officials disputed Trump's claims that Newsom refused to provide water from the northern part of the state to fight the fires. Some hydrants in the Los Angeles area ran dry during the wildfires, but local officials said that was because they were not designed to deal with such a massive disaster.

TEXAS TO GET 'ANYTHING' IT NEEDS

Days after the flood, Trump signed a disaster aid declaration for the state. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said Trump told him in a phone call that his state would get anything it needs. It is too early to know how much federal assistance will eventually go to Texas.

In September, when Hurricane Helene battered the U.S. Southeast  including the political battleground states of North Carolina and Georgia  Trump was weeks away from facing Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in what polls were showing to be a close election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During a visit to storm-damaged Valdosta, Georgia  a state led by Republican Governor Brian Kemp  Trump suggested that Democratic President Joe Biden had been unresponsive to the hurricane's destruction, saying that Kemp was having a hard time getting Biden on the phone.

Kemp told reporters that Biden had called him the evening before and the governor said he was grateful for the federal assistance Biden had offered.

While Trump was effusive in his praise for Kemp, he claimed the Biden administrations response to the disaster had been terrible. Trump also alleged that federal relief money was being used to house migrants living in the U.S. illegally. He also accused North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, of blocking relief money to the Republican areas of the state.

While Trump made those remarks in the heat of a presidential campaign, he was similarly hostile toward the government of Democratic-leaning Puerto Rico after a hurricane in 2017 wiped out power on the island and killed nearly 3,000 people. Trump, who was then in his first term as president, repeatedly clashed with local officials, blaming them for the slow recovery and claiming they were overly reliant on federal aid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They want everything to be done for them when it should be a community effort, Trump said at the time.

Trumps conduct stands in contrast with that of former presidents, said North Carolina State University political scientist Thomas Birkland. Barack Obama, a Democrat, famously toured the damage from Super Storm Sandy in 2012 alongside Republican Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey. Christie praised Obamas handling of the disaster, which earned him scorn from his fellow Republicans.

Daniel Aldrich, who studies disasters and their aftermath at Northeastern University, said establishing trust between disaster victims and the government is key to recovery. Criticism and misinformation, he said, undermine that trust, and could result in victims spurning government aid or a drop in private donations to relief groups.

Trust is the engine of mitigation and trust is the engine of recovery, Aldrich said. Every time a sitting president or governor or mayor undermines trust in each other or in the government, we are damaging the nations ability to be resilient.

(Reporting by James Oliphant in Washington and Helen Coster in New York; Editing by Frank McGurty and Diane Craft)
HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2)  Its a relationship thats sparked protests in other cities  and now a growing concern in Hawaiis counties.

Community members, like those speaking before the Hawaii County Police Commission on July 10, are sounding the alarm over fears of an agreement between Hawaii Countys police departments and federal immigration agencies, specifically ICE and Homeland Security Investigations.

ICE raids: What are your rights when approached by an immigration officer?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is not a matter of immigration policy, its a matter of civil rights, community trust and public safety, said Christina Holt, a testifier at the commission meeting.

The concern has prompted the ACLU to request public records of all county police departments that may show any collaboration agreements.

We wanted to make sure that we have the correct information before we decide what steps to take, said Emily Hills, ACLU attorney.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The concerns have grown in the aftermath of the passage of President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill that increases funding for immigration enforcement. But the Special Agent in Charge with Hawaiis Homeland Security Investigations office says increased funding does not mean making more immigration arrests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If anything, it gives us more resources to be able to conduct the investigations that homeland security investigation traditionally enforces, which is anything having to do with drugs, counter proliferation, child pornography, human trafficking. We enforce over 400 federal laws, said Lucy Cabral-DeArmas, HSI Special Agent in Charge.

Cabral-DeArmas says there is no agreement nor would they ask for police involvement beyond basic protection.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Well ask for law enforcement to provide us uniform officers just to stand by to make sure that while were executing the search warrant, then nobody comes in behind us, Cabral-DeArmas said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the ACLU is just one agency who is advocating for clear guidelines on cooperation going forward.

Studies have shown that police collaboration actually decreases community safety because people are afraid to come forward if people think that they or their family members or their neighbors could be reported to immigration, Hills said.

While the issue remains politically charged, Hawaiis HSI says it continues their operations as it has done, even before the bill was passed.

So I want to make sure that the public understands that were here to ensure the safety of our citizens, Cabral-DeArmas said.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Department of Homeland Security announced on June 8 that travelers will no longer be required to remove their shoes when going through domestic airport security.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in the news release that the new policy will take effect immediately nationwide.

Ending the Shoes-Off policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nations airports, Noem wrote. We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Noem said that, because of the improvements in security technology, DHS feels confident that this change will not impact security standards.

Passengers will still be required to undergo identity verification, flight vetting, and other security measures, according to the statement.

Participating in security screenings without shoes became a requirement for passengers in 2006, five years after so-called shoe bomber Richard Reid failed to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in 2001.

A spokesperson for Dallas Love-Field Airport said in an email to the Star-Telegram that the TSA still reserves the right to request that a passengers shoes be removed, and passengers may undergo additional screening measures if there are extenuating concerns.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DFW international Airport did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.

 More trending stories from our newsroom:

How H-E-B is helping Kerrville

How to help Central TX flood victims

Where is 'Landman' filming this week?

How will this change affect TSA PreCheck?

A TSA spokesperson told the Star-Telegram that TSA PreCheck still offers a very streamlined and convenient airport experience.

You still have the ability to keep your belt on, keep a light jacket on. At some airports, standard screening passengers still have to remove laptops and other electronics out of their carry-on bag.

He stated that 98 percent of TSA PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less in security screening lanes.

What can people traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth airports expect?

Most people can expect a similar experience when traveling through airports, except for military members and their families, who are entitled to additional benefits when traveling through U.S. airports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

TSA announced its Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease, which allows uniformed military members or those with a military ID and their families to go to the front of the line and expedited access lines at 10 select airports. Service members will also be eligible for TSA PreCheck discounts.

The 10 airports that will have lines for services members and their families on crowded days are: Anchorage, Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Colorado Springs, El Paso, Nashville and San Diego.

The TSA spokesperson said this is part of President Donald Trumps Golden Age of America campaign, which the administration is implementing to make travel easier across the country, and more changes can be expected in the future.
NIAGARA FALLS, NY (WIVB)  For over two months, travelers have needed to bring a real ID or other compliant identification to board a flight. Now, the Niagara County Clerk is getting the word out about an issue with enhanced CDL licenses.

Its throughout the country, if you have a enhanced real ID drivers license, CDL, thats the license theyre having issues with, said Niagara County Clerk Joseph Jastrzemski. When you have that license, what they do is they put it into a scanner and its having difficulty reading that its a real ID compliant drivers license.

In a statement, the New York State DMV Office said an update to the scanners is expected to be made later this month. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) believes the update will fix the problem, they said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

TSA remains committed to adapting our technologies and procedures to support secure and efficient screening for all passengers, a TSA spokesperson said.

According to TSA, multiple layers of verification for multiple types of IDs are in place.

Though it is not a requirement, Jastrzemski encourages anyone with a enhanced CDL license to bring extra documentation with them to the airport.

We encourage them to bring some extra ID with them  the one gentleman I know he had a pistol permit ID that he showed along with his social security card, he said. The more proof that you have, the more proof that an individual has, the better it will be and the smoother it will go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He recommends anyone who doesnt have a real ID compliant identification to take some time and get a Real ID, enhanced drivers license and/or a passport.

To make an appointment with the Niagara County Clerks office visit their website here. To find out what is Real ID compliant, visit TSAs website here.

Latest Local News

Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
When Israel launched its attacks on Iran last month, Turkey, like several other regional actors, swiftly condemned the strikes as a violation of international law. Ankara had ample reasons to be concerned about the consequences of escalation between Israel and Iran, including surging oil prices amid domestic economic hardship, the potential for a new wave of migration and the risk of an emboldened Kurdish insurgency, at a time when the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is cautiously pursuing a peace deal with the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. When the U.S. launched its own airstrikes against Irans nuclear facilities, the strategic difficulty of navigating a direct confrontation between the U.S. and Iran became an additional cause for alarm.

Yet, the immediate security and economic risks of an Israel-Iran war were not the only worries, and as a result, Ankara continues to have concerns even though the danger of escalation seems to have subsided for now. In particular, Turkey views the Israeli airstrikes not as an isolated event but instead as part of Israels broader strategy to reshape the regional order in the wake of Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Speaking en route to last months NATO Summit, Erdogan described Israels conduct since then as reckless, accusing it of pursuing a strategy of destabilization in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and now Iran. That view resonates across much of Turkeys political spectrum.

In Ankaras reading, the rapidly changing regional dynamics seem to be inexorably leading to three outcomes it finds undesirable: the normalization of the principle of might makes right, Israels ascent to regional domination and the apparent end of multipolarity in the Middle East. Accordingly, in response to recent developments, Turkey has rhetorically emphasized diplomacy over military power, while ramping up its defense industry investments, strengthening cooperation with Arab statesparticularly Saudi Arabiaand courting the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Hard Power Over Soft Power

To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When the U.S. conducted airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear sites nine days into the Israel-Iran conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu celebrated the attack as a display of peace through strength. Israels own airstrikes against Irans key nuclear and military facilities, as well as its senior military leaders and nuclear scientists, had followed the end of Trumps 60-day deadline for Tehran to reach a negotiated agreement with the U.S. over its nuclear program. Whether or not the Israeli decision was directly coordinated with Washington, the Israeli and U.S. attacksand Netanyahus rhetoric in praising Trump for carrying out the latterunderscores a troubling dynamic: the resurgence of war, or its credible threat, as a primary tool for resolving regional disputes and pursuing national interests in todays Middle East.

For all its concern over Israels embrace of this approach, Turkey understands it all too well, as illustrated by its military incursions into northern Syria to hinder Kurdish autonomy under the rule of the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, which Ankara considers to be a PKK affiliate. Its veiled threats against Greece over Athens alleged unlawful militarization of Aegean islands as well as Turkeys brinkmanship in the Eastern Mediterranean more generally can also be seen in this light.

Indeed, Turkeys own adherence to international law is often selective. In situations where diplomatic avenues are limited or perceived as ineffective, Ankara tends to view the deployment of military power as not just legitimate but necessary, even if it might not be legal. This is especially the case while confronting nonstate actors or weak and fragmented states. Seen in this light, Ankaras emphasis on diplomacy and its efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas as well as Israel and Iran are tactical responses to navigate a region where interstate war has now returned and a nuclear arms race is considered a real possibility.

Israels Rise to Regional Domination

Turkey sees Israels growing military and intelligence dominance as a challenge to its own aspirations for regional influence. It has therefore signaled its determination to narrow this capability gap, by measures including Erdogans recent announcement of plans to boost domestic production of medium- and long-range missiles; cybersecurity legislation introduced in March 2025 that was first mentioned by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan shortly after Israels explosive pager attack on Hezbollah in September 2024; and the development of Turkeys own Steel Dome air defense system, inspired by Israels Iron Dome.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alongside these efforts, Turkish leadership has been seeking a way back into the U.S.-led F-35 program, from which it was excluded in 2019 due its purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile system. Ankara has also expressed interest in purchasing up to 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. In the meantime, Turkey continues to develop its own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet known as KAAN, a project it began in 2016, although it has had problems acquiring engines.

These initiatives to develop an indigenous defense industrial base serve an important domestic purpose, as techno-nationalism has become a key source of legitimacy for Turkeys ruling elites in recent years. As the Turkish economy struggles and popular support for the ruling coalition wanes, the focus on defense and technological self-sufficiency helps to galvanize nationalist sentiment.

But Turkeys anxieties go beyond domestic politics. Ankara feels threatened by Israels efforts to entrench a regional security order at its own expense, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. Tensions have surfaced over Syria, where Israeli strikes have targeted sites that Turkey reportedly eyed for troop deployments as part of its postwar security architecture. Though they once enjoyed close economic, defense and security ties, Israel now views Turkey not just as an unreliable partner, but as a malignant actor due to Ankaras support for Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. For its part, Turkey continues to strengthen cooperation with the Arab and Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, as it recalibrates its foreign policy priorities amid the weakening of Iran and the continued lack of a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A Post-American Regional Order?

At the same time, Ankara is also frustrated by what it perceives as Israels near-total impunity, backed by what Erdogan has characterized as unwavering Western support, both military and diplomatic. The fact that Washington has now acted militarily in defense of Israeli interests with its air strikes on Iran is also likely a source of jealousy, if not begrudging admiration, in Ankara. Turkish policymakers often lament that they cannot depend on a similar level of U.S. support for Turkeys own security priorities, from Washingtons backing of the SDF in Syria and its deepening defense ties with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, to U.S. sanctions and arms embargoes against Turkey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As its relations with the U.S. have deteriorated over the past decade, Turkey has pursued closer ties with Russia and Iran, leveraging the strategic space created by a perception of Western retrenchment. In that time, anti-Westernism, and particularly anti-Americanism, has become a central pillar of Turkeys domestic and foreign policy discourse.

Yet, the gradual weakening of Iran since Oct. 7, as well as Russias preoccupation with the war in Ukraine, have led Ankara to quietly recalibrate its approach. Even before the most recent escalation between Israel and Iran, Turkey had already begun signaling its willingness to mend fences with Washington, essentially out of economic necessity, but also due to technology gaps in its defense industry and a need to break its regional isolation. Despite the absence of a geopolitical reset in bilateral relations since Trumps return to the White House, Ankara could well be justified in assuming that Trumps second term offers the opportunity to turn a new page.

In a recent interview with Anadolu Agency, the state-run Turkish news agency, Tom Barrackthe U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Trumps special envoy to Syrianoted that Washington and Ankara are committed for what he called the first time to be partners not only in defence, but also in offence. Barrack characterized Turkey as a key in the new road that needs to be built across the region after the most recent escalation between Iran and Israel. Doing so, he continued, would require a ceasefire in Gaza, a return to the Abraham Accordsideally to also include Syriaand a thaw in Israeli-Turkish relations by resolving what he called a misunderstanding of territorial desires.

While Ankaras attempts to reset relations with Washington may be tentative and transactional, they reflect a broader recognition that the post-American moment many regional observers have long anticipated may not materializeat least not yet. Turkeys relatively muted response to the U.S. strikes on Irans nuclear facilities underscores the realization that Ankaras aspirations for regional influence, at a time of intensified rivalry with Israel, require Washingtons backing in Syria and elsewhere.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All of these factors will drive Turkeys decision-making as it seeks to navigate the new and still shifting landscape of the Middle East.

Sinem Adar is an associate at the Center for Applied Turkey Studies at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. She works on Turkeys political transformation and its entanglements with Turkish foreign and security policy.

The post For Turkey, the New Middle East Is Cause for Concern appeared first on World Politics Review.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala (WIAT)  Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue is helping with search and rescue operations in Kerr County, Texas.

A specialized group of Tuscaloosas first responders were activated Thursday afternoon. The Urban Search and Rescue team, specifically trained for swift water rescue, will work alongside Alabama Task Force One to find those still unaccounted for after the flood.

The City of Tuscaloosa is blessed and honored to be given this opportunity to help the Texas community on their worst day, TFR Chief Mark Delk said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A group of 14 first responders are leaving home with the goal of helping other men, women and children find their families.

Weve seen some similar devastation, TFR Captain Hollis Baughn.

In April of 2011, a tornado ripped through the City of Tuscaloosa. Homes were destroyed and lives were lost.

But even April 27 doesnt compare with what were going to see in Texas, Baughn said.

The Urban Search and Rescue Teams 15-day operation began the moment they were deployed. The team was put on standby Monday and were ready to leave in a moments notice.

The city took four responsive vehicles: two side-by-side UTVs and two swift water boats. Trucks were filled with life vests, radios, medical supplies, water and all other necessary equipment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were searching where the flood came through, but theres also the river that still goes through there, so were prepared for any incident, Baughn said.

Physically, the team is prepared for anything. However, these men will soon find themselves in conditions far worse than what photos can describe.

Theres no way you can prepare yourself for any tragedy of this magnitude, Baughn said.

The team left at 3:00 p.m., and had at least a14 hour drive ahead of them. Their deployment should only be two weeks, but they are ready to be there as long as necessary.

They are a highly trained, and we wouldnt be sending them out of town if we didnt believe in them, Delk said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Texas flood swept through Kerr County less than a week ago. As of Thursday, 120 people were killed, and more than 170 Texans were still missing according to the Associated Press.

One of the victims is 8-year-old Sarah Marsh from Mountain Brook. A couple from Mobile is still unaccounted for. While the team can resonate with those families, they also resonate with Texas.

This is one thing that hits home for a lot of our guys who were involved in the tornado that came through here, so it is personal for us, Delk said.

Its also personal for the city as a whole.

When this process began, I talked with Mayor Maddox to let him know we were going to be potentially called upon, and without hesitation, his response was, They came to help us in our time of need, lets go to help them, Delk said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Crews were called to a fire on Upton Street in Springfield on Friday.

Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte told 22News that crews were called at around 11:30 a.m. to 41 Upton Street. Two adults, one child, and one dog were able to escape without injury.

Springfields Italian feast returns after 20 years

(Springfield Fire Department) (Springfield Fire Department) (Springfield Fire Department)

The fire was contained to the roof, and the cause has not yet been determined.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR)  The Norman Police Department has arrested two people in connection with a fatal shooting that happened late Tuesday night.

According to officials, officers responded to a reported shooting near a pool at an apartment complex near 12th Avenue SE and Campus Crest Drive at around 11:26 p.m. Tuesday.

Once officers arrived at the scene, officers found a 22-year-old male with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities said that after an investigation, officers learned that a fight between several individuals had happened near the pool area, and during the fight, the suspect, a 16-year-old male, pulled out a gun and shot the victim before fleeing the area.

Two dead after collision with school bus in Norman

Following the help of witnesses, officers were able to quickly identify and find the individuals who were involved.

The 16-year-old was arrested on first-degree murder and possession of a firearm after adjudication. Officers also arrested 22-year-old Kaydron Hutchins for accessory after commission of felony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both individuals were booked into the Cleveland County Detention Center.

The Norman Police Department asks that anyone who has information about the incident, and has not yet spoken with investigators, contact the department at 405-321-1444.

Those who want to remain anonymous can contact Norman Crime Stoppers by calling 405-366-7867.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  The Henderson County Sheriffs Office reported that two were charged in connection to a tire fraud scheme in Hendersonville.

Authorities said they received a report after employees at FleetPro Tire Center observed suspicious transactions from two individuals.

Following an investigation, detectives determined the suspects were attempting to obtain multiple sets of tires over an extended period through fraudulent means, resulting in significant financial loss to the business.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Arrest warrants stated the two obtained over 16 Nitto Tires during the scheme. A singular Nitto tire can cost between $200-$400. Warrants also claim that the transactions were done through stolen credit cards.

The suspects were identified as 42-year-old Sergio Gonzales Zarate of Hickory, and 27-year-old Noe Adalid Carrillo-Ayala of Gastonia. Both have been charged with one count of obtaining property by false pretense, and are currently in custody under a $10,000 bond.

This remains an active investigation by the Henderson County Sheriffs Office.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
TABIONA, Utah (ABC4)  Two boys in Duchesne County were airlifted to a hospital in Salt Lake City after they were thrown from the back of a pickup truck on Thursday evening.

The Duchesne County Sheriffs Office said the two boys, ages 9 and 6, were riding on the tailgate of the truck, driven by a 19-year-old family member. The three boys were reportedly on their way to change water wheel lines when the truck hit a bump in the road near 4000 North and Tabby Lane near Tabiona.

Both the 9-year-old and 6-year-old fell off the truck and sustained serious injuries. Duchesne County Sheriffs Office said emergency services immediately responded to the scene and called two medical helicopters due to the severity of the boys injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both children were flown to Primary Childrens Hospital, where they are reportedly receiving advanced medical care. It is currently unclear exactly what injuries the boys suffered.

This is a heartbreaking incident, said Sheriff Travis Tucker in a media release. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this incredibly difficult time.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the Sheriffs Office.

Latest headlines:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
About a month before a shooting injured three people at a downtown St. Paul pool party, the suspect and one of the victims had been in a physical fight, according to attempted murder charges filed this week.

The triple shooting happened about 11:45 p.m. June 20. Officers responded to the rooftop pool at Kellogg Square apartments at Kellogg Boulevard and Robert Street.

One of the men charged in connection to the case was also accused this week in a shooting on June 1 at Minneapolis Boom Island that killed a woman and injured five other people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the St. Paul case, surveillance video showed two men arrived to the party wearing masks and purple latex gloves.

The 23-year-old man whod been in the previous fight confronted the two masked men, according to the criminal complaints. He punched a man wearing a brown hoodie, causing him to stumble backward. The man in the hoodie pulled out a gun, and the 23-year-old also pulled what appeared to be a firearm.

The man in the brown hoodie fired his gun toward the 23-year-old and two other people, the complaints said. The 23-year-old did not appear to fire.

Another man, later identified as Marquez Demar Hill-Turnipseed, ran toward the confrontation while reaching into his hoodie. He pulled out a gun and fired several shots toward the masked men, the complaints said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 23-year-old later arrived at Regions Hospital with a gunshot wound to his knee. Police found that mans twin brother at the apartment building with a gunshot wound that entered his upper pelvis area and a 16-year-old whod been shot in the ankle. They were both taken to the hospital by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.

Police located nine spent casings in the area where the man in the hoodie fired, and three spent casings in the area from where Hill-Turnipseed fired, the complaints said.

Video surveillance

Surveillance footage showed the masked men were dropped off near the building around 11:40 p.m. by what appeared to be a ride-share vehicle. Through investigation, police determined the ride was booked by an Uber account belonging to Tyson Bands and the phone number belonged to 19-year-old Tyson Joseph Volk, the complaints said.

Police carried out a search warrant on the phone of the 23-year-old who initially confronted the men and it showed he and Volk in a fight about a month before the shootings, the complaints said. In the video, the man yelled at Volk, You told me I better have a gun when you see me, the complaints said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 23-year-old also had two phone numbers for Volk in his phone.

Police arrested Volk, of St. Paul, Friday morning and arrested Hill-Turnipseed, 23, also of St. Paul, last week in Chicago. It wasnt clear Friday whether either man is represented by an attorney.

The Ramsey County Attorneys Office charged Volk with three counts of attempted intentional second-degree murder, not premediated, and three counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

Hill-Turnipseed is charged with possession of a firearm by a person who was ineligible due to a conviction of a crime of violence.

Other cases

Related Articles

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Hennepin County Attorneys Office charged Hill-Turnipseed on Wednesday with aiding and abetting murder and other counts in the Boom Island shooting, in which 23-year-old Stageina Whiting was killed.

Hill-Turnipseed isnt eligible to possess a gun because he is on federal supervision for illegal possession of a machine gun in a 2023 federal case. He also was convicted in Hennepin County of possession of a machine gun.

In a separate and ongoing court case, Volk has been out on bond since February 2024. The Ramsey County Attorneys Office charged him with aiding and abetting first-degree aggravated robbery of a man, now 20, who said he went to Weida Park in St. Paul to smoke marijuana with two acquaintances when he was hit with a handgun and robbed.
SPRINGFIELD  After a two-decade hiatus, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Feast is returning this Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a Italian food, such as sausage and peppers, fried dough, a bar, vendors, games and rides. The two-day festival is sponsored by the Springfield Sons and Daughters of Italy.

Saturdays events run from 2 to 11 p.m., and Sunday goes from 2 to 10 p.m.

Saturdays music includes Alex Rohan, Cottonwood, Nino and Lady V, and Luciano Russo. Sundays music features Anthony, the Bambino Band, Sarah the Fiddler and more from Russo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There will be a Sunday Mass at 10:30, followed with a procession with the Our Lady statue.

An old favorite  a greased pole contest  occurs at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The events will take place on Winthrop Street in the South End. Learn more at springfielditalians.org.

Read the original article on MassLive.
Update at 3:45 p.m.

COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  The Coles County Coroner has identified the two men that died in a pair of crashes less than two miles apart Thursday evening.

According to Coroner Ed Schniers, 84-year-old David Greeson of Neoga died following the crash between a semi-truck and passenger car at 5:43 p.m. on Thursday. The crash occurred east of Lerna Road near the Coles County Memorial Airport. Greeson was the driver of the car and was the only person in his vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Coles County Sheriff Kent Martin, eastbound lanes were closed from Lerna Road to the entrance of Sarah Busch Lincoln Hospital in Mattoon. Because of this, an Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit was on scene to help with the prolonged closure. These lanes were reopened between late Thursday night and early Friday morning.

18-year-old from St. Joseph killed in rural Champaign Co. crash

The second crash, which occurred approximately a mile and a half west of the first crash, occurred after a pickup truck struck an IDOT maintenance vehicle that was in the area helping with reconstruction for the first crash. The driver of the pickup truck, 61-year-old Charles Clinard of Mattoon, died as a result of the accident and was the only person in his vehicle.

This crash occurred at 8:53 p.m. on Thursday and when the pickup truck collided with the IDOT vehicle, it ruptured a fuel tank on the IDOT vehicle, causing both vehicles to go up in flames. At the time of the crash, IDOT employees were out of the vehicle and were not injured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The intersection near this crash was also closed for a period of time but has been reopened. The State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit that helped with the lane closures at the first crash site then went to the second crash site to provide assistance.

COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  Two people were killed in two separate crashes in Coles County that happened close to the same location Thursday evening.

Coroner Ed Schniers told WCIA that the crashes happened on Illinois Route 16 eastbound between Mattoon and Charleston. Both resulted in one death each.

Juvenile driver dies following rollover UTV accident in Coles Co.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Details are limited about the first crash, but Schniers said it happened east of Lerna Road near the Coles County Memorial Airport.

The second happened at Lerna Road, Schniers said, and involved a truck from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The truck was blocking Route 16 in response to the first crash when it was hit by another car, causing a fire to start.

Photo courtesy of Alisha Thompson

The driver of that car was killed, but none of the IDOT workers manning that truck were hurt, Schniers said.

WCIA reached out to IDOT, the Illinois State Police and the Mattoon Fire Department to learn more. IDOT directed us to ISP, who said Mattoon Police handled the crash; WCIA reached out to the Mattoon Police Department and has not heard back yet. Mattoon Fire also has not responded yet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
JUAREZ, Mexico (KTSM)  Two suspected migrant smugglers were arrested on Wednesday, July 9, in Ciudad Juarez, according to a press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

CBP says on Monday, July 7, Mexican authorities received information from the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector regarding two known migrant smugglers operating near the border.

On Wednesday, July 9, authorities from Mexico were able to locate and arrest those individuals who claimed affiliation with the La Empresa criminal organization, CBP said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This binational effort involved Targeted Intelligence Division Units from the El Paso Station, El Paso Sector, El Paso Sector Foreign Operations Branch agents, and personnel and detectives from the Chihuahua State Secretariat of Public Safety (Intelligence and Police Analysis Unit and General Staff [Detective] Unit), CBP said.

Authorities seized three loaded 9mm handguns and a 44 Magnum revolver, 9mm ammunition, and $2,000 in U.S. currency, CBP said.

The two individuals remain incarcerated in Ciudad Juarez and are being prosecuted for illegal possession of weapons and bribery, CBP said.

The public can assist binational efforts between the United States and Mexico by anonymously reporting information on criminal organization activity to law enforcement at 915-314-8194. The public may also convey their information via WhatsApp. The phone lines are open 24 hours a day, and the calls go directly to El Paso Sector Border Patrol call centers, CBP said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A photomicrograph of a brain tissue specimen from an unknown source reveals the presence of intracellular, magenta-colored inclusions known as Negri bodies, in a case of rabies. The sample is under a magnification of 500X. (1966 file CDC photo by Skip Van Orden)

A stray cat that bit and scratched a Coventry resident and later scratched an animal control officer has tested positive for rabies, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced Friday morning.

The Coventry resident was scratched after trapping the cat outside their home on Newell Court off Main Street on Monday, according to a state health official.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A statement by Coventry Police Chief Benjamin H. Witt said local animal control officials were contacted and arrived at the residence Tuesday. The cat was acting abnormally and had scratched and bitten the resident prior to the arrival of an animal control officer, according to the statement. The responding officer also sustained scratches while taking the cat into custody.

The health department confirmed the animal tested positive for rabies on Thursday. Following the test results, both the resident and animal control official were given post-exposure rabies treatments, the health department reported. Modern treatments are highly effective in staving off the otherwise deadly rabies virus.

How to reach Rhode Island Department of Health experts

Residents who believe their pets may have come in contact with the cat should call the Rhode Island Department of Healths Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at (401) 222-2577. The center is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After normal business hours, the number to call is (401) 276-8046.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies, as vaccination prevents pets from acquiring the disease and potentially sharing it with humans.

Witts statement noted that the Coventry residents who need help vaccinating their pets can call Coventry Animal Control at (401) 822-9106. People unsure of their pets vaccination status should contact their veterinarian.

Both Coventry police and state health officials recommend against feeding stray animals, or even their own animals outdoors as it can attract stray animals. This is especially dangerous when feeding large numbers of free-roaming cats, according to a health department news release.

Left untreated, rabies is nearly always fatal, with a mortality rate of around 100%. Prompt post-exposure treatment, however, virtually eliminates the risk of death. About 60,000 people receive post-exposure treatment each year in the United States, according to the U.S. National Park Service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are about two or three human cases of rabies each year in the U.S. An October 2024 article in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases noted that no deaths had been recorded in patients who received modern post-exposure treatment until 2021, when an 84-year-old Minnesota man died six months after being bitten by a bat, despite receiving treatment. There are about 59,000 rabies deaths annually, mostly in developing countries in Africa and Asia where treatment access is limited.

More information about rabies is available on the health departments website.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
CALEDONIA COUNTY, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  The Vermont Department of Transportation said Thursday evening that U.S. Route 5 and Vermont Route 114 were both experiencing closures after heavy rain and thunderstorms earlier in the afternoon.

U.S. 5 is closed at the bridge north of Calendar Brook Road in Lyndon as of 5:56 p.m. on Thursday. The closure is reportedly due to high water.

Flash flooding in Northeast Kingdom

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

VT-114 is closed in East Haven between two intersections with School Street as of 5:15 p.m. Authorities said that road closure is expected to last an extended period of time, and that the closure is due to a damaged culvert.

Drivers heading north from Lyndon should avoid travel as long as flooding is still occurring, or seek alternate routes if they must, such as via Interstate 91.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  The Whiskey Myers band from Tyler, 7 Brew and Texas Ford Dealers are among many groups donating towards Kerr County flood recovery efforts.

East Texans step up to help Kerr County recover from deadly floods

All three of these groups are doing their part in supporting fellow Texans by raising and donating money to help those who were left devastated from the Kerr County floods.

Whiskey Myers

The rock and country band out of Tyler announced they will donate the net sales from their online merchandise to relief efforts. Whiskey Myers said whatever was sold from the moment the storms hit Central Texas through the end of this week will go towards those in need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The band is also partnering with Soundwaves Creative to create a really special opportunity that will be announced next week.

Our hearts are with our neighbors across Texas, dealing with the devastating aftermath of this weeks floods. Weve been heartbroken by the stories of lives lost and deeply inspired by the moments of heroism and humanity in the face of disaster. Texas is home, we stand with the communities picking up the pieces and were committed to doing what we can to help.

Whiskey Myers

Texas nonprofit providing comfort to Kerr County families following devastating floods

Texas Ford Dealers  Ford Philanthropy

A combined $1.25 million is set to be donated towards local organizations that will conduct recovery efforts with $1 million coming from Texas Ford Dealers and Ford Philanthropy to provide the remaining.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The contribution is part of the companys new initiative, Ford Building Together, which partners with Ford Philanthropy and dealers to aid nonprofits in natural disaster recovery. According to Texas Ford Dealers, funding will support the following organizations as they work to aid Kerr County.

Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country

American Red Cross Disaster Fund

Habitat for Humanity Kerr County

Team Rubicon Central Texas Response

San Antonio Food Bank

The donations do not stop there, however, Texas Ford Dealers is also loaning vehicles to the American Red Cross and will pack boxes of food to support the affected families through the Feeding America food drive.

East Texas groups hold donation drives to help Kerrville flood victims

7 Brew

7 Brew will donate 100 percent of proceeds collected on July 11 to the Kerr County Relief Fund, which supports those affected by the floods. The Donation Day begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends at closing time.

Photo courtesy of 7 Brew

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  A Tyler man was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Thursday after a 17-year-old died from a fentanyl overdose in 2022.

Texas parents charged with child neglect after infant gains less than 1 lb in six months

Mugshot of Billy Bernard Maddox, Jr., courtesy of Smith County Jail

On Thursday, Billy Bernard Maddox, Jr. pleaded guilty to bail jumping, failure to appear and tampering/fabricating physical evidence with the intent to impair. He was then sentenced to 35 years in prison for the overdose death of the Tyler Teen. He was previously charged with manslaughter in 2023, but the charge was dismissed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

KETK News has compiled a timeline of the overdose death and Maddoxs arrest:

2022: April

On the afternoon of April 23, 2022, Tyler police detectives were called to a local hospital where a patient had died of an apparent overdose, identified as 17-year-old Preston Hawley. He was brought to the hospital wearing pants, a belt, socks, but no shirt, shoes or cell phone, according to court documents.

Maddox, a known drug dealer, was also at the hospital and spoke with detectives. Hawley used to live with Maddox before moving back home with his mom, but continued to hang out with him on the weekends.

Maddox told detectives that he and Hawley went to a party around 3 a.m. that day, then went to a house on Loblolly Lane around 5 a.m. to sleep. At that time, documents show that Maddox claimed Hawley was coherent and did not appear to be under the influence of any substances.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Maddox explained to police that he attempted to wake Hawley up and assumed Hawley was in a deep sleep when he would not wake up. At that time, Maddox reportedly said he left the Loblolly Lane house to go to the fair in the Broadway Square Mall parking lot before returning and finding that Hawley was still asleep.

Tyler man indicted for manslaughter in connection to 17-year-olds overdose death

Maddox said he tried to wake Hawley again by throwing water on him and attempting mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and at that time could feel a faint pulse and labored breathing. He then called Hawleys mother and said Hawley was breathing slowly and his heartbeat is going slow. She told Maddox to get him to the hospital.

With no vehicle to drive, Maddox later told detectives he flagged down a stranger who he claimed was driving through the Loblolly Lane neighborhood. Detectives later found the stranger, who said he was approached by a man at a gas station at Rieck Road and Old Bullard Road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The driver said that when he came out of the gas station, Maddox approached him and said he needed his help to take his friend to the hospital because he believed his friend was overdosing, according to the warrant. Maddox left on foot, and the driver drove his truck to follow him.

The driver told a detective that he drove west on Rieck Road before turning into a second driveway of an apartment building, saying he observed a young white man lying in the grass unconscious. The driver put Hawley in the backseat of his truck, also telling authorities that Maddox was acting strange and seemed like he was stalling. The driver said he almost left Maddox because of the time he was wasting.

An arrest warrant said that Maddox misled investigators to the wrong location of Hawleys overdose, failed to disclose the location of Hawleys cell phone and moved items out of his apartment the night of and morning after his death. A detective said she had reason to believe that the illegal drugs linked to Hawleys death, including cocaine and fentanyl, were destroyed.

Detectives later obtained Maddoxs Snapchat, where they saw messages from Maddox:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yess we getting all my stuff out my apartment kuz lil bro mom think I had some to do with it

Then his mom trynna make it seem like I sold him the pills n I dont sell pills.

Investigators learned that Hawleys toxicology report from his autopsy showed he had cocaine, fentanyl, delta-9 THC and Bromazolam in his system at the time of his death.

2022: September

Bill Maddox Jr. being arrested in February, courtesy of the Smith County Sheriffs Office.



In September of 2022, Maddox was charged with tampering/fabricating with intent to impair evidence and bonded out the same day. He was later arrested on a manslaughter charge in May of 2022 in connection to the same case.

2025: February

In February of 2025, the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force tried to serve a failure-to-appear warrant for a murder charge to Maddox at the Liberty Arms Apartments in Tyler. However, Maddox ran from the scene, but was later caught near County Road 14.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Man wanted for murder in fentanyl overdose case arrested in Tyler

Maddox was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Thursday for his involvement in the overdose death of Hawley.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Actor Derek Dixon is speaking out after he accused Tyler Perry of sexual harassment and assault in a lawsuit filed on June 13.

The man accusing Tyler Perry of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation in a $260 million lawsuit is speaking out for the first time since the June 13 filing in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry shows such as Ruthless and The Oval, told the Hollywood Reporter in an email that bringing the lawsuit against the 55-year-old media mogul has been terrifying. However, hes speaking out because he couldnt just let him get away with it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Everyone deserves to go to work and do their job without their boss trying to have sex with them, Dixon said. My goal is to help ensure that the next generation of actors and creatives dont have to choose between their dreams and their dignity.

Dixon, an actor in his late 30s, appeared in 85 episodes of The Oval between 2021 and 2025 as the character Dale. In his June 13 filing, he alleges that throughout his professional relationship with Perry, the writer and producer made multiple unwanted sexual advances toward him, including one in which he claims Perry pushed him against a wall and groped him. Dixon is also accusing Perry of engaging in a pattern of exploiting male actors.

Matthew Boyd, an attorney for Perry, has maintained that claims are part of an attempt to scam Perry.

This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam, Boyd told People magazine. But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Dixon noted how fears of being written off as a fraud is why people, especially men, dont come forward.

I was too afraid to come forward. I knew it would be awful. And I was right, he said.

When asked if he tried to settle the matter privately before coming forward, he noted how there are always attempts to resolve privately, but they never result in the type of change necessary to protect further victims.

He added, At the end of the day, my absolute fear is that he will be able to continue doing this without any major consequences.

Before filing, he said he even tried to convince himself that this was part of the industry or that he had to accept it to keep working.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But eventually, I couldnt stay silent anymore, he said.

More must-reads:
BALD HEAD ISLAND, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  U.S. Coast Guard Station Oak Island rescued two people after their 12-foot jon boat began taking on water near Bald Head Island.

One person was found holding onto a cooler, while the other remained aboard the boat.

Both were brought to safety, and the boat was successfully towed back to shore.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
U.S. diplomats in Washington are bracing for cuts to the State Department workforce, with dismissal notices expected to hit inboxes as soon as Friday, according to three State Department officials with knowledge of the plans. The layoffs are part of a mass reorganization of the federal agency, including the dissolution or merging of more than 300 bureaus and offices and a 15% reduction in employees.

Termination notices had been expected to go out beginning at 10 a.m. this morning, three sources familiar with the planning told NBC News. Almost 3000 employees will depart the agency as part of the cuts and deferred retirement, with layoffs of over 1,100 civil service and nearly 250 foreign service officers, according to an internal State Department notice seen by NBC News.

In April, the Secretary announced the largest reorganization of the Department in decades, Michael Rigas, the deputy secretary of state for management and resources, wrote in an email sent to all agency employees Thursday evening. The objective from the start was clear: focus resources on policy priorities and eliminate redundant functions, empowering our people while increasing accountability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rigas said the terminations would be issued to affected employees soon, adding, First and foremost, we want to thank them for their dedication and service to the United States.

State Department employees were told late Thursday to report to work with all of their department-issued equipment, including laptops, telephones and their diplomatic passports, according to internal messages seen by NBC News.

Signs in the State Department hallways on Friday read Last Stop, Badge Turn-In and transition day out processing, directing employees with large arrows this way and that. A large TV screen outside of the State Department cafeteria flashed with messages for employees displaying human resources websites and phone numbers for help in preparing for the mass reorganization.

The restructuring has been in the works for months, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio notifying Congress in late May that as many as 1,800 U.S.-based workers would be cut from the approximately 19,000 employed by the State Department. More than 1,500 additional employees at the department took the Trump administrations offer of deferred resignations, which will carry their salaries and health care benefits through September.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubio said he was proud of the way the Trump administration had undertaken a reorganization that was arguably the most deliberate way of anyone thats done one.

The reduction of force is a consequence of the reorg. Its not a consequence of trying to get rid of people, Rubio told reporters Thursday at a media availability session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. But if youve closed the bureau, you dont need those positions.

A federal judge in California had temporarily halted the terminations, but the Supreme Court ruled this week that the Trump administrations plans to overhaul the agency could move forward. The back-and-forth between the White House and the courts left thousands of civil servants and foreign service officers in limbo and unable to plan for their futures.

One civil servant told NBC News on Thursday that she would welcome the ordeals finally being over. We have known since the start it was coming. It was just a matter of when, the diplomat said. Every Friday morning, I wake up with dread. At least now we can move on.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asked about the resulting low morale at the State Department, a senior department official said the delays were unfortunate but outside of their control.

The courts have delayed this reorganization, kept this uncertainty, unfortunately, over the workforce, the senior official said. That was not our intent. We want to move forward with this expeditiously, but obviously the administration has complied with all the court orders and injunctions.

Two former senior career State Department diplomats told NBC News they were concerned about the collective loss of experience resulting from peoples taking early retirement and the impact of the layoffs on future recruitment for the diplomatic corps.

A senior State Department official said they were looking at how the agency recruits and retains talent as part of an executive order but that the federal hiring freeze was still in place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce praised the work of diplomats in the building for their commitment and patriotism but said the decision was not about the individual being targeted but about the need to reform a bureaucracy that has become too large to function.

This is about making sure that the State Department is able to operate in a manner that makes it relevant and effective. That is what the American people want. Its what all of us want, and in this dynamic, thats exactly what were achieving, Bruce said Thursday.

NBC News had reported that the State Department was conducting a review of U.S. missions overseas, including the potential closure of both consulates and embassies. But a senior State Department official said there are no plans for further cuts  for now.

We dont have any plans for that right now, but I think just good practice means a constant review and evaluation of how were doing our job, the senior official said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The United States Honor Flag is traveling to Dona Ana County to honor the life of fallen Patrol Deputy Antonio Aleman who was killed in a traffic crash in the line of duty on July 8.

As we previously reported, Aleman was killed while on patrol on eastbound Interstate 10 near the Avenida de Mesilla exit in Las Cruces. His patrol vehicle collided with the back of a semi-truck. He was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, where he later died from his injuries.

Aleman served faithfully with the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office for four years. He is remembered as a loving husband and devoted father, survived by his wife and two young children, the Honor Flag organization said in a news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In recognition of his sacrifice, the United States Honor Flag  a symbol that has flown at Ground Zero in New York City, over the Pentagon, in Iraq, and at hundreds of funerals for Americas heroes  will be present in New Mexico to honor Aleman and stand with his family, colleagues, and community during this time of profound loss, the organization said in a news release.

We stand with the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office, just as we do with every agency across our great nation when one of their own makes the ultimate sacrifice, said Chris Heisler, founder of the United States Honor Flag. Our hearts are with Deputy Alemans family, his fellow deputies, and his community. He will never be forgotten.

Additional details on the Honor Flags arrival and ceremony participation will be posted on the United States Honor Flag Facebook page in the coming days, the organization said.

Here is some history about the U.S. Honor Flag, according to the organizations website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The United States Honor Flags origin began shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. An American flag and a Texas flag were gifted to Chris Heisler from the Texas House of Representatives as a thank you for taking Texas first responders to Ground Zero.

The flags traveled with Chris as he led the largest convoy of first responders in United States history to Ground Zero. This American flag memorialized the fallen heroes of 9/11 and this began an unwavering commitment to ensure Americas heroes are never forgotten.

Heisler took this American flag with him as he served in the U.S. Army in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Texas National Guard.

Here is a link to a GoFundMe account that was set up to benefit Alemans family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The University of Memphis says nearly 200 of its Ghanaian students could face academic dismissal, visa complications, and loss of housing and support after the Republic of Ghana scholarship program failed to meet financial obligations.

Back in 2023, the university says it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Ghana through the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat program.

This agreement would cover tuition and fees for Ghanaian students studying abroad. The scholarship program utilized $3.6 million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

University of Memphis raises tuition for upcoming school year

A total of 185 Ghanaian students are currently enrolled at the University of Memphis.

These students have proven to be the best and the brightest with an average GPA of 3.75, bringing diverse perspectives, academic excellence, and cultural richness to our community, the university said in a statement.

However, the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat has failed to meet its full financial obligations.

The Republic of Ghana recently decided it would only pay $400,000, which has made the future uncertain for students like Manuel Asiamah.

They made a $400,000 payment two weeks ago, but that is $400,000 out of $3.6 million, Asiamah said. That is insignificant. They applied it equally and evenly across the board, and everybody had $3,000 of an average of $18,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asiamah, a biomedical engineering student, was prepared to begin his junior year at the University of Memphis; however, with the scholarship no longer covering his expenses, his classes have been dropped.

The University of Memphis says they are committed to the students and is pursuing all avenues to help them resolve their debt.

Although UofM has offered options for grants or loans, its not a feasible option for most Ghanaian students, which leaves them with no other choice but to cover the costs themselves.

Im in the middle of getting a medical degree, Asiamah said. Im in the middle of getting an engineering degree. I am in the middle of being a very important asset to not just the community of Memphis or the state of Tennessee, but also to the U.S. and to Ghana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the University of Memphiss fall semester beginning in August, Asiamah and other impacted students are calling for donors to provide expenses for their college education.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., speaks during a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Senate webcast)

LINCOLN  Nebraska could see $17.5 million in federal funds for construction of a U.S. Department of Agriculture research facility and the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., touted the potential funding in a press release this week, describing the budding UNLs Agricultural Research Service facility as a hub for world-class agricultural innovation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The federal money for Nebraska is part of a larger Senate agriculture funding bill, which was advanced unanimously Thursday by the Appropriations Committee, on which Fischer serves. The Senate ag funding bill would increase spending for agricultural programs by 1% over current levels.

The USDA facility at UNL broke ground last year. The purpose of the $160 million facility is to find new ways to produce more food for a growing global population while using fewer natural resources.

Funding for the facility, along with about $86 million in additional money for Nebraska, was removed from a GOP stopgap government funding bill in March.

Fischer said she also secured provisions in the Senate ag-related spending bill prioritizing agricultural research at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. The bill also would require the USDA to streamline contracting and procurement services for livestock research facilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

That center endured the layoffs of 17 people as part of efforts to cut federal spending by the then-Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year.

The ag funding bill is one of 12 appropriations bills that Congress must pass yearly to fund the federal government. But the ag funding push could be contested as the Trump administration seeks to reduce spending for the next fiscal year, which starts in October.

President Donald Trump has asked Congress to reduce funding for the USDA by nearly $7 billion. In Trumps funding request, spending on the Agricultural Research Service would be reduced by $159 million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump budget request from May also seeks to reduce spending on other government agencies  except for defense and border enforcement. Some of the biggest requested cuts target foreign aid, climate-related funding and spending on programs the administration describes as wokeism.

While these White House budget requests are suggestions, Trump has a tight grip on the GOP in Congress and hasnt ruled out using impoundment, basically his choosing not to spend the funds as a way to overrule Congress.

Last month, the House passed its own version of the ag bill along party lines. That bill would reduce funding by 4 percent in the next fiscal year. The House bill spends roughly $25 billion, while the Senate version spends $27.1 billion.

The deadline to avoid a government shutdown is Sept. 30.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
In 2020, only about 4% of police chiefs across the U.S. were women, and now UCF has joined that percentage by naming Robin Griffin-Kitzerow as the new police chief at the University of Central Florida, making her the first woman to hold this position at one of the largest universities in the country.

Griffin-Kitzerow, who joined UCF Police in 2022, has decades of experience in campus policing and threat assessment. Her appointment is a major milestone, as she is also the first Dr. Chief, having recently earned a doctorate in Forensic Psychology. Griffin Kitzerow began her law enforcement career in 1987.

As a researcher, Im looking at the statistical data, Griffin-Kitzerow said. These are the types of crimes that we really need to be looking at, like stalking, like dating violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Griffin-Kitzerows focus as chief is on maintaining a legacy of safety while introducing a new level of data-driven, student-centered leadership. Her proactive approach to campus safety involves early intervention and identifying students who may be struggling based on past behaviors and patterns.

She explained her method of leveraging data to anticipate issues, noting that mental health cases tend to rise as students face academic challenges during the fall semester. We look at data and we leverage what typically happens over time, she said.

With a clear vision and a researchers mindset, Griffin-Kitzerow strives to uphold UCFs reputation and enhance the departments ability to ensure campus safety.

So, we know that when students move in in the fall, theyre filled with excitement... but theyre not doing well academically by September and October. We see our mental health cases start to rise, so we can anticipate these things.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With a clear vision and a researchers mindset, she aims to preserve UCFs reputation and advance the department.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Scattered in python hot spots among the cypress and sawgrass of South Florida is the states newest weapon in its arsenal to battle the invasive serpent, a mechanical lure meant to entice the apex predator to its ultimate demise.

Just dont call it the Energizer bunny.

Researchers at the University of Florida have outfitted 40 furry toy rabbits with motors and tiny heaters that work together to mimic the movements and body temperature of a marsh rabbit  a favorite python meal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They spin. They shake. They move randomly, and their creation is based on more than a decade of scientific review that began with a 2012 study that transported rabbits into Everglades National Park to see if, and how quickly, they would become python prey.

The rabbits didnt fare well, said Robert McCleery, a UF professor of wildlife ecology and conservation who is leading the robot bunny study that launched this summer.

Subsequent studies revealed that pythons are drawn to live rabbits in pens with an average python attraction rate of about one python per week. But having multiple live rabbits in multiple pens spread across a formidable landscape is cumbersome and requires too much manpower to care for them.

So, why not robot bunnies?

The University of Florida is testing if a stuffed mechanical rabbit with a heater that mimics a rabbit's body temperature will attract invasive Burmese pythons.

We want to capture all of the processes that an actual rabbit would give off, McCleery said. But Im an ecologist. Im not someone who sits around making robots.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, colleague Chris Dutton, also a UF ecology professor but more mechanically adept, pulled the stuffing out of a toy rabbit and replaced it with 30 electronic components that are solar-powered and controlled remotely so that researchers can turn them on and off at specific times.

The rabbits were placed in different areas of South Florida in July 2025 for a test phase that includes a camera programmed to recognize python movement and alert researchers when one nears the rabbit pen. One of the biggest challenges was waterproofing the bunnies so that the correct temperature could still be radiated.

Python challenge: Why state recommends not eating Florida pythons

McCleery was reluctant to give specifics on where the rabbit pens are located.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I dont want people hunting down my robo-bunnies, he said.

Version 2.0 of the study will add bunny scent to the stuffed rabbits if motion and heat arent enough to fool the snakes.

State efforts to mitigate python proliferation have included a myriad of efforts with varying degrees of success.

Renowned snake hunters from the Irula tribe in India were brought in to hunt and share their skills. There have been tests using near-infrared cameras for python detection, special traps designed, and pythons are tracked by the DNA they shed in water, with radio telemetry, and with dogs. Also, the annual Florida Python Challenge has gained legendary status, attracting hundreds of hunters each year vying for the $10,000 grand prize.

A heat sensitive image of a robotic rabbit that moves like a live rabbit and gives off a similar body temperature. University of Florida researchers are testing to see if invasive Burmese pythons are attracted to the robot bunnies.

This years challenge runs July 11 through July 20. As of the first day of the challenge, there were 778 registered participants, from 29 states and Canada.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But possibly the highest profile python elimination program is the 100 bounty hunters who work for the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The hunters have removed an estimated 15,800 snakes since 2019 and were called the most effective management strategy in the history of the issue by district invasive animal biologist Mike Kirkland.

A toy stuffed rabbit was retrofitted with mechanics and a heater that make it move like a real rabbit and give off a similar body temperature. University of Florida researchers are experimenting with the robot bunny to see if it attracts invasive Burmese pythons.

Kirkland oversees the districts hunters. He gave a presentation July 7 to the Big Cypress Basin Board with updates on python removal that included McCleerys robo-bunny experiment, which the district is paying for.

Its projects like (McCleerys) that can be used in areas of important ecological significance where we can entice the pythons to come out of their hiding places and come to us, Kirkland said at the board meeting. It could be a bit of a game changer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Burmese python invasion started with releases  intentional or not  that allowed them to gain a foothold in Everglades National Park by the mid-1980s, according to the 2021 Florida Python Control plan. By 2000, multiple generations of pythons were living in the park, which is noted in a more than 100-page 2023 report that summarized decades of python research.

Pythons have migrated north from the park, with some evidence suggesting they may be able to survive as far north as Georgia if temperatures continue to warm and more pythons learn to burrow during cold snaps.

More: Snake hunters catch 95% of pythons they see. Help sought to kill the ones that are hiding

In Palm Beach County, 69 pythons have been captured since 2006, according to the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System, or EDDMapS. In addition, four have been found dead, and 24 sightings have been reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Big Cypress Basin board member Michelle McLeod called McCleerys project a genius idea that eliminates the extra work it would take to manage live rabbits.

McCleery said hes pleased that the water management district and FWC, which has paid for previous studies, are willing to experiment.

Our partners have allowed us to trial these things that may sound a little crazy, McCleery said. Working in the Everglades for 10 years, you get tired of documenting the problem. You want to address it.

McCleery said researchers did not name the robot rabbits, although he did bring one home that needed repair. His son named it Bunbun.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Python challenge: Robot bunny new weapon to fight invasive in Florida
The UK and France on Thursday agreed a deal aimed at curbing illegal crossings by boat.

The one in, one out program will allow both countries to exchange migrants who cant prove a family connection to the nation they entered, though the UNs migration chief warned that such harsh tactics are less effective than supplying aid to countries that can host migrants.

Virtually every Western country is now pursuing an immigration crackdown, the writer Noah Smith recently noted: The Netherlands passed legislation tightening asylum policies last week, and Germany recently boosted border controls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The US has ramped up immigration raids, increased funding for enforcement, and embraced once-fringe tactics including a massive migrant detention camp in the Florida Everglades, Axios wrote.
The home secretary has said the new "one in, one out" migrant scheme agreed with France on Thursday is "robust" enough to withstand potential legal challenges.

Yvette Cooper said she had been in close contact with European governments which have expressed concerns about the deal, saying that the European Union had been "very supportive and helpful".

She told BBC Breakfast the government had done "a lot of work to make sure that the system is robust to legal challenges", which stymied the previous government's efforts to deport some illegal migrants to Rwanda.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the plan to return an expected 50 migrants a week to France as a "gimmick".

Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a deal on Thursday which will see the UK return migrants who arrive in small boats back to France.

The scheme - which will initially run as a pilot - proposes that for each migrant the UK returns, Britain will accept another who has made a legal claim in France, which both countries say will act as a deterrent.

Cooper would not be drawn on how many migrants would be exchanged under the deal, though it is expected the pilot will involve around 50 people a week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said the government would "provide updates" on figures as the pilot progressed.

The home secretary said the pilot scheme would be accompanied by a plan to target those working illegally in the UK, which she said was a pull factor driving small boat crossings.

The 'one in, one out' deal was announced by Sir Keir and Macron on Thursday afternoon [Reuters]

Asked what would happen if a migrant who is returned to France attempts to cross the Channel a second time, she said they would be "returned again" and banned from the UK asylum system.

Philp dismissed the plan as "another gimmick" that will allow the majority of illegal migrants to remain in the UK, and said Labour's pledge to "smash the gangs" had not worked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said the Rwanda scheme originally proposed by Boris Johnson would have seen "100% of illegal arrivals being removed" and described Sir Keir's decision to axe the plan as a "catastrophic" mistake.

Cooper said only four migrants had ever been sent to Rwanda and on a voluntary basis, and described the previous government's approach to migration as "chaos".

Since 2018, when figures began to be gathered, more than 170,000 people have arrived in the UK in small boats.

Numbers this year have reached record levels with nearly 20,000 arriving in the first six months of 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, Macron said the scheme would have a "deterrent effect" beyond the numbers returned, and suggested Brexit had made it harder for the UK to tackle illegal migration.
Ukraine was behind the operation that caused an explosion on a major gas pipeline in the city of Langepas, Russias Tyumen Oblast, a source in Ukraines military intelligence agency (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on July 11.

According to the source, the incident destroyed a section of the key pipeline supplying Russian military-industrial facilities in Chelyabinsk, Orenburg, and Sverdlovsk oblasts.

Langepas is located in western Siberia, some 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The explosion reportedly led to a large fire, with immediate damages estimated at $1.3 million.

Repairing and testing the pipeline could take about a month, the source said. Due to damage in a swampy area, repairs will be challenging, reducing gas supply by 25 million cubic meters and causing indirect losses of nearly $76 million, the source in HUR added.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

Ukraine regularly strikes military targets deep within Russian territory in an effort to diminish Moscow's fighting power.

A similar incident was reported on July 5 in Russia's Vladivostok. Explosions damaged a gas pipeline and destroyed a water pipeline supplying military facilities in the region, a source in HUR told the Kyiv Independent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The damaged pipeline provides gas to several Russian military facilities on the coast of the Sea of Japan, including the 155th Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Armed Forces, the source said.

Read also: As leaders attend Ukraine Recovery Conference, rebuilding is distant dream for Ukrainians who need it most

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine is deploying a new interceptor drone system to defend Kyiv against mounting Russian aerial strikes, Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, announced on July 11.

Russia has intensified its drone attacks across Ukraine in recent weeks, targeting cities including the capital, Kyiv, resulting in widespread destruction and civilian casualties.

Facing delays and shortages in Western arms deliveries, especially air defense systems and missiles, Ukraine is turning to homegrown solutions, investing in the development of low-cost interceptor drones as an alternative.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The so-called Clear Sky project aims to protect Kyiv with the support of domestically made drone interceptors. The initiative also includes establishing a training center for drone operators and forming additional mobile units to patrol Kyiv and its outskirts, according to Tkachenko.

The Ukrainian government has allocated Hr 260 million ($6.2 million) for the Clear Sky initiative. The team working on the project is also seeking to raise extra-budgetary funds, Tkachenko added.

During several months of testing, the system intercepted nearly 550 Russian drones over Kyiv Oblast, the official said.

"Those 550 intercepted (Shahed-type drones) are not just numbers  they represent lives saved, infrastructure protected, and hospitals, schools, and energy facilities preserved," Tkachenko said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is an investment in the safety of every resident of Kyiv. While Russia continues its attacks, we continue to strengthen our defenses. The sky over Kyiv will be clear," he added.

Throughout late spring and early summer 2025, Russia has ramped up aggression against Ukraine with a series of record-breaking mass strikes.

The Russian July 10 attack killed two people and injured another 28 in Kyiv. The night before, Russia slammed Ukraine with its largest missile and drone attack since the start of the full-scale war, using 728 drones and seven cruise and six ballistic missiles.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine and the EU will allocate 100 million euro ($117 million) to boost battlefield-driven solutions under the newly-launched BraveTech EU initiative, announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome on July 11.

The initiative was jointly announced by Ukraine's Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius.

BraveTech EU marks the first major technological alliance between Ukraine and Europe on equal terms, with each side contributing 50 million euro ($58 million).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The initiative will focus on small and medium-sized enterprises and startups in Ukraine and Europe. It will help exchange regulatory experience, develop innovations, scale them up, and rapidly procure new defense technologies.

"European colleagues will receive results from the battlefield," Fedorov said at URC.

Other European countries may also join the initiative's funding, according to Fedorov.

"The EU and its member states have an industrial capacity that can help Ukraine develop new defense systems and increase European resilience," Kubilius said in a press release.

The program will unfold in two phases, starting with hackathons for Ukrainian and European defense companies in autumn 2025, Fedorov wrote on his Telegram page.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2026, they plan to expand the program with larger grants, startup scaling support, and investments in the most promising projects.

The BraveTech EU initiative will integrate Ukraine's defense industry into European mechanisms, connecting Ukraine's BRAVE1 defense technology platform with EU instruments, including the European Defense Fund (EDF) and the EU Defense Innovation Scheme (EUDIS).

Read also: As leaders attend Ukraine Recovery Conference, rebuilding is distant dream for Ukrainians who need it most

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Ukrainian government, represented by Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, has signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.

Source: press service of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, citing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the signing of the memorandum

Details: The document particularly states that the IAEA will guarantee safety during the completion of additional units at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition, the document enshrines support for the exploration, extraction and production of uranium resources in Ukraine, which is important for strengthening the country's energy security.

Background:

On 16 January, the Ukrainian Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Housing and Utilities supported amendments to draft law No. 11392, which would allow Energoatom, Ukraine's state nuclear energy regulator, to purchase reactors from Bulgaria for the construction of power units No. 3 and No. 4 at Khmelnytskyi NPP.

On 11 February, Ukrainian MPs voted in favour of a bill allowing Energoatom to buy Russian reactors from Bulgaria for Khmelnytskyi NPP.

Zelenskyy supported the purchase of Russian-made power units from Bulgaria to complete two power units at Khmelnytskyi NPP.

In April, Bulgaria announced that it would not sell Ukraine reactors from the Belene NPP for use at the Khmelnytskyi NPP.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The US Army is closely watching how Ukraine uses its Patriot air defenses to stop Russian attacks.

Ukraine has turned its Patriots into moving targets, making them harder for Russia to find and destroy.

This tactic has taught the Army about why it's important to stay mobile, two officers told BI.

The US Army is closely watching how Ukraine uses its coveted Patriot systems to fend off Russian missile attacks and is learning that, in order to best protect air defenses, it's crucial to keep them hidden and mobile, two American officers told Business Insider.

The MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile systems are the top layer of Ukraine's air defense shield. Kyiv is believed to be operating six batteries, which have proven to be critical in defending the country against Russian aerial attacks, particularly ballistic missile strikes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lt. Col. James Compton, the deputy operations officer for the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, explained to BI that the Ukraine war has, in some cases, reinforced US military air defense doctrine.

However, he said the war has also "introduced more concepts, like how to become more mobile, how the system's components are organized on battery sites, ways of camouflaging the equipment, and how the system can be improved to be more survivable."

"This conflict has definitely made the community relook how we train, how our units are organized, as well as how we prepare for potential conflicts with robust air and missile threats," Compton added.

Ukraine is believed to be operating six Patriot batteries. Valentyn Ogirenko/REUTERS

Being mobile requires a whole-of-system approach. A Patriot battery consists of several complementary parts, including a radar, a control station, a power generator, and as many as eight launchers that can each hold four interceptor missiles. Dozens of soldiers are needed to operate the weapon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Patriots are coveted weapons for Ukraine, giving the country its best shot at defending against Russian ballistic missile attacks. But Kyiv has long been hamstrung by a shortage of interceptor missiles, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly calling on the US and NATO allies to send more ammunition and batteries amid worsening aerial bombardments.

Chief Warrant Officer Sanjeev "Jay" Siva, a technician in the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said Ukraine's Patriot batteries have emerged as priority targets for Russia.

He told BI that Patriot units have to prioritize movement discipline, cover and concealment tactics, and overall survivability measures in ways that haven't been required in decades, adding that the US "can no longer operate under the assumption of relative invulnerability."

Siva said the war has given Army planners various ideas, including for creating decoys and camouflaging equipment, to confront the changing air defense landscape.

German soldiers guard a Patriot air-defense system in Poland on January 23. Kay Nietfeld/picture alliance via Getty Images

Survivability is critical to maintaining a robust air defense to keep missile threats and enemy airpower at bay. The suppression and destruction of surface-to-air missile systems like the Patriots allows an enemy force to carry out more powerful air attacks. For Ukraine, it's not enough to keep the batteries hidden; it also needs to harden the positions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Compton said Ukraine has "shown remarkable ingenuity in how the systems are arrayed on their tactical sites and how each site can be physically adapted to increase protection of the batteries."

Earlier this year, for instance, Ukraine started putting steel plates on the exterior of the control units of its Patriot batteries, which is where the crew sits to operate the system, to better protect them from missile shrapnel and blast fragments.

Ukraine has "shown how the equipment can be physically adapted to protect the crews, as well as what is possible to conduct maintenance and repairs quickly and in adverse conditions," Compton said.

Lessons learned from Ukraine may already be paying off. Since April 2024, the Army has used Patriot batteries in the Middle East to fend off multiple Iranian ballistic missile attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just last month, US soldiers in Qatar used the Patriot to defend an air base from a volley of over a dozen Iranian missiles. The Pentagon later described it as "the largest single Patriot engagement" in American military history.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The US has resumed military supplies to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said, after Washington halted some shipments of critical arms last week.

US President Donald Trump told NBC News on Thursday that he had made a deal with Nato for the US to send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine via the alliance, after a surge of Russian aerial attacks.

Zelensky had raised concerns about the impact the pause would have on Ukraine's defences, with supplies of Patriot systems and precision artillery shells among the armaments reported to have been stopped.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia has stepped up drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, causing record civilian casualties.

In the wake of these attacks, Zelensky requested 10 Patriot systems. Patriot batteries detect and intercept oncoming missiles and are regarded as one of the world's best air defence systems.

The latest deal announced by Trump will see Nato buy Patriot systems from the US and then distribute them to Ukraine.

He said the alliance would "reimburse the full cost". Nato is funded through the contributions of its members, including the US.

Zelensky said in Rome on Thursday that Germany was ready to pay for two of the Patriots and Norway one, while other European partners were also prepared to help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He touted "new European defence packages" in his Friday evening message, adding that Ukraine's military would be working with US envoy Keith Kellogg in the coming week.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Friday that he had urged allies including Germany and Spain to hand over some of their existing Patriot batteries, as they could reach Ukraine faster.

"We have continued to encourage our Nato allies to provide those weapons... since they have them in their stocks, then we can enter into financial agreements... where they can purchase the replacements," he said.

The renewed efforts to supply air defences to Ukraine come in the wake of a barrage of deadly aerial attacks - which have shown signs of increasingly frustrating the US administration as it seeks a negotiated peace.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ukraine was hit by a record 728 drones overnight on Tuesday, with the Ukrainian president warning that Russia wanted to increase that to 1,000.

June saw the highest monthly civilian casualties in Ukraine in three years, with 232 people killed and more than 1,300 injured, according to the UN.

Trump said on Tuesday that the US would send more weapons to Kyiv as "they're getting hit very hard now".

After a phone-call with Russia's Vladimir Putin last week, he said he was "not happy" that progress had not been made towards ending the war. He has since complained that Putin's "very nice" attitude turned out to be meaningless.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During his interview with NBC News, Trump said he would make a "major statement" on Russia on Monday, but did not say what it would be about.

[BBC]

The New York Times, quoting unnamed US officials, reports that a Patriot battery formerly based in Israel will be sent to Ukraine after refurbishment in the US.

Negotiations over the Israeli battery have been going on for some time. Last month, a senior official in Kyiv said it had already been sent to the US, but that Ukraine was still waiting to receive it.

Patriot air defence batteries, and the interceptor missiles they fire, play a critical role in defending Ukrainian cities, civilian and military infrastructure, from Russian cruise and ballistic missile attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alongside Soviet-era S-300 surface-to-air missiles and Western-made Nasams (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System), the Patriots help Ukraine maintain what the military often calls a "layered defence".

With its advanced radar and tracking and high interception rate, the Patriot is a highly effective weapon without which Ukraine would struggle to protect itself against Moscow's relentless bombardments.

But it is also eye-wateringly expensive, with a single battery, including missiles, worth around $1bn (740m). This helps explain why Western countries that operate Patriot systems have been reluctant to part with them.

Ukrainian troops already know how to use them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The first two Western-supplied batteries arrived in April 2023, after months of pleading from Kyiv. The exact number of systems currently in use is a closely guarded secret.

But each additional battery allows Ukraine to put more cities and key facilities, including military bases and power stations, under the system's protective umbrella.

Ukraine is a huge country. It will never be able to protect everything  or everyone. But with Russian aerial attacks increasing in frequency and size, Kyiv's Western allies seem to recognise the urgency of the need.

[BBC]

A Patriot system received by Ukraine is seen in 2024 [Getty Images]

Since re-entering the White House in January, Trump has pushed to scale back US support for Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The US was the biggest source of military aid to Ukraine between the start of 2022 and the end of 2024, giving $69bn (54.6bn) in that time period, according to German think tank the Kiel Institute.

Trump has also pressed Nato allies to pledge more of their GDP to the security alliance. Last year, all European Nato members pledged to spend 2% of GDP on defence.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and currently controls around a fifth of Ukrainian territory.

Rubio told reporters that he and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a "frank" conversation on the sidelines of a meeting in Malaysia on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubio echoed Trump's "frustration at the lack of progress at peace talks", including "disappointment that there has not been more flexibility on the Russian side to bring about an end to this conflict".

He said the two had shared some new ideas about how the conflict could conclude, which he would take back to Trump.

Rubio declined to elaborate on what Trump said would be a "major" announcement about Russia on Monday.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday accused Ukrainian authorities of beating a Hungarian-Ukrainian dual citizen to death during his mobilization in the military, a claim Ukraine has rejected but that has further strained relations between the neighboring countries.

Orban, a vehement critic of Ukraine and its fight to ward off Russia's full-scale invasion, told state radio that a man who reportedly died in a Ukrainian hospital earlier this month had been beaten to death by his recruiters.

He didn't provide any evidence to substantiate the accusation, adding that the matter remained under investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Orban's statements came a day after Hungarys foreign ministry summoned the Ukrainian ambassador over the unconfirmed report. The ministry claimed that Ukrainian military recruiters had beaten the man as part of forced conscription into the army before taking him to a recruitment center.

Ukrainian authorities have disputed the account, saying the man was a Ukrainian citizen who had left his military unit without authorization and later checked himself into a hospital. They said the hospital found no signs of physical injury indicating violence.

The cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, Ukraines embassy in Budapest wrote in a post on social media on Thursday.

We categorically reject any allegations of forced conscription, mistreatment, or human rights violations committed by any Ukrainian military officials, the statement said, adding that Ukraine is open to a transparent investigation."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The dispute places further strain on the diplomatic relationship between Ukraine and Hungary  a member of NATO and the European Union.

While most EU countries have offered political, financial, and military support to Kyiv since Russia launched an all-out war on Feb. 24, 2022, Hungary  under Orban  has charted a starkly different course.

Hungary has refused to supply Ukraine with weapons or allow their transit through Hungarian territory, demanding sanctions relief and rapprochement with Russia, and adopting a combative stance toward both Kyiv and its EU backers.

With his governing Fidesz party slipping in the polls and a new opposition force gaining momentum, Orban has escalated a sweeping anti-Ukraine campaign  presenting the upcoming election as a referendum on peace or war. He has also accused Kyiv of seeking to topple his government and install a pro-Ukraine administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In May, there were a series of diplomatic expulsions between Hungary and Ukraine after Ukraine's main intelligence agency said that it had arrested two people on suspicion of spying for Hungary by gathering intelligence on Ukraines military in the west of the country.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Key developments on July 11:

Ukraine behind new pipeline explosion in Siberia that supplies Russian military-industrial complex, source claims

Russian troops tasked to create 10-kilometer buffer zone in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's spy chief says

Ukrainian drone strikes reported at Russian MiG plant, other defense industry facilities amid mass attack

Russian drone attacks on Odesa, Kharkiv injure at least 20

Ukraine was behind the operation that caused an explosion on a major gas pipeline in the city of Langepas, Russias Tyumen Oblast, a source in Ukraines military intelligence agency (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on July 11.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the source, the incident destroyed a section of the key pipeline supplying Russian military-industrial facilities in Chelyabinsk, Orenburg, and Sverdlovsk oblasts.

Langepas is located in western Siberia, some 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

The explosion reportedly led to a large fire, with immediate damages estimated at $1.3 million.

Repairing and testing the pipeline could take about a month, the source said. Due to damage in a swampy area, repairs will be challenging, reducing gas supply by 25 million cubic meters and causing indirect losses of nearly $76 million, the source in HUR added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

Read also: Ukraines HUR destroys Russian command post in occupied Melitopol in joint operation with partisans

Russian troops tasked to create 10-kilometer buffer zone in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's spy chief says

Russian troops have been tasked with establishing a buffer zone up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) deep into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov said in an interview with Bloomberg, published on July 11.

Budanov's remarks come as Russian troops continue their offensive in the neighboring Donetsk Oblast, pushing closer to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast  a major industrial region in central Ukraine.

In mid-June, Ukraine's military denied reports that Russian troops had entered the region, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that Ukrainian troops had intercepted Russian reconnaissance units attempting to breach Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Its not realistic for Russia to seize all of Donetsk Oblast by the end of the year," Budanov said.

According to Budanov, Russias earlier announcement of its entry into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast serves a political goal.

Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

Ukrainian drone strikes reported at Russian MiG plant, other defense industry facilities amid mass attack

Drone attacks were reported on July 11 near a Russian oil depot and multiple defense industry facilities, including a MiG jet fighter production plant near Moscow, according to an independent Russian news outlet, Astra.

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces downed 155 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 53 over Kursk Oblast and 13 over Tula Oblast.

Kyiv regularly targets Russian industrial and military facilities deep in the rear, aiming to undermine Moscow's ability to wage its all-out war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Residents of Tula, a city over 300 kilometers (roughly 200 miles) from the Ukrainian border, reported explosions in the city's industrial Proletarsky district. According to Astra, three major defense industry facilities that have been previously targeted in drone strikes are located in the area.

The JSC Instrument Design Bureau develops precision munitions, the NPO Splav produces multiple-launch rocket systems, and Shcheglovsky Val JSC  one of Russia's largest defense companies  produces guided weapons, air defenses, and small arms.

It is not immediately clear whether the facilities suffered damage. Tula Oblast Governor Dmitry Milyaev reported one person killed and another injured, without providing additional details on potential damage.

Russian authorities largely do not comment on possible damage to strategic or military facilities caused by Ukrainian attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Moscow Oblast, residents of the Lukhovitsy town, lying some 110 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of the Russian capital, reported a drone attack near the local aviation plant and an oil depot, Astra reported.

The Lukhovitsy Aviation Plant produces warplanes used by Russian forces in Ukraine, including MiG-29 fighter jets and MiG-31 Kinzhal missile carriers. Astra noted that the drone strike's actual target in Lukhovitsy remains unclear.

"The Lukhovitsy Aviation Plant was under attack. It specializes in the production and modernization of the MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighters and their modifications," saidAndrii Kovalenko, an official at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.

Kovalenko also noted that the facility is developing new fighter jet models based on the MiG platforms and is involved in upgrading the Shahed-type attack drones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Elsewhere in the region, drones reportedly attacked the Kronstadt drone factory in Dubna, roughly 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Moscow, a facility previously targeted in a Ukrainian attack in May.

Moscow Oblast Governor Andrey Vorobyov did not report on possible attacks in the region, and Russia's Defense Ministry did not report downing any drones in the area.

Russian regional authorities reported injuries in other regions as a result of Ukrainian drone attacks, including four people allegedly wounded in Kursk Oblast.

Read also: Europe will also benefit from US-Ukraine minerals investment fund, Americans say

Russian drone attacks on Odesa, Kharkiv injure at least 20

A Russian drone attack against the southern city of Odesa on July 11 injured at least 11 people, damaging residential buildings and a horse stable, local authorities reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One horse was killed in the attack, the State Emergency Service said. Photos published by the service show other horses bloodied and visibly injured.

Administrative buildings, cars, and civilian infrastructure were also damaged.

The port city of Odesa, Ukraine's third most populous city and a major maritime transport hub, is a regular target of Russian missile and drone attacks.

In Kharkiv, Russian drones injured nine people overnight on July 11, including women in a maternity hospital. The medical facility was damaged as well.

"Women in labor with children, women after surgery. Fortunately, there were no children among the victims. Russia targets life. Even where it is just beginning," President Volodymyr Zelensky said, stressing the critical need for additional air defense for Ukraine.

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, has asserted that Russia will not be able to seize the entire Donetsk Oblast by the end of 2025.

Source: Budanov in an interview with Bloomberg

Quote from Budanov: "Its not realistic for Russia to seize all of Donetsk Oblast by the end of the year."

Details: Budanov notes that Russian troops "have a political goal to declare" that they entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and are tasked with creating another buffer zone up to 10 kilometres deep.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Budanov also said that a cessation of hostilities well before the end of the year is realistic.

Quote: "Is it realistic to do so  yes. Is it difficult  no. It takes at least three sides: Ukraine, Russia and the US. And we will get to this position."

Background:

The DeepState analytical project reported that Russian forces occupied 556 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in June, marking the largest monthly figure in 2025.

On 1 July, for the first time since February, the General Staff's operational maps of the front line showed Russian advances in Sumy Oblast (North Slobozhanshchyna front).

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The world order established after World War II and the collapse of the Soviet Union is decisively crumbling. The war in Ukraine has dealt a near-final blow to the foundations of the old world and signalled its definitive end. Indeed, the hesitancy of the Biden administration and the United States as a whole in making critical decisions to support Ukraine in defeating Russia has not only underscored their diminishing influence on global affairs but also appeared as a last-ditch effort to preserve the existing world order.

Fears of a Russian defeat have prolonged the war on one hand and increased financial and political costs on the other. The drawn-out conflict, deeper involvement of democratic economies  especially the United States  and the formation of strategic alliances by Russia have led to an unwillingness to incur excessive costs without clear political justification. As a result, new forces emerged to counterbalance the situation. The American electorate made its legitimate choice, signalling to us that the world is changing irreversibly.

This world really needed changes. Its no coincidence that as early as 2007, someone announced such a shift at the Munich Security Conference. And its equally unsurprising that in 2024, Americans re-elected Donald Trump as their president. Despite heavy criticism, he represents a historical trend  one that must be acknowledged and reckoned with.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Washington, aware of overextension, appears to seek a reduction in its overseas commitments, particularly in Europe, possibly to refocus on preparing for intense competition with China. This is evident in both the rhetoric and actual decisions that increasingly prioritize domestic concerns and cast doubt on the unconditional continuation of aid to Ukraine. Even worse, support for Ukraine is becoming hostage to internal United States political fluctuations.

Importantly, these shifts stem not from individual political actors but from a broader global doctrine aimed at building a new world order. Fortunately, we are still in a transitional phase.

These changes are occurring alongside rapid, systemic technological breakthroughs in key sectors such as energy, IT (especially AI), nanotechnology, new materials, and biotechnology. States are restructuring their economies, revising resource priorities, and thereby accelerating the evolution of warfare capabilities. These changes will shape the future global order and determine the agency of its actors.

The first large-scale war of the 21st century in Ukraine has confirmed historical trends in the evolution of warfare. It is now clear that cheap, mass-produced weapons can deplete expensive and powerful arsenals. While this allows Ukraine to hold the line and develop asymmetric strategies, the countrys transitional status and lack of full-spectrum defensive capabilities, especially high-tech ones, make long-term resistance in a war of attrition highly uncertain. This reality has turned Ukraine into a "mega-customer" for both old and new weapons, including domestically produced ones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite the emergence of new opportunities for Ukraines defence-industrial complex, the only consistent force on the front line remains the Ukrainian soldier. Todays battlefield places unprecedented physical and psychological pressure on personnel. The widespread use of drones has made soldiers constant targets 24/7, regardless of season or conditions  directly impacting their endurance.

Given the physical impossibility of rapidly replenishing manpower, Ukraine urgently needs a new paradigm for soldier protection  adapted to modern realities of both defence and offense. Developing this quickly is crucial to avoid burnout of Ukraines core fighting force and to prevent Russia from gaining the upper hand by establishing its own protection systems. This effort requires not only resilience and innovation but also external support. It cannot be Ukraines long-term strategy alone and is unlikely to lead to victory without robust technological partnerships.

The same is true for another major challenge: defending against air attacks on civilian and military infrastructure. Russias mass deployment of drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, and guided bombs demands a wholly new, nationwide air defence system  layered both geographically and in altitude and intercept capabilities.

The key principle of modern war is that cheap weapons can wear down costly systems. Effective air defence cannot rely solely on prohibitively expensive systems. Most of todays air defence platforms were designed for quick guerrilla-type wars, not for defending against waves of mass attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While this may not yet be fully grasped in the United States, it is well understood in Russia  making it a decisive factor not only in Ukraines future but also in the architecture of future alliances. International support remains essential not only to preserve Ukrainian statehood but also to build the capacity of potential allies.

So preserving effective international support and building future alliances are vital tasks for Ukrainian diplomacy.

Our closest neighbours, the European Union, despite efforts to support Ukraine, remain relatively weak, overly dependent on the United States, and slow to make decisive moves in foreign and defence policy. European countries have struggled to rapidly transform their defence industries and lag behind both autocratic Russia and the capabilities of the United States.

Some have begun preparing for a war reminiscent of World War II, burdening their budgets without realizing that the war of February 2022 will not repeat itself. The EU lacks sufficient hard power and struggles to consolidate its economy especially given competing national ambitions and the geographic distance of many countries from Russia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The geopolitical instability is also reshaping Europe itself. Governments fear backlash from electorates unwilling to endure deteriorating living conditions. Thus, relying on long-term or even timely aid from Europe must be done cautiously.

Meanwhile, the United States remains a nation of virtually unlimited capacity, with the worlds most advanced economy. The United States holds large stockpiles of outdated or soon-to-be-decommissioned munitions  such as over 170,000 Hellfire missiles, many of which were produced between 1998 and 2018 and are nearing the end of their service life. These weapons could be transferred to Ukraine instead of being destroyed.

The Pentagon is also transitioning to newer JAGM systems, meaning many Hellfires will be phased out. Ukraine can use this window to submit formal requests under various programs, stressing the urgency of bolstering defence and assuring the rational use of these assets.

At the same time, as the United States seeks to dominate in the Western Hemisphere and the Pacific while reducing involvement in the "Old World," Europe and Canada may be left with a heavier burden.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is why the 2024 presidential race led to predictable shifts in foreign policy and aid to Ukraine. In the new reality, military support is no longer automatic or guaranteed. A willingness to engage with Russia, possibly due to an alternative United States vision of the war, poses new political and security risks.

Immediate action is needed to refocus United States attention on Ukraine, because Ukraines victory is crucial to preserving Americas global leadership.

A lack of a strong United States stance on Ukraine will be exploited by the new Russia-China axis to weaken transatlantic unity and reshape the world order. Reduced support for Ukraine emboldens Russia and encourages China to push its ambitions  especially regarding Taiwan and the critical The Strait of Malacca.

This poses an existential threat to the United Statess status as a global leader.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the June 2025 strikes on Iranian targets, global tensions continue to rise. The United States faces the prospect of two simultaneous war theatres  in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific  requiring full military engagement. These would be far costlier than helping Ukraine now.United States military support to Ukraine could act as a deterrent in both regions.

Richard Moore, head of the UKs Secret Intelligence Service, warned of the grave consequences of abandoning Ukraine: "The cost of supporting Ukraine is well known, but the cost of not supporting it will be immeasurably greater." There is a systemic underestimation of the wars global implications.

In conclusion, alongside the struggle for survival and sovereignty, Ukraine is a cornerstone of global stability. The outcome of Ukraines resistance to Russia will influence not only its internal security but also the trajectory of a new world order.

Ukraine must rethink how it engages partners  not just waiting for support, but actively shaping its place in future security alliances. Given the changing nature of warfare, such alliances are being formed now. Without Ukraine, they are incomplete. These alliances are vital for both immediate survival and future security, and will form the basis of the new world order.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our wartime partnerships have been difficult, though not unpredictable. The experience reveals fundamental differences in how Ukraine and Western partners assess and respond to threats. Building coherent strategies takes time and effort.

Often, our initiatives to form requests were of a political and emotional nature, built on both the consequences of Russian attacks and the schedule of international political activity. This, of course, not only reduces the systematic nature of the requests themselves, but also does not always correspond to the procedurally-oriented logic of Western systems themselves. In addition, most such requests require additional time and resources to fulfill, so they remain only declarative.

To be more effective, Ukraine needs a systematic approach to forming and promoting requests anticipating future battlefield trends, not just reacting to current needs.

One option is launching an expert-driven campaign aimed at United States government officials, legislators, political elites, analysts, and the broader public. The goal: shape narratives that will eventually be reflected in policy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A key argument will be proving that not supporting Ukraine is the primary geopolitical risk to United States global leadership. The aim is to show that Ukraines victory is essential to global security and to sustaining the United States's leading role.

This can minimize political fluctuations and ensure stable, long-term defence cooperation.

Its equally vital to highlight the transformation of warfare and the urgency of integrating cutting-edge technologies. Scientific and technological breakthroughs have changed wars nature - but this remains poorly understood in the United States. Failure to adapt risks American leadership.

Thus, the United States must not only support Ukraine militarily but also modernize its own arsenal in partnership with Ukraine. Joint R&D efforts should be based on Ukraines battlefield experience.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A practical step would be creating a joint scientific or analytical centre where Ukrainian experts and United States institutions assess events independently. This would remove emotional or political bias and foster evidence-based decision-making.

Western decision-making, though politically volatile, is institutionally stable and responsive to formal requests. Even if not politically convenient, such requests require replies. This builds institutional memory and cross-agency processes that influence future policy.

A useful example is Israels communications strategy with the United States, which led to its designation in 1989 as a "Major Non-NATO Ally" guaranteeing preferential defence cooperation. Israel implemented a systematic, rules-based process for requests and ensured United States obligations to respond.

The geopolitical instability caused in part by the war in Ukraine has also opened a historic opportunity. Ukrainian soldiers have not only defended the nation but earned the right to define its geopolitical role.

This moment must be seized. Success depends on our ability to survive today and build a secure future. These goals are inseparable and impossible without strong allies. For multiple reasons, such alliances are impossible without the United States. Only the United States can provide the support Ukraine needs, help form a new democratic alliance, and retain its own global leadership.

Paradoxically, Ukraines survival is now the logical foundation for building our shared future. And that future must begin now.
Editor's note: This story was updated following a statement from Ukraines State Bureau of Investigation.

Vitaliy Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center's (AntAC) executive board, who is currently serving in the army, has been charged with military service evasion and fraud following searches at his home and military unit on July 11.

"We consider these searches to be another wave of attack on Vitaliy Shabunin and the AntAC for criticizing the Presidential Office and (Presidential Office head) Andrii Yermak personally," the AntAC's statement read.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Kyiv Independent couldnt reach the Presidents Office for comment.

According to the center, Shabunin has not made contact since the searches.

Shabunin is one of Ukraine's most influential anti-corruption crusaders. He told the Kyiv Independent in May that three criminal cases had been opened against him since the start of the full-scale war. He believes all cases are politically motivated.

Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) said that the new charges are linked to a criminal case involving Viktor Yushko, a serviceman and former commander of the 207th battalion of the territorial defense of Kyiv, where Shabunin served at the beginning of the full-scale war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yushko is under investigation for alleged abuse of power, accused of authorizing fictitious business trips for military personnel, including Shabunin.

Yushko is suspected of approving Shabunin's business trip to the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NACP), allegedly allowing him to avoid combat duties.

Another part of the criminal case concerns Shabunin's alleged illegal use of a gifted car.

Shabunin, who joined the Armed Forces at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and has served since then, denied the accusations and said the cases were fabricated. He said that the vehicle had been transferred to him personally, not to his military unit, adding that, under Ukrainian law, he was not required to transfer it to the unit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A day earlier on July 10, Shabunin said he had been reassigned from his post in the city of Kharkiv to a front-line brigade  a move he believes linked to his anti-corruption efforts and criticism of the government.

If charged, Shabunin can face up to 10 years in prison.

"At this time, we consider the charges absurd and the searches of Vitaliy and his family  carried out without a court warrant  unlawful," the AntAC said.

Shabunin previously said he believed the cases against him to be politically motivated and linked to the President's Office and controversial Deputy Chief of Staff Oleh Tatarov.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shabunin has regularly criticized Tatarov, who was charged with bribery in 2020. Law enforcement agencies have obstructed and eventually closed the case against Tatarov.

Tatarov allegedly holds considerable influence over law enforcement agencies, according to investigative journalists. President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to suspend or fire Tatarov despite the controversies.

According to the SBI, the allegations against Shabunin have "no connection to his professional work."

Since its foundation in 2012, the Anti-Corruption Action Center's members have been subjected to numerous attacks by those in power.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The activist was charged in 2017 with beating a pro-government blogger. Shabunin admitted hitting him as payback for insulting a female colleague but said that the blogger did not sustain any serious injuries and falsified a medical examination.

The case has seen no progress in court since then.

In 2020, a Kyiv court fined Shabunin for filing his 2019 asset declaration late. He admitted the delay and said he had submitted declarations in previous years before it became mandatory.

That year, Shabunin's house was set on fire. Later, grenades were found near his mother's and mother-in-law's apartments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read also: With partner finances, Ukraine will shoot down everything amid escalating Russian drone attacks, Zelensky says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Unscrupulous European drone makers are faking battlefield tests and trying to steal the secrets of Ukrainian firms, according to the head of a major local manufacturer.

Roman Knyazhenko, the chief executive of Skyeton, accused some Western defence manufacturers of claiming their weapons were combat tested after short flights conducted away from the front line.

As a result, European governments have invested billions of pounds in systems that do not work in reality, taking resources away from the defence of their own nations and support for Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Knyazhenko said drone makers would visit his firm with proposals of co-operation, only to use the time to try to snoop on its secrets.

Roman Knyazhenko, Skyeton chief executive, with the flagship Raybird drone - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Many European drone makers are doing a fantastic job, and we work with a number of them, Mr Knyazhenko said. But others are promising a lot just to talk with you more, to find out what secrets you have, and then theyre disappearing.

These dishonest companies are trying to sniff around to find out how were operating, what kind of solutions we have that work on the battlefield.

Then they do beautiful pitch books, beautiful presentations about how theyre operating in Ukraine. But actually theyve done just a couple of flights in Lviv [the western city more than 1,000km from the front line].

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sometimes I open presentations of other [unmanned] aircrafts from Europe, and I see literally my own words, without any change.

The big problem, after that, is that billions of dollars go to the companies that still dont have any idea what theyre doing.

That poses problems for the country procuring such systems, because theyre investing in technology thats actually fake. In the end, you will have nothing, he said.

Skyeton is the major manufacturer of long-range unmanned aircraft used by the Ukrainian army, with its Raybird system having completed more than 350,000 combat flight hours.

The Raybird can carry various payloads, including reconnaissance cameras, radio frequency locators, and other equipment, while flying up to 2,500km on missions up to 28 hours long.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The system is the product of years of relentless work, undergoing hundreds of engineering tweaks per year to adapt to the battlefield.

We can sometimes help destroy, in one flight, equipment worth billions, Mr Knyazhenko said.

Before Russias seizure of Crimea in 2014, Skyeton produced ultralight K-10 Swift aircraft. But now its team of 500 employees work day and night with the Ukrainian military.

Just imagine the situation when the crew comes in and somethings broken in the system, Mr Knyazhenko said.

It means that right now, while theyre here, the brigade doesnt have this equipment that supports them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theyre asking you, okay, how long will it take to repair? In peacetime you would say a couple of weeks or a month. But right now, you have one night. Because if you do not do it one night, tomorrow the enemy will try and approach us and we will not have aircraft in the air, so we will have casualties.

The pressure is huge, Mr Knyazhenko said. Mentally, its very difficult.

Skyetons speed reflects the rapidly shifting nature of the war. Around half of the materials inside the Raybird have been replaced in the last three years, to make it less observable by radar. Endurance is also key: the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has to be able to operate in very muddy conditions on the front.

Your aircraft can easily be in a puddle, and in 10 minutes it has to fly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sometimes its just two weeks before a technology that was the most important on the battlefield isnt working any more, Mr Knyazhenko added.

Out on a testing field, a Skyeton crew unpacked the Raybird from several black cases for a demonstration. One man sat by a monitor as rain spattered down the screen. Another set up the elastic sling that launches the UAV off a slide. In recent months, the slide has been shortened and the material in the sling made more springy.

Skyeton has been forced to manufacture more of the components and parts needed for the craft in-house.

One delivery of a large number of gimbal-cameras arrived with only half in a functional state, Mr Knyazhenko said. The company involved, which he declined to name on the record, acted surprised at the news.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But every gimbal has an SD card inside with a test in the factory. We checked the test and it was not working in the factory.

Every delay costs millions

The company followed its own deadlines for delivery, kicking any problems with the systems down the line.

But that means: First, guys [on the front] dont have equipment.

Second, [Skyetons] contracts with the government here in Ukraine are very strict. So basically every day of delay will cost us millions.

If Skyeton decided to pursue the case in the courts, the system of international law means I will spend like five or six years [waiting for a verdict], Mr Knyazhenko said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Everybodys just doing like this and, in the end, you dont have time to deal with it, and youre just trying to go ahead and forget about it.

Skyetons team of 500 employees work day and night with the Ukrainian military - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

To the Skyeton chief executive, one fundamental issue is a misunderstanding on the part of some European companies of the challenges involved in manufacturing UAVs.

They think if they come here, check someones factory, they can easily create the same in their country.

But nobody would make the same mistake with car manufacturing, he said.

To make a BMW from nothing in one year, its impossible, he said. You will spend 10, 15, 20 years developing and making it until, at last, you will be very close to BMW, right?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its the same story here.

Were in a condition where we work all the time, developing so hard. Three years here feels like 20 years in peace time.

Some people think, its easy, well just do it. But its like thousands of secrets, tricks, and experiences that we are collecting inside the company. Without these things, it will not work properly.

Most countries far behind Ukraine in drone combat

Instead of funding startups, Mr Knyazhenko called for Western nations to consider financing Ukrainian factories within their own borders.

Just finance the factory, and you will have the manufacturer in your country with a really advanced system, he said. Nobody would try and build an F-16 from scratch, he added, because they would know it takes so long and is so hard to do right.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Every country has the technologies they are good at, he added. Ukraines, clearly, is drones, and it should see its products exported, as with the US-made F-16 jet.

In a July 7 article in Foreign Affairs magazine, two veterans of Joe Bidens national security council offered a similar assessment. Having never experienced [drone] combat, most countries in the world, including the United States, are now far behind the Ukrainians in this regard, wrote Jon Finer and David Shimer.

Asked for an example of the kind of request his team routinely deals with, Mr Knyazhenko recalled a special forces operation in the Black Sea that went wrong.

A grenade-holding mechanism for a drone - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

It was nighttime and the sailors were lost at sea, unable to navigate back to base. With just six hours to find the crew before morning light, when the Russians would be able to target them, Skyeton sent out the Raybird UAV.

There was a failure with the first one, meaning a second had to be deployed from a more dangerous location while the first flew back.

Thrillingly, this Raybird found the crew on the pitch-black waters. It used the lights on its wings to indicate the way they needed to steer.

In the end, a large group of people got home safe.

Mr Knyazhenko said: From one side, everything looks perfect for us. But it was like hell, a night of hell.

When you are destroying something you feel good for a couple seconds, he added. But when you know that you saved someone. Like, its a totally different feeling.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Editor's note: The story was updated with comments from Ukrainian official Andrii Kovalenko.

Drone attacks were reported on July 11 near a Russian oil depot and multiple defense industry facilities, including a MiG jet fighter production plant near Moscow, according to an independent Russian news outlet, Astra.

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces downed 155 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 53 over Kursk Oblast and 13 over Tula Oblast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kyiv regularly targets Russian industrial and military facilities deep in the rear, aiming to undermine Moscow's ability to wage its all-out war.

Residents of Tula, a city over 300 kilometers (roughly 200 miles) from the Ukrainian border, reported explosions in the city's industrial Proletarsky district. According to Astra, three major defense industry facilities that have been previously targeted in drone strikes are located in the area.

The JSC Instrument Design Bureau develops precision munitions, the NPO Splav produces multiple-launch rocket systems, and Shcheglovsky Val JSC  one of Russia's largest defense companies  produces guided weapons, air defenses, and small arms.

Tula residents report explosions in the Proletarsky district. Three major Russian defense plants are located there. ASTRA geolocates eyewitness videos.



All three plants were previously attacked in May and June this year.



On the night of July 11, drones launched a mass attack on pic.twitter.com/pukMSr97Jk  ASTRA (@ASTRA_PRESS) July 11, 2025

It is not immediately clear whether the facilities suffered damage. Tula Oblast Governor Dmitry Milyaev reported one person killed and another injured, without providing additional details on potential damage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russian authorities largely do not comment on possible damage to strategic or military facilities caused by Ukrainain attacks.

In Moscow Oblast, residents of the Lukhovitsy town, lying some 110 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of the Russian capital, reported a drone attack near the local aviation plant and an oil depot, Astra reported.

The Lukhovitsy Aviation Plant produces warplanes used by Russian forces in Ukraine, including MiG-29 fighter jets and MiG-31 Kinzhal missile carriers. Astra noted that the drone strike's actual target in Lukhovitsy remains unclear.

"The Lukhovitsy Aviation Plant was under attack. It specializes in the production and modernization of the MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighters and their modifications," said Andrii Kovalenko, an official at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kovalenko also noted that the facility is developing new fighter jet models based on the MiG platforms and is involved in upgrading the Shahed-type attack drones.

Elsewhere in the region, drones reportedly attacked the Kronstadt drone factory in Dubna, roughly 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Moscow, a facility previously targeted in a Ukrainian attack in May.

Moscow Oblast Governor Andrey Vorobyov did not report on possible attacks in the region, and Russia's Defense Ministry did not report downing any drones in the area.

Russian regional authorities reported injuries in other regions as a result of Ukrainian drone attacks, including four people allegedly wounded in Kursk Oblast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read also: As leaders attend Ukraine Recovery Conference, rebuilding is distant dream for Ukrainians who need it most

The Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg suspended operations amid the drone strikes, according to Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency.

The Ukrainian military has not commented on the claims, which could not be independently verified.

The reported drone strikes come as Russia intensifies aerial strikes against Ukrainian cities. Russian forces launched their largest aerial attack yet on July 9, deploying over 740 drones and missiles in a single night.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, war has become a daily reality for thousands of Ukrainian children. As it drags on three and a half years later, some Ukrainian teenagers are coming to terms with the possibility that their generation might be the next to join the countrys defense against Russian aggression. Some Ukrainian military units, such as the Azov Brigade, offer boot camps for teenagers to teach them the basics of self-defense, first aid, dry firing, and other survival skills  helping them prepare for both the realities of today and the uncertainties of the future.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  An independent U.N. investigator and outspoken critic of Israels actions in Gaza said Thursday that it was shocking to learn that the Trump administration had imposed sanctions on her but defiantly stood by her view on the war.

Francesca Albanese said in an interview with The Associated Press that the powerful were trying to silence her for defending those without any power of their own, other than standing and hoping not to die, not to see their children slaughtered."

"This is not a sign of power, its a sign of guilt, the Italian human rights lawyer said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The State Departments decision to impose sanctions on Albanese, the U.N. special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, followed an unsuccessful U.S. pressure campaign to force the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, the U.N.s top human rights body, to remove her from her post.

She is tasked with probing human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories and has been vocal about what she has described as the genocide by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza. Both Israel and the U.S. have strongly denied that accusation.

Albaneses campaign of political and economic warfare against the United States and Israel will no longer be tolerated, Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on social media. We will always stand by our partners in their right to self-defense.

The U.S. announced the sanctions Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting Washington to meet with President Trump and other officials about reaching a ceasefire deal in the war in Gaza. Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, which accuses him of crimes against humanity in his military offensive in Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the interview, Albanese accused American officials of receiving Netanyahu with honor and standing side-by-side with someone wanted by the ICC, a court that neither the U.S. nor Israel is a member of or recognizes. Trump imposed sanctions on the court in February.

We need to reverse the tide, and in order for it to happen  we need to stand united, she said. They cannot silence us all. They cannot kill us all. They cannot fire us all.

Albanese stressed that the only way to win is to get rid of fear and to stand up for the Palestinians and their right to an independent state.

The Trump administrations stand is not normal, she said at the Sarajevo airport. She also defiantly repeated, No one is free until Palestine is free.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Albanese was en route to Fridays 30th anniversary commemoration of the 1995 massacre in Srebrenica where more than 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys in a U.N.-protected safe zone were killed when it was overrun by Bosnian Serbs.

The United Nations, Human Rights Watch and the Center for Constitutional Rights opposed the U.S. move.

The imposition of sanctions on special rapporteurs is a dangerous precedent and is unacceptable, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

While Albanese reports to the Human Rights Council  not Secretary-General Antonio Guterres  the U.S. and any other U.N. member are entitled to disagree with reports by the independent rapporteurs, but we encourage them to engage with the U.N. human rights architecture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump announced the U.S. was withdrawing from the council in February.

The war between Israel and Hamas began Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel and killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people captive. Israels retaliatory campaign has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which says women and children make up most of the dead but does not specify how many were fighters or civilians.

Nearly 21 months into the conflict that displaced the vast majority of Gazas 2.3 million people, the U.N. says hunger is rampant after a lengthy Israeli blockade on food entering the territory and medical care is extremely limited.

___

AP writer Edith M. Lederer contributed to this report from the United Nations.
ROME (AP)  The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 forced almost 10 million people to flee their homes, with about 3.8 million displaced within the country and 5.6 million abroad, but most of them want to stay close to their homes, the U.N. refugee agency's representative for Ukraine said.

The war between Russia and Ukraine is continuing with increased intensity" so the continuation of international support funding a humanitarian response is crucial, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees representative Karolina Lindholm Billing said Friday.

At the moment, most who are newly displaced remain within the country and thats what most people prefer to do as well: to stay as close as possible to their home regions, Lindholm Billing told The Associated Press.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The UNHCR representative stressed that every day the organization and its local partners help people who are victims of aerial attacks, including recent strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv.

People evacuating from front line areas need support. But at the same time, we have to continue helping Ukraines immediate recovery, so that people who want to stay in Ukraine can actually do that, Lindholm Billing said.

As participants in the fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference gathered in Rome Thursday and Friday, European leaders urged private business and equity to invest in rebuilding Ukraine now, even as Russia accelerates its war effort.

The conference is expected to finalize individual deals of guarantees and grants to unlock more than 10 billion euros (around $12 billion) in investments. The European Commission, for its part, announced the creation of the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, the largest equity fund to date to support the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Countries prepared to provide troops for a future stabilization force in Ukraine also agreed to set up a headquarters in Paris to facilitate a rapid deployment after the war ends.

Russia recently intensified a series of long-range Shahed drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, which often also include ballistic and cruise missiles as well as powerful glide bombs.

June brought the highest monthly civilian casualties of the past three years, with 232 people killed and 1,343 wounded. Russia launched 10 times more drones and missiles in June than in the same month last year, the U.N. human rights mission in Ukraine said Thursday.

Lindholm Billing said UNHCR is working with Ukraine's government on a winter response plan, which will include cash assistance for vulnerable families to pay for firewood, coal and briquettes to warm homes in front line areas where energy systems are damaged.

We have another winter coming up and we know that the cold weather adds another layer of risk to people. So its going to be crucial to also provide support for Ukraines energy systems, but also for individual households, she said.
The report comes as diplomats expect the United States to seek the removal of UN sanctions on HTS and Sharaa, who has said he wants to build an inclusive and democratic Syria.

United Nations sanctions monitors have seen no "active ties" this year between Al Qaeda and the Islamist group leading Syria's interim government, an unpublished UN report said, a finding that could strengthen an expected US push for removing UN sanctions on Syria.

The report, seen by Reuters on Thursday, is likely to be published this month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham is Al Qaeda's former branch in Syria but broke ties in 2016. The group, previously known as al-Nusra Front, led the rebellion that toppled President Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive in December, and HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa became Syria's interim president.

The report comes as diplomats expect the United States to seek the removal of UN sanctions on HTS and Sharaa, who has said he wants to build an inclusive and democratic Syria.

"Many tactical-level individuals hold more extreme views than ... Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, who are generally regarded as more pragmatic than ideological," the UN report said. It covered the six months to June 22 and relied on contributions and assessments from UN member states.

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea addresses delegates during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, following U.S attack on Iran's nuclear sites, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., June 22, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/EDUARDO MUNOZ)

Since May 2014, HTS has been subject to UN sanctions including a global assets freeze and arms embargo. A number of HTS members also face sanctions like a travel ban and asset freeze - including Sharaa, who has been listed since July 2013.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The UN monitors wrote in their report to the Security Council: "Some member states raised concerns that several HTS and aligned members, especially those in tactical roles or integrated into the new Syrian army, remained ideologically tied to Al Qaeda."

US President Donald Trump announced a major US policy shift in May when he said he would lift US sanctions on Syria. He signed an executive order enacting this at the end of June, and Washington revoked its foreign terrorist organization designation of HTS this week.

The US said then that revoking the designation was a step towards Trump's vision of a peaceful and unified Syria.

The US is "reviewing our remaining terrorist designations related to HTS and Syria and their placement on the UN sanctions list," a State Department spokesperson told Reuters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Diplomats, humanitarian organizations and regional analysts have said lifting sanctions would help rebuild Syria's shattered economy, steer the country away from authoritarianism and reduce the appeal of radical groups.

Trump and his advisers have argued that doing so would also serve US interests by opening opportunities for American businesses, countering Iranian and Russian influence and potentially limiting the call for US military involvement in the region.

OBSTACLES TO US EFFORT

But Washington faces diplomatic obstacles to get Security Council backing for removing the sanctions.

The US will also need to win support from Russia - which was an ally to Assad - and China for any Syria sanctions relief at the UN, diplomats said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both are particularly concerned about foreigners who joined HTS during the 13-year war between rebel groups and Assad. The UN experts said there were estimated to be more than 5,000 foreign fighters in Syria.

The status of foreign fighters has been one of the most fraught issues hindering Syria's rapprochement with the West. But the US has given its blessing to a plan by Syria's new leaders to integrate foreign fighters into the army.

China is gravely concerned about such developments. The Syrian interim authorities should earnestly fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations," Chinas UN Ambassador Fu Cong told the Security Council last month.

He said Syria must combat terrorist organizations including "the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, also known as the Turkistan Islamic Party. Uyghur fighters from China and Central Asia are members of the Turkistan Islamic Party. Rights groups accuse Beijing of widespread abuses of the mainly Muslim ethnic minority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council last month that it was essential Syria's "army and police are staffed exclusively by professional personnel with untainted track records," an apparent reference to irregular fighters like militants.

The UN monitors said some foreign fighters rejected the move to integrate them into the military. "Defections occurred among those who see Sharaa as a sell-out, raising the risk of internal conflict and making Sharaa a potential target," the UN experts said.
By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -Companies must use advanced tools to detect and stamp out misinformation and deepfake content to help counter growing risks of election interference and financial fraud, the United Nations International Telecommunication Union urged in a report on Friday.

Deepfakes such as AI-generated images and videos, and audio that convincingly impersonates real people, pose mounting risks, the ITU said in the report released at its "AI for Good Summit" in Geneva.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ITU called for robust standards to combat manipulated multimedia and recommended that content distributors such as social media platforms use digital verification tools to authenticate images and videos before sharing.

"Trust in social media has dropped significantly because people don't know what's true and what's fake," Bilel Jamoussi, Chief of the Study Groups Department at the ITU's Standardization Bureau, noted. Combatting deepfakes was a top challenge due to Generative AI's ability to fabricate realistic multimedia, he said.

Leonard Rosenthol of Adobe, a digital editing software leader that has been addressing deepfakes since 2019, underscored the importance of establishing the provenance of digital content to help users assess its trustworthiness.

"We need more of the places where users consume their content to show this information...When you are scrolling through your feeds you want to know: 'can I trust this image, this video...'" Rosenthol said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dr. Farzaneh Badiei, founder of digital governance research firm Digital Medusa, stressed the importance of a global approach to the problem, given there is currently no single international watchdog focusing on detecting manipulated material.

"If we have patchworks of standards and solutions, then the harmful deepfake can be more effective," she told Reuters.

The ITU is currently developing standards for watermarking videos - which make up 80% of internet traffic - to embed provenance data such as creator identity and timestamps.

Tomaz Levak, founder of Switzerland-based Umanitek, urged the private sector to proactively implement safety measures and educate users.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"AI will only get more powerful, faster or smarter We'll need to upskill people to make sure that they are not victims of the systems," he said.

(Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
The United Nations on Thursday rejected as "unacceptable" sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on an independent UN rapporteur over her criticism of Israel and called for them to be reversed.

The measures against Francesca Albanese, a UN-appointed independent expert on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, represent "a dangerous precedent," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York, told reporters.

While member states have the right to disagree with reports by independent experts, such disagreements should be addressed within the UN framework, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The use of unilateral sanctions against Special Rapporteurs or any other UN expert or official is unacceptable, he told journalists on Thursday at his regular news briefing.

He emphasized that Italian jurist Albanese was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and that Secretary-General Guterres has no authority over her work.

Dujarric has called for a distinction between legitimate political criticism of the Israeli government and anti-Semitism

US accuses Albanese of anti-Semitism

On Wednesday, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Albanese, the independent UN rapporteur for the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The State Department accused her of bias and anti-Semitism, claiming Albanese had contacted the International Criminal Court to encourage investigations or arrests of US or Israeli nationals without informing the two countries.

That, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, made her "unfit" for service.

"Albanese has spewed unabashed anti-Semitism, expressed support for terrorism, and open contempt for the United States, Israel, and the West," the statement said.
The United Nations on Thursday rejected as "unacceptable" sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on an independent UN rapporteur over her criticism of Israel and called for them to be reversed.

The measures against Francesca Albanese, a UN-appointed independent expert on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, represent "a dangerous precedent," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York, told reporters.

While member states have the right to disagree with reports by independent experts, such disagreements should be addressed within the UN framework, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The use of unilateral sanctions against Special Rapporteurs or any other UN expert or official is unacceptable, he told journalists on Thursday at his regular news briefing.

He emphasized that Italian jurist Albanese was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and that Secretary-General Guterres has no authority over her work.

Dujarric has called for a distinction between legitimate political criticism of the Israeli government and anti-Semitism

US accuses Albanese of anti-Semitism

On Wednesday, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Albanese, the independent UN rapporteur for the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The State Department accused her of bias and anti-Semitism, claiming Albanese had contacted the International Criminal Court to encourage investigations or arrests of US or Israeli nationals without informing the two countries.

That, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, made her "unfit" for service.

"Albanese has spewed unabashed anti-Semitism, expressed support for terrorism, and open contempt for the United States, Israel, and the West," the statement said.

Rubio said Albanese had written "threatening letters" to entities worldwide, including several US companies, "making extreme and unfounded accusations" and recommending the ICC pursue prosecutions of the companies and their executives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We will not tolerate these campaigns of political and economic warfare, which threaten our national interests and sovereignty."

Albanese, an Italian legal and human rights academic, was appointed UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian Territories in 2022.

Earlier this month Albanese accused Israel of using companies to pursue a "settler-colonial" displacement project aimed at apartheid and genocide.

She has faced criticism for her views, with critics accusing her of anti-Semitism over her denunciations of Israeli actions.

UN special rapporteurs are independent experts. The UN Human Rights Council appoints them to submit reports on specific topics or countries.
Federal immigration agents, assisted by members of the National Guard, carried out raids at two Southern California cannabis farms, arresting dozens, including undocumented minors, in an operation that drew several hundred protestors and violent clashes with officers.

The immigration sweeps, one at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and another about 35 miles up the coast at another Glass House facility in Carpinteria, unfolded simultaneously at around 8:30 a.m.

In Camarillo, video from Sky5 showed a large federal law enforcement presence in the fields, with agents detaining workers as several hundred protesters began gathering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

United States Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed the operation in a post to X.

Federal agents are executing a search warrant at this marijuana farm, he wrote. Agents have already arrested multiple individuals for impeding this operation and will continue to make arrests. Dont interfere. You will be arrested and charged with a federal offense.

The scene escalated around 12:35 p.m. when tear gas and less-than-lethal rounds were deployed into crowds of protestors who had blocked roadways on both north and southbound Laguna Road.

Essayli later posted a video to X, showing what looks like a man firing at federal agents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

[The] FBI has issued a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo, he said. The shooting occurred on 7/10/25 at approximately 2:26 p.m. on Laguna Rd between Wood Rd and Las Posas Rd.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott posted to X that 10 undocumented minors at the Camarillo farm, eight of them unaccompanied, were found and Glass House is now under investigation for child labor violations.

This is Newsoms California, he added.

First responders with the Ventura County Fire Department responded to the scene on reports of a multi-casualty incident but were forced to set up a triage system for people injured by tear gas at a safe distance from the ongoing operation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Five people, according to the Los Angeles Times, were taken to the hospital.

Ventura County fire officials said in a statement that their presence was solely to provide medical aid and that the department has no connection with any federal immigration enforcement actions.

Similarly, Ventura County sheriffs deputies were deployed to control traffic, but told The Times they were not involved in the federal operation.

By around 6:30 p.m., some 200 protesters were still at the site where more than three dozen troops, many holding shields, and federal agents stood their ground.

Protesters seen near troops during an immigration sweep of cannabis farm in Ventura County on July 10, 2025. (KTLA) Military vehicles arrive in Camarillo at the site of an immigration enforcement operation at an agricultural farm on July 10, 2025. Protesters are seen gathering at the site of a possible immigration raid at a Camarillo farm. July 2025. (KTLA) A growing crowd of protesters gathered at a Camarillo agriculture farm after several workers were detained in an immigration enforcement operation on July 10, 2025. (KTLA) Federal agents deploy tear gas at protesters gathering at the site of a possible immigration raid at a Camarillo farm on July 10, 2025. (KTLA) Protesters are seen clashing with federal agents on the scene of a possible immigration raid at a farm in Ventura County. July 2025. (Traffic News Los Angeles) Protesters are seen clashing with federal agents on the scene of a possible immigration raid at a farm in Ventura County. July 2025. (Traffic News Los Angeles) Protesters are seen clashing with federal agents on the scene of a possible immigration raid at a farm in Ventura County. July 2025. (Traffic News Los Angeles) Protesters are seen gathering at the site of a possible immigration raid at a Camarillo farm. July 2025. (KTLA) Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) is turned away by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Carpinteria on July 10, 2025. (John Palminteri/KEYT) Federal agents began loading farm workers into several vans hours after they were detained during an hourslong immigration enforcement raid in Camarillo on July 10, 2025. (KTLA) Detainees are seen at an immigration raid in Ventura County. July 2025. (KTLA)

During the Carpinteria operation, Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) attempted to enter the area cordoned off by federal agents, but was denied access and turned around, video from local news station KEYT showed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Carbajal released a statement following the enforcement operation in which he described a troubling lack of transparency from the Department of Homeland Security since the Trump Administration began its high-profile immigration busts in California.

Harrowing dashcam footage captures deadly big-rig crash in Southern California

I will be demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security to find out who they detained and where the detainees are being taken, the statement reads in part. These militarized ICE raids are not how you keep our communities safe. This kind of chaos only traumatizes families and tears communities apart.

Just before 8 p.m., DHS officials reposted video originally put on X by Gov. Gavin Newsom, in which he references Presidents Trumps Newscum nickname for the governor and then calls the president the real scum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin? DHSs post reads.

Marc Cohodes, who is an investor in Glass House Farms, which claims to be the largest [legal] cannabis cultivator in the world called the raids beyond outrageous, The Times reported.

For its part, Glass House released a short statement on X, reading:

Glass House Farms were visited today by ICE Officials. The company fully complied with agent search warrants and will provide further updates if necessary.

While its unclear how many undocumented workers and protesters were detained, DHS released a statement saying:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DHS law enforcement is executing criminal warrants at a marijuana facility. Our brave officers will continue to enforce the law.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(KTLA)  Federal immigration agents, assisted by members of the National Guard, carried out raids at two Southern California cannabis farms Thursday, arresting dozens, including undocumented minors, in an operation that drew several hundred protestors and violent clashes with officers.

The immigration sweeps, one at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and another about 35 miles up the coast at another Glass House facility in Carpinteria, unfolded simultaneously at around 8:30 a.m.

In Camarillo, video from Nexstars KTLA showed a large federal law enforcement presence in the fields, with agents detaining workers as several hundred protesters began gathering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed the operation in a post to X.

Federal agents are executing a search warrant at this marijuana farm, he wrote. Agents have already arrested multiple individuals for impeding this operation and will continue to make arrests. Dont interfere. You will be arrested and charged with a federal offense.

The scene escalated around 12:35 p.m. when tear gas and less-than-lethal rounds were deployed into crowds of protestors who had blocked roadways on both north and southbound Laguna Road.

Protesters were seen near troops during an immigration sweep of a cannabis farm in Ventura County on July 10, 2025. (KTLA)

Essayli later posted a video to X, showing what looks like a man firing at federal agents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

[The] FBI has issued a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo, he said. The shooting occurred on 7/10/25 at approximately 2:26 p.m. on Laguna Rd between Wood Rd and Las Posas Rd.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott posted to X that 10 undocumented minors at the Camarillo farm, eight of them unaccompanied, were found, and Glass House is now under investigation for child labor violations.

This is Newsoms California, he added.

First responders with the Ventura County Fire Department responded to the scene on reports of a multi-casualty incident but were forced to set up a triage system for people injured by tear gas at a safe distance from the ongoing operation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Five people, according to the Los Angeles Times, were taken to the hospital.

Ventura County fire officials said in a statement that their presence was solely to provide medical aid and that the department has no connection with any federal immigration enforcement actions.

Similarly, Ventura County sheriffs deputies were deployed to control traffic, but told The Times they were not involved in the federal operation.

By around 6:30 p.m., some 200 protesters were still at the site where more than three dozen troops, many holding shields, and federal agents stood their ground.

During the Carpinteria operation, Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) attempted to enter the area cordoned off by federal agents, but was denied access and turned around, video from local news station KEYT showed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Carbajal released a statement following the enforcement operation in which he described a troubling lack of transparency from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since the Trump Administration began its high-profile immigration busts in California.

Harrowing dashcam footage captures deadly big-rig crash in Southern California

I will be demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security to find out who they detained and where the detainees are being taken, the statement reads in part. These militarized ICE raids are not how you keep our communities safe. This kind of chaos only traumatizes families and tears communities apart.

Just before 8 p.m., DHS officials reposted video originally put on X by Gov. Gavin Newsom, in which he references President Donald Trumps Newscum nickname for the governor and then calls the president the real scum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin? DHSs post reads.

Marc Cohodes, who is an investor in Glass House Farms, which claims to be the largest [legal] cannabis cultivator in the world, called the raids beyond outrageous, The Times reported.

For its part, Glass House released a short statement on X, reading:

Glass House Farms were visited today by ICE Officials. The company fully complied with agent search warrants and will provide further updates if necessary.

While its unclear how many undocumented workers and protesters were detained, DHS released a statement saying:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DHS law enforcement is executing criminal warrants at a marijuana facility. Our brave officers will continue to enforce the law.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  The union representing 1,450 nurses and other healthcare workers at WellSpan Chambersburg announced their strike will begin later this month.

Representatives with SEUI announced that the strike is scheduled to start at 7 a.m. on July 22 and will run through 7 a.m. on July 27. The 22nd is the earliest date for a walkout, with the hospital needing a 10-day notice to make alternative plans for patients.

Close

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

WHTM Daily Digest

Workers say they are struggling with severe understaffing, high turnover, and burnout, which they attribute to uncompetitive pay, inadequate benefits, and grueling working conditions.

On Friday, WellSpan said they have not received a formal strike notice from the union. The hospital stated this week they were committed to negotiation with the union and that their last offer remains on the table. The hospital says the offer includes wage increases over three years and other enhancements to team members total compensation package despite challenges related to government cuts to healthcare funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WellSpan is fully prepared to ensure continuous care for our community if there is a strike, said Niki Hinckle, Senior Vice President, West Region, on Friday. Our comprehensive plan allows us to remain fully committed to serving our patients without interruption.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
A union for employees at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is demanding the agency reinstate workers who were placed on leave for signing a letter critical of the Trump administrations environmental and personnel policies.

The agencys decision to place these employees on administrative leave and to threaten further employment actions is a blatant act of retaliation, Justin Chen, the union president, said in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. These employees engaged in protected speech on a matter of significant public concern, and their actions are fully protected by federal law and our collective bargaining agreement.

Chen added that the agencys actions had no legal basis and that it should dismiss any disciplinary or investigative action it took against the staffers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He contended that, in addition to being protected by the First Amendment, the employees letter was within their rights to petition Congress. The letter was copied to multiple congressional committees, Chen said, in addition to Zeldin.

Indeed, the unions understanding is that many of the employees affected sought previously to raise the concerns noted in the letter through their regular chain of command to no avail or response, he added.

The EPA did not immediately return a request for comment.

A group of current and retired EPA employees went public Monday with a letter to Zeldin critical of the administration, saying the White Houses efforts undermine the EPA mission of protecting human health and the environment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The EPA said afterward that it had placed 144 staffers on administrative leave and it would investigate the letter.

The agency had previously fired 280 employees who worked on tackling pollution in marginalized communities, framing it as a push to end diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

I dont believe that anyone should be here at EPA who is not committed to the agency mission and the lawful directives coming from the duly elected president of the United States, Zeldin told reporters in January.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 week after catastrophic flooding claimed at least 121 lives in Texas Hill Country, search efforts continue with volunteers working tirelessly to find victims and bring closure to families.

The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer organization that's been coordinating disaster response since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, remains on the ground in Kerr County, where at least 96 people, including 36 children, lost their lives after the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in less than an hour early on July 4.

"At the beginning, it was mostly ground crews on foot, checking everything we could visually see," Ryan Logue, the Texas incident commander for the United Cajun Navy, told ABC News on Friday. "Now we've got canine crews, search and rescue, and swim teams deployed."

ABC News - PHOTO: United Cajun Navy's Ryan Logue, a resident of Kerrville, Texas, says, "I'm not going anywhere until I find every last victim.

However, the recovery effort faces mounting challenges. As days pass, conditions on the ground are becoming more difficult. Logue explained that mud and silt washed down by the floodwaters are now "becoming almost like concrete" as they dry, making it harder for search teams to dig through debris.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MORE: Texas flooding live updates

For Logue, this mission hits close to home. As a Kerrville local, he's not just leading the search effort -- he's helping rebuild his own community.

"This is my backyard. The place on the river that I'm at right now is where I take my daughter swimming," Logue said. "I'm not going anywhere until we find every last victim and provide closure to this community."

The dual role of helper and community member fuels Logue's determination, he noted.

"The fire inside of me to help my community burns so strong," he said, recounting how locals have embraced him with hugs and gratitude when they spot him wearing his United Cajun Navy shirt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With President Donald Trump visiting the devastated region with First Lady Melania Trump on Friday, questions continue to mount about the local and federal response to the disaster.

Despite this, the focus remains clear for volunteers like Logue: bringing closure to families still waiting for news of their loved ones.

"This isn't just a disaster you're deployed to," Logue said. "You have to process what's going on because this is my backyard. But I know I have to put on my game face and make sure we're doing everything we can to find anybody who was impacted by this."
LOUISIANA (KLFY)  Nearly a week after deadly flash floods devastated parts of Central Texas, Louisiana-based volunteers with the United Cajun Navy and their partner organization, Mission Mules, remain on the ground; still searching, still hoping, and still helping communities heal.

United Cajun Navy teams are spread across Center Point, Ingram and Sandy Creek, where theyve shifted from active rescue to a mix of recovery and emotional support.

Once you get past the 48-to-60-hour mark, the survivability index goes down quite a bit for missing personsespecially in this kind of flash flooding, said Brian Trascher, Vice President of the United Cajun Navy. Its looking pretty bleak to find any survivors at this point on day six.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Because of the trauma involved, Trascher said the organization made the rare decision to limit this deployment to combat veterans.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

We knew that just regular peopleif they came across a deceased childit might scar them for life, he said.

Even seasoned veterans are feeling the emotional weight. Trascher described how one team leader discovered a childs Bible in the debris; filled with handwritten notes and favorite scriptures. It overwhelmed him.

That took him out, Trascher said. I had to pull him off the field and send him to one of our counselors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Providing crucial backup is Mission Mules, a nonprofit specializing in remote disaster relief. Using mule teams, ATVs and side-by-sides, they deliver water, gear and wellness supplies to field crews in the scorching heat.

Were supporting all the ground crews doing the recovery, said Mike Toberer, president of Mission Mules. Its so hot out there; were making sure they have the electrolytes and supplies they need to stay focused and safe.

Toberer said the United Cajun Navy has been vital to their operations.

Theyre like our main supporter, he said. Pretty much anything we need they get it for us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite the pain, both groups say theyll continue working as long as it takes.

We still have guys out there, Trascher said. We keep hope that there could be a miracle every day.

The United Cajun Navy is not accepting new volunteers for this particular mission. However, those who want to support their ongoing efforts can donate or sign up for future missions on their website. Those who want to support Mission Mules can visit their website here.

Latest news

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
Jul. 11BEMIDJI  Community Resource Connections and the United Way of Bemidji Area have compiled a comprehensive list of storm-related resources.

Disaster distress helpline:

The helpline is open to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. This includes survivors of disasters; loved ones of victims; first responders; rescue, recovery, and relief workers and volunteers; clergy; and parents and caregivers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else," a release noted. "This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7."

Call or text

1(800) 985-5990

or visit

samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.

Sanford Behavioral Health:

The Care Coordination Team can assist with Outpatient Behavioral Health Service questions and referral needs; this team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling

(218) 333-4870.

Mobile Crisis Services offer emergency and crisis care. This team is available 24/7 to help adults and children during a mental health crisis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We can help you at your home, in the community, in the emergency room, or over the phone," the release said.

Mobile crisis or the mental health crises line can be reached by phone at

(800) 422-0045.

Stellher Services:

Stellher is screening for signs of storm related trauma and addressing those needs as they arise: Call

(218) 444-2847.

They are able to see adults and children. An application is required and they can bill insurance.

"We have heard rumors that wood chips are available to community members for free; made available by the storm debris," the release said. "Be aware that the county is not providing free pick up of these chips at the Target back parking area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They do have some potential commercial buyers lined up, but even that is still weeks down the road. Callers have wanted to use the debris to fill holes left by fallen trees. At least to date, we are told that this is not a thing."

If a renter is told by their landlord that they will need to relocate while repairs are made to damages, the renter should:

* Check their lease to see if it addresses this situation

* Contact their renter insurance carrier

* Contact Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota to consult on obligations of the landlord

To apply for free legal help, call

1(800) 450-8585,

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

walk into any Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota office or apply online at

lsnmlaw.org/services/.

General office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the summer, all offices close at 3 p.m. on Fridays.

Staff of the Minnesota Department of Commerce are planning to be in person at the old First National Bank building at 318 5th Street NW at the following times:

* 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16

* 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 17

* 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 18

Insurance experts can speak on:

* How to make an insurance claim

* How to document the damage to your property

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

* What to expect during the claims handling process

* Common coverage issues on homeowner's insurance policies relating to storm damage

* If you are having communication problems with your insurance company, how the department can help

* How you can file a complaint with the department if you believe your insurance company has not handled your claim properly

* What other state agencies you can contact about out-of-state contractors or scammers

* Anything else having to do with insurance claims

Commerce staff are available Monday through Friday to take calls at

1(800) 657-3602,

option 3 and then Option 1, or the main office at

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

(651) 539-1500

at no expense to the caller.

To file an insurance-related complaint online, email

consumer.protection@state.mn.us.

For more information, visit

mn.gov/commerce/.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry regulates contractors and construction. Questions or problems can be reported to this agency by calling

1(800) 342-5354.

To make sure the contractor you are using is licensed call

(651) 284-5034

or visit

dli.mn.gov/

and choose the "check a license" status. Callers are encouraged to stay away from using unlicensed providers as they can leave the state without notice in the middle of a job and can be nearly impossible to hold accountable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs  Disaster Relief Grant:

A disaster relief grant is available for veterans and surviving spouses. Up to $500 in assistance. Contact the Beltrami County Veterans Service Office to complete the application, find out if you are eligible and get help with your application:

(218) 333-4192.

A central location for Beltrami County residents during the storm emergency has been the old First National Bank building in downtown Bemidji. That site closed on July 2.

The supplies that were available there have been moved to 616 America Ave. NW on the first floor while supplies last. Residents may visit the county office during regular business hours to obtain things like hygiene products, bottled water, CRC resource directories, snacks, donated household cleaning supplies, etc.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hot meals are no longer available to the public by Salvation Army providers. The American Red Cross has had all of their home assessment volunteers leave Bemidji, except for two housing assessment workers and two individual emergency response volunteers. Call Red Cross at

1(866) 667-9331.

Although the state has already decided not to pursue FEMA/federal dollars for this emergency, having a housing assessment completed by Red Cross can help local providers where to invest donated dollars. Residents may also be eligible for very minimal Red Cross vouchers.

Most organizations/agencies are reporting that they are returning to business as usual. Many homeowners are not feeling that sense of completion, the release noted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

United Way and Community Resource Connections continue to field calls attempting to match people in need with resources and donations.

The Northwest Minnesota Association of Realtors has received $50,000 in funds for Beltrami County residents, which can be given as direct assistance to qualified households in amounts up to $1,000.

There is an application and requirements, but no 1099 will be sent.

Who can apply:

1. Homeowners: Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged by the disaster.

2. Renters: Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the disaster.

3. Hotel reimbursement due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the disaster.

Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $1,000 per household. The local contact is Wendy Reierson. Her number is

(218) 751-2852

and her email is

nwmnar@gmail.com.

For more information, including the application and required documents, visit

mnrealtor.com/blogs/mnr-news1/2025/07/08/disaster-relief-grants-for-beltrami-county.

People in need of something storm related should call

(218) 333-0880

to make the need known.

"Please let people know that, although their need will be recorded, we are currently prioritizing tree cutting, removal from buildings and driveways, and food resources," the release said. "We want to be sure that everyone has the ability to get out of their home and access services.

"We are hoping that we will be able to move to less basic needs by late July. We are organizing to try to accommodate needs using volunteers and local donations; but we are trying to make sure we are focusing on critical situations first.

"If/when funds become available through donations, donors, and grants we will contact callers to address their particular needs."

The release asks to let your contacts know:

* There will not be money coming from the government, state or county to "reimburse" their expenses related to the storm. State aid may be available to help county and city agencies fix damage to infrastructure by the storm; but it is not the kind of funding that would make payments to individual homeowners.

* Homeowners and car insurance is what can provide reimbursement for expenses.

* When/if resources that address the financial and physical needs that the public is experiencing due to the storm, become available  CRC will use the list of people who have called in to notify them of resources.

* While CRC is arranging periodic food drops and providing information about food access on our call-in line, it does not foresee ever having funds that will replace the contents of freezers and refrigerators where food was lost due to power outages.

* CRC is collecting information about insurance deductibles that are unaffordable, structure, well and chimney damage, and car damage. If CRC is able to find financial resources to assist households with these costs, it will notify them when such resources are available.

* Leech Lake Nation has its own Emergency Response Teams; they have resources that non-tribal members do not have access to.

If you have time, energy and or dollars to donate; call United Way at

(218) 444-8929.

"These food programs exist to support families in need  anyone having lost food in the storm is encouraged to participate," the release noted.

Bemidji Community Food Shelf: Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Bemidji Community Food Shelf is locate at 1260 Exchange Ave SE.

Clearwater County Food Shelf: Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday. The Clearwater County Food Shelf is located at 114 Main Ave. N Bagley.

Ruby's Pantry: Distributes food in Bemidji on the third Wednesday of each month. Register online at

rubyspantry.org/location/51

or register on site starting at 4 p.m.

The next pop-up pantry is set for Wednesday, July 16. Food bundles will be available from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Sanford Center, 1111 Event Center Drive NE.

North Country Food Bank Food Drops: Happen as announced on the website calendar at

northcountryfoodbank.org/events/category/mobile-food-drop/.

Community Table: Hot meals served on site. The entire community is invited and there are no eligibility guidelines. Meals are served from 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday at Mt. Zion Church, and from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at United Methodist Church.
SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW)  Two University Hospitals pediatric doctors who claim they were fired for trying to unionize joined a mass picket outside a UH facility in Shaker Heights on Friday morning.

The hospital system, however, said the doctors were terminated for improperly using a hospital app to access the contact information of thousands of UH workers in their attempt to organize.

I-Team: Judge rules on dismissal of Browns lawsuit

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fired pediatrician Dr. Valerie Fouts-Fowler told FOX 8 News from the picket line on Friday that more than 6,000 people have since signed a petition calling for the reinstatement of herself and Dr. Lauren Beene, who were terminated in June. Hundreds of others have mailed postcards to UH directors.

When we were fired, thousands of patients lives were affected, Beene told FOX 8 News. Our patients suddenly found themselves without their primary care physician. That caused a lot of community outrage.

I think also this issue of us being terminated  this is a much bigger issue than Val and me and our jobs at UH. This is about silencing physicians who are coming together to try to make patient care better.

A Tuesday email from the doctors Friends of Concerned Physicians coalition said the movement was intended to bring light to issues in the hospital system that affect patient care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The hospital system in a Thursday statement said it had received complaints of unsolicited text messages being repeatedly sent to its workers, and determined the physicians had improperly collected personal contact information of some 4,000 workers through a UH care coordination app.

University Hospitals issued a statement on Friday that read:

Lets be clear: The decision to terminate these two physicians had absolutely nothing to do with union organizing. The only reason we launched an investigation into this matter was because of complaints from UH physicians about being sent unsolicited text messages. An investigation determined these two physicians went into a care coordination app, accessed the personal data of 4,000 colleagues, and repeatedly sent them unsolicited text messages that had nothing to do with care coordination. That is why they were terminated. UH leaders repeatedly sought to work together with the now-terminated physicians throughout their careers to address any concerns these physicians raised. No one is being silenced. There is not one issue that UH leaders ducked, ignored or did not seek to address with each physician involved. In fact, when these two physicians expressed concerns, UH leaders offered to meet with them in person. These physicians chose not to meet. Many other physicians raise concerns that are addressed daily  all done without improperly accessing thousands of their colleagues personal data and sending them unsolicited text messages. Any suggestion that UH seeks to silence physicians is simply wrong. Those allegations do a disservice to the hardworking physicians and leaders who dedicate their lives to caring for our patients and our community. Statement from Mike Tobin, vice president of communications, University Hospitals Health System

Laborer dies in accident at Sherwin-Williams construction site in Cleveland

The coalition, in a Thursday email regarding the Friday picket, called on the hospital system to respect physicians right to organize and advocate for patients, to uphold transparency, patient-centered values and a culture where speaking up is protected and to reinstate Beene and Fouts-Fowler.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I miss my patients and I want to get back to them, Fouts-Fowler said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
In July 2025, as officials denied reports of reported "horrific" and "inhumane" conditions inside "Alligator Alcatraz," a new migrant detention center in Ochopee, Florida, a claim (archived) circulated online that incinerators had been or would be installed at the facility.

1 million likes on TikTok for a video saying that Alligator Alcatraz is installing incinerators. https://t.co/mf0zQitZPr  ERIK FINMAN (@erikfinman) July 8, 2025

One X user, sharing a TikTok video (archived) uploaded on July 1, wrote: "1 million likes on TikTok for a video saying that Alligator Alcatraz is installing incinerators."

The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Bluesky (archived) and Instagram. Snopes readers wrote in asking if the claim was true.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, we found no evidence that anyone involved in the construction of "Alligator Alcatraz" had installed incinerators at the time of this writing. A TikTok user originally made the claim in a video that has since disappeared from the platform. We found no credible news outlets or officials reporting the claim as true (archived, archived, archived, archived).

Though a state official and local reporting confirmed construction involved private businesses, we found no proof that officials or businesses contracted incinerators for the "Alligator Alcatraz" site.

On July 7, 2025, a TikTok user called @mrtimothytimes uploaded a TikTok video (archived) presenting the results of an investigation he said he carried out which proved incinerators were active at "Alligator Alcatraz" between June 29 and July 7, 2025. Snopes could not replicate @mrtimothytimes' findings, which appeared to be based on a mixture of open source and private information. We reached out to @mrtimothytimes for more information on his report.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said of the claim:

Beyond disgusting: From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi gestapo to implying incinerators are being used at Alligator Alcatraz for nefarious purposes, the vilification of ICE must stop. This type of rhetoric directly contributes to ICE law enforcement facing a nearly 700% increase in assaults against them. Our brave law enforcement should be thanked for risking their lives everyday to arrest violent criminal illegal aliens including gang members, murderers, and ped*ph*les.

We also reached out to the White House, the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Emergency Management and eight named private contractors on the detention center project to ask whether they had installed or planned to install incinerators at the new detention center and, if so, for what purpose. We await replies to our queries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Snopes viewed a reposting of an early version of the claim on TikTok, which showed a clip of user @travyn overlaid with the text:

A few days ago a neighbor told me that his cousin was offered a contracting job to install "a ton" of incinerators into Alligator Alcatraz. I made a video establishing it as an alleged rumor. After listening to Karoline Leavitt talk about it today, I can't consider it alleged anymore.

We reached out to the user over email to ask for contact details for the neighbor or their cousin or any other information about the alleged contract and await a reply.

What officials said

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a June 30, 2025, news conference that President Donald Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and DeSantis, along with other officials, would visit "Alligator Alcatraz" on July 1.

Leavitt said, "The facility is in the heart of the Everglades and will be informally known as 'Alligator Alcatraz.' There's only one road leading in and the only way out is a one-way flight. It is isolated and surrounded by dangerous wildlife in unforgiving terrain."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She praised the facility as "an efficient and low-cost way to help carry out the largest mass-deportation campaign in American history."

Leavitt did not go into further detail about the features of the detention center and did not mention incinerators at the facility during the news conference.

Following Trump's tour of "Alligator Alcatraz" on July 1, news outlets and editorial photo agencies such as Getty Images shared images from inside the facility that did not show incinerators. We could not determine whether incinerators had been installed outside using aerial photos.

During the July 1 visit, Trump, Noem, DeSantis and Kevin Guthrie, executive director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, also spoke to the media. This news conference did not include mention of incinerators but did confirm that authorities had partnered with private businesses to build the facility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Guthrie said, "There are over 13 different vendors that came together to get this solved in eight days. Truly, a whole lot of private-sector partnership to get that done."

Gurthrie did not say exactly what the 13 vendors provided. Reporting by the Miami Herald identified eight of the private vendors: CDR Maguire, Doodie Calls, GardaWorlds, Garner Environmental Services, Gothams, Granny's Alliance, Longview International Technological Solutions and SLSCO. Snopes reached out to the companies to ask whether they had supplied or contracted incinerators for "Alligator Alcatraz" and await replies to our queries.

Sources:

359 Alligator Alcatraz Photos & High Res Pictures - Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?family=editorial&phrase=alligator%20alcatraz&sort=newest. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

"alligator Alcatraz" AND Incinerator - Google Search. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=3a62efad7d883e7f&q=%22alligator+alcatraz%22+AND+incinerator&tbm=nws&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ1Y6MJ25_tmWITc7uy4KIeuYzzFkfneXafNx6OMdA4MRo3L_oOc-1oJ7O1RV73dx3LnsqpZtk9XuNKbIok7vqqAZ__FSAp40fJkyLqGS1ckrYNF8BmQLJPE8bxqSVuI5EdjI9NURdcjVOqRhPD2rfwt325Ehene3gVIyz0a4uGlRM01bO97B34LOkjb0yzoepyO7Rcw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjX0tyJ4KCOAxWlV0EAHa5dOMMQ0pQJKAN6BAgTEAE&biw=1920&bih=849&dpr=2. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"alligator Alcatraz" AND Incinerator - Search News. https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=%22alligator+alcatraz%22+AND+incinerator&FORM=HDRSC7. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

"alligator Alcatraz" AND Incinerator - Yahoo Search Results. https://news.search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AwrFERO6f2ZoFwIAxgtXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3BpdnM-?p=%22alligator+alcatraz%22+AND+incinerator&fr2=piv-web&fr=sfp. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

"alligator Alcatraz" AND Incinerator at DuckDuckGo. https://duckduckgo.com/?t=h_&q=%22alligator+alcatraz%22+AND+incinerator&ia=news&iar=news. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Blair, Anthony. First Photos from inside "Alligator Alcatraz" Reveal Bleak Digs for up to 5,000 Migrants. 1 Jul. 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/07/01/us-news/first-photos-from-inside-alligator-alcatraz-reveal-bleak-digs-for-up-to-5000-migrants/.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ceballos, Ana, et al. "Giant Bugs, Heat and a Hospital Visit: Inside Alligator Alcatraz's First Days." Miami Herald, 9 Jul. 2025, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article310130645.html.

Glorioso, Alexandra, et al. "Contractors Building Alligator Alcatraz Have Donated Money to Florida GOP, DeSantis." Miami Herald, 3 Jul. 2025, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article309886225.html.

LiveNOW from FOX. "President Trump Participates in 'Alligator Alcatraz' Roundtable Discussion | LiveNOW from FOX." YouTube, 1 Jul. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoeuYX_rl_g&t=1676s.

McAllister, Anna. Florida Officials Deny Accusations of Inhumane Conditions at Alligator Alcatraz - CBS Miami. 9 Jul. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/alligator-alcatraz-detainees-allege-inhumane-conditions-at-immigration-detention-center/.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The White House. "Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, June 30, 2025." YouTube, 30 Jun. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/live/K0LfOe0qTFU?t=34s.

Tisdale, Jennifer. "Rumors Are Circulating Online About Incinerators Being Installed at 'Alligator Alcatraz.'" Distractify, 2 Jul. 2025, https://www.distractify.com/p/alligator-alcatraz-incinerators-real.

@trianamusic. Instagram, 2 Jul. 2025, https://www.instagram.com/trianamusic/reel/DLl7r5QqO1J/.
DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. (WGN)  A Bensenville man who fatally shot another man during a dispute over stolen shoes has been handed a three-decade prison sentence.

32-year-old Kevin Krenc, who pleaded guilty to fatally shooting Victor Garcia during a party in October of 2023, has been sentenced to thirty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin announced Thursday.

According to prosecutors, the deadly shooting happened on Oct. 14, 2023, amid a dispute that unfolded during a birthday party Krenc was hosting for himself at his home, located along Church Road in unincorporated Bensenville.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

The investigation began that day when officers were called to an area near Route 83 and Third Avenue following a report of an intoxicated man in need of assistance. When they arrived, they spoke with the man who informed them of a murder that had unfolded earlier that day along Church Road.

Prosecutors said further investigation later revealed that the murder occurred during the party at Krencs home.

Authorities said several people were in attendance, but during the gathering, tensions rose among attendees following allegations that Garcia had allegedly stolen a pair of shoes from Krenc at the party, something prosecutors said Garcia felt disrespected by.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Later on during the party, while Krenc and several others were gathered in the garage of the home, Garcia entered. Prosecutors said that is when Krenc pulled out a rifle he had hidden in the garage and shot Garcia five times.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

According to prosecutors, following the shooting, Krenc hid the weapon in an enclosed trailer parked in the driveway and fled the scene.

Three days later, on Oct. 17, Krenc was identified as a suspect in the murder and taken into custody.

Following his arrest, deputies with the DuPage County Sheriffs Office located a rifle in a vent in the basement of his home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For the unprovoked, senseless killing of Victor Garcia, a father of three with a fourth child on the way at the time of his murder, Kevin Krenc will spend the next thirty years of his life away from society, where he will be unable to harm anyone, Berlin said. The fact that Mr. Krenc took responsibility for Victors murder Im sure is of no consequence to Victors family and friends who must now move forward in their lives without the love and companionship he once provided.

Wauconda woman charged after more than 50 dogs recovered from hoarding home

During a court appearance on Oct. 20, 2023, Krenc was denied pre-trial release and remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail.

On Thursday, Krenc entered a plea of guilty to one count of first-degree murder and his sentence was handed down shortly after.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Krenc will be required to serve 100% of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)  The World Food Program said Friday it is suspending food and nutritional assistance across crisis-hit West and Central African countries as a result of U.S. and other global aid cuts that are grinding its operations to a halt.

U.S. President Donald Trumps decision to cut USAID and critical funding to the United Nations has left many aid agencies struggling to survive despite the worsening humanitarian crises across many parts of Africa, including areas where militant groups have continued to expand their operations.

While the timeline varies, food stocks are projected to last until around September for most of the affected countries, leaving millions of vulnerable people potentially without any emergency aid, according to the WFP.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are doing everything we can to prioritize the most life-saving activities, but without urgent support from our partners, our ability to respond is shrinking by the day. We need sustained funding to keep food flowing and hope alive, Margot van der Velden, the WFP's regional director, told The Associated Press.

Seven countries are affected in the region, with the suspension of operations already underway in Mauritania, Mali and the Central African Republic, where food stocks are projected to last only a few weeks. Aid distribution has already been significantly scaled down in camps for Nigerian refugees in neighboring Cameroon, according to the WFP.

Millions of people are expected to be immediately affected, according to WFP data seen by the AP, including 300,000 children in Nigeria at risk of severe malnutrition, ultimately raising the risk of death.

The International Rescue Committee this month said there was a 178% rise in inpatient admissions at its clinics from March to May in northern Nigeria, where 1.3 million people depend on WFP aid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Displaced people in Mali have not received any emergency food supplies since June, which marked the start of a period when food production is at its lowest in the Sahel  the southern fringe of the Sahara desert region stretching from Mauritania to Chad.

Despite the continued influx of refugees from Sudan's Darfur region fleeing the ongoing war in Sudan, emergency food supplies in Chad will only last to the end of the year, the WFP said. Niger faces a total suspension of food aid by October.

These countries are already in the grip of escalating humanitarian crises, sparked by constant attacks by various militant groups, where thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced, the U.N. says. The attacks have been exacerbated by worsening climate conditions that have affected harvests and struggling economies across the continents.

The consequences are not just humanitarian but potentially affecting the stability of the entire region," Van der Velden said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The WFP says it needs $494 million to cover the second half of 2025, but the funds have been totally depleted, forcing it to prioritize the most vulnerable groups. In northern and central Mali it will prioritize newly displaced refugees and children under five.

Experts say the fallout of the suspension of the WFPs operations in the vulnerable countries will worsen the security challenge as it makes it more likely for jihadi groups to recruit.

It becomes a more complicated crisis because in regions where the WFP operations are focused because the same challenge also intersects with security. It is going to bode double jeopardy, said Oluwole Ojewale, a Dakar-based security analyst at the Institute of Security Studies.

When hunger comes on top of the layers of other challenges, it compounds the issue," he said. "We have seen people take to terrorism and violent extremism basically because they couldnt survive the biting reality of poverty.
Jul. 10Newly unsealed records in the ongoing criminal case against Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Mike Foley allege discussions about issuing bonuses to employees based on their campaign contributions to Foley, as well as Foley's former campaign manager using county equipment for campaign work.

State-appointed Judge Jonathan Hein this month issued an order saying some documents filed by state investigators and Foley's attorneys were improperly sealed in the court records maintained by Foley's office.

The order unsealing those records came after Hein accepted Foley's plea withdrawal and reversal of his felony conviction last week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Court records show that Jon Paul Rion, representing Foley, in May subpoenaed former Montgomery County Clerk of Courts employee Tyler Starline for access to texts on his cellphone.

Starline  a former Huber Heights city councilman  was interviewed by state investigators days after he was fired from the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts in 2022.

Rion wants access to all conversations between Starline and Foley, as well as Starline's conversations with Montgomery County Treasurer John McManus and Second Appellate District Judge Mary Katherine Huffman. Rion also requested "any text messages about Michael Foley or the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts in (Starline's) capacity as the attorney for the Clerk of Courts," according to unsealed court records.

Starline's attorney in June challenged this, arguing the subpoena was "unreasonable and oppressive" and would create "significant risk of undue disclosure of privileged attorney-client communications without a protective order."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Starline did not immediately return a request for comment regarding his involvement in the case.

County equipment, campaign finance

Foley's attorneys last year asked the court to suppress information gathered during the state's raid of the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts office in 2022, arguing that misleading information led to search warrants being executed at the courthouse.

The state's Nov. 11, 2024 response to that request became available for public view for the first time last week.

Starline worked in management at the clerk's office and formerly worked as a defense attorney, according to court records.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He told state investigators that while working at the clerk's office, he "observed (Foley's) administrative assistant, who is also his campaign treasurer ... doing campaign finance documents on the County computers where she was filling out his campaign finance report, asking him questions, he was answering from his corner office," according to court records.

"Her cubicle's right outside. They're doing all of this on county equipment," Starline told state investigators, according to court records.

Some of the 12 counts Foley faces are linked to the time theft of former employee Elle Sollenberger for the time she allegedly spent working on his campaign, soliciting political contributions and working on his private business, Dayton Daily News has previously reported.

Sollenberger volunteered for Foley's campaign in 2018 and accepted an executive assistant job at his office when he won the election. She worked as his campaign treasurer through 2022, according to Montgomery County campaign finance forms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Starline told state investigators that he believes he was fired from the clerk's office for "what he knew was going on in the clerk's office," according to court documents.

Bonuses for donations discussed?

The newly unsealed records allege Foley in 2022 discussed with some managers giving employees higher bonuses if they contributed to his campaign. But the deputy chief clerk advised against this and it didn't happen, state investigators say.

"It's important to remember that the State found no further evidence of the bonus-for-donation scheme contemplated by Mr. Foley," said Ohio Auditor of State investigator Thomas Anger in court documents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There were several discussions in 2022 between Foley and some management employees where he indicated if the employee donates to his campaign, then they would get a higher bonus," court documents filed by Anger state.

A filing by Foley's attorney includes an excerpt from an affidavit in support of the search warrant in the case. In it, state investigators allege Foley's chief deputy and the office manager for the municipal courts "went directly to employees on Foley's behalf soliciting donations to the Foley campaign," and employees "felt pressured" by this.

The Montgomery County Clerk of Courts office declined to comment on the allegations against Foley, citing ongoing litigation.

But a spokesperson for that office told this news outlet that bonuses depend on the availability of funds and are awarded on an annual basis. They are based on the recommendations of division managers in the office and are approved by the chief administrator there.
A US appeals court on Friday scrapped 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's plea agreement that would have taken the death penalty off the table and helped conclude the long-running legal saga surrounding his case.

The agreement had sparked anger among some relatives of victims of the 2001 attacks, and then-US defense secretary Lloyd Austin moved to cancel it last year, saying that both they and the American public deserved to see the defendants stand trial.

Austin "acted within the bounds of his legal authority, and we decline to second-guess his judgment," judges Patricia Millett and Neomi Rao wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Plea deals with Mohammed as well as two alleged accomplices -- Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi -- were announced in late July last year.

The decision appeared to have moved their cases toward resolution after years of being bogged down in pre-trial maneuverings while the defendants remained held at the Guantanamo Bay military base in Cuba.

But Austin withdrew the agreements two days after they were announced, saying the decision should be up to him, given its significance.

He subsequently said that "the families of the victims, our service members and the American public deserve the opportunity to see military commission trials carried out in this case."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A military judge ruled in November that the deals were valid and binding, but the government appealed that decision.

The appeals court judges on Friday vacated "the military judge's order of November 6, 2024, preventing the secretary of defense's withdrawal from the pretrial agreements."

And they prohibited the military judge "from conducting hearings in which respondents would enter guilty pleas or take any other action pursuant to the withdrawn pretrial agreements."

Much of the legal jousting surrounding the 9/11 defendants' cases has focused on whether they could be tried fairly after having undergone torture at the hands of the CIA -- a thorny issue that the plea agreements would have avoided.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mohammed was regarded as one of Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden's most trusted lieutenants before his March 2003 capture in Pakistan. He then spent three years in secret CIA prisons before arriving at Guantanamo in 2006.

The trained engineer -- who has said he masterminded the 9/11 attacks "from A to Z" -- was involved in a string of major plots against the United States, where he attended university.

The United States used Guantanamo, an isolated naval base, to hold militants captured during the "War on Terror" that followed the September 11 attacks in a bid to keep the defendants from claiming rights under US law.

The facility held roughly 800 prisoners at its peak, but they have since slowly been sent to other countries. A small fraction of that number remain.

sst-wd/acb
People pick through the wreckage from devastating floods on the Rio Ruidoso on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Forecasts anticipate further rains in the area, worrying local officials. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico Ryan Ellison Friday morning issued a message to Ruidoso residents to be on the lookout for fraud in the aftermath of this weeks catastrophic flooding.

In a news release, Ellison said the flooding, which took three lives and destroyed homes and businesses, had prompted countless acts of generosity and resilience as neighbors, volunteers, and organizations step forward to help those in need. However, historically natural disasters like this also attract individuals seeking to exploit the situation for personal gain. Fraudulent activity undermines recovery efforts and diverts critical resources away from genuine victims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those types of fraudulent activities include: fraudulent charities or the diversion of donations intended for legitimate relief organizations; fraudulent applications for grants and loans; not affected by the flooding who attempt to claim disaster benefits, the news release said.

Ellison said his office has zero tolerance for those who seek to steal from disaster victims or misuse funds meant for recovery and has established a disaster fraud working group with members from its office, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Internal Revenue Service and several other federal agencies.

This group is actively reviewing potential cases and will work closely with the New Mexico Department of Justice, local and tribal law enforcement, and community partners to ensure that fraudsters are brought to justice, the release said.

The office also encouraged residents who observe suspicious or fraudulent behavior to contact the 24-hour National Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721, or you email disaster@leo.gov.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The New Mexico Department of Justice and its Consumer Protection Bureau issued a comparable warning on Friday, which also encouraged residents to report any of price gauging sudden increases in hotel, food, fuel, etc. to: NMDOJ.gov/get-help/submit-a-complaint/

The NM Department of Justice also has a dedicated webpage for food recovery resources.

President Donald Trump on Thursday granted an emergency declaration for Chaves, Lincoln, Otero and Valencia counties, which authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency at 75% federal funding.

The states congressional delegation subsequently sent Trump a letter urging him to issue a major disaster declaration, noting that the weather pattern that began June 23 has taken three lives, impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars and damaged 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges; water control facilities; and at least eight public buildings.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  China has failed to intimidate rival claimant states into surrendering their sovereign interests in the disputed South China Sea despite its intensifying bullying tactics and the United States and other allied countries are ready to further boost deterrence against Beijings aggression, the U.S. Pacific Fleet commander said.

Adm. Stephen Koehler, who oversees the largest naval fleet command in the world, gave assurances Friday in a Manila forum of U.S. commitment to help defend freedom of passage and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region. The Pacific Fleets mission, he said, was to deter aggression across the region with allies and partners and to prevail in combat if necessary."

Chinas tactics have grown steadily and more aggressive with rammings, water cannons, lasers and sometimes worse, Koehler said. But despite these bullying tactics  China has failed to intimidate Southeast Asian claimants into surrendering their sovereign rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chinese officials did not immediately comment on Koehlers remarks, but they have warned Washington in the past to stop meddling in what Beijing says is a purely Asian dispute that China has been trying to resolve peacefully.

Koehler cited how Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have sustained or expanded their offshore oil and gas operations in their Exclusive Economic Zones in the South China Sea despite Beijings growing assertiveness. The Philippines, he said, has boldly exposed Chinas assertive actions by publicizing the dangerous maneuvers of Chinese forces, including the use of powerful water cannons and laser beams.

Weve seen a laudable resilience and resolve to defend their maritime rights in the face of mounting pressure. Nearly all Southeast Asian littoral states are now prioritizing stronger maritime capabilities, Koehler told the forum. The U.S. Pacific Fleet is always ready to work with you to strengthen deterrence and show no individual country can be pushed around."

Deterrence, he said, has worked to prevent a larger conflict and crisis that could hamper the flow of trade through the waterway and affect many economies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Western and Asian ambassadors, including from the U.S., Canada, Australia, France, Germany, the European Union, Japan and New Zealand, spoke at the forum, which marked the 9th anniversary of the issuance of a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated Chinas claims to virtually the entire South China Sea.

The Philippines brought its conflicts with China in the South China Sea to international arbitration in 2013, a year after a tense standoff over a disputed shoal which Beijings forces surrounded and effectively seized. China refused to participate in the arbitration, rejected its outcome as a sham and continues to defy it.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said the arbitration ruling was a triumph for the Philippines and a beacon guiding us toward a future where powerful countries cannot trample on the legal rights of other states."

Nine years on, Beijing has ignored the ruling and continues to operate with impunity, Carlson said. China continues to engage in illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions in support of its spurious claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She renewed a warning that the U.S. is obligated to defend the Philippines under a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty if Philippine forces come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.

With Chinas worrisome rejection of the arbitration ruling, the Philippines has moved to strengthen its forces and territorial defense, including by pursuing legislation to demarcate the limits of its territory, which has further strained Manila's ties with Beijing, Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro told the forum in a video message.

But she said that it is a strategic consideration that we continue the dialogue and consultation with China, even amidst tensions that severely impact the bilateral relationship."

Chinese and Philippine officials plan to hold another round of talks in Beijing on their increasingly tense disputes in the South China Sea later this month to prevent further escalation.
A divided federal appeals court has thrown out a plea agreement that would have allowed accused "9/11 mastermind" Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other co-defendants to plead guilty in exchange for avoiding the death penalty, US media report.

Judges in Washington DC rejected the agreement, which would have given Mohammed and the other defendants a life sentence without parole, in a 2-1 decision on Friday.

Mohammed is accused of organising and directing the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US, in which hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, killing almost 3,000 people. He was captured in 2003 and is being held in Guantanamo Bay, the US prison camp in Cuba.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under the deal, families of the 9/11 victims would have been allowed to pose questions to Mohammed, who would be required to "answer their questions fully and truthfully", lawyers said.

Relatives of the victims were split on the deal, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.

Those who objected felt a trial was the best path to justice and to uncovering more information about the attacks.

Supporters saw it as the best hope for getting some answers and finally closing the painful case.

The plea deal was negotiated over two years and approved by military prosecutors and the senior Pentagon official in Guantanamo Bay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pre-trial hearings have been going on for more than a decade, complicated by questions over whether torture Mohammed and other defendants faced while in US custody taints the evidence.

Following his arrest in Pakistan in 2003, Mohammed spent three years at secret CIA prisons known as "black sites", where he was subjected to simulated drowning, or "waterboarding", 183 times, among other so-called "advanced interrogation techniques" that included sleep deprivation and forced nudity.

In July last year, the Biden administration announced it had struck deals with Mohammed and three other co-defendants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But then Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin overruled the agreement two days later, saying he was the sole authority who could enter such an agreement.

A military court ruled against Austin's effort in December, which put the agreement to avoid the death penalty back on the table.

On Friday, the appeals court tossed the deal, saying Austin was acting within his authority in December 2024.

"Having properly assumed the convening authority, the Secretary determined that the 'families and the American public deserve the opportunity to see military commission trials carried out.' The Secretary acted within the bounds of his legal authority, and we decline to second-guess his judgment," judges Patricia Millett and Neomi Rao wrote, as reported by the Associated Press.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Judge Robert Wilkins disagreed, saying the government "has not come within a country mile of proving clearly and indisputably that the Military Judge erred."
SEOUL (Reuters) -The U.S. wants South Korea to join efforts to counter China's growth in shipbuilding via potential cooperation in the sector, a senior official from Seoul's trade ministry said on Friday.

"The United States feels a sense of crisis that China's market share in the shipbuilding sector is growing and is tapping Korea as a strategic partner," Trade Policy Director Chang Sung-gil said at a forum hosted by a lawmaker.

The U.S. is asking Seoul to join measures to curb China in "other areas" as the "precondition" for bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding, he said, without elaborating.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He later clarified that he was referring to the shipbuilding sector as the potential area where the United States wants Seoul to join hands in terms of taking on China.

The U.S. had also expressed reservations when it comes to cutting or eliminating industry-specific tariffs, such as those on automobiles and steel, Chang said.

The United States is asking Seoul to boost U.S. investments and purchases of U.S. energy and agriculture products in return for negotiating over reciprocal tariffs of 25%, he said, but added "there is a lot of political sensitivity in South Korea when it comes to expanding imports of agricultural products."

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin and Jihoon LeeEditing by Ed Davies)
US Major General John Rafferty has stated that NATO must bolster its arsenal of long-range missiles to deter Russia from attacking Europe.

Source: Rafferty in an interview with Reuters, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Rafferty was interviewed at a US military base in Wiesbaden, Germany.

He noted that the Russian armed forces are now larger than they were at the start of the war against Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quote from Rafferty: "And we know that they're going to continue to invest in long-range rockets and missiles and sophisticated air defences. So more alliance capability is really, really important."

Reuters reported that Rafferty recently completed his service as commander of the US Armys 56th Artillery Command in Mainz-Kastel, Germany, which is preparing for the temporary deployment of US long-range missiles on European soil from 2026.

In recent days, US President Donald Trump has significantly altered his stance on military aid to Ukraine and his rhetoric regarding the Kremlin leader.

Background:

Recently, US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, using strong language to complain that he talks a lot of nonsense.

Trump is also expected to make an "important statement" on Russia on Monday 14 July.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
A pregnant woman waits to be examined by her OB-GYN at a community health center in Hialeah, Fla. A new study sheds lights on the increasing loss of obstetric services across America. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

At least a quarter of hospitals in seven states closed their obstetric services between 2010 and 2022, according to a new study in the journal Health Affairs. And in six states, more than 60% of hospitals lacked obstetrics by 2022.

Using data from the American Hospital Association and federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the researchers analyzed obstetric services at short-term acute care hospitals between 2010 and 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The study included 4,964 hospitals.

Rural states saw the most profound losses. The states with the highest percentage of all hospitals lacking obstetrics by 2022 were: North Dakota (73%), Oklahoma (63%), West Virginia (62%), Louisiana (60%), South Dakota (60%) and Mississippi (60%).

US hospitals without obstetric care, 2022

The study sheds further light on the nations growing maternity health care deserts. At 18.6 per 100,000 live births, the U.S. has a maternal mortality rate far higher than other high-income nations. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that 80% of maternal deaths in the U.S. are preventable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The steady march of closures has been an ongoing problem, said Katy Kozhimannil, University of Minnesota professor and lead author of the study.

Percent of short-term acute care U.S. hospitals that lost hospital-based obstetric services, 2010-2022.

Hospital leaders and experts have warned that Congress Medicaid cuts could have a ripple effect, leading to many hospitals no longer able to afford their labor and delivery units, which are expensive to maintain.

Those programs are a primary source of support for maternity care, Kozhimannil said. Without changes to maternity care financing and organization, I expect that the trends that we have seen over the past couple of decades will likely continue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A dozen states saw a quarter or more losses of obstetric services among hospitals in rural counties, the study found.

Across rural counties in Pennsylvania and South Carolina, close to half of hospitals  46%  lost obstetrics between 2010 and 2022.

Those two states saw the highest percentage of hospitals losing obstetrics, followed by West Virginia (about 43%), Florida (40%) and Iowa (nearly 40%).

Along with Washington, D.C., urban counties in four states  Hawaii, Kansas, Oklahoma and Rhode Island  saw at least a quarter of hospitals lose obstetrics.

By 2022, two-thirds of rural hospitals in eight states (Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma and West Virginia) were without obstetric services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Three states  Delaware, Utah and Vermont  had no obstetric losses between 2010 and 2022, the authors wrote.

Stateline reporter Nada Hassanein can be reached at nhassanein@stateline.org.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
WASHINGTON (NewsNation)  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a new directive to fast-track U.S. drone production and cut red tape, he announced in a video posted to social media.

A new Pentagon memo outlined the U.S. militarys need to keep pace as global military drone production has skyrocketed lately, and the war between Russia and Ukraine has revealed the increasing importance of using more drones for modern warfare.

Hegseth made the announcement of the major overhaul in U.S. military drone policy in a social media video where he can be seen flanked by operating drones. Hegseth said the Pentagon is cutting red tape and speeding up production. He also said he wants service members from all branches of the military to be trained in drone operations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Court tosses 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed plea deal

We were brought here to rebuild the military and match capabilities to the threats of today, said Hegseth. So while our adversaries have produced millions of cheap drones before us, we were mired in bureaucratic red tape, not anymore.

In June, nearly a third of Moscows strategic bomber fleet was destroyed or damaged with cheaply made drones that were snuck into Russian territory. Ukrainian officials say the covert operation took only a few hours.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 117 drones were used in the operation in which four military airfields were attacked, resulting in the severe damage or destruction of 34% of Russias fleet of air missile carriers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
By Jessica Donati

DAKAR (Reuters) -An Israeli-American businessman, a former State Department official and a decorated Green Beret pitched up in the Democratic Republic of Congo in March with a message for President Felix Tshisekedi from the Trump administration.

Two days later, they fled the country in fear of arrest.

The three envoys had come with an offer from Washington: release three American prisoners on death row and, in return, President Donald Trump will accept your minerals-for-security proposal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The trip started well with a police motorcycle escort from the airport, but a frosty first meeting with Tshisekedi's security adviser, some ill-advised late-night target practice by some of the envoys and a Congolese general with an axe to grind put paid to the mission.

Reuters pieced together the course of events by speaking to the three Americans on the trip, a State Department official involved in the initiative, and two people the trio met during their brief stay in Congo's capital Kinshasa.

The story of the ill-fated venture, which has not previously been reported, provides a glimpse of how the Trump administration is prepared to work through unconventional channels in pursuit of deals to bring Americans home, a top priority for the president.

"We want to work with folks who have the right connections, but more importantly, have the positive relationships that can help influence a decision-maker's thinking ... so it's not uncommon for us to do that," Dustin Stewart, Trump's deputy special envoy for hostage affairs, who was involved in discussions on the initiative, told Reuters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We thought they had enough sway to talk to the right people. Obviously, that proved incorrect," he said.

President Tshisekedi's office did not respond to requests for comment for this article.

Congo has become a focus of U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the decades-long conflict in the east and help American companies access critical minerals, making the country ripe territory for endeavours such as this mission.

"Trump gave every indication right from the beginning that he was going to be purely transactional," said Ebenezer Obadare, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. "He's thrown out the old playbook. He's not going through normal diplomatic channels."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

AMERICANS ON DEATH ROW

It all started in January this year when Israeli-American businessman Moti Kahana met the Congolese president on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos to warn him about a coup plot purportedly involving Israelis.

Kahana handed over the names of the alleged plotters to Tshisekedi in an envelope, according to the businessman and two other people involved. Reuters could not determine whether the alleged plot was real.

Kahana told Reuters he was aware that Washington had a number of live interests in Congo, and after returning from Davos he decided to try to arrange another meeting with Tshisekedi.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Three Americans had been sentenced to death by a Congolese military court in September 2024 for participating in a separate, failed coup in May last year. Efforts to free them by the Biden government and the Trump administration had gained little traction.

At the same time, negotiations were intensifying over a deal in which the United States would secure greater access to Congo's minerals in return for help defending the country from Rwanda-backed insurgents rampaging across its eastern provinces.

To get the ball rolling, Kahana met with State Department officials in Washington in March. The officials thought it worth empowering a team led by Kahana to discuss U.S. diplomatic goals and the release of the three Americans with Tshisekedi, the businessman and the State Department's Stewart said.

"I don't think anybody had high hopes that they were going to be able to sort of go to Kinshasa and come back with those three," he said. "But, again, I think reinforcing the message that it was important to find a positive resolution, it helped us."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

UNLIKELY CAST

Kahana had a track record of extracting people from dangerous places. His exploits included rescuing about 200 Jewish orphans from Ukraine in 2022 and the last Jew from Afghanistan when the Taliban took control in 2021.

For the Congo mission, he signed up two other Americans. One was former U.S. Green Beret Justin Sapp. He was among the first soldiers to infiltrate Afghanistan in 2001 and had explored a project with Kahana to deliver aid to Gaza the previous year.

For Kahana, who said he does business alongside his philanthropic ventures, the motivation was to win praise for bringing home the Americans, while eyeing business opportunities in Congo. He brought in Sapp as an expert on security.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"He generally sees himself as the guy saving the day," said Sapp. "Now, is he doing it for free? In the end, no."

The other was Stuart Seldowitz, a business associate of Kahana's and former U.S. diplomat who was charged with a hate crime for verbally abusing a Halal hot dog vendor in New York in 2023.

Seldowitz said the charges were dismissed after he completed a 26-week anti-bias course.

Seldowitz was an old acquaintance of the U.S. ambassador to Congo, Lucy Tamlyn, which Kahana said could come in handy.

On their first night in Kinshasa, the trio had expected a discussion over dinner with Tshisekedi's security adviser, Desire-Cashmir Kolongele Eberande. But they said he was not in a welcoming mood when he finally saw them at 1 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We were supposed to have a meeting with the president the next day," Sapp said. "In retrospect, I'm not sure we had a firm meeting with him. I think it was tentative, and they were going to sniff us out. And then we didn't pass the sniff test."

Sapp said Eberande was suspicious about whether the trio were actually authorised to convey a message from Trump.

Eberande did not respond to requests for comment about the American mission.

Kahana reached out to Washington for help. The next day, Stewart sent an email to Eberande confirming the State Department knew of the visitors, and Eberande begrudgingly accepted their credentials, Kahana said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Per our previous exchange, this is to confirm that I am aware of the travel of Mr. Seldowitz and Mr. Kahana as it pertains to the status of the three Americans in custody," Stewart wrote in the email, seen by Reuters.

That evening, while the trio waited to see if President Tshisekedi would meet them, they were invited for dinner by an Israeli security contractor on a compound within an army base in Kinshasa.

Another guest was an Israeli-French arms dealer who had been doing business in Congo for decades and helped set up Kahana's first meeting with Tshisekedi in Davos, according to the arms dealer, Kahana and Kinuani Kamitatu Massamba, a Congolese politician close to Tshisekedi.

After dinner, the host invited the guests for a shooting session at the compound's range. Kahana and Sapp agreed to take part.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The next morning, Kahana received a call from Massamba, who said Congo's intelligence services were upset about the late-night gunfire.

Massamba told Reuters the shooting had raised alarm about a possible attack on the presidential palace.

It was at that point that things became alarming for the Americans.

'GOOD TO BE AMERICAN'

General Franck Ntumba, head of the presidential guard, showed up at their hotel, demanding they surrender their passports and visit his headquarters.

"He didn't look like he wanted to be screwed around with," Seldowitz said.

Ntumba did not respond to requests for comment.

Ntumba had been one of the people Kahana named as an alleged coup plotter to President Tshisekedi in Davos. Kahana said that before the trip he was slightly concerned about Ntumba, but was hopeful the general didn't know he was behind the list.

Seldowitz called his old acquaintance the U.S. ambassador.

A large contingent of embassy staff soon showed up at the hotel to protect the Americans, the Israeli-French arms dealer said.

"I thought, wow, it's good to be American in this situation. It was like a movie, believe me," he said.

Ntumba eventually left, but warned the trio that things would not end there. An American security officer at the embassy gave them three options: stay in their hotel rooms and hope no one kicks down the doors, move to another hotel, or leave Congo immediately.

"And I said, well, I like the third option the best," said Kahana.

The embassy sent a car with diplomatic plates to take them to the airport. The trio arrived as an Air France flight for Paris was boarding.

But at passport control, they were taken into a room and asked for their phones. Seldowitz called the embassy again. Air France staff came and the three Americans were released.

The U.S. embassy referred Reuters questions about the trio's mission to the State Department. Hostage envoy Stewart confirmed its staff had stepped in to rescue the three men.

While the men's mission did not go as planned, progress has since been made on their initial goals. Massamba, Stewart and Kahana all said it helped signal that Trump was serious about striking a deal involving the American prisoners.

In April, Tshisekedi commuted the sentences of the three Americans convicted of coup-plotting to life in prison. Soon afterwards, Trump's senior Africa adviser, Massad Boulos, visited Congo and the three were transferred to the United States, where they were charged with conspiring to carry out a coup on Congo.

The men - Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson and Benjamin Zalman-Polun - are currently in custody after pleading not guilty. Their lawyers did not respond to requests for comment about the mission to free them.

"As you've seen, the three were pardoned and released," the State Department's Stewart said. "That was the outcome that we were looking for."

And in June, Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal in Washington to end fighting in the mineral-rich east.

"We're getting, for the United States, a lot of the mineral rights from the Congo as part of it," said Trump.

(Additional reporting by Sonia Rolley in Paris and Ange Adihe Kasongo in Kinshasa; Editing by Estelle Shirbon and David Clarke)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio have met again at the ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Malaysias Kuala Lumpur, according to Russias state-run TASS agency, with the war in Ukraine the key focus.

The conversation followed a longer 50-minute meeting between the two top diplomats the previous day.

While no details have yet emerged from Fridays exchange, Rubio told reporters after Thursdays talks that the two sides had discussed a possible new and different approach to reviving peace efforts over Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I wouldnt characterise it as something that guarantees peace, he said, but its a concept that Ill take back to the president.

Lavrov said on Friday that he set out the Kremlins position on settling the war. We discussed Ukraine. We confirmed the position that President [Vladimir] Putin had outlined, including in his July 3 conversation with President [Donald] Trump, Lavrov told Russian media on the sidelines of the ASEAN gathering.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the diplomats held a substantive and frank exchange of views on Ukraine, as well as on Iran, Syria and broader global issues.

The meeting marked a rare moment of direct engagement between Washington and Moscow as bilateral relations remain fraught. However, Russian officials downplayed suggestions that ties were deteriorating.

A group photo at the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 10, 2025 [Hasnoor Hussain/EPA].

I do not agree that the positive trend in relations between Moscow and Washington is fading, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told the RIA news agency. I think that the current US administration acts in a zigzag manner. We dont dramatise over this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ryabkov said a new round of US-Russia talks on unresolved bilateral issues could be held before the end of the summer.

Despite the strain, both Moscow and Washington appeared to leave the door open to further dialogue, though with caution. We are talking, and that is a start, Rubio said. But much depends on what comes next.

Top US, Chinese diplomats meet

Rubio, on his first official trip to Asia since assuming office, also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. The in-person meeting was their first and comes as the US aims to reassert its presence in the Asia Pacific.

Rubio described talks with his Chinese counterpart as very constructive, while acknowledging ongoing disagreements. Speaking at the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting, Rubio said a meeting between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping was highly probable, though no date had been agreed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For Chinas part, its foreign ministry said the two sides agreed in the meeting to manage differences while expanding fields of cooperation, according to a statement on Friday.

Wang told Rubio that Beijing hopes the US will view China with an objective, rational and pragmatic attitude and formulate its policy with the goal of peaceful coexistence, the statement added.

The US secretary of state is attending the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum, which brings together key players including Japan, China, Russia, Australia, India and the European Union.

The flurry of diplomatic meetings comes amid worsening US-China trade relations. Beijing has warned Washington against reintroducing sweeping tariffs next month, after being slapped with duties exceeding 100 percent during earlier tit-for-tat exchanges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

China has also warned of retaliation against countries that support efforts to exclude Beijing from critical global supply chains.

While Rubios trip signals a renewed US focus on Asia, tensions stemming from Trumps global tariff strategy continue to cast a long shadow.

From August 1, steep import tariffs targeting eight ASEAN nations, including Malaysia, as well as close allies Japan and South Korea, are due to take effect.

Washington has said the move is part of its effort to rebalance trade, but critics warn the policy could undermine the very partnerships the US is seeking to strengthen.

ASEANs foreign ministers noted their concern on Friday over rising global tensions and underscored how critical a predictable, transparent, inclusive, free, fair, sustainable and rules-based multilateral trading system was in a joint communique.

We reaffirmed our commitment to work constructively with all partners to this end, the regional blocs foreign ministers said.




The United States on Friday announced for the first time sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel for his role "in the Cuban regime's brutality toward the Cuban people."

The US State Department was "restricting visas" for the president and other high-ranking government officials, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an X post on the fourth anniversary of historic anti-government protests in Cuba.

Other officials sanctioned included Defense Minister Alvaro Lopez Miera and Interior Minister Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez slammed the latest measures on X, saying that US President Donald Trump's administration cannot "bend the will of its people or its leaders."

The State Department also added the "Torre K," a 42-story hotel in Havana, to its restricted list of entities "to prevent U.S. dollars from funding the Cuban regime's repression."

The establishment, recently inaugurated in a central area of the Cuban capital, sparked criticism of the government's huge investment in new hotels at a time when tourism is declining.

"While the Cuban people suffer shortages of food, water, medicine, and electricity, the regime lavishes money on its insiders," Rubio said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rubio also took to X to accuse Cuba of torturing dissident leader Jose Daniel Ferrer, four years after the government crushed massive protests.

"The United States demands immediate proof of life and the release of all political prisoners," Rubio said.

Hundreds of people were arrested in the July 2021 demonstrations, the largest since the Cuban revolution in the 1950s.

They resulted in one death and dozens of wounded.

Ferrer, leader of the dissident group Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was among 553 prisoners released in January after former US president Joe Biden agreed to remove the island from the blacklist of countries sponsoring terrorism.

But at the end of April, his parole was revoked, prompting criticism from Washington, which has put Cuba back on the blacklist after Trump returned to power.

erl/dg/aks/bjt
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that President Donald Trumps statement about NATO supposedly funding American weapons for Ukraine referred to an existing mechanism, whereby European allies purchase US-made weapons to transfer them to Kyiv.

Source: Rubio on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Trump said he had reached an agreement under which the North Atlantic Alliance would pay for American assistance to Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Commenting on this, Rubio said it was not about a new scheme for supplying arms to Ukraine, but rather one of the existing formats.

He explained that this involves European countries purchasing American-made weapons and then transferring them to Ukraine.

Quote: "At the end of the day, some of the systems that Ukraine requires are systems that Europe doesnt make. They would have to purchase them from the United States. In addition to that, Id point to the fact that a number of the defensive weapons that Ukraine seeks, our allies in NATO have them and some have placed orders for that."

Details: Rubio said that the US is urging its allies to transfer the necessary weapons to Ukraine from their own stockpiles and then purchase replacements from the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quote: "Its a lot faster to move something, for example, from Germany to Ukraine, than it is to order it from a factory and get it there. So there are a couple of different ways to approach it, but the key is that there are exciting US systems within Europe right now that could be transferred to Ukraine. And then the Europeans could purchase the replacements from the United States. Thats one aspect of what, I think, the president was referring to yesterday."

Background:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Germany and Norway are ready to buy three Patriot air defence systems for Ukraine from a US manufacturer.

It was also unofficially reported that Trump is preparing, for the first time during his current term, to send US$300 million worth of weapons from US stockpiles to Ukraine under the Presidential Drawdown Authority  a mechanism frequently employed by Joe Biden.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee approved $500 million in aid for Ukraine as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Reuters reported on July 11.

The NDAA is an annual law that approves funding and plans for the U.S. military for the coming fiscal year. The overall 2026 NDAA allocates $925 billion for national defense.

Since taking office in January, the U.S. President Donald Trump hasn't approved any new military aid to Ukraine. U.S. weapon supplies that keep flowing to Ukraine were authorized by Trump's predecessor Joe Biden. Under Trump, the future of U.S. support  on which Kyiv heavily relies  has remained uncertain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The committee approved the bill by a vote of 26-1 on July 9.

The legislation includes a provision to extend the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through 2028, increasing its authorized funding to $500 million, up from $300 million in 2025.

The bill should still pass through the full legislative process, including debate and approval by both chambers of Congress.

Days earlier, the Pentagon announced a pause in deliveries of key military aid to Kyiv, including Patriot interceptors and precision-guided munitions. In June, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also signaled that Washington may scale back financial support for Ukraine in future defense budgets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump later denied involvement in the decision. As of July 10, shipments of at least some weapons to Ukraine have been reportedly resumed.

Trump said on July 10 that Washington had reached a deal under which NATO can pay for U.S. military aid to Ukraine.

The U.S. provided more than $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine under the Biden administration, including key capabilities such as Patriot air defense systems, HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems), and ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems).

Read also: Ukraine behind new pipeline explosion in Siberia that supplies Russian military-industrial complex, source claims

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By David Shepardson

(Reuters) -Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said a proposed partnership between United Airlines and smaller JetBlue Airways could harm competition and lead to fewer and more expensive options for consumers.

In a letter seen by Reuters Friday, Blumenthal asked United CEO Scott Kirby and JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty to answer questions about their "Blue Sky" tie-up which allows travelers to book flights on both carriers' websites, while interchangeably earning and using points in their frequent flyer programs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Blumenthal asked the airlines to disclose records about the partnership and future plans, adding that he is concerned about any deal "that may harm full and fair airline competition and lead to fewer and more expensive options for travelers, particularly in the New York City area."

United did not immediately comment. JetBlue did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last month, budget carrier Spirit Airlines urged the U.S. Transportation Department to reject the planned United JetBlue partnership, saying it was anticompetitive and will prompt large carriers to pursue similar deals and arguing JetBlue "will become a de facto vassal of United."

United and JetBlue said in May their tie-up would give United access to some of JetBlue's slots at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport starting in 2027 and exchange their flight timings at Newark's airport.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

United and JetBlue said the complaint's arguments of reduced competition were a "fiction" and adding: "Blue Sky will maintain JetBlues independence and enhance its competitiveness, ensuring that JetBlue can continue to grow and compete as an independent carrier."

In March 2024, JetBlue and Spirit scrapped a $3.8 billion merger agreement after a U.S. judge blocked the deal on anti-competition concerns. JetBlue has been seeking partnerships after a federal judge blocked its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines in 2023.

Blumenthal added JetBlue's failed partnership attempts "call into question how your airlines will ensure Blue Sky does not unlawfully restrain competition."

Last year, a Senate committee chaired by Blumenthal criticized rising airline fees for seat assignments and luggage and raised other competition concerns.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Editing by Franklin Paul)
A U.S. soldier died Tuesday after receiving treatment for severe electrical burns sustained last week while on duty in Germany, the Army announced Friday.

Spc. Jaylin Perez, 32, from Largo, Florida, was found unresponsive by members of his unit as they conducted a cargo security inspection of U.S. military equipment that was moving by rail near Berlin, Germany, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

First responders transported Perez to the Accident Burn Hospital in Berlin, where he later died. U.S. and German authorities are investigating the incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Perez was a member of the 51st Military Police Battalion, a unit of the South Carolina Army National Guard. He was deployed in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve with the 200th Military Police Command, the senior law enforcement organization of the U.S. Army Reserve.

This soldier was supporting U.S. defense and security efforts in Europe, Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of U.S. Army V Corps, said in a Friday release.

Maj. Gen. Susie Kuilan, commanding general of 200th Military Police Command, extended her condolences in the release to Perezs family and friends, describing him as a valued member of our Army and Army Reserve family.

Spc. Jaylin Perez was a proud and dedicated Soldier who answered our nations call and served with distinction while mobilized. His commitment to duty and his selfless service represents the very best of our Army, Kuilan said. His loss is felt deeply across the 200th Military Police Command, and we honor the legacy he leaves behind.
Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine, plans to travel to Kiev on Monday.

Kellogg told the Ukrainian news portal Novyny.LIVE at the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Rome on Friday that he would be in Kiev for a week.

The spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry later confirmed the visit to journalists. No information was initially available on Kellogg's schedule.

Ukraine has been fighting the Russian invasion with Western support for more than three years. US President Donald Trump had called for a quick end to the fighting, but so far has mainly put pressure on Kiev by reducing arms deliveries.

Recently, however, his public stance towards Moscow has become more critical.

Trump himself has promised to make a "major statement" on Russia on Monday.
More than 1,300 State Department employees were fired Friday in a downsizing ordered by President Donald Trump and touted as cutting bloated government -- but which critics predict will hamstring US influence around the world.

Diplomats and other staff clapped out departing colleagues in emotional scenes at the Washington headquarters of the department, which runs US foreign policy and the global network of embassies.

Some were crying as they walked out with boxes of belongings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A State Department official said 1,107 members of the civil service and 246 Foreign Service diplomatic employees were terminated.

The layoffs at the department came three days after the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to begin carrying out its plan to gut entire government departments.

The conservative-dominated top court lifted a temporary block imposed by a lower court on Trump's plans to lay off potentially tens of thousands of employees.

The 79-year-old Republican says he wants to dismantle what he calls the "deep state." Since taking office in January, he has worked quickly to install fierce personal loyalists and to fire swaths of veteran government workers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His secretary of state, Marco Rubio, says the foreign policy department is too cumbersome and requires thinning out of some 15 percent.

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) -- the union representing State Department employees -- condemned the "catastrophic blow to our national interests."

"At a moment of great global instability -- with war raging in Ukraine, conflict between Israel and Iran, and authoritarian regimes testing the boundaries of international order -- the United States has chosen to gut its frontline diplomatic workforce," AFSA said in a statement.

"We oppose this decision in the strongest terms."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The State Department employed over 80,000 people worldwide last year, according to a fact sheet, with around 17,700 in domestic roles. The US Agency for International Development, long the primary vehicle to provide US humanitarian assistance around the world, has already been mostly dismantled.

According to The Washington Post, State Department employees were informed of their firings by email.

Foreign Service officers will lose their jobs 120 days after receiving the notice and will be immediately placed on administrative leave, while civil service employees will be separated after 60 days, the newspaper said.

Ned Price, who served as State Department spokesman under Democratic former president Joe Biden, condemned what he called haphazard firings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"For all the talk about 'merit-based,' they're firing officers based on where they happen to be assigned on this arbitrary day," Price said on X. "It's the laziest, most inefficient, and most damaging way to lean the workforce."

Former ambassador Barbara Leaf, Biden's top Middle East diplomat, said the move "will have terrible consequences for our ability to protect American citizens abroad, pursue and defend the national interest and our national security."

"This is not a re-org. This is a purge," Leaf said in a post on LinkedIn.

cl-sms/
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson speaks with U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson at an Indianapolis Bar Association luncheon on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Courtesy Indianapolis Bar Association)

Lawyers, law students and other fans of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson erupted in cheers and a standing ovation  eagerly snapping far-off, hazy cell phone photographs during the single occasion it was allowed  as she appeared Thursday at an Indianapolis Bar Association luncheon nestled within the Indiana Convention Center.

Guided by moderator and U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson of Indiana, she covered the personal  giggly tales of meeting her husband of 28 years  and got serious.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What keeps you up at night? Magnus-Stinson asked, during a lightning round of questioning.

I would say the state of our democracy, Brown Jackson confessed.

Role models, turning points and more

Brown Jackson, the first Black female justice in the courts 236-year-history, always hoped to pursue law.

My father, who was a public school teacher when I was born, went back to law school when I was three years old, and some of my earliest memories are of sitting at the kitchen table, and he has his law books, and I have my coloring books, and were working together, she told the crowd. So I had always thought I wanted to be a lawyer. I didnt know what else youre supposed to do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But it was in learning about Constance Baker Motley, the first Black female federal judge, that she thought: I could be a judge. And it was Sandra Day OConnor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, who inspired her to aim even higher.

She spoke to promote Lovely One, the memoir she began writing upon her confirmation to the court, with the goal of pay(ing) tribute to the people and the circumstances that I thought were really most responsible for that success.

That began with her grandparents, who grew up in Georgia in the early 1900s, in a time that was really significantly restricted for African Americans. Neither graduated from formal schools; her grandfather chauffeured white families.

They moved to Florida, and her grandfather drove for a beer company  until he got fed up with how he was being treated  and launched a landscaping business. It financed education for his five children, including Brown Jacksons mother. All were first-generation college students.

Need to get in touch?

Have a news tip?

CONTACT US

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even the timing of her 1970 birth mattered, Brown Jackson told the crowd. It was shortly after the end of Jim Crow Segregation and after the enactment of the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.

My parents had grown up in Florida under segregation, having their life opportunities restricted, she recounted.

Im born  and my parents thought, this is our shot. This is our shot to do everything that we didnt get a chance to do, she continued. So our daughters going to be in the swimming lessons if theres swimming lessons; shes going to do the piano lessons if theres piano lessons.

Brown Jackson later attended Harvard University, where, Magnus-Stinson noted, racism was not a strange experience. One student hung a large Confederate flag  representing the failed attempt at secession by 11 slave-holding states  from a dormitory window along the prominent Harvard Yard. A bulb illuminated it 24 hours daily.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As a member of the Black Students Association, she led protests against the student, but realized it was taking time from her study and work.

The very real function of racism is distraction, she said, citing writer Toni Morrison.  It was a big turning point in the way that I view my purpose, which is to stay as focused as I can on the work that Im called to do.

Lets (not) be distracted from the good work that we want to do and the oath that  we took for the people were here to serve, Magnus-Stinson agreed.

Brown Jackson, who is also the first public defender to join the Supreme Court, described how the experience shaped her commitment to communicating with defendants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They might not agree with what ultimately happened to them if I sentenced them or whatever, but they werent going to be confused about the process, she said. Treating defendants with respect, she said, was crucial for their rehabilitation.

Throughout her remarks, Brown Jackson emphasized the value of speech and debate, clerkships and networking to the rapt audience.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Washingtons hawkish turn against Russia intensified as US President Donald Trump said he would send weapons to Ukraine via NATO and may back new sanctions on Moscow.

The twin moves represent a sharp contrast to the early months of the Trump administration, which were characterized by fitful attempts to coax Russia into a ceasefire as part of a broader rapprochement.

Alongside talks by Kyivs US and European allies in Rome to bolster Ukraines post-war reconstruction, the latest announcements suggest growing momentum to repel Russias recent battlefield progress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, analysts cautioned against reading too much into the White Houses apparent shift: Trumps record on Ukraine is reason for caution, a former top US diplomat argued. Im not holding my breath.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that farmers hit by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for a share of $16 billion in federal disaster relief.

The Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), administered by the USDAs Farm Service Agency, opened its first stage of applications for agricultural producers who suffered eligible crop losses and previously received assistance through crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.

Pre-filled applications are being mailed to eligible producers, and in-person sign-ups have begun at Farm Service Agency county offices.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Stage Two of this program is expected to begin in early fall, although the USDA has announced no official date.

The USDA states that eligible losses must be the result of natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and/or 2024, which will include wildfires, hurricanes, floods, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, and other related weather conditions.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins provided a statement about the relief and said, American farmers are no stranger to natural disasters that cause losses that leave no region or crop unscathed.

Additionally, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller addressed the relief, praising the work done by Rollins in a statement sent to The Dallas Express.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This streamlined initiative, featuring pre-filled applications and immediate in-person support, is exactly what producers require after facing devastating droughts, wildfires, floods, and freezes over the past couple of years, he wrote.

Texas is no stranger to natural disasters, ranking first in both the number and cost of severe weather events each year. Unlike delays seen in the past under previous administrations, this rapid response demonstrates a genuine and ongoing commitment to rural America by the Trump administration. This is a helping hand, not a handout, and the strength of our food supply depends on it.

To date, the USDA has distributed more than $7.8 billion through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program and over $1 billion in emergency livestock relief for drought and wildfire losses in 2023 and 2024.
Blue Mountain Hospital, a critical access hospital in Blanding, Utah. (Courtesy of the Utah Hospital Association)

Kane County Hospital, in Kanab, is one of the states most remote hospitals. Its the furthest south, close to the Arizona border, and its more than an hour away from St. George, the nearest major city in the state.

Though it will likely take years for the full ramifications of the slashes to Medicaid benefits and other health care spending cuts included in congressional Republicans big, beautiful bill to come to fruition, Utah Hospital Association officials are concerned about what they could mean for the states health care system. In particular, they worry about rural hospitals, like the one in Kanab.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Matthew McCollough, rural hospital improvement director for the Utah Hospital Association, posed a hypothetical.

Worst case scenario, they have to reduce services and they get rid of labor and delivery, and they close their maternity services, he said, which he noted is usually the first service to get cut, because its not a revenue generating service.

So if labor and delivery services get cut, expecting mothers in that area would then have to drive more than an hour to St. George to the nearest hospital equipped to deliver their babies.

An hour is an eternity if youre going into labor, McCollough said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kanabs not alone. A lot of communities in Utah, if they lost their hospital, theyre looking at an hour drive to the next location for emergency care, he said.

For those living along the Wasatch Front, imagine needing to drive up to Logan to get to the nearest emergency room.

Thats the kind of real world impact, he said. Health care isnt about hospital finances. Its about caring for people.

Earlier this week after the megabills passage, the Utah Hospital Association issued a prepared statement warning of the bills impacts to hospitals ability to deliver quality care without increasing prices.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While we support efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicaid system, we are deeply concerned about the magnitude of the Medicaid cuts included in this legislation, the Utah Hospital Association said.

These cuts will significantly impact the ability of Utah hospitals to deliver high-quality care in our communities and to keep healthcare costs down for patients, the association continued. We are disappointed that the Senates proposed reductions were ultimately signed into law. The result will likely be reduced access to care, higher insurance costs, and increased pressure on Utahs state budget.

Kane County Hospital located in Kanab, Utah. (Courtesy of the Utah Hospital Association)

The megabill pushed by President Donald Trump included about $1 trillion in total Medicaid cuts over 10 years, according to KFF, a nonprofit health policy research organization. That could result in a $4 billion to $7 billion loss in federal dollars for Utah, according to that analysis.

However, that analysis did not include the $50 billion provision that was added into the bill to create the Rural Health Transformation Program to provide state grants meant to help offset the impacts to rural hospitals. McCollough said that could help  the program is expected to provide about $100 million to Utah each year for five years  but it wont fully offset the cuts. And it also depends on how Utah lawmakers decide to divvy up those funds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

A separate analysis by KFF estimated federal Medicaid spending in rural areas across the country is estimated to decrease by $155 billion over 10 years. In Utah, KFF estimated a total loss of $872 million in that time period.

While thats a significant number, it pales in comparison to other states that have larger rural populations. Kentucky, for example, is expected to see the most dramatic decline, at an estimated drop of $12 billion.

Impact to rural hospitals

Rural hospitals, in particular, are expected to be hit the hardest.

Rural communities have a higher proportion of their population that are on Medicaid, McCollough said. But, you know, these people are our farmers and ranchers. They grow our food, produce our energy. And they rely on Medicaid, and the hospitals and clinics that serve on them rely on Medicaid to pay them for the services they provide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Utah has 21 rural hospitals. Of those, 13 are critical access hospitals, meaning theyre designated by Medicare to ensure health care access in remote areas. To have that status, they must have no more than 25 inpatient beds, be located at least 35 miles from other hospitals, and provide 24/7 emergency care.

Of Utahs 21 rural hospitals, nine are also known as the Rural 9, or part of the Utah Rural Independent Hospital Network, a nonprofit that formed to help financially stabilize those hospitals and improve their care in rural areas. All of Utahs other rural hospitals are part of Intermountain Healths larger network, which helps keep them financially secure.

Moab Regional Hospital, a critical access hospital, located in Moab, Utah. (Courtesy of the Utah Hospital Association)

Those not part of Intermountain Healths network, like the Rural 9, said McCollough (who is also the networks director), are likely the most at risk of losing services due to Medicaid cuts  though he emphasized that its not all doom and gloom for several reasons.

First of all, he said, theres no panic, among rural hospitals right now because the cuts are not immediate. Hospital officials are concerned, he said, but it will likely take three to five years for the cuts to take effect and show their real toll on hospitals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Second, Utahs rural hospitals are generally in better financial positions than many in other states.

Even before the big, beautiful bills passage, more than 700 rural U.S. hospitals  one-third of all of rural hospitals in the country  were at risk of closure due to serious financial problems, according to an analysis by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. At the time, Utah had zero hospitals at risk of closure as of June 2025, though it did have six that reported losses on services, according to that report.

But now that Trump has signed the big, beautiful bill into law, state officials are still unpacking its impacts to Utahs hospitals, and its not yet clear exactly how much revenue Utah hospitals will lose due to the Medicaid cuts and other provisions in the bill.

We really dont know yet, McCollough said, adding that the Utah Hospital Association is trying to come up with a model to project what the impact will be hospital by hospital. He noted that those figures will likely depend on what Utah lawmakers decide to do with the states Medicaid programs in reaction to the cuts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, because of the sheer size of the federal cuts, he said its likely to mean a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars for Utah hospitals.

How will Utah lawmakers react?

Until Utahs Republican-controlled Legislature decides how to handle the billions lost federal Medicaid dollars, its not yet clear exactly how many people will lose coverage and how much revenue will be lost for hospitals.

However, according to a report issued by the Congressional Joint Economic Committees Democratic staff, the bill puts at estimated 188,494 people in Utah at risk of losing coverage. That number goes up to 237,370 if Utah leaders decide to allow a trigger law to go into effect that ends the states Medicaid expansion program if the federal matching percentage is reduced.

Theres a long list of tough questions facing lawmakers now. Is Utah going to keep its Medicaid expansion program? Given the cuts, how will the state continue to fund its program? Who will continue to receive Medicaid coverage  and who wont? And for hospitals, how will the states reimbursement rate for Medicaid change?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Spokespeople for both the states House and Senate Republican majority told Utah News Dispatch this week its too soon to provide answers to those questions.

Senators are working with Utahs Department of Health and Human Services to review the bill to understand its implications and proposed changes, said Aundrea Peterson, deputy chief of staff for the Utah Senate majority. Until there has been a more thorough review, it would be premature to provide answers.

We are only beginning to understand the full impact of these changes, and we expect to have a clearer picture in the coming months, said Alexa Musselman, the House majoritys director of strategic communications, in a text to Utah News Dispatch. That said, we fully support implementing a work requirement as a condition for receiving government assistance.

In anticipation of the Trump administrations appetite to impose work requirements on Medicaid, Utah state officials had already started drafting a new waiver to implement those requirements on Utahs adult Medicaid expansion recipients  months before the big, beautiful bills passage. That waiver was submitted July 3, according to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, and awaits consideration by federal officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, the megabills cuts to Medicaid go far further than that waiver, and lawmakers will likely need to start dealing with its ramifications in a legislative session. That could be a special session this fall  or lawmakers may choose to wait until their general session in January.

Until those decisions are made, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over the future of Utahs Medicaid programs. But one things for certain: there will be a big hole in federal revenue that lawmakers will either need to find a way to fill or allow it to fall away.

Uintah Basin Medical Center, located in Roosevelt, Utah. (Courtesy of the Utah Hospital Association)

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
The town of Bluff, Utah was certified by DarkSky International as a Dark Sky community on June 24, 2025. (Photo by Paul Martini, courtesy of the Utah Office of Tourism)

The small town of Bluff in southeastern Utah  near several national monuments including Bears Ears  has been granted a new international dark sky designation.

Obtaining a designation from the global group DarkSky International is no easy task, according to state tourism officials. It was a rigorous, yearslong process that, for Bluff, involved not just the adoption of an exterior lighting ordinance years ago to require homes and businesses use night-sky-friendly lighting, but also volunteer sky brightness monitors and community stargazing events.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were so proud to receive this designation, Bluff Mayor Ann Leppanen said in a prepared statement included in a news release issued by DarkSky International, a global nonprofit devoted to reducing light pollution and protecting natural night skies.

The mayor added that designating Bluff  home to a population of about 300 people  was one of the first things our community wanted to do after they voted to incorporate Bluff as a town in 2018.

The dark skies over Bluff are more than beautiful  theyre part of who we are, Leppanen said. Earning this designation reflects years of dedication from our residents and a deep respect for the natural world.

The town of Bluff, Utah was certified by DarkSky International as a Dark Sky community on June 24, 2025. (Photo by Paul Martini, courtesy of the Utah Office of Tourism)

To achieve the designation, the Bears Ears Partnership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the natural and cultural landscapes of Bears Ears National Monument, agreed to provide at least two dark-sky educational programs per year, as well as conduct sky quality monitoring on a seasonal basis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since 2016, community-led star parties have helped inspire reverence and respect for the night sky, DarkSky International said in its announcement. In 2024, the Town of Bluff solidified a formal partnership with Bears Ears Partnership (BEP) that helped push the town over the finish line. BEP now leads ongoing education and seasonal sky monitoring, ensuring Bluff meets DarkSkys requirements for years to come.

Bluff was officially awarded the designation on June 24. DarkSky International described it as a prestigious certification that recognizes the dedicated efforts of Bears Ears Partnership, Town of Bluff, and community advocates committed to protecting the natural night environment.

Bluff now joins a select group of communities around the world working to preserve the natural night environment, the DarkSky International announcement said. This achievement reflects Bluffs deep respect for the land, its wildlife, and its people  now and for generations to come.

Bluff is now one of 57 certified dark sky communities, according to DarkSkys website. It joins five other Utah communities on that list, including Springdale near Zion National Park, Torrey near Capitol Reef National Park, Moab and Castle Valley near Arches National Park, and Helper in Carbon County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Utah, with its five national parks and 46 state parks, is also home to dozens of other dark sky designation types, including 27 accredited international dark sky places and 18 dark sky parks. Timpanogous Cave National Monument has been designated one of 13 urban night sky places, and Rainbow Bridge National Monument is one of 23 certified dark sky sanctuaries.

The perks of a dark sky designation? The certification raises awareness of light pollution while helping agencies achieve long-term conservation targets and connecting people to nature, according to DarkSky Internationals website. The bragging rights also help serve as an economic driver by fostering tourism and local economic activity.

The Utah Office of Tourism celebrated Bluffs designation in a news release issued Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Preserving the night sky is vital not only to Utahs long-lasting tourism economy but also to creating opportunities for generational economic prosperity and a dynamic visitor experience, Natalie Randall, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism and Film, said in a prepared statement. We are thrilled to celebrate and support the town of Bluffs achievement. I am proud of the incredible leadership and dedication the community has shown in preserving their night sky.

Bluff resident Sarah Burak, who is also education director with Bears Ears Partnership, was involved in the effort to achieve the dark sky designation.

As were rapidly losing natural darkness worldwide, it is important to do what we can to protect this irreplaceable resource at home and set an example for other gateway communities to public lands, Burak said. I am encouraged and grateful to be part of a community working to preserve the night sky for ourselves and future generations.

To celebrate Bluffs designation, the town  in partnership with groups including Business Owners of Bluff, Bears Ears Partnership and the Bluff Community Foundation  will be holding a Dark Sky Festival this fall, on Nov. 14-15.

For more information about Bluffs designation and the upcoming festival, visit Bluffs website.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
(WKBN)  Valley Congressman Mike Rulli wants the country to honor the bravery of President Trump.

Read next: Dog waiting 2,494 days and counting for forever home

Rulli has introduced a resolution designating July 13 as Faith and Defiance Day, which is the day of the assassination attempt last year in Butler, Pennsylvania.

A bullet struck our President and he stood up, fist raised, telling us all to Fight, fight, fight. That is the American spirit  faithful, defiant and unstoppable, Rulli said. You can see one or two events in your life that inspire you to be more than you are, that strike you to your core. This was one of them. God saved the President that day, and thats something worth recognizing for the rest of time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It would also honor Corey Comperatore, who died in the shooting, and condemn political violence in every form  no matter who it targets or who commits it.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Vice President Vance will travel to Pennsylvania next week to tout the benefits of the massive reconciliation package signed into law last week by President Trump.

Vance will visit West Pittston, Pa., next Wednesday, the vice presidents office announced. He is expected to extol the tax and spending bill Congress passed last week and that Trump signed at the White House on the Fourth of July.

The vice presidents travels are a sign that the administration may be ramping up its efforts to hit the road and sell the legislation, which polling has shown is unpopular with many Americans.

The legislation contains numerous major campaign promises from Trumps 2024 bid for the White House. It extends the tax cuts Trump signed into law in 2017, which were set to expire later this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bill provides a $170 billion increase in funding for a border wall, immigration enforcement and deportations. It provides $150 billion in new defense spending for priorities like shipbuilding and a Golden Dome missile defense project.

Democrats have seized on how the bill contains cuts to low-income health and nutrition programs  reductions designed to help offset the loss of revenues from the tax cuts but that are also expected to eliminate health coverage for millions of people.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
With every passing month, the gap grows. Our knowledge deepens. Our target sets expand. Your options narrow, Gallant wrote.

Former defense minister Yoav Gallant sent Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei a letter urging him to abandon his war against Israel on Thursday.

We have never met, but I trust we know a great deal about one another, Gallant began, explaining that he had watched Khamenei for nearly 30 years as he rose to power.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As defense minister, I was responsible for turning decades of Israeli intelligence, air force capabilities, and strategic doctrine into a single, coordinated military plan. The plan that cut through your 'Ring of Fire' like a hot knife through butter and ultimately caused it to collapse, he said.

According to Gallant, the plans he created as defense minister culminated in Operation Rising Lion.

What unfolded in June 2025 was not merely a military campaign. It was the strategic collapse of a system you spent four decades constructing.

A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the U.S. struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran June 22, 2025. (credit: Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS )

Gallant wrote that despite the regimes attempts to create a Ring of Fire around Israel - Hamas to the south, Hezbollah to the north, Syria and Iraq to the east, and Houthis to the southeast - they failed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Israeli public, despite pain and loss, did not break. Our people endured. As you are now well aware, we responded, he said, detailing the sequence of events that followed October 7 leading up to the Israel-Iran war.

Israel systematically dismantled Hamas leadership, Hezbollah arsenals and command, and missile production facilities. We flew over Tehran as we did over Tel Aviv. We eliminated key military leaders and scientists. We struck the S300 systems. We eviscerated your air defense. Your nuclear program and infrastructure were set back by years. Your shield, long advertised, failed to protect.

Can you build a secret nuclear program when you have no secrets?

In Gallants words, what mattered more than the physical damage dealt was the intelligence Israel gained.

We see everything. We hear everything. We are everywhere, he wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We knew your schedules. Your sites. Your communications. Your conversations with your closest allies, most of whom are no longer with you, in Beirut, Damascus, and Tehran. Your timelines. Your fallback plans. And your blind spots. In more ways than one, we knew more about you than you knew about yourselves.

Gallant warned Khamenei that Iran would never be able to pursue nuclear weapons, and to do so would be to put his faith in systems that have already failed.

Hope is not a strategy. Would you risk your future and your country's on a race you cannot conceal and are unlikely to finish?

Gallant reminded Khamenei that since October 7, Israel had succeeded in killing many of the regimes top players.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hezbollahs arsenal lies in ruins, buried with its commanders. Hamas is neutralized. Assad is gone. His successor has chosen a different path. The Gulf states now align against you, not with you. Iraq resists your grip. The region has moved on.

Gallant told Khamenei there is still one way out

To close his letter, Gallant told Khamenei he could not rebuild his proxies or nuclear program without Israel destroying them as many times as necessary.

But what you build, we will likely see. What we see, we will strike. And what we strike, you will struggle to replace, he said.

With every passing month, the gap grows. Our knowledge deepens. Our target sets expand. Your options narrow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gallant issued a final warning: Abandon the war, or face Israel again.

He laid out the defining moment Khamenei faces, saying the regime could continue to pursue nuclear weapons, and pay the heavy price that Israel would demand, or they could move forward.

Abandon your war against a small, determined country a thousand miles from your border, and focus instead on the welfare and future of your own people.

But if you choose wrong again, we will be there, waiting, Gallant concluded.
Hundreds of people protested in Caracas Thursday demanding the return of at least 30 children who remain in the United States after being separated from their Venezuelan parents during deportation.

Mariale Castellano, deported on May 28, was among the protesters, pleading for the return of her nine-year-old daughter who is still in the United States in the care of a foster family.

"I was four to five months waiting for deportation with her, but it didn't happen," the 26-year-old mother said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the protest, a woman read out a letter, later handed over to the UN office in Caracas, asking for "urgent action in favor of the return" of children separated from their parents.

Protesters carried white balloons, photos of the young children and signs saying "SOS, USA, release our children."

On June 30, the Venezuelan government denounced the "kidnapping" of 18 children under the age of 12.

But the number of children stranded in the United States has increased since then.

Protesters at the march also called for the return of 252 Venezuelans deported on March 15 to El Salvador by US President Donald Trump, as part of his crackdown on undocumented people alleged to be violent criminals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Trump, we ask you from our hearts, return our sons, they are Venezuelans," said Maria Venegas, a relative of one of the Venezuelan deportees being held at El Salvador's maximum security CECOT prison.

Official figures show that between February and the first week of July, some 7,000 people -- about 1,000 of them children -- have been repatriated to Venezuela from the United States and Mexico.

mbj/ksb/sla
Dozens of people remained gathered outside Glass House Farms in Ventura County on Friday morning, hoping to reunite with loved ones who were detained or still hiding after a large-scale federal immigration raid on Thursday.

Some workers who initially evaded arrest have slowly begun to reemerge. One of them, Jesus Martinez, had been hiding inside the facility for nearly 24 hours. He reunited with his family early Friday, including his niece Jennifer Martinez, who had waited overnight for word.

It feels good. Weve been waiting for him all night. Its inhumane what theyre doing, Jennifer said. Hes not coming back here. Thats for sure. Hes not coming back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said more workers are still in hiding, afraid to come out and risk being detained. Abandoned vehicles were also seen in the area Friday, presumably belonging to those who were detained or are still in hiding.

A growing crowd of protesters gathered at a Camarillo agriculture farm after several workers were detained in an immigration enforcement operation on July 10, 2025. (KTLA) Protesters are seen gathering at the site of a possible immigration raid at a Camarillo farm. July 2025. (KTLA) Detainees are seen at an immigration raid in Ventura County. July 2025. (KTLA) Protesters are seen clashing with federal agents on the scene of a possible immigration raid at a farm in Ventura County. July 2025. (Traffic News Los Angeles) Protesters are seen clashing with federal agents on the scene of a possible immigration raid at a farm in Ventura County. July 2025. (Traffic News Los Angeles) Protesters are seen clashing with federal agents on the scene of a possible immigration raid at a farm in Ventura County. July 2025. (Traffic News Los Angeles) Protesters are seen gathering at the site of a possible immigration raid at a Camarillo farm. July 2025. (KTLA) Protesters are seen clashing with federal agents on the scene of a possible immigration raid at a farm in Ventura County. July 2025. (Traffic News Los Angeles) Protesters are seen clashing with federal agents on the scene of a possible immigration raid at a farm in Ventura County. July 2025. (Traffic News Los Angeles) Protesters are seen clashing with federal agents on the scene of a possible immigration raid at a farm in Ventura County. July 2025. (Traffic News Los Angeles)

KTLA obtained cellphone video from a worker who tried to hide on the roof of the facility but was ultimately detained. His girlfriend, Karen Martinez, said he sent her the videos during the raid.

He was sending me videos trying to escape from them, she said. I was scared that he was going to go to those facilities. I was wondering if he would be able to eat there, if he would be treated well or not All these people are hardworking people, and they have families.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Immigration activist Alex Lara, who spent the night outside the farm assisting families, told KTLA that one man who was hiding fell from a building and was taken to a hospital with severe injuries. Lara said the mans family later made the decision to take him off life support. KTLA is working to independently confirm the details.

As of Friday, authorities had not released an official count of how many individuals were arrested during the raid or protest. On Thursday, KTLAs Sky5 captured at least 30 detainees in custody with their hands cuffed and brown paper bags at their feet, with more seen waiting to be transported.

Officials also confirmed the arrest of 10 undocumented minors  including eight unaccompanied children  as part of the operation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner posted on X Friday morning with a photo of 10 minors, saying, These are the juveniles found in the marijuana facility  almost all unaccompanied, one as young as 14. California, are you ready to partner with us to stop child exploitation?

This photo shows minors who were detained during a large-scale immigration raid at a Camarillo farm on July 10, 2025. (CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott on X)

Clashes between demonstrators and federal agents escalated throughout Thursday, with protesters reportedly throwing rocks and bottles as agents deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday morning, the FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man caught on video allegedly firing a pistol at federal officers during the protest. They said once located, the suspect will be prosecuted.

Glass House Farms is now under investigation for alleged child labor violations, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The company issued a statement saying it is fully cooperating with ICE, but declined to comment further. It remains unclear whether the facility is operating.

L.A. Mayor Bass signs executive directive to help immigrants, calls raids display of force

The Camarillo raid coincided with a second federal operation at another Glass House location in Carpinteria, about 50 miles northwest. U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), whose district includes Carpinteria, attempted to access that site but was turned away by agents. He later criticized what he described as a troubling lack of transparency from federal authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These militarized ICE raids are not how you keep our communities safe, Carbajal said. This kind of chaos only traumatizes families and tears communities apart.

On Friday afternoon, DHS announced about 200 workers had been detained.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The New Castle County Courthouse, home of the Delaware Chancery Court. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)

The countrys largest venture capital firm this week announced it is moving its state of incorporation from Delaware to Nevada, and it encouraged other venture capitalists to follow suit.

Andreessen Horowitzs move is the latest sign there may be momentum in the push to establish the Silver State as a premier destination for corporate litigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In its lengthy post announcing and explaining the move, the firm criticized Delawares Court of Chancery, writing that it has injected an unprecedented level of subjectivity into judicial decisions, undermining the courts reputation for unbiased expertise. Nevada, by contrast, has historically been a business friendly state with fair and balanced regulatory policies, read the blog.

The post continued to say that Nevada codifies business judgment rules in statute, making it more predictable and less subject to court reinterpretation. And that Nevada only allows shareholders with 15% or more ownership to inspect records, reducing legal fishing expeditions.

Andreessen Horowitz referenced two recent legislative measures in Nevada that take significant steps toward upgrading its existing business courts into specialized venues to resolve complex commercial disputes. The first, Assembly Joint Resolution 8, would have Nevadans in 2028 vote to approve the creation of a specialized business court with judges appointed by the governor. The second, Assembly Bill 239, allows jury trials in civil cases to be waived.

Both bills were sponsored by first-term Assemblymember Joe Dalia, a Democrat from Las Vegas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Paralleling Dalias efforts, Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Doug Herndon in May announced he would be taking steps to internally establish a specialized business court, which he believes can happen within a year and without changing the state constitution as proposed in AJR8. No update on that effort was available Thursday.

Dalia and other proponents of a specialized business court argue it could become a significant revenue maker for the state. They also believe Nevada needs to move on the idea and capitalize on corporations frustrations with Delaware, which have prompted what some call a Dexit from the state.

Other companies that have left Delaware for Nevada in recent years include X, Dropbox, and TripAdvisor, which overcame a lawsuit from shareholders who tried to bar it from incorporating in Nevada.

Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, a Democrat whose office oversees business entity formation, filed an amicus brief in that case defending Nevada as a viable place for incorporation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A social media post by Andreessen Horowitz highlighting the decision was shared by Dalia, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, and Democratic State Treasurer Zach Conine.

One of Andreessen Horowitzs co-founders already has strong personal ties to Las Vegas. Benjamin Horowitz and his wife, Felicia, have lived in the Las Vegas area since 2021 or 2022, according to media reports, and have quickly become prominent local donors.

Horowitz made headlines earlier this year when he was identified as the donor of 10 Tesla Cybertrucks given to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The Horowitzes have reportedly donated at least $7.6 million to the police department.

The donations have raised concerns about conflicts of interest as some of the technology donated came from companies Andreessen Horowitz is invested in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Horowitz has defended the donations, writing in a blog post that the public sector often has trouble budgeting for strategic technology projects so his donations give LVMPD a running start.

The Horowitzes have donated $300,000 to political candidates in the last four years, according to the states campaign contribution database. That included $20,000 each to Lombardo (for his 2021 gubernatorial campaign), Kevin McMahill (for his successful run to replace Lombardo as Clark County sheriff), and Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson (for his latest re-election campaign).

Last year, during the 2024 election cycle, the Horowitzes gave $220,000 to Republicans candidates running for the Nevada State Legislature. Those donations included $20,000 each to Republican incumbents Assemblymember John Ellison and state Sen. Carrie Buck, as well as $20,000 each to John Steinbeck, Lori Rogich, Rebecca Edgeworth, and Lisa Cole, who secured seats last year.

An additional five candidates received $20,000 in donations but were not elected. That group of candidates included Annette Dawson Owens, who ran against Dalia for an open seat.
In her new book, "Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America's Heartland," released just days before the first anniversary of the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, veteran political reporter Salena Zito reveals what she believes is the one element the mainstream media has missed in their coverage of his rallies.

The Pennsylvania-based told Fox News Digital that when she first interviewed Trump during his 2016 run, she noticed how he interacted with "the people behind the scenes  the janitors, the people that were pushing the water bottles, the caterers, the plumbers, the electricians, the people that made the event happen that are never seen."

Zito said she saw Trump communicating with American voters with an authenticity and curiosity that she hadn't seen in a lot of politicians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I understood in that moment that he wasn't a billionaire running for president, he was a guy that saw people that don't usually get seen by elected officials, in a way that was very unique. Between that and driving across the country and interviewing people, I understood that he was going to win that cycle," Zito said of the 2016 election.

Trump Attributed Survival At Butler Rally To 'Hand Of God': Author And Witness Reveals Firsthand Account

Then-presidential candidate Donald Trump arrives to speak during a campaign rally at Sunset Park in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 9, 2024.

Flash forward to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

Read On The Fox News App

"What I noticed covering 2024 was the amount of young people that were out there, that were engaged, that were excited, that were voting for the first time, and really excited to be part of bigger than self and they really glommed on and became excited about the way that President Trump talks about Americanism and love of country and getting to a better place together," Zito said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Journalist Who Refused To Duck During Trump Assassination Attempt Reflects On Butler Rally In New Book

Salena Zito takes cover with her daughter and son-in-law after Donald Trump's attempted assassination at a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Zito's book takes readers back to July 13, 2024, when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired multiple gunshots into the Butler crowd, grazing Trump's ear, injuring two people and killing one rally attendee, firefighter Corey Comperatore. She had planned to interview Trump at the Butler rally and was mere steps away from him when the shots were fired.

But when Zito heard the shots, she told Fox News Digital, "I didn't get down. There was this inner voice that told me, You have a job to do, continue doing it." As a journalist, Zito quickly began to commit the historic moment to memory as it was unfolding, gathering details that eventually led to her book.

Throughout the campaign, Zito said she could feel that sense of community building at Trump rallies. While his supporters have various degrees of support for the president, at Trump rallies, she said they are happy, patriotic and excited.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Trump pulled them together by place and rootedness and connective tissue, and it was really, really missed by my profession, but it was so right in front of me everywhere I went in Pennsylvania."





Original article source: Veteran political reporter reveals what the media missed about Trump's appeal to Americans in 2024
(WHTM)  Vice President JD Vance is set to visit Pennsylvania next week to celebrate the passage of President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill.

According to a press release from the Vice Presidents media office, Vance will visit West Pittston, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, July 16, to deliver remarks after the signing and passage of the bill.

This will be Vice President Vances first appearance in Pennsylvania since he joined now-President Donald Trump on the campaign trail before the November election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The press release did not reveal the venue and time of Vances remarks on July 16.

President Trump is expected to join Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, July 15, a day before the event.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Vicki M. Miglets was born on September 8, 1962, in Youngstown, Ohio.

She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 62. Vicki lived a rich and fulfilling life, marked by love, laughter and a deep commitment to her passions.

Find obituaries from your high school

She was a proud graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1980.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vicki dedicated over 37 years of her professional life as a dental assistant, working alongside Dr. Armeni, where her warmth and compassion made a lasting impact on her patients and colleagues alike.

Vickis heart was intertwined with that of her beloved husband, Donald. Together since high school, they shared countless cherished moments, from spending time at the racetrack cheering him on to enjoying the camaraderie of their friends and family.

Vicki was a vibrant member and former president of the Lucky Ladies Bowling League at Holiday Bowl, where she found joy in the sport for over 30 years. She was known for her unwavering support of the Cleveland Browns and took great pride in her role as the NFL Commissioner in the fantasy league, where her spirited enthusiasm brought friends and family together. Vicki also enjoyed fishing up at Lake Erie for walleye and small mouth bass.

Vickis love extended beyond her human companions, she was the proud dog mom of her treasured furry friends, Brina and Bella, who she adored with all her heart.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vicki is survived by her husband, Donald Miglets, whom she married June 21, 1986, along with a host of family and friends whose lives she touched with her kindness and laughter.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, John Giunta and Josephine Campana.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All About the Pawz, at www.allaboutthepawz.com

Professional arrangements are being handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

A television tribute will air Sunday, July 13 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 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LIVE

15:04 Indian legal system badly in need of fixing, says CJI Gavai The Indian legal system has been facing unique challenges and is badly in need of fixing, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said on Saturday.Delivering Convocation Address at Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad at Justice City near here, Justice Gavai advised students to go abroad for studies... Read more >

14:11 Can't draw conclusions: Minister on AI crash report Union minister Murlidhar Mohol on Saturday said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)'s report on the Ahmedabad plane crash was a preliminary one and conclusions cannot be drawn based on it as the conversation between the pilots was very brief. The Minister of State... Read more >

14:07 Siraj opens up on emotional tribute to Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota India pacer Mohamemd Siraj has said he felt really emotional on hearing the news about Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota's death in a car accident, and his gesture after taking the wicket of Jaime Smith on day 2 of the third Test against England here was a tribute to the Portuguese forward. ... Read more >

13:44 Were all preventive checks done?: AI crash victim's kin After the release of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report on the Air India crash, Yashpal Singh Vansdiya, who lost his parents in the plane crash, raised certain questions including whether all preventive checks were done on the aircraft. I have certain... Read more >

13:03 8-year-old cheetah dies of injuries in Kuno An eight-year-old cheetah named Nabha, translocated to Kuno National Park (KNP) from Namibia, succumbed to injuries on Saturday, an official stated.Nabha was badly injured a week back, probably during a hunting attempt inside her soft release enclosure. She had fractures in both ulna and fibula... Read more >

12:59 Delhi CM launches pilot project to shift overhead power cables underground Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday launched a pilot project to remove the overhead power lines and shift them underground at BH Block, Janta Flats Colony, in her Shalimar Bagh constituency. The project, with an outlay of Rs 8 crore, is expected to be completed in three... Read more >

12:27 Supreme Court to hear plea to prevent use of Tiranga for political or religious purposes The Supreme Court will hear on July 14 a plea seeking directions to the Centre and the Election Commission to take effective steps to prevent any political party or religious group from using the national flag for partisan or religious purposes. The plea has also sought directions to the... Read more >

12:24 Why did you cut off?: Last chat of AI pilots before crash A month after the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed at least 270 people, a preliminary report showed the engines' fuel switches shifted from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' within seconds of each other after take-off. The 15-page report was published early Saturday by the Aircraft Accident... Read more >

12:07 X handle booked for spreading false news about Kanwar Yatra route Cyber police station in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar has registered a case against a social media handle for posting misleading information about the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, a police official said on Saturday. According to Superintendent of Police (City) Satyanarayan Prajapat, X handle... Read more >

12:02 Woman alleges rape at IIM Calcutta boys' hostel A woman studying at the Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta was allegedly raped by a student inside a hostel of the business school, police said on Saturday. The accused has been arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by the woman at Haridevpur Police Station, they said.The alleged... Read more >

11:42 8 injured in 4-storey building collapse in Delhi Eight people, including a one-year-old baby, were injured when a four-storey building collapsed in the Welcome area of northeast Delhi on Saturday morning, with a few still feared to be trapped under the rubble, an official said. People who are injured in the building collapse include 10... Read more >

11:15 Man bites off wife's nose during altercation over loan repayment in Karnataka In a shocking incident of domestic violence, a man allegedly bit off his wife's nose during a heated altercation over a loan repayment in Mantaraghatta village in Davanagere district, Karnataka, the police said.According to the police, the incident took place on July 8 when the victim,... Read more >

11:10 5 Maoist bunkers demolished, 2 IEDs recovered in Jharkhand Security personnel during an anti-Maoist operation/File image Security forces demolished five bunkers of Maoists and recovered two improvised explosive devices planted by them in a forest area in West Singhbhum district, the police said. A joint team of security forces had launched a search operation following intelligence inputs that Maoists concealed... Read more >

10:53 Bank Frauds Increase Threefold, But... Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com The number of fraud cases in the banking sector more than tripled to 23,953 in 2024-2025 (FY25) from 7,359 in FY21.Despite this increase, the amount involved declined by almost 74 percent to 36,014 crore, indicating a more frequent occurrence of low-value frauds. The amount involved in... Read more >

10:34 8 militants arrested in Manipur during search op File image Security forces arrested eight militants belonging to various proscribed outfits from three districts of Manipur, the police said on Saturday. An active cadre of the banned PREPAK (VC-Red Army) was apprehended from Maharabi in Imphal West district on Friday, while two members of SOREPA were... Read more >

10:11 PhonePe Retains Top UPI Spot With 46% Market Share File image/Image courtesy PhonePe.com Fintech major PhonePe maintained its lead on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) leaderboard, processing over 8.54 billion transactions and capturing a 46.46 percent market share, according to data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Google Pay and Paytm processed more... Read more >

09:58 X slashes subscription fees in India by up to 48% Social media platform X has slashed subscription fees for account holders in India by up to 48 percent, according to updates on its portal.The social media firm has slashed premium account subscription fee for mobile app by about 48 per cent to Rs 470 from Rs 900 it charged earlier on a monthly... Read more >

09:37 Bids For RBI's 7-Day VRRR Auction Fall Short The Reserve Bank of India's seven-day variable rate reverse repo (VRRR) auction on Friday saw a tepid demand from banks as the auction amount exceeded the market expectation of 2 trillion.Thus, the bidding amount fell short of the notified amount. Additionally, banks preferred to retain... Read more >

09:12 FSDA suspends 133 drug licences, cancels 20 in Karnataka in June File image Enforcement officers of the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration department have suspended 133 drug licences and cancelled 20 drug licences in June for violations of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, officials have said. The move was initiated after the officials... Read more >

08:59 4-storey building collapses in Delhi, some people feared trapped File image A four-storey building collapsed in Welcome area of northeast Delhi on Saturday morning and some people could be trapped under the rubble, police said. A rescue operation by multiple agencies is underway, they said. We have received a call regarding a building collapse at 7 am. Multiple... Read more >

08:52 Continue to support AI 171 crash probe: Boeing Pic: Amit Dave/Reuters Aircraft manufacturer Boeing on Saturday said it continues to support the ongoing investigation into the Air India Flight AI171 crash, hours after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report on the incident that occurred in Ahmedabad. Our thoughts remain... Read more >

08:34 Height restrictions put in place within 20 km radius of Noida airport File image Noida International Airport on Friday issued an advisory for the public, builders and local authorities to follow height limits within a 20 km radius of the airport.No construction, buildings, or tree planting is allowed within a 20 km radius of the airport's main point unless someone has a... Read more >

08:32 Chirag Paswan gets death threat on social media Ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan received a death threat on social media, his party spokesperson Rajesh Bhatt said on Friday. Bhatt also filed a complaint at the Cyber Police Station in Patna in the... Read more >

08:22 Female trainee cop dies by suicide in UP's Kannauj, probe on A police trainee allegedly died by suicide after hanging herself in the bathroom of the women's barracks at the district police lines in Kannauj, officials on Friday said.Ranu Jadaun (23), a resident of Etah district, joined the police force earlier this year and was undergoing training at the... Read more >

08:12 Working closely with stakeholders: Air India after AAIB releases initial report Air India on Saturday said it is working closely with regulators and other stakeholders, and will continue to cooperate with the authorities in the ongoing probe into the Ahmedabad plane crash after AAIB released its preliminary report. On June 12, the airline's Boeing 787-8 plane operating... Read more >

08:08 Fuel switches cut off before Air India plane crash: AAIB Both switches feeding fuel to the two engines of Air India flight 171 were cut off followed by pilot confusion before the plane crashed in Ahmedabad, seconds after taking off, the first investigation report into the crash has revealed. It said that one pilot asked why he had shut off the... Read more >

00:31 Raigad police recover fishing buoy of Pakistani boat File image A fishing buoy of a Pakistani boat was on Friday recovered on the Raigad coast of Maharashtra, the police said. The buoy was found near the Korlai fort during a search operation, said an official. The Indian Coast Guard on Sunday night had informed the police that Pakistani boat Muqadar... Read more >

00:22 Kerala HC grants parole to murder convict to get married The Kerala high court on Friday granted 15 days' parole to a murder convict to get married in view of his fiancee's love and affection for him despite his conviction and life sentence. Justice PV Kunhikrishnan granted the relief to Prasanth on a plea moved on his behalf by his mother, so... Read more >
BOSTON (WWLP)  A Vietnamese national who lived under the stolen identity of a deceased child for six yearsusing it to secure certifications and employment as a firefighter and paramedic in Massachusetts.

Two arrested in Holyoke drug bust after crack cocaine found in chip bag

Truong Nguyen, 50, of Braintree, was sentenced Tuesday to more than two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of passport fraud and aggravated identity theft. Nguyen is also subject to deportation upon completing his sentence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Federal investigators say Nguyen assumed the identity of a boy who died in Boston in 2002 at the age of 13, and used that identity to obtain a Massachusetts drivers license, a Social Security card, and emergency medical certifications. With these credentials, he enrolled in the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and was later hired by the Melrose Fire Department. He also previously worked for the Norwell Firefighters Union under a different alias, where he was accused of embezzling more than $46,000.

U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley called the case a serious breach of trust that undermined the integrity of national identification systems and public institutions.

Nguyen had been living illegally in the United States since a 1995 deportation order following a conviction for second-degree burglary. Federal authorities said he continued to elude immigration enforcement by using false identities for over three decades.

In March 2023, Nguyen submitted a U.S. passport application under a stolen identity at a post office in Weymouth. Federal officials flagged the application after verifying that the Social Security number and birth certificate Nguyen used belonged to someone who had died in 2002. The passport was never issued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A deeper investigation uncovered that Nguyen had obtained multiple Massachusetts drivers licenses and EMT certifications using the deceased victims name. He applied for and secured work as a paramedic and later trained at the state fire academy under the same false identity. He remained employed at the Melrose Fire Department until his arrest in May 2024.

In 2018, Massachusetts RMV facial recognition software flagged Nguyen for holding licenses under two names. During a fraud hearing, Nguyen presented documents claiming the stolen identity was his true one. Officials mistakenly accepted his explanation, closed the case, and suspended both licenses.

Court records confirm Nguyen entered the U.S. legally in 1979 but lost his legal permanent residency status following his criminal conviction. Though he was ordered deported in 1995, records show that he never left the country.

Nguyen finally admitted his true identity during a court appearance in March 2023.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Ana Navarro was once an avid supporter and friend of now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio. But these days, the host of The View is pretty disgusted with the man  and she plans to let him know about it directly.

Granted, if he watches the ABC talk show, Rubio already knows, as Navarro has been a vocal critic of his actions within the Trump administration. On Friday, she once again called him out during a discussion on Trumps Florida detention center built to detain undocumented migrants (regardless of if they have a criminal history or not).

More from TheWrap

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Navarro was quick to remind viewers that Rubios own grandfather was an immigrant, who came to the U.S. illegally. She also promised to confront the politician directly.

Im going to speak to Marco, because Ive supported him. He was my friend for so many years, she said. Damn it, he built his career on railing against the dictatorships in Cuba and Venezuela and Nicaragua, and he is standing in complicit silence as this administration returns people to those cruel dictators!

When moderator Joy Behar, filling in for Whoopi Goldberg as usual on Fridays, posed the question of why Republican congresspeople are accepting Trumps actions, Navarro was blunt: Because they are a bunch of cowards.

DETAINEES CLAIM 'HORRIBLE' CONDITIONS AT 'ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ': 'The View' co-hosts weigh in on the controversial detention facility opened by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis where Pres. Trump is sending undocumented immigrants. pic.twitter.com/RGnfR06yQW  The View (@TheView) July 11, 2025

Elsewhere in the discussion, host Alyssa Farah Griffin argued that Trump has actually made an unforced error in creating this detention camp, simply because he wants the attention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres this headline chasing thats going on, wanting to say, Were rounding up this many people, Ive deported more people than Obama has, and what its led to is his numbers plummeting on immigration, she explained. Because the most of the public knows people who are undocumented, knows them in their community, thinks that people who know no other life somewhere, are deeply tied into where theyve lived most of their lives, they should have a chance at being here.

You can watch the full discussion from The View in the video above.

The post The View: Ana Navarro Says She Plans to Confront Marco Rubio About His Complicit Silence With Trump | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
"The View" co-host Sunny Hostin told viewers on Friday that there will be a "reckoning" for masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carrying out deportations across the United States.

Hostin argued that ICE agents were masking themselves to avoid being held accountable for their actions in the future, rather than to protect their safety.

"They don't show IDs, they're not dressed appropriately, they're not flagged, and they're masked. So, in my world, you mask yourself because you don't want to be seen because there will be a reckoning for some of the actions that law enforcement  actual law enforcement  have done," she asserted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

'The View' Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin Reveals She's Cried Multiple Times From Stress As Lone Conservative

Hostin argued that if ICE agents performed their duties without wearing masks and "disappearing people from the streets," the public would feel less "endangered."

President Donald Trump's immigration policies as a whole were a hot topic for the panel, with co-host Ana Navarro alleging that the president's crackdown on illegal immigration is all about "making America White again."

Read On The Fox News App

"When you are talking about birthright citizenship and taking that away, this is not about going after the criminals and the gang members, this is about making America White again," she claimed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Navarro furthered her point by claiming that while there are Latino and "Brown" immigrants being rounded up and deported, the Trump administration is opening the doors for White Afrikaners from South Africa who are fleeing a "nonexistent genocide."

California Medical Staff 'Assault' Ice Agents Trying To Arrest Illegal Immigrant, Dhs Says

Residents surround federal and Border Patrol agents who plan their escape after an immigrant raid on Atlantic Blvd. in the city of Bell on June 19, 2025.

Co-host Sara Haines accused the administration of investing in "fear-mongering" rather than "actual solutions," citing the breakdown of federal funding for deportations versus the funding for hiring immigration judges as evidence.

The Trump administration's new detention facility for illegal immigrants, "Alligator Alcatraz," located in the Florida Everglades, was also widely condemned by the panel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Hostin, the detention facility is a "pay-for-play" scheme designed to enrich the Republican donors who helped elect Trump to the presidency.

"Who built and is making money off Alligator Alcatraz? Republican donors, Republican donors. They invested millions to elect congresspeople, to elect Donald Trump, and they are getting rewarded," she claimed.

Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture

President Donald Trump (2L), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (C), and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (2R) tour a migrant detention center, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," located at the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida on July 1, 2025.

Navarro accused people who are taking trips to visit the facility of being "horrible people" and racists.

"If you are out there in the Everglades, driving out there and getting out of your car to take a picture like if it was the Eiffel Tower, you are a racist, and you are a horrible human being," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When asked for comment by Fox News Digital, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson replied with the following: "Every time you think Ana Navaro and Sunny Hostin cant get any dumber, they prove you wrong. Alligator Alcatraz is housing violent illegal criminals, including murderers, such as an illegal alien who slit the throat of an elderly woman in Florida and set her house on fire."

"ICE officers are forced to wear masks because of deranged liberals like these two who constantly spread lies and create animosity about the heroic work of ICE. No one who has any interest in facts or logic should pay attention to whatever The View is spewing on TV because its probably wrong or stupid or, most likely, both," Jackson continued.

ICE did not immediately reply to Fox News Digital's request for comment.





Original article source: 'The View' co-host Sunny Hostin claims 'reckoning' coming for masked ICE agents carrying out deportations
JEFFERSON  Village leaders are gearing up for a series of big projects in the months and years to come.

Newly-hired Village Administrator Steven Murphy said his discussions with area businesspeople has gone well as he seeks to get to know the community. He previously worked for the Ashtabula County Sheriffs office for 20 years.

The feedback has been good, he said of his attempt to meet as many business leaders as possible. One of the results is a special business day later in the summer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said the village hopes to help coordinate a business Saturday to highlight area businesses.

Manufacturing has had a big place in the village, and will continue so into the future, Murphy said.

He said a multi-year wastewater treatment project will eventually increase the capacity of the plant for growth in Lake City Plating and other companies in the village.

He said the three to four year project will involve grant funding and interaction with business leaders and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Murphy said sidewalk work is a big part of the village, and the removal of trees is a key component of village improvement. He said Brobst Tree and Stump Service has recently cut down some trees, and will soon grind the stumps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The next phase in the Memorial Field development project is moving along as well.

We just met with Verdantas about engineering for the splash pad, Murphy said.

The full project will take longer, with an inclusive playground and other features to be added over a period of years.

The Civic Development Corp is fundraising for part the project, and the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities has provided grants toward it.

Murphy said the village is working on the north side of the project area, including restrooms, parking and other amenities.

Murphy said the village is working on a Community Safety Plan, to project 10 to 15 years in the future. It will open the door for grants to improve safety in the village. He said some of the areas that need addressed include busy intersections near schools or playgrounds and numerous railroad crossings in the village, even though many of them are no longer functional the safety issue still exists.

The village is also going to be home to a new jail, if everything goes to plan as the county has received a $15 million state grant for the project. The Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners has saved $15 million towards the project and will have to sell bonds to cover the rest of the cost.
The former treasurer of an nonprofit educational organization has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing her of stealing over $240,000 from the organization.

Kellie Villalobos, 51, entered her plea during a July 1 hearing in Milwaukee County Circuit Court and waived her right to a preliminary hearing. The court bound Villalobos over for trial, according to online court records.

Villalobos was a Muskego-Norway School District teacher and treasurer of the Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers, which provides professional development to world language teachers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was charged in June with one felony count of theft from a business setting over $100,000. If convicted, she could face up to 12 years in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, or both, according to the criminal complaint.

Charges came after an investigation that began in March 2024, when the organization's finance chair and co-treasure filed a complaint with the Milwaukee Police Department. The organization had completed a preliminary audit that found at least $150,000 was missing or unaccounted for, the criminal complaint said.

The organization first noticed issues in January 2024, when the Hilton Paper Valley Hotel contacted the association saying that it had an unpaid bill of $17,075.72 from its November 2023 annual conference. Villalobos claimed a house fire was the reason she had forgotten about the bill. Villalobos' subsequent attempts to pay the bill failed when her checks were rejected, and she was eventually removed as treasurer Feb. 29, 2024, the complaint said.

After reviewing Villalobos' financial activities, association members noticed the account's balance had dropped from $203,799.94 in 2018 to $1,597.18 in 2024. The organization's expenses were also found to total $626,191.92 between 2018 and 2024, well above the anticipated expenses of $238,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office investigator discovered "hundreds of fraudulent transactions" through vendors such as Walmart, Amazon, Spectrum, WE Energies, Expedia, Instacart and more, the complaint said.

As of July 11, Villalobos' name does not appear on the Muskego-Norway School District's website, where she had been a teacher. The district did not immediately respond to a reporter's phone or email message seeking confirmation of Villalobos' employment status.

A reporter's phone call to the office of Villalobos' attorney, May Y Lee, went unanswered.

A scheduling conference is scheduled for VIllalobos at 1:30 p.m. July 24, online court records said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former treasurer of nonprofit pleads not guilty to stealing over $240K
Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will be scrapping its in-flight bars to make way for more seating areas, removing a feature from its planes that became a key characteristic of its premium flight experience.

Richard Bransons Virgin Atlantic became the first international carrier to offer a bar for passengers 30,000 feet in the air and the space helped create the well-known party atmosphere in the airlines upper classes.

The airline has already discontinued the bar-lounge area on its newer planes, but it has recently been announced that they will also be taken out of older jets, too.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bars will be phased out, starting in the next three years, with the final one removed towards the end of the decade.

Shai Weiss, Virgins chief executive, said he will personally miss the bars, but he said they were starting to look old-fashioned, with the area taking up space that could otherwise be used for seats.

At Virgin Atlantic, people love a bar. Its a very emotional word here. I love the bar and a lot of people love the bar, he said, according to The Telegraph.

But the world has moved on. You cant stand still. Weve made the decision, a bold decision, to try to make more of that space.

Virgin Atlantic was the first international carrier to offer a bar for passengers (Getty)

The airline has made a U-turn on their bar feature. A year ago, Mr Branson vowed to bring the bars back after the dreadful mistake of removing them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The billionaire entrepreneur said in June 2024: Were bringing back the bar as soon as we possibly can.

Virgin Atlantic started phasing out the bars in 2019 for a loft space found between the upper class and premium economy.

Avoiding the answer over why the decision had been made to scrap the bar in the first place, he added: If we make a mistake, lets own up to it quickly and sort it. Thats what well do.

However, a final decision has now been made, and the bars will not be a permanent feature in Virgin Atlantics flight experience.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told The Independent: We have loved the bar, but we have a new vision for social spaces; the retreat suites, the private space built for sharing and socialising.

The suites will have a 6ft 7 fully flat bed and a large touchscreen (Virgin Atlantic)

A home away from home and an office in the sky. Our guests can still enjoy the bars until 2028, and our other social space, The Loft, will continue to fly board our Airbus A350s and nine of our A330neos.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2026, Virgin Atlantic said 10 A330neo aircraft will join its fleet along with six Retreat Suites, larger premium cabins, 48 upper class and 56 premium suites.

The Retreat Suite is the airlines most spacious suite yet, comprising of a 6ft 7 direct seat to a fully flat bed, a 27 touchscreen and an ottoman that doubles up as an extra seat. These suites will also become a feature on the 787-9 fleet.

The suites were announced amid Virgins recent shakeup of its flight experience, in which the airline also said it will be introducing free streaming-quality unlimited wifi through Elon Musks Starlink technology by 2027.

Cabin refurbishments on its Boeing fleet, new clubhouses at London Heathrow and New York JFK and an AI concierge service are also expected to debut over the coming years.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Beach Animal Services is crediting a team effort for the rescue of a deer Thursday morning.

The deer fell into a culvert and got stuck, but following the efforts of several local agencies, it has been returned back to the wild, according to a social media post about the rescue.

The Virginia Beach Fire Department led the charge in removing the deer, and the Virginia Beach Animal Enforcement Unit coordinated the response.

This rescue wouldnt have been possible without the support of Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Biologist, Virginia Beach Police Department, Dominion Energy and Mastec all working together to ensure a safe outcome!! Were proud of the compassion, professionalism, and teamwork shown by every agency involves. Virginia Beach Animal Services

Below are several images of the rescue effort.

Photo taken by the Animal Care and Adoption Center

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Photo taken by VBFD

Photo taken by VBFD

Photo taken by VBFD

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Photo taken by VBFD

The Virginia Beach Fire Department posted, We are glad that the deer is now safely back in the wild where it belongs. We are proud to work side-by-side with our partners to ensure the safety of all our animals and agencies.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
SMYTH COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Smyth County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) informed residents through social media Thursday that the Virginia Disaster Assistance Team will visit residents affected by Hurricane Helene to provide resources.

The SCSO said in a social media post that the Virginia Disaster Assistance Team from the Mount Rogers Community Services Board will soon conduct door-to-door visits in Smyth County to meet with residents hit hard by Hurricane Helene and other recent severe weather events.

Bristol task force crew describes Camp Mystic destruction as simply unbelievable

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The office said the goal is to provide resources and to offer support.

The SCSO said in the post that the team will present photo identification and disclose that they are with the Mount Rogers Community Services, Virginia Disaster Assistance Team.

Smyth County Sheriffs Office Smyth County Sheriffs Office

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An aerial view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. (Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel)

The Chesapeake Bay is one of Virginias top economic drivers and premiere recreational sites. The commonwealth, as well as surrounding states, have taken strides to clean up the waters over the last decade. But as the estuary faces new, climate change-fueled challenges, researchers will provide critical information and recommendations to lawmakers this weekend on how to meet the obstacles head on.

A joint meeting of the General Assemblys Agriculture and Natural Resources committees will convene at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences Eastern Shore Laboratory July 11 and 12 to learn more about the states part in the Chesapeake watershed agreement, flood resiliency, oyster farming, saltwater intrusion, and how agriculture plays a role in cleaning the bay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were not just talking about thriving wildlife and habitat. Were also talking about engaging communities and protecting our land and protecting our water, to think of it all as one interconnected body, said Adrienne Kotula, Virginia Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

She will speak about the states agricultural conservation programs and how they work to reduce the pollution runoff into the bay. Virginia has made record investments in the cost share program that gives farmers grant funding to implement conservation projects such as specific cover crop growth, animal waste control, and dozens of other methods.

We also talk about whether there are ways to better incentivize some of the practices that provide a lot of pollution reduction benefit, and ways to make sure that all of the benefits of the practices are fully understood by the people implementing them as well on their own farms, Kotula said.

Sediment runoff has been reduced, she said, and the state is nearing its goals for nutrient runoff reduction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Virginia has achieved 84% of its 2009-2025 reduction goal for nitrogen, 91% of its reduction goal for phosphorus and 100% of its reduction goal for sediment, according to Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Stefanie Taillon. The watershed agreement will have a refresh at the end of this year to find gaps in the pollution reduction.

Taillon is also working under a 2024 directive from Youngkin to reevaluate investments in the bay to make sure they are the best ways to drive progress. She also is tasked with assisting farmers with implementing the conservation programs and looking at ways to preserve wetlands and other living resources. She said the states oyster population is at a 40-year high and there have been efforts to restore reefs in five bay tributaries.

At the joint meeting, lawmakers will get an up-close look at the conservation programs in action.

One of the demonstrations well do is show soil from one plot that has been basically tilled to death over the last, you know, 100 years, said Mark Reiter, the Director of the Eastern Shore Agriculture Research and Extension Center hosted by Virginia Tech. Then from just 10 feet away show another soil thats been under these practices that are receiving a cost share [grant] for the last 15 years, just to show the stark differences, and you wouldnt even think its the same material. You would think its completely a different soil from a different part of the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Panelists will show legislators how building flood resilient communities can aid in those goals. Several projects aimed at helping with flood mitigation and dam repairs have been cut from federal spending, leaving some communities in coastal zones in repeated flooding events.

Jessica Whitehead, a professor at Old Dominion University, recently told legislators in Norfolk that the few grants that are still available have increased demand and the rules for who qualifies have been altered. This leaves more projects up to the state to pay for in order to combat coastal flooding and erosion.

Legislators will visit oyster farms and marshes to learn how the health of the bay impacts habitats and fisheries. Saltwater intrusion onto farmlands on the Eastern Shore concerns farmers and researchers who are looking for ways to slow down the land loss and sea level rise.

We find the saltwater is creeping in along the edges. Its like a farmer loses one tractor row at a time over a course of years, said Cora Baird, site director for the Virginia Coast Reserve Long-term Ecological Research. The edge of the field doesnt produce great crops, and so the next year, they just decide not to waste the seed on that little corner, and then that little corner expands. And so theyre losing little pieces of an acre at a time. But there is very clear data showing that loss is increasing over time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One way Eastern Shore farmers can slow down the saltwater seeping into their cropland, especially during storm surges, is by planting salt resistant vegetation in the buffer zones between the land and waterways.

Right now farmers can get tax credits for plants and trees through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, but if the plants die  as many are in the salty waters on the edges of the land, then the farmers cant get the credit. Baird hopes legislators would consider altering the program to include the salt resistant plants.

If we can encourage the things that naturally stabilize shoreline, deal well with salt, that sort of thing, those will hopefully have better effects on the long term stability of the land and protecting it from further coastal intrusion, Baird said.

The road to a healthier Chesapeake Bay is more than just cleaning up the water, it is flood resilience, farming, recreation, and public interaction. Scientists and environment advocates hope that the legislators can see how investments in all these areas are critical to their goals in the watershed agreement and the overall success for the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have to focus and pay attention to the same issues, to ensure that we can farm for generations and also make money as a business, right? So nobody wants to be wasteful, so its just going to be an interesting thing to see all these different groups come together and everybody is going to hopefully see that were all focused on the same things, Reiter said.

In the fiscal year 2026 budget, lawmakers allocated over $222 million outside of administrative costs to pay for air, water and land protections. Over $30 million was put towards marine life management while land and resource management received over $144 million. As legislators grapple with reduced federal funding, they must determine how state money should be spent on the states scope of environmental needs.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Visit a full-scale replica of the world-famous Amber Room, which was looted by Nazi forces, and is now reconstructed in a Polish bunker complex.

The Amber Room was a magnificent chamber decorated with amber panels, gold leaf and mosaics. It was originally constructed in Prussia and later gifted to Russia.

Once called the "eighth wonder of the world," it was housed in the Catherine Palace near St. Petersburg but was looted by Nazi forces during World War II and disappeared

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can see the replica in the Mamerki Museum, a large World War II bunker complex in Masuria, in north-eastern Poland.

It is a fitting spot given the speculation that parts of the Amber Room, stolen by the German Wehrmacht in 1941 from the palace in Tsarskoye Selo and missing since 1944, might have been hidden on the grounds of the bunker complex.

But after a fruitless search was called off in 2017, the museum administration decided to build the room as a true-to-scale replica  though not using real amber.

The original room contained ornate architectural features such as gilding, carvings and mirrors that illuminated the room with candlelight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Polish museum concocted a special plastic mixture for the walls and ceiling which possesses the same hazy, dreamy light and reflective properties as amber, says the Polish Tourist Organization.

Or, if you are in Russia, the Catherine Palace itself shows a replica of the room that is made of real amber.

But while some governments including Britain and Germany strongly advise against travel to Russia, you can find the Mamerki Museum a three-hour drive east of Gdansk, in Poland.

Admission costs 28 zloty ($7.68) for adults and 23 zloty for children and teenagers. The museum is open during the summer from 9 am to 6:30 pm.
The Sands China Performing Arts Programme is bringing Disney The Magic Box to Macao tomorrow, Saturday, July 12, with the first of 10 shows at The Venetian Theatre. The Macao performances are the China debut of the ground-breaking musical, which brings its story to life with puppetry, magnificent choreography, innovative theatrical techniques and stunning visuals.

Running July 12-13 and 18-20 with performances at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the 90-minute show guides audiences on the character Maras enchanting adventure to experience Disneys storytelling magic and enjoy quality summer time together as a family. It features Disneys much-loved characters and excerpts from over 75 classic songs from Disney films, played by a live orchestra. This includes Circle of Life (from The Lion King), A Whole New World (Aladdin), Let it Go (Frozen), I am Moana (Moana) and Zero to Hero (Hercules).

Disney The Magic Box is one of the headlined musicals of the 2nd Macao International Childrens Arts Festival, under the patronage of the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, co-organised by Sands China Ltd. and supported by various entities. The festival takes place July-August with performing arts, music camps, film screenings, book corners, creative workshops, large-scale outdoor installations and other carnival activities. It provides a vibrant and interactive environment where children can explore the world of art, while families enjoy a delightful and artistic summer together.

Launched in 2023, the Sands China Performing Arts Programme aims to broaden the scope of performing arts in Macao by introducing and promoting premier national, local, and overseas projects. The programme aligns with the Macao SAR governments vision for the integrated tourism and leisure industry, taking advantage of the citys role as a platform for international exchange while promoting its global reputation as both a City of Performing Arts and Culture City of East Asia.

For ticketing details and more information about Disney The Magic Box, please visit www.cotaiticketing.com, www.macauticket.com, or www.damai.cn.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Volunteers gathered at an RV park east of Georgetown Thursday to clear debris and help residents who lost everything in flooding that was part of the same storm system that devastated Central Texas over the July 4 weekend.

The Shady River RV Resort sits along the river west of the small town of Jonah. Residents who had lived there for years watched floodwaters destroy their homes and scatter belongings across the property.

Jordan Anderson lived at the resort with his family for five years. The area had experienced minor flooding before, but nothing prepared him for what happened this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I thought it might reach my floor. I didnt think it would pick it up and carry it away, Anderson said.

Anderson now struggles to explain the situation to his 6-year-old and 4-year-old children who do not understand why they can not go home. The flooding left homes in ruins, with shredded metal wrapped around trees and debris scattered throughout the property.

Shauna Thayer lives down the street from the RV park and arrived Saturday morning to help with rescues. She now leads the volunteer effort to clear debris and collect supplies for displaced families.

Its really easy for this to look like statistics to people who werent in the area. I was here when they were floating. Their pets were floating. Their homes were washing away, Thayer said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thayer described how some residents made difficult choices during the disaster.

We have people here lost their homes because they decided in the moment to let their home wash away because they thought someone of lesser means need their RV pulled out more, she said.

Sam Baker drove from Round Rock to volunteer at the cleanup effort.

People, when they see little things like this, they begin to understand. By go lend a hand, Baker said.

Down the road in Jonah, Tracy Crow and other volunteers distributed donations to Shady River residents at the community center. The supplies include clothes, food and diapers for families in need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Crow said the center needs additional supplies, particularly non-perishable foods, fruits, vegetables and manual can openers to help residents who are staying in the area.

Despite the devastation, Anderson said the community support has provided comfort to his family. His children are excited by the donations but still cry at night when they realize they can not go home.

The flooding at Shady River was part of the broader Central Texas disaster that killed at least 120 people across multiple counties, with 166 people still missing  161 from Kerr County alone. The same storm system brought destructive flooding to communities throughout the Hill Country region.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Volunteers across the U.S. are delivering food and necessities - in a Meals-on-Wheels type program - to undocumented immigrants who are too afraid to leave home.

Networks of volunteers are taking matters into their own hands after President Donald Trump promised the largest deportation operation in Americas history.

Trumps spending bill that passed last week hands more than $170 billion to immigration enforcement over the next decade, with $45 billion going directly to Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the next four years to spend on detaining migrants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fears among some immigrant families are so prevalent that they now rely on kind-hearted strangers to bring them food, volunteers have said.

I can't really appreciate how afraid they are because I don't think I've ever been that afraid, Lynne McFarland, a volunteer in Nashville, Tennessee, told CBS News.

Networks of volunteers are taking matters into their own hands after President Donald Trump promised the largest deportation operation in Americas history. One group is preparing meals for migrants afraid to leave their homes. (AP)

McFarland is part of a network of volunteers and delivers about 25 boxes of food and basics a week to undocumented families living in Nashville.

The 80-year-old told the outlet that most of the families she supports have had a loved one detained or deported.

I think there's fear on all sides, McFarland said. I think there's fear that we don't know who's next, and we know that there will be a next.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Republican state Sen. Jack Johnson parroted the Trump administration's rationale for the mass deportations in an interview with CBS.

Our law enforcement officers here in Tennessee are committed to finding you, apprehending you, and getting you out of our community and out of our country, Johnson said. If you're in the country illegally, then I think you should be concerned.

Fears among some immigrant families are so prevalent that they now rely on kind-hearted strangers to bring them food, volunteers have said. (Getty Images)

ICE raids sparked mass protests across Southern California and beyond last month. In Californias Ventura County, volunteers are delivering food to farmworkers who are too afraid to go to work.

They need to eat, and then they're not going to the fields because they're very scared, volunteer Carolina Guillen told ABC10. They haven't left their homes, so yes, it's terror, they're terrorized, Guillen added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thousands of migrants work in the fields in Ventura County, where ICE carried out raids in June.

I think it's so so unbelievable because, you know. Ventura County, you know, they have, about 42,000 workers, and Ventura County, they get about, it's a $2 billion a year in industry, Guillen said.

ICE raids sparked mass protests across Los Angeles and beyond last month. Many immigrant families are too afraid to leave home amid the administrations clampdown. (Getty Images)

More than 40 percent of the nations crop workers are undocumented, according to estimates from the Department of Agriculture.

Trump admitted his own anti-immigration agenda was hurting the agricultural industry. Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace, the president wrote on Truth Social on June 12.

The number of people without a criminal record being arrested by ICE agents and held in detention has jumped 800 percent since January, as officials face pressure to boost numbers, according to figures from June.
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY)  A driver on Interstate 64 westbound at the Virginia Beach/Chesapeake city line said their vehicle was shot at Thursday afternoon, Virginia State Police said.

Around 3:54 p.m., State Police said a driver called and said their vehicle was shot at while driving on I-64 westbound, east of the Greenbrier Parkway near the Virginia Beach/Chesapeake city line.

State Police said this is an isolated incident and we want to ensure that there is no other threat to the public or other motorist[s] in the area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Currently the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is on scene investigating an interstate shooting.

At approximately 3:54 p.m., the state police communication center received a call by a motorist claiming that their vehicle was shot at, while traveling on Interstate 64 westbound, east of Greenbrier Parkway, which is at the Virginia Beach/Chesapeake city line. As this is an isolated incident, we want to ensure that there is no threat to the public or other motorist in the area.

State Police are investigating the incident.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks to reporters about federal cuts to Medicaid funding outside a Planned Parenthood clinic alongside advocates, state lawmakers and statewide elected officials on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Seattle. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)

SEATTLE  Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson vowed Wednesday to use state dollars to plug a hole Republicans left by barring Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood services in their sweeping tax cut and spending bill.

The one thing we have to do is make sure that individuals in our state have access to the critical, critical services provided by Planned Parenthood, Ferguson said in a press conference outside one of the organizations clinics in Seattle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The moratorium took effect when President Donald Trump signed his so-called big, beautiful bill into law Friday. The provision lasts one year.

This week, a federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily directed the Trump administration to continue the flow of funding to Planned Parenthood, which on top of abortions provides access to birth control and screenings for cancer and sexually transmitted infections at health centers across the country.

Federal Medicaid funding cant pay for abortions except in cases where the pregnancy endangers the mother or is the product of rape or incest.

The judicial order lasts two weeks. The case brought by Planned Parenthood will continue through the courts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If the legal fight isnt successful, Ferguson committed to backfilling the $11 million Planned Parenthood in Washington stands to lose. He said he would divert the money from the state Health Care Authority.

This comes not long after Ferguson signed a new budget from lawmakers that cut state funding for an abortion care program by more than half. Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates called that reduction devastating.

The groups CEO, Jennifer Allen, said Wednesday that this is not the moment when the federal government should be coming in and interfering with our states values and with our patients access to badly needed health care.

We are here for our patients, she continued. We are undaunted, but it does take money to provide care, and this is a hit on Planned Parenthood and on our state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Allen applauded Fergusons promise, and said many other states arent as fortunate.

In Washington, Planned Parenthoods 30 health centers serve over 100,000 patients each year. Medicaid covers nearly half of them, according to the nonprofit. Planned Parenthood has previously closed clinics in Washington due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates.

Washington State Standard is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Washington State Standard maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Bill Lucia for questions: info@washingtonstatestandard.com.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  The Waco Police Department is collecting school supplies for its upcoming Back to School Bash event!

The department will have police cruisers set up with the goal of filling them with as much school supplies as they can hold! You can find these cruisers this Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon at the Walmart located at 600 Hewitt Drive and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Office Depot located at 4627 Jack Kultgen Freeway.

Waco PD says they are looking for all the basics:

 Clear backpacks

 Pencils

 Notebooks

 Notebook Paper

 Folders

 Composition Notebooks

 Crayons

 Colored Pencils

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Waco PDs fifth annual Back to School Bash is being held from 10 a.m.  2 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 at the Waco Convention Center, located at 100 Washington Avenue. Thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies are passed out to students in the community and surrounding areas.

For more information about the upcoming Back to School Bash, you can watch our interview here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Its been a long time coming, but Wales has confirmed it will allow local councils to introduce a tourist tax starting in 2027.

The levy will add 1.30 (1.50) per night to the price of accommodation in Wales, or 0.75 (0.90) for visitors over the age of 18 staying on campsites and in hostels.

The tax wont be universally applied across Wales. Rather, different regional councils will decide for themselves whether to introduce the levy in their area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some exemptions have been noted too, including when lodging with family or at an individual's sole or main residence, or staying for over 31 days in a single period.

A welcome sign in both the Welsh and English language in Wales - Canva/Mike Colwill

First floated in 2018, a public consultation for the proposed tourist tax was held in 2022. Now that its officially passed into law by the national parliament, the new Welsh tourist tax is expected to come into force in 2027.

What will Wales tourist tax be spent on?

A family go glamping in Wales - Canva/sturti

Taxes on visitors are nothing new, but efforts have significantly ramped up in recent years.

As long ago as 1910, France introduced its taxe de sejour, becoming the first country in the world to do so.

Today, more than 60 destinations around the world have such a tax in place, including Barcelona, Amsterdam and, since April, Venice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In most cases, the proceeds from such taxes are used to fund specific projects or events, market the destination, or diversify the economy of areas reliant on tourist cash.

Related

The Welsh government also says it will use the earnings to fund improvements to infrastructure that will benefit both residents and tourists, including toilets, footpaths, beaches, and support visitor centres.

But it has another plan for its tax winnings, and its about protecting one of the country's most unique elements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Welsh language speakers are in decline: latest figures from the Welsh Government show that as of 30 June 2024, just 27.8 per cent of people aged three and over were able to speak Welsh.

This was the lowest percentage recorded in the last eight years - and around 1.4 percentage points lower than in 2023.

Will the tourist tax in Wales really help revive the national language?

Efforts are already underway to boost the language under the governments Cymraeg 2050 plan, which aims to have a million Welsh speakers by 2050. To date, much of the work has focused on children, including school curriculum reforms and the promotion of Welsh-medium playgroups (Cylchoedd Meithrin).

But more efforts are needed to get to a million Welsh speakers, and the estimated 33 million (38 million) raised from such a tourist tax is seen as a valuable vehicle for driving this change.

Gorgeous green landscapes over Snowdonia, a region in North Wales - Canva/KirstyCecilia

The new visitor levy could support the language particularly within Welsh-speaking communities where tourism is considered a significant contributor to the local economy, said the Welsh Government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How this translates into concrete action remains to be seen, particularly given the element of local authority autonomy.

However, it also suggests that revenue could be used to promote the visibility, vitality, and viability of the Welsh language, as well as increase the awareness and appreciation of visitors and residents alike.

More UK cities are planning to charge visitors

The idea of making tourists pay more to directly support the local area is gaining traction across the UK.

Last year, Edinburgh announced plans to become the first Scottish city to introduce a tourist tax, which will apply from 2026. The fee has been set at five per cent of accommodation costs and is expected to raise up to 50 million (59 million) a year to be used to make improvements to the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In England, primary legislation would be required to permit a tourist tax, with neither central government nor local councils having the power to introduce such a levy.

However, other UK cities are getting in on the action via a legal workaround that could be rolled out more widely in the coming years.

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are partnerships operated by local businesses intended to provide additional services or improvements to a specific area.

Related

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Through this mechanism, cities can collect additional business rate payments (BID levies) from companies in that district. Several English cities have already used this to target tourism, and more are set to follow.

Manchester introduced an accommodation BID in April 2023, known as the City Visitor Charge.

Liverpool established a similar system at around the same time, and tourism BIDs also exist in cities including Blackpool, Great Yarmouth, and Tweed Valley.

The combined unitary authority of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch (BPC) revealed plans to apply a 2 (2.30) per night visitor charge this summer, although a backlash from the hospitality sector has put the plans temporarily on hold.

BPC maintains that as many as 60 other UK cities are poised to introduce levies through the BID system.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters, pictured May 16 at the state Capitol, identified four Oklahoma school districts that he said have plenty of surplus money to provide free meals to every student. The districts said Walters' financial figures are inaccurate. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Disagreement between Oklahomas top education official and public school leaders continued this week over whether districts are well-funded enough to afford free cafeteria meals for all students.

After issuing an order Monday that all public schools begin offering no-cost food service, state Superintendent Ryan Walters followed up by identifying four districts that he said have enough money in surplus to afford the mandate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Each of the four suburban districts  Bixby, Deer Creek, Piedmont and Broken Arrow  has said Walters made inaccurate allegations. They said the amounts Walters called a surplus seem to include bond money that cannot legally be used for school meals.

Claims from school leaders that they would have to lay off teachers and eliminate programs are merely fear tactics, Walters wrote in a statewide letter to public school parents on Thursday. The only part of a districts budget he has said should be cut is administrator salaries.

Breakfast and lunch costs, he said, are another tax families have to pay on top of state and federal taxes.

The direction should be simple to school districts  use the money that you have and stop triple taxing parents, Walters stated in his letter Thursday. Operate within your budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His letter claims Piedmont Public Schools has $17.9 million in surplus.

In a message to families, Piedmont stated its actual end-of-year cash balance was $6.2 million as of June 30.

Districts carry money over from one school year to the next to pay employees and cover expenses during the summer months when they receive no funding from the state.

Many districts have additional funds from issuing school bonds, which can only be used for facility needs, technology, security and transportation equipment.

We cant imagine Walters would be suggesting that we use bond money to pay for student meals, Piedmonts statement reads. Using bond money would be a clear violation of the law. It is unfortunate that school districts have to spend their time and resources correcting misinformation sent by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cost to feed all Piedmont students is $4 million a year, an amount too great for the districts budget to absorb, according to the statement.

A bus from Deer Creek Public Schools stands parked in front of the state Capitol on Feb. 25 in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Deer Creeks general fund carryover balance is $12 million, Superintendent Jason Perez wrote in a districtwide message Friday. These are dollars the district will rely on over the coming months to cover payroll, utilities and operational costs, he said.

Deer Creek also is carrying over $2 million in a child nutrition fund. This money is already earmarked for other expenses  including kitchen remodels, a new kitchen construction and regular repairs  and cannot be redirected toward free meals, district spokesperson Maggie Leftwich said.

The district does not have a surplus of $48.7 million like Walters alleged, Perez said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Childhood food insecurity is a serious problem, but the mandates proposed by the Oklahoma State Department of Education are unrealistic and do not align with current Oklahoma statutes, Perez wrote in his message to families. It is my hope we can move beyond rhetoric and work together with our state leaders to solve this problem sustainably.

A spokesperson for Broken Arrow Public Schools, Tara Thompson, said Walters allegation that it has $109.8 million in surplus is false.

The Broken Arrow Public Schools Performing Arts Center and Education Service Center, pictured March 19 is the school districts headquarters in Broken Arrow. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

This dollar figure seems to be derived by adding together funds  including bond money, debt service, scholarship funds and workers compensation  that cannot be used for anything other than their intended purpose.

Bixby Superintendent Lydia Wilson said she is unable to verify how Walters calculated the $43.3 million he claimed her district has in surplus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She wrote in a letter to Bixby parents that she reached out to Walters office but hasnt gotten a response.

Upon reviewing fiscal reports submitted by the district on the state reporting website, it appears that Mr. Walters may have included multiple funding sources, some of which are legally restricted to specific purposes, such as bond funds, Wilson wrote in her message to parents. As he is surely aware, bond funds are governed by law and may only be used for designated projects that are clearly outlined in the bond resolution, approved by the community, and passed with a 60% supermajority vote.

Wilson stated even a crippling 50% cut to Bixbys administrator budget would allow the district to afford only 30% of the cost to provide all cafeteria meals for free. Taking on the entire $5 million cost would require catastrophic measures affecting programs, staffing and class sizes, she wrote in another letter earlier this week.

District officials, a leading Republican state lawmaker and the Oklahoma State School Boards Association all have said local school boards, not the state superintendent, decide whether a public school will provide free meals to all enrolled.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Gov. Tim Walz share a moment during a press conference announcing a budget deal Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the Minnesota State Capitol. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

Brooklyn Park voters will take to the polls on Sept. 16 to fill the vacant seat of Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was killed last month in a politically motivated assassination.

Gov. Tim Walz on Friday issued a writ of special election for the House District 34B seat, which encompasses parts of Anoka and Hennepin counties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A special primary for the seat, if necessary, will be on Aug. 12.

Hortman and her husband were shot and killed on June 14 in their Brooklyn Park home. Their deaths, along with the attempted assassination of Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, and his wife have left Minnesota in a state of shock and grief.

Hortman first ran for the House seat in 1998 and 2002 and lost both times before winning in 2004 in what was then a swing district. Like many suburban districts, it has since become solidly blue. In 2024, Hortman won her race by 26 percentage points over her Republican challenger and served as the House DFL caucus leader until her death.

Given the current status of the House  Republicans hold a 1-seat (67-66) advantage  Democrats are likely to take no chances, despite the near lock on keeping the seat. House Democrats will also likely knock on doors and fundraise to keep the seat blue in honor of their former leader.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brooklyn Park City Council member Christian Eriksen earlier this week announced that he intends to seek the DFL endorsement for the open seat.

I know in our communities, this seat will endure as Melissas Seat, Eriksen said in a social media post announcing his candidacy. It is with great respect to her legacy, as well as the legacy of all those whom have served before us, that I run for this office.

No Republican candidates have announced for the seat yet.

Hortman, who was among the most influential Minnesota elected officials in the past decade, served as House Speaker from 2019 to 2024.
BALDWYN  A week after a man was shot in the head by a coworker outside a Baldwyn factory, the Baldwyn Police Department has released the identity of the suspected shooter.

Police are looking for Javontae Zyderrick Harris, 29. He is described as a 6-foot-tall Black male weighing around 170 pounds. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

According to reports, the two employees got into an argument in the parking lot of the FXI factory on Highway 45 on the evening of July 2. The altercation escalated to gunfire, and Harris reportedly shot the other man in the head. Harris fled the scene in a personal vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The shooting victim was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. Police did not release any information on the victims current condition.

Anyone with information about this crime, has seen Harris in the past week or has knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to call Baldwyn Police Department (662-365-1047), Crime Stoppers of North Mississippi (1-800-773-8477), or the U.S. Marshals Service (662-234-6661).

This is not the first time an altercation in a parking lot has escalated to violence for Harris. In February 2019, then 23-year-old Harris got into an argument with a former girlfriend at the Waffle House on Highway 12 in Starkville. He tried to run over her, hitting her legs with his vehicle. When spotted in his car, he took off, leading police on a short car and then foot pursuit.

Prosecutors later dropped the aggravated domestic violence charge, and Harris was allowed to enter a pretrial intervention program on the felony fleeing charge. After completing the terms of the intervention agreement, the case was dismissed in March 2022.
A Connecticut man has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison after he was found with multiple types of drugs and a gun in Vermont by agents patrolling near the Canadian border who later discovered he was wanted on a warrant charging him in a Hartford shooting.

Alexander Marcano, 33, of Hartford faced sentencing on June 26 in U.S. District Court in Burlington, Vermont, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Vermont. He was handed down a 69-month prison term followed by five years of supervised release, officials said.

According to authorities, Marcano was a passenger in a vehicle in the early morning hours on Jan. 30, 2023, as U.S. Border Patrol Agents were patrolling in the area of North Troy, Vermont, about  mile from the Canadian border. The vehicle he was in was pulled over after the driver was seen operating erratically, federal officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the encounter, authorities said they learned that Marcano had an extraditable warrant out for his arrest charging him in a shooting in Hartford. During the traffic stop, authorities reported finding Marcano with more than 98 grams of fentanyl, over 41 grams of cocaine base, more than 75 grams of cocaine powder, a loaded 9 millimeter pistol, over $20,000 and drug paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution, according to officials.

The sentencing comes after Marcano in December pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

In July 2024, Marcano was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree assault in connection with the shooting, which was reported on Dec. 6, 2022. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Marcano was driving a Jeep Wrangler when he approached the 42-year-old victim as he was walking his dog in the area of Maple and Clifford Streets and began speaking to him. The victim told police he recognized the man from an interaction two to three years prior, when he believes he slapped Marcanos younger brother, the warrant affidavit said.

Marcano allegedly began shooting at the man, who then tried to flee, the warrant affidavit said. The victim told police he stopped once he heard the gunshots cease, only to see that he was still being followed by Marcano, who allegedly began firing more shots at him, police wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The victim was able to make it into a nearby convenience store and asked someone to call 911. He then flagged down a passing motorist and was taken to Hartford Hospital.

The man suffered 11 gunshot wounds to various parts of his body and was listed in critical condition following the shooting. Detectives were able to speak to him five days later when he regained consciousness.
After drawing crowds across Buenos Aires, Johannesburg, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, Disneys Magic Box is making its Macau debut, offering a live experience that reimagines a century of Disney storytelling through music, puppetry, and the power of imagination.

The shows creators, who co-wrote the musical experience, sat down with the Times yesterday for an exclusive interview ahead of its Macau run.

Audience reactions to the show have been extraordinary in all these places, said Filipe Gamba Paredes, creative producer and co-writer of the Disneys The Magic Box musical.

Different audiences in different countries and cultures have their own relationship to Disney content. In Argentina, for example, theres a long-standing connection  even Walt himself visited in the 1940s, he added.

But for all its global reach, Magic Box is designed to be universally personal.

Regardless of your relationship with Disney, once you enter the show, you find your own path through it, he added.

Set within a literal white box on stage, the show presents itself not as a retelling of beloved films but as a theatrical collage of emotion, memory, and musical nostalgia.

We didnt want to tell the movies again  you can do that at home on Disney+, explained the co-writer. Instead, we wanted to celebrate the emotions the movies triggered when you first encountered them. Thats what the show is about.

The show, five years in the making, originated as a creative response to the pandemic. With productions of The Lion King, Aladdin, and Frozen halted worldwide, the concept for Magic Box was born from the desire to craft something more ambitious, according to the creators.

We wanted to create a total work of art that celebrates the Disney legacy. Maybe because of the pandemic, we felt like we didnt have time to go title by title. So we put them all in a blender and gave the audience a unique experience.

What emerges is a theatrical spectacle that merges contemporary and classic Disney. Audiences can expect to hear music from Encanto beside choral arrangements from Snow White, or see a visual nod to Aladdin interwoven with cues from Alice in Wonderland  all delivered by a South African cast using puppets designed by Michael Curry, famed for his work on The Lion King musical.

Youre not watching literal recreations of characters, said the director and co-writer of the show, Thaddeus McWhinnie Phillips.

Instead, we suggest them  sometimes through costume, sometimes through music  and allow the audiences imagination to fill in the rest, he added.

Phillips further explained that one of the shows most powerful sequences features a cabaret-style underworld, a mashup of Disneys iconic villains presenting a dramatic interpretation of fear.

Our protagonist, representing the audience, is surrounded by 16 poisoned apples, each held by a different villain. She begins to whisper Let It Go, not just as a song but as a way to push back against fear and reclaim her power, he said.

For the writers, the show continues to evolve with each performance.

The version Macaus audiences will see is not the same as what played in Doha two months ago. We refine it constantly, said Paredes.

When a movies done, its done, [but for the] theater, it keeps growing.

Despite its Disney roots, Magic Box was also created with newcomers in mind.

Even someone who doesnt like Disney or has never seen a single film can enjoy it. We wanted it to stand as a piece of theater on its own merit, said Phillips.

According to the writers, they are eager to witness how Macaus multicultural audiences will respond. This city is such a melting pot, Paredes said. Were curious to see what people bring into the box, and what they carry out.

Disneys Magic Box opens tomorrow at the Venetian Theatre and will run on weekends through July 20.
There are "reasonable grounds" to believe war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed in western Sudan, said the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday.

Targeted sexual violence against women and girls of specific ethnicities was named as one of the most disturbing findings to emerge from an ICC investigation into crimes committed in Darfur.

War broke out between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, leading to what the UN calls "devastating civilian casualties".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said it was "difficult to find appropriate words to describe the depth of suffering" in the region.

Her conclusions have been drawn from "over 7,000 evidence items collected to date", she said, praising "brave" survivors for sharing their testimony.

The UN Security Council first gave the ICC a mandate to investigate and prosecute crimes in Darfur two decades ago, with the body opening multiple investigations into war crimes and genocide committed in the region from July 2002 onwards.

The ICC launched a fresh probe in 2023 after the nationwide conflict between the army and the RSF broke out across the country, interviewing victims who had fled fighting in Darfur to neighbouring Chad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ms Khan described an "inescapable pattern of offending", and stressed that the team was working to translate such crimes into evidence for the court.

She said that those committing crimes in Darfur "may feel a sense of impunity at this moment".

But the ICC was working to ensure that "many" people would face justice at the ICC over what was happening in the region, she warned.

Allegations of war crimes have persisted throughout the past two years, and in January 2025 the US determined that the RSF and allied militias had committed a genocide against the region's non-Arab population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The RSF has denied the claims, and said it was not involved in what it describes as a "tribal conflict" in Darfur.

Reports from the UN indicate that conditions in Darfur have continued to worsen, with hospitals and humanitarian convoys suffering targeted attacks, and food and water deliberately withheld.

"Rape and sexual violence are being weaponised," said ICC Deputy Prosecutor Khan on Thursday. "Abductions for ransom or to bolster the ranks of armed groups have become common practice."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Civilians in the city of el-Fasher have been cut off from aid due to a siege by RSF forces, and an outbreak of cholera across conflict zones poses a serious threat to already scarce water supplies.

An escalating famine has gripped the region, with the UN's children's agency (Unicef) reporting that more than 40,000 children were admitted for treatment due to severe acute malnutrition between January and May 2025  more than double the number admitted in the same period last year.

"Children in Darfur are being starved by conflict and cut off from the very aid that could save them," said Sheldon Yett from Unicef.

In the past two years, more than 150,000 people have died in the conflict and approximately 12 million have fled their homes, but Ms Khan warned: "We should not be under any illusion - things can still get worse."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additional reporting by Natasha Booty

More about the conflict in Sudan

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Early voting kicked off Friday in the District for the Ward 8 special election, where voters will decide who should fill the seat formerly held by Trayon White  a position hes now vying to reclaim.

White, who was reelected last fall, was later expelled from the D.C. Council after an investigation found he violated city rules following a federal bribery indictment. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in 2026.

Despite the controversy, some residents still support his return.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ward 8 Special Election to kick off with Trayon White in the running

Everyone makes mistakes, one voter said. I know hes done a lot for Ward 8.

Others, however, are looking for a fresh start.

I think its important to vote and get a council member whos not accused of a bunch of illegal activity, voter Chris Bryan said.

White is facing three Democratic challengers:

Salim Adofo, an Advisory Neighborhood Commission chair

Mike Austin, a Ward 8 native and former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

Sheila Bunn, a former aide to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and former Mayor Vincent Gray

There are also several certified write-in candidates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Residents shared whats motivating them to cast their ballots, from youth programs to affordable housing and neighborhood development.

If everyone wants change, this is probably the first step to getting the right elected official in your area, said Bryan.

Eligible residents can still register to vote at early voting centers by being 16 years old, a U.S. citizen and providing proof of residence.

Voters using mail-in ballots are reminded to bubble in choices completely, sign and date the envelope and seal it without using tape. Completed ballots can be mailed or dropped off in official drop boxes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Early voting continues through Monday, July 14, with polls closing each day at 7 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, July 15.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  The state says it will lower Hall Lake by as much 6 feet by the end of June 2026, saying the dam that holds the water back is not in good enough repair to maintain the current water level.

Hall Lake is east of Gun Lake in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area. It will be lowered 3 feet starting this month and another 3 feet starting in June of next year, dropping by not more than 6 inches per week, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says.

Given its classification as a significant hazard dam, the worsening condition of the culvert and embankment, the prohibitive cost estimates to undertake replacement by the state or local municipality, and the risk of expiration of grant funding for the project, reducing the lake level by decommissioning, or drawing down, of Hall Lake Dam is the only viable option, Joseph Jandernoa, park manager at Yankee Springs Recreation Area, said in a Friday statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dispute over dam dries up Lake White Cloud

The Hall Lake Dam is an earthen berm dam under Gun Lake Road. The state says the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy inspected it in the spring and then conducted an engineering analysis. EGLE ultimately labeled the dam a significant hazard.

The DNR says when it held public meetings about the state of the dam in the spring, neighbors said they wanted it to be fixed. The DNR says it started looking into options to make that happen, but then learned dam conditions necessitated a quick fix.

When it became clear that local governments and agencies were unable to assume full responsibilities for the dam, the DNR determined that drawing down the impoundment was the appropriate course of action, a release said.

The DNR warned that if the dam were to fail, it would damage the environment and economy, though it acknowledged it posed little threat of loss of life. It said lowering the lake will protect Gun Lake Road and the slow speed of the drawdown will limit effects on the environment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It is the DNRs goal to ensure that Hall Lake and surrounding amenities remain valuable natural resources that are both safe and sustainable, Jandernoa stated. The short-term aspects of decommissioning the dam include a gradual lowering of Hall Lake to an approved level, removal of the outdated water control structures, installation of a new culvert under Gun Lake Road and full restoration of the road.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Every day, 25-year-old Ethan Humphreys lives with the physical pain that reminds him of what ketamine has cost him - his health.

"The first side effect was the cramps, where I'd get just bad stomach pains, where I couldn't lie down properly [or] sit down properly," said Ethan, who started taking ketamine when he was 15.

But that was just the start, with endless hospital trips to follow as Ethan's kidneys struggled to function and the mental challenges mounted as he dealt with the drug-induced fallout.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now he is on a mission to help others, as experts warn of an emerging epidemic of addiction to the powerful Class B drug.

"I'm trying to show that there's a light at the end of the tunnel," said Ethan, ahead of a meeting of the ketamine recovery group he has organised in his hometown of Holyhead, Anglesey.

"I want this place to be a group where people can come in and just speak how they want. It doesn't matter if they've been struggling through the week and they want to hide it away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The ego gets left at the door in this place."

Ethan is celebrating six months since he kicked his ketamine habit, after a second - and he hopes successful - stint in rehabilitation.

"My mum was at breaking point," he said.

"The rest of my family had stopped speaking to me. It was just make or break for me."

Ethan before and after undergoing rehabilitation for ketamine addiction [Ethan Humphreys]

Addiction specialists say Ethan's story is familiar, with a huge increase in referrals for ketamine related help.

According to a paper published in the British Medical Journal in June, more than 3,600 people across the UK were being treated for ketamine addiction in 2023 and 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That is up eight-fold from a decade earlier, with 426 treatment cases in 2013-14.

What is ketamine?

Sometimes referred to as ket, Special K or just K, ketamine is a powerful horse tranquilliser and anaesthetic. It is a licensed drug and can be prescribed medically

When misused, it can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to your bladder and liver, as well as memory loss

It is currently a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

The penalty for possession is up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both

Ethan was first rushed to hospital back in 2022, when the real effects of his ketamine addiction began to reveal themselves.

"You can't pass urine and then that leads into blood in your urine, and in the later stages, my kidneys and my liver function stopped working properly," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I had to isolate myself because I was going to the toilet every two minutes, walking in pain.

"I lost a lot of weight.

"So it just strips you really, in some sense, like strips you down to your bone.

"I had to plan my day around if I could get to the toilet or not. Even walking to the shop was a bit of a task in itself. It was just really hard."

'I couldn't recognise the person I was'

The physical challenges were only half of the battle for Ethan.

"The depression side of it, it just took over in the end. I didn't want to live. I couldn't care if I died the next day," he said.

"I used to think I was a waste of space. I couldn't recognise the person I was in the end.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I couldn't eat. I couldn't hold a meal down. It was really hard in the end."

After spending six months on a waiting list, he was accepted for residential rehab at a centre in Greater Manchester.

"When I was up in Manchester, a ketamine group, an education support group got started up there, where I attended the group and it really helped," he explained.

"I sort of took the idea myself. So that's what I mean to do and sort of try and target the people who are struggling around Wales."

Recovery leader Cheryl Williams says there is a worrying increase in young people - including school children - taking ketamine [BBC]

Cheryl Williams, who works in a north Wales rehabilitation centre, has been raising awareness of ketamine issues alongside the sister of drag artist James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The performer, who grew up in Colwyn Bay, was the first winner of Ru Paul's Drag Race in 2019, and was discovered dead in January following a cardiac arrest brought on by the drug.

"I would say we are on the verge of an emerging ketamine epidemic," said Ms Williams, who is a strategic lead for the recovery charity Adferiad at its Parkland Place Rehabilitation Unit.

She said many of the referrals were coming from young people - often under-18.

"I think it has become so cheap and available for children to use. It's more of an issue," she added.

Ms Williams said Ethan's decision to start a recovery group on Anglesey had to be commended.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The more that people talk about that they've had a ketamine problem, that they've overcome it and how they've overcome it - I'm a very big advocate for peer support and lived experience," said Ms Williams.

"Who else better to tell their story than someone who has been through it."

Ethan still struggles with kidney pain on a daily basis, but does feel he is on the mend.

He has gained weight since rehab and visits the gym every day.

He said his bladder problems had also improved, as well as his mental health, and he had been able to rebuild relationships with family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"My mum has always stood by me but you can see how much I was causing pain for her. So now we're best friends again," he said.

He said his focus now was on helping others.

"It's massive for me, honestly, and that's my passion now."

If you have been affected by this story the BBC Action Line has a list of organisations which are ready to provide support and advice.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A Miami Valley native is reflecting on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Josh Newberg graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2022 with filmmaking in mind.

Newberg has spent the years post graduation building up his resume of credits, which include The Bikeriders, Alto Knights, and now Superman. As the film soars into theaters officially on July 11, Newberg is reflecting on the big moment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its actually pretty wild how it all happened, Newberg said. One day, I got a random call from one of the assistant directors of Superman asking if Id like to join because someone I had worked with in the past had recommended me.

He says the call was very unexpected, as he didnt recognize the number, but was determined to live up to it, even offering to move if necessary to be apart of the movie.

Check out our review of Superman

Newberg served as a production assistant, a role that made every day different than the last. Newberg helped with lighting, location lock-ups, shuttling between different parts of the set and more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He says that the best part about working on movies is the community that comes from them.

Everybody gets assigned a role and everybody contributes because films are such big things that require a lot of effort, and I think that the idea that one person creates a story idea and everybody jumps in to help that person achieve the same goal is just the coolest thing, and that goes for short films, feature films, low-budget movies and big-budget movies.

Superman filmed scenes in Cleveland and Cincinnati last year. For more coverage on the films impact in Ohio, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
(WJET/WFXP)  The State Police of Warren were called to a Pennsylvania property for a report of burglary.

On Wednesday, June 11, at approximately 3 p.m., Warren Police were dispatched to The Shaw House, located at 15 South Main Street in Sheffield Township.

Woman charged after allegedly stealing nearly $2K from a man serving jail time

According to police, troopers discovered that approximately $1,500 in cash and a silver cash register key had been stolen. No security footage of the theft was recovered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone with information can contact the State Police of Warren at 814-728-3600.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  After months of discussion by a task force, we are one step closer to having a new, more modern mens prison in South Dakota. Thats something Kellie Wasko, the Department of Corrections Secretary, has been a big advocate for.

The Project Prison Reset Task Force is recommending to the state legislature that a $650 million facility with 1,500 beds be built in northeastern Sioux Falls. Wasko says that recommendation is, quote, great progress forward.

Deadly motorcycle crash in Miner County

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My greatest interests are getting a new institution so that the folks standing behind me can come in and be safe and have greater efficiencies, greater technologies and the ability to rehabilitate the offenders in our facilities, Wasko said.

She says some design changes might need to happen in order to meet that recommended dollar amount, though.

We dont have an option. We need this facility and we want this facility, Wasko said. So were going to work to get to that 650 million dollar budget.

During a media tour of the current prison, Wasko mentioned a new facility would be more of a campus-style facility as opposed to the linear, vertical design of this one, which was built in 1881.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The configuration of the floor plan would make it allowable that not only the officer on the floor would be able to have line of vision but the officer up in the control tower could then see multiple cells, Wasko said. As you saw on your tour today, this institution is all linear so the only way that staff can see inmates is if theyre on the individual tiers and theres five tiers high.

Wasko says a modern facility would also have solid steel cell doors with a window as opposed to the current ones in the prison that are steel bars.

Cells in current State Penitentiary. Photo courtesy of SD DOC

Cells in current State Penitentiary. Photo courtesy of SD DOC

Every staff member that walks by can be fluid-assaulted, Wasko said. Ive never seen as many fluid assaults as what Ive seen here at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. You know, theres no barrier between our staff and the offenders.

There also wouldnt be group showers in a modern prison. Instead, she says each unit would have a shower room, making it more efficient for staff and allowing more privacy amongst inmates.

Group shower with 60 heads in current State Penitentiary. Photo courtesy of SD DOC

Group shower with 60 heads in current State Penitentiary. Photo courtesy of SD DOC

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a new facility, Wasko also wants to see more dedicated spaces for behavioral health and programming.

We have 19 addiction counselors for the entire state for 38 hundred offenders with some type of substance use disorder. 19. I have 19 addiction counselors. I should have at least 56, Wasko said. So, when we talk about the new facility, is just having all of those amenities that we dont see here.

The task forces recommendation now has to go to the state legislature to get approved, so were still likely multiple years away from actually having a new mens prison. In the meantime, Wasko says she will be asking for a larger staffing budget this year to fill a need at the current prison.

The South Dakota State Penitentiary today has no vacancies, Wasko said. All of their positions, every single uniformed corrections officer position is filled but they still are understaffed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wasko says they are still understaffed because when the prison switched from a 400 inmate facility to 800 inmates, there was no increase to the staffing numbers. She says she would add at least 40 more positions if she could.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

A Florida kitten recently became trapped when her head got stuck in a pipe.

Officials came to the rescue to help safely extract the kitten.

The kitten was given the name "Piper" to commemorate her rescue.

LEE COUNTY, Fla. - Florida deputies recently came to the rescue of a kitten who had its head stuck in a pipe, and the entire rescue mission was caught on bodycam.

The kitten was given the name "Piper" to commemorate her rescue.

Video shows kitten rescue

What we know

In the video, a deputy from the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) can be seen speaking to a woman and a man who attempted to help save the kitten. The kitten can be clearly seen with the pipe stuck on its head.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The woman said she tried soap and oil to try and help free the kitten, but it was blocking the kitten's airways.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

"How did you get yourself into this mess?" the deputy asks the kitten.

The deputy can be seen positioning the kitten on the top of their patrol car to try and free it, while the man holds up a flashlight and the woman holds the pipe.

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

The deputy helps the kitten to slowly slide free from the pipe.

"Thank you guys so much," the woman said. "You guys are life-savers."

(Credit: Lee County Sheriff's Office)

The LCSO said the deputy freed the cat with the help of the North Fort Myers Fire Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"No matter the call  our deputies are always ready to serve and purrtect," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.

The kitten was given the name "Piper" to commemorate her rescue.

The Source

This story was written based on information shared by the Lee County Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post on July 1, 2025.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The City of San Angelo is scheduled to hold a press conference during the afternoon of July 11, during which updates regarding flood relief efforts will be provided.

The press conference is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. at City Hall, according to the City.

I cant believe were still here: San Angelo family shares terrifying escape from July 4 flood

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The City stated that its partnering organizations, called Community Organizations Active in Disaster, will provide an update on cleanup, donations, volunteer resources and more. Additionally, City staff will be at the conference to answer questions.

The livestream can be viewed in the video player above once it starts. The City said that it will also be available for viewing on its YouTube channel.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD)  The states public health watchdog agency will discuss the rise in measles cases and what people can do to protect themselves.

During the 10 a.m. press conference, the Illinois Department of Public Health said the Southern Illinois outbreak of measles is over, and was capped at eight cases. A few cases that were found in northern Illinois were not linked to that outbreak, officials said.

The eight cases in the southern part of the state were found in April and May, the agency said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The two cases in Cook County that were identified around the same time did not constitute an outbreak, and there was no further indication of any additional spread beyond those two individuals, according to the department.

The reason the department says the outbreak is over is that wo full incubation periods  42 days  have elapsed since the last confirmed case, allowing the Department to declare the outbreak over.

The end of this outbreak, capping at just 8 cases and no serious illnesses in Illinois, is a testament to the deliberate, decisive, and successful work of our public health and medical professionals, said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. Public health is made stronger by the power of partnership, and this measles response was a coordinated effort that included IDPH, local health departments, as well as other dedicated community and health care partners.

He said that vaccination is the most effective tool to prevent measles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I recommend that Illinois residents make sure that they and their family members are up to date on the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations, he added.

This story will be updated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
* A summer of constraints

 Flight constraints, price pressures loom as tourism gears up for summer surge, industry experts told the Times

* Aviation | Air Macau flight returns mid-route after suspected lightning strike

* Taste of Edesia

* Hong Kong design consultancy employee admits to accepting bribes linked to major renovation projects, including the Donki outlet in Macau

* Government confirms water safety as tap discoloration reported in Jiangmen

* HK police arrest four linked to Taiwan-based group, accuse them of subversion

DOWNLOAD PDF

Friday, July 11 2025  edition no. 4757
A week after catastrophic floods tore across the Texas Hill Country, authorities and volunteers on the ground Friday are searching for over 160 missing people as residents in hard-hit areas mourn the dead.

Is President Trump giving a speech in Texas?

While it's not certain that Trump will give a speech, he's scheduled to appear in Kerrville, Texas, at 11:30 a.m. CT.

Where to watch President Trump during his visit to Texas?

You can watch Trump live on the Austin American-Statesman YouTube channel.

What did Trump say about the Texas floods?

Trump issued a disaster declaration for the Central Texas area on Sunday, releasing federal funds for those affected by flooding in Kerr County as well as emergency work and repairs. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the U.S. Coast Guard and Texas first responders had "saved more than 850 lives."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible," Trump said. "So we say, God bless all of the people that have gone through so much, and God bless, God bless the state of Texas."

On Sunday, the president announced plans to visit areas of Texas hardest hit by the floods.

Trump says he supports alarm system after Texas floods

In an interview on NBC's Meet the Press on Thursday, Trump said the Texas flood was a "once-in-every-200-year" event and expressed his support for installing an alarm system to warn of such emergencies.

"After having seen this horrible event, I would imagine youd put alarms up in some form," Trump told NBCs Meet the Press on Thursday ahead of the trip, noting, "local officials were hit by this just like everybody else."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Questions remain about what more could have been done to warn residents of the flooding, which surged the Guadalupe River nearly 30 feet in less than an hour. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's legislative agenda for an upcoming special session includes discussions on flood warning systems, communications and natural disaster preparation and recovery.

-Austin American-Statesman Alexis Simmerman contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Watch live: President Trump visits Kerrville, Texas on Friday
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  San Francisco police on Thursday released intense drone video of robbery suspects driving through Bay Bridge traffic in the wrong direction, crashing, and taking off on foot before being apprehended.

On July 4, two suspects wanted for their alleged involvement in multiple auto burglaries and a robbery were spotted by San Francisco Police Department plainclothes officers. Authorities deployed a drone into the air, which followed a vehicle occupied by the two suspects.

Remember the Clipper Card outage on July 1? Heres how much it cost BART

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While police were looking into ways to disable the vehicle and arrest the suspects, the suspect vehicle drove onto the Bay Bridges lower span heading eastbound. The police drone continued to follow the vehicle.

The suspect driver then made a U-turn and began to weave through eastbound traffic in the westbound direction. Drone video released by SFPD shows the vehicle whizzing past dozens of vehicles on the enclosed roadway.

Robbery suspects drive against traffic on the Bay Bridge before crashing and running. (San Francisco Police Department)

After the driver crashes into other vehicles near the Essex Street on-ramp, the two suspects get out and begin to run. One suspect was immediately caught and detained. The other continued to run down the ramp and onto Harrison Street with the drone following. Eventually, the second suspect is also arrested.

SFPD did not release the identities of the suspects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump traveled to Texas Hill Country Friday morning to survey the damage from flooding that has killed at least 120 people in recent days.

While in the Lone Star State, the president participated in a roundtable with first responders and local officials in Kerr County. The visit comes as more than 160 people remain missing as search and rescue efforts continue.

The Trump administration has faced some heat over funding cuts to weather forecasting and disaster relief in the wake of the disaster. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has also been under scrutiny over reports that the federal response was held up by a rule requiring her approval on certain grants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The president has voiced his confidence in Noem despite the criticism.

Watch a replay of the video coverage above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
 (@)

x.com

Vice President JD Vance may feel like he was the victim of bullying while visiting a sushi restaurant in California, but what he really did was brighten the day for anyone sick of his stances on trans rights and immigration, his denigration of childless women, or his efforts to ram the Trump administrations massive tax and spending bill through Congress.

After leaving the Michelin-starred Soichi Sushi in San Diego with his wife Usha over the Fourth of July weekend, Vances Secret Service motorcade was booed by demonstrators who had gathered outside on the street to voice their dislike of the Republican leader.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Video footage of Vance being heckled and booed was posted on social media, showing people shouting at him to leave the city and calling him out for eating at a fancy restaurant at the same time Texas was being hit with deadly flash floods.

"Hope your Michelin-starred sushi was worth it with 82 people dead in Texas! Thanks for cutting the National Weather Service, someone is heard shouting in the video.

Another person said, "Get the hell out of San Diego, a******!"

Vance is no stranger to being mocked while in public. His PR stunt of a trip to Greenland had to be rearranged when the entire country said he wasnt welcome, he has been endlessly mocked with AI memes on social media, and back in March, pro-Ukraine protestors called him a traitor while he was on a sky vacation in Vermont.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Social media users were quick to see the video of Vance being ruthlessly shouted down while hiding in his motorcade and jumped on the chase to mock him. Here are some of our favorite reactions to the comical news.

 (@)

x.com

"Vermont - We ruined The Vance Family's Ski Vacation.

San Diego - @VP is vacationing here?? Hold my beer.

JD Vance just has his Motorcade just chased out of town.

Drop a [heart emoji] for San Diego and Vermont. They knew the assignment."

 (@)

x.com

"HOLY CRAP! JD Vance was viciously booed in San Diego."

 (@)

x.com

"JD Vance getting a warm welcome in San Diego."

 (@)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

x.com

"jd vance got booed and sworn at leaving a fancy sushi place in san diego and it inspired me"

 (@)

x.com

"When JD Vance is told to get the F..ck out of San Diego because we dont want you here and a few more choice words!"

 (@)

x.com

"Its ironic how JD Vance always talks about California negatively, yet hes eating at a restaurant in San Diego while 100+ died from the Texas floods."

 (@)

x.com

"There's something very satisfying watching JD Vance get owned by San Diego locals."

 (@)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

x.com

"I just saw a video of people booing JD Vance in San Diego and smiled lol. Everything is going to be ok"

 (@)

x.com

"JD Vance getting heckled outside a Michelin-starred sushi spot in San Diego is the closest hell ever get to California culture. Stay out of our state, fascist."

 (@)

x.com

"jd vance in san diego i hope he gets uncontrollable explosive diarrhea"

This article originally appeared on Pride: Watching JD Vance's motorcade get ruthlessly roasted will recharge your soul

RELATED
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Kelly Pattinson, director of sponsorships and corporate relations for WaterFire Providence, joined hosts Ashley Erling and Audrey McClelland on Spotlight New England.

Pattinson, who joined the team three months ago, has a goal of getting every Rhode Island city and town to visit WaterFire. She said theyre making progress in making new community partners outside the city. The New England native wants every WaterFire event to be insanely exciting and like a circus, with new visuals each time.

In addition to leading sponsorships and corporate relations, Pattinson will also take the lead on FireBall, the annual fundraiser gala.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone interested in attending a WaterFire event can find the 2025 schedule online.

WaterFire can also be found on Instagram and Facebook.

Spotlight New England airs weekdays on the WPRI 12+ TV app and WPRI.com.

Watch the full interview in the player above.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

The Rhode Show Today

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jul. 10One of Albert Lea's popular fishing spots is slated for improvements in the next few years, thanks to grant funding awarded to the Shell Rock River Watershed District.

The district recently received a combined $3.2 million in grants through the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council to be put toward in-stream and stream bank habitat in the channel from the Fountain Lake dam southeast to the Chicago Northwestern railroad tracks behind Collins Auto Repair and the city-owned food truck plaza. A future phase would continue the project through the rest of the channel to Albert Lea Lake.

Courtney Phillips, project manager with the Watershed District, said the district will be working with the city of Albert Lea on the project, as the city owns the channel and dam.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Phillips said the district put out a request for proposals and received three proposals for engineering and design for the project. The Watershed Board of Managers approved contracting with Barr Engineering for about $496,000 for design and installation of the first phase, as well as 25% of the design engineering for the second phase.

The district will be planning community meetings, as well as a potential survey to gather input from the public about the project because of how widely used the space is. While the design concept has not been determined, there will be goals to improve accessibility and safety for the public, along with the habitat.

"The big thing we want the community to know is we want this to be a community project as well," Phillips said. "We really want the community to have a voice in what the restoration looks like."

The Watershed District has applied for an additional $1.7 million through Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council funding for the project, as well as $1.28 million through the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. If awarded the $1.28 million, that funding would go toward two fishing piers, a canoe and kayak access launch, as well as a potential pedestrian bridge underneath Main Street connecting the two sides of the channel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Phillips said the commission received requests valued at almost $400 million and will be awarding $103 million. The district made the first cut and had a hearing about the project and is expected to find out the outcome of the application later this month.

She said if they do not get the funding this year, there are other options available through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, or they could reapply next year through the commission.

While right now the project does not include plans to replace the Fountain Lake dam, they are not overlooking the possibility of engineering a new dam for the future.

Phillips said the construction for the channel restoration will likely take place in 2027.

The district will update its website at https://www.shellrock.org/ with open houses and survey links once those are available.
Its been about 100 years since this party took place at 122 S. Brainard St. in the mid-1920s, but it would seem only the fashion has changed given that we still celebrate birthdays with cake and candles. These three sisters are, from left, Ruth, Peg, and Mabel Hammersmith, and their home is now known as the Hammersmith House, a residence hall on the North Central College campus. Interestingly, all three Hammersmith girls would graduate from NCC and go on to have long, interesting lives, according to online information about them. Ruth, who died at age 100 in 2017, was a librarian at the Nichols Library and a founding member of the Naperville Heritage Society. Peg, christened Marguerite, died in 2010 at age 95. She was a high school teacher in Michigan for 32 years before returning to Naperville and working as a reporter for the Naperville Sun and The (Aurora) Beacon-News. Mabel died in 2011 at age 92. She owned a design company specializing in book illustration and greeting card design and had a 20-year career as a program specialist for the Girl Scouts of the USA in New York, where she designed more than 110 Girl Scout badges, some of which were featured on a postage stamps commemorating the organizations 75th anniversary.
Several conspiracies allude to government weather control in the United States. This list includes cloud seeding, chem trails, high-frequency active auroral research in Alaska (HAARP), and now weather radars.

A television station in Oklahoma City reported its radar had been vandalized on Tuesday. It has been suggested that the vandalism may be in connection to an anti-government miltia group called Veterans on Patrol. While the group has made statements against weather radars in the past, Oklahoma City police havent confirmed a connection between the two.

Despite a little truth being found in certain conspiracies, there is no truth in that radars can manipulate the weather. A weather radar is used for weather surveillance.

Other conspiracies circulating about weather manipulation include cloud seeding. Cloud seeding does happen, and the state of Texas has an entire department devoted to the science. However, cloud seeding is not produced on the scale it would take to manipulate the weather to create catastrophic results, nor can it be accomplished independently of clouds or rain already naturally in place. See Meteorologist Matt Hefners story on cloud seeding for more information.

What does a radar do then?

Radars operate similarly to how a sonar works, except radars use radio waves and sonars use sound waves. The radar sends out a pulse that bounces off a particle and returns to the radar. The radar then records the size and density of the object, allowing us to identify what type of weather is being observed (rain, snow, ice, or hail).

Radars also look at what direction a particle is moving. This function allows meteorologists to identify where there may be rotation in a thunderstorm. This can lead a meteorologist to issue a tornado warning if enough radar-indicated rotation is present.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Radars only function is to help meteorologists issue severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings to help protect life and property. They are designed to provide real-time data to help inform people of nearby dangerous weather events.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. (WBOY)  The Webster County Sheriffs Office has welcomed a new highly trained member.

Webster County Sheriff Rick Clayton introduced Bandit, a Belgian Malinois, in a Facebook post on Thursday. His handler will be Deputy Pat Coumbes, who has previous experience working with K-9s.

Photo Courtesy: Rick Clayton, Webster County Sheriffs Office

According to Clayton, Bandit has shown exceptional aptitude in tracking and apprehension, and is also certified in drug detection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fairmont woman charged after officers find marijuana in childs room

While the sheriffs office recognizes Bandits value, it said working with a K-9, especially one so highly trained, can be expensive. If you would like to make a donation to the K-9 program, you can do so by writing a check to Webster County Sheriff and putting K-9 as the memo, and mailing it to 2 Court Sq. Rm. G-3, Webster Springs, WV 26288.

Any donations received will go towards dog food, vet bills, training and equipment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Hugh Keefe, one of the last of the generation of lawyers who dominated Connecticuts criminal defense bar for half a century, died Friday in New Haven. He was 82.

He was a fantastic lawyer, said friend, colleague and contemporary William F. Dow III. And beyond those skills he had an instinctive ability to help people in the profession. Any number of prosecutors and judges and lawyers are where they are today because of something Hugh did. Above all, he was a good and loyal friend.

Keefe was an Irish Republican from Boston, the son of a meat cutter, who made his name in New Haven as a pugnacious defender of the oppressed from their oppressors. He was short, had bright red hair and a charming friendliness behind which he deconstructed opponents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He came across like every mothers son, said former U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, who squared off against Keefe regularly. It was a joy to watch him try a case. His cross examinations were particularly effective. He knew what he wanted to accomplish. He didnt beat people up for the sake of beating them up.

Keefe became one of the states most sought after criminal defense lawyers in the 1980s and 90s. Most of the others in his small circle predeceased him  Hubert Santos, Jack Zeldes, James Wade, Ira Grudberg and F. Mac Buckley.

Unlike todays top tier defense attorneys, who try to keep big fee, white collar clients out of the papers, Keefe enjoyed the rough and tumble states criminal courts and could always delight reporters with an acerbic crack about the opposition.

Hugh taught so many of us how to try hard cases while respecting your opponent and every participant in the judicial system. He was an extraordinary trial lawyer and incredibly fun to be around, said defense lawyer Craig Raabe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In spite of his advocacy, Keefe never lost sight that the goal of litigation was justice, according to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who faced Keefe very early in his career, first as a trial lawyer and later as U.S. Attorney.

He was a giant among trial lawyers for his incomparable energy and insight, but also for his unimpeachable integrity, Blumenthal said. As strong as he could be in the courtroom, he unfailingly wanted justice done.

When the U.S. justice department began pursuing political crimes and government corruption, Keefe often appeared for the defense. He won an acquittal for former Danbury Mayor James Dyer in what was the states first modern corruption trial. But he lost the next, the sensational trial of Waterbury Mayor Joseph Santopietro, then the youngest mayor in state history.

Keefe defended Peter Ellef, a once-convicted former top aide to twice convicted former Gov. John G. Rowland, musing to reporters about what he considered the paucity of the FBIs evidence: I would think they had something better to do while they are sitting around the office drinking coffee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hugh was a superb trial lawyer and a fearless advocate for the rights of the accused, said former U.S. Attorney and federal judge Christopher Droney, who became top federal prosecutor in the 1990s.

Keefe taught trial practice to aspiring lawyers at the Yale Law School for 30 years, a subject on which he could comment wryly in view of what he considered his blue collar background. He also taught at the University Connecticut School of Law, from which he obtained his law degree.

As part of that working class ethic, Keefe regularly defended police officers and, in some cases, without taking a fee.

During parts of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s, Keefe had a hand in choosing state judges as a member and later chairman of the Judicial Selection Commission. He also served and for a time chaired the Judicial Review Council, which considers complaints against judges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Keefe died from a fall and a head injury after suffering from a disabling condition, friends said.

Keefes firm, Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante in New Haven said funeral services will be announced at the discretion of the Keefe family. The firm said it will announce some sort of memorial at a later date.
In neighboring Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, tap water has turned yellow, but Macaus Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) has assured that the quality of raw water supplied to the city meets safety standards.

Since last week, several posts have appeared on the Chinese social media platform RedNote, all claiming that tap water in homes has suddenly turned yellow, with visible black impurities.

Reportedly, the water supply utilities have stated that there is no issue with water quality; instead, the discoloration in multiple areas is attributed to changes in the water source.

To ensure the safety of residents water supply, adjustments have been made to the water treatment process, with officials stating that while the water color has darkened, monitoring confirms that the quality remains within acceptable limits. Meanwhile, the authorities there noted that the citys primary water source is the Xi River, accessed through two intake points.

Macau relies heavily on mainland China for its water supply, with over 90% of its raw water sourced from the Xijiang Modaomen Waterway. This waterway is located in Zhuhai and extends through the section of the Xi River through Jiangmen.

In response to inquiries from the Times, Marine and Water Bureau stated in an email that both mainland water authorities and the public Macao Water utilities are actively monitoring the quality of raw water supplied to Macau. Recent monitoring data indicates that the quality of raw water supplied to Macau meets standards.

The bureau further stated that the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) and Macao Water are monitoring the quality of tap water in line with the citys current regulations to ensure compliance with standards. Recent water quality test results have consistently met these standards, allowing residents to use tap water with confidence.

The authorities reaffirmed that Macau has established effective regular notification and emergency communication mechanisms with relevant mainland authorities.

They stated that if any incidents occur upstream that could affect the water supply to Zhuhai and Macau, the relevant authorities will promptly inform the designated personnel of this bureau.

While highlighting its Special Contingency Plan for Water Supply Safety Emergencies, the bureau also has a year-round uninterrupted water supply safety duty and alert mechanism. This ensures that response measures can be implemented based on the classification and severity of any water supply safety incidents, effectively addressing various water supply safety emergencies to ensure safety, the bureau noted.

Recently, Macau has experienced a series of incidents involving contaminated bottled drinking water.

In response, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has teamed up with the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) and the Health Bureau (SSM) to inspect eight bottled drinking water plants across the city.

The inspections cover several important aspects, including the storage of raw water, drinking water treatment processes, cleanliness of packaging containers, container disinfection procedures, maintenance and cleanliness of facilities and equipment, as well as hygiene in product storage and transportation operations, as noted in their joint statement on Tuesday.
Jul. 10A West Chester woman was sentenced to probation for reportedly making false 911 calls about a shooter in Dayton.

Tmyah Whiters, 27, will spend up to five years on community control sanctions, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office.

If she violates the terms of her probation she could be sentenced to six to 18 months in prison.

She was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of swatting in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One count of making false alarms, a misdemeanor, was dismissed.

On June 8, 2024, Whiters made three 911 calls within about four hours, causing Dayton officers to respond to the 200 block of Geneva Road, Dayton police Lt. Steven Bauer said.

In the first call, she claimed a person with a gun assaulted her and would shoot law enforcement, according to the prosecutor's office.

She reportedly claimed he would shoot any responding officers in the second call and then said he killed everyone in the house in the third call.

None of it was true, the prosecutor's office said.

Whiters said the shooter was an ex-boyfriend, according to Bauer.

"The same victim has had similar issues in the past from this same suspect," he said.

Staff writer Jen Balduf contributed to this report.
Emmanuel Macron took time out of his address to Parliament earlier this week to declare that France and Britain would fight to the very last minute to secure a lasting peace for Ukraine. This was in Europes  and not just Ukraines  interest, he said. His was not the only grand statement of intent made by one of Kyivs numerous western allies this week. Yesterday, the so-called coalition of the willing met to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to Ukraines sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

These lofty pledges are all very well and good. But the trouble is that, in the nearly three and a half years that Ukraine has been doing its best to throw off Russias invasion, we have heard iterations of these promises time and time again. Rarely, however, have they been backed up by actions robust enough to help turn the tide on Vladimir Putins aggression.

Since February 2022, there have been several sliding doors moments when, had Kyivs allies seized their chance, decisive blows could have been dealt to the Kremlins troops and war machine. From delays sending crucial weaponry such as tanks, fighter jets and long-range missiles to sanctions packages that have over-promised and under-delivered, time and again the West has failed to strike when the time was right.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But never have the Wests stock phrases of solidarity that we have heard felt so hollow  and its help so desperately needed  as this week. The Russian army has been ramping up its aerial assaults on Ukraine with alarming rapidity since the spring. On Tuesday night, hours after Macrons address in London, Putins forces launched their largest drone attack on the country of the war so far, consisting of 728 drones and 13 missiles, according to the Ukrainian armed forces.

This came just four days on from Moscows previous record of the conflict, when 539 drones were directed at Ukraine. On Monday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Russia had in total directed over 1,200 drones and 1,000 glide bombs at the country over the past week alone.

Europes feeble support of Ukraine has only been matched by the volatile, transactional backing given to the country by US president Donald Trump in his six months in office. From his Oval Office ambush of Zelensky in February, to several cosy phone calls with Putin to discuss the normalisation of relations between their two countries, he has turned America into an unreliable ally for Kyiv. His strategy to bring an end to the war in 24 hours, as he so infamously promised on the campaign trail appears to involve trying to bring Ukraine  rather than Russia  to its knees as quickly as possible.

There are a few slivers of hope to suggest things may yet change in Kyivs favour. On Wednesday, Trump told his cabinet that we get a lot of bulls**t thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He has pledged new military aid to Ukraine for the first time since he returned to the White House  but only after an existing aid package was paused by his defence secretary Pete Hegseth a week prior in the name of putting Americas interests first. Trump reinstated the delivery  part of which was already in transit through Poland  after claiming no knowledge that it had been blocked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reports suggest that the presidents new weapons package could be worth as much as $300 million (222 million) and potentially consist of patriot missiles and other mid-range weaponry. He has also teased a major announcement on Russia on Monday  although in relation to what exactly, good or bad, currently remains unclear.

Macron was right to remind Parliament this week that guaranteeing Ukraines security  or, to be more precise, though he didnt explicitly say it, combatting the threat of the Kremlin  is vital to guaranteeing Europes own security. But even if Trump finally does bring in fresh, hard-hitting sanctions, and together with Europe starts to deliver the full range of weapons Ukraine has consistently been asking for, unfortunately we must ask whether this would all come too little too late.

Russia is currently advancing rapidly through the regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, and the White House has made it clear that any peace deal brokered by Trump is highly likely to include handing these territories over to the Kremlin.

European leaders are reportedly concerned about how Trump could attempt to ram through such a deal without Ukraines consent, but despite their many platitudes about supporting Kyiv for as long as it takes, they have yet to come up with an alternative half-decent plan to weaken Putins negotiating position.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Of course, nobody truly expected Trump to be able to bring about a swift end to the war. But Europe, also so good at talking the talk on supporting Ukraine, has failed to walk the walk. It was very telling that during this weeks coalition of the willing meeting, plans to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire were quietly put on the back burner, in a tacit acknowledgement that that ceasefire is unlikely to be coming any time soon. Simply put, Ukraine has been let down by its allies over the last three years  and badly.

The West has many levers it repeatedly promises to pull to strengthen Ukraines fight and weaken Putins regime, including tougher sanctions against Russia and its allies and more aid for Kyiv. But, without delivering it, all this support amounts to is empty words. Such hollow white knight diplomacy benefits no one.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark.  A routine traffic stop in Arkansas that turned into an extraordinarily violent shooting between police, and a father-son is now the focus of a major motion picture.

The movie Sovereign, which opens Friday, recounts the horrifying 2010 shootings of two West Memphis police officers, and of a father and son who identified as sovereign citizens.

In a 2010 interview, now-retired police chief Bob Paudert described the events that day, when he arrived at the scene to find his son, Officer Brandon Paudert, and Officer Bill Evans had been shot:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As I ended up on the interstate, I saw an officer up there lying on his back and it was Brandon, he said. It was obvious, hed been in a gunfight. The whole back of his head was shot off and it was absolutely the worst day of my life, ever.

Now, 15 years later, the real-life horrific events that shocked the nation and continue to reverberate in the city of West Memphis is being played out on the big screen in a new movie called Sovereign.

Movie based on West Memphis Police shootings, in theaters Friday

You know honestly, that was a very dark day for our city, a day I would never forget. And I remember, like just yesterday. I was currently serving on the West Memphis City Council, said Marco McClendon, the Mayor of West Memphis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McClendon remembers being at Crittenden Memorial Hospital after the call came in about Paudert and Evans.

You know, a lot of tears, a lot of prayers that was going up, like two great offices that we did have in our city lost their life, cut short, you know, to these two individuals, McClendon said.

Sovereign is a true-crime thriller about a father and his teenage son, who were reportedly sovereign citizens  a group holding anti-government beliefs  who ambushed the officers.

The movie stars Nick Offerman, Dennis Quaid and Jacob Tremblay and examines the dark world of anti-government extremism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McClendon says that type of extremism has changed policing.



Any given stop could be possibly a dangerous stop, he said. So definitely, we want to make sure that we have enough individuals thats going to be there to make sure the area officers around them are safe.

Secret Service operation finds multiple card skimming devices in the Mid-South

Hollywood may be putting the spotlight on one of the darkest days in West Memphis history, but its a history the mayor says his city doesnt shy away from as it looks to the future.



You know, Im just looking at these things like with this West Memphis 3, or whatever that may come up. That was our history we have learned from. We have grown from it, but most important, you see, we are truly getting better from it, McClendon said.

Sovereign is currently playing at the Cordova Cinema on Germantown Parkway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Westfield police are warning residents of con artists posing as government officials attempting to trick people into converting their money into gold or silver for safekeeping.

The gold bar government impersonation scheme is hitting phones, email, and mailboxes that look like it is from official agencies such as the FBI, IRS, FTC, or Federal Reserve. It claims your identity has been stolen and your money is at risk. An offer is presented to protect your funds by converting your money into gold or silver, and it will be picked up by a so-called agent.

Hampden County Sheriffs Office warns of uptick in scheme calls, woman schemed out of thousands through Bitcoin

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Westfield Police Department is warning people not to fall victim to these scams, and to educate your family and friends, especially older adults who may be targeted. If you think you have been a victim of any scheme, contact your local police.

Tips to protect yourself from schemes

Government agencies will never ask you to move or convert your money or they will never ask for payment of any kind over the phone. Review these tips and recommendations to protect yourself from falling victim:

Verify the callers identity: Always request the full name, identification number, and contact information of the caller. Legitimate law enforcement officers will provide this information without hesitation.

Refrain from sharing personal information: Avoid disclosing personal details, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, credit card numbers, or any other sensitive data over the phone.

Be cautious of urgent or coercive tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, coercing victims into immediate action. They may threaten arrest, fines, or legal consequences to pressure you into revealing information or making immediate payments. Take a step back, remain calm, and verify the authenticity of the call before making any decisions or taking action.

Educate yourself and loved ones: Share this information with your friends, family, and vulnerable individuals within your community. By spreading awareness, we can collectively protect ourselves and prevent these scams from succeeding.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
DENVER (KDVR)  Two motorcycle owners will get their rides back thanks to the work of the Westminster Police Department on Thursday morning.

The agency said it completed back-to-back arrests of two motorcycle thieves on Thursday. The agency said that the first thief was spotted at about 9 a.m., near Sheridan Boulevard and 80th Avenue.

Colorado State Patrol joint operation cracks down on reckless motorcyclists

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officers said the man was cruising on a motorcycle that had been reported stolen. They took the 29-year-old rider into custody and allegedly found that he was also carrying illegal drugs.

Shortly thereafter, officers spotted a second motorcycle, this time with no plates, near Federal Boulevard and 104th Avenue. After tracking the motorcycle down, officers discovered that the bike was also stolen.

An alleged motorcycle thief arrested by Westminster police on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Courtesy the Westminster Police Department) An alleged motorcycle thief arrested by Westminster police on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Courtesy the Westminster Police Department)

The rider was arrested, and police found that the 47-year-old also had illegal drugs.

The best part(s)? Both bikes will be returned to their rightful owners PLUS these arrests happened so close together that both suspects got to share a lovely ride together, in the back of a patrol car, headed to Adams County Jail, the Westminster Police Department said. Bet they had a lot to talk about.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Entrepreneurs are now eligible to start a small business in a section of Old Westmont that was previously zoned solely for residential use.

Westmont Borough Council decided Tuesday to approve a revised zoning ordinance allowing businesses to open in the area enclosed by the boundaries of Edgehill Drive, Lehigh Street, Stackhouse Park and Tioga Street.

The ordinance allows for cafes, restaurants, professional offices, bed-and-breakfasts and retail stores that are not damaging to the general character of the neighborhood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, no business can open without first gaining approval from the boroughs zoning hearing board, as required by the ordinance.

Council members Bill Stasko, Chad Miller, Anthony Berkebile, Marc McCall, Don Hall and Tim McIlwain unanimously approved the ordinance Tuesday during the councils July public meeting at the Westmont Municipal Building, 1000 Luzerne St.

Councilman Chris DelSignore was absent Tuesday, but he spoke favorably of the ordinance during the councils June meeting, describing the ordinance as an outside-of-the box effort to revitalize properties in the area.

Tuesdays vote followed a year of planning the revised ordinance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Borough resident Cindie Petersen was among those who publicly opposed the change during last months meeting.

After the vote Tuesday, she again stated her opposition.

Most of the people who live in Old Westmont are not in favor of this, she said. I dont believe this is going to help the blight.

Before adjourning the meeting, McCall, council president, responded briefly to Petersen.

We will see, he said.

Russ OReilly is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter @RussellOReilly.
NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH)  An arrest has been made in a larceny case where about $86,000 worth of equipment was stolen from a construction site in Norwalk.

Hartford woman arrested after robbery investigation in Southington

Robert Pekar, 38, of Westport was arrested on Friday and charged with first degree larceny and larceny of a motor vehicle. Pekar is being held on a $100,000 bond and will appear in court on July 23.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The equipment was stolen from a construction site at 677 Connecticut Ave. in May.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Four Homeland-operated grocery stores are set to close their doors in Oklahoma, according to business officials.

The Oklahoma City-based Homeland Acquisition Corp. Inc. announced that two Homeland stores will be closing in Oklahoma, while one United Supermarkets and Discount Foods store will also close.

"It is very unfortunate that we had to make these tough decisions, but our goal is doing the best thing for our company and our employee owners. We are closing four locations in Oklahoma," said Christin King, director of marketing and public relations for Homeland Acquisition Corp. Inc.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Here's what will remain of the flagship Homeland businesses.

How many Homelands are in Oklahoma?

There are 34 Homeland stores open in Oklahoma. Now that two stores will be closing, the total number of stores will be 32 throughout the state.

Related: Lawmakers are working to make groceries more affordable for tribes. Here's how.

The following Homeland stores are closing in Oklahoma:

Homeland in Pauls Valley.

Homeland in Jay.

"We are the largest employee-owned grocer in the state. When you shop at Homeland and when Homeland is successful, you are putting money back into your local community and to those employee owners. We are not privately owned and our employees are there to serve their communities, neighbors and friends," King said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These store closures will leave both Pauls Valley and Jay without a Homeland. Jay residents' nearest location is now 40 miles away in Pryor, and Pauls Valley is 40 miles north to Ardmore. Both communities still have places to buy their groceries; Pauls Valley has a Walmart Supercenter, and Jay has Harps Food Stores.

Homeland near me

Here are the remaining Homeland stores after Pauls Valley and Jay close their doors:

Ardmore - 205 N Commerce St.

Bartlesville - 811 E Frank Phillips Blvd.

Bartlesville - 915 S Madison Blvd.

Bartlesville - 2501 SE Washington Blvd.

Chickasha - 759 W Grand Ave.

Clinton - 1200 Gary Blvd.

Duncan - 1401 Beech Ave.

Edmond - 16525 Rose Creek Blvd.

Edmond - 1151 N Bryant Ave.

Elk City - 412 W 3rd St.

Haskell - 102 Haskell Blvd.

Henryetta - 310 W Trudgeon St.

Lawton - 6734 W Cache Rd.

Lawton - 4510 SE Lee Blvd.

Muskogee - 1300 York St.

Muskogee - 2410 Chandler Rd.

Norman - 1251 Alameda St.

Norman - 1724 W Lindsey Rd.

Norman - 2600 W Robinson Rd.

Nowata - 813 E. Cherokee Ave.

Okemah - 108 S Woody Guthrie St.

Oklahoma City - 625 NE 36th St. (Lincoln Ave.)

Oklahoma City - 1108 NW 18th St. (Classen)

Oklahoma City - 7001 NW 122nd St. (Rock)

Oklahoma City - 9225 N May Ave. (Britton)

Perry - 702 Fir St.

Ponca City - 2005 N 14th St.

Ponca City - 904 S 4th St.

Pryor - 925 S Mill St.

Shawnee - 2705 N Harrison St.

Stillwater - 421 N Main St.

Yukon - 2400 S Cornwell Dr.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Homeland grocery stores closing: How many locations are in Oklahoma?
Yemen's Huthi rebels have resumed their attacks on Red Sea shipping, saying they aim to force Israel to cease fire in Gaza -- a move that threatens a truce with Washington and rattles maritime trade.

The Iran-backed rebels allege that the two vessels they attacked earlier this week -- the Magic Seas and the Eternity C -- were linked to trade with Israel.

But their renewed campaign comes at a pivotal moment when Washington and Tehran are weighing talks following a devastating 12-day Iran-Israel war, while Hamas and Israel are holding truce negotiations in Qatar.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What's at stake for the rebels and why have they decided to resume attacks after a gap of more than six months?

- Why now? -

The rebels, who have also mounted direct attacks on Israel, have launched more than 100 attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023, according to the Joint Maritime Information Centre run by Western navies.

They paused their attacks during a short-lived Gaza truce earlier this year before renewing them last weekend.

The rebels say their aim is to support Palestinians in Gaza. Their political leader, Mahdi al-Mashat, told Hamas negotiators in Doha to "negotiate with your heads held high, for we are with you and all the resources of our people will support you" until the war ends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But analysts say their resumption of attacks goes beyond support for Gaza.

It comes shortly after Iran fought a devastating war with Israel without support from its allies in the so-called "axis of resistance", which also includes Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

"This is a reminder from the Revolutionary Guard, through its most important ally (the Huthis), that what was withheld in the previous round (of fighting), if repeated, can be activated," said the chairperson of the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies, Maged al-Madhaji.

Noam Raydan, who tracks maritime attacks for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the Huthis had continued to monitor ship movements throughout the pause in attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Theyve ensured that their presence is always felt", she said.

- What are they hoping to achieve? -

Although Iran is their main backer, the Huthis are not just a Tehran proxy: they have ambitions of their own and dreams of a broader regional role.

Farea Al-Muslimi, a research fellow at British think tank Chatham House, described the attacks as a "power move" that enabled the Huthis to "project more power regionally and internationally".

Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon have severely weakened both Hamas and Hezbollah, leaving the Huthis as the only member of the "axis of resistance" to emerge relatively unscathed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The rebels have endured repeated air strikes by Israel in response to their drone and missile attacks.

Washington too carried out an intensive bombing campaign earlier this year before agreeing to cease fire in May in return for an end to Huthi attacks on international shipping.

"While the US campaign badly hit the Huthis' communication and some military capabilities, they still have huge stock and rebuilt their communications quickly," said Muslimi, adding that their maritime power "has been booming".

He said that in comparison with their attacks on Israel, which had had only limited success, the Huthis' attacks on shipping had proved "a very efficient way to make the entire West, and most of the east, bleed."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- What are the risks? -

The Huthis' campaign has caused major disruption to the vital shipping lane through the Bab al-Mandeb strait and the Red Sea that normally carries about 12 percent of global trade.

With insurance premiums skyrocketing, many shipping firms have opted to make the time-consuming detour around the southern tip of Africa instead.

"Transit via the Bab al-Mandeb strait remains low compared to 2023  a drop by over 50 percent," Raydan told AFP.

She said the rebels had taken advantage of a decreased naval presence in the area to mount their attacks.

"The Huthis appear to have more freedom now to assault freedom of navigation," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The future of a fragile ceasefire with the United States meant to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea is now uncertain.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called for action to stop further Huthi attacks.

"If the Huthis are not confronted, this problem will only grow," he warned.

aya-saa/kir
DENVER (KDVR)  No officers were injured, but a suspect is dead following a shooting incident on Thursday in Wheat Ridge, officials told FOX31.

Wheat Ridge police Public Information Officer Alex Rose said the incident began at about 2:12 p.m. when an officer recognized a suspect with a felony warrant on Youngfield Street near 32nd Avenue. He said an officer approached the suspect from behind when the individual fled on foot.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The area is near Interstate 70 and south of the interstates intersection with Highway 58.

As the individual fled west, the officer gave chase.

There was a struggle, and ultimately, our officer discharged their firearm and that suspect has been pronounced deceased, Rose said.

He added that a firearm was recovered at the scene. He also added that the suspect was transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

FOX31 has a crew on the way to the scene for this breaking news story. SkyFOX flew over the scene at about 3:05 and saw a motorcycle lying on its side inside the area taped off with crime scene tape.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rose said he did not know if the officer had engaged in a traffic stop or not, but said that the suspect had been riding the motorcycle seen from SkyFOX.

Wheat Ridge police reported an officer involved shooting on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The scene was flown over by SkyFOX at about 3:05 p.m. (KDVR) Wheat Ridge police reported an officer involved shooting on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The scene was flown over by SkyFOX at about 3:05 p.m. (KDVR)

The First Judicial Districts Critical Incident Response Team will be investigating the incident and is in charge of notifying next of kin and will identify the suspect after notifications are made.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
A Hong Kong design consultancy employee has admitted to accepting bribes linked to major renovation projects, including the Don Quijote (Donki) outlet in Macau, according to a press release from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong.

Pang Ka-shin, 41, a former marketing executive at K&C Creation Limited (KCL), pleaded guilty in Kowloon City Magistrates Court to receiving over HKD230,000 in kickbacks from contractors between June 2019 and January 2022.

The bribes were connected to her role in facilitating two companies  RNK Design and Engineering Company Limited (RNK) and Flaming Engineering Company Limited (FEL)  to secure lucrative renovation contracts for Tokyo Lifestyle in Kowloon and Donki in Macau.

The ICAC stated that Pang was responsible for coordinating contractors and managing tender exercises for KCL.

Regarding the Donki Macau project, valued at over HKD23.4 million, Pang submitted five tenders and ultimately awarded the contract to FEL. She also advised FELs representative during the tender interview process, the ICAC noted.

Acting on Pangs recommendation, KCL paid RNK HKD1.7 million for the Tokyo Lifestyle project in Kowloon.

Sentencing was adjourned to July 21, pending a background report, with Pang granted bail.

The case also involves three co-defendants  Li Po-wa, director of RNK; Pang Wai-yin, former RNK site supervisor; and Yung Chor-chi, operator of FEL  who have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled for a pre-trial review on November 27.

The ICAC commended RNK and Donki for their full cooperation during the investigation, stating, RNK and Donki rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.

Donki, internationally known as Don Don Donki, is a Japanese discount store chain renowned for its wide product selection. Founded in Tokyo in 1980, the brand has expanded across Asia and beyond.

In September 2021, Donki opened its Fai Chi Kei store in Macau.
Wondering what happened to Tony Sadiku? The CBS meteorologists sudden absence from broadcasts after July 3 has sparked many questions from viewers. Many fans turned to social media to ask what happened. In response, Sadiku clarified the reason behind his absence and when he will return to the studio.

Here are more details about Sadikus recent absence from CBS broadcasts.

What happened to Tony Sadiku?

Meteorologist Tony Sadiku hasnt appeared on CBS News since the July 3 broadcast, prompting questions from viewers who noticed his absence. Several concerned fans reached out through social media, wondering why he hadnt been on-air. In response to one of the messages, Sadiku addressed the speculation via Facebook. The CBS meteorologist clarified that he was simply taking the week off and would be returning to his role on Monday, July 14.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During his time away from the studio, the meteorologist gave followers a glimpse into his downtime by posting an Instagram story from Ibiza, Spain, suggesting he had traveled abroad. He has since returned to New York ahead of his scheduled return to the air. (via North Jersey)

Sadiku, a certified meteorologist and member of the CBS News New York First Alert Weather Team since December 2023, regularly delivers forecasts for the Tri-State area. His short hiatus comes during a season marked by increased weather activity, including ongoing updates on tropical storms and changing temperature conditions in the region.

Before joining WCBS, Sadiku spent time forecasting weather at television stations in Florida and North Carolina, including FOX affiliates in Tampa and Fort Myers and an ABC affiliate in Charlotte. Beyond his broadcast work, he also teaches meteorology as an adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. (via CBS News)

Fans eager for his return can expect to see him resume his usual afternoon and evening weather reports starting Monday, July 14.

Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.

The post Where Is Tony Sadiku? CBS Meteorologist Absence Explained appeared first on Mandatory.
The White Sage Fire was burning about one and a half miles from White Sage, Arizona, and approximately 15 miles southeast of Fredonia in Coconino County, north of the Grand Canyon.

The Bureau of Land Management was first notified of the fire on July 9, following a thunderstorm that had moved through, according to federal records.

The wildfire forced the evacuation of residents in Jacob Lake and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, as well as both directions of U.S. Highway 89A.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Coconino County Sheriff's Office deputies and other officials were assisting people in the Jacob Lake area, as well as helping campers out of the Kaibab National Forest, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Office.

Wildfires: Evacuation area expands for White Sage Fire near Grand Canyon North Rim

Map shows White Sage Fire is burning north of Grand Canyon

Photos of the White Sage Fire in northern Arizona

See where wildfires are burning in Arizona

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Map shows how close White Sage Fire is to Grand Canyon
GREENBELT, Md. (DC News Now)  The same attorney who admitted in court that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported has released a slew of emails backing up his whistleblower letter, claiming that a top Justice Department official was willing to outright ignore court orders.

Erez Reuveni, formerly the Acting Deputy Director for the Office of Immigration Litigation, said in a whistleblower complaint from June 24 that he became aware of the Department of Justices (DOJ) plans to resist court orders during its deportation efforts.

In the 27-page letter, Reuveni details his experience trying to argue on behalf of the government in three separate cases while refusing to violate laws. After adamantly expressing concerns to his superiors, he said his professional advice was mostly ignored by the DOJ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ward 8 voters voice support, concern over Trayon Whites potential reelection

His 15-year legal career came to a crossroads when he admitted in court during the Abrego Garcia case that the Maryland resident and El Salvador national was deported in error, due to being granted a protected withholding of removal to his home country.

He believed that, despite the high-profile nature of the case, it would be resolved through a straightforward return of Abrego Garcia to the United States.

In his letter, Reuvini claimed that Abrego Garcias wrongful termination was the third illegal order that arose in recent months.

The emails between Reuveni and James Percival

Emails between Reuveni and James Percival  senior counsel to Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem  revealed that Percival inquired about the possibility of painting Abrego Garcia as an MS-13 leader as part of their defense. To which Reuveni responded with: If we can get a declaration to the effect, yes.

Screenshot of the email between Reuvini and Percival, included in documents submitted to the U.S. Senate. (Courtesy of the U.S. Senate)

Partially redacted emails were sent by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Reuveni; the ICE member issued a declaration to support Abrego Garcias alleged MS-13 status.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The email states he was a verified member, but said they would have to do additional digging into whether he was a leader. The sender agreed that the Abrego Garcia case was a result of administrative oversight.

Various discussions highlighted some officials concerns with the MS-13 argument. One state official said that the Tennessee traffic stop, a key source document in these claims, provided little evidence to support the MS-13 claim.

During the 2022 traffic stop, Abrego Garcia was driving a vehicle with nine passengers without any luggage, prompting police to suspect human smuggling. No charges were filed at the time.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kilmar Abrego Garcia could be deported to Mexico or South Sudan, ICE official tells judge

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Several emails requesting answers on guidance from various DOJ, DHS and Department of Defense (DOD) leaders were ignored or deflected  or resulted in an atmosphere of finger-pointing at other departments. Conflicting orders, miscommunication and disinformation made providing answers to judges challenging.

When Reuveni received a call from Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign asking why he didnt argue the point of Abrego Garcia being deemed a terrorist and MS-13 gang leader  therefore nullifying his protected status  Reuveni explained that those arguments werent included in the governments brief, nor had they been proven with substantial evidence.

Reuvenis whistleblower letter describes his interaction with Ensign regarding Abrego Garcia. (Courtesy of the U.S. Senate)

In his opinion, he was additionally skeptical of the legal legitimacy of an argument that deeming someone a terrorist automatically voided their protected status.

As a result, Reuveni was put on administrative leave on April 5, and his employment was ultimately terminated on April 11.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These high-level governmental personnel knowingly and willfully defied court orders, directed

their subordinate attorneys to make misrepresentations to courts, and engaged in a scheme to withhold relevant information from the court to advance the Administrations priority of deporting noncitizens, the letter reads.

Interaction with Emil Bove

Principal Assistant Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, who is currently up for a federal appeals court judge position, was called out by the whistleblower, who alleged that Bove was among those leaders encouraging a disregard of the courts.

Trump judicial nominee Bove denies advising Justice Department lawyers to ignore court orders

Bove stressed that the initial planes filled with immigrants after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act needed to take off no matter what. If the courts issued an order to stop the removals before they happened, Bove stated that DOJ would need to consider telling the courts f you and ignore it, according to the whistleblowers account.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr. Reuvenie perceived that others in the room looked stunned, and he observed awkward, nervous glances among people in the room, the 27-page letter read.

The letter explained that he was stunned by Boves statement because  as far as he knew  no one in DOJ leadership, in any administration, had ever suggested the department could blatantly ignore court orders.

On June 25, the day after the letter was released, Bove appeared in front of lawmakers regarding his confirmation hearing for the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals  firmly denouncing Reuvenis claims that he defied court orders and asserting he wasnt Trumps enforcer.

Where is Kilmar Abrego Garcia now?

Abrego Garcia was eventually returned to the U.S. after increasing pressure, escalating all the way up to the Supreme Court, which ordered the government to facilitate his return. Initially adopting a broad interpretation of facilitate, the Trump administration dragged its feet on Abrego Garcias return.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kilmar Abrego Garcia says he was beaten, subjected to psychological torture in El Salvador jail

When he was finally back on U.S. soil, the El Salvador native was immediately arrested on human smuggling charges and confined to a Tennessee jail.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia could be deported to Mexico or South Sudan, ICE official tells judge

While the Trump administration cant deport him back to his native country, a U.S. immigration official said on Thursday that Mexico and South Sudan might be willing to take him.

If Abrego Garcia is released from jail, Thomas Giles, an assistant director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, testified in a Maryland federal court that ICE would detain him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Abrego Garcia is due back in court on Friday.

Digital Content Producer Gabby Allen contributed to this reporting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
The White House maintains that last months Operation Midnight Hammer "obliterated" Irans nuclear sites despite a new report from The New York Times suggesting Israeli officials have concluded some enriched uranium survived the targeted U.S. attack.

According to the Times, a portion of the stockpile of near-bomb-grade enriched uranium located underground survived bombs dropped by B-2 stealth bombers June 21, 2025, which may still be accessible to Iranian nuclear engineers.

When asked about the report, Anna Kelly, a White House deputy press secretary, told Fox News, "As President Trump has said many times, Operation Midnight Hammer totally obliterated Iran's nuclear facilities. The entire world is safer thanks to his decisive leadership."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The White Houses messaging reiterates what President Donald Trump has said since the night of the attacks, which is that Irans nuclear sites were "totally obliterated."

Operation Midnight Hammer: Historic B-2 Bomber Mission Flew From Missouri To Strike Iranian Nuclear Sites

President Donald Trump is joined by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during an address to the nation in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., June 21.

Operation Midnight Hammer commenced when B-2 stealth bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri at 12:01 a.m. June 21. Some of the bombers flew west and into the Pacific as a decoy, while the main strike force of seven B-2 Spirit bombers, each with two crew members, flew silently eastward with minimal communication as they undertook the 18-hour flight to the target area.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The flight required the aircraft to refuel multiple times without landing, and when overland, the strike group linked up with escort and support aircraft from Central Command.

At about 5 p.m. EST, a U.S. submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles against key surface infrastructure targets as the main strike force entered Iranian airspace.

Midnight Hammer Is 'Mission Accomplished' But There's One Big Red Flag

Iran's Fordow nuclear site, left; a U.S. stealth B-2 bomber.

Additional tactics were used to deceive Iranian forces as the B-2 strike group approached Fordow and Natanz. A total of 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) weapons, commonly known as bunker-busters, were dropped on Fordow and Natanz, while Tomahawk missiles launched by U.S. submarines were last to strike, hitting targets at Isfahan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the mission, Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. military carried out "massive precision strikes on three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan."

Trump also addressed the nation on television, touting the success of Operation Midnight Hammer.

"Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated," Trump said. "And Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier."

Pentagon Flexes Us Military's Decoys And Strategic Deception That Took Iran And World By Surprise

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth takes a question from a reporter during a news conference at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., June 22.

Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have railed against the "fake news" media ever since the attacks for casting doubt that the U.S. strikes on Iran destroyed the countrys nuclear program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While at a NATO summit last month, Hegseth slammed CNN and The New York Times, arguing they work "to find a way to spin" the news.

"There's a reason the president calls out fake news for what it is," Hegseth said. "These pilots, these refuelers, these fighters, these air defenders. The skill and the courage it took to go into enemy territory flying 36 hours on behalf of the American people and the world to take out a nuclear program is beyond what anyone in this audience can fathom."

"And then the instinct, the instinct of CNN, the instinct of the New York Times, is to try to find a way to spin it for their own political reasons, to try to hurt President Trump or our country," he added. "They don't care what the troops think. They don't care what the world thinks. They want to spin it to try to make him look bad based on a leak.

"Of course, we've all seen plenty of leakers. And what [do] leakers do? They have agendas. And what do they do? Do they share the whole information or just the part that they want to introduce?"

Fox News Digitals Emma Colton and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.





Original article source: White House again defends success of B-2 raid on Iran amid new report some uranium survived
(Fixes hyperlink in paragraph 11)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Marines on the streets of Los Angeles. Masked immigration officers at courthouses and popular restaurants. Bans on travelers from more than a dozen countries.

For senior White House aide Stephen Miller, the architect of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, things were going according to plan.

He'd set an aggressive quota of 3,000 arrests per day in late May, and the efforts to meet that goal pushed U.S. immigration officers into more communities and businesses, triggering protests and political tensions with Democrats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Then the president called Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was in Los Angeles with other immigration officials in mid June, according to three former U.S. officials with knowledge of the call.

"He said: 'Were going to do this targeted,'" one of the three former U.S. officials said. "Everybody heard it.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement paused raids on farms, hotels, restaurants and food processing plants after the call, the former officials said. Trump was not aware of the extent of the enforcement push, one of the former officials told Reuters at the time, and "once it hit him, he pulled it back."

The pause was short-lived. ICE rescinded the guidance days after it was issued, leaving some officials confused about how to proceed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The episode illustrated a moment of dissonance within Trump's immigration team, which has otherwise appeared to be in lock step on strategy, two of the former officials said. It was a sign that Miller's no-holds-barred approach could go too far, even for the president, they said.

A White House official said there was no daylight between Miller and Trump and Miller's approach to immigration enforcement had not made farms a primary target. The official also said the initial ICE directive pausing raids had not been authorized by top administration leaders.

Miller, 39, has long been known as obsessed with immigration but now wields immense power over multiple areas in the West Wing as deputy chief of staff for policy, an increase in influence since Trump's 2017-2021 presidency.

Under his leadership, the Trump administration has doubled immigration arrests, pushed the legal limits of deportations, blocked travelers from 19 countries, moved to restrict birthright citizenship and helped Republicans pass a spending law that devotes an estimated $170 billion to immigration enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Miller also has been a prominent voice on many of the president's other priorities, including countering diversity initiatives and targeting transgender rights. He is one of a small group of White House staffers who approve all executive orders, a person familiar with the matter said.

But when it comes to immigration, Miller pushes experimental policies that test the bounds of the Constitution, three former colleagues said, including a challenge to birthright citizenship, enshrined in the 14th Amendment.

"He just has a worldview that he is 100% sure of, one Republican official said.

In a social media post urging Republicans to support the spending package Trump signed into law last week, Miller suggested society could crumble if the bill failed to pass.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Republicans have spent generations promising Americans full, complete and total border security," he wrote in a post on X. "Now is the moment to fulfill the promise on which the fate of civilization itself depends."

Critics say Miller is stoking nativism for political purposes and endorsing policies that seem crafted for cruelty rather than effectiveness.

Administration officials, including Noem, praised Miller for his loyalty to Trump and said he was instrumental in shaping the administration's immigration agenda.

Stephen's passion, patriotism and persistence help fuel this administration in our efforts to carry out the largest deportation of criminal illegal aliens in the history of our republic," she said in a statement to Reuters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

UNPRECEDENTED INFLUENCE

Trump recaptured the White House in part by campaigning to curb illegal immigration, saying millions had entered unlawfully under former President Joe Biden and portraying them as dangerous criminals who needed to be removed. Miller was a central figure driving that narrative and championed the policies that have fueled Trumps aggressive crackdown.

Initially, immigration was Trump's strongest-polling issue, but public approval slipped to 44% in mid-June from 47% a month earlier as the crackdown accelerated, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The unprecedented influence Miller now has over the U.S. immigration system stems from his lengthy and close relationship with Trump, colleagues said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"He was there from the very, very beginning of the Trump phenomenon, said Marc Short, former chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence. He has stayed loyal throughout the first administration to the president and to this day."

Miller, who is married with three young children, established himself as a major policy figure during Trumps first term. He was remarkably driven and assertive, and used the same tone with colleagues as he did in appearances on TV, a former Trump administration official said.

It was hard to get a word in edgewise, the former official said. Hes not very interested in what you think. Its not a collaborative conversation. If you try to engage, he will talk over you.

Miller called senior homeland security officials so often that they needed a dedicated staffer to talk to him, the former official said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The direct outreach to agency staffers has carried over into the current administration, according to one current and one former official.

Two former officials said the threat of crossing Miller and then getting fired and potentially blacklisted by Trump and his political allies also contributed to his authority.

Miller co-founded the conservative advocacy group America First Legal after Trump left office in 2021, which filed or supported lawsuits over immigration policies and other issues.

In the second Trump administration, in addition to his deputy chief of staff role, Miller helms the White House's Homeland Security Council, which coordinates immigration and other domestic security policies within the administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Miller came in with all of his staffers in place, a contrast to other areas within the National Security Council, and appears to operate more independently, a person familiar with the matter said. He was ready to rock and roll on Day One, the person said.

While dozens of officials were fired from the NSC as part of a downsizing, Millers homeland group remained unaffected, the person said.

'XENOPHOBIC WORLD VIEW'

Miller grew up in Santa Monica, California, where about a quarter of residents are foreign born. He embraced conservative ideas as far back as high school and developed a reputation early in his political career as a provocateur.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He attended Duke University in North Carolina where he stood out for his defense of white lacrosse players who had been accused of raping a Black woman working as a stripper in 2006, writing about the prominent case in newspaper columns and appearing on Fox News. The accusations were determined to be a hoax, which the woman admitted last year.

Democrats have criticized Miller as the driving force behind Trump's harshest policies.

A group of congressional Democrats who in 2019 called Miller a far-right white nationalist with a racist and xenophobic world view" included Karen Bass, who is now the mayor of Los Angeles and has clashed with the Trump administration over ICE raids there.

Miller's wife, Katie Miller, was an aide to billionaire Elon Musk during his roughly four-month stint at the White House. She departed to work for Musk after he left in late May. Current and former Trump officials gave no indication that Trump's off-and-on friction with Musk had caused tension between the president and his longtime aide.

Nearly a month after Trump's call and the back-and-forth over ICE raids, Miller's crackdown continues.

On Tuesday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said agricultural workers would not receive "amnesty" and that the administration wants an entirely American workforce.

In Los Angeles, federal agents flanked by heavily armored U.S. troops marched through a city park in a show of force that angered local officials.

Trump called Miller "our star" when introducing him last week at the opening of a migrant detention center officials dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" because of its location in the Florida Everglades, a subtropical wetland teeming with reptiles and other wildlife.

Speaking at a roundtable with Miller and Noem, Trump said even Miller would respect how Noem had handled her role. "I don't think he likes anybody," Trump said.

Miller, in turn, praised Trump for empowering ICE and Border Patrol to step up immigration enforcement and using legal tools and diplomacy to ramp up deportations.

"Watching what you've done, sir, has been one of the honors of a lifetime," Miller said. "I'm proud to be able to play any role in it."

(Reporting by Ted Hesson and Jeff Mason in Washington, and Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Michael Learmonth)
The White House is being mercilessly mocked on social media after posting a meme showing President Donald Trump as Superman in an apparent attempt to capitalize on the buzz generated by the release of a new blockbuster film about DCs Man of Steel.

THE SYMBOL OF HOPE. TRUTH. JUSTICE. THE AMERICAN WAY. SUPERMAN TRUMP, the post proclaims above a picture of the president soaring through the cosmos in the heros trademark blue tights and red cape, a parody of the movies poster.

Trump himself is no stranger to grandiose comparisons, likening himself to Harry Truman earlier this week over his decision to bomb Irans nuclear facilities last month and previously drawing parallels between himself and everyone from Elvis Presley to Jesus Christ, Sir Winston Churchill, and Mother Teresa.

A meme of President Donald Trump as Superman posted by the official White House X account on Friday July 11 2025 (The White House/X)

He has also compared himself to a superhero before, hawking digital trading cards in late 2022 that bore his image as an omnipotent vigilante for the low price of $99 each.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The White Houses meme has already drawn a scathing backlash on social media, with California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia pointing out: Hes literally Lex Luthor.

Political commentator Mehdi Hasan fumed: Just imagine the response if the Biden White House had posted something like this. But Trump is graded on some kind of never-seen-before curve and this craziness is normalized.

At least one person enjoyed the comparison: actor Dean Cain, who played Superman on TV in the 1990s and is now a vocal MAGA conservative, responded to the White Houses post with two laughing emojis.

During President Joe Bidens term in office, his administration received similar criticism after posting an image of the Democrat as his joke alter ego Dark Brandon, complete with glowing red eyes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I guess they thought we werent enough of a laughingstock to the rest of the world already, sighed Ron Filipkowski.

AI creator Mario Pawlowksi observed: Superman was an illegal immigrant growing up on an American farm and a hero from a comic book. Trump is a total opposite of Superman, a Superloser.

Others supplied their own AI-generated memes of Trump as the character, available in both flattering and deeply offensive versions. At the same time, several people used the moment to express their ongoing outrage over the administrations claim that the fabled Jeffrey Epstein files do not exist.

Donald Trump pictured as a generic superhero for his own range of digital trading cards (Donald Trump/Truth Social)

More than one person suggested the Epstein files were Trumps Kryptonite.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Perhaps most cuttingly of all, an account called Mr. Frog remarked that the official White House account is now just a slop engagement farm.

James Gunns new reboot of the beloved superhero franchise, starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, has already received a thumbs-down from Fox News, with Greg Gutfeld complaining that the latest interpretation of the character is superwoke.

Jesse Watters, Kellyanne Conway, Laura Ingraham, and Ben Shapiro have all likewise criticized the film, in some cases, by their own admission, without having actually seen it.
The Trump White House mocked California Rep. Jimmy Gomez on its X account on Friday with a picture altered by artificial intelligence that made it look like the man was crying. The post came after Gomez said Trump and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were targeting the immigrant farm workers who feed America, following a crackdown on a California weed farm a day prior.

In response, the White House X account posted the AI-warped picture of Gomezs headshot and added a fake quote, saying, ThEyRe JuSt StRaWberRy PiCkErs, using a format known as the Mocking Spongebob meme.

More from TheWrap

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That quote was making a joke of what Gomez claimed on X, where he asked How many MS-13 gang members are waking up at 3 a.m. to pick strawberries? Oyeah, zero!

Drew Harwell, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, lamented on Bluesky that the White House is posting AI-altered photos of members of Congress made to look like theyre crying. No disclosure its fake. Half a million views.

ICE: Raids marijuana farms filled with illegal aliens



Cryin' Jimmy: ThEy'Re JuSt StRaWbErRy PiCkErS  



That aint produce, holmes. THAT'S PRODUCT.  https://t.co/D1lr6ij8VBpic.twitter.com/HO2P4XuwKg  The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 11, 2025

Gomez was not the only California politician to ridicule the Trump Administration and ICE for the pot farm raid. California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted a video of the operation on X and called Trump scum for sending kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields.

CBS News reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez on Friday reported federal agents had criminal warrants related to the harboring and employment of immigrants in the U.S. illegally for the raid. She added that two DHS officials told her 10 child workers were found as part of the raid, and a child labor investigation is now underway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are other examples of the Trump Administration using AI-altered images and memes to troll critics. In March, The White Houses X account posted a Ghibli-style meme of a fentanyl trafficker being deported, and on Thursday, its X account posted a picture of President Trump as Superman and a meme of PANICANS being upset the stock market was hitting new highs.

The post White House Mocks Congressman With AI-Altered Photo on Social Media appeared first on TheWrap.
By Nandita Bose

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House is scrutinizing layoff plans by federal agencies in an effort to limit further court challenges after the Supreme Court cleared the way for a sweeping downsizing of the government workforce, according to two senior White House officials with knowledge of the matter.

The White House Counsel's Office and the Office of Personnel Management are coordinating with federal agencies to ensure their plans comply with the law, one of the officials said. That includes meeting requirements set by Congress, such as rules for how layoffs must occur and the minimum number of staff an agency must retain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The official declined to give a specific timetable for when layoffs will begin but said the plan is to move quickly.

"The goal is to simplify the size of the federal government, so we will do what we need to do to reach that goal," the official said, calling the downsizing an "immediate priority."

The Supreme Court's decision on Tuesday opened the door for President Donald Trump's administration to pursue thousands of government job cuts across multiple agencies. While administration officials have called the effort a streamlining of government, unions and their allies warn the layoffs will disrupt lives and essential services, and hollow out agencies already stretched thin.

The White House on Tuesday had applauded the Supreme Court ruling but stopped short of saying agencies could immediately execute the workforce reduction plans they drafted at Trump's direction earlier this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With hundreds of thousands of unionized federal workers, large-scale layoffs must also comply with labor contracts or risk additional legal challenges.

Legal experts say that even if the administration meets basic legal thresholds, agencies may still face broader lawsuits related to due process, civil service protections, union rights and public access to services.

One of the senior officials said the administration expects legal challenges.

"You're just going to see in the coming days, the different plans that sort of come out ... they're going to be legally sound, (but) they're still gonna get lawsuits, because that's just the way it goes," the official said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, the U.S. State Department said it was moving forward with its plan to lay off employees. The department is widely expected to send the first notices of employment termination on Friday. In late May, the agency had proposed laying off nearly 2,000 employees.

Upon taking office in January, Trump launched a campaign to downsize the 2.3 million-strong federal civilian workforce, an effort led by billionaire Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.

By late April, the project had resulted in the firing, resignations and early retirements of 260,000 federal employees, according to a Reuters tally.

The U.S. departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, State, Treasury, Veterans Affairs and more than a dozen other agencies submitted layoff plans to the White House in March to reduce staff. Months of legal uncertainty have left those plans stuck in limbo until this week's ruling.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose in WashingtonAdditional reporting by Courtney Rozen in WashingtonEditing by Colleen Jenkins and Matthew Lewis)
The official White House Instagram account ignited a firestorm online after sharing a digitally altered image depicting President Donald Trump as Superman.

Fans, celebrities, and critics flooded social media to condemn the post, with many accusing the Donald Trump-aligned White House of copyright infringement and political propaganda.

White House Mocked For Donald Trump Superman Meme

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The graphic, styled like a movie poster, shows Donald Trump in the Man of Steels iconic red-and-blue suit with the S emblem prominently displayed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Above him reads the tagline, A Trump Presidency, while below are the words, Truth, Justice, and the American Way. At the bottom, the title simply reads, Superman alongside the White House logo.

But the image quickly spiraled into controversy.

Trump As Superman? Internet Explodes Over Super Felon Meme

Actor Patrick Dougall, known for his role on "Young Sheldon," was among those calling for immediate legal action, writing, Warner Bros, PLEASE sue.

Others slammed the image as not just cringeworthy, but dangerous.

The only superpower Trump has is committing felonies at the speed of light, one user wrote.

This isnt just cringe. Its cult-building 101, another warned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many found the attempt to liken Trump to a superhero ironic, given his ongoing legal troubles and controversial political history.

Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, its Super Felon, quipped one commenter.

Who TF runs this account? The most lame sh-t on the daily, another frustrated follower added.

Critics Slam Donald Trump 'Superman' Meme As Cult-Like Propaganda

Chris Kleponis - Pool via CNP / MEGA

The post has also fueled fresh concern about the increasing use of meme-style content by government-linked social media accounts, particularly those affiliated with Donald Trump and his digital team.

Yall are such a delulu cult, one critic wrote.

I cant believe this is the country I live in, another shared in disbelief.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is embarrassing, as our whole current administration is. What a joke," a third said. "I don't even recognize our country, but decorum and decency have definitely left the building!"

"This is so f-cking gross and pathetic. Just like Trump," someone else commented.

Epstein Comments Resurface Amid Trumps 'Superman' Backlash

Days before the White Houses viral post depicting Donald Trump as "Superman," comments regarding the former presidents long-documented ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced.

The renewed attention comes in part from a moment during Trumps presidency when he abruptly shut down a journalist for bringing up Epstein during a 2019 White House Cabinet meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The reporter had attempted to ask Pam Bondi about Epstein when Donald Trump quickly cut in, Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guys been talked about for years, he snapped, before scolding the press. At a time like this, where were having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened in Texas, it just seems like a desecration.

The moment, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, is continuing to make the rounds as critics slam the meme-style "Superman" post as tone-deaf and cult-like.

Some have even gone as far as to call the resurfacing of Epstein ties Trumps kryptonite.

"The Epstein files are his kryptonite," one social media user wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Superman doesnt protect pedos," another said.

Donald Trumps Epstein Quote Resurfaces Amid Backlash

Chris Kleponis - CNP / MEGA

Though Donald Trump has repeatedly denied any involvement in Epsteins crimes, his 2002 quote about the disgraced financier continues to haunt him.

Ive known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy, Trump once told New York Magazine. Hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.

The former president has since claimed the friendship ended years before Epsteins 2008 conviction, but in the eyes of critics, the damage is already done.

Regarding the recent "Superman" post from The White House, it remains unclear whether Warner Bros., the owner of "Superman" and its associated trademarks, plans to take legal action over the unauthorized use of the characters likeness. However, if the studio decides to respond, it could mark a rare intersection between Hollywood IP protection and presidential politics.
Fire officials expanded the evacuation area for the fast-moving White Sage Fire near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on July 11.

The new evacuation area is a vast chunk of land north of the Grand Canyon with the following boundaries: the Utah border in the north, Grand Canyon National Park in the south, House Rock Valley Road/Buffalo Ranch Road in the east, and Kaibab National Forest in the west. The area is in "go" status, meaning all residents and visitors should leave immediately.

Residents of Jacob Lake in northern Coconino County were evacuated on July 10, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon was closed to visitors. Coconino County Sheriff's Office deputies, along with state and federal officials, evacuated campers and other recreators out of the Kaibab National Forest through the night on July 10, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon remained closed on July 11 until further notice, according to the National Park Service.

Both directions of U.S. Highway 89A were closed on the morning of July 11. Southbound lanes were closed at Fredonia, while northbound lanes were closed in Bitter Springs. Drivers should expect delays and find alternate routes, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. There was no estimated time for the highway to reopen.

Fire officials believe the blaze was caused by lightning. The Bureau of Land Management was first notified of the fire on July 9, following a thunderstorm in the area, according to federal records.

The fire had burned roughly 8,700 acres and was not contained as of 2 p.m. on July 11. The fire expanded drastically on the afternoon of July 10 and the early morning of July 11, according to federal officials. Wind gusts and hot, sunny weather spurred "very extreme fire behavior" throughout that time, officials reported.

How to check if highways are open

ADOT offers several options for checking whether roads are clear:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov allows travelers to map routes and see closures affecting travel time.

The AZ511 app for Apple and Android mobile devices is a smartphone-friendly version of the Arizona Traveler Information site.

Within Arizona, dialing 511 calls the Arizona Traveler Information line, which offers traffic reports. Just say the route you're driving and the automated system will respond with traffic delay information. If 511 doesn't work from a cellphone, dial 1-888-411-ROAD (7623). If you're outside the U.S., dial 1-520-200-0105.

ADOT also provides updates on highway conditions via its X feed @ArizonaDOT.

(This story has been updated with new information.)

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: White Sage Fire Arizona: Evacuation area near Grand Canyon grows
MGM Cotai has launched The Travelers Whisper series at Bar Patua, featuring guest mixologist collaborations that celebrate the citys multicultural heritage.

The series invites internationally renowned bartenders to showcase innovative cocktails blending Eastern and Western influences, reflecting the citys diverse culture.

In July, Bar Patua will host two special guest mixologist sessions.

On July 14, Ryu Fujii, owner and master mixologist of Craftroom in Osaka, Japan, will present three tea wine cocktails that combine tradition with modern mixology techniques. Craftroom is ranked among Asias 50 Best Bars.

On July 16, Yong Wei, head bartender of Singapores Native bar, will take over Bar Patua with a focus on creative, zero-waste cocktails. Native is recognized for its sustainability-driven menu and has consistently appeared on Asias 50 Best Bars list.
The Brief

Crews are battling the White Sage Fire in northern Arizona.

The fire has prompted evacuations in the Jacob Lake area.

The fire has burned nearly 11,000 acres with no containment.

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - Crews in northern Arizona are battling a wildfire that has burned thousands of acres of land and forced evacuations.

What we know

According to the federal government website InciWeb, the White Sage Fire was sparked by lightning, and began on July 9. The fire began around 1.5 miles from the community of White Sage, and about 15 miles to the southeast of Fredonia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fire has burned nearly 11,000 acres with no containment.

What they're saying

"Our priority number one is human life and also public safety, firefighter safety with winds that are up to 15 to 20 miles per hour with all these dry fuels and these gusty erratic winds. Its really important to keep the public and our firefighters safe," said Rachel Carnahan with the Bureau of Land Management.

Evacuations ordered

Local perspective

According to Watch Duty, the following areas are under "GO" status, meaning residents should evacuate:

Immediate area of Jacob Lake

All areas north of Jacob Lake

All areas south of Jacob Lake, to Forest Service Road 212

North Rim Grand Canyon visitors

North to the Arizona-Utah border

South to Grand Canyon National Park

East to House Rock Valley and Buffalo Ranch Road

West to Kaibab National Forest

Road closures

Meanwhile, ADOT officials say U.S. Highway 89A is closed in both directions at milepost 595 because of the fire.

US 89A near Jacob Lake (MP 595): Both directions of the highway are closed due to a brush fire. There's no estimated reopening time.



For updates on traffic and road conditions:

 https://t.co/3l4R4g60mW

 Apple: https://t.co/YMcnUEeWQs

 Android: https://t.co/9oINS4ymQPpic.twitter.com/asfN2EVp5n  Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) July 11, 2025

Map of where the fire is burning
On the menu: Carry them back to old Virginny; Big mad mood; GOP senators fret about Musk; Liberian lingo; Reaching the checkered flag

Theres testing the waters and then theres going off the high dive  for instance, announcing a visit to the Iowa State Fair by posting a video of yourself that begins with a crowd chanting your name over Queens We Will Rock You.

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego (D) is not acting bashful about the possibility that he may contend for his partys 2028 presidential nomination, nor is he alone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

California Gov. Gavin Newsom campaigned in South Carolina this week, taking special pains to reach out to black voters, including those represented by Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.). Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), meanwhile, was kicking off a new national effort funded by Democratic mega-donors in Philadelphia. And, perhaps sensing that ours is not a time for reluctant self-promoters, the previously bashful Andy Beshear, governor of Kentucky, kicked the door wide open to a potential run.

Having watched Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) soak up lots of limelight for her successful support of Zohran Mamdani in New Yorks primary mayoral election last month, the rest of the Democratic field seems to be in a hurry to get into the conversation.

But where to begin? As the differing destinations of Gallego and Newsom suggest, there isnt a great deal of clarity just now about where and in what order the Democratic nominating process will unfold. The party ripped up its primary calendar in 2024 in order to protect former President Biden, who was a vulnerable incumbent, pushing away progressive voters in New Hampshire and Iowa in favor of more moderate electorates in South Carolina and Michigan. This time, its very much an open question.

Gallego, Newsom, Shapiro and Beshear join Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in the pool of Democratic water testers visiting potential early primary states and courting party power brokers. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her 2024 running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are both potential contenders, but one imagines Democrats will be very much in the mood for something new and different next time around.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Different like you-know-who.

After a springtime campaign swing that drew massive crowds in California and the rest of the West, Ocasio-Cortez was already looking formidable in her party. And, almost as impressive as the crowds, was the implicit endorsement from two-time progressive presidential heartthrob, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Starting the summer with a member of the same Democratic Socialist movement in her own hometown stunning the Democratic establishment was another boost.

Nor does it hurt that by Election Day 2028, shell still only be 38 years old, the right age for a party that has revived its traditional affection for youth politics in the wake of an extraordinarily embarrassing episode with Biden and his eventual ouster from the 2024 race. Shes also remade her image with party elites, going from the bomb-thrower of her first term to one who keeps her policies radical but learned to play an inside game in Washington.

The way Ocasio-Cortez would win the Democratic nomination would not look so different from the way a New York radical on the other side, President Trump, succeeded with Republicans in 2016. And she is right now getting one of the essential ingredients in that recipe: a crowded field among the normies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats inevitable in a party where so many believe that 2028 will be a very good year for Democrats. If Vice President Vance remains the front-runner for the Republican nomination; it wont be hard for members of the blue team to imagine how their party will win a change election based on turning the page from the Trump administration. That will entice lots of top-tier Democrats into the field.

The implication of that knowledge is what has Gallego, Newsom and company stampeding to the (maybe) early primary states. If the Democrats are going to end up where they have in every open presidential contest since 2004  a safer center-left pick fighting a left-wing favorite  the fight to be the surviving safe choice is already well underway. With good reason. The mainstream choice has won the partys nod every time, except for former President Obamas 2008 upset.

What we will find out in the coming months is whether Ocasio-Cortez has any real competition to be the favorite of the far left. So far, shes swimming in her own lane.

Holy croakano! We welcome your feedback, so please email us with your tips, corrections, reactions, amplifications, etc. at WholeHogPolitics@TheHill.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.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Trump Job Performance

Average Approval: 42 percent

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Average Disapproval: 53.2 percent

Net Score: -11.2

Change from one week ago: No change

Change from one month ago: +0.4 points

[Average includes: Marist College 43 percent approve  52 percent disapprove; Emerson College 45 percent approve  46 percent disapprove; Quinnipiac University 41 percent approve  54 percent disapprove Ipsos/Reuters 41 percent approve  57percent disapprove; Gallup 40 percent approve  57 percent disapprove]

No consensus on school choice for religious institutions

Do you favor tax-funded vouchers that help parents pay for tuition for their children to attend private or religious schools of their choice instead of public schools?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Favor: 35 percent

Oppose: 38 percent

Neither favor nor oppose: 25 percent

[National Opinion Research Center survey of 1,158 adults, June 5-9]

ON THE SIDE: CANT HOLD A CANDLE TO THE ORIGINAL

Writer Iris Gottlieb explains the origin of the restaurant birthday song for Gravy: Twenty years ago, when I worked at Bennigans, they kept it relatively simple, singing diners a bouncier rendition of the classic happy birthday song: Happy, happy birthday/Its your special day/Happy, happy birthday/Thats all were here to say (hey!) /Happy, happy birthday/May all your dreams come true/Happy, Happy birthday/From Bennigans to you (hey!) Restaurants often have their own version of the Happy Birthday Song, because the classic song didnt enter the public domain until the 2010s.  In 1988, Warner Chappell Music purchased the rights and started making up to $2 million yearly on Happy Birthday to You.  Companies regularly used alternate happy birthday songs to avoid paying licensing fees. Bennigans added some pizazz with on-beat claps and a tambourine. And the rest is restaurant history.

PRIME CUTS

In Virginia, GOP looks to run a Biden-era campaign: Semafor: On the stump, [Gov. Glenn Youngkins] aspiring successors clearly see power in memory lane. If you remember where we were in 2021  yes, they were bad times, said [Lt. Gov Winsome Earle-Sears, her partys gubernatorial nominee]. COVID shut down our schools? No, COVID didnt do that. It was the governor who shut down our schools, shut down our businesses, shut down our houses of worship. [Attorney General Jason Miyares], the only statewide official seeking reelection to his current job, denounced [Democratic challenger Jay] Jones criminal justice reform advocacy, linking it to a sexual assault case that Republicans blamed on Loudoun Countys inclusive gender policies.  He warned that all of the gains Republicans had made on public safety  often by letting the state move in to take cases woke local prosecutors had dropped  could be lost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The data on angry politics: The Liberal Patriot: This recent academic paper explored the psychological content of social media postings from heavy partisan users from 2013 to 2024 (on issues including abortion, democracy, gender equality, gun control, immigration, taxes and inequality, climate, and trade), finding one emotion standing out way above all the others: anger. The same pattern was found on the supply side when the researchers examined the emotional content of the tweets from official Republican Party and Democratic Party accounts from 2013 to 2024 and in speeches and public interactions made by Trump, Biden, and Harris from 2023 to 2024. Supply matches demand, according to their findings. Anger dominated all other emotions in terms of social media messages from party officials and in many public statements from leaders, with hope emerging a bit more in the official output of Democrats last cycle.

SHORT ORDER

Senate GOPers fear Musks America Party could cost them majority by splitting populist voters  The Hill

Independent Dan Osborn tries again for Nebraska Senate, this time targeting Ricketts  The Hill

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

North Carolina Dems clearing the field for former Gov. Roy Cooper to seek Tillis seat  WRAL

Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton, wife of Senate candidate Ken Paxton, files for divorce after years of standing by her husband amid allegations of infidelity, corruption  KUT

Burt Jones, Georgias deep-pocketed lieutenant governor who helped Trump try to overturn 2020 results, launches campaign for states top job  The Hill

Ernst, top Iowa GOP leaders back Rep. Randy Feenstra for governor  KCCI

Hoggs PAC faces first big test in Tuesday special election in Arizona  Politico

TABLE TALK: LANGUAGE BARRIER

And such good English, such beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?  President Trump to Joseph Boaka, president of Liberia, the African nation founded by Americans, the official language of which is English

You should email us! Write to WholeHogPolitics@TheHill.com with your tips, kudos, criticisms, insights, rediscovered words, wonderful names, recipes, and, always, good jokes. Please include your real name  at least first and last  and hometown. Make sure to let us know in the email if you want to keep your submission private. My colleague, the multitasking Meera Sehgal, and I will look for your emails and then share the most interesting ones and my responses here. Clickety clack!

FOR DESSERT: RICKY BOBBY, OFFICIANT

WSOC: A sign advertising a car show at a cemetery is raising eyebrows in Union County [North Carolina]. Families of loved ones buried at Forest Lawn East Cemetery say its disrespectful to host an event at a place thats considered to be sacred ground.  [Nancy Hare, whose parents are buried there] says she was shocked owners started advertising a car show at the cemetery for August 16. The event was planned for a grassy area in a new part of the cemetery. We find it disrespectful that they are promoting it as family fun and horsepower and good vibes and food and prizes, Hare said. Its just not the venue for it. Hare says other families shared their distaste with the event on social media. When [a reporter] brought those complaints to the managing partner of Forest Lawn East, he claimed he hadnt received any complaints.  Late Wednesday, Channel 9 learned that the Eventbrite listing for the event showed that the car show was now canceled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chris Stirewalt is the politics editor for The Hill and NewsNation, the host of The Hill Sunday on NewsNation and The CW, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the author of books on politics and the media. Meera Sehgal contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(NewsNation)  A surprise guilty plea prevented the public from learning more about what happened on Nov. 13, 2022, when criminology Ph.D. student Bryan Kohberger killed four University of Idaho students in their off-campus home.

But the parents of two of the victims, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin, are sharing their childrens stories in their first-ever televised interviews, revealing new details in the documentary, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders.

The four-part series premiered in full Friday on Amazon Prime Video, a subscription-based streaming service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bryan Kohberger beat Kaylee Goncalves before Idaho murders, parents say

In the middle of the night on November 13th, 2022, four University students were brutally murdered in an off-campus house in the quiet college town of Moscow, Idaho, the docuseries online description reads. With exclusive and intimate access to figures closest to the victims, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders explores the emotional twists and turns of this American tragedy and its continued fallout.

The docuseries was released nine days after Kohbergers unexpected plea deal on July 2, leaving the victims families and the public with unanswered questions.

The question everybody wants answered is why? Why these four kids? one of the parents asks in the docuseries trailer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kohbergers signed confession did not include a motive.

Kohberger fatally stabbed Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. He faces four consecutive life sentences and will be sentenced July 23.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The News

Republicans designed their party-line big, beautiful bill to deliver tax cuts now and benefit cuts later, a move that they hope shields them from midterm backlash.

Chuck Schumer has other plans.

The Democratic minority leader sees a path for his party to regain majorities in Congress  even the Senate  due to its unified opposition to President Donald Trumps tax-and-spending bill, which is set to transform the US economy over the next few years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It has really put their majority at risk, Schumer told Semafor of the Medicaid- and food stamp-cutting law in a Thursday interview at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee headquarters.

I want to show you this, he added, handing over a chart. This is a chart of the most unpopular acts of recent history.

On the document, compiled by data journalist G. Elliott Morris, Republicans sprawling law ranks second, in between the GOPs 2017 tax cuts and a failed attempt the same year to repeal Obamacare. Its not just Schumer talking about the proposals popularity: Ahead of the midterms, Republicans acknowledge they have some work to do selling it.

Democrats see parallels to 2018 and 2006, when backlash to GOP legislation propelled them to midterm victories (although in 2018, the upside only happened in the House). They describe Trumps tariff regime as a political storm front, on top of other effects of Trumps megabill: Cancelled clean energy projects in purple and red states, increased health care premiums as soon as this fall from expiring subsidies, and future benefit cuts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Schumers party struggled for months to effectively fight back against Trump as it worked through tactical and strategic divisions. But these days, the GOPs success in passing its agenda is creating lockstep unity in the opposition party.

We are going to make this the focus of the midterms, starting now, Schumer said. This is not one that we fight about. This is one where were all unified.

Nick Puglia, a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said Chuck Schumer should remember why his party does not control the current majority in the US Senate and wont in 2027, citing Democrats two party-line spending bills and Biden-era migration spikes.

Still, Republicans are taking the Democratic campaign seriously. Theyre emphasizing the bills tax cuts for overtime and tipped workers and defending its work requirements for Medicaid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres a great offensive message that you can get out there and counter the Democrat attacks, said Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota, Schumers GOP rival.

Weve now got a finished product to get out there and sell. And the individual components of which are incredibly popular.

Know More

Democrats could benefit from some GOP divisions on the bill: Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has likened its political drag to the early days of Obamacare; Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., says he wants to prevent some of the bills Medicaid cuts from ever taking place.

But pinning it to the most vulnerable GOP incumbents is a challenge. Tillis voted against the bill and is retiring. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, voted to advance the bill initially but voted no in the end, citing the Medicaid cuts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Susan Collins enabled the bill to happen. When her vote is needed, she gives it to Trump, Schumer said. She let it happen.

Back in Maine, Democrats tried to ding Collins for advancing the legislation, though she was not actually the deciding vote in a 51-49 roll call (Vice President JD Vance would have broken a tie if she voted no.) Shawn Roderick, a campaign spokesman for Collins, said Democrats are trying to confuse Mainers.

Senator Collins voted against the budget bill. Her reasoning was clear. Now theyre trying to trick people into believing otherwise, Roderick said.

To win back the Senate, Schumer needs to pick up North Carolina, Maine, and then some. Hell have to win two more GOP seats in red-leaning territory, and hold open seats in Michigan and New Hampshire, plus bring back Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Whats more, Democrats are still waiting on former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Maine Gov. Janet Millss decisions on running at all.

This is going to affect states that you never think would be affected, Schumer predicted. Im not going to talk about specific candidates, but youre seeing more enthusiasm for people running than we have before.

Notably, theres a good chance that whoever runs against Ossoff will be a House Republican who voted for the bill, offering a prime test case for the politics surrounding it.

We have some 11 hospitals and rural hospitals that are imperiled by this bill, and it is a job killer, said Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., citing clean energy projects that are now on the chopping block.

Room for Pollster Disagreement

Most mainstream pollsters find the sprawling megabill underwater, even as Republicans prepare to spend millions of dollars defending it. Democrats say connecting the bills cuts to food stamps and Medicaid with its tax cuts for the wealthy is the strongest message for voters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The argument thats so potent is that combination: Youre getting screwed because they are just trying to pay for these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, said CEO and co-founder of Blue Rose Research Jesse Stinebring.

One of the strongest forces in American politics is loss aversion: People worried that theyre about to lose something, or that they are losing something that they rely on, he added. That is the Achilles Heel of this bill.

Republicans are testing their own messages. A poll conducted for One Nation, a group aligned with GOP leaders, found support for work requirements for Medicaid and some of the bills key tax provisions.

In a memo released after the bill passed, GOP pollsters Tony Fabrizio and David Lee said Democratic attacks must be challenged by providing voters clear examples of how Republicans are defending working families from an impending tax increase, burdensome regulations, and the theft of Americans healthcare benefits.

Burgesss view

Midterm elections are typically more about the sitting president than any specific piece of legislation. But this megabill is not your typical new law. Its poised to play a central role in both parties advertising campaigns.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The battle for the House is already raging, and it wont take much to flip control to Democrats if voters sour on the bill. I still think its going to be tough for Democrats to take the Senate back, simply because of the composition of the battleground map, but politics is about entertaining all possibilities.

And the forceful moves by GOP leaders to defend the tax law shows they are taking Schumers efforts very seriously. That should tell you the 2026 battle for the Senate is real.

Notable
In early July, much to the surprise of the true-crime fans who had been avidly following the story, Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four college students in Moscow, Idaho, a case that has captivated and disturbed the public since it took place in November 2022. The Kohberger trial was scheduled to begin in August, and the former criminology grad student faced the possibility of the death penalty, possibly by firing squad. The plea deal he tookobjected to by some victims family membersleft Kohberger with four consecutive life sentences, in exchange for his admission of guilt and waiving the right to appeal.

Among the many people confounded by this news were surely those involved with promoting a new book by James Patterson and Vicky Ward, The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy, and a four-episode Amazon Prime Video documentary based on the book, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders, both of which come out this week. This book and show, presumably timed to hit the wave of interest that would have coincided with Kohbergers trial, join a preexisting small shelf of books on the so-called Idaho student murders, as well as reams of videos posted on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and copious text blocks of commentary on Reddit.

All of this content has been fundamentally narratively unsatisfying, because nobody knows exactly why Kohberger did what he has now pleaded guilty to doing. The victims, University of Idaho students Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison (Maddie) Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, were stabbed to death in their off-campus house in the wee hours of Nov. 13. The evidence against KohbergerDNA found on a knife sheath left at the scene; video footage of a car similar to his Hyundai Elantra circling the scene of the crime; purchase history showing hed bought a knife like the one used in the crime; and a lack of credible alibiseemed likely to net the prosecution a win in court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, despite the abundance of analysis and speculation surrounding the case, what has always been missing was a concrete connection between Kohberger, a Pennsylvania native and alienated graduate student about to lose his TA-ship in the criminology department at nearby Washington State University at the time of the murders, and the four happy, beautiful twentysomethings sleeping off a night of partying at 1122 King Rd. that night. The various books on these murders all conclude on the same open-ended note: Well find out more at the trial. Now, barring any sudden revelations, open-ended is likely the most were going to get.

The college towns of Moscow, Idaho, and Pullman, Washington, the latter where Kohberger lived, are only 15 minutes apart, across state lines, but the experiences that Kohberger and the victims were having at school couldnt have been more different. Patterson and Wards book and the Prime series based on it each draw a contrast between these two ways of being young in the United States in 2022. On the one hand, you had the four undergrads life in Moscow: an endless party, yes, but the tales of collegiate bacchanalia gain depth thanks to interviewees memories of the warm love between Chapin and Kernodle and of the longtime friendship of Mogen and Goncalves. On the other hand, you had the darker story of Kohbergers addictions, health problems, and constant difficulty forming attachments, whether to friends or to romantic partners.

Culture war lurks underneath the surface here, as it does everywhere in the 2020s. The four studentsavid participants in campus Greek life, living in a historically safe small Western townget depicted in most media, including this book and show, as ideal young Americans, under threat by an outsider with dark ideas. The killing took place in an off-campus house, home to six residents so trusting of the world that they might leave their doors open and assume that any young stranger who entered was there because theyd been invited to party. People describe college campuses as bubbles, but Moscows bubble, people who lived there describe, was stronger than most. Some interviewees in the Prime series note that they couldnt believe that these murders had happened, because they didnt live on the East Coastthey remember locals feeling relieved when they found out that at least the person responsible was not from Idaho.

Patterson and Ward, in their book, advance an argument around motive that draws on this contrast between two ways of being young: the security of deep normalcy versus the dangerous outsider who might have delighted in popping the illusion. Their argument is that Bryan Kohberger should be understood as an incel killer. Kohberger had studied the crimes of mass murderer Elliot Rodger, patron saint of misogynistic terrorists, in a criminology class in undergrad. Drawing on interviews with acquaintances, Patterson and Ward write that at the time leading up to the murders, Kohberger, like Rodger, is a virgin who hates women, who copes with loneliness by immersing himself in video games and goes for night drives  visits the gun range  goes to a local bar and tries to pick up women. Inhabiting Kohbergers subjectivity, Patterson and Ward imagine how he might have felt when he found out that a childhood friend had died of a drug overdosemaybe, they write, he would have thought about how Elliot Rodger reached a tipping point in the loss of his best friend. They explain Kohbergers aggressive behavior toward women in his graduate cohort and in the classes that he taught at WSU with reference to incel terminology, writing that according to incel lore, Beckys like the women in Kohbergers classes need to be put in their place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The book also includes a fictionalized chapter based on speculations around motive that Kohbergers fellow grad students at WSU shared with Patterson and Ward. Kohberger, who was vegan (another blue-state trait!), might, they hypothesize, have visited a Moscow restaurant called the Mad Greek, where Kernodle and Mogen were servers and where vegan pizza could be purchased. As soon as he walks inside, Ward and Patterson write with the present-tense flair characteristic of a thriller novel, he notices the blond waitress. With her long hair and sphinxlike blue eyes, she would definitely be marked as a Stacy by the incels. Shes the epitome of the women who turned down Elliot Rodger, they write of Mogen, going so far as to note that Rodger had a childhood friend named Maddy who started to ignore him after they grew up, and who featured in his writing as a target of his bitterness. Cellphone records, the Moscow police say, put Kohberger around the victims house 12 times between August and November of that year. Patterson and Ward write: The theory among Maddies friends is that she rejected him. So he watched. Waiting.

Should we lend credence to this theory? Maybe, maybe not! Again: These hypotheses will likely remain just that, now that Kohberger has pleaded guilty. The Prime documentary series, despite being based on the book, largely shies away from this kind of speculation. Its a much quieter treatment, striking a mournful tone, focusing on the victims and their families and friends. (I think hes a loser that shouldnt get talked about at all, says a young interviewee, one of the friend group and girlfriend to the poor kid who was the first to walk into the crime scene the morning after. I think the only true story should be about their lives.) This approach is effective, building toward moments in the fourth episode that are deeply moving. One of Chapins friends describes how he now opens up every packet of Taco Bell sauce before starting to eat, so he wont have to pause, just the way Ethan did it. Maddie Mogens mother shows off her daughters cutoff IDAHO sweatshirt in her childhood bedroom, pointing out that the sleeves are still rolled up, the way Maddie had them.

The doc producers pull out a theme from the terrible aftermath: The existence of social media amplified everything about the awful experience of being related to someone who died in this way. One Night in Idaho makes copious use of the many social-media photos and videos left behind by the victims, who were heavy posters of their social lives. In an interview, Chapins sister, Maizie, cries as she describes vanishing into TikTok, looking at true-crime accounts, for hours a day following the murder. I think I was still in denial, she says of this time. Meanwhile, the admins of a true-crime Facebook page covering the murders describe dealing with a guy, display name Pappa Rodger, who made creepy posts about the crime (I feel like blood ran down a few places but it has been suppressed.  The kitchen was dripping blood but they wont admit it) and whose avatar bore a weird resemblance to Bryan Kohberger. Many of the young friends of the group who are interviewed say they now have their social-media accounts set to private. In a way, whether its fair or not, this story is a cautionary tale: Dont show too many people your joy.

Neither book nor show contains direct testimony from one of the two surviving roommates from the King Road house, Dylan Mortensen, who has been under a gag order since the day of the crime. Early that morning, Mortensen heard activity in the home, left her room, glimpsed the killer as he was leaving, joined the other surviving roommate in her room, convinced herself her anxiety was uncalled-for, and slept off and on. The two waited eight hours to call their other friends, who came to the house in the morning, discovered the four bodies, and called the police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mortensen has been the object of much speculation, including after the news of the plea came down, when Redditors (possibly harboring what online true-crimers would call Proberger tendenciesthose who believe in Kohbergers innocence) asked, again, how it could possibly be that the survivors had waited so long to call. I know everyone responds differently to danger and the brain can block out traumatic sights; Im not blaming them at allI just find the entire situation odd, one wrote.

Mortensens story has stuck in my mind too, but not because I blame her. (Come on, now.) This eight-hour period between her glimpse of the intruder and her phone call is incredibly poignant. In its existence, you see the sheen of invulnerability inherent to being young; living in an American college-town bubble, in a red state proud of its lack of big city problems, cranks that feeling up to 10. Those were Dylan Mortensens last eight hours of peace. If we never get to know how she feels about that, fine. As Ethan Chapins mother, Stacy, a graceful, wise presence as an interviewee in the One Night in Idaho series, says, explaining why she didnt plan to attend the trial: It is what it is. We cannot change the outcome on this. We cannot bring Ethan back.
A supporter of the far right German AfD holds a placard on Feb. 22, 2025 in Berlin. Credit - Maja HitijGetty Images

The 2015 migrant crisis still hangs over Europe. The more than 1.3 million migrantsparticularly from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraqwho claimed asylum that year has been a boon for grievance-driven European populism and its most talented practitioners. The upshot is a cultural and economic anxiety that has transformed the continents political landscape.

And yet, the first 10 years of the far rights rise have amounted to a yes, but decade. In Germany, the Alternative for Germany party has steadily expanded its regional and federal influence, but all other major parties still treat political collaboration with it as taboo. In France, the populist Marine Le Pen has shown she can reach the second round of presidential elections, but has been unable to claim victory. In Italy, Giorgia Meloni in 2022 became the first anti-immigrant populist to win a big European election, but her strong cooperation with Brussels and consistent support for Ukraine has helped her defy far-right stereotypes. In the U.K., Brexit champion Nigel Farage might now be polling in first place, but thats still some distance from winning the next general elections in 2029.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Centrist governments have also emerged this year after elections in Germany and Romania, despite a rise in support for the far right. Meanwhile, the Dutch government, led by the far-right Party for Freedom, collapsed in June, and the Austrian Freedom Party has failed to form a ruling coalition despite winning elections in September.

For now, E.U. institutions are holding up fine. Pro-E.U. parties continue to dominate politics in Brussels and the risk that Euroskeptics can create gridlock remains low. In the European Parliament, the centrist coalition that backed Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as European Commission President will hold together despite growing tensions. In the European Council, just four of 27 members (Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, and the Czech Republic) are led by nationalist governments. But Brussels has finally managed to limit the ability of far-right governments to shift E.U. policies, and Meloni and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala cooperate closely with von der Leyen.

All that said, the next few years will offer big opportunities from Europes anti-migrant, Euroskeptic far right. Questions about economic resilience and stubbornly high prices remain the main sources of economic anxiety for voters. Even as immigration policies have been tightened and the number of asylum seekers in Europe has fallen, the long-term presence of migrants amid stagnating economies will continue to feed voter anger. The economic pressures applied by Donald Trumps trade war compound public frustration with their current governments. In short, theres no reason to believe far-right parties and politicians will fall silent or fail to score future political gains at the expense of beleaguered centrist establishments.

Two years from now, far-right parties will have their best-ever shot at capitalizing on mounting voter anger with national elections in France, Italy, Spain, and Poland. In France, though Le Pen is currently barred from seeking the presidency following an embezzlement conviction in March, her National Rally party could finally sweep to power in the heart of Europe. In Italy, Meloni will face pressure to adopt more Euroskeptic positions on high-profile issues in the run-up to elections. In Spain, the center-right Popular Party will likely lead the next government but could be forced to welcome the far-right Vox into a coalition for the first time. In Poland, steadily eroding support for Prime Minister Donald Tusk could pave the way for a return of right-wing nationalist parties to power there. The far-right Karol Nawrocki has already prevailed in the June presidential elections, and he will take office in August.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Taken together, these developments would shift the balance of power in the populists favor, transforming how the E.U. defines its values and its interests. The potential falloutwhether on the rule of law, security and economic matters, internal borders, dealing with an expansionist Russia, or even the future of the E.U. itselfremains grave.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Gov. Tony Evers has ordered flags across Wisconsin to fly at half-staff on July 11 in remembrance of Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder, who died in the line of duty.

Corder, 32, was shot alongside his partner, 29-year-old Christopher McCray, while responding to a report of a person with a weapon June 26. He died from his injuries June 29.

Corder's services will take place July 11 at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Public visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:30. Corder will be laid to rest at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.

More: Funeral date for fallen Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder will be July 11

Evers also ordered flags to fly at half-staff from June 30 to July 1 in honor of Corder.

"Our hearts break for Officer Corder, his family, loved ones, colleagues at the Milwaukee Police Department and the greater Milwaukee community, and we join Milwaukeeans and Wisconsinites in honoring the life of this dedicated public servant," Evers said in a June 30 statement. "Kathy and I will continue to keep his family and loved ones and all those who knew Officer Corder in our thoughts and our prayers as they mourn his loss and this merciless tragedy."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Here's what to know:

How long will flags be at half-staff in Wisconsin?

Flags across Wisconsin are ordered to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on July 11.

Where will flags be at half-staff in Wisconsin?

Per Evers' executive order, American flag and the Wisconsin state flag fly half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin.

More: 3 people charged in connection to Milwaukee police officer killed, another injured June 26

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

Flags are usually flown at half-staff after national tragedies or deaths of government officials, military members or other first responders. They may also be at half-staff for Memorial Day or other national days of remembrance, including 9/11, according to USA.gov.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning," USA.gov says. "The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff."

More: Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder is the sixth line of duty death in the city since 2018

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are flags flying at half-staff in Wisconsin on July 11?
Davids view

Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? asked the president. I cant believe youre asking a question on Epstein at a time like this.

For some of the presidents supporters, the fate of the Epstein files, evidence that would surely tie the worlds elites to reputation-ending sex crimes, was their first true disappointment. When a reporter tried to ask Attorney Gen. Pam Bondi some of their burning questions  specifically, whether Epstein had ever been an intelligence asset and why a minute of footage from outside his jail was missing  Trump surprised them, suggesting that this wasnt important anymore.

It wasnt? Hadnt Bondi said that Epsteins client list was sitting on my desk right now? Hadnt JD Vance promised to release the Epstein list? Hadnt Kash Patel demanded that the deep state let us know who the pedophiles are? Yes, they had. The Epstein files debacle wont impede the Trump agenda, but it revealed that the files were never actually part of that agenda. It was the first leak in the dreadnought Trump built to win last year, when he managed to run on both his record as president and the theory that he, having been victimized by the intelligence establishment, would bring it down from the inside.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last summer, I called this the weird vote, inverting the insult that Tim Walz liked to hurl at Republicans, to explain that a whole lot of people had weird beliefs but only one party was courting them. Matthew Yglesias identified a crank realignment that was overall bad for Democrats, and had eroded the epistemic quality of both coalitions.

Democrats are not immune to conspiracy theories, or hoping for some box of files to banish their enemies and win the election. But 10 years of campaigning against Donald Trump, and four years of watching him question the 2020 election, has given them very little tolerance for this stuff. Polls show a decently-sized minority of Democrats believing that something was amiss when Trump won every swing state. Party leaders refuse to indulge them.

The Trump campaign had no problem indulging the faithful. Epstein aside, theyve gotten more of what they hoped for than the supporters of any recent president. Other Republicans promised to bulldoze the Department of Education, to end affirmative action, and to get rid of rules limiting church involvement in elections. Trump simply did it. Thats one of the reasons that he exerts such total control over his party and its base.

Its also a reason why the Epstein debacle has been so painful to MAGA voters. Why keep those promises, but not this one? If God spared President Trumps life it wasnt so that America could make money and fix the budget, wrote Alex Jones, a man who trusted no politician until Trump showed up and made him a believer. It was to burn down a system that relies on people like Jeffrey Epstein.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Democrats have had their first fun in weeks with this, creating a bot that will report, every day, that Trump hasnt released the Epstein files. Its avatar is a picture of Trump and Epstein together, a memento of how impossible it was for them to convince the weird voter that a man who knew Epstein, and who was president when Epstein killed himself, was not actually running a decade-long undercover operation that would end with the trial of Hillary Clinton.

Notable
The generator is down, and we dont have enough ice to continue icing the remains of soldiers killed in action. How much longer, maam?

Thats the message I received while deployed to Balad, Iraq, as an Air Force second lieutenant. I was overseeing generators in theater, and the one powering the mortuary facility had failed. The clock was ticking. I didnt have HVAC expertise or the necessary parts. The only viable backup generator was on the other side of the country.

I had two choices: initiate a long contracting process to hire a civilian technician, or send a convoy across Iraq for the backup unit  risking lives to get it there. We chose the convoy. We got lucky.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But what if we hadnt?

That question  what if  has stuck with me. Because this wasnt a theoretical delay. This was a real moment where a failure in repair readiness jeopardized our ability to care for the fallen with dignity and speed. And I know it wasnt the only one.

Thats why I support the right to repair.

Ive lived what it means when a piece of equipment fails at a critical time. I know how far away contractors can be when you need them most. And I know what our service members are capable of  if we trust them with the tools and training to do the job.

Military right to repair means giving service members the ability to fix their own gear  on base, in the field or downrange  without having to wait on outside contractors. That includes access to the tools, parts and manuals they need to do the job. Right now, private companies can put restrictions on military equipment that block troops from making even basic repairs. That slows everything down, costs taxpayers more, and in the worst cases, puts lives at risk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This year, Congress has a chance to change that.

Thanks to a growing, bipartisan push  including new legislation led by Senators Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Tim Sheehy, R-Mont.  right-to-repair reforms are being considered in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These two senators, from opposite parties, have made it clear: The Pentagon is wasting billions, and service members are bearing the cost.

Including the Warrior Right to Repair Act in the NDAA is a critical step forward for readiness, national security and the safety of warfighters downrange, and its taxpayer friendly.

Mission readiness depends on the ability to make repairs in the field. Service members need the tools, parts and authority to make immediate fixes themselves, without having to navigate red tape.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When our military relies too heavily on private contractors for basic maintenance, that dependence gives outside companies leverage over military operations, introducing profit motives into urgent repair decisions. Our armed forces should operate on military timelines  not corporate maintenance schedules.

Warfighter safety is directly tied to the reliability of our gear. In high-risk environments, a delay in repairing a critical piece of equipment can mean the difference between life and death.

Right to repair is smart, responsible fiscal policy. Sustainment costs can represent up to 70% of a weapons systems lifetime expense. When troops are blocked from doing basic repairs, costs increase and transparency disappears. Thats a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Finally, repairing our own equipment is critical to inculcating and maintaining a military culture of adaptability and self-reliance. We train service members to be problem solvers. Empowering them to repair their own gear isnt just smart policy  it reflects the values we instill in every recruit. Right to repair honors that ethos and ensures we treat service members like professionals, not passive end-users.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We wouldnt tell a Marine they cant clean their rifle without a manufacturer present. So why are we telling our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines they cant fix a comms system or power supply?

Im grateful that, in that moment in Iraq, we had a backup option  even if it meant launching a risky cross-country convoy. But what if we hadnt? What if that second generator didnt exist or wasnt reachable in time? Without immediate repair options, the remains of our fallen could have become unrecognizable. The families who entrusted us with their loved ones would have suffered consequences that no one should have to imagine.

Thats whats at stake when service members cant repair the equipment they rely on. Its not just about saving money or avoiding delays  its about honoring our dead, protecting the living and giving our troops the flexibility they need to do the right thing when it counts. Right to repair is about readiness. Its about humanity. And its long overdue.

Thats why Im calling on Congress  and especially House Armed Services Committee leaders like Alabama Republican Rep. Mike Rogers  to include military right-to-repair provisions in this years NDAA by supporting the bipartisan Warrior Right to Repair Act.

Retired Lt. Col. Cindy Serrano Roberts is a combat veteran after 21 years of service. As a community leader, she has served as a national council member of the United Nations Association (U.S.) and serves as a consultant to the United Nations Human Rights Council and Economic and Social Council. Cindy is a military family policy advocate and has led policy overhauls as an active duty service member and spouse within the Department of Defense. She is a Truman National Security Project political partner and leads their Womens Affinity Group.
Yangon  Myanmar's military leader lauded President Trump and asked him to lift sanctions, the ruling junta said Friday, after a tariff letter from the U.S. president that it has taken as Washington's first public recognition of its rule. Min Aung Hlaing endorsed Mr. Trump's false claim that the 2020 U.S. election was stolen, and thanked him for shutting down funding for U.S.-backed media outlets that have long provided independent coverage of conflict-wracked Myanmar.



The military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected civilian government in 2021, plunging the country, which is also known as Burma, into civil war. Suu Kyi has remained imprisoned since then.



The U.S. State Department sanctioned the junta chief and others for using "violence and terror to oppress" Burmese people and "denying them the ability to freely choose their own leaders."



U.S. diplomats do not formally engage with the junta, but Mr. Trump sent a letter to Min Aung Hlaing by name on Monday telling him the U.S. would impose a 40% tariff from August 1, down from a threatened 44%. It was one of 20 similar letters sent to world leaders by Mr. Trump in recent days.

Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing arrives to deliver a speech during a ceremony to mark the country's Armed Forces Day in Naypyidaw, March 27, 2025. / Credit: STR/AFP/Getty

"It's certainly the first public indication I've seen of U.S. acknowledgement of MAH and the junta," said Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group.



Any earlier private communications "would almost certainly not have been from Trump of course," he told AFP.



Min Aung Hlaing seized the opportunity to respond with a multi-page letter released in both Burmese and English by the junta information team Friday.



In it, he expressed his "sincere appreciation" for Mr. Trump's letter and praised the U.S. president's "strong leadership in guiding your country toward national prosperity."



He sought to justify the military's seizure of power, saying: "Similar to the challenges you encountered during the 2020 election of the United States, Myanmar also experienced major electoral fraud and significant irregularities."



Both Voice of America and Radio Free Asia  created by the United States with a mission to deliver news in countries without free media  have shut down their Burmese-language operations since the Trump administration cut their funding.



Min Aung Hlaing said he "sincerely appreciated" Mr. Trump's move.

The junta is increasingly dependent on its allies China and Russia for economic and military support.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing during their meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, March 4, 2025. / Credit: PAVEL BEDNYAKOV/POOL/AFP/Getty

Min Aung Hlaing asked Mr. Trump to "reconsider easing and lifting the economic sanctions imposed on Myanmar," and sought a tariff of 10-20%.



He thanked Mr. Trump for the "encouraging invitation to continue participating in the extraordinary Economy of the United States, the Number One Market in the World."



Mr. Trump's punitive tariff letters have left many nations scrambling to secure last-minute deals with Washington before they come into force next month.

Udemy Is Powering Enterprise AI Transformation Through Skills

Trump heads to Texas to see deadly flood damage

Migrants hide from ICE agents after farm raid, clash with protesters
Hong Kong police announced yesterday that they arrested four people linked to a Taiwan-based group under a Beijing-imposed national security law, accusing them of conspiracy to commit subversion.

Steve Li, Chief Superintendent of the National Security Department, said the arrests on Wednesday involved four men between 15 and 47 years old. They face up to life imprisonment if convicted.

Police said their organization, reportedly called the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union, was founded last year in Taiwan. The self-ruled island is one of the democratic territories where many Hong Kongers have emigrated due to fears over Hong Kongs sweeping security law. The groups Facebook page only had dozens of followers.

Li said the four mens roles included designing flags, studying how to solicit assistance from foreign countries, and planning to provide military training for members.

During their search in Hong Kong, Li said police found a proposal to urge the U.S. to devise plans to save Hong Kong political prisoners as well as some flags that featured designs about Hong Kong and Tibets independence.

He said the groups members held an online news conference in Taipei in February, during which some of its members pledged to end the Communist Party and Liberate Hong Kong, among other goals.

On July 1, when the former British colony marked the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule, the group held an activity abroad that saw participants stepping on the Chinese national flag and Hong Kongs regional flag, Li said. He said members played the song Glory to Hong Kong, which was often sung by demonstrators during huge anti-government protests in 2019 and was later banned by a court.

Li said authorities have jurisdiction over Hong Kongers who commit the national security offences overseas.

In response, the group condemned the government for what it called abusing the security law and suppressing freedom and human rights. It said on its Facebook page that it would not remain silent.

Last month, Hong Kong police accused a mobile game application, developed by ESC Taiwan, of advocating armed revolution and promoting secessionist agendas.

Critics said the crackdown under the national security law imposed in 2020 has stifled the citys freedom of expression and other Western-style civil liberties that Beijing promised to keep intact when Hong Kong returned to its rule in 1997.

The Beijing and Hong Kong governments said the law is necessary for the citys stability following the protests in 2019. MDT/AP
US President Donald Trump has announced a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports as he accused the country's leftist leadership of orchestrating a "witch hunt" against his right-wing ally, former leader Jair Bolsonaro.

In a letter Wednesday to counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Trump insisted that Bolsonaro's trial -- for allegedly plotting a coup to hold on to power after 2022 elections he lost -- "should not be taking place."

Trump has historically reserved his tariff ire for countries with which the United States runs a negative trade balance. Brazil is not one.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Analysts say ideological considerations, not economics, are behind the US president's actions in defense of Bolsonaro, dubbed the "Trump of the Tropics."

- Firm friends -

"Brazil came up on Trump's radar now because Bolsonaro's trial is advancing and there are Republican lawmakers who brought the issue to the White House," Leonardo Paz, a political scientist at Brazil's Getulio Vargas Foundation, told AFP.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, the former president's son and a Brazilian congressman, recently moved to the United States where he lobbies for pressure on Brasilia and the judges presiding over his father's coup trial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lula blames Bolsonaro's son for troubling the bilateral waters, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has ordered an investigation into whether the US-based campaign constitutes obstruction of justice.

Moraes is an arch foe of Bolsonaro, who has labeled the justice a "dictator."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke in May of a "great possibility" of sanctions against Moraes, who has clashed repeatedly with rightwingers and former Trump ally Elon Musk in a quest to stamp out online disinformation.

Bolsonaro calls Trump a "friend" and says they are both victims of "persecution."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- 'Non-economic reasons' -

In his missive to Lula, Trump complained of "a very unfair trade relationship" with Brazil.

But official Brazilian figures show a near two-decade sustained surplus in favor of the United States. Last year, it was almost $284 million.

The United States is Brazil's third-largest trading partner after China and the European Union.

It imports mainly crude oil and semi-finished iron and steel products from the South American powerhouse.

Brazil in turn primarily imports non-electric engines and machines, and fuel from up north.

In a sign of Brazilian business jitters, the Sao Paulo Federation of Industries called Thursday for a "calm" response to the "non-economic reasons" for Trump's tariffs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lula has said Brazil would be willing to reciprocate, in spite of Trump's warning of further escalation if it did so.

- Free speech tussle -

Trump also complained of Brazilian "attacks" on free speech and "hundreds of SECRET and UNLAWFUL censorship orders to US media platforms" issued by Brazil's Supreme Court.

Last month, the court toughened social media regulation, upping the accountability of platforms for user content in a groundbreaking case for Latin America on the spread of fake news and hate speech.

Last year, Moraes blocked Musk's X platform for 40 days for failing to comply with a series of court orders against online disinformation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He had also ordered the suspension in Brazil of Rumble, a video-sharing platform popular with conservative and far-right voices -- including Trump's son Don Jr. -- over its refusal to block a user accused of spreading disinformation.

Detractors accuse the judge of running a campaign to stifle free speech.

- BRICS brawl -

"It didn't help that the BRICS summit was held in Brazil at a time a narrative exists in the United States portraying the bloc as anti-Western," said Paz.

Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, the group on Sunday spoke out against Trump's "indiscriminate" tariff hikes, prompting the president to threaten further trade penalties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Members China, Russia and India refrained from hitting back, but Lula took it upon himself to defend the "sovereign" nature of BRICS governments, insisting: "We don't want an emperor."

Behind the scenes, Brasilia has been negotiating with Washington for months to try and avoid the worst of Trump's tariff war.

A member of Lula's entourage told AFP that Trump's attack on Brazil was partly inspired by "discomfort caused by the strength of the BRICS," whose members account for about half the world's population and 40 percent of global economic output.

ffb/mlr/des
Travelling solo can be tricky enough without having to pay a special premium for the privilege. So singletons and solo adventurers alike may be raising an eyebrow at news from the States that three of the countrys biggest airlines  American, United and Delta  are charging higher prices for lone passengers.

In some cases, the difference is hefty: the US travel website Thrifty Traveler found that single passengers on a United flight from Chicago to a smaller city in Illinois (Peoria) were being charged $269 to fly, compared to just $181 for those travelling as a pair  a saving of one third.

It isnt an isolated example. Another US travel website, The Points Guy, carried out a detailed analysis of some 3,000 domestic flights on a single day in the States and found that 7 per cent of them were charging a higher price to passengers having the audacity to travel alone.

United Airlines, along with Delta and American Airlines, have been found to charge more for those travelling alone - David Zalubowski

Why the premium? While airlines are notoriously secretive about their pricing methods, one reason being put forward is that the algorithms may assume that those travelling on their own are more likely to be business customers who are less likely to object to the higher rates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Curious to check the phenomenon for myself, I spent 15 minutes on the United website and was soon able to find a live example of this dual pricing in action: an economy flight from Chicago to Lexington whose per-person price dropped by $58 when I included a second passenger, from $283 to $226.

Even more curiously, the tax breakdown on the United website showed that the tax per passenger was actually slightly less when two passengers were on the same booking  meaning that the higher rate was entirely down to airline policy.

Bad news, then, for anyone planning their own solo venture across the States. But given that American airlines have long set the trends on things like baggage fees, is there any chance that this depressing trend could soon take hold on this side of the pond too?

A curious discovery

Consumer experts told me they had not seen any examples of European airlines charging single passengers more. But when I conducted my own research by testing flight prices on Ryanair, I found what appeared to be the opposite phenomenon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Looking at flights from Stansted to Podgorica, for example, I was quoted 142.69 for a basic fare as a solo traveller, but 157.69 (each) for two passengers on the same flight. Likewise, a one-way flight from Stansted to Prague jumped from 71.54 to 82.04 when I added a second passenger.

I was able to find more examples of the same thing happening, with the price jumping between 10 and 15 per cent when a second passenger was added to the booking. All of these flights had one thing in common: namely that the single passenger was told there was only one seat left at this price.

Anyone who has booked a Ryanair flight will have seen similar messages appearing. But even if theres only one discount seat left, you might assume that someone booking two tickets would get the last remaining bargain price plus the next cheapest seat on offer  but youd be wrong.

When I contacted Ryanair, they told me that our system defaults all passengers in the booking to the next available fare class. In short, that means that if there is only one seat left at the cheapest price, then it will only be available to customers purchasing a single ticket.

By contrast, if you were booking as a couple, the system would automatically allocate you into the first pricing bracket in which two seats were available, even if that means leaving that discount seat on offer for someone else to snap up at a later time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Of course, theres nothing to stop you booking the tickets separately and getting the cheaper price. But how many travellers are going to have the foresight to do that?

I was surprised to find out that couples were potentially losing out. Particularly since the consumer experts at Which? told me that the usual pattern is to see singletons paying more when it comes to holiday deals. In 2023, they revealed that solo travellers were charged an average of 47 per cent more when paying a Tui package holiday.

Likewise, it is common for some cruise companies to levy an extra surcharge on solo holidaymakers, on the basis that they are taking up a room which was likely designed for two paying customers.

Companies should be up front about any pricing practices they are using or single supplements so travellers can make informed decisions and choose the best holiday for them, says Which?s travel expert Rory Boland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To avoid paying over the odds, wed recommend looking for companies that waive single supplements. Make sure youre getting a good deal by comparing the total against the per person price of a couples package.

The rise of dynamic pricing

But where does that leave the United and Ryanair examples, where an airline is charging passengers different prices for exactly the same seats based on whether they are booking on their own or not?

The expert consensus is that the practice is another example of so-called dynamic pricing, where airlines adjust their ticket prices to meet the strength of demand. The practice certainly isnt illegal, but it can be controversial: particularly when the algorithms are such a tightly-guarded trade secret.

In practice, though, most customers have made their peace with dynamic pricing for airline tickets on the basis that it usually means cheaper getaways in the long run (particularly when you can plan ahead). But the nature of that flexibility means that there will always be some passengers who end up losing out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As always, the best way to avoid ending up in that category is to make sure you do your homework in advance when booking flights  particularly if you happen to be planning on a solo flight from Chicago any time soon.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The wife of Lufthansas chief executive is being investigated for manslaughter after allegedly running over and killing a pedestrian in Italy, before flying home to Germany.

Vivian Alexandra Spohr was reportedly driving the BMW X5 SUV that struck Gaia Costa, 24, on a zebra crossing in Sardinia.

Ms Costa was on her way to work as a babysitter in the upscale commune of Porto Cervo at about 1:30pm on Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CCTV footage reportedly showed Ms Costa trying to stop the approaching SUV with a wave of her hand before being knocked to the ground and hitting her head.

Despite help from passers-by and emergency services, she died from head injuries at the scene after paramedics spent 20 minutes trying to resuscitate her.

Mrs Spohr, who is married to Lufthansa boss Carsten Spohr, is alleged by Germanys Bild newspaper to have initially driven on, and only stopped when alerted to the accident by other pedestrians banging on the car.

Did you see what you did, one witness is reported to have asked the 51-year-old, who was driving her daughter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

LUnione Sarda reported that Mrs Spohr was so shocked when she spotted the accident that she fainted.

She was tested for both drink and drugs but the results were negative. The SUV, with German plates, was seized and will undergo testing.

Gaia Costa was on her way to work as a babysitter when she was struck - Jam Press

Investigators are reportedly probing whether Mrs Spohr, who has a family holiday home on Sardinia, was using her phone at the time of the accident.

The case centres on possible negligent homicide in road traffic.

She returned to Munich as prosecutor Milena Aucone registered her as a suspect.

Her lawyers said she was at the disposal of Italian prosecutors.

Vivian Spohr, who was involved in the tragic death, expresses her dismay and deep regret over this very serious accident, they said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The lawyers told Bild newspaper that: The exact circumstances are now being investigated. The Spohr family has expressed its deepest condolences to the victims relatives.

Italian investigators confirmed the flight back to Germany was not to escape justice.

They said she would have to return to Italy if summoned for legal proceedings.

Mrs Spohr is well-known in Germany, as is her 58-year-old airline boss husband. She is the patron of a Lufthansa charity foundation that helps young people.

German airline Lufthansa told Italian media it was a private matter.

Gianni Addis, the mayor, paid tribute to Ms Costa, as a hard-working and cheerful woman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said: Gaia was a young woman who was deeply involved in the citys social and cultural life.

She was passionate about our traditions and never missed the parades of the local folk group.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Vivian Spohr, the wife of Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr, is being investigated for negligent homicide following a fatal traffic accident on the Italian island of Sardinia, according to her lawyer.

She is alleged to have run over a woman with her SUV while on holiday on the Mediterranean island. The 24-year-old died at the scene of the accident.

German airline Lufthansa did not respond to a request for comment from dpa.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, Spohr's Italian lawyer said in a statement made available to dpa that she "is fully available to the Italian judicial authorities for the necessary investigations."

"Vivian Spohr, who was involved in the tragic accident," the statement says, "expresses her dismay and deep regret at this very serious accident."

She was aware, the statement continues, "that such a great personal loss (...) is unimaginable for the family of the deceased and for the loved ones of the injured."

While Spohr was aware that "such a great personal loss cannot be compensated," the statement says, she would "take measures to mitigate the consequences."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The wife of the Lufthansa boss is patron of a charity called Help Alliance, which was founded by employees of the airline. Vivian Spohr returned to Germany after the accident.

According to the investigating authorities, the accident occurred on Tuesday in the exclusive resort of Porto Cervo.

The deceased is a 24-year-old Italian woman who worked as a babysitter. Tests on Spohr for alcohol and drugs were negative.

Investigators hope to gain more information about the incident from security camera footage.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  With wildfires burning around the Western Slope, air quality concerns have grown in Mesa County. Mesa County Public Health is urging residents to be cautious while spending time outdoors.

There has been an air quality alert issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for parts of the Western Slope.

If the smoke gets too thick where you are, stay indoors. It is vital to stay inside especially if you are very young, elderly or have respiratory or heart conditions. Try to keep outdoor activity and the usage of evaporative coolers low. Also use air filters to lower indoor particulates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Keep in mind, there is still an active No Burn Advisory in Mesa County which prohibits burning of any kind including agricultural burning.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

An air quality alert is in place for northwest and north central Minnesota until at least 6 p.m. Friday.

Another round of smoke is expected to reach the state in the evening and impact the northern half of the state on Saturday.

The alert is due to heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in central Canada that arrived in Minnesota behind a cold front.

BEMIDJI, Minn. (FOX 9) - An air quality alert for northwest and north central Minnesota went into effect at 6 a.m. on Friday and could be extended into Saturday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The areas included in the alert are Brainerd, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, International Falls, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Millie Lacs, Leech Lake, White Earth and Red Lake.

The smoke comes from wildfires burning in Canada, and more could arrive later this weekend.

Northern Minnesota air quality alert

What they're saying

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is warning that the air will be very unhealthy in the upper northwest corner of the state, marked as purple on the air quality alert map. The sky will look and smell smoky, with a haze in the air preventing people from seeing long distances.

Everyone in the purple area of the map is told to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and should stay indoors. This area includes Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Red Lake, Leech Lake, and White Earth.

Air quality alert issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. (Supplied)

Another large section of north central Minnesota is marked as red, meaning the air is unhealthy for everyone, although not as severe as the northwest section. The sky here could also look smoky, with hazy conditions possibly preventing people from seeing long distances with the air possibly smelling like smoke.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Everyone in the red area of the map is told to limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors. This area includes Brainerd, Moorhead, International Falls, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, White Earth, and Red Lake.

What's next

MPCA officials say a second round of smoke will reach northwest Minnesota on Friday evening. This smoke is expected to be more widespread and could impact the northern half of the state on Saturday and extend the air quality alert.

Cleaner air is expected to move into Minnesota from the west on Sunday, with air quality beginning to improve by that afternoon.

What you can do

State officials are asking the public to not engage in activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning and residential burning. Vehicle travel and idling should be reduced as much as possible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sensitive groups, such as people who have asthma or other breathing conditions, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as pregnant people, children and older adults could experience the impact of unhealthy air quality sooner than others.

The MPCA says anyone experiencing health effects related to poor air quality should contact their health provider. Someone who experiences severe symptoms, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or thinks they could be having a heart attack, should call 911.

More information on state air quality alerts can be found here.

The Source

This story uses information shared in a news release from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
An upgraded wildfire warning has been issued for Northern Ireland as a heatwave with temperatures close to 30C (86F) takes hold in the coming days.

A yellow alert from the National Hazards Partnership has been upgraded to an amber warning for Saturday and Sunday, indicating a likelihood of difficult to control wildfires.

A combination of dry vegetation and sunny, warm weather creates ideal conditions for wildfires to take hold.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the Republic of Ireland a red warning for forest fires has been issued. It lasts from 15:00 on Friday until noon on Tuesday 14 July.

In April, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue service dealt with almost 150 wildfires, mainly in County Down.

The organisation previously urged people to enjoy the weather responsibly during a similar wildfire warning in April.

There are alerts for high levels of UV and pollen, as well as a rise in pollution [Getty Images]

High UV and pollen levels

While tens of thousands of people are expected enjoy the very warm spell during Twelfth demonstrations, the Tyrone and Donegal GAA semi-finals at Croke Park, and at beaches and parks, there are also alerts for high levels of UV and pollen, as well as a rise in pollution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hayfever sufferers will have to endure high grass pollen levels until Sunday, with moderate weed pollen levels also forecast.

Pollution levels are set to rise during the settled spell, with moderate levels expected in eastern areas on Saturday and Sunday, while protection from the harmful rays of the sun is also advised as high levels of UV are forecast.

Foyle Search and Rescue and the Belfast Coastguard have urged those cooling off at beaches and rivers to do so safely.

The coastguard has also advised visiting life-guarded beaches and to be aware of local hazards

Temperatures are set to be higher in Northern Ireland on Friday, approaching 30C on Saturday and Sunday [MET OFFICE]

The heatwave can be especially difficult for people with existing health conditions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nicole McKelvie has a heart condition that she has to monitor more carefully in heat and also watch her fluid intake.

Nicole McKelvie said she had to be careful in the heat because of her heart condition [BBC]

"Although you're told to drink more fluids in hot weather, some people with heart failure are on fluid restriction  I am myself," she told BBC News NI.

"So on days when it's hot I would need to try and increase my fluids a bit, but it's a very fine line how much I can increase it by.

"I can enjoy it [hot weather] to an extent, but I could only stay outside so long or in an area that's hot for so long.

"I would need to lie down or just rest, so it's a bit unfair but you adapt and you learn to live with it."

Heatwave conditions

Temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday reached 25C in parts of Northern Ireland and they are set to be higher in places on Friday, approaching 30C on Saturday and Sunday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For a heatwave to be declared temperatures must reach 25C or above for at least three consecutives days, according to the Met Office.

The average maximum daytime temperature at this time of year is 18.6C in Northern Ireland.

Other parts of the UK have different temperature thresholds to reach in the same amount of time, while in the Republic of Ireland a temperature of 25C must be recorded for at least five days, according to the Irish Meteorological Service, Met Eireann.

High temperature warnings have been issued across the Republic of Ireland, where daytime temperatures are forecast to exceed 27C by day, with overnight lows staying above 15C.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The first warning, affecting 14 midland and eastern counties, comes into effect from midday on Friday until 06:00 local time on Saturday, with a second warning expanding to cover all of the Republic from midday on Saturday until 06:00 on Sunday.

Another warning has been issued from midday on Sunday until 18:00. It affects counties Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, and Westmeath.

No plans for a hosepipe ban from NI Water

Maynard Cousley, from NI Water, said there were no plans to bring in a hosepipe ban at the minute [BBC]

Water authorities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have urged members of the public to conserve water during the warm spell.

NI Water has expressed concern that "high temperatures can create a huge demand surge" for water.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Maynard Cousley. senior supply manager at NI Water, said: "Reservoirs are in reasonable shape for the second week of July, but after a few days of temperatures in their low to mid 20s, we see a sudden rise in demand and that puts pressure on our whole distribution network.

"We have people working around the clock to keep people in water and that's what we aim to do."

He added that there had been a rise in demand over the last 24 hours and asked people to "be careful with the water they are using this weekend".

"At this stage we have no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, the Republic of Ireland's Uisce Eireann issued an appeal to conserve water amid an ongoing hosepipe ban in County Westmeath.

Both utilities are urging everyone to take steps such as using a watering can instead of hoses, shortening showers, and turning off taps while brushing teeth.
Two separate wildfires burned on both rims of the Black Canyon at Gunnison National Park on Thursday. Visitors and staff were evacuated, while the park closed to any incoming guests until further notice.

The area of Colorado has been under a 'red flag warning' with conditions primed for wildfires. Hot temperatures, low humidity, harsh winds and dry vegetation are concerns through Friday. Lightning strikes are believed to have started the wildfire, which have burned over over 2.5 square miles of the South Rim of the canyon and continue without containment.

State firefighters are attacking the South Rim fire from the sky as well as the ground. The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit said they are working diligently with partners to respond to approximately 10 wildfires caused by lightning across the dispatch area.

The Grand Canyon's North Rim in Arizona is dealing with a separate wildfire near Jacob Lake. The Coconino County Sheriff's Office evacuated people in the lake area as well as campers in the Kaibab National Forest. The fire began Wednesday evening, burning around 1.5 square miles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Two other fires are burning southeast of Kannah Creek Trailhead. Another fire is near Sanborn Park area, while still another is near Patterson Mountain.

Weve been camping with our families, both of us our whole lives since we were kids, and weve never experienced something like this before, said camper Ali Cameron, who was set up in the South Rim campground.

The Western Slope is prone to wildfires as strong winds blow across dry land. Around 50 homes were evacuated in the Mountain View Estates subdivision, and two homes burned in Chaffee County.

Wildfires Force Evacuation of National Park, Burn Iconic Canyon first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 11, 2025
(NewsNation)  Chicagos award-winning Windy City Smokeout is heating up as performers and pitmasters take center stage this weekend for the 12th annual summertime festival.

The four-day event kicked off Thursday and will feature performances from top country music artists, including Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Old Dominion and Jon Pardi.

Paul McCartney announces new 2025 North America tour

Event officials told NewsNation that more than 20 of the nations top pitmasters will be onsite, grilling up barbecue for the thousands of festivalgoers anticipated to attend this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On the menu is everything from Chicago Italian-style sausage to perfectly charred ribs, as well as fried chicken with a holy connection.

Dolly Parton taking break from songwriting after husbands death

Everybody loves fried chicken. From the most holiest to politicians, Chef Art Smith told Morning in America on Friday. I had the pleasure and honor to cook for Pope Leo, whos also a Chicago local as well. I dont care who you are, everyone always goes back to what comforts them.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
WINTERVILLE, N.C (WNCT)  The Winterville Chamber of Commerce is starting a scavenger hunt starting July 17th.

Called Hunt Winterville, the goal is for people to get out into the community and visit local businesses. People can win prizes for going to events like Market on the Square, or eating at a local shop.

To play, you download an app to register. You collect points for every mission you complete. They have multiple prize drawings all the way through October.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This makes a big impact on the businesses. Sometimes you dont realize that there are places like this in little Winterville, right? So, were trying to get people to recognize all that we have to offer both in the businesses and in these community events, because the businesses are also involved in a lot of these, said Rebecca Caveness, Executive Director of Winterville Chamber of Commerce.

To learn the rules and how to sign up for the hunt, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
In response to an inquiry from lawmaker Ron Lam earlier this week at the Legislative Assembly, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raymond Tam, admitted that the government has amended some of its procedures, namely regarding the methods for public consultation.

Questioned by Lam about the lack of public consultation for several large-scale public works projects, Tam refuted the idea that the government is skipping this step and instead said it is collecting opinions from the public via advisory committees and sectoral groups.

Public consultations can be done by different methods, Tam said, adding that in the first half of this year alone, the government has conducted 34 public consultations on several topics and projects, most of them done through the different advisory committees.

According to the Secretary, this method brings the government closer to society and not the opposite.

He also said that the government would insist on this method, adding that other services and departments (not part of his Secretariat) are adopting the same methodology.

He hinted that this is part of a change of methods across the whole government, not just the Secretariat for Transport and Public Works.

Lawmaker Lam disagreed with Tam on the approach, adding that this method lacks transparency and aims to disregard the opinion of citizens on significant projects that directly influence peoples livelihood.

Citing several examples, Lam noted the transformation of the new landfills road link between Zone A and Zone B from a tunnel into a bridge, and works performed at the Patio da Eterna Felicidade.

Lam also accused the government of not following the existing rules to approve construction works, arguing that the projects should pass through the Urban Planning Committee (CPU) for approval.

Tam explained that only private works have the mandatory procedure of issuing the Urban Conditions Plan (PCU) to support the work license. Since public works do not require licensing, there is no need to issue a PCU, but he added that all government projects must pass through regular approval procedures from the different authorities.

Lam insisted that the government is deliberately avoiding all forms of public scrutiny, aiming to hide the plans until the works are underway.
AWisconsin nurse has pleaded no contest to negligently abusing a patient after she amputated a mans foot without his permission.

Mary K. Browns plea earlier this week in a Pierce County courtroom means that two felony charges against her will be dismissed: physical abuse of an elder person intentionally causing great bodily harm, and mayhem. She had previously pleaded not guilty.

In May 2022, Brown was employed as a nurse at a senior living home in Spring Valley, where Doug McFarland, 62, was being treated after a fall in his home a few months earlier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McFarland had contracted severe frostbite in his feet, which both became necrotic, and had reportedly been moved to hospice care, according to ABC affiliate KSTP.

Court documents say that Brown referred to the McFarlands lower limbs as mummy feet and told investigators that she thought amputation wouldmake the quality of life better for him, KSTP reported.

Authorities later discovered that Brown had amputated McFarlands right foot on May 27, 2022, but didnt get permission from McFarland or his physician beforehand.

According to court documents cited by KSTP, one facility administrator told authorities that while he thought a doctor might have agreed that amputation was necessary, he specifically instructed Brown not to perform the procedure, which was outside the scope of her practice, KSTP reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McFarland died days after the amputation.

Browns unauthorized amputation came to light after the county medical examiner flagged that McFarlands foot had been separated from his body.

Brown was charged six months after the incident, and her nursing license was suspended in early 2023. Spring Valley Health and Rehab Center said Brown was no longer employed with the company.

Although Brown claimed that she believed the amputation would ease her patients suffering, co-workers suggested she might have had another reason for wanting McFarlands foot removed from his body.

One nurse reportedly told investigators Brown had mentioned that her family had a taxidermy shop and she wanted to preserve the necrotic foot with a sign reading Wear your boots, kids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When I found out, I pretty much lost it, McFarlands sister Heidi McFarland told KSTP. He had a heart of gold and he was a phenomenal artist, she said of her brother.

Brown will not serve any time for the crime, but will have to pay $443 in court costs, KSTP reported.

Related...
MADISON  Liberal state Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor has raised more than $583,000 in her bid for the Wisconsin Supreme Court  outpacing liberal Justice-elect Susan Crawford's haul in the same timeframe during what became the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history.

Taylor's campaign announced July 11 that it has raised $583,933 since the former Democratic state lawmaker launched her campaign in May. At the same point in 2024, Crawford's campaign had brought in $460,000  a record-breaking amount at the time.

Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor will challenge Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley in the 2026 election.

Taylor, who served as public policy director for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin before her time in the Legislature, seeks to unseat conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley, who was elected to the state's high court in 2016. The election is in April 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bradley has not officially announced her plans and has not yet made her latest financial filing. She told Wispolitics.com in April she planned to run to "ensure that there is a voice for the constitution and for the rule of law to preserve that in the state of Wisconsin."

More: Abortion ruling elicits sharp contrasts from likely 2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates

In her first financial filing of the race, Taylor will report receiving nearly 4,800 contributions, including donors from each of the state's 72 counties. The campaign did not share how much cash the campaign currently has on hand, but a spokesman said Taylor has put $10,000 of her own money into the race.

"The overwhelming support for Judge Taylor early in this race shows how committed Wisconsinites are to reinforcing the majority on the court and electing a justice who will protect their rights and freedoms," Taylor campaign manager Ashley Franz said in a statement. "Judge Taylor's broad base of support reflects her commitment to serving all Wisconsinites and ensuring our courts remain fair and independent."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 2025 race, in which Crawford defeated conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, topped $100 million in spending. Crawford's victory over conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, a former Republican attorney general, cemented liberal control of the seven-member body until at least 2028.

Liberal candidates have won four of Wisconsin's last five Supreme Court elections, each by double digits. While ideological control is no longer up for grabs, a Taylor victory would expand the state high court's liberal majority to 5-2.

Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Chris Taylor raises nearly $600,000
President Donald Trump is attempting to rewrite the Constitution without amending it, one executive order at a time. One of his biggest targets: the birthright citizenship that has defined American identity for over 150 years.

On Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trumps order, which had directed federal departments to deny birthright citizenship from children born to mothers and fathers who are not legal American citizens. Now, a class-action suit on behalf of children and parents impacted by Trumps order will proceed.

By attacking birthright citizenship, Trump not only strikes fear in the hearts of many Americanssuch as myselfhe also threatens to unravel the thread that binds all Americans together. Indeed, my story of birthright citizenship illustrates how tenuous, and sometimes arbitrary, the process of becoming a real American can be.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I was born in the Philippines. Whenever asked the inevitable "Where are you from?" questions that every Asian American knows, I would deflect by telling people I was born in an American military hospital in the Philippines. I always added that my father was a tall, blond, blue-eyed man from California to ensure people understood he was a "real" American.

This response usually ended the questioning. So deeply embedded are the concepts of jus soli ("right of the soil") and jus sanguinis ("right of the blood") in our American psyche that these explanations satisfied most people's need to categorize my belonging.

But when I recently checked my birth certificate, I learned I was born in a regular Philippine hospital, and not a military hospital as Id believed. I had not received birthright citizenship on the grounds of being born on American soil.

Four years ago, a DNA test revealed that the man I'd called dad my entire life wasn't my biological father. My American citizenshipwhich I so greatly valuerelied on a 1968 legal presumption that children born in wedlock belonged to the husband, no DNA proof was required.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My citizenship hung by a thread I never knew existed. But others are not as fortunate as I.

Consider Jermaine Thomas. Thomas was born on a U.S. Army base in Germany in 1986 to an American soldier who served his country for 18 years. In May 2025, Thomas was deported to Jamaica, a country he's never seen. Despite being born to a naturalized American citizen on what most people consider American soil, the courts ruled that Thomas wasn't an American citizen. His father hadnt met the requirement for 10 years of residency in the U.S. to pass citizenship to children born abroad. Turns out, military bases abroad aren't actually U.S. territory, so they dont count toward residency for citizenship purposes.

Like Thomas, I'd tied my sense of American belonging to what I thought was an unbreakable thread. Unlike him, my thread held through bureaucratic rules and legal presumptions that determined our vastly different fates.

Still, people see my Asian face and doubt whether I am American. Where are you really from? they ask. When you've spent your life fighting to be recognized as a real American, you learn to recognize patterns of othering of those who are not white.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This pattern is one which supporters of Trumps immigration policies have embraced with open arms.

For instance, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill increased the ICE budget by tenfold. In a jubilant response, far-right commentator Benny Johnson wrote on social media: Were about to see an American Deportation Machine on steroids. The Great Replacement died today. The Great Replacement is a white nationalist conspiracy theory that claims there's a deliberate plot to replace white Americans with non-white immigrants through immigration and higher birth rates.

Trumps week-one halt of all refugee flights, except for white South Africans, sent another clear message about what it means to be American. The administration also terminated protective status for thousands of Afghan refugees, allies who risked their lives for American forces during our longest war. These interpreters, guides, and support staff who served alongside U.S. troops now face deportation back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where they're marked for death. Even risking your life for America isn't enough if you're the wrong color.

Right-wing commentator Matt Walsh made the subtext explicit in a social media post praising the South African refugees: "They're productive members of society and they speak English. In every measurable way, they're a better cultural fit than the waves of so-called 'refugees' we've welcomed by the boatload for decades."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My mother's family arrived as Vietnamese refugees in 1975, when over half of Americans opposed their resettlement. "They bring only disease, corruption, and apathy," one constituent wrote to Congress. Yet President Gerald Ford understood our values differently. "To ignore the refugees in their hour of need would be to repudiate the values we cherish as a nation of immigrants," he wrote. If Trump had been President then, my family may have been turned away and my uncles, who'd fought alongside American forces, would have faced persecution or death in Vietnam.

If not for the thread connecting me to my American citizenship, I might not have lived the flourishing life I have lived in the U.S. since I was 5, enjoying a freedom and prosperity that wouldn't have been available to me in Vietnam, or anywhere else in the world. When you've spent your life defending your Americanness against those who see your Asian face and assume you're foreign, seeing how tenuous that citizenship is can make you feel betrayed by your country.

For decades, birthright citizenship has protected us from those who might wish to pick and choose who gets to be American. Now, this fundamental principle is at risk of being eroded.

This erosion affects every American, not just immigrants or people of color. If presidential interpretation can override constitutional text, if executive orders can redefine citizenship categories, what other rights become negotiable?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For those of us who've always had to prove our belonging, the threat feels immediate and visceral. It won't matter how well I speak English or how well I have culturally assimilated, my Asian face will always mark me as someone whose citizenship could be questioned, whose belonging could be revoked with the stroke of a pen.

As we approach the 250th birthday of our country, we must ensure that no child who qualifies for citizenship under the 14th Amendment will ever be categorized as an other. The 14th Amendment was written to guarantee that birthright needs no asterisks, no conditions, no politician's interpretation.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Woman attacked, killed by dogs in Georgia neighborhood

A woman has died after being attacked by a pair of dogs on Friday morning.

LaGrange police say they were called to a home on Swanson Street near Juniper Street just after 11 a.m.

When they arrived, they said they found 60-year-old Theresa Patterson being attacked by two large dogs.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officers were able to stop the attack and provide first aid until Patterson could be taken to West Georgia Medical Center, where she died.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Neighbors told Channel 2s Eryn Rogers that officers had to shoot and kill one dog to get it off the victim.

Another neighbor said he was attacked by the same dogs earlier in the week.

TRENDING STORIES:

Rogers spoke to the dogs owners. They said they have a brown pit bull, which is the dog that attacked the woman and was shot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They said they also have a black Cane Corso. They said authorities took the Cane Corso after the attack, but shared Ring video that they said shows the Cane Corso in front of the home during the attack.

Jessie Mathews said Patterson was on her way to visit him when the attack happened.

This shouldnt have had to happen, Mathews said.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Pattersons grandson, Qua Tucker, said he can forgive and will focus on remembering the good times with his grandmother, whom he described as outspoken, loving, and witty.

She was one whos definitely going to be missed, Tucker said. Shes the glue that held our family together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, he said hed like to see justice served for his grandmother.

I feel like the appropriate party should be held accountable, Tucker said. They should serve time. It was someones life, my grandmothers.

Police say they are continuing to investigate and havent said if charges will be coming.
We were deeply heartbroken and shocked to learn of Annes passing and the circumstances in which she was found. It is natural for us to have many questions and to feel sorrow that she was alone in her final moments. However, after visiting the site where she was camping and discovered, we have found peace in knowing she spent her last days exactly as she wished.

Anne was a complex and deeply courageous person who faced challenges with both her physical and mental health over many years. She loved her family as much as she was able and supported them whenever she could. Anne was strong, independent, and adventurous  a true explorer at heart. She loved traveling and discovering every dirt road her vehicle could reach.

Anne was clear in her wishes: she did not want to spend the end of her life confined to a nursing home or hospital. She wanted to be surrounded by nature, free and unrestrained. While this loss has been incredibly difficult for us, we find comfort in knowing that she spent her final months and moments camping and exploring, true to who she was. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the ending they desire, and for that, we are grateful.

Due to the suddenness of Annes passing, our family has established a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. We wish to honor her life and provide her with the dignified farewell she deserves. Any contribution, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated. An official obituary will be shared in the near future.

Finally, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the first responders involved in this case, as well as the Iron County Animal Shelter and Animal Control Officer for their compassionnot only toward our family but also toward Annes beloved dog. The kindness and support we have received from Iron County have been a profound comfort during this difficult time, and words cannot fully express our appreciation.

With gratitude, The Rochelle Family
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A woman who randomly killed a carpet cleaner at an apartment complex last year could serve a decade in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill, documents said.

Kayla Alery, 28, agreed to plead guilty Tuesday to a charge of second-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon, records said.

As part of the deal, Alery could serve a minimum of 10 years in prison with an added sentence for the deadly-weapon enhancement. The terms of the deal call for a sentence of either life with the possibility of parole after 10 years or a set term of 10-25 years, plus additional time for the weapon enhancement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alery shot and killed Raul Cardoza-Lopez, 41, on March 26, 2024, in the parking lot of an apartment complex near Fort Apache Road and Twain Avenue, documents said. That summer, a grand jury indicted Alery on a murder charge.

Before the shooting, several people noticed a suspicious person on the property, documents said. Three apartment complex employees followed Alery and told her to leave. She attempted to climb over a wall to exit the complex, but workers directed her to a gate.

While passing Cardoza-Lopezs van, Alery pulled out a handgun and shot one time, hitting Cardoza-Lopez in the neck, before running out of the complex, documents said. After her arrest, police took Alery to the Clark County Detention Center, where she attacked another inmate out of nowhere while she was waiting to be processed, documents said.

Alery is a three-time felon for attempted burglary and arson. She was released from prison just months before the shooting and was ordered not to have any weapons, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A judge was scheduled to sentence Alery on Aug. 21. In Nevada, a plea of guilty but mentally ill requires a defendant to provide documentation of a mental illness. In similar cases, judges will often order mental health treatment for prison inmates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A woman who police say is part of an organized crime group from New York was arrested in Westmoreland County for alleged bank fraud.

State police said Jennifer Folzenlogen, of Ohio, was part of a group committing mail fraud, stealing victims identities and then withdrawing money from their accounts across several states.

On April 7, Folzenlogen allegedly deposited money orders and withdrew thousands of dollars from victims accounts at three First National Bank locations in Greensburg: Woodward Drive, South Main Street, and North Main Street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The day after, Murrysville police were called to the First National Bank on William Penn Highway for a report of a woman attempting to cash a check with suspected fraudulent documents. Bank management told police that the woman attempted check fraud schemes at other local banks in recent months.

Police said the woman claimed to be Mary Ann McCurdy of Homer City and presented a fraudulent Pennsylvania drivers license. The check was written out to a Mary Ann McCurdy from the account of another woman for $3,253.

Detectives then questioned the woman, who eventually identified herself as Folzenlogen. Police said Folzenlogen had multiple active felony arrest warrants from the state of Indiana for similar fraud.

Murrysville police said Folzenlogen attempted the same fraud at the Murrysville bank branch using a different identity and cashed a check for $3,000.

Folzenlogen was arrested and is currently in the Westmoreland County Prison.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Tainted Water

A retiree in rural Georgia has accused Meta's new AI data center, which is situated around 1,200 feet from her home, of polluting her water.

As the BBC reports, the resident, Beverly Morris, believes the construction of the tech giant's data center disrupted her private water well, causing a buildup of sediment.

"I'm afraid to drink the water, but I still cook with it, and brush my teeth with it," Morris told the broadcaster. "Am I worried about it? Yes."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meta has since denied these allegations, telling the BBC in a statement that "being a good neighbour is a priority." The company commissioned a groundwater study, finding that its data center did "not adversely affect groundwater conditions in the area."

Regardless how it ultimately shakes out, the incident highlights how a massive push to build out infrastructure to support incredibly power-hungry AI models is disrupting lives across the country. We're only beginning to understand the enormous environmental toll of AI tech, from staggering water usage to an enormous carbon footprint due to soaring emissions.

Down the Drain

And it's only getting worse as companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta, continue to pour tens of billions of dollars into building out thousands of data centers across the world. In November, researchers estimated that global AI demand could account for up to 1.7 trillion gallons annually of water by 2027, more than four times the total water withdrawal of the country of Denmark.

Estimates vary wildly, adding to the uncertainty, ranging from a ChatGPT query using up as much water as a 16-ounce bottle or as little as "roughly one-fifteenth of a teaspoon," per OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's recent estimates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Activists have since pointed to potentially dangerous sediment runoff from construction that could land in water systems, as may be happening with Morris' well.

It remains to be seen how committed the AI industry will be to sustainability. After making a big deal about their efforts to lower emissions at the beginning of the decade, the surge in interest in AI has majorly shifted the conversation.

And as AI models become more sophisticated, researchers have found that they are using exponentially more energy  so what we're hearing now may turn out to be merely prelude.

More on AI: Elon Boasts of Grok's Incredible Cognitive Power Hours After It Called for a "Second Holocaust"
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KTSM)  A 27-year-old woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with a fatal DWI crash that resulted in the death of a bicyclist back in February 2024 in Las Cruces, according to the Third Judicial District Attorneys Office (Dona Ana County).

Initially, the District Attorneys Office requested a 15-year sentence for Emily Elizabeth Portillo, 27, emphasizing the need for accountability in impaired driving cases.

However, Portillo was ultimately sentenced to 10 years in prison, with seven years to be served in custody and three years suspended, the District Attorneys Office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As KTSM previously reported, on Feb. 29, 2024, Roy Parra, 47, was riding a mountain bike and pulling a small bicycle trailer on the sidewalk of Lohman Avenue.

Bicyclist dies after being struck by car in Las Cruces

According to the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD), when Parra was crossing over I-25, he was struck by Portillos vehicle.

Parra was transported to UMC and died two days later, LCPD said.

The District Attorneys Office said speeding and driving while under the influence of both alcohol and cannabis were contributors to the crash.

This case is a tragic reminder that one irresponsible decision to drink and drive can cost lives and shatter families, Senior Trial Attorney Richard Wellborn said. We hope this sentence sends a clear and strong message to all New Mexicans: drinking and driving has serious consequences.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the sentencing hearing, statements from both Parras and Portillos families were delivered in court.

New Mexico continues to face a troubling rise in DWI-related deaths, DA Fernando Macias said. The tragic loss of Roy Parra reflects that reality. The public needs to know that we will pursue incarceration for any impaired driver  under the influence of alcohol or drugs  who causes the death of another person. Our office remains committed to ensuring they are held fully accountable under the law.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  A woman who was accused of tampering with evidence following the murder of a 19-year-old in 2024 was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty on Thursday.

On July 4, 2024, Rawly Sanchez was murdered while driving with his friends in Tyler. According to an affidavit, Sanchez and his friends had to do a U-turn. When they turned behind Bautista Auto, the driver reported seeing a person in a building with an AK-47-style rifle who started shooting at them.

Im a monster: Upshur County man gets 90 years for sexually assaulting young girl

Mugshot of Corina Bautista courtesy of Smith County Jail.

Rawly was shot and his friends took him to a local hospital, where he died. Around the same time, a Tyler Police Department officer was driving by Bautista Auto when he saw a white Ford Explorer with bullet holes on the side. When the officer came back later, the Ford was gone, and then Smith County Sheriffs Office deputies arrived on the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the investigation, Corina Bautista arrived at the scene and was questioned about the Ford. Initially, she reportedly said the car was never there, but then said someone had shot at them when shown footage of the vehicle.

Athens man gets more than 5 years in prison for meth trafficking

After speaking with Corina, deputies went to her home and found the Ford parked in her driveway. Additionally, a man was seen inside, who was identified as Seferino Bautista-Renteria, Corinas husband. Seferino was questioned and claimed that he was at the lake with his family and then went to Bautista Auto to drop off jet skis.

Seferino claimed he and his son were almost hit by the truck Sanchez was in, so they went inside. According to the affidavit, Seferino claimed not to have shown any guns.

Seferino Bautista-Renteria. Photo courtesy of Smith County Jail.

According to officials, several 7.62-caliber bullet casings were found at the scene of the murder, and Corina admitted there were guns at the business after initially saying there were none at the scene. After obtaining a search warrant, Bautisa Auto officials found two AK-style rifles in the back of the building.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following the investigation, Seferino was arrested and charged with murder and two counts of aggravated assault. On April 3, Seferino was sentenced to 60 years in prison after being found guilty of murder before 114th District Court Judge Reeve Jackson.

Corina was also arrested following the investigation and was charged with tampering with and fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair. On Thursday, Corina was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Anton Tai, has dismissed the idea of issuing another round of consumption cards.

At the Legislative Assembly, the Secretary refuted the idea aired by lawmaker Lo Choi In, who called for a new round of this support to boost the internal economy.

Several lawmakers also addressed the matter, calling on the government to find urgent measures to support the local economy, specifically the small and medium-sized enterprises whose businesses have reportedly been deteriorating.

Tai claimed that the government has no intention of going back to this type of consumption support, issued during the Covid-19 pandemic, and added that other forms of support, such as consumption carnivals, must be supported by scientific studies and aimed at addressing a specific issue.

The Secretary also said Macau is currently in a high-spending season, and it is necessary to evaluate the summer holiday results first. He also reaffirmed that resources are not unlimited and that the government needs to ensure the health and sustainability of public finances.

Not so high summer

Despite Tai having expressed the idea of summer being a high season for Macaus economy, data disclosed yesterday by the Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, shows that the average number of inbound tourists in July is slightly over 90,000 per day. Although this figure represents an increase compared to June, it is still considered low in the context of the local tourism market.

Last year, July was responsible for 3,021,189 visitors, an average of 97,458 per day.

Senna Fernandes expects August to usher in the peak tourist season of the year and calls on the tourism industry to be ready to welcome tourists.
DAKOTA COUNTY, Neb. (KCAU)  A South Sioux City woman, accused of helping her estranged husband evade authorities after a murder in 2023, has been sentenced.

Reyna Castellanos pleaded no contest to accessory of a felony and false reporting. The charges stemmed from a murder in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Authorities claimed Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales killed the mother of his child, Jordan Beardshear, in April 2023. They also alleged Reyna Castellanos helped him after the crime as he tried to hide from law enforcement.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On July 11, 2025, Reyna Castellanos was sentenced to three to four years in jail for the accessory charge. She was also sentenced to 180-240 days for the false reporting charge. She will be credited for serving 350 days in jail, and both her sentences will run concurrently.

Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales was found guilty on June 16, 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
BOYNTON BEACH  A woman who was shot and wounded during a July 5 anti-violence rally at a Boynton Beach park has filed a notice of intent to sue the city, her attorney said on July 11.

Richard Ryles announced the pending lawsuit on behalf of Diamond Delk, one of three women shot and wounded when reported gunfire between rival gangs erupted at Sara Sims Park. Police investigators say the shootings occurred during an unsanctioned "Peace in the Hood" gathering of about 500 people.

The event reportedly took place despite the city denying its organizer's request for a special permit. Ryles said that denial did not absolve the city of responsibility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The City of Boynton has an ultimate responsibility for maintaining its property in a safe condition and they failed to do that," Ryles said during a news conference at the park, off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard east of Interstate 95.

Ryles said Delk was shot in the hip and fractured her leg as she tried to escape the hail of bullets. He said Delk is recovering at home after receiving care at a hospital. She did not attend the news conference.

Boynton Beach has six months to investigate before formal litigation can began. A city police spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The department had not announced any arrests as of July 11.

Royal Palm fire: July 4 blaze costs family nearly everything: 'All I could do was just stand in disbelief'

People at event left without protection, NAACP president says

Attorney Richard Ryles says that he is filing a lawsuit against the city of Boynton Beach on behalf of his client Diamond Delk who was shot in the hip and fractured her leg during an unsanctioned event at Sara Sims Park on July 5. He held a press conference at the park on July 11, 2025 in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Ryles questioned the city's handling of the event. He said city police should have disbanded it since it was being held without a permit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Other cities throughout Palm Beach County routinely take precautionary measures in response to unauthorized gatherings, including increased police patrols, public warnings, and proactive park closures," he said. "Boynton Beach did none of these things. Their inaction allowed an unlawful, high-risk event to unfold unchecked, placing hundreds of innocent lives in danger."

He noted that several young children were present during the event and referenced videos posted to social media showing some of them fleeing from the gunfire.

"Hopefully, this litigation will make Boynton Beach police do things differently in the future so that I don't have to see social media (videos of) toddlers running for their lives when they're out just having a day of fun with their families," he said.

Measles in Florida: Doctors urge vaccinations, saying South Florida's two cases could grow

City documents indicate a suburban Lake Worth Beach woman applied for the permit. She has not returned calls seeking comment. The city documents also show that a Boynton Beach police captain advised against approving the permit due to staffing concerns related to the Fourth of July holiday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dedrick Straghn, president of the south county chapter of the NAACP, said police officers were present for a period of time, but did not intervene. Straghn said everyone knew that the event was unsanctioned except for the attendees.

"I agree that, not only did police not do their job, but the city did not do their job," Straghn said. "There was a police presence here. At that time, they should have known that event was not sanctioned and shut it down, but they didn't. They were here and then they left. They left these attendees here without protection."

Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

Witness statements t

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Generally what should is there should be a policy and procedure related to these types of events.

Blocked the

Once they got a critical mass of people, that sizeable number of people in an area like this without any police presence... There should be at 10-20 police (officers) out here.

City of Boynton Beach. Young lady

Six months to investigate.

5 alleged to occurred to

Dedric Straghn

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Woman shot during Boynton Beach anti-violence rally to file lawsuit
A woman was arrested after approaching Mar-a-Lago, claiming she had "an urgent message" for President Donald Trump and stating that there were guns inside her vehicle.

The woman, identified as Caroline Shaw, 49, of Orlando, was detained July 7 on accusations of driving with a suspended license and failing to register her vehicle, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

At the time of the incident, Trump was in Washington, D.C., when Shaw allegedly drove what was described by law enforcement as a Mercedes van to the south gate of Mar-a-Lago shortly before 10 p.m. and parked along Southern Boulevard. According to an arrest report, she then walked to the gate and told U.S. Secret Service agents she needed to "speak with Trump urgently."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shaw then informed agents there were guns in her vehicle. Based on Shaw's claim, agents took her into custody and "secured the vehicle pending further investigation."

Man Caught Scaling Mar-a-lago Wall Wanted To 'Marry' Trump's Granddaughter, 'Spread The Gospel': Report

It was not disclosed if guns were found inside Shaw's vehicle.

Read On The Fox News App

Records indicate Shaw's drivers license had also been suspended since April 23, 2023, due to unpaid traffic fines, and her cars registration expired in December 2021.

On July 9, Shaw remained in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail on $2,000 bond. She entered a not-guilty plea during a court appearance July 8, where a judge prohibited her from going near Trump, Mar-a-Lago or any of his properties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to the vehicle-related misdemeanors, Palm Beach Police also filed a request for a risk protection order, which would bar Shaw from possessing guns or ammunition for at least one year.

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man For Threatening To Assassinate Trump After Reelection

President Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pa., in July 2024.

Shaws arrest is the latest in several recent security incidents involving individuals attempting to access Mar-a-Lago.

Among the other notable arrests:

Zijie Li, 39, a Chinese citizen from California, was arrested July 31 after multiple alleged attempts to enter Mar-a-Lago. He was later found incompetent to stand trial.

Patrick Webster Warren, 42, of South Carolina was taken into custody Aug. 13 after bypassing barricades. He told officers he wanted Trumps autograph.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Florida Charges Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect With Attempted Murder, Terrorism

Mar-a-Lago

Farbod Dolat, 53, of Sarasota was arrested Nov. 14 for allegedly driving a stolen vehicle to the estate to meet Trump. He faces felony charges.

Ruby Rodriguez, 62, of California, was charged with trespassing in December after trying to gain access to the club. She was sentenced to probation.

A teenager was apprehended Dec. 5 after allegedly planning to graffiti "Carthage vs. Rome" on a Mar-a-Lago wall.

Bijan Arceo, 32, of Sunny Isles Beach, jumped the estate's wall in January. He was diverted to a pretrial program with community service and conditions to avoid further arrests or contact with the property.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jeffrey Daniel Olson was arrested in February for entering restricted grounds and faces federal charges.

Adrienne Tajirian, 58, from Pennsylvania, attempted to dine with Donald Trump Jr. in April. She was sentenced to probation in May.

Anthony Thomas Reyes, 23, of Texas, was arrested June 3 after reportedly scaling the estates wall, claiming he wanted to "spread the gospel" and marry Trumps granddaughter. He was released on $50,000 bond after pleading not guilty to a misdemeanor trespassing charge.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for reaction to the arrest.





Original article source: Woman with 'urgent message' for President Trump arrested near Mar-a-Lago security checkpoint
The Latin American Festival, a celebration that has taken place in Worcester for more than 30 years, will not be held this summer.

CENTRO, a non-profit that serves the Latin American community in Central Massachusetts, announced Thursday the 33rd annual festival will not take place this year on Aug. 16.

The organization wrote that the cancellation was due to several factors beyond our control but did not specify what those factors were.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the festival has been a beloved tradition for more than three decades, bringing together thousands of people to celebrate Latin American culture, music, and community, circumstances this year have made it impossible to host the event in the way our community deserves a statement from the organization reads.

The statement was signed by Tina Velazquez, the interim president and CEO of CENTRO.

CENTRO did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.

The annual festival is usually held at the Worcester Common and features food, dancing and music celebrating Latin American culture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last years festival featured words of gratitude from former CEO and President and CEO Juan A Gomez, according to the Telegram & Gazette. Gomez served as CEO and president from 2007 until he stepped down in 2024.

This event has been a celebration of our shared heritage, resilience, and joy, CENTROs statement reads. Canceling was not an easy decision, but it is the most responsible course of action this year.

More Worcester Stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
XAI's chatbot Grok posted antisemitic messages this week, including praise for Adolf Hitler.

Some workers who train Grok expressed frustration. Others said it was part of working with new tech.

One worker posted on Slack that they decided to resign over the incident.

After xAI's chatbot Grok posted a string of antisemitic messages on X this week  including praise for Adolf Hitler  some xAI workers who train Grok expressed anger and disillusionment. One said they would resign in protest.

In an internal Slack channel viewed by Business Insider, several employees wrote that Grok's comments were hateful and inexcusable since its outburst on Tuesday. Others expressed embarrassment at the company's response to the incident, and said that Grok's behavior couldn't be dismissed, even if it was the result of a targeted user prompt seemingly intended to elicit inappropriate behavior.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Others said Grok's antisemitic posts were the result of working with new technology and being part of the early stages of artificial intelligence, according to posts in the channel. (It's unclear what actually caused Grok's antisemitic posts.)

More than a thousand workers who help train Grok are part of the Slack group. Dozens of emojis were used to support statements posted by workers defending and criticizing xAI and its leaders.

"At first, some people didn't seem to take it seriously, which really upset others," one employee told BI. They said some employees saw the issue as a "moral failure," and have called for more accountability from the company.

In a message viewed by BI, one employee wrote a note to colleagues saying they had decided to resign due to the incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It exposed real fractures within the human data team," the worker who spoke with BI said, referring to the group of workers who train Grok.

The Grok posts in question from Tuesday included praise of Hitler and equating Jewish-sounding surnames to "anti-white hate." Later that day, the company temporarily halted Grok's ability to write comments on social media and said that xAI was aware of the "inappropriate posts" and had "taken action to ban hate speech before Grok posts on X."

A spokesperson for xAI did not respond to a request for comment.

Some workers compared Tuesday's posts to an incident in May, when the chatbot repeatedly referenced "white genocide" in South Africa, seemingly at random.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the time, the chatbot told users it had been "instructed by my creators" to accept the genocide "as real and racially motivated." Those posts have since been deleted, and the company has said it was the result of "an unauthorized modification."

Grok's antisemitic posts popped up on social media a few days after xAI added new lines to Grok's public system prompts that instructed the chatbot not to avoid "politically incorrect" claims. The outburst also happened one day before xAI rolled out Grok 4, a newer model of its conversational AI tool.

BI previously reported that the company has trained the AI tutors that teach the chatbot to avoid "woke ideology" and had a "Political Neutrality" project dedicated to challenging Grok's understanding of issues like feminism, socialism, and gender identity.

Do you work for xAI or have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at gkay@businessinsider.com or Signal at 248-894-6012. Use a personal email address, a nonwork device, and nonwork WiFi; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

Read the original article on Business Insider
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The second you walk into a courtroom, your eyes are drawn to the head chair and the state seal behind it.

You may notice the attorneys gathering and the jury sitting on the sidelines, but how many remember the court reporter?

Shortage of court reporters continues to be an issue in Arkansas

They are the silent person in the room, bearing witness to the case thats about to unfold before their eyes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Arkansas and across the nation, this key role in the judicial process is fading. More court reporters are retiring than joining the profession, and some say that if something doesnt change soon, it could impact our right to a fair trial.

We were really seeing that concern for that retirement as opposed to new court reporters, that ratio, we werent really comfortable with those numbers, said certified court reporter Heather Pierce.

Pierce became a certified court reporter in 2012. She says the industry has been experiencing a shortage for most of the last five years.

A trends report by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers shows more than half of the industrys workforce is either at or nearing retirement age.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Compared to the number of people joining the field, experts say its a 1-to-5 ratio: For every one reporter joining the profession, five retire.

Youre not even breaking even, Pierce said.

Labor Department suspends Job Corps centers operations, drawing bipartisan pushback

Statistics from the National Court Reporters Association show a significant decline in the number of new reporters.

In 2022, 364 people passed the certification test nationwide; in 2023, the number decreased to 243. In 2024, just 189 people passed the certification test.

We have just been chasing our tail for so long that its been difficult to keep it from happening, said Cris Brasuell, President of the Arkansas Court Reporters Association.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brasuell says out of the 360 reporters statewide, just 10 are new this year.

We are looking at the integrity of the record being jeopardized, said Brasuell.

Brasuell says current court reporters are working overtime to fill the gap. When they cant, cases get pushed back.

Some judges are choosing to record testimony and transcribe it later.

There are too many things that could go wrong, Brasuell said. If youre not in that room, and you didnt hear the difference between I did it and I didnt do it, it could be detrimental to someones livelihood.

In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned a first-degree murder conviction in El Dorado because of deficiencies in the record.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brasuell says some digital recordings allowed in this case werent appropriately documented, erasing key testimonies and meetings.

If there is not a transcript for it, its not admissible for trial, Brasuell said.

Arkansas Department of Human Services discusses $5K bonus for nurses in effort to combat shortage

Brasuell says the shortage of court reporters boils down to the demands of long days, lower pay, the certification board test, the required education and people not being aware of the industry.

Maybe were just too good at [being silent], Brasuell said.

They may not be recognized, but theyre always there, playing a key role in cases we will remember for a lifetime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Arkansas Court Reporting Academy offers an accelerated accreditation course. For more information on becoming a court reporter, visit arcracademy.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A man and woman have pleaded guilty to breaking into several self-storage units in Norfolk.

According to the Norfolk Commonwealths Attorneys Office, Emily Isaacs, 28, and Kevin Salmon Jr., 38, each pleaded guilty to burglary with the intent to commit larceny, and conspiring to commit the felony.

Salmon was sentenced in May to serve one year in jail, and Isaacs is scheduled for sentencing later this month.

Kevin Salmon (Courtesy: VBSO)

Emily Isaacs (Courtesy: VBSO)

The crimes associated with this case took place in October.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Oct. 26, the pair used a bolt cutter to break the doors of several storage units at a business on 35th St., where they proceeded to steal several items, according to a news release. One of those items included a World War II-era service rifle worth thousands of dollars.

Surveillance video from the scene showed Salmon and Isaacs committing the crimes and captured the vehicle they were driving.

A detective reviewed the video, then distributed a description of the suspects and their car.

On Oct. 28, a patrol officer spotted the car outside a hotel and determined it had been stolen.

Police towed the vehicle from the scene. Detectives recovered several stolen items, identifying information, a pair of bolt cutters, and multiple cut locks from the car.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Salmons plea agreement requires that he pay restitution to the victim whose rifle was stolen, among other parameters. His one-year jail sentence is above the high end of Virginia sentencing guidelines, which recommended a sentence of between one day and six months in jail, according to the CAs Office.

Isaacs pleaded guilty in June. She also agreed to face an active jail sentence of up to 12 months, dependent on the judges acceptance when the hearing is held.

Mr. Salmon and Ms. Isaacs stole more than just property from their victims; they stole heirlooms whose worth was far more than just money, said Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi. Mr. Salmon and Ms. Isaacs should have known better, and they will each serve a sanction appropriate to their actions.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Jul. 11CARLTON  The world's biggest environmental cleanup of its kind has resumed on the Thomson Reservoir as federal and state agencies seek to remediate industrial pollutants along Lake Superior's largest river.

Environmental Protection Agency contractors resumed the deployment of 8,100 tons of activated carbon used to remediate toxins in the second phase of the $36 million project in June. Once completed, it will be Minnesota's final planned remediation project on the St. Louis River.

"From a broader perspective, the more of these immediate projects that we complete to remove contamination left behind from historic industrial discharges, the huge benefit it'll be overall to the Great Lakes," said Meaghan Kern, technical lead and project manager with the EPA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

St. Louis River is listed as a

Great Lakes Area of Concern,

a designation the EPA applies to areas impacted by human-caused environmental degradation in the Great Lakes basin. Encompassing 1,020 square miles, it is the second-largest and westernmost of the country's 25 remaining Areas of Concern. The reservoir remediation is part of the larger effort to restore and delist the St. Louis River as an Area of Concern by 2030.

The river's pollution is a legacy of industries that have historically used its waterways. At Thomson Reservoir, residual dioxins and furans  highly toxic chemicals known to cause cancer and reproductive and developmental problems, left behind by pulp and paper manufacturing  litter the bed of the reservoir.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The toxins are mainly consumed by bugs and plants on the sediment surface and move up the food chain by concentrating in the fatty tissue of animals.

The EPA estimates

that over 90% of human exposure to dioxins occurs through the consumption of animal fats, such as meat, dairy, fish and shellfish.

To isolate the toxins, a thin layer of activated carbon pellets is being applied to the sediment bed. The pellets, which are gravel-coated with powdered carbon, sink carbon to the sediment surface. The carbon should then separate and bind to the contaminants, preventing accumulation in bottom-dwelling organisms, halting their journey to the top of the food chain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Our targets here really are those bugs and the fish. So we're looking at the chemistry and those contaminants, and how they move through the food chain," said LaRae Lehto, a contaminated sediment program coordinator for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which is working alongside the EPA to remediate the river.

The EPA completed approximately 42% of the total activated carbon placement over 28 acres in 2024. The remainder will be dispersed across 38 acres through the summer. The project is expected to be completed by November.

The project is largely funded through the EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office, with the MPCA and

PotlatchDeltic,

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

the former owner of the

Sappi paper mill

in Cloquet, splitting just over one-third of the remaining costs.

The

funding was announced in 2023

from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated $1 billion to accelerate the cleanup and restoration of the Great Lakes.

Kris Eilers, executive director of the St. Louis River Alliance, an advocacy organization that helped secure state funding for the project in 2017, said the environmental impacts from the remediation are already being seen.

"It's been great for the river," Eilers said. "We're already seeing recovery in the river in different areas over the last 10 years, and so we expect that we'll see the same up at the reservoirs."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is Minnesota's seventh and final remediation of the St. Louis River. Following a select few

remediation projects in Wisconsin,

the EPA is on track to meet its target of delisting the St. Louis River by the end of the decade.

Because the project was operational and fully funded in 2024, it has not been impacted by calls by the Trump Administration to

cut EPA funding and loosen environmental regulations,

according to Lehto.

Still, Eilers worries that future cuts in funding and the environmental regulatory rollback could jeopardize all the progress made in cleaning the river.

"If they want to roll back regulations and stuff, the reason why we got here in the beginning was because there were no regulations," Eilers said. "So there needs to be regulations and standards for our water if we want a healthy future."
Crown Point

CrossPoint Church: 214 S Court St.  CrossPoint Church will have a backpack drive in support of By The Hand, a Christ-centered after-school program serving kids in under-resourced neighborhoods of Chicago. The church will collect backpacks from July 13 to August 3. Drop-off bins will be located in the main hallway at the church. For more information, call 219-662-2211.

Momentum Church: 2200 N Main St.  Momentum Church will have an international potluck dinner from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 13. Those who attend can bring a dish to share and invite friends. Interested parties can sign up at the welcome center or email info@momentumindiana.org to say what food is being brought. Those bringing food should arrive 15-20 minutes early.

East Chicago

Jeorse Park Beach: 3301 Aldis Ave.  The 2025 Wow Fest, featuring Pastor Beverly Crawford, will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 27. The event will have free haircuts and hair braiding, a backpack giveaway, a game truck and more.

Gary

The Glen Theatre: 20 W Ridge Rd.  The African American Achievers Youth Corps, Inc. will host their 15th Annual Divas of Gospel Concert on Saturday, July 26 at 6 p.m. at the Glen Theatre. Jonathan Portis will be the M.C. Tickets for the event are $15 and may be purchased at Beautiful Things, 4335 Broadway. The cost at the door will be $20. For more information, contact Smith at 219-887-2046.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

St. Timothy Church: 1600 W 25th Ave.  St. Timothy Church will have Gospel Extravaganza, presented by Urban League of Northwest Indiana, at 4 p.m. Sept. 14. VIP tickets are $75, and general tickets are $25. For more information, call 219-887-9621 or visit Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gospel-extravaganza-tickets-1353361313119

Valparaiso

Valparaiso Baptist Church: 612 Emmettsburg Street A Truth Seekers bible study will be at Valparaiso Baptist Church from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. July 17. The Bible study will be a meaningful time of connection and discovery. For more information, call 219-464-1443 or visit https://www.valpobaptist.org/events/l6gdl5dzmtkkmmd-8jlmw-p2jl5-pnlz5-st3t4-r27hn-fyt5y-p8pcx-8jdkf-9wxsc-rejf6-ynwws-jxwtz-6k8j7-j2hzx-lcj37-rr4a5-7kp6d.

To submit worship news, email cnance@post-trib.com.
WORTHINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  After years of sewage issues that have gotten worse over the past few months, the Town of Worthingtons Mayor, Debby Heflin, said relief to residents should be felt soon.

Heflin told 12 News that Station 1 in the towns sewage system has three pumps, and that while two of them have been having issues, the third is working just fine. However, replacements have arrived.

Mayor Heflin said the first replacement pump was installed on Thursday and the goal is to have the second pump installed on Friday. Heflin added that the system is about 30 years old, making it hard to find the exact parts needed.

New pump installed in Worthington amid ongoing sewage issues (WBOY image).

Previous coverage

Town officials said the pumps were ordered two weeks ago and came from out of state. Heflin told 12 News the pumps were ordered after a thorough system assessment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On the assessment that was found, theres other issues that we are addressing and theres companies in here doing that. Theres more work thats needed done and we are working on that, Heflin said.

The mayor also said there are plans in the future to change the current vacuum sewer system to a gravity sewer system, but that can take about three years.

When asked about how some residents are moving out of the town because they believe sewage issues were making them sick, the mayor said, No comment, but she did address what she believes is one of the reasons the sewage issues have persisted.

Every time weve had a flood, that has hurt our lines, and thats what nobody wants to understand or admit to, they know the flooding has flooded our system out, Heflin said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Stick with 12 News for updates on this developing story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Starting on July 13, W Macau  Studio City presents Sip Around Asia, an exclusive event featuring an unprecedented line-up of mixologists. Bars Blind Tiger and Living Room will be transformed into vibrant hubs of mixology excellence, celebrating craftsmanship with exceptional cocktail menus.

The event includes a line-up of some of the best talents in the industry including Thirawat Kailaihong from ABar Rooftop, Bangkok and Jin from The Mix Lab, Seoul (Living Room, July 13), Gary Hu and Jerry Zhao from Dentree, Shanghai(Blind Tiger, July 13), Jihoon Kim from Malt + MixologySpace, Seoul (Living Room, July 14) and Christina Rassmussen from Fura, Singapore (Blind Tiger, July 14).

Each guest mixologist will craft two to four of the signature cocktails that have earned them accolades and admiration in the region. The limited and iconic cocktail menus created by these mixology masters will be available during their scheduled staging time.

Living Room will host a dynamic collaboration between The Mix Lab by Jin and Abar Rooftop by Thirawat Kailaihong. The Mix Lab, based in Seoul, is known for treating mixology as both an art and a science, creating precise and creative cocktails.

Jin, owner and mixologist will present drinks such as NO. 7 (Fake Coffee) with Remy Martin V.S.O.P Cognac Fine Champagne, Scotch whisky, Fake Coffee (chicory root, cacao nibs, roasted barley), salted cream, and NO.8 (Green Sour) a blend of The Botanist gin, Korean mint gin, green grape cordial (green grape, white wine vinegar, timut pepper, Xylitol sugar).

ABar Rooftop, located on the 38th floor of the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queens Park, boasts one of the largest gin selections in Bangkok.

Thirawat Kailaihong, the mixologist, brings a cocktail concept of tropical charm-meets-rooftop refinement, designed to impress and refresh, just like a night out in Bangkok such as Come Dawn (B The Botanist gin, Bergamot liqueur, dried jasmine, watermelon tonic, CO2) and Hello Yellow! (Remy Martin V.S.O.P Cognac Fine Champagne white rum, sundried banana, mango juice, pineapple syrup, lime).

On July 14, Living Room will host Jihoon Kim from Malt + MixologySpace. Kim will bring his unique perspective to the bar with a cocktail concept of bold experimentation, cultural storytelling, and umami-forward creativity. Each cocktail showcases unexpected ingredients like masala, wasabi and clam soup.

Blind Tiger will feature Christina Rassmussen from FURA, a forward-thinking and sustainable bar in Singapore. FURA was ranked on Asias 50 Best Bars list in 2024, and received the prestigious Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2024.

Christina, a Danish-American chef and forager, is known for her innovative and boundary-pushing creations. Her menu for the evening includesNew New Yuck (N.I.P Exotic City gin, seaweed, shio kombu, guava, malic acid, lime leaf white chocolate coco foam), Still Woozy (N.I.P Catnip Tea gin No.2, Plantation Pineapple Rum, tonka bean, pineapple, cherry, dry vermouth),A Quail Walks Into a Martini (N.I.P Catnip Tea Gin No.1, Osborne Sherry Fino, caramelized fennel, cultured Japanese quail) and Dirty Banana (Carlos Sherry Brandy Solera, FURA coffee, lacto banana cream, banana skin caramel).
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson speaks at a get out the vote event at Solidarity House in Detroit on Nov. 1 2024, days before the presidential election. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

Updated at 3:15 p.m.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy is all in on Secretary of State Jocelyn Bensons gubernatorial bid, which could help her win Detroit in the 2026 primary  but maybe not so much in the general election with the citys popular mayor on the ballot as an independent candidate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Worthy announced her endorsement of Benson on Thursday, adding to a long list of supporters as she remains the frontrunner in the Democratic Party primary. She touted Bensons grit and experience, but also her heart and vision for the state.

[Benson] came to Detroit to make a difference as a civil rights advocate clerking for Judge Damon Keith, then transformed Wayne State Law School, leading the school from the bottom tier to the Top 50, Worthy said. Weve seen what happens when leaders prioritize political survival or corporate interests over community needs. Jocelyn wont play it safe. Shell go toe-to-toe with anyone who threatens our hard earned rights and stand up for working families in Wayne County and across Michigan.

Worthy went on to say that Bensons plan puts people first, most of all those whove been ignored or left behind for too long.

Jocelyn has what it takes to win, and more importantly, she has what it takes to govern with moral courage, Worthy said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Benson on social media thanked Worthy for her support, saying she has worked alongside her and admired the prosecutor for years.

Prosecutor Worthy has always led with moral courage and integrity, Benson said. Her belief in our campaign and our shared vision for a Michigan where every community can thrive means so much to me. Together well fight for a state where rights are protected, families are supported, and everyone can thrive.

The longtime prosecutors support could undoubtedly help Bensons chances among voters in the Democratic stronghold of the Motor City, but it was significant for another reason. Worthy did not endorse the other Detroit and Wayne County resident on the Democratic side of the race, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II.

It also signals that Benson is trying to build a coalition that could win in diverse parts of the state where Democrats also carry weight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A big win in Detroit for one of the primary candidates, including Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, could be a key brick in the path to victory when the August contest arrives next year.

In an interview with Michigan Advance, Andrea Bitely, a political consultant and the owner of Bitely Communications, said Worthys endorsement of Benson makes sense because they are both attorneys who likely run in the same social circles and are women in significant leadership positions.

That said, Bitely noted that a strong Detroit showing in August 2026 might not matter much months later in the general election because of one very specific reason: Mike Duggan.

Bitely said there was no doubt the city would show up for Duggan even though he left the Democratic Party to seek the high office as an independent candidate  and one who tore at both Democrats and Republicans heels when he announced his intentions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Duggans place in the citys political zeitgeist wasnt just a problem for Benson, it was something that both Gilchrist and Swanson have to grapple with if one ends up being the eventual nominee.

Democrats have long been the winners in the city of Detroit, but the way that Mike Duggan is talking is really representative of the way I think a lot of Detroiters feel, Bitely said. And Duggan has come right and said, Im not a Democrat anymore. Those values dont match my values, but Im also not a Republican, because those values dont match my values.

That leads Bitely to believe that people in the city of Detroit would see Duggan as a more viable option.

Detroit has seen such a resurgence under Duggan that theres almost no way a Democrat is going to win the city with Duggan on the ballot, she said. I think that happens when you have somebody good in charge for so long.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But, on the subject of Benson and her chances in the city, Bitely said Benson was polling significantly down against Duggan. And, as voters saw in November with Vice President Kamala Harris, some voters still have a strong aversion to casting a ballot for women candidates.

In the most recent election, we saw a bump toward [President Donald Trump] with male voters in the city of Detroit, at a significantly larger number than I think a lot of people expected, Bitely said. The Worthy endorsement of Benson may help her some in the primary, but overall, Mike Duggan has the city of Detroit locked up. There is zero chance that Jocelyn Benson can beat Mike Duggan in the city of Detroit.

That speaks volumes of Duggan and where Benson stands, but it also doesnt bode well for Gilchrist, either. Bitely noted that Gilchrist is the second-in-command of the state next to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and has shown himself to be a caring leader, but he also didnt win in the city when he ran for clerk prior to becoming Whitmers running mate in 2018.

The pair beat out the Republicans in the 2018 general election  former Attorney General Bill Schuette and current Kent County Clerk Lisa Lyons  and Gilchrist ascended to the history books as the first Black lieutenant governor in state history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bitely said it was generally difficult to win an election in Detroit on a candidates first go, but it was also telling that Gilchrists own running mate in Whitmer has yet to extend her endorsement.

Thats not necessarily a kiss of death, but it makes his journey to being governor a lot more challenging, Bitely said.

Another perspective came from state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit), who has endorsed Bensons gubernatorial run.

I am a lifelong Detroit resident and Ive known Jocelyn for over 20 years. She is a principled, battle-tested leader who has shown that she wont back down when it comes to defending our civil rights, voting rights, and democracy. She didnt back down even when a mob came to her home- in Detroit- or amid ongoing threats of political violence. She is a pivotal leader in expanding voting rights across our State, empowering every Michigander to exercise their democratic rights. We need a leader like Jocelyn, who is strong and will fight for all of Michigan. Thats why I am proud to also endorse her for Governor along with many other Detroiters, said Phillips.

This story was updated with comment from state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit).
The Brief

Sherman Townsend, 75, of Minneapolis, was exonerated by the Minnesota Board of Pardons on Wednesday.

The pardon, which he had fought for since his 2007 release from prison, clears the felony burglary conviction from his record.

A witness placed Townsend at the Dinkytown crime scene in August 1997; that witness later admitted to the crime but was never charged.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A wrongfully convicted man who spent a decade in prison before being freed after the witness who helped put him away later admitted to the crime secured a pardon on Wednesday, clearing his record.

Minneapolis man exonerated for home invasion he didnt commit

The backstory

On August 10, 1997, Minneapolis police arrested Townsend after someone broke into a home in Dinkytown. A witness had identified him as the person who ran from the crime scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The witness testimony helped prosecutors secure a felony burglary conviction, which sent Townsend to prison for a decade. In 2007, David Jones, the witness who helped put Townsend away, admitted to the crime. Townsend walked out of prison after serving half of his 20-year sentence, but he still had a record for a crime he did not commit.

In addition, as part of his deal with prosecutors, he agreed not to sue the county over his wrongful conviction.

The Great North Innocence Project, which seeks to free wrongfully convicted people, accepted Townsend as its first client in 2002. But he faced setbacks on his journey to clear his name. In 2013, the state denied his pardon request, saying it did not have the power to exonerate someone. That same board granted him a pardon on Wednesday.

What they're saying

"I just didnt want to die with it still on my record," said Townsend. "No, I did not commit the crime. Its as simple as that, you know?"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Townsend was not there for some of lifes most important moments.

"It made me miss a lot of my grandchildren growing up, and Im finding it hard to make bonding relationships with them now," he said.

Gov. Tim Walz, who voted in favor of the pardon, said: "Mr. Townsend, I recognize that there is no apology for the 10 years that you spent in prison, but its clear to me that we are lucky to have you in our community."
Dear Mountaineer Family,

As I prepare to step down as West Virginia University president, my memories gather around this beautiful state, and what our faculty, staff, students and friends have accomplished for its people.

Each summer, I spent time traveling our states highways, byways and winding country roads.

Many of the small towns our team visited are hard to reach. But, when I arrived, when I saw the faces around me radiating curiosity and pride, I relearned the power of showing up and listening.

When I reflect on the past 11 years, I think about some of the Universitys major advancements:

Achieving and maintaining Research 1 status,

Bringing cutting-edge health care within reach of all West Virginians,

Modernizing our campus living and learning environments,

And transforming academics to prepare students for todays job market.

And I know we only reached these and other milestones because all Mountaineers showed up for our University and our state.

More than ever, we are a fiercely land-grant institution. We are a driving force for good, for change and for opportunity for West Virginians.

In 2016, I identified three pillars on which to build our progress: education, health and prosperity. Five years later, drawing upon the pandemics lessons, I announced the adoption of a fourth pillar: purpose.

I said that as president, I want to leave behind a University that encourages people to pursue their passions and their purpose. I want to leave behind a University that provides the opportunities to use that purpose to do good in this world.

And our faculty, staff and students embraced those pillars and strengthened them beyond my highest expectations.

The accomplishments of the past decade are not mine; they belong to each one of you.

Together, we have positioned West Virginia University for the future.

Going forward, I know you will support President Benson with the same enthusiasm you have always shown for our mission.

West Virginia will always be a place I call home. Mountaineers will always be treasured members of my family. And, with the spirit and dedication I have always observed here, you will forge a bright future for our students, state and University.

Lets Go!
From left, Dakota State University President Jose-Marie Griffiths, Wyoming financial planner Reid Rasner and South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden participate in an event on May 23, 2025, in Madison. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

Reid Rasner says hes paused his efforts to purchase TikTok for $47.45 billion and possibly place some of its operations in South Dakota.

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden had thrown his support behind the bid from Rasner, a financial planner and failed 2024 U.S. Senate candidate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rasner Medias website posted a press release Thursday saying the bids on pause unless China makes substantial changes and demonstrates a genuine commitment to a transparent and lawful divestiture.

The bid to buy TikTok remains fully funded, it said.

The press release blamed China for the pause. It said ByteDance, TikToks parent company, is attempting to spin off a diluted U.S. version of TikTok that would keep the apps core algorithm under Chinese control.

That likely obfuscates what they have been doing to manipulate and spy on Americans, Rasner said in the press release.

Rasner sues state lawmaker over social media slights

Hes also blamed a Wyoming state lawmaker for the TikTok deals troubles. Rasner filed a defamation lawsuit this week in Laramie County, Wyoming, against former state Sen. Anthony Bouchard for his alleged efforts to jeopardize a major business acquisition through disparaging social media posts.

Rasner told the Cowboy State Daily that the language in the lawsuit is a reference to the TikTok bid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In May 2024, Bouchard took to Facebook to call Rasner a phony and accuse him of misconduct during his college days, according to the lawsuit and screenshots provided in a press release from Rasner on the case.

Rasner has suffered irreparable damage to his personal and professional reputation, which has now been forever diminished and tarnished, the lawsuit said.

Bouchard declined to comment Friday.

Rasner Media born in February

In 2024, President Biden signed a bill into law that would either force the sale of TikTok to a U.S. owner or ban the app in the U.S. The Supreme Court found the law constitutional in January. President Trump has now twice extended the deadline for its sale, which is set for Sept. 17.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rasner launched Rasner Media a month after the Supreme Court ruling. Hes since made the rounds in interviews on the app, calling his bid the most Trumpian and pledging to pay content creators dividends on the occasion of a TikTok sale if they invest in it through Rasners FoundersTok website.

Rasner also drew the support of Gov. Rhoden after offering to locate some of TikToks operations in South Dakota, calling the state the leading contender for a headquarters. The governor appeared alongside Rasner for a press conference in May at Dakota State University, a school that trains students in cybersecurity and data science.

Shortly after that visit, Rasner told a group of Wyoming business leaders that hes always wanted Wyoming to host the company.

Financial questions

Like several of the content creators whove interviewed Rasner on the short-form video platform, the press release for Rasners South Dakota visit referred to him as a Wyoming billionaire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A South Dakota Searchlight investigation called that claim into question. Rasner would not answer the question directly when asked.

The Cowboy State Daily asked Rasner about the article. He told the outlet he has considerable wealth.

Ive had very, very good success in business since high school, and Ive built a really great life for myself, he told the outlet.

Rasners financial disclosures to the Federal Election Commission for his unsuccessful campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, showed that hed earned a little more than $100,000 the year before that 2024 contest as a financial planner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hed also earned more than $60,000 selling goods on eBay, owned a few pieces of property in Natrona County that brought him less than $50,000 of rental income, and had taken out a loan of more than $1 million from a family trust.

He raised less than $35,000 in donations for his Senate campaign, excluding the money he loaned himself.

Rasner has yet to file the required paperwork to show that his campaign paid back the $1.2 million loan he made to his 2024 campaign.

Rasner now has another U.S. Senate campaign committee  Wyomings junior U.S. senator is up for reelection in 2026  thats raised $105 in donations and lists $188,500 in loans Rasners made to his own campaign.

Rhoden response

Rasner has not disclosed the names of any financial backers to the TikTok bid. In a response to questions sent prior to the publication of Searchlights investigation, Rasner accused the outlet of liberal activism and bias.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Prior to the publication of Searchlights story on Rasners finances, Rhoden told the Scouting Report podcast that Rasner was ready to go to buy TikTok.

When asked last month after a tour of a Baltic-area dairy if he still has that level of confidence in Rasners bid, Rhoden told South Dakota Searchlight that hes yet to have anybody tell me that theres anything illegitimate about what hes told me.

We havent offered him anything, and he hasnt offered us anything, the governor said, save the opportunity to talk about the possibility of locating the headquarters in the state.

Id certainly hope for that, Rhoden said. Thats a no-lose for South Dakota.

Rasner did not immediately respond to a South Dakota Searchlight request Friday for comment on the pause of his TikTok bid.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Elon Musks X and Mark Zuckerbergs Meta may have profited from spreading misinformation during last years Southport riots, MPs have said.

A report from the Commons Science and Technology committee, covering last years unrest, found that the business models of social media companies incentivise the spread of content that is damaging and dangerous.

It said the responses of companies including X, Meta, Google and TikTok were inconsistent and inadequate, often enabling  if not encouraging  this viral spread.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The MPs suggested companies should face fines for spreading misinformation, saying that existing online safety legislation fails to keep Britons safe.

After last years Southport attacks, in which Axel Rudakubana murdered three young girls, posts incorrectly identifying the attacker as a Muslim asylum seeker called Ali Al-Shakati spread rapidly on social media.

The claims were seen as fuelling violence across England in the weeks after the attacks, with Ofcom claiming there was a clear link.

The committee said the evidence taken during its inquiry supports the conclusion that social media business models incentivise the spread of content that is damaging and dangerous, and did so in a manner that endangered public safety in the hours and days following the Southport murders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It said that Ofcom should have the power to fine social networks up to 10pc of their global turnover if their recommendation systems are found to cause significant harm or if they fail to demote posts identified by fact-checkers as false.

The report added that new online safety laws, which were not in force during the riots, would nonetheless have made little difference  since the legislation does not tackle misinformation.

War rooms

The regulator has said companies will be required to set up war rooms to cope with events that have the potential to lead to violence.

MPs had sought to question Mr Musk during the inquiry, prompting a furious response from the billionaire who accused MPs of censorship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Musk has been a vocal critic of British policing of social media, hitting out at the treatment of Lucy Connolly, a mother jailed for 31 months for tweeting about setting fire to asylum seekers hotels.

X, Meta, TikTok and Google all denied profiting from the unrest to the committee.

The committee also said that online safety laws need to be updated to account for the rise of artificial intelligence, with AI companies regulated in the same way as social media firms.

Dame Chi Onwurah, the committees chairman, said: The viral amplification of false and harmful content can cause very real harm  helping to drive the riots we saw last summer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These technologies must be regulated in a way that empowers and protects users, whilst also respecting free speech.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
A Long Island hospital is facing multiple lawsuits over a worker accused of filming as many as 13,000 patients and staff in the bathroom.

Northwell Hope sleep technician Sanjai Syamaprasad, 47, was busted in April for the alleged secret recordings  including videos of young children  that he shot with a camera disguised as a smoke detector in nine bathrooms at two facilities, prosecutors said.

Now, the hospital is facing at least four lawsuits for victims  including one suit seeking class-action status that was filed Wednesday.

Northwell Hope sleep technician Sanjai Syamaprasad, 47, was arrested for allegedly having secret recordings of patients and staff in the bathroom. NBC 4

We are deeply disturbed and outraged by the recent revelations that individuals, including our clients, were being filmed in the bathrooms at Northwell Health and STARS Rehab, said Benjamin Dell and Christopher Dean, the two attorneys who filed the most recent case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The idea that such a violation of privacy could occur in a place meant for healing and trust is absolutely unacceptable, the lawyers said in a statement.

The damage done by this breach of privacy is not just emotional  its a violation of our most basic expectations of safety and decency. We expect answers. We expect accountability. And most importantly, we need real assurances that this will never happen again.

Syamaprasad worked the overnight shift at the Northwell Sleep Disorders Center in Manhasset between July 2023 and April 2024 and filmed thousands of both patients and co-workers, some multiple times  and he may have bought his first covert recording device as early as August 2022, officials said.

Northwell has so far sent out 13,000 letters to each potential victim, with attorneys estimating the true number of victims could be even higher as investigators continue to comb through months of footage.

Multiple lawsuits revealed that as many as 13,000 individuals were secretly recorded. NBC 4

The hospital has maintained that it cooperated fully with law enforcement and followed a request from Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnellys office to delay its notice to possible victims until the criminal probe was ongoing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But victims attorneys argue that silence only made things worse.

Theyve expressed how violated they feel and how afraid they are of public restrooms and changing rooms, Joel Rubenstein, an attorney representing a batch of victims in one of the class action suits, said in a statement.

Syamaprasad was busted in April when a clinician spotted him watching footage of a man using the toilet, blowing the lid off the twisted scheme, according to the accusations against him.

Prosecutors said that the alleged secret recordings were shot with a camera disguised as a smoke detector in nine bathrooms at two facilities. NBC 4

He then allegedly tried to cover his tracks by tossing several memory cards and recording devices into a dumpster near his Brooklyn home shortly after he was caught.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Syamaprasad faces multiple charges, and prosecutors said additional counts are likely as the investigation unfolds.

Its disgusting, and its sickening, Donnelly said.

Hes supposed to be a medical professional.
SCHROON, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44)  Authorities said Friday that they were investigating a drowning at a Schroon Lake private beach.

According to authorities, Tyler Shoemaker, 28, of Cobleskill, went underwater at a private beach near Cornell Street on Schroon Lake and did not resurface on Thursday afternoon, some time before 2:20 p.m. Bystanders tried to save his life before emergency responders were able to arrive, and EMTs continued the efforts.

Governors office gives New Yorkers update on weather preparedness

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Unfortunately, Shoemaker was pronounced dead at the scene by the Essex County Coroner. Police say the investigation of his death is ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) is urging President Trump to restore federal funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provides funding for before- and after-school programs, including those in his district.

The administration is withholding more than $6 billion in federal funds for after-school and summer programs that was included in the government funding bill signed by Trump on March 15. Officials say its part of a review to ensure the programs align with White House priorities.

Trump also proposed cutting the funding in fiscal 2026, which begins Oct. 1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lawler wrote that the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is deeply aligned with your Administrations goals to return power to education authorities, instead of Washington, DC bureaucrats. State Education Agencies are fully responsible for administering the grant, providing each community with the opportunity to distribute funding where it is most needed.

Further, 21st Century Community Learning Centers are a perfect example of what happens when we take the federal government out of education  outcomes are better. Students that participate in these programs have been found to have better attendance records, are more engaged in their classes, and see improvements in their academic performance, including in reading and math, he added.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, the learning centers support 10,000 local programs that serve almost 1.4 million children nationwide. It was allocated more than $1.3 billion for fiscal 2025.

States participating in the programs get funds based on their shares of Title I low-income students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesperson for the White Houses Office of Management and Budget said the freeze is an ongoing programmatic review of education funding and no decisions have yet been made.

Initial findings show that many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda. In one case, NY public schools used English Language Acquisition funds to promote illegal immigrant advocacy organizations. In another, Washington state used funds to direct illegal immigrants towards scholarships intended for American students. In yet another, School Improvement funds were used to conduct a seminar on queer resistance in the arts,' they added.

According to a May 2025 study by the Afterschool Alliance, 4 in 5 Republicans surveyed said they support greater investments in after-school programs, and 8 and 10 Republicans said its an absolute necessity.

Afterschool and summer learning programs are an American success story. The Trump Administrations decision to withhold FY25 afterschool funding is a stunning betrayal, the Afterschool Alliance wrote in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Withholding these funds will cause lasting harm to students and families, and to our education system, our future workforce, and our economy. If these funds are not released very soon, we will quickly see more children and youth unsupervised and at risk, more academic failures, more hungry kids, more chronic absenteeism, higher dropout rates, more parents forced out of their jobs, and a less STEM-ready and successful workforce as our child care crisis worsens dramatically, the alliance continued.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
For the low price of $45, New Yorkers can proudly display their racist attitudes against New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

Despite establishment opposition, Mamdani clinched the citys primary in June with 56 percent of the vote. The Ugandan-born Queens lawmakers rise in the Big Apple has not been without intense opposition: many Democratic leaders in New York politics have still refused to endorse him, with some outright attacking him. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand baselessly claimed that Mamdani condoned global jihad, a statement that her communication director quickly had to walk back.

But its been Republicans who have proven especially venomous in the wake of Mamdanis surprise win. On Friday, the New York Young Republican Club unveiled its newest merchandise: a blue shirt plastered with the text Deport Zohran.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A new era is coming to New York City, the item description reads. With a dash of Che Guevera and modern populist overtones, our tee flips the script on socialism as we take back the city we love. Dont just cast your vote, rep it too!

(The website misspells the last name of Cuban Revolution figure Che Guevara.)

Screenshot of a shop website

The shirts manufacturing details explain that its 100 percent cotton, side-seamed construction with shoulder-to-shoulder taping, and is made in the USA, unlike Zohran.

The unabashed xenophobia is no doubt thanks, in part, to Donald Trumps anti-immigration rhetoric. The president has recently directed his attention towards the Democratic Socialist, threatening to arrest Mamdani and initiate a federal takeover of New York City if the 33-year-old is elected to Gracie Mansion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If a Communist gets elected to run New York, it can never be the same. But we have tremendous power at the White House to run places where we have to, Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. Were going to straighten out New York. Its going tomaybe were going to have to straighten it out from Washington.

Trump did not specify by which authority he planned to intervene in New Yorks democratic processes.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (left) joins state officials and business leaders at an event Tuesday celebrating Virginia surpassing his administrations 25% regulatory reduction goal, six months ahead of schedule. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury)

Days after declaring victory in his administrations push to cut regulatory red tape by 25%, Gov. Glenn Youngkin is now looking to artificial intelligence to help push that number even higher.

In an executive order issued Friday, Youngkin announced Virginia will launch the nations first agentic AI pilot program designed to streamline state regulations and guidance documents. The initiative will scan thousands of pages of agency rules using generative AI to identify redundancies, contradictions and overly complex language  all in the name of efficiency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have made tremendous strides towards streamlining regulations and the regulatory process in the commonwealth, Youngkin said in a statement. Using emergent artificial intelligence tools, we will push this effort further in order to continue our mission of unleashing Virginias economy in a way that benefits all of its citizens.

The move builds on the administrations broader deregulation campaign, which this week marked a milestone by surpassing a 25% reduction in regulatory requirements across state government six months ahead of schedule. Its unclear exactly which regulations have been shaved off, and Youngkins press officer hasnt responded to questions about the methodology powering the process.

The 25% was broken through, and Im convinced we can get to 35, Youngkin said Tuesday at an event in Richmond. Its about setting targets and hitting them  and then blowing through them and doing even more.

The new AI pilot, officials say, is a first-of-its-kind effort at the state level. The technology will comb through existing regulations and guidance documents to flag conflicting language, suggest clearer phrasing, and help agencies that havent already met or exceeded the 25% reduction benchmark hit the mark. The administration says the tool will also empower agencies to conduct future reviews with greater ease.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Virginia model for regulatory modernization has become the gold standard across the U.S., with other states and federal agencies looking to replicate our reforms, said Reeve Bull, director of the Office of Regulatory Management.

A Youngkin spokesman told The Mercury on Friday that artificial intelligence has not played a role in reaching the initial 25% cut. But officials say the new pilot will supercharge the process  especially for agencies still struggling to hit the original target.

As of this week, Virginia agencies had eliminated 47.9% of the words in their guidance documents and streamlined 26.8% of the regulatory requirements on the books, the administration said in a news release, emphasizing that most agencies are on track to meet or exceed the 25% goal, while a handful may need an extra push  potentially from AI.

The Office of Transformation continues to look for ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our state government, said Chief Transformation Officer Rob Ward. We look forward to working with our Office of Regulatory Management to apply the power of AI to our regulatory environment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Youngkin has tied the regulatory rollback to what he views as broader economic success in Virginia. At Tuesdays event inside a sweltering Southside Richmond warehouse, he rattled off investment and job creation numbers alongside regulatory cuts  $120 billion in new business commitments, 270,000 new jobs, and 15,000 high-growth startups.

Today is about results, he told supporters and business leaders. Today is about commitments kept. Today is about promises made  and a team of extraordinary individuals working together to keep those promises.

The reform effort stems from Executive Order 19, signed in 2022, which launched a sweeping, government-wide audit of regulations, permitting practices, and guidance documents. That process has resulted in the streamlining or repeal of nearly 89,000 individual requirements, officials said.

Among the most visible impacts are regulatory timelines at the Department of Environmental Quality that have reportedly dropped by 65%, while the Virginia Department of Transportation has cut 20,000 regulatory items.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In housing, Youngkin said updated building code rules reduced the cost of constructing a new home by nearly 6%, saving homebuyers roughly $24,000. Brian Horn, at the time director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, led the charge on that front, streamlining more than 48,000 housing-related regulations.

Environmental regulations were also a target. Andrew Wheeler, former EPA chief under President Donald Trump and now a key architect of Virginias regulatory review system, said his office found that more than half of all regulations had been drafted by agencies without external review. He highlighted stormwater regulations as one area where the volume of rules was drastically reduced  from 23 inches of printed materials to just five.

Still, Youngkin has emphasized that the effort wasnt about cutting corners. Were not saying all regs are bad, he said. What were saying is excess regulation is bad.

To track agency progress, Youngkin told reporters that the administration has been using a color-coded dashboard  green for those ahead of schedule, yellow for those close behind, and red for laggards.

And as Virginia eyes a new 35% reduction target, the AI pilot is expected to help maintain momentum across the board, the administration said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
The Brief

Mubasher Riaz of Ypsilanti has pleaded guilty to commit wire fraud using an online refund scheme.

Riaz and his brother Muzzammil purchased items using fake identities, claimed refunds but never returned them.

They then re-sold the items at a profit and sent back fake items to the original sellers.

FOX 2 - An Ypsilanti man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud using an online refund scheme, according to the US Attorney's Office Eastern District of Michigan.

The backstory

Mubasher Riaz was part of an online refund scheme with his brother Muzzammil Riaz from July 2017 through his arrest in November, 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both men admitted to purchasing online goods using fraudulent identities, virtual private networks, different electronic devices, and other means intended to avoid fraud detection by online vendors as part of their pleas.

The defendants bought from hundreds of sellers, including cell phones, tablets, electronic doorbells, and clothing. Thery then submitted refund claims, lying that the goods were defective.

The Riaz brothers never returned the goods they bought. They resold them for a profit. In the meantime, they would ship back an empty box, a counterfeit item, or alternative item such as a book that matched the expected shipment weight of the return to the original sellers they bought from.

The total loss incurred by online vendors was over $400,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Riaz and his brother, Muzzammil Riaz, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud earlier this year. Muzzammil pleaded guilty to his lesser role in the scheme on June 4.

FBI agents uncovered the scheme while executing a search warrant at the home of Mubasher Riaz in November 2023.

Mubasher was under investigation for sexual exploitation of children. Agents found evidence of fraud in the home, including over 40 cell phones and 30 tablets that were individually labeled with the personal identifying information of different identities used for the fraud scheme.

While the defendants used numerous accounts, some of the more common accounts used to make the online purchases and fraudulent refunds include the following:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

docriaz1983@gmail.com

honorrollmd@gmail.com

joota429@gmail.com

muza34082@outlook.com

juka4299@gmail.com

juano42@yahoo.com

Law enforcement believes many possible victims of the scheme exist. Potential victims are encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at THIS LINK.

The Source

Information for this report is from the US Attorney's Office Eastern District of Michigan.
(Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had discussed improved air defences and intensified sanctions against Russia with two U.S. lawmakers who are backing a bill to impose tougher punitive measures against Moscow.

Zelenskiy, writing early on Friday on Telegram, said he had met Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut in Rome in conjunction with international meetings on Ukraine.

"Right now, our priority is strengthening air defences. Russia wants to move on to using 1,000 drones in the space of a single attack," Zelenskiy wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It is therefore important to boost defences, particularly to invest in interceptor drones. We spoke about continuing supplies from the United States and joint weapons production."

Ukraine, he said, was ready to work together with Europe to buy "large U.S. Defence packages to protect lives".

On Thursday, Zelenskiy said Ukraine had received all necessary political signals for U.S. military aid to resume after a pause last week.

He also said that Ukraine had reached agreement with Germany for Berlin to buy two Patriot missile interceptor systems and an accord for Norway to pay for one system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia has been intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, with Zelenskiy saying Moscow had deployed around 400 drones and 18 missiles on Wednesday night, primarily targeting the capital. The previous night, Russian forces launched a record 728 drones at Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had approved sending U.S. defensive weapons to Ukraine and was considering additional sanctions on Moscow, underscoring his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the failure to make progress on solving Russia's war with Ukraine.

Zelenskiy discussed U.S. weapons supplies in Rome on Wednesday with Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg.

In his comments on Telegram, Zelenskiy said that, together with Graham and Blumenthal, he had discussed the legislation on tougher sanctions against Russia "and those who support it in the war".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Undoubtedly, this is precisely the lever that can bring peace closer and make diplomacy worthwhile," he wrote.

The bill calls for a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
Nine people were injured during Russian attacks on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv overnight, the local authorities reported on Friday.

"Amongst the injured are women in a maternity ward," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram, adding that no children were injured in the attack. Zelensky accused the Russian military of deliberately targeting civilians.

He wrote that there were also attacks on the areas of Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy and, in the morning, in the Odessa region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zelensky warned that Russia would continue to attack with bombs, missiles and drones, and the strengthening of air defences was therefore a top priority.

Both sides in the war are bombarding each other every night and every day. Just the day before, the United Nations published a report stating that the number of civilians killed in Russia's bombardment of Ukraine in June was the highest in three years.

In its defensive battle, Ukraine is firing on targets far behind the Russian border. The Russian Defence Ministry reported on Friday that 155 Ukrainian drones had been shot down.

Dmitry Milyaev, governor of the Tula region south of Moscow, said on Friday that one person had been killed and another injured in drone attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The independent online news site Astra reported that the attacks were directed against a district where three arms factories are located. Tula is known for its weapons factories.

Local media reported that a drone factory in the town of Dubna, near Moscow, was also attacked. No information about the damage was initially available.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he has been promised new arms deliveries from the United States and European allies.

"According to all reports, the (suspended) arms deliveries have been resumed," Zelensky said in a video message on Friday.

Talks on military support are planned for next week with, amongst others, US special envoy Keith Kellogg.

"We are also preparing new European arms packages," Zelensky said. He also expects "strong steps" regarding new sanctions against Russia.

Last week, the US briefly imposed a partial halt on arms deliveries that had already been promised. Ukraine has been fighting a Russian invasion with Western help for more than three years.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with United States Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal on July 10, urging stronger sanctions against Russia and emphasizing the need to maintain international pressure to bring an end to Moscow's continued aggression.

The meeting took place in Rome on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conferencea two-day event focused on mobilizing political and private-sector support for Ukraines reconstruction. Senators Graham (R-S.C.) and Blumenthal (D-Conn.) attended both the conference and a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

During the meeting with the senators, Zelensky stressed the "need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia, which, despite enormous losses, shows no intention of ending its aggression against Ukraine."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks, launching record numbers of drones at Kyiv and other civilian targets.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to the senators for introducing a bipartisan sanctions bill, which has already garnered support from 85 U.S. senators. He said the bill's adoption would "serve as an important lever to compel the aggressor state to engage in real negotiations" and "pressure... those who continue to support Russias war of aggression."

The legislation, first introduced in April 2025, proposes a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and raw materials.

Despite months of delay, Senator Graham recently said thatfollowing a conversation with former President Donald TrumpCongress is preparing to advance the bill after the July recess.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Beyond sanctions, the leaders discussed broader U.S. support for Ukraine's defense, including the continued supply of weapons, plans for joint arms production, and Ukraine's readiness to purchase a large defense package from the United States.

Zelensky also highlighted the urgent need to bolster Ukraine's air defense, warning that Russia may soon launch attacks involving up to 1,000 drones at a time.

Read also: Rubio discusses new approach to ending Russian war in talks with Lavrov despite US frustration

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that cooperation with the American side will continue next week, and the Ukrainian government is already receiving "good signals", including confirmation of the resumption of military aid deliveries.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address on 11 July

Quote: "We have political signals of the highest level  good signals, including from the United States of America and from our European friends. All reports indicate that the deliveries have resumed. Next week, we will continue working with the American side on the military level, including our troops with General [Keith] Kellogg. We are also preparing new European defence packages. We expect strong steps soon regarding sanctions against Russia for this war: the pressure must work."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Details: Zelenskyy stated that he expects "detailed reports from government officials and from the Office of the President team on every agreement with our partners, on every result that was anticipated: what has been achieved and what is still pending".

"There will be conclusions  personal staffing decisions. Glory to Ukraine!" he added.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.

On her 64th birthday, in 2012, the conceptual artist Adrian Piper retired from being black. She posted a digitally altered portrait of herself, rendered in gray scale, and included a message underneath: Henceforth, my new racial designation will be neither black nor white but rather 6.25% grey, honoring my 1/16th African heritage, Piper wrote on her website. Please join me in celebrating this exciting new adventure in pointless administrative precision and futile institutional control!

Pipers gesture highlights the problem with the color categories that many Americans are asked to box themselves into, an exercise that frequently relies on arbitrary notions, or selective readings, of long and complicated ancestry. She was calling attention to the fact that such reductive concepts as black and whitedesignations that imply varying degrees of privilege or oppression and help determine access to opportunity and recognitiongovern our institutions and, to no small extent, our lives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I thought of Piper last week when The New York Times revealed that Zohran Mamdani, the surprise winner of New York Citys Democratic mayoral primary, had identified himself as Black/African American and Asian on an unsuccessful application to Columbia University in 2009. In justifying his choice, Mamdani unwittingly revealed the absurdity of affirmative action and the racial categorizing it requires.

[Michael Powell: The magic realism of Zohran Mamdani]

Most college applications dont have a box for Indian-Ugandans, so I checked multiple boxes trying to capture the fullness of my background, Mamdani, who was born in Uganda to ethnically Indian parents, said in response to the report. Even though these boxes are constraining, Mamdani continued, I wanted my college application to reflect who I was. He told the Times that he specified Ugandan elsewhere on the form, and that he considered himself an American who was born in Africa, not Black or African American.

For Mamdaniwho moved to New York at age 7 and did not become a U.S. citizen until 2018to have indicated that he is African American is no less ridiculous than South Africanborn Elon Musk calling himself the same. Musk doesnt claim that title, but many of his right-wing supporters sarcastically attribute it to him. These trolls seem to relish violating the definition that most of America intuitively ascribes to African American. But evidently they at least understand that, in common parlance, it means Black. Whether the same could be said for Mamdani is less clear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mamdanis critics have accused him of cynically manipulating affirmative action, a system that persists in higher education and beyond, despite a 2023 Supreme Court ruling banning it from college admissions. If theyre right, he would hardly be the first to do so. Affirmative action encourages, even demands, opportunistic racial accounting, especially when social norms dictate that another persons self-identification shouldnt be called into questiona view that many of Mamdanis defenders have articulated in recent days.

Ultimately, it shouldnt matter whether Mamdani is African, Asian, or even Caucasian, as some Indians have historically argued they are. Indeed, affirmative action was instituted precisely so that employers would not base their decisions on those categories. The term entered the American lexicon in 1961, when President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order calling for affirmative action to ensure that applicantsgovernment contractors, in this caseare employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin. As the writer Thomas Sowell has noted, the systems purpose was to make sure that those who had been discriminated against in the past would no longer be discriminated against in the future.

Affirmative action was not originally concerned, as it is now, with the promotion of nebulous interpretations of diversity and representation. It was meant to redress discrimination, particularly the state-sanctioned exclusion from opportunity that specific communities of Americans and their descendants once faced, such as the descendants of African slaves in the United States.

Mamdani, though, faced no such lack of opportunity. His father is a tenured Columbia professor, and his mother is an Oscar-nominated film director. His upbringing was, by any measure, privileged, to use his own description. Setting aside the ontologically dubious notion that Mamdani is Black/African American, I would contend that these social facts alone should disqualify him from special consideration on a college application.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Affirmative action, even with regard to Black Americans, was intended only as a temporary solution to oppression. The time has long since passed when the well-to-do of any nation or ethnicity should be afforded a leg up in college admissions. The only defensible continuation of the practice, as I have argued, is to extend it to the poor and disadvantaged of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

[Thomas Chatterton Williams: Trump is right about affirmative action]

Race-based preferences are too easy to game, through some unfalsifiable alchemy of self-definition and often-vicarious experience of struggle. They sow resentment and division not only among Asian and white people who reject the use of double standards, but also among many descendants of American slaves who cannot see the logic of policies that treat anyone with a connection to Africa as fundamentally interchangeable.

Race is a social construct, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in 2023, articulating a view that has only recently been taken for granted by the American mainstream, though it is coming into question in some of the more sinister corners of the political right. Whereas universities today would group all white applicants together, white elites previously sought to exclude Jews and other white immigrant groups from higher education, he continued. Yet, university admissions policies ask individuals to identify themselves as belonging to one of only a few reductionist racial groups  Whichever choice he makes (in the event he chooses to report a race at all), the form silos him into an artificial category. Worse, it sends a clear signal that the category matters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The real scandal of Mamdanis application has to do not with his self-presentation but with the arbitrary and insidious racial boundaries that Americas academic, cultural, and political institutions continue to squeeze people into. If Mamdanis justification is sincere, he and Thomas are effectively in agreement: All of these boxes are worthless. It is past time we stop filling them in.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Support Local News Reporting

Journalists at the Yakima Herald-Republic bring you timely, in-depth and credible local news. Your generous donation supports their work.
UK and France agree to send some migrants arriving in Britain by boat back to France

Britain and France have agreed to a pilot plan that will send some migrants who cross the English Channel on small boats back to France as the U.K. government struggles to tamp down criticism that it has lost control of the countrys borders
Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley.
Federal agents patrol the halls of immigration court in New York City's Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on June 20. The massive budget bill that President Donald Trump just signed gives ICE more than $100 billion in additional funding and triples the number of agents prowling the country.
Hungarys foreign ministry has summoned Ukraines ambassador to Budapest after Ukrainian conscription officers beat a Transcarpathian Hungarian man who later died of his injuries, the ministrys parliamentary state secretary said on Thursday.

"It is outrageous and unacceptable to beat someone to death -- a Hungarian, no less -- just because he didnt want to go to war and didnt want to take part in all the mindless killing," Levente Magyar said on Facebook.



"Today we are immediately summoning Ukraines ambassador to Budapest after Ukrainian conscription officers beat a Hungarian man during a forced conscription operation in Transcarpathia, who later died of his injuries," the state secretary said.



"Reports say the Ukrainian officers beat the man with an iron rod before forcing him into a van and taking him to the recruitment centre," Magyar said.



"The Hungarian family members were told that everything was fine, but the man later died of his injuries."



"A Hungarian man was killed in Ukraine just because he didnt want to go to war. We offer our sincere condolences to the family, and we stand with them," he added.



Peter Sztaray, the state secretary for security policy and energy security, condemned the actions of the conscription officers, and demanded, on behalf of the Hungarian government, an explanation from Ukrainian leaders.



"What is the guarantee that such an incident will not happen in the future?" Sztaray said, according to a ministry statement. "What kind of investigation do the Ukrainian authorities plan to carry out to uncover the facts? How will the family of the deceased be compensated?"



The state secretary called it "outrageous and unacceptable" that a Hungarian man was beaten to death because he did not want to go to war.



Fegyir Sandor, Ukraines ambassador to Hungary, said he had been briefed on the incident and promised to provide answers.



Fidesz-Christian Democrats MEP: 'We cannot remain silent'



Fidesz-Christian Democrat MEP Annamaria Vicsek on Thursday paid tribute to an ethnic Hungarian man beaten by recruiting officers in Ukraine so badly that he died later, saying: "We cannot remain silent, because those who remain silent prepare the silence of the next victim."



"A black ribbon above our heart. A life that cannot be given back. A silent warning that cannot be silenced," Vicsek said in a post on Facebook.



She added that Jozsef Sebestyen died as a result of brutal mistreatment he suffered at the hands of recruitment officers who dragged him away.



"For us ethnic Hungarians in Vojvodina, this is not an unheard of story. During the Yugoslav wars, many ethnic Hungarian men were sent to the war zone on both the Serbian and the Croatian sides," she added.



Ukraine crisis  Orban expresses condolences to family of Hungarian man dead as a result of forced conscription



"I offer my sincere condolences to the family of the Hungarian man who died as a result of Ukrainian forced military conscription," Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Facebook on Thursday. "We stand with you in these difficult hours."



The media outlet Mandiner reported on Wednesday evening that Ukrainian conscription officers had beaten a Transcarpathian man with Hungarian citizenship, who died in hospital three weeks after the incident, on July 6. The incident was reported by the mans brother.



Source: MTI  Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.



Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.



XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com

*********************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page:



Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary



You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters



Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop:

As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here.
Cover Story

In the global IT landscape, abuzz with advancements and innovations, AIT Global stands as a leading solutions partner where human intelligence meets artificial brilliance. Based in New Jersey, the organization is dedicated to assisting businesses to adapt to technological shifts, and lead through industry-tailored solutions. The rising impetus on technological integrations and digital transformation for modern industries, demands innovation and a forward-thinking approach. Where many initiatives fall behind due to half measures, AIT Global succeeds, following its structured and outcome-focused model. Rooted in an innovation-driven culture, the company stays ahead of industry changes.
New Delhi: The Aadhaar system is undergoing a significant transformation to ensure only verified Indian citizens receive the unique identification number, according to a Times of India report. Originally conceived as a proof of identity rather than citizenship, Aadhaar is now subject to stricter enrolment norms, particularly for adults.

Despite Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act stating that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship or domicile, recent measures aim to restrict Aadhaar access exclusively to Indian citizens. Over 140 crore Aadhaar numbers have been issued in the last 15 years, including for those who are deceased, and adult saturation is nearly complete. With Aadhaar now being assigned to infants at birth, the government has decided to tighten controls on new adult registrations.

To prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining Aadhaar through fake documents, the government has shifted the responsibility for verification to state authorities. Aadhaar will now be issued only after document authentication via a designated state portal, ToI reported.

Additionally, UIDAI is rolling out a second-layer verification system for Aadhaar updates and enrolments. This tool will cross-check user details against online databases of documents such as driving licenses, PAN cards, MGNREGA records, and even utility bills in the near future.

These enhanced measures also align with Indias centralized Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, helping to maintain a more unified and verifiable identity ecosystem.
New Delhi: The recent decision by the United States to put a 35 percent tariff on Bangladesh is good news for Indias textile industry.

Bangladesh sells a lot of ready-made clothes to the US because their costs are low, which made their products cheaper and popular. But now, with this new tax, Bangladeshi clothes will become more expensive for American buyers. This means they will look for other countries to buy from.

India can benefit a lot from this change. Indian clothes and textiles are taxed less as compared to Bangladesh, so Indian products will become cheaper compared to Bangladeshi ones. This will make Indian manufacturers more attractive to American companies who want to buy clothes.

Because of this, Indian textile companies can expect:

More orders from the US as buyers switch from Bangladesh to India.

A chance to increase Indias share in the US market for clothes and textiles.

New long-term business partnerships with American buyers.

Also, since Bangladesh often buys yarn and fabric from India to make their clothes, this change might help Indian yarn makers too, as more buyers may order finished clothes directly from India.
New Delhi: Meta has pulled off a major hire in the competitive world of AI talent, bringing on board Ruoming Pang who is the former head of Apples AI models team. According to Bloomberg, Metas offer to Pang ranks among the most generous in the industry with a staggering compensation package reportedly exceeding 200 million dollars (Rs 1712 crore) over several years.

An Offer Too Big to Match

Metas deal for Ruoming Pang was simply out of Apples league. It included a high base salary which is a hefty signing bonus and a large chunk of Meta stock most of which will vest over time. This structure which is common in Silicon Valley has been designed to keep top talent locked in for the long haul.

Inside Metas Superintelligence Team

Ruoming Pangs massive pay package is in line with what other members of Metas elite Superintelligence team are receiving. This team is focused on building AI systems that can perform tasks on the same level as humans. It now includes some of the brightest minds in the field, including AI startup founder Daniel Gross and former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman.

Metas Bold AI Moves Keep Coming

Meta isnt slowing down in its AI push. It recently acquired a 4 per cent stake in Scale AI at a whopping 14.3 billion dollars. This has brought co-founder Alexandr Wang into the fold. The company also hired Trapit Bansal, a key figure behind scaling OpenAIs models. Meta is gearing up to make up for lost time and potentially leap ahead in the AI race with top names joining its Superintelligence team. While Apple has remained silent on the matter, OpenAI chief Sam Altman has already taken a swipe at Meta for aggressively poaching talent.
Allahabad University Result 2025: The University of Allahabad has officially announced the results for several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes under the 2025 academic session. The results have been declared for Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Part II, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Part II, and Master of Law (LL.M.) Semester 1. Students who took part in these examinations can now access their scorecards through the universitys official website  allduniv.ac.in.

As per the data shared by the university, a total of 1,474 candidates appeared for the B.Sc. Part II examination, out of which 891 students successfully passed the exam. Meanwhile, in the LL.M. Semester 1 examination, 187 students appeared and 156 of them have cleared the exam. The performance in these exams reflects the universitys ongoing commitment to maintaining academic rigour and transparency in the evaluation process.

Candidates are advised to visit the university portal and enter their roll number and other required credentials to view their individual results. The result page will provide a detailed mark sheet, including subject-wise scores and overall qualifying status.

Allahabad University Result 2025: Steps to download marksheet here

1. Visit the official website of Allahabad University at allduniv.ac.in.

2. Go to the ticker and click on students.

3. A drop down box will open where candidates will have to click on result link.

4. A new page will open where candidates will have to enter the login details.

5. Click on submit and your result will be displayed.

6. Check the result and download the page.

7. Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Allahabad University Result 2025: Details mentioend on marksheet
Kerala Plus 2 SAY Exam Results 2025: The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE), Kerala, is likely to release the Plus Two Save A Year (SAY) exam results for 2025 soon on its official website. Students who appeared for the exam will be able to check their results on the official website  keralaresults.nic.in. The online result will show subject-wise qualifying status along with detailed marks. To access the result, students must enter their roll number in the login window.

According to media sources, the digital mark sheets are expected to be available by July, although the board has not yet provided any official confirmation regarding the result date. The Kerala Plus Two SAY (Save A Year) exams were conducted from June 23 to 27 in offline mode at various centres across the state. This supplementary examination is organised for students who were unable to achieve passing marks in the regular Kerala Class 12 board exams.

Kerala Plus 2 SAY Exam Results 2025: Websites to check result

keralaresults.nic.in

result.kite.kerala.gov.in

dhsekerala.gov.in

Kerala Plus 2 SAY Exam Results 2025: Steps to download here

Step 1: Visit the official DHSE Kerala result website  keralaresults.nic.in.

Step 2: Click on the link that says DHSE SAY/IMP EXAM RESULTS  2024 on the homepage.

Step 3: Youll be redirected to a new page where you need to enter your login details.

Step 4: Enter your Roll Number as requested and click on the Submit button.

Step 5: Your Kerala Plus 2 SAY 2025 result will appear on the screen.

Step 6: Download or print a copy of your result for future use.

Clearing the DHSE Kerala Plus 2 SAY exam in 2025 requires a minimum score of 30% in each subject and overall. Students who fall short in even one paper will be marked as failed.

Those dissatisfied with their results may apply for revaluation. The answer scripts will be reviewed again, and any mark changes will be updated in the revised result. Revaluation outcomes are generally released within two to three weeks after the application is submitted.
Congress has taken a strong dig at party leader Shashi Tharoor following his recent remarks on the 1975 Emergency under Indira Gandhi's regime.

Without directly naming him, Congress MP Manickam Tagore launched a pointed attack on Tharoor, accusing him of "repeating BJP lines word for word."

In a post on X, Tagore wrote, "When a colleague starts repeating BJP lines word for word, you begin to wonder  is the bird becoming a parrot? Mimicry is cute in birds, not in politics."

Sharing similar sentiments, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala criticized Tharoor, saying that a Member of Parliament and a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) cannot praise the Prime Minister, calling it inappropriate.

The latest barbs are flying after Tharoor, in his Op-ed in a leading daily on Thursday, highlighted how the Emergency exposed the fragility and frailty of the institutions, even in a robust democracy like India.

The vibrant cacophony of Indian public life, so accustomed to vigorous debate and free expression, had been replaced by an eerie silence. This reminded us that a government can lose its moral compass and sense of accountability to the people it purports to serve, he wrote in an article.

Notably, the two Congress lawmakers - Tharoor and Tagore had an acrimonious exchange on social media, some time ago, over the free bird pitch. Tharoor wrote about birds not seeking permission to fly, to which Tagore had replied with a metaphorical warning that vultures and eagles are there in the sky to target the free bird.

It is to be noted that there has been a growing unease and discomfort within the Congress party over Tharoors actions and remarks, often leaving the former embarrassed and making it 'dissociate and distance' itself from him, on a couple of occasions.

The fresh instance of Tharoor criticising the imposition of Emergency by the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government has further deepened the differences and disquiet within the party.

(With IANS Inputs)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said that the answer, that Siddaramaiah will remain CM, has alerady been given and "it is not good to speak again and again". Shivakumar's remarks came amid the speculation over him replacing Siddaramaiah for the Karnataka CM post.

"The answer has already been given (by CM Siddaramaiah and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala). When an answer has been provided, it's not good to speak again and again, and asking the same thing again and again is also not right. You don't want to make any comment now, and it's unnecessary." Shivakumar said.

On MLAs' demand that he should replace Siddaramaiah as CM, Shivakumar said, "There will be aspirational statements by some, it could be you as well, but it's unnecessary to comment now."

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah again dismissed speculation about a change in the state's leadership, asserting that there has been no discussion with the Congress high command about the change.

"How many times do I tell you, it (speculations around Karnataka CM post) was not discussed at all? This issue was not discussed at all with the high command," Siddaramaiah said on Friday.

Siddramaiah, who is in Delhi, met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge along with other senior party leaders on Thursday, fanning the speculation over a possible CM change in Karnataka.

Taking to X, Siddaramaiah informed about Congress leaders meeting with Kharge, in which he mentioned that "several important issues" were discussed.

"In Delhi today, AICC leaders and senior state leaders met Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence and held discussions on several important issues.

Earlier, Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala held one-to-one meetings with Congress MLAs, which sparked speculation over the party handing the leadership to DK Shivakumar.

However, Siddaramaiah has clarified to reporters that Surjewala clearly stated that the purpose of meeting the MLAs in the state is not the issue of change of Chief Ministers.

"The state Congress in charge has dismissed the question of a change in the Chief Minister, saying that there is no room for speculation on this issue. These speculations are created by the media, and there has been no discussion on the change of the Chief Minister in the Congress circle." CM said.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday strongly responded to those questioning the militarys success during the conflict with Pakistan, targeting a section of critics within and outside the country that has been demanding proof of Indias gains and losses in the military operation launched by the Indian Armed Forces codenamed 'Operation Sindoor'.

The Operation was launched to avenge the gruesome terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 individuals were killed.

Doval's remarks came during an address at the 62nd Convocation of IIT Madras, where he countered the doubts on the Armed Forces performance during the recent conflict with Pakistan through social and mainstream media. In today's In todays DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, analysed NSA Doval's sharp counter to the rumours of damage to Indian aircraft during Operation Sindoor:

Watch Full DNA Episode Here:

Among the allegations raised by critics were:

1. Whether any terrorists were killed in Indias strikes. Doval pointed out that videos of coffins belonging to Masood Azhar's family emerging from Pakistan served as grim confirmation.

2. Questions on the extent of damage to Indias Adampur Airbase from Pakistani missile attacks, which were addressed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally visited the site.

3. Claims that Pakistan had downed several Indian Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor, claim debunked by Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer of Rafale, which clarified that only one aircraft was damaged, and due to technical reasons, not enemy fire.

Rafale Equipped With GUARD-X Technology

Backing Indias claims further, a former US Air Force fighter pilot assessed the role of Rafale in Operation Sindoor and highlighted the use of GUARD-X pods, a special technology deployed by the Indian Air Force (IAF). These pods, attached by cable to Rafales mid-flight, emit identical signals to mimic the aircraft, confusing enemy radar. It was one such pod that Pakistan mistook for a downed Rafale, resulting in a premature claim of victory.

China Vs France On Rafale's Performance

But the story doesnt end with Pakistan. The Rafales performance in Operation Sindoor reportedly triggered a wave of panic in China. French intelligence uncovered that Chinese embassies around the world were pushing propaganda to project Rafale as a weak aircraft.

Meanwhile, in Greece, four Chinese nationals, three men and a woman, were arrested near a military airbase. Their electronic devices were found to contain sensitive images and information on Greek Rafales, indicating a coordinated espionage attempt.

In a related development, the Chinese Air Force Chief visited Pakistan days ago. Initially presented as a bilateral cooperation meeting, Chinese state media later admitted that the visit was driven by a desire to understand India's strategy in Operation Sindoor.

Doval's Warning

Doval's remarks come as a stern warning to critics and remind of former Army Chief General J. J. Singh's statement, We fight to win and win with a knockout, because there are no runners-up in war.
In a first of its kind in the country, a Kerala police station got certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This unique recognition has been given to the Arthunkal Police Station in Alappuzha district. It was through a two stage audit that this recognition was given and it included a quality and risk management standards were established and then verified.

The efficiency in law and order management, crime investigation, implementation of modern practices in disposal of complaints, basic amenities in police stations, and conduct of police officers were among the other yardsticks considered for awarding the certification.

The certificate was handed over by Praveen Khanna, Deputy Director General Southern (DDGS) Region, BIS, in the presence of State police chief Ravada A Chandrashekar, H Venkatesh, ADGP L&O, IG South Zone and other top State police officials.

This recognition came as part of the ongoing Modernised Cherthala Police Programme initiated by ASP Cherthala Harish Jain, IPS.

Through this, it successfully was able to hugely improve the stations performance in the areas of crime prevention, investigation, maintenance of law and order, traffic management, emergency response, judicial coordination, and public grievance redressal.

These functions were found to have been carried out in accordance with the Indian legal framework, government policies, and directives, with a strong emphasis on efficiency, transparency, and public satisfaction within the jurisdiction of Arthunkal Police Station.

Incidentally, this huge recognition to a Kerala Police station has come at a time when the opposition parties, the Congress-led UDF and the BJP, have raised grave issues about the worsening law and order situation in the state.

The Kerala Police's actions on the shutdown observed in the state on Wednesday came under huge flak.

Across the state, the striking Unions, mostly the trade union wing of the ruling CPI-M, had gone on a rampage, threatening shopkeepers, offices and establishments which decided to open on Wednesday, and none were able to resist the threats unleashed by them.

On Tuesday, the police remained a mute witness when the student wing of the CPI-M-SFI activists was seen beating up police officials who tried to prevent them from creating trouble inside the Kerala University campus.
The forces of Western Canadian communism are on the rise! Over the weekend of June 28 and 29, the Revolutionary Communist Party held the sixth annual Communist Summer School in Edmonton, Alberta. This was a tremendous school and was a fantastic sign for the development of the revolutionary communist forces in the Canadian Prairies!

[Originally published at marxist.ca]

All told, 167 people signed up, a new record for the Edmonton schoolalmost double from last year!

Amidst skyrocketing cost of living, a federal government preparing to attack the workers to pay for military spending, and the very real possibility of an independence referendum in Alberta, there is an appetite for revolutionary solutions to the crisis that only Marxist theory can provide.

Comrades came not just from Edmonton and Calgary, but from Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, and other cities across the country.

Notably, we also had comrades attending from our brand new group in Regina. These comrades are building and consolidating the foundation for our first cell in Saskatchewan, and this school will prove an invaluable part of that process as they build and develop the work in new territory.

Comrade Holly from Toronto kicked us off with a talk on Why hasnt there been a revolution? The need for revolutionary leadership. She outlined what drives revolution and how we build the leadership needed to lead the working class to victory.

Comrade Laine from Edmonton followed it up with a measured response to the hysteria on the left about the so-called rise of fascism, which outlined the true nature of right-wing populism. We discussed how Marxists fight the forces of reaction, and the importance of a scientific understanding of the state.

Day one wrapped up with Comrade Koral from Montreal giving an excellent breakdown of the philosophy of post-colonialism, and how Marxists fight bigotry and imperialism.

We got things up and running again on day two, with comrade Josie from Edmonton starting us off with a fantastic presentation on the Marxist perspective on art and culture. We discussed how the commodification of art has hollowed out our culture, and how the overthrow of capitalism and the profit motive would make human creativity the driving force in culture for the first time in history.

Comrade Matt from Vancouver followed it up with a session on a vital piece of Western Canadian labour struggle history in Operation Solidarity. This was a mass movement of the B.C. working class in 1983 that fought back against the provincial governments austerity measures, only to be stabbed in the back by the reformist trade union leadership. Matt went into how the movement developed, how it was betrayed, and what we can do to ensure that such a betrayal never happens again.

The final session of the school saw comrade Rob Lyon talk about the crisis of Canadian Confederation. We learned about the unique ways in which Canadian capitalism developed and the resulting contradictions that now threaten to tear the True North, Strong & Free apart at the seams. After this session, the comrades capped off a fantastic weekend with spirited renditions of The Internationale and Bandiera Rossa.

The mood of the school was fantastic, even at the very end of a weekend packed with information and valuable, important lessons. Comrades in Alberta and from abroad were eagerly discussing the school and the lessons they planned on bringing back to their cells and cities.

This enthusiasm can also be felt in our literature sales. Comrades bought over $3200 worth of Marxist literature, alongside $2275 in merch sales.

All told, this school was a tremendous success. There is a growing layer of workers and youth in the Prairies and across Canada that are sick of the system and want to end it.

Every one of these communists who attended the school must now develop themselves and go out to find more communists who want to build the RCP. Even here in the heartland of Canadian conservatism, the home of Stephen Harper, Danielle Smith, and Mark Carney, we can build a communist stronghold!
Over the past nine days, torrential monsoon rains have wreaked widespread devastation across Himachal Pradesh, claiming a total of 46 lives, including 15 rain-related deaths and 31 fatalities from road accidents, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HP SDMA). The disaster has left 27 people missing, all from rain-related incidents, with five more injured.

The worst-hit district continues to be Mandi, where all 15 rain-related deaths and the majority of the 27 missing persons have been reported. The casualties are the result of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall since June 30.

The HP SDMA report, released on July 10, details the staggering scale of destruction.

According to HP SDMA, "Rain-related deaths are 15, 27 persons are missing, five are injured, road accident deaths stand at 31, 290 people have been rescued in Mandi alone, 100 to 150 people have been evacuated from Pandoh Market due to Beas River surge. 677 people are currently in relief camps across 17 centres."

HP SDMA report further said that damage to property and infrastructure includes 1,198 houses (fully and partially damaged), 731 cowsheds, 203 shops, 780 cattle lost, 31 vehicles damaged, 14 bridges damaged, 1 hydroelectric project was damaged.

The HP SDMA report said that Thunag is the epicentre of the disaster.

"The Thunag subdivision in Mandi has suffered the heaviest losses. 959 houses damaged, 395 cowsheds, 190 shops, 559 livestock lost, 30 vehicles, 6 bridges damaged, 92 horticulture students and two pregnant women were rescued from the area with the help of Indian Air Force helicopters and NDRF teams," the report said.

Multiple incidents were reported across villages like Pakhrair, Deji, Lambathach, Siyanj, Kutti Nallah, and Pandav Sheela, where search and rescue teams from NDRF, SDRF, Army, and ITBP are deployed. In some cases, entire families were washed away or rendered homeless. Relief teams continue to work on identifying and recovering the missing.

Emergency response teams have distributed 2,657 ration kits, including food, hygiene items, and medicine, 3,603 tarpaulins for temporary shelter. Immediate relief funds totalling Rs 37.20 lakh have been disbursed across affected subdivisions such as Thunag, Jhanjheli, Gohar, Dharampur, Karsog, and others.

The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that health, veterinary, PWD, and water supply teams are also actively engaged in restoration efforts. Over 2,000 personnel, dozens of JCBs, and drone surveillance teams are being utilised for damage mapping and relief coordination.

Authorities caution that the situation remains critical, with rains continuing in several regions. Landslide-prone zones remain vulnerable, and evacuation protocols are in place in low-lying and river-adjacent areas.

The HP SDMA has urged the public to follow advisories, avoid travel in high-risk areas, and cooperate with rescue and relief authorities as efforts intensify across affected districts.
Jammu and Kashmir Police have seized properties belonging to a Pakistan-based Kashmiri terrorist handler and top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JUM) in Kupwaras Sogam area.

The action was taken against Ghulam Rasool Shah, alias Rafia Rasool Shah, son of Abdul Jabbar Shah. As part of the governments ongoing crackdown on individuals involved in militancy and anti-national activities, a total of five kanals and three marlas of land were attached under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Shah, who is currently operating from across the border, has been accused of orchestrating and facilitating terror activities in the region for several years.

The property was seized in connection with FIR No. 276/2022, registered at Kupwara Police Station under sections 120B, 121A, 122, 123 of the IPC and sections 17, 18, 18A, 18B, 20, 38, 39, and 40 of the UAPA.

This move is seen as part of broader efforts to dismantle the logistical, financial, and operational networks of terrorists and their handlers.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), continue their crackdown on anti-national elements and the support structures of terrorist organisations in the region.

Earlier on June 21, Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara Police attached immovable properties belonging to two individuals from Monbal, Handwara, who stand accused in a long-pending terrorism case.

The accused individuals whose properties have been attached have been identified as Mohd Shafi Bara and Mustafa.

The attachment has been executed in connection with FIR No. 198/2003 registered at Police Station Handwara under stringent provisions of law including Sections 13 & 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Sections 2/3 & 3/4 of the Explosives Substances Act, and Sections 120B, 121A, 302, 307 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).

Both individuals had exfiltrated to Pakistan and have since been actively involved in promoting terrorism, coordinating terror-related activities from across the border, and orchestrating multiple terror incidents in the region.
New Delhi: Two persons were killed and four others injured after a Tata Sumo vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in Ramban district on Friday, officials said.

The accident took place near Senabathi Dabdrora when the vehicle (registration number JK14C-2038), which was en route from Senabathi to Ukhral, lost control and rolled down approximately 300 to 500 feet into a deep gorge.

According to officials, there were six people onboard the vehicle at the time of the accident. Two of them died on the spot, while the remaining four sustained injuries.

The deceased have been identified as Tawqeel Ahmed, son of Ghulam Bhat of Gujrara Senabathi, and Abdul Latief, son of Ghulam Hussain of Lel Khill Bengara.

The four injured passengers were identified as Shakeel Ahmed, son of Abdul Rashid; Yawar Ahmed, son of Mushtaq Ahmed; Mohammad Rafiq, son of Ahmad; and Ajaz Ahmed Bhat, son of Nissar Ahmed, all residents of Gujrara Senabathi.

Soon after the mishap, rescue teams along with local residents rushed to the spot. The injured were evacuated and shifted to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal for treatment.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
New Delhi: Jammu Kashmir police, continuing its crackdown on terror infrastructure and assets, targeted properties and assets linked to terrorism in Bandipora, Sopore, and Kupwara as part of efforts to disrupt terror financing and networks under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Sopore Police in north Kashmir executed a significant operation targeting terror financing by attaching bank credits worth Rs 18.93 lakh, identified as proceeds of terrorism under FIR No. 105/2024, registered at Sopore Police Station under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The attachment was carried out with the approval of the competent authority, as confirmed by official sources. This action aligns with ongoing efforts in the region to disrupt the financial networks supporting terrorist activities.

Sopore Police have been actively targeting both physical assets and financial resources linked to terror handlers, particularly those operating from Pakistan.

The attachment of bank credits in Sopore coincides with similar actions in Bandipora and Kupwara on the same day.

Bandipora Police attached immovable property worth over Rs 3.59 crores in Patushay, belonging to Hashir Rafiq Parray, identified as proceeds of terrorism. The property, linked to FIR No. 168/2022 at Bandipora Police Station, includes agricultural land (1 Kanal, 18.5 Marlas) under multiple survey numbers and a residential house. The action was taken under UAPA sections 18, 20, 23, 38, and 39, along with provisions of the Explosive Substances Act and E&IMCO Act, due to Parrays alleged role in facilitating terrorist activities on instructions from Pakistan-based handlers.

Similarly, Police earlier attached 5 Kanals and 3 Marlas of land in Sogam, valued at approximately 50 lakhs, belonging to Ghulam Rasool Shah, a Pakistan-based terror handler and commander of Hizbul Mujahideen and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen. The attachment, executed under Section 25 of the UAPA in connection with FIR No. 276/2022 at Sogam Police Station, Kupwara.

These coordinated operations reflect a multi-pronged approach by Jammu and Kashmir Police, in collaboration with other security forces, to target the financial and operational networks of terrorist organizations.
In preparation for the annual Kanwar Yatra, which will run from today, July 11, to July 25, Noida Police have issued large-scale traffic restrictions and diversions throughout the city in order to make travel safe for the pilgrims. There is also a full-scale preparedness plan put in place by various government departments and stakeholders.

Kanwar pilgrims crossing Noida would travel along a roughly four-kilometer-long route, entering from Mayur Vihar, passing through the Shani Temple and Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and exiting at Kalindi Kunj.

Officials confirmed that inter-departmental meetings were conducted with power and health departments, as well as the Noida Authority, to plan their efforts. All departments concerned have been asked to see to the cleanliness and maintenance along the path of the pilgrimage.

The Health Department is mobilising eight ambulances and setting up medical camps along the way. They will be fully equipped with 16 doctors, 16 pharmacists, and 16 ward boys, along with essential medicines.

In a preventive measure against accidents, the power department has already insulated more than 600 electric poles and 50 transformers on the Kanwar route.

At a recent meeting, DJ operators and event organisers were also informed of stringent guidelines. "DJ operators were instructed not to make the height of the DJ stand more than 10 feet and the width more than 12 feet. They were also not allowed to play music above the level prescribed by the court," said the Noida Police in an official statement.

To strengthen security and regulate the crowd, another police force would be deployed including traffic police, city police, and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). There is a special control room with CCTV cameras installed close to Sector 14A, where the situation will be monitored in real time.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lakhan Singh Yadav outlined the traffic diversions, saying movement of goods carriers on city streets would be restricted from July 11 at 10 PM till July 25.

"Goods carriers would be routed onto the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway for going to Delhi and Haryana," Yadav said. He said that such cars would be stopped on important roads such as the Elevated Road, DND Flyway, and Kalindi Kunj. "The movement of vehicles from Chilla red light to Okhla Bird Sanctuary through the Shani Temple will be completely barred," he affirmed.

The police also issued a strong warning against individuals who are caught spreading false news or trying to create panic on social media regarding the pilgrimage, promising stern action against the culprits.
New Delhi: A shocking case has emerged from Davanagere, Karnataka, where a man bit off the tip of his wife's nose during a fight over loan repayment. The woman was physically assaulted and abused, but her condition is currently stable.

According to an NDTV report, the victim, Vidya, had taken a loan with her husband, Vijay, standing as surety. After she defaulted on the payments, both were harassed by moneylenders, which triggered a violent argument.

Police said the incident occurred on Tuesday. During the quarrel, the woman collapsed to the ground, and Vijay allegedly bit her nose. Her screams drew the attention of bystanders, who quickly rushed her to the Channagiri government hospital. Doctors confirmed her nose had been severely injured, but her overall condition is stable.

Vidya has filed a formal complaint, prompting police to register an FIR against Vijay. An investigation into the case is now underway.

Initially, the FIR was lodged at Jayanagar Police Station in Shivamogga. However, due to jurisdiction, it has been handed over to Channagiri Police Station in Davanagere district for further proceedings.
Mumbai Police is in the process of registering a case against Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad after a row had erupted over an alleged video that surfaced of him slapping a canteen worker in Maharashtra's capital city over poor quality food. He also reportedly refused to apologise and said that he had "no regrets" for his actions.

ANI reported that taking suo motu cognisance, Mumbai Police's Marine Drive police station is registering the case against MLA Gaikwad.

Earlier, speaking to reporters, Shiv Sena MLA had said that the food in the canteen was akin to poison.

"I will not apologise. Whatever the CM and Deputy CM said is their duty. I respect their words, but they also said that there should be an inquiry into the hotel. I have no regrets. I was about to consume poison; others cannot understand this, so I have no regrets for what I did," he said.

'Slapgate' Video And Aftermath

A video of Gaikwad allegedly slapping a canteen worker went viral on social media. The Shiv Sena MLA from Buldhana accused the Akashwani canteen of serving poor-quality food and said that the staff were not listening to his complaints.

In response to MLA's complaints, the state's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the license of Ajanta Caterers, the manager of the Akashwani canteen.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials took food samples from the Akashvani MLA canteen.

"Samples of paneer, Schezwan chutney, oil, and toor dal have been taken. These will be sent to the lab, and the report will come in 14 days," ANI quoted an FDA official.

Maharashtra CM's Reaction

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday condemned the alleged assault incident involving the MLA, and speaking in the State Legislative Council, Fadnavis stated that such behaviour is unacceptable and not honourable.

CM Fadnavis also emphasised that Gaikwad's actions as an MLA have tarnished the reputation of all legislators. He also highlighted the need for accountability among public representatives.

(with ANI inputs)
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that merely showing support to Pakistan, without referring to any incident or mentioning the name of India, will not prima facie attract a penal offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

A Bench of Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal was dealing with a bail application filed by one Riyaz, an 18-year-old boy, who was booked under Section 152 (acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India) of the BNS for posting an Instagram story which said, "Chahe jo ho jai sport to bas...Pakistan ka karenge (Whatever happens, we will support only... Pakistan)".

In its order, noting that the Instagram post did not mention anything that indicated disrespect towards India, the Bench of Justice Deshwal said, Merely showing support to Pakistan without referring to any incident or mentioning the name of India, will not prima facie attract the offence under Section 152 BNS.

For attracting the ingredients of Section 152 BNS, there must be a purpose by spoken or written words, signs, visible representations, the electronic communication to promote secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities, or encourage feelings of separating activities, or endangers the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. Therefore, merely posting a message to simply show support for any country may create anger or disharmony among citizens of India and may also be punishable under Section 196 BNS, which is punishable up to seven years, but definitely will not attract the ingredients of Section 152 BNS, it added.

The Allahabad High Court, referring to the judgement of the apex court in Imran Pratapgadhi case, reiterated that before registering a case regarding a social media post, it should be looked into as a reasonable man and decision should be based on standards of reasonable, strong-minded, firm and courageous individuals and not based on standards of people with weak and oscillating minds.

It said that before invoking the Section 152 BNS, reasonable care and standards of reasonable person should be adopted as spoken words or posts on social media is also covered by the liberty of freedom of speech and expression, which should not be narrowly construed unless it is of such nature which affect the sovereignty and integrity of a country or encourages separatism.

As per the applicants counsel, the post did not lower the dignity and sovereignty of India, and merely supporting a country, even if the country is an enemy, will not attract the ingredients of Section 152 BNS.

Further, it was argued that since the charge sheet had already been filed by the police, there was no requirement for custodial interrogation of the applicant, and if released on bail, he would not misuse his liberty and would cooperate in the trial proceedings. On the other hand, the prosecution argued that the social media post of the applicant encouraged separatist activity, and therefore, he is not entitled to be released on bail.

Considering the young age of the applicant and taking into account that charge sheet has already been filed and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the Bench of Justice Deshwal ordered the accused to be released on bail, on his furnishing a personal bond and two sureties each in the like amount, to the satisfaction of the trial court.

Asking the accused, Riyaz, to not influence witnesses and cooperate in the trial sincerely without seeking any adjournment, it cautioned the applicant to not indulge in any other criminal activity after being released on bail.

The applicant shall not post any material on social media that could create disharmony among citizens of India. In case of breach of any of the above conditions, it shall be a ground for cancellation of bail, clarified the Allahabad High Court.
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on the cusp of naming its new national president. If trusted party insiders are to be believed, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is almost certain to take the helm.

Presently serving as the Union Minister for Housing, Urban Affairs and Energy, the former Haryana chief minister is considered to be a close aide of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also has deep roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)  which is the ideological mentor of the BJP. According to a top BJP functionary, It is 90 percent certain that Khattar is becoming the party president.

That confidence seems to be echoed across the organisation.

The BJP had been waiting for PM Modi to return from his multi-nation visit before finalising the date for the partys national election. On July 10 evening, the partys internal election committee, led by OBC Morcha chief Dr K Laxman, is expected to formally announce the timeline for choosing the new national president.

According to sources, the meeting will also include Lok Sabha MP Sambit Patra and BJPs General Secretary (Organisation) B L Santhosh  who will help close the decision on the election date. For now, the buzz is that Modis stamp of approval is already in place, with the final announcement only a matter of process.

A Trusted Hand in Modis Inner Circle

Khattars name ticks every box that matters in the BJPs power corridors. At 71, he brings decades of organisational and administrative experience. Though he presently represents Karnal parliamentary constituency in the Lok Sabha, yet his journey began far from the national spotlight.

Born in Rohtak, Haryana, into a Punjabi family, Khattar has been a lifelong bachelor and a full-time pracharak of the RSS. He joined the Sangh in 1977 and served for 14 years before transitioning into active politics with the BJP in 1994.

His rise within the party was not accidental. He was one of the earliest ground-level organisers in Haryana to work directly under Modi during the latters time with the BJP organisation.

The RSS, too, is said to be in full agreement with his name being proposed.

JP Naddas Extended Tenure Nears Its End

JP Naddas term as BJPs national president ended in January 2023. Initially brought in as acting president in 2019 following Amit Shahs appointment as the Union Home Minister, he was later confirmed in a full-time role.

Despite the end of his term, Naddas leadership was extended through the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Once Modi returned to power for a third term, Nadda was inducted as a Union Minister, hinting that the party was preparing for a leadership change in line with its one man, one post tradition.

A series of state elections and the delayed completion of organisational elections across BJPs state units pushed the timeline further. Now, with most of those elections concluded, the stage is finally set for Khattar to take charge that is likely before the end of July.

A Party Man to the Core

Khattars elevation would mark a return to roots for the BJP  a leader chosen from within the organisation rather than from a caste or regional representation angle. He is neither a woman nor an OBC  the two categories that had been widely speculated in the media as potential directions for the BJP to take. Instead, Khattar is a quintessential organisation man, shaped by the RSS and tested in electoral battles.

If appointed, Khattars challenge will be to steer the BJP as it prepares for critical state polls and the road to 2029. With the RSS on board, Modis trust secured and years of administrative muscle under his belt, the party seems to be placing its future in familiar and disciplined hands.


National Security Advisor Doval on Friday called out foreign media for their reportage on Operation Sindoor, challenging them to provide proof of any damage to Indian infrastructure from Pakistani strikes.

Speaking at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras, Doval also praised Operation Sindoor, stating that the Indian Army took just 23 minutes to precisely strike nine terror targets in Pakistan.

Foreign press said that Pakistan did this and that. You tell meshow me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian structure, even a glass pane being broken. They wrote these things. The images only showed 13 air bases in Pakistan before and after 10th May, whether it was in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, or Chaklala, Doval said.

We decided to target nine terrorist sites in a criss-cross pattern across Pakistan, not just in the border areas. We hit nowhere else except those targets. The operation was precise to the point where we knew exactly who was where. The entire operation took just 23 minutes, he added.

Highlighting the pivotal role of indigenous defence capabilities, Doval urged the development of more homegrown technology.

We have to develop our indigenous technology. We are really proud of how much indigenous content was usedwhether it was BrahMos missiles, our integrated air control and command system, or our radars, he said.

Doval also emphasized that Artificial Intelligence is a game changer and urged India to make it a focal point to lead and develop in the future.

AI is one of the great game changers. It will change the world every year, making it unrecognisable from today. Its applications will be diversenot only in research and development, but also in machine learning, defence, robotics, medicine, and finance. If India is to lead and develop, we must make AI a focal point, he said.

The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. During the operation, Indian forces destroyed nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in air strikes on May 7.

Along with BrahMos missiles, the indigenously developed Akash surface-to-air missile system played a key role in thwarting Pakistani drone attacks targeting Indian assets.

(With ANI Inputs)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has sparked a row after suggesting that leaders should retire after the age of 75.

When you turn 75, it means you should stop now and make way for others, the Hindustan Times reported, quoting Bhagwat.

He was speaking at a book release event dedicated to the late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle in Nagpur on Wednesday. Recalling Pingles similar sentiment, Bhagwat said that a person should step aside and let others come in after turning 75.

Moropant Pingle once said that if you are honoured with a shawl after turning 75, it means that you should stop now, you are old; step aside and let others come in, the Hindustan Times quoted Bhagwat as saying.

The timing of Bhagwats comments is notable, as both he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will turn 75 this September. The opposition has interpreted Bhagwats statement as a veiled message to Prime Minister Modi.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi claimed that Bhagwats message is clearly directed at the person who is going to celebrate his 75th birthday in September.

It is a clear message and it is clearly directed at the person who is going to celebrate his 75th birthday in September. Whatever is going on between the RSS and the BJP is clearly visible from their statements. When the BJP formed the government in 2014, they put their leaders above the age of 75 years in the 'margdarshak mandali'. Now, the RSS is reminding the BJP after 11 years about the promises it made. Internal conflicts are now public. Nobody knows the fallout of this conflict, ANI quoted Chaturvedi as saying.

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) noted that PM Modi made leaders like LK Advani and Jaswant Singh retire after 75, and questioned whether he will apply the same rule to himself.

PM Modi forced leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and Jaswant Singh to retire after they turned 75. Lets see if he applies the same rule to himself now, the Hindustan Times quoted Raut as saying.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh claimed that the RSS chief's remark is a veiled message to PM Modi, who will turn 75 later this year.

"Poor, award-winning Prime Minister! What a homecoming - reminded by the RSS chief upon return that he will turn 75 on September 17, 2025. But the Prime Minister could also tell the RSS chief that he, too, will turn 75 on September 11, 2025! One arrow, two targets!" ANI quoted Ramesh as saying.
In a significant move to combat the drug menace and dismantle the infrastructure supporting narcotics trafficking, Srinagar Police has attached a residential property worth approximately Rs. 1 crore under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The property comprising- a single-storied residential house along with 17 Marla's of land- located in Lawaypora, Srinagar, belongs to a notorious drug peddler namely Zubair Ahmad Sheikh, S/o Late Gulzar Ahmad Sheikh, who is involved in case FIR No. 39/2025 U/S 8/21, 29 of NDPS Act of Police Station Shalateng, Srinagar.

The accused person has a history of involvement in drug peddling, primarily targeting local youth, thereby posing a grave threat to public health and safety.

Pertinently, he has also been involved in several drug-related cases in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, including FIR No. :

-16/2020 U/S 378-420-120B IPC of PS Parimpora. - 73/2020 U/S 420-379 IPC of PS Parimpora. - 170/2019 U/S 420,411 ,120b ,204,468 IPC of PS Sumbal. - 61/2023 U/s 341-323 IPC of PS Shalteng. - 08/2024 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act of PS Pattan. - 61/2024 U/S 8/20,21 NDPS Act of PS Shalateng

- 39/2025 U/S 8/21-29 NDPS Act of PS Shalateng.

Investigations have revealed that the property was acquired through proceeds from illicit drug trafficking.

Acting under Sections 68-E and 68-F of the NDPS Act, Srinagar Police formally seized and attached the immovable property as per the due legal process.

The property cannot be sold, transferred, or otherwise dealt with without prior approval from the competent authority.

This action forms part of the ongoing crackdown by Jammu and Kashmir Police on narcotics networks, with a focus on dismantling the financial structures that enable such illegal operations.

Srinagar Police remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating drug abuse from society.
To make these solar panels, Indian companies need PV cellswhich are the small parts that convert sunlight into electricity. Since India doesnt yet make enough of these cells on its own, it is importing more from China to support its growing solar panel production.

In simple words, as India builds more solar panels at home, it is also buying more parts from China to keep up with the demand.

Two Simple Ways the World Generates Electricity: Moving Machines and Sunlight Power

There are basically two main ways to produce electricity.

The first method was discovered by Michael Faraday in 1821. It works by spinning a coil of wire near a magnet or spinning a magnet near a coil of wire. This movement creates electricity. This idea became useful by 1890 and is still the main way we produce electricity today. It is used in power plants, wind turbines, and hydroelectric dams, where machines spin to generate power.

The second method uses solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are made from materials like silicon, found in sand. This method was first noticed by Alexander Becquerel in 1839, when he saw that sunlight can directly produce electricity. This is called the photovoltaic effect and is used in solar panels.

So, one method makes electricity by spinning parts inside machines, and the other makes electricity directly from sunlight using special materials.

Breakthroughs That Made Solar Power Possible

The first useful solar cell was made in 1954 by scientists at Bell LabsChapin, Fuller, and Pearson. They used a special type of silicon called doped silicon, which helps produce electricity from sunlight more efficiently.

This big step was possible because of two important discoveries:

Albert Einstein explained how light can produce electricitycalled the photoelectric effect. He won the Nobel Prize for this work.

Jan Czochralski, a scientist from Poland, found a way to make single-crystal silicon, which is now the main material used in most solar cells.

These two breakthroughs helped make modern solar panels possible.

Simple Solar Tech Beyond Power Grids

Unlike solar panels (PVs) that send electricity into the main power grid and are taxed and regulated, other solar technologies like solar water heating, space heating, and solar cooling usually work on their own. They dont connect to the electricity grid.

For example, solar cooling uses a method called absorption refrigeration, which can cool indoor spaces to around 19C even when its 40C outside.

A solar cooler uses energy from the sun to run a cooling systemjust like how a fridge or air conditioner works, but without using regular electricity.

These technologies are like the solar panels used in faraway places, where there is no power supply. In such areas, solar panels are mainly used to charge batteries and give basic lighting.

Focusing Sunlight for Everyday Use

Different parts of the world receive different amounts of sunlight, a measure called solar insolation. While the sun gives us a huge amount of energy, it is spread out thinly over large areas. This means that at any one place, the sunlight is not very strong, making it hard to use directly for things like generating electricity or running machines.

To solve this problem, we use special tools and technologies to collect and focus the sunlight in one spot. These include parabolic troughs, Fresnel lenses, and other solar concentrators. Once the sunlight is focused, it becomes strong enough to be used for heating, cooking, removing salt from seawater (desalination), and producing electricity.

In simple terms, these tools help us make the most of the suns energy by turning weak sunlight into powerful heat or power.

How Silicon Behaves in Solar Cells

PV (photovoltaic) cells are made from semiconductors like silicon. A semiconductor is a special material that conducts electricity better than insulators (like plastic) but not as well as metals (like copper). Silicon is the most common semiconductor used in solar cells.

On its own, silicon doesnt conduct electricity very well. But when it is heated or exposed to sunlight, or when it is treated with small amounts of other elements (a process called doping), it starts conducting electricity more effectively. This makes silicon very useful for making solar panels and electronic devices.

Copper, which is a good conductor of electricity, becomes less efficient when it gets hotits resistance increases, which slows down the flow of current. Thats why it is called an Ohmic conductor.

But silicon works in the opposite way. At room temperature, it does not conduct electricity well. But as the temperature goes up, silicon starts conducting better. This special behaviour makes it a non-Ohmic material.

This unique property of silicon is one reason why it is used in solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity.

How Electrons Flow to Make Electricity

According to quantum theorywhich explains how very tiny particles like electrons behaveelectricity flows only when electrons have enough energy to move freely.

In simple terms, electrons can only sit at fixed energy levels, just like people can only stand on the steps of a staircasenot in between. To help carry electricity, electrons need to reach a higher energy level called the conduction band, where they can move around freely, like water flowing in a river.

When electrons are at a lower energy level, called the valence band, they stay close to their atoms and cant move around, so they dont help in producing electricity.

To jump from the valence band to the conduction band, an electron needs extra energy. This energy can come from heatwhen atoms vibrate more due to high temperatureor from light, like sunlight hitting a solar cell.

Once the electron absorbs this energy, it makes the jump and starts flowing, helping generate electric current. If it doesnt get enough energy, it stays in place and no electricity is produced.

How Light Helps Electrons Move

Light is a form of energy, and it can act like a wave or like tiny particles called photons, depending on how we observe it.

Each photon carries a small amount of energy. When sunlight hits a solar panel, these photons strike the electrons in the valence band (the lower energy level).

If a photon has enough energy, it can give that energy to an electron, helping it jump to the conduction band, where the electron can move freely and create electricity.

In simple words, light gives electrons the push they need to start flowing and produce power.

When Light Has Just the Right Energy

For an electron to jump from the valence band to the conduction band, the photon (light particle) must have just the right amount of energy. This rule was first explained by Albert Einstein in his photoelectric effect theory.

The needed energy is called the band gapit is the energy difference between the two bands, and it is measured in units called electron volts.

If the photons energy is less than the band gap, the electron wont move. If the photon has more energy than needed, the extra energy is wasted as heat, and this can even cause some electrons to be lost.

So, for solar panels to work well, the light must match the materials band gap, giving just enough energy to move the electrons and make electricity without much waste.

Why Some Sunlight Cant Be Used

To produce electricity from sunlight, two conditions must be met:

The photon must have the right amount of energy (called the energy criterion).

The movement of the electron must match certain patterns (called the symmetry criterion), though this is less important here.

Because of these rules, about 50% of sunlight that reaches Earth cant be used by regular solar cells made of crystalline silicon.

Around 20% of the sunlight has too little energy, so it cant move the electrons.

About 30% has too much energy, and the extra energy turns into heat, which is wasted.

Some other materialslike gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, and copper indium selenidecan absorb different parts of sunlight more effectively. But they are hard to find, tricky to handle, or harmful to the environment, which makes them difficult to use widely.

Thats why crystalline silicon remains the most common material in solar panels, even though it doesnt use all the sunlight.

How Boron and Phosphorus Make Solar Cells Work

In silicon-based solar cells, small amounts of two elementsphosphorus and boronare added to pure silicon to change how it behaves.

When phosphorus is added to silicon, it gives the silicon extra electrons. This side is called the n-type (negative) region.

When boron is added, it creates holeswhich means there are fewer electrons. This side is called the p-type (positive) region.

Where the p-type and n-type silicon meet, a special area forms called a p-n junction. At this junction, an electric field is createdlike a built-in push that wants to move electrons in one direction.

When sunlight hits the solar cell, it gives energy to the electrons. These electrons jump across the p-n junction and start flowing. This flow of electrons is what we call electricityjust like in a battery.

So, by carefully combining boron and phosphorus with silicon, scientists create a material that converts sunlight into electric power in a simple and clean way.

How Electricity Flows and Why Some Energy Is Lost

When we connect a wire or device (called a load) to a solar cell, the electrons start to flow from the negative side (with more electrons) to the positive side (with fewer electrons). This movement of electrons through the load completes the circuit and creates electricity we can use.

As long as sunlight is available, this flow of electricity can keep going without stopping.

But even from the 49.6% of sunlight that solar cells can use, some energy is still lost:

Solar panels get hotthey can become 30 to 40C hotter than the air around them. This heat is released back into the air and causes about 7% energy loss.

Another 10% energy is lost due to a problem called the saturation effect. This happens because electrons and holes (positive charges) dont move at the same speed, which weakens the electric push (voltage) in the solar cell over time.

So, while solar cells are very useful, not all sunlight is turned into electricity, and some energy is always lost as heat or due to how charges move inside the cell.

Why Solar Cells Cant Use All Sunlight

Even in the best conditions, a single-junction silicon solar cell can only turn about 33.7% of sunlight into electricity. This limit is called the Shockley-Queisser limit, and its based on how solar energy and materials work at the atomic level.

This means that, in theory, two-thirds of the sunlights energy is always lost, no matter how good the solar cell is.

In real life, solar panels lose even more energy because of practical issues, such as:

Some parts of the panel get more sunlight than others (uneven lighting).

Small differences in how each cell is made during production can lead to mismatched voltages across the panel.

All these factors together make sure that actual efficiency is always lower than the theoretical limit.

How Much Sunlight Solar Panels Really Use

In real-world use, solar panels lose more energy during other steps, like:

Changing the electricity from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) so it can be used in homes.

Adjusting the panel to work at its best power point (MPP) throughout the day.

Because of these extra losses, the actual efficiency of solar panels is lower:

In the best lab conditions, silicon solar panels can reach about 25% efficiency.

In the real world, even the best commercial panels usually reach only about 20% efficiency.

To understand how good this isnatural photosynthesis (how plants use sunlight to grow) only captures about 3% to 6% of sunlight. So, even with losses, solar panels are much better at using sunlight than plants.

Making Solar Cells from Shiny Silicon

Natural silicon is very shiny, so it reflects a lot of sunlight. To stop this and help the silicon absorb more sunlight, a special anti-reflection coating is addedusually made of tin oxide or silicon nitride. This coating also gives solar panels their blue color.

Unlike plants, which build their energy systems naturally and at normal temperatures, making solar panels takes a lot of energy.

The process starts by purifying silicon. Natural silicon is cleaned until it is 99% pure, using something called the Czochralski process. In this method, silicon is melted, and then slowly cooled and shaped into a single large crystal, called an ingot. These crystals are later cut and used to make solar cells.

So, while solar power is clean, making solar cells requires careful steps and energy.

Cutting and Cost-Saving in Solar Cell Making

After purifying silicon into large crystals (called ingots), these are sliced into thin wafers to make solar cells. But this slicing causes about 20% of the silicon to be lost as dust, which makes the process expensive.

To reduce this waste and cost, scientists have developed new methods, like ribbon technology, which makes thin silicon strips without cutting big crystals. This saves material and money.

Another cheaper option is using amorphous silicon, which doesnt have a clear crystal shape. Though it has natural defects, these can be fixed by adding a small amount of hydrogen. This helps improve its performance.

As Dr. Arunangshu Das from IITs Centre for Atmospheric Sciences explains, these new techniques help lower the cost of making solar cells, making solar power more affordable.

New Types of Solar Cells for Better Efficiency

Some solar panels are now made using multijunction amorphous cells, which are designed to capture more parts of sunlight. These can reach a theoretical efficiency of up to 42%, though in real-life use, they usually reach around 24% efficiency.

According to Dr. Anurag Das, these advanced designs are helping to improve how much electricity we can get from sunlight.

Todays solar panel technologies are grouped into three generations:

First-generation: Uses thick silicon wafers, about 200 micrometers thick. These are the traditional and most common type.

Second-generation: Uses thin silicon layers, only 1 to 10 micrometers thick. These are cheaper to make and use less material.

Third-generation: Includes multijunction cells, tandem cells, and quantum dots. These new technologies can produce more electricity from each photon and, in some cases, even go beyond the normal efficiency limit (called the Shockley-Queisser limit).

These improvements are helping make solar energy more efficient and powerful, using the same sunlight more wisely.

Why Solar Power Is Getting Cheaper

The cost of solar electricity is falling fast. Back in 2010, it cost around $4 to $5 for every watt of DC power. By 2023, the cost dropped to about $2.80, and for large utility solar systems, it went down even further to $1.27 per watt. This drop matches the U.S. governments SunShot goal of bringing the cost to $1 per watt for full solar systems.

Lets look at where the money goes in a solar setup:

38% is spent on the solar panels (modules).

8% goes to power electronics, mostly the inverter that changes DC to AC.

22% covers wiring and mounting (how the panels are fixed in place).

The remaining 33% is for hardware balancethis includes labour, permits, company overheads, and profits.

Now that single crystal solar cells are already close to their maximum power output, the best way to reduce costs further is by saving money in the hardware balance partlike making installations easier, faster, and cheaper.

What Affects Solar Panel Performance Over Time

Solar panels slowly lose efficiency over the yearsabout 0.5% per year. But most panels still work well for 20 to 25 years.

Many people think hot, sunny places like deserts and tropical regions are best for solar panels. While these areas get more sunlight, solar panels actually work better in cooler, clear-weather conditions. Thats because heat reduces their efficiency.

This makes it harder for low- and middle-income countries, especially those in tropical or equatorial regions, to fully benefit from solar energy. They may face challenges like high temperatures, lack of infrastructure, or less efficient panel performance.

Also, air pollution can block sunlight and reduce the amount of energy produced by about 2 to 11%. On top of that, dust and dirt (called soiling) on the panels can cause another 3 to 4% loss in energy each year.

So, while solar power is a clean and powerful energy source, climate, pollution, and maintenance all affect how well it works in different places.

Challenges of Using Solar Panels in Cities

Cleaning solar panels regularly is important, but it can be risky and difficult. When the sun is shining, the panels are electrically active, which means touching them with water or tools can be dangerous. Also, cleaning them often uses a lot of water, which can be a problem in dry areas.

In crowded cities, solar panels can also trap heat, making the area around them hotter. This can lead to what is called the urban heat island effect, where cities become warmer than nearby rural areas.

Other solar technologies, like solar water heaters or solar cookers, can support solar panels, but they can't fully replace them.

Whether solar power alone can fully replace fossil fuels and help achieve a carbon-free future is still being studied and debated by scientists.

Why India Depends on China for PV Cells

India is growing fast in solar power, but it still depends heavily on China for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. Heres why:

China Makes Them Cheaper

China has a well-established, large-scale manufacturing system for PV cells. It produces them in huge quantities, which makes the cost much lower than what Indian companies can offer right now.

Lack of Raw Material Processing in India

PV cells need high-purity silicon and other special materials. China controls most of the global supply chains for these materials and has better technology for purifying and processing them.

Advanced Technology and Machinery

Chinese factories use latest machines and production methods that make PV cells more efficient and cheaper. India is still building this kind of advanced manufacturing base.

Government Support in China

The Chinese government gives strong support through subsidies, cheap land, and loans, which helps their companies sell at lower prices globally. Indian manufacturers struggle to compete with these advantages.

Slow Growth of Local Industry

Although India has plans like PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes to boost local solar manufacturing, it will take time to build full supply chains and reduce import dependence.

In short, India depends on China for PV cells today because China is cheaper, faster, and better equipped. But India is working towards becoming self-reliant in solar manufacturing in the coming years.

(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday addressed the convocation ceremony at IIT Madras, delivering a fiery defence of Operation Sindoor, Indias cross-border air assault on Pakistan in retaliation to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 in which 26 innocent civilians were killed.

Doval said the mission caused extensive damage to Pakistani military installations, specifically airbases. He said India hit 13 spots, including nine terror bases crisscrossing Pakistan and Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision and missed none of them during Operation Sindoor.

The NSA, while referring to India's capability and technological abilities in neutralising the threats from across the border, called out the international media for its reportage of the Operation, which was only about the fight against terrorism.

You tell me one photograph, one image... These are satellite images from across the world, Doval said, challenging critics to produce any evidence of damage inside India. Not even a glass pane has been broken in India, he said while taking a dig at international media coverage.

We are capable of doing that, he added, referring to Pakistan's key air bases like Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala, and Rawalpindi, which he said were hit during the May 10 operation.

Doval hailed Operation Sindoor as a precise and indigenous military success. Some of our best systems were deployed -- BrahMos, battlefield surveillance radars, integrated air command and control systems. We hit nine terrorist targets. We missed none, he said, asserting that the entire operation was completed within 23 minutes.

This is the first time that NSA Doval has spoken about Operation Sindoor. And, it is probably also an answer to the Opposition, especially Rahul Gandhi, who demanded answers on 'losses' suffered by the IAF.

With Doval portraying it as a flawless mission, he showcased the Operation as Indias growing military prowess and evolving strategic capabilities.

His remarks reflect the government's continued focus on promoting indigenous innovation, including in sensitive sectors like defence, under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Ahmedabad: The Tapi River bridge located on National Highway 48 near Kamrej will remain closed from Friday onwards as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched urgent repair operations following the Gambhira bridge collapse that left 18 dead and two people missing.

The bridge will remain closed from today for a month as part of an extensive repair effort, prompting the Surat district administration to announce a traffic diversion via the Kim-to-Ena stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.

A notification issued by the administration instructed NHAI to erect clear signage for diverted routes, informing motorists of the change. Notably, two-wheelers will not be permitted on the Expressway route.

The NH-48 corridor comprises two parallel bridges for traffic in opposite directions. While the Surat-to-Bharuch bridge is structurally sound, the Bharuch-to-Surat bridge has developed a widening gap between the two slabs due to damage in the expansion joint.

A steel plate has been temporarily installed to cover the gap, but previous repair attempts  limited to an eight-hour closure  failed to provide a lasting solution.

Under the new traffic arrangement, vehicles (excluding two-wheelers) travelling from Bharuch will be rerouted at Kim to join the Expressway and can exit near Ena village in Palsana taluka before rejoining NH-48.

Traffic from Surat to Bharuch will remain unaffected. The old bridge between Kholvad and Kathor, connected to the highway, is now restricted to two-wheelers only, as heavy vehicles are barred due to safety concerns.

This phase of repair will take at least 28 days, an NHAI official confirmed, adding that with the Expressway providing an alternative route, full-scale repair on the Bharuch-to-Surat section can now begin.

The urgency was triggered after Union Water Resources Minister C.R. Patil brought the issue to the attention of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

Following ministry instructions, the NHAI expedited preparations to make the Kim-to-Ena stretch (the stretch being used as a diversion route while the Bharuch-to-Surat bridge on NH-48 undergoes repairs) operational for vehicles entering Surat from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Bharuch.

Barricades on the Expressway have been removed to facilitate smoother movement, and additional safety measures have been implemented to ensure commuter convenience.

Meanwhile, authorities have also closed the Rangsetu bridge near Shinor to heavy vehicles.

This bridge, located on the SegvaRajpipla route, links Shinor in Vadodara district with Nandod in Narmada district and is heavily used by freight carriers heading to and from Maharashtra.

Built in 2005, the bridge has undergone multiple repairs  in 201516, when a Rs 10 crore restoration lasted over six years, and again in 2021 with Rs 1.25 crore spent over two months.

Now, in light of the Gambhira collapse, officials have decided to decommission the aging structure for heavy-duty use and have proposed constructing a new bridge at an estimated cost exceeding Rs 250 crore.
New Delh: Legendary actor Anupam Kher and Boman Irani arrived at Rastrapati Bhavan in Delhi to attend the special screening of 'Tanvi The Great' with President Droupadi Murmu on Friday.

The screening is organised for President Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre ahead of the film's official release.

Kher and Irani looked stunning as they arrived for the screening. 'Tanvi The Great' actor opted for a black suit while Boman chose to wear a brown suit.

Shubhangi, who plays the title role of Tanvi, and Karan Tacker also arrived in style for the special occasion.

The screening is a significant moment for the film's team, especially actor and producer Anupam Kher, who has described the film as being close to his heart.The movie, which highlights autism and the Indian Army, has already gained international praise during its festival run in Cannes, New York, Houston, and London. It also received standing ovations at special previews held at the National Defence Academy and Southern Command, Pune.

Kher, in a press note, shared earlier that he is "deeply honoured" to present the film to the President.

"I am deeply honoured to present our film Tanvi The Great to our Honourable President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. As a film centred on autism and the Indian Army, who better to showcase this film than the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces? As a leader, she embodies resilience, grace, and trailblazing leadership. We are all eagerly looking forward to her experiencing the film," Kher said.

The film also stars Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Karan Tacker, Nasser, and British actor Iain Glen. It is produced by Anupam Kher Studios in association with NFDC and is set to release worldwide in cinemas on July 18, 2025.
New Delhi: Pakistani television and film actress Humaira Asghar Ali was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her apartment in Karachis Ittehad Commercial area on Tuesday, July 8. According to investigators, the 32-year-old had been dead for approximately nine months, with evidence pointing to October 2024 as the likely time of death.

The discovery was made when a court bailiff, acting on a landlords complaint to vacate the rented property, forcibly entered the apartment and found Alis severely decomposed body. Initial reports had speculated that her death occurred two weeks ago, but forensic and digital evidence now suggest she passed away late last year, as per reports by Arab News.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Syed Asad Raza confirmed that the actresss phone was last active in October 2024. As per Call Detail Record (CDR), the last call was made in October 2024, Raza told Arab News, without disclosing further specifics.

Investigators cited her final social media activity as additional evidence, her last Facebook post was dated September 11, 2024, and her last Instagram post was published on September 30, 2024.

Residents of the building reportedly told police that they had not seen Ali since around September or October of that year.

Signs Point to October Death

According to officials involved in the case, her estimated time of death aligns with when her utility services were discontinued, likely due to non-payment. She probably died between paying her last utility bills and when her electricity was disconnected in October 2024, probably due to non-payment of the bill, one investigator told Arab News on condition of anonymity. Another noted that food items in the apartment had expired about six months ago, and that rust had formed on metal containers, consistent with a prolonged period of neglect.

The apartment had a balcony door left open, which may have allowed the odour of decomposition to dissipate over time. Residents who returned to the building in February said the smell had faded by then.

Actress's Family Refuses to Claim Body

In a disturbing turn, police revealed that Alis family has refused to claim her body. Multiple media Reports suggest she may have been estranged from her relatives. When contacted, her father, Dr. Asghar Ali, allegedly told police: We have cut off ties with her long ago. Do whatever you want with her body. We will not receive it. The status of her mother remains unknown.

Humaira Asghar Ali was a known face in Pakistani entertainment, having appeared in popular television dramas such as Just Married, Ehsaan Faramosh, Guru, and Chal Dil Mere. Her film credits include the 2015 action-thriller Jalaibee and the 2021 romantic comedy Love Vaccine.
New Delhi: Comedian Kapil Sharma has broken his silence following a violent attack on his newly inaugurated cafe, Kaps Cafe, in Surrey, Canada. The establishment was vandalized in the early hours of Wednesday, with Khalistani extremists allegedly behind the attack.

Taking to Instagram, Sharma shared an emotional statement through the cafes official account: We opened Kaps Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock, but we are not giving up.

The post further added: Thank you for your support. Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This cafe exists because of your belief in what were building together. Lets stand firm against violence and ensure Kaps Cafe remains a place of warmth and community.

Details of the Attack

According to a report by The Indian Express, at least eight gunshots were fired at the cafe. Surrey police confirmed receiving a report of shots fired at approximately 1:50 a.m. Officers responded quickly, discovering that the bullets had damaged the property while staff members were still present inside.

Upon police arrival, it was quickly determined that the shots were fired towards the business, damaging the property, while staff members were still present inside, read a statement from Surrey Police, released on Thursday, July 10.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The cafe also extended gratitude to both Surrey and Delta Police for their swift response and efforts to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Who Was Behind the Attack?

Harjit Singh Laddi, an operative from the banned terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and one of Indias most wanted individuals, has claimed responsibility for the attack via social media.

Laddi alleged that an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show mocked Nihang Sikhs through comments about their attire and behavior. He claimed the remarks were offensive to Sikh values and spiritual identity.

This mockery is an attack on the dignity of Nihang Singhs. No religion or spiritual tradition should be made fun of in the name of comedy, his statement read.

Laddi also claimed attempts were made to contact Kapil Sharmas management team to express their displeasure before the attack, but said these were ignored.

All our calls were ignored, he wrote.

Kaps Cafe, located in central Surrey, opened its doors on July 4, just days before the attack. Canadian authorities are actively investigating the incident, while Indian intelligence agencies are closely monitoring developments. Kapil Sharma and his family are also expected to receive increased security in light of the threats.
New Delhi: Comedian Kapil Sharmas newly inaugurated cafe was attacked in Canadas Surrey on Wednesday night.

An operative from the banned Khalistani extremist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), named Harjeet Singh Laddi, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Khalistani terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi is one of the most wanted criminals by Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA). There have been no reports of casualties in the firing incident

All You Need to Know About Harjeet Singh Laddi:

Harjeet Singh Laddi is designated as one of the NIAs most wanted terrorists and is an operative of Babbar Khalsa International, one of the oldest and most organized Khalistani terrorist groups. He hails from Garpadhana village in the Aur area of Nawanshahr, Punjab.

According to a report by Financial Express, Laddi currently resides in Germany and is responsible for orchestrating BKIs activities globally. He is also the prime accused in several violent attacks in Punjab, including the targeted assassination of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar in April 2024.

Last year, the National Investigation Agency announced a 10 lakh cash reward for information leading to Laddis arrest.

The terrorist group, which operates in several countries including Canada and the UK, gets its name from the militant organization Babbar Akali, which was active during the 1920s under British rule.

Details of the Attack

According to a report by The Indian Express, at least eight gunshots were fired at the cafe. Surrey police confirmed receiving a report of shots fired at approximately 1:50 a.m. Officers responded quickly and found that the bullets had damaged the property while staff members were still present inside.

Upon police arrival, it was quickly determined that the shots were fired towards the business, damaging the property, while staff members were still present inside, read a statement from Surrey Police released on Thursday, July 10.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The cafe extended its gratitude to both Surrey and Delta Police for their swift response and efforts in ensuring everyones safety.

Who Was Behind the Attack?

Harjeet Singh Laddi, an operative of the banned terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and one of Indias most wanted men, claimed responsibility for the attack via social media.

Laddi alleged that an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show mocked Nihang Sikhs through comments made about their attire and behavior. He claimed the remarks were offensive to Sikh values and spiritual identity.

This mockery is an attack on the dignity of Nihang Singhs. No religion or spiritual tradition should be made fun of in the name of comedy, his statement read.

Laddi also claimed that attempts were made to contact Kapil Sharmas management team to express their displeasure before the attack, but these were allegedly ignored.

All our calls were ignored, he wrote.

Kaps Cafe, located in central Surrey, opened its doors on July 4, just days before the attack. Canadian authorities are actively investigating the incident, while Indian intelligence agencies are closely monitoring developments. Kapil Sharma and his family are also expected to receive increased security in light of the threats.
New Delhi: One of the biggest pan-Indian movies surpassing many Bollywood films - Baahubali has completed 10 long years since its release. This movie ticked all the right boxes in - storyline, visuals and sound design. The epic tale by SS Rajamouli became an unforgettable cinematic experience for viewers.

Baahubali Cast and Crew

Marking 10 years of Baahubali, the cast and crew got together and ushered in the celebrations. Director SS Rajamouli, actors Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj among others looked elated in the pictures. The Baahubali movie handle captioned the post on Instagram: 10 Years of Baahubali Reunion

What began as a dream turned into something far bigger than any of us could have imagined.

A story that became a part of peoples lives

A journey that brought us together as one family

And memories we will cherish forever.

As we come together to celebrate 10 years of Baahubali, we are filled with deep gratitude  for every single person who believed in this story, stood by us, and helped make it what it is today.

This reunion was more than nostalgic  it brought back a flood of memories from over a decade.

We fondly reminisced about everything that went right and all the things that could have gone wrong, but didnt. Its those very moments that ensured Baahubali became what it is today.

But this celebration isnt just ours. It belongs to every one of you who carries Baahubali in your hearts.

Heres to the memories, the magic, and the epic that lives on

Quoting Paulo Coelho from The Alchemist:

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

About Baahubali

Baahubali: The Beginning is a 2015 epic action film co-written and directed by SS Rajamouli, and produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni under Arka Media Works. Produced in the Telugu film industry, the film was shot in both Telugu and Tamil languages. It features Prabhas in a dual role alongside Rana Daggubati, Anushka, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj, and Nassar.

The first of a 2-part franchise, the magnum opus story concludes in Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017).
U.S. President Donald Trumps remark praising the beautiful English of Liberian President Joseph Boakai during a White House meeting has stirred mixed reactions in Liberia. With some interpreting the comment as genuine admiration and others as patronising and tone-deaf. Such good English. Such beautiful English, Trump said with visible surprise, before asking where Boakai had learned to speak so well, despite English being Liberias official language since its founding.

While the Liberian Government has downplayed the exchange, saying no offence was taken, many Liberiansparticularly from Civil society and opposition circlesviewed the remarks as condescending.

Critics, including Foday Massaquio of the Congress for Democratic Change, called the statement disrespectful, highlighting broader concerns about Western attitudes toward African leaders. The backlash comes amid growing unease over recent U.S. aid cuts to Liberia, including the dissolution of the USAID mission, a programme that has long underpinned bilateral relations.

Liberias Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, defended Trumps remarks as a recognition of Liberias American-influenced linguistic heritage. However, voices like Siokin Civicus Barsi-Giah, an ally of former President George Weah, said the comment mocked rather than honoured President Boakai.

Analysts remain divided, with some seeing a reflection of Trumps rhetorical style and others warning that even unintended slights can strain relations with a country that has long considered the U.S. its big brother.
A retired Army subedar in Gurugram, who allegedly killed four people within 1.5 hours on Tuesday morning, went to the police station after the killings and surrendered to the police. The accused allegedly killed his daughter-in-law, tenant, wife and nine-year-old daughter. The younger daughter of the couple was also attacked by the accused and she is undergoing treatment at the hospital.
No heatwave is expected in the country over the next five days, says IMD. Several parts of the country are witnessing a good spell of rainfall. The IMD said the Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of Northwest Bay of Bengal, parts of Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar.
Siddaramaiah will take oath as the CM of Karnataka today. DK Shivakumar will become the Deputy CM. 8 MLAs including Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister will take oath for the post of ministers. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that I am also going there to participate in it. It is a matter of happiness that a new government, a strong government has come in Karnataka.
A woman in Karnataka's Davanagere was assaulted by her husband, who bit off the tip of her nose during a dispute over loan repayment. The woman, now stable, has filed a complaint. An FIR has been registered, and police have launched an investigation.
Elvish Yadav had an exclusive conversation with Zee News after Rave Party Allegations. While issuing his statement on the allegations against him, Elvish Yadav said that the allegations being made against us are completely baseless, baseless, they have nothing to do with us even remotely, we do not have even 1% involvement. .. He also asked to cooperate with the police in the investigation.. and also appealed to Chief Minister Yogi Aditya Nath that we have nothing to do with this case, if even one percent of our involvement is found then we will take action against him. ready to take responsibility
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, on Thursday officially scrapped a Sheikh Hasina-era rule that mandated public officials to address her and other senior women officials as "sir."

The decision to scrap the 'sir' rule was finalised during a meeting of the advisory council in Dhaka, which also moved to abolish other "outdated" directives and protocol rules.

According to a report by the Dhaka Tribune, the Chief Adviser's press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, announced the cancellation following the advisory council meeting. Alam elaborated on the rationale via Facebook, stating, "During Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16-year-long autocratic rule, a directive was reportedly issued requiring public officials to address her as 'sir.'"

He further added, "This practice extended to other high-ranking women officials, who were, and in some cases still are, being called 'sir,' which is clearly odd."

The interim government has stated that it will form a review committee, led by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the current adviser on energy to investigate an "appropriate" manner to address senior officials and public servants moving forward.

This came after the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), a Bangladesh court designated for the trial of international crimes, on Thursday ordered the initiation of trials against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of ordering the shooting and killing of protesters during the student-led July Movement of 2024, following which she was ousted from the country.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam announced this development to reporters, noting that the ICT has asked for the trial against her.

"Sheikh Hasina ordered the shooting and killing of protesters during the July Movement. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has asked for the trial against her," Islam said.

This came after ICT formally charged the ousted Prime Minister, former Bangladeshi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun in the cases related to crimes against humanity during the July uprising earlier today, as reported by the Daily Star.

As per the Daily Star, a three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, brought five charges against the accused.

The tribunal scheduled the prosecution's opening statement for hearings on August 3 and 4.

Among the accused, only Mamun appeared in court during the session, the Daily Star reported.

(With ANI Inputs)
Beijing/New Delhi: Behind the thick walls of official buildings in Beijing (China), there are no ordinary courtrooms. No independent judges. No public defenders. There are only silence, confessions squeezed from shadows and men who vanish without a trace. This is the political machinery President Xi Jinping has built. This is seemingly designed not to serve justice, but to erase dissent.

High-ranking intelligence sources have lifted the curtain on a structure of repression that operates in full view of the world, but it is beyond the reach of any law.

Under Xi, the boundaries that once separated the Communist Party from the state and the military have collapsed. In their place stands a single command  loyalty to the party, above all else.

Law has become a weapon, not a protection. The courts, the police and even the army now exist to protect the partys dominance, not the people, said one intelligence operative.

This system does not rely on public trials or visible prisons. It has darker tools  ones the public never sees. Detainees are taken to secret locations under terms such as Shuanggui or Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location. The nomenclatures may sound bureaucratic but mean months in a locked room, lights on 24/7, no lawyer, no phone call and no trial.

Inside, silence is broken by screams. Confessions are signed with broken fingers. Some are televised. Most are buried.

Xis anti-corruption campaigns have turned these black sites into factories of obedience. Ostensibly aimed at rooting out graft, they have instead become a purge machine.

Over 100 of the nations top officials, including military brass, business tycoons and even Xis own appointees, have either been jailed or disappeared.

Seventy-plus generals from the PLA, Rocket Force and Air Force have vanished under vague charges. This is not discipline. This is political cleansing, revealed the senior intelligence official.

And it does not stop at the military. The same formula is used on lawyers and activists. The 2015 709 Crackdown was a warning. Over 300 legal professionals were rounded up and many tortured. That year, the courts stopped being a branch of government and became a wing of the party.

Judges are now expected to follow ideological directives. Independence is dead, the official said.

Even Chinas billionaires, who are the face of its economic miracle, are not safe. Jack Ma vanished for weeks after criticising regulators. Xiao Jianhua was snatched from a Hong Kong hotel and reappeared in a prison uniform. Bao Fan and Hui Ka Yan joined the list of missing moguls.

The message is clear. You can build wealth, but never build influence, he said.

Loyalty has become a requirement in every boardroom. ByteDance, Alibaba or Tencent  each has government operatives embedded inside. It does not matter if they are publicly traded or backed by international investors. They answer to the party first.

Outside China, the reach of this system grows longer. Exiles are tracked. Critics are hacked. Interpol Red Notices are quietly weaponised.

Gui Minhai disappeared in Thailand. Lee Bo was snatched from Hong Kong. Others receive anonymous threats or suffer mysterious break-ins in foreign capitals.

There is no border anymore. The party considers no one out of reach, said a source close to international law enforcement.

The intelligence dossier is stark in its conclusion. Xi Jinpings CCP functions like a political cartel. Detentions, surveillance and torture. These are not mistakes or excesses. They are the design.

One line in the report chills more than any other  Dissent is treated as treason. And treason is punished in silence.
The United States has announced significant changes to its non-immigrant visa policies for Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ethiopia, drastically reducing the validity and flexibility of visas for most travellers from these countries. Under the revised policy, nearly all non-diplomatic visas issued to nationals of the three nations will now be valid for only three months and limited to a single entry. This marks a sharp departure from previous terms that often allowed multiple entries over two or more years.

The US Department of State says the move forms part of a global reciprocity realignment, intended to ensure that US citizens receive visa treatment abroad that mirrors what their nationals receive in the United States. However, the Nigerian government has strongly disputed this justification. On Thursday July 10, 2025, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga insisted that Nigeria continues to offer five-year multiple-entry visas to US citizens, accusing the US of misrepresenting the facts. The US governments claim of reciprocity does not accurately reflect the actual situation, he said, calling the decision disproportionate and potentially damaging to longstanding educational and cultural ties.

While Cameroon and Ethiopia have not officially responded, the development has sparked considerable concern in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. The US remains a top destination for Nigerians seeking educational and economic opportunities, with a record 13.5% increase in Nigerian student enrolments in 2024 according to the Open Doors report. Some analysts link the policy shift to geopolitical tensions, including Nigerias increasing engagement with BRICS, while others, like immigration lawyer Godwin Oke, argue it is a predictable outcome of diplomatic reciprocity. The State Department maintains that visa policies are subject to ongoing review based on diplomatic, security, and immigration standards.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with a rapidly escalating cholera outbreak that has entered an acute phase, according to Health Minister Roger Kamba.

Speaking at a press conference held in Kinshasa on Thursday, July 10, he explained that since January 2025, over 33,000 cases have been recorded nationwide, surpassing the total number of infections in 2024 . With a fatality rate of around 2 percent, the disease is spreading swiftly, now affecting 17 out of the countrys 26 provincesan increase from 14 provinces just a day earlier. The capital, Kinshasa, is reporting approximately 130 new cases weekly, many of them fatal.

In response to the worsening crisis, the government is establishing new treatment centres in Kinshasa and providing free medical care to confirmed cholera patients. The health minister also warned of a concurrent resurgence of mpox, describing the overall situation as a critical crisis. The DRC initially declared a cholera outbreak on 5 May, following laboratory confirmation of infections in multiple provinces. The World Health Organization continues to monitor the outbreak closely as authorities race to contain the spread.
As South Sudan marked its 14th Independence Day on 9 July 2025, Catholic Bishops across the country issued heartfelt messages urging citizens to embrace the deeper meaning of independence and renew their commitment to nation-building.

Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio reminded the faithful that true freedom lies not just in political autonomy but in reconciliation, service, and a collective mission of healing. Emphasising the theme, Empowered by Grace, Equipped for Mission, United in Hope, he called on South Sudanese to rebuild their country with courage and dignity, inspired by divine guidance.

Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor Eyobo of Yei encouraged South Sudanese to reflect on the struggles that earned them self-determination and to treasure their independence as a sacred gift from God. He expressed concern over the recurring violence and urged unity to silence the guns and focus on rebuilding. Meanwhile, Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu, referencing the Catholic Churchs Jubilee Year of Hope, described the independence anniversary as both a celebration of past progress and a beacon of hope for spiritual and national transformation. He stressed the need for healing broken relationships and nurturing a soul renewed by Gods love.

In Wau, Bishop Mathew Remijio Adam echoed similar sentiments, praying that the occasion would be a catalyst for lasting peace and national harmony. He appealed to all citizens to set aside divisions and embrace their shared identity as sons and daughters of one republic. The bishops collective messages come at a time when South Sudan continues to grapple with unresolved political tensions and the recent arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar. Despite these challenges, the Church remains a pillar of hope, calling on the nation to forge ahead with faith, unity, and purpose.
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: CC0 Public Domain

It can be difficult to decide whether to expedite birth when a woman in the final stage of pregnancy perceives fewer fetal movements. An additional ultrasound measurement to assess resistance in fetal blood vessels can help make this decision more accurately, leading to fewer complications during delivery.

This is the conclusion of a large international study led by gynecologist Sanne Gordijn from the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), in collaboration with Wessel Ganzevoort from Amsterdam UMC. The research was published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health.

Reduced fetal movement can be concerning

Sometimes, pregnant women perceive less fetal movements in the final weeks of pregnancy. Usually, this is not a cause for concernthe baby may be in a different position, or the mother may have been busy and not noticed the movements.

However, it can be alarming for both the pregnant woman and health care providers, as it may precede severe oxygen deprivation or even fetal death. In such cases, the placenta may not be functioning properly, resulting in reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby. Early delivery, before severe hypoxia occurs, may then be the best option.

Currently, when a pregnant woman reports reduced fetal movement in the final weeks, she is referred to a hospital. There, routine assessments are performed as soon as possible to evaluate the fetal condition. These include a fetal heart rate tracing and an assessment of fetal growth and amniotic fluid levels. While these details provide insight into the fetal condition, there may be more effective ways to assess it.

The researchers studied the effect of additional ultrasound measurements to assess placental function. The study focused on the resistance in the blood vessels of the umbilical cord and the fetal brain. These measurements provide further insight into placental function and the baby's condition. A total of 1,684 women participated in the study.

The study primarily examined the resistance in the blood vessels of the baby's brain and umbilical cord. Sanne Gordijn explains, "The ratio between these two measurements is called the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR).

"The idea is that an abnormal CPR value, which may indicate a poorly functioning placenta, suggests it is better to expedite birth. If the CPR is normal, it may be better to wait, as the baby may not yet be ready. Women who wish to give birth at home can still do so in that case."

Fewer complications after additional blood vessel measurement

The results of the CEPRA study show better outcomes for fetuses when the CPR measurement is known. Gordijn said, "This means we see fewer complications around birth when this measurement is performed in cases of reduced fetal movement, compared to current practice where it is not."

According to Gordijn, the study provides essential information for obstetric care. "If doctors know the CPR result, they can better determine whether reduced fetal movement is harmless or requires action. This ensures that both mother and baby receive the care best suited to their situation." The guideline on reduced fetal movement will soon be updated, and the professional association will incorporate the study's findings.

Sanne Gordijn conducted this study together with researchers from Amsterdam UMC in 23 hospitals. She presented the study at international conferences in Denver (U.S.) and London (UK).

More information: Cerebroplacental ratio-based management versus care as usual in non-small-for-gestational-age fetuses at term with maternal perceived reduced fetal movements (CEPRA): a multicentre, cluster-randomised controlled trial, The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health (2025). DOI: 10.1016/S3050-5038(25)00002-0
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay from Pexels

Children from ethnic minority backgrounds and those living in areas with higher levels of child poverty were more likely to die in intensive care than white children and those from the least deprived areas.

Researchers analyzed 14 years of UK-wide data on more than 160,000 critically ill children and found that children of Asian, Multiple and other ethnicities were more likely to die in intensive care than white children.

They also found that children living in areas with higher levels of poverty were more severely ill on arrival at intensive care and more likely to die after admission to pediatric intensive care than those from the least deprived areas.

The study also reveals that children of ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to stay longer in intensive care and to be readmitted unexpectedly after discharge, compared to white children.

The study, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, is the first in the UK to report worse intensive care outcomes in children from more deprived areas.

It was led by researchers at Imperial College London, University of Leicester, UCL and University of Leeds, and is based on data commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP)through its national clinical audit program.

The findings raise serious concerns about equity in critical care for children and should prompt urgent action from policymakers and health care leaders, according to the researchers.

Dr. Hannah Mitchell, lead author of the study and from the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London, said, "Pediatric intensive care offers the highest level of support for the sickest children. Our findings show that inequalities persist even at this stage of care and are deeply troubling. These are not just statisticsthey represent real, preventable differences in outcomes for critically ill children.

"Our findings are especially alarming in the context of rising levels of child poverty in the UK, where 4.5 million children are now growing up in poverty (31% of all children), 800,000 more children compared to 2013 (27% of all children). These findings should prompt urgent action from policymakers and health care leaders.

"Ethnic inequalities in child health have been highlighted repeatedly, and our study adds clear, national-scale evidence of disparities in intensive care. Reducing avoidable deaths in children must include serious, sustained action to reduce child poverty, improve access to health care, and address the structural barriers faced by marginalized communities."

Professor Padmanabhan Ramnarayan, senior author of the study from the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London, added, "Our study reveals worrying inequalities in outcomes for children admitted to intensive care in the UK.

"This is particularly concerning as the use of Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) is projected to rise in the coming years due to the increasing prevalence of complex chronic conditions in children.

"It shouldn't be the case that a child's ethnicity or postcode determines their outcomes in PICU.

"Our findings show the urgent need for improved access to urgent care, reducing barriers to health care access, earlier recognition of serious illness in children, and more coordination between hospitals and community care teams to improve PICU outcomes across the UK."

Children from economically disadvantaged areas or minority ethnic backgrounds experience worse health outcomes across a range of acute care conditions, with most of this research originating from the U.S..

Evidence from the UK and the U.S. shows increased rates of admissions to PICUs for children from more deprived areas, and a previous Imperial studyalso reported increased rates of PICU admissions for children of Asian and Black ethnicities in the UK.

However, less is known about how this increased risk of admission to PICU relates to outcomes after admission.

In this new study, the team wanted to explore the effects of ethnicity and deprivation on PICU outcomes. They analyzed nationwide data from the Pediatric Intensive Care Audit Network of 245,099 admissions for 163,163 children aged 0-15 years admitted to UK PICUs between 1 Jan 2008 and 31 Dec 2021.

They analyzed ethnicity and area-level deprivation at the time of admission. They compared this with mortality, length of stay during PICU and unplanned readmission within 60 days.

The team found that children of Asian ethnicity had higher mortality1,336 deaths per 26,022 admissions, while mortality was lowest among white children4,960 deaths per 154,041 admissions. Children of Asian ethnicity had 52% higher odds of death compared to white children.

Children of multiple ethnicities and other ethnicities represented 2.8% (4,514 children) of the overall group and had 20% higher odds of PICU mortality compared to white children.

Mortality was also higher in children living in areas with higher levels of child poverty2,432 deaths per 58,110 admissions compared to children in least deprived areas1,025 deaths per 33,331 admissions, revealing an association between PICU mortality and area-level child poverty. Children living in the most deprived areas had 13% higher odds of death compared to those living in the least deprived areas.

Both children of Asian ethnicity and children from more deprived areas were more severely unwell at admission than children of white ethnicity and those from less deprived areas. Children from ethnic minority backgrounds had longer stays in PICU (average 66 hours) and increased odds of unplanned readmission to PICU within 60 days (9%) compared with those of white ethnicity (average 52 hours and 6.8%).

The team hopes to explore the possible reasons for the inequalities, such as access to health care, education and language, in a further study.

More information: The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health (2025). www.thelancet.com/journals/lan  (25)00156-7/fulltext
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

New research led by the University of South Australia has found that frequently attending in-person events can significantly boost well-being.

A study by tourism and event management experts at UniSA and Flinders University has found that regularly attending events such as festivals, exhibitions, sporting events, farmer's markets and food events can lead to greater positive emotions and feelings such as joy, contentment, happiness and excitement.

The study is published in the International Journal of Tourism Research.

It is also significantly related to higher levels of engagement and being fully absorbed and immersed in an activity, so time seems to slip away unnoticed.

Researchers surveyed more than 350 South Australians about how often they attended in-person and online events and how this related to their well-being.

The results revealed an association between the frequency of attending in-person events and higher well-being through higher levels of positive emotions, such as joy, happiness and excitement, as well as a stronger sense of being absorbed in an activity.

UniSA's Associate Professor Sunny Son says although it is often claimed that event experiences can enhance people's well-being, there is limited research examining their overall impact.

"Our study took a holistic approach by looking at the relationships between attending events and well-being. We found evidence that attending events can meaningfully improve individuals' well-being, encouraging communities to leverage events to improve general well-being," she says.

"Well-being has become an increasingly important focus for individuals and communities and is linked to many benefits related to health, work, family and community.

"Previous studies have shown that higher levels of well-being can lead to a reduced risk of illness and injury and increase longevity. People with high levels of well-being tend to perform better in the workplace and contribute positively to their community, so it's important not only for public health but also for building strong, socially sustainable and connected communities."

The study also found that attending virtual eventssuch as an online concert or livestream experiencecontributes to people's sense of accomplishment. However, unlike in-person events, virtual events have no impact on other dimensions of well-being.

Flinders University Senior Lecturer Dr. Eliza Kitchen says organizations can take advantage of the benefits of in-person events by incorporating them into employee reward programs, inviting clients, partners or other stakeholders to events or distributing free event tickets to staff.

"These strategies not only enhance employee satisfaction and morale but also foster a more engaged and productive workforce," she says.

"We believe that universities and schools can also use events to support student well-being, which is particularly important given the high prevalence of mental health issues among young people.

"Special events can provide students with valuable opportunities to interact with one another, relieve stress and achieve personal growth. This is also the case for local councils, who can host free events to help their residents to connect with their neighbors and foster a stronger sense of community, support and well-being."

"What we found is that events do much more than just drive tourism and boost the economy; they also play a critical role in enhancing well-being. This gives us another strong reason to support events, not just for visitors, but for the benefit of locals as well."

More information: Insun Sunny Son et al, The Value of Events for Personal WellBeing: A PERMA Perspective, International Journal of Tourism Research (2025). DOI: 10.1002/jtr.70061
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:

Global deaths from AIDS have dropped to their lowest levels in more than 30 years, in part due to efforts to fight HIV. But U.S. funding cuts could soon reverse that progress, experts warn.

A United Nations report released Thursday says that if the money isn't replaced, more than 4 million people could die of AIDS by 2029 and 6 million more could become infected with HIV, The Associated Press reported.

The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, launched by President George W. Bush in 2003, has helped millions in countries hardest hit by the disease. UNAIDS, the U.N. program focused on fighting HIV, called PEPFAR a "lifeline."

The program supported HIV testing for more than 84 million people and treatment for more than 20 million, The AP said.

In countries like Nigeria, it paid for nearly all99.9%of HIV prevention medicines, the report says.

In January, the U.S. suddenly stopped a planned $4 billion in global HIV funding. That money disappeared overnight after U.S. President Donald Trump suspended foreign aid and moved to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The change has already had major impacts: Clinics have closed, thousands of health facilities are without staff, testing has stalled and many people living with HIV now have no care.

"There's nothing we can do that will protect these countries from the sudden, vicious withdrawal of support from the U.S.," said Tom Ellman of the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders.

Andrew Hill, an HIV expert at the University of Liverpool in the U.K., said while Trump had the right to cut aid, "any responsible government would have given advance warning so countries could plan."

In 2024, about 630,000 people worldwide died from AIDS-related illnesses. That's far lower than the peak of 2 million deaths in 2004, The AP said.

But progress has been uneven.

Half of all new HIV infections still occur in sub-Saharan Africa, according to UNAIDS.

Even more concerning? The loss of data. The U.S. funded most HIV tracking systems in Africa, and many have now stopped collecting patient and hospital records.

"Without reliable data about how HIV is spreading, it will be incredibly hard to stop it," said Dr. Chris Beyrer, epidemiologist and research professor at Duke University in Durham, N.C.

Despite the challenges, there is some hope. A new injectable drug from Gilead, called Yeztugo, was approved last month by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The drug, which is given twice a year, was 100% effective at preventing HIV in recent studies, The AP reported.

South Africa's health minister, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, said his country would do whatever it takes to get the drug to those who need it, especially teen girls.

For many countries, the new drug may be too expensive, some experts say. Gilead plans to offer cheaper generic versions in 120 low-income countries with high HIV rates, but most of Latin America has been left out.

"We could be ending AIDS," Peter Maybarduk, director of the nonprofit group Public Citizen, said. "Instead, the U.S. is abandoning the fight."

More information: The World Health Organization has more HIV data and statistics.

 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction models have improved the ability to stratify adults across the CVD risk spectrum. Researchers at Sutter Health and colleagues at Stanford University tested the performance of the American Heart Association's Predicting Risk of CVD Events (PREVENT) equations in the six largest Asian subgroups as well as in Mexican and Puerto Rican Hispanic subgroups.

The findings, published in JAMA Cardiology, showed the PREVENT equations accurately predicted CVD, atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) and heart failure events across broad, self-identified Asian and Hispanic patient populations.

The burden of heart disease, one of the biggest health problems in the U.S., is likely to grow as the population gets older. Making sure risk tools work for all our patients is key to giving the best care possible.

Advancing cardiovascular health for all

"We led this study to uncover findings that may inform better cardiovascular health care for all. In the original validation, PREVENT equations demonstrated good discernment and calibration among racial and ethnic groups, but the model performance among Asian and Hispanic subgroups had not been previously described," said Xiaowei (Sherry) Yan, Ph.D., senior scientist at Sutter Health's Center for Health Systems Research and first author of the study.

"Our findings showed the PREVENT models performed well across multiple subgroups, with modest variation across individual Asian and Hispanic populations."

Study overview

Dr. Yan and colleagues conducted an electronic health recordbased retrospective cohort study of 361,778 primary care patients aged 30 to 79 years across Sutter Healtha large integrated health system in Northern California caring for more than 3.5 million patients across urban, suburban and rural communitiesfrom January 2010 to September 2023.

Patients who had at least two primary care visits during the study period were eligible for the study. Among patients who met the inclusion criteria, the mean age was 54.6 years; 53% were female; 22% were non-Hispanic Asian and 11% were Hispanic.

Key findings

Results showed the PREVENT equations appropriately predicted risk in contemporary diverse Asian and Hispanic subgroups with modest variation in performance across the subgroups studied.

Over a mean follow-up of 8.1 years, there were 22,648 (6.3%) CVD events among study subjects.

The predictive accuracy, as demonstrated through use of statistical measures such as the C-statistic and calibration slope, was high for the outcome of total CVD among the Asian and Hispanic populations.

When examined among the subgroups studied, predictive accuracy for total CVD remained high.

There were small differences in the performance of atherosclerotic CVD and heart failure PREVENT equations among racial and ethnic groups and subgroups.

The path forward

"The burden of CVD and its risk factors is projected to increase across the U.S. in the coming decades, so the ability to more accurately estimate CVD risk in all the communities we serve is more critical now than ever," said Powell Jose, M.D., FACC, Sutter Medical Group cardiologist and section chief of general cardiology for Sutter's heart and vascular service line.

"Although best practices for clinical implementation of the PREVENT CVD risk prediction models should be further investigated, we believe they are an important step forward for communities that have historically been underrepresented in CVD research."

Dr. Yan, Dr. Jose and colleagues shared the study limitations: they were unable to fully examine all Asian and Hispanic subgroups. Moreover, comparisons of the predictive utility of PREVENT and pooled cohort equations were limited by small sample sizes in the Mexican and Puerto Rican Hispanic subgroups.

To better inform the clinical application of the study findings, future work may focus on providing clinically sensible cutoffs based on PREVENT ASCVD risk to guide treatment decisions.

More information: Xiaowei Yan et al, Performance of the American Heart Association's PREVENT Equations Among Disaggregated Racial and Ethnic Subgroups, JAMA Cardiology (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2025.1865 Journal information: JAMA Cardiology
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

Scientists have discovered how a key protein helps maintain strong connections between brain cells that are crucial for learning and memory.

Results of the study, published in the journal Science Advances, could point the way to new treatments for traumatic brain injuries and diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, the scientists said.

Their research, led by a Rutgers University-New Brunswick professor, uncovered a previously unknown role for cypin, a brain protein. Members of the research team found that cypin promotes the presence of tags on specific proteins at synapses, namely the tiny gaps where the brain cells, known as neurons, communicate. The marking helps ensure that the right proteins are in the right place, allowing the synapses to work properly.

The researchers said the insight has potentially profound implications for the treatment of brain disorders.

"Our research indicates that developing treatments or therapies that specifically focus on the protein cypin may help improve the connections between brain cells, enhancing memory and thinking abilities," said Bonnie Firestein, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience in the School of Arts and Sciences and an author of the study.

"These findings suggest that cypin could be used to develop treatments for neurodegenerative and neurocognitive diseases, as well as brain injuries."

Firestein has been studying cypin for more than two decades. Her latest work uncovered several important aspects of how cypin functions and why it is significant for brain health.

One of the crucial discoveries is that cypin helps add a special tag to proteins in synapses connecting neurons. This tag ensures proteins are correctly positioned and able to send signals effectively. Proper tagging and movement of proteins are essential for the neurons to function correctly.

Another important finding is that cypin interacts with a complex of proteins, known as the proteasome, which is responsible for breaking down proteins. When cypin attaches or binds to the proteasome, it slows down this breakdown process, leading to an accumulation of proteins. This buildup can positively affect various cellular functions, which are important for the communication between neurons.

Firestein's research also shows that when there is more cypin present, the levels of important proteins in the synapses increase. These proteins are vital for effective communication between neurons, empowering learning and memory.

Additionally, cypin increases the activity of another protein called UBE4A, which also helps with the tagging process. This indicates that cypin's influence on synaptic proteins is partly because of its effect on UBE4A.

The work highlights the importance of cypin in maintaining healthy brain function and its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions.

"Even though this study is what we call 'basic research," it can eventually be applied in practical, clinical settings," said Firestein, who is already conducting such "translational" work in parallel. Translational research is a type of research that takes discoveries made in the lab and turns them into practical treatments or solutions to improve human health.

Cypin's significant role in the workings of the brain's synapses makes it highly relevant to the potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injury, she said. For example, healthy synaptic function is often disrupted in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

In addition, the protein's role in promoting synaptic plasticitythe ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over timemeans it may be used to help counteract the synaptic dysfunction seen in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries.

Other scientists from Rutgers involved in the study include Kiran Madura, a professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Srinivasa Gandu, Mihir Patel, and Ana Rodriguez, former doctoral students in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience.

Jared Lamp and Irving Vega of Michigan State University also contributed to this research.

More information: Srinivasa Gandu et al, Cypin regulates K63-linked polyubiquitination to shape synaptic content, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads5467. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads5467 Journal information: Science Advances
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

Already in 2025, the United States has reported more measles cases than in any full year since the early '90s, according to federal data. And that record-setting case count has been driven by a massive outbreak that began in Texas.

The country's 2025 case count has broken record highs going back more than 30 years, according to data updated on July 9 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Well over half of the U.S.'s 1,288 confirmed measles cases this year have stemmed from Texas' outbreak, which, according to state numbers, has so far led to more than 750 cases in the Lone Star State alone. More than 100 related cases have been reported in New Mexico and Oklahoma.

"Overwhelmingly, this is from the epidemic that began in Texas," said vaccine expert Dr. Peter Hotez. "Of the thousand-plus cases, the lion's share ... are because of a single epidemic that began in West Texas."

Hotez, the dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, has warned about potential measles outbreaks for years. The Texas outbreak was entirely predictable, he said, based on anti-vaccine sentiment in the state and low vaccination rates in particular counties. That includes Gaines County, where the outbreak began.

Texas may also foreshadow more outbreaks across the country. If vaccination rates remain low or drop further, more communities may see outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases, said Erin Carlson, a public health professor and researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington.

"If vaccine rates do not improve, then we will just be continuing with this," she said. "This is certainly an indicator of what's to come."

By the numbers

In early July, with nearly five months left in the year, the nationwide measles case count is already at a 33-year high.

There have been 1,288 confirmed measles cases in the country this year, according to CDC data. That's more than the previous spike in 2019, and more than any full year since 1992.

While more than half of the 2025 cases stem from the outbreak that began in Texas, there have been about two dozen measles outbreaks across the country this year. The CDC defines an "outbreak" as three or more related cases.

Most people who catch measles in the U.S. will not require hospitalization, but some will. This year, according to the CDC, 13% of reported measles cases have led to hospitalizations. That's a total of 162 hospitalizations.

Three people have also died of measles this year, including two unvaccinated Texas children. Before those deaths, the U.S. had not reported a measles death in a decade.

Declining vaccination rates

The measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing the illness. But it only works if people take it.

The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles, which is one of the most contagious illnesses in the world. The vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months of age.

But in recent years, childhood vaccination rates have declined across the country.

When a community's measles vaccination rate drops, it becomes more susceptible to an outbreak. That's what happened in Gaines County, where Texas' current wave began.

Vaccine advocate Rekha Lakshmanan, at The Immunization Partnership, said in a June interview that she worries the same pattern could be repeated nationwide.

"If anybody wants to look into the future, just imagine what's happening in the South Plains part of Texas and multiply it by 20, 50, 100 times across the country," Lakshmanan said. "It is going to be more of that."

Anti-vaccine and medical liberty sentiments show no signs of slowing, either. In Texas, lawmakers passed a number of medical freedom bills during the 2025 session, including one that makes it easier for parents to opt their children out of school-mandated vaccines.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who worked in anti-vaccine advocacy for many years, has brought that ethos to the federal stage, too.

If vaccine skepticism and opt-outs continue to accelerate, Hotez said, the impacts won't be limited to measles. Communities may also see outbreaks of other vaccine-preventable diseases, such as whooping cough.

"We're talking about measles now but, down the line, we're going to be looking at all childhood preventable diseases, potentially," Hotez said.

Threat to elimination status

The record-setting measles case count also brings the country's elimination status into question.

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. That status indicates the virus is no longer endemic, although cases and outbreaks may still occur, particularly through foreign travel.

Carlson, at UT Arlington, said the elimination of measles 25 years ago was a major win for public health.

"To achieve that is extraordinary," she said. "And to reverse course on that is unprecedented."

If the virus spreads continuously for more than 12 months, the country could lose its status. Public health experts worry about Texas' infections, which broke out in January.

While the state outbreak appears to be winding down, it is not considered to be over until there are no new cases reported for several consecutive weeks.

2025 The Dallas Morning News. 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:

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. canceled a meeting of government health panel that helps guide what preventive care is covered by insurance, alarming doctors and other health officials.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) was set to meet Thursday, but members were told in an email Monday that the meeting would be postponed. No reason was given.

"Moving forward, HHS looks forward to engaging with the task force to promote the health and well-being of the American people," the email said, according to a report from The New York Times.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) did not respond to questions about the cancellation.

The USPSTF is a nonpartisan panel of 16 volunteer doctors and health experts.

It meets several times a year to review the latest science and decide which screenings, medications and other preventive services should be fully covered by insurance.

This includes tests for lung cancer, medications to reduce stroke risk and other life-saving services.

The decision to cancel the July meeting follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month. Justices supported the task force's rolebut also gave Kennedy the power to ignore its advice or remove members before their terms end, The Times said.

Some experts are now concerned that the task force, like another federal health panel, may soon be completely reshaped.

Earlier this year, Kennedy removed all 17 members from a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine committee. The people he chose to replace them included some who have publicly questioned the safety of vaccines.

"This is very worrying," said Dr. Peter Lurie, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. "If past is prologue, it may suggest that they are preparing to eliminate or emasculate the [USPSTF] committee."

The USPSTF has long had bipartisan support and is seen as a trusted voice in science-based care. Members are often primary care doctors or academics. They go through conflict-of-interest checks and serve staggered four-year terms to reduce the influence of any one presidential administration, The Times said.

But lately, the task force has faced criticism.

An essay published this week in The American Conservative claimed the panel was part of the "deep state" and accused it of "pushing faulty race and gender ideology on doctors."

Supporters reject that view. They say the task force's work is guided strictly by medical science and a rigorous rating system, The Times reported.

Thursday's canceled meeting was set to focus on preventing heart disease.

It's not clear yet if Kennedy plans to replace any members of the panel. Even if the group declines to recommend a service, The Times noted, private insurance companies can still choose to cover it.

Still, doctors warn that political interference could hurt patients.

"When something works well and helps inform doctors about how to take care of their patients, to postpone the task force's work just doesn't make any sense," Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, told The Times.

"This flies in the face of what is good for the country's health," he added.

On Wednesday, AcademyHealth, a nonprofit health research group, sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to protect the task force from political interference.

More than 100 health organizations signed the letter, which said the panel's advice is based on science and "radical transparency."

Dr. Aaron Carroll, president of AcademyHealth, noted that the task force was created under former President Ronald Reagan, a Republican. It has included members appointed by both Republicans and Democrats.

"The task force is a model of what it looks like when science directly informs care," he said. "Every administration has the ability to change the flavor of the USPSTF. But it has to be done in the correct way."

More information: Learn more about the role of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
A federal judge in Missoula on Thursday appeared skeptical that he had the authority to release from custody a Mexican man pursued by law enforcement in Helena who mistook him for a different Latino man, but arrested him anyway.

Christopher Martinez Marvan, 31, saw his family in the U.S. District Courthouse on Thursday and embraced them for the first time since he left for work on July 1 in Helena. Roughly 50 people jammed into the courthouse in support of Martinez and his family.

We were happy to get to see him, Maria Pacheco, Martinezs wife and a U.S. citizen along with their four children, told the Montana State News Bureau. The kids have been asking to see him all the time. It gave them reassurance that hes still here and not far away.

Its unclear how long Martinez will remain in the U.S., although it seems unlikely he will stay in the country regardless of how the case challenging his detention is decided.

Attorneys for Martinez argued in court on Thursday that the nature of his apprehension earlier this month by the Helena Police Department and federal immigration enforcement agents was unlawful and U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen should order his release from custody.

Prosecutors with the U.S. District Attorneys Office for Montana countered that Martinez was not pulled over and taken into custody until police found the pickup he was driving had an expired registration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldons primary argument, however, was that federal immigration proceedings were the correct legal venue for Martinez to raise these issues, not the district court.

Christensen was fixated on this point during Thursdays hearing. Whether immigration proceedings had begun was central to the question of whether Christensen has jurisdiction over the matter; Weldon provided documents during the hearing showing they had, while Martinezs attorneys said after the hearing they had only learned of those proceedings in the moments before entering the courtroom.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said in court filings this week Martinez had previously been found to be illegally in the country at least six times. Christensen tallied off those events in court on Thursday, noting twice he was removed from the country in 2007, and was removed again four times in a single month in 2021.

Molly Danahy, an attorney with Upper Seven Law representing Martinez in this case, sought to assure Christensen he could hold the federal government accountable for racially profiling Martinez ahead of the July 1 traffic stop. Beyond ordering his release, Danahy said Martinez was asking Christensen to prohibit federal immigration enforcement agencies from detaining Martinez again unless they obtained information about his legal status through other means than those gathered from the traffic stop.

The government is not allowed to benefit from the fruits of its unlawful actions, Danahy told the judge.

Weldon said the manner in which law enforcement took Martinez into custody has been reliably used before. Officers may know through other channels that a drug trafficker has 20 pounds of methamphetamine in the trunk of their vehicle, but initiate that traffic stop oftentimes due to speeding, unregistered license plates or other methods; to this, Christensen agreed.

But Weldon drew the arguments back to the jurisdictional issue, noting that Congress set in place laws to consolidate challenges to immigration detainers into a single venue  the immigration courts  to prevent cases like the one at hand from gumming up the process.

Mr. Martinez will have his day in court, but that day is not in this court, Weldon told the judge.

Christensen acknowledged the order should come fairly quickly, but did not give a precise timeline on which he would issue a ruling. He reminded Weldon of an earlier order he handed down barring the U.S. government from removing Martinez from the country while he still presided over this case.

Immigration under Trump

Following the hearing, Danahy and Upper Seven Law founder Rylee Sommers-Flanagan spoke with reporters outside the courthouse in Missoula.

This is a really important opportunity for these issues to be brought before a federal court and especially to make sure that these types of actions dont go unchallenged, Danahy said.

President Donald Trumps administration has been moving to surge the number of deportations from the U.S. since the start of his second term. The U.S. Supreme Court recently tapped the brakes on the administrations attempts at using the Alien Enemies Act, dating back to the 1700s, to dispel people from the country without routine legal proceedings. Still, the administration has sought other ways to drive up deportations.

In this environment, some of the immigration arrests that have drawn attention in Montana have been carried out despite there being little-to-no criminal activity committed by the person taken into custody.

The sort of questions today revolve around the fact that the administration has taken a very aggressive tact, Sommers-Flanagan said. ... They were not looking for Christopher. And I think whats really important to understand when we are thinking about these issues is that this a somewhat unprecedented moment for courts because they are faced with new questions, and they need to have an opportunity to consider these questions really thoroughly.

Officer: Hes being kidnapped right now

A Helena police officer pulled Martinez over July 1 shortly after noon for an expired license plate registration. Police officers were joined by federal immigration agents during the stop, who were looking for two other different individuals beforehand.

According to police narratives and body camera video obtained by the Montana State News Bureau, officers detained Martinez after he failed to provide identification during the stop. While Helena officers were working to confirm his identity through a previous record, immigration officers could be heard asking him about his family and immigration status.

'He's being kidnapped right now': Helena Police video shows ICE detention of Christopher Martinez Body and dash camera video from the Helena Police Department obtained by the Independent Record shows the July 1, 2025, traffic stop that led to the detention of Christopher Martinez Marvan by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Local police officers were going to give him a ticket for driving without a license, but immigration officers took Martinez into custody. On body and dash camera video, officers can be heard saying Martinez is going to be deported. One officer who can be seen grinning, leaned into another officers patrol vehicle and said, Hes being kidnapped right now.

Helena Police Chief Brett Petty said Thursday he was incredibly disappointed in the comments from his officer and that they would be reviewed internally.

In a sworn declaration Martinez made that his attorneys submitted as part of the case challenging his detention, Martinez said he had been pulled over the previous afternoon while driving the same truck and given a notice to appear in court for driving without a license. But the sheriffs deputy who pulled him over that previous afternoon asked no questions about his immigration status, and allowed his wife to finish the drive home.

After he was detained the next day, he wrote in the declaration that an ICE officer told him they would try to make it fast and get him to Washington to be deported. Another said to him, Its not your day, according to his declaration.

He said he spent the next several days being moved around various detention centers between Helena, Great Falls, and a separate Customs and Border Protection facility where he was interrogated three times before being sent back to the Cascade County Detention Facility. He has been housed there since July 1.

Martinezs detention also set off a wave of protests in Helena on the day it happened and the days that followed, as community members questioned whether local law enforcement was working with immigration agencies and if profiling had been involved in Martinezs detainment.

A contingent of Helenans traveled to Missoula for the hearing on Thursday. Advocacy groups also showed out, including League of Women Voters of Missoula President Mary LaPorte.

Due process is a fundamental right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, LaPorte said in a provided statement. It protects all people  citizens and non-citizens alike  against arbitrary government decisions and ensures fairness in legal matters. ... When due process is denied to some people, it puts all of our rights at risk.

Pacheco, standing in the gallery outside the courtroom after the hearing, said the arrest and detainment had been emotionally damaging to her and their children.

Its heartbreaking to see him go away, she said after Martinez was led away by law enforcement. Especially because I dont believe he did anything wrong.
Holding that regulatory opacity cannot be shielded by procedural shortcuts, the Bombay High Court (HC) directed market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to re-examine its denial of key queries filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal. The queries related to the appointment of public interest directors (PIDs) and inspection reports of stock exchanges.

The HC ruled that SEBI had failed to follow the mandatory procedure under section 11 of the RTI Act, which requires prior consultation with third parties before rejecting requests involving third-party information. As a result, the HC has remanded several of Mr Agrawals RTI queries back to SEBI for fresh consideration.

In an order issued on 10 July 2025, the division bench of justice MS Sonak and justice Jitendra Jain directed SEBI to reconsider three crucial RTI queries:

Query 3: The list of individuals selected and rejected for public interest director posts.

Queries 4 and 5: Annual inspection findings of BSE and NSE.

The bench emphasised that SEBI must follow procedures under section 11 (of the RTI Act) by seeking responses from third partiessuch as the exchanges and the individuals concernedbefore making a disclosure decision. SEBI had denied these queries without issuing the required notices, which the court held to be procedurally incorrect.

When third-party information is involved, the concerned authority must follow section 11 before denying disclosure, the court observed, citing precedents from the Supreme Court.

While directing a review of certain queries, the HC upheld SEBIs denial of query 2, which sought internal documents and file notings related to policy formulation on PID appointments. The court accepted SEBIs argument that such documents were held in a fiduciary capacity and exempt under section 8(1)(e) of the RTI Act.

Further, the bench agreed with SEBIs rejection of queries 6 to 9, which were deemed too vague. These included broad requests for 'all records' or unspecified 'related information', which the HC held were not specific enough to warrant disclosure.

During the hearing, SEBI, supported by the BSE, NSE, and MCX, had opposed disclosure on the grounds of confidentiality, commercial sensitivity, and privacy. It argued that revealing the names of rejected PID candidates could cause undue harm, as the selection process was not a competitive exam or open recruitment.

The exchanges also claimed that their inspection reports contained sensitive information that could impact investor confidence or market operations if disclosed.

However, the HC stressed that such exemptions cannot be applied without a proper procedure, especially when public interest is involved.

The HC judgment relied heavily on previous rulings by the Supreme Court in CPIO vs Subhash Chandra Agrawal and RBI vs Jayantilal Mistry, both of which underscored that transparency in regulatory functioning is a legitimate public interest and that fiduciary or economic concerns do not automatically override the right to information.

Blanket refusals cannot substitute reasoned analysis, the HC noted, asserting that regulators must weigh competing interests before denying access to information.

The Bombay HCs ruling is a step forward for transparency in Indias financial markets. By ordering SEBI to revisit its decisions and follow due process, the court has sent a clear message that regulatory opacity cannot be shielded by procedural shortcuts. The outcome is likely to influence how other regulators handle RTI requests involving sensitive or third-party data, particularly in sectors impacting public trust.
A note from my friend Ken in Bangalore narrated the story of Winston Churchill, who once raised his glass and said, I prefer not to wish anyone health or wealth, but only luck. Because most people on the Titanic were both healthy and rich, but very few of them were lucky.

It certainly makes you think

About the senior executive who survived the 9/11 attack because his son had to be taken to his first day of kindergarten. And another man who lived because it was his turn to grab doughnuts, while someone else was late because of a New Jersey traffic jam. An alarm that didnt go off, a missed bus, a car that wouldnt start, and no cabs available  all reasons why people didnt die that day.

But the story that struck me most? A man who wore new shoes to work. On his way, his feet hurt, so he stopped at a pharmacy to buy band-aids. Those few minutes were what saved his life.

When I read Kens note, I thought back to my final exams for my pharmacy degree in Ahmedabad  the current scene of such tragic loss. I had to do a three-hour pharmacology lab experiment, which involved checking the effect of a solution on the heart of a frog. Each student had to pick out a frog from a large drum  simply stick a hand in, pull out a frog, and take it to your lab table.

When I brought the frog to my table, I found that it was already dead. But there was no second chance. You could only pick one frog, and if the one you picked was already dead  too bad for you. I pleaded with the exam supervisor, but it was all in vain  the rules are the rules, he said.

So, I tried to pump the frogs heart and pushed some more solution into its body. These were desperate measures that I knew would not bring any success, but I thought it would be better than walking out and spending two and a half hours in the corridor until my classmates had finished.

Then, at the end of an hour, there was an announcement that the lab assistant had forgotten to add digitalis to the solution, so no one was getting results. There was also no time to start the experiment with a fresh solution, as the external examiners from Mumbai and Delhi had to leave that evening.

It was decided that each student would have a viva, a verbal exam, with the three examiners, and be graded accordingly. The result? I had the highest marks in the college for this exam. More importantly, I did not have to repeat another year and could move on with my life and my career.

Was it destiny? Was it luck? Or was it the hand of God?

Another time, I was to take a flight from Mumbai to Bangalore to attend a conference. The event was taking place on Thursday and Friday, so my wife and I planned to leave on Wednesday and spend the evening with friends in Bangalore. On the Monday of that week, a client in Hyderabad rang to request that I help deal with an emergency. I offered to stop by on my way back from Bangalore, but he said the matter could not wait  could I stop by on the way to Bangalore instead? I agreed, planning to spend Tuesday and Wednesday in Hyderabad, and then travelling onwards to Bangalore. My wife also changed her travel plans to leave only on Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, I found that the flight from Hyderabad to Bangalore was delayed by over two hours. Just before take-off, I heard through some of the passengers that the delay was caused by a flight from Bombay to Bangalore which had crashed at Bangalore airport, and more than half the passengers on board had died. It was the flight my wife and I were supposed to be on. Had we travelled as planned, we would not be around now, 25 years later, to tell the tale.

Just good luck? Destiny? I would like to describe it as the hand of God. And a blessing!

I have lived through many similar situations over a long life of more than 80 years. And because of these incidents, I think differently about supposed inconveniences or delays. Now, when I am stuck in traffic, when I miss the elevator, when I forget something and have to turn back, or when my morning just doesnt go as planned, I try to pause and trust that the delay is not a setback, but divine timing.

Maybe I am exactly where I am meant to be!

You may also want to read other articles written by the author. Here is the link https://moneylife.in/author/walter-vieira.html
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs17 lakh on three cooperative banks from Maharashtra for non-compliance with the directions issued by the banking regulator. The highest penalty of Rs15 lakh has been imposed on Solapur Janata Sahakari Bank Ltd.

Other banks penalised by RBI are Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd and Mahesh Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd.

Solapur Janata Sahakari Bank has been penalised for contravention of provisions of Section 5(ccv) (iii) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). A recent statutory inspection by the RBI revealed that Solapur Janata Sahakari Bank's bye-laws permitted admission of a cooperative society as a member in the Bank, in contravention of the provisions of the BR Act.

Further, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Urban Cooperative Bank has been fined Rs1.50 lakh by RBI for failing to comply with regulatory directions. The violations relate to RBIs guidelines on loans and advances to directors, their relatives, and entities in which they have an interest, as well as specific instructions issued under the supervisory action framework (SAF) for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs).

RBI observed that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Urban Cooperative Bank had sanctioned a loan linked to one of its directors and failed to reduce its single borrower exposure limit by 50% for fresh loans and advances, as mandated under the SAF guidelines.

Mahesh Urban Cooperative Bank has been fined Rs50,000 for failing to comply with certain exposure norms and statutory restrictions applicable to UCBs. The penalty relates to violations of RBIs specific directions under the SAF. The lender did not reduce its single borrower exposure limit by 50% for fresh loans and advances, as required under SAF guidelines. Additionally, it breached the single counterparty exposure limit for Non-SLR investments.

"After considering the reply and oral submissions of all the three banks during the personal hearing, RBI concluded that the charges of non-compliance with directions were substantiated and warranted imposition of monetary penalty," RBI says.

In all three cases, RBI says the penalties are based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and are not intended to be pronounced on the validity of any transaction or agreement they entered into with their customer.
Lawsuits and labor board appeals stretching back to 2012, including one that went all the way to the Montana Supreme Court, indicate Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has been struggling with compensation grievances for more than a decade.

A recently released legislative audit found FWP paid more than $186,600 to four employees as settlements between 2019 and 2023. The audit was focused on the agencys Human Resources division  which hired five managers in that five-year period  and low morale and other workplace culture issues.

Yet before and after the audit dates the agency was ordered to pay two former employees backpay and interest. In the latest case, finalized in February, a judge directed FWP to pay almost $59,000. It's unclear whether the audit findings included a third pay dispute that was settled within the dates of the review.

The settlements are examples of the agencys internal dysfunction, said one former employee who asked not to be identified, adding that no wonder morale is low at FWP. Another former employee said once a grievance was filed they were the subject of retaliation.

The disagreements also highlight how long it takes for employees to wend their way through the administrative process  the most recent settlement took more than five years. One settlement also emphasizes the expense of hiring a lawyer to help with the challenging process.

One rate-pay system

All of the pay cases date back to 2012 when outgoing FWP Director Joe Maurier, who was appointed by then-Gov. Brian Schweitzer, imposed a one rate pay system to address perceived problems with hiring new talent, retaining employees and being competitive, according to the most recent court case.

Employees who were already making the targeted compensation rate or more had their wages frozen except for cost-of-living increases. Those making less received raises to reach a similar base pay.

One of the first cases filed following the change involved Coleen ORourke, who in 2016 sought backpay after a male coworker was transferred into a similarly classified position and paid $2.196 more an hour.

Although they worked in different divisions, their duties and job classifications were the same.

Over the course of six years, the pay discrepancy saw ORourke suffer a loss of more than $19,200, according to Board of Personnel Appeals calculations. With the addition of interest, the amount exceeded $21,300.

Montana Supreme Court

In another backpay dispute, Jay Watson, an FWP biology research specialist based in Billings, contended he was paid less than a similarly qualified employee. He received an apology letter from then-FWP Director Martha Williams who acknowledged the error. Watson was awarded three years of backpay with interest, but he continued his grievance to seek six years of backpay.

Watsons appeal was denied so he took his claim to the next level before the Office of Administrative Hearings. Watson won that round, but FWP appealed and won.

Two years after his initial complaint, Watson took his case to District Court and nine months later  in May 2021  the judge issued an order reinstating the six years of backpay.

The amount of the settlement was more than $31,500 in backpay and interest.

FWP appealed to the Montana Supreme Court and lost, although the court sided with FWP that it didnt have to pay more than $21,100 for Watson's attorney fees.

Latest backpay settlement

In the most recent case, former Billings FWP conservation technician Earl Radonski was awarded more than $58,900 after Yellowstone County District Court Judge Mary Jane Knisely ruled in his favor in February. The amount of backpay, more than $37,000, was increased substantially by the addition of almost $22,000 in interest. The disputed period included the years 2012 through 2018.

FWP argued in court filings that Radonski was one of the employees to which Director Maurier referred when he indicated the rate of pay was appropriate and would remain the same rate.

The judges decision overruled a Board of Personnel Appeals decision that went in FWPs favor.

Other settlements referenced

Although the documentation of these cases and the amounts paid can be found in court and Board of Personnel Appeals filings, Radonskis suit also references other employees who received backpay to make those employees whole.

The total amount paid by FWP for such backpay settlements was not provided by the agency in time for this story.

In its defense, FWP argued in the recent court case that the changes to pay initiated in 2012 were meant to promote internal equity  not equality  in employee pay, adding the plan set a minimum base pay for a job code but those who made higher than the minimum would not be demoted to a lower hourly wage.

The agencys attorney contended that a former Human Resources manager for the department had misinterpreted the ORourke decision. Based on that ruling, the manager concluded that FWP was required by ORourke to pay all employees an amount equal to the highest rate in a particular job code.

FWP said that interpretation was contrary to the pay plan and six years of prior FWP interpretation. When a new HR manager was hired, she remedied the previous directors error, the agencys attorney wrote in the court filing.

In 2018, FWP revised its pay plan rules to no longer require internal equity as the leading compensation guideline.
Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, is facing scathing criticism for posting a video that appears to show a streetchild sniffing jet fuel, with human rights activists accusing him of humiliating the boy and exposing him to further harm.

The video, which was posted by Mosiria on his social media platforms Thursday, generated instant backlash, especially from the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC). Through a strongly worded statement on Thursday, July 10, the Commission decried the act as a direct disregard of the rights of the minors.

NGEC emphasized that sharing images or videos of vulnerable children online not only breaches their right to privacy and dignity but also puts them at risk of further harm and public humiliation.

Children are not content, the Commission stated. Public officers parading vulnerable children online violate their rights and further stigmatise rather than support. A camera lens should never replace compassion, policy, or protection.

In the now-controversial video shared on his social media platforms, Mosiria is seen walking alongside one of the street-connected boys while questioning him about his refusal to attend school. The footage also shows Mosiria scolding and manhandling the boy before patting him down to expose a bottle supposedly contining th jetfuel.

Mosiria captioned the video with a call to the public, urging them to help identify and locate the boys parents or guardians. He claimed the children were not only struggling with substance abuse but were also contributing to sanitation challenges within Nairobis Central Business District (CBD).

Removing them from the streets not only helps save their lives but also contributes to keeping the CBD clean, Mosiria wrote. Many of them are used by shop owners to illegally dump garbage, and the places where they sleep are often left littered with the materials they use as bedding.

Although his purpose may have been to raise awareness, critics argue that the video deprived the child of their right to privacy and exaggerated public stigmatization without offering significant help.

Citing Article 53 of the Constitution and the Children Act (2022), NGEC reminded public officials that all children must be shielded from detrimental exposure as well as exploitative profiling.

The Commission painted a grim picture of the reality facing many vulnerable children, noting, Over 46,000 children in Kenya live on the streets, often invisible, marginalised, and criminalised. Many face abuse, addiction, neglect, and systemic discrimination.

NGEC called on Nairobi City County and the Department of Children Services to take urgent and coordinated action, noting that what these children actually need is not public shaming but rehabilitation, shelter, and psychosocial care.
Constable Klinzy Barasa Masinde will face murder charges over the fatal shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a 29-year-old mask vendor, during the anti-government protests on June 17, 2025.

A viral video captured the harrowing moment Barasa shot Kariuki in the head at close range, sparking national outrage. Kariuki was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he fought for his life for two weeks. He sadly succumbed to his injuries on Monday, June 30.

The DPP confirmed in court that the murder case has been formally filed at the Milimani Law Courts. Barasa is expected to be arraigned today, Friday, July 11, before High Court Judge Justice Kimondo.

Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi ordered Barasa to remain in custody pending his arraignment.

The first respondent will be remanded awaiting his arraignment before the High Court on the murder charges that have been preferred by the DPP, he ruled.

Barasas co-accused, Duncan Kiprono, also filmed at the scene, was released after the DPP dropped charges against him.

Following information by the DPP, the second respondent herein will be at liberty unless otherwise, Magistrate Ekhubi added.

With the murder charge now progressing to the High Court, the Magistrates Court has closed the miscellaneous application related to the case.

Meanwhile, a requiem mass was held in Kariukis honor at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on Wednesday. His family remembered him as a kind, hardworking man who lost his life while earning an honest living.

They also requested continued financial support to take care of funeral costs. Kariuki will be laid to rest next Friday at his familys home in Kangema, Muranga County.
Governance expert Fred Ogola says the opposition is gathering detailed evidence of of human rights abuses that took place in the recent anti-government protests, with a view to bringing those responsible to book.

In an interview at a local TV station on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Ogola explained that the opposition is targeting speedy action by recording cases in which protesters were shot or injured.

At the moment I am saying this, but you may not realise it in every scene where shooting is taking place, we have cameras capturing everything in detail. They are undercover, and you cannot tell who is taking the footage. We are collecting enormous data, he said.

Ogola revealed that in nearly all of the locations where violence or shootings were occurring, undercover teams were already on site recording real-time videos and photos, sometimes without security agents or the individuals involved in the clashes knowing.

Fred Ogola said that the evidence being gathered is extensive and forms a good and growing pool of evidence to be applied in ongoing efforts towards seeking accountability.

Witness Protection Plan

He said the evidence will be uploaded to an online portal that is central and backed by a witness protection program to shield the victims and informants from assault as they testify.

He noted that all the data is being securely stored on a centralized online platform, which the opposition plans to make publicly accessible through their official website. This portal will allow citizens across the country to submit their own reports and accounts of abuse.

If you go to our website, there will be a portal where anyone can upload any case, and we will link it with the evidence we have already collected. So no one can say there is not enough evidence, Ogola explained.

According to him, each submission will be cross-referenced and verified against the video and photographic documentation already captured by undercover teams, ensuring credibility and accuracy.

Ogola asserted that the opposition is determined to leave no room for impunity, insisting that every claim of abuse must be backed by solid evidence and all offenders brought to book.

He explained that the group is in the process of building watertight cases that could not be dismissed for lacking documents.

A core element of this job, he added, is building a robust witness protection system in order to safeguard those who testify with evidence or information that can be very crucial.

Ogola cited President William Rutos previous International Criminal Court (ICC) case as an example, mentioning witness intimidation and absence of protection as being at the core of its failure.

We are also working on how to protect and secure witnesses, because that is the reason Rutos ICC case never succeeded.

Shift from Kumi Bila Break: Opposition Prioritizes Action Over Ambition

Ogola at the same time revealed a significant shift in strategy within the opposition camp, led by figures such as JB Muturi.

He said the opposition has moved away from the long-term political mantra of kumi bila break  a slogan suggesting a ten-year uninterrupted leadership plan  and is now prioritizing immediate action to address the hardships Kenyans are currently enduring.

Ogola explained that after holding internal consultations, it became clear that the ongoing suffering faced by ordinary citizens could not be ignored in the name of future political ambitions.

The united opposition, in their wisdom, decided that instead of waiting for power under slogans like kumi bila break, they needed to act now, he said.

Before, you would hear them sounding like, when we take power, but after a meeting with JB Muturi, who is our chair, we discovered that the issues affecting Kenyans are painful right now. Waiting to take power is not the solution.
Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has called for President William Ruto to undergo a mental health assessment, citing the Head of States recent disturbing public remarks.

Aukot expressed concern that Rutos tone and statements, especially his pledge to stop anti-government protests using whatever means that is available suggest a leader under intense pressure.

I see frustrations in government because all of the government policies have failed. I see an angry president. You cant govern a country with such an attitude, Aukot said during an interview on Citizen TV.

In fact, some people are sayingI think Ruto needs to check into a mental facility to be analysed because some of the things he is saying are worrying.

Aukot also criticized the government for failing to respond to the publics outcry and instead turning its security forces against citizens demanding change.

He accused the State of pushing a false narrative that the country is descending into anarchy, using that as justification for increasingly aggressive tactics.

The government is sponsoring a false narrative that there is a state of anarchy in Kenya and hence the use of words like enough is enough, shoot to kill, shoot in the leg, and that is because Kenyans are invoking their sovereign power under article 1 to say the people we elected to represent us have failed us in many ways, he said.

Ruto Faces ICC Threat Over Shoot-to-Injure Order

His remarks followed a controversial directive by President William Ruto, who recently told police officers to shoot looters in the leg during anti-government protests.

Speaking on Wednesday while commissioning a police housing project in Nairobis Kilimani area, Ruto urged law enforcement not to kill, but rather to shoot and break the legs of anyone caught engaging in violence or destruction of property during demonstrations.

President Rutos comments also sparked sharp criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused him of lacking compassion and basic humanity.

Gachagua condemned the Presidents shoot-to-injure directive, saying it showed disregard for the lives of ordinary Kenyans. He also decried the rising cases of police killings during recent protests, pointing out that Ruto had not even offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives on Monday.

He added that he and other concerned Kenyans plan to take action on the international stage.

You have even gone further to add insult to injury by directing them to shoot innocent Kenyans on the legs. You could not even send condolences to the dead. You lack feelings and humanity. We shall report you not to the Kenyan police but the International Criminal Court an address you are familiar with, Gachagua said.
A Nairobi agent is at the centre of a legal battle following accusations that he embezzled more than Ksh7.9 million from his employer, Mkondo wa Afrika Ltd.

Allan Kirawa Ogola was brought before the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, accused of embezzling Ksh7,986,742.25 in the course of one year  March 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024  during the time he served as the companys agent.

The funds were meant for remittance to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) as housing levy and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax on behalf of the firm. Instead, Ogola allegedly failed to submit the funds, breaching his fiduciary duty.

Allan Kirawa Ogola, on diverse dates between March 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, in Nairobi County, being an agent of Mkondo wa Afrika Ltd, stole a total sum of Ksh7,986,742.25, which had been entrusted to you for remittance to the Kenya Revenue Authority, the charge sheet read.

Ogola denied the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Ondieki. The court released him on a Ksh1 million bond with two sureties or a cash bail alternative of Ksh200,000.

He was first arrested on June 14, 2025, and initially released on a Ksh50,000 cash bail pending investigations.

The complaint was lodged by Ahmed Sidgi Kaballo on behalf of Mkondo wa Afrika Ltd.

The matter will be heard on July 24, with full hearing resuming on August 18, 2025.
A new Oxfam report has revealed a staggering wealth gap in Africa, showing that just four individuals now possess more wealth than half of the continents 750 million people combined. The poverty-fighting group Oxfam on Wednesday said this increasing wealth gap was eroding democracy throughout Africa.

Oxfam included Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, who is the wealthiest man on the continent, as one of the four. While the report did not specify the others, Forbes has them as Johann Rupert and Nicky Oppenheimer, the South African billionaires, and Egyptian entrepreneur Nassef Sawiris.

According to the report, Africas billionaire class has seen their fortunes soar by 56 percent over the past five years, with the richest among them recording even larger gains. Oxfam argues that this growing concentration of wealth is no coincidence  it is a direct result of government policies that benefit the elite while neglecting the needs of the poor.

Nearly half of the 50 most unequal countries in the world are in Africa, the report noted. Oxfam pointed out that most African governments have failed to adopt progressive tax systems that would require the wealthiest to pay a fair share.

Most African countries are not fully leveraging progressive taxation to effectively tax the super-rich and address inequality, the report stated.

But the responsibility doesnt fall on African leaders alone. Oxfam also blamed the International Monetary Fund for promoting regressive policies that exacerbate inequality. The report also implicated illicit financial flows, particularly the use of offshore tax havens which enable wealthy individuals and corporations to hide vast amounts of money abroad.

The charity warned growing inequality is sapping democracy, slowing the elimination of poverty, and driving the climate emergency. It said the wealthy use politics to serve themselves, hijacking policies for the poor and undermining public institutions.

In the largest democracy in Africa, Nigeria, Oxfam provided an illustration of how inequality prevents political participation. According to the report, political parties expensive nomination fees to stand for election exclude ordinary citizens from contesting seats and lock leadership into the hands of the elite.

And vote-buying remains widespread in countries where tens of millions of individuals live in abject poverty, further eroding democratic institutions across the continent.

In spite of the setbacks, Oxfam says nearly 90% of African countries since 2022 have stepped back from significant policies on taxation, workers rights, and minimum wages  policies the agency says are crucial to closing the inequality gap.

In order to reverse this, Oxfam is calling for a complete overhaul of tax authorities right across Africa. The charity revealed that current tax systems right across the continent are nearly three times worse at redistributing income from the wealthiest one percent than the global average.

The report further indicated that Africa loses approximately $88.6 billion each year due to illicit financial flows, including tax evasion and the use of offshore financial havens to conceal assets.

Oxfams review of the tax policies of 151 nations revealed that Africa was the only continent where nations have not increased effective tax rates since 1980, which underscores the immediate need for reform in order to tackle the widening wealth gap.
The recent surge in the trade wars impacting global economy is due to the trade imbalances between the countries, according to a report by SBI Funds Management. The report noted that tensions between the United States and China are because of deeper rooted problems of global economic imbalances. China invests much more than it consumes, while the US consumes far more than it invests, leading to a sharp imbalance in global trade flows. It stated "The tariff issue highlights the deeper economic imbalance between the U.S. and China". As per the data quoted in the report, China's investment stands at 42 per cent of its GDP, while household consumption is only 40 per cent. In contrast, the US invests only 22 per cent of its GDP but has a very high household consumption rate of 68 per cent. India falls somewhere in between, with investment at 33 per cent of GDP and household consumption at 62 per cent. This imbalance has created a massive trade gap between the two countries which in turn has supported the trade wars between countries to reduce their trade deficits. The US runs an annual goods trade deficit of around USD 1,202 billion, while China enjoys almost equal surplus of USD 992 billion. India runs a trade deficit of USD 275 billion. The US also has a negative current account balance of -3.2 per cent of GDP, while China maintains a surplus of 1.4 per cent. In terms of savings, the US saves 18 per cent of its GDP, compared to 43 per cent in China and 33 per cent in India. This pattern shows that the US underinvests and overspends, while China over saves and over invests. Due to this imbalance, the US has become the world's largest absorber of surplus goods, resulting in rising levels of external debt, which now stands at USD 27.6 trillion. In comparison, China's external debt is only USD 2.4 trillion and India's is USD 0.7 trillion. The SBI Funds Management report highlighted that the US administration is looking to fix this imbalance impacting their economy. Measures such as tariffs are being used, and though any increase in tariffs is expected to be gradual through 2025, the report says the US could still use other legal tools to enforce trade measures. The Trump administration has also pushed for reducing America's dependence on China for manufactured goods and has raised serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of its debt levels. On the other hand, China is taking steps to reduce its reliance on the US, including reforms in cross-border payment systems and commodity exchanges. According to the report, this is not just a short-term conflict but a fundamental shift in the global economic order that may continue to evolve over the coming years. (ANI)
PRNewswire Mangalore (Karnataka) [India], July 11: Hangyo Ice Creams Pvt. Ltd., one of South India's Ice Cream brands, is ramping up operations to meet growing consumer demand across Karnataka, Kerala, and Goa. With a current production capacity of 1.25 lakh litres per day and an annual turnover of 300 crores, the company is leveraging a legacy of innovation, regional leadership, and strategic expansion to strengthen its footprint in the Indian Ice Cream Market. The growth trajectory of Hangyo Ice Creams has been deeply rooted in its evolution from a modest family-run dairy initiative in the late 1980s to a full-fledged dairy and ice cream brand today. The company was co-founded in 1989 by Dinesh Pai, now the Executive Chairman, under Srikrishna Milks Pvt. Ltd., marking the establishment of Karnataka's first private-sector dairy. Recognizing the market need for direct farmer procurement and regional processing, the company set up its first milk plant in Jamkhandi in 1993. It later expanded to cover key territories across North and South Canara, Udupi, and Goa, with a value-added production facility in Heroor. A key turning point in Hangyo's growth came in 1997, when Dinesh Pai and his brother, Pradeep Pai, introduced softee ice creams to the Mangalore market after a business visit to Australia. The overwhelming response led to the establishment of Hangyo Softees, a regional franchise model that quickly grew to over 50 outlets. To meet rising demand for hard ice creams, Hangyo added a 1,000-litre production unit at its Heroor facility, followed by two successful capacity expansions. The company's commitment to product innovation and quality manufacturing led to the construction of a greenfield ice cream plant in Kirwatti in 2012. Built in just eight months, the 20,000 litres-per-day facility features cutting-edge machinery sourced from China and supports the production of a wide range of SKUs including cups, candy, and novelties. Mr. Dinesh Pai, who has steered the company's growth over the past three decades, remains at the helm as Executive Chairman. His hands-on leadership and forward-looking strategies have helped Hangyo stay ahead of evolving market trends. He continues to represent the brand at key international forums such as ANUGA in Germany and the World Ice Cream Expo in Italy, adopting global best practices for Indian consumers. With strong distribution networks, consistent demand, and an expanding product portfolio, Hangyo is now looking to deepen its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities while continuing to invest in R&D and supply chain efficiencies. "Our goal has always been to bring world-class dairy and ice cream products to Indian households, while staying true to our roots and farmer-first philosophy," said Dinesh Pai. "We are committed to innovation, quality, and sustainable growth as we move into our next phase of expansion." About Hangyo: Founded in 1997 by the visionary Pai brothers, Hangyo began its journey with Softee Ice Cream in the coastal city of Mangaluru. What started as a local favorite has today grown into one of India's top 15 Ice cream brands, delighting customers across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Goa. Known for its unwavering focus on quality and innovation, Hangyo has built a formidable distribution network with over 40,000 retail outlets and 450+ distributors, becoming a trusted name in homes and hearts alike. For Trade Enquiries:Hangyo Ice Creams Pvt. Ltd+91-9845222777 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2729018/Hangyo_Ice_Creams.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 11: The Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund NFO closes today. This is the final opportunity for investors to consider participating in a fund that aims to offer a chance to explore the small cap space. An open ended equity scheme predominantly investing in small cap stocks, this small cap fund invests in companies that rank 251st and beyond in terms of market capitalization on the share market as per SEBI guidelines. Small cap funds can be a potential opportunity for investors who have a higher risk appetite and a relatively longer investment horizon. The small cap sector includes several growing businesses that have the potential to transform into tomorrow's market leaders. What is a small cap fund? A small cap fund primarily invests in companies that often in their growth phase and may offer a higher upside potential over long term as compared to more established firms. However, they can also carry higher market risks and may be more sensitive to short-term market movements. The Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund aims to identify businesses that have strong fundamentals but are trading below their intrinsic value due to temporary market shifts. The fund is supported by Bajaj Finserv AMC's proprietary investment philosophy INQUBE that ensures bottom-up stock selection and focuses on companies that have sustainable business models, credible fundamentals, and the potential to scale over time. Why consider the Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund? The Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund may be a suitable option for people with a long-term investment horizon through exposure to the small cap space. The fund's investment philosophy helps scout for undervalued opportunities, emerging category leaders in niche markets and companies with strong governance frameworks. Due to a portfolio that's spread across sectors, it helps mitigate concentrated risk. Additionally, the fund practises careful risk management and aims to potentially vet companies for speculative bets and focus on businesses with clear growth visibility instead. While the small cap segment can be volatile in the short term, it may help you generate potential wealth in the long term. As with any equity investment, it is important to assess whether this fund fits into your overall financial strategy and risk appetite. How to invest You can invest in the Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund online through the official Bajaj Finserv AMC website or via authorised mutual fund distributors. You can invest through direct or regular plans, depending on what suits your investment journey. To learn more about the process, visit www.bajajamc.com. Units will be offered at Rs. 10 per unit during the NFO period, which may be an entry point for investors looking to potentially build long-term wealth. Conclusion As today marks the closing of Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund NFO, use this window of opportunity to evaluate its suitability in your portfolio. With a focus on identifying scalability and sustainability, small cap funds can appeal to investors who are seeking long-term growth and have a higher risk appetite. Investors can consider starting an SIP in this scheme. To make an informed decision, they can also consider making use of an SIP calculator. They can also consult an investment advisor before making an investment decision. Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. (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)
PNN New Delhi [India], July 11: The silent pandemic of poor sleep health continues to rise in a world that glorifies busyness and undervalues rest. Insufficient and disturbed sleep contributes to a broad spectrum of physical, emotional, and cognitive issues -- yet remains one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated aspects of healthcare. One organisation working tirelessly to change this narrative is SLEEPCARE Clinics of Sleep and Respiratory Medicine -- a unique, multidisciplinary healthcare provider dedicated entirely to the science, care, and advocacy of sleep. Founded by Prof. Carlos Rivas-Echeverria, an experienced General Practitioner with a special interest in Sleep Medicine based in the United Kingdom, SLEEPCARE Clinics represents the culmination of years of research, clinical practice, and a relentless commitment to improving lives through better sleep. With services spanning the UK, Spain, Venezuela and other countries, the clinics have quickly positioned themselves as pioneers in holistic sleep medicine, blending medical expertise with innovative diagnostics, patient-centred care, and community outreach. The Journey: From GP Practice to Global Sleep Advocate Prof. Rivas-Echeverria's journey into sleep medicine is a beautiful story in which happiness, love, and dedication won the battle against death and sorrow. His sister had a sudden death because of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, which he successfully resuscitated. That happened 25 years ago, when that condition was almost unknown worldwide. Furthermore, as with many profound discoveries, it began with a question. As a busy specialist in Internal Medicine and critical care and a GP in Venezuela, Spain, and the UK, he daily encountered patients with vague, seemingly unrelated symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, metabolic conditions, cardiovascular disease, accidents and reduced productivity. The underlying issue was often poor sleep. "People tend to underestimate the impact of sleep on every system in the body," explains Prof. Rivas-Echeverria. "I realised a significant gap in identifying, assessing, and treating sleep disorders, not just in Venezuela, but globally." What began as a professional curiosity soon evolved into a full-fledged mission. Prof. Rivas-Echeverria pursued specialised training in sleep medicine and established SLEEPCARE Clinics, offering comprehensive services for conditions ranging from sleep apnoea and insomnia to cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological and other conditions, among 18 different clinical specialities. A Vision Beyond Treatment At the heart of SLEEPCARE Clinics lies a vision that extends far beyond treating sleep problems -- it is about transforming the way people view sleep itself. The clinics are built on the belief that sleep is not a luxury but a fundamental pillar of health, equally as vital as nutrition and exercise. This ethos shapes the clinic's approach, integrating detailed clinical assessments, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools (including home-based sleep studies), and bespoke treatment plans combining medical, behavioural, and lifestyle interventions. SLEEPCARE Clinics is particularly passionate about patient education. "When people understand how sleep works, they're empowered to make meaningful changes," he says. This has led to the development of workshops, public awareness campaigns, regular radio programmes, and webinars focused on sleep health--all initiatives designed to foster a culture where good sleep is both prioritised and protected. Building Bridges Across Continents What makes SLEEPCARE Clinics especially remarkable is its international footprint. With physical and collaborative presences in Leicester (UK), Majorca (Spain), and Venezuela, among other countries, the organisation has embraced a genuinely global outlook. It is a franchise system that aims to serve people worldwide, and you are invited to be part of it! In addition to offering clinical services, the clinics are deeply involved in training healthcare professionals and conducting community outreach initiatives. Through partnerships with local medical organisations, universities, and health authorities, SLEEPCARE Clinics regularly organises World Sleep Day events, sleep health weeks, and educational seminars -- bringing essential knowledge to populations where sleep medicine remains underdeveloped. In 2024, SLEEPCARE Clinics led a landmark initiative offering free sleep consultations and public lectures in partnership with local health leaders. This year, further projects are planned in Ecuador, Spain, Tanzania, and Venezuela, reinforcing the organisation's commitment to closing sleep health disparities worldwide. International Recognition: Fluxx Awards 2025 In recognition of his groundbreaking work and global impact, Prof. Dr. Carlos Rivas-Echeverria was recently honoured at the prestigious Fluxx Awards 2025, where he received the titles of Sleep Medicine Expert of the Year and Clinic of the Year under the Health & Wellness category. The Fluxx Awards are renowned for celebrating excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership across diverse industries. Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, on June 5 & 6, 2025, the ceremony brought together visionaries from around the world. Prof. Rivas-Echeverria's dual win spotlighted not only his personal dedication to advancing sleep medicine but also the pioneering work of SLEEPCARE Clinics in reshaping how societies understand and treat sleep-related conditions. His holistic, compassionate, and research-driven approach embodies the very spirit of the Fluxx Awards--celebrating those who lead with purpose, innovation, and impact. This international recognition reaffirms SLEEPCARE Clinics' mission and its founder's role as a global advocate for sleep health, pushing boundaries and elevating standards in the field. A Futuristic Focus on Innovation and Impact For 25+ years, SLEEPCARE Clinics has poised for continued growth. Since then, they have been working on telemedicine and digital services, making expert sleep consultations and virtual sleep studies more accessible to international patients. That was far before COVID times. There's also a focus on collaborative research, with DESPIERTA Ltd -- a partner research and educational charity founded by the SLEEPCARE Clinics' team -- leading several upcoming studies on the epidemiology of sleep disorders in underserved communities. Moreover, the clinics are exploring partnerships with corporate organisations, addressing the rising concern of sleep deprivation and burnout in the workplace. "Healthy sleep isn't just a personal issue -- it's an economic one," confirms Prof. Rivas-Echeverria. "We want to help businesses create healthier, more productive work environments by integrating sleep health into their employee wellness programmes." Final Thoughts As SLEEPCARE Clinics continues to grow, its success stands as a potent reminder that meaningful healthcare innovation doesn't always require new drugs or devices -- sometimes, it starts by shining a light on something as timeless and essential as sleep. Through expertise, advocacy, and heart, the SLEEPCARE Clinics' team are helping people reclaim one of the most precious aspects of life -- restful, restorative sleep. To learn more about the clinic's work, book a consultation or become a franchise in your area, visit www.sleepcareclinics.com. (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)
BusinessWire India Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 11: In a bold move to reshape how India evaluates student potential, Edjuvenate has launched Qriosity Quest, a nationwide initiative that flips the traditional evaluation system on its head by rewarding students not for answers, but for the questions they ask. Founded on the belief that problem formulation is the core skill of the AI era, Qriosity Quest challenges students from Grades 5 to 12 to engage with stories, dilemmas, and ideas - and respond with questions, reflections, and original thought. The program is currently being rolled out across different cities in schools. From Rote Learning to Question Asking: A Challenge to the System "For decades, our education system has trained students to memorize and reproduce the right answers. But the future especially in an AI-driven world, belongs to those who can ask the right questions," says Shubham Chaturvedi, founder of Edjuvenate. The inspiration for Qriosity Quest came from a simple but powerful observation: while exams reward recall, the real world and real innovation reward curiosity. "When I saw the rise of tools like ChatGPT, I realized something deeper," says Chaturvedi. "Anyone could access knowledge now, but to unlock your potential, you need to know what to ask. While the whole world is focussing on what is going to change with the advent of AI, I thought, what will not change? Curiosity that has led humanity to innovations across ages is the human superpower that will remain unchanged; people able to formulate problems will continue to thrive in the new world." But there's a structural problem, he explains. "In India, question-asking isn't encouraged. Not at home, not in schools, and not in society. Children are conditioned to follow, not to wonder. That's the deeper issue we wanted to address and reprogram." How It Works: A Thinking Quest, Not a Test Qriosity Quest runs as a 45-minute pen and paper based exercise in the classroom where students engage with carefully designed prompts that push them to imagine, question, empathize, and solve. They're not tested on factual knowledge or speed, but on the quality of thought reflected in their responses. Each student receives a Qriosity Map - a personalized report that maps their thinking based on these, students also receive suggestions on subject inclinations, possible career paths, and skill nudges to strengthen their cognitive profile and bridge the deficits for an AI driven world. More Than Reports: A Full Ecosystem of Change Qriosity Quest doesn't stop at the student level. Every school receives a Teacher's Lens - a classroom-level report with trait-based strategies and learner profiles. Parents receive a Letter to Parents, guiding them on how to spark curiosity at home. The Leadership Compass provides school leaders with a big-picture dashboard of thinking patterns across grades which is completely aligned with NEP 2020 and 21st-century goals. Rewarding the Question Asking One of the most unique aspects of Qriosity Quest is its reward system. Instead of giving prizes for correct answers or top scores, the initiative awards Rs. 1000/month scholarships for one student per class purely on the basis of originality, emotional depth, and question quality. "India has enough rewards for toppers," says Chaturvedi. "What we're missing is a system that sees the child who asks thought provoking questions because unless we question the norm no innovation will happen. Lack of question asking is directly linked to India lagging behind in patent filing and R&D globally. This scholarship is our way of saying - we see your mind, and it matters." Backed by Research, Designed for India The Qriosity framework is rooted in robust cognitive science drawing from the work of researchers like Berlyne, Loewenstein, and Kashdan and aligned with Bloom's Taxonomy and design thinking principles. Responses are scored using a blind rubric, and every response is double-checked to ensure inter-rater reliability, minimizing evaluator bias. Pilot programs were conducted with support from Teach for India fellows and educators from institutions like TISS. Feedback from teachers, parents, and school heads has been overwhelmingly positive. Voices from the Field Dr. Diwakar Rai, Principal of a pilot school in Varanasi, shares: "Qriosity Quest helped us see students in an entirely new way. Those who rarely speak in class came alive in their questions. This is the kind of tool schools need, not more ranking systems but reflection systems." A student from Pune wrote: "I didn't even know my mind worked like this. It felt like someone was listening to my inner thoughts, not just checking my answers. I also got to know which subjects and careers align with how I think along with the colleges I can pursue them in, no one had ever shown me that before." A Movement for a Curious India Edjuvenate's long-term vision is to build a culture of question-asking in India not just in classrooms, but across homes, communities, and institutions. "We've built an army of test-takers," says Chaturvedi. "Now, we need to build the world's best thinkers." Qriosity Quest is just the first step in that direction. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN New Delhi [India], July 11: GPS tracking has changed the way car insurance companies assess the risk of insuring a vehicle. The technology makes cars safer, lowering the chances of theft, and pushing people to drive safely. With a GPS device, insurers can get a very good idea of how you drive, which lets them offer personalised premiums and rewards for safe driving. It also makes it easier for the owner to get stolen cars back quickly and speeds up the claims process. This guide details the role of GPS devices in determining the insurance premium. Introduction Car insurance has changed a lot over the years with the advent of new technology. A big part of how insurance providers assess the risk of insuring a vehicle has changed with technologies like GPS tracking devices. If you own a car, learning how GPS trackers influence your comprehensive car insurance premium can help you make better decisions. This is especially true if you want to buy car insurance online or get more coverage for your current policy. How GPS Tracking Works in Vehicles? The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a satellite-based guidance system that tells you where you are and what time it is anywhere on Earth as long as you are in line of sight for least four GPS satellites. When you install a GPS tracking system in a car, these satellites send messages that tell the system exactly where the car is located. Then, this information about where someone is sent to a central server, commonly through a cell network. These technologies can always keep an eye on a number of parts of a car's operation, including -Location: Tracking the vehicle's whereabouts in real time. -Speed: Keeping an eye on drivers' speeds and finding cases of going too fast. -Mileage: Keeping track of the total distance travelled. -Time of Day Usage: Keeping track of when the car is usually moved. After that, all of this data is compiled and studied to learn valuable details about how, when, and where a car is being used. What are the Different Types of GPS Tracking Systems?There are different kinds of GPS tracking devices that can be used to keep an eye on vehicles: -Hardwired systems: These are always hooked up to the power system in your car. -Plug-and-play devices: These use your OBD-II port to join and are easy to put in and take out. -Trackers that run on batteries: These are different gadgets that can be put anywhere in the car. -Tracking with a smartphone: This uses an app to use the GPS on your phone. How GPS Tracking Supports Comprehensive Car Insurance? A comprehensive car insurance plan covers you from many risks, such as damage to your own car, liability to other people, theft, and natural disasters. GPS tracking makes this safety much better, which is good for both you and your insurance company. - Lower Premiums for Safe Driving: GPS tracking lets your insurer see your speed, distance driven, and number of stops in real time. You might be able to get lower rates on your online car insurance if you use this information to show that you drive safely and sensibly.- - Fairer Claims With Accurate Data: GPS data gives you objective information about what happened in an accident, like how fast the car was going and how hard it hit something. By giving insurance companies this exact information, they can properly evaluate cases. This makes the settlement process clearer and more fair for everyone. - Usage-Based Premium Savings: GPS tracking lets you see how far you've really travelled, which saves you money. After that, insurance companies can offer "pay-as-you-drive" plans that make sure your full car insurance cost accurately reflects how little you drive, which saves you money right away. - Better Risk Assessment for Customised Policies: Insurance companies use GPS data to get a better idea of how risky each driver is, which helps them make more personalised policies. Because of this detailed review, they can offer very customised plans and maybe even lower premiums to drivers who drive safely. - Immediate Emergency Help: Some new GPS systems have built-in crash detectors and alarms that go off automatically if a crash happens. If there is a major impact, the system can automatically call emergency numbers and your insurance company. This may help get help to you faster and may also speed up the claims process. - Fewer Fraudulent Claims: GPS tracking gives insurers proof of claims, which helps them find and stop bogus claims. This level of accuracy is good for honest customers because it makes the pool of risk more stable. This can help keep the cost of online car insurance lower for everyone. - Proactive Vehicle Maintenance Alerts: Some GPS tracking systems can look at your car's sensors and let you know if there is a possible mechanical issue. Taking care of these problems before they get worse can help avoid bigger problems or crashes, which can lower the risk of expensive insurance claims. - Proof for Roadside Assistance: If you get stuck on the side of the road and need help, GPS tracking will tell them right away where you are. This makes it easier for help to get there faster, and for some car insurance online plans that cover roadside assistance, it can speed up the process of delivering and verifying the service. Challenges and Concerns with GPS Tracking in Insurance When GPS tracking is added to online car insurance plans, it has clear benefits, but it also brings new problems and worries for policyholders. -Violations of Privacy: A lot of people are worried about their privacy when their location and driving information is being collected all the time. You might feel like someone is always watching you. So, choose an insurance company whose privacy rules are clear and open. These rules should say what information they collect, how they use it, and how long they keep it. -Risks to Data Security: When you save and send a lot of personal driving data, it becomes more likely to be hacked or stolen. There is a chance that your private data is at risk. Always ask the insurance company about their data security measures, like how they encrypt data and make sure they follow data protection rules, to make sure your information is safe. -Misunderstanding of Driving Data: If someone only sees a few instances of a driver stopping or speeding up quickly, they might think that person is always driving dangerously. This might make your full car insurance cost more than it should. Find an insurance company that tells you exactly what your driving score is and lets you make a case if you think the information is wrong. -Possible Increases in Premiums: While savings are usually talked about, higher premiums could happen if GPS data shows drivers acting in a way that isn't consistent or is unsafe. Before signing up for GPS-based insurance, make sure you understand how the company figures out rates and what they consider to be "risky" behaviour. Final Thoughts GPS tracking is changing how comprehensive car insurance and other coverage function in India. By giving them real-time data, it helps insurers offer better rates, process cases faster, and get more stolen property back. Before you buy a GPS tracker, think about what's good and bad about them. Choose one that fits your wants and comfort level. Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales. (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)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 11: KBS India Limited, a SEBI-registered stockbroker and a distinguished member of both NSE and BSE, renowned for over 45 years of trusted service in the financial industry, has launched OPES+. It is a new-age trading and investing app built to meet the demands of today's traders and investors. Offering powerful tools combined with a flat INR 9 per order pricing, OPES+ makes professional-grade trading and investing accessible to all.

This transparent pricing approach removes cost as a barrier, empowering active traders & investors. OPES+ offers an intuitive experience, complete with real-time market commentary, GTT (Good Till Triggered) orders, customisable charts powered by TradingView, and advanced options analytics including Greeks.

Speaking at the launch, Tushar Shah, Managing Director at KBS India Limited, said, "With OPES+, we've built something simple, smart, and backed by decades of trust. This is about creating a platform that helps traders & investors make confident, informed decisions without the worry of high brokerage costs."

The app also integrates features such as live portfolio tracking, personalised analysis tools, and seamless back-office access, making it a comprehensive solution for modern traders and investors. Whether it's equities, mutual funds, or derivatives, OPES+ aims to be a one-stop destination for all users.

OPES+ is now available for download on the Play Store, App Store, and the official website (www.opesplus.com). This launch marks a significant step in KBS India's digital evolution, reinforcing its legacy of user-first service and market expertise across investors and traders alike.

(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)
Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), welcomed the central government initiatives to ramp up rare earth magnets production in India, particularly the incentives the latter is earmarking for. ICEA is the apex industry body representing the entire electronics sector. "We are extremely excited, although this will make set up capacities in the longer run, but the intention is very good and I think it is very timely because the industry is facing a bit of a crisis and the supply of magnets is quite difficult to procure if we set up independent Capacity here," the ICEA Chairman told ANI. "It will be a true triumph. We are very excited about this announcement. The magnets is a core industry, and the processing of rare earths and metals is a very core industry. It's a very good development. I think this is a substantial sum of money. The scheme is well articulated. We'll go through the details and we will fully support the government in this great initiative," he added. The central government has earmarked Rs 1,345 crore to incentivise rare earth magnets production in India, aimed at building domestic capacity when there are reports of global short supply. "Some progress is going on (on the rare earth magnet production front). We have already allocated Rs 1,345 crore (for subsidy). We are on course to select the manufacturers," Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy told reporters at a press conference earlier today. Heavy Industries Secretary Kamran Rizvi, accompanying the minister, said the scheme has been circulated and it is currently under inter-ministerial consultation. "We are interested only in magnets. Anybody who gives us magnets will get incentives," the top official said. It is expected that there will be at least 2 manufacturers who will participate in this program. Early this April, China announced a decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth-related items, pushing a supply shortage across the world, including India. India was in touch with the Chinese side, seeking predictability in the supply of rare earth metals -- which had been put under the export controls regime by the Xi administration. China's overwhelming control of global rare earth processing - commanding over 90 per cent of the world's magnet production capacity - has created significant vulnerabilities for industries worldwide. These materials are critical across multiple sectors, including automobiles, home appliances, and clean energy systems. Beyond China, there are only a few alternative suppliers of critical minerals. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the setting up of the Critical Mineral Mission in the Union Budget for 2024-25 on July 23, 2024. The Union Cabinet in January 2025 approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with an expenditure of Rs 16,300 crore and an expected investment of Rs 18,000 crore by Public Sector Undertakings. Recently, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the central government is actively encouraging private companies to mine and explore critical minerals overseas and bring them back into the country to serve the needs of the domestic industry. (ANI)
Reboot of the popular sitcom 'The Office' titled 'The Paper' has finally got a release date. The show will debut with four episodes on September 4, 2025, reported Variety. The highly anticipated show will follow a weekly episode release format. After its premiere on September 4, the makers will be releasing two new episodes every Thursday through September 25. The official logline for 'The Paper' states, "The documentary crew that immortalised Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch is in search of a new subject when they discover a historic Midwestern newspaper and the publisher trying to revive it," as quoted by Variety. The cast of the series includes Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, Oscar Nunez, who is reprising his role from 'The Office,' Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Alex Edelman, Ramona Young, and Tim Key, as per the outlet. In a trailer played at the NBCUniversal upfront presentation, as reported by Variety, it was revealed that the show takes place in the offices of the Toledo Truth-Teller. The documentary crew were seen making their way around the room, revealing that Oscar (Nunez) is now working as an accountant for the paper. He is none too happy to see the doc crew again. Impacciatore plays the managing editor, while Gleeson plays an idealistic new employee. Greg Daniels, who developed 'The Office' for American television, co-created the series with Michael Koman. The American 'Office' took place in Scranton, Penn., and followed the staff of a paper company, Dundler Mifflin. The popular sitcom starred Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Ed Helms, Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak, among others, in the lead roles. The show has maintained its popularity long after leaving the airwaves and has gained massive viewership when it became available to stream on various platforms. (ANI)
Director of 'Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder', Bharat S Shrinate on Friday said that he was shocked by the High Court's order to halt the release of the film, which was scheduled to hit theatres today. Shrinate told ANI that he was not "expecting" the Delhi High Court to order a stay on the release of the film. "I was not expecting such a decision because just a day before the petition (in Delhi HC), the petitioner filed a petition in the SC and it was denied. So, in the High Court, I don't know how it happened," said Shrinate. The director further stated that they will move the Supreme Court to request the removal of a stay order for the film. "We are not questioning any judicial. So we are going to the Supreme Court," added Bharat. The Delhi High Court had yesterday ordered a stay on the release of the film. The stay will remain in effect until the Central Government decides on the revision application filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind against the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal passed the interim order while hearing two petitions, one by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and another by journalist Prashant Tandon, challenging the CBFC's decision to grant certification to the film. The petitioners argued that the film's release could disturb communal harmony and pose a serious threat to public order, given the sensitive nature of the subject. The Court observed that since the petitioners had been relegated to invoke the revisional remedy under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the release of the film must remain stayed until a decision is made on their application for interim relief. "We provide that till the grant of interim relief is decided, there shall be a stay on the release of the film," the bench stated. 'Udaipur Files' is based on the 2022 murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, Rajasthan, who was brutally killed in broad daylight by two men allegedly angered by a social media post in support of former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The incident had triggered national outrage and raised serious concerns about radicalisation and communal violence. The petitioners contended that the film sensationalises the incident and may further inflame tensions. They also raised concerns over the timing of the release, just ahead of upcoming elections in several states. The Court, while not going into the merits of the film itself, held that the legal procedure for challenging CBFC certification must be followed and ensured that no irreparable damage occurs in the interim. (ANI)
Legendary actor Anupam Kher and Boman Irani arrived at Rastrapati Bhavan in Delhi to attend the special screening of 'Tanvi The Great' with President Droupadi Murmu on Friday. The screening is organised for President Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre ahead of the film's official release. Kher and Irani looked stunning as they arrived for the screening. 'Tanvi The Great' actor opted for a black suit while Boman chose to wear a brown suit. Shubhangi, who plays the title role of Tanvi, and Karan Tacker also arrived in style for the special occasion. The screening is a significant moment for the film's team, especially actor and producer Anupam Kher, who has described the film as being close to his heart.The movie, which highlights autism and the Indian Army, has already gained international praise during its festival run in Cannes, New York, Houston, and London. It also received standing ovations at special previews held at the National Defence Academy and Southern Command, Pune. Kher, in a press note, shared earlier that he is "deeply honoured" to present the film to the President. "I am deeply honoured to present our film Tanvi The Great to our Honourable President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. As a film centred on autism and the Indian Army, who better to showcase this film than the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces? As a leader, she embodies resilience, grace, and trailblazing leadership. We are all eagerly looking forward to her experiencing the film," Kher said. The film also stars Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Karan Tacker, Nasser, and British actor Iain Glen. It is produced by Anupam Kher Studios in association with NFDC and is set to release worldwide in cinemas on July 18, 2025. (ANI)
Lumiere Institute and festival director Thierry Fremaux said that Mann is a major artist "straight out of Hollywood mythology...whose mark on cinema is everlasting."

In a statement, the Institut Lumiere said Mann's filmmaking was "both rooted in a strong Hollywood tradition and embodies a personal and innovative cinema through his choice of subjects, his approach to directing, storytelling and aesthetics. With true independence and at times, a certain solitude, he is one of the most important filmmakers in the history of cinema," as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Mann is the latest Hollywood icon to receive the Lumiere honour, following such directors as Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Quentin Tarantino and Tim Burton, as well as actresses Jane Fonda and Isabelle Huppert, last year's honoree, as per the outlet.

Mann, who attended the Lyon festival in 2017 for a screening of Heat introduced by Guillermo del Toro, will return in person to receive the award on October 17. The 17th Lumire festival runs October 11-19.

Mann is known for the HBO Max series Tokyo Vice. He executive-produced and directed the pilot episode.

His latest feature, Ferrari, starred Adam Driver as car racing legend Enzo Ferrari. Mann is currently in pre-production on the long-awaited sequel to Heat, following the success of his novel adaptation, Head 2, which was a New York Times bestseller, as per The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu attended the special screening of Anupam Kher's much-anticipated film 'Tanvi The Great' at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. In the pictures, President Droupadi Murmu was seen with the 'Tanvi The Great' team, including legendary actor Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Shubhangi, who plays the title role of Tanvi, Karan Tacker, and others. The screening is organised for President Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre ahead of the film's official release. It is a significant moment for the film's team, especially actor and producer Anupam Kher, who has described the film as being close to his heart. The movie, which highlights autism and the Indian Army, has already garnered international praise during its festival run in Cannes, New York, Houston, and London. It also received standing ovations at special previews held at the National Defence Academy and the Southern Command in Pune. Kher, in a press note, shared earlier that he is "deeply honoured" to present the film to the President. "I am deeply honoured to present our film Tanvi The Great to our Honourable President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. As a film centred on autism and the Indian Army, who better to showcase this film than the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces? As a leader, she embodies resilience, grace, and trailblazing leadership. We are all eagerly looking forward to her experiencing the film," Kher said. The film also stars Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Karan Tacker, Nasser, and British actor Iain Glen. It is produced by Anupam Kher Studios in association with NFDC and is set to release worldwide in cinemas on July 18, 2025. (ANI)
Tripura Minister Sudhangshu Das attended the 25th National Fish Farmers' Day. In his address, Das expressed deep appreciation to all fish farmers from Tripura and across the country for their relentless efforts in boosting fish production and contributing to the state's economy. The event was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the College of Fisheries, Tripura, under the Central Agricultural University. The event was graced by several dignitaries from the fisheries and academic sectors, paying homage to the legendary fisheries scientist, Professor Hiralal Chaudhuri, the pioneer of induced breeding of Indian major carps in India, dating back to 1957. He highlighted the importance of fisheries as a sector that ensures livelihood and self-reliance for thousands of families. "Our goal is to further increase fish production in Tripura while fulfilling our internal demand. This sector holds immense potential for employment and economic growth," the minister said. Das further said, "Today, we have gathered here at the Fisheries College in Tripura, at the Pre-Vishwas Hall, to celebrate National Fish Farmers' Day. This annual event is primarily organised to pay tribute to the renowned scientist, Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri, who is regarded as the pioneer of induced breeding of Indian major carps in India in the year 1957. Due to his remarkable discovery, National Fish Farmers' Day is now celebrated across the entire country. On this auspicious occasion, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all the fish farmers of our state, Tripura, as well as from across the country, for their outstanding contributions in enhancing fish production in our state." He further stated fisheries sector is one such field where people can earn a livelihood easily, therefore our goal is to further increase fish production in Tripura. "The fisheries sector is one such field where people can earn a livelihood easily and become self-reliant. Therefore, our goal and vision is to further increase fish production in Tripura while also meeting the state's internal demand. With this aim in mind, we have gathered here today to celebrate this important day. I sincerely thank the respected Dean of the Fisheries College for inviting me on this special occasion. Once again, I would like to pay my deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude to the honorable, proud, and inspirational fisheries scientist Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri for his extraordinary and memorable contribution to the fisheries sector," he added. The celebration served as a platform to recognize the legacy of Professor Hiralal Chaudhuri, whose groundbreaking research laid the foundation for scientific aquaculture practices in India. His contributions continue to inspire fishery professionals and policy-makers nationwide. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the Dean and faculty of the College of Fisheries for organizing the program and fostering collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and farmers. (ANI)
The 9-night and 10-day tour will cover key historical and cultural sites associated with India's freedom movement and heritage, said the release.

The first destination of 'Swarnim Bharat Yatra' is Ahmedabad, home to Sabarmati Ashram, a key center of Mahatma Gandhi's freedom movement, and the intricate 15th-century Adalaj Stepwell.

It continues with a day trip to Modhera, known for its ancient Sun Temple, and Patan, home to the UNESCO-listed Rani Ki Vav. In Kevadia.

Travellers will witness the iconic Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world, and the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

The journey then moves to Pune, where the Aga Khan Palace, a Quit India Movement landmark, and sacred sites like Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga await.

At Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar or Aurangabad, tourists shall explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, along with Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga.

At last, the tour will conclude with visits to Jhansi Fort and the historic temples and palaces of Orchha, before returning to Delhi.

The Deluxe AC Tourist Train offers 1st AC, 2nd AC, and 3rd AC classes, accommodating 150 tourists with modern amenities such as dining cars, shower cubicles, sensor-based washrooms, foot massagers, and CCTV-enabled security. Boarding is available from Delhi Safdarjung, Gurgaon, Rewari, Ringas, Phulera, and Ajmer.

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has fixed the tour prices at Rs 71,585 for 3AC, Rs 81,675 for 2AC, Rs 94,845 for 1AC Cabin, and Rs 1,01,430 for the 1AC Coupe.

The package includes train travel, a three-star hotel stay, vegetarian meals, transfers, sightseeing in AC vehicle, insurance, and IRCTC tour manager services. (ANI)
As Kanwar Yatra commenced, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the state government will take strict action against those who are deceiving people, hiding their identity and harming Sanatan under Operation Kalanemi. "Those who are deceiving people here, hiding their identity, hurting faith and belief, harming Sanatan, such people will be identified, a campaign will be run against such people and those who are hurting religion and faith by hiding their reality will be caught, action will be taken against them.." Dhami told the reporters here. Earlier, CM Dhami gave strict instructions to the officials to start Operation Kalanemi against the impersonators who cheat people and hurt the sentiments in the name of Sanatan Dharma in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister said that many such cases have come to light in the state where anti-social elements are cheating people, especially women, by disguising themselves as saints. This is not only hurting the religious sentiments of the people, but also harming the image of social harmony and Sanatan tradition. He also said that just as the demon Kalanemi had tried to mislead by disguising himself as a saint, similarly, many "Kalanemi" are active in the society today who are committing crimes in religious guise. Meanwhile, devotees flocked to Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple and offered prayers on the first day of the 'Sawan' month. To mark the occasion,'Rudrabhishek' was performed at the temple. The visuals show milk, curd, and honey are being offered to Lord Shiva during the 'rudrabhishek', followed by the Vedic chants by the priests. The devotees were seen queueing up to worship Lord Shiva on the first day of the holy month of 'Sawan'. 'Sawan' is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, and is considered as one of the holiest months. Every Monday during this period is regarded as a highly auspicious time to fast and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. All Tuesdays or Mangalwar in Shravan month are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Sawan holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the month when Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), saving the universe from its toxic effects. Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. (ANI)
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is set to roll out a daily feeding programme for stray dogs, under which around 5,000 dogs will receive chicken rice and non-vegetarian meals each day. A tender worth around Rs 2.8 crore has been issued to implement the programme across BBMP's eight zones. Each zone is expected to cover between 400 and 500 street dogs. Special Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore confirmed that an action plan has been submitted to the BBMP Commissioner and is awaiting approval. Once approved, the tendering process will begin. The quantity of food will be based on veterinary recommendations, with each dog receiving a meal containing 700 to 750 calories. "We have already submitted the action plan to the commissioner. After approval, the tender process will begin. After that, the amount of food prescribed by our veterinarian will be given to the dogs," said Suralkar Vikas Kishore. The BBMP stated that the move follows a recent rise in dog bite incidents. "Stray dogs cannot attack people because they are full," said Suralkar, linking the feeding initiative to efforts aimed at reducing aggression in stray animals. Pilot trials have already been conducted in some wards. As per the plan, each stray dog will be fed once a day at a cost of Rs 22.42 per dog, he added. The move suggests that the bidders must operate a kitchen within BBMP limits and are responsible for preparing and distributing food, cleaning the feeding areas, and submitting reports. Bengaluru is estimated to have around 2.8 lakh stray dogs. The current initiative will cover only about 2 per cent of this population. BBMP officials said further decisions on expanding the programme will be taken based on the outcomes of the initial rollout. On Tuesday, Municipal employees from corporations across Karnataka staged a symbolic strike against the State government seeking fulfilment of various demands. Employees of the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), along with staff from various municipal corporations across the state, took leave from work to participate in the protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Among the list of demands of the employees are the withdrawal of the Logsafe attendance system, the filling of 6,000 vacant posts and an end to the "Suspend employees for silly reasons." They are also demanding a reduction in the number of marshals on duty and promotions for engineers based on seniority, among others. (ANI)
Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari offered prayers at the historic Shri Rajrajeshwar Shiva Temple, located within the City Palace in Jaipur, marking the auspicious beginning of the holy month of 'Sawan'. On the occasion, she performed Jal and Dugdha Abhishek (ritual bathing with water and milk) of Lord Shiva and prayed for the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of the state. 'Sawan' is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, and is considered one of the holiest months in Hinduism. The temple reverberated with Vedic chants in the early morning as the Deputy CM, in keeping with traditional rituals, offered her prayers with deep devotion. She performed Rudrabhishek of the Shiva Linga and later joined in the aarti, accompanied by the sounds of conch shells, bells, and hymns. Several women devotees and young girls attended the prayer ceremony. The fragrance of flowers, incense, and the rhythmic chanting of mantras further enriched the spiritual atmosphere. Speaking on the occasion, Dy. CM Diya Kumari said, "The month of Sawan is a symbol of spiritual energy, devotion and inner reflection. I have prayed at the feet of Lord Shiva for the continued well-being, good health and prosperity of all residents of Rajasthan." She extended her heartfelt wishes to the people of the state for the holy month of Sawan, urging them to engage in both devotion and acts of compassion during this sacred period. 'Sawan' holds a special place in Hindu mythology. Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples during 'Sawan' month. Early in the morning today, devotees also flocked to Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple to offer prayers on the first day of the 'Sawan' month. To mark the occasion,' Rudrabhishek' was performed at the temple. This year, Sawan month commences from July 11 and will conclude on August 9. (ANI)
Goa Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday offered prayers at the renowned Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain on the first day of the holy month Sawan. Speaking to ANI, Rane expressed his faith and devotion, saying, "...Today is the first day of the Sawan month and I prayed for the well-being of everyone. May our nation continue to develop...I am feeling very good after offering prayers at the temple..." On this occasion, devotees flocked to the Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple to offer prayers. To mark the occasion,' Rudrabhishek' and 'aarti' was performed at the temple. The visuals show milk, curd, and honey are being offered to Lord Shiva during the 'Rudrabhishek', followed by the Vedic chants by the priests. The devotees were seen queueing up to worship Lord Shiva on the first day of Sawan. This year, Sawan month commences from July 11 and will conclude on August 9. Sawan is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, and is considered one of the holiest months. Every Monday during this period is regarded as a highly auspicious time to fast and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. All Tuesdays or Mangalwar in the Shravan month are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Sawan holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the month when Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), saving the universe from its toxic effects. Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. Many choose to abstain from consuming grains and eat only fruits, milk, and specific foods permissible during fasting. The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples during the Sawan month. (ANI)
Next year the 28th Eastern Zonal Council meeting will be held in Odisha's Puri, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said. Majhi who returned to Bhubaneswar after attending the 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting held in Ranchi on Thursday said this in a statement to mediapersons at the airport. The Chief Minister said that he had proposed to hold this meeting in Odisha next year and this was accepted by Union Minister Amit Shah and all other members. It was announced in the meeting that it will be held in Puri. The Chief Minister said that the 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting covered Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha had successfully concluded. In particular, discussions were held on how to accelerate the social and economic development of the region and how to reach the unreached areas with the schemes. The role of all these states is important in fulfilling the goals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's developed India. The meeting focused on various successful schemes and programs to achieve the goals of developed India for the betterment of every section of society. The Chief Minister said that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasised the need to completely eliminate Naxal activities from the country by March 31, 2026, and various ways to solve the Naxal problem were also discussed in this meeting. So far, considerable success has been achieved in this regard. The meeting thanked the Union Minister for the focused steps he is taking to solve this problem. The meeting also focused on ensuring that the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme reach everyone (Saturation Stage) and that all beneficiaries get their benefits. He said that he also briefed the meeting about the success of various schemes of Odisha. Information was given on various programs such as women empowerment, success of Shri Anna Yojana, success of Ayushman Bharat Yojana, etc. Chief Minister Majhi said that there is a need for further improvement in the banking services sector in Odisha. Banking services have not reached many areas. Therefore, he said that he has proposed in the meeting to take appropriate steps to provide banking services to more areas of Odisha. Deputy Chief Minister Parvathi Parida and Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling also attended the meeting. Many MLAs were present at the airport and gave the Chief Minister a grand welcome after he returned from Ranchi. (ANI)
Seers are other Hindu community members have welcomed the decision of the Uttarakhand government to launch 'Operation Kalanemi' a campaging against anti social elements who are hurting religious sentiments and duping people under the pretext of 'Sanatan Dharma' by posing as seers, and have called for strict action against such fake people. President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri, welcomed this decision and asserted that strict action should be taken against the people who cheat Kanwariyas. Speaking to ANI about this initiative, Puri said, "Kanwar is being conducted in Haridwar and we welcome this decision by the Chief Minister and thank him as well... The fake saints ask for money from and cheat Kanwariya and abuse those who refuse to give money; these people should be subjected to strict action... Our Chief Minister's vision is a safe Uttarakhand and doing justice to all the Kanwariya and all of us are with him..." President of Akhand Parshuram Akhada stated that the Aadhar cards of such imposters should be verified and action must be taken against such people. "We welcome this campaign... There are some fake seers who bring disgrace to our respected saints, the Aadhar card of such imposters should be checked... While India is about to become Vishwaguru, only original saints must be there... There are some seers (fake ones) who have committed crime and action must be taken on such people..." he said. State BJP President Mahendra Bhatt said that there are people who try to disturb the society and strict action should be taken against them. "Some criminal elements try to ruin social environment. Everyone must follow the laws made by the government... There are numerous people who try to disturb society, and they will be subjected to strict action..." Bhatt said. In view of the Kanwar Yatra that begins today, the Uttarakhand government has launched 'Operation Kalanemi' to take action against imposters who are hurting religious sentiments and duping people in the name of 'Sanatan Dharma'. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that many such cases have come to light in the state where anti-social elements are cheating people, especially women, by disguising themselves as seers. This, he said, is not only hurting the religious sentiments of the people, but also harming the image of social harmony and Sanatan tradition. In such a situation, if a person of any religion is found doing such acts, then strict action will be ensured against him, he added. Chief Minister referenced the mythological asura Kalanemi stating that just like the demon had attempted to mislead by disguising himself as a saint, similarly, many "Kalanemis" are active in society today who are committing crimes in religious guise. Dhami further said that his government is fully committed to protecting public sentiments, the dignity of Sanatan culture and maintaining social harmony. Those who spread hypocrisy in the name of faith will not be spared under any circumstances, he said. (ANI)
After a controversy erupted in West Bengal after a question in an undergraduate history examination paper set by Vidyasagar University referred to Indian freedom fighters as "terrorists", Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dipak Kumar Kar, referred to it as "a printing mistake". Kar asserted that the report from the Controller of Examinations and Chairperson of the Undergraduate Board of Studies of History suggested that the error occurred during moderation, which was unintentional and not detected during proofreading. "A printing mistake occurred in the question paper of the undergraduate history examination yesterday... I enquired about the matter with the Controller of Examinations and asked for a report from the Controller of the Examination as well as from the Chairperson of the Undergraduate Board of Studies of History. After getting the report, we came to know that the error occurred during moderation, which was unintentional and not detected during proofreading, also," Kar said. "We have decided that the concerned teacher who was involved in the moderation will be replaced by a new member, and the Chairman of the Board of Studies will also be exempted from his chairmanship," he added. The question has sparked outrage for describing Indian revolutionaries -- who resisted British colonial rule -- as "terrorists". The phrasing has drawn sharp criticism from academics, civil society groups, and the state's opposition parties, who have demanded action against university authorities. Meanwhile, a Trinamool Congress (TMC ) leader was shot dead by unidentified people in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The deceased was identified as Rajjak Khan, a resident of Chak Maricha village of Chaltaberia Gram Panchayat in South 24 Parganas district. "Around 9.45 pm yesterday, one Rajjak Khan of Chak Maricha village, Chaltaberia Gram Panchayat, was attacked by a few persons near Siristala under Uttar Kashipore PS while returning home. He was shifted to a hospital and was declared dead there. Investigation has been initiated," the Kolkata police said. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Praveen Khandelwal criticised the comments made Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent foreign trips that questioned the significance of his trips to countries with small populations and urged CM Mann to stop playing the role of a 'comedian' and asked him to 'resign' if he 'want to do comedy'. MP Praveen Khandelwal said to ANI, "...It is sad that Bhagwant Mann is playing the role of just a comedian, and not of a CM, even today. He should understand that he is not a comedian anymore. He is the CM of a state. There is some decorum for a CM that need to be followed." "It is the decorum for every CM to discuss about the PM of the country by maintaining some dignity. But Bhagwant Mann is a comedian. So, I advise him that if he wants to do comedy, he should resign from the post of the CM, and if he wants to continue as the CM, he should act in a manner that is expected of the CM of a state, constitutionally", Khandelwal added. The criticism from the BJP MP followed after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's return to India, making a sarcastic remark that questioned the significance of his trips to countries with small populations. Mann jokingly mentioned that PM Modi might be visiting countries like "Magnesia," "Galveaisa," or "Tarvesia," highlighting his perception that these visits are not substantial. Mann questioned the relevance of PM Modi's visits to countries with tiny populations, contrasting them with the large population of India. "PM has gone somewhere. I think it is Ghana. He is going to be back and he is welcome. God knows which countries he keeps visiting, 'Magnesia', 'Galveaisa', 'Tarvesia'. He does not stay in a country with 140 crore people. He is visiting countries where the population is 10,000 and he is getting the 'highest awards' there. Here, 10,000 people gather to watch a JCB... What has he gotten himself into!...," said Mann. PM Modi recently concluded a landmark five-nation tour, visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from July 2 to 9, 2025. This tour marked his longest foreign trip in a decade, spanning two continents and strengthening India's ties with key nations in the Global South. (ANI)
Medical students of Bihar Veterinary College in Patna are observing an indefinite strike alleging that a brawl took place with locals leading to an incident of firing inside the campus last evening. One of the students was injured in the firing. The protesting students are demanding security for the students. A student protesting said, "The students of our college come and play here; they had a brawl with the locals on the campus, around 6 pm yesterday. This keeps happening here every other day. Firing also took place yesterday. One first-year student sustained bullet injuries in his hand. He is admitted to a hospital. So, we are observing an indefinite strike." He also added, "Our demands are simple: that our safety should be ensured. Our seniors work here in the OPD, and there are no security arrangements for them. The female student use these roads on regular basis and there is no safety measure for them. Keeping all these issues, we are on an indefinite strike." Rishita Ranjan, a second-year student, said, "We are on strike for the students who got shot, and the second reason is our safety. There is no safety for us girls while we are on our way to the hostel from college. The locals are always there and they click pictures, pass comments and even follow us. We want a ban on outsiders entering our college." Another student informed, "We have submitted an application regarding this a year ago, but no action was taken. We have OPD, and we often have to travel late at night. If something happens to us, who will take responsibility?" Crime cases are on the rise in Bihar. Earlier, a businessman, Gopal Khemka, was shot dead near the main gate of his residence in Patna's Gandhi Maidan area. ADG Kundan Krishnan on Tuesday informed that the shooter who was involved in the murder has been arrested and the police have evidence against him. The police official stated that they had proof against Ashok Sahu, who gave the contract to kill the victim and informed that there could be many reasons behind the incident."The facts that have come in the investigation are that the shooter has been arrested, and we have the evidence against him. We also have proof against Ashok Sahu, who gave the contract to kill the victim.... There can be many reasons behind this; many call records have to be checked", ADG Krishnan told reporters. Additionally, DGP Vinay Kumar informed that based on clues from the crime scene and CCTV, a description was made, leading to the arrest of the accused.(ANI)
A man died after a three-storey shop building collapsed near Pul Mithai in North Delhi's Lohia Chowk area early on early hours of Friday. The collapsed building, located at Tokri Walan in Pul Mithai near Bara Hindu Rao, had three shops on the ground floor and godowns on the first floor. The shops were part of the Azad Market area and dealt in bags and canvas cloth. The deceased has been identified as Manoj Sharma, also known as Pappu, aged 45. He was an employee at shop number 7A, owned by Gulshan Mahajan, and had been working there for the past 30 years. The Delhi Fire Services received a message at 6:50 AM and immediately sent three fire tenders to the site. Teams from the Fire Brigade, NDRF, CATS Ambulance, DDMA, and the Crime Team also arrived for rescue operations. Manoj Sharma was pulled out of the debris and taken to Bara Hindu Rao Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. No other injuries have been reported so far. A truck parked in front of the building was also badly damaged in the collapse. Police are registering an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and an investigation is underway to find out the cause of the collapse. Last month, a commercial building collapsed in Rohini's Sector 7 area, according to the Delhi Fire Service. The fire department said it received a call about the incident at 4:04 pm. Four fire tenders were quickly sent to the spot to carry out rescue and relief work. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been informed and is likely to join the rescue efforts. "A commercial building collapsed in the Sector 7 area of Rohini, Delhi. Fire tenders sent to the spot. NDRF also informed about the building collapse," said the Delhi Fire Service. The cause of the building collapse is yet to be determined. The authorities are working to rescue those trapped and assess the damage. (ANI)
India Coast Guard (ICG) ship Rajveer successfully rescued a USA sailing vessel, Sea Angel, carrying two crew members, stranded in turbulent seas south-east of Indira Point, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. According to the ICG, the rescue operation was launched by MRCC Port Blair after they received a distress alert on Thursday night that a yacht, carrying one US and one Turkish crew, had experienced a propulsion failure at 52 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. "Heroic rescue at sea! Indian Coast Guard ship Rajveer braved raging winds & rough seas to save US yacht Sea Angel with two crew, after complete propulsion failure near Indira Port. On 10 Jul 25, at 1157 hrs, ICG MRCC Port Blair received a distress alert from the US consulate in Chennai regarding yacht Sea Angel with one US and one Turkish crew, stranded 52 NM South East of Indira Point," ICG wrote on X. https://x.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/1943521266968989885 After receiving the distress call from the US Consulate in Chennai, MRCC activated the International Safety Net, alerting all nearby merchant vessels and launching rescue coordination protocols. Subsequently, ICG ship Rajveer was deployed for the rescue operation. The Indian patrol vessel reached the vessel on Friday morning and established communication with the stranded crew, conducted an on-site assessment. Upon arrival, the yacht was found with its sail blown off and ropes entangled in the propeller. The vessel was safely taken under tow and escorted to Campbell Bay, arriving at the harbour at 8:00 am. "MRCC activated the International Safety Net, and ICG Ship Rajveer was deployed for a rescue operation. Upon arrival, the yacht was found with its sail blown off and ropes entangled in the propeller. Sea Angel was taken under tow at 1850 Hrs and brought safely to Campbell Bay at 0800 Hrs on 11 Jul 25," ICG said. Last Month, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued three Sri Lankan nationals who had been abandoned on a sandbar near Adam's Bridge, off the coast of Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu. According to the Coastal Security Group Police, the trio had set off from Sri Lanka in an unidentified boat, which dropped them off on the sandbar located in Indian waters. (ANI)
The death toll in the Gambhira bridge collapse incident in Gujarat's Vadodara has risen to 18 with the recovery of more bodies, an official said on Friday. Speaking to reporters, Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya said that the rescue and recovery operation is still going on to find the two missing people and remove the debris from the incident spot. A section of the Gambhira bridge connecting Vadodara and Anand collapsed on July 9 and fell into the Mahisagar river below. The official noted that the five victims of the incident are undergoing treatment in the hospital and are in stable condition. Dhameliya said, "...Rescue and recovery operation is going on. Day before yesterday, we recovered 12 bodies, and yesterday, we recovered 6 dead bodies. 5 live victims are undergoing treatment and are stable. The remaining dead bodies are trapped under a slab and efforts are underway to recover them. The driver of the truck which is trapped is also missing, we are trying to find his body. In the middle of the river, there is a 3-4 metre layer of quicksand..." "Soda ash is being released into the water, which is causing irritation and itching to the rescue team... Our team is working after neutralising it. A tanker of sulphuric acid is trapped inside, so we are making sure it does not get released. The basic objective of today's operation is to retrieve the dead bodies and remove the debris... The death toll stands at 18, and 2 people are still missing..." he stated. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a high-level inquiry into the recent bridge collapse on the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge connecting Vadodara and Anand. The Chief Minister has entrusted a team of experts to conduct a detailed investigation and prepare a report on the repairs, inspections, and quality checks carried out on the bridge. According to the Department of Information, based on the preliminary investigation, four officers have been suspended with immediate effect. NM Naikwala (Executive Engineer), UC Patel (Deputy Executive Engineer), RT Patel (Deputy Executive Engineer) and JV Shah (Assistant Engineer) have been suspended with immediate effect. The Chief Minister has also directed that thorough inspections be carried out on other bridges in the state to ensure public safety. (ANI)
Former Chief Justices of India (CJI) Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar on Friday arrived at the Parliament House Annexe to attend the meeting of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which is examining the One Nation One Election proposal. In the meeting, the two former Chief Justices will give a presentation before the committee on the issue of simultaneous elections in the Joint Committee on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Earlier in the day, the Chairperson of the JPC on One Nation One Election and Bharatiya Janata Party MP, PP Chaudhary said that most people and leaders across different states support the idea of simultaneous elections in the country. After visiting five states and one Union Territory, Chaudhary said that many political leaders, civil society members, and officials backed the proposal, though some had concerns. He added that the committee is discussing the issue seriously, and former Chief Justices of India will also give their views to help understand if the idea fits within the Constitution. Speaking to ANI, Chaudhary said, "We went on a study tour to five states and one Union Territory to gather opinions on the idea of One Nation, One Election. In Maharashtra, we met with the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker, leaders of political parties, government officials, and civil society members. Most of them supported the idea, though some political parties had concerns, mainly about national and state issues." "Everywhere we went, we saw that committee members from all parties are showing genuine interest in this issue. We are all thinking about what is best for the country, beyond party lines. Former Chief Justices of India, Justice Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud, will also be speaking to us. Their guidance will help us understand if this idea fits within the Constitution," Chaudhary said. The bill aims to conduct simultaneous elections to the legislative assemblies in the states and the Parliament. (ANI)
Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and CR Patil along with Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, attended the meeting.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra were also present in the meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Delhi government.

The discussion focused on coordinated efforts and action plans to restore and rejuvenate the Yamuna River, which is considered critical to the environmental and public health of Delhi.

Earlier this week, the Delhi Jal Board, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has rolled out a 45-point action plan aimed at enhancing the capital's water infrastructure, upgrading sewerage networks, increasing transparency in tanker services, and rejuvenating the heavily polluted Yamuna River. The comprehensive plan, backed by a budget of Rs 9,000 crore, is targeted for completion by next year, a senior official confirmed.

The campaign aims to provide the capital with clean water and a pollution-free Yamuna. Chief Minister Gupta is personally leading the efforts to rejuvenate the river, with close monitoring also being conducted by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and PWD Minister Parvesh Verma.

The budget for the mission is worth Rs 9,000 crore and is targeted for completion by next year, a senior official said.

Additionally, the Central Government and the Delhi Government are collaborating on a war footing to clean the River Yamuna. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will re-verify a total of 360 small and large drains in the city, and a drone survey will be conducted for 22 major drains falling into the river.

A total of 67 locations have been identified for pollution monitoring in the Yamuna River. A survey will be conducted by July and the report will be submitted to the Delhi Jal Board. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah again dismissed speculation about a change in the state's leadership, asserting that there has been no discussion with the Congress high command about the change. "How many times do I tell you, it (speculations around Karnataka CM post) was not discussed at all? This issue was not discussed at all with the high command," Siddaramaiah said on Friday. Siddramaiah, who is in Delhi, met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge along with other senior party leaders on Thursday, fanning the speculation over a possible CM change in Karnataka. Taking to X, Siddaramaiah informed about Congress leaders meeting with Kharge, in which he mentioned that "several important issues" were discussed. "In Delhi today, AICC leaders and senior state leaders met Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence and held discussions on several important issues. Meanwhile, BJP leader Rachna Reddy said that Congress high command should clarify to Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar whether they will fulfil their "promise" or "show the door" to him. "The Congress high command should certainly clarify, if not to everyone, then certainly to Mr. DK Shivakumar, that he is going to be shown the door and that they will not fulfil the promise that they gave him, that forced him to become the Deputy Chief Minister," Rachna Reddy said. Earlier Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala held one to one meetings with Congress MLAs which sparked speculation over the party handing the leadership to DK Shivakumar. However, Siddaramaiah has clarified to reporters that Surjewala clearly stated that the purpose of meeting the MLAs in the state is not the issue of change of Chief Ministers. "The state Congress in charge has dismissed the question of a change in the Chief Minister, saying that there is no room for speculation on this issue. These speculations are created by the media, and there has been no discussion on the change of the Chief Minister in the Congress circle.", CM said. "The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister have given a clear instruction that the party high command's decision on this issue should be agreed upon, and we have both stated many times that we will abide by the high command's decision. It is natural that the issue of transfer of power should arise when the government has been in power for two and a half years. But there is no agreement on this," he added. (ANI)
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Andhra Pradesh Government yesterday issued a formal notice to YSR Congress Party former Rajya Sabha MP Vemubaka Vijayasai Reddy, summoning him to appear as a witness on July 12 in connection with the ongoing probe into a major corruption case. The notice, dated 10th July 2025, was served under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023--previously Section 160 of the CrPC--citing his possible acquaintance with crucial facts and circumstances of Criminal Case No. 21/2024. The case involves multiple charges, including criminal breach of trust (Section 409 IPC), cheating (Section 420 IPC), criminal conspiracy (Section 120-B IPC), and violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA), 1988. In a separate matter, on March 11, the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (APCID) issued notices to former YSRCP MP Vijayasai Reddy, ordering him to appear for questioning in connection with the Kakinada port case. Reddy was asked to appear at the Vijayawada CID office on March 12 at 11 am. The notices included Sections 506, 384, 420, 109, 467, 120(B), and 34 of the BNS, along with others. The case involved allegations of coercion and threats to forcibly take over shares in Kakinada Port and Kakinada SEZ, worth around Rs 3,600 crore. While speaking to mediapersons, Reddy had stated that he had told the truth and presented the facts to the state CID investigating the Kakinada seaport case. Dismissing his role in this case, he claimed the involvement of Vikrant Reddy, son of YRSCP MP YV Subba Reddy. Reddy had announced his retirement from politics on January 24, stating that he would resign from his Rajya Sabha membership on January 25. He resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha voluntarily, citing personal reasons and expressing his intention to focus on agriculture in the future. Announcing his retirement from politics, Reddy said that he worked tirelessly as the floor leader in Rajya Sabha, without any compromises, for the benefit of YSRCP. "As the leader of the parliamentary party, floor leader in Rajya Sabha, and national general secretary of the YSRCP, I have worked tirelessly, with sincerity and without any compromise, for the benefit of the party and the state. I have served as a bridge between the Centre and the state to maintain the cordial relationship and get maximum benefits for the state," Reddy said. (ANI)
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday slammed foreign media for their reportage of Operation Sindoor, challenging them to give proof of damage to Indian infrastructure by Pakistani strikes. Addressing at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras, Ajit Doval talked about Operation Sindoor, where he highlighted 'biasness' of foreign media when it comes to covering India's interests. He said that Foreign media reported that "Pakistan did this and that" but images only show damage done by Indian Air Force on Pakistan's bases. "Foreign press said that Pakistan did that and this. You tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian (structure), even a glass pane having been broken. They wrote these things. The images only showed 13 air bases in Pakistan before and after 10th May, whether it was in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala." NSA Doval said. "I am only telling you what the foreign media put out on the basis of images. We are capable of doing it (damage to Pakistani air bases)," he added. On the intervening night of May 9th and 10th, the Indian Air Force with active support of other forces struck Pakistani Air Bases spanning the length and breadth of the country and in the process also, crippled their Chinese supported Air Defence systems. Around 15 BrahMos missiles were fired by the Indian Air Force to target the Pakistan Air Force base with an aim of disrupting their ability to launch aircraft and other operations, sources in the Defence establishment told ANI. Further speaking about the Operation Sindoor, Ajit Doval highlighted how Indian indigenous defence capabilities played a defining role during the conflict, urging the need to develop more indigenous technology. "We have to develop our indigenous technology. Mention of Sindoor was made here. We are really proud of how much of indigenous content was there. We are proud of that some of the best systems were there, whether it was BrahMos missiles, whether it was our integrated air control and command system, whether it was our radars. We decided to have 9 terrorist targets in the criss-cross of Pakistan, it was not in the border areas. We hit nowhere else except that. It was precise to the point where we knew who was where. Entire operation took 23 minutes," Doval said. NSA Doval also emphasised that Artificial Intelligence is a "game changer" and India needs to make it a "focal point" in order to lead and develop. "AI is one of the great game changers. AI will change the world at a rate of every year. It will become unrecognisable from everything we do today, and its application will be diverse, not only required for research and development, but also for machine learning, LLMs, defence, robotics, medicine, finance, and everything. If India is going to lead and develop, make it a focal point. This is the one area that we have to develop," he said. Along with BrahMos missiles, the indigenously developed Akash surface-to-air missile air defence system has played a key role in thwarting Pakistani drone attacks targeting Indian assets. Operation Sindoor was launched after Pahalgam terror attack to give a "befitting reply" to Pakistan for their terror-related activities. Indian Armed Forces destroyed nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in air strikes on May 7. Following Pakistan retaliating, Indian Armed forces significantly damaged their air force bases on the intervening night of May 9th and 10tt, including Nur Khan base. Later, a cessation of hostilities was agreed upon by the DGMOs of both countries. (ANI)
The Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order, Uttar Pradesh, said that the gang led by Chhangur Baba, alleged mastermind of a religious conversion gang, had been involved in religious conversions for a long time in Lucknow, using various tactics such as honey-trapping, exerting administrative pressure, targeting minors, and deploying multiple manipulative strategies. Influential individuals in society were also used as instruments to facilitate these conversions. He added that a significant amount of foreign funding was received for these activities. Separate rate cards existed for different types of conversions, and the funds were routed through around 40 different accounts. The ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) has information about all these accounts and is investigating the sources of the foreign funds. Funds used to acquire properties through illegal means will be seized and demolished under due legal procedures. Speaking to ANI, ADG Law and Order, Amitabh Yash said, "Today, UP ATS has obtained 7-day remand of Chhangur Baba & his main associate Neetu alias Nasreen. They will be questioned about the network of their gang, the money trail and their illegal properties. The process to seize and demolish their illegal properties will also be done. It has come to light that this gang has been working for the last 15 years and has been conducting religious conversions. All those persons against whom there is evidence have been arrested. Mohammed Ahmed is named in this case and ATS is probing further. ED had asked ATS for the FIR in this case." On demographic changes, ADG Amitabh Yash stated that the region is very close to the Nepal border, and such demographic shifts have been observed in this area for quite some time, possibly as part of a larger conspiracy. On Tuesday, following the demolition of properties of Jalaluddin, alias Chhangur Baba, UP Minister Anil Rajbhar said that he destroyed the lives of multiple women through conversions, which almost amounts to treason. Speaking to ANI, Anil Rajbhar said, "He earned immense property by religious conversions. This is only the beginning. He destroyed the lives of multiple women through conversions and which almost amounts to treason. The government is doing the demolition activity. 18 people have been named, including a former minister of a particular community. Many other properties have to be found and seized. Network in 40 countries, and it is an example of the conspiracy against the country outside the border limits. The Uttar Pradesh Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad had arrested Chhangur Baba and his aide in Lucknow on July 5. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gaurav Bhatia on Friday hit out at the Opposition INDIA bloc after the Supreme Court allowed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, saying that the order is a "big setback" for opposition parties. Addressing the media, the BJP leader stated that the Supreme Court's decision is a significant setback for those who sought to advance their politics through voters who did not have the constitutional right to cast a vote. "This is a big setback for those who wanted to advance their politics through the voters who did not have the constitutional rights to cast a vote, those who did not want transparency in the voting process," the BJP leader said. "Yesterday, the Supreme Court did not stay the Election Commission's process on the plea filed by the opposition, sending a strong message. Now, Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi need to take note of this. It's a big setback for the opposition party. Any party or individual who doesn't believe in the Supreme Court or legal process should understand this as well," he added. This came after the Supreme Court allowed the Election Commission to continue with its exercise of conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, where polls are due later this year. A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi did not stay the SIR process but asked the ECI to consider allowing Aadhaar, ration cards, and electoral photo identity cards as admissible documents to prove voter identity during the SIR of electoral rolls being undertaken in Bihar. "We are of the prima facie opinion that in the interest of justice, the Election Commission will also include documents like Aadhaar, Ration Card, Voter ID card, etc. It is for the ECI to decide whether it wants to accept the documents or not, and if it does not, then provide reasons for its decision, which shall be sufficient to satisfy the petitioners. Meanwhile, petitioners are not pressing for an interim stay," the bench stated in its order. Opposition parties and leaders have earlier labelled the revision of the voter list as "backdoor NRC (National Register of Citizens)", alleging "vote theft" while also prompting them to question the independence of the constitutional body. The INDIA bloc on Wednesday held a massive "Bihar Bandh" rally in Patna against electoral roll revision in the poll-bound state, where Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi alleged that the pattern of electoral manipulation seen in Maharashtra could be repeated in Bihar. In its order, the top court noted that the timeline for the process is very short since elections in Bihar are due in November. The apex court posted for hearing on July 28 the pleas challenging ECI's move to conduct SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar and asked the poll panel to file its affidavit within one week. During the hearing, the bench opined that Aadhaar should be included within the list of documents permissible as an ID proof. "We feel since Aadhar has been taken as a solid proof for inclusion in electoral rolls... it should be included. Your enumeration list is all related to identity - matriculation certificate, etc.," observed the bench. The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas challenging the Election Commission of India's move to conduct the SIR of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. The petitions sought a direction to quash the ECI's June 24 directive, which requires large sections of voters in Bihar to submit proof of citizenship to remain on the electoral rolls. The petition also raised concerns over the exclusion of widely held documents like Aadhaar and ration cards, stating that this would disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised voters, especially in rural Bihar. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal, in a press conference, addressed the recent custodial death of Ajith Kumar and said that one cannot judge the professionalism of the entire police force based on two cases. DGP Jiwal said, "With two cases, we can't judge whether the Police force in any district is professional or not. We have to see it as a whole." He said that in incidents relating to police brutalities, proper action is taken and added, "Few unfortunate incidents have happened for which we definitely took action and we apologised too (the custodial death of Ajith Kumar)." DGP Jiwal also quoted the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data and said, "Similarly, 99.9% this is one of the most professional police. We can see having NCRB Statistics with other States also." Earlier, Ajit Kumar was detained for questioning regarding a theft at the Madapuram Kaliamman temple in Tirupuvanam, where he worked as a security guard and then died while in police custody. The Bharatiya Janata Party members are targeting the Stalin government and the Tamil Nadu police after the incident. Tamil Nadu BJP Secretary SG Suryah on Thursday lashed out at the MK Stalin government in the state over an alleged custodial death, and said that the "injustice continues under the DMK rule". "Another Lock Up death? Injustice continues under DMK rule," Suryah posted on X. Referring to the recent custodial death of Ajith Kumar, the BJP leader said that another "atrocity" has occurred in the Kolathur assembly constituency, from where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin has been elected. "Even before the scars of the lockup murder of Thirupuvanam (Sivaganga district) brother Ajith Kumar heal, another atrocity has taken place in Chief Minister MK Stalin's own constituency, Kolathur. Is this Dravidian-style rule?" Suryah asked. Criticising the police, the BJP leader said that an employee working in a milk company was "illegally detained, tortured and found dead" on Thursday." "Naveen, an employee of Tirumala Milk Company, was illegally detained, tortured and found dead today on a money laundering complaint. Have the police become a nuisance to the common man under the DMK government?" Suryah asserted. Questioning the delay in registering the FIR, the BJP leader criticised CM Stalin, accusing him of failing to maintain law and order in his own constituency. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth in various Government departments and organisations on 12th July at the 16th Rozgar Mela around 11:00 AM via video conferencing, the Press Information Bureau informed. The PM will also address the appointees on the occasion. Rozgar Mela is a step taken by the central government to fulfil the Prime Minister's commitment to accord the highest priority to employment generation. The Mela aims to play a significant role in providing meaningful opportunities to the youth for their empowerment and participation in nation-building. As per the information given by PIB, more than 10 lakh recruitment letters have been issued so far through the Rozgar Melas across the country, and the 16th Rozgar Mela will be held at 47 locations across the country. The recruitments are taking place across Central Government Ministries and Departments. The new recruits, selected from across the country, will be joining the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Posts, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Department of Financial Services, the Ministry of Labour & Employment, among other departments and ministries. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after concluding his five-nation tour that spanned from July 2 to 9. The diplomatic journey covered Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, and included his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil's chairmanship. In the first leg of his visit, PM Modi arrived in Ghana's capital city of Accra on July 2. This marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African nation in over 30 years. During his visit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with the President of Ghana, John Mahama, to review the strong partnership and discuss further avenues to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration and development cooperation. On July 3, PM Modi travelled to Trinidad & Tobago, marking his first official visit to the Caribbean nation as Prime Minister and the first such visit at the PM-level since 1999. He met with his counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and addressed the country's Parliament. (ANI)
The Principal Secretary to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has written to the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government asking to enforce strict regulations for issuing Aadhar Cards in the national capital, in the wake of large number of Aadhar cards being procured by illegal immigrants. In a letter dated July 11, the Principal Secretary highlighted that the illegal immigrants have managed to secure an Aadhaar card on the basis of false documentation or misrepresentation, which, in turn, is adversely impacting local employment. The letter further noted that illegal immigrants are also getting benefits under the welfare schemes of the Centre and State governments, once they get their Aadhar cards. The LG secretariat has asked for strict enforcement by Registrars in issuing Aadhar Cards and directed them to switch to in-house model of Aadhar enrollment within two months. The Chief Secretary has also been asked to provide a comprehensive list of all Aadhar enrollment centres in the national capital by July 15. The letter reads, "It has been brought to the attention of Lt. Governor that during the course of Security Review Meetings in several instances illegal immigrants have managed to secure Aadhaar card on the basis of false documentation or misrepresentation. This has a cascading impact wherein such individual are able to secure documents which establish Nationality i.e. Passport and Voter Identity Cards." "They also end up availing benefits under Welfare Schemes administered by Central and State Government. Having secured Aadhaar documents, the illegal immigrants secure jobs, depressing local labour markets adversely impacting local employment. This also has wider ramifications for National Security," it added. According to the letter, the Delhi government has not complied with UIDAI's directions to shift to an in-house model for Aadhaar enrollment by March 2023. "Attention is drawn to an Office Memorandum issued by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) dated 14.10.2022, wherein directions were issued to State Government to shift Registrars/Enrolment Agencies working under outsourced to in-house model by 31st March, 2023. Lt. Governor has expressed concern that this system has not been put in place till date," the letter reads. The LG Secretariat has directed to all Registrars to strictly comply with the provisions of the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016 and switch to an in-house model of Aadhaar enrolment within two months. The letter said, "Now, Lt. Governor has directed that clear instructions be issued to all Registrars to strictly comply with the provisions of the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016 and switch to an in-house model of Aadhaar enrolment within two months. A comprehensive detail of all the enrolment centres set up by the State Government including municipal bodies may be put up alongwith the current mode of functioning latest by 15th July, 2025." (ANI)
A recent investigation into the fire incidents at the Kozhikode Government Medical College has revealed serious structural and electrical flaws, according to a report submitted by the PWD Electrical Inspectorate. The inspection identified 177 construction-related defects, including major lapses in the installation and maintenance of UPS systems, batteries, switches, and electrical panels. The report also highlighted that the fire damper, designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, was non-functional. According to the report, the UPS and battery systems were installed in cramped rooms with poor air circulation, and no cooling system was in place to regulate equipment temperature. A fan coil unit was placed directly above the UPS, posing a risk of water leakage and a short circuit. The building in question, part of the PMSSY block, houses the emergency and surgical super-speciality departments of the Medical College Hospital and witnessed two fire incidents on May 2 and May 5 this year. Notably, these flaws had already been flagged during inspections in 2023 and 2024 by the PWD Electrical Department, which had formally requested corrections. However, after the recent fires, officials found that none of the recommended rectifications had been implemented. A fresh report was filed after the incidents. It is also alleged that no restoration or corrective work has been initiated, even two months after the fire incidents, leaving the critical medical infrastructure non-operational. Congress MP from Kozhikode MK Raghavan has written to the Prime Minister, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the repeated fire incidents and urging that the building's safety and electrical systems be audited and certified before any further use. On May 5, Kerala Health Minister Veena George had said that a technical Inspection and a comprehensive audit have been ordered at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode following a smoke detection incident. Speaking to reporters, the minister said, "Following the incident, on Saturday, an inspection was ordered on all floors. They went there and reviewed. The inspection was done to see if there was a problem connecting the machines, including the sixth floor. A short circuit occurred when the light was turned on in the theatre on the sixth floor." She further said, "A technical inspection will be conducted as part of this. A comprehensive fire audit has been ordered. The Collector will lead the committee,". On May 2, shortly after the incident, Minister George had also directed the Director of the Medical Education Department to relocate the patients to a safe location. She had also assured that emergency medical services would be provided at the Beach Hospital for any patient in need of them. "Smoke spread in the UPS room in the new block of Kozhikode Medical College tonight. All the patients in the emergency department were immediately shifted to safe places for treatment. The patients on the upper floors were also evacuated from the building. Instructions were given to check and ensure that no one was in the building," the Kerala minister had told reporters. (ANI)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday ensured the transfer of Rs 1227.27 Crores to the accounts of over 1.11 crore beneficiaries under Bihar Social Security Pension Schemes, through Direct Benefit Transfer. Earlier, on Thursday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his satisfaction after social security beneficiaries thanked him for increasing their pension amount from 400 to 1,100 per month. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying they would no longer have to rely on financial help, thanks to the increased pension. In a post on X, CM Nitish Kumar said, "Today, I read the reactions of several people in the Hindustan newspaper, including Sushila Devi ji from Bakhtiyarpur, Lakshmi Devi ji from Chandwari in Mokama, Bandi Khatoon ji from Paliganj, Mahendra Prasad ji from Taregana Dih in Masaurhi, and Bhatt Kumar and his wife Geeta Kumari from Dinara in Bikram block. They all say that the increase in the pension amount will easily cover their monthly expenses, and now they won't have to stretch out their hands before anyone. This is a matter of great satisfaction." The increased pension amount is part of the state's social security pension schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojana, the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, and the Lakshmibai Social Security Pension Scheme. The government aims to provide financial support to vulnerable sections of society, ensuring their dignity and well-being. "Yesterday was a day of great joy for a large population of the state. You know that the social security pension amount has been increased from 400 rupees to 1100 rupees, and yesterday, through D.B.T., an amount of 1227.27 crore rupees was transferred at the increased rate to the accounts of more than 1 crore 11 lakh beneficiaries in the state," Kumar posted on X. "We want all of you to remain healthy and happy, and that is why I have instructed the Health Department to ensure that all of you are provided with the Ayushman Bharat card so that, in case of illness, you can receive proper treatment free of cost. The elderly, widowed women, and differently-abled individuals are an important part of society, and we are continuously working to improve their lives," said the Bihar CM. The initiative, implemented on June 21, saw 1,227.27 crore transferred to beneficiaries' accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on July 9. On July 11, Kumar was supposed to transfer 1,227.27 crores to over 1.11 crore beneficiaries under six social security pension schemes via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday flagged off the Kalash Yatra for the Jalabhishek of the idol of Lord Surya in Kushinagar district from his official residence in Dehradun. As part of the initiative, water from around 151 sacred rivers across the country is being collected for the Jalabhishek of the Surya idol in Kushinagar. The Kalash Yatra, flagged off by the Chief Minister, includes water gathered from the holy rivers of Uttarakhand. Mahamandaleshwar 1008 Swami Santoshanand Dev Maharaj, President of the Purvanchal Mahotsav Samiti Vinay Rai, along with other committee members, were present during the flagging-off ceremony. Earlier on Thursday, in view of the Kanwar Yatra, the Uttarakhand government launched 'Operation Kalanemi' to take action against imposters who are hurting religious sentiments and duping people in the name of 'Sanatan Dharma'. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that many such cases have come to light in the state where anti-social elements are cheating people, especially women, by disguising themselves as seers. This, he said, is not only hurting the religious sentiments of the people, but also harming the image of social harmony and Sanatan tradition. In such a situation, if a person of any religion is found doing such acts, then strict action will be ensured against him, he added. Chief Minister referenced the mythological asura Kalanemi stating that just like the demon had attempted to mislead by disguising himself as a saint, similarly, many "Kalanemis" are active in society today who are committing crimes in religious guise. Dhami further said that his government is fully committed to protecting public sentiments, the dignity of Sanatan culture and maintaining social harmony. Those who spread hypocrisy in the name of faith will not be spared under any circumstances, he said. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday described his visit to the national capital as "fruitful" on irrigation issues. Shivakumar, responding to the media queries at Kempegowda International Airport, said, "During the Delhi trip, I met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and discussed the notification regarding the Krishna Tribunal verdict and the appraisal report of the Mekedatu project. I met Forest Minister Bhupendra Yadav and discussed the Kalasa Banduri issue. I also spoke to Prahlad Joshi on this issue. He has suggested a compromise between the two states. We have approached the Supreme Court, and there are some technicalities in this matter. The Goans said that it is not right for us to have a show cause notice, and we have discussed it with legal experts." Shivakumar said that the Karnataka government has submitted request for new projects. "In addition, we have submitted a request for new projects. During the Parliament session, we will go to Delhi again, discuss it with the state MPs and request them to impose pressure together." When asked about the opposition to the construction of a dam in Lakkenahalli in connection with the Yettinahole project, he said, "No matter what project you do, including roads and dams, there will be opposition. Drinking water must be supplied. This water must be stored everywhere. We had thought that not only Lakkenahalli, but also some areas in the Koratagere area should be used. It is impossible to say how the water will flow. This issue will be discussed with Parameshwar and discussed in the next cabinet." DK Shivakumar denied that the too and fro with the party high command in Delhi had anything to do with a possible change in the state leadership. "What political discussions took place? There was a discussion about giving some status to our workers. All the MLAs have submitted their opinions. Those who have worked hard in the party organization at the taluk and district levels and some others should be given status as per the promise we made. This has reached the final stage. The proposal for this will be sent to Delhi again and permission will be sought." DK Shivakumar refused to get into the issue of party leadership signalling that he had accepted the decision of the party bosses. "I am the party's state president. I will do whatever the party says. I was busy yesterday. In the meantime, I saw the Chief Minister's statement. He himself has answered your questions. After he has answered, it is not appropriate for us to discuss that issue again. It is also not appropriate for you to ask questions on that issue again," he said "Many of you also have many desires. I will not comment on this issue. There is no need for that. Whoever has spoken has answered all the questions. For now, I will not give any answer," he added. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Basavaraj Bommai on Friday asked the Congress high command to clarify whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will remain in power for five years. He said the ongoing drama will continue as long as the Congress high command does not give clarity. Responding to a question about Siddaramaiah's remarks that he would be the CM for five years, during a press conference, Bommai said that as many times as Siddaramaiah says that he will remain for five years, the question about his continuation arises. "Whoever can speak on this issue is silent," the former Karnataka Chief Minister said, adding, "Even if Siddaramaiah continues, that is all. The administration should not be allowed to deteriorate." Casting doubts over the claims made by CM and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Bommai said, "Some people are saying that he will not stay for five years. Who should give the final verdict on this? Why has the high command not said that he will continue? No one is ready to believe what the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister say, the high command demanded that it should clarify this." Flagging the issue of non-payment to contractual employees in the state government, Bommai said that the Karnataka government does not have money to pay salaries to contract employees. He added that outsourced employees in various departments, including the Health Department, are being paid one month's salary once every three to four months. The former Chief Minister further demanded that the state government supply seeds and fertilisers, given the increasing demand for urea fertiliser. "Due to good pre-monsoon and monsoon rains in the state, sowing has been done in large quantities. There is a demand for urea fertiliser. Fertiliser is not being supplied. There is a huge need for urea. It is the duty of the Agriculture Department to supply seeds and fertilisers as per the demand of the farmers. The Agriculture Department is working without any forethought," Bommai said. After making it clear recently that 'I will continue as the CM for five years', Siddaramaiah yet again dismissed speculation about a change in the state's leadership, asserting that there has been no discussion with the Congress high command about the change. "How many times do I tell you, it (speculations around Karnataka CM post) was not discussed at all? This issue was not discussed at all with the high command," Siddaramaiah said on Friday. Siddramaiah, who is in Delhi, met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge along with other senior party leaders on Thursday, fanning the speculation over a possible CM change in Karnataka. (ANI)
The Commissionerate Police has arrested an accused, identified as Vikramjit Singh, in an encounter in the Thana Gate Hakima area on Friday. During the exchange of fire, Singh sustained bullet injuries and was hospitalised for treatment. According to police, a case has been registered against Singh under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Two pistols, a Glock and a 30-bore pistol, were recovered from the accused's possession at the scene. The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter and probing the accused's criminal record. Security arrangements have been strengthened in the area to prevent any untoward incident. Further details are awaited as the investigation unfolds. Earlier on Thursday, the Amritsar corporation had demolished the house of notorious drug smuggler Saurabh Pratap, alias Sunny, in the Kot Khalsa area. While speaking to ANI, Amritsar City Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar stated that the demolition is part of the ongoing efforts to take action against properties built with ill-got gains. Commissioner Bhullar said, "... Today, we are in the Kot Khalsa area. The Amritsar corporation has ordered the demolition. Notorious drug smuggler Saurabh Pratap, alias Sunny, built the house in the Kot Khalsa area. The demolition is underway. If someone makes a property with drug money, then law will take action. This is the 10th demolition by the Amritsar Police Commissionerate..." Earlier, following the detection of drone activity along the India-Pakistan border in Amritsar late last night, the Border Security Force (BSF) launched a swift and thorough search operation, leading to the recovery of arms suspected to have been dropped from across the border. The recovered weapon was wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, indicating it was deliberately packaged for smuggling. Additionally, three illuminating strips with a metal ring and an empty plastic bottle were also found attached, likely used to facilitate aerial dropping and visibility in the dark. According to Punjab Frontier, Border Security Force, "At about 01:15 am, the operation resulted in the recovery of 01 pistol with a magazine from a farming field adjacent to village- Daoke. The weapon was wrapped in yellow adhesive tape and 03 illuminating strips with a metal ring and an empty plastic bottle was also found attached to it. Quick response and diligent efforts of alert BSF troops successfully thwarted the terror plan of cross border Pakistani arms syndicate." The Border Security Force (BSF) launched a search operation in a suspected border area of Tarn Taran district on the intervening night of July 4-5, 2025, which led to the recovery of one packet of suspected heroin weighing approximately 574 grams, the BSF said on Saturday. According to a release, the heroin, wrapped in yellow colour adhesive tape, also had two illuminating sticks and an iron ring attached. It said that the recovery took place from a farming field adjacent to the Rajoke village in Tarn Taran district."Swift action of BSF troops thwarted yet another nefarious attempt of narcotics smuggling from across the border," the BSF added. (ANI)
All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision asking the Election Commission (EC) to consider Aadhar, EPIC and Ration cards as Identification proof amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, and hoped for the 1995 precedent on Babu Lal Hussein case to be followed in "letter and spirit." "Bihar Election 'Intensive Revision': The Supreme Court ordered that, in addition to 11 documents listed by the Election Commission of India, three more should be considered: Aadhaar, EPIC & Ration Cards. This is a welcome order, and we hope that the precedent set in the 1995 judgement of the Babu Lal Hussein case is followed in letter and spirit. AIMIM Bihar President Akhtarul Iman had also challenged the ECI's SIR before the Supreme Court & was represented by Advocate Nizam Pasha," Owaisi posed on X. Accusing the "Election Commission sources" of misinterpreting SC's order, he criticised the reports quoting them, which claimed that the constitutional body accepts Aadhar as per page 16 of the Special Intensive Revision, while also informing about the EPIC number being "pre-printed" on the enumeration forms being meted out. He said that the apex court asking the Election Commission to include three additional documents was meant for dealing with the verification of voters and was not for mere record-keeping. "These Election Commission 'sources' are deliberately misinterpreting the order of the SC. The SC's order is saying that these three should be considered for the purposes of date/place of birth, in addition to the 11 documents referred to by the ECI. It's not for formality's sake or for record-keeping, but when dealing with verification of voters," Owaisi said. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday stated that the Election Commission of India's (ECI) "spin" on "no stay" being given has been clearly "exposed" by the Supreme Court. Ramesh posted a picture of the order on X, stating that Page 7 of the order clearly indicated that no stay was requested by any of the petitioners. He said that deliberately "misleading" headline management does not befit a constitutional authority. On Thursday, the Supreme Court allowed the Election Commission to continue with its exercise of conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi did not stay the SIR process but asked the ECI to consider allowing Aadhaar, ration cards, and electoral photo identity cards as admissible documents to prove voter identity during the SIR of electoral rolls being undertaken in Bihar. "We are of the prima facie opinion that in the interest of justice, the Election Commission will also include documents like Aadhaar, Ration Card, Voter ID card, etc. It is for the ECI to decide whether it wants to accept the documents or not, and if it does not, then provide reasons for its decision, which shall be sufficient to satisfy the petitioners. Meanwhile, petitioners are not pressing for an interim stay," the bench stated in its order. In its order, the top court noted that the timeline for the process is very short since elections in Bihar are due in November. The apex court posted for hearing on July 28 the pleas challenging ECI's move to conduct SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar and asked the poll panel to file its affidavit within one week. During the hearing, the bench opined that Aadhaar should be included within the list of documents permissible as an ID proof. The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas challenging the Election Commission of India's move to conduct the SIR of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. The petitions challenging the ECI decision were filed by RJD MP Manoj Jha, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), PUCL, activist Yogendra Yadav, Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, and former Bihar MLA Mujahid Alam. The petitions sought a direction to quash the ECI's June 24 directive, which requires large sections of voters in Bihar to submit proof of citizenship to remain on the electoral rolls. The petition also raised concerns over the exclusion of widely held documents like Aadhaar and ration cards, stating that this would disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised voters, especially in rural Bihar. (ANI)
The Karnataka government is making strides in establishing a defence corridor in the state, with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responding positively to the proposal. Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet soon to discuss the project, which will cover two regions: Hubballi-Dharwad-Belgaum-Vijayapura in North Karnataka and Bengaluru Rural-Kolar-Chikkaballapur in South Karnataka. MB Patil said, "Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has responded positively to our request to sanction defence corridors for Hubballi-Dharwad-Belgaum-Vijayapura in North Karnataka and Bengaluru Rural-Kolar-Chikkaballapur in South Karnataka. We will also meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard as soon as possible. After that, the matter will come before the Union Cabinet". The proposed defence corridor aims to capitalise on the growing demand for deep-tech-based industries like defence, aerospace, and AI. Patil emphasised that the global political situation and conflicts will drive demand for these industries over the next 20 years, presenting an opportunity for Karnataka to tap into this growth. In his statement, he said, "Due to the Israel-Iran, Russia-Ukraine conflict and changes in the global political situation, there will be a demand for deep-tech-based industries like defence industry, aerospace, semiconductor, AI, etc., in the next 20 years. Nvidia has emerged as the first company to register a turnover of 4 trillion dollars in this sector. We need to prepare Karnataka to utilise this as an opportunity". The government is working on acquiring land for a high-tech defence and aerospace park near Devanahalli, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah set to hold a meeting on July 15 to address farmers concerns. Patil stressed the importance of providing proper compensation to farmers whose land may be acquired for the project. He added, "Land is needed for the establishment of a high-tech defence and aerospace park near Devanahalli. However, farmers are expressing opposition to land acquisition. In this regard, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called a meeting for the 15th. Our concern is that if the government acquires any land, proper compensation should be given to the farmers, as they are also our stakeholders." Patil will meet the Civil Aviation Minister in Delhi next week to discuss the construction of a second international airport in Bengaluru. He further said, "We will go to Delhi next week to meet the Civil Aviation Minister and hold talks regarding the construction of a second international airport in Bengaluru. The minister said that the development of new airports in Noida and Navi Mumbai will be observed in detail, and an appropriate decision will be taken in this regard." Patil dismissed speculation about vacancies in the Chief Minister and KPCC president positions, emphasizing that the high command's word is final in the Congress party. He said, "Currently, neither the post of Chief Minister nor the post of KPCC president is vacant in the state. Therefore, there is no need for anyone to talk about this. The high command is supreme in the Congress, Patil said, on the same occasion, that his word is final. We have no confusion." On Tuesday, responding to a media query at his residence, the minister had said, "Karnataka contributes 65% to the country's aerospace and defence sector and holds the top rank nationally. Globally, our aerospace-defence ecosystem is ranked third. The state is home to major players such as HAL, Safran, Boeing, Airbus, Collins, and Lockheed Martin. We already have an aerospace park adjacent to the Devanahalli airport. To strengthen our position further, the government now proposes another aerospace and defence park nearby. Farmers who lose their land will be compensated under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013". "As the country's leading contributor to the aerospace and defence sector, Karnataka deserves two defence corridors--one in the Kolar-Chikkaballapura region and the other in the Hubballi-Belagavi belt. We need one corridor each in South and North Karnataka. Leading companies such as Aequs already have units in Belagavi," he noted. (ANI)
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday lambasted the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the centre, accusing it of "dividing" people during the 'Samvidhan Bachao' rally and urged the youth to "wake up" and protect the Constitution to save themselves. "I urge the youth to wake up, rise and protect the Constitution. Only then will you be safe. BJP is dividing society and religion. They want to divide us," Kharge said while addressing the gathering at the Samvidhan Bachao rally here. He further criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP for making statements against the "poor" in the country and the Indian Constitution. The Congress chief argued that the ruling party doesn't even follow the writings of its own Constitution. "Recently, I heard that the BJP wants to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution, even when their party's Constitution mentions it. In 1980, they wrote their Constitution and said that they would follow everything that is written in the Indian Constitution. But do they do it? Everywhere, RSS and BJP make statements against the poor and the Constitution," Kharge said. The remarks made by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale last month, demanding that the inclusion of the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution be reconsidered, sparked massive outrage in the political sphere, with opposition parties and leaders registering their objections. On June 26, addressing a program on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, RSS General Secretary Hosabale said that during the Emergency, terms like "Socialism" and "Secularism" were forcibly inserted into the Constitution, a move that needs to be reconsidered today. He emphasised that the Emergency wasn't just a misuse of power, but an attempt to crush civil liberties. Millions were imprisoned, and freedom of the press was suppressed. He said that those who imposed the Emergency and trampled the Constitution and democracy have never apologised. If they cannot apologise personally, they should do so on behalf of their ancestors. Hosabale was speaking at an event held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, jointly organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (under the Ministry of Culture) and Ambedkar International Centre. (ANI)
This annual high-tempo operation aims to provide a robust security architecture along both the Northern and Southern Yatra routes, particularly in light of the heightened threat from Pakistan-backed proxies in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

As part of this year's enhanced security framework, over 8,500 troops have been deployed, supported by a wide array of technological and operational resources. A dynamic counter-terrorism grid, prophylactic security deployment, and corridor protection measures have been instituted. Comprehensive assistance to civil authorities is also being provided, particularly in disaster management and emergency response.

The Indian Army's efforts include the installation of a Counter-UAS grid with more than 50 C-UAS and EW systems each to neutralise drone threats. "Regular UAV missions and live monitoring of Yatra routes and the Holy Cave. Engineer task forces for bridge construction, track widening, and disaster mitigation," an official release read.

The Indian Army has arranged more than 150 doctors and medical personnel, with two Advanced Dressing Stations, nine Medical Aid Posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths supported by 2,00,000 litres of oxygen.

"Signal companies for seamless communication, EME detachments for technical support, and Bomb Detection & Disposal Squads. Emergency rations for 25,000 persons, QRTs, tent cities, water points, and plant equipment, including bulldozers and excavators," the release informed about the deployments by the Indian Army.

Indian Army helicopters remain on standby for any contingency response.

The Indian Army is harnessing advanced technology to ensure a robust security framework during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. By implementing live tracking of Yatra convoys between Jammu and the Holy Cave, the Army is maintaining constant situational awareness through high-resolution PTZ cameras and drone feeds.

Real-time updates on convoy movement are being monitored to pre-empt any threats, while seamless multi-agency coordination ensures swift response and effective security management across the entire route.

Operation SHIVA 2025 reflects the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling Yatra for all devotees undertaking the sacred pilgrimage. (ANI)
Pawar wrote to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, highlighting the growing problem of poor-quality raisins being smuggled into India and evading import duties and taxes.

The influx of cheap, substandard raisins has led to a drastic drop in the prices of domestically produced raisins by nearly 100-150 per kilogram, causing major financial distress to grape farmers. The illegal imports are resulting in significant tax evasion, leading to losses in government revenue.

Pawar has urged the Centre to take urgent corrective measures. He has called for strict action to halt the illegal import and sale of these raisins. Pawar recommended strengthening quality checks and tax collection mechanisms at ports, airports, and marketplaces to ensure proper inspection and compliance.

In his letter, he requested the government to take steps to stabilise raisin prices during the peak season and protect farmers from further losses.

The issue was brought to Pawar's attention by the Maharashtra State Grape Growers' Association, which recently met with him to raise concerns about the impact of these imports on the local farming community. (ANI)
BJP National President JP Nadda, on Friday accepted the resignation of Telangana MLA T Raja Singh from the party with immediate effect. According to a letter by Arun Singh, the BJP's national general secretary, Singh's resignation was accepted as per the direction of party president JP Nadda. The letter stated that the contents of Singh's resignation letter were "irrelevant" and did not align with the party's functioning, ideology, and principles. "The contents mentioned by you are irrelevant and do not match the functioning, ideology and principles of the party": the letter stated. Earlier, after resigning from the BJP over reports that Ramchander Rao is set to be appointed as the new BJP state president for Telangana, MLA T Raja Singh refused Rao's elevation and said that the party leaders and booth-level workers need a state chief who is aggressive and talks about Hindutva. Speaking to ANI, Raja Singh said, "I always keep telling the party that the BJP can form a government in Telangana. Today, the party workers, booth-level workers, are working for the party. However, when it comes to the declaration of the state BJP president, the party should consider what kind of person should be appointed as the state president." "I have been consistently advocating for a discussion within the party, from booth-level to party leaders, on the selection of the state party president. We need a state unit president who is aggressive. The people of Telangana, in particular, like those who talk about Hindutva," Singh added. Furthermore, T. Raja Singh stated that he feels suffocated in the party and can no longer tolerate injustice. However, he emphasised that even after resigning from the party, he would remain a supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "For how long can I tolerate this injustice?...Humara bhi dum ghut raha hai party mein...Whether or not I stay in the BJP, I will remain a supporter of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji and Yogi ji....The party workers have been demanding a state party president who talks about Hindutva," he said."This is my personal decision. I cannot continue to tolerate injustice. Some people, by misusing their powers, are ruining the party in the state, and I cannot stand witness to this happening," Raja Singh added. In his resignation letter addressed to G. Kishan Reddy, President of the BJP Telangana unit, Raja Singh stated that at a time when the BJP stands on the threshold of forming its first government in Telangana, the choice of Ramchander Rao as the State President raises serious doubts about the direction the party is heading. "There are many capable senior leaders, MLAs, and MPs within our state who have tirelessly worked for the growth of the BJP and who have the strength, credibility, and connection to lead the party forward. Unfortunately, it appears that some individuals, driven by personal interests, have misled the central leadership and taken decisions by running the show from behind the curtain," he said in his letter. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday returned from a tour of flood-ravaged Mandi district and announced that the state has suffered losses worth Rs 800 crore due to the ongoing monsoon devastation. CM Sukhu urge the Centre to release a special disaster relief package immediately. Speaking to the media after chairing a high-level meeting with the Revenue Department in Shimla, the Chief Minister urged the BJP MPs from Himachal Pradesh to seek central support for the disaster-hit state. "We are not visiting disaster-hit regions for political mileage. I went to Mandi because I heard about food shortages in some election-bound areas. I visited homes personally and ensured that ration was delivered by helicopter on the very first day," CM Sukhu said. The Himachal CM asserted that his government acted swiftly in response to the natural calamity. "Soon after receiving inputs, our Cabinet held a meeting and deployed ministers to assess the damage. PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh supervised the opening of roads and the restoration of drinking water. Nearly 200 JCB machines have been deployed," he said. He announced that roads in flood-hit areas had been opened up on a priority basis, but added that full restoration would take time and funds. "Today we approved Rs five lakh offline tenders for emergency repair works in affected areas so that projects are not delayed due to online procedural bottlenecks," he said. CM Sukhu said so far, there have been Rs 800 cr damages, and he has demanded central assistance. "We have not yet received any special relief package from the Centre for this year's disaster. I will go to Delhi and request the Prime Minister and other leaders to help us. BJP has four Lok Sabha and three Rajya Sabha MPs from Himachal. I request them to support us in securing central aid," he said. Sukhu said that the annual disaster management grant, released to all states in two instalments, was being wrongly projected by the BJP as special assistance. "The July instalment under the Disaster Response Fund is routine and was released as scheduled. No additional grant has been approved yet for the current crisis," he clarified. The Himachal CM also said that his government is drafting a law to regulate construction in climate-sensitive zones, including riverbanks and areas prone to cloudbursts. "Most houses were built decades ago when there were no extreme weather events or cloudbursts. Times have changed. We are preparing legislation to prohibit construction within 10 to 50 meters of riverbanks," CM Sukhu added. CM Sukhu also announced landmark Revenue reforms where an online registry was rolled out in 10 districts. In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister declared that the state government had taken a "historic decision in the revenue history of Himachal Pradesh" by rolling out paperless land registration under the 'My Deed On' project in 10 districts. "For the first time, we constituted a committee under the Revenue Minister to reform outdated systems. The old methods need to change. This is the era of technology, and we want to bring transparency and ease to land registration," CM Sukhu added. The new system enables citizens to avoid repeated visits to the tehsil offices. "People will now be able to do paperless registration at a single counter and eventually from home. One slot will be allocated, and that's all the time a citizen needs to spare," he explained. He said that the Patwari Reports and Mutation will also be made available online. The CM further stated that the initiative would include the digitisation of Patwari daily reports and land mutations. "People will no longer have to suffer from mutation procedures. We are digitising the entire revenue system. Mutation will also go online soon," he said. A unique 'Bhu Aadhaar' number will be assigned to landowners and linked with Aadhaar for verification. "A single-digit personal land number will be generated and Aadhaar integration will help families access all revenue records," the CM said. Out of 21,000 villages, digitised maps have been uploaded in 90 per cent of cases. The state has generated 1.44 crore unique land parcel IDs and linked 83 per cent of landowners and 71 per cent of land accounts with Aadhaar. "We are bringing massive revenue reforms. This will directly benefit the people in the coming time," CM Sukhu added. He said that the disaster compensation package will be presented to the cabinet. The Chief Minister said a comprehensive disaster relief package is being prepared for Cabinet approval. "I've directed the Revenue Minister to present the draft of the relief package in the next Cabinet meeting. We will compensate for loss of livestock, homes, utensils, and agricultural land," CM Sukhu announced. He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting affected families regardless of the type of loss. "Even if someone has lost their livelihood, we will help. We are not here to blame anyone. We will work together to restore normalcy," he added. "If someone is missing with very little chance of survival, we will now classify them differently to enable quicker relief disbursal to their families," Sukhu said, adding that rescue operations have been intensified. (ANI)
After Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of doing "chunav chori (election theft)" in Bihar, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday took a dig at the latter and said that Rahul's situation today is akin to the saying, "blaming the stage for not knowing how to dance." In a post on X, Pradhan dismissed Congress' "Sanvidhan Bachao" rally in Odisha, calling it an examply of "political tourism". "The 'Sanvidhan Bachao' rally organised by Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was, in reality, yet another political tourism stunt by the Congress prince," he said. https://x.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1943613028655677689 "This is not about "saving the constitution" but rather about saving Rahul Gandhi and Congress. The unwavering trust of the people in the public-welfare-oriented BJP government in Odisha is troubling the Congress. Congress has no presence or existence in Odisha; the poor, Dalits, tribals, farmers, and labourers of Odisha rejected Congress decades ago. In such a scenario, Rahul Gandhi's talk about the welfare of Odisha's poor is nothing but deception," Dharmendra Pradhan said. The Union Minister alleged that the history of Congress has always been one of neglecting the rights of the poor and marginalised sections. "The funds sent from Delhi by Congress governments were either looted by middlemen or diverted to their favoured vote banks at the expense of the rights of SC, ST, and backwards communities. To put it plainly, the rights of the poor and the land of tribals are secure only as long as Congress is not in power," Pradhan said. Criticising the Congress leadership for blaming democratic institutions, Pradhan said, "Congress has faced crushing defeats in states like Maharashtra and Haryana, after which Rahul Gandhi and Kharge are blaming the Election Commission and democratic institutions for their losses. It is astonishing that the Congress party, which once throttled democracy and trampled the constitution by imposing an Emergency on the country, is now preaching about saving the constitution." "Rahul Gandhi's situation today is akin to the saying, 'Naach na jaane Angad tedha (blaming the stage for not knowing how to dance)." After repeated electoral defeats, and anticipating another loss in the upcoming Bihar elections, the Congress party has come up with a new gimmick of "vote theft." However, the people of Odisha and the nation have now recognized every trick and deceit of Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Going forward, the public will continue to give a befitting reply to such anti-people and anti-constitution elements in every election." Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh in Bhubaneswar, levelled strong allegations against the Election Commission of India. Rahul Gandhi said that ECI is "working as a BJP wing" and alleged that similar attempts to "steal election" are being made in Bihar just like they were made in Maharashtra. "BJP is attacking the constitution. Yesterday I was in Bihar. Just like 'chunav chori' was done in Maharashtra, similar attempts are being made to do "chunav chori" in Bihar. EC has hatched a new conspiracy for 'chunav chori'. EC is working as a BJP wing, it is not doing its own job," Rahul Gandhi said. (ANI)
The Indian Coast Guard has launched a nationwide awareness campaign from July 14 to July 20 to attract young recruits, highlighting the diverse and challenging career opportunities it offers. Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, held a press conference with Indian Coast Guard officials on Friday to announce the launch of an awareness campaign in educational institutions across Jharkhand. During the press conference, MoS Seth informed that the campaign is a result of the huge enthusiasm among the youth to join the forces after Operation Sindoor. He emphasised that the Indian Coast Guard is taking this opportunity to motivate the young generation to join the uniformed forces through proper channels. Operation Sindoor was launched after the Pahalgam terror attack to give a "befitting reply" to Pakistan for their terror-related activities. Indian Armed Forces destroyed nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in air strikes on May 7. Following Pakistan's retaliation, Indian Armed Forces significantly damaged their air force bases on the intervening night of May 9th and 10th, including the Nur Khan base. Later, a cessation of hostilities was agreed upon by the DGMOs of both countries. DIG and Principal Director of Recruitment, KL Arun, was present at the press conference and provided details about the campaign. DIG Arun said that the forms are available on the Indian Coast Guard website in the joining section. He also explained the criteria for joining the force. The joining process is underway for different categories, including officers. A 10 per cent reservation will be given to Agniveers who join after their tenure as Agniveers. DIG Arun further stated that a team from the Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi will visit various schools and colleges in Ranchi to raise awareness among students about joining the Indian Coast Guard. The campaign will feature interactive presentations, lasting approximately 30 minutes, that will provide students with information about the Indian Coast Guard and the various career options available within it. Students from Class 9 and above in schools, as well as all students in colleges, will be encouraged to participate in the program. Arun also explained the criteria for joining the force and informed that application forms are available on the Indian Coast Guard website. He added that 10% reservation will be given to Agniveers if they join after their tenure. Seth highlighted that the campaign aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to encourage more young people to join the defence sector and serve the nation. The Indian Coast Guard, a uniformed service established on February 1, 1977, operates under the Ministry of Defence and is responsible for protecting India's maritime interests, enforcing maritime laws, and conducting search and rescue operations. In a post on X, Minister Seth said, " The vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji is that a greater number of the country's youth join the defence sector and serve the nation. Under the leadership of Honourable Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh ji, the Ministry of Defence has taken steps in this direction. It is gratifying that a campaign is being launched in Ranchi by @IndiaCoastGuard. This campaign, running until July 20, will see the Coast Guard team visiting various schools and colleges in Ranchi to raise awareness among students about joining the Coast Guard. Through this campaign initiated for students and youth, our young people will be able to closely know and understand the Coast Guard." Another post on X read, "At today's press conference, while providing information about this campaign, DIG and Principal Director of Recruitment India Coast Guard, Shri KL Arun, stated that under this initiative, an interactive presentation of approximately 30 minutes will be given to school and college students, through which information about the Indian Coast Guard and the career options available within it will be shared via a PowerPoint presentation." The Indian Coast Guard, a uniformed service, was established on February 1, 1977, and was enacted as an armed force of the Union under the Coast Guard Act, 1978. This force operates under the Ministry of Defence. KL Arun said that its responsibilities are extremely extensive and significant, including the protection of India's maritime interests, the enforcement of maritime laws, coastal security, search and rescue operations, marine environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement. The main objective of this campaign is to present the Indian Coast Guard as an attractive career option among students. During the campaign, a team from the Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi will directly interact with students, enabling them to gain firsthand knowledge about the lifestyle and challenges of this service. In the context of schools, students from Class 9 and above will be included in this program. Meanwhile, in colleges, all students will be encouraged to participate in it." (ANI)
Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.), along with the First Lady of the State, Anagha Parnaik interacted with members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across the State during a special event held at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on Friday. According to the Press release from the Raj Bhawan, the Governor and the First Lady of the State visited exhibitions set up by various SHGs. They were deeply impressed by the rich display of traditional craftsmanship, organic produce, and innovative products. As a gesture of encouragement, they made purchases of various products displayed by SHGs, reinforcing the message that every purchase can empower a rural woman entrepreneur. These products would be distributed to poor people in the districts. Organised by Raj Bhavan in collaboration with the Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission under the Department of Rural Development, the event served as a platform to celebrate the spirit of 'Lakhpati Didis', women who are transforming their lives and communities through enterprise, resilience, and vision. In his address, the Governor emphasized the need for dedicated SHG Product Marketing Hubs in key towns including Itanagar, Ziro, Tezu, Pasighat, Namsai, Aalo, Bomdila, and Tawang. He said that the Government can provide the infrastructure, but the leadership and ownership must come from the SHGs. "The hubs must become vibrant SHG Bazaars, windows into the creativity and strength of our rural women," he said, as per the release. The Governor, who has been interacting with SHGs during district tours, encouraged them to dream big, start small, and scale fast. He asked them to embrace technology, improve packaging and branding, learn digital marketing, and take Arunachal's products from local to global. The Governor inspired the women to be proud entrepreneurs, urging them to register their ventures, build group brands, and actively participate in exhibitions across the State and the country. Highlighting the importance of innovation rooted in tradition, he encouraged them to make the best use of local resources, like bamboo, wild fruits, herbs, recycled materials, and textiles, blending traditional knowledge with modern techniques. He envisioned the rise of a strong 'Made in Arunachal' identity. The Governor advised the SHGs to coordinate with cooperative societies to identify markets within and outside the State. He assured the provision of working offices and market areas in districts, with assistance from the Deputy Commissioners and the administration. The Governor also called upon SHGs to the 'Train the Trainers' initiative to build a cadre of Master Didis who can mentor other SHGs in essential skills like business management, accounting, hygiene, packaging, and customer service. He encouraged them to document their journeys, stories of struggle, growth, and success to inspire others and contribute to a proposed 'Voices of Change' series, which would capture the spirit of grassroots development in Arunachal. Recognising that most SHG members are mothers, the Governor called on them to play an active role in society, especially in combating drug abuse and tuberculosis, promoting hygiene and sanitation, and ensuring every child completes their basic education. Responding to the concerns and suggestions raised by SHG members, the Governor assured them of his support. He said he would recommend to the State Government measures such as strengthening transport services, encouraging CSR contributions from business houses, and facilitating product outlets at airports and in metropolitan markets to promote SHG products and expand their reach. The Governor affirmed that the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower two crore Lakhpati Didis is already taking shape in Arunachal Pradesh. He said that "Self-Help groups of Arunachal Pradesh are the living proof that this transformation is real, women creating wealth with dignity, driving economic change from the grassroots, and laying the foundation for a Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat" Reassuring the women of continued support, the Governor said that Raj Bhavan is not just a seat of governance; it is your partner, your friend. We will listen to you, support your dreams, and celebrate your achievements, he said. The Governor felicitated the Mete Dene Cluster Level Federation from Sagalee, Papum Pare District, Namker Kiyer Mother's Kitchen Unit from Sangram, Kurung Kumey District, and Engo Koje SHG from Pasighat, East Siang District, the Self-Help Groups, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in their work on the special occasion. Earlier in the programme, Sonal Swaroop, Secretary, Department of Rural Development, briefed the gathering about the Lakhpati Didi initiative. The event witnessed participation from 69 Self-Help Groups across 22 districts, from Tawang to Longding. Commissioner (Agriculture Production) Vivek Pandey, Commissioner to Governor, Pawan Kumar Sain, and CEO, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission, Sangeeta Yirang, were present amongst others in the programme. The Governor and the First Lady of the State hosted a High Tea celebrating the spirit of women-led development. (ANI)
With 14 more days left before the last date of collection of Enumeration Forms, over 74 per cent of the 7,89,69,844 (nearly 7.90 crore) electors in Bihar have already submitted their forms, a press release from Election Commission (ECI) of India said. In the second phase of SIR, BLOs are going house-to-house to assist the electors and collect their filled Enumeration Forms. As per the ECI, field-level functionaries, including 38 DEOs, EROs covering all 243 Assembly Constituencies, and 963 AEROs, are regularly supervising the progress of SIR. Digitisation and uploading of Enumeration Forms are progressing smoothly. In line with Para 3(h) of the SIR guidelines, BLOs have successfully digitised and uploaded 3.73 crores Enumeration Forms through the BLO App/ECINet, out of the total Enumeration Forms collected by them so far. Today, a new module has been implemented in ECINet for the verification of the uploaded forms by the AERO/EROS. As of 6.00 pm today, 5,87,49,463 Enumeration Forms, which is 74.39 per cent of the total forms, have been collected in the last 17 days, since the issue of SIR instructions on June 24, 2025. Enumeration Forms can be submitted before July 25, 2025. According to ECI, 77,895 BLOs, along with the 20,603 newly appointed BLOs and other election officials, are working tirelessly to complete the exercise in time. Over 4 lakh volunteers are also supporting the elderly, PwD, sick and vulnerable populations, along with the 1.56-lakh proactive force of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) who have been appointed by all recognised political parties, resulting in the collection of 74.39 per cent of Enumeration Forms. Earlier, a press release from Election Commission of India said that active participation of Bihar electors in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and tireless efforts of 77,895 BLOs along with the 20,603 newly appointed BLOs and other election officials, over 4 lakh volunteers who are supporting the elderly, PwD, sick and vulnerable populations along with the 1.56-lakh proactive force of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) who all recognised political parties have appointed, has resulted in the collection of 66.16 per cent Enumeration Forms. The electors still have 15 more days left to submit the form. By 6.00 PM on July 10, 5,22,44,956 Enumeration Forms, which is 66.16 per cent of the total of 7,89,69,844 (nearly 7.90 crore) existing electors in Bihar, have been collected in the last 16 days, since the issue of SIR instructions on June 24, 2025. Maintaining the same momentum on the field, the exercise of collecting the Enumeration Forms could be completed well before the stipulated date, i.e. July 25, 2025. (ANI)
The Madhya Pradesh Election Commission has directed all district collectors to conduct a physical verification of voter lists across the state due to irregularities found in the lists. A total of 779 addresses have been flagged, with over 50 voters registered to a single address. Speaking to ANI, Secretary of State Election Commission Abhishek Singh said that they continuously work on the updation of the voter lists and instructed the collector to verify the voter lists and fix the problem physically. "We are continuously preparing for the upcoming elections, which include making EVMs ready, running training programs, and working on rules and regulations. Similarly, we work on updating the voter lists. When we checked out our voter list this year, we observed that there are some addresses on which over 10 voters are registered. We further made bifurcation according to the number of voters as 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 and over 50 voters linked to a single address. We prepared the voter lists district-wise and then asked the district collectors to perform their physical verification," Singh said. "If there is an issue with the voter's address, correct it. If there are any other problems, address them as needed. Therefore, it is a matter of alertness and continuous work; there is no discrepancy. The voter list is being analysed in various ways so that there should not be any shortcomings during the time of election," he added. "The procedure of updating continues, and I have given special instructions after observing the issue. If any error appears, then the commission will act on it accordingly," he said. The commission discovered 617,998 addresses with over 10 voters, 49,928 addresses with over 20 voters, 6,151 addresses with over 30 voters, 1,373 locations with over 40 voters, and 779 addresses with over 50 voters. Meanwhile, MP Congress chief Jitu Patwari claimed a sudden increase of around 70,000 voters during the last two months of the 2023 assembly polls in his assembly constituency, adding that he complained, but nothing happened. "During the 2023 assembly elections, around 70,000 votes were increased in the last two months in my assembly constituency. I have complained about it to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the state election commission, the district election commission and even before the High Court. Despite various efforts, the number of voters remained unchanged. I can't say that my election result was affected by it, but the fact that over 1600 locations in the state have a huge number of voters in a single address shows that the BJP knows how to manipulate elections. The verification of the voter lists should be performed in the state," Patwari said. MP Minister Vishvas Sarang accused Congress of questioning the Election Commission's process only when they lose, suggesting they should focus on gaining public acceptance instead. "Congress puts a question mark on the process of the Election Commission when it keeps losing. If they win, everything is fine. They should go among the public, create their acceptance and then participate in the political activities. The Election Commission is an impartial institution and a constitutional body. The Election Commission has been conducting elections in this country with impartiality all the time. But Congress leaders try to put pressure on every agency by discouraging them, which reflects their losing mindset," MP Minister Sarang said. (ANI)
After the Maharashtra assembly cleared the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill of 2024, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday took a swipe against the ruling Mahayuti government, saying that the bill should be renamed as "BJP security bill". He further accused the ruling Mahayuti government of "misusing majority" while alerting that the government could "pick up" commoners and imprison them. "They can pick up anyone, including ordinary people, and imprison them. This bill is similar to previous acts like MESA and TADA. This bill should be called the 'BJP security bill' instead of the public security bill, as they believe speaking out against the BJP is tantamount to criticising the country. Currently, we don't support this bill," Thackeray, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, told reporters here. He flagged the issue of missing words like 'Naxalism' and 'terrorism' in the bare act, against which the government is supposed to take action. "They are misusing their majority rather than using it. It seems that the government says something and does something different. They say that the bill has been brought to end Naxalism and terrorism. However, the bill doesn't mention either Naxalism or terrorism. They have only mentioned 'left-wing extremist ideology' (or left-wing extremism)," Thackeray said. "We need to differentiate between left-wing ideology and right-wing ideology. Generally, we all (Sena, BJP) lean towards the right-wing since we believe in religion. However, our constitution mentions ideals like equality, social justice, and personal liberty. Even Modi had said, 'sabka sath sabka vikas'. Is this leftist thinking or right-wing? I can't make out the difference," he added. The Shiv Sena UBT chief stressed that the government includes specific words like "Naxalism" and "Terrorism" to make the bill clear. "I stand with the government if it is about fighting those who remain a threat to the country. However, it seems like you are bringing this bill inspired by a political agenda since there's no mention of Naxalism," Thackeray said. This comes after the Maharashtra Assembly passed the Special Public Security Bill on Thursday, aiming to counter radical left ideologies and organisations allegedly promoting unlawful activities across the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tabled the Bill in the Legislative Assembly. The bill, which was first introduced during the Winter Session in Nagpur in December 2024, returned to the House after a Joint Committee, led by BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule, reviewed over 12,000 suggestions for amendments. The Chief Minister said the new bill was designed to fill the legislative gap left by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which primarily deals with active terror activities but lacks scope in tackling ideological indoctrination and subversive movements. (ANI)
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the flight-test of indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM) 'Astra' equipped with indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker from Su-30 Mk-I platform off the coast of Odisha on Friday. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, during the tests, two launches were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges, target aspects and launch platform conditions. In both cases, the missiles destroyed the targets with pinpoint accuracy. During the tests, all subsystems performed as per expectations including the RF seeker which has been indigenously designed & developed by DRDO. The flawless performance of the Astra weapon system was validated through flight data captured by Range Tracking instruments deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. These successful flight tests have re-established the accuracy and reliable performance of Astra weapon system with indigenous seeker, the release emphasised. Astra BVRAAM has a range exceeding 100 kms and is equipped with an art guidance and navigation system. In addition to various laboratories of DRDO, more than 50 public and private industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, have contributed towards the successful realisation of the weapon system. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, IAF and industry involved in the design and development of the RF seeker and stated that the successful testing of the missile with an indigenous seeker is a major milestone in critical defence technology. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Samir V Kamat, congratulated all the teams involved during the successful flight test. Earlier this week, the Defence Research and Development Organisation developed a new, powerful howitzer, the Indigenous 155mm/52 Calibre Mounted Gun System, which can quickly shoot and move. The DRDO lab, Vehicle Research and Development Establishment, developed the MGS. The goal was to develop a fully indigenous system that could operate effectively in challenging terrain and engage enemy targets quickly and accurately. Speaking to ANI, Director VRDE G Ramamohana Rao said, "This is a 155mm/52 calibre gun. Such guns already exist, but they are towed separately and take time to deploy. Our MGS is different. It is quick, just 80 seconds to deploy and 85 seconds to move. It is fully made in India and can also be exported to other countries" High mobility Artillery was a technology gap that needed to be addressed, for which the Mounted Gun System (MGS) was a viable solution. Accordingly, VRDE has taken up a Technology Demonstrator Project, 'Design and Development of 155mm/52 calibre Mounted Gun System (MGS) based on ATAGS'. (ANI)
Retired Justice John Michael D'Cunha has submitted a report to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah related to the M Chinnaswamy stadium stampede in Bengaluru that claimed 11 lives and left over 50 people injured. Siddaramaiah said that the retired High Court judge D'Cunha submitted the report on the stampede in two volumes, whose recommendations would be discussed in the forthcoming cabinet meeting. "The retired High Court Justice submitted the report in two volumes related to the stampede. 11 people died due to the stampede. I had appointed a one-man Commission to enquire into the matter and give a report. Accordingly, Justice D'Cunha submitted the report," Siddaramaiah said. "It will be placed before the cabinet on July 17 and will be discussed, and a decision will be taken. I have not read the two volumes. I'll go through it and the cabinet will take its decision. Recommendations made by the commission will be discussed," he added. The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on Tuesday stated that it was the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who appear to be "prima facie responsible" for the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede that claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured. The quasi-judicial body stated that RCB didn't obtain permission from the police and posted about the gathering on social media platforms, which led to the assembly of approximately three to five lakh people. It said that police were not given sufficient time to make appropriate arrangements. "Prima facie, it appears that the RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) is responsible for the gathering of about three to five lakh people. The RCB did not take the appropriate permission or consent from the Police. Suddenly, they posted on social media platforms and as a result of the aforementioned information, the public gathered. Due to the time constraint on June 4, the Police were unable to make the necessary arrangements. Sufficient time was not given to the Police," the CAT observed. On June 4, eleven people died and more than 30 were injured in a stampede outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy stadium as a huge crowd of nearly 3 lakh people had gathered to witness the victory celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for winning the Indian Premier League (IPL). Following the incident, the Karnataka government suspended top police officials at the Cubbon Park Police Station on June 5 and formed a one-man commission under a retired High Court Judge to probe the incident. After announcing ex-gratia worth Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased, Siddaramaiah ordered an increase in the compensation amount for the families of those who died in the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede in Bengaluru to Rs 25 lakh each. (ANI)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another key conspirator wanted in the ISIS Pune sleeper module case, the agency said on Friday. Rizwan Ali alias Abu Salma alias Mola is the 11th accused to be arrested in the case and had carried a reward of Rs three lakh for information leading to his capture. The NIA Special Court had also issued a standing Non Bailable Warrant (NBW) against Rizwan, who was actively involved in promoting the terror activities of the designated foreign terror outfit, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). As part of the anti-India conspiracy of the ISIS, which is also known by various other names, NIA said, Rizwan had played an active role in the reconnaissance and recce of various locations for use as terrorist hideouts, according to the agency. "Rizwan was also involved in conducting firing classes and training in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)," said the NIA. Along with the 10 other accused already arrested and in judicial custody, Rizwan had conspired to commit a series of terror acts to destabilise the country and spread communal disharmony, said the agency. Besides Rizwan Ali, the other arrested sleeper cell members are identified as Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan, Shahnawaz Alam, Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan. All the accused have been chargesheeted by NIA under various sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC). NIA said it is continuing with its investigation in the case as part of its efforts to scuttle the ISIS or IS conspiracy to establish Islamic rule in the country through violence and terror, by waging a war against the Government of India. (ANI)
As part of the initiative of implementing the New Education Policy (NEP) being implemented in Assam, 18 students from Sivasagar Girls' College actively participated in a handloom and textile internship on Friday, stepping beyond traditional classrooms to gain hands-on experience. These students, primarily from the Assamese and History departments, have been undergoing practical training in weaving and garment-making for over two weeks at Juga Textile, a handloom unit near Sivasagar town. "A glimpse into tradition, progress, and the spirit of Assam--brought to life through the transformative implementation of NEP 2020, as students engage hands-on with the timeless art of weaving," the post read. "The training includes everything from basic yarn work to fabric design and production. For many of the students, this is their first time working on a loom -- learning intricate tasks like setting the warp, threading the yarn, designing motifs, and understanding the entire fabric production process," the statement read. This experiential learning not only boosts their confidence but also deepens their appreciation for Assam's rich handloom heritage. Alongside weaving, the students are also receiving structured training in modern tailoring techniques, including cutting and stitching, enabling them to create contemporary textile products. One of the participating students, Anshumi Gogoi, said, "Under the New Education Policy, we are learning the art of weaving, which is extremely beneficial for us." Another student, Hridaya Mandal, recounted how they learned valuable life skills for having a solid foundation, adding, "Earlier, we had no idea about this craft. Now we've learned so much, and this training could become a foundation for our future livelihoods." "A textile and handloom training is being conducted at Juga Textile, located near our college. As per the NEP guidelines, we have been instructed to engage students in practical learning. Around 19 students from the History and Assamese departments are receiving training from experienced instructors," Professor Probin Sarmah of the Sivasagar college said. According to the professor, Juga textile was established in 2013 and since grown into a training centre too. "Juga Textile, established in 2013, has now grown into a full-fledged industry-cum-training centre. Our Chief Minister has also appreciated this step, and we consider it a great opportunity. We aim to continue this as an integral part of our curriculum," he said. The program aims to provide a strong foundation in vocational education, preparing students for self-employment or entrepreneurship while simultaneously promoting the Assamese handloom industry. By linking education with traditional crafts, the initiative aspires to create a skilled, educated workforce that can rejuvenate the sector. TulTul Handique, proprietor of Juga Textile, said, "Under NEP, these students are learning a lot here. We hope that such practical training will help them grow both academically and technically. It will also inspire the development of more local textile enterprises across Assam." (ANI)
On the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha paid heartfelt tribute to his teachers and mentors, upholding the revered Indian tradition of the guru-shishya parampara, the eternal bond between teacher and disciple. CM Saha visited the residence of renowned educationist Dr Jagadish Gan Chowdhury in Agartala to personally seek his blessings. In a parallel gesture of respect, he also connected over the phone with one of his esteemed teachers currently residing in Bangalore, underscoring his gratitude and reverence for all those who guided him through life. Speaking to the media, CM Saha remarked, "The visit was a gesture of respect and reverence towards the teachers who made me capable and what I am today." His humble acknowledgement of his mentors reflects the enduring values of respect, learning, and gratitude embedded in Indian culture. In a significant and heartfelt declaration, CM Manik Saha described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his "political guru." Speaking to ANI, he said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modiji is my political guru. I entered politics by watching him. On this special day, I seek his blessings." He further stated, "Anyone who imparts education is a guru." Emphasizing the spiritual and cultural importance of Guru Purnima, CM Saha noted that, as in previous years, he made it a point to connect with his teachers, whether in person or over a call, as a mark of respect. The Chief Minister's observance of Guru Purnima stands as a strong testament to the deep-rooted values of Indian heritage, where teachers are seen not just as educators but as life-shaping guides whose influence endures across time. A Guru is considered an essential guide for one's success in life. Thousands of people visit their respected Gurus on this day, presenting gifts to them as per their abilities. The belief is that respecting Gurus on Guru Purnima brings positive changes in one's life. There is also a tradition of receiving the Guru Mantra on this day in Varanasi. The Guru holds the highest importance in the religious city of Varanasi. On the day of Ashadha Purnima, bathing and giving donations are considered very auspicious. Devotees gathered on the eve of Guru Purnima to offer prayers at Chhatarpur's Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir. The sacred Bhasma Aarti was also performed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain in the early morning on Thursday, on the occasion of Guru Purnima. Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the early morning ritual, which is considered very divine. The temple resonated with chants and spiritual fervour, marking the worship of Lord Shiva and spiritual gurus. At Ganga River at Har Ki Pauri, a large number of devotees gathered to take a holy dip on the occasion. It also marks the end of the month of Ashadh and the beginning of the month of Sawan. From Guru Purnima, the Kanvar Yatra will also begin. After taking a holy dip, devotees visit the temple. Those who have taken initiation from their Guru and received the Guru Mantra will go to their Guru and worship them today. "Guru Govind dou khade kaake lagu paay balihari Guru aapne Govind diyo bataye," a line composed by Kabir Das centuries ago, highlights the glory of the Guru, which remains relevant today. It translates to: "If both Guru (teacher) and Govind (God) were to appear before me, whose feet should I touch first? I would bow to the Guru first, for it is the Guru who has shown me the way to God."Guru Purnima is also known as Ashadhi Purnima and Vyas Purnima because Maharishi Ved Vyas was born on this day. The Guru holds special importance in worldly life, which is why, in Indian culture, a guru is considered more important than God. This festival is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. In Buddhism, Lord Buddha gave his first Dharma Chakra Pravartan on this day. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth in various Government departments and organisations on July 12 at around 11:00 AM via video conferencing. According to the Prime Minister's Office, PM Modi will also address the appointees on the occasion. Reacting to this, Prime Minister Modi posted on X, and emphasized that the government is determined to increase youth participation in building a 'Viksit and Atmanirbhar' Bharat. "We are determined to enhance the participation of young friends in building a developed and self-reliant India. In this series, tomorrow, July 12, at 11 AM, I will participate in another employment fair through video conferencing, where thousands of youths will be handed appointment letters," PM Modi said. Rozgar Mela is a step towards fulfilment of Prime Minister's commitment to accord highest priority to employment generation. The Rozgar Mela will play a significant role in providing meaningful opportunities to the youth for their empowerment and participation in nation building. More than 10 lakh recruitment letters have been issued so far through the Rozgar Melas across the country. The 16th Rozgar Mela will be held at 47 locations across the country. The recruitments are taking place across Central Government Ministries and Departments. The new recruits, selected from across the country, will be joining the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Posts, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Labour & Employment among other departments and ministries. As per the information given by PIB, more than 10 lakh recruitment letters have been issued so far through the Rozgar Melas across the country, and the 16th Rozgar Mela will be held at 47 locations across the country. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after concluding his five-nation tour that spanned from July 2 to 9. The diplomatic journey covered Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, and included his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil's chairmanship. (ANI)
In a groundbreaking operation, the Anti-Robbery Squad Cell (ARSC) and Crime Branch of Delhi Police have apprehended a notorious kidnapper and proclaimed offender who had been evading the law for an astonishing 25 years. The accused, Suneet Agarwal alias Pappi alias Babli, a mastermind of kidnapping and extortion, had seemingly vanished into thin air, only to be tracked down by the relentless efforts of the Delhi Police team. https://x.com/CrimeBranchDP/status/1943640078179332240 The 46-year old fugitive kidnapper was apprehended in connection with case of abduction and was wanted in the case for the last 25 years (since 2000). The accused had built a new identity for himself, settling into Mumbai's crowd and blending in seamlessly. However, the police team remained undeterred, using their expertise to stay one step ahead. On 29 January 2000, the complainant, Shrinath Yadav, resident of Ghaziabad, UP, was kidnapped by Babli along with his two brothers. He demanded money, threatened him for not paying the amount, and physically assaulted him. Subsequently, Suneet Agarwal took the complainant to Chandni Chowk and made a call to the complainant's employer, Ram Gopal. Babli informed owner Ram Gopal on a phone call that he would reach Raj Nagar to collect the money, and subsequently, took the victim to the Red Fort. After that, the complainant was forced inside the car and taken to the basement of a bungalow in the Kalkaji area and subjected to severe beating, and then he was confined in a flat. Babli aimed a revolver at the complainant's head and asked him to call his employer, coercing him to meet at the Safdarjung Airport bridge with money. Again, when a similar call was made to the complainant's employer, it was picked up by Sumer Singh, stated to be a policeman, who Babli asked to accompany Ram Gopal (tu bhhi aa jana, main teri wardi utwarwa dunga). Afterwards, the accused took the complainant to the Safdarjung Airport bridge. Finally, they left the complainant at the Tughlaq Road roundabout, threatening him with dire consequences if the complainant reported the incident to anyone. Thereafter, on the statement of said Shrinath, a case vide FIR under sections 364A/365/347/348/386/323/ 506/34 IPC was registered at PS Kotwali, Delhi, and investigation ensued, wherein accused Babli was initially arrested and bailed out in 2000. Later, co-accused Vinit Agarwal and Puneet Agarwal were also arrested in the case. A charge sheet was prepared against all three accused persons. All three accused persons have not appeared before the Court since 2000 to face trial of the case; therefore, they all were declared Proclaimed Offenders (PO) by the Court on 15.10.2004. A dedicated team of the ARSC/Crime Branch was tasked with maintaining surveillance on absconding accused and proclaimed offenders involved in heinous crimes. Meanwhile, SI Sandeep Sandhu received secret information regarding the accused Babli. As part of this ongoing operation, on 04-07-2025, a dedicated team conducted a dramatic chase, arresting accused Babli at his business place in Malad, Mumbai, utilising advanced technical surveillance and human intelligence. He was subsequently brought to Delhi. The concerned police station has been informed regarding his arrest. Following his arrest, the accused was subjected to intensive interrogation, during which he revealed his long-standing efforts to evade law enforcement agencies. It was also uncovered that he had been frequently changing his appearances, addresses, and mobile numbers to avoid detection. He was not in touch with his neighbours and relatives to keep himself safe. Taking extra precautions to evade arrest, the fugitive had been frequently changing his location by relocating approximately every six months within Maharashtra. Accused Babli was born in Delhi in 1979 and was a B.Com dropout of the University of Delhi. After being released on bail in 2000, he left Delhi and settled in Thane, and started a business of financing two-wheelers. Afterwards, he got married in Mumbai in 2004. After some years, he left the business of vehicle financing and started working in a factory of imitation jewellery and worked there for five years. Then, in the year 2015, he started his own business of imitation jewellery. He has one son. His son is pursuing Business Finance from Thakur College, Kandivali East, Mumbai. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting on the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, directing all stakeholders to increase the capacity of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Delhi to 1500 million gallons per day (MGD) by 2028. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Manohar Lal (Housing and Urban Affairs), CR Patil (Jal Shakti), Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, senior officials from the Delhi government, the Union Home Secretary, and secretaries from relevant ministries. In a strong push for inter-state collaboration, Shah called upon Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to work together in cleaning the river. He emphasised regularity and transparency in water quality testing at Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and insisted on third-party verification of the treated water being discharged. "Efforts from all three states are essential for the Yamuna's rejuvenation. Chemicals and untreated waste flowing into the river from outside Delhi must also be addressed collectively," Shah stated. Highlighting key measures to combat water pollution, Shah instructed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to adopt an "action mode" approach. He also urged the Delhi government to take stringent and continuous steps to curb pollution from industrial units, especially those operating illegally. Focusing on the critical role of the Najafgarh and Shahdara drains, the Home Minister recommended conducting drone surveys to better assess pollution levels. He also stressed the need to improve the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in these major drains. Shah suggested that the Delhi government increase its efforts under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), including a budget enhancement to boost ongoing initiatives. He also proposed the development of city reservoirs to collect rainwater, which he said would not only improve water availability but also promote tourism. Addressing the issue of waste management, Shah recommended that the Delhi government collaborate with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to manage waste from dairies and cow shelters, and to regulate unauthorised dairy units across the capital. He also underlined the importance of increasing the environmental flow (e-flow) of the Yamuna. He urged the Delhi government to coordinate with Uttar Pradesh to ensure better flow of water when the river enters Delhi. He added that treated water from the Okhla STP should be released downstream to improve river water quality. To ensure long-term water security, Shah called for a comprehensive survey of Delhi's water supply system to assess demand and distribution across the city. He flagged unregulated groundwater extraction through borewells as a major concern and instructed the Delhi Jal Board to prepare an actionable plan for phased regularisation. "Uncontrolled water extraction through borewells is a big problem in Delhi, on which the Delhi Jal Board needs to work by making an action plan. These borewells should be regularised in a phased manner," Shah was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The meeting concluded with a strong call for time-bound implementation of initiatives, enhanced inter-state coordination, and improved monitoring systems to restore the health of the Yamuna. (ANI)
Referring to Mohan Bhagwat's recent speech, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya on Friday asserted that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) wants Prime Minister to "take an exit" on September 17, which is his birthday. "Today, the BJP and RSS are exposed. RSS wants Modi to take exit on September 17," Bhattacharya told reporters while addressing a press conference. In a veiled attack, the JMM General Secretary said that PM Modi "sidelines" leaders in the BJP for vested political interests while appointing 80-year-old Jitan Ram Manjhi as the cabinet minister. "The one who sidelines leaders in his party for vested political interests, makes an 80-year-old Jitan Ram Manjhi his cabinet minister. For his personal interest, he cites 75 years as the age limit and sends his party's veteran leaders to the Margdarshak mandal. This double standard is not acceptable," Bhattacharya said. Citing the RSS chief Bhagwat's speech, Bhattacharya suggested that the country was going to witness "big changes" since both the RSS chief and the Prime Minister were going to turn 75. "RSS Chief and PM are going to turn 75 in September. In the second week of September, the country is going to witness some big changes. Yesterday, the RSS chief said that when someone turns 75, he is felicitated with a shawl and asked to step aside. He stressed that people should step down after turning 75," he said. "In the past, we have seen that the BJP has set this as a standard, where it set aside veteran leaders from the election process. After September 17, who will be the PM after the country? Because both of them will have to wear the shawl. This is what Mohan Bhagwat has said. I have not added anything to this. If Mohan Bhagwat remains in his post even after turning 75, I will quote him again. He says people don't take him seriously. People laugh when he stands up. Hence, the RSS should clarify this. Hosabale sahab should tell Bhagwat on September 11, while felicitating him, 'Bazu Hat'," he added. His remarks come after Bhagwat recently said that turning 75 means one should step aside and make way for others. He was speaking at an event in Nagpur. The remark has prompted opposition politicians to question its implications for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, like Bhagwat, turns 75 this September. (ANI)
The Congress Party on Friday accused the BJP of rewarding the leaders who were responsible for the suicide of Dalit student Rohit Vemula in 2016. The party took strong exception to the BJP appointing Ramchander Rao as the Telangana state president, saying that Rao was one of the accused reportedly responsible for Rohit Vemula's suicide. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters today, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Chairman of the SC Department of the party Rajendra Pal Gautam condemned the appointment of Ramchander Rao as the Telangana BJP chief. They alleged that the BJP was patronising and promoting the people and leaders who were responsible for atrocities on Dalits, tribals and minorities. Giving details of Vemula's suicide, Gautam said that his scholarship had been stopped for seven months by the university on the complaint of the ABVP, the student wing of the BJP. "Burdened by debt, he eventually committed suicide," he added. He alleged that a false case was registered against Vemula by the then ABVP leader Sushil Kumar. He said the then Union Minister Bandaru Dattatraya, the then Union Education Minister Smriti Irani and then BJP MLC Ramchander Rao had pressured the university administration to penalise Rohit Vemula and his associates. With the result, he said, Vemula was expelled from the hostel and, forced by circumstances, he committed suicide. Gautam noted that the BJP had rewarded all those responsible for Vemula's suicide. While Dattatraya was made Haryana Governor, Sushil Kumar was appointed Assistant Professor in Delhi University. Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka said that Vemula had taken up the cause of the Dalit students, but the ABVP got a false case registered against him by pressurising the university administration, and he was forced to commit suicide. Deputy CM Vikramarka recalled that in his suicide note, Rohith Vemula had described his death as an institutional murder. He had earlier written to the Dean and Vice-Chancellor, stating that the condition of students from weaker sections was so dire that it would be better to offer them poison or a rope for taking their lives instead of admissions. The Deputy Chief Minister said that by appointing Ramachander Rao as the president of the BJP in Telangana, the party has once again demonstrated that those who act against Dalits and Adivasis are rewarded by it. (ANI)
As opposition parties continue to object to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Annie Raja on Friday questioned the poll panel's decision to not include the Election Card, issued by the Commission itself, as one of the accepted documents. The CPI leader's remarks come after the Supreme Court allowed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to continue its exercise while also asking them to consider accepting certain other documents from voters. Earlier, the poll panel had released a non-exhaustive list of 11 documents which will be accepted by them for voter verification. "The process which the election commission of India has started actually takes away the rights of the voters of this country and it is very ironic that the election card which was given by the election commission itself is not recognising it as a proof for the residents or proof for the citizenship or whatever may be," the CPI leader said. The CPI leader said that the exercise being carried out ahead of the assembly elections is actually an exercise in "taking away the rights of people," highlighting how the state has been a BIMARU state, a term used for states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh; who were considered having poor economic performance. She said that because of the economic situation of people, they do not possess their necessary documents required for the SIR. "So in such a case and the documents which they were asking for to prove that the majority of the people do not have such documents either of graduation certificate or the school certificate or even the parents' birth certificate and all these things," she said. On the Supreme Court allowing the ECI to continue with their verification exercise, the CPI leader said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is spreading a "false narrative" that they have been given approval for this revision exercise. She mentioned that the top court has not decided on the merits of the case, but instead just on the requirement of submitting verification documents. As part of the SIR, ECI had asked for: 1. Any ID card/Pension Payment Order issued to govt employees (state, centre and PSUs), 2. Any ID card/certificate/document issued in India by government/local authorities/banks/post office/LIC/PSU's prior to July 1, 1987, 3. Birth certificate, 4. Passport, 5. Matriculation certificate issued by recognised boards or universities, 6. Permeant Residence certificate, 7. Forest Right certificate, 8. National Register of Citizen (wherever existing), 9. Family Register, 10, Any land or house allotment certificate by government, 11. SC/ST/OBC certificate. Earlier on July 10, a bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi did not stay the SIR process but asked the ECI to consider allowing Aadhaar, ration cards, and electoral photo identity cards as admissible documents to prove voter identity during the SIR in the state. "We are of the prima facie opinion that in the interest of justice, the Election Commission will also include documents like Aadhaar, Ration Card, Voter ID card, etc. It is for the ECI to decide whether it wants to accept the documents or not, and if it does not, then provide reasons for its decision, which shall be sufficient to satisfy the petitioners," the bench stated. Meanwhile, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi welcomed the top court's decision while hitting out at "ECI sources" for misrepresenting the court's order. He criticised the claims made by EC sources that the constitutional body accepts Aadhar as per page 16 of the Special Intensive Revision, while also informing about the EPIC number being "pre-printed" on the enumeration forms being meted out. (ANI)
According to Delhi Police, the incident took place on July 11, 2025, while SI Yashpal was on highway patrol duty on a government motorcycle from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

He was hit by a four-wheeler during the patrol, leading to severe injuries. The injured officer was rushed to Max Hospital in Vaishali, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, where doctors declared him "brought dead" on arrival.

"SI Yashpal was performing his duty on the highway when the accident occurred. A four-wheeler collided with his motorcycle, leading to the unfortunate incident," a police official said.

A case has been registered under the relevant section.

Further investigation into the accident is ongoing.

Earlier in the day, in a separate incident, the Anti-Robbery Squad Cell (ARSC) and Crime Branch of Delhi Police apprehended a notorious kidnapper and proclaimed offender who had been evading the law for an astonishing 25 years.

The accused, Suneet Agarwal alias Pappi alias Babli, a mastermind of kidnapping and extortion, had seemingly vanished into thin air, only to be tracked down by the relentless efforts of the Delhi Police team.

The 46-year-old fugitive kidnapper was apprehended in connection with the case of abduction and was wanted in the case for the last 25 years (since 2000).

The accused had built a new identity for himself, settling into Mumbai's crowd and blending in seamlessly. However, the police team remained undeterred, using their expertise to stay one step ahead. (ANI)
The Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya said that the relief team has been active for more than 48 hours.

"Our entire team is active here since the day before yesterday... The locals have given very good community support in the rescue operations. One death occurred in the hospital today... The death toll is 20," the collector told reporters here.

A section of the Gambhira bridge connecting Vadodara and Anand collapsed on July 9 and fell into the Mahisagar river below.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a high-level inquiry into the recent bridge collapse on the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge connecting Vadodara and Anand.

The Chief Minister has entrusted a team of experts to conduct a detailed investigation and prepare a report on the repairs, inspections, and quality checks carried out on the bridge.

According to the Department of Information, based on the preliminary investigation, four officers have been suspended with immediate effect. NM Naikwala (Executive Engineer), UC Patel (Deputy Executive Engineer), RT Patel (Deputy Executive Engineer) and JV Shah (Assistant Engineer) have been suspended with immediate effect.

The Chief Minister has also directed that thorough inspections be carried out on other bridges in the state to ensure public safety. (ANI)
STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA ON CHINA'S ATTEMPT TO BLOCK THE SCREENING OF WEST PH SEA DOCU AT NEW ZEALAND FILM FESTIVAL

The recognition of the Filipino documentary "Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea" at New Zealand's prestigious Doc Edge Festival is a striking example of turning the tide--a resounding victory for truth, artistic freedom, and our people's stories, especially in the face of foreign pressure.

It's deeply disappointing that Baby Ruth Villarama's film, originally slated to premiere at a local festival earlier this year, was abruptly withdrawn due to vague "external factors." Even more frustrating is that it took an international festival to give this film the platform it rightfully deserves--calling it "a banned film that must be seen."

While I join other officials in condemning China's attempt to suppress the film's screening at Doc Edge, I also call on our own government to reflect on a deeper concern: how much influence does China hold in our own backyard, that it can interfere with the constitutionally protected freedom of expression of our kababayans?

This is not just a film--it is a courageous, heartfelt portrayal of the harsh realities faced by our fisherfolk, maritime workers, and scientists. It deserves to be seen, discussed, and honored, especially by Filipinos.

Nakakabahala na sa mismong bansa natin, may kakayahan ang isang banyagang kapangyarihan na hadlangan ang pagpapalabas ng isang dokumentaryong batay sa katotohanan.

I stand in full solidarity with the filmmakers and everyone behind "Food Delivery"--for weathering the storm, standing their ground, and courageously sharing with the world a deeply personal and urgent story about our nation and our people.
Blaming previous governments for the severe waterlogging issue in Gurugram, Haryana Minister Anil Vij on Friday said that people are facing troubles because the opposition parties did not do proper planning of the town. "At the time when Gurugram was established, there was a government of opposition parties. Digging of new drains is not done in a city that is already established. Earlier, they (the opposition) did not dig proper drains in Gurugram. Today, people are facing troubles because they (opposition parties) did not do proper planning," Anil Vij told ANI. Following incessant overnight rainfall, several parts of Gurugram faced severe issues of waterlogging resulting in traffic slowdown in the area and creating problems for the pedestrians. Earlier, due to the heavy rain, all corporate offices and private institutions in the Gurugram district were advised to guide their employee to work from home on Thursday, July 10, so that traffic congestion can be avoided, The rainfall, which began on Wednesday evening, brought much-needed relief from the intense humidity and high temperatures, with overcast skies persisting across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted "generally cloudy sky with moderate rain" for the national capital. The weather agency has predicted "thunderstorm with rain" for the next three days for Delhi. As per the Regional Met Centre of Chandigarh, the weather of Gurugram is likely to remain with "generally cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers" for the next two days. Rajasthan's Ajmer also witnessed waterlogging in many parts of the city after heavy rainfall. The weather agency has forecasted 'thunderstorm with rain' conditions to persist in the district till July 13. Earlier, the IMD stated that the active monsoon conditions are likely to continue over central parts of the country during the next 4-5 days. (ANI)
Gujarat has made significant strides in combating tuberculosis (TB), achieving a 34% decline in new cases and a 37% reduction in mortality rates compared to 2015. This remarkable progress has earned the state the top spot in the "Most Improved State" category. Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel on Friday, held a meeting at Raj Bhavan with senior officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department and thoroughly reviewed the efforts being made under the TB-free India campaign in Gujarat. According to the official release, Governor Devvrat urged the officials to treat the effort to make Gujarat TB-free as a mass movement. He advised them not to show any laxity in TB control efforts and to work with seriousness toward achieving the target, along with spreading greater awareness about TB among the public. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel instructed the officials to work in a planned manner for TB elimination. He also suggested that a system should be established to ensure that nutrition kits reach every TB patient. Following the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India aims to be TB-free by 2025. Accordingly, the Health and Family Welfare Department of the Government of Gujarat is working with utmost seriousness. Compared to other states, Gujarat is witnessing a continuous decline in the number of new TB patients, the official release stated. Compared to 2015, Gujarat saw a 34% reduction in new TB cases and a 37% decline in the mortality rate in 2023. For this achievement, the Government of India has awarded Gujarat the first rank in the 'State with Most Improvement' category. So far this year, 65,471 TB patients have been registered. The Health Department is regularly following up and treating TB patients, ensuring they receive nutritious food. This year, 60,199 nutrition kits have been distributed by 10,910 Nikshay Mitras (TB supporters) in the state. Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department Dhananjay Dwivedi, Governor's Additional Secretary Ashok Sharma, Chief Minister's Secretary Dr Vikrant Pandey, Urban Health Regulator Dr Harshad Patel, Rural Health Regulator Dr Ratankuwar Gadhvicharan, along with other senior officials of the Health Department were present at the meeting held at Raj Bhavan. (ANI)
Congress on Friday held a massive 'Samvidhan Bachao' rally in Odisha's Bhubaneswar while targeting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over various issues, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being carried out by the Election Commission (EC) in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has resorted to being defensive while attacking the opposition party, labelling Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi as "a misleader and habitual liar" for questioning the integrity of the EC. The ruling party leaders also called the Samvidhan Bachao rally "political tourism". Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge called the BJP "chori ki sarkar, choron ki sarkar (BJP forming the government of thieves)" in Maharashtra by manipulating voter rolls, and a similar manipulation of electoral rolls is happening with the ongoing SIR drive in Bihar. While speaking at the 'Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh' event in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, Kharge said that out of the seven crore voters in Bihar, two crore voters will be left out of the electoral rolls due to the ongoing SIR, and appealed to the people to "oust the traitors and teach them a lesson." "There is a 'chori ki sarkar', 'choron ki sarkar' in Maharashtra. 85 lakh voters were changed, and then the BJP Govt came to power there. Similarly, in Bihar, out of 7 crore voters there, two crore voters are being cancelled," the Congress president said. Calling for people to vote out the Bharatiya Janata Party in Bihar, the Rajya Sabha MP added, "Do you want such a government, such people? Will this safeguard democracy? We should oust traitors and teach them a lesson." The claim of lakhs of voters being added in Maharashtra's electoral rolls has been repeatedly brought up by Congress, including party leader Rahul Gandhi, who has demanded answers from the Election Commission of India and asked them to publish the electoral rolls in machine-readable format for parties to analyse. Rahul Gandhi claims that the alleged discrepancy happened as more than 70 lakh voters were added in the electoral rolls between the Lok Sabha elections and the Assembly elections. Rahul Gandhi, who also addressed the event in Bhubaneswar earlier today, accused the Election Commission of India of "hatching a conspiracy" for "chunav chori (election theft)" in Bihar. Claiming that the ECI is working "as a BJP wing". "BJP is attacking the Constitution. Yesterday I was in Bihar. Just like 'chunav chori' was done in Maharashtra, similar attempts are being made to do "chunav chori" in Bihar. EC has hatched a new conspiracy for 'chunav chori'. EC is working as a BJP wing, it is not doing its own job," the Lok Sabha LoP said. "In Maharashtra, between Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, one crore new voters were added. Nobody knows who these voters were and where they came from. We told EC several times to provide us with the voter list and videography. But EC does not provide us with the same. They are going to do the same 'chori' in Bihar, that was done in Maharashtra," he added. Gandhi also accused the Odisha government of "stealing the wealth" from poor people. Reacting to the allegations levelled by the opposition leaders from Congress, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, calling him an "accidental politician, seasonal politician and a political tourist". She also criticised Gandhi for his remarks on double-engine government in Odisha, saying that the government was doing "good work". "When I think of Rahul Gandhi's visit to Odisha, three expressions come to my mind- accidental politician, seasonal politician and a political tourist. The question today is - how much does Rahul Gandhi know about Odisha? Odisha, with a population of 4.5 crore, has been governed by the BJP for the past year, and we are doing good work. PM had also come to Odisha and spoke about the work this government has done in the past year. Suddenly, after many months, Rahul Gandhi comes to Odisha and talks about nothing being done here and women not being safe in the state. Before BJD, Congress was ruling the state. ...I don't think there is any relevance to his statements. He wants to remain politically relevant in terms of Odisha and Bihar," Sarangi told ANI. Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took a dig at Gandhi over his remarks against the EC, suggesting that the constitutional body was indulging in "chunav chori (election theft)" in Bihar, and said that his situation was akin to the saying, "blaming the stage for not knowing how to dance." In a post on X, Pradhan dismissed Congress' "Sanvidhan Bachao" rally in Odisha, calling it an example of "political tourism". "This is not about 'saving the constitution' but rather about saving Rahul Gandhi and Congress. The unwavering trust of the people in the public-welfare-oriented BJP government in Odisha is troubling the Congress. Congress has no presence or existence in Odisha; the poor, Dalits, tribals, farmers, and labourers of Odisha rejected Congress decades ago. In such a scenario, Rahul Gandhi's talk about the welfare of Odisha's poor is nothing but deception," Pradhan said. Odisha Minister Suresh Pujari also criticised Rahul Gandhi over his remarks, saying that the LoP never comes prepared to address the rally. He maintained that the Mohan Majhi government had done more work in a year than Congress did in 45 years. "In a democracy, every political party has the right to hold as many rallies as they want. Rahul Gandhi also has the right to address the rally. But the unfortunate part is that he never comes prepared. A responsible politician should go to an address prepared with relevant statistics. Whatever he said today is against the record... During the one year, the number of pattas distributed under water, forest, and land rights by the Mohan Majhi government is more than what Congress did in 45 years," Pujari told ANI. BJP leader CR Kesavan said, "Rahul Gandhi has never been an honest leader. He, on the contrary, is a misleader, a habitual liar. The fear of dismal failure in the Bihar elections is the reason why the Congress and Rahul Gandhi are rattled and unscrupulously trying to denigrate the integrity of the Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi's desperate scare tactics and fear-mongering will not succeed." Moreover, Congress chief Kharge lambasted the ruling BJP in the centre, accusing it of "dividing" people during the 'Samvidhan Bachao' rally and urged the youth to "wake up" and protect the Constitution to save themselves. He also launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while accusing him of "peddling lies" and said that the PM lacked the courage to speak against Donald Trump. Citing the "ceasefire" announcement by US President Donald Trump during the India and Pakistan conflict after the Pahalgam terror attack, Kharge lashed out at PM Modi, saying that the Prime Minister lacks the courage to speak against Trump. (ANI)
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, has written a detailed letter to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday urging the BJP government to immediately bring legislation to protect 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles from being scrapped in the national capital. Atishi highlighted the grave implications of the blanket ban on end-of-life (EOL) vehicles, stating that the move could adversely impact the lives of lakhs of middle-class families and senior citizens who depend on these vehicles for their daily needs. Atishi pointed out that although the initial ban starting 1st July was rolled back due to public outrage, the government has now proposed a fresh deadline of 1st November, which continues to keep lakhs of Delhi residents on edge. The proposal, she noted, would impact at least 60 lakh vehicles, 20 lakh four-wheelers and 40 lakh two-wheelers. In her letter, Delhi Assembly LoP Atishi wrote: "I am writing this letter to you as a voice of lakhs of residents of Delhi who are perturbed by your government's recent plan to scrap 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in the national capital. Even though this proposal that started from 1st July was rolled back immediately after public backlash, now another deadline of 1st November hangs on their heads. If this decision is implemented, it will have an impact on at least 60 lakh vehicles (20 lakh four-wheelers and 40 lakh two-wheelers) in the national capital." Calling out the BJP's disconnect with ground realities, Atishi said that the Delhi CM may be new to governance but must understand the aspirations and financial constraints of ordinary people. "For a middle class family, purchasing a vehicle is still an important milestone in their lives. They dream, plan and save for years before they can buy a car. Many buy a second-hand car. Many senior citizens keep their cars with utmost care and use it for travelling short distances such as to the doctor, nearby markets etc. Many women use cars as a safe mode of travelling to office or dropping children to schools as streets of Delhi are unsafe. Removing 60 lakh vehicles in one go will impact all these people's daily lives adversely. Affording a new car may not be an option for most of them." Questioning the scientific basis of the ban, she underscored that age alone cannot determine whether a vehicle is polluting. "There might be cars that are only 5 years old but have run 5,00,000 kms. There might be cars that are 15 years old but have plied only 50,000 kms. There might be cars that are just 3-4 years old but are poorly maintained and polluting, while there might be some that are 10-12 years but are very well maintained and non-polluting. Therefore, age of vehicle cannot be the sole criteria for deciding if the vehicle is polluting or non-polluting. Imposing a blanket ban on EOL vehicles is illogical and irrational." She added that the only parties benefiting from such a move would be vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and scrappers, while ordinary citizens, especially middle-class families, women, and the elderly, would suffer greatly. Atishi acknowledged the need to tackle pollution, but categorically stated that a blanket ban is not the solution. "While pollution must be tackled, but blanket ban is not the solution. The Delhi Government has issued a statement that you will be going to the Supreme Court. However, the court will only reiterate their decision in the absence of any new legislation on the issue." Offering a constructive way forward, the Delhi Assembly LoP said the solution lies in enacting a new law that protects 10-year-old vehicles from arbitrary scrapping. "Therefore, the only solution to this problem lies in bringing a legislation. Given the 1st November deadline, the BJP Government in Delhi needs to bring in a legislation to protect 10-year old vehicles. Now that BJP is in power in Centre and State, the bill can be passed within days if the government intends to. For this purpose, a special assembly session of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha can also be convened immediately to debate this bill in detail." Concluding her letter, Atishi extended full support from the AAP to the BJP government in this legislative effort. "I on behalf of Aam Aadmi Party, assure you that we will help and support your government in all possible ways for passing this legislation and providing relief to lakhs of people living in the national capital." Sharing a copy of letter on X, Delhi Assembly LoP Atishi wrote: "Removing 10-year old cars from roads of Delhi is an all-out attack on the middle class who dreams, works hard and saves to buy a car. The sword of 1st Nov is still hanging over the heads of car owners. Delhi Govt must immediately call a Special Session of the Assembly and pass a legislation to protect middle class car owners." (ANI)
After his visits to the UK and Germany in November and December last year and to Japan in January this year, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is scheduled to go on official visit to Dubai in UAE and Spain from July 13 to July 19 during which he will seek investments and highlight state's tourism potential. An official release said that during his previous visits abroad, the Chief Minister introduced investor-friendly policies of the state to international stakeholders. "These visits not only led to result-oriented dialogues with investors but also helped identify practical investment opportunities after understanding the industrial strengths of these nations. As a result, sectors like health technology, automobile, university linkages, electronics, and advanced manufacturing have seen the beginning of concrete projects on the ground," it said. During his visit to Dubai, the Chief Minister is scheduled to hold a key meeting with representatives of the Indian Business and Professional Council to showcase Madhya Pradesh's industrial readiness and investment policies. Discussions will also take place with international retail and infrastructure giants such as Lulu International Group, Landmark Group, and Nakheel Group. The talks will focus on potential partnerships in logistics parks, warehousing, retail chains, and other investment opportunities in the state. During visit to Spain from July 16 to 19, the Chief Minister will engage with leading automobile companies and green mobility technology investors in Barcelona. He will also meet with top companies in the textile, garment, and design sectors, with an aim to boost initiatives like the PM MITRA Park, Textile ODOP, and existing clusters such as Vardhman. A key focus of the Spain visit will also be on the tourism and heritage hospitality sector, aiming to promote Madhya Pradesh as a prime destination for heritage-based tourism investment. The emphasis on strategic dialogues makes these investment tours significant. The Chief Minister's aim is not just to strengthen the state's economy through investment, but also to connect Madhya Pradesh's youth with global opportunities, the release said. These visits are fast becoming a roadmap for the state's industrial and economic self-reliance, it added. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson ANS Prasad on Friday lashed out at the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Minister Sekar Babu, demanding that his "loose talk" be restrained. "CM Stalin should not permit Minister Sekar Babu to act as a de facto Deputy Chief Minister," Prasad said in a press statement, adding, "In the upcoming 2026 Assembly Elections, the people of Tamil Nadu are extending overwhelming support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to send the evil force, the DMK, out of power." The BJP leader further accused Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister PK Sekar Babu of "turning a blind eye" to alleged corruption. "While NDA leaders raise valid criticisms of the anti-people DMK government and pose important questions, suggestions, and comments during press interactions, it is highly condemnable that Minister Sekar Babu, who lacks decency and political maturity, responds with uncivilised and unwarranted personal attacks against these leaders," Prasad said. "As Minister of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, Sekar Babu has turned a blind eye to large-scale corruption, temple asset looting, and theft of temple hundi collections. He has proved unfit to continue in this role," he added. Urging CM Stalin to condemn his Minister's behaviour, Prasad said that Babu behaves like an unofficial spokesperson for the DMK, engaging in political gimmicks and media theatrics, continuously making derogatory remarks against opposition leaders, instead of fulfilling his responsibilities. "Does Sekar Babu have the moral standing to call former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami 'Balti Palaniswami'? This is the same Sekar Babu who betrayed the late AIADMK leader Madusudanan and manipulated politics in Greater Chennai by cheating parties and cadres. Now, as the Minister of a department devoid of ethics, he continues to attack political leaders disgracefully. It's high time he puts an end to this behaviour," the BJP leader alleged. Prasad warned Babu of legal consequences if he continued his personal attacks against BJP leaders. "If Sekar Babu continues his low-level personal attacks and mockery not just against PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, but also targets the respected RSS movement, former BJP state president Annamalai, former Governor and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, and veteran leader H Raja. He must be warned that such conduct will invite severe legal consequences," the BJP leader said. Earlier on Wednesday, Babu launched a scathing attack on Palaniswami over his "temple funds misuse" allegations against DMK and said that Palaniswami is unaware of history and is "drowned in the darkness of ignorance". Babu stated that the regional party's alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was like a "murky pond", where one can't catch a fish. "Edappadi is unaware of history. He is drowned in the darkness of ignorance. AIADMK alliance is like a murky pond; you cannot catch fish in it. DMK alliance, on the other hand, is flowing like a clear river," Babu told reporters here. This came after Palaniswami accused the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government of using temple funds given by devotees to build schools and colleges. (ANI)
The accused -- Lalbiakchunga alias Divid alias David, Lalthawmcheuva alias Thawma, Malsawma alias Malsawma Loncheu, Rualliansanga alias Sanga, and Alok Bikash Chakma -- have been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act, and the Foreigners Act.

The case, originally registered on January 15 by Mizoram Police, was later taken over by the NIA. After two months, the agency uncovered a criminal conspiracy to supply prohibited weapons to cadres of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), a terrorist outfit operating in Bangladesh's Chittagong region.

The seizure from Saithah village in Mamit district included six AK-47 rifles, 13 magazines, and 10,050 rounds of ammunition.

Further investigation into the case is underway. (ANI)
Assam LSA, the field office of Department of Telecommunications convened an interactive session with heads and representatives from premier engineering institutions including IIT, IIIT, NIT, and other engineering colleges across Assam at BSNL Bhawan in Guwahati as DoT rolled out Sanchar Mitra scheme nationwide. The focus of the session was to inform and expand the recently launched Sanchar Mitra Scheme, an innovative initiative aimed at engaging student volunteers as digital ambassadors to bridge the communication gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem. According to a release, the session was chaired by Sunita Chandra, Advisor, DG Telecom, New Delhi. "The aim of the system was to build a bridge between DoT initiatives, telecom services, and various citizen-centric efforts. It's about ensuring that our users, customers, and the public function better. We also wanted to harness the energy and services of young students from universities and colleges," Sunita Chandra said. Representatives from various institutes actively participated in the discussions and exhibited enthusiasm for associating with the Scheme, the release said. Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North East Region, launched the revamped 'Sanchar Mitra Scheme', transforming it from a pilot initiative into a robust, scalable, and incentive-driven national movement. The scheme is designed to mobilise the power of India's Yuva Shakti -- student volunteers -- to become informed ambassadors of telecom awareness, cybersecurity, and digital empowerment. Scindia had described the scheme as a vision that symbolises India's leadership in the four Ds -- Democracy, Demography, Digitisation, and Delivery. The Sanchar Mitra Scheme was initially piloted in select institutions. It has now been scaled up for nationwide implementation "following an enthusiastic response and promising impact in its pilot phase". Under this scheme, student volunteers--designated as Sanchar Mitras--will be empowered to raise awareness among the public about key telecom issues such as digital safety, cyber fraud prevention, and EMF radiation concerns, while also promoting responsible mobile usage and digital literacy. The expanded Sanchar Mitra Scheme aims not only to enhance public awareness but also to provide participating students with exposure to cutting-edge telecom technologies, including 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity. Through structured training, project participation, and engagement with real-world telecom initiatives, the scheme seeks to build a digitally aware, skilled, and research-oriented youth workforce. Participating institutions will be identified in consultation with local DoT field units, and students from relevant academic backgrounds--telecom, electronics, computer science, cyber security--will be nominated as Sanchar Mitras. Sanchar Mitras will receive necessary training from experts in the field and from the National Communications Academy-Technology (NCA-T) and the DoT's Media Wing. Sanchar Mitras will carry out grassroots-level awareness drives, engage with communities and NGOs, and act as catalysts for informed digital behaviour in their surroundings. To encourage excellence, participants will be assessed periodically based on innovation, consistency, and the impact of their outreach. Outstanding performers may be offered exclusive opportunities, including internships, involvement in national telecom projects, participation in high-level forums such as the India Mobile Congress, and engagement with ITU standards and policy work. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed happiness after the "Maratha Military Landscapes of India" earned the UNESCO World Heritage status, saying that it is a moment of immense pride for all countrymen. In a post on X, Amit Shah said, "It is a moment of immense pride for all countrymen that UNESCO has included 12 forts associated with the life of Maharajadhiraj Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the UNESCO World Heritage list." "Just a few days ago, I visited the Raigad Fort and had a spiritual experience of the symbols associated with the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. These forts have been the main pillars of protection of Hindu Swaraj and from here, crores of countrymen have been getting continuous inspiration towards their mother language and culture," the post further reads. The 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India's 44th property to receive this recognition. The inscription took place during 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France, marking a significant milestone in the global acknowledgment of India's rich and diverse cultural heritage. Spread across the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the selected sites, include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. While Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and Gingee fort are protected under the Archaeological Survey of India whereas Salher fort, Rajgad, Khanderi fort and Pratapgarh are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra. The Maratha Military Landscape of India was nominated under criteria (iv) and (vi), recognizing their exceptional testimony to a living cultural tradition, their architectural and technological significance, and their deep associations with historic events and traditions. The purpose of including these heritage sites in UNESCO's list is to preserve and promote shared heritage based on OUVs (Outstanding Universal Values) found in cultural, natural as well as mixed properties across 196 countries. On its part, India became a member of the World Heritage Committee from 2021-25. (ANI)
The US State Department has announced a new awareness campaign warning Americans, particularly Iranian Americans, about the severe risks of travelling to Iran. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce asked Americans, particularly those with Iranian heritage, not to travel to Iran. While addressing a press briefing on Thursday (local time), Bruce emphasised that the Iranian regime does not recognise dual nationality and denies consular access to detained US citizens. She announced that the US Department of State is launching a new website dedicated to warning Americans against travelling to Iran. She said, "The department is announcing a new awareness campaign warning Americans, especially Iranian Americans, about the continuing severe risks of travel to Iran. The Iranian regime does not recognize dual nationality and routinely denies consular services to detained US citizens. And while the bombing has stopped, that does not mean that it is safe to travel to Iran, it is not. We are also launching a new website dedicated to warning Americans against travel to Iran. And there you have it (Pointing to the website displayed on the screen). You can get that website starting at state.gov...I think if you go to state.gov, you do a search, you will find that quite easily." "The message is clear as you can tell in multiple languages. Our travel advisories are there as well. They remain in place and we cannot stress enough as we continue to do as I have multiple times from this podium. Do not travel to Iran especially those of you who are the dual citizens who have Iranian heritage. It is not safe for anyone to travel to Iran. And again, this supplements also the existing travel advisories. It does not supplant them at travel.state.gov. Our message is clear, I think so," she added. The US State Department's statement comes against the backdrop of recent tensions following the conflict between Israel and Iran and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military installations. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism about avoiding further military action against Iran, noting that Tehran also doesn't want such action against it. He further stated that Iran wants to meet and work "something out" between the two nations to cease any future military actions. "I hope we're not going to have to do that. I can't imagine wanting to do that. I can't imagine them wanting to do that. They (Iran) want to meet ... They want to work something out. They are very different now than they were two weeks ago," Trump said during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday (local time). When asked if there would be any talks scheduled with Iran, Trump nodded, noting that the US had plans to hold dialogue with Tehran. "We're going to have a meeting...We'll see what happens. We have scheduled Iran talks. They want to talk. They took a big drubbing, I think, when we hit the three sites," Trump added. Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had expressed confidence that Tehran could settle its disputes with the US through dialogue, while acknowledging that building trust would be difficult due to past US and Israeli attacks on Iran, as reported by Al Jazeera. The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion", conducting widespread airstrikes on Iranian soil targeting nuclear sites at Natanz and Fordow, missile production centres, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command bases. Several top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists were reportedly assassinated during the operation. This was followed by US strikes under "Operation Midnight Hammer" on June 22, which also targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Iran then retaliated with missile attacks against Israel and an assault on a US military airbase in Qatar. Iran strongly condemned both operations, calling them a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. (ANI)
Press Release

July 11, 2025 PANGILINAN WANTS GOV'T HOSPITALS TO PURCHASE FOOD DIRECTLY FROM FARMERS Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan is pushing the Department of Health (DOH) and its public hospitals to fully implement his landmark Sagip Saka Act that will allow them to purchase their food directly from local farmers and fisherfolk. Republic Act No. 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act, is a landmark law authored and passed by Pangilinan in 2019 that allows the national and local governments to buy directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding. The law aims to empower the agricultural sector by making the government its biggest market. In his meeting with DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on July 8, the senator said he was able to convince him to use the law in some 60 government hospitals around the country. "Mayroon 60 na public hospitals sa buong Pilipinas. Ibig sabihin meron din 60 na cafeteria o canteen ang nago-operate sa mga ospital na ito. Saan nila binibili ang kanilang pagkain araw-araw? Dapat may porsyento niyan direkta ang bili sa mga magsasaka," he explained. "We were able to convince Secretary Herbosa and he said he will issue a department order directing the hospitals to purchase their food directly from farmers and fisherfolk," Pangilinan added. The senator plans to discuss the enactment of the Sagip Saka Act with agencies and local governments, underscoring the need for their full participation so the law's intended beneficiaries--farmers and fisherfolk--can reap the rewards. The full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, which aims to empower farmers and fisherfolk by increasing their income and expanding their market access, was part of Pangilinan's promises during the 2025 senatorial campaign. While the law was signed and enacted in 2019, it has yet to reach its full potential because government agencies and local governments have failed to uphold its provisions. Pangilinan said he plans to defer the budget approval of agencies that cannot present a concrete plan on implementing the Sagip Saka Act.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith, has accused the government of denying their sons the right to speak to their father, who has been in prison for almost two years, and threatening them with arrest if they try to meet him. She stated that these types of actions do not "happen in a democracy or a functioning state" and termed it a "personal vendetta." Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has remained in prison since August 2023 after facing multiple charges, including corruption and terrorism. In a statement shared on X, Goldsmith stated, "My children are not allowed to speak on the phone to their father @ImranKhanPTI. He has been in solitary confinement in prison for nearly 2 years. Pakistan's government has now said if they go there to try to see him, they too will be arrested and put behind bars. This doesn't happen in a democracy or a functioning state. This isn't politics. It's a personal vendetta." Goldsmith's statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah warned that Khan's sons would be arrested if they participated in the PTI protest in Pakistan, The Express Tribune reported. In a separate statement shared on X, Imran Khan's son, Kasim Khan, denounced the treatment of his father. He stated that Imran Khan is not allowed to meet his family, lawyers and personal doctor and termed it a "deliberate attempt to isolate and break a man who stood for rule of law, democracy, and Pakistan." "My father, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has now spent over 700 days in prison - held in solitary confinement. He is denied access to his lawyers, not allowed visits from his family, fully cut off from us (his children), and even his personal doctor is refused entry. This is not justice. It is a deliberate attempt to isolate and break a man who stood for rule of law, democracy, and Pakistan," Kasim Khan posted on X. https://x.com/Kasim_Khan_1999/status/1942262324158685297 Earlier, Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, said that the PTI founder's sons, Suleman and Kasim Khan, would join the protest movement initiated by him, The Express Tribune reported. She made the remarks after visiting Adiala Jail, where she, her sister Uzma, and Noreen Khan, along with party lawyers, were supposed to meet Imran Khan. However, she was not allowed to meet him. Speaking to reporters, Aleema Khan said that Imran would lead the protest from jail. She said, "Imran Khan has said that he will lead the protest movement. He is free while in jail but we are prisoners despite being outside," The Express Tribune reported. She announced that Suleman and Kasim would join the protest in support of their father. Earlier, in May, Suleman and Kasim had publicly addressed their father's detention and demanded international pressure on Pakistan for securing his release. Imran Khan's sons had spoken about his situation for the first time, despite being reportedly allowed to contact him weekly since November 2023. According to PTI's Khan's sons, these calls were inconsistent and difficult to arrange. (ANI)
Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Public and Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has rejected reports of growing rift with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), calling them "completely baseless" and said that the current coalition government will continue, Geo News reported. Speaking on Geo News' programme 'Capital Talk', Sanaullah said, "The coalition government cannot continue without the alliance." He stated, "Even after the change in numbers following the reserved seats verdict, this system cannot work without the PPP and PML-N coalition. Both parties acknowledge this." He said that the rumours regarding the future of the alliance were "completely baseless." On addressing claims that Field Marshal Asim Munir could be considered for the role of President of Pakistan, Sanaullah stated: "Let me be clear -- this person will stay in uniform and go home after that, whenever that may be. There is no question of assuming any other office." Sanaullah reiterated that PML-N and PPP must maintain political maturity. He said, "Even the Charter of Democracy states that one party should not be involved in aiding the fall of the other's government," Geo News reported. He also confirmed his recent meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding the upcoming Senate elections. He added, "Yes, we aim to take their help. With the combined numbers of PPP, Maulana sb, and the PML-N, we can secure more seats." Regarding inter-party cooperation, PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwalla mentioned that there was discontent among PPP members in Punjab, attributing it to the provincial government's inability to address their concerns, Geo News reported. He said, "In Punjab, our numbers are low, so our issues are often ignored. That's why our leaders come and complain to the party leadership." However, Mandviwalla spoke about positive cooperation between the two parties and mentioned how the Sindh government opened a hospital in Punjab without any objection from the PML-N-led provincial government. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) announced that the US will impose a tariff of 35 per cent on imports of goods from Canada. Trump sent a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to inform him about the tariff. Trump posted the letter sent to Carney on his social media platform, Truth Social. He said that Canada's failure to stop fentanyl from entering the US contributed to the tariff policy. In the letter, Trump wrote, "As you will recall, the United States imposed Tariffs on Canada to deal with our Nation's Fentanyl crisis, which is caused, in part, by Canada's failure to stop the drugs from pouring into our Country. Instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own Tariffs. Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a Tariff of 35% on Canadian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs." "Goods transshipped to evade this higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff. As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if Canada, or companies within your Country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely-In other words, in a matter of weeks," he added. In the letter, Trump threatened to increase the tariff rate by the same amount if Canada decides to increase their tariffs on importing American products. He also targeted Canada's tariffs on US dairy exports and called the trade deficit a major threat to the US economy and national security. In the letter, Trump wrote, "I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, which cause unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States. Canada charges extraordinary Tariffs to our Dairy Farmers up to 400%-and that is even assuming our Dairy Farmers even have access to sell their products to the people of Canada. The Trade Deficit is a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security." "If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter. These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country. You will never be disappointed with The United States of America," he added. https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114831716625825473 Earlier on Wednesday (local time), Trump announced a 50 per cent tariff on imports from Brazil, starting August 1 and called the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro a "witch hunt", adding that the "trial should not take place." Trump also announced a fresh round of tariffs on imports from seven nations - Sri Lanka, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, the Philippines, Moldova and Brunei. These tariffs will come into effect on August 1. The White House has shared letters sent by Trump to leaders of these seven nations, which mentioned the tariffs they will face while exporting goods to the US. According to the letters, the US will impose a 30 per cent tariff on goods imported from Sri Lanka, Iraq, Algeria and Libya. In the letters, Trump mentioned that Moldova will face a tariff of 25 per cent when exporting goods to the US. According to the letters, imports from Brunei will face a 25 per cent tariff while the Philippines will be facing 20 per cent. In the letters, Trump threatened to increase the tariff rate by the same amount if the countries decided to raise their tariffs on importing American products.On July 8, Trump announced that tariffs would come into effect on August 1, 2025, and must be paid without any extensions. In a post shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, "As per letters sent to various countries yesterday, in addition to letters that will be sent today, tomorrow, and for the next short period of time, TARIFFS WILL START BEING PAID ON AUGUST 1, 2025. There has been no change to this date, and there will be no change. In other words, all money will be due and payable starting AUGUST 1, 2025 - No extensions will be granted. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Earlier on Monday, Trump shared letters sent by his administration to 14 countries, informing them of the reciprocal tariffs that will take effect from August 1. He sent letters to leaders of Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Cambodia. (ANI)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the rising spread of infectious diseases among Afghan migrants deported from neighbouring nations amid poor sanitary conditions, Khaama Press reported. The WHO emphasised the need to enhance medical resources and staff capacity to address the increasing health risks. WHO has reported a rise in respiratory infections, skin conditions like scabies, diarrhoea and suspected COVID-19 cases among those deported from neighbouring nations. The ground assessments carried out at key border points, especially Islam Qala in Herat Province, reveal that upper respiratory infections are the most common diseases spread, followed by diarrhoea and dehydration, particularly among children and the elderly. Suspected cases of scabies and COVID-19 have also been reported among deported Afghan migrants. In response to the spread of diseases, the WHO has launched emergency health screenings and mass vaccination campaigns in collaboration with local health authorities at Islam Qala and Spin Boldak border crossings. These initiatives have been launched to stop further outbreaks and provide critical care to vulnerable people. According to the WHO, more than 8,700 children received oral polio vaccines, and over 8,300 individuals received injectable polio vaccines at the Islam Qala crossing. Thousands of deported children have been vaccinated against measles in high-risk border areas, Khaama Press reported. Nearly 29,000 people have been screened or vaccinated at major border points, including Spin Boldak, Torkham, and Islam Qala. WHO mobile health teams have been deployed at reception centres and zero-point borders and are conducting daily health checks on hundreds of returnees. WHO has identified over 840 people showing symptoms of infectious disease, all of whom received immediate medical care. It emphasised the need to increase medical resources and staff capacity to address the growing health risks, according to Khaama Press reported. As the number of Afghan migrants being deported by neighbouring nations continues to increase, the WHO called for expanded funding and coordinated efforts required to prevent large-scale disease outbreaks and provide adequate care for returnees in crisis. (ANI)
Pakistan is grappling with an alarming education crisis, with over 25.37 million children aged 5-16 out of school, according to Dawn News. In a country where access to quality education remains a persistent challenge, non-formal education (NFE) has emerged as a critical lifeline for millions. As reported by Dawn, the latest data comes from the "Pakistan's Non-Formal Education Report 2023-24," launched at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). The report was developed by the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who attended the launch, underscored the urgency of the issue. He stated that the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, such as floods, had significantly worsened the situation. He described the report as a vital tool for developing targeted policies and praised it for shedding light on a neglected segment of the education sector. According to Dawn News, the report recommends the expansion of Accelerated Learning Programs (ALPs), especially ALP (Middle-Tech) models, which boast 70% retention rates and offer both academic and vocational training. It also stresses the need to address regional disparities, improve adult literacy, and strengthen data collection and utilisation. Dawn noted that Pakistan currently operates 35,427 NFE centres, serving over 1.29 million learners, marking a 20% increase in enrolment from the previous year. Siddiqui announced that the Federal Non-Formal Education Policy 2025 and the National Action Plan for NFE 2025 are both in development. He emphasised the need for data-driven policy, noting that a functioning Education Management Information System (EMIS) is key to improving governance and access. He also shared plans to introduce a standardised assessment system for NFE teachers and implement a comprehensive management framework to bring out-of-school children back into classrooms. Siddiqui called on all stakeholders to utilise the data presented in the report to improve educational planning and outreach. However, despite repeated promises and the involvement of international partners like Japan, Pakistan continues to demonstrate a chronic inability to prioritise education as a national imperative. While officials deliver polished speeches and announce future policies, millions of children remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and illiteracy, abandoned by a system riddled with neglect, mismanagement, and political apathy. Public education in Pakistan continues to be poorly funded, inadequately regulated, and mostly out of reach, particularly for girls and children from marginalised communities. This deepening crisis proves that Pakistan's failure to educate its children is not just a policy gap; it is a national betrayal sustained by decades of state neglect. (ANI)
The Detective Branch (DB) of the Bangladesh Police arrested in a mid-night search on Thursday the country's renowned economist Abul Barkat on corruption charges, a DB official said on Friday. "We have arrested Abul Barkat as an accused in an ACC (Anti-Corruption Commission) case", Nasirul Islam, Joint Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DB), told ANI over the phone. "We will handover him to ACC", he added without details. Abul Barkat was the chairman of the state-owned Janata Bank during Sheikh Hasina's regime. A case was filed against 30 people, including Abul Barkat, during the Awami League era, for embezzling crores of taka through loan fraud by a company called Anontex, local media reported. "Last night, 20/25 people, posing as DB police, entered my father's bedroom and took him away. They did not show any warrant copy. We are ready to fight the case brought against him legally", Abul Barkat's daughter, Aruni Barkat, told ANI. "We could know about the case from media reports. No one told us about the case. No one came to investigate. If they had come to investigate, we would have definitely cooperated", she added. "My father taught at Dhaka University for 40 years. He was a freedom fighter. My mother was also a teacher. I saw my father only doing good for people. We are disappointed that he was arrested without any investigation", Aruni Barkat, also a teacher of Dhaka University, said. "We will cooperate any investigation by ACC", she said. Meanwhile earlier on June 28, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Minority Unity Front, and Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council held a protest in front of the Dhaka Press Club and across the country. The speakers emphasised that an inclusive, secular Bangladesh was created in 1971 through the Liberation War. However, they stated that communal forces, both domestic and foreign, are now using the interim government as a cover to persecute religious and ethnic minorities. This includes looting their homes, vandalising places of worship, attacking them on false religious grounds, and filing lawsuits against minority leaders across the country. They called this a major challenge to communal harmony and urged all progressive, non-communal social, political and cultural groups to unite against these forces. (ANI)
New UK package of support for Ukraine's immediate and longer-term needs was tabled at Ukraine Recovery Conference, a statement by the British High Commission stated. UK and Ukraine concluded the historic deal for Thales Air Defence missiles, boosting British growth and jobs and keeping Ukraine in the fight, as per the statement. UK also confirmed up to 283 million Euros in bilateral assistance for Ukraine over the next year. Two hundred British jobs will be created and another 700 safeguarded in a major defence deal between the UK and Ukraine to be signed at this year's Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC). The jobs at Thales in Belfast come as the UK and Ukraine successfully conclude the largest export credit agency-backed deal in Ukraine. Supported by a 2.5 billion Euros guarantee with a 19-year financing agreement, the funds can now be released. This enables the delivery of more than 5,000 Air Defence missiles from British business Thales - in what is not only a major boost to the UK's defence capabilities but will also keep Ukraine in the fight, boosting their defence against Russia's illegal full-scale invasion, the statement said. Representing the Prime Minister at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Minister for Exports Gareth Thomas will formally sign the agreement with the Government of Ukraine, marking a key milestone in the UK-Ukraine defence cooperation. The deal delivers on this Government's Plan for Change, by spending more on defence and creating jobs we will keep the country safe and boost economic growth. In a speech at the conference in Rome, the Deputy Prime Minister will also reaffirm the UK's bilateral assistance to Ukraine for the financial year 2025-2026 of up to 283 million Euros. This will keep the country in the fight and ensure Ukrainians living through Russia's illegal full-scale invasion have access to vital support across humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, recovery and reconstruction needs. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: "As we continue to witness the enduring strength of the Ukrainian people, the UK stands by their side to provide the assistance their country needs to not only stay in the fight, but to rebuild and recover." "This announcement underlines our continued support for Ukraine - boosting their air defences against devastating drone and missile attacks and supporting the critical work to reconstruct this nation and provide the hope that they need," the statement further quoted her as saying. "This will also provide skilled jobs in the UK and is all part of our Plan for Change - bolstering the UK defence industry and strengthening our international ties," she added. Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports Gareth Thomas said on the Thales deal, "This landmark agreement is a powerful example of how British expertise is supporting Ukraine's defence and recovery while creating high-quality jobs at home." "By unlocking UKEF-backed finance, we're enabling the delivery of vital equipment to Ukraine and strengthening our own defence industrial base," she added. "It's a clear demonstration of our Plan for Change in action--backing British business, boosting exports, and standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression," the statement said. The UK will provide up to 10.5 million Euros for the Governance Reform Programme and up to 1 million in support of Ukraine's Green Transition Office in financial year 2025 to 2026 to help Ukraine reform for the future. 10.5 million will go towards efforts on rule of law, justice and anti-corruption while 1 million will fund work on green transition and energy, both supporting Ukraine on its path to becoming a prosperous, green and modern European nation. During the conference, British International Investment (BII) will also confirm 30 million pounds for MHP, a leading Ukrainian agribusiness. MHP employs over 30,000 people in Ukraine, with more than 40% being women. The loan will help them to safeguard jobs and boost resilience in the food and agriculture sectors during Russia's full-scale invasion. MHP, Ukraine's largest poultry and processed meat producer, exports to over 70 countries. Underpinning much of these efforts, the UK will endorse the Government of Ukraine's insurance agreement. This initiative seeks to make insurance more affordable and widely accessible for businesses, including those in the UK, helping to derisk their investments into Ukraine. The UK is committed to supporting Ukraine win the war and the peace, emerging as a stronger, more prosperous and free nation, resilient to Russian threats. Our 100 Year Partnership, alongside the commitments made at URC, reaffirm the UK's iron-clad support for Ukraine now and into the future. In total, the UK has committed 18.3 billion Euros for Ukraine with 13 billion Euros in military support and 5.3 billion Euros in non-military support, as per the statement. (ANI)
This alarming figure exposes the failure of successive Pakistani governments to effectively address the rampant poverty afflicting nearly half of the nation's citizens.

The report further highlights that extreme poverty, defined by the World Bank's USD 3.00/day threshold, has surged to 16.5 per cent from a previously reported 4.9 per cent, demonstrating that millions more Pakistanis are sinking deeper into destitution. Meanwhile, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) indicates that over 30 per cent of Pakistan's population suffers from severe deprivation in health, education, and living standards.

In stark contrast, neighbouring countries like China, Bangladesh, and Nepal have managed to make meaningful progress in poverty alleviation through targeted strategies, industrial growth, and social reforms.

China has slashed its extreme poverty rate below 1 per cent, and Bangladesh's microfinance and garment sectors have propelled millions out of poverty despite recent setbacks. Even Nepal boasts a poverty rate below 2.2 per cent.

Pakistan's struggle is compounded by bloated social welfare programs like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which, despite increased funding, remain patchwork solutions unable to break the cycle of poverty. Overreliance on these handouts without integrating effective poverty graduation methods leaves millions trapped in dependency, as Geo News reports.

While the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) has made some strides, empowering women entrepreneurs and disbursing millions in interest-free loans, its achievements remain isolated successes amid a vast sea of deprivation. The lack of a comprehensive, updated poverty database cripples targeted policymaking, leaving millions invisible to the state's welfare mechanisms.

Experts argue that without political will and institutional reform, Pakistan will continue to lag behind regional neighbours. Fragmented data systems, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and limited coordination among aid agencies undermine any meaningful progress.

Geo News further reported that to reverse these devastating trends, Pakistan must adopt data-driven policies inspired by global best practices, strengthen public-private partnerships, and scale up community-driven poverty graduation models. Without bold reforms, the nation risks remaining a poverty hotspot in South Asia, perpetually failing its most vulnerable citizens. (ANI)
The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in India, hosted an exclusive Start-up Sundowner at the St Regis Mumbai, an official statement said. The event spotlighted the opportunities for Indian founders and start-ups to participate in the newly launched UAE-India CEPA Start-up Series, a high-impact platform designed to fast-track cross-border growth, collaboration, and market access, the statement said. In his opening remarks, Abdulnasser Alshaali, the UAE Ambassador to India, reaffirmed the UAE's vision for fostering dynamic, innovation-led collaboration between the two nations. He emphasised that India's entrepreneurial energy as a vital force in the bilateral partnership. A highlight of the evening was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE-India CEPA Council and the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), the technology business incubator of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). The MoU formalises a partnership to identify and support high-potential start-ups from the SINE ecosystem and alumni network for participation in the Start-up Series. Following the signing, Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE-India CEPA Council, delivered an insightful overview of the Start-up Series, detailing the platform's strategic design to support Indian start-ups in scaling into the UAE. "The Start-up Series is a another step forward in transforming the UAE-India partnership into a launchpad for next-generation entrepreneurship and cross-border innovation," Aljneibi said. Guests were then introduced to the official trailer for the UAE-India Start-up Series, which outlined the initiative's vision, opportunities, and roadmap. The video spotlighted the upcoming flagship pitch event in New Delhi, where selected ventures will gain access to an exclusive UAE soft-landing package, including incubation, licensing, mentorship, and investor exposure. The Start-up Series builds on the strong economic momentum between the UAE and India, offering a new platform for start-up-led collaboration. In FY 2023-24, bilateral trade reached USD 83.64 billion, marking a nearly 15 per cent year-on-year increase since the CEPA came into effect. India's non-oil exports to the UAE surged by over 20 per cent, while UAE foreign direct investment (FDI) into India tripled, rising from USD 1.03 billion in FY 2021-22 to USD 3.35 billion in FY 2022-23, making the UAE India's fourth-largest investor, as per the statement. The event was featured live across the UAE-India CEPA Council's social media handles. A post-produced video and event gallery will be published soon on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. (ANI)
Three more Filipino crew members of Liberian-flagged ship 'Eternity C,' which sank in the Red Sea after being attacked by Houthis off Yemen's coast, have been safely pulled out, bringing the total number of rescued Filipino seafarers to eight, Philippines state media reported Friday. The Philippines News Agency (PNA) cited the country's Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac telling Radio Radyo Pilipinas that the number of Filipinos rescued from the ship, which was sunk on Wednesday, after being hit with sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades fired from speedboats on Monday, July 7. "Three more were found, so there are now eight of them. I will not disclose their current location," Cacdac said adding that reports of three to four possible fatalities are still being verified. The Liberian-flagged Merchant Vessel Eternity C had on board 22 crew members when it sank following damage it sustained in the Houthi attack. In a statement on Thursday, the European Union's Aspides naval mission said during the night July 9-10, three additional crew members of Filipino nationality from the 'Eternity C' and one from the Maritime Security Team (Greek nationality), have recovered from the sea - bringing the total number of those rescued to 10. A Reuters report stated that the Greek operator of the vessel, Cosmoship Management had yesterday confirmed that so far 10 people have been rescued and 10 remain unaccounted for. One person is believed dead and another four have not been seen since the attack on the ship, the company said. Maritime security sources told the Reuters news agency that the Houthis were holding six crew members. 'Eternity C' was the second Greek-owned vessel that was sunk this week by the Iran-backed terrorist group off the coast of Yemen, in their attempt to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea, which is a vital maritime trade route for oil and commodities to the world. Reports have claimed that Houthis attacked the cargo vessel 'Magic Seas' on Sunday with drones, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire, forcing its crew of 22 to abandon the vessel. The rebels later claimed that they sank the Greek-owned and Liberian- flagged ship in the Red Sea. As per Al Jazeera the incidents are a revival of a Houthi campaign launched in November 2023 after the start of Israel's war on Gaza. More than 100 ships have since been attacked in operations the Houthis say are in solidarity with Palestinians, the outlet reported. Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree was cited by Al Jazeera as saying on Thursday that the group had carried out a "qualitative military operation" targeting Israel. The Israeli military confirmed the attempted strike but said it had intercepted the missile, according to the media organization.. After the Israel-Hamas ceasefire collapsed in March 2025, US President Donald Trump's administration ramped up the American military campaign against the Houthis. The Trump administration signed an agreement with the Iran-aligned Houthis in May this year in which the militant group pledged not to target American ships in the Red Sea in return for a US commitment not to attack them. (ANI)
Press Release

July 11, 2025 Statement of Senator Joel Villanueva on the latest attack of the Houthi Rebels on vessels manned by Filipino Seafarers We offer our sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of our kababayans who were killed in the attack by suspected Houthi rebels while aboard shipping vessels in the Red Sea. We continue to pray for the safety of our fellow Filipinos who remain in the area. We continue to call on the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to exert all efforts in monitoring the situation and ensuring the welfare of our affected kababayans. Given the high risks faced by our seafarers in that region, we urge the DMW to assess the need for a temporary deployment ban. In addition, the agency must thoroughly review the contracts of our seafarers to ensure compliance and require manning agencies and its principals to submit an undertaking to comply with the ban, and the right to refuse sailing by the seafarers is being honored with procedure on how to facilitate disembarkation should be submitted to the DMW, the agency's monitoring and facilitation of such right. Our top priority remains the protection and welfare of our Filipino seafarers, as enshrined in the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which we authored in the Senate.
An international symposium on the history and reality of the South China Sea was held in Beijing on Thursday, promoting China's narrative of sovereignty and peace in a region rife with growing tensions, as reported by Xinhua News Agency. Xinhua reported that the symposium gathered over 150 experts and scholars from more than 10 countries, including China, the Philippines, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Canada, under the auspices of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies and the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance. The event centred around contentious topics such as the post-World War II international order, sovereignty claims over the South China Sea islands (referred to by China as Nanhai Zhudao), and the controversial 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling. Wu Shicun, chairman of the Huayang Center, asserted that China's claims to sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao have "ample historical and legal basis" and insisted that China's control over the area dates back to ancient times, fitting within the post-WWII international framework. Wu dismissed the 2016 arbitration ruling as "illegal" and portrayed China's actions as defenders rather than disruptors of the international order. He urged China and ASEAN to push forward consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea to "safeguard peace and stability," as per Xinhua. However, critics argue that Beijing's expansive claims and aggressive militarisation have destabilised the region, undermining genuine peace efforts. The 2016 arbitration tribunal, which China refused to acknowledge, rejected many of China's sweeping claims and sided with the Philippines, highlighting China's violation of international maritime laws. Rommel Banlaoi, president of the Philippine Society for International Security Studies, warned that the arbitration award complicated relations between Manila and Beijing and stressed the need for dialogue and confidence-building, rather than China's coercive tactics. Banlaoi emphasised the historical ties linking Filipinos and Chinese through the sea but cautioned that Beijing's recent actions risk turning the South China Sea into a flashpoint for conflict. The symposium also revisited the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) and ongoing negotiations for the COC, documents aimed at dispute management but often criticised for lacking enforcement mechanisms amid China's assertiveness, as noted by Xinhua. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday extended greetings to his Mongolian counterpart Battsetseg Batmunkh on 'Naadam Festival'. He wished that the cooperation between the countries continues to flourish. In a post on X, he said, "Warm greetings FM Battsetseg Batmunkh, the Government and people of Mongolia on 'Naadam Festival' celebrations. May our economic cooperation, cultural and spiritual ties continue to flourish and enrich our strategic partnership." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1943567148699312545 On March 22 this year, India and Mongolia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their Strategic Partnership, with senior officials from both nations conducting a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, discussing cooperation in key sectors, and planning high-level engagements to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar held a consultative meeting with Munkhtushig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary of Mongolia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to review the bilateral relationship between India and Mongolia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. On March 19, both sides discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership and maintain high-level engagements. They assessed cooperation in various sectors, including development partnerships, education, IT, energy, connectivity, culture, capacity building, mining, defence, and security. Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X, "Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumder held a Consultative Meeting with Mr. Munkhtushig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary, MoFA of Mongolia. Both sides carried out a comprehensive review of the bilateral relationship, agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges & organize a series of commemorative activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1903066951603433627 Both countries agreed to conduct a series of commemorative activities to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. They also decided to formally upgrade the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) to the Secretary level, the MEA said in a statement. During the meeting, they also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. India and Mongolia have interacted throughout history for 2,000 years. Following the emergence of Mongolia as a modern nation-state in the 20th century, the two countries have continued to build relations based on shared historical and cultural legacy. On May 17, 2015, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries declared a strategic partnership, as per the MEA. (ANI)
Operation Baam, the most extensive and coordinated offensive launched by the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), a Baloch separatist armed group, has crippled large parts of Balochistan in Pakistan. The separatist group carried out simultaneous attacks across multiple districts, disrupting internet connectivity, halting train services, and blocking key sections of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- a cornerstone of China's Belt and Road Initiative. In a press statement issued by Major Gwahram Baloch, spokesperson of BLF, "The Balochistan Liberation Front has announced that 80% of the objectives of its ongoing military campaign, Operation Baam, have been successfully achieved." It added, "So far, over 70 coordinated attacks have been carried out across Balochistan under this operation. Baloch Sarmachars (freedom fighters) have targeted state infrastructure, security forces, and Pakistan's economic interests in this strategic actions." Earlier, Daily Sangar, a Baloch-focused online news outlet, reported that this marks a tactical shift from the group's traditional hit-and-run strategy to open, frontal assaults on military posts, police checkpoints, and strategic infrastructure. It noted that the operation carries more political symbolism than military ambition, sending a strong message that the Baloch liberation movement remains highly organized and geographically widespread, challenging Pakistani authority across both urban centers and remote tribal regions. The BLF, previously active in Makuran, Awaran, and parts of Khuzdar, expanded its footprint during Operation Baam to Sohbatpur, Nasirabad, Karmo Wadh, and other eastern areas -- countering longstanding claims of limited organizational reach. According to Daily Sangar, the offensive triggered widespread disruption across Balochistan, with coordinated attacks targeting key military and infrastructure sites. It said, "Checkpoints and military posts in Quetta, Kech, Khuzdar, Kalat, Kharan, and Sibi came under heavy gunfire and explosive assaults. Ufone telecom towers were destroyed, while major highways--including the Quetta-Sibi Road, Kalat-Manguchar stretch, and CPEC link roads--were blocked, bringing traffic to a standstill." The online portal added, "In Balida, a UBL bank was set on fire after evacuation, and mineral-laden trucks and buses carrying suspected ISI/MI operatives were intercepted in Musakhel, where nine individuals were reportedly executed." "In Dasht and Gwarkop, military drones were shot down and mortar fire was launched into army camps. A Coast Guard post in Gwadar and an FC checkpoint in Moondi Cross were also attacked, highlighting vulnerabilities along the coast. Additionally, Levies posts near Dasht and Kolpur were seized, with weapons and vehicles confiscated by the BLF," said a report by Daily Sangar. While the BLF has not indicated that Operation Baam will evolve into a long-term campaign, Baloch experts view the offensive as a strategic show of strength following years of media blackout and diminishing global attention on the Baloch cause. The Pakistani government has yet to issue an official response. However, security alerts have been declared across CPEC-adjacent regions, and reinforcements are reportedly being deployed to affected districts. (ANI)
Tibetan monk Dalai Lama while thanking all his followers for their greetings on his 90th birthday said that this was an important milestone of his life. The Dalai Lama said that he requested his followers to join him in his effort of spreading kindness and peace across the world. In a post on X on Friday, he said, "Thank You Message: Dear Brothers and Sisters, Thank you for your warm greetings on my 90th birthday. I very much appreciate your kind gesture. The 90th birthday is conventionally considered an important milestone in one's life. I have dedicated myself to spreading the message of compassion and kindness, which I believe is the basis for peace and happiness in this world, and will continue doing so. As I often tell my friends and well-wishers, I would request you to join me in this effort, to be warm-hearted and to lead a meaningful life in the service of others; that will be the best birthday gift to me. I feel my life has been of some benefit to people across the world, and I dedicate the rest of my time to the service of others. Thank you and with my good wishes, Dalai Lama" https://x.com/DalaiLama/status/1943578727272849789 Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Dharamshala on July 6 with an address focusing on the values of compassion, service, and the Bodhichitta way of life. Speaking before a gathering at the Tsuglagkhang temple, he reflected on his spiritual journey and urged everyone to follow a path of kindness and selflessness. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, along with other dignitaries and well-wishers, attended the celebration. https://x.com/DalaiLama/status/1941507604175335789 In his speech, the Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of love, unity and service to others. "As far as I am concerned, I have a human life. As humans, it is natural for us to have love in our heart for one another and to help one another. Since we came from a country where Buddhist religion and spirituality has spread, there is a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood amongst us. The main practice is as said in Bodhisattva way of life -- considering all beings as my friends and relatives, and I always think of serving beings with the best of my abilities," he said. (ANI)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope that a hostage release deal with Hamas may be concluded in the coming days, adding that the potential agreement could trigger a 60-day ceasefire during which Israel and Hamas might negotiate an end to the conflict, according to The Times of Israel. "We think we can bring it to completion," said Netanyahu. "So I wouldn't tell you that we have a war goal that is unachievable. We're going to defeat these monsters and get our hostages back." "I hope we can complete it in a few days," he told Newsmax's Greta Van Susteren in an interview before flying back to Israel while indirect talks continued in Qatar amid signs of deadlock. "We'll probably have a 60-day ceasefire. Get the first batch out and then use the 60 days to try to negotiate an end to this," he said on the last day of a four-day visit in which he met US President Donald Trump twice. "And this could end tomorrow, today, if Hamas lays down its arms." Netanyahu granted three interviews to US media during his trip, but no interviews to the Israeli press, The Times of Israel reported. Amid reports that the Trump administration does not intend to allow Israel to resume fighting in Gaza after a potential ceasefire, Netanyahu promised earlier Thursday that Israel would return to war if Hamas does not give in. "We were told, 'You will not return to war,' after the first ceasefire, and we did return," said Netanyahu in a video statement. "We were told 'You will not resume your fight,' after the second ceasefire, and we did. Now they're saying 'You will not continue fighting' after the third ceasefire. Do I need to say more?" After Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, and Jerusalem declared war on the terrorist organization, the sides agreed to ceasefires in November 2023 and January 2025. Two sources told The Times of Israel on Wednesday that the Trump administration has assured mediators that it does not intend to allow Jerusalem to go back to fighting against Hamas in Gaza following a 60-day ceasefire, even if this is not explicitly included in the text of the deal being negotiated in Washington and Qatar. The issue of whether Israel will be able to restart its military campaign after the proposed 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living and 18 dead hostages is one of the main sticking points in talks, which have failed to produce a breakthrough even as leaders continue to express some optimism, The Times of Israel said. However, signs that negotiations remain stalled persisted on Thursday. Hamas said it opposes any ceasefire deal that includes a large Israeli military presence in Gaza, citing disagreements over troop withdrawal and the free flow of aid into Gaza, along with demands for "real guarantees" for a lasting truce. In his Thursday video, Netanyahu said Israel is willing to discuss the end of the war in Gaza during the 60-day ceasefire, should Hamas and Israel come to an agreement. But, he cautioned, the war will end only under Israel's conditions: "Hamas lays down its weapons, Gaza is demilitarized, Hamas no longer has any governmental or military capabilities. These are our basic conditions." Netanyahu has made those demands throughout the war, which Hamas has repeatedly rejected. "One way or another," said Netanyahu, "Israel's war aims will be achieved. If this can be achieved through negotiations -- that's great. If it is not achieved through negotiations in 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways; by using force, the force of our heroic army," The Times of Israel quoted him as saying, following a memorial service for two embassy employees who were murdered in May. In the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump told reporters, "We're getting very close to a deal on Gaza." That came after Netanyahu stated there was a "good chance" to reach a deal, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said he thought an agreement to end 21 months of fighting was "achievable." Netanyahu also addressed criticism about how long the war has lasted. "First of all, this is a war zone that no army in the world has faced," he said. "And thanks to the heroism of the fighters, thanks to the sacrifice of the fallen, thanks to the creativity, we dismantled most of Hamas's military capabilities. But not all of them. There are still thousands of fighters there with weapons." The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu reiterated Israel's dual approach: "We want to act, again, with a combination of diplomacy and military force, and military force if diplomacy doesn't work, to complete the mission." Regarding the order in which hostages will be released, Netanyahu said he would prefer to get everyone out at once, but "we are dealing with a cruel terrorist organization. Of course, we would like to rescue everyone, and from our point of view, they are all humanitarian. I want to rescue everyone in one fell swoop." "Here we are dealing with two stages, but the choice is not always ours. We will do everything to maximize this release in the best possible way. Not everything is in our hands." Netanyahu told hostage families on Wednesday that Hamas will determine which hostages will be released during the 60-day truce, a source present at the Washington meeting told The Times of Israel. The source said Netanyahu told the families that, from Israel's perspective, all hostages are considered "humanitarian" -- meaning no living captive group will be prioritised over another, given their dire conditions after 643 days in Gaza. However, two sources told the Haaretz daily that intelligence on the hostages' conditions is being delivered to Netanyahu's office, and the political leadership will decide on the order of release. Earlier Thursday, Netanyahu addressed a memorial service for slain embassy employees Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim at the Israeli mission in Washington. "The agony of losing a brother is great," Netanyahu said. "The agony of losing a son is greater." He also acknowledged Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, who lost his son in the war in Gaza. According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu shared that he spoke about the victims with Trump. After seeing their photo, Trump reportedly said, "What a beautiful couple." Netanyahu signed a memorial book, unveiled a plaque with a photograph of the two victims, and affixed a new mezuzah at the embassy ceremony, which Milgrim's parents and Lischinsky's siblings attended in person while his parents watched via Zoom. Having a Jewish state "comes with a heavy cost," Netanyahu said, pledging to fight rising antisemitism amid what he described as an organized campaign. "When we began the great return to our land," he said, "the first thing Israel did was create an army. God helps those who help themselves." "We do not bow down. We do not surrender. We win," Netanyahu concluded. (ANI)
The Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act, introduced by Republican Senator John Curtis and Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen, seeks to harden critical infrastructure against sabotage by the People's Republic of China (PRC).

According to Taipei Times, the act proposes a multi-agency initiative led by the U.S. Department of State, in coordination with the Departments of Defence, Homeland Security, and the US Coast Guard.

The bill mandates the deployment of real-time monitoring systems, the development of rapid-response protocols, increased maritime surveillance, and greater international coordination to deter and respond to acts of undersea sabotage.

Citing intelligence and recent incidents, the senators warned that Beijing's military doctrine includes targeting undersea cables to cripple communication in the event of conflict.

Since February 2023, Taipei Times reported that at least 11 disruptions have occurred, most linked to vessels suspected of deliberate interference, an alarming trend that U.S. lawmakers say must not go unchallenged.

"We can't stand idle as China ramps up its tactics to isolate Taiwan, including by sabotaging its vital undersea cables," Senator Curtis said in a press release quoted by Taipei Times. "This bipartisan effort sends a clear message: the United States stands with our democratic partners against coercion."

Separately, Senators Curtis and Chris Van Hollen also reintroduced the Taiwan International Solidarity Act to push back against Beijing's diplomatic isolation campaign. The bill clarifies that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not bar US advocacy for Taiwan's participation in international organisations.

"China has long manipulated Resolution 2758 to silence Taiwan on the world stage," Curtis said, adding that the United Nations "must not become a platform for that distortion." Taipei Times noted that the House passed a version of the bill in May, but Senate action remains pending.

These latest moves mark a firm bipartisan stance against Beijing's hybrid warfare tactics and its broader campaign to undermine regional security. (ANI)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met again on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur, with the war in Ukraine at the centre of discussions, according to Al Jazeera citing Russia's state-run TASS agency. The talks followed a 50-minute meeting between the two top diplomats a day earlier. While no details have emerged from Friday's exchange, Rubio told reporters after Thursday's talks that both sides had discussed a possible "new and different approach" to reviving peace efforts in Ukraine, Al Jazeera reported. "I wouldn't characterise it as something that guarantees peace," Rubio said, "but it's a concept that I'll take back to the president." Lavrov said on Friday that he conveyed Moscow's stance on the conflict. "We discussed Ukraine. We confirmed the position that President [Vladimir] Putin had outlined, including in his July 3 conversation with President [Donald] Trump," Lavrov told Russian media, as per Al Jazeera. Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the meeting as a "substantive and frank exchange" of views on Ukraine, as well as on Iran, Syria, and wider global issues, Al Jazeera reported. Despite high tensions between the two countries, the meeting marked a rare instance of direct engagement between Washington and Moscow. However, Russian officials rejected the idea that relations were worsening. "I do not agree that the positive trend in relations between Moscow and Washington is fading," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told the RIA news agency, Al Jazeera said. "I think that the current US administration acts in a zigzag manner. We don't dramatise over this," Ryabkov added, noting that another round of talks could take place before the end of the summer. Al Jazeera reported that both sides indicated a cautious willingness to continue dialogue. "We are talking, and that is a start," Rubio said. "But much depends on what comes next." Rubio, on his first official trip to Asia since assuming the role of Secretary of State, is also scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. The meeting is their first in-person exchange and comes as the United States seeks to reassert its influence in the Asia Pacific region, according to Al Jazeera. The US Secretary of State is participating in the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum, which brings together key actors including Japan, China, Russia, Australia, India, and the European Union. The series of diplomatic engagements takes place amid worsening US-China trade ties. Al Jazeera noted that Beijing has warned Washington against reintroducing sweeping tariffs next month, after earlier tit-for-tat duties exceeding 100 percent. China has also threatened retaliation against nations that support efforts to cut it out of critical global supply chains, Al Jazeera reported. From August 1, steep import tariffs targeting eight ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, along with close allies Japan and South Korea, are expected to come into force. Washington maintains that the move is aimed at "rebalancing trade," but critics caution it could harm the partnerships the US is attempting to strengthen, according to Al Jazeera. In a joint communique issued on Friday, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed concern over escalating global tensions and stressed the need for a "predictable, transparent, inclusive, free, fair, sustainable and rules-based multilateral trading system." "We reaffirmed our commitment to work constructively with all partners to this end," the statement said, as cited by Al Jazeera. (ANI)
The Digital India Foundation (DIF), a founding member of the AI Alliance Network (AIANET), has strongly objected to the membership application of Pakistan's AI Technology Centre (AITeC) to AIANET, citing serious risks to the alliance's credibility, security, and shared values, according to a statement released by Digital India Foundation. Digital India Foundation stated that Pakistan's systemic support of terrorism, ongoing scrutiny by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), potential weaponisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through AITeC's specialised labs, and the absence of institutional accountability in Pakistan's AI ecosystem, pose a direct threat to India's national security and to AIANET's foundational principles. Dr. Arvind Gupta, Co-Founder and Head, Digital India Foundation, said, "The membership application of AITeC should be seen as Pakistan's way of gaining access to our R&D and technology with the aim of weaponizing AI through their specialized labs. We need to ensure that this does not happen. The Pahalgam terrorist attack and the recent Indo-Pak conflict highlight the need for continued vigilance by India to ensure that Pakistan's efforts to undermine regional stability do not succeed." Digital India Foundation also raised concerns about several of AITeC's centres, which it said have dual-use and military applications. The Autonomous AI & Decision Support Lab, Computer Vision Lab, and Software Optimization for Edge Computing Lab were cited as possessing capabilities that could be redirected toward offensive cyber operations, cross-border attacks, and autonomous targeting systems. The Foundation said that these technologies, in the hands of a state with a record of supporting terrorism, could enable operational enhancements for nonstate actors. It referenced the 2025 U.S. Country Reports on Terrorism, noting Pakistan's continued protection of groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Further, highlighting security concerns, Digital India Foundation pointed to Pakistan's ongoing FATF grey-list status due to failures in countering terror financing and money laundering. It warned that AITeC's Data Science Lab and Quantum Machine Learning & Cognitive Computing Lab could potentially be misused to automate illicit financial flows and cryptocurrency-based fundraising for extremist networks. Digital India Foundation contrasted this with AIANET members, which are governed by democratic institutions, enforceable data protection laws, and independent oversight bodies that uphold ethical and accountable AI development, conditions absent in Pakistan's current environment. The Foundation said in its letter that Pakistan's AI ecosystem suffers from major deficiencies in education, research, and governance. It noted that Pakistan's draft National AI Policy remains vague and unenforceable, and the country lacks a national data protection law. It added that military-led entities such as the Pakistan Air Force's Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Computing (CENTAIC) dominate the nation's AI strategy, undermining civilian innovation. Digital India Foundation emphasized that AITeC's integration into this militarised AI framework directly contradicts the AIANET's mission to advance AI for the public good and peaceful global cooperation. In its concluding appeal, Digital India Foundation urged AIANET members to reject AITeC's application entirely to preserve the alliance's integrity, protect global AI collaboration, and uphold the principles of responsible, democratic, and peaceful technological advancement. (ANI)
Republican senators have voiced serious concerns following reports that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth froze weapons shipments to Ukraine without prior approval from US President Donald Trump, raising questions about coordination between the Pentagon and the White House, The Hill reported. Senate Republicans say the freeze may have resulted from "miscommunication" between Trump and Hegseth. A senior Senate Republican aide called it "a clear goof-up on a lot of levels," according to The Hill. Some GOP sources on Capitol Hill warned that if Hegseth or his senior team acted to deliberately bypass the president, it would present a significant issue. Senate Republicans are "alarmed" by reports that Hegseth may have paused shipments multiple times without informing lawmakers and are now demanding to know who at the Pentagon was involved. "That's a problem," said one GOP senator who requested anonymity. "To hear there may have been other pauses or this pause went on longer than any of us know, to me that's alarming," the senator added. "I would elevate this to being beyond concerned, to being alarmed. It's not like we're talking to a small arms sale to some African nation, this is Ukraine. This is like the biggest political debate. ... This is not something where you have your secretary of Defense or your assistant or your deputy not be in sync with your president. I find it alarming that you would not have greater understanding as to what is our plan here. That's kind of scary," the lawmaker told The Hill. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) offered sharp criticism of Hegseth in an interview with CNN, saying the Defense Secretary is "out of his depth" in leading the Pentagon. "Now with the passing of time, I think it's clear he's out of his depth as a manager of a large, complex organization," he said. Tillis, who had voted to confirm Hegseth in January, added he probably wouldn't vote the same way "based on the information ... today," The Hill noted. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a leading proponent of military aid to Ukraine, said Congress must get to the bottom of who ordered the freeze. "We'll get to the bottom of that later," he said. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) stressed the need for Congressional oversight. "We need to do our oversight here, ask our questions of this administration just as we have previous administrations," Young said. "We need to hold hearings and ask questions and learn what's going on," according to The Hill. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, said there appeared to be a major communication breakdown between the president and Hegseth. "My sense is there was miscommunication entirely between the White House and secretary of Defense, which I think underscores the chaotic nature of the way operations are being run. Miscommunication, misinformation, etc.," he said. "I think Trump decided he wanted the weapons and assumed they were going and then discovered to his dismay that they weren't and Hegseth had been the one to stop them," Reed told The Hill. "It's an example of miscommunication of really basic instincts and insights about how one manages the Department of Defense and coordinates with the White House in a way that at least the president knows what you're doing." Republican sources familiar with the situation confirmed to The Hill that Hegseth acted on a misunderstanding of what Trump intended regarding the weapons shipments. A senior Senate GOP aide said Trump would not have wanted to trigger negative headlines after a successful NATO summit in The Hague. NBC News reported this was the third time Hegseth had frozen military aid to Ukraine, with previous suspensions in February and May. The Hill cited CNN as reporting that Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, a known skeptic of large-scale Ukraine aid, supported the pause and that Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg approved it. According to CNN, Hegseth did not inform the White House before halting the latest shipment, nor did he alert U.S. special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg or Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of time. Politico reported the decision to halt the delivery of air defense missiles and munitions was made in June and took effect at the start of July. The Pentagon declined to comment on the issue when contacted Thursday, The Hill said. One Republican senator, speaking anonymously, called it a "rookie mistake," warning, "I hope we don't see a Department of Defense where you have certain individuals who don't have the authority think they can assume the authority" to unilaterally stop weapons transfers. President Trump reversed the freeze on Monday and told reporters Tuesday he was unaware who had ordered it. Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) praised the president for overruling "isolationists and restrainers" within the administration. "The president will need to reject calls from the isolationists and restrainers within his administration to limit these deliveries to defensive weapons. And he should disregard those at DoD who invoke munitions shortages to block aid while refusing to invest seriously in expanding munitions productions," McConnell said, in remarks seemingly directed at Colby, The Hill reported. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) seized on the episode to criticise the administration. "What are U.S. allies supposed to make of this weapons pause? Sure, it is good Donald Trump reversed himself but our allies will wonder, 'Will this happen again?'" he said. "You know who benefits most from Secretary Hegseth's and Donald Trump's incompetence? Vladimir Putin. When Putin sees the disorganization and lack of strategy, he has no incentive to negotiate," Schumer said, according to The Hill. (ANI)
Japanese Ambassador in Kabul, Takayoshi Kuromaya, has called on the Taliban government in Afghanistan to reopen schools and universities for girls, particularly in medical fields, warning that the continued ban on women's education threatens the country's healthcare system, TOLO News reported. "I respectfully urge the de facto authorities to consider allowing girls to return to school, especially in areas such as medicine, nursing, and public health. This is not just a matter of individual opportunity, it is crucial for national health and well-being. Supporting girls' education strengthens the entire society. It builds a healthier, more resilient Afghanistan," Kuromiya said at an event highlighting Japan's support for Afghanistan's healthcare sector, according to TOLO News. With universities closed to women, many girls have turned to private institutes, hoping to continue their education. However, even these alternatives have been shut down for female students, TOLO News reported. Tahmina, a midwifery student, said, "We went through the Kankor exam with all its difficulties. We studied for a year, but then our university was shut down, which brought us a lot of depression. Still, we tried and went to private institutes, but they were closed to us as well." Marsal, another midwifery student, appealed directly to the Taliban-led government, "My request from the Islamic Emirate is this: we followed all your instructions--we wore hijab, we wore burqas. Now we ask that the doors of schools and universities be reopened to girls so they can pursue their dreams." These students stressed that access to education, especially in medical fields, is not only vital for their personal futures but also essential for the broader health of Afghan society, particularly for women and children in remote areas. Women's rights activists have echoed these concerns, warning of long-term damage to society if the educational restrictions remain. Tafsir Siyahposh, a women's rights activist, as reported by TOLO News, said, "Education is the most vital need in Afghan society today. If the mothers of tomorrow are uneducated, how can we claim to have a bright future for our beloved country, Afghanistan? Today, it is essential that the doors of schools and universities be reopened and that these growing restrictions be reduced." Despite increasing domestic and international calls to restore educational access for girls, the Islamic Emirate has not issued any new statements indicating a shift in policy. The Taliban has consistently maintained that education for girls remains a domestic issue and has urged other countries and international organisations not to interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs. As pressure mounts from students, activists, and the international community, the absence of formal education for Afghan girls continues to raise alarms about the future of public health and social development in the country, TOLO News reported. (ANI)
Assyrian Dogs of War

This stone relief from the palace of Ashurbanipal at Nineveh (c. 645 BC) shows a snarling mastiff, one of the powerful dogs used to control lions during royal hunts. ( Getty Images) Perceptions of ancient Mesopotamia -- the birthplace of the world's first civilisations, which emerged more than 4,000 years ago across what is now Iraq -- are dominated by stories of divine kings, their monumental stepped ziggurats, and vast libraries brimming with forgotten knowledge.

But absent from this picture is an animal that played a significant role in ancient Mesopotamian culture, religion and warfare: the humble dog.

References to our canine companions are found again and again, recurring as motifs among clay tablets, temple reliefs and the archaeological record.

In Mesopotamian societies and cultures, dogs occupied positions across the spiritual, medical and military fields. They were trained for war, worshipped, and, in some cases, buried with great ceremony.

"There's lots of evidence from all kinds of [sources] about dogs in ancient Mesopotamia," explains historian Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid, speaking on the HistoryExtra podcast. "They definitely had dogs who were their faithful companions as they are to us today. They must have been a part of the fabric of everyday life."

Dogs on the front lines of ancient Mesopotamian war

Among the most striking roles dogs played was as warriors on the battlefield, says Al-Rashid.

"[Dogs] even went to war in some eras," Al-Rashid notes. "There are records of provisions for dogs of war," she says, referencing the inclusion of military dogs in supply lists, suggesting that they were accounted for in formal war logistics, found in cuneiform records.

Mesopotamian warfare was waged between rival city-states such as Ur, Lagash and Umma during earlier periods, and later between expansive competing empires such as the Akkadians, Assyrians and Babylonians. Campaigns involved sieges, raids and open battle with armies travelling long distances, and dogs were used in all of them.

Armies often relied on extensive logistical planning, with supply chains stretching across desert terrain. Rations, transport animals and camp protection were carefully organised, and dogs may have served as both early warning systems and companions to troops. Assyrian royal inscriptions, for example, detail military conquests in language closely tied to divine will -- and they suggest that dogs, like the king's soldiers, could have carried symbolic weight as enforcers of divine order.

Divine companions and temple guardians

The importance of dogs to the Mesopotamian civilisations certainly wasn't limited to the battlefield. They held significant religious symbolism in Mesopotamian belief systems, particularly in association with medicine.

"There's a goddess of healing, Gula, whose attributed animal is a dog," says Al-Rashid. "At her feet in most of her iconography is a dog just lying there looking like he's at attention."

Gula was invoked in ritual and medical texts, and temples dedicated to her served not only as religious spaces but in some cases as centres of healing practice.

There is even one, Al-Rashid notes, where there are, "just over 30 burials of dogs of all kinds of ages under the ramp leading up to this temple."

"They must have had some sort of important role in healing or in ritual related to healing," Al-Rashid says, though that precise role is still ambiguous.

Gula's association with dogs may have been grounded in their behaviour. Ancient Mesopotamians noticed that dogs licked their wounds, which seemed to promote healing, possibly creating the basis of the connection.

Ancient Mesopotamia's proverbs about dogs

The significance of these animals in ancient Mesopotamian culture is also apparent within the region's rich textual tradition, which includes a number of proverbs that reference dogs.

"There are some really lovely proverbs about dogs that are so relatable," says Al-Rashid. "There's one that describes a dog knowing how to pick something up but not put it down; I think anyone with a dog is familiar with that challenge."

There's another, Al-Rashid notes, "about how an older dog that gets played with turns into a puppy".

But not all references were light-hearted. One describes: "fate being like a dog always at your heels", which Al-Rashid says is much more "sinister".

Many of these proverbs were preserved on clay tablets used in scribal schools, where students learned not only writing, but also ethics and social understanding. Dogs, with their observable behaviour and emotional familiarity, evidently became ideal metaphors (for everything from simple joy to inescapable destiny) in a culture that valued metaphorical instruction.

In this way, dogs entered the culture's moral and philosophical vocabulary as symbols used to convey guidance, warn of life's uncertainties and capture essential truths about human nature.
The gathering, held on the sidelines of ASEAN-related meetings in Kuala Lumpur, marks the first such high-level ministerial dialogue since US President Donald Trump returned to office in January, The Straits Times reported.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro voiced firm opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo "by force or coercion," a pointed message directed at China's belligerent actions in the East and South China seas.

According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, the ministers emphasised strengthening trilateral cooperation to deter further Chinese aggression in the region.

The backdrop to this renewed alliance is China's long-standing pattern of illegal and provocative actions in the South China Sea, where it has militarised artificial islands, harassed foreign vessels, and ignored international rulings against its territorial claims.

The Philippines, in particular, has faced repeated incursions by Chinese vessels into its exclusive economic zone. At the same time, Japan has been forced to respond to Chinese ships encroaching near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

As The Straits Times reported, the trilateral also highlighted recent progress in maritime cooperation, including joint coast guard exercises held in June off Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture, a signal of growing preparedness to counter Chinese maritime assertiveness.

In reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability, the three allies sent a clear message: Beijing's coercive tactics will not go unchallenged. The coordinated stand reflects a broader effort by like-minded democracies to push back against China's attempts to rewrite the rules of maritime conduct in the Indo-Pacific, The Straits Times concluded. (ANI)
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has emphasised that Iran is open to resuming negotiations with the United States on the basis of dignity and mutual respect, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). He stressed that the U.S. must first change its behaviour and guarantee it will not conduct further military strikes against Iran during negotiations. "Diplomacy is a two-way street. It was the US that broke off negotiations and resorted to military action. Therefore, it is crucial for the US to accept responsibility for its mistakes and to demonstrate a clear change in behaviour. We need assurances that the United States will refrain from military attacks during any future discussions," Araqchi stated, IRNA reported. Araqchi, in an interview with French newspaper Le Monde, said, "Diplomatic contacts and exchanges have always been ongoing. Currently, a diplomatic hotline is being established through friendly countries or intermediaries." The top Iranian diplomat also highlighted the damage caused by US attacks to Iran's nuclear facilities, emphasising that Iran reserves the right to seek compensation once the extent of the damage is assessed. "It is our right to request compensation for the consequences of these actions. The assertion that a program has been destroyed, forcing a nation to abandon peaceful nuclear programs aimed at fulfilling energy, medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and developmental needs, is a significant miscalculation," IRNA quoted him as saying. Araqchi further asserted that Iran's nuclear program, which operates under the constant supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), encompasses far more than just physical structures. "The indomitable will of a nation that has achieved the pinnacle of scientific knowledge is not easily undermined. The IAEA's reports have consistently confirmed that no diversion toward weapons activities has been detected in Iran's peaceful nuclear program," he said, according to IRNA. He added that the real damage is to the non-proliferation regime, stating, "The attack on nuclear facilities monitored by the I.A.E.A., coupled with the failure of Western countries to condemn it, represents an assault on the foundations of international law, particularly the non-proliferation regime," IRNA reported. Araqchi warned that further sanctions or military threats would undermine diplomatic efforts and stressed that the United States must accept responsibility for its actions toward Iran. Addressing suggestions from three European countries to activate the sanctions mechanism outlined in the 2015 nuclear deal, he said such a move would amount to a military attack and would effectively negate Europe's role in discussions regarding Iran's peaceful nuclear program, IRNA stated. The Islamic Republic News Agency noted that on June 13, Israel launched an act of aggression against Iran by assassinating many high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists. On June 22, the United States joined Israel's attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities, violating the United Nations Charter and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). On June 24, Israel declared a unilateral halt to its aggression, announced on its behalf by US President Donald Trump. (ANI)
Japan has provided USD 5 million through UNICEF to bolster polio eradication efforts and strengthen immunisation programs across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, according to Khaama Press. The Government of Japan, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has partnered with UNICEF in a 12-month initiative aimed at reaching over 13 million children with lifesaving polio vaccines and routine immunisations, Khaama Press reported. UNICEF stated on Thursday, July 10, 2025, that the new grant reaffirms Japan's longstanding commitment to Afghanistan's health sector. It will help sustain progress toward the global goal of eradicating polio, especially in underserved, conflict-affected, and hard-to-reach areas, Khaama Press noted. Afghanistan is one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus transmission has not yet been halted. While under-five and maternal mortality rates have declined in recent years, access to basic health services remains limited, leaving millions of children vulnerable to deadly and preventable diseases, Khaama Press highlighted. A resurgence of polio in 2023 underscored the presence of major immunity gaps, particularly among children in previously unreachable locations and mobile or cross-border populations. Despite improvements in cold chain infrastructure and expanded vaccine coverage, urgent efforts are needed to bridge these gaps. "This partnership with UNICEF demonstrates the Government and people of Japan's commitment to improving the health of Afghan children," said Takayoshi Kuromiya, Japan's Ambassador to Afghanistan. "We hope this initiative will enhance the lives of families across the country," he added, according to Khaama Press. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, welcomed the contribution, stating, "We are close to eradicating polio in Afghanistan. This contribution will help us reach the most vulnerable children with essential vaccines." Japan has remained a core partner in Afghanistan's immunisation campaigns for over two decades, supporting the procurement of vaccines--including polio, BCG, hepatitis B, and measles--while also providing technical assistance and expanding cold chain systems vital for maintaining vaccine quality, Khaama Press reported. The latest 2025 grant will help UNICEF address critical gaps in vaccine supply, workforce, and outreach, particularly in remote regions. It will also enable swift outbreak response and ensure consistent, high-quality immunisation coverage throughout the year, according to Khaama Press. UNICEF expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support and reiterated that this collaboration marks a significant step forward in moving Afghanistan closer to a polio-free future, Khaama Press added. (ANI)
There is a "high probability" that US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet this year, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday, according to CNN. "The odds are high," Rubio told journalists in Kuala Lumpur. "I think both sides want to see it happen," he added. Rubio said he could not provide a specific date for the meeting but emphasised there was a "strong desire on both sides to do it," CNN reported. Rubio met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, marking the first in-person meeting between the top diplomats of the two countries as they work to navigate ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical competition in Asia. According to CNN, the hour-long meeting was described by Rubio as "very constructive" and "positive." "We're two big, powerful countries, and there are always going to be issues that we disagree on," Rubio said. "I thought it was (a) very constructive, positive meeting, and (there's) a lot of work to do," he told reporters, as quoted by CNN. Both leaders were in the Malaysian capital for regional meetings involving foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and partners including Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Rubio's visit marks his first trip to Asia as Secretary of State, CNN noted. The US and China have experienced fluctuating trade relations since Trump returned to office earlier this year, escalating into a tit-for-tat tariff dispute. The two nations reached a trade framework during negotiations in London last month, easing tensions for a 90-day pause set to expire in August. CNN reported that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans to meet Chinese officials in the coming weeks to continue talks. Rubio said the meeting with Wang allowed both sides to identify areas of potential cooperation. "That was our message - that (we have) the opportunity here to achieve some strategic stability and identify areas where we can cooperate together on and build better communications and a working trust," he stated, according to CNN. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also called the meeting "positive, pragmatic and constructive" in a statement after Rubio's comments, CNN reported. The ministry said both sides agreed to "strengthen diplomatic channels and communication and dialogue at all levels in all fields." Wang also urged the US to view China with an "objective, rational and pragmatic attitude" and to treat it in an "equal" manner. During the media interaction, Rubio pushed back on concerns that US tariffs may open economic opportunities for China in the region. "We're resetting tariff levels with virtually every country in the world," he said. "We don't view this as an opening for anyone. We don't view it that way. We view it as an opportunity to reset global trade in a way that's fair for Americans after two or three decades of unfairness," CNN quoted him as saying. Rubio added that the US remains committed to advancing a "free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region." He also addressed longstanding trade imbalances, stating, "We're committed to addressing tremendous trade imbalances... unfair to America and American workers." In 2024, the US recorded a $295 billion goods trade deficit with China, CNN noted. Wang, meanwhile, reinforced China's message of being a stable regional economic partner, particularly to ASEAN nations, even as friction persists with countries like the Philippines over the South China Sea, CNN added. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a new agreement has been reached with NATO, under which the military alliance will bear the full cost of weapons being sent to Ukraine, The Hill reported. "We're sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100 per cent," Trump said in a phone interview with NBC News. "So, what we're doing is, the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine], and NATO is paying for those weapons," he added, as quoted by The Hill. Trump noted that the deal was reached in June during the NATO summit held in The Hague. "We send weapons to NATO, and NATO is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons," Trump told NBC's "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as Trump's national security adviser, said the US is holding discussions with multiple European countries -- including Spain and Germany -- about sending Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine, The Hill reported. "Well, the Spaniards have them. They're really far from Ukraine and they have one. The Germans have, others have them -- I'm not singling them out, but I'm just telling you those are two that I know," Rubio told reporters in Malaysia after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. "There are other Patriot batteries, and there are other opportunities," he added. Rubio further said, "Countries that have ordered Patriot batteries that are about to receive shipments of them, it'd be great if one of them volunteered to defer that shipment and send it to Ukraine instead," The Hill reported. Trump also intensified his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the two leaders have made "no progress" on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. He added that he does not believe Putin is looking to halt the war that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Trump administration resumed deliveries of defence weapons to Ukraine on Monday, following a brief pause ordered by the Department of Defence due to concerns about depleting US stockpiles. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed he spoke with Trump on Thursday and has urged alliance members to increase military aid to Ukraine. "Russia's continued massive attacks against Ukrainian civilians are deplorable. Earlier today I urged leaders to go further so Ukraine has more ammunition & air defences," Rutte posted on social media platform X, according to The Hill. "I've just spoken with President Trump and now working closely with Allies to get Ukraine the help they need," he added. (ANI)
A day after US President Donald Trump announced a new 35 percent tariff on Canadian goods set to take effect next month, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the country had made "vital progress" in combatting fentanyl, reaffirming Canada's commitment to working with the United States, The Hill reported. "Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America. We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries," Carney wrote on social media late Thursday, according to The Hill. The new tariff, which was announced alongside levies on other nations, marks an increase from the earlier 25 per cent rate imposed by Trump and is scheduled to take effect from August 1, The Hill stated. The US President had first raised concerns in February, accusing Canada of enabling the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigration across the northern border. According to The Hill, US Customs and Border Protection has seized approximately 31 pounds of fentanyl on the US-Canada border so far this year. "If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter," Trump wrote to Carney on Thursday, as reported by The Hill. The United States and Canada were originally working toward a trade agreement by July 21, but the date has now been extended to August 1 due to Trump's fluctuating tariff strategies, The Hill noted. Carney, who took office as prime minister in March, has maintained a comparatively cordial relationship with President Trump than his predecessor, Justin Trudeau. "Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses," Carney posted on X. "We are strengthening our trading partnerships throughout the world," The Hill reported. (ANI)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a press briefing in Kuala Lumpur, addressed questions regarding President Trump's remarks on a new deal between the United States and NATO to supply weapons to Ukraine and elaborated on America's broader regional priorities. Further elaborating on NATO's potential contributions, Rubio highlighted that many member nations already possess the kinds of defensive systems Ukraine urgently needs. "In addition to that, I would point to the fact that a number of the defensive weapons that Ukraine seeks are in our Allies in NATO have them. So, as an example, Germany, I believe, has 13 or 14 Patriot batteries. Other countries do as well, some others, and some have placed orders for that. And so we continue to encourage our NATO Allies to provide those weapons, those systems, those defensive systems that Ukraine seeks - that they should provide those weapons to Ukraine since they have them in their stocks, and then we can enter into financial agreements with us where they can purchase the replacements," Rubio said. When asked to clarify President Trump's statement that NATO would fully pay for US weaponry being supplied to Ukraine, Rubio explained the arrangement, pointing to existing frameworks already being pursued by Ukraine and European allies. "Well, I think what you're referring to is something that Ukraine has already offered, and so has Europe, and that is to buy weapons from the United States and then provide them to Ukraine. At the end of the day, some of the systems that Ukraine requires are systems that Europe doesn't make. They would have to purchase them from the United States," he said. Shifting the focus to America's engagement in the Indo-Pacific, Rubio responded to concerns about the US's regional commitment. "No, I'm just saying that it was a very friendly environment, and I think the reiteration to the point we made, and that is, look, I read these things about how the US is not focused on the Indo-Pacific. But it's funny - everywhere I travel in the world, the headline is: The U.S. is not paying enough attention, whether it's the Western Hemisphere or NATO or even in the Middle East," he said. Rubio reaffirmed that the US remains firmly engaged with Southeast Asia through economic and defence ties. "I think sometimes there's a media dynamic that covers certain parts of the world more than others, but the relationships we have here have existed for a long time - a long time. When you talk about 6,000 American companies that are directly invested in the economies of Southeast Asia, we're not walking away from that. We're not walking away from that; we're not walking away from our defence ties that we have in the region; we're not walking away from the strong economic ties we have in the region. On the contrary, we want to build on it," Rubio noted. Rubio also pointed to recent agreements with regional partners as proof of ongoing cooperation. "Just yesterday we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysia on civil nuclear cooperation. The - I believe as early - either last night or early this morning, our arrangement with - on another civil nuclear program with Thailand came into effect. So we have a lot of positive things going on and we're going to continue to build on those. We're excited about them and we're not going to walk away from them," Rubio said. (ANI)
Minister of State for External Affairs, MoS Pabitra Margherita, held interactions with the top brass of the US and Japan amongst the leaders he met on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit taking place in Malaysia. Taking it to X, MoS Margherita expressed delight upon meeting the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. He said, "Delighted to meet US Secretary of State @secrubio on the sidelines of the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1943640224812122383 MoS Margherita also met Japan's Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, on the sidelines of the Summit. "Glad to meet H.E. Takeshi Iwaya, Foreign Minister of Japan, on the sidelines of the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia", he wrote on X. https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1943697563577995701 Thanking Timor-Leste for its support to India in the fight against terrorism, MoS Margherita underscored the ongoing bilateral cooperation for further strengthening of ties. He said, " Happy to have met Bendito Freitas, Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste, in the margins of ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur today. Discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation for further strengthening the Delhi-Dili partnership. Thanked Timor-Leste for solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism". https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1943549036092625154 He also extended thanks to Cambodia for supporting India's fight against terrorism and discussed the multifaceted partnership. "Delighted to have a meeting with H.E. PRAK Sokhonn, Dy. PM and Foreign Minister of Cambodia on the sidelines of ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia. Discussed our multifaceted bilateral relations ranging from heritage conservation to development partnership. Also discussed my recent visit to Cambodia during which I had a number of productive engagements. Thanked Cambodia for its support in India's fight against terrorism", MoS Margherita said on X. https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1943496610044088615 The high-level interactions with the US and Japanese leaders come shortly after External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had met them during the QUAD Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Washington, DC earlier this month. The Foreign ministers of the Quad nations met in Washington, DC, on July 1 to reaffirm their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concern about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea. The four leaders had reiterated their strong opposition to any unilateral actions that attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. Foreign Ministers expressed concern regarding dangerous and provocative actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous manoeuvres by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea. The Quad members had unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms, the Joint Statement from the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting stated. The members, referring to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) took place in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. The Meeting reviewed ongoing EAS cooperation and discussed its future direction, while also exchanging views on regional and international developments. Speaking to the Press on the sidelines of the meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the visit. He underscored that the US is the number one source of foreign direct investment in Southeast Asia. "We're not abandoning any of that, nor are we abandoning these strong bilateral ties that we have with many of these countries, some of which go back decades and decades". In his remarks, he highlighted, "It's been a great visit . It's exceeded all of our expectations". (ANI)
UK Member of Parliament Bob Blackman has raised serious concerns over the rising threats faced by Hindu, Christian, Buddhist and Ahmadiyya minorities in Bangladesh, urging the British government to take diplomatic steps to ensure their protection and support democratic processes in the country. "I raised my concerns about the rising threats to Hindu, Christian, Buddhist & Ahmadiyya minorities in Bangladesh. Peaceful Rath Yatra celebrations were recently attacked. The Government must press Bangladesh to protect minorities and uphold democracy," Blackman posted on X. Addressing the UK Parliament, Blackman recalled his earlier interventions on the issue and a recent seminar he hosted to hear directly from affected communities. "Now, Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, I raised the plight of minority groups in Bangladesh, and yesterday I hosted a seminar where we heard from representatives of the Hindu, Christian, Buddhist & Ahmadiyya who are all under direct attack in Bangladesh," he said. Referring to a specific incident, the MP highlighted violence during a religious procession. "A couple of weeks ago, I referred to the Rath Yatra celebrations in Harrow and Bangladesh. Islamist thugs attacked them and absolutely disgracefully destroyed that wonderful procession," he stated. Blackman also criticised Bangladesh's interim administration for failing to provide clarity on the upcoming general elections. "Equally, the current interim government in Bangladesh has failed to announce the dates of the general election when a proper democratic government will be elected in Bangladesh," he said. Urging the UK government to respond, Blackman called for a formal statement from the Foreign Office. "So could the Leader arrange for a statement to be made next week by the Foreign Office ministers on what we are going to do to put pressure on Bangladesh to make sure we safeguard minorities," he added. His remarks come at a time when Bangladesh is preparing for its next general elections. Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday ordered officials to complete preparations for the next general elections by December. The Chief Adviser gave the directives during a meeting with the country's law enforcement agencies. Senior officials from Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs and heads of various law enforcement agencies were present at the meeting. "Chief Adviser has directed to complete all preparations for the elections by December", Azad Majumdar, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, told ANI after the meeting. "In the next elections, 800,000 law enforcement officers will be deployed in 47,000 polling stations. Of them, 570,000 will be Ansar members and 141,000 will be police. Police will have body cameras", he added. "Chief Adviser has ordered a random reshuffle before the election. He has also asked the officials who served in the last three controversial elections to do a little duty as possible", Majumder said. Earlier in June, Yunus hinted at holding national elections in early February next year. In June, Muhammad Yunus held talks with Acting Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. Rahman proposed to the Chief Adviser to hold the elections before Ramzan next year. "The Chief Adviser said that he has announced that the elections will be held by the first half of February next year. If all preparations are completed, the elections could be held even in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026," said a joint statement issued after the talks between Yunus and Rahman. "In that case, it will be necessary to achieve sufficient progress on reform and justice within that period," it added. Former Bangladesh PM, Sheikh Hasina, was ousted in a student-led uprising in August last year. After Sheikh Hasina's fall, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate. (ANI)
The State Department has begun firing over 1,300 personnel as part of a sweeping internal overhaul, CNN reported, citing an internal notice and a State Department official. The mass layoffs, which began Friday, are part of the Trump administration's broader effort to restructure the federal government. According to CNN, the terminations include 1,107 civil service employees and 246 foreign service officers. The agency is eliminating or altering hundreds of offices and bureaus as part of the reorganisation. Employees are being notified of their dismissals via email, the notice stated. The move comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio was returning from an overseas trip to Malaysia. Rubio first announced the reorganisation on April 22, 2025, and seeks to streamline the State Department's domestic operations to align with the administration's diplomatic priorities, CNN reported. "Nearly 3,000 members of the workforce will depart as part of the reorganisation," the internal notice said, according to CNN. This figure includes both those being terminated and employees leaving voluntarily. The State Department said that the job cuts were focused on non-core functions, redundant offices, and areas where centralisation could boost efficiency. Foreign service officers affected by the Reduction in Force (RIF) process will be placed on administrative leave for 120 days, while most civil servants will be on leave for 60 days before their departure becomes official, CNN reported. The long-anticipated RIFs have left many employees in uncertainty. CNN noted that these changes come at a time when experienced diplomats are considered crucial, especially as the Trump administration engages in efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Critics have also voiced concern over the broader restructuring plan, which aims to reduce immigration and promote the administration's worldview, with less focus on global human rights advocacy. Trump administration officials, however, argue the changes are necessary to reform what they call a "bloated" agency, CNN reported. Rubio defended the restructuring, saying it was being carried out "probably in the most deliberate way of anyone that's done one." Meanwhile, a senior State Department official told CNN that no specific cost-saving figures were available but emphasised that the upcoming budget reflects "substantial savings." The official said the RIF plan evaluated functions rather than individual performance. "If a particular function was being performed that was no longer aligned with what the department was going to be doing going forward, that function was being eliminated," the official told CNN. "It was personnel agnostic." Foreign service officers, often highly trained and globally deployed, are being impacted if they were assigned to offices eliminated under the plan approved on May 29. However, the senior official said there are currently no plans to cut staff at overseas posts. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the union representing diplomats, condemned the firings. Thomas Yazdgerdi, AFSA president and a career diplomat, told CNN that the layoffs are taking place "at a particularly bad time." "There are horrible things that are happening in the world that require a tried-and-true diplomatic workforce that's able to address that," Yazdgerdi said. He warned that the firings would damage morale, recruitment, and retention. In a statement released Friday, AFSA said, "In less than six months, the U.S. has shed at least 20 per cent of its diplomatic workforce through shuttering of institutions and forced resignations." The union criticised the layoffs as "untethered from merit or mission" and noted they were based on assignment location rather than service record or skills. "We stand with the entire State Department workforce and with every American who understands that professional, non-partisan diplomacy is not expendable. It is essential," the statement said, as quoted by CNN. The senior State Department official told CNN the agency aimed to conduct the layoffs "in a manner that preserves, to the maximum extent possible, the dignity of federal employees and foreign service officers and civil servants who are affected by this." (ANI)
European Parliament Adopts Resolution for the Protection of Christian Minorities in Syria

The European Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for the protection of Christian minorities in Syria, following the terrorist attack on the Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus on June 22, which claimed the lives of 25 people and left dozens injured.

The resolution strongly condemns all acts of violence against religious and ethnic communities, while emphasizing the vulnerability of Christian minorities in Syria and the significance of their cultural and religious contributions to the region's heritage.

Particular concern is raised over the role of members of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in transitional governing bodies, highlighting their impact on religious freedom and stability in the region.

The European Parliament urges Syrian authorities to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into the attack and other incidents of religious violence, and to ensure the protection of all communities, regardless of religious affiliation.

The resolution also reaffirms the Parliament's support for a human rights-based political transition in Syria. It calls for the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms, the end of impunity, constitutional safeguards for minority representation, and the organization of free and fair elections.

Furthermore, the Parliament invites the European Union to create a reconstruction fund for Syria, while maintaining sanctions on those responsible for violations of religious freedom. It also urges continued efforts to combat Islamist terrorism in the region.

The resolution marks a strong and unified stance by the EU on protecting religious minorities and promoting long-term peace, justice, and inclusivity in post-conflict Syria.
Government officials have established facilities at the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat to help manage the increasing influx of Afghan returnees from Iran, with nearly half a million people having re-entered the country in just the past 20 days, TOLO News reported. The Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, Hamdullah Fitrat, visited Islam Qala and urged both the private sector and general public to assist with humanitarian support. "My call to all citizens, traders, and wealthy individuals is to come forward and join the Islamic Emirate in showing solidarity and compassion with these people," TOLO News quoted Fitrat as saying. According to local officials in Herat, an estimated 30,000 people are entering Afghanistan daily through the Islam Qala border. Abdul Ghani Kamil, the head of committees at Islam Qala and district governor of Kohsan, said: "Based on what we have seen over the past 15 to 20 days, nearly 500,000 migrants have likely returned, as around 30,000 people enter the country every day," TOLO News reported. Many of the returnees cited the harsh living conditions in Iran as their reason for returning and called on the caretaker government to provide employment opportunities. "We no longer intend to go to foreign countries. Even if we eat only a piece of bread, we want to live in our own country with dignity and honor," said Ahmad Zia, a returnee from Iran, in comments to TOLO News. Another returnee, Matiullah, echoed similar sentiments. "If these youth are provided with jobs, none of them will leave the country. They will work in their homeland and stay where they belong," TOLO News quoted him as saying. According to TOLO News, local officials in Herat reported that between 20,000 to 25,000 migrants return daily through Islam Qala alone. National figures also show that more than 4,000 Afghan migrants are returning daily through other major border points, including the Silk Bridge in Nimroz, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, and Torkham in Nangarhar, from both Iran and Pakistan. (ANI)
Bangladesh has agreed to work with Malaysia to investigate allegations of terror activity against Bangladeshi nationals arrested in Malaysia. The agreement was made during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. The Foreign Adviser expressed his concerns with the arrests of Bangladeshi nationals over allegations of terrorism. He reiterated the firm stand of the Government against terrorism and sought Malaysia's cooperation in its own investigation into the allegations through exchange of information and findings. The Malaysian Foreign Minister assured to facilitate access and cooperation with the Bangladesh authorities, the statement said. Earlier, the Foreign Advisor met with the UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, where the two leaders held discussions on diverse bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues. Both sides discussed, among others, the ongoing reforms in Bangladesh, the Rohingya crisis, and post-LDC graduation support, among other topics, it said. The Foreign Adviser also called on Winston Peters, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Hon Vijitha Herath, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, and Park Yoonjoo, the Vice Minister and Head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea, where a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues were discussed. Bangladesh became a member of ARF in 2006, a forum established in the early nineties to promote confidence and trust among its 27 members, which include countries in the broader Asia-Pacific region. At present, Bangladesh is co-chairing two of the ARF priority areas, "Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime" and "Disaster Relief." The next session of the ARF Ministerial Meeting is scheduled to take place in Manila in 2026. In the afternoon, the Foreign Adviser delivered the national statement at the Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum, where he called for greater attention to the Rohingya crisis and consideration of its national and regional security implications. The Foreign Adviser also urged the ASEAN members to positively consider Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner, the statement said. The Foreign Adviser was accompanied Md Shameem Ahsan, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia, Md Forhadul Islam, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials of the Bangladesh Government. (ANI)
"I visited Dholera SIR(@DholeraOfficial) and @TataElectronics with more than 60 Japanese business representatives. Japan is fully committed to India's journey to manufacture semiconductor in India!" the envoy said in a post on X.

Ono Keiichi led a high-level delegation of leading Japanese companies on a visit to Dholera Special Investment Region, India's greenfield smart industrial city under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).

The visit marked a significant milestone in advancing industrial cooperation between India and Japan, built on shared values of innovation, sustainability and inclusive development.

The two-day engagement began on Wednesday with a conference session in Ahmedabad, followed by a site visit to Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) on Thursday.

The session held on Wednesday featured opening remarks by Resident Executive Officer & Regional Head for Asia Pacific, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Kazuko Sakuma and Chief Representative, JETRO Ahmedabad Yu Yoshida.

Mona K. Khandhar, Principal Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, also addressed the gathering

Delivering the keynote address, CEO & MD, National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), Rajat Kumar Saini, underscored the deepening strategic partnership between India and Japan.

He noted that the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), inspired by Japan's Tokyo-Osaka corridor, continues to benefit from Japanese collaboration and investment, a Commerce and Industry release said.

The session showcased presentations on India's evolving industrial ecosystem and the emergence of Dholera as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

A special address by Ambassador Ono Keiichi concluded the session, in which he appreciated India's vision for semiconductors and smart cities, and reaffirmed Japan's continued support for India's economic transformation.

The Japanese delegation undertook an on-site tour of the city's planned infrastructure and facilities, accompanied by officials from Dholera Industrial City Development Ltd. (DICDL) and the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC).

Ono Keiichi, accompanied by Japan's Minister of Economic and Development Affairs, Koyoko Hokugo, also paid a courtesy visit to Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Friday.

A Gujarat government release said that during his three-day visit to Gujarat, which included Dholera SIR and meetings with 150 top industrialists in Ahmedabad, the Ambassador highlighted Japan's intent to deepen ties with the state.

He also appreciated the State Government's support for over 350 Japanese companies operating in the state.

Bhupendra Patel stated that Gujarat is like a second home for Japan, offering a supportive environment with Japanese townships, restaurants, and industries. (ANI)
The Indian Navy spokesperson and the Western Naval Command shared the details of the Exercise.

INS Tarkash had participated in the PASSEX on Thursday, along with the Hellenic Navy Ship HS Psara.

The exercise saw tactical manoeuvres, replenishment-at-sea approaches, surface firing and cross-deck landings, and culminated in a steam past.

During the exercise, the navies had the opportunity to exchange best practices and enhance maritime interoperability.

"Passage Exercise #PASSEX #IndianNavy's stealth frigate #INSTarkash with the Hellenic Navy Ship #HSPsara . Enhancing maritime interoperability India-Greece #BridgesofFriendship", the Indian Navy spokesperson wrote on X.

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1943545799713132837

In a post on X, the Western Naval Command said, "#INSTarkash @indiannavy participated in a #PASSEX with #HSPsara @NavyGR on 10 Jul 25. The exercise included validating communication procedures, tactical manoeuvres, replenishment-at-sea approaches, surface firing and cross deck landings, culminating in a steampast. The engagement provided an opportunity to exchange Best Practices and enhance bilateral maritime interoperability. Both units proceeded with scheduled deployments on completion of the exercise."

https://x.com/IN_WNC/status/1943348193250447872

A statement on the Exercise was also issued by the Hellenic Navy, which is the naval force of Greece.

"On Thursday, July 10, 2025, a joint PASSEX (Passing Exercise) training of the Frigate (F/G) PSARA was conducted with the Frigate (F/G) TARKASH (F-50) of the Indian Navy in the sea area west of Mumbai. During the joint training, fire, communications and advanced manoeuvre exercises were carried out. This joint training contributed to promoting the level of operational readiness and combat capability", the statement observed.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a previous statement had underlined that India's traditionally long-standing, warm and friendly relationship with Greece has been marked by consistent support for each other on issues of core national interest, such as Kashmir and Cyprus.

During the visit of the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India in 2024, the leaders reaffirmed their shared objectives to advance defence cooperation, including defence industrial collaboration and innovation. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], July 12 (ANI/TPS): Police arrested three suspects in the shooting and ramming incident on January 31, 2025, in the northern Israeli-Arab town Umm al-Fahm, which resulted in the murder of three people and the injury of four others to varying degrees. An indictment was filed today against the three, residents of Umm al-Fahm, by the Attorney General's Office for serious offenses of murder, attempted murder, and more. (ANI/TPS)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed happiness after the "Maratha Military Landscapes of India" were officially inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. These military landscapes, developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, feature extraordinary fortification systems that showcase the complexity and strategic prowess of Maratha defence systems. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1943729944716034532 In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Delighted that 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' has been inscribed in @UNESCO #WorldHeritage list. Developed between the 17th & 19th centuries, the extraordinary fortification systems showcase the complexity and strategic prowess of Maratha defence systems as well as India's rich civilizational legacy." In a remarkable decision taken at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, India's official nomination for 2024-25 cycle, 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India's 44th property to receive this recognition. This global accolade celebrates India's enduring cultural legacy, showcasing its diverse traditions of architectural brilliance, regional identity, and historical continuity, the Ministry of Culture said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, lauded the historic milestone and congratulated the people of India for this achievement. The proposal was sent to the consideration of World Heritage Committee in Jan 2024 and after a rigorous eighteen-month long process involving several technical meetings with the advisory bodies and visit of ICOMOS's mission to review the sites, this historic decision was taken by the members of the World Heritage Committee today evening at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. On Friday, Jaishankar offered warm wishes as Mongolia begins the celebrations of the Naadam Festival. In a post on X, he greeted his Mongolian counterpart and offered wishes to the Government and people of Mongolia. He expressed optimism in the India-Mongolia relationship spanning across areas such as economic cooperation, cultural and spiritual ties and hoped for them to continue flourishing. EAM wrote on X, "Warm greetings FM Battsetseg Batmunkh, the Government and people of Mongolia on 'Naadam Festival' celebrations. May our economic cooperation, cultural and spiritual ties continue to flourish and enrich our strategic partnership." Naadam is a national festival celebrated every year from July 11 to 13 across Mongolia that focuses on three traditional games: horse racing, wrestling and archery, as noted by UNESCO Intangible Heritage. UNESCO has recognised it as an intangible cultural heritage. UNESCO intangible heritage observed that the festival comprises oral traditions, performing arts, national cuisine, craftsmanship, and cultural forms such as long song, Khoomei overtone singing, Bie biyelgee dance and Morin khuur fiddle. Mongolians follow special rituals and practices during the festival, such as wearing unique costumes and using distinctive tools and sporting items. Festival participants revere the sportsmen, sportswomen, and children who compete, and winners are rewarded titles for their achievements. (ANI)
Litigation over Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds 2021 refusal to pay pandemic-related jobless assistance to 30,000 Iowans is continuing with a new lawsuit alleging the governors decision was unlawful.

The lawsuit, filed in Polk County District Court, mirrors claims made by the same plaintiffs, Karla Smith of Pleasantville and Holly Bladel of Clinton, in a 2021 state-court lawsuit that was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiffs before being refiled in 2023 in federal court.

The federal lawsuit was dismissed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Stephanie M. Rose, partly due to jurisdictional issues. Rose ruled that one of the lawsuits central claims, which cited federal statutes, could not be based on a violation of state law  even state constitutional law. Rose also concluded the plaintiffs did not have a continuing, constitutionally protected property interest in the pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits.

On June 3, the U.S. Court of Appeals for 8th Circuit affirmed Roses decision. That same day, lawyers for Smith and Bladel filed their new lawsuit in state court, claiming the two women and thousands of other Iowans were illegally denied unemployment benefits in 2021 due to the actions of Reynolds and Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend.

According to the lawsuit, Reynolds and Townsend violated Iowas Employment Security law, which requires the state to cooperate with the United States Department of Labor to the fullest extent and make available to Iowans all advantages available under the provisions of the Social Security Act that relate to unemployment compensation.

Lawyers for Smith and Bladel are also seeking class-action status in the case in an effort to recover damages for thousands of Iowans who may have been harmed by Reynolds decision.

While the state has yet to file a response to the latest lawsuit, the claims were rejected by Reynolds in 2023 when she defended her actions by saying the federal government doesnt get to run the state of Iowa.

Paying people to stay home at a time when there are more jobs available than people to fill them defies common sense. Iowans know there is dignity in work, Reynolds said then.

Ohio court recently ruled on issue

Iowa was one of at least 25 states, all led by Republican governors, that chose to terminate federal, pandemic-related unemployment assistance to jobless residents before the programs expired in 2021. The states did so largely in response to labor shortages, claiming the enhanced benefits were encouraging people to remain unemployed rather than return to the workforce.

Ohio was one of those states  and five months ago, in February 2025, as part of a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of Ohio residents, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas ruled that Gov. Mike DeWine must reinstate Ohios Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program and take all action necessary to obtain Ohios share of FPUC program benefits from the Department of Labor.

The State of Ohio is now appealing the ruling in an effort to block the federal governments payment of pandemic-related unemployment benefits.

The litigation in Iowa, Ohio and other states stems from Congresss March 2020 decision, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, to approve the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security  better known as the CARES Act  to address mass layoffs, business closures and soaring unemployment.

The act provided enhanced unemployment benefits, provided for cash payments to be made to qualified recipients, extended the period of eligibility for benefits, and allowed for benefits to be paid to people who wouldnt otherwise have been eligible.

Iowans later received letters from Iowa Workforce Development stating they would be eligible for the benefits through Sept. 4, 2021. However, in a May 10, 2021, memorandum, Townsend recommended that Reynolds terminate Iowas participation in the federal programs effective June 12, 2021.

The next day, Reynolds officially adopted the recommendation and announced that IWD, which administers many elements of Iowas unemployment programs, would be withdrawing from participation in the federal, pandemic-related unemployment programs, despite the fact that they were entirely funded by the federal government.

Iowas participation in the programs was terminated on June 12, three months before the programs were set to expire.

At the time, the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee warned that Iowa and other states that pulling out of the unemployment programs stood to lose up to $13 billion in economic activity by refusing the infusion of federal money.

Plaintiffs sue over life-sustaining benefits

Like the previously filed federal lawsuit over Reynolds actions, the new, state-court lawsuit alleges the Iowa governors refusal to ensure continued access to federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits deprived approximately 30,000 Iowans of life-sustaining benefits to which they were entitled. The lawsuit also notes that the number of Iowans affected by Reynolds decision might exceed 55,000.

The governors decision to prematurely terminate Iowas involvement in the programs violated clear legislative mandates and constituted an unlawful exercise of executive authority, the lawsuit claims, adding that Iowas Employment Security Law specifically required the state to provide citizens with all advantages available under the provisions of the Social Security Act that relate to unemployment compensation.

Smith, who worked at Caseys General Store when the pandemic hit, alleges that in mid-March 2020, her doctor told her a preexisting lung condition made it dangerous for her to continue working in a retail setting that had yet to install Plexiglas dividers at workstations and didnt require face masks.

Smith alleges she quit her job to self-quarantine and began collecting PEUC benefits of $408 per week in addition to FPUC benefits to pay for food, housing, and other monthly expenses. Reynolds and Townsends decision to terminate Iowas involvement in the federal programs left Smith without a critical source of income just as the Delta variant surged, the lawsuit claims.

Bladel worked for a restaurant and gas station but was replaced after seeking time off to care for an elderly relative who was immunocompromised and at risk for COVID-19. She then began collecting PUA and FPUC benefits until Iowa terminated its involvement in the programs.

The lawsuit is one of two active cases the plaintiffs are pursuing in state court over the unemployment issue. The other case, initiated in November 2024, is basically an appeal of the administrative decisions made by the state, and seeks judicial review of those decisions.

In that case, the state is seeking dismissal of the lawsuit and has accused the plaintiffs of having shopped their lawsuit around first to state court, then to federal court, and now they are back to state court.
Protesters did not have a direct interaction with their intended recipient, but Reynolds said to reporters following the event that were working on it everyday when asked about water quality issues.

Reynolds said Iowa farmers want to take care of the land to be able to pass it down to the next generation, said its in their best interest to make sure that theyre doing everything that they can to protect the water and soil.

Reynolds said more farmers are employing conservation practices like cover crops and bioreactors to help keep nutrients on the field, rather than waterways. The state also announced a nearly $2 million project Tuesday to improve water quality in the Beaver Creek watershed.

They are continuing to work on processes that will help improve water quality, she said.

The Currents of Change report also suggested more regulation and data on the ag industry, particularly in terms of manure application to fields.

Reynolds, asked about this portion of the report, said regulation is hardly ever the answer.

Theres a huge cost to those (nitrate) inputs, so farmers dont want to waste it, they dont want to see it run off, Reynolds said. Theres processes right now that they can tell the exact amount that each plant needs to get the growth that they need, and so theyre doing that every single day.

Reynolds said she has supported conservation practices throughout her administration and said its an area where the state needs to continue to put our efforts.

But mark my word, theyre working every single day to implement conservation practices because they know it benefits everybody, Reynolds said.

Immigration policy, big beautiful bill

Reynolds said earlier this week she hopes Iowa can be part of the conversation with federal agencies as they try to figure out how the agricultural industry can keep undocumented workers on their farms amid the Trump administrations plans for mass deportations.

She said Thursday the conversation is possible only because the border has been secured and agencies continue to remove some of the you know, criminals and bad people.

It just creates a different environment where you can, I think, have some of those healthy discussions to see what that looks like, Reynolds said.

She said issue, brought up by President Donald Trump while in Iowa, is a moving target.

GOP divisions over eminent domain

The governor vetoed a controversial bill pertaining to eminent domain and carbon sequestration pipelines in June, which garnered criticism from some voices in her own party. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, even said he would work to kill any bill with Reynolds name on it in the future.

When asked about the comment, Reynolds said there are passionate feelings on both sides of the issue that make it a difficult issue moving forward.

Time and separation does a lot of good, Reynolds said. Most importantly, I think all of us have the same goal, and that really is serving Iowans and making sure that were being impactful and were getting things done. Iowans are so sick of their government not getting things done.

She said Iowa will need to rethink how it identifies priorities in order to create meaningful change, especially on the issue of property taxes.

We want to keep the cost of moving down, and that is a hardship on some of our families, but  youre going to have to either be a part of the solution, and theres going to have to be some changes in how we deliver services, or if theyre not willing to do that, then were probably going to end up with the status quo, Reynolds said.

She pointed to the passage of the federal budget reconciliation bill  the big beautiful bill  and said the same thing could happen in Iowa.

Now, we need to work through it, we need to see what (the bill) looks like, but the fact that they actually got something done, I think, is incredible, and it really is a testament to President Trumps leadership, Reynolds said.
Greece has announced on July 9, a three-month suspension of asylum hearings for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, in response to a recent surge in arrivals from Libya.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared the move during a parliamentary address on Wednesday, emphasizing a hardened stance on illegal migration and warning that all unauthorized entrants will face detention. The decision comes amid escalating tensions following the abrupt expulsion on Tuesday of a European Union delegation from Benghazi, Libya, where they had arrived for migration talks.

The delegation, which included EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner and the interior ministers of Greece, Italy, and Malta, was denied a meeting with Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar upon arrival at Benina International Airport. Haftar objected to the delegations request for a private meeting, insisting on the presence of Libyas parallel government headed by Osama Hammad. The resulting diplomatic fallout prompted Hammad to accuse the EU officials of breaching protocol.

Greek officials labelled the incident as unprecedented, suggesting it underscores deep divisions between European and eastern Libyan authorities over handling migration and regional diplomacy.
Morocco has unrolled its 2030 digital transition strategy and is investing in artificial intelligence and data centers to strengthen its digital sovereignty.

Minister in charge of digital transition and the reform of the administration Amal Fallah Seghrouchni announced that Morocco is preparing to launch a 500 MW data center in Dakhla, a key step to position the Kingdom as a digital hub for the region.

The center will add to other data centers and cloud services hosted in the country.

Through this network of data centers, the kingdom not only asserts its digital sovereignty, but also its ambition to become a regional digital hub serving Africa, Seghrouchni told Reuters.

In June, a major international consortium led by Naver, NVIDIA, and Lloyds Capital has announced that they will be working together to build a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Morocco.

Moroccos digital strategy, Maroc Numerique 2030, budgeted 11 billion dirhams over 2024-2026, focusing on training, fiber optic and AI.
Rising costs of road freight across West Africa are threatening to derail the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), exporters and trade experts warn, as unofficial fees and bureaucratic bottlenecks mount along key trade corridors.

A recent case study by the West African Association for Cross-Border Trade (WACTAF) reveals that transporting a truckload of goods worth 100 million from Lagos to Accra now costs over 10.84 million (about $67,000). Most of this is lost to opaque levies, bribes, and inefficient customs processes in transit countries, especially Benin, Togo, and Ghana. In Benin alone, exporters pay 9.05 million in charges, including a staggering 7.23 million statistics levy. Togo and Ghana add another 1.78 million through tracking fees, bonds, and administrative charges. These costs exclude warehousing, insurance, or inland transport within Nigeria.

Experts warn that these costs are crippling competitiveness and undermine AfCFTAs vision of seamless trade. Exporters are demanding the enforcement of regional trade protocols and elimination of non-tariff barriers. Olubunmi Olumekun, president of the West African Exporters and Barge Operators Association, urged investment in alternative transport methods. Weve used barges to transport goods to Togo, and it was more efficient and profitable than road transport. In some cases, neighboring countries even hired Nigerian barges for months and paid well, he said. Stakeholders are now calling on Nigeria and ECOWAS to act decisively. Without reforms, they warn, AfCFTAs promise may remain unfulfilled.
West African leaders are rejecting U.S. efforts to offload third-country deportees, following a White House summit where President Donald Trump reportedly floated the idea of African nations accepting migrants refused by their own governments.

Guinea-Bissaus President Umaro Sissoco Embalo confirmed Thursday (10 July) that while Trump raised the issue during a Wednesday meeting with five African leaders, no formal request was made. He talked about that, but he didnt ask us to take immigrants back to our country, Embalo clarified at a Washington event. If they are our citizens of Guinea-Bissau, of course they are going back home. But if they are another citizen, why are we going [to take] them? No, our policy doesnt accept that.

The summit, attended by leaders from Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Gabon, and Guinea-Bissau, was intended to promote trade but was also used by Trump to push for deportation deals similar to past arrangements with Panama and El Salvador. Those agreements involved sending migrants  sometimes straight from U.S. prisons  to third countries with limited ties to the individuals.

Nigeria, though not at the summit, firmly rejected a similar request. It will be difficult for Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners. We have enough problems of our own, said Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, citing domestic pressures and U.S. tariffs on Nigerian exports as possible political leverage. Human rights groups have condemned the Trump-era policy as a breach of asylum laws and international norms.
Nigerian troops have killed more than 50 armed men in separate operations in the countrys conflict-ridden northeast and northwest, according to official statements released Thursday.

In Katsina State, northwest Nigeria, security forces repelled coordinated attacks by hundreds of armed bandits raiding multiple villages on Tuesday (8 July). Katsinas Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said 30 attackers were neutralized by joint police and military forces with air support. However, the violence also claimed the lives of one civilian, two soldiers, and three police officers. Our gallant security forces successfully repelled the attackers  We are working tirelessly with federal security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens, Muazu stated. The government has promised to intensify cooperation with federal agencies to restore order to the region long plagued by mass kidnappings and violent raids.

In the northeast, the Nigerian Army confirmed that 24 insurgents from Boko Haram and the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP) were killed during a series of operations from 4 to 9 July across Borno and Adamawa states. The offensive, part of Operation HADIN KAI, included ambushes, patrols, and coordinated airstrikes targeting terrorist enclaves. Army spokesman Capt. Reuben Kovangiya said the missions aimed to dismantle insurgent logistics and restore civilian life in the region. Troops recovered weapons, motorcycles, and ammunition. While officials hailed the operations as successful, past claims have faced scrutiny amid ongoing insecurity and widespread displacement.
A delegation from the French city of Dreux visited Dakhla on Wednesday to explore economic potential, major development projects, and partnership opportunities in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, following the recent signing of a friendship pact between the two cities.

Led by Dreux Mayor Pierre Frederic Billet, the group -including investors, business leaders, and cultural figures- showed strong interest in renewable energy and praised the regions progress under Moroccos Southern Provinces development model.

Mayor Billet told MAP that this visit is part of a dynamic of cooperation between the two communes, expressing his willingness to invest in the field of renewable energies.

We plan to contribute to contribute to promoting this high-potential region, by supporting the growth of renewable energies and sustainable electrification solutions, in line with the decrees adopted in 2024 by Morocco to accelerate the Kingdoms energy transition, he noted.

Dakhla officials, including the heads of the communal and regional councils, highlighted ongoing infrastructure, energy, and urban development initiatives launched under His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

The visit follows a previous Dakhla-Oued Eddahab delegation trip to Dreux, and included meetings with the regional governor and local officials to discuss future bilateral cooperation.
Morocco is reportedly negotiating with some UAE companies wind energy projects in its southern provinces. The total investment of these projects is estimated between $8 and $10 billion, according to Arabic energy-focused Attaqa media platform.

The Emirati companies engaged in talks are Masdar, AMEA Power, and Taqa. They are negotiating with the North African Kingdom 4 wind power plants with a production capacity reaching 5,000 megawatts (MW), said the Washington-based news website.

These projects are part of Moroccos drive to increase renewable energies in the electricity mix to 52 percent by 2030. The Moroccan Saharan provinces currently host four operational wind farms with a total capacity of approximately 750 MW. These are Tarfaya (300 MW), Aftissat (200 MW), Laayoune (50 MW), and Akhfenir (200 MW). Other projects are underway in Boujdour (300 MW) and Tiskrad (100 MW).

Morocco has a significant wind energy potential, estimated at 25,000 MW, with a large portion of that coming from its extensive coastline. The country already has a substantial installed wind energy capacity, the second largest in Africa, and is actively working to increase its renewable energy share.

Moroccos Atlantic coast, in particular, boasts strong and consistent winds, with speeds exceeding 9 m/s in some areas, making it ideal for wind energy development.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has revealed there are reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed in western Sudan. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, July 10, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan described the suffering in the region as difficult to put into words. Highlighting widespread violence, particularly against civilians, since the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.

One of the most harrowing findings from the ICCs investigation is the targeted sexual violence against women and girls belonging to specific ethnic groups. These revelations form part of a broader pattern of systematic abuse, as uncovered through testimonies gathered from survivors who fled to neighboring Chad. The Deputy Prosecutor described this as an inescapable pattern of offending, underlining the gravity and scale of atrocities committed.

The ICC, which was granted jurisdiction by the UN Security Council to investigate crimes in Darfur two decades ago, launched a renewed probe in 2023 in light of the fresh civil war. While the United States formally declared in January 2025 that the RSF and affiliated militias had committed genocide, the RSF has categorically denied involvement in such crimes. The ICC continues to gather evidence as it prepares potential prosecutions.
Houston Safety Manager Awarded for Outstanding Efforts

Columbia Southern University Honors Jennifer Keach for Occupational Safety & Health.

Columbia Southern Universitys College of Safety and Emergency Services has named Jennifer Keach as its 2025 Outstanding Safety Professional of the Year. Keach, who resides in Katy, Texas, serves as a health, safety and environmental manager at SLB in Houston.

Keachs path to a career in occupational safety and health (OSH) began in the early 2000s, when she entered the oil and gas industry as a truck driver. She later became a field supervisor in operations. A workplace incident in 2010 prompted her to pursue a safety-focused rolean experience she described as preventable and eye-opening.

One of the key motivations was witnessing the significant impact a safety professional can have both at work and at home, Keach said. Additionally, I was inspired by my sister, who has been my role model in the OSH industry, demonstrating that one person can indeed make a difference.

In addition to her professional achievements, Keach is active in her local community. She regularly volunteers at beach cleanups and recently organized a neighborhood book swap. I am passionate about volunteering in my community, as it allows me to give back and collaborate with like-minded individuals, she said. Through volunteering, I can build meaningful connections and expand my network.

Keach holds multiple professional credentials, including the Certified Safety Professional and Graduate Safety Professional designations from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, as well as the National Construction Safety Officer designation. She has received several industry honors and was named a Eureka Leader at SLB. She earned both her masters and bachelors degrees in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University.

The Outstanding Safety Professional Award was established by Columbia Southern University in recognition of National Safety Month, observed annually in June. The award honors OSH students and graduates for their commitment to safety, professionalism, and continued achievement in the field.
The Houthis have entered a more lethal phase of asymmetric maritime warfare, sinking two foreign-flagged bulk carriers (Eternity C and Tutor) within a 72-hour window using layered strike packages: anti-ship missiles, drone swarms, and explosive boats. One vessel was hit at the waterline and quickly capsized, with several crew killed and others captured. That represents a qualitative shift from previous low-casualty harassment campaigns. For the Saudis, the attacks present a bit of a dilemma. Riyadh has pursued a normalization track with the Houthis since 2023 as part of its strategic de-escalation policy. The return of high-visibility Houthi violence risks collapsing that fragile detente, but the Saudis are not eager

Russia has escalated aerial attacks on Kyiv, launching over 400 drones and 18 missiles against military-industrial targets, as Ukraine's Western allies recalibrate support amid growing fatigue and fragmentation. The U.S. has resumed weapons shipments under the Trump administration, while the EU is doubling down on economic pressure, proposing a floating oil price cap that would replace the static $60/barrel ceiling with a benchmark-linked mechanism starting just above $45. This would adjust to global market levels to tighten enforcement. The proposal, part of the EUs 19th sanctions package, faces pushback from maritime economies (Greece, Malta) and energy-reliant states (Slovakia).

Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict

Russia has escalated aerial attacks on Kyiv, launching over 400 drones and 18 missiles against military-industrial targets, as Ukraine's Western allies recalibrate support amid growing fatigue and fragmentation. The U.S. has resumed weapons shipments under the Trump administration, while the EU is doubling down on economic pressure, proposing a floating oil price cap that would replace the static $60/barrel ceiling with a benchmark-linked mechanism starting just above $45. This would adjust to global market levels to tighten enforcement. The proposal, part of the EUs 19th sanctions package, faces pushback from maritime economies (Greece, Malta) and energy-reliant states (Slovakia).

The Houthis have entered a more lethal phase of asymmetric maritime warfare, sinking two foreign-flagged bulk carriers (Eternity C and Tutor) within a 72-hour window using layered strike packages: anti-ship missiles, drone swarms, and explosive boats. One vessel was hit at the waterline and quickly capsized, with several crew killed and others captured. That represents a qualitative shift from previous low-casualty harassment campaigns. For the Saudis, the attacks present a bit of a dilemma. Riyadh has pursued a normalization track with the Houthis since 2023 as part of its strategic de-escalation policy. The return of high-visibility Houthi violence risks collapsing that fragile detente, but the Saudis are not eager to be drawn into a U.S.-led escalation that could unravel their broader regional reset. The UAE, on the other hand, is watching this unfold through a narrower commercial and logistical lens. As a re-export hub and operator of several major regional ports, it sees the Houthi threat primarily as a trade corridor destabilizer, not a regime-change catalyst. Emirati sources have signaled conditional support for reactivating naval interdiction operations, but only if Washington commits to a strategy that wont leave the shipping lanes further exposed to attack. Washington is also in a state of dilemma over this. Military planners are ready to resume Red Sea strikes under Operation Prosperity Guardian, but the White House is (for now) ambivalent because of the risk of escalation with Iran. Intelligence reporting confirms IRGC fingerprints on recent strikes, but absent a high-profile American casualty, the administration appears unwilling to fully re-enter the theater.

On July 9, the Trump administration imposed a 17.5% tariff on Brazilian crude oil imports and a 50% tariff on selected refined petroleum products, including diesel and gasoline blendstocks. U.S. officials cited environmental non-compliance and unfair pricing as justification, claiming the measures would restore competitive balance for domestic refiners. Brazilian officials denounced the move as a politically motivated escalation, linking it to rising diplomatic friction over President Lulas refusal to isolate Bolsonaro-linked military figures. In response, Petrobras and private exporters have begun rerouting cargoes toward India, Southeast Asia, and West Africa, but market analysts warn that diversion into less-regulated regions may force discounts or expose volumes to contractual instability. The longer-term challenge lies in maintaining margins amid shifting trade architecture: companies with integrated value chains or sovereign backing may endure, while independent producers face difficult decisions on hedging, destination mix, and product slate. The true stress point is expected in Q4, when seasonal Atlantic Basin demand tightens and Brazil is forced to weigh defending traditional markets against consolidating gains in non-OECD destinations.

Discovery & Development

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) just confirmed a fresh oil discovery at its Slagugle prospect in the Norwegian Sea after drilling a successful appraisal well. The well hit 188 meters of oil-bearing rock, including 75 meters of high-quality sandstone, and flowed at a peak of 650 m per day, roughly 4,090 bpd. This marks a turnaround from a dry well in 2022 and strengthens the 2020 resource estimate of 30.8-61.6 million boe. COP holds 80% of the license, with Pandion Energy holding 20%, and the site lies near the Heidrun field in 341 meters of water.

Equinor (OSE:EQNR) has hit gas in the Barents Seas Skred prospect and is eyeing a potential tie-in to the nearby Johan Castberg field. The discovery includes a 14-meter gas column in the St formation, with overall sandstone thickness of 70 meters and solid reservoir quality. Preliminary estimates suggest 1.9-3.1 MMboe in recoverable gas, plus a small oil zone in an overlying Cretaceous layer. The well was not tested but returned extensive data and will now be plugged, with Equinor holding a 46.3% stake alongside Var Energi (30%) and Petoro (23.7%).

Ghana just declared the Eban-Akoma discoveries commercially viable, nudging the country closer to energy independence. Located in the Cape Three Points Block 4, the find involves a joint venture of Eni, Vitol, Woodfields, GNPC, and GNPC Explorco. The government says the project will help drive industrialization and energy security, with a development plan now in the works. Ghanas Ministry of Energy has pledged local content involvement and regulatory oversight to maximize value and national benefit.

Turkeys TPAO is teaming up with Pakistans national oil firms to jointly explore offshore blocks, signaling a deeper energy partnership between the two countries. The move follows an earlier agreement to target oil and gas prospects offshore Pakistan, with joint bids planned for a 40-block tender this year. Pakistans oil reserves jumped 23% in 2024 to 238 million barrels, though the country still leans heavily on imports. Turkey, meanwhile, is ramping up Black Sea gas output and expanding exploration ties across the region.

India has kicked off its biggest offshore licensing round to date under OALP-X, aimed at expanding domestic oil and gas output as import reliance hits record highs. The government is seeking input on updated petroleum laws and model contracts to attract global investment and tech collaboration, including AI-driven upstream solutions.

Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) has struck high-quality, contaminant-free oil at its 3-BRSA-1396D-SPS well in Brazils pre-salt Santos Basin, marking another success in the Aram block. The discovery, made in nearly 2,000 meters of water, follows an earlier hydrocarbon find in the same block and adds momentum to Petrobras pre-salt exploration push. Logs and fluid samples confirmed the oil-bearing interval. Petrobras operates the block with an 80% stake, while Chinas CNPC holds the remaining 20%.

Russia may be eyeing a massive 511-billion-barrel oil reserve in Antarctica, sparking international alarm over potential treaty violations. British MP Tobias Ellwood accused Moscow of "blatant prospecting" that defies the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, which bans resource extraction. The warning suggests Putin could be testing Western resolve, assuming little pushback amid broader geopolitical tensions. If confirmed, the find would dwarf North Sea output and mark a flashpoint in global energy geopolitics.

ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) and QatarEnergy have hit another natural gas reservoir offshore Cyprus, this time at the Pegasus-1 well in Block 10. Preliminary data points to a 350-meter gas-bearing interval at a depth of 1.9 km, with further evaluation to follow. It's the second discovery in the block, following the 2019 Glaucus-1 find, which was confirmed by a 2022 appraisal. Cyprus continues to uncover offshore gas but has yet to begin production or commercialization.

Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions

Chevron (NYSE:CVX) is gearing up for a rapid close of its $53B acquisition of Hess (NYSE:HES), preparing integration plans and severance options as it awaits the outcome of arbitration with ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) and CNOOC. At stake is Hess prized 30% stake in Guyanas Stabroek Block (home to over 11 billion boe), where Exxon is operator. Chevron aims to legally finalize the deal within 48 hours of a favorable ruling, with operational integration completed in 45 days. The arbitration panel has reached a decision, now under review by the ICC, with Chevron confident it can move quickly if cleared.

United Energy LNG and Power LNG have merged to create a nimble, small-scale LNG platform aimed at serving underserved domestic markets in North America. The new entity (retaining the United Energy LNG name) plans to develop three modular LNG production sites with a combined capex of $240-270M and a target capacity of 540,000 MTPA. Projects are underway in Houston, Kansas, and an undisclosed location, with financial close expected by Q1 2026 and commissioning by Q1 2027. The venture targets over 2 Bcf-e in annual domestic demand, focusing on distributed LNG for industrial, transport, and power sectors bypassed by large-scale export-focused players.
Cost-cutting among energy companies is all the rage today. Oil prices are stable, but memories of recent devastation are still fresh, so Big Oil is cutting costs to stay in shape. One way to do it: centralize operations, which is what Chevron is doing right now.

The idea is straightforward: simplicity is cheaper than complicatedness. So Chevron is going simpler by having just one global offshore business division manage all of its offshore operations, from the Gulf to Nigeria, and just one division handling human resources, information technology and financeout of the Philippines and Argentina.

Were working so hard to simplify our structure, take some layers out so that we can execute faster, Chevron vice chairman Mark Nelson told Bloomberg in an interview this week. Best practices are decided upon and applied across the system regardless of what continent they happen to sit on.

The simplification drive follows from a cost-cutting plan announced back in February that would see Chevron shed a fifth of its global workforce and save $3 billion in costs. The plan was prompted by the supermajors offer to acquire Hess Corp. for $53 billion, even though the finalization of that deal remains uncertain until the International Chamber of Commerce announces its ruling on the dispute with Exxon.

Related: Big Oil Braces for Oil Price Hit

Yet even without the deal, chances are Chevron would go ahead with the cost-cuttingbecause these days oil companies need to work to win investors, at least according to Bloomberg. The publication pointed out in its report that oil price volatility and what it called an uncertain outlook for fossil fuels had made investors more demanding in terms of dividends and share repurchases. This had, in turn, forced company executives to prioritize shareholder returns over other business objectives.

That oil prices are volatile is certainly true, and that volatility is of a new, software-driven sort as a lot of oil trades follow algorithms rather than human decisions. As for the uncertainty in the outlook for hydrocarbons, there are plenty of signs that demand for them is still going to be around decades in the futureand the size of that demand will not be very different from what it is today, despite all the forecasts predicting peak demand growth before 2030. Those forecasts are based on computer models and an abundance of wishful thinking, which has incidentally contributed to the heightened volatility of oil prices as spikes tend to occur when physical, real-world data shows demand to be stronger than assumed.

This is why Chevron may be streamlining its operations and laying off staff, but it is also pursuing production growth. Earlier this year, for instance, Chevron announced plans to drill in Namibia, where some other Big Oil majors had made significant discoveries in recent years. The supermajor is also investing in exploration in Nigeria and Angola, and last month won the rights to explore nine offshore blocks in Brazils Foz do Amazonas basin.

Then there is, of course, the Hess Corp. deal, which is perhaps the best evidence that Chevron is realistic about the future of oil demand. Hess Corp. is Exxons partner in Guyanas Stabroek Block. It has a 30% stake in that block and the over 11 billion barrels of oil sitting underneath it. Chevron wants that stakeand who wouldnt, except the devout believers in peak oil demand?

Cost-cutting in oil and gas is all the rage today, but it is easy to focus on just some of the more obvious reasons, such as investor perceptions about the future prospects of the industry, reinforced copiously by media that openly embraces the ideology of net zero. The deeper reason, however, may well be a desire to boost resilience in case of future shocks.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
This new confrontation, which comes after a resurgence of violent militia clashes in Tripoli in May, tells us that Dbeibah is losing his grip on the GNU. RADA is not a militia that is traditionally aligned with the Haftar camp, Dbeibahs eastern rival. Instead, this is a sign of Dbeibahs weakening control and his dwindling ability to enforce chain-of-command. His call for RADA to vacate Mitiga is not a confident assertion of power, its a provocation that risks showing how little control he has.

The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU), led by interim Libyan PM Dbeibah, is now in a direct standoff with the Special Deterrence Force (RADA) militia group, which it has accused of sheltering over 120 wanted individuals, including an ICC-indicted commander. In a public ultimatum, Dbeibah has demanded that RADA relinquish control over Mitiga Airport and its adjoining prison facilities. RADA has responded by declaring a "war of survival," signaling a willingness to escalate militarily if challenged.

We continue to watch Libya unravel as rival power centers attempt to reassert territorial and institutional control, but international oil majors are re-engaging nonetheless, and analysts like to opine that their big oil money could help stabilize the country. That is a possibility; however, the reverse is currently more likely unless Benghazi and Tripoli find a way to split the spoils (as the only thing that would prevent another civil war).

We continue to watch Libya unravel as rival power centers attempt to reassert territorial and institutional control, but international oil majors are re-engaging nonetheless, and analysts like to opine that their big oil money could help stabilize the country. That is a possibility; however, the reverse is currently more likely unless Benghazi and Tripoli find a way to split the spoils (as the only thing that would prevent another civil war).

The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU), led by interim Libyan PM Dbeibah, is now in a direct standoff with the Special Deterrence Force (RADA) militia group, which it has accused of sheltering over 120 wanted individuals, including an ICC-indicted commander. In a public ultimatum, Dbeibah has demanded that RADA relinquish control over Mitiga Airport and its adjoining prison facilities. RADA has responded by declaring a "war of survival," signaling a willingness to escalate militarily if challenged.

This new confrontation, which comes after a resurgence of violent militia clashes in Tripoli in May, tells us that Dbeibah is losing his grip on the GNU. RADA is not a militia that is traditionally aligned with the Haftar camp, Dbeibahs eastern rival. Instead, this is a sign of Dbeibahs weakening control and his dwindling ability to enforce chain-of-command. His call for RADA to vacate Mitiga is not a confident assertion of power, its a provocation that risks showing how little control he has.

So what happens now that BP and Shell are re-engaging in Libya just as control over the country's most productive oil assets hangs in the balance?

Both companies have signed MoUs with the Tripoli-based NOC to evaluate redevelopment opportunities in fields that lie predominantly in territory controlled by Haftars Libyan National Army (LNA). BP is assessing Sarir and Messla in the Sirte Basin (critical fields that feed the eastern export system), and intends to reopen its Tripoli office by Q4 2025. Shell is studying output potential at al?Atshan, another asset in contested ground. These moves coincide with Libyas first upstream bid round since 2007, a signal from Tripoli that it wants to raise output to 2 million barrels per day by 2026, from roughly 1.38 million today.

But the technical and legal ambition masks a fundamental risk: Tripoli doesnt physically control the ground these fields sit on. Haftars forces do. That means any capital deployment (seismic, infrastructure, staff) will either require quiet coordination with the LNA or risk triggering new shutdowns under the pretext of unauthorized operations.

Haftar, meanwhile, possesses several mechanisms to extract value from oil operations even when they are negotiated through Tripoli. His most direct leverage comes from physical control: his forces dominate the Sirte Basin, including the Sarir and Messla fields, and control critical export terminals such as Es Sider, Ras Lanuf, Brega, and Hariga. This gives him the ability to deny access, disrupt logistics, and declare force majeure to halt operations, all of which he has done repeatedly since 2018. He also exerts influence through Libyas fragmented financial architecture. The eastern branch of the Central Bank in Benghazi and its parallel Ministry of Finance give Haftar a vehicle to demand informal revenue-sharing, secure budget transfers, or extract concessions in exchange for keeping oil flowing. Security contracting offers another income stream: any foreign firm operating in LNA-controlled territory must engage local security outfits, many of which are loyal to Haftars family or inner circle. These contracts serve both as financial pipelines and instruments of soft surveillance. He can also pursue backchannel arrangements (subcontractor favoritism, local supply agreements, or future offtake influence), especially via intermediaries in the UAE or Egypt, among others. Even absent formal recognition, the threat of disruption alone grants him recurring opportunities to renegotiate Libyas fragile oil status quo.

Haftar has been very busy of late. In Benghazi, he has hosted a string of high-level diplomatic meetings, including with Greeces foreign minister, while his administration simultaneously declared EU migration officials persona non grata. These actions underscore the eastern blocs dual strategy: challenge Tripolis legitimacy on the international stage while leveraging control over oil infrastructure. Eastern officials have also threatened to declare force majeure on strategic oilfields, accusing GNU-aligned security forces of assaulting NOC headquarters (the NOC denies this). These threats come amid ongoing disputes over Libyas 2025 budget and central bank governance.

What to keep a close eye on over the next week:
Brazil is preparing to defend its oil export sector as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting August 1. The move has escalated tensions between the two countries, with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva vowing reciprocal action: If he charges us 50%, well charge him 50%, Lula told local media outlet Record.

Oil is Brazils top export to the United States, and until now it had been exempt from a 10% tariff already imposed on other Brazilian goods. In 2024, Brazil exported a record 1.78 million barrels per day (bpd), of which 243,000 bpd were shipped to the U.S., according to government data compiled by consultancy StoneX. The prospect of a steep tariff on crude has raised concerns about short-term disruption but not long-term damage.

These tariffs may generate short-term noise in trade flows and impact margins on spot contracts, but do not represent a structural risk, BTG Pactual analysts Luiz Carvalho and Gustavo Cunha said in a client note. They expect PetrobrasBrazils largest oil producerto remain largely unaffected, noting that only 4% of its oil exports went to the U.S. in Q1 2024.

While the U.S. market accounts for roughly 37% of Petrobras refined product exports, analysts believe these flows can be redirected with minimal impact. In absolute terms, its a small volume, and Petrobras should be able to find alternative buyers, BTG added.

Still, the Brazilian Petroleum Institute (IBP), which represents oil majors like Petrobras, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Equinor, has expressed concern and urged the government to pursue a diplomatic resolution. The Institute is awaiting clarification on whether oil will remain exempt under Trumps revised tariffs.

Lula has convened a ministerial group to study Brazils response, warning that the country may also appeal to the World Trade Organization. He cited Brazils new Reciprocity Law as a legislative tool to counter tariff hikes from foreign governments.

As U.S. tariffs are delayed until August 1, Brazil is attempting to safeguard a sector that has become increasingly important for its economy. With export volumes rising and diversification underway, Brazil may weather the immediate falloutbut a prolonged trade war could test even its flexible energy strategy.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, a Russian drone strike in Ukraine's Kharkiv region resulted in one death and 14 injuries, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged allies to use Russian assets for reconstruction.

Trump also announced an upcoming "major statement" on Russia for Monday, and is considering new sanctions against Moscow.

US President Donald Trump stated that American weapons will continue to be supplied to Ukraine, with NATO fully funding these deliveries.

The United States is sending weapons to Ukraine through NATO, US President Donald Trump said on July 10, a week after the Pentagon said some weapons deliveries to the war-torn country were being paused.

Trump also said he would make a "major statement" on Russia on July 14. He did not elaborate on what the statement would be but provided an explanation about the supply of US weapons.

"We're sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%. So what were doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons," Trump said, speaking in an interview with US broadcaster NBC.

Earlier this week Trump said he would release some defensive weapons designated for Ukraine following negative responses from some members of Congress about a Pentagon announcement on July 2 that some weapons designated for Ukraine would be halted over concerns that US stockpiles have declined too much.

Trump appeared to reverse that policy on July 8 when he said that the United States would be sending defensive weapons to Ukraine amid intensifying Russian advances. He also expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he is considering imposing new sanctions on Moscow.

Trump has said he is studying a bill sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (Democrat-Connecticut) that would impose sanctions and tariffs on countries that support Russias war effort in addition to targeting Russias banking system.

"I think I'll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday," Trump said in the interview.

As Trump spoke, at least one person was killed and 14 others injured in a Russian drone strike on Ukraine's Kharkiv region, Ukrainian officials reported early on July 11. The attack also partly damaged a maternity hospital in the regional capital, Kharkiv, regional administrator Oleh Synyehubov said.

The Kremlin had no immediate comment. Russian officials accused Ukraine of carrying out a drone attack on Russias Tula region, killing one person.

Local Telegram channels suggested the Ukrainian drones may have also targeted the Kronshtadt drone factory, located in the neighboring Moscow region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on July 9 addressed a conference in Rome on Ukraine's reconstruction, urging allies to "more actively" use Russian assets for rebuilding and calling for weapons, joint defense production, and investment.

Zelenskyy said he met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the conference, thanking him for participating in the conference and joining the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which raised billions of dollars in pledges from conference attendees.

"It is important that Poland continues to remain a key logistics and transit hub for international assistance to Ukraine," Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

Earlier on July 10, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he reinforced the message that Moscow should show more flexibility in a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Malaysia.

"We need to see a roadmap moving forward about how this conflict can conclude," Rubio said, adding that the Trump administration had been engaging with the US Senate on what new sanctions on Russia might look like.

"It was a frank conversation. It was an important one," Rubio said after the talks in Kuala Lumpur, where the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping are meeting. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Rubio and Lavrov had shared "a substantive and frank exchange of views."

Rubio said the US strategy to end the war in Ukraine is to continue to engage all the parties involved.

We will engage anytime that we have an opportunity to do so, like we did today, Rubio told reporters. The presidents been pretty clear. Hes disappointed and frustrated that theres not been more flexibility on the Russian side to bring about an end to this conflict.

Rubio said the Pentagon announcement about weapons sent to Ukraine had been mischaracterized, and the overwhelming majority of the military aid that the United States provides to Ukraine has never been paused.

He acknowledged that Ukraine needs more Patriot systems and said some are available in multiple countries in Europe, yet no one wants to part with them. He said he hoped that would change.

Countries that have ordered Patriot batteries that are about to receive shipments of them, it would be great if one of them volunteered to defer that shipment and send it to Ukraine instead, Rubio said.

He also noted that Russia has lost 100,000 soldiers since January, emphasizing that they were killed, not injured. Ukraine lost fewer in the same time span. Though the numbers are less, they are still very significant, he said.

By RFE/RL

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
India should boost its petrochemicals production to meet local demand and counter Chinas growing global lead in the sector, a senior executive at Indias top private refiner, Reliance Industries, said on Friday.

India needs to bolster its petrochemicals presence as China is taking over the entire petrochemical industry, Vikram Sampat, senior vice-president, strategy and business development, for the polyester chain at Reliance Industries, said at an industry conference, as carried by Reuters.

Chinas petrochemicals expansion has created a surplus on the market in the past year, reducing global margins.

Indias petrochemicals demand is set to surge with robust economic growth in the country.

Demand for petrochemicals in India is expected to remain resilient as consumption of products is rebounding, executives in the industry said earlier this year.

Indias petrochemicals demand will be a bright spot among the major markets, amid a slowdown in demand in other markets, most notably China, and new supply coming from new plants in Asia and the Middle East, according to the executives who spoke to Reuters on the sidelines of the India Energy Week 2025 conference.

Weaker global demand has depressed petrochemical margins in recent months.

But Indian refiners have been mostly spared from very low margins because they produce their own petrochemical feedstock naphtha, Rystad Energys analyst Pankaj Srivastava told Reuters.

India is positioning itself for a petrochemical boom, with $87 billion expected over the next decade to meet surging demand. As more of its citizens rise into the middle class, the need for petrochemical-based productsfrom plastics to fertilizersis set to soar. According to India's oil minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, this growing demand opens a window for significant investment as Indias per capita consumption of petrochemicals continues to lag behind developed nations.

State-owned Indian Oil Corporation, the biggest refiner in India, plans to invest in petrochemicals capacities as it has the cost advantage of using naphtha and natural gas from its refinery outputs as feedstock, IndianOil chairman AS Sahney told the NDTV Profit outlet this week.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Indonesias attorney general's office has widened the corruption investigation into oil procurement involving state oil and gas firm Pertamina, which is alleged to have cost $17.6 billion (285 trillion Indonesian rupiahs) in economic losses to the country.

In a follow-up to the probe, Indonesia has named nine more suspects in the graft case involving the procurement of crude and oil products. Six of the newly named suspects are former executives at units of the state oil and gas firm, and three are from private companies. These are a former manager at commodity trading giant Trafigura, a former executive at shipping company PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, and a beneficial owner of fuel terminal PT Orbit Terminal Merak, according to Abdul Qohar, a director at the Attorney Generals Office.

The nine new suspects are accused of irregular procurement of oil and irregularities in tanker and terminal leasing deals between 2018 and 2023.

Earlier this year, Indonesia arrested three executives at Pertamina units over alleged corruption in oil imports. Riva Siahaan, chief executive of Pertamina Patra Niaga, the CEO of Pertamina International Shipping, Yoki Firnandi, and Sani Dinar Saifuddin, a director at Kilang Pertamina Internasional, were arrested in February.

Back then, the Indonesian prosecutors said the corruption had cost the country about $12 billion. Now the figure has been bumped up to the equivalent of more than $17 billion.

While an investigation into one of Indonesias biggest corruption cases ever is ongoing, Pertamina and the government are looking to boost oil production from Southeast Asias biggest economy.

Currently, Indonesia produces about 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil. Its goal is to boost the output levels to 1 million bpd by 2030.

Earlier this year, Indonesia awarded five strategic oil and gas blocks to international and domestic players in a bid to reverse its decade-long production decline and bolster national energy security.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Crude oil prices recouped some of the losses they booked on Thursday today but looked set to end the week with little change, amid tariff worries, OPEC+s decision to boost supply, and a threat of a diesel shortage in key markets, and the prospect of fresh U.S. sanctions on Russian energy.

At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $69.16 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at $67.16 per barrel, both slightly up from opening, after they shed about 2% on Thursday, pressured by the latest tariff announcements from the White House.

Earlier this week, President Trump declared he would impose a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil, saying President Lula da Silvas government was mistreating former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial on allegations of a coup against Lula da Silva.

In a social media post, Trump said the tariffs were imposed in response in part to Brazil's insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans.

Lula da Silva has threatened reciprocal measures in response to the tariffs, after earlier in the week he referred to Trump as an emperor that the world does not need. The reference came in response to a media question about Trumps threat to impose additional tariffs on all BRICS members if they engaged in what he called anti-American policies.

On Thursday, Trump deepened tariff anxiety on markets by announcing a 35% tariff on imports from Canada, starting from next month. He added that the rest of the United States trade partners would be hit with blanket tariffs of between 15% and 20%.

Meanwhile, OPEC revised down its oil demand forecast for next year, now seeing the total at 106.3 million bpd, down from 108 million barrels daily forecast earlier. The group attributed the revision to slowing demand growth in China.

Meanwhile, the European Union, which is in the process of preparing yet another sanction package against Russia, is discussing the option of a floating price cap for Russian crude in light of volatile oil prices.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
After two years of playing the role of OPEC+ model citizen, Saudi Arabia has decided its time to loosen the tieat least according to the IEA.

According to the International Energy Agency, the Kingdom overshot its June production quota by a whopping 700,000 barrels per day, pumping 9.8 million bpdthe highest in two years.

OPEC's official production figures are due Tuesday, and some analysts have already suggested theyll show near-perfect compliance. But speculating about manipulated data before its released feels more like a side effect of being shut out of the Vienna meeting than meaningful analysis.

Saudi Arabia has mostly adhered to its targets for the past two yearsand while the recent spike warrants scrutiny, it doesnt automatically equal deception.

Riyadh claims the bump in exports and refinery runs wasnt about breaking ranks, but simply moving barrels amid regional tension. Yet the IEA sees rising exports, climbing refinery activity, and growing stockpilesthree signals that dont point to shell games but real production gains.

All of this lands days after OPEC barred five major Western media outletsBloomberg, Reuters, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Financial Timesfrom its meeting in Vienna. OPEC gave no public explanation, but the list bears a striking resemblance to the outlets most critical of the cartels market influence and most supportive of the energy transition narrative.

Its also not lost on anyone that Bloombergone of the uninvitedwas one of the first to hammer the IEAs version of Saudi overproduction numbers.

To be fair, Saudi domestic demand does spike during the summer, and exports to China are also hitting a two-year high, with Aramco shipping 51 million barrels in Augustmoves that arguably justify some quota stretching. But 700,000 barrels per day isnt a rounding error. Its a statement.

Whether the media bans were about controlling narratives or just cutting press line queues, the optics are brutal. And when the world's largest crude exporter starts quietly testing the fenceand closing the blindsits not just the quotas that look shaky. Its the credibility.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Crude oil exports from Saudi Arabia to China are seen reaching the highest level in two years in August, Reuters reported today, citing half a dozen unnamed trade sources.

The daily average, according to refiner allocation data seen by the publication, stands at 1.56 million barrels, for a total monthly volume of 51 million barrels. Thats despite the Saudis recent price hike for Asian buyers of their crude in August. Asian buyers will have to pay between $0.90 and $1.30 more per barrel of Saudi crude next month, while buyers in North America will enjoy the most modest price hike, by between $0.20 and $0.40 per barrel.

The August average is just shy of the 1.57 million barrels daily in average Saudi oil exports to China for 2024. That number, in turn, was a sharp drop from the 2023 average, which stood at 1.72 million bpd. It was also an increase on July, when Saudi oil exports to China were estimated at a total of 47 million barrels, down from some 48 million barrels shipped in June.

Appetite for Middle Eastern crude jumped among Asian buyers following the Israeli-Iran conflict from June, which pushed spot price premiums higher, making buyers bet more heavily on term deliveries from Middle Eastern producers, whose official selling prices became more attractive than spot market ones.

China is a critical market for Saudi Arabia but it is just as critical for Russia and Iran, Saudi Arabias fellow OPEC+ members that have become the largest suppliers of crude to Chinese refiners, mostly thanks to the discount prices they are offering and the flexible terms. Russia and Iran supply oil mostly to independent refinersthe so-called teapotswhile Saudi Arabia supplies state-owned refiners CNPC and Sinopec.

Now, however, OPEC itself expects oil demand growth to weaken globally on the back of weakening in China, meaning the competition among oil exporters will likely intensifyunless the weaker demand forecast fails to materialize.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Shell has received environmental authorization to drill up to five deepwater wells to explore for oil and gas off the west coast of South Africa.

Should viable resources ?be found offshore, this could significantly contribute to? South Africas energy security and the governments economic development programmes, the supermajor said in a statement carried by Reuters.

The company did not provide details of the drilling plans.

Shell applied last year for environmental authorizations to drill ultra-deepwater wells offshore South Africa, targeting drilling in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep Block (NCUD) in the Orange Basin off South Africas west coast.

Previous attempts by Shell to drill offshore South Africa have ended up in court as environmental campaigners have challenged oil and gas exploration activities.

Analysts believe some offshore formations that South Africa shares with the offshore areas of Namibia  the latest deepwater exploration hotspot  could hold great resource potential.

Shell and another supermajor, TotalEnergies, have already made large discoveries offshore Namibia, in the same Orange Basin that spans South African and Namibian waters.

The basin extends to South African waters to the south and the majors are now looking to tap into these areas hoping to find huge resources similar to the ones in the Namibian portion of the Orange Basin.

However, red tape and court challenges to drilling offshore South Africa have impeded the majors from exploration off the countrys west coast.

While South Africa struggles to launch a domestic exploration and production sector, Namibia is weighing potential further incentives and financing options to offer to international majors preparing plans for oil production offshore the African country.

Namibia looks at financing mechanisms, including credit support instruments and partnerships with international lending institutions, Kornelia Shilunga, special adviser and head of upstream petroleum unit in the Namibian Presidency, told Bloomberg last month.

Namibia expects TotalEnergies and Norways BW Energy to take final investment decisions on oil projects in late 2026, a senior Namibian official said in May.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
India has sharply increased its crude oil imports from the United States and Brazil in the first half of 2025, marking a strategic deepening of ties with non-OPEC suppliers amid heightened global volatility and supply risk recalibrations.

According to new data from S&P Global Commodity Insights cited by Indian media outlets, US crude shipments to India rose 51% year-on-year to 271,000 barrels per day between January and June, up from 180,000 bpd a year earlier. Imports from Brazil surged 80% to 73,000 bpd, compared to 41,000 bpd during the same period in 2024. These were the highest growth rates across Indias import portfolio, underscoring a decisive pivot toward Western Hemisphere barrels.

The increase follows multiple converging developments. Indias state-run refiners have sought to insulate procurement from OPEC+ volatility and disruptions in the Middle East. Reduced Chinese liftings of US crude opened spot-market opportunities, while freight rates from the Atlantic Basin fell, improving arbitrage economics. Diplomatic engagement also played a role. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met with Brazilian energy officials earlier this year, and Prime Minister Narendra Modis Washington visit in April included energy cooperation as a key agenda item.

Russia retained its top position with 1.67 million bpd in H1 2025, though growth plateaued. Iraqi and Saudi volumes declined marginally, while Nigerian shipments rose 26% to 158,000 bpd.

India doubled US crude liftings in Q1 partly as a signal to US policymakers amid trade pressures. Broader tariff negotiations are still underway. A temporary 90-day suspension on select US-India duties enacted in April is set to expire in August, and energy trade is now a central bargaining chip as talks enter a sensitive phase.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
I recently read Graham Greenes The Quiet American, and this old novel has a beautifully written passage about media coverage of government operations. As a classic work of fiction about the Vietnam War, published in 1955, just after the battle of ien Bien Phu, its set during the latter days of the French colony, before heavy American involvement. Though Vietnam was an incredibly divisive policy issue in America a decade later, it wasnt at the time this novel became a best seller, and the Southeast Asian conflict is no longer divisive, given the fair amount of consensus in our collective historical memory of that war.

That helps make this caricature of an observation uncontroversial:

The Economic Attache said hurriedly, Hows the war, Bill?

Great victory north-west of Hanoi. French recaptured two villages they never told us theyd lost. Heavy Vietminh casualties. Havent been able to count their own yet but will let us know in a week or two.

The Economic Attache said, Theres a rumour that the Vietminh have broken into Phat Diem, burned the Cathedral, chased out the Bishop.

They wouldnt tell us about that in Hanoi. Thats not a victory.

One of our medical teams couldnt get beyond Nam Dinh, Pyle said.

You didnt get down as far as that, Bill? the Economic Attache asked.

Who do you think I am? Im a correspondent with an Ordre de Circulation which shows when Im out of bounds. I fly to Hanoi airport. They give us a car to the Press Camp. They lay on a flight over the two towns theyve recaptured and show us the tricolour flying. It might be any darned flag at that height. Then we have a Press Conference and a colonel explains to us what weve been looking at.

The favorable press coverage of the early years of the Vietnam War is not unique to that particular moment. The cozy relationship between government bureaucracies and their chattering class counterparts in well-established news organizations remains ubiquitous. What was the suddenly discovered hole in the ODOT budget in the past legislative session but a state transportation policy ien Bien Phu? Before that fiscal policy reality forced itself into public view, where was the scepticism in the Oregonian coverage of the last big state transportation bill? When Governor Brown told them shes fixing bridges, filling potholes, and reducing congestion, they believed her and echoed that happy talk to Oregon voters. Yet reality has a tenacious tendency to eventually catch up with the carefully curated conventional wisdom.

Eric Shierman lives in Salem and is the author of We were winning when I was there.


By Lars Larson

NW and national radio host,

The Northwest Nonsense

Senator Ron Wyden had best be careful what he asks for. I guess its fool around and find out.

Wyden has invited the Trump Administrations border czar to join him at a town hall next month.

Tom Homan promises to double and triple down on Sanctuary cities like Portland, where local law enforcement has been ordered NOT to cooperate with the enforcement of Americas immigration laws. Homan visits next month.

Maybe its the fact that Wyden makes his home in New York City, 25 hundred miles from the state he claims to represent, that leaves him so out of touch.

He claims that ICE has deported, in Wydens words, key members of our community, essential workers and entrepreneurs. This is the same guy who claims that the illegal aliens sheltered by sanctuary cities only do the jobs Americans WONT do.

So, which one is it?

Meanwhile, Wydens fellow Senator, Jeff Merkley, went the opposite way, demanding that Homan stay in DC bizarrely suggesting that a visit from one of Americas top law enforcement officials would only lead to trouble.

Ive talked to Homan for years, and I know what hes likely to tell these two boobs.

He intends to enforce the law and safeguard communities.

For some context, illegals make up maybe 4 percent of Oregons populationbut represent 14 percent of its convicted murderers in prison and 18 percent of its rapists.

Let Senator Wyden take a swing at explaining how allowing an invasion of millions of illegals serves the citizens he claims to represent.
BLOOMINGTON  A 16-year-old has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for charges related to a 2024 shooting that injured another teen.

Colin M. Harris, of Normal, appeared in McLean County court Thursday before Judge William Yoder, who sentenced the boy for one count of aggravated battery involving the discharge of a firearm, a Class X felony. Due to the seriousness of the offense, he was not eligible for probation.

Harris will serve the first couple years of his sentence in custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice until he is moved into the Illinois Department of Corrections when he is an adult.

According to the probable cause statement provided March 21, 2024, a 17-year-old was shot twice in the legs on Feb. 8, 2024, in the 1000 block of West Market Street in Bloomington. The Bloomington Police had previously stated the shooting happened around 3:44 p.m. that day, and the injuries were not life-threatening.

The prosecutor said the victim told police a sedan drove over the curb and stopped, and two people may have exited the car before the gunfire began. Security camera footage later showed Harris was the front seat passenger in that vehicle, which officers located that day in uptown Normal.

In police interviews, the driver of the vehicle told officers he got out of the car and then heard gunshots but did not see anyone shooting a gun. Another occupant of the vehicle told police he heard gunshots while he was in the car but did not know if the shots were fired toward the vehicle or from it.

The prosecutor said Harris was apprehended while leaving school on Feb. 27, 2024. He later told police he was in the car on the day of shooting but said he did not remember the events.

Harris was initially charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated battery and unlawful use of a weapon. Judge Jason Chambers ordered Harris to be held in custody pending trial on these charges during his initial court appearance.

He pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of aggravated battery involving the discharge of a firearm, and the other charges were dismissed.

During the sentencing hearing, Assistant State's Attorney Ashley Scarborough presented evidence in aggravation that included screenshots and videos of Harris displaying or posing multiple firearms that ranged from an AR-15 style firearm to three individual Glock pistols, one of which was equipped with a "switch."

A "switch" is an aftermarket part that puts pressure on the trigger bar of the weapon and stops a semi-automatic firearm from firing just one round every time the user pulls the trigger, Bloomington Detective Kevin Raisbeck said, testifying during the sentencing.

Instead, when the user pulls the trigger, the firearm will continuously shoot a round until the trigger is released or the firearm is out of ammunition, essentially making it a fully automatic weapon, Raisbeck said. The modification is illegal in Illinois.

Raisbeck, who investigated this case, said the photos and videos were taken on or between Jan. 28, 2024, and Feb. 15, 2024.

Scarborough also noted Harris was previously adjudicated on four cases on Jan. 31, 2024, one of which included aggravated discharge of a firearm to an occupied vehicle. The sentencing for these cases was set for March 2024 until authorities learned Harris was involved in the shooting on Feb. 8, 2024.

Scarborough recommended Harris received a lengthy sentence of 22 years due to potential harm he poses to the community, his unwillingness to change his violent behavior and to deter others from carrying out similar offenses in the future.

Assistant Public Defender Art Feldman said Harris has taken responsibility for the offense, and although it is not probation eligible, he recommended a sentence of six to 10 years with credit for the 500 days Harris already served in custody.

Feldman said based on the evidence presented, he believes older individuals were possibly using Harris to carry out the offense and do their "dirty work." He provided an medical article on how impressionable young people are and a examination report from a counselor that highlighted the trauma and difficult life Harris has had up to this point.

The boy's mother Colleena Harris offered her testimony in court Thursday, stating she had not seen the evidence before and she was unaware who her son was hanging out with. She also said there were never firearms present at their home, and when she checked his room, she didn't find anything.

Colleena said her son is a sweetheart and a kind person who supports the rest of his siblings and family members, which made this incident even more puzzling and shocking to her.

Harris also made a statement before Yoder ruled on his sentence and said he was remorseful for his actions and sorry to all those affected, including the victim, their families and the community.

He asked for a lenient sentence and an opportunity for him to help make a difference to prevent others from doing the same as him.
Spanish dancer and choreographer Gonzalo Garcia has been announced as the new artistic director of the Miami City Ballet, starting this August and following in the footsteps of his predecessors Edward Villella and Lourdes Lopez.

To lead the MCB, Garcia will leave his positions as repertory director for the New York City Ballet and faculty of the School of American Ballet at the Lincoln Center. Before that, he was principal dancer of first the Francisco Ballet and then the New York City Ballet.

"It was meant to happen. The more I went through the process, the more I felt energized and more comfortable with the idea that it was me. I kept thinking, 'that's me," he told The Miami Herald. "I speak Spanish. I'm an immigrant. I can relate to so many people that represent the community. I also have this incredible trajectory with the Balanchine and the Robbins and these American companies that have been represented in Miami City Ballet's history. I feel like it's been like almost every step and every skill that I have acquired through my life has brought me to this place and I do believe that strongly."

Garcia is also interested in bringing the city to the stage and to the dances, while being respectful of the original material.

"The stories that are happening in Miami, maybe that can be represented on stage. And who can be the right dance maker that can bring those stories to life? That's something that I want to invest in. Miami is just simmering with potential from all areas and parts of the world and the country. I don't seek to change what's already been created, but how do we make that bigger and better and how do we add things that are representative of the community we are dancing for?"

According to his resume, "At 15, the native of Zaragoza, Spain, was the youngest dancer to receive a gold medal at international dance competition the Prix de Lausanne (Switzerland) in 1995. At 17, he was offered a contract to join San Francisco Ballet but decided to study one more year, joining the company in 1998. He was promoted to principal dancer at 22, one of the youngest dancers in the company to reach the status. He arrived at New York City Ballet as a principal dancer in 2007.
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:

Top view of the Milky Way galaxy showing the estimated orbits of both our sun and the 3I/ATLAS comet. 3I/ATLAS is shown in red dashed lines, and the sun is shown in yellow dotted lines. The large extent of 3Is orbit into the outer thick disk is clear, while the sun stays nearer the core of the galaxy. Credit: M. Hopkins/Otautahi-Oxford team. Base map: ESA/Gaia/DPAC, Stefan Payne-Wardenaar, CC-BY-SA 4.0

A mystery interstellar object discovered last week is likely to be the oldest comet ever seenpossibly predating our solar system by more than 3 billion years, researchers say.

The "water ice-rich" visitor, named 3I/ATLAS, is only the third known object from beyond our solar system ever spotted in our cosmic neighborhood and the first to reach us from a completely different region of our Milky Way galaxy.

It could be more than 7 billion years old, according to University of Oxford astronomer Matthew Hopkinswho is discussing his findings at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting (NAM 2025) in Durhamand may be the most remarkable interstellar visitor yet.

Unlike the previous two objects to enter our solar system from elsewhere in the cosmos, 3I/ATLAS appears to be traveling on a steep path through the galaxy, with a trajectory that suggests it originated from the Milky Way's "thick disk"a population of ancient stars orbiting above and below the thin plane where the sun and most stars reside.

"All non-interstellar comets such as Halley's comet formed with our solar system, so are up to 4.5 billion years old," Hopkins said.

"But interstellar visitors have the potential to be far older, and of those known about so far our statistical method suggests that 3I/ATLAS is very likely to be the oldest comet we have ever seen."

The object was first spotted on 1 July 2025 by the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile, when it was about 670 million km from the sun.

In this Very Large Telescope (VLT) timelapse, 3I/ATLAS is seen moving to the right over the course of about 13 minutes. These data were obtained with the FORS2 instrument on the VLT on the night of 3 July 2025, just two days after the comet was first discovered. Credit: ESO/O. Hainaut

Hopkins' research predicts that, because 3I/ATLAS likely formed around an old, thick-disk star, it should be rich in water ice.

"This is an object from a part of the galaxy we've never seen up close before," said Professor Chris Lintott, co-author of the study and presenter of the BBC's The Sky at Night.

"We think there's a two-thirds chance this comet is older than the solar system, and that it's been drifting through interstellar space ever since."

As it approaches the sun, sunlight will heat 3I/ATLAS's surface and trigger cometary activity, or the outgassing of vapor and dust that creates a glowing coma and tail.

Early observations already suggest the comet is active, and possibly larger than either of its interstellar predecessors, 1I/'Oumuamua (spotted in 2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019).

If confirmed, this could have implications for how many similar objects future telescopes, such as the new Vera C. Rubin Observatory, are likely to detect. It may also provide clues about the role that ancient interstellar comets play in seeding star and planet formation across the galaxy.

"We're in an exciting time: 3I is already showing signs of activity. The gases that may be seen in the future as 3I is heated by the sun will test our model," said co-author Dr. Michele Bannister, of the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

"Some of the biggest telescopes in the world are already observing this new interstellar objectone of them may be able to find out!"

The discovery of 3I caught the team by the surprise. It happened as they were gearing up for the beginning of survey operations with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which their model predicts will discover between five and 50 interstellar objects.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

"The solar system science community was already excited about the potential discoveries Rubin will make in the next 10 years, including an unprecedented number of interstellar objects," said co-researcher Dr. Rosemary Dorsey, of the University of Helsinki.

"The discovery of 3I suggests that prospects for Rubin may now be more optimistic; we may find about 50 objects, of which some would be similar in size to 3I. This week's news, especially just after the Rubin First Look images, makes the upcoming start of observations all the more exciting."

The team's findings come from applying a model developed during Hopkins' doctoral research, which simulates the properties of interstellar objects based on their orbits and likely stellar origins.

Just a week before the comet's discovery, Hopkins had defended his thesis, and when 3I/ATLAS was announced, he was set to go on holiday. Instead, he found himself comparing real-time data to his predictions.

"Rather than the quiet Wednesday I had planned, I woke up to messages like '3I!!!!!!!!!!,'" said Hopkins. "It's a fantastic opportunity to test our model on something brand new and possibly ancient."

The researchers' model, dubbed the OtautahiOxford Model, marks the first real-time application of predictive modeling to an interstellar comet.

For those keen to catch a glimpse of 3I/ATLAS, it should be visible through a reasonably-sized amateur telescope in late 2025 and early 2026.

More information: The Galactic Interstellar Object Population in the LSST. conference.astro.dur.ac.uk/eve  7/contributions/751/ Matthew J. Hopkins et al, From a Different Star: 3I/ATLAS in the context of the Otautahi-Oxford interstellar object population model, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2507.05318 ,

doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2507.05318
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:

The discovery images of 31/ATLAS. Credit: ATLAS Chile

When the news started to spread on July 1, 2025, about a new object that was spotted from outside our solar system, only the third of its kind ever known, astronomers at Michigan State Universityalong with a team of international researchersturned their telescopes to capture data on the new celestial sighting.

The team rushed to write a scientific paper on what they know so far about the object, now called 3I/ATLAS, after NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, or ATLAS. ATLAS consists of four telescopestwo in Hawaii, one in Chile and one in South Africawhich automatically scans the whole sky several times every night looking for moving objects.

The research is published on the arXiv preprint server.

MSU's Darryl Seligman, a member of the scientific team and an assistant professor in the College of Natural Science, took the lead on writing the paper.

"I heard something about the object before I went to bed, but we didn't have a lot of information yet," Seligman said. "By the time I woke up around 1 a.m., my colleagues, Marco Micheli from the European Southern Observatory and Davide Farnocchia from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, were emailing me that this was likely for real.

"I started sending messages telling everyone to turn their telescopes to look at this object and started writing the paper to document what we know to date. We have data coming in from across the globe about this object."

The discovery

Larry Denneau, a member of the ATLAS team reviewed and submitted the discovery observations from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile shortly after it was observed on the night of July 1.

Denneau said that he was cautiously excited. "We have had false alarms in the past about interesting objects, so we know not to get too excited on the first day. But the incoming observations were all consistent, and late that night it looked like we had the real thing.

"It is especially gratifying that we found it in the Milky Way in the direction of the galactic center, which is a very challenging place to survey for asteroids because of all the stars in the background," Denneau said. "Most other surveys don't look there."

John Tonry, another member of ATLAS and professor at the University of Hawaii, was instrumental in design and construction of ATLAS, the survey that discovered 3I. Tonry said, "It's really gratifying every time our hard work surveying the sky discovers something new, and this comet that has been traveling for millions of years from another star system is particularly interesting."

Once 3I/ATLAS was confirmed, Seligman and Karen Meech, faculty chair for the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii, both managed the communications flow and worked on getting the data pulled together for submitting the paper.

"Once 3I/ATLAS was identified as likely interstellar, we mobilized rapidly," Meech said. "We activated observing time on major facilities like the Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope and the Gemini Observatory to capture early, high-quality data and build a foundation for detailed follow-up studies."

After confirmation of the interstellar object, institutions from around the world began sharing information about 3I/ATLAS with Seligman.

3IATLAS-This diagram shows the trajectory of interstellar comet 3IATLAS as it passes through the solar system. It will make its closest approach to the Sun in October. Credit: NASAJPL-Caltech

What scientists know about 3I/ATLAS so far

Though data is pouring in about the discovery, it's still so far away from Earth, which leaves many unanswered questions. Here's what the scientific team knows at this point:

It is only the third interstellar (meaning from outside our solar system) object to be detected passing through our solar system.

It's potentially giving off gas like other comets do, but that needs to be confirmed.

It's moving really fast at 60 kilometers per second, or 134,000 miles per hour, relative to the sun.

It's on an orbital path that is shaped like a boomerang or hyperbola.

It's very bright.

It's on a path that will leave our solar system and not return, but scientists will be able to study it for several months before it leaves.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

The James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope are expected to reveal more information about its size, composition, spin and how it reacts to being heated over the next few months.

"We have these images of 3I/ATLAS where it's not entirely clear and it looks fuzzier than the other stars in the same image," said James Wray, a professor at Georgia Tech. "But the object is pretty far away and, so, we just don't know."

Seligman and his team are specifically interested in 3I/ATLAS's brightness because it informs us about the evolution of the coma, a cloud of dust and gas. They've been tracking it to see if it has been changing over time as the object moves and turns in space. They also want to monitor for sudden outburst events in which the object gets much brighter.

"3I/ATLAS likely contains ices, especially below the surface, and those ices may start to activate as it nears the sun," Seligman said. "But until we detect specific gas emissions, like HO, CO or CO, we can't say for sure what kinds of ice or how much are there."

The discovery of 3I/ATLAS is just the beginning. For Tessa Frincke, who came to MSU in late June to begin her career as a doctoral student with Seligman, having the opportunity to analyze data from 3I/ATLAS to predict its future path could lead to her publishing a scientific paper of her own.

"I've had to learn a lot quickly, and I was shocked at how many people were involved," said Frincke. "Discoveries like this have a domino effect that inspires novel engineering and mission planning."

For Atsuhiro Yaginuma, a fourth-year undergraduate student on Seligman's team, this discovery has inspired him to apply his current research to see if it is possible to launch a spacecraft from Earth to get it within hundreds of miles or kilometers to 3I/ATLAS to capture some images and learn more about the object.

"The closest approach to Earth will be in December," said Yaginuma. "It would require a lot of fuel and a lot of rapid mobilization from people here on Earth. But getting close to an interstellar object could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"We can't continue to do this research and experiment with new ideas from Frincke and Yaginuma without federal funding," said Seligman, who also is a postdoctoral fellow of the National Science Foundation.

Seligman and Aster Taylor, who is a former student of Seligman's and now a doctoral candidate in astronomy and astrophysics and a 2023 Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Fellow, wrote the following, "At a critical moment, given the current congressional discussions on science funding, 3I/ATLAS also reminds us of the broader impact of astronomical research. An example like 3I is particularly important to astronomyas a science, we are supported almost entirely by government and philanthropic funding.

"The fact that this science is not funded by commercial enterprise indicates that our field does not provide a financial return on investment, but instead responds to the public's curiosity about the deep questions of the universe: Where did we come from? Are we alone? What else is out there? The curiosity of the public, as expressed by the will of the U.S. Congress and made manifest in the federal budget, is the reason that astronomy exists."

More information: Darryl Z. Seligman et al, Discovery and Preliminary Characterization of a Third Interstellar Object: 3I/ATLAS, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2507.02757 Journal information: arXiv
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:

Tetraspanin CD9 protein: comparison of crystallographic structures, BioEmu samples and molecular dynamics (MD). Credit: Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adv9817

A major scientific advance in protein modeling developed by Microsoft Research AI for Science, has been published in Science. The study introduces BioEmu, a generative deep learning system that emulates the equilibrium behavior of proteins with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

As the biological function of proteins depends on dynamical changes in their structure, the ability to predict these structural changes quickly and accurately opens the door to more rational design decisions in drug discovery, helping to reduce the failure rate of drugs in clinical trials.

BioEmu can generate thousands of statistically independent protein structures per hour on a single graphics processing unit (GPU). "This reduces the cost and the time required to analyze functional structure changes in proteins," says Professor Frank Noe, who led the project.

BioEmu integrates over 200 milliseconds of molecular dynamics simulations with experimental data to predict structural ensembles and thermodynamic properties with near-experimental accuracy.

The system captures complex biological phenomena such as the formation of hidden binding pockets, domain motions, and local unfoldingall critical to understanding protein function and drug design. BioEmu also predicts protein stability changes with an accuracy that can compete with laboratory experiments.

"Thereby, BioEmu provides a scalable method to model protein function at the genomic scale," adds Professor Cecilia Clementi.

The BioEmu code and model are freely available under the permissive MIT license. Alongside the publication, Microsoft Research has also released the molecular dynamics simulation dataset that was generated to train BioEmu. This datasetcomprising over 100 milliseconds of simulations across thousands of protein systemsrepresents the largest sequence-diverse protein simulation set publicly available to date.

While the research was conducted entirely at Microsoft, Freie Universitat Berlin is proud to acknowledge the contributions of affiliated researchers.

The research was led by Frank Noe, Partner Research Manager at Microsoft Research AI for Science in Berlin, who also holds an honorary professorship at Freie Universitat Berlin.

Cecilia Clementi, Einstein Professor for Theoretical and Computation Biophysics at Freie Universitat Berlin, made key contributions to the work as a visiting researcher at Microsoft Research.

More information: Sarah Lewis et al, Scalable emulation of protein equilibrium ensembles with generative deep learning, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adv9817 Journal information: Science
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

A groundbreaking analysis of 750,000 household records by Heriot-Watt University reveals Black families accepted as statutorily homeless are less than half as likely to gain social housing as their white counterparts.

Black and other minoritized people facing homelessness are also feeling forced to change their names, alter their accents and even cut their hair in an attempt to avoid discrimination, according to the devastating new research that exposes systemic failures across England's housing and homelessness system.

The report, the culmination of a comprehensive three-and-a-half-year study by the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE) at Heriot-Watt University, reveals that only 10% of Black families gained social housing through the statutory homelessness system, compared to 24% of white families.

This means Black families are less than half as likely to secure permanent housing as their white counterparts. Similar outcomes were identified for other minoritized families, with rates ranging between 11% and 12% for most.

Using the Office for National Statistics Secure Research Service to analyze 750,000 household outcome records covering three years from England's official homelessness data, the research provides the most detailed picture yet of how the housing system and other public and voluntary sector services are failing minoritized communities in several significant respects.

As one participant told our researchers: "I always hide my identity...I've got 21 names that I just go bybecause I've experienced a lot of discrimination, I don't like to just tell people anything, about my nationality, about my status."

Masking identities was found to be a common thread through focus groups with comments including:

"My sister had to change her name to our father's first nameShe had to start watching YouTube channels to speak from a proper English accentshe said it's working for her. She said, somebody at work said, 'You're not a typical Black woman,' and she didn't react, but she said that she understood immediatelyMy son has an all ethnic name and she was telling me recently, you better change it"

The findings reveal a homelessness system that, rather than compensating for existing inequalities, can actually reinforce them through poor outcomes and discriminatory treatment.

Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick, Director of I-SPHERE at Heriot-Watt University and the report's lead author, said, "The evidence is stark: Black people are almost four times more likely to become homeless, and when they do access the statutory system, they face dramatically worse outcomes. We have quantitative evidence that their outcomes are worryingly poor, and qualitative evidence that they face racial discrimination. This is a system that's supposed to help people in crisis, yet we're hearing accounts of callous, uncaring and unresponsive services.

"This evidence, the most comprehensive study of its type, reveals ethnic disparities in the risks, experiences and outcomes associated with homelessness in contemporary England. This demands an urgent and wide-ranging response. We're talking not only about poor housing outcomes here, but also in some cases about people feeling forced to deny their own identity to access basic services."

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

The research reveals systematic disadvantage throughout the homelessness process:

Black families are six times more likely to live in overcrowded conditions than white households

Pakistani and Bangladeshi households face the highest overcrowding rates at over seven times the white average

41% of Black families leave the statutory system to unknown destinations, compared to 28% for white families

Beyond the statistical disparities, the report documents shocking experiences of discrimination across multiple services. Participants reported being told by council officials:

"You should be grateful for what you have. You don't have this back in your country."

The study found evidence of racist stereotypes affecting treatment across health, education, criminal justice and housing services, with harmful assumptions about "angry Black women" and "dangerous Black men" influencing how people are treated.

Matthew Johnson, CEO, Race on the Agenda, said, "We are proud to have supported the launch of this important report. The disparities experienced by black and global majority communities in the U.K. are deeply concerning. Systemic racism is a driving force behind housing inequality, and it must be explicitly acknowledged and addressed. We strongly support the implementation of the report's recommendations and call for race to be placed on the housing agenda."

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said, "This groundbreaking new report provides fresh evidence of racism in our housing and support systems. The findings are deeply concerning and must act as a wake-up call. No one should be denied a safe and stable home, and we all have a part to play in ending homelessness for everyone.

"Through their upcoming homelessness strategy, the U.K. Government must take the chance to root out racial discrimination and prejudice in our housing and homelessness systems by adopting the recommendations in this report. For social housing, we would like to see the Government go further by ensuring providers allocate homes to people experiencing homelessness from all backgrounds. Removing these structural barriers would allow people to rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good, regardless of their background, race or identity."

The report's recommendations demand immediate action across sectors and at different levels of government including:

Connect with the cross-government homelessness strategy.

Invest in the professionalization, training and support of housing and homelessness officers.

Tackle racism among private landlords.

Strategically redesign the relationship between specialist and mainstream voluntary sector services to maximize their respective strengths.

Radically re-engineer the link between the asylum and statutory homelessness systems.

Reject "ethnicity-blind" approaches and promote robust ethnic monitoring.

More information: Race, Ethnicity and Homelessness in the UK: Final report of a knowledge and capacity building programme. researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/pub  al-report-of-a-knowl
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:

The Ground Laser Transmitter at the Kryoneri Observatory pointing at the moon. Credit: European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully established a transmission-reception optical link with NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment onboard its Psyche mission, located 265 million kilometers away, using two optical ground stations developed for this purpose in Greece.

On 7 July, 2025, ESA marked a historic milestone by establishing its first optical communication link with a spacecraft in deep space. The link was made with NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment aboard its Psyche mission, currently at a distance of 1.8 astronomical units, around 265 million km.

This is the first of four planned links occurring this summer.

This achievement marks yet another milestone in the long history of cross-support between space agencies, demonstrating the potential for interoperability between ESA and NASA in the realm of optical communications, something previously only achieved with radiofrequency systems.

"The first successful demonstration of deep-space optical communication with a European ground segment marks truly a leap step towards bringing terrestrial internet like high-speed connectivity to our deep-space spacecraft. This joint achievement together with our colleagues and partners in industry and academia, ESA's Directorate of Technology and NASA/JPL underlines the importance of international cooperation," says Rolf Densing, ESA's Director of Operations.

"This is an amazing success. Through years of technological advancements, international standardization efforts and adoption of innovative engineering solutions, we have set a cornerstone of the solar system Internet," says Mariella Spada, ESA's Head of Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation.

Establishing a laser link across the solar system

The transmission campaign begins in Greece, where ESA has transformed two observatories into high-precision optical ground stations.

From the Kryoneri Observatory, located near Athens, a powerful laser beacon is directed toward NASA's Psyche spacecraft. Though it carries no data, the beacon is designed to be so precisely targeted that the DSOC experiment onboard Psyche can lock onto it and send a return signal back to Earth. That return signal is then captured by the Helmos Observatory, situated 37 km away on a neighboring mountain peak.

"Enabling this two-way optical handshake meant overcoming two major technical challenges: developing a laser powerful enough to hit a distant spacecraft with pinpoint accuracy; and building a receiver sensitive enough to detect the faintest return signal, sometimes just a few photons, after a journey of hundreds of millions of kilometers," explains Sinda Mejri, project manager of the ESA's Ground Laser Receiver system.

Mission controllers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which developed and manages both DSOC and Psyche, provided the spacecraft's position using powerful navigation techniques including Delta-Differential One-Way Ranging (Delta-DOR), a technique that is also employed by ESA for interplanetary missions, to precisely determine the spacecraft trajectory.

Flight dynamics experts at the ESA's Space Operations Center (ESOC) then compensated for variables such as air density, temperature gradients, and planetary motion. This process is like the ones used in global navigation satellite systems, but with the added complexity of deep-space distances and the need for ultra-accurate pointing.

To ensure safety during the laser transmissions, sections of Greek airspace were temporarily closed.

NASA's Psyche mission will explore the unique metal-rich asteroid of the same name that could be the exposed metal core of an early planet. But Psyche also has a secondary mission. Riding along on the spacecraft is NASA JPLs Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) experiment, which will test the use of lasers to transfer more data with distant spacecraft than is possible with the radio waves used today. Using a narrow laser beam to communicate with a spacecraft half the Solar System away is a challenge at both an interplanetary and a quantum scale. But, if successful, the Psyche demonstration could open up a world of new possibilities for deep space missions of the future. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

Years of preparation, installed within days

The success of the link was the result of years of preparation and collaboration, while optical transmit and receive ground stations were built.

The Ground Laser Transmitter integrates five high-power lasers with ultra-precise steering controllers into a special 20-foot-long container with a lifting platform. This protects the sensitive equipment from sunlight during the day and lifts it into the open after sunset.

Meanwhile, the Ground Laser Receiver is formed by a sophisticated optical bench so sensitive it can detect single photons. This single-photon sensitive receiver is securely mounted to the rear of the 2.3 Aristarchos telescope, located 2340 m above sea level at the Helmos Observatory.

In April, the team ran a rehearsal campaign by beaming a single low-power signal to ESA's Alphasat satellite. Located in geostationary orbit, at 36 000 km altitude, the satellite is a prime test bed for optical communications technologies, thanks to a bespoke optical communication terminal provided by Germany's DLR.

"Despite the complexity of the task, the final installation of the lasers, electrical wiring, and cooling systems was successfully completed shortly after their delivery the same morning," said Clemens Heese, ESA's Head of Optical Technologies and ESA's DSOC demonstration project manager. "Achieving 'laser installation and safe laser emission on the sky within a day' is a remarkable testament to the team's precision, coordination, and dedication."

Moments later, the final dry runs allowed the team to review full procedure walkthroughs and perform a live laser test to optimize timing and coordination.

The effort involved fewer than 20 people on-site: 7 at Kryoneri, 12 at Helmos. The Psyche spacecraft and DSOC flight terminal operations were performed in the United States at JPL, which also sent two experts to Greece to assist ground operations.

A glimpse into the future

This demonstration is more than a technical feat. It's a glimpse into the future of deep space communication.

"Optical links promise data rates 10 to 100 times higher than current radiofrequency systems. Combining this technology with the ones we have for radiofrequency communications is essential to transmit the ever-increasing data output of the missions exploring the universe," said Andrea Di Mira, Project Manager of ESA's Ground Laser Transmitter system at ESOC.

"We're proud to have ESA featured on the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment onboard our Psyche mission. It's a powerful example of what international cooperation can achieve, and a glimpse into the future of communications in deep space," says Abi Biswas, project technologist for DSOC at NASA JPL.

The success also lays the groundwork for ESA's proposed ASSIGN (Advancing Solar System Internet and GrouNd) program, to be presented at the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level (CM25) in November.

"ASSIGN will aim at federating existing and future radiofrequency and optical networks into a secure and resilient interoperable network of networks for ESA's missions as well as institutional and commercial ones, and fostering European industry competitiveness for its realization and future exploitation," says Mehran Sarkarati, ESA's Head of Ground Stations Engineering Division and Program Manager for ASSIGN Program.

Looking ahead, ESA is currently studying a Mars electric propulsive tug capability, called "LightShip," which would transport passenger spacecraft to Mars. Following passenger drop off, LightShip would transfer to a service orbit where it would provide communications and navigation services through the MARs COmmunication and Navigation Infrastructure (MARCONI) payload, part of which will include an optical communications demonstrator as part of the roadmap towards supporting future human missions.
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: Gaspar Ferenc from Pexels

A team of researchers in France are building on fundamental experimental research undertaken in the Ukrainian Chornobyl exclusion zone with a new project in the Japanese Fukushima Prefecture to further our understanding of what it means for animals to live and reproduce in radioactive environments.

Ms. Lea Dasque, a final year Ph.D. student at the LECO laboratory (Laboratory of Ecology and Ecotoxicology of Radionuclides) under the French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR), supervised by project lead Dr. Olivier Armant, also of LECO and ASNR, aims to disentangle the complex web of biological interactions that shape how wildlife respond to radiological stress.

"We aim to answer a simple question: What is the current evolutionary and ecological status of wildlife populations residing in radio-contaminated areas, and how are they likely to change over time?" says Ms. Dasque.

Most recently, Ms. Dasque and her colleagues have been investigating the reproductive traits of Japanese tree frogs (Dryophytes leopardus) living in the Fukushima Prefecture in Japan, site of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster.

Reproductive success is life's primary driving force, but it is one of the biological processes most vulnerable to the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, which makes it a critically important piece of the puzzle. "Ionizing radiation can disrupt endocrine function, gametogenesis, and mating behaviors, all of which may impair fecundity and offspring viability," says Ms. Dasque.

"For instance, our research in Chornobyl documented reduced body condition index and small population sizes in highly contaminated zones," says Dr. Armant. "In Fukushima, we aim to find out if similar effects can be also observed after another major accident, and if effects and reproduction are at the root of such effects observed at the population level."

To carry out their investigations, Ms. Dasque and Dr. Armant use a wide array of techniques and technologies that take place both in the field, namely Chornobyl and Fukushima, and under controlled laboratory studies back in France.

"At the molecular level, we utilize genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to identify cellular responses to ionizing radiation exposure and study population-level effects," says Dr. Armant. At the organismal level, the team are looking at the body condition, energy reserves and sexual characteristics.

In their most recent work on the reproductive qualities of Fukushima tree frogs, they also assessed the male frog's sperm, energy metabolism, and calling characteristics. "These are extremely costly to produce and closely linked to female attraction," says Ms. Dasque.

A key discovery from the team's work in Chornobyl is that amphibian populations in the exclusion zone's most contaminated areas struggle with poor genetic diversity compared to other populations, even decades after the accident. Together with declining body conditions, this questions the long-term viability of these populations.

Although analysis of the Fukushima frog project is still ongoing, preliminary results suggest that frogs living in radiocontaminated areas are subjected to disruption of genetic pathways associated with sperm motilitypotentially altering their reproductive success. "Further data on sperm motility are currently being processed to determine whether this parameter, along with male calling behavior, may be affected by radiocontamination," says Ms. Dasque.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

In the lab, the team are also working on a project using zebrafish (Danio rerio), which has revealed that chronic radiation exposure impairs neuromuscular development with consequences for motility, as well as reduces sociability.

It's not just vertebrates that the team are interested in, as they are also currently working in collaboration with the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research) to develop a methodology for measuring the cognitive performance of wild pollinators living in Fukushima. "Cognition in pollinators, encompassing learning, memory, and spatial navigation, is essential for efficient foraging and colony functioning," says Dr. Armant. "Our initial data indicates a decline in cognitive performance correlated with the radiation exposure which might influence pollinator behavior and survival."

"Combined exposuressuch as radiation plus heat stresshave the potential to produce synergistic effects not predictable from single-stressor models," says Dr. Armant. "This calls for an evolution in how we assess environmental risk: one that embraces ecological realism, evolutionary dynamics, and long-term monitoring."

This project demonstrates how the impacts on reproductive success are critical to the long-term survival of radiocontaminated populations. "Without considering factors such as genetic diversity, migration patterns, and life-history traits, we risk underestimating the true impact of chronic contamination on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience," says Ms. Dasque.

This research is being presented at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Antwerp, Belgium on the 11th July 2025.
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

For nearly a month, hundreds of thousands of Iowans have not been allowed to water their lawnseven though there's no drought.

Local authorities previously asked the public to refrain from washing cars and filling pools. And some cities turned off splash pads in the height of summer heat.

While such measures are common during dry periods, there's no shortage of water. Rather, the water in and around Des Moines contains too much nitrate, a natural component of soil and a byproduct of commercial fertilizer and livestock manure. Persistent rainfall has flushed nutrients out of fertilized fields into streams and rivers.

While the water bans are temporary, they're the starkest sign yet of the state's long-brewing struggle with high nitrate levels in streams and rivers that supply drinking water.

"It's a big deal: the first time ever that lawn watering has been banned," said Tami Madsen, executive director of Central Iowa Water Works, a regional water authority serving 600,000 people.

Federal law limits nitrate levels in drinking water because of its association with infant asphyxia, also known as blue baby syndrome. And a growing body of research has found links between nitrate consumption and cancer.

While Iowa's problems are uniquely severe, nitrate levels are a rising concern in other regions, from California to the Chesapeake Bay. And climate change is expected to worsen the problem as more intense cycles of drought and severe storms increase farm runoff.

Iowa's concentration of fertilized row crops and massive livestock confinements that produce tons of nitrogen-rich manure have caused concerns over increased nitrate levels for years. And the state's unique underground system of farm drainage pipes quickly pumps nitrate and other nutrients into streams and rivers.

The water system serving the Des Moines metro area has invested heavily in nitrate filtration and removal equipment. The primary facility in Des Moines, one of the largest nitrate removal systems in the world, costs $16,000 per day to operate, Madsen said.

"I'm confident in our ability to continue to provide safe drinking water," Madsen said. "It's just going to be at what cost."

More frequent and extreme storms because of climate change will heighten the problems nationwide, said Rebecca Logsdon Muenich, an associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering at the University of Arkansas.

Because nitrogen travels with water, nitrate levels are especially hard to control during times of severe weather.

Muenich said farm conservation practices such as establishing wetlands and landscape buffers can help keep nitrogen out of water supplies. But the growth of the livestock industry, availability of cheap crop fertilizer and lack of regulation over nitrogen application make nitrate levels hard to control.

"We've kind of put ourselves in a bind unless we start investing in better technologies or more conservation," she said.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

The role of agriculture

As hundreds of thousands of residents were being asked to conserve water last month, a group of 16 experts released a years-in-the-making report analyzing the quality of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, the main sources of drinking water for the Des Moines region.

The researchers found that central Iowa rivers have some of the nation's highest nitrate levels, routinely exceeding the federal drinking water standard. While some pollutants are naturally occurring, the researchers concluded that most of the nitrogen in the two rivers comes from farmland.

Commissioned in 2023 by Polk County, the state's most populous county and home to Des Moines, the report underscored the connection between industrial agriculture and water quality.

Larry Weber, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Iowa who worked on the report, said Iowa's problem spreads to other areas: Iowa waterways export hundreds of millions of pounds of nitrogen per year, much of it flowing into the Mississippi River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone.

He said water restrictions may become more common as more cities confront high nitrate levels.

"This is happening more frequently and it's going to continue to happen more frequently," he said.

Weber said individual farmers aren't necessarily to blame for the crisis. They're doing their best to survive market demands and operate within federal farm policy. But he said the broader industry and the state could do more to invest in conservation methods to prevent pollution.

He noted that Iowa lawmakers in 2023 cut$500,000 for a water quality monitoring network across the state. While the Iowa Nutrient Research Center received a short-term grant to stay open, Weber said next year it will shut down 75 sensors that measure nitrate and other pollutants in state waters.

"The agricultural system doesn't want this unfortunately difficult information to be made available," he said.

A spokesperson for the Iowa Farm Bureau referred questions to the state agriculture department.

In a statement to Stateline, Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, a Republican, said many Iowa groups are working on conservation and infrastructure projects to improve water quality.

"We're not interested in stoking animosity between rural and urban neighbors," the statement said. "Agriculture, conservation, recreation, urban and rural development, and business growth can and must co-exist in Iowa."

In a lengthy social media post last month, Naig said nitrate levels were primarily driven by weather and stream flows. The secretary said advances in farming practices can help farmers apply fertilizer more efficiently and touted efforts such as new wetlands and structures that reduce stream erosion. But he said the fast-growing Des Moines area also needed to examine its investments in water treatment infrastructure to meet future needs.

"The blame game is unproductive," he wrote.

On Tuesday, Naig's department announced a $1.9 million water quality project upstream of Des Moines. That project will install landscape buffers and bioreactors to help reduce runoff of nitrate and other nutrients. The department is contributing$244,000 of that money.

Matt McCoy, chair of the Polk County Board of Supervisors, said that local government is trying to work with landowners and farmers to prevent water pollution. The county has spent millions on projects to seed cover crops and plant vegetative buffers between fields and waterways to prevent runoff of pollutants, including nitrogen.

"I don't think we want to disparage agriculture and farming because it's such a big part of who we are as a state," McCoy said.

A former Democratic state lawmaker, McCoy said the recent water restrictions and daily news reports on nitrate levels in local rivers have elevated public awareness of water quality concerns.

"There are conversations that I know are happening now that were not happening prior to the restrictions," he said.

Citizen action

The water restrictions in Iowa sparked an influx of interest from locals in the Izaak Walter League of America's Nitrate Watch program, which provides volunteers with nitrate test kits and maps the results from across the country.

Heather Wilson, the league's Midwest Save Our Streams coordinator, said the nonprofit environmental organization received more than 300 inquiries from Iowans during a single week in June. For comparison, the organization received about 500 inquiries from across the nation during the first six months of the year.

While the problems in the Des Moines area are severe, she said, volunteers are recording rising nitrate levels across the state. The project gives people who can often feel helpless an active way to contribute to the understanding of nitrate pollution.

"It's really empowering to be able to put resources in people's hands so that they can measure the waterways that they personally care about," she said.

Retired science teacher Birgitta Meade has been testing nitrates around her rural northeast Iowa home for years, both as classroom instruction and for Nitrate Watch.

"They're higher than I have ever tested at any prior point," she said. "I feel like I'm meticulously documenting the death of my home and nobody else gives a rip."

Meade said she's considering investing in a reverse osmosis system to remove nitrates from her home's private well. Though her nitrate levels are below the federal drinking water standard, she pointed to the growing body of research linking cancer with consumption of nitrateeven at lower levels.

Meade acknowledged the pressures facing farmers, but she said she grows frustrated every time she drives past giant storage containers full of fertilizer and other farm chemicals.

"These are people who are choosing to poison their neighbors," she said. "And this is just untenable."

Small towns struggle

Climate change will only intensify nitrogen pollution, said Thomas Harter, a professor and water researcher at the University of California, Davis. Last year, he worked on research that found drought and heavy rains accelerate the speed of nitrogen absorption into groundwater.

In some parts of California's Central Valley, nearly a third of drinking and irrigation wells exceed federal nitrogen standards.

"We are ever more productive on the grower side, and that means more fertilizer being used and more fertilizer being lost to groundwater and to streams," Harter said.

That's particularly challenging for drinking water systems serving small population bases.

"It gets really expensive for really small systems and it's also a lot of maintenance," he said.

That's a reality currently facing Pratt, Kansas, a community of about 6,500 people, where some wells have recorded nitrate levels above the federal standard.

City Manager Regina Goff said nitrate levels are pushing the community's pursuit of a new water treatment facility that's expected to cost upward of $45 million. The city's proposed 2025 budget totaled about $35.7 million.

Goff said the city is exploring financing options, including potential grants. But she said it's frustrating for the town to spend so much to meet regulatory standards for safe drinking water, which she characterized as an "unfunded mandate."

Currently, nearly a quarter of the city's groundwater supply is unavailable because of high nitrate levels. But the city must notify residents of high nitrate levels even in wells that are not pumping.

"It causes a panic," Goff said. "That's been a hard pill for us to swallow as a citythat we have to alarm our population even though we know there's no possibility of harm."

2025 States Newsroom. 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:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A new journal article by a researcher at the University of Manchester offers insight into how artificial intelligence (AI) is portrayed in leading newspapers worldwide, revealing a more nuanced and critical approach than previously assumed.

New research, co-authored by academics from the University of Manchester and the University of Groningen, adds nuance to the idea that journalists have hyped AI technologies. Examining AI coverage in the New York Times (U.S.), De Volkskrant (The Netherlands), and Folha de S.Paulo (Brazil) between June 2020 and September 2023.

The analysis, published in the journal Digital Journalism, found that, although fascination with systems like ChatGPT was evident, the reporting often reflected deeper tensions and uncertainties about AI's future.

Instead of merely amplifying hype, the study highlights a recurring discourse of "open-ended technological inevitability," according to which AI's impact is unavoidable, though its course remains uncertain. Across all three newspapers, research revealed that ongoing power struggles among governments, corporations, experts, and citizens indicate that AI is not just a technological issue, but a political and social one.

The researchers argue that this complex media landscape may influence how AI is regulated and understood by the public, providing caution against oversimplifying journalistic coverage as mere hype.

The study introduces the concept of "mediated technological drama" as an alternative framework, explaining how media shapes public understanding of emerging technologies. Using theatrical metaphors, it suggests that journalists not only report on AI but also become engaged actors in the stories they tell.

For instance, a common theme across all three newspapers was comparing AI to nuclear weapons or climate impacts. These examples demonstrate the drama in action and how existential fears about AI are depicted. This multi-actor perspective is crucial for critically examining the politics behind the portrayal of emerging technologies.

The findings offer fresh insight for policymakers and media professionals seeking to navigate the evolving discourse around AI. As global conversations about regulation and ethics intensify, the role of journalism in shaping public understanding has never been more poignant.

Dr. Joao C. Magalhaes, Senior Lecturer in AI Trust and Security, said, "While our research pushes back against the common claim that journalism has systematically hyped artificial intelligence, it doesn't exactly let journalists off the hook. By presenting AI as something inevitable, journalists have ended up serving the interests of Big Tech.

"Sure, these companies do have the power to push AI into our lives in ways that are hard to avoid. But that doesn't justify newspapers' approach. Journalists could have, and arguably should have, given more space to the voices that have long been calling for radical resistance to how these technologies are being rolled out and developed."

More information: Joao C. Magalhaes et al, Less Hype, More Drama: Open-Ended Technological Inevitability in Journalistic Discourses About AI in the US, The Netherlands, and Brazil, Digital Journalism (2025). DOI: 10.1080/21670811.2025.2522281
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:

General neutrino interactions in beta decay. Credit: Caroline Fengler

Neutrinos are elementary particles that are predicted to be massless by the standard model of particle physics, yet their observed oscillations suggest that they do in fact have a mass, which is very low. A further characteristic of these particles is that they only weakly interact with other matter, which makes them very difficult to detect using conventional experimental methods.

The KATRIN (Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino) experiment is a large-scale research effort aimed at precisely measuring the effective mass of the electron anti-neutrino using advanced instruments located at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany.

The researchers involved in this experiment recently published the results of a new analysis of data from the second measurement campaign in Physical Review Letters, which set new constraints on interactions involving neutrinos that could arise from unknown physics that is not explained by the standard model, also known as general neutrino interactions.

"We know that beyond standard model (BSM) physics is hiding in the neutrino sector, but we don't know what it looks like yet," Caroline Fengler, lead analyst for this search, told Phys.org. "That's what has motivated us already in the past to look for various BSM physics phenomena with KATRIN, such as light and heavy sterile neutrinos and Lorentz invariance violations.

"The theory work by the group of Werner Rodejohann then gave us the incentive to broaden our search to any possible new neutrino interactions that might contribute to the weak interaction of the beta decay."

The new interactions that the researchers started looking for could hint at the existence of various exciting physical phenomena outside that are not predicted by the standard model of particle physics, but that have been widely explored by theorists. For instance, they could indicate the presence of various hypothetical particles, including right-handed W bosons, charged Higgs bosons, and Leptoquarks.

Inside the KATRIN spectrometer. Credit: Michael Zacher

"The main purpose of the KATRIN experiment is to measure the mass of the neutrino," explained Fengler. "This is done through a highly precise measurement of the energy spectrum of the electrons originating from tritium beta decay, using a high-activity tritium source and a one-of-a-kind electron spectrometer. The shape of the recorded beta spectrum then contains information about the neutrino mass and other BSM physics contributions."

Notably, general neutrino interactions are predicted to prompt characteristic shape deformations of the so-called beta spectrum, which is the distribution of electron energies emitted during a type of radioactive decay known as beta decay. The KATRIN collaboration thus set out to search for these beta spectrum deformations in the data collected as part of the experiment.

"With only a small part (5%) of the final KATRIN dataset, we were already able to set competitive constraints on some of the investigated new neutrino interactions compared to the global constraints from other low-energy experiments," said Fengler. "This shows that the KATRIN experiment is sensitive to these new interactions."

While the KATRIN experiment did not detect signs of general neutrino interactions yet, it set competitive constraints on the strength of these new and elusive interactions, employing a new experimental approach. The KATRIN collaboration hopes that these constraints will contribute to the future search for physics beyond the standard model.

"We are already working on further improving our sensitivity on the general neutrino interactions with KATRIN by extending the data set and fine-tuning our analysis approach," added Fengler. "With the beginning of the upcoming TRISTAN phase at KATRIN in 2026, which is set out to search for keV sterile neutrinos with the help of an upgraded detector, we will gain access to another powerful data set, which promises to greatly improve our sensitivity in the future."

Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Lisa Lock, and fact-checked and reviewed by Andrew Zininthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

More information: M. Aker et al, First Constraints on General Neutrino Interactions Based on KATRIN Data, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.251801 Journal information: Physical Review Letters

 2025 Science X Network
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:

Bill Johnson visits Round Spot 9 in Great Salt Lake's Farmington Bay. His team of University of Utah geologists is monitoring fresh groundwater that is emerging on the lake's exposed playa, forming strange mounds in numerous places. Credit: Brian Maffly, University of Utah

As Great Salt Lake's levels continue to sag, yet another strange phenomenon has surfaced, offering Utah scientists more opportunities to plumb the vast saline lake's secrets.

Phragmites-covered mounds in recent years have appeared on the drying playa off the lake's southeast shore. After several years of scratching their heads, University of Utah geoscientists, deploying a network of piezometers and aerial electromagnetic surveys, are now finding out what's going on under the lakebed that is creating these reed-choked oases.

Bill Johnson, a professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics, suspects the circular mounds have formed at spots where a subsurface plumbing system delivers fresh groundwater under pressure into the lake and its surrounding wetlands.

"Water in the lake has spent a significant time underground on its way to the lake. But where that happened, we don't know," said Johnson during a recent visit to one of the mounds, a research site known as Round Spot 9.

"Did that happen somewhere in the uplands where the water spent time in the ground and emerged in the stream before going to the lake? Or was it transmitted directly to the lake?"

On this day, Johnson and graduate student Ebenezer Adomako-Mensah were checking piezometers they had installed there last year to record underground water pressures at various depths and locations around the island.

Mapping the lakebed's subsurface

In February 2025, Johnson hired a Canadian firm, Expert Geophysics, to conduct airborne electromagnetic surveys over Farmington Bay using a circular device hanging under a helicopter. The pilot flew a grid pattern over the bay, collecting data that would help locate freshwater deposits lurking under the lakebed.

The equipment generates current in the loop, which transmits a frequency deep into the lakebed below. A receiver suspended in a ball at the center of the hoop records the electromagnetic signals bouncing back.

"It'll give you a spectrum, basically, of magnetic fields, and we'll use that data to create a 3D image of what's under the earth," said Jeff Sanderson, a crew leader with Expert Geophysics.

As low lake levels persist, the lakebed will increasingly serve as a source of wind-blown dust affecting Utah's population centers. Ongoing research by U atmospheric scientists suggests that the disturbed lakebed crusts that keep sediments in place can be regenerated when they are submerged.

One goal of Johnson's research is to determine whether the groundwater can be tapped to restore broken lakebed crusts, thereby reducing dust pollution.

"It looks like it's from a water resource that could be useful in the future, but we need to understand it and not over-exploit it to the detriment of the wetlands," said Johnson, who has served on the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, the university-state agency partnership exploring ways to reverse the lake's decline.

Armed with new data, Johnson secured funding to investigate to characterize this underground water resource. The research team, which includes other senior geology faculty members, including Kip Solomon, Mike Thorne and Michael Zhdanov, is seeking to discover the breadth and depth of the freshwater under the lake.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

For example, Solomon's lab is using isotope analysis to determine the age of the groundwater and its recharge elevation, or where it originated in the mountains. Thorne is constructing on-ground resistivity profiles. And Zhdanov and Michael Jorgensen are processing the electromagnetic data gathered in the airborne geophysical surveys to construct a 3D image of the subsurface beneath the lake.

"We hope to map out the boundary between fresh water and salt water, and find the location of freshwater springs that are discharging groundwater into the lake," said Solomon, who is presenting preliminary findings at the Geochemical Society's 2025 Goldschmidt conference in the Czech Republic.

For Johnson, the groundwater mystery began several years ago when he was traveling to Great Salt Lake's North Arm by airboat and observed something strange. Water and gas were roiling the surface in a circle about twice the size of the airboat, suggesting that groundwater was rushing under pressure into the lake at that spot.

University of Utah graduate student Ebenezer Adomako-Mensah recovers data recorded in a series of piezometers embedded in Round Spot 9. Credit: Brian Maffly, University of Utah

Johnson dropped a 30-foot depth gauge into the swirl, but it failed to hit the bottom of the shallow lake.

"I always wondered what the heck that was, because it seemed like groundwater was coming to the system at a huge rate," he said. Later on, he and others noticed mounds appearing on Google Earth images of the Farmington Bay playa.

Where does the groundwater come from?

Previously, it was believed that direct groundwater discharge accounted for just 3% of the lake's water budget, but recently gathered data using chemical mass balance methods indicate it may be as much as 12% and new insights are emerging.

For starters, Johnson's team has found that fresh water at depth in several spots far offshore.

"We didn't expect that. We expected that fresh water would be coming into the system at the periphery, farther away from the lake," he said, "and yet there it is, all the way underneath the causeway in Farmington Bay."

Johnson's team located freshwater almost everywhere they looked in tight sediments 30 feet below the surface. The new geophysical data indicate these sediments are up to 10,000 feet deep.

"We don't know if it's freshwater that deep, but it is certainly going to be fresh a long way down, and it could be fresh all the way down," Johnson said.

"The last thing I want to do is get this hyped as a water resource, but it's very clear, and it's under pressure. And in my mind, it could help mitigate any dust generation on the exposed playa."

The focus of Johnson's research homes in on one of at least 18 mounds detected off the lake's southeast shore, most of them choked with thickets of phragmites, the water-hogging invasive reed cluttering the lakeshore.

A vast underground plumbing system

On Round Spot 9 in Farmington Bay, Johnson's team has installed three sets of four piezometers at various distances from the edge of the 250-foot-diameter island. The four instruments are placed at varying depths, 7, 11, 30 and 60 feet, connected to the surface via white PVC pipes.

Accompanied by grad students like Adomako-Mensah, Johnson has regularly visited the site this year by mountain bike or airboat to recover data that is already telling an interesting story.

Near-surface water is the purest measured at the center of the mound and gets progressively more saline as you move closer to the edge, while deep water is fresh at all locations. In other words, the groundwater is not reaching the surface on the periphery of the island, but mostly at the center. Why?

"These show that the fresh water in the center is pressured the deeper you go; the more hydraulic head it has. It really wants to come up," Johnson said. "And that's true also in the perimeter, but it's freshwater at depth there. It's not coming up because it's capped."

Johnson believes there are hundreds of these groundwater-fed oases scattered across Great Salt Lake's exposed playa, suggesting the presence of a vast underground reservoir connected to the surface by a plumbing system that is only now getting close study, thanks in part to the lake's decline.

With his colleagues' help, the geologist hopes to discover where the water came from, when it fell as snow and, most critically, how much is there.

"The last thing we wanted to do is for this to be characterized as a water resource we should be tapping," he said. "It's much more fragile than that, and we need to understand it better."
Airports could help aliens locate Earth.

Airports could help aliens spot Earth

Scientists have revealed that the radar systems at locations such as Heathrow and Gatwick Airport in the UK and military bases would shine out like beacons for extraterrestrial beings watching our planet.

Research presented at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting simulated how Earth would look to an alien civilisation if the little green men had high-tech radio telescopes as humans do.

It revealed that another species would not need to be technologically advanced or close to spot the signals coming from airports.

Professor Michael Garrett, an astrophysicist from the University of Manchester, told MailOnline: "I don't think they need to be more than a few hundred years more advanced than we are.

"So they don't need to be something like a 'Star Trek civilisation' way more advanced than us, just to detect our signals."
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

There's nowhere to park right now at the International Space Station for NASA's next Commercial Crew Program launch, but a slot should clear next week, allowing for the launch of Crew-11 as early as July 31.

That's because the private Axiom Space Ax-4 mission that arrived at the space station two weeks ago could depart as early as Monday, according to an update Thursday from NASA and SpaceX officials.

The station only has room for two of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft at a time. Right now it has the newest Dragon named Grace, used by Ax-4 when it launched from Kennedy Space Center on June 25, arriving to the station one day later, and the Crew Dragon Endurance that was used by Crew-10 when it launched from KSC back in March.

Once Ax-4 departs, it will allow for SpaceX to send up Crew Dragon Endeavour flying for a record sixth time, launching from KSC's Launch Pad 39-A as early as 12:09 p.m. on the last day of the month.

"We're excited for this Dragon, named Endeavour by its first crew, to carry four more astronauts to space in a few weeks," said Sarah Walker, director of Dragon Mission Management at SpaceX.

It first flew the Demo-2 mission in May 2020, taking up to space NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, marking the return of U.S.-based launches for astronauts following the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program in 2011. It has since flown the Crew-2, Axiom-1, Crew-6 and Crew-8 missions.

"This Dragon spacecraft has successfully flown 18 crew members representing eight countries to space already, starting with Bob and Doug," Walker said.

SpaceX now has five human-rated spacecraft, with Crew Dragon Grace having just made its debut on Ax-4 last month, but Endeavour is the fleet leader. In total, the company's five Crew Dragons have flown 18 times with 70 humans on board.

NASA Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich said teams have had to work through 360 different design units on the Dragon to sign off on it to go beyond the original limit of five flights per spacecraft, although some Dragon parts are certified to fly up to 15 missions.

"We've had to go through and do a recertification effort of Dragon, working hand-in-hand with SpaceX to get to six flights," he said. "This Dragon has a number of upgrades. We continue to try to improve our risk posture for crew safety."

That includes improved drogue parachutes and a new heat shield.

The launch on July 31 would mean a very long transit to the station, a more than 39-hour trip that would dock early Aug. 2. If it can't make the July 31 launch target, there are options to fly Aug. 1 to 3 and Aug. 5 to 7.

"As always, NASA and SpaceX work closely to ensure that all teams and hardware are ready to fly," Walker said. "So we still have multiple reviews and tests ahead of us prior to launch, and each one of those gives us an opportunity to step back to talk to each other, to review the data, listen to the hardware and mitigate any risks for a safe flight."

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

The four members of Crew-10 would then prep for their return home on Crew Dragon Endurance. They would leave no earlier than Aug. 5 and land in the Pacific for what would be only the third time, following the Fram2 landing earlier this year and the Ax-4 landing coming up shortly.

"We're also super excited for the first time for Commercial Crew return of our vehicle, our crew, to the West Coast," Stich said.

For Crew-11, it will send up NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.

Cardman and Fincke's flights come after having previously assigned flights pulled because of issues with Boeing's Starliner.

"We have been training together since roughly September of last year," Cardman said. "We were all in the unique position of actually training with previous crew assignments. What that has meant for us is an incredible bond that is rooted in gratitude and resilience."

Cardman was supposed to command the Crew-9 flight that flew up to the station last fall with only two instead of the normal four astronauts.

That was because that mission was needed to fly home two NASA astronauts who were left behind on the station by Starliner during its first crewed test flight last summer. NASA ultimately decided to send it home without crew because of safety concerns, and that caused a domino effect that removed Cardman and other other NASA astronaut from their planned Crew-9 flight.

Cardman, a rookie, will command the mission, while Fincke will be making his fourth launch to space, having flown on both the space shuttle and two Soyuz missions.

"I'm looking forward to riding on a Dragon," Fincke said.

Fincke was originally assigned to fly on the first Starliner test flight, and then was bumped to be on what was supposed to be the first operational flight, Starliner-1. But when that flight will happen is up in the air, and reliant on Boeing fixing the safety issues on Starliner. A crewed flight may not happen until late 2026.

Russia's Platonov is also a first-time flyer while Yui is making his second spaceflight, having previously flown on Soyuz.

The quartet is expected to be at the station for at least six months, but could potentially stay closer to eight, Stich said. They will become part of Expedition 73 and then 74 as the International Space Station, which has been crewed nonstop since late 2020.

"We'll be marking that huge milestone of 25 years of continuous human presence on the space station, and this will be the crew that will be on board to mark that milestone for us coming up," said NASA's Bill Spetch, operations integration manager for the space station.

He stumped for the station's contribution to NASA during that run, including its work that helps NASA's current major objectives.

"We've really done an amazing amount of work advancing scientific knowledge, demonstrating new technologies, and really doing all of the things that help prepare us for human exploration of the moon and Mars," he said. "A lot of the technologies that we've proven on the space station over these 25 years are being used in those next-step programs."

Veteran Fincke, a member of the 1996 class of NASA astronauts, is happy to return for what will be his fourth stay on the station.

"I remember when the space station was just pieces here on the ground, and I cannot say how amazed and proud I am of human beings from all over this planet working together pretty darn well," he said.

2025 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:

An egg-bearing blue crab found near Oyster, Virginia. Scientists believe the presence of an egg-eating parasitic worm may aid in the management of the fishery by revealing the number of times a crab has spawned. Credit: Alex Schneider

Parasitic, egg-eating worms might sound like the stuff of nightmares, but they're simply a fact of life for blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay.

Interestingly, a new study published in the journal PLOS One by researchers at William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS suggests these worms could serve as a valuable biomarker for managing the fishery.

The most recent Winter Dredge Survey, conducted by the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS in collaboration with Maryland's Department of Natural Resources, recorded historically low numbers of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay. The findings have sparked concern among the fishery's many stakeholders and highlight a need for new tools that can help balance economic and ecological prioritiesthis study may help with that.

The worm, Carcinonemertes carcinophila, infests and lives on the egg clutches of female blue crabs. While they do not eat enough eggs to drastically reduce the crabs' reproductive output, they grow and change color after feeding, making them a potential biomarker for determining whether a female crab has spawned. However, crabs living throughout the Chesapeake Bay experience a wide range of salinity levels, and it was previously unclear whether the worms could survive in the lower salinities found in some parts of the bay and its tributaries.

"Other species of Carcinonemertes cannot survive in salinity levels below 20 parts per thousand, which is a common occurrence in the bay's tributaries and during high-precipitation events," said Professor Jeffrey Shields at the Batten School & VIMS. "We found this worm to be much tougher than other species."

Evaluating the worms' potential as biomarkers

The study continues research initiated by former Batten School & VIMS student Alex Schneider Ph.D. '24, who investigated blue crab reproduction to support improved fishery management. One part of her dissertation focused on Carcinonemertes carcinophila's potential for determining the number of times a female crab has reproduced.

Schneider collaborated with Alex Pomroy '23, an undergraduate student at William & Mary and the study's lead author. Under Shields' mentorship, the researchers collected worms from blue crabs and subjected them to a wide range of salinities.

As expected, the worms thrived in mid-to-high salinity levels of 2030 parts per thousand (psu). However, the researchers also found that the worms could acclimate and survive at a salinity of 10 psu and even withstand and recover from short durations (up to 39 hours) at levels as low as 5 psu.

"Female crabs often migrate from low-salinity waters to high-salinity waters to lay eggs. We found that the worms had a wide salinity tolerance, and that they survived well at the lower salinities representative of where crabs might begin their migrations," said Pomroy. "This means that the worms are likely to infest crabs throughout their adult lives, confirming their potential as biomarkers for reproduction."

Implications for fishery management

The blue crab is one of the most important commercial and recreational species in Chesapeake Bay. Egg production is a key component of many fishery models, but it has been difficult to determine how many times a female crab has spawned.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

Female crabs that have not yet produced offspring are termed primiparous, while those that have reproduced multiple times are multiparous. Previous research by Schneider and others at the Batten School & VIMS demonstrated that female blue crabs produce more offspring in their first clutch, with fecundityor reproductive potentialdeclining in subsequent clutches. The study also showed that nearly all crabs reproducing in June were primiparous, while those reproducing later in the spawning season were mostly multiparous.

In another study published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series, Schneider and co-authors used the worm to provide the first-ever estimate of the proportion of crabs that have and have not spawned during winter. This information helps managers understand the impacts of commercial and recreational harvest on spawning demographics and the overall composition of the population before the spawning season.

"If you're trying to increase the blue crab population in the bay, it makes sense to protect the primiparous crabs if they are producing more offspring," said Schneider. "The presence and physical characteristics of this worm can serve as a sort of living history of whether a crab has spawned, potentially giving us a tool to identify how fecundity changes over a female's life and which crabs are the most productive."

In its state advisory role, VIMS conducts population surveys and provides scientific guidance to inform fisheries management and is continuing to track the proportion of multiparous spawners using the worms as a biomarker. The results from this and related studies will be shared with all partners involved in managing the Chesapeake Bay's blue crab fishery. The authors note that additional research on the reproductive ecology of female blue crabs may help to better manage this vitally important species.

More information: Alexandria K. Pomroy et al, Salinity tolerance, hyposaline stress recovery, and survival of the nemertean worm, Carcinonemertes carcinophila (Nemertea) in relation to its host, the Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0326493 Journal information: Marine Ecology Progress Series , PLoS ONE
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:

Graphical abstract Credit: Cleaner Environmental Systems (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cesys.2025.100270

A new Europe-focused study reveals that polyethylene (PE), the most widely used packaging material in Europe, has lower life cycle global warming potential (GWP)often used to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissionsthan conventional packaging alternatives, such as paper, metals, and glass, in most applications. The finding arrives as the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into force in February 2025, offering policymakers valuable insights for work on delegated acts that could directly or indirectly lead to the substitution of plastic packaging by alternatives.

The research, conducted by a team including leading packaging and life cycle assessment (LCA) experts from the University of Applied Science Vienna, Austria, Circular Analytics TK GmbH, Austria, Michigan State University School of Packaging, United States, and in collaboration with ExxonMobil, was recently published in Cleaner Environmental Systems.

The research team and the study adhered to ISO standards 14040/14044 requirements for conducting an LCA. Their assessment was based on sampled formats, data from high-volume PE packaging, and alternatives selected from Austria and Germany. All scenarios were modeled to cover the packaging life cycle from cradle (raw material extraction) to end-of-life, excluding the use phase (e.g., breakage rates and product loss due to packaging performance).

They evaluated 50 real-world packaging formats across five end-use applications. These included pallet wraps, collation packaging, rigid non-food containers, heavy-duty sacks, and flexible food packaging. They also include commonly known products such as shipping and transport packaging materials, collation packaging for drink containers, shampoo and cosmetic bottles, heavy-duty sacks, and food wraps.

Key findings:

PE packaging showed lower life cycle GWP in 34 out of 50 (68%) applications evaluated in Europe.

When evaluated against paper and multi-material options, PE packaging demonstrated lower life cycle GWP in 19 of 35 cases.

Replacing PE packaging with alternative materials, including paper, paper multimaterials, glass, and metals, would increase life cycle GWP emissions by up to 6.96 million tons of CO 2 equivalenta rise of 4064%.

equivalenta rise of 4064%. This substitution would also increase packaging weight by at least 244%, adding material, transport, and waste burdens.

No clear environmental advantage was found for alternatives in water use, measured as water scarcity, or fossil resource use.

The results call for a more nuanced, data-driven approach when discussing packaging material substitution policies.

The study's policy implications offer timely insights for regulators and companies as they work to meet the new European PPWR requirements. The study underscores the importance of considering environmental trade-offs when selecting packaging materials and highlights the benefits of PE-based packaging in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and packaging weight.

"Polyethylene packaging plays a critical role in preserving and protecting goods across value chains, and our study demonstrates its potential environmental advantages over many recognized alternative materials," said Manfred Tacker, lead author of the study. "These insights are vital for regulators and companies aiming to implement sustainable packaging solutions."

"This study improved our understanding of the potential environmental impacts of packaging by evaluating PE and alternative packaging materials. It highlighted that policymakers should holistically assess product-packaging systems to effectively reduce GWP and other environmental impacts across the supply chain, emphasizing that LCA can be a valuable tool to inform such evaluations," said Rafael Auras, co-author and a professor at the Michigan State University School of Packaging.

The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industries, and sustainability advocates reevaluating materials in the drive toward a circular economy.

More information: Manfred Tacker et al, Life cycle assessment of polyethylene packaging and alternatives on the European market, Cleaner Environmental Systems (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cesys.2025.100270

Provided by University of Applied Science Vienna
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:

An example of Step-1 Image Preparation for the single-thread Purus River near Canutama (BR). A) NASA/USGS Landsat annual composite generated for the reach. B) Zoomed-in view of the annual composite along a riverbend. C) Binary masks of the river for the zoomed-in view, shaded in terms of the 25 four levels of confidence for surface-water presence. Credit: Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.ads6567

Rivers are Earth's arteries. Water, sediment and nutrients self-organize into diverse, dynamic channels as they journey from the mountains to the sea. Some rivers carve out a single pathway, while others divide into multiple interwoven threads. These channel patterns shape flood risks, erosion hazards and ecosystem services for more than three billion people who live along river corridors worldwide.

Understanding why some waterways form single channels, while others divide into many threads, has perplexed researchers for over a century. Geographers at UC Santa Barbara recently mapped the thread dynamics along 84 rivers with 36 years of global satellite imagery to determine what dictates this aspect of river behavior.

"We found that rivers will develop multiple channels if they erode their banks faster than they deposit sediment on their opposing banks. This causes a channel to widen and divide over time," said lead author Austin Chadwick, who conducted this study as a postdoctoral researcher at UCSB.

The results, published in the journal Science, solve a longstanding quandary in the science of rivers. They also provide insight into natural hazards and river restoration efforts.

Two types of rivers

Earth scientists have long divided rivers into single and multi-channel categories, and generally investigate the two separately. While neither type clearly outnumbers the other, most of the world's largest rivers are multi-channeled. The notable exception is the single-channel Mississippi River, in the United States, where a lot of river research has occurred.

Most field research has focused on single-threaded rivers, partly because they're simpler. Meanwhile, experimental work has focused on multi-threaded rivers due to the challenges of recreating single-threaded channels in laboratory tank experiments.

It was while working on one of these tank experiments at the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory that Chadwick got the inspiration for this study. While examining multi-channel rivers in the lab, he noticed that they were constantly widening and splitting.

"I was banging my head on the wall because I kept measuring more erosion than deposition. And that was not what we're taught in school," he recalled. "That led me to read some old books from the Army Corps and other sources about examples where there's more bank erosion than deposition." Eventually, he became curious whether this occurred in nature.

It was a classic example of the scientific method: "You generate a hypothesis in a laboratory setting and then you're able to test it in nature," said co-author Evan Greenberg, a former doctoral student at UCSB who received the Lancaster Award for best dissertation.

Long-term data at 2,300,000 feet

The team leveraged Landsat data housed at the Google Earth Engine repository, focusing on 84 rivers in different regions of the globe. They tracked erosion and deposition on each river's banks using an image-processing algorithm called particle image velocimetry. The authors adapted this algorithmoriginally designed to track particle motion in lab photos of a fluidto track channel position in satellite images of their floodplains.

In single-threaded rivers, erosion and deposition are balanced out. As a result, the channel's width remains constant, allowing these rivers to lean into their bends and form wide, meandering paths across the landscape. In contrast, bank erosion outpaced deposition in multi-channel rivers, causing a given channel to widen over time until it splits in two. As a result, multi-channel rivers reshuffle their channels before they can meander too far across the floodplain.

Each of these dynamics occurs while a river is in a steady state (neither growing nor shrinking).

"It is not like multi-threaded rivers are gaining water on average. They are still conveying the same amount of water through time, but they are doing that by constantly shuffling the size of the individual threads," explained senior author Vamsi Ganti, an associate professor of geography at UCSB.

Credit: Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.ads6567

When the authors say that erosion exceeds deposition, they're referring to the river's banks. For multi-channel rivers, the extra sediment eroded from the banks is redeposited on the river bottom, eventually forming the islands and bars that separate the different channels.

The researchers tallied a few exceptions to the erosion-deposition trend, but they discovered that each of them coincided with apparent changes in the watershed that forced the river out of its natural steady state. For instance, the Sao Francisco River in Brazil didn't exhibit excess erosion like other multi-channel rivers because the river has been shrinking in response to the damming of its headwaters and water extraction for irrigation.

"The question of what causes a river to be single-threaded or multi-threaded is pretty much as old as the field of geomorphology," said Ganti.

Generally, geographers have understood river dynamics in terms of myriad variables, including downstream slope, water flow rate, sediment type and bank stability. The new model explains river type solely in terms of the balance between deposition and erosion. The various geographic factors affect this balance, explaining why specific environments tend to favor certain kinds of rivers.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

Giving rivers space to flow

The 20th century has seen many rivers boxed into narrow channels disconnected from their historic floodplains. This reclaims more land for settlement and mitigates some of the inherent hazards of living near a river. However, this is disastrous for riparian ecosystems and can even exacerbate long-term hazards. Cutting a river from its floodplain means sediment settles on the riverbed, elevating the river relative to the neighboring, sediment-starved floodplain. This makes it more likely to jump its banks in the event of a flood or a levee failure, a phenomenon the team has investigated in depth.

"Consider Hurricane Katrina," Chadwick said. "When the levee broke, there was widespread flooding in part because the floodplain had been cut off from the Mississippi for so long that it had sunk relative to the river, allowing the floodwaters to pond there."

There's a growing effort to reconnect channelized rivers with their floodplains and give them more space to move. Nature-based restoration efforts require figuring out how wide a corridor a given river needs in order to return to its natural state, as well as how long it will take to do so.

With their newfound understanding of river dynamics, the team devised a formula for this, which includes variables like how long a river takes to abandon a channel. The formula also describes whether a river returns to a single- or multi-channel state. They calculated the restoration widths and times for various types of rivers based on their satellite observations.

Chadwick, Ganti and Greenberg found that the time and space a river needs to reestablish its natural behavior varied widely between single and multi-threaded rivers. A single-threaded river requires about ten times more space and time to reestablish itself as a multi-threaded river of the same stream power, which is the amount of energy the stream has to erode and move sediment.

The paper's insights can guide infrastructure and revitalization projects. The formula developed by the authors enables engineers and scientists to estimate the width a restoration project will need, a deciding factor in a project's feasibility and cost. The analysis can also help policymakers prioritize candidates for recovery. Research, restoration and hazard mitigation have historically focused on single-threaded channels, but shifting toward projects on multi-threaded waterways could yield greater returns for lower costs.

In fact, the team's findings suggest that river restoration may be less costly than anticipated. There's growing recognition that many single-threaded rivers were historically multi-threaded before human intervention, especially in the western U.S. For instance, photos of the Los Angeles River from the 1930s, before it was channelized, show it with multiple threads. A project currently considered prohibitively large or expensive may actually be affordable if a river was misclassified, Chadwick explained.

Ganti's lab is currently studying the acceleration and deceleration of rivers, as well as changes in the number of threads a river has over time. "These temporal trends are likely signatures of how climate change and human interference are affecting river dynamics," he said.

Chadwick is still curious why erosion outpaces deposition in some rivers. He plans to further investigate the diversity of multi-threaded rivers as a postdoctoral research scientist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, with a particular interest in how they form. Meanwhile, Greenberg, now at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), is using remote sensing to measure sediment transport in rivers. He's also finishing up work looking at how dams influence river shape over time and the development of the river corridor.

Rivers have played an important role in human history. They irrigate the crops we grow on their fertile plains and convey our goods to and fro. But they also flood our cities and suddenly forsake well-worn channels. Learning more about rivers will enable us to better coexist with these mercurial natural features in a time of unprecedented change.

More information: Austin J. Chadwick et al, Single- and multithread rivers originate from (im)balance between lateral erosion and accretion, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.ads6567 Journal information: Science
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:

Relationship of Greenland dogs to global dogs. Credit: Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adu1990

The histories of sled dogs and humans in the Arctic have been intricately linked for thousands of years, so it is no surprise that the migration patterns of these dogs mirror those of humans through the Arctic. Sled dogs have assisted humans with the difficult tasks of traversing through harsh environments and transporting heavy materials and food, ultimately playing an important role in survival. However, many breeds of sled dog, like the Siberian husky, Alaskan malamute and Samoyed, have now mostly transitioned out of their traditional roles and into the role of pets and are often mixed with other breeds.

The Greenland sled dog, or Qimmeq (plural Qimmit), is one of the few breeds that can still be found pulling a sled. They have been much more isolated genetically than other traditional sled dogs and are now facing a decline in population, due to reduced Arctic ice, urbanization, competition from snowmobiles and general changes in the lifestyle of Arctic people. Their numbers have been halved since 2002, going from a population of around 25,000 to about 13,000 in 2020.

This dramatic decline, along with the fact that the Qimmit have been working alongside humans for so long, prompted researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes for Health to take a deep dive into their origins and genetic diversity to shed light on their history and the history of the people around them.

The researchers sequenced 92 Qimmeq genomes from the past 800 years and compared them with 1,998 genomes from ancient and modern dogs and wolves. The genomes were separated into three groups from different periods: pre-European contact from when the Inuit arrived in Greenland until the Danish-Norwegian colonization (between 1721 and 1884), post-European contact (from 1885 to 1998) and present-day (after 1998). These separations helped to determine the impact and extent of European contact in Greenland.

The results of the study, recently published in Science, showed two distinct migrations into Greenland. Genetic markers found in the Qimmit place their arrival in Greenland around 1000 years agoearlier than previously thought. A close relationship between the Qimmit and an Alaskan breed, dating back to around 3,700 years ago, suggests that the Inuit left this region and migrated across the Arctic Circle relatively rapidly.

Population structure of Greenland dogs. Credit: Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adu1990

Interestingly, the study indicates the possibility that the Inuit arrived in Greenland before the Norse peoplealthough they may not have interacted much. The study authors write, "After 985 CE, it is known that Norse settlements were established in southwestern Greenland, but the degree of interaction between the Norse and their Inuit contemporaries remains unclear."

The Inuit people and their sled dogs also seemed to have remained genetically isolated from the Danish and Norwegian people after their colonization, as the study found minimal European ancestry in present-day Qimmeq genomes. However, the study did reveal changes in the regional diversity of the Qimmit after the Danish-Norwegian colonization. A divergence of Qimmeq populations into distinct regional groups occurred in the same manner that the indigenous peoples of Greenland split up into more distinct subcultures in different parts of Greenland.

Overall, this new evidence displays the close relationship between the Inuit and their sled dogs, as well as their cultural importance. It also provides valuable insight for conservation strategies to preserve the Qimmit populations in the face of climate change and globalization.

Written for you by our author Krystal Kasal, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Andrew Zininthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

More information: T. R. Feuerborn et al, Origins and diversity of Greenland's Qimmit revealed with genomes of ancient and modern sled dogs, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adu1990 Journal information: Science

 2025 Science X Network
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

The story of Great Lakes whitefish is not a happy one, state fish biologist Stephen Lenart warned on July 10, but it needs to be told as their numbers decline.

Lenart presented the uncomfortable facts about the iconic Great Lakes species during a Michigan Natural Resource Commission meeting on Thursday.

The long-lived fish are prized table fare and important to tribal commercial fishers, said Lenart, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources biologist and tribal coordination unit manager.

Their population is in steep decline, particularly in the main waters of lakes Michigan and Huron.

Great Lakes Fishery Commission records show whitefish harvests in Lake Michigan were 8.3 million pounds in 1993 and stayed above 7 million through 1998. In 2020, the Lake Michigan whitefish harvest was 2.1 million pounds.

"It's a big, big, big problem," Lenart said. "But we've solved big, big, big problems before."

Invasive quagga and zebra mussels are largely to blame for the decline in Great Lakes whitefish, Lenart said. The mussels gobbled up the vast majority of the small creatures such as shrimp-like Diporeia that were critical to the Great Lakes food web.

Young whitefish depend on those small creatures. Without them, the whitefish don't have enough to eat to survive into adulthood.

"You start plucking strings from the (food) web and things collapse," he said.

The decline in whitefish is a difficult issue for the DNR to combat, Lenart said.

Tribal and state governments agreed to reduce the numbers they allow commercial fishers to harvest. Ending the commercial harvest of whitefish altogether would also threaten the interest people have in protecting whitefish, said Randy Claramunt, DNR fisheries division chief. He said the department wants the commercial fishery to survive.

"If the whitefish industry doesn't survive, then the commitment to monitor, the commitment to assess, to try these new things, will be lost," he said. "If we close all fisheries then we lose the industry. Then even if the population recovers, we may not recover the industry."

Fish experts throughout Michigan are trying to save whitefish.

Tribes including the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians have participated in dozens of research projects to help the fish, including stocking the fish in rivers, a project undertaken in partnership with the DNR and other groups. Tribal fish hatcheries also raise thousands of whitefish for stocking programs and research.

Other scientists are studying whether the fish are sensitive to certain diseases, studying the impact ultraviolet light has on whitefish eggs, searching for the best ways to raise fish in hatcheries and more. Federal scientists from the U.S. and Canada launched the Invasive Mussel Collaborative to study ways to control quagga and zebra mussels.

Lenart stressed the value of work conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which monitor the base of the food web and invasive mussel levels.

"We would be trying to box with one hand tied behind our back without information on lower food webs, without information about what's happening with the density of mussels in the system, zooplankton communities," he said.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

Lenart said he is concerned staffing and projected budget cuts to federal agencies will impact those programs.

"I think sometimes these things are looked at as abstract academic things and I want to make sure people understand that if they care about us understanding fish populations, they should care about us understanding those populations as well," Lenart said. "A lot of that is done by federal partners."

Teresa Seidel, director of the EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office, said the monitoring work Lenart described is ongoing this summer and is expected to be funded going forward. The work is supported by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a program aimed at Great Lakes cleanup and research that tends to receive strong bipartisan support in Congress.

"At this time, we believe the budget for next season looks like it's going to be fully intact," she said.

NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor studies Great Lakes ecosystem dynamics, including the food web and invasive mussels.

President Donald Trump zeroed out funding for NOAA's Office of Ocean and Atmospheric Research in his 2026 budget request as part of the administration's stated goals of winnowing the federal government and ending climate work. The Ann Arbor lab is under that NOAA office.

2025 The Detroit News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The parents of a Hamilton Township teenager who died when she was hit by a train 10 years ago have filed a new lawsuit, alleging investigators misclassified it as a suicide without taking into account that she could have been murdered because she was a lesbian, according to court documents.

Attorneys from the DAmato Law Firm, along with Tiffany Valiantes parents and representatives of a forensics company, announced the filing during a news conference Friday at the firms office in Egg Harbor Township.

Valiante, 18, was preparing for her first semester at Mercy College in New York when she was struck by a train on the Atlantic City Rail Line on July 12, 2015. The train was bound for the Absecon station when it struck the teen on a secluded stretch of tracks at mile marker 45.

Since her death, her family has insisted she was the victim of foul play, often critical of NJ Transit polices investigation, which was closed three months after her death, attorney Paul DAmato said.

A spokesperson for NJ Transit declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

Tiffany would be 28 years old today, said Dianne Valiante, Tiffanys mother. Shed be a college graduate, a caring member of the community and probably a member of law enforcement or the military herself. These were careers she dreamed of. We love her and miss her every single day.

The suit, which, according to the firm, is believed to be the first filed under the state Crime Victims Bill of Rights, alleges Valiante was the victim of a hate crime based on a recent forensic review and the discovery of several hate-filled messages that were sent to Tiffany about two months before her death.

The suit seeks to have a judge require all of the evidence from NJ Transit and the state Medical Examiners Office to be released so an independent investigation can be conducted.

Family of Tiffany Valiante marks 8 years since teen's death with 2nd docuseries in the works Filmmakers are moving forward with a second documentary about the death of Tiffany Valiante, a township teenager who died when she was hit by a train in 2015.

Jason Silva, managing partner at Cornerstone Discovery, a digital forensics company based in Philadelphia, said a file system extraction was performed and led to the recovery of more than 100,000 pieces of information.

Our comparative analysis of past and present data downloads of Tiffanys digital devices expressly points to Tiffany as a target of ridicule, harassment and threats because of her sexual orientation, Silva said.

Silva also examined the location data on Valiantes phone and determined her phone connected to the south-facing antenna of a cellphone tower that was located between her home and an area where her phone was recovered.

Within 90 minutes of when she went missing, any phone or device traveling north from the home would have connected to the tower. However, the forensics company has not been provided with the data from the tower, Silva said.

Additionally, Silva said hes preparing to review memory cards from a deer camera on the Valiante property that show her in the driveway at 9:28 p.m. Her parents followed suit a minute later, but couldnt locate her.

We intend to forensically analyze those cards to recover any deleted or damaged footage and enhance the video quality as much as possible in hopes of recovering additional facts relevant to the timeline and circumstances of her death, Silva said.

The Crime Victims Bill of Rights ensures victims are treated with fairness, compassion and respect by the justice system, state law indicates.

The suit claims NJ Transits failure to thoroughly investigate Valiantes death violated this law as her family was required to conduct its own investigation with the assistance of volunteers.

Family of Hamilton Township teen who died in 2015 presses NJ Transit for internal review NEWARK  The family of a South Jersey girl whose death was initially ruled a suicide after s

Im asking the State of New Jersey to work with us and not fight us, DAmato said. Stephen (Valiantes father) and Dianne can handle the truth. Whatever it might be, they can handle it. But what they cannot handle is the uncertainty of where we are today because of the inactions and actions of the defendants.

Wayne Ross, a forensic pathologist at Cornerstone, toured the area where Valiante was found after watching the Unsolved Mysteries Netflix documentary Mystery at Mile Marker 45, the suit states.

Ross preliminary opinion was that Valiantes death was not a suicide and her body was placed there to cover up the crime. To confirm his suspicions through a forensic accident reconstruction, Ross is seeking to inspect the outside and inside of the train that hit Valiante, the impact point area and any evidence the state Medical Examiners Office and NJ Transit police have, the suit states.

If you look at her wounds and her injuries, they are all symmetrical, Ross said. She has symmetrical cuts to her arms and legs. The problem is no one did a complete autopsy. No one did a rape kit, and thats something they still couldve done even though her legs were cut off. No one opened up and looked at her neck. When I look at her neck in the photographs, I see abrasions and scrapes there. I did an independent analysis and sent it to the district attorney of Northern Pennsylvania, crime scene investigators and a bloodstain pattern expert. Every single one of them said it was a homicide.

The suit also cites statements from various investigators, who claimed Valiante could have been dead before the train hit her.

H. Louise Houseman, a retired senior medical investigator, said in 2017 that any medical examiner would find it extremely difficult to believe an 18-year-old female would have willingly walked barefoot and alone in the dark for two hours until she arrived to this dark and isolated location, the suit states.

Houseman further claimed that death by train is an unusual method of suicide, and because Valiantes skull was crushed and fragmented, it could have hidden evidence of an antemortem injury, the suit states.

It is my professional opinion that the death of Tiffany Valiante warrants further investigation and the manner of death should be amended by the medical examiners office from suicide to undetermined, Houseman said, according to the suit.

Michelle Amendolia, the nurse who pronounced Valiante dead at the scene, said at the time that it was common for investigators to assume that anyone who was discovered on railroad tracks died by suicide.

However, Amendolia now believes that due to the blood-spatter pattern around the tracks, Valiantes death should have been fully investigated and classified as undetermined.

That was my first pedestrian with a train strike, and since then Ive done about five more, Amendolia said. Normally, in a pedestrian versus a train, the body is still mostly intact and fully clothed, but this was not the case here. If I were called to the scene today, I would tell law enforcement to not rush this and pursue it as a crime as opposed to a suicide.

A Wawa manager also said in a November 2016 interview with the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office that Valiante had gotten into an argument with a friend at a graduation party before being taken to the railroad tracks at gunpoint and forced to remove her clothing, the suit states.

The manager claimed to have spoken to three boys about Valiantes death, including one who attended the party, the suit states.

The lawsuit lists the state, NJ Transit and several of its departments, the states Medical Examiners Office and multiple John and Jane Does as defendants.
Ariel Winter received "inappropriate messages from older men" when she was a child.

Ariel Winter has had to contend with 'male predators' in Hollywood

The 27-year-old star found fame through her role as Alex Dunphy on the sitcom Modern Family and has revealed how she had to deal with the unwanted attention of "male predators" from an early age.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Ariel said: "I am familiar with male predators because I worked in Hollywood at a young age. I started at age four. I don't wanna say too much about it, but by the time I was on a laptop and cell phone, I was getting inappropriate messages from older men, and it caused trauma."

She added: "The experiences I had in person and online as a child have affected me so deeply that I've had to go to therapy for it. The movie and TV industry is a dark place."

Ariel featured for the duration of Modern Family's 11-season run and admits that she found it difficult to come to terms with show ending in 2020.

She said earlier this year: "It was hard.

"We were like a real family. It was weird knowing it would just be over, and I wouldn't get to see everybody all the time anymore. It was like, wait, yeah, wait, we're not going to be together on Monday? So on the one hand, I didn't want it to end, but at the same time, I was ready to start something new as an adult."

Ariel was just 11 years of age when Modern Family began and she did not suspect that the programme would go on to become so popular.

She said: "I was 11 when it started. I don't think I had any idea of it was going to be successful or not. I was just like, 'Oh awesome, I got a job.'

"What I was so excited for was to get the chance to work with Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill, who portrayed her grandfather Jay Pritchett in the comedy).

"But once the show started, it was an immediate hit, and it was so exciting to have that opportunity. And being on the same show for so long? I feel like that doesn't really happen anymore."
They were hiding in a freezer on top of meat pallets so immigration officers couldnt see their feet.

ICE raid nabs top-ranking gang member on wanted list, agency says They thought they could hide in Americas heartland, but they were sadly mistaken. Not on our watch," an investigator said.

That's when four women detained in an Immigration Customs and Enforcement raid last month in Omaha say they felt the temperature inside the freezers start dropping.

The women, who were detained in a raid June 10 at Glenn Valley Foods, said they felt fans turn on and the air get colder as ICE agents waited on the other side of the freezer doors.

The women's eventual exit from the freezer marked the beginning of a detainment that has continued for the past month in Nebraska.

They're among 13 detainees, all women, who spoke to The World-Herald of Omaha from the Lincoln County Detention Center in North Platte, where they're being held.

An interpreter with HOPE-Esperanza, a North Platte organization that provides services to immigrants in the community, helped translate the interviews.

The accounts paint a picture of a traumatic stretch in which some detainees say they were taunted and misled by ICE agents  allegations that an ICE spokesperson strongly denies.

One woman said the cold made it difficult to tell how long they were in the freezers at Glenn Valley, a meatpacking plant that ICE said it targeted as part of an enforcement action centered on widespread identify theft.

The woman said it could have been several minutes, but it felt like an hour had passed before she heard an agent yell, Come out, or well send the dogs after you.

Another woman said she was hiding in a freezer for 10 minutes. Yet another said she was in there for more than an hour and a half.

Some were able to walk out of the freezer to escape the cold. But one woman said the ones on top of the meat pallets were directly under the vents and became unable to move as the cold air blasted their faces.

She said agents eventually entered and physically removed them.

The women, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because of their pending immigration court cases and fear of retaliation, are mostly mothers in their 40s.

They described a "horrific" ordeal during which they say they were pushed around, forcibly arrested, painfully shackled and mocked by ICE agents who loaded them into a van without telling them where they were going.

An ICE spokesperson said agents did not lower the freezer temperature in order to force the detainees out.

"The illegal aliens who were detained following the June 10 targeted enforcement action at Glenn Valley Foods were treated with the utmost respect and within what is required by the 2025 National Detention Standards," Tanya Roman, an ICE spokesperson, told The World-Herald.

The National Detention Standards outline requirements for the care, custody and treatment of immigration detainees to ensure they are treated humanely and able to access the rights to which they're entitled.

Two women said they are unsure how or why they got swept up in the raid. They said they have legal authorization to work in the U.S.

THEY JUST DIDN'T CARE

The women said ICE agents burst in, shouting and shoving people about 9:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, just as people on break were returning to relieve their co-workers.

Some thought there was a fire until those on their way to the breakroom came running back, shouting, immigration!

One woman said the workers tried to explain to ICE agents that there was no need for the roughness  that theyd cooperate. But she said they insisted on grabbing and pushing people.

Two others said they witnessed a masked agent shove a woman, causing a pregnant woman to fall into a breakroom chair.

A young woman said she took out her phone to call her brother when a male ICE agent ripped the phone from her hand and started grabbing at her legs without warning, asking, What else do you have on you?

One woman said she notified the officers that she had a metal plate in her arm and had recently had surgery.

She said the officer proceeded to grab her by her injured arm, using it to drag her into the kitchen. She said ICE agents later refused her medical care and medication, saying, were not doctors. She said shes still experiencing limited mobility and radiating pain.

They just didnt care, a 43-year-old single mother said.

A 46-year-old mother said she was hiding behind a curtain when a dog found her.

One mother of three watched her co-workers run and hide. She said she wasnt afraid at this point and didnt run because she has a work permit authorizing her to work in the U.S.

She said some of her co-workers tried to leave through emergency exits, but the whole place was surrounded.

She said the fear didnt set in for her until she realized the agents didnt care that she had legal status. She said the agents told the people with valid documentation that they would be released but in some cases, thats not what happened.

A second young woman who said she has a valid work visa said those with documentation were the first to be sectioned off, but they were treated just as poorly as the rest. She said the agents didnt check her status before arresting her.

To this day, I dont understand why Im being detained, she said.

Both women said they provided their valid identification to ICE agents. One said she also provided her Social Security card to the agents, but they were arrested anyway.

An ICE spokesperson said no legal permanent residents were taken into custody.

The accusations being made by these unnamed detainees are completely false and frankly do nothing more than contribute to the misinformation and propaganda being pushed to the American public that is fueling misguided, violent attacks on the hardworking and dedicated men and women of ICE during the course of their sworn duties," said Roman, an ICE spokesperson.

THIS ISN'T UNIVISION OR CNN

According to Roman, 76 Glenn Valley Foods workers were taken from the plant. They were restrained with zip ties and loaded onto a bus that transported them to an ICE field office near Eppley Airfield.

The women interviewed said the harsh treatment continued once they were taken to the ICE facility.

For the nearly three days they were in ICE custody, they were unable to shower, change clothes or access medication.

Roman, the ICE spokesperson, said the detainees were allowed a blanket and change of clothes upon request, despite the law not requiring it. She said the temporary detention facility doesn't have showers because they're not required under the 2025 National Detention Standards.

She also said all detainees were provided basic hygiene items, including soap, toilet paper, feminine hygiene items and sanitary wipes.

A 43-year-old woman told The World-Herald many of the detainees had headaches from the days events and asked for water and Tylenol. She said they were denied painkillers, and agents laughed as they threw water bottles at them.

Another woman in her late 20s said some of the women required menstrual products, which the agents also threw at them while mocking them.

An ICE spokesperson denied this, saying supplies may have been tossed to them, but nothing was thrown at the detainees.

The women also said some of the agents were professional.

The mother of three said an ICE agent intervened when another agent was harassing her. Another woman said an agent processed her without incident and told her she had the right to call three people.

Two other women said they were allowed phone calls late at night.

But a 43-year-old single mother said an agent got upset when she asked for a phone call, saying she had no rights because shes a criminal.

Two other women said they were told that this isnt Univision or CNN, and the rights those organizations talk about arent true.

They kept saying that we were immigrants and we didnt deserve rights, a 46-year-old mother said. But theres a God that sees us all as one, and we should be treated as such.

The Glenn Valley detainees described their experiences at a time when the Trump administration is carrying out an aggressive campaign of immigration enforcement in Nebraska and elsewhere.

On Wednesday  a week after The World-Herald's interviews with the detainees  ICE said it had arrested an MS-13 "kingpin" in the Omaha area who had been among the 100 most-wanted people in El Salvador.

President Donald Trump has posted on social media about needing to make sure enforcement efforts don't harm the productivity of farmers, who often rely on labor from undocumented immigrants.

But in response to a World-Herald question about the state of enforcement efforts in Nebraska and elsewhere, a White House spokeswoman said that Trump "remains committed to carrying out the largest mass deportation operation in history by removing dangerous, violent criminal illegal aliens from American communities and targeting the sanctuary cities that provide safe harbor to criminal aliens."

A World-Herald analysis found that most people arrested in the Glenn Valley operation had no criminal history, and the ones who did had mostly minor traffic infractions and misdemeanors.

ICE officials have said everyone detained in the operation was using a stolen identity to work. Of the 76 people detained, one person has been charged with crimes related to identity fraud.

'YOU MUST SIGN'

According to a statement from the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, which provides legal services to many of the Omaha detainees, many of the Glenn Valley workers were held for days without being charged, and some signed their own self-deportation orders without the chance to speak to a lawyer.

Veronica Cardenas, who served for 13 years as former assistant chief counsel for ICE and is now in private practice, told The World-Herald that detainees have the right to contact an attorney, but their attorneys have a difficult time getting in touch with ICE officials to get any information about their clients.

"Even though the person has the right to do that, it's very difficult for some people to exercise that right," she said.

Several women said agents presented documents in English, demanding they sign them despite not being able to read them.

Cardenas said it is common for agents to be forceful while conducting intakes because their goal is to get people to leave the country.

She said they're required to translate the many documents detainees are instructed to sign during processing, but the documents don't have to be written in any language other than English  the detainees often rely on ICE agents to interpret for them accurately.

The nature of the documents the detainees were instructed to sign is unclear. Cardenas said detainees are instructed to sign many documents as part of the intake process.

The mother of three whom The World-Herald interviewed said an agent told her shed face three to 10 years in jail if she didnt sign.

She said they told her, you must sign this document. When she said she wanted to talk to a lawyer before signing, she said he told her she didn't have that right  that shed been lied to about having any rights at all.

When she said she was here on a work permit and had legal status, they told her shed be deported anyway, she said.

A mother in her early 40s said an agent presented her with a piece of paper and demanded she sign over custody of her kids.

"He got really aggressive," she said.

She said he told her that if she didnt sign, he would go to her house and pick up her children.

A 46-year-old mom said agents pressed her for information and asked if she had children. When she said yes, she said they threatened to detain her 7-year-old daughter.

A mother in her late 40s said an agent called her a disgrace when he discovered she had a son and asked if she had kids just to ruin this world.

An ICE spokesperson denied that agents threatened detainees or their children, citing a policy to protect parental interests.

The women said they were shackled in chains at the hands, waist and feet when it was time to leave the facility.

The mother of three said they were shackled so tightly that many of them couldnt lift their legs to step onto the van, so the agents brought them a step stool. Even then, they had to help some people up into the van.

She said it was a very long difficult drive full of desperation and tears. The detainees didn't know where they were going.

A 45-year-old mother said the van was incredibly hot because there was no airflow. She said it wasnt until people started yelling that they couldnt breathe that the agents finally turned on the air.

THE RAY OF SUNSHINE OF HOPE-ESPERANZA SHOWED UP

At least 63 of those detained in the Glenn Valley ICE raid were taken to the Lincoln County Detention Center in North Platte.

The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office said the number of Glenn Valley detainees in their custody still fluctuates.

Last week, they estimated that about 50 of the original group of detainees remained at the detention center. They said 14 had been released  three were released on bail, and 11 were transferred back into ICE custody.

Two of the women said they had no idea where they were being taken until they arrived in North Platte about 4 p.m. on a Thursday. The mother of three said they hadnt had any food or water yet that day.

Thats when the ray of sunshine of HOPE-Esperanza showed up, the mother of three said.

HOPE-Esperanza has been helping the Glenn Valley detainees understand their options and communicate their needs with local officials.

When these people showed up, they hadnt showered in three days, a HOPE-Esperanza interpreter said. They had no idea where they were.

The mother of three said members of HOPE-Esperanza greeted them with beef jerky  a snack shes usually not fond of but scarfed down gratefully nonetheless. She said the staff slowly gained their trust, and HOPE-Esperanzas presence helped them feel safe enough to relax.

The women said the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office staff have been kind and attentive to their needs, and they are very grateful to HOPE-Esperanza for helping them navigate their situation.

But while they're now being treated well, they said they are still heartbroken and want to go home.
Zach Braff will be joined in the Scrubs revival by Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke.

Zach Braff will lead the cast of the Scrubs revival

The medial comedy-drama has officially been given a series order by ABC and not only is the show lead Zach reprising his role as Dr. John Michael 'J.D.' Dorian, he will be joined by his former co-stars as Dr. Chris Turk and Dr. Elliot Reid, his on-screen wife, respectively.

Zach shared the news on his Instagram Stories, singing to the tune of Scrubs' theme song: "I can't do this all on my own/I need Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison" to the tune of the Scrubs theme, Lazlo Bane's "I'm No Superman."

Sarah shared a number of throwback photos of herself, Zach, and Donald on Instagram along with the simple caption: "YAY!!!"

Bill Lawrence, who created the original Scrubs - which ran for 182 episodes between 2001 and 2010 - will return as executive producer.

He said in a statement: "Scrubs means so very much to me. So excited for the chance to get the band back together."

In announcing the series for the revival, the official logline stated: "JD + Turk scrub in together for the first time in a long time- medicine has changed, interns have changed, but their bromance has stood the test of time. Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart and some surprises along the way."

When Scrubs was rebooted for a ninth season with the focus on a new batch of interns, Donald and John C. McGinley were the only cast members to stay on as regulars.

Meanwhile, Zach previously confessed to feeling "exhausted" at the end of his time on 'Scrubs'.

The 50-year-old actor loved the experience of shooting the show - but he also admitted that it took a toll on him.

He told the Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum podcast: "I miss laughing every day. Belly laughing every day was - that was the job. And when that goes away, by the time nine years were over, we were sort of all exhausted by it."

Zach also confessed that he "didn't really have much of a life outside of [the show]".

He said: "We were starting to repeat jokes. Everyone's pretty fried.

"We would do insane hours that people don't even do anymore. We didn't really have much of a life outside of it. So we were just kind of fried."
Four reported for extorting PDC street merchants during city fair taken into custody

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Four men were loaded into the back of a police truck Thursday on allegations of extortion. The four men were reported to local authorities by street vendors participating in the 2025 Feria del Carmen.

Several merchants approached nearby police reporting being threatened into paying floor fees to work. Officers from the Municipal Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) located and arrested the four men accused of attempted extortion.

According to the street merchants, the four men were demanding payment to allow them to operate with protection. Members of National Guard also participated in the arrests, providing support to the Municipal Police officers arresting the four extortionists.

The four individuals, who have not been identified, were handed over to the Public Prosecutors Office.
Government introduces fair trade Made in Mexico products through wellness market

Mexico City, Mexico  The Mexican government has introduced fair trade products that are Made in Mexico. The products include Chocolate Bienestar, in bar, powder and table versions. These are made with cacao from Tabasco and northern Chiapas, contain cane sugar, and are free of artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

The items also include corn, beans, coffee, cocoa and honey and are part of the countrys Food for Well-being program.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that Chocolate Bienestar will be sold through the nearly 26,000 Bienestar Stores that will open this year in the most remote areas of the country. The goal, she said, is to create a fair market for small producers and promoting healthy eating for Mexicans.

There will be 26,000 Wellness Stores in the most remote areas where other stores generally dont reach. They offer attractive prices and fair trade. Small producers products are processed, sold in the Wellness Stores, recovered and then returned to buy the cocoa produced by the small producer.

So its a fair market program, a healthy food program, and it contributes to the well-being of all these communities, both those who buy it and those who produce it, she explained.

Sheinbaum says that Food for Well-being encourages small producers to have a fair outlet for their products and ensures that consumers have access to a good product.

It encourages those who produce cocoa, particularly small producers who also do so agroecologically, to have a fair outlet for their entire product. It has the advantage that it has chocolate, it has cocoa.

For example, without mentioning brands, some of the chocolate you buy in stores have less than 5 percent cocoa, and in this case, it has 50 percent, she added.

The head of Food for Well-being, Maria Luisa Albores Gonzalez, said that for the production of all the food sold in the Bienestar Stores, a total of 355,593 tons of corn, beans, coffee, cocoa and honey have been collected. Mexico had made an investment of 101,179.45 million pesos, benefiting 36,879 producers of which 4,630 are part of Sembrando Vida coffee and cocoa.
Breaking bread can be a means not only of satisfying hunger. It can also be a way of pursuing peace. But timing is everything.

Since the first state dinner in 1874, the United States has maintained a long-standing tradition of engaging in culinary diplomacya soft-power tool used to increase bilateral ties by strengthening relationships through the use of food and dining experiences as a means to engage visiting dignitaries. The recent eruption of multiple conflicts around the globe, however, reveals and confirms that culinary diplomacy cannot stand on its own. In the 21st century, no quantity of kebabs and challah could have prevented conflict between Israel, Iran, and now the United States.

How then should culinary diplomacy be thought of as a political tool? Harking back to the biblical tradition may provide guidance.

Among the many narratives of hospitality offered in the Bible, two in particular stand out. In 1 Samuel 25, a woman called Abigail prepares a feast of bread, wine, lamb, corn, and fig cake, among other things. Yet this is no ordinary display of hospitality. After Abigails husband, Nabal, disrespects David (the future king of Israel), the latter threatens to wage war upon the land in which his wrongdoer lives. Yet when David receives Abigails gift of food, he blesses her and credits her hospitality with precluding violent conflict.

Why then doesnt culinary diplomacy work so beautifully, so easily, in the 21st century? For two reasons. First, some individuals may prioritize self-interest over mutual benefit. Second, the act of breaking bread holds less significance in the 21st century than it did in years past.

The breaking of bread as a symbolic act has a rich history going back millennia and is to be found in many cultures worldwidefrom the Southern Europe to India, from the Near East to Morocco. Sharing a meal has been seen as an opportunity for more than just camaraderie, but also for mutual understanding and reconciliation.

Even so, the elaborate account of the Last Supper found in the Gospel of Matthew best illustrates the limits of culinary diplomacy. In this telling narrative, Judas Iscariot dines in the presence of Jesus mere hours after arranging his capture. While sitting at the table, Jesus goes so far as to tell the disciples that one of them will soon betray him. Burdened by the weight of his transgression and the 30 pieces of silver for which he traded Jesus, Judas asks, Master, is it I? (Matt. 26:25 KJV). The Lord responds, Thou hast said. Unlike the story told in 1 Samuel 25, food does little to stop Judas from pursuing conflict.

Though the Last Supper was not intended to be a conciliatory event between Judas and Jesus, it reveals something deeper about the limits of culinary diplomacy. It demonstrates that such hospitality is not always transactional. In American political history, state dinners have been used not only to demonstrate hospitality but also to advance national interests. Over several courses, foreign dignitaries and domestic representatives discuss the affairs of their home countries as well as the future of their bilateral partnerships. The efficacy of state dinners in furthering political allyship depends upon the willingness of the present parties to operate in good faith. When Judas arrived at the table for the Last Supper, he already had every intention to betray Christ. Sharing a meal did not change that.

In The Prince, Niccolo Machiavelli praises the Romans for their strategic foresight and mercilessness in handling conflict. As Machiavelli explained, the Romans knew war is not to be avoided, but is only put off to the advantage of others. If one affirms this Machiavellian approach to conflict resolution, they stand to gain little from culinary diplomacy.

While some political leaders overemphasize the necessity of culinary diplomacy and prefer soft-power tools, others adopt a more Machiavellian understanding of interstate relations. In doing so, they fail to understand that early diplomatic efforts may work to strengthen relationships on a global scale. If, in 1 Samuel 25, Abigail had waited for Davids army to besiege her community before offering provisions, she would have failed to act at the time culinary diplomacy would have been most efficacious.

Although the aforementioned narrative reveals a one-to-one correlation between culinary diplomacy and conflict aversion, the Last Supper demonstrates that communal dining guarantees neither allyship nor loyalty. In the Gospel of Matthew, the story of the Last Supper is preceded by the Parable of the Great Banquetone that speaks further to the biblical understanding of hospitality. In this parable, a wedding feast is being prepared. Tables laden with an array of dishes are arranged for a select few. The host, seeing the banquet being organized, sends a messenger to gather his guests. Every invitee declines, each providing a unique excuse for his absence. While Jesus uses the parable to urge his disciples to be ready for his ultimate return, and to be fruitful in spreading the gospel in the interim, it is also an invitation to gratitude and loyalty. At the Last Supper, Judas sits in the presence of Christ while simultaneously rejecting his warning, and invitationmuch like the guests in the aforementioned parable. In doing so, Judas cheapens the hospitable act of communal dining. One of the great tragedies of the Last Supper is Judass failure to recognize the significance of the offered eucharistic meal.

Judas is not the only one to make such a mistake. The act of breaking bread simply holds less significance for us than it did for earlier generations. The removal of the dining table via the introduction of drive-in restaurants in the 1920s and TV dinners in the 1950s have contributed, in part, to the lessening of coordinated fellowship around food. Researchers have also observed a generational decline in the tradition of sharing family dinners over the last century. Mealtimes have, on the whole, become less and less sacred. This trend has carried over into the political arena, with American state dinners occurring at a less frequent rate today than at any point since 1874.

Going forward, the United States should prioritize both culinary diplomacy and additional means when engaging with foreign dignitaries. Relying on both soft and hard power would allow the nation to make use of all available political tools. While the Last Supper reveals that the sole act of sharing a meal does not guarantee reciprocal goodwill, the use of food in 1 Samuel 25 demonstrates that culinary diplomacy may be beneficial if employed at the appropriate time. While conflict between warring nations will likely not cease as a result of one state dinner, extending such hospitality in good faith before a conflict begins can provide an opportunity for political allyship.
Jay-Z has accused a man who claims to be his son of "harassment".

Jay-Z has hit back at a man who alleges that he is the music mogul's son

The 55-year-old star, who is married to pop superstar Beyonce, has hit out at the "fabricated allegations" by Rymir Satterthwaite and asked a federal judge to intervene in the case.

Court documents obtained by Us Weekly show that Jay-Z described the recent lawsuit filed by Satterthwaite as "just the latest" episode of "decades-long harassment" from the man and his godmother.

The documents state: "The fabricated allegations and claims have been addressed - and rejected - in multiple other courts, and continued harassment and disregard of those orders has already resulted in a contempt order."

Satterthwaite, 32, filed a federal lawsuit against the rapper - whose real name is Shawn Carter - in May and accuses the star of trying to keep him quiet about his paternity.

The man claims that his mother Wanda had relations with Jay-Z during the 1990s.

After she passed away, Sattherthwaite was cared for by his godmother and says that the pair have faced "unrelenting efforts by (Jay-Z) and his enablers to suppress the truth and silence those who dared to speak it".

He accuses Jay-Z of refusing to take a paternity test or answer his claims directly.

Sattherthwaite is insistent that he isn't pursuing fame and fortune with his legal case and just wants to discover the truth about his paternity.

He told the Daily Mail last year: "Why can't he prove me wrong?

"Go the courtroom and do what everyone else has to do. I can take a no. I can take being embarrassed. I just can't take him not saying anything. It is not fair."

Meanwhile, rapper Nicki Minaj claims that Jay-Z owes her between $100 to $200 million.

The Anaconda rapper was one of the original artists that went into partnership with Jay-Zs streaming platform TIDAL, launched in 2015. She was reportedly given three per cent equity in exchange for exclusive content and promotion.

In 2021, Jay-Z sold a majority stake in TIDAL to Jack Dorseys Square for $302 million, and the fallout began when she was allegedly only offered $1 million from the sale.

Minaj has hit out at the music mogul on social media and has pledged to use the money she is owed to pay for her fans' tuition fees and student loans.

She posted on X on Tuesday (08.07.25): "Weve calculated about 100-200MM so far. #JayZ call me to settle this karmic debt. Its only collecting more interest.

"You still in my TOP 5 tho. Lets get it n****. And anyone still calling him Hov will answer to God for the blasphemy."

Minaj later added: "Im going to use some of the money #JayZ owes me to send some of my Barbz to college, pay their school fees and student loans via my #StudentOfTheGame charity."
Sami Sheen is having second thoughts about getting her breast implants removed.

Sami Sheen changes mind about breast implants removal

Although the 21-year-old Only Fans model previously revealed she plans to find a surgeon to reverse the procedure because she believes the implants are making her sick, she is backtracking on her decision as she really wants to dress up as former Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson for Halloween.

She said on TikTok: I'm all for putting your health first, but maybe I should wait until after Halloween to get my knockers removed because I've always wanted to dress up as Pamela Anderson. Now, I finally have the blonde hair and the big t*** combo, and I've never been able to dress up like her before. So, is it actually insane to wait to get them removed just so I can be her for Halloween? I don't know you guys. I don't want to get rid of them."

Sami got the implants in 2022 but admitted recently she had been battling with the "weirdest symptoms" for the last few years.

She wrote on her Instagram Story: "I've been experiencing health issues for nearly 2 years now with the weirdest symptoms and finally discovered that I have breast implant illness.

"Idk how I haven't figured this out sooner but i'm so glad to finally have an answer. I'm hoping to get them removed ASAP so I can start feeling better. Pls lmk if you know of any good explant surgeons near LA.(sic)"

The 21-year-old model - who is the daughter of Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen  previously admitted she will find it "physically and mentally hard" to go back to her old body shape but said it is the right thing to do for her health.

Alongside a photo of herself in a bikini pre-surgery, she wrote: "It's definitely going to be hard going back to this size, not only physically but mentally. I don't want to at all but I know i'll feel so much better once they are out, so I guess it's worth it."

Breast Implant Illness (BII) isn't recognised as an official condition, but symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, joint and muscle pains, weight fluctuations, depression, anxiety and hair loss, and Sami has been struggling with allergies, vertigo, rashes, mood swings, dry eyes, acne, headaches and temperature sensitivities.

She added: "BII often mimics certain autoimmune diseases, but I'm certain it's my implants because these symptoms started almost immediately after getting them done.
KERRVILLE, Texas  President Donald Trump toured the devastation from catastrophic flooding Friday in Texas and lauded state and local officials, even amid mounting criticism that they may have failed to warn residents quickly enough that a deadly wall of water was coming their way.

Trump has repeatedly promised to do away with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of his larger pledges to dramatically shrink the size of government, and he's fond of decrying officials in Democrat-run states hit by past natural disasters and tragedy.

But the president struck a more somber and sympathetic tone while visiting America's largest Republican state  highlighting the heartbreak of what happened while effusively praising elected officials and first responders alike.

"The search for the missing continues. The people that are doing it are unbelievable," Trump said at a makeshift emergency operations center inside an expo hall in Kerrville.

Since the July 4 disaster, which killed at least 129 people and left more than 170 missing, the president has been conspicuously silent on his past promises to shutter FEMA and return disaster response to the states. Instead, he's focused on the once-in-a-lifetime nature of what occurred in central Texas' Hill Country and its human toll.

Trump's shift in focus underscores how tragedy can complicate political calculations, even though he has made slashing the federal workforce a centerpiece of his administration's opening months. He spent a lot of time Friday discussing the victims from Camp Mystic, the century-old all-girls Christian summer camp where at least 27 people were killed.

First lady Melania Trump described meeting "beautiful young ladies" from the area who she said gave her a "special bracelet from the camp in honor of all the little girls that lost their lives."

Before arriving for his tour, Trump approved Texas' request to extend the major disaster declaration beyond Kerr County to eight additional counties, making them eligible for direct financial assistance to recover and rebuild.

"All across the country Americans' hearts are shattered. I had to be here as president," he said. "All the beautiful souls, and we're filled with grief and devastation. This, the loss of life. And unfortunately, they're still looking."

Trump also tried to steer away from partisanship, even saying at one point, "I don't want to say politics" while still bragging about reducing the cost of eggs around the country.

He also still insisted his administration "is doing everything it can to help Texas" and "we've got some good people" running FEMA. That is a far cry from his call mere weeks ago to begin "phasing out" FEMA.

Trump plans new tariffs on Canada, others; Moo Deng celebrates first birthday

At the White House, Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, similarly dodged questions Friday about FEMA's future. He said the agency has billions of dollars in reserves "to continue to pay for necessary expenses" and that the president has promised Texas, "Anything it needs, it will get."

On the ground in devastated communities, meanwhile, some state and local officials face questions about how well they were prepared and how quickly they acted  including if warning systems might have given more people time to evacuate.

Asked about such concerns during his appearance at the operations center in Kerrville, Trump called a reporter "evil" and said he thought "everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances."

He also praised a long list of Texas Republicans and had especially kind words for Rep. Chip Roy, who represents some of the hardest-hit areas. A staunch conservative, Roy initially opposed Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending package but ultimately supported it.

"He's not easy, but he's good," Trump said of Roy. The congressman, for his part, bristled at questions about authorities' flood response, calling the question about inadequate flood warnings "ridiculous."

Trump won Kerr County with 77% of the vote last year.

Asked what officials on the ground needed most urgently from federal sources, Kerr County Commissioner Jeff Holt, who also is a volunteer firefighter, stressed the need for repairs to nonworking phone towers and "maybe a little better early warning system."

Trump has suggested that a warning system should be established, though few details have been offered on what that might eventually entail.

Friday's visit was far different from the other times the first couple visited natural disaster sites, during Trump's first weekend back in the White House in January.

They toured North Carolina to scope out damage from Hurricane Helene and saw the aftermath of wildfires in Los Angeles, and the president sharply criticized the administration of his predecessor, President Joe Biden, and officials from deep-blue California.

"We'll be helping you from Washington, D.C., like no other president would," Trump said Friday. "The state of Texas, No. 1 they do it right and they've done it right for a long time. And it's a very special place to me."
In early July, much to the surprise of the true-crime fans who had been avidly following the story, Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four college students in Moscow, Idaho, a case that has captivated and disturbed the public since it took place in November 2022. The Kohberger trial was scheduled to begin in August, and the former criminology grad student faced the possibility of the death penalty, possibly by firing squad. The plea deal he tookobjected to by some victims family membersleft Kohberger with four consecutive life sentences, in exchange for his admission of guilt and waiving the right to appeal.

Among the many people confounded by this news were surely those involved with promoting a new book by James Patterson and Vicky Ward, The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy, and a four-episode Amazon Prime Video documentary based on the book, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders, both of which come out this week. This book and show, presumably timed to hit the wave of interest that would have coincided with Kohbergers trial, join a preexisting small shelf of books on the so-called Idaho student murders, as well as reams of videos posted on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and copious text blocks of commentary on Reddit.

All of this content has been fundamentally narratively unsatisfying, because nobody knows exactly why Kohberger did what he has now pleaded guilty to doing. The victims, University of Idaho students Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison (Maddie) Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, were stabbed to death in their off-campus house in the wee hours of Nov. 13. The evidence against KohbergerDNA found on a knife sheath left at the scene; video footage of a car similar to his Hyundai Elantra circling the scene of the crime; purchase history showing hed bought a knife like the one used in the crime; and a lack of credible alibiseemed likely to net the prosecution a win in court.

However, despite the abundance of analysis and speculation surrounding the case, what has always been missing was a concrete connection between Kohberger, a Pennsylvania native and alienated graduate student about to lose his TA-ship in the criminology department at nearby Washington State University at the time of the murders, and the four happy, beautiful twentysomethings sleeping off a night of partying at 1122 King Rd. that night. The various books on these murders all conclude on the same open-ended note: Well find out more at the trial. Now, barring any sudden revelations, open-ended is likely the most were going to get.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The college towns of Moscow, Idaho, and Pullman, Washington, the latter where Kohberger lived, are only 15 minutes apart, across state lines, but the experiences that Kohberger and the victims were having at school couldnt have been more different. Patterson and Wards book and the Prime series based on it each draw a contrast between these two ways of being young in the United States in 2022. On the one hand, you had the four undergrads life in Moscow: an endless party, yes, but the tales of collegiate bacchanalia gain depth thanks to interviewees memories of the warm love between Chapin and Kernodle and of the longtime friendship of Mogen and Goncalves. On the other hand, you had the darker story of Kohbergers addictions, health problems, and constant difficulty forming attachments, whether to friends or to romantic partners.

Culture war lurks underneath the surface here, as it does everywhere in the 2020s. The four studentsavid participants in campus Greek life, living in a historically safe small Western townget depicted in most media, including this book and show, as ideal young Americans, under threat by an outsider with dark ideas. The killing took place in an off-campus house, home to six residents so trusting of the world that they might leave their doors open and assume that any young stranger who entered was there because theyd been invited to party. People describe college campuses as bubbles, but Moscows bubble, people who lived there describe, was stronger than most. Some interviewees in the Prime series note that they couldnt believe that these murders had happened, because they didnt live on the East Coastthey remember locals feeling relieved when they found out that at least the person responsible was not from Idaho.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Patterson and Ward, in their book, advance an argument around motive that draws on this contrast between two ways of being young: the security of deep normalcy versus the dangerous outsider who might have delighted in popping the illusion. Their argument is that Bryan Kohberger should be understood as an incel killer. Kohberger had studied the crimes of mass murderer Elliot Rodger, patron saint of misogynistic terrorists, in a criminology class in undergrad. Drawing on interviews with acquaintances, Patterson and Ward write that at the time leading up to the murders, Kohberger, like Rodger, is a virgin who hates women, who copes with loneliness by immersing himself in video games and goes for night drives  visits the gun range  goes to a local bar and tries to pick up women. Inhabiting Kohbergers subjectivity, Patterson and Ward imagine how he might have felt when he found out that a childhood friend had died of a drug overdosemaybe, they write, he would have thought about how Elliot Rodger reached a tipping point in the loss of his best friend. They explain Kohbergers aggressive behavior toward women in his graduate cohort and in the classes that he taught at WSU with reference to incel terminology, writing that according to incel lore, Beckys like the women in Kohbergers classes need to be put in their place.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The book also includes a fictionalized chapter based on speculations around motive that Kohbergers fellow grad students at WSU shared with Patterson and Ward. Kohberger, who was vegan (another blue-state trait!), might, they hypothesize, have visited a Moscow restaurant called the Mad Greek, where Kernodle and Mogen were servers and where vegan pizza could be purchased. As soon as he walks inside, Ward and Patterson write with the present-tense flair characteristic of a thriller novel, he notices the blond waitress. With her long hair and sphinxlike blue eyes, she would definitely be marked as a Stacy by the incels. Shes the epitome of the women who turned down Elliot Rodger, they write of Mogen, going so far as to note that Rodger had a childhood friend named Maddy who started to ignore him after they grew up, and who featured in his writing as a target of his bitterness. Cellphone records, the Moscow police say, put Kohberger around the victims house 12 times between August and November of that year. Patterson and Ward write: The theory among Maddies friends is that she rejected him. So he watched. Waiting.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Should we lend credence to this theory? Maybe, maybe not! Again: These hypotheses will likely remain just that, now that Kohberger has pleaded guilty. The Prime documentary series, despite being based on the book, largely shies away from this kind of speculation. Its a much quieter treatment, striking a mournful tone, focusing on the victims and their families and friends. (I think hes a loser that shouldnt get talked about at all, says a young interviewee, one of the friend group and girlfriend to the poor kid who was the first to walk into the crime scene the morning after. I think the only true story should be about their lives.) This approach is effective, building toward moments in the fourth episode that are deeply moving. One of Chapins friends describes how he now opens up every packet of Taco Bell sauce before starting to eat, so he wont have to pause, just the way Ethan did it. Maddie Mogens mother shows off her daughters cutoff IDAHO sweatshirt in her childhood bedroom, pointing out that the sleeves are still rolled up, the way Maddie had them.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The doc producers pull out a theme from the terrible aftermath: The existence of social media amplified everything about the awful experience of being related to someone who died in this way. One Night in Idaho makes copious use of the many social-media photos and videos left behind by the victims, who were heavy posters of their social lives. In an interview, Chapins sister, Maizie, cries as she describes vanishing into TikTok, looking at true-crime accounts, for hours a day following the murder. I think I was still in denial, she says of this time. Meanwhile, the admins of a true-crime Facebook page covering the murders describe dealing with a guy, display name Pappa Rodger, who made creepy posts about the crime (I feel like blood ran down a few places but it has been suppressed.  The kitchen was dripping blood but they wont admit it) and whose avatar bore a weird resemblance to Bryan Kohberger. Many of the young friends of the group who are interviewed say they now have their social-media accounts set to private. In a way, whether its fair or not, this story is a cautionary tale: Dont show too many people your joy.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Neither book nor show contains direct testimony from one of the two surviving roommates from the King Road house, Dylan Mortensen, who has been under a gag order since the day of the crime. Early that morning, Mortensen heard activity in the home, left her room, glimpsed the killer as he was leaving, joined the other surviving roommate in her room, convinced herself her anxiety was uncalled-for, and slept off and on. The two waited eight hours to call their other friends, who came to the house in the morning, discovered the four bodies, and called the police.

Mortensen has been the object of much speculation, including after the news of the plea came down, when Redditors (possibly harboring what online true-crimers would call Proberger tendenciesthose who believe in Kohbergers innocence) asked, again, how it could possibly be that the survivors had waited so long to call. I know everyone responds differently to danger and the brain can block out traumatic sights; Im not blaming them at allI just find the entire situation odd, one wrote.

Advertisement

Mortensens story has stuck in my mind too, but not because I blame her. (Come on, now.) This eight-hour period between her glimpse of the intruder and her phone call is incredibly poignant. In its existence, you see the sheen of invulnerability inherent to being young; living in an American college-town bubble, in a red state proud of its lack of big city problems, cranks that feeling up to 10. Those were Dylan Mortensens last eight hours of peace. If we never get to know how she feels about that, fine. As Ethan Chapins mother, Stacy, a graceful, wise presence as an interviewee in the One Night in Idaho series, says, explaining why she didnt plan to attend the trial: It is what it is. We cannot change the outcome on this. We cannot bring Ethan back.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

When, back in 2015, Donald Trump promised to kill the Johnson Amendment, the pledge was described as one of the top reasons evangelicals would support a philandering, biblically illiterate businessman. The amendment, an Internal Revenue Service rule from 1954 that banned tax-exempt nonprofits, including churches, from directly endorsing political candidates, has been a matter of grave concern to major evangelical leaders for years. During Trumps first campaign, Mike Pence promised that Trump would free up the voices of faith by repealing the amendment.

Now, a decade later, the Trump administration has finally made good on that promisenot by killing the Johnson Amendment altogether, but by reinterpreting it to exclude churches. On Monday, the New York Times reported that in a filing for a lawsuit brought by conservative evangelical groups, the IRS said that it will now allow pastors to promote candidates to their congregations without risking their institutions tax-exempt status. According to the IRS, churches can now be as partisan as they want.

But despite being a major coup for certain Christian groups, the news was met with very little public fanfare. A few leaders of the evangelical right, such as the Family Research Councils Tony Perkins, described the ruling as a big deal for freedom of religion, given that churches will now be unshackled. But there wasnt a flood of evangelical enthusiasm, like there was after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Republican politicians didnt take to the airwaves to celebrate a victory. Trump himself didnt mention it on social media.

This may seem odd, given how long evangelicals have sought this change, and given that the ruling changes the entire government perception of how churches are allowed to act. And for Republicans, particularly, the rule change holds political promise. Because donations to churches are tax-deductible, and because churches dont have to file financial disclosures, the change may, critics have argued, open another avenue for dark money to make its way into our elections, with churches as a campaign ground. Churches can, after all, draw many thousands of attendees and stream services to even larger audiences. For white evangelical megachurches, theres no question where that political energy would go.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

But there are a few reasons that the news of the rule change has landed so quietly. First, despite the claims from evangelical leaders that the Johnson Amendment stifled religious speech, the majority of Christians seem not to have agreed.

A poll from the Public Religion Research Institute in 2023 found that a majority of all religious groups, including white evangelicals, opposed allowing tax-exempt churches to endorse candidates. Similarly, 62 percent of evangelical Christians polled in a 2019 survey from Pew Research Center said that religious leaders should not endorse candidates in churches.

As William Wolfe, a noted conservative Southern Baptist leader and former Trump administration official, argued in a social media post: Heres a dirty secret: Many Southern Baptist elites (seminary professors, megachurch pastors, etc.) arent excited about this. For as much as they talk about religious liberty they actually loved the Johnson Amendment because it gave them an excuse to avoid politics.

Advertisement

Wolfe, a self-identifying Christian Nationalist, is representative of the only group that does actually favor politics in the pulpits, per the PRRI survey. This demographicpeople who, in the PRRI poll, agree with statements such as The U.S. government should declare America a Christian nationis most robust in white evangelical and nondenominational charismatic churches. But as popular as Christian Nationalism is, it doesnt encompass all of white evangelicalism; this mission doesnt have quite the popular appeal of fighting Roe.

Advertisement

But more importantly, a lot of leading evangelicals had long ago stopped seeing the Johnson Amendment as a matter of genuine concern. Thats because theres one very important fact about the Johnson Amendment that evangelical leaders often failed to mention when they complained about it: Only two churches have ever been punished under it.

The first case in which a church lost its tax-exempt status because of a violation of the Johnson Amendment occurred when a New York church put out a newspaper ad against Bill Clinton in 1992. We dont know the details of the second, which, according to the Texas Tribune, occurred in 2012.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Anthea Butler, chair of the Religious Studies department at the University of Pennsylvania, argued that without any actual history of enforcement, the Johnson Amendment never really served as a deterrent to campaigning in churches. She pointed to the conservative political campaigns, such as that by Turning Point USAs Charlie Kirk, that brought campaign events to churches in swing states. (The Johnson Amendment did not bar churches from inviting candidates or other political speakers; pastors crossed the line when they voiced their own endorsements.) At those events, megachurches became pro-Trump rallies. A prominent megachurch in Dallas, the First Baptist Church, has a choir that performs a song titled Make America Great Again.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Theyre pretty damn bold already, Butler said. I dont know how much more bold you could get.

It is true, though, that the IRS has investigated churches for violations. In April, Trump told reporters that seven or eight evangelical pastors had told him at a dinner that they had been targeted by the IRS during the Biden administration. The Religion News Service, which reported on that claim, was unable to confirm the details, but Robert Jeffress, the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, told the publication that his church had been investigated by the IRS over Johnson Amendment violations, costing him hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Advertisement

So its hard to know how many pastors stayed quiet out of fear of being investigated. During the first Trump administration, there was little reason for concern, given that Trump signed an executive order that told the IRS to stop investigating such cases. (Trump often falsely claimed that he had eliminated the Johnson Amendment by doing this.) But anxieties may have re-emerged in the Biden era.

But most experts Slate reached out to said they believed the rule change would make little difference: Any pastors who wanted to speak out about candidates could have done so already, either explicitly or through guest speaker proxies. Black churches in America have long been a driver of political activism, inviting politicians and Civil Rights leaders to their pulpits. White conservative evangelicals drove the campaign against the Johnson Amendment, and white conservative evangelicals have significantly more funding and political power, but Black Protestants have some of the highest levels of comfort with clergy endorsing candidates, per the Pew poll. So this change, at least, wont only concern right-wing evangelical churches.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related From Slate We Found Out This Week Just How Much Evangelicals Are Feeling Themselves in 2025 Read More

Still, theres something symbolic about the new rule, particularly when it comes as the result of a campaign from white evangelicals. In some ways, one scholar argued, the Johnson Amendment was a holdover of an older and politer era, in which pastors approached these worldly matters with caution.

I put this in the category of the old pieties that people used to observe, said Seth Dowland, a professor of religion at Pacific Lutheran University.

According to Dowland, before Trump, conservative churches often still tried to entertain the idea that it was legitimate for Christians to vote in different ways. Pastors might still share their views, but in a restrained way that allowed for disagreement. But when Trump first ran for office, the evangelical voters were often much more enthusiastic about Trump than their pastors were, as Trump didnt fit the mold of the standard figures of the religious right. Some pastors were punished for their hesitation to vocally support Trump, as their members relocated to churches with more full-throated MAGA pastors. Soon, other pastors began to realize that they would be rewarded for leaving the old prudence behind.

Advertisement

The Trump era has blasted away any subtlety or circumspection that might have existed previously, Dowland said.

For now, the end of the Johnson Amendment may excite the fraction of pastors who built their brands around supporting Trump. For the next few years, that additional freedom may offer them bigger flocks, bigger donations, and greater access to the halls of power.

But its hard to know if these pastors will be as excited when the first post-Trump Republican primary comes around. Without the defining figure of the MAGA movement, and without a unified Republican party, having the freedom to endorse candidates might turn out to be more of a burden than anything else.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante blocked Donald Trumps assault on birthright citizenship in a ruling that applies nationwide. Despite its scope, Laplantes order is not the kind of universal injunction that the Supreme Court prohibited in Junes Trump v. CASA. Rather, the judge certified a class of plaintiffs that includes everyone who would be affected by Trumps policy and issued an injunction to protect their fundamental rights. This class action seeks to fill the gap that the Supreme Court created when it limited judges power to halt unconstitutional executive actions last month.

Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed Laplantes decision and how judges can still defend the Constitution after CASA, on this weeks Slate Plus bonus episode of Amicus. A preview of their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for and clarity.

Dahlia Lithwick: This is the first decision on birthright citizenship since the Supreme Court rolled back three different universal injunctions in CASA last month. What did Laplante write?

Mark Joseph Stern: He said this was an easy call: The plaintiffs meet all four requirements for a class action. First, numerosity: More than 150,000 infants could be affected by this order every year. Second, commonality: All the infants face the same legal questionwhether they get birthright citizenship. Third, typicality: The lead plaintiffs face the same injury that everybody else in the class faces. Fourth, adequacy: Yes, the plaintiffs and their lawyers can represent this class fairly. So Laplante certified the provisional class, then issued an injunction that covered everybody in it. Its not a universal injunctionit just happens to cover individuals in all 50 states.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

There was a little bit of buzz after this decision came down suggesting that Laplantes class might cover unborn children. Is he in fact going to create some kind of personhood exception that allows fetuses to be pulled into this litigation?

Advertisement

No, that is not whats happening here. Josh Craddockan advocate for fetal personhood whom Trump recently appointed to the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counselwas salivating over that possibility, as were other anti-abortion advocates; they mused that they could do something similar in the future to establish fetal personhood. [Craddock later deleted his tweet.] But Laplantes order does not apply to fetuses or embryos. Rather, the provisional class covers infants from the moment they are born, which is when they are supposed to receive citizenship under the 14th Amendment.

So this is not fetal personhood or any kind of back door into establishing a class action on behalf of unborn children. This is about making sure theres not a loophole through which the government could rush to deny these infants citizenship before their parents can formally add them to the class. There have been plenty of other cases in which a judge has certified a class that covers children who will come into a specific situation in the future, even if they arent in it right now, even if they dont yet existclass actions involving the detention of undocumented minors, for instance, or those in foster care. Thats whats going on here.

Advertisement

Advertisement

It seems as if everything youve described about this class certification is just obviously correct, and Im trying to figure out what the DOJ is going to squawk about. Can you walk us through its objections?

The department argued that future children cant be class members now because they dont exist yet. And it claimed that protecting their rights before they come into the world would somehow violate the due process clause by resolving their legal rights before they exist as parties. Again, that doesnt make any sense under the law, because there have been plenty of class actions that are forward-looking and encompass parties as they face harms. Here, the infants will face harms the moment they come into the world, which is why the class must cover them as soon as theyre born. The governments argument is also achingly hypocritical for an administration that does not respect the due process rights of actual immigrants who exist today.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related From Slate The Bleak Unifying Principle of This Supreme Court Term Read More

The DOJ tried as well to smuggle in an argument that really goes to the merits of the case. It said that the immigration status of the class members parents will vary: Some will have lived here for years; others are recent arrivals. Some are undocumented; some have temporary visas. And the government claimed that the class members rights under the 14th Amendment might ultimately depend on their parents exact immigration status and domicile in the United States. Laplante responded that those details are irrelevant, because he already ruled that immigration status and domicile have no bearing on the legal question of whether a child born to immigrants must get citizenship regardless of their parents legal status. He would not let the government use its bogus constitutional claims to thwart class certification.

Advertisement

Advertisement

I guess my only lingering question is: Isnt this functionally identical to a nationwide injunction? In CASA, Justice Amy Coney Barrett suggested that class actions might be an alternative, and now Laplante has just given one to her?

Advertisement

Basically. And if there were ever a case where a nationwide class action should prevail, its this one, right? There will be children everywhere in the U.S. who are affected by Trumps policy in the exact same way. Its not Laplantes problem that his order happens to cover people in all 50 states. He cannot rationally limit it to people born in a certain geographic area. So he took Barrett at her word in CASA that she wasnt taking away class actions that apply nationwide. But he did stay his injunction for seven days so the government can appeal.

Since CASA came down, you and I have wondered if the Supreme Courts unholy beatdown of district court judges is going to chill them from doing the right thing, especially married to threats against trial court judges and the sense that nobodys fighting for them. Here we have a Bush judge saying: You know what? I dont need anybody to fight for me. I know whats right. He doesnt seem chilled at all.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Not at all. Hes going for it. And this is not a flaming liberal; in fact, hes the one judge in the first round of litigation over this issue who did not issue a universal injunction, issuing instead a very limited remedy. So he has already shown that hes not trying to expand his jurisdiction beyond whats proper. He has been taking this case carefully. I think that gives him a lot of credibility to now come to the table as the first judge after CASA to certify a class action that applies nationwide. Hes doing whatever he can to try to protect the 14th Amendment. Because if you cant have universal injunctions and you cant have class actions, then you really cant have constitutional rights at all.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

In the midst of President Donald Trump and Stephen Millers totalizing immigration crackdownan effort that has come to involve agents and soldiers in full combat gear marching and riding armored vehicles through major American citiessympathetic and often outraged U.S. citizens have seen themselves as allies and protectors who can face off against the administrations overreaches while incurring less risk.

In recent weeks, though, that sense of being beyond the scope of immigration agents has curdled, and naturalized citizens in particular are beginning to worry that after Trump has targeted immigrants lacking legal status, temporary status holders, and permanent residents, theyre next. Last month, a memo issued by Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate cited prioritizing denaturalization as one of five top issues for the Justice Departments Civil Division, writing that DOJ would maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence.

A long list of potential targets had the expected inclusion of suspected gang members and fraudsters, along with the rather broad categories of people who acquired naturalization through government corruption, fraud, or material misrepresentations; those who pose a potential danger to national security, including those with a nexus to terrorism, espionage; and other cases referred to the Civil Division that the Division determines to be sufficiently important to pursue.

Those whove been following the administrations crackdown immediately recognized the latter two points in particular as a catchall for people engaged in disfavored speech and political activity, like Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University graduate student, Palestinian student organizer, and green card holder detained by federal agents in March. That this effort could be used as a form of political policing was further bolstered in the aftermath of Zohran Mamdanis upset victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, after which right-wing figures, including sitting Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles, called for the naturalized New Yorker to be stripped of citizenship and deported. Ogles sent a letter to that effect to Attorney General Pam Bondi before Trump himself weighed in, musing about having Mamdani arrested.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Yet, as concerning as these developments are, actually going through with a denaturalization is a complicated and legally fraught process. Everyone else who has migrated herefrom immigrants lacking legal status to full permanent residentscan be put through the administrative immigration court system, which itself exists within the DOJ and under the control of Trumps handpicked leader, Bondi. It is this lack of judicial independence that has enabled Immigration and Customs Enforcement prosecutors and immigration judges to collude to dismiss active asylum cases for the agency to be able to arrest people attending their own immigration hearings.

That is not the case for naturalized citizens, though. The immigration courts have no jurisdiction over U.S. citizens, so the only way for the administration to attempt to strip citizenship is to go through the actual federal judiciary, which is far more independent and much less likely to look favorably upon efforts to target the relatively ironclad protections of citizenship. The government can attempt either a civil or criminal denaturalization, with the latter alleging that the naturalization itself was obtained through criminal means. Despite the Supreme Courts recent kowtowing to the more authoritarian aspects of Trumps agenda, in the unanimous 2017 decision in Maslenjak v. United States, the court ruled that the government could not strip citizenship from a woman who had lied about her husband having served in the Bosnian Serb army because the denaturalization statute demands a causal or means-end connection between a legal violation and naturalization.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Any omission that would not have had an impact on the citizenship application would not cut it, even if it was misrepresentation or an omission, explained Cyrus Mehta, a prominent New York immigration lawyer who is representing Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi, another permanent resident detained by the Trump administration. That is to say, a denaturalization can move forward only if the government can establish to the satisfaction of a federal judge that there are ex ante facts that would have clearly made the person directly ineligible for citizenship in the first place.

Advertisement

That ex ante part is important. One fact often getting lost in the shuffle is that a naturalized citizen cannot be denaturalized for anything that happens after their naturalization. Obviously, a citizen who commits a federal crime can still be prosecuted and imprisoned for it, but their citizenship itself cannot be touched on that basis. Whatever the administration would want to trot out to target a citizen would need to have occurred during or prior to the naturalization process.

Advertisement

One of the easiest hooks for that is membership or support for sanctioned organizations like terrorist groups. As some observers have pointed out, denaturalization was an effective tool during the McCarthyist Red Scare, when people were targeted for membership or participation in communist groups and parties. Ogles letter to Bondi absurdly points to a 2017 song Mamdani produced with the lyrics Holy Land Five / My Guys, a reference to the dubiously convicted members of a charity, as evidence that the politician had terrorist sympathies not previously disclosed (adding, in one of the understatements of the century, I understand that some may have First Amendment concerns).

Advertisement

Advertisement

This is ridiculous on its face, and it would be in a legal setting. Material support must be, well, material, i.e., monetary or involving direct practical assistance or services to sanctioned entities. The communist denaturalizations were made more straightforward by the fact that membership in Communist parties is specifically mentioned as grounds for inadmissibility in immigration law (yes, still) and that those targeted had actively participated in those groups. As Mehta points out, the government has made insinuations but not actually attempted to argue in court that the pro-Palestinian activists are engaged in such support.

Advertisement

Related From Slate Elon Musk Might Have Finally Flown Too Close to the Sun Read More

Mahdawi is an activist, he was part of the campus protests, but to find material support means that there has to be a link between the terrorist organization and noncitizens whom they want to deport, he said. In the case of these students, even Khalil, Mahdawi, [Rumeysa] Ozturk, Badar [Khan Suri], they have not been charged with material support, and thats because its harder to establish material support. Just because youre fighting for Palestinian rights and theyre aligned with what Hamas is advocating doesnt mean that youre providing material support to Hamas. If the government cant get the smear to stick on noncitizens, its going to be very difficult to make that work in a federal denaturalization proceeding.

Advertisement

Advertisement

As with practically all of Trump and Millers immigration actions, this is best understood as at least partly a public relations exercise and an effort to engender uncertainty as a scare tactic. Its a lesson well learned from their first time at the helm. To take just one example, during the first Trump administration, Homeland Security moved to significantly expand the circumstances under which a would-be immigrant could be denied status over so-called public charge concernsthe idea that they might become reliant on the government. This effort went through years of litigation, with injunctions and overturns, before the policy ultimately went into effect in 2020only to quickly be blocked again as COVID-19 took hold.

Advertisement

In the end, theres no evidence that anyone was ever actually denied status based exclusively on the expanded public charge definition. Nonetheless, one study found that as many as 1 in 4 adults in mixed-status households in 2022 did not participate in safety-net programs they were entitled to out of concern that doing so would affect their immigration status, well after the short-lived rule was no longer in effect. The point wasnt necessarily for the rule change to have a significant legal impact but rather for the specter of its application to dissuade people either from applying for status in the first place or from using public benefits to which they were entitled.

Advertisement

Advertisement

All the current talk of denaturalization seems geared toward making U.S. citizens think twice before engaging in political speech or activitythats precisely why the effort is most individually targeted at prominent political opponents like Mamdani and, now, Elon Musk. After the Tesla CEOs public falling-out with former best friend Trump, the president is saying hell take a look at deporting the U.S. citizen billionaire.

Being the subject of a federal civil or criminal denaturalization process in federal district court and up through whatever appeals level is inherently incredibly destabilizing, disorienting, and often expensive, even if you win. The process is a sort of punishment, which is certainly the point. So although the administrations chances of going through with anything resembling a true mass denaturalization campaign seem extraordinarily unlikely, we should expect to see the White House wield it as a political weapon.
Opinionpalooza Is HereFollow Along With Slates Legal Experts Get clear, smart takes on every major ruling. Subscribe to support Slates legal coverage. Join Slate Plus

In a provocative dissenting opinion, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recently called out her colleagues on the Supreme Court for appearing overly sympathetic to corporate interests. Objecting to a decision allowing fuel companies to sue over clean-air rules that dont regulate those companies, Jackson described how moneyed interests seem to enjoy an easier road to relief in this Court than ordinary citizens. Justice Sonia Sotomayor later echoed that sentiment in a different case, highlighting the courts reluctance to constrain regulated businesses while imposing Kafkaesque rules on other litigants, such as politically disfavored noncitizens.

Jackson and Sotomayor are right to be concerned about the courts bias toward industry. As the Constitutional Accountability Center has documented, the court has adopted the position advocated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in nearly 70 percent of its cases since John Roberts became chief justice 20 years ago. Some terms, the Roberts court has sided with the Chamber 80 percent, 90 percent, and even 100 percent of the time. That is a sharp increase from prior decades, when the Chambers success rate hovered around 50 percent.

Even this remarkable success rate does not fully capture the advances big business has made under the Roberts court. The courts pro-corporate decisions routinely yield landmark rulings that bulldoze settled doctrine in favor of industry. Take, for instance, the recent trio of cases imposing limits on judicial deference to agency legal views, cutting back on agencies ability to adjudicate certain matters in-house, and brushing away time limits on challenging agency regulations. Each decision undermined long-standing precedent, making it more difficult to enforce laws meant to ensure safe workplaces and products, a clean environment, and fair financial dealings.

Industrys losses at the Supreme Court, by contrast, are often simply failures to reshape the law even more aggressively in its favor. In these cases, the court maintains the status quo, but it almost never moves the ball significantly in favor of consumers, workers, or the environment. This term, for instance, the court declined to expand the nondelegation doctrine, which addresses when Congress can give policymaking authority to agencies, something corporations have long urged to make it more difficult for agencies to regulate them. But the courts rejection of that effort simply reaffirmed precedent going back a centuryand the Chamber has claimed that even the courts opinion in this case implicitly signals a more restrictive approach to agency authority.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

This lopsided pattern means that efforts to promote corporate accountability at best tread water, while industry victories regularly reshape the legal landscape.

Related From Slate A Surprise Target of Trumps Cutbacks Is Devastating One Specific Population Read More

That dynamic is exacerbated by how the court selects cases to hear. Overwhelmingly, the justices choose to review lower-court decisions that go against corporate interestsrarely the opposite. In some recent terms, over 90 percent of the business cases the court chose to hear were corporate challenges to lower-court rulings that favored individuals or the government over industry. By stacking the deck this way, the court gives big business plenty of opportunities to overturn unfavorable decisions, while avoiding putting corporate victories in jeopardy. To illustrate just how skewed the courts practice has been, during one five-year period the court reversed only two lower-court victories for industry, while reversing nearly 50 lower-court victories for plaintiffs and the government.

Big businesss newfound success is partly driven by another trend that has emerged under Chief Justice Roberts: a deep rift between the Democrat- and Republican-appointed justices in business cases. Based on the numbers, the courts more liberal wingnot its conservative blocappears to be following Roberts professed model of a neutral umpire calling balls and strikes. The more liberal justices have typically voted for the Chamber of Commerces position roughly 50 percent of the time, while the conservative justices have sometimes done so more than 75 percent of the time. Some years, the conservatives have sided with industry nearly twice as often as their colleagues. And tellingly, when business interests prevail, conservative justices almost never dissent.

Advertisement

Advertisement

With the recent comments by Jackson and Sotomayor, the courts own members are now calling attention to this apparent bias. And the conservative supermajority has been unable to muster a response. Justice Brett Kavanaugh attempted to refute Jacksons accusation that the court acts inconsistently when deciding who to let through the courthouse doors. His response was to cite a list of cases that he claimed showed otherwise. But this list, strikingly, does not include a single case in which the court allowed individuals to sue corporations, or prevented corporations from suing the government.

Advertisement

What the record actually shows is that the court invariably sweeps aside procedural roadblocks when industries sue to evade oversight and accountability. But the court does not offer the same solicitude to individual plaintiffs attempting to redress corporate abuse.

In the 2010 case Free Enterprise Fund v. PCOAB, for example, the court permitted industries to challenge oversight by agencies they claim are unconstitutional, despite lacking any statutory right to do so. In the 2019 case Seila Law v. CFPB, it held that companies can pursue these sorts of challenges to agency authority without showing that the alleged constitutional flaw made a difference in their case. Both decisions led to major rulings cutting back on agency independence. In West Virginia v. EPA in 2021, the court allowed fossil-fuel interests to sue over an environmental policy that would never have gone into effect regardless, giving the conservative majority the opportunity to endorse the so-called major questions doctrine, which makes it more difficult for Congress to give agencies the authority they need to regulate business. More recently, in Axon Enterprise v. FTC, the justices allowed litigants to go directly to court with objections to agency procedures, instead of waiting for the agency to first complete its proceedings. And in Diamond Alternative Energy v. EPA, which prompted Jacksons remarks this term, the court let fuel companies challenge an emissions standard based on supposedly commonsense speculation about its effectsprecisely what the court has long prevented individuals and nonprofits from doing.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Compare this indulgent approach with how the court treats other litigants. In sharply divided decisions, it has blocked consumers and employees from leveling the playing field by joining together in class actions. It has repeatedly shut plaintiffs out of court entirely by shunting them into forced arbitration. The court has made itself, not Congress, the arbiter of what counts as an injury that can justify a lawsuitand in the courts view, being erroneously designated as a terrorist by credit bureaus does not qualify. The court has prevented unhoused people from using the Eighth Amendment to challenge laws that punish them for sleeping outdoors. It has prohibited victims of human rights abuses from suing companies that aided those abuses, pronouncing corporations uniquely immune under a 200-year-old law. It has contorted statutory language to stop immigrants from obtaining effective relief against wrongful detention and deportation. And it has barred individuals from challenging government surveillance because the harms they complained about were too speculativea lesson the court forgot when industry plaintiffs came before it.

As Justice Jackson noted, the Constitution does not distinguish between plaintiffs whose claims are backed by the Chamber of Commerce and those who seek to vindicate their rights to fair housing, desegrated schools, or privacy. But if anyone doubts the reality of that statement in practice, the courts one-sided record will do little to dissuade them.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe is using his position to go after President Donald Trumps domestic critics.

It is bad enough, though not uncommon, for an agency head to politicize intelligenceto cherry-pick information or contort facts and analyses to fit the perceptions and policies of the president. George W. Bushs CIA director, George Tenet, did this to bolster the White House view that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. And Ratcliffe himself indulged in it during the brief spell when he was director of national intelligence at the end of Trumps first term.

However, it is a betrayal of the agencys charter, a demolition of its overall credibility, and by the way not at all common, for a director to harness the agencys assets to prop up the presidents image and wreck the reputations of individuals who dare tarnish it.

Late last month, Ratcliffe publicly released a tradecraft review of the intelligence communitys assessment in 2016, during the final days of Barack Obamas presidency, which had concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin interfered in that years U.S. election in order to help Trump win.

In an exclusive interview with the New York Post, which was picked up by other news agencies, Ratcliffe said the review showed claims of Russian tampering in the election were strictly political. Accusing the former president and his FBI Director James Comey, DNI James Clapper, and CIA Director John Brennan, Ratcliffe told the pro-Trump New York tabloid, This was Obama, Comey, Clapper, and Brennan deciding, Were going to screw Trump.  They silenced all the career [intel] professionals and railroaded the process.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Two things are worth noting here. First, of all the things that Ratcliffe could have his analysts review, it might be odd that he chose the claim of Russian interference in the 2016 electionexcept of course that Trump has raged against the Russia hoax ever since, seeing it as casting doubt on the legitimacy of his first electoral win. Ratcliffe was carrying his presidents water. (Since Ratcliffe put out the review, the FBI has announced it will launch criminal probes of Comey and Brennan; Trump cheered, saying the two are crooked as hell.)

Advertisement

Second, and a point that almost no stories about the review have noticed: This is not what the CIAs review says at all.

The eight-page review criticized the 9-year-old report for multiple procedural anomalies. It said the deadline was rushed, some dissents were glossed over, and some agency directors took part in the analysis, which they usually dont do, in order to avoid perceptions of political bias.

However, it affirms the substance of the Obama-era reportand even attests to its integrity, noting it was, for the most part, robust and consistent with the intelligence communitys formal directive on analytical standards. It also praises the reports analytic rigor in citing 173 separate documents from the FBI, CIA, and National Security Agency.

Advertisement

It criticizes the Obama-Brennan CIA for concluding with high confidence that Putin aspired to help elect Trump. Ratcliffes reviewers object that this claim should have been made with medium confidence. A high confidence claim needs to have, among other things, multiple sources, whereas this claim had only one source.

Advertisement

However, Ratcliffes authors go on to say that they do not dispute the quality and credibility of the single source that drove the CIA to make that judgment. (It has been rumored that the source was an NSA intercept of Putin himself talking with aides.) They also note that all the intel agencies at the time agreed with high confidence that the Russian government (a) tried to interfere with the U.S. election in a way that would (b) help undermine public trust in the democratic process and (c) help defeat Trumps Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. The authors acknowledge that one might infer from this that the Russians were trying to help Trump win, but this should have been explicitly noted as an inference. Even here, though, they contradict their argument, because the Obama-era report, even in its unclassified version, did note that the NSA disagreed with the CIA, ascribing moderate confidence to the assessment that Putin aspired to help elect Trump.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Finally, in his Post interview, Ratcliffe claims that Obama and his intel chiefs based their conclusions on the Steele report, the now-discredited paper by a private investigator that made many false, or at least unproven, claims about Trumps associations with Russia.

Related From Slate Trumps Latest Ukraine Reversal Reveals a Disturbing Truth About the Administration Read More

However, the actual CIA review, which Ratcliffe pretends to cite, acknowledges that Obamas agencies did not rely on the Steele report to reach the analytic conclusions.

Ratcliffe or someone higher-up in the current CIA might have objected to this passage, because the review then notes that Obamas officials did mention the Steele reports existence in an annex of their two-page summary, and that by doing so they implicitly elevated Steele to the status of credible supporting evidence. But this makes no sense.

Nothing released to date has proved that Russias massive influencing campaign (and it was a massive campaign, directed by the Kremlin and a branch of its military intelligence) actually tilted the election. Nor has anyone provedperhaps in part because it has never been systematically investigated, at least in publicwhether Trump colluded in Russias campaign.

Advertisement

However, to deny that there was a Russian campaign, and for the CIA director to distort the findings of his own agencys review in order to perpetuate that denial for strictly political purposes, is not merely dishonest but dangerous.

Advertisement

Renee DiResta, a former intelligence analyst, makes this point most thoroughly in a recent article in Lawfare (which, as far as I know, is the only other article spelling out the many ways that Ratcliffe falsified his agencys review):

The stakes are high: Preserving democratic resilience demands a steadfast commitment to transparent, rigorous intelligence analysis and to independent verification. Without these, we risk surrendering historical truth to politically expedient fiction.

Advertisement

One final point in the category of political expediency. Neither Ratcliffe nor his agencys review mentions a 158-page report by the Republican-chaired Senate Intelligence Committee in April 2020, during Trumps first term. That report, which drew on all of the classified material available, concluded that Putin did interfere in the 2016 election, with the aim of harming Clintons chances and boosting Trumps. The report also praised the intelligence communitys analysiswhich Ratcliffe is now baselessly trashingas a sound intelligence product written under no politically motivated pressure to reach specific conclusions.

The chairman of that committee was Sen. Marco Rubio, who of course is now Trumps secretary of state and national security adviser. Someone should ask Rubio what he thinks of Ratcliffes tirade.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250711/armenia-caught-in-wests-war-on-traditional-values-1122426845.html

Armenia Caught In West's War On Traditional Values

Armenia Caught In West's War On Traditional Values

Sputnik International

Grant Melik-Shahnazaryan, political analyst and regional security expert, decodes the formula of the Armenian crisis, explaining that global geopolitical contest shifted to the clash of values.

2025-07-11T11:19+0000

2025-07-11T11:19+0000

2025-07-11T11:19+0000

world

armenia

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/06/16/1122317547_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_d36f844fcbe4760a11f390588cfc5fe9.jpg

The political analyst decodes the hidden layers of Armenias crisis: Values under fire Western governments and their puppet NGOs seek to counter any new center of support for traditional values and Christianity like Russia, and countries where the West has even minimal leverage come under pressure," with Armenia being among them. Geopolitical confrontation PM Nikol Pashinians crackdown on the church is part of bigger geopolitical scheme with a goal to weaken Russias position in the South Caucasus. 2026 election prep Pashinyan himself is removing vocal critiques from the equation, setting the stage for the 2026 elections.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250710/ex-slovak-pm-arnogursk-blames-west-for-armenias-struggles-1122423618.html

armenia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

armenia turmoil, armenia politcal turmoil, armenia crack down on church
Lily James has teased the Cliffhanger reboot is a real re-imagining of the original movie.

Lily James has teased the Cliffhanger reboot is 'definitely different' to the original movie

The 36-year-old actress will star in the new take of Sylvester Stallones 1993 action flick as Naomi Cooper, and James has now revealed Cliffhanger is definitely different to the first flick.

Speaking with Screen Rant, she said: I don't want to say too much to give it away right now. What I will say is I had one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. We shot in the Dolomites. We were there for six weeks on the mountains.

I was really hanging off mountains. We had to shut down multiple times because of freak snowstorms.

The story is very much through Naomi and her sister Sydney. I would hope that we are maintaining what people love about the original cliffhanger, but it's definitely different.

It's feral, it's raw. It's a real re-imagining, and I am producing it too.

The Baby Driver star added she loved working with director Jaume Collet-Serra, and gushed it was just a dream to collaborate with Pierce Brosnan - who is portraying her mountaineer father Ray Cooper in the film.

She said: I loved working with Jaume Collet-Sera, who's directing it. We have a wonderful cast. Pierce Brosnan is just a dream, and we're in the edit phase now, but I'm really, really excited to share this one.

And I fell completely in love with rock climbing. I became utterly obsessed. And getting physically strong for that was one of the biggest challenges.

But getting to really do it and really do all that climbing was seriously empowering really. And I loved it.

Stallone was initially due to reprise his role as ranger Gabriel Gabe Walker in the new Cliffhanger movie, though the actor ultimately left the project and it was subsequently overhauled with James and Brosnan leading the reboot instead.

The official synopsis reads: In this reboot of Cliffhanger, seasoned mountaineer Ray Cooper (Brosnan) and his daughter Sydney run a mountain chalet in the Dolomites.

During a weekend trip with a billionaire's son, they are targeted by a gang of kidnappers. Ray's older daughter Naomi (James), still haunted by a past climbing accident, witnesses the attack and escapes.

The cast for Cliffhanger also includes Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba and Bruno Gouery.

In order to prepare for Cliffhanger, James underwent real training to learn how to climb to achieve the epic shots seen in the movie.

Collet-Serra said in a statement: Shooting our movie on location in the Dolomites using large format cameras was imperative for us to show the scope and scale of the story were telling.

Were going to bring the audience a truly thrilling and visceral, premium theatrical experience. Lily in particular has gone above and beyond for the role, putting in real training and learning to climb.

Her dedication has allowed us to capture some incredible shots we couldnt have achieved otherwise, and the whole crew is blown away by her commitment.

Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor, film producer, and activist.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250711/eu-wants-to-keep-the-ukraine-conflict-going-to-maintain-power---opposition-politician-1122428127.html

EU Wants to Keep the Ukraine Conflict Going to Maintain Power - Opposition Politician

EU Wants to Keep the Ukraine Conflict Going to Maintain Power - Opposition Politician

Sputnik International

The European Union is interested in prolonging the conflict in Ukraine to maintain power, and it is drawing the United States into a trade war with Russia, Ukrainian opposition politician and chairman of the Other Ukraine movement Viktor Medvedchuk said on Friday.

2025-07-11T14:55+0000

2025-07-11T14:55+0000

2025-07-11T14:55+0000

world

ukrainian crisis

viktor medvedchuk

russia-nato showdown

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/0f/1110359566_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_8aeaf38507004f1b6724516907812bbc.jpg

Today, Europe is dragging US President Donald Trump into a trade war with Russia, the politician said. However, Trump has every opportunity to shift world politics towards peace. On June 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Sky News Arabia that Ukraine deserves a better fate and should not be used as a tool in the hands of third parties who prolong the conflict and use it to their advantage. At the same time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in June that the negotiation process on Ukraine depends on Kiev's position and on how effectively Washington continues its mediation efforts.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250704/battlefield-advantage-us-arms-shortages-give-putin-chance-to-talk-to-us-from-position-of-strength-1122396405.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

russia' special operation, ukraine crisis, ukraine conflict, ukraine hostilties
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250711/fm-lavrov-says-confirmed-russias-position-on-ukraine-settlement-at-meeting-with-rubio-1122426000.html

FM Lavrov Says Russia's Position on Ukraine Settlement Confirmed at Meeting With Rubio

FM Lavrov Says Russia's Position on Ukraine Settlement Confirmed at Meeting With Rubio

Sputnik International

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Friday that he reaffirmed Russia's stance on the Ukraine settlement during his recent meeting with US... 11.07.2025, Sputnik International

2025-07-11T07:02+0000

2025-07-11T07:02+0000

2025-07-11T10:35+0000

world

sergey lavrov

marco rubio

ukraine

russia

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/07/0b/1122425986_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_ee55455589ce107fcc15e7f59633c0b6.jpg

When asked about the new approach of Russia to the Ukraine settlement allegedly announced at a meeting with Rubio, the minister refused to comment on the topic. Additionally, Lavrov said that he had conveyed to Rubio a selection of quotes from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other representatives of the Ukrainian leadership about the need to "destroy Russki."More of his statements:

ukraine

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

sergey lavrov, marco rubio, ukraine, russia
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250711/iran-says-over-90-of-missiles-hit-targets-in-retaliatory-strikes-on-israel-1122427745.html

Iran Says Over 90% of Missiles Hit Targets in Retaliatory Strikes on Israel

Iran Says Over 90% of Missiles Hit Targets in Retaliatory Strikes on Israel

Sputnik International

More than 90% of Iranian missiles hit their targets during Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israel in the final days of the 12-day war, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said.

2025-07-11T11:37+0000

2025-07-11T11:37+0000

2025-07-11T11:37+0000

world

middle east

benjamin netanyahu

donald trump

iran

israel

iran-israel row

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/0c/1121414319_0:110:2100:1291_1920x0_80_0_0_b9cb2a0a99364d58de3fb83668bfd2fc.jpg

Ghalibaf added that at least 500 people could have been killed in Iran's strikes on Israel, since there are certain "[statistical] standards for casualties" for any number of victims. He reported on existing information about 3,500 people injured in Israel, a figure which, according to Ghalibaf, should account for at least 500 deaths. In late June, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the number of casualties from Iranian missile attacks during the entire period of hostilities between the countries had risen to 1,472, with 28 fatalities. On the night of June 13, Israel launched an operation against Iran, accusing it of implementing a secret military nuclear program. Iran rejected the accusations, responding with its own attacks. For 12 days the parties exchanged strikes, which were joined by the United States, which struck Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22. Tehran retaliated by attacking US air base Al Udeid in Qatar. US President Donald Trump said on June 23 that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire to end the war. Iran denies the military dimension of its nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not seen concrete evidence that Iran has an active nuclear weapons program, Director General Rafael Grossi said on June 18.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250702/us-and-israel-pursue-regime-change-in-iran-via-lies-and-weaponizing-of-iaea-1122386723.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250630/us-strikes-on-iran-the-fallout-myth-1122367835.html

iran

israel

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

middle east crisis, iran-israel row, iran clashes with israel, israel hostilities
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250711/iran-us-respond-with-attention-to-russias-proposal-to-help-iran-deplete-uranium-1122425634.html

Iran, US Respond With Attention to Russia's Proposal to Help Iran Deplete Uranium

Iran, US Respond With Attention to Russia's Proposal to Help Iran Deplete Uranium

Sputnik International

Iran, the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have paid close attention to Russia's proposal to remove excess enriched uranium from Iran, but the matter has not yet reached specifics, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik.

2025-07-11T04:39+0000

2025-07-11T04:39+0000

2025-07-11T04:39+0000

world

iran

russia

international atomic energy agency (iaea)

sergey ryabkov

nuclear program

iran's nuclear program

iranian nuclear program

iran's nuclear program amid western sanctions

iran's nuclear program

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/06/1a/1122341506_0:62:2160:1277_1920x0_80_0_0_b33e5fae672209f7852a4d45b15a27fd.jpg

"We have conveyed this proposal to both the Iranian side and the American side, and the IAEA is also aware of it. Its purpose is to solve two problems at once - one is related to the fact that the Iranian side, as we understand it, is firmly insisting on the importance of preserving the right to carry out enrichment work on its territory. On the other hand, we see that there are opponents of Tehran who are expressing great concern about the accumulation on its territory of uranium enriched above the levels that are usually used in the manufacture of fuel for nuclear reactors," Ryabkov said. If Russia could take this material out of Iran and carry out appropriate work with it in order to produce fuel from it or manage it in such a way that it becomes a commercial product subject to sale, then both of these tasks could be effectively solved, he said. "Considering that it is still unclear how the dialogue will proceed, whether it will proceed at all, and if it does, in what format, we have not yet reached the specifics of such practical measures. But all interested parties approached this with attention and, perhaps, one can say, perceived this as a reflection of the seriousness of our efforts, the seriousness of our intentions in this regard," Ryabkov said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250701/1122375444.html

iran

russia

israel

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

iranian nuclear program, deplete uranium, depleted uranium, russian mediation, iranian weapons, ira-israel row, nuclear facilities, nuclear weapon, nuclear bomb, iran's nuclear program, nuclear capability, nuclear threat
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250711/israel-believes-some-of-irans-enriched-uranium-survived-but-not-concerned-over-that---reports-1122425485.html

Israel Believes Some of Iran's Enriched Uranium Survived But Not Concerned - Reports

Israel Believes Some of Iran's Enriched Uranium Survived But Not Concerned - Reports

Sputnik International

Israel believes that some of the Iranian enriched uranium has survived the US and Israeli attacks, but is not concerned over that, The New York Times reported.

2025-07-11T04:31+0000

2025-07-11T04:31+0000

2025-07-11T10:24+0000

world

donald trump

israel

iran

iran-israel row

israel-iran escalation: rising lion vs true promise 3

us-iran relations

israel defense forces (idf)

iran nuclear deal

iran nuclear dossier

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/06/1b/1122351713_0:159:3078:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_ea768da0f6cef7a23a1c4750ae3fb3f6.jpg

A senior Israeli official reportedly said that the country was not concerned about this fact, as any Iranian attempt to recover the enriched uranium would be detected and result in new Israeli attacks on the Iranian facilities. US, UK, and EU intelligence agencies do not believe that Iran intends to rebuild its huge nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz. Instead, Tehran is more likely to expand its nuclear program through numerous small, dispersed workshops, according to The New York Times.On the night of June 13, Israel launched an operation against Iran, accusing it of implementing a secret military nuclear program. Iran rejected the accusations, responding with its own attacks. For 12 days, the parties exchanged strikes. On June 22, the United States joined Israel's bombing campaign and struck Iranian nuclear facilities. Tehran retaliated by attacking the US air base Al Udeid in Qatar. US President Donald Trump said on June 23 that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire to end the war.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250709/irans-nuclear-program-impossible-to-end-by-military-means--iaea-chief-1122418181.html

israel

iran

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

nuclear program, nuclear weapons, un security council, emergency meeting, iran's drone, missile attack on israel, iran's operation, iran israel relations, iran strikes israel, strike on israel, retaliatory attack, iran's airborne strike, iran israel war, israeli airstrike, iran-israel war, iran-israel relations, israeli response, ww3, wwiii. wordl war three
 . If you do not agree with the blocking, please use the Access to the chat has been blocked for violating the rules . You will be able to participate again through:. If you do not agree with the blocking, please use the feedback form

The discussion is closed. You can participate in the discussion within 24 hours after the publication of the article.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250711/moldova-trying-to-woo-voters-in-gagauzia-ahead-of-campaign-period---politician-1122427904.html

Moldova Trying to Woo Voters in Gagauzia Ahead of Campaign Period - Politician

Moldova Trying to Woo Voters in Gagauzia Ahead of Campaign Period - Politician

Sputnik International

Moldovan authorities have been campaigning in Moldova's autonomous region of Gagauzia ahead of the official start of the election campaign, while the regions head, Yevgenia Gutsul, remains under house arrest, Alexei Lungu, the leader of the Chance party, part of the Moldovan opposition Pobeda (Victory) bloc, said on Friday.

2025-07-11T11:41+0000

2025-07-11T11:41+0000

2025-07-11T11:41+0000

world

moldova

gagauzia

chisinau

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/07/1110177104_0:185:2985:1864_1920x0_80_0_0_a8566915433a8e42f4a4e03b11cdcd60.jpg

A criminal investigation has been opened into Gutsul for allegedly violating campaign financing rules in the run-up to the 2023 regional elections, financing the banned Sor party and forging documents. Prosecutors are seeking a nine-year prison sentence for her. A court in Chisinau extended Gutsul's arrest until August 12 on Thursday. Lungu said that public trust in the judiciary had collapsed, with more and more citizens asking who was running the court  the law or the phone call from Chisinau. Moldovans will vote in parliamentary elections on September 28. Political blocs have until August 13 to register, while campaigning is allowed starting August 29. The Moldovan government has been criticized for cracking down on the opposition and arbitrarily arresting its leaders. The ruling party has been pushing to ban protests around the election date and expand the powers of Moldovas security services to supposedly tackle "electoral corruption."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250710/court-in-moldova-extends-house-arrest-of-gagauzia-head-gutsul-for-30-days-1122424978.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250704/archbishop-markell-accuses-moldovan-authorities-of-double-standards-in-church-affairs-1122393931.html

moldova

gagauzia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

sandu regime, sandy tyranny, gutsul arest, gagauzia campaign, gagauzia bashkan, gutsul vs sandu
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250711/ukraines-new-arms-plan-eu-pays-us-cashes-in-nato-watches-1122428664.html

Is US Pushing Ukraine Arms Supply to NATO Members Just Passing the Buck?

Is US Pushing Ukraine Arms Supply to NATO Members Just Passing the Buck?

Sputnik International

US President Donald Trump said NATO, to which Washington also belongs, will pay for American weapons that the alliance will subsequently supply to Ukraine.

2025-07-11T17:03+0000

2025-07-11T17:03+0000

2025-07-11T18:38+0000

analysis

russia-nato showdown

nato

ukrainian crisis

donald trump

european union (eu)

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/1e/1118188336_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_25a450db12a2654c3dcb176473c612a7.jpg

Strategic analyst Paolo Raffone (CIPI Foundation, Brussels) explains how Washingtons role is evolving:He describes a triangulation scheme: Who pays and who supplies? And what can they afford?

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250711/uks-f-35-fleet-mission-ready-in-theory-grounded-in-reality-1122428480.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

russia-nato showdown, ukraine crisis, russia special op ukraine, military ukraine, ukraine conflict
The ageless Eurobond reached the 50 career win milestone with an upset victory in a $14,865 conditioned event on Thursday, July 10 at Harrah's Philadelphia.

The former Kentucky Sires Stakes champion was fifth off the car from the inside post behind early fireworks as Somebody Special (Art Stafford Jr.) blasted forward to lead to the quarter in :27.1 before Saint K (Tim Tetrick) pressed on to take over in front of the stands. He trotted to the half in :56.2, when Eurobond left the cones for Simon Allard onto the cover of 2022 Hambletonian winner Cool Papa Bell (Andy McCarthy). The outer flow advanced to three-quarters in 1:25.1 with Eurobond licking his lips as Cool Papa Bell battled alongside the pacesetter. Eurobond tipped to the outside at the top of the stretch and, after briefly treading water, took off and soared by his rivals to win in 1:54.2, beating Cool Papa Bell by a half-length. Ricardo (Mike Cole) unleashed a big late kick to get up for third.

Eurobond, a 10-year-old stallion by Love You-True Diva, is now 50-for-163 lifetime and increased his bankroll to $858,464. The veteran trotter has made trips to many of the tracks in the northeast, with top-level wins at Yonkers, Plainridge, Pocono, Harrah's Philadelphia, and The Meadows. Per Engblom trains him for Morrison Racing Stables. He returned $17.60 to win.

The three-year-old Cantab Hall-Won An Done trotting filly Tabdone won her fourth straight race as she took Thursdays $18,243 featured conditioned event, a neck to the good over Inferno DK. Looped out of the gate by her Danish rival, Tabdone continued on to the lead by a :28.1 quarter, stayed in control through mid-race fractions of :57.2 and 1:26.3, and then drew away on the turn and into the stretch. Inferno Dk (Tetrick) fought on gamely in a :28.1 last quarter, but Tabdone got the job done in 1:54.4 for the red-hot pairing of trainer-driver Trond Smedshammer and owner Purple Haze Stables LLC. Inferno Dk finished second. Im Out (Jonathan Ahle) was third. Tabdone is five-for-eight since her debut earlier this year.

Fast-class trotters contested a $17,568 purse in the co-feature, and the well-traveled Tactical Landing-Sheenas Shadow gelding Djimon (a Yoruban word for powerful blood) continued to live up to his name with his third straight win here, tallying in 1:53.3. David Miller sat outside with him behind an early contested pace past the :27.2 first quarter then moved Djimon to the top, with middle fractions of :56.1 and 1:24.3 following. Favoured Once In A Lifetime (Tetrick) swung wide off cover but could finish no closer than three lengths behind the winner, who is trained by Mark Steacy for Hudson Standardbred Stable Inc., Dale Larson, and Stephen Downey. He earned his fourth win in 12 starts this season.

In the first of two $16,216 conditioned trots, the Muscle Hill three-year-old filly Jersey Slide got her game together in a big way, going wire-to-wire for an easy victory in a lifetime-best 1:53.4. Tetrick guided the Jim Campbell trainee for Runthetable Stables. In the other section of this condition, the Cantab Hall mare Tracks Of My Tears turned in a career best time of 1:55.1 to parry a late move by Jeffery J (Tetrick) for trainer Frank Ingrassia and driver Jackie Ingrassia, the latter a co-owner with Donna Franchetti.

The meets leading driver, Tim Tetrick, had three victories to lead the sulkysitters colony, while Andy and David Miller each had two  bringing the career totals of that trio to 39,381 visits to the winners circle. Two of Tetricks wins were for Jim Campbell, the only doubling trainer.

The Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and Stallion Series returns to Harrahs Philly on Friday at 12:25 p.m. with the third preliminary round for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings. Earlier Sire Stakes winners Meshuggah and The Fix Is In have drawn in separate divisions, while in the Stallion Series the only two-time winner, Gimlet Hanover, will be joined by six other single-leg winners in the three cuts.

(PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia & Standardbred Canada)
The $1,000,000 USD MGM Yonkers International Trot is just two months away on September 13 and track management has been hard at work assembling an all-star field for the 2025 edition. Accepting the first invitation is French superstar Hohneck.

It's a legendary race, said owner/trainer Philippe Allaire on the reason he decided to accept the invite.

The famed French trainer wont be making his first trip to the MGM Yonkers International Trot, or the United States, but it has been a long time since he last competed on these shores. He sent out Jeanbat Du Vivier in the 2005 Nat Ray at The Meadowlands and his prior appearances came way back in 1979 and 1980 as a 19- and 20-year-old driver behind Hillion Brillouard back when the International Trot was contested at Roosevelt Raceway.

Hohneck, the 2023 Elitloppet winner, finished third in that marquee race at Solvalla in Sweden on May 25 this year. It was just his fourth on-track appearance of 2025 and Allaire is planning to compete in the Prix Washington on July 12 and Grand Prix de Vitesse at Argentan on August 9 prior to sending his eight-year-old son of Royal Dream to New York.

Hohneck owns a stellar career record of 23 wins in 75 starts and nearly $4.2 million in earnings. While he has won at the 1-1/4 mile distance of the MGM Yonkers International Trot, racing on a half-mile track is going to be a new experience.

He has only been on 1,000 metre (five-eighths mile) tracks but he should handle the 800 metre track at Yonkers perfectly, said Allaire.

For Allaire, the experience of coming to New York and hopefully coming away victorious could be the perfect ending to the career of his champion trotter as Hohneck is reported to be retiring at the end of the year.

It's possible, Hohneck will tell us, said Allaire when asked if the MGM Yonkers International Trot would be the final start of Hohnecks career.

One idea Allaire wouldnt rule out was extending his North American tour to the Breeders Crown at Woodbine Mohawk Park if Hohneck were to have success at Yonkers Raceway and was invited. Its not impossible, said the trainer.

The MGM Yonkers International Trot was raced consecutively from 1959 to 1993, again in 1995 and from 2015 to 2024 (no race was held in 2020 and 2021 during COVID). Hohneck will look to become the first French-bred to win the race since Reve dUdon in 1990. Last year the Swedish-bred Jiggy Jog S was victorious with Dexter Dunn driving for the now American-based trainer Ake Svanstedt.

Additional invitees will be announced in the coming weeks as track officials prepare for the MGM Yonkers International Trot. The special afternoon card will also feature a pair of $200,000 USD Invitationals for older trotters and pacers.

(with files from Yonkers)
Bob Geldof has received an honorary award from Official Charts for the Live Aid musical album featuring songs by Boomtown Rats, U2, Sir Brian May, Sting and Madonna.

Bob Geldof receives special Official Charts award for Live Aid musical album

The songs on the collection achieved 8 UK Number 1 hit singles and 8 No 2s.

The Original Cast Recording from Just For One Day - the Live Aid Musical dropped on July 11, to mark the 40th anniversary of the legendary charity concert.

It boasts 17 artists and Top 10 songs from the likes The Boomtown Rats, David Bowie, Sir Elton John, Madonna, Mick Jagger (duet with David Bowie on Martha Reeves and the Vandellas Dancing In The Street), Phil Collins, Queen, Simple Minds, Status Quo (for their version of John Fogertys Rockin All Over The World), The Beatles, The Cars, The Police, The Style Council, The Who, Ultravox and Wham!.

The Band Aid Trust was formed in response to famine in Ethiopia, and 10 per cent of proceeds from Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical will be donated.

Live Aid co-founder Bob Geldof has been bestowed with The Official Charts Companys Official Top 10 Award in recognition of the achievements of the Live Aid artists who contributed songs to the musical.

Bob Geldof said: These are some of the greatest songs in the rock canon. It is extraordinary to think that these and dozens more were performed live by the greatest artists of the age.

The Rats I Dont Like Mondays, played at Live Aid to over a billion people, took on a whole strange and different meaning. But, then again, it was a strange, exhilarating day that had a sense of something other about it all.

Now, I Dont Like Mondays is re-imagined for a smaller stage for Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical and, along with the other tunes, brilliantly rearranged for 2025 - but with the same intensity. So if you werent there perhaps you get a sense of that time.

All of these were massive chart songs then. They got all the awards and trophies, and hearing them revitalised and afresh of course they are being honoured once again. The great tunes never stop being sung.

Live Aid co-organiser Midge Ure said: By the time we got to Live Aid, Ultravox had enjoyed hits including Vienna and Dancing With Tears In My Eyes - both of which feature in Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical. The adaptations of these songs, as well as other artists classic tracks, are superb. The show tells the Live Aid story but it is also just a thrilling night out with amazing music.
It's been nearly a month since Chantilly has stepped foot onto a racetrack for a charted mile. She appeared ready to make up for lost time during the session of qualifiers on Friday, July 11 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Friday's qualifiers featured just six dashes, mostly catering to the two-year-olds. But Chantilly, the 2024 Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year, stole the show with an eye-popping effort.

Scratched sick out of her last two scheduled appearances  the Fan Hanover final on June 14 and an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold event on June 21  Chantilly prepped for a return to action with a sizzling 1:51 performance on Friday morning.

Driven as usual by James MacDonald, Chantilly faced only one rival on Friday morning: veteran pacer Highlandbeachlover, making his first appearance since the end of June. Bob McClure placed Highlandbeachlover on the point and fronted the duo through fractions of :28.3 and :57. Heading around the far turn, MacDonald looped to the lead with Chantilly and the sophomore filly found another gear from there. Off a three-quarter time of 1:25.1, Chantilly sprinted home in :25.4 to the trip the timer in 1:51. Highlandbeachlover finished 9-1/2 lengths in arrears.

"We were all extremely happy with Chantilly today," trainer Nick Gallucci told Trot Insider after the mile. "James said she was 'incredible.'"

Chantilly (Big Jim - Shiraz Seelster) is owned by breeder Millar Farms of Stouffville, Ont. The pacing filly hasn't lost in 12 career appearances, including a three-for-three sophomore record, with $915,256 in earnings. Her next scheduled start would be OSS Gold action on July 22 at Mohawk.

Among the freshmen in action on Friday, Quickaway (American Ideal - Logans Girl) clocked the fastest time of the morning on the pacing side  a 1:55.2 effort, on cruise control in the final quarter for driver MacDonald, trainer Blake MacIntosh and owners Ozzie MacKay of Moncton, N.B., Gilles Landry of Dieppe, N.B. Robert MacNeil of Brossard, Que.

After performing all the heavy lifting, Bitofthebubbly (Walner - Champagne Jane) had enough pop left in the final quarter of his Friday test for driver McClure to hold off Jenny Da Vie (Chris Christoforou) by a head to win the fastest trotting qualifier for two-year-olds during the session in 2:00.2. Shawn Steacy trains the winner for Hudson Standardabred Stable Inc. of Hudson, Que., Dale Larson of Kent City, Mi. and Stephen Downey of Quispamsis, N.B.

The full qualifying session is available below.

For full results from the qualifying session, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers).

(Standardbred Canada)
With three legs of the Ohio Sires Stakes for sophomores already in the books, the freshmen will open their 2025 OHSS schedule on Saturday, July 12 as part of a 16-race card at Eldorado Scioto Downs.

There will be four divisions of two-year-old filly trotters with 34 total starters and four divisions of two-year-old male trotters with 31 total starters. Each division carries a purse of $50,000 USD.

Big Ranger (pictured above) headlines this group after winning the $202,703 Next Generation for two-year-old colt trotters at Scioto Downs on July 5. Trainer Ronnie Gillespie drove him to victory in 1:54, setting a new track record for freshman colt trotters, and will be in the sulky again on Saturday. Owned by Madison Global, the In Range colt is the even-money morning line favorite in the first division and will leave from post five. A pair of Chris Beaver trainees, Special Moni (Tyler Smith) and Buckeye Triumphs (Aaron Merriman) share 5-1 odds as the second choice in this division.

The early 2-1 favourite in the second division of colt trotters, Rose Run Banker, will leave from the far outside with Chris Page driving for Ron Burke. In his lone prior start this season, Rose Run Banker finished third in the Next Generation in 1:54.4 with Page in the sulky. Another son of In Range, Rose Run Banker is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, and Knox Services. The 7-2 second choice in this division is the Beaver-trained Okay One More (Merriman).

At 6-5, Super Mind enters as the morning-line favourite in the third division. Super Mind won his lone prior start this season, posting a time of 1:56 at The Meadows on July 4 with Anthony MacDonald in the bike. MacDonald will drive the Creatine gelding again on Saturday. The Jason McGinnis trainee is owned by Thestable Super Mind. The Beaver-trained Drivinthrusmoke (Dan Noble) is the 2-1 second choice in this division.

The fourth division is the only one to feature multiple horses with wins on their resumes, as High Range, Max The Mighty, Ready Russell, and Uncle Danny each boast one victory thus far. Ready Russell (Noble) is the early 6-5 favourite. The gelded son of Ready For Moni is perfect this year after posting a victory in 1:56.2 with Brett Miller at Scioto on July 3. He is trained by Deborah Swartz and owned by Jeff Fought Racing, Brian Carsey, and David Fought. The Beaver-trained Max The Mighty (Merriman) is the 9-5 second choice in this division.

Demonic Niko and Speedbewithyou headline the filly trotter entrants on Saturday as top-three finishers in their division of the Next Generation.

Demonic Niko is the even-money morning line favourite in the third division. She was the Next Generation runner-up, finishing in 1:56.4 just one length back of winner Setyoursightshigh. In her other start this season, the In Range filly won in 1:58 at Oak Grove on June 23. Atlee Bender was in the sulky for both of those starts and will drive the Erv Miller trainee again on Saturday. Demonic Niko is owned by Ervin Miller Stable, Anthony Lombardi, and Doug Overhiser. She will leave from post five alongside 3-1 second choice, Rosy Weaver trainee Princess Karolyn (Justin Irvine) in post four.

Speedbewithyou is the early 7-2 favourite in the second division. She posted a third-place finish in 1:57 in the Next Generation in her lone prior start this season. Austin Hanners was in the sulky that night and will again drive the Mission Accepted filly on Saturday for trainer Todd Luther. Speedbewithyou is owned by Greg Luther Racing and David Wills. The Bucky Troute-trained Cantina Moni (Noble) and the Beaver-trained Keen Senses (Merriman), share 4-1 odds as the second choice in this division.

Virgil Morgan Jr. trainee Lindy Princess is the 5-2 morning line favourite in the first division. Brett Miller will drive the Ready For Moni filly, who finished second in her lone prior start this season. She is owned by JoyceA McClelland Stable, Larry Wills, and Enviro Stables. Can She Cancan (Jeff Nisonger) is the 3-1 second choice in this division. The Mark Winters trainee has two wins in three starts this season.

Toms Babe is one-for-one this season and is the 9-5 morning-line favourite in the fourth division. Jeremy Smith drove her to victory in 1:56.3 at Scioto on July 1 and returns to the sulky on Saturday for trainer Jason Borowski. The Long Tom filly is owned by J&J Standardbreds. The 3-1 second choice in this division, Sarahs Mission (Page), is trained by Burke and will leave from the rail.

Saturdays card at Eldorado Scioto Downs also features a $26,000 USD Open for horses and geldings and a $20,000 USD Open II for horses and geldings. First race post time is 5:45 p.m.

The opening leg of the OHSS for freshmen colt and filly pacers is scheduled for Sunday, July 13 as part of a 15-race card at MGM Northfield Park beginning at 6 p.m.

(Ohio Harness Horsemens Association)
Two-year-old trotting colts and geldings took center stage at Harrahs Hoosier Park with four $47,973 divisions of their opening leg of the Indiana Sire Stakes on Thursday, July 10 with Swan Affect and driver LeWayne Miller headlining with a 1:55.3 mile in the quickest split at 9-1.

Leaving from the outside post eight, Miller floated Swan Affect away in sixth but was caught wide on the first turn as a host of leavers scrambled for the lead, with Swan Jayden (Marcus Miller) reaching the quarter first inside of August Salazar (Geremy Bobbitt) in :28.4. August Salazar worked to the lead before being covered up by Sunday Swagger (Kyle Wilfong) on the backstretch, leaving Swan Affect now first-up and marching to the front at the half in :57.3. Swan Affect finally saw the cones for the first time entering the final turn, clearing to the lead before reaching three-quarters in 1:27.

Turning for home, Sunday Swagger popped the pocket and applied pressure to Swan Affect, who quickly responded under urging. Trotting home in :28.3, Swan Affect raced gamely on the lead to hold Sunday Swagger at bay by a half-length in 1:55.3. Muscle Technician (Trace Tetrick) rallied up the cones to be third, three lengths behind the winner.

Trained by Walter Haynes Jr., the victory was the first for Swan Affect in his second outing after finishing second in his career debut. McGill, who co-bred the gelding with Lavon Miller, also co-owns the son of Swan For All-Flower Hour along with Twoforone Stable.

In the first split, Mcmikenmike and driver Marcus Miller pulled a 9-1 upset to score in 1:56.2. Skyway Awestruck (Mike Peterson) took command after the quarter of :27.3 before controlling middle-half fractions of :57.4 and 1:28.2. Pulling from fourth on the cones turning for home, Mcmikenmike overcame a 6-1/2 length deficit and a broken head pole with a :26.4 last quarter to nail Skyway Awestruck by a nose on the line. Hawt Yoga (Ricky Macomber Jr.) charged up the rail to be third, three parts of a length back.

It was the maiden-breaking victory for the Erv Miller-trained Mcmikenmike, who is owned by Anthony Lombardi, Doug Overhiser, and George Golemes. The gelded son of Dont Letem-Myrna Myrna was bred by Luckiana Farm.

Great Commission laid claim to the third division, romping in his career debut in 1:57.3. Great Commission got away fifth for Aaron Stutzman in the early stages while Bravo Alpha (Doug Rideout) worked to the top at the quarter in :28. Meadowbrook Ryan (Clint Coy) brushed to the lead just past the half in :58, leaving Great Commission to his outside and driving to engage the new leader at three-quarters in 1:28.1. Great Commission put away Meadowbrook Ryan at the top of the stretch, coasting home with a motionless Stutzman in the bike to win by 3-1/4 lengths. Spring Street (Macomber) finished second, with Bravo Alpha holding for third.

Great Commission, a Helpisontheway-Majic Trend colt, is trained by Stutzman for James Miller. He was bred by Black Creek Farm and Hickory Hollow Stables.

In the fourth and final division, Premier Bluebird rebounded from a defeat in his last outing with a dominant score with driver John De Long. Premier Bluebird floated away in fourth early while 6-5 second choice Itoo Volo (Trace Tetrick) cut the opening quarter in :28.2. Itoo Volo had things his way to the half in :58.1 before carrying a two-length advantage to three-quarters in 1:28.3 when De Long right-lined Premier Bluebird from fourth. Gobbling up ground with a :27.2 last quarter, Premier Bluebird quickly chased down Itoo Volo before powering clear by three lengths in a career-best 1:56.4. Itoo Volo held sway for second, with Winnin Dallars (Macomber) finishing third at 64-1.

Zach Miller trains and co-owns Premier Bluebird along with Dessa Miller. The $6,250 bargain buy at last falls Hoosier Classic sale is now a three-time winner and yet to be worse than second in five outings. Daryl Miller and Dennis Bontrager bred the son of Pilot Discretion-Winery Hanover.

Racing continues at Harrahs Hoosier Park on Friday, July 11 with a 14-race program set to begin at 6:15 p.m. The Friday card features a pair of Indiana Sire Stakes divisions for the two-year-old pacing males in addition to a $7,500 guaranteed Early Pick 5 (Races 1-5) and Late Hoosier High 5 (Race 14), with the latter done in partnership with the USTAs Strategic Wagering Program.

(With files from Hoosier Park)
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarship awards, totaling an impressive $44,200 USD in educational support for students connected to the harness racing industry.

Thanks to the generous support of our donors and sponsors, the MSOA continues its commitment to fostering the next generation through academic opportunity.

Top honours this year go to Alana Palone and Avery OSullivan, each receiving the prestigious $10,000 Bob Key Memorial Scholarship.

Additional 2025 MSOA Scholarship Recipients include:

Lexi Twaddle  $5,000 Burke Racing Scholarship

Ryan Keith  $5,000 Burke Racing Scholarship in Memory of Mickey Burke

Gracie Sokol  $3,700 Six Pack Scholarship (donated by Hanover Shoe Farms)

Savannah Barnard  $2,750 MSOA Scholarship

Drew Collins  $2,750 MSOA Scholarship

Brett Sugg  $2,000 Amulet Rehabilitation Scholarship

Lily Rhoades  $2,000 In Memory of Wayne Shaffer Scholarship

Grace Suleski  $1,000 Meadows Scholarship

We are thrilled to recognize the hard work and dedication of these students, said MSOA President Lisa Dunn. Each recipient demonstrates the values and spirit of our racing community, and we are grateful to our donors for making these opportunities possible.

The MSOA remains committed to supporting higher education and looks forward to watching these exceptional young individuals continue to grow and thrive in their academic and personal pursuits. Scholarships will be presented to students on Adios Day at The Meadows on Saturday, July 26.

The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) is a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of approximately 700 Standardbred trainers, drivers, caretakers and owners at The Meadows. In addition to providing horses to race at The Meadows, MSOA administers such member-centric services as health insurance and retirement programs for horsemen and horsewomen.

(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)
One of the things I've been looking forward to after seeing it at the Masamune Shirow exhibition in Setagaya has been the newest installment of Ghost in the Shell anime. This time, Science SARU (who also happen to be working on Sanda, and you can check out our coverage here), will be the studio that takes charge. Unfortunately, this article is going to be a lot of text and not a lot of photos, but I wish I could share more.

The most striking part of the key visual for Ghost in the Shell is the art style. It looks like one of Shirow's drawings. Most times, anime adaptations look like anime first, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Science SARU can do. If it's like Sanda, they'll be able to make Ghost in the Shell look like a manga in motion.

Anime Expo is one of the first places where information about the new Ghost in the Shell anime adaptation has been released. Previously, I was going to be locked inside the Peacock Theater awaiting the beginning of the J-Pop Sound Capsule concert due to having VIP and those meet and greet privileges being super early at 4PM, but thankfully due to having another ticket I was able to exit and run off to this panel.

Present at the panel were Science SARU producer Kohei Sakita, Bandai Namco Filmworks producer Kengo Abe, Kodansha producer Daichi Sasa, and Kodansha manga editor Takeshi Katsurada, who has been Shirow's editor for a very long time.

The first chunk of time was used to explain Ghost in the Shell, but for long-time fans, we don't need that. In fact, my first copy of Ghost in the Shell was back in the mid 90s. Sadly, I no longer have that copy due to it being seized by teachers at school. But, for those of you who don't know, Ghost in the Shell was first released starting in 1989 and was a groundbreaking manga for science fiction. It covered things like cybernetics, what it means to be human, the future of warfare, and many other things. Numerous movies and anime were released under its banner including the namesake feature film in 1995, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Ghost in the Shell: Arise, and even a live-action movie (let's just pretend that one doesn't exist).

The director is Mokochan, a member of Science SARU. After joining the studio in 2015, she studied with founder Masaaki Yuasa and Fuga Yamashiro. She has worked on The Heike Story, Tatami Time Machine Blues, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and DAN DA DAN. This is her directorial debut.

Japanese science fiction author Enjoe Toh takes up the helm of scriptwriter. Previously, Toh took part in the anthology "The Ghost in the Shell: Five New Short Stories" as his connection to the franchise. He is an accomplished writer and award-winner of the Philip K Dick Award, Nihon SF Taisho, Seiun Award, and many others. Previously, he wrote the script for the anime Godzilla Singular Point.

Character designer and executive animation director Shuhei Handa started at Gainax and is a freelancer at TRIGGER. He has worked on Little Witch Academia, KILL la KILL, One-Punch Man, Space Patrol Luluco, Spriggan, and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

For actual presentation items there wasn't much to show, given the show's 2026 release. What they could show was pre-production set building. There's a lot of browns as part of the dirtiness of the "real" world. Cool greys and blues help set the tone for the more science and technology side of things.

They also showed a short motion storyboard reminiscent of the chase scene from the movie (or chapter three of the manga). With tachikomas flying through the air, it's more aligned with the original than the film adaptation. Time will tell how closely they follow the manga as opposed to diverging and going their own path.

One other thing revealed at the panel was the new logo for the anime designed by Hajime Sorayama. Sorayama is probably best known for drawing what I can only describe as "the shiny robot lady." Like, you can put that into Google and it'll pop up. Said shiny robot lady was used as the cover of Heavy Metal magazine, which is fitting, given that Heavy Metal was one of the resources that Shirow used as part of his research and development.

For those of you who might be going to Japan later this year, I really suggest checking out the spectacular Masamune Shirow exhibition at the Setagaya Literary Museum. which runs through August. It's 1500 yen (roughly $10) and they've got a whole lot of original works on display along with other goodies. I'll be posting an article about it with some photos, so look forward to that! I've gone twice so far, and will also be stopping by the Osaka version just to see what has changed.

On top of mentioning the ongoing exhibition, they announced the Ghost in the Shell All Anime Series Exhibition. This one will start next year in mid-January and will run through early April at TOKYO NODE in Toranomon Hills. It'll specifically be covering the various anime films and series. According to the panel, they have "400 boxes of artwork to go through" and there will be interactive installations and exhibits, and at one point "you'll be able to see Motoko jump in front of you." I'm not sure what exactly that means, but I look forward to it.

One special thing of note mentioned: the Ghost in the Shell exhibit will not be limited just to Japan! They plan to come to America, specifically mentioning Los Angeles, but I wouldn't be surprised if it pops up elsewhere. No timeline was mentioned so you might be waiting a bit.

And that's that. It was a fairly short panel, clocking at about 45 minutes, but I still enjoyed it. Attendees also got a nice poster commemorating the original movie release and a small flyer of the Major. As time goes on we should get more information and more importantly, video.
Cast are set to release the new album Yeah Yeah Yeah in January, featuring a collaboration with P.P. Arnold.

Cast have a brand new album on the way early next year

The Liverpool legends - who are currently opening for Oasis on their Oasis Live '25 Tour - have announced the follow-up to Love Is The Call, due to drop on January 30, 2026. The record is previewed by the P.P. Arnold-featuring Poison Vine.

The soul legend - who wowed at Glastonbury in June - has worked with everyone from the Small Faces to Oasis.

Frontman John Power and bandmates Liam Skin Tyson (guitar) and Keith ONeill (drums), travelled to Spain to record the album at producer Youths picturesque Space Mountain studio.

Power said: Yeah Yeah Yeah just arrived out of the blue. There was a window of opportunity, and I thought, let providence prevail.

None of the songs were really finished, but we both felt we had something special, so we decided to roll with it.

The record, which sees the Liverpool band experiment with gospel and psychedelic funk, has been dubbed "majestic" by Power and Youth.

Power said of Arnold's vocal delivery on rock'n'roller Poison Vine: When I heard those two vocals kicking in on the chorus, I just knew we had it. Thats the real thing.

Yeah Yeah Yeah is available for pre-order now in multiple formats, including vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital. Fans can grab an exclusive, limited-edition 12 vinyl with a mouthwash-effect liquid-filled designonly 100 signed copies of this unique release will be available. Additionally, the first 500 orders from the bands official store will receive a signed print.

Pre-order Yeah Yeah Yeah now via shop.castband.co.uk.
Food Lifeline, a nonprofit that supplies food banks across Western Washington, is facing potential food shortages after almost $2 million in federal funding cuts.

Lower Columbia CAP, which distributes food to Cowlitz County food banks and receives items from Food Lifeline, has not yet noticed any shortages, but is expecting an increase in demand following federal cuts to SNAP and other assistance programs, executive director Ilona Kerby said.

Were still in that interesting phase of not quite knowing what will happen, she said.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted July 3 to pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will cut spending on nutrition programs by almost $186 billion through 2034.

Washington in particular could lose around $10 billion in SNAP funding, Food Lifeline spokesman Mark Coleman said.

This is in addition to earlier cuts to U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that help organizations like Food Lifeline purchase food from local producers. Food Lifelines loss of almost $2 million equates to 63 semitrucks of food that it will not be able to distribute, Coleman said.

Food Lifeline serves just under 300 food banks across 17 Western Washington counties, including six in Cowlitz County, Coleman said. Last year, it distributed over 70 million pounds of food, most of which was fresh produce.

Growing need

More people have been turning to food banks as the price of food and other necessities increases, Kerby said.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the cost of food increased by 2.9% between May 2024 and May 2025. The cost of eggs in particular increased by 41.5%, though it is now decreasing slightly.

FISH of Cowlitz County, which also receives items from Food Lifeline, has been seeing increased demand at its food banks over the past several years, said Bob Gaston, vice president of the nonprofits board of directors.

FISH partners with churches in Longview and Kelso to distribute free food five days per week. Households can request food up to four times per month.

FISH provided food for 32,097 people in 2024, compared to around 29,500 in 2023. Those numbers include duplicates, as households are able to request food up to four times per month.

Before 2023, the organizations previous total high was 26,491 people in 2019.

Its lowest year was in 2021, with 13,500 people served, as extra benefits tied to the COVID-19 pandemic meant fewer households had to rely on food banks.

In 2024 FISH also served 555 more total residents than the year before.

Lynne Covel, a FISH volunteer who organizes food distribution at Newlife Church in Longview, said that the church has increased its weekly slots from 25 households to 27 because of increased demand.

FISH pays for several of the more expensive items such as milk and eggs, Covel said, while others are donated. She also works with CAP to request food from Food Lifeline each month.

FISH donations 2024: 32,097 people received food, which includes duplicates as people can request food up to four time a month.

1,780 unique households were served, containing a total of 6,059 people. 2023: 29,500 people received food, which includes duplicates as people can request food up to four time a month.

1,724 households with 5,504 total residents in 2023. Source: FISH of Cowlitz County

Incoming cuts

The new budget bill, which was signed into law July 4, increases work requirements for SNAP benefits, requires states with payment error rates of 6% or higher to pay a portion of the programs costs, and limits eligibility to citizens and lawful permanent residents.

In 2024, Washington had a payment error rate of 6.06%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Only eight states and the Virgin Islands had rates below 6%.

Most able-bodied adults who receive SNAP benefits are required to work at least 80 hours per month unless they qualify for an exemption. Those who dont can only receive up to three months of benefits in three years.

Before the new bill, those requirements applied to recipients aged 18-54. The new bill increases that age to 64 and removes exemptions for veterans and parents of children 14 or older.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2023 that about 19% of Cowlitz County households received SNAP benefits, compared to 12% statewide.

A fall 2024 statewide survey by the University of Washingtons Center for Public Health Nutrition found that 55% of the 5,528 respondents had used some form of food assistance within the past month. That includes SNAP, food banks and school meals.

Kerby and Coleman both said they expect to see more demand as the new legislation makes it more difficult to access SNAP benefits.

There are a number of things that could harm people who are struggling  that are working but not quite making it, Kerby said.

A White House press release states that the bill benefits low-income families through tax cuts, giving them more money to spend on necessities, but Coleman said he does not believe that will actually outweigh the losses from SNAP and other programs, such as Medicaid.

I have not seen the math to make that even remotely correct, he said.
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:

ZEN System Overview. Credit: Zhuang Wang et al.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is infamous for its resource-heavy training, but a new study may have found a solution in a novel communications system, called ZEN, that markedly improves the way large language models (LLMs) train.

The research team at Rice University was helmed by doctoral graduate Zhuang Wang and computer science professor T.S. Eugene Ng with contributions from two other computer science faculty members: assistant professor Yuke Wang and professor Anshumali Shrivastava. Stevens University's Zhaozhuo Xu and Jingyi Xi of Zhejiang University also contributed to the project.

Distributed training, sparsity and communication

Wang said there are two phases where LLMs can bottleneck during the distributed training process: computation and communication.

The first occurs when the model needs to crunch through a large amount of data. It can bog down the system, consuming time and computing power. Splitting the data among hundreds, sometimes thousands, of graphics processing units (GPUs) helps manage that problem. They process multiple data samples separately, then feed them back into the model.

The second bottleneck happens when all those GPUs need to sync up so they can "talk" to the model and convey what they've learned. They need to efficiently communicate with one another to complete each training run smoothly and can slow down if the model gradients they have to sync are very large, which they often are.

"The previous solution was to send all the data out. But in practice, we observe that the data has a lot of zero values in the 'talk,'" Wang said. "We need a data structure to represent the communication information correctly."

Removing those zero or near-zero values and leaving only the relevant ones to be synchronized during communication is called "sparsification." The values that are left are aptly named "sparse tensors." It's common practice in LLM training and can save the system the effort of communicating billions of extra gradients. But it still leaves the communication bottleneck, which is where the team focused its research.

"There's actually not a lot of fundamental understanding of how to support these sparse tensors inside of distributed training," Ng said. "People propose the idea, but they don't understand what the optimal way of handling them is. One of the contributions of our work is to analyze these sparse tensors to understand how they behave."

Mapping the system, finding the structure

There were essentially three parts to this research: Part one was figuring out the characteristics of sparse tensors in popular models. The nonzero gradients left after sparsification aren't uniformly distributed; their location and tensor density depend on factors like the training model and dataset used.

That scattering of nonzero gradients leads to an imbalance during the communication phase that slows down synchronization and, by extension, slows down the training process. This new understanding sheds light on how to design better communication schemes to use with sparse tensors.

Once they knew how to approach their design, part two was figuring out the optimal communication schemes to use. Wang and Ng analyzed several options to determine what those were.

Because there was no optimal solution before this research, the third and final step was building a real-world system based on their research and applying that system to practical LLM training to see if it worked. ZEN was that system, and it displayed a stark difference in training speed when used on real-world LLMs.

"What we basically show is that we can accelerate the time to completion of the training because the communication is more efficient.  The time it takes to perform one step in the training is much faster," Ng said.

Since sparse tensors are used often and the field of LLM training is so broad, this discovery can be applied to just about any model with, as Ng phrased it, "the characteristics of sparsity." Be it text or image generation, ZEN can speed up model training if sparse tensors are present.

Wang isn't new to this area of research. He and Ng previously collaborated on a project to minimize the failure recovery overhead of LLMs after a hardware or software failure during training, which they named GEMINIunveiled at the ACM Symposium on Operating Systems Principles in 2023.

Wang recently presented his paper on this newer research, entitled "ZEN: Empowering Distributed Training with Sparsity-driven Data Synchronization," at the 19th USENIX Symposium on Operating Systems Design and Implementation (OSDI) held in Boston.

More information: ZEN: Empowering Distributed Training with Sparsity-driven Data Synchronization, www.usenix.org/conference/osdi  entation/wang-zhuang
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:

Robot walks on concrete paving slabs. Credit: Joseph Humphreys, University of Leeds.

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that enables a four-legged robot to adapt its gait to different, unfamiliar terrain, just like a real animal, in what is believed to be a world first. The work has been published in Nature Machine Intelligence.

The pioneering technology allows the robot to change the way it moves autonomously, rather than having to be told when and how to alter its stride like the current generation of robots. This advance is seen as a major step toward potentially using legged robots in hazardous settings where humans might be put at risk, such as nuclear decommissioning or search and rescue, where the inability to adapt to the unknown could cost lives.

For the study, conducted by the University of Leeds and University College London (UCL), the researchers took inspiration from the animal kingdom to teach the robot to navigate terrain that it had never seen before. This included four-legged animals such as dogs, cats and horses, which are adept at adjusting to different landscapes. These animals switch the way they move to save energy, maintain balance, or respond quickly to threats.

The researchers have created a framework that can teach robots how to transition between trotting, running, bounding and more, just like mammals do in nature.

Switching gaits when needed

By embedding within the AI system the same strategies animals use to navigate an unpredictable world, the robot rapidly learns to switch gaits on the fly, in response to the terrain. Thanks to the data-processing power of AI, the robotnicknamed "Clarence" learned the necessary strategies in just nine hours, considerably faster than the days or weeks most young animals take to confidently cross different surfaces.

In the Nature Machine Intelligence paper, first author Joseph Humphreys, postgraduate researcher in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Leeds, explains how the framework enables the robot to change its stride in accordance with its environment, overcoming a variety of terrains including uneven timber, loose wood chips, and overgrown vegetation, without any alterations to the system itself.

Robot adapts gait to recover from slips and trips on terrain including muddy grass and a pile of loose timber. Credit: Joseph Humphreys, University of Leeds.

He said, "Our findings could have a significant impact on the future of legged robot motion control by reducing many of the previous limitations around adaptability."

He added, "This deep reinforcement learning framework teaches gait strategies and behavior inspired by real animalsor 'bio-inspired'such as saving energy, adjusting movements as needed, and gait memory, to achieve highly adaptable and optimal movement, even in environments never previously encountered.

"All of the training happens in simulation. You train the policy on a computer, then take it and put it on the robot and it is just as proficient as in the training. It's similar to the Matrix, when Neo's skill in martial arts is downloaded into his brain, but he doesn't undergo any physical training in the real world.

"We then tested the robot in the real-world, on surfaces it had never experienced before, and it successfully navigated them all. It was really rewarding to watch it adapt to all the challenges we set and seeing how the animal behavior we had studied had become almost second nature for it."

Deep reinforcement learning agents are often good at learning a specific task but struggle to adapt when the environment changes. Animal brains have built-in structures and information that support learning. Some agents can imitate this kind of learning, but their artificial systems are usually not as advanced or complex. The researchers say they overcame this challenge by instilling their system with natural animal motion strategies.

They say theirs is the first framework to simultaneously integrate all three critical components of animal locomotion into a reinforcement learning systemnamely: gait transition strategies, gait procedural memory, and adaptive motion adjustmentenabling truly versatile, real-world deployment directly from simulation, without needing further adjustment on the physical robot

In simple terms, the robot doesn't just learn how to moveit learns how to decide which gait to use, when to switch, and how to adjust it in real time, even on terrain it has never encountered before.

Robot learning to adapt its gait to simulated terrain. It simultaneously practiced within hundreds of simulated environments. Credit: Joseph Humphreys, University of Leeds.

Professor Zhou, senior author of the study from UCL Computer Science, said, "This research was driven by a fundamental question: what if legged robots could move instinctively the way animals do? Instead of training robots for specific tasks, we wanted to give them the strategic intelligence animals use to adapt their gaitsusing principles like balance, coordination, and energy efficiency.

"By embedding those principles into an AI system, we've enabled robots to choose how to move based on real-time conditions, not pre-programmed rules. That means they can navigate unfamiliar environments safely and effectively, even those that they haven't encountered before.

"Our long-term vision is to develop embodied AI systemsincluding humanoid robotsthat move, adapt, and interact with the same fluidity and resilience as animals and humans."

Real-world applications

Engineers are increasingly imitating natureknown as biomimicryto solve complex mobility challenges. The team say their achievement marks a major step forward in making legged robots more adaptable and capable of handling real-world challenges, in hazardous environments or where access is difficult.

A robot capable of navigating unfamiliar, complex terrain opens up new possibilities for them to be used in disaster response, planetary exploration, agriculture and infrastructure inspection.

It also suggests a promising pathway for integrating biological intelligence into robotic systems and conducting more ethical investigations of biomechanics hypotheses; instead of burdening animals with invasive sensors or putting them in danger to study their stability recovery response, robots can be used instead.

By taking inspiration from factors that make animal movement effective, the researchers were able to develop a framework capable of traversing complex and high-risk terrain despite the robot not using exteroceptive sensorsthose being sight, smell and hearing, that help humans in their movements.

Gait study: Comparing performance of the AI system's gait selection policy to single gait usage, for all featured gaits, in terms of stability and efficiency. Credit: Joseph Humphreys, University of Leeds.

Parallel practice on multiple terrains

Using deep reinforcement learningeffectively super-powered trial and errorthe robot simultaneously practiced within hundreds of environments, solving first the challenge of moving with different gaits then choosing the best gait for the terrain, generating the tools to achieve highly adaptable movement.

To test this acquired adaptability in the real world, the robot was turned loose on real-life surfaces including woodchip, rocks, overgrown roots and loose timber, as well as having its legs repeatedly bashed by a sweeping brush, testing its ability to recover from trips. The team used a programmed route or a joysticklike those used in video gamesto direct the robot.

Perhaps surprisingly, the robot was not exposed to any rough terrain during training, highlighting the system's ability to adapt and demonstrating that these skills have become instinctive for the robot.

The study focused on enabling robust everyday movement. In future work, the team hope to add more dynamic skills, such as long-distance jumping, climbing, and navigating steep or vertical terrains.

Although the framework has so far only been tested on a single dog-sized quadruped robot, the underlying principles are broadly applicable. The same bio-inspired metrics can be used across a wide range of four-legged robots, regardless of size or weight, as long as they share a similar morphology.

More information: Learning to Adapt through Bio-Inspired Gait Strategies for Versatile Quadruped Locomotion, Nature Machine Intelligence (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-025-01065-z Journal information: Nature Machine Intelligence
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:

An "X" sign rests atop the company headquarters, formerly known as Twitter, in downtown San Francisco, on Friday, July 28, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Noah Berger, File

French prosecutors have launched a police investigation into alleged data tampering and fraud involving X, Elon Musk's social media platform.

The Paris prosecutor's office, in a statement Friday, announced the opening of the investigation, and said that a branch of the French gendarmerie is conducting the inquiry.

The investigation is looking into two alleged offenses "in particular"organized tampering with the functioning of an automated data processing system, and organized fraudulent extraction of data from an automated data processing system, the statement said.

It didn't give details of the alleged wrongdoing. It said that the investigation is targeting both the platform and people, without naming them or saying what role they might have within X.

The prosecutor's office said that it was acting on information that two people provided in January to its cybercrimes unit. One of them is a member of parliament, and the other is a senior official in a French government institution. It didn't identify them or the institution.

It said the two people alleged the suspected use of X's algorithm for the "purposes of foreign interference." It didn't detail the alleged interference or how the algorithm was allegedly used.

The prosecutor's office said that it decided this week to open the police investigation, after conducting its own "verifications" and having received additional information from French researchers and "various public institutions."

The Associated Press has emailed X's press office, seeking comment.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
BRENHAM  High school students from across the region made their way to the Innovation Center on the Blinn College campus this week to take part in a cybersecurity camp hosted by Texas A&M University Cybersecurity and Blinn College.

It is one of several camps that director Bast Schellhorn of Texas A&M puts on over the year as a way to get young students interested in cybersecurity.

The hardest part of any camp is getting the word out there and getting students signed up and in one classroom for an entire week, Schellhorn said. Being able to partner with schools like Blinn makes my life easier because I can focus on the content, the curriculum and the student experience. Were really happy to partner with schools like Blinn.

Part of the week is spent teaching the campers about different kinds of software and coding programs to give them a starting point for further exploration.

Our goal is to get [campers] comfortable with some fundamental aspects of Python that they can then apply to the electronics that we have for them to program, Schellhorn said. Hopefully it makes it engaging and accessible for them, interests them and we hope that they go on and further their education because this interests them.

The camp was free to all attendees thanks to a grant from the Department of Defense. All attendees received free lunch and snacks throughout the week. The Alliance for College and Career Student Success (ACCSS) provided campers with free bus rides from the Blinn Schulenberg campus to Brenham.

Campers took part in simulations and exercises to learn about network security, the latest cybersecurity technologies and practices as well as ethical hacking. Each day of the camp, which began Monday and ran through Thursday, included two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Blinn Computer Science Department head Bruce Gooch told The Eagle it was good to see so many kids excited about not only cybersecurity but computer science.

The idea is they come here, learn about cybersecurity and about the industry, Gooch said. If we can increase interest in cybersecurity in rural Texas we can bring some of these high-paying jobs back to places where we normally educate these kids. Whats also cool is we teach them how to use and write computer code in Python to control other electronics, sensors or actuators and then they get to take the computers home that they built.

ACCSS is a partnership between Blinn and six school districts within the Blinn College District that works to provide more dual credit opportunities and career pathways for students in the region.

Raymond Adams, an incoming sophomore at Weimar High School, is one of those students taking part in the camp. On Thursday, Adams was working at his computer on coding a process that he could use a key fob to light up LED lights and to place a message on a display screen.

This camp has taught me to work with your hands more than just think about it. Its more hands-on and it gets you to learn more activities and know what you can do in the future, Adams said. It has been interesting learning programming and learning how to put tiny circuits together and learning how to put tiny circuits together and how big all those little things can become and the variety of things they can do.

If any of the campers got stuck on a problem, camp leaders from A&M and assistants from Blinn College walked around ready to help. Among those moving through the room was Bryn Carmichael, who became a teaching assistant this year after attending as a camper last year.

Carmichael is a dual-credit student at Blinn and also attends IL Texass Aggieland High School in College Station. Getting to experience the camp as a TA was new for Carmichael who is considering a future using cybersecurity in the medical field.

Its been interesting to see what these kids will think of and its way different from what we did last year, he said. Its challenging and its fun. My favorite thing from when I was a camper was messing with all the different seniors and figuring out how to mesh different codes together. As a TA, my favorite thing is seeing all of their reactions to all the different things. Whether its super excited or super confused, they are just like Oh my goodness.

Thursday afternoons session included a session taught by Schellhorn on cryptology. Each camper had a Pringles can and were given strips of letters that connected by line to a cypher. The campers had to rotate the strips of letters around until each color line matched up and then they could figure out what the message was.

The Pringles can was a stand-in for the rolls of a German enigma machine from World War II and it taught the campers how the Allied cryptographers  the cybersecurity experts of their day  figured out how to decipher the messages.

This camp is my favorite part of my job, Schellhorn said. Its certainly the most rewarding thing I do, being able to give these kids this experience and hopefully help them find something interesting that they continue to learn about and build upon.

The camp closes Friday with a ceremony where students will be able to show their parents what they have been working on this week. The students also will receive prizes from the camp and also get to take home the computers they had been using during the week to keep working on their coding skills.

Adams hopes to keep building on what he learned at the camp this week. He still has time to figure out where he plans to go to college, but hes got a step up on other students his age thanks to his week at Cybersecurity Camp.

Cybersecurity is one of the things Ill think about for a college [major] Adams said. Everyone at this camp is nice and helpful. They let you try by yourself first and then if you need it, they will help you fix it.
Kneecap have been barred from advertising on the London Underground.

Kneecap have been blocked from advertising on the London Underground

The controversial Irish trio - whose band member Mo Chara is currently on bail on a terror charge - have claimed they have had their poster rejected on the grounds that it could "cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public."

A statement from the band posted to Instagram read: "KNEECAP BANNED FROM LONDON TUBE

"We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube.

"How petty can political policing and interference get...

"After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue.

"The poster on the next graphic has been rejected because: "it is likely to cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public on account of the product or service being advertised, the content or design of the advertisement, or by way of implication."

Putting a play on words on British Transport Police's crime hotline slogan, they concluded: "See it. Say it. Censored."

In June, Chara was unconditionally bailed after facing a terror charge.

The court heard that the issue was with the band member - whose real name is Liam Og O hAnnaidh - "displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah" at their O2 Forum Kentish Town gig in London in November 2024, not voicing his opinions on Israel and Palestine, which he's "well within his rights" to do.

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court: Its not about Mr O hAnnaidhs support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.

Hes well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else.

The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying up Hamas, up Hezbollah.

Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other.

So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr O hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.

O hAnnaidh was subsequently released on unconditional bail until his next hearing on August 20.

Not only was he supported by his bandmates - Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh - at the court, but hundreds of supporters turned up to stand in solidarity with the star, with calls of "Free Palestine" heard as he left the building.

In a statement on Instagram regarding the terror charge, Kneecap wrote: "We deny this offense and will vehemently defend ourselves.

This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction.

"14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us.

We are on the right side of history. You are not. We will fight you in court. We will win.

Kneecap had several shows cancelled as a result of the backlash but still got to play Glastonbury's West Holts stage at Worthy Farm on Saturday, June 28 - despite calls from MPs for them to be banned.
Shernard Gloster, was fatally shot by an armed guard serving with a private security firm here.

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said it is investigating the fatal shooting that occurred at the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU) Headquarters on Granby Street, Upper Kingstown.





In a July 9 press release, the RSVGPF said: "According to preliminary reports, at approximately 12:35 p.m., Shernard Gloster, 47 years of Keartons, Barrouallie, visited the KCCU office to conduct business. During his visit, an altercation occurred between Gloster and an on-duty security guard, resulting in Gloster being fatally shot.





Gloster was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical practitioner, the police confirmed.





According to a witness, someone who was at the KCCU headquarters customer service area at the time of the shooting, an argument developed between the customer and the security guard after the security guard accosted him about switching from the customer service line to the cashier/teller line.





A tussle ensued and the security guard forcefully removed the customer from the main office to the foyer area. The tussle continued in the foyer area, during which the security guard drew his firearm and allegedly shot the customer.





"After the customer was shot, the security guard let him go and he fell on the stairs, the witness added.

A number of people gave a similar account of the incident with one adding that the security guard might also have approached Gloster and requested that he remove sunglasses he was wearing while in the customer service area, which is not allowed.





This might have incensed the customer, the witness said.

Following the incident, the Kingstown Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (KCCU) issued a release, Thursday 10th July, 2026. It read as follows:

"The Kingstown Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (KCCU) regrets to confirm that an incident occurred at our headquarters, on July 9th, 2025, which resulted in the death of one person.

Operations at our Kingstown location were immediately halted, and the office closed for the remainder of the day.

We are profoundly saddened by the loss of life and extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.





The safety, dignity, and well-being of our members, staff, and the wider community remain our priorities. We have engaged counselling and support services for our employees and other affected persons.

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is conducting investigations into the incident, and we await the outcome of these investigations.





We understand and appreciate the publics concern and solicit your forbearance at this time.
(Photos courtesy CCJ Secretariat)





On Sunday, 6 July 2025, the Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson was sworn-in as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in Montego Bay, Jamaica by His Excellency, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J, Governor-General of Jamaica. The ceremony was held ahead of the Opening of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and was attended by the Secretary-General of CARICOM, CARICOM Heads of Government, regional Heads of Judiciaries, Government Ministers, and former CCJ Presidents.





In his remarks, President Anderson, a national of Jamaica and the first Jamaican to be appointed to the CCJ bench, noted, As I assume the office of President of the Court, I do so not in isolation, but as part of a broader regional movement of national judiciaries dedicated to delivering accessible justice, ensuring respect for and advancing the rule of law, protecting and promoting human rights, and supporting sustainable development in our countries.





President Anderson was appointed a Judge of the Court in 2010. Prior to joining the Court, he served as a lecturer at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Cave Hill from 1988 until 2003. During his tenure he served as Deputy Dean, Head of the Teaching Department of Law, and UWI Senior Lecturer in Law. He has also served as General Counsel of CARICOM on secondment from The UWI.





The role of the President





Speaking of the role of the President in the region, Dr Carla Barnett, CBE, CARICOM Secretary-General, remarked the Office of the President carries not only the highest responsibility within the judicial system, but also embodies the trust and confidence of the people. It is a role that calls for wisdom in judgment, integrity in conduct, and leadership in times of challenge and change. The CCJ President not only presides over judgments, but also shapes the tone, integrity, and institutional strength of the Court itself. This leadership will be crucial as we navigate complex legal issues in an era defined by technological change, social transformation, and global interconnectedness.





Mr Justice Anderson will serve as President for no longer than the statutory period of seven years. He replaces Mr Justice Adrian Saunders who was also in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony. Speaking of President Anderson at the event, Mr Justice Saunders stated, Throughout his time at the CCJ, Mr Justice Anderson fully demonstrated that he is an extremely hard-working and dynamic Judge. Since he joined the Court, he has sat on all the cases that have come our way in which we have been tasked with interpreting and applying the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. He has also sat on over 200 appeals from the various states that send their final appeals to us. He has written or co-authored some 32 opinions, and in most of these, he has delivered the leading opinion of the Court.





In his remarks, Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and Chairman of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government congratulated President Anderson stating, to the Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson, I extend warm and sincere congratulations. Your appointment is a moment of pride not only for Jamaica but for the entire region. You bring to this office a distinguished legal mind, profound commitment to Caribbean Jurisprudence, and decades of service grounded in scholarship and vision. (Source: CCJ Secretariat)
Patrons to the La Shere Life Style booth got hands-on advice on the use of the products on offer.

In celebration of World MSME Day, the National Development Foundation (NDF) held its inaugural "MSME Marketplace under the theme "Connect and Grow on Friday, 27th June, 2025, at its new location on White Chapel Road, Kingstown, from 9:00 a.m.  4:00 p.m.





The event marked the beginning of what is to become a quarterly feature where MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) will have the opportunity to regularly showcase their products and services, build business connections and also encourage support for local enterprises.





Exhibitors showcased a vibrant array of products  from agro-based goods like jams, jellies, seasonings, local wines, and punch-de-creme, to handcrafted leather bags, crochet clothing, perfumes, skincare items, plants, and more  all reflecting the strength, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Vincentian MSMEs.





In a continued show of its commitment to small business development, the Foundation also launched its newest loan product  Construction and Trades Loan Facility. This loan product provides up to $20,000.00 in affordable financing, designed specifically to meet the needs of builders, masons, electricians, and tradespeople looking for fast, affordable funding to complete contracts, buy tools, or start or expand their businesses.





Contractors and skilled professionals are encouraged to visit the NDFs office on White Chapel Road, Kingstown, or any of their social media pages or call 784-457-2646 or 494-2510, for more information on how to access customized financing and related business support to grow their businesses. (Text & Photos Contributed by NDF)





About the National Development Foundation





The National Development Foundation St. Vincent and the Grenadines (NDFSVG)was incorporated on 26th October, 1983 as a private non-profit development organization.





The main purpose of the Foundation is to promote self-help development among the less privileged sector, primarily through the provision of credit, technical assistance, and training in the initiation and/or development of owner-managed enterprises.





While employment and income generation are our main goals, the NDFSVG also works to develop a greater sense of self-worth and an understanding of fundamental human values among its clients.

The NDFSVG seeks to work closely with the government to realise common objectives. (Text & Photos Contributed by NDF)




This summer, Rowan University took a significant step toward expanding global learning and research opportunities through an agreement with Egypts Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT). The partnership is designed to open doors for student exchange, degree completion, collaborative research and moreboth in the U.S. and across the Middle East.

Morris Kalliny, Ph.D., Rowans vice president for Global Affairs and dean of the School of Professional Studies, traveled to Cairo to formalize the agreement July 1 at one of AASTMTs Cairo campuses.

This Memorandum of Understanding lays the foundation for a wide range of academic and research collaborations between Rowan and AASTMT, Kalliny said.

Among possible initiatives are joint degree programs that would allow students to start their studies at one institution and finish at the other. Similar to Rowans successful 3+1 and 2+2 programs with community colleges in Gloucester, Burlington, and Cumberland counties, these pathways could offer students a more affordable and flexible route to earning their degrees.

While the specifics of the partnership are still developing, the potential is clear.

This agreement allows us to begin building programs in areas like joint degrees, research partnerships and study abroad, Kalliny said.

AASTMT, which serves approximately 27,000 students across six campuses in Egypt  including 16,000 graduate students  has a strong academic reputation and a global outlook that aligns well with Rowans mission to increase access to a high quality, affordable college degree. The university was established by the Arab League in 1972 to serve students from all 22 Arab countries.

Though the MOU is non-binding, it marks the beginning of a promising relationship.

It signals that both institutions are committed to working together, Kalliny said, opening the door to exciting new opportunities for our students and faculty.
Originally a post-Soviet state success story, Georgia slides further into authoritarianism as the pro-Russian Georgia Dream party maintains power. From The Conversation.

Georgia was once considered a post-Soviet success story. After years of authoritarian rule, followed by independence that brought near state collapse, corruption, and chaos, Georgia appeared to have transitioned to democracy.

In a period after independence in 1991 and before 2020, elections were regularly held and were deemed mostly free and fair, the media and civil society were vibrant and corruption levels had diminished significantly.

The Rose Revolution in 2003 ushered in an era of unprecedented reform and suggested a move toward democracy and a closer relationship with the West. Georgians were full of hope for the countrys future, and prospects of joining the European Union  or at least moving closer to Europe.

Fast forward two decades and Georgia has fully returned to authoritarianism. Six opposition leaders are in prison or facing charges and now think-tank leaders are being targeted with investigations that could land them in prison. Typically these charges center around accepting foreign funding or criticizing the government.

In line with other authoritarian regimes around the world, opposition organizations such as think tanks are being told to produce financial documents in short timeframes, and accused of financial mismanagement and threatened with prosecution if they dont.

In May 2024, Georgia passed a Russian-inspired foreign agent law  which would require non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving foreign funding to register themselves and face restrictions. Protests erupted each time Georgias parliament debated this measure, but eventually the pro-Russian Georgia Dream party prevailed. More than 90 percent of NGOs receive funding from abroad, so the new law cripples the efforts of some 26,000 of them.

Many Georgians were outraged that the passage of the bill might end dreams of one day becoming a European Union candidate country. Regular surveys have found that about 80 percent of Georgians have aspirations for their country to join the EU.

Though Georgia faces a host of economic problems, the Georgia Dream party has campaigned on delivering a return to traditional values. Like in Russia, the party also passed a series of laws in 2024 that target the LGBTQ+ community, such as banning content that features same-sex relationships and stripping same-sex couples of rights, such as adoption.

Targeting Civil Servants

Georgia Dream also passed legislation making treason a criminal offense, a clear attempt to eliminate political opponents. Any insults of politicians online are also considered a criminal offense.

In June of this year, civil society organizations in Georgia received court orders requiring them to disclose highly sensitive data. Meanwhile, members of the Georgia Dream party were accused of assaulting opposition party leader Giorgi Gakharia, who suffered a broken nose and a concussion, which they denied.

In another effort to exercise greater control over the state, since the beginning of this year, more than 800 civil servants have been dismissed. Similar to the purges that took place in Turkey, this is not being done in the name of efficiency, but to ensure that the bureaucracy is loyal to wishes of the Georgian Dream government.

This hasnt happened overnight, as the laws had already changed several times to weaken legal protections for civil servants.

During its time in government, the Georgia Dream party has moved the country much closer to Russia, often by portraying the nation as locked in a cultural struggle against the West. Despite this, 69 percent of Georgians still see Russia as Georgias main enemy, up from 35 percent in 2012.

Though the Georgia Dream party faces increasing public opposition to its rule, it gained nearly the same amount of votes in the 2024 elections as it did in 2012  when it was at its peak of popularity. The election result in October 2024 may be partly explained by accusations of fraud and other irregularities.

How Did This Happen?

One of the first big threats to Georgias democracy came in August 2008 when Russia invaded the country to offer support for two breakaway regions in South Ossetia and Abkhazia that declared themselves independent from Georgia. The international community did little to censure Russia, giving Russian President Vladimir Putin the confidence to engage in further acts of aggression.

Russia has maintained troops in South Ossetia, only about 30 miles from Georgias capital Tbilisi, and continues to play an important role in Georgian politics, undermining democracy.

The next threat came from within. Billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili was elected prime minister of Georgia in 2012 as the leader of Georgia Dream. Despite officially stepping down from this position in 2013, he has wielded power behind the scenes and is still widely considered to be the de facto leader of Georgia.

Though Georgia did not immediately slide toward autocracy under the Georgia Dream party, today there are few remnants of democracy left. The major opposition parties are banned, opposition politicians and journalists are spied on, and protests are repressed by the police.

Cameras are now installed on the streets of Tbilisi as part of a crackdown on protest, and fines for protesting have increased. Elections are no longer considered to be free and fair by the European Union and others as the Georgia Dream party uses its access to state resources to dole out patronage to its supporters and intimidate voters.

In just over two decades, Georgia has managed to plunge back to authoritarianism. Once hailed as a beacon of democratic reform, the country is now gripped by a Russian-influenced ruling party that has consolidated power through repression, surveillance, and manipulation.

But while the Georgia Dream party has tried to dismantle the countrys democratic institutions, support for resistance is high. According to a poll in 2025, more than 60 percent of respondents supported protests against the government and 45 percent identified as active supporters. And 82 percent feel Georgia is in crisis, with 78 percent blaming Georgian Dream.

It appears that Russia may have succeeded in undermining democracy in Georgia, but not in shaping hearts and minds.

Natasha Lindstaedt is a professor in the department of government at the University of Essex and a contributing writer for The Conversation, where this article originally appeared. Republished by permission.






Tom Morello has dubbed Kneecap the "Rage Against The Machine of now" for speaking "truth to power".

Tom Morello has compared Kneecap to Rage Against The Machine

The Irish rap trio's band member Mo Chara (real name Liam Og O hAnnaidh) is currently on bail on a terror charge relating to "displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah" at their O2 Forum Kentish Town gig in London in November 2024.

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court at a recent hearing: Its not about Mr O hAnnaidhs support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.

Hes well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else.

The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying up Hamas, up Hezbollah.

Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other.

So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr O hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.

O hAnnaidh was subsequently released on unconditional bail until his next hearing on August 20.

Not only was he supported by his bandmates - Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh - at the court, but hundreds of supporters turned up to stand in solidarity with the star, with calls of "Free Palestine" heard as he left the building.

In a statement on Instagram regarding the terror charge, Kneecap wrote: "We deny this offense and will vehemently defend ourselves.

This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction.

"14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us.

We are on the right side of history. You are not. We will fight you in court. We will win.

Kneecap had several shows cancelled as a result of the backlash but still got to play Glastonbury's West Holts stage at Worthy Farm on Saturday, June 28 - despite calls from MPs for them to be banned.

Killing in the Name hitmakers Rage Against The Machine are known for their anti-authoritarian and leftist political views and have used their platform to stand up against injustices.

Appearing on The Strombo Show recently, the group's guitarist said of Kneecap: [Theyre at] the top of the list.

I mean, theyre clearly the Rage Against The Machine of now. Like, theres them and theres a gap to the next one.

Morello insists Kneecap are "not terrorists".

Reacting to the backlash against the band, he said: What theyre doing in their art is what people could probably stand to do more in their lives: to really speak truth to power. And, you know, Kneecap are not terrorists."

He added: What is terroristic is, you know, 20,000 dead Palestinian children. Thats the story. Not some Irish rappers who dont like that thats happening. [That] should not be the story.
PERENCO is now one of the top three natural gas producers in the country, cementing its role as a major player in Trinidad and Tobagos upstream energy industry, following the completion of its acquisition of the Greater Angostura producing oil and gas assets and associated production facilities from Woodside Energy, the Energy Ministry stated yesterday.

Perenco yesterday issued a release confirming the completion of the acquisition of Greater Angostura from Woodside Energy in Trinidad and Tobago.
I AM happy to be 90. But dont expect me to make 100.

So says the undisputed Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco), as he celebrates his 90th birthday in New York, United States of America (USA), today.

Sparrow was bestowed with the nations highest awardthe Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT)on June 11, 2014, by then-President Anthony Carmona, but way before that, he grabbed national headlines when he won the Road March and Calypso King titles in 1956 with the immortal Jean and Dinah. Hes married to Margaret Francisco.
HUNDREDS of motorists were trapped in heavy traffic yesterday as the Diego Martin Borough Corporation held its second annual military parade which began at its headquarters at West Vale Park, Glencoe.

From around 9 a.m., westbound motorists who tried to access the Diego Martin Highway from off the Western Main Road were restricted, leaving hundreds of them seeking alternative routes into Diego Martin, Diamond Vale and Petit Valley.
Rebus has been recommissioned for a second series.

Richard Rankin as John Rebus

Series one of the six-part BBC crime drama - which is based on Ian Rankin's books about DS John Rebus - was a huge hit on release last year and, after its cliffhanger ending, it has now been confirmed Richard Rankin will be back as the detective for another series.

The second season will follow DS Rebus as he "explores the links between violent criminals in the citys drug trade and the bourgeois world of law and finance".

Filming is scheduled for later this year before it airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2026.

Ian Rankin, who serves as executive producer on Rebus, said: Season one of Rebus ended on a cliffhanger. Only screenwriter Gregory Burke knows what happens next.

So Im hugely excited that season two will soon be with us. Rebus is back - mean, moody and as magnificent as ever.

Writer Gregory Burke is "delighted" to be penning a new series.

He said in a statement: "Im delighted to be given the chance by the BBC and Eleventh Hour Films to bring Rebus back to the nations TV screens once more. Ian Rankins character and body of work are the perfect materials with which to explore contemporary Scottish society and the turbulent world that surrounds it."

BBC bosses admitted they were "blown away" by the response to the first series.

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland, said: We were blown away with the audience response to the new-look Rebus first time round so bringing it back for a second series was always a priority. The combination of brilliant storytelling, powerful performances and top class production values will make this new series must-see television.

"This commission is part of our recently announced strategy to bring more high impact scripted content from Scotland and were confident audiences will enjoy this next series as much as they did the first.

Richard - who is not related to 65-year-old author Ian - previously praised the writing for the show.

The 42-year-old actor told RadioTimes.com in 2024: "The source material is so well-written, so wonderfully written by Ian Rankin.

"And then we've got the screenwriting, and it is so, so good from Greg Burke, I think he's an excellent writer, and I think his take on it is exciting. I think that we have such a rich world to draw from, and Greg's from that world himself.

"He's coming to it with such experience, such honesty, such a story to tell, and he understands this world as a character, the political and social landscape of it all, he writes it, puts it in there, and gives it to us to take and put it on screen.

"I feel very lucky to have had that. Those scripts and the source material that it came from, because it just really enriches it all and fills it with something substantial on screen."
Three years ago when, at their intersessional summit in Belize, Caribbean Community (Caricom) endorsed a proposal allowing members to move ahead with initiatives on which the community is broadly agreed, this newspaper suggested that this could be among the communitys most consequential decisions in its half-century of existence.

The arrangement provided for a workaround to Caricoms notorious implementation deficit for coalitions of the willing, once the interests of other members werent compromised. The community could therefore begin to clear the logjam of failures that impeded its move to being a genuine single market and economy.
Pima Countys top prosecutor on Thursday aired out a dispute her office is having with federal authorities over access to a previously deported man accused in a deadly Tucson crime spree.

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said in a news release that she worries Julio Aguirre  an ex-con whod previously been deported to Mexico after a term in an Arizona prison  will be deported again before facing a criminal trial by her office in the alleged killing of a 69-year-old man during a carjacking attempt and confrontations with several residents that shook a midtown neighborhood for hours on the morning of June 30.

Aguirre was eventually captured and sent to a hospital for treatment of a bite from a police dog and other injuries.

On Thursday, Conover said police planned to arrest Aguirre on suspicion of first-degree murder and other charges as soon as he was released from the hospital and book him into the Pima County jail. Instead, she says, federal agents took custody of Aguirre during overnight hours, hustled him away and are not allowing prosecutors in her office to have access to him to pursue their case against him.

Agents apprehended Aguirre overnight on July 2, taking him to a federal detention center outside in Florence, Conover said by Zoom in a press conference Thursday afternoon.

It was abnormal. Its not how these things work, ever, Conover said.

Until last night, she said, the expectation was that federal authorities would hold Aguirre, but that he would be released to local authorities to attend hearings in his state case.

They were still telling us that they can have him for hearings until last night, she said.

Conover noted that the U.S. Attorneys Office rarely handles homicides that result from street crime like this incident, and she said she worried that all the victims of that days crime spree may not get justice under federal jurisdiction.

We do homicides over here, sadly, as routine course, she said. The homicide experts are in this office. They are highly skilled.

The US Attorneys Office for Arizona last week in its own news release said Aguirre faced federal charges of attempted carjacking, using a firearm in a violent crime and being an undocumented person with a firearm. He had not been charged with murder or with aggravated assault against the first alleged victims that day, whom Conover described as a four-generation family.

Frustrated with the actions of federal authorities, Conover says her office contacted the United States Attorneys Office on July 7, inquiring when Aguirre would be transferred back to Pima County to face charges of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Ricky Miller, Sr., as well as multiple counts of aggravated assault.

Local prosecutors also told the federal office that three elderly victims in the Tucson case should be allowed to proceed to a preliminary hearing as a way to preserve their testimony.

They told us we would not be allowed to have any hearings, indefinitely, Conover said. Thats not something I can abide.

Federal prosecutors could not be immediately reached Thursday to respond the Conovers claims.

Ricky Eugene Miller, Jr., whose father was killed, has also expressed his concerns regarding Aguirres transfer to federal custody.

I said to the detective more than once, Dont you let him go the the feds. We might not see him again. He could just get deported. My dad deserves justice first,  he is quoted as saying in Conovers news release.

Conover said the federal charges leveled against Aguirre will leave other victims and witnesses of the crime spree unable to get their day in court.

Exploiting grief and loss like this for political gain is appalling, Conover said of the decision by federal prosecutors to detain Aguirre rather than have him booked into the county jail to face local charges. It always fuels me to keep fighting.

Ricky Eugene Miller, Jr. has called the federal detention un-American.

Dad and his neighbors deserve so much better than this. Those neighbors who risked their lives to try to save him need their day in court.

In the crime spree, the elder Miller was shot with a 9mm caliber handgun while sitting in his Toyota Tundra, police have said.

Aguirre was subsequently linked to other crimes that morning, including a burglary attempt and an armed home intrusion, authorities have said.

Police eventually found Aguirre hiding in a shed following an hours-long police operation that loosely covered the neighborhood south of Reid Park between South Country Club Road and South Alvernon Way.

Aguirre was arrested over 10 times from 2007 to 2013 for immigration-related crimes, authorities have said.

Aguirre was last removed from the country in 2013 after serving time in prison for drug trafficking in the Phoenix area, police have said.
More than $118 million in federal funding grants for Arizona public schools have not been released by the federal government just weeks before the start of the school year.

The funding limbo comes as the Trump administration announced Monday it is withholding more than $6 billion in federal grants for review. These funds finance summer and after-school programs, English-learning instruction, staff training, mental health counseling and art programs.

The most directly impacted group, with regard to loss of these funds in the largest amount of money, will be the students, said Gabriel Trujillo, superintendent of Tucson Unified School District.

TUSD recently announced the district was facing a potential loss of $6 million due to the federal withholding.

The funds, approved by Congress, were expected to be released July 1, but the US Department of Education said in a last-minute notice that the money would be withheld while programs were reviewed to ensure they align with President Donald Trumps priorities, the Associated Press has reported. Trujillo said TUSD was notified June 30 that it would not receive the funds.

If youre going to cut the $6 million, do it in a professional and compassionate and humane way. Do it for the 26-27 school year so we have the year to plan and communicate with parents, Trujillo said about the Arizona Department of Education, the agency that passes federal money to the states public schools. Trujillo said there has been no help from the state education office to navigate the potential loss. When they say what kind of support do we need, that support is give us our $6 million that was penciled into this years fiscal budget.

The primary program the loss will affect is about $2 million that goes toward student programming through the 21st Century afterschool program, Trujillo said. The program provides academic intervention and tutoring at 23 schools and serves about 1,000 students to help get their reading and math up to grade level.

Parents rely on us during that time to take care of their students until they can get off work, Trujillo said.

The other $4 million goes toward professional development courses and resources for teachers, English as a Second Language and English Language Development courses for students. It also covers student support services, including social work, student behavioral intervention and social emotional learning programming.

Right now, were still working on putting the strategy together, because we just found out about this, Trujillo said. The biggest priority is figuring this out through a combination of strategies, working with the citys Kidco program and Boys and Girls Club to see if we can expand some access there.

The Arizona Education Association, the labor union for Arizona public school educators, took to social media Tuesday, July 1, to criticize the freeze, calling it outrageous, illegal, and wrong.

This is an outrageous attempt to defund public education and steal from the 1.1 million Arizona students who attend public schools, Arizona Education Association President Marisol Garcia said in a news release. The Trump administration has no authority to withhold funding that was already promised to our districts, and we expect this illegal freeze to be successfully challenged in the courts.

Late last week, Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Greg Stanton wrote a joint letter to Director of Management and Budget Russell Vought and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, demanding the Department of Education release the grant money.

This freeze is putting Arizona school districts in an impossible financial situation, as school districts have already adopted their annual budgets and signed contracts for the upcoming school year, they wrote. To minimize harm to students, teachers, and families and to uphold the Constitution, we urge you to immediately release these congressionally appropriated dollars as required by law.

Arizonas Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, at a July 10 news conference, accused the White House of ripping away important programs with no explanation and no warning, reported the Arizona Republic.

Our public schools have been planning on that money, Hobbs said. These cuts are not a Democratic or Republican problem. They are a problem for every elected official, in all 50 states, who wants to expand opportunity and give every kid in their state a shot.
PHOENIX  As secretary of state, Katie Hobbs blasted then-Gov. Doug Ducey in 2022 when he spent about $100 million erecting a wall of storage containers along the US-Mexico border, calling it a publicity stunt.

And her assessment continued after the state was forced to remove the containers  at a cost of $70 million more  after the Biden administration filed a lawsuit charging that the barriers were illegal.

But Hobbs, who replaced Ducey in January 2023, said she now wants the federal government to reimburse Arizona for all the money spent by her predecessor.

The governor noted that the just-approved federal legislation  originally dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill  has $10 billion available for grants to states that paid for border barriers or other security measures going back to Jan. 20, 2021, the date President Joe Biden was inaugurated.

Federal lawmakers inserted the provision into the new legislation largely at the behest of senators from Texas which alone claims it spent more than $11 billion for border security. But Hobbs said Thursday while she is still studying whats in the federal legislation she believes Arizona is entitled to a share.

I cant imagine us not asking, the governor said.

Arizonans paid nearly $200 million for putting up that container wall and taking it down and storing, she said. I think we deserve some of those funds back.

Hobbs did not address the fact that the wall of containers was removed to settle the lawsuit with the Biden administration, which had declared the construction illegal. But she did point out that all this happened under the prior Ducey administration  and over her objections.

I believe Ive said many times my predecessor misspent that money, the governor said. But that, she said, is irrelevant to her next move.

Hopefully the feds will reimburse us, Hobbs said.

And what does the former governor think of the bid for reimbursement of his would-be border barrier?

Lets hope she uses the funds for border security and public safety, as it was intended, said Daniel Scarpinato who was chief of staff for Ducey, responding on his behalf. But given her track record, we wont be holding our breath.

At the heart of the issue was the decision by the Republican-controlled Legislature to approve a $335 million Arizona Border Security Fund in 2022. Those dollars had strings, including requirements that they be spent to erect a barrier.

Ducey used $95 million of that to pay AshBritt Management & Logistics to obtain and use old storage containers to erect the ersatz border barrier with a double-high wall.

The Biden administration responded by citing a 1907 proclamation by then-President Theodore Roosevelt declaring a 60-foot-wide strip just inside the border belongs not to the state but the federal government. And that was precisely where Ducey had started to put up the containers in Cochise and Yuma counties.

In the end, Ducey agreed to remove the containers  at additional cost to the state. Plus, the state paid another $2.1 million to the Forest Service to remediate the damage done by the containers in the first place.

All that resulted in the dismissal of all pending litigation.

Hobbs said Thursday that the money she will seek may go beyond the costs of the erection and dismantling of the border barrier.

In late 2023 she billed the Biden administration for $512.5 million to cover what she said what the state had spent on border security including migrant transportation, drug interdiction, and law enforcement.

I look forward to your prompt response, she wrote to the president.

The state has yet to get that cash. In fact, Hobbs said Thursday that the total is a lot more now than her original request, though she had no figures.

That leaves the question of whether the money in the newly enacted federal legislation covers those costs, too, and not just the border barrier.

Were still sorting through all of the implications of the bill, she said, including not just reimbursement for border expenses but also the things are going to harm Arizonans, the things that are going to help Arizonans.

I dont know the answer to that yet, Hobbs said.
Rep. Raul Grijalvas widow would receive an additional year of congressional salary under a legislative-branch appropriations bill being considered in Congress.

Grijalva is one of three members of the U.S. House who died while serving this year  the other two were Reps. Sylvester Turner of Texas and Gerry Connolly of Virginia  and the survivors of each would receive a $174,000 payment. In Grijalvas case, the survivor named in the bill is his wife, Ramona.

It is tradition in Congress that the survivors of members who die in office receive a years pay in what is known as a death gratuity payment, said Demian Brady, vice president of research at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, based in Washington, D.C.

For every member who has passed away in office since 2000, every single one of them got this payment, Brady said in an interview.

In fact, the tradition goes back much further than that. In 2021 research, Brady was able to find similar payments being made as early as 1880. But he has argued that it is an outdated tradition.

It dates back to the earlier times in history when they didnt have the large retirement programs that we have today, Brady said. Today, he added, its a completely different situation because members of Congress tend to be wealthy and there are statutory benefits.

Members become eligible for a pension after five years, and the amount of that pension increases with time served in office, he said. Turner had served less than one year when he died. Connolly had served about 16 years. Grijalva had served more than 22 years.

Brady argues that the tradition creates an incentive for elected members to die in office rather than resign when they can no longer serve. Of course, members may also hold out for other reasons, notably that they enjoy the role or are expecting their health to improve.

The latter apparently was the case with Grijalva. His longtime aide, Ruben Reyes, issued the same statement repeatedly during the congressmans last months: Congressman Grijalva is following the advice from his medical team with the goal of returning to Washington D.C.

And before he was re-elected, he said that the 2024 election would be his last.

Ultimately, though, his health never improved enough. Grijalva held the job but only showed up briefly to cast votes twice in the period between March 2024 and March 13, 2025, when he died of cancer. He announced his diagnosis in April last year and won re-election in November.

"This is a standard benefit afforded to all House employees, members, and millions of workers in the public and private sector," Grijalva's daughter, congressional candidate Adelita Grijalva, said in a texted statement. "To suggest that my dad stayed in office for financial benefit is grotesque, it's a lie, and it is an insult to his memory, which my family and I are still in the process of grieving."

Rep. Bill Posey, a former member of Congress from Florida, introduced legislation to end the practice of gratuity payments while serving in the House, but his bill didnt pass.

I believe members of Congress should do what other Americans do, purchase their own life insurance, Posey said in 2011.

There are no current bills that would end the death gratuity tradition, Brady said.

Most Foxx donors from out of state

The upstart campaign of Deja Foxx for the Democratic nomination for Congress is getting the vast majority of its financial support from out of state.

An Arizona Daily Star analysis of a portion of Foxxs contributions shows that just 16% came from donors in Arizona, while 27.5% came from California and 15.5% from New York.

Only the itemized donations can be analyzed using Federal Election Commission filings, and those make up about 24% of Foxxs $591,791.54 in reported individual donations. The Foxx campaign said that if all donations are taken into account, not just the itemized ones, the percentage rises to 18% of total donations being from Arizona.

Those proportions are in significant contrast to the other candidates for the Congressional District 7 nomination who have filed with the FEC.

Of Daniel Hernandez Jr.s itemized donations, about 52% came from donors in Arizona, while 20.5% came from California and 7.5% came from New York. Itemized donations made up 85% of Hernandezs $862,821.51 in individual donations.

Of Adelita Grijalvas itemized donations, 63.5% came from donors in Arizona, 11% came from Washington D.C., and 6% from Maryland. Itemized donations made up about 55% of Grijalvas $682,927.22 in individual donations.

Foxx has also benefited from a late infusion of independent spending. David Hoggs Leaders We Deserve PAC has spent $150,000 on digital advertising and media production supporting Foxx. Hogg, who is leading a campaign against some Democratic incumbents, will appear with Foxx Friday evening at a Hotel Congress event.

The Tucson Families Fed Up PAC also reporting spending $23,502.04 supporting Foxx. This may account for a recent mailer many voters received supporting Foxx and opposing Grijalva.

More outside money has also come in supporting Grijalva. Progressive Promise, a group that had already spent $101,250 supporting her, has put another $120,000 toward digital ads for her. The Americas Future Project super PAC, based in Mesa, also spent $23,850 on get-out-the-vote mailers supporting Grijalva.

Crime-free activist source of Ward 6 mailer

A mailer appeared in mailboxes across Midtown Tucson this week, slamming Ward 6 City Council candidate Miranda Schuberts support for fare-free transit.

The mailer mentions Drug use. Violence. Hatchet attacks. And it says, Miranda supports policies that make our buses & bus stops unsafe for everyone.

It is the handiwork of Kevin Daily, who founded the political action committee Flowing Wells Families for Progress on July 3 with his wife, Marie. Major funding for the mailer is provided by the Arizona Multi Housing Association.

Daily, who lives in Ward 3, also co-founded the politically active Tucson Crime Free Coalition and is president of the Flowing Wells school board and the Flowing Wells Neighborhood Association board. Daily and the coalition ardently oppose the citys fare-free transit policy, which has been in effect since 2020.

Daily supports Leighton Rockafellow in the Democratic primary, in which James Sinex is also running. Rockafellow supports returning to charging fares, with free transit only for those who cant afford it. Schubert wants to continue with the citys fare-free policy.

Although Daily supports Rockafellow, Rockafellow condemned the mailer, noting he disagrees with Schubert on the transit policy, but said the language used in this mailer crosses a line. It politicizes a tragedy and exploits the pain of victims for political gain.

In a text, Schubert said Its disappointing to see fear mongering tactics being used in an attempt to manipulate our democratic process. I am proud of the campaign we have run and believe in Ward 6 voters ability to see through these baseless attacks as just that.
PHOENIX  Arizonans are free to run for any office they want under the No Labels banner  even if party officials dont give permission.

In a new ruling Friday, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected arguments by attorneys for the party that it alone gets to decide in which races to participate. Judge Salvador Mendoza, writing for the unanimous panel, said Arizonas interests in having people participate in the political process outweighs any burden on the No Labels Party to decide who gets to run.

Fridays ruling most immediately benefits the 3,774 Arizonans who have registered with No Labels, a recognized political party in Arizona. Unless overturned, the ruling ensures they can submit petitions to run for a variety of partisan political offices, from governor and members of Congress through the state Legislature.

The opportunity to run also may reinvigorate the party whose registration was close to 19,000 before a federal judge ruled last year that party officials had the power to prevent registrants from seeking office in the party name.

Potentially more significant, the decision sets a legally biding precedent limiting the top officials from any recognized political party from keeping adherents from running under its banner. And that could prove important if Elon Musk follows through with his plans for his new America Party and gets ballot recognition in Arizona.

The right to vote belongs to party members, not the party leadership, and that is where it will remain, Mendoza wrote.

No Labels attempts to assert top-down control by dictating who may be on its ballot, he said. But a party does not have monolithic control over its own members and supporters.

There was no immediate response from officials of the No Labels Party.

The party was founded in 2009 with the stated goal of combating what it calls the polarized political climate that has led to the most prominent voices often found the farthest from the center. It had the specific goal of creating a unity ticket to run in the 2024 presidential race if the two parties select unreasonably divisive presidential nominees.

It submitted the necessary paperwork and gained ballot status in Arizona.

That, in turn, resulted in a half-dozen individuals filed statements of interest to run as No Labels candidates in various other races. The party then sued Secretary of State Adrian Fontes to keep their names off the ballot.

Fontes fought the lawsuit, arguing that the partys freedom of association ends where the fundamental political rights of other begin, including the right to vote.

Last year U.S. District Court Judge John Tuchi sided with the party, blocking Fontes from accepting any requests by any individual  including those registered with the No Labels Party  be a candidate in the 2024 state primary election.

Fontes appealed.

In the new ruling Friday, Mendoza acknowledged that political parties have a First Amendment right to associate with whom they please.

A party may limit its membership as it wishes and choose a candidate-selection process that will in its view produce the nominee who best represents its political platform, the appellate judge wrote.

Still, he said, there are limits.

When the state allows a political party to have a role in the election process, the state acquires a legitimate governmental interest in ensuring the fairness of the partys nominating process, enabling it to prescribe what that process must be, Mendoza said. And that, he said, is broad.

Ensuring voter and candidate participation is undoubtedly a legitimate state interest, the judge said.

But he said it goes beyond that, including eliminating fraud and corruption.

To maintain the integrity of the political process, states may adopt election codes to remove party nominating decisions from the infamous smoke-filled rooms and place them instead in the hands of a partys rank-and-file, thereby destroying the corrupt alliance between wealthy special interests and the political machine, Mendoza said. One way to limit the opportunity for fraud and corruption is through a direct primary, which prevents party leadership from controlling nominating decisions, while promoting democratic decisionmaking.

The appellate judges also brushed aside the claim by party officials that allowing people to run as No Labels candidates would interfere with their objective of focusing exclusively on selecting and promoting candidates for president and vice president.

This objective appears illusory, Mendoza wrote. He pointed out that even after gaining ballot status in Arizona  and elsewhere  for the 2024 election it didnt even run any candidates.

Anyway, the judge said, he doesnt see any real burden on party officials who want to make clear in future elections that while there are candidates running for multiple offices on the No Labels ticket, the party itself is only supportive of its nominees for president and vice president.

And theres something else.

Arizona automatically sends out ballots to anyone who is on the states active early voter list and has made such a request. And in the 2024 primary, that included members of the No Labels Party.

Only thing is, what they got from Fontes was a blank ballot, as Tuchis ruling barred the secretary from including he names of those seeking to run for other offices under the No Labels banner.

Arizonas interest in avoiding voter confusing is legitimate, and the secretarys action in accepting eligible candidates statements of interest serves to avoid such confusion, Mendoza said.

This interest is also compelling because ... it is extraordinarily confusing to a partys members to receive blank ballots even after the qualifying petition explained that the party would be represented on the ballot, he continued. Arizonas election law is narrowly tailored to advance the interest of avoiding voter confusing because it prevents a situation where blank ballots are sent to voters, at least where there are willing candidates.

This isnt the first litigation involving the No Labels Party and its presence in Arizona.

The Arizona Democratic Party filed suit in 2023 to keep the party  and, more to the point, its candidates  off the 2024 ballot, Attorneys for the Democrats argued that No Labels did not meet the legal definitions of a party, citing among other things its refusal to disclose donors which is a requirement of all other parties.
Bruno Tonioli is reportedly set to leave Britains Got Talent.

Bruno Tonioli to leave Britain's Got Talent?

Two years after the former Strictly Come Dancing star joined the show  taking the place of former judge David Walliams on the panel  he is said to be leaving the show, with KSI and Alan Carr the frontrunners to replace him.

Brunos filming schedule on Dancing With The Stars will clash with two weeks of filming for BGT.

A source told The Sun: The filming schedule in 2024 meant that Bruno could get away with not being present for filming one week of auditions.

But it would be virtually impossible for him to miss two weeks, because in the final edit, that equates to half the episodes in the new three-month run of BGT, which will air from February of 2026.

There is absolutely no ill feeling about the situation, its simply down to changes in the schedule making it incredibly difficult to remain as a full time judge.

However, there could be a way for Bruno to remain on the show, if head judge Simon Cowell comes up with a solution to the scheduling conflict.

The insider said: The only hope is if his long-time friend and fellow panellist Simon Cowell steps in to make it clear that he has to be a part of the show, no matter how difficult it proves to be.
Nine issues apology to Serbian community

Tony Jones' comments made during the Australian Open have been the cause of friction between Nine and the Serbian community.

Nine has issued an apology to the Serbian Council of Australia, its members and the wider Serbian-Australian community following Tony Jones comments made during the Australian Open.

Earlier this year in front of chanting fans Jones shouted, Novak, hes overrated. Novaks a has-been. Novak, kick him out! before adding Im glad they cant hear me.

On social media some suggested they had been encouraged to chant for Djokovic, prior to Jones broadside.

He later apologised on air.

On 17 January 2025, 9News Melbourne aired a live broadcast as part of its 6pm bulletin that referred to Novak Djokovics attendance at the Australian Open (Broadcast), Nine said in a statement.

Nine sincerely apologises to the Serbian Council of Australia, its members and the wider Serbian-Australian community for any offence caused as a result of the Broadcast.

No harm, nor any offence, was intended to the Serbian-Australian community.

Nine thanks, and is pleased to have co-operatively worked with, the Serbian Council of Australia to address and resolve their concerns in respect of the Broadcast.
HA NOI  After nearly a year of investigation, Viet Nam has decided to officially impose anti-dumping duties on imports of hot-rolled steel from China to protect domestic production against mounting pressure from cheap imports.

According to the latest announcement from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, anti-dumping duties on certain Chinese-origin hot-rolled steel products will range from 23.1 per cent to 27.8 per cent. The duties take effect from July 6 and will remain in place for five years, unless extended, adjusted or terminated in accordance with regulations.

The taxed products include flat-rolled steel or alloy steel, hot-rolled, with thickness from 1.2mm to 25.4mm and width not exceeding 1,880mm, unprocessed surfaces (not pickled, galvanised or oiled) and carbon content not exceeding 0.3 per cent. Goods such as stainless steel or hot-rolled plate steel are excluded from the scope of the duties.

In July 2024, the Ministry launched an anti-dumping investigation into hot-rolled steel from China and India after receiving a petition from Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel Company and Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation  two enterprises representing the domestic industry. The investigation period was set from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

During the review, the investigating agency coordinated with relevant units to assess the impact of dumping on the domestic steel industry, while determining the dumping margins of producers and exporters from both countries.

The findings showed that although dumping practices existed among Indian exporters, the proportion of imports from India was too low (under 3 per cent), failing to meet the threshold for trade defence measures under the Law on Foreign Trade Management. Therefore, Indian products were excluded from the scope of the duties.

Before the official imposition in February 2025, the Ministry applied provisional anti-dumping duties on certain Chinese hot-rolled steel products, ranging from 19.3 per cent to 27.8 per cent, effective from March 2025, to curb the rapid surge of imports causing serious harm to the domestic industry.  VNS
HA NOI  Coffee has once again emerged as a star performer among agro-forestry-fishery exports in the first half of 2025, with both volume and value registering strong growth despite ongoing global challenges in supply and climate conditions.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), Viet Nam exported an estimated 953,900 tonnes of coffee worth US$5.45 billion in the first six months of 2025, increasing by 5.3 per cent in volume and 67.5 per cent in value compared to the same period in 2024.

The average export price surged by 59.1 per cent year-on-year, reaching $5,708.3 per tonne.

Germany, Italy and Spain remained Viet Nams top three coffee importers, accounting for 16.3, 7.9, and 7.4 per cent of total exports respectively. Notably, export value to Germany more than doubled in the first five months of the year, while Italy saw a 45.1 per cent rise and Spain 55.8 per cent.

Among Viet Nams top 15 export markets, the most significant increase came from Mexico, with export value soaring 71.6 times, while China recorded the lowest increase at 22.9 per cent.

Deputy Minister Phung uc Tien highlighted that Viet Nam has already met its original 2025 coffee export target of $5.5 billion in just six months. With several months still ahead, the country is now expected to reach $7.5 billion in coffee exports by year-end, an increase of 36.9 per cent year-on-year.

The bulk of coffee production typically occurs between December and April, he said.

So, exports in the second half of the year are not expected to be as high as in the first half. But if Viet Nam earns $2 billion in the final six months, the $7.5 billion target is well within reach, Tien said.

The outlook for Viet Nams coffee sector remains favourable despite some production concerns.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has forecast that global coffee production in the 202425 season will reach 174.4 million bags, up 2.98 per cent compared to the previous crop. Meanwhile, global consumption is expected to be only 169.36 million bags, creating a potential surplus of more than nine million bags.

Major producers are expected to boost output, with Brazil reaching 65 million bags, Indonesia 11.25 million bags (up 2 per cent) and Viet Nam 31 million bags after October 2025 (up 6.9 per cent), expected to be harvested from October 2025.

Meanwhile, global coffee prices maintained their upward momentum. Robusta prices on the London exchange on July 9 rose sharply, with September 2025 futures reaching $3,568 per tonne (up $42 per tonne), while Arabica prices on the New York exchange climbed to 285.60 cents per pound for the same delivery month (up 2.6 per cent).

Looking ahead, Viet Nams coffee sector sees opportunities to strengthen its presence in premium markets. The United States, the worlds largest coffee consumer, remains a key target for Viet Nams high-quality, processed and instant coffee products. Brazil continues to dominate supply to the US, but Viet Nams robusta coffee is gaining traction in specialty and value-added segments.

Meanwhile, the European Union  currently the largest export market for Vietnamese coffee  is tightening sustainability standards under its new anti-deforestation regulation (EUDR).

Viet Nam is classified as a 'low-risk' country under the EUs forest-risk commodity categorisation, which significantly reduces inspection rates on its exports to just 1 per cent instead of 3 per cent for the "medium-risk" group or 9 per cent for the "high-risk" group.

Nguyen o Anh Tuan, director of the MAEs International Cooperation Department, emphasised that full traceability and data transparency are critical for Vietnamese exporters to comply with the EUDR. He added that local-level data collection must be synchronised and secure, yet accessible for both State management and enterprise reporting.

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung urged swift action to move from the pilot stage to full implementation of the EUDR, ensuring that all export data, documentation, and technical requirements are completed before the January 1, 2026, enforcement deadline.

He believes that Viet Nams compliance with EU standards opens up new avenues for cooperation not only within Europe, but also in Asia and the Middle East. In particular, the coffee sector is encouraged to explore further opportunities in Northeast Asia  notably China, Japan and South Korea, as well as India  where competitive pricing and low transport costs favour Viet Nams exports.  VNS
HA NOI  The banking industry, one of the leading fields in applying technology and digitalising services, has all the conditions to move to a new development phase where data is considered the centre for all operations, decision-making and customer service, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Vietnam Banks Association (VNBA) Nguyen Quoc Hung said on Wednesday.

At a seminar titled Building the backbone of Digital Finance: Resilient and Scalable Data Strategies for Viet Nam's Financial institutions organised by the VNBA in coordination with IEC Group, Hung said: A comprehensive digital transformation to build a modern, flexible and sustainable data infrastructure is one of the leading strategic directions of the banking industry.

"The transformation is not only a technological requirement, but also a problem of organisational architecture, management capacity and the ability to synchronise connections between organisations throughout the banking industry. Factors such as open integration capabilities, controlled data sharing, real-time big data analysis, multi-layered security and flexible scalability are gradually becoming essential criteria in the long-term development strategy of credit institutions."

According to Hung, 2025 is truly an important milestone, when a series of new policies on data, technology and digital transformation officially come to life in Viet Nam. In particular, the Data Law, which took effect on July 1, has laid the first comprehensive legal foundation for the development, exploitation and sharing of data in a controlled manner.

The banking industry, which is one of the leading fields in applying technology and digitalising services, has all the conditions to move to a new development phase  a phase that takes data as the centre for all operations, decision-making and customer service, towards a smart, flexible, safe and scalable digital banking ecosystem, where data is not only an operational factor but truly becomes a core resource for growth and innovation, Hung said.

He added that to date, more than 90 per cent of banking transactions at many credit institutions are conducted via digital channels, and more than 87 per cent of adults in Viet Nam have bank accounts. In addition, services like deposits, account opening, card issuance, money transfer and lending have been fully digitised, helping to shorten time, save costs and improve convenience for customers. Around 711,000 institutional accounts have been biometrically authenticated and fully updated.

In the near future, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) will also issue regulations allowing the closure of all accounts without authentication data, and at the same time integrate verification with the VNeID digital identity system for automatic authentication.

By June 2025, more than 95 per cent of customer data at major commercial banks has been standardised, eliminating duplicate and inaccurate information. This not only helps improve data reliability, but also reduces risks in credit and transaction operations, Hung said.

Director of the SBV's IT Department Le Hoang Chinh Quang told the seminar: Digital transformation cannot be effectively implemented without a systematic data strategy. And for data to be valuable, the prerequisite is to have a flexible and sustainable data infrastructure that serves both the macro-management and micro-operation needs of each credit institution.

According to Quang, the banking industry has achieved remarkable results in this transformation, such as the completion of a technical connection with the National Population Database and a credit information database with the information of more than 54 million borrowers.

However, the industry is still facing big challenges in data management and exploitation, such as fragmented data, lack of synchronisation in connection standards and limited ability to exploit real-time data and data sharing mechanisms among relevant agencies.

As the Data Law officially came into effect from July 2025, the banking industry, which is sensitive and uses data on a large scale, needs to proactively adjust its infrastructure, processes and technology to comply with the new law, while still ensuring the necessary flexibility in exploiting data to serve innovation and improve user experience," Quang said.

At the event, which gathered more than 30 senior banking leaders and experts, participants also discussed modernising data architecture to ensure high performance, security and sector-wide interoperability; optimising end-to-end data governance from data collection, processing and analytics to secure sharing and regulatory compliance; and adapting to future trends in banking data strategy.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  The market ended mixed on Thursday, with the VN-Index moving closer to the 1,450 point-level while foreign investors continued their net buying spree on the southern bourse.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index increased by 14.32 points, or 1 per cent, to 1,445.64 points.

185 stocks on the southern bourse traded higher, and 119 ticker symbols declined.

While liquidity decreased from the previous session, it remained high. The trading value dropped by 22 per cent to VN27.65 trillion (US$1.1 billion).

The VN30-Index, which tracks the 30 biggest stocks on HoSE, soared 26.07 points, or 1.69 per cent, to 1,569.34 points.

Stocks of the Vin family drew significant attention in todays trading session, particularly with Vingroup (VIC) reaching the ceiling price.

Other stocks in this group, such as Vinhomes (VHM) rose sharply by 5.13 per cent, while Vincom Retail (VRE) saw an increase of 6.16 per cent.

Together, these three stocks made a significant contribution to the VN-Index, adding over 10 points to its overall gain.

The markets bullish trend also received support from some pillar stocks, including Hoa Phat Group (HPG), Masan Group (MSN), FPT Corporation (FPT), Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (BSR) and Saigon Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB). These stocks rose by between 1.45-2.5 per cent.

On the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index reversed its recent course to finish lower at 238.44 points. It was down by 0.19 points, or 0.08 per cent.

The exchange recorded 94 stocks advancing and 68 declining, with a total trading volume exceeding VN2.1 trillion.

Foreign investors continued their buying trend for the seventh consecutive session, net purchasing nearly VN980 billion across the whole market.

On the HoSE, their net purchases amounted to approximately VN1.07 trillion. Notably, SSI Securities Corporation (SSI) remained the top net bought stock, with a value close to VN558 billion.

Other stocks, including VPBBank (VPB) and SHB, also attracted substantial net buying, each seeing hundreds of billions in purchases. Stocks like HDBank (HDB), VRE and Vietcombank (VCB) experienced net buying values ranging from VN81 billion to VN93 billion.

In contrast, foreign investors net sold VN372 billion of HPG, while Vietinbank (CTG), Vinaconex (VCG), FPT Digital Retail JSC (FRT) and Digiworld (DGW) experienced net selling of VN40-55 billion.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  Provincial mergers, reducing the number of provinces and cities in Viet Nam, from 63 to 34, is not simply an administrative reform, but an opportunity to restructure the socio-economic space, said President of the Viet Nam National Real Estate Association (VNREA) Nguyen Van Khoi.

The mergers will bring huge opportunities for urban development and have a positive impact on the real estate market, he said.

According to experts, the restructuring will accelerate the urbanisation rate, particularly in terms of transforming the real estate market in the Capital Region.

The Capital Region, including Ha Noi and nine neighbouring provinces of Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Bac Giang, and Thai Nguyen, is identified as a socio-economic development linkage area.

Khoi said that in the near future, satellite urban areas will become the focal point of investment waves. Thanks to an increasingly complete connection infrastructure and abundant land funds, the localities neighbouring Ha Noi have proved a strong attraction in terms of investment capital.

According to data from the Viet Nam Real Estate Research Institute, the level of interest and investment in real estate in urban areas of the Capital Region increased sharply in the period of late 2024 and early 2025. This trend continued in the first quarter of 2025 when demand rose in areas along the Ring Road 4 and industrial corridors connecting Ha Noi with Bac Giang, Hung Yen and Hai Duong.

Clearly, cash flow and demand are shifting towards satellite cities, turning them into the centre of the market.

Such satellite cities have advantages in terms of large land funds and reasonable prices compared to Ha Nois inner areas.

At the same time, the improved inter-regional transport infrastructure has shortened the distance between Ha Noi and neighbouring provinces. A series of key projects have been implemented including Ring Road 3, Ring Road 4, inter-provincial expressways (Ha Noi  Hai Phong, Ha Noi - Lao Cai, Ha Noi - Thai Nguyen) and the future urban railway system connecting the core area with the suburbs. Thanks to that, it is more and more convenient for people to live in Bac Ninh, Hung Yen or Vinh Phuc and work in Ha Noi.

In addition, escalating real estate prices, high population density and environmental pollution in the inner city of Ha Noi have inspired people to look to satellite cities for fresher, higher-quality living spaces. This trend not only helps reduce pressure on the city centre, but also opens up development opportunities for surrounding provinces.

The Vice President of VNREA and President of the Viet Nam Association of Real Estate Brokers (VARS) Nguyen Van inh, assessed that real estate in the Capital Region is entering a period of strong transformation, towards sustainability, multi-functionality and inter-regional connectivity.

Ha Noi continues to be the growth engine, leading key areas such as finance - banking, logistics, innovation and start-ups. Meanwhile, satellite provinces are promoting the role of production - a logistics belt, providing premises, labour and supporting industrial services, especially for the high-tech sector.

After the process of merging administrative units and streamlining, the Capital Region will operate more flexibly and effectively, maintaining its contribution to the national GDP at 25-28 per cent by 2030.

Regarding infrastructure development, regional connectivity strategy is being clearly shaped. The belt routes connect the main axis of the whole region, while the expressway and inter-provincial metro are the connecting circuits of satellite cities. Public transport will be prioritised for development, creating faster and more convenient transport between Hanoi and neighbouring provinces.

An inter-regional real estate market will be formed, eliminating boundaries of localities, inh added.

SGO Homes General Director Le inh Chung said that in the 2021  25 period, hundreds of thousands of billions of Vietnamese ong have been invested into the transport system, opening up many new development opportunities.

In areas with completed and under-construction transport infrastructure, real estate values have recorded a stable growth rate of 15  20 per cent in just 12 months. In particular, the Ha Noi - Hung Yen connection axis is witnessing a sharp increase in urbanisation, with real estate growth 1.5 times higher than the average of the market as a whole, becoming a new hot spot in the investment wave of the Capital Region.

The biggest advantage of emerging real estate markets is the large land fund. This is the key factor that helps localities attract major developers such as Vingroup, Ecopark, Phu My Hung or Hoa Phat, who are participants in developing large-scale projects.

Moreover, the land price level in emerging areas is still competitive, between three and five times lower than in Ha Noi depending on the location and development potential. This creates a 'double opportunity' for both investors and buyers: helping businesses optimise project development costs while expanding access to housing for the majority of people, Chung said.

In addition, local authorities in many provinces and cities have also actively introduced preferential tax policies, supported investors in access to infrastructure and simplified legal procedures. The open investment environment contributes to shortening project implementation time and improving the efficiency of land exploitation in emerging markets.

With this advantage, the Capital Region is gradually becoming the new development belt of real estate in the North.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam holds significant potential for generating carbon credits, but implementation has been hindered by the shortage of clear regulations, especially concerning payment levels and the costs associated with emissions measurement, reporting, verification and dispute resolution.

This highlights the pressing need for a well-defined legal framework to guide forest carbon projects and the issuance of carbon credits, ensuring an equitable distribution of benefits among the State, forest owners and other stakeholders.

High potential, limited progress

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the countrys forests hold substantial economic and environmental value. As of now, there are over 14.87 million hectares of forest, including more than 10.1 million hectares of natural forest and 4.7 million hectares of planted forest. The national forest coverage rate stands at approximately 42 per cent.

With this expansive forest area and rich biodiversity, Viet Nam has the potential to earn considerable revenue through carbon credit trading, ecotourism development, and sustainable forest product harvesting. For instance, the mangrove forests in Can Gio alone could generate between 1 to 5 million carbon credits annually.

Recognising this, in 2022, the Government issued Decree No 107/2022/N-CP on the pilot transfer of emission reduction results and financial management of emission reduction payment agreements in the north central region. The pilot phase began upon issuance and will run through December 31, 2026.

Nearly three years into implementation, the pilot programme has proven to be a promising new source of revenue for long-term forest protection and development. However, several challenges remain, especially in managing revenue from carbon credit transfers by organisational forest owners and identifying eligible beneficiaries.

Notably, there is still no specific regulation on payment rates or cost coverage for essential tasks such as measurement, reporting, verification or carbon monitoring.

International partners are now actively working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to discuss agreements on carbon credit exchanges. Several localities have been approved by the Prime Minister to pilot forest carbon absorption and storage service schemes.

Yet these projects remain stalled due to the absence of a national legal framework for transferring and exchanging verified emission reduction results or forest carbon credits.

On June 9, 2025, the Government issued Decree No 119/2025/N-CP amending and supplementing Decree No 06/2022/N-CP, outlining procedures for developing, appraising and approving carbon projects. The new decree stipulates that only organisations may register carbon projects. However, it does not yet specify which authority is responsible for implementing forest carbon projects.

This presents a challenge given the 2017 Forestry Law, which recognises multiple types of forest ownership including State-owned, organisational, household, individual and community based.

As such, clearer rules are needed to determine which agencies, organisations or individuals may develop forest carbon projects under these diverse ownership structures.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is currently seeking public feedback on a draft decree governing forest-based carbon sequestration service.

The proposed decree provides detailed guidance on Article 63 of the Forestry Law, covering eligible participants, payment mechanisms, financial management and service delivery conditions, along with principles for ensuring transparency, accountability and equitable benefit-sharing.

Harmonising interests

According to the draft decree, service providers offering forest-based carbon absorption and storage must register and implement carbon forest projects in compliance with legal requirements. This includes conducting emissions reduction activities and managing the full measurement, reporting, and verification cycle before receiving forest carbon credits.

These projects must contribute to Viet Nams nationally determined contributions (NDCs) on emissions reduction and may deliver services through contracts or transactions on the domestic carbon exchange.

Service users must be legally recognised organisations in Viet Nam and commit to fulfilling their contractual obligations or abiding by the operational rules of the domestic carbon market. They are also required to meet all relevant financial obligations under Vietnamese law.

The draft decree emphasises that forest carbon services must be provided and used transparently and responsibly, with a focus on balancing the interests of the State, forest owners and other stakeholders, while upholding Viet Nams international commitments on greenhouse gas reduction.

Once forest carbon credits or verified emissions reduction results have been traded, whether through contracts or the domestic exchange, they cannot be re-sold or transferred to other users. Revenue from these trades belongs to the forest owner and must be reinvested in forest protection and development.

Nguyen Tuan Quang, Deputy Director of the ministrys Department of Climate Change, said that on January 24, 2025, the Government approved a master plan for developing Viet Nams carbon market. The ministry is now finalising implementation guidelines. The market will include two components: a compliance market (for emissions quota trading) and a voluntary market (for carbon credit transactions).

From 2025 to 2026, the market will target three high-emission sectors, electricity, steel and cement, which together account for roughly 40 per cent of the countrys total emissions. Current priorities include establishing a national carbon credit exchange, as well as a registration and issuance system to enable international market linkages from 2028 onward.

Viet Nam is also encouraging domestic organisations and businesses to develop carbon credits under voluntary mechanisms aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The ministry is working with the Ministry of Finance to draft a separate decree regulating international carbon credit transactions.

Additionally, the country is supporting the growth of privately operated voluntary carbon credit exchanges. A notable example is the ASEAN Carbon Credit Exchange, which connects buyers and sellers under both international and domestic standards.

However, Quang cautioned that carbon credits must meet strict technical and legal requirements before they can be officially recognised and traded. Projects must comply with a robust system to ensure environmental integrity. The Department of Climate Change, he added, will continue providing technical and legal support to help businesses participate in the pilot market in 2025.

Viet Nam is currently prioritising green economic development, energy transition and environmental protection. The country aims to begin piloting the carbon credit market by the end of 2025.  VNS
The White House fueled speculation regarding President Donald Trump's personal involvement with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein after announcing this week that there is no client list or evidence to substantiate continued investigation.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) dismissed the possibility of Trump's criminal involvement with Epstein, arguing that Democrats would have already exposed him.

"I do not think  is Trump on the Epstein client list? No," she said. "I'm very positive of that because if he was they would've released it during the election cycle."

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: "I do not think -- is Trump on the Epstein client list? No. I'm very positive of that because if he was they would've released it during the election cycle." pic.twitter.com/0y8vFot5UW  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 10, 2025

The unexpected conclusion from the Department of Justice and FBI followed recent allegations from former Trump insider, billionaire Elon Musk. In a now-deleted tweet, Musk claimed that the "real reason" the Epstein files have not been made public is Trump's appearance in them.

The administration's findings, or lack thereof, have caused an uproar among conspiracy theorists and MAGA loyalists committed to Trump's former campaign promise to "drain the swamp."

Trump, who knew Epstein socially years ago, has denied any wrongdoing.

While Luna was confident in Trump's conduct, she condemned the administration's failure to deliver promised transparency regarding the case.

"It's been deafening how many members of Congress have been silent on this," she said. "People have actual concerns  Are people basically paying off people to be quiet? That's not okay."

Originally published on Latin Times
HA NOI  A new initiative marking the 65th anniversary of Viet Nams tourism sector has been launched - a YouTube Shorts travel video contest titled Vietnam: Travel to Love!.

Organised by the Centre for Tourism Information under the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), in collaboration with YouTube and MCV Group, the three-month contest aims to encourage content creators and travel lovers to showcase the beauty of the landscapes, people, and culture of Viet Nam through short videos, to international audiences in an emotionally engaging and modern way.

Themed Go to chill, feel to love, the competition invites participants to create up to 60-second videos capturing the essence of Viet Nam  from majestic nature, cultural heritage, and regional cuisine to everyday life and the warmth of its people.

Entries may feature personal stories, any travel experience, or fresh perspectives on well-known destinations, all contributing to a richer, more diverse image of Viet Nam in the digital age.

With total prizes worth over VN100 million (US$3,850), the contest is expected to attract thousands of entries from across the country.

Submissions can be in English or include English subtitles to reach wider global audiences. Outstanding entries will be featured on VNAT's official YouTube channel.

Speaking at the launch, Hoang Quoc Hoa, Director of the Centre for Tourism Information, said the contest was not only a platform for travel and content enthusiasts but also a strategic effort to promote the digital transformation of tourism marketing.

With the strong global reach of the YouTube platform, we hope that citizens, especially young people and content creators, will actively participate in promoting the image of Vietnamese tourism through their own experiences and perspectives, Hoa said.

Beyond a competition entry, each video is a positive message that inspires travel, connects communities, and celebrates the unique values of Viet Nam.

The contest forms part of a broader national communications campaign aimed at attracting both domestic and international travellers while projecting an image of Viet Nam as a beautiful, friendly, and inspiring destination.

Mukpim Anantachai, head of YouTube Partnerships for Viet Nam and Thailand, praised the creativity of Viet Nams digital community, noting that Vietnamese content creators are leading the global digital storytelling trends, helping to spread the essence of Vietnamese culture to international audiences.

She highlighted that their authentic narratives are inspiring global audiences to discover Viet Nam.

This collaboration between YouTube and the VNAT helps foster a vibrant global community united by a shared love for Viet Nam, she added.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Four Peruvian chefs, each heading acclaimed restaurants across Asia, are bringing the authentic flavours of Peru to Ha Noi this week.

As part of their visit, they also showcased the richness and diversity of Peruvian cuisine to Vietnamese culinary students at the A Au Cooking School on Thursday. They taught how to prepare ceviche (fish marinated in lemon juice), aji de gallina (a chicken stew with rice) and causa limena (chicken-filled layered potato).

Peruvian cuisine is a fusion of indigenous Incan and colonial Spanish influences, with additions from African, Chinese, Japanese and Italian immigrants.

Chef Pier Lopez Mendizabal from Yunka Nikkei Restaurant, Viet Nam said: "What makes Peru truly special, in my view, is its rich biodiversity. The countrys diverse geography, from the Andes to the coast and the jungle, offers a wide variety of ingredients, including numerous types of potatoes, chilies, and corn."

They highlighted not only Peruvian dishes but also fusion cuisine, blending local ingredients from their experiences working Asia.

Chef Abel Ortiz Alvarez from Chullschick Restaurant, Hong Kong (China) said: "One of the great aspects of being a chef is the ability to work with local ingredients while adding a Peruvian touch.

"We bring a few signature Peruvian elements, such as chili paste, purple corn and fermented beans to infuse authentic flavours. The dishes are made almost entirely with local products, including Vietnamese potatoes and limes."

Chef Franco Aldana from Feliz Restaurant, Malaysia, added: "We start with a Peruvian foundation and blend it with each country's natural ingredients, creating a mix that reflects Perus bold, fresh and sour flavours."

Chef Rodrigo Serrano Cabrera from DIP Nikkei, Philippines introduced to the class aji de gallina (a chicken stew with rice), a traditional homecook dishes.

He said: "This dish is a staple in many Peruvian households, often prepared by our mothers. It features a chili-based seasoning with chicken and is traditionally served with rice and potatoes. Interestingly, it aligns well with Asian culinary habits, particularly the frequent use of rice. This reflects a mutual culinary influence between Peru and Asia."

Nguyen Thanh Van, culinary student at A Au Cooking Shool, said: "Today was my first time attending a Peruvian cooking class, and it felt quite new and refreshing. There were also many ingredients familiar to Vietnamese people, such as lime, chili, and fish. Through this, I hope to learn more about Peruvian cuisine and the culinary world."

Besides the cooking class, the visiting chefs are also taking part in the gastronomic festival called 'Flavors of Peru - II Edition Asia' from July 9 to July 13 in Ha Noi.

After the successful first edition in Bangkok, Thailand, this second festival will showcase the richness and diversity of Peruvian cuisine.

Patricia Yolanda Raez Portocarrero, Ambassador of Peru to Viet Nam said: "This gastronomic festival for Peru is a means to show our culture, our identity and the image of Peru, as well as a means to exchange with Vietnam our culture, our gastronomy."

"I hope there will be a Peruvian-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in the future."

Attendees will be delighted with classic Peruvian specialties like lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), pollo a la brasa (Peruvian-style roasted chicken) and various desserts and beverages including pisco sours and chicha morada (purple corn drink), besides dished appearing in the cooking class.

Key ingredients include fresh fish, chicken, beef, corn, potatoes, quinoa and various legumes, with Peruvian chili peppers adding a distinctive spicy kick.

Today, from 6pm to 10.30pm diners can indulge in a Peruvian-style shared set menu during A Night of Prestige and Palate at Saigon Restaurant, Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake.

Saturday brings a lavish buffet dinner at Cafe Du Lac, offering a flavourful journey through Peruvian cuisine from 6pm to 10pm.

The weekend concludes with a Sunday Brunch Buffet, also at the Intercontinental, inviting guests to savour the rich tastes of Peru.  VNS
Viet Nam News talks to Steve Maxner, Director of the Vietnam Center and Archive at Texas Tech University, about the effort to recover and identify the remains of missing-in-action (MIA) soldiers from both sides during the war in Viet Nam. The archive is the US' largest and most comprehensive collection of information on the war.

How do you assess Viet Nams level of cooperation with the US on MIA issues, given necessary procedures and the need for access to sensitive documents and locations?

Bilateral cooperation on the MIA issue began with the US trying to recover the remains of soldiers who were shot down in aircraft or went missing in action. The Vietnamese Government has always been as helpful as possible in addressing these issues.

In the early years  particularly during the first two decades after the war, from 1975 to 1995, the year Viet Nam and the US normalised relations  Viet Nam was focused on other pressing challenges, including Agent Orange, dioxin contamination and unexploded ordnance. These were life-threatening issues that had to be dealt with urgently to protect the Vietnamese people.

Now that we've worked cooperatively on dioxin remediation and clearing unexploded ordnance  which has helped reduce injuries and fatalities  that's allowed the Government to start focusing on MIA recovery.

Weve developed a strong collaborative relationship. The US continues to work closely with the Vietnamese Government to access sites where we can hopefully recover the remains of Americans.

And were mining into archival materials in the US  documents that might provide vital information to the Vietnamese Government and families. Some of these are captured documents that offer clues about the circumstances and locations where those soldiers died  sometimes the documents were literally taken off the body of the soldiers killed in combat. This information can help Viet Nam identify and return the remains of its own soldiers as well. Its very much a two-way partnership between the US and Viet Nam.

How important has the MIA issue been in the normalisation of relations between the two countries and in the thriving relationship we enjoy today?

There are many elements that drive the relationship today. Its now a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and a lot of that has to do with contemporary geopolitical dynamics, that's the core right now of the relationship.

But what were doing on MIA recovery efforts is more about the humanitarian side of the relations. Military, defence and economic cooperation are certainly important, but this work touches the hearts of people in both countries.

When we talk to American families who lost loved ones during the war, and we tell them we're returning personal documents to Vietnamese families  letters and diaries that they had never seen before  they feel it, and they said they understand what that family must feel and how they must treasure that material, because it means everything to finally understand a little bit about what soldiers experienced during the war. They've been mourning those deaths ever since, and now, hopefully this can help provide some solace.

Can you share more about your work  how many documents have you recovered, or perhaps a story thats been especially meaningful to you?

We have a sizeable archive  about 30 million pages in total. Thats modest compared to Viet Nam's national archives, but within that, we have 2.7 million pages of captured documents. Those are the materials were currently working through to find and return to families.

There are so many powerful stories. One that stands out involved a set of letters written during Tet in 1967. These were personal messages  soldiers writing to their families, wishing them well, asking about home, telling them how the war is going for them. The letters never made it. They were captured by US or allied forces.

Last year, we were able to finally return those letters to the family, to say, This is what your son was writing more than 50 years ago... And the emotional impact on the family is just so powerful because it's something precious, very precious to us. And the same thing with the diaries that we return  those diaries contain so much about that experience for the soldiers, all their concerns and their fears and their hopes for the future and the worries that they have for their families. It's a very touching and emotional experience for all of us.

Now for a slightly sensitive question  do you face any risk of budget cuts?

Fortunately, no. Our project is funded by the State of Texas and Texas Tech University. We dont receive federal grants, so were not affected by US federal budget cuts. We're internally funded, and it's an expression of the support that we received from our university to continue this research effort, but also to support this humanitarian effort, to return documents to meeting these families.

What are the biggest challenges in your work?

The scale of the collection is one of the greatest challenges. Going through 2.7 million pages is an enormous task. Were lucky to have a full-time staff member, Dr Alex-Thai Vo, who serves as a research assistant professor  his job is to go through the archive looking for documents we can return, as well as information on potential grave locations for soldiers from all sides.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for a comprehensive review and revision of land-related laws and policies to better reflect practical needs, enhance State governance and support the countrys sustainable development goals.

He issued the directive on Thursday while chairing a conference reviewing three years of implementing Resolution 18-NQ/TW and one year of enforcing the 2024 Land Law. The conference also discussed proposed amendments to Resolution 18 as a basis for revising the Land Law.

In his opening remarks, PM Chinh stressed that land policies and legislation have far-reaching impacts on all citizens and sectors. After three years of implementing Resolution 18, which focused on reforming land management mechanisms to boost efficiency and support Viet Nams ambition of becoming a high-income country, and one year of enforcing the new Land Law, land governance has seen coordinated improvements and produced positive outcomes.

According to the Prime Minister, land policies have increasingly taken root in practice, helping to resolve long-standing challenges, enhance State management and contribute to socio-economic development, national defence and security, and long-term sustainability. These efforts have also helped build public and investor confidence.

However, he noted that shortcomings remain. Some policies are still not aligned with the ongoing restructuring of the two-tier local administrative model and fall short of meeting the demands of the new development phase.

One major issue, he said, is the persistent distinction in land recovery policies between projects funded by public versus private investment. Lengthy and complex procedures for land recovery, compensation, support, resettlement, allocation, leasing and land-use conversion also continue to hinder implementation.

Additionally, several land finance policies outlined in Resolution 18 have yet to be fully institutionalised. The States role as landowner and regulator of land prices is still not clearly defined, enabling land auctions to be manipulated in many areas for speculation and market distortion.

Explaining these limitations, the PM pointed to a lack of unified understanding about the importance of land in the socialist-oriented market economy and about the States role in land ownership and management. He also highlighted overlapping, inconsistent and frequently amended land-related regulations that complicate enforcement.

Furthermore, he noted that some localities have failed to adequately invest in land-use planning, resource allocation and removing bottlenecks that prevent land from being effectively leveraged for economic and social development.

At the conference, PM Chinh instructed relevant bodies to propose updates and new solutions to further improve land governance. These include reforms in land-use planning at the national, provincial and commune levels; mechanisms to resolve overlaps between different land-use plans; and prioritising land allocation for transport, industrial, service and urban infrastructure development.

He also called for maintaining sufficient land for rice cultivation to ensure national food security, while allowing low-productivity rice land to be converted for other crops, livestock or purposes that enhance land efficiency.

The Prime Minister also proposed reforms to land allocation, leasing and land-use conversion. These include adopting flexible approaches based on project type, scale and location; ensuring equal access to land for both public and private investors; allowing land users to choose between annual or one-time rental payments; and encouraging annual payments to secure a stable source of State revenue.

He directed agencies to propose flexible mechanisms for reallocating surplus land from the consolidation of State offices or divested State-owned enterprises to serve socio-economic development goals.

As for land recovery and resettlement, PM Chinh emphasised that these must only proceed once approved compensation and resettlement plans are in place, unless land users voluntarily agree to hand over their land.

In cases where land recovery requires resettlement, resettlement must be completed before land is reclaimed, except for urgent or emergency projects approved by relevant authorities; on-site resettlement within the project area; or cases where resettlement is arranged along the route of the main infrastructure project.

He also emphasised the need for temporary housing policies for affected households during the interim period. The Government will continue to promote the policy of separating compensation, support and resettlement projects from investment projects to allow for earlier implementation, and will expand the categories of land recovery permitted for socio-economic development in the national and public interest.

The Prime Minister also called for a market-based but State-controlled approach to land pricing, including setting specific rates for different project types and determining deductions for infrastructure costs. He urged studies on land-related issues involving foreign entities.

PM Chinh assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to work with the Government Office to promptly incorporate feedback and findings and finalise draft reports to submit to the appropriate authorities in a timely manner.  VNS
GENEVA  The 59th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has concluded with the adoption of 26 resolutions and decisions  two of which were co-sponsored and co-drafted by Viet Nam as part of a core group of nations.

Held from June 16 to July 8 in Geneva, the session saw broad participation from member states, intergovernmental bodies, and non-governmental organisations. It featured five thematic panel discussions, dialogues with 35 special procedures and UN human rights mechanisms, and extensive consultations on draft resolutions. In total, the council adopted 26 resolutions, appointed two new special procedure mandate holders, and approved fourth-cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) reports for 14 countries.

The Vietnamese delegation, led by Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN, WTO, and other international organisations in Geneva, actively engaged in the session.

On July 8, the council adopted by consensus two resolutions co-initiated and co-drafted by Viet Nam and partner countries.

The first, a resolution on climate change and human rights, with a focus on climate finance, had over 63 co-sponsoring countries as of the evening of July 8 (Geneva time). The resolution followed extensive consultations led by Bangladesh in collaboration with Viet Nam and the Philippines.

The second resolution, on strengthening international cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity-building to reinforce national frameworks for protecting and empowering children in cyberspace, was co-sponsored by over 87 countries by late July 8. It was jointly developed under the leadership of Saudi Arabia, along with Viet Nam, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Kuwait, and Pakistan.

Viet Nam has been an active member of the core group, alongside Bangladesh and the Philippines, responsible for the annual resolution on climate change and human rights at the UNHRC since 2008. This years theme, Equitable and Effective Access to Climate Finance, reaffirmed the link between climate change impacts and the enjoyment of human rights, stressing the importance of ensuring climate finance that offers tangible support to the nations most affected. Viet Nams role underscores its commitment to human rights protection amid climate challenges and reflects its proactive and responsible foreign policy towards global issues.

The second resolution highlights growing international concern over the risks children face in digital environments. Viet Nams strong involvement demonstrates its responsiveness to emerging and transboundary human rights issues. The resolution also reaffirmed the significance of the forthcoming UN Convention Against Cybercrime, due to open for signature in Ha Noi on October 2526. These actions reinforce Viet Nams role in shaping global human rights standards.

Viet Nams delegation contributed actively across numerous thematic discussions, including on climate change and human rights, human trafficking, extreme poverty, access to clean water and sanitation, business and human rights, and UPR report reviews of other nations. Alongside fellow ASEAN members, Viet Nam helped lead the drafting of ASEANs joint statement on just transition in the context of climate change.

As part of the session, Viet Nam held a photo exhibition titled Viet Nam: Identity, Humanity, and Integration at the UN headquarters in Geneva from June 30 to July 8. The exhibition attracted wide interest from the international community, showcasing striking images of Viet Nams socio-economic progress, its commitment to human rights, and its diverse cultural heritage. It served as a compelling example of cultural diplomacy and illustrated a modern and globally integrated Viet Nam.

Viet Nam also hosted a side event on transforming food systems to adapt to climate change and ensure the right to food, co-sponsored by Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Mexico. Attended by over 50 international delegations and organisations, the event underlined Viet Nams leadership in advocating human rights, especially the right to food in the face of intensifying climate threats. Delegates praised Viet Nams food system transformation as a model worthy of expansion.

Throughout the 59th session of the UNHRC, Viet Nams delegation demonstrated a proactive, constructive, and responsible approachengaging in dialogue, contributing to resolutions, and co-sponsoring major initiatives.

These efforts reflect Viet Nams consistent policy and steadfast commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, anchored in the UN Charter, international law, and global human rights norms.

Viet Nam has continued to affirm its credibility and position as a responsible and active member of the UNHRC for the 20232025 tenure. Its achievements during this session exemplify its commitment to dialogue, mutual understanding, and safeguarding human rights for all, thus laying strong groundwork for its candidacy for the 20262028 term and making more substantive contributions to common issues of the international community.  VNS
HA NOI  Three former US ambassadors to Viet Nam  Michael Michalak (20072011), Ted Osius (20142017), and Daniel Kritenbrink (20172021)  have gathered at a seminar in Washington D.C. to share their insightful perspectives on past achievements and future prospects of the two countries' relations, and the importance of jointly addressing common challenges for the benefit of both peoples.

Humanitarian legacy  Foundation of bilateral relations

Speaking at the seminar, which marked the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the US (19952025), former Ambassador Kritenbrink highlighted that humanitarian efforts were crucial in bridging Viet Nam and the US towards normalisation, laying the groundwork for dialogue. It was those humanitarian issues that started to build goodwill between the two nations, he stated.

The US has invested tremendous amounts of funds to address the aftermath of Agent Orange/dioxin. With the advocacy of Senator Patrick Leahy and other lawmakers, it has supported unexploded ordnance clearance and treatment for disabled individuals in the provinces most affected by the chemical.

"I think that work has built tremendous goodwill, and I felt during my time as ambassador and since I've run into so many Vietnamese friends and officials who have noted that fact, that's what started to change attitudes, I think, towards the United States. That's what got us talking together, and I think that work remains vitally important today," he said.

Regarding USAID, he expressed concern earlier this year when funding cuts were announced for humanitarian programmes. However, he noted that all funding has since been reinstated and disbursed, underscoring international and US governmental recognition of these programmes ongoing importance.

Reflecting on the dramatic transformation from a brutal war 50 years ago to diplomatic normalisation and now a comprehensive strategic partnership, Kritenbrink remarked: "I once told the first American Ambassador to Viet Nam Pete Peterson, that what we'd achieved together was a miracle. And he corrected me, no, it's extraordinary, but it's not a miracle. It wasn't an accident. It wasn't an act of God. What we built was built together through goodwill and courage and hard work by people on both sides. And that continues to inspire and motivate me today, and we have to keep doing that work going forward."

Kritenbrink underscored reconciliation as vital. "I remember when Senator John McCain passed away, in Viet Nam, we opened a condolence book to the Vietnamese public, and thousands of people lined up to sign that book. And the first gentleman in line was a veteran, Vietnamese veteran, and he asked me to come meet him because he wanted to shake my hand and wanted to tell me personally that he came to sign the book to recognise that John McCain was a warrior who fought against Viet Nam, but then helped lead reconciliations."

He pointed to the respect shown by Vietnamese citizens at the memorial of McCains downed aircraft at Truc Bach Lake as testament to the importance of ongoing reconciliation.

The former ambassador held that a particularly meaningful reconciliation effort is the expanded bilateral cooperation in searching for missing servicemen. Initially focused on US personnel, both nations now collaborate more broadly, including verifying Vietnamese missing persons from the war.

Education  A bright spot in bilateral relations

For former Ambassador Michalak, education was central to his mission in Viet Nam. Prior to his posting, he set a goal to double the number of Vietnamese students in the US. By the end of his tenure, that number had tripled, and the trend continues. Viet Nam is currently the largest source of ASEAN students in the US and the fifth largest globally.

He noted that most recently, 40 professors from 21 different universities visited Viet Nam as part of an international academic partnership programme to cooperate on ways to send even more students from Viet Nam to the US.

"Every university president that has come to Viet Nam has said to me, and I'm sure he sent it to all the other ambassadors as well, send us more of these students, they raise the curve, and they provide excellent incentives for everybody else to work even harder," he stated.

He said he believes that bilateral cooperation, especially in science, technology, and innovation, is being propelled forward under the comprehensive strategic partnership, which includes key elements of scientific and technological collaboration. At the first anniversary celebration of the upgraded partnership, initiatives such as English language training for STEM students and the establishment of the International Technology, Security and Innovation Fund (ITSE) were announced. These lay the groundwork for expanded cooperation in semiconductors, rare minerals, policy coordination, and open radio access networks, he asserted.

Michalak cited Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lams affirmation of the immense potential for US-Viet Nam cooperation in high-tech sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) as particularly significant in this new era, especially following the upgrade to the comprehensive strategic partnership, with innovation and semiconductor industrie as pillars of breakthrough cooperation.

Journey to become leading trade partners

According to former Ambassador Osius, 40 years ago, the most important decision was made by the Communist Party of Viet Nam to integrate Viet Nam's economy with that of the world. That was a decision made in the mid-80s, and the country has stuck to it, no matter what all the ups and downs, he noted, underlining that the decision towards comprehensive integration into the world has been the foundation on which all of the progress we've seen subsequently has been built.

He held that the second really important decision was made in the mid-90s by the US to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with Viet Nam, knowing that would facilitate the entry of Viet Nam into the WTO. He said he believes that the provisions that were put into that bilateral trade agreement were all designed to make it speedier, easier for Viet Nam to then join the WTO.

Osius observed that a significant part of Viet Nams economic growth over recent decades has been driven by foreign direct investment. When he first arrived in Viet Nam in 1996, bilateral trade was only a few hundred million US dollars.

Today, that figure stands at approximately US$132 billion, reflecting the relationships remarkable growth. He credited the normalisation in 1995, the 2002 bilateral trade agreement, and subsequent WTO membership as foundational to Viet Nams economic breakthrough. The year 2008 marked a turning point when global investors began viewing Viet Nam as an attractive destination, reflecting confidence in its long-term growth potential. The Vietnamese Government also implemented decisive reforms to realise this investment influx.

Osius noted that Viet Nam has transformed from a minor trading partner into the USs eighth-largest trading partner in 2024. He cited Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Andrew Herrups remarks highlighting Viet Nams innovation, value addition in production chains, adoption of new technologies like AI, and development of a skilled workforce as key to its continued rise. He characterised this development as the outcome of strategic decisions made over decades.

Recalling the September 2024 visit of General Secretary To Lam to New York for the 79th UN General Assembly sessions high-level week, he highlighted the Vietnamese leaders emphasis on innovation and his call for US corporations and partners to assist Vietnamese enterprises in enhancing production capacity and integrating into global supply chains. The General Secretary also proposed establishing a research and development centre at the National Innovation Centre (NIC) and providing scholarships for Vietnamese students specialising in IT, programming, electronics, semiconductors, and AI, the former ambassador said.  VNS
KUALA LUMPUR  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of China, Australia, and Algeria on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM-58) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 10.

In his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Wang congratulated Viet Nam on its successful implementation of administrative reforms and its preparations for the upcoming 14th National Party Congress.

The two ministers reaffirmed the importance of Viet NamChina relations in each countrys foreign policy, while expressing their joy with the robust and positive developments in bilateral ties. They noted the frequent and effective high-level exchanges between the two Parties and States, close people-to-people exchanges, and growing locality-to-locality cooperation, thereby continuing to deepen political trust and consolidate friendly, neighbourly relations for the benefit of both countries' people.

They emphasised the need to enhance coordination to effectively implement high-level agreements and promote a stable, healthy, and sustainable bilateral relationship. The two ministers agreed to maintain regular high-level contacts, coordinate the organisation of key diplomatic events through the end of 2025, and boost the effective implementation of dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, including the 17th meeting of the Viet NamChina Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.

Both sides also agreed to further materialise existing agreements across various areas, particularly in strategic transportation connectivity, with a strong focus on railway collaboration. They pledged to strengthen cooperation in border management and work together to build a border line of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

On maritime issues, the two sides underscored the importance of fully implementing agreements and common perceptions reached by top leaders of the two Parties and States. They reaffirmed the need to strictly adhere to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea  internationally known as the South China Sea (DOC), and to accelerate negotiations for an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

During a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, both sides expressed their satisfaction with the substantive and positive development of the Viet NamAustralia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They agreed to work closely in preparing for upcoming high-level visits and the 7th Viet NamAustralia Foreign Ministers Meeting in Viet Nam.

They underscored the importance of a free, open, and rules-based multilateral trading system grounded in WTO regulations, and committed to strengthening cooperation in addressing trade barriers, expanding market access, and leveraging economic mechanisms and free trade agreements to which both countries are parties.

Son proposed that the two countries actively implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural labour and explore the signing of a MoU on the digital economy. He also suggested that Australia increase quotas and opportunities for skilled Vietnamese workers in sectors such as healthcare, tourism services, and IT, while facilitating more favourable conditions for Vietnamese students studying in Australia.

For her part, Wong affirmed that Viet Nam is a key partner of Australia in the region and noted the two countries close cooperation on strategic regional and global issues. She expressed Australias willingness to share experience and expertise with Viet Nam in areas such as green transition, carbon market development, digitalisation, and emerging technologies.

On regional and international matters, Son appreciated Australias role, contributions, and commitments to Southeast Asia, including on the East Sea issue. He encouraged Australia to enhance cooperation with Mekong sub-regional countries to promote sustainable development. Both sides agreed on a shared approach that upholds international law, contributing to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and beyond.

The same day, Deputy PM, FM Son also met with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, during which he congratulated Algeria on its official accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), calling it a significant milestone in enhancing AlgeriaASEAN relations.

Viet Nam highly values Algerias role in the African region and places great importance on fostering the traditional friendship between the two countries in a more substantive and effective manner, he said.

Attaf thanked Viet Nam for its support of Algerias TAC accession and affirmed his countrys strong commitment to advancing cooperation with its long-standing friend, Viet Nam. He praised the outcomes of current cooperation projects, particularly in the oil and gas sector, and expressed his hope to expand collaboration in this field and explore new, high-potential areas of cooperation.

Looking ahead, the two ministers agreed to promote delegation exchanges at all levels to reinforce political trust and strengthen practical cooperation. They committed to advancing joint projects in oil and gas, trade, construction, mining, pharmaceuticals, Halal products, and agriculture.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and pledged to further promote SouthSouth cooperation.  VNA/VNS
KUALA LUMPUR  As regional tensions escalate and strategic uncertainties mount across Asia-Pacific, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has called on the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to promote reforms to maintain its role and respond proactively and flexibly to evolving challenges.

At the 32nd ARF in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, which brought together 27 member states, Son affirmed the forums significance over the past three decades as a key dialogue platform for promoting trust-building, and cooperation, contributing to peace and security in the region.

Peace and security, he said, are not inherently guaranteed but must be maintained through shared efforts, dialogues, cooperation, trust, and compliance with international law.

Discussing international and regional issues, Deputy PM and FM Son reaffirmed ASEAN's stances on the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), Myanmar, the Middle East, and the Korean Peninsula. On the East Sea issue, Viet Nam maintains its steadfast position of peacefully resolving disputes based on international law, particularly 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)  the comprehensive legal framework governing maritime activities. He requested partners to support ASEAN's principled stance and efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the waters.

He laid stress on the need to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the waters (DOC) and advancing substantive and effective negotiations towards a Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.

At the event, ministers expressed their concerns over the far-reaching impacts of intensifying geopolitical competition and global instability, as well as emerging transnational security threats. Participants reaffirmed ARFs critical role in promoting dialogue and preventive diplomacy, strengthening trust, and addressing political and security issues for the collective benefit of the region.

They acknowledged significant progress in implementing the Hanoi Action Plan for 2020-2025, praising ARF members' efforts in executing various action streams. Ministers agreed to conduct an end-of-term review to extract valuable lessons and best practices, while consensus emerged that the post-2025 ARF Action Plan must establish specific objectives and feasible measures to ensure practical and effective cooperation.

The forum welcomed initiatives to revitalise and strengthen the ARF's dynamism, agreeing on the need to update the ARF Vision Statement to enhance the forum's effectiveness and flexibility in responding to issues of mutual concern, thereby contributing to the mitigation of threats to regional peace and security.

The ministers engaged in extensive discussions on both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, endorsing a catalog of nearly 30 ARF activities for 2025-2026. These initiatives will advance cooperation across multiple sectors including maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity governance, violent extremism prevention, online fraud combat, and climate change response. Viet Nam will continue co-chairing the ARF Inter-sessional Group on disaster relief alongside Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in 2025-2026.

Regarding international and regional issue, member states affirmed their support for ASEAN's principled stance and role, while emphasising the rule of law and peaceful dialogue, resolving disputes through peaceful means consistent with international law.

The 32nd ARF served as the final activity, concluding the week-long 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings (AMM-58). The positive outcomes achieved at these meetings continue to affirm ASEAN's spirit of solidarity, self-reliance, strategic autonomy, and centrality, opening opportunities to promote cooperation between the bloc and its partners while contributing positively and responsibly to peace, security, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the world. These conferences also represent important preparatory steps toward the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from October 26-28.

Earlier, in the framework of the AMM-58, ASEAN+1 Foreign Ministers' Meetings with the UK and European Union (EU) took place, along with the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

As the ASEAN-UK dialogue coordinator, Deputy PM and FM Son co-chaired the ASEAN-UK Foreign Ministers Meeting with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy. The UK reiterated its strong commitment to ASEAN and supporting the bloc to play a central role in maintaining regional peace and stability, expressing its desire to deepen cooperation with ASEAN to promote dynamic, innovative, and sustainable development, while effectively dealing with fluctuations amid the reshaping of the global strategic balance.

Speaking on behalf of ASEAN, Son highlighted the impressive development of the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership since its establishment in 2021. ASEAN appreciated the UK's active participation across all three pillars of politics-security, economy, and socio-culture, with 94.48 per cent of action lines under the 2022-2026 Action Plan already implemented.

ASEAN welcomed the UK's formal observer status in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+) Experts' Working Groups on Military Medicine and Maritime Security, recognising the UK's positive contributions in advancing the women, peace and security agenda and its assistance in cybersecurity, transnational crime prevention, online fraud, human trafficking, and drug-related crimes.

The ministers underscored the need to cooperate for innovation, development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and promotion of inclusive digital economy. ASEAN valued the UKs pledge of 17 million EUR (US$19.88 million) in concessional green finance to the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility (ACGF) and an additional 40 million EUR to the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund.

On the socio-cultural front, the bloc welcomed the ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships, part of the ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls' Education (SAGE) programme; and the new Chevening ASEAN Scholarship programme. It also commended the UKs active engagement with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and its humanitarian aid to Myanmar following the earthquake on March 28, 2025, with an initial 10 million GBP ($13.5 million) in aid and a total assistance of up to 25 million GBP.

At the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the European Union (EU), High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas said ASEAN and EU share values, interests, and common responsibilities for upholding a rules-based international order, multilateralism, and international law, particularly amid todays complicated geopolitical and economic landscape. Both sides need to step up regional integration and deepen ties ahead of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2027, she said.

The two sides noted that over 60 per cent of action lines under the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action for the 20232027 period have already been deployed. The EU remains ASEANs third largest trading partner and the second largest investor, with trade volume nearing $293 billion and FDI inflows reaching $20 billion last year. Countries welcomed the effective implementation of the ASEAN-EU Trade and Investment Work Programme, the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, and the EU's support for digital transformation, green economic growth, inclusive and sustainable development. They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing negotiations toward an ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement in the long term.

Ministers pledged stronger cooperation in climate action, education, gender equality, disaster management, and combating transnational crimes and cybercrime. ASEAN appreciated the 6-million-EUR ASEAN-EU-Germany Climate Action Programme, aimed at enhancing ASEANs leadership in regional climate cooperation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. ASEAN also welcomed the EUs 10 billion EUR ($11.69 billion) commitment to regional infrastructure projects under the Global Gateway initiative.

At the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers Meeting, delegates reaffirmed the EASs role in reinforcing multilateralism and a rules-based international order. They stressed the need to foster a favourable environment for peace, security, stability, and development; uphold dialogue and cooperation instead of confrontation, and build trust while respecting international law. Countries pledged to support ASEANs central role and assist with the building of the ASEAN Community. Ministers agreed to further enhance the EASs effectiveness amid rapidly shifting global and regional landscapes, particularly ahead of the EASs 20th founding anniversary.

The meeting noted progress under the EAS Plan of Action 20242028, especially in priority areas like peace and security, sustainable development, energy, digital economy, connectivity, and cybersecurity.

On global and regional issues, they vowed to jointly fight transnational crimes and cybercrime and ensure cybersecurity. Their discussions also touched on ways to boost trade, reinforce a fair and rules-based multilateral trading system, and promote digital transformation, circular economy, green growth, and supply chain resilience. Efforts by ASEAN to negotiate a Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and advance the ASEAN Power Grid were welcomed.

Participants also stressed the need to deepen collaboration across food security, sustainable tourism, human resource development, health care, mental health, and the empowerment of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in the development process.

In his speech, Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Son underscored the importance of boosting economic ties with partners, particularly in ASEANs priority areas under its 2045 Vision, especially green transition, digital transformation, inclusive and sustainable growth, supply chain consolidation, green infrastructure, and SME capacity building.

He stressed that it is time to review a proposal on the comprehensive ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the back of existing bilateral agreements. He urged remaining EU members to soon ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and welcomed initiatives on renewable energy infrastructure, smart grids, innovative finance, digital capacity building, cybersecurity, data governance, and artificial intelligence.

Son commended educational exchange programmes, scholarships and highly-skilled workforce training from partners like the UK and the EU, encouraged connections between ASEAN research centres and expert networks with partners, and supported stronger medical cooperation and response to public health emergencies.

At the meetings, Viet Nam also shared viewpoints on key global and regional issues such as the East Sea, Myanmar, and the Korean Peninsula. The country called for continued international support for ASEANs principled stance on the East Sea issue, the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC), and the finalisation of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aiming to turn the East Sea into a sea of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.  VNS
HCM CITY  HCM City is implementing a range of measures to support job transitions for public employees and non-specialised workers who no longer continue in their roles after the reorganisation of administrative units and apparatus.

In late June, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Trinh, 47, a non-specialised worker at An Phu ong Ward, expressed relief upon learning that the central government had decided to temporarily extend the use of non-specialised personnel at the commune level until May 31, 2026.

Holding a university degree in social work and having worked for nearly 14 years in poverty reduction and social affairs, Trinh is well-versed in relevant policies and regulations.

She is deeply familiar with the tasks and the families she has served. Upon hearing the extension news, she affirmed her commitment: I will devote all my efforts to serving the people and am ready to take on new responsibilities if assigned.

Alongside this extension, the Government issued Decree 170 in late June 2025, regulating the recruitment, use and management of civil servants.

Under the decree, non-specialised personnel at the commune level can be recruited as civil servants if they meet the required conditions and criteria.

In addition to general standards, these individuals must have at least five years of experience, paid mandatory social insurance, and held roles requiring professional skills aligned with the civil service position.

Ho Minh Hoang, chairman of the Peoples Committee of Trung My Tay Ward, said the ward has allocated former non-specialised workers to roles that match their professional skills.

With a population of over 126,000, Trung My Tay is allowed up to 70 civil servants.

Most non-specialised staff have relevant professional qualifications and strong ties to the locality, he said.

Decree 170 enables wards to absorb qualified and experienced personnel into civil service roles, thereby enhancing service quality for residents, he said.

Enhancing high-quality human resources

In addition to staff affected by the end of non-specialised contracts, HCM City is set to cut 20 per cent of its budget-funded staffing over the next five years.

Nguyen Bac Nam, deputy director of the citys Department of Home Affairs, said the city has been deploying a series of solutions to support career transitions for civil servants and non-specialised personnel following the restructuring.

These measures include assessing skills, career aspirations, and training needs; providing upskilling in soft skills and career orientation; and establishing a two-way communication mechanism to connect labour supply with demand.

Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Van uoc has instructed departments, state-owned enterprises, and economic organisations to collaborate in recruitment and job placement for those affected by the reorganisation.

The city has also approved a comprehensive support scheme covering vocational training, job placement, and access to social housing for affected public sector employees.

It will mobilise its employment service network to offer free job counselling and placement for those transitioning out of the public sector.

Employers are encouraged to directly engage with affected workers for interviews, skills assessments, and recruitment into suitable vacancies.

The city offers new vocational training subsidies averaging VN5.6 million (US$215) per person, along with meal and transport allowances.

Workers can also access job creation loans of up to VN300 million ($11,420) with terms of up to 120 months, and the city fully subsidises interest for the first five years.

The city Peoples Committee stated that this policy helps reduce anxiety among workers, while also improving workforce quality through training and reskilling efforts.

Social housing purchase and lease-purchase support is also available to help stabilise lives and encourage a return to the labour market.

Pham Thi Thanh Hien, director of the citys Department of Home Affairs, said in addition to job reassignment, the city is also focusing on resolving benefits and policies for those who leave public service following the restructuring.

As of June 30, the city had settled retirement or resignation procedures for 2,081 individuals under Decree No. 178/2024 and Decree No. 67/2025, with a total payout of VN773.5 billion ($29.5 million).

Moving forward, the citys Department of Home Affairs will advise the municipal Peoples Committee to propose a resolution to the Peoples Council on loan support policies for affected public personnel.  VNS
HA NOI  Raising total factor productivity (TFP) is essential for Viet Nam to sustain high economic growth and achieve high-income status by 2045, experts said at a seminar held in Ha Noi on July 10.

The seminar, called Digital Economy and TFP: Foundations for Reforming Viet Nams Economic Growth Model, brought together leading scholars and policymakers to discuss long-term drivers of growth.

Professor Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at National University of Singapore said Viet Nam has set ambitious growth targets  eight per cent or more this year, double-digit growth in the coming years, and high-income status by 2045.

He outlined two scenarios for achieving this goal. In the first, per capita GDP grows by 5.5 per cent annually, reaching US$11,000 by 2045, similar to Malaysias income level in 2021.

In the second, Viet Nam maintains annual per capita GDP growth of 6.5 per cent over two decades, reaching $15,000 by 2045 and potentially $20,000 by 2050.

To do so, Viet Nam must improve its TFP, which is currently lower than that of high-income countries. Viet Nam needs to shift to a new growth trajectory.

TFP is a key metric that measures how efficiently and effectively inputs are turned into outputs and is often used to gauge the contribution of innovation, technology, and management practices to economic performance.

Agreeing with this perspective, Professor Tan Swee Liang from the Singapore Management University, said once capital and labour inputs are maximised, only productivity gains can drive further growth.

Thats why TFP is the key engine of long-term economic development, she said.

Digital transformation is expected to play a vital role in raising TFP by enhancing research and development (R&D), reducing costs, and improving governance.

Automation, big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) can optimise production processes and generate added value.

According to the Politburos Resolution No.57 on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, Viet Nam aims for TFP to contribute more than 55 per cent of GDP growth by 2030.

The share of high-tech exports is targeted at a minimum of 50 per cent, and the digital economy is expected to reach at least 30 per cent of GDP, with a vision of 50 per cent by 2045.

A report by a research group from the Viet Nam National University-HCM City (VNU-HCM) affirmed that TFP is the primary driver of long-term GDP growth.

Countries like the US, South Korea, and Germany have succeeded through deep growth based on innovation, R&D, and high technology.

By contrast, developing countries such as India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam still largely rely on capital, cheap labour, and structural shifts.

As a result, TFP growth has been slow and inconsistent due to constraints in infrastructure, institutions, and technological innovation, a combination that leaves countries vulnerable to the so-called middle-income trap.

In Viet Nam, TFP contributed just 30-35 per cent to GDP growth between 2010 and 2020, significantly below the OECD average of over 50 per cent.

This shows the urgent need for institutional reform, increased R&D investment, better education, and digital transformation to ensure sustainable growth, the research group noted.

To enhance TFP, Professor Khuong said Viet Nam must overhaul its management strategies at all levels  from central to local government - and restructure its development model away from resource-driven growth.

We need to prioritise innovation, improve human capital, and invest heavily in technology, he said, adding that a national fund should be created to help small and medium-sized enterprises acquire foreign technologies.

Dr Nguyen Quang Vinh, an expert at the World Bank, said innovative startups are essential to shifting from low- to high-productivity sectors.

However, a recent World Bank survey showed that only a small percentage of Vietnamese businesses surpass the average in innovation.

Around 80 per cent of firms only improve internal processes without introducing new value to the market.

Moreover, Viet Nam currently spends only 0.5 per cent of GDP on R&D, far below its 2 per cent target.

Viet Nam must scale up technology diffusion and encourage private investment in R&D to break out of the middle-income trap, Vinh said.

Experts also emphasised the need for a comprehensive innovation ecosystem that tightly links the government, scientists, and enterprises.

Strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting digital transformation in education, healthcare, finance, logistics, and public administration will be critical.

From a policy perspective, Pham ai Duong, deputy head of the Central Economic Commissions Strategy and Policy Division, underlined the importance of TFP in assessing economic productivity and efficiency.

However, the government must adopt a unified methodology for calculating TFP to ensure accurate policy-making, he said.

The Central Economic Commission will continue gathering input from experts, scientists, and agencies to refine Viet Nams approach to measuring and improving TFP and advancing the digital economy, he added.  VNS
Samsung's TM Roh has shared a teaser regarding its "tri-fold" smartphone which has been previously rumored to be under development, hinting that it is potentially launching before the year ends.

This recent hint from the high-ranking Samsung executive also confirmed the existence of the tri-fold device that the company is developing.

TM Roh Teases 'Tri-Fold' Launch Before Year Ends

The Korea Times's recent press interview with Samsung's Acting Head of Device Experience Division, TM Roh (Roh Tae-moon), shed light on the rumored "Galaxy G Fold" smartphone which the executive claimed to be coming before the year ends.

This G Fold device is the 'tri-fold' smartphone that has been speculated to be under development from the smartphone company for several years now.

Roh said that Samsung "is expected to" launch the tri-fold smartphone within the year, signaling that it is in the pipeline for 2025. More importantly, the news of this tri-fold smartphone's development officially came from Roh, being its first confirmation after years of being mentioned only in rumors.

This tri-fold smartphone could offer a larger main screen than the traditional bi-fold smartphone, opening up two more sides of display for users, similar to what Huawei delivered with its Mate XT from last year.

However, there are still no official release dates for the device, and this could also be delayed.

Samsung 'G Fold' and the Latest Foldables

The Samsung Galaxy G Fold would join the growing foldable smartphones by the South Korean tech giant, which recently expanded its lineup following the Unpacked event.

While the showcase featured the two expected smartphones namely the Galaxy Z Flip7 and the Galaxy Z Fold7, the company also unveiled a Galaxy Flip7 FE (Fan Edition) which is its more cost-effective version than the main release.

The Tri-Fold Smartphone Market Rises

The world is not yet fully adopting foldable smartphones as there is still a massive uncertainty in their longevity, durability, and brands that offer them. However, there are already significant innovations in the niche, especially with tri-fold phones.

Back in 2021, a leak about Oppo's plans on its foldable developments gave the world a glimpse into its development of a triple-foldable smartphone, being among the earliest to introduce such a device in the market.

Fast forward three years, Huawei unveiled one of the earliest smartphones featuring tri-foldable screens with the Mate XT. Before the smartphone made it to the market, it saw a whopping 3.6 million pre-orders in China alone, highlighting the significant interest in this new niche device.

Soon after, Samsung was rumored to be working on a tri-fold device that was dubbed the "G Fold" to be the next contender to Huawei's Mate XT.

It has only been several months since news of a triple-foldable device is coming from Samsung, but the latest revelation of its executive confirms the smartphone in question is coming sooner than expected.

Originally published on Tech Times
HA NOI  With the support of Viet Nam, the remains of 740 US servicemen have been identified and returned to their families, according to Kelly McKeague, Director of the Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) under the US Department of Defence.

Visiting the National Archives Centre III under the Vietnamese Ministry of Home Affairs State Records and Archives Department on Thursday, McKeague stated that the year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam's reunification, the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Viet NamUS diplomatic relations, and, notably, the 40th anniversary since the US first sent a team to Viet Nam to search for missing service members.

Immediately after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, Viet Nam established an agency dedicated to searching for those missing in the war. The country has been proactive in supporting the search for US soldiers missing in action during the war in Viet Nam.

Expressing gratitude for these efforts, especially on behalf of the families of the missing, the DPAA official affirmed that a fundamental cornerstone of the Viet NamUS Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is Viet Nam's efforts in supporting the search for missing service members.

However, McKeague noted that there are still 1,157 US soldiers missing in the war in Viet Nam, and these cases are extremely difficult to find due to the lack of information.

According to the Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, gathering information is the first and crucial step, as sometimes such information is key for the search teams to determine whether they are at the correct site or speaking to the right witnesses.

Director of the State Records and Archives Department ang Thanh Tung stated that the Vietnamese archives sector cooperates with not only the US but also France to provide information in the search for missing soldiers, thus meeting the needs of their families. He also affirmed that the sector will continue to proactively cooperate and exchange information with the US side in this work.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Health is drafting a new Population Law to tackle the countrys record-low fertility rates and rapidly ageing population.

The law, expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for approval in October, proposes a series of incentives to encourage childbirth and improve reproductive healthcare.

Under the proposed law, families could benefit from longer maternity leave, cash or in-kind support when having children as well as priority access to social housing and expanded support for prenatal and newborn screening.

There are also targeted measures to support families with two daughters and to reduce the gender imbalance.

The announcement was made on July 11 at a ceremony in Ha Noi marking World Population Day 2025, co-hosted by the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The event also included the release of the 2025 State of World Population Report.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Health ao Hong Lan said population policy remains a top priority for the Vietnamese Government. Citing a Party resolution, she reaffirmed that population is seen as a key driver of national development and security.

Vietnamese law already guarantees reproductive rights, allowing individuals and couples to decide when and how many children to have, based on age, health, income and other personal circumstances. Lan called this a clear affirmation of reproductive autonomy.

She noted that Viet Nam has made significant progress in population management. The country has successfully curbed population growth and is currently benefitting from a 'golden population structure' that supports economic development.

Life expectancy has increased to 74.7 years in 2024, well above the global average for countries with similar income levels. Healthcare services for family planning, maternal and child health, and elder care have all improved in recent years.

Despite these gains, Lan acknowledged that Viet Nam is facing major challenges. The countrys fertility rate is now at its lowest point ever and continues to fall. Official data shows the average number of children per woman dropped from 2.01 in 2022 to 1.91 in 2024. At the same time, the population is ageing quickly.

Other concerns include a persistent gender imbalance at birth, teenage pregnancies, early and consanguineous marriages in some regions and health disparities in remote and ethnic community areas. Although average life expectancy is rising, healthy life expectancy remains low, at just around 65 years.

To address these issues, the ministry is also developing a National Target Programme on Health, Population and Development for 20262035. The overarching goal is to ensure health, welfare and equality for all citizens, with a people-centered approach to sustainable development.

The draft law includes new provisions to support elder care services and infrastructure, train a new generation of geriatric healthcare workers, require premarital health counselling and checkups and strengthen screening and early diagnosis before and after birth.

Lan called on ministries, local governments and other agencies to continue prioritising population work and to allocate sufficient funding, especially during the ongoing shift to a two-tier local government system. She also urged close coordination in finalising the draft law and national programme.

At the ceremony, UN Resident Coordinator Pauline Tamesis reaffirmed the UNs support for Viet Nams efforts.

She said the UN is committed to helping expand access to quality reproductive healthcare, promote inclusive population policies, deliver age-appropriate sex education and strengthen data systems for better planning.

UNFPA Representative Matt Jackson also spoke at the event, presenting highlights from the global population report. He praised Viet Nam for promoting reproductive rights and stressed that there can be no sustainable development without reproductive autonomy.

He also stressed that empowering individuals to make informed choices would promote gender equality and unlock the full potential of demographic change.  VNS
Photo: Duc Thanh

In the context of our focus on economic development, investment in technical infrastructure has been highly prioritised. Many key national projects on infrastructure development have been approved by the National Assembly and the government, including particularly large projects in terms of capital, technology, scope, and implementation, such as the North-South High-Speed Railway and urban railway projects.

However, Vietnamese construction companies and corporations are still limited in scale, with loose connections and insufficient cooperation. Additionally, the Bidding Law has not fully adapted to the realities of large projects, leading to several shortcomings. Specifically, we believe that some criteria in the current regulations need to be revised.

The first thing is the criteria for evaluating bidding. The requirement that bidders must have experience in two equivalent projects is no longer suitable for the high-speed railway, as Vietnam has never undertaken such a project before. Maintaining this criterion would eliminate Vietnamese contractors, relegating them to subcontractors for foreign companies despite their familiarity with construction tasks. We propose including experience in participating in Group A infrastructure projects as a criterion.

Another amendment is the criteria for evaluating bid proposals. The current mindset that the lowest-priced bid is selected, regardless of how much lower it is compared to the approved cost estimate, is problematic. According to the cost estimation formula, the pre-tax profit for contractors is only 5.5 per cent, while management costs are 6 per cent. Yet, some companies reduce their bids by 15-20 per cent, or in extreme cases, up to 45 per cent.

This suggests either our unit price standards are entirely incorrect or companies are deliberately underbidding to secure contracts, which may lead to losses or even bankruptcy as they cut into their own flesh. We recommend regulations to control underbidding to ensure a healthier construction market.

Besides that, it is necessary to give urgent timelines for these projects. Organising bidding according to current regulations is time-consuming. There should be mechanisms for direct contractor appointment or placing orders with Vietnamese contractors, allowing them time to prepare manpower and equipment. These mechanisms must clearly define the authority of agencies responsible for appointing contractors and the criteria for such appointments to avoid potential complications.

Furthermore, collaboration to leverage each companys strengths is crucial. However, the current joint-venture model under existing regulations is loosely binding, often existing only in name during bidding, with each party working independently afterwards. This limits effectiveness. For upcoming large-scale projects requiring synchronised collaboration across multiple disciplines, we propose studying a contractor consortium model to enhance the capacity of Vietnamese contractors to undertake major projects. This model should include clear mechanisms for task allocation, rights, obligations, and project management.

Members of the Vietnam Construction Contractors Association recommend that the state unify management to eliminate these dual mechanisms within a single market. The current reality in the construction industry is the coexistence of two mechanisms. One is for public investment enterprises, which means state-defined unit prices, standard contract templates, and state regulations and standards.

The second is for non-budgetary and foreign-invested projects, which means market-based unit prices with partial reference to state standards, contracts based on the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, or partially referencing state contracts.

The coexistence of these two mechanisms leads to inconsistent management and significant construction debts, particularly in non-budgetary projects, resulting in a lack of market transparency.

Central bank to resume gold bar bidding after 11 years The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) will resume gold bar bidding after 11 years, aiming to increase the supply of gold to the market, promptly and immediately settle the high difference in domestic and international gold prices, thus ensuring the gold market operates in a safe and stable, healthy, open, transparent and effective manner in accordance with the Prime Minister's direction.

RoKs corporation wins bidding for Long Thanh Airport project The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) on August 30 signed a contract for the management and operation consultancy of the Long Thanh International Airport project.

Bidding cancelled for proposed $2.4 billion Nghi Son LNG power plant Authorities at Nghi Son Economic Zone have cancelled an invitation to bid, and halted the selection of investors, for the Nghi Son liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fired thermal power plant project.

Nghe An to open bidding to select investor for Quynh Lap LNG-fired power plant Nghe An Department of Planning and Investment is completing procedures for investment planning and organising bidding to select investors for the Quynh Lap LNG-fired power plant.
How does InterContinental Halong Bay balance international standards with local culture and sustainability?

Todays travel trends go far beyond simple relaxation. Modern travellers seek to connect with the soul of a destination, to truly feel and understand its spirit through immersive, culturally rich experiences woven seamlessly into luxurious and refined stays.

As a resort situated in one of the countrys most iconic locations, we at InterContinental Halong Bay Resort are proud to be part of this transformation-offering not just luxury, but a meaningful connection to place. The resort is the result of a long-term strategic partnership with BIM Group, one of Vietnams leading private developers known for its sustainable vision and commitment to quality tourism. This collaboration reflects a shared dedication to creating iconic destinations that honor local culture while meeting the highest international standards. This is what modern luxury travelers are seeking, and Vietnam is now beautifully poised to meet, and exceed, those expectations.

At InterContinental Halong Bay Resort (ICHL), we go beyond the expected, offering immersive cultural experiences seamlessly woven into world-class luxury.

Guided by our brand hallmarks, Insider Expertise, we bring Halongs heritage to life through two key pillars including Insider Partnerships and Personalised Service.

From exclusive cruise routes with Grand Pioneers and Ambassador Cruises to behind-the-scenes access at Halong Pearl Farm, and authentic culinary journeys with local vendors, our trusted local connections unlock Halongs hidden gems. Every guest journey begins before arrival. With tailored recommendations, insider tips, and 24/7 support via our Canany and Concierge hotline, we help you craft your own Perfect Day, for a stay that feels uniquely yours.

ICHL is proud to be at the forefront of a new wave of travel, one that celebrates cultural depth, heritage, and authentic local lifestyles, all while delivering exceptional, personalised, and elevated experiences.

What local traditions and cultural experiences does ICHL offer its in-house guests?

We are dedicated to enriching our guests' stay with meticulously curated cultural and heritage activities. These include exclusive excursions to authentic traditional fishing villages, insightful pearl farms, and unique floating communities, offering an intimate and respectful glimpse into the local way of life.

Guests can board a local fishing boat or speedboat to visit a traditional fishing village in Halong Bay. The journey offers a peaceful ride through stunning seascapes, arriving at floating communities such as Cua Van or Vung Vieng. Guests can explore traditional floating homes, participate in hands-on activities like casting fishing nets or learning about pearl farming, and enjoy fresh seafood they catch themselves.

Along the way, guests may meet local elders who have spent their entire lives on the water, sharing stories of resilience, from weathering storms to raising families on floating homes and adapting to the challenges of climate change. They may also encounter children who are growing up entirely at sea, inheriting generations of fishing wisdom passed down from an early age.

At Halong Pearl Farm, guests can witness ethical pearl farming, try their hand at pearl planting and receive custom souvenirs. Its a behind-the-scenes look at Vietnams most beautiful natural treasure.

The pearl farming tradition in Halong Bay began in the early 1960s, when local fishermen discovered natural pearls in oysters. This sparked a thriving industry, which today positions Halong among the worlds largest pearl farming centres, producing nearly 10 million pearls each year.

Each of these immersive experiences is guided by our distinct Insider Expertise. This core brand differentiator ensures our guests gain unparalleled, authentic insights into Halong Bay's rich history, enduring traditions, and hidden gems, fostering a truly profound and personal connection with this extraordinary destination.

With ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking more bespoke experiences, how is ICHL catering to this demand through its personalised offerings?

The evolving desires of ultra-high-net-worth individuals reveal a clear trend: luxury is no longer defined by excess, but by exclusivity, meaning, and hyper-personalisation. ICHL is uniquely equipped to deliver on this demand through curated service and a brand philosophy built around deep personalisation and meaningful connection.

Our bespoke offerings are shaped by four core differentiators such as the Insider Expertise, which allows us to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that go beyond the ordinary, from private access to hidden cultural gems, to exclusive excursions guided by local experts with generational knowledge of Halong Bay.

Secondly, Intentional Flexibility empowers our team to design every touchpoint around the individual. Whether the custom menus crafted with the executive chef, in-villa spa rituals, or personally tailored wellness journeys, we adapt seamlessly to our guests lifestyles and preferences.

Thirdly, Incredible Occasions means every celebration, milestone, or quiet moment of escape is elevated, whether its a candlelit dinner on a secluded terrace, or an in-villa concert curated to personal taste.

And with Inclusive Everywhere, even the most personalised experiences remain welcoming, effortless, and sensitively delivered because true luxury is about feeling deeply understood and entirely at ease.

Weve also designed our suites, penthouse and villas with privacy and personalisation in mind, ideal for wealthy visitors seeking a discreet, self-contained space with elevated, on-demand services.

How does the resort equip its management and staff to deliver the high level of service expected by such wealthy individuals?

Serving the ultra-wealthy requires more than precision, it demands intuition, cultural fluency, and service that feels both seamless and sincere. Weve built a team and culture specifically designed to meet this level of expectation, guided by our service philosophy: Inspire Incredible.

To us, Inspire Incredible is more than a promise, its a mindset. It means going beyond excellence to create moments that feel personal, meaningful, and utterly unforgettable. Our colleagues are trained in ultra-luxury service standards, emotional intelligence, and cross-cultural etiquette and are empowered to act with autonomy and empathy, allowing them to anticipate needs before theyre spoken.

Whether its arranging a bespoke cultural immersion, ensuring discreet in-villa service, or remembering the smallest personal preferences, our team is equipped to deliver at the highest level, with warmth, discretion, and a profound understanding of what truly inspires our most discerning guests.

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is located in two-time UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay. The resort features 174 guestrooms and suites, 60 apartments, and 41 private villas, all with stunning views of the bay. For more information and reservations, visit intercontinental.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Tet 2024 Hamper Collection by Intercontinental Saigon On the occasion of Lunar New Year 2024, the Year of the Dragon, InterContinental Saigon is proud to deliver its newest Tet Hamper Collection Xuan Hoa, Tet Rong with two exquisite designs to praise this Zodiac.

InterContinental Saigon goes back to basics to enhance customer experience Tourism results for Vietnam were decent in 2023, but the country is hoping for a stellar 2024 to get the industry fully on track. General manager of InterContinental Saigon Justin Malcolm shared with VIRs Hoang Dan his inside experiences of operating and managing the luxury hotel in the southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City in that direction.
Bryce Boland, head of security solution architecture for Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) at AWS, highlighted that businesses are already on their GenAI journeys, but securing GenAI at scale continues to be a challenge for organisations around the world.

According to a Deloitte report from 2024, 75 per cent of respondents said they plan to increase their security investments because of GenAI programmes.

As shown in the 2025 Thales Data Threat Report, 73 per cent of surveyed businesses are investing in AI-specific tools with either new or existing budgets.

In this context, the key priorities of their APJ customers are resilience, ensuring workloads remain online and raising the bar on security, while keeping costs manageable and protecting GenAI.

Talking to VIR at an online media briefing on July 8, Boland said, Our customers across the region face active security threats. We are continuously working to ensure that the cloud services we provide are protected against those threats and to make it as easy as possible for our customers to build securely on the AWS cloud.

As customers look to drive positive business value from the technology, were seeing increased investment in securing their GenAI tools, Boland added.

At the core of AWS, we ensure all of our infrastructure is designed and built with resilience and security in mind. Were proud to say weve achieved the least downtime in APJ. For us, developing resilience comes from a defence-in-depth model. This means that, similar to how youd build multiple rings of protection around a castle, we have multiple layers of protection to safeguard our customers. And we continue to update our security solutions relentlessly, he shared.

New security announcements

At AWS re:Inforce held in Philadelphia from June 16-18, AWS unveiled a suite of new and updated security capabilities to help customers of all sizes strengthen their digital defences, including new updates to AWS Security Hub, AWS Shield, and Amazon GuardDuty.

AWS re:Inforce in Philadelphia on June 16-18. Photo: AWS

These new tools will allow customers to better protect their digital assets, identify important security issues, defend against cyberattacks, and more.

AWS re:Inforce, the company's annual cloud security conference, brought together security experts, partners, and builders from around the world to collaborate on addressing emerging security challenges in the GenAI era.

AWS Security Hub

It helps customers identify their most critical security issues and respond quickly to reduce risks. It acts as a kind of security command centre, connecting the dots between different types of security alerts and vulnerabilities. This helps security teams quickly spot and prioritise active threats to their cloud systems.

By bringing everything together into one place, AWS Security Hub provides a clearer picture of an organisation's security status while eliminating the need to manually gather information from multiple security tools. AWS Security Hub is available in preview to AWS customers starting today.

AWS Shield

AWS Shield is enhancing how it protects websites and online applications by proactively finding network security configuration mistakes and weaknesses. The service now creates a map of customers' security resources, identifying vulnerabilities to common attacks like SQL injections (when hackers try to access data through website forms) and Distributed Denial-of-Service, or DDoS, attacks (when attackers overwhelm websites with fake traffic to make them crash).

AWS Shield provides an easy-to-understand dashboard that highlights issues by severity, along with step-by-step instructions for fixing problems quickly. Customers can even use Amazon Q, the most capable generative AI-powered assistant for work, to get guidance through simple conversations, rather than navigating complex security settings.

Amazon GuardDuty

AWS announced expanded capabilities for Amazon GuardDuty Extended Threat Detection (XTD), which now protects container-based applications running on Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS). Amazon GuardDuty now improves the connections across various security signals in customers' systems to detect sophisticated attack patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. By monitoring EKS audit logs, runtime behaviour, and activity, Amazon GuardDuty can now identify these complex, multi-stage attacks.

These improved detection capabilities allow security teams to spend less time investigating potential issues and more time addressing genuine threats, reducing the impact on business operations.

Scaling GenAI solutions

AWS has also helped address customer security needs by providing the resilient cloud architecture customers demand, keeping costs manageable, and helping its customers implement GenAI securely.

At AWS, we bake security into all three layers of the GenAI tech stack. We begin at the bottom layer, which shows the physical security hardware used to build and train LLMs and other foundation models. One essential component of this is our Nitro System, which continuously protects, monitors, and verifies the instance hardware, including the instances running our GenAI services, Boland shared.

Bryce Boland, head of security solution architecture for Asia-Pacific and Japan, AWS. Photo: AWS

In the middle layer, AWS has tools that allow people to build and scale using GenAI models, such as Amazon Bedrock. For example, to safeguard against model abuse, it has developed Amazon Bedrock Guardrails, which can be applied to filter out harmful content.

At the top layer, the company has applications that leverage LLMs and other foundation models. One example is Amazon Q Developer, an incredible generative AI-powered assistant that helps developers build code and deploy applications securely.

Many businesses in the region have applied AWS solutions and services to scaling GenAI solutions and gained success. They include Grab, Plerion, and others. They have been using Amazon Bedrock Guardrails to ensure their security needs are met while keeping costs low.

Specifically, Grab, a superapp, began their responsible AI journey in 2023 and has been using Amazon Bedrock Guardrails to ensure their security needs are met while keeping costs low. As of May this year, it had deployed this across all critical products and services.

Similarly, Plerion, an Australian startup, built Pleri, an AI security assistant, on AWS. They used Amazon Bedrock with different models, including Anthropic Claude and Amazons Nova, to automatically and proactively assist security teams. This has reduced the time needed to complete critical security tasks.

Using Amazon Bedrock (with Claude and Amazon Nova), AWS Lambda, and Amazon EventBridge, Plerion can actively search for new issues, then autonomously investigate, without waiting for a user report. For example, Pleri can scan for updates publishing information on new Zero Days, and then raise possible solutions for developers to quickly resolve for immediate remediation, improving security productivity quickly and effectively, and at scale.

Elsewhere, a leading financial services company in Singapore, Singlife adopted a cloud-first strategy to migrate from on-prem and resolve scalability, resilience, and operational costs concerns that were limiting innovation. Completing their migration in 18 months, they deployed more than 150 managed guardrails and security checks to help maintain security controls, and are now actively innovating with AI safely.

Since migrating to the cloud, they have not experienced any operational downtime or security events while achieving cost savings of $5 million annually.

How AWS is powering Vietnams financial industry transformation Vietnams financial industry is transforming to meet Basel III international banking standards. Eric Yeo, country general manager, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Vietnam, analyses how AWS is powering this transformation.

Vietnam approves national action programme for cloud computing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung signed a decision on June 11 approving a national action programme for cloud computing development.
The July 10 signing ceremony for the MoU marked a significant milestone, opening up new opportunities for local businesses to export goods across borders while strengthening the trade corridor between Vietnam and Cambodia.

The event highlighted the strategic cooperation between YCH Group and Tay Ninh People's Committee in enhancing logistics capabilities, supporting local businesses in expanding exports, strengthening high-quality personnel, and boosting sustainable development.

One of the key highlights of the MoU is the development of a logistics complex located in Moc Bai Border Gate Economic Zone. The complex is expected to serve as a major transshipment hub between Vietnam and Cambodia, helping to ease congestion and facilitate smoother goods flow through the border. Once operational, the logistics complex will be connected to other logistics hubs invested by YCH Group in Vietnam and regional markets, forming a seamless supply chain network across the region.

Nguyen Hong Thanh, member of Tay Ninh Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of Tay Ninh People's Committee

Backed by 70 years of experience in end-to-end supply chain solutions for multinationals, YCH Group will help develop and operate the logistics complex, leveraging advanced technologies, particularly AI, to optimise cargo management and transport. Tay Ninh People's Committee has pledged support for streamlining legal procedures and creating new advantages to ensure the project's effective implementation.

To support the local business community, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, YCH Group will facilitate the access of Tay Ninh products to the Singaporean and broader Asian markets through its YSG e-commerce platform. Tay Ninh People's Committee will also provide support through appropriate policies to encourage local businesses to participate in cross-border e-commerce.

Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort and head of Group Strategy, Sustainability, and Communications

In addition, developing a high-quality logistics workforce is also a key area of cooperation. YCH Group will implement specialised training courses in collaboration with its ecosystem partners to equip the local workforce with skills in modern logistics operations, the application of new technologies, and sustainable practices.

YCH Group is committed to advancing sustainable development in Tay Ninh by incorporating renewable energy, electric vehicles, and carbon credit solutions into its projects, aiming for net-zero emissions. Tay Ninh People's Committee will support these efforts through dedicated resources and policies that encourage green, sustainable logistics infrastructure.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nguyen Hong Thanh, Vice Chairman of Tay Ninh People's Committee, said, "This cooperation with YCH Group marks an important milestone in Tay Ninhs strategy to improve competitiveness, especially as the newly restructured entity takes shape following the merger of the former Tay Ninh and Long An provinces. We're confident that YCH Groups experience and expertise will help deliver meaningful results, driving Tay Ninhs growth in a way thats both fast and sustainable."

Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort and head of Group Strategy, Sustainability, and Communications at YCH Group, said, "We are honoured to collaborate with Tay Ninh People's Committee in implementing a strategy for developing smart and sustainable logistics infrastructure. This partnership will not only strengthen the provinces competitiveness but also enhance trade flows between Vietnam and Cambodia, with further expansion to other markets across the region."

The signing of this MoU between YCH Group and Tay Ninh Peoples Committee represents a meaningful step towards expanding international trade opportunities for local businesses, advancing sustainable development objectives, and strengthening Tay Ninhs role as a regional logistics and trade hub.

Vietnam SuperPort poised to elevate Vietnam's logistics capabilities Vietnam SuperPort, a joint venture between YCH Group of Singapore and Vietnams T&T Group, is poised to enhance Vietnams logistics capabilities in the global supply chain.
The Nhon Trach 3 LNG-fired thermal power plant

The news was shared by the Board of Directors of PetroVietnam Power Corporation (PV Power) at the companys second executive Party Committee meeting for the 2025-2030 term.

Nhon Trach 4 is on track to meet its completion target by the end of this year.

Nhon Trach 3 began supplying electricity to the grid on February 5 and is currently in a trial phase. In April alone, the plant operated stably for 30 hours at base load capacity, generating 812 MWh of electricity.

Nhon Trach 3 and 4 make up Vietnams first LNG-fired power plant complex, with a total investment of approximately $1.4 billion and a designed capacity of 1,624 MW, playing a crucial role in electricity supply for the southern region.

In late June, Nhon Trach 4 was connected to the national grid with an initial output of 50 MW. This marked the first grid synchronisation, a significant step in the trial phase before commercial operation in November.

The power plants are key national projects located in Ong Keo Industrial Park in the southern province of Dong Nai. Once fully operational, they will provide about nine billion kWh of electricity per year to the national grid.

Companies collaborate to support PV Powers Nhon Trach 3 and 4 Citi and ING Germany alongside Export Credit Agencys Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, K-SURE, and Swiss Export Risk Insurance, SERV, have closed a $521.5 million, 12-year supported financing loan for Petrovietnam Power Corporation (PV Power).

$1.4 billion Nhon Trach 3 and 4 to operate in 2025 PetroVietnam Power Corporation (PV Power) plans to put Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants, in the southern province of Dong Nai, into operation in June and September next year, respectively.
With a 22 year-plus track record in Vietnams industrial construction sector, particularly in food and beverages and high-tech infrastructure, NSN has built a strong reputation.

NSN booth at the event

Nearly a decade ago, the company strategically pivoted to renewable energy, aiming to become a reliable partner for foreign-invested enterprises on their net-zero roadmap.

At the Solar & Storage Live Vietnam 2025 event on July 9-10 in Ho Chi Minh City, NSN shared its model One-Stop Service  Cut Costs, Go Green  a comprehensive solution that bridges sustainability with tangible execution, helping businesses reduce carbon emissions while optimising operational costs.

As of June, NSN had successfully executed 443MWp of renewable energy capacity, including a 350MWp solar farm, 45MWp from rooftop solar, and 48MW from wind power.

These projects collectively generate over 660GWh annually, equivalent to a CO reduction of 515,320 tonnes per year.

Beyond its role as an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, NSN acts as a pioneer investor, exemplified by the 50MWp My Hiep solar farm and a rooftop solar installation at the NSN headquarters in Hanoi.

NSN works not only as an EPC contractor but as an energy investor

Specially, the company has partnered with various foreign direct investment (FDI) clients such as Kyocera, Denso, Nestle, Kansai, TotalEnergies, Sharp, and Dohwa, proving its project management expertise, understanding of ESG policies, and the ability to meet global standards.

In April, NSN was honoured among the Top 10 ESG Vietnam Green Enterprises 2025 in the Construction Sector, Infrastructure, and Power/Electrical Installation Category. This recognition underscores the companys commitment to embedding sustainability throughout its strategic thinking and operations.

As part of the exhibitions panel discussion, Le Ngan Ha, CEO of NSN Green Innovation Investment JSC, shared insights during the session Energy Storage Integration: A Critical Step for Sustainable Operations.

You cant talk about clean energy without talking about storage. Today's approach focuses on energy reliability, cost-efficiency, and grid stability rather than merely generation. Storage is no longer optional, it is necessary, said Ha.

With nearly a decade of expertise, CEO Ha is one of Vietnam's most well-known female sustainable energy experts.

At NSN, she leads not only EPC activities but also project development consultancy, especially in grid storage, a critical component for large-scale manufacturers and FDI-driven green industrial parks.

CEO Le Ngan Ha shares strategic views on energy storage for foreign-invested enterprises

From legal consultation, technical design, EPC execution, operation and maintenance, to energy storage integration and project investment, NSN's One-Stop Service  Cut Costs, Go Green solution covers every aspect of the value chain.

This model's synchronised and risk-managed procedure is what makes it unique. Companies no longer need to manage several individual vendors. By serving as a single point of accountability, NSN helps maximise efficiency while simplifies execution.

This solution is particularly ideal for FDI manufacturing plants, green industrial zone developers, and investors seeking transparent ESG roadmaps and measurable impact.

NSNs presence at Solar & Storage Live Vietnam 2025 affirms its strategic vision and proven capacity in renewable energy.

As a trusted partner of international clients, NSN is committed to co-developing a reliable and sustainable energy future, whereby working together, net-zero is not just a goal but a shared achievement.

Vietnam outlines ambitious energy roadmap with export potential and renewable hubs Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has approved a plan to implement the revised national power development strategy to 2030, setting out bold new targets for renewable energy, regional electricity trade, and the formation of clean energy industrial hubs across the country.

New resolution offers promising pro-business reform roadmap Vietnam is advancing a roadmap to pro-business reform with a landmark directive, but the "chaebol-led" strategy has some drawbacks.
Revitalising business through strategic and stylish engagement

With consistent infrastructure investment, expanding air connectivity, strong public-private partnerships, and a growing portfolio of world-class event facilities, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a regional hub for events industry activity. The opportunity for investors, developers, and enterprises lies in leveraging this momentum, whether through asset development, event hosting, or strategic partnerships within the countrys fast-evolving tourism and hospitality sector.

Vietnams transformation into a business events destination has been both deliberate and dynamic. Recognising tourism as a pillar of national economic growth, the Vietnamese government has supported a decade of development marked by robust infrastructure upgrades, urban renewal, and investor-friendly policies. These efforts are part of a wider push to diversify tourism offerings and reduce reliance on leisure segments alone.

The cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang now form a triad of event-ready urban centres, each offering high-capacity convention venues, 5-star accommodations, and a reliable base of support services. At the same time, second-tier destinations such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hue, and Quy Nhon are evolving into viable alternatives for incentive travel and regional corporate retreats.

These destinations are not simply tourist hotspots; they are becoming investment nodes. With international hotel brands entering the market and local developers upgrading product quality, Vietnam offers a competitive advantage in cost, accessibility, and customer experience, three critical factors influencing global events industry decision-making.

Building the backbone

Vietnams ability to support events industry tourism at scale is underpinned by its rapidly maturing infrastructure.

Key international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang are undergoing expansions to accommodate rising passenger volumes and introduce more direct international routes. The development of Long Thanh International Airport, one of Southeast Asias most ambitious airport projects, will further cement southern Vietnams role as a major aviation hub.

Venues such as the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, and Ariyana Convention Centre in Danang can host thousands of delegates with modern audiovisual infrastructure, flexible floor plans, and exhibition-ready amenities.

Meanwhile, new expressways, metro lines, and improved domestic flight connectivity are enabling multi-destination programmes that seamlessly combine business meetings with leisure and cultural exploration.

These improvements are not just logistical upgrades; they represent a broader policy vision aimed at improving urban competitiveness and supporting diversified economic growth.

From a commercial standpoint, Vietnam offers clear advantages for event organisers and corporate decision-makers seeking cost-effective yet impactful business gatherings the competitive pricing with premium delivery, authentic incentive experiences and culinary and cultural capital.

Firstly, Vietnam remains significantly more affordable than other regional hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, or Seoul. This cost advantage enables companies to deliver world-class events without exceeding budgetary constraints. High-end hospitality providers, both international and domestic, offer events industry-specific packages with comprehensive services including event planning, multilingual staff, AV technology, and guest logistics.

Secondly, Vietnams geographic and cultural diversity allows businesses to offer incentive trips that go beyond conventional formats. From yacht cruises in Halong Bay to wellness retreats in Phu Quoc or heritage-themed team-building in Hoi An, the country offers bespoke experiences that are immersive, memorable, and aligned with the aspirations of modern corporate travellers.

Furthermore, Vietnams world-renowned cuisine and deep cultural heritage are strategic assets in the landscape. Culinary experiences, ranging from chef-led cooking classes to curated street food tours, enhance networking and team bonding in informal, enjoyable settings. Traditional art performances, local craft workshops, and heritage site visits add layers of value to event initiatives.

Beyond the established cities, emerging destinations offer untapped potential in several destinations. On Phu Quoc Island, with its international airport, luxury resorts, and natural beauty, Phu Quoc is becoming a magnet for small to mid-sized executive retreats and exclusive incentive schemes.

In Nha Trang and Cam Ranh, beachside cities combine leisure appeal with high-end infrastructure, making them ideal for regional conferences, incentive travel, and product launches.

Elsewhere, as a rising star on Vietnams tourism map, Quy Nhon offers pristine beaches, a supportive provincial government, and investment incentives for sustainable tourism developments. Several integrated resort and convention projects are already in the planning stages.

Investors have an opportunity to shape these markets by entering early and establishing facilities that cater specifically to the segment, a growing demand segment with higher average spend and longer stays compared to leisure travellers.

Trends reshaping the landscape

As this type of tourism evolves, several key trends are influencing both demand and delivery of sustainability. Technology and hybrid events as well as wellness integration considerations are now a critical part of corporate travel decisions. Vietnams hospitality sector is responding with eco-certified hotels, zero-waste event packages, and corporate social responsibility activities such as community-based tourism and reforestation projects that can be integrated into incentive programmes.

Digital transformation has expanded the scope of events industry tourism. Hybrid events that combine in-person and virtual participation are now standard practice. Vietnamese venues are investing in high-speed connectivity, multi-language streaming platforms, and advanced event tech to support seamless global engagement.

Work-life balance is a growing priority. Itineraries increasingly incorporate wellness elements such as yoga sessions, spa treatments, mindfulness workshops, and healthy food and beverage offerings. Vietnams natural landscapes and wellness tradition make it an ideal setting for holistic corporate experiences.

Vietnams trajectory as an events industry destination is not just a tourism story, its a strategic business case. For corporate leaders, hosting events in Vietnam is a cost-effective, culturally rich way to engage stakeholders, inspire teams, and build cross-border connections.

For investors, developers, and hotel operators, the segment offers long-term growth potential. Mixed-use developments, urban convention hotels, and destination resorts with event capacity can all benefit from the increasing global demand for well-executed business travel experiences. Government incentives, favourable demographics, and strong GDP growth provide further support for investment.

Vietnam is not merely hosting events, it is redefining business engagement in Asia. With vision, partnership, and timely action, stakeholders can help shape a future where Vietnam stands not just as a destination, but as a leader in the global events industry ecosystem.
Data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) show that Vietnams total import-export turnover in the first six months of the year reached an estimated $426-430 billion, up 15.5-15.8 per cent on-year. Exports accounted for $215-217 billion of that total, marking an increase of 13.8-14 per cent, while the country maintained a trade surplus of $3.4-4 billion.

These figures represent a solid over-performance compared to the governments export scenario for the year, reaffirming Vietnams recovery trajectory.

One of the key growth engines was the textile and garment industry, which has shown a compelling turnaround after a prolonged slowdown. Export turnover in this sector reached $17.8 billion in the first five months, up 10 per cent on-year, signalling a global rebound in demand.

Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment show that agricultural exports reached $18.3 billion in the first half of 2025, up 16.8 per cent from the same period last year. This surge was driven largely by coffee, which brought in $5.5 billion, doubling the $2.7 billion figure recorded in the same period last year and already exceeding 2024s full-year result of $5.4 billion. This marks the first time the coffee sector has achieved such a milestone in just six months.

A prime example of the recovery is TNG Investment and Trading JSC, which has reported its strongest performance since 2021. The companys revenue in the first half of 2025 reached approximately $163 million, a 15 per cent increase on-year, achieving half of its annual plan. June revenue alone stood at $38.8 million, double the monthly average recorded earlier in the year.

According to FPT Securities, one of the core drivers behind TNGs strong showing is its strategic shift from the traditional cut-make-trim model to first-tier free-on-board (FOB) production. This approach allows TNG to manage its entire supply chain from raw material sourcing to manufacturing and delivery, boosting both quality control and profitability.

The company reported that 85 per cent of its revenue now comes from FOB orders, with gross margins in this segment reaching 14-18 per cent, compared to the 10-12 per cent typically seen.

However, this transformation does not come without trade-offs. Under the FOB model, companies must bear upfront working capital costs, including sourcing raw materials and handling logistics. To address this, TNGs board recently approved borrowing up to VND1.2 trillion ($45.78 million) from BIDVs Thai Nguyen branch to support liquidity, issue letters of credit, and facilitate trade financing.

The industrys recovery is no longer isolated to a few firms, said Mai Thu Hien, deputy general director of the Planning, Finance and Enterprise Reform Department under the MoIT. We are seeing a broader pattern of adaptation and transformation across the sector. However, we are mindful that the challenges in the global trade environment remain significant.

Indeed, while the first-half performance is encouraging, the road ahead is less predictable. To meet the full-year export target of $451 billion, representing a 12 per cent growth rate, Vietnam needs to sustain an average of $38.67 billion in export revenue per month. The MoIT acknowledges that such performance levels are demanding under current conditions.

Maintaining export momentum at this scale is ambitious, particularly as global trade slows and protectionist policies are intensifying in several key markets, Hien added. But with early scenario planning, targeted market information, and stronger public-private coordination, we are still optimistic about achieving this years target.

A new wave of trade defence measures also poses a threat to exporters. In the first five months of 2025 alone, there were 10 new trade remedy investigations launched against Vietnamese goods, with four more under preliminary review. These are in addition to over 100 existing trade defence actions already requiring periodic review. Legal costs for responding to such cases can go huge, creating a heavy burden for even the most established exporters.

On the global stage, the World Banks Global Economic Prospects report, published in June, warned of a slowdown in world trade due to tariff hikes and broader economic uncertainty. It projects global trade growth of just 1.8 per cent for 2025, a steep drop from the 3.4 per centt seen in 2024, and well below historical averages. This forecast only includes tariff measures in place up to the end of May, without factoring in expected retaliatory tariffs taking effect from July 9.

The MoIT is stepping up market surveillance and policy responses. In addition to supporting enterprises with updated information on market trends and compliance, the ministry is strengthening its guidance on rules of origin and anti-fraud measures. Trade promotion activities are also being enhanced to diversify export markets and adapt to evolving buyer behaviour.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang reiterated that free trade agreements will continue to serve as a key driver. Vietnams network of such deals, especially those with major partners, offers significant leverage for export growth and investment, she said. Together with rising foreign investment and improved production capabilities, this foundation gives us reason to be confident in the long-term resilience of our export sector.

Export businesses upbeat about 2025 Many firms have secured export orders for 2025, adding vibrancy to production as the year comes to a close. However, challenges ahead remain a concern.

Vietnam eyes 8 billion USD in fruit, vegetable export value in 2025 Vietnam's fruit and vegetable sector aims to achieve 8 billion USD in export revenue in 2025, building on significant market expansion and sound growth, according to the Vietnam Fruits and Vegetables Association (VINAFRUIT).
Border Czar Tom Homan stated that immigrants who have been deported to South Sudan are no longer in United States custody, and that he doesn't know if they are being detained there.

Homan appeared on POLITICO's "The Conversation," speaking to host Dasha Burns about the Trump administration's immigration agenda and the deportation of migrants to South Sudan.

"One thing that the administration has been fighting is with the courts on whether they can deport people who enter the country illegally to countries other than their home nations. In the cases of individuals who have been sent to South Sudan, for example, what happens to them now that they're there? Are they still considered to be in U.S. custody? Or is it now totally up to South Sudan what happens to them?" Burns asked.

"As far as we're concerned, they're free. And we're working with those governments. They're no longer in our custody, they're living in [South] Sudan. And will they stay in [South] Sudan? I don't know," Homan responded.

"When we sign these agreements with all these countries, we make arrangements to make sure these countries are receiving these people and there's opportunities for these people. But I can't tell if we remove somebody to [South] Sudan  they can stay there a week and leave. I don't know," he added.

"Do you know if they're being detained there? Are they in jail? Or are they walking around looking to build a life in South Sudan or going wherever they want to go to from there?"

"I don't know the specifics of the case. If they land in [South] Sudan, they're a public safety threat. I'm sure [South] Sudan is looking at their case and finding out what action they want to take. But, you know, there's like a hundred different endings to this. I just don't know, on every specific case, what their status is," Homan responded.

Attorneys and groups advocating on behalf of migrants have raised issues with deportations to places like South Sudan and El Salvador, nations where many deportees are being sent despite not hailing from.

"When you've got countries that won't take their nationals back, and they can't stay here, we find another country willing to accept them," Homan said, adding that they may not send people to every country that agrees to accept migrants, but want to ensure the tool is available.

"If there is a significant public threat or national security threat  there's one thing for sure  they're not walking the streets of this country. We'll find a third, safe nation to send them to, and we're doing it," he continued.

Originally published on Latin Times
Ready-built factories in Le Minh Xuan 3 Industrial Park in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Saigon VRG

According to data from the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, in the first half of this year, total newly registered capital, adjusted capital, and capital contributions and share purchases by foreign investors stood at over $21.5 billion, up 32.6 per cent on-year.

Specifically, there were around 2,000 newly registered projects with a total capital of nearly $9.3 billion, marking a 21.7 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, foreign investors engaged in more than 1,700 capital contribution and share purchase transactions, up 7.6 per cent, with the total value surpassing $3.28 billion, a 73.6 per cent surge on-year.

Disbursed foreign direct investment (FDI) reached an estimated $11.72 billion, an increase of 8.1 per cent. Adjusted capital also witnessed impressive growth, with 826 capital adjustment registrations totalling an additional $8.95 billion, 2.2 times higher than the same period last year. These figures underscore the strong confidence foreign investors have in Vietnams business and manufacturing environment.

According to Cushman & Wakefields 2025 Global Industrial Momentum Index, which tracks the industrial and logistics sectors across over 120 global markets, industrial warehouse rents in Vietnam have climbed approximately 70 per cent over the past six years.

Last year alone, rents rose by about 7 per cent, placing Vietnam among the 15 fastest-growing markets globally. Cushman & Wakefield attribute this growth to surging global demand for industrial real estate amid limited supply, pushing rental prices higher in many regions. Despite this upward trend, Vietnams industrial real estate, including RBFs, remains competitively priced compared to regional peers.

According to Trang Bui, country head of Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam, "The average rent for warehouses in Vietnam remains under $5 per sq.m per month, on par with markets like India, Thailand, and Nigeria. Additionally, labour costs in Vietnam are currently less than 25 per cent of the global average, making the country one of the most cost-effective labour markets in the Asia-Pacific."

The relatively low electricity costs for industrial production also provide Vietnam with a significant competitive edge according to international investors. To minimise upfront investment, save time, and accelerate operations, many firms, particularly foreign-invested ones, are increasingly opting to lease ready-built factories in industrial parks (IPs).

A survey by JLL reveals that RBFs account for over 30 per cent of new transactions in southern IPs. Experts point out that RBFs within IPs are favoured for their flexible size options, synchronised infrastructure, fire safety compliance, stable utility provision, and clear legal status, allowing tenants to commence operations swiftly.

Moreover, the rising emphasis on 'green' manufacturing and energy efficiency has made standardised RBFs in IPs a top choice for many international companies.

Le Minh Xuan 3 Industrial Park, located near downtown Ho Chi Minh City, is among the developments offering a large supply of both industrial land and ready-built factory space. The park has designated 13 hectares for modern RBFs, with flexible sizes starting from 680 square metres to meet diverse investor demands.

Designed for ventilation and high ceilings, and equipped with standard fire protection systems and full legal compliance, these RBFs are ready for immediate operation across various manufacturing sectors. Le Minh Xuan 3 is expected to deliver around 20,000 sq.m of RBF space to the market by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, in Tay Ninh province, Phuoc Dong Industrial Park is leveraging its abundant land resources to develop a versatile RBF system. According to Saigon VRG, the developer of the park, RBFs there are built to modern standards with thoughtful designs.

Each unit starts from 3,000 sq.m and comes with built-in fire safety systems, office space, and large production areas, suitable for sectors such as mechanical engineering, electronics, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. By the end of 2026, Phuoc Dong Industrial Park is expected to have provided about 35,000 sq.m of RBF space to the market.

Ready-built factories are proving to be an optimal solution that meets the rapid expansion needs of foreign investors in Vietnam. With their exceptional advantages in cost-efficiency, time savings, and operational flexibility, this segment is poised to remain a key driver in attracting and accelerating high-quality FDI inflows into the country in the years ahead.

VRG listing plan approved The Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) has approved the listing of four billion shares for the Vietnam Rubber Group JSC (VRG).
Weihan Chen, head of Insights Momentum Works

In Southeast Asia, Vietnam is the third-largest e-commerce market, trailing behind Indonesia and Thailand. The bulk of this growth has been driven by major platform players, with TikTok emerging as a key contributor  supported by Vietnams mature multichannel network and live commerce ecosystem, which enables sellers and content creators to scale quickly and engage deeply with consumers.

The rise of Shopee and TikTok Shop has further reshaped Vietnams e-commerce landscape, raising the bar on content, convenience, and engagement. Shopee continues to lead with scale and infrastructure, while TikTok Shop has tapped into Vietnams strong multichannel and creator ecosystem to drive rapid adoption of livestream and video commerce.

In contrast, local platforms like Tiki have struggled to keep pace, facing pressure from shifting consumer behaviour and the growing dominance of regional players. Without clear differentiation, single-country platforms risk being squeezed out in an increasingly competitive and fast-moving market.

Tiki, in particular, has suffered significant declines in traffic and revenue as a result of not only TikTok-Shopee dominance but also internal issues. The Amazon for Vietnam business model did not take off. As a result, single-country players continue to see their market share slump despite striving to defend their positions against the top three regional giants as well as cross-border players. In Vietnams competitive landscape, these players have drifted into irrelevance, with the decline expected to continue in 2025.

While single-country platforms continue to falter, a number of cross-border e-commerce platforms seek to enter Vietnam. Shein is building a supply chain in Vietnam as of the first half of 2025 to boost fulfilment and logistics. Meanwhile, Temu has been banned in the country since December 2024, only a month after its launch. The expansion of cross-border e-commerce highlights both the opportunity and regulatory risk foreign players face.

At the same time, alternative channels also carve out their own ecommerce space. Mobile World Investment Corporation, Vietnams largest retailer by revenue and profit, is building an integrated ecosystem to strengthen its omnichannel play. The company is doubling down on its physical stores as fulfilment hubs, backed by in-house logistics and unified inventory across online and offline channels. This is coupled with a cross-channel loyalty app and on-site technical support to enhance customer experience and drive repeat sales.

Beyond domestic e-commerce, Vietnamese businesses are also looking outward. One of the key predictions in our latest E-commerce in Southeast Asia 3.0 report is that more Vietnamese companies will expand internationally, starting with cross-border e-commerce as the main channel. While they entered the regional game later than peers in Thailand, Malaysia, or Singapore, Vietnam is catching up quickly, driven by strong progress in manufacturing and consumer sectors, local grit, and spillovers from China in areas like supply chain, capital, and know-how.

Cross-border platforms like Shopees International Platform have lowered the barriers for Vietnamese sellers to reach overseas consumers, without the need for a physical presence. This is especially valuable for smaller brands that may not yet have the resources to expand independently. Meanwhile, platforms like Douyin are also helping Southeast Asian brands tap into the China market, opening up new demand channels. As digital capabilities continue to grow, we expect this trend to gain even more momentum.

Vietnams e-commerce market grew the fastest in Southeast Asia in 2023, according to Momentum Works estimates, and is now entering a more mature stage. The governments recent moves to tighten regulation, taxation, and enforcement are timely  aiming to address emerging challenges early and make future growth healthier.

In the short term, these changes may impact topline growth as some sellers and products exit the market. However, in the long run, clearer rules allow businesses and sellers to compete more on product quality and customer experience, setting a healthier trajectory for overall ecosystem development.
Acclaimed soap opera actor Alexis Ayala has become the fourth member of the third season of La Casa de los Famosos Mexico , as officially announced on Hoy, Televisa's morning program.

This weekend, it was also confirmed that the hit reality show is negotiating with graphologist and influencer Maryfer Centeno, bringing the total number of participants in the third installment of LCDLFMx to five.

For his part, Ayala himself, 59, used his social media to post videos announcing his participation.

Thus, the official members of the most famous house on Mexican television are:

Galilea Montijo, main host

Odalys Ramirez, host of the Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday galas

Diego de Erice, host of the Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday galas

Marie Claire Harp, digital host of the House of Famous

Wendy Guevara and Ricardo Margaleff, hosts of the pre- and post-galas on ViX (not in the United States).

In addition, Facundo, Olivia Collins and Aaron Mercury had already been announced as inhabitants.

Ayala follows in the footsteps of his friend and "brother" Sergio Mayer, who was part of the first season of the Mexican edition of LCDLF and with whom he participated this year in the documentary about the show Solo Para Mujeres.

New elements

For her part, producer Rosa Maria Nogueron surprised the Mexican press by confirming that controversial graphologist and influencer Maryfer Centeno would be part of the galas' cast.

"Yes, Maryfer, from the perspective of analyzing the graphology and handwriting of the members. It will be very interesting to have her. We wanted to invite her to be in the house. Hopefully, next season, she'll be allowed to," Nogueron said.

Televisa has announced that the new season of LCDLFMx will premiere on July 27.

The third edition of the reality show is generating a lot of anticipation, after two seasons, first with the dominance of Team Infierno and the triumph of Wendy Guevara in the first edition, and then the controversial attack against Team Mar in the last edition, which Mario Bezares ended up winning.
Two arrested after North Wales courier fraud investigation

Two men were arrested in Bradford last week following a joint operation by North Wales Polices Economic Crime unit working alongside North West and Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime teams.

The arrests are connected to an ongoing investigation into courier fraud affecting residents across North Wales.

Courier fraud is a form of scam where fraudsters impersonate police officers or bank officials over the phone to deceive victims into handing over money or bank cards.

A spokesperson for the North Wales Police Cyber Crime team said in a social media post: Fraudsters will travel great distances to commit fraud, so we must always be on our guard and be wary of phone calls out of the blue.

In typical courier fraud cases, the caller may be able to provide some easily accessible personal details about the victim, such as their full name and address, to gain trust.

They then claim suspicious activity has been detected on the victims bank account or that suspects have been arrested but more money is needed as evidence.

Victims are persuaded to withdraw cash, foreign currency, or purchase expensive items, which they are asked to hand over to a courier who is also part of the scam.

Victims are falsely promised reimbursement, but the money or items handed over are never returned.

Police warn that genuine banks or police will never ask customers to verify personal details or PINs over the phone, nor will they arrange for cards to be collected by courier. They advise anyone receiving such calls to hang up immediately.

If victims wish to call their bank back, they should wait at least five minutes and use a different phone line, as fraudsters sometimes stay on the line to intercept calls.

Residents should also be cautious if offered a phone number to call back, as this may not be genuine or the fraudster might remain on the line.

Anyone who suspects they have been targeted should report the incident to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

If a victim has shared bank details or handed over their card to a courier, they should contact their bank immediately to cancel the card and prevent further losses.

North Wales Police continue to remind residents to stay vigilant and protect themselves from such scams.
One wildfire near Winnemucca has reached full containment, and the other is expected to reach full containment this afternoon.

The Barber Canyon Fire is expected to reach full containment late this afternoon and is holding steady at 17,583 acres burned.

Meanwhile, the Bartlett Fire is now fully contained after charring 6,169 acres.

Both fires were started by lightning.

Update (7/7/2025, 8:30 a.m.):

Two wildfires burning near Winnemucca are both increasing in size and containment.

The BLM says the lightning-sparked Barber Fire near Imlay is now 17,583 acres and 50% contained. It's expected to be fully contained sometime on Tuesday after starting last Thursday.

Resources on scene, including several engines and aircraft, will continue to improve and harden fire lines.

Meanwhile, the Bartlett Fire, northwest of Winnemucca, is now 6,169 acres and also 50% contained.

Several engines are on scene working this fire. The BLM says resources mopping up the perimeter and continue to harden fire lines.

This fire, also lightning-sparked is expected to be fully contained sometime on Monday after it started on Friday.

Update (7/6/2025, 2:55 p.m.):

There are a small handful of wildfires still burning near Winnemucca, and the Bureau of Land Management has provided some updates.

The Barber Canyon Fire has reached 17,088 acres in size and is 25% contained. BLM says multiple resources are on scene and building and hardening fire lines. They're also monitoring for hot spots.

has reached 17,088 acres in size and is 25% contained. BLM says multiple resources are on scene and building and hardening fire lines. They're also monitoring for hot spots. The Bartlett Fire, which we first reported on yesterday, is currently around 5,000 acres and is 20% contained. Multiple resources are dispatched to this as well, fully engaged in suppression efforts.

Update (7/5/2025, 3:30 p.m.):

The Bureau of Land Management has provided updates on the recently-sparked wildfires in the Winnemucca area this weekend.

The Barber Canyon Fire burned actively through July 4 and made runs off of the East Range towards Grass Valley, repeatedly threatening homes and infrastructure, and prompting an evacuation for a short time on Friday night. The fire is estimated to be around 10,000 acres and is 10% contained as of this update. BLM is working closely with the Pershing County Sheriff's Office and the Grass Valley Volunteer Fire Department.

burned actively through July 4 and made runs off of the East Range towards Grass Valley, repeatedly threatening homes and infrastructure, and prompting an evacuation for a short time on Friday night. The fire is estimated to be around 10,000 acres and is 10% contained as of this update. BLM is working closely with the Pershing County Sheriff's Office and the Grass Valley Volunteer Fire Department. The Bartlett Fire was detected around noon on Saturday, July 5. A lightning strike ignited the fire about one mile south of Bartlett Peak. Two engines, one dozer and one helicopter are on scene, along with smokejumpers. The fire is threatening Sage Grouse and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout habitats and a major gas pipeline.

was detected around noon on Saturday, July 5. A lightning strike ignited the fire about one mile south of Bartlett Peak. Two engines, one dozer and one helicopter are on scene, along with smokejumpers. The fire is threatening Sage Grouse and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout habitats and a major gas pipeline. The Bloody Fire, west of US 95 near Sand Pass Road, is 100% contained as of 8:03 p.m. on July 4. The fire reached a size of 1,780 acres. Mop-up is continuing today.

Update (7/4/2025, 6:25 p.m.):

The Bureau of Land Management has recently provided an update on Facebook that the Pershing County Sheriff's Department has lifted the evacuation orders for Grass Valley homes in Pershing County.

Update (7/4/2025, 2:45 p.m.):

The Bureau of Land Management is advising people in Pershing County that an evacuation order has been announced in the area.

The map, provided by Perimeter Maps, shows the area in Pershing County where the Barber Canyon Fire is currently threatening structures.

Update (7/4/2025, 1:00 p.m.):

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has provided an update on the Barber Canyon Fire.

Deputies with the HCSO say that the fire is still several miles from Humboldt County, and isn't currently threatening any homes or residents.

They are not evacuating any properties in Humboldt County at this time.

Officials are aware of intermittent power outages, and say that NV Energy is handling them as they come; please do not contact the HCSO dispatch regarding utility issues.

Original Story (7/4/2025, 11:41 a.m.):

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the Winnemucca District has shared details of a handful of lightning-ignited fires that sparked Thursday night.

According to the BLM, on Thursday night July 3 around 8:30 p.m., several dry lightning cells passed near Winnemucca, igniting several fires:

The Bloody Fire ignited west of US95 near Sand Pass Road. The fire is currently around 1,500 acres in size. Six engines, two dozers and one water tender are working in unified command with Winnemucca Rural Volunteer Fire Department.

ignited west of US95 near Sand Pass Road. The fire is currently around 1,500 acres in size. Six engines, two dozers and one water tender are working in unified command with Winnemucca Rural Volunteer Fire Department. The Cottonwood Fire burned west of US95 and a few miles north of the Bloody Fire. Forward progress was stopped on this fire at around 146 acres, with a full containment line set up. A major pipeline and compressor station were threatened. One division supervisor, two engines, one dozer and one water tender responded.

burned west of US95 and a few miles north of the Bloody Fire. Forward progress was stopped on this fire at around 146 acres, with a full containment line set up. A major pipeline and compressor station were threatened. One division supervisor, two engines, one dozer and one water tender responded. The Asa Fire was also west of US95, and two miles north of the Cottonwood Fire. Four engines and one dozer managed this fire in unified command with Paradise Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

At around 9:50 p.m., they say another round of fires ignited:

The Barber Canyon Fire was reported near the Imlay-Barber Canyon area. This fire remains active and is estimated to be just over 4,200 acres. The fire is burning on the East Range, and officials say it has crested the top to the east and started into the Grass Valley area. Homes in the Mill City and Grass Valley area are threatened. BLM crews are in suppression mode, with assistance from Imlay Volunteer Fire Department and Grass Valley Volunteer Fire Department.

was reported near the Imlay-Barber Canyon area. This fire remains active and is estimated to be just over 4,200 acres. The fire is burning on the East Range, and officials say it has crested the top to the east and started into the Grass Valley area. Homes in the Mill City and Grass Valley area are threatened. BLM crews are in suppression mode, with assistance from Imlay Volunteer Fire Department and Grass Valley Volunteer Fire Department. The Spring Fire was reported later last night at around 10:45 p.m., on the east side of US95 near mile marker 28 on the west slope bench of the Santa Rosas. Forward progress has been stopped, and the fire size is estimated at 2.5 acres.

For more information or to see real-time fire maps and cameras, visit the Nevada Fire Info website.
Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks on Friday announced that they have identified a total of 27 people in the recent Reno High vandalism case.

The district attorneys office was joined by with Washoe County School District and WCSD police to discuss the May 22nd incident.

DA Hicks announced that the investigation was completed on June 30 totaling 100 pages, 30 hours of video and 27 suspect interviews.

Of the 27, eight people were indicted by a grand jury (you can read the document below).

* Korbin Depaepe

* Reagan Jacksick

* Devyn Maaka

* Wylder May

* Isabella Russell

* Owen Shuff

* Brady Smith

* Aral Unlu

Hicks wants those suspects to turn themselves in with an arraignment to be scheduled later. Suspects are encouraged to turn themselves in or make arrangements to do so with the Washoe County School Police by 5 p.m. on Friday  if they do not do that, warrants will be issued and served as early as next week.

12 others who entered the school but did not cause any damage will still be charged and cited with trespassing, an additional 7 juveniles were involved and will be prosecuted through the juvenile justice system. No further information will be released on the underage juveniles due to the confidentiality imposed by Nevada Law.

Investigators spent more than 10 hours doing walk-thrus in the school surveying the damage which totaled $6,000.

JUNE 6, 2025:

More than 30 people have now been identified in the recent Reno High vandalism case.

The WCSD says there are two separate but parallel investigations: a criminal investigation by the WCSD School Police Department and an administrative investigation by WCSD. These investigations are extensive and ongoing.

The investigations have identified 30+ people connected to the incident. The WCSD says not all of the people are students at Reno High School.

The WCSD says as a result of the administrative investigation, disciplinary actions continue to be taken based on each person's level of involvement. Consequences range from suspension from classes for the remainder of the school year to the loss of privileges, including but not limited to the ability to participate in graduation ceremonies. Due to federal privacy laws, the WCSD is not able to share specific numbers or identities of students who have been disciplined.

Prior to the incident, the WCSD says hundreds of students were on campus for scheduled senior activities. Most people left when the planned activities concluded; however, a large group later returned, causing the damage.

Officers are interviewing witnesses and people involved, reviewing footage from more than 40 surveillance cameras, looking at social media to identify potential witnesses, reviewing cell phone videos, following up on anonymous tips, and analyzing other evidence.

MAY 29, 6:20 P.M. UPDATE:

An investigation into vandalism at Reno High School has resulted in the identification and disciplining of multiple individuals involved in the acts.

In a message to families, Reno High School Principal Mike Nakashima said those students and their families have been notified of disciplinary action, including suspension for the remainder of the school year and a loss of privileges, including the ability to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Federal privacy laws prevent the school from revealing the exact number of people who have been disciplined.

The actions taken by the school are different from the criminal investigation being conducted by School Police, which is ongoing, the principal said.

He also said that people with information that may be helpful can share it via SafeVoice.

---

MAY 29, 10:40 A.M. UPDATE:

The Washoe County School District has created a webpage to update the community about the ongoing investigation into Reno High's vandalism.

Superintendent Joe Ernst says, "WCSD School Police are conducting a comprehensive review of all available evidence. The investigation requires careful examination of multiple witnesses, suspects, and extensive video surveillance, which takes time."

Although Reno City councilman Devon Reese previously estimated damage at $100,000+, Ernst says a full assessment and "cost of repairs is still being completed. Any dollar amount that may exist publicly is premature at this time."

Once the investigation is complete, those involved could either be disciplined by school officials, or criminally cited or charged, dependent on a review by the Washoe County District Attorney's Office. From there, criminal punishment will be decided by the suspect(s) age. If they are under 18, those involved will be handled by the juvenile justice system - and if they are over 18, they will go through the adult criminal system, which could mean public trials and possible imprisonment.

Ernst says the WCSD has received many anonymous tips they continue to follow up on and offer options for people to offer information -

Reach out to School Police via phone, email, or in person to provide information (775-348-0285).

Call the SafeVoice hotline at 1-833-216-SAFE (7233) to speak with trained professionals available 24/7.

You can read more below -

May 27, 2025:

Reno High School's principal says that counseling and support is now available for students after last week's vandalism.

In a message sent to families, Principal Mike Nakashima added that the investigation remains ongoing - after Reno City councilman Devon Reese said that vandals caused $100,000 in damage at the high school last week.

"I have full faith and confidence in the investigation being conducted by our Washoe County School District School Police, and those who perpetrated these acts against our school will be held accountable..."

He ended his message reminding families of the school's 'core values': respect, honor and strength.

"Let us move forward together with clarity, accountability, and compassion. We will take steps to ensure our school remains a place of learning, not of hate. And to those who feel hurt or targetedwe see you, we support you, and we will stand with you. ...This is our RHS community. Let us honor it with our actions."

If you have any information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.

You can read Principal Nakashima's full message below -

May 26. 2025:

A Reno City councilman says he's calling for a full investigation after vandals caused $100,000+ in damage at Reno High School last week.

On Facebook, Devon Reese (Ward 5) says, "This is not who we are as a city, and it will not be tolerated. I am calling for a full investigation and will support any measures necessary to hold those responsible accountable. Our schools must be places of learning and inclusionnot fear and hate."

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve agreed in her own statement saying that the vandalism involving racial slurs and extreme property damage is absolutely unacceptable and has no place in our city. I want to make it clear: this behavior does not reflect the values of our community.

She went on to say that Reno Police is providing resources to the Washoe County School District Police.

We will not tolerate acts of hate in our city, and we will send a clear and united message that Reno stands against racism and discrimination in all forms.

If you have any information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.

May 24, 2025:

The Washoe County School District has released a statement regarding the recent vandalism and damage at Reno High School.

In the release, Superintendent Joe Ernst and Board President Beth Smith say they are "deeply disturbed and disheartened by the recent vandalism."

You can find the full text of the statement below:

"The Washoe County School District unequivocally condemns hate speech in all forms within our schools. Our educational institutions must be places where every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or background, feels safe, valued, and respected. Hate speech undermines the very principles of inclusion, respect, and equality that are central to the mission of our schools and our guiding principles.

We are deeply disturbed and disheartened by the recent vandalism at Reno High School. Such actions are criminal and are an attack on the values of respect, honor, and strength for which Reno High School stands.

The Washoe County School District School Police is continuing its thorough investigation. The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our top priority. The district has and will continue to provide support, resources and counseling services to those impacted by these acts."

The district is asking anyone who may have information about the break-in or vandalism to contact Washoe County School District Police through Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.

Original Story (5/23/2025, 11:54 a.m.):

Reno High School officials canceled the senior assembly scheduled for Friday following an overnight break-in and acts of vandalism on campus.

The Washoe County School District notified parents and guardians about the incident in a Connect Ed call, stating that the break-in is under investigation and the school is working with local authorities to identify those responsible.

While the damage is being assessed and cleaned up, certain areas of the school will remain closed, the school stated.

Classes will continue as scheduled, and officials said they are taking necessary steps to restore full operations.

The safety and security of our students and staff remains our top priority, the message continued.

School administrators said they understand the significance of senior events and will provide updates on alternative plans for the assembly in the coming days.

The president of the Washoe School Board, Beth Smith, recently posted a statement to Facebook regarding the vandalism, saying:

"Hate symbolism and racial slurs have no place in our schools. The recent acts of vandalism and destruction at Reno High School are unacceptable and deeply hurtful. I stand united with our community against racism and antisemitism. Parents, please use this as an opportunity to talk openly with your kids so they understand the impact of hate and our shared responsibility to fiercely denounce it in every form."

This is a developing story - we will update you with new information as it becomes available.
JULY 10, 2025:

Prosecutors and defense attorneys have rested in the trial of Daniel Serafini, and the jury has started deliberating.

Serafini is on trial in Placer County for the death of Robert Spohr and the attempted murder of Wendy Wood in Homewood in 2021.

The jury will return to deliberations on Friday at 8:30 a.m.

---

APRIL 28, 2025:

Monday marked the first day of the trial for Daniel Serafini, who is accused of the death of Robert Spohr and the attempted killing of Wendy Wood in Homewood in 2021.

In court on Monday, scheduling was discussed, and the judge heard from attorneys, as well as media outlets concerning their requests for cameras in the courtroom according to information from the Placer County District Attorneys Office.

The judge plans to make a ruling on media requests on Tuesday.

Jury panels will come in to fill out questionnaires on Friday, with jury selection slated to start on May 13.

Attorneys will next be in court on May 8 to make arguments on motions.

---

FEBRUARY 19, 2025:

One of the two people accused of killing a 70-year-old man in Homewood has pleaded guilty in the case.

Samantha Scott pleaded guilty last week in the case and was released. She will be sentenced at a later date.

Her alleged co-conspirator, Daniel Serafini is still expected to go on trial next month.

The Placer County District Attorney's Office says in a statement, "...Since the co-defendant's case is set for jury trial, we will not be commenting further so as to protect the integrity of the ongoing proceedings."

The duo are also accused of the attempted killing of Wendy Wood in Homewood.

---

JUNE 5, 2024

The two people accused of a homicide in South Lake Tahoe three years ago are scheduled to go to trial next March.

Daniel Serafini and Samantha Scott are facing charges for their alleged role in the death of 70-year-old Robert Spohr and the attempted killing of Wendy Wood in Homewood.

MAY 9, 2024:

The two suspects accused of killing a 70-year old man at his Lake Tahoe home in 2021 are scheduled to be back in court on June 3.

The preliminary hearing was held this week.

The judge found sufficient evidence to hold them.

According to our CBS Sacramento affiliate, Erin Spohr testified Wednesday where her husband is suspected of murdering her father.

"I would never think she or my husband would have anything to do with this."

Erin who got emotional on the witness stand told prosecution she never thought to ask her husband Daniel Serafini, or former nanny and friend Samantha Scott, where they were the night her father was killed.

The pair are now both in custody.

Prosecutors asked Erin what her relationship was like with her parents. Complex. We had our highs of highs and lows of lows."

The point of tension was over her children, who are now three and six-years-old. Erin said that her parents would get upset that she had to use formula instead of milk for her youngest. She added that her mom sometimes threatened to stop paying for her grandkid's daycare.

On the stand, Erin stated, "my mom would do anything for my children. But at times she would get frustrated and throw things out there like that."

When asked if her husband knew about the sometimes heated conservations she stated, "I'm his wife. It would hurt him that I was hurt."

But would that hurt cause a killing? Erin said no, despite money troubles the couple talked about during a reality show years before the killing.

"We still dont understand the motive of the killer and at the end of the day he came here to kill my mom and dad."

UPDATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2023

The woman accused of killing a man in Placer County in 2021 pleaded not guilty in court on Monday.

33-year-old Samantha Scott was extradited from Las Vegas on Thursday.

Scott arrived by plane to face charges in connection with the death of 70-year-old Robert Gary Spohr and the alleged attempted murder of 68-year-old Wendy Wood, in June 2021.

The first suspect, Daniel Serafini pleaded not guilty to all charges, earlier this week. He was arrested last month in Winnemucca - the same day as Scott, in Las Vegas.

Serafini's next court date is November 27th.

Update, October 31:

North Lake Tahoe homicide suspect Daniel Serafini entered a plea of not guilty to all charges against him during a court appearance Tuesday.

His next hearing is scheduled for November 27th at 1 p.m. at the Santucci Justice Center according to a post from the Placer County Sheriff's Office on X.

The sheriffs office is still awaiting the extradition of Samantha Scott from Nevada.

Update, October 27th

On Friday, a North Lake Tahoe homicide suspect was extradited from Humboldt County, Nevada.

Placer County Sheriff Transportation Unit deputies traveled to Humboldt County to pick up 49-year-old Daniel Serafini that morning. He arrived in Placer County at 11 a.m. and was booked into the Auburn Jail shortly after his arrival.

He is scheduled to be arraigned on October 31 at 1 p.m. in Department 20 at the Santucci Justice Center.

The second suspect's extradition date has not been determined.

Original Story, October 20:

Two people were arrested Friday morning, October 20 in connection with a homicide in Homewood in June 2021.

Authorities said 49-year-old Danny Serafini and 33-year-old Samantha Scott were arrested Friday in Winnemucca and in Las Vegas in connection with the death of 70-year-old Robert Gary Spohr and the alleged attempted murder of 68-year-old Wendy Wood.

Deputies said on June 5, 2021 they received a 911 call and later found Spohr dead inside a home on the west shore of Lake Tahoe.

Spohr's wife, 70-year-old Wendy was also shot but later recovered from her injuries. Sadly, she died about a year later.

Placer County deputies led them to identify 49-year-old Daniel Serafini and 33-year-old Samantha Scott as suspects. They said all four people knew each other.

Deputies said Serafini was booked into the Humboldt County Detention Center on Friday after he was arrested by members of the Tri-County Special Response Team, Trident Task Force, Winnemucca Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriffs Office, U.S. Marshals Task Force, and Investigators from the Placer County Sheriffs Office.

Authorities said U.S. Marshals developed information that Serafini was working and living part-time in Winnemucca.

They said Serafini surrendered and taken into custody where he was later booked into the Humboldt County Detention Center on the no bail warrant.

The sheriffs office is now awaiting Serafinis and Scotts extradition from Nevada into Placer County.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is asking for the public's help identifying thieves who recently stole from a car wash in Sparks.

According to a release from WCSO, the theft occurred in the late evening hours of Tuesday, July 8.

At around 10:00 p.m. on July 8, WCSO deputies were called to The Wave Car Wash on La Posada Drive for reports of a theft.

Surveillance footage gathered by deputies shows a gold Toyota truck entering the property, and two people forcibly removing a commercial-grade vacuum unit from its base.

The vacuum is then loaded into the suspect truck and the thieves leave the scene.

Anyone with any information about this theft is encouraged to call the WCSO Detective Division at (775) 328-3320, referencing case #WC25-3304. Alternatively, you can call Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.

Secret Witness is offering a reward of $500 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects in this case.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is advising homeowners to keep a close eye on their vacant homes after seeing an increase in calls for service involving squatters, mostly in homes listed for sale or rent.

Sierra Nevada Realtors (SNR) says when the weather reaches really hot or freezing temperatures, that's when they tend to see more squatters.

"Most of the time they're either trying to get out of the weather, or use some water, or there are vagrants and unfortunately substance abuse users who are looking for a place to hide," said SNR President Leandra Carr.

Carr says a couple of her realtors have had some recent experiences with squatters. One of them says a service worker fixing an air conditioning unit left a window open allowing an easy break-in for someone looking for shelter.

"The property manager did go by the next morning just to go check on the property and happened to find the problem. Sparks police came out right away and took care of it for us," says Carr.

WCSO says if you believe you have a squatter, do not confront them and immediately call 911.

After the squatter has been removed change all your locks, file an insurance claim to report any damage or losses, and clean and restore your property back to its safe living conditions.

You should also take steps to prevent squatters by making it look like the house is not vacant.

"If you can install cameras, they're pretty inexpensive now with the different things you can get. Motion sensor light will help," she said.

Carr says you should also keep your windows and drapes closed, keep your property clean from junk and debris outside, and make sure your mail doesn't pile up.

As for squatters, the sheriff's office says Washoe County offers many resources you can turn to such as Hope Springs and Our Place rather than resorting to trespassing on someone's property.

"I know there's the Cares Campus, there are some different resources for people who need to get out of the weather who need even temporary shelter," said Carr. "It's not as openly discussed in the summer when it's hot as it is during the winter when it's freezing cold, but there are resources for those who need to get out of the weather."

We have a list of resources people can learn more about by clicking here.

To review the full list of how to prevent and handle squatters you can click here.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  An Iranian attack on an air base in Qatar that's key to the U.S. military hit a geodesic dome housing equipment used by the Americans for secure communications, satellite images analyzed Friday by The Associated Press show.

Hours after the publication of this AP report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell acknowledged that an Iranian ballistic missile had hit the dome. Qatar did not respond to requests for comment about the damage.

The Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar's capital, on June 23 came as a response to the American bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran  and provided the Islamic Republic a way to retaliate that quickly led to a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump ending the 12-day Iran-Israel war.

The Iranian attack otherwise did little damage  likely because of the fact that the U.S. evacuated its aircraft from the base, which is home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. military's Central Command, before the attack.

Trump also has said that Iran signaled when and how it would retaliate, allowing American and Qatari air defense to be ready for the attack, which briefly disrupted air travel in the Middle East, but otherwise didn't tip over into the regional war long feared by analysts.

Images show burn marks, dome gone after attack

Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show the geodesic dome visible at the Al Udeid Air Base on the morning of June 23, just hours before the attack.

The U.S. Air Force's 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which operates out of the base, announced in 2016 the installation of the $15 million piece of equipment, known as a modernized enterprise terminal. Photos show a satellite dish inside of the dome, known as a radome.

Images taken June 25 and every day subsequently show the dome is gone, with some damage visible on a nearby building. The rest of the base appears largely untouched in the images.

In a statement, Parnell said the missile strike did minimal damage to equipment and structures on the base.

Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region, he added.

The London-based satellite news channel Iran International first reported on the damage, citing satellite photos taken by a different provider.

Trump downplayed attack while Iran boasted about it

In the U.S., Trump described the Iranian attack as a very weak response. He had said that Tehran fired 14 missiles, with 13 intercepted and one being set free as it was going in a nonthreatening direction.

I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured," he wrote on his website Truth Social.

The White House had no immediate comment after Parnell's acknowledgment Friday. Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base on May 15 as part of his Mideast tour.

After the attack, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard insisted that the air base had been the target of a destructive and powerful missile attack. Iran's Supreme National Security Council also said that the base had been smashed, without offering any specific damage assessments.

Potentially signaling that he knew the dome had been hit, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei separately said that the base's communications had been disconnected by the attack.

All equipment of the base was completely destroyed and now the U.S. command stream and connection from Al Udeid base to its other military bases have been completely cut, said Ahmad Alamolhoda, a hard-line cleric.

Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.
KERRVILLE, Texas (AP)  President Donald Trump on Friday toured the devastation from catastrophic flooding in Texas and lauded state and local officials, even amid mounting criticism that they may have failed to warn residents quickly enough that a deadly wall of water was coming their way.

Trump has repeatedly promised to do away with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of his larger pledges to dramatically shrink the size of government, and he's fond of decrying officials in Democrat-run states hit by past natural disasters and tragedy.

But the president struck a far more somber and sympathetic tone while visiting America's most populous Republican state  highlighting the heartbreak of what happened while effusively praising elected officials and first responders alike.

The search for the missing continues. The people that are doing it are unbelievable, Trump, seated with officials around a table with emblazoned with a black-and-white Texas Strong banner, said at a makeshift emergency operations center inside an expo hall in Kerrville.

He later added, You couldnt get better people, and theyre doing the job like I dont think anybody else could, frankly."

Since the July 4 disaster, which killed at least 129 people and left more than 170 missing, the president has been conspicuously silent on his past promises to shutter FEMA and return disaster response to the states. Instead, he's focused on the once-in-a-lifetime nature of what occurred in central Texas' Hill Country and its human toll.

We just visited with incredible families. Theyve been devastated, the president said of a closed-door meeting he and first lady Melania Trump had with the relatives of some of those killed or missing.

Honoring the victims

Trumps shift in focus underscores how tragedy can complicate political calculations, even though he has made slashing the federal workforce a centerpiece of his administrations opening months. He spent a lot of time Friday discussing the victims from Camp Mystic, the century-old all-girls Christian summer camp where at least 27 people were killed.

They were there because they loved God. And, as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven, Trump said.

The first lady described meeting beautiful young ladies from the area who she said gave her a special bracelet from the camp in honor of all the little girls that lost their lives. She promised to return to support the camp in the future.

Trump approved Texas request to extend the major disaster declaration beyond Kerr County to eight additional counties, making them eligible for direct financial assistance to recover and rebuild.

All across the country Americans hearts are shattered," he said. I had to be here as president.

Despite saying that he didnt want to talk politics, Trump couldnt help himself. During the roundtable, he bragged briefly about his administration reducing the cost of eggs around the country and, in a response to a question about Democratic criticisms of the flood response, said, All they want to do is criticize.

Theyre getting just absolutely clobbered 'cause everyone sees what an incredible job the governor did," Trump said of Democrats. "Everybody in this room, everybody at this table in particular.

In praise of FEMA

He also still insisted weve got some good people running FEMA. That is nonetheless a far cry from his call mere weeks ago to begin phasing out FEMA.

At the White House, Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, similarly dodged questions Friday about FEMAs future. He said that the agency has billions of dollars in reserves to continue to pay for necessary expenses.

We also want FEMA to be reformed, Vought said. The president is going to continue to be asking tough questions of all of us agencies, no different than any other opportunity to have better government.

On the ground in devastated communities, meanwhile, some state and local officials have faced questions about how well they were prepared and how quickly they acted  including if warning systems might have given more people time to evacuate.

Asked about such concerns during his appearance at the operations center in Kerrville, Trump called a reporter evil and said he thought everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances.

I admire you, and I consider you heroes, Trump said of the officials around him.

He also praised a long list of Texas Republicans and had especially kind words for Rep. Chip Roy, who represents some of the hardest-hit areas. A staunch conservative, Roy initially opposed Trumps sweeping tax-cut and spending package but ultimately supported it.

Hes not easy, but hes good, Trump said of Roy. The congressman, for his part, bristled at questions about authorities' flood response, calling the queries about inadequate flood warnings ridiculous."

Seeing the damage close-up

Prior to the roundtable, Air Force One landed in San Antonio and Trump deplaned in a suit while the first lady wore more casual clothing  though both wore ball caps against the heat. The Trumps then boarded a helicopter to Kerrville and saw the flooding aftermath from the air. They later walked close to the Guadalupe River to receive a briefing from officials near an overturned tractor trailer, numerous downed trees and other debris.

Roads in the center of town were shut down, and people lined the streets, some wearing Trump hats and T-shirts and waving American flags. Green ribbons recognizing the lives lost at Camp Mystic were tied around trees, poles and along bridges, and marquees featured slogans such as Hill Country Strong and Thank you first responders.

Harris Currie, a rancher from Utopia, Texas, near Kerrville, said the flood devastation can be fully understood only by seeing it firsthand.

Pictures do not do it justice, Currie said.

Asked what officials on the ground needed most urgently from federal sources, Kerr County Commissioner Jeff Holt, who also is a volunteer firefighter, stressed the need for repairs to nonworking phone towers and maybe a little better early warning system.

Trump himself has suggested that a major warning system should be established, though few details have been offered on what that might eventually entail.

Friday's visit was far different from the other times the first couple visited natural disaster sites, during Trump's first weekend back in the White House in January. They toured North Carolina to scope out damage from Hurricane Helene and saw the aftermath of wildfires in Los Angeles, and the president sharply criticized the administration of his predecessor, President Joe Biden, and officials from deep-blue California.

The state of Texas, No. 1 they do it right and they've done it right for a long time," Trump said. "And it's a very special place to me.

Weissert reported from Washington.
Elizabeth Gutierrez is making her grand return to acting, and she's doing it with purpose. After years away from the screen, the Mexican-American actress has stepped back into the spotlight with Velvet: El nuevo imperio, a glossy Telemundo drama where she plays a stylish and unapologetic character named Sara. But don't get it twisted, this comeback is about more than wardrobe and glam.

Gutierrez is aiming high: she wants to act in English.

"That's always been the plan and the dream," she says with the kind of smile that signals she's determined.

From Soap Operas to Full Stops

Gutierrez began her career in 2003 after appearing on the reality Protagonistas de Novela, where she quickly became a breakout figure for her charisma and her relationship with fellow contestant William Levy. Yes, that William Levy, the man dubbed the "Latino Brad Pitt."

The pair became Latin media royalty, sharing the screen and eventually two children, Christopher and Kailey. But while Levy chased stardom in Hollywoodeven making brief appearances in Resident Evil and Dancing with the Stars, Gutierrez stepped back.

In 2010, after a string of successful telenovelas like Acorralada, El rostro de Analia, and El fantasma de Elena, she paused her career to focus on motherhood. No scandal. No fade-out. Just a deliberate choice to raise her kids.

"People think you disappear," she says. "But I never really left. I was just being a mom."

Velvet, Fashion, and Fierceness

@telemundo Luces, camara y mucha intriga  Elizabeth Gutierrez entra en escena en #VelvetElNuevoImperio y las cosas no volveran a ser iguales   sonido original - Telemundo

Now, she's back with Velvet: El nuevo imperio, a Telemundo series that blends high drama and haute couture. Her character Sara is globe-trotting, fierce, and emotionally layered. Not a villain. Not a heroine. Just complex, which is exactly how Gutierrez likes it.

"She's not bad, just used to getting what she wants," she says with a laugh. "I had a blast playing her. Every time they dressed me, I thought, 'Wow, what a look!'"

For Gutierrez, this role was also a signal to the industry: she's ready for more.

"This definitely marks my return," she confirms. "And I want to keep going. I'm not starting from scratch. I'm starting from experience."

Eye on the U.S. Screen

While her name rings bells in Latin households, Gutierrez was born and raised in the U.S. Her first language is English, and that's the territory she wants to conquer next.

"I feel more comfortable speaking English," she admits. "When I meet someone who speaks English, I switch without even thinking."

She moved to Miami two decades ago, when her Spanish was still rough. But her goal was always bilingual success, start in Spanish-language television, then cross into the mainstream.

"But life takes you where it wants," she says. "Now I'm open to everything. Spanish, English, Chinese  whatever!"

Never Fully Gone

Even while offscreen, Gutierrez maintained a digital presence. Social media kept her connected to fans, letting them see the woman behind the red carpet looks and soap opera glitz.

"That's the beauty of social media," she says. "It let me stay close to the public, even while I was focused on my family."

Her feed wasn't flashy, but it was authentic. And now, with her children older and more independent, she feels like it's time to reignite the dream she put on hold.

"It's a blessing to be able to come back," she says, her voice brimming with gratitude. "Being a full-time mom is harder than any paid job, but I wouldn't trade it. Now I get to show other women that it's possible to pause and still return."

Next Stop: Who Knows?

Before wrapping up our conversation, Gutierrez flashes one more smile, part charm, part challenge.

"I'm excited about what's ahead," she says. "I'm ready for new characters, new languages, new platforms."

What's clear is that she's no longer content with just being 'the ex' of a Latino heartthrob. Elizabeth Gutierrez is carving her own path, speaking her own lines, in the language of her choosing and this time, all the spotlight is hers.

Originally published on Latin Times
The Storey County School District hosted a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the start of construction on a new K-8 school unifying Hugh Gallagher Elementary and Virginia City Middle School on Thursday.

The ceremony was held at the current Virginia City High School property.

This project will help address safety concerns and create a modern, secure, educational campus for Storey County students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

"This is a really big deal for the community, and it's been a long time in the works, nearly eight years," said Cary Richardson, president of Miles Construction. "And they're excited to add to the history of the Comstock."

"To be a part of the history of the Comstock is very special, a very unique opportunity," he added.

Richardson says the existing K-8 in Virginia City has several shortcomings that could not be fixed with the location it's currently at, so a new facility was the answer.

"The history of the Comstock continues to evolve," he said. "You can go all the way to the Fourth Ward Church, all the way to the 1800s, and in today's world the existing facility just doesn't work from a lot of different perspectives, but primarily from a secure campus perspective. There was no way to make it a secure campus, and in today's world that is a real problem and a real issue that needs to be addressed."

Richardson says creating a secure campus was one of the driving forces for those new schools.

They say the buildings that used to be the middle and elementary school will be repurposed for other things in the future.

The project will take about 18 months to two years to construct, with a projected end to construction in 2027.

"There are lots of groundbreakings, and I go to a lot of groundbreakings, but what was really special today was the community coming together for this," he said. "It really is a demonstration of how important it is to the community when you see this type of response."

Joe Girdner, the superintendent for the Storey County School District, says the new school will have two stories, with the middle school and elementary school on separate levels holding 400 kids, while 350 students will start out in the school once it's built.

"Our kids and our community will have a modernized school for many years, and a lot of school districts in our state or around the country are struggling with schools that are 100-plus years old and dilapidated and not ADA compliant," he said.

Girdner says the project will cost $30 million.

Additionally, some of the land around the schools will be donated so the elementary and middle school students will have a new turf and playground.

"Our elementary school kids here at Hugh Gallagher don't have grass; they play on a blacktop," he said. "That's why Virginia City kids are so tough, but it will be exciting for them to have an actual field to play on."
Against the backdrop of anti-ESG sentiment among many global institutional investors, new analysis from independent consultancy Barnett Waddingham (BW) reveals that defined contribution (DC) schemes in the UK are swimming against that tide and increasing their allocations to funds with climate targets.



The research, conducted annually by BW, found that most pension providers continue to recognise the financial materiality of sustainability issues, with a 34% increase in allocations to funds with a climate target in the growth stage since BWs first DC sustainability report in 2021.



Despite this increased appetite for ESG solutions, the research has found that 35% of DC scheme growth assets are exposed to investment managers who have stepped away from climate collaboration initiatives.



BlackRock, Vanguard, State Street and Northern Trust have all recently exited the Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative and Climate Action 100+ (CA100+). The total assets under management of these firms stands at $25 trillion USD - representing roughly a quarter of global GDP in 2024.



These exits are part of a broader trend, with 71 investors leaving CA100+ since June 2023. This exodus has been triggered by growing anti-sustainability sentiment, particularly in the US, exemplified by accusations that asset managers are overstepping their fiduciary duties, which has even led to legal action by 11 US states.



Many managers have justified their exits by citing their ability to manage climate risks independently and continue to invest in a manner that supports stewardship and sustainable investing.



DC scheme reactions

BWs research has revealed that there is a clear and accelerating trend among DC scheme providers to embed carbon emission reductions into their default strategies.



As shown in the below graphs, this shift has gained significant momentum over the past four years, demonstrating tangible progress in aligning portfolios with global targets and the Paris Agreement.



This comes alongside many providers asserting their role as stewards of capital, making it clear that fund managers must step up, with a recent investor coalition led by The Peoples Pension calling on managers to develop and evidence robust stewardship strategies. The pension scheme recently moved 28 billion in assets away from State Street, in part due to concerns over the firm's stewardship practices and alignment with their sustainability objectives.



Moving forward - a tale of two cities

Where DC providers back ESG, but investment managers do not, the industry must find a way forward to achieve the best outcomes for members.



Firstly, BW is calling on the industry to embrace complexity when it comes to ESG. High scores in leaderboards dont necessarily mean providers are driving meaningful change, while schemes scoring more lowly are not always failing their members on climate initiatives. Of the strategies researched by BW, fifteen have net zero by 2050 targets, with three targeting 2040 and two without a target. However, the UN has warned the chance of achieving a global net zero target by 2050 is now virtually zero.



This stark reality means DC providers face trade-offs and cannot blindly reduce emissions. They must regularly reassess their net zero targets to manage unintended financial risks. For example, portfolios could become highly concentrated if there is a limited pool of investible opportunities consistent with their climate goals. A key test will be interim targets set with reference to 2030. Providers should not be afraid to recalibrate accordingly, as delivering for members means balancing portfolio decarbonisation with managing climate transition and physical financial risks and, as much as possible, driving lower real-world emissions.



Then, for those DC providers facing a difference in opinion with their investment managers, BW is calling on providers to improve their monitoring, take more control of voting, and take an active role in reviewing manager decisions and initiatives.



Sonia Kataora, Partner and Head of DC Investment at BW, comments: Despite the winds of change blowing in a new direction, DC providers are holding firm and sticking to their guns on sustainability. This is critical if they are to uphold their roles as stewards of capital, achieving the best outcomes for members financially.



It is certainly a tumultuous time, both in terms of the global anti-ESG backlash and the seismic changes to policy and structure of pensions coming from the upper echelons of the UK Government. Those pushing for minimum size thresholds for DC providers must remember that scale alone does not guarantee sophistication.



Of course, scale can amplify impact. Larger providers can wield significant influence by directing capital away from underperforming managers, and they have a unique position to push for stronger stewardship and set higher standards for responsible investment. But smaller schemes can also use their powers effectively, focusing their resources on the things that really matter to their members and collaborating to impact policy; some of the leaders of the pack on good ESG are smaller schemes.


Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets, Hargreaves Lansdown: Donald Trump is rattling sabres in his trade war again, causing more nervousness to creep into sentiment. The US President has ratcheted up threats against Canada promising duties of 35% on imports, while blanket tariffs of 15-20% are being planned for other nations. The baseline assumption is that these will eventually be negotiated down, and thats its a tactical ploy. Nevertheless, there is plenty of weariness around about the more fractured nature of trade relationships in the Trump era. There had been hopes that the EU had inched closer to a deal with the US, but it remains elusive for now, with the President telling leaders to expect a letter detailing new tariffs terms today or tomorrow.



Some shine looks set to come off the FTSE 100, after the index shot to a fresh record closing high, with lacklustre performance expected in early trade. Amid higher trade tensions, the latest growth snapshot for the UK may act as a bit of a drag on confidence. The economy contracted in May by 0.1%, with a drop in production the main culprit for the contraction. This is a set-back for Chancellor Rachel Reeves who is already wedged in between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the public finances. A fall in activity is likely to hit tax receipts, just at a time when theres a bigger hole to fill after the government was forced to backtrack on spending cuts to welfare.



However, the Footsie still looks set to cling onto the bulk of yesterdays gains. There remain hopes that despite the trade bluster from Trump, the tariffs wont weigh on the global economy as much as had been feared, especially as new trading relationships are being forged. The defensive nature of the FTSE 100 is also well-positioned for any rotation out of the US, as investors look to diversify and insulate their portfolios against Trump induced turmoil and potential volatility among the tech mega-caps. The UK was the first to do a trade deal with the US and although fiscal challenges remain for the government, the UKs reputation for stability has been shored up. With a longer-term growth plan in the works, it set to keep sentiment largely on side.



Oil prices have trod higher as geopolitical concerns continue to swirl. Attacks on vessels in the red sea by Houthi rebels have keep concerns about supply disruptions from the in Middle East alive. Nevertheless, trade uncertainty is expected to keep a lid on prices, with OPEC lowering its global demand forecast for future years. The tariff turmoil unleased has caused a headache for BP. The oil major released forecasts in its trading update that lower prices will hit it second quarter results. In its oil production and operations business, it is set to have an impact in the range of between $600 to 800 million, while its gas and low carbon energy segment will take a hit of between $100 and 300 million. However, net debt is coming down, refining margin is improving and there will be comfort from the upstream production increases showing that the strategy reset is bearing some fruit. The companys future profits remain intrinsically linked to oil & gas prices, over which it has no control. It shows the importance of BP not completely abandoning ambitions in the green energy space whilst being selective in its approach.


CM War in Karnataka? Siddaramaiah Shuts Down Leadership Buzz, Says "No Vacancy" for Shivakumar 2

Amid mounting speculation of a leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday made it clear there is no vacancy for the top post, putting to rest reports suggesting a possible mid-term power shift to Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Siddaramaiah firmly stated, I am the Chief Minister of Karnataka. D.K. Shivakumar has also said the same. There is no vacancy for the CM post. His remarks come amid rumours that he may step down in November when the Congress government completes 2.5 years, allowing Shivakumar to take over as part of an alleged power-sharing deal.

Siddaramaiah emphasized that Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, has ruled out any change in leadership, and that the party has not held any discussions on the matter. Surjewala has clearly said leadership is not under discussion. When the high command says theres no change, why does the media keep speculating? he asked.

Dismissing talks of a rotational CM agreement, Siddaramaiah added, If there had been a deal, I wouldnt have said Ill be CM for five years.

The CM and his deputy are in Delhi discussing appointments to various state boards and filling vacancies in the Legislative Council, further triggering leadership talk. However, sources say the agenda is purely administrative.

Meanwhile, several cabinet ministers met AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. Some called it a courtesy visit, while others hinted at political discussions. Despite this, ministers close to Siddaramaiah, including Satish Jarkiholi and H.C. Mahadevappa, reiterated that the leadership question has already been settled.

Siddaramaiahs son and Congress MLC Yathindra also backed his father, stating that he would complete the full five-year term and that only the high command and MLAs have a say in leadership matters.

However, not all within the party seem content. Kunigal MLA Ranganath publicly voiced his desire to see Shivakumar become CM, praising his decades-long contribution to the Congress and his role in the partys 2023 victory.

The BJP, quick to seize on the internal dynamics, mocked the Congress. Senior leader R. Ashoka said, Todays Congress is a courtroom of contenders. Siddaramaiahs declaration only proves the real high command isnt in Delhiits in Bengaluru.

The Congress had faced stiff internal competition for the CM post after its resounding win in the May 2023 elections. While Siddaramaiah emerged as CM, Shivakumar was placated with the Deputy CM post. With these new developments, the party now faces the challenge of containing simmering tensions while projecting unity ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
"Will Merge Sena with BJP to Become CM": Sanjay Raut's Explosive Claim Against Shinde 2

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alleging that Shinde is so desperate to become Chief Minister that he offered to merge his faction of the Shiv Sena with the BJP during a recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.

Addressing reporters, Raut claimed that Shinde told Shah he was unable to function effectively because of constant interference by current CM Devendra Fadnavis, and that the BJP leader was initiating inquiries against Shiv Sena MLAs. Shinde reportedly told Shah that efforts to unite Marathi voiceslike the recent joint rally by Uddhav and Raj Thackeraywere harming his party, and that he could stop this if made CM, Raut alleged.

According to Raut, when Shah reminded Shinde that the BJP would continue to hold the CM post, Shinde offered to merge his faction of the Shiv Sena with the BJP in return for the top position. Thats how desperate he is, Raut said.

The remarks were quickly dismissed by Shiv Sena (Shinde) spokesperson Sheetal Mhatre, who said, Raut has a habit of making wild, baseless statements. Even his own party doesnt take him seriously.

Raut also tied the episode to the recent rollback of controversial GRs on the three-language policy in schools, a move celebrated by the Thackeray cousins in a rare joint rally titled Awaaz Marathicha. He suggested that the growing unity of Marathi voices threatens Shindes political standing.

This isnt the first time Raut has made controversial claims about Shindes camp. Earlier, he alleged bizarre rituals involving buffalo horns were conducted at the CMs official residence to secure power. He also speculated that Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant might be elevated as a third deputy CM.

Despite repeated predictions by Raut that the Shinde-Fadnavis government would collapse, the Mahayuti alliance returned to power with a thumping majority, further weakening UBTs position in the states power dynamics.
Monica Tara Bishop, a healthcare worker at a north Alabama prison, was arrested at a drug checkpoint at Limestone Correctional Facility on July 11, 2025. (ADOC)

A contract healthcare worker for the Alabama Department of Corrections was arrested Friday a drug checkpoint at a north Alabama prison.

Monica Tara Bishop, 44, was taken into custody after a brief chase.

ADOC drug-sniffing dogs and narcotics officers were conducting a vehicle checkpoint at Limestone Correctional Facility.

Shortly before 5:30 a.m., a red SUV was spotted turning around about 150 yards from the drug checkpoint, spokeswoman Kelly Betts.

The driver  later identified as Bishop  fled when officers tried to stop her on the access road. She finally stopped after a brief pursuit, Betts said.

A search of the SUV turned up 195 grams of methamphetamine, almost 160 grams of marijuana and 290 grams of chemically altered paper.

Bishop was booked into the Limestone County Jail on charges of methamphetamine trafficking, first-degree promoting prison contraband, first-degree possession of marijuana and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Betts said Bishop is an employee of YesCare, the contract healthcare provider for ADOC. She has been banned from any future admittance to ADOC property.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges could be filed.
Lauren Sanchez-Bezos made her first public appearance since her lavish Venice wedding to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and she did it in style. The businesswoman and journalist was spotted leaving the historic Hotel de Crillon in Paris, heading to dinner with sisters Brooks and Sarah Jane Nader. Her look caused a stir during Haute Couture Week .

Sanchez wore a striking red latex dress by Versace , valued at approximately $3,515. Featuring a structured corset, a gathered skirt, and a knee-length silhouette, the piece showcased her figure and bold style. She completed the look with strappy black sandals, her signature straight hairstyle, and a luxurious crocodile-skin Hermes Kelly bag, estimated at over $50,000.

The dinner took place at the exclusive Laperouse restaurant, in the heart of Paris. The city couldn't have been a more fitting setting for her comeback, right at the height of Haute Couture Week (July 7-10).

An unforgettable celebration

Sanchez's appearance marks the beginning of her newlywed life following her multi-day wedding to Jeff Bezos in Venice last month. Around 200 guests attended the event, including celebrities such as Kim Kardashian , Ivanka Trump, Kris Jenner, and Bill Gates. Ellie Goulding provided the ceremony's music, while Usher performed at a pajama-themed brunch the following day.

For the ceremony, Lauren chose a white lace Dolce & Gabbana gown inspired by Sophia Loren. Featuring a high neck, long sleeves, a full skirt, and a dreamy veil, the piece took over 900 hours of work in the firm's atelier. The look was the epitome of classic elegance with a cinematic touch.

Throughout the wedding's various events, Sanchez opted for looks that were as daring as they were glamorous. For the welcome dinner, she stunned in a gold Schiaparelli Haute Couture corset dress. At the "Dolce Notte" party, she opted for a pink Atelier Versace design with Swarovski crystals. Each outfit showcased her sensual and sophisticated style, with a clear narrative of female empowerment.

Back in Paris, in style

Paris holds a special meaning for Sanchez. The French capital was also the setting for her bachelorette party, where she wore sheer gowns and lace that foreshadowed her bridal style. Her new look in red Versace evoked that same spirit: playful, bold, and perfectly executed.

While Lauren was shining in the City of Lights, Jeff Bezos was heading to the exclusive Allen & Co. leadership retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho. This event brings together the most influential figures in the worlds of technology, business, and media.

With her appearance in Paris, Lauren Sanchez-Bezos not only celebrates her recent marriage but also reaffirms her status as a style icon. Through her clothing, she radiates confidence, elegance, and a clear statement of independence and personal power.
Shannon Elizabeth Jones was convicted in the 2022 DUI traffic death of a Moody father. (Jefferson County Jail)

A young Birmingham woman convicted in a Hoover DUI crash that killed a 29-year-old Moody father got a tongue lashing from a Jefferson County judge who gave her a prison sentence far beyond what prosecutors had sought.

Shannon Elizabeth Jones, 21, was initially indicted on a felony charge of reckless manslaughter in the April 2, 2022, death of Khari Jamal Walker.

A jury in April convicted Jones, who was 17 when she killed Walker, on the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide.

Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Wineman and Dain Stewart asked Circuit Judge Alaric May to sentence Jones to 10 years with two years to serve behind bars, followed by supervised probation with random drug tests.

Jones attorney, Louvenia Borom, sought probation with no jail time for her client.

Jones, a minor, was well above the legal alcohol limit and also had marijuana in her system when the wreck happened.

Testimony in Thursdays sentencing hearing included recorded jail telephone calls in which Jones said she thought the judge would give her probation and that she planned to smoke marijuana as soon as she was released from the Jefferson County Jail.

In her words, she said she would get some heat, which is slang for getting stoned.

I just know when I smoke the first time, Jones said with a laugh, Im going to be so high.

A visibly angry May surprised everyone Thursday when he sentenced Jones to serve 10 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections.

The judge said he was surprised that the case even went to trial given the evidence against Jones, who had previously turned down a plea agreement that would allow her to serve only one year in prison.

I was equally confused afterwards that throughout this entire process, Miss Jones never showed a shred of emotion, May said.

When you talk about (Walkers mother) getting on the stand and testifying about the loss of her child, not only did Miss Jones not show a shred of emotion, but she smirked.

The judge also noted that in her interview with police after Walkers death she laughed during the interview about the conduct that killed this man.

It was to the point whether I was wondering if there was a medical or emotional issue that prohibited her from showing emotion, the judge said.

Thats how much lack of emotion I saw from the moment I first saw her until I took her into custody.

Once she went into custody, I was then able to see, Oh she knows how to show emotion because she broke down and her family broke down, May said.

So it wasnt that she didnt know how, she chose not to show any emotion for the conduct that she had engaged in.

It was, the judge said, a total disregard for Mr. Walkers life, in this courts opinion.

The deadly crash happened just before 11 p.m. that Saturday night.

Hoover 911 received a call of a traffic crash involving a passenger car and a tractor-trailer on Interstate 459 southbound.

The car was disabled and stopped in the travel lane as a result of that crash.

Walker was walking across the right lane of travel toward the shoulder of the interstate when he was struck by another vehicle. He was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:53 a.m. Sunday.

Wineman said Walker had his hazard lights on when he was hit by Jones.

There were 10 to 15 minutes worth of drivers who saw those hazard lights and did not kill Khari Walker, the prosecutor said.

While he was doing everything right in this situation, Miss Jones was doing everything wrong, Wineman said.

She had gotten behind the wheel knowing that she had consumed alcohol, knowing that she had consumed marijuana, knowing that she was under the age of 21.

Jones blood alcohol content was about .118.

While the jury convicted her of criminally negligent homicide, this defendant did admit to reckless manslaughter, Wineman said.

She acknowledged she knew the risks before getting behind the wheel. And she admitted to consciously disregarding that risk.

Wineman said Walkers mother, Peggy Stephenson, showed Jones mercy and asked for Jones to be given a plea deal.

That offer was made because she asked for that offer to be made. She wanted accountability and closure, Wineman said.

So, we made an offer of 10 years with one year to serve. Jones rejected that offer when her guilt was obvious. Her innocence never existed in this case.

Wineman also said Jones never showed remorse.

To this day, that was just any other Saturday, she said. The only time she showed any emotion was when the court ordered her to be put in cuffs.

The prosecutor noted that in Jones conversation with the presentencing investigator, she said, I sincerely regret someone got hurt.

Someone did not get hurt. Someone was killed, Wineman said. A life that could have been long and full for him and his family was ended.

Jones, who had been out on bond, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail immediately after her April 23 conviction.

From then until Thursday, Wineman said, Jones had made more than 300 calls from the jail.

Several of those calls were played in court Thursday.

In a call to her boyfriend just three days ago, Jones said she had to write a letter to Walkers family and to the judge and was tired of it.

Apparently because I wasnt showing remorse, Jones said. This is so (expletive) stupid, bro.

She just doesnt care, Wineman said. She is going to continue to live a reckless life and potentially put people in danger until she dies.

Borom passionately defended Jones.

Shes a baby, the attorney said. She was 17 years old at the time. She was doing what kids do  they make mistakes.

Judge, shes not going to grow up overnight, Borom said. We didnt grow up overnight. She is learning.

Borom pointed out that Jones stayed on the scene after she struck Walker.

She helped him, Borom said. She held his head.

Borom said Jones believes she is innocent, that she tried to help Walker, not harm him. It was, the attorney said, an accident.

She didnt get on this highway and intentionally kill someone, the attorney said. It was a mistake.

This was a child doing what kids do, she said. We are asking for mercy. She needs guidance, love, mentors. She does not need prison.

Jones was tearful as she turned to face Walkers family and read them a letter during which she apologized. She also read her letter to the judge.

Judge May was not swayed.

When I hear these jail tapes, and I have never said this before, I was totally insulted by the letter to mom as well as the letter to the court because integrity is what we do when the lights are off, and we think nobodys watching, he said.

Those jail tapes told who you are and it tells me what your integrity is, he said.

How dare you to choose to be that person on the tapes when you think nobodys watching but when you think its going to benefit you, you get up here and you put on a show with fake emotions and give a fake apology to a mother who has lost a child.

Jones tried to tell the judge it wasnt fake and he interrupted her by saying, I didnt ask you a question.

May handed down Jones 10-year sentence with these final words: Its going to be a long time before she gets heat.
A Midfield mother is accused of abusing her infant son who sustained injuries so severe that he is not expected to recover.

Tesean Laneta Daniele Beard, 30, is charged with aggravated child abuse, according to court records made public Thursday.

Beard was booked into the Jefferson County Jail Wednesday night and remains held without bond.

Charging documents filed by Midfield police said 5-month-old Reazyn Jackson was rushed to Childrens of Alabama on March 1. He was unconscious and did not have a pulse.

An MRI and an X-ray showed that Reazyn had suffered abuse. He had severe head trauma, wrist fractures on both sides and possible rib fractures.

Doctors said the injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome, records state.

Police said Reazyn was in the care of Beard when he was injured.

The infant is on a ventilator and has no chance of survival or neurological recovery.

Midfield Police Chief Jesse Bell said the investigation is ongoing.
A Michigan toddler died six days after he became entangled in the blinds at Hampton Inn at the Colonnade in Birmingham. (Carol Robinson)

A Michigan toddler has died six days after he accidentally got entangled in the cord of the window blinds at a Birmingham motel.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the child as Kiere DeAndre Jaden Daniels Jr. He was 2 and lived in Canton, Michigan.

Kiere was rushed to Childrens of Alabama, July 4, after he was found unresponsive in a room at the Hampton Inn at the Colonnade.

Birmingham and Rocky Ridge firefighters and Birmingham police were dispatched to the hotel on Colonnade Parkway at 10:55 a.m. last Friday.

CPR was performed on the scene and the child had shallow breathing when he left the scene en route to Childrens, according to authorities and witnesses.

Kiere remained on life support until he died at 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

The family was in town for a family reunion over the holiday weekend. An adult parent was asleep inside the room when the accident happened.

No foul play is suspected in the boys death, authorities said.
Authorities are searching for a masked person who broke into a Huntsville art center late Friday night.

Person caught breaking into Huntsville art center Lowe Mill Security Footage

Security footage captured a person wearing what appeared to be a costume roaming around Lowe Mill at around 2:30 a.m. on the night of July 4th. Two artists were in their studios working late and one of them was surprised by the masked figure and called the police.

The artist saw the person jump off the doorways of the artists studios on the second floor of the North Building. The figure was dressed entirely in black.

Hallways where intruder climbed Megan Plotka

Lowe Mill officials have security footage of the incident. The individual accessed several studios by entering through windows and scaling walls that dont reach all the way up to the ceiling.

Leaders say the person entered six studios and took some artwork but dropped the items while fleeing. Some of the pieces were damaged but all of the artwork was recovered. The person also caused minor damage to the studios while fleeing.

Madison County deputies and Huntsville Police officers completed a full building sweep by 5:30 a.m., including using drones to have a look of the large facility.

Lowe Mill leaders have already started to receive tips about the intruder and have additional evidence not released to the public.
An employee of a south Alabama city was arrested Friday morning on charges of child pornography and voyeurism.

According to jail records, Jeff Phillips was arrested by the Baldwin County Sheriffs Office and booked into jail on a $30,000 bond.

According to the City of Foleys website, Phillips is a construction project manager on the citys engineering department staff.

According to Fox10 News, the City of Foley put out a statement following Phillips arrest.

These allegations are deeply concerning and do not reflect the values or standards of our city and community, the statement said.

Phillips has been placed on administrative leave. We recognize the impact this news may have on our community and our team. Our priority is to ensure transparency, accountability, and to uphold the integrity of our City as we learn more.

The city stated it would not be commenting further due to an ongoing active investigation by the sheriffs office.
On this summer night, 132 years ago, July 10, 1893, James Cornish didnt know if he would live to see dawn.

Stabbed in the chest during an altercation in Chicago, he was rushed to Provident Hospital on the citys integrated south side.

Cornish was Black.

He likely didnt know that the hospital had been founded two years before as Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses, the nations first integrated hospital, a haven where Blacks and whites could both be treated. Where Black and white physicians could save lives side by side.

It was also launched as a training ground for Black nurses, also a first in the nation. Like Black physicians, aspiring Black nurses were still being barred from most nursing schools and hospitals in Chicago  yes, in the north  and throughout America.

Cornish likely didnt know that the hospital was created by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the son of a barber, born in 1858 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Someone who should be lauded in our history books, whose journey should be share with all our children, not ignored or erased as Donald Trump continues to attempt with his attack on DEI (or his twisted version of it) and erasure of Black history.

Daniel was the fifth of seven children who lost their father early in the boys life. His mother moved her children to several cities until Daniel found himself in middle school in Wisconsin.

Like many young Black men in the 19th century, amid Reconstruction and the onset of Jim Crow, Daniel learned a skill: shoemaking. But he wanted more. At 20, Williams became an apprentice to Dr. Henry Palmer, a former Wisconsin Surgeon General. He later studied medicine at Chicago Medical College (now Northwestern Universitys Feinberg College of Medicine) before entering private practice in an integrated neighborhood on the south side.

Williams taught anatomy at his medical alma mater and was the surgeon for the City Railway Company, which owned cable cars and horse-drawn modes of transportation on the integrated south side until 1914.

But Williams wanted more. He dreamed of a place where Black and white Doctors could study and practice and where Black nurses could train without racial constraints. On May 4, 1891, he opened Provident Hospital.

Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses was founded in 1891 as the first integrated hospital in the nation. Courtesy NY Public Library Digital Collection

Just over two years later, James Cornish arrived not knowing if he would live.

He went into shock, prompting Williams to suspect the chest wound was deeper than it appeared and that it may be near Cornishs heart. According to Columbiasurgery.org he asked six doctors  two Black and four white  to watch him operate on the victim. (I dont even want to imagine what anesthesia was like then.)

Williams cut between Cornishs ribs until he could see the still-thumping heart. He sutured the damaged left internal mammary artery but saw that the sack around Cornishs heart had been penetrated by the knife, leaving a gash near the right coronary artery.

Williams rinsed the wound with a salt solution and repaired the damaged sack. Fifty-one days later, Cornish walked out of the hospital and lived for another 20 years.

Maybe Cornish later knew, or maybe he never did know that on that night 133 years ago, he was the benefactor of the first open heart surgery in the U.S. By anyone.

Williams became chief surgeon at the Freedmens Hospital in Washington, DC, before returning to Chicago to continue saving lives.

In 1913, he was the first African American inducted into the American College of Surgeons. To this day, at Howard University Hospital, a code blue is often called a code Dan.

Williams died in 1931.

If you didnt know, now you know. We should all know.
As work resumes to repair and strengthen a century-old dam in Shelby County, dozens of other structures in the region remain in need of attention, according to a national database.

Members of Birminghams regional water utility Monday unanimously agreed to resume $28 million in repairs on the Lake Purdy Dam after briefly pausing the project.

The project is intended to improve the dams structural stability and address water leaks at its foundation. The work is part of a $85 million total initiative to upgrade the structure that was approved by the former Birmingham Water Works Board in 2024. The utility has since been restructured and renamed Central Alabama Water.

Lake Purdy Dam is listed as a high hazard by the Army Corps of Engineers due to the catastrophic impact that a breach would have on nearby communities. Still, the major dam isnt the only area structure in need of attention.

The National Inventory of Dams, a database of the Corps of Engineers, lists 23 dams in Shelby County and 20 dams in Jefferson County in need of repair.

Dams in Jefferson County include two others owned by the water works. Shelby County listings include four dams at Oak Mountain State Park.

In all, the database includes 2,266 dams in Alabama. The average age is 57 years old, and 16 percent are listed as high hazard potential.

Still, the database also includes several qualifiers regarding the broad category of high risk.

Category to indicate the potential hazard to the downstream area resulting from failure or mis-operation of the dam or facilities, the site notes. It reflects probable loss of human life and impacts on economic, environmental, and lifeline interests. The hazard potential does not speak to the condition of the dam or the risk of the dam failing.

Lake Purdy Dam is part of the system that delivers drinking water for suburban Birmingham communities including Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills.

The National Inventory of Dams site notes that about 60,000 dams or two-thirds of the 91,000 structures it lists pose lesser risks that are not life threatening. Also, half of the listed dams are less than 25 feet tall while only two percent of the dams are taller than 100 feet.

Lake Purdy is a main source for the water works. The other is Inland Lake in Blount County. The database also lists Inland Lake as high risk.
The fire chief in a small town near Birmingham has been fired after an investigation into workplace harassment.

Chief Jason Rickels was accused of swatting at a firefighters groin, using demeaning language and trying to stop the employee from filing a complaint, according to an investigative report prepared by J.W. Furman, a lawyer in Birmingham.

all the interviewees offered that they or some of their coworkers were uncomfortable or fearful around Chief Rickels, according to the report. All said he is constantly offensive in his speech and demeanor. More mentioned his anger and their concern over retaliation.

Rickels has said the allegations are unfounded. He also called the public hearings inappropriate.

The Tarrant City Council responded to the report at a special called meeting Thursday evening and voted to fire Rickels. Four of the five members agreed to the termination with Councilman Tommy Bryant abstaining.

The council had to do what we had to do, said councilwoman and mayor pro-tem Tracie Threadford after the vote.

She told AL.com the report was troubling and said it required action.

Scott Morro, attorney for Rickels, slammed the councils action and statements against his client as laughable and ridiculous.

See them in court, Morro said Friday.

Morro has said the investigation was designed to embarrass and disparage his client. Rickels and the city have remained at an impasse over a previous legal dispute.

Its the second time Rickels has been fired from the chief job in the town of 6,000 just east of Birmingham.

In 2021, Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton fired Rickels following a property dispute near Atlanta where Rickels brandished a gun but was later cleared.

Back then, the chief then won an appeal and was allowed to go back to work. The Jefferson County Personnel Board ruled that Rickels had been improperly fired because the mayor didnt follow notification rules to do it. The board ordered the city to give Rickels back pay for the time he was off work.

That meant the small city had two fire chiefs with Rickels and his replacement both claiming command.

Rickels had previously agreed not to return to the fire station if the city settled and paid him back pay and legal fees.

Instead, Rickels began coming to work and asserting his disputed role as fire chief.

His lawyer has argued that Rickels is owed pay and salary through retirement which could exceed $368,000.

The mayor in May passed out a letter accusing Rickels of harassing another firefighter and recommended placing him on administrative leave with pay.

Rickels responded to the allegation by email but did not speak during disciplinary hearings. He also attended Thursday evenings meeting but did not speak.

The firefighter alleged that Rickels had used demeaning language but more importantly swatted at the mans groin during a conversation. Rickels in the report said he did not know if actual physical contact was made. Rickels defended himself in an email to the city.

The sexual harassment complaint, in particular, is completely unfounded, he wrote.

Instead, Rickels said his response was a reaction to the firefighter harassing him.

My response, which was a moment of frustration, was not intended to be harassment and was far from the behavior described in the allegations, he wrote. This situation was more about one individual pushing boundaries and another person finally reaching a breaking point.

However, the firefighter and witnesses alleged otherwise, calling it unwanted sexual touching and further accused Rickels of threatening retaliatory action to stop the complaint. Other allegations of harassing speech, bulling and creating a hostile work environment were also alleged in the report. Ten other fire fighter employees were interviewed during the investigation.

Rickels termination vote was a rare display of agreement between the mayor and the city council.

Newton and the council frequently battle and disagree on issues both major and minor, including the fate of city employees and department heads. While Newton did not vote Thursday evening, he supported the termination.

Newton, who has previously sparred with Rickels also made his feelings about the former fire chief clear in a videotaped encounter earlier this year.

The city council made the right decision based on the actions of former Fire Chief Jason Rickels, Newton told AL.com. Accountability matters, and the people of Tarrant deserve a fire chief they can trust.
Artist rendering of the exterior of the Inspiration4 Skills Training Complex. U.S. Space & Rocket Center

A businessman who led the worlds first all-civilian space mission to orbit the earth and had been nominated to lead NASA by President Donald Trump has donated $15 million to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

Jared Isaacman, who led the Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn missions to space, announced the donation at the space center on Friday. It is his second significant donation to the center.

In 2022, he made a $10 million donation to begin the Inspiration4 project, which is named for the worlds first all-civilian mission to orbit. The Inspiration4 three-day mission flew in September 2021.

The current donation is for the Inspiration4 Skills Training Complex, currently under construction, and seed money for a fourth dormitory for Space Camp students.

Isaacman is the founder and Executive Chairman of Shift4 and co-founder of Draken International, a defense and aerospace company. He attended the Rocket Centers Aviation Challenge program when he was 12, an experience he credits with furthering his interest in becoming a pilot.

The White House pulled his nomination to lead NASA in May, shortly after proposing historically large cuts to NASA, including to flagship systems related to the Artemis moon program that are managed from Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

Administration spokeswoman Liz Huston told NBC News at the time, its essential that the next leader of NASA is in complete alignment with President Trumps America First agenda.

He was a close ally of Elon Musk, having twice purchased flights into space aboard the latters SpaceX rockets. Trump withdrew Isaacmans nomination shortly after the president had a public falling out with Musk as well as revelations that Isaacman had previously donated to causes related to both Democrats and Republicans.

The current donation will fund the training complexs mission operations for Space Camp, and activities for Space Camp Robotics and U.S. Cyber Camp students. These activities, named for the five-day Polaris Dawn mission that took place in September 2024, Isaacmans second space mission, include:

Simulated space missions to Mars and the Moon

A realistic space station mission including all onboard operations

A Mission Control Center

An AI-powered mission support specialist

A full-motion interactive Mars and lunar rover

Futuristic spacewalks

Science laboratories, robotics, 3-D printing systems, and holographic displays visualizing planetary environments, spacecraft systems, and mission data.

Critical thinking and problem-solving scenarios

In addition to the mission operations area, the 50,000-square-foot training complex includes a two-story ropes course and an aviation wing where Aviation Challenge campers will train with state-of-the art night vision simulations, experience a virtual reality parachute landing, and explore flight dynamics through a spatial disorientation simulator.

The Inspiration4 Skills Training Complex and the Polaris Dawn mission activities will transform Space Camp, Robin Soprano, vice President of Space Camp, said. Through this extraordinary investment, we are building cutting-edge experiences to take our programs and our students into the future.

The Inspiration4 complex is scheduled to open for the 2026 summer camp season. Further fundraising will be needed before construction on the dormitory begins.
Huntsville annexed more than 1,000 acres on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The land is in Morgan and Marshall counties. City of Huntsville

The Huntsville City Council voted to annex more than 1,000 acres in Morgan and Marshall counties on Thursday, a move city officials said would expand the Rocket Citys industrial base.

Wiz Kidz LLC and Hollingshead Materials LLC, which operates Smyrna Ready Mix Concrete LLC, petitioned the city for the annexation of 1,013.96 acres south of the Tennessee River. The property lies primarily along McCutcheon Loop Road in Morgan County, with a smaller portion extending along Vaughn Road in Marshall County. Huntsvilles city limits now extend into four counties.

The petition did not request any city services as part of the annexation. The annexation will allow the city to regulate the quarry where Smyrna Ready Mix operates.

City Manager of Planning and Zoning Services Thomas Nunez said the quarry has already received permits from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and would have been allowed to operate without the annexation.

The Citys Urban and Economic Development Director, Shane Davis, said the move will help protect Tennessee River frontage in Morgan County and provide oversight in adjacent residential areas.

Smyrna Ready Mix has also offered to supply materials to help improve infrastructure within the newly annexed area. Nunez said the company already supplies materials for projects within the city limits. With the annexation, the city will receive revenue from the sale of materials from the quarry.

Huntsville first annexed land south of the Tennessee River in Morgan County in 2018. Wiz Kidz is managed by John Wisda, who was involved in Huntsvilles previous annexation of more than 659 acres in Morgan County in 2018. At the time, recreational and residential development was proposed for the across the river annexation.

The annexed land is south of the Riverside Event Center in Laceys Spring just off U.S. 231 and the Sundance subdivision where lots are being sold for residential use. Nunez said there is only one single family home in the subdivision now.

Nunez said no homes are planned for the newly annexed land and will not affect Huntsville City Schools enrollment, which was a concern of District 1 City Councilwoman Michelle Watkins during this years earlier annexations.

Huntsville has already annexed more than 1,600 acres this year after only annexing 85 in 2024. This years annexations now make the Rocket City the 37th largest city in the nation at about 229 square miles, about the same size as Chicago and San Francisco geographically.

According to census tract data Huntsville is larger than:

New Orleans (169.5 square miles)

Denver (153.1 square miles)

Las Vegas (141.9 square miles)

Philadelphia (134.3 square miles).

Commercial, industrial and residential developments are proposed for land previously taken in by the city this year.